U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, GEORGE M. BOWERS, Commissioner. p^RT xx:iv. REPORT THE COMMISSIONER THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1898. WASHINGTON: G-OVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1899. 17?^ CONTENTS Page. Report of the Commissioner vii-xxix Report on the Propagation and Distribution of Food-Fishes. By W. de C. Ravenel xxxi-cxxii Report on Inquiry respecting Food-fishes and the Fishing-Grounds. By Hugh M. Smith cxxiii-cxxvi Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By C. H. Townsend cxLvn-CLXXV APPENDICES. Report on Mackerel Investigations in 1897. By J. Percy Moore 1-22 Report on Fishes obtained by the Steamer Albatross in the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island and Monterey Bay. By Charles H. Gilbert 23-29 Notes on the Extent and Condition of the Alewife Fishefies of the United States in 1896. By Hugh M. Smith 31-43 Report on the Oyster Beds of Louisiana. By H. F. Moore 45-100 The Shad Fisheries of the Atlantic Coast of the United States. By Charles H. Stevenson 101-269 List of Fishes collected at the Revillagigedo Archipelago and Neighboring Islands. By David Starr Jordan and R. C. McGregor 271-284 Report on Investigations by the U. S. Fish Commission in Mississippi, Louisi- ana, and Texas in 1897. By Barton W. E vermann 285-310 List of Publications of the U. S. Fish Commission available for Distribution March 1, 1899 311-327 Report on the Exhibit of the U. S. Fish Commission at the Tennessee Centen- nial Exposition in 1897. By W. de C. Ravenel 329-339 lU LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Plate I. II. in, IV. V. VI. VII, vm IX. X. XI. XII. xni. XVII. XVIII. XIX XX XXI Plate 1. Page. Manchester Station, Iowa, Rearing-pontls and Hatchery VII Bird's-eye view of St. Johusbury Station, Vt XIl Fishway, improved Cail System XXX Car No. 3, Exterior XXXI Car ISTo. 3, Interior XXXIV Main Entrance to Aquarium, Omaha XXXVI General View of the Fish Commission Exhibit, Omaha XXXVIII Interior of the Grotto, looking from one of the Pools, Omaha XL (1) Hatchery at St. Johnsbury, Vt. (2) Boat equipped with Jack-light for cap- turing Trout at night on their Spawning-beds at Caspian Lake XLIV Two Views of Trap at Groton, Vt., 1897 XL VI Hatchery at Gloucester ; View from Gloucester Harbor L Interior view of Gloucester Hatchery showing Cod Boxes in operation LII Development of the Whitefish Embryo.— (1) Unfertilized Whitefish Egg, 2i hours old. (2) Fertilized Whitefish Egg, 6 hours old, germinal discs forming, no segmentation having taken place. (3) "Whitefish Egg, 12 hours old, .show- ing first Cleavage ; water, 38°. (4) Whitefish Egg, eighteenth hour, water 38°, showing second Segmentation; 4 cells formed. (5) Whitefish Egg, 24 hours old; water, 38°. (6) Whitefish Egg, 48 hours old; water, 38° LXXU Developmentof the Whitefish Embryo.— (7) Fertilized Whitefish Egg, 72 hours old, showing Segmentation well advanced. (8) Whitefish Egg, seventh day, Embryo beginning to show. (9) Whitefish Egg, 43 days okl, showing Embryo. (10) Whitefish Egg, 90 days old, showing embryo. (11) Whitefish Egg Yolk, ruptured by rough handling, 24 hours old. (12) Whitefish Eggs with triple discs LXXLC Development of the Whitefish Embryo.— (13) Whitefish Eggs showing twin discs, 3 days old. (14) Whitefish Egg, twin disc, sixth day. (15) Whitefish Eggs, showing twin discs, 7 days old. (16) Whitefish Eggs, showing twin discs, 8 days old. (17) Whitefish Egg, showing twin discs, 13 days old. (18) Whitefish Egg, showing twin discs, 15 days old LXXU Developmentof the Whitefish Embryo (19) Double-headed Whitefish Fry just hatched. (20) Double-headed Whitefish Fry. (21) A Common Deformity of Curved Spine of Whitefish Fry. (22) Whitefish Fry just hatched, three-eyed, Curved Spine. (23) A Common Deformity of "Whitefish Fry. (24) Four-eyed Whitefish Fry LXXU Duluth Hatchery LXXX Duluth Hatchery, Nursery troughs, and Storehouse LXXXII Bass ponds at Manchester, Iowa LXXXIV Little White Salmon River, looking north, showing the two new Hatcheries, Office, and Mess-house C Little White Salmon Elver, showing Hatcheries and Lumber Flume CIV Eadulinus boleoides 26 Averruncus sterletus 28 Chart showing Oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish, La 100 Myrichthys pantostigmius 284 Zalocys stilbe 284 Cantherines carolse , 284 Azurina hirundo 284 Polyodon spathula. Lepisosteus platostomus 310 Amia calva. Galeichthys felis 310 Felichthy 8 marinus 310 Ictalurusfurcatus 310 Ictalurus anguilla 310 V VI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Plate 13. Ictalurus punctatus 310 14. Ameiurus melas 310 15. Leplops olivaris • 310 16. Ictiobus cyprinella 310 1 7. Ictiobus bubalus 310 18. Notropis chamberlaini 310 19. Notropis louisianaj 310 20. Dorosoma cepedianuin exile 310 21. Signalosa atchafalayio 310 22. Brevoortia tyrannus patronus 310 23. Lucius vermiculatus 310 24. Mugil cepbalus 3 10 25. Pomoxis auuularis 310 26. Pomoxis sparoides 310 27. Chicnobryttus gulosus 310 28. Micropterus salmoides 310 29. Roccus cbrysops 310 30. Lagodon rbomboides 310 31. Archoaargua probatocepbalus 310 32. Cynoscion nebulosus 310 33. Sciaenops ocellatus 310 34 Leiostomus xanthurus 310 35. Micropogon undulatus 310 36. Aplodinotus grunniens 310 37. Diagram TJ. S. Fish Commission Exhibit at Centennial and International Exposition, Nashvillo, Tenn 331 Report U. S. F. C REPORT Ol*- THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1898. I have tlie honor to submit a rejiort of the work of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries for the year ending June 30, 1898, together with the reports of the assistants in charge of its divisions, which, with the papers describing special investigations, published as appendices to this report or in the Bulletin of the Commission, form a (tomplete record of its operations for this period. The Commission was under the direction of Commissioner John J. Brice until February 1(), 1898, when the present Commissioner, George M. Bowers, appointed February 1, took charge. In view of the marked increase of the work of the Commission and the addition of the new stations authorized each year by Congress, and the consequent enlarged demands on its resources, it is impossible to carry on its operations in such manner as to obtain the best results with the present appropriation, which is small considering the impor- tant interests at stake, representing millions of dollars invested in the fislieries and allied interests throughout the country. It is, therefore, earnestly recommended that the estimates submitted, embodying cer- tain increases, be favorably acted on by Congress, particularly those items providing for the propagation of food-fishes and for the contin- gent expenses required for scientific and statistical investigations, the demands for which are steadily increasing. Special technical information is frequently desired for important objects, such as protective legislation by the States or the extension or establishment of fishery enterprises, and this often involves exten- sive studies or investigations of aquatic life, which can be carried on only under Government auspices. Appropriations are needed for the improvement of the grounds and buildings at some of the stations, and the efficiency of several could be materially enhanced by additions to their water supply and enlargement of their pond systems. The sta- tions are always places of public interest in their respective neighbor- hoods, and while they are not designed for parks or pleasure-grounds it appears eminently proper that they should be made attractive and beautified to a certain degree. VIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. While the division reports describe the work in detail, attention may- be called to the progress made in fish propagation, and to some of the more important investigations and canvasses carried on by the Divi- sions of Inquiry respecting Food-fishes and of Statistics. DIVISION OF FISH-CULTURE. The operations of this division were in many resj)ects more important than in any past year, owing in part to the natural growth of the work and in part to greater efficiency in dealing with the various questions and problems that come up for consideration. The propagation and distribution of food-fishes during the present fiscal year exceeded by about 40 per cent the work accomplished in any other similar period. The number of adult and yearling fishes, fry, and eggs distributed in public and ijrivate waters or transferred to the State authorities was about 857,000,000, of which the largest number rep- resented important commercial species, like the shad, cod, whitefish, salmon, lake trout, herring, pike i)erch, and lobster. There were 33 hatching stations and substations in use, the one located at Erwin, Tenn., having been completed and placed in operation in addition to those mentioned last year. The steamer Fish Hatch was also utilized for shad-hatching in Albemarle Sound and the Delaware River. A comparison of the output for this year with that of last shows a marked expansion in the hatching of shad. Pacific salmon, and cod. The extension of the salmon-hatching work on the Pacific coast was esiiecially gratifying, as the enormous annual drain on the salmon streams of that region makes it very important that the supply should be kept up by artificial means. At the substation situated on Battle Creek, a tributary of the Sacramento River, the largest collection of salmon eggs (48,000,000) in the history of fish-culture was made in the fall of 1897. Although there are several desirable species of salmon in the Pacific rivers, the Commission gives its principal attention to the chinook or quinnat salmon, which is the species most desired for canning and fresh consumption. Some light has been thrown on the results of fish-cultural work on the west coast by the recent capture of a consid- erable number of large salmon with the soft dorsal fin missing. These are fish that were liberated from the Government hatcheries about three years ago, when they were less than a year old, after having been marked by the removal of the adipose fin. The work of the Commis- sion is very popular in the West, and its value is generally recognized by the salmon fishermen and canners. The wall-eyed pike or pike perch, Stizostedion vitreum, is one of the most valuable of the fishes of the Great Lakes. In Lake Erie, where by far the largest part of the catch is taken, it ranks first in money value. The fishing interests being desirous that the Government should keep up the supply, the propagation of this species, which had been discontinued for several years, was resumed in the spring of 18U8 at REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. IX Putin-Bay Station, on Lake Erie, 221,062,500 eggs being collected. It was also designed to take up this work on Lake Ontario, where formerly there was a comparatively large catch, but after careful investigation it was found that but few spawning fish were found on fishing-grounds that a few years ago yielded tons of fish. This disappearance from their usual spawning-grounds was attributed by some to the discharge of refuse from mills and Victories into the tributaries of Lake Ontario. 30,000,000 of the eggs collected at Put-in Bay were Transferred to the Lake Ontario station, and the fry resulting from them were ])lauted in the St. Lawrence. The passage of laws by the State of Michigan prohibiting the capture of whitefish and lake trout in Lakes Huron and Michigan from Novem- ber 1 to December 15, unfortunately caused the abandonment of white- fish work on these lakes. Efforts were made to collect eggs at Duluth, but very few were secured. At Putin Bay, Lake Erie, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather that prevailed during the fall, 112,842,000 whitefish and 27,786,000 cisco or lake-herring eggs were collected from fish taken by the commercial fishermen ; 10,000,000 of these were sent to Alpena, Mich., to be hatched and liberated in Lake Huron. Further experiments were conducted on Lake Erie to determine the practicability of holding in pens the adult whitefish taken prior to the spawning season; 1,200 fish were secured from the fishermen in the vicinity of Put-in Bay and impounded in floating live-boxes, and over 10,000,000 eggs were thus secured. The results of the experiment, though not as large as anticipated, are encouraging, and will probably lead to a considerable extension of whitefish proi^agation in Lake Erie, as in this way a definite supply of spawners can be depended on. Stormy weather has in the past often prevented the taking of sufficient numbers of fish during the spawning season. In conducting this experimental work great assistance was rendered by the fishermen, who allowed the Commission to take fish from their pound nets without charge and hold them in live-boxes until after the spawning season, when they were returned to the fishermen. The lake-trout work at Northville and Alj)ena stations iu Michigan was larger than heretofore, notwithstanding that the passage of the act previously referred to cut short the collecting season materially and few eggs could be obtained from grounds that had in the past yielded large numbers. There is little doubt that under ordinary conditions the collections for Northville, which reached 12,000,000, would have doubled that amount. The propagation of marine species, such as cod, flatfish, i)ollock, and lobsters, was the object of attention on the Atlantic Coast, at the Woods Hole and Gloucester stations. Profiting by the preliminary investiga- tion made during the previous year, large numbers of cod eggs were obtained at Plymouth, which, with those taken from the brood-fish held at Woods Hole, made an aggregate of 153,436,000 eggs, which yielded X REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 105,863,000 fry. Over 100,000,000 eggs were also collected at Kittery Point, Maine, which were transferred to the Gloucester Station, from which 96,700,000 cod fry were hatched and liberated. During the months of November and December between 7,000,000 and 8,000,000 pollock eggs were collected from boats fishing out of Glou- cester, and the fry resulting from them were planted in neighboring waters. It was intended to take up the propagation of this species on a large scale, but most of the pollock in that vicinity are now captured with hand lines instead of gill nets, making it impossible to obtain spawning fish in quantities. The constant decline in the lobster fishery accentuates the necessity for increased work in this line. The schooner Grampus was employed during the mouths of April, May, and June in collecting egg lobsters along the entire coast of Maine. The fisheries on the coasts of Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut were looked after by fishing smacks and steam launches, and as a result of these efforts 95,000,000 fry were liberated. During the spring of 1898 over 300,000,000 shad eggs were collected on the Delaware, Susquehanna, and PotoDiac rivers, and in the Albe- marle Sound, North Carolina; 228,000,000 of these eggs were hatched and the fry planted — a very satisfactory increase over the previous year. The usual shad oi^erations on the Delaware with the Fish Hawk were interrupted by the war, which caused the detail of that vessel for naval service. To prevent the abandonment of the work, arrangements were made with the Pennsylvania authorities to operate the State hatchery at Bristol. An important new feature of the fish-cultural work was the hatching of 3,000,000 fry of the grayling at Bozeman Station. This fine food and game fish has a very limited distribution, and its artificial propagation has heretofore been chiefly experimental. The efforts to acclimatize food-fishes in waters to which they are not indigenous have been continued by transferring quantities of eggs of the quinnat salmon and steelhead trout to eastern stations to be hatched, so that the fry could be planted in Atlantic coastal streams. Adult tautog, lobsters, and blue crabs have been sent to California and planted in the Pacific. Many of the lobsters were females with eggs, and the plant should result iu from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 fry besides the adult lobsters. The steady increase in the catch of shad in the United States is con- clusive evidence of the value of artificial propagation. In the year 1880, prior to which time but little work of this character had been done, the catch of shad iu the United States vv^as 18,071,534 pounds; and in the years immediately succeeding 1880 until 1885, Avhen the first results of artificial propagation became observable, the supply of these fish had decreased to such an extent that it was feared they would be exhausted for commercial purposes. In 1888 tbe catch had increased to 35,736,585 pounds, and iu 1896, the last year for which REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XI there are accurate data, the catch was 50,866,308 pounds, or, in round numbers, 13,QpO,000 fish as against a little over 5,000,000 in 1880, an increase of over 150 per cent. The value of the shad fishery to the fisheruieu in 1880 was $905,790; in 1896 it amounted to $1,656,711. The Commission expended during the fiscal year 1896-97, $15,726.36, and in the following year $16,356.99 in tlie propagation and distribution of this species. At an average annual expenditure of $15,000 per annum since 1880, the total expended in the propagation of this species during sixteen years would amount to $240,000. As a consequence of the greater abundance of the fish the cost has been materially lessened, but even at the price actually received the increased 33,000,000 pounds was worth $1,049,000, or $809,000 more than has been expended by the Commission on the propagation of this species, exclusive of the cost of the stations, in sixteen years. Table showing the number offish andegijs furnished for distributinn by the various stations. Source of supply. Species. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. Golden trout 10, 000 25, 000 75, 000 79,144 321,721 70, 998 22, 966 901, 066 Lake trout Landlocked salmon 111,243 121 830 16, 208 203 697 Craig Brook Me . . Atlantic salmon 400, 000 1, 975, 070 60, 000 1 960 Quinnat salmon ''35 935 35, 941 Scotch sea trout .... I 589 Rainbow trout 355 St. Johusbury, Vt Brook trout. .. 120, 300 56i, 666 14, 000 106, 626 3,928 96, 707, 000 4, 455, 000 65, 097, 000 105, 863, 000 39, 337, 000 30, 192, 000 982, 331 90, 060 56, 000 4, 691, 801 97, 071 10,043,750 5, 647, 000 15, 460, 000 75, 490, 000 Steelhead trout Landlocked salmon Gloucester Mass Cod Pollock Woods Hole, Mass Cod Lobster Steelhead trout Brook trout Atlantic salmon Steamer Fish Hawk Shad 1,811,000 Bristol, Pa ...do Battery Station, Md risk Pouds, D. C .. .do 68, 881, 000 ...do 3, 036, 000 14 222 Black bass, large-mouth Black bass, small-mouth 1 837 Crappie 779 Shad. 5, 179, 000 5, 717, 000 7,282 7,948 8,668 19, 640 3,085 47, 366, 000 25, 000 Rainbow trout Lake trout Shad Wytheville, Va KO, 000 169 295 Rock bass 7 898 Put-in Bay, Ohio. 908, 800 80, 290, 000 18, 970, 000 71, 110, 000 Whitefisb 200, 000 Pike perch 2 Black bass small-mouth 89 Rock bass 268 Sunflsh XII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Number offish and e()(js furnished for distribution by the various stations — Continued. Source of supply. Species. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. 1,010,000 2,000 5,000 3, 543, 000 228, 000 8,000 85, 000 1,000 3,500 8,000 A1r»or.Q TVfiVli Lake trout 1, 445, 000 8, 100, 000 5, 143, 000 92, 550 130, 000 98, 000 St^filliAirt trnnt WTiitefish Black bass 24, 808 3,103 4,000 19, 000 437, 000 14, 000 Kainbow trout 73, 219 Black bass 10, 101 13, 618 5, 912 30, 755 Rock bass 3,700 50 172, 000 581,000 270, 000 21, 000 7,500 172, 100 Yellow-fin trout 15, 000 8,000 T> TIT + Brook trout 6,000 45, 000 Gravlino' 1, 500, 000 6, 511, 800 1, 276, 000 35, 950 650, 000 1, 970, 000 5, 885, 500 10, 029, 796 5,175 4, 390, 000 145, 396 1, 910, 045 7, 391, 886 440, 275 6, 555, 000 4,085 60, 000 Battle Creek, Cal do do 24, 050, 000 Upper Clackamas, Oreg do T itflft WhitA SnltnoTi do MflT^lAtnn Orp.p- do .... Summary of distribution. Species. Eggs. Pry and fin- gerlings. Adults and yearlings. Total. 75, 871, 000 30, 605, 000 400, 000 171, 243 60, 000 20, 000 130, 000 149,155,000 45, 543, 558 2, 072, 139 7,005 1, 113, 354 20, 457 90, 022 258, 400 1, 863, 798 12, 521, 219 3, 036, 000 230, 200 220, 635 121,088 53, 572 8,000 249, 532 228, 062, 000 78, 378, 758 2, 692, 774 299, 336 1, 226, 926 48, 457 475, 554 258, 400 319, 300 1, 085, 000 161, 391 2, 344, 489 13, 606, 219 1,589 1,589 7,500 79, 144 1, 500, 000 88, 488, 000 81, 153, 750 18, 970, 000 7,500 10, 000 89, 144 1, 500, 000 200, 000 88, 488, 000 81, 153, 750 18, 970, 000 76, 064 1,884 3,369 69 23, 352 5,912 76,064 1,884 3, 369 Sunfi^h 69 23, 352 5,912 Cod ... 202, 570, 000 4, 455, 000 39, 337, 000 95, 234, 000 202, 570, 000 Pollock 4, 455, 000 39, 337, 000 Lobster 95, 234, 000 Total 108, 871, 543 744, 445, 346 4,192,657 857, 309, 546 Report U. S F. C. 1898^ (To face page XII ) Plate II. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIH The cars of tbe Commission traveled 98,964 miles and detached mes- sengers 121,160 miles while distributing fishes during the year Tlie Commission was again the recipient of material assistance from many railroads, as shown by the following list of roads giving free transpor- tation, without which the work would have been much curtailed- Name of railroad. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Ewv . Atlantic CoaBt Line. Austin and Northwestern E. E . Bangor and Aroostook E. E Bennington and Eutland Ewy Boston and Albany E. E . . . . . " " ' Boston and Maine E. E Burlington, Cedar Eapids and Northern Ewy Burlington and Missouri Eiver E. E. iu Nebraska. Carolina and Northwestern Ewv Central Vermont E. E ....] Chesapeake and Ohio Ewy Chicago, Burlington and C^uincy I^.e' ..'.'. Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Ewy. Chicago and West Michigan Ewy . cZfA'iZtan%'^^!y' ^'^'^ StiLouis Ewy: Delaware and Hudson E. E. Denver, Leadville and Gunnison Ewy Denver and Eio Grande E. E Detroit, Grand Eapids and Western E. e' Detroit and Mackinac Ewy Detroit, Toledo and Milwaukee E. E lEwy. Duluth and Iron Eange E. E Dnlutli, South Shore and Atlantic Ewy Erfe E e"*^^^^® ^"^^ Western North Carolina E.'e! Flint and iPere Marquette E.E '.'.'. Fort Worth and Denver City Ewy Grand Eapids and Indiana Ewy . . Grand Trunk Ewy. System.... GreatNorthern Ewy .. Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Ewy.' '. Houston and Texas Central E. E Houston, East and West Texas Ewy Hunter 8 Eun and Slate Belt E.E Illinois Central E. E International and Great Northern e! E Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis R.R Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf E. E . . Louisville and Nashville E. E Maine Central E. E . Michigan Central E. E ....' Manistique Ewy MinneapoHs, St. Paul and Sanlt'sto!Mari Missouri, Kansas and Texas Ewy Mobile and Ohio E. E Montana Union Ewy . . Montpelier and Wells Eiver E.'e Sv"l' ^:^attanooga and St. LouVsEwy:::::.""' S3'"'^T.^?7 ^^^'"'^ '^"'1 Hartford E. E JNorthern Pacific Ewy Oregon E.E. and Navigation Co. ■.■.■;.■ Oregon Short Lino E. E. . Pennsylvania E. E Plant System Ein'l^.?'^!' ^X?dericksburgand Potomac e'. e' .' '. '. ." ." ' Kio Grande Western Ewy . EutlandE.E Eumford Falls and Eangeky" Lakes' Ewy' ban Antonio and Aransas Pass Ewy Sioux City and Northern E. E Sfc 1%^' '"'•'• <^"^°*- sy's-tem')-:;::::::::::: itiStei^^S^-pi^^^^^'----"::::: Texas and Pacific Ewy Union Pacific, Denver a Union Pacific System . Wabash E.E ...... Wisconsin Central 'e.'e Woodstock Ewy Gulf Ewy.. Total of free transportati Miles. 7, 723 792 26 460 2,330 1,025 2,355 1.306 1,510 1,686 1,833 556 374 'l,'944' 921 1,268 312 1,222 1,919 342 576 586 1,572 1,572 5,409 62 214 ""i52' 14 '"362 484 4,540 869 1,862 444 1,086 164 1,240 97 1,126 526 492 154 4,582 901 292 "i,"463 70 3,' 332 5,206 256 122 34 181 1,415 1,544 751 1.748 236 16 1,545 1,640 348 2,325 '"134 794 ""802 831 336 744 1,976 167 33, 346 XIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. DIVISION OF INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES. The most valuable of the fishery resources of the country, the oyster, has beeu the subject of a number of special investigations. Pursuant to a request from the legislature, governor, and citizens of Louisiana, Lieut. Franklin Swift, U. S. N., was directed to proceed with the steamer Fish Hawh to make a survey of tlie oyster-grounds of that State, in order to furnish accurate information on which to base a revision of the oyster laws, with a view to putting the oyster industry on a more sub- stantial footing. The vessel reached Mississippi Sound on January 31, and confined her work to the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish. While there was not sufficient time to complete the survey of all the oyster- grounds of the State, Dr. H. F. Moore, who took part in the investiga- tion as zoologist, made an examination of them. It was found that the fishing methods pursued have been very injurious, in some instances resulting in the practical destruction of the oysters, and that with the adoption of improved methods and proper restrictions the oyster-plant- ing industry might be greatly extended. The report of Dr. Moore has been transmitted to the governor of Louisiana. The prevalence of green oysters in the Chesapeake region and else- where having proved very serious, financially, to the oyster-growers, has received the prompt attention of the Commission. It is the general opinion among oyster-consumers that green oysters derive their color from copper, with which they have been contaminated, and are there- fore unwholesome. This belief results in large losses to oystermen, who are prevented from marketing the crop when the greenness is marked. It has been demonstrated repeatedly and announced by the Commission that the green oysters owe their color to vegetable matter which serves as food, and that no impairment in the food value of the oyster results from this condition. The announcement in the press of the discovery of copper in considerable quantities in English oysters led the Commission to make a reexamination of the subject with the result that previous tests were confirmed. Experiments in fattening oysters for the market have been con- ducted at Lynnhaven, Va., where the Commission has constructed special ponds for the purpose. The desire of the Commission to give the people of the Pacific coast a plentiful supply of eastern oysters has resulted in the shipment of a number of carloads to suitable points in California and Oregon, the plants being guarded by the local authorities during the time required for their acclimatization and propagation. In order to determine the condition of the introduced oysters, the Commission detailed Professor Washburn, of Oregon University, to visit and report on the beds. The observations, extending over the years 1897 and 1898, show that all the planted oysters have survived and grown, although there are as yet no evidences of an increase in numbers. A canvass of the sponge fisheries of Florida was made in 1896, and to determine the relative conditions of this industry ai second incpiiry REPOKT OF COMMTSRTONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XV was made by Dr. ITaj?li M. Smith in January, 1898. The second inves- tigation emphasized the necessity of action on the part of the State to prevent serious injury to tlie fisheries. During the past few years the aggregate quantity of sponges taken has steadily increased, but the increase has resulted from more extended fishing as well as from the taking of sponges of less than the legal size. The present catch is also made up of comparatively large quantities of inferior varieties, as is shown by the fact that in 1895 the output of sheepswool sponges, the best variety and that of most commercial value, comprised 76 per cent of the total catch, while in 1897 it had fallen to 47 per cent. Though the sponge-grounds have been seriously affected by excessive and illegal fishing, they may yet be renewed and become capable of yielding large returns by the adoption of remedial measures, as sug- gested in Dr. Smith's report, published in the Bulletin for 1898. From time to time during recent years reports have been received of the capture of shad in the tributaries of the Mississippi. Beginning with the spring of 1890, these fish had been taken each year in some numbers at various points in the Mississippi, Ohio, and Kanawha rivers. An opportunity was afforded of examining specimens taken in May, 1898, and a visit was made by Dr. B. W. Evermann to the localities where the capture of the fish was reported, and interesting observations were made. The fish were found to be a species of true shad, apparently resembling, though not identical with, the shad of the Atlantic coast rivers and the species of shad found in Alabama. T'hey are apparently indigenous to the rivers of the Mississippi Yalley, and not the results of i)lants of shad formerly made in those waters. During the summer of 1897 the biological surveys in the ISTorthwest, which have been in progress for several years, were carried on by field parties, chiefly under the direction of Dr. B. W. Evermann. In con- tinuation of the studies of the spawning habits of the redfish in the lakes of the Northwest, a comprehensive investigation was made of Wallowa Lake in Oregon. An examination was also begun of a series of isolated lakes lying along the southern border of Oregon, about whose fauna nothing has been known. A party visited these lakes in July and August to study their physical and biological features and to make collections of fishes and other animals inhabiting them. With the completion of these investigations and a study of the collections much light will be thrown on the characteristics of the isolated fish fauna and the origin of the fauna of these and similar lakes of Oregon, California, and Nevada. Explorations were made of the principal coastal streams of California, Washington, and Oregon, and biological examinations carried on to determine their physical characteristics, the nature of their fish fauna, and the abundance and habits of the different species of fishes fre- quenting them. The studies of the movements, habits, growth, etc., of young shad in the Potomac, and of young salmon in the Sacramento, have been XVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. continued and are aifording interesting information which will be of value in the propagation of these fishes; and investigations in Lake Superior, which were begun in April, 1897, having for their object the determining of the food supply of the fishes of that lake, will, when fin- ished, yield information of value in the planting of fish fry. Large collections of minute animal life have been made from Lake Superior, the study of which has not as yet been completed. On account of the survey of the fur-seal rookeries made by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in the summer of 1897, and the second visit to the seal islands of the special commissioners who were appointed the previous year to report on the conditions of seal life, it was not deemed necessary by the Secretary of the Treasury for this Commission to send an agent to the islands to make the usual investiga- tions. Arrangements were made through the courtesy of the special commissioners to obtain for this ofQce photographs of the rookeries and the requisite data to continue its series of maps showing the changes in condition of the fur-seal rookeries from year to year. The subject of the i^ollution of rivers and streams by mill and factory refuse, and the discharge of sewage from the towns and cities on their banks, is receiving much attention from those interested both in main- taining proper sanitary conditions and in the preservation of fish life. A memorial prepared by the Game and Fish Protective Association of the District of Columbia, urging the importance of action in this matter, was presented to Congress March 17, 1898, and published as Senate Document 194, Fifty-fifth Congress, second session. At the request of the chairman of its committee, a letter containing extracts from publi- cations of this Commission, showing the evil effects produced upon fish life by the contamination of streams, was submitted by this office to the association for incorporation in the memorial. As stated in this letter, "the data are sufficient to clearly establish the point that river pollution is both directly and indirectly most injurious to fish and the fisheries by destroying fish and fish eggs, by driving fish away, by interfering with the fishing apparatus, and by killing or impairing the supply of minute animals and plants which are the basis of fish life." Eemedial legislation is greatly to be desired in many localities. During the summer of 1897 the Woods Hole laboratory was occu- pied by a small number of investigators, the attendance having been restricted to representatives of those institutions which had furnished financial aid in the establishment of the laboratory. The continued scarcity of mackerel rendered it important to continue the study of these fislies with a view to the satisfactory solution of the problem of their artificial propagation on a large scale, and among the inquiries carried on at Woods Hole was an investigation by Dr. J. Percy Moore relative to the embryology, natural history, and artificial propagation of the mackerel. The report of Dr. Moore is published as an appendix to this report (pages 1-22). In the spring of 1898 steps were taken to increase the opportunities for scientific t^tudy at Woods Hole and to keep the laboratory open REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XVII during tlie entire year. Dr. H. C Rumpus, of lirown University, was appointed director. The laboratory w Humpbacks and dog salmon. '• Includes dog salmon. Considerable quantities of salmon are taken which for various reasons can not be utilized in canning, and are therefore salted. The output REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII of the salteries of Alaska for 1897 may be given as 10,058 barrels of redflsh, 600 barrels of colioes, 292 barrels of king salmon, 5,091 lialf barrels of humpback bellies, and 575 half barrels of miscellaneous. The general importance of the salmou resources of Alaska may be seen from the following summary of the pack of canned salmon, classi- fied by districts, from 1878 — the year in which the business began — to 1897. From the very small initial pack of 8,159 cases the output has grown in less than twenty years to nearly 1,000,000 cases, the pack in 189C being 906,000 cases and that in 1897 909,000 cases. In the regions of Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, and Copper River salmon fishing is as yet comparatively light, but in southeastern Alaska, in Bering- Sea, and at Kadiak and Chignik it is very extensive and tends to increase each year. The quantity of fresh salmon represented by the pack of 1897 was about 00,000,000 pounds, and the weight of the fish as canned was nearly 44,000,000 pounds. The total j)ack of canned salmon in the twenty years indicated is seen to have been 7,508,358 cases of 48 one-pound cans. This quantity, with the 145,000 barrels of salmon which have been salted in the same period, represents over 600,000,000 pounds of fresh salmon taken from the waters of Alaska. The market value of the canned and salted product was a little over $32,000,000. Summary, by districts, of the cases of salmon canned in Alaska from 1S7S to 1897. Tear. Southeast Alaska. Prince William Sound and Copper Elver. Cook Inlet. Kadiak and Chignik. Bering Sea. Total. 