41 
very appropriate one., for, on watching the evolutions of a 
flock of these birds, one is forcibly reminded of a flight of 
Swallows coursing in the air. They breed in large colonies, 
as many as three hundred or more being sometimes associated 
together. The eggs are ovoido-conical in form, and present 
great beauty and diversity in their colouring. 
3. Sturna Antarctica, Forst. Black-fronted Tern. “Tara.” 
(Case VI. No. 19.) 
Frequents the river-courses, and sometimes spreads far 
over the plains of the South Island. It may be observed in 
large flights in the meadows, following the farmer’s plough, 
and picking up grubs and insects from the newly-turned 
earth. 
Order G R A L L R. 
Fam. RALLIDiE. 
Genus RALLUS. (Cosmopolite.) 
Ralltjs philippensis, Linn. Striped Rail. “ Moho-pereiu, 
(Case IV. Nos. 8, 9, and 12 : of different ages and of 
both sexes.) 
This beautiful Rail, of which the Collection contains a good 
series, is sparingly distributed over both Islands in all suit¬ 
able localities. Its range extends to Australia and Tasmania; 
also to the Celebes, Philippine Islands, and Polynesia. It 
frequents the grassy plains and sedges, runs with agility, and 
seldom takes wing. It nests in the most secluded places, 
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