APPENDIX. 



569 



which the name of Apteryx australis has long been erro- 

 neously apphed. This bird differs from the original Apteryx 

 australis of Dr. Shaw in its smaller size, its darker and more 

 rufous colour, its lonyer tarsus which is scutulated in front, its 

 shorter toes and claws, which are dark horn-coloured, its 

 smaller wings, which have much stronger and thicker quills, 

 and also in having long straggling hairs on the face. I may, 

 however, remark, that although individuals of this species 

 differ much in size, depending probably on age, sex, &c., I 

 have found no exception to the distinctive characters above 

 given, I therefore propose the name of Apteryx mantelli for 

 the smaller and more common species — a humble effort to 

 commemorate the exertions of Walter Mantell, Esq., to whom 

 we are indebted for so many valuable discoveries in the natu- 

 ral history of New Zealand. 



" I subjoin a short description of the two species, in order 

 that they may be more readily recognized. 



Apteryx mantelli. 

 Colour, dark rufous brown, 

 darkest on the back. 



inches 



Entire length 23 



Bill from forehead .... 4 



Tarsus (scutulated) .... 2| 



Middle toe and claw ... 2^ 



Middle claw longest, all the 



claws dark born-colour. Wings 



with strong thick quills ; face 



with long straggling hairs. 



" The entire length being taken from skins, I consider of 

 little value ; the entire length of a bird ought always to be 

 taken before a bird is skinned. 



" In conclusion I would remark that the Apteryx australis 

 belonging to Dr. Mantell was collected by his son in Dusky 

 Bay, and I have been informed by Dr. Gray that the original 

 bird described by Dr. Shaw was brought from the same 



Apteryx australis. 

 Colour, pale greyish-brown, 



darkest on the back. 



inches. 



Entire length 30 



Bill from forehead .... 6 

 Tarsus (reticulated) ... 2^- 

 Middle toe and claw ... 3| 

 Wings with soft slender quills ; 



face with short hairs. 



