558 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



time as ancient as Horace, was, that long eggs would produce cocks, and those of a rounder 

 form, pullets. Another ancient author, Columella, also advances the same theory. This 

 theory is also entertained by poultry breeders of the present day. Others affirm that the sex 

 can be determined by the position of the air cell in the egg. The exact location of the air 

 cell can usually be determined, by going into a darkened room and holding the egg between 

 the eyes and the light. It will be found in many different positions, sometimes at the end of 

 the egg, near the large end, and at the side, or midway between the end and side. It is 

 thought by many, that if the air cell lies at the end of the egg, a cock will be produced, 

 while if it lies at the side, a pullet will be the result. If an egg is full, or has no air cell 

 whatever, it should not be used for sitting, as such eggs will not hatch. It has been found, 

 by many experiments, that the early eggs of pullets will produce a larger proportion of cocks 

 than pullets. 



No rule has yet been determined as strictly reliable, but we are inclined to the opinion 

 that when a large proportion of pullets are desired, the oval, rather than the long eggs should 

 be chosen for setting, and such as have the air cell at or near the side; while if a majority of 

 cocks are preferred, the large eggs having the air cell at the large end should be selected. 

 One poultry breeder says: &quot;Out of the hatchings of three hens, the percentage of pullets 

 from eggs with the spot on the side near the end, was about nine-tenths of the number living.&quot; 



Another extensive breeder gives the result of his experience as follows: &quot;First sittings, 

 Eggs taken as they come from the nest; fifty -three chickens, gave twenty-eight cocks and 

 twenty-five pullets. Second trial. Eggs picked with the air sack more on the side than on 

 the end. Result, thirty-five chicks twenty-four pullets, eleven cocks. Third trial. Eggs 

 picked with great care, the position of the air sack marked with a pencil by lamp-light, and 

 none set but those that had the air sack well past the center of the top of the egg. Result, 

 thirty-one chickens twenty-seven pullets, four cocks. Fourth trial. Eggs picked with 

 the air sack on the top of the egg. Result, sixteen chickens fourteen cocks, two 

 pullets. Fifth trial. Eggs taken as they come from the nest. Result, thirty-eight chick 

 ens seventeen cocks, twenty-one pullets. My breeding stock were White Leghorns. 

 Hens, two years old; cocks, ten months. Another fact I wish to mention. The cocks from 

 the eggs with the sack on the side were all lop-combed, feminine-looking, not one fit to breed 

 from; while the fourteen eggs with the air-sack on the top were all fine, well-shaped birds. 

 In examining the eggs, I find there are nearly one-third where it is impossible to determine 

 the air bubble, being neither on the top or sides, but about half way between. Those I 

 discarded.&quot; 



Although the above rule may not prove strictly reliable in every case, other conditions 

 having a modifying influence to a certain extent, yet we believe it to be the most reliable 

 that has ever been adopted. 



Care of Chickens. Chickens require no food whatever for twenty-four hours after 

 hatching, as there is sufficient nutriment in the egg to sustain them for a time. When taken 

 from the nest as soon as hatched, they should be put in a warm place in a basket in which is 

 a sufficient supply of cotton, wool, flannel, or other warm, soft material to put under and 

 cover them, until the whole brood is hatched. Care should be used not to cover them too 

 closely, or put them where the heat will be so great as to smother them. Young chickens 

 are very tender, and consequently are sensitive to either too much cold or heat. We 

 have known of large numbers being killed by having the basket containing them thought 

 lessly put under or too near a hot stove. Never remove the little horny scale seen at the end 

 of every young chicken s bill, as is the stupid custom with many ignorant persons. Their 

 beaks are very soft and tender, and would be liable to be injured by such harsh treatment. 



The first meal should be hard-boiled egg, chopped fine; this should be continued three 

 or four days. Always give the hen all she will eat of wheat, corn, or meal mush; give her 



