1893.] Recent Literature. 371 
ever undertake such a task, he must bear one thing well in mind, 
and that he must not do not do it with the view of “exploding” any 
one’s “ peculiar notions,” but rather with the view of getting at the truth 
of the matter. Then, too, do not condemn another’s views simply 
because “ leading authorities on avian anatomy are overwhelmingly if 
not unanimously against his side of the question (p. 1040).” That has 
been the case with a great many anatomists in the world’s history, and 
even I can remember when the “ leading authorities” overwhelmingly 
if not unanimously believed that Chamea was a Wren; but the present 
writer in his published account’ based upon his “ extensive dissections ” 
claimed it was most nearly related to the Bush-Tits (of the genus 
Psaltriparus), to which opinion the “leading authorities,” who have 
reviewed my work, are now rapidly coming. But no doubt Mr, 
Ridgway remembers something of this; he most assuredly does if he is 
familiar with the literature we have upon the subject. 
R. W. SHUFELDT. 
Animal Coloration.'—This volume has grown out of materials 
collected by Mr. Beddard for the Davis lectures delivered at the Zoo- 
logical Garden of London in 1890. It contains the latest information 
as to the phenomena of coloration exhibited by animals, together with 
the most important theories upon the subject, including those of Dr. 
Eisig and M. Stolzmann, which had not previously found their way 
into works of a popular character. Mr. Beddard groups his facts under 
the following heads: Coloration Affected by Environment ; Protective 
Coloration ; Warning Coloration ; Protective Mimicry ; Sexual Color- 
ation. 
In summarizing the facts concerning Protective Mimicry, the author 
concludes that the theory of Natural Selection alone does not satisfac- 
torily explain the remarkable resemblances included under that 
caption. seit 
The chapter on Sexual Coloration calls attention to some objections 
to Darwin’s theory of sexual selection, and gives briefly a sketch of 
the views of Mr. Stolzmann and those of Mr. Wallace. 
Mr. Beddard’s objections to the use to which the theory of Natural 
Selection has been put by various naturalists, and especially by Messrs 
5« On the Position of Chamza in the System.” The Jour. of Morph., Vol.: iii, 
maiaa a a eal of the Principal Facts and Theories Relating to 
the Colors and Markings of Animals, by Frank E. Beddard, M. A. Oxon., F. R. 
S. E., with four colored plates and wood cuts in the text. London, Swan, Sonn- 
enschein & Co.; New York, Macmillan & Co., 1892. j i 
