CornExso.— On the Moa, 71 
last of the dorsal vertebra, where it was most perfect, seven inches. A correct 
idea cannot, however, be given of such a fragment as this, through the medium 
of a written description. This bone evidently differs very considerably from 
such bones in other birds, in its peculiar carinated shape in that portion of 
it which must have formed the highest part of the lumbar region; it must 
have been also considerably larger when entire, as the whole of the upper 
ridge is much broken. This bone is, also, very deeply indented with mus- 
cular impressions. 
Having thus given, it is to be feared, rather a tedious detail of the Moa, 
and of the bones hitherto found, little remains at present than deferen- 
tially to offer a few remarks on the bones in question, and these suggestions 
may be noticed under two general heads: Firstly, does the Moa now exist, 
or, at what period of time is it probable that it existed ? Secondly, to what 
order or family can we reasonably suppose the Moa to belong ? 
It is very true that at this time we have but little to assist us in our 
search; nevertheless, let us commence and prosecute our enquiry, considering 
such aids as may present themselves to our notice in the course of our inves- 
tigation at all bearing on the subject before us. 
Our first enquiry, then, will be, Does the Moa now exist, or, at what 
period of time is it probable that it did exist? To the first of these 
queries I reply, that it is my opinion that the species whose bones we have 
now before us does no longer exist, at least in New Zealand. A few reasons 
for this opinion of mine I will here adduce. 
From my knowledge of the New Zealander, I can but believe that there 
is no part of his native land which has not been at one time or other trod 
by him, however mountainous or dreary it may be. Asa proof of this, I 
might mention their having proper names for every portion of land and 
water, whether hill or dale, lake or running stream ; and their never being 
at a loss in describing distant or unfrequented parts of their own country, 
some one or other present among the ‘listening crowd” having either 
visited the places spoken of, or received a narration from some one who had. 
Now, as no New Zealander is to be found who can positively state that he 
has actually seen such a bird, and as every nook and corner of the land is 
well known to the natives, I conclude that the animal in question no longer 
exists in New Zealand. In recording this opinion, it will be seen that I pay 
no attention whatever to the strange and fearful account of the Moa given 
by some natives, a relation which carries with it its own proof of being 
false; as I know full well the powers of the New Zealander for romance. 
The account,too, furnished to the Rev. W. Williams from the two American 
settlers, I also, in like manner, reject; but only as far as the bird whose bones 
we have before us is concerned. A very large and peculiar bird may exist 
