162 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
Some observations on the results obtained from this pair of 
hybrids (brother and sister) may not be out of place. 
(1) The first thing that strikes one is the large number of eggs 
laid by this one hen. Since Ist June, 1906, up to date, Ist June, 
1907, she has laid no less than 100 eggs, a very good average for an 
ordinary hen. Her mother,acommon mongrel domestic, probably 
never laid more than sixty or seventy perannum. At first the eggs 
were never removed from the nest and then she laid usually six or 
seven eggs. A noticeable feature was the wonderful way in which 
she fouled hereggs. When they were not removed they all became 
exceedingly dirty. Later the eggs were dated as laid, and each day 
an egg was removed, always leaving the last laid one in the nest. 
It was only since this was done that she laid so well and failed to 
become broody, and the cleanliness of the eggs was secured. 
(2) Another interesting point is that this hen so seldom becomes 
broody. From 1st June, 1906, upto date, lst June, 1907, she was 
only broody three times ; twice she sat the full time, and on the 
third occasion forsook her nest after about one week. 
(3) The low percentage of fertile eggs in each batch is very strik- 
ing. Usually thereis only one fertile egg in a batch. This is very 
remarkable. In the case of turkeys, after the cock treads the hen 
the whole batch of her eggs are fertile, although the cock is removed 
and treads the hen no more. The fertilization is sufficient for all 
the eggs. And it is generally supposed that one treading of a hen 
by a rooster is sufficient to fertilize several eggs. This is apparently 
not the case with the hybrids. It may be noted that no one has 
ever yet observed this hybrid cock tread this hybrid hen. Further- 
more when more than one egg ina batch has been fertilized, it has 
been noticed that it is not consecutive eggs that are fertile; the 
fertile eggs are at irregular intervals. What conclusion is to be 
drawn? That the cock only fertilizes one egg for one treading? And 
that he only treads the hen at irregular intervals, and not daily ? Or, 
that if he does so daily only a few odd eggs are really fertilized ? 
Is it a lack of fertility in the male ? } 
(4) The low percentage of fertile eggs to hatch out.—Only two chickens 
have been hatched out. Only three quite full-term chicks have been 
found dead in the shell. Only two near full-term chicks dead have 
been found in the eggs. Several eggs have been addled ; and one 
only had a quite young dead embryo. 
(5) The low percentage of viability of the chicks when hatched.— 
Only two chickens, and they died after eighteen and twelve days 
respectively. They seem sturdy and robust enough when hatched, 
but go off in the second or third week. Deductions cannot of course 
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