ON EGG VALUATIONS. 



Cash prices depend on circumstances, and although 

 a cash basis was suggested to me (by two or three 

 only, some of them my especial friends it was deemed 

 impracticable. The exchange basis is worked out as 

 consistently as possible, combining the views of many 

 experienced collectors, and the prices, which are rela- 

 tive, are aimed to promote as far as pssible equitable 

 exchanges, east and west, north and south. The ex- 

 change valuation is higher than cash valuation, the 

 latter averaging perhaps one-third lower, but it is im- 

 possible to make a fixed comparison, as all exchangers 

 will agree. A collector who makes a fortunate "buy" 

 should be entitled to a margin, and those who import 

 eggs (which come at buyers' risk and at his expense 

 for expressage) have some claim for consideration. 

 This Catalogue aims at fairness to all, and European 

 dealers' prices were carefully consulted, as well as the 

 figures advanced by importers, in arriving at con- 

 clusions. 



The editor believes a fair margin should be allowed 

 for increased postage on large eggs, as Murres, Loons, 

 Swans, etc., as well as for bulky nests, for in exchanges 

 it is the rule that each collector prepays and guaran- 

 tees safe delivery. Eggs of great beauty, desired in 

 numbers for series, are consistently priced higher, 

 although they may not be extremely rare. Perhaps 

 a dozen correspondents asked me to raise Osprey's 

 eggs to $1.00. vSome kinds, formerly difficult to ob- 

 tain, have been taken in colonies and placed on the 

 market in quantity, hence the price descends. I may 

 mention as an example, White-faced Glossy Ibis. 



With very rare eggs it is unquestionably safer not 

 to venture a price, but a tentative valuation is in- 

 structive in giving an idea of the rarity of the eggs. 

 It is quite probable, however, that collectors will have 

 no rush of exchange effers of the very rare species — 

 not from reliable collectors, unless some expedition 

 may make a rich haul. It is a natural disposition of 

 dealers to price very rare species low, for in so doing 

 the unsuspecting may be the more ready to part with 

 them on occasion, and a substantial advance be real- 

 ized at cash sale! At least this is a fair inference 

 when eggs which have sold for $10 each in cash are 

 priced at an "exchange" value of $4 or $5. 



CONCERNING "VARIETIES." 



The "exchange" prices herein given are for perfect, 

 average sets. Those of peculiar size or beauty or 

 other characters which the English call "varieties," 

 may be exchanged at higher prices by mutual agree- 

 ment. In England, collectors sometimes pay large 

 cash sums for rare "varieties." The egg of the com- 

 mon Murre sells for 15 cents up to $5 for a single speci- 

 men, the latter figure having been paid by Mr. Massey, 

 of Manchester, at a private auction. A pure white 

 egg is considered a valuable prize. Here the auction 

 scheme has not yet prevailed. Eggs of the common 

 Kittiwake and Herring Gull have also brought large 

 sums in England for "varieties." 



It will be noted that prices for many eastern species, 

 as Red-shouldered Hawk, and many commoner kinds, 



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