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Reviews



of the animal is broken up by distinct markings such as are found on

these areas of the lion. The dark line which runs diagonally across

the body of the great ant-eater may look conspicuous enough in a

cage, but amongst the lights and shades of its native forest must

entirely obliterate its outline.


The brilliant and extravagant markings on many male birds,

Major Hingston believes, are there for the purpose of striking terror

in their rivals, but since, in many cases, these markings are only

visible when making advances to the female it seems evident that they

are there for the sole purpose of inducing her to turn her attentions

to family matters. An Argus Pheasant, for instance, will exhibit

his wonderfully marked wing-feathers to his mate alone, and if a

rival male appears these are at once hidden and a rush is made, with

no sort of display, and the rival driven oh.


When enumerating the “ threatening colours ” of birds Major

Hingston mentions the red legs of the male Red-crested Pochard,

a bird which would certainly meet a rival on the water, where nothing

but a fish is likely to see these brilliant appendages!


The author is correct when he says that the songs of birds have

the effect of warning rivals that the territory is occupied, but this is

not their only function. In the case of migrants the male arrives

first and, having occupied a site for his summer home, his song has

the effect of attracting the first female of his species that comes within

earshot. And why should not song be a sign of contentment and joy ?


Major Hingston’s book is well worthy of careful perusal by all

who would try to solve the great problems of Nature, but we feel sure

that many of our readers will fail to agree with some at least of the

theories he advances.


D. S-S.



THE PARROT BOOK

(The Marshall Press, Limited, 2s. net.)


Mr. Allen Silver is a well-known authority on birds in captivity,

and Parrots in particular, and all interested in this group will welcome

this small handbook which gives them all the practical advice they