8,159 12, 530 6,539 8,977 11,501 18, 040 19, 189 10, 828 18,160 31,462 81, 128 136, 760 142, 901 156, 615 115, 722 136, 053 142, 544 148, 476 262, 381 271,867 8,159 1879 12, 530 1880 6, .539 8,977 1882 6,044 14, 818 21, 141 19, 217 28, 433 30, 765 42, 451 50, 494 28, 655 58, 997 20, 741 81, 665 34,- 033 36, 188 34, 767 32, 532 4,200 13, 479 20, 156 33, 470 46,150 71,750 198, 650 386, 753 350, 451 384, 279 274, 755 291, 152 322, 356 232, 237 358, 357 298, 310 21, 745 46, 337 1884 400 14, 000 48, 822 72, 700 89, 886 115, 985 118,390 133,418 63, 499 107, 786 108, 844 150, 135 218, 336 254, 312 60, 886 1885 77, 515 141.565 1887 206, 677 412, 115 i8fiq 24, 204 42, 194 68, 091 714, 196 1890 682, 591 1891 801, 400 474, 717 Igno 76, 998 78, 663 59, 494 92, 866 52, 057 643, 654 1894 686, 440 1895 626, 530 966, 707 1897 909, 078 Tot-il 1,739,832 494, 5G7 490, 941 3, 286, 505 1.496,513 7, 508, 358 During the cruise of the Albatross fishery trials were carried on whenever opportunity offered, the efforts being especially directed toward the location of halibut banks. Halibut trawls were set in all localities, and every opportunity was taken to make inquiries. These fish were obtained everywhere, but not in large numbers excepting off Killisnoo. No great success was met with at Clarence Strait, which is a favorite halibut ground, and the small vessels which sometimes visit this point for halibut have no certainty of finding a load. The Indians take without difficulty a sufllcient supply for their own use, and, while XXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. a fishing vessel might fill up, no great banks are known which can be relied, on to supply a considerable market. South of Dixon Entrance, in the waters of British Columbia, halibut are found in large numbers throughout the winter, and in the spring are found in limited numbers in the waters of southeast Alaska. THE STEAMER FISH HAWK. The constant service of this vessel since she was last thoroughly overhauled in 1890 had necessitated extensive repairs, besides new boilers to supply the place of those which had been in use since 1887. Accordingly, on the completion of the mackerel work in July, 1897, the vessel was dismantled and sent to East Boston to receive a new main and auxiliary boiler. A new propeller, propeller shaft, and evaporator were added, and such other general repairs made to the machinery and joiner work as were essential to render the vessel perfectly seaworthy and serviceable. The hatching outfit also was renewed and the deck rearranged to permit an increase of the hatching capacity of about 50 per cent. Not only has the efficiency of the ship been greatly im- proved by these alterations and repairs, but she can now maintain an increased average speed at a considerable saving of coal and of wear on the machinery. During the winter of 1897-98 the Fish HaivJc was in attendance on the Fisheries Congress at Tampa, Fla., and afterwards engaged in a survey of the oyster-grounds in Louisiana, already referred to. At the conclusion of this duty, at the request of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, a hydrographic survey of Grand Bay, Alabama, was made in the latter part of February, 1898 5 and in March an investiga- tion was conducted with reference to establishing a shad-hatchery on the Edisto Eiver, South Carolina, but the conditions were found to be unfavorable. When the shad season opened the usual fish-cultural work was taken up in North Carolina waters and in the Delaware Eiver and carried on till May 4, 1898, when the vessel was, by order of the President, turned over to the Navy Department for service with the mosquito fleet during the war with Spain, her commander, Lieut. Franklin Swift, U. S. N., remaining with her. Lieutenant Swift had been in command of the Fish Hawli since June 27, 1895, and his services have been of great value to this Commission. EXPOSITIONS. The Tennessee Centennial Exposition, at Nashville, which was in progress at the close of the last fiscal year, came to an end October 31, 1897. The exhibit of the Commission, showing the workings of its various branches as described in the last annual report, attracted great attention from visitors, the specially interesting feature, as in other exhibits of the Commission, being the live fish displayed in the aqua- rium and the practical illustration of fish-culture, which was shown by the hatching of the eggs and the care of the fry of various species. There were hatched at dilferent times during the season 3,500,000 shad REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXV eggs; 10,000 trout eggs, and 20,000 eggs of the quiuuat salmon. The resultant fry, after being placed on exhibition, were planted in suitable waters in Tennessee. An act of Congress approved June 10, 189G, provided for the partici- pation of the Executive Departments of the Government, the Smithsonian Institution, the United States Fish Commission, and the National Museum in the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition to be held in Omaha, ^ebr., from June 1 to November 1, 1898. Mr. W. de C. Eavenel, already in charge of the exhibit at Nashville, was appointed, on July 27, 1897, the representative of the Fish Commission on the Government board for the Omaha Exposition, and at the close of the exposition at Nashville arrangements were made to ship much of the material there collected to Omaha, and the other work of preparation for the latter exposition was promptly begun. The Omaha exposition is now in progress, and the exhibit of the Fish Commission, as on former occasions of this nature, is designed to show the character of the work of its branches, the methods pursued, and the results obtained. By a joint resolution approved February 17, 1898, an invitation of the Government of Norway to take part in an international fisheries exposition, to be held at the city of Bergen, Norway, from May 10 to September 30, 1898, was accepted by this Government. The Commis- sioner of Fish and Fisheries was directed, in person, or by a deputy to be appointed by the President, to cause a suitable and proper exhibi- tion and display to be made at this exposition of the food- fishes of the United States, and the methods of catching, salting, curing, and pre- serving them, and of the appliances used in carrying on the fishery industries of the United States. He was further authorized to use, with the consent of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, any portion of the fisheries collection in the National Museum. In accord- ance with this resolution Capt. J, W. Collins, of Massachusetts, was designated to represent the United States at the exposition, and was duly appointed by the President on March 1, 1898. The work of col- lecting the necessary material for the exhibit was promptly begun, and on April 20 Captain Collins sailed for Norway. The scope of the expo- sition is designed to be very extensive in its illustration of the fishery industries, and, in accordance with law, at its close a full report will be submitted of the participation of the United States and of all informa- tion and results acquired by means of the exposition touching the fishery industries throughout the world. FISHERIES CONGRESS. On the invitation of the governor of Florida this Commission partici- pated in the National Fisheries Congress, which convened in Tampa, Fla., to consider the propagation and protection of fish in the waters of the United States, and devise means and methods of protection for valuable food-fishes. The governors of the various States were requested to send delegates, and the convention, which was in session from Jan- uary 19 to 24, was attended by many persons interested in the fisheries, XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. iu fish-cultural work, and iu scieutific research. A number of papers on timely subjects were read and discussed, and it is believed that the personal meeting and interchange of views of those present will be of value to the fishery interests. This Commission was represented by Dr. Hugh M. Smith, Mr. W. de C. Kavenel, Mr. C. H. Townsend, Mr. H. F. Moore, and Lieut. Franklin Swift, of the steamer Fish Haulc. As the Fish Hawk was on duty in neighboring waters she was directed to remain iu Tampa Bay during the sessions of the congress and was visited by many of the delegates; the vessel was equipped with hatch- ing apparatus and aquaria, in which some of the native fish and crus- taceans of the region were showu, and an exhibition of the methods of deep-sea dredging was given in Tampa Bay. The Commission further participated by exhibiting collections of oysters, ornamental corals, and other products of American waters, and one of its fish transporta- tion cars was also present. The proceedings of the congress and the papers there presented, coveriug a wide range of subjects, were pub- lished in the Bulletin for 1897 and also issued as a special document. During March, 1898, an exhibition, given under the auspices of the New Eugland Sportsmen's Association, was held in Boston, Mass., and at the request of citizens interested in the fisheries and in game, such assistance as was practicable in making the exhibit interesting and instructive was rendered by the Commission. NEW STATIONS. A final examination of the site selected for a fish- cultural station at Spearfish, S. Dak., was made during the summer of 1897, and as it was found that an ample supply of water would be available at all seasons the site described in the last annual report was decided on. The pur- chase of the land was consummated June 30, 1898, and the construction of the station will be prosecuted during the coming year. During the summer and fall there was an investigation of the various localities in New Hampshire suggested as suitable for a fish hatchery, and a selection was made of land near the Nashua Eiver, about 1| miles west of the city of Nashua. This site possesses in a greater degree than any others examined in the State the requisites for a fish- hatchery. An ami)le supply of water is obtainable from springs and artesian wells, and the topography of the land is such that it can be carried by gravity to the i^oints where it will be used. The property is well suited for a favorable arrangement of buildings and ponds, and its proximity to a city of considerable size, with railroad facilities and a market for supplies, is of great advantage. The property was purchased March 28, 1898, and on May 12, 1898, the work of construction was begun. At the new station at Erwin in Tennessee, the work has been con- tinued, and a hatchery building, cottage for the superintendent, and other buildings have been completed. Ponds have been excavated, the wat('r-sui)])ly lines and drains built, and necessary roads laid out. In November, although the work of construction was not comi^lete, two REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXVII large ponds and six rearing-pouds w^ere ready and the fish-cultnral operations had begnn. On December 20, 1897, an act passed by the Virginia legislature was approved authorizing the transfer of the station at Wytheville from the State of Virginia to the United States. In accordance with an act of Congress approved June 8, 1896, the purchase was made March 5, 1898, and the preparation of plans for permanent improvements was begun. New buildings will be erected, the pond system enlarged, the water supply increased, and the efficiency of the station generally improved. An item in the deficiency bill approved July 19, 1897, called for an investigation in the State of Georgia to select a suitable location for a fish-cultural station. A preliminary examination was made in the summer and fall of 1896 in the vicinity of Macon, as well as in other parts of the State. A number of localities were visited by agents of the Commission and a report was made to Congress January 5, 1898, showing that of all the sites examined. Cold Springs, near Bullochville, Meriwether County, is best adapted for the purpose required, having an abundant supply of clear, cold water, good railroad facilities, and land easily available for necessary constructions. Furthermore, the owner of the property is willing to donate the land to the Government for a fish-cultural station, as required by the act authorizing the survey. On account of the importance of the blueback or sockeye salmon {Oncorhynchus nerka) in the Puget Sound region, the Commission has had under advisement the establishment of a hatchery for the propa- gation of that species at some point on the northwest coast. As exten- sive spawning-grounds of the blueback were known to exist at Baker Lake, Oregon, and as a hatchery had been successfully operated there by the State of Washington, a preliminary examination of the lake was made. It was found that an ample supply of eggs of the sockeye could be obtained and that the natural conditions of the locality were favorable. At the request of citizens interested, an examination was made of the streams in the vicinity of Arkadelphia and Hot Springs, Ark., to determine on the advisability of establishing a hatchery, but no suit- able location was found. MISCELLANEOUS. The new constructions and surveys mentioned above have been under the direction of the architect and engineer, Mr. H. von Bayer, who has continued the supervision of the repairs and alteiations at the stations necessary to maintain their efficiency. Besides the routine work of this office, various charts, maps, and plans, to illustrate the reports of the Commission have been prepared there. As there have been laws passed in many States requiring the erection of fishways wherever a dam is constructed, this office has been fre- quently called upon for advice, and plans and descriptions of fishways have been asked for. In order to be prepared to readily answer those XXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. questions in future, Mr. von Bayer was directed to prepare a set of plans which combine the most important principles of fishways, and which can be easily adapted to the various constructions of dams. These plans, with directions for practical use, are completed and are ready for distribution to any State officer or other responsible person. A copy of this plan on a small scale is shown on plate iii. In addition to the regular duties of the naval engineer, he has pre- pared plans for new boilers for the steamer Albatross, and for the electrical and refrigerating apparatus at the Omaha Exhibition. Past Assistant Engineer C. W. Dyson, U. S. N., who has efficiently filled this position since October 21, 1895, was detached for regular naval duty April 26, 1898. The distributing cars Nos. 1 and 3, having been in almost constant use fifteen years, showed the effects of continued service, and $10,000 having been appropriated, they were rebuilt and i)laced in thorough repair during the fall of 1898. They were supplied with modern equip- ment, and modifications suggested by experience were made in their arrangement and appliances, increasing their capacity and enhancing their strength and usefulness. On account of the growth of the business of the Commission on the Pacific Coast and the consequent continued presence there of field agents and other employees, it became advisable to provide suitable office accommodations, as well as storage room for the material, which, in the form of collections, equipment, etc., had accumulated in consid- erable quantities. As no quarters were available in the Government Building in San Francisco, a room in the Academy of Sciences Building in that city was engaged at nominal cost, and has been of value in the convenient and i>rompt transaction of business in the West, especially in the preparation and distribution of reports relating particularly to the Pacific States. During the year the bound reports, with appendices, for the fiscal years 1896 and 1897 and the following pamphlets were issued : Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, by John J. Brice. (Report for 1897, pp. i-clxxi.) A manual of fish-culture, based on the methods of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, with chapters on the cultivation of oysters and Irogs, pre- pared under the direction of John J. Brice, Commissioner. (Report for 1897, pp. 1-340.) Artificial propagation of the Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout. (Report for 1897, pp. 27-101.) Artificial ^iropagation of the black bass, crappies, and rock bass. (Report for 1897, pp. 159-177.) Notes on the edible frogs of the United States and their artificial propagation, by F. M. Chamberlain. (Report for 1897, pp. 249-261.) Oysters and methods of oyster-culture, with notes on clam-culture, by H. F. Moore. (Report for 1897, pp. 263-340.) The fishes of the Klamath River Basin, by C. H. Gilbert. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 1-13.) A re])ort upou salmon investigations in the Columbia River Basin and elsewhere on the Pacific coast in 1896, by Barton W. Evermann and Seth Eugene Meek. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 15-84.) The fishes found in the vicinity of Woods Hole, by Hugh M. Smith. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 85-111.) Publicntious of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries available for distribution on June 30, 1897. "(Report for 1896, pp. 343-356.) REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISTT AND FISHERIES. XXIX Report of observations made on board the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross during the year ending June 30, 1896. (Report for 1896, pp. 357-386.) Observations upon the herring and herring lisheries of the Northeast coast, with 8i)0cial reference to the vicinity of Passamaquoddy Bay, by H.F.Moore, Ph. D. (Report for 1896, pp. 387-442.) The salmon fishery of Penobscot Bay and River in 1895 and 1896, by Hugh M. Smith. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 113-124.) Descriptions of new or little-known genera and species of fishes from the United States, by Barton W. Evermann and William C. Kendall. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 125-133.) Notes on the halibut fishery of the Northwest coast in 1896, by A. B. Alexander. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 141-144.) The herring industry of the Passamaquoddy region, Maine, by Ansley Hall. (Report for 1896, pp. 443-487.) Statistics of the fisheries of the interior waters of the United States, by Hugh M. Smith. (Report for 1896, pp. 489-574. ) Notes on the fisheries of the Pacific coast in 1895, by William A.Wilcox. (Report for 1896, pp. 575-659.) There have been distributed 4,460 bound and 12,420 pamphlet copies of the publications of this Commission. The Museum of Comparative Zoology has continued the publication of the series of papers based on the material collected during the inves- tigations of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, in 1891, and during the year has issued the following : Memoirs, vol. xxiii. No. 1 — xxi. Die Medusen ; by Otto Maas, Bulletin, vol. xxxi, No. 5— xxii, The Isopoda; by H. J. Hansen. Bulletin, vol. xxxii, No. 5— xxiii. Preliminary report on the Echini, by Alex- ander Agassiz. Appropriations were made by Congress for the operations of the Comujission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, as follows : Salaries $195,620.00 Miscellaneous expenses : Administration 9, 000. 00 Propagation of food-fishes 132, 500. 00 Maintenance of vessels - 30, 500. 00 Inquirv respecting food-fishes 10, 800. 00 Statistical inquiry 5, 000. 00 For new boilers and general repairs to the steamer Fish Hawk _ 29, 640. 00 For rebuilding steam launch in use on Potomac River _ 2, 000. 00 For purchase of steamer Senator for station at Green Lake, Me 1, 500. 00 For purchase of steam launch for steamer Albatross _ 4,000. 00 For rebuilding fish-transportation cars _ 10, 000. 00 For establishment offish-cultural station in New Hampshire 15, 000. 00 For establishment of fish-cultural station at Battle Creek, Cal 3, 500. 00 For construction of dwelling-house at the station at St. Johnsbury, Vt. 3, 500. 00 For additional water supply at the station at St. .lohnsbury, Vt 3, 000. 00 For completion of stations now uuder construction at — San Marcos, Tex 1, 800. 00 Manchester, Iowa 4, 216. 50 For investigation and selection of site for a fish-cultural station in Georgia : 500. 00 A report showing in detail the expenditure of these appropriations will be made to Congress in accordance with law. Geo. M. Bowers, U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. .S. F.C. 1898. (To face page XXX.) Sech'oo ^-3. apertnreaof i]ottoe\reiTllO teefclieraecond. Atlow-waterstiljreof thes ith tbe fishway rtowing fnll, there alioulil be a liberal discharge over the crest of thedam. The tish wav ahoulil he built very stroug and ho well protected against tho destructive effects of freshets, drift ice, etc. FISHWAY-IMPROVED CAIL SYSTEM. Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page XXXI.) Plate IV. REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD-FISHES. By W. i)K C. Ravenel, Assistant in Charge. INTRODUCTION. The operations of the Division of Fish-culture during the fiscal year were more extensive and important than ever before. The number of eggs, fry, and adult fish distributed was 857,509,546, the majority of which represent the important commercial species, such as the cod, shad, whitefish, quiunat salmon, lake trout, herring, pike perch, and lobsters. Following tbe general lines adopted the previous year, the propaga- tion of the quinnat salmon, the most important of the Pacific coast fishes, was conducted not only at Battle Creek and Baird, in the Sacra- mento River Valley, and on the Clackamas, Salmon, and Little White Salmon rivers, tributaries of the Columbia, but a temporary station was established and operated on the Eogue River and the hatchery on the Siuslaw River was reopened. Arrangements were also perfected to collect salmon eggs at the headwaters of the Clackamas River, wliere the spawning-beds of the early run of fish entering that stream in April and May are found. The results at the Battle Creek and Little White Salmon stations were even better than had been anticipated, over 62,000,000 eggs being taken at the two points. The fish resulting from the collections made at all of the stations were liberated in streams on the Pacific coast, with the exception of 6,000,000, which were trans- ferred to eastern stations to continue the experiment of acclimatizing the quinnat salmon in the coastal streams of the Atlantic Ocean. Encouraged by reports of the capture of steelhead trout in tributa- ries of the Great Lakes, as a result of plants made by this Commission two years ago, 750,000 eggs of this species were sent to stations on the lakes and in New England for deposit in suitable waters. Some experimental work was undertaken at Put-in Bay in penning and holding adult whitefish until ready to deposit their eggs, with the view to increasing the collections on Lake Erie, so as to supply the hatcheries at Duluth, Alpena, and Cape Vincent. The results, though not large, show that by similar methods good returns may be expected, and under favorable conditions the number of eggs collected in the future will be limited only by the number of whitefish taken during the fall months, whereas, under the present system, a storm occurring during the short spawning season reduces the collections from 30 to 50 XXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. l)er cent. The expansion of this work on Lake Erie is essential if the hatcheries on the Upper Lakes are to be kept open, as the collection of eggs on Lakes Huron and Michigan is now impracticable on account of the recent act passed by the Michigan legislature forbidding the capture of whitefish from November 1 to December 15, which covers almost the entire spawning period of that species. For the reason stated above, the whitefish and lake-herring work was confined to Put-in Bay Station. The collection of lake-trout eggs at Duluth and Northville was larger than usual, notwithstanding the fact that the passage of the act referred to above prevented the collection of eggs at many of the most important fishing points on Lake Michigan. The field of operations was extended into Georgian Bay, where large numbers of eggs were secured, and to the eastern end of Lake Superior, where the fishermen had heretofore furnished eggs to the Michigan Fish Commission. The resumption of pike-perch work on Lake Erie, after a lapse of two years, resulted in the collection of 221,000,000 eggs and the liberation of 81,153,000 fry in the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario. The propagation of marine species was commenced early in the fall at Woods Hole and Gloucester, Mass., on the plan heretofore followed, except that an additional field station for the collection of cod eggs was established at Plymouth, Mass., and the number of brood-fish held at Woods Hole Station was materially reduced. The results attained by these changes were exceedingly satisfactory, over 300,000,000 eggs being handled at the two stations, which resulted in the liberation of 203,000,000 fry on the spawning-grounds along the New England coast. Considerable attention was also paid to the propagation of flatfish during the months of February and March, but, owing to presence of ice until after the spawning season was partially over in Waquoit Bay, the number of eggs collected was not so large as had been anticipated. Notwithstanding the decline in the lobster fishery and other unfavor- able conditions, over 00,000,000 eggs were taken on the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts north of Cape Cod. South of the cape and along the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island, however, the results were unsatisfactory, due not only to a decided decrease in the fishery, but to the fact that little or no fishing was being done in the vicinity of Woods Hole Station, where large numbers of eggs are ordinarily collected. This was partly attributed to the passage of a law by the State of Mas- sachusetts forbidding pound or trap-net fishing in Buzzards Bay, from which source all of the bait used by tlie lobster fishermen had been derived. The shad work was the largest ever accomplished by the Commission, more than 300,000,000 eggs being taken on the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Potomac rivers and Albemarle Sound. The steamer Fish Rawk, detailed during the winter for shad work in southern waters, was used as a floating hatcliery at Avoca, N. C, on the Chowan Kiver, at the head of Albemarle Sound. Previous to commencing this work she REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIII was employed in making- an investigation of tbe Edisto Eiver, South Carolina, to determine the advisability of establishing an auxiliary station for the propagation of shad on that stream, but the information gained was not favorable. Operations on the Delaware and Potomac rivers were materially interfered with by causes pertaining to the war with Spain ; on the Delaware by the withdrawal of the Fish Hawlc for naval duty at the very height of the spawning season, and on the Potomac by the estab- lishment of a blockade at Fort Washington and by the laying of mines or torpedoes on the spawning- grounds. In order that the shad work on the Delaware might not be omitted altogether, arrangements were made with the Pennsylvania Fish Com- mission for the use of their shad-hatchery at Bristol, which permitted the hatching and planting of 21,000,000 fry in this stream and its tribu- taries. At Battery Station, on the Susquehanna, the results were very satisfactory, over 209,000,000 eggs being secured between April 13 and June 10, about 100 per cent more than had ever been taken at any of the stations of the Commission during a single season. At the trout and bass stations the work was generally satisfactory, the production of brook trout being much larger than ever before. The number of bass distributed was small as compared with other fishes, but it is believed, with the experience gained during the past season, that the output from the various stations will be largely increased next season. Considerable attention has also been paid to the propagation of the crappie, one of the most desirable fishes for stocking the streams and lakes in the Mississippi and Missouri Eiver valleys, and in the South and Southwest. In addition to the fishes heretofore handled, the propagation of the Montana grayling was taken up at Bozeman Station ; about 3,000,000 eggs were collected at Eed Eock, Montana, at the headwaters of the Jefferson Eiver. Efforts have been made in i)ast years by the United States Fish Commission and the various State fish commissions to col- lect eggs of this valuable game and food fish, but the results heretofore attained have been very unsatisfactory. Continuing the experiments of previous years, two consignments of adult lobsters were sent from Woods Hole to San Francisco during the mouths of July and December and liberated near the Farallone Islands. Of these, 229 were females, carrying from 10,000 to 25,000 eggs each, so that it is estimated that from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 young lobsters resulted from this plant, in addition to the adults. In July a carload of tautog and blue crabs was also sent west for introduction into the waters of the Pacific, as it was thought they would not only be well adapted to the waters of the Pacific Coast, but would prove valuable additions to the fishery resources of that section. The plants were made near the Farallone Islands during July, and consisted of 566 fish ranging in length from 4 to 10 inches, and 162 of the common blue crab of the Atlantic Coast. F. R. 98 III XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND INSPECTION. During the month of August the assistant in charge inspected the stations of the Commission in Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado, Missouri, and Illinois. Advantage was taken of the opportunity to confer with the superintendents regarding the conduct of the work and the possibilities of its extension. The general condition of affairs at all of the stations was satisfactory, and discipline, on the whole, was found to be well maintained. The buildings and grounds at most of the stations were in only fair condition, and in order to maintain and render them attractive to the public special appropriations are needed for most of them, as indicated in recommendations submitted with detailed report of inspection. An appropriation for improvements at the Leadville Station is particularly important, as an additional supply of water is needed, and in order to obtain the best results it will be necessary to provide some system for draining the Evergreen Lakes during the fall, so as to handle the brood-fish. The buildings at this station are in excellent condition, but the grounds are overgrown with brush and prairie grass, and as it is quite a popular resort for the residents of Leadville, it should be completed. This could be done at comparatively small expense. The general condition of the station at Neosho, Mo., was worse than any of the others. The ponds were much in need of repair, and the water supply is inadequate. In December a preliminary survey of the Edisto Eiver, South Caro- lina, was made to determine as to the practicability of establishing an auxiliary station for the propagation of shad, and as a result the Fish Eawli was detailed in March to visit that stream and undertake the collection of eggs. During April several trips were made to the shad stations on the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers, and in May to the Delaware River, for the purpose of conferring with Mr. W. E. Meehan, of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and the commanding officer of the steamer Fish HmvJc, relative to conduct of shad work at the Bristol hatchery in the event of the Fish Haich not being available for work in this vicinity. Visits were also made in May to Massachusetts, to arrange for lobster collections at Gloucester and Woods Hole. During the spring of 1898 the superintendent of the Cape Vincent Station investigated the sturgeon fisheries of Lakes Erie and Ontario with the view to taking up the propagation of this species, but no locality was found where spawning fish could be obtained in sufficient numbers to warrant the establishment of an auxiliary station for this purpose. CAR AND MESSENGER SERVICE. Owing to the necessity for rebuilding cars Nos. 1 and 2 and the large amount of routine work necessitated by the increased output of fish during the fiscal year, this service has been taxed to its utmost capacity, and it was found necessary to hire baggage and express cars from the railroads on several occasions to assist in making the distri- bution in Virginia and Michigan. Besides the routine work, one of the Report U S F C. 1898. (To face page XXXIV.) Plate V. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXV cars was used during the first four mbutlis of the fiscal year in making collections of marine and fresh-water fishes and transporting the same to the Tennessee Centennial Exposition at Nashville, Tenn., and again during the months of May and June, 1898, in transferring salt-water specimens from Woods Hole, Mass., to Omaha, and fresh-water fishes from Quincy, 111., and other points in the Mississippi Valley. Car No. 3 also made two trips from Woods Hole to San Francisco with lobsters, tautogs, and blue crabs, the first in July and the last in December. On tfie return trip of the car in July 350 giant crabs were brought from the Pacific Coast and planted in Pagan Creek, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The car left San Francisco July 31 with 1,100 crabs, 600 females and 500 males ; 450 were packed in seaweed in the refrigerator compartment under the car, 550 were placed in transporta- tion tanks, in salt water with air circulation, and 100 in crates packed in grass. On August 1, when the crabs were overhauled, all were dead except those in tanks of aerated water ; up to this time the temf>erature had been maintained at 60°; 36 were lost on August 2, 45 on the 3d, 58 on the 4th, and 61 on the 5th ; the temperature had risen from 60° to 65°, the average for the period being 62°. Of 350 crabs reaching New- port, Va., 200 were females and 150 males. These were planted, with the cooperation of the officials of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, in Pagan Creek, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The temperature of the water in which they were liberated was 78°. Excellent results were attained on the last trip, in December, over 90 per cent of the lobsters reaching the Pacific Coast alive. On previ- ous trips the number reaching the destination in good condition never exceeded 50 per cent, and several times it was as low as 30 per cent. This difference in results is attributed not only to the fact that the trij) was made at a season when a low temperature could be maintained, but also to the difference in the methods of transportation. On November 29 the car left Woods Hole with 150 egg-lobsters, packed 5 in a crate, with seaweed. At Boston 98 egg-lobsters and 50 males were taken on and placed in 50-gallon transportation tanks filled with filtered water and constantly supplied with air, 30 being placed in each tank. Those in the crates were taken out every day and dipped into the tanks of salt water and then repacked, the seaweed being sprinkled with salt water twice a day. The loss from December 1 to 5, when the car reached San Francisco, was 27. The average temperature of the water en route was 45°, maximum 50°, and minimum 36°. The methods followed in handling the fish were practically the same as before, except in the case of the lobsters. Tlie cars traveled during the year 98,964 miles, of which 63,167 miles were free; detached messengers traveled 121,160 miles, of which 33,346 were free. Every State and Territory in the Union was visited. No accidents of any importance occurred, and the losses of fish were about the same as usual, less than 2 per cent of the total number handled, including the marine species, where the losses usually vary from 40 to 70 per cent on long trips. XXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. Od tlie return of car No. 3 from its last trip to the Pacific Coast it was sent to Tampa, Fla., to remain during the sessions of the Fisheries Congress, from January 19 to 26, for the purpose of illustrating the methods employed in hatching eggs and distributing fishes. In July car No. 1 was placed in the shops of Jackson & Sharp, and in August car No, 3 in the shops of Harlan & Hollingsworth, Wilming- ton, Del., and were rebuilt at an expense of about $11,000. They were remodeled on practically the same plan, except that the center doors of car No. 1 do not extend to the floor, as is the case in car No. 3. The dimensions of car No. 3 as rebuilt are as follows : Length of body, 60 feet; total length from end of platform to end of platform, 67 feet 10 inches; width, 9i feet; height from top of rail to top of roof, 13 feet 8 inches. The frame of the car is so braced as to permit of the two large doors in the center extending from floor to roof, as shown in plate IV. This feature very materially simplifies loading and unloading. The interior of the car is finished in ash, and in one end is an office, an ice-box of 1^ tons capacity, and a pressure tank holding 500 gallons of water; at the other end are the boiler room and kitchen. The boiler room is equipped with a 5-horsepower boiler, circulating water pump, and air and feed pump. The tanks and cans used in transporting fish are carried in two compartments running along the sides of the car between the office and boiler room. They are 30 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 25 inches deep. Under the car, between the trucks, is a reservoir tank holding 000 gallons of water, and from which water is pumped into the pressure tank near the office; it then passes from this tank to the fish cans and tanks, and then back to tlie reservoir. In the middle of the car, over the compartments referred to, are four berths and several lockers for the use of the crew. Tbe office also contains two berths, a writing desk, and a typewriter. These cars are fully equipped with all modern improvements in the way of brakes, couplers, signal whistles, etc, and have Pullman trucks and 33-inch Allen paper wheels. With the large water capacity provided, they are capable of carrying much greater loads of fish than ever before. EXPOSITIONS. The Tennessee Centennial Exposition, in progress at Nashville at the close of the fiscal year, was terminated October 31, and all mate- rial except the aquaria was returned to Washington. During July and August much difficulty was experienced in keeping up the.display of fishes in the aquarium on account of the intense heat. During June the temperature of the salt water rose rapidly, and when it reached 78° it became necessary to adopt artificial means to save the fish, notwithstanding the fact that the specimens exhibited were all collected in southern waters, at Morehead City, N. C, and Pensacola, Fla. This was accomiflished by passing all the water used through 300 feet of pipe coil, packed in crushed ice and salt. This method proved very expensive, as it required over H tons of ice per day to reduce the temperature below the danger i)oint, that is, 70°. Report U. S. F. C. 1 898 (To face page XXXVI.) REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF l^SH AND FISHERIES. XXXVII Notwithstanding the uuftivorable couditions the aquaria were kept fiilly supplied with most of the commercial fishes of the Gulf and the South Atlantic Ocean, with many of the ornamental species and all of the fishes of the IVIississippi Valley, and with a numb(!r of ^almonidm propagated by the Commission, such as the brook trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, and (luinnat salmon. In September fish-cultural work was taken up, and two consignments of 10,000 salmon eggs shipped from California were hatched. This feature of the exhibit was particularly interesting to the people of that section of the country, as it was the first time that the eggs of any of the Salmonidw had been artificially hatched in Tennessee. This was only rendered possible by the sinking of a well near the Government building, which furnished a steady flow of excellent water at 59° throughout the summer. At the close of the exposition the fishes on hand were planted in suitable waters in the vicinity or transferred to some of the stations of the Commission. The aquaria material, including the machinery, was shipped to Omaha. During the absence of the representative from Nashville the exhibit was at different times under the direction of L. G. Harron, W. P. Sauerhoff, and E. J. Conway. Mr. Conway was in charge at the close of the expo- sition and attended to the packing and shipping of the exhibit. A report of the part taken by the U. S. Fish Commission in this exposition will be found on pages 329-339 of the appendices to this report. On July 27 the assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-culture was appointed representative of the United States Fish Commission on the government board of management for the Trans-Mississippi and Inter- national Exposition, to be held in the city of Omaha, Nebr., in accord- ance with act approved June 4, 1897. The board was not organized until September, when the allotment of funds and space was made, the Commission receiving $20,000 and5,027 square feetof space in the north- west corner of the Government Building. Subsequently all allotments were changed, owing to the passage of a joint resolution by the House and Senate on December 18, the appropriation from the Government exhibit being reduced from $150,000 to $137,500, so that the amount available for the Fish Commission was $18,333. As the live-fish exhibit at previous expositions had proved the most attractive feature, it was decided to devote $10,000 and 4,000 feet of space to the erection of a suitable aquarium. The plans and specifica- tions for this were prepared by Mr. George A. Schneider, who also superintended its construction. The aquarium is a grotto-like structure, 140 feet long by 26 feet wide, arranged in the shape of a i | with arched entrances at the short arms and a rotunda at the turning points. The entrances are semi-circular archways supported on colonnades, embellished with ornamental work, soffit and face, and flanked on each side by wings in a rich pilaster treatment of the renaissance style. An ornamental, semi-circular grille, with the seals of fhe United States and the State of Nebraska, is inserted in the arch, the top of which terminates in XXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. imitation sbellwork, with a youthful Poseidon taming an aquatic mon- ster, over the keystone. Surmounting the entablature of the wings are two allegorical figures representing fisher-maids catching and i)lanting fish in the waters of the country. The exterior portions of the entrances are finished in imitation ivory and gold. The interior of the grotto is treated in imitation of a roughly blasted rock tunnel, and depending from its roof are numerous stalactites of a pale-greenish hue. The aquaria, of which there are 25, are each 7 feet long, 3 feet high, and 5 feet wide at the top; they extend along the sides of the interior of the grotto, and are decorated inside with rock and aquatic i^lants, and arranged so that all light entering the grotto first passes through them. Eight of them are used for showing such salt-water fishes as can be obtained off the New England coast near Woods Hole, Mass., and the balance are filled with species indigenous to the Mississippi Kiver and the various fishes propagated by the Commission. In each of the rotundas are large, oval pools so arranged as to be illuminated from below with electric lights. In the rectangular space formed by the two short arms of the grotto are exhibits of the different phases of the work of the Commission. The methods employed by the Commission in fish-cultural work are practically demonstrated by hatching, in a regulation trough, rainbow and black-spotted trout eggs, shipped by express from Colorado during tlie month of June. As it is impracticable to secure semi-buoyant eggs, such as shad, whitetish, and pike perch, and floating eggs like the cod, pollock, and flatfish, the methods are illu.strated with artificial eggs made of rosin. In addition to practical illustrations, models of the various forms of apparatus used are exhibited, including a model of the trout station at Leadville, Colo. The process of egg-taking is shown by a lay figure of a spawn-taker with a quinnat salmon in his hands in iihe act of stripping the eggs. The work of distribution is illustrated by photographs, drawings, and a working model of car No. 3, recently reconstructed by Harlan & Hollingsworth. The results of fish-culture and the scope of the work accomplished by the Commission during the fiscal year 1896-97 are shown by large charts and numbers of photo- graphs and drawings. The scientific functions and work of the Commission are set forth by models and photographs of the exploring vessels Albatross and Fish Hmv]{, by an assortment of seines, dredges, nets, and by the deep- sea sounding apparatus used in making collections in fresh and salt water. In this section there is also a full collection of oyster shells, illustrating their sizes at difierent ages, peculiarities common to vari- ous regions, materials used for the attachment of sj)at, various objects to whicli young oysters adhere, influence of the bottom on the oyster's growth, and enemies and injuries caused by each. Among the objects of the American fisheries exhibited are the following: Mounted groups of northern fur-seals, Steller's sea lions, casts of cetaceans, 150 casts ot food -fishes colored from living or fresh specimens, and painted casts of edible frogs. Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (.To face page XXXVIII.) Plate VII. REPORT OF COM:\riSSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIX Through the courtesy of Messrs. Tiffany & Company, of New York, a collection of pearls and pearl-bearing- niollusks is shown, consisting of specimens of white, j^ink, brown, copper- colored and fancy-colored pearls, a set of pearl-bearing shells, instruments for opening them, also a water-telescope for finding the niollusks, and illustrations of pearls. In the fisheries section the various forms of nets, traps, weirs, pound nets, seines, pots, dredges, tongs, etc., used in the capture of fresh- water products are fully shown, also characteristic types of fishing craft employed in the American fisheries, among them the swift New England schooner, the Florida smacker, the Chesapeake Bay oyster pungy, the shad boat of the North Carolina sounds, and the San Francisco market steamer. In addition to these are numerous large photographs, por- traying the methods adopted in the important commercial fisheries of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes, and a series of crayon pictures illustrating the Alaskan fur-seal fishery. The fish- eries of the United States are presented by States on a large chart. At the opening of the exposition the aquarium contained a large variety of fresh -water and salt-water fishes, together with a number of aquatic invertebrates. The fresh-water fishes comprise brook trout, rainbow trout, black-spotted trout, yellow-fin trout, lake trout, steel- head trout, large-mouth and small-mouth black bass, crappie, strawberry bass, sunfishes, and the characteristic native fishes of the Mississippi Valley, including the largest obtainable specimens of sturgeon, catfish, and paddlefish, several of the catfish weighing 40 pounds and over. Aquatic reptiles are represented by living specimens of mud puppies, terrapin, edible frogs, etc. These large specimens, with a number of ornamental species like goldfish, tench, and golden ide, are displayed in oval pools under the rotundas and prove a most attractive feature. In the salt water tanks about 50 varieties of food, game, and bait fishes of the Atlantic coast are represented by specimens of various ages, including dogfish, skates, sea bass, kingflsh, tautog, chogset, sculpin, scup, toadfish, sea robin, pollock, cod, hake, and flounders. Lobsters, crayfish, crabs, and various kinds of mollusks are also exhibited. As it was impracticable for the representative to remain in Omaha after the opening of the exposition, the Commission is represented by Mr. E. J. Conway, who has charge of the aquarium, and by Mr. W. P. Sauerhoff'. Mr. L. G. Harron was detailed from Washington to assist in the installation of the aquarium, and rendered effective service during the opening days of the exposition. The Commission is much indebted to the Union Tank Line Company, of New York, for the loan of two tank cars for transporting salt water from Woods Hole, Mass., to Omaha; also to the Michigan Central and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad companies for free trans- portation, and to the Michigan Central Railroad for the transportation of car No. 4 with salt-water fishes over its line, and to the Missouri Pacific for transporting all the cars of the Commission into the exposi- tion grounds. XL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. STATION OPERATIONS. The fisli-cultural work of the several stations is given in detail in the abstracts from the reports of the superintendents, and embraces the propagation of 20 species of fish and 1 crustacean. The following stations and auxiliary stations were operated during the year: Green Lake, Maine. Craig Brook, Maiue. Grand Lake Stream, Maine. St. Johusbury, Vermont. Cape Vincent, New York. Gloucester, Massaclmsetts. Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Steamer Fish Hawk (Albemarle Sound, Edisto River, Delaware River). Bristol, Pennsylvania. Battery Station, Maryland. Bryan Point, Maryland. Central Station, Washington, D. C. Fish Ponds, Washington, D. C. Wytheville, Virginia. Erwin, Tennessee. Put- in Bay, Ohio. Northville, Michigan. Alpena, Michigan. Duluth, Minnesota. Manchester, Iowa. Quincy, Illinois. Neosho, Missouri. Sau Marcos, Texas. Leadvillc, Colorado. Bozeman, Montana. Baird, California. Battle Creek, California. Fort Gaston, California. Clackamas, Oregon. Upper Clackamas, Oregon. Salmon River, Oregon. Rogue River, Oregon. Siuslaw River, Oregon. Little White Salmon River, Washington. Green Lake Station, Maine (E. E. Race, Superintendent). During the summer, various minor improvements and repairs to buildings and ponds were made by the station force, including the painting of the hatching and collecting apparatus; a nursery containing 40 troughs was built in the rear of the hatchery, arranged so that the surplus water can be utilized for the reariug-ponds. An orchard was set out between the superintendent's cottage and the hatchery. At the beginning of the fiscal year the stock on hand was as follows : Species. Calendar year in which flsh were hatched. 1897. 1896, 1891. 131, 141 116, 122 22, 136 9,335 16, 220 434 Owing to an unprecedented rise in temperature early in July, it became necessary to dispose of the brook and golden trout, and they were planted in the tributaries of Green Lake. The balance of the fish were retained until early fall and distributed as usual to applicants in the Kew England States. No mortality from disease occurred during the season, but from July 7 to 15 the losses from heat were quite heavy, the temperature during that period reaching 81° in the troughs and 83° in the ponds. In August arrangements were made for collecting eggs of the land- locked salmon, brook trout, and golden trout at Winkempaugh Brook (Branch Pond), Patton Pond, Flood Pond, Green Lake, and its tribu- taries. Steps were also taken to collect eggs of the lake trout (togue) and landlocked salmon in Cold Stream Pond, near Entield. The traps Report U. S. F. C 1898. (To face page XL ) Plate VIII. INTERIOR OF THE GROTTO, LOOKING FROM ONE THE POOLS. OMAHA. KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLI and pens were put in place during August and September, and tlie iirst trout were captured in the latter month. At Cold Stream Pond the lake trout made their appearance on the spawning-grounds October 8, and the run continued until the 19th. The following table shows the number of fish captured at the various field stations and eggs secured : Point of collection. Species. Fish. Eggs. Winkempaugh Brook 206 59 70 3 59 2 146 21 127 75 44 207 000 182, 000 105 000 Patton Pond Landlocked salmon 3 500 Flood Pond Landlocked salmon . 83, 500 18 200 Green Lake Landlocked salmon 273, 000 Cold Stream Pond 150, 000 100, 000 Landlocked salmon . ... The number of eggs secured exceeded the collections of past seasons, 558,500 landlocked salmon eggs being obtained from 235 adults, an average of over 2,000 per fish. At the close of the spawning season the fish were all liberated, without loss, in the waters from which they were taken. The results attained at Enfield were particularly grati- fying, considering that operations were undertaken at that point late in the season. It is expected that over 1,000,000 togue eggs will be collected there another season, as the fish are abundant and easily captured. Of the 150,000 eggs secured, 75,000 were left at Enfield in charge of Mr. E. J. Darling, superintendent of the State hatchery, to be hatched and liberated in the waters from which they were derived. The brook-trout and landlocked-salmon eggs collected at Flood Pond, Winkempaugh Brook, and Patton Pond were hauled to the station by wagon over rough country roads immediately after fertilization and suffered a loss during incubation of from 8 to 14 per cent, whereas the loss on the eggs collected from fish captured in Green Lake and penned at Great Brook (about ^ mile from the hatchery) was only 3i per cent. During the late fall and early winter 120,243 landlocked-salmon eggs, 25,000 brook-trout eggs, and 10,000 golden-trout eggs were shipped to various State fish commissions, private applicants, and other stations of the Commission. The balance of the eggs were held at the station to be hatched and liberated as fry and yearlings. The fry commenced hatching on January 4 and by April 30 were all out. In view of the heavy mortality experienced during the previous July it was decided to abandon all eftbrts to carry the brook and golden trout during the summer; 225,000 of the former and 59,144 of the latter were distributed during May and June. On December 24 a consignment of 1,000,000 salmon eggs was received from Battle Creek, Cal., in excellent condition, only 7,270 having died en route; 50,000 of these were turned over to the State of Maine and the balance were distributed, immediately after the absorption ^of the sac, in Union Kiver and its tributaries during the month of May. XLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Of the 50,000 steelhead -trout eggs received from Fort Gaston, Cal., in March, 22,966 fry were planted in Green Lake and other waters iii the vicinity during the spring. All the Atlantic salmon on hand at the beginning of the year were held until March 30, when they were liberated in Green Lake, with a loss of only 12. With the exception of 50 specimens, all of the domes- ticated salmon hatched in 1891 were planted in Green Lake during the fall, as the ponds occupied by them were needed for other fishes. A few thousand eggs were collected from the 50 referred to, but they died in less than forty-eight hours after being placed in the troughs. At the close of the year there remained on hand the following: Species. Calendar year in which hatched. 1897. 1896. 336, 936 13, 83] 8,830 279 Bi'ook trout . . 3,370 Craig Brook Station, Maine (Charles G. Atkins, Superintendent). The stock on hand July 1, 1897, consisted of 471,291 fish hatched the I)revious winter, chiefly Atlantic and quinnat salmon, a few landlocked salmon, steelhead, and Scotch sea trout; also 2,404 adults, varying in age from 2 to 6 years. All of the fry hatched the previous spring were held during the sac and early feeding stages in the standard troughs used at the station. They were supplied with water obtained from Craig Brook, its temperature during June ranging from 50° to 67°. Press of other work delayed the transfer of these fish to the ponds until after the middle of July, and the last of them were not removed until a month later. It was feared that this delay acted unfavorably on their growth, as the troughs were somewhat crowded. There were no serious losses from disease, however, as none of the epidemics occurring in past years made their appearance. The mortality in July amounted to 14,000, in August less than 5,000, and in September 2,300. To reduce the stock, 100,143 of the quinnat salmon were liberated early in September, and in October and November they were all disposed of except 5,883, which were retained throughout the winter. The growth of the fish during the summer, though satisfactory, was not equal to that attained in former years, when maggots formed an important part of the food supply. These were not available this year, as the building erected for their production had to be transformed into Ui hatchery to meet the unusual demands made upon the station by the hatching of quinnat salmon the previous winter. The food material was therefore limited to the carcasses of horses and other condemned animals, beef liver, and butchers' offal. The distribution of the fish was made by teams to local waters and by messengers to points at a distance from the station. As soon as it was completed the liatchery was tilled with eggs collected from the Atlantic salmon confined in Dead J3rook. The 350 female fish produced REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIII 3,506,642 eggs, which were much larger than those of the previous year, and appareutly of fiue quality. Kotwithstandiiig their good condition, the actual losses from lack of impregnation and other causes, up to the time when the division was made with the State of Maine, amounted to 304,642. The United States received 2,630,214 as its share, 500,000 of which were assigned to State lish commissions and private applicants, and 2,126,975 fry, or 99.86 per cent of those divided, were hatched in March and April. Besides these, the State of Maine turned back to the Commission 540,199 fry. Plants aggregating 1,975,000 were made in May, as follows: Locality. St. Croix River at Vanceboro Penobscot River and tributaries above Oldtowu. Penobscot tributaries near Craig Brook 137, 500 1, 482, 500 355, 070 The balance of the stock was retained for rearing, and at the end of June numbered 636,817. In May, 1898, the usual arrangements were made for collecting and impounding adult salmon for the next year's brood stock; 472 fish were obtained and impounded at Dead Brook, 400 of which belonged to the United States Fish Commission. The domesticated Atlantic salmon on hand at the beginning of the year consisted of three lots, the first of which were hatched in 1892, the second in 1893, and the third in 1897. Of the third brood 1,029 were liberated in November, 1897, reducing that lot to 454. In Novem- ber 25,287 eggs were secured from the first two lots, but they were defective in quality and none of them survived to the hatching period. As arrangements had been made to carry on landlocked-salmon work at Grand Lake Stream, no efforts were made to collect at Toddy Pond, as heretofore. In March the surplus eggs from Grand Lake Stream, amounting to 62,462, were transferred to Craig Brook, and of the fry hatched from them 54,476 remain on hand at the close of the year. All of the rainbow trout at the station were liberated in Alamoosook Lake in August, 1897, and nothing was seen of them till the following March, when several were observed spawning in Craig Brook just below the hatchery. Measures were taken to secure eggs, and by the end of April 54,408 had been collected from 199 adult trout. The fish were undoubtedly a part of those liberated in August, and were apparently in excellent condition. The eggs were not first-class in (piality, how- ever, and only 35,000 fry were hatched. At the close of the year 28,351 remain, which appear to be doing well. In order to test the practicability of domesticating the steelhead trout, the 191 specimens on hand from the hatch of 1890 were placed in one of the large deep ponds recently constructed and held for future service as breeders. The fish on hand from the hatching of 1897 were liberated during the fall, except 1,400, which were retained in a small pond until March, when it was found that only 180 of them remained. XLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. This loss was first attributed to mink, but it appeared later tliat they were destroyed by eels. In April a consignment of 100,000 eggs was received from Fort Gaston, Cal., arriving in excellent condition. They yielded 95,904 fry, 35,941 of which were released in local waters in June. The remainder were held for rearing. Of the Scotch sea trout resulting from eggs presented to the Com- mission by the journal Shooting and Fishing in 1891, there remains on hand a lot of 10; also two lots derived from eggs produced by these fish. All of the third lot were distributed during the year, and a crop of eggs is expected this fall from the second lot (hatched in 1S95). In November, 1897, the 10 referred to above yielded 10,034 eggs, from which 2,970 young were hatched. The majority of the eggs proved defective and the fish hatched have continued to die, so that at the close of the year only 1,198 remain. The stock on hand at the station on June 30, 1898, is as follows : Fish hatched in calendar year— Kind. 1898. 1897. 1896. 1895. 1894 or earlier. Adult, wUd-bred. 636, 264 233 35 1 400 454 54, 476 28 2,666 28, 3.51 38, 745 1,198 188 508 10 Total 761, 700 482 188 508 279 400 Grand Lake Stream. Work was resumed at Grand Lake Stream in the fall of 1897, after a lajjse of five years, arrangements having been made with the Interna- tional Leather Company, of Boston, who controlled the tannery prop- erty, for the necessary land and water rights and the occupancy of the buildings. The work was directed by Mr. W. O. Buck, one of the employees of Craig Brook Station, under the supervision of the super- intendent. A few needed repairs were made to the buildings in Sep- tember and October, and the water supply to the hatchery was increased by the renewal of the aqueduct. Barrier nets, to prevent the salmon running downstream, were put in place about the middle of September, and pounds for their capture were set as heretofore. The fishing had been excellent the two preceding springs, and as it was now time that these waters should show the good effects of the last two years' work of the Commission (18913 and 1893), when several hundred thousand yearlings were liberated, a good season's work was expected. The catch proved small, however, the total being only 337, of which 129 were males. The longest fish captured measured 24 inches and the heaviest weighed 5 pounds. The average length and weight were 20.2 inches and 3.21 ])ounds for the males, and 19.7 inches and 3.30 pounds for the females. The total number of eggs taken was estimated at ReportU.SFC 1898 iTo face oage XLIV.; Plate IX. ■-^Mk 1 1 1 ^ i ^ n 9 Ht^ «*gpPM| tr^'w i^^-wx "^l- IJJII iBSr^ - - . - ^^^pa ■M> -« ^ 1 1 1 L 1 1. HATCHERY AT ST JOHNSBURY, VERMONT. W J 2. BOAT EQUIPPED WITH JACK LIGHTS FOR CAPTURING TROUT AT NIGHT ON THEIR SPAWNING-BEDS AT CASPIAN LAKE. REPORT OF (M)MMI8SrONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV 31o,8()0, but after the unfertilized ones had been picked otf there remained only 245,150. Of these, G0,000 were shipped as follows: Couaignmont. Number. Consigument. Number. 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 D. VincigiieTra Rome Italy 5,000 10, 000 New itampsliire i'iah Uoiiimission H. W. Poor, Wilson Mills, Me Nearly half of the remainder were transferred to Craig Brook, and the balance were held at the station to be reared and liberated in Grand Lake Stream the coming fall. At the close of the year the fish seemed to be in excellent condition. Their food consisted of beef livers, obtained once or twice a week from Calais. St. .Tohnsbury Station, Vermont (J. W. Titcomb, Superintendent). On Julv 1 the stock of fish on hand was as follows: Species. Calendar year in hatched. which 1897. 1896. 1895. 4,579 81, 944 16, 379 Steelhead trout 36 Kaiubow trout 437 All of the Pacific salmon which had been held in the nursery ponds supplied by water from Sleeper River, except 1,000 retained for experi- mental purposes, were distributed early in July on account of the sudden rise in the temperature, which reached 82° on July 5 at 6.30 p. m., causing the loss of 14,500 of the fry. Of the fish retained, 776 were alive at the close of the fiscal year. The landlocked salmon fry were held until the end of July, when they were planted in Lakes Morey and Caspian, and the steelhead trout were planted about the same time in Lakes Morey, Willoughby, and Champlain. During the summer preparations were made for securing a supply of brook-trout eggs from wild trout by the establishment of auxiliary field stations. The stations operated the previous year at Darling Pond, Groton, and at Caspian Lake, Greensboro, were put in order, and the superintendent visited Willoughby Lake at Westmore, Ewel's Pond at Peachain, Garfield Pond at Danby, Silsby's Pond at Newbury, and a number of others, with a view to operating experimental stations at those points. As a result of his investigations, operations were under- taken at Lakes Willoughby and Ansil, and at the ponds of the Wells Eiver Fish and Game Club. The only results secured from these were 14,525 lake-trout eggs at Will,oughbyLake; and as the expense involved in the collection of these was great, the work was abandoned. Work at Caspian Lake was begun on October 11, and continued until the 27th, when operations were discontinued, as only 66,022 brook and lake trout eggs had been secured. The failure at this point was appar- XL VI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP PISH AND PLSHERIES. ently either because tlie fish did not ascend to f],^ ,.c=„oi that a large number of lake-trout eggs may be collectert at ttT , trout eggs were collected, 83 per cent of which wfre transteed to St Johnsbury when they had reached the eyed stage ThTrZuH^.f sat,on were very satisfactory, for althLg^r-the preZf ason . 961,318 eggs were collected, only 23 per cent were savrd^tbe i„ ° bemg apparently dae to the improper handling of the eggs DurW the season, 6,000 trout were handle.!- nfth^ s "i me eggs. During BmmEmm E, o e Th; balln e !'"'" '» ''I'P"^''"'^ '" Eastern States and in TT \ ,-^''<'''*'*"«'5a'>'l an additional 200,000 purchased were held at the station to be hatched and distributed during the 8,11 ohtiei'rr/sir^f^caLr ^"'i lor "^^"t,- ^''^^- ^'^^ -^ Of this shipment 9,900 hatched, and at the close of the year 9 138 fr^ MolT )'"'u' ",'■"" "™ """^ <■"'■ distribution iu Vermont waters Of 100,000 steelhead-trout eggs received fron, p„,.f n . ™ters. Of 91,000 fry were planted dufing May fnd jlf "'"" °" ''""" ''' _AtMAedose of the year the stock on baud was as follows: Specie I Calendar year in which hatched. 1898. I 1897. Steelhead trout Kainbow trout Pacific salmon Brook trout Landlocked salmon ..'""e.'igg''.. i 770 .... Report U. S F, C. 1898 (To face page XLVI.) 14/ M! f -» 1 \ hLiii ■■nm' ' 1 WHif ''P' fl WSK^KMUJHiL 1 :%^i TWO VIEWS OF TRAP AT GROTON, VERMONT, 1897. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLVII The Pacific salmon fry placed in the ponds for experimental purposes weighed 1 pound 10 ounces to the thousand on July 1. These were confined in n pond about 8,000 square feet in area. In January, 1898, they weighed 41 to the pound, and in June the average weight had increased to V2 to the pound. Great dissimilarity was noticed in the color and shape of .lake-trout eggs taken from different waters. For example, the eggs of the lake trout taken at Willoughby Lake closely resemble those of the landlocked salmon, and aie much larger than those from Caspian Lake, 600 of the Willoughby Lake eggs equaling 4 fluid ounces, while it required 800 from C-^spian Lake to fill the same measure. It was also noticed that the fry hatched from the Caspian Lake eggs were much smaller and more active. During April, as the troughs in the hatchery were much crowded, some of the fry were transferred from them to the nursery ponds, 10,000 to each pond. These ponds had not been used for six months, and were supplied with water from Sleeper River. The fry in the ponds had the same care as in the hatchery, except that it was impossible to clean them as thoroughly. No unusual mortality was observed, and at a careful examination of the outlets, to see if the fry were escaping, every- thing appeared to be perfectly tight; but on June 6, when these fish were taken from the ponds for shipment, only 25 per cent of the number originally placed there were found. It is difficult to account for the disappearance of the balance, though it was possibly due to cannibalism, as the fish taken from the ponds were at least three times as large as those of the same age taken from the troughs. This larger growth may to some extent be due, however, to higher temperature of the water, and to the presence of some natural food. It was observed that under the same conditions — i. e., with the same number of brook trout, steelhead trout, and landlocked salmon, in ponds of equal size — the landlocked salmon stand a much higher temperature than any of the others. The food used at the station has consisted principally of livers, with the addition of insect larvfe obtained from the refuse of livers, crows, woodchucks, etc. One woodchuck produced 1 quart of maggots. Enemies of the fish have been the source of but little trouble during the past year, except in the case of the kingfisher, many of which have been killed. In October a colony of muskrats made their headquarters in one of the ponds, and before they had been discovered had made 12 holes in the banks, one of which caused a leak. These animals were shot and trapped. All were males, indicating that the males precede the females in the preparation of the winter homes. Mink were seen occasionally along the river, but no trouble was experienced from them. Several landlocked salmon from the plants made by the Commission were caught with hook and line at Lake Morey, Fairlee, Vt., in May, 1897, and it is expected that in a few years this lake will afford a valu- able field for the collection of this species. lii May, 1898, a landlocked salmon weighing 4| pounds was taken at Caspian Lake. In Sleeper Eiver, which is the source of the water supply for the St. Johnsbury Station, rainbow and brook trout, quinnat salmon, Atlantic salmon, XLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and steelbead trout Lave been taken during the year. The plants were made in the headwaters of the river, but the fish worked down to the lower and deeper pools. The steelheads and Pacific salmon captured in Sleeper Eiver averaged about G inches in length, while the rainbow trout ran from C to 12 inches ; Atlantic salmon ranged from 5 to 7 inches. All of these fish were taken with angleworms, though the Pacific salmon will rise quite readily to the fly. The capture of steelhead trout and landlocked salmon is also reported from tributaries of Lake (Jhamplain, but in some instances the varieties have not been thoroughly identified. During the year the north embankment of the reservoir was rebuilt, and a tiled drain (144 feet in lengtli) was laid below its base. The reservoir roof was covered with a j)reparation of tar and gravel, and the filter in the reservoir was renewed. The interior of the reservoir, containing about a foot of mud, was cleaned out, the sides washed down, and the entire interior given a whitewash coat of cement. A pipe was connected with the supply standpipe in the reservoir filter, and run through the filter crib into the reservoir, giving the latter a direct supply of water from the river in case of emergency. A ventilator was placed in the reservoir roof to ventilate the reservoir and prevent heat- ing under the roof, and the consequent decay of timbers. Seven new ponds were constructed — Pond H and six small rearing-ponds. The spring- water supply to the hatchery was connected directly with the distributing crib, for use in the ponds when the hatching-troughs were not in use. The arrangement of the hatching and picking troughs was changed so as to place the latter under the windows on the east side of the hatchery, and supply all the troughs with the water from the west side, instead of from both sides, as formerly. This change gives more floor space, connects all troughs with the spring-water sujjply, and reduces the amount of water required in the hatchery. Its successful ©Iteration during the season indicates a great improvement. On September 27 ground was broken for the construction of a resi- dence for the superintendent. The work was continued throughout the winter and the house completed on June 30, except the interior finishing. The residence consists of ten rooms and is a two-story frame house, with stone and brick foundation, heated by furnace and sup- plied with modern plumbing. Under authority of act of Congress, authorizing an expenditure of $3,000 for an increased supply of water at the station, a contract was entered into with Carpenter «& Williams on April 20, 1897, for an artesian well. Work was commenced on April 21, and at the close of the fiscal year a well 200 feet deep had been sunk. Cape Vincent Station, New York (Livingston Stone, Superintendent). The hatching apparatus was thoroughly overhauled during the summer and the first floor of the hatchery fitted up with Williamson troughs, preparatory to hatching quinnat- salmon eggs, which were to be transferred from the Pacific coast. The old method of securing water by means of pumps was abandoned this year and arrangements REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIX wei'e made for obtaining the amount needed from the city waterworks company; this change has not only reduced expenses, but the quality of the water is better and the supply more reliable. During- October 133,140 lake-trout eggs were purchased from the fishermen operating on Charity Shoals at a rate of 15 cents per 1,000, and the 114,481 fry resulting from them were planted in Watson Bay. An assignment of 1,000,000 eggs of this species was also received from ISTorthville, and the fry hatched, amounting to 967,850, were deposited in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. In December 5,000,000 eggs of the quiunat salmon were received from Battle Creek, Cal. The fry hatched were carried through the winter without material loss, and with the exception of one plant of 328,000 in the Salmon River, they were all distributed in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River within a radius of 25 miles from the station. Consignments of 100,000 each of brook trout, steelhead trout, and Atlantic salmon eggs were received during the year from other stations, and were hatched and distributed as usual; 10,000 steelhead eggs were repacked and shipi)ed to Osnabruck, Germany, where they arrived witli the loss of only 420, after a journey of nearly 8,000 miles. Early in the spring the superintendent made an investigation of various fishing-grounds on Lake Ontario to arrange for the collection of pike-perch eggs, as there was a general desire on the part of the fisher- men on the lake that the propagation of this species be undertaken. The investigation showed that there are no localities in the vicinity where eggs can be obtained in large quantities, though the spawning fish formerly occurred in great abundance throughout this region. The fishermen stated that where tons of fish had been captured two years ago, there was now i)ractically no fishing. The disappearance of fish from their usual spawning-grounds was attributed by some persons to the discharge of refuse from mills and factories into the tributaries of Lake Ontario. In April 30,000,000 eggs of the pike perch were trans- ferred from Put-in Bay, and the majority of the fry resulting from them were planted without loss in the St. Lawrence River; one plant of 800,000 being made in the Oswegatchee River. It is reported that pike perch are abundant in some of the inland lakes of the State, and a collecting station, similar to the one operated by the New York Fish Commission on Lake Oneida at Coustantia, may be established in the future. The following shows the number of eggs handled and fry hatched at the station during the fiscal year: Species. No. of eggs received. Fry hatched. 1, 133, 140 5, 000, 000 100, 000 100, 000 100, 000 30 000 000 982, 331 Quiunat salmon 4, 690, 801 56, 000 Atlantic salmon 97, 071 90, 060 10, 043, 750 15 960 013 Pikeperch Total 36, 433, 140 F. R. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. An investigation was made by the superintendent with the view to undertaking the propagation of sturgeon, but no point could be found at which a sufficiently large number of spawning sturgeon are caught to warrant the establishment of a field station, although sturgeon nets are fished all the way from Ogdensburg to the eastern end of Lake Ontario. Gloucester Station, Massachusetts (C. G. Corliss, Superintendent). As soon as practicable after the 1st of July preparations were made for increasing the size of the hatchery and of the pumping i)lant. A one-story addition, 18 by 32 feet, was built on the northwest side of the hatchery and equipped with new tables, containing 72 hatching- boxes, thereby doubling the capacity of the hatchery for cod work. A 40-horsepower boiler was installed in place of the small one which had been used for a number of years. Immediately upon the completion of this work a force of spawn-takers was employed, and efforts were made to collect pollock eggs from the fisherman at Gloucester. As a result 7,791,000 eggs were collected during November and December, which produced 4,455,000 fry. The failure to secure the much larger results, which had been anticipated, was due to the method of fishing, all of the pollock being captured with hand lines instead of with gill nets, which had been formerly used. It is claimed that ripe spawning fish seldom take the hook. On iSTovember 15 the crew of the Grampus^ under the direction of Capt. E. E. Hahn, was stationed at Kittery Point for the purpose of collecting cod eggs. The methods pursued were practically the same as in past years. The eggs were collected by spawn-takers from fish, captured by vessels having headquarters near Kittery. Arrangements were also made for purchasing eggs at $5 per 1,000,000 from fishermen not accompanied by spawn-takers. On the first of March collections were discontinued at Kittery, as the Grmnpus force was needed for the work on the vessel, and the last of the fry were hatched on March 26. A few eggs were purchased after that date. The total collection of the season amounted to 160,711,000, the first being secured on November 17. The 96,707,000 fry produced were distributed along the Massachusetts coast from Ipswich Bay to Massachusetts Bay, off Baker Island, from 1 to 10 miles from the shore, on the natural spawning-grounds. Record of cod-hatching at Gloucester Station, season of 1S97-9S. When received Source of supply. Egtgs received. Loss dur- ing incuba- tion. Pry hatched. Date of hatching. 1897. 761, 000 1,719,000 Nov. 29 516, 000 756, 000 30 478, 000 1, 760, 000 Dec. 1 176, 000 339, 000 509, 000 2, 322, 000 692, 000 2, 093, 000 416, 000 1, 054, 000 71,000 411, 000 525, 000 891, 000 13 671, 000 2, 769, 000 13 1, 084, 000 2, 866, 000 15 18, 000 148, 000 16 Date of plant- ing. Nov. 17 18 19 Dec. 1 2 Kittery Point, .do ....do. ....do. ....do . ....do . ....do ....do. ....do . ....do . ....do ....do . 2, 480, 1, 272, 2^ 238! 515, 2, 921, 2, 785, 1,470, 482, I, 416, 3. 440, 3, 950, 106, Nov. 30 30 Dec. 1 3 5 7 7 9 13 13 15 16 Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page L. Plate XI. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LI Record of cod-hatching at Gloucester Station, treason of 1807-9S — Coutiniied. Source of supply. Kittery Point do ...do ....do Kitteiy Point and Gloucester. Gloucester and Plymouth. Gloucester ....do Kittery Point do .-..do ....do ....do .do , Kittery Point and Plymouth. Kittery Point do .do Kittery Point and Kockport. Kittery Point Rockport Rockport and Kittery Point . Kittery Point Rockport and Kittery Point. do !!!!do!!!!];!!!!!!!!!!!!!J!!! ....do Kittery Point Rockport and Kittery Point. Kittery Point do Rockport and Kittery Point. do .' Kittery Point do do Rockport Kittery Point Ji^ittery Point and Plymoutli . Kittery Point Rockport Kittery Point Kittery Point and Gloucester. Kittery Point do do Gloucester Rockport do do Total Eggs received. 