114 Recent Ornithological Publications. 
Apteryx said by the Maories to have been identical with a New 
Zealand species, and also, according to their accounts, a smaller 
species of the same bird (though 1 believe this to be the Rallus 
dieffenbachi), the Weka ( Ocydromus australis ), and the Kakapo 
[Stidgops habroptilus) were found on both islands, but have 
become extinct since their invasion by the New Zealanders [in 
1832 or 1835]. Mr. Hunt informed me that the last time he 
had seen the Bittern was about three years ago. The land-birds 
now found are a large Falcon, the Pigeon, the Tui or Parson- 
bird, the Pukeko ( Porphyrio melanotus), the Parrakeet (Platy- 
cercus novce-zealandice) , the Fantail, the Pihoihoi or Lark, and a 
small Titmouse, all identical with birds of the same species 
found in New Zealand. I was told by Mr. Hunt that the Pigeon 
was first seen on the islands within the last eight years, and 
that the Titmouse appeared shortly after the occurrence of 
the great fire in Australia, known as the ‘ Black Thursday Fire/ 
Mr. Hunt is a very careful and trustworthy person; and as his 
statement relative to the Pigeon was confirmed by the Maories, I 
have full reason for believing what he told me, in regard to both 
birds, to be true. Of aquatic birds, I saw the Grey Duck, the 
Brown Teal, and two species of Shag common in New Zealand, 
and a large number of Gulls and other sea-birds similar to those 
which frequent the coasts of that country. Mutton-birds were 
extraordinarily numerous on a rock known as the Fort, lying 
between Chatham and Pitt's Islands. During my journey round 
Chatham Island, of which I have given you an account above, I 
saw a peculiar Teal on one of the lagoons near the Bed Bluff. 
This bird had bright scarlet markings on the wings. I fired at 
it; but, owing to the great dampness of the weather, the gun I 
had with me hung fire, and I missed the bird. I never saw 
another specimen, and was informed that it was very uncommon. 
.The number of land-birds of all kinds, however, is extremely 
limited; indeed it is rare to meet with any at all during a whole 
day's walk in the bush. I attribute their destruction principally 
to wild cats, the progeny of imported animals, although I was 
informed that a species of Gull or Sea-Hawk also attacks the 
land-birds, and is especially destructive to poultry." 
It would be very desirable, if possible, to ascertain precisely 
