XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
be constantly at their post of duty. A car can be specially constructed 
‘to supply these facilities, and thus greatly enhance the power of the 
‘Commission for moving young fish to remote waters. 
Experiments.—In order to determine the feasibility of hatching shad 
in hydrant water a series of cones, forty-six in number, were set up 
at the navy-yard, and were in constant use during the season. The 
water was supplied from a hydrant, and the eggs as they arrived by the 
Lookout were placed therein. The experiment proved entirely sue- 
cessful, the loss being scarcely appreciable. Experiments were also 
conducted for determining the smallest amount of water in which young 
shad could be kept, as it is often found necessary to economize water 
during their transportation. Mr. Clark found that less than one-fourth 
of the usual amount of water would answer, if suitable facilities for 
aeration were provided. 
The Garp (Cyprinus carpio). 
Ponds in Washington.—The report of the Commissioner for 1879 gives 
an account of the gradual increase in efficiency in the carp ponds in 
Washington, the production of a considerable number of fish, and their 
distribution to ditferent parts of the United States. 
Various improvements in grading and leveling have had their effect. 
For the purpose of draining the ponds more readily, or transferring the 
water from one point to another, a very efficient rotary steam pump, 
worked by a coil boiler, was constructed by the Herreshoff Manufac- 
turing Cofipany, at Bristol, R. I. Itis mounted on four wheels, weighs 
but little over a ton, and can be readily drawn by hand to any desired 
point. It is capable of elevating and discharging a stream of water 
amounting to 1,400 gallons per minute. It was put to use in the early 
part of May, and has been efliciently employed at various times during 
the year. 
The connection of the ponds with the city telephone system has placed 
the office of the Commission in close communication with the superin- 
tendent, and greatly aided in carrying on operations at that station. 
An appropriation of $5,000 was made by Congress in December, 1877, 
for the improvement of these ponds, and another of $2,200 in the spring 
of 1878. The District Commissioners kindly agreeing to take charge of 
the work, Lieutenant Hoxie prepared the plans. 
A contract was made, and the first work done was the construction 
of a dam across the outlet of the large space between the present ponds 
and the river, thus converting this into a close reservoir. Advantage 
was taken of a very low tide to close the narrow outlet, kept open until 
the last moment, and after the water had all run out. 
The pond, however, soon filled up to a considerable degree with rain- 
‘water, of much better quality than that which formerly backed into the 
pond from the mouth of the sewer. 
Several drains were laid in various parts of the grounds under the 
