104 T^^^ Essentials of Poultry Raising 



may be used. Do not use wood or any other material which may 

 give off an odor to the liquid, as the eggs will absorb these 

 odors and as a result will be given an objectionable taste. The 

 container should be provided with a lid to prevent evaporation; 

 or in case no lid is provided, a paper can be securely tied over 

 the top to prevent evaporation of the solution. After thoroughly 

 cleaning the container, scald it. 



273. How Large a Container to Secure. Eggs vary so in size 

 that it is impossible to give, in each case, the size of the 

 container needed. The following, however, will accommodate 

 average-sized eggs ; one-gallon capacity for 40 eggs, two-gallon 

 for 80, three-gallon for 120, four-gallon for 160, five-gallon for 

 200, ten-gallon for 400. 



274. Waterglass Method. Waterglass (sodium silicate) may 

 be obtained at any drug store at a cost of about fifty cents a 

 quart. If the stores do not have it, a request should be made 

 to order a supply. 



275. How to Prepare the Waterglass Solution. Waterglass 

 comes in bottles and is about the consistency of strained honey. 

 Use one quart of the waterglass to nine quarts of clean boiled 

 water. Mix thoroughly and allow to cool before pouring over 

 the eggs. 



276. Testing the Eggs. Eggs should be candled to determine 

 if they are perfectly fresh and that the shell is not cracked. Do 

 not use thin-shelled eggs or those which are dirty. Do not wash 

 them before placing in the container. To test these eggs, use 

 the candling device sent with any incubator, any commercial 

 candler which uses an electric bulb or lamp, or a home-made 

 c'andler made for the purpose. 



Secure a box about the size of an ordinary shoe box, cut a 

 hole at the end and one in the center of the side; set the box 

 on end and place the lamp in it. The hole in the top should 

 be directly over the top of the lamp chimney and the hole in 

 the side should be directly in front of the middle of the chimney. 



