476 U.S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



Some experiments in selective breeding of rainbow trout have been 

 continued at the Neosho station with preliminary results indicating a 

 possibility of bringing 97 percent of the eggs to the eyed stage, and 

 hatching 99^2 percent of the eggs which have been eyed. The total 

 loss in one selected lot of over 3,000 eggs was only 4.9 percent up to 

 the 2-inch fingerling stage. 



In the Eastern section the Erwin (Tenn.) station was improved by 

 the install tion of a new double-deck system of hatching and rearing 

 troughs. Electric light and power was also installed and arrange- 

 ments were being made at the close of the fiscal year to replace the 

 main water supply pipe line. Considerable mortality among the 

 trout fingerlings was experienced as heretofore. The station has co- 

 operated with one of the largest sportsmen's organizations by hatching 

 a consignment of eggs and caring for the fish until they are distributed 

 by the organization. 



At WythevUle (Va.) the collection of eggs and the output of fish 

 was quite satisfactory, a noticeable increase being achieved with the 

 rainbow^ brook trout, and rock bass. There were operated under the 

 direction of this station two nurseries utilized for rearing of trout to 

 larger fingerling size. This station was also supplied with electric 

 current for lighting and power purposes. A considerable proportion 

 of the output of trout was allocated for stocking national forest waters 

 in the State of North Carolina. 



The White Sulphur Springs station handled 5,500,000 trout eggs 

 which represents a high mark in the history of the station's activities. 

 This record was achieved at a reduction in cost. As heretofore a 

 working agreement with the State of West Virginia remained in effect 

 whereby the State supplied 1,000,000 brook-trout eggs for hatching. 

 The resulting fish were distributed by the State together with some 

 additional fingerlings which were furnished directly by the Bureau. 

 Slightly under 50,000 warm-water fish including bass, rock bass, and 

 bream were distributed. Considering the size of the station and the 

 extent of its facilities the past season's work at this point presents a 

 most gratifying record. 



The new experimental fish hatchery recently established at Leetown, 

 W.Va., is destined to handle both trout and pond fish for distribution, 

 although facilities for the production of the latter have not yet been 

 provided. The records of the experimental work are carried in the 

 report of the Division of Scientific Inquiry. There were distributed 

 during the fiscal year over 275,000 trout with a considerable number of 

 large size fingerlings on hand at the close of the year. A brood stock 

 is being built up for the purpose of egg production. Extensive 

 improvements were made during the year including construction of 4 

 large ponds for brood stock and 12 new circular rearing ponds for 

 trout. Three small bass ponds were constructed. 



There was completed and placed in operation during the year a new 

 hatchery at Flintville, Tenn., in the south central part of the State. 

 Tliis hatchery will handle both trout and pond fish, but no facilities 

 for propagating the latter have as yet been provided. The equipment 

 now consists of a hatchery building and several circular rearing 

 ponds together with three earthen ponds. Consignments of brown-, 

 brook-, and rainbow-trout eggs were shipped in. The rainbow trout 

 did very well, but heavy loss was experienced with the other two 

 forms, leading to the conclusion that the water conditions are unsuited 



