PROPAGATION OF FISH. 247 



up for the quantity that must inevitably be washed away 

 by the water, without coming in contact with the latter 

 in the natural process. 



The impregnation of the eggs may be ascertained by 

 their alteration in color, exchanging the orange for a 

 yellow tinge, and by the presence of the black spots, as 

 in the natural process ; when it is thoroughly effected, the 

 water is poured off and fresh supplied. Care should be 

 taken to preserve the most perfect cleanliness; sediment, 

 is very destructive to the vitality of the embryos. 



There are several modes of disposing the spawn, 

 either in boxes, half full of white pebbles, with sides 

 perforated with holes, or in wicker baskets, either with 

 or without pebbles. It is nowhere recommended to 

 cover the eggs with sand ; but as the fish naturally pur- 

 sues this course, and as great injury is produced by sedi- 

 ment and delicate aquatic plants, and as disease is com- 

 municated from one to another, I would decidedly advise 

 that it should be given a trial, and the comparative 

 results observed. It would certainly preserve the eggs 

 from many of their principal dangers from water-bugs 

 and insects, from dirt and infection, and can do no injury 

 to the young fry, which, when hatched, readily make 

 their way through it to the pure water. 



These baskets or boxes are arranged in various ways, 

 according to convenience, and will do well so long as a 

 pure stream of spring water, about 32 to 35 degrees of 

 temperature, flows through them, whether directly from 

 the spring or intermediately through one another. By 

 allowing a few inches' fall from one to another, the water 

 is aerated and its vivifying powers increased. Oare must 



