REVIEWS 373 



fig. 27 (wrongly numbered fig. 21), and fig. 73 are not up to the standard of the 

 rest. By the aid of these and the descriptions in the text, the naturalist should 

 have little difficulty in recognising almost any animal ordinarily found on the 

 beach, and in this respect Chapter I., on Fishes, is exceptionally good. 



The book is remarkably free from typographical errors, and will, doubtless, 

 prove useful to a wide circle of readers. 



C. H. O'D. 



Our Common Sea-birds. By Percy R. Lowe, B.A., M.B., B.C. [Pp. xvi + 310, 

 with 246 illustrations.] (London : Country Life, Ltd. Price 15J. net.) 



It is certainly a venture to launch a volume of bird photographs upon a market that 

 is already wellnigh flooded, but let us add from the outset that in the present case 

 the proceeding is amply justified. The present book deals, as its sub-title states, 

 with Cormorants, Terns, Gulls, Skuas, Petrels, and Auks. Most people are aware 

 that sea-birds are bound to the land during their breeding season, but it is not 

 generally appreciated that species seemingly quite unfettered are in reality just as 

 closely tied to land, although indirectly, throughout the remaining part of the year. 

 The introductory chapter brings this home in a clear and striking manner by 

 pointing out the dependence of such birds on the plancton and benthos and of the 

 last named on the distribution of the land masses. The two chapters on the flight 

 of birds make interesting reading, and the author of the second (Bently Beetham) 

 certainly makes out a very good case for the view that at the commencement of 

 flight the unfolding of the units of the wing takes place from within outwards, and 

 supports it by some striking photographs. 



Apart from certain chapters by experts the majority of the book is due to 

 Dr. Lowe, a well-known ornithologist, and is very well written. The author is 

 haunted by a ghost, "The doctrine which blindly teaches that every specific 

 character, however insignificant, must be either advantageous or disadvantageous 

 to any given species," which he lays quite an unnecessary number of times. On 

 p. 256 " Schizopoda (Mjst's, Euphansid) " implies that Mysis and Euphansia belong 

 to the Stomatopoda, an inference that is far from true. Although much is known 

 about our sea-birds many enigmas still remain to be solved by the persevering 

 observer and these problems are indicated in the many chapters dealing with the 

 various species. 



Without any disparagement of the text, it may be said that the illustrations 

 constitute the chief feature of the book. These are reproductions of photographs 

 taken by a number of skilful bird photographers illustrating in a very complete 

 manner the whole life of the bird, and are remarkable for their clearness and 

 beauty. They represent an expenditure of time and patience that can only 

 be fully appreciated by one who has tried this fascinating way of studying 

 nature. 



Naturalists will find much to learn from its pages and illustrations, and the 

 general reader will obtain an insight into bird life that should add an interest to 

 his visits to the sea. 



Both author and publishers are to be congratulated on the production of this 

 book, which is one of outstanding merit, and the second volume, promised in 

 the preface, will be awaited with interest, and should be assured of a wide 

 welcome. 



C. H. O'D. 



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