PRINCIPLE OF SPAWNING. 33 



ment with trout in a fishery not far from London, which is 

 now the richest stream in the South of England. The 

 principle of artificial spawning I have been acquainted 

 with as far back as 1815 ; and T rely so confidently on the 

 results which would ensue were it carried out, that I give 

 my experience as data to go upon, and now proceed with 

 the practical part of the subject. Premising the spring of 

 water is found, the boxes in order, and the yearling brook 

 arranged, and this must be particularly attended to, as it 

 affords the main or chief protection to the brood, then, 

 in the early part of October, you begin to 'drag for the 

 grilse, which are ready to spawn. Presuming, therefore, 

 that you have taken a spawner or milter in or near the 

 proper state, to be certain of this the vent must be ex- 

 amined, and upon its appearing of a pear-shaped form, 

 protruding and red, it may be considered in a proper con- 

 dition for expressing the eggs and milt. If they are not 

 in this state, or fairly up, on no account undertake the ope- 

 ration, as in so doing some of the soft internal parts may 

 be ruptured and the fish destroyed, whilst the eggs un- 

 timely taken would be useless. In case the fish are not 

 forward enough, they should be kept in tanks in the river 

 for a few days, for at this time they do not feed. Should 

 the fish be all right, take a large earthenware pan, with 

 about two quarts of the spring water at bottom, and, hold- 

 ing the female fish up by the gill- covers, draw your hand 



D 



