THE SMELTS 
339 
At this higher temperature there were more deaths in fresh water than in a mixture of one part 
sea water (from the New York aquarium) and three parts fresh water. Last year I obtained 
more deaths in fresh water than in equal parts of fresh water and “ sea water. ” But this sea 
water was surface water of Long Island Sound during the period of heaviest rains. In equal parts 
of fresh water and sea water of normal density there were as many deaths as in fresh water, and 
also a large number of abnormalities. 
The procedure in the propagation of smelts in Massachusetts was described in 
some detail in the report of the Massachusetts commissioners on fisheries and game 
for 1918. This discussion follows: 
The method of taking spawn varied according to the purpose for which it was to be used, namely, 
whether for transfer to the Palmer Hatchery for hatching in the batteries, or whether collected on 
burlap for planting as spawn. For the benefit of those who are unacquainted with fish-cultural 
processes a description of the routine is given. 
For Hatching in the Palmer Hatchery . — -The crew, equipped with rubber clothes, took their 
stations at the Weir River Falls about dark, and arranged their outfit to be in readiness for the 
appearance of the fish, which came any time from 7 p. m. to 3 a. m., according to the stage of the 
tide and the temperature of the water. 
Two catchers, with dip nets, took their places at the falls. At the side of the river, close to 
the water, the sorters were stationed beside two tubs, one for male and one for female fish. 
Between the tubs sat the strippers and the hardeners occupied the portable house. 
Catching . — The catchers, selecting the spots frequented by fish of the sex desired, dip them up 
in the nets and carry them to the sorters. The males prefer the boisterous waters above, while the 
females frequent the quiet eddies. By rearrangement of the rocks in the rapids, the number of 
such eddies was increased, to the advantage of the work. Taking by dip nets was found to be the 
best method. 
Sorting . — The sorters on receipt of the fish from the catchers place them in the appropriate tub. 
A fish culturist easily recognizes the sex of the fish, both by appearance and by feeling. 
Stripping . — This process consists of removing the spawn or the milt, as the case may be, from 
the fish. Holding the fish in the left hand over a 4-quart pan containing a few drops of water, 
with the thumb of the right hand bearing on the upper side of the fish, the index finger is allowed to 
follow down the fish from head to tail, thereby removing the few drops of ripe milt or eggs. The 
process is repeated until the bottom of the pan is barely covered. 
Last year the stripped fish were distributed among the needy of the town, in the belief that the 
fish died after spawning. This year an experiment of “ half stripping” (taking only about half the 
spawn, and using little pressure) was tried on 300 fish which were afterwards held under observation 
in a tank. After four days but 2 per cent had been lost, demonstrating that a large proportion, 
if handled carefully, could be returned to the water after serving our purpose This method was 
adopted, and we believe that at least 90 per cent of the stripped fish survived. 
Hardening . — The spawn when first taken from the fish is exceedingly soft and sensitive, and 
must be handled with the utmost care. It is also very adhesive, and when deposited in the natural 
way in the brooks it immediately attaches itself to the bed of the stream. In taking eggs for arti- 
ficial hatching it is of the utmost importance to prevent adhesion and one of the biggest problems has 
been to keep the eggs from forming into masses, which, once formed, cannot easily be broken up. 
Until this tendency could be overcome, successful transportation was out of the question. For this 
trouble the remedy is soaking in fresh water three or four hours, changing the water frequently to 
thoroughly clean the eggs of the superfluous milt and the gluey substance which covers the eggs. 
The eggs increase during the process to six or eight times their original size. After repeated exper- 
iments it was found that if pans and other utensils were first treated to a coat of melted paraffine 
the eggs would not adhere. 
All eggs hatched at Palmer were collected and prepared for shipment under the direct super- 
vision of the foreman of that hatchery. 
Two methods were tried this year of caring for the eggs when taken from the fish. By one 
method the eggs were stirred in the pans very little in the hardening process. This lot gave the 
reatest difficulty, as the eggs stuck together so badly that they had to be separated by putting 
