448 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



nests on all the cliffs, and here and there a pair of Swifts flew 

 about, evidently having their nests in some crevices. Corn 

 Buntings and Skylarks were most abundant inland, and on 

 several occasions we saw two or three Ringed Plovers feeding on 

 the Brigg. 



ON SOME INTRODUCED BIRDS IN NEW ZEALAND. 

 By T. H. Potts, F.L.S. 



Some particulars about introduced birds seem worth recording, 

 such as the remarkable rate of reproduction in some species, 

 the retrogression — without apparent cause — that may be noticed 

 amongst others. 



The Hedgesparrow, Accentor modularis, is plentiful in the 

 gardens and hedgerows about Christchurch and its suburbs ; it 

 finds such capital shelter in the thick gorse hedges. On Banks' 

 Peninsula it is rarely met with. 



Tlie Song Thrush, Turdus musicus, may be found at Riccarton, 

 near Christchurch, but in most other places it is a rare bird. 

 There were several nests in the gardens at Ohinitalii eighteen 

 years ago, but a cock bird that made its appearance in the 

 summer of lft82-3 was looked upon as a rarity. 



It has been hitherto unexplained why this species should 

 die out, when its congener, the Blackbird, Turdus merula, is so 

 prolific, increasing in numbers wherever there is cultivation or 

 covert to skulk in. About Christchurch it breeds in far too 

 great numbers for the contentment of owners of gardens and 

 orchards, for it attacks most kinds of fruit. Notwithstanding the 

 gun, the trap, and even poison, the Blackbird flourishes. I have 

 known more than one hundred and fifty killed in one strawberry 

 garden in about three months. 



Of the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhimis, the numbers have 

 decreased almost everywhere. Probably many are destroyed 

 during the breeding season, for at that time its attacks on persons 

 are so savage and persistent that it tries peoples' patience too 

 much for its welfare. Native birds have increased since the 

 Magpies have left this district. 



The Rook, Corvus frug'degus, thrives in the suburbs of Christ- 

 church ; it breeds on the taller blue-gums {Eucalyptus). The 



