f,9 THE TRAP XKST TEXT BOOK 



We are also taught by tlie.se things to be cautious about forming 

 opinions from slight evidence. 



We are taught that it is well to have all the trap nests in the pen 

 accurate nests. 



We are taught that when the nests are grouped together and all look 

 alike the hens are not so likely to become so attached to one not that 

 they will lay outside of it if it is occupied. 



We are taught that the entrance to the nest should be so high above 

 the floor that a hen inside cannot pull in an e>yji that might happen to 

 lie laid on the outside. 



We are taught that broody hens should be removed from the pen, or 

 broken up. as soon as they cease laying. 



We are reminded that appearances are deceitful and that it is very 

 easv to be mistaken. The importance of installing nests enough to take 

 care of the daily egg yield with such a system of attention as we are 

 able, or care to give them, is also shown. 



CHAPTER VI. 



FERTILITY. 



Fertility. Foundation principles underlying fertility. Conditions necessary 

 for good fertility. Causes of infertility. A big hatch. How soon after mating 

 will fertility become established, and how long will fertility continue after 

 mating has ceased? The question answered. Causes of failure with incubators. 



THE all-important question of fertility, as it applies to the breeding 

 of poultry, can best be studied from the available facts relating to 

 the union of the sexes in the higher orders of animal life because those 

 higher forms have been more closely studied by competent people, and 

 a more serious and general interest has brought out the facts. 



Nature is very lavish in her provisions for the reproduction of any 

 specie*. The female is supplied with a far greater number of eggs than 

 will ever become fei'lili/.ed and developed into counterparts of the 

 parents. The male can and does supply a much greater number of fer- 

 tilizing agents than can possibly be utilized by tin" female's eggs. 



A short period of service by :■ male bird might, if conditions within 

 the female permitted, fertilize every egg that she could ever lay. Those 



fiivoralil mditions do not, hovM'ver, exist. To my mind the leading 



causes for infertility ill the poultry yard are excessive service, imperfect 

 union, and no union at all. Lack of vigor having an effect onlv as be- 

 ing contributory to these causes. 



