iiSg.] 



Recent Liieraltiic. 7\^^ 



lion, giving- the species or riiccs described or eliminated, and whatever 

 changes that have been made during that lime." These changes of course 

 greatly increase the value of a work which has proved very serviceable to 

 sojourners in the Bahamas interested in the birds of the Islands, as well 

 as to ornithologists. — J. A. A. 



Grant's 'Our Common Birds..*— The purpose of this little book is to 

 furnish the beginner with useful hints in the study of the bird life about 

 him. The work is unique in plan and execution. Ninety species are 

 treated, selected from the more common and striking birds met with in 

 the vicinity of New York City, the males only of which are described. 

 The illustrations consist of photogravures from stufted specimens. They 

 serve to show what can be done by means of photography in illustrating 

 from museum specimens. Where the pattern of coloration is distinctive, 

 the birds are readily recognizable from the portraits here presented. In 

 other cases it would be difficult for even the ornithological expert to tell 

 them. In the case of large birds, where the figures are necessarily much 

 less than natural size, the eftect is quite satisfactory; with the smaller 

 birds, the figures of many of which are nearly or quite natural size, all 

 the defects of taxidermy (which unfortunately are glaring) are magnified, 

 with most unhappy results. Although in many instances no idea of color, 

 or even the distribution of the different tints, can be given by any known 

 process of photography, yet with specimens mounted in the highest style 

 of the taxidermists' art, and with'some attempt at a natural effect in re- 

 spect to pose and accessories, the results might be more satisfactory. 



The text is well written, much care having been taken to secure accur- 

 acy of statement, while the spirit of the book is admirable. Much good 

 advice as to where, how, and when to look for birds is given in the first 

 fifty pages, including explanations of many technichalities, and a calendar 

 indicati'ng the seasons when the various species may be looked for. The 

 author is''an enthusiastic admirer of nature and strives to impart his en- 

 thusiasm to his readers. The book has thus a decidedly literary flavor. It 

 is in the form of an oblong octavo, and in typography and arrangement 

 is an attractive little volume. Doubtless it will touch a popular chord 

 and be widely welcomed as a stimulating companion to many who, with- 

 out aiming to be scientific, desire a speaking acquaintance with the feath- 

 ered tenants of wood and field. — J. A. A. 



Thompson's 'Birds of Manitoba'.! — In a paper of nearly two hundred 

 pages Mr. Thompson gives his field notes on the birds of Manitoba made 

 during a three years' residence in the Province, covering parts of the 



* Our Common Birds { and how to know them | By | John B. Grant | With sixty-four 

 Plates I New York | Charles Scribner's Sons | 1891. | pp. ^i6. 64 photogravure il- 

 lustrations. 



t The Birds of Manitoba. By Ernest E. Thompson, of Toronta, Canada. 1 roc. 

 U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, pp. 457-643. pl- xxxviii. (Published June, 1891.) 



