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Review





REVIEW


The Handbook of British Birds, Vol. I. By H. F. Witherby,

F. C. B. Jourdain, N. F. Ticehurst, B. W. Tucker. Published

by Messrs. H. and Gr. Witberby, Ltd. 25s.


It is really not possible to do justice to this monumental work in

the space at our disposal. Volume I takes us from Crows to Flycatchers,

minutely describing the plumage (male, female, and juvenile), voice,

food, breeding display, distribution in the United Kingdom and abroad,

habitat, field characters, and general habits, measurements and struc¬

ture. It also contains thirty-three coloured plates, text-figures, and

maps showing the breeding range of certain species in the British Isles

and of others in Europe, and results obtained by ringing.


The present handbook is a lineal descendant of “ A Handlist of

British Birds ” much enlarged, and is the result of many requests for

a reprint of its immediate predecessor, “ The Practical Handbook.”

It is planned for quick and easy reference, each bird is treated in the

same way and the information is divided into sections. The introductory

notes and glossary of terms will be found very helpful, also the explana¬

tory figures showing the correct method of measuring the different

parts of a bird, and the key to orders and sub-orders.


The coloured plates show the adult and juvenile plumage of both

sexes as well in summer as in winter colouring where these differ to

a marked degree. As a rule four kinds of birds are portrayed on one

plate, this looks rather crowded and the figures of the larger species

suffer in appearance.


In every other respect the book deserves all praise ; it is concise,

authoritative, and worthy of its distinguished compilers. It will be

completed in five volumes, and sold to subscribers to the whole set

at 21s. the volume, to others at 25s., and at either figure is marvellous

value.



E. F. C.



