PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD FISHES, 1939 589 
PONDFISH STATIONS 
Although records indicate that there has been a larger number of 
pondfish distributed in previous years, a large percentage of such fish 
were obtained from rescue operations along the Mississippi River. 
The actual number of warm-water fish produced at the various hatch- 
eries sets an all-time record. ‘The largest increase was in the produc- 
tion of largemouth black bass. Notwithstanding the fact that 
weather and other conditions, over which there is no control, influence 
the production of pondfish, the principal requirement for a large 
output of bass and other warm-water species is space. Therefore, in 
an endeavor to properly stock waters which are suitable for such 
species, the Bureau is constructing new hatcheries, and pond acreage 
at the old-established units is being enlarged as funds will permit. 
The total production of largemouth black bass, sunfish, and crappie 
at the Harrison Lake hatchery, located at Roxbury, Va., was practi- 
cally the same as last year. Efforts are being made to increase the 
natural food by introducing aquatic plants in the ponds. Pond 
dikes were straightened, raised, and regraded, and grounds were 
landscaped by enrollees of a nearby C. C. C. camp. 
For some unknown reason the production of each species, forage as 
well as game, handled at the Lake Park (Ga.) station was far below 
normal. As the vitality of the fish collected was low, there was 
high mortality in the holding shed and on some of the distribution 
trips. The Division of Wildlife of the State of Georgia distributed 
the larger portion of the fish produced at this unit, as well as those 
produced at the Warm Springs (Ga.) station. During the year the 
following four new buildings were constructed at Lake Park: Resi- 
dence, two-car garage, holding shed, and a small office building. 
Roads were repaired, and two new bridges were constructed. 
As the Louisville (Ky.) station was inundated in 1937, and practi- 
cally all of the brood stock was lost, this hatchery’s annual output 
is not, as yet, on a level with that for the years previous to the flood. 
The wild-brood stock collected from various sources is becoming 
acclimated and domesticated to pond conditions, and, with favorable 
weather conditions during the spawning season, the output of bass 
fry should have been greater. In addition to the propagation of 
smallmouth black bass, largemouth black bass, sunfish, crappie, and 
rock bass, this unit raised golden shiners and blackhead minnows for 
forage. A three-car garage and carpenter shop was constructed, and 
all buildings were repaired and painted. Two new ponds are being 
excavated. At the close of the year one pond was compieted, except 
for the outlet kettle. The construction activities were carried on 
under the auspices of W. P. A. and P. W. A. 
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s hatchery at Norris, Tenn., which 
is operated by the Bureau, liberated its production of bass and bream 
in Norris Lake. From the 500,000 pike perch eggs furnished this 
unit from the Put in Bay (Ohio) station, 450,000 fry were hatched 
and planted in the lake. 
From the Palestine (W. Va.) hatchery, which was operated in 
cooperation with the West Virginia Conservation Commission, 181,510 
fingerling bass, bream, and crappie were distributed. This station was 
successful in securing a brood stock of channel catfish. 
