36 Transactions. — Zoology. 



Apteryx la-wryi, Eothschild. (The Stewart Island Kiwi.) 



Of this fine species the Colonial Museum contains a 

 skeleton, but as yet no skin. I fortunately possess several 

 skins, which were collected for me by a resident on Stewart 

 Island prior to the issue of the Order in Council protecting 

 this bird. Several skins and skeletons have been forwarded to 

 Europe, but, so far as I am aware, no living example. Know- 

 ing that the Zoological Society of London was most anxious 

 to procure this species, I instructed my agent to bring a pair 

 in alive, which he succeeded in doing. The Kiwi having in 

 the meantime become a " protected bird," I applied to the 

 Government for the necessary permission under the Act, 

 explaining at the same time that I had procured the birds 

 at my own expense as a gift to a society of high scientific 

 status, and one which has always been ready to do anything 

 in its power to benefit New Zealand. I assumed, as a matter 

 of course, that a permit would be granted ; but, to my surprise 

 and regret, our present Minister of Education considered it 

 his duty to refuse my request, and I accordingly ordered the 

 birds to be turned loose again. The inconsistency of the mat- 

 ter is that a brisk trade is going on in these birds under the 

 very nose of the authorities — live ones from Nelson having 

 lately been hawked about in Wellington — without any attempt 

 to stop it. 



My Stewart Island collector, Mr. 0. Marklund, who is a 

 very observant man, sends me the following notes: "At the 

 end of July I came down from the hills ; and on this trip I 

 found that the Kiwis were moving down to the lower country 

 — probably for nesting purposes. I should also mention — 

 although it may be already known to you— that I have deter- 

 mined which of the cries are used by either sex. After some 

 practice with a leaf of wild flax held in a certain position 

 between my two thumbs I can fairly well imitate their cry. 

 I have discovered that the best time for these birds is a moon- 

 light night, with the sky somewhat overcast. K it is too light 

 the birds will not leave the scrub. They also object to rainy 

 weather. Though apparently insensible to pain when attacked 

 by a dog, they are naturally very timid. If the moon is 

 bright their own shadow will sometimes cause them un- 

 easiness; indeed, I have seen one make a kick at its own 

 shadow on the ground, accompanied by that peculiar hissing 

 sound they make when confined in a pen. I have noticed also 

 that a smaller bird will always run as hard as his legs will 

 carry him at the least show of anger from a larger and stronger 

 one. By imitating their cry —the deep rasping one being 

 the more successful — I have always had the clear shrill one in 

 response. If in the close neighbourhood, I would then send 



