94 
Account of some Fossil Bones 
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 given of the Moa by some natives — 1 
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, furnished 
to the Rev. 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 may exist in the moun¬ 
tainous district of the Middle Island: in fact, we know 
that several large birds well known to the natives, though 
hitherto unknown to science, live on the high hills in 
the North Island; but I cannot persuade myself to receive 
one man’s relation as perfectly correct in every particular 
against the united testimony of those persons from among 
the different tribes of the Northern Island with whom I 
have conversed on the subject. # 
In thus, however, disposing of that part of the ques¬ 
tion relative to the present existence of the Moa , we 
have still to inquire, at what period of time is it probable 
that this bird existed ? And here, I think, we have to 
* After all, it may very possibly be observed by some, that I act 
rather more precipitately than is consistent with judicious con¬ 
sideration in thus rejecting in toto the whole of such evidence. And 
such persons may also recollect the hastily formed conclusion 
originally arrived at by some of the first continental naturalists, in 
reference to the existence of the Aptcinjx, the Mod’s probable con¬ 
gener :—“ L’Apteryx de M, Teraminck ne serait-il pas fonde sur 
les pieces de dronte (Dodo) conservees au Museum de Londres?” 
Lesson, Manuel d'Ornith. ii. p. 211. I do so, however, on the spot, 
after careful consideration of the whole matter. 
