NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. 79 



the widely opened mouths of sleeping Crocodiles to search for 

 any small fry that may be concealed therein. Dr. Beccari 

 writes : — " Indeed, if I remember right, I have witnessed the 

 thing myself ; but now as I write I cannot feel quite sure that it 

 was not one of the many stories told by my men." In a foot- 

 note, Dr. Guillemard says he has heard the same report in 

 Celebes, and the writer of this notice was told the same thing by 

 Malays in Province Wellesley.* 



Dr. Beccari formulates his own views on the evolution of 

 species; these when coming from an experienced naturalist always 

 demand consideration, if not acceptance, and in days when 

 theories are frequently advanced as dogmas a variant view is a 

 healthy sign. The main conception of evolution does not rest 

 on current opinion as to some of its manifestations. The book 

 is well and amply illustrated, and is a valuable addition to 

 Malayan literature. 



A Synonymic Catalogue of Orthoptera. By W. F. Kirby. Vol. I. 

 (Forficulida, Hemimeridce, Blattidce, Mantidce, Phasmidce). 

 Printed by order of the Trustees of the British Museum. 



Both the authorities of the British Museum and Mr. Kirby 

 are to be congratulated on the production of this volume. It 

 supplies a very distinct want, and the author is facile princeps in 

 the construction of entomological catalogues. The help afforded 

 to students of the Orthoptera by such a list is very great, and 

 we trust that Mr. Kirby will soon provide another volume on the 

 subject. 



:|: F. Vaughan Kirby, in his ' Sport in East Central Africa,' states that he 

 has personally observed the Spur-winged Plovers acting as " tooth-picks " to 

 sleeping Crocodiles near Chinde (cf. Zool. 1899, p. 331). 



