ARTICLE XXV -VERTEBRATA OF THE SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF 



NEW ZEALAND. 



By Edgar R. Waite, F.L.S., Curator, Canterbury Museum, Cliristcliurcli. 



Though the southern islands of New Zealand have been occasionally visited by 

 members of scientific expeditions, and frequently by persons interested in animal- 

 life, it cannot be said that the vertebrate fauna is even yet adequately known. 



The mammalia, represented by species of cetaceans, by two kinds of resident 

 seals, and occasional visitors or stragglers of the order, are tolerably known, but 

 their seasonal or accidental occurrences need further investigation. 



It would appear at first sight that the birds have received a full share of atten- 

 tion : this may be somewhat true of certain of the land-birds, but even a casual 

 visit will convince the ornithologist that very much remains to be done to elucidate 

 the avifauna of the several groups of islands. The species and habits of the penguins 

 are easily studied, and these birds are tolerably well known, as are also, though in 

 a less degree, the albatroses. The smaller species — mollymawks, or mollyhawks — are 

 still little known, and, though these birds breed in immense colonies, we are not 

 aware of the nesting-grounds of all the different species, for many of the islets have 

 not yet been visited by the zoologist. The same is even more true of the various 

 petrels which surround the islands in myriads and resort to the land for breeding 

 purposes. The number of species which nest on these southern lands must be very 

 great indeed. 



There are no reptiles on the islands. 



I have note of thirteen species of fishes recorded from the islands, two of 

 which are fresh-water forms. It may confidently be predicted that, when the deeper 

 waters off the islands are netted, additional species will be found, though it is 

 improbable that the fish fauna is anything but a poor one. 



I am indebted to Captain J. Bollons, of the N.Z. Government steamer 

 " Hinemoa," for the several notes associated with his name. 



MAMMALIA. 



Order CARNIVORA. 

 Fam. OTARIIDAE. 

 Aectocephalus, Cuvier, 1824. 

 Arctocephalus hookeri, Gray. (Sea-lion, sea-bear.) 



Arctocefhalus hookeri, Gray, Brit. Mus. Cat. Seals & Whales, 1866, p. 53. 



These seals are quite numerous at the Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands, 

 and at certain seasons are to be seen at every beach or other part affording a 



