3:28 Recently published Ornithological Works. 



received from the Sovitli African Museum) is the type of 

 Hypoleucus melanogenis, Blyth (J. A. S. B. xxix. p. 201), and 

 is most nearly allied to, if not identical with, Phalacrocorax 

 verrucosus [cf. B. M. C. B. xxvi. p. 394). 



51. Finn on the Birds of the Indian Museum. 



[A Guide to the Zoological Collections exhibited in the Bird Gallery of 

 the Indian Museum. By F. Finn, B.A., F.Z.S., Deputy Superintendent, 

 8vo. Calcutta, 1900. 131 pp. Price 12 annas.] 



We do not feel inclined to criticize this guide too harshly, 

 for it is on the whole an undoubtedly good piece of work, 

 which will prove of great service to those entering upon the 

 study of Birds in India; while its arrangement, being that 

 of a general introduction followed by a separate account 

 of each family, is probably the most suitable that could 

 be found for such persons' requirements. With a view, 

 however, to assisting the author, should a second edition be 

 called for, we venture to mention a few points which we fear 

 may detract from the value of a book which is especially 

 intended for beginners. Such words as " omnivorous " and 

 '' exceptional " are used in too loose a sense, which is cal- 

 culated to mislead the reader. For example, on p. 7Q the 

 Gallina are said to be '' exceptional among birds " as regards 

 polygamy, though on pp. 91 and 96 other instances are given 

 of the habit. The Palamedeidce are stated to be " unique " 

 in having no uncinate processes ; '' among existing forms " 

 should here be added. Certain Anatida are declared to have 

 "horny teeth '^ in the jaws, but it should be explained that 

 such are not really teeth. Again, spurs can hardly be called 

 " epidermal '^ structures, blue is scarcely to be termed a 

 rare colour in the Class, M'hile on p. 96 the eighth line reads 

 as if the Curlew were a Sandpiper. 



The author lays little stress on Anatomy as a guide to 

 Taxonomy, while the Impennes in his eyes rank as an Order 

 equal to the Carinatce and the Ratitce ; he follows the classi- 

 fication of the ' Fauna of British India ' to a great extent, 

 but rediices the Orders of that work to Suborders, and does 

 not always preserve the sequence there adopted. 



