MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY. Received S^t^^AxvJcd^. . I jS-^ I • Accession No. )...qf- Given by ^^'y^r^J^X^'S^ iy-yx^. cA^v^i-^- • Place, %*rlo book OP pamphlet is to be pemoved from the Liab- opatopy uiithout the pepmission of the Trustees. UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHEEIES. PART XXI REPORT THE COMMISSIONER THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1895. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1800. x^l'l S C O N T E N T S Pago. Report of the Commissioner l_g Report on the Propagation and Distrilxition of Food-fishes. By W. de C. Ravenel g_73 Report npon the Inquiry respecting Food-fishes and the Fishing- grounds. By Richard Rathbun 73-92 Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By Hugh M. Smith " 93-133 APPENDICES. 1. Report upon the Investigations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross for the year ending June 30, 1895. (Abstract.) By Lieut. Commander F. J. Drake, U. S. N., Commanding '. 125-168 2. Notes on Biscayne Bay, Florida, with reference to its adaptability as the site of a Marine Hatching and Experiment Station. By Hugh M. Smith 169-191 3. The Transplanting of Eastern Oysters to Willapa Bay. Washington, with Notes on the Native Oyster Industry. (One plate.) By C. H. Townsend 193-203 4. Description of a New Species of Shad {Alosa alabamte) from Alabama. By Barton W. Evermann. (Actual date of publication December 28,1896) 303-305 5. A Check List of the Pishes and Fish-like Vertebrates of North and Middle America. By David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann. (Actual date of publication December 28, 1896) 207-584 III REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1895. During the period covered by this report, owiug to tbe ill health of Oonimissioner Marshall McDonald, who died September 1, 1895, the work was for a portion of the time under the direction of the chief clerk, Mr. Herbert A. Gill. The late Commissioner was unable to pre- pare a report for the year under consideration, and the work of the Commission is shown in the following reports of the several assistants in charge of divisions. The money available for the work of the Commission during this period was as follows : Salaries $168, 020. 00 Miscellaneous expcuses : Administration 9, 000. 00 Propagation of food-fishes 92, 181. 94 Maintenance of vessels 30, 500. 00 Inquiry respecting food-fishes 13, 800. 00 Statistical inquiry 3, 500. 00 For completion of fish-hatcheries : Vermont 12, 554. 15 New York 11, 509. 60 Colorado 7,159.25 Texas 17, 526. 53 Iowa 15, 000. 00 Montana 11,731.95 Tennessee 12, 000. 00 The expenditures under the above appropriations, a detailed report of which, in accordance with the law, was made to Congress December 13, 1895 (House Doc. 69, Fifty-fourth Congress, first session), were as follows : Salaries $163, 381. 51 Miscellaneous expenses : Administration 8, 885. 78 Propagation of food-fishes 92, 814. 79 Maintenance of vessels 29, 990. 65 Inquiry respecting food-fishes 13, 559. 91 Statistical inquiry 3, 610. 02 Fish-hatcheries : Vermont 9,580.95 New York 234.91 Colorado 539. 43 Texas 9, 596. 25 Iowa 793.15 Montana 1,264.16 F. R. 95 1 1 2 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. On February 15, 1895, the Senate passed the following: Resolved, That tlie Commissioner of Fisheries is hereby directed to make inquiry iu reference to the extent, methods, and present ccmdition of the coast fisheries of I'lorida, more iiarticularly the sponge and oyster fisheries, and to report as to the desirability of establishing a station for investigation, experiment, and fish-culture at some suitable point on the coast. Some preliminary investigations were begun by the Commissioner shortly after the passage of the resolution, but his declining health preventing their completion, Dr. Hugh M. Smith, the assistant in charge of the Division of Statistics, was detailed to make further investigations, and examined several localities on the east coast of Florida with a view to their suitability for a fish cultural station. His report on Biscayne Bay, found hereafter, embodies the results of this partial investigation. Under direction of the architect and engineer of the Commission, work of constructing new stations was carried on at San Marcos, Tex., Bozeman, Mont., and Manchester, Iowa. At San Marcos it was deemed advisable, on account of the delay in building the dam across the San Marcos River, which was by agree- ment to be erected by the San Marcos Water Company and the citizens ■of San Marcos, to sink an artesian well for the purpose of supplying some of the ponds intended to be built on the higher ground. A con- tract was entered into witli Judson Bros., of San Antonio, Tex., who were the lowest bidders, and work was promptly begun. A depth of about 1,300 feet was reached by the enif>\jillB Vt 5,000 79, 387 Black bass Rock bass 5,558 1,580 Goldfish 3 002 9, 852, 000 5, 000, 000 30, 000, 000 2, 600, 000 80, 198, 000 202, 380, 000 447, 500 1,610,000 182, 5U0 20, 000 10, 000 13,000 40, 000 28, 000, 000 Pike perch Lake trout Northville Mich do 2,100,000 5,000 5,000 Rainbow trout 6,234 50, 000 8, 746, 000 Pike perch 13, 000, 000 11, 000, 000 4, 250, 000 18, 000 75, 000 Steel head trout ... OniTipv Til Black bass 2i 820 50, 000 1 090 71 221 3,325 Catfish 5 916 Pike 82 3,440 280, 000 14, 000 73, 930 Rock bass . . 53, 619 Black bass 3 701 Carp 340 Catfish 1,965 Goldfish 7, 857 70, 000 230, 000 80, 000 70, 325 750 1,475 870 Baird, Cal 3, 076, 000 60, 000 500, 000 302, 500 1,000 4, 000 220, 000 470, 000 550, 000 Fort Gaston Cal Steelhead trout 332, 000 560, 000 Korbel Cal do 1 Steelhead trout i 23, 000 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Summary of distribution. Species. Eggs. Fry. Adults and yearlings. Total. Catfish 7,574 33, 935 13, 852 16, 590 51 10 1, 000, 000 7,574 33, 935 13, 852 16, 590 51 10 76, 378, 000 4, 199, 000 1, 470, 000 206, 241 Carp Xencii - Sl)ad 1,173,000 3, 699, 000 74, 205, 000 500, 000 910, 000 560, 000 186, 241 124, 680 332, 000 13, 382 142, 946 10, 399 1.475 83, 916 1,600 20, 000 20, 000 60, 000 5,000 457, 200 5,000 963, 500 10, ouo 89, 350 24, 000 1, 355, 500 28, 382 689, 496 39, 3!i9 1,475 560, 416 s 'IQS fifin 70, 000 2, 100, 000 5, 050, 000 406, 500 6, 297, 000 120, 198, 000 125, 248, 000 3 o''5 3,325 273 30, 000, 000 9, 852, 000 222, 180, 000 600, 000 252, 180, 273 10, 452, 000 28, 233 47 519 28, 233 47, 519 703 218 4,368 12 Rock bas9 218 Cod 2, 897, 000 57, 318, 000 5, 940, 000 72, 253, 000 60, 215, 000 5, 940, 000 72 "'53 000 Flatfish Lobster . Total 55, 408, 200 619,915,852 ' ' KOTE— 2,047,000 shad fry were deposited for rearing in the Fish Ponds, T^ashington, D. C, but these figures are not included in the summations; also 9,500 hybrids of Von Behr trout and landlocked Balmon were hatched and distributed, but these not being a distinct species are not included. In addition to the foregoing there were furnished for distribution, but lost in transit, 6,200,000 pike- perch eggs, 1,580,000 pike-perch fry, 1,570,000 shad fry, 328,000 cod fry, 6,000 brook-trout fry, 10,500 lake-trout fry, 4,000 steelhead-trout fry, and the following adults and yearling fish : 307 catfish, 5,860 carp, 1,404 tench, 1,099 goldfish, 3,362 landlocked salmon, 17,355 rainbow trout, 365 Von Behr trout, 519 brook trout, 900 lake trout, 26 pike perch, 4,478 black bass, 11,658 rock bass, 387 Warmouth bass, 3 suufish, and 1,307 crappie. Green Lake Station, Maine (E. M. Robinson and E. E. Race, Superintendents). Operations were continued under the direction of Mr. Eobinson until November 27, when he was temporarily superseded by Mr. 0. G. Atkins, superintendent of Craig Brook Station, who was detailed to assume charge of Green Lake Station pending the appointment of a successor to Mr. Eobinson, and to report on the condition of affairs. Mr. Atkins remained in charge until January 23, 1895, when Mr. E. E. Eace was appointed superintendent. The fry and stock fish on hand at the station at the beginning of the fiscal year were as follows : When hatched. Variety. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891. 1800 or bclbro. 149, 941 11,674 15,678 15, 000 4,656 1,140 1,788 3,376 ^ Von Jii^hr trout " 263 10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. During July and August tlie station force was fully occupied in car- ing for the stock on hand. The losses of fry were comparatively small, notwithstanding the high temperature prevailing. The lake-trout fry were moved from the hatchery to Spring Branch in June, but had to be transferred later on to another spring at Eocky Pond, as the first one dried up. On September 8 Mr. Eobinson reported that by actual count there were only 2,0G3 of these fishes left, from which it would appear that lake trout will not stand as high a temperature as the rainbow trout and the landlocked salmon. The landlocked salmon hatched in 1892, which had been held as brood stock, were planted in Green Lake in October, it having been found that the number held was too large for the j)ond space available. During the months of Sep- tember and October the following fishes, resulting from eggs taken the previous fiscal year, were distributed: Landlocked salmon, 128,042; Loch Leven trout, 12,512; Von Behr trout 7,324; brook trout (produced at Craig Brook Station), 6,803; lake trout, 2,500. Collection of eggs. — The station being entirely dependent on the cap- ture of fish from the open waters for its supply of eggs of trout and landlocked salmon, arrangements were made in August for the erection of a pound net at Mann Brook for the capture of spawning salmon. The grounds at AVinkempaugh Brook were also inspected, and arrange- ments made for the collection of eggs there, and new j)ens and traps were placed in Great Brook. A force of men was also sent to Branch Pond to conduct operations. The first salmon was taken on September 19 at the Great Brook trap, and by the pound net on September 27. The collection of brood fish from all these sources was disappointing. At the close of the spawning season the eggs taken were as follows: Landlocked salmon, 164,000; brook trout, 71,750; golden trout (from Flood Pond), 17,000; square-tailed trout, 2,000; total, 254,750. From the brood stock of Von Behr and Loch Leven trout 56,700 eggs were taken during the month of December. These were apparently of low vitality when fertilized, and died before the close of the year. The following table shows the number of eggs received at and transferred from the station during the year : Species. Sent from Northville, Mich ' Lake trout Sent from Dumfries, Scotland, by J. J. Armistead Locli Leven trout Sent from Wytheville, Va Rainbow trout Sent to Central Station, Washington, D. C I Hybrid landlocked salmon i and Von Behr. Sent to California Fish Commission, Sisson, Cal Landlocked salmon 100, 000 20, 000 15, 000 5,231 10, 000 The presence of immense numbers of parasites and a quantity of fungus, which made its appearance in February, necessitated the filter- ing of the water. To accomplish this, gravel filters were put in the ends of the hatching troughs and cheese-cloth screens in the supply trough. The cheese-cloth screens were used only during the day, and as they became clogged very quickly and had to be changed during the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 11 night, wire screens were substituted. While the wire screen did not prevent the mud from entering the troughs, it stopped most of the parasites. It became necessary about this time to increase the amount of water from 5 to 12i gallons, as with the smaller amount it was not unusual to find a thin scum of ice over the troughs in the moruing. When the feeding of the fish in the ponds commenced, late in April, the stock consisted of 90,000 landlocked salmon fry, 19,538 brook trout, 10,352 golden trout, 83,257 lake trout, 5,060 rainbow trout, 7,259 Loch Leven trout, 4,892 hybrids; total, 220,364. Arrangements were made to care for the lake-trout fry in troughs in the carpenter shop, the supi^ly of water being taken from the main flume, but as the temperature rose it was deemed advisable to remove the lake trout and brook trout to a temporary nursery erected a half mile up the mountain side, east of the spawning-house. In preparing this nursery it was necessary to place a dam across the brook and to cut a road through the underbrush. The temperature of the water in the hatchery reached 71° on May 11, causing a large loss of fry, especially of those that had not absorbed the sac. The rainbow trout suffered such heavy losses that it was decided to deposit the balance (350) in Green Lake, also the 1,000 hybrid Von Behr and landlocked salmon and 3,700 Von Behr and brook. At the close of the month the follow- ing fry were reported on hand: 59,878 landlocked salmon, 14,314 brook trout, 6,800 golden trout, and 70,416 lake trout. All of the Loch Leven trout received from Scotland succumbed, owing to extreme heat, not- withstanding the fact that special efforts were made to save them by putting them in the temporary nursery. The temperature of the water during June was normal, and the losses of fish and fry comparatively small. The maximum and mini- mum air and water temperatures during the year were as follows : July A ugnst . . . September October . . . Not ember. December . Water. Air. 1; Max. Min. Max. Min. ??l 69 93 59 63 87 52 70 58i 84 42 60 4fH 69 32 66i 33 56 lOJ 45 31 50 -6 January. . February March ... April — May June During winter 50 tons of ice were cut and stored, and repairs were made on the main flume. Considerable work was also done on the roads leading to the station, and a temporary bridge, 60 feet long, was built across Great Brook so as to permit of the hauling of wood. The experience of the past two years has demonstrated the fact that the temperature of the water at present furnished the hatchery is too high during certain portions of the year for the successful rearing of lake and brook trout, though the landlocked salmon thrive in it. It is therefore recommended that steps be taken to secure the spring which has been used for supplying the temporary nursery. The water is of standard temperature, 42'^ F., and its volume is from 50 to 100 gallons 12 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. per minute. There is another spring on the Government property between the hatchery and Eocky Pond which should be excavated and put in condition. The temperature of this is 46^°, and by mingling it with the water from the flume it would undoubtedly suffice for rearing a large quantity of brook trout. Following is the list of fish and fry on hand June 30, 1895: Calendar year in which fish were hatched. Species. 1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891 or before. 54, 950 13, 350 6,480 61, 539 3 ! 3.000 138 Von Behr trout 1,150 7 136, 319 148 i 1. 150 ! 3. 000 Craig Brook Station (Charles G. Atkins, Superintendent). The fiscal year opened with the following stock on hand : Kind. Calendar year in which hatched. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891. 1889. 1888-89. 1888. 214, 033 681 867 1,347 131 14 9,370 ::.:.::: 6 27 Total 224, 084 2,214 27 ' 14 Atlantic salmon. — Of 174 Atlantic salmon collected at Penobscot Sta- tion in May and June, 1894, 143 remained alive in the inclosure at Dead Brook on July 1, but by October the number had been reduced to 71, 38 of which were females. These salmon were i)urchased con- jointly with the State of Maine, and of the 415,350 good eggs obtained from them the United States Commission received 226,350 as its share, and the State 189,000. Twenty thousand of those belonging to the United States Commission were shipped to the l^ew York Commission at Cold Spring Harbor, and the balance were retained at the station for hatching and rearing. The eggs commenced to liatch in March and finished in April, yielding 205,994 fry, of which 176,954 survived at the close of the fiscal year. The 11 salmon hatched in 1888, and confined in small ponds over six years, died during the summer. These were the parents of the three broods of domesticated salmon which were hatched in the years 1892, 1893, and 1894, respectively. There were 2,15y of them in all at the beginning of the year, but the number was greatly reduced by two attacks of disease, one occurring in the summer of 1894 and the other in May, 1895. The survivors (991) appear to be healthy and vigorous and will be sufficient for the purpose of artificial landlocking. None of them are old enough as yet to yield eggs. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 13 Landloched salmon. — From tlie station's brood stock, consisting of remnants of the broods of 1888-89, wliich liave been lield in a very small shallow pond without change of quarters for the past four years, 8,800 eggs were taken in October. As they were of poor quality, only 2,783 fry were hatched from them, and of these but 1,34G remained at the close of the fiscal year. Arrangements were also made for the collection of eggs in Toddy Pond, it having first been stocked by the United States Fish Commission in 1891. An attempt to take eggs in that pond in 1892 resulted in the collection of only 4,200, but as sportsmen had reported the taking of a large number of adult fish there during the season 1893-94, it was believed that at least 100 spawners could be secured. The results were disappointing, however, as only 9 of the 40 salmon captared were females. The 12,G0O eggs taken were healthy and hatched out 11,887 fish, of which 9,807 remained at the end of the year. Bainhow trout. — All of the rainbow trout except one died during the year. The pond in which they were confined has a superficial area of 240 square feet, a maximum depth of about 2 feet, and is supplied with water from the waste of the rearing-troughs. The largest of these trout weighed log pounds and measured 27J inches in length, 8^- in breadth, and 4^ in thickness. Eight of tlie others weighed over 5 pounds each, and two over 10 pounds. In a larger pond they would probably have lived longer and attained an even greater size. In Jan- uary a consignment of 24,272 rainbow trout eggs was received from the Wytheville Station. These produced 20,260 fry, of which 11,506 remained on hand at the close of the year. Swiss Lalie trout. — A case of lake-trout eggs, said to contain 80,000, was received from Switzerland in March. The package had been delayed by some mischance, and the eggs arrived in such poor con- dition that only 541 fry were hatched from them, and but 20 of them were alive at the close of the year. Brooh trout. — In October and November collections of brook trout eggs were made from fish artificially reared at the station and from wild fish at Craig Pond, the station fish yielding 8,500 eggs and the others 16,000. The collection at Craig Pond was in the nature of a reconnois- sance, the fish being taken on the spawning beds by means of a trap constructed with stakes and nets. Of 20 taken, only 13 were adults, and 9 of these were females. In addition to the collections made at the station a consignment of 49,480 eggs was received from the station at Leadville, Colo., and 61,145 fry were hatched from these and the station stock. The fry suffered severely during the months of May and June, and there were only 39,331 on hand at the close of the year. The Atlantic salmon aiul trout were kept in troughs and fed as usual on maggots and chopped beef until October, when 7,207 trout were distributed to applicants in New England and 177,525 Atlantic salmon were liberated in the tributaries of Penobscot liiver, in the vicinity of the station. Of 10,000 wintered in the troughs, 0,020 were liberated in the Penobscot in May, the balance being retained. 14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The following statement sliows in detail the distribution of salmon; Where planted. 3 .30 30 1895. May 13 Frank Cotton's Brook, tribntary of Alamoosook Lake . . Meadow Brook, tributary of Alamoosook Lake Saunders Cove, Toddy Pond Trundv's Brook, Toddy Pond Sacket Harbor, Toddy Pond Luke Earriman's Brook, tributary of Toddy Brook Ward well Brook, tributary of Alamoosook Lake Stubbs Brook, Buck is Mills Little Dead Brook, Bucks Mills Meadow Brook, Gilpin, tributary of Alamoosook Lake. Heart Pond Pearts Stream, Toddy Pond Ward well Brook, tributary of Alamoosook Lake Pearts Stream, Toddy Pond Charles Harrlman's Brook, tributary of Toddy Pond Luke Harriraan's Brook, tributary of Toddy Pond Dead Brook, tributary of Narramissio Eiver Toddy Pond Gully Brook, tributary of Alamoosook Lake Narramissic River Saunders Cove, Toddy Pond Brier Brook, Gilpiu, tributary of Alamoosook Lake Toddy Pond .' CraigBrook Alamoosook Lake 6,795 9,732 10, 052 8,409 6,982 2,143 11, 462 1,540 200 2,404 1.700 2,403 773 186, 542 On June 30 the following fish and fry were in stock: Kind. When hatched. 1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891. ! 1890. 1889. 1888-9. 176, 954 624 216 342 725 fid 12, 590 39, 331 11, 506 3,313 20 5 i 1 1 22 1 243, 714 840 1,067 ■ 50 22 1 5 During the summer and fall of 1894 considerable attention was given to the iiroblem of growing live food in artificial ponds for young fish. Entomostraca formed the most important subject of tliese studies and efforts, but several other kinds were cultivated also, and one species of Polyphemus became so abundant at one time as to incite the hope that a solution of the problem was near at hand. The supply was soon exhausted, however, and though no marked success was attained with any of the species handled, it is still deemed advisable to continue experiments in this line. The production of maggots for food is partic- ularly valuable from the fact that it becomes possible to utilize in this way a great deal of material that would otherwise be lost. An excellent food was obtained from the carcasses of disabled or worn-out horses? REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 15 purchased at the rate oi' 1 ceut jier pound for what they wouhl dress. Blood was also utilized by mixing- it with cheap flour or meal and cook- ing into pudding, which was ground up before being fed. This was not taken very readily by the fish, however, and they did not appear to thrive so well on it as upon meat or maggots. Experiments were also made with canned herring spawn, shipped from the station at Havre de Grace, Md. The rainbow trout fry ate it readily and throve upon it, but the salmon and brook trout did not appear to relish it. The total amount of the various kinds of food purchased during the year and cost of same are shown by the accompanying statement : Kind of food. Butchers' offal. Refuse meat... Blood . Middlings . Flour. Shorts Salt (2 bushels) . Horseflesh Beef carcasses.. Total Pounds. Cost. 3,765 $57. 96 3,555 51.00 2,720 30. 17 884 13.24 231 3.06 50 .63 1.50 7,249 72.86 1,608 16.08 This added to the miscellaneous expense for trucking, etc., amount- ing to $76.40, makes the total cost offish food for the year $322.90. The maximum and minimum temperatures of the air and water, taken at 2 p. m. during the year, were as follows: A r. Max. Min. 93 58 85.5 59 82 57 66 42.5 56.5 16 48.5 12 44.5 8 37 — 4 47 17.5 63 35.5 89 43 .0 53 Hatchery, west side. Head of north stand. 1894- July August September. October November . December . 1895— January . . . February . . Marcb April May June 76 73.5 68.5 62 54 38.5 35.5 35.5 38 51 53 36.5 33 32.5 32 33.5 35.5 50 61 54 42.5 60 53.5 38 34.5 34 33 35 37.5 50 56 Inches. 2.G 7.2 2.95 3.95 1.35 2.55 2.9 2.1 3.25 1.15 1.6 St. JoriNSBURY Station, Vermont (J. W. Titcomh, SuPKiiixTKNOENT). During the previous fiscal year a dam was built across Sleeper Kiver, trees were cleared away from the line of the proposed water pipe, si)ring brooks were ditched and bridged, a driveway was built to the railroad, a side track constructed by the St. Johnsbury and Lake Cliami)laiu Railroad Company on the west side of tlie station property, and grading was done for a site for the superintendent's house and stable. The stable was comi)leted May 19, 1894, and at the close of the fiscal year the hatchery was nearly finished. On August 1, 1894, the building was 16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. turned over to the superintendeut, aud arrangements were at once made for the construction and introduction of tlie necessary hatching-troughs, water supply, and drain pipes. An outbuikiing, ice-house, and flag- staff ^yere erected during the summer. A dam was constructed on the spring brook west of the hatchery, under the direction of Mr. G. H. Sclmeider. A small house was erected over the spring reservoir at the dam, and a 3-inch pipe was laid from the dam to the hatchery, which afforded a small supply of water. Fences were built along the highway and surrounding the station property back of the woods. During the summer and fall 40 hatching-troughs, equipped with screens and supply tanks, were made by the regular employees of the station. Owing to the large amount of sediment with which the water was charged it was deemed necessary to provide filter screens at each spigot. The superintendent devised a new form of spigot, with a hood, for sup- plying the troughs, as he found that with those in use the water spurted over the aerating board, instead of falling against it, thus making it impossible to keep the eggs on the trays. As the equipment of the hatchery was not completed until late in the fall, and the spring water supply was inadequate for the conduct of fish- cultural operations on a large scale, no efforts were made to collect eggs during the season, but on January 10 a consignment of 50,000 lake-trout eggs was received from Korthville Station in excellent condition, only 87 dead ones being found. They were laid down in four troughs, with an average water supply of 2 gallons per minute, which was the total output of tlie spring at that time. The eggs commenced hatching on January 20, finishing March 31, with a loss of about 2^ per cent. The heavy thaw on the 7th of February caused a greatly increased volume of water, accompanied with a fine sediment, which adhered to the eggs and appeared to smother the fry. The variation in the water supply and the accompanying variations in its consistency continued to the end of the year, and frequently it would be so roily for days at a time that neither eggs nor fry could be seen. The longest period in which it was impossible to see to pick over the fry was five days. The volume of the spring during June was about 18J gallons, which seems to be its normal capacity. The heavy losses of fry which occurred in May and June were due not only to the condition of the water, but also to the small amount available for each trough, namely, 2 gallons per minute, the average temi^erature being 52°. On June 28, 1895, the supply was increased by the introduction of water from the Sleeper Ptiver. On April 20, 25,000 steelhead-trout eggs were received from the Fort Gaston Station. They had been en route nine days, and though the upper trays nearest the ice were in good condition, the eggs in the lower trays had hatched and the fry were dead. The immediate loss was estimated at 8,500, and the loss in the troughs to the end of June was 9,827 additional. The 0,073 fry left at the close of the year were active, healthy fish, and took their food freely. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 17 The maximum and minimum temi)eratures of the water and air at the station from January 1 to June 30, 1895, were as follows: Month. Water. Air. Max. 1 M ,..[ Max. Min. 38 36 ! 36 1 50 58 63 i 32 33 41 42 37 42 90 -26 February 22 March —10 12 mLv : ::::;:;::::;::::::::::::;::::::::;::: 33 52 Note.— The sign — indicates below zero. Gloucester Station, Massachusetts (A. C. Adams in charge). The lobster and mackerel work of the previous fiscal year was con- tinued until July 14, under the direction of W. P. Sauerhotf, during which time, from 55 egg-bearing lobsters, 717,000 eggs were taken and 652,000 fry hatched and liberated in the harbor off Gloucester. Dur- ing the season the fishermen in the vicinity of Gloucester apparently took but little interest in the work of the Commission, and it was diffi- cult to get them to save their egg -bearing lobsters. Maclccrel. — Work with this species was very unsatisfactory, owing to the limited supply of eggs and the consequent lack of opportunity to experiment with water conditions, etc. Only four lot.s of eggs, aggre- gating 580,000, were obtained, 38,000 of them being taken in July, on the 10th. The eggs commenced hatching six days after being taken, but the fry died immediately. On July 27 the station was closed and placed in charge of a watch- man until jSToveniber 1, when cod operations were resumed. Cod. — The season oi^ened November 22, 1891, and closed March 19, 1895, during which time 50,120,000 eggs were taken and 12,929,000 fry hatched and liberated. The spawn-taking force, directed by Capt. E. E. Hahn and consisting of a part of the crew of the Grampus, was sta- tioned at Kittery Point, Me., for convenience in taking eggs caught by the Ipswich Bay fishermen, who usually market their catch in Ports- mouth and Kittery Point. The balance of the crew was on duty at the station. From the 793,000 good eggs received in November 275,000 fry were hatched and liberated in good condition off Gloucester Harbor. The weather in the month of December being favorable for good work, eggs were received almost daily, and by the 20th the hatchery was full. During the month 19,201,000 eggs were collected, from which 11,533,000 fry were hatched. Of this number 0,395,000 were liberated oif C51ouces- ter in December, and the balance in January, the last deposit being made on the 22d. Of the eggs obtained in December 2,481,000 were l)urchas('d from two small vessels fishing off Gloucester. The total number of good eggs received in January was 20,981,000, from which 1,121,000 fry were hatched and deposited in waters off Gloucester. Toward the end of the month two or three short storms caused the F. 11. 95 2 18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. water in the harbor to become so roily that it was imi)ossible to wash the sediment from the eggs. Very few fry were hatched from the 9,085,000 eggs received in February, and none of them lived. This was due to the low temj)erature of the water, which fell to 29^ F. and continued cold until March 2G. The fry appeared to lack sufficient strength to break out of the shell, and on March 19 the remainder of the eggs (2,110,000) were put overboard, preparatory to the closing of the station on March 26. Woods Hole Station, Massachusetts (John Maxwell, Superintendent). During the summer a museum and aquarium were installed in the northeast section of the first floor of the laboratory building. The aquaria were made of wood, with glass fronts, and are of the following dimensions and capacity : Five aquaria, with glass 6 feet 4^ inches long by 2 feet 5 inches wide by 1 inch thick; length, 6 feet 9 inches; capacity, 400 gallons. Two aquaria, with glass 4 feet 5| inches long by 2 feet 5 inches wide by 1 inch thick; length, 4 feet 10 inches; capacity, 300 gallons. The tanks were cased in with ornamental panel work of cypress, and were api^ropriately decorated in the interior with cement and stone by L. G. Harron, the superintendent of the aquarium at Washington. The total cost of the aquarium, including the purchase of all material and labor, was $1,080. Fifteen of the exhibition cases received from the World's Columbian Exposition were placed in the Zoological Museum and two in the hall entrance to the museum. In these were exhibited the various specimens of salt and fresh water fishes and other animals in alcohol and stuffed. A number of changes were made in the system of water supply, and hard-rubber jet-cocks were substituted for brass in the laboratory and hatching-room. The residence, laboratory, water tower, storehouse, and coalhouse were painted and other minor changes made. A brick chimney, 55 feet in height, was built, adding greatly to the efficiency of the steam plant. Four McDonald cod tables were added to the hatching equipment, which increased the hatching capacity about 10,000,000; also G tables for hatching lobster eggs. The McDonald cod boxes superseded the Chester jars which had been in use at the station for a number of years. A southeasterly storm of unusual severity, which occurred on January 26, caused considerable damage to the stone pier at breakwater, which constitutes the harbor of refuge at the station. The work of repairing the wharf was commenced on April 27, under the direction of the Engi- neer Corps, and was in progress until tlie end of the fiscal year. God. — The first consignment of brood codfish was received from the schooner Gramjnis on October 4, and during the season 1,022 were derived from the same source. In addition to this, 1,700 were pur- chased from fishing smacks, making a total of 3,322 brood fish. These were kept in live-cars at the station until ready to spawn, being fed daily on sea clams, quahogs, and small fishes caught in the fyke nets, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 19 and examined every other day to note development. The jfirst lot of eggs (80,000) was taken on November 12. The spawning season con- tinued to February 4, during which time 85,505,000 eggs were secured from 1,107 fish. From these 46,072,942 fiy, or about 56 per cent, were hatched and planted in adjacent waters. The largest number of eggs taken at one time was 5,327,000, obtained from a consignment received from Block Island. At another time 9,033,000 were taken at one over- hauling from two lots of fish brought from difl'erent points. On Decem- ber 17, from a fish weighing 18 pounds, 657,000 eggs were taken before it died. An examination of the roe showed scarcely any diminution, and it was estimated that three-fourths of the original number contained in the sac remained in a comparatively developed state. Daily record of eggs taken and lost, fry j)l anted etc. Date. Number of eggs. Number of fry. Date of Average tem- perature. Density. Taken. Lost. Hatched. Planted. lid ten in g. Air. Water. 1894 Nov. 12 80, 000 50, 000 30, 000 30, 000 Nov. 24 41.5 47 I. 0253 16 300, 000 230, 000 70, 000 70, 000 Dec. 2 41.5 44 1. 0253 19 380, 000 300, 000 80, 000 80, 000 Dec. 3 41.5 44 1. 0254 22 300, 000 135, 000 165, 000 165, 000 Dec. 5 36 43.5 1. 0254 24 190, 000 65, 000 125, 000 125, 000 Dec. 7 36 43.5 1. 0255 26 758, 000 758, 000 1.0255 27 1, 530, 000 530, 000 ""i,'o66,"o66' ""i,'666,'666" Dec." 15" ■"ag""" ""42.'5' 1. 0255 28 696, 000 124, 000 572, 000 572, 000 Dec. 16 39 42 1. 0255 30 2, 690, 000 1,092,000 1, 598, 000 1, 598, 000 Dec. 18 40 40.5 1. 0255 Dec. 3 2, 832, 000 1, 610, 000 1, 222, 000 1, 222, 000 Dec. 20 40 40.5 1. 0255 4 1, 290, 000 300, 000 990, 000 990, 000 Dec. 23 40 40.5 1. 0255 5 2, 182, 000 447, 000 1,735,000 1, 735, 000 Dec. 25 39 39.5 1.0255 6 2, 574, 000 991, 000 1, 583, 000 1, 583, 000 ....do ... 39 39 1.0255 7 3, 340, 000 425, 000 2, 915, 000 2, 915, 000 Dec. 26 39 39 1. 0256 8 2, 232, 000 482, 000 1,750,000 1,750,000 ....do ... 39 39 1.0256 10 4, 470, 000 813, 000 3, G57, 000 3, 607, 000 Dec. 27 39 39 1. 0256 11 4, 563, 000 623, 000 3, 940, 000 3, 720, 000 ....do... 39 39 1.0256 12 2, 528, 000 1, 000, 000 1, 528, 000 1,528,000 Dec. 30 33.5 36.5 1. 0256 13 2, 483, 000 1, 242, 000 1, 241, 000 1, 241, 000 Dec. 31 33.5 37.5 ■1.0256 14 2, 714, 000 1,710,000 1, 004, 000 1, 004, 000 Jan. 9 33.5 37 1. 0256 15 1, 762, 000 1, 412, 000 350, 000 350. 000 ...do .. 33.5 37 1. 0256 17 5, 327, 000 1, 969, 000 3, 358, 000 3, 300, 000 Jan. 10 32 37 1. 0257 18 2, 018, 000 928, 000 1, 090, 000 1, 090, 000 Jan. 12 30 37 1. 0257 19 2, 940, 000 1, 510, 000 1, 430, 000 1, 430, 000 Jan. 14 30 36.5 1. 0257 20 1,918,000 1, 168, 000 750, 000 750, 000 Jan. 16 30 36.5 1. 0257 21 2, 930, 000 2, 228, 000 702, 000 702, 000 Jan. 20 30.5 36.5 1. 0258 22 2, 782, 000 1,206,000 1,576,000 1,576,000 Jan. 21 30.5 36.5 1. 0258 24 3, 530, 000 2, 472, 000 1,058,000 1,058,000 Jan. 22 30.5 36.5 1. 0258 26 2, 650, 000 777, 000 1,873,000 1,873,000 Jan. 23 30.5 35 1. 0258 31 1895 Jan. 2 3, 482, 000 1, 315, 000 2, 167, 000 2, 167, 000 Jan. 28 30 34.5 1. 0258 2, 350, 000 358, 000 1,992,000 1, 992, 000 Jan. 29 30 34 1. 0257 3 1, 200, 000 598, 000 602, 000 602,000 {Jan. 30 30 34 1. 0257 4 1, 300, 000 537, 000 763, 000 763,000 i Feb. 2 30 34 1. 0257 7 2, 350, 000 1,631,000 719, 000 719, 000 i Feb. 5 30 33 1. 0257 9 2, 025, 000 531, 000 1, 494, 000 1,494,000 ... do... 30 33 1. 0256 11 2, 050, 000 790, 000 1,260,000 1,260,000 .....do... 30 33 1.0257 14 1, 250, 000 657, 000 593, 000 593,000 i Feb. 19 20 31.5 1. 0258 10 1, 325, 000 727, 000 598, 000 598, 000 , Fob. 20 20 31.5 1. 0258 18 855, 000 503, 000 352, 000 352,000 ....do... 20 31.5 1. 02.'')8 21 700, 000 690, 000 10, 000 10, 000 Mar. 13 20 31 1. 0258 23 600, 000 369, 000 *231 000 20 31 1.0258 24 509^ 000 468^ 000 *4],'000 20 31 X. 0258 25 470 000 208, 000 * 202, 000 20 31 1. 02.58 26 945, 000 945, 000 20 31 1! 0258 28 3t0, 000 816 000 163, 000 332 000 '"'*' 137,066' * 484, 000 20 20 30 30 1. 0258 30 1. 0259 31 700; 000 579i 000 * 121, 000 20 30 1! 0259 Feb. 1 3, 852, 000 2, 674, 000 * 1, 178,000 20 30 1 0259 360, 000 360, 000 20 30 1.0259 2 1,750,000 1, 247, 000 ' * 503, 000 1 20 30 1. 0259 3 75, 000 75, 000 1 93, 253, 000 42,414,000 47, 942, 000 47, 614, 000 1 2,897,000 eggs planted after a period of incubatiou of from forty to fifty days. 20 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The majority of the brood fish used at the station were caught in the vicinity of Block Island and IsTantucket, aud were of three kinds, as recognized by the fishermen, though all beh)ng to the species Gadus callarias — school cod, ground cod, and rock cod. The first were taken off Block Island, and the others from Nantucket Slioals. The eggs of the school cod were clear, transparent, and almost crystal; those of the ground cod were much darker, while those of the rock cod were deep orange in color. All of them, however, were subject to slight varia- tions, according to the color of the fish producing them. The eggs of the school cod gave the best results, and this is regarded of more impor- tance as a brood fish. The ground cod possesses lew qualities to recommend it for this purpose, and it spawns so late that it is almost certain to be killed by cold weather before it can be used. The following table gives an idea of the relative value as egg-pro- ducers of the fishes from the fishing-grounds referred to : Locality. Fish. Eipe fish. Per cent. ^'Er Eggs to January. 2,523 657 ■ 26 56.33 51, 122 1 33, 690, 000 Block Island 799 1 450 79,588 35. 915. UQO After January 1 the fish became mixed, and it was impossible to keep accurate records. To avoid the loss of fish usually occurring in Jan- uary from anchor frost, 283 of the best ones were transferred from the live-cars early in the month to tanks under tlie hatchery. This proved of no use, however, as they died at about the same time as the balance of the stock, which were left in the cars, when the temperature reached 28|°. The loss was of but little importance, as most of the fish had spawned. About 13,600,000 eggs were in the hatchery when the anchor frost appeared, including 7,770,000 received from Kittery Point, Me. Although development seemed almost at a standstill, it was thought the eggs wMjuld pull through, but after ten days a change was noted and they began to waste away. They seemed to break up and go to pieces, filling the hatching-box with fragments of shells an d premature fish. This wasting process continued until the number was reduced to 2,897,000 good eggs and 10,000 fry. As these had been in the hatchery for fifty-one days, it was deemed advisable to plant them in the harbor. It is interesting to note that at this time there were 20,000 fry ten days old in the hatchery which did not appear to suffer any loss of strength and Avere very Aveak. The 20,000 referred to were held until they were twenty-seven days old, and specimens of them were preserved. Tbe cod work, as a whole, was the most successful ever done at the station, the take of eggs exceeding by 18,000,000 any number secured before, and 11,000,000 more fry were distributed. The number of brood fish was about the same as in previous years, and the increase was largely due to the improved quality of the breeders, also to the favorable weather, which permitted of daily overhauling. As usual, this branch of the W'Ork was under the direction of Alex. Jones, the fish-cnlturist. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 21 Flatfish. — Owiug to the sevxre weatlier which occurred in February, the flatfish were driven from the sliallow -water of the liarbor into the deep water of the sound and bay and did not return until March 14, Avhen the collection of eggs commenced. Between that date and the 22d of April 44 adult fish were taken, which yielded 0,2()3,()00 eggs. From these, 5,940,000 fry were hatched and planted in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay. The eggs were hatclied in the Chester jar and the fvy were planted within one or two days after hatching. Lobster. — The first eggs were collected on April 15, and by the close of the season 81,800,000 eggs had been taken from 5,499 lobsters, from which were produced 71,000,000 fry, or 86.V per cent of the total number of eggs collected. The fry were planted in Vineyard Sound and Buz- zards Bay within forty-eight hours after hatching. Record of lobster hatching at Woods Hole Station, Massachusetts, season of J 895. Kuni- ISIumbei of eses. Period of Latching. Av( rago Date. ber of Number of tempo Dens- lob- sters. fry planted. ity. Taken. Lost. Began. Ended. Air. Water. Apr. 15 4 52, 000 ] fMav 20 J. ..do ... ."X^'. 49 48.5 1.025 16 3 26, 000 I 23, 000 125, 000 49 48.5 1.025 18 2 24, 000 1...do ... [...do... ...do... 49 49 1.025 19 3 46, 000 ....do ... 49 49.5 1. 025 24 3 30, 000 (May 21 May 27 52 51.5 1. 0248 25 57 783, 000 88, 000 975, 000 ...do ... May 28 52 52 1. 0247 27 22 250, 000 do May 30 52 52.5 1. 0246 30 55 707, 000 57, 000 650, 000 May 22 May 29 52 52 1. 0240 May 1 47 1,018,000 143, 000 875, 000 May 30 55 52.5 1. 0245 3 22 247, 000 22, 000 225, 000 ;;;:do .;; May 29 53 52 1.0245 4 130 1,870,000 245, 000 1,025,(!00 ...do ... May 31 56 53 1. 0245 6 38 329, 000 29, 000 300, 000 May 23 May 20 53 53.5 1.0245 7 89 1, 604, 000 104, 000 1, 500, 000 May 24 June 1 56 55.5 1. 0215 8 27 548, 000 28, 000 520, 000 May 23 May 29 53 55.5 1. 0245 9 37 475, 000 50, 000 425, 000 May 24 Juno 1 57 55.5 1.0245 10 261 3, 585, 000 210, 000 3, 375, 000 ....clo ... June 2 58 56.5 1. 0244 11 174 1,972,000 72, 000 1, 900, 000 May 25 ....do... 58 57 1.0244 13 235 6, 179, 000 579, 000 5, 600, 000 May 26 Juno 5 58 .58 1.0244 14 134 1,857,000 57, 000 1, 800, 000 May 23 May 30 56 56 1.0243 16 143 1, 900, 000 200, COO 1, 700, 000 Mav 24 June 3 58 57.5 1. 0243 17 289 4, 591, 000 591, 000 4, 000, 000 MaV 25 June 6 58 57.5 1.0243 18 114 956, 000 I ii(\ nnn 2 200 000^' '^^ ' " June 5 58 57.5 1. 0243 20 135 1,690,000 J- 'i-iU, UUU May 26 ....do ... 60 58 1.0243 21 95 1, 309, 000 109, 000 1, 200, 000 ....clo ., June 8 60 58 1.0243 22 213 2, 302, 000 202, 000 2, 100, 000 May 27 June 9 60 58 1.0242 23 260 6, 073, 000 473, 000 5, 600, 000 ....do... June 8 63 58 1.0242 24 82 834, 000 84, 000 750, 000 May 28 June 11 58.5 1. 0242 25 99 1,315,000 215,000 1, 100, 000 MaV 29 June 9 63 58.5 1. 0242 27 216 3, 258, 000 258, 000 3, 000, 000 Uay 31 June 10 63 59 1. 0242 28 \Ai 1, 501, 000 151,000 1, 350, 000 Juno 2 June 12 63 60 1.0242 29 160 2, 649, 000 299, 000 2, 350, 000 ...do ... June 11 63 59 1. 0242 :io 133 1, 595, 000 170, 000 1, 425, 000 Juno 3 June 12 63 60 1.0242 31 220 7, 205, 000 1, 090, 000 6, 175, OOO ....do ... June 15 63 61 1.0242 Juno 1 62 1, 188, 000 113.000 1, 075, 000 ....do ... June 17 63 62.5 1. 0242 5~ 263 3, 910, 000 1,310.000 2, 600, 000 June 7 June 16 61 62.5 1. 0242 C 292 3 362, 000 312,000 3, 050, 000 June 9 June 18 61 62.5 1.0212 8 108 1,620,000 90, 000 1, 530, 000 Juno 11 June 20 61 62.5 1. 0241 11 265 2, 771, 000 221,000 2, 550, 000 June 13 Juno 22 64 63.5 1.024 12 162 1, 790, 000 140, 000 1, 050, 000 Juno 14 Juno 23 64 64.5 1.024 14 205 1, 927, 000 277, 000 1, 650, 000 Juno 16 Juno 24 64 65.5 1.024 15 40 521, 000 51, 000 470, 000 June 17 Juno 25 64 65.5 1.024 20 83 700, 000 300, 000 400, 000 Juno 21 Juno 26 65 06 1.024 21 1 289 3, 867, 000 1,087,000 2, 730, 000 Juno 22 /Juno 21 \Juno 27 } «^ 06. 5 1.0239 22 84 1, 304, 000 904, 000 400, 000 Juno 23 Juno 28 64 66.5 1.0239 ;5, 499 81, 800, 000 10, 800, 000 71,000.000 ' 'June, 8, after tlirec days' incubation, found 1,000,000 bad eggs. 1 2,000,000 of theso egg's are estimated, as the eggs liatched in tlio livo.cars before thcv could be brought to the station. i The following shows the number of lobsters obtained at the diflorent hicalitios : Cuttyhunk, 1,040; Ilobinson Hole, 979; Penikese, 345; Cedar Tree Ned;, 159; Hiidley ll.arbor, 93; Woods Hole, 1,094; New Bedford, 884; Menomsha, 147; Tarpaulin Gov;', 100; South Dartmouth, 58; total, 5,499. 