50 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



and reproductive power within itself, this cell divides, 

 each half then enlarging until it has increased to the 

 size of the mother-cell. Next each of the two new cells 

 divides and forms another pair of cells and they grow 

 to the size of their parent cells. If this process con- 

 tinues to a considerable extent, the multiplication and 

 crowding together of cells causes the beginning embryo 

 to present a surface appearance, which is termed the 

 "mulberry" stage of development. If the germ-cell thus 

 develops to a considerable degree within the oviduct 

 and the egg is then laid and kept warm by successive 

 hens laying in the same nest or by a broody hen sit- 

 ting in the nest, cell division may continue and em- 

 bryonic development be carried too far to allow of a 

 halt in the process, such as naturally and safely occurs 

 when the egg is cooled soon after it is laid. 



TEEATMENT AND CAKE OF EGGS BEFORE INCUBATING. 



(After seriously studying the structure and forma- 

 tion of an egg, the poultryman comes to realize that it 

 is a delicate living organism requiring careful treat- 

 ment, especially if it is to be used for hatching into a 

 live, lusty chick. 



The eggs s^-ould be collected, by clean hands, from 

 the laying nests frequently enough to avoid any danger 

 of premature incubation or of subjection to freezing 

 temperature. Cleanliness of the eggs is insured if the 

 nesting material is renewed before it becomes dirty and 

 the fowls have dry or well littered quarters, consequently 

 clean feet, and are kept from roosting on or in the 

 nests. 



Keep the eggs in a cool place but safe from freez- 

 ing. The air of the place should be pure but not dry 

 enough or in motion sufficiently to cause evaporation 

 of any of the liquid contents of the eggs. The air-cell 

 is an index of the last mentioned condition. If the air- 

 cell enlarges there has been loss of the liquid portion of 

 the egg to some extent by evaporation through the pores 

 of the shell. 



It is natural for an egg to rest upon its side and it 