2, 896, 000 1,021,000 1, 398, 000 2, 751, 000 2, 264, 000 2, 460, 000 1, 924, 000 6, 074, 000 2, 114, 000 11.894,000 7, 896, 000 1,205,000 7, 484, 000 1, 069. 000 2,817,000 104, 000 677, 000 3, 176, 000 1,306,000 1, 503, 000 316, 000 2, 601, 000 4, 239, 000 5, 124, 000 1, 372, 000 768, 000 1,492,000 871, 000 1, 883, 000 571, 000 1, 717, 000 2, 370, 000 864, OOO 5, 317, 000 3, 881, 000 2, 168, 000 7, 474, 000 4, 235, 000 74, 000 1,468,000 1, 934, 000 1,489,000 3, 868, 000 1,504,000 1, 920, OOO 168, 000 308, 000 400, 000 1, 085, 000 2, 030, 000 895, 000 1, 862. 000 616, 000 1, 472. 000 1, 128, 000 532, 000 327, 000 1,364,000 760, 000 1,600,000 1,418,000 160, 711, 000 64, 004, 000 Loss dur- ing incuba- tion. 958, 000 473, 000 502, 000 681, 00(1 775, 000 1, 285, 000 610, 000 2, 871, 000 1,527,000 7, 594, 000 3, 667, 000 697, 000 4, 137, 000 781, 000 1, 951, 000 32, 000 118, 000 925, 000 316, 000 623, 000 86, 000 1, 093, 000 1, 909, 000 2, 156, 000 694, 000 257, 000 820, 000 363, 000 899, 0(30 217, 000 1, 064, 000 504, 000 283, 000 1, 883, 000 1, 367, 000 1, 535, 000 2, 182, COO 2, 344, 000 31, 000 652, 000 987, 000 402, 000 986, 000 347, 000 1, 062, 000 74, 000 42, 000 86, 000 209, 000 472, 000 299, 000 589, 000 170, 000 253, 000 132, 000 91, 000 63, 000 190, 000 116, 000 221, 000 284, 000 Fry hatched. Date of hatching. 1,938,000 .548, 000 836, 000 2, 070, 000 1,489,000 1,175,000 1.314,000 3, 203, 000 3, 752, 000 4, 275, 000 4, 302, 000 508, 000 134, 000 288, 000 866, 000 132, 000 559, 000 2, 251, 000 990, 000 880, 000 230, 000 1,508,000 2, 330, 000 2, 968, 000 678, 000 511,000 672, 000 508, 000 984, 000 354, 000 653, 000 1, 866, 000 581, 000 3, 434, 000 2, 514, 000 633, 000 5, 292, 000 1,891,000 43, 000 816. 000 947, 000 1, 087, 000 2, 882, 000 1, 157, 000 858, 000 92, 000 266, 000 314, 000 876, 000 1, 558, 000 596, 000 1, 273, 000 446, 000 1,219,000 996, 000 441, 000 264, 000 1, 174, 000 644, 000 1,379,000 1, 134, 000 3, 707, 000 Dec. 17 17 17 20 26 26 27 28 1898 Jan. 2 4 7 4 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 14 14 17 19 19 21 21 25 25 25 25 27 27 29 29 Feb. 3 3 4 3 7 7 7 11 13 14 18 20 21 22 23 23 26 26 26 28 28 Mar. 7 16 17 21 24 26 Date of plant- ing. 1897. Dec. 21 21 25 25 25 25 27 27 29 29 Feb. 3 3 4 3 7 7 11 14 14 18 23 23 23 23 23 26 26 26 28 28 Mar. 7 17 17 21 24 The eggs transferred from Kittery to Gloucester were packed in tightly sealed jars and surrounded with crushed ice or snow, in charge of a messenger. As a rule they were of excellent quality, and were hatched as heretofore in the McDonald codbox. As the water temperature fell it became necessary to use steam to maintain a temperature of between 38° and 40°, which has been found by experiment to be about the same as the temperature of the water on the natural spawning-grounds. LII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. At the close of the cod season arrangements were made with the fishermen ar.d dealers to save egg-lobsters at various points along the Massachusetts coast, and temporary collectors were employed and stationed at Boston and Kittery Point to look after the interests of the Commission iu this work. The schooner Grampus was detailed to make collections along the Maine coast from Kittery to Rockland, and on account of the large extent of territory to be covered an additional steam smack was chartered to work in connection with the Grampus. As a result of operations on the coast of Maine, 22,023,000 lobster eggs were collected and delivered at the station. The first eggs were takem by the Grampus on April 11, and the collections were continued daily from that time until July 15. The lobsters purchased in Gloucester and vicinity, Kittery Point, Marblehead, and Boston were transferred to the station by means of a steiim launch. This launch was also utilized in making the jilants. The collections made at the various points aggregated 6,145 lobsters, which yielded 72,101,000 eggs. The eggs were all hatched at Gloucester, and produced 05,097,000 fry, which were distributed along the New England coast from Eockland to Boston. Several of the shipments were taken to Maine waters by the Grampus, and a number of shipments were sent by rail in care of messengers to Portland, Maine, from which point they were distributed by the schooner. Heretofore considerable difficulty had been experienced in shipping lobster fry during warm weather on account of losses occasioned by sudden rises in temperature, as ice could not be used in the transportation cans, because it would reduce the density of the water. This year, by a simple device, the difficulty was overcome. A tin cylinder, attached to the cover of the regular transportation can and extending to within 6 inches of the bottom of the can, was kept constantly filled with crushed ice, and in this way the proper temperature of the water was maintained. The following table shows the number of eggs collected from the various fields: Locality. Eggs collected. 6, 479, 000 435, 000 6, 368, 000 Gloucester and vicinity Marblehead KitttTv Point and vicinity Maineeoast, schooner Orampus 22,023,000 Boston and vicinity 36, 796, 000 Total 72,101,000 Woods Hole Statiox, Massachusetts (E. F. Lockk, Superintendent). During July and August various repairs were made to the residence and other buildings, including a new fioor for the lower hall of the laboratory and repairs to the pool. The machine shop was removed from the loft over the tire-room to the lower floor of the carpenter shop. The station force collected in July for shipment to the Pacific coast a carload of 2,017 small and 12 adult tautog, with 119 blue crabs. Report U, S. F C. (To face page Lll.) Plate XI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LIII The bulk of tliese being- lost en route, a second collection was made in "November for shipment to the same point, which comprised 1,138 tautog and 150 lobsters. The force was also utilized during the spring in col- lecting a carload of live lishes, including forty-five species, for the Omaha Exposition, and two carloads of salt water were filtered and shipped to Omaha on May 1. Arrangements were made for gathering information in regard to the movements, growth, spawning habits, etc., of the cod by attaching small tags to brood fish liberated at the close of the season. The collection of brood codfish was made as usual by the schooner Grampus and by purchase from fishing-smacks. The first fish were received on October 8 and the last on November 9 ; in all 3,507 were secured. The minimum weight of the fish accepted was C pounds; 1,9L'0 of them were caught by the Grampus and the remainder obtained from the fishermen. They were carefully transferred from the vessel to live-cars moored in the pool. The loss during October was normal, but about the middle of November the mortality became very heavy, and specimens of the dead fish were sent to Washington for examina- tion. It was found that in a majority of cases the primary cause of death could be traced to hook wounds or other injuries received at the time of capture. From the penned brood-fish 57,034,000 eggs were secured; Arrangements were made for collecting cod eggs at Plymouth, Mass., by Capt. E. E. Hahn. A force of spawn-takers was stationed there in November under direction of F. S. Conley, the first officer of the Grampus, and the launch Cygnet, with a crew, was assigned for use in transferring the spawn-takers from the shore to the fishing vessels. About December 1 the force was increased to seven spawn-takers, the collection of eggs was commenced, and although the work was fre- quently interrupted by storms during winter, the season as a whole was favorable, resulting in the collection of 90,760,000 eggs. The method of handling and packing eggs did not differ from that followed at Kittery. The eggs were usually sent by express, though in the case of large collections a messenger was sent with them to guard against accident. The majority of the eggs arrived at the sta- tion in excellent condition. The work was continued until February 20, at which time, as a result of the collections made at this point and from the fish penned at the station, 147,794,000 eggs had been collected. Several shipments were also received from Kittery Point, amounting in all to 5,642,000. These were sent by messenger as far as Boston, and then shipped in care of the baggage-master to Woods Hole. The total number of eggs handled at the station amounted to 153,436,000. The eggs were hatched, as usual, in the McDonald cod box, steam being utilized to maintain an equable temperature of water when that in the hatchery fell below 40'^. The fry were planted on the spawning- grounds off Gayhead, with the exception of 6,340,000, which were deposited near Provincetown, Mass, LIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Eecord of cod-hatching at Woods Hole Station, 1897-98. Source of su^^ply. Live-cars , ....do .... ...do ....do ....do ....do Plymouth Live-cars Plymouth Live- cars Plymouth do Live-cara Plymouth Live-cars -...do Plymouth do Live-cars ....do Plymouth Live-cars Plymouth Live-cars Plymouth do Live-cars Plymouth Live- cars Plymouth do Kittery Point Plymouth Live-cars Plymouth Kittery Point. do Live-cars Plymouth Live-cars Plymouth do ...do Live-cars Plymouth. Live-cars . Plymouth. do Live-cars . Plymouth. do Live-cars . Plymouth . Live-cars . Plymouth . .."..do .... Live-cars . Plymouth. do Live-cars . Plymouth Live- cars . Plymouth . do Live-cars . Plymouth. Live-cars . do .... Plymouth . do do .... do .... do.-.. do.... do .... do .... do.... do.... do .... do .... do.... Total , ggs taken. Loss during incubation. Fry hatched. Date of jatching. i 474, 000 147, 000 269, 000 Nov. 27 805, 000 108, 000 550, 000 28 237, 000 26, 000 148, 000 28 947, 000 131, 000 679, 000 Dec. 1 380, 000 42, 000 275, 000 2 2, 227, 000 442, 000 1, 280, 000 8 3, 649, 000 693, 000 2,218,000 13 948, 000 185, 000 626, 000 14 3, 222, 000 506, 000 2, 305, 000 14 853, 000 79, 000 737, 000 14 3,511,000 599, 000 2, 462, 000 16 853, 000 100, 000 653, 000 16 587, 000 215, 000 335, 000 19 2, 075, 000 548, 000 1, 290, 000 19 474, 000 121, 000 332, 000 19 758, 000 189, 000 485, 000 19 3, 221, 000 900, 000 2. 084, 000 20 806, 000 400, 000 322, 000 20 1, 232, 000 329, 000 876. 000 23 4, 122, 000 1, 003, 000 2, 690, 000 23 5,331,000 933, 000 3, 866, 000 27 2, 535, 000 633, 000 1. 555, 000 27 3, 815, 000 853, 000 2, 445, 000 31 568, 000 100, 000 394, 000 31 1, 422, 000 404, 000 724, 000 Jan. 3 853, 000 111, 000 605, 000 3 1,611,000 429, 000 1,045,000 5 4, 667, 000 1, 004, 000 3, 079, 000 7 2, 180, 000 437, 000 1, 396, 000 9 2,417,000 594, 000 1, 564, 000 9 568, 000 152, 000 374, 000 9 3, 008, 000 157, 000 2, 674, 000 9 1,611,000 515, 000 969, (100 12 1, 256, 000 210, 000 915.000 12 2,123,000 447, 000 1,497,000 13 1, 090, 000 79, 000 970, 000 13 1, 422, 000 232, 000 1,048,000 13 2, 559, 000 798, 000 1, 623, 000 16 2, 440, 000 702, 000 1,537,000 18 2, 985, 000 519, 000 2, 249, 000 18 1, 374, 000 374, 000 773, 000 22 1,231,000 126, 000 989, 000 22 616, 000 252, 000 322, 000 22 4, 264, 000 1, 037, 000 3, 055, 000 22 616, 000 155, 000 398, 000 24 663, 000 136. 000 485, 000 27 1, 137, 000 236, 000 816, 000 27 996, 000 242, 000 658, 000 27 711,000 90, 000 593, 000 27 2,130,000 253, 000 1, 767, 000 31 1, 137, 000 242, 000 784, 000 31 995, 000 41, 000 886, 000 31 2, 464. 000 1, 048, 000 1,3M,000 Feb. 4 900, 000 253, 000 573, 000 4 592, 000 105, 000 419, 000 4 663, 000 169,000 447, 000 7 2, 037, 000 221, 000 1,722,000 7 1, 943. 000 189, 000 1, 613, 000 7 758, 000 205, 000 511,000 12 2, 178, 000 632, 000 1, 314, 000 12 7, 250, 000 1,893,000 4, 989, 000 12 711,000 200, 000 511,000 12 1, 659, 000 99, 000 1, 519, 000 15 332, 000 42, 000 280, 000 15 1, 659, 000 105, 000 1, 492, 000 15 758, 000 42, 000 701,000 15 711, 000 237, 000 442, 000 19 5, 543, 000 1, 032, 000 4, 087, 000 19 190, 000 105, 000 69, 000 19 190, 000 147, 000 33, 000 25 4, 265, 000 1, 424, 000 2, 558, 000 28 1, 564, 000 197, 000 1, 332, 000 Uar. 2 616, 000 97, 000 435, 000 2 1, 943, 000 432, 000 1, 470, 000 2 1, 516, 000 547, 000 929, 000 6 758, 000 131,000 585, 000 6 1,611,000 195, 000 1, 320, 000 6 2, 284, 000 538, 000 1, 674, 000 9 2, 559, 000 934, 000 1,471,000 9 6, 304, 000 1, 073, 000 4, 793, 000 14 5, 634, 000 2, 171. 000 3, 099, 000 16 420, 000 16,000 389, 000 18 1, 706, 000 570, 000 I, 074, 000 18 153, 436, 000 34,305,000 105, 863, 000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LV The results secured with cod this year were far better than heretofore, and it is believed the work can be still further extended and increased by enlarging- the force at Plymouth and using a larger steamer for transferring the spawn-takers to and from tlie fishing vessels. Early iu February steps were taken to collect the winter flounder or flatfish. For this purpose several fyke nets were set in Woods Hole harbor and Waquoit Bay, and the brood-fish taken were held at the station until ripe, when they were stripped and liberated. The first ripe fish were taken on February 11 in Woods Hole harbor, but owing to the presence of ice in Waquoit Bay the nets could not be set there until the 18th. The appearance of spent fish in the nets immediately after they had been set at the latter point indicated that the fish had commenced spawning much earlier, and that in order to do good work there it will be necessary to commence operations in January, weather l^ermitting. Most of the fish taken were quite small, and the yield per fish was lighter than in past years. In 1897, 205 females produced 84,591,000 eggs, while this year 249 females yielded only 52,799,000, the average yield in 1897 being 450,000 per fish, and this year only 226,000. During the latter part of March efforts were made to secure eggs at East Greenwich, R. I. While only 4,804,000 were obtained here, it is thought that large numbers can be taken another season by stationing a man there to collect and forward the eggs early in Febru- ary, Work closed on April 8, with a total take of 57,603,000, which produced 39,337,000 fry. Following the custom of previous years, arrangements were made with local fishermen to take care of all egg-lobsters collected during the fall and winter, and between December 7 and January 19 about 500,000 eggs were secured. These were jilaced in jars, and developed fairly well until April 1. After that time the loss became very heavy and only about one-third of them hatched. Active operations commenced about April 1 and continued until June 30. The territory covered embraced all points fished within a radius of 15 miles from the station, and a schooner was employed to collect egg-lobsters at ISTew London, Noank, and Stonington, Conn., and Block Island, K. I., while an agent was stationed at Plymouth, Mass., to collect from the fishermen located between Green Eiver and Ship Pond, a distance of about 20 miles. Later in the season arrangements were made to collect eggs at Scituate, Mass., but only a few were received from that point. It is believed, however, that this section will yield a much larger number next year. Although the work was jiushed energetically throughout the season, none of the territory covered yielded as many eggs as heretofore. The following table shows the number received from the different localities in 1897 and 1898 : Localities. 1897. 1898. Noank, Stonington, and Block Island 33, 804, 000 35, 013, 000 5, 335, 000 19 343 000 Woods Hole and vicinity, including Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay 11, 620, 000 4, 428, 000 LVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The greatest difference will be noted as occurring in tlie vicinity of the station. This is attributed, first, to the well-known fact that the lobster fishery is steadily declining in this section; hence, theuund^er of men engaged in the work becomes fewer each year, as the income derived from it is too small to support them. Another important fac- tor is the legislation recently enacted prohibiting the fishing of pound nets in Buzzards Bay, which furnished the greater part of the bait used by the lobster fishermen operating in this territory. This caused a number of men to abandon the business. The same general decline has been felt in the waters south and west. It is reported that only about half the number of pots were set in the vicinity of Marblehead, Stoniugton, and Block Island, as compared with the previous year. The only direction in which operations could be extended would be on the north side of Cape Cod; but an additional steam launch would be necessary, which would materially increase the expense of the work. The following table shows the species handled at the station during the fiscal year, eggs collected, and fry produced. Species. No. of eggs. No. of fry. Cod . . ... 153, 436, 000 57, 603, 000 35, 391, 000 105, 863, 000 Flatfish - 39, 337, 000 30, 980, 000 Total 246, 430, 000 176, 180, 000 Edisto River, Steamer Fish Hawk (^ Lieut. Franklin Swift commanding). As a result of investigations made by the assistant in charge during December, the Fish Eawlc was detailed to visit the Edisto Elver in March for the purpose of determining whether the fisheries are of such character and extent as to permit of fish -cultural work on a large scale. The vessel arrived at the mouth of the river on March 12 and pro- ceeded upstream to a point a mile above the mouth of the Dawho, where good anchorage was obtained. That night 8 spawn-takers were sent out to examine the shad captured by the fishermen, and as a result 77,000 eggs Avere collected. These were placed in the jars and seemed to be in good condition until the 17th, when they commenced dying rapidly. As the temperature was favorable, averaging GG'^, and the embryo was well formed, it was thought that the water was at fault, and it was tested for acids, but none were found. It is barely possible tliat the loss was due to the use of salt water in the pipes and machinery at Tampa; but this is not probable, as the pipes had been thoroughly rinsed with fresh water before the eggs were placed in the jars, and only a very slight trace of salt could be found when chemicals were used to test the water. The spawn-takers continued attending the nets, but no more eggs were obtained, though the fishermen reported that ripe fish had been caught for a Aveek or ten days prior to the arrival of the vessel. The majority of those caught were hard and would have required at least a week to ripen, and, as the services of the vessel were needed on the Albemarle, work was discontinued on the 18th. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH A.ND FISHERIES. LVII The present method of fishing on this river is such that fish-cultural work on a large scale is not practicable. Only one small seine is used; the balance of the fishermen use set gill nets, which are put out at low water and not overhauled till high-water slack. They remain in water until morning, when they are taken up and the fish removed, hence the only opportunity for spawn-takers to obtain the fish alive would be when they are first overhauled. The haul seine referred to is worked by 5 men and is fished only at low water during the day. Drift nets can not be used in this river on account of snags, shoals, and other natural obstacles. Gill -net fishing extends from a mile above the Savannah and Charleston Railroad crossing at Jacksonboro down to the Uawho River. This part of the river is known locally as the Pon Pon. There are 37 crews of 2 men each fishing in this region, each crew using two nets. They obtain an average of 1,000 fish i^er crew, though in the vicinity of the Oakhurst plantation, where the old State fish- hatchery is located, the catch is much larger, some crews taking from 1,800 to 3,000 per season. The State operated the hatchery referred to from 1880 to 1-81, inclusive, and collected annually from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 eggs. This hatchery is about centrally located as regards the fishing area, the contour of the river in that vicinity showing it to be especially adapted for spawning-grounds. If drift nets and haul seines were used, there would be little difiiculty in collecting from 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 eggs each season. During the stay of the vessel on the river the officers in command were indebted to S. Fitzsimons, Morton Simons, and T. D. Ravenel for assistance and courtesies extended. Albemarle Sound, Steamer Fish Hawk. Owing to a delay of some days at Ocracoke Inlet on account of the extremely low tide, the vessel did not reach Avoca until March 28. Anchorage was made at the entrance to Salmon Creek on account of its proximity to the fishing-grounds and because of the partial shelter which it affords to the ship's boats. Spawn-takers were immedi- ately sent to the fishing-grounds controlled by Dr. W. R. Capehart and Mr. T. D. Holly, and 117,000 eggs were secured from these sources on the first day. It was also intended to collect from the seines on the Roanoke and from those controlled by the Wood Brothers across the bay, but as very few fish were being taken at these points the attempt was abandoned. Eggs continued to come in daily from the arrival of the vessel until April 25, the total take aggregating 12,334,000. Of these, 10,212,000 were secured from Dr. Capehart's seines. The results attained in this region would undoubtedly have been much better had the weather conditions been more favorable. It was exceed- ingly warm during March, and consequently the number of fish cap- tured then was unusually large, the take at one fishery being four times as great as that of the preceding year for the same period. About the time the vessel arrived it became much cooler, and the aean tempera- ture from March 30 to April 19 was under 60^. This tended not only to LVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. keep tbe spawning fish out in deep water, but it greatly retarded tlie hatching of the eggs and caused the death of large numbers of fry. As an experiment, artificial heat was applied to the water in tbe supi)ly tank with the view to maintaining an even temperature of 68° in the jars; but this plan was soon abandoned, as it would have been imprac- ticable to hold the fry in artificially heated water until that in the sound reached the same temperature. The distribution of the fry commenced on April 21, and at the close of operations 5,647,000 had been planted, also 1,811,000 eggs. The remaining 2,194,000 eggs were transferred to Central Station. Shad-hatching operations on steamer Fish JSaivk in Albemarle Sound in 1897-98. Date. Shad. Eggs taken. Mean tempera- ture of water. Date of hatching. Numher hatched. 6 22 14 8 28 4 6 8 4 46 6 20 36 30 34 44 58 30 20 50 40 44 147, 000 462, 000 557, OUO 339, 000 182, 000 569, 000 77, 000 129, 000 123, 000 131, 000 719, 000 122, 000 398, 000 772, 000 713, 000 633, 000 695, 000 991, 000 644, 000 415, 000 995, 000 546, 000 932, 000 1,043,000 62 62 61 30 57 55 56 54 Apr 1 2 (J 53 54 55 55 56 57 59 59 58 56 59 58 61 62 61 62 65 7 Apr. 8 1, 126, 000 g 11 -. Apr. 11 382, 000 12 13 Apr. 13 71, 000 15 Apr. 18 Apr. 19 115,000 19 600, 000 20 21 2'' . Apr. 21 Apr. 22 Apr. 23 Apr. 24 Apr. 25 Apr. 26 150, 000 561, 000 23 189, 000 25 713, 000 1, 027, ODD 713, 000 398 12, 334, 000 5, 647, 000 On April 26, after the plants had all been made, the vessel proceeded through the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal to Norfolk, en route for Delaware Bay, to resume the hatching of shad at that point. Delaware River, Steamer Fish Hawk. The vessel arrived at Gloucester, N. J., on May 3, and at once com- menced the collection of eggs from tbe seines fisbed in Howell Cove, Riverton, and other points between Gloucester and Pbiladelphia, over 2,000,000 being secured the first night. Work continued uninterrupt- edly until May 11, when operations were cut short, as the Navy Depart- ment called for tbe services of the vessel in connection with tbe Cuban blockade. During this short period over 12,433,000 eggs were secured, but, owing to the unusually cold weather prevailing and tbe consequent low temperature of the water, many of them died in tbe jars. The 5,342,000 remaining when work was discontinued on tbe 11th were transferred to tbe Pennsylvania State hatchery at Bristol, Pa., together with the hatching apparatus and such boats and launches belonging REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LIX to tlio vessel as were needed for conducting operations at that point. Tlic vessel was then taken to the League Island navy-yard, Philadelphia, and turned over to the Navy Department. Bristol Station, Pennsylvania (G. H. Tolbert in charge). Anticipating the probable detail of the Fish Hawk to duty under the Navy Department, tentative arrangements had been made early in the spring with the State Fish Commission for tlie use of their hatchery on the Delaware River, and as soon as it was learned definitely that the vessel was to leave the service of the Commission, Mr. G. H. Tolbert, fish-culturist at large, was instructed to proceed to Bristol and prepare the hatchery for the reception of eggs. The hatchery is a two story frame building, and is equipped with lliO McDonald jars and a good steam i)lant. Immediately upon the arrival of Mr. Tolbert the nec- essary employees were taken on and, with the assistance of the crew of the Fish HaicTc, everything was in readiness for the commencement of work by May 13. A small force of sjjawu-takers was employed to attend the seines between Bristol and Riverton, and work proceeded uninterruptedly till the end of the month, 10,848,000 eggs being secured from the seines at Riverton, 1,841,000 from North Cramer Hill, and 220,000 from Dutch Neck and Badger Island. In addition to the 5,342,000 eggs turned over by the Fish Hawl; 3,095,000 were transferred from Battery Station, making a total of 21,346,000 handled at this point during the spring. These yielded 15,460,000 fry, which were liberated during May and June in the Delaware River and its tributaries. At the close of operations on June 10 the temporary employees were dis- charged, and the hatchery turned back to the State Fish Commission. The results would indicate that under more favorable conditions and by the employment of a larger force, from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 eggs might be collected here during the spring. Battery Station, Maryland (Alexander Jones in charge). Anticipating an early run of shad on account of the mild weather in March, preparatory work commenced sooner than usual, and by April 10 the station was in readiness for active fish-cultural operations. The temporary force of 36 employees was taken on between that period and the middle of the mouth. To encourage the collection of eggs by the fishermen, two spawn-takers were stationed at Havre de Grace to receive and care for all taken in that vicinity, and four men were detailed on a schooner in Northeast River to obtain all that were avail- able at that point. Spawn -takers were also stationed as usual at the seines fished at Carpenter Point and on Osmond's float below Havre de Grace. The remaindei of the force worked the boats from the station and accompanied the launches on the nightly trips to the various fields. Eggs commenced coining in on the 13th of April, and by the end of that month 105,364,000 had been secured; the collections during one night amounted to 22,539,000. The largest number of shad eggs ever collected in the Commission heretofore within twenty-four hours was a little over 8,000,000, in the spring of 1888, at this station. The take LX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. in April exceeded the total number ever secured at any of tlie shad stations of the Oominissiou in a single season, the largest heretofore recorded being 105,125,000 at Battery during the year referred to above. Work continued uninterruptedly until June 9, the collections in May aggregating 95,510,000 and in June 9,118,000, making a total of 209,992,000 for the season. Of these, 140,337,000 were purchased from fishermen at $20 per 1,000,000; the balance was taken by the regular spawn-takers. The capacity of the hatchery was severely taxed from the beginning of the season on account of large collections during the first ten days, but the pressure was partly relieved by transferring eggs to Central Station, Washington. Car No. 3 was equipped as a hatchery and stationed at Perryville. The low temperature prevailing at this time, however, retarded development to such an extent that the hatchery was soon filled to overflowing, and it became necessary to plant large numbers of eggs on the spawning-grounds. Table of sliad-hatching operations at Battery Station. Date. Eggs received. haSd. Eggs shipped and planted. Fry planted. Date of hatching. Tempera- ture of air. Tempera- ture of water. ^^'- f, 203, 000 676, 000 2, 338, 000 706, 000 5, 909, 000 15, 230, 000 10, 916, 000 432, 000 8, 285, 000 2, 507, 000 11,631,000 13, 747, 000 22, 539, 000 8, 432, 000 529, 000 328, 000 956, 000 956, 000 1, 407, 000 13, 674, 000 15, 588, 000 18, 230, 000 3, 685, 000 1, 056, 000 401, 000 2, 066, 000 1, 892, 000 1, 605, 000 2; 374, 000 1,402,000 2, 066, 000 2, 204, 000 3, 451, 000 5, 337, 000 1, 974, 000 4,950,000 1, 439, 000 4, 214, 000 2,061,000 1, 124, 000 517, 000 90, 000 1, 687, 000 1, 196, 000 2, 380, 000 1,508,000 1, 147, 000 999, 000 968, 000 920, 000 Apr. 23 ° 53.5 ;:;::::::' 16 1, 939, 000 2, 541, 000 7, 233, 000 8, 118, 000 17 18 19 655, 000 6, 244, 000 2, 152, 000 655, 000- 6, 244, 000 2, 152, 000 30 May 1 56.5 52.5 52.5 54.5 51 51 21 70, 000 5, 891, 000 2, 410, 000 3,219,000 9, 395, 000 13, 552, 000 3, 947, 000 300, 000 70, 000 3 52.5 51 23 24 25 26 27 28 4, 227, 000 4, 212, 000 4, 155, 000 880, 000 4, 227, 000 4, 212, 000 4, 155, 000 880, 000 5 9 9 54.5 54.5 54.5 53.5 53 53 53 53 ^^y \ 434, 000 850, 000 8, 555, 000 2, 605, 000 1. 315. 000 1, 360, 000 360, 000 25, 000 I, 515, 000 1, 570, 000 1, 335, 000 1, 377, 000 596, 000 1,318,000 1,563,000 2, 185, 000 3, 625, 000 1,090,000 4, 625, 000 1, 395, 000 3, 691, 000 1, 628, 000 927, 000 179, 000 80, 000 434, 000 850. 000 8, 555, 000 2, 605, 000 1,315,000 1, 360, 000 360, 000 25, 000 1,515,000 1, 570, 000 1, 335, 000 1, 377, 000 596, 000 1, 318, 000 1, 563, 000 2, 185, 000 3, 625, 000 1, 090, 000 4, 625, 000 1, 395, 000 3, 691, 000 1, 628, 000 927, 000 179, 000 80, 000 10 10 10 11 12 13 14 16 16 17 18 20 21 55.5 5.5.5 55 55 56 56.5 58 59.5 64.5 64.5 64.5 65.5 64.5 69.5 70 53.5 53.5 3 53.5 4 5 6 7 12, 093, 000 16, 045, 000 1, 103, 000 53.5 56 57 58 58 10 54 5 61.5 12 62 5 13 03.5 63.5 15 65.5 72 17 22 ! 70 23 1 70 24 70 26 1 71 26 1 00 27 ! 60 28 1 07 29 1 66.5 31 67 66 18 19 62 07.5 21 67.5 64 23 68 66 25 68 26 31 June 1 5 8 9 10 11 11 67 67. 5 70.5 71 77 77.5 68 30 1, 635, 000 71 1,078,000 2, 150, 000 400, 000 100, 000 900, 000 895, 000 900, 000 1,078,000 2, 150, 000 400, 000 100, 000 900,000 895, 000 900, 000 70 2 72.5 3 4 1,051,000 972, OUO 72.5 74 74 6 73.5 76 Total . . 209, 992, 000 73, 221, 000 91, 444, 000 73, 221, 000 RErORT OF COIMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXI The weatlier was very cold during the early part of the season, the temperature from April 13 to 30 varying from 48° to 58°. About the middle of May it rose above 60° for the first time since collections commenced. These conditions, though not unfavorable to the collection of eggs, were unfavorable to their development. Many lots were held from 13 to 10 days before hatching, and the fry resulting from them were not only weak, but the percentage hatched was very small. Particular attention was paid during the season to the spawning- habits of the shad, with the view to ascertaining the character of river bottom most frequently resorted to in depositing their eggs. The investigations seemed to show that at the head of the Chesapeake Bay they prefer flats covered by debris, such as sticks and trees, and this theory accounts to some extent for the frequent changes of the spawning-grounds. The most successful fishermen select such places M'heniu search of ripe fish, the collection of eggs forming an important part of their income late in the season, when fish sell for very little. Attention is again called to the fact that large numbers of eggs of excellent quality were taken in the day — that is, from 4 a. m. to 4 p. m. In addition to the eggs hatched at Perryville on car No. 3 and those transferred to Central Station, several shipments were made to Bristol, Pa., and, though sent in June, when the weather was quite warm, they hatched without material loss. Heavy losses were reported, however, on the shipments transferred to Central Station early in the season. Striped bass were quite abundant during the spring, and some ripe ones were found. Two small lots of eggs were brought to the station, but they proved defective, A number of measurements were made of them, and in every instance they were found to be 0.125 inch in diameter. In addition to the fish-cultural work, various repairs were made to the buildings, boats, and dock ; 45 cases of herring roe were canned as fish food to be used at Wytheville and Craig Brook, and 3 half-barrels were salted for the same purpose. The mean temperatures for the mouths of April, May, and June were: April, air 52°, water 50.5°; May, air 63°, water 62°; June, air 72°, water 72.8°. Bryan Point Station, Maryland (L. G. Harron in charge). During the summer and fall a hatcliery with a capacity for 40,000,000 shad eggs was erected, under the direction of Mr. G. A. Schneider, at an expense of $1,000. The building is a one-story frame structure, 61 feet by 31 feet, and is equipped with six hatching-tables 16 feet long by 3 feet wide, and two tables 14 feet long by 3 feet wide, the larger tables carrying 32 jars each and the smaller ones 24. Arranged around the sides of the building are rows of shelves for carrying eggs in open jars during the early stages of development, and fry tanks for holding the fry until they are ready for shipment. A com- modious office and storeroom have been fitted up at the east end. The erection of this hatchery necessitating an increase in the pumping plant, a Worthington pump, of a capacity of 620 gallons per minute, LXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP PISH AND FISHERIES. was transferred from Cape Vincent, N. Y., and the necessary water and steam connections were made during the winter by the engineer in charge. In addition to these improvements, a sea wall 140 feet long was built along the north side of the hatchery to protect it against the encroachments of the river. In March preparations were commenced, under the direction of Mr. L. G. Harron, for fish-cultural work. A part of the force was taken on, and the steam launch Blue Wmg, which had been rebuilt during the year, was placed in commission and transferred to the station. Tents were erected as usual for the accommodation of the crew, and by Ai)ril 15 the station was ready for the reception of eggs. A few eggs came in on the 15th, 16th, and 17th, but the full force was not taken on until the 18th. The personnel, including the crew of the steam launch Petrel, which was also utilized for this work, consisted of 20 spawn-takers, 6 assistants in hatchery, 1 clerk, 8 men for the launches, 2 firemen, and 2 cooks. Operations were much interfered with throughout the season by severe storms and unseasonable weather. Heavy northeast gales occurred on April 20 and 27, accompanied by snow and rain, which stopped all work for several days. The laying of submarine mines on some of the best spawning-grounds in the vicinity of Forts Washing- ton and Sheridan also curtailed collections considerably, and the estab- lishment of the blockade at Fort Washington made it impossible to unable to go up and down the river at the proper times. The catch of fish was small, but the work was pushed so vigorously that by May 26 the total collections amounted to 68,724,000, nearly as many as were ever taken on tlie river. Of these, 4,448,000 were sent to Central Sta- tion; from the balance 47,306,000 fry were hatched antl planted in the Potomac E-iver between Broad Eun and Occoquan Creek. At the close of the season the temporary force was discharged, the station dismantled, and the launches transferred to other points. With the experience gained this year it is believed that the collec- tions at this station can be very materially increased and the work can be much more economically conducted with the new hatchery. The followhig table shows the maximum, minimum, and mean tem- peratures of air and water from April 15 to May 25, inclusive: April 15 to 30. Air. Water. May 1 to 25. Air. Water. 83 34 59 59. 51 55 88 52 69 73 55 63 Central St.vtion, Washington, D. C. (J. E. Brown in chargk). As usual, all of the product of the Fish Commission ponds was dis- tributed through this station, and consignments of lake trout, brook trout. Loch Leven trout, rainbow trout, and landlocke'd salmon eggs were transferred from other stations and hatched here, to illustrate the fish-cultural methods employed by the Commission. EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIII The following- table shows the number of eggs received and of fry- hatched and distributed : Species. Number shipped. Lost in transit. Number hatched. 