50 



ponds prepared for tlioir reception. In the Spring, when 

 their breeding season approaches, the eggs will he manipu- 

 lated with the greatest care. It is hoped, that although the 

 number is very much less than we expected, yet, that we will 

 have a sufficient stock to establish the breed of these varie- 

 ties in American waters. 



We are informed by Mr. Hcssel that this variety of Tench, 

 known as the ''King Tench," grows very rapidly, and the 

 flesh is much esteemed in Europe. 



The Naked Carp ((7. nudus) is very much more rapid in its 

 growth than any other European variety, attaining a weight 

 of three or four pounds in two years, after which period its 

 growth is even more rapid. Its flesh is flaky, and more 

 highly esteemed even than the European Trout. 



We have now several thousand of the variety of Carp_, 

 known as "Prussian Carp," {Carassius cjlheUo) the increase 

 from those brought over by Mr. Welsher. It is proposed to 

 distribute these during the coming Spring, as we have not a 

 sufficient number of ponds to keep them separate from 

 the finer varieties recently received. We have also several 

 thousand of the Golden-Ide, {Idus melanotus) the progeny of 

 those brought over at the same time with the Prussian 

 Carp. 



We cannot, at this time, report the increase of the 

 common Tench, {Cyprinus iinca) or of the Golden Tench, 

 {Tinea auratus) of the previous importation in charge of Mr. 

 Hessel, as they are in the deep pond, the water of which we 

 have not yet drawn. We cannot overestimate the value of 

 these several importations of European fish to the State of 

 Maryland, and to the country at large, as we are satisfied 

 that they will fill a much needed want of rapid growing 

 edible fish for still and even stagnant ponds. 



Although we have not felt any of the practical results, 

 yet the last year has proved the thorough adaptability of the 



