Potrs.—New Zealand Birds. 189 
which their delicate ramifications appear to issue. We have observed that the 
double linear impression on the upper mandible is not always constant, as in 
some specimens the groove deepens into a single line as sharply defined as 
though marked by a scribing tool. The lower mandible is also furnished with 
similar minute blood vessels, most densely crowded towards the point, On 
the deflected tip of the upper mandible is an impression which in some birds 
is nearly circular ; others have this mark of almost angular shape. It is 
probable that a great degree of sensibility is conferred on the elongated bill by 
its investing membrane, so that the movements of insect prey are readily 
followed. We can see no reason for mistaking this elaborately organized bill 
for an instrument to be used like a pick for digging into hard soil, and we 
doubt if the kiwi ever leaves the shelter of the bush. The tongue is very 
short but muscular, of angular shape, and can be used in crushing insects 
against the flat opposed surface of the upper mandible, as the strong 
muscle on the lower surface gives a great degree of strength. 
The visual organs, which are feebly developed, are placed so as to command 
the movements of the upper mandible, and are protected by stitñsh cilie ; the 
ears are well developed, and as an aid in discovering food are next in impor- 
tance to the olfactories. The long straggling hairs, or weak bristles, planted 
amongst the feathers of the anterior part of the head, fulfil the useful office of 
protecting the eyes and head from injury ; they may also guide or regulate 
the force.of the thrust given by the bill. In life a perfect guard of feelers, 
they form a simple kind of defence, in strict harmony with the natural 
instinct of the kiwi—that of retiring cautiousness, The tarsi and feet, 
described as yellowish brown in life, are often as white as those of thorough- 
bred Dorking fowls, though now and then specimens will show a darkish tinge 
that stains the edges of the tarsal scales. The under surfaces of the feet are 
well protected by cushions ; the claws, slightly curved, are sharp at their 
points, admirable for scratching, yet they are not shaped like those of the 
domestic fowl, which are adapted for traversing hard ground as well as for that 
purpose. The robust tarsi, defended by hard scales, are articulated with 
the tibiæ by very strong joints, which must give to the kiwi great power of 
leaping or jumping, and thus enable it to scale fallen trees and search along their 
upper surfaces for insects. The hind toes and claws help in maintaining the 
position of the bird when fossicking about the prostrate trunks, strengthening 
the hold, and preventing it from slipping to the ground when reaching down, 
The cry of the kiwi is not heard till nightfall, or, as the digger expresses it 
technically but truthfully, “not till the night shift comes on.” We have paid 
great attention to the call; to us it sounded like “kvee, kvee, kvee,” repeated 
sometimes as many as twenty times in succession, with moderate haste ; 
we noticed that the cry had scarcely ceased before it was thus replied to 
