New Zealand has now been so far explored,
that it seems questionable if it can retain in its recesses any
living example of _Dinornis_; but it is certain that species
of this genus were alive during the human period, and survived
up to quite a recent date. Not only are the bones very numerous
in certain localities, but they are found in the most recent
and superficial deposits, and they still contain a considerable
proportion of animal matter; whilst in some instances bones have
been found with the feathers attached, or with the horny skin of
the legs still adhering to them. Charred bones have been found
in connection with native "ovens;" and the traditions of the
Maories contain circumstantial accounts of gigantic wingless
Birds, the "Moas," which were hunted both for their flesh and
their plumage. Upon the whole, therefore, there can be no doubt
but that the Moas of New Zealand have been exterminated at quite a
recent period--perhaps within the last century--by the unrelenting
pursuit of Man,--a pursuit which their wingless condition rendered
them unable to evade.
[Illustration: Fig. 257.--Skeleton of _Dinornis elephantopus_,
greatly reduced. Post-Pliocene, New Zealand. (After Owen.)]
In Madagascar, bones have been discovered of another huge wingless
Bird, which must have been as large as, or larger than, the _Dinornis
giganteus_, and which has been described under the name of _AEpiornis
maximus_.
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