The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-28

Since the yolk is mainly fat or oil, and
 the albumen principally water, it would be natural for the oily yollx to float at the top of the watery albumen. But this position of the yols would cause the germ to He against the side of the egg, where 1t would be impossible for the egg to hatch. Therefore, nature has suspended the yolk by two twisted cords inside a cushion of dense albumen at the center of the egg This method Of suspension absolutely prevents the yoll1 of fresh egg moving from central po- sition, while the spring in the twisted cords overcomes any sudden Jar that would otherwise rupture the yolk
 The yolk or egg revolves on it's axis as it Is slowly forced through the ovi- duct by the peculiar wormlike contrac- tions Of that organ. Layer upon layer Of albumen is constantly added, at first quite dense, then thinner and finally when the process is about completed al- most watery in it's composition. The secretion of albumen is estimated to occupy about three hours.
 Formation of Shell Membranes < When about two-thirds the length of the oviduct is traversed and the secpe- ton of albumen is almost over, the egg reaches a sharp bend in oviduct called the isthmus. Here the liquids making up the egg are encased in two skins known as shell membrances. The outer skin lies close against the inside of the shell, while the inner skin clings to the, albumen. The air cell lies between the two skins. and it Is this air that the chick first inhales when he Is ready to pip the shell and emerge from his con- finement The secretions of the shell membranes in the isthmus requires about three hours.
 The 'soft-shelled" egg now passes out Of the Oviduct into the third organ Of reproduction known as the uterus. Its function Is to secrete three layers of liquid limo which harden and form the shell of tho egg. The inner layer con aists of very small particles of lime. sep arated by minute air spaces, welded to- gether; the second layer is heavier and of spongy Nature, while the outside is 2 thin, smooth. shell of lime containing a gelatinous substance. The latter pre- vents undue evaporation of the contents of the egg, but 1t Is removed by moisture or age.
 The egg remains in the uterus from F to A hours The greater portion of this time is required tosset and harden the shell. The hen then goes on the nest.
 Peculiarities in Eggs
 Almost everyone has seen a double yolked egg. Two yolks were liberated from their sacs at almost the same time They entered the oviduct nearly sinul- taneously. and the coatings of alburnen. membranes and shell were incorporated over both yolks In place of one.
 Sometimes, at the close of the laying period an egg Is found that containe nothing but albumen.. Itis quite ssnal. In this case the ovary had finished its work for the time being; the matured yolks had been used. but the glands of the oviduct continued to secrete a little albumen: Ip order to get rid of 1t, the excess albpn1en was covered with mem branes and shsh md laid.
 There h anoth4r case Of abnormal,ty which requires ,l further explanation of the workings of the reproductive organs b1fore the condition can be explained. refer to the inc)usion of q whole egx within an egg. Such abnormal eggs are rare. but they are occasionally found Rftef hens are frightened. 6t was ex- plalned that eggs revolve as they are slowly forced through tho oviduct. They continue their forward movement to- ward tho uterus SO long as tho hen 10 In R hyine mood. hut place tho hen nj a;| ltrang& pen or xr1xhten her seyerSly. \ md she am iMn5ediately roverss fEe |hoxsn1snt sf hes xsproduotlxe ofSann