1898. | NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. (pe 
pipette. A few drops of milt were found to fertilize about two 
litres of eggs. In the experiments running water was in some 
cases added to the egg mass at the time of fertilization, in others 
as long as ten minutes afterwards ; in all cases were results ap- 
proximately the same. Within from twenty to thirty minutes 
the eggs have become viscid and “ set.” Under conditions of 
natural spawning, it seems probable that the eggs are fertilized 
at extrusion, sinve experiment failed to fertilize eggs that had 
been immersed in water about half a minute. This spawning 
condition is further attested by the scratches and abrasions 
noted on the abdomens of spent fish, both male and female. 
Difficulties in sturgeon culture have usually been reduced to 
three—(1) those of obtaining ripe eggs and milt simultaneously, 
(2) of imperfect means of aération of eggs, and (3) of inroads of 
fungus. - It is evident that by careful experimental study the 
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dangers of malaération and fungus growth might be reduced, if 
not largely obviated. To these problems the attention of the 
writer was especially directed. 
Difficulty of Aeration.—Sturgeon eges have proven difficult 
to handle on account of their viscid character. Shortly after 
artificial fertilization the eggs stick together in a glue-like mass ; 
this, speedily hardening, forms a compact egg mass, whose 
dense jelly-like matrix the culturist finds does not permit the 
inner and innermost eggs to be sufficiently aérated. Dying in 
consequence, these become the cause of the loss of the intimately 
connected surrounding although better aérated eggs. 
On the natural spawning grounds this harmful condition does 
not, apparently, maintain. The eggs, fertilized and becoming 
viscid, appear to be drawn out into stringy clusters or ribbons, 
attaching at all points to submerged objects. Sticks, water 
weeds, fish nets and especially brush, spread over with a thin 
layer of sturgeon eggs, are well known to the fishermen. Ege- 
attached objects, it is generally noted, are found only in deeper, 
usually channel waters. 
Favorable aération, as suggested by natural conditions, seems 
accordingly to be insured by the disposition of the eggs in thin 
layers, and by a plentiful water supply. 
To imitate these natural hatching conditions in a way prac- 
ticable for large numbers of eggs is clearly the bourne of the 
culturist. To attain this, however, is not his easiest task. 
The eggs becoming viscid speedily must be attached to the 
hatching devices with the greatest promptness. The hatching 
trays must be prepared for immediate use, and the eggs must 
be spread over them simultaneously in a single layer. Other- 
wise all eggs becoming ‘‘ set” at the same moment those that 
