PREF^ACB 



Second Edition. 



The flattering reception with which the first edition of this work was received has 

 induced me to publish a second in the present form, increased in size and entirely re- 

 written. 



Like the first, it is confined to the nests and eggs of the birds of the North Amer- 

 ican Fauna, and the design is to give descriptions, in a condensed form, of all that are 

 known to date. 



The young student of Oology will notice that with the great similarity and variety 

 of birds' eggs it is difficult, and often impossible, even for the experienced eye to iden- 

 tify them. He, therefore, must be careful in determining the specimens collected. 

 Wherever practicable I have described the eggs that are more rare by comparing them 

 with those that are common. My private collection, consisting of nearly four 



hundred species of birds, together with the eggs, mostly in original sets, has been of 

 material aid to me in this respect, while I have drawn freely from the works of authorities. 



Acknowledgments are due to the numerous correspondents for the vast amount of 

 original matter furnished for the present edition. 



The attention of young collectors is called to the concise directions for collecting 

 Birds' Eggs and Nests to be found in the latter part of the work. I earnestly solicit 

 additions, corrections, and notes of every character relating to this subject from Orni- 

 thologists and Oolgists. 



Oliver Davie. 

 Columbus, Ohio, January 4, 1886. 



