COLLECTION OF NESTS AND EGGS 



77 



characteristic markings. If two 

 near together ; on the same side 

 at any rate. But one is generally 

 sufficient, as the fluid contents 

 can escape around the blow-pipe. 

 Holding the egg gently but 

 steadily in the fingers,^ ^pply the 

 point of the drill perpendicularly 

 to the surface, unless it be pre- 

 ferred to prick with a needle first. 

 A twirling motion of the instru- 

 ment gradually enlarges the open- 

 ing by filing away the shell, and 

 so bores a smooth-edged circular 

 hole. This should be no larger 

 than is required to insert the 

 blow-pipe loosely, with room for 

 the contents to escape around it. 

 Nor is it always necessary to 

 insert the pipe; a fine stream of 

 water may be easily injected by 



are made, they should be rather 



FiQ. 5.— Instruments for Wowing eggs ; after Newton, a, 6, blow- 

 pipes, i nat. size ; c, wire for cleansing them ; d, syringe, \ nat. size 

 (the ring of the handle must he large enough to insert the thumb) ; 

 e, bulbous insufflator, for sucking eggs. 



, Fia. 4.— Egg-drills, different sizes, nat. size ; 

 after Newton. 



holding the instrument close to 

 the egg, but not 

 quite touching. 

 The blowing 

 should be contin- 

 uous and equable, 

 rather than for- 

 cible ; a strong 

 puff easily bursts 

 a delicate egg. Be 

 sure that all the 

 contents are re- 

 moved; then 

 rinse the interior 

 thoroughly with 

 clean water, either 

 by taking a 

 mouthful and 

 sending it 

 through a blow- 

 pipe, or with the 

 syringe. Blowing 

 eggs is a rather 

 fatiguing process ; 



1 The usual method of emptying eggs through one small hole is doubtless 



