144 EXTINCT SPECIES. 



one of the largest. The first knowledge of the existence of 

 this gigantic bird was acquired in 1851. The sole remains of 

 the species hitherto found are some egg-shells and a few bones. 

 These suffice, however, for an ideal reproduction of the crea- 

 ture under the synthetical treatment of comparative anatomy. 

 The epiornis inhabited Madagascar. The creature's height 

 could not have been less than from nine to twelve feet ; and 

 the preservation of its remains are such as to warrant the be- 

 lief in its comparatively recent existence. 



Of a structure as large as the epiornis probably larger, 

 though differing from the latter in certain anatomical parti- 

 culars, according to the belief of Professor Owen is a certain 

 New-Zealand giant bird, called by him the dinornis. As in 

 the case of the Madagascar bird, the evidence relating to this 

 is very recent. Some few years ago an English gentleman 

 received from a relative settled in New s Zealand some frag- 

 ments of large bones that had belonged to some creature of 

 species undetermined. He sent them to Professor Owen for 

 examination, and was not a little surprised at the assurance 

 that the bones in question, though seemingly having belonged 

 to an animal as large as an ox, were actually those of a bird. 

 The comparative anatomist was guided in coming to this con- 

 clusion by a certain cancellated structure possessed by the 

 bony fragments a characteristic of the bones of birds. For 

 a time Professor Owen's dictum was received with hesitation, 

 not to say disbelief. The subsequent finding of more re- 

 mains eggs as well as bones soon justified the naturalist's 

 verdict. Not the slightest doubt remains now upon the mind 

 of any zoologist relative to the past existence of the dinornis ; 

 nay, the impression prevails that this feathered monster may 

 be living in some of the more inaccessible parts of the southern 

 island of New Zealand at the present time. Be that as it 

 may, the dinornis can only have become extinct recently, 

 even using this word in an historical sense ; as the following 

 testimony will make manifest : 



