TREATMENT OF THE EGGS AFTER FECUNDATION. 23 



gravel to the depth of about two inches, the sand 

 being placed at the bottom. The - impregnated 

 eggs ' are to be scattered over and among the 

 gravel, care being taken not to have them in" piles 

 or masses. 



The boxes should be carefully examined every 

 few days after the eggs have been deposited in 

 them, and all the eggs which have lost their 

 vitality should at once be removed. This may be 

 effected with a pair of forceps made of wire, the 

 jaws of which should be flattened a little, in 

 order to seize the egg with greater facility. The 

 eggs which have lost their vitality may very 

 readily be distinguished from the others by their 

 whiteness. 



It is very desirable that pure, clear water 

 should be used, in order to avoid a deposition of 

 sediment, which is very destructive to the eggs, 

 especially toward the close of the term of incu- 

 bation. When sediment is found to be accumu- 

 lating, the water should be agitated with a goose- 

 quill, or soft brush, moving the ' quill or brush 

 briskly about in the water, and then suffer it to 

 run off. Repeat this process until the water is 

 free from sediment, and runs off clear; or, the 

 eggs may be removed into a vessel filled with 

 clean water, with a skimmer, there to remain 

 while the boxes are being cleansed. 



