64. THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 
On showing to my neighbours and narrating my experience to 
them, they remarked it was very strange, but I maintained my 
opinion against all that I had got a real Victorian Cuckoo. 
The bird thrived with me well, and was fed on meat and hard 
boiled egg, but though well cared for seemed to suffer much from 
the weather when it became cold, and in the month of June died, 
as I think from its effects. 
I may remark that at the time of discovery I had no knowledge 
that there was such a bird known inthis colony, and this, coupled 
with my friends’ total ignorance in the matter, led me to take a 
very considerable amount of interest which I otherwise would not 
have done. 
With best wishes I have the honour to remain, 
Yours faithfully, 
Furnprers, WersTERNPORT, J. 8. SMITH. 
August 14th, 1885. 
ANECDOTE OF A DUCKLING. 
Wuen out fishing the other day, we heard the loud chirping of some 
bird, and presently spied a little black duckling swimming about in 
front of us. It seemed attracted by our voices and anxious to land. 
I tried imitating a duck’s call. It was avery poor attempt, but 
much to our astonishment the little thing came and landed close to 
us. I made a clutch at it, but it slipped back into the water, and 
dived out of my hand. When up, it dived once more, and swam 
away for about fifty yards. I called again, when it turned and came 
straight back. I sat quite still, when the Jittle creature landed, 
came round some tossacks and sat down beside me. I may mention 
that a black duck and four ducklings had been seen about an hour 
before, a little further down the river. She had evidently been 
alarmed and left this one behind. It seemed about a day old, but 
was wonderfully knowing for its age. We took it home, snugly 
tucked up. When taken out it refused to feed, but began preening 
its feathers, and then nestled in my hand. It caused much amuse- 
ment next morning by following me about, tumbling out of its box, 
and off the table, and coming where it heard voices, round corners, 
over flower beds, and through borders. It is domesticated with a 
white duck and her family, has been with her now for ten days, and 
seems quite contented. 
6th Nov., 1884. J. A. H. 
