worse unless prompt and energetic action be taken. On various English rivers scarcity has led by gradual degrees to the extinction of the Salmonidæ; the Thames is a notable instance in point, and there are streams on the east coast of England, where Salmon once were numerous, in which nowadays the king of fresh-water fishes is never seen. I am far from suggesting that such misfortune is in store for the Welsh Dee, but the river is in an unsatisfactory condition, and has been for some years. Among the causes which are contributing to its decline the presence of Pike in large numbers, both in the main river and its tributaries, is not the least injurious; these predatory fish destroy enormous quantities of Salmon fry, and are equally harmful to the Trout-fishing. During the spawning season gangs of men raid the tributary streams by night, and it is manifestly impossible for one or two watchers to cope with these lawless intruders. Apart from these causes it is difficult to account for the deterioration of the Dee. It is not seriously polluted. The Fishery Board has been at considerable pains to improve it by putting up fish passes and a Salmon hatchery, and one can only conjecture that over-netting in past years is responsible for the present scarcity. The conservators would perhaps be well-advised to raise the charge for net licences; by seeking the co-operation of the riparian owners they might still make adequate provision for watching the river."
In the 'Transactions' of the South African Philosophical Society (vol. x. part 2) appears a very welcome "Bibliography of Books, Pamphlets, Maps, Magazine Articles, &c, relating to South Africa, with special reference to Geography. From the time of Vasco da Gama to the formation of the British South Africa Company in 1888." The compilation is by Mr. H.C. Schunke Hollway, and comprises 2099 separate entries. Although zoological publications have not been made a specialty in the compilation, the zoologist who wishes to read the observations of early travellers will find this bibliography a guide to much neglected and little-known literature on the subject. The zoologist will, however, find in the same publication (vol. x. part 3) a "Résumé of recent scientific publications bearing on South Africa from January 1st, 1897, to June 30th, 1898," which we hope will be continued.
The Tres Marias Islands are situated off the west coast of Mexico, about sixty-five miles west from the port of San Bias. Their natural history had been very moderately detailed. Grayson, a naturalist, made three trips to the islands in 1865, 1866, and 1867, and, in conjunction with Laurence and Bryant, published several papers thereon. Forrer collected there for the British Museum in 1881, but no detailed account of
