to rot the shell of the eggs." Another, "The 

 evaporation of the water purifies the air. ' ' 



We supposed that everybody knew that moisture 

 is used in an incubator to prevent undue evapora- 

 tion of the egg, and to keep the skin which lines 

 the shell from becoming dry and tough while the 

 chicks are breaking the shells. 



HATCHING DUCKS. 



Duck eggs require about the same treatment, 

 during incubation, as hen eggs, except that the 

 addition of moisture is deferred one week. Duck- 

 lings are longer getting out of the shell after 

 it is broken than chicks are from twenty-four to 

 forty-eight hours is the time they require to work 

 their way out. If, after waiting forty-eight hours 

 after the eggs are pipped and ducklings are not free, 

 you may help them out gently. There is not as 

 much danger in thus helping them as there is in 

 assisting chicks out. A chick which cannot free 

 itself from the shell is not worth saving, but a duck- 

 ling is. Ducks and ducklings should have water 

 when eating and water to drink at all times. Keep 

 ducklings from bathing or getting wet until feath- 

 ered. Celery fed to ducks one week before fattening 

 is supposed to improve their flavor. In killing ducks 

 hang them up by the legs and extend the head or 

 bill to prevent soiling the feathers. With a sharp 

 knife cut across the back part of the throat and up 

 into the brain. Ducks are easier picked when 

 72 



