DESCRIPTION OF THE EGGS OF THE KAGU — NORTH. 31 1 



reddish-umber and umber-brown, intermingled with similar but 

 larger underlying markings of a paler tint, and of different shades 

 of inky-grey which predominate, especially on one specimen, at 

 the thicker end. Many of the markings overlie one another, some 

 very distinct, others having a blurred look as if the colour had 

 been laid on with a brush, and had run or been smeared. On one 

 specimen the surface markings are more numerous, on the other 

 the underlying streaks and blotches ; in both, the latter in some 

 places form large confluent patches. Length: — (A) 2-45 x 1-84 

 inches; (B) 2-35 x 186 inches. 



So much do these eggs resemble in colour and character of 

 markings those of a Gull or Tern, that had I not known other- 

 wise, I should have unhesitatingly pronounced them to be one 

 or the other. An accurate idea, however, of the markings on the 

 eggs of the Kagu will be gained on reference to the accompanying 

 Plate 1., where they are figured of the natural size. 



