88 FISH CULTUEE 



stages. Water which is at times slightly im- 

 pregnated with mud of a certain character 

 appears to be harmless, and often is actually 

 beneficial. Spring water, however, is prefer- 

 able to creek water for hatching purposes. If, 

 however, it is necessary to depend on stream 

 water for hatching purposes, it would be well 

 to arrange some device by which it can be fil- 

 tered before its entry into the hatching-house. 

 Water-Supply Most Important. — ^Prospective 

 fish-culturists should give the greatest atten- 

 tion to the character of the water-supply, be- 

 cause on it depends primarily success or failure. 

 iTo be sure of its excellence is more important 

 than the location of the hatchery, a heavy pitch 

 in the land, or proximity to a town or a railroad 

 station. An artificial pitch in the land can 

 usually be created. Ponds can all, or most of 

 them, be built above the ground when necessary 

 to insure a proper flow and aeration through- 

 out; horses or motors can in time reach the 

 nearest railroad station or town; but if the 

 water falls below requirements either in steady 

 quantity or quality, the place is useless for a 

 trout hatchery. 



