232 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
intestines had been removed were in better condition, and might even have been 
used for food. The abdominal cavity was much fresher and putrefaction had not 
penetrated so deeply into the flesh. The experiment shows that when the intestines are 
not removed decomposition takes place more rapidly, and that the immediate removal 
of the viscera delays decomposition. The experiment gives some idea of the rates of 
putrefactive changes in the two kinds of fish. 
The next experiment was with 24 squeteague and G bonitos. After removing the 
intestines, as above, the fish were laid on their sides on a plank, but not in contact 
with one another. The day was humid and foggy, the temperature ranging from G9° 
at 8 a. in., and 72° at 12 m., to 71° at 5 p. m. At the end of 24 hours the fish were 
examined. The squeteague were badly decomposed on the side next the wood; on 
the other side decomposition had not proceeded so far, although it had progressed to 
a considerable extent. In the body-cavity decomposition was evident, but it had not 
advanced very far. The bonitos were in much better condition, although they emitted 
an odor of putrefaction, the side on which they lay being most affected. The walls of 
the body-cavity also were in better condition than those of the squeteague. The 
experiment shows that the free circulation of air about fish retards the process of decay. 
After the intestines had been removed from 12 squeteaque the fish were hung up 
by their tails and allowed to remain 24 hours. The weather was cloudy, and the 
temperatures were as follows: 8 a. in., 71°; 12 in., 74°; 5 p. m., 73°. The atmospheric 
conditions were less favorable than on the previous day, yet at the end of 24 hours the 
fish were found to be in much better condition than in any of the preceeding experi- 
ments. There was a decided odor of putrefaction from the outside of the fish, but the 
abdominal cavity and the muscles showed only slight evidences of decomposition. 
The fish were in as good condition as many fish found in our markets and generally 
sold as “fresh.” The experiments thus far made show that early cleaning, free circu- 
lation of air, and thorough draining retard putrefaction. 
Twenty-four living squeteague were decapitated, thoroughly drained, and then 
their intestines were removed. From another series of equal number the intestines 
only were removed. The 48 fish were packed in a box in close contact with one 
another. The weather and temperature conditions were practically the same as on 
the preceding day. At the end of 24 hours the fish were very soft and had a bad 
odor. Although the 24 which had been decapitated were in abetter state of preserva- 
tion than the others, all were unfit for use. Those in the top layer, where they were 
exposed to the air, were in early stages of decomposition. Those on the bottom, away 
from the air and moistened by the drip from those above, were in advanced stages of 
decomposition. The experiment indicates the importance of thorough drainage of 
the flesh by early decapitation. The presence of blood hastens decay. 
In all the above experiments the fish were taken from the fish-trap alive, and 
were immediately prepared to meet the conditions of the various experiments. By this 
means no decomposition could have taken place before the experiments were begun. 
The fish were handled as carefully as practicable, to prevent bruising or rupture of the 
muscular tissue. Cleanliness was assured through copious washing with sea water. 
To recapitulate, the experiments show: 
(a) That putrefaction takes place more rapidly if the viscera are not removed. 
( b ) That moisture hastens the process of decay. 
( c ) That the free access of air retards putrefaction. 
