pipe or tnbe, the smaller end so fine as to enter the smaller 

 aperture. A stream of water Injected by the mouth through 

 the tube into the aperture will be found an expeditious method 

 of emptying the egg, but it must be conducted very carefully. 

 When a large hole is made, the tube may be directed through 

 it to the ojiposite side of the egg, and a current of water 

 forced in this will soon discharge the contents. A syringe, 

 with slender fine point, will be found an exceedingly conve- 

 nient instrument, as a discharge of water through the pipe 

 into the egg will empty it very rapidly, and serve to wash the 

 inside afterwards. Great care must, however, be exercised not 

 to use much force or haste in this, as there is much datiger of 

 bursting the egg. When practicable, the white membrane, the 

 edge of which usually protrudes from the opening after the 

 liquids are forced out, should be seized with a pair of forceps 

 and pulled out, as, if left, it may discolor the egg, and will 

 always attract insects. If not too small, the egg should then be 

 partly filled with water, by means of the tube or syringe (or by 

 laying one hole against a saucer of water and sucking through 

 the other), and carefully rinsed out. After the water is again 

 blown out, the egg may be allowed to dry by placing the larger 

 hole downwards on blotting or absorbent paper or cloth. When 

 dry, the eggs should be replaced in the nest, or laid carefully 

 away, care being taken to add a number or other mark showing 

 the locality, position of the nest, whether on the ground, or in a 

 bush or tree, etc., date, collector, and supposed species, as well 

 as relationship to an embryo removed, or to any portion of the 

 parent preserved. It will in most cases be best to give exactly 

 the same number to nest, eggs, embryo, and parent belonging 

 together. This mark may be made neatly on the eggs (best 

 with ink and a quill pen). A record book showing what has 

 been taken and preserved, with dates and explanatory remarks, 

 should always be kept. 



In making the aj)ertures in eggs that have peculiar markings, 

 care should be taken to select some inconspicuous spot that will 

 leave the pattern of coloration undisturbed. Eggs that are 

 cracked may be greatly strengthened by pasting tissue or other 

 thin paper along the line of injury, or what is easier, and in 

 most cases even better, by brushing collodion along and over 

 the cracks. It is often well to cover the punctures or holes cut 



