BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [6] 
the specimen so treated in a covered box, in which you have first placed 
a layer of corn meal about an inch in depth. The object of this treat- 
ment is to allow the water injected to come in contact with the more 
tender parts of the embryo and to accelerate decomposition. In order 
to remove the contents through a small hole, these must be allowed to 
decompose. A strong solution of Caustic Potash injected as before 
stated accelerates matters, reducing the embryo to a soft soapy 
mass, and such treatment does not injure the shell of the egg. Next 
place the box, after closing the lid, in a warm place, either in the 
sun or under a stove, and let it remain undisturbed for about 48 
hours. Repeat this operation two or three times, always assisting 
the removal of any small particles which may be forced out of the hole 
by cutting such away with a thin-bladed pair of scissors; curved 
pointed ones are the best for this purpose. Do not try to pull the 
embryo out, nor to empty the egg at one operation; use a little 
patience, and in this manner most far-advanced eggs can be emptied 
through a reasonably small aperture. The egg should be refilled 
with fresh water after each operation. Do not try to take the inner 
lining of the shell out, in case it becomes detached during the rotting 
process; it does no harm by remaining, while the chances are that you 
will break the egg, which is naturally much weakened without this 
skin, if you attempt to remove it. Occasionally a collector may obtain 
rare unblown specimens in which the contents have completely dried 
up and hardened, and it may puzzle him how to empty such eggs. Un- 
less they contained large embryos when first found, or when abandoned 
by the parents, they may easily be blown by the following directions : 
Take common bicarbonate of soda, dissolve about 3 tablespoonfuls 
toa pint of water and simply inject this solution in the egg and treat 
as previously mentioned. Repeat this once or twice at intervals of 48 
hours and you will probably have no great difficulty in emptying your 
specimens through a moderately small hole, and the shell will not be 
injured by this solution. 
In blowing small and delicate eggs, I find the use of an egg-holder of 
considerable assistance, and consider this mode of holding a small egg 
much safer and far more convenient than taking the specimen between 
the tips of the fingers. To make one, take a piece of thin wire, say 
from 6 to 8 inches long, bend both ends in the shape of a circular loop 
of the required size, again bend the wire exactly in the center, so that 
the loops face each other somewhat like a pair of sugar tongs, and you 
have a holder. The wire used should be springy and elastic, so that 
it will readily give somewhat and hold the egg securely, but not too 
tightly at the same time. Brass wire answers the purpose very well. 
It is always preferable to blow eggs at home, or after returning to 
camp. You have usually better facilities then to do your work neatly 
than in the field, where one is apt to be in a hurry, and often to have 
no water to rinse the inside of the eggs thoroughly after blowing them. 
ey 
