104 



It would make this review too lengthy to quote sufficient to give a 

 reasonable idea of the scope of the information it imparts. The introduc- 

 tion runs through and defines the various parts of bird anatomy and the 

 functions of the principle organs— including notes on the senses of birds — 

 battles of birds— nesting arrangements — dimorphism — distribution — orni- 

 thological regions — promiscuous collecting condemned — study of living 

 birds — guides to classification. 



The illustrations include figures of such uncommon species as 

 Apteryx, Bird-of-Paradise, Cariama, Crocodile Bird, Finfoot, Frogmouth, 

 Hornbills, Humming Birds, Kiskadee, Porphyrio, Pratincole, Puff-bird, 

 Road-runner, Toucanet, Tropic Bird, White-headed Stork, etc. 



By the courtesy oj the publishers zve reproduce the figure of Great- 

 billed Touracou. The following extract will indicate the general character 

 of the work. 



TOURACOUS (Mmophagidte). 



Diagnosis.— Medium sized tree-birds, with short stout bill, and outer toe united by a 

 short basal web to middle one. 



Size. — From a pheasant's to a jay's; mostly the latter. 



Form.— Bill short, stout, upper profile curved, corner of mouth below eye ; feet with 

 rather short shanks, and four toes, the first or hinder, smallest, the fourth also usually 

 turned back, though united by a web at base to the middle one— thus the toes are generally 

 in pairs, though sometimes, and always in death, the outertoe comes forward. Head small 

 and always crested ; neck rather long. Wings short and rounded ; tail long and rounded. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Feathers rather hairy in texture, generally beauti- 

 fully coloured with green and purple, sometimes grey. Most of the light-coloured forms 

 have carmine primary quills concealed in repose. No sexual difference or seasonal change ; 

 the young much resemble the adults. 



Young. — Not very active, remaining in the nest and fed by parents, clad in dark- 

 coloured down without markings. They crawl about by aid of their wings. 

 Eggs. — Three, greenish or bluish-white. 

 Incubation.— Three weeks. 

 Nest. — A platform of twigs in a tree or bush. 

 Food. — Fruit and small animals, such as insects and worms. 



Gait. — They keep mostly to the trees, springing from one bough to another very 

 lightly, and running along the boughs like pheasants on the ground. When they do visit 

 the ground they run there very rapidly also. 



Flight. — Very light and graceful, but probably not enduring. The feet are tucked 

 up in front when in flight and the neck extended. 

 Note.— Loud and not much modulated. 



Economic Qualities.— They are not beneficial where fruit is grown, but do not seem 

 to be very harmful ; they are extremely ornamental. 



Disposition and Habits. — They seem to be sociable and playful, sometimes spiteful 

 to other birds. They spring and strike with their feet when fighting. 



Captivity.— They do well when confined, and one species [Turacus macrorkynckus) 

 has been bred successfully in England. 



Distribution and Important Species. — There are about three dozen species, found 

 in Africa south of the Sahara, in forest and wooded plains. The best known species is 

 perhaps the plainest, the Grey Touracou or Quay-bird (Schizorhis concolor), detested by 

 sportsmen for its habits of alarming- game. Touracous are called L,oories at the Cape." 



The above will indicate the scope of this useful vade mecum to all 



