PROGRESS IN BIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES, 1936 49 
of black liquor in the water cuts down the time normally used for 
feeding. The depression of the ciliary movement combined with the 
reduction in the periods of feeding results in the stunted growth of 
the oyster and its failure to accumulate reserve food material (gly- 
cogen). The experiments definitely show that the black liquor 
produces a general depressing effect inhibiting the principal func- 
tions of the organism. 
AQUICULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS 
Dr. H. 8. Davis, in charge 
The increasing popularity of angling for sport and recreation has 
emphasized the urgent need of more information on the various 
factors which affect the development, growth, and well-being of our 
fresh-water game fishes. In view of the remarkable increase in the 
artificial propagation of trout and other game fishes during the past 
few years, it is surprising that so little attention has been paid to the 
hfe and activities of these fish after being liberated in natural waters. 
Yet the whole success of artificial stocking is dependent on a suitable 
environment and the ability of the fish to adjust themselves quickly 
to their new surroundings. Tor this reason special emphasis is being 
placed on field investigations to provide the basic information essen- 
tial for the development of a comprehensive policy of scientific fish 
management. 
TROUT CULTURE 
Lest waters.—The use of “test waters” in Vermont to obtain much 
needed information on the productive capacity of streams under in- 
tensive fishing and the best methods of maintaining maximum pro- 
duction was increased to the full extent allowed under the State law. 
These studies are under the direction of R. F. Lord, in charge of 
the Bureau’s experimental hatchery at Pittsford, Vt., and were made 
possible by a law passed in 1935 by the Vermont State Legislature, 
authorizing the State Fish and Game Service to cooperate with the 
Bureau of Fisheries in collecting the desired information. Under 
the law a maximum of four test waters may be reserved for collecting 
angling statistics. The Bureau of Fisheries is to carry on the neces- 
sary stocking and field work while the State assumes responsibility 
for entorcing the regulations pertaining to test waters. Each angler 
must secure a special permit, issued without charge, and is required 
to report his daily catch on forms provided for the purpose. 
Furnace Brook was the only stream operated as a test water in 
1935, but in 1986 the program was expanded to include the South 
Branch of Middlebury River, and the West Branch of White River, 
both streams being representative trout waters. The selection of 
Chittenden Reservoir as a test water marks the first attempt in 
Vermont to obtain catch records from a lake. 
The results from Furnace Brook are of special interest, since it is 
now possible to compare the total catch from this stream for two 
successive seasons. It is a clear-water stream about 25 feet in width 
throughout the test section, which includes about 4 miles of the upper 
reaches. A waterfall at the lower end acts as an effective barrier to 
prevent the ascent of fish from below the test section. Only brook 
