12(> Recent Literature. [j£ 



where the once countless hosts of breeding water birds have been practi- 

 cally exterminated. 



Mr. Bickerton's excellent photographs are reproduced in half-tones of 

 high quality which are mounted upon dark brown paper making a very 

 effective series of illustrations. — W. S. 



Shelley's 'Birds of Africa.' ' — The publication of this important work 

 has been resumed alter an interval of six years. Soon after the appearance 

 of the first part of Volume V the author suffered a stroke of paralysis which 

 resulted in his death in 1910. Arrangements were then made with Mr. 

 W. L. Sclater to continue the undertaking and under his able direction 

 it is hoped to bring it to an early completion. 



The present volume is mainly edited front manuscripts already prepared 

 by Capt Shelley and covers the Shrike-like birds DicruridcB, Vangida, 

 Campophagidce, Laniidce and Prionopidce. 



Two hundred and nine species are included, some of which have several 

 subspecies. Eight colored plates similar in s'.\ le to those of previous parts 

 illustrate the volume. — \Y. S. 



Horsbrugh and Davies on The Game-Birds and Water-Fowl of 

 South Africa. 1 — Part <i of this excellent work is now before us com- 

 prising the remainder of the Gallinaceous birds, mainly Guinea-Fowls; the 

 Sandgrouse, Pigeons ami some of the Anaticke. The plates, sixteen in 

 number, are fully up to the standard of the previous parts. 



Major Horsbrugh finds that contrary to the statements of some authors 

 the Common Guinea- Fowl of South Africa breeds readily in captivity and 

 crosses freely with the domestic birds. — W. S. 



Thayer's Concealing Coloration, an Answer to Theodore Roose- 

 velt. 3 — Mr. Thayer here defends his views against tin- criticism of Col. 

 Roosevelt published in the American Museum Bulletin • a year ago. He 

 emphasizes the inconspicuousness of white at night, and reiterates several 

 of the statements set forth in his book, which he claims his critics have 

 entirely failed to understand. Those interested in this controversy should 

 read Mr. Thayer's paper in full. — W. S. 



1 The Birds of Africa, comprising atl the species which occur in the Ethiopian 

 Region. By G. E Shelley, P. Z. S., P. B G S .v.- Completed and Edited by 

 w. i.. Sclater, M. A.., P. Z. S. Vol. V, l't. it. London: Henry Sotheran & Co 

 1912. Roj 8VO., pp. If,:, .-,()_•. plates I. I.VU. 



'The Game-Birds ami Water-Fowl of south Africa. By Major Boyd Hors- 

 brugh and Sergeanl C. G. l>a\ies. London Witherby & Co., 326 High Holborn, 

 W. C Pan :;. September 30, 1912. 



'Concealing Coloration, an Answer to Theodore Koosevclt. By Abbott II. 

 Thayer. Bulletin American Museum Nat. Hist., Vol. XXXI, pp. 313-321. New 

 York. September i l. 1912. 



« Vol XXX, pp. 1 19 -231. 



