101 
of the field, but keeping the attention 
fixed on the centre, where the object ought 
to appear ; this device, with which astrono- 
mers are familiar, is often successful ; its 
principle depends probably on the greater 
sensitiveness of the sides of the retina. 
11. Do not avoid the trouble of record- 
ing regularly all you see, under the im- 
pression that it is of no use. If it has no 
other good effect, it tends to form a valu- 
able habit of accuracy ; and you might 
find it of unexpected importance. And, 
like old Schroter, t7'ust nothing to memory. 
If there has been haste — and sometimes 
if there has not— it is surprising what un- 
forseen doubts may arise the next day; 
make at least rough notes at the time, 
and reduce them speedily into form, before 
you forget their meaning. 
12. Do not be discouraged, by ignorance 
of drawing, from attempting to represent 
what you see. Everybody ought to be 
able to draw ; it is the education of the 
eye, and greatly increases its capacity and 
correctness ; but even a rough sketch may 
have its use ; taken on the spot, and com- 
pared with the original, it will not be all 
untrue; it may secure something worth 
preserving, and lead to further improve- 
ment. 
In conclusion, may I be permitted to 
remind the young observer not to lose 
sight of the irn mediate relation between 
the wonderful and beautiful scenes which 
will be opened to his gaze, and the great 
Author of their existence ? In looking 
upon a splendid painting, we naturally 
refer its excellence to the talent of the 
artist ; in admiring an ingenious piece of 
mechanism, we cannot think of it as sep- 1 
arate from the resources and skill of its 
designer ; still less should we disconnect 
these magnificent and perfect creations, so 
far transcending every imaginable work of i 
art, from the remembrance of the Wisdom \ 
which devised them, and the Power which | 
called them into being. Such is eminently | 
the right use of the telescope — as an in- \ 
strument, not of mere amusement orj 
curiosity, but of a more extensive know- i 
ledge of the works of the Almighty. So 
new an aspect as has thus been given to 
the material universe— so amazing a dis- , 
closure as has thus been permitted to I 
man, of the vastness of his Maker's do- 
minion—can hardly be ascribed to blind 
accident or human contrivance ; in thus 
employing Galileo's invention, we may 
well feel his grateful acknowledgment, 
that it was the result of the "previous 
illumination of the Divine favor,"* to 
have been not only beautiful but true. 
How to Blow Birds' Eggs. 
BY ALEXANDER G. GIBBS. 
^HEKE are very few collectors who are 
J- not familiar with the old method of 
blowing birds' eggs, which consisted in 
making a hole with a pin in each end of 
the egg, then holding the egg between the 
thumb and forefinger and blowing steadily 
through one hole, forcing the contents 
through the hole in the other end. For 
the modern, and more scientific way, we 
must obtain the following instruments : 
1. Several egg drills of different sizes. 
2. One or two blow-pipes. 
These instruments may be obtained 
from any taxidermist or dealer in na- 
turalists' apparatus. 
Having collected our instruments, and 
secured a specimen, w^e proceed as fol- 
lows : Hold the egg between your thumb 
and finger, or lay it on a table, as may be 
preferred; place the sharp point of the 
drill against the shell, then twirl it be- 
tween your fingers, taking care not to 
press hard enough to break the egg. 
After the hole is made, insert the smallest 
end of the blow-pipe, and blow steadily 
through the largest end, letting the con- 
tents ooze out around the blow-pipe. Of 
course the hole must be a little larger 
than the blow-pipe, to allow the contents 
to escape therefrom. 
We have now got our egg blown; the 
next thing to do is to remove any stains 
there may be on the shell. Eirst obtain a 
basin of luke-warm water and a soft rag ; 
dip the egg in the water, and then apply 
the rag to any stains remaining on the 
shell, rubbing them carefully until you 
have succeeded in erasing all of them. 
The egg is now ready for your collection. 
But there are two circumstances which 
may occur, and for which provision must 
*Divhia prius illuminante gratia. 
