THIRTY-SECOND BIENNIAL REPORT 27 



The propagation of small month black bass has been undertaken 

 in an experimental way on a location at Friant, near Fresno. Several 

 acres of water including the usual spawning, stock, nursery, minnow, 

 and daphnia ponds are now in operation. The artificial propagation 

 of the species is attended with many difficulties, even in its native 

 waters, and it is probable that the present effort will severely tax the 

 ingenuity of those in immediate charge. 



The valuable biological work of the late George A. Coleman has of 

 necessity been discontinued. Its results have been presented from time 

 to time in published accounts, and an accumulation of field and labora- 

 tory^ notes remains. 



The immediate and principal needs of the bureau seem to be : 



A reorganization in the present numerical relation of hatchery 

 troughs and ageing ponds, following a policy which opposes the plant- 

 ing of very small and immature fish. 



The erection of brood ponds in strategic locations and in suf^cient 

 numbers to supply eggs for propagation, thus relieving the natural 

 production of the streams from undue strain. 



That supplemental to brood ponds certain limited waters should be 

 restricted to the maintenance of brood stock in a semiwild state. 



A rational stream survey which will indicate the best adapted 

 species and the optimum number of individuals which a given area of 

 water may be expected to support. 



A carefully matured program of distribution and planting which 

 will profit by the results of a stream survey on the one hand, and an 

 intelligent cooperation of hatchery service on the other. 



A revision of plans and methods of transportation which will insure 

 full advantage of recent and future highway construction. 



The adoption of uniform and relatively exact methods of hatchery 

 enumeration of eggs and fish. 



The establishment of an agency for the prevention or control of 

 fish diseases. 



A constant and complete support of the Cooperative Trout Investi- 

 gation so that the results of its valuable findings may be used at once, 

 and to the best advantage. 



No interruption of the present friendly and helpful efforts of 

 other bureaus of the division which add very materially to the results 

 of fish culture, and the continuation of an open minded policy in the 

 management of the affairs of the bureau which will insure sympathetic 

 cooperation between it and the people who support it. 



COOPERATIVE TROUT INVESTIGATION 



Early in 1931 arrangements were made by the Division to have 

 the United States Bureau of Fisheries cooperate in an investigation of 

 California trout problems. Under the terms of this agreement the 

 Bureau of Fisheries was to furnish the supervisory personnel and the 

 expenses were to be shared jointly. 



Dr. G. C. Embody, Professor of Aquiculture at Cornell University, 

 was engaged by the Bureau of Fisheries to direct the work and A. C. 

 Taft, Assistant Aquatic Biologist who had previously been engaged in 

 the Alaska salmon investigation, was assigned to assist him. A tenta- 



