Rece7itly published Ornithological Works. 455 



Odontophoriiue show a well-developed claw on the tliumb, 

 which is absent in the Grouse. 



The pterylosis of the Turkey (Meleagris) has been well 

 figured by Nitzsch, There are 18 rectrices and only 18 

 secondaries, and a prominent claw on the thumb. Its posi- 

 tion is probably nearest to the Phasianidse. The single 

 representative of the Cracidae in North America {Ortalis) is 

 obviously far remote from the Galline type as regards its 

 feathering, as might have been anticipated from other points 

 in its structure. 



It would be very desirable that some ornithologist should 

 take up the examination of the pterylosis in the genera of 

 Gallinfe found in other parts of the world, and thus arrive at 

 some good general results as to their classification. Mean- 

 while we must be thankful to Dr. Clark for this valuable 

 contribution to a little- worked subject. 



7 1 . Evans on Birds. 



[Birds. By A. II. Evans, M.A., Clare College, Cambridge. London : 

 Macmillan & Co., 1899. 1 vol., 635 pp.] 



Mr, Evans's volume on the Class of Birds is the ninth of 

 the scries of ten which, when complete, will form the ' Cam- 

 bridge Natural History.' When considering it, we should 

 recollect that the plan of the whole series is to form a 

 " standard Natural History, accurate enough to be of use to 

 the student, and at the same time popular enough for the 

 general reader who desires trustworthy information as to the 

 structure and habits of all the meml)ers of the Animal 

 Kingdom." This is a very difficult ideal, and we cannot feel 

 surprised if it has not been quite carried out even by the 

 accomplished author of the present volume. At the same time 

 it will be allowed that Mr. Evans has produced a book full 

 of concentrated essence of information on birds, especially as 

 regards their outer structure and habits, and one that we 

 can cordially recommend as a work of reference to all 

 students of ornithology. 



As his system, the author adopts that of Dr. Gadow '' with 



