Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/274

246

perusing this very handsome volume, including Doves and Pigeons, it seems almost as difficult to define the limits of Game Birds as to give a correct description of what is meant by the term "Sportsman."

This is the second edition of a good and useful book, in which the subject is brought up to date. It possesses a very readable introduction, in which, as Mr. Dixon has his own views on migration, he propounds his own conclusions as to "the geographical history of avine life." He zoologically divides the world into three realms: first, an Intertropical or Primogæan realm, with northern and southern limits marked tentatively by the tropics; second, an Arctogæan or Northern realm, which embraces the entire world north of the Tropic of Cancer; third, a Notogæan or Southern realm, which in like manner includes the entire world south of the Tropic of Capricorn; and he looks forward to substantiate these propositions when the exploration of the Antarctic and high Southern regions shall have taken place.

Each bird is amply treated, its nomenclature being followed by its "Geographical Distribution," "Allied Forms," "Habits," "Nidification," and "Diagnostic Characters." Many species are figured, there being forty-one coloured plates, representing fifty-six coloured illustrations; while the number of species and races of Game Birds and Wild Fowl which Mr. Dixon includes in the British avifauna is 127. The literature already existing in reference to these birds seems to have been amply consulted, and little more of importance concerning the distribution and habits can probably be gleaned. This is a good book to possess, especially for those who seek to know the life-histories of these British Birds, as there has been no reason for unnecessary condensation, and ample space has resulted in liberal treatment. The plates have been drawn by Charles Whymper, and their reproduction reflects the greatest credit on the publishers.