54 Transactions. 
14. Herr Finsch’s notes on the Platycerci are very valuable, as they con- 
tain the results of careful research among that section of birds. 
With regard, however, to Platycercus fosteri, Finsch, I may observe that 
the absence of the red spots on the sides of the uropygium can scarcely be 
deemed a sufficient specific character, for the extent of these markings varies 
considerably in different examples. In very young birds they are scarcely 
apparent. 
Admitting the specific validity of Platycercus unicolor, Vig., 1 doubt very 
much whether it can be regarded as a New Zealand bird. Herr Finsch 
allows that it is of “unknown origin,” and none of the collections in this 
country contain specimens of it. 
Platycercus alpinus, Buller, from the wooded heights of the South Island, 
has oa been added to the list of species. (See “ Ibis,” 1869.) 
. The statement by Mr. Gould, referred to in the “Essay,” (p. 18), 
me x found in Gould's “Introduction to the Birds of Australia,” as pub- 
lished in the separate form. The following is the passage :—“ The family 
Cuculide is very fairly represented in Australia, since we there find species 
belonging to the greater number of the Old World genera, and one Scythrops, 
which has not hitherto, I believe, been found elsewhere; each of which, with 
the exception of Centropus and Eudynamys, like their prototypes, are parasitic 
in their nidification, and depend upon other birds for the hatching of their 
eggs and the feeding of their offspring.” (Page 67.) 
16. The remarks in the “Essay” on Chrysococcyr, although they may 
coincide with Mr. G. R. Gray’s views, were the result of an actual examination 
and comparison of specimens. Mr. Gould, the best authority on Australian 
birds, has the following observations on the subject, in his recent “ Hand- 
book," (Vol. I., p. 623) :—* The New Zealand Lamprococcyxr lucidus being 
now considered distinet from the species found in New South Wales, it 
becomes necessary to determine which specifie appellation was first applied 
to the latter: this I believe to be Chrysococeyx plagosus of Latham, which 
I therefore adopt;" and again (page 627), “ After a careful examination, I 
have come to the conclusion that the stout-billed bird is the C. plagosus of 
Latham, and that the narrow-billed one is identical with the Javan species, 
to which Horsfield gave the appellation of C. basalis. Having the type 
specimen of C. basalis, New Zealand skins to which the specific term lucidus 
was originally applied, and examples of C. plagosus, wherewith to compare ' 
it, I am the more certain of being correct in these conclusions." 
: 17. Dieffenbach was in error in supposing that Eudynamis taitensis lays 
its eggs in the nest of Rhipidura flabellifera; and Mr. Ramsay is equally 
ae : mipékenin varient this species the nest of Anthornis melanura. 
avail themselves of He lege pen 
