25 6 LOCH CRERAN. 



Our experiment has been a lengthened one, and full 

 of interest. In June last, when the thornback skates 

 came inshore to throw their eggs, we speared several 

 thus ripe, with the pair of matured eggs on the way down 

 the fallopian tubes. These eggs we placed in our ponds, 

 so that the water might have constant play about them ; 

 but, at the same time, that the creature when born might 

 not escape our observation. After waiting 70 days we 

 opened one to see if the fish would ever really be ready 

 for exit, and to our surprise found a fine healthy young 

 skate, with the wings just commencing to curve outward 

 from the dog-fish-looking framework. The fish was so 

 evidently immature, with the venous system circulating 

 powerfully around the very large umbilical sac, that we 

 decided to give the next another month before examin- 

 ing its progress. At 100 days we therefore again opened 

 an antiquated-looking hand-barrow, to see if the 

 inhabitant had not reached an age when it might be 

 reasonably expected to go into society, and be introduced 

 to the real cares of life. Again the fish was found with 

 a large umbilical sac, but with the wings fairly developed, 

 so that it measured one inch across and three inches to 

 the end of its very skaty tail. The sac was yet an 

 important factor in its existence, and it could by no 

 possible dodge have hidden its meal-bag under its body. 

 Yet the creature was an unmistakable skate, and as lively 

 as if it had no encumbrance. Only one egg of a satis- 

 factory kind remained to us, and we anxiously awaited 

 the appearance of the fish therefrom, making daily 

 pilgrimages to its shrine and with difficulty keeping our 

 hands from asking the question ever on our lips, is it still 

 alive, we wonder? The months passed, and our 

 patience had gradually filtered away, when after one 



