FISH-CULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS IN TEXAS. 
73 
The Comal Springs. — There are a great many springs in the vicinity of New Braun- 
fels, the principal group being known as the Comal Springs. There are several springs 
in this group situated upon the land of Mr. Joseph Landa, a little over a mile north- 
west of New Braunfels. The largest of these flows, perhaps, as much as 50,000 gallons 
per minute, and is certainly a magnificent spring. The other springs of the same 
group flow at least as much more. 
The main spring comes out near the foot of a limestone hill, and after running 
rapidly for a short distance over a pebbly bottom and in a narrow channel it widens 
out into quite a pond with mud bottom and filed with vegetation. This pond also 
receives the water from numerous other springs, and has its outlet in Comal Creek (or 
the Bio Comal), which, after a course of 2 or 3 miles, joins the Guadalupe Elver. 
The water of these springs is, of course, very clear. The temperature is 75°. 
About 2 miles north of the town is another group of springs, smaller than that 
just described. The amount of water is abundant, however, and very suitable for fish- 
cultural purposes. Suitable land could be had in the vicinity of either of these clusters 
of springs, so situated as to enable the water to be gotten readily under control. 
Fishes are very abundant in the Bio Comal and the small streams flowing from 
the various springs to form that stream. The species represented are the same as 
those found in the Guadalupe, already mentioned. Among the small mollusks found 
in and about these streams we noted Planorhis bicarinatus Say and Goniobasis alex- 
andrensis Lea. Each of these was quite abundant. 
San Marcos River. — This river and the springs in the vicinity of San Marcos were 
examined December 4. The river has its rise in a number of springs at the foot of a 
limestone ledge or hill just above the town. All these springs together form a large 
deep stream, from the bottom of which, near the upper end, wells up the principal spring. 
The water here is not less than 12 or 15 feet deep, and the water boils up with such force 
and in such enormous quantity as to keep the surface of the river visibly convex 
immediately over the spring. Some distance below a dam has been built, which fur- 
nishes power for running a large mill and for the electric-light plant of the town. 
The temperature of the water here, like that in all the springs of this part of Texas, 
is about 75°. Many water plants are found in the stream, particularly above the dam, 
and such species offish as the large-mouthed black bass, sunfish, and various species 
of Cyprinoids are abundant. 
The water of these springs is no doubt well fitted in every way for the culture of 
the various species offish that are suited to the streams of Texas. 
Just below the dam on the right bank of the stream, and right at the edge of the 
town, is a tract of land of some 25 acres, which lies exceedingly well for the purposes 
contemplated. Water can be carried in pipes from the dam to any part of the tract. 
The slope is sufficient for the easy construction of the ponds. 
San Marcos is centrally located and has satisfactory railroad facilities. 
Not far below the town the San Marcos Biver receives the Bio Blanco from the east. 
This stream is quite deep in places, and much like the San Marcos in general features. 
Colorado River. — This is a large stream rising in the north central part of the State 
and flowing southeast to Matagorda Bay. We made investigations along this river 
in the vicinity of Austin. Just above the city and on the right side of the river is a 
large spring, known as Barton Spring. Barton Creek, which is formed by this and a 
