12 BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND. 



of the Apteryx fully justifies me in believing the habits of this bird to be in 

 no way materially different from those of its allies." 



Mr. Potts says, in an article of much interest on New-Zealand birds 

 ('Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute,' 1872, vol. v. p. 187), concerning 

 Apteryx anstralis, Shaw : — " It is probable that the Rowi " (name given by the 

 natives) " pairs for life, for there appears to exist between the sexes a lasting 

 companionship. For a nesting-place it selects a hole in some tree or log, 

 or amongst roots : sometimes the hole is excavated in a soft bank, where the 

 soil is light ; but in every case care is taken that the site shall be on a 

 ridge or dry ground. The breeding-season extends over some months, from 

 October to February. Two eggs are usually laid, on which the old birds 

 rather lie than sit. The mode of roosting is very peculiar ; they squat 

 opposite each other with their legs bent under them, each with his head 

 tucked under the scanty apology for a wing. If there are young in the hole 

 they also assume a similar position, on either side a young bird between the 

 two parents ; thus the result of this singular arrangement of the family is 

 a nearly perfect hemisphere of feathers. They often appear torpid or very 

 drowsy when surprised in their homes, sometimes remaining quite undis- 

 turbed by noise, and are very rarely discovered except in a hole. In good 

 condition a bird will average from 5 to 6 lb. in weight." 



Owen describes the Apteryx as having "no air in its bones;" conse- 

 quently it is heavier in proportion to its size than it otherwise would be if a 

 bird of flight, though there are certain exceptions. 



Respecting the sitting of the Struthionidag, an interesting letter appears 

 in the 'Field' as I write (December 12, 1874, p. 324), in reply to the 

 observation of a previous correspondent, who says, " the Ostrich is as careful 

 a mother as any domestic fowl." The writer remarks : — " The truth is, the 

 careful father does most of the work, as he takes his turn at 4 p.m. or there- 

 abouts, and sits till about 8 o'clock next morning, is far more jealous than 

 the hen, and resents any intrusion in a very unpleasant manner, by letting 

 out with his right or left such kicks (forwards) as would send the strongest 



