^/^^. 3, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. %%% 



The Incubator at Work. 



A. L. WYNDHAM, 



Wagga Experiment Farm. 



The hotise o?' room to run the machine in is the first consideration, not so 

 much for the purpose of helping the incubator to keep the proper heat, but 

 to have normal temperature to air the eggs in, 60' Fahr. being the best for 

 results. Pure air, with ventilation from the level of the tioor to the ceiling, 

 if possible, light, freedom from harmful dampness, such as may result from 

 the want of proper drainage or the use of an absorbent, such as sawdust, on 

 the flooi', and a cement or earth floor to provide against the machines being 

 shaken are essential. 



The machine. — No special make can be recommended. Experience alone 

 can teach the beginner what incubator he will be most successful with. 



The eggs should not be more than three weeks old, and be turned once 

 daily whilst gathering. Do not wash them, if possible, as it destroys the 

 mucous covering of the pores in the shell ; if it is necessary, let it be done 

 just before placing in the incubator. Keep them in some place with an even 

 temperature. Avoid hatching brown and white eggs together. The brown 

 on the shell is a coloured matter, which makes the mucous harder to dissolve ; 

 and if you have both sorts of eggs in the machine at once, there is a big 

 chance of the white eggs needing artificial moisture, while the same will be 

 harmful to the brown eggs. Run one batch of eggs right through ; filling up 

 the space caused by withdrawals of infertile eggs will not compeiisate for the 

 loss and extra trouble caused. Grade the eggs for setting carefully, putting 

 out all extra large or small shells with faults or lumps of lime on them. 

 They should be stored while gathering, with the large end slightly elevated- 

 Mark on one side, for convenience while inculcating, with plain lead pencil. 

 The matter from ink or indelible pencil may be absorbed into the egg- Avoid 

 touching eggs at any time with dirty hands, or when there is kerosene on 

 them. 



Starting and placing the machine. — The incubator should be run empty 

 for at least a day or two till quite under control. Place it where a draught 

 is not likely to blow out the lamp at any time, and where the sun cannot 

 shine on it and interfere with the heat. Start going in the morning, and 

 get the day's heat to help. It is also necessary to be about when the 

 temperature is up, and adjust regulator. 



The lamps should be filled and trimmed in the evening to get the best heat- 

 at night. Have a place away from the machine to do this work. The lamp 

 should be just filled, and best kerosene used. There is a small hole near the 

 filler which must always be kept open to allow gas, which the kerosene 



