1898] SOME NEW HOOKS 129 



account of the main features of the macroscopic structure of the 

 alimentary canal in the various groups of vertebrates and then enters 

 upon a detailed account of the oesophagus. This occupies the first 

 L60 pages of the volume, and is perhaps remarkable chiefly on account 



of the close similarity of the structures to he found in different verte- 

 brates. With the exception of the peculiar elaborations forming the 

 crop <>f birds, there is not any marked difference to lie found in the 

 various orders. 



In the treatment of the gut the greater variety of structure demands 

 a fuller sub-division of the matter. The systematic treatment has to 

 be repeated for a whole series of structures such as the epithelium, 

 the musculature, the various forms of glands, the lymph-tissues, 

 blood-vessels, and nerves. This occupies the volume up to page 537, 

 and the remaining portion treats of the development and of special 

 structures such as the caccal diverticula and of all such remains. 

 There are copious indices of matter, authorities, and animals. We 

 welcome a scholarly and careful contribution t-> anatomy. 



( U^XITHOLOGISTS AT DRESDEN 



Aus der 22. Jaliresversammlung der Dentschen Ornithologischen Gesellschaft in Dresden, 

 vom 28-30 MailS97, herausgegeben von A. B Meyer. Abh. K. Zool. Anthrop. Mi's. 

 Dresdi >i, vii. (2). Berlin : R. Friedlander & Sohn, 1898. 4to, pp. vii. 83, pis. i.-iii. 



Br A. B. Meyer has rendered useful service in editing the papers 

 read at the Dresden meeting of German ornithologists. He is him- 

 self responsible for a treatise upon the Paradiseidae, extending over 

 some thirty-five pages, in which he refers to several of the recent 

 discoveries in this important family, which has of late yielded so 

 many unexpected novelties to collectors. Dr Sharpe and Mr Hartert 

 have already shown a special knowledge of the subject; but it is 

 satisfactory to find our continental colleagues assisting in elucidating 

 the difficult questions which these birds present to the student. It 

 is also pleasant to learn that the Dresden Museum possesses speci- 

 mens of a good many Birds of Paradise, including several of the original 

 types. The first appendix to this paper supplies a useful list of 

 recent publications dealing with the Paradiseidae. Many naturalists 

 will be surprised to learn that we are now acquainted with the eggs 

 of no less than twelve species of Birds of Paradise. 



< )f more general interest than the foregoing is the charming- 

 sketch of bird-life upon the Nile contributed by Dr Koenig of Bonn. 

 Englishmen have of course long since worked out the general 

 features of the ornithology of Egypt; but while our countrymen 

 continue to supplement our local knowledge — witness Mr Cavendish's 

 recent recognition of Gyps rueppelli in the Cairo Zoological Gardens, 

 and the capture of the fourth known example of Saxicola xantho- 

 prymna by the same veteran 'Ibis,' — there is plenty of scope for 

 other workers, and Dr Koenig's industry is acceptable. His present 

 paper only covers about thirteen pages, but it is brimful of facts and 

 very pleasant reading. Dr Koenig paid special attention to the 

 species of Hirundinidae to be met with in Egypt, including Hirundo 

 savignyi, which he naturally considers to be a local and resident form 

 of the more widely distributed Hirundo rustica. 



An excellent coloured plate reproduces no fewer than three 

 recently discovered sketches of the lost Dodo, or ' Dronte,' as the 



