THE HATCHING OF TROUT EGGS 



13 



troutlets (see figure 152) will also feed readily on small red 



worms, flies, and such like. 



Trout are certainly the best fish to begin with, but after the 



student has gained ex- 

 perience, others such as 

 the salmon, sea- trout, and 

 charr may be reared. 



FIGURE 150. A Trout egg hatching. 



THE TOAD 



The question of fish- 

 culture, and the hatch- 

 ing of the eggs of fish, 

 suggests the study of 

 other animals that lay their eggs in water the frogs, and toads, 

 and the newts. There are probably very few, if any, who would 

 not recognise a mass of frog's spawn, yet how many know the eggs 

 of the common toad ? Late in March and early in April is the 

 time when toads leave their usual homes and seek pools and marshes 

 in order to lay their eergs. 



J OO 



They may often be seen 

 in large numbers near the 

 banks of ponds, and the 

 melodious note of the 

 male is easily to be dis- 

 tinguished from the harsh 

 croak of the frog. 



There are no animals 

 that will repay attention and care more than toads, especially 

 the little natterjack, common in sandy districts. Unlike the frog, 



FIGURE 151. A newly hatched Trout or " Allevin" 

 showing the yolk sac. 



