1892. 



THE HISTORY OF THE MO AS. 595 



are by no means convincing. Until, then, some evidence of the 

 existence of the presumed Tinamu-like birds in the Eocene of New 

 Zealand be forthcoming, we may be pardoned for continuing to 

 accept Mr. Wallace's view that the Australasian Ratitae reached their 

 present home when they had already lost the power of flight. 



On the other hand, we fully agree with Captain Hutton that, in 

 whatever way they originated, it is evident that when the Moas were 

 once established in New Zealand " the land was a favourable one, for 

 they multiplied enormously and spread from one end to the other." 

 Not only was the number of individuals large, but the multiplicity of 

 genera and species is equally remarkable. When, however, the author 

 further speculates as to the presence of the ancestors of the Moas in 

 New Zealand in the Eocene period, and the occurrence of a different 

 kind on each island of the archipelago then existing, we are loath to 

 accept his views without some evidence from fossil remains. If the 

 genera had been isolated in the way suggested, we should have 

 expected that they would differ from one another more than we find 

 to be the case. Moreover, we have considerable doubts whether 

 several of the genera adopted by our author are really entitled to rank 

 as such. 



In regard to Captain Hutton's explanation of the occurrence of 

 an enormous number of Moa-bones found in the peaty swamps of 

 certain districts, we may remark that it appears to us too thorough. 

 A climate which had such disastrous effects on Moa-life would, it 

 seems probable, have finally exterminated the whole breed. Still, 

 however, it may be regarded as certain that the enormous numbers 

 in which Moa-bones occur in some spots must indicate abnormal 

 conditions. 



Finally, while admitting the cogency of Captain Hutton's argu 

 ment for the extirpation of the Moas by the Maories, there may be 

 still some doubt as to his inference from the occasional discovery of 

 remains of the skeleton with skin and hgaments in certain fissures 

 and caves. These remains occur only in a district in Central Otago, 

 where, according to Captain Hutton, climatic conditions are especially 

 favourable for the preservation of animal substances ; and in that case 

 it is almost impossible to deduce any conclusions as to their age. 



R. Lydekker. 



ag 2 



