eye hen G, Es) 
The unprecedented interest manifest in the delightful study of Birds, their nests and 
eggs has, within the past few years called forth numerous works on the subject, and the 
literature of the study has vastly increased, especially in this country, where the field is 
comparatively new. 
The present publication is an entirely new departure from the beaten paths of 
voluminous works. It treats especially the subject indicated in its title. 
Probably no one has felt the need of a work of this character more than the writer. 
In making a life business of Natural History, I receive numerous inquiries of the 
following nature—often, written on postal cards: ‘* Please describe the eggs of the fol- 
lowing birds for me; also state the location where I am likely to find their MESUS5 2s) coe 
Carolina Wren, Red-tailed Hawk, Kingfisher, Blue-yellow-backed Warbler, and be par- 
ticular in describing the nidification of the Blue Grosbeak and Canada Grouse.”’ 
I quote the above from a postal card recently received, and which is undoubtedly 
from a young student of Odlogy. 
It would be almost impossible for me to reply fully to all communications of this 
kind which I receive in the course of a year. 
These interogatives led me to put in a condensed form the descriptions which are 
now before the reader, and as the author of the first ‘“‘Egg Check List of North 
American Birds,” I venture its publication and await the results. 
The species of eggs described belong strictly to the North American fauna. 
These descriptions are taken chiefly from my private collection, consisting upwards of 
four hundred species of North American Birds’ Eggs, mostly in original sets, together with 
the skins of the birds. It is intended that through the aid of this Check List the col- 
lector may be enabled to identify his specimens while in the field. 
He will learn from this List what a great similarity there is in the eggs of the 
different species, and in fact, whole families, and how careful he must be to determine 
correctly. 
In the latter part of the present work there will be found concise directions for 
collecting Birds’ Eggs and Nests, to which I specially call the attention of all young col- 
lectors. 
Under the head of ‘‘Notes’’ I give additional information regarding the hesting 
habits of many of the species. 
I am fully aware that the present List is not entirely complete, and therefore earn- 
estly solicit additions, corrections and notes of every character relating to the subject 
from Ornithologists and Odlogists. 
OLIVER DAVIE 
CoLuMbus, OHIO, January 2, 1885. 
