34 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 
as a gratifying indorsement of the purposes of the Bureau as ex- 
pressed by this new endeavor. 
This station will not only render valuable service in the propaga- 
tion of fresh-water mussels and the conduct of investigations relating 
to these resources, but it will be the means of keeping the Bureau in 
closer touch with the fishery problems of the Mississippi Basin, for 
which it may serve as a center. The possibilities and the duty of 
linking fish-cultural experiment work with mussel propagation has 
already been discussed, and the Bureau thus finds itself with some 
equipment which had not otherwise been provided for a phase of 
service to fish culture and fisheries that is of the broadest general sig- 
nificance. 
The various activities of the Fairport station are discussed under 
the several headings of “ Fresh-water mussels,” “ Home fish pond,” 
“Life histories of fishes,” and “ Parasites of fishes.” 
Woods Hole, Mass—tThe fisheries laboratory at Woods Hole has 
been open as usual during the summer season. Its relatively extensive 
equipment makes it an especially favorable place for the prosecu- 
tion of the more technical investigations, while its intermediate loca- 
tion between the great oyster grounds of Long Island Sound and the 
fishery ports of the eastern coast makes it a convenient center for 
investigations in the interest of the fisheries of that territory. Some 
of the studies pursued at the Woods Hole laboratory during this year 
were concerned with the oyster, with the life history and food of 
fishes, and with the parasites of fishes, subjects that are referred to 
elsewhere in this report. Other inquiries relate to the utilization of 
waste fishes and of other aquatic forms that do not now enter into 
commerce, with the oxygen requirements and the metabolism of fishes, 
and with the effect of various mineral salts which are introduced into 
the waters either through direct and indirect means of pollution. 
The Woods Hole laboratory is the oldest station of the Bureau. Its 
history and its public service are closely linked with that of the 
Bureau and the earlier Fish Commission for which it once served 
as temporary headquarters. After more than 30 years of usefulness 
the laboratory building and equipment are not in a commendable 
state of repair. It is desirable that suitable provision be made for its 
renovation. 
Beaufort, N. C.—The buildings and grounds of the Beaufort labor- 
atory have been improved during the fiscal year, the additional work 
being rendered possible by special appropriation. The formerly 
uneven and sandy surface of the island has been graded to an ap- 
proximate level and given a thin covering of rich soil. Several kinds 
of grass have been planted with a view to protection from the annoy- 
ance and possible losses due to wind driven sand. A shght extension 
of the area of the island occurred through the dumping of materials 
obtained from the dredging operations carried on in Beaufort Har- 
bor under the War Department. 
Space for storage of coal was provided in connection with the 
pump house, so that the coal shed could be converted into a boat 
house and thus provide much needed facilities for the repair and 
repainting of the station boats. Additional concrete inclosures were 
provided for experimental work. A large salt-water pump was pur- 
chased, making it possible to maintain an adequate supply of sea 
