_[5] COLLECTING BIRDS' EGGS AND NESTS — BENDIRE. 



Windsor Hill, Connecticut, which, although somewhat more exjjensive, 

 is one of the best egg-blowers known to me. A short blowpipe like the 

 above, with a rubber tube about 3 feet iu length and a horn mouth- 

 piece attached, makes a very satisfactory instrument for general use. 



To Mow an egg. — Drill a small hole on the side and in the center of 

 the egg, insert the tip of the blowpipe for a very short distance, and re- 

 move the contents as far as this can readily be done. In fact an egg 

 can be blown without inserting the point at all, simply holding it close 

 up to the hole and forcing air through it. Should the albumen be 

 thick or stringy, and not run out freely while blowing the egg, push 

 aside such parts as may be forced out of the hole with the end of the 

 blowpipe or a small pair of forceps, and shake the egg; this will facili- 

 tate matters. Small portions of the albumen and yolk of the egg will 

 usually remain in the shell, and this is best removed by forcing water into 

 the egg with a small syringe, holding the j)oint of the latter over the hole 

 and an inch from it. This will always allow a part of the water to 

 enter. When about half full shake the egg, holding it between the 

 fingers, and then blow out the contents. If the water does not come 

 out perfectly clear repeat the process until it does. Eggs that have 

 been thoroughly cleaned will retain their original color much better, 

 and insects or mice are not so apt to injure them. After the egg has 

 been cleaned it should be put away, hole downward, and allowed to 

 drain. The best material to place an egg on^to absorb whatever moist- 

 ure may remain in it after cleaning, is corn meal. Particles of this sub- 

 stance that may remain sticking about the hole of the egg are easily 

 removed by a slight touch of the fingers. I find coarse corn meal to be 

 by far the best article to drain eggs on, as it will not stick tightly and is 

 always readily removed ; the danger of chipping small pieces of the 

 shell around the edges of the hole, which often happens where blotting 

 paper or fine sawdust are used for this purpose, is in this way reduced 

 to a minimum. 



In cases where eggs are nearly hatched when found, excepting very 

 small and thin-shelled ones, which beyond a certain stage can not 

 readily be saved, and should not under such circumstances be disturbed, 

 drill a slightly larger hole in the shell and puncture or lacerate the 

 embryo with a needle or a sharp embryo hook. Care must be taken 

 not to run the instrument through the opposite side of the egg. Then 

 try to force out such of the contents, consisting of fluid portions and 

 parts of the yolk, which have not been entirely absorbed by the embryo. 

 This may be accomplished either by the blowpipe or, perhaps, more 

 readily by holding the point of a small syringe, filled with water, directly 

 over the hole and about an inch from it, and forcing a steady stream of 

 water into the egg. Never insert the point of the syringe directly in 

 the hole, unless you wish to burst the egg. Do not attempt to force 

 out too much in the beginning. After getting out some of the softer 

 contents of the egg, fill it with the water, wipe it dry and cleaa and put 



