146 The Hen at Work 



living germ clearly, neither do they show dead 

 germs or rings. If incubation has been very rapid 

 this may indicate an advanced stage of growth, 

 and an exceptionally strong chick. It is a good 

 plan to number such eggs, note their condition in 

 a book, and keep track of them when the hatch 

 comes off. Then we can have a better idea of 

 what such eggs are likely to do another time. 



Second Testing. — In most works on poultry 

 we are recommended to test the eggs again the 

 fourteenth day. This is to note the growth of 

 the air space in the big end, and also to detect 

 any germs that have died since first testing. The 

 amateur, however, would probably have his trouble 

 for his pains in going through the eggs again. It 

 is now by no means easy to judge the condition 

 within the shell, and only an expert can make 

 much use of the information. 



The number of eggs that would be detected in 

 this second testing is small always, and where 

 incubator space is not needed for other eggs, there 

 is little advanage gained. Unless the beginner is 

 interested in this particular work he will be as well 

 off to give a careful test the sixth day and let it go 

 at that. 



