3G5 REVIEWS. 



we gather two interesting points. The irregularity which Audu- 

 bon noticed in the pairing and breeding of some resident species, 

 corresponds to the gradual and protracted development of the 

 vegetation ; the mildness of the winter causing an almost peren- 

 nial verdure, and fonr weeks in February and March being re- 

 quired to accomplish the work of one in May at the North. The 

 other fact, of diminished vivacity of the birds during the breed- 

 ing season is of similar significance. "In spring, at the North, 

 the woods . . are vocal with bird-music ; but in Florida no such 

 outburst of song marks the vernal season ; . . the songs of 

 some are much abbreviated, and so different from what the}^ are 

 at the North as to be sometimes scarcely recognizable." (p. 166.) 

 The list of birds, considered as simply such, shows the same 

 care and fidelity that mark all Mr. Allen's papers, and supplies a 

 special desideratum. Our local lists of the Atlantic coast may 

 now be considered nearly complete, and they collectively afford a 

 ver}^ perfect ornithological map from Labrador to Florida. To 

 the one hundred and eightj^-three species here given either as per- 

 manent residents or winter visitors — these two classes being 

 carefull}^ discriminated — a few perhaps will be hereafter added, 

 but certainly not may remain unnoticed. We do not observe any 

 name previously unrecorded, or, at least, not to have been antici- 

 pated from the known range of habitat. Aside from the critical 

 dissertations, and the tables of measurements, that the list con- 

 tains — neither of which are essential to its integrity, and which, 

 therefore, we shall presently notice in another connection — its 

 chief value rests upon the copious and accurate field-notes, which 

 are always reliable, and generally represent important items of in- 

 formation. The extensive lists of synonyms, however interesting 

 as indices of the writer's peculiar views, or A'aluable as biblio- 

 graphical compilations, are nevertheless, we regret to think, of 

 little consequence in some respects, and in others positively inju- 

 rious. Some of them must tend, we feel sure, to bring Mr. 

 Allen's general work into disrepute. When, for instance, we see 

 (p. 300) Chordeiles Texensis given as a synonym of C. popetne, it 

 is certain, that however truthful the author may be in the gen- 

 eral tenor of his way, he sometimes exceeds the utmost limits of 

 propriety. One who wields so free a lance as Mr. Allen's, should 

 be sure his own vizor is well down : and a blunder like this looks 

 still worse from its inconsistency. For, in another place (p. 355), 



