HESSEL— ON THE SALMON OF THE DANUBE. 165 



these difficulties l\v the adoption of a little apparatus, by means of which 

 I may safely carry 400,000 to 500,000 eggs. I think I have overcome 

 the difficulties of construction. Ice for cooling, as you suggested, will 

 be applied ^^^thout allowing direct contact of the eggs with the melting 

 water. Of this apparatus I hope to exhilnt drawings and models in 

 America when I see you. In conclusion, I have to say, that it will be 

 necessary for the lishermen to ask permission for the collection of eggs, 

 which, however, could be readily obtained. 



I believe that now I have told you all, the good and bad, of this fish; 

 it is, however, far from my purpose to unconditionally recommend its 

 introduction into your country. I believe the ^(dmo salar ought io be 

 tried in the Mississippi at the same time, as the Gulf of Mexico would 

 afford rich feeding-ground. The Ohio and Missouri, with their many 

 tributaries, may also be found suitable. 



P. S. — Of late years there is, everywhere in Europe, manifested the 

 desire to destroj^ the pike in lakes and ponds. Although our laws are 

 quite stringent and are strictly executed, the catching of Usox is allowed 

 even in spawning-time, as rational fish-breeding has proved them inju- 

 rious. Sal mo hucho and the other Salmoiildw are protected by law during 

 the spawning-season. 



I consider the omul or Salmo omul of Baikal Lake as one of the most 

 excellent of the Sahnonidce. It is, however, at present scarcely to be 

 had in Europe. According to my information, it surpasses the Salmon 

 of the Ehiue in quality, and is extremely prolific. About 20,000 hundred- 

 weight are said to be caught in the lake, and preserved by smoking, 

 every year. Salmo omul, as far as I know, has never been described 

 satisfactorily in anj- work of natural history. 

 Yery respectfully, yours, 



EUDOtlPH HESSEL. 



Professor S. F. Baird, 



United States Commissioner. 



