ANIMAL PRODUCTION. 903 



eggp. As shown by tests with different sorts of incubators, the eggs laid l)y lot 1 

 (groimd grain) hatched slightly better than those from either of the other lots, but 

 in the author's opinion this was due to the fact that the pullets were fed grain in the 

 form of a mash. The eggs laid by lot 2, fed some ground grain, should have hatched 

 better than those laid l)y lot 3, feed all whole grain, l)ut such was not the case. The 

 observed facts are explained on the ground that the pullets in lot 1 were relatively 

 heavier than those in the other lots. 



The relative merits of heavy and light rations were tested with 2 lots each con- 

 taining 12 Rhode Island Red pullets, 8 2-year-old hens, and 2 cockerels. During the 

 test, which began in December and covered some 7 months, lot 1, fed a heavy 

 ration of grain and beef scraps, laid a total of 1,139 eggs and lot 2, fed a light ration 

 of similar character, laid 930 eggs, the total amount of feed consumed in the 2 cases 

 being 1,056.5 lbs. and 857.4 ll)s. Data are also recorded regarding the weight of the 

 poultrj' during the test proper and a month's preliminary feeding. As shown by the 

 average of a number of tests with incubators, 66.8 per cent of the eggs from lot 1 

 (heavy ration) which were tested hatched as compared with 55.9 per cent of those 

 from lot 2 (limited ration). 



In another test made mider ])ractically the same conditions with 2 lots, each con- 

 taining 20 White Leghorn pullets and 2 cockerels, and covering 166 days, lot 1 laid 

 1,358 eggs, consuming a total of 954 lbs. of grain with some beef scrap, while lot 2 laid 

 1,028 eggs, consuming 709 lbs. of the same feed as lot 1. In this case also incubator 

 tests showed that the eggs from lil)erally fed fowls hatched better than those from 

 fowls fed a limited ration. 



"The results of these two tests should be construed as indicating that when the 

 conditions are favorable for normal egg production, then the eggs will liatch better 

 than when the conditious are unfavorable. On the other hand, it is quite proliable 

 and snl)stantiated by experience, that l)reeds that are less active than the Leghorn, 

 wlien sTipplied too lil)erally with food, become so fat that neither do the eggs hatch 

 well nor are the chicks strong and vigorous." 



The comparati\e fertility of eggs laid by hens, included in a previously reported 

 test (E. 8. R., 14, p. 902) on the comparative value of beef scrap, ground meat and 

 bone, and milk an)umen as sources of protein, were also studied. No material 

 differences were oliserved which could l»e attributed to the feeding stuffs tested. 



The effect of different feeding stuffs on the color of egg yolks and tlie flavor of eggs 

 was studied, the grains included being corn, wheat, oats, Canada field peas, cowpeas, 

 soy 1 )eans, peanuts, and sunflower seed. The flavoring materials used were trimethyl- 

 aniin, celery oil, and sassafras oil. Beef scrap constituted part of all the rations excejit 

 in one case, where it was replaced l)y smoked herring. The green feed consisted of 

 sugar beets, which it is said were readily eaten. 



"Quite contrary to expectations the flavor of the eggs was not noticea]>ly altered 

 by any of the rations or flavoring materials employed. . . . 



"Tlie different rations, however, very clearly affected the color of the yolks. 

 When the grain ration consisted of wheat, oats, or white corn, fed either alone or in 

 coMibination with each other, the yolks were so light colored that the eggs would be 

 quite unsuitable for fancy trade. When the grain supply consisted entirely of white 

 corn, the yolks were very light colored, while on the other hand, the feeding of 

 yellow corn imparted to the yolks that rich yellow color which is so(lesiral)le." 



The importance of mineral matter and the value of grit for chicks, W. P. 

 Wiiep:ler {Xcv York Stale Sta. Bui. 242, pp. 293-314). — With a view to learning the 

 value of different inorganic substances as part of a ration for young chickens with 

 reference to the nutritive material which they supply and their value from a mechani- 

 cal standpoint, 7 series of feeding experiments were undertaken. Usually the trials 

 extended over 10 or 12 weeks and w(M'e l)egun with chickens 1 to 3 weeks old. In 

 every case the groups studied were fed alike except for the mineral iK>rtion of the 

 ration. 



