4. Ocydromus fuscus, Dubus. Black Woodhen. (Case 
IV. Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 6 : both sexes, and different 
states of plumage.) 
This species is confined to the south-west region of the 
South Island, often frequenting the sea-shore and feeding 
among the kelp. 
5. Ocydromus assimilis, Buller. New species of W oodhen. 
(Case X. No. 25.) 
This species, which inhabits the southernmost extremity 
of the South Island, comes very near to Ocydromus earli, 
which is strictly confined to the North Island. It may, how¬ 
ever, be readily distinguished by the bright colour of its legs 
and feet. 
Genus PORPHYRIO. (Warm and temperate countries.) 
Porphyrio melanonotus, Temm. Swamp-hen. “ Pukeko. 
(Case IV. Nos. 14, 15, and 16 : male and female.) 
This fine Swamp-hen is widely distributed over Tasmania, 
the greater part of the continent of Australia, New Zealand, 
the Chatham Islands, and New Caledonia. The Maoris 
have a tradition that tame ones were brought by their 
ancestors in their migration from the historic “ HawaikiV 
It is very abundant in all localities suited to its habits of 
life, such as marshes, flax-swamps, and lagoons covered with 
beds of raupo and rushes. In some parts of the country they 
associate in large flocks, and prove very destructive to the 
potato-grounds. 
Order HERODIONES. 
Fam. A-RDEIDJE. 
Genus ARDEA. (Most parts of the World.) 
1. Ardea egretta, Gmelin. Egret. “ White Crane ” of the 
