278 
REVIEWS. 
explanations which have been given of this “ mystery of mysteries,” as 
Professor Newton calls it, are mentioned with appropriate criticisms, while 
the whole is couched in the most lucid and graceful language, so that, apart 
from its value as a discussion of a most difficult question by a great expert, 
the article is very noteworthy as a fine piece of literature. Nothing more 
can here be said of its contents than that the author is inclined to ascribe the 
capability of birds for finding their way over immense distances to the 
“sense of direction” which they possess in common with human beings, in 
certain of whom (such as Samojeds, Red Indians, Bushmen, and Australians) 
it is developed to a most remarkable degree. 
This work must again be heartily recommended to the notice of every 
person sufficiently interested in birds to consult books about them. 
A. B. B. 
The Birds of Derbyshire. By F. B. Whitlock ; annotated with numerous 
additions by A. S. Hutchinson. London : Bemrose and Sons, 1898. 
10s. 6d. 
Although the ornithology of many English counties has now for years past 
received adequate attention, and has been well described, Derbyshire has not 
been so fortunate, no complete history of its birds having hitherto been 
published: with one important exception—Sir Oswald Mosley’s “Natural 
History of Tutbury,” which was published in 1863, and treats of a district 
only partially in the county, there [has been, practically, no serious 
contribution to the ornithological literature of Derbyshire since 1850. This 
gap, the work now under consideration will largely fill, although, as the 
author points out, it cannot pretend to completeness; in fact, the materials 
for a full treatment of the subject do not at present exist, since only the 
Trent Valley and the High Peak district have been thoroughly explored from 
an ornithological standpoint. Mr. Whitlock begins with a description of the 
hills, plains, and rivers of Derbyshire ; of such phenomena of migration as 
have been observed in the county ; and of its ornithological literature. Then 
come detailed accounts of the occurrence of the birds which have been 
observed in the region, accompanied in each case by copious references to the 
notices of the various species by earlier writers. These accounts are very 
full and interesting: the author has evidently read very widely, as well as 
observed carefully, and the results of his and Mr. Hutchinson’s labours are 
presented in a very succinct yet readable form. From a summary which is 
given, it appears that the total number of species of birds noted in 
December, 1893. 
