64 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



A pleasant half-hour was then devoted to some optical lantern 

 views shown by Mr. D. Le Souef, depicting various birds and 

 nests observed by Mr. Campbell on his numerous excursions. 



The meeting broke up with many expressions of gratification 

 at the pleasant and profitable evening spent, and hopes for future 

 gatherings of a similar nature. 



RECENT PUBLICATIONS. 



A Concise Handbook of British Birds. By H. K. Swann, 

 editor of the Ornithologist, Fc. 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. 



We have received from the publishers, John Wheldon and Co., 

 natural history booksellers, London, a copy of this work, which 

 well earns its title. In its 208 pages it contains references to 

 381 species of British birds, comprised under 206 genera, which 

 are arranged according to the list of the British Ornithological 

 Union (1883), commencing with Turdus (Thrushes), and ending 

 with Fratercula (Puffins). Notwithstanding the compactness and 

 small size of the volume, a vast amount of information respecting 

 each bird is given, comprising habitat, brief description of male 

 and female, size, breeding place, description of eggs, and, with 

 rare birds, notes of various occurrences. Altogether the work 

 seems so useful as a companion in the field that one wishes such 

 a volume existed for Victorian birds. 



A List of the Insectivorous Birds of New South Wales. 

 By A. J. North, C.M.Z.S., Ornithologist of the Australian 

 Museum, Sydney. Part I. Sydney : Government Printer. 



In the short introduction to the list the author expresses his 

 intention of dividing the birds into three groups — 1st. Those 

 exclusively insectivorous, and, unless otherwise stated, beneficial ; 

 2nd. Those partially insectivorous, also beneficial ; 3rd. Those 

 both insectivorous and frugivorous — more or less harmful. 



The part under notice deals with a portion, 63 species, of 

 the first group, from the Owlet Nightjar to the White-lored 

 Robin, and contains ten plates, in which nineteen birds are 

 figured, fifteen of which are in colours, thus forming a most useful 

 guide to fruit-growers and others. In passing it may be remarked 

 that our friend the Magpie, Gymnorrhina tibicen, is noted as 

 " one of the most useful of all Australian birds to the pastoralist 

 and agriculturist." 



References to Gould, or to the author's larger work, " Nests 

 and Eggs of Australian Birds," are given for each species, also 

 the vernacular and local rames, while particulars of its mode of life, 

 nesting, and often a brief description of the eggs, should prevent 

 any needless destruction of such useful members of the animal 

 kingdom. 



