14 THE PIKES: DISTRIBUTION AND COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE. 



unripe fish were successfully held until the ova matu,red and both 

 spawn and milt were obtained. After spawning the fish were re- 

 leased. In catching the fish for breeding purposes the fyke net is 

 usually employed, and it is not altogether an easy matter to collect a 

 sufficient number for spawning purposes, as the spawning places to 

 which the fish resort in pairs are scattered about the lake. In trans- 

 porting the fish to the pens five boxes 16 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 10) 

 inches deep, made ''skow-shape" with bottom of slats 2 inches apart., 

 giving an abundant circulation, are employed. 



Unlike those of most other fish the eggs do not harden after being 

 taken from the fish, but remain soft and flabby until hatched. With 

 the water at a temperature of 52° F. the eggs hatch in about 10 

 days, and about 15 days are required to absorb the food sack. 



Both boxes and Chase hatchery jars were tried, with the result 

 greatly in favor of the jars. Just before the eggs began to hatch they 

 were taken from the jars and placed on fine wire-cloth trays, in order 

 that the young fish might not smother, being unable to make their 

 way out of the jars unaided on account of the comparatively large; 

 umbihcal sack. 



One female weighing about 40 pounds produced not less than 225,000 

 ova, 80,000 fiUing a quart measure and 190 individuals averaged 6,315 

 eggs each. 



The fry when first hatched are a fight color and seem to adhere to 

 the side of the tank, box, or tray, or any other object with which they 

 come in contact. Those hatched were strong and healthy, grew 

 rapidly, and in their development exhibited their wild nature and the 

 instinct of self-preservation by quickly darting off to hide when 

 alarmed by a person approaching the tank in which they were 

 confined. 



They were retained until they were 4 weeks old and l\ inches long 

 and were fed upon young pike, which seemed to be suitable as weU as 

 acceptable food. 



CONSERVATION. 



Nevins stated that for many years, since the wilderness of northern 

 Wisconsin was opened by railways and by lumbering operations, with 

 the advent of the comforts and conveniences which the raiboad takes 

 into a new country and the encroachment of the settler and summer 

 hotels on the primitive banks of our northern lakes, the pursuit of the 

 muskellunge has been constant and relentless. Its utter extermi- 

 nation has been well nigh accomphshed in many of our lakes where it 

 was indigenous; and nearly all of our waters have been cleared of 

 this fish to such an extent that its future has become a matter of 

 much concern to sportsmen, fish culturists, and others interested in 

 keeping our waters well stocked with superior game fishes. 



