NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 375 
patriotism in his case has somewhat overruled judicial im- 
partiality, as a few instances will show. Haliphysema tumano- 
wiczit, previously recorded from Dublin, in Balkwill and Wright’s 
Report (Tr. R. Irish Ac. 1885, p. 354), and in Brady’s ‘Challenger’ 
Report, ix., p. 281. Reophax moniliforme, n. sp., was described 
and figured, but not named by Balkwill and Wright, who also 
found Lagena lyellit (p. 838), and L. lucida (p. 340), at Dublin. 
The book appears to be particularly free from misprints or 
oversights, but in bringing out a second volume, greater care 
should be taken with the plates ; most of the figures are coarse 
and indistinct, while one or two are practically unrecognisable. 
Catalogue of the Birds in the British Musewm. Vol. XI. The 
Passeriformes or Perching Birds (Fam. Cerebide, Tana- 
gride and Icteride). By Pure Lutimy Scuarer. 8vo, 
pp. 431. With 18 coloured plates. London: Printed by 
order of the Trustees. 1886. 
Tue large and important additions which have been made to 
the National Collection of Birds, by the acquisition of three 
valuable private collections within the past two years (cf. Zool. 
1885, pp. 343, 355), will only be gradually appreciated by 
ornithologists at home and abroad, as these fresh materials for 
the General Catalogue now in progress come to be utilised in 
each succeeding volume. Some idea of the present dimensions 
of the general collection may be formed, when it is stated that, 
although the volume of the Catalogue just completed by Mr. 
Sclater deals with only three families of Passeriform birds 
restricted to the New World, the total number of species 
included is 575, represented in the British Museum Collection by 
5494 specimens. In most cases there is a good series of each, 
serving admirably to show the geographical distribution of the 
species, and the changes of plumage which are referable to age, 
sex, and season. 
The three families dealt with in the volume just published, 
are especially characteristic of the Neotropical Region, and it is 
fortunate that the collections of Messrs. Salyin and Godman, 
and of Mr. Sclater, so rich in South American species, have 
been acquired so opportunely as to admit of their partial 
incorporation in the new volume of the Catalogue. 
