HESSEL ON THE SALMON OF THE DANUBE. 165 



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

 I may safel^^ carry 4(K),()00 to 5()(),()00 eggs. I thiidv I have overcome 

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

 be applied A\ithout allowing direct contact of the eggs with the melting- 

 water. Of this apparatus I hope to exhibit 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 l)ad, of this fish; 

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

 introduction into your country. I believe the ^almo salar ought to be 

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

 aft'ord 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 destroy the pike in lakes and ponds. Although our laws are 

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

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

 rious. Salmo hucho and the other Salmonida' are protected by law during 

 the spawning-season. 



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

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

 had in Europe. According to my information, it suri)asses the Salmon 

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

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

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

 satisfactorily in any work of natural historj'. 

 Very respectfully, yours, 



EUDOLPH HESSEL. 



I 



Professor S. F. Baird, 



United Statet; Commissioner. 



