128 



being read, sometimes perching on a low fender in front of the fire. Apart from this 

 intimacy of conduct within the house, it would also perch on persons out of doors in a most 

 confident manner. 



A " union nest " of the two species of Fantail preserved in the Canterbury Museum 

 has a peculiar appearance, being fixed horizontally in a forked branch, instead of having 

 its pointed end downwards. It is very beautifully finished, the whole of the exterior 

 being bound with fine cobwebs. The cup is deep and perfectly round, closely lined with 

 extremely narrow grass stems, disposed in a circular fashion, and the edges are skilfully 

 finished off. 



I have recorded several instances of the occurrence of this South Island species in 

 various parts of the North Island, the city of Auckland being the furthest limit. But 

 in a letter received from Major Mair, writing from Eawene, Hokianga, and dated as lately 

 as June 6th, 1905, he says : " Strolling through a kahikatea bush here the other day I saw a 

 very fine specimen of the Black Fantail— only the third example I have seen in the North 

 Island. I remarked, as I have before, on the amplitude of tail exhibited by this species as 

 compared with the common bird." 



Okder PASSEEIFORMES.] 



[Family CAMPOPHAGID^. 



G 11 A ' U C A L U S MEL A N OPS. 



(AUSTRALIAN SHRIKE.) 



Graucalus melanops (Latham), Buller, Birds of New Zealand, vol. L, p. 66. 



To the already recorded instances of the occurrence of this Australian species in New 

 Zealand I have since added another on the authority of Mr. William Townson, who writes 

 to me that one of these birds was shot near Bradshaw's Creek, at Westport, some years 

 previously, and came into Dr. Gaze's possession. Unfortunately, the skin was ultimately 

 destroyed by moths. 



Order PASSEEIFORMES.] 



[Family TIMELIIDiE. 



CL1TONYX A L B I C A P I L L A . 



(WHITE-HEAD.) 



Clitonyx albicapilla (Lesson), Buller, Birds of New Zealand, vol. i., p. 53. 



The very name of this bird irresistibly carries my mind back fifty years and more to 

 the happy days of youth on the banks of the Northern Wairoa. At the present time 

 that river presents the unique feature of a deep fringe of Weeping Willows, on both banks, 



