THE DODO. 



397 



of which must have been truly colossal. One of these eggs was 

 equal to at least six Ostrich's eggs, and its capacity more than 

 fifteen pints. M. Isidore Geoffroy de Saint-Hilaire, who gave it 

 the name of Epiornis, reckoned that its height could not be less 

 than ten or twelve feet. 



In 1867, M. Joly, Professor of the Faculty of Sciences at 



Fig. 158. The Dodo (Didus ineptus, Linn.). 



Toulouse, published some very interesting observations on the 

 structure and probable habits of this gigantic bird. 



It cannot yet be asserted that this bird has altogether dis- 

 appeared. The Malagashes state that, although very rare, some 

 few representatives of it still remain. There is an ancient tradi- 

 tion among this people relative to a colossal bird which could 

 knock down an ox, and then make a meal of it. This tradition, 

 however, is deficient in anything like evidence of its correctness, 

 for an examination of the pieces of bone found proves that the 

 Epiornis possessed neither talons to seize, nor wings with which 

 to pursue its prey ; it must, therefore, have fed chiefly upon 

 vegetable diet. 



In New Zealand also some bones have been lately brought to 

 light, which must have belonged to a species of bird allied to the 

 Ostrich, but superior to it in size, which attained some thirteen 

 feet in height. This bird has been designated Dinorms. Some of 



