LIX 
C arp — ( Cyprinus carpio.) 
In our previous reports we have recorded the successful 
importation of the German carp. We are now able to present 
some of the good results therefrom. The fish left in our care 
by the U. S. Commissioner, as stated in our report, January, 
1879, were not placed in the ponds constructed for their recep- 
tion until late in the spring. It was not thought advisable 
to draw the water from but one of these ponds in the fall, but 
from the one drawn we secured about 7,000 young fish for 
distribution. This fish is especially adapted for small ponds, 
and is essentially a domestic fish, we were desirous, therefore, 
To issue them in small numbers and to those wishing to culti- 
vate them in artificial ponds. We deemed it advisable to 
notify the people of the State, through the principal papers, 
that upon application at the Druid Hill Hatching House, ten 
pairs of this fish would be given to every person desiring to 
stock a pond within the limits of the State. The carp is ex- 
ceedingly prolific, one of four or five pounds weight produc- 
ing from 400,000 to 500,000 eggs. One of double the weight 
mentioned would yield at least 1,500,000 eggs, the number 
allowed for stocking a pond was, therefore, considered ample, 
their offspring would soon be numerous enough to stock a 
considerable lake. 
Under this system of distribution seventy-five persons have 
been supplied up to this time. 
The demand for carp not being as great as was anticipated 
— our people evidently not appreciating its great value as a 
food-fish, and one eminently qualified for domestic purposes, 
we arranged with the U. S. Commissioner to supply him with 
3500 for present distribution. That number was, accord- 
ingly, turned over to his messengers, with the understanding 
that in return for them the State of Maryland was to receive 
other fish when the National Carp Ponds at Washington w T ere 
drawn. As the fish in the Washington ponds are of the leather 
<iarp variety, which is greatly superior to the scale-carp — of 
which the greater part of those in Druid Hill Park consist — we 
hope to be able in the spring to distribute the more valuable 