22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The lobsters collected at New Bedford aud Tarpaulin Cove (known by tlie fishermen as deep sea lobsters) were cauglit 12 miles off No Mans Land and brought in in smacks. The greatest number of eggs taken from a single lobster during the season was 85,000. It was taken off No Mans Laud aud measured IGi inches. The collection was made as in i)revious years, by means of a steam launch, which visited the various fishing centers several times a week. The work was under the direct charge of the superintendent until June 3, when C. G. Corliss, fish-culturist at large, was detailed to look out for it. Delaware River Station, Steamer Fish Hawk (Lieut. Robert Platt, U. S. N., Commanding). On May 9, 1895, the steamer Fish Hawl: arrived at Gloucester City, N. J., and immediately began its season's work of collecting sha.d eggs. Between that date and June 3 eggs were taken from 619 fish secured at the surrounding fishing shores, as follows: Howell Cove, 11,470,000; Bennett's Shore, 12,803,000; Eagle Point, 459,000; Gloucester Point, 449,000 ; gillers, 5,901,000 ; total, 31,142,000. From these eggs 19,859,000 fry were hatched and distributed as indicated below: Lambertvillo, N.J Delaware Water Gap, Pa. Port Jervi.s, N. T Callicoou, N. Y Seaford, Del Wilmington Del Chestertown, Md Queen Anne, Md Salisbury, Md Frenchtown, N. J 5, 965, 000 1, 458, 000 450, 000 450, 000 504, 000 504, 000 504, 000 504, 000 504, 000 1,045, 000 Lackawasen, Pa.. Milford, N.J West Point, N. Y. Eaaton, Pa ■. 450,000 450, 000 2, 000, 000 450,000 Deep Paver, Genu 2,170,000 BridKeton, N. J 1,800,000 Timber Creek, N. J . Total. 651, 000 19, 859, 000 In addition to the plants of fry, 321,000 eggs were deposited in the Delaware on June 5, prior to the departure of the vessel from Gloucester. The noon temperatures of air and water were : Date. Air. Water. Date. Air. Water. May 10 o 85 49 51 56 55 54 64 56 64 67 47 54 70 70 67 66 65 65 64 64 64 61 60 May 23 .••.. 68 73 75 73 61 62 77 89 90 91 89 92 70 61 n ^24:::::.:::. ::.::..:: 63 12 25 63 13 26 64 64 15 28 63 29 65 17 30 31 67 18 71 72 20 73 21 3 75 22 4 74 Battery Station, Havre de Grace, Md. The Station was closed from July 1, 1894, to April, 1895. On April 1, 1895, Alex. Jones, fish-culturist, was detailed from the Woods Hole Station to take charge of the shad work, owing to the assignment of the superintendent, W. de C. Ravenel, to duty in Washington as acting assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-culture. Anticipating a suc- cessful season's work from the reports of the large takes of shad in the lower bay, the work of preparation was i^ushed rapidly, and by April REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 23 10 everything was in readiness for the collection of eggs. A new 10-inch water end was pnt on the large pump, increasing its capacity to 4,000 gallons per hour, thereby adding materially to its effectiveness. Steam launches Plover and Ganvashaclc w^ere overhauled and repaired, and a new boiler and propeller put in the Plover. During the season considerable work was done by the spawn-takers toward repairing the buildings on the main island. The old hatchery was raised and reblocked, and the old tank tower torn down. The temporary employees, consisting of spawn-takers, assistants in hatchery, etc., reported for duty on April 20, and work was commenced with a force of 35 men, as follows: 2 fish-culturists, 2 assistants in hatchery, 2 machinists and 2 coxswains for launch, 2 firemen for main boiler, 11 first-class and 12 second-class spawn-takers, 1 cook, and 1 boy. Collecting continued until May 22, resulting in a take of 21,606,000 eggs, from which 13,932,000 fry were hatched and distributed. In addition, 852,000 eyed eggs were i^lanted near the station. The catch of fish was fair at the beginning of the season, but it dwindled and became so small by the middle of May that it was deemed advisable to discharge all of the temporary force except a suf&cient number to dispose of the fry on hand, hence all the spawn-takers and other temporary men who could be spared were discharged May 16. It was the original intention to keep the station open until June 1 to receive eggs brought in by the fishermen, but they came in in such small numbers that it was decided to close up all work on the 22d. The followdng table gives the number of eggs taken, fry hatched and planted, period of incubation, and meteorological conditions: Date. Number of eggs. Number of fry. Date of— Average tem- perature. Taken. Lost. Hatched. Lost. Planted. Hatch- ing. Plant- ing. Air. Water. Apr. 19 21 12, 000 29, 000 1, 564, 000 2, 264, 000 4, 007, 000 2, 691, 000 2, 499, 000 135, 000 196, 000 38, 000 672, 000 245, 000 682, 000 453, 000 444, 000 804, 000 1,178,000 743, 000 391, 000 199, 000 247, 000 607, 000 300, 000 353, 000 733, 000 120, 000 12, 000 9,000 643, OOO 873, 000 1, 168, 000 855, 000 748, 000 86, 000 100, 000 19, 000 192, 000 55, 000 94, 000 103, 000 80, 000 140, 000 361), 000 314, 000 170, 000 110, 000 96, 000 144, 000 77, 000 121,000 213, 000 20, 000 ° ° 20, 000 921, 000 1,391,000 2, 839, 000 1, 836, 000 1, 751, 000 49, 000 96, 000 19, 000 480, 000 190, 000 588, 000 350, 000 364, 000 664, 000 818, 000 429, 000 221, 000 89, 000 151,000 463, 000 223, 000 20, 000 ........ Apr. 28 Apr. 30 May 3 ....do... May 5 May 7 ....io... ....do ... May 9 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 15 May 21 May 22 May 23 59 58 58 58.5 59 58 59 59 60 62 64 65 67 67 69 72.5 74.5 72.5 64 57 57 58 60 56 5 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 May 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 20 921, 000 1, 391, 000 2, 839, 000 1, 836, 000 1,751,000 49, 000 96, 000 19,000 480, 000 190, 000 588, 000 350, 000 364, 000 664, 000 818, 000 429, 000 221,000 89, 000 151,000 463, 000 223, 000 * 232, 000 * 520, 000 * 100, 000 May 4 May 6 May 7-8 May 8 (May 9,^ I io, ni, ....do ... May 13 May 11 May 13 May U ....do... May 14 ....do ... May 16 May 23 ....do ... ....do ... Ma^y24 56.5 56.5 56.5 56.5 56.5 57.5 58 59 60.5 62.5 64 67 68 70 72 73,5 74 68.5 BO. 5 59.5 59.5 61 21 g 22 21, 606, 000 6, 802, 000 13,952,000 20,000 1 13,932,000 * 852, 000 ' Distributed as eggs. 24 REPORT OF C0MMISSI0>:ER OF FISH AND FI:*HERIES. Distribution of fry and eggs from Battery Station, Maryland, season of 1895. May 4 4 Number Number of fry. of eggs. 750, 000 171,000 450, 000 941, 000 600, COO 600, 000 750, 000 889, 000 918, 000 918, 000 320, 000 450, 000 750, 000 585, 000 350, 000 914,000 2, 000, 000 650, 000 89, 000 837, 000 13,932,000 852,000 Point of deposit. Hudson River. Garrett Island ; Susquehanna River. Port Deposit Do. Battery Shoals Chesapeake Bay. Swan Creek. Northeast, Maryland ' Northeast River. I Hudson River. Battery Shoals \ Chesapeake Bay. Port Deposit [ Susquehanna River. Red Bank 1 Chesapeake Baj'. Carpenter Point j Northeast River. Port Deposit ' Susquehanna River. Hudson River. Battery Shoals Chesapeake Bay. ...-do Do. The Mountains ! Do. Deep River Station Connecticut River. Athens, N. Y Hudson River. Battery Shoals ' Chesapeake Bay. do •. Do. do Do. Fish Ponds, Washington, D. C. (R. Hessel, Superintendent). Tlie entire force of tlie station and an additional laborer were emploj'ed during July in cutting and removing injurious plants from the ponds, which had been introduced by the flood of 1893. This work was continued throughout the summer, but it became evident that the plants and injurious insects accompanying them could not be eradi- cated in this manner, and as the insects were increasing and doing considerable damage to the young fish, it was deemed advisable to use more effective measures. Accordingly, the ponds were laid bare in December and kept dry for three months, during which time the bot- toms were scraped to a depth of 3 inches and all plants and roots not killed by the frost cut out. One of the most injurious j)lants noticed was the cat-tail, the roots of which extend 2 feet under the ground. The only way of eradicating them is to remove every i)article of the root, as cutting the plants off at the surface of the ground does not seem to stop their growth. The output of the station consisted of fish from 6 to 8 months old. The ponds were drawn as usual in the fall, and the fish, with the excep- tion of the shad, were counted, sorted, and transferred to Central Sta- tion for distribution by means of cars aisd messeiigers to various parts of the country. Following is a list of the species transferred: Leather carp 22, 208 Scale carp 14, 700 Blue-scale carp 485 Tench, yearlings 10,240 Tench, two years old 1, 040 Tench. — Owing to tlie increased demand for tench, more attention was paid to the i)roduction of this species, and as a result 11,280 were distributed in the fall of 1894. The spawners were again placed in t\\Q ponds in April, 1895, and all indications point to a large crop at the close of the year. Golden tench Golden ide Young goldfifih Goldfish, adults Black bass, large-mouthed. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 25 Golden ide. — The goldeu ide spawned ou April 10 aud 11, but all of the eggs were killed ou the nights of April 14 aud 15, owing to the low temperature of the water. Spotted catfish. — Although the brood lish were transferred to a larger pond during the early spring, they did not spawn. They are appar- ently healthy and take their food regularly, but it appears that they require a pond of greater area and depth. Large-mouthed hlaclc hass. — In the spring the brood fish were confined in a small section of the north pond, which had been separated from the balance of the pond by a partition. They spawned as usual about the middle of May, and at the close of the season it was estimated that there were about 00,000 fry in stock. The brood fish were retained in the small section referred to, the fry passing out through a wire grat- ing in the partition into the main body of the poud. This pond has an area of about 4i acres, and though abundantly stocked with lilies and other aquatic plants the supply of natural food was so scarce that it soon became necessary to provide additional material. The most seri- ous problem involved in the culture of this species is that of providing a suflicient quantity of suitable food. It is difficult at all times to make bass take artificial food, and in the early stages live food is absolutely essential. The small output of the previous fall (0,552) was undoubt- edly due to the fact that the bass lived on each other to a greater or less extent, owing to difficulty in procuring sufficient natural food. During the past season a half million or more of young carp, reared in the ponds, have been utilized as food for the bass, and numbers of young fish of various kinds were obtained in the swamps in the neighborhood of Observatory Hill. They were also fed on young frogs and tadpoles. Small-mouthed hlacJc hass. — In the south i^ond, containing 1^ acres, similar arrangements were made for rearing the small-mouthed black bass. The brood fish were confined in a small section at the west end of the i^oud, the fry passing into the body of the pond through a wire gate in the center of the i^artitiou. These fish spawned about the same time as the large-mouthed species, aud it was estimated at the close of the fiscal year that there were about 8,000 fry in stock. RocJc bass. — During the month of February 45 rock bass were trans- ferred from the Wytheville Station and placed in the pond recently constructed between the west pond aud Executive avenue. This pond has an area of 17,500 square feet, varies in depth from 2 to 3 feet, aud is well supplied with grass and aquatic plants. Mussels, crushed snails, and small fishes were introduced as food, but notwithstanding the fact that all conditions seemed favorable, the fish did not si)awn. It is possible that they had not become sufiiciently acclimated. Shad. — The shad placed in the west pond were released in the Potomac in October; as they were not counted, it is impossible to state definitely the number liberated, but it is estimated at about 1,000,000. The pond was dry during the winter, and in the spring 2,017,000 fry transferred from Central Station were placed in it. They api)eav to be doing well, though they suffer slightly from the black water-beetles aud their larvfe. 2G REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Centkax Station, Washington, D. C. (S. (i. Worth, Superintendent). lu addition to bis regular duties, the superintendeut was detailed to write the aunual report of the Division of Fish-culture for the fiscal year 1892-93, aud to examine into the working of the McDonald fish way at Great Falls, Md. He also acted as a member of the Fish Commission board of examiners for the United States Civil Service Commission, and assisted in preparing plans for repairs to the aquarium annex at the station. The fish-cultural operations consisted in distributing the fishes reared at the fish ponds, Washington, D. C, and in receiving and forwarding consignments of eggs shipped from the Wytheville Station, intended for applicants in Kew England and foreign countries. The following tabulation shows the number of fish received and distributed : Species. Scale carp Blue-scale carp Scale carp (large) Leather carp . Leather carp (large) . . . Mirror carp Goldfish Fantail goldfish Fantail goldfish (gray) Tench Tench (large) Golden tench Number received. 14, 700 485 4 22, 190 7 16 30 10, 258 Number dis- tributed. 14, 450 465 4 21, 748 7 16 6, 120 403 30 10, 171 1,028 49 Species. Golden tench (large) Black bass Black bass (large) . . Rock bass Rainbow trout Brook trout (large). Black spotted trout Golden ide Sunfish Landlocked salmon. Total. Number received. 15 6,345 207 1,600 6,806 140 12 10 11 15 71, 066 Number dis- tributed. 15 6.345 207 1,590 6, 757 140 12 10 11 15 The shad eggs collected at Bryan Point were hatched at this station as usual, and the output exceeded any previous year except 1888. The total number received was 49,898,000, from which 41,984,000 fry were hatched and distributed, the loss amounting to 7,914,000. The eggs were packed on trays and transferred from Bryan Point, in charge of a messenger, by the steamers of the Mount Yernon and Marshall Hall Steamboat Company. Between April 20 and May 29 eggs were daily received in good con- dition at Central Station, as follows : Date. Number. Date. Number. 922, 000 2, 252, 000 1, 645, 000 2, 579, 000 3, 188, 000 2, 790, 000 2, 043, 000 2,813.000 297, 000 781,000 1, 020, 000 110, 000 1, 203. 000 2, 885, 000 3, 230, OOU 871, 000 2, 0G5, 000 1,080,000 1 231 000 23 12 804, 000 25 17 788 000 1, 328, 000 2 101 000 29 .... 20 24 272 000 4 2C 1,067 000 5 27 894 000 6 29 1, 021, 000 ^ Total 49, 898, 000 9 . .. . REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 27 Another attempt was made to hatch pike-perch eggs shipped by- express from Putin-Bay Station, but two consignme«ts, amounting to 2,000,000, were lost en route. A rubber holder for air-liberator plugs was designed by the superin- tendent during the fall of 1894, and in February arrangements were made to have a number of them manufactured. Tliis holder is made of hard rubber and can be used in either salt or fresh water. It is especially adapted for aerating aquaria and the tanks on the cars; it may also prove valuable for hatching floating eggs. Aquaria, Central Station (L. G. Harron, Superintendent). The defective imitation rockwork in the marine annex was removed early in the summer and replaced by galvanized metal, representing rock face. New rubber tubing and a new filter for the salt-water tanks were put in during the month of August, and a new fresh-water filter was jiurchased in December. This afibrds double the amount of water filtered by the old one. During the winter the salt water was kept at a temperature of from 50° to 56° by means of a steam drum 3 feet long, 6 inches in diameter, containing 9 feet of coiled 1-inch piping. With an average pressure of 25i30unds j^er square inch, the water was passed through the pipe at the rate of 350 gallons per hour. On October 16 200 young shad, about 5 months old and from 2 to 3 inches long, were received from the fish ponds and were i)ut in brackish water, the density of which was gradually increased to 1.020. They were fed on chopped oysters and were apparently healthy until the middle of January, when they were attacked by disease and 75 of them died. Canned roe was then substituted as food, and within two or three days the mortality ceased and the fish became healthy again. Most of the marine specimens in the aquarium during the year were collected by the steamer Fish Hawlc off Cape Charles in October, and at Old Point, Va., by the superintendent. On February 13 a goldfish, which had been held for more than a year in a balance aquarium, spawned and about 100 of the eggs were placed in a McDonald jar, the temperature of the water being kept at G8. Ninety per cent of the eggs hatched and about 20 of the young fish are now alive and beginning to color. In June a 2-year-old i^aradise fish spawned in a balance aquarium, and the young are now on hand. The fresh-water fishes in the aquarium suffered heavy losses in May on account of the high temperature of the water, and all of the brook trout and yearling landlocked salmon were lost. The temperature of the salt water from October, 1S94, to June, 1895, was as follows : Time. Max. Min. Me^n. Time. Max. '«,„. Mean. 1894— October 74 66 59 58 48 46 51 60 57 53 52 54 1895- March 50 68 78 82 64 50 54 66 55 58 1 May 1895- January 73 February 58 ! is 28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. During the year tlie following marine and fresli-water iislies and other animals were exhibited in the aquarium : Fresh-water specimens Leather carp Scale carp Mirror carp Golden ide Common tench Golden tench Chub sucker j Yellow perch ' Pike Crappie Sunflsh Black bass Warmouth bass Gar pike Common darter Shiners or fresh- water smelt Dace or mill roach Brook trout (yearlings) Brook trout (adult) Landlocked salmon (yearlings) Rainbow trout (adults) Blue rainbow trout (yearlings) Fresh-water specimens — Continued. Black-spotted trout (adults) Salt-water specimens : Pinfish Pigfish Bluefish Lizard-flsh Swellflsh Moonfish Starfish Butter-fish , Toadfish Pipefish Squeteague Spotted sea trout Croaker Sea bass Hog choker Striped mullet Spot or goody Flounder Sheepshead Dogfish Tellow-tail , Salt-water specimens- Continued. Pompano Sea-robin Skate Mummichog Red drum Banded drum Gizzard shad Young shad Tautog Conger eel Striped bass Sea-horse Blenny Blue crab Hermit crab Lady crab Lobster Shrimp Sea-anemone Spider-crab Freshwater terrapin Snapping turtle 200 11 15 5 200 40 1 5 8 1 20 10 2 7 12 165 2. Bryan Point Station, Maryland. The season's work in the collection of shad eggs proved to be the most satisfactory in the history of the Commission's work on the Poto- mac. The water was more or less roily while operations were carried on, but the current did not at any time appreciably affect the tides. During the period of seine operations, extending from April 8th to May 21st, 204 hauls of seine were made. The total number of shad caught by the Bryan Point seine was 5,401, 2,663 of which were males and 2,738 females; 185 of these were ripe. The total number of eggs obtained was 66,065,000; of these, 5,261,000 were secured by the seine at Bryan Point, 8,024,000 by the Stony Point seine, 1,501,000 by the Tulip Hill seine, 726,000 by the Freestone Point seine, 177,000 by the Plum Tree Gut seine, and 50,376,000 from gillers. There were also 268,000 herring caught during the season. The seine operations by the Commission were more extensive than in any i)revious season at Bryan "Point. During the year, for the first time, the net was fished throughout the season, and a correct estimate of its relative value as an egg-producing source was obtained. After careful consideration the superintendent recommends that seine haul- ing, carried on for years by the Fish Commission in the Potomac River shad operations, be discontinued, for the reason that the returns at Bryan Point are not satisfactory. The egg collections are limited, and tlie relative catch of river herring so large that sales to the farming population cause local trap fishermen to lose business, the seine fish being i)referred. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 20 Table shoiviny the catch of fish and the production of shad eggs hy the Bryan Point seine, from. 1S92 to 1S95, inclusive. Period of seine operations. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. Apr.l8-May4.. 155 Apr. U-May20. Apr. 5-Mayl8. 215 Apr. 8-Mayl8.! 204 No. of hauls made by seme. M^l^«- mares. ^"^^^^ ^'l'« 2,777 2,663 519 813 2,442 2,738 1,082 1,733 5,219 5,401 No. of No. of herrings shad eggs caught, obtained. 86, 426 326, 307 231,405 268, 000 1, 816, 000 939, 000 4, 350, 000 5, 261, 000 The average product from the Bryau Point seine during the four years just ended was about 3,000,000, The following table shows the sources from which shad eggs were derived from 1892 to 1895, inclusive: Tear. Bryan Point seine. Chapman j Stony Point seine. [Point seine. Tulip 1892 1893 1894 1, 816, 000 939, 000 4, 350, 000 5, 261, 000 798, 000 958, 000 2, 007, 000 1, 067, 000 512,000 2, 216, 000 8, 024. 000 2, 503, 000 683, 000 573, 000 1,501,000 7, 262, 000 6,321,000 19, 763, 000 50, 376, 000 13, 446, COO 9, 423, 000 32, 393, 000 66, 065, 000 Note.— lu 1894 235,000 eggs were obtained from Tent Landing seine and 3,249,000 from Freestone Point seine. In 1895 726,000 were obtained from Freestone Point seine and 177,000 from Plum Tree Gut seine. During the operations of the season Mr. L. G. Harroii was assistant to superintendent, and Mr. W. T. Lindsey, custodian of the station, was directly in charge of the seine. Wytheville Station, Virginia (George A. Seaglb, Superintendent). At the beginning of the year there were estimated to be on hand at the station fish of various kinds, as shown by the following statement: Species. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891 or before. 93, 500 1,200 3,400 550 45 1,200 135 Black-spotted trout Black bass 500 20, 000 12 195 10 Grayling 34 6,000 2,500 Goldlish , 180 The ponds were drawn in October and distribution commenced November 16. By February 3, when it was completed, the following fishes were furnished to cars and messengers for distribution : 79,387 rainbow trout, 553 large-mouthed black bass, 5,558 rock bass, 1,580 carp, and 3,002 goldfish. Rock bass, numbering 12,752, produced at Neosho, were transferred to this station and distributed at the same time; also 2,295 large-mouthed black bass, 3,500 carp, and 915 tench from the fish ponds in Washington. Rainbow trout. — These trout commenced to spawn November 5, and continued IIG days, the last eggs being taken on February 29. There were obtained from 833 females 513,300 eggs, an average of 016 eggs to the fish. Tlie males used numbered 618. Of these eggs 228,200 were 30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. shipped to applicants in the United States and foreign countries and to other stations of the Commission, as indicated in the following table : Distribution of rainhoiv-trout eggs from Wytheville Station for year ending June 30, 1895. Consignee. No. of ogga. 1894 Dec. 22 25 29 1895 Jan. 5 7 12 14 29 Feb. 1 4 4 Charlea G. Atkins. . . do Maj. W. Turner ■Mr. Raveret-Wattel . Green Lake, Me . . Bucksport, Me . . . Bertrix, Belgium. Fecamp, France.. Maj. W. Turner Bertrix, Belgium Eev.H. B.Wolryche-Whitmoro. . . I Bridgenorth, England S. G. Worth I U. S. Fish Commission, Washington, D. C . William Burgess | Malvern Wells, England Prof. W. K. Brooks j Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md . . D.H.McLinn \ Plymouth, N. H do ! do Prof. K.. G. Harrison j Bryn Mawr, Pa 15, 000 25, 000 25, 000 25, 000 25, 000 25, 000 11,000 25, 000 200 25, 000 25, 000 2,000 Total 228, 200 The remainder were held at the station and produced 168,000 fry, 118,100 eggs being lost in incubation. Owing to excessive muddy Avater during the spring very heavy losses were sustained, so that in June there were left on hand only 83,000 fingerlings by actual count. There were 5,500 fry planted in April. A consignment of 10,000 rainbow-trout eggs was received on May 17 from the California State Fish Commission at Beswick, Cal., but owing to the warm weather and length of time on the way they were all dead when the box was opened, having api)arently hatched en route. The breeding stock at the close of the year was as follows : COO trout 4 to 10 years old; 1,960 fish 40 months old; 890 28 months old, and 700 16 months old. Blaclx bass. — The stock of brood fish was increased by 52 2-year-old large-mouth bass from the fish ponds, Washington, D. C. ; but on April 7 all of the old stock and 28 of the 2- year-old fish were lost in an over- flow of the ponds. The remaining 24 spawned early in May, and on June 30 there were estimated to be 5,000 fry in the pond. Owing to the difficulty in collecting the fry of the bass from breeding ponds, the use of artificial nests is recommended, KocJc bass. — The ponds containing these fish were affected in the same w^ay by floods as the black-bass xwnds, but the loss of breeders was not so great. They spawned in May. Everything indicates a good crop of fry, but it is impossible to give accurate figures unless the j)onds are drawn and the fry counted, which is not deemed desirable. Tench. — During the early winter 50 2-year-old tench were received from the fish ponds, Washington, D. C, and placed in a small jioud 60 by 75 feet, fed with water from Tates Run. The fish were noticed spawning on May 31, June 7 and 20, and at the close of the month many fry could be seen in the j^oud. Carp. — The carp spawned in the ponds early in June, and will yield enough to supply all demands. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 31 Goldfish. — The rearing of goldfish was discontinued at the close of the year, and the adults liberated in the neighboring streams. During the year more than the usual repairs were made to ponds, walks, fences, etc., owing to damage caused by a freshet in April, which resulted in large loss not only of the fry from muddy water, bnt also the adult bass, tench, and carp. The damage was repaired at once, and was paid for by the State of Virginia from funds received for rental of station. Changes were also made in the raceways leading from the trout ponds, which produced beneficial results. Pct-ix-Bay Station, Ohio (J. J. Straxaiian, Supkrintendent). The fish-cultural work during the past year was confined to whitefish, Cisco or lake herring, lake trout, and pike perch. Whitefish. — The whitefish season opened later than usual, the first eggs being taken November 11, and the last on November 29. The first eye-specks were visible December IG. The fry began hatching April 9, and finished on the 20th. The cone-shaped tube used throughout the hatchery proved very satisfactory, and there was almost no loss of eyed eggs. The few straight tubes used early in the season showed a loss so ijerceptibly greater than in the case of the cones that they were changed as soon as possible. The total number of eggs collected dur- ing the year was 114,435,000. The points of collection and the number taken at each are as follows: Port Clinton, Ohio, 51,822,000; jSTorth Bass Island, Lake Erie, 28,341,000; Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie, 10,197,000; Put-in-Bay Island, Lake Erie, 12,060,000; Kelley Island, Lake Erie, 10,989,000; Catawba Island, Lake Erie, 1,026,000; total, 114,435,000. Of these, the following shipments were made : TJ. S. Fish Commission Station, Alpena, Mich,, 8,000,000; Clayton, N. Y., for the State Fish Commission, 5,000,000; U. S. Fish Commission Car No. 3, for Utah, 2,000,000; total, 18,000,000. Between April 11th and May 7th 80,198,000 fry were deposited in Lake Erie at the following points: Ballast Island Eeef, 11,270,000; Green Island Keef, 2,350,000; Peach Point Pveef, 19,258,000; West Sis- ter Island, 2,000,000; North Bass Island Eeef, 19,020,000; Moore's Point Reef, 1,600,000; Rattlesnake Island Reef, 3,000,000; Starve Island Reef, 5,050,000; Niagara Reef, 5,050,000; Cone Reef, 5,400,000; Kelley Island Reef, 3,000,000; Port Clinton, 2,000,000; total, 80,198,000. Cisco. — All of the cisco eggs (10,452,000) were taken at Put-in-Bay Island and were of unusually good quality. The catch of fish was light and a dearth of males was noticeable everywhere. All the eggs, excei^t 600,000 retained for hatching, were planted on Rattlesnake Island Reef, Lake Erie, the natural spawning-grounds of the fish, in order to make room for the whitefish eggs. All of the 600,000 retained were hatched and planted at Peach Point Reef, Lake Eric, on April 27. Lale trout. — On December 7th 500,000 lake-trout eggs arrived from Northville, Mich., in fine condition, and on December 18th 150,000 were 32 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. taken at Bmikirk, X. Y,, by spawn-takers from Put iii-Baj' Station. These were in poor condition, owing to the severe weather prevailing during the spawn-taking period. On March 12 the eggs comiueuced to hatch, finishing April 7, and the 478,500 fry resulting from them were planted in the vicinity of the islands in Lake Erie. I' lice perch. — This work, though more successful in the aggregate than last year, was interfered with by frequent storms, some of which were of unusual severity. Eggs of this species aggregating 404,025,000 were collected as follows: Toledo, Ohio, 180,000,000; Port Clinton, Ohio, 77,025,000; Putin-Bay, Ohio, 60,750,000; North Bass Island, Lake Erie, 55,687,500; Sandusky Bay, Ohio, 17,700,000; East Sister Island, 5,002,500; unknown, 7,200,000. The first eggs were taken April 16 and the last on April 28. The period of incubation (running from 14 to 21 days) was 10 days shorter than usual, owing to the high temperature of the water. The eggs commenced hatching on May 6 and finished on the 12th. The first eye-siiecks were visible on April 28, 6 days after the eggs were taken. An experiment was again made to prevent cannibalism among pike- perch fry. Four tanks of equal capacity were each supplied with 500,000 fry. The fry in two of these were fed regularly three times a day with fine wheat middlings, and once a day with finely chopped liver. Those in the other two tanks were not fed. Although some cannibalism was noticed in the tanks where the fry were fed up to and including the third day, the percentage of loss was very small, while it was great in the other two. On the fourth day, however, the fry refused to take the middlings, and from that time the destruction was so great that the experiment was abandoned and all the fry were planted. The following deliveries of eggs and fry were made : Egga. Number. Fry. Number. Sandusky, Ohio, State Fiah Commission . . TJ S F C Oar No 1 25, 000, 000 U, 400, 000 5, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 46, 400, 000 May 9, U. S. F. 0. Car No. 2 May 16, U. S. F. C. Car No. 2 May 18, U. S. F. C. Car No. 2 10, 000, 000 000 000 Clayton, N. T., State Fish Comraission Washington, D. C, U. S. F. C 3, 700, 000 18,700,000 Between the 8th and 20th of May 18.S,0S(),000 fry were deposited in Lake Erie. Great difiQculty was experienced in keeping the screens in the fry tanks free on account of the large accumulation of shells from the eggs, and with the large hatch of whiteflsh and pike perch it was found abnost impossible to i)revent the tanks overflowing. In order to rem- edy this a three-fourths-inch iron pipe, pierced with small holes at intervals of 5 inches, was connected with an air-pump and placed across the ends of the main tank on the inside, close to the bottom and near the screens. The continuous flow of air resulting from this not only prevented the clogging of the screens, but also proved beneficial to the fry by thoroughly aerating the water. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 33 NORTHVILLE STATION, MICHIGAN (F. N. ClARK, SuPERINTKNDENT). Early in the fiscal year the outsides of the rearing-house and hatch- ery were painted, a new floor laid in the hatchery, twelve new rearing- ponds completed, alleys graded, etc. The water in the ponds which had contained diseased fish was drawn off, the sides of the ponds white- washed, and the bottoms given a thorough sprinkling of salt. The main feed raceway to the large ponds was taken out and replaced with new sides and bottom throughout. The severe weather of the past winter did considerable damage to the ponds and raceways, causing the upheaval of ties, collapse of sides, and sinking of bottoms. JaOcc trout. — The lake-trout eggs collected by Alpena spawn-takers, amounting to 8,746,000, were transferred as usual to this station. Of these, 2,750,000 were shipped to other stations of the Commission, State Fish Commissions, and private applicants. From the balance retained at the station (5,990,000) 1,390,000 fry were hatched and dis- tributed. The poor results were probably due to the fact that it was necessary to hold the eggs on trays for a number of days before ship- ping at many of the field stations, owing to their being located at isolated points, which could not be reached by the boats in the inclement weather prevailing during the fall. The distribution of eggs and fry is given below : Consignee. Address. Number. Eggs. California Pish Comnii'^sion ....•••■■••• Trnckpft Pal 100 000 Vermont Fish Oommlsslon Roxbury Vt 300 000 Caledonia, N.T 1,500,000 100, 000 500 000 J J Stranahan, for Put-in-Bay Station Put in. Bay Ohio 50, 000 100, 000 Massachusetts Fish Commission Nebraska Fish Commission ... South Bend iNebr 50 000 Total '2, 750, 000 Fry. 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10, 000 100, 000 40 000 D. F. Chandler Antigo Lake Wis Fred J. Vine Lac du Flambeau, Wis State Line Wis H. W. Bent, State Line H.B.Roney . . GoiTebic Lake Mich Lake Huron Alpena Mich 400 000 Do 200 000 Do Lake Michigan .... Frankfort Mich 200 000 Do ;:::::::::::":..:;"::;:::::::::: Do Charlevoix Mich 200 000 Total 1,590,000 Brook trout.— From October 7 to December 15 there were 198,804 eggs taken from 812 female trout on hand. From these eggs, 177,000 fry were hatched and shipped to parties in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, the distribution commencing March 20 and closing May 4, F. E. 95 3 34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Ill addition to this 5,500 fliigeiliug brook trout were furnislied to Miclii- gan applicants. ]'un Belir trout. — The total number of eggs taken was 58,370. Of these, 25,925 were taken from 105 2-year-old fish and the remainder from 40 old trout. Two shipments of eggs of 5,000 each were made, and 10,000 fry were distributed. Loch Leven trout. — The spawning season opened November 6 and ended December 8, during which time 43,378 eggs were secured from the 44 females available. Ten thousand of these eggs were sent to the Leadville Station and 5,000 were furnished to the Minnesota Fish Com- mission. Of the fry hatched at the station 10,000 were shipped to J. C. Pond, Milwaukee, Wis. Rainhoiv trout. — The 7,000 rainbow trout on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year were carried in a single pond until the middle of Feb- ruary, being fed three times a day on beef liver. When delivered to car No. 2, on February 14, the count was 0,234 healthy yearlings. On January 22 a consignment of 20,000 eggs of this species was received from Neosho Station. The fry hatched from them were distributed to parties in Wisconsin and Iowa. tHteelhead trout. — On March 20 a consignment of 22,000 eggs was received from Fort Gaston Station and another of 66,500 on April 3. Both shipments were in excellent condition when received and it was intended to hold all the fry for distribution as yearlings. The daily losses became so great in June, however, that it was deemed advisable to dispose of the greater part of the stock, and on the 23d of June 40,000 were delivered to car No. 2, to be distributed equally in the Baldwin and Pere Marquette rivers. Only 5,000 were retained for rearing. Pilce perch. — On May 20th 200,000 pike-perch fry were delivered at the station by car No. 2. It was intended to rear these to tlie yearling stage, and they were placed in tanks and small rearing-ponds with the finest perforated tin obtainable inserted at the overflows. Notwith- standing this precaution, the entire consignment made their escape through the screens inside often days into the North Branch of liouge Eiver. Blade hass. — Owing to the increased demand for black bass an at- tempt was made to rear both the large-mouthed and small-mouthed varieties. A consignment of 56 large-mouthed bass, collected in the Illinois Eiver, were received April 24 and placed in the station ponds. They apparently arrived in excellent condition, but later on fungus developed, probably caused by injuries received in transportation. On May 20 a consignment of 24 small-mouthed bass was received from Putin-Bay, Ohio. These were placed in suitable ponds, but, owing to the fact that they had been transferred too late for them to become acclimated, they failed to spawn, and at the close of the season there were no fry on hand. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 35 The accompanyiug table shows the number of fishes of various kiuds ou hand at the close of the fiscal year : Species. Calendar year in which hatched. 1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891 or before. 42, 941 90 1,120 ■934 621 869 227 3,608 Black bass 3G 201 Total 46, 549 2,345 1, 526 2'>7 Alvena Station, Michigan (F. N. Clark, Superintendent). Previous to the opening' of the spawning season the superintendent and foreman made a tour of Lakes Michigan, Superior, aud Huron for the purpose of preparing for the fall work. Every fishery of importance was visited from Saginaw Bay, north through the Straits of Mackinac, down the eastern shore of Lake Michigan to Frankfort, the north shore of Lake Michigan, through Detour Passage and along Lake Superior as far as Whitefish Point. At the different grounds all possible arrange- ments were made for the use of tugs and nets. Lalce trout. — Of eggs of this species, there were collected during the season 8,746,000, more than three times the number collected in the fall of 1893, and twice as many as were ever handled before at the station. The season opened October 18, and the last eggs were taken on December 10. Following are the points at which the eggs were taken and the number taken at each point : Au Sable, 565,000 ; Alpena aud vicinity, 451,000; Caribou Island, 1,000,000; Detour, 1,930,000; Manistique, 1,350,000; Beaver Island, 1,800,000; Charlevoix, 1,650,000; total, 8,746,000. All of these eggs were shipped to Northville Station to be hatched aud distributed from that point. Whitefish. — In former years not less than 70 per cent of whitefish eggs were collected from fish caught in pound nets, but this year most of the pound nets were blown out at the opening of the spawning sea- son, and only 6,581,000 eggs were thus secured. The balance were taken from fish caught in gill nets iu December, and the i^oor percent- age hatched (57) is due to this fact, as gill-net fish usually yield very poor eggs. A total of 49,299,000 whitefish eggs were collected at the following points: Charity Islands, 640,000; Miller Point, 300,000; Alpena and vicinity, 2,989,000; Warehouse, 640,000; Naubinway and Schelien, 2,030,000; Seulchoix, 200,000; Charlevoix (Manitou Island), 6,800,000; Cross Village, 880,000; Beaverlsland, 12,080,000; Manistique, 14,740,000; Put- in-Bay, 8,000,000; total, 49,299,000. 3G REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. From tliese, ^8,000,000 fry were liatclied and planted as follows Where planted. Nuiabei- of fry. Apr 20 '20 22 29 ;^o 30 May 1 () A pi- 17 '.V.i 26 May 1 1 Apr 26 May () JsoTth Point, near Alpena, Mich., Lake Huron 4,000,000 Scarecrow laliind. Thunder Bay, Lake Huron ; 2,000,000 Miller Point, near Oscoda, Mich., Lake Huron '< 2,000,000 North Point, near Alpena, Mich., Lake Huron | 1, 000, 000 Sturgeon Point, near Oscoda, Mich., Lake Huron I 2,000,000 Near East Tawas, Mich., Lake Huron I 2,000,000 Detour Passage, Lake Huron | 2, 000, 000 North Point, near Alpena, Mich 1 500,000 Charlevoix, Mich., Lake Michigan , 2, 000, 000 Mackinac City. Straits of Mackinac, Lake Michigan 2, 000, 000 Near Manistique, Mich., Lake Michigan ' 2,000,000 Epoufette, Lake Michigan 1, 000, 000 Naubinwav, Lake Michigan , 1, 000, 000 Near Frankfort, Mich ., Lake Michigan 2, 000, 000 E. A. Davis. Whiteflsh Lake, Michigan ' 2, 000, 000 Hubbard Lake, Michigan ' 500, 000 Total 1 28.000,000 DuLUTH Station, Minnesota (S. P. Wires, Superintendent). During the year the usual repairs were made to the hatching appa- ratus. The carpenter shop and reservoir building were painted, the hatching-room, office, halls, and bedrooms calcimined, and other minor repairs were made to the interior of the building. A platform 41 feet long was constructed at the east side of the station for use in sending out shipments of fry and eggs. Seventy-six troughs, 7 feet 10 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, were built on the outside of the hatchery, and a picking-trough 23 feet long, 15J inches wide, and 5i inches deep, at the rear of the hatching room. The old mess-house, on the northeast corner of the grounds, was taken down, and the six unserviceable ponds on the west side of the station were filled with gravel and earth. LaTce trout. — The collection of lake-trout eggs began in September and closed in November. Following are the points at which collections were made: Locality. Vicinity of Port Arthur, Ontario Vicinity of Grand Portage, Minn Fish Island, near Isle Royale, Mich Todd Harbor, near Isle Royale, Mich "Washington Harbor, near Isle Royale, Mich Rock Harbor, near Isle Royale, Mich Vicinity of Bayfield, Wis Total 1, 000, 000 255, 000 200, 000 990, 000 625, 000 175, 000 1, 880, 000 5, 125, 000 These eggs produced 4,250,000 fry, which were deposited between May 6 and June 24 in Lake Superior, near the shores of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Whitejish. — During the months of October and November 1,500,000 whiteflsh eggs were collected at Pipestone Falls, Minn., and 10,000,000 more were received from the Michigan Fish Commission. EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The fry resulting from tbein were planted as follows: 37 Apr. 17 19 22 25 29 May 2 7 Locality. Number. I Raspberry Bay, near Bayfield, Wis j 2, 250, 000 Lake Superior, near Bayfield, Wis 2, 250, 000 Lake Superior, near Iron River, Wis ! 2, 250, 000 Lake Superior, near lale Royale, Mich 1 2, 000, 000 Siskowit Bay, near Isle Royale, Mich ! 1, 500, 000 ....do I 500,000 Lake Superior, near station | 250, 000 Total ill, 000, 000 I Pile 2)erch.— Between the 23d and 2Gth of April 25,000,000 pike-perch eggs were collected in the vicinity of Pike River, Minn. From these, 13,000,000 fry were hatched and distributed between May 26 and 31 to parties in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. Stcelhead trout. — In Aj)ril 100,000 steelhead-trout eggs were received from Redwood, Cal., and nearly all of the 75,000 fry resulting from them were deposited in Lake Superior, near Washington Harbor. Eainhow trout. — In February 20,000 rainbow-trout eggs were received from the station at Mammoth Spring, Ark., and 22,680 from Neosho Station. Part of the eggs from Mammoth Sjiring were too far advanced for successful shijiment, and were in poor condition on arrival. From the two consignments 18,000 fry were hatched and distributed to i)arties in Minnesota and Michigan. The water temperatures were as follows : Tear. Month. Average or range. Temper- ature. Range Average . . do o December ^f 1895 do February ... do 34 March ....do Range do May 45 to 62 June , Average . . 57 QuiNCY Station, Illinois (S. P. Bartlett, Superintendent). The season of 1894 was an unfortunate one, and had not the free use of a steamboat been obtained the work woukl have been even more of afaikire than it was. The absence of the usual spring overflow of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and the extreme and protracted drought of the spring and summer caused the ponds which usually furnished tlie supply of fish to dry up, and therefore extra and more expensive efibrts had to be made in the collection. In addition to this the tem- perature of the water in the rivers was so high that the fish in the live- boxes rajndly developed fungus, and many thousands were lost. At the opening of the season Mr. Ray, the owner of Meredosia Bay, a body of water about 5 miles in length and with an average width of 1,000 feet, offered the Connnissiou the use of it, together with a pond just built and such land as might be needed for other ponds, practically 38 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AT^D FISHERIES. without compensation. This offer was accepted for a term of two years. Large black bass fur spawning purposes were taken from the bay and put in the pond, and hiter collections of young bass were made and placed in it. The pond, which is about 400 feet long and from 50 to 75 feet wide, is fed by a spring, and, although a crude affair, is much better than the ordinary live-boxes for holding the fish collected. The superintendent of the station secured the use of a large surface water pond at Baldwin Park, near Quincy, into which several hundred spawning crappie were i)ut. The pond is well filled with young, but owing to its nature and location it has been difficult to remove the adult fish, and the ultimate success of the experiment is problematical. The distribution of fish from the station during the fiscal year was as follows : Species. Frj. Year- lings. 