CARE OF THE LAMP 335 



the sun, for this would materially raise the temperature in the 

 machine if permitted for any length of time. 



The best place is a cellar constructed primarily for the running 

 of an incubator, the requirements having been thoroughly under- 

 stood by the designer and builder. 



Care of the Incubator. The incubator should be kept in per- 

 fect order, not only during the time of year when it is being op- 

 erated, but when idle as well. It should be carefully inspected 

 and overhauled before each period of operating. A few days before 

 putting in the eggs, the machine should be started, to test its 

 accuracy and see that it is properly adjusted, also that the lamp 

 and wick are in good condition, and to dry out the moisture. If 

 it .has been allowed to stand in a damp cellar, it should be worked 

 until the excess moisture has been so dried out that the doors and 

 ventilators will open easily. This preparation of the machine is 

 essential in order to prevent trouble in the future; it is also impor- 

 tant from the standpoint of the amateur, for, by operating it for 

 a few days or a week, one becomes familiar with its workings. 



As a rule, the instructions sent out with the incubator should 

 be carefully studied, and the machine operated accordingly, at 

 least until a better method is evolved. The manufacturer should 

 best understand his apparatus, and is the. person most interested 

 in getting the best results from that particular machine. Caring 

 for the incubator is a matter of routine; a plan should be marked 

 out and closely adhered to. 



Care of the Lamp. Since the lamp is the source of the heat, 

 which is the vital requirement, its workings must be thoroughly 

 understood. The following suggestions may be useful: 



1. Trim and fill the lamp at a regular time every day; if this 

 is done regularly, it will not be overlooked or forgotten. It should 

 never be trimmed or filled just before turning the eggs, because, 

 if the hands are oily when handling the eggs, the oil has a tendency 

 to fill up the pores and check evaporation and the free passage of air. 



2. Be sure that the lamp is set firmly and properly in the frame 

 or standard, and that the burner and chimney flue fit evenly, thus 

 preventing danger from smoke and possible fire. If the lamp is 

 improperly placed in the machine, it will flicker badly, and may 

 give less heat than is required. 



3. Do not fill the lamp too full. Leave a little space at the 

 top for air and for the movement of the oil. If too full it will 

 flicker and may go out entirely. 



