84 PRACTICAL TROUT CULTURE. 



the eggs and milt were obtained in separate vessels 

 of water and afterward mixed. The result, as 

 might be premised, was anything but satisfactory. 

 A careful series of examinations and experiments 

 showed him that the spermatozoa of the milt upon 

 being placed in cold water survived only but a few 

 moments, many dying at the expiration of a min- 

 ute and a half, whtle at the end of five minutes not 

 one was left alive. .The period during which ab- 

 sorption was taking place was about half an hour. 

 He now takes his spawn dry, pours upon them the 

 pure milt, and with this most novel and most un- 

 natural method has obtained the most gratifying 

 results. The milt of one male will impregnate 

 thousands of spawn. Mr. Thaddeus Norris men- 

 tions in his "American Pish Culture" (page 54) a 

 case in which Mr. Ains worth fertilized as many 

 eggs as would cover the bottom of his pan (dimen- 

 sions of pan unfortunately not given) with a single 

 drop of milt. And Spallanzani records a similar 

 instance. Yet it is well that plenty should . be 

 taken. Barren males, whose milt is only to be 

 distinguished from that of their prolific neighbors 

 by the aid of the microscope, are by no means 

 rare, and it is well to always be upon the safe side. 

 Enough should be taken to render the water opal- 

 escent or pearly in hue. 

 During the process of absorption the water in the 



