KEEPING EGGS AND NESTS. 105 



same depth half an inch is a convenient depth for general 

 purposes ; and of assorted sizes, say from one inch by one and 

 one-half inches up to three by six inches ; it is convenient to 

 have the dimensions regularly graduated by a constant factor 

 of, say half an inch, so that the little boxes may be set side 

 by side, either lengthwise or crosswise, without interference. 

 Eggs may also be kept safely, advantageously, and with at- 

 tractive effect, in the nests themselves, in which a fluff of 

 cotton may be placed to steady them. When not too bulky, 

 too loosely constructed, or of material unsuitable for preser- 

 vation, nests should always be collected. Those that are very 

 closely attached to twigs should not be torn off. Nests threat- 

 ening to come to pieces, or too frail to be handled without 

 injury, may be secured by sewing through and through with 

 fine thread : indeed, this is an advisable precaution in most 

 cases. Packing eggs for transportation requires much care, 

 but the precautions to be taken are obvious. I will only 

 remark that there is no safer way than to leave them in their 

 own nests, each enwrapped in cotton, with which the whole 

 cavity is to be lightly filled ; the nests themselves being 

 packed close enough to be perfectly steady. Single eggs may 

 be safely mailed to any distance in auger-holes bored in wood. 



