PROSPECTUS 



This work will illustrate all the known eggs of British Birds comprised in the 

 Order Limicolse, which includes the Plovers, Snipes, Sandpipers, &c. 



In order to adequately figure the interesting varieties of eggs of this order of 

 birds, about 54 Plates will be required, i. e. at least one Plate for each species. 



The authorities of the U.S. National Museum, Washington, with their 

 characteristic generosity, have permitted drawings to be made by Mr. J. L. 

 RiDGWAY from their unique series of rare eggs specially for this volume. 



The remaining draAvings, chiefly by the Author, and executed -with the 

 greatest care and fidelity to nature, have been made from authentic specimens in 

 our own Natural History Museum, South Kensington, and in various private 

 collections. 



Recognizing the importance of utilizing the highest class of chromo- 

 lithography to faithfully delineate Birds' Eggs, the Author has entrusted the 

 reproduction of the original drawings to the justly celebrated firm of W. Geeve, 

 Berlin, believing that portraits of eggs will thus be presented to the public 

 Avhich, in point of truth and delicacy of finish, have hitherto been unequalled. 



Judges of genuine chromo-lithography will be able to test, from an examination 

 of the Plates herein contained, whether or not this belief as to quality is 

 justified by results. The impressions, limited to 300, will be taken by handpress 

 tvork, which is without doubt much superior to the best class of steampress work. 



The letterpress will give ample details (where known) respecting the 

 nidification of each species ; and with a view to giving an " open-air " or " field " 

 character to his text, the Author has mainly quoted those authorities who vnrite 

 from personal observation. 



The work will be completed in Four Parts, and only 250 copies \vill be 

 available for Subscribers. 



The price of the complete work to those Subscribers who pay on the issue of 

 Part I. will be Four Guineas net, or Twenty-five Shillings net per Part if the 

 same are paid for as issued. No separate Parts wiU be sold, as Subscribers' names 

 are only received for the entire work. 



A List of Subscribers' names will be issued with the concluding Part. 



The Plates all being far advanced towards completion, it is reasonably 

 expected that the four Parts will be issued before April 1896. 



Part IV. will contain extra Plates of Eggs of Grey Plover 

 and Little Stint, taken this year (July 1895) on Kolguev Island 

 by Messrs. Henry J. and Charles E. Pearson. 



