COLLECTING AND PRESERVING 

 BIRDS' EGGS. 



IF I were asked, " In what object is the ' line of 

 oeauty ' found which was first appreciated by and 

 charmed a child's heart ?" I should answer, " In. the 

 form of a bird's egg;" and the reason for this may be 

 readily perceived in a child's own sentiment " Be- 

 cause a little bird makes the egg, and God made the 

 little bird." 



There are articles in daily household use which have 

 partly a similar form, but there seems to be an intui- 

 tive perception in infant minds, that they are the work 

 of mortal hands. 



It matters not whether the egg-shell be fall or 

 empty ; it is the gracefully rounded outline, the curious 

 markings, the delicate tint, or the pure white, com- 

 bined with its utter fragility, which causes it to be 

 longed for, and carefully treasured up when possessed ; 

 but when, by holding it too tightly for fear it should 

 fall, it breaks to pieces between the tiny fingers, the 

 grief that is occasioned thereby leads those who wit- 

 ness it to reflect that " a thing of beauty is not always 

 a joy for ever," but often a source of sorrow. 



Many grown persons collect eggs, some because 

 they are prett} 7 , and form an amusing occupation to 

 them during the leisure hours ; others, because they 

 are a help to the more complete knowledge of the his- 



