MIDDLETHIRD HATCHING-HOUSE. 



125 



FIG. 66 scale 



the side-pieces to receive the ends, and the box put together 

 Fig. 66). The bottom was next nailed on, and the tongues and 

 grooves well coated with red lead. Each bit of 

 flooring was cramped up after nailing. This must 

 be done with judgment, or the wood, swelling 

 when wet, will force open the joints, and there will 

 be a drip, with all its mess and misery. The sides 

 project about 2 inches past the ends to strengthen the grooves, 

 and also at the lower end to form a receptacle for the used water, 

 from which it may either be used for the next box or run waste as 

 the case may be. The last piece of the bottom is also brought out 

 flush with the end of the sides, and a small piece nailed across the 

 end, and to the projecting bottom, forming a small trough from 

 which the water can be disposed in many ways. The ends of the 



Flo. 67 scale : 



flooring are dressed off, and the inside of the box well charred. 

 The first charring must be very thoroughly done. The hatching- 

 box is now ready for painting, and three coats of red lead are 

 recommended. The last thing is to fit a piece of No. 9 zinc over 

 the outlet, and the box is ready to be placed in the hatching- 

 house. Fig. 67 is a section of the hatching-box. 



THE GLASS GRILLE 



was a long time coming to its present form. At first I thought 

 the tubes of glass should run with the current ; I now know that 

 eggs get more oxygen when the tubes lie across. 



The first grille I made was for the slate trays. It was a light 

 wooden frame, the tubes running with the length, fastened at the 

 ends by brass rabbit-snare wire, and in the centre a twist of silver 

 wire to prevent the tubes spreading ; this was tedious to make, 

 and expensive. The first grille I made for the wooden hatching- 



