LXXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PISH AND FISHERIES. 



of about half au acre each. The depth of the ponds at the narrow ends 

 near the reservoir is 5 feet, and it decreases as it a])proaches the outer 

 edge of the circle, the average being about 3 feet. When the ponds 

 were filled with water it was found that the wheel would keep them 

 abundantly supplied. 



To overcome the difficulties heretofore experienced in handling bass 

 while the work of distribution is going on, the upper end of pond M was 

 converted into 8 retaining-pools, by 10 feet. The partitions were 

 butlt of brick and cement with concrete foundation, and each pool was 

 supplied with a half-inch supply pipe. This work was done largely by 

 the employees of the station. 



In July the distribution of bass hatched in the spring of 1898 was 

 again undertaken, 11,720 being moved by the station force. The work 

 was then discontinued until the arrival of car No. 2, in December, when 

 four trips were made, and 5,025 black bass, 3,015 rock bass, 1,035 

 crappie, and 4,000 rock bass from Neosho were distributed. 



Fish-cultural work was conducted on the same lines as heretofore, the 

 propagation of black bass being the most important feature. Inci- 

 dentally, experiments were continued in the propagation of rock bass, 

 calico bass, crappie, and bream, and carp and mud shad were reared as 

 food for the bass. Early in the fiill the brood-fish were transferred to 

 the breeding-ponds, about 12 pairs being placed to each half acre, 

 experience having shown that the best results are attained by so 

 apportioning them. They commenced spawning on February 18, nine 

 days later than the previous season. This delay was undoubtedly due 

 to the weather prevailing during the winter, which was the coldest 

 recorded for many years. As in the past, they de])Osited their eggs on 

 the clay banks of the ponds instead of the piles of gravel provided 

 for them. As soon as the young fish were 1^ inches long they were 

 transferred to rearing-pools, a seine of bobinet being used. 



Several experiments were conducted during the season to determine 

 at what age it is best to transfer the young from the breeding-ponds, 

 and from the results attained it was decided that they should be at 

 least 1^ inches in length before being disturbed. 



The following table summarizes the exj)eriments referred to: 



Size of fish. 



1 J inches 



J nst after absorption of sac 

 Ih inches 



Just after absorption of sac 



Number 

 of fish. 



1,000 

 1,000 

 1,500 

 5,000 



Size of pond. 



6 by 16 by IJ feet deep 



Same 



33 by 50 feet 



16 by 50 feet 



Number 

 distributed 

 from poud. 



735 



200 



1,240 



750 



On April 18 the distribution of the fish hatched during the winter 

 was taken up and carried on until the close of the fiscal year. During 

 this period 69,800 young black bass were delivered to private appli- 

 cants and planted in public waters, with a loss of only 100. 



