226 Essays. 



Apteryx amtralis, A. owenl, A. onantelli, and A. maxima; and it is not im- 

 probable that on the West Coast of the South Island there exists another, 

 closely resembling A. oweni,'b\\t distinguished by its smaller size, more slender 

 legs, and straighter bill. 



Only two examj)les of Apteryx australis are recorded* — the original bird 

 figured by Dr. Shaw, in 1813, under that name, and deposited in the Earl of 

 Derby's collection, and another specimen forwarded to Europe bv Mr. 

 Mantell — both of Avhich were obtained from Dusky Bay, in the Otago 

 Province. This species may therefore be regarded as belonging to the 

 extreme south. 



Apteryx oweni was first described by Mr. Gould, in 18-17, from a specimen 

 obtained by Mr. F. Strange. The range of this species appears to be 

 restricted to the South Island. It is still comparatively plentiful in the 

 wooded mountainous country of the Nelson Province. 



Apteryx mantelli is the common kiwi of the North Island. It has long 

 since disappeared from the inhabited country, but in the retired hilly 

 districts it is still to be found ; and it is an interesting fact in connection 

 with the geographic distribution of species, that on a small wooded island in 

 the Hauraki Grulf, known as the Little Barrier, and rising about 1,000 feet 

 above the level of the sea, this bird is still comparatively numerous although 

 it no longer exists on the neighbouring mainland. 



Apteryx maxima is described by Mr. Hochf ort, the Pro"\dncial Surveyor of 

 Nelson, as " a kiwi, about the size of a turkey — very powerful, having spurs 

 on his legs — which, when attacked by a dog, defends himself so well as 

 frequently to come off victorious." The natives distinguish it as the 

 roaroa. 



But in addition to those we have enumerated, there is evidence of the 

 existence of another large bird, probably of the struthious order, which may 

 either belong to this family or may prove to be a living representative of one 

 of the forms hitherto presumed to be extinct. The writer is indebted to 

 Dr. Ilaast for the following information on the subject : — " I believe I have 

 convincing proof that in those never before trodden alj)ine forests (Canter- 

 bury Province) there exists a large kiwi, the existence of which, till at 

 ])rcscnt, was cpiite unknown. I have heard many times the roa, the large 

 liiwi of the "West Coast, but his call is like the cry of a child to the voice of 

 a powerful man Avheu compared to the call which we heard in the Alps, while 



* Since the above was ■written, Dr. Hector (in whose collection are two specimens, 

 male and female, of this bird) has favoured the writer with the following interesting 

 note : — " Aioteryx australis is the tokoeka of the Maoris. It is to be found to the north of 

 Milford Sound, but is tolerably abundant in the woods "s^'cst of Te Auau Lake, and as far 

 south as Preservation Inlet. It is easily recognized by its cry, which is similar to the 

 kiwi's {Apteri/x oweni), but louder and less shrill." 



