V °^- XI ] Recent Literature. 6$ 



rosenbergi, P. oatesi, P. angolensis, P. arcuafa, and P. sordida. One of 

 these (P. oatesi) appears not to have been before figured, and three others 

 are not included in the first edition of the 'Monograph.' 



The changes in nomenclature that may be expected in the present as 

 compared with the former edition have been foreshadowed in Mr. Elliot's 

 recent article 'On the Genus Pitta Vieillot' (Auk, X, 1893, pp. 51, 52). and 

 in remarks apropos of Dr. Stejneger's paper on the same subject (1. c , pp. 

 184, 185). It is therefore not a surprise that he should follow the A. O. U. 

 Code respecting the rule of priority and adopt the earliest specific name in 

 the case of Pitta moluccensis and P. sordida in the place of later-given 

 though more current names favored by some other recent writers on the 

 group. We regret to note, however, that he lapses in consistency in 

 accepting the amended form arcuaius for Gould's earlier though less fortu- 

 nate arquatus. 



Few groups of birds present greater beauty of plumage than the 

 Pittidoe or Ant-Thrushes, or offer greater opportunities for the skill of the 

 artist in illustration, and in the present instance the plates give ample 

 testimony of their ability. — J. A. A. 



Sharpe on the Zoogeographical Areas of the World 1 — In the 

 August number of 'Natural Science,' Dr. Sharpe has given a summary of 

 his views on the different regions, subregions, etc., of the world as illus- 

 trated in his recent course of lectures on the 'Geographical Distribution 

 of Birds' delivered at the Royal Institution. In his introductory remarks 

 he laments the "want of zoological statistics for vast tracts of the Old 

 World," and congratulates American naturalists on "the success which 

 has resulted from their patient collection of materials, which leaves them 

 in the proud position of having better statistics to work upon than are 

 possessed by the ornithologists of any other portion of the globe," with 

 the exception, perhaps, of those of the British Islands. 



Dr. Sharpe says: "Some of Mr. Allen's conclusions ('Auk,' 1S93, pp. 

 97-150) with regaid to the main divisions of the Old World are the same 

 as those of Dr. Reichenow, and I think that they are, in both instances, too 

 sweeping ; but the recognition and definition of an Arctic Zone, or 'Realm,' 

 as Mr. Allen calls it, is a fact which must henceforward be admitted by 

 all ornithologists." After this last admission it is somewhat disappointing 

 to find him still partitioning the northern portion of the northern hemi- 

 sphere into two primary areas, under the very familiar names of 'Nearctic 

 Region' and 'Palcearctic Region.' This inconsistency, however, he 

 accounts for as follows : In giving reasons for not adopting "Mr. Allen's 

 nomenclature in its entirety," he says : "I may in due time be brought to 

 speak of 'Realms,' but the same conservatism which prevents my adopting 



1 On the Zoo-geographical Areas of the World, illustrating the Distribution of Birds. 

 By R. Bovvdler Sharpe, LL. D., F. L. S. Natural Science, Vol. Ill, No. 18, pp. 100- 

 108. Aug., 1893. With Maps. 



