WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 



this is extremely remarkable in the case of the apteryx, as 

 geographically and anatomically the apteryx is classed 

 with the emus and cassowaries, yet we find the apteryx 

 has the single feather to each quill and lays white eggs. 

 How far is this bird, then, really removed from those with 

 which it has been so closely associated ? May we account 

 for the eggs of the apteryx being white by the fact that 

 they are deposited in a hole or burrow in the earth, and 

 being, like the eggs of most birds, such as parrots, king- 

 fishers, bee-eaters, woodpeckers, etc., laid in the dark, either 

 in banks or holes, in trees or other dark places, are found 

 to be white ? 



We are, however, reminded of the extinct gigantic 

 dinornis of New Zealand, the remains of which have 

 shown that it belonged to the family of the Struthiones 

 that grew two feathers from one quill, and consequently, 

 if we may venture an opinion, laid green eggs ; from its 

 immense size it would be unreasonable to expect this bird 

 to scratch a hole in the ground sufficiently large to admit 

 of depositing white eggs in a dark place. 



GREAT BUSTAED. 



I had the opportunity of examining one of these species 

 on February 14, 1861. There were present upon this occa- 

 sion Dr. Sclater, Dr. Giinther, and E. W. H. Holdsworth, Esq. 

 This bird was a fine large male, not an old bird, but pro- 

 bably in the second year, the whiskers being somewhat 

 developed. The most careful examination made by the 

 above-named gentlemen and myself failed to discover any 

 opening under the tongue. Being perfectly satisfied upon 

 this point an incision was made in the skin beginning 

 at the corner of the mouth, and, as in the former bird 



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