CHAPTER VI 



HATCHING 



It looks so easy! 



Apparently all that is necessary is to put a lien in a box, along 

 with some eggs — or load an incubator, light the lamp, and let it go ! 



Then, when the eggs fail to hatch, how easy It is to blame the 

 breeder and demand free eggs; and If he won't supply them — as 

 there Is no reason why he should unless they were unquestionably 

 infertile — what a pleasant pastime It Is to write a letter of accusation 

 to some editor. 



The beginner should undertand one thing clearly: No matter how 

 far a dishonest breeder may go to get trade, yet the worst of them 

 do not send out "doctored" eggs, nor rotten eggs, nor infertile eggs. 

 On rare occasions some notorious humbug may buy up pages of space 

 and by filling that space with shameless falsehoods may rob beginners 

 thereby. But the worst of these knaves will send hatchable eggs. 



Why is it then that good eggs, bought from reliable breeders, so 

 often fail to hatch well? 

 There are several reasons. 

 One is that the hen often sits too well. 

 Impossible? 



Oh no. Eggs must have plenty of fresh air. 

 Oxygen is a vital necessity. 

 There Is a secret worth remembering, 



