58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] 



Fig. 3 represents the nest of three hatching cones and siphon tank; 

 o is the distributing tank; h, the general feed pipe; c, the general dis- 

 charge pipe ; d d d, cones ; e, siphon tank ; /, siphon ; g, feed pipe ; h h, 

 auxiliary feed-pipes; i, discharge pipe; .;, siphon discharge; k, goose 

 neck ; I, auxiliary feed connection ; m m, aerators ; w, feed valve. 



The feed-pipe g remained attached to the siphon tank e, to be used 

 in case it was required. The auxiliary feed-pipes h h were again at- 

 tached to the bases of the cones, and aerators,- m m, attached to their 

 upper ends. The water being at low level and the feed turned on, a 

 series of air bubbles followed each other in rapid succession to the sur- 

 face, causing a general movement of the water, and periodical change 

 at the surface as well as in the lower part of the cones. There being 

 no surface feed during the action of the siphon/, and the auxiliary 

 feed h h taking the direction of the discharge *, the water then became 

 placid, the particles representing eggs spread over the surface, where 

 they remained until the siphon ceasing to operate ; air-impregnated feed- 

 water again entered the cones, renewing the upward current, causing 

 a general movement in which the surface of the eggs would be cleansed, 

 to a certain extent, of fungus growth and other minute foreign sub- 

 stances liable to adhere during the process of hatching. 



While the above experiments were in progress preparations were 

 made for the reception of a quantity of impregnated eggs to be sent 

 from Wood's Holl with which to test our apparatus practically, but, 

 owing to the unusual severity of the weather, they failed to procure 

 them at that station. 



Arrangements were then made with a fishing schooner to deliver the 

 entire proceeds of a trip at Hampton Eoads, and, to provide for the 

 live fish, we made two large cars, capable of receiving several hundred, 

 intending to anchor them in some convenient locality where pure salt- 

 water could be found. 



The water at Norfolk, being impregnated with that from the Dismal 

 Swamp region, was not suitable for our purposes. We examined nu- 

 merous localities, finally selecting a sheltered spot inside the bar of 

 Hampton Creek, near the boat-houses belonging to Fortress Monroe. 



The commanding officer of that post placed one of the above-men- 

 tioned boat-houses at our disposal, and expressed a desire to render us 

 any assistance in his power. 



Captain Gillis, quartermaster, to whom the Commission is indebted 

 for many favors, assisted us materially in our search, giving us the 

 benefit of his local knowledge, also tendering his services whenever we 

 could make them available. 



Our arrangements being complete, we awaited the arrival of the fish- 

 erman, but inclement weather prevented the fulfillment of his contract 

 until the season was too far advanced for our purposes. 



The Fish Hawk left Norfolk on February 26 for Washington, arriv- 

 ing on the 28th, when preparations were made for the hatching season. 



