8 DOMESTICATED TROUT. 



accidentally moved a small gate which regulated the 

 supply of twelve thousand fine, healthy trout fry 

 belonging to the writer, and at half past ten the 

 same evening every fish was dead on its back. The 

 gate was not moved over an inch ; the consequence 

 was the death of twelve thousand beautiful young 

 trout. 



For instance, again, a freshet that you have not 

 guarded against comes down unexpectedly, and 

 sweeps over your ponds ; when the waters subside, you 

 will not have lost one or two of your fish, but, it is 

 very likely, three fourths of them. Or a screen inse- 

 curely placed may let them all go ; or an epidemic, 

 bred by foul meat, may take off half your brood before 

 you can check it. 



A score of instances within the writer's knowledge 

 might be mentioned, where actual losses of great mag- 

 nitude have occurred in each one of these ways, when 

 the only cause was insecurity. Thus it is seen that 

 losses, when they do occur, are frequently so disastrous 

 that no degree of security in guarding against them 

 seems excessive. As in business, so in trout raising, 

 the magnitude of the risk calls for a corresponding 

 degree of security. 



3. The utmost security is also necessary in trout 

 raising, because the dangers are so incessant and so 

 constantly present. Plant your corn in the field, or 

 turn your sheep out to pasture, and they are tolerably 

 safe ; their dangers come seldom, and their enemies 

 are few ; but hatch your trout in the water, and not 

 a moment, by day or by night, are they free from 



