A GUIDE FOR KEEPERS OF POULTRY 317 
idea of the difference between the amount realized for 
eggs as they are commonly handled and the valuation 
placed on really high-grade goods may be obtained by a 
comparison of the average price of eggs in New York as 
they are commonly handled and strictly high-grade ones, 
as shown in the subjoined table. 
eae ‘ioaenyotatees | Wholesale price 
in New York. Strictly fresh eggs. 
TADUMU Vere ea ty eS A Be Seaweed 25 Re. Le. 
February .... .... SA bts: 4c. 
19.3¢. Re, 
16.9¢. 30c. 
16.6¢, 3le. 
15.5. 32c. 
ey) 15.6¢. 35. 
AUPUSt. coos sa! cases Sere bee an aided lite. 38c. 
SEDtEMDEVmeteessae quar adietsaalad aps 20.7¢. 40c. 
October....... «+ Ape OE RE Atte el RAs 42c, 
November 26.0c. 45¢ 
Deemer ssiys edisga. aeta- serae gee ig oe oA Qe. ae. 
These figures were obtained by the Bureau of Animal 
Industry from a firm doing an extensive business in eggs 
in New York City. 
While on occasion deleterious bacteria may be found in 
eggs as soon as they are laid, the chance of their presence 
then is so remote that it amounts practically to nothing. 
It is quite possible for bacteria to penetrate to the inside 
of the shell of an egg if it is not properly cared for. In 
its natural state the shell of an egg is lined with a tough 
membrane made up of innumerable fibers crossing each 
other in every direction. As long as the egg is kept dry 
no bacteria can penetrate this membrane, but if the egg 
