COLOURATION OF BIRDS AND THEIR EGGS. 175 



The Kazorbill also lays its eggs on precipitous rocks, but 

 they are placed under cover. Though the markings vary to some 

 extent, the ground colour is generally white, sometimes brown. 

 The Puffin's eggs are laid far down a hole, and they are pure 

 white. "When they are fresh and clean faint traces will be found 

 of those bold markings which are so common on the eggs of the 

 Alcidce. Do not these suggest that long ago the Puffin laid 

 coloured eggs in the open, after the manner of its cousin the 

 Guillemot at the present day ? 



I hope that these remarks will draw out criticisms and 

 observations from your readers, and that thus the difficulties of 

 the subject may to some extent be cleared up. 



