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very clearly the nature of the apparatus used, the candler at work, and 

 also the various grades made of the eggs after examination. This process 

 of course is costly, taking considerable time and expert service, adding 

 not only to the cost of eggs to the consumer, but to the reduction of the 

 farmer's receipts. 



However, it is fortunate for the general public, at least of large con- 

 suming centres where such establishments are operating, that such eggs 

 are to be had, and that they are subjected to such careful examination. 

 In buying candled eggs consumers may feel comparatively sure that the 

 eggs they are purchasing are as represented. 



The Town or City Retailer. 



On the other hand, there is a portion of the trade which comes from 

 the country storekeeper, the huckster, or the farmer, directly to the retail 

 merchant, which, as a rule, is not candled or graded. Consumers in vil- 

 lages and outlying towns are supplied with this class of ungraded eggs 

 almost entirely. Consequently they have to assume the entire risk. This 

 practice undoubtedly results in a great curtailment of consumption, and 

 indirectly loss to the industry. To illustrate the truth of this general 

 statement it may be said that the housewife, in buying bad eggs is so 

 disgusted that the next time when eggs are desired, she determines that 

 something more dependable must be bought. The consequence is, fewer 

 eggs are purchased, the price goes down and the reputation of this com- 

 modity is seriously injured. 



Nor is the retail merchant always free from blame in the matter of 

 selling deteriorated eggs. Often his zeal for business seemingly overcomes 

 his reason and he apparently forgets, or is ignorant of the fact that eggs 

 take on strong odors in a favorable atmosphere, as in a room where 

 kerosene is stored ; that they become mouldy and musty if placed in damp 

 locations ; and that they actually hatch into chickens if placed in a suitable 

 temperature. The merchant is often as much in need of education as 

 the farmer. 



THE NEED OF EDUCATION. 



The poultry industry is in need of a great awakening. The farmer 

 should be aroused and made to see that his poultry is in reality one of the 

 best revenue producing branches of his farm ; that there is a distinct place 

 in his business for poultry ; that his flock should be made larger and thus 

 put on a better commercial basis; and that he would be abundantly 

 rewarded with better results if he directed the management of his poultry 

 according to the few well established and generally recognized successful 

 methods. He should be made to realize that as a matter of fact, he, and 

 not the middleman, suffers heavily by reason of the loss due to spoiled 

 eggs. Such work as this may be accomplished by the distribution of more 

 educational literature, by more public discussion, by the agricultural press, 

 and through the agency of the Government's agricultural experts. 



