52 BIRDS-NESTING. 



The wetting of the outside of the egg, however, 

 should be avoided, if practicable, as the mere contact 

 of water sometimes injures it, marring the fine 

 "bloom." Consequently dirt-stains or dung-spots 

 should never be removed, — this little dirt only adding 

 to the natural appearance of the egg, which washing 

 would certainly mar. If you object to the bad ap- 

 pearance I must remind you that the object of your 

 collecting is not the decoration of your cabinet or 

 library, but the study of the breeding habits of the 



Fig. i2. 



birds of your district. To change the natural ap- 

 pearance of the nest or egg, therefore, beyond the 

 point of healthful cleanliness, is not permissible to 

 the conscientious student. Varnishing is an abomi- 

 nation which I trust it is not necessary for me to pro- 

 test against, — it is so unlikely to be practised by 

 the sensible persons whom, without flattery, I suppose 

 my readers to be. 



Eggs that are cracked may be strengthened by 

 placing goldbeaters' skin (which is used altogether at 

 the Smithsonian) or tissue paper along the line of 



