106 FISH HATCHING. 



which one observes at birth as running down 

 the upper and lower parts of the body, 

 resolve themselves, as it were by magic, into 

 the various fins distinctive of the adult 

 creature, and we have a perfect fish before 

 us. Nature, ever wonderful in her works, 

 surpasses herself in the beauty and minute- 

 ness of finish of these little fish. 



On the morning of January 14th, White 

 (the viper-catcher, whom I place in charge of 

 my boxes at the " Field "), came up to report 

 to me that the fish were hatching. I imme- 

 diately went down, and found two of the 

 salmon out of their shells, and quietly 

 reposing among the ova. Sprightly young 

 creatures were these water-babies, not yet 

 two hours old. The moment they saw 

 the spoon with which I wanted to catch 



