28 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



expensive than from other stations, on account of the hi«!:h rate of fares 

 from Mojave to Owenyo, the very reverse is true; for the 

 trips of our distribution car are all comparatively short ones and we 

 are enabled to complete the distribution work within a short time, 

 which materially lessens the cost of distribution. But the most import- 

 ant feature of the advantage to Southern California of this hatchery 

 is the excellence of the fry produced. They are truly wonderful fish 

 and the advantage to the southern waters of our planting such fry is 

 really inestimable. 



During the biennial period, we distributed a total of nearly 5,000,000 

 trout fry from Mount Whitney Hatchery. The most interesting work 

 undertaken at this station during the two years, from a fish cultural 

 standpoint, has been the propagation of golden trout, obtained from the 

 Cottonwood Lakes Station. The propagation of this species is very 

 difficult owing to the weakness of the embr^'os. The eggs are fertilized 

 with but an ordinary loss, but the embryos hatched seem to lack vitality 

 and it is only by exercising the greatest care and patience in handling 

 the eggs during incubation and in caring for the embryos, tliat the 

 fry survive at all. However, golden trout are being successfully reared, 

 and some very excellent results are expected from the stocking of the 

 streams and lakes of the southern high Sierra, in which section con- 

 ditions are propitious for the successful development of this species. 



Owing to the failure to collect the usual number of eggs this spring, 

 we were not able to carry out the plans of stocking all the barren lakes 

 and streams of this region this season, but plans are being made to 

 carry on the work next season. A well equipped pack train in charge 

 of an experienced fish planter will be placed in charge of the work. 

 This is an important work as it will stock the barren waters in advance 

 of the army of anglers that each season advance farther into our moun- 

 tain regions in search of sport and recreation. 



The work of improving the grounds around the hatchery has been 

 continued and the gardens are beginning to show the results. A large 

 pond has been constructed, in which there are a number of adult trout 

 of different species. Surrounding the pond are extensive lawns and 

 beautiful flower gardens, roadways, paths, etc. The shrubs and trees 

 set out a year ago last spring are thriving exceptionally well, and the 

 time is not far distant when the Mount Whitney grounds will take rank 

 with some of the finest garden spots of the state. 



COTTONWOOD LAKES STATION. 

 As above stated, the propagation of golden trout fry for the stocking 

 of streams and lakes of the southern high Sierra, has engaged the atten- 

 tion of the Department for the past two years. The eggs of this 

 variety are obtained ])y trapping the spawners as they ascend the 



