112 American Fisheries Society 



Various materials are suitable for the construction of the case. 

 The general plan followed is an open-top, rectangular receptacle 

 constructed with double walls with from one to three inches of 

 cork board or similar material between the walls for insulating 

 purposes, and a drain pipe in the bottom. The interior of the 

 case should be lined with some non-porous, non- absorbent material, 

 preferably white in color. No. 16 gauge iron, enameled and baked, 

 has been found suitable for this purpose. However, plain galva- 

 nized sheet-iron painted white will give satisfaction. Many 

 dealers employ white tile for both interior and exterior linings. 

 Opalite glass is sometimes used for the exterior and makes an 

 attractive looking display case, but wood will answer the purpose, 

 especially if painted white. Ready made display cases constructed 

 entirely of white enamel sheet iron with cork board insulation 

 and mounted on casters so the case may be moved from one place 

 to another may be obtained on the market. They are especially 

 suited to the small dealer, as they are made in sizes of 100 pounds 

 capacity and up. Some dealers use shallow cases, not more than 

 eight inches in depth. A layer of chopped ice is put in the bottom 

 and the fish placed on top. This arrangement implies that the 

 main supply of fish is kept elsewhere, from which the display case 

 is replenished as sales are made. Many cases, however, are 15 

 to 20 inches in depth. About 9 inches of chopped ice is first 

 put in and the compartment then filled with fish. A thin layer 

 of ice is spread over the top, except in cold weather, when none is 

 required. The fish remain in the display case until all are sold, 

 when the compartment is thoroughly cleaned, replenished with 

 ice, and a new supply of fish put in. Glass covers, sliding or hinged, 

 are essential to protect the fish from flies and dust. In cold 

 weather, when these are not in evidence, it has been found 

 practicable to remove the glass covers. Care should be exercised 

 not to bruise the fish by rough handling or dropping large chunks 

 of ice on them. The bruised portions of a fish are always the first 

 to become soft and begin to spoil. Any damages of this character 

 which the fish may have sustained in transit cannot, of course, 

 be obviated by the dealer, but he can, by proper care, avoid further 

 bruising. 



Every precaution should be exercised to keep down offensive 

 odors. The plumbing should be of perfect character, so that all 



