THE EGG. 



CHAPTER III. 



WHAT IS AN EGG? 

 P. H. JACOBS. 



THE egg is the storehouse in which is deposited not 

 only the germ of the future chick, but also of the 

 elements that serve as food during the growth of 

 the chick until it breaks forth complete in form as a 

 living creature. All creatures of the animal kind are hatched 

 from eggs, not excepting man himself. The embryo animal 

 is gradually nourished from its conception until birth the 

 necessary warmth, moisture and food being imparted to it 

 by degrees, the period of time necessary for its growth, with 

 some animals, extending over a year's duration ; but the hen 

 stores within the shell of an egg certain elements which are con- 

 nected by heat into many compounds within a brief space of 

 time, and which finally result in the production of a living 

 creature complete in all respects. 



An animal is hatched within the body of its dam ; but the 

 chick may be hatched outside of the body by its dam, by some 

 other bird, or even by artificial process. The incubation of 

 the chick is similar to the germination and growth of the 

 seeds of plants heat and moisture being the agencies. The 

 egg must therefore contain every element that enters into the 

 composition of the chick. The hen, in being compelled to 

 hatch her young outside of her body, is imposed with an 

 arduous duty. Within the brief period of twenty-four hours 

 she not only provides the necessary elements that are converted 



