XXYI.-REPORT OF DISTRIBUTION OF CARP, DURING THE 

 SEASON OF 1881-'82, BY THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMIS- 

 SION. 



By Makshall McDonald. 



The first applications for German carp were filed in 1876, one year 

 subsequent to the successful importation of this fish and to the estab- 

 lishment of breeding ponds at Druid Hill Park. The total number of 

 applications filed during this year was 3. In 1877 the number in- 

 creased to 20 ; in 1878 to 98 ; and in 1879, when the first distribution 

 was made, the number of applications for the year was 324. 



The fragmentary records of this first distribution show that there were 

 distributed directly to 181 applicants 6,203 carp, being an average of 

 34 to each applicant. In addition there were distributed to State Com- 

 missioners and agents of distribution 4,743 carp, making a total dis- 

 tribution for the year of 10,946 carp. 



In 1880 the number sent to applicants direct had risen to 31,443, and 

 to State Commissioners and agents 19,021, making a total for the sea- 

 son of 50,464. 



In 1881 we were confronted with the problem of distributing 160,000 

 fish over a much wider geographical range and at a consequent increase 

 in the cost per applicant. 



To relieve the messenger service of the pressure of the increased 

 work, and to reduce the cost of the distribution, recourse was had to 

 express shipments in all cases where applicants were willing to defray 

 the increased cost of delivering. The shipping packages first used were 

 wood-bound tin cans, holding about eight gallons of water, and making 

 a shippmg package weighing about 65 pounds. The principal lines of 

 express transportation j)romptly responded to the request of the Com- 

 missioner and arranged a tariff of reduced rates of charges to all points 

 reached by their routes. Even at the redu,ced rates the cost to appli- 

 cants of express delivery was quite a serious matter, ranging from $1 

 for the nearest points to $6, $8, $10, and $12 for the more remote. 

 Early in the season, by direction of the Commissiener, a half can was 

 substituted for the can first used. This materially reduced the weight 

 of tlie shipping package and the express charges in each case. Parties 

 receiving these cans had the option of retaining them at a stipulated 

 price or of returning them. When parties declined taking the cans, they 



S. Mis. 110 71 ^^^^ 



