226 FISHES 



Mr C. J. Peters also states that this species was liberated in streams 

 in the Mount Somers district about 1880, where they throve remark- 

 ably, and all the creeks are at the present time well stocked with them. 



* Rainbow Trout (Salmo (Salvelinus) irideus) 



In 1883 the Auckland Society introduced a quantity of ova from 

 which about 4000 fry were hatched out. These were distributed in 

 four streams in the neighbourhood of Auckland. 



In 1884 another and larger importation was made. According to 

 Mr Cheeseman this shipment was referred to as American brook 

 trout, and the name was kept up in the two subsequent reports. It 

 was not till 1886-87 that it received its proper name. Mr Cheeseman 

 states (Aug. 1915) "I believe that the whole of the wild stock of 

 Rainbow Trout in New Zealand has been derived from the Auckland 

 Society's introductions." 



The Auckland Society have liberated many millions of fish but 

 their annual reports do not enable one to ascertain with any approxima- 

 tion to accuracy the total number. It probably exceeds 10,000,000. 



The Canterbury Society received ova from Auckland in 1 885 , and of 

 the fry reared, distributed some and retained others as breeding stock. 

 Up to 1915 they had liberated in various streams about i ,200,000 fish. 



The Wellington Society got a number of young fish from Auckland 

 in 1891 ; many of these were deformed. Some 900 of them were 

 placed in a rearing-box into which a large eel managed to find its 

 way, and only left 12 alive when it was discovered. In the following 

 year a number more were obtained, and distribution of the fish 

 throughout the provincial district was commenced, and carried on 

 vigorously for nearly 12 years, rearing in the ponds being discon- 

 tinued in 1905. This was owing to a disease 1 of the gills which 

 attacked the breeding stock in 1903, and increased to such an extent 

 as to discourage the authorities from breeding any more. Mean- 

 while the Society had liberated nearly 2,800,000 fish. 



In 1895 tne Otego Society received from the Wellington Society 

 5000 ova which hatched out only moderately well on account of being 

 obtained from immature fish. Ultimately 1500 were liberated in the 

 Waipahi, and 400 retained for breeding purposes. During the last 

 20 years they have liberated over 500,000 fish. Among other localities 

 Lake Hawea is particularly well stocked with them. 



turned out into our English streams. In America the brook trout is regarded as 

 a home-loving species therefore it seems somewhat likely that we have not yet 

 provided the domestic comforts to which it is habituated. The suggestion, at least, 

 is worth studying, and the Association still has these fish under culture, not being 

 convinced of their unsuitability for inclosed waters." 



1 Mr Deans of the Opoho Hatchery, Dunedin, considered that this was similar 

 to the cancer which attacked Salmo fontinalis in the Otago Society's ponds. 



