Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-19
HOW TO COLLECT BIRDS. EGGS.
Some Hints on the Subject Given by the
Smithsonian Institution.

Some Hints on the Subject Given by the
Smithsonian Institution.
In bullstin just issued by the Smithsonian
Institution some hints are given on the COL
lecting Of BIRDS eggs. which should be both
interesting and useful to the amateur oologist
small, thoroughly identified, well prepared
and neatly cared for collection, even il only
local one, is worth far more scientifically and
in every othe- way than q more extensive one
obtained by exchange or purchase. So this
authority states, and thus il would appear that
anybody may make for himself, though he
never goes far abroad, a collection OF eggs
that is worth taking pride in. Unless, how
ever. tho yould-be collector intends to make
q special study of Zoology and has higher aim
than the mere desire to take and
accumulate ms large number of
specimens as possible, regardless of their
proper identification, he had better not besin
ut all, but leave the nests and eggs alone and
undisturbed Our birds already have too many
enemies to contend with, without adding the
average egg collector to the number. The
mere accumulation Of specimens is the least
important object of the true oologist His
principal aim should be to make careful obser-
vatlons on the habits, call notes. song the
character of the food, mode and length of in-
cubation and the actions of the species gener-
ally from the beginning of the mating season
TO the time tho young arc able to leave the
nest. This period comprises the most interest
ing and instructive part of the life history Of
our birds.
INTERESTING FACTS TO BE LEARNED.
Do not start i'll with the idea that because a
certain species may be common with you
everything must consequently already be
known about it and that your observations
would be useless Be assured that some new
and interesting facts can still be learned by the
fAlI ant r.. a
birds. One OF the most important mat
ters is the preparation OF specimens.
Eggs, when first taken and before blow
ing them, should, as far as practicable, have all
stains and dirt on the SHELLS wiped or washed
off. Care must bo taken not to scrub the shell
too much or too hard, as such treatment may
result In injury to the colorinS matter. which
IN many species is not thoroughly fixed in a
fresh laid egg. This applies especially to the
eggs OF many game birds and hawks. The
shells OF some of the water birds, the peli-
can. gahnets and cormorants, are covered with
q more or less uneven deposit OF lime. This
should not be scraped or scrubbed off.
TREATMENT OF THE EGGs.
Eggs should be blown or emptied through
single small hOlo neatly drilled on one side. 1t
is vol to begin making this hole with a needle
aud to finish it with an "egg drill" which is
given u rotary motion between the thumb and
forefinger. In marked or spotted eggs the
poorest or least marked side should always be
selected for this purpose. Great care should
be taken to remove the entire contents. Small
portions of the albumeu and yolk of the egg
viii usually remain in the shell after blowing,
and this is best removed by forcing water into
the egg with a small syringe. When the egg
Is about half full shake it, holding it between
the fingers, and then blow out the contents. II
the water does not come out perfectly clear
repeat the process until it does So Eggs that
have been thoroughly cleaned will retain their
original color much better and insects or mice
are not SO apt to iniure them. After the egg
has been cleaned it should be put away hole
downward and allowed to drain. The best ma
terlal TO place an egg on, to absorb whatever
moisture may remain In 1t after cleaning, 10
corn meal. crack in an egg is best mended
by coating the injured surface with couodion.
THE RECORD BOOK.
The collector should keep regular record
book with an index, in which to note down any
thing OF interest relating to every species OBJ
served such as, in the case of migrants the
dates OF their first arrival in the spring the
date when last seen in the fall. the localities
most frequented by each species, their Various
call notes, notes OF alarm and song, the con-
tents OF the stomachs Of such specimens as are
shot and their relative abundance; In fact,
everything OF general interest.
TIE BEST WAY TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE NESTS
is not to detach or lift them from their imme-
date surroundings, but to leave them in their
natural positions, cutting of the branches, if
placed in q tree or shrub. couple of inches or
more above and below the nest. In this way
thoy can be much better preserved in their
original shape and are less liable to injury.
Nests of the ground-building species shonld
have thin section Of the sod on which they
are placed taken up and preserved with them
The inner cavity OF each nest should be filed
with ball Of soft paper Gold newspapers an
swer the purpose very welD or old cotton
wrapped in tissue paper and tied in place. This
tour of the nest mold. Where the inner lining
OF nests consists principally OF feathers OF fur
q small quantity Of naphtbaline should be
sprinkled among them to keep moths and in
scots away; otherwise many interesting speci-
mems are soon destroyed by such pests.