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I can find no fault with the text. Mr. Seth-Smith recom¬

mends bread and milk for Lorikeets, which makes me shudder :

but then he knows and I don't; because I never tried to keep

those birds ; so I accept his dictum.


I could wish the cover of the book had been less

oppressive, but the binder will correct that trouble.


No student of the parrot tribe can afford to neglect to add

Mr. Seth-Smith’s important book to his library.


A. G. B.



THE BIRDS OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE.*


This is a work that should commend itself, not only to

those who are interested in the avifauna of Gloucestershire, but

to all who take an interest in British birds and their life history.

The author is a keen observer and his book can be relied upon

as thoroughly accurate, and as the habits of birds differ but

little in different localities, his observations will be found useful

to ornithologists in all parts of the country.


The author has divided the book into two parts. In the

first he considers those causes and effects that may be more or

less peculiar to the county, such as the influence of its position,

of geological and physical features, of its climate, accidental

causes, etc. In Part II. he divides the county into four districts,

each very distinct in its natural features, and possessing, more or

less, an avifauna of its own. The North-West District, com¬

prising the Forest of Dean with its forest-loving birds; the

Severn District, with its Waders, Ducks, Geese and Gulls; the

Vale District, comprising the flat lands, chiefly consisting of

pasture fields, of the Severn Valley ; and the Cotswold District—

“ an elevated country of stone-walls, downs, sheep, arable land

and scattered woods.”


One of the most interesting accounts in the book is that

of the Severn Sheld-Ducks, part of which we herewith print :—

“ These ducks are summer visitors, but occasionally one stays

late in the autumn, or indeed into the winter months. The local

names of “ Barrow-duck ” and “ Burrow-duck,” are due to the

birds nesting usually in holes. Many of these are situated up

the red sandstone cliffs, and cleverly chosen, if possible, about

five or six feet under a projecting top. Frequently the nest is

inland. Various sites are then selected in banks and hills, and



* A Treatise ok the Biuis of Gloucesteishire, with a reference list of all the species known

to have appeared in the county ; by W. L. Mellersh, M.A. Gloucester ; John Bellows,

Kastgate. London : R. H. Porter, 7, Princes Street, Cavendish [Square, W. Price, 5s.



