Abstract
THIS handsome and exquisitely illustrated volume (which is practically a new work, so greatly does it exceed its predecessor in bulk and in wealth of illustration) makes its appearance, no doubt purposely, at an opportune time, and if it induces but half-a-dozen collectors in the coming season to devote their attention to photographing the nests of our native birds in place of robbing their eggs, it will have done a great service to British ornithology. According to the letter of an admirer quoted in the preface, such a conversion has already taken place in several instances as the result of the Messrs. Kearton?s previous works, and an extension of the new practice may therefore be confidently awaited. Mr. Kearton observes that?it is a curious kind of morality that will scorn to steal from the individual and yet rob the community without compunction. Wild birds are national property, and no individual has a right to harm one of them without the sanction of the law to do so.? Although this is, no doubt, to a great extent true, it must be remembered that by nature we are all essentially hunters and spoilers, and as many of us, at any rate, have not yet fully imbibed the socialistic spirit, it would not do for the present to be too hard on the egg-collector if he con-, ducts his operations with moderation. Festina lente is an admirable motto in this and many other matters.
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British Nests and Eggs . Nature 75, 562–563 (1907). https://doi.org/10.1038/075562a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/075562a0