Page:Condor7(5).djvu/30

Sept., i9o 5 [ THE EDITOR'S BOOK SHELF 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 i63 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); Molt and Pterylography; Imitative Coloration; Dimorphism; Hybridism; Females in Male Plumage; Teratology; Geographical Dis- tribution; Migration; Song; Nest and Eggs; Classification. The remaiuder 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 veruacular,--nsually in French, German, and English, as well as Italian --are given; also esseutial 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 illustratious 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 cou- 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 Vulturid?e and ends with the Alcidte. 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. OBERHOLSER. T}?E AMERICAN NATURAl. HISTORY. A Foundatiou of Useful Knowledge of the Higher Animals of North America. By WILLIAM T. HORNADA, 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, xi6 photographs, chiefly by Sanborn, Keller and Underwood, and uumerous 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 especially 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: (?) 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 intelligeuce and emotions. The book is sys- tematicallyarranged, and begins with the mammals and ends with the lancelets, being concerned with the animals commonly known as "vertebrates." To the mammals about 17o pages are de- voted, to the birds ?4 o, to the reptiles 43, to the a?lphibians 12, and to the fishes 75. About 3o0 well chosen and important species are treated, of which a few are exotic, beiug 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 torres 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. Hornadav'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 OF MARCUS ISLAND. An Account of its Physical Features and Geology, with Descriptions of the Fauna and Flora. By WM. ALANSON BRYAN, B. SC. Illustrated by a map, seven half-tone cuts and line drawings by the author. From the Occasional Papers of the Bernice Pauhi Bishop Museum, vol. xx, No. I, 19o 3 [i9o4] pp. 77--i39. In this highly interesting monograph Mr. Bryan has presented a valuable account of Marcus Island, a tiny speck of land situated 24oo miles westward from Honolulu and 45o0 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