80 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



ORANGEBURG (S. C.) STATION. 

 [G. W. N. Brown, Superintendent.] 



Though special efforts were put forth to increase the output of this 

 station, resulting in an increased production of approximately 

 50,000 fish, principally large-mouthed black bass, the outcome of the 

 season's work was disappointing. 



After a particularly careful preparation of the spawning ponds 

 the 436 large-mouthed black bass comprising the brood stock were 

 installed therein early in February. As the breeding fish were in 

 excellent condition, a large crop of young bass was confidently ex- 

 pected. The first spawning occurred in February, when a number 

 of nests Avere ocoipied, but because of the prevailing high winds 

 and the resulting turbidity of the water none of these nests produced 

 fry. No further nesting was observed until the middle of March, but 

 from that time until May 10 spawning was in progress at in- 

 termittent intervals, with the result that 257,786 young fish were 

 available for distribution. High winds and rains were prevalent 

 throughout the entire season, both influences reacting to the detriment 

 of the work. A rainfall of 30.05 inches was recorded at the station 

 between January 1 and June 30, 1922. 



The outcome of the work addressed to sunfish propagation rep- 

 resents an average season, but in view of certain changes whereby an 

 increased pond area was provided for this species a considerably in- 

 creased production may reasonably be expected during 1923. 



The crappie and the rock bass fail to thrive in artificial environ- 

 ment at Orangeburg. Both of these species refuse artificial foods 

 and fail to avail themselves of such natural food as may be present 

 in the water supply. As a consequence, they soon become emaciated 

 and die. More satisfactory results are expected from the warmouth 

 bass, with which two of the newly constructed ponds were stocked. 



In addition to the fish-cultural work much was accomplished 

 along the lines of improving ponds and other property. Among the 

 more important items of this work may be mentioned the construction 

 of new ponds, extensive repairs to pond embankments, and improve- 

 ments to the surface-drainage system, with the view of protecting 

 the ponds, roads, and grounds from surface drainage during periods 

 of rain. 



SAN MARCOS (TEX.) STATION. 

 [Mark Rilbv, Superintendent.] 



The past year's work has been the most successful in the history 

 of the station. The total output of all species amounted to over 

 700,000 fish, ranging in size from No. 1 to No. 8 fingerlings, over 

 500,000 being large-mouthed black bass. Southern Texas is a natural 

 habitat of the black bass, and it is believed the conditions fully war- 

 rant an increase in the scope of bass propagation in this section of 

 the State. Although all natural surroundings are favorable to bass 

 production, the same can not be claimed with reference to the crappie. 

 Kepeated efforts have been made and various methods tried in the 

 propagation of this fish, but all attempts along that line have 



