4 INTRODUCTION. 



(1) Boxes of various sizes. Those of a cylindrical shape 

 and made of tin are the best, as they take up least room in the 

 pocket, and are easily slipped in and out. A box which can- 

 not be carried in the pocket is comparatively worthless. 



(2) A supply of cotton wool, a cheap material and the 

 most satisfactory for packing on account of its elasticity. 



(3) A cabinet. 



(4) A knife to cut small branches or the like. 



To these may be added climbing-irons, egg-drills, blow- 

 pipes, etc., though not absolutely necessary. 



§ C. In winter, or as spring approaches, study the descrip- 

 tions of various birds, nests, eggs, and the nature of the local- 

 ities as well as the position in which the latter are usually 

 found. Find in advance suitable spots for the search of any 

 desired nest, especially if you do not live in the country. 



§ D. If in your rambles you should see a nest (not an old 

 one), approach it carefully to see the bird ; this being gener- 

 ally indispensable, as eggs are often to be identified through 

 the parent only. If the female, who usually sits upon the 

 nest much oftener than the male, flies too soon, retire, and 

 return in a few minutes. Adopt the same plan for a bird 

 whom you have flushed from the ground, and do not at once 

 recognize. If you fail to find the nest (granted that there be 

 one there, and that the bird was not merely feeding^), on re- 

 turning, note the exact spot from which she rises. If you think 

 to recognize her, make yourself positive of facts. If not, note 

 with the utmost accuracy her size, markings, and the shape of 

 the bill, and identify her as soon as possible.^ To determine 

 her size, remember that the Hummingbird is about 3^ inches 

 long, the Song Sparrow or Snow-bird 6 or more, the Robin 

 about 9|^, and the Crow nearly 20. Also observe the compar- 

 ative length of her tail. 



^ Many birds, when frightened from ^ Shooting- the parents when collect- 



their nests on the ground, feign lame- ingybr yourself is optional. See quoted 

 ness or distress. remarks in § A. 



