308 peesident's addeess. 



strain upon the natural productiveness of the sea, and that unless 

 this productiveness can he reinforced by other than mere pro- 

 tective measures, the supply cannot possibly keep pace with the 

 demand. In our own country the only sea-fish hatchery, I be- 

 lieve, is that now in course of development by the Scotch Fishery 

 Board at Dunbar. But the importance of the subject is such 

 that I propose to give you a short account of the processes now in 

 use at the Norwegian hatchery, and in the fresh-water hatchery 

 of Mr. Armistead at New Abbey. 



First, as to the Norwegian hatchery at Flodivigen. This is 

 situated on a small bay on the outside of the island of Hiso, 

 about two miles from the open sea, and at a similar distance 

 from Arendal. The establishment is of very considerable extent 

 and comprises — (1) a spawning pond of the following dimen- 

 sions : length 19 metres, breadth 6 metres, depth 3 metres. This 

 pond is enclosed on three sides by strong granite walls and on 

 the fourth by a perpendicular cliff. It is roofed over to keep 

 out snow and to moderate the light, and about two feet from the 

 bottom is a flooring with spaces an inch or an inch and a half 

 in width between the planks, and underneath are pipes by means 

 of which the foul water at the bottom can be drawn off. There 

 is space enough for 1,000 to 2,000 large fishes, but the water 

 must be continually renewed. (2) A rearing pond 34 X 22 

 metres, with a maximum depth of 5 metres. (3) The hatching 

 house. (4) The spawn-collector, (5) The engine house. (6) 

 Live boxes for the spawners. (7) Ice house with freezing ap- 

 paratus.*' (8) Hatching apparatus. 



Dr. Fulton has recently visited this establishment, and has 

 given me the following brief but interesting account of its 

 working : — 



"The fish are procured alive and confined under a wharf in 

 large wooden compartments, being fed from time to time with 

 herrings and sprats. At the approach of the spawning period 



* The engine is used for the purpose of pumping, so keeping a constant current of 

 water through the various ponds and hateliing troughs, — the water never being allowed 

 to rest hut being kept in a constant whirl. A store of ice is necessary, because at 

 some seasons it is impossible to procure fresh food for the flsh : they are then fed upon 

 herrings and sprats which have been preserved in ioe. 



