TROUT BREEDING. 55 



as soon as possible after they should be placed in the 

 hatching-trough. 



When all the fish in the trap have been handled, it may 

 be set again, and the boards towards the upper part of the 

 raceway removed. Fish that are not disposed to leave the 

 race should be driven down, and in doing so, although a 

 pole or stick may be used, it is better not to disturb the 

 bottom of the race ; as it is possible that very rough usage 

 may deter them from entering again, and induce them to 

 seek a spawning-place in the pond, where the eggs or the 

 young fry at all events would be devoured. The disposi- 

 tion with the breeding fish to enter the race again, how- 

 ever, is very strong. I have seen scores of them that had 

 been handled and not quite ripe, on being returned to the 

 pond, waiting for the grating to be removed, and would run 

 up as soon as it was lifted. 



If there are many ripe fish running up the race, they 

 may be taken and manipulated once or twice a day. When 

 there are fewer spawners, it may be as well to take them 

 only on alternate days. 



After the eggs have remained in the fecundated water 

 for twenty minutes or a half hour, or until they are loose 

 from the bottom of the pan, they should be washed ; a 

 board extending across the race, or the platform of the trap 

 being a convenient place for doing so. The edge of the 

 pan should be lowered gently beneath the surface that the 

 fresh water may enter. It. is then poured off, allowing 

 enough to remain to keep the eggs well covered. After 

 repeating this several times, until the water is clear, the 