50, 000 5 675 Ca'ttisli Tellow percli 3 325 1,090 Snntish 221 299 Pike . 82 12 Total 50, 000 38 440 lu addition to these, large numbers of bass, crappie, perch, sunfish, catfish, and hundreds of thousands of the coarser species were saved by removing them from the drying ponds and returning them to the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The usual method of collecting has been to use a small-meshed seine in the ponds and lakes formed by the receding waters of the rivers after an overflow. The fish wanted for distribution were selected from the catch, and when practicable the residue were returned to the liver. The seines used are 100 yards long, G feet deep, and one-fourth, one- half, and three-fourths inch in mesh. A two-wheeled cart, built with a platform like a railroad truck, is used to carry the small b )at, cans, and seines out into tlie bottoms, and to bring the cans of fish from the ponds to the river. Large skiffs with three pairs of oars are used to transport the entire outfit from Meredosia or Quincy to such points as may be determined for the work. The cans are made of galvanized iron and hold 30 gallons each. Crabs are used to haul the seines, as the moss is often so heavy as to make work by hand very difficult. Neosho Station, Missouri (W. F. Page, Superintendent). During the fiscal year there were constructed at the station two ponds for the culture of bass, one with an area of 23,000 square feet and the other 4,500. A woodshed, 10 by 20 feet, for the storage of fuel and heavy outdoor tools was built, and the railroad spur was converted into a double-end switch. Certain necessary repairs were also made to the ponds, flume, hatching-house, and residence. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 39 The followiug table shows the number and kinds of fish on hand at the beginning of the year: Calendar year in which hatched. Species. 1894. 1893. 1892. 1891. 1890 or before. 1,000 ......... 650 Rainbow trout (red-bauded) 1,709 10,312 5,687 57, 283 7,857 275 1,965 Von Behr trout Black bass '. 47 99 Goldflsb :;:;:::i:; Touch . . . .. 25 Total 176,776 1 innn I ' These fish were held at the station and cared for in the rearing-ponds until late in the fall. The distribution commenced in December and lasted until January 22, during which time 73,930 yearling rainbow trout, 3,440 Von Eehr trout, 53,019 rock bass, 3,761 black bass, 3,970 tench, 340 carp, 1,905 catfish, and 7,857 goldfish were distributed. The net output of the basses and trout was very discouraging in view of the fact that these fish were carefully assorted each month and the different sizes kept separate. The loss of the bass was undoubtedly due to cannibalism, though enormous quantities of Coriza were collected as food for them. This food is very acceptable to the rock bass, but the black bass have been observed to eat each other when the bottom of the pond was covered with young Coriza. In view of these losses it is strongly recommended that the distribution hereafter be made duriug the mouths of September and October, as it is believed that a much larger percentage of the fish can be saved by so doing. In addi- tion to this better results can be obtained by planting fish in the early fall, when the water is full of natural food. Rainbow trout. — The brood stock consisted of 362 2-year-old and 503 5-year-old fish. The spawning of this speties extended from December 8 to February 24, during which time 782,000 eggs were obtained. Of these, 448,000 were shipped to State Fish Commissions and to the other stations of the United States Commission, as indicated in the following table : Consignee. Geor;je T. Mills, for Nevada Commission Dr. E.E. Tolhurst, Salt Lake City, Utah J. G. Bailey, Silver Springs, Ark J. E. Sherlock, Salt Lake City, Utah A. Lauth, Cuba, Mo '. E. N . Clark, for Northville Station H.I). Dean, for Leadvillu Station H. W. Bailey for ^'ermont Commission Cold Springs Stock Company, Aurora, Wyo Gustiive Schnitger, for WyomingCommiss'ion S. P. Wires, for Duluth Station D. H. McLinn, for New Hampsbiro Commission. .. Total 27, 720 12, 880 5,040 21, 000 23, 800 20, 720 124, 740 52, 080 26, 880 64. 680 22, 680 46, 200 40 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. There were 146,000 retained at the station for hatching and rearing; the balance were lost owing to lack of fertilization. From the eggs retained at the station, 118,978 fry were hatched, 110,000 of which were lost in the hatchery and 98,112 counted out into the pools for rearing. At the close of the fiscal year there remained on hand 84,012. The following table shows in detail the eggs lost in incubation, the fry lost in the hatching-house, and the number placed in the rearing-pools : Eggs retained. Number Eggs lost in Fry lost in' Total loss in Fry counted Per cent of eggs. incubation. troughs. house. out into pools. of loss. 14, 424 1,210 2,202 3,412 11,012 23 13, 851 1,990 1,891 3,881 9,970 28 13, 271 2,683 2,023 4,706 8,565 35 17, 191 1,862 3,639 5,501 11, 690 32 11, 573 1,678 2,505 4,183 7,390 36 13, 478 2,468 959 3,427 10, 051 25 19, 386 4,437 2,349 6,786 12, 600 34 14, 459 4,420 1,574 5,994 8,465 41 12, 597 2,253 1,521 3,774 8,823 29 16, 012 4,263 2,303 a6, 566 9,446 41 146, 242 27, 264 20, 966 48, 230 98,012 32.4 a 5,000 of this lot were delivered at the hatchery aa fry. In view of the desirability of increasing the output of rainbow trout, arrangements were made with Mrs. M. B. Murrell, of Little Eock, Ark., for the Commission to collect eggs from the Mammoth Springs (Ark.) fish ponds on shares. Mr. Neill, an employee of I^eosho Station, was detailed for this i)urpose and conducted the work under the direction of the superintendent. Only 73,000 eggs were obtained from the 104 females handled, 31,000 of which were shipped to Duluth. The balance were turned over to Mrs. Murrell. On May 12 a case containing 12,590 rainbow-trout eggs was received from the California Fish Commission. They commenced hatching immediately and finished May 19. The fry began to take food on May 26, when only two weeks old. On June 8 there reuiained on hand 9,925 of these fish. They will be retained at the hatchery and reared as brood stock. Brooh trout. — On December 8, 1894, a consignment of 20,000 brook- trout eggs was received from Leadville Station. The eggs commenced hatching on December 13 and finished December 21. They appeared to do well until April 10, when an epidemic, described by Livingston Stone as black-gill fever, made its appearance. From that time until the close of the year the death rate was very heavy, and by the end of June only 829 remained. Dissections and microscopic examinations were made. Every organ was normal except the gills, which presented a dark pasty appearance, like the lungs of an animal dead from pneu- monia. A feature of the disease was its quick action; a fish would appear in perfect health and be dead in five minutes. The temperature of the water could not be changed, and the other remedies in general use, salt and muck, would obviously have aggravated the trouble. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 41 Von Belir trout. — On July 1, 1894, the stock ou hand was estimated at 10,312. They were counted on August 20 and found to number 6,500. The fish were never healthy, apparently, but the loss was com- paratively light until January 15, when an epidemic occurred which reduced the number to 3,440. Blade bass. — As in past years, ponds IsTos. 10 and 11 were reserved as breeding-ponds, and ponds Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, and the new one, I*^o. 14, as rearing-ponds. Fifteen breeders were put in 'No. 10 and 35 in No. 11. Early in April they commenced nesting, and by April 13 several schools were observed in No. 11. These fry could not have been over ten days old, and were three-quarters of an inch long. By the end of June 7,500 fry, f to 1^ inches in length, had been transferred from pond No. 11 to Nos. 4, 0, and 14. Besides furnishing them Goriza and other insects as food, the eggs of the common goldfish and suckers were collected from the neighboring branches and utilized for this purpose. Bock bass. — As heretofore, ponds Nos. 7 and 8 were used as breeding- ponds. The first nest was found on April 13, and by June 12 the older fry were 1^ inches long. At this time some of the adult fish were still occupying nests. All indications point to a successful season, but it is impossible to give the number on hand at the close of the year, as the ponds had not been drawn and the fish counted at that time. CarjJ. — The propagation of carp has been discontinued at this station, and all of the breeding carp on hand were disposed of in May, 1894. Tench. — At the beginning of the year but 275 young fish were found in the ponds, but the breeders apparently sjiawned again on August 22, and a second crop of 4,600 was harvested in the fall. In the spring the spawning of the tench occurred on April 12, and again on June 12, but it is improbable that any results will be secured, as a number of bass escaped from pond No. 10 into the tench pond. Goldfish. — The brood stock of this species consists of 8 adult fish, which i^roduced during the previous year 7,857. They spawned as usual in the si)ring, but the indications are that most of the young have been killed by boat-flies, snakes, and crawfish. Enemies of fish-culture. — The enemies of fish killed at the station during the year are as follows: Kingfishers, 24; ducks, 33; grebe, 24; water-hens, 3; fishhawks, 3; snakes in ponds, 75; frogs in ponds, 18; muskrats, 18; owls, 1; turtles, 32; cormorant, 1; bitterns, 29; herons, 2; opossums, 2; water rats, 28; crawfish, 1,555 pounds. Following is a summary of temperatures of the water during the year to which the various fishes were subjected: Species. Maximum. Minimum. 78 90 86 80 47 Blaokbass ... .. Kockbass 42 Goldfiali aud tench 40 42 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Leadville Station, Colorado (H. D. Dean and E. A. Tulian, Superintendents). The work at this station during the fiscal year was directed by H. D. Deau and E. A. Tulian, superintendents, the latter relieving Mr. Dean on February 7, 1895. BejKiirs, etc. — During the year 400 feet of 6-inch wood pipe was laid from the large spring aijd connected with a 3-inch pipe to the hatchery, thereby increasing the water supply to 90 gallons per minute. A new waste overflow from the reservoir was also put in, the old one not being adequate. A substantial fishtrap was constructed in the creek connecting Upper and Lower Twin Lakes at a cost of |500 and a watchman's shanty built near it. A flagpole 65 feet high was erected at the station and much other work done toward improving the grounds and buildings. The following table shows the stock of tish and eggs on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year : Species. Eggs. Ery. Yearlings. Brook trout Eainbow trout Loch Leven trout. . . Black-spotted trout . 145, 500 570 2,000 13, 500 3,445 1,123 26 27 424 ICl, 570 5,025 1,600 There were heavy and unaccountable losses of fry and adult fish during the summer months. Every possible effort was made to check the death rate, but without avail. The adult tish were apparently suffering from diseases of the gills, but there was no visible cause for death in the case of the fry. A number of the specimens sent to head- quarters were carefully examined, but failed to show any disease of the organs. The regular distribution was commenced by car No. 3 on October 27 and finished December 4, though a small part of the stock was dis- posed of in July, August, and September. The total number of fish distributed was 70,325 brook trout, 570 rainbow trout, 1,475 black-spotted trout, and 870 Loch Leven trout; in all, 73,240, less than 50 per cent of the stock on hand at the beginning of the year. BrooJc trout. — During the summer arrangements Avere made with the owners of Wellington, Uneva, and Aspen lakes for the collection of trout eggs on shares, the owners to get one-half of the fry resulting from the eggs collected, and the United States Fish Commission to pay all expenses. The first eggs were taken at Uneva Lake on August 11, and at Wellington on November 8. By the close of the season 1,754,700 eggs had been collected from all sources, as indicated in the accom- l)anying table. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table showing collections of Irook trout eggs, etc. 43 Point of collection. Adult Eggs. 695 396 522 163 592 000 530i 900 Station 444, 100 145, 600 1,776 1, 754, 700 The eggs takeii at Uneva Lake turned out mucli better than tliose collected at any of tlie other points or from the brood fish at the sta- tion, the loss during incubation being only 72,400. From the remainder 100,000 eyed eggs were shipped to North ville, and 358,500 fry were hatched. The Wellington Lake trout eggs were probably injured by the Ipng haul over rough roads. Of the 592,000 collected there, 182,000 were lost in the hatchery, 50,000 eyed eggs transferred to other stations, and 359,700 fry hatched. The advantage of spring water over creek water was clearly demonstrated this season, the eggs from Uneva and Wellington lakes hatching in from 72 to 73 days, whereas in previous years, when creek water was used, the eggs Avere frequently in the troughs from 140 to 160 days. The following table shows the number of eggs shipped from the station and the number received during the year : Eggs shipped. Date. Consignee. Address. Kind. Number sent. 1894. Dec 3 W F Page for Neosho Station Neosho Mo Brook trout... do 20 000 1895. F.W. Child F. N. Clark, for Northville Station J. G-. Bailev 25, 000 100 000 Northville Mich do 15 Silver Spring, Ark . . . St. Paul, Minn Estherville, Iowa Backaport., Me do do do do 15 15 24 S. S. Watkina Geo. E. Delavaii C. G. Atkin.s, for Craig Brook Station . . . Total 20, 000 20, 000 50, 000 240, 000 _ Eggs received. Sent from— Species. Number. Condition. Neosho Station Northville Station Rainbow trout Loch Leven trout 126, 000 10, 000 102,800 very poor fish hatched from them. Loss to July 1 was 69,650. Loss on eggs 600. Loss on fry to July 1, 6,400. During the month of May 254,700 brook-trout fry were delivered to the owners of Wellington, Uneva, and Aspen lakes, and 230,000 brook and 30,000 rainbow trout fry were distributed to applicants in Colorado; the balance of the stock was retained for the fall distribution. 44 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Native and rainbow trout. — A substantial trap having been built at Twin Lakes, it was hoped that a large collection of eggs of the black- spotted, yellow-tinned, and rainbow trouts would be secured. Very few fish were taken, however, either by the State or the station trap, probably because of very cold and rough weather prevailing during the spawning season. The total Q^g,g collections were 62,600 black-spotted (43,100 from Twin Lakes and 19,500 from the station fish), 26,500 yellow-finned from Twin Lakes, and 13,500 rainbows (11,000 from Uueva and 2,500 from the station stock. At the close of the year the stock of eggs and fish was as follows : Species. Eggs. Fry. Adults. 112, 200 4,400 3,000 9,9i6 36, 580 11, 300 Total 57, 796 119, 600 1,517 Baiud Station, California (Livingston Stone, Superintendent). Work at this station during the year was confined, as in past years, to thequinnat salmon {Oncorhynchus tschawytscha). There are two runs of this salmon each year, one in the summer and one in the fall. Tlie summer run spawn from about August 20 to September 20; the fall run spawn from about October 25 to the first week in December. By rea- son of the fact that the close season in California does not begin (according to the law of that State) until September 1, thereby permit- ting the operation of seines until that time, very few, comparatively, of the summer run of salmon reach this station. On August 24 the summer fishing and spawning season opened with the taking of 90,000 eggs and continued until Sejjtember 30. The total number of eggs taken from the 816 fish secured was 3,294,300, an average yield of 4,037 eggs per fish. The fall run began October 22 in the midst of seven days' storm, which commenced on the 17th and lasted until the 24th. The McCloud Eiver rose rapidly, and on the night of the 23d a portion of the rack was carried away, notwithstanding the fact that several men were kept on it day and night to keep it clear of leaves and dirt. Tliis caused a large number of breeding salmon to escape through the breach. The river was closed again on the 27th, but it was too late to retrieve the great loss of breeders occasioned by the accident to the rack. The total number of eggs taken up to November 23, when the fall run censed, was 1,098,800, an average of 4,300 per fish. During the fiscal year 3,526,300 eggs were sent to the State hatchery at Sisson, Cal., and 150,000 to the Soci^te d'AccMmatation, Paris, France. From the remainder, 400,000 young salmon were deposited in McCloud REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 45 River from October 24 to 26, and between January 7 and February 7 100,000 fry were deposited in Garden Brook, a tributary of the McGloud Eiver. During the year some extensive repairs and improvements were made at the station, including the building of au aqueduct for bringing the water supply to the hatchiug-house by gravity from a stream Dear by. This will render unnecessary the use of the wheel as a means of supplying the hatching-house with water during fall and winter, and, iu consequence, much labor, expense, and risk of life will be avoided. A rack and footbridge were also constructed across McCloud River and the mess-house rejiaired. The hatching apparatus used at the station is the Williamson trough, fitted with deep trays, which is undoubtedly one of the best appliances for hatching eggs of the Salmonidw on a large scale. The trays used are made of wire netting, 10 inches wide by 24 inches long, and deep enough to bring the tops of the trays an inch or two above the water, which is 5 or 6 inches deep. Into these tiays 2 gallons of salmon eggs are poured at a time, making the eggs 12 or 15 tiers deep. They are not injured by being so piled up because the water is continually forcing its way up through and loosening them, thus lightening the weight of those above them and at the same time furnishing them a supply of fresh air. The advantages of tins method are — (1) The top of the tray is above the water and always entirely dry, consequently it is convenient to handle. (2) The white eggs can be forced to the top by tilting one end of the tray a little or by lifting it up and setting it gently back in its place. By this means no feather is required to pick over the eggs, and thus the injuries often inflicted upon them in that way are obviated. (3) The top of the tray being above water, the eggs can not escape in any way. (4) It economizes space, as 50,000 eggs can be kept on a superficial area of 2 square feet. Two troughs, 20 feet long and 1 foot wide, will, by this method, carry 1,000,000 salmon eggs. The maximum and minimum temperatures of air and water at the station during each month are shown by the following table: July August . . September October .. November December Air. Water. Max. Min. Max. Min. 3 o 112 50 62 55 116 46 62 50 108 32 58 46 102 38 55 49 98 28 50 38 26 47 39 January. February March... April May June 46 REPORT OF C0MMISSI02^ER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fort Gaston and Substations, California (Capt. Wm. E. Dougherty, U. S. A., Superintendent) . Diiriug July and August only routine work was performed at the station and substation (Redwood). In September timbers were taken out for the construction of piers at the substation, and in October three piers Avere built in the bed of Redwood Creek just above the mouth of Minor Creek, and stringers and racks erected on the structure. The greatest care was taken to make this barrier substantial, yet the first high water that came (on December 1) undermined the pier and disabled the structure for the remainder of the season. It is believed that the pier system, or any system by which a considerable body of water is displaced, can not be made successful as a means of stopping the passage of fish in any of the streams of the Coast Range. The causes of this are that the streams all run in synclinal axes, the bed rock being from 80 to 200 feet beneath the bed of the stream (it is about 80 feet at Redwood), and that the current is so rapid and the volume of water so great during a rise that the undermining of the piers by the displaced water is inevitable. This system is successful at the Baird Station because McCloud River has a firm bottom. The salmon began to run early in December, but hardly any were taken until the water was low enough to put a temporary dam in the creek. Eggs were taken during the season as follows: Salmon (from 80 females), 221,000; steelhead (from 138 females), 557,500; Von Behr trout (from 31 females), 20,800; rainbow trout (from 33 females), 16,321. Most of the salmon and steelhead eggs were taken at the substation, as there was no run of either kind in Trinity River, all the fish having been taken at the cannery at the mouth of Klamath River. Fishing and spawn-taking were suspended on May 6. Fish and eggs were distributed during the year as follows : Eggs distributed. Consignee. Species. ; Kumber. The consul of Japan at San Francisco, Cal. r. N. Clark, for Northville Station S. P. Wires, for Duluth Station J. W. Titcomb, for St. Johnsbury Station Total Steelhead . do .... ....do.--. do .... 30, 000 91,850 100, 000 25, 000 246, 850 Fry distributed. Applicant. Point of deposit. Species. Number. Hnmboldt Sporting and Recrea- tion Club, Eureka, Cal. Elk River ... Rainbow trout Von Behr trout do Chinook and silver salmon. do 1,000 1,000 Country Club, San Francisco, Cal. U. S F C assignment Streams in Marin County, Cal ... . Trinity River, California (60 miles from the ocean). Redwood Creek, California (30 miles from the ocean). :i, 000 150,000 Do 70, 000 Steelhead 277, 500 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 47 Brood stock and fry on hand June 30, ISDo. Species. Calendar year iu which hatched. 1895. 189i. 1893. U, 000 10, 000 200 6,000 800 200 Toil Behr trout ... 12 A few. During the year the station grounds were extended and inclosed by a fence; two ponds, 15 by CO feet, were constructed; a dam 5 feet high and 20 feet h)ng was erected iu Hospital Creek, and a flume 3,060 feet in length was constructed, which gives the station an independent water supply from Hospital Creek. At the substation a new hatchery, 18 by 42 feet, with a iinished room for the keeper, 12 by 18 feet, and porch full length, storeroom, etc.. was constructed. The large ponds were also subdivided. KORBEL. The station was closed from July 1 to September 15. On the IGth work was begun procuring timbers for the construction of a dam, to consist of log piers and stringers for the placing of the racks. Three triangular piers and two abutments, G feet in height, were erected, the largest pier having a base of 10 feet on the sides and 10 feet in rear, the two center spans being 40 feet wide, and the shore spans 30 feet. These structures were filled with loose rock, faced on the sides with rough material, and reinforced all round by a revetment of loose rock 2 feet in height. Every precaution was taken in order to make the structure permanent. The water being low in October and November, no salmon reached the station, although great numbers were taken at the mouth of the river. On November 26 the first rain came, and early in December Chinook and silver salmon became very plentiful. During December 7 and 8 the water rose rapidly, making a breach under the dam in the deepest part of the current 18 feet wide and nearly 10 feet deep, and letting down one side of the largest pier. A temporary dam of wire netting was put iu as soon as the water subsided sufficiently, the breach was repaired by inserting bags of sand, and the pier carried up by means of timbers and rock. These repairs were completed on the 29th. In February the water again rose so high that the whole structure had to be dismantled, causing much loss of time. During March the water became so low that the fishing had to be done in the main channel of Mad River, 2 miles distant from the station. Fishing ceased May 1 and spawn-taking on May 10. Eggs were taken during the season as follows: Chinook and silver salmon (from 180 females), 471,500; steelhead trout (from 105 females), 594,000. 48 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. iJisirihution offish and eggs complete. Applicant. Point of deposit. Species. Eggs. rr,. Steelhead 30, 000 Mad River Do 550, 000 Clackamas Station, Oregon (W. F. Hubbard, Superintendent). On account of tlie poor results attained on Clackamas River in the past few years, it was decided to discontinue operations there and to depend on Sandy River for the supply of eggs; also to operate, as an auxiliary station, the hatchery on the Siuslaw River, belonging to the Oregon Fish Commission. SANDY RIVER. A rack 400 feet long was built across the river to prevent the ascent of the salmon. Much difficulty was experienced in carrying on this work on account of sawlogs and cordwood, and it was found necessary to make a gate in the rack through which the logs and wood could be passed, also to build a boom 600 feet above the rack to direct them to the gate. A small, temporary hatchery was built and hatching- troughs erected, which were supplied with water from a spring brook not far distant. Heavy rains in the first i^art of September brought down an immense quantity of wood and logs, which broke the boom and carried away a large part of the rack, thus permitting the salmon collected to escape. The rack was repaired, and on the 18th of Septem- ber 23,000 eggs were collected from six salmon. Additional rains caused a rise in the river, and on the 1st of October the rack was taken away again. As all of the salmon below the rack had passed up, oiierations were suspended. The 23,000 eggs were placed in a small brook emptying into the Sandy and left to hatch. SniSLAW RIVER. The hatchery on the Siuslaw River is located at Seaton, 25 miles above the mouth of the river, and is well furnished with troughs and everything necessary for carrying on salmon work, being supplied with excellent water from a brook near by. In July arrangements were made for the construction of a rack across the river about a mile above the hatchery. This was completed on July 24 and the station placed ill charge of S. S. Bass, assisted by George H. Tolbert. About the middle of August salmon api)eared in the river in fairly lai'ge numbers, but very few of them succeeded in getting up as far as the station, as the fishermen set their nets below, clear across the stream. iSTo eggs vvere taken, and operations were abandoned about the middle of September, as the run of quinnat salmon was over. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 49 Car and Messenger Service (J. F. Ellis, Superintendent). In July cars Nos. 2, 3, and 4 were placed in the shoi^s of the Harlan & Hollingsworth Comi)any, Wilmington, Del., where they were repainted, revaruished, and generally overhauled. A new steel range was placed under car No. 4, a permit having been obtained from the New York Board of Eailroad Commissioners to use a range of that character in the State. In December Allen paper wheels were placed under tliis car, as many of the railroads object to hauling a car equipj)ed with iron wheels. During the month of November car No. 1 was thoroughly repaired, painted, varnished, and a new tin roof put on. It was also equipped with a storage tank of GOO gallons capacity, pressure tanks, new boiler and circulating pumps, and connections were made for hatching apparatus. Trout, salmon, etc. — The first work undertaken was the continuation from last year of the distribution of flngeiling trout from the North ville Station. This Avas finished by car No. 1, which made two trips, trav- eling 1,100 miles and distributing 6,500 trout, with a loss of 325. The distribution at Green Lake was commenced on October 1 and finished on November 10, the outi^ut consisting of 30,023 trout and 53,015 landlocked salmon. Oar No. 4 made seven trips in carrying tliese fish, traveling 5,318 miles. The number of trout lost was 1,525 and the number of salmon 946. Car No. 3 made the distribution from Leadville, commencing October 27 and finishing December 4, during which time it made five trips, traveling 8,818 miles. The number of trout moved was 53,424 and the total loss was 351. The largest number taken on one trip was 16,000. The trout distribution from Neosho Station was begun December 11 and completed on January 30, the number of fish moved being 03,190, on which there was a loss of 4,430. The number of trips made was ten and the number of miles traveled 9,862. Considerable difficulty was experienced, as heretofore, in moving the rainbow trout. Various experiments were made in order to remedy this trouble, but without avail. The car captains received instructions to conduct a series of experiments with the view to detei'miniug the best temi^erature in which to carry them, and to ascertain, if possible, the cause of the large losses. On car No. 3 they were carried in water varying in temperature from 40 to 60°, and on car No. 2 from 35 to 55°. The loss on car No. 3 was the same in all cases, but on No. 2 they did better, apparently, at a temperature varying from 40 to 42°. The dif- erence in loss, however, was too slight to justify the conclusion that the temperature of the water was the cause of death. Many other theories have been advanced, but the evidence furnished is not suffi- cient to account for the loss. The trout distribution from Wytheville Station was made by cars Nos, 1 and 4^ and lasted from December 9 to February 3, 80,460 fish being moved, with a loss of 6,358. The number of miles traveled was 9,026. Between March 26 and June 22, 1,634,000 trout fry were distrib- F. R. 95 4 50 EEPORT OF commipsionp:r of i'ish and fisheries. nted from aSTorthville Station, the loss bemg" 15,000. Ten trips were made, and 0,420 miles traveled. In addition to this distribution, 3,300 adult wild trout were transferred from Grayling, Mich., to Northville, with a loss of 70. From Dulutli Station 200,000 trout fry were planted in streams in Minnesota. The summary of distribution by cars and messengers is as follows: Number of trout carried 2, 332, 658 lost 85, 500 •tri)is made , 52 miles traveled 47, 380 . Average teuiperature 42 Cost of distribution $7, 201. 48 JSTatire food-fishes. — The distribution of these fishes commenced July 10 from Quiucy, 111., cars Xos. 1, 2, and 3 being utilized for the pur- pose. The loss on the 40,723 fish moved was 3,338, and the number of miles traveled was 24,500. The average temperature of the water during this distribution was 71° E. on car !N"o. 1, 57° on car No. 2, and 00° on car Xo. 3. The loss on those moved at 70° was much less in proportion to the number handled than on those carried at a lower temperature. Carj). — The distribution of carp from Central Station was commenced October 19, all four of the cars taking part in it. The number moved was 55,950, the loss being 039. Thirteen trii)s were made and "),>^l'' miles traveled. Vrliitefish. — The distribution of eggs of this species commenced from Putin-Bay Station on March 11, when 2,000,000 eggs v>^ere shipped on car Xo. 3 to Salt Lake City, Utah. The eggs were hatched en route and the fry deposited in Utah waters. At Alpena Station the first whitefish fry were distributed on April 17. The output consisted of 28,500,000 fry, and the last of them were shipped May 0. Ten tri])S were made and 7,020 miles traveled. The average temperature of the water in which they weie carried was 43°. Pile perch. — The distribution of eggs of this species commenced April 27, when 14,400,000 were shipped fromrPut-in-Bay Station on car No. 4, to be hatched at Knoxville and planted in the waters of Kentucky and Tennessee. The first fry were moved from that station on May 35 and the last on May 17. One trip with this species was also made from Dulutli Station. Four trips were required to move the 38,100,000 fry shipped, and the number of miles traveled was 3,907. The loss was 9,400,000, of which 0,200,000 were eggs lost in process of hatching. The average temperature of the water was 51°. Shad. — The shad distribution from Central Station commenced on May 1, and from the steamer Fish Hawk, stationed at Gloucester, E". J., on May 17. The work closed on June 0, the cars having dis- tributed 27,459,000 fry, 270,000 of which were lost. Seven trips were made and 3,841 miles traveled. The average temperature in which the fish were carried was 00°, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 51 The total Dumber of miles traveled by the cars during the year in the distribution of fishes was 93,377, of which 28,188 were paid for and 05,180 were free. The whole number of trips made by the cars was 100, and the number of days engaged iu the actual distribution of fish was 053. The number of miles traveled by detached messengers was 75,381, of which 59,115 were i^aid for and 10,389 were free. The total number of fish and eggs handled by the cars was 90,505,088, of which 0,702,418 were lost en route (0,000,000 pike-perch eggs). FREE TRANSPORTATION FURNISHED BY RAILROADS. The Commission is under continued obligations to various railroad companies in the United States for free transportation furnished during the year, as indicated by the following statement : Summarij allowing total ti umber of milts of free transportation, furnished United States Fish Commission cars and messengers during the fiscal year ending June SO, 1895. Name of railroad. Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Atlantic and Pacific Baltimore and Ohio Burlington and Missonri Eiver iu Nebraska liurlington, Cedar Kapida and Northern Ciinadian Pacitic Chicago and Northwestern Chicago and West Michigan Cincinnati and Ohio Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Delaware and Hudson Canal Denver and Eio Grande Denver, Leadville and Gunnison Detroit, Bay City and Alpena and Detroit and Mackinac Detroit, Lansing and Northern Duluth and Iron Eange Dnluth, South Shore and Atlantic Flint and Pere Marquette , Fremon t, Elkhoru and Missouri Valley Fort Worth and Denver City Grand Kapida and Indiana Great Northern Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe International and Great Northern Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis. Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Lexington and Eastern , Michigan Central Minneapolis, St. Paul and Ste. Marie Missduri, Kansas and Texas Missouri Pacific ^Mobile and Ohio Montana Union Northern Pacific Oregon Railway and Navigation Company Pennsylvania R. K Philadelphia, Reading and New England Rio Grande Western Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Southern Pacific -. St. Lonis and Santa Fe St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Texas Pacific Toledo, Ann Arbor and North Michigan Union Pacific Union Pacific, Denver and Gulf Wabash West Virginia, Pittsburg and Gulf Wisconsin Central Total, 52 REPOliT or COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. AID TO STATE AND TERRITORIAL COMMISSIONS. As ill tlie past, aid was fiiruisbed to the fish commissions of tlie various States and Territories, and tlie extent of tliis work is exhibited in the following tabulation : Statement showiiKj the Jcinds and n'nmhers of eggs and fish furnished to State and Territoiial fish commissions during the fiscal year 1894-95. Stato or Territory. Species. ' Eggs. Fry. Adults and yearlings. Aiizona Catfisli .... 45 Black bass 1 100 Californiu Quinnat salmon ' B. ii26. 000 10 000 1 100, 000 25. 000 Whiteflsh 2,500 12 ioo 500 White bass 1 .... ! 50, 000 n 1 1 Black bass 3, 800, 000 aware Carp p. j ° Tench 400 Goldflsh 150 Iowa 500 Gol(lfish 200 20, 000 ^_ Goldfish 600 25 Carp 500 Goldfish 375 100, 000 Goldfish 700 500 Goldflsh 200 20, 000 Xcbraska 2, OUO 50, 000 1,000 -M-„„„,1„ 29, 500 ....do New York Shad 4, 900, 000 20 000 5, 000, 000 5, 000, 000 Ohio Tench 800 500 I'ike perch 25, 000, 000 3,900 TJtali 100 Goldflsh 2, 000, 000 A'prmoiit Goldfish 500 Brook trout 400 52, 000 300. 000 5,000 64, 500 5,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PISH AND FISHERIES. 63 Statement of fish id fifth eggs furnished to the States and Territories during the fiscal year 1S94-D5. State or Toiritory. Species. Eggs. Fry.. Adults and yearlings. Alal.iuna Tench 80 Goldfiah Black bass i 400 Tench 50 1 2''5 Yellow perch 25 Black bass 295 2,000 100 Crappie . Arl-insTS Cattish 1 100 Carp ■ 555 ffih!:::. .:;:;:. ..::::;::.:;:j;:::::::::;: Goldfish i ISl 5,000 17 000 Von Behr trout 500 5, OOO Black bass 725 Rock bass ...-. 2, 525 Quinnat salmon 3.52fi.000 500, 000 500, 000 910, 000 9C\ (\m Landlocked salmon Steelhead trout : 852, 500 1,000 4,000 332, 000 Von Behr trout . ... 100, 000 25. 000 Wbitefish 2,650 12 White basa Grannie ' .. 50, 000 Colorado Tench 85 Goldfish ! ion 30, 000 229, 500 Brook trout 35, 450 1 475 Von Behr trout 1 Tellow perch . 1 100 Warmouth bass ' 25 Connecticut Carp i 485 24 Shad 3, 800, 000 Von Belir trout 1 810 Brook trout 2 400 Black bass... 300 1 Goldfish 1 306 Shad 3, 970, 000 Black bass 200 District of Cnhnnbia Carp [ 3'i6 Goldfish 1 1 2 130 Shad... 0,195,000 1,000,000 Rock bnss . 1 ' 590 Florida I 84 Tench 50 Goldfish 144 Carp 2,374 659 Tench Goldfish Shad. 2, 021, 000 475 1 1,448 Idaho Carp 270 Illinois Catfish 1 105 Carp '210 Tench 30 Goldflsli 1,970 Rainbow trout 660 Yellow perch 120 54 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fish and fish e'ji/s furnitshed to Slates and TevrilurU-s durbuj fiscal year lSD4-Do— Cont'd. State or Territory. Species. j Eggs. »y. Adults and yearlings. 3,000,000 Black bass 989 135 ^^::::":::::::::::::::::::x"::::::":. Tench . .. 1 25 Goldfish Rainbow trout 2 950 20, 000 6, 800, 000 Black bass 100 Carp ''QO Tench -r Carp 740 Tencii 100 Goldfish 280 5,000 2 t>50 '500 20, 000 20, 000 3, 000, 000 450 f- Catfish 1,362 Tench 805 767 4,000 6 050 275 Pike perch 217 Black bass 5,844 Rock bass 3,575 56 170 2 219 Catfish 150 Carp . 060 Tench 80 Goldfish 58 1,000 Yellow perch 225 Pike perch 1 3, 600. 000 777 200 152 Carp ' !20 Tench 50 Goldfish ! J54 Maine Carp 60 Goldfish ' 16 186,241 101. 856 12, 512 350 2,614 Brook trout ' 600 .: 1,179 Tench 175 Goldfish ! 479 Shad 1 852,000 Rainbow trout ' 200 Bla-k bass ' 18, 973, 000 8,000 7,800 400 Carp 1 518 Goldfish 1 43 Shad 1 200, 000 700 600 100, 000 1,000 200 Rock bass 2, 897, 000 300 Cod 57, 318, 000 5, 940, 000 72, 253, 000 Flatfish Lobster Miclii"an 620 1,012 St eel head trout ' ] 05, 000 12,000 10, 000 35. 000 3, 124, hm 32, 250, 000 Rainbow trout • 1 1, 800 800 5,440 Whitefish i REPORT OF COSmiSSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 55 Fish andfiiih ajgs J'untished io States and Territories durimj fiscal year IS04-D'> — Cont'd. State or Tciritory. 1 \ SiK-cies. E.cu^s. rry. 1 Adults and yearlings. Michigan 3, 700, 000 ! Minnesota Catfish "■iQ Carp . ' 1 Goldfish ' i:::::: j 206 Steelhead trout 1. 5,000 6,000 ■■'■700 Brook trout 20, 000 1, 375, 000 50 4, 000, 000 Eock bass 250 75 639 TVTiaaissippi Carp Tench ! 1 Goldfish 88 1 Bl;ick bass 1 100 Kock bass 1 1,150 2,840 1 885 Mi83onri Catfish 1 Carp Tench Goldfisli 739 23, 500 10, 000 23, 070 50 Yellow perch 1 Rock bass I 5 800 Warmouth bass ■■■| 110 i 1,005 1 105 MrmtnTin Carp 1 Bro.-kt.out j Nebraska Cari. 1 ' 400 Tench :..::. 1 Golfortli Dakota Yellow perch 375 Black bass 2 150 m • Catfish 75 ^ 641 Goldfish 1 028 2,000 600 Von Behr trout 10, 000 26, 000 447, 500 79, 198, 000 Pike perch 2.5 nno. 000 190,680,000 600, 000 9, 852, 000 Rock bass ' 5 G15 Catfish 50 Tench 360 100 Black baas | :- 150 Kock basa . ' 800 50 Quinnat salmon 23, 000 ■n 1 . ■ (jarp ' 780 Tencii I 330 Goldfish ' ! 511 20 2, 358, 000 2,000 26, 679 Kock bass ' 5,235 31 riiocTo- Island Goldfish ' 400 r, jl r<„ T Carp - - 426 Tench 1 1 299 'l78 Shad 2,362,000 648 Rock bass . ' 1 400 275 522 Brook trout 5,700 12 750 Pike perch ! 2, 000, 000 Black bass 1,065 Rock bass ' 1,900 26 511 50 (loldii'^h 276 4 663 Pike perch 4, 400, 000 Blick bass ' GOO 100 Texas Catfish 450 1,477 Tbti^Ti 1,480 168 2,200 505 52 Black bass 2,390 2,600 16 172 Utah Carp 1,394 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP PISH AND FISHERIES. 57 Fiih andfi.'ih eoO, 000 70, 000 17, 500 17,500 5, 000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 10, 000 10, 000 10, 000 5,000 4,000 350 8,000 12, 000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 63 Details of (lisfrihuiton, 18D4-D5 — Continued. Sporics and disposition. Eggs. Fry. Rainbow fj'owi— Continued. Otter Creek neiirUulutb, !Minn Spring Kiver near Joplin, Mo Applicants iu Missouri j Wolf Creek near Burkes Garden, Va Manston Mill Pond, near Manston, Wis ' Long Creek near Pratt, "Wis j Cave Spring Pond near Cannon, Ark Park Lake near Stilphnr Springs, Ark Prog Bayou near Chester, Ark. Sugar Creek near Bnglitwater, Ark Clear Fork of Illinois Elver near Johnsons West Fork of White Kiver near West Fork Brentwood, Ark Illinois River near Siloam Springs, Ark White Eivor near Harris, Ark Tliouipson, Ark St. Paul, Ark Spring River near Mammoih Springs, Ark j Applicants in Arkansas Elk Rivern.-ar Eureka. Cal Fish Tang atang; Creek on Trinity Mountain, California.! Summit Lake Creek on Trinity Mountain, California I Middle Evergreen Lake in Lake County, Colo Applicants in L)i -.t\ ict of Columbia ' Georgia i Georgia Fish Commission ' Applicants in Illinois i Spring Lake near Mount Summit, Ind | Hillsdale Lake near New Castle, Ind Allison Creek near Westville, Ind Poll Run near Warsaw, Ind Artiflfial Lake near Harttnrd City. Ind Carroll Creek near Hartford City, Ind Applicants in Illinois Bacon Creek near Lansing, Iowa I Silver Stream near Decorah, Iowa I Spring Creek near Riceville, Iowa ' Otter Creek near West Union, Iowa i Rock Creek near Atchison, Kans j Duck Creek near Elk City, Kans I Higgles Park Pond near Glrard, Kans I Walnut Creek near Great Bend. Kans | Lyons Creek near J unction City. Kans I Zimmerman Pond near Dodge City, Kans i Applicants in Kansas '. ' Sinking Creek near London, Ky Big Tree Run near Bentley Springs, Md Indian Spring near Frederick, Md Monocacy River near Frederick, Md. (Junct.) Marsh Run near McHenry, Md Western Run nearGlyndbn, Md Little Gunpowder River near Glencoe, Md Stream near Glymlon, Md i Horsey Stream "near Hebron, Md j Lake Brown near Oakland, Md Stream near Finksburg, Md ' Savage Stream near Lonaconing, Md Applicants in Maryland Beitner Creek near Muskegon, Mich Ellis Brook near Rattle Creek, Mich Brandy wine Creek near Niles, Mich Eagle Nest Lake near Eagle Nest, Minn Chub Brook near Cloquet, Minn '. Union Crnlc iumt Wadena, Mich Lake ne.ii- I'. \ ill<'. Miss Spring l;i\ riiic:ir Aurora, Mo Mo 1 Vernon, Mo 6,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 4,000 4,000 Williams Ctm Wi Mc ■k near Hornet, Mc Grove Creek m-.'u- Sr(Ml:i Tributary of Fi Ml .Mil.^ Lake near Columbia, .M(i Clinton Spring near Wilson, Mo Roubidoux Creek near Waynesville, Mo. Cowskin River near Lanagan, Mo Grove Creek near Webb City, Mo Indian Creek near Harmon j-. Mo Lanagan, Mo Hickory Creek near Neosho, Mo Shoal Creek near Aliens Ford, Mo Chicopee, Mo Applicants in Missouri G4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution, 1894-95 — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry. Adults and yearlings. lUiiabow . 000 5, 000, 000 20, 000 19, 500 200, 000 200, 000 195, 000 200, 000 30, 000 20. 000 30, 000 20, 000 200, 000 195, 000 200, 000 40, 000 1, 250, 000 225, 000 100, 000 300, 000 300, 000 125, 000 100, OOO 200, 000 75, 000 25, 000 100, 000 50, 000 100, 000 447, 500 10, 000 5,000 5, 000 5, 000 5, 000 150, 000 150, 000 275, 000 250, 000 125, 000 125, ono 225, 000 68 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of disiribution, 1894-95 — Continued. Species aud dispositii Eggs. Try. Adults and yearlings. Whitefish — Contintied. Midland Counties Ksli-cultural Establishment, Malvern "Wells, England Whitefish Lake near Corinne, Mich Lake Michigan near Charlevoix, Mich Manistique, Mich Epout'ette, Mich Erankfort, ilich Lake Huron near Korth Point, Mich Alpena, Mich Miller Point, Mich Detour Passage, Mich Sturgeon Point, Mich East Tawas, Mich Lake Superior near Isle Koyale, Mich . Duluth, Minn Mackinac Straits near Mackinaw City, Mich. SiskowitBay, Isle Royale, Mich Hubbard Lake near Ossincke, Mich Lake Erie ofl" Green Island Keef, Ohio Peach Point lleef, Ohio AVest Sister Island, Ohio North Bass Island Keef, Ohio. . Ballast Island Eeef. Ohio Moore Point Keef, Ohio Cone Keef, Ohio Eattlesnake Island Keef, Ohio. Kelley Island Keef, Ohio Port Clinton, Ohio Sterne Island, Ohio Niagara Re#f, Ohio "Utah Lake near Geneva, Utah 9, 852, 000 Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wis Iron Kiver, Wis Kaspberry Bay near Bayfield, Wis Lake herring : Lake Erie ofi' Peach Point Eeef, Ohio Wliitebass: [ ! California Eish Commission Yelloiv perch : Applicants in Arizona > Stevens Lake near Cucharas, Colo \ Fox Kiver near Elgin, 111 \ j . Vermilion Kivernear Danville, 111 Kansas Fish Commission : Little Kiver near Wichita, Kar.s : . Cow Creek near Hutchinson, Kans j \. Applicants in Kansas ' ' . W.ilnut Lake near Wells, Minn Lake Ellerslie near Lexington, Ky Applicants in Kentucky ShetekLake near Tracy, Minn ' i. Spring Lake near Bolivar, Mo ' ' . Applicants in Missouri ' [. Cherry Valley Lake near Las Vegas, N. Mex j 1. Applicants in New Mexico ! !. Devils Lake near Devils Lake, N. Dak ' 1 . 