814 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [156] 



Growth. — The 20 original carp are now from 6 to 8 inches long and weigh from | to 

 1 pound each. 



Miscellaneous. — Our native black perch and blue catfish are far superior as pond 

 fish and can be cultivated with better results than the carp. 



702. Statement of F. 3IiUcr, Hartsville, Darlington Co., S. C, Oct. 14, 1881. 



Disposition of cakp received. — February 15, 1881, I received 17 young carp in 

 good condition and immediately placed them in a pond previously prepared for them. 

 This pond was about 30 by 40 feet, and was excavated so as to slope gradually from very 

 shallow water at the edge to 4 feet deep in the center. The water is supplied IVom a 

 branch, which though a very small stream has been unfailing. The pond is inclosed 

 with high palings and is protected in the usual manner from undesirable fish and other 

 intruders. 



Plants. — It is partially shaded by trees growing around and in it, and around the 

 edges is a green border of rice and other water-plants. 



Food. — I did not lail to put in the pond a plentiful supply of food consisting of cooked 

 hominy and bread crumbs. Recently I have been delighted to see the fish. I succeeded 

 in bringing them to the surface by throwing upon the water the common house flies 

 which have been caught in a fly-trap and scalded. These, floating upon the water, 

 attract the fish which I now bring up every day by the same means. They make a tine 

 sight, swimming on the surface to get the bait. 



Growth. — About the original number seem to be there and they have grown well. 

 They were very lively and shy, but are becoming tame, as they are accustomed to the sight 

 of visitors. 



Miscellaneous. — I feel sanguine that the carp will do well in such water as my pond 

 contaius, and I confidently expect good results with sufficient time. 



703. Statement of M. S. Walker, Edgefield C. H., Edgefield Co., S. C, 18S3. 



Disposition of carp received. — I placed in a pond the 15 carp received in Decem- 

 ber, 1881. and the 21 received in January, 1883. The soil of the pond is muddy. 



Plants. — The pond has fine vegetation. 



Growth. — On November 1, 1882, I drew my pond and found only 4 carp, weighing 

 about 4 pounds each. 



Reproduction. — A great many young carp could be seen in April and May. They 

 are doing fine. 



704. Statement of S. W. Bookhart, M. D., BIythewood, Fairfield Co., S. C, July 30, 1883. 



Disposition of carp received. — I received 22 cai-p in January, 1883. Mj' pond is 

 from 3 to 5 feet deep, has muddy bottom, and is located on a spring branch which sup- 

 plies a small quantity of water of moderate temperature. 



Plants. — It contains lilies and various water-grasses. 



Enemies. — There are a few perch which are intruders, and also some turtles. Our 

 greatest difliculty will be from the depredations of turtles and moccasins. 



Food. — I have given them no food, as they did not seem to need any. 



Growth. — I have seen only one. That was caught in the stream below my pond last 

 week. It measured 14 inches. 



Miscellaneous. — We are prepainng 2 more ponds for other varieties of carp. From 

 close observation of other people's ponds I can say from personal knowledge that the scale 

 carp is the best fish for our culture that we know of. 



705. Statement of T. Henry Stokes, Alia, Greenville Co., S. C, Apr., 1883. 



Edible qualities. — I regard the carp as a splendid table fish. It was so pro- 

 nounced by a large number ot ladies and gentlemen who partook of the fish on two sep- 

 arate occasions. 



JNIiscellaneous. — I have taken much pains in feeding my carp. I call them up with 

 a small bell. They are very gentle. 



706. Statement of W. C. Cleveland, Greenville C. H., Greenville Co., Sept., 1881. 



Disposition of carp received. — I placed the mirror carp received last February 

 in a mill-pond covering about half an acre. 



Food. — They were never fed on anything, except a little com bread occasionally 

 thrown to them. 



