849 Transactions.—Z oology. 
to happen in the case of large well-bred fowls, but rather with those of a 
very inferior type, such as are generally seen at Native villages. 
“ The specimens I observed most closely were some belonging to two 
Native chiefs at Wairoa, Aporo and Waretini. I several times had these 
birds in my hands, for they were quite tame. I remarked that in all cases 
they were female birds, smaller than the hens they had been hatched under, 
and presenting mixed characters, those of the Weka largely predominating. 
They had the head and body more elongated than in ordinary fowls; there 
was a total absence of comb ; and the wings, which were feebly developed, 
had a covering of hairy feathers of a rich reddish-brown, transversely 
marked with black, as in the true Weka. The tail also was short, and like 
that of a Rail. I further remarked that these birds walked about after the 
manner of the Weka, in a peculiar furtive and prying way, with the head 
carried low. Ocydromus earli is very common in the district I have men- 
tioned, particularly in the vicinity of Native cultivations on the edge of the 
forest. I fancy the fowls have been lost in the thickets, and, being 
separated from the male birds of their own kind, had consorted with the 
Weka, and produced a hybrid form. I may add that on one occasion, at 
Tauranga (in March, 1868), I observed two Wekas running with some tame 
fowls in a Native clearing. There could be no doubt about this, because I 
shot both Wekas from the door of a pataka. I have written to my nephew, 
Mr. Fraser, to procure me a specimen of this interesting bird, and will also 
put myself in communication with Aporo Whare-kaniwha, who may still 
possess some of them.” 
To the above I may add the following note, received to- day from Mr. 
T. E. Young, of the Native Department :— 
“I have seen two birds at Otaki, running among the common fowls at 
the hotel there, which I was informed were a cross between the common 
fowl and the Weka. The feathers appeared to be more like hair, and very 
thick, of a brownish-grey colour. 
** Wekas are heard every night in the neighbourhood. 
** I was informed a few years ago, by a settler at the Upper Hutt, that 
the Wekas bred with his fowls. The Wekas were then very abundant in the 
neighbourhood." 
