539

31

from the larger metatarsi (Pl. III. figs. 1-4, fig. 13). The entocondylar cavity (a) is
deeper and wider from before backward than the ectocondylar one (b) ; it has the same
transverse diameter. The intercondylar tuberosity (c) rises to the height of 4 1/2 lines
from a base 7 lines in breadth, and terminates obtusely ; the fore-and-aft extent of the
base occupies rather more than half that of the proximal articular surface, of which a
flat triangular tract (fig. 13, d), 6 lines in breadth posteriorly, intervenes between the
back parts of the ento- and ecto-condylar cavities ; and from it is continued a tract, of
a breadth of 1 or 2 lines, along the back part of the ectocondylar fossa. The obtuse
low summit of the ectometatarsal ridge marks the outer termination of the rising
between the anterior and posterior parts of the so divided ectocondylar surface (Pl. III.
fig. 13,b). A difference of colour and of texture indicates that the articular cartilage
was not contined upon the flat triangular intercondylar facet (ib. d)). The extreme
transverse extent of the proximal articular surface is 1 inch 6 lines ; the extreme fore-
and-aft extent of that surface is 9 lines. In Pezophaps minor (ib. fig. 12) these dimen-
sions give 1 inch 3 lines and 7 1/2 lines repectively.

The side of the entocondylar division of the proximal end is traversed by three longi-
tudinal ridges. The anterior, beginning by a slight rise of the articular border, extends
along the inner (tibial) side of the entometatarsal about one third of the way down ; it is
the "entometatarsal ridge" (fig. 4, e,e). The second ridge begins at the highest part of
the entocondylar border, and subsides after a downward course of two thirds of an inch ;
it is the "entocondylar" ridge (f). The third ridge begins at the back part of the
entocondylar border, makes a curve as it descends toward the inner side of the entometa-
tarsal, but descends before attaining that side, and is continued downward two thirds of
the length of that metatarsal as the "entogastrocnemial" ridge (fig. 4, g). the second
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inferieure et la totalite de l'articulation superieure .... s'ils sont ce que je les crois etre, je vous prie de me
les renvoyer ensuite quand ils seront examines.'
"As my friend mentions the district of Flacq, I know that several fossil remains have been found there ; and
some years ago when I was in the island, I and other friends made an examination of the locality in order to
find some remains of the Dodo, at the request of Mr. Strickland, who was then preparing his excellent work
on the Dodo, &c.
"If, therefore, you will do me a favour to give me your opinion on the fragments I now take the liberty
of sending you, such an opinion from so high an authority will set the matter at rest.
"I remain, dear Sir,
"Very truly yours,
(signed) "JAMES MORRIS."
"Professor Owen, &c. &c."
The fragment of the tibia marked No. 1, included the distal articular end and part of the shaft of that bone;
No. 2 was rightly recognised by M. Bouton. Both portions belonged to the Pezophaps minor, Str. So named,
they were returned to the Museum at Port Louis, Mauritius. The first and sole evidence of Messrs. Newtons'
interest in these fragments reached me with their memoir. Any previous inquiry would have, at once and
most readily , received the reply given in the present note. No portion of femur, and no entire tibia, were
sent to me.