218



Revieivs.



keen and intelligent ornithologists it could not well be otherwise.

Space forbids ns from noticing this number in detail. It is

lavishly illustrated with photographs showing both the localities-

visited and many nests and yonng birds, and one cannot fail to

be a little envious of Australian ornithologists in having so many

interesting species, nesting within comparatively easy reach of

their large commercial centres. The haunts of the Bine Wren

and of the Crimson Finch will perhaps appeal most to avicul-

tnrists. Those interested in the habits and life histories of

Australian birds might do worse than subscribe to a journal so-

full of excellent articles and illustrations.


MULE AND HYBRID BIRDS*


Last month we had the pleasure of noticing a book by Mr.

Silver on the practical management of British Birds in captivity,

and the book now before ns follows practically the same lines in

dealing with the much more intricate subject of mule and hybrid'

breeding. To the beginner, as well as to the experienced fancier

who wishes to take up this branch of the subject, this book will

prove a reliable and exhaustive vadc viecum, and if the hints given

are carefully carried out, success should be as nearly assured as

it is possible to make it. Mr. Manneringhas very wisely devoted

his space entirely to the practical side of the matter, the hybrids

themselves are not described, though those most frequently seen

on the show bench are figured in the coloured and other plates.


In the case of a book full of good things, it becomes

difficult to mention any special points, but those members who

will remember the discussion which raged some years back on

Cages versus Aviaries will be interested to note that for most

crosses Mr. Mannering advocates the former as giving the

greatest probability of success.


Those who are more interested in hybrids from the scien¬

tific side will find much food for thought in many of the author’s

notes. The breeding of light mules from sib-bred canaries still

awaits a scientific interpretation, and the details and difficulties

of sib-breeding, as given by a practical breeder, are well worth

a study.



* Mulb and Hybkid Hikds, by Kossi.yn Mannkkikg, 48pp., 4to., with five coloured

plates and other illustrations. I.ondon : The Feathered World, 9, Arundel Street, Strand-

Price x/o; post free 1/8.



