^°'m6^"'] Recent Literalure. 85 



compile a good history of the birds of the British Isles, many are also able 

 to write entertainingly of their habits, while others can produce creditable 

 pictures of the various species. 



No matter how many works may have been produced along these lines, 

 however, there is always room for such a series of portraits as Mr. Thorburn 

 has given us. Only an artist of great talent and one thoroughly acquainted 

 with his subjects could paint such bird pictures as these. 



We are told in the preface that the majority of the figures are based upon 

 life studies which the artist has been making for many years past, but it is 

 not the beauty and accuracy of the individual figures alone that attract us. 

 While it was necessary, as in most such works, to represent a number of 

 species on each plate, the figures in Mr. Thorburn's plates are strikingly 

 in harmony; a judicious arrangement of the several backgrounds, and the 

 introduction of a spray of blossoms to emphasize a desired contrast make 

 each plate a work of art in itself, not simply a collection of several small 

 paintings on one page. And yet where birds of quite different habits are 

 represented on one plate the characteristic surroundings of each are well 

 maintained. It is we think this note of harmony in almo.st every plate, 

 and the masterly handling of the backgrounds which emphasize the beauty 

 of the bird portraits and give the charm to these paintings of Mr. 

 Thorburn. 



The plates are printed on cardboard with a neutral gray background 

 which brings out the white portions of the birds' plumage with striking 

 brilliancy. Both of these features help to make the plates unique among 

 bird illustrations. 



We have spoken only of the plates and indeed the author says that his 

 first intention was that the book should be " simply a sketch book of Brit- 

 ish Birds." He was later induced, however, to add a short letterpress 

 with descriptions of the species and notes on their distribution, nests, eggs, 

 food, songs, etc. While this is admittedly largely a compilation from the 

 leading authorities on British birds it is a very satisfactory accompaniment 

 to the beautiful plates, presenting clearly and concisely the facts that the 

 general reader will desire. The publishers have done their part well, the 

 printing of the " three-color half-tone " plates being remarkably well done. 



Mr. Thorburn's work will appeal to a host of people beyond the ranks 

 of the ornithologists or even of nature students in general, for plates such 

 as he has produced attract the attention and admiration of lovers both of 

 art and of beautiful books. 



Volume I covers all of the Passerine species except the Larks and part 

 of the Corvidae, Volume II i treats of these as well as the Picarian families, 

 Birds of Prey, Steganopodes and Herons. The work will be completed in 

 four volumes, the remaining two being promised in the spring and autumn 

 of 1916.— W. S. 



J pp. 1-72, pi. 21-40. 



