WOOD AND WASTE 97 



We have noticed in Budget this attitude 

 of defiance displayed also to ourselves. When 

 sparring in play they will strike at each 

 other's breasts with their outstretched feet, 

 much in the same manner that cocks engage. 

 We have had to be very strict about 

 Budget's ''followers," and she is under no 

 circumstances allowed to meet them on the 

 lawn or garden. 



''Toddy," "Jack," and "Gill" have gone, 

 and in a way their disappearance is a 

 relief, for hosts of other Pukekos, their 

 friends, were descending upon us, nearly 

 forty coming down in a body one after- 

 noon from the terrace lands above the 

 house. 



Budget still remains, retiring every evening 

 to her roost in the raupo, and every morn- 

 ing returning to her friends, and home, 

 and honeysuckle hedge. 



Pukekos are very human pets, and do, I 

 believe, really care for their friends, apart 

 from material considerations. "Gill," for 

 instance, loved to be taken up and have 

 her head and neck tickled, and would cuddle 



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