liectnthj pubriii/ic'd Onutlioloijical [Vorks. 495 



matter of importauce far exceeding the requirements of a 

 simple exposition of a local fauna. One of the chief features 

 of the work is the elaborate list of references attached to the 

 name of each species mentioned. These are followed by a 

 general outline of the range of the species, and a list of the 

 specimens, if any, obtained l)y the surveying expeditions. Dr. 

 Coues's own notes on many of the species observed by him- 

 self are added; or when a species had not personally been en- 

 countered by himself, extracts from other sources on the same 

 points are given. In the latter part of the book the North- 

 American members of the Laridte, Colymbidac, and Podici- 

 pitidae are treated in full in the form of monographs. 



Thus it will be seen that this is a work of no ordinary im- 

 portance ; and that it is the product of a man who is no less 

 skilful with his pen, his gun, and his scalpel will not detract 

 from its value. In spite of all that has been written on the 

 birds of North America, hardly a page of Dr. Coues's book 

 but contains fresh matter of interest. Plaving said thus 

 much in general praise of really excellent work, we trust we 

 may be permitted to make a few remarks upon the treat- 

 ment of the subject in several matters of detail and some of 

 principle. 



We regret to see that recent American writers almost in- 

 variably give as the authority for the locality where a species 

 has been procured, not the collector's name, but tua^ of the 

 author who happened to publish the fact. How mucn science 

 would lose in interest if the late Mr. G. R. Gray's name 

 were given instead of Mr. Wallace's as the authority of the 

 numberless species obtained by the latter gentleman in the 

 islands of the Eastern archipelago ! or to take perhaps a still 

 more patent case ; and here we are sure we are speaking Herr 

 von Pelzeln's feelings on the subject when we raise our voice 

 against a practice which would disassociate Natterer's name 

 from his brilliant discoveries in Brazil. First authorities are 

 entitled to every acknowledgment; and we are somewhat 

 surprised to see them neglected in the point referred to by 

 authors who are exceedingly particular that each slioidd get 

 his full rights in connexion with the foruuition of new names 

 or the recombination of old ones. 



