4 , INTRODUCTORY 



Well, my success got into the papers. Sometimes good things were 

 printed as well as bad things. Then I began to receive letters of inquiry in 

 regard to operating an incubator, how and what to feed brooder chicks, and 

 everything pertaining to poultry culture. The first few years I did not re- 

 ceive so many letters, but as the use of incubators became more prevalent, 

 there were more inquiries. I tried to answer everyone, for how glad I would 

 have been twenty-two years ago to have received a letter from some one 

 who had had twenty-two years of practical experience, and how it would 

 have helped me through many trying difficulties and saved me many dis- 

 appointments. At last I received so many letters that it was impossible to 

 answer them all and do my work as it should be done. One day a friend 

 said to me, "Why not write a book on incubation and raising brooder 

 chicks, telling everything in detail, just as you know it from experience; 

 it would be so helpful to new beginners?" This was the first time I had 

 ever thought of the matter in that light. I wrote to several in answer to 

 inquiries, that 1 would write a book if I thought I could sell enough copies 

 to justify me. Mr. Payne, editor of the Nevada Representative, published 

 one of those letters. Then I began to receive orders four months before I 

 had commenced to write, so I thought I would put my experience to good 

 account. Hence this book. Hoping that this little volume will prove of 

 pleasure and profit to the reader, I remain 



Most sincerely yours. 



The Author. 



