COLLECTION OF NESTS 389 



and drain the shell as above described. The work in this case 

 should be performed over the basin of water so as to catch the 

 egg if it slips from the fingers. 



As stated in Part I no eggs should ever be gathered till the 

 species of bird has been identified with certainty. On the egg, 

 near the hole, mark with a lea.d pencil the number of the bird 

 according to the A. 0. U. check list. This is the number 

 within the parenthesis next to the scientific name in Part II. 



Collecting and preserving nests. — Such well-woven nests as 

 those of the orioles and vireos should be removed from the 

 plant by cutting the branches to which they are attached. 

 These will keep in good condition without any preparation. 

 Others need to be kept from falling to pieces by some artificial 

 support. A good and easy method is to sew loosely with 

 brown thread back and forth over all parts of the nest. An- 

 other plan is to make a supporting basket out of annealed 

 wire. 



