Artificial Incubation. 
33 
perature provided being 7 deg. Fahr. too low. Again, experimenting with another batch at 104 deg. Fahr., the 
result being that the birds hatched three days before their time. Numerous and lengthy trials have been given 
for the sole purpose of perfecting and discovering the best results to be obtained by the different heats in the 
egg-drawer. Printed instructions are sent out with each machine, nowise difficult to understand, and any 
further information is promptly given by post for the asking. In all cases the makers give a guarantee, and 
we inspected a number of testimonials as to the merits of the " Eclipse " Incubators which stated that 90 to 
100% of fertile eggs hatched. 
In giving our readers an outline of the various mai hines now on the market, we conscientiously state 
that we have no preference for one individual machine, but have taken deliy,ht in drawing attention to the 
more prominent features in all the machines under notice. Our solid advice is, that when selecting 
the Incubator which is considered to be the best in the purchaser's opinion, and calculated to perform the 
work asked of it creditably, it is wise, first of all, to take {lains to see what you are -getting for your money. 
Common sense will be the best guide. See how the tank is made, and ask for an explanation of every detail, 
not being led away by mere outside show of brasswork and glittering varnish (though both are good in their 
place if the machine is internally correct in manufacture), as the whole of the manufacturers of the 
Incubators we have noticed will be only too happy to give all the information and explanation required to 
likely purchasers. This trifling hint should be worth remembering. 
Prize Incubators should also be carefully examined, as it is an impossibility to award a trophy for 
practical use to an Incubator shown at an Exhibition without a thorough test taking place. Workmanship 
and material may be all desired, but, as Incubators are not required as mere ornaments, something else 
beyond gaudy show appearance is necessary. 
To the extreme kindness of D. F. Laurie, Esq., of Adelaide (S.A.), we are indebted for the following 
illustrated, interesting, and instructive article on Artificial Incubation. Mr. Laurie states : I do not purpose 
giving a detailed history of the Incubator, beyond saying that Artificial Incubation was known to both the 
Chinese and the Egyptians thousands of years ago, and is still carried on by them to a very large extent. 
The first European Incubator was made about 1777, and was made after the style of a water-cushion, and 
filled with warm water. It was known by the highly euphonious name of " Eccoleobion." The inventor was 
M. Bonnemain, a Frenchman. For a long time the first machines were without boilers, and the heat of the 
water in the tanks was renewed from time to time by drawing off a portion of the contents and replacing 
same with boiling water. This clumsy method was superseded by kerosene or gas, and attached boilers. 
There are at present hundreds of Australian, English, and American machines, all advertised to perform 
wonders, but all more or less with great faults. Some are designed on unscientific principles, although 
supplied with good regulators, others vice versa ; in fact, it is astounding how very limited are the thinking 
powers of most makers. Several different styles are procurable that will give better averages than any given 
number of hens, and, moreover, will produce chicks ecjual in stamina, size, etc. They are little trouble to 
manage, never desert their eggs, and can be successfully managed by a child. I may further add that, being 
frequently consulted as to machines, it becomes very awkward not to be able to recommend machines in 
which the construction is evidently opposed to proper principles, although one would very much like to 
recommend a good one. The price charged for Incubators is a great deal too high. Anyone handy with a 
soldering kit and a few carpenters' tools can make one at a fourth the cost, or less, of most makers' charges. 
Of course, it will be necessary for him to have proper working drawings, also specifications and proper 
directions for working. If, however, any Fancier of an ingenious turn wishes to strike out in a new direction, 
with a view to an improved machine, it would be advisable for hini to follow the history of the Incubator, 
and make himself master of a few leading points of mechanics. It is not unconmion to see arrangements of 
Incubators put forward as novel, when in reality they were discovered, perhaps, in the earliest attempts. 
Tme Electric Incuhator. 
In 1886 it occurred to me to adopt the electric thermometer to the purposes of regulating heat. So far 
it had been used merely to sound an alarm. I had to contrive a rough thermometer, and altered an 
c 
