292 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



is due to the introduction of a carnivorous animal 

 into the island ; whilst the introduced mongoose 

 is also hastening the extermination not only of 

 an allied species, but of a Vulture, the Turkey 

 Buzzard (Cathartes aura), which from its terres- 

 trial nesting habits is powerless to save its eggs 

 and young from destruction. 



Again, there are many threatened species in N'^w 

 Zealand and the Chatham Islands, to say nothing 

 of the innumerable islands of the Pacific. In some 

 of these remote spots, however, it is consoling to 

 know that the birds are protected to some extent. 

 We believe the French have passed a law for the 

 protection of birds in all islands over which they 

 have authority ; in the Chatham Islands, Mr. 

 Chudleigh, we are informed, is doing all he can to 

 preserve the birds, and will not allow them to be 

 shot on his property. It is to be hoped that British 

 influence may also make itself felt, not only in the 

 islands of the Pacific, but on many another shore 

 in remote parts of the world where the birds are 

 being exterminated. A few years ago an important 

 movement was inaugurated for the preservation of 

 the native birds of New Zealand ; a memorandum 

 being drawn up by Lord Onslow, the then Governor 

 of the colon}^, and presented to both Houses of the 



