XX1V 
that the value of osteological, myological, and other inter- 
nal characters havebeen somewhat overrated.” 
Probably the ordinary observer will gladly subscribe 
to this system of common sense, but then his opinion is 
of little more service than to lead him to urge our author- 
ities to endeavour to reconcile their conflicting, and indeed 
perplexing views. 
My purpose in introducing amongst my notices of 
disputed birds, the ames of birds which are not disputed, 
but whose eggs are very rare, is the hope that so I may 
in a few instances confirm the knowledge which we al- 
ready possess, and perhaps even add to it. 
If my opinion varies from our authorities in some 
details, I repeat that I only give my own impression, 
founded simply upon the single clutches which I possess, 
seldom from a series; of some of the eggs there is, I believe, 
elsewhere, no English series; sometimes no clutch; _per- 
haps two eggs, or one, if even that. 
Ido it also in the hope that I may assist to preserve 
the inexperienced from the risk which attaches to the 
collection of birds’ eggs, a greater risk I believe than that 
which attends any other department of Natural History, 
or Art. 
