26 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



area of the waters to be stocked, the vast magnitude of the commer- 

 cial fisheries therein conducted, and the extent of existing or imminent 

 depletion necessitate fish-cultural operations on an enormous scale, 

 and tax far beyond their utmost capacity the hatcheries thus far estab- 

 lished. The construction of a number of new hatching stations is 

 therefore urgent!}^ required, and the passage of the general hatcher}^ 

 bill now before Congress is strongh" advocated, with the proviso that 

 the Bureau be authorized to build not more than five such stations 

 annuall}'. 



The recommendation in m}' last report, that a specialh' equipped 

 pond station be established adjacent to Washington, to take the place 

 of the abandoned fish lakes, is renewed. The proper conduct of the 

 fish cultural and biological work of the Bureau and the necessary 

 experimentation require a hatching station within easy access of head- 

 quarters. 



NEW MARINE BIOLOGICAL STATIONS. 



Important questions affecting the aquatic resources of our Gulf and 

 Pacific coasts await settlement pending the establishment of stations at 

 which systematic and continuous observations and investigations ctin 

 be conducted. The desirability of these laboratories has been 

 repeatedly shown by the Bureau and need not be further dwelt on at 

 this time. It is hoped that Congress will soon take afiirmative action 

 on the favorable reports of its committees. These stations ma}^ con- 

 veniently combine biological research with marine fish culture and will 

 prove of lasting value to the fisheries. 



GENERAL EXPENSES AND SALARIES. 



The increased cost of all kinds of supplies and materials requiied in 

 the fish cultural and other branches of the service, when taken in con- 

 junction with the operation of new stations, the augmented output of 

 the hatcheries, and the general expansion of the work, necessitates a 

 substantial increase in the appropriations for the Bureau's maintenance, 

 if the growing demands for the stocking and replenishment of public 

 and State waters are to be met and the most eftective operation of 

 hatcheries and laboratories is to be accomplished. The increase of 

 $21,50<> in the general appropriations for the Bureau for the fiscal 

 3'ear litOS, as provided for in the estimates submitted, is the smallest 

 amount under which the work can be expected to progress. 



The technical and clerical force of the Bureau at Washington, at the 

 outside stations, and in the car and vessel services, is in general 

 remarkably efficient and zealous. The continued success of the various 

 branches of the work, and the enviable reputation that the Bvireau has 

 established at home and abroad, depend on the ability, fidelity, and 

 active cooperation of the subordinate employees. These are for the 



