XXX11 
INTRODUCTION 
Incubated eggs, though almost at the point of hatching, are 
made by experts into nearly perfect specimens. Following their 
methods, drill the hole and then coat the shell with flexible collodion. 
After removing a small part of the fluid, if the egg is small, insert 
a solution of pepsin or of chlorinated soda, — Labarraque’s solution, 
— and let the egg stand for a few hours, after which blow out the 
softened portion of the contents. Add more of the solution, and 
let the eggs stand again, keeping on until you have emptied the 
shell. Large eggs may be treated with a solution of caustic potash, 
care being necessary not to allow the alkali to touch the shell. To 
prevent accident it is well to have a basin of water near in which to 
immerse the egg if necessary. The collodion is removed after the 
completion of the work by the use of ether. 
Each set of eggs and each nest should be kept in a box, with a label 
something like the following, from the Bendire and Ralph collection 
in the National Museum : — 
A. O. U. No._ 
Private No. _ 
Collector,_ 
Locality,_ 
Date,_ 
Identification, 
Nest : Diameter,_Depth, 
Composed of_ 
Location, 
Of whom and when received. 
Scientific name,. 
Common name, 
No. of Eggs in Set, 
Incubation,_ 
Nests should be kept in boxes to fit their size. Great care 
should be taken to protect them from moths and other destructive 
