Ornithological Literature of 1872. 471 



morphae, " annectent between the Coccygomorphse and Cora- 

 comorphse." 



[It may be remarked that Hijpocolius, Bp., mentioned by 

 Dr. Murie as " admitted by some " as a genus of Colies, has 

 really nothing whatever to do with them, having been founded 

 on a true Passerine form allied to Campephaga. See Ibis, 

 1868, p. 181.] 



4. On the Motmots and their Affinities. Ibis, 1872, pp. 383 

 -412, pis. xiii.-xv. 



The author commences by describing more or less com- 

 pletely the skeletons of Momotus lessoni, M. ruficapillus, and 

 Eumomota superciliaris. The alliances of the Momotidse are 

 then discussed at some length, considered osteologically, and 

 a resume of known facts and opinions concerning them is 

 given. The conclusion arrived at is that along with the To- 

 didse, the Momotidse constitute a section of the " Syndactyle 

 birds," which is proposed to be called " Serratirostres." 



Nathusius (Konigsborn), W. von. 



Ueber den inneren Bau einiger Gdnse-Eier mit doppeltem 

 Dotter, nebst einigen weiteren Bemerkungen iiber Species- 

 Unterschiede bei Eierschalen. Journ. f. Orn. 1872, 

 pp. 321-332, with a plate (t. ii.). 

 An important contribution to the anatomy of the bird's egg 

 and an account of further microscopical researches in exam- 

 ination of the shells as regards distinction of species. 



Newton, Alfred. 



1 . A History of British Birds, by the late William Yarrell, 

 V.P.L.S., F.Z.S. Fourth edition. Parts iii. & iv. 8vo. 

 London : February and July 1872. 



These two numbers finish the Owls and carry us as far as 

 the Sylviidse of the Order Passeres. Like the preceding 

 numbers, they are replete with additional information from 

 modern and ancient sources alike. The variations from the 

 usual nomenclature employed are in some cases rather start- 

 ling (e. g. Scops giu and Aluco flammeus) ; but Prof. Newton 

 gives us good arguments (in most cases almost incontrover- 

 tible) for the usage adopted. 



