Bird-Life

Abstract

THIS is a translation of a work well known in Germany, where it has attained great and in some respects merited success. “Das Leben der Vogel” is the production of one of a talented family, who have done much to popularise several branches of natural history. We do not say that it was not worth translation, but we do affirm that the translation is not worth half-a-crown a number—the price at which it is issued in this country—even when the value of Mr. Keuleman's nicely tinted lithographs is taken into account The idea of Brehm's book is to give a popular account of the way birds pass their lives in general and on particular occasions In the parts of the translation now before us the chapters relate to the “every-day-life,” “courtship and marriage,” “nest-building,” and “migration” of birds. These are all described nicely enough, the author being an excellent field naturalist, and with sufficient accuracy, though in a very desultory manner. Anecdotes are often given from other authors, and stories from Dr. Brehm's personal experience, which has been extensive. But the work is a mere sketch of a history which it would occupy many volumes to relate in a satisfactory manner. And, as we have already said, it is certainly not worthy of the luxurious paper and excellent print lavished upon it in the translation. In short, le jeu ne vaut par la chandelle. Messrs. Labou-chere and Jesse might have spent their time and money in many other ways, to the greater advantage of natural history and of their own pockets.

Bird-Life.

By Dr. A. E. Brehm. Translated from the German by H. M. Labouchere, F.Z.S., and W. Jesse, C.M.Z.S. Parts iv. and v., 1872. (London: Van Voorst.)

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