:w BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND. 



three of these changes are observed in adult birds at the approach of the 

 breeding-season ; the fourth change is partial in spring and entire in 

 autumn." — Anatomy of Vertebrates, vol. ii. p. 241. 



In captivity the Kaka is a most amusing and interesting bird, whose 

 merits as a companion, if better known, would cause a demand for it to arise 

 in this country among those who like pets. Dr. Duller mentions that a 

 native refused £10 for an old one in bad plumage. He says also, "I have 

 never seen a pure albino ; but I am assured by the natives that they are 

 occasionally found. One very nearly approaching that condition was shot 

 at the Whauwhau (in the county of Marsden) in the summer of 1863. The 

 value set on these rare varieties by the natives may be inferred from the 

 following circumstance : — A ' Kaka-korako ' was seen by a party of Rangitane 

 in the Upper Manawatu, and followed through the woods as far as the 

 Oroua river, every effort being made to take it alive. The Oroua people 

 (of another tribe) then took up the chase, and followed the bird to the foot 

 of the Ruahine range ; and although carrying guns, to their infinite credit 

 they allowed it to escape rather than shoot it, in the remote hope that it 

 might hereafter reappear in their district." 



The most famous Parrot, perhaps, was the one Humboldt saw in South 

 America, being the sole living creature which could speak the language of a 

 lost tribe (Darwin, 'Descent of Man,' vol. i. p. 236). It, however, has 

 fallen, as far as I know, to but one Parrot to arrive at that distinction which 

 animated England's illustrious Admiral, a place in Westminster Abbey. 

 This belonged to the Duchess of Devonshire of Charles II.'s time, widow of 

 the last of the race. This bird's effigy was placed close by its beautiful 

 mistress, in wax, "as well done as could be." The loving creature had 

 " lived with her Grace for forty years, and survived her only a few days " 

 (Dean Stanley's 'Memorials of Westminster Abbey,' p. 213). It would be 

 easy to multiply Psittacine anecdotes ; but I am anxious to avoid the smallest 

 soupfon of gossip, and shall therefore add very little more. 



A Kaka which came over to me direct from New Zealand in ordinary 



