REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC FOWL 103 



Since the first class indicates the number of discharged ova, it 

 theoretically ought to conform closely with the total number of 

 eggs laid. However, as the follicles are being constantly ab- 

 sorbed they eventually reach a stage where it is difficult to deter- 

 mine positively if they are follicles or parts of connective tissue. 

 It was practically impossible to measure every oocyte, conse- 

 quently the last three divisions are approximate, but conform 

 very closel}^, since, if there was any doubt, the oocyte was 

 measured. 



In making the counts small pieces of the ovary were separated, 

 placed in a dish of w^ater, and teased apart in order to distinguish 

 the ova. Only such ova were counted as could be seen with 

 the unaided eye. A low-power dissecting lens was used in this 

 work, not to find more ova, but to assist in more readily and 

 accurately counting those that could be seen. 



DATA 



In table 1 are collected together all the data collected at the 

 Maine Station on the number of visible oocytes in the ovaries 

 of birds, including the counts of the earlier paper as well as those 

 of the present investigation. The old counts are designated by 

 asterisks. Within each breed the birds are arranged in descend- 

 ing order of total number of visible oocytes. 



A word should be said concerning cases 25, 26, 27 and 28. The 

 two Pekin ducks were both in a healthy condition and ovaries 

 were apparently functioning. In the case of no. 26 this was 

 certain, since an egg was found in the uterus. In case of no. 28, 

 a Toulouse goose, the ovary seemed to be in a very unhealthy 

 condition, as all the larger and some of the smaller oocytes were 

 being absorbed. The tissue was very tender and several oocytes 

 were broken in removing the ovary from the body and in placing 

 it in the preservative, so that although the ovary is credited with 

 two follicles it is doubtful if the bird ever laid an egg. 



Case no. 27, a young ^oose, hatched in the spring of 1912, 

 proved a very desirable bird. She had a large ovary (199 grams) 

 in a very active stage of production. An egg was found in the 

 oviduct. The eleven oocytes over 1 cm. in diameter ranged in 

 weight from 2 to 32 grams. The five largest weighed 32, 31.5, 



