8980 The Zoologist— May, 1874. 



of the rowi, and in dried specimens is of a dark horn-colour, or at 

 times resembles yellowish ivory, but in life is of a flesh-colour, pale 

 almost to whiteness, the minute blood-vessels of its delicate mem- 

 branous covering imparting a pinkish tinge to its distal end, and a 

 perfect network of minute veins traverse its entire length from the 

 point to the soft bristly integument which clothes its base. About 

 eight lines above the truncated knob of the upper mandible these 

 minute vessels assume a stellate arrangement, from which their 

 delicate ramifications appear to issue. We have observed that the 

 double linear impression on the upper mandible is not always con- 

 stant, as in some specimens the groove deepens into a single line 

 as sharply defined as though marked by a scribing tool. The lower 

 mandible is also furnished with similar minute blood-vessels, most 

 densely crowded towards the point. On the deflected lip of the 

 upper mandible is an impression which in some birds is nearly 

 circular ; others have this mark of almost angular shape. It is 

 probable that a great degree of sensibility is conferred on the 

 elongated bill by its investing membrane, so that the movements of 

 insect prey are readily followed. We can see no reason for mis- 

 taking this elaborately organized bill for an instrument to be used 

 like a pick for digging into hard soil, and we doubt if the kiwi ever 

 leaves the shelter of the bush. The tongue is very short but mus- 

 cular, of angular shape, and can be used in crushing insects against 

 the flat opposed surface of the upper mandible, as the strong muscle 

 on the lower surface gives a great degree of strength. The visual 

 organs, which are feebly developed, are placed so as to command 

 the movements of the upper mandible, and are protected by stiffish 

 cilia ; the ears are well developed, and as an aid in discovering food 

 are next in importance to the olfactories. The long straggling 

 hairs or weak bristles, planted amongst the feathers of the anterior 

 part of the head, fulfil the useful office of protecting the eyes and 

 head from injury ; they may also guide or regulate the force of the 

 thrust given by the bill. In life a perfect guard of feelers, they 

 form a simple kind of defence, in strict harmony with the natural 

 instinct of the kiwi — that of retiring cautiousness. The tarsi and 

 feet, described as yellowish brown in life, are often as while as 

 those of thorough-bred Dorking fowls, though now and then 

 specimens will show a darkish tinge that stains the edges of the 

 tarsal scales. The under surface of the feet are well protected by 

 cushions; the claws, slightly curved, are sharp at their points, 



