[89] CARP-CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES. 747 



407. Statement of Loivrey cf- Berry, Blue Mountain, Tippah Co., Miss., July 30, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received.— We received 20 carp in the fall of 1880 ^0 more 

 in 1881, and 19 in 1882. Our pond is 60 by 120 feet, 3 feet in depth, has a bottomiiar- 

 tially eand and partly soft mud. At present it is fed by a 2-inch stream of water 

 which stands at 75°. There are no plants in it. ' 



Enemies.— There are a few small perch, a few frogs, but no turtles nor snakes 



Food. — We give them table scraps irregularly. 



Growth.— We still have 3 of the first lot, which will weigh 6 pounds apiece 10 of 

 the second lot, and all of the last. Two-year-old carp weigh 4| pounds. We have 

 not seen any young yet. 



Difficulties.— The first trouble was with other fish, which was partly obviated 

 by moving the carp to a new pond after all but 4 had been destroyed. The new pond 

 broke once and let out all of the second supply, a part of wliich was lost. 



408. Statement of L. Eogan, Bij^Iey, Tippah Co., Miss., July 23, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received.— I received carp in the winter of 1881-'82, and 

 gave them to another gentlenjan, who had a pond. People here report their culture 

 a success in ponds supplied both by rains and running water. 



409. Statement of E. F. Baicorth, Vickshurg, Warren Co., Miss., July 30, 1833. 



Disposition of carp received.— I received some carp in April, 1881. The pond 

 is 100 feet long, 50 feet wude, 70 feet deep, and has a muddy bottom. It is supplied by 

 rain-water. It contains no plants. 



Enemies. — It contains catfish, white perch, bank percb, frogs, and turtles. 



Food. — When first received I fed them on crackers, but not lately. 



Growth.— The largest one caught weighed 4^ pounds. They vary from 2 to 4 

 pounds. 



Reproduction. — The youug are small. They seem to be very prolific, but I can- 

 not approximate the number. 



Edible qualities. — I think it very likely that the muddy bottom of the pond 

 causes the fish to be so iudifierent for eating. 



410. Statement of W. L. Brandon, Fort Adams, Wilkinson Co., Miss., Aug. 10, 1883. 



Disposition of CARP received.— I received 25 carp inFebrnary, 1881. Myhatching 

 pond covers i an acre, has a muddy bottom, and shoals from 4 to 1 foot. ' It is sup- 

 plied with rain, but being shaded, the temperature is between 80'^ and 90°. 



Plants. — There are no grasses. I have planted wild rice, but the carp rooted it 

 all out. 



Enemies. — I exclude all fish, frogs, and turtles from the hatchery. 



Food. —I gave them hominy left from the table, and sometimes lettuce and cab- 

 bage. 



Growth. — The cyclone of April 28 damaged me many thousand dollars, and I mourn 

 the loss of my carp more than anything else. The 4T got out were about 18 inches 

 long. 



Difficulties from poisoning. — The cyclone of April 21 killed or caused the death 

 of a] 1 but 4 of the carp in my hatchery. The hail thrashed the leaves oft' the pecan trees 

 near the pond, into which they fell in large quantities, the tannin poisoning the 

 water so that all died but the 4. The pecan leaves turned the water in the pond as 

 black as ink. The fish were 3 years old, and when I saw them swimming on I he sur- 

 face of the water I thought they were spawning. When they began to die I imme- 

 diately seined the pond, but only got out 4 alive. The carp in mj' pond were of the 

 mirror and leather varieties. All the mirror carp were dead. 



Tameness. — I did not get them so gentle as to eat out of my hand, but thought and 

 cared for them continually. They Avere very lively and sportive. Please send another 

 lot. 



411. Statement ofXath. Cropper, Woodville, Wilkinson Co., Miss., Aug. 6, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received. — I received 20 carp in January, 1381. My pond is 

 about 40 feet in diameter, 3 feet deep, has a muddy bottom, and is sui>plie(l by the 

 surface drainage of one acre. The pond being too small, I will soon transfer the carp 

 to one that I am preparing, with muddy bottom, grasses. &c. 



Enemies. — There are no other fish in the pond. 



Food. — I give them corn-bread and vegetables about twice a week. 



Growth. — Tlie 6 that remain weigh about 15 pounds each. 



