C.—6.

" A pair of whiteheads, or popokotea, built their nest in a kaikomako that almost touches the corner of our house and laid three eggs. But they had bad luck. Some animal interfered with it, and one egg disappeared, so the birds left that nest. However, the whiteheads seem to have been successful in other parts of the island, because young birds could be seen everywhere. It looks as though pigeons were not very enthusiastic about propagating their kind last season. One pair did build a nest in a low scrub nearby, but the egg was taken after the bird had been sitting for about ten days, and as far as we know that was about the only attempt at breeding by this species. We never saw a nest anywhere else. " The kaka that comes every day to the house for syrup has two young ones, but so far these have not been seen at the dish, although they generally fly down into the manuka with the parents. Often in the evenings we are entertained by young moreporks learning to call. These funny little fellows were reared in a hollow kohekohe a few chains up the hill from the hut. This species has increased during the last few years. Every time one goes into the bush at least one of these nocturnal birds is seen. " None of the pipits around Rangatira reared any young, nor did they attempt to breed. Wc know that our tame ones never even made a nest, which is very unusual for them. One pair of red-headed parrakeets reared a batch of six or seven young. These came out of a hollow mahoe not far from our house. This is also one of the species that has increased since we came here. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same thing about the yellow-fronted, for that is a bird we seldom see nowadays. Years ago wo knew of nesting-places of these beautiful little parrots, but that pest, the starling, drove them out and then appropriated that nesting-site. " A considerable amount of planting was done during the year, both of species belonging to the island as well as others from distant parts. Little kauri and taraire trees were set out amongst manuka in the Waiorua Valley. Seed of both of these'was also put there and some was sown in other parts. During the year a building to house blacksmithing equipment was erected. Until this shed was put up all the tools had to be stored in the boat-shed, where they were always in the way. Before a boat could be launched some had to be moved. Now it is much more convenient. "In May last we were able to add another bird to the Kapiti list. This was the brown bittern (Botanrus poiciloptilus). The stranger flew straight in towards the swamp and seemed inclined to settle there, but a pair of paradise ducks chased it out. The bittern then landed on the beach by the boat-shed, but here again it was not allowed any peace. A pair of big gulls attacked it in a most vicious manner and drove it away towards the mainland. " In November, 1940, we received from Mr. T. Andrews, Ranger for the Wellington Acclimatization Society, one North Island kiwi for liberation on Kapiti. This bird was let go near our cottage."

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