Page:Transactions and proceedings of the New Zealand Institute (IA transactionsproc41newz).pdf/22

4 and pappus with threadlike tendrils and roots, all collected in the bush. into a beautiful and compact structure, impartiny great warmth, further enhances admiration of its instinctive work, The graceful habits and delightful twitterings when flitting through and on the outskirts of our perennially green forests in pursuit of minute prey are likewise some of the more pleasing scenes of native bird-life to be seen and enjoyed in this beautiful country. No words or language could adequately express the feelings of regret of the true naturalist and nature-lover to know that already, within the period of fifty years of settlement in New Zealand, some of the most remarkable species of birds man has seen or science known have vanished for ever from our green forests, grassy plains, and reedy swamps, which almost everywhere existed in their full native beauty when European settlement began.

It may be of interest to note some of the sites on which nests of the fautail have been observed in the North Island:—

1. On the matipo-tree (Myrsine Urvillei) in Hr. Park's garden, Palmerston North: September, 1905.

2. On a mahoe (Melicytus remifloria) at Hawera: Ociober, 1905,

3. On a tutu-shrub (Coriari ruscifolia) at Tirotiro-moana, Taranaki: 7th August, 1905.

4. On a Magnolia grandiflora in Mr. Park's garden. Palmerston North: October, 1906.

5. On a young totara (Polocarpus totara) in Mr. Barton's garden, Fareham. Featherston: October, 1907.

G. On clematis inside roof of summer-house in Mr. Park's garden, Palmerston North: August and September, 1907.

7. On Hoheria populnea. Victoria Esplanade (an area of native bush): January, 1908.

8. On tawhara (Freycinctia Banksi), on trunk of fern-tree Kimbolton bush: no month or rear given. (Ir. D). Sinclair.)

9. On tutu (Corinria ruscifolia). Pakekura Park, New Plymouth: October and November. 1906. (IV. Pycroft.)

Having in view the rapid and inevitable passing of the native birds. it invariably seems to me to be the bounden duty of observers of the present time to place on permanent record all facts respecting them, for the information and delight of generations who are to follow us. To inc there is no ornithological subject more argent. The remark would also apply to many remarkable species belonging to other groups of the New Zealand fauna, and to many rare species of plants, nos threatened with extinction