Recent Literature. 
1 T 5 
spectrum of Turacin is marked by two absorption bands, between D and E, 
much resembling those of oxyhemaglobin. Carbon dioxide and oxygen, 
however, have no effect on the color or the spectrum. As to its chemical 
composition the author differs from his predecessors in that he denies the 
presence of nitrogen, though copper and iron are both present in con- 
siderable quantities. By the action of concentrated sulphuric acid two 
products are formed, named a Turacein and (3 Turacein by the author. 
Zoonerythrin, another red pigment of much wider distribution, is 
found in red feathers, as those of the Flamingo and the Cardinal Gros- 
beak. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, bisulphide of carbon, and the like, 
from which it can be precipitated by evaporation. The solution of this 
pigment is often favored by first digesting the feather in a trypsin or pepsin 
solution. Unlike Turacin, Zoonerythrin has no absorption bands, but all 
is absorbed beyond E. 
Zoofulvin, a yellow pigment of much the same solubility as the pro- 
ceeding, occurs in the yellow feathers of the European Oriole, the Canary, 
and the like. The spectrum has two bands between F and G which vary 
in position according to the solvent used. 
As yet Dr. Krukenberg has been unable to extract any green, blue, or 
purple pigment from feathers, so that he agrees with Bogdanon that blue 
feathers have no pigment as proved by transmitted light. Of this any one 
can at once convince himself by holding the feather of a Bluebird im- 
mersed in water between himself and a window. — J. Amory Jeffries. 
Minor Ornithological Papers. — 161. The Ruddy Duck (Erisma- 
tura rubida). By Spencer Trotter, Chicago Field , Vol. XIII, p. 23. — Brief 
general account, including reference to their occasional great abundance in 
Chesapeake Bay. 
162. Bibliographical Matiuals of American Naturalists. Chapter II. 
Dr. Elliott Coues, U. S. A. By William Hosea Ballou. Ibid., XIII, pp. 
92, 103, 123, 189, 205, 221. — Rather more tha.j 400 titles of papers and 
works, relating mainly to ornithology. 
163. N omenclature of the North American Grouse. By Spencer Trotter. 
Ibid., XIII, pp. 314, 315. — Common and scientific names of North Ameri- 
can Grouse, with their principal synonymy and habitats. 
163. The California Quails in Missouri. By FI. Clay Ewing. Ibid. 
XIII, p. 413*— Six or seven pairs, turned out near the junction of the 
Missouri and Osage Rivers in March 1879, raised broods the following 
season near where they were liberated. 
164. Bibliographical Manual of American Naturalists. Ckapter III. 
The Literature of Prof Edward D. Cope. By Wm. Hosea Ballou. Ibid. 
XIV, pp. 19, 20. — Contains a few ornithological titles. 
165. Can the Pinnated Grouse be successfully propagated f By H. W. 
Merrill. Forest and Stream , XVI, Feb. 10, 1881, p. 28. — Believes they 
can be “successfully propagated” with proper “regard to cover, food 
and range.” 
166. Pi?ie Grosbeak ( Pinicola enucleator , L., V.) and Robin ( Turdus 
migratorius , L.) in Winter [in Nova Scotia']. By. J. Matthews Jones. 
