HATCHING THE CHICKS 67 



to become better acquainted with the simple mech- 

 anism. It should be regulated so that the ther- 

 mometer will show exactly 103. And it is an 

 excellent plan, by the way, to have the thermometer 

 tested by a physician or druggist, for it is not un- 

 usual to find one which is not just true and if the 

 amount of variation is known, it can easily be al- 

 lowed for. Strangely enough, the fault, if any ex- 

 ists, is generally found at the point between 100 

 and 103 degrees. Faulty thermometers cause fre- 

 quent losses. 



The kerosene oil should be of the best quality that 

 can be obtained. Whether to fill the lamps at night 

 or in the morning is an open question. If filled 

 in the evening one is sure that a strong heat will 

 be carried through the night, but if filled in the morn- 

 ing, it is easier to check any tendency of the flame 

 to run up. A new wick should be used at the be- 

 ginning of each hatch and the lamps should always 

 be kept perfectly clean, with the wicks trimmed 

 daily. Too careful attention cannot be given. 



After the second day, the eggs should be turned 

 night and morning. This does not mean that they 

 must be directly reversed, but that they should be 

 shifted about in order to ensure $n even distribution 



