Birds’ nests?

I am currently researching the lives of the London poor in the late 18th century, and came across a picture of a man described as a “street seller of birds’ nests”. He is carrying a tray of 10 or so birds’ nests filled with eggs. The accompanying copy reads: “I am a seller of birds’nesties, snakes, slow-worms, adders, lizards, hedgehogs, frogs and snails – That’s all I sell in the summertime. I go out bird nesting three times a week...”

But why? What possible use could one find for a bird’s nest? Suggestions welcome.

Caraline Brown

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