Eggs by Mail

Jack Prescott
(Internet Published) May 2000

During the 1930's the English imported a lot of eggs from Poland and Egypt. The name of the country had to be stamped on each egg. They came packed in flat crates between layers of straw. They sold at one penny each or 10 pence for 12. Small eggs they were and were sold as pudding eggs. Not quite fresh but certainly not bad and certainly good enough for our YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS or even our egg and cheese scrambled "Firkins."

People in those days used to have to watch the pennies for they had so pitifully few. Furthermore, the men had to make their own pleasures. They were not propped up with government handouts nor did they have fancy wages. Therefore, it came to pass that a lot of men had to dabble with something that grew, swam ran, or flew. Looking back, I'd say that the Limeys in those days, were a happier breed of men. Like men of all other nations, so many men "really don't know what they want but will never be satisfied until they get it."

Some men in Sheffield placed eggs of this kind under their own broody hen fowls and some of them hatched and became remarkable little chickens, the likes of which had not been seen before. Of course, there were tall tales about crocodiles and snakes that hatched out from the eggs and some men and a lot of the women believed that. The world went round on an axis of kidding and tall tales in those days and while no body would believe the crocodile and snake caper, these days, the kidding and tall tales are rife, especially from our politicians.

Pigeon eggs sent through the mail service will hatch, if packed safely and with moderate luck. New laid eggs, I have sent and received within England. Usually small packets reach destination the day after mailing. By planning and arranging suitable fostering this is a good idea. To some countries, by airmail, a packet may arrive in 4-5 days so that such eggs are in with a chance. I have a project and I'm going to mail a few eggs to USA. I can't wait to hear what happens.

OK! So if you hear about some poor fellow has been bitten by a snake or a croc, in his loft, you will know what has happened. Unfortunately we have no such snakes or crocs in Sheffield. A pity.

A Pity!! "I've just had another idea." There are a couple of guys who I don't like.

Jack