136 Dr. G. Bennett on a Grallatorial Bird 



chance of killing it. It would suddenly appear from amongst 

 the trees, close to the ground^ and seizing its victim, retire to 

 the bush, where the sportsman stands but a very poor chance of 

 seeing the bird before being seen by it. 



XTII. — Notes on a living specimen of a singular Grallatorial Bird 

 from New Caledonia. By Dr. George Bennett, F.Z.S.* 



I REACHED Sydney on the 12th of November, having left 

 Southampton on the 20th of September. A few days after my 

 arrival, I observed a bird in the aviary at the Botanic Gardens 

 here, which appears to me to be new. This living specimen 

 and another, now set up in the Sydney Museum, were received 

 as presents from M. Des Planches, Surgeon of H.I. M.S. 

 " Sibylle,'^ who brought them from New Caledonia. This bird 

 is said to be plentiful there near the sea-coast, and is named by 

 the natives Kagu. It has a large and handsome crest, which is 

 always carried depressed, and which we could only get it to 

 elevate by frightening it on placing a Hawk in the same com- 

 partment with it. Upon this being done, after running about, 

 the bird elevated its crest ; but I could not observe that it 

 spread it out to any extent, although, on examining the stuffed 

 specimen, the crest appears capable of being spread out as well as 

 of being simply raised, as may be seen in the drawing sent here- 

 with. The second drawing represents the crest in repose. The 

 head and crest are of a light greyish colour, the longer feathers 

 of the crest being of a lighter tint. The back, neck, and wing- 

 coverts are of a dark penciled grey with brown markings, the 

 latter varying according to age, and the long pinion feathers 

 when spread are elegantly barred with reddish brown. On being 

 chased the bird runs with great rapidity, never attempting to fly. 

 On being caught it uttered a loud screaming noise, and it was 

 only on such an occasion that it was ever heard to utter any 

 sound. The form of the bird, together with the peculiar beak 

 and Rail-like feet, are well displayed in the sketches, which have 

 been kindly made for me by Mr. G. Krefft, the Assistant Curator 



* From a letter acldressecl by Dr. Bennett to the Editor, dated Sydney, 

 November 21st, 1860. 



