16 BIRDS'-NESTING. 



this machinery strongly to the cliff, since if it breaks 

 evil consequences are likely to ensue. 



These are instruments that may be hastily con- 

 structed, and capable of being carried on a collecting 

 tour, without much trouble. Where the trial is to 

 be made near home, however, and circumstances will 

 admit, the planting of a suitable windlass at a little 

 distance back from. the edge of the cliff, with two 

 men to handle it, and the placing of a stout roller 

 at the brink, over which the rope shall pass without 

 danger of abrasion, are recommended. This may seem 

 like elaborate machinery, but the value of specimens 

 that can only thus be obtained justifies the expense. 

 Besides this, where so precious and irrecoverable a 

 thing as human life is risked, too great caution for 

 insurance against harm cannot be taken. 



I have urged these various precautions strongly, 

 because I can well sympathize with the eagerness and 

 almost reckless self-confidence of a young egg-seeker 

 who sees a prize just below him ; and I also know, 

 better than many, the unseen risks he encounters. 



In going down, some preparation to carry your 

 eggs, better than in your folded handkerchief, is 

 well. Probably the best contrivance is a trout-creel, 

 strapped to the belt (not hung over the shoulder) 

 the interior of which has been suitably arranged in 



