Berlin, Deutsche Ornithologische Gesellschaft. 1937-1938. Two parts in one. 8vo (22.0 x 15.4 cm). 253 pp. [202; 51]; portrait and facsimile autograph of Beick (text illustrations). Original printed wrappers bound in. Near contemporary dark blue buckram with gilt title on the spine.

Important contributions to the birds of Chanzu, Northern China, based on material and observations obtained by the Estonian ornithologist Walter Beick (1883-1933). Several taxa are new. Beick "... travelled to Siningfu in 1927 where he met and travelled with Wilhelm Filchner and then moved on to the South Tetung followed by Koku Nor along with Friedrich Wagner. He then moved to Sining and stayed for two years. He joined Birger Bohlin of the Sino-Swedish Expedition led by Sven Hedin and spent some time in Tsag Nor and was hoping to return to Germany. On the way at Wajan Tori he suffered from a breakdown and in a fit of depression he shot himself. He was buried in the desert" (Wikipedia). Offprints from the famous Journal für Ornithologie. Bound in the rear are a few short notes on the birds of Kanzu, by Stresemann. Ornithological-numismatical bookplate of the French-American ornithologist Charles Vaurie (1906-1975) - a renowned specialist in Palaearctic birds - on the front pastedown. Minimal shelf wear; hinges neatly reinforced. A very good item.