364 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



make two holes in the egg, one at either end ; then two 

 holes in the side were used ; and finally, at the present 

 time, but one hole is used to withdraw the contents, and 

 eggs otherwise blown are far less valuable. To make 

 the hole in the shell a drill is used (see Fig. i), and the 

 contents are removed by the aid of a blowpipe (see 

 Fig. 2). The former of these two instruments is made of 

 steel, and the latter of glass, or metal the latter material 

 being preferable, as will shortly be seen. 



Having obtained your egg, with the drill between 

 your thumb and finger carefully pierce a hole in the side 

 you intend to place downward in your cabinet, making 

 the hole in size proportionate to the egg. Then delicately 

 holding the egg with the hole downwards between the 

 thumb and finger of your left hand, take the blowpipe in 

 your right, and place the smaller end of it near the hole, 

 and by blowing steadily the contents will soon be re- 

 moved. Now fill your blowpipe with water, and blow a 

 small quantity into the egg : then shake it well, and re- 

 move with the blowpipe. This must be repeated until 

 the water comes out pure and unstained, and then your 

 egg is ready for the following operation. You are 

 doubtless aware that inside the egg is a delicate white 

 membrane attached to the shell : this requires to be pre- 

 served from the attacks of insects, and to attain your 

 object proceed as follows. With a glass syringe proceed 

 to inject a small quantity of alcohol in which has been 

 dissolved a little corrosive sublimate, and then, having 

 well shaken your egg, you can remove the remains of the 

 preserving liquid with the blowpipe, and the shell is then 

 free from the depredations of insects, and the membrane 

 will retain its pure and spotless hue for ever. Place the 

 egg, hole downwards, on a sheet of blotting paper to 

 dry. It is imperative that your eggs should thus be 



