IMPEOVEMENT OP THE FARM EGG. 



CARELESS METHODS OF TRANSPORTATION FROM FARM TO VILLAGE. 



While this element of egg deterioration does not cause a marked loss 

 or change in itself, because it occupies a relatively brief time, it is 

 nevertheless a contributing factor. In figure 1 of Plate IV is shown a 

 picture of the farmer and his family on their way to market. . This 

 particular drive was one of 8 miles and the egg case was exposed to 

 the sun's rays during the entire trip. At the time the picture was 

 taken the thermometer registered 106 F. on the top of the egg case. 



THE FARMER'S MARKET. 



The farmer may market his eggs through any one of the following 

 agencies: (1) The country store; (2) the cash buyer; (3) the huck- 

 ster; and (4) the cooperative creamery. Of these four outlets the 

 country store is by far the most important. The reason why this 

 system is so universal, together with the effect it has on the quality 

 of the eggs, have already been discussed (see p. 14). 



PRESENT FEATURES OF STORE DEALING. 



Under the present system of buying loss-off, or on a quality basis, 

 many of the storekeepers in Kansas have relinquished the handling 

 of farm eggs. This is due in part to the fact that the merchant does 

 not feel that he can go to the expense and trouble of candling, and also 

 to the fact that if in defiance of the pure-food laws of the State he 

 attempts to continue on the case-count basis, at the same time offer- 

 ing as much as his competitors who are buying on the loss-off basis, 

 he is experiencing a much heavier loss on his eggs than formerly. 

 If he does not offer as much as his competitors he is likely to get only 

 the most undesirable class of eggs, which will increase his loss still 

 more. What this loss may amount to in a single week will be seen 

 from Table 9. The figures given were secured from one of the car- 

 lot shippers and taken direct from the report of his candlers. 



TABLE 9. Candler's report, slioicing losses in eggs received during one week in 



August, 1910. 



In buying on the loss-off basis, the storekeeper would in all proba- 

 bility have made no distinction between the firsts and seconds, but 



