36 



THE YOUNG NATURALIST, 



are formed with very fine points. For very small 

 eggs, a less size than that used for large 

 ones will be an advantage. After the egg 

 is emptied of its contents, it is best to wash it out 

 inside, which can be done by syringing it with 

 clean water. An ordinary syringe will do, but 

 remember that you have to use it with only one 

 hand, and do not get it too heavy. It is best held 

 between the first and second fingers and the piston 

 worked with the thumb. After syringing and 

 emptying out the water, lay the egg, hole down, on 

 a piece of blotting paper, that the water may all 

 drain out. 



So far we have spoken only of eggs that are in 

 proper state for blowing, but they will frequently 

 be found with the chick more or less developed, 

 " black sitting " as lads call it. To empty an egg 

 in this state is a much more difficult operation, and 

 requires much greater care in manipulation, 

 Additional implements are also needed. Scissors 

 with long and fine blades, that can be introduced 

 through the hole, and used for snipping the bones 

 of the embryo, are useful. Scissors with bent blades 

 as Figs. 18, 19, are shapes likely to be of service. 



Figs. 18 & 19. 



A small knife witn a thin blade is also useful in 

 cutting up the fleshy parts before extraction. The 

 cutting part of the blade should be quite at the 



Fig. 20. 



point, Pig, 20. One or two hooks are also needed. 



>. 



an 



ordinary crochet hook, which can be had in various! 

 sizes. They are best when all in one piece'** fen: 

 Those with bone handles are apt to slip. A pair m 

 of ordinary tweezers, of small size, will be found k 

 the best thing for holding any portion of the chick • 

 while you cut it, or for extracting it afterwards, e 

 When you find your eggs have been sat upon for I 

 some time, it is best to keep them a few days before c 

 attempting to prepare them ; do not, however, keep 

 them so long that gases are developed, or they are 

 apt to burst. Drill a larger hole than you would 

 otherwise need, blowout what you can with the blow- 

 pipe, theninject some water with the syringe, and get 

 out all the liquid matter before attempting to cut up 

 the chick. Never be in a hurry, and do not begrudge 

 the time you take to do your work well. If you t 

 have toehold the egg in one hand, do so over a basini ij 

 of water, that it may not be broken if it slips from ■ 

 your fingers, but as far as possible avoid wetting | 

 the outside of the egg. Some eggs are almost imj ( 

 possible to obtain clean, a single day in the nesj L 

 fouling them. Collectors must use their owi k 

 judgment as to washing off this dirt. Some witM. 

 soft chalky shells can never be perfectly cleaned|L, 

 and to rub them alters the surface of the egg. 



We will on another oceasion return to the sub 

 ject, and mention the most approved methods 

 arranging eggs m the cabinet. 



h 



M 



BE 

 b 



ABUNDANCE OF 

 IN 1879. 



speci: 



The abnormal abundance of V. Cardui, and 

 Gamma, during the past season has been comme 

 ted on in every entomological paper. Besides th< 

 I have noticed that the larva? of many comm 

 species have occurred in much larger numbers tl 



