EMEU 



213 



Of the Emeus (as the word is now restricted) the best-known 

 is the Cnsnarius novx-hollandice of Latham, made by Vieillot the 

 type of his genus Dromxus} whence the name of the Family, 

 Dromxidm, is taken. This bird immediately after the colonization 

 of New South Wales (in 1788) was found to inhabit the south- 

 eastern portion of Australia, where, according to Hunter {Hist. 

 Journ. etc. pp. 409, 413), the natives called it Maracry, Marryang, 



Emeu. (From Mosenthal and Harting's Ostriches, etc.) 



or Maroang ; but it has now been so hunted down that not an 

 example remains at large in the districts that have been fully 

 settled. It is said to have existed also on the islands of Bass's 

 Straits and in Tasmania, but it has been extirpated in both, 



1 The obvious misprint of Bromckus in this author's work {Analyse <fcc.', 

 p. 54) has been foolishly followed by many naturalists, forgetful that he corrected 

 it a few pages further on (p. 70) to DromCi-ius — tlie properly latinized form of 

 which is Dromxus. 



