47Z Recent Literature. LJuly 



and makes it possible to include the whole 8839 names and some 24,000 

 references on 180 octavo pages. 



A casual glance over the pages does not disclose any typographical 

 errors and we have been able to find only one omission. The real test of 

 course must come from actual use, but the general appearance of the list 

 indicates a very careful piece of work. 



A recent letter from the author states that his editorial duties seriously 

 interfere with his ornithological research work, but if his time and oppor- 

 tunities permit only of the preparation of such valuable compilations as 

 the one before us he need have no fear of being charged with neglecting 

 his favorite science. Anyone who has had experience with the dreary 

 monotony of compiling a list or index will fully appreciate the labor in- 

 volved in Mr. McGregor's modest publication and will recognize the 

 indebtedness that all those interested in systematic ornithology must feel 

 toward him for his helpful work. McGregor's 'Index' will henceforth 

 take the place of the familiar 'Waterhouse' and the fact that a publication 

 of this sort bears the imprint of Manila is a tribute to the good judgment 

 of those who direct the Philippine Bureau of Science. — W. S. 



Witherby's 'Handbook of British Birds.' 2 — The appearance of a 

 bulky double part 7-8, on April 8, completes the first volume of this ad- 

 mirable work. The birds treated cover the Thrushes and their allies, 

 the Wrens, the Dippers and the Swallows, while two half-tone plates 

 illustrate the ju venal plumages of the first of these families and a third 

 depicts the several geographic races of the Wren and the Dipper. 



The genus N annus is regarded as not separable from Troglodytes and our 

 American Winter Wren and Barn Swallow are regarded as subspecies of 

 their European representatives instead of distinct species. 



The work lives up to the high standard established by the first part and 

 volume one is completed before the time set by the publishers, on both of 

 which accomplishments they are to be congratulated. — W. S. 



Hartert's 'Die Vogel der palaarktischen Fauna.'— The present 

 part of Dr. Hartert's famous work covers the Ibises, Herons, Flamingos 

 and Ducks and Geese. The treatment is the same as in the preceding 

 parts and the same high standard is maintained. We notice in the nomen- 

 clature certain practices which differ from those of the A. O. U. 'Check- 

 List.' The genera Herodias and Egretta for instance are united, as are 

 also Anas, Nettion, Querquedula, Chaulelasmus, Mareca and Dafila, while 



1 Index to the Genera of Birds. By Richard C. McGregor. Manila, Bureau of 

 Printing, 1920, pp. 1-185. (Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Pub- 

 lication 14, March 31, 1920.) 



2 A Practical Handbook of British Birds. Edited by H. F. Witherby. Parts 

 7-8, April 8, 1920. Price 4s. net per part. Witherby & Co., 326 High Holborn, 

 W. C. I. 



