XL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



for completing a certain portion of the ponds, as it was found that the 

 appropriation would not be sufficient to finish the station as originally 

 planned. A large amount of work had been accomplished in clearing 

 and grading the grounds, and in putting in water-supply pipes, etc. 

 The property was fenced and considerable work had been done in 

 excavating several large ponds. In addition to this, the springs had 

 been cleaned out and cement basins constructed, the channels straight- 

 ened, and a number of other minor improvements-made. 



Through the courtesy of the Bulloch Brothers several temporary 

 ponds were constructed in their mill pond, which had been stocked with 

 bream and bass. A number of schools of small bass were visible at 

 this time, and although large results are not expected, the experience 

 gained will be of much value to the force during the next year's work. 

 From the progress made there is no reason why a sufficient number of 

 ponds should not be completed to permit of the operation of this station 

 during the next fiscal year. The superintendent was instructed to 

 utilize the funds available for the completion of the main part of the 

 station and construction of residence, leaving for after consideration 

 the section lying to the south of Cold Spring Brook, which embraces the 

 south spring reservoir and Ponds M and L. 



STURGEON. 



The rapid decline of the sturgeon fishery, as evidenced not only by 

 the decreasing catch along the Atlantic coast, but also in the Great 

 L'akes and on the Pacific coast, and the immense increase In the price 

 for caviar, accentuated the necessity for making another attempt to 

 undertake the proi)agation of this valuable species. 



In May Mr. Ravenel made a preliminary investigation of the fishery 

 on the Delaware River, which is distributed over about 75 miles of that 

 river, with Delaware City as its center. Conferences witli prominent 

 dealers assured us of their hearty cooperation; and on May 23 Mr.L. G. 

 Harrou, who had been in charge of the shad-hatching operations on the 

 Potomac River, was instructed to proceed to Delaware City to under- 

 take this work. Accompanied by a force of spawn-takers, and with a 

 steam launch for visiting the fisheries in the vicinity, operations were 

 commenced May 27, arrangements having been made with Mr. Sadler 

 for erecting a temporary hatchery on his wharf and for the use of his 

 boiler and pumps to obtain a water supply. Various forms of apparatus 

 were provided, including floating boxes, to be anchored in tide water, 

 McDonald hatching-jars, and troughs equipped with wire trays. All of 

 the principal fishing-grounds and floats where sturgeon were butchered 

 were visited daily from May 20 to June 13; but although a number of 

 ripe sturgeon were reported as having been captured, investigation 

 would indicate that the fishermen were mistaken, though it is believed 

 that at least two overripe fish were taken at Bayside. Fishing ceased 

 on June 15, so that it was necessary to discontinue the work. 



Although a large number of sturgeon are caught in this vicinity 

 during the season by tbe 500 boats fishing from Delaware City to 



