110 OSTEOLOGY [Parr II. 
In the Dodo, the hind toe is about one third shorter than the inner, which, as in all 
strictly ground Pigeons, is distinctly longer than the outer; and the middle digit is not 
much longer than either of the lateral toes, but it is shorter than the metatarsus. The ungual 
joint of the outer toe only is preserved; the others are carefully restored in Plate XII. 
Fig. 1, 1 a, 1 6, as to length, from the foot covered with mteguments, in the British 
Museum.! The phalanges have the usual form, and hence, it is unnecessary to enter into 
detail; the metatarsal articular surface of the first jomt of each toe is seen in Plate XII. 
Fig. 2. The proximal (7. Fig. 4,) and distal (74. Fig. 4 @,) articular facets of one of the 
intermediate joints, viz., the second of the outer toe, are also figured. 
Hind Toe. Inner. Middle. Outer. 
Extreme Length | inch. lines. | inco. lines. | inch. lines. | inch. lines. 
of Ist Phalanx ees: 1 6: 1° @ i Of 
2nd ditto. Meo ell ] 
3rd do. Ae os Leng 
4th do. 
5th (ungual) do. 
Iaon 
The proximal phalanx of the hind-toe is at least twice as long as the ungual segment; their combined 
length in the perfect foot in the British Museum is about two inches. It is longer than that of the outer, 
and shorter and flatter than that of the two inner digits, but equal in length to the posterior metatarsal. 
It may be distinguished from the other proximal phalanges, by the projection of the outer angle of its 
posterior extremity ; by the shallow hinder articular concavity, and by the feeble development of its inter- 
condyloid ridge ; by the great expansion of the distal extremity below, and the encroachment of the pits 
for the lateral ligaments on it above. 
The proximal phalanx of the inner toe appears nearly double the length of the penultimate ; its distal extrem- 
ity is twisted slightly outwards towards the axis of the foot; the outer margin is also more concave than the 
inner ; the concave metatarsal facet is reniform, the inner angle being most elongated; the absence of an 
inter-condyloid ridge on it, distinguishes this joint from the corresponding one of the middle toe, to which it 
is equal in length. The axis of the second phalanx is also directed outwards, but its distal extremity is 
bent inwards; it is strongly arched longitudinally, and its external margin is also more concave than 
the internal. 
The proximal phalanx of the middle toe is broader and more robust than that of the mner, and 1s also 
twisted outwards towards its distal extremity, but its posterior articular surface is divided into two equal 
fossee by an intermediate ridge, fitting into the groove on the middle trochlea. The distal extremity of the 
! To Messrs. J. E. and G. R. Gray, I am under great obligations for the liberality with which they have 
allowed me to consult the public collections under their care. To the former, paleontologists and anatomists are most 
deeply indebted for the Osteological Collection now forming in the British Museum, which will enable the geologist to 
avail himself of the vast stores of fossil remains collected by the enlightened liberality of the Trustees. Hitherto, 
no means of turning them to account for the advancement of science have existed, as specimens cannot be removed 
for consultation, and few private persons possess collections, or can be at the expense of bringing skeletons 
to the British Museum to institute the necessary comparisons. 
