NEW ZEALAND BIRDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 878, 26 September 1868, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND BIRDS.

The following letter on the Birds of New Zealand, appeared in a home publication, entitled "Land and Water."— Sir- Some very interesting correspondence has been recently published in your journal respecting the acclimatisation (at home) of birds from South Britain. The magnificent islands called New Zealand, which in configuration and climate would seem so much to resemble our own, particularly attract the attention of naturalists, from the circumstance of their possessing, though few, singular species both in the animal and vegetable kingdoms. Landably enough, we have endeavored to furnish tlw, colonists with the "friends of their you^h"' — home birds and domestic animal? —from the. presence of which they wiil derive as m&eh practical benefitiaa pleasurable companionship. An interchange of civilities would supr^y ug with many rare and evergreen shrubs that would enhance the beauty of an English landscape ; and wild fowl that would give an additional zest to sport, whilst in theirfreedom affording us the enjoyment of beholding new and varied; plumage. Theße opportunities ought to be eacouraged. But, Sir, when there ia so. much, difficulty in preserving in South 'Britain English birds, which with us are 'treated as little pests, would it not be well to raise your voice in, behalf of some species, which, rare in Europe, would seem, like- tha chaffinches at Home, likely to beextenni-. nated in New Zealand. The kakapo, or-owl-parrot (strigopahabroptilus), for example^ it is said, hap abjaoat disappeared from the Northern, and is failing in the Middle Island, of New Zealand. Indeed, fears •are entertained that this remarkable and handsome bird will soon become extinct, unless means are adopted for its presejrvs^ tion. It is " the only known bird having large wings which does, not use them i& flight." Laws are mads for the protection of antipodal sparrows ; why not preserve this rar_e and beautiful species, the very existence of \yhich is threatened by sheer carelessness ? JC word from you, Sir, to our relatives is South Britain, would undoubtedly meet; wifck the respectful attention I cannot but think the subject demands.— X,. (X Hokeererj (Dodington, Sittrngbonme, Kent),

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