THE HATCHING SEASON. The hatching season should com' mence as early in May as possible. Of course some people hatch all the year through, and consequently the cooler months will be t© them the main season only. If incubators are to be used they should be got in order and before filling (if tank machines) should be well-rinsed out with hot water. All llannel linings to egg drawers should be washed, and the drawers and inside of egg chambers will be all the better for a wash with warm water and car bolic acid, say a dessertspoonful in half a gallon of water. 'Jhe evaporation pans should be well scalded and all lamps should be cleaned and repaired if necessary. Coops and yards should be got ready and painted and repaired if necessary ; inside of coops to bo lime washed. It is advisable to test all thermometers with a good standard, as sometimes the column of mercury gets broken and part retreating to the top of the stem remains unnoticed, and the instrument reading too high all the eggs will be spoilt. Many incubators are blamed when in reality it is the fault of the miserable cheap thermometers that are sent out. At all events it is a good plan to buy one which is guaran teed correct and use this as a standard ; & glass thermometer in case can be pur chased for 4a or ss.
If hens or turkeys are to be used for hatching see that all hatching coops are ready and that plenty of grass, straw, or seaweed is available for the nests.
