38 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 
participated both in the exercises of dedication and in the conference 
on the following day, which gave consideration to the natural re- 
sources of interior waters and the possibilities of their utilization 
and conservation. 
The interest manifested in that conference and the demonstration 
it afforded of the possibility of bringing about better cooperation in 
the conservation of aquatic resources led to a call by the Secretary of 
Commerce of a conference of more extended duration to meet at the 
station June 8 to 10, 1921. On this occasion there were in attendance 
about 125 persons, including biologists, chemists, sanitarians, fisher- 
men, manufacturers, fish-culturists, game wardens, engineers, and 
others. During the three days of the conference there was free and 
informal discussion related to the three major topics suggested in the 
call for the gathering, viz: The depletion of aquatic resources, 
causes, and remedial measures; the value of swamp and shore areas 
and their best utilization; and a constructive program of conserva- 
tion. Interest was sustained throughout, and the conference ad- 
journed only after recording a request that a similar meeting be 
called the following year. 
The special activities of the Fairport station have been treated 
under several preceding heads; investigation of the paddlefish, fish- 
cultural experiment work, studies of fish disease, survey of selected 
areas in the Mississippi River, and fresh-water mussels. The station 
frequently also performs services of value to fishing clubs, private 
hatcheries, and individual owners of lakes and ponds, furnishing 
advice regarding the stocking and control of ponds and aiding in 
the solution of such troublesome conditions as may arise. The value of 
these advisory services is founded upon the scientific research con- 
ducted at the station and the experience gained in propagating and 
rearing fish under conditions of control. 
The Key West (Fla.) biological station has been without a director 
from the beginning of the fiscal year until within a few days of 
the close of the year, when the services of a competent scientist 
were secured for a temporary period. During the greater part 
of the year the station has been in the hands of a caretaker. No 
further constructions have been undertaken, but the grounds have 
been suitably fenced for protection, and some plantings of appro- 
priate vegetation have been made. 
O 
