How to obtain it. 119 



one, unless it be done under very exceptional circumstances and 

 by those who understand it. 



Towards the end of August and in September, 1 890, I care- 

 fully turned out a number of yearlings, some of which were put 

 into Loch Fern already referred to. I carefully watched the 

 result of this experiment, which I conducted personally, and over 

 which I took considerable pains. Early in the summer of 1892, 

 some of the fish were taken running up to a pound in weight, and 

 were the finest fish the loch had produced since its refilling. 

 Other waters were stocked with fish from the same crop about the 

 same time and later, and excellent results have in several cases 

 been reported. 



Further experiments were made in 1891, and from the results 

 of these and a number of subsequent experiments I am satisfied 

 that the earlier in the season yearlings can be introduced into 

 suitable waters the better. It is much easier to transplant them 

 in November and later, but at that time the water is colder and 

 there is not nearly so much food present, and by waiting until 

 spring a good part of the season is lost, and more than a season as 

 regards the growth of the fish. Perhaps a better way of putting 

 it is, that by turning out, say, early in September, a season is 

 gained as against turning out in spring. Yearlings in September 

 are from two to four inches in length, whereas in spring the 

 Scotch yearlings of commerce run from two and a half to five 

 inches. But the fish of September out-turning are found to have 

 grown considerably beyond this size in a great many instances, 

 and I have had them up to nine inches by the beginning of April. 

 The reasons for this to anyone practically acquainted with the 

 subject are apparent, and have been already explained. 



There is yet another way of stocking waters, and though I 

 refer to it last, it is by no means of the least importance. It is 

 by sowing or planting "fully eyed" ova in artificial hatching 

 beds, and in skilful hands is one of the best and most economical 

 methods now in use. " Fully eyed " eggs are obtainable at such 

 low rates from fish culturists that they can be sown in large 

 quantities at a comparatively trifling cost. Care should be taken 

 in the selection, and I prefer those which have been carefully 

 incubated on glass grilles. They give better results. I have 



