BY C. W. DE VIS, If .A . 



57 



The affinities of the extinct bird with Megapodius are seen in 

 the development of a sharp process from the dorso-radial side of the 

 radial limb near the root, in the sudden distention of its radial ridge 

 indicative of a cuneiform of large size and in the regularly cordate 

 form, and distinct sculpture of the articulation with the index digit. 



Its equal, or more than equal, affinity with Talegallus is observed 

 in the greater relative breadth of its articulating surface, and in the 

 uniformity of the oblique portion of the ulnar ridge in conjunction 

 with regular convexity of the surface on either side of it. 



Its peculiar features are unusually deep impressions on either 

 side of the radial ridge made by the pressure upon it of the cornua of 

 the cuneiform and the greater relative size of the index-metacarpal 

 process. 



Dimensions — Fossil. Megapodius. 



BIZIURA EXHUMATA, A FOSSrL SPECIES OF MUSK DUCK. 



Among those of Australian ducks the metatarse of Biziura 

 lobata is conspicuous for its massive proportions, squat and dis- 

 torted shape and general appearance of uncouth strength. It may 

 be added, in passing, that in its conformation it stands alone, and 

 affords no sign from which a solution of the ornithological puzzle 

 presented by the bird itself can be discovered — in other words, it 

 gives us no aid in tracing the affinities of this curious duck. 



Obviously the recognition of such a bone in the fossil state is 

 easy, and an elaborate description of it unnecessary since the general 

 agreement between it and its living correspondent will be appre- 

 hended more readily from figures than from verbal details. 



The fossil is the left metatarse. The trochlea for the fourth 

 toe is missing from the distal, the calcaneal process from the 

 proximal end — the outer plate of bone at both ends is abraded here 

 and there as though it had been nibbled by a mouse. 



m.m. 



m.m. 



Greatest breadth of proximal end ... 27 

 ,, thickness ... ... ... 16 



12 

 7 



