BIRDS WITHOUT WINGS. 



377 



Christmas table. Specimens may be seen both in the Zoological 

 Gardens of London and Paris. 



The Apteryx Australia, or Wingless Emu the Kiwi of the New 

 Zealanders somewhat resembles a penguin in form, and stands about 

 two feet in height. The only living specimen in Europe lives, I 

 believe, in the London Zoological Gardens. As it does not appear to 

 rank, in scientific classification, with any other family or genus, 



APTERYX AUSTRALIA 



naturalists have erected it into a distinct order the Nullipennes, or 

 Wingless. The wings of the apteryx are literally rudiments ; a mere 

 stump, terminated by a hook. None of his bones are hollow ; he 

 has no abdominal air-cells ; his feathers have no accessory plume ; 

 his feet have a short and elevated hind-toe ; his eyes are small ; 

 he feeds on insects ; and his habits are nocturnal. He is a bird of 

 great physical power, and runs with ostrich-like swiftness ; taking 



