Dyche. — One Year's Work at Kansas Hatchery 85 



HATCHERY GROUNDS FENCED. 



The size and unprotected condition of the hatchery 

 grounds made it possible for certain loose-jointed per- 

 sons to enter upon the premises at night and commit 

 various depredations. Parties were caught fishing in 

 the ponds. At different times it was discovered that the 

 water gates had been tampered with, either the water 

 was cut off, turned into the drain pipes or wire screen 

 gates were disarranged. After a conference with Gov- 

 ernor Hodges, who personally investigated the matter 

 with us, it was decided that it was necessary to fence all 

 the hatchery grounds, about 200 acres, including the fif- 

 teen acres where the dam and intake are located. 



The work of placing a stout two-inch diamond mesh 

 steel "Elwood" fence around the hatchery grounds is 

 nearing completion. We soon discovered that there was 

 a good deal of work connected with the fence business, 

 as it takes more than three miles of fence to enclose the 

 grounds. This fence is being strung on iron posts. There 

 are two barbed wires at the top, which makes the fence 

 six feet high. All corners and gate posts as well as the 

 braces have been set in solid blocks of concrete that are 

 twenty inches square and extend into the ground for a 

 distance of three feet. With this fence completed it 

 ought to be possible either to keep marauders and med- 

 dlers off the grounds or to apprehend them before they 

 can get away. 



By another year we hope that the building work will 

 be finished and that we will be in the fish business. 



DISCUSSION 



Mr. Nesley, of New York: I would like to inquire whether Pro- 

 fessor Dyche raises the small-mouth or large-mouth black bass. 



Prof. Dyche: We raise only the large-mouth bass; the small-mouth 

 bass has disappeared in competition with the large-mouthed when placed 

 in certain Kansas waters. 



Mr. Bower, of Michigan: Will Professor Dyche tell us what has 

 been, the expense? 



Prof. Dyche: I have not figured it out yet, but I think it is about 

 $150,000, though it may be more than that. I am spending all the 

 money I can get to develop the hatchery. 



Mr. Woods, of Missouri: I wish to offer to Kansas, adjoining my 

 own State, congratulations for its remarkable work along this line in 

 which we are all interested. 



