32 A BOOK OF BIRDS 



The list of the peculiarities of the Apteryx is not yet exhausted ; 

 for it is remarkable for the relatively enormous size of its egg, which, 

 in proportion to the size of the bird, exceeds all other eggs. Only 

 one egg is laid in any one season. Within a very few years the 

 Apteryx will probably be as extinct as the Dodo, and this owing to 

 the destruction wrought by stoats and weasels which have, most 

 unwisely, been introduced into New Zealand. 



