12 



FISH FAEMING 



nangement is not difficult to arrive at, and is best manipulated 

 at the falls. The nearer the redds approach this pitch of per- 

 fection the> better. 



Before the fish mount to spawn it should be ascertained that 

 the redds are free from enemies! toi fish eggs; including fish ! 

 and an arrangement of screens should be a,t hand to place across 

 the stream. The making of and the method of fixing thes? 



NATURAL SPAWNING GROUNDS. 



screens is fully dealt with in the chapter on that subject. As 

 soon as the fish are on the redds a watchful eye becomes neces- 

 sary, and a.t this stage it is as well that you should be made 

 acquainted with twoi important facts. First, that the early 

 spawners are the fish to be made uise of; and, secondly, that 

 the best eggs are obtained from well-matured parents. Hence, 

 it follows that young trout should not be allowed to remain on 

 protected redds; send them about their business; net 

 them out, or drive them a.way to attend to their domestic 

 affairs elsewhere. But as soon as the early, well-matured 

 spawners are on the redds in sufficient numbers, put the 

 screens in position and let them spawn in peace. As soon as 



