54 Transactions. 



14. Herr Finscli's notes oil tte Platycerci are very valuable, as they con- 

 tain the results of careful research among that section of birds. 



With regard, however, to Platycerctos fosteri, Einsch, I may observe that 

 the absence of the red spots on the sides of the nropygium can scarcely be 

 deemed a sufficient specific character, for the extent of these markings varies 

 considerably in different examples. In. very young birds they are scarcely 

 aj)parent. 



Admitting the specific validity of Flatycercus unicolor,Yig., I doubt very 

 much whether it can be regarded as a New Zealand bird. Herr Finsch 

 allows that it is of "unknown origin," and none of the collections in this 

 country contain specimens of it. 



Platycercus alpimis, Buller, from the wooded heights of the South Island, 

 has recently been added to the list of species. (See " Ibis," 1869.) 



15. The statement by Mr. Grould, referred to in the "Essay," (p. 13), 

 will be found in Gould's " Introduction to the Birds of Australia," as pub- 

 lished in the separate form. The following is the passage : — " The family 

 GuculldcB is very fairly represented in Australia, since we there find species 

 belonging to the greater number of the Old World genera, and one Scytlirops, 

 which has not hitherto, I believe, been found elsewhere ; each of which, ivith 

 the exception of Centropus and Eudynamys, like their prototypes, are parasitic 

 in their nidification, and depend upon other birds for the hatching of their 

 eggs and the feeding of their oftspring." (Page 67.) 



16. The remarks in the "Essay" on Chrysococcyx, although they may 

 coincide with Mr. Gr. E. Grray's views, were the result of an actual examination 

 and comparison of specimens. Mr. G-ould, the best authority on Australian 

 birds, has the following observations on the subject, in his recent " Hand- 

 book," (Vol. I., p. 623) : — " The New Zealand Laonprococcyx hccidus being 

 now considered distinct from the species found in New South "Wales, it 

 becomes necessary to determine which specific appellation was first applied 

 to the latter : this I believe to be Olirysococcyx plagosus of Latham, which 

 I therefore adopt; " and again (page 627), "After a careful examination, I 

 have come to the conclusion that the stout-billed bird is the C. plagosus of 

 Latham, and that the narrow-billed one is identical with the Javan species, 

 to which Horsfield gave the appellation of G. lasalis. Having the type 

 specimen of C. lasaJis, New Zealand skins to which the specific term lucidits 

 was originally applied, and examples of G. plagosv,s, wherewith to compare 

 it, I am the more certain of being correct in these conclusions." 



17. DiefEenbach was in error in supposing that Eudynamis taitensis lays 

 its eggs in the nest of 'Bliipidura Jlahellifera ; and Mr. Ramsay is equally 

 mistaken in accommodating to this species the nest of Anthornis melanmra. 

 Both species of cuckoo in New Zealand avail themselves of the large pear- 



