12 



For the sake of convenience we put it into the shape 

 of rules : 



1. Prepare a vessel containing about a quart of pure 

 fresh water. 



2. Take the female at the moment at which she is 

 about to spawn. Hold her by the back with the left 

 hand, with her head and body near you. If she tries to 

 escape, pass the hand gently to and fro on her belly : 

 this soothes her; if, however, she continues restless, get 

 some one to hold her by the tail. 



3. When she is tranquil, place her over the vessel 

 containing the water, and with the thumb and finger of 

 the right hand press gently on her belly downwards 

 towards the tail. This pressure should be done in the 

 same way as one would draw one's thumb and finger 

 down a finger, or it may be compared to the milking of 

 a cow ; but care must be taken that it be not too heavy. 



4. The eggs under the pressure will immediately spurt 

 forth into the water. If they do not come easily, it is 

 a proof that they are not sufficiently matured, and that 

 they cannot consequently be fecundated. The fish 

 should therefore be restored to the water for a few 

 days. 



5. Take a male and hold him in the same way ; press 

 with the thumb and finger gently down his belly, and 

 cause the milt to spurt into the water. This milt will 

 give the water a whitish colour. It spurts forth readily 

 when perfectly butteraceous. 



6. Both for male and female, the pressing operation 

 must be repeated several times, until the fish be com- 

 pletely relieved of their respective burdens. 



7. When these operations are terminated, stir up the 

 water and its contents with the hand, or, which is better, 



