220 Photography for the Sportsman Naturalist 



to prevent the possible fogging of the plate, for 

 you may have to wait for some little time before 

 you can get your fish into the exact position in 

 which you wish him. Only those species that 

 live on the bottom should be photographed in 

 that position, for with the others it carries the 

 idea of a dead specimen laid there, besides show- 

 ing the fish under false conditions. 



Some fish will quickly become accustomed to 

 their artificial surroundings and will assume the 

 desired position, if left entirely alone, in a very 

 short time. Others will have to be coaxed to 

 do so, either by gently pushing them with a 

 stick or by lifting them repeatedly from the 

 bottom until they remain suspended in the 

 water long enough for you to make the ex- 

 posure. With the best-behaved fish it will usu- 

 ally mean a considerable wait, and you must keep 

 your patience. Above all, never make the expos- 

 ure until the fish is in exactly the position that you 

 desire. You will be fully repaid for the waiting by 

 the much better results which you will thus obtain. 



There are three things necessary to be careful 

 about before releasing the shutter: that the fish 

 is entirely in the field chosen ; that he is no 

 farther from or nearer to the front glass than he 

 was when you focussed ; and that his fins, espe- 

 cially the dorsal one, are well spread, for the latter 

 precaution not only adds to the beauty of the 



