When the Southern Cross again shone down from the sky on the father and mother and happy children, Hal told them his tale of all he had seen the night before.
Although little Cis declared it was not so, Hal would never believe but that Cis and he had been with Santa Claus to see all the wonders of the Southern Cross Fairy-land.
FINIS.
NOTES.
[1] Bell-bird. Korimako. (Anthornis melanura.)—A honey eater, the size of a sparrow; plumage dark green. It inhabits the outskirts of the forest. At daybreak the Bell-birds collect together in a favourite tree, especially on the Pohutukawa, or Christmas-tree, so called because it is in blossom at Christmas time, every little branch being then decorated with a tuft of crimson flowers, the cups of which are full of honey. One bird acts as conductor, making a snap with his bill, which is the signal to the others to begin the music, when at once a beautiful sound, like distant chimes, is heard; all the birds listen to the conductor, and stop or begin at his command. During the daytime they do not sing in chorus, but before retiring to rest they again gather together and with sweet music show their joy in life.—A. Reischek, F.L.S.
[2] The Cabbage-tree (Cordyline australis) is a characteristic feature in New Zealand landscapes. It receives its name from the arrangement of its leaves in tufts or heads at the ends of the branches. The tree may reach forty feet in height, and the tufts of stiff and sword-shaped leaves at the ends of the not very numerous branches gives it a peculiarly picturesque appearance. It is a member of the Lily order, and bears in the spring, feathery masses of small, white and sweet-scented flowers.—A. P. W. Thomas, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S.
[3] Kiwi. (Apteryx mantelli.)—A bird about the size of a common fowl, with a long bill; it cannot fly, as the wings are extremely small and hidden amongst the plumage, being only 2½ inches long. The plumage of the Northern Kiwi is brown, and that of the South Island grey, the feathers are very much like hair, and when walking it steadies itself with its long bill. In summer it inhabits dense and secluded gullies, and in winter the spurs of the forest-covered hills. During the day the Kiwis sleep in burrows, under roots, or in hollow trees. As soon as the sun sets the shrill call of the male, and the croaking answer of the female, is heard, and it is amusing to see these creatures on a moonlight night, coming into the open spaces, and challenging any of their rivals who may dare to intrude into their favourite haunts. The challenge being answered, each bird makes a grunt of defiance, then the two rush together, and the fight begins. They strike forward with their strong legs at each other, and often roll over and over from the hard blows given. They are the most unsociable of all the New Zealand birds.—A. R.
[4] Parson-bird. Tui. (Prosthemadera novæ Zealandiæ.)—A honey bird, the size of a blackbird; plumage black, with steel-blue and green shimmer, and two white tufts of soft curly feathers under its throat, suggestive of white bands, hence the name, Parson-bird. It imitates nearly every bird, and talks to perfection when in captivity and if taught. It alters its note according to the four seasons. In September, when the Kowhai is covered with bright yellow flowers, it is a remarkable sight to see the Tuis climbing among the blossoms, and sucking the honey from them, their dark plumage forming a beautiful contrast to the mass of brilliant golden flowers.—A. R.