A Dictionary of Birds. By Alfred Newton, assisted by Hans Gadow, with 
contributions from Richard Lydekker, B.A., F.G.S. ; Charles S. Roy, 
M.A., F.R.S.; and Robert W. Shuffeldt, M.D, Part II. (GA—MOA). 
Loudon : Adam and Charles Black, 1893 ; price 7s. 6d. nett. 
The present instalment of this work fully maintains the reputation gained 
by the first part, which was noticed in the September number of this 
periodical. Articles, illustrations, and printing are as good as need be, and 
will fully satisfy both the scientific and aesthetic requirements of the 
ornithologist who consults its pages. This part contains 272 pages, and 
includes articles on subjects lying between Garefoiol and Moa ; the account of 
the former of these birds is continued from the first part, that of the latter 
will be finished in the third. One of the most important articles is on 
“ Geographical Distribution,” a difficult subject of which to give a brief yet 
sufficient account. Professor Newton divides the earth’s surface as regards the 
distribution of birds on it, into six regions ; which, however, he does not assert 
are necessarily the best for other groups of animals. These regions are the 
New Zealand, Australian, Neotropical, Ethiopian, Indian, and Holarctic, and, 
with the exception of the first and last, are much the same as those adopted 
by Dr. Wallace in his monumental work “ The Geographical Distribution of 
Animals.” The Holarctic region corresponds to the Nearctic and Palsearctic 
together, while New Zealand is raised from the subordinate position of sub- 
region, in which it is placed by the great Darwinian, to the rank of an 
independent region, our author here following Professor Huxley’s classifica¬ 
tion. There are also some other smaller differences : for instance, Professor 
Newton places the Cape Verd Islands in the Ethiopian region instead of in 
the Palsearctic of Wallace. No doubt these changes will call forth some 
criticisms from the specialists, but less well-informed readers will be content 
to believe that Professor Newton has good reason for his decisions, and will 
be thankful for the succinct account which he has given of the main facts of 
avian distribution. 
There are many interesting birds treated of in this section of the 
“ Dictionary,” such as the Grouse, Hornbili, Humming-bird, Ibis, Jay, Kite, 
Kiwi, Megapode, etc.; of them no further mention can now be made, space 
only permitting reference to the discussion of migration. The article on this 
subject treats it admirably in every way : it does not burden one with many 
details, yet gives the facts most salient to the matter in hand ; the various 
December, 1893. 
