Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 281 



All of these species do well in Lake Maxinkuckee except the 

 lake trout. It is not certain that any of that species has ever been 

 seen in the lake after the plants were made, but all the others do 

 well. 



On April 1, 1908, 600 rainbow trout were put in the outlet 

 stream just below Walley's and 150 in Culver Creek north of the 

 Academy grounds. The trout were 3 to 5 inches long. 



Although an examination of those streams indicated favorable 

 conditions under which trout ought to do well, none of the fish has 

 been seen since the plants were made. The conditions are so fa- 

 vorable that it is hoped the experiment may be repeated soon. 



The establishment of a fish-cultural station or fish hatchery at 

 Lake Maxinkuckee has often been suggested. 



It is believed that an excellent site for a pond station could be 

 secured at this lake. There are two or three excellent locations on 

 the east side where a gravity supply of water could be secured and 

 where ground suitable in character and ample in area for a series 

 of ponds can be found. There are also good locations on the north 

 and west sides. 



A well-equipped hatchery at this lake could easily keep, not 

 only Lake Maxinkuckee, but all suitable waters in northern Indi- 

 ana well stocked with bass, walleyed pike, bluegills, and rock bass. 



MORTALITY AMONG DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FISHES 



At various times in the year dead fish of different species are 

 found in some numbers washed up along the shore. The species 

 most affected appear to be the bluegills and white suckers. The 

 bluegills die in the spring, in May and June, and the white suckers 

 in the fall, usually in September. Although a large number of dead 

 fish were examined no satisfactory explanation of the cause or 

 causes of their dying was discovered. The fish were usually infested 

 with water mould, or Saprolegnia, but it is not believed that was the 

 agent that caused the fish to die. This saprophytic plant first be- 

 comes evident by appearing as a soft white mould on the surface of 

 the fish, particularly in places where the scales have been rubbed off 

 or where the fish has been otherwise injured. But by the time it be- 

 comes evident to the naked eye, the fish is probably past helping. 

 When the fish becomes injured in any way or when its vitality is 

 lowered because of foul water or any other reason, it is apt to be 

 attacked by water mould and nothing can be done to save it. 



In the spring of the year, soon after the ice goes off the lake, 

 unusual numbers of dead fish, water-dogs, crawfishes, etc., are apt 

 to be washed up on shore. These do not indicate any sudden or un- 



