175 
XVI. 
SEA HAWK. 
THAN prejudice overcome and original dislike 
disarmed there is no surer foundation of lasting 
respect and friendship. Years ago I had become 
acquainted with the Sea Hawk—first on the wind- 
swept sands of Mason Bay, later again on the rock — 
stacks off Stewart Island,—but whether viewed 
from a distance or comparatively close there was 
nothing attractive in the big gull’s sullen mien 
and lowering dour demeanour. I heard no good 
of him either; he became registered in my mind 
as a dull heavy fellow of no very nice character. 
This superficial knowledge at a later period de- 
veloped from negative disapproval into active 
disapprobation. I disliked his facile slaughter of 
the inoffensive Kuaka, his pursuit in unfair parties 
of threes and fours of single Kaka Parrots pass- 
ing from island to island. Now, however, with a 
more intimate knowledge of the life of the Sea 
Hawk, his failings and frailties, his too obvious 
