Birds of New Zealand. 211 



If we add to this all the other distinctive features, which I 

 shall enumerate in the sequel, such as the existence or non- 

 existence of a bony scapulo-coracoid, the shape of the sternum 

 and of the bill, and many others, the presence or absence of 

 a hallux becomes of still more importance. 



And I might add here another important peculiarity in 

 these two main divisions, which was first pointed out to me 

 by Mr, Fuller, and which is of great practical value when 

 examining even the smallest bones. Mr. Fuller has found 

 that in the mere handling of the bones a great difference is 

 at once to be detected amongst those coming from the very 

 same spot. Thus the remains of Palapteryx are harder, and 

 have resisted more effectually the influence of time than those 

 of Dinornis ; the exterior dense crust is far stronger and 

 thicker, and is less smooth than in the latter. Moreover 

 the bones of the Palapterygidse are not quite so porous as 

 those of the Dinomithidffi, and consequently are heavier in 

 proportion. 



After these few introductory observations I now proceed 

 to lay before you the scheme after which I propose grouping 

 together the different species of our extinct struthious birds, 

 giving at the same time some of the principal distinctive fea- 

 tures of each group : — 



A. Family DINORNITHID^. 

 a. Genus Dinornis. 



Metatarsus long, no hallux, pelvis narrow, sternum longer 

 than broad, convex, with constant and well-marked coracoid 

 depressions for the scapulo-coracoid bone; narrow and 

 straight anterior crest, costal processes slightly developed, 

 lateral processes standing at a less angle than in the Pala- 

 pterygidse. Existence of a bony scapulo-coracoid ; beaknar- 



ber of back trochleae in the possession of the Canterbury Museum, as to 

 form and size, agree in a remarkable degree with the form and size of the 

 bones of the different species belonging to that family. It would be 

 strange if this striking coincidence, together with the rough grooves pre- 

 viously alluded to, should have misled me. 



