26 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



In making distribution from the hatcheries and collecting stations 

 the Bureau's cars traveled 91,525 miles, and detached messengers in 

 charge of baggage-car shipments of live fish and fish eggs covered ap- 

 proximately 400,000 miles. 



Two new steel railway cars, especially constructed and equipped 

 for the transportation of live fishes, were put in commission during 

 the year. These cars were built by the American Car & Foundry Co., 

 of Wilmington, Del., and cost, including boilers and pumps, $29,416 

 and $29,738, 'respectively. In each car is embodied the most ap- 

 proved methods of railway-car construction, and the equipment in- 

 cludes some specially designed aerating apj^aratus not previously 

 used, which has resulted in a material saving of fuel. The noteworthy 

 economy effected in the distribution of the Bureau's output has been 

 brought about by the increased carrying capacity of the new cars, 

 wdiich amounts to nearly 35 per cent over that of the other cars now 

 in use. Formerly the distribution cars were equipped with an inde- 

 pendent steam plant to supply the air needed for the safe conveyance 

 of live fishes. The new cars are provided Avith an apparatus whereby 

 the necessary air is obtained from the " train line," thus resulting in 

 a material saving of fuel. A further saving in air has been accom- 

 plished by discarding the specially made hard-rubber air-liberator 

 holders formerly used, and substituting one-eighth inch galvanized 

 tees. The hard-rubber holders cost about $1 each and were subject 

 to frequent breakage. The tees cost 5 cents each and will wear in- 

 definitely, at the same time adequately meeting all requirements. The 

 size of tubing used in conveying air to the fish has also been reduced 

 from three-eighths to one-fourth inch. 



RELATIONS WITH THE STATES. 



Closer cooperative relations now exist between the Bureau and the 

 State fishery officials than at any previous time. Each year adds to 

 the number of field stations operated jointly by the Bureau and the 

 States under an arrangement that reduces expense, increases the out- 

 put, and promotes the efficiency of the work of both parties. 



Acknowledgment is made of the valuable assistance rendered to the 

 Bureau b}^ various State fishery authorities during the year. In 

 some instances the material aid proffered by the States has made 

 possible the conduct of extensive fish-cultural enterprises that other- 

 wise would have been greatly curtailed. The ever-increasing cost of 

 labor and materials has taxed the Bureau's appropriations to the 

 limit, but by means of State assistance it has been possible to carry 

 to a successful outcome several important projects. 



In only comparatively few cases have the States failed to respond 

 to the Bureau's desire to establish mutually helpful relations. In 

 one instance the Bureau has been constrained to abandon well- 

 matured plans for the extension of fish-cultural operations in behalf 

 of a State because of what appeared to be the intention of the local 

 authorities to set aside the essential provisions of a law that afforded 

 some protection during the spawning season to the fishes in whose 

 artificial propagation and distribution the Bureau was spending 

 many thousands of dollars. 



Diiring the year 1920, 24 State fish commissions received from the 

 Bureau assignments of fish and fish eggs aggregating 232,137,000 



