MONTANA STATE FISH COMMISSION. 31 



bunks, as well as with an air pump and cooking facilities. The 

 car now in use has only a part of these conveniences and it is 

 the belief of this Commission that a car should be purchased 

 b}' the State, fitted so that all necessary conveniences may be 

 at hand to ensure the safety of fry bandied, as well as of the 

 men in charge thereof. Nearly all the product of hatcheries 

 is taken to points on the railroad and delivered to local anglers, 

 for distribution in places selected by either individuals or fish 

 clubs. The car should be large enough to carry at least one 

 hundred and fifty cans. Such a car can be procured at a com- 

 paratively modest cost by the purchase of a second-hand Pull- 

 man and having same remodeled to suit the purpose. The 

 original cost of the car should not exceed $2,000.00, and the 

 cost of remodeling would be not to exceed $4,000.00. As the 

 railroad companies are willing to haul the cars at no cost to 

 the State, it would seem to be the part of wisdom to make the 

 purchase. 



Prior to 191 1, no accurate records of the product of the 

 hatchery were kept, but an effort has been imade during the 

 past four years to stock Flathead, Whitefish, and McDonald 

 lakes, with the Lake Superior whitefish. Observation bas 

 not so far shown whether the experiment has been successful 

 or not, but during the year 1913, by the use of nets, we hope 

 to be able to ascertain beyond a doubt whether these fish have 

 grown to maturity. All of the conditions of food and water 

 are favorable, and there is no reason apparent why they should 

 not thrive, and in time, supply the people of the State with a 

 vast quantity of cheap food. The law should allow this 

 species of fish, — as well as all varieties not classified as game 

 fish, — to be taken in nets, and at any season of the year, for 

 the reason that the Lake Superior white fish are not taken on 

 a hook or with bait, and can only be taken in nets. If other 

 varieties of fish could be taken in this way it allows the game 

 fish to grow and to feed on the food which others consume. 

 It is especially desirable that the Dolly Varden trout (called 

 also "bull trout," "salmon trout" and"char"), should be taken 

 at any time and by any means because it is a cannibal fish, 

 eats any and all varieties of other fish, and is very destructive 

 to fish life. 



The department of fisheries of the Government estimates 

 that the ten-pound Dolly Varden trout will, in a year, consume 



