CULTURE OF THE WHITE-FISH. 529 



fitted with handles and with a ti^lit lid on hinges, which may be locked. Small auger-holes are 

 bori'd through the outer or packing box, and air may be admitted to the whole interior of the 

 egg case through the tube referred to in the bottom, the cups being pierced with small holes, so 

 that when in place they are directly over circular openings in the trays, and a communication of 

 air is established throughout. The eggs may be packed in moss, in the ordinary manner, in the 

 cups which experience seems to prove to be the best manner for lojig journeys. 



The method of Mr. Atkins in shipping salmon eggs packed in moss, but with pieces of mos- 

 quito-netting laid above and below the eggs, is a great convenience in unpacking them, and could 

 just as well be applied in the cups. This, though less simple than the ordinary egg-carrier, is suf- 

 ficiently simple for practical purposes, and possesses most important advantages for carrying eggs 

 long distances and over rough roads, the small area of surface within the boxes preventing any 

 tendency of the eggs to slide together at one side. The square boxes resting in trays are put to- 

 gether in much more compact form than the cylindrical boxes embedded in moss, and the springs 

 beneath the boxes of eggs are of course an important addition. Mr. Clark believes the hatching 

 apparatus in the refrigerator to be as well adapted for the carriage of eggs as for hatching them. 



The use of surface or brook water in any permanent establishment seems to have been first 

 employed by Mr. Samuel Wilniot, of Newcastle, Canada, the greater number of hatching estab- 

 lishments using spring water. 



In the hatching of White fish, Mr. Clark has contended for the use of brook water in preference, 

 because of its lower and evener temperature throughout the winter, and the consequent retarda- 

 tion of the hatching of the fish which he has contended is an essential provision in nature to their 

 welfare, and that hatching them two months or more previous to the natural time under artifi- 

 cial conditions is a mistaken method that will not result in the maturing of any considerable num- 

 bers in the cold waters in which they are released. Although this view has not been established 

 by practical observation, yet it raises a question of considerable importance, and one which merits 

 a full discussion, in view of its bearing on the practical work of fish culture. 



i Mr. Miner's account of the further progress made in this branch of fish culture is resumed in 

 another place, as follows : 



" November 11, 1872, 1 met Mr. N. W. Clark at Ecorse, and in company with Mr. George Clark 

 we visited Grassy Island for the purpose of obtaining white-fish spawn. The box which Mr. N. 

 W. Clark has devised for carrying ova is constructed so as to carry a greater quantity of eggs, 

 with easier carriage, than any in present use. It is a large square can, of zinc, about thirteen 

 inches square and twenty-two inches deep. This, for protection, is set inside of a strong wooden 

 box, with a light frame in the bottom, supported on stitf springs. Strong handles are fastened to 

 the box, for convenience in handling, and to prevent any necessity for throwing it out of level 

 while carrying it. The zinc can contains ten trays, each of which carries fifty-four small boxes, two 

 inches square and two inches deep, set in compartments, each compartment having an inch hole 

 cut in the center. The partitions between the compartments are just high enough (about five- 

 eighths of an inch) to inclose the bottom of a box and bold it firmly in its place. No covers are 

 provided for the boxes, but a large cover can be fitted to the zinc can, and a lid, with a good lock, 

 is fitted to the outside box. The bottoms of all the little boxes are perforated, the position of the 

 holes being directly over the circular hole in the compartment of the tray. The zinc can has also 

 holes in the bottom, and the wooden box has three-quarter inch holes bored on each side, near 

 the bottom, so that there is drainage for the surplus water of all the boxes, and a free circulation 

 of air throughout, which is deemed important by some of the fish-culturists. 



" At the island the most perfect arrangements were provided bj Mr. George Clark for obtain- 

 34 F 



