LXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



bottom, the internal diameter of wbicli is greater than the external 

 diameter of the rubber tube which attaches it to the supply tank. The 

 advantage of this arrangement is that it permits the escape of the air 

 upward. 



Experiments were carried on in order to determine definitely the most 

 effective means of preventing the adhesion of eggs while being fer- 

 tilized. ■ It was learned that adhesion may be absolutely prevented by 

 applying just enough water to fill and slightly cover the egg mass, then 

 adding (every 10 minutes for the first hour and every 20 minutes for 

 the second) additional water to cover the eggs, stirring gently each 

 time. This operation requires two or three hours' time, but it is strongly 

 recommended where eggs are taken in small quantities. A number of 

 jars manipulated in this way hatched over 85 per cent, the best per- 

 centage during the season. 



The use of swamp muck was continued, and after carefnl experiment- 

 ing it was decided that it is better to use the muck in the pan after 

 fertilization takes place than to introduce it in the kegs in which the 

 eggs are poured after being fertilized. The eggs should be allowed to 

 stand in the milt and sufficient water to cover them for about 10 minutes, 

 when a tablespoonful of the muck mixture, about the consistency of 

 cream, should be added. This gives the egg; mass a dark-gray color. 

 Water should then be added until the pan is nearly full, the mass being 

 stirred gently and then allowed to stand a half hour. The important 

 point in preventing adhesion is to let the eggs stand until the particles 

 of muck have settled, then pour off the comjjaratively clear water, add- 

 ing a fresh supply and gently agitating the eggs. Most of the muck 

 particles will have settled at the end of a minute, the water becoming 

 clear. 



The preparation of the swamp-muck solution is simj)le, but should 

 be carefully conducted. The plan pursued at Put-in Bay is as follows: 

 The apparatus consists of two tubs and a screen about 20 by 30 inches, 

 made of fine brass wire cloth — about 40 strands to the inch. After 

 selecting a suitable location a depression is dug in the muck, which 

 quickly fills with water. The muck is dissolved in this by constant 

 beating and stirring, care being exercised not to get the mixture too 

 thick, as in that event the sand will not settle. This is then poured 

 through the screen into the tubs. When the water has partially 

 cleared in the tubs it is poured off", leaving a few quarts of the muck 

 of the consistency of thick cream in the bottom. The tubs are again 

 filled with water, thoroughly agitated, and allowed to stand a few 

 seconds so that the sand may settle. The water containing the solu- 

 tion is then poured in kegs or cans, where it remains for an hour or 

 more, when the* water is drained off, leaving the muck in the bottom. 

 It should be free from sand, which interferes with the working of the 

 eggs in the jars. The muck must now be thoroughly scalded in order 

 to prevent the development of infusoria, which at times are apt to cause 

 much trouble. The preparation may be dried in any desired form and 

 held ready for use. 



