14 



THE AMERICAN NATURALIST 



[Vol. XL 



Though the two yolks were in intimate contact along their applied 

 faces, they were organically distinct, since each possessed an 

 independent vitelline membrane. So far as could be judged, 

 they were of the same age, in that both had the appearance of 

 freshly laid yolks. 



The second egg to be described is one that I had the privilege 

 of examining through the kindness of Mr. C. C. Spratt. It had 

 been laid in the spring several years ago by a hen belonging to 

 Mrs. C. H. Gould of North Bridgton, Me. The outer shell, 

 which was thick but otherwise normal, was much broken; its 

 two axes measured 54 mm. and approximately 73 mm. It was 

 lined with a shell membrane and its contents were lost except for 

 a small complete egg which it contained. This measured 33 mm. 

 by 39 mm., and, though rather roundish in outline, it presented a 

 butt and a point. Its shell was thinner than usual and its whole 

 outer surface was granular. The inside of this shell was lined 

 with a shell membrane and contained dried albumen and a dried 

 yolk. 



The three remaining eggs were laid by a hen belonging to ]\Ir. 

 F. Nielson of Medford, Mass. They were laid in IVIarch, 1903, 

 and shortly after the laying of the largest one the hen died. When 

 the eggs came to my hands, each had a small opening at one end. 

 I am therefore unable to give their exact length but in other respects 

 they were in excellent condition for examination. The smallest 

 measured 43 mm. by approximately 57 mm., the next 4S nun. by 

 approximately 56 mm., and the largest and last to be laid 55 nun. 

 by approximately 71 mm. In each instance a point and a butt 

 could be distinguished and the shells were of normal texture, 

 color, and thickness. Each shell contained a shell membrane 

 and a mass of albumen in which was imbedded a second smaller 

 egg- 



These eggs were used for cxliihition i)urp()S('s, hut I was allowed 



section licv Is given in the acconipanving fj^nuv. ' It will he s(>en 

 at oner that tin- in.-ln.rd egg is relatively large; it n.easnre.l 15 

 mm. hy i") mm. A hntt a!i.l a point could he easily distinguislied 

 on it. The chief axis of the small egg was parallel to that of the 

 large one and its point and butt were just within the corresponding 



