I very much doubt if the actual cooling of the eggs is
beneficial, though it may not be harmful. In a badly-
ventilated machine, cooling probably gives the eggs a
much-needed airing, and this possibly explains the
improved hatches which this operation sometimes
produces. I should advise beginners to consult the
makers of their machine, or machines, before dis-
regarding the instructions given as to cooling. Cooling
does not appear necessary with rny own incubator, but
may quite well be advisable with others.
MODERN EGG FARMING. 80

NURSERY TRAYS.
Before concluding my remarks on incubation, 1
sliould like to call attention to what I believe to be the
cause of much unnecessary chick mortality. Many
incubators are supplied with nursery trays immediately
underneath the egg trays. A slot is provided in the
front of the egg tray through which the newly-hatched
chicks fall to the tray beneath, when, attracted by the
light, they come forward towards the glass window.
This sudden change to the nursery tray, where the
temperature is usually 15 degrees Fahrenheit to 20
degrees Fahrenheit less than in the tray above, is quite
suificient to chill the chicks, some of which may fall
down before they are dry. Chilling is one of the
commonest causes of chick mortality, and the rearer has
very little chance of success with a batch that has
su£Fered damage before they leave the incubator. The
harm which I am convinced chicks often sustain through
chilling in the nursery tray is often overlooked, because
its ill-effects do not become apparent in the chicks until
several days later, when the trouble is often put down
to some other cause.
