THIRTY-SECOND BIENNIAL REPORT • 25 



such work are being thought out. It is also intended to place exhibits 

 of an educational nature in certain plants which are visited by many- 

 people. 



Sportsmen and others have of late offered expressions of dissatis- 

 faction with the results of artificial propagation. While there is no 

 disposition to overlook these complaints, one must appreciate that 

 artificial propagation offers no certain pabulum to offset the unchecked 

 indiscretions of a constantly increasing number of fishermen. Claims 

 of the efficacy of artificial propagation have no doubt been too high in 

 some quarters, expectations have been led too far, and as a result the 

 entire service is often questioned and heckled. If the present methods 

 and results are not satisfactory to those who support them, the cause 

 for the charged delinquency lies partly outside the hatchery. Present 

 and generally accepted methods will produce fish in desired numbers 

 and size, and when failure occurs in the hatchery the cause may usually 

 be found. But, between the time when the small fish leave the hatchery 

 and finally arrive in the angler's basket, there is at present an almpst 

 unexplored void, and here is the widely recognized place where inquiry 

 should be directed. It has been suggested that the responsibility of the 

 fish culturist ceases when the fish are produced. However this may be, 

 his interest should continue. Under the present management this 

 Bureau proposes to interest itself in this particular field, and as part 

 of an expression of that interest, there has been selected one of the 

 most competent of its force whose duty it will be to qualify as a dis- 

 tribution and planting expert. It is expected that his activities in 

 cooperation with others who are directly interested will furnish a 

 serviceable tie between the hatchery and the streams. The Cooperative 

 Trout Investigation, described elsewhere, has initiated studies in this 

 field, and its findings will be promptly acted upon. 



The bureau has already gone far beyond the experimental stage in 

 the planting of aged fish, particularly in the San Bernardino Moun- 

 tain region where some 390,000 trout ranging in size from 5 to 9 inches 

 were successfully distributed during the biennium. An expansion of 

 the policy of planting larger fish will require added facilities in the 

 way of ponds and ageing stations. The selection of sites for these 

 must be made with great care. 



The feasibility of ageing fish in cooperation with members of 

 sportsmen's organizations is under consideration. Success in some 

 quarters and partial failures in others are reported. It is proposed to 

 offer aid and advice where such undertakings are in progress, and keep 

 informed as to actual results. Advance information relating to con- 

 templated pond construction may in some cases aid in the success of 

 the undertaking, or even guard in a measure against failure. 



A continued importation of trout eggs from without the State 

 is not regarded with favor. While each imported egg may be looked 

 upon as a potential addition to the native fish population, it is also a 

 possible carrier of disease, and therefore a positive menace. The 

 bureau should, and eventually will be able to produce eggs of a desired 

 species in sufficient numbers for its own use. The introduction of 

 exotic fishes to a region well supplied with native species of trout, 

 unparalleled anywhere for beauty of color, form, vigor, and other 

 game qualities is to be looked upon as a tacit admission that we are 



