164 Bibliographical Notices. 
has not, that we are aware of, hitherto received much attention from 
naturalists is very fully treated. This is the fact that the ‘slot” or 
footprint of the animal reveals to the practised eye a faithful indica- 
tion of its age, sex, size, and condition. Of course all this is well 
known to every good forester, but we are ignorant of any work im 
which the particulars are recorded ; and here numerous illustrations 
are introduced, serving to explain the differences which may be ob- 
served. The Fallow-deer comes next in the book, but this theme is 
less dwelt upon; and then a few pages are occupied by the Caper- 
‘cally and Black Grouse, without any new facts in their history being, 
we believe, alleged, though Mr. Boner graphically describes the 
scenery of their haunts, and the methods employed of shooting the 
cocks of both these fine birds in the season of courtship—undoubtedly 
an unsportsmanlike practice, according to English notions, but one 
which, from their polygamous habits, may be indulged in without 
fear of too much diminishing the stock, and which, from the great 
extent of the German forests, added to the desultory wanderings of 
the birds at other periods of the year, is almost rendered necessary. 
We cannot afford space to dwell on the Eagle-nesting exploits of 
Count Arco, who seems to possess the combined powers of MM. 
Blondin and Leotard, so great is his skill in balancing and leaping. 
An account of this gentleman’s great feat at Rohrmoos has already 
been published in the English newspapers*. We can only regret 
that the custom of Eagle-destroying, which has even now deprived 
the Highlands of Scotland of so much of the ornithological interest 
they formerly possessed—and this without any great advantage to 
the sportsman—has been extended to South Germany. If Eagles’ 
nests were always placed in the dizzy situation represented in Mr. 
Boner’s frontispiece, we might rest assured that, in the absence of an 
enemy endowed with Count Arco’s perseverance and gymnastic 
accomplishments, they would be pretty safe; but we fear the selec- 
tion of such almost impregnable fortresses is rather the exception 
than the rule. 
The illustrations to ‘Forest Creatures’ are well designed by the 
artist ; but, we are sorry to say, the wood-cutter has done his best to 
spoil the spirit shown by the draughtsman, by his extremely clumsy 
execution. Should this little book, as it certainly deserves, attain 
the honours of a second edition, the publishers will do well to have 
the figures re-engraved. 
Some naturalists there may be who will say that works like this of 
Mr. Boner’s are of no scientific use, but are merely fit to amuse fox- 
hunting gentlemen during a frost, or shooting squires in showery 
weather. With such opinions we decidedly disagree, and recommend 
to their notice a little anecdote related in pages 219, 220 (whether 
it is true or not does not in the least signily), which the author in- 
troduces by the remark, ‘A trifle, if it be seen by one, even the 
most uncultivated, who understands the technical peculiarity, and 
knows what inference is to be drawn from it, may throw sudden light 
* Vide ‘The Field’ for June 8, 1861. 
