Potts. — 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 stiflish cilise ; 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 I'etiring 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 tibise 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 



