EGGS OF PLOVERS 55 



modified on the same lines, and it is a curious 

 fact that eggs of this description always, with- 

 out exception, lie in the nest (or depression in 

 the ground) with the small ends pointing 

 inwards, thus indicating a natural scheme and 

 not individual fancy on the part of the bird. 

 Like the petals of a flower radiating from the 

 calyx, the " clutch " presents a beautiful and 

 symmetrical form. Even here, where unper- 

 ceived perhaps by any (human) appreciative 

 eye, nature still displays aesthetic design. But, 

 to return to the practical. It would be in- 

 teresting to know how the eggs come to be so 

 arranged ? Are they duly laid in this posi- 

 tion, or are they subsequently adjusted by the 

 bird ? For my part I am inclined to think the 

 eggs are laid in their proper position. At the 

 same time, supposing the bird to adjust the 

 egg after laying it, the fact would not be more 

 remarkable than is the act of arranging her 

 materials when shaping the nest. But how- 

 ever this may be, perfect knowledge obtains 

 as to what has to be done and when and how 

 to do it, but it is not conscious knowledge. 



