observed, near Peel Forest, another specimen, which he is confident was not the well known H. vagans. Mr. P.,—observed, February 15, 1870, at his station, in the Malvern Hills, a very dark Kingfisher sitting on the fence, but, as he was busy with his sheep, no attempt was made to secure the specimen. It may be mentioned, that at localities so far inland as the Malvern Hills and Peel Forest, Kingfishers are far more scarce than near the coast, their appearance at any time would there be likely to attract notice. Under the circumstances, it would seem premature to expunge this second species of Halcyon from the list of native birds. Swainson named it; Hector is of opinion that he once shot a specimen; Buller makes a stand for it, and contests that the question of its existence here is undetermined. The two friends whose observations have been communicated are both men who, as Hamlet says, “know a hawk from a handsaw” (heronshaw). May we keep it a little longer on our list? No. 11.—Anthornis melanura, Sparrm. (See also Vol. ii., p. 56.) To the practised ear and eye, the sexes are readily distinguishable. This bird seems destined to play an important part in the distribution and propagation by seed of many introduced plants; within the last few years we have observed within the outskirts of the bush many flourishing specimens of Ribes, Leycesteria, Hypericum, etc., the seeds of which have been carried thither from our gardens and shrubberies. The Koromako in the Fagus forests may be frequently observed ascending the bole of the black birch after the honey drops; its mode of climbing differs from that of the kaka, kakariki, tui, or piwauwau, its progress is assisted by a slight flutter of the wings. We have noticed some birds with the irides cherry or bright blood-red. The following notes may throw some light on the question mooted by Dr. Finsch and Mr. Buller as to the value of the species, A. ruficeps, Pelzeln. August 7.—A Bell-bird (hen) on the camellias, head feathers of bright lavenderblue, quite a contrast to the dark purplish tint of well-plumaged males; it was some time before this gay marking could be satisfactorily accounted for, every likely plant in the garden then in flower was examined, but without success; in a few days many individuals were noticed adorned with the head feathers similarly coloured; it was at length (September 10) traced to the freshly opened blossoms of the native fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata). March 10.—Saw a nest with young birds, about two or three days old; this is the latest brood we have met with. September 29.—Nest of Anthornis melanura just finished in the fork of an old Cordyline australis, hen carrying up lining feathers. October 2.—Nest contained three eggs; 3rd—hen sitting close; 13th—young