REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF 



FOOD-FISHES. 



By Takleton H. Bean, Assistant in Charge. 



The important features of the work of the division of fish culture 

 at the numerous stations are shown in the abstracts of the annual 

 reports of the superintendents. Certain experiments in the treatment 

 of eggs and fish are grouped in a chapter of notes on the habits, dis- 

 eases, fatalities, enemies, treatment, transportation, etc., of the species 

 under observation. 



The resources of the division were tested to their utmost by its 

 duties in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition. It was 

 called upon to provide and maintain a great aquarium of marine as 

 well as fresh- water animals and plants, a hatchery for the eggs of shad, 

 pike, perch, salmon, trout, and other fishes, together with a general 

 exhibit of its methods and results, and, at the same time, to continue 

 its usual work of hatching and distribution to meet the increasing 

 demands of applicants in all parts of the United States. 



The exhibit of the Fish Commission is made the subject of a sepa- 

 rate report by its representative on the Government Board of Manage- 

 ment and Control, Dr. Tarleton H. Beau. During his absence from 

 Washington Mr. S. G. Worth performed the duties of acting assistant, 

 serving from January 14, 1393, until February 20, 1894, when the 

 assignment to World's Fair duty was completed. 



Superintendent Page was detailed lor special duty in the summer of 

 1893, to collect fishes from overflow ponds in the lowlands of St. Fran 

 cis Biver, Arkansas, and has made a report upon the experimental 

 work of the season. 



The duties of the Commission at the World's Fair, combined with 

 the regular work of distribution, entailed much additional labor upon 

 the car and messenger service. The necessity of continuing the trans- 

 portation of many kiuds of fish during almost the entire year makes 

 the natural difficulties of transportation very great. 



A great burden was removed from the division near the close of 1893, 

 when the Commissioner ordered the discontinuance of the general dis- 

 tribution of gold fish to individuals after the close of that season. 

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