CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME. 



89 



a separate water supply. The aerating system is on the latest and most 

 modern lines. The waste pipes, catch basins and drains are all of 

 concrete. As a matter of necessity the first season's output was com- 

 paratively small, but the 1,285,000 fish distributed in the waters of 

 southern California, the lower San Joaquin Valley, Inyo and Mono 

 counties, were an exceptionally fine lot of fish. The ample supply of 

 pure water in Oak Creek, that gushes from the granite rocks of the 

 basal slopes of the Whitney Range, has proved to be excellent for the 

 propagation of trout. The fry advance very rapidly and are strong 



Fig. 38. Picturesquely situated at the eastern base of the Sierra in Inyo County, 

 the Mount Whitney Hatchery is the best constructed and best equipped hatchery 

 in the state. 



and vigorous. The distribution of the fish has been very satisfactory 

 in every particular. 



The grounds around the hatchery have been ornamented and 

 improved. 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. 

 While it is true that the station is located at a considerable distance 

 from some of the southern California and San Joaquin Valley sections, 

 which receive their supply of trout therefrom, the transportation facil- 

 ities are very good, the trains being run on schedules which permit of 

 the fish being delivered to the applicants within a very short time after 

 leaving the hatchery. Consequently the fry are in the very best possi- 

 ble condition when planted in the streams. AVhile it may appear, to 

 one not familiar with the existing conditions, that the distribution of 

 the fish from Mount Whitney Hatchery is more expensive than from 



