144 Reviews. [,.f"oct. 



the limits of the species. In the present paper geographical 

 variation is considered in connection with the other variations of 

 species, the sub-species theory being discarded as a theory that 

 has outHvcd its usefuhiess." 



As the memoir deals with the whole of the Tubinares, all Aus- 

 tralian species are more or less mentioned, and numerous annota- 

 tions will have to be sifted by the R.A.O.U. Check-list Committee. 

 Some of Prof. Loomis's deductions do not altogether agree with 

 Mr. G. M. Mathews's latest pronouncements on the species. Mr. 

 Mathews has revived DiomedcBci epomophora, Lesson, for Diomedea 

 regia, Buller, dilating on the shape of the bill as a diagnostic character. 

 The examination of an extensive series shows that the individuals 

 of Tubinarine species are subject to much variation in form and 

 size of bill ; also that Gould's name, D. citlminata, should be 

 retained instead of Forster's D. chrysostoma. Gould's name, 

 Pterodroma {(Estrelata) solandri, should not be rejected in favour 

 of Gmelin's P. melanopns, because the former's type and descrip- 

 tion appear to be more certain of the species. 



According to Prof. Loomis, the evidence against Puffimis gavia, 

 Forster, is not conclusive, for which species Mr. Mathews proposes 

 his own new names Reinholdia reinholdi. There are other instances 

 where " doctors differ." But it may be observed here that Prof. 

 Loomis lists the Spectacled Petrel (Majaqueus conspicillatiis, 

 Gould) as synonymous with the White-chinned Petrel [Procellaria 

 {eqiiinodialis, Linn.) 



One of the surprises of the Galapagos expedition was the inter- 

 esting discovery of the Black Petrel {Procellaria parkinsoni, Gray) 

 — a species hitherto supposed to be peculiar to Australasian seas. 



A sketch chart of the oceans accompanies the memoir, also 

 interesting reproductions of the Galapagos Albatross nesting and 

 of the light phases and dark of the Wedge-tailed Petrel (Puffinus 

 chlororhynchus [sphenitrns]), &c. Not only American but Aus- 

 tralian ornithology will be benefited by Prof. Loomis's practical 

 piece of research, which is published by the Academy and printed 

 from the " John W. Hendrie Pubhcation Endowment." 



Monthly Conversaziones of R.A.O.U. 



The July conversazione of the R.A.O.U. was held at Temple 

 Court, Collins-street, on 3rd July, Dr. Leach occupying the chair. 

 The subject for the evening took the form of a debate on 

 "Re-naming Austrahan Birds: is it Necessary?" Mr. A. J. 

 Campbell introducing the discussion and taking up the position 

 that priority should not go back further than the days of Gould. 

 Mr. W. B. Alexander, M.A., and Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley opposed 

 these views, and other members had an opportunity of expressing 

 their opinion at the conclusion of the debate. 



Mr. Campbell said that there was no invincible reason why 

 Australian birds — endemic species, at least — already correctly 



