236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



looked upon as valuable, and likely to become more so. They are 

 at present desiderata in many European collections. 



Two eggs sent measure 2— inches by 1|^ inches, and 2^ inches 

 by 1|-|- inches, respectively. 



Sterna antardica (Wagler) — Common (New Zealand) Tern. 



*' Nests, with two eggs, on Otaio river-bed shingle. Like 

 Common (English) Terns. October 20th, 1872." 



The various stages of plumage of this species are next to 

 unknown, though a common enough species in New Zealand. 

 The young birds migrate northwards, probably to the south of 

 India, Ceylon, etc., and are not recognised in their various phases 

 of plumage. 



The native name of this bird, as given by Mr Buller, is " Tara." 

 (B. of N. Z., p. 283). 



Two eggs measure 2 inches by 1^ inches, and 2^ inches by 

 1^ inches respectively. 



Antliornis melanura (Sparrm.) — Bell-Bird, or Mocking-Bird. 

 Native name, " Korimoko," or "Moko-moko." 



" Three eggs. Nest of grass and turfs, in front of Broad-leaf 

 tree, on Otaio river. Birds very bold, but nest well concealed. 

 Nest with four eggs. January 26th, 1873." 



Mr Buller says : — '' This species, formerly very plentiful in every 

 part of the country, appears to be rapidly dying out. From some 

 districts, where a few years ago it was the commonest bird, it has 

 now entirely vanished." The reasons for the disappearance of 

 various species from New Zealand, other than brevi-pennate birds, 

 are not yet clearly understood. Some interesting particulars on 

 this head will be found, under the present species, in Mr Buller's 

 work (p. 93), to which I would direct your attention. 



The three eggs measure as nearly as possible alike, viz., about 

 fl inch by |^ inch. 



In concluding this paper, I may inform the Society tliat I am 

 in expectation of receiving further and larger collections from the 

 careful hands of my friend, Mr J. K. Cook ; and I hope to be able 

 to lay before the Society, from time to time, a few more specimens 

 and to read a few more notes sucli as the above. Tlie observations 

 made by Mr Cook on the spot, cannot fail, I tliink, to have 

 considerabh; interest for students of New Zealand ornithology. 



