BOOK REVIEWS. 



257 



introduced into South Victoria, Australia, and though useful on pasture 

 it clears the vineyards of fruit. 



The blackbird was introduced into New Zealand, but now a price 

 is put on its head and eggs on account of the damage it does to fruit. 



Fruit needs also to be protected from the thrush. Of the sparrow it 

 is said : "It is true that the common sparrow multiplies too fast. Many 

 a bird-loving landowner and farmer attempts to keep it within bounds in 

 various ways. The late Lord Lilford declared the most humane way was 

 to pull down all the nests within man's reach ; there would be plenty left 

 in inaccessible places. A humane farmer in Hampshire, a great wheat 

 grower, pays 3d. per score for all sparrows' eggs brought to him. In a 

 Lancashire parish the vicar encourages the jackdaw, allowing it to build 

 even in his church-steeple, because wherever that bird is, sparrows 

 become more scarce, their young suiting that bird's palate well." 



In the case of the rook early sowing of wheat is recommended, while 

 there is sufficient insect food about for the birds, as the best preventive 

 from the mischief it does in disturbing and eating the corn. A good 

 description of the ways of the hawfinch with regard to peas is given quoted 

 from the observation of a gardener. The injury to gooseberry buds by 

 bullfinches, to swede and turnip seed by greenfinches, and to turnip- tops 

 and acorns by wood-pigeons is dealt with. 



The book concludes with particulars and drawings of nesting boxes 

 for the encouragement of certain birds. 



We can recommend the book as combining the natural history of 

 birds with their economic habits in relation to the gardener and the farmer, 

 but wish the opportunity had been, utilized of giving the results of the 

 observations on the food of birds actually made by the Hungarian Bureau 

 of Ornithology. 



"British Birds in their Haunts." By the late Rev. C. A. Johns. 

 Edited, revised, and annotated by J. A. Owen ; illustrated with 64 coloured 

 plates, 256 figures, by William Foster, M.B.O.U. (Routledge, London, 

 1909.) 7s. 6d. net. 



This attractive book gives interesting accounts and observations of the 

 birds by the late Rev. C. A. Johns, F.L.S., with scientific classification 

 brought up to date, together with additional facts of interest by Mr. J. A. 

 Owen. The coloured illustrations, of which there are 256, are good 

 representations of the birds in miniature. 



" Birds and their Nests and Eggs found in and near Great Towns." By 

 George H. Vos, B.A., M.B. (Cantab.). Three volumes or series. 8vo. 

 148 + 223 + 240 pp. (Routledge, London, 1908-09.) Is. each. Also 

 the three series in one volume 3s. 6d. 



These little books are well illustrated by numerous photographs by 

 the author, of birds' nests, eggs and surroundings from life, or of good 

 specimens of stuffed birds in natural surroundings. The author gives 

 accounts of his natural history rambles and observations at different 

 times of the year. At the end of each volume is a very concise synopsis 

 of the birds mentioned, which must be the result of careful observation, 

 dealing with points such as favourite localities, differences in plumage 



