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which there is a layer of fine grass disposed in a concave form, and then deeply lined with feathers. 
Ihe eggs are usually three in number, but sometimes four, broadly elliptical or slightly ovoido- 
conical in shape, and measuring "88 inch in length by '65 in breadth. They are pure white, creamy, 
or pinkish white with a broad zone of reddish-brown spots towards the larger end, besides a few widely 
scattered dots of red over the general surface. In some specimens the ground-colour exhibits a 
delicate pinkish tinge, and the reddish markings are more numerous and distinct, often deepening to 
a dark chestnut-red. Among the examples in the Canterbury Museum, some are pinkish white, 
blotched at the larger end and densely freckled all over with pale reddish brown, whilst one of 
them presents delicate pencilled markings or veins towards the smaller end. 
My son s collection contains a beautiful series of thirteen, presenting a considerable amount 
of individual variation, not only in the surface tint, but in the extent and character of the markings. 
In some the reddish spots coalesce at the large end, forming a sort of cap, in others they present 
distinct blots and smudges ; some have a polar zone of confluent freckles, while others are studded 
with roundish rust-spots ; in some the markings are sharp and distinct, in others smeared or blurred ; 
one is of a pinkish cream-colour, clouded over its major portion with reddish brown, and another is 
perfectly white, with a cluster of reddish dots on its larger pole and a few scattered specks below. In 
form, too, they vary from the perfect ovoid to the types mentioned above. 
In the selection of feathers for the lining of its nest this bird shows an extraordinary love of 
decoration, the preference being given to those of striking colours. The scarlet feathers of the Kaka, 
the bright green of the Parrakeet, and the ultramarine of the Kingfisher are sometimes found inter- 
mixed ; the shining breast-feathers of the Wood-Pigeon are invariably used ; and in the vicinity of 
habitations (as a correspondent informs me) the nest is occasionally found supplied from a neighbouring 
poultry-yard, the spotted plumes of the Guinea-fowl being most conspicuous*. 
A nest from the Little Barrier is composed entirely of small black twigs carefully worked together 
and deeply lined with dark Pigeon’s feathers, the cup being very wide, having a diameter at its 
rim of 3 25 inches. It was found at an elevation of thirty feet from the ground, under shelter of 
a clump of parasitic Astelia , and contained four young birds. 
During the breeding-season the parent birds evince much tender solicitude for the safety of 
their offspring. On leaving the nest, the young have the rictal membrane (at the angles of the 
mouth) veiy large and of a bright yellow colour. The old birds hunt for them with untiring industry ; 
and the young brood may be seen perched side by side on a branch patiently waiting for their food, 
and on the appioach ot their parents, quivering their wings with excitement, and eagerly gaping their 
throats, all of them together, to receive the coveted morsel. 
I have made frequent attempts to rear the young, but have never succeeded. I have known 
instances of the adult birds being caged with success ; but, like the Tui, they are liable to sudden 
convulsive fits, and seldom survive their confinement very long. 
The Korimako from the south-west region appears to be a somewhat larger race. An egg of 
this bird taken at Preservation Inlet, in the month of January, is ovoido-conical, measuring - 9 of 
an inch in length by ‘7 in breadth. It is of a delicate pinky white, with irregular stained markings 
of reddish brown, chiefly towards the larger end, and particularly on one side of the egg, without any 
appearance of a zone ; the other end towards the pole being quite free from markings of any kind. 
* This statement in my former edition having been questioned by Prof. Hutton (‘ Ibis,’ 1874, p. 36), I may quote the 
following observations since recorded by Mr. Potts (‘ Journal of Science,’ vol. ii. p. 278) : — “ Keeping several kinds of choice 
poultry not far from the bush afforded me special opportunities of observing this fact. I noticed nests lined with coloured feathers 
as follows : red from the Kakas, green from the Parrakeets, black from the Norfolk Turkeys, buff from Cochin fowls, speckled 
from the Pintadoes, and white from the Geese. I have not seen a red- or green-lined nest for years, as the destruction of the 
woods about here (Ohinitahi) has made both Kakas and Parrakeets rare visitors.” 
K2 
