The Hunts of the Wren.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 6, 1 March 1900, Page 42

The Hunts of the Wren.

Hk sits and swings where kowhai flings its petals to the stream, Where pushes dip each thirsty lip, and dancing shadows gleam. JBy boulders brown'd and lichen-crown'd, by rippling ford and shallow, Where airs come cool from hidden pool or breezy upland fallow. Where flax uptears its rustling spears, by winding creek or river; From sunburnt reach of shingle beach where whispering tois quiver. On steep hillside where shadows glide of winged hawk, slow-drifting, By many a turn through tutu and fern of narrow sheep track rifting. Where sharp-set spurs of yellow furze guard many an insect dwelling, From tangled scrub or straggling shrub his gentle notes are welling. Oh, wren — trill on ! your tiny song recalls long banished pleasures, Till, like your vote, they seem to gloat in half-forgotten measures. You tell of days whose golden haze still shines through darker morrow; When childish joy knew no alloy of vain regretful sorrow. PIIILL.

Note. — The bush Wren which the Maoris call Matuhituhi or Pimauwau, is to be found principally in the South Island.