92 SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR BIRD STUDY. 



STUDY OF BIRDS' EGGS. 



This subject may of course form part of a series of 

 lessons on eggs of different animal types or form a lesson 

 by itself. As birds' eggs show quite distinctive features 

 they deserve a series of lessons by themselves. 



At the commencement it is well to strike a note of dis- 

 couragement of the practice of egg collecting amongst 

 pupils. Lessons such as these should aim at being 

 effective in creating an intelligent interest which is content 

 to view the eggs undisturbed within the nest. Where 

 schools are already provided with a supply of birds' eggs, 

 these of course will be available for use. Many different 

 kinds are not required in any case ; the lessons will stimu- 

 late the pupils to observe for themselves in the proper 

 quarters. 



Whether we examine a general collection or appeal to 

 individual pupils as to what they already have observed, it 

 will not be difficult for the class to agree to one or two 

 general propositions. We appeal as far as possible to 

 experience. 



(a) Birds' eggs are mostly coloured. This is in marked 

 contrast to those of the only other vertebrate group which 

 has shelled eggs, viz. reptiles. Some of the pupils may 

 have found the eggs of snakes or of lizards, and some may 

 have seen (e.g. in a museum) those of a turtle or of a 

 crocodile. These all have white eggs. 



(b) Some birds have white eggs, e.g. 



Sand martin. Dipper. 



House martin. Owls. 



Kingfisher. Wood pigeon. 



How many of these lay their eggs in holes or concealed 

 places ? The wood pigeon is the only one whose nest may 

 be said to be " exposed." 



