The Eggs of Birds 44.7 
which statement is apparent when we consider that the 
havoc was wrought upon the adult birds and by man! 
Wallace has suggested that the nests of doves are so 
loosely and so flimsily built—being in reality mere plat- 
forms of sticks—that, looking up at them, the eggs simu- 
lated the colour of the sky beyond and so became incon- 
spicuous; but unfortunately that argument is so decidedly 
Fie. 354.—Nest and eggs of Mallard Duck. 
suggestive of human presence that it loses much of its 
value when we remember that egg-hunters among the 
mammals and birds do not stand on the ground to take 
observations, but either climb the trees in search of nests 
or fly low above the branches. 
The eggs of ducks and grouse are white or very light- 
coloured, and are laid in open nests upon the ground. 
The mother duck’s plumage is the very essence of the 
mottled lights and shadows among the reeds, and when 
