102 MISCELLANEOUS PARTICULARS. 


the parent eludes observation. Sometimes the most acute ob- 
server may be mistaken, circumstances appearing to prove a 
parentage when such is not the fact. It is in general advis- — 
able to secure the parent with the eggs; if shot or snared on 
the nest, the identification is simply unquestionable. If you 
do not yourself know the species, it then becomes necessary to 
secure the specimen, and retain it with the eggs. 
It is not required to make a perfect preparation; the head, 
or better, the head and a wing, will answer the purpose. 
When egging in downright earnest, a pair of climbing irons 
becomes practically indispensable ; these are the only field im- 
plements required in addition to those already specified. For 
blowing eggs, a set of special tools is needed. These are *‘ egg- 
drills” — steel implements with a sharp pointed conical head _ 
of rasping surface, and a slender shaft; several such, of differ- 
ent sizes, are needed ; also blow-pipes of different sizes; a deli- 
cate thin pair of scissors; light spring forceps; and a small 
syringe.* Eggs should never be blown in the old way of 
making a hole at each end; nor are two holes anywhere usu- 
ally required. Opening should be effected on one side, prefer- 
ably that showing least conspicuous or characteristic markings. 
If two are made, they should be rather 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 ege gently but steadily in the fingers, apply the point of — 
the drill perpendicularly to the surface, unless it be preferred — 
to prick with a needle first. A twirling motion of the instru- 
ment gradually enlarges the opening 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. The blewing 
should be continuous and equable, rather than forcible; a 
strong puff easily bursts a delicate egg. Be sure that all 
the contents are removed; then rinse the interior thoroughly 
with clean water, either by taking a mouthful and sending it 








*We notice an advertisement in the AMERICAN NATURALIST to the effect that 
these various instruments can be had at the Naturalists’ Agency, Salem, Mass. 