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 5, 500, 000 2, 000, OUO 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 250, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 500, 000 2, 350, 000 20, 948, 000 2, 600, 000 18, 620, 000 11, 270, 000 1, 600, 000 5, 400, 000 3, 000, 000 3, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 5, 050, 000 3, 360, 000 2, 000, 000 2, 250, 000 2, 251), 000 2, 250, 000 GOO, 000 Stump Lake near Michigan, N. Dak Park Lake, Cincinnati, Ohio Applicants in ( )hio Oklahoma Lake Kampeska near Watertown, .S. Dak Pickerel Lake near Webster, S. Dak Cochran Lake near Gary, S. Dak Picnic Lake near Sulphur Springs, Tex Lake McDonald near Austin, Tex Saluda Creek near San Antonio, Tex Thorne Lake near Longview, Tex A pplic.ints in Texas South Palouse Kiver near Guy, Wash Loon Lake near Tacoma, Wash Lake St. Clair near Tacoma, Wash Silver Lake near Castle Kock, Wash Pike perch: New Tork Fish Commission Ohio Fish Commission Illinois Central Kailroad Keservoir, Vandalia, 111 East Fork of Whitewater Kiver near Kichmond, Ind. . . Loon Lake near Columbus City, Ind Lost River, Patoka River, andLicIc Creeknear Paoli, Ind Huntingburg Waterworks near Huntingburg, Ind Spring Lake near La Porte, Ind Applicants in Indiana Turkey Kiver near Wesjt Union, Iowa 5, 000, 000 25, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 1, 200, 000 1, 500, 000 1, 000, 000 600, 000 1, 500, 000 1, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. fi9 Details of distribution, 1894-95 — Continued. Species and disposition. Adults and yearling.s. Pike 2)rrc/i— Continued. Spirit Lake, Spirit Lake, Iowa Cedar Ki ver near Cedar Rapids, Iowa K^orth Fork Kentucky River near St. Helens, Ky Lake Ellerslie near Lexington, J£y Clear Lake near Shelby ville, Ky Ludlow Lagoon near Ludlow, Ky Prospect Lake near Prospect Lake, Mich TVhitmore Lake near "Whitmore Lake, Mich North Branch of River Rough near Northville, Mich. . . Bear Lake and Hanging Horns Lake near Barnuni, Minn Chub Lake near Carlton, Minn Lake Vermillion near Tower, Minn Black Pond near Akron, Ohio Phalanx Pond near Leavittsburg, Ohio Olontangy Stream near Cardington, Ohio Tuscarawas River near Zoar, Ohio Lake Erie oflF Ballast Island Reef, Ohio Middle Bass Island Reef, Ohio Rattlesnake Island Reef, Ohio North Bass Island Reef, Ohio Green Island Reef, Ohio Port Clinton Reef Ohio Putin-Bay Reef, Ohio Maumce Bay near Toleclo, Ohio Lake Hendrick near Brookings, S. Dak Wall Lake near Sions Falls, S. Dak Pigeon River near Henderson Springs, Tenn Holston River near Burems Store, Tenn Tennessee River, Sweetwater and Pond Creeks in Lou- don County , Tenn Coalhulla Creek near Cleveland, Tenn Clinch and Powells River near Russell ville, Tenn Lake near State Line, Wis Lemon weir River near Manston, Wis Lake View near Lawrence, Kans Devils Lake near Devils Lake, N. Dak Lake McDonald near Austin, Tex Black bass: .Jackson Lake near Montgomery, Ala Street Lake near Montgomery, Ala Houston Pretty Pond near Selma, Ala Blackwell Lake near Selma, Aia Cypress Creek near Florence, Ala ' Applicants in Alabama Clear Creek near Winslow, Ariz Arizona Fish Commission Applicants in Arizona Ouachita River near Malvern, Ark Maysville Fish Pond near Bentonville, Ark St. Francis River at crossing of St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad. St. Francis, Aric Spring Lake near Mammoth Springs^ Ark Applicants in Arkansas Buena Vista Lake near Bakersfield, Cal California Fish Commission ' Reservoir near San Diego, Cal | Elsinore Lake near Elsinore, Cal Lake San Cristoval near Lake City, Colo I Lake near Fort Collins, Colo I Rocky Ford, Colo ' Colorado Fish Commission I Applicants in Colorado ! Lake Whitney near Whitney ville. Conn ' Saltonstall Lake near East Haven, Conn Applicants in Connecticut Delaware and Chesapeake Canal near Delaware City, Del Delaware Fish Commission ". Rock Creek in Rock Creek Park, D. C Texas Valley Creek near Rome, Ga Applicants in Georgia Channel Creek near Antioch, 111 Thorn Creek near Thornton, 111 Vermilion River near Danville, 111 Cedar Lake near Lake Villa Station, 111 Fox Rivernear Elgin, 111 Applicants in Illinois Grand Calumet River near Miller, Ind Big Blue River near Blue Rapids, Kans Little Beaver Creek near Atwood, Kans Cow Creek near Hutchinson, Kans Parker Pond near Atchison, Kans Slate Creek near Wellington, Kans Woods Run near Wellington, Kans 2, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 1,000,000 600, 000 2, 000, 000 1, 500, 000 200, 000 1,000,000 2, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 1,000,000 1, 500, 000 1, 500, 000 1, 000, 000 :i8, 980, 000 11, 200, 000 15, 400, 000 36, 800, 000 25, 760, 000 30, 240, 000 6, 500, 000 20, 800, 000 1,000,000 1, 000, 000 1,000,000 400, 000 1,000,000 1, 000, 000 1,000,000 1, 000. 000 1, 000, 000 70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distrihution, 1894-95- —Continued Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry. Adults and yearlings. Blach 6ass— Continued. Saline and Sniokv Hill rivers near Salina Kans 800 200 (iUO 100 Pleasure Lake near Salina, Kans 100 50 Neosho Kiver near Clianuto, Kans 20 Osao'e River (Marais des Cv'^nes) near Ottawa Kans 30 1,224 Lyon Creek near Junction Citv Kans 100 100 Applicants in Kansas 735 Lake near Covington, Ky ... 1 100 125 Green River near Liberty, Ky . 1 200 Applicants in Kentucky . 1 252 200 Lake near Halpin.Md . ... 100 100 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal above Groat Falls Md 1 91 130 Nine Mile Lake nei*r Springfield Mass ' 100 100 "Walnut Lake near Wells, Minn 20 Shetek Lake near Tracj^, Minn ' 55 100 Lake near Centralia, Mo 50 25 Crystal l.:il^r iMir Marshall, Mo ' Snoduniss ],nl,.ii.arWebbCity,Mo ' Applicuiits ill J\[iss(iuri 150 548 405 100 100 200 Una de Gato River near llaton N. Mex 100 Lake near Maxwell, N. Mex I 250 50 ■ "■■ 25 350 Stony Point Creek near Stony Point N Y. 100 100 Ararat, T?ivpr TipnrMniiTit Airy N C ' 55 Tributary of Ararat River near Mount Airy, N. C Ponders Branch near Grover, N. C ' 55 50 Lake Lucila near Reidsville,N.C ' 55 465 Devils Lake near Devils Lake, N Dak 200 1,650 Hankinson Lake near Hankinson, N. Dak 1 Fish Lake near Bottineau, N Dak ' 200 100 75 Stone Lake near^orth Bend, Ohio.. ... 25 Applicants in Ohio 1 257 50 Applicants in Oklahoma Territory 1 100 KriederDamnearAnnville, Pa ! 200 100 Waterworks Pond near A nnville Pa 1 100 48 100 Arm of swamp near Grahamville S C 100 198 Little River nrar Sciicca, S. C 100 250 Oakwood Lake mar Ilnidkings, S. Dak 100 Pick.rcl Lake near Webster, S. Dak 100 50 Lakr> Kainpeskanear Watertown, S. Dak.. 665 150 Tributary of Cumberland Riverin Putnam Countv, Tenn. Sulphur Fork Creek near Cedar Hill, Tenn 100 100 100 AppUcantsin Tennessee 100 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 71 Details of diairihution. 1S94-05 — ^Continued. Species and disposition. Fry. Adults and yearlings. Black 6ass— Continued. Salado Creek near San Antonio, Tex. . . Lake Creek near San Antonio, Tex. ... Spring Creek near Amorilla, Tex Lake near Hillsboro, Tex Nebo Lake near Blooming Grove, Tex. Lake McDonald near Austin, Tex. Picnic Lake near Sulphuj Springs, Tex. HouslevLake near HousTey, Tex Hit Lake near Tyler, TexT Lake Park near Tyler, Tex Roebuck Lakein Lamar County, Tos Api)licanta in Texas Utah Lake in Salt Lake County, Utah Catoctin Creek near Waterford, Va Lakeside Park near Marion, Va Headwaters Johnymore Kun near Clifton, Va James River near'Baclianau,Va Joy Creek near Lynchburg, Va Black water Kiver near Heckman, Va City Reservoir, Petersburg, Va Smith River nearMartinsville, Va Applicants in Virginia Browns Lake near Burlington, AVis Applicants in Wyoming. Craj)pie: Applicants in Arizona California Fish Coniniission Stevens Lake w.iv Curliaras, Colo Thorn Creek near Tli(init(in, 111 Vermilion River near Danville, 111 Fox River near Elgin, 111 Cow Creek near Hutchinson, Kans Slate Creek near Wellington, Kans Woods Run near Wellington, Kans Saline and Smoky Hill Rivers rear Salina, Kans Solomon River near Beloit, Kans Saline River near Lincoln Center, Kans Hickory Head Ponds near Brazilton, Kans Keosho River near Chanute, Kana Waterworks Lake near Garnett, Kans Osage River near Ottawa, Kans Marais des Cygnes near Ottawa, Kans Lake View near Lawrence, Kans Lyon Creek near Junction City, Kans Applicants in Kansas Walnut Lake near Wells, Minn Shetek Lake near Tracy, Minn Benton Park Lakes near Independence, Mo Applicants in Missouri Una de Gate River near Raton, N. Mex Conquilla Creek near Clayton, N. Mex Applicants in New Mexico Stone Lake near North Bend, Ohio Applicants in Oklahoma Lake Cochrane near Gary, S. Dak Dyer Lake near Huntinglicants iu Arkansas Kock Creek in Rock Creek Park, D. C 72 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of diiitrihution, 1894-95 — Coutinued. Species and disijoaition. Egga. Fry. Mock bass — Continued. Texas Valley Creek near Rome, Ga Applicants in Georgia Echo Lake near Moline, 111 Applicants in Indiana Lake Kurtz near Riley, Ind Springdale Lake near'Cayuga, Ind Applicants in Iowa Cedar River near Cedar Eapids, Iowa South Branch of Little River near Wichita, Kans. Mill Creek near Maple Hill, Kans Cow Creek near Hutchinson, Kans Dry Creek near Salina, Kans Applicants in Kansas North Elkhorn Creek near Georgetown, Ky Applicants in Kentucky Benastico Creek near Weverton, Md Patapsco River near Westminster, Md Lake Cochituate near Natick, Mass Walnut Lake near Wells, Minn Lake near Booneville, Miss Applicants in Mississippi Lake near Osceola, Mo Fordland Pond in Webster County, Mo Ced-ar Gap Pond near Cedar Gap, Mo Mountain Grove Pond near Mountain Grove, Mo. . Applicants in Missouri New Mexico North Carolina Stump Lake near Michigan, N. Dak Hankinson Lake near Hankinsori, N. Dak Mineral Lake near Middlefleld, Ohio McMahon Creek near Lewis Mill, Ohio Mahoning River near Leavittsburg, Ohio Ohio Fish Commission Applicants in Ohio Brush Creek near Guthrie, Okla Applicants in Oklahoma Lake Grinnellnear Bethlehem, Pa Wissahickon Creek near Chestnut Hill, Pa Conodoquit Creek near Kimberton, Pa Whites Lake near Yardley , Pa Brandy wine Creek in Berks County, Pa Applicants in Pennsylvania Goose Creek near Otranto, S. C Applicants in South Carolina Lake Kampeska near Watertown, S. Dak James River near Huron, S. Dak Lake View near Chattanooga, Tenn Nolachucky River near Erwin, Tenn Applicants in Tennessee Spring Lake near Woatherford, Tex Oil Mill Lake near Marlin, Tex Applicants in Texas Holston River near Marion, Va Hatshead Creek near Church Road, Va Miller's Mill Pond near Rice Depot, Va Smith River near Martinsville, Va Laflferty Lake near Crozet, Va Applicants in Virginia Sunfish : 'California Fish Commission Elsinore Lake near Elsinore, Cal Balsa Chico River near Westminster, Cal Solomon River near Solomon City, Kans Lake View near Lawrence, Kans Applicants in Kansas Cod: Vineyard Sound oii' Massachusetts coast, liuzz'ards Bay otf Massachusetts coast . . Boston Bay ofi' Massachusetts coast. Flatfish : Buzzards Bay off Massachusetts coast Vineyard Sound off Massachusetts coast... Lobster: Vineyard Sound off Massachusetts coast . . . Buzzards Bay off Massachusetts coast Magnolia Harbor oft' Massachusetts coast . Boston Bay off' Massachusetts coast Total. 55, 408, 200 39, 735, 000 4, 654, 000 12, 929, 000 670, 000 5, 270, 000 67, 725, 000 3, 875, 000 100, 000 553, 000 561, i ,350 Note. — 9, 500 hybrids of Von Behr trout and landlocked salmon fry were hatched and distributed as, £i,n experiment, but oot being a distinct species are not included in any of the tables. REPORT UPON THE INOUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES AND THE FISHING-GROUNDS. RiCHAUD Rathbun, Asiiistuut ill chanje. FUR-SEAL INVESTIGATIONS. lu the last annual report a brief outline was presented of the inqui- ries conducted by this Government, immediately preceding and subse- quent to the Paris Tribunal of Arbitration, relative to the natural history of the fur-seal and the industry to which it gives rise in the North Pacific Ocean aud Bering Sea, and also of the part taken by the Fish Commission in connection therewith. By act of Congress approved March 3, 1893, the Fish Commissioner was instructed to have examinations made annually respecting the condition of the rookeries on the Pribilof Islands, the same to be carried out under the direc- tion of the Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the results are to be submitted, and he was also charged with the further investigation of the pelagic habits aud life-history of the seals. The former of these subjects, although requiring a prolonged series of observations during each season, does not present any serious obstacles in the way of exe- cution, but the study of the latter is rendered exceedingly difficult on account of the wide pelagic "distribution of the seals through a large part of the year, their extensive migrations and rapid movements, aud their well-known timidity at sea, especially in the presence of a steamer. Nevertheless, much important information of this character has beeu obtained both by direct observation and by the inspection of the catch made by sealing vessels. As it has been found inexpedient to attempt the killing of seals from the steamer Albatross, and the examination of a large number of fresh specimens was considered advisable, Mr. A. B. Alexander, the fishery expert of that steamer, was detailed to accompany one of the pelagic sealers in Bering Sea during the open part of the season of 1894. Accommodations were furnished to him on board the schooner Louis Olsen, of Astoria, Oreg., through the courtesy of her master, Captain Gnillams, thus affording an excellent opportunity for making accurate observations regarding the proportion of each sex obtained by the sealers in the open waters of Bering Sea, the condition of the females so taken as to nursing and pregnancy, the nature of the food, etc. These observations were further supplemented in the fall by the custom-house inspections at United States ports as the vessels returned with their 73 74 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. cargoes, both Mr. Towusend and Mr. Alexander taking part in that examination, and by their familiarity with the strncture of the seals insuring greater precision in the results. The customary examination of the rookeries on St. Paul and St. George islands, including the delineation of their outlines and the pho- tographing of characteristic areas, was made between July 12 and August 1, 1894, by Mr. C. H. Townseud, naturalist of the Albatross, assisted by Mr. K B. Miller in the photographic work. Mr. Townseud and Mr. Miller again visited these islands between September 9 and 13, for the purj^ose of ascertaining the extent of mortality among- the seal pups, caused by the destruction of the females in connection with pelagic sealing, and succeeded in obtaining a very fair count of the loss by that means. In planning- for the sealing inrestigations during the season of 1895, arrangements were made for much more Extensive operations than had previously been undertaken in any one year, and before the close of the fiscal year the work was well under way. Besides the regular annual examination of the rookeries by Mr. Townseud and the detailing of Mr. Alexander to a second cruise on board one of the pelagic sealers, two additional series of inquiries have been i^rovided for, one on the Pribilof Islands, the other on the Commander Islands. These are designed especially to cover the natural history of the seals as exemplified under the conditions now existing, with the object of affording the meaus for comparison with the results of earlier researches, and of establishing more clearly the relations of the different practices connected with their killing, both on laud and at sea, to the deiiletiou of the seal herds. To carry on these special investigations it was fortunately possible to secure the services of two accomplished aud experienced naturalists, Mr. F. W. True aud Mr. Leonhard Stejueger, the former curator of mammals, the latter of reptiles, in the United States JSTational Museum. Mr. True was assigned to the Pribilof Islands and took with him as assistant Mr. D. Webster Prentiss, jr., also detailed by the ISTatioual Museum. They proceeded with the Albatross from Port Townseud to Alaska in June, 1895, being landed upon the Pribilof Islands in the latter part of the month. Mr. Stejueger had had a previous acquaintance with the Commander Islands, where he was stationed during eighteen months in 1882-8;>, under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, and in the course of his observations at that time he jiaid considerable atten- tion to the habits of the fur-seals, as well as to the condition of the rookeries. He is, therefore, especially well qualified to pass upon the changes which have taken i)lace during the past twelve years, cover- ing the entire period of extensive i^elagic sealing; and the study of this problem has therefore been assigned to him. The accomplishment of this part of the investigation has been rendered possible through the courtesy of the Russian Government, which not only granted per- mission for Mr. Stejueger to reside uj)on ths islands and make the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 75 necessary observatious, but also signified its hearty indorsement of the objects of liis visit. Mr. Stejneger left San Francisco Jnne 0, 1S95, on the Alaska Commarcial Company's steamer Bertha^ for Unalaska, where he joined the A Jbatross, and was taken thence to the Commander Islands, stopping' for a few days en route to examine the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands. OPERATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN AND BERING SEA. During the summer of 1894, as in the previous year, the steamer Albatross, Lieut. Commander F. J. Drake, IT. S. IST., commanding, was again serving in connection with the sealing patrol fleet in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy. Her movements were therefore subject to the orders of the senior naval officer in charge, but, so far as the exigencies of this special detail permitted, the customary inquiries respecting the Alaskan fishing-grounds and the pelagic habits of the fiirseal were to be carried on, and complete instructions covering those subjects were issued to the commanding officer. The annual examination of the rookeries of the Pribilof Islands also devolved upon the naturalist of the Albatross, whose observations in that regard are elsewhere referred ro. On May 17, 1891, in company with the flagship of the fleet, the U. S. S. Mohican, the Albatross left Port Townsend, Wash., and proceeded to Unalaska, going thence to Attn Island, at the western end of the Aleutian chain, for the purpose of conveying Lieutenant Jacobs, IT. S. R. M., to that place, which had been selected as the point of registry for the fur-seal vessels entering Bering Sea from the Asiatic side. Ou the return trip an outlook was kept for sealing schooners among the passes of the Aleutian Islands, and stops were made at the islands of Agattu, Kyska, and Atka, the fishing-grounds in their vicinity being hastily examined. The regular patrolling work in Bering Sea was taken up before the close of June, 1891, and was continued until after the middle of September, being interrupted only by visits to Unalaska for coal and to the Pribilof Islands in connection with the rookery investigations, and by a trip to the region of the Sannak Islands. In the course of the season the cruising-ground of the Albatross was extended practically to all sides of the seal islands, both outside and inside of the protected zone of GO miles radius. The first part of July Shaw Bay, on the north side of Unimak Island, and Akutan Bay were visited. On the 12th of the same month Mr. C. H. Townsend and Mr. N. B. Miller were landed on the Pribilof Islands to begin the photographing and delineation of the rookeries, and the steamer proceeded thence to the southern entrance to Isanotski Strait, between Unimak Island and the mainland, in order to intercept any sealing vessels that might attempt a passage through. After remaining there and at Morzhovoi village several days she joined with theU.S.S.Pefrei in an examination of the anchorages about the Sannak. 76 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Islands to which small vessels resort, and also did some sounding work between those islands and the mainland. The latter part of July- Mr. A. B. Alexander, fishery expert of the Albatross, was detailed to the sealing schooner Louis Olsen, of Astoria, Oreg., to enable him to make more complete observations relatiA^e to the fur-seal at sea than were possible from the steamer. He remained with the schooner during her entire cruise, and went with her to Victoria, B. C, where he subse- quently rejoined the Albatross. Early in August, while tracing the limit of seal movements to the northwestward of St. Paul Island, in the direction of Cape Kazarin, on the Siberian coast, a line of soundings was run out into the deep water beyond the 100-fathom curve, which developed an elevation or submarine ridge of proportionally great height above the surrounding bottom, but the examination was too limited in extent to show its relations with the platform. The region is a favorite feeding ground for seals, and Lieutenant-Commander Drake believes that the ridge has more or less influence upon the currents bordering the jilatform, possibly affecting the presence and abundance of pelagic life. Only a comparatively small number of fishing trials by hand lines were made during this season, but the shore fisheries were studied and collections made by seining at all places visited by the steamer. Many important hydrographic results, both at sea and along the coast (the latter relat- ing to the shore line, harbors, etc.), Avere accomplished. The Albatross left Unalaska on September 20, and proceeded by way of Sitka and Port Townsend to the Mare Island navy-yard, where she arrived on October 17. A brief stop was made in the Pnget Sound region in order to obtain information from the recently returned sealing vessels respecting the extent and character of their catch and their experiences during tlie past season. Mr. Townsend and Mr. Alexander were also left in this region, where they remained for several weeks, continuing the investigation of the local sea and salmon fisheries which had previously been taken up. The control of the Albatross was relinquished by the Secretary of the Navy on October 20, soon after which extensive repairs to the hull and fittings were begun; they were not finally completed until the middle of May, 1895. During this interval two examinations of Willapa Bay, Washington, were made by Mr. Townsend and Mr. Miller, respectively. The former visited the bay in the fall of 1894, for the purpose of deter- mining the best location for making a plant of eastern oysters. The latter Avas there in IMarch, 1895, and made a general study of the bot- tom and of the density and temperature of the water with reference to oyster-culture. The work of the Albatross for the summer of 1895 was planned upon a different basis from that of the previous two years, although her cruising ground was to be essentially the same. Instead of being attached to the patrol fleet, the steamer was given an independent status, under the direction of the Commissioner, in order that the several lines of REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 77 inquiry which more |)ro])eily belonged to her might be carried (m with less interruption. The commanding officer, however, was duly com- missioned to board and inspect any i)elaigic sealers which he might encounter, so as to afford the means of securing the important char- acter of information only to be obtained in that way. Besides serving for the transportation of the several persons detailed to conduct the special researches relative to the fur-seal on the Pribilof and Commander islands, as elsewhere explained, the work laid out provided for the same character of observations as heretofore. The hydrographic fea- tures of Bering Sea, both on the eastern platform and in the deeper waters, Avere to be studied with reference to their bearing npon the different fishery and sealing problems. The pelagic sealing investiga- tions were to be made the principal feature of the cruise, and fishing trials were to be conducted whenever the vessel was on suitable ground for that purpose. Arrangements were also made to have Mr. Alex- ander join one of the larger sealing schooners during the open season for hunting in the sea, in order that he might confirm and extend his observations of the previous season. Leaving San Francisco ou May 18, 1895, the Albatross proceeded to Victoria, B. C, and Port Townsend, Wash., where several days were spent in gathering information respecting the spring seal-fishery and the intention of the hunters relative to summer fishing in Bering Sea. She was joined at Port Townsend by Mr. True and Mr. Prentiss, bound for the Pribilof Islands. On June 15 the vessel reached Una- laska, where Mr. Stejiieger reported on board for transportation to the Commander Islands. St. Paul Island was visited on June 24 for the pur- pose of landing Messrs. True, Prentiss, and Miller, and ou the 2Gth of that month the Albatross started for the Asiatic side, running a line of soundings westward along the i^arallel of 50° ]Sr. from longitude 177° 30' W., to which point her hydrographic^ surveys had previously been carried. This work was still under way at the close of the fiscal year, but enough progress had been made to show the comparatively uniform level of the bottom across this part of the Bering Sea basin, the depths ranging only from 2,05G to 2,105 fathoms, and the bottom consisting of brown mud and ooze. During the fiscal year 1894-95 the Albatross was at sea 112 days and JOINT INVESTIGATION OF FISHERIES IN WATERS CONTIGUOUS TO CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES. The investigation of the fisheries in the waters contiguous to Canada and the United States, undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the joint agreement of December C, 1892, between this country and Great Britain, was continued during the summer, fall, and spring months and related chiefly to the chain of the Great Lakes and Lake of the Woods, and to the mackerel lisheries. The two representatives, Dr. William Wakekam, ou the part of Great Britain, and Mr. Eichard 78 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Eatlibuii, on tlie part of the United States, visited all of the waters examined and gave their personal attention to the different problems arising- in connection with each of them. The study of the Great Lake system was iirst taken up by them in the fall of 1893, at which time the inquiries were restricted to the upper part of the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The Avork was resumed in June, 1894, when the examination of the United States waters was begun, a large force being organized for this purpose in order to complete the task in as short a time as possible. The statistical inquiries were prosecuted by the Division of Statistics under the direction of Dr. Hugh M. Smith, the assistant in cliarge, while the investigation of the fishes and fishing methods was carried on by several special parties, as follows: Lakes Ontario, Champlain, and Memphremagog, and the upper St. Lawrence Eiver, by B. AV. Evermann and R. R. Gurley, of the Fish Commission, assisted by Barton A. Bean, of the United States National Museum, and R. H. Hinckley, of Bowdoin College. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair by H. F. Moore, of the University of Pennsylvania; B. L. Hardin, of the Fish Commission, and Cloud, Rutter, of Stanford University. Lake Huron by J. T. Scovell and D. C. Ridgely, of Indiana. Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods by Dr. Wakeham, Mr. Rath- bun, and A. J. Woolmau and U. O. Cox, of Minnesota. The examinations along the Canadian shores of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, including Georgian Bay, were made by the representatives themselves, having the use of the Canadian fishery cruiser Petrel in the last-mentioned waters. They also held conferences with the fisher- men at all the important fishery centers along the chain of lakes except on Lake Michigan, which was omitted from their inquiries as not form- ing a part of the boundary syjstem. The investigations made in these waters were conducted upon as comprehensive a basis and in as thorough a manner as the time and circumstances permitted. Their object, as explained in previous reports, was to determine the present condition of the fisheries as compared with their condition in the past, the extent and causes of any decrease which had occurred, the necessity for remedial measures, and tlie reg- ulations best suited to insure the maintenance of the supi)ly of fishes and to provide for its increase where a depletion had taken place. Tfie scope of the work, in view of the short period available for its comple- tion, precluded to a great extent the making of the detailed researches essential to x>ositive conclusions on all points. The testimony of the fishermen had, therefore, to be depended upon in large part, but their statements were carefully weighed in the light of the combined evi- dence obtained, and much important and accurate information was secured through the direct observations of the field assistants. The most essential feature of the investigation was the study of the important market fishes in their relation to fishing methods emi)loyed REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 79 for their capture. This required a knowledge of the distribution of the several species, of their habits and movements, their food, their spavrn- ing seasons and places, and of the history of the younger stages. With respect to the apparatus, it was essential to ascertain the character, location, and amount of each kind in use and the conditions under which their operation is eftective. The position and extent of all fixed appli- ances were accurately determined and represented on a series of charts to illustrate graphically their relations at different periods to the bodies of fishes which they intercept, and the distribution by quantity of the movable appliances, the gill nets especiallj^ was worked out, for each season, with as much definiteness as possible. The sizes at which the different fishes reach maturity in relation to the sizes of the mesh in the several kinds of nets by which they are taken, and the extent of capture of immature sizes were also studied, as well as the effects of fishing during the spawning seasons and at other periods when harmful results are claimed to be produced, the effects of polluting agencies, etc. The relations of the size of mesh in the pound nets to the sizes of the fishes taken by that means was, moreover, made the subject of experi- ment both in the fall of 1894 and in the spring of 1895, a x>ound net specially constructed with a diff"erent size of mesh on each side being employed for that purpose. During the former period it was fished off* Huron, Ohio, in one of the pound-net strings owned by Messrs. Wickham & Co., and during the latter period off" the south side of Kelley Island in one of the strings belonging to the Sandusky Fish Company. The net was operated free of charge by both of these firms, and every means was taken by them to insure it a fair trial. Mr. Eut- ter was in charge during the fall season and Mr. Hardin during the spring. The mackerel inquiries conducted in part with reference to the requirements of the joint investigation were continued during the sum- mer of 1894 and were again taken up in the spring of 1895, as explained under another head. During May, 1895, the representatives visited the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia for the purpose of investigating the movements and other points in the natural history of the mackerel, as well as the fisheries to which they give rise in that region, no previous observations having been made with respect to that subject there. During July and August, 1894, a detailed hydrographic survey of the ujiper tidal part of the St. Croix Kiver, lying between the State of Maine and the Province of New Brunswick, was made by Ensign W. L. Dodd, U. S. N., executive officer of the steamer Fish ffawJc, assisted by H. A. Ross and W. F. White, of Bowdoin College. The object of this work Avas to provide the necessary data for determining the extent to which the sawmill refuse from the mills above have affected the river channel since the jirevious Government surveys, and its con- sequent influence upon navigation and upon the salmon and other anadromous fishes which resort to those waters. 80 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. MACKEREL AND MENHADEN INVESTIGATIONS. MACKEREL. The observations made in 1893-94 respecting the natural history of the mackerel and the fisheries to which it gives rise were repeated dur- ing the past year in accordance with the same plan and on practically the same basis. The capricious habits of the species, its fluctuating abundance as indicated by the size of catch, its wide distribution and far-reaching movements make it one of the most difficult of all the commercial fishes to study or to comprehend. It is thought, how- ever, that the series of investigations which has been in progress for several years and which is still to be continued will throw much new light ui^on the practical questions connected with its history, and will aid in determining to wiiat extent, if any, the supply may be affected by the several methods employed for its capture. At the beginning of the fiscal year the schooner Grampns, E. E. Hahn, master, and AV. C, Kendall, naturalist, was investigating the offshore mackerel fisheries in the Gulf of Maine, with headquarters at Gloucester, Mass. The latter part of July and the first half of August, 1894, were spent in cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the season's work terminating at Gloucester the last of August. In the spring of 1895 the Grampus was again detailed to the study of this species and continued to be so employed until the end of the fiscal year. The inquiries were of the same character as in previous seasons, being designed to secure as complete a history as possible of the early move- ments of the mackerel as they approach and work up the coast on the way to their several spawning and summer schooling grounds. The cruise began on April 12. Lewes, Del., was made the headquarters until May 10, when, the body of fish having left southern waters, the Grampus proceeded to the region off JSTew York and thence eastward over Georges and Browns banks to the coast of jSTova Scotia. Here the schools of fish were closely followed to Cape is^orth, Cape Breton Island, and a short cruise made into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The schooner returned the last of June to Gloucester, where preparations were made to continue the inquiries during the summer iu the Gulf of Maine. Shore parties were at work at all seasons of the year during which the mackerel were present on the coast. During July and August, 1894, Capt. A. C. Adams and Dr. W. E. Wolhaupter, with the assistance of the steamer Fish Hawl; were engaged on the coast of Maine, tlieir inves- tigations extending eastward from Portland as far as Jonesport. All important fishing localities were visite'd, the nets and catch inspected, and the fishermen interviewed. Subsequently and until late in the fall, Captain Adams was occupied mainly with the study of the fishery from the ports of Gloucester, Boston, and Portland, while Dr. Wol- haupter returned to the southern (;oast of ISlew England to complete his observations begun there the i)revious spring. Both of these assistants again took up the field work in April, 1895. Caj)tain Adams's REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. !^1 inquiries during the spring- season were restricted to the coast of Mas- sachusetts north of and including the waters about Cape Cod, Dr. Wolhaupter began at Virginia Beach, Va., whicli is nearly as far south as the mackerel strike the shore, and proceedc^l thence northward along the coast as far as Cape Cod, visiting in succession nearly all localities where mackerel are taken in shore nets. For a short period in the course of his trip he was stationed in ]!n^cw York City, and then continued to the important spawning region oft' Khode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, where most of the month of June was vspent. Mr. Ij. L. Hardin Mas detailed, as heretofore, to conduct the customary inquiries at Fulton Market, ^ew York City, his observations being jnainly sui)plemental to those made on board the schooner Grampus and designed to complete the records bearing upon the offshore fishery. Every fare landed by the ])urse-seiners, which were then at work exclusively on the southern grounds, and also all catches marketed there from the shore fisheries were carefully inspected, and all informa- tion that could be obtained relating to the capture and condition of the fish, etc., was fully noted. Through the courtesy of lion. E. G. Blackford, convenient office and laboratory accommodations were pro- vided, and to him as well as to the other prominent fish -dealers of New York Mr. Hardin was indebted for the means of carrying on his work successfully. Mr. Hardin reached New York about the middle of April and continued there until the end of the first week in May, when he was replaced by Dr. AYolhaupter, who remained until the close of that month. Some of the observations made this year at Fulton Market relative to the spawning season and habits of the mackerel were especially interesting. The first fish received were two individuals caught in shad nets on the coast of North Carolina on April G and 8. The first fare brought in from the offshore grounds consisted of 7,700 mackerel taken in a purse seine on April 17, about 05 miles southeast of Cape Henry. They measured from 10 to 17^ inches long. In some of the larger of these fish the reproductive organs were found to be spent, indicating that they had already spawned, and giving an earlier date for the beginning of the spawning season, at least in some years, than had previously been supposed. The location where the spawning had taken place could not, of course, be told, but that it was niot situated close to the shore would seem to be shown by the fact that never more than small (j[uautities of mackerel are ever taken so far south in the shore apparatus. In several subsequent purse-seine catches made off the Virginia coast up to the last of April, and even into May, the same conditions were observed, more or less of the fish having apparently spawned, while in others the eggs were approaching maturity, but in no case did the fish seem actually to have been spawning at the time when taken. It should bo explained, in this connection, however, that only a relatively small number of the fish from each fare marketed could be ol mentioned. F. K. 95 82 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. About May 1 the shore nets on Long Island and along the southern coast of New England began to take their first mackerel, which appeared latest and continued longest at the eastern end. The fish which reached New York from this region were either in spawning con- dition or nearly ripe. MENHADEN. On November 1, 1894, a number of menhaden, which were evidently very nearly in spawning condition, were received at Wasliington from Cape Charles City, Va., having been captured outside of the capes of Chesapeake Bay. Evidence had previously been obtained pointing quite conclusively to the occurrence of a late fall spawning season for this species in at least part of the area covered by its distri- bution. These specimens furnished additional testimony to the same effect, and called attention to what seemed an excellent opportunity to secure more definite information on the subject. Dr. W. E. Wolliaupter was accordingly detailed to investigate the matter, and proceeded at once to Cape Charles City, where he was joined by the launch Petrel^ which was fally equipped to carry on whatever inquiries might be sug- gested by the circumstances. The work was continued in the lower Chesapeake Bay until near the middle of December and was vigorously prosecuted during all of that time, the examinations covering both shores of the bay and including an inspection of the fish brought in by the menhaden steamers. Subsequently Dr. Wolhaupter's observations were extended to the coast of North Carolina in the neighborhood of Beaufort. Although unsuccessful in obtaining spawning fish or in locating the spawning-grounds at this season, he was able to add many important facts to our knowledge of the habits of the species. Dr. Wolhaupter is led to conclude that during at least the latter part of October, all of November, and the early part of December no large body of menhaden enters Chesapeake Bay for spawning or other purposes. During more or less of this period, however, largo numbers are present on the outer coast between the capes of the Delaware and Cape Lookout, North Carolina, evidently making their way southward. At times, owing to weather conditions, the presence of enemies possibly, and other causes, small quantities may be driven a short distance into the bay, where they are sometimes caught a few miles inside of the capes. A thorough examination, however, of a number of the creeks and rivers emptying into the bay to which the menhaden resort in the spring failed to disclose any, and only a few scattered ones, of relatively small size, were found along the bay shores. All the large specimens seen came from outside the bay and were obtained from the steamers. In the majority of the larger females dissected the ovaries contained large and well-defined eggs, round and free, but opaque. No milt could be secured by ordinary jiressure on the body of the males, but the handling of these fish, as a rule, generally caused some milt to ooze out. Most of the fish measuring lOi inches long seemed nearly ready to si^awn, but there was no way of measuring the length of time which REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 83 must still elapse before they became actually ripe. Those examined toward the end of the runs were apparently no further developed than those obtained in the beginning, but it might well happen that in x)ass- ing down the coast the fish of each successive school or body attained practically the same stage of development upon reaching corresponding- latitudes. On this point, however, nothing positive can be said. Dr. Wolhaupter's observations, therefore, although confined to a single season as regards the fall run of fish, would appear to indicate that the large schools of menhaden which jiass down the coast during the latter half of the fall, and in which the mature sizes contain nearly ripe eggs and milt, do not enter Chesapeake Bay except as they may be driven in momentarily to a slight extent by outside influences. The fisK composing this fall run differ from those taken in the bay in that they are apparently shorter and thicker in build and have a brighter and more silvery look. Of the specimens examined by Dr. Wolhaupter not one contained the peculiar isopod parasite lodged in the mouth, which is so characteristic of the bay schools. This run, moreover, does not resort to the inlets of Xorth Carolina in the neighborhood of Beaufort, and ai^parently not elsewhere. Does it find its spawning-grounds in the open sea or in more southern rivers and bays'? During the following winter and spring the menhaden inquiries, with special reference to the spawning habits of the species, were continued in the lower Chesapeake Bay by the steamer Fish Hawlc under the direction of her commanding officer, Lieut. Robert Piatt, U. S. K. These investigations were begun on January 19 and terminated on May 1. The west shore of the bay, just below the mouth of the Potomac River, was selected as the principal seat of operations, as the creeks in this vicinity were known to teem with young menhaden during the spring and summer months. During most of the time headquarters were maintained in Oockrell Creek, from which place trips were made to neighboring localities, and occasionally to more dis- tant ones. Fishing was carried on by means of fyke-nets, seines, and gill nets in the inclosed waters, as circumstances permitted, and after the opening of the spring season the trap-net catches of the regular fishermen were inspected daily. The work was greatly interfered with by ice until about March 1, previous to which date but little fishing could be done. The first menhaden secured in the vicinity of Cockrell Creek was a single individual taken in the Fish Ilawlcls seine on March 11. Traps were first set in this region about March 5, but tbey were not extensively fished until some time later. Two small menhaden were caught by this means on March 23, and about 50 on the 25th. On the 26th the Fish Eatrk made its first catch in the upper part of any of the creeks, namely, 30 individuals, measuring from 2.