KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, LXXXVn 



preferable in some respects to the otlier varieties. Through the cour- 

 tesy of the Deutsche MscJierei-Verein, a number of specimens were 

 received and placed in the ponds. They will be isolated from the other 

 varieties, and their young will be distributed to such persons as wish 

 to have them. . 



Much trouble is experienced at the United States carp ponds from the 

 attacks of birds, rats, and snakes, the attention of the superintendent 

 and his assistants being constantly occupied in destroying them. Dur- 

 ing the year more than a thousand.water-snakes were destroyed, mostly 

 by shooting them. Many fish-hawks, kingfishers, night-herons, &c., 

 were also killed. 



j>. The Goldfish (Carassius auratus). 



Central Station. — Goldfish were raised as usual, in large numbers, at 

 the carp ponds under the direction of Mr. Hessel. 



During this year there were 5,001 goldfish distributed to 802 appli- 

 cants, in thirty-three States and Territories. 



q. The Golden Ide or Orf (Leuciscus idus). 



This ornamental fish, which occurs in great variety and is very at- 

 tractive, is cultivated by the Commission for distribution. It attains a 

 length of about 18 inches, is of a beautiful orange red when seen from 

 above, and silvery when observed laterally. It is continually in motion 

 and swims round in schools close to the surface of the water, being in 

 this respect much preferable to the goldfish. It has proved to be a 

 very delicate fish, and though quite a number have been raised and 

 distributed, serious losses are experienced by the cold snaps which kill 

 the eggs. 



r. The Tench (Tinea vulgaris). 



A small number of tench are cultivated in the Washington ponds, but 

 there is little demand for them. 



8. The Catfish {Amitirus). 



In previous reports reference has been made to the successful intro- 

 duction of the catfish (Amiurus nehulosus) into the waters of California, 

 their multiplication, and the very high esteem in which the fish has 

 been held as an article of food. Specimens have been taken from that 

 State to Nevada by Mr. Parker, fish commissioner of the latter State, 

 where it bids fair to multiply. There are quite a number of species 

 from which a selection may be made, and there is every reason to believe 

 that the fish will in time be in great demand among fish-culturists. 



Mr. J. r. Jones, of Hogansville, Ga., has been cultivating one of the 

 Southern species and considers it a very important food-fish, growing 

 very rapidly, living on vegetable substances, and spawning when one 

 year old. A fuller statement of Mr. Jones's experience with this fish 

 will be found on page 321 of vol. iv of the Fish Commission Bulletin. 



