125



of letterpress ; in addition to portraits of the late John Gould

and the author, a map, 28 coloured plates, and 131 photographic

illustrations.


Instead of quoting synonyms, Mr. Campbell has wisely

contented himself with a simple reference to the British Museum

* Catalogue of Birds ’ and one good figure ; thus the whole of the

text is devoted to practical information ; the latter is arranged

much as in niv “Handbook of British Oology” under the headings

of ‘ Geographical Distribution' ‘ Nest ,’ ‘ Eggs,' and '‘Observations'';

the period of nidification, when known, being noted under the

last heading instead of (as in my little book) forming a separate

heading. In many cases the observations are most interesting.


The portrait of Gould, taken five years before his death,

is admirable, but gives little idea of his appearance when in full

vigour ; as I first knew him in the sixties. The photographs of

nests and nesting sites are, for the most part, very good ; those

most interesting to the Aviculturist will probably be the nest of

the Satin Bower Bird, opposite p. 192; of the White-backed

Magpie, facing p. 292; the White-eye or Zosterops, p. 348 ; the

nesting-place of a Pardalote, p. 448 ; nest of the Masked Wood-

Swallow, p. 466; young Laughing Jackasses, p. 552; taking a

White Cockatoo’s nest, p. 612; Ant hillock, showing nest of the

Beautiful Parrakeet, p.646; egg mound of Megapode, p. 702;

nest of the Black Swan, p. 1014 ; finding an Emu’s nest, p. 1058 ;

Emu’s nest, p. 1060; but one of the most charming pictures in

the book is the ‘ Home of the Parra (Jacana),’ p. 774.


As regards the coloured plates, that of the Rose-breasted

Robins and Nest, p. 142, is not a success ; and is more suitable

for a children’s magazine than a scientific work : it is a pity it

was included. The coloured illustrations of the eggs are

characteristic, but some of them a little flat. One can hardly

hope for absolute perfection in any human work, and Mr.

Campbell’s book is so good generally, that we must not complain

if the coloured illustrations do not equal the photographs in

excellence. A. G Butler.



CORRESPONDENCE.



SICK CRIMSON-WINGED PARRAKEET ; ECLECTUS NESTING.


Sir,—W ill you please let me know the proper treatment for the

following case.


A cock Crimson Wing was brought in by my man to-day with

inflammation in one eye.



