OF NEW ZEALAND. 59 
same as that of the curlew, and is used to thrust 
into the ground for earth-worms, upon which it 
feeds : the eyes are always blinking : the head 
is very small in proportion to the size of the 
bird ; and from the nostrils grow out several long, 
strong, black hairs, or feelers, like the whiskers 
of a cat: its legs are short, remarkably strong 
for the size of the bird, and are of the galli- 
naceous character. It has no appearance of 
either wing or tail. It makes a kind of hissing 
noise when in search of prey; and strikes the 
ground with its strong heavy feet, to rouse the 
earth-worms, and put them in motion. Its sense 
of smelling appears to be very acute. These birds 
hide themselves during the day ; and come out of 
their retreats, which are generally small holes in 
the earth, or under stones, at night, to seek for 
their food. They run very fast, and are only 
to be caught by dogs, by torch-light, which 
they sometimes kick and bruise severely. They 
are highly prized, when taken, which is very 
rarely, by the natives ; and their skins are kept 
till a sufficient number are collected to make into 
a garment. I have only seen one garment made 
of skins of this bird, during my six years and 
a half residence in New Zealand ; and no consi- 
deration would induce the man to whom it be- 
longed to part with it. The flesh is black, sinewy, 
tough, and tasteless. There are but few of these 
birds to be met with north of Hikurangi, a large 
mountain at the East Cape ; but in this place they 
