136 
Dr. G. Bennett on a Grallatorial Bird 
chance of killing it. It would suddenly appear from amongst 
the trees, close to the ground, and seizing its victim, retire to 
the bush, where the sportsman stands but a very poor chance of 
seeing the bird before being seen by it. 
3 Igt j£ Z£ 
XIII .—Notes on a living specimen of a singular Grallatorial Bird 
from New Caledonia . By Dr. George Bennett, F.Z.S.* 
I reached Sydney on the 12th of November, having left 
Southampton on the 20th of September. A few days after my 
arrival,.I observed a bird in the aviary at the Botanic Gardens 
here, which appears to me to be new. This living specimen 
and another, now set up in the Sydney Museum, were received 
as presents from M. Des Planches, Surgeon of H.I.M.S. 
“ Sibylle,” who brought them from New Caledonia. This bird 
is said to be plentiful there near the sea-coast, and is named by 
the natives Kagu . It has a large and handsome crest, which is 
always carried depressed, and which we could only get it to 
elevate by frightening it on placing a Hawk in the same com¬ 
partment with it. Upon this being done, after running about, 
the bird elevated its crest; but I could not observe that it 
spread it out to any extent, although, on examining the stuffed 
specimen, the crest appears capable of being spread out as well as 
of being simply raised, as may be seen in the drawing sent here¬ 
with. The second drawing represents the crest in repose. The 
head and crest are of a light greyish colour, the longer feathers 
of the crest being of a lighter tint. The back, neck, and wing- 
coverts are of a dark penciled grey with brown markings, the 
latter varying according to age, and the long pinion feathers 
when spread are elegantly barred with reddish brown. On being 
chased the bird runs with great rapidity, never attempting to fly. 
On being caught it uttered a loud screaming noise, and it was 
only on such an occasion that it was ever heard to utter any 
sound. The form of the bird, together with the peculiar beak 
and Kail-like feet, are well displayed in the sketches, which have 
been kindly made for me by Mr. G. Krefft, the Assistant Curator 
* From a letter addressed by Dr. Bennett to the Editor, dated Sydney, 
November 21st, 1860. 
