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A RESUME OF THE PROGRESS MADE
IN, THE PAST FEW YEARS BV ARTISICIAL
INCUBATION IN THIS COUNTRY AND EUROPE.

WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF A SCORE OF
LEADING INCUBATORS IN SUCCESSUL OPERATION 1N
AMERICA AND ay cae

ALSO,

CHAPTERS UPON THE PROPER

Gave antl Management of the doung Chicks,

BY

J. F. FERRIS,

te
Epitor oF “THE PouuttRy MoNTHLY’’ AND “THE FANCIERS’ WEEKLY.”™*

a

PROFUSELY “ILLUSTRATED.

Ager g

ALBAN :
FERRIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
T88o.

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——

‘ ‘Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880,
| By J. F. FERRIS,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

ay transfer {rem
' Pat. Office Lib, +n
&prtl 1914.

ea laglssse see (eel Sees SS SS Se aS SS

Hanciers and Oreeders,

WHO, FOR THE PAST YEAR, HAVE SO HANDSOMELY SUPPORTED ME IN MY EFFORTS TO
ESTABLISH A THOROUGHLY LIVE AND READABLE POULTRY MONTHLY,

This Volume is Resnecthally Dedicated, by
THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT,

Loom RUS.

“Tt is better that every kind of work, honestly undertaken and discharged,
should speak for itself than be spoken for.’’— CHARLES DICKENS.

INTRODUCTORY

It is a wise chicken that knows its own mother in
these days of “ Wooden Hens,” “ Eclipse Incubators,”
“Perfect Hatchers,” and the score or more of other
devices rapidly coming into use to bring forth the
downy little creatures! For many years we have
prophesied that in a very short time the incubator
would entirely revolutionize the poultry interests of
this country as well as Europe. That our prophecy is
fast being verified, both in this country and in Eng-
land, even in the year 1880, is rapidly being demon-
strated by the score of new machines that are already
being operated successfully. Extensive breeders in
every part of America are realizing this fact, and in
our position as editor of the Pouttry Montuty, we are
almost daily in receipt of letters asking an opinion of
this, that, and the other machine, as well as for facts
regarding the successful use of incubators in general.
We began the preparation of this work nearly a year ago,
but from a pressure of other duties it has been post-

6 INTRODUCTORY.

poned from time to time, and now, after a somewhat
hasty preparation, it is placed before the public for
what it may be worth.

In compiling our little work, we propose to deal ©
only with the facts of the present day, and living issues
as they may present themselves.

It is well known that artificial incubation has been
practiced, and attracted more or less attention for cen-
turies, but it is only quite recently that it has been
made practical.

That Incubators are now built that are thoroughly
practical and combine merit and usefulness, no one
will question, and it is our purpose to give a history,
descriptive and comprehensive, of each of the leading
machines now being offered to the attention of
breeders. We shall also give attention to the care
and management of the young chicks from the time
they leave the shell until they are old enough to care
for themselves, their diseases and littie ailments and
the simple remedies to use, striving to treat artificial
Incubation from a thoroughly practical stand-point.
With this brief preface we proceed at once to the

subject in hand.

PRACTICAL ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

CEEAP TER: 1.

ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

The many peculiar ideas that are expressed by
various people regarding Incubation, by use of the
various machines, are some of them ludicrous in the
extreme. To any one who has stood by an incubator
in some large exhibition and listened to the laughable
remarks of the public, as they gaze upon the iittle
lively balls of flesh and down, emerging from
the broken shell, this fact will be appreciated. ‘ How
long does it take them to hatch out?” “ Are they as
good to eat asany others?” ‘ Will they be healthy ?”
and hundreds of similar questions are heard on all
sides. Prof. Brown in his recent work upon this sub-
ject remarks, “ Many persons seem to think that Incu-
bators work by magic, that they do the work in some
swift and sudden manner, that is, the eggs are put in
at the top, turn a handle and the chickens appear, or
put the eggs in at night and they are hatched the

8 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

next morning, and seem to think it a waste of time
and energy if they do not hatch the eggs any quicker
than a hen.’? Toa certain extent, an Incubator is a
very simple thing ; we well remember, when a boy, of
an old woman who made one, that worked quite suc-
cessfully out of a dish-pan placed in a hole in the
seat of an old broken cane-seat chair. The pan being |
filled with water an oil lamp was placed under it
to supply the heat, and the eggs were suspended in
a smaller pan in the water, each egg being wrapped
in soft cotton, and the whole covered with a warm
bed blanket. With careful watching success was
achieved. The woman had the several elements in
her crude machine which insure success. First, fertile
eggs; second, an even, steady heat (secured in this
case by incessant watching); third, proper moisture,
and fourth (or you may place it first if you like), com-
mon sense. That an incubator is becoming a virtual
necessity to success and profit is becoming apparent.
You have a fine lot of fresh valuable eggs —no hens
can be found that are ready to undertake the task of
incubating them, boys are employed to scour the coun-
try around for “ sitting hens,” they are found, and read-
ily you pay from six to twelve shillings apiece for each
hen, for your necessities are such that you must have
them. Now your trouble has begun—one hen changes

ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION. 9

her mind after sitting steadily for a week, it is very
cold weather, and the valuable eggs are wasted! An-
other quarrels with her neighbor; both finally sit upon
the same nest; one nest is left to chill, the other nest
nearly all broken with their quarreling—so it goes.
Another hen is having a “splendid hatch,’’ but sheis
a clumsy, club-footed bird, and one-half of the ‘‘ pedi-
greed’’ chicks are dead in the shell on their natal day.
Our readers will need no reminder of the troubles of
the breeder in the “ beautiful springtime.” A prac-
tical machine is a necessity, and the question at once
arises, which one shall I buy? There are but very
few difficulties to be surmounted in using an incu-
bator by persons possessed of a fair amount of common
sense. The cardinal principle involved in them all is
very similar. They save much trouble and vexation of
spirit, but at the same time, we confess at once, that
they, too, require a large amount of patience, and often
many trials before success is finally achieved. There is
a certain amount of “ know how ” that the successful user
of an incubator must possess, which reminds us of the
old story of the ‘gentleman of color” who was hired
to dress a beaver-skin, and the job being accomplished
in a very short time, the employer objected to the
charge of three dollars, claiming that one dollar was

surely enough, to which our sombre-hued friend re-

10 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

plied, ‘“‘ Yes, Massa, one dollar for dressing the hide,
and two dollars more for de know how.”

The ‘know how” is a very necessary thing, yet at
the same time we do not claim, that you must have the
knowledge of a skilled mechanic, far from it, for -
many a boy or girl of twelve or fourteen years of age,
or many a woman who, in addition to the cares of
her small family, can run an incubator, and swccess-

_ fully, too. “A great many people can be found who

' will denounce an. incubator in strong terms, and our
word for it, in a majority of cases, they are the very

_ ones, who were the last to buy a mowing machine for
their farms, a sewing machine for their wives, or a
swinging cradle for their babies, and who always sternly
set their face against every modern improvement, no
matter what it may be, the march of civilization af-
fects them both last and least of all.

Many things should be given due consideration
‘before the purchase of an incubator is decided upon,
and your mind must be fully made up upon a few
points. 1st. Will you give it the attention and time
that it will surely demand at your hands; and, 2d, will
you persevere sufficiently in your efforts to gain suc-
cess? This you must do, or better let it alone, and, not
like a small boy with a scroll saw, throw it aside after

one or two efforts, because you do not at once under-

ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION. 11

stand it, or break a few saw blades. No, you must use
judgment tempered with moderation, and success will
be your reward in this, as in any thing else.

You must give it time and attention, both during
the process of incubation in its early stages, and more
particularly so when the young chicks are emerging
from their shells, and during their early stages of
growth. Thereare a dozen little attentions required
by the young chicks, many of which are usually pro-
vided by the mother hen. These they must have, and
you will be compelled to give the necessary time for
it. There is a trite saying, “If you wish a thing half
done, send a boy, but if you wish it well done, do it
yourself ;” this applies with great force to incubators,
they cannot be left to everybody to care for; you must
give them your personal attention or that of a per-
fectly competent person, and indeed, if you are using
several incubators, it will pay you well to employ a
proper person to devote his entire time to their man-
agement. - Another important adjunct is a_ place
suitable to set up your incubator and run it; it
must bea place where the proper heat and tempera-
ture can be readily maintained. A great many breed-
ers have a house built especially for their incubators,
the same as they would build a house for their poul-
try, or more especially for their hatching-room and

12 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

young chicks. This room should be warm, properly
ventilated, but entirely free from drafts of air of
every kind. Now, dear reader, if you have decided
- to give an incubator proper attention, and Lave a place.
prepared for its reception, the next thing to be de-
cided will be, which one shall I buy? In order that
you may judge understandingly and come to a deci-
sion as to which may best meet your particular wants,
we shall give a thorough description of each machine,
and the particular points of excellence claimed for
each one by the respective manufacturers, and also
give the experience of prominent fanciers and breed-
ers with various machines. You can then decide
intelligently, which you will preter, for we are well
aware that what may meet one person’s views may
be very far from another’s, and an incubator well
adapted to one man’s wants would be a failure in
the hands of some other person. Our descriptions
of both American and English machines will be
found to be very full and plain, illustrated properly,
and void of technique or usually incomprehensible
terms, and they are the result of two years’ experi-
ence in examining the merits and demerits of the dif-
ferent machines. We commend each page to your
careful consideration.

ee

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;

THe PERFECT HATCHER. 13

CHAPTER II.
Tur Prerrecr HatcHEr.

The inventor of the “ Perfect Hatcher” says:
“In offering the Perfect Hatcher to the public, I do

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it under the firm conviction that I offer an article that
is properly named, as it has proved in my experience,
and that of all who have tried it, to be the most Per-

14 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

fect Incubator in all respects ever offered for sale.
This opinion is given by parties that have used the
best of other makers and found them imperfect in so
many details as to make them only partially success-
ful. I started out to establish a poultry farm ona
large scale, to hatch broiiers for the New York mar-
ket, and I concluded that I could only make a success
of it by hatching and raising artificially, as I thought
that.in no other way could I get out my chicks early
enough to get the big prices. |

“JT was first attracted to the manure process but after
a little investigation dropped that idea. I then pur-
chased a very highly praised machine and commenced
operations, filled it up with eggs and waited the result,
which was a complete failure. I purchased another
machine of another maker, that was a failure; pur-
chased a third, and that was a failure, and I found the
season ended, hundreds of dozenseggs destroyed, and
not a dozen chicks left to tell the tale. I hatched in
all, perhaps one hundred chicks, but they were so weak
they all died but about a dozen which I raised up to”
three months and then they died too. But in all my
experiments I had gained knowledge. I knew that
chicks could be hatched if a proper incubator with all
the necessary conditions for success could be devised,
and I also discovered that of all the incubators that I

THe PERFECT HATCHER. 15

had bought, not one of them possessed a single requi-
site of success. I concluded that I could build an in-
eubator that could hatch chickens, and do it success-
fully, that I could combine the points necessary, viz.,
a perfect application of heat, a perfect ventilation, and
perfect application of moisture applied automatically
and continuous. I went to work and built my ma-
chine, and the principle then adopted proved I had hit
exactly right, all that I needed was to develop and
perfect it. This I have been at work for the past four
years striving to accomplish, and Iam happy to say
have succeeded.

The application of heat in this incubator is by
means of hot waterin a galvanized iron tank which I
claim to be the only correct method and nearest in
imitation of nature. There are hot air machines, but
I claim hot air is injurious to animal life as it is to
plant life. You never see a green-honse heated with
hot air. It is always hot water. Neither do you see
plants thrive in living rooms heated with a hot air
furnace. The tank of this incubator is so arranged
inside that the hot water when it first leaves the boiler
_ is compelled to circulate around the outside edges and
in all four corners of the tank while it is hottest, and
through the center of the tank last, then downward
through pipes at farthest end of the tank, then back to

16 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

boiler by a gang of iron pipes located fourteen inches
below the tank. By this means a perfect circulation
of water is secured, and a perfectly uniform heat is
established in every part of the machine, no one part
being too hot and another part too cold, as is the case
in all other hot water incubators, their makers not
having been able to obtain a perfect circulation of
water, without which a uniform and even heat can-
not be obtained. You may heat water to the boiling
point, and if it does not circulate it will not impart its
heat, and the eggs will be cold when within two
inches of the tank, but if a good circulation is secured
the temperature of the water need be but a few de-
grees above that of the egg chamber.

“A perfect circulation of the water and application
of the heat having been obtained, the next important
step was to regulate the heat automatically, and so
perfectly, that there would be no more variation than
is had when the hen applies the heat. When she is on
the nest, the heat of the eggs is kept perfectly uniform
and I concluded this was a necessary condition to suc-
cess, viz., to maintain a perfectly uniform, unvarying
temperature, and to get a regulator that would accom-
plish this was the great problem. Mr. Edison had no
greater struggle to perfect his light thanI had to obtain
this regulator. But after many weary trials I secured

>

THE PERFECT HATCHER. 17

it, it is perfect and it is reliable. Every breath
of cold or warm affects it, it is so exceedingly sen-
sitive, and it acts at once; a twentieth part of a de-
gree will change it. It acts very much quicker than
mercury, and is unchanging in its qualities, never be-
coming inactive by use which mercury and all other

. forms of thermostats do. Ifound that electricity was

the only agent that could be used in connection with
this instrument, it was so very sensitive. By using
electricity there is no friction to vvercome, as there is
when only a mechanism is used. When a mechanical
contrivance alone is used the regulator or thermostat
has to overcome the friction caused by the weight or
spring that is used to operate the ventilators and the
heat has to run up or down five or six degrees each
way before the thermostat can pull the lever off the
clutch to release the weight or spring. But in this
incubator the regulator has to vary but the twentieth
of a degree and it connects an electric circuit and acts
on the electric magnet which releases the clock ma-
machinery and the ventilators open and the lamps are
turned down, thus effectually checking the heat.
When the heat is checked the regulator vibrates again,

_ closes another circuit, the ventilators close and lamps
are turned up again, this operation goes on indefi-

nitely and never fails to maintain a perfectly uniform
2

18 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

heat in the egg chamber. No matter how much it varies
on the outside it will control the heat’ so perfectly
that if the temperature drops to zero or rises to ninety
the heat in the egg chamber will not vary, and I chal-
lenge the world to produce another machine that will
do the same thing as well.

The adjustment of regulator to obtain any degree of
heat desired is very simple and easily understood. It
is done by two screws which are located upon top of
machine in plain sight. To open the ventilators turn
up screw No. 1 until it connects the circuit. To close
the ventilators turn up screw No. 2 until it connects
the opposite circuit. You can by this method adjust
the regulator as fine as you can adjust a watch. You
can setit so you can have one-twentieth degree variation
or five to ten degrees as youdesire. Now, in relation
to the objection to the use of batteries, some of our
rivals claim that none but an electrician or scientific per-
son can use an incubator operated by electricity. This
statement either shows their stupidity or their unfair-
ness ; there is nothing simpler than the use of the bat-
tery if directions are followed, and with our machine
there is nothing that the purchaser needs to do with
the battery only to just let it alone. There are no
zines to scrape once a week, no sulphate of copper
to be put in every two weeks, or any thing of the sort.

THe PERFECT HATCHER. 19

When they leave our factory they are in condition to
run for three years’ constant use, and they are not to
be toucned by the owner. When they are finally ex-
hausted we will supply new ones at low rates. The
reason why these batteries last so long is that there is
no perceptible consumption of them, for as before
stated, we use ‘two circuits, one to open and one to
close the ventilators. The instant the circuit is com-
pleted and the wheels of the clock begin to move the
circuit is again broken and the use of the electricity is
only for a second. In all other incubators that use
electricity to regulate with, the consumption of their
batteries is very great for this reason, when the cir-
cuit is closed so as to open the ventilators the circuit
remains closed until the ventilators close. In warm
weather the ventilators will have to remain open ten
minutes or over; during this time the battery is being
consumed very fast, and ten minutes of a closed cir-
cuit will use up more of the battery than our machine
will use in two months’ constant use.

VENTILATION.

The ventilation is as perfect as any other part; the
large air space in the egg chamber is a very important
feature. The egg chamber is fourteen inches in

depth, and below this chamber are the pipes and be-

20 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

low the pipes is a second chamber, six inches in depth.
This second chamber is fitted with doors same as egg
chamber, in each door is a slide ventilator three inches
wide by length proportioned to size of machine, four
to ten inches. These ventilators are to be kept open
all the time, either wide open or a little way, propor-
tioned to the weather.

