126 ■ T]nrti/-Firsf A n)nial Meeting 



orally. Each germ, each embryo has its possibilities, whether it 

 ever attains to them or in what measure it falls short depends on 

 the surrounding conditions during the period of growth, whether 

 these be favorable or the reverse. Herein this same question of 

 food supply assumes a position of primary importance. The 

 Percheron and the Clydesdale, with their grand proportions, 

 tlieir majestic bearing and their remarkable strength, trace back 

 to the same ancestry as the shaggy, diminutive Shetland. The 

 food conditions have l^een different. There is Init little resemb- 

 lance between the luscious Xorthern Spy or Baldwin from our 

 highly fed and cultivated orchards, and the wild crab or seedling 

 growing by the wayside. 



In the present paper I shall consider the food question in its 

 relation to fish life only from the standpoint of quantity. The 

 consideration of its quality, its proper combinations of elements 

 to prodvice the best results, being left for some later day, perhaps 

 for some later generation. We will assume that experience has, 

 to some extent, taught each fish culturist what food or foods are 

 the most economical and satisfactory under his own peculiar con- 

 ditions. 



The results which I shall endeavor to bring to your attention 

 were not ol)tained in experimental work under peculiarly favor- 

 al)le conditions, but where the outcome of the regular work of 

 the Navshua Station, under charge of Superintendent Waldo F. 

 Hubbard, and obtained in spite of the usual drawbacks incident 

 to a first season's work at any new station. There was no inten- 

 tion of producing any abnormal growth of egg production, 

 merely to ascertain in a practical way the effect varying quanti- 

 ties of food would have on health and growth. Later the matter 

 of egg production was also included. 



The lot of fish in question were brook trout, numl^ering about 

 r),000, hatched in tbe spring of 1900, and were reserved from the 

 fall distribution 1o bo roared for brooders. Prior to this time, 

 tbey were all treated alike, fed generously on beef liver, which 

 diet was continued throughout the entire period. About the first 

 of October, 1900, tboy wore suh-dividod into four lots and placed 

 in winter quarters. At tliis tinije tboy averaged from one and a 

 half to two pounds per 100. Tjot Xo. 1 received practically all 

 tlioy would oat. Lot Xo. 2 al)out SO per cent, while Lot Xo. 3 



