376

346

q. Obturator notch r. Pelvic disk.
s. Sacral vertebrae (S 1, in Pl. LXXXVIII. fig. 2, marking the anterior articular surface
of the first centrum).
t. Interacetabular cavity. u. Postrenal cavity.
v. Ilio-ischial plate or deck-like production.
z. Prezygapophysis (marking, in Pl. LXXXIX. fig. 1, that of the first sacral vertebra).
1-20 indicate the sacral vertebrae from before backward.
62. Ilium. 63. Ischium 64. Pubis.

In the restoration of the skeleton ( in which I have taken the vertebral formula of
Ocydromus) the Aptornis defossor, with the neck bent and head supported as in the
ordinary standing position of the bird, would be about 3 feet in a straight line from
the top of the head to the soles of the feet ; the length, in a straight line, from the
end of the beak to that of the tail would be about 2 feet 10 inches. The chief depar-
ture from the ordinary form of the Coots is seen in the shorter and more robust
proportions of the tibiae and metatarsal segments of the legs, in which feature Notornis,
amongst recent Rallines, offers the nearest approach to Aptornis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.

PLATE LXXXVIII.

Fig. 1. Upper view of pelvis of Aptornis defossor, nat. size.
Fig. 2 Under view of pelvis of ditto, nat. size.

PLATE LXXXIX.

Fig. 1. Side view of pelvis of Aptornis defossor, nat. size.
Fig. 2. Front or under view of sternum of ditto, nat. size.
Fig. 3. Back or upper view of sternum of ditto, nat. size.
Fig. 4. Side view of sternum of ditto, nat. size.

PLATE XCIV.

Fig. 1. Restoration of skeleton of Aptornis defossor. 1/4th nat. size.
Fig. 2. Skeleton of Ocydromus australis. 1/4th nat. size.