UINOKXITHID^. 251 



As is mentioned under the heading of the type species, this 

 genus was referred by its founder to the Apterygidce, to which it 

 makes some approximation in the contour and proportions of the 

 limb-bones and in the distinct pectineal process of the pubis. 



Megalapteryx tenuipes, Lydekker ' (n. sp.). 



Founded upon the tibio-tarsus, which is longer and relatively 

 more slender than in the type species ; its distal width being rather 

 more than one-ninth of its total length, which is about 0,405 

 (16 inches), the proportion of width to length in Dinornis gracilis 

 being about one-eighth. 



This species had proportionately the longest and most slender 

 limbs of any member of the family. 



Hah. South Island. 



49990. The imperfect right tibio-tarsus ; from a mountain near Lake 

 (Fig.) Wakatipu, Queenstown, Otago, South Island. The type; 

 figured in woodcut 54, C. Allowing for the loss of the 

 cnemial crest, the approximate length may be given at 

 0,405 (16 inches); the width of the distal extremity 

 being about 0,044 (1-74 inch), or scarcely exceeding that 

 of the shorter tibio-tarsus of M. hectori. 



Presented hij Sir E. Owen, K.C.B., 1879. 



49989. The slightly imperfect left femur, probably belonging to 

 the same individual as the preceding; from the same 

 locality. The extreme length and slenderness of this 

 specimen clearly indicate its specific identity with the 

 type. The approximate length is 0,253 (10 inches), and 

 the width of the distal extremity 0,082 (3-2 inches). In 

 the width of the anterior trochlear gorge it resembles the 

 smaller femur of 21. hectori. There are two nutrient 

 foramina on the posterior aspect. 



Presented by Sir R. Owen, K.C.B., 1879. 



The foUoiuing specimens apparently indicate an allied or 

 identical form. 



32270. A larger right femur which may represent a female of this 

 or an allied species ; from the Xorth Island. The pro- 

 portions of this specimen are nearly the same as those 

 of the preceding specimen ; the length being 0,155 

 (10*1 inches). Presented by Sir E. Owen, K.C.B., 1857. 



' The specific name was proposed in MS. by Owen. 



