236 
Recent Literature. 
[ October 
— Description of nests and eggs and of the breeding habits of the bird as 
observed at Old Saybrook, Conn. 
409. Great Blue Heronry. By Morgan K. Barnum. Ibid., p. 147. — 
At Syracuse, N. Y. ; about 270 sets of eggs taken. 
410. Branting at Monomoy [ Island , Mass.~\. By Fred. T. Jencks. 
Ibid., pp. 149, 150. 
41 1. Prairie Hen. Its Nesting Habits. By Horace A. Kline. Ibid., 
p. 150. — At Vesta, Neb. ; where “thousands of eggs perish every year” by 
the late burning of the prairies. 
412. Field Glass [ Ornithology^ . ByG. R. C. Ibid., pp. 150, 151, 157, 15S. 
— It is to be hoped that this method will be reserved for those “who have 
no wish, strictly speaking, to become ornithologists or oologists,” and that 
observations made by persons who have “become acquainted” with birds 
in this way will never be put in print as a contribution to ornithology. 
The writer in attempting to teach this system gives an illustration of how 
to identify birds with a glass, his “Pine-linnets ( Chrysomitris Minus')” be- 
ing known by “the prominent and always constant bright yellow rump.” 
Comment is needless. Watching birds through a field glass as a pleasant 
amusement we would not discourage, but as a method of identifying birds 
by novices, we do not know of a more excellent illustration of “how not 
to do it.” 
413. Gleanings from Bendire's Letters. Editorial. Ibid., pp. 153, 
154. — Extracts from letters of Capt. Bendire to the editor: they relate 
mainly to Owls and Waxwings as observed at Fort Walla Walla, W. T., 
during the winter of 1881-82. 
414. Florida Gallinule. By Frank S. Wright. Ibid., pp, 154, 155. — 
Abundant in the Seneca River marshes, N. Y. 
415. Savannah Sparrow. . . . Editorial. Ibid., p. 156. — Breeding on 
Plum Island, off the eastern end of Long Island. 
416. Climbers and Climbing. Climbing Irons. By J. M. W[hipple]. 
Ibid., pp. 158, 159. 
417. Lapwing ( Vanellus crista f us ). . . . By J. T. T. R[eed]. Ibid., pp. 
159, 160. — Its breeding habits, etc. 
418. Common European Heron ( Ardea cinerea Linn.). By J. T. T. 
Reed. Ibid., p. 160. 
419. American Long-eared Owl. Our first Owls Nest. Editorial. 
Ibid., pp. 161, 162. 
420. Savannah Sparrow. By M. Chamberlain. Ibid., p. 162. — Breed- 
ing inland in New Brunswick. 
421. Wilson's Black Cap (Wilsonia pusilla). By M. Chamberlain. 
Ibid., p. 162. — Female with the black cap. 
422. European Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris Linti.') By J. T. T. Reed. 
Ibid., p. 163. — Short account of its habits. 
423. Rose Breasted Grosbeak [ in Confinement ]. Editorial. Ibid., p. 
164. — Further account of “ Jack,” a pet bird. (See antea, No. 335, Vol. 
VIII, P . 177O 
