﻿194 Transactions. — Zoology, 



On Plate X., fig. 4, is represented tlie articular surface of the proximal 

 end witli the large oval depression on the head of the bone, and at fig. 5 that 

 of ths distal end. On the latter the angular concavity on the outer condyle 

 is of considerable size and depth. 



Also in this point the close resemblance of the fossil bone to the corres- 

 ponding limb bone of our present Harrier is very striking, suggesting that as 

 Apteryx is the diminutive representative of the extinct gigantic Dinornis, eo 

 the New Zealand Harrier is that of Ha/rpagornis. If this hypothesis is 

 accepted, two important considerations may be deduced therefrom, which \7ill 

 assist us in understanding better the mode of life of the different extinct 

 species of the Dinornithes. 



In the first instance we have ample evidence, as I have shown elsewhere, 

 that the principal feeding grounds of the gregarious Moas were either tho open 

 plains, or the grassy downs and low hills, they eschewing, for many reasons, 

 the forests with their dense undergrowth, which not only would have opposed 

 almost insurmountable obstacles to their locomotion, but would not have 

 afibrded such quantities of suitable food as the more open districts covered 

 with Phormium tenax, Coriaria, and Gordyline oflTered. 



The presence of a proximal orifice for the admission of air proves at the 

 same time that the Harpagornis was a diurnal bird of prey, the owls having 

 the femur filled with marrow ; and from this fact we may conclude, v/ithout 

 being too hazardous in our deductions, that at least the greater portion of the 

 different species of Dinornis wei'e also diurnal in their habits, and not 

 nocturnal as the Apterygidce of the present day. 



And thus, as the small Hari-ier now flies leisurely during the day time over 

 the plains and downs in search of food, consisting of carrion, birds, lizards, and 

 insects, so the Harpagornis doubtless followed the flocks of Moas, feeding 

 either upon the carcases of the dead birds, or killing the young and disabled 

 ones. 



Another bone which belongs to the same species is a rib. It is the third 

 rib on the right side, the first after the pleurapophyses or two floating ribs, 

 and articulates with the htemapophysis or sternal rib, and through the latter 

 bone with the sternum. 



PI. XI., fig. 5, represents in natui-al size this well preserved bone, of which 

 only at h the upper portion of the epipleural appendage is broken ofi". The 

 coalescence of this latter portion of that bone, which is a well marked peculiarity 

 of raptorial birds, is well shown in this specimen, thus ofiering additional 

 evidence as to the specific character of the specimen under review. 



Two other bones, found close to each other in the same locality, and 

 belonging without doubt to the same skeleton, are full of suggestive interest, 

 as they, better than any other portion of the skeleton could do, exhibit the 



