366 FISHES. 



although this objection is in a great measure obviated, by 

 securing, from the eggs, a race of fish with constitutions ac- 

 commodated to your waters. 



The last method, which has been rather absurdly term- 

 ed artificial Ji'cundation, we owe to the ingenuity of M. Ja- 

 coBi, (Mem. de VAcad de Berlin., 1764, p. 55.) It is 

 founded on a knowledge of the mode of reproduction in 

 oviparous fishes, and in its turn serves to illustrate the func- 

 tion of generation in fishes. In those places where the fish 

 are easily taken, a female is secured, with roe nearly 

 ready for exclusion, and a proper box with water being- 

 prepared, the fish is held by the head, with its tail down- 

 wards, and gently squeezed on the belly. The eggs, which 

 are perfect, readily run out into the vessel. A male fish is 

 next procured, and being held in a similar situation, the 

 milt is poured upon the eggs. The eggs thus impregnat- 

 ed, are conveyed to a proper situation as in the second me- 

 thod, and protected from enemies. 



The advantages which result from the translation and 

 feeding of fishes, though felt and appreciated in other 

 countries, have been, in a great measure, overlooked in 

 our kingdom. In Scotland and Ireland, and we may 

 likewise include England, there are multitudes of ponds 

 and lakes, which are at present mere useless Avastes, but 

 which, if properly stocked with fish, Avould greatly contri- 

 bute to the prosperity of the country, by furnishing an ad- 

 ditional supply of food. To our forefathers we owe the 

 naturalization of two useful species of fish, namely, the carp, 

 which was translated (probably from France or Spain) m^ 

 to England, about the year 1496, and the piJce, which wgr, 

 introduced about the beginning of the fifteenth century.. 

 The gold and silver fishes of China have likewise been na- 

 turalized in England, as objects of beauty. We wish this 



