V.—Group showing the Natural Surroundings of the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatum, Gray).

The Tuatara is the largest existing New Zealand reptile : it is closely allied to the lizards, but on account of certain peculiarities of structure, some of which tend to connect it with the crocodiles, is placed by Dr. Günther in a separate order (Rhynchocephalina). It was formerly widely distributed in New Zealand, but is now confined to certain outlying islets, notably Karewa Island, off Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty; the Chicken Islands, Whangarei Harbour; and the Brothers Rocks, near Wellington. The Tuatara lives in burrows in company with the native petrels (Procellaria Gouldi and P. Cookii), and Shearwaters or Mutton-birds (Puffnus gavius and P. brevicaudus). In the Chicken Islands, according to Mr. Andreas Reischek, the burrows are mostly made by the Tuataras themselves, but in Karewa Island they seem to be the work of the Mutton-birds (Puffinus brevicaudus). The Tuatara lives mainly upon insects, but also devours the young of the Mutton-bird, and, in captivity, will eat earth-worms, mice, small birds, &c. It is sluggish in disposition, but can move with tolerable rapidity when pursued. Its jaws and teeth are immensely powerful, and it is capable of inflicting a severe bite. It is oviparous, and has frequently laid eggs in confinement, but these have never hatched out, and up to the present time nothing is known of its development.

The Group represents a burrow in Karewa Island : a male Tuatara is shown in front of the mound, and a female specimen emerging from the burrow, in which is a young Mutton-bird. A specimen of the adult bird is perched on top of the mound, on which are also shown two small species of lizard (Mocoa Zealandica and Nauitinus punctatus) very common on the island.

Prepared by E. Jennings.