FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 187 



trout stations having suitable pond space for the natural reproduction of 

 the buckeye shiner, and a very important problem in the rearing of trout 

 will be solved. 



In June. 1906. Foreman Scriba discovered some small eggs attached 

 to the under surface of stones in Frederick creek. As they could not be 

 identified in the form of eggs, he was requested to place them in one of 

 the hatcherv troughs for development. The eggs were readily hatched, 

 and when the young fish were sent to the office of the Commission for 

 identification, they were found to be the common " Johnny Darter," a 

 very important food for the larger fishes. 



Usually in May a small fish known as the trout-perch ascends Scriba 

 creek and Frederick creek in immense schools for the purpose of spawn- 

 ing. This little fish is one of the most valuable kinds of food for pike 

 perch and other large fishes of Oneida lake. A peculiarity about it in 

 Scriba creek is the occurrence of an eye disease which destroys one eye 

 and sometimes both eyes during the spring months. The cause of the dis- 

 ease has not yet been fully studied, although specimens of the affected 

 fish were sent to the Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C, where they 

 have been examined by Mr. M. C. Marsh. In order to arrive at a solution 

 of this strange phenomenon, it will be necessary to keep living specimens 

 under observation at Constantia and when this has been done a singularly 

 fatal fish disease will be more easily described. All that is available for 

 publication at present is the brief preliminary notice from Mr. Marsh 

 which will be found in the paragraph on trout perch. 



Fultox Chain Hatchery. 



A visit to the Fulton Chain Hatchery showed the brook trout and lake 

 trout fry in excellent condition. The pressing need of the station is an 

 improved water supply to provide for the rearing of brook trout and other 

 sj>ecies to suitable age for distribution. Provision has recently been made 

 for important betterments including the purchase of land and water rights 

 which will greatly increase the usefulness of the establishment. This 

 hatchery is capable of doing very good work, and if the appropriation asked 

 for is granted it will bring about a surprising change. The station should 

 either be improved or abandoned. 



