^fe;^^ 



Inyesti^ating the TVaters. 



In order, therefore, to devise more intelligent and effective methods of stock- 

 ing and protection, based upon thorough knowledge, the Commission has under- 

 taken an intensive investigation of the waters of the State. Some of the principal 

 subjects for investigation are the following: the distribution and habitats of the 

 lish found at present in these waters; their food habits, as determined by- 

 analysis of their stomach contents; the supply of natural food available, such as 

 insects, mollusks, crustaceans worms, and acquatic vegetation; the spawning 

 seasons of the various fish; their natural enemies; stream pollution and methods 

 of controlling it; proper open and closed seasons; methods of cooperation be- 

 tween the Commission and associations and individuals interested in propagating 

 or protecting fish. 



General Principles of Stocking. 



Plans for stocking should be made during the driest part of the preceding season. 

 Only the streams or parts of streams that have not then dried up or become 

 stagnant should be considered in the plans for future planting. Every detail 

 regarding the adaptability of the stream or lake for the fish that it is desired to 

 plant should be carefully considered. Foresight in this direction will save many 

 fish that would otherwise be lost. 



The two chief requirements of young fish are protection and food. They 

 need protection from predaceous enemies, freshets, drought and disease. In 

 general, for stream-inhabiting species, the headwaters furnish the most suitable 

 planting points. Here the larger fish are not apt to be present to prey upon 

 the fry. Freshets are not so strongly felt there, and are less likely to wash the 

 small fish downstream. Moreover the chances of pollution are much less. Care 

 must be taken, on the other hand, not to plant the fish in streams or head- 

 waters which may dry up in time of drought. E'er the young of lake fish the 

 most favorable situations are generally the shallow waters near shore, or on 

 shoals or reefs. In either case, whether dealing with brook fish or lake fish, 

 it is well to discover, if possible, the natural spawning beds, and to plant the 

 young in or close to such places; for it is reasonable to suppose that each 



Testing Duck Creek, Upper Madison basin, tor (Jrayling bpawning Grounds 



(14) 



