Sept., 1905 | 
THE EDITOR’S BOOK SHELF 
145 
have long been in need of a concise, yet sufficiently inclusive, and inexpensive manual. The 
present book, a thick volume of small size (3x6 inches), seems well calculated to meet this want, 
for while containing the information that is to the point it is yet sufficiently brief to be conven- 
ient for ready reference; and its author, well known for his ornithological writings and an 
authority on the birds of his native land, is guarantee sufficient of requisite accuracy. 
The first part, to which 163 pages are devoted, consists of general matter under various head- 
ings, as follows, each of which is treated with such fullness as its importance in this connection 
demands: External Structure; Feathers (structure and color); Moltand Pterylography; Imitative 
Coloration; Dimorphism; Hybridism; Females in Male Plumage; Teratology; Geographical Dis- 
tribution; Migration; Song; Nest and Eggs; Classification. 
The remainder of the book is taken up by the descriptive part, in which each of the 473 
species and trinomial subspecies now accredited to the Italian avifauna is separately treated. The 
scientific name, and the vernacular, — usually in French, German, and English, as well as Italian 
— are given; also essential synonymy, chiefly Italian references; a description of male, female, 
and young; geographical distribution, both general and local; a more or less extended account of 
habits; and sometimes critical notes, zoological or nomenclatural. 
Text illustrations are numerous, chiefly heads or structural details, but they add much to the 
usefulness of the volume; while the 36 full-page plates, representing nests or other facts con- 
nected with the life history of the species portrayed, are of additional interest and value. The 
type and general make-up are good; but we miss entirely the keys to species and higher groups 
that are generally so conspicuous and convenient, not to say necessary, a feature of modern bird 
books such as this. It is likewise to be regretted that a more modern classification could not 
have been adopted: the list begins with the Yulturidte and ends with the Alcidae. Notwithstand- 
ing these defects, the author is to be congratulated on the very satisfactory performance of his 
task; and it is to be hoped that the book will meet with the cordial reception it deserves. — 
H. C. OberhoIsIr. 
The American Naturai, History. A Foundation of Useful Knowledge of the Higher 
Animals of North America. By William T. Hornaday, Director of the New York Zoological 
Park, author of “Two Years in the Jungle,” etc. Illustrated by 227 original drawings by Beard, 
Rungius, Sawyer and others, 116 photographs, chiefly by Sanborn, Keller and Underwood, and 
numerous charts and maps. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, M C M IV — 8 vo. pp. XV+ 
449- $3-5°. postage extra. 
By reason of his wide experience with live animals Mr. Hornaday is especiallv well fitted to 
prepare a Natural History that will appeal to American readers. The “volume is intended as 
builders filling in the chasm that now exists between the technical ‘zoology’ of the college and 
the ‘nature-study’ lessons of the common schools." The author “has striven to accomplish two 
ends: (1) to make clear each animal’s place in the great system of Nature, and (2) to introduce 
the animal in such a manner as to enable the reader to become personally acquainted with it.” 
The introduction covers seven pages and contains explanations of classification, nomen- 
clature, rules for measuring mammals, horns, etc., together with a short exposition on “The In- 
telligence of Animals: A Warning,” in which the author scores the modern school of romancers, 
masquerading as interpreters of so-called animal intelligence and emotions. The book is sys- 
tematically arranged, and begins with the mammals and ends with the lancelets, being concerned 
with the animals commonly known as “vertebrates.” To the mammals about 170 pages are de- 
voted, to the birds 140, to the reptiles 43, to the amphibians 12, and to the fishes 75. About 300 
well chosen and important species are treated, of which a few are exotic, being introduced in 
order to fill in important gaps in the general system. Among the birds, as elsewhere in the 
book, the commoner species receive the fuller treatment, those forms of less popular interest hav- 
ing short notes. The author points out the desirability of preserving bird life, and emphasizes 
the economic status of birds, especially of the hawks and owls. The book is profusely illustrated 
with drawings and photographs, most of which are exceptionally good. Mr. Hornaday’s style is 
clear, concise, and interesting, and his book is put together in a common-sense, practical man- 
ner. The reader may also take comfort in the knowledge that what he is reading is authentic 
information. 
A Monograph ok Marcus Island. An Account of its Physical Features and Geology, 
with Descriptions of the Fauna and Flora. By Wm, Ai.anson Bryan, B. Sc. Illustrated bv a 
map, seven half-tone cuts and line drawings by the author. From the Occasional Papers of the 
Bernice Pauhi Bishop Museum, vol. 11, No. 1, 1903 [1904] pp. 77—139. 
In this highly interesting monograph Mr. Bryan has presented a valuable account of Marcus 
Island, a tiny speck of land situated 2400 miles westward from Honolulu and 4500 miles west by 
south from San Francisco. Until Mr. Bryan’s visit this islet was practically unknown to 
Americans, although Japanese have recently visited it more or less regularly, and as we shall see 
