discovered in New Zealand . 
97 
that animal (which was brought to England by Mr. 
Paris, the English Consul at Buenos Ayres), was found 
by a peasant, half covered with water, in the River Salado. 
From native tradition we gain nothing to aid us in our 
inquiries after the probable age in which this animal 
lived: for although the New Zealander abounds in 
traditionary lore, both natural and supernatural, he 
appears to be totally ignorant of any thing concerning* 
the Moa , save the fabulous stories already referred to. 
If such an animal ever existed within the times of the 
present race of New Zealanders, surely, to a people 
possessing no quadruped*, and but very scantily supplied 
* The only quadrupeds indigenous to New Zealand are, a dog, a 
small rat, a few Saurians , a bat, and, on the coast, one or two spe¬ 
cies of seal. The dog (Kuri 1 ) is a small animal, (somewhat resem¬ 
bling the variety known as the priched-ear shepherd’s cur,) with 
erect ears and flowing tail; its cry is a peculiar kind of whining 
howl, which, when in a state of domestication, it utters in concert at 
a signal given by its master, and it is most unpleasant. Of the skins 
of these animals the New Zealanders make a durable garment, which, 
when composed of alternate strips of black and white fur, has a 
handsome appearance: its flesh was formerly eaten. This variety of 
dog has, however, become very scarce, in consequence of the con¬ 
tinued introduction of other and larger varieties. 
The nit (Kiore) is a small field species of Arvicola , Cuv., now 
seldom met with. Its place, unfortunately, is more than supplied 
with the common species of Mus , (M. musculus, M. rattus , and M. 
decumanus *) which every where abound, to the infinite annoyance 
of the natives. The indigenous species was used as an article of food 
by the New Zealanders; being, when fat, in high repute as a 
delicious morqeau. 
* The natives have several names for the dog. in addition to that of Kuri, such as 
Moimoi, Kirehe, Peropero , and the general appellative of Kararchc- M. Ilalbi ( Introd. 
* VAtlas, p. lxix.) mentions Pcro , the New Zealand terra for dog, as being derived from 
the Spanish perro, and as affording a proof that the animal was originally of foreign 
introduction, aud obtained In comparatively recent times; the natives, however, invari¬ 
ably assert their always having this animal among them, 
3 These species are severally distinguished by the natives; the indigenous animal is 
termed Kiore Maori (/. e. native rat), M, musculm, Kiore iti (L c, little rat); M. rattus* 
Kiorc mangu (i. e, black rat), or Kiore paheha (<, e, foreign rat); and M % dticumanus, 
Maunga-Yua (?. c. barn-abidcr,) 
VOL. II. NO. VII. H 
