102 MISCELLANEOUS PARTICULARS. 



the parent eludes observation. Sometimes the most acute ob- 

 server ma^- be mistaken, circumstances appearing to prove a 

 parentage when such is not tlie fact. It is in general advis- 

 able to secure the parent Avith the eggs ; if shot or snared on 

 the nest, the identification is simply unquestionable. If j'ou 

 do not yourself know tlie species, it then becomes necessary to 

 secure the specimen, and retain it with the eggs. 



It is not required to make a perfect preparation ; the head, 

 or better, the head and a wing, will answer the purpose. 

 When egging in downright earnest, a pair of climbing irons 

 Jbecomes practically indispensable ; these are the only field im- 

 l^lements required in addition to those already specified. For 

 blowing eggs, a set of special tools is needed. These are " egg- 

 drills " — steel implements with a sharp pointed conical head 

 of rasping surface, and a slender shaft ; several such, of differ- 

 ent sizes, are needed ; also blow-pipes of different sizes ; a deli- 

 cate thin pair of scissors ; light spring forceps ; and a small 

 syringe.* Eggs should never be blown in the old way of 

 making a hole at each end ; nor are two holes anywhere usu- 

 ally required. Opening should be effected on one side, prefer- 

 ably that showing least conspicuous or characteristic markings. 

 If two are made, they should be rather near together ; on the 

 same side at any rate. But one is generally sufficient, as 

 the fluid contents can escape around the blow-pipe. Holding 

 the egg gently but steadily in the fingers, apply the point of 

 the drill perpendicularly to the surface, unless it be preferred 

 to prick with a needle first. A twirling motion of the instru- 

 ment gradually enlarges the opening by filing awa}' the shell, 

 and so bores a smooth edged circular hole. This should be no 

 larger than is required to insert the blow-pipe loosely, with 

 room for the contents to escape around it. The blowing 

 should be continuous and equable, rather than forcible ; a 

 strong puff easily bursts a delicate egg. Be sure that all 

 the contents are removed ; then rinse the interior thoroughly 

 with clean water, either by taking a mouthful and sending it 



*We notice an advertisement in the American Naturalist to the effect that 

 these various insti-uments can be had at the Naturalist&' Agency, Salem, Mass. 



