THE ALEVIN STAGE. 345 



or congealed oil, in appearance. When viewed 

 through the medium of a microscope this yolk-like 

 substance is seen to be part and parcel of the aquatic 

 being itself; blood veins traversing and retracing it 

 both inside and out. This is nature's provision, which 

 serves as proper sustenance for the first month or 

 six weeks, being an internal store of food by which 

 all the animal's needs are supplied. It rests quiet 

 for the first few days, wriggling but at intervals, but 

 after the fifth day or so a great desire to hide is 

 shown, and this is seen to be the case for about a 

 fortnight. Ere this length of time has elapsed the 

 little creatures will have gained much in size and 

 vigour, the fins and tail not only being fully de- 

 veloped, but in full and perfect use. The "Alevines" 

 will now be very desirous of emigrating, more 

 especially during the night, and if great care is not 

 taken in grating over the outlet of the water, serious 

 loss is certain to be sustained. No food need be 

 supplied yet, and all that it is necessary to do is to 

 carefully inspect the brood once per diem to remove 

 all bad eggs. 



REARING. Immediately the vesicle has quite dis- 

 appeared, the fish are seen to be very active in their 

 movements, then it is time food should be given them. 

 The fry, when hungering, invariably dart at tiny 

 insects or other objects upon the water's surface. 

 Their first course should be hard-boiled yolk of egg, 

 which should be pressed through the fine gratings of 

 a delicate strainer, and, if merely to test their hunger, 

 some small gnats should be thrown to them. It is best 



