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 BUSTARD. 
I had the opportunity of examining one of these species 
on February 14, 1861. There were present upon this occa- 
sion Dr. Sclater, Dr. Gunther, and E. W. H. Holds worth. 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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