BY C. W. DE VIS. 453 



The magnitude of the middle toe, the superior length of the 

 inner one of the laterals, the rudimentary state or complete 

 absence of the hind toe are generic characters irreconcilable with 

 Apteryx. 



In stature the bird seems not to have exceeded the modern kiwis. 



Dimensions. 



Fossil. A. mantelli. 

 Length distad from termination of cal- 

 caneal groove 51 3 ... 35*5 



Trochlear expansion, over all 33-0 ... 21*7 



Breadth of shaft at point of fracture 



in fossil 12-0 ... 7-0 



Thickness at same point 8*3 ... 5*0 



If after forming its estimate of the intrinsic probabilities of the 

 case the judgment can pronounce in favour of the view that the 

 extinct bird stood well within the pale of the Apterygidce while 

 yet maintaining relations with the three-toed Ratitce the name 

 Jfetapteryx bifrons may seem somewhat appropriate, and pro- 

 visionally this name is suggested. 



Arrived at this goal without bias we may now permit ourselves 

 to remember that the present is not the first intimation we have 

 received of generic relations existing between the Australian and 

 New Zealand struthiones. Dromornis is in great part a Dinornis, 

 Dinornis itself has occurred in Queensland. These fossils 

 and the present mutually support and illustrate each other. 

 Dinornithidce and Apterygidce now conspire to establish the fact 

 that Australia was the cradle of the birds whose latest phase of 

 existence in a distant island will soon be but a tale told over a 

 few bones. 



The collection of fossils which has "from time to time afforded 

 tantalizing glimpses of the bird realm of an earlier Australia, a 

 realm doubtless no less populous than in the present, much more 

 so if the ratio of bird to beast obtained then as now, after dis- 

 closing less than the twentieth part of the number of existing 

 land and fresh water birds, ceases to supply information. 



