114 Recent Ornithological Publications. 



Apteryx said by the Maories to have been identical with a New 

 Zealand species, and also, according to their accounts, a smaller 

 species of the same bird (though I believe this to be the Rallus 

 dieffenbachi) , the Weka {Octjdromus australis), and the Kakapo 

 {Strif/ops habroptilus) were found on both islands, but have 

 become extinct since their invasion by the New Zealanders [in 

 1832 or 1835]. Mr. Hunt informed me that the last time he 

 had seen the Bittern was about three years ago. The land-birds 

 now found are a large Falcon, the Pigeon, the Tui or Parson- 

 bird, the Pukeko {Porphyria melanotus), the Parrakeet [Platy- 

 cercus novcE-zealandice) , the Fantail, the Pihoihoi or Lark, and a 

 small Titmouse, all identical with birds of the same species 

 found in New Zealand. I was told by Mr. Hunt that the Pigeon 

 was first seen on the islands within the last eight years, and 

 that the Titmouse appeared shortly after the occurrence of 

 the great fire in Australia, known as the ' Black Thursday Fire.' 

 Mr. Hunt is a very careful and trustworthy person ; and as his 

 statement relative to the Pigeon was confirmed by the Maories, I 

 have full reason for believing what he told me, in regard to both 

 birds, to be true. Of aquatic birds, I saw the Grey Duck, the 

 Brown Teal, and two species of Shag common in New Zealand, 

 and a large number of Gulls and other sea-birds similar to those 

 which frequent the coasts of that country. Mutton-birds were 

 extraordinarily numerous on a rock known as the Fort, lying 

 between Chatham and Pitt's Islands. During my journey round 

 Chatham Island, of which T have given you an account above, I 

 saw a peculiar Teal on one of the lagoons near the Red Bluff. 

 This bird had bright scarlet markings on the wings. I fired at 

 it ; but, owing to the great dampness of the weather, the gun I 

 had with me hung fire, and I missed the bird. I never saw 

 another specimen, and was informed that it was very uncommon. 

 The number of land-birds of all kinds, however, is extremely 

 limited ; indeed it is rare to meet with any at all during a whole 

 day's walk in the bush, I attribute their destruction principally 

 to wild cats, the progeny of imported animals, although I was 

 informed that a species of Gull or Sea-Havvk also attacks the 

 land-birds, and is especially destructive to poultry.'' 



It would be very desirable, if possible, to ascertain precisely 



