

I m The Dodo and its Kindred. 67 



from abundant osseous remains, two new genera of brevipennate 

 birds have been reconstructed. Seven species of Dinornis and 

 two of Palapteryx have been ascertained, and two surviving spe- 

 cies of Apteryx, present almost expiring members of the same 

 + zoological group. 



Part II. of this work. — Osteology of the Dodo and Solitaire. 



After making so full an abstract and analysis of Part I, by Mr. 

 Strickland, containing the historical and descriptive facts, we re- 

 gret to dismiss Part II, evidently the result of laborious and 

 learned industry, without citations or any attempt at condensa- 

 tion or analysis; for the reason which will be obvious to any 

 one who will look through the fifty-six pages quarto, chiefly in 

 fine type, consisting of details in comparative anatomy, too tech- 

 nical to admit of the slightest variation in language, and already 

 compressed within the most narrow limits consistent with perspi- 

 cuity. To the great masters in comparative anatomy, we must 

 consign the duty of giving an opiniou in a case in which no ver- 

 dict on the author's labors can be accepted unless from a jury of 

 his peers, of whom the number duly qualified cannot be great. 

 I No intelligent person, however, can fail to appreciate the proofs 



every where presented, of great acuteness in comparing and pre- 

 cision in describing, the wide range of affinities which are the 

 subjects of discussion. We observe also, that several eminent 

 continental naturalists coincide, either entirely or mainly, in the 

 opinions entertained by the authors of the volume before us. 



It is a striking example of refined investigation — an elegant 

 specimen of the elaborate manner in which research is often car- 

 ried forward at the present day — and the costume of the work is 

 in full keeping with its contents. The lithographic illustrations 

 are beautiful, and the diagrams of the bones must, we should sup- 

 pose, satisfy the most fastidious anatomist. 



In closing our remarks, we feel almost as if we had been copy- 

 ing epitaphs, and musing among the graves of gone by generations. 

 We have had before us the painful story of the utter extinction of 

 large families of birds, exceeding in size and equalling in interest 

 any that are now living upon the earth. The great destroyer, 

 wan, has waged war from the days of Ximrod, upon the animal 

 creation, and he spares only a few races, which are made subser- 

 vient to his will. The time will come when the wide ranging 

 buffalo of America will be found no more among living animals, 

 and naturalists will gather up his dispersed bones, and labor to 

 reconstruct his original form. A large proportion of the beasts 

 that now roam our forests, may hereafter be known only in 



the history of the past. 



Sen. Ed. 





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