9,950 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 98 239 72 38 1 7,282 8,556 7,948 4,996 A larger amount of freight was handled during the year than usual, owing to the preparation of exhibits for expositions at Omaha, Nebr,, and Bergen, Norway, 312 packages being received and 204 shipped out in addition to the regular freight and exclusive of the equipment belong- ing to the car and messenger service, which is stored here. It having been determined to discontinue the hatching of shad eggs at this station on account of the construction of a hatchery at Bryan Point, the apparatus was dismantled and a ]3ortion of it transferred to Bryan Point, but the large collections necessitated the utilization of the station to a certain extent for this work. In April 1,52,"),000 eggs were received from the Fish Hawlc at Avoca, K. C. ; over 15,000,000 came in from Battery Station between April 20 and May 1, and 4,0 14,000 were sent up from Bryan Point. Owing to lack of facilities it became neces- sary to deposit 5,179,000 of the eggs in the Potomac Eiver. The balance were hatched and the fry were planted in the Potomac except 3,537,000 which were transferred to the Fish Commission ponds. Aquarium, Central Station, Washington, D. C. (L. G. Harron in charge). The superintendent of the aquarium was detailed for duty at the Nashville Exposition from July 1 to September 14, and in March was placed in charge of the shad operations at Bryan Point, Md., where he remained until the end of May. He was again detached from duty in June and ordered to Omaha, where he remained until the close of the fiscal year. As there was considerable difficulty in keeping the marine fish in healthy condition the salt water, which had been in use for several years, and which had received additions of artificial salt water from time to time, was discarded during the summer. The tanks were thoroughly cleansed and C,000 gallons of salt water were brought from the Chesa- peake Bay, in the vicinity of Old Point, Va. The usual collections of salt-water fishes were made in October at Old Point, 571 specimens, representing 33 species, being successfully transferred to the aquarium. The collection was further increased by consignments of sea-anemone and lobsters from Gloucester, Mass. All of these specimens, except a few which were bruised in transit, remained in the tanks to the close of the fiscal year. The only salt-water fishes that spawned during the year were two flounders, but the eggs did not hatch. Ko difficulty was experienced in holding bass, goldfish, golden ide, and other fishes common to the Potomac Eiver during the summer, and LXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. in November consignments of brook trout, Scotch sea trout, steelhead trout, rainbow trout, quinnat sabnoii, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic salmon domesticated, and landlocked salmon were received from Craig Brook and Wytlieville stations. These were carried nntil April 30 without material loss, when a heavy mortality ensued through the use of an excessive amount of alum in filtering the water. A few hundred of the rainbow, steelhead, and brook trout were saved, but they succumbed in June, when the water temperature reached 81°. The large-moutbed black bass on hand at the close of the fiscal year have been in the aquarium for two years. When transferred from the Fish Commission ponds in June, 1896, they were between 2 and 3 inches long. They now measure from 9 to 12 inches. The exhibit this year has been much more satisfactory than for sev- eral years previous, owing to the renewal of the salt-water supply and the installation of a large filter, which affords an abundance of clear water for the fresh-water specimens. The Sahnonidcc, tlie basses, and most of the salt-water species are fed principally on round beefsteak, but their diet is varied from time to time by the use of live minnows. The following is a list of the marine and fresh-water fishes and crus- taceans exhibited during the year: Marine species. Marine species. Fresh-water species. Fresh-water species. Croaker. Pinflsh. Large-mouth black Goldfish. Sea bass. Black drum. bass. Yellow perch. Swellfish. Dog shark. Red drum. Small-mouth black Sunfish. Spadefish. bass. English tench. Tautog. Spotted sea-trout. Rock basa. White sucker. Toadfish. Pigtish. Brook trout. Chub sucker. Sea-robin. Pompano. Scotch sea trout. Channel cattish. Hogcboker. White perch. Steelhead trout. Yellow cattish. Bluetisb. Burfish. Rainbow trout. Leather carp. Kingtish. Star-gazer. Quinnat salmon. Scale carp. Blenny. Lizard-fish. Soup. Atlantic salmon. Common eel. Lobster. Atlantic salmon, do- Paradise fish. Spot or goody. Jumping mullet. Blue crab. mesticated. Mill roach. Spider crab. Landlocked salmon. Tadpole. Tellowtail. Hermit crab. Crappie. Terrapin. Moonflsh. Shrimp. Golden ide. Snapping tartle. Flounder. Diamond-back terrapin. Golden tench. Striped bass. Sea-anemone. Fish Commission Ponds (Dr. R. Hessel, Superintendent). As large numbers of young bass were destroyed by the Notoneeta and the Bitiscus during the spring and summer of 1896, the crop available for distribution in the fall was smaller than that of the i)revious year, though operations had been conducted on a larger scale. During Sep- tember and October 14,222 large-mouthed bass, 1,837 small-mouthed bass, and 779 crappie were shij)ped. Early in April the breeding bass were transferred from the retaining- ponds to the spawning-beds in the north and south ponds and Nos. 6 and 7, the south pond being devoted exclusively to the small-mouthed variety. Artificial nests were placed in convenient places, and also piles of gravel for making natural nests. The first nests with eggs were discovered in the south pond on April 26, and on the following day a number of nests containing eggs were noted in the north pond. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES LXV Fry were observed within three or four days, and by tlie end of the month the fish had nearly finished spawning. The temperature during this period varied greatly, but the results were not injurious, appar- ently, as only four nests appeared to be affected with fungus. The following shows the temperature of water on the spawning-beds from April 20 to 30, inclusive, taken at 7 a. m. and 4 p. m: Date. North pond. South pond. Date. North pond. South Pond. 7 a.m. 4 p.m. 7 a.m. 4 p.m. 7 a.m. 4 p.m. 7 a.m. 4 p.m. Apr.20 21 o 58 54 54 58 64 63 64 61 60 66 67 65 58 54 50 58 62 62 o 58 60 60 66 68 55 Apr. 26 59 55 47 48 50 o 58 54 48 49 51 59 54 48 52 50 ^27.::;;:::: 22 28 49 29 24 30 52 25 As soon as the schools of young bass dispersed they were allowed to pass from the spawning beds to the main ponds, and the adults were again transferred to the stock i)onds. The young fish were fed, as usual, on carp and tench reared for the purpose, from 400,000 to 500,000 carp a few days old and a large number of tench being placed in the north and south ponds during the season. At the close of the fiscal year the indications were that the crop of bass would be large, but it was impossible to form any definite idea of the number in the ponds on account of the dense growth of algJB. In October the shad placed in the west pond during the previous spring were liberated in the Potomac Eiver as usuaL. The number released was estimated at about 3,000,000. In May, 1898, another con- signment of 3,537,000 were put in the same pond to be reared. Some attention was x)aid this season to the propagation of frogs. A number of adults were placed in Pond 19 during the spring, and at the close of the year there were 4,000 young ones. Their hind legs had developed, but the fore legs were not yet visible. They were taking food freely. The old frogs live on bumble-bees, dragon-fiies, ordinary flies, beetles, and moths that come within their reach over the gt-ass borders. A number of the tadpoles were transferred to the aquarium in Central Station, and it was found that they would take cornmeal readily. It is intended to continue these experiments in the future in the hope that some useful information may be gained with reference to the culture of frogs in ponds. The poud which had been stocked with fresh-water shrimps from North Carolina was examined during the fall of 1897 and 5,400 were found. Twenty-five of them were removed to a tank in the greenhouse and were carried through the winter in excellent condition. No trace of the others could be found in the spring, and it is thought that they were killed by the severe frosts. Notwithstanding the efforts during the past two years to eradicate injurious plants and insects from the ponds by drawing off the water F. R. 98 V LXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and exposing tlie bottoms to frost, tlie condition of the north and south ponds was worse this year than ever before. The muddy sediment on the bottom was removed during the fall to a depth of 5 inches, and though a careful examination of the soil in March seemed to indicate that every trace of the injurious material had been removed it appeared in larger quantities than heretofore. Wythevillic Station, Virginia (George A. Seagle, Superintendent). Operations at this station were confined chiefly to the propagation and distribution of rainbow trout. In September the superintendent was detailed to make an investigation in Georgia for the selection of a suitable site for a fish-cultural station. This work, with reports, etc., occupied his entire time for that month. At the beginning of the fiscal year the stock of brood-fish on hand was as follows : Calendar year in which fish were hatched. Species. 1897. 1896. 1895. 1894. 1893 or before. 181, 000 4,200 2,000 870 515 2 300 12 26 34 145 45 Of the rainbow trout, 61,000 fry were distributed during July and August, and the balance, 110,000, in November and December. These fish were carried during the summer in the rearing troughs and ponds, and fed on a mixture of beef liver and mush. About 12 pounds of this food were fed daily to 1,000 adult fish, and about f pound to the same number less than a year old. The adults were fed twice a day, half of the above-stated amount being given at each feed. The small fry were fed four times a day on liver and mush, canned herring roe, and salted cod roe alternately. They were first trained to take the canned herring roe, and their diet was then varied by salted cod roe and liver. If the fry are first given the liver, it is afterwards difficult to induce them to take the roe. In July, 1897, small samples of a prepared food, believed to be dried shrimp ground up, was sent to the station on trial by Mr. A. Yoight, of Brooklyn, JST. Y. The material in one i)arcel was finely ground, that in the other was coarser. Both samples were fed to the fingerlings, as there were none smaller at that time. The fish took no notice of the finely ground food, but of the coarser probably half was consumed. It is believed that small trout could be trained to take this food, and that it would be wholesome for them, though, perhaps, too expensive for use. Of the total stock of adult fish, only 503 females i)roduced eggs dur- ing the year. The spawning season commenced earlier than usual — on November 8 — and continued until February 10. The total number of the eggs collected was 410,000, an average of 815 per spawner; for the fertilization of these, 320 males were used. The loss of eggs, owing to REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXVII imperfect fertilization and to other causes, was 23 per cent of the total number taken. Of the eyed eggs, 190,000 were shipped to foreign applicants and transferred to other stations; the remaining 124,000 were hatched at the station. In April and May all of the fry on hand were transferred to Erwin Station, Tennessee, in order that the work of remodeling the ponds and making additions to the hatchery might be commenced. In the spring the adult black bass and rock bass were placed in the spawning-ponds, but, owing to their poor condition, it is doubtful whether any results will be secured. At the close of the season the stock of fish on hand was as follows: Calendar year in which fish were hatched. Species. 1898. 1897. 1896. 1895. 1894 or before. 6,446 3,450 844 700 1,500 7 Black bass small mouth . . . 45 34 2, 500 170 85 Parn • 20 1 In the fall the volume of water flowing from the spring decreased to such an extent that a loss of 800 two-year-old rainbow trout was sus- tained. As it was believed that the water escaped through subterra- nean passages, an effort was made to stop this waste by making a cut in front of the spring and filling it with stone and cement. At some points it was necessary to dig down 15 feet. The holes ahd sides were then tightly jDacked with clay, and the ditch filled with stone laid in cement. The wall thus formed was 4 feet thick at the bottom, 2 feet at the top, and capped with a cut stone 6 inches. As a result an increase of 100 gallons of water per minute was obtained. The title to the station property having been satisfactorily adjusted during the winter by the legislature of Virginia, the appropriation of $10,000, made by Congress in 1896, became available in March. The work of repairing and remodeling the ponds was at once commenced, and by the end of June nineteen ponds had been constructed and the old residence removed. Erwin Station, Tennessee (S. G. Worth, Superintendent). On August 4 Mr. S. G. Worth, who had been appointed superintend- ent of the station, took charge, relieving Mr. W. F. Hill, who had been in charge of the construction. Work on the hatchery, dwelling, and j)Ouds was pushed vigorously during the summer, and on October 20 the hatchery building was turned over to the Commission by the contractors. During the fall the troughs were constructed and placed in position, and in December the water supply was turned on in the hatchery. Tlie large ponds at the station having been completed in November, arrangements were immediately made for collecting wild brook trout from streams in the vicinity for brood stock. LXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. During November and December 2,989 fish, ranging from two to four years old and from 5 to 13 inches in length, were obtained and deliv- ered at the station without loss at an expense of $367.80. No difficulty was experienced in making this collection, as numbers of streams within 40 or 50 miles of the station are well stocked with trout. As an illustration, in Higgins Creek, about 12 miles southwest of Erwin, 600 were taken in a stretch of less than 2 miles. The fish collected were hauled across the mountains to the station in wagons, and though many of them were en route two days but one fish was lost. They were placed in the large ponds, and though examined frequently no eggs were secured. It is presumed that the ripe fish spawned on the gravel bottom around the springs boiling up in the bottom of the pond. The exact number on hand at the close of the year is not known, but many were lost. It is believed that the mortality was largely due to the depredations of cats, to which the brook trout, lying during the night in shallow water near the shore, fell an easy prey. The wounds were usually found on the back of the neck near the gill-covers and on the sides as far back as the first dorsal fin. The cats, when discovered to be enemies of the fish, were killed. lu February 100,000 brook-trout eggs were received from East Free- town, Mass., and although the loss during incubation and the early fry stages was apparently small, when the fish were transferred to the ponds on June 9 there remained only 11,562 by actual count. During December 1,826 j-earling rainbow trout were received from Wytheville and placed in one of the ponds. These fish have not done well, quite a number having died during the season; a large propor- tion have become very dark in color, and many of them are blind. The eyes protrude gradually, and are sometimes seen outside of the socket. The fish are apparently in good condition otherwise, fat, and without external wounds. No explanation of this condition can be furnished, but there is an impression among the people in the vicinity that rain- bow trout have a tendency to become blind when introduced into the large springs of this section. Two well-authenticated cases have been reported: General Wilder placed 11 adult rainbow trout obtained from Wytheville in a large spring near Elizabethtown, Tenn., and in a short time every one was blind. Another lot, placed in a large spring near Erwin, suffered the same fate. The blindness among the station fish occurred in ponds which had springs at the bottoms. The brook trout were not aflected in this way except in a few instances where they worked their way into the reservoir; all fish entering the reservoir showed these symptoms, and died. The presence of minerals in the water may cause this diffi- culty, but it more probably results from the settling of air bubbles or grit on the mucous coating of the eyeballs. The water contains an immense amount of air, bubbling from the springs and buoying up the fine gravel and sediment unnaturally in the water. The reservoir water always contains sediment in suspension. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIX During the winter 50,000 rainbow-trout eggs were received from Wytheville. These were hatched, and on April 23 there were on hand 21.200 fry. In addition to these, 81,300 rainbow-trout fry were trans- ferred from Wytheville during the month of April and held in troughs until June 7, when they were transferred to ponds, and were found by actual count to have been reduced to 51,899. There remained on hand at that time, from all sources, 73,099. At the close of the year all of the fish were doing well, though those transferred from Wytheville were much smaller than the station fish. It is believed that a consid- erable number of the fry were destroyed by snakes. As soon as their presence was suspected a temporary fence was placed around the ponds; in a week 5 water-snakes had been killed, and over 100 were killed during the year. Much difficulty was experienced during the winter in procuring a sufficient amount of suitable food. All of the beef liver available in Erwin and Johnson City was purchased at prices varying from 5 to 8 cents per pound, but the supply was uncertain, and in April arrange- ments were made for securing regular supplies from Armour & Co. in Norfolk, Va. Whenever the shipments failed a mush, consisting of flour, eggs, sorghum, water, and salt, was used. In the coldest weather, with snow and ice on the ground, the air was swarming with mosquito-like insects. There are also myriads of aquatic worms on all objects in the water here, and several varieties of Gammarus were seen in the supply ditch when the loose mud was being thrown out, though none have been noted in the ponds. Snails are exceedingly abundant, and the trout seem to feed on them; as they reproduce at an enormously rapid rate, there will probably always be plenty of food of this character. The principal aquatic plant known in this region is the so-called branch lettuce, which spreads its roots under the shallow water or in wet mud. This remains green throughout the winter. During the cold season its leaves lie flat on the water, like lily pads, but in summer the seed stalks rise to the height of 2 feet. The submerged leaves and branches serve as nurseries for periwinkle and other lesser forms of animal life. Quantities of wood or leaf mold were used for the purpose of disinfect- ing the ponds and establishing natural conditions. In order to pro. cure natural food for the larger fish a lantern with metal wings, to lure beetles and moths, was placed in the pond; striking the metal walls, the insects fall upon tbe water and become an easy prey for the trout. While the supply of food thus derived lias not been great, better results are looked for during the summer and fall, when such insects will be very plentiful. When the water was turned on in the temporary pond built in the bed of the branch, which had been Hned with mud, myriads of jointed red worms, about half an inch in length, were seen at the bottom, massed together here and there. The temperature of the water in the spring is 55° throughout the year. In the ponds there is a variation of from 55° at the bottom to LXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 71° at the surface. During the winter, though the temperature of the air reached zero, no ice was formed in the reservoir, ponds, or ditch. During the spring the station grounds were overrun with stray dogs and cats, and with a view to checking this influx all of the discarded food was buried. This measure apparently had no effect, and it became necessary to destroy all intruders of this character found on the grounds. Frogs of all kinds were also abundant, and it became necessary to destroy many of them. The food frogs were removed from the station grounds and placed in a stream below the railroad. In May and June tree frogs were spawning in large numbers in the ponds. Kingfishers were often observed, although few were killed. Snapping turtles were "noticed occasionally while the ponds were being excavated, but not in great numbers. The miller's thumb is abundant. While engaged in the construction of the station the superintendent was the recipient of valuable assistance from residents in the vicinity, officials of the Ohio River and Charleston Eailroad, Mr. Dana Harmon, attorney-general of the first Tennessee district, and Mr. P. L. Haun, sheriff of Unicoi County, through whose cooperation the collection of wild trout from the streams of eastern Tennessee was made possible, as the laws of the State forbid the capture of trout during the fall months. Put-in Bay Station, Ohio (J. J. Stranahan, Superintendent). With the view to increasing the collection of whitefish eggs on Lake Erie, for restocking the waters of this lake and supplying the hatch- eries on Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Superior, it was determined, in addition to collecting eggs, as heretofore, from the nets fished in the western end of the lake, to pen large numbers of male and female fish and hold them until ripe, as it was believed that, if this method i)roved feasible, the collections of eggs would be limited only by the num- ber of fish caught. Under the old system severe gales during the height of the spawning season reduced the collections from 30 to 50 per cent, notwithstanding the fact that nearly as many fish were caught over the same area as usual, and though nearly the same amount of money was expended in the work. Arrangements were made with a number of fishermen in the vicinity of Put-in Bay and Bass Islands to obtain the fishes desired, holding them in crates until the close of the season, when they were to be returned to the fishermen. During October, when we had auticii^ated securing many fish, the weather was so unfavorable that they did not arrive on the spawning- grounds for at least two weeks later than usual, and none were secured until November 8, and these were taken under adverse circumstances. Collections continued until November 27, when all of the nets were removed. The total number secured was 1,2-17, and 1,119 of these were transferred to live-boxes or crates. Of the 334: females, 2G0 were available as spawners and produced 10,200,000 eggs, an average of 39,496 to the fish. The balance of the females were ''plugged'' or died from injuries. The disproportion of sexes was due to the fact that iarge numbers of males were penned early in the season on the suppo- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXI sition that the later run would contain more females than males. The eggs secured from the penned fish were of fair quality, though not as good as those collected during a favorable spawning season. With the experience gained there is little doubt that in the future much larger and better results will be secured. The eggs collected from the penned fish cost $1.20 per quart, or 3^ cents per 1,000; those taken directly from the fish captured in the usual manner cost less than 2 cents per 1,000. This is exclusive of the cost of the live-boxes, pens, nets, etc., which are on hand and available for work in the future. It is easily understood that ten times as many eggs could have been collected at the same expense as the number referred to, in which event the cost would have been less than 1 cent per 1,000. The following is a brief description of the methods employed in col- lecting and penning the fish and of the apparatus used: Stationary live-boxes, supported by piling, have often been used, but as the water at Put-in Bay becomes too warm for this, the boxes were made so that they could be towed, like a raft, into open waters where the current is more vigorous and the temperature more uniform; another advantage gained by this method is that an equal depth of water is maintained in the live-boxes, the rise and fall in this section varying from 4 to 5 feet in a single day, according to the direction and velocity of the wind and the atmospheric pressure. The boxes are 16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet deep, divided into two equal compartments 8 feet square, pro- vided with false bottoms controlled by standards running in guides at the ends. The standards are pierced by inch holes at intervals of 6 inches, so that the false bottoms may be held at any desired place. The lumber used was 6-inch pine boards planed on the inside and nailed to scantling 1| inches apart, so fastened together as to make every side interchangeable. The six boxes, divided into twelve compartments with a capacity for 4,500 fish, were fastened at the ends to boom logs 65 feet long, with plank walks on both logs, thus permitting free access to all parts of them. Owing to the difficulty experienced in transferring the fish from the pound nets to the boxes, on account of rough weather, supplemental nets 7 feet long and 3 and 4 feet in diameter were placed at each pound net where fish were expected; these were held open at top and bottom by iron rings, and the bottoms were provided with puckering-strings for closing them. By fastening one side of these nets to the down-haul stake and the opposite one to the rim of the pot of the pound, the upper ring is held 3 feet above the surface of the water and the lower one 4 feet below, serving as a weight to keep the net down and also to keep it open, so that the fish will have plenty of room and not be scaled by chafing against the net. Thus located, the supplemental net is in convenient position for receiving the fish when the pound is lifted. By the use of these nets it became possible to secure many more fish than otherwise. During the past season fish were collected from six sets of nets with an equal number of boats, aggregating 55 pound nets. An employee of the Commission was placed in each boat, to dip out the fish LXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and put them in tlie supplemental nets, and also to collect the eggs from ripe females. The dip nets used for taking the fish from the pounds have long handles and hoops of spring steel, and are covered with heavy open cloth such as is used in the cider press, as the knots and twines of the ordinary net would injure the scales of the fish. The steamer visited the supplemental nets daily when the weather permitted, and removed the fish to spacious tanks on board, then transferring them to the station, where they were counted and assorted. It is necessary to exercise much care in this work, as success is entirely dependent upon the fish reaching the live-boxes uninjured. Before placing them in the boxes they are assorted into three classes — soft, medium, aud hard. The soft ones (those nearly ripe) are examined each day; the medium every third or fourth day, and the hard ones at the end of each week. In this way much unnecessary handling is avoided and the fish are kept in good condition. At the close of the season all were returned to the fishermen in excellent condition. Spawn taking is conducted under a temporary shelter erected on a raft, and does not differ materially from the mode generally pursued. The last fish were removed from the live-boxes on December 13, when six of them were placed in one of the fry-tanks at the station for future experiment. One of these was what is known as a "plugged" female; that is, her abdomen remained hard and showed a congested condition. This specimen was killed and opened. The ovaries were found to be congested and the eggs, when examined under the micro- scope, all showed ruptured yolks. Two of the other fish were appar- ently healthy females containing spawn, and two were healthy males. These were held in the fry tanks until December 21, when the females were found to be ripe. In fact, one of them had cast most of her eggs in the tank. From the other nearly a quart of spawn was taken. The eggs were fertilized with milt from one of the males and presented a very good appearance, though it was noticed that they were a little undersized, running 10 to the linear inch instead of 8. The tempera- ture of the water at the time being 32.5°, the eggs did not show dis- tinct segmentation at the end of the first 24 hours, and they were not therefore critically examined until they were 48 hours old, when it was discovered that 90 per cent of them were impregnated, but over half of them seemed abnormal, the discs being spread out more than usual and many being segmented in patches or clusters. They were again exam- ined on the 24th, and it was found that 10 per cent of them plainly showed well-defined twin discs, and three triplicate discs were discov- ered out of some 500 eggs examined. They were kept under observa- tion from day to day, and micrographs taken. It was also observed that there were many eggs in this lot containing insufficient yolk-sacs. This led to an examination of several other lots of eggs taken late, which in turn revealed the fact that the late eggs contained a much larger percentage of insufficient yolks than those taken earlier in the season. It has been noticed each season since this station was estab- lished that the late eggs did not turn out as well as those taken at the Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page LXX Plate XIII. 3. Whitefish, 12 hours, showing first cleavage. Water 38°, 4 Whitefish eggs, 18th hour. Water 38°, showing second segrmentation, four cells forrped 5 Whitefish egg 24 hours. Water 38°. 6. Whitefish egg 48 hours. Water 38° DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO Report U. S F C. 1898. |To face page LXXII Plate XIV. 7 fertilized whitefish egg 72 hours old, snowing segnnentation 8. Whitefish egg, seventh day, embryo beginning to show, well advanced. 1 Whitefish egg, yolk-sac ruptured by rough handling, 24 DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO Report U. S. F. C 1898. (To face page LXXII.) Plate XV. 13 Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 3 days old 14. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 6 days old. 15. Whitefish eggs, showing twin discs, 7 days old. 16. Whitefish eggs, showing twin discs, 8 days old. 17. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 13 days old. 18. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 15 days old. DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO. Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (,To face page LXXII.) Plate XVI. 20. Double-headed whitefish fry. 21 Curved spine, a common deformity of whitefish fry. 22. Whitefish fry just hati-iii . In the spring the 180 adult crappie remaining were placed in three of the 80 foot ponds. They were observed nesting on May 11, and though a number of nests were noticed between that time and June 4 no young fish were discovered. A supply of rock bass was also placed in one of the 80-foot ponds. They commenced te spawn about the middle of May, and at the close of the year several schools of young fish were seen in this pond. In addition to the rainbow trout on hand at the beginning of the year, 1,000 yearlings were received from Keosho in November. These arrived in excellent condition and were placed in the ponds with the others to be reared. In January and February two consignments of eggs, amounting to 41,720, were received from ]S^eosho, which produced 30,364 fry. Of these, 4,000 were distributed to applicants in Iowa and 26,303 remained on hand at the close of the year. During the fall 85 2-year-olds and 74 yearling rainbow trout were collected from one of the streams in the vicinity of the station and added to the brood stock. All of the brook-trout streams in the eastern and northern parts of the State were examined during the summer, with a view to making col- lections of eggs and brood-fish, but at no point could sufficient numbers be found to justify the expense of establishing a field station for the collection of eggs. 513 adult trout were secured, which yielded 38,592 eggs during October. In addition to these, 100,000 brook-trout eggs were purchased in Massachusetts, which arrived in excellent condition in January and produced 83,700 fry. During the spring 19,000 brook- trout fry were distributed, and at the close of the year there remained at the station 79,595 fry. Consignments of 480,000 lake-trout eggs from Duluth and 50,000 grayling from Bozeman were transferred to this station. The lake trout arrived with a loss of only 723 ; subsequent losses, amounting to 42,600, occurred, however, during incubation. The fry which resulted from these eggs, amounting to 437,000, were planted in public waters during the spring, with the exception of 400 which were held for experimental purposes. The grayling eggs, which arrived in fair condition, hatched in June with a loss of 8,710. They appeared to be strong and healthy, though it is diflticult to induce them to take artificial food. The stock on hand at the close of the year was as follows : Calendar year in which hatched. 1898. 1897. 1895. 1894. 79, 595 26, 365 400 50, 000 "3,' 396" 288 198 41 175 38 24 179 pp Report U. S. F, C 1898, (To face page LXXXIV Plate XIX. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXV It is believed that large numbers of young black bass and crappie could be collected from the overflowed lands along the Mississippi River in the vicinity of liellevue, Iowa, and it is recommended that investigations be made with the view to establishing a collecting sta- tion at that point. QuiNCY Station, Illinois (S. P. Bartlett, Superintendknt). The spring of 1897 opened with cold rains, which contiuued at fre- quent intervals until July, and apparently attected the spawning of black bass in the vicinity of Meredosia, as very few fry were observed. Great difficulty was consequently experienced in making the usual col- lections; even at the commencement of operations the fish captured from the overflowed ponds and lakes measured from 5 to 7 inches in length, showing they had hatched the previous year. As the season advanced the weather became extremely hot and dry, and continued so until late in October, making it difficult to transfer fish from the ponds to the station. As a result of the operations for the season 25,139 black bass and 3,408 crappie were delivered to the cars for distribution. The weather conditions during the spring of 1898 were much more favorable, the rivers being high early in the spring and remaining in that condition long enough for the bass and other fish to deposit their eggs in the interior lakes and sloughs. While engaged in collecting two carloads of fishes in Meredosia Bay in May and June for the Omaha exposition, large numbers of young bass were observed, and 5,000 were easily caught and transferred to the ponds at the station. The property at Meredosia is in good condition. The buildings were painted during the year, the grounds seeded, and other steps taken to improve the appearance of the station. Neosho Station, Missouri (H. D. Dean, Superintendent). At the beginning of the year 90,725 rainbow-trout fry were on hand, but losses occurred during the summer and fall, which reduced the number for distribution in October to 75,850. Of these, 72,850 were deposited in j)ublic and private waters, 2,000 were retained for brood stock, and 1,000 were transferred to Manchester Station. The brood stock on hand consisted of 1,580 three-year-olds, 311 four-year-olds, and 209 from five to ten years old. From 321 ripe females three years of age a total of 188,320 eggs was secured, an average of 586 each; 154 of the old fish produced a total of 210,815, an average of 1,400 per fish. Of the former, only 43 per cent were good; of the latter 58 per cent. The first eggs were secured in December, and collections continued from that time until March 1, the total take amounting to 405,435. Of these, 207,814, or 51 per cent, were eyed. At the close of the year there remained on hand 92,200 fry, 14,000 having been distributed in April and May. The poor quality of the eggs may be attributed to some extent to the fact that the fish were kept during tlie spawning season in ponds with- LXXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. out raceways ; consequently it was necessary to handle them daily in order to select the ripe ones. Of the 11,326 black bass on hand in July, 10,151 were distributed during the fall. The distribution was very successfully accomplished, the loss amounting to almost nothing. During the summer it was noticed that one trough of fish in the hatchery were not doing well. They were transferred to another trough in the spring branch which was supplied with warm water, and in a few days they were thriving. In October 100 of the adult bass collected from Meredosia Bay were transferred to the station. They were placed in the ponds, and were taught in a few days to take artificial food: At first lish cut in large pieces was fed to them along with minnows; after a short time the minnows were omitted, liver being mixed with the cut fish, and a few days later they were taking liver and beef without trouble. When the pond was drawn in March, 98 of this lot remained. Owing to the roily condition of the water during the spring, spawn- ing was observed in only one instance. Large numbers of fry were seen in the ponds later, but no attempt was made to transfer them, as the water contained an abundance of natural food. Contrary to the usual practice, the ponds were kept full of water during the winter, and at the spawning time they were abundantly supplied with vegetation and insect life. A few young fish were transferred to the hatchery for experimental feeding, and no difficulty was experienced in teaching those over half an inch in length to take food. When the distribution of rock bass was made in the fall, 13,618 fish remained of the 14,850 on hand in July. In the spring, when the pond was drawn to prepare it for the breeders, 1,950 young bass were taken out which must have hatched there late in the fall. Spawning occurred at the usual time and numbers of young fry appeared later. The results of last season's work with strawberry bass and crappie, though not so large as had been hoped for, were the most successful so far attained at the station. Of the 10,630 fry on hand from the hatch of the previous spring, 56 per cent, or 5,962, were distributed in the fall. It is very difficult to handle these fish in warm weather, and it is also hard to teach them to take food. In the spring 62 strawberry bass were placed in pond 14 and 11 crappie in another pond. The following table shows the number of fish on hand at the close of the year, and the maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures to which the various species were subjected: Species. Calendar year in which batched. Temperature to which subjected. 1898. 1897. 1895. Max. Min. Mean. 92, 200 1,974 95 1.950 1,200 198 92 11 60 °P. 75 91 89 87 90 OF. 46 32 36 32 33 op. 58.34 Black bass 60.79 58.25 59.10 strawberry bass 71 58.22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXVII The following table shows the air aud water temperatures and the amounts of rain aud snow as recorded by months : Month. Max. Min. Mean. Precipi- tation. Snow. Month. Max. Min. Mean. Precipi- tation. Snow. 1897. July 95 96.5 96.5 91 75 70 49 49 34 28 14 12 77.75 74.28 73.10 63.71 48.55 34.66 Inches. 1.85 .74 Inches. 1898. January February . . . March April May.... June 70 68 76 84 91 14 6 16 23 38 59 39.47 41.23 47.90 54.60 67.10 75,70 Inches. 