SUB-FOSSIL REMAINS FROM KING ISLAND. 
[11 the following table we give the measurements of the bones 
of six specimens of Dromceus nnvoe-hollandice , of the large 
series of the King Island form, and the measurements of the one 
specimen of D. peroni. In the case of the King Island form we 
have given three series of measurements — the minimum, the 
maximum, and those between which lie the great majority of the 
measurements. Thus, for example, in the case of the femur the 
minimum of mature bones is 1 to and the maximum 186, but 
whilst only 2 specimens measure more than 180 and 6 less than 
loO mm., no fewer than 52 measure between 150-180 mm., and 
of these 3‘J measure between 150-170 mm. 
Species. 
I), novse-hollandise. 
King- Island Species. 
D. peroni. 
Skull, length 
90-91 
58-62 
80 
,, width 
75-76 
54-56 
66 
Femur... 
217-243 
140, 150-180, 186 
180 
Tibio-tarsus 
4 1 o-446 
265, 27 3-320, 363 
342 
Tarso-meta tarsus 
335-411 
216, 220-280, 292 
290 
Pelvis, length 
440-442 
249-292 
340 
Pelvis, width in front 
80-105 
64 
75 
Pelvis, width behind 
105-113 
78—84 
92 
It will be seen that there is considerable variation, not only in 
the case of the King Island species, but also in that of the main- 
land species, and doubtless a corresponding amount of variation 
would be found to exist amongst the Kangaroo Island birds if only 
we were fortunate enough to possess as large a series of their 
bones as we do of those of the King Island Emus. It is, for 
example, almost certain, or at least quite probable, that amongst 
the Emus of Kangaroo Island there were many adult birds that 
exceeded the measurements given in the above table, and many 
that fell below them unless the three specimens secured happened 
to belong to birds of either maximum or minimum size. 
One very striking fact in regard to the Ratitm is that on insular 
areas we find a most remarkable development of distinct species, 
aud that on continental areas there is a widespread distribution of 
a limited number of species. 
Throughout the whole of the South American continent we 
hud only three species of Rhea. Africa has only three species of 
Struthio. 
[21 ] 
