AUTlFIClAl INCUBATION. 



41 



set in motion which will alter the height of the flame to correspond with the 

 need!) of the eggs. 



The practical difficulty ahout these machines is the extreme delicacy of their 

 construction, rendering them liable to get out of order in inexperienced hands, 

 and thus to cause a great loss of eggs. Of course the manufacturers of each ma- 

 chine claim that their's is absolutely perfect, and that these objections pertain 

 to all the others ; but the testimony of disinterested parties who have given a large 

 number ef the best machines a thorough trial, is that not one of them is always 

 reliable, and that all are sure to give trouble to beginners in their management, 

 although one who has had experience in handling them may hatch a larger pro- 

 portion of eggs than is usually done by the average hen 



In Figs. 24 to 27 we illustrate the essential principles of an artificial incubator, 

 except the apparatus for regulating the heat. Such an incubator may be used 

 successfully if placed in a room which can be maintained at a nearly uniform 

 temperature by means of an airtight stove. This description is taken from the 

 " Youth's Companion," and the incubator is not patented. 



Fig. 24. — Irwubator Closed. 



" Have a pine case made somewhat like a common wash-stand (See Fig 24) 

 without the inside divisions. 



About a foot from the floor of this case, place brackets like those in Fig. 25, 

 and on a level with these screw a strong cleat across the ba6k of the case inside 

 These are to support the tank. The tank should be made of galvanized iron, 

 three inches deep and otherwise proportioned to fit exactly within the case and 

 rest npon the brackets and cleat. The tank should have a top or cover soldered 

 on when it is made. At the top of .this tank in the centre Should be a hole an 

 inch in diameter with a rim two inches high, and at the bottom, towards one end, 

 a faucet for drawing off the water When the tank is set in the case, fill up all 

 the chinks and cracks between the edges of the tank and the case with plaster of 

 Paris to keep all fumes of the lamp from the eggs. FiU the t^nk at least two 

 inches deep with boiling water. To find when the right depth is acquired, gauge 

 the water with a small stick Over the top of the tank spread fine gravel a quar- 

 ter of an inch thick ; over this lay a coarse cotton cloth Place the eggs on the 

 •lothj and set a kerosene safety-lamp under the centre of the tank The door of 



