For many years different localities have believed that there was very decided merit in the different colored egg shells. The Culture of Boston was certain that the dark shell contained an egg with a richer flavor, while New York and vicinity would believe in nothing but the white shelled egg. It is, however, noted with interest that the Culture of Boston has discovered that the color of the shell really has nothing to do with the flavor of the egg, and to-day the rigid adherence to a premium paid for the dark shelled egg, generally throughout the New England States, is rapidly passing into history. [Illustration: THE STRAIN THAT MAKES THE CORNING EGG FARM FAMOUS] As The Corning Egg Farm was located within a few miles of New York City the breeds which laid the white shelled egg were the only ones worthy of consideration, and, in the study of the question, it was found there was another important matter confronting the egg farmer, as to the breed which he should keep, whether a setter, or a non-setter. On an egg farm, where hundreds of layers are to be kept, if any of the Asiatics, or so called American Breeds, were kept, they would be a source of considerable added expense, first, in the way of loss of eggs during their numerous broody periods; second, in the necessary buildings in which to carry the “broody biddies” until they have become sensible, and are in a proper frame of mind to be returned to the Laying House. This might look on its face a small affair, but success to The Corning Egg Farm has come through watching every corner, and while sparing no needed expenditure, avoiding unnecessary and foolish outlay. So, to the man who would really meet with a large success, all the breeds which lay the dark shelled egg, because of their setting propensity, must be eliminated. All the members of the Mediterranean family are layers of the white shelled egg, and are what is termed “non-setting.” S. C. White Leghorns Outclass All Before deciding we looked the different members of this family over with considerable care, and we found that the Single Comb White Leghorn is the fowl that out-classes all the others for the purpose of an egg farm. It is a bird, where properly bred, of great hardiness and stamina. It readily adapts itself to all conditions of climate, and, where the right “strain” is procured, it is never a disappointer as to the number, size, and the class of eggs which it produces. We, therefore, decided to adopt the Single Comb White Leghorn, and we have outlined, in a previous chapter, how we went to work to build up the unequaled Corning Strain, by the most careful selection, and scientific mating.