CHAP. IV. 



PACKING OF EGGS. 



625 



and misshapen ones are either infertile or produce monstrosities. The 



only safe way is to select fair-sized, even- shelled eggs. These, if 



fertile, and well sat on, may be expected to hatch satisfactorily, and 



we have often known such eggs, sent to 



or received from America, produce 75 per 



cent, of chickens. It may be accepted, also, 



that eggs are better set as soon as possible 



after they are laid, but for obvious reasons 



this is not always practicable ; and, if kept in 



bran, small end up, and turned over every 



day or two, we should have no fear in setting 



them when a month old. The fact we have 



just mentioned respecting those sent to 



America is proof enough of this. 



But the packing and carriage of eggs have 

 a very great deal to do with their success 

 in hatching. If they have to be transported 

 in any way, the best plan is to get a basket 

 or hamper, and cover the bottom and line the 

 sides with soft hay ; first wrap every egg separately in soft paper, and 

 then with fine hay or dry moss, and pack them in the basket so that 

 they will be kept firmly in position. They will thus travel hundreds 

 or thousands of miles, and bear more than a reasonable amount of 

 knocking about in perfect safety, for the whole is of a springy nature, 

 and a jerk is almost impossible. Eggs can, of course, be packed in 

 boxes the same way, but there is no elasticity in these, and when put 



Fig. 178.-Egg Box. 



Fig. 179. Egg Box with Wood Wool Packing. 



down at ail roughly there is the sudden jerk we have spoken of. Packing 

 with sawdust or bran in a wooden box is ridiculous, and if we were 

 purchasing eggs we should refuse to accept them if sent in that way. 

 In this context it is only right, however, to mention that several patent 

 egg-boxes have been introduced which are admirable in their arrange- 



s s 



