66 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



makes. It may hold from fifty to about 300 eggs. 

 Generally speaking, it is advisable to use an incu- 

 bator holding at least 120 eggs, for it will require 

 no more attention than a smaller one. It may be 

 operated in a cellar, a room in the house or an out- 

 building. A fairly even temperature and no drafts 

 are to be desired. The machine should not stand 

 close to a window or where it will receive direct 

 sunlight, for those reasons. The cellar of the 

 house often makes an ideal location, but it should 

 be well ventilated. Probably the lack of fresh air 

 in abundance is one of the most common causes of 

 poor hatches. 



If the amateur decides to purchase an incubator 

 and operate it in his home, it is well for him first 

 to consult his insurance agent; otherwise, he may 

 have serious difficulty in collecting his insurance 

 money in case of fire from any cause. It is true 

 that incubators sometimes get afire, although al- 

 most always for the reason that they have not been 

 properly cared for, and insurance companies exact a 

 small fee for the privilege of using them. 



Before the eggs are put into the machine it should 

 be run for a day or two, so that' it will become 

 thoroughly heated, as well as to allow the operator 



