of the costal process, as shown in Fig. 7. Where the trunk passes under M. sternocoracoideus, the thoracic artery (3) is given off.

The various branches of the coracoid artery, again referred to as a "coracoid complex," are as follows: The first branch, from the posterior face of the coracoid artery, is a relatively large vessel (6) here termed the sternal artery; it passes mediad across M. sternocoracoideus, sending off a branch (6a) to that muscle. The right sternal artery continues posteriorly on the mid-line of the inner surface of the sternum, and appears to send branches into the various pneumatic foramina of the sternum, but these vessels are minute and exceedingly difficult to trace accurately. The corresponding left vessel is smaller and ramifies on the anteromedial surface of the sternum. Variations found in these vessels were the following: In one specimen of S. inca the sternal artery had, on both sides, an independent origin from the subclavian, lateral to the origin of the coracoid artery. In Zenaidura macroura both right and left sternal arteries were similar to the left vessel described above, no median longitudinal vessel being seen. In Columba livia no vessel corresponding to the sternal artery was seen. In Zenaida asiatica these arteries penetrated M. sternocoracoideus; no branch to the sternum was seen.

A small complex of vessels (4 and 4a) arises from the lateral face of the coracoid artery and feeds M. coracobrachialis posterior, and occasionally M. sternocoracoideus. One branch (4a) passes under the coracoid and travels along the lateral side of that bone, supplying small branches to M. coracobrachialis posterior, and finally ramifying on the head of the coracoid. In C. livia, Zenaidura macroura, and Zenaida asiatica this complex usually arises independently from the subclavian, and in one case it arose from the axillary artery.

Two other branches from the coracoid artery were regularly seen. The first (8) passes across M. sternocoracoideus and appears to supply the area of the coracoid articulation with the sternum; the second (7) supplies M. subcoracoideus as the main vessel passes between that muscle and the coracoid and penetrates M. suparacoracoideus. A small notch on the medial side of the coracoid (shown in Figs. 6 and 7) often marks the passage of the coracoid artery.

All vessels of the coracoid complex are exceedingly variable, in number, size, and site of origin.

A prominent vessel (15) is given off from the posterior pectoral artery, outside the thoracic cavity, passes ventrad, and sends two branches into M. supracoracoideus. No corresponding artery was seen in the swallows dissected.

The thoracic artery (3), arising from the pectoral stem, characteristically bifurcates at the anterior end of M. costi-sternalis. The dorsal, and larger, branch passes posteriorly, sends several small branches to M. costi-sternalis, and continues to the most posterior rib. The ventral trunk bifurcates, one branch passing along the edge of, and supplying, M. costi-sternalis, the other branch passing onto the surface of the sternum. In some specimens two such branches to the sternum were seen.

SUMMARY OF ARTERIAL ARRANGEMENT

In both families the vessels that are relatively constant in appearance are: a subclavian giving rise to the carotid and axillary arteries, and becoming the pectoral trunk; the thoracic artery arising variously, and passing posteriorly to the rib cage; and the coracoid complex of vessels. The coracoid complex includes the coracoid artery, the vessels to Mm. sternocoracoideus and coracobrachialis posterior, and the sternal artery, which is variously present, and more extensive in some species than in others.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

In the vessels studied individual variation is marked, but the arterial arrangement within both families is relatively constant. Interfamilial differences probably represent responses of the arteries to adaptive structural differences of other systems of the body.

Individual Variation

The term "individual variation" is used here to mean "continuous non-sex-associated variation" (see Mayr, Linsley, and Usinger, 1953:93) found between members of the same species or between the two sides of the same individual. It is hazardous to define individual variation (and also interspecific differences, as discussed later) in the origin of one vessel by relating its location to other vessels, because these may likewise vary in origin. But, by necessity, certain vessels that are probably less variable (axillary, carotid, and pectoral arteries) have been considered here as being constant in origin. If these three vessels are accepted as reference points, individual variants, as well as interspecific differences, can easily be described in the thoracic and coracoid arteries and in their various branches.

The thoracic artery in P. subis arose either from the subclavian artery, or from the coracoid artery. Likewise in other swallows, both of these origins were found. In doves the thoracic artery arose consistently from the pectoral stem, lateral to the origin of the axillary artery.

The coracoid artery in P. subis and other swallows arose from the subclavian artery, either opposite the base of the axillary artery, or medial to that vessel. In all doves studied the coracoid artery arose from the subclavian medial to the axillary artery. I observed much individual variation in the branches of the coracoid artery (that is to say, in the vessels of the coracoid complex). In S. inca the sternal artery arose either from the coracoid artery, or independently from the subclavian. As mentioned earlier, in members of both families the vessels to Mm. coracobrachialis posterior and subcoracoideus are highly variable, arising in swallows from the coracoid artery or from the subclavian artery, and in doves from either of these two sites or from the axillary artery. The distribution of these arteries after their origin is also diverse.

Individual variation in the arteries of the thorax has been recorded previously. Bhaduri, Biswas, and Das (1957:2) state that, in the domestic pigeon, "the origin and course of various smaller arteries... show noticeable variation," although they do not specifically state to which vessels they are referring. Fisher (1955:287-288) found variability in the Whooping Crane, Grus americana, of the axillary, coracoid, thoracic, and pectoral arteries. In one specimen he found these vessels arising on the right side from the subclavian, in the sequence just listed, and on the left side all arose from the same point. Berger (1956:439-440) strongly emphasized the variability of the vascular system, calling it the most variable in the body. As he stated, this high degree of individual variation seems to be due to the embryological development of the system, wherein many of the adult channels of circulation are derived from embryonic plexuses.

Intrafamilial Differences

In spite of the rather extensive amount of individual variability in some vessels, I found the over-all pattern of arteries to be relatively constant within the family Columbidae and within the family Hirundinidae. There are, nevertheless, several intrafamilial differences needing some further discussion and clarification.

Others have reported the occasional presence of more than one coracoid artery on each side in some columbids, these arteries being described as arising from various sites and being variously named. Bhaduri and Biswas (1954) described the arterial situation in seven species of the family Columbidae (Columba livia, Streptopelia