NEW ZEALAND BIRDS, &C.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 46, 22 August 1895, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND BIRDS, &C.

A very interesting paper was read by Sir Walter Buller at last night's meeting of the Philosophical Sooiety. He said the Minister of Lands had informed him that the Government would shortly eeoure the freehold of Kapiti (5000 acres), and set it apart as a central colonial depot for oar birds ai d plants. The Commissioners of Crown Lands Lad also received instructions to withhold from sale all pluses of gpe.ial historic or ether interest. Sir Walter protested strongly against the introduction of animals with predatory inatinots, such as the stoat, ferret, and weasel. From every part of the oolony he had received reports of the ravages wrought by these aDimals. In particular the grey kiwi had almost disappeared from some localities. He also protested aguinst foreign museums being enriohed with specimens of New Zealand birds at the expense of our colonial museums. Baron Rothschild in England had extensive collections of extinot New Zealand birds, of whioh oui museums had only few examples or were even without specimens at all. The Legislature shonld be congratulated on the measnres it had taken to proteot the wood>pigeon by making a dose season for that bird for the whole of noxt year, and also for its prompt action in protecting the tuatara lizard. He concluded his paper by au interesting disquisition upon the habits and haunts of various native birds, among others the kaka. Some "Notes upon the Unusual Abundance of oertain speoies of Plume Inseots" this year, were read by Mr. G. V. Hudson, F.B.S. ■ Sir Walter Buller also read some observe tions upon New Ze_and'birds in the Soutr Island, written by W. Handley, of Blenheim There was a good attendance of member! and their friends, and the ahair was ooou pied by Mr, T. Kirk.