Butier.—On the Ornithology of New Zealand, 198 
be strips of coarse hair-like filaments, from one-half to three-quarters of 
an inch in length, and perfectly black, but are in reality tufts of extremely 
fine downy feathers. A strip of these filaments encircles the crown, a line 
passes down the course of the spine, and there is another along zie outer — 
edge of each wing and behind each thigh. 
I would venture to suggest to the Museum authorities that, as Mr. 
Garrod has carefully studied the anatomy of this singular bird, and is now 
devoting his attention to embryonic ornithology, it would be very desirable 
to place this unique specimen at his disposal for more critical examination. 
I have only thought it necessary to place the general facts on record, as 
furnishing an interesting addition to our knowledge of the habits and life- 
history of the rare and beautiful Huia. 
Art. XX.—On the Occurrence of Apteryx oweni at high altitudes in the 
North Island. By Wauter L. Butter, C.M.G., D.Se. 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 12th February, 1876.} 
We have been so accustomed to speak of the Apteryx oweni as a strictly 
South Island species, and, as representing these, the Brown Kiwi of the North 
Island (Aptery« mantelli), that the discovery of its existence, under certain 
conditions in this Province is an interesting fact in geographic distribution. 
The fine specimen which I now exhibit, and for which Iam indebted to Mr, 
Morgan Carkeek, of the Survey Department, was obtained by that gentle- 
man, on Mount Hector, at the head of the Hutt River, in December last. 
It was caught by his dog among the snow-grass, at an elevation of about 
8000 feet. At a higher altitude he found the species comparatively abundant, 
and he met with it occasionally below the snow-line, frequenting mossy 
places in the bush free from undergrowth. 
This peculiarity of range, as compared with the distribution of the 
species in the South Island is very suggestive, and it will be interesting to 
discover whether this bird inhabits the summits of mountains further north. 
In connection with the Apteryx, there is another matter to which I will 
take this opportunity of referring. 
Captain Hutton, in his valuable essay on the ‘‘ Geographical Relations of 
the New Zealand Fauna’’ (‘‘ Trans. N.Z. Inst.,” Vol. VI., p. 232) says :— 
“The Apteryyide have a more generalised structure than the other 
struthious birds ; they, therefore, belong to an older type, and cannot, with 
any degree of correctness, be said to represent the extinct race of Moas.” 
% 
