﻿OF THE VALLEY OF THE CONNECTICUT. 21.! 



inches in length, and the smaller three inches ; and these extremes are connected by a 

 regular gradation of size. The stride, however, of some of the lesser imprints is nearly 

 equal to that of the larger ones ; a disparity which can only be explained upon the suppo- 

 sition, that the animals moved with different degrees of velocity. The two larger birds 

 walked side by side, while others moved in all directions. Each footprint upon the plate 

 displays the phalangeal ranks of the toes, the impression of the tarsus, and that of the 

 nail, with astonishing fidelity. To avoid confusion, I have, as in Plate I., connected the 

 steps comprising each individual transit with a fine line. The stride is very great in all 

 the various lines, — a fact which indicates that the birds were tall, — and a line con- 

 necting three or more footprints is nearly direct. In short-legged birds this line is more 

 or less oblique, which is seen to be the case in the larger footprints of Plate I. 



The impressions upon this plate are identical with Fig. 4, Plate III., Figs. 3 and 4, 

 Plate IV., Figs. 1 and 2, Plate V., and Plates VI. and VII. Notwithstanding the dis- 

 parity in point of magnitude in these several examples, I cannot doubt their identity. 

 At any rate, it is impossible to tell wherein the difference consists, except in size. The 

 peculiar characteristics of this class of impressions are very striking. The toes are ex- 

 ceedingly massive, are nearly parallel, and are always in contact, being separated in all 

 instances by a fine ridge only. The impressions of each articulation, the heel and claws, 

 are wonderfully distinct ; and in all points this elegant and remarkable species is well 

 represented by the footprints of existing struthious birds. I have in my possession, 

 through the kindness of J. D. Bradley, Esq., of Brattleboro', a foot of the Emu, which 

 sustains a perfect analogy to these impressions, — the broad, massive joints, the tarsus, 

 and the long, blunt nails, showing an entire similarity. 



The various imprints upon this plate will serve to convey an idea of the difficulties in 

 the way of classification. If they are not considered to belong to the same species or 

 family, I know of no distinctions whereby they may be separated. It is impossible to 

 look upon this magnificent slab without feelings of astonishment. No language can be 

 more eloquent or descriptive. If the creatures had walked upon plastic wax, the im- 

 pressions could scarcely have been more perfect. To see consecutive tracks nearly one 

 foot in length, made with a stride of four feet, surrounded by an assemblage of lesser im- 

 pressions, is a spectacle calculated to fill the mind with sentiments of wonder and awe. 



Plate III. 



The footprints of six distinct species of birds are delineated upon this plate, each of 

 the natural size. They were obtained at the various localities of Turner's Falls, and 

 are remarkable for their distinct configuration and diminutive size. 



