126 HATCHING AND REARING 



into the incubator through ventilators made for the purpose. 

 As a current, or rapid movement, of air increases evaporation, 

 ventilators in incubators are usually covered with muslin or 

 burlap to strain the air and thus retard the circulation. 



CARE OF THE INCUBATOR 



After securing an incubator it is advisable to start it up 

 and see if it will maintain the proper temperature. It should 

 be thoroughly tested and adjusted, and run for at least 



FIG. 70. A class studying different makes of incubators. (Photo from U. S. Office 

 of Experiment Stations.) 



three days before eggs are placed in it (Fig. 70). If it is 

 old and has been operated before, it should be taken apart 

 and the interior thoroughly disinfected with a three per cent 

 solution of carbolic acid. This will prevent the transmitting 

 of germs from one brood to another, and will insure better 

 hatches. 



Care of the Lamp. The lamp is the source of heat, and 

 must be attended to regularly once a day so that the tempera- 

 ture will be kept at the proper point. The observance of 



