Recently published Ornitliolo(/ic(tl JVorks. 5 19 



C-i. HowanVs ' British Warblers.' 



[The British Warblers: a History with Problems of their Lives. 

 By H. Eliot Howard. Pc. III. Loudou : R. IT. Porter, Feb. 1909. 

 Price 2\s. net.] 



We have before us another part of Mr. Howard's ' British 

 Warblers/ aud find the illustrations, which are one of the 

 great features of the work, as good as, if uot better tlian 

 formerly. Coloured figures are given of the ChitfchafF in 

 autumn plumage, the male and female Blackcap-Warbler, 

 Pallas's Willow-AVarbler, aud Radde's Bush- Warbler, photo- 

 gravures of the female Chiffchaff and of Blackcaps under 

 various conditions completing the series. It is hardly- 

 possible to say which we admire the most, but certainly the 

 delicacy and softness of the last-mentioned are most 

 remarkable. 



The letterpress discusses in very full style the life-history 

 of the Blackcap — especially the courtship, the habits during 

 breeding, and the vocal powers. Four points are emphasized 

 in particular: the development of the song of the male 

 from year to year, its deterioration after coition, the powers 

 of imitation, and evideuce of emulation. Incidentally 

 Mr. Howard tells us that he believes that the acquired 

 power of imitation may be inherited, and throughout he 

 shews how carefully and thoroughly he has investigated the 

 phenomena with which he deals. 



As usual, no life-histories are given of the species that do 

 not breed in Britain. 



65. Jour (lain on Em^opean Birds' Eggs. 



[The Eggs of European Birds. By Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain. London, 

 1909. 8vo. Pt. III. pp. 161-240, pis. 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 60, 69, 72, 87, 

 88, 90, 92, 94, 105.] 



Mr. Jourdain''s boolc has now reached its third part, 

 which concludes the Motacillidce, and treats of the Certhiidce 

 (including Sitta), the Parida (including Regulus and 

 Panurus) , and the Laniida. The letterpress fully maintains 



SER. IX, VOL. III. 2 O 



