110 T'rransactions.— 2001097. 
C. modestus is a smaller bird than R. dieffenbachii, while the bills of the two 
are of nearly the same length ; but in all Rails the legs and feet attain the full 
size very early, and long before the bill acquires its full length. R. dieffenbachii 
is also closely related in colour and form to R. pectoralis, while the skeleton of 
C. modestus differs largely from that of R. pectoralis. It is needless to pursue 
the subject further, but I must say that itis much to be regretted that the 
skin of C. modestus, which is one of the most curious of New Zealand birds, 
should have been sent to Dr. Buller, in England, on purpose that it might be 
figured, and that it has been returned to New Zealand with the remark that 
it is the young of a bird already figured in his book, and without its having 
been submitted to Dr. Finsch, who, as Dr. Buller is aware, is engaged on a 
book on the birds of New Zealand. 
Art. XXIV.—Notes on the New Zealand Wood-hens (Ocydromus). 
By Capt. F. W. Ноттох, C.M.Z.S 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 22nd September, 1873.] 
1.—0. troglodytes, От]. 
The distinguishing marks of this species are its large size, the general 
olivaceous tint of its plumage, the middle tail-feathers having generally a 
black streak down the shaft, and the primary feathers of the wing tapering 
towards the point. 
. Height of Middle we, 
Wing. . Tail, Culmen. I "Tarsus. withou 
at base. dee 
Mab - o I8 48 2:0 83 2°5 2:4 
Female ... 67 44 PI 7 2:1 2:15 
2.— 0. hectori, sp. nov. 
In size and style of colouring this bird resembles O. troglodytes, but its 
bill is more robust, its general hue is isabella brown, or fawn-coloured ; the 
primary feathers of the wing are rounded at the tip, and the brown bands on 
the webs are very narrow, sometimes becoming obsolete. The tail is coloured 
as in 0. troglodytes. 
` Height of Middle toe, 
Wing. Tail, Culmen. ien Tarsus. without 
at base. claw. 
Male `... 78 48 2:3 92 28 2:2 
This species is described from a single specimen only, and more must be 
obtained before we can feel sure whether it should stand as a separate species, 
or only as a sub-species of O. troglodytes. The specimen was obtained by 
Mr. Morton, near the Te Anau Lake, in Otago. 
