Pjsciccltuue with Reference to Farming. 395 



of every now branch of husbandry, and of all means to 

 increase the capacity of their farms. Varieties of products 

 and new methods of cultivation arc worthy of tlicir atten- 

 tion, because all these things have reference to the increase 

 in the supply of healthy and nutritious food. 



The different topics connected with the tillage of land 

 and the rearing and management of domestic animals will 

 ■claim a large share of your attention at this meeting. I 

 propose to occupy a few moments of your time with a sub- 

 ject wliich is beginning to attract considerable attention as a 

 new branch of husbandry, and which has been called the 

 ^' Agriculture of the waters " : Pisciculture with reference 

 to farming. You will not expect me to discuss this subject 

 in a scientitic way or as an art, but rather as a business and 

 an employment, and with reference to the question as to 

 whether it can be made available and practical to tlie far- 

 mers of Vermont, as a means of increasing the products of 

 their farms. Without attempting much then in the way of 

 scientific investigation, and avoiding as much as possible 

 scientific phrases, it becomes important to know something 

 about the nature, habits and characteristics of fishes, and 

 more especially those which inhabit our inland lakes and 

 fresh water streams. 



The tens of thousands of years which have elapsed since 

 the earth first assumed shape have materially changed the 

 forms of animal life. As upon land, so in the water, nature 

 has changed her forms of animal life, even since the oldest 

 times of which we have authentic history. And this change 

 Jias probably been as great in the water if not greater than 

 upon the land. Long before the species of fish which now 



