Mr. G. Bennett on the " Mooruk.'' 305 



specting everything, and then as peaceably go out again. If any 

 attempt is made to turn them out, they leap and dodge about, and 

 exhibit a wonderful rapidity of movement, which no one would sup- 

 pose possible from their quiet gait and manner at other times. Even 

 in the very tame state of these birds, I have seen sufficient of them 

 to know that, if they were loose in a wood, it would be impossible to 

 catch them, and almost as difficult to shoot them. One day, when 

 apparently frightened at something that occurred, I saw one of them 

 scour round the yard at a swift pace, and speedily disappear under 

 the archway so rapidly that the eye could hardly follow it, upsetting 

 all the poultry in its progress, as they could not get out of the way. 

 The lower half of the stable-door, about 4 feet high, was kept shut 

 to prevent them going in ; but this proved no obstacle, as it was 

 easily leaped over by these birds. They never appeared to take any 

 notice of, or be frightened at, the Jabiru or Gigantic Crane, which 

 was in the same yard, although that sedate, stately bird was not 

 pleased at their intrusion. One day I remarked the Jabiru spread- 

 ing his long wings, and clattering his beak, opposite one of the 

 "Mooruks," as if in ridicule of their wingless condition. " Mooruk,'* 

 on the other hand, was pruning its feathers and spreading out its 

 funny little apology for wings, as if proud of displaying the stiff 

 horny shafts with which they were adorned. The " Mooruks " often 

 throw up all their feathers, ruffiing them ; and then they suddenly 

 fall flat as before : they appear to have great power in raising all the 

 feathers ; and the wings are used to aid them in running, but never 

 seem used for defence. Captain DevUn says, the natives consider 

 them to a certain degree sacred, and rear them as pets ; he is not 

 aware that they are used as food, but if so, not generally ; indeed 

 their shy disposition and power of rapid running, darting through 

 the brake and bush, would almost preclude their capture. It re- 

 minds me (from the description) of the habits of the Menura, or Lyre- 

 bird of Australia ; only it is much larger and more powerful in its 

 actions. The natives carry them in their arms, and are very kind 

 to and have a great affection for them ; this will account for their 

 domesticated state with us. 



The noise of these birds, when in the yard, resembled that of the 

 female Turkey; at other times the peculiar chirping noise was ac- 

 companied by a whistling sound also. The contrast of these birds 

 with the Jabiru was very great. The " Mooruks " were sometimes 

 moving about like the female Turkey in rapid motion or excite- 

 ment, or, when walking quietly, always inquisitive and poking their 

 beaks into everything and familiar with every person. The Jabiru, 

 on the other hand, was a perfect picture of sedate quietness, looking 

 upon all play as injurious to his constitution or derogatory to his 

 dignity, remaining stiff in his gait and serious in his demeanour. 



Only one egg was brought, and that was partly broken ; I have it 

 in my possession. The Captain informs me that they can be pro- 

 cured from the natives, and have generally a hole in them about the 

 size of a shilling, through which the contents have been extracted. 



The height of the largest or male bird, to the top of the back, wa 

 Am, ^ Mag, N. Hist. Ser. 3. Vol iv. 20 



