Evening star., 1917-10-28
POULTRY YARD NOTES.

cause the germ to lie 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
at the center of the egg. This method
of suspension absolutely prevents the
yolk of a fresh egg moving from a CEN
| trail position, while the spring in the
twisted cords overcomes any sudden Jar
that would otherwise rupture the yolk.
The yolk or egg revolves on its axis
as 1t is slowly forced through the owl
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 its composition. Tho
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 secre-
ton of albumen is almost over, the egg
reaches a sharp bend in the oviduct
called the isthmus. Here the liquids
making up the egg are incased in two
skins known as shell membranes The
outer skin lies close against the inside
of the shell. while the inner skin clings
to the aibumen. The air cell lies be-
tween the two skins, and 1t is this air
that the chick first fnhales when he is
ready to pip the shell and emerge from
his confinement The secretion 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
It's function is to secrete three layers Of
liquid lime which harden and form the
shell of the egg. The inner layer con-
slsts Of very small particles Of lime
separated by minute air spaces, welded
together; the second layer is heavier and
fnF l. = l.
thin. smooth shell of lime containing
a selatinous substance. The latter pre-
vents undue evaporation of the contents
of the egg, but it is removed by mois-
ture or age.
Peculiarities in Eggs.
Almost every one has seen a double.
yolked egg. Two yolks were liberated
from their sacs at almost the same
time. They entered the oviduct nearly
simultaneously. and the coatings Of al
bumen, membranes and shell were in.
-corporated over both yolks in place OF
one.
There is another case of abnormality
which requires a further explanation
of the workings of the reproductive
organs before the condition can be ex.
planned. 1 refer to the inclusion of q
whole egg within an egg. Such alb.
normal eggs are rare. but they are oc-
casiorally found after hens are fright
ened. II was explained that eggs re-
volve as they are slowly forced
through the oviduct They continue
their forward movement toward the
uterus so long as the hen is in a lay
ing mood but place the hen In q
strange pen or frighten her severely,
and she can Immediately reverse the
movements of her reproductive organs
and back up the partially formed eggs.
An egg in the oviduct is moved back
ward until it drops out of the funnel.
shaped mouth into the body cavity.
Here ii is absorbed by the hen like
any other kind Of food
The collection of yolks attached to
the ovary decrease in size, so that
within a short time the profitable layer
is relegated to the class of non-payers
Right here you can learn lesson
about inducing hens to lay.