Otaheite, and known there by a similar name. This bird is also
remarkable both for the beauty of its plumage and the sweetness of its
note. Its power of song is the more remarkable as it belongs to the
class of birds which feed on honey, whose notes are generally not
melodious.[AR]

The enchanting music of the woods of New Zealand is dwelt upon with
rapture by all who have had an opportunity of listening to it.
Describing one of the first days he spent in Queen Charlotte Sound, Cook
says:--"The ship lay at the distance of somewhat less than a quarter of
a mile from the shore, and in the morning we were awakened by the
singing of the birds. The number was incredible, and they seemed to
strain their throats in emulation of each other. This wild melody was
infinitely superior to any that we had ever heard of the same kind; it
seemed to be like small bells, exquisitely tuned; and perhaps the
distance and the water between might be no small advantage to the
sound." Upon inquiry, they were informed that the birds here always
begin to sing about two hours after midnight, and, continuing their
music till sunrise, were silent the rest of the day.[AS]

One of the chief sources of natural wealth which New Zealand possesses
consists in the abundance and variety of the fish which frequent its
coasts. Wherever he went, Cook, in his different visits to the two
islands, was amply supplied with this description of food, of which he
says that six or eight men, with hooks and lines, would in some places
catch daily enough to serve the whole ship's company. Among the
different species which are described as being found, we may mention
mackerel, crayfish, a sort called by the sailors colefish, which Cook
says was both larger and finer than any he had seen before, and was, in
the opinion of most on board, the highest luxury the sea afforded them;
the herring, the flounder, and a fish resembling the salmon. To these
may be added, besides, many other species of shell-fish, mussels,
cockles, and oysters.

The seas in the neighbourhood of New Zealand, also, we ought not to
forget to add, are much frequented by whales, which, besides the value
of their blubber, are greatly prized by the natives for the sake of
their flesh, which they consider a first-rate delicacy.

The New Zealanders are extremely expert in fishing. They are also
admirable divers, and Rutherford states that they will bring up live
fish from the deepest waters, with the great