204 SPORT IN NORWAY. 



than that of the moss. Moreover, it is only necessary to 

 sprinkle the topmost layer of moss, as the moisture will 

 gradually percolate through the contents of the box. 

 Neither should too much water be sprinkled on at one 

 time, lest the ova at the bottom of the box should 

 be immersed. To obviate this contingency it is best to 

 turn the box over once at least in the course of the day. 



In packing the box the bottom should first be evenly 

 covered with a thick layer of the moss, which should be 

 previously washed quite clean. On this a layer of eggs 

 should be evenly spread, then should come a thinner 

 layer of moss than before, and so on, alternate layers of 

 eggs and moss, till the box is nearly full. On the top 

 of all a layer of moss of the same thickness as the first 

 should be laid, so that when the lid is fastened down 

 the whole shall form a compact mass, and all shifting 

 of the contents be rendered impossible. The elasticity 

 of the moss will prevent the slightest danger from 

 pressure accruing to the ova. If the weather is ex- 

 tremely severe the box should be protected. It may be 

 remarked that ova should not be transported till the 

 eyes of the embryo are visible. 



A few precautions are necessary on unpacking such a 

 box containing ova. The temperature of the box, and 

 of the water in the hatching-case, must be compared 

 with a thermometer. Supposing that of the former to 

 be the greater, the moss should be gradually sprinkled 



