90 BIRDS OF THE A¥ATER 



reappearance of tlie sun, and when again it 

 shines forth, instantly he whips roimd and 

 expands his wings to get the fullest heat. 

 ''When in doubt have a bath" is the 

 family motto of the Pukeko tribe. It is 

 Budget's balm of consolation, when he has 

 been gently requested not to cuddle down 

 on mj^ best herbaceous clumps, solace when 

 he has been badly startled by the stooping 

 pigeons, the crowning mercy after a full 

 meal; in fact, like tobacco, it is a lone 

 Pukeko 's companion, a bachelor Pukeko 's 

 friend, a hungry Pukeko 's food, a sad 

 Pukeko 's cordial, a wakeful Pukeko 's 

 sleep, a chilly Pukeko 's fire. 



He still allows one beloved friend to 

 catch and put him to bed, crouching the 

 while in the long grass, and wagging his 

 dear old head from side to side as if in 

 remonstrance.* He does not like the coop, 

 still necessary for his safety, and knows 



Note. — One good turn deserves another, and Budget at a 

 later date returned to this particular friend a small torquoise 

 brooch missed and given up for lost. The bird had no doubt 

 picked it up, attracted by the colour of the stones, and was, 

 when observed, standing near the fowlhouse gate with the brooch 

 in its bill. 



