FAUNA OF THE POST-PLIOCENE. 



347 



but it is certain that species of this genus were alive during the 

 human period, and survived up to quite a recent date. Not 

 only are the bones very numerous in certain localities, but 



Fig. 257. Skeleton \ADhtomiselepkanioptts, greatly reduced. Post-Pliocene, 

 New Zealand. (After Owen.) 



they are found in the most recent and superficial deposits, and 

 they still contain a considerable proportion of animal matter; 

 whilst in some instances bones have been found with the 

 feathers attached, or with the horny skin of the legs still ad- 

 hering to them. Charred bones have been found in connec- 

 tion with native "ovens;" and the traditions of the Maories 

 contain circumstantial accounts of gigantic wingless Birds, the 

 " Moas," which were hunted both for their flesh and their 

 plumage. Upon the whole, therefore, there can be no doubt 



