ATTENTION DURING HATCHING 345 
Eggs showing a bright-red line fixed to the shell in the form of a 
semicircle, with the germ in the centre, contain dead embryos. 
A dark-red spot seen against the shell is undoubtedly a germ which 
died from want of turning. A hazy air cell and small faint germ 
indicate weakness and lack of vitality, and the chances are that 
the egg will not be hatched. 
When the testing is finished, eggs which have passed inspection 
should be immediately returned to the machine. When making 
the test the usual turning and cooling are unnecessary, as the eggs 
get enough of both during the process. On the fourteenth day 
the same routine is followed; this time, however, the object is 
merely to determine the increased size of the air cell and its re- 
quirement of moisture, as well as to remove any eggs in which 
the germ has died during the intervening time. Normal eggs will 
now show a rather large air cell, with a clear-cut and distinct 
dividing line, the remainder of the egg being extremely but uni- 
formly dark in color. By rotating it slowly the outline of the 
embryo chick, greatly increased in size, can be seen. Any which 
at this time show no sign of vitality, but a haziness around the 
air cell with a clear area near the edges, should be discarded, as 
they undoubtedly are dead or will not hatch into vigorous chicks. 
All eggs which denote dead or weak germs should be marked, placed 
in a separate tray, and subsequently buried, as they are now unfit 
for eating. During extremely cold weather, to prevent chilling, the 
eggs should not be left out any longer than is necessary. 
Records.—The running of an incubator is a matter of detail, 
and the study of past records will enable one to determine the best 
method to pursue under given conditions, and the incubation 
possibilities of a given flock. Hence, it is advisable to keep an 
accurate account of all the operations connected with each hatch, 
but the method should be so simple and convenient as to reduce 
the clerical work to a minimum. Such a history will not only 
establish the record of one particular incubator, but will acquaint 
the poultryman with the conditions in his breeding pen as regards 
the fertility and hatching power of eggs. Such a record sheet 
can be tacked to a light, smooth board suspended in front of or 
under the incubator. (See Chapter X XVI.) 
Attention During Hatching.—From the time the machine is 
closed, when the first egg is seen to pip, it should be absolutely 
undisturbed, so that the right degree of temperature—approxi- 
mately 103.5° to 104°—may be maintained. Before ‘closing it, 
