468 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Extracts are very properly given from the Eeport of Lewis 

 and Clarke, but there is also much compilation from the writings 

 of Wilson, Brackenridge, Umfreville, Pike, Lawson, Pennant, and 

 others. In other words, there is a lack of originality about the 

 work. The classification adopted is that of Turton's edition of 

 Linnaeus, but there is no attempt at scientific descriptions, even 

 of species to which for the first time he gives scientific names. 

 These names are not always restricted to new species, and 

 sometimes even (as in the case of the Louisiana Marmot) are 

 bestowed at a venture upon species of which he had apparently 

 seen no specimens. 



But in noting these shortcomings, upon which we do not 

 desire to lay undue stress, allowance should be made for the 

 difficulties which must have attended the preparation of such 

 a work eighty years ago. Taking this into consideration, it must 

 be admitted that George Ord, according to his lights, rendered 

 good service to zoological science, and in future, whenever it may 

 become necessary to test the value or particular bearing of any 

 of his observations, we shall be able, thanks to Mr. Rhoads, to 

 refer at once to his exact words without fear of misquotation. 



Allen's Naturalists Library. Edited by R. B. Sharpe. A Hand- 

 book to the Birds of Great Britain. By R. B. Sharpe. 

 Vol. I. Post 8vo., pp. i — xxii ; 1 — 342. With 31 coloured 

 plates. London: W. H. Allen & Co. 1894. 



This is the first of a new series of volumes on general zoology, 

 which has been planned, apparently, to enable the publishers to 

 use up the old plates of ' Jardine's Naturalists' Library.' That 

 work appeared fifty years ago (1833-43) in forty volumes, and for 

 many years later undoubtedly served a very useful purpose. 

 Every one is familiar with it ; but it is now hardly ever referred 

 to, for the simple reason that it is " out of date." The study of 

 Zoology, like that of most other subjects, is progressive; and 

 since Jardine's deservedly popular work appeared in a second 

 edition (1846-66), the discoveries by naturalists abroad, and the 

 researches of those at home, have completely revolutionised 

 many of the views that were put forth at the date referred to. 



