244 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
allowiug them to separate tbere.^ Both of these methods have been thoroughly 
tried at Wytheville, aud each proved satisfactory when the spawuers were in good 
condition aud the work was well done, but I am inclined to favor the “dry” method 
under most circumstances, as it seems to give the best results. 
If the weather is freezing cold, I prefer either takiug the eggs in water or using 
two pans, one set iu the other, with water from the i)ond in the bottom pan to prevent 
the eggs from being chilled. To manipulate the fish iu takiug the spawn and to do it 
without injury to the fish, is a very delicate and particular task, and one that requires 
experience. Almost anyone can squeeze the spawn from the fish, but to do it without 
injuring or even killing the parent fish, is something that very few spawn-takers ever 
learn to do. In taking hold of the fish, after they have been placed in the spawning- 
tub, it is best to catch the spawner by the head with the right hand, having the back 
of your hand up ; at the same time slip your left hand under the fish and grasp it near 
the tail, between the anal aud caudal fins. A fish caught in this way can be easily 
turned over, as it is brought out of the water, so that its abdomen will be up and in 
the proper position for spawning by the time the spawiiing-i)an is reached. If the 
fish struggles, hold it firmly but gently, until it becomes quiet. If you have it iu the 
right position it will struggle only for a moment. If the fish is a large one, put its 
head under your right arm, and when the struggle is over, pass your right hand down 
the abdomen until the point midway between the pectoral and ventral fin is reached; 
then with the thumb and index finger press the abdomen gently, at the same time 
slipping the hand forward toward the vent. 
If the eggs are ready to be taken they will come freely and easily. If they do 
not come iu this manner, i)ut the fish back in the pond for some future time. If the 
eggs come freely from the first pressure, slij) your hand back and repeat the operation, 
beginning at or near the ventral fin. After the first pressure has been given, by 
holding the head of the fish higher than the tail, all of the eggs that have fallen from 
the ovaries aud are ready to be expressed will fall into the bottom of the abdomen, 
near the vent, so that it will not be necessary to press the fish again over its vital 
liarts, the eggs having left that part of the body. All of the eggs that have fallen 
into the abdomen below the ventral fin can be easily expressed, aiul without danger 
of injuring the fish. The danger lies in pressing the fish over its vital parts after 
the eggs have left that part of the body. If this method and these directions are 
judiciously and carefully followed, little if any damage will result to the matrons thus 
handled. As an illustration, I may mention the fact that I have kept fish for II years, 
and extracted from them a full quota of eggs each recurring season during their egg- 
producing term, which is from 10 to 12 years. 
The male fish is to be treated very much iu the same manner, takiug only what 
milt will come freely. More milt is required in takiug eggs by the “dry” method 
than when water is used, as enough should be in the pan to allow good circulation 
through all of the eggs. If only a small amount of milt can be gotten, use water to 
make up the required amount of liquid for this imrpose. Very little milt will often 
give good impregnation, but when milt can be gotten plentifully, be sure that yoiiuse 
enough to give good results. After striiiioiug the fish of their spawn, remove them 
‘ Some trout-cnltiuists recommend letting the eggs remain in the milt and water until they separate, 
hut, as it is generally acknowledged that the spermatozoa becomes inactive in 2 minutes after coming 
in contact with the water, I can see no good reason for leaving this dead milt on the eggs, as they 
must necessarily ahsorh it to become freed from the adhesion. I think it would be more natural for 
them to absorb only pure water. 
