262 TRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE, 



"July yd, 1889. 



" I had heard of the horrible raid upon the coursers' 

 eggs in Fuertaventura. Their coming over in such numbers 

 to breed there, is sufficiently remarkable. I wish that you 

 would show up this robbery in the Field.'" * 



"August i6M, 1889. 



" I understand that no one will look at G 's skins 



or eggs at the prices marked on his list, and I confess 

 that I shall not be sorry if the results of this expedition 

 sicken him of devastating the island of their peculiar and 

 very interesting denizens." 2 



"September i"jth, 1891. 



" I enclose a copy of R G 's letter to D ; 



the latter gave me permission to make what use of it 

 I might think proper, but although I was very naturally 

 indignant at the time, I am now doubtful as to the 

 advisability of calling public attention to the matter, as no 

 one can put a stop to this horrible trade, except the 

 Spanish officials, and they probably are of opinion that 

 mas vale dinero qua palabra de caballero.* " 3 



It is refreshing to speculate upon the number of egg- 

 buyers taken in by such a swindle as the following : 



1 To E. G. B. Meade- Waldo, Esq. 



3 To the same. 3 To the same. 



* Money is worth more than a gentleman's word. 



