27 



The distribution of markings is nearly always on the larger 

 end or in an irregular wreath around it. Pin-points and small 

 dots are the rule, but on boldly marked specimens, large ir- 

 regular blotches of lighter shades are numerous. The darker 

 shades are mostly small dots and pin-points, but specimens of 

 four sets which I have examined, had fine hair lines running- 

 round the shell within a well defined wreath. 



The amount of markings, on the normal egg varies front 

 thickly seated, covering about two-fifths of the ground, to 

 scantily marked, cr almost devoid of color pigments. 



The accompanying Color Chart gives the color of fresh 

 eggs as they appear in the nest ; and the color of the specimen 

 — whether fresh or incubated, — after removal of contents ; and 

 the tints of shell decorations. The underlays are not full 

 strength colors, but appear to have a washed or milky tinge. 



Ridgway's Nomenclature of colors was used as a guide in 

 the make-up of this chart as well as in the descriptions of the 

 sets figured on Plate VI. 



