EEPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FlSn AND FISHERIES. LXXIX 



but tbe surface of the pond was sufficiently covered to allow skating- on 

 the 3d of January, and for some considerable time subsequently. 



The ponds were a second time frozen over on the 9th of December 

 and became again the resort of a large number of people. 



As a return for favors extended to the Deutsche Fischerei-Yerein, 

 Herr von Behr forwarded a number of blue carp, a variety believed to 

 be of particular interest, and which has not been heretofore cultivated 

 by the Commission. These arrived on January 4, and on examination 

 of them by Mr. Hessel nineteen were found to be pure blood, and were 

 placed in the ponds. Four hybrids were destroyed. 



It may be stated in this connection that for several years a night 

 heron and a bald eagle have been kept alive in cages and fed with refuse 

 and hybrid fish, thus adding to the interest of the station. These 

 same fish were also fed to the terrapin and turtles, kept in their special 

 ponds. 



The drawing of the ponds for the purpose of removing the carp is 

 always an occasion of much interest, large numbers of persons usually 

 resorting to the ponds to witness it. At the drawing on the 1st of April 

 the President and many members of Congress were present. 



Distribution of carp. — In this distribution it was necessary to provide 

 for the supply of nearly 10,000 applicants, located in all sections of 

 the United States. To make it by messenger shipments, as in previous 

 years, would have involved an expense considerably exceeding the en- 

 tire amount appropriated for the proi^agation and distribution of this 

 fish. It was determined, therefore, as far as practicable, to make the 

 distribution by means of car and express shipments. For this purpose 

 centers of distribution convenient to one or more States were established, 

 to which the fish were sent in bulk, and thence distributed to appli- 

 cants by express. 



The cost of the movement of the fish from Washington to the centers of 

 distribution thus established was paid by the United States Fish Com- 

 mission, the small express charges thence to destination being paid by 

 applicant. This method was adopted in order to place all applicants, 

 however distant they might be from Washington, upon the same foot- 

 ing so far as expense was concerned. 



In anticipation of the opening of the season a new car with refriger- 

 ating compartments had been constructed according to plans furnished 

 by Mr. Frank S. Eastman, engineer officer of the Commission. Tbe old 

 car was also remodeled in its interior arrangements so as to conform 

 essentially in construction to the new car. 



The season opened with a car shipment to Boston, in which arrange- 

 ments were made for the supply of all applicants in the New England 

 States, New York, and Northern New Jersey. From this time to the 

 close of the season the cars were in continual movement, the theater of 

 distribution being transferred further and further to the south as the 

 winter advanced, the last movement of car No. 1 being to San Fran- 