When the ventilators on top of the machine open
to allow the hot air to escape, the cold air rushes in
through all these ventilators, passes over the hot pipes

and is warmed, and passes up into the egg chamber.

This action occurs every twenty minutes, thereby

keeping the eggs constantly supplied with fresh air ;
also the carbonic acid gas that is generated by the liy-
ing chick in the shell, being heavier than common air,
falls to the lower chamber below the pipes and is car-
ried out by the cross currents of air that are in motion
there through the bottom ventilators, and while the
top ventilators are closed.

MOISTURE.

The moisture is applied automatically and continu-
ously as in nature when the hen builds her nest on
the ground, where the best results are always ob-
tained. The ground is always moist, and the heat of
the hen’s body in addition to the heat of the sun is

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THE PERFECT HATCHER. 21

gradually and continuously drawing the moisture
from the soil, the eggs receiving the benefit. Of
course, eggs do not have to be sprinkled under these
conditions. In our Hatcher the process is the same.
We place galvanized iron pans on the hot water pipes
beneath the egg tray and the water is warmed to just
the right degree to evaporate fast enough to overcome
the drying effect of the heat. The moisture from the
pans is continuously rising, and is applied to the bottom
of the eggs. The quantity of moisture can be in-

creased or diminished as desired by the amount of
surface of water exposed. ‘T'o decrease the moisture
we cover a portion of each pan; to increase it, we re-
move the cover ; therefore, we have this part under
perfect control, which is very important, as the egg,
when fresh, is composed largely of water and a certain
quantity must evaporate the first ten days of in-
cubation; if it does not, the eggs willaddle. Thus
it can be seen that if too much moisture is applied in
the start we should fail to hatch any chicks, notwith-
standing we had a perfectly uniform heat and ventila-
tion. The application of moisture is of as much im-
portance as either of the others. Thus it will be seen
that a perfect hatcher must have all the conditions of
success, such as named above, or failures will result

oftener than successes, and that is why all the other

22 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

machines in the market are partial failures, for not
one of them has asuitable means for applying moist-
ure; their eggs have to be sprinkled every day. It is
true that some of them have pans of cold water under-
neath their egg trays, but cold water does not evapor-
ate fast enough to supply the moisture, hence they
have to sprinkle, and sprinkling the eggs at certain
stages is too great a shock to the delicate germ.

TURNING THE EGGS.

As it is necessary to turn the eggs two or three
times a day to make them germinate in a healthy
manner, the labor of turning five hundred eggs,
one at a time, is very great. It will take an hour to
turn five hundred eggs, one at a time, and doit care-
fully. We furnish a simple method by which an en-
tire drawer of one hundred eggs can be turned in ten
seconds without touching the eggs with hands or jar-
ring or disturbing them. No other machine furnishes
such an arrangement.

THE EGG CHAMBER.

This possesses entirely new features, as before stated.
It is fourteen inches in depth; which proves of great ad-
vantage in many ways. Ist. It gives an opportunity for
a more equable diffusion of the heat through the

THE PERFECT HATCHER. 23

chamber; it allows the eggs to be placed farther from
the tank, and when the heat comes in contact with
the eggs, it is softer and more genial than it would be
if placed close to the iron tank, as in most incubators.
2d. We are enabled to adopt a plan by which we can
have different degrees of heat, for instance in one
drawer we can have 102°, asecond 102°, a third 105°,
etc. This is accomplished by having adjustable draw-
ers. We can raise and lower our drawers a space of
eight inches. The nearer to the tank a drawer is
placed the higher the heat will be, say 105°. If we
want 102° we lower the drawer far enough from the
tank until 102° is obtained, or any other degree we
desire. The drawers are adjusted in a moment by
loosening the nuts and sliding the drawer where it is
needed and tightening them again. This plan is of
the greatest advantage, as it enables one to place eggs
in at any time during incubation, which cannot be
done in other machines for following reasons: When
eggs have been in incubation eight days the circula-
tion of blood in the chick begins to generate animal
heat, and as a result the temperature of egg chamber
begins gradually to rise, and a thermometer placed on
the eggs will indicate about one degree higher than at
first, by tenth day, and this heat of the eggs will con-
tinue to increase until the chicks die or the heat of

24 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

chamber is decreased, or the ege drawer lowered from
the heat.

‘*So it is obvious that eggs placed in the incubator
with eggs that have been in ten days and placed on
the same level with the latter cannot have the degree
that is requisite, for eggs need the highest heat the
first week (105°), and the lowest heat the last week
(103°). Therefore, we place the drawer of fresh eggs
at the highest position toward the tank, and those that
are already in we lower a very little about every other
day. Thus we are enabled to place eggs in every day if
we desire, and give all their proper heat, and hatch with
perfect success. This is a feature of great value, and
possessed by no other machine. If we fill the machine
full of eggs to start with, we simply reduce the heat of
the whole apparatus after the eighth day by touching
the regulating screws slightly every other day.

‘The case is made of thoroughly seasoned wood, it is
a double case with dead air space all around of one
inch. Wood isthe best non-conductor of heat and
cold when it is combined, as we have it, with other
non-conducting material. As before stated, our ma-
chine will stand a change in outside temperature of
from 90° above zero down to zero and maintain a uni-
form heat. Some manufacturers lay great stress upon
the iron case; I regard the iron case as a very poor

THe PERFECT HATCHER. 25

affair. It is the best conductor of heat and cold in
. the world. I have seen their machines drop one de-
gree of heat by simply opening the door and letting in
a draft of air for an instant ; the fact is they fluctuate
with the weather, and their makers say they must be
placed in a room that will not get cooler than 50°, and
that the temperature of the room must not vary more
than ten to fifteen degrees. Besides they are not
durable, they will rust out in two years and become
valueless. |

“The lower chamber of our Hatcher can be used as a
nursery for a few days if desired. I have kept chicks

there for six weeks.

Se.
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N= == =

ee

PERFECT BROODER.

“ Our Brooder is as perfect as our Hatcher, and the
only one that can be used to advantage on a large
scale. It is the only one that imitates the hen in
brooding her chicks, viz., the chick presses its back

26 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

close against the hen’s body and is comforted by the
warmth. In our Brooder, the chick presses its back .
close up against warm water pipes and is just as com-
fortable aswhen under the hen. In other brooders a
tank is used and is placed eight or ten inches above
the chicks; the chicks cannot come in contact with the
heat which they crave doing; they consequently huddle
together and on top of each other, and the result is, the
weaker ones are always crushed, and you will find
them dead every morning regularly until more than
half the chicks are gone. In our Brooder we use 1 1-4
inch gas pipe covered with tarred paper and flannel,
the pipes are within four inches of the floor; for very
young chicks we put ina movable floor and bring
them within two and a half inches of the pipes; as they
increase in sizé we remove this extra floor. They
never can get on top of each other, for there is not
room enough, and they do not need to, as they are
comfortable. The Brooder can be moved from place
to place on the lawn and let the chicks run in and out
at their pleasure. It can be closed up at night, and is a
perfect protection against rats, cats and all other ene-
mies; the chicks cannot get out until you let them out
in the morning. The top is of glass with doors; so
you can reach every part of it, and clean it out with
ease. It is perfectly ventilated when closed up for the

THe PERFECT HATCHER. 24

night. The cost of oil to run it is not as great as the

cost of the food for hens to raise the same number of
chicks.”

28 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

CHOAPTER Uf.
Tue Reniance [NcuBATOR.

The inventor of the “ Reliance” Incubator takes
pleasure in offering to the public a machine which he
believes to be the best yet invented for the purpose.

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He claims:
First.“ That it is more simple in construction than

any of the popular Incubators now in the market.

THe RELIANCE INCUBATOR. 29

Second. It is as positively automatic as any machine
for the purpose yet invented.

Third. It is free from all electrical machinery and
acids.

Fourth. It is more easily understood and managed
more successfully than any other Incubator, and re-
quires less attention, as ten minutes, twice in twenty-
four hours (for a three-hundred egg machine) is amply
sufficient, and it can be left to itself with perfect safety
for the rest of the time, provided the instructions,
which are very plain and simple, are obeyed.

Fifth. It costs less to run it, as it is necessary to heat
but six quarts of water. (Other Incubators heat from
eight to twenty gallons.)

Sixth. In the place of a tank of water, used in all
other machines to heat the egg-drawer, I use a soap-
stone radiator, placed over the egg-drawer, heated by
an arrangement of hot water pipes, imbedded in the
soapstone. In this manner I] am able to heat the whole
surface of the radiator all over alike, which has never
yet been accomplished in any machine using a tank of
water. Thus all parts of the egg-drawers are exactly
the same temperature (obviating the necessity of
changing the ege-drawers to keep all the eggs in the

machine at the desired temperature).

30 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

Seventh. Perfect ventilation, and just the requisite -
amount of moisture. |

Eighth. The machine is constructed entirely of
metal and stone, therefore with proper care will last a
life-time. |

Ninth. Less liability to be affected by the outside
temperature, as there is a dead air chamber over and
around the entire machine. |

Tenth. It will hatch all-the eggs that would hatch
under the most favorable circumstances, in the natural
way.”

In the new departure he has instituted by inventing
and using a soapstone radiator in preference to the
tank of hot water, he has gained in several particu-
lars, viz.: it is very much less sensitive to the changes
of heat and cold, consequently in a large degree itself
operatesas a regulator to the temperature. He says,
“T get a mild, soft heat, nearest like that developed
from an animal body, in place of the sharp, burning
heat, which every one will admit is developed from a
metal tank of hot water; consequently it is better
adapted to the purpose for which it is used, viz., the
development of animal life.

The ventilation I claim to be perfect. Because (un-
like any other machine) there is a ventilator over each
egg-drawer (the ege-drawers are entirely separate from

THE RELIANCE INCUBATOR. om

each other) that is never closed, and a plentiful supply
of fresh air is constantly received into the bottom of
the machine in such a manner that every corner.of the
nest is thoroughly ventilated all the time.

I do not open and close the ventilators for the
regulation of the heat, but depend upon an entirely
different device.

Evaporating pans are so constructed and placed as
to give just the required amount of moisture to the
egos, and, at the same time, temper the air received
into tne machine, thus becoming an important auxil-
lary in regulating the temperature.

The eggs do not require sprinkling at any time.
Instead of a common korosene lamp, such, as I believe,
all other Incubator manufacturers use, I use a “ Flor-
ence” oil stove (without doubt the best and most
econonical invention in which to burn kerosene oil for
heating purposes), of a pattern made expressly for this
machine, whereby I obtain a very much more even
heat than can possibly be obtained from a common
lamp, as well as very much more heat from the same
amount of oil used, thus decreasing the expense of
running.

In the use of soapstone I have furnished to the top
of the eggs, heat that represents as nearly as possible
that given off from the body of a hen or other fowl;

82 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

also a plentiful supply of cool air to the bottom of
the egg-drawer, thus giving perfect ventilation, and
cooling the eggs underneath with sufficient moisture,
imitating nature as closely as it is possible for mechani-
cal device to do.

There are, undoubtedly, two, and perhaps three
Incubators now in the market, which are more or less
successful, if sufficient time and attention are bestowed
upon them; and Iam fully prepared to sustain the
assertion that notwithstanding they are supplied with
thermostat or pyrometer they require more time and
closer attention than the “ Reliance,’ which makes
use of neither. It was to dispense with the necessity
for this extra close attention that automatic regulators
of this class were invented and applied; but the im-
portant question is, do they accomplish the desired
result? I claim they do not, and for the following
reasons :

First. All machines with this description of regula-
tor depend entirely on the working of the regulator
for ventilation; consequently, should the flame of the
lamp, by accident, be set so as :to produce just heat
enough to keep the egg-drawer at the desired temper-
ature for several hours, the pyrometer or thermostat
remains at rest, and the ventilator remains closed, and
the air becomes foul (especially when it is near the

THE RELIANCE INCUBATOR. 33

time for the chick to leave the shell), which injures if
it is not fatal to the incipient chick.

Second. A continuous irregularity of the heat in
the ege-drawer is the unavoidable result of these regu-
lators, because in order to have the regulator open the
ventilator, the air in the egg-drawer must get too hot,
and as it: is of vital importance that the ventilator
should open, it is necessary to purposely set the flame
so as to produce too much heat, and after getting the
ege-drawer too hot, the ventilator opens, and the
machine gets too cool, when the ventilator is again
shut, and immediately proceeds to get too hot again.
And the three weeks’ time is thus made up of fluctuat-
ing temperature, without a moment of even heat
(unless by accident). And I claim that an even tem-
perature with constant, perfect ventilation, is of vital
importance to practical success.

Several of the most popular inventors and manu-
facturers of Incubators go so far as to state in their
circulars that the ventilation of their respective ma-
chines is perfect, because the thermostat causes the
ventilator to open every fifteen or twenty minutes,
thus acknowledging that the temperature of the air
in the egg-drawer is constantly and rapidly fluctuat-

ing.

34 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

“YT claim that with even heat and constant, perfect
ventilation, with sufficient moisture, a very much
larger percentage of eggs will hatch and the chicks
will leave the shell stronger and livelier than with un-
even and fitful temperature and imperfect ventilation.

Again, the thermostat or pyrometer, by constant
use for a few weeks, becomes, to a great degree, sensi-
ble to the change of the temperature, so that at least
one of the manufacturers sends two pyrometers with
each machine, with private instructions to change the
same every twenty-four hours, in order to alleviate
this difficulty.

This of course will be allowed to be an extra amount
of labor; and, as they generally have to be slightly
altered each time, are a considerable care.

In conclusion, the machine in which the ege-drawer
is most evenly heated, perfectly ventilated, and most
easily managed, is worthy the attention of all desiring
an Incubator —and such an one I believe the “ Reli-

ance”’ to be.

THE CENTENNIAL INCUBATOR. 35

CEA PTER ALY:

Tur CENTENNIAL INCUBATOR.

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SS

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Patented March, 1880.

This thoroughly practical machine has been before
the public for a number of years; having received its

36 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

name from the fact of its first being exhibited at the
Centennial Exhibition, at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1876.

Since that time, however, it has been very much
altered and improved, being now constructed entirely
of galvanized iron and copper. All the heating parts
are of copper, encased and protected by galvanized
sheet iron; the spaces between filled in with non-con-
ducting material, The body of the Incubator is
double — one case inside of the other—and the
intervening space is also filled in witha non-conductor.
This insures no waste of heat, and comparative pro-
tection from sudden changes in the outside tempera-
ture.

Lately, this non-conducting jacket has been doubled
in thickness, and improved material used for the filling,
so that the machine may now be used in a room where
water will freeze along side of it. This improvement
has been added to specially fit it to the needs and
convenience of farmers and breeders who are not
fortunate enough to have a warm room or be
in which to run the machine.

Another advantage resulting from this construction,
is the durability of the Incubator. In an investment
of this kind, the purchaser naturally does not wish to
incur a like expense every few years, and it is with
very much of the same feeling he would have in buy-

THE CENTENNIAL INCUBATOR. Oo”

‘ing a watch: making a choice of one that will last him
as long as he needs to use one. It has been conclu-

sively proved that wood cannot be so thoroughly sea-
soned, but that it will be warped and twisted out of all
shape, by the alternate agency of moisture and dryness,
heat and cold. Hence, if encased in wood, the ma-
chine soon becomes defective and inoperative, the
latter caused by the impossibility of keeping the
regulating apparatus properly adjusted, every warp-
age and shrinking or swelling, throwing the parts out
of place and entirely destroying their efficiency. 3

Since the adoption of the iron case, this is entirely
remedied, and some machines which are now in use
for the third season, are in as perfect working condi-
tion as when first sent out, never having had a repair
or alteration put on them. Further, there is no rea-
son to doubt but that the Incubator will remain in as
good condition for ten or twenty years to come, if
reasonable care is taken to draw off the water, dry it
out and put it up when not in use.

Economy in running is another point to be consid-
ered in the purchase of a hatching apparatus; and
where it is intended to have one in use for any long
period, the saving of oil will amount to quite an item.
The smallest size of this make, — the No. 1— with
an actual capacity of one hundred and twenty eggs,

38 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

will burn less than a pint of oil per day of twenty-four
hours, and many have been run on a half pint per day.

This (estimating the larger amount) with oil at pres-

ent prices, will cost thirty-five cents to hatch one hun-
dred and twenty eggs, or about one and one-third cents
perday. The largest size ‘“‘ Oentennial Incubator”

-—No. 4—holding over five hundred eggs, consumed, -
during the month of February, less than.a quart daily. _

Allowing a full quart, the expense is about seventy-
five cents to hatch five hundred eggs.

