——_ Tae 
ORNITHOLOGISTS + AND + OOLOGISTS 
SEMI-ANNUAL. 
NOS JANUARY, 1889. NO. I. 
Instructions for Collecting and Preserving Birds and Eggs. 
BY PROF. J. A. SINGLEY, GIDDINGS, TEXAS. 
PARA PERS T: 
BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING AND PRESERVING Birps. EGGs. 
As many of the eggs sent me are poorly prepared and as this mag- 
azine may fall into the hands of some who are commencing a collec- 
tion, I will give a few brief instructions as to the right way of prepar- 
ing specimens. An experience of ten years (seven of them as a 
professional collector) will, I think, convince my readers that I am 
qualified to give instructions. 
A few remarks as to the tools required, which can be bought from 
any dealer in Naturalists’ supplies. Drills are the first requisite, and 
several sizes will be needed, from 2-32 of an inch for all fresh eggs, 
up to 1-4 inch for eggs in which incubation is advanced. Larger 
drills can be had ; but who wants an egg with a half-inch hole in it? 
There are two kinds of drills, the so-called ‘‘fine-cut” drill, made to 
sell, and a toothed or burr drill, made for work. I have all the dif- 
ferent makes and sizes of drills; but use altogether the 2-32, 4-32, 
6-32 and 8-32 sizes of toothed drills. They last a long time; do 
not crack the egg and work fast. 
Next after drills, the most necessary thing is a blow-pipe ; different 
styles and sizes of these are also to be had, from the fine nickel ones 
with attachment to the common brass ones, straight orcurved. Any 
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