3.44 .47 7.46 2.97 10.43 4.73 Inches. August September . . . October November December .31 .60 1.78 2.71 ....... During the summer many needed repairs and improvements were made in the hatchery aud annex, including the construction of lockers in the carpenter shop for the storage of tools and as receptacles for fish food. It was found necessary to reline many of the j)onds, nothing having been done to them since they were constructed in 1889. The material used was li-inch matched pine dipped in boiling tar. New standi^ipes of the same material were constructed where needed, an additional 6-inch supply pipe was laid from the spring to the hatchery, and a pool 5 feet by 40 feet was built at the head of pond 5. Two new plank pools were also built — one at the head of No. 5 for storage and the other between Nos. 15 and 16 — and a small egg-shaped pond was constructed at the head of No. 16. San Marcos Station, Texas (J. L. Leary, Superintendent). In July the employees of the station resumed the distribution of fish to applicants in the State, and disposed of 14,500 black bass and 3,700 rock bass. The distribution was again taken up April 25, 1898, and continued until June 3, during which period 17,100 black bass were handled, making a total distribution during the year of 31,600 black bass, 3,700 rock bass, and 50 crappie. In making these plants the employees traveled 15,549 miles, 11,549 of which were free. The distribution was very successfully accomplished, but few fish being lost. During the winter collections were made from the San Marcos and Blanco rivers to increase the stock of brood fish. The bass com- menced nesting on February 10 aud were still spawning at the close of the fiscal year. Most of the eggs were deposited on clay bottom, though a few of the fish used the piles of gravel w^hich had been placed in the pond. The fry commenced to hatch in February, and by April many were 2^ inches long. Their food was similar to that used during the past year, consisting largely of young mud shad, minnows, salted fish roe, and such natural food as the ponds contained. The crappie and rock bass commenced nesting during the latter part of March and many of them had not finished spawning at the close of the year. Young rock bass about an inch in length appeared in large numbers in the ponds, but no crappie have been seen. Once or twice LXXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. during the season the crappie seemed to suffer from an affection of the eyes. This was attributed to the clear, shallow water, and was partly- overcome by partitioning off a part of the pond and placing in this space a lot of carp, which stirred up the mud and kept the water cloudy. In order to increase the food supply at the station a pond, li acres in area, was constructed during the summer, so arranged as to have a very large area of shallow water; it was nearly oval in shape, and varied in depth from nothing to 9 feet at the stand-pipe. It was supplied with water by means of a hydraulic ram placed at the lower end of the grounds near the river and operated by the overflow of the upper ponds, the fall being 3| feet. By this means an average of 50,000 gallons of water per day enters the pcnd, and so far it has been kept full constantly, though the weather was very dry for six months of the time and the evai^ora- tion and absorption great. The ram has been running steadily since October 7, and has required very little attention except to keep the screen clean. This pond has proved a great success, both for the pro- duction of food and for rearing bass. The large area of shallow water provides a great quantity of insect life and a safe retreat for young fish. When sudden changes of temperature occur, the fish seek the deep water. The construction of four additional ponds was commenced during the spring near the southwest end of the grounds; each of them will be ^ acre in area and similar in character to the one built during the pre- vious summer. A water-wheel was also built on the river to supply water to this new system. The water will be pumped into a distributing reservoir and conducted from there to the ponds by gravity. The grounds have been improved by planting Bermuda grass and shade trees, and a. small orchard of pear, apple, plum, and other fruit trees was set out in the fall. These are doing well, only four having died during the year. At the close of the year the stock on hand was as follows: Species. Calendar year in which hatched. 1897. 1896. 1894. 1893. Black bass . . .. • 9,000 50 67 200 100 200 99 52 100 Mud shad Leadville Station, Colorado (E. A. Tulian, Superintendent). The usual arrangements were made with the owners of Wellington, Decker, Oneva, and Musgrove lakes, and Gale, Smith, and Kidgway ponds for collecting brook-trout eggs, the owners to receive half of those obtained. Early in October the first eggs were secured from the stock-fish at the station, and from that time to the close of the season, or until work was stopi)ed by ice, operations were actively pushed at all the points mentioned. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIX The results are shown iu the followiug table: Source. collfc^ted. Eggs lost. Brook- trout fry hatched. -428, 000 256, 780 109, 600 262, 900 202, 400 854, 100 88, 1 00 96, 900 801,520 108, 920 8,830 7,660 10,650 82, 400 137, 130 34, 520 53, 140 349, 870 22, 080 247, 950 109, 940 252, 250 liiHo-wi-ir'a fish 120, 000 716, 970 Vnniicr'a fi«li 53, 580 43, 760 451, 650 Total 3,100,300 793, 120 2, 010, 180 *297,000 eggs of this lot shipped from station. The total collection exceeded that of the previous year by nearly 1,000,000. The superintendent and foremen performed all the work of taking and fertilizing the eggs, and, except those from Musgrove and Decker lakes, they were of excellent quality, considering the conditions under which they were taken. The large loss on those from Musgrove Lake was undoubtedly due to the necessity of crowding the fish into a very small pond and holding them there for several weeks to ripen. The poorest eggs were obtained from fish that had been held a consid- erable time before spawning. All of the eggs were transferred to the Leadville Station to be hatched, and during the spring 581,000 of the fry were distributed in public waters and supplied to applicants in Colorado and Utah; 930,900 were turned over to the owners of the various lakes from which collections were made, and 340,000 were held for distribution in the fall. Shipments of the eyed eggs, aggregating 172,000, were made in January and February to private hatcheries in Utah, Montana, Washington, and California, and 150,000 were trans- ferred to other stations of the Commission. The capacity of the hatch- ery was severely tested by the large collections, and in April it was found necessary to erect a number of temporary troughs. The finger- lings on hand at the beginning of the year (241,405) were carried in troughs and ponds until September, with a loss of 69,365, when they were distributed in public waters in the Northwestern States. Of the Loch Leven trout fry on hand in July, 8,000 were distributed in October, leaving 2,000 on hand January 1 5 these will beheld for brood stock. There were also 4,170 two-year olds on hand in July, but severe losses during the summer reduced the number to 1,870 at the close of the year. The brood-fish commenced spawning October 14, and during the fall produced 53,100 eggs, which hatched with a loss of 9,720, or about 18 per cent. When the eye-spots developed 15,000 of the eggs were shipped, and at the close of the year there were 25,100 fry. On September 1 the 21,095 fry remaining from rainbow-trout eggs hatched during the summer were distributed with little loss. In April 26,800 eggs were collected from Loveland Lake, but the majority of them were lost in incubation. This was undoubtedly because the fish were held in a small crate for some time before they were ready to xc REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. spawn ; they weighed from 5 to 8 pounds, and many of them became badly bruised. Arrangements liave been made to construct a large pond for this purpose in future. There are a large number of fish in the lake, and as they are apparently in good condition, there is no doubt that it will prove a good field for collecting eggs of this species. The brood-fish at the station yielded 15,300 eggs in May, 9,000 of which were shipped in June. No effort was made to collect eggs at Uneva, as ice remained on the lake much later than usual, and when it finally disappeared it was found that the majority of the fish had spawned. J^o collections of yellow-fin trout eggs were made this season, and all of the fry on hand at the beginning of the year were planted during the fall. There were also at the station 289,600 black-spotted trout eggs and 164,680 fry. Of these, 124,900 fry and 29,500 eggs were the result of collections made at Freeman Lake. In the fall 270,000 of the 273,000 fingerlings available for distribution were planted in the waters of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, South Dakota, and Nebraska. The remainder were placed in one of the small ponds at the station, but all except 400 escaped into Kock Creek. On account of the uncertain results attending the work at Twin Lakes during the past five or six ^ears, and the expense connected therewith, it has been determined to discontinue operations at that point. The usual collections were made at Freeman Lake in June, 158,800 eggs being obtained. These were transferred with little loss to the Leadville Station and were in the troughs on June 30. The stock of fish and eggs on hand at the close of the year is shown by the following table : Species. Calendar year in which fish wore hatched. 1898. 1897. 1896. 1894. Eggs. Fry. 340, 000 25, 100 195 1,700 430 2,300 40 Black-spotted trout 153, 600 4,900 3,000 41,500 During the summer many repairs and improvements were made: The superintendent's cottage was painted and the 2-story frame-house occupied by the station employees was j)ainted, shingled, and weather- boarded. The kitchen and mess-house were repainted and repapered and new floors laid; material was gotten out for the building of a log stable near the mess-house, and posts were set i)reparatory to fencing in a piece of land for pasture. A 6-inch galvanized-iron pipe, 140 feet long, for drawing water from the upper Evergreen Lake, was placed in position in August, and the stumps and rubbish on the seining-grounds were removed. All of the adult trout were removed from the middle lake, which was set aside as a nursery for yearling brook and rainbow trout. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH ANT) FISHERIES. XCI BozEMAN Station, Montana (James A. Hensiiall, SurERiNTENDENT). For the purpose of increasing Mic water supply during the summer, a ditch 1,500 feet long, with the necessary liead-gates, etc., was con- structed from a point in Bridger Creek, in the canyon, to a large supply and settling jioud located southwest of the hatchery at the head of the large rearing-ponds, in order that the water might be used during the summer and fall. This pond will also be supplied with water from warm spriugs on the opposite side of the creek, which has a regular temperature of 77° throughout the year. The brook-trout and steelhead fry on hand at the beginning of the year were distributed in August in suitable streams and lakes through- out the State, except 3,000 brook and 10,000 steelheads reserved for brood stock. It having been decided not to attempt the collection of eggs at Soda Butte Lake, Yellowstone Park, and Mystic Lake, which had been exam- ined during the previous spring, arrangements were made to establish auxiliary stations for the collection of black-spotted trout and grayling eggs in the Upper Madison River, Montana, and at Henry Lake, across the Continental Divide, in Idaho. An investigation of the streams in the vicinity of Deer Lodge, in the Big Blackfoot Valley, was also made, and an abundance of trout was found. Early in March the equipment for the auxiliary stations, consisting of 14 hatching- troughs, 600 trays, 300 screens, and 24 egg-cases, which had been constructed by the employees of the station, was sent to Monida by rail, thence by sleighs and dog-sleds to the points selected. Operations were commenced at Henry Lake under the direction of Fish-culturist Jarvis. A temporary hatchery was established in a log cabin 15 by 15 feet, equipi^ed with 6 hatching-troughs 8 feet long, the water supply being taken from a spring pond in the vicinity with a temperature of from 42° to 50°. About 6,000 trout were collected and placed in the ponds during the early spring, but only 186,000 eggs were obtained. Of these, 11,000 were lost in incubation, 20,000 were hatched and planted in a tributary of the lake, and the balance (155,000) were transferred to Bozeman. The spawning season opened on April 6 and continued until May 30, though the greater part of the eggs were taken between April 15 and May 15. Operations at Horse-thief Springs were undertaken at the same time under direction of Mr. A. J. Sprague, but early in April this site was abandoned and the equipment transferred to Ked Rock, Mont., 40 miles uearer Monida and 20 miles west of Henry Lake. These stations are on opposite sides of the Continental Divide, Henry Lake being on the headwaters of the Snake River and Red Rock at the head of the Jef- ferson River. The equipment here consisted of 6 hatching-troughs 8 feet long, with the ordinary trays of woven wire, mesh 7} inch by i inch. The water supply was from a spring about 75 yards distant, of a tem- perature varying from 46° to 55°. As there was no building in the XCII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. vicinity that could be used, an awning of canvas was erected over the troughs. The work was successful, over 3,000,000 grayling eggs being collected between May 7 and June 20. Of these, 1,500,000 were hatched at the substation and deposited in Elk Creek, an inlet of Eed Kock Lake. Of the balance, 1,000,000 were transferred to Bozeman and 110,000 were shipped to other stations. The eggs of the grayling are much smaller than those of the trout and measure one-seventh of an inch in diameter after fertilization. They are very light-colored, almost crystal-clear, and are slightly adhe- sive after fertilization, forming bunches and quickly developing fungus. Their specific gravity was found to be less than that of trout eggs, and from the experience gained it appears that they might be hatched or at least eyed under pressure of water, by methods similar to those employed in hatching eggs of the shad and whitefish, rather than on trays. The embryo began to show life and movement before the appearance of the eye spot, which occurs in from 3 to 5 days. They hatch in from 10 to 12 days at a temperature of 50°. The fry are quite small, about half an inch long, and after the absorption of the yolk-sac, which requires about a week, they rise to the surface and swim freely. Considerable difficulty was experienced in providing acceptable food for them, aud the loss before they commenced feeding was estimated at 50 per cent. Those hatched at the substation and planted in the creek from which the eggs were taken seemed to grow much faster than those in the hatchery. Notwithstanding the short period of incubation, little difficulty was experienced in the transportation of eyed eggs. Tlie consignments sent to Manchester, Leadville, aud Omaha arrived in good condition. They were packed in the manner usual with trout eggs, except that no moss was placed between the trays, as the least pressure on the eggs kills the embryo. Most of the loss in shipments to Bozeman was caused by the scarcity of ice at the auxiliary station. One shipment of green eggs was made, but all of them died eventually, though they were apparently in good condition on arrival. During the spring 100,000 brook-trout eggs and 50,000 steelhead eggs were received from the Leadville and Fort Gaston stations, and from a private hatchery at Hudson, Wis. These were hatched as usual and held at the station until the close of the year, when there remained on hand the following stock of fish : Species. Calendar year in which fish were hatched. 1898. 1897. Grayling 500, 000 150, 000 55, 000 32, 000 250 2,800 Steelheads 9,700 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCIII Baird Station, California (G. H. Lambson, Superintendent). Oil July 10 Mr. Liviiigstou Stone, who had been in oluirge of Baird Station almost continually since its establishment, was transferred to Cape Vincent, N. Y., and Mr. G. H. Lambson ^yas appointed superin- tendent. In addition to his duties at Baird the superintendent was detailed to assist Mr. J. P. Babcock, of the California Fish Commission, in the management of the Battle Creek Station, having charge of all the accounts of the latter station. In order that the station might be in readiness for eggs from the first run of salmon, the fishing apparatus was overhauled and repaired in July, the filtering-tanks, corrals, seining-reel, and whim rebuilt, and log-cabins erected for the use of the seining crew. When fishing com- menced, on August 14, a great many salmon were noticed below the rack which had been placed across the McCloud River at the beginning of the year. At the first haul 15 ripe females were captured. Fishing continued without interruption until September 20, when the first run was over. During this period 6,327 females were handled, of which 1,555 were ripe, yielding 7,000,000 eggs, an average of 4,501 per fish. The second run commenced in October (the first haul of the seine being made on the 7th) and continued at intervals until December 8, 2,005 females being captured, of which 50G were ripe. From this run 2,194,000 eggs were collected, a total of 9,194,400 for the season. The following table shows the daily catch of fish, ripe females, and eggs collected, with mean temperatures of water on fishing-grounds : Pish taken. No. of females No. of tiken. Mean tem- Date. Fish taken. No. of females No. of eggs taken. Mean tem- Date. Males. rem. stripped pera- ture. Males. Pern. stripped pera- ture. 1897. o 1897. o A„g..| 520 351 21 101, 120 56.0 Oct. 28 67 49 1 2,000 46.7 532 311 20 97, 600 56.0 29 59 60 3 14, 000 45.7 20 425 342 28 132, 800 56.0 30 53 32 1 3,000 45.7 22 518 480 59 265, 600 57.0 31 71 43 4 15, 600 46.3 23 329 216 24 107, 200 56.5 Nov. 2 63 25 2 6,400 46.0 24 543 462 50 221,680 56.0 3 80 67 16 65, 600 45.0 25 410 240 36 169, 600 55.4 4 51 39 4 17, 000 45.0 26 390 216 30 142, 000 55.0 5 19 22 4 15, 000 45.0 27 651 402 61 268, 400 55.0 6 40 28 4 16, 000 43.7 28 663 405 62 273, 000 54.3 7 76 41 3 14, 400 43.3 29 306 288 35 163, 000 53.6 8 21 15 2 7,500 42.7 30 337 357 62 278, 000 52.7 9 29 18 2 9,000 42.7 31 369 374 350, 000 52.7 10 22 27 3 14, 000 44.7 Sept. 1 209 261 91 413, 000 52.8 11 64 41 6 27, 600 46.3 2 216 197 83 369, 000 54.0 12 153 89 36 155, 600 45.7 3 204 201 96 426, 000 53.7 13 59 48 10 45, 000 45.0 4 197 204 114 504, OUO 54.0 14 25 16 2 8,000 43.7 5 119 161 91 411,000 53.0 15 27 19 3 11, 200 41.3 6 194 203 119 529, 000 54.0 17 43 27 5 19, 600 1 42. 7 126 128 73 329, 000 53.6 18 28 33 6 25,000 ! 43.3 8 99 112 66 291, 000 52.6 19 80 116 80 359, 000 43.2 9 68 47 28 126, 000 51.6 20 131 120 39 177, 800 43.5 10 73 62 38 168, 000 51.3 21 195 217 51 222, 000 45.5 11 57 66 40 184, 000 51.0 22 41 27 16 70, 400 44.7 12 40 44 26 120, 000 51.6 23 36 30 12 54, 400 43.3 13 38 57 34 152, 000 51.6 24 54 67 22 96, 800 44.3 14 33 52 31 135, 000 52.0 25 14 8 5 24, 500 43.7 15 17 39 27 124,000 52.2 29 32 22 6 25, 000 43.0 16 12 27 19 84, 000 52.3 30 41 39 8 34, 000 44.7 18 16 12 53, 000 53.2 Dec. 1 93 91 37 160, 000 44.7 20 4 6 3 12, 000 52.6 2 38 33 6 24, 000 41.7 Oct. 8 62 40 1 3, 000 51.7 3 11 8 2 6,000 40.7 15 83 48 1 2,000 47.7 4 24 15 3 10,400 40.7 20 67 45 1 5,000 47.3 6 21 16 8 33, 000 43.0 21 54 67 2 5,000 47.3 7 99 95 76 325, 000 44.0 22 23 24 70 142 77 44 78 46 1 4 2 4,000 18, 000 7,600 46.3 46.7 45.7 8 15 12 5 23, 000 43.7 Total. 10, 315 8,392 2,061 9,194,400 26 79 42 1 3,000 46.0 XCIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Of the eggs collected at Baird, 6,255,000 were transferred to the Cali- fornia State Fish Commission hatchery at Sisson, Cal., 250,000 were shipped to France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, and 20,000 were sent to the Tennessee Centennial Exposition at Nashville, Teun. The remain- ing eggs, together with 4,247,000 transferred from Battle Creek, were hatched and planted in McCloud Eiver with a loss of 354,600 dnring incnbation. Tlie eggs and milt were taken simultaneously in a dry pan and at once stirred with a feather until the milt was completely mixed with the eggs, when a small quantity of water was added and the eggs again stirred, after which the pan was filled with water and allowed to stand until the eggs separated. As soon as they were washed they were carried to the hatchery and placed in baskets, 30,000 to the basket. The dead ones were kept picked oft' until the critical stage arrived — that is, the time of the formation of the spinal column, which requires from 4 to 8 days, according to the temperature of the water. During this period the covers were kept on the troughs, and the eggs were not touched until the young fish could be plainly seen, after which the picking was continued until they were either shipped or hatched. When the covers are first removed from the troughs the eggs are very dirty, being cov- ered ^ inch deep with sediment and some little fungus. The loss is small, however, as the under part of the egg, kept clean by the action of the water, is plentifully supplied with air. Some fungus appears in all baskets at this station, though the losses from this source are never large. The jiicking of the eggs is done by Indian women, some of whom become very expert. In packing eggs for local and foreign shipments the same method was followed as heretofore. In December a heavy rain set in, which lasted several days, and the river became so high that the racks and wheels had to be removed, which left the station dependent for its supply of water upon the ditch conveying water from Wiley Creek. At the end of two weeks this supply failed and it became necessary to resort to the steam pump for water for the hatchery. As the number of fish hatched at this station was larger than ever before, it became necessary, owing to lack of trough-room, to plant a majority of the fry before the sac was sufficiently absorbed to permit of their swimming freely in the water. Those planted immediately after hatching collected in large banks or schools in the shallow water away from the swift currents, making no effort to hide or burrow under the stones, and were observed always heading upstream. It is feared that large numbers of them were destroyed by fish; one trout captured at the time was found to have 43 young salmon in its stomach. Those liberated with the sac nearly absorbed disappeared at once under the gravel and stones and remained there until the sac was completely absorbed, when they were observed to go out in search of food in small schools. They then gradually worked their way out into deeper and swifter water until they disappeared. Half a million were held in the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCV troughs until they were ready to take food, when they were liberated and immediately sought deep and swift water. Six months later num- bers were caught with the fly, like trout. In June, 1898, young salmon of two sizes appeared in the river in large numbers, one about 1^ inches long and the other from 3 to 4 inches. The first were supposed to be the result of the last plants and the larger ones of the plaut of 1896, though this is only surmise. In hauling the seine for salmon many large rainbow troat were taken, one weighing 10 pounds and a number from 5 to 7 pounds. These were all returned to the water. Several Dolly Varden trout were also captured. A number of Yon Behr trout, the result of a plaut of 1,500 of this S])ecies in the Upper McCloud Eiver from the Sisson hatchery, were caught with a fly and returned to the water. During the spring an orchard, covering about 2^ acres, and consist- ing of apples, pears, peaches, etc., was set out and repairs made to the foreman's cottage and the building occupied as post-ofiice. The following table gives the maximum, minimum, and mean tem- peratures of air and water at the station for the fiscal year : Month. Maximum. Minimum. Me... Month. Maximum. Minimum. Mean. Air. Water. Air. Water. Air. Water. Air. Water. Air. Water. Air. Water. 1897. July August September . October.... November.. December . . 97 100 97 84 70 65 59 58 56 53 47 45 73 72 59 46 42 41 56 54 50 46 41 39 85 86 78 65 56 53 57.5 56 53 49.5 44 ■42 1898. January .. February . March .... April May June 56 60 69 86 90 92 43 53 59 56 56 61 35 39 43 49 52 60 38 40 45 48 48 50 45.5 49.5 56 67.5 71 76 40.5 46.5 52 52 52 55.5 Battle Creek Station, California (J. P. Babcock in charge) . During the summer the ditch used for conducting water from Battle Creek to the hatchery was repaired, the buildings put in order, and a contract made for the erection of a substantial retaining-rack in Battle Creek on the site of the old temporary one operated in the past. This work was much delayed, and, fearing that the first run of fish would pass up the creek before the rack could be completed, a small weir was placed at a riffle half a mile below, the material of the old 1896 rack being used in its construction. This weir proved of great value and remained in place throughout the season, as there were no heavy rains to raise the creek. Trap weirs were also placed at the mouth of Battle Creek to prevent salmon which entered it from returning to the Sacra- mento Eiver. The failure to provide for this in past years tended to reduce the catch of fish very materially. The seining- grounds below the riffle rack were cleared of snags and brush and the live-boxes placed in the deep water below the weir. The force engaged was about the same as that employed the year before, consisting principally of residents in the vicinity. Mr. W. H. Shebley had charge of the spawning and seining crews and Mr. E. W. Hunt directed the work in the hatchery. Seining commenced October 20 and two crews were kept busy night XCVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and day from November 7 until the middle of December, at wliicb time there were still a few fish left in the creek. Only the ripe females and such males as were necessary to accomplish fertilization were transferred from the seines to the crates, the green fish being returned to the creek. No record was kept of the ripe males used, as they were always in excess of the demand. The females were thrown on the banks to die after the eggs had been expressed from them, but the males were returned to the live-boxes and manipulated each day until exhausted. Such of the dead fish as were fit for food were given to those applying for them, and over 600 wagons received fish during the season, some of them coming from points 100 miles away. The first eggs were secured October 22, the collections to the close of the season being 48,527,500. The smallest take in one day was 85,000, the largest 2,220,000; the average was 1,250,000 per day. The total number of fish spawned was 8,704. The total loss of eggs in the hatchery was 3,395,000. The salmon handled weighed from 2i to 40 pounds, but the average weight was about 22 pounds. The following table shows the daily catch of ripe females, eggs col- lected, daily loss in the hatchery, and temperature of water: Number of fish taken. i 1 1 |21 1. l| P a " i Date. Number of tish taken. 1 a ii k II P if a '"a Date. s . to ll 2 . 5 . 23 186 60 29 71 157 193 298 239 252 170 266 174 198 170 176 159 97 106 110 197 259 143 214 07 107 64 72 127 67 ° Nov.30 Dec. 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 136 85 41 26 44 ■96' 58 40 5 96 55 36 20 '74' 30 '28' 150 228 143 78 45 880, 000 1, 360, 000 800, 000 400, 000 240, 000 50, 000 52, 500 57, 500 55, 000 62, 500 67, 500 62, 500 55, 000 65, 000 62, 500 57, 500 60 51 46 44 44 48 50 50 50 48 50 53 21 "i' 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 '95' 106 139 99 138 162 2-25 170 140 154 167 110 81 96 124 157 65 191 300 239 252 170 ''SO 455, 000 560, 000 805, 000 560, 000 910, 000 385, 000 1, 050, 0(10 1, 680, 000 1, 400, 000 1. 435, 000 945, 000 1 ^90 nnn 'ii'/obo 17,500 17, 500 15, 000 25, 000 20, 000 40, 000 37, 500 47, 500 30, 000 40, 000 37, 500 27, 500 35, 000 35, 000 37, 500 27, 500 32, 500 27, 500 37, 500 62, 500 52, 500 52, 500 47, 500 37, 500 67, 500 37, 500 62, 500 82, 500 70, 000 72, 500 70, 000 62, 500 65, 000 57, 500 52, 500 67, 500 65, 000 56 53 52 52 52 52 53 54 54 53 54 54 52 51 50 50 48 47 48 50 53 52 52 50 46 48 48 50 50 53 50 50 50 49 46 45 40 46 48 55 54 56 56 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 56 56 54 54 52 51 50 53 55 56 56 53 53 50 51 50 54 54 54 52 50 52 49 49 49 49 50 50 48 48 118 127 58 67 17 720, 066 760, 000 360, 000 360, 000 85, 000 52 51 51 49 31 Nov. 1 2 67, 500 ! 51 51 41 62, 500 70, 000 55, 000 65, 000 70, 000 52. 500 65, 000 60, 000 65, 000 60, 000 62, 500 65, 000 25, 000 15, 000 20, 000 49 48 47 45 44 45 43 43 43 43 44 45 46 48 49 48 46 48 40 46 47 47 47 48 50 46 50 182 jiioloiooo 200 ,1,120,000 170 920, 000 175 1,000,000 160 i 880, 000 41 247, 500 4 5 48 48 47 7 .... .... 47 46 g 212 247 295 397 297 439 242 250 215 242 234 170 213 162 221 207 170 78 102 100 121 1, 120, 000 1, 280, 000 1, 487, 500 2, 137, 500 1, 560, 000 2, 220, 000 1, 170, 000 1, 290, 000 1, 142, 000 1,317,500 1, 275, 000 892, 500 1, 190, 000 935, 000 1, 232, 500 1, 120, 000 1,040,000 400, 000 560, 000 600, 000 680, 000 46 ^6 n 46 i\(i 13 1 48 14 49 15 ' 52 16 51 17 15, 000 17, 500 12, 500 7,500 12, 500 17, 500 7,500 5,000 10, 000 15, 000 12, 500 50 18 19 48 51 "iO 21 64 116 33 105 33 65 55 50 71 93 106 172 69 40 31) 47 71 78 50 22 50 50 24 51 25 50 26 51 27 48 28 29 ■ ■ 3,065 8, 784 48,527,000 3,395,000 1 r" REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCVII As soon as the eggs had been fertilized they were hauled in wagons from the iishing-grounds to the hatchery (about two-thirds of a nnle), where they were placed in baskets until eyed and ready for shipment. The first consignment was forwarded to Sisson on November 10, and shipments continued from that time uutil January. Of tlie total num- ber collected 24,000,000 were turned over to the California Commission, to be hatched on the Sacramento and Bel rivers; 4,000,000 were sent to Baird; 0,000,000 were sent east on car No. 3; 2,000,000 were transferred to Bear Valley Station and 3,000,000 to Clackamas, Greg. The remaining 0,000,000 yielded 5,885,500 fry, which were liberated in Battle Creek between December 10 and February 28, on which date the station was closed and placed in charge of a watchman. The total loss of eggs during incubation was 3,395,000. In December Mr. Cloudsley Rutter was detached from Battle Creek and ordered to Olema, Bear Valley, Cal., to hatch and liberate the 2,000,000 eggs transferred to that point. The loss during incubation was small, 1,970,000 fry being hatched, but owing to limited facilities for holding them in the hatchery it was found necessary to liberate them a few days after the bursting of the shell, in Olema Creek, Papermill Creek, Hatchery Pond, Hatchery Creek, and a brook near Inverness. In depositing' the fry, shoals or riffles were selected as the most suit- able places. When the fry were first planted the creeks were very low, which enabled Mr. Rutter and his assistant to observe their movements closely. During the first nine days they moved neither up nor down stream, but collected in groups in shallow places. At one S]3ot from 4,000 to 5,000 were found in an eddy behind a rock. After the heavy rain of February 1, however, no further traces of them could be seen. On February 20 the station was closed and observations were discon- tinued, owing to lack of funds. The grounds upon which the plants had been made were examined again on Aj^ril 10 and very few fry were found in the creek, though enough had been planted to give 2 to every square foot of surface from the mouth to the highest point at which deposits were made. Fort Gaston Station, California (W. E. Dougherty in charge). Owing to lack of rains during the summer and fall, very few salmon and no steelheads reached the traps in the spring; consequently no work was done at Fort Gaston. At Redwood large numbers of salmon were taken below the rack, but owing to lack of facilities only about half of them were used. During tlie year 1,410,000 steelhead eggs, 1 ,283,450 eggs of the chinook and nerka salmon, and 41,000 rainbow-trout eggs were collected ; 710,000 steelhead eggs were shipped to eastern stations; the balance were hatched, and the fry resulting from the steelheads and the salmon were liberated in Redwood Creek. The rainbow- trout fry (35,950) were deposited in Mill, Pine, and Fish Tangatang creeks. As these stations are practically inaccessible, it being necessary to pack on mules all material carried in and out, and as better results can F. R. 98 VII XCVIII KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. be secured more economically at other points, they were abaudoued at the close of the year. Clackamas Station, Oregon (W. F. Hubbard, Superintendent). Arrangements were made to operate (in connection with Clackamas Station) substations on the Salmon and Little White Salmon rivers; also a hatchery belonging to the Columbia River Packers' Propagating Companj^ on the headwaters of Clackamas River; and with Mr. R. D. Hume on Rogue River. The rack across the Clackamas was finished early in July. Hereto- fore it had been constructed on a shallow riffle a short distance above the station, but this season the property-owuers controlling the shores objected, and it became necessary to locate it directly opposite the station in much deeper water. During the summer the hatchery was overhauled and placed in thorough repair, new foundations, sills, and flooring being laid; many old troughs, which had been used since the establi.sliment of the station, were replaced by new ones. The hatchery was further improved by putting in new skylights. The water supply, which had been very unsatisfactory in the past, was increased. Early in September, all repairs and preparatory work having been completed, operations were commenced, but no ripe fish were taken until September 15. The fishing below tlie rack was continued every night, but very few fish were taken and only 380,650 eggs were collected in September. As the prosj)ects for large collections in the vicinity of the station were poor, arrangements were made early in October, with Mr. G. H. Oldenburg, for collecting eggs at a point about 4 miles below the station, at the rate of 40 cents per 1,000, eyed; and 821,800 were secured from this source between October 20 and December 3, the eggs being delivered in good condition. Fishing operations continued until October 21, when the water in the river rose so high that the men were compelled to stop work. They resumed on November 7, but by this time all the salmon in the vicinity of the rack had spawned. As a result of the season's work, 1,072,275 eggs were taken from the Clackamas River. During September 1,006,000 eggs were received from Salmon River, and commenced hatching on the 10th. The fry from the first lot were not as strong as usual, which was attributed to the fact that the water at Clackamas Station, taken from Clear Creek, is between 10° and 15'^ warmer than that of Salmon River. As soon as the temperature fell there was no difference between the fry hatched from eggs collected on the Salmon and those on the Clackamas. Between October 10th and November 10th, 4,000,000 eggs were transferred from the Little White Salmon in four shipments, and on January 18 another consignment of 3,000,000 arrived from Battle Creek. These were in excellent condition, only 2,200 being lost in transit. Plants of fry were made from time to time, commencing October 7, in Clackamas River and Clear Creek, the last plant being made on April 28. As a result of the eggs collected at REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FLSH FRIES. XCIX the various substations aud transferred to Clackamas, 10,029,796 fry and fingerling fisli were liberated in tributaries of Clackamas River. A noteworthy experiment Avas tried during the season with one basket of eggs. A lot of 20,000, collected October 30, were placed in a basket, aud on the following day 208 dead ones were taken off. The basket was then covered so as to exclude light, and left undisturbed until the twenty-first day, when the eggs were i)icked over again aud .'