The entire freedom from smoke and bad smell is -

another, and a very pleasing featureof the machines of

this make. This removes a serious objection to their _

being used in a dwelling-house.

But perhaps the strongest of the many good features 3

of the ‘ Centennial,” is its simple and effective regu-
lating apparatus. With no battery or electrical attach-

ment, but a simple arrangement of levers, operated

by a thermostatic bar, it is so perfectly self-regulating,

that it may, and has been, left for two entire days,
during which the extreme variation, as shown by a
self-registering thermometer, was but two and one-
half degrees.

It is this quality of perfect self-regulation, so sim-
ple that children can, and do operate the machine,
that has given it such a popular hold among the fan-

THE CENTENNIAL INCUBATOR. 39

ciers of the country. And, although higher in price
than many other makes, it is in more general use, and
giving the best of satisfaction.

Our fanciers, as a class, are rather slow to adopt
incubators, or any other mechanical device pertaining
to their special pursuit ; but the ‘‘ Centennial ” seems
_ to have won its way very quickly, yet surely, into the
good opinion and confidence of the leading men in
the fraternity. The indorsement of such well-known
fanciers as P. Williams, Jas. M. Lambing, Geo. S.
Josselyn, W. H. Todd, Jno. J. Berry, E. R. Spaulding,
D. D. Bishop, C. A. Keefer, and a host of others,
would seem to indicate that incubators and artificial

a incubation have reached a very high degree of per-

fection in this particular machine.

A strong point, and one which has contributed not
a little to its success, is the exceptionally large per-
centage of chickens hatched. Whether in experi-
enced hands, or under the care of a novice, the re-
sult almost invariabiy exceeds the average natural pro-
cess. From whatever cause, whether the uniform
heat in all parts of the egg-drawer, or the system of
- thorough ventilation, or the peculiar construction of
the egg-chamber, giving the top of the eggs a warm,
dry atmosphere, and the bottom a cool, moist one, or
the method of turning the eggs, or all combined,

40 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

there is certainly less loss of eggs, and a smaller per-
centage of weakly chickens, than with any other
apparatus now in use.

In the brooding of the chicks, the CenrEnn1AL Broop-
ER stands at the head of the list. Subjected, as it has -
been, to the severest tests, it has proved to be the only
one which can be used in the open air in all weathers,
and perfectly shelter and protect the chicks from cold
and wet, as well as from rats, minks and other prowl-
ing vermin.

The heating arrangement is composed of a thin gal-
vanized iron tank, fed by a small boiler, which is heated
by a small kerosene lamp. This tank is so placed, that
the chicks of different ages and sizes may all receive
equal benefit from it; and it is also sheltered from the
outer air by a galvanized iron roof, or cover. The front
half of the brooder is covered with glass, making a
warm dry run for the chicks, in cold or wet weather.
The lamp of the size for eighty chicks, holds one-half
pint of oil, which will burn from two to three days.
Several sizes are made, accommodating from twenty
up to one hundred chicks. Many prominent fanciers
are using from two to half a dozen of the brooders,
having discarded hens entirely for the taking care of
the chicks; and it seems to be the universal opinion
of those who have thoroughly tried them, that fuily

THE CENTENNIAL INCUBATOR. 41

twenty per cent more chicks can be raised by means |
of the brooders, than with hens, and that the chicks are
larger and more healthy.

One more essential aid to the artificial process, is
the egg tester; with it the non-fertile eggs can be
detected by the third or fourth day after being under
heat: removing them gives room for other and fertile
eggs, and thus saves space and time. At a still iater
or more progressed state of incubation, those which
have started and died can be discerned and removed,
avoiding unpleasant smelJs in the egg drawer.

H. W. AXFORD,

INVENTOR AND MANUFACTURER OF THE NATIONAL INCUBATOR.

THE NATIONAL INCUBATOR. 43

CH AREER, -V:
Tue Narionat Incusatror.

The * National” is more commonly known as the
“ Axford,” being manufactured by H. W. Axford &

Co., at Chicago. Probably no incubator has achieved

i] \
THF

such large results, as it has been exhibited a great
deal.

‘A review of what a thing has done is the best proof
of its merits. It was invented in 1874, and ever since

44 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

the brothers have given their whole time to perfecting
the machine, studying the egg and the necessary care to
hatch out the chicks. Their first exhibit was made at
the Great National, Chicago, in the winter of 1875, then
Detroit, Omaha, St. Louis; from thence they made a
remarkable trip of two or three days on board the steamer
J. L. Rhodes, to Louisville. The incubator was set wp
on the forward cabin deck, and hatched chicks all the
way on the river, much to the astonishment of the pas-
sengers. At night it was surrounded by some canvas
to protect it from the wind. Then it was success-
fully exhibited at Cincinnati, Harvest Home, Pitts-
burgh, Allegheny Exposition, ‘Second National,”
Chicago, Indianapolis, Chicago, 1876, Indianapolis,
second year, Chicago, 1877, “Third National,” Chicago,
Fort Wayne (Ind.) Fair, Toledo (Ohio) Fair, Fat Stock
Show, Chicago, Terre Haute, Ind., and the ‘“ Great
International,” Buffalo, N. Y., 1879. Then at the
Grand exhibit at Toronto, visited by 35,000 persons,
Fat Stock, Chicago, 1879, the Great National at In-
dianapolis, 1880; Springfield and Worcester, Mass.
From the great variety of these exhibits, hatching by
the hundreds and thousands, we must conclude ita
decided success—pleasing the public. In the spring
of 1879, with eggs raised on their own place, one hun-
dred and seventy-nine chicks were hatched from one

THE NATIONAL INCUBATOR. 45

hundred and eighty eggs in the smallest size incuba-
tor. This must not be considered so very wonderful,
for it must be borne in mind that all infertile and un-
sound eggs are discarded, and there is no reason why
in a successful incubator every egg should not bring
forth a chicken.

They have shown beyond a doubt, chicks can
be raised by artificial means, never sparing of proof,
selling from their Toronto exhibit three thousand
chicks alone; at Springfield, Mass., twelve hundred,
and the demand was so great that many more were
needed, as the officers of the society can testify. The
fifty chicks brought from the Indianapolis show to
Springfield, which were then two weeks old, were
quickly bought up.

The machine has been constructed so as to comply
with all the laws of nature, and the demands of the
chicks — supplying them with fresh air, sufficient
moisture, and uniform heat. The only work seems to
be in turning the egys, which must be done in order
to get perfect chicks.

It is very easy to turn seven hnndred in twenty
minutes. The work of heating and regulating will
not be fifty minutes for a hatch. No patented ventil-
ating pipes are needed to carry cold air to the bot-
tom of the eggs, which, at the same time, is supposed

46 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

to take off the carbonic acid gas from the eggs, but
simply afew holes punched through the bottom,
through which the cold air and heavy gases fall of
their own specific gravity. Turning devices (are
claimed by them) to the present time as useless, as
quite a large percentage of the eggs are not turned,
and some are killed all through the process, except in
large ovens containing only a few eggs—but here—
costing more than they are worth to hatch. Eggs
are easily tested, and with the peculiar make of
their “egg tester,” the chickh’s heart may be seen to
beat in forty-eight hours after being set. This is an
important feature, as those eggs having no chicks may
be used in the house. While with the tester com-
monly sold, it requires from seven to eight days to see

the development, but by this time the eggs are ruined.

Mr. Axford claims for his incubator that it is prac-
tical to run it in any temperature, and that you do not
have to “regulate the room,” and that the great prin-
ciple of the incubator lies in its construction, which
admits the heat to the ege oven only as the tempera-
ture falls, and when the desired degree has been
reached the heat is shut out and retained in the
heater for future use, thus increasing its heating
power, enabling it to sustain a proper amount of heat
on the eggs throughout the widest range of temper-

THe NATIONAL INCUBATOR. 47

ature; were this not the case, it would send all the
heat the lamp produces into the oven, and then allow
the surplus to escape, admitting cold air into the egg
oven, causing a local low temperature among the
egos, and destroying a large percentage of chicks.

The Messrs. Axford have given twenty-nine public
exhibitions of their incubator in successful operation,
and over two hundred thousand people have seen it,
and witnessed to its wonderful success, and through
the medium of these exhibitions their incubator has
attained a national popularity.

It is just and right that gentlemen who give so
much attention to the subject as have the Messrs.
Axford, should be amply rewarded with success. It
is a_subject that a very large class are interested in,
and they shouldthank those inventors who struggle
through years of adversity to perfect inventions that
are a great public benefaction.. The incubator is
daily growing in popularity, and it will not be long
before they will be used by nine-tenths of the suc-
cessful breeders.

If we could have a tournament upon a grand scale,
in which all the various incubator manufacturers
. would take part, we think it would do a great deal to
make them more sought after.

We believe the Messrs. Axford are desirous for a

48 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

friendly contest of this kind the present year, and we
hope the other manufacturers will respond favorably.

i “Ny "DW oe cai =
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SS
EB

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THE SmiTH [NCUBATOR. 49

CHAPTER VI.

THe Smita INcUBATOR.

In a letter to our editor, Mr. F. M. Smith, of Syra-
cuse, thus speaks of his incubator:

“T began with the notion that an egg immersed in an
atmosphere of suitable temperature and humidity,
would advance through successive stages of embryonic
development, till the perfectly formed chick emerged
in due time from the shell. I constructed several
forms of hot air machines, but found that while the
temperature was easily controiled, the question of
moisture was involved in much difficulty and uncer-
tainty, aud finally to secure a solid basis of fact for
the regulation of this important condition, I weighed
the eggs under sitting hens, at intervals of three days
through the period of incubation; I learned by this
means that the loss of weight under natural conditions
was uniform and amounted to about one-sixth or six-
teen per cent average from the time of sitting to the
hour of pipping the shell. After a sufficient ex-

4

50 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

perience with the hot air principle I concluded I was
on the wrong track, and adopted the top-heat system.

A water-tank heated by kerosene lamps and sus-
pended over the eggs furnishes, by downward radia-
tion, the heat for incubation in my machines as now
constructed.

A second and independent tank heated by an inde-
pendent lamp, suspended beneath the entire egg
chamber, furnishes also the bottom heat, although the
“heat ” from this source does not amount to much.
The office of the lower or “ moisture lamp” is to im-
part a proper and uniform humidity and temperature
to the incoming air currents, and easily obviates all
the difficulties encountered in the hot air plan. Both
tanks are made of large capacity, ten to twenty gallons
or more, so that changes of temperature are very slow,
and should the lamps go out entirely, no sensible
change is observed in the temperature of the eggs for
a period of twelve hours or more. The upper tank
especially is well encased in non-conducting material,
and comparatively independent of external influences.

The peculiar and distinguishing feature of my incu-
bator — so far as I am aware —is the construction of
the heating tank, by means of which the incoming air
currents, after first passing over the surface of the
water in the moisture tank, becoming properly modi-—

THe SmitH INCUBATOR. oe

fied in temperature and humidity, and thence passing
through the egg tray, cooling and ventilating the eggs,
finally pass into the upper or heating tank and over
the surface of the hot water contained in it, and thence
out through the ventilator.

This arrangement furnishes an instant and power-
ful means of regulating and checking any excess of
temperature through the large evaporation thus
eftected in the upper tank, as may be readily under-
stood by any one familiar with the dynamics of heat
and evaporation. It renders the incubator compara-
tively independent of the heat of summer days, or the
chilly air of other seasons, although, for many reasons.
it is always desirable to operate an incubator in an air
of mild and uniform temperature—60° to 80°, say.

The loss of water thus effected must be carefully
and periodically replenished—-once a week usually—
pure soft water being requisite, entirely free from
any sediment or saline contents.

The power for opening the ventilator is supplied by
a galvanic battery of two cells usually, which at the
same time furnishes the most delicate and sensitive
means of regulating the temperature, through the
operation of the pyrometer or thermostatic bar, which

constitute a part of the galvanic circuit.

2 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

This pyrometer of very simple construction is easily
sensitive to one-twentieth of one degree, Fahr., and
serves to keep the heating tank at an almost perfectly
uniform temperature. The ventilator, which is operated
directly from the armature of an electro-magnet, will
open and close several times per minute, while no
change whatever can be detected in a thermometer
placed alongside the pyrometer and similarly exposed.
The ventilator thus opens and cools eggs, tanks, and
all, whenever the temperature reaches the maximum
point fixed by the regulating screw. A slight fall in
temperature again closes the ventilator. There is no
other machinery whatever connected with my incuba-
tor—no clock-work, wheels, levers, circulating pipes—
or other device to suffer derangement by use or acci-
dent. It is believed to be as simple as it is possible
to construct any machine which can safely and relia-
bly conduct so delicate and wonderful an operation as ~
the incubation of an egg, the epitome of all animal
life.

- Another feature of my incubator, which is unusual,
is a small artificial mother or brooder, and pen, occu-
pying the entire top, into which the little chicks are
introduced soon after being hatched, and where they
are confined for the first few days after life, or until
they learn to eat and drink well and get fairly “on

Tue SmitH INCUBATOR. 53

their legs.” I have found this an extremely useful
and convenient arrangement. The brooder is warmed
by the waste heat from the machine, is continuously
ventilated with warm air, and in it the little chicks lie
about, not huddled and packed together, but scattered
apart in entire comfort. Many interesting details
might beadded with reference to the management of
the incubator—the selection, testing, and development
of the eggs, etc., but which do not appear to come
within the scope of this article.

As to proportion of eggs which can be hatched it is
difficult to affirm any thing very definite, so much de-
pends upon the attentiveness and judgment of the
operator, and also upon the character of the eggs used.

Some eggs appear to be endowed with very vigorous
vitality and will stand much abuse; others are feebly
endowed and require the most careful management,
and often fail with that. In general, with fair man-
agement, and no protracted over-heating, a hatch of
sixty to eighty per cent of the fertile eggs may be ex-
pected. With exceptionally good eggs a larger per-
centage can be realized, and with exceptionally poor
ones, the result is proportionately reduced.

The cost of operating is about six to eight cents per
day for kerosene and battery power.

54 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

I usually make two sizes, viz., of two hundred and
three hundred egg capacity—selling respectively for
$55 and $65. Incubators can be made of any size and
capacity to order at corresponding prices, although I
have found a machine above three hundred capacity to
be an unwieldy article of furniture. ;

The eggs require turning at least twice daily, espe-
cially during the first ten days of incubation, and dur-
ing the second ten days should be removed from the
machine at least every other day and cooled down to
80° or 75° — during half or three-quarters of an hour.
A little longer does no harm. I was very skeptical
about this practice until a few accidental exposures of
this sort convinced me of its necessity and utility. As
to the time required, about half an hour to an hour
daily is sufficient for all necessities. The eggs require
a periodical testing—the unfertile and dead ones
being removed.

The thermometers are placed in direct contact with
the eggs, on top—thus constantly disclosing the actual
temperature of the eggs themselves.

My incubator has taken the first premium for two |
successive years at the exhibitions of the Empire State
Poultry Association in this city, 1879-1880; also at
the Onondaga County Fair, in the fall of 1879. With
the exception of one contract exhibition at Cortland

THe SmitH INCUBATOR. 50

this winter, these are the only public exhibitions I
have made. At one exhibition this winter I hatched
about three hundred chicks from five hundred egys
set. As I explained to you in my former letter,
it is only somewhat recently that my incubator has
been perfected, and afforded results that have estab-
lished my contidence in its utility and novelty —as
well as settled my purpose to offer it to the poultry
dealing world in competition with the incubators of
other make.”

56 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

CHAPTER VII.

Tue Ecurese [nNcuBaTorR.

ull

i=

a el we

ee ae eas

ae ny ee

ee wae

THE EcuiesE INCUBATOR. 57

“That poultry husbandry has become one of the
largest of our productive industries is now quite gen-
erally appreciated and admitted,’ and in whatever
branch of the business in which one may be engaged,
the artificial process of incubation shows at once its
manifest advantages over the slow and uncertain nat-
ural process. Do you raise fancy stock or high-class
poultry for exhibition? Observe what birds are bear-
ing off the prizes; the chances are ten to one that
they were hatched artificially, and this will appear
obvious enough when we consider that, being hatched
early, they get through with their moulting early, and
show their superiority at the exhibitions, during the
fall and winter, by being more fully matured. |

If broilers are wanted for the early market, how
can they be supplied in quantity unless they are
hatched artificially? Biddy is altogether too uncer-
tain to depend upon for these very toothsome articles
of food, even if she feels inclined to begin the task,
when her services in this line are most in demand;
and should she be accommodating enough to begin,
the probability is that you will sooner or later have to
be there too to hold her down, or lose the eggs. We
know to our sorrow that Biddy will often cackle when
she ought to cluck. In fact, you might just as well

58 _ ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

expect a train of cars to travel without a locomotive
as to expect to raise broilers without an incubator.

