* 
‘372 Recent Literature. [ZOE 
probable that this is the second brood, as the species is in song in 
the latter part of February and early in March. 
The list of loiterers who do not begin to breed until during the 
latter half of May is small, including the mourning dove ( Zenazdura 
macroura), the western kingbird ( 7yrannus verticalis), Oregon 
towhee (/ipilo maculatus oregonus), and probably the ash- 
throated flycatcher (A4yiarchus cinerascens), although the earliest 
set of eggs taken was June 9, 1880. From this time on, we find 
no new species introduced, the eggs found in June being, for the 
most part, second sets. In July fresh eggs are very rare, although 
they are recorded from the following species: western lark finch, 
western fly catcher, lazuli bunting, California partridge and mourn- 
ing dove. 
——- 
RECENT LITERATURE. 
The Atlatle or Spear- Thrower. Ze LIA NUTTALL, the well-known 
archeologist, gives us in vi, No. 3, of the Ethnological papers of 
the Peabody Museum, a most interesting account of the atlatle or 
spear-thrower. This instrument, the value and character of which 
was until now unknown, or misunderstood, consists of a peculiar 
shaped ‘‘handle” for throwing spears and arrows. It was used 
by the Aztecs at the time of the conquest, and is found pic- 
tured in all codices as well as upon the sculptured tablets of Yucatan, 
Mexico and Central America. Mrs. Nuttall is the first one to as- 
certain the true character and use of this instrument, with which 
the Aztecs not only killed their foes and enemies in warfare, but 
which in their trained hands became the principal weapon of the 
chase. Before going to war, the young men practiced with it on 
flying ducks as well as on the fishes of the lakes. Mrs. Nuttall 
discerns three: distinct forms of the atlatle. The one used in the 
chase and warfare, the one used as an emblem for the gods, heroes 
and kings; the third form was higbly ornamented and used as an 
emblem in religious ceremonies by the priests. It would have 
greatly added to the value of the memoir if detailed drawings of 
the three yet remaining atlatles had been given, as the correct use 
of the weapon is difficult to understand. G. E. 
Description of a New Subspecies of the Eastern Chipmunk, pie 
the Upper Mississippi Region, West of the Great Lakes. By Ep- 
