80 COLLECTOR'S RAMBLES 



steep trails of Yosemite Valley, and scaled the high 

 granite peaks in that vicinity ; wandered over the 

 Nevada desert mountains, covered with loose stones 

 and light volcanic sand, where one sinks ankle deep at 

 every step ; but with all these, I have never before 

 or since pulled myself up such steeps as the sides of 

 these New Zealand mountains. It seemed as if I should 

 expire of thirst before reaching the top. At half-past 

 one A.M., thoroughly exhausted, we arrived at the 

 summit. A short distance down, on the other side of 

 the ridge, we found a small spring. No one, unless 

 similarly situated, can appreciate our pleasure in 

 drinking. 



We built a large fire, and all lay down to sleep. I 

 was awakened early by a shot fired by one of the party, 

 and, looking up, I saw a number of large, bright-colored 

 parrots on a neighboring tree. I soon had the satisfac- 

 tion of bringing down two birds in excellent plumage. 

 They were not very wild, and we shot most of the flock. 

 They turned out to be a bird I had long wanted to see 

 alive, the Kea {Nestor notabilis), interesting from the 

 fact that it is the only flesh-eating parrot known. By 

 some strange freak they have deserted their native 

 food of nuts and wild fruits for mutton. They do not 

 take the trouble to kill their intended victim, but 

 quietly perch upon his back, and with their strong, 

 sharp beaks, tear away the wool and skin, and devour 

 the flesh arid fat of the living sheep. 



