For my soul is ever climbing,
Through an Alpine world of thought;
Giant Blancs to be surmounted
Icy battles to be fought.
—Dubuque Herald.
OOLOGISTS VS. “RAGE” COLLECTORS.
BY W. HULL.
By a “Rage” Collector is meant one who is suddenly seized with the idea that he is deeply interested in oology, and must get together a collection of eggs as soon as possible. Some are inspired by reading oological papers, others become interested by associating with those who are at the height of excitement.
A great many persons are seized with a greater or less desire to collect stamps, coins, etc. These can be identified at any time, but eggs cannot.
A true oologist collects with a scientific purpose, actuated by a true love of nature, and an egg is of no value to him unless its identity is certain. Some collectors have a large collection, but know little or nothing about the parent birds. This would not be the case if they really cared for the eggs, but they simply keep them to gaze upon in blank admiration and boast that they have so many more eggs than some one else who may or may not collect with real interest.