Aves i 
A V E S. 
13Y 
A. II. Evans, M.A., F.Z.S. 
During tho year 1888 the steady increase of morphological investigation, 
which has characterized ornithology in Common with other branches of 
Zoology for several years past, has at length reached a pitch far higher 
than any previous attempt had carried it. The magnificent work of 
Furbringer, published by the Society Natnra Artis Magistra of Amster- 
dam, even if it prove not to make an epoch, at least marks a resting- 
place whence future enquiries will be carried on with renewed vigour, 
and must be regarded as unquestionably the most remarkable ornitho- 
logical work of the past twelvemonth. Such details as our space will 
allow, and especially the systematic results arising from the author’s 
long-continued labours, are given under his name, and it is greatly to be 
regretted that the abstract contributed by his friend and fellow-worker to 
‘Nature ’ (13th and 20th December, 1888), has not been reproduced in such 
a form as would have rendered it accessible to all English-reading 
Ornithologists ; but it must be borne in mind that FCrbRinger’s treat- 
ment of the subject is by no means limited to the Class Aves, and that 
very valuable observations on other groups of Vertebrates, having an 
important bearing on General Morphology, are included in his two massive 
volumes. 
Nor is this the only subject o£ importance incidental to the year: for 
of great interest, in a different direction, is the recent invasion of 
Syrrhaptcs — more extensive than that of 1863 — which has been duly 
chronicled in a large number of papers to be found under TterocVidas ; 
but we yet await a full account of the movement from Dr. R. Blasius 
and Professor Newton. 
Another excellent piece of work must not be omitted in this connec- 
tion — that of Portis on the Fossil Birds of Italy (which, strictly speaking, 
bolongs to a former year) ; wliilo tho Anatomical papors by Beddard, 
Gadow, Lucas, the two Parkers, and Siiufeldt— not forgetting FOr- 
bringer as above — are noteworthy. 
Of the Catalogue of the Birds iu the British Museum, two volumes 
have appeared, Sclater treating of the Oligomyodce , and SiiarRE of the 
1888. [vol. xxv.] c 5 
