Bitd Notes from Far and Neat. 115 
tiom taking in the wliole hodj% and the reptile stuck in the 
Cuckoo's bill until it was rescued. Mr. Buddie took a phoio- 
t^raph of the l)ird with tiie lizard in its bili, and another one 
after the lizard had been removed, and in the latter picture the 
look of rage and disappointment is very strongly marked. Mr. 
A. Burrows, of West Oxford, North Canterbury, in a letter I 
received some time ago, states that in the crop of a Long-tailed 
Cuckoo, brought to him a few years ago, he found two young 
Goldfinches, two large lizards, and several beetles. The Gold- 
finches were fledged, and liad been swallowed whole. — From the 
Auckland Herald. 
American Wood-Ducks, prol^ably the most beautiful ducks 
in the world, thrive well in New Zealand. The Canterbury 
Acclimatisation Society has conducted experiments with these 
surpassingly fine birds for two years, and it has been found that 
their introduction is very successful. The imported birds are in 
the Society's gardens in Christchurch, where they show every 
sign of robust health. In plumage tlie American Wood-Duck 
resembles the Mandarin Duck of China, to whicli it is closely 
related. It has been given its title on account of its habit of 
frequenting woods. As a second title it is known as the 
"Summer Duck," because it is found in many parts of the 
United States in the summer season. The gorgeous beauty of 
the male's plumage and the female's graceful carriage, and their 
gentle disposition, make them a popular favourite in America. — 
From the Auckland Herald. 
A correspondent in the North Island has made a 
suggestion in regard to the introduction of the Californian Quail. 
This bird has been liberated in many parts of New Zealand. At 
first it increased rapidly, but latterly its decrease is reported from 
a surprisingly large number of districts, especially those that 
adjoin towns or cities. The correspondent says that his 
experience shows that the Californian Quail should be liberated 
on fairly large tracts of country. It is better, he says, if tlie land 
is hilly, and is broken in places with bush or scrub. The Quail 
in his district, Ngatimarn, in the North Island, seem to get along 
very well on flat land if there is plenty of bush on it. If there 
is no bush they make a good start, but afterwards their numbers 
