12 INTRODUCTION. 
conspicuous (or near the “ drill-hole,” if there be one). There 
are various methods of marking, but whichever be followed 
should be'uniformly observed. Perhaps the best is to write!” 
on each egg a number of the Smithsonian or Dr. Coues’ Check- 
list (followed by S. or C. to indicate which) ; for instance on a 
Wood Thrush’s egg either 148 S. or 3 C. To this may be 
added another number, referring to your note-book, which 
should be a blank-hook, with long but wide pages ruled by 
lines forming several columns of suitable width. In these 
columns (with proper headings) should 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 forasportsman. 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 
pigeon-holes or shelves, and screwed to the wall, or a box, a 
2 Purple ink will be found to flow more freely than ordinary black ink. Fig- 
ures should be fine and made with care. They may be written on a bit of paper 
gummed over the ‘ drill-hole,” though it is better to write on the shell itself, unless 
too delicate, or unless the egg be very small. 
