512 Recent Literature. ■ L<)ct. 



this matter is blocked at once by the absence of data or explanation. 

 When we realize that nearly all computations as to the speed and direction 

 of migral ion depend upon the accuracy of these isochronal lines it is obvious 

 that other students of bird migration will naturally demand the same 

 presentation of detailed data that is customary in other fields of scientific 

 research. — W. S. 



Faxon on 'Relics of Peale's Museum.' 1 — Dr. Faxon has done a 

 commendable piece of work in publishing an annotated catalogue of 

 the types of Wilson, Bonaparte and Ord formerly in the Philadelphia 

 (= Feale's) Museum and now in the Museum of Comparative Zoology at 

 Cambridge. The history of the collection which precedes the catalogue is 

 very interesting reading, and when we consider the vicissitudes through 

 which it passed we are inclined to marvel that any of the specimens were 

 fortunate enough to survive! 



We entirely agree with Dr. Faxon that the known history of the speci- 

 mens and the careful comparisons that he has made with figures and de- 

 scriptions clearly establish them as the types, even though the original 

 labels were lost. 



Fifty-three of these ancient types are now safely preserved and cata- 

 logued in the Museum of Comparative Zoology and together with the type 

 of the Cape May Warbler in Vassar College, and those of the Mississippi 

 Kite and Broad-winged Hawk in the Philadelphia Academy, they prob- 

 ably comprise all that are extant of the originals upon which the descrip- 

 tions of Wilson, Ord and Bonaparte in the 'American Ornithology' and its 

 continuation were based. — W. S. 



Mathews' 'Birds of Australia'. 2 — Mr. Mathews' great work continues 

 to appear regularly and maintains its high standard of excellence. The 

 publishers announce that with the completion of Vol. IV, the subscription 

 list will be absolutely closed. No more than 260 copies will be issued and 

 "should not all of these be taken up the surplus will be destroyed." 



The two parts now before us complete the Anseriformes and Pelecani- 

 formes. The discussion of nomenclature is very full and the classification 

 and generic subdivisions of the latter group are gone into in greal detail. 

 Many pages are devoted to replies to criticisms as to the treatment of certain 

 groups and recognition of certain subspecies and genera, while the 'British 

 Museum Catalogue,' 'B. O. U. List' and 'A. O. U. Check-List' as well as 

 several individual authors come in for some sharp criticism. In all cases 

 of nomenclatural discussion however, Mr. Mathews seems very fair, abiding 

 rigidly by the International Code, without any quibbling over individual 

 cases. 



1 Relics of Peale's Museum. By Walter Ka.xon. Hull. Mus. Comp. Ze-61. 

 LIX, No. 3. pp. 119-148. July, 1915. 



2 The Birds of Australia. Vol. IV, Part 2. February 17. 1915. Part :-!, June 

 23, 1915. 



