Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-05-08
means a new idea. On the contrary, 1t
8 uiIIfa old IA oh inned Irnfnrt AT alX

means q new idea. On the contrary, II
is quite old fashioned. Unfortunately,
it has not been given the prominence 1t
deserves. Comparatively few housewives
are familiar with 1t, and many Of these
are skeptical as to the outcome.
Such fears are groundless. providing
the necessary precautions are taken.
Strictly speaking. the whole idea con-
sists of precautions. because the actual
task of preserving eggs Is as simple as
placing pickles in a vat of brine. Fact
is, the operation is nothing more than
that, only q different preserving solution
is substituted for the brine. A solution
of water glass Sodium silicate) is used
for eggs.
The precautions consist mainly of pro-
viding clean containers for the eggs, pure
water. storing the receptacles under san
itary conditions, and most important of
all--too see that the eggs are strictly
fresh. No difficulty attaches to this lat
ter requirement If the eggs are produced
by the home flock, If tho eggs are pur
chased outside, it is comparatively SIM
pie to check the quality of the eggs by
Gambling process. The eggs must be in
prime condition to start; that is the Sc
cret of success
Backyard poultry raisers and farm
ers will find it to their advantage to pre-
serve eggs, II only to escape forcing their
surplus production on a crowded market
and thereby having to accept low prices.
Moreover, the average backyard grower
is merely interested in supplying the home
table with eggs, and not in selling them.
PRINCIPLES OF PRESERVATION
In order to fully understand the prin-
ciples of preserving eggs a little should
be known Of their structure and the in
fluence to which they are susceptible.
When an egg is laid under sanitary con-
ditions-a clean nest-it is comparatively
free from any bacteria or germs which
might cause decomposition. But, like
milk, the egg is an excellent medium for
bacterial growth. 1t spoils quickly under
certain circumstances of dampness and
dirt.
The shell of the egg Is exceedingly
porous. 1t Is essential for 1t to be so,
or the embryo contained within the fer
tile egg could not develop because Of the
absence Of oxygen. Should moisture.
gases. dirt or germ enter the pores in
the shell the egg starts on a downward
career, spells.
Thus the underlying principle of any
method of preservation Is to protect the
shell. The preservation must exclude
micro organisms. suspend the growth
of any few that might be present and
prevent undue evaporation of the liquids
contained in the egg. Keeping the eggs
nearing the freezing point does these
things, but refrigeration is not practical
able in the home.
Some years ago extensive experiments
were made to determine which of 20
methods were the most satisfactory ways
Of preserving eggs for home use. The
tests were carried out in a thoroughly
scientific manner and lasted for eight
months. The methods embraced every
conceivable treatment from standing the
eggs in brine to painting them with shell
lac. Only three of the 20 methods gave
perfect results. These were eggs coated
with vaseline. eggs packed in a solution
Of limewater and eggs stored in solution
Of water glass.
MOST CONVENIENT METHOD
From the standpoint of convenience.
labor and initial expense, not to mem
ton effectiveness, the water glass treat
ment is to be recommended as the best.
Coating the eggs with vaseiine or paraf-
fine is an inconvenient time consuming
method; packing the eggs in limewater
sometimes communicates a distinct odor
or flavor to the eggs, and is therefore
Objectionable.
Water glass, the technical term for
which Is sodium silicate, comes In two
forms. thick. syrup-like liquid of about
the consistency Of molasses and a pow
der. Both forms are sold by leading drug
gists. though the liquid material Is the
most common.
solution of the desired strength is
made by dissolving one part OF the water
glass In 10 parts Of pure water If the
powder is used, a slightly smaller guam
tity of the preventative may be employ
ed.
To be sure of the purity OF the water
the best plan is to boil it for about 20
minutes, then allow 1t to cool before
adding the silicate. In the case of pow
dered silcate, stir the mixture vigorously
to prevent the formation of Jumps. When
1t IL completely dissolved. the solution Is
ready for use. If the eggs are economic
ally packed in given vessel, that is laid
compactly, one gallon of the solution is
ready for use, II the eggs are econom-