If you make a specialty of raising eggs for the mar-
ket, you will find the incubator invaluable, for the
best layers are unquestionably the non-setters. When
artificial incubation becomes universal here, as it must
in time, probably all the breeds will in a great meas-
ure lose the desire to set; it is the case in some parts
of Europe, and why not here? If we can hatch and
raise chickens better without hens than with them,
the sooner they surrender to us the better; they can
serve us much better by producing the eggs, which we
at present cannot do. |

There are manufactured for sale to-day some thirty
or more incubators, many of which are comparatively
worthless, some of them fraudulently so. Every man-

ufacturer claims his particular machine to contain all

the essentials and conveniences for successful incuba-

tion, and that his particular machine is the only one
that does contain them. Now, when a person wishes
to purchase an incubator, he naturally wants one that
will surely meet its requirements; so we suggest to
the reader the following: Having made up your mind
that you need an incubator, and that you understand
what is necessary in order to be successful, send for
circulars to as many of the different manufacturers as

EEE

Tue Ecurpse INcUBATOR. 59

you may hear of, and, having obtained them, compare
them carefully ; satisfy yourself as to whether their
contents is the truth or not, and the one you then like
the best is the one with which you will in all prob- —
ability meet with the most success. But beware of all
secrets about an incubator. Before you send your
money you have a right to know the why and where-
fore of every part and point of the incubator, and if
the maker cannot satisfy you on the point it will evi-
dently not bear investigating. Again, beware of a
manufacturer who fills up his circulars with accounts
of failures of other incubators; it is not an honorable
way of doing business, and an honorable man would
never doit. The accounts may be true in part; for
there is not an incubator made, and never will be, but
what has failed in some hands; but when he cannot
make a sale without doing this, his incubator is one
which will never commend itself.

New incubators are starting up every day, which
are destined to “astonish the world,” but their careers
are of short duration. Sooner or later most of those
now made must drop from the list, as there is not sale
enough to support somany. There is room in this
country for four or five, but not more. The best of
those now manufactured will stand by their own
recommendations, and be improved from time to time

60 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

as necessity dictates. The manufacturers should give
their incubators their undivided attention, in order to
secure the best results.

That there have been total failures with every in-
cubator made is apparent enough, but it should not
always be laid to the incubator Much depends upon
the eggs, their age, fertility, etc., and upon local cir-
cumstances; and there are some things about which
little is known yet for a certainty. Much jarring has
always been considered fatal to the eggs, and also a
long chill. But last summer I took one of our Eclipse
incubators in au express wagon twice across the city
of San Francisco, Cal., then put it aboard of a freight
train for Sacramento, distance 150 miles. It went in
the caboose at the end of the train, the door of which
was so narrow that the incubator had to be put on its
side, in order to get it in, and was taken out in the
same way; of course all the eggs were rolled about,
and for twenty-six hours they were stone cold. The
jerking and banging of the train was tremendous, yet,
strange as it may appear, almost every egg in the
machine hatched, and most of them ontime. Some
of the eggs were due the day the journey was finished,
the others every day during a week, This was at the
California State Agricultural Fair, and the incubator
took the society’s medal. As the same thing has hap-

THE Ecuiese INCUBATOR. 61

pened since, under almost the same circumstances,
it would seem to show that eggs under incubation can
endure some pretty rough handling.

It is to be hoped that this book, which is something
entirely new, will be found to contain much valuable
information for those interested in the subject. In
the United States, artiticial incubation is not generally
well understood at present: but one thing is certain,
which is, that here is where it will be brought to per-
fection. The writer has been in nearly every country
on the western continent, from British America to
Cape Horn, along both oceans and in the interior, all
over the West Indies, and a little on the other side of
the Atlantic. Everywhere the great benefits of poul-
try are well known, and in many places nothing can
be more profitable than poultry husbandry.

The labor required to manipulate an incubator is
very light, and a woman can do it just as well, if not
much better than a man. The successful machines all
regulate themselves, or ought to; so they require but
little time, and this little in the morning and even-
ing, when it can be best spared.

The manufacture of the Eclipse is now our sole
business. We have a large, roomy shop, furnished
with steam power, containing seven rooms, with every
facility and convenience for carrying on the business

62 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

as it should be done. We make every effort to have
the machines first class in every respect, and honestly
believe there is no more practical or convenient incu-
bator in existence: They are economical in consump-
tion of fuel, thoroughly and completely ventilated,
well built and elegantly finished. Our circulars con-
taining a complete description of the incubator, will
be sent to any address upon application.”

THE CORBETT APPARATUS.

CHAPTER VIII.

Tur Corpett APPARATUS.

Al
LP Nemcigo re.
foe 2

— SS See

SS

——
: Sian

This incubator is the invention of Prof. A. Corbett,
of New York, who has followed in the footsteps of

64 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

the celebrated Reaumur, who was a member of the
Academy of Sciences in Paris in 1747. After several
years of experience, Prof. Corbett is assured that he
has made the process practicable, and a patent was
duly issued to him June 27, 1875. Our first illustra-
tion represents the apparatus in operation, surrounded
by manure, and containing the eggs in process of incu-
bation ; the second illustration shows the inside of
the machine, and the third shows it transformed
into an artificial mother. Upon this apparatus Prof.
Corbett has received forty-five medals and diplomas,
including those of the Centennial Exhibition, the Chili
Exposition, and leading agricultural fairs. He has about
$75,000 invested in the poultry business; and a work
entitled “The Poultry Yard and Market,” of which
he is the author, has gained for him considerable
notoriety. In this work, from a chapter entitled
“Researches and Success,” we extract the following:

RESEARCHES AND SUCCESS.

“The public will now understand from what sources
I have sought to learn; and after all the experiments
I have made, I concluded at last that Reaumur’s sys-
tem appeared to be most feasible, it being the easiest
and least expensive to follow. I therefore from that
time began to practice it, thus: Six casks were placed

THE CoRBETT APPARATUS. 65

n a heap of manure, and 600 eggs were placed in

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them. All were lost. It was in winter, and I thought
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66 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

that in the cellar the casks would keep at a better
degree of heat; but there not being room enough,
and the want of ventilation, were the causes of my
failing. Not in the least discouraged, although disap-
pointed, I again placed eight casks under an old shed,
and this time put 800 eggs in them; the success would
have been entire, had not the rain fallen one day on
part of the manure heap, and cooled it off. Never-
theless, from the other part I proved the success, and
you can judge how delighted I was to see several hun-
dred young chickens hatched.

Let the reader rightly understand that we did not
have entire confidence in the success to be derived
from this venture at the time, as it was necessary to
find a place to put the newly-hatched chickens in,
which appeared to us like a true army of invaders.
Those persons who have never seen hundreds of
young chickens of one and two days old, can form no
idea of the busy and noisy household. Luckily, we
had an artificial mother, warmed by one lamp, and I
placed the young chickens in it; whether it was the
smell of the kerosene that was injurious to them, or
whether the heat produced by the hot water did not
accomplish the wished-for object, I lost the greater
number of them, and I had the misfortune to prove

that it was especially from crowding themselves in the

THE CoRBETT APPARATUS, 67

corners that they died. This was a bitter disapvoint- —

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68 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

hatch the eggs with the aid of manure, it only re-
mained to improve on the casks and mothers, and the
manner of directing or regulating the heat, besides
providing the proper and necessary ventilation, and to
supply the necessary quantity of air. I, first of all,
began my improvements on the artificial mother, in.
suppressing the corners as much as possible, and at
last had one built without corners, measuring twelve
feet in length and ten feet in width, and warmed by
two kerosene stoves. I thought myself very happy in
having such a large artificial mother, in which I could
place 1,800 chickens of different ages. very thing
was complete in it— park, perches and ventilation.
Unfortunately, one night in April one of the lamps
exploded and set on fire the building which it was in,
and which measured 200 feet in length and cost $6,000.
The dog gave the alarm, and goon every one on the
farm was awakened, and commenced to extinguish the
fire by means of the India-rubber hose kept on the prem-
ises for such a calamity, and with a plentiful supply of
water the building was saved by a miracle, but I was
not so fortunate with my young brood; nearly all of
them were smothered or suffocated. Again was I
forced to resign myself to fate and give up the raising
of my pullets artificially by means of lamps. The
insurance company paid the damage to the building,

but the poultry was not insured.

THe CorRBETT APPARATUS. 69

Having got over this loss, [ puzzled my brains to
find a new system, and began to think I should have
to renounce the idea, when the happy thought struck
me to try the manure heap, and to see if I could
not make it do for the chickens what it did so
well for the eggs. I then placed a common box in
the manure and put in it some newly hatched chicks;
this was rather a bold proceeding, for the chances
were that I should only find dead ones in the morn-
ing. Judgeof my surprise when at five o’clock in the
morning I opened the box and saw all these little ones
with their large eyes open, waiting their first meal,
and they were quickly fed.

This, then, was the solution of the great problem.
Was it chance or luck? Nevertheless, I had ‘before
me the fact that there were animated beings born in
manure and receiving the warmth necessary for their
welfare from the samesource. Having already received
so many checks and deceptions, I hesitated and re-
frained from shouting “ Victory !” — Eureka it might
be.

A few more days would show me what success I might
depend on in using this means of raising them, and
all those that were daily hatched received the same
treatment. At length, after fifteen days’ experience,
I had only to fight against the corners of the box; for

70 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

those who have the opportunity of visiting an estab-
lishment for rearing young chickens know full well
how they will crowd into the corners; the stronger
ones mount on the backs of the weaker, and these are,
almost in all cases, victims to their companions.

I now began to look for a box that would in a cer-
tain degree resemble the hen. Everybody knows that
if she gives warmth to the chickens it is by covering
them with her wings; but again, if an account was
taken of the number she crushes by treading on them,
of those she loses in walking round with them, you
can easily see that the raiser pays dearly for the heat
she gives. I will admit there are some mothers pat-
terns of gentleness, tenderness and carefulness, and
quite worthy of the praise and admiration bestowed ~
on them, and will allow several authors to say all they
can in their favor; but if they were, like myself, daily
watching them, and convinced of the reality, they
would soon see how very many in general destroy
their young; it is by millions yearly that they could
be counted. Up to the present time very few have
troubled themselves about this great question, for the
simple reason that this enormous loss, being shared by
all, it has not awakened the attention of the great
poultry raisers. One of my neighbors, who raises a
great quantity of poultry, especially turkeys, lost in

THE CoRBETT APPARATUS. vil

one day sixty-four chicks, their careful mothers havy-
ing taken them off to a distance, when the rain came
and they were lost. This man, a clever farmer, suffer-
ing so great a loss, has he ever thought he might
avoid it? I don’t believe he has.

In order that mv apparatus should be good, I kept
strict account of the heat given to the chickens by the
mother, the movement of the wings, and especially of
the amount of air that penetrated under her. After
several days’ labor and combinations, I succeeded in
obtaining all these results, and I found I had replaced
the hen with great advantage, for really my apparatus
is much superior to the hen. The stomach and the
wings are, by a clever combination, beautifully imitated.
Especially do chickens find this to be the case whilst
growing up as well as when they are small. This
apparatus having so admirably succeeded in raising
chickens, why could it not serve also to hatch them?
To this important question I could not immediately
reply; so I began another experiment, and the first
trial failed, and upon my making further researches I
discovered that what prevented the success of the in-
cubation was simply in the quality of the wood of
which the boxes were made. I then made another
apparatus and new experiments, and at last suc-
ceeded.

72 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

From that day I found I had solved an important
problem, and that I could hatch and raise chickens
without the assistance of any lamp, nor with any fire,
and that manure alone would doit. Ah! if Reaumur
could rise from his ashes, how happy would he be to
see these facts established; and I would wish to see
present near the hatching broods those authors who
have so little gratitude for this renowned man of the.
past century.”

‘“‘Kivery pen that is employed in the praise of any
subject or industry does honor to the author who ren-
ders justice to the merits of others, more especially

when it alludes only to their memory.”

SuccESSFUL ENGLISH INCUBATORS. 73

CHAPTER Ix.

SuccressFuL Enguiso INcuBATORS.

Artificial incubation has made fully as much pro-
gress in England thepast two years asin America.
In 1877 it began to attract the attention of the practi-
cal, progressive breeders in that country, and has been
steadily gaining in favor with them ever since. It has
been largely encouraged by frequent trials of the differ-
ent machines at public exhibitions or “ Incubator Tour-
naments,” as they are called, in which the various ma-
chines are put to the test under similar circumstances,
and these public trials attract great attention.

The one held at Hemel Hempstead last year was
very noteworthy in many respects, the best, or most
successful machine hatching, 97 per cent, the second
one 57 per cent, the third 56 per cent, the fourth 48
per cent, and several others were nearly as successful.
The trial took place in the month of September, and
we can all understand that there are many adverse
circumstances connected with a trial of that kind, and
that time of the year, which should be given due

74 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

consideration. Jor the descriptive part of the English
machines, we are indebted to a recent work upon this
subject by the editor of the Fanciers’ Chronicle
(English.)

CELEBRATED ENGLISH INCUBATORS.

CHRISTY’S HYDRO-INCUBATOR.

This machine is the invention of Mr. Thomas
Christy, London, and we believe, so far as the mode
of working is concerned, he obtained his idea from
the Rouillier incubator used so much in France; he
has made several alterations, which he considers im-
provements, but as we have not yet had an opportunity
of testing the Rouillier, we cannot express an opinion
upon them. The Christy machine is about 30 inches
square, and outwardly has an appearance of a wood chest
with a drawer at the bottom and a glass gauge above ;
in fact, it has very little appearance of being an incuba-
tor from its outward aspect, having none of the mechan-
ical contrivances that are generally to be seen on these
machines. It issimply a tank — of
the whole, the remaining third being taken up with
the egg drawer. This tank has some internal compart-
ments which divide the water, the objects of which will
shortly be seen. The inlet to the tank is on the top,
and the outlets, of which there are two, are at the

a

CuHRISTY’s Hypro-INCUBATOR. 15

front. One of these is about half-way down, the other
being fixed at the bottom of the tank. The gauge
glass, of course, registers the height of the water in
the tank. A wooden door, on being removed, reveals
the egg drawer, which, on being drawn out, shows the

RIST
ates! bh,
HYDRO-INCUBATORS

HYDRO-INCUBATOR FOR 100 EGGS.

A is the pipe only used for completely emptyin® the cistern; B, the brass tap for
drawing off the water prior to replenishing the cistern with boiling water; C, the
glass gauge with a marked scale, D, at the side to register height of water in the cis-
tern; E, the pipe for filling the cistern; F,the tube for escape of air when water is
put in the cistern; G, the drawer into the front of which the new earth-irays slide;
H, thermometer in the drawer; I, I, the air-holes in sides of incubator and drawer;
J, the flannel; K, the stand or box used to keep the incubator off the ground; L, the
earth-trays,

thermometer, and the arrangements for moisture.
The eggs are placed upon a perforated zinc tray, the
holes allowing the moisture to rise from the earth
trays beneath, and keeping the bottom of the eggs

cool. Airis admitted by two rows of holes at each

76 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

side of the machine, one row of which admits air into
the drawer above the eggs, and the other below the
egos.

The marvelous part of the whole thing is, that it
works without lamps or gas, and, therefore, needs no
regulator, which is always the most expensive and
difficult part of a self-regulating incubator. The mode
of procedure is to fill the machine with boiling water,
which raises the heat up to about 120 or 180 degs., and
after allowing it to cool down to 102 degs., keep the
heat at about that temperature by drawing off every
twelve hours, by the tap placed midway in the tank, a
sufficient quantity of water, and replacing it by the
same quantity of boiling water. Strange though this
may seem, if it is properly done it will keep the tem-
perature pretty even. ‘lhe quantity requiring to be
taken out varies with the outer temperature, and
whilst a very small quantity of water will work it in
summer, or if kept in a warm room in winter, if kept.
in a cold place it takes a large quantity to keep it
going.

