BOOK NOTICES 125 



NOTE ON KCELERIA. By Rev. E. S. Marshall, M.A., F.L.S. 

 Journ. Bot., 1906, pp. 103-104. Note K. gracilis, Pers., from Sands 

 of Barry in Forfar ; and K, bntannica, Domin.,_/ major, from Thurso. 



NEW OR CRITICAL BRITISH MARINE ALG^E. By E. A. L. 

 Batters, LL.B., F.L.S. Journ. Bot., 1906, pp. 1-3, pi. 475. Several 

 of those mentioned were found near Ber\vick-on-T\veed. 



BOOK NOTICES. 



THE BIRDS OF TUNISIA : Being a History of the Birds found 

 in the Regency of Tunis. By J. I. S. Whitaker, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 

 etc. London: R. H. Porter, 1905. Two vols. super royal Svo, 

 ^3:33. net. 



Mr. Whitaker's " Birds of Tunisia " is the most important contri- 

 bution to the ornithology of the Western Palasarctic Region that 

 has appeared for many years. The ornis of the regency is one of 

 extreme interest, especially to European naturalists, for whom it 

 has attractions by reason of its geographical position and faunal 

 relationships. It is fortunate that during recent years much has 

 been added to the little that was previously known regarding it- 

 thanks mainly to the researches of the author, Dr. Koenig, and Von 

 Erlanger, so that now, through these handsome volumes, we know 

 more about the avifauna of Tunisia than we do of a number of 

 European states. 



Not only has Mr. Whitaker made a special study of the literature 

 of his subject, but he has undertaken extensive journeys in the 

 regency for the purpose of making himself familiar with the country 

 and its bird-life. Thus we have a strong personal element running 

 through the volumes in the shape of excellent field and other 

 observations, which adds much to their attractiveness, and renders 

 them eminently readable. This first-hand knowledge, too, has enabled 

 the author to offer some valuable remarks on the varied physical 

 characteristics of the country, and their bearings upon its bird-life. 

 From these, and a general study of the volumes, it is manifest that 

 Tunisia is a particularly interesting field for the study of subspecific 

 forms, and for their correlations with natural causations. His 

 remarks, too, on the necessity for protective coloration among the 

 Chats and other species are most instructive. The total number 

 of species and subspecies included in the avifauna is no less than 

 365, all of which are shortly described, and some useful synonymy 

 and references to literature afforded concerning them. In treating 

 of them Mr. Whitaker makes allusion to their presence or absence 

 in the adjacent countries of Algeria, Marocco, and Tripoli, etc., 

 and offers some useful observations thereon. In addition to 

 its native birds, Tunisia offers a winter retreat for many species 



