422 CURSORES. 



The type of tlie race is — 



The New Zealand Apteryx (Apteryx Australis). In 

 this remurkahle \nrd there is scarcely the slightest trace 

 of wings, a pecnharity which has gained for it the title 

 i){ Apteryx, or wingless. It is chiefly met with in the 

 southern parts of the interior of New Zealand, Ivhere it 

 is called by the natives " Kivi Kivi," in imitation of its 

 cry. When seized, it defends itself vigorously wdth its 

 pow^erful feet. Its activity is nocturnal, and it feeds 

 principally upon earthworms, which it captures by 

 driving its long bill into the soil, first of all, according to 

 some authors, stamping upon the ground to ascertain the 

 presence of its prey. These birds live in pairs, and con- 

 struct a rough nest in the holes which they ordinarily 

 frequent ; in this the female lays a single egg, about the 

 size of that of a goose. 



The favourite localities frequented by the Apteryx are 

 those covered with extensive dense beds of fern, among 

 which it conceals itself during the day. In running, it 

 sets its head rather back, raises its neck, and plies its legs 

 with a vigour little inferior to that of the Ostrich ; it is 

 remarkably fleet of foot, and dives among the hea\y fern- 

 eaves with singvdar adroitness. While undisturbed, the 

 head is carried far back in the shoulders, with the bill 

 pointing to the ground ; but when pursued it runs with 

 great swiftness, carrying its head elevated like the Ostrich. 

 It is asserted to be almost exclusively nocturnal in its 

 habits, and it is by torchlight that it is hunted with 

 spears by the natives, by whom it is sought for with the 

 utmost avidity. Its flesh is much esteemed by the New^ 

 Zealanders, but a still higher value is placed upon the 

 feathers and skins, which are employed in the manufac- 

 ture of dresses for the chiefs, and no inferior person is 

 permitted to wear them ; indeed, so much are they pi'ized, 

 that the natives cannot be induced to part wdth them. 

 The feathers are also employed to construct artificial flies 

 for the capture of fish, precisely after the European 

 manner. 



When attacked, the Apteryx defends itself very ^igor- 

 ously, striking rapid and dangerous blows with its jjower- 

 ful feet. The plumage is composed of rather curiously- 

 shaped flat feathers, each being wdde, and furnished with 



