596 Recently published Ornithological Works. 



But for the present, at any rate, we think it would not be 

 advisable to alter the status of this well-marked group of the 

 Oriental Avifauna, 



92. Py craft on the Skeleton of the Musk-Duck. 



[Notes on a Skeleton of the Musk-Duck, Biziura lobata, with Special 

 Reference to Skeletal Characters evolved in relation to the Diving Habits 

 of this Bird. By W. P. Pycraft, A.L.S., F.Z.S. Journ. Linn. Soc, 

 Zool. xxix. p. 396 (1906).] 



The skeleton of this anomalous Australian Duck is 

 described and figured. The author comes to the conclusion 

 that Biziura and the other stiff-tailed Erismaturinae of 

 Count Salvadori "should be merged in the Fuligulinse," 

 and that "the genera Tachyeres, Harelda, Histrionicus , 

 (Edemia, Heniconetta, Somateria, and Erionetta might well 

 be placed together in a separate subfamily — the Somateriinas. 



93. Ralfe's ' Birds of the Isle of Man.' 



[The Birds of the Isle of Man. By P. G. Ralfe. Edinburgh, 1906. 

 8vo. Pp. i-xiii, 1-321. Price 18s. net.] 



The Isle of Man, within a comparatively limited area, 

 furnishes much that is of interest to ornithologists, more of 

 whom have probably explored its wilds than Mr. Ralfe 

 imagines, though he is quite right in thinking it full time 

 that a comprehensive work on the Birds was published. The 

 author's life-long knowledge of the island not only ensures 

 the accuracy of his records of the occurrences of the various 

 species, but also enables him to give accounts of their habits, 

 while he has had the advantage of the assistance of several 

 competent local observers. 



We are much pleased with the book, and especially the 

 excellent sketch of the Physical Features of Man, which 

 reminds us of our own experiences there ; while the History 

 of Manx Ornithology, the Bibliography, and so forth are 

 welcome additions to the detailed list. Most visitors cross 

 to the island in summer, so that the winter notes and those 

 on migrants are particularly valuable; but the comparisons 

 instituted between the avifauna and that of the adjacent 



