TIIIRTY-FOURTIT BIENNIAL REPORT 21 



Investigations dealing with disease control, various diets, methods 

 of feeding, and improved hatchery operation are progressing. In fact 

 they have already demonstrated their actual worth. An experimental 

 hatchery and small laboratory are available at the Mt. Shasta plant. 

 The location is well chosen as the results of experimental work in 

 charge of the biologist or toxicologist or both may be immediately 

 tested under control in actual hatchery procedure. A survey of dis- 

 ease conditions and the general character of the water supply of the 

 various hatcheries is being carried on. 



Tlie system of hatchery inspection now in vogue has produced good 

 results which in some cases are very evident. It is so conducted as to 

 be helpful to both the central office and the hatchery involved. The 

 inspector's report is largely guided by printed sheets with numerous 

 questions or suggestions. It is submitted in duplicate so that its 

 information may be available to the hatcheryman directly concerned. 

 It considers many details relating to the condition of buildings, equip- 

 ment, grounds, water sup])ly, and fish, methods of feeding, losses, evi- 

 dence of disease, housing conditions, even the personal appearance of 

 employees. 



Opportunity for the personal improvement of employees is not 

 overlooked. They may profit by the visits of inspectors and those con- 

 nected with special investigations. The library is accessible through 

 the mail, lists of available books and papers being in each hatchery. 

 The annual school and conference, now an established affair, provides 

 among other things for the discussi£»n of problems of general interest. 

 The occasional transfer of younger members of the force secures the 

 benefits of wider experience. 



At present there is ample itrovision for the eggs of eastern brook, 

 Loch Leven, cutthroat and golden trout, king and silver salmon, neces- 

 sary for artificial propagation. To fill the demand for rainbow trout 

 eggs is still an unsolved ]>roblem winch is rapidly growing more acute. 

 Tlie piircliase of eggs from without the state is undesirable, and the 

 supply from that source is insufficient and not dependable. The taking 

 of eggs from wild sources .should and eventually will cease except in 

 cases Where they may be regarded as salvage. Investigation and 

 experimentation bearing on the problem are under way but the results, 

 partly from lack of time, are not as yet very encouraging.^ 



Under the recent organization the allotment and distribution of 

 fish becomes a responsibility of this bureau. This may be regarded as 

 entirely desirable as it will aid in the centralization of activities relat- 

 ing to 'fish conservation. Aid and cooperation with members of other 

 bureaus and with interested sportsmen may be sought and directed to 

 the best advantage. Marked progress has been made in a proper bal- 

 ance of allotments and in a careful consideration of distribution. 

 Methods of transportation which will keep abreast with the improve- 

 ment and extension of roads and automobile development are con- 

 stantly considered. Minor details such as aeration and cooling systems 

 for trucks, resting ponds at secondary centers of distribution, coopera- 

 tive ageing ponds, etc., claimed attention. 



Continued improvement in the general betterment of hatchery 

 equipment including buildings, grounds, and especially housing con- 



