226 Essays. 
Apteryx australis, A. oweni, A. mantelli, and ‘A. maxima; and it is not im- 
probable that on the West Coast of the South Island there exists another, 
closely resembling A. oweni, but distinguished by its smaller size, more slender 
legs, and straighter bill. 
Only two examples of Apteryx australis are recorded*—the original bird 
figured by Dr. Shaw, in 1813, under that name, and deposited in the Earl of 
Derby's collection, and another specimen forwarded to Europe by Mr. 
Mantell—both of which were obtained from Dusky Bay, in the Otago 
Province. This species may therefore be regarded as belonging to the 
extreme south. 
Apteryx oweni was first described by Mr. Gould, in 1847, from a specimen 
obtained by Mr. F. Strange. The range of this species appears to be 
restricted to the South Island. It is still comparatively plentiful in the 
wooded mountainous country of the Nelson Province. 
Apteryx mantelli is the common kiwi of the North Island. It has long 
since disappeared from the inhabited country, but in the retired hilly 
districts it is still to be found; and it is an interesting fact in connection 
with the geographic distribution of species, that on a small wooded island in 
the Hauraki Gulf, known as the Little Barrier, and rising about 1,000 feet 
above the level of the sea, this bird is still comparatively numerous although 
it no longer exists on the neighbouring mainland. 
Apteryx maxima is described by Mr. Rochfort, the Provincial Surveyor of 
Nelson, as “a kiwi, about the size of a turkey—very powerful, having spurs 
on his legs—which, when attacked by a dog, defends himself so well as 
frequently to come off victorious.” The natives distinguish it as the 
roaroa. 
But in addition to those we have enumerated, there is evidence of the 
existence of another large bird, probably of the struthious order, which may 
either belong to this family or may prove to be a living representative of one 
of the forms hitherto presumed to be extinct. The writer is indebted to 
Dr. Haast for the following information on the subject :—" I believe I have 
convincing proof that in those never before trodden alpine forests (Canter- 
bury Province) there exists a large kiwi, the existence of which, till at 
present, was quite unknown. I have heard many times the roa, the large 
kiwi of the West Coast, but his call is like the ery of a child to the voice of 
a powerful man when compared to the call which we heard in the Alps, while 
* Since the above was written, Dr. Hector (in whose collection are two specimens, 
male and female, of this bird) has favoured the writer with the following interesting 
note :—“ Apteryx australis is the tokoeka of the Maoris. It is to be found to the north of 
ord Sound, but is tolerably abundant in the woods west of Te Anau Lake, and as far 
south as Preservation Inlet. It is easily recognized by its ery, which is similar to the 
kiwi's (Apteryx oweni), but louder and less shrill.” 
