BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 261 



veloped, and among wliicli there were three females with eggs. They were 

 placed ill an apparatus exactly like the one described below. The water 

 had a temi)erature of 18° C. [04.4° F.J, which is suitable for the trans- 

 portation of cyprinoids, as we had ascertained in 1885, by experiments 

 with 5'oung fish of the same kind. The transportation from Brussels 

 to Jemelle proved a perfect success, and on their arrival at the latter 

 place the fish were in good condition, and were placed in a small reser- 

 voir at the station. 



We believe that the x)lanting of young fish shortly before or after the 

 absorption of the umbilical sac offers great advantages, as the younger 

 the organism the better it will adapt itself to the element in which it is to 

 live. When young fish are fed artificially, the instinct of preservation 

 becomes weakened, the young fish become indolent, and are less able to 

 escape their enemies and to seek their natural food, and consequently 

 easily succumb in the struggle for existence. 



However this may be, the attempt to stock our watercourses with 

 young fish only a few weeks old has been perfectly successful. From in- 

 formation furnished by the keepers of waters and forests, and by fish- 

 ermen, it appears that in those waters where young fish have been 

 planted, numerous young salmonoids have been observed. Those which 

 were planted in 1885 have already attained considerable dimensions, and 

 next year they will have reached a marketable size. 



It may be assumed that in three years the young fish will have reached 

 the weight of one-half kilogram [1^^ pounds]. This is a very small 

 average weight, for the lake trout weigh much more at the age of three 

 years. Assuming, on the other hand, that two-thirds of the 771,000 

 young fish planted up to date reach this age, we would have a total 

 weight of 257,000 kilograms [566,582 pounds], which, at the price of 1^ 

 francs [about 29 cents] per kilogram, would represent a value of 385,500 

 francs [$74,401.50]. By stocking the watercourses with fish, therefore, 

 the Government places at the disposal of the country a wholesome and 

 cheap article of food. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTINa FRY. 



Apparatus for transporting fry. — The transportation of young fish is a 

 very delicate operation, and requires the greatest care. The cans in 

 which young fish are transported are made of zinc, and covered with a 

 special varnish. They have the following form and dimensions: 



Each apparatus has a capacity of 11 liters [about 11^ quarts], and 

 will contain 3,000 young fish. When filled with ice, water, and young 

 fish, the apparatus weighs about 14 kilograms [about 31 pounds]. The 

 cans are transported from the stations where they are landed to the 

 places where the fish are to be planted by means of a pack-saddle 

 (brace), similar to the one used by water-carriers. 



Maintaining the temperature. — The employees in charge must see to it 

 that the water in the apparatus is kept at an even temperature. The 