| to 5 inches long each. Around Hampton a few small menhaden had been taken in the traps as early as March 8. Abont April 9 the menliaden struck in more abundantly between Wicomico and fcimith Point, and from this time the trap nets made 84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. larger catches, but they never became very abundant at auj^ time during this month. The Fish llaivJc continued to take small quantities of the younger sizes, finding them almost exclusively in the upper x)arts of the creek. Although comparatively large numbers of the adults were examined, no ])ositive evidence was obtained, based uj^on the condition of their reproductive organs, as to the time at which they spawn. No further light, moreover, was thrown upon the location of their spawning- grounds, but the continued finding of the young fish in the brackish streams adds weight to the supposition expressed in former reports that to some extent at least the species spawns in such situations. OYSTER INVESTIGATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. Willapa Bay, formerly known as Shoalwater Bay, abounds in the native oyster of the Pacific Coast, the Ostrea lurlda, which has there been cultivated to a greater extent than in any other locality. This bay has been a source of supply of this species for the San Francisco market during many years, dating back to the period before the introduction of the eastern variety in Californian waters, and its principal fishery now consists in the rearing of this mollusk. The primary source of supply consists of the natural deposits from which the oysters are tonged, and, being sorted or culled, the largest are marketed at once and the rest transplanted to suitable bottoms for further growth, requiring from two to three years. In 1895 over 2,000 acres were under culti- vation in Willapa Bay, the output in that year having been valued at over $66,000, and the number of persons employed about 350. It has for some time been the desire of the inhabitants of this region to attempt the introduction and cultivation of the Atlantic Coast species, the belief being strong that Willapa Bay was well adapted to this purpose, as indicated by the richness of its native stock. Large quantities of small eastern oysters or seed oysters have been transported annually across the continent for planting in San Francisco Bay, where they attain a suitable size for the market in the course of three or four years. It has generally been supposed until recently, however, that the eastern stock did not propagate in San Fran(;isco Bay, and the industry has been restricted to the transplanting and growing of the seed. Inves- tigations made within a few years show pounds apiece. Whether two distinct species are here represented or not is an unsettled question. The larger form agrees with the blueback salmon caught in such great numbers in the lower Columbia River, and is doubtless the same fish. Individuals corresponding to the smaller form, however, have never been taken in the lower Columbia, and some maintain that it rei^resents a landlocked variety which does not ascend from the sea. The absence of imi^ortant structural differences and our ])resent knowledge of the habits of the two forms render doubtful the correctness of this opinion, and further study is required to determine the matter satisfactorily. The bulk of the fish caught in connection with the extensive fisheries of the lower Columbia Kiver is made up of the three species of salmon above referred to. The important questions which have been raised in respect to their decrease and the necessity for active measures to secure the maintenance of the sui)ply of each have stimulated the comprehensive and detailed observations which have been carried on during the past three years. Substantial progress has been made toward determining the movements of the several forms throughout the basin, their general habits, and times and idaces of their spawning, information necessary as a firm foundation for legislative action on fish- cultural operations; but the wide extent of this river system precludes the early completion of the work. It is proposed to continue the investigation until more decisive results have been accomplished. ARKANSAS. During August, 1894, Prof. Seth E. Meek, of the Arkansas Industrial University, sjjent a short time in the service of the Fish Commission making a study of the fishes of the St. Francis River, in northeastern Arkansas. This river was remarkably rich in fish life as regards the number, both of species and of individuals. A total of 61 species was obtained, including no fewer than 20 important food varieties. In his report upon the investigation,* Professor Meek states: It was a comparatively easy matter, with a collecting seine, to catch pickerel and black bass weighing from 1 to 3 pounds. The water Avas quite clear, and large gars, bufl'alo, pickerel, black bass, and suufishes could be seen in abundance. The usual method of catching black bass (the favorite food-fish) was trolling. The parts of two days I spent on Old River I saw many black bass taken this way. Two men would be out one or two hours and return with a dozen or more black bass weighing from 2 to 5 pounds. In all of my collecting I have never seen another stream that seemed to contain the enormous amount of fish life found in Old and St. Francis rivers. THE GREAT LAKES. Extensive investigations were carried on during the season of 1894 throughout the entire (;hain of the Great Lakes, excei)t Lake Michigan, and also on the Lake of the Woods, as explained in connection with the work of the Joint Fisheries Commission. * A list of fishes and iiiollusks collected in Arkansas and Indian Territorv in 1894 bv Seth Eugene Meek. Bull. U. S. Fish. Coram., xv, 1895, pp. 341-349, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 89 WOODS HOLE LABORATORY. The Woods Hole laboratory of the Commission was opened as usual during the summer of 1894 for the prosecution of scientific researches bearing- upon the marine animals and plants of the regiou, and advan- tage was taken of the excellent facilities there afforded for that purpose by twenty-three investigators, representing thirteen prominent educa- tional, institutions. Several of these workers arrived during the latter half of June, but the greater number were present during July and August only, a few, however, remaining into September. Less work was undertaken here this year than last in the direct interest of the Commission, as its scientific assistants, both permanent and temporary, were mostly employed in other phxces. The Commissioner made Woods Hole his headquarters during the greater i^art of the summer, and, as usual, gave much of his time to the scientific problems which were in course of study, aiding and pro- moting the inquiries by suggestion and by active participation in cer- tain branches of the work. As in 1893, Mr. J. Percy Moore, instructor in biology in the University of Pennsylvania, was in charge of the laboratory, reaching there on June 4 and remaining until September 14. The other naturalists in attendance were the .following: Prof. P. H. Herrick, of Adelbert College; Dr. James I. Peck and Mr. N. R. Harrington, of Williams College; Dr. William Patten, Mr. W. A. Red- inbaugh, and Mr. Herbert Tetlow, of Dartmouth College; Mr. F. S. Conant, Mr. H. McE. Knower, and Mr. George Lefevre, of Johns Hop- kins University; Dr. Charles McClure and Mr. Ulric Dahlgren, of Princeton College ; Dr. Jacques Loeb, of the University of Chicago ; Dr. Ira van Gieson, of Columbia University; Mr. W. E. Castle, of Harvard University; Dr. W. S. Nickerson, of the University of Colorado; Dr. John A. Ryder and Mr. Philip P. Calvert, of the University of Penn- sylvania; Mr. Maurice A. Bigelow and Mr. Edgar A. Bedford, of the Ohio Wesleyan University; Mr. Warren H. Everett, of Hamilton Col- lege; Mr. Howard A. Ross and Mr. William Frye White, of Bowdoiu College; Dr. W. E. Wolhaupter, of the Fish Commission. It was hoped that the opportunity would be afforded for the study of the embryology of the mackerel by Mr. Moore, but unfortunately the circumstances did not jjermit. During June he cooperated with Mr. Viual N. Edwards and Dr. W. E. Wolhaupter, who were engaged in making observations respecting the habits of the mackerel and the mackerel fisheries in the important breeding regiou along the southern coast of New England, but the practical failure of the fishermen to obtain fares at the proper season made it ini])ossible for him to secure the material required for his special researches. During the remainder of the season Mr. Moore was chiefly occupied, under the direction of the Commissioner, in reorganizing the tyjie collection of local marine animals, being assisted at difierent times by Messrs. Bedford, Ross, and AVhitc. This collection has gradually 90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. been brought together, partly as a result of the summer iuvestigations (luring mauy years past, and partly through the active exertions of Mr. V. N. Edwards, whose collecting work at all seasons during a long period has been productive of many important discoveries and has furnished a practically complete history of the iishes of the region. The series is most perfect as regards tlie tishes, but it also contains a very large representation of the groups of invertebrates, illustrating the fauna of both the littoral zone and of the adjacent deeper waters. The collection is especially valuable to the investigators studying at Woods Hole, who are thereby enabled to identify, with little trouble, the material on which they are at work, and as the basis of a local check list it must prove of great assistance. One of the small rooms on the second floor of the building has all along been assigned to the purposes of a museum, but the limited space, as well as the open board shelving provided, have not been adequate to the safe-keeping and appropriate display of the specimens. At the close of tbe World's Columbian Exposition, a number of substantial and ornamental cases used there were transported to Woods Hole, and those have aflbrded the means for the new arrangement consummated during the summer of 1894. They have been placed in the north hall on the main floor, Avhere there is ample space and where they can conveniently be reached by the public. It is proposed to make up the desiderata in the collection as opportunities occur. The marine aquaria have also been rearranged in an artistic manner in a room adjacent to the above, where they will better serve the ])urpose of both the student and the general visitor. Experiments were also carried on under Mr, Moore's direction in the use of the new preservative, formalin, which is now attracting much attention, and the most satisfactory results were obtained. It was found to be admirably suited to the preparation both of museum spe- cimens and of those intended for future study, whether of delicate organization, like the polyps, or of more hardy texture, like the fishes. The contraction and distortion is much less than with alcohol j the specimens retain a strikingly life-like appearance and the colors are preserved to a considerable extent. Dr. James I, Peck, assistant professor of biology iu Williams College, continued for the Commission his interesting observations on the food of marine tishes, begun in 1893, with the menhaden as his subject. These consisted, in part, of the determination of the stomach contents of specimens of several of the important tishes and iu part of plankton studies. The fishes examined were the squeteague, bluefish, sea bass, scup, and tautog, which exhibit considerable differences iu feeding habit, although all are carnivorous. Of the squeteague, 570 individuals were opened, much more than in the case of any of the other species. The character and quantity of each kind of food were accurately deter- mined, and the resulting tables are of great interest. The studies were carried much further, however, in tlie direction of tracing back the food of fishes, through successive stages, to its primary basis, leading to the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 91 more novel of Dr. Peck's inquiries. In the report upon the results of his work this season he explains, as follows, the purpose and general plan of his observations on the fundamental food elements contained in the coastal waters :* In order to contribute toward a knowledge of the qiiality, quantity, life-liistory, and conditions of environment of tliis primary food supply, consisting of Protozoa, Protopliyta, free-swimming larvje, and the like, many observations wore made during the earlier part of the summer of 1894 with respect to the surface water in the larger harbor at Woods Hole, where collections of the organisms were systematically obtaiued from measured quantities of the water at different times of the day and tide, and under difierent conditious of temperature. Likewise, by means of the steamer Fish Hawk, which was provided with suitable apparatus for the purpose, I was enabled to collect many samples from the waters of Buzzards Bay, not only at the surface, but also at mid- depth and at the bottom. A definite section was laid out across the bay and another running longitudinally through the same body of water some distance out to sea. These lines of section were divided into equal intervals with definite stations established, in order that a rigid system of representative localities might be followed, by a study of which a knowledge of the bay as a whole might be increased. After describing briefly the variety, nature, and habits of the micro- scopic plants and animals occurring under these conditions. Dr. Peck proceeds to discuss the details of his investigation, which consisted chiefly in determining quantitatively the relations of the more promi- nent groups of these pelagic organisms at difierent levels and at difier- ent times of the tide and dny along the two sections in Buzzards Bay above referred to. At the several stations at the time of each observa- tion samples were taken from the surface, mid-depth, and bottom — from the two latter by means of hose operated by the vessel's pump, which permitted of the rapid collecting of any quantity desired under the most favorable conditions. The solid organic contents of each of these samples, which measured 5 liters apiece, was isolated by filtration through a bed of fine-washed sand resting on a screen at the lower end of the stem of a large glass funnel. The examinations under the microscope were inade in a graduated cell prepared especially for the purpose, which insured the same amount of material being contained in each sample. The object of these investigations, of which the work accomplished during the season of 1894 is to be considered only as the initiatory step in what it is hoped will be a long-continued series, is to determine the quantity of available "pasturage" or i^rimitive food-supply in any given region, under the varying conditions of seasons, temperature, salinity, etc., as establishing the relative value of its waters for originating, so to speak, and for maintaining a stock of fishery products. Both Mr. Conant and Mr. Harrington rendered assistance to Dr. Peck in connec- tion with his inquiries. Dr. Herrick continued his researches on the American lobster, and, before the close of the year, had nearly completed the important mono- *The Sources of Marine Food, bv .Tames I. Peck, assistant professor of biology in Williams College. Bull. U. S. Fish'Comm., xv, for 1895, pp. 351-3(58, plates 01-71. 92 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. graph on this subject which he has liad in preparation for some time. The rest of the investigators were occupied with special studies of their own selection, some of which have a more or less direct bearing upon fishery topics, and in course of time will undoubtedly be found useful in arriving at practical deductions. Mr. Vinal N. Edwards, tlie permanent collector of the Fish Commis- sion at Woods Hole, kept up during the entire year his customary daily observations on the fishes of the region and on the temperature of the water. During the summer he also assisted in obtaining material required for the laboratory. The steamer Fish Raid; Lieut. Robert Piatt, U. S. N., commanding, was at Woods Hole from August 12.5 to October 2, and during that period was utilized mainly in running the lines of observing stations in connection with the investigations of Dr. James I. Peck on the food of fishes. During the week preceding her arrival at Woods Hole she was placed by the Commissioner at the service of the biological section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which was then meeting at Brooklyn, N. Y., and made two dredging trips from that point. TEMPERATURE OBSERVATIONS. The Fish Commission has continued to receive, through the courtesy of the Light- House Board and of the Southern Pacific Company, the daily records of water- temperature observations taken at the following seacoast and inland stations : Temperature illations on'the Atlantic Coast. Stations of the Liglit-Honse Board : Coast of Maine : Petit Manau Islanrl, Mount Desert Rock, Matinicns Rock, Segnin Island, Boon Island. Coast of Massachusetts: Race Point, Pollock Rip iio;ht-ship, Great Round Shoal light-ship, Nantucket New South Shoal light-ship, Vineyard Sound light- ship. Coast of Rhode Island: Brenton Reef light-ship. Block Island southea.st light. Long Island Sound : Bartlett Reef light-ship. Coast of New .lersey: Absecon Inlet, Five Fathom Bank light-ship. Delaware Bay : Fourteen Foot Bank light-ship. Coast of Virginia: Winter Quarter Shoal light-ship. Chesapeake Bay: Windmill Point, Stingray Point, York Spit. Coast of North Carolina: Cape Lookout, Frying Pan Shoal light-ship. Coast of South Carolina : Rattlesnake Shoal light-ship, Martins Industry Shoal light-ship. Coast of Florida: Fowey Rocks, Carysfort Reef, Dry Tortugas. Temperature stations on the Pacific Slope. Stations of the Southern Pacific Company : Sacramento River at Tehama and Yolo bridges and Knight's Landing, California. Feather River at Feather River Bridge, California. American River at American River Bridge, California. Mokelumne River at Lodi, Cal. Tuolumne River at Modesto, Cal. San Joaquin River at the upper and lower railroad crossings. King River at Kingsburg, Cal. Colorado River at Yuma, Ariz. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. By Hugh M. Smith, Assistant in Charge. The work accomplished by the office and iiekl forces of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries during the year ending June 30, 1895, is outUned in the accompanying report. The subjects noticed are the general field investigations, certain special inquiries, reports issued, and a number of minor topics. The available field force consisted of five regular agents and three office assistants who were detailed for field duty. In the special inquiry on the menhaden industry two temporary aids were employed for several months. The regular appropriation for carrying on the field inquiries and other work of the division was -$3,500. This sum was supplemented by an allotment of $110.02 from the general appropriation of tlie Commission. The cost of the field investigations was $3,243.50; salaries of tempo- rary assistants aggregated $207, and incidental expenses amounted to $159.52. THE GREAT LAKES. In my previous report reference was made to the inauguration of a canvass of the fishing industry of the Great Lakes. The completion of this investigation was the principal field work carried on by the division during the year. Six agents were at one time or another employed in the field. The canvass was brought to a close in Novem- ber. The assignment of agents to the various lakes was as follows: W. A. Wilcox and T. M. Cogswell to Lake Superior; Ansley Hall and C. PI. Stevenson to Lake Michigan; W. A.Wilcox, T. M. Cogswell, and C. H. Stevenson to Lake Huron; W. A. Wilcox and T. M. Cogswell to Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit rivers; E. E. Race and Ansley Hall to Lake Erie; W. A. Wilcox and C. E. Ingersoll to Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River. The inquiries related primarily to the calendar year 1893, for which detailed statistics were obtained; but much information was also secured regarding the condition of the industry in the years interven- ing between the two investigations. The returns submitted by the field agents have been compiled, and the following data show the general results of the canvass. 94 KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. EXTENT OF GREAT LAKES FISHERIES IN 1893. The fishing industry of this region, as shown by the inquiries of this division, in 1803 gave employment to 10,180 persons, of whom 1,156 were engaged on vessels, 7,465 in shore and boat fishing, and 1,559 in various other capacities. The aggregate investment in fishing j^roperty was $5,899,270. This represented 197 vessels, 3,853 boats, 101,988 gill nets, 3,743 pound and trap nets, 2,449 fyke nets, and 117 seines. The value of the vessels was $855,729; of boats, $299,041; of gill nets, $670,572; of pound and trap nets, $802,078; of fyke nets, $43,668; of seines, $10,735; other apparatus, $17,492. The shore and accessory property connected with the industry was worth $2,087,455; the cash capital was $1,112,500. The catch amounted to 96,619,671 pounds of fish, having a first value of $2,270,618. The quantity and value of the yield of the principal spe- cies were as follows: Lake herring, 35,740,916 pounds, $536,238; other whitefishes, 10,327,093 pounds, $393,511; lake trout, 16,279,953 pouudf?, $603,789; sturgeou, 1,426,584 pounds, $50,438; pike and pike perch, 14,943,948 pounds, $410,1 < 3; yellow perch, 8,641,311 pounds, $130,970; suckers, 5,224,663 pounds, $58,607 ; black bass, 215,031 pounds, $12,395; catfish, 1,063,134 pounds, $31,525; carp, 659,347 pounds, $16,980. The condition of the industry in each lake is given with some detail in the accomi^anying series of tables. Lake Michigan is shown to have had the most extensive fisheries in 1893; in the items of persons employed, value of apparatus and number of boats used, and value of catch, it surpassed any other lake; in the yield of whitefish, trout, yellow perch, and several other fish this lake holds the first rank. Lake Erie, which heretofore had ranked first in all major particulars, still precedes Lake Michigan in the total amount of capital invested and quantity of products taken; the catch of lake herring, black bass, carp, catfish, wall-eyed -pike, saugers, and sturgeon is larger than any other lake. Lake Huron has the third position in the matter of fishing population and quantity and value of products, but is led by Lake Superior in investment. More suckers are taken in Huron than else where, and in the yield of trout and catfish it has second place. The order of rank of the other lakes is Superior, St. Clair (and tributaries), and Ontario. Table showing by lakes the number of persona employed in the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1893. How employed. Supe- rior. Michi- gan. Huron. St. Clair. Erie. Onta- rio. Total. 1.4 26 663 133 421 15 2,901 591 74 8 757 105 8 '"'454' 67 466 38 2,469 649 6' 221 U 1,063 93 7,465 On shore in fisli-housea, etc 1,559 Total 916 3,928 944 529 3,622 241 10, 180 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 95 Table sltowing hy lakes ihe (ipparatus and capital employed in the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1S93. Items. Superior. Michigan. Huron. St. Clair. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Vessels fishing 13 300. 13 $64, 530 '15.' 502' 40, 500 ii.'sis' 34, oy.T 37, 840 73 1,331.09 $273, 970 11 193. 43 i il.bb ""505' 2,304 $54, 150 'i4,'259' 2.150 1 11.23 $7, 000 Outfit 49, 044 9,400 2,645 3 448. 98 5 4G.71 395 74,617 238, 856 1,125 113, 228 2, 520 181,385 17. 970 2, 880 711 5,177 778,719 313, 500 50 31,345 30,713 210 380 431 2,847 1,471 30,932 0« 23, 300 28 785 1,458 Apparatus, vessel fisheries: Gill nets 4 'GO -ipparatus, shore fisheries: 6, 0j2 14 27'i 11 49, 840 500 03,415 120 1,445 2,619 1 731 195 22, 358 75 108, 508 3,348 459 20 91 CO 3 025 Pound nets and trap nets Tyke nets . 7,400 756 1,484 969 Dip nets 150, 512 59, 000 193, 785 42, 500 135, 672 71 000 Cash capital Total 529, 024 2, 063, 407 503, 700 240, 076 Items. Erie. Ontario. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. 78 958. 54 $252, 800 176 2,794.42 $652, 450 26, 506 26, 400 7 139. 56 21.58 $2, 300 21 704. 38 1,570 145, 027 98, 566 743 7,319 14, 573 299, 041 410, 235 Boats 1,001 20, 584 175 3, 853 57, 047 47, 941 117 3,743 2,449 Apparatus, vessel fisheries: Gill nets Apparatus, shorefisheries : 14, 785 47 1,783 586 66,117 4,440 439, 060 19, 2.50 4,089 1,185 77 139 8,794 175 2,310 1,390 850 Seines . . . 10 735 Pound nets and trap nets 802, 078 10, 479 1,484 969 5 177 808,517 014,500 20, 250 12, 000 1, 112, 500 2,506,842 56, 131 Table slioiviug by lakes and species the yield of ihe fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1893. Species. Superior. Michigan. Huron . St. Clair. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Hass Carp 45 $5 45, 393 2,200 77, 439 11, 198, 717 149, 503 3,451,563 711,647 311,780 1,690,769 8,216,920 $2, 100 88 1,701 217,430 2 079 CO, 203 28, 302 8,570 15, 004 316,871 28, 168 $997 29, 631 21,. 564 29,510 140, 112 $1, 029 Catii.sh 109, 476 2, 758, 628 2,246 47, 462 1 144 660, 272 11,000 7,791 321 1 821 Perch 1,7.58,470 827,819 79, 553 1.824,919 3, 439, 575 15,600 33, 852 2,045 23, 995 133, 194 704, 992 524,319 .54, 106 182, 022 72, 000 10,931 22, 243 *> 197 Pike and pilce perch Sturijoon 133, 903 62, 052 118,445 3 735,519 4, 620 1,167 2,150 122, 380 18, 675 93, 672 1.326 Suckers 1 858 Trout 2 400 Trout .'isoowct 606, 603 2, 732, 270 36, 818 AVliitclisli, common \Vhitc'liHl,,l,lneHn 2, 330, 060 1, 698, 130 382, 178 423, 323 58, 133 98, 432 4.5,126 10,273 11,437 4,875 1, 178, 271 45, 607 50, 950 1,925 Wliil(di.sh lon'fiaw 1 44,416 15, 043 1,219 164 Other flsh s in"; 71 Total 8, 096, 927 i252, 107 1 30, 747, 755 828, 611 12, 064, 338 306,381 jl, 814, 311 46,030 96 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table shounng by lakes and species the yield of the fisheries, etc. — Coutinued., Species. Erie. Ontario. Total. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. 312, 188 635, 583 776, 993 20, 931, 076 32, 127 2, 594, 933 12,529.515 793, 8U0 1, 360, 857 203, 132 $11, 864 16. 481 23, 609 260, 268 384 35, 595 312, 769 31,472 14, 855 9,994 59, 223 $2, 405 474, 648 659, 347 1,063,134 35,740,916 192, 630 8,641,311 14, 943, 948 1, 426, 584 5, 224, 663 15, 673, 350 606, 603 7, 629, 341 1, 734, 948 495, 065 467, 739 1, 645, 444 $18, 400 Carp 16, 980 31,525 Catfl.sh 69,716 52,111 2,765 1,466 536 238 2, 784 Perch 131,353 216, 745 125, 293 47, 651 6,204 •2, 641 8,317 '745 275 130, 970 Pike and pike perch SturCTeon 410, 163 50, 438 58, 607 Trout 585, 114 18, 675 Whitefish, common Whitelish blnefin 1, 292, 410 78, 730 45, 380 2,787 321, 153 46, 452 112, 887 2,977 13, 250 12, 656 * 1, 505, 711 9,958 61, 452 2,145 17,213 Total 42, 968, 325 805, 979 928, 015 31,510 96, 619, 671 2, 270, 618 * No weights shown for turtles and frogs. COMPARATIVE STATISTICS OF THE GREAT LAKES FISHERIES. The information collected in tliis canvass makes it possible to show by detailed statistics the extent of the Great Lakes fisheries at four different periods, viz, 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893. In the following condensed table the prominent features of the fishing industry of this region are shown by lakes for each of the years named. The aggregate statistics show that in 1893 more persons were employed in this branch than in 1880 or 1890, but less than in 1885; the capital invested was greater than in any previous year; the quan- tity of fish taken and the value of the catch were more than in 1880, but less than in 1885 or 1890. Comparative table showing the extent of the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893. Lakes. Persons employed. Capital invested. 1880. ; 1885. 1890. 1893. 1880. 1885. .1890. 1893. Superior Michigan Huron St. Clair Erie 414 ; 1,578 470 ; 356 1,620 i 612 ! 914 3,379 892 272 4, 298 600 653 2,877 726 611 4, 482 389 916 '944 529 3,622 241 $81, 380 551, 135 103, 730 40, 580 515,100 54, 050 $427, 933 1, 757, 831 385, 349 251, 081 1, 562, 138 135, 749 $366, 682 1,437,224 408, 858 210, 145 2, 816, 302 123, 533 $529, 024 2, 063, 497 503, 700 240, 076 2, 506, 842 Ontario 56, 131 Total 5, 050 1 10, 355 9,738 10, 180 1,345,975 4, 520, 081 5, 362, 744 5,899,270 Lakes. . 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Superior Michigan Huron St. Clair Erie Ontario 3, 816, 625 23, 141, 875 7, 205, 273 1,850,927 29, 087, 300 3, 640, 000 $118, 370 668, 400 195, 277 36, 273 474, 880 159, 700 8, 825, 980 23,518,148 11,457,170 2, 185, 795 51,456,517 2, 398, 406 $291, 523 878, 788 270, 397 40,193 1,109,096 95, 869 6,115,992 i $220,968 26. 434, 266 1 830, 465 10, 056, 381 1 221, 067 2,994,571 1 73,577 64.850,873 1,000,905 3, 446, 448 : 124, 786 8, 096, 927 30, 747, 755 12, 064, 338 1,814,311 42, 968, 325 928. 015 $252, 107 828,611 306, 381 46, 030 805, 979 31,510 Total 68,742,000 1,652,900 99, 842, 076 2, 691, 806 1 113,898,531 2,471,768 1 96, 619, 671 2, 270, 618 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 97 The tigures giving the catch of the principal fishes show marked variations in the difterent years, and are very snggestive when inter- preted in connection with tlie methods employed and the kinds and quantities of apparatus used. It ai)pears that in 1880 the whitefish {Coregonus dupeiformk) constituted nearly one-third of the catch, and was by far the most important fish taken. Each subsequent year showed a marked decrease in the yield, until in 1893 the fish consti- tuted little more than one-tenth of the output and was surpassed in quantity by several other species. In 1880 the lake herring (Corer/ow us artecli) ranked next to the whitefish in quantity; in 1885 it was the most abundant fish caught, and in 1890 and 1893 maintained the same position. The catch in 1890 was larger than in any other year, being nearly double that in 1885 and more than a third greater than in 1893, The sturgeon [Acipeyiser ruMeundus) was more inq^ortant in 1880 than in any subsecpient year; from more than 7,500,000 pounds in 1880, the catch fell to less than 1,500,000 in 1893, this being one of the most noteworthy changes in abundance that has occurred in the fisheries of this region. The output of lake trout {Sah-elinns namaycush) increased from 6,800,000 pounds in 1880 to nearly 10,300,000 pounds in 1893; the catch in the last three years for which figures are available has shown no marked change. No separate statistics for such fish as wall-eyed pike, yellow perch, pickerel, suckers, and black bass are at hand for all the years in question ; the aggregate catch of these and all other si)ecies was about 17,000,000 pounds in 1880, and over 32,800,000 pounds in the subsequent years, the yield in 1893 being about 2,800,000 pounds less than in 1885 and 1890. The following table shows the fluctuations in the fish product of the Great Lakes in the four years named : Comparison of the yield of the fisheries of ihe Great Lakes in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893. Species. Herring ... Sturgeon .. Trout Whitefish . other fish.. Total 15,967,517 7,557,383 6, 804, 600 21,463,900 16, 948, 600 25, 869, 458 7, 147, 642 12, 586, 665 18,344,004 35, 894, 307 48, 753, 349 4, 289, 759 12,890,441 12,401,335 35, 503, 647 35, 740, 916 1, 426, 584 16, 279, 953 10, 327, 093 32, 845, 125 , 742, 000 99, 842, C76 113, 898, 531 96, 619, 671 The following table, based on the preceding, shows by percentages the different ranks occupied by the several species at different times. The decline of the whitefish and sturgeon and the rise of the lake her- ring, trout, and minor species are clearly exhibited. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1895. Herring 23. 23 10.99 9.90 31.22 24.66 25.91 7.16 12.61 18.37 35.95 42.80 3.77 11.32 10,89 31.22 Stureeon 1 48 TrotH..° :::::::::;:;::::::;::: Whitefish 10 69 Other fish 33.99 Total 100. 00 100. 00 100. 00 100 00 F. R. 95- 98 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. LAKE SUPERIOR. The importance of the fisheries of this lake depends on the catch of hike trout and its deep-water variety, the siscowet. These fish in 1893 constituted 54 per cent of the quantity and 50 per cent of the value of the yield. The only other species of noteworthy consequence is the common whitefish. Superior is the only lake except Huron the fish- eries of which have undergone a general advance since the last inves- tigation. Further developments may be expected with the increase in population and transportation facilities. The run of trout in 1893 was very good, and the catch largely exceeded that in 1890. The increase was in part due to the more general utiliza- tion of the siscowet, which had previously been neglected on account of its extreme fatness. The whitefish fishery seems to have reached its height in 1885; since that time the product of the fish has dimin- ished, and in 1893 was smaller than in any of the previous years (except 1880) for which figures are available. The fishermen in 1893 devoted considerable attention to the capture of species almost wholly neglected ten years before, such as herring, suckers, and ling. In 1880 the catch of all species other than trout and whitefish was only 3 per cent of the j^roduct, while in 1893 it constituted 12 per cent. Sturgeon, while never specially abundant in this lake, are getting scarcer, and between 1885 and 1893 the catch decreased nearly two-thirds. The following comparison shows the results of the Lake Superior fisheries during four years : Comparison of the yield of the fisheries of Lake Superior in ISSO, 1S85, 1890, and 189^. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Hcrrin"' 34, 000 324, 680 182, 760 3,488,177 4. 571 947 258,416 199, 121 47, 482 2, 613, 378 3,213,176 42, 835 660 272 62 052 Trout 1.464,750 2, 257, 000 60. 875 4, 342, 122 2, 769, 088 Whitefish :. . Total 3, 816, 625 $118,370 8, 825, 980 $291,523 6,115,992 $220796? 8, 096, 927 $252 107 Total value LAKE MICHIGAN. The most prominent features of the fishing industry of Lake Michi- gan are the large fleet of vessels engaged in the gill net fishery, the extensive pound-net and shore gill-net fisheries, and the very large yield of lake trout. The trout constituted more than one-fourth the total catch of all species, and its value was nearly two-fifths that of the aggregate output. More trout were taken in Lake Michigan in 1893 than in ail the other lakes combined, and the value of the trout here canght was nearly one- seventh that of the entire lake fisheries. This fish was obtained in REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 99 slightly smaller quautities iu 1893 tliau iu 1890, but the ruu in the former year was much larger than in 1880 and 1885. The whiteflsh catch was about 11 per cent less iu 1893 than in 1890. The common whitefish appears to be rapidly decreasing in this lake and its place is being supplied by other species of the same family, more especially the longjaw, the bluefln or blackfiii, the menominee, and the herriug or Cisco. The latter underwent a noteworthy increase in commercial imi^ortance between 18r;0 and 1S93, the output increasing 81 per cent (from about 0,000,000 pounds to over 11,000,000 pounds). Sturgeon were taken in only one-tenth the quantity in 1893 that they were in 1880. The diminution in abundance of this valnable fish in the past few years has also been marked in this lake as in other members of the chain. The general condition of the Lake Michigan fisheries in 1893 was good as compared with 1890. The increase in the production was over 4,L*50,000 pounds, while the value of the catch decreased about $1,800; but, as has been shown, this was accompanied by a large increase in fishing population and apparatus. The following comparison shows the results of the fisheries of the lake during four years: Comparison of the yield of the fisheries of Lake Michir/an in ISSO, 1SS3, 1S90, and 1893. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. 3, 050, 400 3, 8:!9, 600 2, 659, 450 12, 0.!0, 400 1,562,025 3, 312, 493 1,406,678 6,431,298 8, 6S2, 986 3, 684, 693 6,082,082 946, 897 8, 364. 167 5 4.-^5, 079 5, 586, 041 11,198,717 311 780 Sturgeou . . . 8, 216, 920 4 833 691 Whitefish* 6, 186, 647 Total 23, 141, 875 23,518,148 26, 434, 266 30, 747, 755 Total value $668, 400 $878,788 $830, 465 $828,011 * Includes common whitefish, longjaws, blackflns, and menominees. LAKE nURON. The fisheries of Lake Uuron in 1893 showed a larger general increase over 1890 than those of any other lake; the advance occurred in the fishing population, the quantity of apparatus used, the quantity and value of the catch. That the augmented yield was not due solely to the increases in fishermen and appliances but represented a development of latent resources is indicated by the fact that the average quantity and value of the catch jier man and jier apparatus was practically the same each year. This is in marked contrast with the conditions in some other parts of the Great Lakes basin where the maintenance of the yield has been due wholly to the employment of more persons and apparatus. The principal changes in the condition of the fisheries of this lake iu 1893, as compared with 1890, were the increased number of vessels used in fishing and transporting (7 in 1890, 15 in 1893), the more extensive employment of pound and trap nets (731 against 551), the marked increase in the yield of trout, amounting to 128 per cent, and the large 100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. decrease iu the sturgeon and pike catch. AVhitetish, herring, and other species showed little variation in abundance. The average price of lish in 1893 was about half a cent per jjound more than in 1890. The product of this lake in each of the four years for which statistics are available was as follows : Comparison of the yield of the fisheries of Lake Huron in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. 246, 800 204, 000 2, 084, 500 2, 700, 778 ], 909, 195 1,265,650 215, 500 2, 539, 780 1, 425, 380 6, 010, 860 2, 514, 551 365,718 1, 505, 619 1,004,094 4, 60G, 399 2, 758, 628 Trout 3, 439, 575 1, 222, 687 Whitefish Other fish 4, 563, 895 7, 205, 273 11, 457, 170 10, 056, 381 12, 064, 338 $195, 277 $276,397 $221, 067 $306, 381 LAKE ST. CLAIR. At one time the fisheries of this lake and the rivers connected with it yielded com])arative]y large quantities of sturgeon, whitefish, and lake herring, but iu 1893 the catch of all these fishes was very small, and such minor species as perch and suckers constituted a prominent part of the catch. As compared with 1890, the fisheries have undergone a decline in all principal items. The number of persons engaged in actual fishing- dropped from 517 to 154. The number of pound nets, the principal form of apparatus, decreased from 34 to 27; this decrease, however, was more than compensated for by the employment of a large number (64) of trap nets similar to those fished in Lake Erie. Seines numbered 28 in 1890 and 20 in 1893. The total capital invested, however, was larger in the latter year, owing to the expansion of the wholesale trade. A comparative summary of the output of the Lake St. Clair, St. Clair Eiver, and Detroit Eiver fisheries in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893 Is given : Comparison of the yield of the fisheries of Lake St. Clair and tributaries in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893. Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. 250, 700 998, 500 1, 208, 150 227, 780 490, 334 309, 003 244, 847 238, 764 1,711,623 140, 112 54, 106 72, 000 Whitefish 77, 922 523, 805 41,125 708, 740 50, 950 1, 497, 143 Total 1, 850, 927 2, 185, 795 2, 994, 571 1,814,311 $36,273 $40, 193 $73,577 $46, 030 Note.— Included in the figures for 1890 is the catch of several vessels that lielonged in this section but took flsli in Lakes Huron and Erie, as follows: Lake Huron, 244,847 pounds of tront and 26,064 pounds of -vvhitelish: Lake Erie, 29,243 pounds of perch, 297,934 pounds of herring, and 46,276 pounds of wall-eyed pike. In 1893 one vessel, similarly owned and operated, took the following fish, which areembraced in the above table: Lake Huron, 72,000 pounds of trout and 12,000 pounds of whitefish; Lake Erie, 130,787 pounds of herring. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 101 LAKE ERIE. In 1890 the fisheries of this hike surpassed in extent those of any other members of the chain, and in 1893, notwithstanding a serious decline in almost every important branch, they still maintained first position in the matter of capital invested and quantity of products taken. The prominent features of the fishing industry of Lake Erie are the numerous fleet of fishing steamers; the extensive employment of gill nets in the vessel and boat fisheries ; the large number of ponnd and trap nets operated; the enormous catch of herring, wall-eyed pike, saugers, and whitefish, and the extensive wholesale trade in fresh-water fish' centered at Sandusky, Cleveland, Buffalo, and other cities on the lake. In 1893 nearly half the product of the Lake Erie fisheries consisted of herring; the catch, amounting to over 20,900,000 pounds, was obtained chiefly witli gill nets. In 1890 the output of this fish was 38,868,000 pounds, and in J 885 it was 19,355,000 poviuds. The abundance of her- ring determines, in a large measure, the condition of the fisheries in a given year, and tlie rise and decline of the industry have depended chiefly on the catch of this fish, whose importance is illustrated in the accompanying comparative summary. Eanking next to the herring in quantity and value is the blue pike, a fish taken in large numbers with both pound nets and gill nets. The aggregate catch in 1893 — 0,656,341 pounds, valued at $175,392 — was less than in 1890, when 7,488,903 pounds, worth $148,201, were taken. An interesting point about this fish is that in 1893 the pound-net catch was very much larger and the gill-net yield much less than in 1890. The whitefish output in 1890 was only two-thirds that in 1885; in 1893 it was only half that in 1890, the decline being more marked in the gill-net returns; in the pound-net fishery a decrease of 6 per cent in number of nets set was attended with a decrease of 49 per cent in catch, while in the gill-net fishery a decrease of 28 per cent in number of nets used resulted in a diminution in yield amounting to 19 per cent. Among the other fishes of special prominence in this lake, sturgeon, cattish, perch, black bass, and wall-eyed pike showed a diminished abundance in 1893 as compared with 1890, while saugers, sheepshead, and carp were taken in larger quantities. Especially worthy of note is the output in 1893 of over 635,000 pounds of carp, valued at $10,481. Coniparalire. table showimj ilte nield of the fisheries of Lake Erie in ISSO, 1886 and 1893. 1890, Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. 11, 774, 400 1, 970, 000 26, 200 .3, 33.3, 800 11.982,900 19, 354, 900 4, 727, 9.')0 106, 900 3,53],a.'-.5 23, 734, 912 38, 868, 283 2,078,907 121,420 2,341.451 21,440,812 20,931,076 793, 800 203 132 Sturgeon Trout . Whitefish Other fish 19 747 907 Total 29, 087, 300 51,456.517 64, 8!