566 



THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Management Of Incubators. The following directions for the practical management 

 of incubators are given by Mr. Halsted, to whom previous reference has been made: 

 &quot; Comparatively few are successful in the use of incubators, and many really good machines 

 have been thrown aside and pronounced worthless, when all the trouble has been want of 

 management. First of all it is necessary to thoroughly test the incubator. Do not fill the 

 boiler and tank too full; allow for the expansion of the water under heat, remembering 

 that it increases nearly a ninth part in bulk from 32 to 212 Fahr. Test the working of the 

 regulator and ventilators; increase the heat up to 130, if a new machine, and then decrease 

 it to 100. Again increase to 103 (the proper heat), and strive to keep it at that temperature. 

 The range is from 100 to 105, neither above nor below these points except perhaps 

 transiently. So soon as you have accomplished this result, you may put your eggs in, not 

 before. The eggs, to insure success, must be fresh, not over three days old. 



A LIFE BOAT. 



During the first forty-eight hours, I take the eggs out and cool them for five to ten minutes 

 at least six times, and every six hours is better. If a gentle moisture is maintained in the egg 

 drawer they will need no other application, but if a dry heat, it will be well to sprinkle them 

 with tepid water when airing. The eggs should also be turned as often as twice in twenty- 

 four hours, and oftener would be better. Do not during the first six days allow the heat to 

 get above 103. I would far prefer to run it at 102 than risk any chance of its exceeding the 

 former point. During the second forty-eight hours decrease the periods of airing, but 

 increase the time to fifteen minutes. The eggs are supposed to be aired in a room where the 

 temperature is not under 55. During the third forty-eight hours, air twice a day and turn 

 the eggs at each airing. When turning the eggs it is better to change their position also, 

 shifting those in the middle of the drawer to the outer edge. Do not be afraid of handling 

 the eggs. So long as they are not shaken or jarred, there is no danger of their being injured. 



At the end of this period (six days), examine the eggs by candle or lamp light. 



