64: 



ORNITHOLOGIST 



[Vol. IS-^No. 4 



mammals, reptiles and fisbes, and of character- 

 istic attitudes of various members of the ani- 

 mal kingdom. 



Plate 1, Fig. 1, shows where the first cut is 

 made in skinning a bird, a common robin 

 being taken for example, .and each successive 

 step is plainly shown by figure after figure, till 

 in Plate 3 the bird is shown mounted on the 

 drying perch, and wrapped in its covering of 

 threads. 



Following this are several plates showing 

 the variations in the various processes, such 

 as tiie mode known as the " breast-cut method" ; 

 cutting open the head, when the neck cannot 

 be drawn over it, etc. 



jS^ext come three plates showing the various 

 forms and methods used in making up "scien- 

 tific skins," adai)ted to short necks and long 

 necks, perchers, waders and swimmers. 



Then come plates showing different positions 

 of single birds and groups, each varying from 

 the other, and among which may be singled 

 out for tlieir excellence, eagles with wings 

 closed and spread, and a beautiful pair of 

 Whooping Cranes. 



The mammals are treated in the same de- 

 tailed and painstaking manner, by illustrating 

 a. fox s(juirrel from the first cut to the last 

 touch, and a deer head from the beginning to 

 the end. 



In the larger mammals, the methods of 

 building a frame-work and modelling in clay, 

 for the horse, the dog and the elephant, aie 

 shown in all their detail, together with very 

 fine figures representing the anatomy of tlic 

 horse and dog, and jjositions of minor animals. 



Neither are the fishes and reptiles neglected, 

 since the same plan will be followed as has 

 been shown in treating o.f the higher animals. 



We have not as yet seen any of the text, 

 which will constitute the body of the work, 

 but we are promised simple, clear and concise 

 instructions, confoiining and referring to the 

 plates throughout, and explaining all tlie 

 various tricks and troubles of the art, without 

 discussing tlie advantages iind disadvantages 

 of pet theories. 



Besides the text a concise description will 

 face every ijlate, wliich will enable immediate 

 reference. 



While perhaps the drawing and the expres- 

 sion of some of the figures are defective, we 

 cannot but admire the ])ush of Mi'. Davie in 

 stepping so boldly over the heads of liis i)rede- 

 cessors in laumdiing out into an undertaking 

 so far in advance of anything which has been 

 before attempted. 



We congratulate Mr. Davie and liis colleague. 

 Dr. Jasper, on the success of their work so far 

 as it has progressed, and sincerely hope that 

 their labors will receive the reward which is 

 so justly theirs. 



We have just received some forms on which 

 to keep a record of Bird observations. They 

 consist of sheets appropriately ruled for thirty- 

 one days. The names of species likely to be 

 seen are printed and blank lines are left tor 

 others. They were placed in our hands by 

 the author, Mr. C. F. Batchelder, Cambridge, 

 Mass., Associate editor of the Auk, and will 

 be mailed to .any party at the nominal price of 

 10 cents per set. 



Contributions to Science, Vol. I, No. 8, (Oc- 

 tobei-, 18S!)) ccmtains 4 colored pl.ates and sev- 

 ernl wood cut illustrations. There .are the 

 usual notes of interest and value to ornitholo- 

 gists. As we turn to the "Life size portrait" 

 of a Cory's Gannet, sitting in a majestic 

 position rivalling that of the ideal Great Auk, 

 in its half-closed winking eye we think that 

 we detect an expression that seems to say, 

 "I)idn"t Mnyuiird trump a trick when he 

 named me '.' " 



Zoc, a biological journal, 32-page monthly, 

 published on the last day of each month. 

 Frank H. Yaslit, editor, .S.an Fiancisco, Cal. 

 As we go to press the first number (March) 

 reaches us. In an introduction it is announced 

 th.at this new i)ul)lication is designed as a 

 medium foi' recording the observations of 

 amateurs as well as the working naturalists, 

 particul.arly of the western part of North 

 America; that the bulky c()m])ilations which 

 delight the soul of the encyclopedian scientist 

 will not api)ear in the i)ages, and pains will be 

 taken, as much as possible, to disembarrass the 

 grain of truth from its attendant mass of chaff. 

 And, by Jove, we wish them fun rnnuhi;/ the 



siftiT. 



Correspondence. 



Edifornf <>. ,t- O.: 



In looking over tlie "List of the Birds of 

 Onondaga County,'" 1 find that the Blue- 

 headed \'ireo {\^ire(> .solitdiuiis) has not been 

 mentioned. In my collection is oiu> wliich I 

 shot May 2, 188t), in a small piece of woods 

 just out of tlu' city limits. I have also a 

 Golden-winged Warbler (//. i-hnjsoitU-ni) which 

 ] shot May 7, ISSS, in the same woods. 



Ihni',ii-(l I). Flint. 

 Svracnse, X. Y. 



