12 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE FARM EGG. 



and C. The 66,449 dozen " rots represent a loss of $9,967.35. Thus 

 there is from eggs thrown out and from those depreciated in quality a 

 total loss of $15,158.61, or 14.3 per cent of the original value, and this 

 does not include the possible losses from seconds and checks in 

 locality A. 



The following table, giving the weekly receipts of still another 

 buyer, shows the percentage that were classed as " firsts " during the 

 months of June to October, 1910, inclusive. 



TABLE 2. Percentage of eggs classed as firsts in weekly receipts of one buyer. 



The figures given above are based on an average weekly business of 

 15,000 dozen eggs. The decline in quality with the increased severity 

 of the summer heat can be readily traced. This decline reached its 

 maximum during the last week of July and the first week of August, 

 when the weather was unusually warm. After this time the number 

 of eggs classed as " firsts " rapidly increased. It should be kept in 

 mind, however, that in classing these eggs as " firsts," practically all 

 except " rots," spots, blood rings, badly heated eggs, and broken eggs 

 were included. The apparent improvement does not, therefore, indi- 

 cate that there had been any improvement in shrunken eggs or others 

 less badly deteriorated. 



These two tables show a serious condition, which, moreover, is not 

 limited to the particular cases specified, but is widespread and com- 

 mon. Under the case-count system of buying the producer stands 

 this loss, although, as will be explained later, he does not realize it. 

 How much better it would be for a system of marketing to be brought 

 into general use which would make him realize this loss directty and 

 thereby provide an incentive to market his eggs in a more careful and 

 rational manner. The so-called " loss-off " is such a system. Needless 

 to say a strong effort is being made by this bureau to encourage the 

 introduction of this system. 



FACTORS INFLUENCING QUALITY IN EGGS. 

 THE CASE-COUNT SYSTEM Or BUYING. 



Viewed from the standpoint of progress and the improvement of 

 the poultry industry of the Middle West, the system of marketing in 

 general use in this great producing section known to the trade as the 



