4 Transactions. 



and pappus with threadlike tendrils and roots, all collected in the bush, into 

 a beautiful and compact structure, imparting great warmth, further en- 

 hances admiration of its instinctive work. The graceful habits and delight- 

 ful twitterings when flitting through and on the outskirts of our perennially 

 green forests in pursuit of minute prey are likewise some of the more 

 pleasing scenes of native bird-life to be seen and enjoyed in this beautiful 

 country. No words or language could adequately express the feelings of 

 regret of the true naturalist and nature-lover to know that already, within 

 the period of fifty years of settlement in New Zealand, some of the most 

 remarkable species of birds man has seen or science known have vanished 

 for ever from our green forests, grassy plains, and reedy swamps, which 

 almost everywhere existed in their full native beauty when European settle- 

 ment began. 



It may be of interest to note some of the sites on which nests of the 

 fantail have been observed in the North Island : — 



1. On the matipo-tree {Myrsine Urvillei) in Mr. Park's garden, Palmerstou 

 North ; September, 1905. 



2. On a mahoe {Mclicytus ramifiorus) at Hawera ; October, 1905. 



3. On a tutu-shrub {Coriaria ruscifolia) at Tirotiro-moana, Taranaki ; 

 7th August, 1905. 



4. On a Magnolia qrandiffora in Mr. Park's garden, Palmerston North ; 

 October, 1906. 



5. On a young totara {Podocarpus totara) in Mr. Barton's garden, Fare- 

 ham, Featherston ; October, 1907. 



6. On clematis inside roof of summer-house in Mr. Park's garden, Pal- 

 merston North : August and September, 1907. 



7. On Hoheria popuhica, Victoria Esplanade (an area of native bush) ; 

 January, 1908. 



8. On tawhara {Freycinctia Banlsii)' on trunk of fern-tree, Kimbolton 

 bush ; no month or year given. (Mr. D. Sinclair.) 



9. On tutu (Coriaria rvsci folia), Pakekura Park, New Plymouth ; 

 October and November, 1906. (W. Pycroft.) 



Having in view the rapid and inevitable passing of the native birds, 

 it invariably seems to me to be the bounden duty of observers of the pre- 

 sent time to place on permanent record all facts respecting them, for the 

 information and delight of generations who are to follow us. To me there 

 is no ornithological subject more urgent. The remark would also apply 

 to many remarkable species belonging to other groups of the New Zea- 

 land fauna, and to many rare species of plants, now threatened with 

 •extinction. 



