been fresh laid, and yet unstained by the materials of the 

 nest. There is a peculiarity of form in the eggs of the Grebes, 

 which immediately distinguishes them from those of all other 

 birds ; they are widest in the middle, and taper so regularly 

 towards each end, that it is not easy to distinguish that which 

 is in other eggs the broadest. They are rarely seen of their 

 natural and original purity ; when first laid they are of a 

 spotless chalky white, sometimes slightly tinted with blue, 

 but by coming in contact with the materials of the nest, by 

 which they are also covered on the departure of the bird, 

 they soon assume a very different aspect, and become be- 

 smeared and thoroughly stained throughout with various 

 shades of dirty green. 



