of the Apteryx fully justifies me in believing the habits of this bird to be in no way materially different from those of its allies."
Mr. Potts says, in an article of much interest on New-Zealand birds ('Transactions of the New-Zealand Institute,' 1872, vol. v. p. 187), concerning Apteryx australis, Shaw:—"It is probable that the Rowi" (name given by the natives) "pairs for life, for there appears to exist between the sexes a lasting companionship. For a nesting-place it selects a hole in some tree or log, or amongst roots: sometimes the hole is excavated in a soft bank, where the soil is light; but in every case care is taken that the site shall be on a ridge or dry ground. The breeding-season extends over some months, from October to February. Two eggs are usually laid, on which the old birds rather lie than sit. The mode of roosting is very peculiar; they squat opposite each other with their legs bent under them, each with his head tucked under the scanty apology for a wing. If there are young in the hole they also assume a similar position, on either side a young bird between the two parents; thus the result of this singular arrangement of the family is a nearly perfect hemisphere of feathers. They often appear torpid or very drowsy when surprised in their homes, sometimes remaining quite undisturbed by noise, and are very rarely discovered except in a hole. In good condition a bird will average from 5 to 6 lb. in weight."
Owen describes the Apteryx as having "no air in its bones;" consequently it is heavier in proportion to its size than it otherwise would be if a bird of flight, though there are certain exceptions.
Respecting the sitting of the Struthionidæ, an interesting letter appears in the 'Field' as I write (December 12, 1874, p. 324), in reply to the observation of a previous correspondent, who says, "the Ostrich is as careful a mother as any domestic fowl." The writer remarks:—"The truth is, the careful father does most of the work, as he takes his turn at 4 p.m. or thereabouts, and sits till about 8 o'clock next morning, is far more jealous than the hen, and resents any intrusion in a very unpleasant manner, by letting out with his right or left such kicks (forwards) as would send the strongest
