436 Fortieth Annual Meeting 



We have also seen small ones attack carp of larger size 

 than themselves, fiercely entering the mouths and holding 

 on b}' seizing the tongue or the side of the mouth, in which 

 they bury the spines of their pectorals, thus causing local 

 sores slow to heal. Whatever the species with which they 

 are placed, the catfish quickly depopulate the basin. Their 

 exclusively animal diet places them under an unavoidable 

 necessity. 



"One may judge from the result of one of the experi- 

 ments tried in a pond in the public garden of Bordeaux, 

 where they generally cultivate carp, roach, perch, etc., of 

 which the fry are sent each spring to the Garonne. In 

 1907 with the mature breeders of the usual species there 

 were introduced twelve hundred catfish one year old. The 

 fishing at the beginning of May, 1908, was disconcerting. 

 Where they had been accustomed to find swarms of small 

 fish, not a single one could be found. The disaster cor- 

 responding with the introduction of the Ameiurus, it can 

 hardly be doubtful (see also the results of other similar 

 researches) that the responsibility lies in that direction. 



"In a word it is the conclusion from all the observations 

 that the catfish is dreadfully carnivorous. The most 

 cursory examination of the contents of his intestine proves 

 that. Motionless and hidden during the day, it surprises 

 its victims during the night. A speedy depopulation of the 

 waters is the result of its dissemination, which is a veritable 

 public calamity. There is, happily, a corrective of the 

 disastrous effects of the activities of ill-inspired zealots : 

 the catfish generally disappears without appreciable cause, 

 by pure and simple extinction : more than that, its voracity 

 makes it the predestined prey of line-fishermen." 



This arraignment by Professor Kuenstler is severe. With- 

 out doubt it will dispel some of their illusions for the 

 champions of the catfish — for those at least who are not 

 prejudiced in the matter. — From "Bulletin Popiilairc de la 

 Pisciculture" (Paris), May, ipop. 



