( 194 ) 



One of the most notable characters about this skeleton is the remarkable length 

 of the toes, the middle one being longer than the metatarsus. The ungual phalanges 

 are peculiarly long, narrow, and curved, instead of being comparatively short and 

 broad, as in most of the Moas. 



One point of some interest may here be noticed, namely, that in the type of 

 Meionomis didina Owen, the toes are very long and the ungual phalanges similar in 

 form to those of the present specimen. This elongation of the toes seems to have 

 been overlooked owing to the fact that the pre.-;ence of dried tendons and integument 

 on the foot masks the form and proportions of the bones. The likeness of the type 

 of M. didina to the present specimen is not confined to the toes ; but the metatarsus, 

 tibia, and skull, as far as can be made out, are likewise similar, and if it were not that 

 the tibia is somewhat stouter and the form of the cnemial crest different in M. didina, 

 I should regard the two as specifically identical. As it is, I Ijelieve that both are 

 species of the genus Megalapteryx. I do not know on what evidence the femora and 

 jielvis referred by Professor Itutton have been determined, and my remarks relate 

 only to the type-specimens which are in the British Museum. 



The dimensions of the bones of the hindlimb in this specimen are given lielow, 

 together with those of Mer/alapteryx hectm'i and tenuijxs (type-iibiu) and Meionomis 

 didina for comparison. 



The length of the fibula is 265 mm. ; the width of its upper end, 45 mm. 



Length of middle toe, 197 mm. (1st phalanx, 63 ; 2nd, 43 ; 3rd, 39 ; 4th [daw], 76). 



„ ,, inner toe, 148 mm. (1st ph.alanx, 63 ; 2nd, 41 ; 3rd [i-law], 65). 



„ „ outer toe, 150 mm. (1st phalanx, 45 ; 2nd, 30 ; 3rd, 31 : 4th, 27 ; 5th [claw], 48). 



., „ metatarsal of hindtoe. 30 mra. 



The beautifully preserved specimen now dopcribed was discovered about 1865 

 by Mr. Salisbury in a cavern at Pockeroy Nelson, in the South Island of New 

 Zealand. 



