Rural School Leaflet 1155 



type as to size, color, and texture. Pure-bred fowls will be likely to lay 

 eggs similar to the eggs from which they were hatched. In other words, 

 the kind of eggs that are selected for hatching will determine the kind 

 of eggs that will be laid by the chickens that are hatched. 



When eggs from the same variety of fowls are compared, the size of an 

 egg apparently determines to a considerable extent the size of the chicken 

 that will hatch from it. Therefore, in order to have chickens of good 

 size, good-sized eggs must be set. Hence, there are at least two good 

 reasons why all the eggs that are selected for hatching should be full 

 size, perfect in shape, and of the right color and texture. 



Eggs for hatching should weigh at least two ounces and should not 

 exceed two and one-half ounces each. They should be perfect in shape 

 so that they will pack well in the shipping case, that is, so that they will 

 fill the compartments without danger of lireakage from top or side pressure. 

 They should be unifonn in color, that is, each egg should be of one color 

 and the right color over its entire surface, and all the eggs in the case 

 should be of the same color. The two colors that are most in demand 

 are pure white and pure brown. There are many degrees of white and 

 of brown in eggs, which will be seen only when the eggs are carefully 

 examined in a good light. 



The texture of the eggshell should be smooth, hard, and free from 

 transparent spots when examined with a tester. Eggs having defective 

 shells are not so likely to hatch well or to produce strong chickens. 



Eggs for hatching should be kept in a moist, cool place not over 50° 

 to 60° F. and for not more than a week or ten days if it can be avoided. 

 They should be turned every day or two, and should be kept covered so 

 as to prevent too rapid evaporation. 



Selecting eggs for hatching is interesting and useful work for any boy 

 or girl. It will also prove to be profitable work. 



vn. hatching eggs with a hen 

 Clara M. Nixon 



Every one who has tried to set and care for a hen so that a good brood 

 of healthy chickens will hatch, knows that it is no slight task. Education 

 is needed for this as well as for other kinds of work. 



The hen. — The hen should be all ready to receive the eggs when they 

 arrive. She should be of moderate size. If too heavy, she may break 

 the eggs; if too small, she can cover a few only. She should be quiet 

 and peaceable, a hen that may be handled without being frightened, 

 and one that is likely to stay on her nest in a l^usinesslike fashion. 



Do not trust the hen with wiluable eggs until you are sure she intends 

 to sit. It will be better to give her two or three other eggs (china eggs 