This machine, as will have been apparent to our
readers, can only be worked where a sufficient supply
of hot water can be obtained. In summer, or if kept
in a warm place, this can be done quite easily, but in
the depth of winter—the time when Incubators are

Curisty’s Hypro-INCUBATOR. vy

of the most use—the difficulty is not so easy to over-
come. Of course, a large pan can be got to hold three
or four gallons of water, but it is not every household
that can allow the fire to be monopolized for an hour
or two twice a day. In large establishments, where
the kitchen boiler is always pretty near boiling point,
the thing is easily managed, but the majority of those

© sRONZE MEDAN.

THE 2 H
CUBATOR COMPETITI 15 1
ea fe ee “I HEMEL HEMPSTEAD.clR; ff |

—S
Sorne:
nT

HYDRO-INCUBATOR FOR 500 EGGS.

Constructed with two cisterns and four drawers, each cistern working independently
of the other.

who have incubators have not this convenience. Our
own plan was as follows:— We placed the incubator
in a dressing-room adjoining the bath-room, and upon
the top of the incubator put a small gas stove, upon
‘which a large tin boiler, holding about seven gallons
of water, was placed. As the heat of the water in
the bath boiler was generally from 150° to 180°, it did

78 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

not require a great deal of time to boil it ; and, a tap
being fixed in this tin boiler right above the inlet pipe,
the water, actually boiling, was run into the machine.
It is necessary, when this is done, to place a sheet of
tin under the gas stove, or the wood below will be
charred by the heat, and, perhaps, set on fire. The
only drawback to this plan is the expense, as a great
deal of gas is consumed in these stoves, and whilst we
had ours at work it cost about 4d per day. It is only
where gas can be obtained that this plan can be carried
out, and in country places the machine must be
worked by some other method. Where the machine
is placed in charge of game-keepers or poultry-men
who have plenty of. time on their hands, the spending
of an hour or two does not make any difference. We
would recommend, whenever possible, that the machine
be placed in charge of a woman — we use the word in
its truest sense—for they have far more time and
patience than we of the sterner sex. They appear to
have an adeptness and art, which causes them to
succeed where men fail; in fact, they, when they take
areal interest in the matter, appear to have more of
the “knack” we spoke of in our first chapter. Of
course, there are ladies who do not possess this “ knack,”
and a machine isa useless thing with them. We would
not, however, recommend a self-regulating machine

Curisty’s HypRo-INCUBATOR. 79

being placed in the charge of a lady, as the delicate
mechanism necessary for the regulation is — with all
due deference to the fair sex —a true bete nozr in their
hands, and, unless the worker has more mechanical
knowledge than is generally possessed by ladies, will
be too much for them.

Many of our readers will wonder how it is that some

THE “CLUCKER! HYDRO-INCUBATOR FOR 20 EGGS.

persons succeed so well, whilst others utterly fail
with the same machine, both working, apparentiy,
under the same circumstances, and the wonder is a
natural one; but we suppose it is just the same as in
other matters, some have “a gift,” or a plodding pa-
tience, and succeed, whilst others, under the same, or
even more favorable circumstances, have to give up in
despair. This will, therefore, account for the different

reports given by various persons.

80 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

The merits of this machine are: its great simplicity
in working; the regularity of temperature which it
keeps, caused by the fact that the lower body of water
is never disturbed, and that the hot water can only mix
with the cooler water gradually; the freedom from
objectionable smell which all gas and oil machines give
off, and which may have some injurious effect upon
the imprisoned chick; and last, but not least, its
reasonable price. Its defectis: The large quantity
of water required to work it in cold weather ; but in
spite of this, it is a very useful machine, and its
introduction marks a new era in the history of artificial
incubation, and we can thoroughly recommend it to
any one who has the time and means of working it.

The machine used in our experiments was a 100 egg
machine, which is the smallest size made, it being found
that a smaller one is more affected by the temperature
of the atmosphere, there not being so large a body of
water, and consequently the heat is more quickly lost.
Messrs. Christy make machines to hold 20, 80, and 500
eggs, and also one for ostrich eggs.

CASHMORE’S INCUBATOR.

Some readers may probably never have heard of
this machine, which is the invention of Mr. Cashmore,
of Loughborough, and, being sold at a very low price

CASHMORE’S INCUBATOR. 81

for a lamp machine, it may be thought to be a toy and
nothing more. Such, however, is not the case, as with
ordinary care and attention it will be found very useful
and handy for any one who wishes to hatch only a very

few birds at one time.

Rin ial — rm
ql
il

a

al MN
Soames = ———

AN
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O

‘hil |

i : 1 =

This machine stood second in the trial of incubators
~ at Hemel Hempstead, in September last.

The machine is about 2 feet square and 18 inches
- high. At the front is shown the egg drawer, A,

holding abont 50 ordinary sized eggs, which are placed
6

82 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

upon flannel over a sheet of perforated zinc. The
moisture is given from a tray not shown, which is
filled with earth and kept moist, as in the Penman
and Christy machines, but with the difference that it
is much larger, and consequently is capable of giving
off more moisture; this: tray is only seen when the
ego drawer is taken completely out. The inlet to the
tank is at the funnel, B, which is also used for the regu-
lator, and which we will describe presently; C is the
pivot for the regulator rod; D is the exhaust pipe; E
is the lamp (for benzoline), carefully balanced upon the
two brackets shown in the plate; F isa tube which runs
to the chimney I, and in which the burner is placed ;
G is the thermometer; and H are the holes for the
admission of air to the eggs.

The method of working is as follows : — Hot water
is poured into the funnel B until it is filled, when the
machine is allowed to cool down until it comes to the
requisite temperature, when the lamp is lit and fixed
in position. The wire from the rod is then hooked
on to the lamp, and at the other end of this rod a hol-
low weight is hung, which, being just balanced by the
lamp, floats on the oil which is placed above the
water in the funnel to prevent evaporation. Within
the tube F about the quarter of an inch beyond
the end of the burner, and below it, a brass tongue

CASHMORE’S INCUBATOR. 83

is placed of a wide A shape inverted, and this forms
the principal part of the regulator. The result is,
if the machine gets hotter than the temperature at
which it is set, the water in the tank naturally ex-
pands, and, having no other outlet than the funnel
B, rises there, in consequence of which the weight is
raised and the burner falls, cutting off nearly all the
flame, and of course as soon as the temperature falls
again, the water contracts, the weight is lowered, the
burner rises, and the flame attains its full size. We
found, when testing this machine, that it keeps its
heat very even indeed, and with as much regularity
as any Jamp machine we have yet tried.

Considering the small size of the machine, it is
wonderful how regular the heat is kept, but this is
partially dune to the fact that the bottom body of
water is not interfered with, as the lamp heats only
the upper portion. This we think a good plan, and
which can be used in the gas or lamp heating machines,
as well asin Hydro-Incubators. The small size and
consequent cheapness is an advantage to many, who
do not care to have a large and cumbersome machine,
_ but one that they can handle easily.

The merits of this incubator are its size, the
simplicity of its working, its capital regulator, its
excellent arrangements for air and moisture, and the

84 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

small cost for the oil it burns. Its only demerit is
that the regulator will only regulate within a certain
number of degrees. Our remark requires some fuller
explanation to show what we mean, and it is this —
that in a sudden change of temperature from, say, 50
deg. to 30 deg., the flame being full for the former,
would, of itself, not be able to meet this, and the heat
of the machine would go down in consequence.
Again, if sudden heat came, raising the temperature
of the atmosphere 20 deg., it would greatly interfere
with the heat of the machine. This is, however, a
matter that can always be avoided by extra attention
when such occurrences take place, and is just what
may be looked for in other machines more pretentious
than this one.
HOWELL’S GEM HATCHER.

The ‘“‘Gem” hatcher is made by Mr. F. Howell
of Dunstable, a gentleman who has taken very great
interest in the question of artificial incubation, and
who has worked this machine very successfully. It is
upon the same principle as Christy’s Hydro-Incubator,
and held third position in the last trial of machines at
Hemel Hempstead, being scarcely 1 per cent below
that of Mr. Cashmore. It is made in two sizes, namely,
60 and 100 eggs respectively, and the larger machine

Wartson’s ‘‘Scorra’’ INCUBATOR. 85

did the best work, the smaller machine being nearly
20 per cent below the larger one in results.

The difference between this machine and that of
Messrs. Christy is the egg drawer, which is a tin tray,
has very good arrangements for moisture, and the eggs
are laid upon straw asin the Voitellier machine. The
glass gauge which registers the height of the water is
abolished, but this isa very questionable improvement,
and one which might be called an improvement
backward.

Mr. Howell claims that in his machines, much less
water is required to work than in the Christy, and of
course, this is a great advantage. Itisdoubtless through
having a larger body of water, the larger machine
holding about 25 gallons. Other than this, it is very
similar to that machine.

WATSON’S ‘ SCOTIA”? INCUBATOR.

- This machine is altogether on a different principle
to any other machine, being worked by lamps, but has
no regulator whatever.

In appearance_it is like a very flat box with one
_ drawer in front, and an arched hole at each end of it.
It is about 3 feet in length, half that width, and 15
inches in height, the outer case being wood entirely.

86 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

A tank about 14 inches deep is fitted in it extending
the whole length of the machine, holding the water,
which is heated by the lamps placed in compartments
of which the arched holes are the entrances. These
lamps are simply ordinary paraffine lamps with the
usual burners, but of ‘course without a chimney.
Above these the metal is bright, and the heat arising
from the flame, which can be turned sufficiently low
as not to smoke, can easily heat the water in the tank.
The egg drawer is placed between the two lamp
compartments, and is sufficiently large to hold 100
egos. In the bottom of this drawer grass sods are
placed, or earth, if that be more easily obtained, and
kept constantly moist; above this a layer of straw is
laid, on which the eggs are put. Ventilation is given
over the ends and back of this drawer.

We see no reason whatever why this machine should
not succeed, if kept ina proper place. It is natural to
suppose that it will require more attention than either
a regulating or a hot water machine, as in one there is
some way of keeping the heat fairly even by means of
a regulator, and in the other by the great body of
water, but if kept in a room where the temperature
is pretty even, we should not despair of hatching with
it. Whilst believing that a few degrees variation will
do no great harm, so long as the heat is not allowed

THE VOITELLIER INCUBATOR. 87

torise too much, we certainly think that the steadier the
heat can be kept the better, and there is a danger now
of neglecting the old desire for uniform heat, and
flying to the other extreme, which must have its due
attention.

The great fault in this machine is the defective
ventilation. It is unwise to expect that the fresh air
will run up one side, traveling over all sorts of odd
corners, and finding its exit in the same manner.
Some better provision ought certainly to be made, as
this isone of the most important points to be attended
to in all incubators, and without it, success will be
ever uncertain.

The ‘‘ Scotia”? machine is very reasonable in price,
costing only £2 10s. for a 100 egg machine.

THE VOITELLIER INCUBATOR.

This machine shares the unenviable notoriety of
having completely failed at the Hemel Hempstead
Tournament of Incubators in 1878, and, although
previously well known, its reputation received too
_severe a blow to very rapidly recover a place in public
estimation. Its inventor claims its principle of being
a ‘‘hot nest” alone, as entirely novel in artificial
hatching. In a report to the French National Acad-

88 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

emy of Agriculture, M. Joubert says, that he looks
upon the Voitellier “as a true farm incubator, being
as plain and durable asa plow or churn.’ This is
true. He further says, that “the roughest-handed
farm servant can take the management of it without
fear of injury to its working.” Be it now our duty
to describe the machine and relate our experience
with it, in order that our readers may, for themselves,
determine how far wecan indorse the latter statement.

A strong deal chest, 33 inches square and 21 inches
deep, contains a cylindrical zinc cistern packed tightly
round with sawdust; this hot-water tank is a foot
in depth, and has 20 inches inside diameter. It exactly
fits, and rests upon a circular wooden frame 4 inches
in height, and this is the “hatching nest” (the
English trade-mark), in which eggs are placed without
any contact with the hot metal. It will hold 100
ordinary fowl eggs, or between 70 and 80 duck eggs.
Two movable glazed frames, fitting the one over the
other, are provided at the top of the machine, allowing
either of access to the eggs when lifted off, or of a
glance at the thermometer, leaning upright inside, at
any time without opening. The inlet pipe is at the
right hand top corner, and the only outlet tap is at the
bottom. In the center of the front is a pipe to

supply air, but the latter is always warmed before

THE VOITELLIER INCUBATOR. 89

being admitted to the incubator, by reason of a con-
siderable length of the pipe running alongside of the
eistern. The ai: has no direct contact either with the
egos, inasmuch as the pipe rises 9 inches inside, and a
current is secured at the top by the aid of a very
' small piece of piping through which (in the published
theory) it is supposed that the steam from the hot
water escapes, and so damps the eggs sufficiently.
Suffice it here to remark, that were this the only
moisture supplied, the percentage of hatchings would
be small indeed. The cistern holds 20 gallons of
water. The nest is prepared by placing fodder, or
bracken, on a layer of sand, or gravel, an inch in
thickness. The latter is kept damp, and thus the
atmosphere in the machine should not only be always
of a proper temperature, but moist as well.

Being a hydro-incubator, the remarks upon the sup-
ply of hot water made upon the Christy. machine are
equally applicable to the Voitellier. No rule can be laid
down to guide an unskilled operator in water changing,
but practice soon gives him the requisite “‘ knack’’ of
telling from a glance at the thermometer how much
he will require to carry him on, either through the
day time, or night, as the case may be. In any
regular establishment for artificial incubation, where a

quantity of machines are working, and every requi-

90 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

site 1s to hand, with constant attention and careful
supervision, of course this difficulty must be overcome
entirely, and all irregularities of temperature would
disappear. Weare supposing that an amateur has a
single machine.

Care has to be taken when the top lids are
off for the purpose of attending to the eggs, that the
latter are not exposed for too long atime. The inside
cistern-surface is so large to come in contact with the
outer airof a lower temperature, that it loses a
large proportion of its heat rapidly, and when the
covers are replaced, and boiling water run in, consider-
able time seems to elapse before the effect on the
inner air is appreciable. This danger points the reader,
however, to the ease with which too high a temperature
is remedied. “No top contact,” is M. Voitellier’s
principle, so that no alteration can well be made in his
machine in this respect, but, in our opinion, it consti-
tutes a danger requiring more delicate care and judg-
ment than “the roughest-handed farm laborer” (as a
rule);is possessed of. Nature is not imitated without
top-contact. Here the eggs are subjected to a moist
heat of 104 degs., and according as they contain germs
of strong or weak constitutions, hatchings take place

more or less freely.

BoyueE’s MACHINE. 9i

That the Voitellier deserves a measure of success
is testified to by the important results experts are
claimed to have obtained with it, and we may reasonably
hope that its inventor may yet prove, in an open com-
petition, that in his hands it will perform its work as
creditably as it has hitherto done in his own coun-
try. It is, in many respects, a convenient incubator ;
its air supply requires no regulation; its arrangements
for moisture are simple and effective, apparently ; its
price is tolerably moderate; the thermometer can be
consulted with ease and without exposing eggs; and
the young chicks are provided witha nest, which
seems in every way suitable to them from the moment
of chipping to that of hatching out. Against these
merits must be weighed the close attention it requires,
as well as the large quantity of boiling water. Still
if hydro-incubators are not toys, but elements of com-
mercial enterprise, the last consideration would not be
worth a thought, as proper appliances would be abso-
Intely requisite.

BOYLE’S MACHINE.

One of the greatest difficulties that experimentalists
in artificial incubation have met with has been in the

regulation of heat, and until very recently it was

92 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

thought that if the heat could be kept even, the whole
thing was done. |

The Boyle incubator is about 2 feet square and 3
feét high, having at each side a shelf with small
mothers for the chickens. A door, occupying about
half the entire front, on being opened displays the
working apparatus, which consists of a boiler, under
which room is given for the placing of the lamp or gas
burner, and in front of it is fixed the regulator. Above
this door are two smaller doors which open and form
a slide, upon which the egg tray can rest when drawn
out. These latter serve a double purpose, being in the -
first place the means of getting to the hatching box,
which is simply a circular tray with 2 inch sides, and
covered with a piece of perforated wood, in which the
eggs are placed wrapped in flannel as soon as they are
chipped. The doors, when open, show the bottoms of
the eggs in the egg tray, and are also used for regulat-
ing the temperature at the bottom of the eggs, which
is done by closing or opening them. |

The hatching box is placed on the top of the boiler
beneath the egg drawer. The egg tray is a perforated
tray made of tin, the holes in which are about the size
of an egg, but to prevent the eggs falling through,
narrow strips of tin are fixed, so that the eggs are
about half above and half below the tray. Upon the

BoyvueE’s MACHINE. 93

tray small metal cups are placed, and being kept filled
with water, charge the air in the egg drawer with
moisture. Above the drawer are a series of arches,
under which the eggs slide, the object being to make
the heat above the eggs as even as possible. The
whole machine presents a neat appearance, and is
finished in a first-class manner.

