578 MO A 



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. 0. 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 debacles 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) 

 dromseoides. 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. 1 The feathers differ from those of the 

 Kiwis in having an aftershaft. 



Moas are distinguished from all existing Ratitss, 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 trochleae, 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; 2 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. 



2 If D. queenslandiss be truly Australian, this view will need modification. 