>()5 dead ones removed. During the undisturbed period the top layer became covered with sediment so thick that the eggs were not visible beneath, but the lower side, owing to the current of water through the basket, was perfectly clean. A larger percentage than usual of these eggs hatched, and the fry were api^arently good. This method, if it proves practicable on a large scale, will effect not only an economy of time and labor, but probably the saving of many eggs, as these are often killed by picking over during the critical stage, between the ages of 9 and 15 days. In November, owing to the overcrowded condition of the hatchery, it became necessary to provide additional room for the fry, which were hatching rapidly. Fifty new troughs, 21 feet long, were constructed and placed out of doors near the Hume leading from the spring. This afforded ample room for holding the fry until they had arrived at the proper stage for planting. Two hundred thousand fry were held until April, and when liberated in Clear Creek they were between 2 and 3 inches in length. In December 10,000 Loch Leven trout eggs were received from North- ville, Mich., for the Oregon Fish Commission. These were hatched and planted at the request of Hon. H. D. McGuire during the months of March aud April in Sucker Lake, Crystal Lake, and Clackamas River. Upper Clackamas. This hatchery was built in the spring of 1895 by the Columbia River Packers' Propagating Comi:)any of Oregon, at the headwaters of the Clackamas River, in the Cascade Mountains, about 50 miles from Clackamas, and operated by them for two years. At the suggestion of Hon. H. D. McGuire, fish commissioner of the State, it was turned over to the United States Fish Commission with the understanding that it would, be ojierated to its full capacity during the fall. The hatchery is very inaccessible, and all supplies needed for the work have to be carried in on the backs of mules or men, as wagons can be used only over the first 20 miles, the last 30 being only a rough moun- tain trail. A trip to the station is difficult, requiring from two to three days, and as the country is entirely uninhabited it is necessary to camp en route. But the site is especially valuable from the fact that it is the spawning-ground of the earliest run of chinook salmon in the Clackamas River, and, except Salmon River, is the only place in the Columbia River Basin where eggs from this run can be secured as early as July. The station was first visited by the superintendent on June 16, and arrangements made to commence work under direction C REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. of Mr. King Spurgeon. The property at the station consists of two sheds, 20 by 80 feet, which are used as hatcheries. These are cheap structures set upon posts, without sides or floors. There is also a log cabin 15 by 16 feet and a shanty 1(3 by 24 feet, made of cedar bark, for the accommodation of the men and storage of the necessary equip- ment for operating the station. The water supply is taken by gravity from a small spring brook. In order to stop the ascent of the salmon, a contract was made at once to build a rack across the river. This was finished late in June, and another rack was constructed over Oak Grove Creek, a large tributary flowing into the Clackamas Eiver below the station, where many salmon ascend to spawn. The fish commenced collecting below the racks before their completion, indicating that some had already passed up. On July 1 a crew of men was employed, the station was put in order, the troughs and baskets repaired and asphalted, the seining-grounds cleared, and a bridge built over Oak Grove Creek. The first collections were made on July 17, and operations continued daily from that time to the end of the season, the fish being caught with a seine hauled just below the rack. It was found necessary to build a second rack a short distance below the first, to prevent the fish from going down the river while fishing operations were in progress. This lower rack was constructed with a trap in the center, so that the fish might pass up, but could not return. As the season advanced and the egg collections increased it became apparent that the water supply from tlie small brook would not be sufficient, and, as there was no way of increasing it, troughs were placed on a gravel bar near a riffle in the river, where there was fall enough to supply them with water from the river above; 12 hatching- troughs, 10 feet long, were placed on this riffle, and a rough shed was con- structed over them. These troughs gave very good results, though they were in danger of being carried away by a sudden rise in the river; but this, fortunately, did not occur until the eggs had been removed. It also became necessary to rearrange the troughs in the sheds so that the water could be used over and over again, care being taken to aerate it as thoroughly as possible, and although the results were satisfactory, it is strongly urged that a better supply be secured for the next season. Between July 17 and August 26, there were taken and placed in the hatching-troughs 5,015,000 eggs. Those collected in July commenced hatching about the middle of August, and owing to the crowded condition of the troughs it became necessary to plant many of them a few days after hatching. The last fry hatched on October 15, the average period of incubation being from 34 to 35 days for the earlier lots and 50 days for the last. As soon as trough room permitted, the fry were held until the yolk-sac was nearly absorbed, when they were deposited on the spawning-grounds in Clackamas River. The station was closed when tlie last plant of fry was nmde on Decem- ber 14, the property stored, and buildings left in charge of a watchman. Report U. S. F. C ^To face page C.) Plate XX. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CI Sai.mon River. Early in the spring of 1897 arrangements were made with Mr. Thomas Brown for collecting quinnat-salmon eggs on the Salmon River on the same terms as heretofore, viz : 40 cents per 1,000 for eyed eggs, the con- struction of the rack, capture of the fish and care of the eggs until they reached that stage to be undertaken by him, and the Commission to furnisli the necessary troughs and other hatching apparatus. The rack was placed across the Salmon River in May, at the same point where operations had been conducted the previous season, and another rack was built across the Sandy River later in the season for the j^urpose of turning the salmon from that stream into the Salmon River. At the beginning of the year, when the racks were completed, numbers of fish appeared below them, and indications pointed to a large collection of eggs; but many fish were captured before the spawning season by fishermen and others living in the vicinity, which materially reduced the available supply. The first eggs were taken on July 22 and the last during the latter part of August. During this period 1,216,600 eggs were secured from the 389 females; of these, 1,066,000 were shipped' to Clackamas in four consignments during September, and the balance were hatched and liberated in the river near the rack. RoGUK River. During the early spring an investigation of various sites on the Rogue River was made by the superintendent, with a view to establish- ing an auxiliary station for collecting quinnat-salmon eggs. A number of sites were examined in the vicinity of Gold Hill, and a point was selected about 12 miles above that place, the water to be secured from an irrigation ditch connected with Rogue River; but before the arrange- ments could be completed with the parties owning the land, who lived at Jacksonville, Oreg., Mr. R. D. Hume, of Wedderburn, Oreg., agreed to erect a hatchery on Rogue River and equip it, provided the United States Fish Commission would operate it. This offer was accepted and the site near Gold Hill abandoned. The point selected by Mr. Hume is at the mouth of Elk Creek, about 26 miles from Central Point. Arrange- ments were made with J. J. Pankey to build a rack across the river, capture the fish, and furnish eyed eggs to the Commission at the rate of 40 cents per 1,000. In August a hatching-house, 24 by 50 feet, was built on the banks of the river above, equipped with 8 hatching- troughs, 35 feet long, 12 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and with a filtering-tank 12 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet deep in one end. The water supply was taken from Elk Creek, its temperature being from 12° to 14° warmer than that of Rogue River, In order to raise the water in the creek to a sufficient height, a dam 10 feet high and 100 feet long was built about 1,800 feet from the hatchery, the water being conveyed in a 2 foot flume. In September Mr. G. H. Tolbert, tish-culturist, was detached from Fort Gaston Station and placed in charge of the work. The building CII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. was completed shortly afterwards, and the presence of many salmon below the rack afforded a fair prospect for good collections. A few eggs were taken in September, but the bulk was collected in October. During October and November 2,027,000 eyed eggs were delivered by Mr. Pankey. The results were not satisfactory, as it is believed that there was a sufficient number of salmon in the river to have yielded at least 5,000,000 more if the fishing had been properly managed. One of the ijrincipal objections to this site is that there is no deep water below the rack in which fish can collect, and as soon as they become frightened by the seining operations they descend the river for several miles. The hatchery was not large enough to accommodate the num- ber of eggs taken, and it became necessary to provide additional troughs outside the building. Quite a heavy loss occurred during incubation; the shells of the eggs appeared to be so tough that the fry could not burst through. It was noticed that those obtained from the Eogue Eiver salmon were much larger than those collected on the tributaries of the Clackamas, three of them laid side by side measuring 1^ inches. A great deal of rain fell during November, raising the water in Elk Creek and carrying away about 30 feet of tlie top of the dam ; fortu- nately no damage resulted. On December 8 Mr. Tolbert was relieved and Mr. J. W. Berrian put in charge. As the weather became colder, ice and slush formed in the flume to such an extent that it was decided to liberate all of the fry and not run the risk of losing them in the troughs. The last plant was made on February 10, when the station was closed and left in charge of a watchman. The total number liberated was 1,910,045 ; they were deposited on the spawning-grounds in Rogue River, near Trail, Oregon. Little White Salmon. As the results secured the previous year indicated that large numbers of eggs could be obtained on the Little White Salmon River, arrange- ments were made to operate at that point on an extended scale. Mr. S. W. Downing, foreman of Alpena Station, was detailed to assist the superintendent, and reported for duty on July 20. The old hatchery, which had been floated from its foundations the previous winter by the rising of the Columbia River, was repaired and the hatching-troughs made ready for the reception of eggs. The mess-house was rebuilt and enlarged, and a rack was placed across the river. A new hatchery was also commenced and completed during the month of August. This building is a substantial structure of Avood, 42 feet by 80 feet, and is so arranged that the roof is supported by the sides of the building, thereby leaving the entire floor space free of posts and giving more room for liatching operations. The floor is terraced uniformly from one end of the building in four sections, with a difterence of 8 inches in elevation from one section to the next. On each of these a row of troughs runs lengthwise of the building, the troughs in each maintain- ing an elevation of 8 inches above those in the next, in conformity with the plan of the floor. They are fed with water conducted by a flume to REPORT (^F COMMISSION KR OF FISH AND FISHERIES. GUI a supply-trough placed agaiust the end wall. By this arrangement all of the troughs are at a uniform height from the floor, and the manipu- hition of eggs is much easier than where troughs of diiferent heights arc set upon a level. The building is lighted by skylights in the roof and by windows in the sides and ends. Very few tish were seen during August, but in September they began to make their way up tlie river in considerable numbers. The first spawning salmon were noticed on September 12, when fishing was reg- ularly undertaken. Within three days afterwards over 1,000,000 eggs had been collected. Various methods were employed in catching the fish, some being taken with traps and others with seines. One trap was built in the upper side of the rack, but very few fish were captured in it. The seining was done in a pool below the rack and at various points along the lagoon. The greater number of fish, however, were caught in traps built on the riffles some distance below the rack, into which the fish were driven by hauling a seine downstream and forcing them into the trap. As soon as the spawning season commenced a large force was employed and work continued night and day. By Sep- tember 28 all of the hatching-baskets at the station were filled with eggs, 11,280,000 having been collected; and as there were many spawn- ing salmon still in the river, it became necessary to provide additional apparatus. Hatching-baskets were transferred from Clackamas Station, and work was resumed on October 2; by the Gth these baskets had also been filled, bringing the collections up to 12,649,000. The actual num- ber of days on which eggs were taken was 22, making the daily average 575,000. The greatest number taken on one day was on September 22, when 1,155,000 were collected. In order to simplify the handling of large females, they were knocked on the head with a club before any effort was made to strip them. This blow stunned the fish, and it was possible to express the eggs without any struggling or muscular contractions on the part of the fish, thereby saving much time and labor. The eggs were fertilized in the usual way, four men being detailed to take the fish from the corrals, strip them, impregnate, wash, and transfer the eggs to the hatchery. As a rule, the eggs were allowed to remain in the pan about an hour before being- washed, but with the last million obtained this period was reduced to a few mill utes. These eggs were transferred to the hatchery, and proved to be better than any of the earlier collections. The spawning season here lasts only a month, but during that period the river is alive with fish, and it is believed that former collections could be largely exceeded, as at no time was it necessary for the men to fish more than a few hours a day. Fortunately the weather during the hatching season was pleasant; otherwise the fish in the troughs on the outside would have undoubtedly been killed by ice. Several severe snowstorms occurred, but no damage was done. On October 18 Mr. Downing was detached from the station, and Mr. J. A. Tolbert was placed in charge as foreman. As soon as the spawn- CIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ing season was completed additional troughs were constructed and placed out of doors for the accommodation of the fry. The eggs com- menced hatching in November, and the first plant of fry was made on December 18. Plants continued from this time until January 29, when the last were liberated in Little White Salmon Eiver, which is one of the best natural spawning-grounds of the quinnat salmon. The total number of fry planted was 7,391,000. After all had been disposed of the station was closed, and the watchman Avas employed for the balance of the year iu constructing a road from the station to the county road. SiusLAW River Station, Oregon (L. E. Bean in charge). At the urgent request of the Kepresentatives of the State of Oregon, and with the understanding that the canners and fishermen on Siuslaw Eiver would cooperate with the U. S. Fish Commission, arrangements were again made to open the hatchery near Mapleton, Oreg., the owner having tendered its use free of cost. In August Mr. L. E. Bean was placed in charge, and arrangements were made for collecting salmon down the river and transferring them in live-boxes to the hatchery, to be held until ready to spawn. A rack was placed across the north fork and another on the main river, IJ miles above the station, at the head of tide water. Orates were also constructed for transferring the fish: they were 18 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 6 feet deep, and so made as to exclude light, sufficient space being left between the planks below the surface of the water to admit of the free circulation of water. A collection of 100 salmon obtained from the seine of Capt. William Kyle were transferred to the boxes, but half of them were lost imme- diately after being placed in the live-boxes, and the balance died in transit, though the utmost care was exercised in handling them. This method was then abandoned and collections were made by means of gill nets and a trap fished below the rack, the trap being made of two old seines. A few fish were caught in this way while the water was muddy, but as soon as it became clear they avoided the traps. The majority were taken in gill nets set in the evening and fished from time to time during the night in the deep holes below the rack. Two nets were used, one of which was 30 fathoms long, 7-inch mesh, and the other 20 fathoms long, 9-inch mesh. On the night of October 21, 63 chinoolcs were taken in the two nets. The majority of those taken in the 9-inch mesh were injured and died in a short time; the others were held until the close of the season with comparatively small loss. At the close of operations there were 117 ripe females and 97 males in the live-boxes. These yielded 544,275 eggs, of which 104,000 died in incubation. They were placed in the hatchery as soon as fertilized, and hatched during the month of .lannary. The 440,275 fry resulting from them were liberated at suitable i)oints in Spring Creek and the Siuslaw Eiver during the latter piirt of February and the first of March. Report U S F. C. 1898 (To tace paoo CIV RKPOHT OF (M)I\IMIftSI()NKK OK FISH AND laSILKIillCS. CV DISTRIBUTION TABLES. The following tables show the distiMbution of fishes by States and Territories, and the distribution in detail by species: liesume, hy States and Territories, of the distribution and assignment offish and eggs. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry and fln- gerlings. Adults and yearlings. Al b 1,000 Arizoim 2, Oi'O 050 Koclibass' 400 , , 11, 200 2,250 1,000 1,800 30, 255, 000 15, 643, 300 650, 000 Looli Leveu trout 15, 000 35,885 4,085 85, 000 Colorado 8,000 7,000 199, 000 561, 000 7, 500 Blacli-si)otted trout 91, 600 Tellow-fin trout Black bass 400 Shad 9, 775, 000 100, 000 10, 000 25, 000 10, 000 300, 000 20, 000 200 -pj 1 Shad .... 15, 479, 000 570 400 Shad 5, 179, 000 1, 717, 000 1,000 1,000 3, 036, 000 r 4,800 Eo :::::::::::::::::::: 8,000 5,000 10, 000 Illinois 2 025 475 5,000 15, 000 30, 000 Black bass large-mouth 4,415 Crappie 700 5,250 680 Strawberry bass 700 Iowa 3,900 18, 700 441,000 800 Brook trout 2,000 Lake trout 200 Strawberrj'^ bass 100 K'lnsas 1 950 Black bass, large-mouth 3,041 215 Rock biiss 2, 000 1,600 Black bass large-mouth 1,535 550 Rock bass . 221 242 Maine 50, 000 901, OfiO 1, 975, 068 220, 800 220, 3:i5 66, 243 50, 000 79, 990 58, 907 6,172 Itainbow trout 355 Brook trout 25, 000 75, 000 356, 721 55, 998 Lak(^ trout 1,489 Golden trout 10, 000 79, 144 21, 500, 000 65, 867, 000 Maryland 68, 881, 000 25, 000 10, 505 3.726 309 200 Massaclmsetts Shad 540, 000 CVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. liesume of the distribution and annujnment of fish and egtjs — Coutirmed. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry and fin- gerlings. Adults and yearlings. 200 Atlantic salmon 100 10, 000 5,548 Steelhead trout 200 10, 000 2,680 Brook trout 80, 000 100, 000 100 Black bass, large-mouth 640 30 Codfish 202, 570, 000 4, 455, 000 39, 337, 000 71,334,000 Pollock Flatfish Lobster 10, 000 Steelhead trout 91, 000 3,000 3,500 Rainbow trout 8 000 170, 000 6, 268, 400 8, 198, 000 24 AVhitefish ... 1,550 Steelhead trout 115, 000 66, 550 1, 713, 000 Black bass, large-mouth 1 . 750 300 Missouri Rainbow trout 14, 000 25, 205 2,635 Crappie 25 Rock bass 800 1,300 Steelhead trout 4;i, 500 3,000 24, 000 Black-spotted trout 2,000 1, 500, 000 4,000 Rainbow trout 14, 000 5,000 Black bass, large-mouth 131) Rock Itass 200 70 100, 000 10, 000 10, 000 30, 000 4,300 54, 975 25, 000 200, 000 Lobster 1, 200, 000 11, 110, 000 Ntny Jersey Shad 10, 000 12, 800 2,000 20, 300 2,350 New Mexico Rainbow trout 2 100 500 Rock bass | 200 Strawberry bass 800 New York Shad 5, 800, 000 4,091,800 97, 071 Quinnat salmon 200 100, 000 15, 000 200 Landlocked salmon. . 16, 000 90, OGO 6,282 19,012 84, 152 1,000,971 10, 043, 750 200 500 200, 000 Piko porch 800 Shad 1, 811, 000 6, 932, 000 11,500 GOO 100 1,715 Ncilli T)iilel Leijjsio Creek, Clieswold, Bel St. Jolm Creek, Dover, Del Murderkill Creek, Felton, Del Mispillion Creek, Milford, Del Bfackbird Creek, Middletown, Del Indian River, Millsboro, Del Potomac Hi ver, near Aqueduct Bridge, D. C Potomac Ri^'er, near Bathing Beach, D. C Potomac River, off Fish Lakes, D. C Anacostia River, near Twining City, D. C Anacostia River, near Benuing, D. C Chesapeake Bay, Battery Haul, Md Chesapeake Bay, off Battery Station, Md Chesapeake Bay, Havre do Grace, Md Chesapeake Bay, Back Channel, Md Chesapeake Bay, Western Shoals, Md Chesapeake Bay, Oakington Channel, Md Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Channel, Md Chesapeake Bay, Wild Duck, Md Chesapeake Bay, Perry ville, Md Chesapeake Bay, Spesutia Narrows, Md Northeast River, Red Bank, Md Bush River, at Bush River Station, Md : Gunpowder River, Gunpowder Station, Md Northeast River, Northeast, Md Wicomico River, Salisburj-, Md Chester River, Chestertown, Md Tuckahoe Creek, Queen Anne, Md Swan Creek, Swan Creek, MA Susquehanna River, off Watson Island, Md Susquehanna River, Port Deposit, Md Elk Creek, Elkton, Md Mill Creek, Mill Creek, Md Potomac River, Bryan Point, Md Potomac River, off Chapman Bar, Md Potomac River, off Swan Creek, Md Potomac River, off' Bar Landing, Md Potomac River, off' Moxley Point, Md Potomac River, oft" Broad Creek, Md Potomac River, oft' Piscataway Creek, Md Parker Mill Ponds, Wareham, Mass Snipatnit Pond, Middleboro, Mass Salem Creek, Salem, N.J Manasquau River, Earmingdale, N. J Metedeconk River, Lakewood, N. .7 Toms River, Whites, N.J Delaware River, Milford, N. J Delaware River, Lambertville, N. J Delaware River, Burlington, N. J Delaware River, Port Jervis, N. Y Hudson River, Newburg, N. Y Hudson River, New York State Fish Commi.'^sion, N. Y. Albemarle Sound, Edenton, N. C Albemarle Sound, Mackey Ferry, N. C Perquimans Rivor, Hertford, N. C Neuse l;iv.-r, (ioldsboro, N. C TarKivrr, rarlM.rc, N. C SixKuiiHCr.M'k, Klliott.N. C Northeast Jiranch of Capo Fi-ar River, Wallace, N. C. ... Susquehanna River, Prai Ii T.uttinii, Pa Susquehanna River, I'ltcs ImIiIn , i'a Delaware River, Bristol. Pa . . .' Delaware River, Delaware Water Gap, Pa Pee Dee River, Pee Dee, S. C . Santee River, crossing Atlantic Coast Line R. R., S. C . . Santeo Canal, crossing Atlantic Coast Line R. R., S. C . . . Edisto River, Colleton County, S. C Ashepoo River, Colleton County, S.C Combahee River, Colleton County, S.C King Capsico Iti vcr, Movi nt Holly, Va NaiisoiiKind Kivcr, Snfl'olk Va...' I*otoiiiac Kiver, oft' W'liile House, Va Potomac River, olf Til oiin t Vernon, Va . Potomac Rivfi-. ()ico(|iiaii Bay, Va ^ Potomac River, olf ("ra lie V Island, Va Potomac River, olf mout h' of Pohick Creek, Va Potomac River, olf Hunting Creek, Va Potomac River, off Coliuwood, Va Potomac River, oft' Ferry Landing, Va 9, 775, 9, 479, 780, 32,343,000 13, 552, 000 5, 611, 000 358, 000 6, 923, 000 300. 000 6, 368, 000 900, 000 111,000 1, 700, 000 Total - 210, 824, 2, 500, 3, 075, 1,200, 625, 625, 625, 450, 1, 000, 800, 800, 1, 000, 11, 781, 4,001, 1,717, 1, 796, 3, 287, 2, 102, 1, 712, 270, 270, 600, 800, 800, 800, 3, 150, 4, 500, 460, 300, 2, 500, 3, 000, 3, 319, 713, 900, 666, 400, 534, 400, 900, 450, 6, 000, 900, 375, 388, 387, 309, 271, 270, 300, 715, 781, 3, 168, 8, 552, 3, 243, 2, 546, 1,011, 918, 451, 75,871,000^ 149. 15^,000 3, 036, 000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONHK OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CIX Details of distribution — Coutiuued. Sptn-ies aul' Cache LapoudreCreok Tie Siding Colo 1 3, 000 20, 000 10, 000 5,000 South Iloiilder and Mammoth creeks, Central City, Colo Mill Creek Lakes, AVolcott, Colo .... 3 000 16, 600 9,000 41,000 20, 000 10, 000 10,000 10 000 10, 000 10, 000 40, OUO 10,000 5, 000 10, 000 25, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10,000 40,000 10,000 5, 000 10, 000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 5,000 5, 000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 2, 500 2, 500 10, 000 5,000 5, 000 10, 000 5,000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 5,000 6,000 5, 000 10, 000 3, 3:i5 3, 335 3,333 3,333 3,332 3, 332 10, 000 15, 000 5,000 Lake San Cristoval Lake Citv Colo Snako River Dillon Colo . White River Ritio Colo Park Lake Monte Vista Colo Fryiugpan River, Norrie, Colo ' Platte River Estebrook, Colo Platte Ri^•er Bailev, Colo liutfalo Creek, Butt'alo, Colo Elk Creek, Pine Grove, Colo Blood River, Breckenrid^o Colo 1 North Fork of South Platte River, Webster, Colo North Fork of South Platte River, Chaseville, Colo North Fork of South Platte River Meadows, Colo North Fork of South Platte River, Brookside, Colo North Fork of South Platte River Crosson Colo North Fork of South Platto River, Cliff, Colo North Fork of Soul li Ph'tto River Dawson Colo CraifT Creek, Estebrook, Colo Reservoir at Jefferson, Colo . - Clear Creek, Silver Plume, Colo Half-moon Lake, Leartville, Colo Deer Creek, Bailey, Colo . 1 West Marshall Creek, Gunnison, Colo. Silver Creek, Salida, Colo Alder Creek, Alder, Colo Unioii Creek, Malta Colo North Clear Creek, Central Citv, Colo South Boulder Creek Central City Colo Middle Boulder Creek, Central Citv, Colo Mammoth Creek, Central ('itv,' Colo Mannnoth Lakes, Central City, Colo Tennessee Fork Creek, Leadville, Colo West Aspetuck River, New Milford, Conn Five Mile River, South Norwalk, Conn 10, 000 Blue Lakes, Shoshone Idaho 5 000 5, 000 5,000 5, 000 5,000 2,000 10, 000 Spring Branch, Laporte Iiid Spring Creek, Orchard, Iowa Baker, Baldwin, and Bigall brooks, Cresco. Iowa :;::;:;::::: CXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Brook troMt— Continued. Applicants in Iowa Lake Auasagunticook, Canton, Me Varnnm and Clearwater ponds, FamiiDgton, Me Water Company Reservoir, Belfast, Me Old Meadow Brook, Franklin Road, Me Sandy and Half-moon brooks, Thorndike, Me Brewer Pond, Brewer Junction, Me Tributaries of Great Brook, Otis, Me Green Lake, Green Lake, Me Oxford Lake, Rockland, Me Field Pond, Brewer J unction. Me Lake George, Skowlicgan, Me Narragangus Pond, Franklin Road, Me Thoiu'jisdii Poiiil, Oxford, Mo TunkLakc, Fnmldiu Road, Me Surry Pond, Kllsu oitb, Me Brancb Pond, Dedhani, Me Flood Pond, Otis, Me Patten Pond, Ellswort li, Me Bangor and Aroostook R. R. Pond, Shirley, Me Parmacheenee Club, Camp Caribou, Me Punchbowl Pond, Falmouth, Mass Hicks and Purgatory ponds, Millbury, Mass Mountain Rock Brook, Lowell, Mass Dunklin Hole, Dedham, Mass Wilson Creek, Dedham, Mass Pawessett Pond, Dedhani, Mass Trule Brook, Lowell, Mass Applicants in Massachusetts Allen Creek, Bronson, Mich Paint Creek, Ypsilanti, Mich Spring Brook, Chesaning, Mich Sturgeon River, Gaylord, Mich Au Sable River, Grayling, Mich McMaster Creek, Onaway, Mich Hays Creek, Grass Lake," Mich Brule River, Iron County, Mich Iron and Brule rivers. Iron County, Mich Washington River, Isle Royale, Mich Applicants iu Michigan North Branch of Sunrise River, North Branch, Minn Poplar River, Lutsen, Minn Money Creek, Lamoille, Minn Pleasant Valley Creek, Lamoille, Minn Rush River, Winona, Minn Spring Brook, Northfield, Minn Colquet River, Duluth , Minn Five Springs, Lamoille, Minn Little Knife River and Silver Creek, Two Harbors, Minn. Enife River, in St. Louis County, Minn Warm Bear Lake, Red Blutt', Mont Odell Creek, Red Blutr, Mont Cotton wood Creek, Bozeman, Mont Trail Creek, Bozeman, Mont Applicants in Montana J. F. Comee, Missoula, Mont Spring Brook and Lakes, Omaha, Nebr Spring Brook, East Grafton, N. H Christine Lake, Stark, N. H Merriiuac County Fish and Game League, Concord, N. H State Fish Conunission, Ashland, N. H A. M. Bigelow, Branchville, N. J Wm. Libbey, Princeton, N.J Charlotte Creek, Oneonta, N. T Otego Creek, Oneonta, N. Y Crandall Brook, Greene, N. T Tioughnioga River, Do Ruyter, N. T Big Brook]^ Adams Center, N. T Montfreddy Brook, Syracuse, N. T Shingleliill Creek, C.-iiro, N. T Springbrook, lleartsdale, N. T Cooper r.n)ok,Peekskill,N.Y Mov.T Creek, Frankfort, N.Y Trout r.nxik, l».-xter, N. Y HorseslK.c r 1, Horseshoe Pond, N. Y Little Mi.i.sr l;ivcr, Jtlalone, N. Y ApT>lieantsiM N.^NV York Brusiiy I'orlv of Lielvinji River, Newark, Ohio. Mad River, West Liberty, Ohio M.ac-a-chee Run, West Liberty, Ohio North Branch of Owl Creek, Fredericktown, Ohi* JEggs. Fry and Adults and iingerlings I yearlings. 1,700 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 10,000 10, 000 10, 000 50, 000 46, 721 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 15, 000 10, 000 5,000 70, 000 20, 000 35,000 10, 000 5,000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 20, 000 5,000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 5,000 5,000 100, 000 10, 000 5,000 10, 000 15, 000 5,000 5,000 5, 000 5, 000 5, 000 5,000 10, 000 5,000 10, 000 6,550 10,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXVII Details of disfribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. lirook (roM«— Continued. 11, 000 2, 000 Boir Creek "\iedford Oreg 2,300 Panther Creek Carlton Oreg 2 000 Applicants in Pennsylvania 1,000 5,000 10, 000 Cockampany' Brook, Wood River Junction, R.'l 3, 000 Applicants in South Dtikota 21,000 3, 500 Silver Islet Lakes Park City Utah. 5, 000 5,000 15, 000 2,000 State Pish Commission Salt Lake City Utah 10, 000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 Joseph H. Tuck, Salt Lake City, Utah L. C.Miller, Salt Lake City, Utah. A. T. Godbe Salt Lake City, Utah W. E. Miller, Salt Lake City, Utah J H Lundy Salt Lake Citv, Utah G J Lund Sugar Loaf, Utah 25, 666 lU, 000 48,850 10, 000 9, 970 10, 000 49, 910 100. 000 10, 000 9,970 36, 000 15, 000 Tucker Brook Woodstock, Vt Pico Pond Sherburne Vt Holland Pond East Holland, Vt Fairbanks Pond, St. Johnsbury Vt Darling Pond, Groton, Vt Sleeper River, St. Johnsbury, Vt Hon. T. N. Vail, Lyndonville, Vt 10,000 10, 000 4,000 Lake, iSIew AVhatcom, Wash 3,000 25, 000 5,000 5, OUO 5,000 2,000 Black Oak Lake, State Line, Wis Applicants iu Wisconsin 5, OUO E. A. Schroder, Silesia Austria 10, 000 10, 000 25, 000 Swiss Goveratuent Switzerland Total 319,300 1, 863, 798 161, 391 State Fish Commission, Windsor Locks Conn 300, o;j0 1,000 Geo. W. Rea, Arangee, Idaho . . . 10, 000 30, OUO 100, OilO 100, OUO 96, G52 92, 052 41,696 10, 000 Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Iowa Storm Lake, Storm Lake, Iowa Spirit Lake, Spirit Lake, Iowa Lake Okoboji, Spirit Lake, Iowa Silver Lake, Lake Park, Iowa Applicants in Iowa 75, 000 Rocky Pond, Otis, Me 15, UoO 30, 000 10, 000 998 Phillips Pond, Dedham, Me Applicants in Maine Green Lake, Ellsworth, Me State Fish Commission Winchester Mass 100, 000 10, 000 29, 800 740, 000 350, 000 738, 875 400, 000 408, 875 8! 960 10, 000 2,700 7,700 2, 600 GOO, 000 Lake Huron, Alpena Mich Lake Huron, off Sugar Island Mich Lake Michigan, Charlevoix, Mich Lake Michigan Manistique Mich •' Twin Lakes, AVest Harrisonville, Mich Loon Lake, Hale Lake, Mich. . . . Little Star Lake, Baldwin, Mich. . Putnam Lake, Baldwin Mich Bray Lake, Baldwin, Mich Straits of Mackinac, Mackinaw City, Mich CXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. Lake iroMi— Continued. Straits of Mackinac Chohov^an, Mich . . . • 400, 000 5,000 400, 000 120, 000 120. 000 120, 000 120, 000 120, 000 120, 000 120, 000 120, 000 240, 000 500, OOt) 23, 000 5,000 3,500 0,500 7,000 400, 000 25, 000 240, OUO 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 8,000 114,481 62, 700 805, 150 18, 040 Lake Superior, Grrand Marais, Midi Lake Superior, Wasiiingtou Harbor, Mich Lake Superior, off Wright Island, Mich Lake Superior, Chippewa Harbor, Mich . ■ Lake Superior, off Fish Island, Mich Lake Superior, Todds Harbor, Mich Crooked Lake, Lake St.ition, Mich Hamlin Lake, Hald win. .M ich Townsend Lake, Baldwin Mich Meuch Lake, Baldwin, Mich Caslireu Lake, Baldwin Mich St. Mary Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich Lake Superior, Chicago Bay, Minn Lake Superior, (irand Marais, Minn Lake Superior, Beaver B.ay Minn Lake Superior, French River, Minn . Wilson Bay, near ( ;apo Vincent, N. Y Lake Ontario, oli Cajie Vincent, N.T Lake Ontario, i,\Y ( ; i cnadier Island, N. Y Lake O.ieida, Sylvan j;earh N.Y 200, 000 Henry Davidson Old F()i->'e N Y Lake Erie, Put-in Bay, Ohio 908, 800 8,000 20. 000 8,000 4,800 5, 000 5,000 4,000 Lake Hondrick, White, S. Dak Applicants at Kimball, S. Dak Derby Pond, Derby, Vt Salem Pond,' Derby, Vt Lake Dunmore, Salisbury, Vt 200, Olio 100, 000 State Fish Commission, Colebroo'k N H 350, 000 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 240, 000 480, 000 17, 250 240, 000 Lake Superior, Bark l^olnt Wis Lake Superior, Sand Island, Wis 1 Lake Superior, near Lizard Island Canada 100, 000 Swiss (jovernment, Switzerland Total . . . 1, 085, 000 12, 521, 219 Al.nmooaonk T-nke, Orland, Me 1 489 Total Tellow-fin trout : Lower Twin Lakes, in Lake County Colo 7,500 Golden trout: 20, 000 7,000 7,000 20, 000 18, 144 Alli'-ator Lake, Ellsworth Falls Me Holbrook Pond, Holden, Mo Branch Pond Dedham Me 10, 000 State Fish Commission, Auburn, Me 7,000 Total 10, 000 79, 144 Grayling : Elk Crecdi, near Red Rock Lake, Mont 1, 500, 000 Whitefish : Lake Huron, near Can Buoy, Mich .... 2, 000, 000 500, 000 1, COO, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 CloarLake, Valentine, Mich Lake Huron, near Thnnder Bay Island Mich Lake Huron, near Sugar Island, Mich REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXIX DetaUs of dintribulioii — tlontinnod. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry aud lingerllngs. Adults and yearlings. TT/ii/fyis/i— Continued. 98, 000 St:it.- Fisii Coiiiniission. Ashland, N.H 200, 000 .IG, 990, 000 17,720,000 5 580 000 'I'ot ll 200, 000 88, 488, 000 I'ike pn-ch : St. Liiwrrncc IMvrr, n.-ar Ciipo Vincent, N. T '.'.'.'.'.'."."'. 9, 243, 7.'iO 800, 000 60, 790, 000 10,:i20,000 I ■ik(> Fric rut-in r.iv Ohio Xotal 81, 153, 750 Lake herring ." 15,050.000 3, 920, 000 T alri^ Frio' Vnvt Plintmi Oliin 18, 970, 000 Species and diaposition. Adults and yearlings. Blacl- bass, largc-mmith : Clear Creek, Wiiishiw. Ariz Reservoir, Tucsiui. Ariz WoodrullFish Lake, Uolbrook, Ariz Applicants in Arizona Ouachita River, Lawrence, Ark Ouachita lliver, Arkadelphia, Ark.. Clear Lake, Maj'flov.er, Ark. Silver Springs Mill Pond, Kogers, Ark Potash Sulphur Springs, Lawrence, Ark Saline Kiver, Benton, Ark Applicant. s in .Vi'kaiisas Lake Mari:;, rncli-iia .Junction, Colo. Applicants in l.:is A ninias. Colo Little River, Si\ nniiir, Conn Bra ndy wine L.ake, Wilmington, Del. Fish Club Lake, Carlyle, 111 Lake Zurich, Barrington, 111 Mill Pond, Charleston, 111 Vermilion River, Danville, 111 Crvstal Springs Lake, Jacksonville, in - Illinois Central R. R. Co.'s Pond, Monee, 111 Le Claire Lake, Edwardsville, 111 Channel Lake, Antioch, 111 Kishwaukee River, Belvedere, 111 Des Plaines River, Des Plaines, 111.. Woodley Lake, Woodbury, 111 Applicants in Illinoi.s Eagle Lake, Wansaw, Ind Kent Pond. Keutland, Ind Mill Pond, Kingsbury, Ind Indian Creek, Bosseft, Ind Mill Pond, Kingsland, Ind Salt Creek. Bedford, Ind White River, Tunnelton, Ind White River. Bedford, Ind Guthrie Creek. Bedford, Ind Leatherwood Creek, Bedford, Ind Back Creek, Fori Ritner, Ind Waterworks Lake, Booneville, Ind . . Pine Creek, Walkerton, Ind Pretty Lake. Plymouth, Ind Eagle Lake, Eagle Lake, Ind Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, Ind Lake James. Angola, Ind Upper Salt Creek, Bedford, Ind Falling Run Creek, New Albany, Ind Fnrga.son Lake, Knijrhtstown, Ind.. Sackritter. Kendall ville, Ind Applicants in Indiana Applicants in Indian Territory Iowa River, Iowa City, Iowa Applicants in Iowa 200 100 100 250 200 200 200 200 100 200 1,150 300 100 200 400 100 250 100 450 100 150 100 50 100 100 50 475 50 250 300 25 195 75 25 25 50 200 300 1,095 400 100 100 Species and disposition. Adulls and yearlings. Slack bass, large-mouth— CoJitiTiueA. Applicants at Vinton, Iowa Arkansas River, Great Bond, Kans. . Eureka Lake, Manhattan, Kans Carraichal Lake, Dodge City, Kans. . Crystal Lake, Leavenworth, Kans... Fore.st Park Lake, Atchison, Kans.. Valley View Lake, Lawrence. Kans. McDowell Creek. Manhattan. Kans. . Forest Lake, Bonner Si)rings, Kans. Elm wood Lake, Bonner Springs, Kans Bnckner Creek, Jotraore, Kans Pawnee Creek, Burdett, Kans Lake Chanute, Olathe, Kans Deer Creek, Atchis'on, Kans Applicants in Kansas Lake Gabriel, Holt, Ky Little River, Hopkinsville, Ky Dick River, Danville, Ky Natural Bridge Lake, Natural Bridge, Ky Nolin Creek, Hodgensvillo, Ky Lake EUerslie, Lexington, Ky Lover's Lake, Hardenburg, Ky Waterworks Reservoir, Junction City.Ky Stony Creek, Paris, Ky RoclibridgeLake, Lawrenceburg, Ky. Crystal Lake, Ryland Station, Ky Illinois Lake, Paducah, Ky Fennessy Lake, Culvertson Station, Ky Applicants in Kentucky Duck Pond, Crownsvflle, Md Gunpowder River, Parkton, Md Gunpowder River, Alesia, Md Patuxent River, Laurel, Md George Run, Parkton, Md Kccuey s Mill Pond, Freeland, Md . - . Little and Rig Yougliiogbeny River, Oakland, Md rotoniac Iti vir, Woodmont, Md Rock Creek, Kensington, Md State Fish Commission, Baltimore, Api)licant3 in Maryland Scargo Lake, Yarmouth, Mass Elbow Pond, Buzzards Bay, Mass . . . New England Sportsmen's A.ssocia- tion. Boston, Mass Black River, Cheboygan, Mich Big Lake, Evart, Mich Pine Lake, Detroit, Mich Hamlin Lake, Luddington, Mich Pleasant Lake, Leslie, i^Iicli Round Lake, Hanover, Mich 500 1. 2110 070 2.')0 200 430 CXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of (lintribiition — Continued. Species and dispoaitiou. Adults and yearlings. Species and disposition. Adults and yearlings. Black bass, large-mouth— Continued. Cass River Marlotte Midi 100 150 150 300 100 300 50 50 ■MO 300 100 200 100 500 200 185 700 130 200 2,000 150 200 300 800 150 100 150 100 100 250 260 80'J 100 180 75 185 100 100 50 30U 100 50 260 200 100 100 150 50 100 100 150 50 100 100 150 100 986 100 100 100 100 100 2,000 500 500 ;!oo 100 100 300 100 100 50 450 Black bass, large-mouth— Confmnei. Yellow Creek, Cave Mills, Tenn Big Pigeon River, Newport, Tenn .... HiTl's Creek, McMinnviUe, Tenn Elk River, Fayetteville, Tenn Little Pigeon River, Knoxville, Tenn. Cane Creek, Fayetteville, Tenn Corley Creek Mae Tenn . . 100 100 Applicants at Ypsihinti, Mich Clear Lake Waseca Minn 100 100 Silver Lake, Battle Lake, Minn Lake Tetonka, AVaterville, Minn 200 100 100 Twin Lakes, Kansas City, Mo Brancli of Wilson Creek, Spi ingfield, 100 Spriuf Brook Doyal Tenn 70 Chick'aiuauga' Lake! Chattanooga, Sac and James rivers, Springfield, Mo 100 Green Lake, Chattanooga, Tenn Short Creek and Pigeon Roost Creek, Cookeville Tenn 100 200 Five Milo Creek Joplin Mo Clear Fork River, Rugby Road, Yalle Lake, Ste. . The total number of persons employed was 248, the capital invested being $35,908. The number of persons engaged has remained nearly stationary, there being a decrease of only 7 since 1803, while the decrease in capital invested amounts to $20,133. In Lake Ontario no netting is allowed within 1 mile of the shore, except in the waters of Jefferson County and in Mexico Bay, Oswego County. As a result of this law the fishing is practically restricted to gill nets outside of the counties mentioned. Tahle showimj by counties the number of persons employed in the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897. Counties. fisheries. In shore fisheries. Total. 103 31 9 25 6 13 51 103 5 36 p ^ 9 5 30 6 /-> 1 51 Total . 10 238 248 Comparative table showing in pounds the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1880, 1885, 1890, 'lS9S, and 1897. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. 1897. 611,219 545, 283 569, 700 1, 064, 000 849,800 403, 585 386, 974 2U, 510 90,711 1, 496, 686 598, 978 541, 752 41,010 148, 771 2, 115, 937 164, 998 56, 863 6,204 45, 380 586, 140 46, 222 101, 635 Trout 2, 349 Whitefish 181, 968 other fish 586, 722 Total 3, 640, 000 2, 398, 466 3, 446, 448 859, 585 $29, 260 920, 896 $159, 700 $95, 869 $124, 786 $34, 295 Tahle shotving hy counties and species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897 Species. Jefferson. Oswego. Cayuga. Wayne. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 22, 104 13, 675 1,048 103. 