PRESERVING EGGSHELLS. 65 
ON THE PRESERVATION OF EGG-SHELLS 
FOR CABINETS OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
** Si sumas ovum, molle sit, atque novum.” Schola Salernitana. 
I wave been blundering at this work for some 
years ; “seeking for something I could not find,” and 
always dissatisfied with myself on account of the fail- 
ure. The object of my search was, to try to find out 
how I could properly dispose of the thin white mem- 
brane next the shell of the egg. When left in, it is 
apt to corrupt; in which case, the colour of the 
shell will sometimes fade, and an offensive smell is 
produced, which a lapse of years will not subdue. 
Last spring I thought I had succeeded; but it 
turned out to be a very partial success. I, first, 
by blowing, discharged the contents of five swans’ 
eggs, and then immersed the shells ina tub of water 
fora month. This enabled me to pull out the thin 
membrane, by means of a piece of wire bent at the 
end. But I found that the colour of the shell had 
faded considerably. Moreover, the process required 
too much time ; and I saw that there would be great 
difficulty in doing small eggs. 
About three weeks-ago, a bright thought (a rara 
avis with me) struck me, just as I was in the act of 
climbing up to a hawk’s nest. I felt certain that 
every difficulty had vanished, and I began to blame 
myself on the score of former dulness. 
In selecting eggs for your cabinet, always choose 
those which are newly laid. Make a moderately 
sized hole at the sharp end, with a pointed instru- 
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