PROPAGATION AJ^D DISTRIBUTIO^ST OF FOOD FISHES. 1921. 65 



spawning season. Hence, the total number of brood fish of this 

 species on hand at that period did not exceed 200. The smanmouth 

 black bass were first observed to be spawning on March 28, when 12 

 nests were noted, and 38 nests had been occupied by April 8. By the 

 end of the third day fungus had entirely destroyed the eggs on the 

 first 12 nests, and only a negligible number of fry was produced from 

 the remainder of the first spawning. Spawning was resumed on May 

 6 and 7, when 12 more nests were occupied. From this spawning 

 the total output of smallmouth black bass, amounting to 26,500 fry 

 and fingerling fish, was obtained. No satisfactory explanation for 

 the failure of the early spawning is at hand. The long interval be- 

 tween the spawning periods observed this season is unusual. In 

 previous years it has rarely exceeded one Aveek. In addition to the 

 smallmouth black bass, smaller numbers of the largemouth black bass 

 and rock bass were distributed. 



ORANGEBURG (S. C.) STATION. 

 [Georce W. N. Bbown, Suporintondent.] 



At this station a new pond, approximately 1 acre in area and sup- 

 plied with water from springs at the head of the snuiU co\ e in wliich 

 it is built, was completed and stocked with bass. The output con- 

 sisted of 204,67.-) largemouth black bass, 300 crappie, 500 rock bass, 

 and 14,200 sunfish (bluegills), all of fingerling size. A small number 

 of sunfish carried over from the previous year were distributed in con- 

 nection with the current season's hatch. The station has also a small 

 stock of the spotted catfish {Icfalums jniiicfafy^) , and it was esti- 

 mated that approximately 1,000 young of the species were on hand 

 at the close of the year. 



SAN M.VRCOS (TEX.) STATION. 

 [Mauk Riley, Suporintcndent.] 



The distributions from this station for the year 1921 included the 

 following species: Largemouth bhick bass, 257,715; catfish, 70,000; 

 crappie, 5,0(M; rock bass, 320; sunfish, 74,872. The San Marcos 

 stati<m has for a number of years been successful in j)roducing goodly 

 numbers of fish for distribution at a cost that compares favorably 

 with that at any other station. Local conditions seem partic-ularly 

 suited to the purpose, and, unlike the conditions at all other stations, 

 it is not necessary to supply artificial footl for either the young or the 

 adult fish. The output for the year 1921 was curtailed by fluctuating 

 water temperatures during the sj^ring and, further, by the ponds 

 overflowing on two occasions, an occurrence that is caused by the 

 unsatisfactory method of street drainage. To augment the produc- 

 tion of fish beyond the capacity of the station ponds it has been 

 customary to stock privately owned ponds or "tanks" with fish, with 

 the understanding that the bureau shall have the privilege of taking 

 a reasonable numlfcr of the progeny for distribution. Very satis- 

 factory results ha\e been obtained by this method, j^articularly with 

 the crappie. 