The most important and valuable part of the ma-
chine is the regulator.

This regulator works with the greatest nicety, and
is never failing in its action. It could be left for a
week without needing attention if it was set at the
right temperature. We have known it work for a
month with every kind of weather during that period,
and the egg drawer not vary above 3 or 4 degrees,
whilst the regulator will not vary half a degree. In
fact, we do not know of any regulator — excepting an
electric one — which we dare leave with the same con-
fidence for any length of time. We have done some
very good work, indeed, with it, hatching as far as 80
per cent of eggs placed in it, z. e. leaving out the un-
fertile and broken ones. We have italicized the word
broken, because we wish to call special attention to
what we must consider one of the defects of the ma-

chine.

94 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

There is one thing which has worked against the
success of this machine, and that is the price, consider-
ing the few eggs it holds. The egg drawer is only
perforated for 42 eggs, and as the price is about £15
15s., only those in command of plenty of money could
afford to purchase one. We do not say for one moment —
that it is too high in price considering the work there
must be in the making of it, but few people care to
spend so much for, what is to them, a thing of doubt-
ful success.

The qualities which must ever recommend this
machine are its compact form and its almost, nay
perfect, regulator. There are several improvements
which could easily be made in it. To our mind the
greatest defect is the egg drawer, which is both com-
plicated and useless. If, instead of having a tray such
as it now has, it had perforated zinc, the object for
which the tray is so made, namely, the keeping cool
of the bottom of the eggs, would be gained. The
arches under which the tray slides are also useless,
and the cause of very great annoyance and vexation.
We have had scores of eggs in various stages broken
by these arches, and often have been exasperated al-
most to frenzy by seeing eggs with lively and healthy
chicks in them, within a day or two of hatching,
broken in this way, and it could not be attributed to

PENMAN’sS PATENT INCUBATOR. 95

carelessness, for if an egg was a large one, it was
scarcely possible to keep it whole to the end. The
hatching box is not by any means perfection, and we
think the substitution of an under heat for the top
heat, after the egg has chipped, tends to cramp in the
chicken’s legs, and to prevent weakly chicks from
hatching out at all. If the egg drawer was altered,
as we have suggested, there would be no need what-
ever for a hatching box, as a piece of flannel might be
thrown over the eggs as soon as they were chipped,
and would answer all the purposes required. We ~
would also advise the keeping of a dish of water on
the top of the boiler below the egg drawer, to keep
the air moist. We think 102 degrees over heat, and
99 degrees under heat, the best for successful hatching

with this machine.

PENMAN’S PATENT INCUBATOR.

The incubator we are about to describe was first in-
troduced to the public two years ago, being the in-
vention of a gentleman resident in N ewcastle-upon-
Tyne, who has studied the question many years, and
been most successful in hatching. It won the silver
medal at the Dairy Show in October, 1877, for the
best inenbator in action, but at the Hemel Hempstead

96 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

tournament in 1878 neither of the machines sent there
succeeded in hatching a single chick, although the
day after the competition was over, a large number
of live birds were found in the eggs.

The following is the description of the panos of
the machine as taken from the prospectus :— |

“Tt appears that every failure (in artificial ineuba-
tion) must be attributed to attempts made to improve
upon nature, instead of imitating her wonderful work-
ings.) In the case of the egg she has ordained the
germ (so long as it is kept in a horizontal position) to
float uppermost within and against the shell, in order
that it may meet the genial warmth of the breast of
the fowl. We must, therefore, in incubation, apply
warmth to that part only, and of the degree determined
by nature. A fowl of any kind prefers to incubate
upon the ground. Nature having supplied the egg
with only a limited quantity of moisture, has thus
arranged to prevent evaporation from a large surface,
as the egg is only warm at the point in contact with
the fowl, until the blood vessels, searching for nourish-
ment for the embryo, have surrounded the inner sur-
face of the shell, when the whole egg becomes gradu-
ally warm, and eventually of an equal temperature by
means of the circulation of the blood through these

vessels. We must, in a word, apply the same degree

PENMAN’S PATENT INCUBATOR. 97

of heat as nature, and in the same manner — by top-
contact’ ; and, like her, allow the interior portion of
the egg to remain cool, until warmed by the inward
circulation of the blood. The difference between
‘top-contact heat’ and that received from ‘radiation,’
as applied to hatching, is this: by radiation, or oven
heat, the eggs will be hours arriving at the desired
temperature, not only when first put to hatch, but at
every time afterward when they have been allowed
to get cool. The egg will, of course, heat alike over
its whole surface, and, consequently, evaporate equally
from every part. On the contrary, heat applied in
‘top-contact,’ penetrates almost instantly and revivifies
the germ.

“To carry out this principle, so intelligently given
in the above paragraph, Mr. Cantelo, about thirty
years ago, after many experiments and much consider-
ation, found that the best way of applying the ‘top-
contact heat’ to eggs during incubation was by a cur-
rent of water flowing over an impermeable or water-
_ proof cloth, beneath which the eggs are placed ;”’ and
it is a pity that in the article from which the above
extract is taken no reference is made to the success
which he achieved.

“In constructing the incubator now brought before
the public, the above principle has been constantly

98 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

kept in view and strictly carried out; for there is no
radiating or oven heat maintained, and no egg will
be hatched in it that isnot brought into top-contact
with the source of heat.”

Upon the face of the matter it will be seen that this
machine, in respect to contact, is the only one which
follows nature, and there is no doubt that the
principle is a correct one, as the only heat received by
an egg from the hen is certainly where she touches it.
The difficulty which Cantelo experienced was, that
the water-proof cloth began to bag because of the
weight of water, and this, when it did so to a great
extent, crushed the eggs in the process of hatching, or
smothered the chickens as they were hatched. He
was obliged eventually to give up the cloth, and sub-
stituted glass for it. But his machine, like many
others, from some cause or another, passed into obliv-
ion, and only the older generation of fanciers have any
remembrance of it.

Mr. Penman, in his experiments, found that india-
rubber was the best thing he could find for his pur-
pose, and in spite of many objections which have been
made to it, he has proved that, if properly washed be-
fore being used, all objectionable smell arising from
the sulphur is taken away. But even india-rubber in
time bags considerably,

PENMAN’S PATENT INCUBATOR. 99

This incubator is made in three sizes for 50, 100
and 200 eggs respectively, the latter being the size
first made. The two larger sizes we have been very
successful with, the smaller one we have never tried
ourselves, although others have, but with very varying
results.

The machine — we are describing the medium one —
is oblong in shape, and about 30 inches high, having
the appearance of a wooden frame. In the front are
seen the two trays covering the water compartment, the
thermometer, the egg trays, and the mother and run;
the boiler, regulator, and lamp or gas jet, being fixed
at the back. On removing one of the trays, the
india-rubber sheet, the water, and the regulation pipes
immersed in the water are exposed, and the shape of
the eggs, on which the rubber is lying, can be seen.
The rubber is fixed into a wooden frame, and exactly
midway three holes are placed, connected with a metal
tube, through which the water comes after being heated
in the boiler. At each end are two holes, connected
with pipes, which carries the cooler water to the
mother, after which it passes to the boiler to be re-
heated, so that a constant circulation is taking place.
Upon the under side of this frame are fixed the egg
trays, which are held in position by a wire pin and a
hook. These trays are made of zinc, with two rows

100 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

of holes for the admission of air both above and below
the eggs. A smaller tray is fixed inside, made of per-
forated zinc, beneath which damp soil is placed to give
thenecessary moisture. The regulator is a very ingen-
ions contrivance, and can be made to work very effect-
ually. The lamp consists of a pill-box-shaped brass
vessel, upon one side of which is placed a flexible dia-
phragm, which, being connected by a fine rod to a .
slide cut V shape, reduces the flame of the wick if.
pressed over it, or if drawn back from it, allows more
flame to appear. In the gas machine there are two
brass vessels, one of which is worked in the same man-
ner as for lamp, but the rod is connected with the dia-
phragm of the opposite vessel, on the inner side of
which a fine brass pin is fixed, and which, when
pressed in, exactly fits into a fine hole, and reduces the.
supply of gas (admitted by a pipe on the top) to the
burner. In both instances the regulating power is
water or spirit, inclosed in the tubes mentioned as be-
ing seen when the tray was removed, which, having
no outlet, and being connected with the first-named
brass vessel by a small pipe, when the water expands
or contracts by the rising or falling of the heat, moves
the diaphragm, and this acts as the regulator. It is
necessary, however, to have four or at least three of these
regulation pipes, to give a sufficient body of water or

PENMAN’S PATENT INCUBATOR. 101

it will not be susceptible enough. We think this was
the secret of the failure of this incubator at Hemel
Hempstead last year, as the machines sent there had
only two tubes, and, as a consequence, the tempera-
ture was very variable. In our own experiments, we
have found the same thing occur, when there were
only two tubes for regulation.

The merits of this machine are, the capital arrange-
ments for giving the necessary moisture, and the eggs
being heated by actual contact. We think an im-
provement might be made in the fixing of the india-
‘rubber, as it bags very considerably after being used
for aseason. This could be done by fixing rods of.
wire below it at intervals, but there would have to be
corresponding partitions in the egg trays, to prevent
the eggs from touching and being broken by these
wires. It would also be an advantage to do away
with the mother altogether, as it is too boxed up, or

_ to make it more open, and to close in the sides and
front of the machine, as the egg trays are too much
exposed, for in very cold weather the eggs are chilled
when against the sides of the trays. Ifthese improve-
ments were made, and four tubes used for the regula-
tor, it would be a very good and useful machine.

Its success at the autumn show of the Northumber-
land Agricultural Society and the Dairy Show held at

102 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

Islington, London, in 1877, were severe tests, for at
the latter eggs were taken in process of incubation
from Newcastle to London, and there hatched in the
Agricultural Hall. In conclusion, we may say that
for a perfect regulating and working incubator, we
should think Boyle’s regulator and Penman’s incuba-
tor would be unequaled.

From the foregoing pages, our readers can obtain a
very correct idea of the progress made in England in
this specialty, and by comparison can readily see how

far we are in advance of our English cousins.

ARTIFICIAL MOTHERS. 1038

CHAPTER X.

ArtiriciAL MotHErs.

_“ Foster mothers” they might well be called, and
the experience of many breeders has been that they

are much to be preferred to the hen. They are a very
useful appendage to the poultry yard in more ways
than one, even though you may not use an incubator.

The hen has enjoyed her needed rest from her ordi-
nary duties of laying, while employed for three weeks
in hatching the eggs—and now the young chicks
when twenty-four hours old can be removed to the
artificial mother, and the hen, returned to the laying
house, to again resume her usual duties.

In the artificial mother it is a much easier task to
feed and care for the young chicks, and to protect them
from vermin and rats, the scourges of the poultry-yard.
The chickens are completely under your control, and
are not being tramped to death by some booted Mon-
golian, or picked to death by the ferocious game, into
whose coop the unfortunate little fellow may have

a

accidentally strayed.

104 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

If you are rearing chickens upon a large scale, the
mothers will be found to be almost an absolute neces-
sity, and extensive breeders who have used them, are
of the opinion that the artificial is to be preferred to |
the natural hen. They are certainly a great econ-
omizer of labor and time, and many things can be said
in their favor. For their use, there should be a proper
house provided, with light ventilation, and in cold or
damp weather, the proper heat and temperature should
be maintained by use of a small stove; keep a dry at-
mosphere, avoid draughts, and success can be readily
attained in raising fine, healthy chicks.

The use of artificial mothers has answered the in-
quiry often made, as to how we shall rear the young
chicks after they are hatched out, for success as much
depends upon successfully rearing them, as any thing
else. :

Another question often asked, is, how do they learn
to eat? An easy matter, surely; if they do not readily
eat when twenty-four hours old, one or two chickens
somewhat older can be placed with them, and they will
readily learn,

CARE OF THE CHICKS. 105

CHAPTERS ck
Carer: oF THE CHICKS.

It seems to be an easy thing to bring the little fel-
lows into existence; and the question then arises, how
shall we care for them, and successfully rear them ?
In this, as well as inineubation, common sense is a de-
sideratum. Much thought and labor have been devoted
to this subject for many years by men of practical
experience; and various devices have been invented
to protect and care for the chicks, some of which we
have described in the previous pages. The young
chicks should be removed from the incubator to the
brooder when from twelve to fifteen hours old, and
then require their first feed, which should be com-
posed of hard-boiled eggs, bread crumbs, wet up
with alittle milk. Even if their first feed is delayed
a few hours longer it will not be at all prejudicial to
their welfare. We have many inquiries asking how
we shall learn them to eat; to such, we say, it any

thing is “‘natural’’ in this world, it is the knowledge

106 ARTIFICIAL. INCUBATION.

all animals have, of “ how to eat.” As the chicks grow
aud thrive they should be provided with as varied a
diet as possible, and fed at regular intervals, and as
often as circumstances will permit. If it can be
arranged for the first few weeks, the following would
be a good schedule: five, nine, twelve, a. m., three,
six and nine, pv. m., and if they can have a feed later
than that, at night, so much the better. Early chickens
are very important to all poultry-keepers, and in no way
can they be so well secured as by giving every possible
care to the way in which they are fed and managed,
from the time they leave the shell, until they are fit
for broilers, or able to care for themselves. The sim-
plicity and certainty with which these results can be
accomplished is apparent to those who have given the
subject any study at all. If the chicks are confined
to the brooder and dry runs, they should be provided
with grain food; and as soon as old enough should be
allowed a grass run. But be sure that it is protected
against rats, cats, hawks and the various enemies of the
poultry yard. Lettuce chopped fine is the best substitute
for green grass, and young cabbage sprouts, chopped
onions and potato mash have always been very valu-
able. |
Milk is one of the most beneficial things that can
possibly be fed to chickens, young or old; and they

CARE OF THE CHICKS. 107

cannot have too much of it, though it should not be
given them to the exclusion of water. In the early
spring months it will be found very desirable to warm
the milk that is given to them, especially if early in
the morning; it willserve as an excellent stimulant.

The longer the little attentions we have named can
be continued to them, the better they will thrive and
the greater will be the results that will be attained.
As soon as they begin to relish it, finely-chopped
meat will also prove very beneficial to them, and con-
ducive to their growth and stamina of constitution.
As they grow up, the dry grains should be substituted
. as rapidly as possible for the wet food, and it will do
much to prevent gapes, and a dozen little ailments
that chicken flesh is heir to. A good rule to observe
in feeding them is to only give them, each time, just
what they will eat up clean, and keep their appetites
good, and thus prevent them from getting cloyed on
any kind of food. <A requisite in the raising of chick-
ens is dry quarters; dampness in any form they can-
- not stand, and care and judgment should be exercised
in this particular. Better not attempt to do any thing
if you are to leave it half done, and better not at-
tempt to rear chickens unless you have a suitable place
for them, and are prepared to give them the care and
attention that they will most certainly demand. Not

108 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

the slightest difficulty need be experienced in the rear-
ing of chickens artificially, if you will only give it
proper thought, attention and common sense. That

it is economy, none can question; time is saved in —

feeding, time is saved in care, and the life of many
a luckless chick saved from the heavy feet of the
mother, and dozens of similar causes. That they are
being more and more used each year is plainly appa-
rent to all who have made the subject a study, and
that incubators and brooders are revolutionizing the

poultry interests is no longer a question.

DISEASES, PREVENTION AND CURE.

Tew diseases occur where the proper precautions
are used ; and they are generally produced by cold,
dampness, filth or want of care.

Diarrua@a is caused by just the things we have
noted, it can usually be checked by giving boiled rice,
with which a little powdered chalk has been mixed.
Give a little cayenne pepper in their food, and add a
few drops of camphor to their drinking water.

Cramps. Remove to a thoroughly dry warm place —

and bathe their limbs with Pond’s Extract, which we
have found to be a valuable auxiliary to the poultry-

man’s medicine chest.

