100 Recent Ornitliologicul Publications, 



and west, which make the Lizard or Land's-end just as channel- 

 bound ships do, but, we think, should also or even rather be 

 looked upon as forming the corner into which autumnal 

 visitants to Great Britain from the north and east are driven by 

 their own migratory instincts in search of more plentiful food 

 or a warmer climate. In this aspect Cornwall may be com- 

 pared to the pocket of a net spread out over the whole island, 

 in which are caught and temporarily detained, not only the 

 hundreds of Woodcocks which render the county dear to the 

 sportsman, but numei'ous other birds of various species — all 

 diffident of trying their luck on a further voyage " westward 

 ho!" Consequently the Cornish ornis deserves a very close atten- 

 tion from those who wish to study and advance our knowledge of 

 the distribution and movements of British birds. The two little 

 works whose titles are cited below* afford some useful mate- 

 rials towards this dssirable end ; but, without any wish to 

 undervalue the labours of their respective authors, we must say 

 that many of the statements they contain seem to require more 

 critical examination than has hitherto been bestowed upon 

 them, before they can be thoroughly accepted ; and we hope 

 the time may not be far distant when some Cornish ornitho- 

 logist shall do for his county what Mr. Stevenson has done and 

 is doing for Norfolk. Neither Mr. Rodd nor Dr. Bullmore 

 have, it appears to us, fully appreciated what is required of a 

 fauuist in these days ; and though we are very grateful to them 

 for their extremely serviceable lists, the manner in which they 

 are drawn up convinces us of the truth of what we have ad- 

 vanced. Each of these gentlemen has kindly sent us a copy of 

 his publication ; and to Mr. Rodd we are especially indebted for 

 adding to his copy manuscript notes of considerable value. He is 

 well known as having been a most diligent seeker after rarities ; 



* A List of Britisli Birds, as a Guide to the Ornithology of Cornwall, 

 especially in the Land's-end District; with remarks on the Capture, 

 Habits, &c. of some of the rarer species. By Edward Heaele Rodd, 

 Esq. London and Penzance : 1864. 8vo, pp. 42. 



Cornish Fauna, a short account of all the Animals found in the County, 

 ■with descriptions and remarks on the habits of many of the rarer Birds, 

 Fishes, &c. procured during the last six yeai's. By W. K. Bullmoee, 

 M.D. &c. Part one. Vertchruta. Truro : 1867. 8vo, pp. 64. 



