REVIEWS 281 



at the same time developing destructive and carnivorous propensities. 

 The raven continues to hold its own. 



On the other hand the goldfinch is becoming local and rare ; the 

 yellow-hammer reported as decreasing rapidly in the neighbourhood 

 of Inverary. The lesser whitethroat and chiff-chaff are of doubtful 

 occurrence, as also is the yellow wagtail. So far the advancing 

 stock-dove has not found a place in the fauna, the snow-bunting is 

 recorded as probably nesting on Ben Nevis. We much regret that 

 limited space forbids us further to follow the authors through the 

 remainder of their list,, having reference to the game birds, owls, 

 eagles, falcons, hawks, geese and ducks, waders, gulls, terns, divers, 

 and petrels, pages containing much which is of the greatest interest to 

 ornithologists ; indeed every part is full of new and original matter, 

 and every attainable scrap of lore, past or present, written or oral, 

 has been carefully utilised. 



The concluding portion of the volume is taken up with notices 

 of the reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. There is a chapter by Mr. 

 Henry Evans on the deer of Jura, and another by Professor Heddle 

 on the Geology of the Inner Hebrides. 



Regarding this volume we had looked for much, but the results, 

 as now set forth, have greatly exceeded our expectations. The 

 illustrations which embellish the work are of high merit, and along 

 with the maps and charts add much to the value of the text. We 

 can most sincerely congratulate the authors on the publication 

 of their admirable volume, which is a credit to all who have been 

 connected with its production. John Cordeaux. 



British Birds : Key List. By Lieut.-Colonel L. Howard Irby, 

 F.L.S. Second Edition. Revised and enlarged. (London : R. H. 

 Porter. Pp. 69.) 



This work aims at supplying in a few words the essential 

 characters by which each species of British bird may be recognised, 

 whether male or female (in summer or winter dress), or young. The 

 scientific name, the faunal status, and the true habitat of the rarer 

 visitants, arc also given. As a vade mecum the "Key List" will 

 be found most useful to the travelling ornithologist, and it is also 

 convenient for general reference. The fact that a second edition 

 has been called for in so short a time affords the best evidence that 

 such a little book was wanted, and also indicates in no small degree 

 that Colonel Irby's excellent method of treating the subject has been 

 much appreciated, and deservedly so. Two plates explaining the 



technical terms employed have been added to this edition, which 



has also been otherwise enlarged and improved. 



