182 
Now, as the name Dromornis rightly belongs to the Peak 
Downs femur on which the genus was founded, it becomes 
necessary to find a name for the Callabonna fossil, whose femur 
is different, and we propose the name Genyornis* newtoni. The 
generic name arises from the conspicuous feature afforded by the 
relatively large size of the lower mandible, which fact, at least, 
emerges from the, as yet, hardly commenced examination of the 
skull. 
Under this name, therefore, we propose to include the various 
portions of tibiz that have been hitherto assigned to Dromornis, 
leaving the identity of the Canadian Lead pelvis as yet undeter- 
mined. 
GENYORNIS NEWTONI. 
A detailed description of the bones of this bird, together with 
a comparative reference to the other forms with which it may 
be compared, and the necessary illustrations, are in course of 
preparation. In the meantime we submit the actual specimens 
to the Society, and beg to call attention to a few salient features 
that may give some indications of its characters and of its 
affinities, particularly with those Australian and New Zealand 
ratitite birds which are the first to invite comparison. 
Femur.—This bone of Genyornis, in its bulk and massive pro- 
portions, claims comparison with that of the most ponderous of 
the moas. Though, as will be seen by reference to table I. 
the largest examples are nearly five inches shorter, yet, their 
latitudinal dimensions very nearly equal those of Dinornis 
maximus, While they considerably surpass those of Pachyornis 
elephantopus. From the the femora of Dinornithide that of 
Genyornis is, however, distinguished by the marked absence 
of prominent ridges and surfaces for muscular attachment that 
are often conspicuous features in the former family; by the 
flatness of the surfaces of the shaft: by the pyriform oval, or 
almost trilateral, shape of the oe and by the more comnts 
able curvature of its internal border. It differs also in the more 
gradual and evenly curved ascent of its superior articular surface, 
as it recedes from the head to cover the trochanter. Yet not- 
withstanding, from the great lateral width of this surface, the 
trochanter rises to as great or to a greater elevation, relatively 
to the head, than obtains in the moas, where the ascent of the 
epitrochanteric surface is abrupt and steep. The femur of 
*Devvs, the under jaw. In the specific name we have much pleasure in 
dedicating this ancient bird to Professor Alfred Newton, F.R.S., Professor 
of Zoology in the University of Cambridge, whose name has "been long 
intimately and honourably associated with the progress of ornithology and, 
from whom, both as teacher and friend, one of us has received much per- 
sonal kindness and encouragement. 
