Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-04-02

In artificial incubation the nccessarv
heat to properly develop the growing ON
bryo is provided by the combustion of
some fuel, the hen as 6 mother being
left out of consideration entirely. Arti.
fetal incubation has been successfully
practised since prehistoric times Com
mencing with the ancient Egyptian egg
ovens, in which heat was generated hv
fuel burning directly in matching COM
partment, down through the ages sue
ceSsiVe improvements and changes have
been made until the modern mammoth in
cubator stands to-day as the perfection Of
mans achievement in controlling and i'm
ttating nature.
The artificial method has many advan-
tages over the natural and these may he
enumerated as follows:
l. The time of Matching can he more
easily controlled by man; fertile eggs may
be Matched for brolers in the early fan
or for early puilets in January, or for
future layers in March and April.
. BY intelligent use of the incubator
man can so regulate conditions surround
ing the eggs during Matching that he can
get uniform results at nearly all seasons
of tn year.
3. The element of chance is practically
used.
4. The Incubator is the most economical
method of Matching eggs when viewed
from the standpoint of economy Of time
and efficiency.
.. An unlimited number Of chicks can
be Matched within a short period of time,
which would be impossible without this
method.
Where 100 chicks or more are to be
Matched the incubator is a profitable in
vestment, the exact size which is pur-
chased depending more on the ultimate
number to be incubated in future years
1t is rarely desirable to purchase "A ma
chine of less than l50-ess capacity, for
such can be run fun or partially 50, as
conditions might require
LOCATION OF THE INCUBATOR.
A well-built Incubator which is popu-
lar and noted for its tested efficiency is
the safest to buy, even though the first
cost may be slightly greater Durability,
perfection of temperature control. facill-
ties for controlling ventila ton. adequate
means of providing moisture and ease OF
operation all should be Considered when
| making the selection of the particular
kind OF incubator to purchase Regard
less OF the type OF machine, the success
ful operation of any incubator depends
largely upon the place in which it is To-
Gated, and the rapidltY and ease with
which the operator can secure and hold
the desired moisture and temperature.
The requirements of the incubator room
are an even temperature, a uniform heat
being about 60 degrees, plenty of venti-
lation and fresh air without an excess of
drafts, and an abundance of moisture,
which means facilities so arranged that
these factors can he secured in the proper
amount and maintained at the desired de-
gree, These requirements can best be
met in a buildng placed partly below
the level of the ground, either in the
cellar Of building or in a specially
constructed incubator room. which is
usually preferable on poultry farms Of
any considerable size. In placing The ma
chine, be careful to avoid the possibility
of fire by keeping it removed from wood
work or other innammabe material
CARE or THE MACHINE.
The incubator should be kept in Pc.
feet order, not only during the time o
year when it is being operated, but whcI.
idle as well. 1t should be carefully in
spected and ovcrhauled before each period
of operating, A few days before put
ting in the eggs, the machine should be
Started to test its accuracy and see that
it is properly adjusted, also that the
lamp and wick are in good condition. aud
to try out the moisture. If it has been
allowed to stand in a damp cellar it
should he worked until the excess mois-
turc has been SO dried out that the doors
and ventilators will open easily This
preparation of the machine is essential in
order to prevent trouble in the future; it
is also important from the standpoint of
the amateur, for by operating it for a
few days or week one becomes familiar
with its workings. The instructions sent
out with the incubator should be care
fully studied ana the machine oporatcd
accordingly at least until better method
Is discovered. Caring for the machine is
n matter of routine; a plan should be map
ped out and closely adhered TO-
Since the lamp is the source of heat
which is the vital requlrepent, Its work.
ngs must be tho ouehy understood The
following suggestions will be found use
full; Trim and fiji the lamp at a regular
time every day; be sure that the lamp
is set firmly and properly in the frame
or Standard do not M the lamp too
fun keep all charred portions of the
wick removed by rubbing with a burnt
matcn or lag; Feep ali Oil wiped from
the outside of the lamp. After putting
the lamp in the machine be sure that the
wick is not turned too high at first,
there can be no danger from smoke