It cries repeatedly during the night, with a noise not very unlike that of the Kaka (Nestor meri- 

 dionalis), but not so loud. 



" The Kakapo is a very clever and intelligent bird — in fact, singularly so ; contracts a strong 

 affection for those who are kind to it ; shows its attachment by climbing about and rubbing itself 

 against its friend, and is eminently a social and playful bird : indeed, were it not for its dirty habits, 

 it would make a far better pet than any other bird with which I am acquainted ; for its maimer 

 of showing its attachment by playfulness and fondling is more like that of a dog than a bird. 



" It builds in holes under trees and rocks, and lays two or three white eggs about the size of 

 a pullet's, in the month of February ; and the young birds are found in March. At present (1854) 

 the bird is known to exist only in the Middle Island of New Zealand on the west coast between 

 Chalky Harbour and Jackson's Bay, and in the Northern Island about the sources of the 

 Wanganui and in part of the Taupo countries. It was, within the recollection of the old people, 

 abundant in every part of New Zealand ; and they say it has been exterminated by the cats intro- 

 duced by the Europeans, which are now found wild and in great numbers in every part of the 

 country. They say also that the large rat introduced from Europe has done its part in the work 

 of destruction. 



" The natives assert that, when the breeding-season is over, the Kakapo lives in societies of 

 five or six in the same hole ; and they say it is a provident bird, and lays up in the fine season a 

 store of fern-root for the bad weather. I have had five or six of the birds in captivity, but never 

 succeeded in keeping them alive for more than eighteen months or two years. The last I had I 

 sent home as a present to the Zoological Society ; but it died off Cape Horn." 



Mr. G. S. Sale (now Professor of Classics in the New-Zealand University) succeeded, in 1870, 

 in bringing, for the first time, to England a live specimen of the Kakapo. This bird was depo- 

 sited for a short period in the gardens of the Zoological Society, and excited much interest*. An 

 excellent portrait of it appeared in the ' Field ' newspaper of October 15, 1870, accompanied by a 

 short article on the subject, in which the readers of that journal are informed that " unfortunately 

 for the gratification of the curiosity of visitors, the Kakapo in the gardens obstinately persists in 

 indulging in its nocturnal habits. During the clay it remains concealed ; and it is only at night, 

 when the visitors have departed, that the singular movements and habits of this animal can be 

 studied with advantage." This notice called forth a letter f from Mr. Sale, the owner of the bird, 

 in which further interesting particulars of its history are recorded. After explaining that the 

 bird had been in his possession for several months before he deposited it in the gardens, and that 

 he had carefully observed its habits, Mr. Sale continues : — " Sir G. Grey exactly hit the chief 

 characteristics of the Kakapo when he spoke of its affectionate and playful disposition. During 

 the whole time that the bird has been in my possession it has never shown the slighest sign of 

 ill-temper, but has invariably been good-humoured and eager to receive any attention. Its play- 

 fulness is remarkable. It will run from a corner of the room, seize my hand with claws and beak, 

 and tumble over and over with it exactly like a kitten, and then rush back to be invited to a fresh 

 attack. Its play becomes sometimes a little severe ; but the slighest check makes it more gentle. 

 It has also, apparently, a strong sense of humour. I have sometimes amused myself by placing a 



* The Council of the Society offered a sum of .£50 for this bird, but were unable to come to terms with the owner 

 t ' Field' newspaper, November 12, 1870. 



