608 Recently published Ornithological Works. 



nuchal collar of the female was completely lost in winter, 

 when the plumage resembled that usually considered to 

 belong to the immature bird ; that the male alone incubated 

 and tended the young; and that the period of incubation 

 was only twelve days, or about half the time usual in game- 

 birds. These are excellent results from a single experiment, 

 and will very possibly hold universally in the genus Tumix. 

 Moreover, we are informed that the rufous collar was discer- 

 nible in a female chick 23 days old. 



In part 5 Mr. W. P. Pycraft gives an admirable sketch of 

 the " topography " of a bird, not only naming the different 

 regions, but giving instructions for accurate measurements 

 and descriptions. In the course of the article he takes care 

 to make plain the meaning of ' ' diastataxic," " eutaxic/' 

 "overlap," and other terms relating to the wing, while 

 he also gives a complete glossary. 



109. Barrett-Hamilton on Birds' 1 Legs in, Flight. 



[On the Position occupied by the Legs of Birds during- Flight. By 

 G. E. II. Barrett-Hamilton. Zoologist, 1903, pp. 139-149.] 



The chief object of this paper is to point out that, although 

 many birds carry their legs stretched out beneath the tail 

 and many carry them bent forward, these members are not 

 kept stationary in either position, but from time to time are 

 called to the assistance of the bird when real work has to 

 be done and difficulties have to be overcome, each foot acting 

 independently of the other. Lists are given of various species 

 according to the way in which the legs are carried. 



110. Butler on Cage-Birds. 



[Hints on Cage-Birds (British and Foreign). By Arthur G. Butler, 

 Ph.D., F.L.3., F.Z.S. Illustrated. 8vo. London. SO pp. Price Is. 9d.} 



Mr. Butler gives us a summary of the results of twenty- 

 one years' study of cage-birds in a pamphlet which will form 

 a most useful guide to the Aviculturist. The chapters on 

 sexual differences and on the study of the habits of birds 

 are of the most general interest. 



