FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. I 1 5 



way might prove detrimental in the future. For over seventy years all kinds of foul 

 matter had been collecting in and around these springs. The accumulation varied in 

 depth from one to four feet. All of this had to be removed down to the hard, 

 gravelly bottom, over at least an acre and one-half. This process developed quite a 

 large additional amount of water. All of the springs are now clean, and a wall or 

 diking constructed about them to prevent their again filling up. This insures to the 

 hatchery a sure supply of pure water. 



At the Cold Spring Hatchery, on Long Island, new ponds have been built, so that 

 the water supply can be fully utilized, and the greatest number of fish possible turned 

 out. With these additional ponds, and the necessary grading that has been done 

 upon the grounds, it makes this plant one of the most attractive in the State. 



Another very gratifying fact in regard to this hatchery is, that it has on hand for 

 distribution more fingerlings and yearlings than the total production of the hatchery 

 for three previous years. 



At the Beaverkill Hatchery, in Sullivan county, the water supply always becomes 

 so. warm in the summer that it is impossible to rear fingerlings, and all the spring's 

 hatch of fry must be taken away by the first or middle of May, on account of the 

 water warming up so very fast at the beginning of hot weather. 



Locating a small spring on the hills about 1,200 feet from the hatchery, and 

 finding that it was feasible to pipe the water to the hatchery, a contract was made 

 with the owner of the spring, allowing the Commission to collect the water and con- 

 duct it to the hatchery for one year without charge, and if at the end of the year the 

 Commission wished to continue using the water, they could lease the spring and the 

 right to convey the water to the hatchery for a term of forty-nine years for $100, 

 which would be in full for all rights during said term. 



The work of conducting this water to the hatchery was all done early in December, 

 and considering the small amount of water otherwise obtainable, the supply has 

 certainly been worth double the cost, and I recommend that the Commission lease 

 the spring. 



About 5,000 fingerling trout were reared at this hatchery since the above spring 

 water supply was obtained. 



Other springs, situated from two to five thousand feet from the hatchery, that will 

 furnish considerable more pure water, can be leased if desired. 



The necessary repairs and the improved water supply for each of the hatcheries 

 has had the most careful attention. All of the hatcheries are run to their greatest 

 capacity. New and improved methods are being introduced, and it may be said 

 without exaggeration that the hatcheries of New York State are superior to any of 

 the kind in this or any other country. 



