Recently published Ornitholoyical Works. 507 



volume of a second edition of which we now record, having 

 been very fully discussed in the first volume of this Journal 

 (Ibis, 1859, pp. 81-99), it is needless for us to enter upon 

 them again. That a second and enlarged edition is called 

 for, is proof of itself of the success of Dr. Bree's endeavours 

 to promote the study of European birds, upon which he may 

 be fairly congratulated. 



While thus we sympathize with the aim of this work, we 

 heartily wish it was in our power to accord our approval of 

 the manner in which the execution of it has been carried out. 



More is naturally expected of a second and enlarged edition 

 of a book like the present — greater accuracy, and, on the whole, 

 a firmer grasp of the subject ; but in the present case we de- 

 tect no such signs of a progressive knowledge at all com- 

 mensurate with the requirements of the subject, which has 

 during the last few years advanced with rapid strides. There 

 is a self-satisfaction about the tone of Dr. Bree's book which 

 has doubtless stood sadly in his way, and prevented his ac- 

 quii'ing that knowledge of contemporary ornithologists and 

 their writings which is absolutely necessary for the due per- 

 formance of his task. 



Take, for instance, his remarks in the preface upon the 

 *' confusion that has arisen in late years from the persistent 

 habit of changing long-established names in obedience to some 

 real or assumed priority existing one hundred or one hun- 

 dred and fifty years ago.^' It seems almost incredible that a 

 writer on ornithology at the present day should use the words 

 " one hundred and fifty years ago " in connexion with the 

 laws laid down in the ' Rules of Zoological Nomenclature ;' 

 but is not the conclusion forced upon us, that an author 

 who uses such words must be very ill informed respecting 

 this intricate and important subject ? 



As regai-ds Dr. Breeds knowledge of contemporary writers 

 we find him almost equally wanting. At page 58, Dr. Bree 

 says that he wrote to Prof. Blasius for information respecting 

 Accipiter sphenurus, and was surprised to receive no answer 

 to his letter. He appears to be ignorant of that distinguished 

 naturalist's death in May 1870 (Ibis, 1870, p. 448). Again 



SEK. III. VOL. V. 2 O 



