916 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [2] 



we could hold the iish in these .small vessels for weeks with occasional 

 changes of water, and then forward them by express several hundred 

 miles. This method was applied in the trans-Mississippi distribution, 

 made in the latter part of 1881, with the most gratifying results, nearly 

 twenty thousand fish having been transported from Washington, aud 

 distributed to applicants in all parts of Texas, West Louisiana, Indian 

 Territory, and Arkansas. In making the distribution of 1882 it was 

 determined to put in full operation the new methods and apparatus of 

 distribution. Meanwhile an additional refrigerator car, constructed 

 according to the plans of Mr. Frank S. Eastman, was completed and 

 ready for service. Car No. 1 was also remodeled to conform essentially 

 to the new design. 



The opening of the season of 1882 found us prepared with two cars 

 complete in all respects for distribution. 



The following programme of the organization and conduct of this 

 work was therefore submitted, and being approved by the United States 

 Commissioner of Fisheries, was carried out in all its essential details in 

 the distribution of 1882. 



1. GENERAL PLAN OF THE DISTRIBUTION. 



It is proposed that the distribution be made — 



{a) By express, from WavShiugtou direct to destination, where the dis- 

 tance in time is not more than twenty-four or thirty-six hours, the ship- 

 ping package being the ordinary 4-quart tin pail, the cost of which will 

 be included in the express charges, and the pail kept by consignee. 

 The cost of pails will be collected from the central express office at 

 Washington. 



(h) For points in States too remote from Washington to be reached 

 by express shipments direct, or where the cost of express shipment en- 

 tails a disproportionate charge on consignee, it is proposed to send 

 our cars to central points of distribution in different sections of the 

 country, the points being selected with reference to their facilities for 

 distribution by express, and from these points to distribute by express 

 in the same manner as indicated for express shipments from Washing- 

 ton; for this purpose a distributing agent will be left at such points to 

 complete the work of distribution, the car returning to Washington for 

 a new supply as soon as its load is safely deposited at destination and 

 arrangements made to care for the fish until distributed. 



The agent having completed the distribution at one i)oint will be 

 transferred to another, to meet another consignment, the movements 

 of cars and distributing agents being so timed or regulated by telegraph 

 that there will be no confusion, but all the distribution will proceed in a 

 systematic and orderly manner. 



It is proposed that the United States Commission in all cases bear 

 the costs of transportation to the centers of distribution fixed ui)on, 

 charges from these points to destination, and the cost of pail (to be in- 

 cluded in express charges) to be paid by consignee. The entire cost to 



