BREEDING 



91 



connection between the oviduct and the ovary, and Lillie^ 

 adds that "The existence of double-yolked eggs renders 

 it probable that the oviduct can pick up eggs that have 

 escaped into the body cavity." 



FiQ. 36 



The oviduct of a hen in full laying, showing the funnel at the upper part 

 of the photograph. (Courtesy of Raymond Pearl.) 



According to Surface^ the oviduct is divided into five 

 more or less clearly defined regions. Beginning at the end 

 nearest the ovary, these. are: (1) the funnel; (2) the albumen 

 secreting portion; (3) the isthmus, which secretes the shell 

 membrane; (4) the uterus or shell gland; (5) the vagina, 

 which leads into the cloacal opening. 



Formation and Fertilization of the Egg.' — In the formation of 

 an egg, the yolk comes to its full size in the ovary. It starts 

 as a tiny sphere not visible to the unaided eye. Its nucleus) 

 which marks the point of the development of the embryo 

 chick after fertilization, is in approximately a central 



' Development of the Chick. 2 Maine Bulletin No. 206. 



' Lillie's description in "The Development of the Chick" is followed. 



