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III. — THE SCOPE FOR MARINE FISH- 

 FARMING IN INDIA. 



In the foregoing pages have been described the fish- 

 farming methods practised in France and in Italy, the 

 only countries where this industry is carried on upon a 

 larore scale. We have now to consider to what extent 

 and with what modifications the principles underlying 

 these systems may be adapted to Indian conditions in 

 order to increase the food-supplies derivable from back- 

 waters, estuarine creeks, and sea-ponds along the coast. 



This enquiry requires consideration under three 

 heads, namely : — 



(a) The species of suitable fish available in the 



Madras Presidency. 



(b) The waters available and suitable ; their cha- 



racters and extent. 

 (Y) The procedure considered most likely to prove 

 successful as being adapted to local condi- 

 tions. 



The Species of Fishes suitable for the pur:poses of 

 Marine Fish-farming in Madras. 



At Arcachon, the marine fish found to thrive best and 

 give satisfactory results in captivity are eels, mullet of 

 several species, and the bass (Labrax lupus). The fry of 

 soles and plaice also enter the ponds in large numbers 

 but as no means are taken to confine them in separate 

 enclosures all but a small number fall victims to the 

 rapacity of old eels while yet quite small owing to their 

 sluQ-o-i s h habits and life preference for the bottom. Mullet 

 and bass, although they too pay a heavy toll to the eels, 

 survive to maturity in considerable numbers as they are 

 much more active and restless in their movements than 

 flat fish and when young pass most of their time swim- 

 ming near the surface in shallow parts of the ponds little 

 frequented by the mud-loving eel. The mullet like the 

 eel is tolerant of even considerable changes in the sali- 

 nity of water ; it feeds largely upon minute plant life 

 which is usually more abundant in brackish water than 



