HEWITSON'S " BRITISH QOLOGY." 89 



these, probably not impregnated, and very pointed at the smaller 

 end, was picked up on a naked down, on a spot evidently not chosen 

 for a nest. 



Two of the Redfoot, (Erythropus Gallicus), or Red Partridge of 

 ordinary parlance, occupy the next plate, and are well figured. Of 

 these we have a numerous assortment, obtained in Leadenhall 

 market, where these eggs may be procured every season in abun- 

 dance. We have a specimen with bolder markings than in figure 1. 



We then open upon three of the variable, beautiful eggs of the 

 Common Quail, a species, by the way, not rare upon the Surrey hills. 

 The young are at first covered with a black down. This is an ad- 

 mirable plate. 



And lastly, we close our first volume with that of the great Bus- 

 tard, somehow styled Tarda. This is a large, greenish, or rather 

 dull-green egg t blotched and spotted with scattered markings of 

 brown, varying in intensity, according as they are nearer the sur- 

 face of the shell. The shape is rather long, and in size about equal 

 to that of a Goose. 



Our commentary on the succeeding volume shall be reserved for 

 the next No. of The Analyst, as we are unwilling not to give it an 

 equally full consideration, which space, on the present occasion, 

 will not well permit. For the most part, we have throughout been 

 noting, as though the book were before the reader, as it ought to be 

 if he take the least interest in the subject. It is exactly what every 

 ornithologist should possess ; and we earnestly entreat those who 

 have not the work, to procure a copy, were it only to offer 

 every encouragement to its persevering author. Let them assist 

 also, to the utmost extent of their ability, in affording him the 

 means of figuring unusual varieties and the eggs of rare species ; 

 and we may hope, hereafter, to have a complete series of the eggs 

 of British birds, such as no cabinet could ever rival, and which 

 would reflect no inconsiderable light and assistance, in enabling 

 us to judge of the mutual affinities of the members of this interest- 

 ing department of our native Fauna. 



B. 



VOI-. V. — NO. XVII. 