-.0, 873 42, 968, 325 Tot ill value $474, 880 $1,109,096 $1, 000, 905 $805, 979 102 llEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LAKE ONTARIO. The condition of the Lake Ontario fisheries in 1893 was very poor, the decline noticed in previous reports continuing. In every important item a marked decrease has occurred, and general and special com- parisons with previous years probably disclose more pronounced changes than have characterized the fisheries of any other body of ■water in the United States. While restrictive legislation has had some effect on the fisheries, there is little reason to doubt that the most potent factor in the decline has been the depletion of the lake's fishery resources. The following summary shows the catch of the principal fishes in 1880, 1885, 1890, and 1893, and is to be considered in conjunc- tion with the comparative figures for i)ersons employed and capital invested. The number of fishermen was 301 in 1890 and 221 in 1893. The decrease in the apparatus used in the two years was as follows: Gill nets, from 2,345 to 1,185; trap nets, from 288 to 77; fyke nets, from 684 to 139; seines, from 27 to 7; boats, from 373 to 175. The yield of the Lake Ontario fisheries in 1893 was less than one- third that in 1890, two-fifths that in 1885, and one-fourth that in 1880. Between 1880 and 1893 tlie decrease in whitefish was 90 per cent; in trout, 99 per cent; in sturgeon, 77 per cent; in herring, 73 per cent; and in other fish, 31 per cent. In the three years intervening between the last two investigations the quantity and value of the catch decreased 73 per cent. The yield of trout and whitefish, which had already reached a remarkably low point in 1890, was further reduced 85 per cent and GO per cent, respectively. Comparative table shotviiig the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in ISSO, 1SS5, 1890, and 1S9S. Specios. 1880. 1885. 1890. 1893. Pounds. Pounde. Pounds. Pounds. 611,217 545, 283 569, 7U0 1,064,000 840, 800 403, 585 386, 974 20, 510 90,711 1, 496, 686 598, 978 541,752 41,010 148,771 2,115,937 164, 998 125 293 6.204 Whitefish 45, 380 OthRr fish 586, 140 3. 640, 000 2, 398, 466 3, 446, 448 Totil value $159, 700 $95, 869 $124, 780 $31, 510 BISCAYNE BAY, FLORIDA. In February, 1895, the wiiter visited this bay, located on the southern part of the east coast of Florida, for the purpose of gathering informa- tion as to its physical features, animal resources, and fisheries. The U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries had under consideration the establishmentof a marine hatching and experiment station at some point on the Florida coast, and was desirous of ascertaining the advantages afforded by Biscayne Bay for fish-cnltural and biologi(;al work, this region having been favorably mentioned in this connection. A report on the results of the examination was submitted to the Commissioner REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 103 Oil March 20, 1S95; iu it the topics cousidered aic tlie geographical features, the animal resources, the commercial fishing, and the avail- able sites for a station. Accomi)auyiug the report are an interesting account of sponge-cultural experiments in Biscnyne Bay, furnished by Mr, Ealph M. Munroe, of Cocoanut Grove, and a report on an examina- tion of tlie bay by Maj. T. H. Ilandburj^, of the Engineer Cori)S, United States Army. FISHERIES OF MINOR INTERIOR WATERS. A canvass of the fishing industry of the interior waters was begun in February, 1895. This work had been contemplated for several years, but other demands on the division prevented the undertaking of the inquiry until this time. The season when the condition of the division affairs permitted the inauguration of this work necessitated the placing of the field force in the southern i^art of the country, and the lower section of the Mississippi Yalley was selected. The investigation, which was carried on during the months of February, March, and part of April, was suspended in April on account of lack of funds, after the completion of the work in Louisiana and Alabama, and with a large jiart of the fishing in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee covered. The remaining territory in this region Avas canvassed early in the latter part of 1895, and it seems desirable to refer to the results of the com- pleted investigation rather than consider only the work that was done in the fiscal year proper. The agents participating in this canvass were Messrs. Ansley Hall, W. A. Wilcox, E. F. Locke, and T. M. Cogswell. Mr. Hall covered the whole of Alabama and all of Missis- sippi and Tennessee, with the exceptions of those portions on or near the Mississippi lliver. Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Cogswell conjointly can- vassed parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Mr. Locke's inquiries were restricted to Louisiana. The statistical data collected relalcu to the calendar year 1894 and included all fishing that l^artook of an economic character. The commercial fisheries of these States were found to have the fol- lowing extent: Persons engajTjed 3, 294 Capital invested $173, 162 Pounds of products taken 16,678, 722 A^'aluo of products taken $519, 118 The most prominent fishes of these States are buffalo fish, catfish, and sheepshead, or fresh-water drum. The quantity and value of each of these were as follows: Buffalo-fish, 5,520,510 pounds, $111,848; cat- fish, 7,632,238 pounds, §232,494; sheepshead, 1,217,070 pounds, $38,210. From these figures it appears that these three fish constitute about seven eigliths the quantity and three-fourths the value of the entire yield of tlie fresh-water fisheries. A brief statement of the extent of the fishing found in each of these Stales will be given. In the report embodying the results of the investigation a full discussion of the his- tory, methods, apparatus, etc., will appear. 104 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LOUISIANA. The freshwater fisheries of Louisiana are more extensive than those of any of the other States bordering on the Gulf Coast or in the Lower Mississippi basin. The State is bountifully supplied with rivers, lakes? and bayous containing an abundance of fish. In addition to the Mis- sissippi River, which traverses the southern half of the State and forms the eastern boundary of the northern part, and the Sabine River, which marks most of the western boundary, the Red, Atchafalaya, Ouaidiita, and Calcasieu are the most important streams. The princi- pal lakes are Catahoula, Grand, Salvadore, Calcasieu, Bastineau, des Allemands, Maurepas, and Cross, besides Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne, which are salt or brackish. The waters in which most of the fishing is done are the Atchafalaya River and tributary bayous, the Mississippi River, and the Red River, Considerable fishing is also done in the Ouachita, Sabine, and Xementou rivers, Lakes Calcasieu, Salvadore, and des Allemands, and in Bayou James. The number of persons ascertained to be employed in the fisheries of this State in 1894 was 1,263, of whom 137 were on the Mississippi and 756 on the Atchafalaya. More than half the fishermen, namely, 677, used set lines; 358 operated fyke nets; 290 hunted alligators; 124 trapped otters; 77 fished seines, no allowance being made in these figures for the persons who were engaged in two or more fisheries. The investment in boats, apparatus, and other fishing property was $77,339, of which $51,873 represented the value of 1,282 boats. The set line or trawl line was the most im^iortant means of capture; 2,484 lines, with an aggregate length of 1,545,055 feet and with 483,140 hooks, were used. The number of seines was 33, of fyke nets 939, of guns 200, of steel traps 9,912, and of cast nets 61. The total value of the appa- ratus was $24,501. Shore and accessory proi)erty of the value of $965 was in use. Most of the seines and set lines wei , ""nerated in the Atchafalaya River, where also the cast nets and many of the fyke nets were used. Set lines were also prominently used in Red and Missis- sippi rivers and in Lakes Calcasieu, des Allemands, and Salvadore. In Ouachita and Red rivers fyke nets were comj)aratively numerous. The output of the fresh- water fisheries of Louisiana in 1894 consisted of 0,274,103 pounds of fish, crawfish, shrimp, turtles, and terrapin, 53,207 alligator hides, and 1,935 otter skins, the whole having a value of $192,012. The number of species of fish of prominence commer- cially is limited and includes only catfish, buffalo fish, fresh- water drum, and crappie. By far the most valuable of the Louisiana fresh-water fishes is tlie catfish, which constitutes much more than half the quan- tity and value of the catch ; over 4,900,000 pounds, worth $126,550, were taken. The buffalo-fish ranks after the catfish; the catch was over 950,000 pounds, for which the fishermen received $14,500. Of fresh-water drum, nearly 160,000 pounds were taken, wliich yielded the fishermen $4,28(>. The value of some of the other products was as REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 105 follows: Black bass, $1,355; crappie, $2,048; shrimp, $1,716; terrapin and tuitles, $6,108; alligators, $23,334; otters, $9,254. The catch in the Atchafalaya basin was larger than in all the other waters of the State combined. Catfish was the most imi^ortant i^rodnct, amounting to over 3,890,000 pounds, valued at $87,000 ; other prominent species were buffalo-fish (559,000 pounds, $5,850), terrapin (51,500 pounds, $4,635), alligators (25,070 hides, $12,535). The aggregate yield of this region was about 4,567,900 pounds of edible i^roducts, the value of which, with alligator aud otter skins, was $126,620. In the Missis- sippi River the output was 283,000 pounds, valued at $16,140^ and in the Red River 565,000 pounds, worth $14,530. MISSISSIPPI. The Mississippi River, which forms the western boundary of this State, is the principal fishing- ground, as would naturally be expected from its size aud length. In its principal tributaries, the Homachitto, Yazoo, and Big Black rivers, considerable fishing is also done. In that section of the State having a frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, commer- cial fishing is prosecuted in the Pascagoula, Big Biloxi, Jordan, Wolf, and other streams. In the northeastern part of Mississippi there is some fishing in the Tombigbee River, the principal part of Avhich stream is in Alabama. Several lakes along the Mississippi River, which represent the former channel of that stream, have economic fish- ing; amoug these are Louis, Wolf, and Horn lakes. The Pearl River, which is a stream of considerable size flowing south through the south- central part of the State, has no fishing of noteworthy importance. As compared with the adjoining State of Louisiana the fishing indus- try of Mississipiji is of small proportions ; it is, however, greater in extent than in Alabama. The persons engaged in taking fishery products for market in 1894 numbered 380; of these, 129 were on the Mississippi River and 70 on the Pascagoula River, The number of fishermen using set lines was 120, trammel nets 104, cast nets 85, hand lines 68, shrimp traps 57, fyke nets 43, and seines 36, many of the men engaging in two or more branches and being duplicated to that extent in these figures. Only $10,093 was invested in the fisheries of Mississippi in 1894. This sum represented the value of 154 boats, 19 seines, 39 trammel nets, 187 fyke nets, 87 cast nets, 472 set and hand lines, 775 small traps, aud various shore and accessory jiroperty. The most prominent commercial fishes in the fresh waters of Missis- sippi are the catfishes, which (constitute about half the quantity and value of the yield. The buftalo-fishes rank next in amount and value. Other important species are bla(;k bass, fresh-water drum, sunfishes, aud shrimp. The aggregate catch in 1894 was 1,500,745 i)ounds, for which the fishermen received $40,484. Set lines and seines together took about four-fifths the total (juantity of products. The Mississippi River fisheries yielded over 1,030,000 pounds, valuecl 106 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. at $24,000. The results in some of the other waters were as follows: Paseagoula Eiver, 70,000 ])Ouuds, $1,750; Yazoo River, 102,000 pouuds, $2,540; Big Biloxi Eiver aud tributaries, 144,100 pounds, $G,S00. ALABAMA. The i)rincipal fresh- water fisheries of this State are proseeuted in those streams having Mobile Bay as their outlet, namely, the Mobile Eiver; its tributaries, the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers; and the chief tributary of the latter, the Black Warrior Eiver. The Tennessee Eiver, which traverses the northern part of the State, also has compar- atively imjwrtant fisheries, hi the matter of persons engaged aud value of the catch, Alabama has i)recedeuce over Mississippi, although the quantity of fish taken in the latter State is somewhat greater; the investment in the two States is about the same. The number of ])ersons ascertained to be engaged in the commercial fisheries of this State was 407, of whom 123 were on Mobile Eiver and Bay, 100 on Alabama Eiver, G7 on Tennessee Eiver, 64 on Black War- rior Eiver, and 53 on Tombigbee Eiver. The trammel- net, fyke-net, and set-line fisheries gave employment to 115, 194, aud 188 persons, respectively, some of the men being in two or more branches and duplicated in these figures. The capital invested in the Alabama fisheries was about $14,500. The most prominent items in the investment were fyke nets ($0,560), boats ($3,433), and trammel nets ($2,900). The boats numbered 287, the fyke nets 970, the trammel nets 116, the set lines 090. The fyke nets aud set lines were most numerous on the Tennessee Eiver; the trammel nets were confined to Mobile Bay and Eiver. The buflalo-fishes are the most important economic fishes of this State; more than 1,000,000 pounds of these, having a value of over $25,000, were taken. Catfish rank next in quantity aud value, the yield being over 300,000 pounds, worth $15,700. Other prominent species are fresh-water drum, sunfish, and warmouth bass. The aggregate output of the fisheries was 1,869,400 pounds, with a value to the fisher- men of $72,500. Much more than half the catch was obtained with fyke nets. More fish were taken in the Alabama Eiver than in any other water, although the value of the catch was greatest in Mobile Bay and Eiver. In the former stream the yield was 482,050 pounds, for which the fish- ermen received $19,500. lu the Tombigbee Eiver 462,300 pounds of fish were secured, valued at $10,150. The results of the fishing in Mobile Bay aud Eiver were 396,900 pounds, worth $21,520. ARKANSAS. The fresh-water fisheries of Arkansas are more important than those of any other State in this region, with the exception of Louisiana. Besides the Mississippi Eiver, Avhich borders the eastern side of the State, there are several important streams, tributary to the Mississippi, which traverse the State. Among these are the Arkansas, the White, REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 107 the St. Frauds, aud Ouachita, in all of which commercial fishing is carried on. In a number of lakes representing former beds of rivers considerable fishing is also done. In 1894, 750 persons \rere engaged in the fisheries of Arkansas. Of these, 560 used set lines, 286 fyke nets, 129 seines, and 114 trammel nets, some fishermen being in two or more fisheries. The number on the different rivers was as follows: 302 on the Arkansas, 81 on the White, 73 on the St. Francis, 158 on the Ouachita, 01 on the Mississippi, and 75 on various minor waters. The fyke net is the most prominent means of capture in this State representing nearly one thinl the investment in the fishing industry. It is used in almost every river and lake having commercial fisheries the largest numbers being set in the Mississippi, White, and St. Francis rivers. The total number of fykes in use m 1894 was 1,590, valued at $11,040. Set lines are also very generally employed. Their number was 1,015, valued at $1,914. The lines contained over 79,000 hooks and were 328,000 feet in lengtb. The number and value of the other importaiit forms of apparatus were as follows: Seines, 41, $5,470; tram- mel nets, 72, $2,070. An interesting feature of the fisheries of the State is the use of 8 pound nets in Crittenden County, on the Missis- sil)pi Eiver, this type of net being very seldom met with in the interior waters. The 501 boats employed had a value of $7,917. The aggregate amount of capital invested in the industry was $30,504. The yield of the fisheries of Arkansas was 3,875,800 pounds, having a value to the fishermen of $116,010. In point of quantity the buffalo- fishes are the most important in the State; about 1,020,000 pounds, valued at $30,800, were taken. The value of the catfishes was greater, being $38,000, but the quantity was only 904,500 pounds. Xext in importance is the fresh- water drum, or sheepshead; of this, nearly 580,000 pounds, worth $15,000, were obtained. Other comparatively prominent species are crappy, black bass, and paddle-fish. Tlie output of the Mississippi Eiver fisheries was larger than that of any other stream, although the value of the catch was less than in several other waters. The yield and value of the catch in the principal waters were as follows: Mississippi Eiver, 882,500 pounds, $18,800; St. Francis Eiver, 772,000 pounds, $19,700; White Eiver, 005,600 pounds, $23,580; Arkansas Eiver, 594,000 pounds, $22,800; Ilorseshoe Lake, 376,000 pounds, $10,300; Ouachita Eiver, 248,000 poumls, $10,000. TENNEKSEE. This State has com])arati\'ely important fisheries in the Tennessee, Cumberland, and 3Iississippi rivers, and in Eeelfoot Lake. The most extensive interests are in the first-named stream and the lake. The principal features are the extent of the fyke-net and set-line fisheries and the preponderance of buffalo-fish and catfish in the catch. The number of persons engaged in the commercial fisheries of Ten- nessee in 1894 was 520. Of these, 45 were on the Cumberland Eiver, 108 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 235 on the Teuuessee Eiver, 75 on the Mississii)pi Kiver, and 165 on Eeelfoot and Open lakes. Without taking into consideration the dupli- cations arising from the employment of two or more kinds of apparatus, 17 fishermen used seines, S7 trammel nets, 293 fyke nets, 364 set lines, and 80 hand lines; 17 persons were specially engaged in the prepara- tion of products. The number and value of the boats and apparatus employed in the Tennessee fisheries were as follows: 440 boats, $4,879; 2 seines, $525; 46 trammel nets, $1,640; 1 trap, $1,500; 1,019 fyke nets, $13,190; 1,830 set lines, $1,897; 200 hand lines, $150; shore and accessory property, valued at $6,422, the total investment being $30,203. Two -thirds of the fyke nets were set in the Tennessee River and Eeelfoot Lake. The trammel nets and hand lines were confined to the lakes; the set lines were used principally in the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers. The single trap net reported was a very large appliance built in the bed of the Tennessee Eiver in Knox County. The economic fisheries of Tennessee in 1894 yielded over 2,445,000 pounds of fishery products, having a value of $82,500. In the value of its catch, as in persons employed and capital invested, Tennessee ranks third among the five States of this region now under consideration. Bufi'alo-fish constituted nearly one-half the output, 1,057,000 pounds, valued at $25,950, being taken. The catch of catfish was about 070,000 pounds, having a value of $28,400. The next important fish was the drum, or sheepshead, the yield being 254,000 pounds, worth $10,255. The products of the fisheries of Eeelfoot Lake were greater than of all the other waters combined. They consisted of 020,000 pounds of buffalo-fish, 305,000 pounds of catfish, 107,000 pounds of drum, 85,000 pounds of crappy, and 250,200 pounds of other fish, the aggregate being 1,373,200 pounds, for which the fishermen received $30,182. The Tennessee Eiver fisheries produced 524,200 pounds, valued at $28,088, of which buffalo-fish constituted 124,500 pounds, catfish 233,500 pounds, and drum 112,410 pounds. The fishermen on the Mississippi Eiver took 370,500 pounds having a value of $9,454, and those on the Cumberland Eiver 80,000 pounds, worth $5,953. In Open Lake, a catch of 91,285 pounds brought $2,225. More than one-third of the fishery products of Tennessee are taken on set lines; in 1894 the yield was 935,848 pounds, valued at $31,000. The fyke-net catch was 787,530 pounds, worth $31,028. The trammel nets took over 575,000 pounds of fish, which sold for $12,705. The yield of other forms of apparatus was comparatively unimportant. THE MENHADEN FISHERY. The inauguration of an investigation of some of the features of the menliaden industry was referred to in the division report for 1894; the desiral)ility of making this inquiry and suggestions as to its scope and character were stated in the report of the division for 1892. The work of the field agents, which began in May, 1894, was carried on REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 109 continuously until the suspension of the fishery in December. A report embodying the results of the investigation was submitted to the Commissioner in May, 1895. The menhaden is probably the most abundant fish found on the Atlantic coast of the United States, and its capture constitutes one of the principal fisheries of the country. The fishery is prosecuted from Maine to Korth Carolina, inclusive, and in almost every State between those limits an important shore industry is dependent on the fishery. In recent years over 50 establishments for the making of menhaden oil and fertilizer have been operated annually. The business on laud and water has given employment to about 3,400 men. The steam and sail vessels used, numbering about 135, have a value, with their seines and eviuipment, of nearly $1,000,000. The other property devoted to the industry brings the investment up to over $2,500,000. The annual catch has been from 400,000,000 to 600,000,000 fish, which have yielded manufactured products having an average annual A'alue of over $1,000,000. The menhaden fishery has been and still is the subject of much oppo- sition, because of its supposed eflects on the abundance of other fish. The grounds on which those opposed to the fishery base their com- plaints may be summarized as follows: (1) Large numbers of desirable food and game fish are taken, which are lauded at the factories to serve the same purpose as the menhaden; (2) the supply of food-fish on the coast has been greatly reduced on account of the menhaden fishing, fishing grounds once productive having been destroyed; (3) food-fish, wheu not actually caught, have been driven ofi the coast or have been prevented from reaching their spawning-grounds in the inshore waters. Those pecuniarily interested in the menhaden fishery deny the fore- going points. They contend that only comparatively few food-fish are taken in the fisheiy, and those only incidentally or unavoidably; that they are not sufficient to keep the vessels' crews regularly supplied with fresh fish food ; that the thousands of sharks and other predaceous fishes destroyed m fishing for menhaden would do infinitely more dam- age to the food-fish fisheries than the menhaden fishery does; and that there is no evidence to show that this fishery is in any way responsible for the real or apparent scarcity of certain food-fish. It was with a view to gathering information bearing on some of these disj)uted questions that the Commission conducted a special investiga- tion in 1804. The original plan of the inquiry was to place the entire available force of the division on menhaden vessels having headquar- ters on various parts of the coast, and to have each agent continue his observations on a given vessel throughout the fishing season. Owing, however, to the necessity for carrying on other work, it was found impracticable to utilize all the field force in the menhaden inquiry, and it was finally determined to restrict the studies to two vessels. The agents were instructed to use the greatest care in obtaining information and to refrain from the expression of any opinion as to the 110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. results of the inquiry or the general menliadeu question. On specially prepared forms they were required to record, for each haul of the seine, the following data: Date, hour, fishing-ground, number of menhaden taken, number of each kind of other fish taken, disposition made of fish, and pliysical observations on the air, water, etc. The position of each seine haul was indicated on a cliart. Notes on tlie fishery and on the abundance, size, movements, and spawning condition of menhaden were also obtained. The vessels selected for the purposes of the investigation were the steamers Qmckstcp, of Kew London, Conn., and J. W. Haiclcins, Uarbor- ton, Va. The accommodations on the QuicJcstej) proving insufficient, on June 22 the observations were transferred to the steamer Arizona, of New London, for the remainder of the season. The Arizona is a screw steamer of 103 net tons having a value, with outfit, of $25,000. The crew consists of 30 fishermen, 2 captains, 2 mates, and 8 other persons. Two purse seines, each about 1,400 feet long, are used, the vessel being what is known as a "double-gang" steamer. The tonnage of the J. W. Ilaivl'ins was 125; her value was about $20,000; her crew consisted of 18 fishermen and 8 other persons, and her regular seine was 900 feet long, although at times a seine 1,500 feet long was employed. The representatives of the Commission on these vessels were as fol. lows : Mr. C. E. Latimer, Mr. W. P. Hay, and Mr. A. E. Marschalk, on the Quiclistep and Arizona; Mr. E. F. Locke and Mr. E. E. Eace, on the J. W. Haivkins. On June 22 Mr. Latimer was relieved by Mr. Hay, who was connected Avith the inquiry until August 1, when Mr. Mar- schalk took his place and continued the work until the suspension of fishing. Mr. Locke was on the J. W. EawJcins during the entire sea- son, with the exception of the month of October, when he was relieved by Mr. Kace. The vessels fished from Maine to North Carolina, and their oj)era- tions were sufficiently extensive to warrant conclusions as to some of the questions in dispute. Fish were fairly abundant along the entire coast, and the season was an average one for the general menhaden industry. The observations of the agents covered fishing operations in which nearly 28,000,000 menhaden were taken, or about one-twentieth of the total catch in 1894. The Arizona took 22,000,000 menhaden during the year and 18,700,800 while agents of the Commission were aboard; this was the second largest yield in the history of the vessel. During the observations on the Quiclcstep that vessel took 2,532,000 fish. The catch of the J, W. Mawlcins was 9,301,955 menhaden, a number considerably less than the average in recent years. Two-thirds of the menhaden taken by the Arizona (and QuicTisteiy) were obtained in Delaware Bay and oft" the New Jersey coast. Of the C19 seine-hauls of these vessels, 370 were in those regions. More than two-thirds of the fish caught by the J. W. HawJcins Avere in Chesa- peake Bay, where 315 seine-hauls in a total of 459 were made. About GO species of fishes were represented in the catch of the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Ill steamers. Tliose most cousi)icnous for their numbers are those \vhich, like menhaden, swim at or near the surface; among these are blueflsh, bntter-tish, mackerel, shad, and alewives. Deep-water bottom species, like cod, haddock, etc., were obtained in only small quantities, but the bottom fishes inhabiting shallow water, like skates and flounders, were taken in comparatively large quantities. Many of the species were represented by only a single specimen, and of most of the others only a few individuals were caught. The total number of fish taken with the menhaden was 94,795, of which 93,893 may be classed as food-fish, although over 8G,000 of one kind belonged to the menliaden family and are considered suitable for the manufacture of oil and guano. Omitting these, the number of food-fish obtained was 0,990, an average of less than 7 fish to a set; including them, the average was about 87 food-fish to a seine haul. The most numerous fish, next to the menhaden, were the alewives, or river herring; these were usually taken among schools of menhaden. Of the 80,898 reported by the agents, nearly half were caught at one haul in Boston Harbor, and most of the others were taken by the same vessel on the coast of inTcw England. Blueflsh were taken on numerous occasions, and the aggregate catch was 2,274. The largest number taken at one haul of the seine was 140, in Chesapeake Bay. Shad, which figure rather prominently in the returns, were mostly caught in a few hauls on the Maine coast, in company with alewives and other fish; the records show a cntch of 1,810 fish. Among other fish taken in noteworthy numbers were butter-fish, mackerel, squeteague, sharks, fl.ounders, skates and rays, Spanish mackerel, and croakers, of which from 100 to 800 were taken. The sharks destroyed numbered 388, of which the dogfish and dusky shark were most numerous. Following is a statement of the quantities of diilerent kinds of fish taken and the average number obtained at each successful haul of the seine: Species . Total number taken. Average iinmber of flsh at each haul. 27, 905, 755 86, 898 2, 274 1,810 811 031 •198 •iOl 369 150 590 29, 5G2. U 91.86 ■ ^ 2. 4') Shad 1.92 .86 Mackerel .07 .53 Sharks .12 Skii t( H anil rays .39 .02 Total 28, 000, 505 29, 602. 33 The ])ro]iibition of menhaden lishing within certain distances of the shore is a prominent leature of the legislation advocated by some who believe in restriction of the industry by governmental or State authority. 112 REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The interdiction of seining within 1, 2, or 3 miles of the mainhind has been urged, the 3-niile protected zone being the one most generally favored. In the investigation of the fisherj-, full data were obtained showing the distances from shore at which fish were taken, and the information recorded on this point for the two vessels may be regarded as entirely tyjiical of the fleet. It is well known that the menhaden is found comparatively close to laud, during both the migrations and the intervening season; and those financially interested in the industry have contended that to limit the fishery to the water beyond 3 miles from land would result in the destruction of the business. The following summary of the operations of the vessels in question shows that 18,387,370 menhaden, or about two-thirds the aggregate catch, were taken under 3 miles from shore, and 0,089,104 fish, or less than two-ninths of the total yield, were obtained 5 miles or more from land. A conspicuous part of the fishing done beyond 3 miles from the shore was in Delaware, Chesapeake, and other bays. Distances from shore. Number of menhaden taken. Percentage. Under 1 mile 5, 850, 131 9, 164, 889 3, 372, 350 3, 489, 281 6, 089, 104 01 12 12 5 miles and over . . 22 Total 27, 965, 755 The daily record of the observations of the Commission's agents shows that, as a rule, not enough desirable food-fish were taken by the steamers to keep the crews supplied with fresh fish, and tliat only rarely were more edible fish taken than could be consumed on the vessels or by the men employed at the factories. In the case of shad and blueflsh, the comparatively large numbers seined on a few occa- sions were more than could be utilized, and the records show that 206 of the former and 410 of the latter taken by one vessel shared the fate of the menhaden ; none of these fish caught by the other vessel was so disposed of. Of the other fish made into oil and guano, there were 356 butter-fish (mostly too small to eat), 240 flounders (many being the worthless hogchoker), 36 scup, 44 croakers, 15 haddock, 28 hake, 20 spots, 31 squeteague, and 22 whiting. The percentage of food-fish catch not eaten was about 20, excluding alewives. All but 13 of the sharks and 4 of the skates were landed at the factories. The crews salted, for their personal use, 25,000 menhaden and 1,007 bluefish, bonito, butter-fish, flounders, shad, and squeteague. The fish sold for bait consisted of 199,900 menhaden and 10,000 alewives. The fish dumi)ed overboard, given away, or other- wise disposed of, numbered 8,232; of these 2,500 menhaden and 5,000 alewives were thrown away and 675 shad were released alive. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 113 INQUIRIES AT BOSTON AND GLOUCESTER, MASS. The local agents of the Conimissiou at these important fishing- ports have continued their eificient service along- the lines indicated in pre- vious reports. Their returns show the extent of the fisheries centering at these places, and afford an accurate idea of the general condition of the vessel fisheries of New England. The receipts at Gloucester in 1894 of fish caught by United States fishing vessels aggregated nearly 80,000,000 pounds, having a value of over $2,229,000. Following is a comparison of the receipts in the calendar years 1889, 1891, 1892, 1893, and 1894, from which it will be seen that the quantity of fish landed in 1894 was nearly 5,000,000 pounds greater than in the previous year, and more than 3,000,000 pounds greater than the average for the five years in question. Tear. Pounds. Value. 1889 68, 997, 717 76,949,347 82, 154, 995 74, 801, 159 79, 651, 606 1K91 1892 . . $2, 735, 655 1893 1894 2, 229, 653 The number of separate fares of fish which entered Gloucester in 1894 was 3,583; of these, 77G were from the fishing- grounds located to the east of the sixty-sixth meridian, and 2,807 from the grounds off the Kew England coast. Of the arrivals from the eastern grounds, 177 were from La Have Bank, 148 from Grand Bank, 122 from Western Bank, 120 from Quereau Bank, and 100 from Cape Shore. Of the more western grounds, Georges Bank contributed 782 fares, Cashes Bank 225 fares, Nantucket Shoals and South Channel 99 fares, and the gen- eral shore grounds off the New England coast 1,587 fares. Cod constituted more than half the catch. The quantity of cod landed was over 35,800,000 pounds of salt fish, valued at more than $1,000,000, and about 6,000,000 pounds of dressed fresh fish, valued at $100,000. The aggregate quantity, 41,900,000 pounds, exceeded the receipts in 1893 by 3,351,600 pounds. The Grand Banks yielded more than all the other grounds combined ; upward of 18,000,000 pounds of salt cod, worth nearly $450,000, are credited to these famous banks. The catch was 358,000 jiounds less than in 1893, but this decrease was more than counterbalanced by the noteworthy increase in the produc- tion of other offshore grounds, especially La Have and Western banks, so that the aggregate recei])ts of cod from the eastern banks were greater in 1894 than in 1893 by over 400,000 pounds. Georges Bank, the most productive of the western grounds, yielded 13,600,000 pounds of fresh and salted cod, having a value of nearly $400,000, an increase of 2,295,000 pounds over the previous year. All the other grounds off the New England coast produced less than 5,000,000 pounds. F. R. 95 8 114 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The quantity and value of the receipts of other members of the cod family are as follows: Cusk, 4,804,840 pounds, $03,508; haddock, 6,109,400 pounds, $44,149; hake, 8,480,715 pounds, $57,120; pollock, 1,258,621 pounds, $8,277, a total of 20,653,582 pounds and $173,000. The principal part of the cusk and hake were taken on Cashes Bank, of the haddock on Georges Bank, and of the pollock on the inshore grounds. The total recei]>ts of these species in 1894 differed little from those in 1893; the catch of cusk and pollock was somewhat less, that of hake was about the same, while that of haddock Avas considerably more, the increase amounting to nearly 3,500,000 pounds. Grand, Quereau, Western, and Georges banks contributed the princi- pal part of the f-esh halibut landed in Gloucester, while Greenland and Iceland grounds produced practically all of the salt halibut. The receipts of fresh fish were 7,707,787 pounds, valued at $599,538, and of salt fish 1,527,480 pounds, worth $91,898. As compared with 1893 these figures show an increase of 1,118,000 pounds of fresh halibut and a decrease of 301,500 pounds of salt balibut. The Gloucester mackerel fishery in 1894 was a great disappointment. The early fishing on the Cape Shore was reported to be tbe best ever known, and many fishermen were led to believe that the mackerel had returned in their former abundance and that the season would show a very large catch. The subsequent fishing, however, was poor, and the aggregate receipts were very much less than in the previous year. Tbe fresh mackerel landed amounted to 80,662 pounds, valued at $6,259, against 48,420 pounds, worth $3,205, in 1893. The quantity of salt fish brought in was 28,705 barrels, having a value of $236,849, against 38,335 barrels, valued at $500,082, in the preceding year. The receipts from the different grounds in 1894 were as follows : Cape Shore, 19,763i barrels, $124,490; Gulf of St. Lawrence, 4,185 barrels, $58,822; New England shore, 4,756|- barrels, $53,537. As compared with 1893, there was an increased catch on the Cape Shore and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence of 6,081 barrels and a^ decrease on the New England coast of 15,711 barrels. A detailed summary of the Gloucester receipts, specified by species and fishing-grounds, is contained in the following table. In tbe case of vessels that fished on more than one ground during a single trip, their operations are credited to those grounds on which the bulk of the fish were taken. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 115 Siinunarij by Jishin'j-{/rounds of certain fishery products landed at Gloucester, Mass., In 1894 hy American fishing vessels. No. of Cod. Cusk. Fishiiig-srounds. each ground. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Lbs. lvalue. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. East of 660 W. longitude: La Have Bauk 177 122 120 20 35 497, 700 $7, 497 2. 80.=i. fi73 $99, 616 16, 937 649, 000 .*7 ^\^?, Western Bank 60, 000! 973 638, 120 2, 000 40 558. 630 Quereau Bank 15, 472 :::::: St Peters Bank 1 87, 900 102, SOO 2,313 Grand Bank l4h I7(;fi;i:r'ii n^ ififi 1 6 100 1 27 14 6 .55, KOO 839 I'.U, 130: 5, 172 132,000 1,957 213. 100 6 .^S-ifi Cape Shore 151 500 1 970 345, 000 7 9,500, 1 96.1 Off Newfoundland .... 25, 000 663 Total 776 42 3 747,500 11,306 22.728.1731 604.237 800,500 9 m^ West of 66° W. longitude : 398, 500 9n nnn 5,492 3,913 38 3,643 31,419 300 1,06b 675 $68 80 280; 21, 000 29,12111,791,775 19,214 3,000 5251 3, 000 364,512| 292,000 75'9 lifin ir.ti 4,000 179, 480 782|l,807;720 225 1 289. 800 Cashes Bank 1 48 20, 000 74, 000 50, 000 Jeffreys Ledjie 23 iion 408 690 200 Middle Bank 17 1 33, 180 2 14. 000 Off Hi-hlaud Light.... Off Chatham 1 68 8,000 611, 100 80 7,780 9!i Soutli Cl;annel 1.58. iiOO 2,312 45 31 3, 000 1, 5871, 578, 582 24,321 Shore, general 32, 380 25, 000 Ti.'i' ns (iiio- 1 nns 5,000 106 Total 2,807 5,326,782 3 583 6 074 282 90, 142 13,101,045| 397, 373 3, 812, 860 50, 247 ini .i;iH -fs «9Qf)ia 1 nm Rinu rip qroi hq 5qo 191, 480 "i9i;48o 4,170 4,176 Grand total 3, 583 0,074, „., ..„ _..,.„|., .,.., .„|„ ^ „„, „„„ Haddock. 1 Hake. rolloek. Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Lbs. Val. Lbs. Val. Lbs. ™- Lbs. Val. Lbs. Val. Lbs. Val. East of 66° west huigitude: La Have Bank 306, 300 35, 000 77, 200 $1, 800 210 491 1 491 100 iftin ifi7 3,000 $26 10, 000 $125 Cape Sliore 286,500 2,020 1,000 7 Gulf of St. Lawrence 20, 000 250 Total 418,500 2,564 11,000 132 ~ West of 66° west longitude : 313, 500 10, 000 541, 500 4,002,800 1,779 60 6,000 $60 German Bank 5. 000 30 4 000 $50 10, 000 125 Georges Bank 4, 22a, 64531 , 308 Cashes Bank i 615.5001 4.4:!0 3. C04 27, 158 48 1,146 546 38 20 7,580 15 :::::i:::::;;:' Fippenies B>ink 8, 000 147, 000 79, 000 5, 000 5,000 1, 178, 100 3, 000 371, 215 Jeti'reys Ledge 21, 5001 196 10, 900 185 20, 000 120 10, 000 50 226,100 1,426 15,000 90 81,21)1 995 188,900 1,000 1,174 6 Middle Bank Olf Highland Light. OffCliatham South Channel 2,000 15 Kantucket Shoals... Total 60 60 Grauna oil tr-nrr^ +l.a TH a^wr Vn n\n-r,A oV,n...o REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 117 The quantity of fish landed at Boston by American fishing vessels was nearly 87,500,000 pounds, with a value of over $1,600,000. The apparent inconsistency in the figures for Gloucester and Boston (the larger receipts at the latter place having much less value) is explained by the condition in which the fish were brought, a large percentage of the Gloucester fish being salted, while practically the entire receipts at Boston consisted of fresh fish. The aggregate quantity of ground fish, mackerel, and other fish brought into Boston by American fishing vessels in 1894 was larger than for any previous year. The growth of the market fisheries cen- tering at Boston is one of the most noteworthy features of the Xew England fisheries in recent years. The expansion of this branch has been largely at the expense of the salt-fish business. The following table shows the extent of the ground-fish trade during the six years ending in 1894. The receipts in the last-named year are seen to have exceeded by over 13,000,000 pounds those for 1892, the next highest year, and to have been over 19,000,000 pounds more than the average for the six vears. Tears. Pounds. 1889 46 319 693 1891 G8 026 517 1892 71,756,181 1893 65 396,342 1894 84, 486, 135 The number of trips of fish brought into Boston in 1894 was 4,537. The arrivals from tlie grounds east of the sixty-sixth meridian num- bered only 289, while 4,248 were from the grounds adjacent to the 'Sew England coast, this being in marked contrast to Gloucester, where more than one-fifth of the fares were from the far eastern grounds. The number of trips from La Have Bank was 135, from Western Bank 86, from Cape Shore GG, and from Grand Bank only 1. Georges Bank, Middle Bank, and Jeffreys Ledge each contributed between 500 and 600 fares. South Channel over 650 fares, and general shore grounds over 800 trips. Of the fishes which enter into the fish trade of Boston the haddock is preeminent. The quantity brought in during 1894 was over 39,500,000 pounds, valued at $640,000. The receipts exceeded those of the previ- ous year by over 8,000,000 pounds. The quantity taken on Georges Bank was over 13,000,000 pounds, and in South Channel nearly 10,000,000 pounds. The catch on these two grounds was 5,000,000 pounds greater than in 1893. Of the remaining grounds the most important as regards the haddock catch were Middle Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, Cashes Bank, Browns Bank, and off Highland Light. Cod ranks next to haddock in importance. The receipts at Boston were over 21,500,000 pounds, liaving a value of nearly $500,000. 118 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Georges Bank and South Channel contributed nearly half the catch, Georges alone being credited with 5,250,000 pounds. La Have Bank, Cashes Bank, Browns Bank, and Nantucket Shoals are also important grounds. The quantity of cod landed in 1894 was 5,000,000 pounds greater than in 1S93, the increase being shared by all the banks named. The quantity of hake brought to Boston was nearly 15,000,000 pounds, valued at $135,000. The South Channel yielded more hake than any other grounds, although Georges, La Have, Cashes, and Mid- dle banks and Jeffreys Ledge were also very productive grounds. The receipts of hake were over 3,000,000 pounds larger than in 1893, the increase being chiefly in the catch on La Have and South Channel. The cusk landed amounted to 5,840,000 pounds, with a market value of $75,000. Cashes and La Have banks contributed more than any other grounds. The catch iu 1894 was 1,600,000 pounds more than in the previous year. Of pollock, 000,000 pounds, valued at $12,000, were taken, principally on La Have, Cashes, and Jeffreys. The halibut receipts were 1,009,000 pounds, worth $158,000; three-fourths of this quantity came from Western, La Have, and Georges banks. The mackerel receipts at Boston in 1894 consisted of 855,000 pounds of fresh fish and 1,335,000 pounds, or 6,075 barrels, of salt fish. The grounds off Race Point and the Cape Shore yielded the principal part of the fresh and salt fish, respectively. In 1893 the quantity of both fresh and salted mackerel brought to Boston was less than in 1894. In the following table the receipts of the different fish from the various fishing-grounds are shown : Summary hy fishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Boston, Mass., in 1894 hy American fishing vessels. Fishing-grounds. No. of trips from each ground. Cod. Cusk. Haddock. Lhs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. East of 60° W. longitude : 135 86 cJ 79 528 202 21 18 13 42 517 577 220 323 111 057 111 829 2, 342, 500 985, 400 275, 000 749, 400 $52, 539 20, 165 0,875 21,702 1, 000, 000 301, 300 $12, 499 3,752 1,450,500 158, 400 $20, 700 2,754 Cape Shore 198, 000 2,641 583, 300 8 801 Cape North West of 06° W. longitude : 986, 000 5, 259, 900 1, 440, 900 72, 200 53, 800 73, 500 252, 600 885, 200 873. 750 237i 600 847, 600 368, 000 4, C90, 700 1, 095, 300 797, 980 18,390 112, 884 33,318 2,010 1,436 1,528 5,068 23, 125 21,029 6,157 20, 498 8,525 9.5,212 28, 770 19, 600 282, 800 700, 500 1, 683, 400 74, 000 9,500 1,200 3,000 157, 000 113, 600 3,483 9,532 21, 966 943 124 14 38 2,185 1,472 1, 392, 500 13, 121, 800 1,481,700 110.700 71, 600 155. 