1898] SOME NEW BOOKS 129 
account of the main features of the macroscopic structure of the 
alimentary canal in the various groups of vertebrates and theh enters 
upon a detailed account of the oesophagus. This occupies the first 
160 pages of the volume, and is perhaps remarkable chiefly on account 
of the close similarity of the structures to be found in different verte- 
brates. With the exception of the peculiar elaborations forming the 
crop of birds, there is not any marked difference to be found in the 
various orders. 
In the treatment of the gut the greater variety of structure demands 
a fuller sub-division of the matter. The systematic treatinent has to 
be repeated for a whole series of structures such as the epithelium, 
the musculature, the various forms of glands, the lymph-tissues, 
blood-vessels, and nerves. This occupies the volume up to page 537, 
and the remaining portion treats of the development and of special 
structures such as the caecal diverticula and of all such remains. 
There are copious indices of matter, authorities, and animals. We 
welcome a scholarly and careful contribution to anatomy. 
ORNITHOLOGISTS AT DRESDEN 
Aus der 22. Jahresversammlung der Deutschen Ornithologischen Gesellschaft in Dresden, 
vom 28-30 Mai1897, herausgegeben von A. B. Meyer. Abh. K. Zool. Anthrop. Mus. 
Dresden, vii. (2). Berlin: R. Friedlinder & Sohn, 1898. 4to, pp. vii. 83, pls. i.-ii1. 
Dr A. B. Meyer has rendered useful service in editing the papers 
read at the Dresden meeting of German ornithologists. He is him- 
self responsible for a treatise upon the Paradiseidae, extending over 
some thirty-five pages, in which he refers to several of the recent 
discoveries in this important family, which has of late yielded so 
many unexpected novelties to collectors. Dr Sharpe and Mr Hartert 
have already shown a special knowledge of the subject; but it is 
satisfactory to find our continental colleagues assisting in elucidating 
the difficult questions which these birds present to the student. It 
is also pleasant to learn that the Dresden Museum possesses speci- 
mens of a good many Birds of Paradise, including several of the original 
types. The first appendix to this paper supplies a useful list of 
recent publications dealing with the Paradiseidac. Many naturalists 
will be surprised to Jearn that we are now acquainted with the eggs 
of no less than twelve species of Birds of Paradise. 
Of more general interest than the foregoing is the charming 
sketch of bird-life upon the Nile contributed by Dr Koenig of Bonn. 
Englishmen have of course long since worked out the general 
features of the ornithology of Egypt; but while our countrymen 
continue to supplement our local knowledge—witness Mr Cavendish’s 
recent recognition of Gyps rueppelli in the Cairo Zoological Gardens, 
and the capture of the fourth known example of Saaxicola xantho- 
prymna by the same veteran ‘Ibis,—there is plenty of scope for 
other workers, and Dr Koenig’s industry is acceptable. His present 
paper only covers about thirteen pages, but it is brimful of facts and 
very pleasant reading. Dr Koenig paid special attention to the 
species of Hirundinidae to be met with in Egypt, including Hirundo 
savignyt, Which he naturally considers to be a local and resident form 
of the more widely distributed Hirundo rustica. 
An excellent coloured plate reproduces no fewer than three 
recently discovered sketches of the lost Dodo, or ‘Dronte, as the 
