ARTIFICIAL KEPKODUCTION OF FISHES. 87 



subjected to, such as their transportation, &c., would pre- 

 vent them from depositing their eggs, but in this we were 

 most agreeably disappointed, for on the 15th of November 

 we discovered unmistakable evidences that they were 

 about to engage in this interesting process. 



Several male trout had proceeded up stream and com- 

 menced preparing the beds in which the eggs were to be 

 deposited. This was done by removing all the sediment 

 and sand from certain gravelly locations. These beds were 

 about one foot in diameter, consisting of coarse and fine 

 pebbles, the spaces or interstices between which were to 

 be the future depository for the eggs. This peculiar con- 

 struction of their beds, or nests, is highly essential to their 

 preservation, as it protects them from being washed awaj'' 

 by freshets, also from being devoured by small fishes, 

 which are always prowling about seeking them for food. 



The male trout, at this time, was very beautiful, being 

 decked out in the most gaudy colors imaginable, and his 

 actions showed clearly enough that he was quite vain of 

 his personal appearance. 



In the course of four or five days, the females made their 

 appearance. They were not near so gaudy in their dress, 

 but had a most staid and matronly look. 



The next step was choosing their mates. After the 

 usual amount of flattering attentions to the females, with 

 which they seemed highly delighted, and some battles 

 among the males, this important matter was settled appa- 

 rently to the satisfaction of all parties. By what i)rinciples 

 they were governed in making their selections I was 

 unable to determine, but presume, in this respect, they 

 are like men, governed more by fancy than judgment. 



On the 20th of November they had fairly commenced 

 operations, one pair of fish occupying each bed, the male 

 manifesting the utmost jealousy, and if any suspicious 

 interloper approached he was instantaneously attacked 

 and driven o(T. On the 21st I captured a pair by means of 

 a landing net and placed them in a bucket of water, and, 



