APTERTX, OR KIWI-KIWI.— '^pierj/a; anstrnlU 



in my possession, I had ample opportunity of hearing all tlie notes uttered by them. I 

 never heard tliem utter a sound like ' IVIooruk.' I am inclined to consider tlie name 

 signifies, in the native language, 'swift' — resembling closely the Malay term 'a muck,' or 

 mad career." 



In the same work is much more curious and valuable information respecting this bird, 

 and to its pages the reader is referred for further information concerning this and many 

 other objects of natural history. 



The jMooruk is not devoid of offensive weapons, for it can kick very sharply, delivering 

 the stroke forward like the ostrich, and deriving much aid from the long-pointed claw 

 which has already been mentioned. Its attitudes are much more various, and its form more 

 flexible, than would be supposed by persons who have not seen the bird in a living state. 

 Sometimes it squats down with the legs bent under it, and so sits upright like a dog that 

 has been taught to " beg ; " sometimes it lies on its side, stretching the legs straight 

 behind it ; sometimes it flattens itself against the ground, its legs tucked under its body, 

 and its head and neck stretched at full length on the ground. This latter position is a 

 favourite one. Like the emeu, it is often taken with an ebullition of joyousness, and tlieii 

 dashes aljout its inclosure as if half mad, jumps against a tree or post, tiyiug to kick it at 

 a great height from the ground, and tumbling flat on its back when it misses its aim. 

 Then it wall suddenly cease its vagaries, and walk about very composedly, but panting 

 for breath with open bill. 



This bird may be distinguished from the cassowary by the four (instead of five) spines 

 of the wings, and the shape of the helmet. 



Perhaps the very strangest and most weird-like of all living birds is the Apteryx, or 

 Kiwi-Kiwi. 



2. TT IT 



