36 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



essary to cut down the water, reducing the supply to each jar to about 

 one quart each period of three minutes. 



In doiug work at Weldon, the difficulties attending the development 

 of the eggs being removed, there remain two important points which 

 should be carefully borne in mind, the one being the actual collection 

 of the ripe fishes, and the other, the successful collecting and retaining 

 of the fry. Of course, in using the word "collecting" a second time in 

 the sentence above, it is readily understood that I have reference to the 

 transfer of the embryo fishes from the jars to collectors in the form of 

 aquaria. To collect the ripe fishes requires diligent labor on the part 

 of the party in charge, which I could make very clear in a more lengthy 

 communication. 



If the United States Fish Commission should institute measures for 

 conducting work at Weldon next year, I am confident, after mature 

 reflection, that it would be wise to offer a premium to the fishermen for 

 ripe fishes to the amount of $2 each on delivery. I have good reasons for 

 saying this. In ordinary seasons not more than fifty ripe fish could be 

 expected, and these could be delivered only at expense to the fishermen, 

 owing to the character of the Weldon fishing, where paddling through 

 swift currents for miles is required on each drift. 



As to collecting the embryo fishes the best effort will be required ; for 

 the available water at Weldon, even after the most successful filtration, 

 will contain sediment which will quickly obstruct any screen of suffi- 

 cient fineness to hold the fry. The fry are very small, and in muddy 

 water are extremely difficult to retain. I must frankly confess that I 

 do not know what method of retaining them is really best. 



Ordinarily, indeed each year, April 15 and May 15 may be consid- 

 ered the correct opening and closing days of work there ; and I consider 

 the short time in which work may be done worthy of special considera- 

 tion, if it is contemplated to establish an extensive hatchery there and 

 in time for next spring's work. 



Ealeigh, N. C, August 30, 1884. 



lO.-HOW TO DISTINGUISH THE SEX OF CARP. 



By CHAS. W. SMILEY. 



When the adult fish is neanng the spawning time the ripening of the 

 ova produces a broadened appearance in the female, which is sufficient 

 to enable most any one to distinguish the sex. It is necessary, how- 

 ever, to be able to distinguish them at a much earlier age, and this, 

 although not generally understood, is declared by experienced fish -cult- 

 urists to present but little difficulty. Dr. Hessel, superintendent of the 

 United States Government ponds, scarcely ever fails to identify the 

 sexes, although he declares his inability to describe in words the man- 



