MAMMALIA. 331 



the writer to the genera Dinomis and Palapteryx. The 

 gigantic species are interesting, as exhibiting birds equal to 

 the formation of tridactyle impressions as large as those of 

 the Connecticut sandstones, called Omithichnites (Brontozoum) 

 gigo.s (fig. Ill, r, b). In this cut is given a figure of the leg- 

 bones of Dinomis giganteus (B), in winch the tibia (t) measures 

 upwards of a yard in length. In the entire skeleton (A) of 

 another species, the metatarsus is as thick, but only half as 

 long, as in the D. giganteus ; the framework of the leg is the 

 most massive of any in the class of birds ; the toe-bones 

 almost rival those of the elephant ; whence the name Dinomis 

 elejjhantojms, given to this species. Several other species of 

 these extinct tridactyle wingless birds have been determined — 

 e.g., Dinomis ingens, D. struthio'ides, D. rhe'ides, D. drom'ioides, 

 D. casuarinus, D. robustus, D. crassus, D. geranoides, D. curtus. 

 With these remains have been found bones of a bird the size 

 of a swan, but of an extinct genus (Ajrtomis) ; also those of a 

 large coot (Xotornis Mantelli) which, founded originally on 

 fossil remains, was afterwards discovered living in the Middle 

 Island of New Zealand. Two species of Apteryx, not dis- 

 tinguishable from the existing kinds, were contemporaries 

 with the gigantic Dinomis, and the writer has received evi- 

 dence that the D. elepliantopus afforded food to the natives 

 at probably no very remote period. Some of the smaller 

 kinds of Dinomis may yet be found living on the Middle 

 Island. 



In Madagascar portions of metatarsal bones, indicating a 

 three-toed bird (Epiomis) as large as, but generically distinct 

 from, the Dinorwls giganteus, have been discovered in alluvial 

 banks of streams ; and with them entire eggs, measuring from 

 13 to 14 inches in long diameter. The contents of one of 

 these eggs is computed to equal those of six ostrich eggs, or 

 of one hundred and forty-eight hen's eggs. 



In the neighbouring island of Mauritius the dodo (Didus 



