PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS. 3 



Again, what a charm there is in a well-ordered 

 hatching-house, with its millions of golden eggs covered 

 with bloom like a ripe peach ! Fish culture is indeed 

 a charming amusement, free from cruelty, and full of 

 enjoyment for anyone who has a love for Nature and 

 her beauties. 



Some one may, doubtless, think that the colouring 

 of this picture has been laid on with a too generous 

 hand : let him try for himself, and it is almost certain 

 he will admit that there has been no exaggeration. 



Before this chapter closes, a few remarks on clothing 

 may not be out of place, and, firstly, as to covering 

 for the feet. From personal experience, we strongly 

 prefer the thigh wading boots of indiarubber to the 

 hide boots, as being much lighter, requiring no dress- 

 ing, and if properly used, more comfortable. Two 

 pairs are necessary, so as* to permit the evaporation of 

 the perspiration from the interior of one pair whilst 

 the other is in use. Waterproof socks also tend very 

 materially to preserve the boots, and, what is more, 

 the health of the wearer, as they can easily be turned 

 inside out and aired, thus keeping the foot of the boot 

 dry and free from mouldiness. Wading trousers, of 

 the same material or of tweed and rubber, are very 

 convenient, as they can be turned inside out, and thus 

 thoroughly dried. They also are much more con- 

 venient in deepish water, but necessitate the use of 

 brogues. 



One or two pairs of 'thick woollen socks should be 

 worn under the rubber socks. 



The body should be encased in woollen garments, 

 upper and under, to resist the damp, as hatching- 

 houses generally are, more or less, saturated with 



