35§ 



Recent Literature. \^Oct. 



In regard to the arrangement and character of the matter, it may be 

 noted that the higher groups, as orders and suborders, are treated formally 

 but briefly in their alphabetical sequence, but we look in vain for a similar 

 treatment of genera or even families, at least under their technical names, 

 such groups being generally entered under their English names, although 

 there are some exceptions, as in the case of Chamcea, Cereopsis, etc. 

 Thus while we find Amazon, Ani, and Bittern, we look in vain for 

 Ckrysotis, Crotophaga, and Botaurus. In respect to English names, we 

 have something about theirorigin, etymology, and cognate equivalents in 

 other modern languages, with usually some account of the bird or birds 

 to which the name is applied, varying in extent from a few lines to 

 several pages. Thus under Accentor we have three lines, stating that the 

 name was used by Bechstein for a genus of Sylviidrc, and that "some 

 British authors have tried with small success to add [the namej to the 

 English language"; while some three pages are given to Albatross, nearly 

 two each to Avocet, Bittern, three to Crane, six to Dodo, etc., usually 

 with one or more cuts under each. Under Bob-zvhite, we are told that it 

 is "a nickname of the Virginia Quail, Ortyx virginianus, aptly bestowed 

 from the call-note of the cock," with no hint that the name has been 

 adopted of late as the regular 'book-name' for not only this species but 

 all its congeners by American writers generally. In respect to this phase 

 of the work, the exacting critic might discover much to find fault with, even 

 from the supposed standpoint of the author, but we should perhaps rather 

 be thankful that so much useful and pertinent information has been 

 selected for presentation from a field so wide and inviting that the diffi- 

 culty is to keep the matter within reasonable limits. 



The anatomical side of the subject is treated with much fullness, and 

 for the most part satisfactorily, so far as the limits of the volume will per- 

 mit. It is to he noted, however, that Dr. Gadow's complete belief in the 

 great efficacy of 'sexual selection' as an agent in evolution is manifested 

 without reserve or check, as shown especially in his article on Colour, 

 where he says: "Natural and sexual selection, whether combining or 

 striving against each other, have worked marvels in plumage. Significant 

 colours, as for instance total blackness or whiteness, could be developed 

 only when higher intellectual qualities, bodily size and strength, or 

 occasionally even special smallness, guaranteed the safety of the bird.'' 

 With such elasticity in premises, it is little wonder that explanations 

 seem easy, although we have white and black birds of all orders and of all 

 sizes, and living amid the most diverse surroundings. He observes further 

 that "The very early assumption of the black plumage by the nestlings of 

 Ravens and Crows is a strong argument for their relatively highest position 

 on the hypothetical avine tree." It would be interesting to know what 

 evidence Dr. Gadow can advance for the intellectual superiority of Crows 

 and Ravens over Magpies and Jays. 



The article on color is, however, a most useful one, as it gives in a con- 

 densed and intelligible form a general summary of our present knowledge 

 of the subject, including the nature and kinds of color pigments, 'objec- 



