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REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 27 
long were placed in this pond through a hole cut in ice. As the pond 
was thoroughly stocked with pickerel and perch, his neighbors were 
very skeptical of ever seeing any of the bass; but they now catch 
large numbers of black bass, some weighing as high as 33 pounds. 
INSPECTION OF STATIONS. 
During the month of December the Fish Commission stations at 
Neosho, Mo., and San Marcos, Tex., were inspected by the assistant 
in charge of the division of fish-culture, as a result of urgent recom- 
mendations by the superintendents that arrangements be made for 
an increased water supply and additional property for the construction 
of more ponds for the propagation of black bass. 
After carefully considering the condition of affairs at Neosho, it 
was found that not only was a greater supply of water essential, but 
that the hatchery would have to be rebuilt and enlarged and that 
land should be acquired for the construction of bass ponds, in order to 
increase the output of this important species. Preliminary arrange- 
ments were made for obtaining additional water from the City Water 
Works Company, and an option was secured on property adjacent to 
the Government lands. An estimate was submitted to Congress for a 
special appropriation of $7,500 to cover the cost of the improvements 
referred to, which was favorably acted upon. The condition of this 
station was excellent, reflecting credit on the superintendent and his 
assistants. 
No fish-cultural work was in progress at San Mareos when visited. 
The ponds were being drained, preparatory to cleaning and restock- 
ing fcr the breeding season, which usually commences in February. 
The general appearance of the station, including the buildings, was 
excellent, and bore evidence of careful and judicious management. 
The artesian well was supplying only a fair amount of water, but as 
the majority of the ponds are now supplied by a ram and by a 27-foot 
overshot wheel, operated by the San Marcos River. this was not 
regarded as of great importance. 
The demands for fish of all kinds in the State of Texas are con- 
stantly increasing, and as the present output is all that could be 
expected from the ponds in use, it was recommended that a special 
appropriation be made for securing more water and constructing 
ponds on lands belonging to the Government. In providing the water 
supply it was apparently necessary to acquire property on the river 
front for the erection of overshot wheels or other appliances for lifting 
water from the San Marcos River, and an option was secured on a 
desirable piece of property and an estimate submitted to Congress for 
the funds necessary in carrying out the recommendations referred to. 
This resulted in obtaining a special appropriation of $8,000. 
