[CHAPTER XI.]
COLLECTING BIRDS' EGGS AND NESTS.
Identification.—Positive and unmistakable identification of the builder and occupant of a nest is quite as imperative on the collector as the gathering of the nest and eggs themselves. There must be no guess-work on this point, for eggs without a pedigree are often valueless. If an oological expert is within reach—one who can tell to a certainty the species of doubtful eggs, or if the eggs themselves are so characteristic and unique in their shape, size, and markings as to render their certain identification an easy matter, then is it safe to take home a "find" without finding the owner.
It is only the fledgling oologist who needs to be told that in all cases of doubt regarding the identity (i.e., the exact species) of a nest-builder, the only proper course is to collect the bird as well as the nest and eggs. This may often involve long watching, but it relieves the result from all uncertainty. No collector should think of going afield in quest of nests and eggs without taking his gun along. In South America, the only way in which I could get possession of the wonderful pensile nest of the crested cacique was by cutting off the limb to which it hung, with a rifle bullet.
In all timbered regions the collector must have a pair of good climbing-irons, such as telegraph linemen use, to enable him to climb with ease the nest-bearing trees that would otherwise defy him. It was before the days of climbing-irons that aspiring Sir Walter Raleigh wrote for the fair eyes of Queen Elizabeth,
"Fain would I climb, but that I fear to fall,"
to which his august mistress promptly responded with a piece of wisdom which every young oologist will do well to paste in his hat:
"If thy mind fail thee, do not climb at all!"
Very good and serviceable climbing-irons can be obtained of Mr. Frank B. Webster, 409 Washington Street, Boston, for $3.50 per pair. Mr. Webster also keeps, at his very complete naturalist's supply depot, nearly every requisite that an oologist or taxidermist requires, except one thing that is indispensable in hunting and lofty tree-climbing,—nerve. Every collector or taxidermist should send Mr. Webster ten cents for a copy of his illustrated catalogue, which of itself is probably the finest of its kind ever issued, and in which all naturalist's and oologist's supplies are pictured, described, and priced. The following are the principal articles needed to make up a proper outfit for an egg collector, and Mr. Webster's prices thereon:
| Collecting-box, 75 cents. | Pasteboard trays, for eggs, per dozen, 12 |
| Egg drills, six sizes, 15 cents to $1.50. | cents. |
| Calipers, for use in measuring, 60 cents. | Pocket-case (leather), complete, with drills, |
| Embryo hooks, 25 cents. | blower, hooks, scissors, and forceps, |
| Embryo scissors, 25 cents to $1.50. | $5.00. |
| Egg measures, 75 cents to $1.00. | Climbing-irons, per pair, $3.50. |