OF THE SALMON. 43 



ripe, and those must be put into a large pail or tub 

 for use. Then a wooden, earthen, or copper bowl, 

 put into it a pint, quart, or more of clear water ; take 

 out of your pail one fish after another ; stroke them 

 with the hand or fingers downward, till the spawn 

 discharges into the bowl : you need not fear that it 

 will hurt them, for they can without danger bear great 

 pressing. Then rub the belly of the male trout in 

 the same manner, till some of its milt discharges 

 into the water a little is sufficient; then stir the 

 whole with your hands so as to mix it well, and all 

 the eggs and spawn will be fructuated. Then mix 

 more clear water with them, to disperse them more 

 asunder. After the eggs are impregnated with the 

 sperma, they are apt to clog together, which hurts 

 them in the end. It is therefore necessary to thin 

 them with more water, and to sprinkle them into 

 the breeding troughs. A small space will receive a 

 great quantity of spawn, yet they must not lie too 

 thick, otherwise, where many touch each other too 

 closely, they will get in a few days into putrefaction, 

 and have the appearance us if a fine downy wool was 

 spread over them ; if they remain in this state they 

 are unfit. To prevent this, take a thin slice of wood, 

 or a paddle about the breadth of a hand, and paddle 

 with it backward and forward where the spawn lies 

 too thick. To spread by this motion the spawn 

 asunder, it will be necessary to repeat this manoauvre 

 twice a week, or at least once a week ; and by pad- 

 dling with your wooden slice in all parts, you will 

 bring the water upon the eggs in motion, for let the 

 water be ever so clear, there will adhere to the eggs 

 in a few days a subtle filth, which lays the foundation 

 of their corruption, even when the young fish are 

 already alive in the egg ; therefore, it is necessary to 

 clean them by this gentle means. After the eggs 



