XII. On Drvnornis (Part VIII.) : containing a Description of the Skeleton of the Dinornis 
elephantopus, Owen. By Professor Owrn, F.R.S., V.P.Z.S., &c. 
Read April 8, 1856. 
In attempting the reconstruction of the entire skeleton of the Dinornis elephantopus, 
after the structure of the leg and foot had yielded the grounds for determining the 
species, my first step was the classification of the vertebre. 
Of these bones several hundreds had been collected by Mr. Commissioner Mantell at 
the spot where the bones of the leg had been found (ante, p 156). 
Upon comparison, the several vertebrz of obviously the same individual or species of 
Dinornis, presented good distinctive characters; and many series, of greater or less extent, 
were formed in the progress of the work; such series belonging, respectively, to the 
same individual skeleton of a different species of Dinornis. 
Not to dwell needlessly on the different steps of this work of arrangement, in which 
I was efficiently aided by Mr. Flower, the experienced Articulator, I may proceed to 
state, that, after classifying the pelvises according to their size and probable species, 
one of these, which in general size and in the proportions of acetabulum accorded with 
the femur of Dinornis elephantopus, was found to present a well-marked anterior articular 
surface both on the centrum and on the fore part of the peculiarly long and strong 
square-shaped spine ; the articular surface on the spine being unusually rugged. 
Among the vertebrz previously classed as the ‘last dorsal,’ was found the one that 
had articulated with the above pelvis; and that dorsal vertebra terminated a series of 
seven dorsals, progressively decreasing as they advanced forwards, and indubitably 
belonging to the same individual bird. 
The last dorsal vertebra of the Dinornis is characterized by a pair of tuberous processes 
(hypapophyses) from the under part of the centrum, close to the hind border: in the 
present skeleton of the Dinornis elephantopus, they are an inch apart: this vertebra is 
also characterized by the height of its spine, which is subquadrate ; slightly expanded 
above; smooth at the sides, but rough at the fore and back parts. The height of this 
spine is four inches. There is a rudimentary tubercle at the middle of the under surface 
of the centrum near the anterior border. The articular surface at that end is concave 
transversely, convex vertically. The parapophysis is a large surface with slightly raised 
borders near the fore part of the centrum. ‘The diapophysis is short and thick: at its 
under part is the pneumatic orifice. The proximal end of the rib is strongly bifurcated 
2,2 
4 = 
