Fisli Culture in hiland Waters 313 



shore, or on shoals or reefs. In either case, whether cleaHng with 

 brook fish or lake fish, it is well to discover, if possible, the natural 

 spawning beds, and to plant the young in or close to such places ; 

 for it is reasonable to suppose that each species has come to choose 

 for its spawning grounds the places that are most suitable for its 

 young to hatch and live in. These situations are likely to be sup- 

 plied with the natural food that the young require. As the fish 

 grow they will gradually work their way into the deeper and wider 

 waters inhabited by the adults. 



" While we have only a meager knowledge of the food of fish 

 at the earliest periods of their lives, we know in a very general 

 way what the adults of the commoner species feed upon. It is of 

 particular importance therefore, when introducing any species into 

 waters where it has not occurred previously, to ascertain whether 

 a suitable supply of its natural food is available.'' 



Care During Transportation. " The fry and fingerlings of most 

 species are distributed in spring and early summer. The cans con- 

 taining these young fish are accompanied from the hatcheries by a 

 messenger, who cares for them during the railway journey. The 

 water in the cans must be kept constantly aerated, so that the fish 

 will not suffocate from lack of oxygen. Unless special apparatus is 

 provided, this is done by hand, water being dipped up from the top 

 of the can and allowed to fall back from a height. Such attention is 

 required at least every half hour. The water must also be kept cool, 

 with the use of ice, if necessary. The applicant is notified by 

 telegraph on what train the fish will be shipped. If he does not meet 

 the train, they cannot be delivered, but are carried on by the 

 messenger to the next station where an applicant awaits a shipment. 



" The same care is required during the journey from the railway 

 station to the streams that is given by the messenger of the train. 

 Under no circumstances must the fry or fingerlings be kept in the 

 cans over night without attention. It is necessary to take them 

 directly to their destination and plant them at once. They should be 

 protected as much as possible from jarring while being transported 

 by wagon, to prevent injury to the young fish from being thrown 

 against the sides and bottom of the cans." 



Importance of Water Temperature. " Just before actually plac- 

 ing the fish in the water, attention must be given to the temperature 

 of the water in the can and in the stream. If this vital point is 

 neglected, the entire planting may be for naught, for a difference 

 of only a few degrees between the two waters will kill }"oung fish. 

 A twent}'-five cent dairy thermometer will show whatever A'ariation 

 there is. However small the variation may be, the temperatures 

 must be equalized by dipping water from the can into the stream, 

 and from the stream into the can, a little at a time. Another method 

 is to stand the can in the stream, but this takes much longer." Doing 

 both at the same time would facilitate the equalization of temperature. 



Planting. " AA'hen the temperature is right, the can may be 



