NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 235 



The appearance of these eggs of Anarhynchus frontalis indicate 

 an approach to those of the pratincoles (GlareoUdae), both in 

 texture and markings, and are intermediate in shape between eggs 

 of GlareoUdae and those of some of the smaller Totanidae. 



The peculiar form of the bill of this bird, the remarkable 

 coloring on one side of the breast in contradistinction to that on 

 the other, and the interesting deductions drawn therefrom by 

 authors, together with its unique method of searching for its food, 

 make it one of the most extraordinary forms of New Zealand 

 birds. I would recommend those interested in this species to 

 read the following papers, articles, and notes on the subject : — 



" On rare or little-known Limkolae," by Mr J. E. Harting, 

 r.L.S., F.Z.S. abis,' 1869, p. 304. 



" Letter to the Editor of the ' Ibis ' from Sir Wm. Jardine, 

 Bart." 'Ibis,' 1869, p. 461. 



' Ibis,' 1871, p. 455. At the foot of the page. 



" On the Birds of New Zealand," by T. H. Potts. ' Trans. 

 N. Z. Institute,' 1870, pp. 59-109. 



" A History of the Birds of New Zealand," by Mr W. L. BuUer, 

 etc., p. 216; where a very complete and careful account is given 

 of its habits and j^eculiarities. 



One egg in our collection measures 1^ inches by 1;^ inches.* 



Ochydromus australis (Sparrm.) — Maori Hen. Native name, 

 " Weka." 



Two eggs sent. " Nests under snow-grass, tussac, and common 

 tussac ; dogs find them. Found about seven or eight nests on 

 Upper Waiko, on December 13th, 1872; all with very hard-set 

 eggs. From three to four in nests. Nest of grass." 



This species, being a brevi-pennate bird, unable to fly, is sub- 

 jected to great persecution, and may be expected to become extinct 

 in course of time, unless protected. The eggs may, therefore, be 



* Since the above was written, my friend, Mr J. E. Harting, has read a paper 

 on the eggs of some new or little-known Limkolae, before a meeting of the 

 Zoological Society of London, on June 2d, 1874 ; and in a letter lately received 

 from him, he informs me that an egg of Anarkynclius frontalis, which I had the 

 pleasure of forwarding to him, will be figured in a forthcoming paper in the 

 Proceedings of the Zoological Society. For further information on this in- 

 teresting species, vide ' Ibis,' Oct., 1875— by the present writer. 



