MOLDS, SMUTS, AND BACTERIA 117 



dreds of birds actually averaged from 125 to 130 eggs 

 each year. If we note also, in this connection, that 

 the average as reported for the country has, in past 

 censuses, lain considerably below 100, we shall get 

 a still clearer view of how the owner's interests may 

 influence his judgment, admitting that all have given 

 their honest opinion. 



A second question, as to when the variety reaches 

 laying maturity, was answered so variously as to make 

 one wonder if there were any general basis of judg- 

 ment. The time given varied from "four and five 

 months " to " seven months " and " six to eight 

 months." Is it not fair to ask whether this is actual 

 variation, actual guessing, or variation in habits of 

 mind in the owners ? 



Or, is it pertinent to inquire whether molds, smuts, 

 bacteria, or the scores of other differences in environ- 

 ment or feeding or handling, could make all these vari- 

 ations in results in one single point ? 



The great point to be made in connection with dis- 

 eases due to molds, several of which are grouped as 

 species of aspergillosis, when mentioned scientifically, is 

 that they do not tend to yield to treatment. This means 

 that the one way to avoid the losses which they threaten 

 is to prevent their incursions. In nature, they fasten 

 themselves preferably to dead organic matter, but they 

 are very adaptable, and can exist under varying con- 

 ditions. The puffball is a familiar form of fungus which 

 takes on a dusty condition. The fungi which cause as- 

 pergillosis, though not so much in evidence as the puff- 

 balls, haunt the dusty particles which rise from musty 

 grains, straw, etc. 



