COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 9 



STOCKING FRESH-WATER PONDS AND STREAMS. 



In spite of the low state of the ponds and streams throughout the 

 state, the fishing, in 1914, in waters previously stocked by your 

 Commission, was quite successful. Of special prominence is the 

 rapid increase in the number of black bass in those streams and ponds 

 which have been previously stocked. In one large pond in the south- 

 ern part of the state where formerly the small mouth species greatly 

 predominated, nearly one-half of the number now caught are large 

 mouth. The superior rate of growth and equality as a food fish has 

 made the large mouth very desirable for the majority of our ponds 

 and streams. 



This past year, as in the two or three years previous, great care 

 had to be taken in the distribution of trout to select suitable places 

 as the low state of the water and extensive deforestation had rendered 

 many formerly good streams unfit. In the latter part of the year, 

 however, since conditions had improved somewhat, a considerable 

 number of fingerlings were liberated. 



In addition to the usual varieties of fish, your Commission has 

 begun the introduction of several species new to our waters. Among 

 these are the Pennsylvania bluegill, the brown trout and the Montana 

 graylings. Inasmuch as these fish are new, certain data with respect 

 to their life history and habits are given. 



Brown Trout (Salmo fario Linn) . 



The brown trout, also known as the " von Behr trout" or, "German 

 trout, " is the common brook trout of Europe and is said to have been 

 introduced into this country from Germany as early as 1883. Since 

 this time it has become well established in many states. 



Although it thrives in clear, cold, rapid streams, it readily adapts 

 itself to a much higher temperature than our brook trout, and it is 

 therefore our belief that it will be a good addition to such streams as 

 were formerly excellent trout streams, but have become low and 

 warm through deforestation. 



