JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 23 
THE CUCKOO. 
There are two very different kinds of Cuckoo in New Zealand, 
both as regards color, size and general habits; the only common 
characteristic, making them both Cuckoos, being they are both rob- 
bers of the basest sort, stealing the home of smaller birds, the fruit 
of long and patient toil. The nest in which a single Cuckoo egg, by 
either the long tailed or the bronze Cuckoo, is deposited, is usually 
that of the “‘ Gray Warbler,” a bird not over one-third the size of the 
conscienceless invader. The larger bird of the Cuckoo breed soon 
ejects the smaller offspring of the rightful owners of the nest, and 
then receives their sole attention till he is fully matured and made 
ready by the innocent victims of his parent’s knavery, to go forth 
himself to perpetuate the dishonesty and thieving propensity of his 
ancestors. 
CROWS. 
The Crow is a very different bird from the American species 
in appearance. His habits, however, much more than color or 
form, assign him a place in the Crow family. He is like all his 
cousins, inquisitive, shy and crafty. The notes of the male are 
loud and varied. The most noticeable one is a long drawn organ 
note of great depth and richness. Sometimes his notes resemble 
the soft tolling of a bell. Its wings are small and rounded, and its 
flight therefore feeble and limited to very short distances. They 
prefer passing over the ground on foot, hopping as they go, usually 
in single file, if there are several of them. They will follow their 
leader like a flock of sheep. If the first bird should have occasion 
to leap over a stone or fallen tree in the line of march, every bird 
in the procession does not fail to follow the example to the very 
letter, and do exactly what has been done by the one ahead 
of him. 
THE TUI OR PARSON-BIRD. 
This bird is about the size of our large Canadian Black-bird. 
The early colonists nick-named him Parson-bird, because of the 
tufts of white feathers which adorn his throat, with their fancied 
resemblance to clerical bands. It is said, however, that in more 
striking appearances he resembles the forcible preacher, for when 
indulging in his strain of wild notes it gesticulates in a manner sug- 
