INTRODUCTION. 11 



be added another number, referring to your note-book, which 

 should be a blank-book, with long but wide pages, ruled by 

 lines forming several columns of suitable width. In these 

 columns (with proper headings) shoidd be written first the 

 number of reference, and then the name of the bird, its 

 number on the check-lists ; the number of eggs originally in 

 the nest, by whom collected or from whom obtained, the place 

 and date of collection ; also, when desirable, remarks as to the 

 size, incubation, or peculiarities of the eggs, the position and 

 structure of the nest. It is often well to avoid mention of the 

 place where the eggs of Hawks, Herons, etc., were found, as 

 these birds frequently build conspicuous nests in restricted 

 localities, to which, if not too much disturbed, they return 

 year after year. Secrecy is often as desirable for an ornitholo- 

 gist as for a sportsman. Eggs should be arranged in the proper 

 sequence of families, etc., and those of each species should be 

 kept distinct from others. All of one kind may be grouped 

 together,' or duplicates may be separated from better and 

 representative specimens. 



§ L. A cabinet may be strictly a cabinet, consisting of 

 pigeonholes or shelves, and screwed to the wall, or a box, a 

 long and rather flat one being the best, or a chest of drawers, 

 which is the most convenient. The latter may be fitted with a 

 series of small, shallow trays made of paper or pasteboard, 

 though these diminish the attractiveness of a collection, and 

 are more or less dangerous. I have found a rather deep layer 

 of fine sea-sand, such as may be got at almost every grocer's 

 store, much more satisfactory, since it forms a pleasing back- 

 ground for the eggs, which can be firmly fixed in it, and is 

 always exempt from moths or other insects : fine sawdust is 

 the best substitute. 



All cabinets should be dark when closed, as many eggs fade 

 when exposed to the light, particularly those which are blue 

 or green. 



§ M. Having now followed the eggs from the time when the 

 mother was scared from her nest until they were placed in a 



