But, if the beak were entirely closed, where would the eggs be laid then?
With a tied thread I keep the two mandibles in absolute contact; and I place a second Bluebottle in the presence of the Linnet, whom the colonists have already entered by the beak.

This time the laying takes place on one of the eyes, between the lid and the eyeball.

At the hatching, which again occurs a couple of days later, the grubs make their way into the fleshy depths of the socket.

The eyes and the beak, therefore, form the two chief entrances into feathered game.
There are others; and these are the wounds.

I cover the Linnet's head with a paper hood which will prevent invasion through the beak and eyes.