270 



runcles of the Casttarius galea tus ; the feet and legs, which are very 

 large and strong, are of a pale ash-colour, and exhibit a remarkable 

 peculiarity in the extreme length of the claw of the inner toe on each 

 foot, it being nearly three times the length which it obtains in the 

 claws of the other toes ; this bird also differs from the C. galeatus 

 in having a horny plate instead of a helmet-like protuberance on the 

 top of the head, which callous plate has the character of and resem- 

 bles mother of pearl darkened with black lead ; the form of the bill 

 differs considerably from that of the Emu (Dromaius Novce-Hol- 

 landice), being narrower, longer, and more curved, and in having a 

 black and leathery cere at the base and behind the plate of the head 

 a small tuft of black hair-like feathers, which are continued in 

 greater or lesser abundance over most parts of the neck. 



" The bird is very tame and familiar, and when in a good humour 

 frequently dances about its place of confinement. It is fed upon 

 boiled potatoes and meat occasionally. The egg is about the same 

 size as that of the Emu, and is of a dirty pale yellowish-green co- 

 lour ; I give this description from an egg obtained from the natives 

 by Capt. Devlin. 



" The bird appears to me to approximate more nearly to the Emu 

 than to the Cassowary, and to form the link between those species. 

 In its bearing and style of walking it resembles the former, throw- 

 ing the head forward, and only becoming perfectly erect when run- 

 ning ; it also very much resembles the Apteryx in the carriage of 

 its body, in the style of its motion, and in its attitudes. It has been 

 exhibited by Messrs. Wilcox and Turner in Hunter Street, Sydney. 



" The accurate drawing which accompanies this letter was taken 

 from life by Mr. G. F. Angas, whose correct delineation of objects 

 of natural history is so well known ; it conveys an excellent idea of 

 the bird. 



" Before closing my letter I have again examined the bird, and 

 have to add, that its bill presents a good deal of the character of 

 that of a Rail, and that it utters a peculiar whistling chirping sound ; 

 and I am informed that it also emits a loud one resembling the word 

 ' Muruk,' whence no doubt is derived its native name. The ex- 

 istence of the species in New Britain or some of the neighbouring 

 islands has been suspected for the last three years, and some time 

 since a young specimen was procured, but unfortunately lost over- 

 board during the voyage. 



" Ever, my dear Gould, 



" Your sincere friend, 



"George Bennett." 



As the bird has not yet reached this country, the fact of its being 

 a new species must for the present rest upon Mr. Bennett's authority. 



The account published by Mr. Wall of the discovery of the bird 

 he has named Casuarius australis being but little known in this 

 country, I have thought it might not be uninteresting to the meeting 

 if I give a copy of it here as it appeared in the ' Illustrated Sydney 

 Herald' of June 3, 1854. 



