160 How to obtain it. 
hood, and injures or destroys them also. In a well ordered 
hatchery this work should be done daily, even though there be 
but few eggs to pick. There will be more amongst some lots 
than others, but all the boxes should be carefully gone through. 
This fungoid growth on the dead eggs is usually known amongst 
fish culturist as ‘‘ byssus,” in contra-distinction from “fungus” 
{Saprolegnia), which attacks both living fish and living eggs. 
The “fungus” (Saprolegnia) will attack both living and dead 
fish, but the “byssus” (Lepéomitris clavatus - STONE) only grows 
on the dead. When it occurs amongst eggs, as it most assuredly 
will if the white ones are not picked out, it grows rapidly and 
sends out innumerable filaments, which soon surround the good 
eggs within its reach and cause partial suffocation. Such an 
occurrence should never be allowed to take place, and is easily 
prevented by punctually removing the white eggs, as soon as they 
become opaque. I have known “byssus” appear within twenty- 
four hours, which shews the necessity for prompt action. Should 
any of the surrounding eggs be taken within its grasp, they may 
not die immediately as a result, but the embryos are weakened 
and cannot be expected to make good fish. If white eggs, after 
being picked, be placed in a glass of sea water they will become 
clear again, and on being transferred to fresh water they again 
resume their opaque appearance, and the experiment may be 
several times repeated with the same eggs. 
Sometimes healthy ova die and become opaque owing to 
being attacked by living enemies, which have got into the hatching 
boxes. It is, in fact, exceedingly difficult at times to keep these 
out. They come in the shape of eggs deposited in the water, or 
in other stages, when they are very minute, and they soon grow 
bigger and cannot get out again. These will attack the ova and 
puncture the shell, which then allows the water to enter, and the 
precipitation of the albumen follows as a natural result. With 
good filters, cleanliness, and everything working efficiently, the 
loss from this cause ought to be very small indeed. 
The “ fungus” (Saprolegnia) to which I have referred some- 
times attacks the eggs, and woe to them should this happen. It 
ought never to be allowed to do so, however, as it will not readily 
grow upon them of its own accord. They do not form one of its 
