1889.] Recejit Literature. 139 
the succeeding parts treat the other groups as well, the whole 
will certainly prove a success. 
Birds of Iowa. — In the proceedings of the Davenport 
Academy Natural Sciences for 1888, there appears a catalogue 
of the birds of Iowa, with notes.' It is published only as a 
preliminary list and so escapes most of the criticism that might 
be offered, were it simply presented as a complete summary 
of extended observations. 
Although it is offered only as preliminary, yet it is the most 
complete and reliable list that has so far appeared. It shows 
the authors to be familiar with the habits and habitats of all 
the common birds of the state and also that they have a good 
knowledge of many that are rare. 
The authors enumerate 255 species as coming under their 
personal observation. Among this number are many species 
which have not been heretofore recorded as having been 
observed in Iowa, although from their known geographical 
distribution i"t was naturally supposed that they were to be 
found here. The maximum number of species probably found 
in the state including summer and winter visitors and Sea- 
birds migrating north by way of the Mississippi river, — is not 
much above 350, 
Taking into account the fact that the collections and obser- 
vations, upon which this list is based, were made chiefly in the 
vicinities of Charles City, Des Moines, and Iowa City, all sit- 
uated in the interior of the state, and thus not affording a good 
opportunity for the study of many of the water birds, the 
work shows itself to be the result of much time and study. 
For the reason just stated the list is most deficient in water 
birds. It is especially complete in Passerine species, when we 
consider the number of summer and winter, as well as West- 
ern visitors this order affords. 
That the comparative completeness of the list may be 
readily seen the following list is appended. The first column 
gives the number of species which are probably to be found in 
the state as compiled from the known geographical distribution. 
The second column contains the number given in the catalogue 
of Messrs. Keyes and Williams. 
Pygopodes 10 4 
:irculated catalogue of the birds of Iowa, 
s M.D. Prof. Davenport Acad. Nat. Sci. 
