THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 21 



the whole of the feathered tribe there are others altogether hidden from 

 our observation, and of which, from our very limited faculties, we must ever 

 remain ignorant." 



THE FERTILITY OF EGGS. 



There is no difficulty whatever in testing the fertility of eggs. The way 

 to ascertain unfertile eggs at as early a period as possible is to take them 

 into a room moderately dark, and hold them between the eye and a candle or 

 lamp, in the manner represented in the engraving on the preceding page. The 

 eggs under a setting hen should be examined at least as early as the eighth 

 day after she commences incubation. If the egg be fertile, it will appear 

 opaque, or dark all over, except, perhaps, a small portion towards the top ; 

 but if it be unimpregnated, it will be still translucent, the light passing 

 through it almost as if new laid. After some experience the eggs can be dis- 

 tinguished at an earlier period, and a practiced hand can tell the unfertile 

 eggs even at the fourth day. Should the number withdrawn be considerable, 

 four batches set the same day may be given to three hens, or even two, and 

 the remainder given fresh eggs ; and if not, the fertile eggs will get more 

 heat, and the brood come out all the stronger. 



THE PROPER FOOD AND FEEDING. 



NEVER stint poultry in the variety or quality of their food. Good food 

 is positive economy. The best and heaviest corn is the cheapest. The best 

 food is that which gives the most of what nature demands for the formation 

 of muscle, bone and fat. Fine bran, or middlings, is richer in two of these 

 important ingredients than any other one kind . of food ; but being deficient 

 in gluten, is not warmth-giving, and is better when combined with whole 

 grain, which, when mashed, forms a most wholesome and nutritious diet. 

 Barley is much used in Europe, but should never be the only food in the 

 poultry yard. Fowls do not fatten on it, though for a time they will thrive. 

 Oats are good as a change, but inferior in nutriment ; if they are browned 

 or roasted and given freely, they prove a good egg-producing food. Buck- 

 wheat, however, is the best food to make fowls lay early. They devour the 



