578  REBORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [26] 
coverings drawn down close to the eggs and secured by strips tacked 
to the tray frame. This ought to prevent rolling or accumulation of the 
eggs in case the box is overturned while in transit. The next five trays 
have moss in addition to the cloth covering; the next four are precisely 
the same as all were in the preceding lot sent you, and the last tray is 
covered with snow. 
‘‘ Please note carefully the condition of the eggs in each method of 
covering and communicate the facts to me. 
“Yours, very truly, FRANK N. CLARK.” 
Cy SS aes 
Unfortunately, the eggs preceded the arrival of the letter, which was 
forwarded the same day, and no accurate note of their precise condition 
was reported. It is fair to presume, however, that there was no marked 
difference in results, or the party opening the case doubtless would have 
noticed it. 
The following extracts from letter of Commissioner Stanley, dated 
February 28, embrace the facts relative to their condition when received: 
‘In appearance they were in very good condition when they arrived 
at their destination, although they were considerably shaken up and had 
apparently received very rough usage on the route. After being placed 
in the hatching-boxes the loss has been large. I should judge by appear- 
ances now that .1f we can save 50 per cent. of them we will do well. 
* * * They must have been in good condition when packed, as I have 
examined them carefully and could find none but what were impregnated 
and well developed.” 
And, again, from letter of April 19, in reference to the disposition of 
the fry : 
‘““Your favor inquiring about our whitefish eggs received this day. 
Would say we have just deposited the fry into the Mooslucmaguntic 
Lake, one of the Rangely chain of lakes. Both lots were placed in the 
same lake. Of the last lot, about 50 per cent. hatched; of the first, 
about 25.” 
lowA.—The half million eggs to Iowa were prepared exactly the same 
as the first lot to Maine, except being placed in one large case instead 
of two smaller ones. The following from Commissioner Shaw shows 
their condition on arrival at destination: 
“{ found the whitefish eggs in fair condition on opening at Spirit 
Lake, except that some of them were a little matted with fungus. I 
was delayed two days by a very bad snow-storm, but kept the eggs in 
a cool place, however, and succeeded in getting them safely through. I 
was much surprised to see nearly 10,000 young fish hatched out the 
next morning after eggs were put into the water, all the more so as the 
water was only just above freezing. There were quite a number hatched 
in the box upon opening, and I am of the opinion that a portion of the 
eggs were a little too far advanced when shipped.” 
Some of the eggs being matted together with fungus indicates that 
they were exposed to a considerable warmth during their journey; for 