1

CARE OF THE CHICKS. 109

Gaprs. These are caused by small worms 1odging in
the wind-pipe. They may often be removed by use of
a horse-hair loop, and often may be destroyed by
using a few drops of kerosene oil (use sparingly) or by
giving a little camphor, or ammonia spirits in their
drinking water. They rarely trouble chicks properly
eared for.

_Litcz. Dozens of remedies are given to both pre-
vent and kill lice. One of the oldest we know of has
proved the best: sulphur and lard, carefully used,
and kerosene freely applied to roosts and coops.

Pre. This is a horny scale that appears on the tip of
the tongue. It may be carefully removed with the fin-
ger-nail or pen-knife, and is generally caused by some
stoppage of the breathing apparatus of nose or head,
causing a dryness in the throat. A wash of “ Labba-
raque’s Solution,’’ which can be procured of any drug-
gist, will be found very beneficial. Chickens affected
with it will be readily detected by their difficulty of
breathing, causing’ a piping, wheezing noise, and it is
often accompanied with a cold, feverish symptoms and
foul breath, and may be taken for something worse
than it really is.

Rovr in young chicks is seldom any thing else than
a severe cold, and many of the harsh remedies that

_are resorted to should be deprecated. It is usually

110 ARTIFICIAL INCUBATION.

known by a discharge from the nostrils, eyes, and fetid
smell from throat. A wash of vinegar, diluted, is
good, and some simple pill of camphor, ammonia, etce.,
such as are sold by all dealers in poultry supplies, will
be found efficacious. We have a drawer full of letters
sent to us by Miller & Co., of Plainfield, N. J., from
scores of breeders who have used their “Sure Cure
Roup Pills” with great success. Among the letters
we recognize the familiar autographs of many promi-
nent breeders and we feel justified in strongly recom-
mending the medicine to those who may need a
remedy of the kind. The formula they use is one that
has been used successfully for years in England and
France, and unhesitatingly indorsed by the fraternity.

he Tational Caenkator.

PATENTED OCTOBER 24, 1876.

| The Only Gold Medal Ever Given to an incubator Awarded
us at Toronto,1879. 3,000 Chicks Sold.

0000 PERSONS

VISITED OUR ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND INCUBATORS AT THE
THREE CANADIAN EXHIBITIONS.

Wonderful Improvements Added

thts SEASON.

A 200 Egg Machine has Hatched 179 Chicks trom 180 Eggs,

Grand success in Massachusetts. 1,200 Chicks sold at Springfield, and
5,000 more were wanted. Why? Because they were Strong and Healthy /

‘THIS IS NOT A TOY, BUT A PRACTICAL INCUBATOR.

(@~ It will Burn Less Orn to the number of Eggs set, or to the number of
Chicks hatched, THAN ANY OTHER |NCUBATOR IN THE WORLD !

‘BY Using AXFORD’S FERTILE EGG TESTER, 1-3 more Chicks can be Raised.
PRICE 75 CENTS.
I= SEND FOR NEW CIRCULAR. 2

ADDRESS :

H.W. AXFORD & COMPANY,

45th Street and Langley Ave., Chicago, Ills.
——

A NEW BOGS

Phe ffoming Pigeon,

A HANDSOME BOOK COMPILED BY

J. BB; .P Sah eae

(Editor of ‘THE POULTRY MONTHLY,’’)

From the writings of the late Jupge JoEL WILLARD, of
Utica, N. Y., with chapters on Care and Management of
Pigeons in Health and Disease, by J. C. Lone, Jr., of New
York, and a description of a Pigeon Loft by P. S. Hunter,
of Virginia, with an introductory chapter by Cuas. R.
HarkKER, of New Hampshire. The whole forming the most
interesting and instructive work upon this subject ever written
in the English Language.

A fine engraving of JuDGE WILLARD, and other illustrations
of a high character, adorn the work.

Price FIFTY CENTS in Heavy Paper Covers, SEVENT Y-
FIVE CENTS in Substantial Cloth, and ONE DOLLAR for
our very Finest Edition superbly bound in cloth and gilt.

Address

FERRIS PUBLISHING COMPANY,

ALBANY, N. Y.

VW. But

—®

EPVEANes,

RIPLEY, OHIO.

‘Podigroed Wf nfo

Dar ert Ed

WHITE LEGHORNS.

C. W. CANFIELD,

ATHENS, PENNA.

Pedigree Essex Pigs

AND

COTSWOLD SHEEP.

J oseph - Harris, author of ‘‘Harris on
the Pig,” says ‘of my Boer, Porter,
that he is the finest eee Pig he ever
saw.

B, Leghorns, wiB.DR ( Bantams,

Winners at Cortland and Syracuse,
Jan, 1880. Eggs, $2per18. Rab-
bits, Pigeons and Guinea Pigs. Young
stock always for sale. Satisfaction

guaranteed, and personal inspection
of my stock is desired.

Pedigree and First Premium

LIGHT BRAHMAS,

WHITE-FACED BLACK SPANISH,
AND

Standard Game Fowvls.
BRED BY
ROBERT HOWARD,
Prospect Hill, North Adams, tans,
Send for Circular.

W. H. CUNNINGHAM,

CHENANGO BRIDGE, N. Y.,

BREEDER OF

LANGeas N.S

From Imported Stock, pure Chinese
Strain. Also

PLYMOUTH ROCKS.
EGGS AND CHICES FOR SALE,

e_______________________@

VALUABLE LIBRARY

OF THE BEST WORKS UPON

POULTRY, PIGEONS, DOGS AND SMALL PETS,

POULTRY.
Wright’s Practical Poultry Keeper, $2 00
Felch’s Amateur Manual of Poultry, 75
Lewis’ People’s Practical Poultry Book, 1 50
Standard of Excellence in Poultry, 1 00
Saunder’s Domestic Poultry, 40
Corbin’s The Plymouth Rock, %5
Harker’s Brown Leghorn Fow], 30
Newell’s Poultry and Pigeon Directory, 25
Felch’s Breeding and Management, 50
Wright’s Brahma Fowl, 2 50
Wright’s Illustrated Book of Poultry. 12 00~
Gray’s Cocker’s Manual, Revised Edition, 1 50
Dickie and Merry’s Poultry Cholera Manual, 25
McDougall on the Game Fowl, 50
Bucklin’s Historical and Poetical Catalogue, - 25

PIGEONS, DOGS, ETC.

Wright’s Practical Pigeon Keeper, 1 50
The Practical Rabbit Keeper, 1 50
The Book of Dogs, in parts. each, 50
Fulton’s Illustrated Book of Pigeons, 12 00
The Homing Pigeon, 50
Moore’s Columbarian (exact copy of original) 1 25
The Practical Kennel Guide. Dr. G, Stables, 1 50
The Dog, by Idstone, 1 50
Dogs of Great Britain , America, etc., 2 00
The Blessed Bees. By John Allen., 1 00
Canaries and Cage Birds, 25 parts, each, 50
Holden’s Book of Birds, - 25
The American Bird Fancier, 30
Samuel’s Birds of New England, 4 00
Canary Birds; paper, 50c.; cloth, )
Bement’s Rabbit Fancier, 30
Rabbit Book for the Many, 25

All Books sent postage paid. Address

FERRIS PUBLISHING CO.,
ALBANY, N. Y.
fh

Ghai A. MILLS,

S. WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS.

LtBrahmas & Plymouth Rocks

EGGS, $3 PER 13.
BIRDS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES.

Miro! EGGS t!

W. C. B. and Buff Laced Polish, W.
Brown and Black Leghorns, Silkies
and Aylesbury Ducks. My stock I
purchased direct from W. H. Todd, J.
B. Smith, and other noted breeders.

I have just bought R, C. Bridgham’s entire
stock of W. C. B. Polish. Among the lot are im-
ported Cock and Ist and 2¢* premium Hens, at
Boston, Hartford, New Haven and Pittsfield
Shows, 1879. Also an imported Buff Polish Cock.

5. B. HOWLAND, Schuylerville, N.Y.

ANE NAN, fa.) sai fate et
Watertown, N.Y. Drawer 322,
BREEDER OF HIGH CLASS ~

DGFT, DhAGK OP. (OCHRE,

PLYMOUTH RCCKS,
DARK BEAHMAS, BLACK B. R. CAME
- BANTAMS and ROUEN DUCKS.

My breeding stock has been carefully selected
from the best strains in the country, and can
furnish Eggs in season, carefully packed to ensure
safe delivery, and satisfaction guaranteed. Cor-
respondence 2 pleasure and promptly answered.

J. SATTERTHWAITE, Jr,

JENKINTOWN, PA.,
Breeder of Pligh Class

Poultry, Jersey Cattle,

BERKSHIRE PIGE.

GAMES a specialty, from the best
Strains in the country.

utes ek 2 le

Orchard Poultry Yards,

Cc. K. BOND, Manager,

OAKVILLE, CONN.

Pure Bred, High Class

{2 ack Pprahmas

PARTRIDGE, BLACK, WHITE
and BUFF COCHINS, and
PEKIN DUCKS.

EGGS, $2 PER SITTING.

They are the LARGEST and BEsT.

Canadian Headquarters

rown a [pit J eghorns,

High Class Breeding and Exhibition Birds for sale,
EGGS $2.50 per 18. Send for Circular.

WwW. STAHL SCH Dp's
PRESTON, ONT.

H. F, STODDARD & CO.,

PLYMOUTH, MASS.

TWELVE VARIETIES OF

Haney Poultry!

Send for circular descriptive of stock.
EGGS FOR SALE.

ss

I. Ik. IK IKIUCIH,

BREEDER OF

Lignt Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks,

DARK BRAHMAS, P. COCHINS,
Leghorns # B. B. R. G. Bantams,

AND

SHEPHERD DOG

SES ae Ac age

Ghe Helch Pedignee LIGHG BRAMMAS exhihited
in 19 Exhibitions the past show season, had a possible
chance fo win 93 IPyizes—they won 84 IPyizes. Ghis has

never been done by any othey Styain in Amenica,

NATICK, MASS,

—

Ef = = f =
LA = =I
AY

AEA YAY \)

PA AS
\=K 48 =
TN

MON

Sas} Ste ae Ger (SJ) bo aye B= Ea

My Breeding Stock for 1880, consists of 1 pen pure Felch, 1 pen pure
Autocrat, and 1 pen mostly the blood of the famous Sturtevant Hens. The
male birds, four in number, are all Premium winners, and have scored in
Exhibitions as follows: 941¢, 95, 9534 and 97% points. Eggs $3 per sitting.

Fowls and Chicks for sale.

J. T. MORGAN, Wilkesbarre, Pa.

Montvue Poultry Yards,| 1u- D-ELY,Jr.,

BROOKLANDVILLE, BALTO CO0., MD.

Choice pure bred Poultry: L.Brahmas,
Partridge Cochins, Hondans, W. and
B. Leghorns, Pencilled Hamburgs,
Sultans, B. B. R. Games, Dominiques,
Plymouth Rocks, Game Bantams, and
Narragansett Turkeys. My copy of A.
P. A. Members (group) post-paid, $1.
Circulars on application. Address as

. above.
G. O. BROWN.

LANGSHANS,

I am now Breeding two separate
strains of Langshans that I imported
last season; one of Maj. Croads, and
the other of Sir Robert Brizoo, the two
largest Langshan Breeders of England.
They are destined to occupy a leading
position among the choice breeds of
this country. Eggs and Chicks in their

ee OBO. H, SHAW, Auburn, W.Y.
J. H. DICKERMAN,

JAMAICA PLAIN, MASS.

PRTHOGTE + AOGKD.

Eggs, $3.00 per Sitting.

The true ‘‘Drake’’ blood. Breeding
Birds score from 874 to 9334.

ROCHESTER, N.Y

Jersey Cattle and Berkshire Swine,

WuHitt LEGHORN, PrymoutTH Rock,
SILVER SPANGLED AND WHITE
JJAmBuRGH Fow.Ls.

Stock, Fowls and Eggs for Sale,
WC SHAR LE Ye

Carlisle, Fa.,

Breeder of Choice High Class Poultry.

LIGHT BRAHMAS,

B. Leghorns &W. F. Black Spanish.

Eggs carefully packed in Baskets at
$1.50 per 138. Chicks for sale after
September ist.

CHARLES WN. HALL,

NEW MILFORD, CONN.

Lt Brahmas, Brown Leghorns,

CHICKS FOR SALE FALL OF 1880.

A few Eggs this Spring at $2.50 per 18.

a

SURE CURE
Hid LIP s+ HPA US.

The great French and English Roup Pill, now manufactured and
sold in this country for the first time! Its success is beyond precedent, for
it NEVER FAILS! They are prepared direct from the English formula by
practical chemists. Full directions with each box.

iil

2 IBS AlSa= SS) =
Small boxes, - - - - : $0 25 post-paid.
Large boxes, - - - - - 0 50 ve
Extra size, 200 pills, - - - - 1 00 ig
Small size, per dozen, - - 2 00 se
Large size, per dozen, - - - - 38°75 a

Key to Health! The Great Roup Preventive!!

Put up in large boxes at 25 and 50 cents per box. If you once try a box you
will never be without it. Prepared and sold by

MILLER & COMPANY,
PLAINFIELD, N. J.

GRANITE POULTRY YARDS.
ELBRIDGE C. COMEY,

ORIGINATOR OF THE ‘‘DUKE OF YORK’’ STRAIN OF

wes ht reahmeead!

Which is UNSURPASSED for its PERFECT MARKINGS, GREAT SIZE,
SUPERIOR LAYING and NON-SITTING QUALITIES.

{make a specialty of Liant BrRauMas, having bred them continuously
since 1861, during which time I have neitherspared time nor money in their
improvement; and, although not an exhibitor, I have sold yearly large
numbers, which have won the HIGHEST PREMIUMS at the leading Exhi-
bitions of the country.

eS" My ‘“‘Lient BRAnMaAs”’ are raised on FARMS, where they have
UNLIMITED RANGE, giving them a VIGOROUS CONSTITUTION, which is very
desirable in breeding stock.

First-class specimens for sale at all times, at reasonable prices, for
Exhibition or Breeding (and when desired, properly mated to insure best
results for breeding).

Eees sold from selected Breeders, during hatching seasons, for $5 per
sitting of thirteen, $10 for three sittings, carefully packed, and
delivered to express in Boston.

Also imported Yorkshire Terrier Dogs, from the most celebrated .
Stock in England. No circulars. Write for wants.

ELBRIDGE C. COMEY, No. 4 Granite St., Somerville, Mass.

———-
E, HALSTED BLACKETT, Palisade Poultry Yards,

LAWLOR, IA, Schralenbergh, Bergen Co., N. J.

Bregps From IMpoRTED Stock, ;
Black Red, Red Pile and Brown Red big Brahmas 6 rly mouth Rocks

EXCLUSIVELY.

Stock first quality. Eggs in season.

Exhibition Game Fouls, | wssssreaset set

C. S. COOPER.

AND
Game Bantams. |SILAS L. ALBERTSON
Also, best American Strains of ROSLYN, LONG ISLAND, Neve

2S Be ogg SS oe eed BS

sctcamanyesinsesoneme | Apistoerat Black Spanish,

EGGS, $3.00 F PER THIRTEEN, EGGS, $2.00 PER SITTING.

Fowls always for Sale. No Circulars. Write for wants.

LANGSHANS [= "tat

WE WERE AWARDED Plymouth Hocks& B, Leghorns

First on Chicks at Wilkesbarre, Pa,, A SPECIALTY.

AND On the basis of Large Experience,
Fine Stock, Low Prices, and Fair

First on Chicks at Syracuse, N, Y, | 2eating, your patronage is solicited.
cies WM.G.ROOT,

We shall breed som two yards, aug
will mate trios not akin, at $15, to be
delivered in September. PITTSFIELD, MASS.
We guarantee our Langshans to be
true to name, and as good as the best.

* Lana a il P. Rocks!

M. HAYDEN & SON

New Milford, Pa. EGGS IN SEASON.

THE ECLIPee

SELF-RECULATING

INCUBATOR.

IMPROVED THIS SEASON.

Every one who Keeps poultry for profit
should have this Incubator. Clean,
thoroughly ventilated, practical and a
handsome piece of furniture for the
house.

AZ SEND FOR CIRCULAR.

THE ECLIPSE INCUBATOR CO,

Box 109, WALTHAM, MASS.

e—______________e

‘WHITE LEGHORNS'

Exclusively.

Send stamp for Illustrated Circular.

| EGGS:

$2 per dozen, or $3 for 2 dozen.

me F. NEMS,

CANTON, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.

