The Osceola times., 1888-04-28
LIME FOR EGG-SHEllS.
Interesting Experiments Conducted with
the Aid of Chemistry.

the Aid OF Chemistry.
In my judgment, the use of shells is
good simply because they furnish
grinding material, and they have no
more to do with furnishing lime for
the shell than gravel or glassware.
There is more lime in the food. in a
soluble condition when digested Gin the
shape of ntrates, sulphates, phosphates.
chloridcs, etc. than is required. That is,
the hen can not. even If she so desired.
eat sufficient food to produce an egg
withou. partaking, at the same time,
OF more than the proportionate
amount of lime necessary for the she'll
Carbonate of lime (oyster shells, lime,
etc.) is an insoluble substance. and
can not enter the blood for deposit on
the egg until it is completely dissolved.
1t may, however, undergo a chemical
change, during digestion, by being
converted into soluble compound,
such as a sulphate, but in my inspcc-
ton of the droppings I find that when
shells are fed they are passed in large
quantities from the body, in very fine
condition, and as carbonate of lime.
When bones are fed they are partially
dissolved, the chemical change appear.
ing TO be that the lime, by variety of
processes. becomes a carbonate. while
the phosphoric acid unites with the al
kalies-potash and soda-thHs bccom-
ing soluble. Still l am not ready to
assert that portion of the carbonate
of lime Is not in some manner rendered
soluble. but j am sure that the lime of
the food is soluble, and that is the
source from which tho lime of the shells
is obtained.
Next i tried two yards of hens, to
one lot lime Tin all shapcs) being Civ
en-, but from the other it was withheld,
both lots being fed alike. noticed no
difference so far as the shells of the
eggs were concerned. But. as proof
that lime in the shape of shells will not
prevent hens from laying soft-sheled
eggs, have had them TO lay such eggs
with their yards almost covered with
pounded oyster shells and Jumps of
lime. IL hen becomes fat the oyster
shells will not provide remedy
against soft-shclled eggs, for this fact
has been demonstrated hundreds of
times. The hen, having failed to re-
ceiye variety of food. and being fed
principally on n carbonaceous diet. has
stored up too much fat, and also pro-
vides it for the egg, as well rs a par
tial supply of nitrogen, but there is not
sufficient amount Of lime dissolved
from t'e food to provide the shell, ow-
ing to lack of solvents as she was not
given food complete in the elements
necessary for that purpose, yet the ash
Of the food were consumed by fire)
would show an abundance of carbon.
ate of lime. .
advise the feeding of oyster shells,
however. for they serve rs grit" but
do not believe they are of any other
value. Sharp gravel will answer as
well. Give a hen Underground oyster
shells, and also pounded shells, and
she will pick out all the large, sharp
and irregular pieces, never touching
those which are fine, and in the So
called best condition. Like the theory
that. because a small (and very smalD
proportion Of silphuretted-hydrogen
gas is given oil from decomposed
egg, hens must DO fed sulphur to make
the eggs hatch. although all foods are
rich in sulphur, 1t Is a bs.lief among a.
large number that limo must be fur.
nished the hens in the shape of shells
but this belief is owing to the many
sermons that have been preached in
its favor, moro than to practical ex-
perience or tests Old mortar, which
contains nitrate Of lime. is partially |
soluble. and may DO better. but the
ICED y su@eisat -Mrsi Asw Ssrhsn