DISTRIBUTION. 143 



The land thus seems to have been elevated and again 

 depressed, leaving it very much in its present condition. 



This closer connection between the two groups of islands 

 may explain the presence of Kea fossils on the Chathams. 



This theory, however, only adds mystery to the strange fact 

 that no Keas or Kea-fossils have ever been found in the North 

 Island, situated only 15 miles away. 



THE KEA'S EXTINCTION. 



As early as 1888, Sir W. Buller says that he is certain that 

 these interesting birds would soon be extinct, but in spite of 

 the thousands that have been killed they are still common in 

 the mountainous country of the South Island. No doubt the 

 almost inaccessible position of their nests, and the rough nature 

 of the country in which they live, are responsible for their 

 preservation. 



When harassed they often retreat to the most inaccessible 

 fastnesses of the Alps. Here they are practically safe,, for 

 this exceedingly rough country can never be of much use 

 except for scenic purposes. It is, therefore, doubtful if the 

 Kea will become extinct for many years to come. 



If, however, closer settlement of the land, accompanied by 

 the destruction of the foi-est and the systematic slaughter now 

 going on. should threaten to exterminate the Keas, I would 

 suggest that, in order to prevent these interesting birds from 

 becoming absolutely lost to the scientific world, a number of 

 them should be placed on one of the outlying islands, where 

 they could live and flourish without doing injury to any one. 

 The most suitable islands, as far as I can ascertain, are the 

 Aucklands, which lie 190 miles south-by-west from the most 

 southerly point of Stewart Island. There would be very little 

 chance of the birds returning to the mainland ; and though the 

 hills rise to a height of about 2,000ft. only, there seems to be 

 enough forest and high country to make a very satisfactory 

 reserve for these interesting parrots. 



ATTACKING OTHER ANIMALS. 

 Though the sheep are favourite objects of the Kea's attack, 

 it does not seem to confine itself to them, for several instances 



