NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 311 



north to the Straits of Magellan on the south, including some from the 

 Galapagos Islands and from the island of Juan Fernandez. 



Mr. E. W. White read some notes on the birds of the Argentine 

 Republic, being a supplement to two former papers read before the Society 

 on the same subject. 



A communication was read from Mr. A. Boucard, containing an account 

 of a collection of birds made in Yucatan by Mr. Gaumer. 



This Meeting closes the present session. There will be no more 

 scientific meetings until the commencement of the next session, 

 1883-1884, in November next. — P. L. Sclater, Secretary. 



NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 



Grouse Disease ; its Causes and Remedies. By D. F. Macdonald, 

 L.L.D., &c. 8vo, pp. 182, with illustrations. London : 

 W. H. Allen & Co. 1883. 



The precise nature of the Grouse Disease is still so far from 

 being properly understood that any new publication on the 

 subject would be likely to prove attractive, not only to naturalists, 

 but more especially to sportsmen, whose interests are liable 

 to be so seriously affected by the spread of this disorder. 



Opinions hitherto expressed on the subject have been many 

 and various. By some the disease is viewed as a contagious 

 epidemic like cholera. Others regard it as a parasitic disorder. 

 Others again consider it due to atmospheric influences, over- 

 stocking, and an unhealthy condition, which forms the principal 

 food of Grouse, and ought to be periodically burnt. 



Not long since Mr. J. A. Harvie Brown communicated to this 

 journal (November, 1882) his views respecting the Grouse disease, 

 which he believes is to be attributed to a variety of causes, 

 amongst which he specifies over-stocking, over-preservation, 

 indiscriminate slaughter of so-called "vermin," and an un- 

 wholesome condition of the heather, after severe late frosts. 



Dr. Macdonald thus sums up his own opinion in the matter : — 

 " That it is caused by the mismanagement of the moors, in- 

 sufficiency of natural food, by want of systematic heath -burning, 

 by too great a preponderance of sheep, which nibble the heather- 

 tops, over-stocking, severe frost, excessive rain, and the exter- 

 mination of the birds and beasts of prey." 



