THE ZOOLOGY OF BRITISH INDIA. 169 



divides into four families, muster some 30 species, most of wliicli also 

 occur in Europe. Of the Grebes and Divers (Colymbidae), which are 

 mostly Arctic forms and numerous in more northern regions, two 

 only have been hitherto recorded as Indian. Two species of Petrel 

 have been observed in the Bay of Bengal, and are at present the 

 only Indian representatives of the family Procellariidse. The Gulls 

 and Terns forming the family Laridas are, however, more numerous. 

 Dr. Jerdon includes 19 species in his list, not more than half of 

 which are identical with European forms. Lastly, the Pelicanidse, 

 under which term we should include the five families of Mr. Blyth's 

 tribe " Piscatores," include 13 Indian species, amongst which are two 

 species of Tropic-bird {Fhdethon) and a Darter {Plotus). 



Thus we find that the Avifauna of India, as treated of by Dr. 

 Jerdon — that is the peninsula and adjacent lands up to the sky-line 

 of the Himalayas, excluding, however, Ceylon and the countries on the 

 further side of the Bay of Bengal — contain, according to the present 

 state of our knowledge, about 1008 species of birds. To show how 

 the Ornithology of India contrasts with that of Europe, we add the 

 corresponding numbers of each Order, as given in the lately-published 

 list of the Birds of Europe by Professor Blasius.* 



1008 420 



With this comparison we take leave of Dr. Jerdon's work, cor- 

 dially recommending it again to the especial attention of those of our 

 readers in India who have any taste for Natural History. To re- 

 lieve the dull monotony of the up-country station, no pursuit can 

 be imagined more attractive than the charming study of Ornitho- 

 logy. Aided by Dr. Jerdon's hand-book the student will experience 

 little difficulty in making himself acquainted with what is already 

 known concerning the ornithic life of India, and by assisting to fill 



• A List of the Birds of Europe. By Professor J. H. Blasius. London, Triibner 

 & Co., 1862. 



N.H.R.— 1865. N 



