AUTHENTICATION OF EGGS. 53 



injury, or what is easier, and in most cases even 

 better, by brushing collodion along and over the 

 cracks. To this same end, and also as answering 

 the ornamental intention of varnish, I have heard 

 the white of an egg recommended ; but I consider 

 collodion preferable whenever it can be obtained. 



It is often well to cover the punctures or holes 

 cut out, especially if large, with thin paper, silk or 

 goldbeaters' skin. If a piece of the shell be re- 

 moved, it can usually be replaced and kept in position 

 by pasting thin paper over it and along the line of 

 separation. Even when in this fragmentary condi- 

 tion, a rare egg is worth preserving. Eggs should 

 always be left empty, except in the case of some 

 very badly damaged ones, to which a slight solidity 

 may be imparted by a fluff of cotton. 



AUTHENTICATION. 



Having placed your nests and eggs in the proper 

 condition for safety and study, with a knowledge 

 of what their true names are, the next thing is the 

 authentication of these specimens m a manner which 

 in future will admit of no doubt of their identity and 

 history. This, as I have hinted before, is of the 

 utmost importance, and neglect in this direction is 

 inexcusable and unprofitable, as you will sorrowfully 



