C—6

" For some reason fantails are very scarce on Kapiti this season. We had only one nest under observation, compared with half a dozen or more during previous seasons. We have always had at least six or eight pairs of fantails handy to our house. This season only three or four pairs were seen in different parts of the sanctuary. Another bird which has also been very plentiful is the long-tailed, cuckoo, but very few have been heard this season. One was heard a few days ago—the 28th March—a late record. Pigeons and kakas seem to be more than holding their own. " Shags, blue herons, terns, and both species of gull have had a very good season. The absence of storms enabled the birds nesting on Tokamapuna to rear all their young. A blue heron nested there and reared one young. This is the first time to my knowledge that they have nested there. Petrels have apparently increased, as there were several new building-grounds noted this season —one on the hill at Paripatea, one on the hilltop north of Kaiwharawhara Stream, and another along the top of the cliffs at Onepoto. " A consignment of paradise ducks (Casarca variegata) was received from the Southland Acclimatization Society through the kindness of Mr. Tripp, chairman of the Wellington Society. When first received, the paradise ducks were liberated with the teal. Three of them were rather sickly, but soon recovered. Unfortunately, a harrier killed one of the drakes, in spite of the fact that we were keeping a constant watch over them. I have now placed the remaining eleven ducks in my wirenetted swamp. " In regard to new habitats of plants, I wish to correct an error that appeared in my last annual report. I mentioned that I had discovered the fern Doodia media, whereas Mr. Morris Jones should have had the honour of being the first to record this species as occurring on Kapiti, he having discovered it six months before I did. During the year I have found three plants which, as far as I know, have not hitherto been recorded from Kapiti. They are Blechnum Banksii and Euphorbia glauca, growing at the south end near Split Rock, and Pellaea falcata, growing on the steep face of the cliff of Kaihikatea." I desire to thank the following ladies and gentlemen for donations of plants and birds or for assisting the caretaker with planting : Mr. A. Morris Jones —plants and assistance in planting ; Messrs. Britton and Priestley—assisting with planting ; Mrs. Blyth, Wanganui, and Misses Pike and Kebbell, Levinplants ; Messrs. Duncan and Davies, New Plymouth —plants; Mr. E. Maxwell, Opunake—plants; Wellington City Council (per Mr. MacKenzie, Director of Reserves) —plants ; Mr. J. Webber, Kapiti— pair of grey teal ( Querquedula gibberiferons).

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