S BRITISH BIRDS EGGS. 



creased in number and degree, by habits of diligent and 

 careful observation. 



To excite and cherish, then, in minds to whom the study 

 of creation Is 3 et jnfamiliar (and especially in youthful 

 ma?ds), desires for an acquaintance with the works of God, 

 arid ' kindly dispositions towards the animated parts of His 

 creation, are among the objects of the present publication ; 

 though pains have not been spared to win the approbation 

 of the ardent and successful student of natural science. 



Our chosen theme is one of which the study is impor- 

 tant to the naturalist, as aiding him in the correct and 

 systematic arrangement of the feathered tribes : for if a 

 knowledge of the eggs of birds will not alone supply a basis 

 upon which to establish a complete and correct classification 

 of their several species, it at least affords a most important 

 auxiliary in the undertaking. In this connection Mr. Hewit- 

 son remarks : " It is very gratifying to find, in thus regard- 

 ing them, that., with the exception of a few instances, were 

 we to take the eggs of our British birds as our only guide, 

 we should arrive at the best and most approved arrange- 

 ment of the different genera." 



The subject has moreover its own peculiar charms, asso- 

 ciated as it is with all the freshness of the vernal year, with 



