The following land birds were noticed on the Great King: The common hawk (Circus gouldi), morepork (Athene novæ-zealandiæ), kingfisher (Halcyon vagans), tui (Prosthemadera novæ-zealandiæ), white-eye (Zosterops lateralis), utick (Sphenæacus punctatus), grey warbler (Gerygone flaviventris), ground lark (Anthus novæ-zealandia), pied fantail (Rhipidura flabellifera), red-fronted parrakeet (Platycercus novæ-zealandia), quail (Coturnix novæ-zealandiæ). Of the last mentioned I saw two individuals, and another one was seen by Mr. Percy Smith and Mr. Hazard. Its occurrence on the Three Kings was quite unexpected and as it is nearly, if not altogether, extinct on the mainland, we may congratulate ourselves that it has been found in a locality where it is likely to remain undisturbed for many years to come. Besides the species named above, another one is common which I failed to identify. It is about the size of the bell-bird, and has much of its appearance and habits, but the under-parts are greyish-white, and the song is altogether different. I regret that I was unable to obtain a specimen, for there is little doubt that it will prove to be an addition to our lists.
The Three Kings were discovered in 1643 by the celebrated Dutch navigator Tasman. As his account of the discovery is very little known, and as it possesses some interest from proving that the islands were inhabited in his time, I will quote here:–
"January 4, 1643. This morning we were near a cape of land (Cape Maria van Diemen), and had an island N.W. by N. from us. We hoisted the white flag for the officers of the Zeehaan to come on board, and we resolved to stand for the island to look for fresh water and greens. We find a strong current setting westward, and much sea from the N.E., from which we hope to find a clear passage eastward. In the evening we were near the island, but could not observe that anything we wanted might be got here.
"The 5th, in the morning, we had little wind and a calm sea. About noon, we sent Francis Jacobsz in our shallop, and the supercargo, Mr. Gillemans, in the Zeehaan's boat to the island, to try if fresh water could be got. In the evening they returned, and reported that they had been in a safe small bay where fresh water came in abundance from a high mountain but that there was a great surf on the shore, which would make watering there troublesome and dangerous. They rowed further round about this island to look if there was any more convenient place. Upon the highest mountain of the island they saw 35 persons, who were very tall, and had staves or clubs. These people called to them in a strong rough voice. When they walked, they took very large strides. On other parts of the island a few people were seen here and there, which, with those
