Hamilton. Vatice Biro's of Petane, Hawk-en Bay. \'ll 



81. Himantopus ai.bicollis, Bailer. — White-necked Stilt. 



Occurs not unfrequently. 

 85. Ocydrojius eauli, Gray.— Wood -hen. 



Has increased very much in numbers within the last four or 

 five years, and more especially near the swampy estuaries of the 

 harbour. A nest taken November 10th contained four eggs, and 

 the female bird caught on the nest contained another egg fully 

 developed. The nest was simply a heap of dead grass under a 

 rush bush, in a brackish water swamp. 



90. Eallus philippensis, Linn. — Striped Rail. 



This elegant Rail is more plentiful in this district than I have 

 seen it in any other part of New Zealand, excepting, perhaps, 

 Okarito. The large rush-covered marshes near the mouth of 

 the Petane River seem its chief stronghold. On the 14th March, 

 this year, I caught, with the help of my dog, a female, and one 

 out of a family of five chicks. The young were about half- 

 fledged, and were most curious little things. I exhibited to this 

 Society last year the egg of this bird. 



93. Ortygohetra affinis, Gray. — Water Crake. 



A cat belonging to a neighbour has brought me in, during 

 the years 1881-83, seveuteen specimens of this Crake, and 

 twelve specimens of the next species (O. tabuensis). Both of 

 these birds abound in the raupo swamps of the district, but are 

 extremely difficult to obtain, unless a friendly " mouser " takes 

 the matter in hand. 



94. Ortygometra tabuensis, Gml. — Swamp Crake. 

 96. Porphyrio melanotus, Temm.— Swamp Hen. 

 98. Casarca variegata, Gml. — Paradise Duck. 



Bred two years ago, in a swamp in the Petane Valley. 



100. Anas chlorotis, Gray. — Brown Duck. 



101. Anas superciliosa, Gml. — Grey Duck. 



Has been crossed with the domestic duck by a gentleman 

 living in the district, as recorded in the Transactions. 



102. Rhynchaspis variegata, Gould. — Shoveller, or Spoonbill. 

 This beautiful species is not at all uncommon about the dis- 

 trict. Indeed, I think that in some seasons I have shot as many 

 Spoonbills as Grey Ducks, probably owing to their being more 

 easily approached. 



103. Hymenol^emus jialacorhynchus, Gml. — Blue Duck. 



104. Fuligula nov#:-zealandle, Gml. — Black Teal. 



108. Pooiceps rufipectus, Gray. — Dab-chick. 



Several pairs of these pretty birds breed every year in the 

 Tongoio Lagoon. Tn March last. T watched for some time a 



