364 REVIEWS. 
€— to give the novice in collecting and taxidermy all the informa- 
on h little space as Mr. Maynard occupies; and in 
easet to the utmost, he vp left some thin ings that it would 
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birds — of the pleasures and difficulties of taking them — and his pictures 
of field- work, are true to the life. e have abundant evidence that he 
has put himself in no danger of tripping by compilation. Thus, for 
example, his remark upon page 84, “that birds for a certain period in- 
crease in size, after which they gradually decrease," is none the less true 
because it expresses a fact of which few are aware; and it is one not 
likely to be found out except by long continued and repeated observation. 
We endorse the imde without reserve. Most birds are at a maxi- 
mum size before they are perfectly **adult;" on reaching which state, a 
certain condensation or compaction of the frame seems to take place, so 
that they become somewhat smaller. Of this the Bald Eagle is an excel- 
lent illustration. 
The art of preparing birds for the Scientific cabinet, no less than that 
to judge of the real merits of his method — still less of the degree of skill 
he may have acquired in using it. But we are bound to add, that we see 
no reason why excellent results should not be obtained by following his 
in 
employs, we fear it may be found by ihe beginner a little obscure at 
places — or at least, not so full and plain as it might have been made. 
This brings us back to the thought that prompted our opening sentence; 
on the abdomen, and keeping them out of the wound afterwards; 