654 1,750 65, 419 10, 324 2,860 7,947 82, 812 39, 964 6,376 42, 593 26, 558 17, 723 2,475 10, 617 4,594 $1, 191 620 2,307 53 1,677 369 261 81 946 1,349 65 2,165 269 178 101 471 254 2,600 $260 5,000 6,946 4,050 1,840 $350 Blue pike 125 12,000 16, 000 400 278 Bloater or longjaw Bullheads 1, 3<)0 1,600 104 80 210 74 Eels 500 2,500 20 75 Herring, fresh 5,990 240 5.405 108 Perch 10, 150 5,990 507 299 35, 845 17,144 1,434 Pickerel 686 14, 706 10, 500 883 204 10, 653 520 799 5 Sunfish WTiitefish • 13, 500 540 5,477 22 449 1 Total 75, 236 2,655 21, 640 1, 250 93, 487 4,526 ' CLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Tahle showing the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897 — Continued. Monroe. Orleans. Niagara. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 29, 704 48, 994 21, 348 123, 194 1,750 65. 919 22, 214 2,860 i;892 13, 352 169, 254 64, 258 6,376 233 101, 635 40, 118 17, 723 2,849 739 181, 968 4,616 $1,801 880 .$44 27, 368 350 100 .$1, 031 11 4 1,978 2, 6C0 $104 882 Bullheads 2,865 53 Eels 1,697 3,350 144 . 50 2 830 261 Ling 1,892 46 46 Mullet 189 Perch 8,000 1,160 293 47 2,255 113 30, 192 1,484 4,777 Pickerel 2,381 65 233 20, 130 1,500 12 1,517 51 12 3,700 1,040 278 10 9,853 740 6,382 539 178 Trout 374 739 138, 549 29 38 6,610 130 38 Whitefish 2,000 160 11, 825 706 8,936 255 Total . ... 21, 850 1,036 24, 813 1,603 221, 477 10, 835 920, 996 34, 295 Table shoiving counties the vessels, hoats, apparatus, and shore jyroperty employed in the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897. Jelferson. Oswego. Cayuga. Wayne. Designation. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. 1 42.41 $3,750 .... 70 1 13.69 $2, 000 240 655 908 77 66, 104 111 115 8 40 $4, 551 1,932 3,850 1,150 205 60 13 38, 877 9 30 $560 2 22 53, 640 650 Apparatus of capture : Gill nets feet.. 1,165 Fvke nets 14 70 5 1,280 Hand lines 33 30 20 39, 600 8 90, 400 444 105 4 4 2,093 2,585 435 Total 13, 845 8,112 592 6,253 Designation. Monroe. Orleans. Niagara. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Vessels fishing 1 42.41 $3, 750 Outfit 70 1 13.69 2,000 240 4 31, 432 $300 670 7 15,055 $380 597 30 84, 282 $1, 475 2,080 162 289,420 111 144 13 93 197, 320 4 8,571 Apparatus of capture : Gill nets feet.. Trap nets 7,354 3,850 Fyke nets 15 75 1, 295 Seines 1,485 Handlines 98 Set lines feet.. 10, 560 20 23, 760 70 33. 000 67 706 4 Shore property 300 185 977 6,575 Total 1,365 1,232 4,599 35, 998 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLV Table shomng by counties, apparatus, and species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897. Apparatus and species. Jeflfersou. Oswego. Cayuga. Wayne. .Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Gill nets : 10, 085 1,!)10 1,048 9,324 2, 860 558 12, 858 8,009 671 32, 906 4,883 2,475 4,992 356 $481 42 33 339 261 157 239 49 101 221 15 75 $3 6,946 1,840 4,050 5,990 $278 74 210 1,600 1,300 $80 104 iiloater or long,ja\v 12, 000 2,500 420 75 Mullet Perch 2, 200 110 29, 845 10, 604 1,194 424 Pickerel Eockbasa Sturgeon 6, 906 600 414 6 7,853 589 Trout "Whiteflsh 7,500 300 5,477 22 Wall-eyed pike 1 Total 92, 935 3,719 29, 581 1,218 5,100 294 72, 627 3,459 Trap nets : Black bass 6,890 3,590 41, 894 1,150 47, 204 1,000 5,924 46, 311 15, 722 5,025 9,487 12,820 12, 499 5,625 3,758 346 139 1,043 35 1,201 30 60 468 475 51 384 131 125 250 214 Blue pike Bullheads Catfish Eels Herring SluUet Perch Pickerel Rock bass Sturgeon Suckers Sunflsh :::::::::: Whiteflsh Wall-eyed pike Total 218, 899 4,952 Fyke nets : Black bass 1,000 50, 700 15, 215 625 13,100 6,260 3,665 1,924 250 50 998 390 6 146 205 37 20 13 Bullheads 19, 400 679 Eels Mullet 1 Perch Pickerel 2,540 .520 5,800 102 5 Sunflsh Wall-eyed pike Total 92, 739 1,865 28, 260 902 Seines : Black bass 75 4 Blue pike 50 16, 000 2 400 Bullheads 9,150 600 2, 350 840 8,425 9,878 680 200 5,190 3,300 224 18 69 8 154 427 7 14 52 33 Catfish Eels 500 5,405 20 108 Mullet Perch Pickerel 1" Sturgeon 9,900 198 Sunflsh Whiteflsh 6,000 240 Wall-eyed pike 230 12 Total 40, 918 14, 139 2,118 95 1,022 791 21 3 37, 855 968 Hand lines : Black bass 2,600 7,950 5,990 260 397 299 5,000 1 350 6,000 240 4, 000 1 160 Perch Pickerel Total /..... 16, 352 815 16, 540 1 956 7,800 oin Set lines: Sturgeon 469 2 800 Spears : Eels 650 17 1 1 462, 493 12, 390 75, 236 2,655 21, 640 1,250 ' CLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table showing hy counties, apparatus, and species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in i597— Continued. Apparatus and species. Monroe. Orleans. Niagara. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. PoTind*. Value. Pounds. Value. Gill nets : 880 $44 27, 368 100 350 50 $1, 031 4 11 2 45,354 5,450 21,348 21,214 2,860 1,892 558 85, 350 18, 663 671 233 65, 086 8,023 2,849 739 170, 343 378 $1, 837 Bloater or longjaw 2, 600 3, :«o $104 144 882 261 Lint; 1,892 46 46 Mullet Perch 8, 000 50 293 3 2,255 113 30, 192 1,484 3,351 Pickerel Rock bass 7 233 14, 050 1,500 374 739 138, 549 12 1,061 51 29 38 6,610 167 1,040 13 10 3,204 240 4,084 130 White bass 38 Whiteflsh . 2,000 160 11, 825 706 8,446 Wall-eyed pike 16 -Total 17,207 727 18, 164 1,103 215, 397 10,379 461, Oil 20,899 Trap nets : 6,890 3,590 41,894 1,150 47, 204 1,000 5,924 46,311- 15, 722 5,025 9,487 12, 820 12, 499 5,625 3,758 Blue pike Bullheads 1 043 Catfish Eels 1,201 30 Herring .::::: i:::::: Mullet 60 Perch 468 475 Rock bass 51 :::: 384 Suckers 131 Sunfish 125 Whiteftsh 250 Wall-eyed pike 214 Total 218, 899 4,952 ... Fyke nets : 1,000 77, 380 1-J. 215 625 13, 100 9,910 4,185 9, 124 250 50 Bullheads 7,280 255 1,932 390 Eels Mullet 6 Perch 146 1,110 44 351 Suckers 42 Sunfish 1,400 14 150 Wall-eyed pike 13 Total 9,790 313 130, 789 3,080 ■ , Seines : Black baas.. 50 25, 150 600 2,850 6, 245 8,425 9, 878 680 200 15, 090 3,300 6,000 230 4 Bluepike '.... Bullheads ::: 624 Catfish 18 Eels Mullet 116 Perch Pickerel 427 Sturgeon 14 Suckers 250 Sunfish . 33 Whiteflsh 240 Wall-eyed pike Total 78, 773 1,990 Black base 21, 739 16, 068 10, 085 1,401 658 Perch Pickerel Total 47, 892 Set lines: Sturgeon. . 3,533 265 6,649 500 6,080 456 26, 862 050 1,900 17 Spears : Eels 30, 530 1,305 221, 477 10, 835 954, 876 -54, Bid REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLVII FISHERIES OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES IN 1897. Investigations of the fisheries of these States were carried on during Marcli, April, and May, 1898, Mr. Wilcox canvassing Georgia and South Carolina, and Messrs. Cogswell and Cobb North Carolina. The east coast of Florida was covered by Mr. Cobb during tlie preceding autumn, and data collected for the fiscal year 1807. The general results of the work, as set forth in the following tables, show an increase in the fish- eries since the last canvass, which was made in 1890. The number of persons engaged was 17,185, of whom 14,4:49 were fishermen and 2,7.>G shoresmen. The capital invested ($1,828,832) is apportioned as follows: Vessels and their outfits, $200,280; boats, $270,860; apparatus of capture, $492,597 ; shore property and cash capital, $859,090. The products of the fisheries amounted to 80,300,465 pounds, with a first value of $1,833,155. There has been an increase in the number of persons employed of 1,184; in capital invested of $140,546; in products of 13,205,847 pounds; and in value of products of $259,451. The shad and oyster fisheries lead in the list of products, the former being valued at $478,784 and the latter at $384,934. The fisheries of Xorth and South Carolina and Georgia have increased to some extent, while those of the east coast of Florida have decreased. The decrease in Florida has been chietiy in the shad fishery, which has less than half the impor- tance in yield and value which it had in 1890. This is said to be due to the great spread of the water hyacinth in tlie St. Johns Eiver, which prevents the use of seines. There has been an important increase in the yield and value of shad and oysters in North Carolina and Georgia, and of oysters in South Carolina. Xi(7nber of persons employed in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in 1H97. States. Fishermen. Shoresmen. Total. North Carolina 10,120 1,934 1,404 991 1,925 205 465 141 11, 045 2,139 1,869 1,132 Georgia Florida Total 14, 449 2,736 17, 185 Table shotviiuj the number and value of vessels, boats, apparatus, and shore property employed in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in 1897. Items. North Carolina. South Carolina. Georgia. Florida. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No, Value. No. 1 Value. Vessels 174 1, 879. 23 .$122,625 28,' 750 202, 709 410,811 315, 164 138, 400 16 252. 93 'i,'656 $12, 000 "3," 742 34,080 30, 677 45 055 51 641. 80 '"680 .$21,425 "'7,'408 20, 277 2 16.87 ""527 $2, 400 ""i,'936 19, 800 33, 210 64, 715 29, 100 243I 41 Kc it^n Tonnage 2, 790. 83 ""e.'egi "•^ ' Boats .... 4,428 276, 866 492 597 Apparatus of cap- Shore and accessory Tironertv ' 1 106, .sse 111,500 531 290 48,800| 1 ' ~ Total 1,218,459 1 174,354' 1 284,864j 151,155 1,828,832 CLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Tahle showing the quantity and value of products taken in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in 1897. Species. North Carolina. South Carolina. Georgia. Florida. Pounds. Value. Pounds. ^alue. Pounds. Value. Pounds. 1 Value. 5, 694, 201 10, 096, 236 535, 342 1, 482, 375 213, 800 2,350 38, 210 94, 750 192, 211 64, 550 40, 200 51, 400 96, 700 173, 975 $48,756 78, 299 23, 611 41, 608 5,144 35 1,000 1,758 4,646 830 804 1,073 4,051 3,199 2,000 $40 25, 000 $500 33, 913 $404 5 coo' l^ii Black bass 1,000 40, 000 30 1,600 4,600 B22 52, 516 46, 421 2,184 Sluefish fn^sh 1,121 Bonito t 3,900 195 248, 989 6,827 Catfish Channel bass or redfish, fresh 28, 500 110, 000 535 2,500 157, 600 23, 800 2,734 1,190 124, 000 235, 782 3,720 3,542 Channel bass or redfish, salted Drum 215, 000 1,875 14, 300 5,000 6,500 592 100 290 17, 000 175 Eels 33, 000 36, 800 1,170 1,516 230, 975 358, 070 11, 310, 000 797, 425 2, 612, 160 806, 379 412, 807 100, 420 61, 600 53, 175 39, 910 39, 000 8,100 189, 225 8, 963, 488 7,583 7,628 7,775 282 I 19, 700 16,797 73, 541 24, 044 10, 285 2,655 1,064 1,728 472 975 46 Mullet, fresh 46, 000 10, 000 2,000 885 200 40 56, 000 1,310 2, 34i, 957 71, 400 21, 156 Mullet salted 1 576 Perch 3,600 140 Pigfish Pike 5,000 300 196, 344 13, 093 Porgy 8,800 440 600 30 Sea bass 5 564 fia"^ icn\ 26, 356 27, 696 300 1,460 1, 660 1,000 730 1 5,570' ■ 210 Shad 787, 550 46, 705 Sharks 30, 000 36, 200 54, 000 10, 000 49, 000 Sheepshead . ... 271, 206 34, 400 330, 840 1, 963, 756 165,246 3, 006, 758 83, 496 21, 725 845, 123 371, 625 135, 230 14, 125 6,950 45, 300 9,243 860 18, 017 28, 384 4,749 92, 993 2,226 866 58, 035 13, 525 3,037 283 348 1,133 25, 000 1,250 390, 164 5,908 Snappers Spanish mackerel Spots and croakers, fresh. Spots andcroakers,8alted Squeteague, fresh Squeteague, salted 18, 100 655 3,450 23, 133 160 772 ......... 80, 000 2, 030 54, 650 2,512 516, 370 12,817 10, 100 411, 100 556 7,325 9,000 147, 700 530 4,060 Suckers 638, 500 28, 405 45, 700 2,100 Other fish 103, 340 3, 356 38,625 1 497 Shrimp 146, 496 986, 720 40, 000 5,885 3,992 374, 500 18, 395 67, 600 2,535 1,000 110, 000 2,240 74, 660 1,864 4,000 10, 350 23; 856 80 Terrapins 17, 179 24, 000 1,800 6,011,726 937, 808 118, 323 32, 500 691 3, 862, 200 2,815 1, 920 450 241, 099 53, 703 5,653 11,162 104 4, 828 40, 916 9,635 34, 785 1,000 11, 254 20 1 425 1.751 Frogs 1 1, 504, 300 185,400 45, 360 8,652 3, 406, 440 2,640 86, 709 165 362, 802 4, 800 11, 766 300 clams Scallops 69, 805 17, 525 9,600 2,581 Kefuse Total 64, 234, 257 1,316,017 5, 280, 446 210, 456 4, 993, 100 170, 605 5, 882, 662 1.36,077 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLTX Tabic showinff the quantity and value of products taken in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in i6'57— Continued. Species Ale wives, fresh Ale wives, salted Black bass Bluefisli, fresh liluertsh, salfed Bonito Bream and suntish Butter tish Cattish Channel bass or redfish fresh Channel bass or redfish salted Drum Eels Flounders Groupers Hickory shad Kingfish Menhaden Mullet, fresh Mullet, salted Perch I'igflsh Pile Pinflsh Pompano Porgy Sailor's choice Scad or round robin Sea bass Shad 5, 755, 114 lu, 101, 236 593, 458 1, 508, 796 •.'13, 800 2, 350 291, 099 94, 750 502, 311 434, 132 40, 200 297, 700 101, 700 180, 475 33, 000 275, 550 358, 070 11, 310, 000 3, 241, 382 2, 693, 560 811, 979 412, 807 100, 420 61, 600 254, 519 39, 910 48, 400 8,100 827, 195 11, 268, 343 $49, 700 78, 424 26. 147 44. 3L':i 5, 1^4 :!5 8, 022 1, 758 11, 635 3,715 4,151 3, 489 1,170 9,361 7, 628 19, 700 40, 148 75, 317 24, 224 10. 285 2. 655 1,064 15, 121 472 1.445 40 32, 130 478, 784 Species. Sharks Shet>pshead Si'api>ors Sjianisli mackerel Sjiots and croakors, fresh Spots and croakers, salted Squeteague, fresh Squeteague, salted Strawberry bass Striped bass Sturgeon Suckers Tautog Warmouth bass Whiting Other fish Shrimp Crabs, soft Crabs, hjird Crawfish Terrapins Turtles Progs Oysters Clams Scallops Caviar Trout sounds Refuse Total 30. 000 722, 570 88, 400 362, 390 165, 246 3, 657, 778 83, 496 21, 725 864, 223 930, 425 135, 230 14, 125 6,950 737, 500 103, 340 627. 221 986, 720 228, 360 4,000 103, 230 48, 856 1, 800 11,285,268 1, 130, 648 118, 323 111, 905 691 3, 862, 200 $300 17, 861 2,520 19, 832 29, 886 4,749 110, :',52 2,226 806 59, 121 24, 910 3,037 32, 003 3,356 28, 312 3,992 5,279 80 25, 129 3,691 450 384, 934 62, 820 5,653 31, 268 104 4,828 FISHERIES OF THE GULF STATES IN 1897. The canvass of the commercial fisheries of this region was conducted chiefly during March, April, and May, 1898, by Messrs, Stevenson and Hall, the former working- in Louisiana and Texas and the latter in Mississippi and Alabama. The statistics of the west coast of Florida were collected in the autumn of 1897 by Mr Cobb, and refer to the preceding fiscal year. From the information collected it is shown that there were employed in fisheries of the Gulf States 13,967 persons, 11,180 of whom were fishermen and 2,787 shoresmen. The capital invested in the fisheries amounted to $2,584,061, of which $717,076 represented vessels and their outfits, $436,041 boats, $137,216 apparatus of capture, and $1,293,728 shore property and cash capital. The products of the fisheries amounted to 65,660,623 pounds, having a first value of $2,271,726. The oyster fishery was valued at $748,760, or more than twice the value of any other single fishery. Next in importance is the sponge fishery, valued at $305,589. The catch of red snappers was valued at $200,412, and that of mullet at $213,988, all other fisheries being represented by smaller sums. A comparison of the results of the present canvass with those of the canvass in 1890 shows that 2,215 more persons were employed. There has been a slight decrease in other respects, as follows : $394,231 less capital invested, 3,714,911 less pounds of products, and a reduction in value of products of $166,949. CLX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. In the different States there are numerous changes to be noted in the yield of the various iisheries. The oyster fishery shows a great reduction in products and value in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi^ and Texas, and an important increase in Louisiana. The red-snapper fishery has greatly increased in Florida, Alabama, and Texas, while in Louisiana it has been abandoned or transferred elsewhere. The mullet fishery has increased in yield and value in Florida ; in yield but not in value in Alabama, and has decreased in both respects in the other three States. A decrease is to be noticed in the sponge fishery of Florida. There has been an increase in the shrimp fishery in Ala- bama, Mississippi, and Texas, and a decrease in Louisiana. The important increase in the number of persons engaged in the fisheries warrants the assumption that an increase would have been found in the general yield and value of the fisheries of the Gulf region had they not been affected by outside agencies. There can be little doubt that the decrease is due largely to the restrictions placed on the various means of transportation during the yellow-fever outbreak of 1897. Table showing hy States the numier of j)ersons enr/aged in the fisheries of the G%tlf States in 1SD7. States. Fishermen. Shoresmen. Total. 4,667 593 1,061 3,719 1,140 344 196 1,504 684 59 5,011 Alabama 789 2,565 4,403 Texas 1,199 Total 11, 180 2,787 13, 967 Table shoiving by States the investment in the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897. Designation. Mississippi: No. Value Vessels Tonnage . Outfit ... ApisaratuH of capture. Shore property Gash capital 183 I .$274, 177 53 522. 18 $40, 37 $81, 125 191,561 130, 548 54, 350 175, 526 323, 100 10, 570 9', 205 49, 350 42, 750 854. 88 439 25, 938 17, 039 19,255 125,644 249, 300 165,1 518, 301 Designation. Louisiana. Texas. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. 1 Value. Vessels 61 395. 80 $32, 101 45 508. 81 $36, 565 ""i5,'ii9' 77,911 22, 746 55, 155 30. 000 425 5, 052. 69 $464, 343 Outfit 9, 545 197, 604 31,060 173, 903 69, 000 252, 733 3,025 686 6,025 436. 041 579, 578 Cash capital 714 150 Total .. . 513, 813 237, 496 2, 584, 061 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXI Table slioirhuj /»// States tlic products of the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897. Species. Florida. Alabama. Mississippi. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Ainber-flsh 18, 600 59, 186 31,000 $620 1,696 1,240 6,000 $115 41, 000 204, 500 79, 509 2,870 4,094 2,783 27, 000 33, 300 24, 800 21, 500 31,200 199, 000 $1, 350 1 105 Bluelish 264, 971 7,909 6,057 238 508 215 Buflalo-fiah 5,000 236, 368 38, 140 37, 855 32, 561 781, 155 671, 876 81, 600 7,500 440, 000 123, 223 11,711,041 2, 432, 277 143, 999 100 3, 597 494 622 549 9,349 16, 833 3,480 75 6,600 2,633 126, 124 13! 310 188, 000 213, 000 12,000 6,000 47, 000 69, 000 2,872 7,425 180 91 1,602 1,035 8,303 5,000 28, 200 250 Flounders 1 Hogfish Jurel Ladylish Mtillet fresh 591, 300 6,000 8,487 195 240, 600 2,881 Mallet' salted Perch 5,000 4,000 4,000 60, 300 200 61 61 4,212 5,000 150 Pike and pickerel Piniish 38, 880 24, 800 1 314 359, 151 23, 225 98, 200 11, 962 89, 381 150, 000 663, 347 5,314,487 110, 631 456, 322 23, 579 26, 113 9,254 703, 830 63, 105 9,589 73, 440 537, 138 332, 856 1, 258, 008 7,084 17, 964 1,236 2,450 1,196 3,198 3,090 9,793 171, 234 3,296 21, 757 1,193 495 331 15, 148 2,524 109 6,594 24, 317 305, 589 50, 258 171 1 580 :::::: i Porkfish 86, 800 335, 000 2,949 11,725 110, 150 Snappers, other 85, 500 3,960 64, 760 5,076 Spanish mackerel, salted 504, 000 8,099 51, 900 1,914 Trout fresh 296, ioO 9,711 452, 800 15, .570 2,000 70 Yellowtail Other fish 1, 785, 438 60,207 4, 407, 992 110, 964 Clams Shrimp 40, 600 609 1,903,165 28 804 157, 500 6,240 3, 1.50 Crabs hard 24, 400 505 131,640 21, 200 3,494 Turtles 634, 616 11,400 500 22, 736 1,250 30 12, 450 14, 481 2,934 320 6,798 Conchs Alligator hides ■; Total 28, 255, 219 944, 793 4, 699, 381 134, 438 7, 829, 685 1Q9 908 Species. Louisiana. Texas. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 18, 600 65, 186 31, 000 68, 320 536, 271 231, 998 344, 793 2, 448, 564 2, 257, 944 86, 140 7,250 117, 825 335,411 853, 618 671, 876 97, 720 33,281 $620 1 811 Angel-fish Black bass 320 3,960 119, 780 311, 093 2, 153, 134 465, 200 18, 000 7,250 18, 570 9,625 $26 132 3,789 4,768 51, 420 20, 529 690 74 540 654 4 246 Bluelish 29, 540 $1, 281 12 669 Bream and sunfish 7 318 Buflalo-fish 12, 200 71,230 1, 144, 376 18,000 470 3,035 51,922 743 5 453 Catfish Channel bass or redfish Crevalle 58! 147 91, 776 2 107 Drum, salt water .... 50, 400 218, 025 3,463 2,046 9,819 84 3 549 Flounders Groupers 13, 026 10,468 Hogflsh Jewfish 125 5 15, 995 33, 281 784 1,083 4,269 1,083 F. K. CLXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Tahle showing by States the products of the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1S97 — Cout'd. Species. Pounds. Value, Pounds. Val Value. Jurel Kingfl-ih Ladylish Mullet, fresh Mullet, salted Mullet roe, salted Perch Pike and pickerel Pinflsh Pompano, fresh Pompauo, salted Poigies Porkfish Sailors' choice "Sardines" Sheepshead Shoemaker Silver perch Snappers, red Snappers, ot her Spanish mackerel, fresh .. Spanish mackerel, salted. Spots and croakers Striped bass Sturgeon Trout, fresli Trout, salted "VVhiting Yellow-tail Other fish Sponges Oysters clams Shrimp Cr.awflsh Crabs, hard (^rabs, soft Turtles Terrapin Conchs Alligator hides Otter skins 165,819 I $5,871 60, 350 500 11,050 I 500 'i7,"665' """i,"89i 32, 150 22, 730 17, 850 238, 010 9,600 3,015 328, 775 66, 550 "6,'7i4,'336' 4,486,726 84, 950 1, 458, 833 22, 395 41, 680 Total 12, 506 346 128 464, 791 "46,' 716' 16, 980 1,449 136, 700 8,950 22, 400 ,011,620 80, 576 3,113 12, 891 2, 491, 370 ""'366,'536' 138, 120 581 4,149 237, 385 3,880 $2, 167 25 17, 453 "'i,'939 6,007 384 984 45, 525 94, 663 7,464 7,500 440, 000 123, 223 12, 769, 110 2, 438, 777 143, 999 53, 200 26, 730 42, 880 479, 766 23, 225 98, 200 11,962 89,381 150, 000 1,565,811 9,600 3,015 6, 114, 278 110, 631 703, 097 23, 579 1, 047, 488 31, 830 31,654 3, 030, 998 63, 105 11, 589 73, 440 664, 188 332, 856 16, 657, 138 7,084 6, 791, 021 242, 450 1, 759, 233 21, 200 894, 396 66. 692 500 $75 6,600 2,633 145. 530 55, 148 13,310 2,356 1,050 1, 375 26, 459 1,236 2, 450 1,196 3,198 3,090 51, 074 346 128 200,412 3, 296 37, 864 1,193 33, 495 1,833 1,315 112, 454 2,524 179 6, 594 30, 546 305, 589 748, 760 171 117,453 20; 787 1,720 30, 177 7,501 30 34, 546 14,481 65, 660, 623 2, 271, 726 FISHERIES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Eecently a market has been found in Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and other States west of the Mississippi for fresh fish and spiny lobsters from southern California. Important shipments have been made, chiefly from San Pedro and San Die^o, the imnoipal species shipped being barracuda, boiiito, mackerel, sea bass, red rockfish and spiny lobsters. Good prices were received, and it is probable that a per- manent market for southern California fresh fish will be found. The spiny lobster proved especially desirable; it was shipped chiefly to Kansas City, where it is known as the Bermuda lobster. The scarcity of suitable fishing boats proved a considerable draAvback in filling orders for fish from eastern ])oints. In INiarch and April, 1898, ]\[r. Cloudsley Rutter made impiiries res])ecting the fisheries of San Diego. Several dealers kept no records, and it is probable that tlie quantity of fish taken was greater than that accounted for in the following table. More than 800,000 pounds were handled, of which 28o,G58 pounds were shipped by rail to eastern points. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXIII Statement of the pounds of fish and lobsters handled by San Diego dealers in 1891. Species. January. February March. April. May. June. July. 450 167 1,300 20 17, 675 594 1, 260 34, 565 2, 943 2,770 23, 345 945 4,490 28, 925 594 5,060 24, 590 801 960 120 927 4,290 27 40 1,414 125 8,657 2,879 27 115 98 1,242 160 15 15 *' Smelt*' 138 996 40 7,503 5,655 105 1,479 150 7,187 3,752 10 745 2, 995 50 2,353 4,898 Jewfiah 9,954 777 13 380 1,894 185 30 495 3,050 81 77 .. 103 223 151 277 258 1,140 178 340 257 45 918 \ 132 \ Herring Other lish 711 379 :::::::::::::::;:::: 5,616 3,428 2,517 672 2,909 Total fresh 17, 731 16, 793 25, 854 39, 277 30, 782 56, 417 9,436 34, 806 27, 716 40, 844 29, 481 40, 983 Salted fish: Barracuda, bonito, yellow- tail, albacore, and rock- fish 52, 535 Grand total of fish 17, 731 116 42, 647 is" 70, 059 158^ 65, 853 62, 522 1,791 70, 325 93, 518 3,229 SLipment of Ireah fish and 16, 122 8,381 19, 245 28, 230 25, 675 26, 414 29, 093 Species. August. Soptem- October. Novem- ber. Decem- ber. Date un- known. Total. 32, 535 1,188 4,820 18, 895 4,077 5,530 90 9 20 8,843 200 6,555 1,666 3, 520 8,217 9,070 690 80 1,332 1,700 420 40 324 2,100 184, 620 22, 109 43, 350 1,340 43 384 "Smelt" 58 5,193 60 8,296 6.525 905 509 55 5,595 20, 552 652 485 2, 812 300 8,142 15, 965 34 1,849 Bass 4,474 35, 60O 980 6,042 75, 228 TJnptfishf « 58, 037 843 875 *4,837 474 180 56 101 655 543 22 2,748 1,950 '281 310 1,551 5,760 532 975 152 112 3,966 1,565 4,569 "Whitefish 5,859 1,438 123 826 5,327 1,267 936 280 1 1 14, 000 35, 377 Total fresh 55, 206 40, 160 47, 531 50, 859 43,331 15, 776 39, 948 48, 199 37, 504 22, 919 1 14, 000 11,000 484, 371 Salted fish : Barracuda, bonito, vellow- tail, albacore, and rock- fish 364, 717 Grand total of fish 95, 366 98, 390 59, 107 88, 147 60, 423 4,934 25, 000 849, 088 Spiny lobsters 8,640 8,596 7,412 10, 955 47, 545 Shipment of fresh fish and 32, 758 30, 118 23, 645 21,412 22, 565 283, 658 * Not sure that the figures were for this species. t Estimated. The following notes on the fishing apparatus employed at San Diego have been furnished by Mr. Eutter: Trolling is the method used in catching barracuda, bonito, yellow-tail, and albacore. A No. 4 I. P. cod hook is used for barracuda. No. 3 for bonito, and No. 2 for yellow-tail and albacore. But nearly all of these fishes are caught when trolling for barracuda, as there are usually not enough of the others to pay for special fish- ing. When the fish are abundant, and there is a man for each line, the barb is CLXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. usually filed off or bent down. This is to facilitate removing the lish from the hook. Six to 10 fathoms of No. 48 lino is used. The gig is fastened to the line by a wire about 3 feet long. In fishing for halibut, bass, and other bottom fishes, the trawl is used almost exclusively. A trawl is made with No. 120 to 140 line, with 160 hooks hung 7 feet apart on ganging of No. 27 lino 3 feet long. Any number of trawls may be fastened end to end. No. 7/0 Kirby hooks are generally used, but No. 8/0 are better for halibut, and No. 5/0 or 6/0 for bass, whitefish, or yellow-fin. The trawl is lifted about every half hour. In fishing for rockfish, a No. 48 line is used, with about thirty or forty No. 7/0 Kirby hooks fastened near one end. This is fished from the boat, never set like a trawl. Sometimes an ordinary trawl is used for rockfish, but the ground is usually rocky, and a part of the line is often lost. When the line is caught, it is often loos- ened by sliding a 20 to 25 pound iron ring down over it. The ring is about 7 inches inside diameter and is lowered by a small rope. A trawl for rockfish is lifted within about five minutes after setting. For all kinds of bottom iishing the sardine is the principal bait used. Shallow baskets with cork rims are used for coiling the trawls, the hooks being stuck iuto the rim. Barracuda are sometimes caught in gill-nets. These are of 3i-inch mesh, 16 to 20 feet deep, and about 200 fathoms long, made of No. 9 thread. Silversides are caught in gill-nets of 2-inch mesh, 16 feet deep, length variable. Sardine gill-nets are of IJ-inch mesh and 12 feet deep. All gill-nets drift. They are used chiefly for silver- sides (smelt) and sardines, but not much for barracuda. Drag seines are used only in the bay. The common size is about 10 feet deep and 200 fathoms long. The mesh at the ends is about 3^ inches; about 30 fathoms from the end it is 2 inches; in the middle about 1 inch. The bag is about 15 feet across and 10 feet long, the mesh about | inch. Trammel nets are sometimes used for bottom fishes. The outer nets are of 16-inch mesh of about No. 15 twine, the inner net of 3J or 4 inch mesh of about No. 8 twine. The net is 6 to 9 feet deep ; length variable. THE AMERICAN SEAL HERD AND PELAGIC SEALING. In compliance with an act of Congress, an investigation of the con- dition of the Tribilof fur-seal rookeries has been made by the Fish Commission each year since 1893. This worli has usually been per- formed by the writer in connection with former duties on the steamer Albatross. In 189G-97 the existence of a special fur-seal investigation commission, with which the writer was connected, made it unnecessary for the Fish Commission to make separate reports on the subject. During the past season he resumed the fur-seal investigations in con- nection with the work of the division of fisheries, leaving Washington for the Pribilof Islands in June. This was authorized by the Commis- sioner upon the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance with the direction of the President, that a systematic study of the Pribilof seal herd be maintained from year to year. Pelagic sealing is no longer engaged in by citizens of the ITnited States, Congress having passed a law in December, 1897, prohibiting the killing of fur-seals in the waters of the North Pacific Ocean, and the importation of skins so taken, whether raw or manufactured. The business, so fiir as the American seal herd is concerned, is now engaged in by Canadians only. The catch by the Canadian lleet off the northwest coast during the winter of 1897 amounted to 10,055 seals. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXV The pelagic sealiug' industry declines steadily from year to year, as well as the sealinj^' industry conducted on the Pribilof Islands under the direction of the United States (rovernment. The continuation of the former, with its indiscriminate methods of seal killing, is directly responsible for the reduced condition of the latter. Since 1896 the catch of superfluous male seals on the Pribilof Islands has been: 1890, 28,964; 1897, 20,890; 1898, 18,032. From 1871 to 1889 the islands yielded an average of 100,000 surplus males a year. The pelagic catch from the American herd has of late years decreased as follows : 1894, 61,838; 1895, 56,291; 1896, 43,917; 1897, 24,322. Pelagic sealing oft' the Asiatic coast has been i)ractically abandoned by the Canadian fleet, the Asiatic herd having become so reduced that good catches can no longer be made. SALMON FISHING IN THE YUKON RIVER. The fishery resources of the great Yukon Eiver, hitherto never drawn upon except by native tribes, now give promise of some development. It has long been known that there was an important run of salmon in this river, but little information existed as to the range and abundance of the different species in the region of the boundary between Alaska and the Northwest Territory. The information at hand respecting the fishing operations now conducted by whites is fragmentary, but it appears that salmon are sufficiently abundant along the middle Yukon to be considered available as part of the food supply of the country. Late in July king or quinnat salmon are common in the ujjper river beyond the boundary, being found in the middle and lower waters a month earlier. During the i)ast summer a number of fishermen employed gill nets at Dawson, Kortliwest Territory, readily taking king salmon of large size. Many fish were found weighing 40 pounds and over, while the prices received for them were so high as to make the business quite profitable. This point is 1,300 miles from the sea. A letter received from Mr. Bernhard Thiele, formerly a seaman on the Fish Commission steamer Albatross, and now engaged in salmon fish- ing on the American side of the boundary, gives the average weight and length of salmon taken by him as follows: Silver salmon, 8i pounds, 27 inches; dog salmon, 10 pounds, 29 inches. These species were taken in the vicinity of Fort Yukon in August and September. They were more abundant and remained longer than the king salmon. Red salmon and humpbacks are also found during July and August. Other food-fishes common in the Yukon are whitefish, pike, grayling, trout, suckers, and the ling or lake lawyer {Lota maculosa). The last- named reaches a length of 4 or 5 feet. Some of the whitetishes also grow very large, and with the Ling are taken chiefly during the winter in traps set under the ice by the natives. The fish supply of the Yukon is destined to prove of great value to the large mining and trading population now in the middle and upper sections of the valley, especially as there is abundant means of trans- portation by steamboats during the summer months. CLXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. STATISTICS OF CERTAIN FISHERIES OF THE NEW ENGLAND AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES AND THE GREAT LAKES. The following tables show the yield and value of certain fisheries of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Dela- ware, and the Great Lakes. The figures relate to the fiscal year 1897. In comijariug these data with those of other years it should be borne in mind that they relate only to the fisheries specified. Yield by counties of certain fisheries of Maine during the year ending June SO, 1897, [Persons employed, 5,497; capital invested, $1,173,237.] Species. Washington. Hancock. Waldo. Knox. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 130, 000 83, 700 199, 132 4,000 3,912 445, 900 75, 180 82, 500 175, 135 28, 500 25, 996, 740 $588 1.236 3,718 56 58 3,615 1,009 648 2,147 1,852 43, 526 24, 625 $141 260, 960 4, 160 2 194 663 47 398 218, 600 650, 970 73, 000 238, 700 32, 500 543, 365 34, 200 1, 291, 148 328, 000 27, 900 3, 342, 000 827, 400 33, 000 300 148, 400 24, 100 $2, 679 OnA frnah 9 664 Cod salted 2,149 58, 615 21,795 327, 790 163, 546 653, 120 819, 177 45,718 10, 198, 220 70, 000 14, 000 29, 000 81,110 360, 884 649 279 4, 333 2,171 4, 144 6,862 54; 164 870 850 965 484 2,583 2,631 Cusk salted 590 6,212 Haddock, salted 520 10, 176 Hake' salted 3,394 1,733 Herring, fresh 15 660 9,499 2,344 Mackerel salted 18 239, 000 128, 968 66, 000 20, 000 1,651,900 1,471 1,608 1,500 900 107, 198 882 377 RViar) aoHnrl 2, 677, 217 178, 377 28, 200 $2, 256 2,286,750 162, 225 Total 29, 330, 567 171, 130 18, 000, 440 311,119 28, 200 2,256 10, 100, 333 230, 753 Species. Lincoln. Sagadahoc. Kennebec. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 544, 140 541, 750 1, 180, 700 131,900 17, 400 643, 550 22, 000 1, 186, 500 155,400 14, 463 2, 924, 780 70, 000 632, 100 473, 950 $5, 122 9,630 29, 593 1,790 544 10, 101 401 7,883 2, 751 1,310 15, 269 350 22, 804 23,544 119, 200 94, 065 $1, 086 1,411 3,000 $30 Cod fresh Cod', salted Cusk fresh Cusk' salted Haddock fresh 20, 000 200 Hake fresh 168, 500 1,685 ■ ■ r" 44, 400 370 Mackerel fresh 36, 250 2,899 50, 000 24, 300 500 175 102, 036 75, 500 329, 820 783 1,970 5, 284 Pollock salted Shad, fresh 1, 051, 160 16, 350 14, 000 16, 723 1,308 700 26, 400 660 Striped bass fresh Sturo'eon, fresh 300 24 Swordlish fresh 24, 000 1, 478, 250 1,013 «8, 106 81, 069 5,605 Total 10, 548, 239 238, 248 1, 719, 294 32, 662 29, 700 714 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXVII Yield of certain fisheries of Maine during the year ending June SO, 1897 — Continued. Species. Cumberland. York. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 168, 000 600 1, 728, 884 44, 701 459, 851 13, 000 2, 627, 840 17, OUO 1, 723, 440 13, 000 146, 752 296, 880 $1, 120 24 28, 043 885 5,868 227 41, 177 170 11, 644 140 9, 953 2,021 41,520 240 725, 800 8,200 97, 500 $322 13, 731 418 1,065 1, 249, 085 840 4,086,129 3, 700, 396 990, 566 88, 607 5, 488, 351 311,926 6, 304, 908 1,492,712 272, 382 43, 226, 020 1, 627, 200 1,215,441 1, 080, 655 69, 000 80, 000 1, 126, 096 $11,088 Cod, fresh Cod, salted 67, 875 disk fresh 12 059 879, 900 14, 838 Haddock, salted Hake fresh 1, 199, 700 2,000 9,049 423, 000 659, 800 70, 475 9,401 120 663 3,665 7,920 5,051 45 581 Hake,8alted 15 414 Halibut, fresh Herring, fresh 134 675 Mackerel fresh . 429, 616 577, 405 3,000 30, 000 417, 350 12, 500 39, 950 300 18, 671 25, 497 19 300 2,626 94 659 14 52 619 ■ 50, 024 509 66, 000 490 Pollock, fresh 113,900 24, 100 3,550 1,038 777 7,459 Shad fresh 68 ' 1 518 »R0 24, 894 Shad.salted 20, 300 16, 350 15, 700 984, 926 10, 300, 880 1 308 1,400 154, 696 1, 122, 124 20 8,371 64, 290 Swordflsh fresh 806, 230 975, 370 33, 000 65, 025 42,384 683, 082 Lobsters Total 10, 531, 675 247, 177 5, 602, 954 1, 366, 318 Yield of certain fisheries of Neio Hampshire during the year ending June 30, 1897. [Persons employed. 111 ; capital invested, $25,600.] Species. Pounds. Value. Species. Pounds. Value. Alewives, fresh 238, 900 487, 650 1,100 63, 000 302, 000 314, 000 1,000 4,550 220, 000 75, 575 $2, 947 8,206 55 728 5,739 2,280 30 364 2,450 4,509 Mackerel salted 11, 700 20, 000 156, 500 1,000 4,000 1,100 6,250 90, 300 1,998,625 $831 Cod, fresh Cod salted Pollock fresh 971 Cnsk, fresh Pollock, salted Haddock fresh Shad 120 600 Halibut, fresh . Lobsters 5,493 Total . . . Mackerel, fresh . 35, 635 Yield by counties of certain fisheries of Massachusetts during the year ending June 30, 1897. [Persons employed, 9,926; capital invested, $4,572,806.] Species. Essex. Nantucket. Norfolk. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. A lewives, fresh 624, 400 5,100 23, 132, 496 32, 596, 965 2, 015, 870 315, 250 23, 362, 611 7, 306, 844 13, 000 8, 743, 226 1, 178, 795 108, 200 5, 448, 260 67, 000 1, 677, 794 6, 511, 300 139, 000 1, 962, 334 10, 200 700 279, 000 $5, 886 160 391,835 721,410 23, 785 6,950 352, 826 46, 076 121 566, 794 46, 701 5,510 33, 261 929 110, 108 337, 135 930 11,409 201 47 9,949 12, 000 392, 000 20, 000 450, 000 $200 12, 300 500 11, 500 Blueflsh Cod, fresh Cusk, fresh Haddock, fresh 112, 500 2,250 Hake, fresh Hake, salted . . . Halibut salted Herring, salted Mackerel fresh 11, 200 772 Mackerel, salted Pollock, fresh 10, 000 200 Pollock salted Shad Swordfish .. 6,300 54, 800 1, 068, 800 252 3,836 31,810 94, 060 94, 060 $7, 525 2, 710, 069 Total 115,915,331 7,525 CLXVin REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Yield of certain fisheries of Massachusetts durimj the year ending June 30, 1897 — Cont'd. Species. Barnstable. Bristol. Dukes. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Alewives fresh 828, 369 918, 325 139. 987 6, 922, 212 ?. 004, 116 345, 600 1,376,300 1,120 1,366.200 $9, 860 13, 697 87; 241 50, 513 3,791 23,815 18 7,304 681, 500 394, 000 5,600 58, 400 470,110 $7, 549 4,9J5 256 1,698 11,603 579, 310 $5, 979 Blueflsh 20, 948 61, 925 45, 000 884 Cod fresh 1,306 Cod, sal ted 1,500 Haddock fresh 43, 000 430 Hake salted 53, 000 530 521, 150 4, 299, 417 1, 683, 066 837, 800 681, 960 4, 972, 000 102, 900 15, 534 49, 702 23, 485 64, 256 39, 235 2,487 16, 482 1,078 507 30, 000 63, 200 125, 000 140, 000 300 3,175 4,355 700 Mackerel fresh 300, 250 2,000 144, 750 15, 800 100 663 PnllncV snltftfl Shad 13,010 220 392, 000 5,100 730 66 11,760 562 2,575 182 58, 334 4,606 12, 632 17, 060 227, 450 303, 604 547, 388 1,343 507 421 538 15,821 68, 4-16 30, 290 647, 612 2,630 5,100 8,750 295, 179 17, 607 291 280 Swordflsh 806 Lobsters . - 120, 364 35, 000 1, 588, 890 96, 083 75 9,800 2 9,740 2,500 95, 336 4,484 30 34, 300 400 16, 742 Oysters Whale oil 390 18 Total 28, 187, 520 517, 735 4, 324, 354 195, 429 2, 116, 029 61, 640 Species. Plymouth. Suffolk. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 84, 800 $864 2, 810, 379 1, 312, 325 563, 635 34, 180, 684 35.731,563 2, 561, 970 316, 250 33,055,911 50, 120 10,942,344 75, 435 9, 395, 200 1, 178, 7