POULTRY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE AMATEUR. ao 
Age of Eggs.—lIt is not advisable to buy eggs which are over 
five days old when shipped. Every egg should be carefully 
dated when taken from the nest in order to avoid error on this 
point. While good hatches have been secured from eggs that 
were three weeks old when placed in the incubator, as a rule 
they cannot be expected to hatch well after they are ten days old. 
Packing Lggs for Hatching.—Too much care cannot be taken 
in packing. Fig. 6showsa properly prepared package. There 
are two classes of general express, viz.: box, and handle pack- 
ages. The former are likely to be thrown; while the latter are 
always carried. An ordinary basket with plenty of excelsior 

Fic, 6.—Eggs ready for shipment. The baskets on the left show the 
method of wrapping each egg. 
in the bottom, and sides well cushioned, makes an excellent 
receptacle. Into this the eggs, carefully wrapped, should be 
packed, and over them plenty of padding placed. Cheese cloth 
or cotton tacked over the top forms a satisfactory covering. 
Such a package, conspicuously labeled ‘‘ Zggs for Hatching,’’ 
can be shipped any distance and will reach its destination in 
good condition. Upon receipt of the package the eggs should 
not be removed until the hen or incubator is ready to receive 
them; but the basket should be turned over daily. 
Sitting Hens.—Al\most any broody hen can be made to sit if 
carefully handled. She should not be carried by the legs with 
her head hanging down, but with her breast resting in the palm 
of the hand. Transfer should be madeat night, and the nest into 
which she is put kept dark for twenty-four or thirty-six hours. 
