116 COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



is actually the case is shown by the fact that frequently two lots of 

 fry, under exactly similar conditions as regards cleanliness of the 

 boxes, etc., will, with different strengths of current, turn out, one 

 clean and healthy and with a low mortality, the other covered with 

 diatoms, etc., weak, and with a high mortality. 



Other unfavorable circumstances attend a strong current. Ex- 

 periments with fry of all stages, conducted carefully in jars, showed 

 that all through the larval period the lobster is negatively rheotropic, 

 i. e., will endeavor to swim in opposition to the current. Efforts to 

 oppose the current are more marked the stronger the current. In a 

 very feeble current the lobster will, to a certain extent, act as if in 

 quiet water; when the current is strong, but not too strong, it will 

 oppose it, provided other things, such as the pursuit of food, reaction 

 to light, etc., do not interfere. Of course in a too strong current the 

 larvse will be prevented by the mere force of the current from swim- 

 ming against it, This reaction to current is most pronounced in the 

 fourth stage, as in that stage the fry are very strong swimmers. 

 The first, second, and third stages swim very feebly, and are naturally 

 turned over and over by a strong current. They will continue to 

 struggle against it, however, though without avail. This certainly 

 can not be favorable for their development. When turned over and 

 over by a too strong current it is impossible for them to secure food^ 

 and starvation results. 



Although from what has been said, it will be seen how important 

 a matter the proper adjustment of the current is, yet the selection 

 of the most favorable current can be made only after one has gained 

 experience by actual experiment. 



6. OBTAINING THE EGG LOBSTERS. 



At Wickford, previous to 1910, the egg lobsters were purchased 

 only in the spring from the lobstermen who were paid the regular 

 retail price. But this past year the egg lobsters were bought through- 

 out the entire year. Those were retained in cars until the commence- 

 ment of the close season (Nov. 15) when all but 100 were liberated. 



