190 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



ning water a sufficient length of time to take up and re- 

 move all the soluble matter of the wood, as tannic acid, 

 etc. Metal tanks, constructed of galvanized iron, heavy 

 tin, etc., though more expensive, are to be preferred, but 

 they must be rendered perfectly clean before the fish are 

 put into them. 



If the number of fish to be carried is kirge, it is much 

 better to provide a sufficient number of containers than to 

 crowd the fish. There is no good plan yet devised for 

 aerating water, while in transit, by forcing air into it, for 

 most of it escapes at once, as the numerous bubbles that 

 appear on the surface, testify. The better way is to expose 

 the water to the air in finely divided particles, in the form 

 of spray or small drops, as by forcing or pouring it through 

 a fine rose. I have seen it successfully accomplished by 

 dipping the water out of the container with a common 

 sprinkling-can, or watering-pot, and pouring it back again 

 through the rose, or sprinkler, from a considerable height; 

 this is as simple and effectual a way as any yet devised. 



It is a bad plan to change the water frequently, as is 

 often done, for the change in the character and temper- 

 ature of the water thus produced, affects the fish unfavora- 

 bly. The best plan, by far, is to aerate the original w^ater. 

 If in warm weather, the temperature of the water should 

 be noted, occasionally, and kept at its original temperature, 

 or a little lower, by the addition of small pieces of ice, 

 from time to time. 



These instructions are only general, and must be varied 

 to suit particular circumstances. Sometimes, for short 

 distances, double the number of fish may be safely carried, 

 in the space I have designated. Moreover, it is possible 

 to be too attentive, and kill the fish with kindness. If the 