C. A. KEEFER,

STERLING, - ILLINOIS.
BREEDER

yinontl Rorks
BROWN LEGHORNS

BLACK B. R. GAMES!

My Fowls have been awarded over 30!
prizes at the largest and best Poultry
Shows in the West, including the great
shows of Chicago, Buffalo and Indian-
apolis.

anaes and Chicks for sale at all times.
And Eggs for hatching in their season,
from as fine yards of the above varities
as thereisin America. Illustrated cir-
cular for ’80 free, with prices, premiums
taken, matings for ’80, and full descrip-
tion of stock. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Grand Head-Quarters for Rose-Comb

White Leghorns!

The Handsomest, Hardiest,
Greatest Layers and the most
Profitable of all the Leghorns!

No more unsightly frozen combs
when these beauties are kept! lf you
own an Incubator, your business will
be incomplete without these /ittle lay-
ing machines tc supply your Incu-
bators with Eggs, in the dead of
winter. We have taken the greatest
pains to procure Pure Imported Stock.
The celebrated Rose-Comb White
Leghorn Cock, ‘‘Genoa Chief,’’ im-
ported direct from Genoa, Italy, stands
at the head of our birds of this variety.

Eggs in Season. Choice Chicks in Fall.

SEND FOR PRICE-LIST.

R. YANDENBURGH,

TROY, N.Y. (Box3.)

GAME COCKS.

How to Feed, Heel and Handle
them, Breeding, Crossing,
In-and-in Breeding, In-
fluence of the Sire,

Descriptions of the Different
Breeds, Rules of the Pits,
Illustrated Description
of Gaffs.

Alito be found in

THE COCKER’S MANUAL,

A complete and reliable work
on the Game Fowl.

Price, $1.50, Postage Paid,

Ferris Publishing Company,
ALBANY, N. Y.
(> The trade supplied.

KS ee

————— rs

BAKER’S

-/ BGG TURNING TRAYS)

(PATENT APPLIED FOR.)

For all Incubators aud Incubating: Systems,

Highly commended by all the principal makers, and now
being fitted to their machines in various parts of the country.

It takes less time, with less risk, than an automatic attach-
ment.

Turns One Hundred or One Thousand in ONE SECOND.

Shifters made for those Incubators requiring eggs to be
moved te favor heat.

Strong Trays indispensable to ali poulitrymen.
- In ordering an Incubator see that you are furnished the
BAKER TRAY with it.

Write for particulars. —

JS A BAR ie

WEST MERIDEN, CONN.

.

__ === "==

Brentwood Poultry Yards.|fajor A. C. CROADS,

Wow. SHUTT,

BREEDER OF

High-Class Partridge Cochins

Dark Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks,
White and Brown Leghorns, Golden
Pencilled Hamburgs & Pekin Ducks.
Eggs of all varieties $2.50 per 13, or
$4.50 per 26. Address

BRENTWOOD, SUFFOLK Co., N.Y.

soe a AIO DOCK
MICHIGAN CITY, IND.,

BREEDER OF

Plymouth Recks,
HOUDANS,
White and Black Cochins, L. Brahmas,

-B. B. Red Games, Black Rose-Comb

Bantams and Langshans.
Eggs and Fowls for sale in season.

H.S. ANDERSON
UNION SPRINGS, N. Y.

WHITE COCHINS,

Houdans (pedigree), L. Brahmas, P.
Rocks, Black Hamburgs, White Leg-
horns, Black B. R. and White Games,
B. B. R. and 8. D. W. Game Bantams,
Pekin Ducks, White & Bronze Turkeys
All first-class, and many of them prize-winners.
A few pairs, trios and Breeding Pens for sale low,
quality considered. Eggs after March 1st, packed
to hatch. Small Yorkshire and Berkshire Pigs.
(> Write for my prices before buying.

Rahway Poultry Yards.
J. D. SHOTWELL,

BREEDER OF STANDARD

PLYMOUTH ROCKS.

My Breeding Stock is A 1. I received first pre-
mium at the N. J. State Poultry Exhibition for
best Breeding Pen. Every bird in my yards equal
to those exhibited. Eggs, $2 per sitting. Fowls
and Chicks after Sept. Ist.

Address P. 0. Box 18, Rahway, N. J.

SOLE AGENT FOR THE U.S...

Has for sale a book about Langshans, with notes
by the original importer, Maj. A. C. Croad, and
an illustration of a piir of his Imported Chinese
Fowls. Price, 18 cents. Will book orders for
Fowls or Eggs direct from Maj. Croad’s yard, or
a limited number of Eggs from Langshans im-
ported direct from his yard: Houdans, American
Dominiques and Brown Leghorns. Will import
any variety of Eggs or Fowls for those who wish.
Terms strictly cash. Address

Mrs. R. W. SARGENT, Kittery,
P. 0. Box 121. York Co., Maine.

E.S. BROWN,

GREENPORT, L. I., N.Y.

{lypmouth Racks

EXCLUSIVELY.

EGGS, $2.00 PER 13.

Bright Yellow Legs and Beaks, well
barred and good size.

E. F. WEBSTER,

HAVERHILL, MASS.,

BREEDER OF

Black Cochins and Plymouth Rocks.

Also mammoth Bronze Turkeys.

Keep but first-class stock—will have
no other. Stock for sale. Eggs in
season at $2 per sitting of 13 for B.C.
and P.R. Bronze Turkey Eggs, $4
per 13.

ACME POULTRY YARDS,

ALBION, N. Y.

PURE BRED BLACK JAVAS!

A STRAIN OF NOBLE BIRDS THAT ARE
BOUND TO TAKE THE LEAD,

All in want of Stock or Eggs, will
find it to their interest to get my
Address, with stamp,

WM. F. ROSS, Albion, N.Y.

prices.

THESE

The Cheapest Because the Best.

J. ELIANCE|NCUBATOR

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ee

PATENT APPLIED FOR,

No Water Tank to Rust Out !
Not a Hot Air Machine !
Indestructible !
BEING MADE OF IRON, COPPER AND STONE.

For Descriptive Circular and Price-List, address

JAMES DENNIS, Jr.,

Patentee and Manufacturer,

86 Meeting St., Providence, R, I.

pa Bye = Od

ey, , :
Amevican Poultry, Hournal

‘A 32-PAGE, ILLUSTRATED MONTHLY MAGAZINE,

DEVOTED TO

POULTRY, PIGEONS & PET STOCK.

T HAS THE LARGEST CORPS OF PRACTICAL BREEDERS as Editors and Correspond-
ents ef any Journal of its class in America, andis the Finest Poultry Journal in the World.
(Volume 10 began January, 1880.) Alsothe Best Advertising Medium in the United States for
Breeders of Pure Bred Poultry. Subscription, ®1.25 per year (each number containing a beauti-
ful plate of Prize Fowls), strictly in advance. Send 13 cents for specimen copy.

C. J. WARD, Editor and Proprietor,
182 CLARK ST., CHICAGO, ILL.

The American Poultry Food and the American Developing Food

Prepared by C. J. WARD, 184 Clark Street, Chicago, IIIL.,

Are offered to the fraternity, and all who breed Fowls, with confidence that they are the purest
and best manufactured, and that they will keep Fowls, and especially young and growing Chicks,
free from disease and assist them in their growth, as these foods contain all the phosphates that are
so ess:ntial to a strong, healthy and rapid development and growth, The AMERICAN POULTRY
FOOD is prepared more especially tor adult Fowls, and will keep them in good health, and so pro-
mote the production ofeggs. While this article is good for Fowls of any age, we have prepared
another food, The AMERICAN DEVELOPING FOOD, Designed Especially for Young Chicks,
that should be used from the time that they are hatched until they are full grown, as it furnishes
the chick with all the substance that nature uses to produce bone, flesh and feathers, and in such a
form that it rapidly assimilates with the blood and so builds up the chicken in a rapid, healthy,
strong growth. Weconsider this preparation almost indispensable to breeders of fine Poultry, as
it brings forward the late hatched chicks very fast, and they get fully fledged and are thus able to
stand the cold raw weather of the fall and winter, before .he extreme cold weather begins. We
give herewith one of the many testimonials in regard to the merits of the food by one of the largest
and well-known breeders who has used it ;

Frienp Wanp—I received the fine package of Poultry Food, for which I wish to say this: I

think it made trom the best and purest ingredients of any yet out, and its effect good. If used as
recommended it will produce the best results without the abortive influence I find in some of the

other egg foods. Yours truly, . I. K. FELCH.
THE PRICES ARE AS FOLLOWS.

AMERICAN POULTRY FOOD, One pound by mail, « . : . - $ .50
af a ge Five pounds by Express, = . . . 1.75
as se “© Ten pounds by Express, - . . . 3.00

(a= For larger quantities send for special rates,

AMERICAN DEVELOPING FOOD, One pound by Mail, = ° - = .5b0
Bb ae ‘Five pounds by Express, . . . =. 0 9650
Cc J ce Ten pounds by Express, . = ss 2.25

Agents wanted, to whom liberal terms are offered. Address

©. J. WARD, 182 Clark St., Chicago, Ill.

eo ______________ 9

PLEASANT VALLEY POULTRY YARDS.

oO. J. STODDARD,
BREEDER OF

LIGHT’ BRAHMA FOR as

EXOLUSIVELY.

I Breed from nothing but what is STRICTLY FIRST-CLASS in every respect.
My Birds are unsurpassed for purity of blood, hardiness, prolific laying
qualities, perfect markings, symmetry and style. For further particulars,

Address me at Busti, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.

OR DEE AT” Cities

The Standard of Zxcellence.

Do not try to breed Exhibition Birds without a Copy of the latest edition.
ONE DOLLAR PER COPY.

FERRIS PUBLISHING COMPANY,

ALBANY, IN. SM.

EVERY’ POULTRY BREEESs

SHOULD READ HARKER’S NEW BOOK,

THE BROWN LEGHORN FOWL!

Its opening chapter is alone worth the price of the book! Price, only
30 cents, which may be sent to us in postage stamps.

FERRIS PU SLs ELEINGyeSes
ALBANY, N. Y.

EUREKA EGG TEST ii

THE BEST EVER EN Ue INDESTRUCTIBLE!

PRICE, 25 Ga NaS. |
FERRIS PUBLISHING COMPANY,

JASE PSP Sh Es BSS ORG

° i —e
16 Principal Premiums at Cincinnati and Indianapolis, 1860,

AWARDED ME ON

fark frahmas and Plymouth Rocks!

My Breeding Yard contains the winning Birds of the above great Shows
of the West, besides Prize winners at Boston, Buffalo, Syracuse, Indian-
apolis and Cincinnati, 1879.

Ege’s, $5.00 per Sitting; Three Sittings, $10.00.

oA Oe SS Se Sw a Se a
P. O. Box 1483. CINCINNATI, O.

MAPLEHURST, PITTSFIELD, MASS.

D. G. ROBERTS, Manager.

H.R. Jerseys, Thonuehbred and Grade Swiss Cattle

SOUTH DOWN SHEEP, CHESTER WHITE AND JERSEY RED PIGS,

AND

SCO EE CO tr iiknasS.

Prize-Winning Fowls, P. Rocks, Dark Brahmas,

BLACK, G. P. and S. P. HAMBURGS; B. B. R., WHITE and YELLOW
D. W. GAMES; BLACK JAVAS; B. B. RED, BROWN-RED,
RED PILE, GOLDEN and SILVER D. W. GAME BANTAMS.

Stock for sale. Write for what you want, and enclose stamp for reply.

eo

Corbett’s Incu bam

45 MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS HAVE BEEN AWARDED IT,

ee

i

A
Ai

Heat received by the Horse Manure.

t

‘a0V SHL JO AMTAOOSIC LVAD AHL

Requiring no Lamp or Gas,

« ——

Apparatus of 100 Eggs Capacity and Mother Combined, $25.

Illustrated Catalogue and official testimonials sent on receipt of postage.
No agents are needed or appointed.

Prof. CORBETT’S OFFICE,
No. 7 Warren Street, = ~ New York.
ee

PLYMOUTH ROCKS

AND

BIGHT DRAMAS.

Our Stock is rivalled by none, and
has won honors wherever shown.

Chicks are bred on farms and have
unlimited range or runs.

EGGS, $3 per sitting of 13,
&5 for 2 sittings, $7 for 3 sit-
tings.

Chicks for sale after September.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

Address,
GATES, TWEEDY & C0.,
Lock Box 13872. NorwicuH, Conn.

PURE, UNADULTERATED
GAME FOWLS.

Plaanh i Jeon fea,

SILVER and GOLDEN DUCKWING,

RANE BERDY AND MOE.

P Have never failed to win ist and
specials wherever shown. Satisfac-
tion guaranteed in all cases. Have

bred Game Fowlsfor many years. I
purchase my stock without regard to
cost, and always go for the best, know-
ing it to be the cheapest in the end.
My prices are as low as itis possible
to make them, when quality is taken
into consideration. Address, with

stamp.
E. T. BAILY,

MELROSE POULTRY YARDS,

E. BARRON, Proprietor,
Breeder of First Class Poultry:

jjrown Yeghors and i). flocks !

A SPECIALTY.

My Brown Leghorns have taken
25 1st, 2d and special premiums, at the
leading shows, the past season.

My P. Rocks are Corbin’s strain, and
are as fine a flock as can be found.

My W. Leghorne are Smith’s strain,
and have won premiums wherever
shown, including Boston, Haverhill,
Brockton, Concord, and many other
places. i

My B. Leghorn Breeding Pen scored
at Lowell, 6 birds, 9314 points each on
an average; and there is not a bird in
my breeding yard but has scored 92
points this winter.

Prices for Eggs: B. L., $3, P. R..,
$2, W. L., $1, per sitting of 13. Cash
to accompany order.

B. W, BAUM & SONS,

SYRACUSE, N. Y.,

BREEDERS OF

BLACK HAMBURGS,

Houdans, Dark Brahmas,

BURP COGBINS |

PEA-COMBED PARTRIDGE COCHINS.

Our Birds were awarded numerous
ist, 2d and Special Premiums, at
Syracuse, Indianapolis, Albany and
Cortland, 1880.

Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for sale.

Mr. Kisco, N. Y. | Send for Illustrated Catalogue, free.
oe _____e9p

> ie oS

JUST OUT!

Tere

POULTRY YARD AND MARKET,

The most useful Book for Farmers that has ever been Published, explain-
ing the Great Discovery of the Age.

HOW TO HATCH EGGS AND RAISE POULTRY

BY MEANS OF HORSE-MANURE.

A NEW PROCESS FOR MAKING LARGE
PROFITS IN POULTRY RAISING.

FOR WHICH

4) GOLD AND OTHER MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS 1!

HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THE INVENTOR,

PROFESSOR A. CORBETT.
O

Sent postage prepaid, paper covers, 50 cents; in cloth, gilt and elegantly
bound, 75 cents. For sale by the

FERRIS PUBLISHING CO., Albany, N. Y.

ze THe ek

FY
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es

4 : IS THE ONLY RELIABLE HATCHER IN THE WORLD,

Except the Hen, and will beat her in the average of Chicks hatched, 100 per
cent having been obtained from our Hatcher by our customers the past
season. It is better than all others because it

a Regulates Absolutely its Own Heat, Moisture and Ventilation,

Which no other machine does or can do. Itis always reliable, and never
fails at the critical moment—will always hatch all hatchable eggs. It can
be used to hatch a dozen or athousand. It can beso adjusted that differ-
ent degrees of heat for different lots of Eggs can be had at the same time.
a has all the conditions for perfect success. Heat will not vary % ofa
egree,

It is not designed as an article for parlor furniture, but is made for prac-
ue Des aa and is the only one that will give it. It is the only one
suited to the

Farmer, Fancier, or Market Poultryman,

FOR HATCHING ON A LARGE SCALE.

It completely fills the bill. It has been long waited for but has come
at set ‘Sizes, 160 to 1040 Eggs. For prices and testimonials send for y
ircular.

) Y or
Perkect Browder |,

Is as perfect for raising, as the Hatcher is for Hatching; it Broods in imita-
tion of the Hen by allowing the Chicks to press mice Hees close up to the “|
heat, Itis the only one that can be used out doors, and that affords per- S
fect protection in rainy weather, and from vermin at night. More Chicks
can be raised with it than can be raised with Hens. Sizes, 200 to 500 |
Chicks. For prices and other information, send for circulars and testi- a
monials to 4

PERFECT HATCHER COMPAWY, 7 ;
|

HLMIRA. N.Y.

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