+ DISTRIBUTION OF FISH AND FISH EGGS, 1918. 
young fish of the desired varieties in that field in numbers sufficient 
to fill all applications, which contingency necessitates the contin- 
uance of the unfilled applications on file for attention during the 
succeeding year. This accounts for the delay in supplying pond 
fishes to applicants in the great majority of instances. Rescue work 
can not be undertaken until the rivers have attained a low-water 
stage. This is usually in July or August, and, owing to the short 
season in which collections are possible, the Bureau has adopted the 
policy of not listing for supply during the current year any applica- 
tions received later than July 1. In this way the duplication of 
trips to many sections of the country is obviated, and the expense of 
the distribution work is kept down to a minimum. 
The salvage of fishes from, temporary lagoons and lakes is of great 
importance, as it means the conservation of millions of fish which 
would otherwise be lost, either through the drying or the freezing of 
the waters. The Bureau has received valuable assistance in this 
work from various State fisheries authorities, club representatives, 
and public-spirited citizens of the Mississippi Valley. 
METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION. 
The fry hatched from the shad, whitefish, salmons, lake trout, lake 
herring, pike perch, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass, cod, 
lobster, pollock, flounder, and haddock are planted on the spawning 
grounds from which the eggs are derived or utilized for the stocking 
of new and suitable waters in an effort to extend the fisheries. 
With respect to the game and food fishes of the interior, which 
are propagated in comparatively small numbers, provision is made 
for the return of a sufficient number of young fish to the waters where 
eggs are collected for the mamtenance of the supply therein; the 
remainder of the stock is then assigned to suitable lakes or streams 
for which applications have been submitted by responsible individuals. 
This class includes the various trouts, basses, sunfishes, and cat- 
fishes. 
Blanks upon which formal applications for fish can be made are 
furnished by the Bureau on request. Upon the receipt of applications 
properly executed and bearing the indorsement of a United States 
Senator or Representative, an assignment of fish is made, suitable for 
the waters described and to the Bureau’s facilities to supply, and the 
delivery is arranged for as soon as possible thereafter. Applicants 
should confine their choice of fishes to species that are indigenous to 
the region of the waters to be stocked. Nonindigenous species of 
fishes are assigned only upon the recommendation of the State fish- 
eries authorities, and not then unless such recommendation conforms 
to the Bureau’s judgment. 
The Bureau refuses requests for such predaceous fishes as the black 
bass, sunfish, and kindred species for introduction. into waters in 
