Recently published Ornithological Works. 201 



new species and subspecies of North- American birds. The 

 minor notices are chiefly of local interest. 



5. Bolau on the new Bird-house in the Hamburg Zoological 

 Gardens. 



[Das neue Vogelliaus fiir deutsclie Viig-el iin Zoologisclien Garten zu 

 Hamburg-. Yon Dr. Hevmaim Bolau. Zool. Garten, xl. p. 1.] 



The new house for German birds in the Zoological Garden 

 of Hamburg faces due south, and is built in the form of 

 an elongated veranda, so as to be entirely open in front 

 in suunner, being closable by shutters in winter and in bad 

 weather. It contains 84 small and 4 large cages, and is 

 entirely devoted to native birds. Full particulars of it are 

 described and plans added. In the list of the birds housed 

 are enumerated 105 species, principally of Passeres, the 

 remaining Orders of Birds being mostly provided for else- 

 where. 



6. Buller on the Ornithology of New Zealand. 



[On the Ornithology of New Zealand. By Sir Walter L. Builer, 

 K.C.M.G. Trans. X. Z. Inst. 1898.] 



Sir Walter Buller's address to the Wellington Philosophi- 

 cal Society for 1898 contains many interesting notes on the 

 Birds of New Zealand. We have first full details as to the 

 capture of the fourth known example of the Takahe {Notornis 

 hochstetteri) — ''the most important ornithological event of 

 the year.'^ It is hoped that this specimen may be retained 

 in the Otago Museum, where it has been placed " on deposit." 

 A photographic picture of it accompanies the address. We 

 have also various particulars respecting the Wood-hens {Ocy- 

 dromus), another most important element of the New Zealand 

 Ornis which is generally believed to be fast perishing. It is 

 gratifying, however, to know that the bird is increasing in 

 certain localities under measures taken for its protection, as 

 are some other species, such as the Pied Fantail [Rhipidara 

 flahelUfera) . Among the rarer species of which specimens 

 have been recently procured Sir Walter mentions Anthornis 



