Canfield. — Protection of Pond Embankments 143 



+ 



at the U. S. Fisheries Biological Station, Fairport, Iowa, in growing 

 and transplanting, justifies its recommendation as an efficient 

 and satisfactory preventive of wave action against pond embank- 

 ments and especially so in connection with fish cultural operations. 

 The sedge furnishes shade and a place of refuge for fishes. Insects 

 are attracted to the ponds by it, and its submerged parts provide 

 a harbor and breeding place for aquatic life, all of which stimulates 

 the production of fish food, adding to its value as a binder for 

 fish pond embankments. 



Attention is called to photograph No. 1, which was taken of 

 Pond No. 3, Series D, for the purpose of showing the Car ex sedge 

 in use. This embankment was cut down for a distance of six 

 feet by wave action and was being steadily washed away until 

 suddenly and permanently checked by the planting of Carex 

 stricta sod. The stake to the right indicates the inner edge 

 of the original embankment. The clearing presents a view which 

 shows the line of the Carex sod as originally laid; the general 

 appearance of the sedge growing about the pond and the distance 

 it has grown up the embankment and into the water since the time 

 of the original planting which was four years ago. Since the day 

 of the introduction no perceptible washing of the embankment 

 has occurred. 



Photograph No. 2 shows the Carex from the water to the top 

 of the embankment. The water line and embankment may be 

 beautified if desired by trimming the Carex. Photograph No. 3 

 shows a stolon (left) ready for planting; at the right the result 

 after approximately one year's growth. 



METHODS OF INTRODUCTION. 



The sedge has been grown from seed at the Fairport Biological 

 Station, but this method of introduction is not recommended for 

 two reasons. First the expense of collecting the seed is excessive, 

 because the sedge produces only a very limited amount. Second 

 the seed was found to thrive in moist soil, but failed in wet and dry 

 soil, consequently, the waves washed out the seed before it 

 established itself in any but protected places. The quickest and 

 therefore the most efficient manner of introducing this sedge is to 

 transplant the sod from the wild state to the pond, laying it in a 

 line around the pond on the base formed by waves, care being 



