1S83.] Recent Literature. Ill 



sents a large amount of original research, extending over nearly a decade, 

 diligently and intelligently applied to the construction of a systematic 

 treatise which possesses the necessary qualities of a good working hand- 

 book of the subject. Indeed we recall no other " local fauna" of equal 

 extent, which rivals this one in methodical treatment. Ohioans have here, 

 in fact, a correct history and description of their 300 birds, systematically 

 arranged and classified, with diagnoses of the genera and higher groups, a 

 considerable synonymy of each species with special reference to state lit- 

 erature, and a local bibliography — the whole forming a work of that useful 

 kind called "a manual," and bearing the weight of competent authority. 

 Since the death of Dr. Kirtland, we doubt that any one is better entitled 

 to speak of Ohioan birds than Dr. Wheaton, who appears to have himself 

 collected, in the vicinity of Columbus, more than two-thirds of the species 

 he treats, and to have admitted none that he has not personally identified, 

 except upon unimpeachable authority. His own description of his book, 

 albeit perhaps too modest, may be transcribed : — 



" In the following pages I have made free use of the writings of several 

 authorities. The descriptions of species are almost without exception or 

 alteration from Dr. Elliott Coues' Key to North American Birds. The 

 keys to the genera are from Prof. D. S. Jordan's Manual of Vertebrates, 

 the definitions of the higher groups are by Dr. Coues, and taken from the 

 introductory chapter of North American Birds. The nomenclature adopt- 

 ed is that of Di". Coues in his Check List of North American Birds [1874], 

 with such modifications as changes, made since its publication, require. 

 This is followed by references to all writers, whether general or local, who 

 have mentioned that species as Ohioan. This is followed in most cases 

 by such synonyms as will enable changes in the nomenclature to be traced. 

 Following the description I give, as briefly as possible, an account of its 

 general and breeding habits, together with such biographical observations 

 as seem to me interesting or valuable. In the appendix I have inserted a 

 list of the birds, with the dates of their appearance and disappearance, as 

 observed by me in this vicinity;- a list of the birds identified by me in my 

 garden in this city; a bibliography of Ohio Ornithology, and a glossary 

 of such scientific words as require definition" (p. 197). To which we 

 may add that the work opens with a consideration of the physical geog- 

 raphy of Ohio in its relation to the bird-fauna of the state ; and that the 

 appendix includes, besides late additions to and corrections of, the main 

 text, an essay "on the relation between latitude and the pattern of colora- 

 tion in Ohio birds," which will be found to contain some curious and 

 novel observations. 



"The list gives 292 species, 4 of which are represented by additional 

 varieties, and 2 introduced species, making a total of 298 species and vari- 

 eties. Of these 6 are considered accidental" (p. 570). 



We have said enough to certify that this volume of some 450 pages is no 

 slight nor uncertain addition to our ornithological literature. It is easily 

 first in its special field, and takes its permanent place among the more 

 comprehensive treatises on North American birds. Aside from the more 



