68 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
sou Bayou is the long- moss ( Tillandsia usneoides ), which covers nearly every tree. 
In the immediate vicinity of Mcholstone the large oaks are magnificent with the long 
festoons of this interesting epiphyte. A number of small creeks or brooks] flow into 
this bayou, but they are usually quite narrow and not deep. At the time of our visit 
they were nearly dry except here and there where were found pools 1 to 4 feet deep, 
filled witli stagnant, bad-smelling water. These pools have muddy bottoms and are full 
of logs and snags. 
In the lower part of the bayou are found many of the salt-water fishes of the bay 
together with oysters, shrimps, and many other salt or brackish water forms. In the 
upper portion were species of several genera of fresh-water fishes, such as Micropterus, 
Lepomis , Ictiobus, Plmepliales , Notemigonus , and the like. In some places species of these 
fresh- water genera were found mixed with soles, Gambusia, and other Oyprinodonts. 
This stream was examined at Mcholstone and for several miles both above and 
below that place. 
Clear Creek is a stream very much like Dickinson Bayou. It rises in Harris County, 
south of Houston, and Hows east to Galveston Bay about 7 miles above the mouth of 
Dickinson Bayou. Hear its mouth it flows through Clear Lake, a small sheet of some- 
what brackish water. Its banks are lined with a heavy growth of moss-covered oaks 
and other trees. Its fish life is essentially of the same character as that of Dickinson 
Bayou. 
In Clear Lake, which is near the month of the creek, are found the various species 
of brackish- water fishes common to the region, and oysters are found in some parts of 
the lake. 
Houston . — Considerable time was given to an examination of the waters about this 
city. It became readily apparent that the streams in the vicinity of Houston could 
not be depended upon for fresh water, as they are all more or less subject to sudden 
rises, when their waters become more or less muddy. The only stream we saw that is 
probably an exception to this is Hunter Creek west of Houston several miles. Excel- 
lent water, however, could be gotten by means of artesian wells, of which there is 
quite a number in and about Houston. One at the creosoting works is 670 feet deep. 
With a 6-inch pipe it flows about 100 gallons per minute. The temperature of the 
water at this well is 73°, and it is apparently fresh and suitable for fish. Another 
well, belonging to Mr. Jacob Kilper, in the western part of the city, was examined. 
Mr. Kilper has constructed a number of ponds here which are supplied chiefly from 
the artesian well. Carp that were placed in these ponds some years ago have done 
well. Eight or ten other species of fish have found their way into these ponds and 
seem to find the water satisfactory. Among these species are Dorosoma cepedianum, 
Notemigonus ehrysoleucus , Clmnobryttus gulosus , Lepomis pallidus , and Gambusia pa- 
truelis. 
About 3 miles southeast from Houston is a tract of land known as the Kownslar 
Place, lying on Buffalo Bayou, which would prove a very suitable site for the station 
should artesian water be considered satisfactory. This land lies about 25 feet above 
Buffalo Bayou and slopes very suitably for the purposes for which it would be used. 
The Texas Transportation Railroad runs within an eighth of a mile of this place, and 
an electric line will be built to it very soon. Should this land be deemed suited to our 
purposes I am assured by prominent citizens of Houston that it could be obtained on 
terms satisfactory to the Commission. 
