THE BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA.
In connection with the foregoing report of our Ornithological Chapter, says Dr. Harlan H. Ballard, president of the Agassiz Association, in Popular Science News, it is only right to call the attention of all lovers of birds to the magnificent work now being issued by the Natural Science Association of America, and entitled "The Birds of North America." Edition limited to 1,000. It is emphatically an original work, original in design and execution, and whether in letterpress, illustrations, or price, it is unapproached by anything of the kind in existence. It is recommended by the highest scientific, ecclesiastic, and educational authority as being the most attractive, meritorious, pure, and ennobling exposition of our ornithology yet given to the public. Dr. Elliott Coues, author of "Birds of the Northwest," says, "It is a really notable work." Prof. C. J. Maynard, author of the "Birds of Eastern North America," says, "It contains the best pictures of the species which I have ever seen." Thomas G. Gentry, author of "Life Histories of Birds," and "Nests and Eggs of Birds of the United States," says: "It is the cheapest and best publication on ornithology in this country. The drawings are of a very high order, and rival in beauty of design and finish the more costly works published abroad or in this country. It should be found in our homes and in libraries generally." And, according to Dr. Theodore Gill, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, "It is not only a meritorious volume, but is altogether so handsome as to make it a very appropriate presentation book or ornament for the family table." It is an imperial quarto volume of engraved figures of all our species, artistically reproduced, true in all hues of color to their natural plumage and botanical surroundings. It also includes a copious text description of their habits and characteristics, and embracing in general the observations made by the most eminent writers on ornithology, and a systematic table, arranged according to the classification adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union, includes all the additions and corrections of our North American species which have been made to date, with an index to page, plate, and figure of each species according to the A. O. U. number. It is illustrated with one hundred and nineteen full-page colored plates, each representing from one to thirty or more species. It is the finest book on American birds issued since Audubon, and is pronounced by some authorities superior to that now rare and costly work. It is issued in half and full bindings, Russia, seal, or morocco, at the net price of $40 and $45 respectively; but in response to a special letter, the association authorized me to say that a substantial discount will be made to such of our A. A. members and others as are working naturalists. We commend this work especially to members of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter. It is also a very useful and appropriate addition to the home and reference library, and for presentation purposes generally. Address, regarding it, the Natural Science Association, 114 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Samples of plates and text can be had by sending twenty-five cents in postage stamps.