66 THE HOME’ POULTRY BOOK 
makes. It may hold from fifty to about 300 eggs. 
Generally speaking, it is advisable to use an incu- 
bator holding at least 120 eggs, for it will require 
no more attention than a smaller one. It may be 
operated in a cellar, a room in the house or an out- 
building. A fairly even temperature and no drafts 
are to be desired. The machine should not stand 
close to a window or where it will receive direct 
sunlight, for those reasons. The cellar of the 
house often makes an ideal location, but it should 
be well ventilated. Probably the lack of fresh air 
in abundance is one of the most common causes of 
poor hatches. 
If the amateur decides to purchase an incubator 
and operate it in his home, it is well for him first 
to consult his insurance agent; otherwise, he may 
have serious difficulty in collecting his insurance 
money in case of fire from any cause. It is true 
that incubators sometimes get afire, although al- 
most always for the reason that they have not been 
properly cared for, and insurance companies exact a 
small fee for the privilege of using them. 
Before the eggs are put into the machine it should 
be run for a day or two, so that it will become 
thoroughly heated, as well as to allow the operator 
