REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXlll 



if 5 per cent, of the number of eggs laid under natural conditions by 

 the parent become young fish, able to feed for themselves, it is rather 

 more than a usual occurrence. Of course, subsequent to this stage 

 they are exposed to numerous dangers before the perils of immaturity 

 are passed. On the other hand, if more than 10 per cent, or even 5 per 

 cent, of those artificially hatched fail to reach the same period of existence, 

 especially in the case of the eggs of the salmon and trout, which are 

 large, and are usually more carefully manipulated, it may be considered 

 as unsuccessful management. This fact, which is one of the most import- 

 ant features in the success of artificial hatching of fishes, was appreci- 

 ated by R^my, and provided for in his various methods. These he 

 practiced with only one associate, named Gehin, for several years ; but 

 it was not until 1849 that they became known to the scientific world 

 through Haxo and Professor de Quatrefages. The subject was taken up 

 by the French government, and the final result was the erection, at 

 Hiiningen on the Ehine, of a great French national establishment for 

 the artificial cultivation of fish, and their distribution to the adjacent 

 waters, under the direction of Professor Coste, of the College of France. 



This took place in 1851, and the work was carried on by the 

 French with varying success until the capture of Alsace and Lorraine 

 by the Germans. The Hiiningen station, being now within the German 

 limits, is still maintained as a piscicultural establishment, and is under 

 the immediate charge of Dr. Haack, one of the most eminent piscicul- 

 turists in Eiirope. The Salmonidw receive chief attention at this 

 establishment, although some species of other families are cultivated. 

 It was from this place that the salmon-eggs already referred to as pre- 

 sented by the German government to the United States were supplied. 



At the present day there are few countries of Europe where fish- 

 culture in some form is not prosecuted. There are numerous establish- 

 ments in France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Russia 

 Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Spain, «&c., while even in India, 

 Java, and Australia more or less attention is given to the subject. 



The claim has been raised in behalf of China as having earliest prac- 

 ticed pisciculture. But if by this we mean the artificial fecundation of 

 fishes, and raising them in limited spaces, the assertion cannot be 

 sustained. It is very true that great ingenuity is expended in China 

 in securing the fertilized eggs of fishes after they have been already 

 deposited by them, and in rearing the young, as well as in stocking 

 waters with the most approved varieties. In this respect, indeed, they 

 may be said to have prosecuted the art of aquiculture as well as of agricul- 

 ture from a period far antedating the practice of the same by any other 

 nation. They, however, as far as the eggs of the fishes were concerned, 

 confined their efforts to finding the localities where these had alread>' 

 been laid, or else to straining them out of the water by means of fine 

 nets, mats, or gratings, and then they either hatched them out on the spot 

 or carried them to great distances throughout the emjiire. It is, 

 S. Mis. 74 m 



