LESSON FOR THE FARM 



Published Semi-monthly by the New York State College of Agriculture at 

 Cornell University, Throughout the Year. Application for Entry as 

 Second-Class Matter at the Post Office at Ithaca, N. Y., Pending 



L. H. Bailey, Director 

 Course for the Farm, Charles H. Tuck, Supervisor 



ITHACA N Y 



VOL ,. No. 6 DECEMBER 15, 191 1 POULTRY SERIES No. 2 



INCUBATION.— PART II 



F. T. Finch 



The operation of the incubator is but one of several factors determining 

 the success of a hatch; yet it is possible, through carelessness or neglect 

 in such operation or through ignorance of the principles of incubation, to 

 destroy completely the hatching power of strong and fertile eggs. On the 

 other hand, careful and intelligent operation may secure excellent results 

 from strong eggs and really satisfactory results from weaker eggs. By 

 slightly changing his methods the experienced operator is able to counter- 

 act, to some extent, the effect of certain mistakes in operation. Success 

 in artificial incubation comes only through a thorough understanding of 

 the factors discussed in this lesson. 



THE LAMP 



Care of the lamp. — The results of incubation will depend largely on the 

 care given to the lamp, for which one person should be responsible. No 

 one else should raise or lower the flame, or interfere with the lamp in any 

 way except to prevent an accident. The lamp should be filled, the wick 

 trimmed, and the burner cleaned once daily. 



Filling the lamp. — A regular hour should be assigned for filling the 

 lamp, preferably in the morning and never at night, and all other work 

 should be arranged to conform to this time; otherwise the lamp may be 

 neglected and serious results may follow. The best time in the morning 

 for this work is immediately after the eggs have been cared for. If the 

 lamp is handled before the eggs are turned, the hands may become oily 

 and thus soil the eggs. Incubator lamps should be filled to within one 

 half inch of the top, and never completely full. Only the best grade of 

 oil should be used. Before replacing the lamp, the oil should be carefully 

 wiped off with a cloth kept for the purpose. 



Trimming the wick. — A square, clean-cut flame is preferable. The 

 proper method of trimming the wick is to throw back the burner top, turn 



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