578 MOA 
remains of a Moa (Anomalopteryx antiqua) in clay on Timaru Downs 
seems, however, to carry back the group to the Pliocene, or possibly 
the upper part of the Miocene period ; but the age of the beds has 
been called in question by Mr. H. O. Forbes. That Moas lived 
down to a comparatively recent epoch is abundantly evident, and it 
is practically certain that they formed a considerable portion of the 
food of the human race by whom New Zealand was first peopled, 
and by whom they were in great part or wholly extirpated. Capt. 
Hutton considers that in the North Island Moas were extermin- 
ated not less than 400 or 500 years ago, while in the South Island 
they might have lingered a century later. The larger species 
(Dinornis) were always comparatively rare, but many of the smaller 
forms were very numerous. How so many became entombed in 
the swamps is a question not yet solved ; although it is suggested 
that débdcles during a glacial period may have been the chief agents. 
As a rule, Moas were destitute of wings, although Capt. Hutton 
states that a rudimentary pair existed in Anomalopteryx (Palapteryx) 
dromxoides. The nearest allies of the Moas being apparently the 
Kiwis, it seems a fair inference that the females were larger than 
the males; and this is confirmed by bones differing only slightly, 
but constantly, in size! ‘The feathers differ from those of the 
Kiwis in having an aftershaft. 
Moas are distinguished from all existing Ratit# in having 
a bony bridge on the anterior surface of the lower end of the tibia 
above the condyles (fig. 1). The tarso-metatarsus (fig. 2) has 
three distal trochlez, and in most cases (according to Capt. Hutton 
probably all) carried a hallux. The beak (unlike that of the Kiwis) 
is short and stout; the form of the lower jaw being either U-like 
or V-like. The general form of the pelvis is very like that of the 
Kiwis; but the sternum (fig. 3) differs by the absence of the 
superior notch, the more divergent lateral processes, and the abor- 
tion or disappearance of the grooves for the coracoids. 
The most remarkable features which the birds present are the 
gigantic dimensions attained by some of them, and the great number 
of species occurring in such a limited area as New Zealand. The 
absence of Mammals in those islands has doubtless been the chief 
cause which has led to this great development, both as regards 
species and individuals, of Moas (as well as of other flightless 
birds); and it has generally been considered that this development 
has taken place entirely within the limits of these islands ;? while Capt. 
Hutton suggests that the genera may have been differentiated on 
separate islets by subsidence during the Pliocene period. As regards 
their introduction into New Zealand, Mr. Wallace (Island Life, pp. 
446, 447) is of opinion that Cassowaries, Emeus, Dromornis, Kiwis 
1 Capt. Hutton does not admit this sexual difference in size. 
* If D. queenslandiz be truly Australian, this view will need modification. 
