376 Recently published Ornithological Works. 



been recorded not only by all Australian ornitbologists, 

 but also by Messrs. Chapman & Bonhote (Bahamas), 

 J. J. Lister (Phoenix Isles), Pickering (Rosa Island), 

 R. M. Sperling, F. G. Penrose, and C. Coliingwood 

 (Ascension), S. St. J. Farquhar (Farquhar Isles), W. M. 

 Crowfoot (Norfolk Island), A, W. Anthony (Revillagigedo 

 Isles), and others, the fact may be considered as established 

 that the normal clutch of this species is one egg in all parts 

 of its breeding range, though occasionally (as in all large 

 colonies of birds breeding close together) cases occur in 

 which tvro eggs or perhaps even three may be found in one 

 depression. Thus one may see nests of the Common Tern 

 with four and even five eggs, but from internal evidence they 

 are not to be regarded as genuine clutches. Probably 

 Audubon was told that the Sooty Terns would lay three 

 times if robbed, and in writing the article subsequently 

 from notes made on the spot, while stating that he never 

 saw more than three eggs in any nest, omitted to mention 

 the fact that the vast majority of nests contained only 

 one egg. 



We wish that Mr. North had made use of millimetres 

 instead of decimals of the inch for his egg-measurements, 

 as the latter system is quite unsuited to scientific work. 

 Even where fractions of the inch are convenient for rough 

 field-work, the more simple and accurate metric equivalent 

 should always be added. But, taken as a whole, the work is 

 a valuable contribution to oological literature and has been 

 brought up to date. We heartily congratulate the author 

 on the completion of his task, and on the production of a 

 work which must be regarded as the standard for many 

 years to come. F. C. R. J. 



Wetmore on the tail of Rhinoplax. 



[A peculiarity in the growth of the tail-feathers of the Giant Hombill 

 {Rhinoplax vigil). By Alex. Wetmore. Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus. vol. 47, 

 1914, pp. 497-500.] 



The two central tail-feathers of the Giant Hornbill are 

 twice as long as the other eight, and Mr. Wetmore finds 



