D2 A RETROSPECT OP THE LITERATURE 



writers, accord but sorrily with the title, perished in its infancy. — 

 On the Structure and Physiology of the Bird-Class, an admirable 

 Article, under the head of Birds, is given, by Dr. Macartney, in 

 Rees' Encyclopccdia. 



Upon the Nidification of British Birds, one systematic work only 

 has yet appeared, which can be confidently relied on for correctness 

 in the outline and colouring of the egg, and fidelity in the descrip- 

 tion of the nest. It is the last in our catalogue, and will be noticed 

 in due order. Bolton, to whose volume we have before cursorily 

 adverted, exhibits forty rude and coarsely-coloured engravings of 

 the nests and eggs of British Song-birds. The figures given in 

 Lewin's Ovarion, or egg-repository, which we have long since noticed 

 in a tone of merited reprehension, serve only to illustrate the truth 

 of the ancient adage, •* Like parent, like progeny." Graves' work 

 upon Eggs, referred to by Mr. Sl.iney, we have not seen. Donovan's 

 ovarian attempt is a perfect abortion. He laid only thrice : the 

 specimens were few ; and all addle. Rennie has produced an inte- 

 resting work on this subject, entitled The Architecture of Birds : it 

 combines much amusement and information with a large admixture 

 of errors ; but is not restricted to the nidification of British Birds : 

 much correct description, and many valuable facts, relating to it, 

 will be found in the poetical works of Graham and of Jennings, 

 already noticed. Last, but not least, is the periodical publication, 

 on British Oology, lately commenced by ]\Ir. Hewilson, of New 

 castle-upon-Tyne. Seventeen or eighteen numbers of it only have 

 yet appeared. It is a really scientific and valuable production, — 

 We have nothing to find fault with in this correct and elegant de- 

 lineation of our British eggs, but the vexatious slowness of its pro- 

 gress, and the almost inaccessible altitude of its price. 



Of Mr. Gould's magnificent work. The Birds of Europe, the First 

 Part was published in June, 1832. Nine others have subsequently 

 appeared: and the latter, we rejoice to observe, fully keep pace 

 with, if they do not outstrip, their predecessors, in labour and beauty 

 of execution. The productions of no British, nor of any European 

 artist, with whose performances we are acquainted, can, for one 

 moment, sustain a comparison with it. For correctness of outline, 

 and splendour and fidelity of colouring, the birds of Mr. Gould are. 



