Swainson, Esq, F.R.S. and John Richardson, Esq., M.D. F.R.S.,
&c. 4to. 253 pages, with 50 coloured plates, and 40 illustrative
wood cuts. London, Murray, 1832.

Dr. Richardson, with zealous attachment to his pursuits, passed seven
summers and five winters surrounded by the objects he has described with
such fidelity. He is, therefore, not a mere book naturalist, but he has
studied the habits and zoological details of the living animals; Mr.
Swainson having assisted the Doctor in the systematic arrangement and
production of the plates. Their descriptions include all the birds
hitherto found over an immense expanse of country of the 49th parallel
of latitude, and east of the Rocky Mountains, which lie much nearer to
the Pacific Coast than to the eastern shore of America: many of these
birds being, for the first time, made known to ornithologists. We have
selected two of the most singular in their conformation: one from the
Owls, which are numerous and beautiful; and the other from the Grouse,
of which ten fine species are described.[2]

[2] Flocks of Ptarmigans, when pursued by the jar-falcon,
endeavour to save themselves by plunging instantly into the
loose snow, and making their way beneath it to a considerable
distance.

* * * * *


THE ARCTIC, OR WHITE-HORNED OWL,

_Strix (Bubo) Arctica_, SWAINSON.