500 144, 600 2, 736, 250 2, 994, 900 257, 700 1,979.500 1, 072, 000 9, 754, 700 554, 600 1, 482, 200 17 452 195, 626 Fippenies Bank 2,020 1, 725 Clark Bank 2 248 Middle Bank 56, 187 Off Race Point 5 460 OS Highland Light . . . . Off Chatham i:!3, 000 53, 800 847, 600 2,000 280, 100 1,759 700 10, 686 25 3,381 35, 643 19, 554 155, 342 Nantucket Shoals 8. 087 27, 562 Total 4,537 21, 687, 330 498, 843 5, 840, 800 75, 200 39, 502, 450 639, 726 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF EISH AND FISHERIES. 119 Summari/ bij JisMng-grounda of certain Jiahertj products, etc. — Continued. Pisliing-grounds. Hake. PoUock. HaUbut. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. East of 06° TV. longitude : 1, 721, 100 2r,:i, 600 ;312, 500 $15,491 2,691 2,491 117, 100 12, 200 24, 400 $1, 695 179 397 315, 700 734. 300 40, 700 8,000 172, 500 223, 850 19, 200 1,000 $29, 236 Western Bank 71, 165 Cape North 480 "West of 66° W. longitude : " 1 13, 700 98, 300 138, 100 5,100 203 1, 563 1,925 62 15, 392 1,201 800 2, 308, 700 120, 500 118,500 18, 200 7,900 1, 152, 100 987, 200 G, 200 771, 900 313, 500 4, 131, 000 43, 600 1,108,300 13, 140 20, 235 1, 083 992 144 11,681 9,978 51 6,923 2,706 34, 902 353 9,723 21, 347 1,906 Fippenies Bank Tillies Bank 145 1,000 4,300 177, 500 98, 000 7, 000 28, 600 8,200 79, 100 36, 600 10 45 2,401 1, 249 70 360 70 938 415 907 14, 400 1,126 Jeffreys Ledge Middle Bank 3,230 8, 700 500 8,175 1, 900 109, 400 6,700 1,600 352 851 80 Off Highland Light Off Chatham 997 237 10, 686 Nantucket Shoals 564 152 Total 14, 863, 100 134, 774 1 922, 600 12, 489 1, 669, 855 158, 150 Mackerel.* 'Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Lba. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. ' East of 66° "W. longitude : 1,550 $70 6, 948, 450 2,445,200 275, 000 2, 783, 153 8,000 3, 068, 000 20, 769, 750 7, 072, 500 389, 500 253, 400 263, 800 412, 400 5, 119, 584 5, 112, 897 1,111,313 3, 806, 085 1,818.400 19, 073, 970 1, 738, 800 4, 995, 009 $132, 230 Grand Bank 6 875 Ciipe Shore Capo North 54, 203 $3, 431 820,400 $24, 482 250 14 67, 483 480 West of 6G3 W. longitude : 57, 032 103, 600 500 6,837 50 360 929 6 263 Ti'lies Bank 4 277 7,471 1,004 24, 697 418. 625 25, 410 120 2, 051 27, 562 2,085 6, 700 12, 050 5,188 4,900 1,000 01,470 230 803 36 98 5 3,261 9.3, 411 Middle Bank "i78,"56o' 7,000 "k',m 315 93 620 Off Kuce Point Off Highland Light Oft' Chatham 48, 309 68, 678 31 797 Nantucket Shoals 38, 220 Shore, general 331, 399 1 21, 014 ( 329, 900 18,084 590, 130 26, 392 129, 821 Total 855 938 SI 9fi'i 1 ss.'i Ron 51, 771 787, 338 37, 796 87, 465, 211 1, 668, 018 * The fares of mackerel numbered 249, of which 132 were from the general short* grounds of Now England, 92 from off' IJace Point, 14 from Cape Shore, 6 from Middle Bank, 4 from off Highland Light, and 1 from .Teffrevs Ledge. f'Otlier tish'uiiliide.s 411,600 pounds of swordfish, $33,883; 249,300 pounds of menhaden, $2,605; 99,100 pound.s ol herring, .$074; 10,400 pounds of sea catfish, or wolf-lisli, .$230; 8,000 pounds of whiting, .$40; 1,688 pounds ot shad, $14; 1,250 i)ouiids of bluetish. $.50. The swordfish fares numbered 5t, as follows: 35 from sliori> irroinids, 2:!r),;,S0 ])ounds, $22,728; 14 from Georgia s Rank, 103,000 pound.s, $6,837; 2 from Soutli Channel, .59,470 pounds, .$3,251 ; 2 from Middle Bank. 9,050 pounds, $738; 1 from .Teffrevs Leilge, 1,700 pounds, $205; 1,300 jxiunds, $124, were l)roiiglit in uitli othc'rfish from La Have, Georges, and Capo Sliore. Of herring, menhaden, and hluefish, I". 27, and 1 fares, lesjicetively, wore landed from sliore grounds. The shad, wliich came from off Race Point, and the v.hitiug, from Jeffreys Ledge and shore grounds, were taken incidentally and landed with other lish. Considering the combined fish trade of Boston and Gloucester in 1894, it appears that 8,120 fares of fish were brought in, which aggregated 1G7,11G,817 i)Ounds, and were vahied at $.3,807,671. It shoukl be under- stood that in achlition to the foregoing, very large quantities of fishery products are Innded by mercliant vessels from United States and Cana- dian ports and that the recci[)ts by rail are also imi)ortaut. The number 120 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP^ FISH AND FISHERIES. of trips in 1894 exceeded that iu 1893 by over 1,100. The increase in receipts was nearly U5,000,000 pounds, but the value of products decreased over $200,000, the value of the augmented yield of cod, had- dock, etc., not compensating- for that of the diminution in the mackerel catch. The following table is a recapitulatory comparison, by fishing- grounds, of the fish receipts in 1893 and 1894. For a more detailed exhibition of the changes in the two years, the foregoing tables may be compared with similar tables iu the previous report of this division. No. of trips. La Have Bank Western Bank Quereau Bank St. Peters Bank Green Bank Grand Banks Canso Bank Cape Shore Cape North Gulf of St. Lawrence. . Iceland and Greenland. Off Newfoiuidland Browns Bank German Bank Georges Bank Cashes Bank Fippenies Bank Tillies Bank Clark Bank Jeffreys Ledge Middle Bank Off Highland Litiht ... Off Chatham.... ^ South Channel Nantucket Shoals Shore, general 193 141 164 7 2 148 1 3 1,219 1,310 476 427 15 22 7 18 7 13 538 565 571 594 215 325 90 112 556 725 119 142 2,194 2,678 7,014 8,120 7,081,405 4, 140, 169 3, 071, 980 223. 980 48, 400 19,041,180 867, 480 5, 668, 380 1, 724, 730 1 , 845, 900 137, 250 2, 665, 900 30, 000 31, 202, 772 18, 427, 090 241, 200 66, 000 220, 000 5, 653, 365 4, 967, 530 2, 633, 785 1, o02, 132 14, 082, 550 2, 533, 800 13, 986, 070 13, 060, 397 5, 194, 723 2, 383, 033 491, 890 898, 187 19, 123, 860 261, 430 7, 605, 253 95, 200 1,202,000 1, 490, 500 264, 620 4, 784,. 670 77, 000 40, 619, 785 15, 346, 260 420, 500 253, 400 263, 800 5, 574, 784 5, 296, 10!) 3, 845, 085 1,841,40(1 21, 249, 770 2, 775, 620 12, 697, 541 167, 116, 817 $189,934 217, 859 237, 871 14, 865 4,542 572, 591 24, 361 240, 947 84, 301 103, 327 7,732 54, 95] 255 900, 849 244, 866 5,287 1, 382 4,718 104, 650 108,507 52, 411 28, 265 J85, 244 526i 013 $291, 686 275, 221 165, 559 32, 160 68, 025 532, 668 6, 929 205. 347 2, 412 66, 265 84, 752 15, 367 78, 545 1,188 873, 695 186, 717 6, 630 4,277 5,085 97, 425 95, 949 69, 036 31,947 331, 140 62, 776 307,810 3, 897, 671 The following statement is a summary comparison of the aggregate receipts at Boston and Gloucester in 1893 and 1894, each of the prom- inent fishes being shown separately: Species. Pounds. Value. 1893. 1894. 1893. 1894. Cod 54, 627, 104 33 908,780 63, 590, 830 i^ fill 8r>fi $1, 596, 010 685, 500 193, 043 140, 400 . 33,632 795, 258 612, 505 43, 499 $1,601,901 Haddock 683, 875 Hake 19, 991, 600 ; 23, 343, 815 191 900 138, 708 Pollock 3, 614, 626 9, 792, 911 9, 296, 220 1, 881, 837 2,181,221 10,905,122 8,013,400 2, 824, 933 20 766 849, 586 354, 148 other fish 56, 787 r6sum6 of reports issued. The printed articles emanating from this division in 1895 consisted of statistical and descriptive reports on the fisheries of the Great Lakes and Middle Atlantic States, a general paper on the statistical aspects of the United States fisheries, and several reports treating of special subjects, An outline of the nature and scope of these papersis given. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 121 In August, 1894, a report of the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries on the salmon industry of the Cohimbia Eiver basin was made to Con- gress, and issued as a Senate miscellaneous document. The report is based largely on data gathered by Mr. W. A. Wilcox, field agent of this division. Statistics of the Fisheries ef the United States. (Bulletin 1893, pp. 389-417.) This is a brief but comprehensive summary of the fisheries in 1890, 1891, and 1892, but principally in 1892, based on the inquiries of the statistical agents of the division. The statistics cover the fishing indus- tries of all States bordering on the coasts and Great Lakes, and show the condition of the fisheries of each State, the quantity and value of the yield of each principal product, the catch with each major form of apparatus, the actual and relative importance of United States fisheries as compared with those of other countries, and the changes in the principal i)hases of the industry as compared with 1880. The report shows the number of persons employed in the fishery industries of the coastal and Great Lakes States to have been 182,376; the amount of capital invested, $58,245,406; the value of products to the fishermen, $45,312,818. The most valuable products were oysters, worth $16,152,257; Pacific salmon, $3,710,250; Atlantic cod, $2,856,225; whalebone, oil, etc., $2,141,738; shad, $1,879,688; clams, $1,690,536; mackerel, $1,102,651; lobster, $1,050,677, and haddock, $1,045,814. This paper was primarily prepared for presentation to the World's Fishery Congress at Chicago in 1893, and is referred to in the last report of the division. Iie})ort on the Fisheries of the Great Lakes. (Report 1892, pp. 361-462.) This report represents the results of an investigation of the economic fisheries of the Great Lakes conducted by this division during the fiscal year 1802, and illustrates the condition and extent of the industry during the year ending December 31, 1890. It is a detailed statistical presentation of the various phases of the lake fisheries. The statis- tical matter and the accompanying text are arranged with a view to show, (1) the general extent of the lake fisheries and their condition as compared with 1880 and 1885; (2) the fislieries considered by lakes; (3) the fisheries considered by States, and (4) the extent and results of artificial projjagation. A feature of this paper which has not appeared in any previous report on the Great Lakes fisheries is the presentation of statistics showing the quantity of each principal fish taken with each kind of apparatus. A basis is thus furnished for determining the exist- ence of augmentation or diminution in the supply of the various fishes, the extent of the increase or decrease, and the form of fishery in which it has occurred. The extent of the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1890, as indicated by this report, was as follows: Persons employed, 9,738; capital invested, $5,362,744; pounds offish taken, 113,898,531; value of the catch to the fishermen, $2,471,7(;8, 122 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. Xotes un the Oyster Jiiditstri, of New Jersey. (Report 1892, pp. 463-528.) The importauce of the oyster industry of New Jersey and the exam- ples there aft'orded for the prosecution of oyster-culture in localities possessed of similar physical conditions make this paper timely and A^aluable. It is based on original inquiries by Mr. Ansley Hall, field agent of the division, during 1892, in the course of which all parts of the State having oyster inteiests were visited and a careful study made of the conditions, special attention being given to the methods of planting and cultivation. New Jersey now ranks fourth among the oyster-producing States, being surpassed only by Maryland, New York, and Virginia, this high rank being largely the result of advanced methods of oyster-culture. While the New Jersey Agricultural Exi)eriment Station has devoted considerable attention to the embryology and natural history of the oyster, no comprehensive account of the economic conditions of the industry in that State had appeared since 1880. The report discusses the history and present condition of the indus- try in each of the three iuiportant oyster regions, viz : (1) The northern coast of New Jersey, (2) the ocean side of New Jersey, and (3) the New Jersey side of Delaware Bay (Maurice Eiver Cove). The methods and conditions here prevailing are, in many respects, dissimilar to those in any other State, and there are many phases of the subject which afford suggestive information of gieat value, not only to States in which the artificial iiroduction of oysters has but recently been undertaken, but those in which successful cultivation has long been practiced. The most recent data contained in the report relate to the calendar year 1892, during which 4,351 persons were directly* engaged in the oyster industry of the State, $1,393,892 was invested, and 1,097,228 bushels of marketable oysters were obtained, for which the producers received $1,220,878. A Bibliography of ruhlications in the English Language relative to Oysters and the Oyster Industries. (Report 1892, pp. 305-359.) Although the literature relative to the oyster and the oyster indus- tries is very rich and comprehensive, yet it is so widely distributed through publications and periodicals of almost every description that the casual inquirer has difticulty in finding references to reports of any special branch of the oyster business. This compilation is intended to supi)ly the need experienced by many i)ersons interested in the litera- ture of this important subject. The pai>er gives the titles and descrip- tions of 510 separate publications, the work of 278 authors. Of these articles, 294 Avere issued in the United States, 2G in Canada, 170 in England, 25 in Scotland, 10 in Ireland, and 15 in various other couu- tries. Of the American publications, 73 were printed by the United States Fish Commission; of these, 25 were translations aud48oiigiual articles. A brief account of the scope of most of the publications is given, and abstracts of imi)()rtant or interesting statements occurring in some of the i>a])crs enhance the value of the article. A subject index REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 123 and an index of autliors facilitate the finding of works on special topics and the papers of individual writers. Koles on a Ileconnoissance of the Fisheries of the Pacific Coast of the United States in 1S94. (Bulletin 1894, pp. 223-288.) The inquiry on wliicli this paper is based was made in May and June, 1894, and is referred to in the previous report of the division. The article embodies the results of observations on the condition of the salmon industry of the different sections that it was deemed advisable to visit; the development of the market fishery and the sardine indus- try; the history, growth, and present extent of the sturgeon fishery of the Columbia Kiver; and notes on several other branches of the fish- eries that possess special interest. A special feature of the paper is the i)resentation of detailed statistical data showing for certain appa- ratus, fishermen, and j-ears the fluctuations in the catch of different kinds of salmon in various parts of the Columbia River. A statistical Eeport on the Fisheries of the Middle Atlantic S,atcs. (Bulletin 1894, pp. 339-467.) This completes the series of papers on the economic fisheries of the diflerent geographical coast sections, the regions for which reports have been previously issued being the Kew England States, the Pacific States, the Gulf States, and the South Atlantic States, iu the order named. The present paper is based entirely on original field investiga- tions carried on by agents of this division during parts of the fiscal years 1891, 1892, and 1893; and the statistics and other information obtained relate to the calendar years 1889, 1890, 1891, and 1892. The statistical matter consists of (1) general condensed tables showing by States the extent of the fishery industry in the entire region, (2) detailed data for each State by counties, (3) a series of tables giving the extent of some of the more important fisheries, and (4) comparisons with 1880. In the items of persons engaged and the value of the products the commercial fisheries of the Middle Atlantic States are more important than those of any other geographical section of the United States; but the amount of capital invested is much less than in the Kew England States. The returns show that during the last year covered bj^ the statistics 90,923 persons Avere engaged in the various branches of the industry; $19,318,604 was invested in the vessels, boats, apparatus, and other property employed; and the value of the products at first hands amounted to $19,023,474. This represents an increase since 1880 of 51.91 per cent in the number of persons employed, 32.35 per cent in value of investment, and 13 ]ier cent in the value of the yield. The branches that are noticeably important and surpass in value those of all other i-egions combined are the fisheries for oysters, clams, shad, menhaden, bluefish, squeteagiie, crabs, alewives, striped bass, sea bass, white perch, yellow perch, Spanish mackerel, and terrapin. During the last year reported the value of the oysters taken was $12,402,925; clams, $1,222,495; shad, $1,216,589; menhaden, $615,829; bluefish, $591,479, and squeteague, $480,887. 1 -REPORT UPON THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE U. S. FISH COMMISSION STEAMER ALBATROSS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1895. (ABSTRACT.) By Lieut. Commander F. J. Drake, U. S. N., Commanding. On July 1, 1894, the Albatross was in latitude 57° 22' N., longitude 167° 36' W., 86 miles ENE. from St. Paul Island, Bering Sea, in search of sealers and pelagic sealing vessels. A few seals were observed in that locality, playing about the ship, jumping and diving. The weather was cloudy, low overcast, settling into a fog during the evening. The course was laid for Shaw Bay, and tbe run made in a dense fog with light northerly wind. The coast of Unimak Island was sighted the afternoon of the 2d about 9 miles west of Cape Lapin, after running in by soundings to 10 fathoms, as the fog hung low, obscuring the bluffs, and the shore only a few feet above the surf could be distinguished. Feeling our way along the shore to the northward and eastward, Cape Lapin was rounded with the intention of entering Shaw Bay. The fog shutting down thick, prevented search for sealers in Shaw Bay, and the Albatross was therefore put offshore in the vicinity of Unimak Pass for the night. The current around Cape Lapin was found to have a velocity of 2i to 3 knots per hour, setting to the westward. The next morning, July 3, we stood in for Akutan. The fog lifting gave the outline of the island in relief against a bank to the south- ward. Approaching that island from the north two currents are encountered, an offshore current 20 miles from the island setting in an opposite direction to the inshore current, east and west. Entering Akutan Bay, on a SSE. (magnetic) course, at a distance of 2 miles from Akun Island, opens out the bay between these islands and dis- closes the entrance of Akutan Harbor by a bold, black bluff" facing the southeast point of the island. When abreast of a prominent pinnacle rock on the Akun shore, 1 miles from the entrance, stand across the bay on a SSW. (magnetic) course. Kounding the bluff", at a distance of half a mile on the starboard hand, opens the bay, disclosing tbe settlement on the north shore, situated on a projecting spit, which is steep. Steer a midchannel course and anchor close to the shore abreast of the village in 18 fathoms, or proceed to the head of the bay, 11 miles above the village, and select anchorage in 5 to 7 fathoms. Owing to the short stay of the Albatross, we anchored off' the village in 18 fathoms, soft bottom, two ship's lengths from the beach, with the Greek church bearing NW. ^ N. (magnetic). The bay is about 3 125 126 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. miles in lengtli, f to 1^ miles in width, and free from outlying rocks except at the bluff, north entrance, which it is well to give a berth of one-fourth mile at least. A Greek frame church and 6 frame houses belonging to the Alaska Commercial Company, and 14 barabaras, con- stitute the village. The population numbers 06 all told, 33 males and 33 females. Fishing and fox and sea-otter hunting are their only employ- ments. At the time of our visit the men were away on the Sannak Islands engaged in otter-hunting for the company. Fishing is pursued only as a means of subsistence. The seining and fishing parties sent out from the ship were not successful, owing to the limited space over which they were able to work. With sufficient time to make an exam- ination of Akutan Harbor favorable results would probably be obtained relative to its fishery resources. A late spring had somewhat retarded the verdure, yet the snow was fast disappearing from the base of the hills, and wild flowers were budding forth. A prominent landmark, look- ing up the valley at the head of the bay, is the lofty peak of Akutan Volcano, skirted by an unbroken snow-belt and sending out clouds of smoke and steam. On leaving Akutan Harbor we ran into a dense fog at the entrance, which was carried until our arrival in Dutch Harbor. The course was laid 4 miles off the north shore of Akutan, SW. ^ S. In a run of 18 miles on this course a set SSE. of 8 miles was experi- enced, which brought us up in Kalekhta Bay, east of Cape Kalekhta, at 8 p. m. A course was then laid NW. ^ W. 20 miles, then S W. i S. 20 miles, then SB. i E., picking up Unalaska Island at 9 a. m. July 4, and running in by the lead to 8i fathoms a good anchorage was found on a little plateau in one of the small bays which indent this coast. A dense fog prevailing, the boats were sent out and made a reconnoissance, Avhich located us 7 miles west of Wislow Bay. The ship was dressed at each masthead and a salute of 21 guns fired at noon in honor of the day. Getting under way at 1 p. m. we picked our way along the coast, rounded Cape Cheerful, and anchored in Dutch Harbor at 4.10 p, m. Found the U. S. S. Mohican and Petrel in port ; also the coal ship Iroquois, steam collier Willamette, and whaling bark G. H. Bailey. Orders were received from the commander in chief "to proceed to the Pribilofs for the purpose of landing Messrs. Townsend and Miller, to communicate with the senior naval ofllicer, then to further ])roceed to the southern entrance of Isanotski Strait, and there report to the com- manding officer of the Petrel for such instructions as he might give in regard to the examination to be made of the anchorages to which small vessels resort in and around the Sannak Islands. When the duty is comi)leted return to the Isanotski Pass, anchor in it where sealing vessels that may attempt to pass through can be intercepted, then proceed with the repairs upon the boilers and engines that were inter- rupted. Complete them within six days, and then return to Unalaska." Accordingly, the Albatross was coaled on the 7th and sailed at G a. m. the 8th. Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, the agent of the ^N^orth American (com- mercial Comi)auy, desiring passage to the Pribilofs, came on board as INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 127 my guest. The evening of the 8th closed with every indication of approaching bad weather. On the 9th, 10th, and 11th it blew a stiff gale from the S W., was overcast and rainy, moderating by noon of the 12th. St. George was made, running in by soundings, on the morning of the 9th. A good anchorage was found off the village, north side, in 9i fathoms, where the Albatross rode out the gale in company with the U. !S. S. Alert until the 12th. A heavy snrf prevented any com- munication with the shore. The appearance of the weather not indicat- ing a settled condition, with the barometer fluctuating between 30.2G and 29.70, and a heavy fog hanging over the island, and no immediate prospect of landing IVIessrs. Townsend and Miller with their outfit in order to photograph the rookeries on St. George, it was therefore decided to try St. Paul, and to return to St. George at a later date. Accordingly, the Albatross got under way at 11 a. m. on the 12tli and anchored at 8.30 -p. m. on the nortli side of St. Paul, where the U. S. S. Ranger was still at anchor riding out the gale. Messrs. Brown, Town- send, and Miller were safely landed with their outfit, when the Albatross left at 11 p. m. for Isanotski Strait. • The next day wja were obliged to stop the engines for several hours in order to replace two dowel pins which had suddenly broken off, but were under way again at 4.40 p. m. In latitude 50° 35' N., longitude 108° 18' W., St. George bearing WSW. i W. (magnetic), distant 44 miles, we sounded in 59 fathoms, green mud and sand. During our wait a fishing trial of thirty minutes with an average of 13 lines revealed a fair fishing station, Hyd. No. 3502. The catch consisted of 70 cod 5 average weight, 10| pounds; average length, 30 inches. Off Unimak Pass, in Bering Sea, we overhauled and boarded the Uranus, fisherman, ninety-three days out from San Francisco. She is a three-masted schooner owned by 0. G. Jorgensen, carries a crew of 14 men, and is equipped with 9 dories and 1 ordinary boat. She had been fishing along the south shore and islands of the Alaska Peninsula, but with small success, and was on the way to Baird Bank, cod fishing. Sunday, July 15, we arrived at the mouth of Isanotski Strait, Ikatan Bay, and an(;hored, having run a line of soundings from Cape Lazareff, IS miles west of Cape Pankof, to Ikatan Bay, at an average distance of 1 mile from shore. The shelf appears to sloj^e gradually from 25 fathoms off Cape Pankof to GO fathoms off Cape Lazareff, the bottom being composed of dark and gray sand and gravel. A short reconnoissance was made of Ikatan Bay on the 10th, to locate headlands. In the afternoon we entered the pass at high water and steamed up to Morzhovoi village, a distance of 8 miles. Found an anchorage in the middle of the cove off the village, in 4i fathoms, with the Greek church beaiing S. ^^ E, (magnetic), nuuldy bottom, and good holding-ground. A high bluff on the north side forms a good protec- tion from northerly winds, which, however, are drawn through the cove with much force at times from the eastward. The harbor is landlocked and is a safe anchorage in all winds except from the southwest. 128 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fishing, liiiuting, aud seiniug parties were sent out. Flounders, sculpins, small cod, salmon, salmon trout, sea trout, and clams were found liere. On certain week days during the salmon season the seine is hauled by the native women, who wade into the water up to their shoulders while the men stand on the shore and direct their movements. The settlement of Morzhovoi village consists of 34 males and 40 females, of native blood, and whites. Several low frame houses, the property of the Alaska Commercial Company, a (xreek frame church, and a number of barabaras constitute the dwellings. The village is situated on a low sloping bluff, terminating in a rocky and gravelly spit on the south shore of the cove. Bear, fox, and otter hunting are the principal occupations. Our stay of three days at this port gave us the first opportunity in the cruise to overhaul the engines and make some repairs which were absolutely necessary. In the meantime the officers of the ship made a reconnoissance of the harbor (Traders Cove), and Isanotski Strait, or False Pass, as it is commonly known, running lines of soundings and correcting the shore line, which was much oat, thereby doing some valuable work in developing tliis locality for future navigation. From careful inquiry and statements made by the traders and natives at this port, I found that during a brief period of about twelve days in the first part of June, fur-seals are observed to pass into Bering Sea by this route. Then all traces of them disappear as suddenly as they came. The tides in Traders Cove are much influenced by the jirevailing winds. A backset, however, is observed in the ebb tide, making a long and short tidal interval of 15'^ 30™ flood and 8^^ 30'" ebb. Leaving Morzhovoi on the morning of July 20, the Albatross passed out of Isanotski Strait with a strong ebb tide and dense fog, mak- ing about 16 knots over the ground. At 10.20 a. m. anchored in Ikutan Bay near the TJ. S. S. Petrel, which was waiting our arrival in order to proceed to the Sannak Islands. In Ikutan Bay good holding- ground is found in a small cove immediately west of Ikatok Point, on the south side of the bay, which offers good protection from southeast- erly, southerly, and southwesterly winds aud sea. For northeasterly, northerly, and northwesterly weather, a safe anchorage is found on the north side of the bay west of Sankin Island, close to and under the bluff east of the entrance to the strait. Both anchorages are free from the rush of tide, which has a velocity of 7 to 9 knots in the pass. In this bay were found young salmon, salmon trout, tomcod, sand lance, flounders, and sea trout. Cod and halibut were caught in large numbers with hand lines. On July 22 got under way in company with the U. S. S. Petrel, and stood over for the Sanuaks. Commenced a line of soundings abreast of Cape Pankof, bearing SW. ^ S., distant 1 mile, and continued same with 3-niile intervals to Acherk Harbor, Sannak Island. The deepest water between Cape Pankof and Acherk Harbor was found IJ miles ESE. from Cape Pankof, where it reaches 50 fathoms. It shoals gradually INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 129 the shore. A thick fog shutting down prevented a continuation of the hue of soundings aloug the north shore of the Sannaks. We therefore anchored iu the entrance to Acherk Harbor in 11 fathoms, soft bottom. The steam cutter was lowered and equipped for a two-days' run, in order to make an examination of the harbors and shore line of the north and east sides of these islands. Taking the whaleboat of the Petrel in tow, the cutter left the ship, in charge of Ensign \Y. E. Shoe- maker, U. S. Navy, assisted by Ensign M. L. Bristol, U. S. ISTavy, from the Petrel. The cruise of the cutter was successful as far as searching the coast line and harbors for the i>resence of seals and sealers is con- cerned. They covered a distance of 40 miles, and returned without accident, having run the greater i)ortion of the distance in a dense fog, working in and out among the reefs, which are numerous around the harbors of these islands. The following day, July 23, it blew fresh from the SW,, with thick fog, and heavy sea breaking on the reefs half a mile to the westward of our anchorage. These reefs form a good breakwater to vessels lying at anchor in the entrance to Acherk Harbor in 10 or 12 fathoms of water. As the weather did not improve, it therefore became impos- sible to make an examination of the bottom on the north side of the islands within the limited space of time allowed. Hence the Albatross left Acherk Harbor in the forenoon of July 21 to return to Dutch Har- bor, Unalaska. A dense fog was carried to Uniniak Pass, when it lifted sufficiently to lay a course through the pass. The next morning fell in with the American bark J. D. Peters, of San P'rancisco, returning from Port Clarence. Sent oflicer on board to warn him. Came to anchor at 11 a. m. Found the U. S. S. Mohican imd Alert in port. The Petrel arrived the same evening, and the Concord on the 29th. Coaled on the 27th and 28tli, and sailed on the 30tli to cruise to the westward and northwestward of the Pribilof Islands, outside of the 60-mile zone. A detour was made to the westward of Dutch Harbor for a distance of 101 miles, which xilaced us in the SW. quadrant, 100 miles from St. George, at noon of the 3 1st of July. Having sighted none of the sealers which had cleared for Bering Sea on the 28th, the course was then laid for St. (reorge in order to pick up the naturalists, who had been left at the Pribilofs on our previous visit. We arrived oif St. George and anchored off the village on the morn- ing of August I : found the U. S. S. Adams there. Left mail for St. George, and got under way for St. Paul Island, where we arrived at 6 p. m., and found Messrs. Townsend and Miller, who came on board. We sailed that evening for a cruise to the northwest of the Pribilofs. On August 3 and 4 a line of soundings was run in order to develop the platform in this region. The line terminatod in latitude 00° 25' N"., lon- gitude 178° 40' W., 125 miles from Cape Nazarin, eastern Siberia, bearing IST. 29° W. true. The appearance of bad weather a])proa('hing, together with a limited coal supply, prevented further continuation of the line F. R. 95 9 130 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. of soundiugvsto the lOOfathom curve, which was probably within a dis- tance of 45 miles north of our position. A summer gale, common to this section, set in and blew for 3G hours from the southward and east- ward, compelling- ns to lay a course to the northward and eastward. Accordingly, we worked over to the vicinity of St. Matthew Island, and then shaped a course to the southward and westward in order to ascertain presence of seals and sealers in this region. August 7 and 8 were days of fair sealing weather, with comparatively smooth sea and light airs from the southward. Passing to the south- west through this quadrant, at an average distance of 75 to 90 miles from St. Paul, many seals were observed. Outside of 200 miles from St. Paul, northwest, no seals were visible. By stopping the engines and allowing the ship to lie passive in the water, as many as 20 seals were counted alongside within a few feet of the ship, some playing and jumping, api)arently young seals, from their smaller size, while the larger size were principally sleeping. By sending out a boat with Mr. Townsend and a camera several photographs were obtained of seals, both asleep and playing. Over 30 were counted by the boat's crew within the^pace of one hour at a distance of less than half a mile from the ship. A fishing trial was made at this i^lace, latitude 58° 2' N., longitude 172° 57' W., in 61 fathoms, which resulted in a catch of 37 cod ; aver- age weight 15 pounds, average length 28 inches; 19 males, 18 females. An analysis of the contents of the stomachs showed this to be a rich feeding-ground. Cruising on the 9th in the southwest sealing belt, numerous seals were seen going to and coming from the islands at a distance of 20 miles outside of the 60 mile limit. The 10th of August was a perfect sealing day, smooth sea, with long swell from the SW. and light airs from east. At 5.20 a. m., latitude 55° 55' N., longitude 171° 45' W., St. George Island bearing NE. i N. (mag- netic), distant 91 miles, we encountered large schools of seals of different sizes, some playing and jumping, others sleeping. The beating of the propellers would awake the sleeping seals at a distance of 150 to 200 yards, when they would dive and disappear. Surfoce and intermediate tow-nets were put over twice, the latter at a depth of 50 fathoms. The surface net showed numerous larval crabs, small crustaceans, and fish eggs. The intermediate not contained numerous small crustaceans and sagitta. The surface temperature was 44°; at 5 fathoms 43.5°; 10 fathoms 43° F. Large schools of seals have been observed within a radius of 75 miles of the Pribilofs in an arc extending from NW. to S W. and S. By stopping the ship, and thereby the noise of the propel- lers in the water, seals soon appear upon the surface and approach within a few feet of the vessel. In this way numerous schools have been counted, whereas with the ship under way only an occasional seal would be seen at a distance. Falling in with the British sealer Mascot, of Victoria, I placed on Imard a tank of alcohol, in which stomach specimens of seals were to be placed, to be forwarded to Mare Island, thus obtaining additional data INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 131 of interest in determining the nature of i^elagic species upon which seals feed, and tlie locahty of the same. Eunniiig short of coal, a return was made to Dutch Harbor, where we arrived on the 11th instant, having steamed 2,032.8 miles since our departure. After coaling, the Albatross proceeded on the 17th to con- tinue the cruisB among the sealers in the northwest, west, and south- west quadrants outside the prohibited zone. On August 19 called at St. George and left orders for vessels at the islands ; then continued our cruise to NW. The evening of the 19th, 20th, and 21st we were hove to in a strong gale, which proved to be a circular storm commenc- ing in the SE., hauling to the southward and then to NW., from which point it blew itself out on the third day. The 22d and 23d were hardly- day s for sealing, as the sea was still rough and irregular, with fresh breezes from the northward. We stood across the sealing belt 150 miles to the westward of St. Paul and back to the CO-mile limit, zigzagging our course as circum- stances dictated, in order to intercept sealers in this locality. Only two, however, were encountered, the Mary Ellen and the Rosie Olsen, both of Victoria. They had both returned from the Japan coast, and had taken to date in Bering Sea 07 and 42 fur seals, respectively. Dur- ing the 24th we encountered another strong gale and heavy sea from the southward and eastward, which compelled us to lie to until the the 25th. We then stood away to the southward and eastward for purpose of intercepting any sealers in this portion of the sealing belt which had been blown oif their ground during the late gales. Only one vessel was boarded, the Walter A. Earle, of Victoria, 95 miles SW, ^ S. (magnetic) from St. Paul Island. His catch at this time was 238 seals. A traverse course was then made, crossing and recrossing the sealing belt in the southern region, in which several seals were seen, but no sealers. During the gales a great many seals were seen making their way, as a rule, toward the islands. During the ten days passed in cruising in the NW. and SW. quad- rants, only one day was found in which sealers would lower boats. The captains of sealers were of the opinion that favorable sealing weather for the season had ended, and conditions pointed to an early close of the sealing season by the middle of Sei)tember, as the few remaining days in which seals could be taken would not cover the expense of delay in the sea. The sealers all reported that five days out of seven were not seal- ing days on account of the numerous gales and strong winds which had occurred during the season. Hence, they looked for worse conditions in Se])tember. Moreover, the Indian hunters were becoming restless, and would not do good work except there was a prospect of an early return for the home port in September. From interviews with sealers, I found thiit the great majority had planned to leave the sea about the 10th of September; a few vessels which had white hunters might remain until later in the season. We continued cruising in the same (piadrants of the sealing belt on the 2Gth, and at 3 p. m. of the 27th August were again at anchor in Dutch Harbor. 132 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Referring- to the use iu this paper of the terms "sealing belt," and certain "quadrants" of the same, I quote bere an extract from a letter addressed by me to the Commissioner, under date of August 27, 1894, which will explain the subject: From a careful examinatiou of the ground jiassed over by the Albatross during this summer'a work in Bering Sea, in connection with the reports thus far obtained from sealers boarded and the locality in which seals have been taken in the sealing belt surrounding tlio prohibited zone, it appears that the sealing-grouiid for this year has been confined to the western, southern, and southeastern portions of the belt circumscribing the prohibited zone, and which is defined by two radii from St. Paul Island: one N. 51° W. tiue, the other S. 81^ E., covering an arc of 210°. The soiitheastern and southern belts average 50 miles in width. The western belt varies from 50 to 75 miles, owing to the nature of the plateau in this locality as outlined by tlie 100-fathom curve. It is to be observed that a strong northerly set occurs in this locality which is not materially afl'ected by northerly winds, but more properly by the topographical features of the bed of this portion of Bering Sea, connecting with the Aleutian chain of islands to the southward, which undoubtedly control the surface, subsurface, and warmer currents of the Japan stream passing into the sea. There is a possibility that this could bring with it certain pelagic species which would be sustained at or near the surface by the warmer subsurface currents rising as they approach the plateau, thereby making tins a favorite feeding ground, for in this locality some of the largest catches have already occurred, reaching as high as 250 per diem per sealer. Tlie area of the western belt is 10,938 square miles. On the northwestern plateau of this belt 2,536 square miles are inside of the 100-fathom curve, in which its north- eastern border commences in 65 fathoms; it then slopes gradually to the 100-fathom curve. The remaining portion of this belt, 8,402 square miles (77 per cent of the western belt), occupies the slope of the southwestern face of this plateau, varying in depth from the 100-fathom curve to 1,800 fathoms at its western limit. The area of the southern belt is 6,700 square miles. Its eastern border commences at the 100-fathom curve on the southeastern plateau and slopes gradually to 1,700 fathoms at its western border connecting with the western belt. The area of the southeastern belt is 4,950 square miles. Its northeastern border commences in 54 fathoms ; it then slopes gradually to the 100-fathom curve, connect- ing with the southern belt. Sqii.'ire miles. Total area of sealing belt 22, 588 Area of sealing belt on plateau 7, 486 Sixty-seven per cent of the sealing belt is therefore in deep water, outside of the 100-fathom curve. We remained in Dutch Harbor, undergoing minor repairs and taking coal, until the morning of September 4, when we went to sea under orders from the commander in chief. Off the entrance to Unalaska Bay we fell in with and spoke the British schooner Kilmeny, of Victoria, with GOO seal skins, and the American schooner Beeahl-s, of Port Townsend, with 850 skins. They were both bound for Unalaska for water and ])ro visions, and expected to leave the sea between the lOtli and 15th of September. The same afternoon, off Aknn Island, we boarded the American schooner Jane Grey^ of San Francisco, with 138 seal skins. She had entered the sea from the Japan coast by May of Attn and was now bound home. The 5th and Otli were occupied in cruising to the southward of the GO-mile zone, and at noon of the latter date we fell in with and boarded the British schooner Walter L. Rich, of Victoria, with a catch iu Bering Sea of 1,738 seals. This vessel was INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 133 bound home also. Leaving Ler off the entrance to Unimak Pass, the course was set for Dutch Harbor, where we arrived at 8.30 p. m. The Albatross was coaled, and again went to sea at noon of the 8th, for a cruise around the Pribilofs. In order to expedite matters and avoid possible delays, I transferred Messrs. Townseud and Miller to the revenue cutter Corwin before leaving port, arrangements having been made for that vessel to convey them to the islands. On the even- ing of the 8th we fell in with and boarded the American schooner Alii e I. Alger, of Seattle, bound to Unalaska for water and provisions, and thence home. She had been in the sea thirty-four days, and had taken 327 seals. The following morning spoke the British schooner Triumph, of Victoria. This sealer was to leave the sea for home in two days; had been in the sea forty days, and had taken 3,014 seals. A traverse was run inside the OO-mile circle, touching a 40-mile circle around the Pribilofs, between the 9th and 11th of September, in which only a moderate blow was encountered on the night of the 10th. On the morning of the 11th it was decided to make a lee of St. George, then 40 miles distant, and verify our position. The island was picked up in a dense fog, and the coarse then shaped for St. Paul, making a run for Otter Island in a moderate cross sea. The latter island was not seen, owing to the dense fog, but was located by the heavy surf pounding on the beach. Then the course was changed for Village Cove anchorage, where we came to off Pocky Point reef in 17 fathoms, after making three attempts to find our way inside in the dense fog prevail- ing. The fog lifting the next morning revealed our position to be inside of the reef, bearing east (magnetic), and 3 miles from the anchorage in the cove. We got under way at G a. m,, steamed in, and anchored near the revenue cutter Coricin. Messrs. Townseud and Miller came on board and reported their work finished on both St. George and St. Paul islands in counting the dead pups on the rookeries. We left St. Paul at early daylight on September 13, with weather moderately clear. Passed St. George at 11 a. m., on the starboard beam 3 miles distant, and shaped course to finish traverse where it was suspended on the 11th. Punning this out, with moderate weather prevailing, we returned to Dutch Harbor, coaled, and sailed again on the 17th for a short cruise between Unimak Pass and the Pribilofs in search of sealers. Found a rough cross sea running from the north, ward and westward during the two days we were out, the result of one of the numerous gales passing along the chain of islands at this season of the year. It was evident that most of the sealers had left the sea within a short time, owing to the steadily unfavorable weather i)revailing. We returned to Dutch Harbor again on the evening of the 18th, coaled, and received final orders to return to Mare Island via Sitka and Port Townseud. We left Dutch Harbor on the 20th at 11 a. m., with threatening weather, and passed out of liering Sea through Unimak Pass that evening. A westerly wind kept the fog banked in Bering Sea, which enabled us to lay a course for Cape Pankof, passing to the northward of the Sannak Islands and reefs. The night being clear, we 134 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. were treated to an exceptionally fine view of Sliishaldine Volcano in active operation, sending forth a constant flame, with occasional belch- ing, which presented a fine panoramic view of the heavily snow-capped peaks and intervening ranges. In fact, bearings were frequently taken of the volcano, which served in a measure as a light-house, although only approximately located. The morning of the 21st found ns entering the inside passage of the chain of islands between the Sannaks and the Shumagin group. At 7 p. m. we passed out of Gorman Strait and laid course for Sitka. On the 23d we were compelled to lay to for an easterly gale. The remainder of the passage to Sitka was made against a head wind and sea. Mount Edgecomb was sighted at noon of the 26tli, distant 60 miles; at 7.40 p. ni. we came to an anchor under Mount Edgecomb in 18^ fathoms, soft bottom, with St. Lazaria Island bearing SSW. (magnetic), distant three-fourths of a mile. This anchorage was found to be apparently unaffected by the change of tide, as we lay all night heading on the beach, north (magnetic). The morning of the 27th we steamed into Sitka Harbor, going alongside the dock to coal. A photograph was taken of the Government storehouse and coal pile, which was for- warded to the Bureau of Equipment at their request. A southerly gale set in on the 28th, with a slowly falling barometer, giving indica- tions of a spell of bad weather off the coast. It was therefore decided to take the inland passage from Sitka to Port Townsend, whore we arrived on the morning of October 7. After receiving our mail, we steamed to New Whatcom for coal, finding the U. S. S. Monterey there. We coaled and sailed for San Francisco on the 10th, sto^^piug en route at Victoria, to land Messrs. Townsend and Alexander, in order that they might continue their investigation of the seal catch for the season. A fair run was made to San Francisco, without nnusual events. A heavy fog set in off Point Reyes, compelling us to proceed with caution. The whistling buoy in the fairway off' the bar was picked up at 1.2,") a. m., and course laid inside with a strong ebb running. At 3.12 a. m., Octo- ber 14, came to anchor in Sausalito Bay, having steamed, since April 11, 17,206.3 miles. October 17 the Albatross steamed to Mare Island for repairs and general overhauling. On the 20tli the Navy Department telegraphed "The services of the Albatross are no longer required by the Navy Department." The Albatross accordingly returned to duty under the Fish Commission, and was so reported to the Commissioner. Extensive repairs and changes in the hull of the vessel and her equip- ment were at once begun, and occupied something over four months, the Commissioner being telegraphed on May 11 that tlie Albatross would be ready to sail by May 20. We left Mare Island at 7.20 a. m., May 18, for Sausalito anchorage preparatory to going to sea. On the way down the bay adjusted new standard and steering compasses, besides visiting several establishments located on the nortli shore of San Pablo Bay (near Brothers Islands), wliich arc engaged in catching and drying large quantities of fish for the market and exportation. