Martin. — The Protection of Native Birds. 117 



are extremely rare, and must without it become extinct. Many 

 native birds, though but little regarded here, would be valued in 

 other countries, having much more to recommend them than 

 sundry English ones that have been introduced. It will, of 

 course, be necessary to take precautions against trespassing and 

 poaching, the worst poachers being the professional bird-collec- 

 tors, (who are doing their best at present to exterminate the 

 Kiwi,) sealers, and whalers. All birds being strictly preserved, 

 except where over-abundant or otherwise detrimental to the 

 increase of those which it is especially desired to preserve, the 

 reserves would serve as refuges to many sea and shore birds, as 

 well as to Herons and other birds of wide range. 



Although, strictly speaking, beyond the scope of this paper, 

 it will not, I hope, be deemed altogether out of place to say a 

 few words on behalf of the Tuatara. This curious and unique 

 lizard is quite extinct on the mainland, only surviving in certain 

 islands, and being a rare and singular lizard it is well worth 

 preserving. 



Although reiterating previous remarks, I would again call 

 attention to the necessity of immediate action, on account of 

 the opening up of the back country, the rapid increase of popu- 

 lation, and last, but by no mears least, the introduction of the 

 weazel and other vermin, which must on the mainland certainly 

 lead to the destruction of all ground-birds, and probably water- 

 fowl also, as these nest in places easily accessible to them. 



The supplementary list includes certain birds which, for 

 reasons before stated, are well worth preserving in reserves ; but 

 not being peculiar to New Zealand, are, therefore, of less im- 

 portance : — 



Supplementary List. 



Birds not peculiar to New Zealand. 



90. Rallm philippensis. — Mohopereru, Striped Kail. Both 

 Islands ; Australia, Polynesia, Celebes, and Philippines. 



94. Ortyyometra tabuensis. — Putoto, Swamp Crake. Both 

 Islands ; Australia, Tasmania, Polynesia. Sparingly dispersed 

 throughout New Zealand. 



96. Porphyria melanotus. — Pukeko. Both Islands ; Chatham 

 Islands, Australia, Tasmania, New Caledonia. 



99. Querquedula yibberifrons. — Tete, Little Teal. Both 

 Islands ; Australia, New Caledonia, Indian Archipelago. 



101. Anas sirperciliosa. -7— Parera, Grey Duck. Both Islands; 

 Chatham Islands ; Australia, Tasmania, and Polynesia. 



105. Myroca austr.dis. — Karakahia, White-winged (white- 

 eyed ?) Duck. Both Islands ; Australia. 



107. Podiceps cristatus. — Crested Grebe. South Island ; Aus- 

 tralia, S. Africa, Asia, North America, Europe. 



