334 Review of M. 0. Des Murs' ' Oologie Ornithologique.' 



undoubtedly allied species inhabiting the same region, one of 

 which certainly lays a blue, though spotless egg, already figured 

 in this Journal (Ibis, 1859, PI. XII. fig. 8). We trust therefore 

 that the genus Iliacus, as established by M. Des Murs, will re- 

 ceive no support from naturalists. 



We do not wish to dwell upon one or two such obvious lapsus 

 calami as that (p. 206) wherein the eggs of Pandion are said to 

 be of a "couleur blanche, et sans tache," or the statement 

 (p. 508) that only one of the three known species of Bombycilla is 

 found in the New World; but we cannot refrain from recording 

 our total dissent from the assertion of M. Des Murs (p. 632) 

 that the Brambling {Fringilla montifringilla) is " par son CEuf 

 uu veritable Zonotrichia," In reality, we assure our readers, there 

 is only the most remote resemblance between the two eggs. That 

 of the Brambling agrees entirely in character with those of the 

 other true Fringillce, such as F. ccelebs and F. spodiogenia, while 

 that of one very normal species of Zonotrichia [Z. pileata), which 

 has already been described in this Magazine (Ibis, 1859, p. 18) 

 by a most accurate observer, has, as entirely, another appearance. 

 We fear that, as in the case of the Redwing, so in that of the 

 Brambling, M. Des Murs has not had the advantage of seeing 

 genuine eggs, from which to draw his conclusions. We have no 

 reason to suppose that he is not fully aware that no real progress 

 can be made in oology except through the attainment of eggs 

 which may have been thoroughly identified as to species, and 

 well authenticated as to specimens. When such are before him, 

 even the hardest hobby-horse rider may be suffered to pursue his 

 headlong course in safety. The worst that can happen to him 

 is to be stopped suddenly by some insuperable obstacle, when 

 he must retrace his steps ; but his beast, being sure-footed, 

 • will not bring him to grief. If, on the other hand, he trusts 

 himself outside a hack without a warranty, we all know what is 

 likely to be the consequence. We therefore do not complain 

 of M. Des Murs exercising caution in hesitating to credit (p. 501) 

 the account given in the ' Ibis ' (1859, p. 469) by Mr. Alexander 

 S. Taylor of a supposed egg of Cathartes californianus, which has 

 been figured in our last Number ; but it should be I'emcmbered 

 that that gentleman is possessed of unusual acumen, and that he 



