189 
fossil. Two other extinct forms invite comparison, viz., Gastornis 
parisiensis, from the Eocene beds of Meudon, near Paris, and the 
Lpyornis maximus, of Madagascar ; but, for the present, we must 
content ourselves with saying that, though in that characteristic 
part-—the lower end of the tibia—there are points of resemblance 
between Genyornis and Gastornis, yet, so far as can be judged by 
reference to plates and descriptions, which are our only means of 
coinparison in the case of Gastornis, we believe the differences in 
respect both of the characters of the femur and tibio-tarsus, to 
say nothing of the difference of geological horizon, are sufficient 
to preclude even a generic association between the two forms. 
Between Genyornis and pyornis there are many conspicuous 
points of difference ; though it is noteworthy that, in point of 
great breadth as compared to length, the femur of Genyornis 
makes a nearer approach to that of Mpyornis maximus than the 
thighbone of any other bird with which we are acquainted. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
Though in the absence of a careful study of so important a 
part of the organization as the head, it is perhaps premature to 
offer decisive opinions as to the habits of the bird or of its 
affinities with existing members of its group, nevertheless the 
following conclusions appear to be justified by the survey of its 
remains so far as this has been made. 
The great size of the femur and tibio-tarsus, no less than of its 
sternum, indicate its massive build, though there is a strange 
disproportion between the proportions of the upper leg bones and 
the relatively slender tarso-metatarsus. Its legs combine a huge 
femur nearly as massive, in all but length, as that of Dinornis 
maximus, and a tibia equalling that of Pachyornis elephantopus 
with the comparatively slender metatarse of Dinornis nove- 
hollandie (ingens) and toes whioh are insignificant beside any of 
the larger moas. The absence of prominent rough surfaces or 
ridges for muscular attachment, lead one to assign to it a slow 
sluggish habit. In height it may be confidently stated to have 
been from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches, that is if the neck should 
have been of proportions similiar to those of Pachyornis elephan- 
topus. With the large size of the head, however, may be 
correlated modifications of the neck. The small flat ungual 
phalanges would appear to have borne flattened nails, rather 
than sharp and powerful claws, which could have been of little 
service for scratching purposes and with this feature is associated 
an evident want of strength in the phalangeal joints. 
There is reason to believe that the Diprotodon may have been 
a swamp-loving animal which, tapir-like, may have haunted the 
shores of the lacustrine areas of Central Australia in Pliocene 
