had been called to a circular, issued from Birmingham by the
Naturalists' Publishing Company, inviting applications for
shares in "An Oological Expedition to the land of the Great
Auk," meaning the Shetland Isles, and stating that, "if
the season is a pretty fair one, a haul of at least twenty
thousand eggs" of rare sea-birds might be expected.--_Daily
Paper_.]

The "Brum" and the Oologist
Were walking hand in hand;
They grinned to see so many birds
On cliff, and rock, and sand.
"If we could only get their eggs,"
Said they, "it would be grand."

"If we should start a Company
To gather eggs all day,
Do you suppose," the former said,
"That we could make it pay?"
"We might," said the Oologist,
"On the promoting lay!"

"Then you've a tongue, and I a ship,
Likewise some roomy kegs;
And you might lead the birds a dance
Upon their ugly legs;
And, when you've got them out of sight,
I'll steal their blooming eggs."

"Oh, Sea-birds," said the Midland man,