TRANSPORTATION OF SPAWN AND FISHES. 133 



depending upon the distance to be traveled. The 

 box in which the eggs are placed for shipment is 

 of tin, of circular form, three inches in diameter, 

 and the same in height, with a. tight-fitting cover, 

 the bottom being perforated with small holes. 

 In the bottom of this box is placed a layer of fine 

 moss, such as is found on rocks upon the bor- 

 ders of streams in cool and moist localities ; this is 

 prepared by thorough washing and careful pick- 

 ing over, all dirt, such as sticks, fragments of 

 leaves, and minute pebbles, being removed with 

 care. The bottom of the box being covered to 

 the depth of about half an inch with well-damp- 

 ened moss, the eggs are placed upon it. They 

 should be carefully spread with a soft brush. 

 They may be allowed to touch and even press 

 against each other, but should not be heaped one 

 upon the other. When well arranged, cover these 

 with another layer of moss, upon which spread an- 

 other tier of spawn, and thus continue until the 

 box is filled, pack it full, but not too full, only 

 that the elasticity of the moss may keep the eggs 

 from being jarred by any slight concussion. The 

 whole is then sprinkled with water, and the cover 

 tied on by a piece of twine. We have shipped 

 hundreds of thousands of spawn in moss with per- 

 fect success, yet it has been objected against this 

 material that it frequently contains larva of insects 



