CoLENso. — On the Moa, 71 



last of the dorsal vertebrce, 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 wi'itten description. This bone evidently differs very considerably from 

 such bones in other birds, in its peculiar cariuated shape in that portion of 

 it which must have formed the highest part of the lumbar region ; it must 

 have bfeen 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 enquu-y, 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. 



Oiu' first enquh-y, 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 di-eary it may be. As a proof of this, I 

 might mention then- 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, fm-nished to the Eev. 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 7nay exist 



