Mrs. Hazard's generosity and faith have, in turn, challenged the intelligent 

 cooperation of the oological world. Here is an opportunity, at last, to realize 

 the things we have dreamed about, to execute the plans of cooperative study 

 which we have dared to draw up, and, in short, to prove the claims which we 

 have advanced in the name of Oology as a Science. We know that our friends, 

 and especially our Members, will not fail us now. We have seven empty cases, 

 an aggregate of 930 drawer feet, standing ready for occupancy. Others will be 

 forthcoming just as fast as needed. Henceforth we are prepared to install 

 all offerings of first-class egg and nest material, however bulky, and from 

 whatever quarter of the globe it comes. (If desired we will remit the trans- 

 portation costs of all parcels post shipments; and, upon due notification, we will 

 accept freight — but not express — consignments, "charges collect"). 



It goes without saying that the value of all scientific material is in propor- 

 tion to its completeness; that is, in proportion to its actually representative 

 character. It is not enough to have one type of coloration present if a bird's 

 eggs are known to have three types. It is not enough to have a ground nest 

 if the bird who made it is known to nest also in trees. It is not enough to secure 

 a single set to represent a genus of birds. The limits of individual variation, 

 the range of the constructive genius, the authentic boundaries of a genus, are 

 precisely the points under investigation. We must have more data, more nests, 

 more eggs — ever more eggs — until little islands of completeness begin to emerge 

 from the shallows of approximation. Then, and only then, shall we begin to 

 realize the meaning of it all, — the interplay of life forces, the correlation of 

 artifice and necessity, the struggles and gropings and dawnings, — the emergence 

 in time and infinite variety of that Creative Urge which has us all in its power — 

 whose servants, or perchance, glad messengers and apostles, we are. 



We are in receipt of a good many pleasant promises of cooperation and 

 egg-sharing. Some of these have been delayed, through change of residence, 

 crowding cares, deference to co-owners, etc., etc. Some have been delayed 

 because of our own inattention, or preoccupation with the new building. Our 

 compliments and regrets to all these waiting friends. And now may we be 

 favored with whatever gifts and remembrances your courtesy intends. It will 

 be especially fitting if we can realize upon all this good will and have time to 

 arrange the material before the day of formal opening. It is our intention to 

 afford the fullest recognition to all who so cooperate; and a complete list of 

 Member contributions, and others, will be published, presumably about March 

 1st next. 



The Museum staff of the M. C. O. is always glad to confer with any 

 Members regarding plans for the coming season. Let us know what your special 

 opportunities are going to be, and we can tell you what will count most in the 

 upbuilding of our cooperative collections. The services of those who will under- 

 take special commissions are greatly desired. Pending the day of our completer 

 endowment, we cannot hope to share largely in the expenses of outside field work. 

 Perhaps it would be fair to add, therefore, that those who subscribe to expeditions 

 in the name of the M. C. O. will be entitled to double honor, as having borne the 

 expense without sharing the fun. 



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