100 
The former measure T5 inch in length by -9 in breadth, and are of a pinky-white colour, freckled and 
spotted at the larger end with reddish brown, and with marbled markings of the same colour at the 
smaller end : the other extreme form measures 1*7 in length by -8 in its widest part, and the whole 
surface is white with scattered specks of rust-red at the large end, each surrounded by a light stain 
or halo as if the colour had run ; there are also two or three of these specks with the same stained 
circumference in the anterior or produced portion of the egg. Sir James Hector informs me that 
This e-s in his possession vary from a decidedly elliptical shape to a narrow oval, and that both 
forms are “ spotted with round dabs of red.” One of my specimens from the South Island is 
ovoido-elliptical or slightly pyriform, measuring 1-26 inch in length by -10 in breadth, and is creamy 
white, much smeared and blotted with pale lake-red towards the smaller end. 
The newly-hatched Tui is almost entirely bare, there being mere indications of linear tracts on 
the upper surface, with light woolly filaments adhering. The feathers, however, soon begin to 
appear, and the growth of the nestling is rapid; but the gradation in size of the three or four occu- 
pants of the same nest is very noticeable. Till about three weeks old, they have a very feeble cheep ; 
but it is curious to see them, in their eagerness to be fed, stretch up their bodies and necks, four 
inches or more above the nest, with wklely-gaping mouths bordered with a membrane o vivi 
yellow As their development proceeds, their cry strengthens ; and when they are fully fledged it 
becomes an almost incessant plaintive note, which changes to an impatient scream on the approach of 
the parent bird with food, all the nestlings craning their necks together for the first attention. A ter 
it quits the nest, and before it has attempted any song, it acquires the peculiar alarm-cry, ke-e-e-e, so 
familiar to the ear. 
Head and neck of the Tui, showing arrangement of feathers. 
