144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



the fact that frequently two lots of fry, under exactly similar condi- 

 tions as regards cleanliness of the bags, 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 i 

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

 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 larvae will be prevented by the mere force of the current from 

 swimming 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 some experience 

 has been gained by actual experiment. 



6. Obtaining the Egg Lobsters. 



At Wickford the egg lobsters are purchased in the spring from the 

 lobstermen at the regular retail price. It is the custom at some 

 stations to buy the egg lobsters throughout the entire year, and retain 

 them in pounds or cars. If a suitable place is at hand this is of course 



