ORNITHOLOGY IN 1851. 
There are some interesting notices also in the appendix of hybrid 
specimens, and upon the change of the colour of birds attaining their 
breeding plumage, which the author seems inclined to think is pro- 
duced by the moulting of feathers, in opposition to the views and 
experiments of Mr. Yarrell. 
Catalogue of the Menagerie and Aviary at Knowsley. Formed 
by the late Earl of Derby, K.G., 4 to. It is arranged systema- 
tically, and has the localities of the specimens given. In our sum- 
mary of last year, we had occasion to mention the name of Lord 
Derby among those who patronized and was of great value to the 
promotion of Ornithology. That nobleman died at Knowsley, and 
has left a blank which is not likely to be soon replaced. The suc- 
cessor to the headship of the family cares little for natural history, 
and the collection of living animals and birds has been dispersed by 
public sale. If retained by one having no personal love for zoology 
or interest in the collection, it would soon have died a natural death ; 
but considering the comparatively small sum realized, the collection 
would have formed a noble gift to the Zoological Society, which has 
of late been so very instrumental in furthering our knowledge of 
the habits of animals, and of putting them within the reach of the 
almost daily observation of the public. Nevertheless, the funds of 
the society have enabled it to become the possessors of nearly all the 
more important birds which were awanting to its collection. The 
will of the late Earl contained a clause, requesting that Her Majesty 
should select one species for her own or the society’s collection, and 
the Impeyan Pheasants, some of which were bred at Knowsley, was 
the species chosen. We could not attend the sale personally, but 
through the kindness of the secretary to the Zoological Gardens, we 
have been furnished with a “ priced” catalogue,’ and are thus enabled 
to mention some of the more important purchases. The sale was 
numerously attended by delegates from foreign collections, and the 
lots being entered in their names, we cannot at present correctly 
trace some of their destinations, and very few private names appear 
among the purchasers.- The total number of birds in the collection, 
exclusive of poultry,- was — 
Species. 
Individuals. 
Bred at Knowsley. 
318 
1272 
45 549 
