T. Kirk. — Displacemejit of Species in Kcic Zealand. 11 



The small snipe (Gallinago imsilla, Buller) has become 

 extemely rare in the few habitats where it has been observed, 

 in all probability from its eggs having been destroyed by rats. 

 Mr. James Baker informed me that in the early days of Auck- 

 land he had observed from twelve to twenty together on the 

 shores of the Hauraki Gulf, but I believe it has not been 

 observed in that locality since 1868. 



The white heron [Ardea alba, L.) has long been known 

 to be extremely rare in the colony, but of late years it has 

 almost disappeared, chiefly, it may be, from the rapacity of 

 collectors, although it has doubtless suffered from the at- 

 tacks of the large hawk, and from rats, &c. The blue heron 

 {Ardea sacra, Gml.) appears to have suffered but little in 

 comparison with its white relative, as there are but few 

 suitable places on our coasts where one or two pairs may 

 not be seen by a patient watcher. Of late years extensive 

 inroads have been made amongst the Anatidge, all of which 

 are greatly diminished in numbers. About fifteen years ago 

 the paradise-duck {Casarca variegata, Gml.) was very com- 

 mon on the east coast of the Wellington District, between 

 Cape Palliser and Castlepoint, but at the present time the 

 traveller may ride the entire distance w'ithout seeing a speci- 

 men. The eggs and young birds have suffered from the at- 

 tacks of rats and wild eats, while stoats and weasels are said 

 to have disposed of the adults, and numbers have been shot 

 for mere sport. The same diminution of numbers has been 

 observed in the South Island, where it was always more 

 plentiful than in the North. The browu duck (Anas 

 chlorotis. Gray), the grey duck (^4. sujjerciliosa, Gml.) the 

 little teal [Querq^icdula gibberifrons, Miiller), and the black 

 teal {Fuligula novcs-zealandics, Gml.), have been specially 

 sought by the sportsman, with the result that where large 

 numbers were formerly seen only a comparatively few indi- 

 viduals can be found to-day. They have also suffered severely 

 from the depredations of rats. 



Speaking generally, the oceanic birds that breed on the 

 coasts of New Zealand appear to have suffered but little 

 from introduced enemies, their breeding-Dlaces being usuallv 

 out of reach of rats or wild cats. Captain Fairchild, of the 

 Government steamer " Hiuemoa," is of opinion that the al- 

 batros and its allies are less numerous on the ^Auckland and 

 Campbell Islands than formerly, but the diminution can only 

 have been caused by the ravages of the collector. The feet 

 of the larger kinds are in demand for tobacco-pouches, and 

 the heaS is mounted for ornamental purposes. Some years 

 ago the late Mr. Charles Traill informed me that large 

 numbers had been killed on the Antarctic Islands for the 

 sake of the wing-bones, which were in demand for pipe- 



