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NATURAL HISTORY READER. 



in the same rudimentary condition as its wings. It is 

 called by the natives kiwi-kiwi, from its peculiar cry. Its 

 nests are made either at the base of a hollow tree or in 

 deep holes which it excavates in the ground. When at- 

 tacked, it defends itself vigorously with its strong feet. 





The Apteryx. 



3. Mr. Wood, the naturalist, thus describes this bird : 

 "The skin is tough and flexible, and the chiefs set great 

 value upon it for the manufacture of their state mantles, 

 permitting no inferior person to wear them, and being ex- 

 tremely unwilling to part with them even for a valuable 

 consideration. The bird lives mostly among the fern ; and, 

 as it always remains concealed during the day in deep re- 

 cesses of rocks, ground, or tree-roots, and is remarkably 



