i bi 
860 Transactions.—- Zoology. 
hollandie." When I was in London, Dr. Finsch courteously forwarded me 
the same drawings for examination, but, as stated at page 277 of * The Birds 
of New Zealand, I was unable to accept his conclusions, my bird being 
entirely distinct from the so-called type which I had seen in the Mainz 
Museum. The explanation now offered puts the matter in.a perfectly clear 
light; and both pomare (Bruch) and melanorhyncha (mihi) having been 
previously employed for other species, our b'ack-billed gull must stand as 
Larus bulleri, Hutton, under which name it is described and figured in my 
work. 
Art. XLVIL.—On a further Occurrence of the Australian Tree Swallow (Hylo- 
chelidon nigricans) in New Zealand. By Warmer L. Buruzn, C.M.G., 
D.Sc. 
{Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 17th August, 1878.] 
In the ‘ Birds of New Zealand’ I have recorded two distinct occurrences of 
the Tree Swallow in this country as a visitant from Australia. In the 
summer of 1851, Mr. F. Jollie observed a flight of swallows at Wakapuaka, 
in the vicinity of Nelson, and succeeded in shooting one; and on the 14th 
March, 1856, a specimen was shot by Mr. Lea, at Taupata, near Cape 
Farewell. This is still preserved in the Otago Museum. It would appear 
from some observations made by the late Sir David Monro, at a meeting of 
this Society in February, 1875,* that there have been other instances of 
its occurrence in Nelson. Having reference, no doubt, to the same bird, I 
have lately received the following interesting communication from a gentle- 
man in Blenheim :— 
“22nd June, 1878. 
“Dr. W. L. Burrzzs, Wellington. 
* Dear Sir—Knowing the great interest you take in the ornithology of New Zealand, 
I wish to bring under your notice the following :— 
* On Sunday, the 9th instant, about two miles from Blenheim, on the bank of the 
Opawa River, I saw the first martin I have met with in New Zealand. The bird was 
hawking after insects close to the ground in a ploughed field. I was accompanied by two 
residents in Blenheim at the time, and we watched it closely for some time. It passed us 
at one time within a few yards. There was no mistaking either the appearance or the 
flight of the bird. It seemed to me more like the English house martin than the common 
Australian martin. It seemed, however, dingier in the black than the English bird, and 
rather smaller—more like the sand-martin, indeed. 
“ Unfortunately I was absent from the district for some days after seeing it, but 
since returning I have carefully watched for its re-appearance. I have not again seen the 
bird, so presume it has shifted its quarters. & 
“I shall be glad to hear from you if you have had any notice sent you of the appear: 
ance of the martin in New Zealand.--I am, dear Sir, yours truly, 
“J, R. W. Coor” 
* Trans. N.Z. Inst., Vol. VIL, p. 510, 
