370 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECORD. 



Artificial insemination in birds, E. Ivanov {Compt. Rend. 8oc. Biol. 

 [Paris], 75 {1913), No. 31, pp. 371-374; abs. in Jour. Roy. Micros. Soc. [London], 

 No. 1 (1914), p. 34). — The author has effected artificial insemination of hens 

 and pheasants, and reports that a small percentage of the hens laid fertile 

 eggs which developed. 



Shipping eggs by parcel post, L. B. Flohb ( U. 8. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 

 594 (1914), PP- 20, figs. 6). — In the experiments reported in this study in 

 cooperation with the Post Office Department approximately 761 doz. eggs were 

 sent through the mails in 466 shipments of from 1 to 10 doz. each. The total 

 breakage was 327 eggs, of which 118 were only cracked or slightly broken and 

 were usable. Of the 209 broken beyond use, 91 were broken because the 

 parcels containing them were handled contrary to postal rules and regulations. 

 Subtracting these, the loss was less than 1.3 per cent. 



In the shipment of eggs it is advised that only fresh well-preserved eggs and 

 preferably nonfertile eggs be sent. In trials made of a large number of styles 

 and makes of containers quite a number proved satisfactory. 



Complete details of methods of shipment and a suggested form of agreement 

 between producer and consumer are given. 



Eggs from China, G. E. Anderson, R. E. Mansfield, A. P. Wilder, and E. L. 

 Neville {Daily Cons, and Trade Rpts. [U. S.], 17 {1914), ^o. 71, pp. 1142- 

 1145). — Notes on the Chinese exportation of fresh eggs and egg products, 

 principally egg albumin, to the United States. 



Table rabbit production, P. E. Wilson {Newport {Salop), England, pp. 45, 

 pi. 1, figs. 10). — This booklet treats of the breeding, feed, care, management, 

 killing, and dressing of rabbits for food production. 



Economic value of North American skunks, D. E. Lantz ( U. S. Dept. Agr., 

 Farmers' Bui. 5S7 {1914), PP- 22, figs. 10). — This publication discusses the value 

 of skunks to agriculture as destroyers of rodents and injurious insects, their 

 value as fur bearers, and the possibilities of raising them for their fur. Methods 

 of feed, care, and management for commercial purposes are discussed. It is 

 suggested that these animals should be protected everywhere by a close season 

 of at least 9 months, but the right of farmers to destroy predatory skunks 

 should be reserved. 



DAIRY FAEMING— DAIRYING. 



Department of dairy husbandry, C. H. Eckles {Missouri Sta. Bui. Ill 

 {1914), PP- 421-423). — Portions of this report, relating to nutrients required for 

 milk production and the characteristics of carotin have been reported from 

 another source (E. S. R., 30, p. 773; 31, p. 273). 



Results obtained in experiments made to determine the nutrients required 

 to develop the fetus " confirm those previously reported that the amount of feed 

 required to develop the fetus is so small that it cannot be measured by weigh- 

 ing the animal and taking the weights and analyses of the feed. In other 

 words the fetus may be developed on a maintenance ration. A cow in produc- 

 ing about 200 lbs. of milk produces as much dry matter and of much the same 

 composition, except in regard to the ash, which varies in certain respects, as 

 would be required to develop the fetus." 



In feeding cotton-seed products in combination with other grains results as to 

 the composition of the milk and butter were obtained identical with those ob- 

 tained in feeding cotton-seed meal containing equal quantities of' oil. This 

 indicates that the results from cotton-seed meal feeding are due to the oil 

 content. 



