525 



difference in the various examples we have had for examination. In coloration there is no 

 variation whatever ; and as regards measurements, the following table will show that the variation 

 is but slight and certainly not enough to warrant separation : — 



Plymouth Sound 

 California 

 Coquimbo 

 Chili . 



New Zealand 



Gape. 



Wing. 



Tail. 



Tarsus. 



Middle toe 



inches. 



inches. 



inches. 



inches. 



inches. 



2-25 



11-85 



37 



222 



2-8 



2-25 



11-7 



35 



2-22 



2-8 



2-12 



110 



39 



2-1 



2-55 



2-22 



105 



375 



2-1 



2-6 



2-25 



110 



3-8 



2-05 



2-52 



205 



11-1 



3-75 



2-0 



25 



2-22 



12-0 



375 



2-2 



2-68 



In all the specimens the coloration of the under wing-coverts, which is characteristic, agrees 

 closely. 



In habits the present species is said to agree closely with Puffinus major, in company with 

 which species it is usually seen off our coasts. 



The only record respecting the nidification of this bird I have found (except Mr. Buller's 

 statement that its egg is " white, stained with reddish brown, and measures 3*25 inches in length 

 by 2 inches in breadth ") is contained in the following notes by Mr. Travers, who writes (Trans. N. 

 Zeal. Inst. v. p. 220), that it is " common all round the coasts of the Chatham group. It burrows 

 a horizontal hole, from three to four feet deep, and turning slightly to the right or left, in peaty 

 ground. At the extremity of this hole it forms a rude nest composed of twigs and dead leaves. 

 Only one egg is laid ; and the male bird assists in the work of incubation. They are very savage 

 whilst on the nest, biting and scratching those who molest them. The young bird is singularly 

 fat, and when taken from the hole disgorges a quantity of oily matter of most offensive smell. 

 This, however, is esteemed a delicacy by the Maoris, who hold the young birds over their 

 mouths, allowing the substance to drain into them. The old birds roost on shore, the noise 

 they make during the whole night being absolutely frightful, resembling an exaggerated chorus 

 of squalling children and love-making cats, in which the performers were numbered by thousands. 

 From the manner in which this noise was intensified on each fresh arrival I could only conclude 

 that the whole lot were squalling out their adventures during the day. When taken out of their 

 holes they flutter about on the ground for some time, tumbling over stumps in a confused manner, 

 but ultimately make for the sea." 



The specimen figured, on the same Plate with Puffinus major, is the one above described, 

 from Plymouth Sound. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 

 a. San Nicolas, S. California, July 1st, 1863 (Dr. E. Coues). 



