636 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [4] 
west aqueduct running into the troughs, and it is strongly colored, 
but not roily—a good deal of it. Temperature of water of both aque- 
ducts 48°, of spring water 46°. 
We looked at a number of the trays of eggs already in the house, and 
selecting one appearing to contain about average number of eggs Mun- 
son and I counted them out with spoons. They counted 2,087. This 
calls for an increase of estimated number of eggs. The tray was more 
than covered. 
In taking eggs I do not think we have thus far exercised due care in 
the agitation of the eggs and milt to secure contact. We took, as the 
record shows, pretty heavy panfuls of eggs before washing off, and we 
did not agitate constantly enough to suit my idea. I think I shall 
establish it as a rule never to have the eggs in a pan more than two lay- 
ers deep. Perhaps one layer would be better. Then as soon as one 
layer was impregnated they could be turned out into another pan, and 
when several of these have been collected thus together we could weigh 
them, thus avoiding frequent weighings. 
In former years we have used every male that came to hand. This 
year I have begun the practice of putting all poor looking and small 
males directly over into the final pound. It is convenient to pass out 
all less than 19 inches in length. That would leave us plenty for use 
this year. But I have not thus far followed this or any other strict 
rule. 
November 8.—A large run of fish yesterday, a small one during the 
night, and another large one to-day. Both these days have had clear 
weather, so that in these instances the salmon have run into our inclos- 
ures best in daylight and clear weather. 
We have from the first, each day (except Sundays), handled over the 
fish taken the previous twenty-four hours, and immediately taken the 
spawn of those ripe. We have in no case up to date counted or assorted 
any of the fish caught until we took them in hand for spawning. 
November 9.—They have not been scowing bark down the canal for 
some time, much to our satisfaction; but to-day they began again, and 
we must lower the net for them. I saw an eel in the second pound last 
night, and several nights ago I saw one of large size outside the en- 
trance of the first pound. Have begun the building of a little jetty from 
the west bank, just above mouth of Ripley’s Brook, to keep the water 
of the brook from mingling with that of Grand Lake in the pool that 
supplies our aqueduct. I shall merely throw out a narrow mole of 
earth and face it with stones—two or three days’ work. 
November 10.—Overhauled the main pound. Find exactly the num- 
ber of full females that we put there. Don’t think any of them have 
laid any eggs, though there have been a good many attempts at digging 
in the pounds. The greater part of the females are still unripe; the 
most of them very hard. 
I have now one man all the time ready to take the pans of eggs im- 
