42 



JOURNAL. OF 



TUF, WILD BIRD l.W'ESTIGATIOX SOCIETY. 



bird language, special instincts, or physiological 

 peculiarities, we find the same richness of illustra- 

 tion, and so many details as the result of the 

 author's own observations, that one has to pause 

 awhile before continuing; this fascinating" story 

 of the ways and doings of wild birds. 



The account of the nestling" Hoatzin makes us 

 wish for more, indeed, there is scarcely a page in 

 the book which might not be enlarged to a 

 chapter. 



The series of excellent photographs add to the 

 interest of a work which will be widely read and 

 enjoyed by all students of bird life. 



The omission of a date on the title-page is an 

 unfortunate oversight. 



With the author's plea for the importation, of 

 exotic birds into this country, we certainly do not 

 agree. Mr. Hudson says " nothing is to be 

 feared" from such a policy, but fortunately he 

 is not an authority on this matter, and does not 

 seem to be acquainted with the happenings in 

 other countries. Apart from a few species of 

 game birds, the introduction of non-indigenous 

 wild birds has in practically all cases led to serious 

 results. The introduction of the house-sparrow 

 into America, and the starling and skylark into 

 .'\ustralia, has proved most injurious, whilst 

 alreadv there are manv who are of opinion that 

 the little owl in this country is becoming a very 

 .serious pest; and vet, in spite of these and many 



Birds in Town ,\nd Village. By ^^^ H. 



Hudson. Pp. ix + 274, and 8 cold. pis. 



London : J. M. Dent iK: Sons, Ltd. igig. 



Price los. 6d. net. 

 The author of this work writes with a charm 

 and beautv of style which is decidedly rare. His 

 writings always afford us delight, both in their 

 simplicity and beauty and in the deep insight 

 they present to the reader of the ways and doings 

 of bird life. 



Birds in a ]'illa!;c, first published in 1893, is 

 more delightful than ever in its revised and latest 

 form, and fully equal to any of the authors work. 



other cases, .Mr. Hudson thinks we liave nothing 

 to fear. 



The house-sparrow " has his good points " we 

 are informed, but unfortunately they are not 

 enumerated. .After all that has been published 

 on this bird, and the long and careful inquiries 

 that have been made as to its food and habits, 

 we fear Mr. Hudson's plea will fall on deaf ears, 

 for it is a pest second only to the brown rat, and 

 the sooner this fact is appreciated the better it 

 will be for our country and \\ ild bird life in 

 general. 



The jackdaw, we are told, is an increasing 



