BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 451 



16©.— SALMON AIVO TRODT HATCIIERIEM IIV 8C'OTI,AIV». 



By J. BARKER DUNCAN. 



[Paper read before the Scotch Fisheries Improvement Association.] 



(1) Howietoun fishery. — This fishery belongs to the Earl of 

 Lauderdale, Stirling. It was commenced in 1873. From year to year 

 it has been extended and perfected so as to have gained a world-wide 

 reputation as a fish-breeding establishment. Upwards of ten millions 

 of trout ova are now annually incubated at this fishery. Last season 

 no less than 90,000 yearling trout were delivered from it to all parts of 

 Great Britain and Ireland. Two consignments of trout ova and one of 

 salmon were also forwarded successfully to New Zealand. Loch Leveu 

 trout (Salmo levenensis) is the specialty of the fishery. American brook- 

 trout (K fontinalis) and common trout (8. fario) are also extensively 

 cultivated. All eggs are eyed on glass grills, experience having shown 

 that the strongest embryos and healthiest fry are obtained by this 

 method. The normal period eggs take to hatch is found (with water at 

 44.1° Fahr.) to be as follows: 8. fario, 71 days; S. levenensis, 72 days; 

 8. fontinalis, 73 days; and 8. solar ', 11 days. Every twenty-four hours 

 about one million gallons of water flow through <:he pond system of the 

 hatchery, which secures thorough aeration. There are no less than 

 thirty-two fish ponds at Howietoun, and one botanical, the latter being 

 in course of completion. There are, besides, four ponds at Craigend; 

 and one of nine acres at Goldeuhove, which is used for rearing fish for 

 the fishmonger. Very important experiments in hybridization are being 

 conducted at the fishery. The staff required for the working of the 

 establishment consists of a manager, three men, and four" girls; and 

 there are in addition constantly employed four laborers and at least two 

 carpenters. Mr. J. E. Guy is secretary of the Howietoun Fishery. 



(2) Solway fishery. — This was established by its proprietor, Mr. 

 Joseph J. Armistead, in 1881, superseding Troutdale Fishery, near 

 Keswick, Cumberland, which was established in 1868. It is situated 

 near the Sol way, in Kirkcudbrightshire. Hatching on glass grills is 

 also pursued at this fishery, the percentage of loss being thus reduced 

 to a minimum. Mr. Armistead breeds at his establishment several 

 kinds of trout, and char, salmon, and sea trout, grayling, and other 

 freshwater fishes. The hatching house is capable of holding several 

 millions of ova, and at present contains apparatus that will hatch about 

 one million. A meat-house, ice-house, filter-house, and other buildings 

 have also been erected ; and these, with nineteen ponds in operation, 

 and two in course of construction, occupy about, an acre of ground. A 

 museum and laboratory have been commenced to facilitate the study of 

 the various details connected with the fishery. The ova and fry esti- 



