The Portland daily press., 1878-06-04
THE PRESS.
AGRICULTURAL.


fackInS Eggs.
Some advocate packing eggs on the big
end, others again advocate the packing on
the small end. The writer has tried both
methods. There is little difference between
the two, but would rather give the large end
the preference. 1t is certain that eggs set up
on either end will keep longer in a state of
freshness than those laid on the side, and for
packing, to be shipped to long distances, it is
highly necessary. Since, by trial, eggs set on
end will endure more knocking and bruising
about without damage, it is better to employ
the surer and safer method. Any one much
accustomed to the handling and observation
of eggs, knows that each egg is furnished with
an aar-bladder, or empty space, between the
the big end, usually at the apex, surrounding
the crown, and varies in size according to the
age of the egg Sometimes it is a little at one
side, and, although not readily discovered, is
always there. Take an egg between the
thumb and forefnger, and turn it around
slowly, holding it against strong sunlight or
candle, and it will be discovered, In fresh
laid egg il will be no larger than three-cent
piece, in some cases about the size of large
pea.
If this air bladder be directly over the
crown, the theory has been advanced that the
egg will produce cock. If decidedly at one
side, pullet will be the result; if partly bal
anced on the crown, it may be pullet and it
may be cock; but an egg that has no air
bladder will never hatch. The writer has
heard this theory advanced, and has proved
its fallacy some years ago. There is no such
thing as an egg destitute of an empty cham.
Der. Every egg is intended by nature at its
first formation to produce a repetition and
type of the parent. The air chamber is for
the direct benefit of the chick while in the
shell. There is no power by which man may
control or exercise any influence over the sex
es of the increase beforehand. An egg with
the air chamber directly over the top of the
end, may produce cock, and may produce
puliet bu: one thing is certain, Il tie egg s
fortunate enough to hatch, and the chick to
grow up, it will be either one or the 9TH
er. This theory has been exploded. There
is no way whereby the sexes may be con-
troled by man-that rests with higher pow
er.
Since this air chamber Is necessary to the
egg, 1t is to our interest to preserve it as near
ly as possible in perfect state. Thus the
method of placing on the large end has gained
favor, as the packing exactly in perpendicu-
lar form better sustain the original position.
If an egg lies for any length of time on the
side this chamber moves around to the upper
side, and the contents settle to the opposite.
Hence we see that eggs that have beenlpacked
for any great length of time when placed in
water will retain the same position, and Of
tentimes float. When eggs are packed for
Matching purposes, and have to be sent to a
distance, the packages should be made as sol
Id as possible. Then no amount OF travel will
iniure their Matching if the egg be all right in
the first place, properly fertilized and fresh
laid. The writer sent dozen eggs hum
bred miles to friend for Matching purposes
last spring. They were securely packed in
nine-inch wooden box. furnished with
leather strap for handling on journey. Not
an egg of them brought forth a chick. The
difficulty was set down by the purchaser as
the result of railway travel. l thought knew
better. The breeding yard was headed by a
very fine, large beautiful cock. What eggs of
his that were left on had were placed under
hens, and the result awaited with anxiety.
Meanwhile the cock was removed and his
place supplied by one equally as fine in plum
age, but less in size, and consequently more
active.
After few days the order was duplicated.
This time the eggs were packed in a small
conical.shaped splint basket, supplied with a
cover. The basket was SO small on the bot
tom that it was easily upset; for this reason,
the express agent was requested to hang it
ii possible. Whether he did or not we never
knew. Two dozen eggs were packed in the
basket, and the package was made entirely
solid, employing cut straw to fill up the in
terstices between the eggs. Twenty-three out
of the twenty-four eggs Matched and produced
fine chickens, which grew up. The eggs set
at home, from the first cock, never matched.
The result of by far too many failures that we
attribute to railway travel is from the use of
impotent birds-birds that are oyer-grown, or
too fat This may be the case without the
knowledge of the breeder. If eggs are all
right in the first place, and packed in any
shape that will avoid breakage, and the whole
made solid, there will be little difficulty expe-
rienced.-Cor. Country Gentleman.