140 



MUTTON BIRDS 



CHAPTER XVII. 

 THE BELL-BIRD. 



iT is inevitable that the native birds of 

 New Zealand must suffer in the im- 

 mediate future a still further decrease 

 in their numbers. Already, as has- 

 been pointed out, the vast propor- 

 tion of the warmer and more fertile lands 

 have been settled, and the indigenous species 

 expelled therefrom. For many years, however, 

 our native birds have enjoyed a respite 

 owing to the dilatory policy adopted in regard 

 to the Native Lands of the North Island. 

 This cannot continue, and within a short period 

 these blocks too will be thrown open to settle- 

 ment. Within twenty-five years, perhaps, only 

 the most inaccessible and barren open lands, the 

 forests valueless for timber, and growing on 

 soils worthless for farming purposes, and the 

 low-lying swamp lands, will remain. With an 

 area of wilderness thus restricted, the food 

 supply will, both in quality and quantity, be 

 curtailed in a still greater degree. 



Even under these adverse conditions, however, 

 something can be done, and the planting of trees 

 and shrubs capable of yielding nectar and 

 berries would well repay the labour involved. 



