116 PLATYCERCUS ROWLEYI. 



exhibit, I am unable to come to any other conclusion than that there 

 really does exist another species, having similar plumage to Platycercm 

 novce zealandice^ but so much smaller in size as to be even less than some 

 examples of the Yellow-fronted Parrakeet (P. auriceps). 



" The foUowring are the measurements of a specimen in the Canterbury 

 Museum : — 



Wing from Bill along Longer fore Longer hind 



Length. flexure. Tail. the ridge. Tarsus, toe and claw, toe and claw, 



in. in. in. in. in. in. in. 



9-5 4-75 6 0-55 0-65 1 0*9 



" A better idea of the relative size may be formed when I state that 

 the bill in this bird holds an intermediate position between figs. 6 and 7, 

 Plate VIII.*, and that the general proportions of the body bear a corresponding 

 relation thereto. 



" Mr. Fuller, who has dissected some hundreds of these Parrakeets, 

 informs me that the bones of this small red-fronted species are easily 

 distinguished from those of Platycercus novce zealandice, being decidedly 

 weaker and more slender — resembling, in fact, those of P. auriceps and 

 P. alpinus, 



" It may also be mentioned that all the specimens of the supposed ne\y 

 species have come from one part of the country — Canterbury North; and 

 that, although Platycercus novce zealandice is very common in the North 

 Island, none of the very small examples have been recorded there. 



^' It being necessary to find a specific name to distinguish this diminutive 

 form, I have much pleasure in dedicating it to George Dawson Rowley, Esq., 

 F.Z.S., whose name is already in one way associated with the discovery, and 



^ [Note. — /. e, between Platycercus auriceps and P. alpinus, the heads of which are figured. — 

 Editor of O. M.] 



