THE WILSON QUARTERLY. 21 



the American Redstart ; the markings on the eggs of the 

 latter being wreathed. 



The site I found to be invariably a bush, usually elder; 

 preference being given to a sharp, upright crotch, which 

 gives the nest a peculiar ''squeezed'" shape. Most of my 

 nests were found while walking along secluded lanes or 

 old cart paths. 



The nest is constructed of grass and vegetable fibers ; on 

 the outside, bits of leaves and bark. 



This Vireo has many curious and interesting traits, and 

 a careful study of its habits will be well repaid. Its song 

 is not the least of its charms ; a sweet, though simple 

 strain, suggesting brightness and joy on the part of the 

 performer, and good will to all around. 



HOW TO PREPARE EGGS FOR THE CABINET. 



We give the method of blowing and preparing eggs for 

 the cabinet from a letter recently received from one of the 

 veteran collectors of the seventies. 



We give only the extracts from his letter which relate 

 directly to the instruments used and methods of use, 

 together with his directions for constructing the same. 



AVe have personally witnessed the use of them and they 

 are certainly a decided improvement over the old method 

 of blowing with the mouth. 



He says. '"I prefer glnss blowpipes. I buy the glass 

 tubing at a drug-store and use a spirit-lamp with a g inch 

 round wick and di-aw them out w4th points suitable for 

 large, medium, or very small eggs. My experience with 

 eggs that have been partially incubated is that holding the 

 blowpipe outside of the drill hole, while blowing, is a good 

 deal like feeling on the outside of a barn to tell how much 

 grain it contains. 



" The easiest and quickest way to blow eggs is with a 

 blowpipe attached to a rubber bulb, having a valve in the 

 opposite end. I think any one would appreciate a hand 



