VOL VIII.] REVIEWS. 275 



chances, and a number of interesting observations on the 

 bird-Hfe of the great forest region are interspersed in this 

 portion of the narrative. For instance, Wood-Sandpipers 

 were found breeding in the old nests of Fieldfares in con- 

 firmation of Mr. H. L. Popham's observation, and it was 

 noted that in at least one case the sitting bird was the male. 

 A number of other interesting birds seen during the short 

 stoppages made on the river journey are commented upon, 

 and Miss Haviland was able to see enough to make any 

 ornithologist long to explore those vast regions of marsh 

 and forest. At length the forest gave way to the open 

 tundras, and on June 28th the mouth of the Golchika River 

 — a tributary of the Yenesei — was reached. Here the party 

 landed (not without adventvire) and at this little fishing 

 centre, composed of onl}^ three permanent houses, the author 

 and her friends stayed until September 3rd. 



The best part of the book is taken up with a description 

 of the party's life and adventures at this isolated spot. 

 Much is said of the people of the settlement, of their manner 

 of living, of their good points and their bad points, of scandal 

 and of gossip, for the latter are not absent even at this remote 

 spot, and of the human migrants — Samoyedes, Dolgans and 

 Yuraks. It is evident that Miss Haviland is as acute an 

 observer of human nature as she is of birds. It must not 

 be thought, however, that the latter have been neglected. 

 Although the author followed in the footsteps of Seebohm and 

 Mr. H. L. Popham, she was so fortunate as to strike a late 

 season, and as a consequence some of the most interesting 

 waders, such as the Curlew-Sandpiper and Grey Phalarope, 

 were breeding on the tundras surrounding Golchika, apparently 

 a good way to the south of their normal habitats. Of these 

 and many other waders, such as Temminck's and Little Stints, 

 Dotterels, Red-necked Phalaropes, Asiatic Golden Plovers 

 and Grey Plovers, Miss Haviland has fascinating tales to 

 tell, which we heartily commend to all British ornithologists. 



After leaving Golchika, while the other two of the party 

 went south to brave the severities of a Siberian winter in a 

 native choom in order to study the Tungus tribes. Miss Curtis 

 and Miss Haviland — no less adventurous — voyaged home 

 through the dread Kara Sea, thus putting a fitting finish 

 to a very plucky undertaking. 



In conclusion, we must heartily congratulate the author 

 upon her journey and the results achieved, and we are grateful 

 for a book telling us more about the birds of a region which, 

 since the publication of Siberia in Asia, has always had a 

 great fascination for the ornithologist. — H.F.W. 



