1052 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [2] 



time a messenger gets back to headquarters most of tlie receipts show- 

 ing the safe delivery of the fish have reached the files of the division of 

 distribution. 



The total number of applications for carp filed since the inauguration 

 of the work of distribution is about 25,000. These are numbered seriatim 

 in the order of date of reception, and the receipts are numbered to cor- 

 respond with the applications to which they belong. 



The total number of applications filed during the year 1883 was 10,060, 

 classified by months, as follows : 



January, 800; February, 820; March, 860; April, 800; May, 200; June^ 

 600; July, 680; August, 560; September, 1,380; October, 1,920; Novem- 

 ber, 800; December, 840. Total, 10,060. 



The preparation of the correspondence relating to distribution, or in- 

 cidental to it, and the replies to the numerous and diversified inquiries 

 relating to fish culture in general, is also one of the duties of the chief 

 of the division of distribution. 



Much of the correspondence relates to routine matters, and is pre- 

 pared by Mr. J. J. O'Connor, the very efficient corresponding clerk in 

 the division of distribution. 



Much of it, however, relates to the general adaiinistration of the di- 

 vision or other matters necessitating the personal attention of the chief 

 of the division, and in many cases much time is consumed in preparing 

 the necessary data upon which to base satisfactory replies. 



Under the instructions of the Commissioner, the chief of the division 

 of distribution is charged with the direction and control of the Central 

 Station of the Commission, in "Washington, and of the trout-breeding 

 station at Wytheville, Ya. 



The former, if its importance is to be measured by the results ob- 

 tained, is the ijrincipal station for the jiroduction of shad fry for trans- 

 planting to new or depleted waters, while the latter is the only station 

 devoted to the raising of the rainbow trout for transplanting to suitable 

 streams in the Atlantic and Gulf States. 



Separate reports for each station will be found elsewhere in this vol- 

 ume. 



II. — OAR AND MESSENGER SERVICE. 



After the completion of the carp distribution of 1882, Fish Commis- 

 sion cars Nos. 1 and 2 were sent to the shops and were thoroughly 

 overhauled and put in complete repair in preparation for the spring 

 work. Early in February car No. 1, in charge of J. F. Ellis, was put in 

 commission and ordered to Northville, Mich., to report to F. Nc Clark, 

 superintendent of North ville Station, and make the distribution of white- 

 fish fry from there. An account of this work and a tabular summary of 

 the distribution will be found in the report of the United States Fish 

 Commission for 1882. 



Car No. 1 was held in reserve for the shad work. This was delayed 

 for ten days or more beyond the usual period, in consequence of the 



