246 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



The Game Birds and Wild Fowl of the British Islands. By 

 Charles Dixon. Second Edition, enlarged, improved, 

 and thoroughly revised by the Author. Sheffield : Pawson 

 & Brailsford. 



In perusing this very handsome volume, including Doves and 

 Pigeons, it seems almost as difficult to define the limits of Game 

 Birds as to give a correct description of what is meant by the 

 term " Sportsman.'' 



This is the second edition of a good and useful book, in which 

 the subject is brought up to date. It possesses a very readable 

 introduction, in which, as Mr. Dixon has his own views on migra- 

 tion, he propounds his own conclusions as to " the geographical 

 history of avine life." He zoologically divides the world into 

 three realms : first, an Intertropical or Prirnogaean realm, with 

 northern and southern limits marked tentatively by the tropics ; 

 second, an Arctogsean or Northern realm, which embraces the 

 entire world north of the Tropic of Cancer ; third, a Notogasan 

 or Southern realm, which in like manner includes the entire 

 world south of the Tropic of Capricorn ; and he looks forward 

 to substantiate these propositions when the exploration of the 

 Antarctic and high Southern regions shall have taken place. 



Each bird is amply treated, its nomenclature being followed 

 by its " Geographical Distribution," " Allied Forms," " Habits," 

 " Nidification," and " Diagnostic Characters." Many species are 

 figured, there being forty-one coloured plates, representing fifty- 

 six coloured illustrations ; while the number of species and races 

 of Game Birds and Wild Fowl which Mr. Dixon includes in the 

 British avifauna is 127. The literature already existing in 

 reference to these birds seems to have been amply consulted, 

 and little more of importance concerning the distribution and 

 habits can probably be gleaned. This is a good book to possess, 

 especially for those who seek to know the life-histories of these 

 British Birds, as there has been no reason for unnecessary con- 

 densation, and ample space has resulted in liberal treatment. 

 The plates have been drawn by Charles Whymper, and their 

 reproduction reflects the greatest credit on the publishers. 



