CHAPTEK IX. 



SEASON 1874-75. 

 CONSTRUCTION MIDDLETHIRD HATCHING-HOTJSE. 



IN Sauchie Park there is a little glen running north-east from 

 the large wood, and separating the kennels from Sauchie House ; 

 a small stream runs through the centre, rising near the basaltic 

 crags overhanging the Bannock burn, and fed by springs in the 

 limestone that outcrops in parts of the large wood. The water is 

 very clear, of even temperature, and in every way suitable for 

 egg-hatching ; but in summer it is uncertain, and in dry seasons it 

 vanishes entirely. It cannot therefore be used for rearing fry. 



This seeming defect has since been found to be perfectly 

 immaterial. The water which produces the firmest, darkest, and 

 strongest alevins is far too pure to prove a kindly nurse to young 

 fry. 



This burn in Middlethird wood being all that could be desired 

 in winter, I saw no reason why the fry should not be removed in 

 summer, when the water got light. At that date expense also was 

 a great consideration, and it was advisable not to attempt any- 

 thing the ordinary estate labour could not overtake. The powers 

 of the foresters were limited in the extreme, and the gamekeepers, 

 though very anxious, were hardly up to navvy work. 



I drew the ground-plan to suit the site, and designed a shed 

 to suit the capacity of the foresters. The shed answered so well I 

 will hereafter refer to it by the dignified name of hatching-house ; 

 and its simple construction renders it a useful model for those 

 who wish to undertake trout or salmon culture on a modest scale. 

 The description will not be without value. 



