234 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



A definite object was before these two expeditions — the first 

 of which may be said to have owed its initiative to Mr. J. A. 

 Harvie-Brown — and that object was the acquirement, if not even 

 the discovery, of the eggs of the Grey Plover, the Little Stint, 

 the Sanderling, the Curlew Sandpiper, the Knot, and Bewick's ^ 

 Swan. Of these the Knot was the only species unseen, and of the I 

 others, identified eggs were obtained and brought home of the 1 

 Grey Plover, the Little Stint, and Bewick's Swan. But this * 

 has been pointed out before ; the importance of the present 

 publication is that it combines two volumes which had very 

 much in common, and that it places a charming account of 

 ornithological exploration in a revised and handsome form, and 

 at a reasonable price, at the option of ornithologists, as well as 

 of those who would read a vivid account of the immense contrasts 

 which nature exhibits between her winter and summer solstices 

 in those northern regions. 



The Mammals of South Africa. By W. L. Sclatek, M.A., F.Z.S. * | 

 Vol.11. Rodentia, Chiroptera, Insectivora, Cetacea, and 

 Edentata. R. H. Porter. 



The first volume of this monograph has been already noticed 

 (ante, p. 77) ; the second has now appeared, and concludes a sec- 

 tion of an important faunistic publication. There are probably 

 many more of the smaller mammals to be discovered in South 

 Africa, but Mr. Sclater has now brought our knowledge up to 

 date, and with these two volumes the naturalist should have 

 little hesitation in the identification of his species. In fact, the 

 scientific or technical description is completed so far as present 

 collections are concerned ; other species will be doubtless dis- 

 covered and described; but the great, or natural history work 

 still requires to be done, and that may well claim the attention 

 of field naturalists for many years to come. We want now to 

 know more of the life-histories and habits of these creatures; we 

 are waiting for the narratives of the Gilbert Whites and Richard 

 Jefferies of South Africa. When these men arise they will find 

 their pursuits made very possible by the aid of these excellent 

 volumes, which to the sportsman should prove a perfect vade 

 mecum. 



