APTERYX, OR Kl'm-KIWl.—'Apteryx aralwlis. 



in my possession, I had ample opportunity of bearing all the notes uttereil by them. I 

 never heard them utter a sound like ' jMooruk.' I am inclined to consider the name 

 signifies, in the native language, ' swift ' — resembling closely the iMalay term ' a nnick,' or 

 mad career." 



In the same work is much more curious and valuable information respecting this bird, 

 and to its pages the reader is referred for further information concerning this and many 

 other objects of natural history. 



The Mooruk is not devoid of offensive weapons, for it can kick ver}' .sharply, delivering 

 the stroke forward like the ostrich, and deriving much aid from the long-pointed claw 

 which has alread}- been mentioned. Its attitudes are much Biore various, audits form more 

 flexible, than woidd be supposed by persons who have not seen the bird in a living state. 

 Sometimes it squats down with the legs bent under it, and so sits upright like a dog that 

 has been taught to " beg ; " sometimes it lies on its side, stretching the legs straight 

 behind it ; sometimes it flattens itself against the ground, its legs tucked under its body, 

 and its head and neck stretched at full length on the ground. Tliis latter position is a 

 favourite one. Like the emen, it is often taken with an ebullition of joyousness, and then 

 daslies about its inclosure as if half mad, jumps against a tree or post, trying to kick it at 

 a great height from tlie ground, and tumbling flat on its back when it misses its aim. 

 Then it wlLI suddenly cease its vagaries, and walk about very composedly, but panting 

 for breath with ojien bdl. 



This bird may be distinguished from the cassowary by the four (instead of five) spines 

 of the wings, and the shape of the helmet. 



Perhaps the very strangest and most wehd-like of all living birds is the Apteeyx, or 

 Kiwi-Eawi 



2. U u • 



