PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD FISHES, 1940 587 
a total of 252,550 fingerling graylings were distributed—approxi- 
mately one-seventh of which were 5 to 6 inches in length. Distribu- 
tion was carried out in cooperation with the Forest Service. the 
National Park Service, the Indian Service, the Montana Fish and 
eta ae aa private agencies. 
he total output of the Ennis (Mont.) substation was ¢ ima 
2% million, and the collection of or eee egos was bine sate 
than last season. Fry from the station brood stock were stronger 
and faster-growing than fry resulting from eggs collected from wild 
rainbow trout. There was also an increase in the take of Loch Leven 
trout eggs from wild fish. No Montana grayling were hatched this 
year and the grayling carried over from 1939 were all planted. Many 
needed improvements and additions were made by W. P. A. workers. 
Extensive landscaping of hatchery grounds, construction of 2 ponds 
for brood stock, graveling of roads, construction of rock terraces 
flagstone walks, and painting of buildings were the major accomplish- 
ments. 
Harvesting the fingerling crop at the Miles City (Mont.) pondfish 
station was begun in September and completed in November. The 
yield was entirely satisfactory, resulting in a net increase of slightly 
more than 20 percent over last year. Five species of warm-water 
fishes were propagated. The brood stock came through the winter 
with practically no loss except to the channel catfish, practically all 
of which disappeared. Two holding ponds below Lake Garberson and 
a 2-acre pond were completed with W. P. A. labor. Two concrete 
pools were constructed on the station lawn for display purposes, and 
stocked with specimens. 
Unsettled weather at spawning time in 1939 caused fewer fish to 
be carried over for fall delivery at the Dexter (N. Mex.) station. 
About one-ninth of the fish distributed were from 5 inches in length 
to legal size. Six species of warm-water fishes were propagated, with 
an average of 5,886 fish per acre. Two ponds were completed and an 
artesian well was drilled to augment the station water supply. 
There was a marked increase in production at the Santa Rosa 
(N. Mex.) unit, but the total capacity for bass was not reached. The 
production of green and bluegill sunfish was slightly more than double 
the combined output of largemouth black bass, smallmouth black 
bass, and catfish. Fifteen local ponds were stocked on a cooperative 
basis. Quite a number of the smallmouth black bass which were 
introduced into this section 2 years ago have been caught recently 
by sportsmen. The construction of a garage and storage room was 
completed, a new pond was excavated, and the pond levees were rip- 
rapped at all necessary points. 
The production of the Elephant Butte (N. Mex.) station was very 
gratifying. There was an increase in the output of approximately 
one-fourth million over last year. The problem of predatory bird 
control appears to have been satisfactorily solved by stretching wires 
above the pools at intervals of 25 feet. The experimental feeding of 
ground carp and other rough fish to bass fingerlings gave very satis- 
factory results. Not only do the fish make more rapid growth, but 
cannibalism is greatly reduced. Extensive repairs were made to the 
roads and dykes. 
The Spearfish (S. Dak.), unit maintains brood stock of both brook 
and rainbow trout. This year’s egg collections were below normal, 
