Note 13 — A SOUTHERN CROSS FAIRY TALE.

White Heron. Kotuku. (Ardea alba.)—There is a Maori saying, that the Kotuku, or White Heron, is like a great chief, seen only once in a lifetime. These birds inhabit the rivers on the west coast of the South Island, proudly stepping up and down the shore, or standing knee deep in the water, with neck drawn in and head bent downwards to be ready to make a dart should any fish venture too near. In November the White Herons leave the rivers and congregate at one of the old breeding-places on the shores of secluded inland lakes, where they sit about on the crowns of tree-ferns or branches of trees near their nests; if any enemy approaches, the birds begin in chorus a strange croaking noise. It is a beautiful sight to see the long-legged, snow-white creatures sitting amongst the green foliage, the whole picture clearly reflected in the dark still water.—A. R.