[Illustration: PLATE. I. R Savary pinx. M&N Hanhart. imp. J Erxleben lith DIDUS.] MEMOIR ON THE DODO (_Didus ineptus_, +Linn.+). BY RICHARD OWEN, F.R.S., WITH AN HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION BY THE LATE WILLIAM JOHN BRODERIP, F.R.S. LONDON: PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. 1866. TO THE HON. ADOLPHUS F. O. LIDDELL, Q.C. +My dear Neighbour+, If our accomplished and lamented friend, Mr. +Broderip+, had been spared to see the evidences of the extinct bird of the Mauritius described in the following pages, he would probably have taken a more direct share in the present work, and he certainly would have felt equal pleasure with myself in inscribing it to you, in whose society we so often enjoyed pleasant and instructive discourse in the sylvan walks and tranquil shades of Sheen. Believe me, Very sincerely yours, RICHARD OWEN. Sheen Lodge, Richmond Park, August 1866. CONTENTS. Page § 1. Historical Introduction 1 § 2. Description of the Skeleton 21 Vertebræ 22 Ribs 25 Pelvis 27 Sternum 29 Scapular Arch 31 Bones of the Wing 32 Bones of the Leg 33 Skull 35 § 3. Comparison of the Skeleton 41 § 4. Conclusion 49 ON THE DODO (_Didus ineptus_, +Linn.+). § 1. _Historical Introduction._