70 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
per mile was 70.7 in the Cacapon River, 81 in the South Branch of 
the Potomac, 24 in the North Fork of the Shenandoah, and 11 in 
the Shenandoah River proper. It is believed that in ordinary years 
an excessive number of fry are produced in the first two rivers. 
During the past year, however, high and muddy waters destroyed 
the fry as they rose from the nests and there was a decided scarcity 
of fingerling bass throughout the season. Routine monthly collec- 
tions of fishes showed that a reduction in the numbers of fingerling 
bass is accompanied by an increase in the forage fish population. 
After July, collections of bass fingerlings for study became increas- 
ingly difficult or impossible because of their scarcity. 
As in previous years, conditions in each stream were found to 
differ in many respects and each would require different treatment 
to bring about improvement in fishing. Minnow surveys were made 
in 11 experimental sections in an attempt to determine whether rea- 
sonably reliable data could be collected on the size of the forage 
fish populations in the four rivers concerned, 
Investigations in Florida waters —In recognition of the need for 
extensive studies on black bass and other fresh-water game fish in 
Southern waters, and their propagation by artificial means, headquar- 
ters for this work was established at the hatchery recently acquired by 
the Bureau at Welaka, Fla. This station, located on the banks of 
the St. Johns River, is admirably adapted to experimental work. 
There are a large number of ponds, ranging from seven-eighths to 
2 acres in area, which have recently been remodeled to make them 
more suitable for experimental work. New buildings have been 
constructed which will provide adequate laboratory, office, and liv- 
ing facilities for biologists working at the station. Opposite the 
station, on the west side of the St. Johns River, is the Ocala National 
Forest, which contains several streams and a large number of lakes 
rich in aquatic life. Through a cooperative agreement with the 
United States Forest Service and the Florida State Commission of 
Game and Freshwater Fish, eventual management and control of 
all lakes in this area is contemplated. 
Investigations in this area, both at the Welaka station and in the 
field, are being conducted under the direction of O. Lioyd Meehean. 
Mr. Meehean began his work on the waters of the Ocala Forest in 
April 1988, and later moved his headquarters to Welaka. 
A survey of the principal lakes in the Ocala Forest was carried 
on during the summer of 1938 to provide information to be used 
in developing a management program for these lakes. The survey 
included plane-table mapping of the lakes by a crew of C. C. C. en- 
rollees, complete soundings of each lake, and the determination of 
the species of fish present and their relative abundance. From this 
survey maps have been prepared showing bottom contours, the loca- 
tion, kind, and extent of weed beds, and other pertinent information. 
Based on this survey, a stocking program has been worked out 
for 19 lakes that are fully controlled by the Forest Service. Most of 
the lakes are to be stocked with bass and sunfish, but several which 
appear ideally suited to crappie have been reserved for this species. 
To determine the fishing demand to be expected on lakes of the 
forest, checking stations were set up on two of those most accessible 
