20 AUSTRALIAN ZOOLOGY. 
by the New Zealand Company, and one by Mr. A. Macleay, of 
Sydney, and two others were added to the collection of the Earl of 
Derby, one of which he presented to Mr. Gould. 
Description.—The kiwi belongs to the family Struthionide, 
including the ostrich, having two toes, the rhea, emu, &c, having 
three, but the kiwi has three and a rudimentary fourth, but it differs 
from the other representatives in the elongated form of the bill, in the 
shortness of the tarsi, and in the possession ofasharp spur, terminating 
a posterior rudimentary toe. The face and throat are greenish brown, 
all the remainder of the plumage, consisting of long lanceolate hair- 
like feathers, is of a chestnut brown colour, margined on each side 
with blackish brown. The feathers are lighter on the under surface, 
and become of a grey tint. The wing of the kiwi little more than 
rudimentary, agrees with that of the rhea, in having a strongly 
hooked claw at its extremity ; while in the structure of its feathers 
it approaches nearest to the cassowary, but unlike that bird they 
are destitute of the accessory plume, in which it agrees with the 
rhea, ‘The bill is yellowish horn-colour, its base being beset with 
numerous long hairs. The feet are yellowish brown. : 
Haints.—The Struthionide, although few in number, are -: 
remarkable for their structural peculiarities, each being modified for ~ 
its own peculiar habits, and in none is this circumstance more = 
remarkable than in the apteryx, which at the same time that it = 
departs farthest in form from the type of the group (the ostrich), 5 
also departs the farthest in its mode of life, being in fact adapted to m 
the peculiarities of its own country, and fitted for the particular 
kind. of food there to be obtained. When undisturbed, the head is 
carried far back in the shoulders, with the bill pointing to the 
ground ; but when pursued it runs with great swiftness, carrying the 
head elevated like the ostrich. It is asserted to be almost nocturnal ; 
in its habits, and it was by torchlight that it was usually hunted ‘: 
by the natives. The favourite localities of the kiwiare those covered = 
with extensive and dense beds of fern, among which it conceals 
itself, and when hard pressed by dogs, the usual mode of chasing it, 
takes refuge in crevices of the rocks, hollow trees, and in the deep 
holes which it excavates in the ground, in the form of a chamber; 
in these latter situations, it is said to construct its nest of dried fern 
and grasses, and to depositits eggs. When attacked it defends itself 
very vigorously, striking rapid and dangerous blows with its power- 
ful feet and sharp spur. The kiwi, the smallest of the struthious 
birds, lays an egg of extraordinary size, which is creamy white and 
glossy, and may be compared with a goose’s egg, but somewhat 
compressed near the middle girth. 
Food.—Worms, snails, insects, &c. It seizes them with its lon 
bill the instant they make their appearance. It beats the groun 
with its powerful feet and spur to disturb the worms. 
Uses.—The kiwi is sought after by the Maoris with the utmost 
avidity for their food. The skins, are highly prized, and used 
for the dresses of the chiefs, indeed, so much are they valued that 
the natives can rarely be induced to part with them. The feathers 

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