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138 ReEporT OF THE First ASSISTANT OF THE 
Some experiments in regard to the oyster-shell question were 
undertaken, but the fowls did not lay enough eggs to make the ~ 
results conclusive, and the analytical work on these experiments 
was therefore not completed. Considerable work in this line is 
still in progress, but enough data are not yet secured to warrant 
any general conclusions. It is expected, however, that this 
question can soon be satisfactorily answered. 
HoME-MADE BROODERS AND INCUBATORS. 
Some chicks have been hatched and reared with ‘‘ home-made ” 
‘incubators and brooders of some of the simplest types, costing 
but afewdollars, which, although for some years used successfully 
by many poultrymen, are unfamiliar to many who have become 
interested in poultry raising and desirous of information regarding 
them. 
For those who wish to undertake the rearing of chicks for 
broilers, etc., artificially, it is reeommended that the handling of 
very few be attempted until the experience which is absolutely 
essential to success, is acquired; and for this purpose the home- 
made appliances are well adapted, and have an advantage of 
representing less capital when those who tire from the constant 
attention so indispensable, abandon the business. 
The incubators tried were those in which the heat is supplied 
by a tank of hot water, with the egg drawer held in place a 
few inches beneath by a wooden frame, and the whole surrounded 
by a packing of sawdust. No lamp was used, and sufficient heat 
was maintained by the occasional addition of a pail of boiling 
water; about two common pailfuls of boiling water a day being 
enough to keep the proper temperature in an incubator that would 
hold 200 eggs, when kept in a room having the average tempera- 
ture of about 65° Fahr. A poor hatch was obtained the first 
time, but subsequent trials were satisfactory. The objections of 
insurance companies could not apply to this incubator, for no 
part can be hotter than boiling water. 
One out-door brooder tried, although moderately successful, is 
not to be recommended, as it requires too frequent attention and 
is irregular, giving either too little heat or having the floor too 
warm. This was arranged for heating with a lamp, a shallow pan ~ 
of water or a sheet of iron two or three inches below the floor of — 
the brooder, the heated air reaching the brooder chamber through 
