THE DODO. 



39"; 



of whicli must have been truly colossal. One of tliese eggs was 

 equal to at least six Ostricli's eggs, and its capacity more than 

 fifteen pints. M. Isidore GeofFroy de Saint-Hilaire, ayIio gave it 

 the name of Ejnorrns, reckoned that its height could not be less 

 than ten or twelve feet. 



In 1867, M. Joly, Professor of the Faculty of Sciences at 



i£f^ss^^UL«lL^ 



Fig. 168. — The Dodo {Ucdus uicptus, Limi.). 



Toulouse, published some very interesting observations on the 

 structure and probable habits of this gigantic bird. 



It cannot j^et be asserted that this bird has altogether dis- 

 appeared. The Malagashes state that, although very rare, some 

 few representatives of it still remain. There is an ancient tradi- 

 tion among this people relative to a colossal bird which could 

 knock down an ox, and then make a meal of it. This tradition, 

 however, is deficient in anything like evidence of its correctness, 

 for an examination of the pieces of bone found j^roves that the 

 Epiornis possessed neither talons to seize, nor wings with which 

 to pursue its prey ; it must, therefore, have fed chiefly upon 

 vegetable diet. 



In New Zealand also some bones have been latelv broug-ht to 

 light, which must have belonged to a species of bird allied to the 

 Ostrich, but superior to it in size, which attained some thirteen 

 feet in height. This bird has been designated Dinornis. Some of 



