Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-02-20

sometimes employed as regulator. Be-
cause the regulation of the tempera-
ture in the incubator depends almost en-
tirely upon the efficiency of the thermo-
stat. 1t is apparent that this appliance
should be well made and understood by
the operator. 1t is capable OF nice ad-
jusmen, and once ABUSED reliable
thermostat gives satisfactory service.
VARIATIONS IN TEMPERATURE
A hair-splitting uniform temperature
is not at all necessary to success and, in
fact, is seldom obtainable. This does
not imply that the operator should dis
regard temperature or cease his watch
fulness over 1t. On the contrary he
should aim to keep the thermometer as
close to certain degree as possible.
The point to be borne in mind is this:
Variations of degree or so, either up
or down, IL corrected within reason
able length OF time will cause no dam
age. Most operators aim to maintain an
average temperature of 1902 1-2 degrees
for the entire hatch.
If the temperature drops to 100 de-
grees or rises to 105 degrees, no III eff
fects will result. providing either ex-
IRENE Is discovered in time and cor
rected. The above temperatures might
be termed the limits Of incubation. Some
operators prefer to start hatch at 102
degrees and gradually allow the tenn
perature to increase to 1903 IL degrees at
the close Of the hatch There is a nat
ural tendency for such an increase, in
asmuch as the eggs give off more and
more heat of their own as they develop.
In any event, the office of the Their
mometer is very important. The Their
mometer should be absolutely accurate,
because ii is by this instrument that
the average temperature is determined.
We have shown that a variation of a
degree or so will not seriously AFFECT
a hatch, II 1t is promptly corrected. but
if the temperature varies a degree or
even half degree in the one direction
for the entire period of incubation. 1t
| will make big change In the hatch.
Thermometers are always furnished
with incubators. Unless there is a very
good reason for changing the position
of the thermometer, 1t should be used
in strict accordance with the manufac-
turer's directions. In some machines q
difference Of an inch in the height OF
the bulb of the thermometer will make
a difference of a degree in the tempera-
ture.
In general there are two ways of in
stalling thermometer: one is set in
frame which stands upon the egg tray
the other is suspended by wire from
the ceiling Of the egg chamber directly
above the eggs. In the former the bulb
is located on a level with the centers
OF the eggs; in the latter the bulb is
! hung close to the eggs as practicable
but not touching them.
TESTING THE THERMOMETER
1t is a poor plan to have the thermom-
| eter come in contact with the eggs, be-
cause the registration will vary with
! the vitality Of the eggs so touched
Touching good eggs the thermometer
will read high; in contact with weak
eggs or dead germs 1t will read low
| thus never indicating the real temper
allure of the egg chamber which is the
| temperature to be reckoned with in run.
ming the machine. The reason for this
variation has been suggested: Eggs tina
| are developing give off warmth of theil
own, which must not be confused with
the warmth in the egg chamber.
Manufacturers endeavor to furnish &C
curate thermometers, but inasmuch a
the glass used In the tubes Is subjec
| to mechanical changes much as wool
| seasons, it is best to have the Their
mometers tested each year. Druggist
and optical goods stores will certify a.
| to the accuracy of a thermometer or thu
| incubator instrument can be tested a
home by means of comparison with {
clinical thermometer Of known accuracy
The clinical thermometer has about thu
same range and scale as the incubator
| instrument.