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|THE BOOK SHELF 



.B^Vd Behavior, Psychical and Physiological, by Frank Finn, F.Z.S., 363 pages, 

 43 illustrations, Dodd, Meade & Co. 



This is one of the most remarkable books on birds published recently. It 

 is written by a man who has had a long experience in observing birds in their 

 natural surroundings in many countries for he is an Englishman and was 

 stationed in India for years; he has also had a wide experience in zoological 

 gardens in observing birds in captivity and under domestication. He is thus 

 exceptionally well fitted for the task of describing bird behavior and discussing 

 the relationship of structure to habit. The following general topics are dis- 

 cussed: Locomotion, Nutrition, Propagation, Migration, the Senses, the 

 Emotions, the Weapons and Fighting Methods, the Songs and Cries, the 

 Special Instincts, the Special Physiological Peculiarities and the Abnormalities 

 of Bords, and one chapter is given to the Relation of Birds with Man. While 

 these may seem to be live topics for chapters yet they scarcely convey an 

 adequate idea of the interesting phases of bird life which they are made to 

 cover in this volume. For instance, under the Special Instincts of Birds are 

 discussed — the Play of Young Birds and of Adults, Bower Builders and their 

 Peculiarities, Ornamentation of Nests, the Instinct for Food Storage, The 

 Practice of Piracy, Toilet and Bedtime Habits. After all, the great value of 

 the book comes from the fact that it is based upon personal observation. 

 It is a volume that should be in every bird lover's library and it is of special 

 value to the biologist. 



Insect Artizans and Their Work. Edward Step, F.L.S. 318 pp., illustrated. 

 Dodd, Meade & Co. 



Any one who studies the habits of insects must become impressed by the 

 skill which they show in making their nests and in various other of their interest- 

 ing activities. This volume by Dr. Step discusses seriously and with careful 

 regard to facts the different phases of Insect Artizanship. The chapter on 

 "Spinners and Weavers" tells of the spinning of caterpillars, of moths and 

 butterflies; that on "Miners", of the bees, wasps, beetles, crickets, and the 

 other insect mine diggers; that on "Masons", deals with wasps, bees, and 

 white ants. "Carpenters and wood- workers" tells of bees, the larvae of beetles 

 moths. "The Upholsterers" are solitary bees including the leaf cutter bees. 

 "The Waxworkers" are the bumble bees and honey bees. "Paper Makers" are 

 the wasps. "Tailors" include bag-worms, caddis- worms, clothes moths and 

 others. The Horticulturists are ants and termintes. The "Sanitary Officers" 

 are the various flies and beetles that feed upon decaying matter. The "Musi- 

 cians" are the Cicades, grasshoppers, katydids and crickets. The lamp- 

 bearers are the various "fireflies". The "Burglars" among insects are appar- 

 ently also artizans for they show skill in obtaining what belongs to others to 



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