NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 389 
The question whether the Squirrel is a native of Ireland or 
has been introduced, is dealt with by Mr. Barrington in the 
essay of which we have given the title above. The doubt which 
has been expressed on the subject does not appear to be yet 
quite resolved, but Mr. Barrington adduces strong evidence to 
prove that the animal is not indigenous, and that its existence 
in Ireland is due to human agency exercised at no very recent 
date. Through the kindness of correspondents, he has been 
enabled to trace the occurrence of the Squirrel in every locality 
in Ireland where it is known to exist, with great probability to 
what he terms “‘ local centres of introduction.” 
In some cases it is possible to follow its course and fix the 
dates of its occurrence as it advanced from district to district 
from the local centre. ‘‘ No circumstances,” says Mr. Barrington, 
“shows with greater force that the Squirrel is no more a native 
of Ireland than the Mole, the Dormouse, the Voles, and many 
other mammals common in England, than its present distribution. 
We are forced to conclude that, like the Frog, it has been intro- 
duced; for it is impossible to reconcile the theory of extinction 
and subsequent reintroduction with the great rapidity of its 
increase.” 
Mr. Barrington traces the present distribution of this little 
rodent from each separate centre of introduction, and, as it seems 
to us, adduces strong evidence in support of his views above 
expressed, his case being made all the clearer by the carefully 
prepared map which accompanies it. 
Ostrich Farming in South Africa. By Arraur Doveuass. Post 
8yvo, pp. 251, with map and illustrations. London: Cassell, 
Petter, Galpin & Co., and Silver & Co. 1881. 
No matter what form of enterprise a man may embark in, 
no matter what special line of research may engage his attention, 
it is almost certain that, through the medium of advertisements 
and reviews, he must sooner or later be made acquainted with the 
existence of any modern publication bearing on his specialité, 
even if he does not actually procure the work, as it is natural to 
suppose he would do. In 1876 appeared a volume entitled 
‘ Ostriches and Ostrich Farming’ (see Zool. 1876, p. 5173), of 
which a second edition was issued in February, 1879 (Zool. 
