EGG.BLOWING 177 



and spoils the specimens. I shall, however, 

 describe it, as it needs no apparatus. 



First Method. Make with a fine needle a 

 little hole at the smaller end, and a less hole 

 at the larger. Blow gently through the 

 smaller hole. If the yolk be stiff, place the 

 smaller end in a cup of clean water, apply 

 your lips to the larger end, suck in a little 

 water, shake the egg well, and then blow 

 again. 



Second Method. Having provided yourself 

 with egg-drills and blow-pipes, which are sold 

 for a trifle by the dealers, hold the egg by the 

 ends between the first finger and thumb of 

 your left hand over a bowl full of water. If 

 you grip it sideways it will probably break. 

 Make a hole in one side with a fine needle, 

 insert the point of a suitable drill, and twirl 

 it rapidly between your ringer and thumb, 

 till you have formed a neat round hole. Place 

 the blow-pipe to the edge of this hole, turning 

 the egg over above the water, and blow out 

 the contents. If stiff, blow a small quantity 

 of water into the shell. In either case, after 

 the egg has been emptied, wash out the shell 

 by sucking or blowing water into it, and place 



