Cheryl Champlin, age 13, of Coventry, R.I., for her question:

ARE BROWN EGGS BETTER THAN WHITE?

In some areas brown chicken eggs bring higher prices than white eggs, while in other sections white command higher prices than brown. There really is no reason for such a distinction because both eggs are virtually the same. Color of the shell doesn't affect the flavor or richness or the egg, although these qualities can depend somewhat on food eaten by the hens.

The Asiatics and the Americans are the two divisions of chickens which lay brown eggs. White eggs come from the Mediterranean division with the best known variety being the Leghorn. There are eight varieties of Leghorn, distinguished by their color and combs. You'll find them in black, brown, white and buff  and all of the hens will be busy laying large, white eggs.