6o The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



only be attained by observing many minute precautions, wliicli arc as a rule quite overlooked by 

 most at the commencement of their experiments. No valve can be absolute!}' depended upon to 

 preserve a uniform heat through all vicissitudes, irrespective of personal supervision ; and the lamp 

 also will require sedulous attention. Years ago we wrote in the " Practical Poultry Keeper" that it 

 was absolutely necessary the eggs for artificial hatching vtqyc fresh — not at the outside more than five 

 or six days old ; and all subsequent experience confirms this remark. In place, however, of entering 

 further ourselves into this — after all the most important part of the subject — we shall now give a most 

 valuable paper on the practical management of the incubator, by Mr. M. Halsted, of Rye, N.Y. 

 Knowing, as all know who are interested in artificial hatching, the long course of patient experiments 

 of which the incubator we have just described is the fruit, and that he had practically attained 

 to a large measure of actual success, we asked him to give the benefit of his experience to the 

 poultry-keeping community ; and in kindly acceding to our request, and sending the following 

 original paper and accompanying record, he has laid both them and ourselves under the greatest 

 obligations, his observations containing more practical information regarding successful hatching 

 than anything that has yet appeared. His remarks are as follow :— 



" Comparatively few are successful in the use of incubators, and many really good machines 

 have been thrown aside and pronounced worthless, when all the trouble has been want of proper 

 management. My design in these notes is to give as concisely as possible my own experience and 

 the results thereof 



" P'irst of all it is necessary to thoroughly test the incubator. Do not fill the boiler and tank too 

 full ; allow for the expansion of the water under heat, remembering that it increases nearly a ninth 

 part in bulk from 32° to 212° Fahr. Te.stthe working of the regulator and ventilators ; increase the 

 heat up to 130° if a new machine, and then decrease it to 100°. Again increase to 103° (the proper 

 heat), and strive to keep it at that temperature. The range is from 100° to 105°, neither above or 

 below these points, except perhaps transiently. So soon as you have accomplished this result you 

 may put your eggs in, not before. The eggs to ensure success mitst be perfectly fresh, not over 

 three days old. 



" During the first forty-eight hours I take the eggs out and cool them for five to ten minutes at 

 least six times, and every six hours is better. If a gentle moisture is sustained in the egg-drawer they 

 will need no other application, but if a dry heat it will be well to sprinkle them with tepid water 

 when airing. The eggs should also be turned as often as twice in twenty-four hoijrs, and oftener 

 would be better. Do not during the first six days allow the heat to get above 103?. I would far 

 prefer it to run at 102° than risk any chance of its exceeding the former point. 



" During the second forty-eight hours decrease the periods of airing, but increase the time to 

 fifteen minutes. The eggs are supposed to be aired in a room where the temperature is not 

 tinder 55°. 



" During the third forty-eight hours, air twice a day and turn the eggs at each airing. When 

 turning the eggs it is best to change their position also, shifting those in the middle of the drawer 

 towards the outer edge. Do not be afraid of handling the eggs. So long as they are not shaken or 

 jarred there is no danger of their being injured. 



" At the end of this period (six days) examine the eggs by candle or lamp light. Partially 

 close the left hand, lotting the thumb and forefinger lap ; hold the egg between the thumb and two 

 first fingers of the right, under the fingers of the left, and turn it slowly, between the eye and the 

 light. If it is perfectly clear lay it aside ; it is not fertile, and will not hatch. Fertile eggs will show 

 a dark spot on one side, appearing greater or less as turned on either side of the line of vision. 



