PRAIRIE FARMER'S POULTRY BOOK 



Bgg organs showing ovary, oviduct and 

 cloaca. The expanded opening into the ovi- 

 duct is the infundibulum. 



The ovary comprises a cluster of spherical bodies, oocytes, which lie 

 to the left side of the back, just beneath the spine. These bodies are at 

 first but microscopic points, but they are living, protoplasmic cells. 

 They develop into the yolks and are surrounded by a delicate membrane 

 known as the ovisac, or follicle. When the yolk becomes ripe, the 

 follicle cleaves and allows the yolk to escape into the oviduct. 



The oviduct is a convoluted tube, about 18 inches in length. The 

 funnel-like mouth of the oviduct is called the infundibulum. As the 

 yolk is conveyed downward through the oviduct it receives, in the upper 

 portion, the albumen; in the central portion the membranes surrounding 

 the egg are formed; and, in the lower end, lime is secreted to form 

 the shell. Soon after the completed egg passes into the cloaca it is 

 covered with a mucous deposit, or film, which serves to prevent the 

 evaporation of the egg contents and also, in some degree, prevents the 

 access of germs and harmful substances from without. The muscular 

 walls of the cloaca are used to expel the egg. 



[16] 



