Ameriani FIshrrlcs Socictij. 57 



2. They should he sorted into the ponds in tlie spring in 

 ahout the proportion of four males to six females. 



3. Shielded nests should be used, arranged as already 

 deseril)ed — al)0ut one to eaeh 100 square feet of -shallow water. 



4. The gravel used in the nests should he carefully selected ; 

 it should contain sand and plenty of small stones. 



5. Water on the nesting grounds should he kej^t constantly 

 at a level between 18 inches and 2 feet. 



6. The temperature of the water should be kept constantly 

 between 6(5 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (in our locality). 



7. Kcnly water should l)e as far as possil)le kept out of the 

 ponds during the s])awning season. 



8. Fish should not be disturbed until the eggs are hatched. 



9. The small mouth nests should l)e screened Just l:)efore 

 the fry rise from the bottom. 



10. The water should contain an abundance of natural food 

 for the fry. 



In closing I may say that I can see three ways in which my 

 procedure might be improved. 



1. I should provide special nursery ponds for rearing finger- 

 lings. 



2. T should try nest frames shielded on three sides instead 

 of on two sides. I should make them with a bottom and when 

 the fry rise from the nest I should close the fourth side of the 

 nest frame by sliding a screen into it. In this way I should not 

 have to remove the nest frame and put a screen over the nest, 

 but would sim])ly leave the frame in place and close the open 

 side with a screen. 



3. I should make the ponds with clay bottoms, so that if 

 necessary the water supply could be entirely shut off during the 

 breeding season. 



FROM MILL CREEK HATCHERY: 

 Total output during year, ending at present time: 



Small-mouthed bass fry 404.000 



Big-mouthed bass fry 618,000 



Fingerlings 36,050 



Total 1,058,050 



