14 



sion, as it depends on the nature and quality of the 

 water, the soil over which it flows, and other local cir- 

 cumstances. But there can be no difficulty on the 

 point, as the box may be taken out and examined from 

 time to time. 



Instead of a box the eggs may be placed in a hole in 

 the bed of the stream, and covered with pebbles. But 

 in that case the progress of the transformation of the 

 eggs cannot be followed. Besides, the box covered with 

 pebbles is a better preservative against the admission of 

 mud and dirt, which is injurious to the eggs. 



When the time of exclusion has arrived, the tail is 

 first formed, and the little rents in the egg which its 

 formation causes become the lower fins. The head 

 afterwards appears at the other extremity, and the rents 

 on either side form the upper fins. The lower part of 

 the egg composes the belly; the upper, which subse- 

 quently breaks, the back. The pellicle which covers the 

 embryon does not fall, but becomes developed with it. 



16. Keep the little fish in the box from eight to fif- 

 teen days, according as they are more or less numerous. 

 Then set them at liberty. But 



17. Take care not to let them go into water different 

 to that in which they were born ; as more or less fresh- 

 ness or limpidity may be injurious to them. The water 

 should, too, be tranquil. 



18. If the young fish be confined to a particular part 

 of the stream, or if they be in reservoirs, it will of course 

 be necessary to supply them with food. At first the 

 spawn of frogs will suit them very well. When they 

 get stronger the more substantial food of chopped meat, 

 or the intestines of sheep and oxen torn into very nar- 

 row shreds, should be supplied. It is preferable, how- 



