VoI 'l*l9 XYI ] Recent Literature. 299 



tion of non-native species the author's verdict is strongly opposed to the 

 practice. They rightly assert that the native species are better adapted 

 to our country and it is our duty to use all our efforts toward their con- 

 servation. 



The systematic account of the various species naturally occupies most 

 of the text and is admirably done. Under each heading come paragraphs 

 on: other names; description; marks for field identification ; voice; nest; 

 eggs; general distribution; and distribution in California. Then follows 

 in larger type a general account of the habits and history of the species 

 and its relative importance as a game bird. The birds included are the 

 Geese, Ducks and Swan; Spoonbill and Ibises; Cranes, Rail, Gallinules 

 and Coots; Shorebirds; Quail and Grouse; Pigeons and Doves, 108 

 species in all. The technical nomenclature follows the A. O. U. ' Check- 

 List ' and so do the vernacular names except where they are not in accord 

 with Californian usage. This is perfectly proper in a work of this kind 

 especially as the other names are usually mentioned as well. It is rather 

 amusing however to the eastern ornithologist to read of the Mud-hen 

 " known in booklore as the Coot." The authors would find that along 

 the Atlantic Coast " Mud-hen " means the Clapper Rail while " Coot " 

 is by no means a book name in the Eastern States. A little further infor- 

 mation on this point might save some of their readers no little trouble, 

 especially as they refer in one place to the " Mud Hen in the east, meaning 

 the Coot." Twelve of the colored plates are by Fuertes and represent 

 that artist at his best while four are by Major Allan Brooks. They form 

 a valuable addition to the published portraits of American birds and add 

 materially to the attractiveness of this well printed volume. 



This work will prove of great importance to many different classes of 

 readers: the sportsman will learn more about the game birds of the state 

 than can be found in any other volume and will find the important recog- 

 nition characters of each species clearly set forth; the bird student, be he 

 amateur or professional, will find it an invaluable work of reference and the 

 conservationist will find in it the facts and suggestions for which he has 

 been seeking. The bibliographies will also prove of the greatest help to 

 those who wish to carry their studies farther and to consult the other works 

 on the subject. 



It is encouraging to know that one of the authors of this work, Dr. 

 Bryant, was called, before his task was completed, to fill an important 

 position in the California Fish and Game Commission, and we wish that 

 all the State Game Commissions might be induced to seek men of this type 

 to carry on their activities — surely that is a most important point in game 

 conservation. — W. S. 



Mathews' ' The Birds of Australia.'— Part IV of Vol. VII of Mr. 

 Mathews' great work x brings us almost to the end of the Cuckoos, only a 



1 The Birds of Australia. By Gregory M. Mathews. Vol. VII, Part IV, December 19, 

 1918, pp. 321-384. 



