Report of the State Geologist. 667 



* oology. 



Though we have much increased our collection of eggs, 

 more are wanted, and we should be glad to make arrange- 

 ments for the same in different parts of the State, As soon 

 as possible they will be mounted on the stands with the 

 birds, and we hope soon to show the egg of every species, 

 as well as the nests. 



Nothino; forms a more attractive feature in a museum, or 

 is more acceptable to amateurs, than the nests and eggs of 

 birds. These should be collected whenever they are met 

 with, and in any number procurable for each species, as they 

 are always in demand for purposes of exchange. Dozens of 

 eggs of any species with their nests (or without, when not 

 to be had) will be gladly received. 



Nests require little preparation beyond packing so as to 

 be secure from crumbling or injury. Each one should be 

 placed in a box or ring of paper just large enough to hold 

 it. The eggs of each nest, when emptied, may be replaced 

 in it and the remaining space filled with cotton. 



Eggs, when fresh, and before the chick has formed, may be 

 emptied by making small pin-holes on opposite sides, and then 

 blowing or sucking out the contents. Should hatching have 

 already commenced, an aperture may be made in one side 

 by carefully pricking with a fine needle round a small circle 

 or ellipse, and thus cutting out a piece. The larger kinds 

 shoiiJid be washed inside, and all allowed to dry before pack- 



* A pamphlet has been published by the Smithsonian Institution 

 in regard to the collecting of nests and eggs, which may be obtained 

 upon application. 



