472 MR.P.L.SCLATER ON OCYDROMUS SYLVESTRIS. [ Noy. 11, 
graculina’), and the “ Wood-hen.”’ The last-named bird reminded me 
of a “ Corn-crake.” It is said that there was formerly a large Pigeon 
on the island, now extinct. A Red-tailed Tropic Bird (Phaéton 
phenicurus) was procured ; but the oceanic birds, as far as noticed, 
were the same as those usually inhabiting the Australian seas. The 
“‘Wood-hen” is very peculiar in its habits, and the observations I 
made are as follows:—When ascending the mountain the guide 
stopped suddenly, as a note like two rasps of a saw was heard at 
some distance among the loose stones and ferns, and exclaimed ‘‘ That 
is a Wood-hen.”’ He then imitated the note of the bird, and the 
Wood-hen replied. He again tried the imitation, but the bird was 
silent. Another guide accompanying us then struck the back of the 
tomahawk against a tree ; again the bird answered ; further strokes of 
the tomahawk were useless, no reply could be obtained. Then a dog 
was made to bark, and with effect ; the call of the bird was again 
heard, and again and again as often as the sounds were made and 
varied. At each time it was apparent that the bird was approaching 
nearer and nearer to our position, until the bird ran vut, apparently 
quite confused and bewildered, close to our feet. The dog that 
accompanied us, and which had been kept back, was then set at 
liberty ; he seized the bird and immediately killed it; otherwise it 
might have been captured alive. It was mentioned that had the dog 
been kept back and stones thrown at the bird, it would, on being 
merely grazed by one, retreat but show itself again immediately. 
It appears that the noise made to attract the bird must be constantly 
varied, one continuous sound having no effect; chorus or scraps of 
songs, crowing of a cock, or any other noise with which the 
““Wood-hen”’ is unacquainted will attract its attention and draw the 
bird towards you; and the guide stated that even if a gun was fired 
all the “‘ Wood-hens”’ within hearing would show themselves. This 
being so, no wonder they are becoming scarce, and will, no doubt, 
be soon extinct.’ ”’ 
In reference to this -Jetter, Mr. P. L: Sclater exhibited a stuffed 
specimen of the so-called “ Wood-hen,’’ which had been mounted 
from an example in spirits transmitted by Dr. Bennett to the Royal 
College of Surgeons. Mr. Sclater stated that, as suggested in the 
letter, the bird was evidently a Rail of the genus Ocydromus, but 
apparently of a new species, for which he proposed the name 
OcypROMUS SYLVESTRIS, sp. nov. (Plate XXXV.) 
Oleagineo-fuscus fere unicolor, subtus via dilutior, capitis latert- 
bus et guttyre cineraceo paulum lavatis : remigibus rufis nigro 
anguste transfasciatis : rostro et pedibus obscure corneis : long. 
tota 11:0, ale 5°2, caude 2°2, rostri a rictu 2:0, tarsi 2:0. 
Hab. in insula “‘ Lord Howe”’ dicta, maris Australiani. 
Remarks.—This Ocydremus is readily distinguishable from O. 
australis and O. earlei of New Zealand by its small size, and by the 
rufous colour of the wings, which are narrowly banded across with 
black. Besides the New-Zealand species, the only other member of 
this genus known to me is the O. /afresnayanus of New Caledonia, 
