It is frequently a query1 how the distribution of fish is so general even in the most obscure lakes and springs rising and running from points so isolated2 as to apparently3 preclude4 such specimens5 from getting there. It seems strange that some species would exist at the head of a stream and not inhabit it throughout. Seas and lakes may, and do exist, without any visible outlets7 to the ocean, and yet are plentifully8 supplied with varieties of fish. Now what may be a rational explanation of how they got there. It cannot seem right to say that they originally existed in an adjacent sea or the nearest approach to the ocean, as they are not found in any adjacent waters and are entirely9 peculiar10 to their locality, having no neighbors akin11. It does not seem as if such would be the case if they became isolated by some remote upheaval12 and change of surrounding Earth’s surface, as this would only[74] divide up the family and spread the species like immigration from the eastern to the western states.
As asked before, where do these blind fish come from in caves where streams do not seem to have any connection with surface waters? Where do the many specimens come from in the island lakes all over the world? To all these questions there seems a simple answer when we accept the idea that the center of the Earth is the womb that is developing and sending out through every pore, seam, crevice13 and crack some new seed and form of life to develop a new and strange existence to us on the outside.
It is a Scriptural idea that “We are born of water.”
Creatures that have their inception14 in the bowels15 of the Earth cast their eggs as the fish and reptile16 spawn17 in our rivers. These eggs or spawn or seeds of life in whatever form are taken in the currents that course through the different strata18 of the earth by centrifugal force and pressure, taking almost any amount of time in their hermetically sealed transit19 before they reach an atmosphere in which to develop into a new existence. Any lake, spring, or fountain of water that is a living stream fed by the inexhaustible sources within, may have from that[75] varied20 storehouse and laboratory of nature any specimen6 of fish, scale, skin, shell or reptile of any form, that no adjoining or neighboring water may develop.
The spawn or egg may be destroyed on its outward passage or held back by influences preventing its maturity22; or landed on the surface under unfavorable conditions of climate, air, and properties in the water.
Why do shad not exist anywhere in similar coast waters? Where do they come from and is the Gulf23 Stream to be credited with their origin? Where do the different schools of blue fish, mackerel, herring and numerous other fish find their headquarters to breed, and why after seeking other waters for a season, return to some place that seems to be their “sweet home”?
Was Seth Green the pioneer in transportation of spawn to distant waters for their incubation? It is more than likely that he was not; with all credit due to the great service his genius has rendered.
What is said of the dissemination24 of fish, shells, and reptiles25 may be consistently said of vegetation.
The earth is filled with the seed of every plant and tree and shrub26 that ever sprang into life in any place, clime or time. Dig to whatever depth[76] you will,............