ANOMALOUS EGGS. 211 



the anomalous structure of eggs. In a state of 

 nature eggs are much more regular in their size 

 and other characters than in a state of domesti- 

 cation. Whether the cause be an increased 

 abundance of food, or some other circumstance, 

 cannot be determined ; but it is certain that 

 man exerts an extraordinary influence upon the 

 creatures which he retains about his dwelling. 

 In the flower-garden this influence is most remark- 

 able, many of our flowers being never seen in 

 their present condition in a state of nature. 

 Over animals, too, the same influence, though to 

 a smaller extent, is exerted; and in the case of 

 the common hen, which sometimes produces regu- 

 lar eggs, we are justified in supposing that it is 

 partly due to the same influence, although we are 

 unable to explain its precise mode of operation. 



The hen occasionally produces some most whim- 

 sically-formed eggs. A correspondent of the 

 Magazine of Natural History describes one which 

 fell under his notice, which weighed 1425 grains, 

 and was as uncouth in shape as it was extraor- 

 dinary in point of size. The shell was divided 

 into three compartments or swellings, and con- 

 tained three yolks. It was upwards of three 



