990 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 37 



Eggs. 



QUESTION How can eggs for hatching be safely packed for 

 shipment ? 



ANSWER Use common splint baskets such as can be purchased 

 from the grocer at about 35 cents per dozen. Line the bottom and 

 sides with excelsior about an inch thick. Take a small quantity 

 and shape it about like a bird's nest and place an egg in it, after 

 which close the opening well over the egg, making it round like a 

 ball. Prepare each egg in this manner, pack them in the basket, 

 place a thick layer of excelsior on top, and cover with a piece of 

 muslin, sewing the edges down through the sides of the basket with 

 a heavy darning needle and twine. There are other methods, but 

 this, one insures absolute safety if properly done. Egg boxes and 

 patent carriers are less trouble, but are much less protection to the 

 iggs and are responsible for many poor hatches. 



QUESTION How long can eggs be kept by the water glass 

 method ? 



ANSWER From nine to twelve months. 



QUESTION What is the best method of preserving eggs? 



ANSWER Careful tests have been made with various com- 

 pounds, and Water Glass has in each case proven most satisfactory. 

 It is also called Soluble Glass. The chemical name is silicate of 

 sodium or silicate of potassium. It can be purchased at any drug 

 store, and costs about 50 cents per gallon, which is sufficient to 

 preserve 50 dozen eggs. To one quart of Water Glass add ten quarts 

 of water. It is best to use water that has been boiled and is per- 

 fectly clean. The eggs should be wiped clean, but should not be 

 washed. Earthenware jars are best for storing the eggs, which 

 should be entirely submerged in the liquid. If wooden barrels or 

 kegs are used, see that they are first thoroughly scalded with boiling 

 water. 



QUESTION What is a fair price for eggs from the highest 

 grade of stock? 



ANSWER Three dollars to five dollars per setting. The latter 

 price prevails among most breeders of national reputation. 



QUESTION Will eggs with mottled shells hatch? 

 ANSWER Very seldom. 



