XXXYI REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



of that year, and especially of the transfer of a portion of the fish 

 (brought over from Germany by Mr. Hessel and deposited first in the 

 Druid Hill Park ponds) to the Monument lot, in the city of Washington. 



The fish spawned in Druid Hill Park in 1878, but unfortunately they 

 hybridized with some gold-fish that had accidentally got into the ponds, 

 so that instead of having any carp of pure breed, there were about 2,000 

 crosses; these were destroyed, as being of no special value. 



The work of 1879 was more satisfactory. Six thousand young of 

 different breeds were secured, whereof 2,750 were planted in Maryland, 

 the remainder being distributed in other States. The number of fish 

 given to each applicant was from twelve to sixteen. The demand for 

 the carp has been very great, and the calls have increased so rapidly 

 as to render it doubtful whether, even with a much larger production, 

 nil the requirements can be met. 



The Monument Station. — The station on the grounds of the Washing- 

 ton Monument for the cultivation of the carp has been maintained with 

 great efficiency during the year, under the continued superintendence 

 of Mr. Budolph Hessel. Much labor has been expended in improving 

 the walks, banks, and ponds, and in planting ornamental trees and 

 shrubs, including the introduction of quite a variety of water plants, as 

 pond-lilies, &c. 



In April, a telephonic connection was established with the ponds, 

 which proved of very great importance, giving to the superintendent 

 and watchmen the means of instantaneous communication with the 

 offices of the Commission and with the police headquarters, this latter 

 advantage greatly adding to the safety of the property. 



Tbe larger pond, to the west of Executive avenue, which had orig- 

 inally been one, was divided into two by constructing causeways from 

 the island to the east and west shores. This was done for the purpose of 

 enabling the contractors for the White House lot sewer to prosecute 

 their work along the northern half of the pond without being interfered 

 with by the water; the southern half was accordingly kept filled while 

 the northern half was empty. This has been to some extent a source of 

 inconvenience to the Commission, but has greatly facilitated the work 

 connected with the sewer. 



During the severe winter the surface of the ponds was frozen, and 

 the use of the north pond for skating purposes was permitted ; the east 

 pond, being filled with fish, was carefully kept undisturbed by means 

 of placards forbidding the entrance of skaters upon it; no difficulty 

 was experienced in maintaining this regulation. From time to time ap- 

 plications were made to have the north pond flooded for the improve- 

 ment of the sport. Unfortunately the inlet pipes, being near the bottom 

 of the pond, made it impossible to allow a discharge over the surface. 

 It may be a question whether, when the supply of water for city pur- 

 poses is greater, it may not be expedient to have at hand the means 



