82 Fish Citlturists Association. 



the egg is impregnated, the water enters the micropia, swelling 

 the egg, and spreads the outer shell — extending it. The inner 

 sphere remains the same, the water entering between the two 

 coats extends the outer shell and enlarges the egg. So far as 

 the mere conception is concerned, that is, as far as they have 

 been able to observe, all that they know about it. This action ' 

 taking place is subsequent. I should imagine that in fishes like 

 the shad, which hatch in three days, that the whole development 

 process would begin earlier, and of course it goes through much 

 more rapidly ; while in a salmon, in water of from 32 to 35 °, 

 it would hatch out in about five months. 



Mr. Wilmot : Then the inference to be drawn is that this 

 spermatozoa enters the womb, and then the formation that goes 

 on in the egg is the collection of the fatty substance to feed the 

 living object that has gone into the egg. 



Prof. Milner : That is what we do not know. That is 

 assuming all the physiological action. 



Mr. Edmunds : Don't you believe that impregnation in the 

 natural process, in a running brook or in a race, must be almost 

 instantaneous where it is naturally deposited ? 



Mr. Green : Yes, I believe that it is. It strikes there [illus- 

 trating], and keeps striking, and by-and-by it goes in there, 

 and that is instantaneous, but it is not until you get it there. 

 That fellow has got to find that place. 



Mr. Edmunds : You think it is liable to accident ? 



Mr. Green : It is liable to accident, of course. Here is a 

 ball floating in the water, or in the air, or what not, filled with 

 all these little animalcules crawling all over it, and they might 

 not light right on to that hole, or strike right into that hole, at 

 one time. I believe that impregnation is caused by one of those 

 little insects getting into the cha»nnel and seeking the proper 



