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EXTINCT MONSTERS 



In 1882 was obtained, from a cave in Otago, the head, neck, 

 two legs, and feet of a Moa (D. didinus), having the skin, still 

 preserved in a dried state, covering the bones, and some few 

 feathers of a reddish hue still attached to the leg. The ring 

 of the windpipe may be seen in situ, the sclerotic plates of the 



FIG. 85. A. Skeleton of the Elephant-footed Moa, Dinornis ekpliantopits, 

 from New Zealand. B. Leg-bones of Dinornis giganteus, representing a bird 

 over 12 feet high. 



eye, and the sheaths of the claws. One foot also shows the 

 hind claw still attached. 



From traditions and other circumstances it is supposed that the 

 present natives of New Zealand came there not more than about 