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 135 This industry is apparently fast depleting the waters of this bay, owing to the small size of the smelt, whitetish, and herring which are caught and dried. The Albatross anchored in Sausalito at 1.20 p. m. In addition to the complement allowed by the Navy Department, the authorization of the Commissioner for the enlistment of ten men (five seamen and five ordinary seamen) and one machinist for the cruise, in order to bring the force up to the required cruising complement, was complied with. Genernl instructions outlining the summer's work in Bering Sea were received on the 2d of May, being classed under the four heads: "Seal- ing investigations at sea," "Observations on the Pribilof Islands," "Fisheryinvestigations,"aud "Hydrographic inquiries." TheAlhatross sailed from Sausalito, passing out of the Golden Gate on the afternoon of the 21st of May, taking the Bonito Channel in order to avoid the heavy sea on the bar, which prevented sailing on the 20th instant. Point Reyes was rounded at 11 p. m., when we encountered a heavy head sea and wind. This was carried until the 23d, when it moderated. The 21th set in with a SE. gale, which we carried to anchorage in iSTeah Bay on the evening of May 25. Observations with regard to pelagic sealing and sealers were commenced here, as set forth in instructions. On May 26, C a. m., we got under way, stood up the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and at 2.03 p. m. anchored off Victoria, where additional infor- mation was obtained relative to the number and class of sealers which will enter Bering Sea this summer. On May 28 the Albatross proceeded to Port Townsend, where a list of the Puget Sound fleet of Bering Sea sealers was obtained. Additional instructions were received here by which the Albatross was enabled to pursue sealing investigations at sea, among them being an executive order giving the commanding officer of the steamer Albatross authority to board sealing vessels, and defining the status of this ship with regard to the patrol fleet under the management of the Treasury Department. Mr. Frederick W. True, curator of mammals in the United States National Museum, and Mr. D. W. Prentiss, jr., also from the National Museum stafl', reported on board for passage to the Pribilof Islands for the purpose of making a study of the fur-seals on those islands. Mr. A. B. Alexander also Joined the ship here. On May 31, at 9.30 a. m., we left Port Townsend, passed through Haro Strait to Pender Island, where we anchored for the night in Otter Bay. An early departure was made the next morning, standing on through Active Pass and up the Strait of Georgia for Comox, Union Bay, wliere we coaled ship on June 3. At 7 a. m. of the 4tli we took our departure from Comox and stood out of Baynes Sound, through Lam- bert Channel, and up Georgia Strait, and entered Discovery Passage, steaming through Seymour Narrows at high water. A heavy SW. gale blowing off the coast, with low overcast, producing strong winds in Johnstone Strait, made it advisable to anchor in Blinkinsop Bay for the night, v.'here we rounded to under the North Blufl; after enter- ing the bay, letting go the anchor at 7.12 p. m. in G^ fathoms. A 136 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. table flat of sand and clay covers one-half the area of this bay. It is dry at low water and is to be avoided in choosing- an anchorage, as the shoal is abrupt, going from G fathoms to G feet. It extends along the north shore of the bay within 200 yards of a white bluff, then curves to the tSE., with a short projecting spit in the middle of the bay, to a small island on the south shore. A good landing on the north sliore will be found at high water. The holding-ground is good, with smooth water and good protection from heavy SW. winds. Although the SW. blow had not decreased during the night, we got under way the next morning and stood on through Johnstone Strait to Alert Bay, Cormorant I.sland. Seining and fishing parties were sent out here, but nothing new was developed. Mr. S])encer, the owner of the cannery at this port, informed me that the canning indus- try in these waters is rapidly increasing. Leaving Alert Bay on the morning of June G, we passed out to sea through Goletas Channel, clear- ing the latter at noon, and shaped a course for the Shumagin Islands. June 7 was ushered in with heavy swell and seas from the southward and westward, the weather becoming boisterous, ending up with a SW. gale, which shifted around to a southeaster, with much rain and mist, making it impossible to distinguish objects at a distance of half a mile. Under these conditions, however, the Shumagius were sighted on the 13th, and, passing through Gorman Strait, we anchored at Sand Point that evening in order to intercept the mail steamer from Unalaska, Avhich was scheduled to leave on this date. This port has practically been deserted by sealers, only one having put in here this season, the Mary Taylor, of Victoria. Leaving Sand Point on the morning of June 15, the run was made to Unalaska, taking the inside passage nortliof the Shumagin and Sannak islaiuls, a gale still blowing outside, with fog and ram. We arrived at Unalaska at 11.30 a. m. on the IGth and found the following vessels of the patrol fleet in port, viz : Rush, Bear, Corwin, and (Jrant. The Perry was at the Pribilofs. Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, curator in the United States National Museum, arrived in the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Bertha on the 17th and reported on board for passage to the Commander Islands. We steamed out of Dutch Harbor on the morning of the 23d of June, Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, manager and representative of the North Amer- ican Commercial Company, taking passage with us to St. Paul. We arrived at Village Cove anchorage at 5 p. m. on the 24th, picking up the islands in a dense fog which prevailed throughout the day. Messrs. True, Prentiss, and Miller were landed on the 25tli to pursue their work upon the islands. I called upon the chief Treasury agent, Mr. J. B. Crowley, and made satisfactory arrangements with regard to seal investigations upon the Pribilof Islands. I am pleased to say that Mr. Crowley fully entered into the spirit of the work, and facilitated its execution, all of whi(;h was materially aided by the cooperation of Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, of the Xorth American Commercial Company. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 137 A drive from Polavina rookery to Stouy Point, a distance of 3 miles, was made on the morning of the 2Gth for the benefit of Dr. Stejneger's investigations. Tlie abnormal ice limit around the islands this year has retarded the arrival of the seals upon the rookeries at least two weeks. Large quantities of floating ice were drifting about the islands on the 15th day of June. Innnmerable snow patches extend to the water line throughout the Aleutian chain and the Pribilofs, and are remarked by all the natives as exceeding any previous record within the last fifteen years. Dr. Stejneger returned on board on the morning of June 20, and we steamed out of Village Cove at 1.30 p. m., shaping our course to the nearest point on the fifty-sixth parallel, in order to connect with origi- nal soundings made by this vessel in 1893. Accordingly we took up the line of soundings in latitude 56° N., longitude 177° 30' W., at 9.02 p. m. June 27. Iso bottom specimen was brought up, as the cu]) failed to work, owing to a defect in the spiral valve spring which did not show itself upon previons examination. The interval was set at 40 miles for this portion of Bering Sea. On the 28th we were compelled to lay to for fourteen hours under fore and aft sail, witli banked fires, owing to a strong gale blowing from the SW., which was accompanied with rain, mist, and sleet, and against which we could not make suitable headway that would in any way have compensated for the amount of coal it would have been necessary to burn or the extra wear and strain it would have placed upon the engines. At 2.20 a. m. on the 29th we went ahead on our conrse, taking up the line of soundings on the original parallel of 50° N. A comparatively uniform depth was found, ranging between 2,0oG and 2,105 fathoms. lirown nuid and ooze defined this portion of the Bering Sea basin. A constant and vigilant outlook was kept both day and night for seals from the time the Albatross passed to the northward of Cape Mendocino. One seal was seen while at anchor off Port Townsend, which afforded considerable amusement to all hands. The dingey was laying at the port lower boom, secured for the night. About 9 p. m. the barking of a seal was heard around the ship. It proved to be a male fur-seal between 3 and 4 years old. After swimming several times around the ship it approached the dingey on the outboard side, away from the ship, and having satisfied itself that the dingey was not occupied, proceeded to get in, and, locating itself in the stern, remained for the night. Several attempts were made to capture this seal, but without avail. A few seals were observed approaching the passes east of Unalaska. None were seen on the passage to the l''ribilofs until within 1 or 2 miles of the islands, and these were yearlings and bache- lors, which were few in numbers. Leaving the islands, one or two seals were seen at a distance of 5 miles. On the morning of the 29th the Alhatrofis crossed the ISOth meridian at 7 o'clock, changing the date to June 30; hence the end of the fiscal year finds us engaged in running a line of soundings from St. Paul Island to Bering Island. 138 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. There have been a great many changes in the officers attached to the Albatross during the past year, as follows: August 17, 1894, Ensign C. M. Fahs, U. S. Navy, detached; Ensign N. C. Twining, U. S. Navy, reported. October 22, 1894, Lieut. A. F. Fecliteler, U. S. Navy, executive and navigating officer, detached. November 1, 1894, Ensign N. C. Twining, U. S. Navy, detached; Ensign Philip Williams, U. S. Navy, detached. November 13, 1894, Lieut. F. S. Carter, U. S. Navy, reported as executive officer. November 19, 1894, Ensign W. R. Shoemaker, U. S. Navy, detached. November 21, 1894, Ensign Edward Moale, jr., reported. January 23, 1895, P. A. Engineer Howard Gage, U. S. Navy, detached; P. A. Engineer J. M. Pickrell, U. S. Navy, reported. March 1, 1895, Lieut. Houston Eldredge, U. S. Navy, detached; Ensign Harry George, U. S. Navy, reported ; Ensign W. G. Miller, U. S. Navy, reported. March 27, 1895, P. A. Engineer J. M. Pickrell, U. S. Navy, detached. March 28, 1895, Ensign Harry George, U. S. Navy, detached. April 2, 1895, Ensign Benjamin Wright, U. S. Navy, reported. April 29, 1895, Ensign Edward Moale, U. S. Navy, detached. May 13, 1895, P. A. Engineer Emil Theiss, U. S. Navy, reported. May 17, 1895, Lieut. F. S. Carter, executive officer, detached; Lieut. B. 0. Scott, U. S. Navy, reported as executive officer; Ensign R. H. Leigh, U. S. Navy^ reported. May 28, 1895, Ensign C. F. Hughes, U. S. Navy, reported. List of officers, June 30, 1895. — Lieut. Commander F. J. Drake, U. S. Navy, commandiug; Lieut. Bernard O. Scott, U. S. Navy, executive officer; Ensign W. G. Miller, IJ. S. Navy; Ensign Benjamin Wright, TJ. S. Navy; Ensign C. F. Hughes, U. S. Navy; Ensigii E. H. Leigh, U. S. Navy; P. A. Surg. E. S. Bogert, jr., U. S. Navy; P. A. Paymaster Eugene D. Ryan, U. S. Navy; P. A. Engineer Emil Theiss, U. S. Navy; captain's clerk, Harry Clififord Fassett, U. S. Fish Commission. Scientific staff. — C. H. Townsend, resident naturalist; A. B. Alexan- der, fishery expert; N. B. Miller, general assistant. The Commission is indebted to Capt. H. L. Howison, U. S. Navy, commandant of the Mare Island navy-yard, and the officers under his command for the uniform courtesy to the officers of this vessel and the facilities of the yard which were given us during the period of repairs and refitting. For taking care of and forwarding our mails we are indebted to the Navy pay-office at San Francisco, which we fully appre- ciate, under the conditions of a cruise in Bering Sea. We are also indebted to the Alaska Commercial Company for material aid and for- warding mail. To Mr. J. Stanley-Brown, manager of the North Ameri- can Commercial Company, we are under obligations for subsisting Messrs. True, Prentiss, Townsend, and Miller, who were landed from this vessel in the interest of the Commission; also for subsistence, quarters, and medical attention for two of our sick whom we were com- pelled to leave upon the island of St. Paul while making the trip to Bering Island and return. To Mr. J. B. Crowley, chief Treasury agent, the Commission is also indebted for his unvarying courtesy, both in granting permission for the lauding of our patients and in the spirit shown in placing all con- INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 139 veuiences and mucli valuable iuformation at our disposal while engaged in making a survey of the rookeries ou St. Paul and St. George. During the year just ended the cruising-ground of the Albatross has been between the 38th and GOth parallels of north latitude and the 122d and 180th meridians of west longitude. She has been under way and steaming 112 days and has made 13,181.3 nautical miles. NOTES ON FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS FROM JULY 1 TO 26, 1894. By a. B. Alexander, Fishery Expert. As the Albatross vfn^ engaged On sealing patrol duty during the sum- mer of 1894, comi^aratively little time was available for fishing trials. The data herein set forth were gathered while the writer was attached to the ship before his transfer to the sealing schooner Louis Olsen. On July 1 a trial was made with hand lines for bottom fish in 37 fathoms at station 3497, latitude 50° 59' N., longitude 103° 48' W. Nothing was caught here, although thirty minutes were given to the trial, long enough, under ordinary circumstances, to test the bottom as to the abundance of food-fishes. The following day, two hours were devoted to hauling the seine in Akutan Harbor. The beaches where seining was carried on were quite steep and rough, there being many sharp rugged bowlders lying from 50 to 150 feet from the shore. The character of these beaches did not indicate an abundance of fish. Several hauls were made on both sides of the harbor. The result, however, was far from satisfactory; two small flounders, several sand-lance, and a red-spotted trout were the catch. About 2 miles from where the Albatross was anchored, toward the head of the bay or harbor, there is a smooth beach; the water is much shallower than where we hauled the seine, and there are also fewer rocks — a much better place for collecting than where our investi- gations were made. There are likewise several small streams which flow down the mountain side into the head of the bay, at the mouths of which salmon are said to be plentiful. Our time being limited, it was not deemed advisable to go so far away from the ship, and in conse- quence our search was confined more diligently to the barren places than it otherwise would have been. The inhabitants of Akutan village, like all other tribes in Alaska, consume large quantities of fish. Cod can be had at all seasons, and the above-mentioned streams afibrd a suflticient supply of salmon for all purposes; if not, there are other small bays close by where salmon are numerous enough to meet the requirements of a village of this size. The settlement, however, is not large, being composed of seven frame houses and about a dozen barabaras. The catching of fish is mostly done by the women, assisted by the children of both sexes. Tlie able- bodied male portion of the village spend a greater part of their time 140 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ill liuiiting tlie sea-otter. This was formerly a very lucrative employ- ineiit, but the indications are that in future the hunters will have to resort to fishing, and depend more on the necessities of life and less on the luxuries which they have been accustomed to for so many years. Sea-otter are becoming very scarce, and before long some other employ- ment will have to be found. These people are in no danger of starving, even should the sea-otter become exterminated, for fish of various kinds are plentiful and can be caught almost at their doors. The next forenoon, July 4, being caught in a dense fog, the ship came to anchor in 7 fathoms of water 4 miles to the westward of Wislow Island, on the north shore of Unalaska Island. A hand line was dropped over the side, and in a few minutes several cod were caught. Soon after ten lines were put over, and in an hour's time 49 cod were taken, the average weight of which was 10 pounds, and the average length 30 inches; 26 were males and 23 females. When the lines were first put over there was a continual tugging and biting at the hooks, but at the end of half an hour not a bite could be felt, although the lines remained out for an hour. It is not to be supposed that all the fish on this ground were caught; it was probably one of those freaks which cod frequently take in all localities by "slacking up," or ceasing to bite when they seem to be the most ravenous. Hand-line fishing has been carried on in this locality in times past by the AJhatross, and nearly, if not all, the local places investigated. In most places cod were abundant; scattering halibut were also taken. Later in the day we came to anchor in Dutch Harbor. The seine was hauled in a small bay which forms a part of Iliuliuk Harbor, and 300 large herring taken; also a few flounders. Herring visit this bay each season, generally during the months of July and August. They are not numerous, and are seldom seen in large numbers. A dory load is frequently taken, however, but this would not be called large by fishermen. There is no place in the Aleutian group known to the writer where herring are sufficiently numerous to warrant the intro- duction of oil works or smokehouses. Southeastern Alaska is the only part of the Territory where herring are plentiful enough for these industries to be successfully carried on. On July 13 deep-sea fishing was carried on in 59 fathoms at station 3502, in latitude 50° 35' N., longitude 108° 18' W. This trial was made while the ship was stopped in order to make some slight repairs to one of the engines. At first only two lines were put over, and at the end of a half hour IG cod were caught. Finding that fish Avere plentiful, IL more lines were brought into use and fishing carried on for another thirty minutes, at the end of which time 70 cod had been taken. The sexes were nearly equally divided, there being 30 males and 46 females. Thc}^ were a fine-looking lot of fish, and quite uniform both in size and weight; average weight, 12 pounds; average length, 30 inches. Their livers were large and healthy; much more so, in fact, than usual. Had a fishing vessel been anchored on this spot, she INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 141 undoubtedly would have had excellent fishing, for at the end of the trial tlie tish were being caught " pair and pair," The result of this fishing trial was somewhat difl'ereut from one made in August, 1893, in latitude 50° 34' N,, longitude 107° 9' W. On this occasion only 2 cod were caught. The scarcity of cod here was attributed to the ground being close to the Pribilof Islands. This, no doubt, was true at the time the trial was made, but this theory is not tenable now, for it will be fouiul by looking on the chart that the ground where the last trial was made is comparatively near the above- mentioned islands. As a rule, each season the main body of the seal herd change their feeding-grounds, and where cod aiul other bottom species are found in plenty one year, it may be almost barren of life the next, for as soon as seals arrive and Iiave selected some particular place for a feeding-ground economic bottom fish grow scarce or leave altogether, and do not appear again until most of the seals have lett the sea. In early spring, before the arrival of seals, cod are plentiful on all the local fishing-grounds in the vicinity of the Pribilof Islands, but later in the season hardly any fish are to be found on these grounds except scattering halibut. Late in the fall, after most of the seals have migrated south and before the ice forms, cod come in from out- lying banks and are caught by the natives of the islands until pre- vented from doing so by the ice and stormy weather. It is not known whether cod remain about the Pribilofs after the ice appears in large quantities, there being no way of finding out after the fall is well advanced. Neither is it known whether or not cod remain on the banks in other parts of Bering Sea. The natives of Alaska are as little enlightened on this subject as anyone, and are indifferent about the whole matter, owing to the fact that their wants are supplied with but little effort on their part. The migratory habits of cod or halil)ut do not seemingly enter the minds of these people. The writer has conversed, from time to time, with fishermen regard- ing the matter, but the knowledge they possess threw but little light on the subject. I am informed that dead cod are frequently seen in winter scattered along the coast on the Periiig Seaside of the Alaskan Peninsula; but, so far as I have been able to learn, no attempt has ever been made to carry on fishing at this season on any of the banks along the Aleutian Islands or in Bristol Bay. That cod are nuich more numerous on the fishing banks off the Sannak and Shumagin Islands in winter than in summer is due, no doubt, to a large portion of the school leaving Bering Sea^ and repairing to these grounds. This is the generally accepted theory of most fishermen belonging to the above- named islands. It is very probable that this theory is correct, for while it is perfectly natural fi)r cod to seek water of a low temi)erature, it is not, however, likely that they would long remain in a region where the water is chilled to an unusual degree by heavy masses of ice. This snpi)ositi()n is not substantiated by knowledge possessed concerning the winter habits of the Bering Sea cod. 142 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. As the season for carrying on fishing' in this northern region is lim- ited to a few months of each year, it will probably be a long time before much more is known of the winter habits of the cod which inhabit this locality; at least not until the time shall come when it will be expedient to send fishing vessels to these banks in winter. The high latitudes in which these fishing-grounds are situated practically jireclude the possibdity of this until a superior class of vessels is built. The vessels now engaged in the fishing industry of the Pacific coast are far from what would be required to carry on winter fishing with success. Even with a superior type of vessel a great deal of doubt is entertained in the minds of fishermen as to whether such an undertaking would be feasible, owing to the heavy gales which prevail. Not more than two or three fishing days could be expected out of a month. This, together with the heavy masses of ice which are swept over the fishing-grounds by wind and current, would make it a very hazardous calling, particu- larly so as the best fishing-grounds are comparatively near the coast, with but few available harbors in which to find refuge. Everything con- sidered, Bering Sea offers no great inducement to fishermen during the winter months. On the morning of July 15 the AJbotross came to anchor in Ikatan Bay. This bay is situated close to the southern entrance to Isauotski Pass, which separates Unimak Island from the Alaskan Peninsula. While here, salmon, both large and small, flounders, sculpins, and a large quantity of sand lance, were taken with the drag seine. The beaches, however, are not very good for carrying on fishing with seines, there being many sunken rocks covered with sharp barnacles, which are very destructive to nets. Cod are plentiful in all parts of the bay; also small halibut. The hand lines took ten of the latter species, which averaged 5 pounds in weight and 23 inches in length. Fishing and shore collecting were carried on at New Morzhovoi anchorage. Flounders, salmon, sculpins, and crabs were numerous. The best place for collecting is near the village, where nearly all species desired by the natives can be had within a stone's throw of their doors. The village is situated about 11 miles from the southern entrance to the pass, and has a population of about 150 persons. Like all other villages in Alaska, the occupations of the peojole are fishing and hunt- ing. Mne bidarkas, carrying two men each, started out in the spring of 1894, and at the time of our visit had only captured nine sea-otters, one to each bidarka. The people here predict that, in a few years at the most, sea-otter will be exterminated, or so nearly so that it will not pay to hunt them. In the spring, before the hunters start off on their annual hunt, and also on their return in the fall, they lay in a supply of cod and halibut, which are quite plentiful in and off the mouth of the pass. While these fepecies play an important part in the way of food for these people, the amount cured for winter use is small as comi)ared to the quantity of salmon stored away. After winter sets in, cod become very scarce INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 143 in all parts of the pass and do not return again until late in March or the first of April. Fishing- for salmon is almost wholly performed by the women and young girls of the village. The men and large boys take good care not to get wet. The male portion of the settlement seldom takes i^art in the fishing, and when it does it is only to direct the work, the labo- rious part of it being done by the women. This work is looked upon by the latter as a privilege rather than a hardship. If a native woman should allow her husband to perform this work for her. she would be looked down upon by all the other women of the village. The custom has been iu vogue so long that it would be hard to change it. Only one seine is owned, it being the common i)roperty of all. It is about 100 feet long by 12 feet deep; mesh, 3 inches. When the tide serves right it is hauled every other day, but is never set unless a chief or subchief is there to direct the work. In setting the seine no boat is used. The net is stretched to its full length, the head rope, foot rope, and twine being gathered up so that it will not foul when it is thrown into the water. When the seine ropes or hauling lines have been coiled down and made fast to the ends of the seine, the whole thing is picked up by the women and placed on their shoulders. They walk with their burden in single file about 6 feet apart. In the rear of the procession closely follow the chief, old men, boys, and little girls. On their way to the seining beach, which is situated about a third of a mile from the village, a sharp lookout is kept for signs of schooling sal- mon. Usually, however, one place is resorted to, a small indentation formed by a sudden curve in the beach, where salmon generally school in considerable numbers. When a school is observed, which is thought sufficiently large to sup- ply the wants of all, the head woman in the procession steps into the water and wades out as far as she can, all the others following. A course is taken so as to form a semicircle outside of the school. Not until the fish have been surrounded is the seine dropped into the water. As soon as it is thrown from the shoulders of the women they all seize hold of the seine ropes and begin to drag the net to the shore. Men, women, and children take part in this operation. Between the shout- ing of the men and women, the screaming of boys and girls, and the struggling and splashing about of the salmon trying to escape, the scene presented is indeed a novel one. Frequently a woman will lose her footing on the round, smooth rocks, slip, and go down for a moment. No attention, however, is paid to her, and she is pulled along in the net with the salmon until she again regains her feet. An accident of this kind is considered a good joke and affords considerable amusement to all. The water being comparatively shallow, the seine can not be hauled within 25 or 30 feet of tiie shore when a good catch of salmon has been secured, and in consequence more than half the fish have to be picked out one by one. This is somewhat difficult, as well as very wet work to engage iu, for when several hundred salmon are inclosed 144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. in a small space, all desperately struggling to make tbeir escape, it takes a skillful band to grab them one by one and throw them to the beach. Each person is entitled to the number of salmon he succeeds in dragging froni the net. As may be supposed, this causes a greedy and wild competition. Standing to their knees, and frequently up to their waists, in water, they push each other about in a lively manner, each one trying to get the lion's share. There is no quarreling over the matter, everything being carried on in a good-natured manner. As fast as the salmon land on the beach they are knocked on the head with a club by the boys, there always being a representative of each family to see that the different lots of salmon do not get mixed. After the seine has been emptied of its contents, the lish are strung in bunches of thirty or forty each, thrown into the water, and towed to the village, where they are cleaned. This work also falls to the lot of the women, but it is not commenced until they have put on dry cloth- ing, when they form themselves into family groups close to the water's edge. They seldom leave their work until it is tiuished, unless driven indoors by heavy rain. During our stay at IS^ew Morzhovoi a diligent search was made for clams. There are only a few i^laces where this mollusk is found, and the natives keep them pretty well thinned out. We only succeeded in getting half a bucketful in one tide. Besides the agent of the Alaska Commercial Company, there are three other white men who make their homes here; one follows sea-otter hunting for a living, and the other two hunt bear. On the morning of July 20 the Albatross came to anchor on the south side of Ikatan Bay in 12 fathoms of water. While here 43 cod and 3 Alaska pollock were caught from the ship. The average weight of the cod was 9 pounds, length 29 inches. The following day 25 halibut were taken in 30 fathoms of water on a " spot" situated about half a mile from the shore and about the same distance from the ship. The ground covered but a small area— less than a third of a mile across it; the character of the bottom was sand and gravel. The boats that were anchored here, there being several belonging to the U. 8. S. Petrel besides two from our shii), were obliged to keep close together in order to get any fish. If one boat happened to swing two or three times her length from the others, she would be off the ground altogether and not a bite would be felt. All the boats, however, did fairly well. The total weight taken by the two boats from the Albatross was 228 pounds, a fraction over 9 ])ounds each; average length, 27 inches. Judging from our limited experience in this bay, I ain of the opinion that all the fishing-grounds here are prolific. It is an excellent place for small boats to fish. This fact, however, has not been overlooked, for 14 miles from the Albatrosses anchorage in East Anchor Cove two shore fishing stations have been located for many years. It is under- stood that these stations have recently been abandoned, not on account of the scarcity of fish, but for the reason that it has been found cheaper INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 145 to carry ou the industry iu vessels. It is also understood that nearly all the shore fishing stations in Alaska have been abandoned for the same reason. The beaches in the vicinity of our anchorage were very poor for col- lecting on with a drag seine, there being many small sharp rocks scat- tered along the shore. The beach in many places ran oft' steej), so much so that tlie seine would not touch bottom except when close iu. In most places the bottom was barren of all kinds of life, and only in a few instances was life found by turning over the rocks at low tide. A con- siderable number of specimens were, however, taken with the drag seine at the mouth of a small stream. The species caught were young salmon, salmon trout, flounders, sculpins, and sand-lance. ]S"o adult salmon were caught, although two individuals were observed about 100 yards from the shore. Young salmon and salmon trout were numerous; good catches of the latter species were taken by a party of anglers up the stream about a third of a mile from its mouth. All organic life seemed to be in and at tlie mouth of the stream; repeated hauls with the seine failed to catch anything elsewhere. Late in the afternoon of July 22 the ship anchored off' the entrance to Acherk Harbor, situated on the northwest end of Sannak Island. The bottom was at once tested with hand lines. The result was 3 cod and 3 small halibut. From parties on shore it was learned that few cod inhabit the local fishing-grounds at this season. They leave early in the spring, and do not appear until late in the fall. It is thought by the people here that they enter Bering Sea on leaving the region of the Sannaks. The cod fishery has been carried ou at this harbor for a long time. The luincipal fishing-ground resorted to lies ■li miles to the northward of Petrof Point, in water varying iu depth from 11 to 20 fathoms. There are many more local fishing- grounds around Sannak; also several more stations. These stations are owned and operated by Messrs. Lynde & Hough and the McCullum Fishing and Trading Com- pany, both of San Fi-aucisco. The stations located at East Anchor Cove, previously mentioned, are also owned by the same parties. During the time we lay at anchor oft' Acherk Harbor the weather was too stormy to perform any work. On the morning of July 25 the Albatross came to anchor in J)utch Harbor. The following day the drag seine was hauled iu a small bay opi)osite Iliuliuk, and 300 salmon and some 30 herring taken. Most of the salmon were distributed among the various ships in the harbor. This was the last practical work performed for the season by the Albatross while the writer was on board. On the afternoon of the 20th he joined the sealing schooner Louis Olsen^ of Astoria, Oreg., for a cruise iu the Bering Sea. F. \i. 95 10 146 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. TABLES. Bevord of soundings hy the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross. 1S94, to June 30, 1895. July 1, Serial liydro- graphk num- ber. 3499 :!500 3501 3502 3503 350 i 3505 350G 3507 3508 3509 3510 3511 3512 3513 3514 3515 3516 3517 3518 3519 3520 3521 3522 3o2() 3527 3528 3529 3530 3531 3532 3534 3'535 3530 3540 3541 3542 3543 3544 3545 Time of day. 3. 20 a., m. 8.28 a.m. 4.04 a.m. 1.50 a. m. 3.06 3.47 4. 29 a. 5.14 5.59 6. 46 a. 7.31 8. 00 a. 8.15 a. 8.21 8.58 a 10. 07 s 10.43 ii 11. 12 f 11 . 39 a. 12. 06 p, 1.13 p. 10.04 a.m 2. 35 p. m 7. 27 p. m 0. 18 I), m 12. 24 a. Ill 2. 53 a. m 5. 38 a. Ill 7.44 a.m 12. 05 p. m 4.13 p.m 8. 09 p. m 10.18 a.m 11. 01 a 11.20 a 12. 29 p Lat. north. Long. west. I Eastern portion Bering Sea. 56 57 00 56 54 00 57 52 00 56 35 00 South of 166 33 00 167 51 00 167 19 00 168 18 00 U n i 111 a k Island and north of Sannaklslaud.s. 54 24 00 54 26 00 54 29 00 .54 30 30 54 32 30 54 34 30 54 36 00 54 37 00 54 37 30 54 38 00 54 40 30 54 46 30 54 40 00 54 38 00 54 35 00 54 32 30 54 28 15 Northern Berins; Se 58 18 00 58 27 00 58 37 00 58 40 00 58 42 00 58 45 00 58 48 00 58 52 00 103 51 00 163 44 00 163 37 00 163 29 00 163 21 00 163 14 00 163 00 00 163 02 OO 163 01 00 162 59 00 163 00 00 163 08 00 163 01 00 162 58 30 162 55 40 162 53 00 162 49 00 portion of 175 57 00 176 51 00 177 45 00 178 03 00 178 12 00 178 30 00 178 49 00 179 07 00 Depth (in fath- oms). 00 59 55 00 I 179 01 00 60 25 00 1 178 49 00 58 09 00 : 172 58 00 SouTli of Alaska Pe- ninsula. 55 31 00 I 159 23 00 Bering Sea, south of St. Paullsland. 56 59 30 170 24 30 1.48 p, 2. 04 p 9. 56 p.m. 9.30 p.m. 5. 32 a.m. 0.36 a.m. 3. 04 p. m. 10.25 p.m. 57 01 00 57 04 00 57 04 45 57 05 30 57 06 00 57 06 40 57 07 30 Bering Sea 170 26 20 170 30 45 170 29 15 170 27 45 170 26 30 170 25 00 170 23 20 between Pribilof and Com- mander islands. 56 53 00 56 00 00 56 02 00 55 45 00 55 59 00 55 55 00 172 15 00 177 30 00 178 50 00 179 57 00 East. 178 43 00 177 12 00 Character of bottom. gn.M gn. M S.M.. 33 1,363 1,279 717 349 369 1,231 1,830 1,812 1, 838 1,765 713 183 61 00 2.056 2,083 2,086 43 I era. bk. S . . 54 j fne. bk. S . . 57 ! era. bk. S. P 59 • bk. S.P.-.- 00 ' bk. S 41 ; bk. G gv. S g.v.S g.y-s rky bk.S.G ... .Cn.M rky bk.S.P.... rkv Sh' rkv gy. oz. fne. S gy. 07,. fne. S gn. M. S-... R. fne. gy. S fne.gy. S--. fne.gy.S... gn. M. fne. S g.y-oz gy. oz gy. oz. fne. S gy. oz. fne. S gn. M. fne. S fne. (Ik. S . . . ^ne.bk.S fne. bk. S. brk rkv fne. bk. G ... fnp. gy. S. P . fne. gy. S. Sh bk.P'. fne. gy. S . fne. S. M Ko specimen . ...do br. M. oz Temperatures. Air Sea. Note.— The time of soundings is the time at which bottom was made. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATKOSS. 147 148 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. cr ^ tc '- * IT 3 ;: 5:2 j: 3 ^ « 1~ 3 o_ •a9qiB34i SuixBae § ss rt ^ O ; C « 00 a ; sjnoq JO J9qninjj ■Xbp J9d sjoirg; -J » S^ ^ P= ii p a u &0 ^ !^' 1 ° i !i 5 :£ ■^ ^ .= liJ . .= .a -: .r s. ^ ^1 t^ 1 rl ^(§ 1 M M C/^ • © I ■ c CS c » o a) tt) I S 1 i pi -t-j -1- S^^ S^ a°.| 3 gg o o o c g'2 s -a ii '§1 ■s -S JziJzi ^^ "A^z »3 ^ W ws ^ 5 1- SS a ^ 1- ;- p4 o .-■^ ' r- Ji c^ ^:; - ""-^ s V5 '^ H rt o •-3 £ S 3 2-; l5 ^^ a ^ 1 C3 6 1 1 i -J c ii > 1 "1 ll air and ideasant to foggy- oggyma.m.: misty and tbick in p. m. vercast and foggy to rainy. vercast, rainy, and stormy. stormy. vercast; foggy mid- nigbt to 8 a. m. loudy ; mist and fog at times. vercast ; misty dur- ing a.m. vercast, fog and rain - ainy and misty to clearing. air to overcast and 1 a 1 c f^^C P^^lbH f=ipH Ph O O Op: Ph Ii^ g g§ S 3 •uipi 1 CO "' « CO mco CO s ^"=«- •XBK 1 ^ -3 CO ^ SS S3 's ^^ •UTK 1 ^ ■* "* ^.^ SSS g^ g ^ 13 a (4 •XBH 1 H «1 •UtJ^ 1 c- "*^ TH ^ ^Tl '* -* 5 ^ ^5 g •XBH 1 ■* TK TK th ^ ■* § § ss: B 1 S ? g? gg SS § § § gg ? ^ g g^ g s y. S §? :S^ SS s s ^ ss s?5 s §? s s cS d d d = d d w ^ . t- Tf C- C-J cc c oc ^11^ r co c .-c- «5 : oc fj cf '.S« n 3 II i 5 i^ ; <=s ' J_-^i ■ a or? ^ £ ^ "ii\ 1 - 'C 3 ^1 i ^ i 1? (Mcr •^(IW «D t- 00 05 O ^w m •* u- 05 t- 00 - INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 149 s s O --I i-H — '■ 5C — ^oc o '■ '■ '■ • bo — to" o «> -Tin- -ttT- -=s- O OJ o o o 6 — - =o -J^T-l o o o o ■* o !D ^ d t:~ ^ » a 2 -J> t- P^ ^ W ^ • H ^ ^ ^ ^ 2h ^1 ■£ -s s 2 S s '-; ai ta cc l^i :z< |Zi ^ ^' ^ Izi !2! ■ o ; o '■ o ^ s ■ _-. a ^ : ^ .i: .= g ^ ^ .i! ^ ^ 3 £ ^^5 ofrl 5 3 ? i i S ? '^ § § S ^ g S -^ 1^1 CO 3 § § 1 i J J 1 ^ tB M 1 1 ^ 1 3 cc •ji (I -2 5 =j ; © _g 5 f I I g ■ >> >5 ..; 2 g ti ^ a a ^ ^ rH re N r. ■= -s « ^ ^ ^ 8"=? £? ^ :s ^ .. 1 1 ci 3-" ? s t3 ^ 1 -" ^ . :- ^ ^ S "? .T -^ •- S aJ«2Mt»wa5|2i!2i o 3 o 5 a^ tH ^ c o o .•; ,ce-0'^ ^3 43-.! 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S % :S t~ 5: % 05 3 ^ S t^ 5 " ^ ^ s g § in s § g s S S s s g s g. 10 g ^ s in g iS g g g 5 t ^ § s i S § g g s g g g S t d gi s g g s s S g §■ S ^ s § 3 t s g S ^ s g g § g i g 5; g g g 05 3 g g g g s s N • 18.8 7.6 1.7 184.0 176.5 162. 9 140.0 184.8 131.6 182.5 153.1 178.0 172.8 162.5 170.4 194.6 23.1 1 Bay: 163 18 00 163 18 00 162 53 00 k Harbor, Island. 162 53 00 ibor, Tin- 170 48 00 169 37 00 172 42 00 176 22 00 179 13 00 174 45 00 174 12 00 173 05 00 172 43 00 171 52 00 17109 00 166 55 00 irbor,Un- «i i S ||i sj 8§S§§§gS§§§§W« g i 150 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. into t-ao o o sjnoq JO jaqinnj^ o o«i oo oo o ■.fBp J9(I e:;on2 ) 03 lO • O ^ ^ ^o C CI 5" ^ g o S St M-3 5 g fc» 3 aj M K(^ iZa S;^;q3;3^^a^(2;W Mo fcuy) 3S S3 ^ rt ^ M W 3^ 4c ■3 .5^ ^^p p tz; M ^?^ ^So ^ S rt tu §^^ 'No ris t^Ii «2 Eu o Eh p-d n i: ;> J « t-^^ CO oc; ^ 51 5 § :;! r-( O rt ^■"=2 i-xBK| ;3 53 5 •niK 1 s S !3 ^ o ^ COIM ^5 tom to to ^ '-5i?^ f^ •XBM 1 § s 3 'J ^ S to lO ^^ 2Sg 5;:^ ffi o s gss -^ ^ •njK 1 ^ s; ^ 3 !S ^ to 2:^ 3^ ■* ^ ^^ 5i ^^5 •XT3K 1 s S g S ^ 5 b- ^^ -^ rj "S '^3 ss S3S o « s « ^ s fi o g § s gs sg t- X to o ^S s s^s s s s § a §5 g s^ ^s §ss ss ^§ g gss § ti 5 s s S O ;a;3 ^3 ss ss ss s s§§g 9\ s? 5^ 9? c; 05 P, oo oo ?5S? ?^s? oo 2 oo?. M c3 d a P « -*S- OC* 0000 os^ o o o ^o o o o o oo oo oo OJj i~ 00 1~ ~r i-o I- to 00 05 ss ?3S S5 S S ? S S g -^ C. 00 o o Q0!O too O O O •^ o ursM ?i ~10 U5 -* O 1^2 S S S mm ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^1 1 ^ 1 i^l^i ^ ^ oi 1 \ i if 11 CO M c/ 55 1 §§ 4 II % i 1 1 1 >2 'is p Smootli Smooth Smooth Rough Moderate e'ly swell. Moderating... C 1- o .S ."1 to smooth. Smooth Smooth • "i . \ 1 J 1 '■% I. \ : , • 'k t 3^33 1^3 w^;^3 <^i-i 1^ o o P= ". "i 5 ^' " t> CO M O O w^t^ ^ " ai^ -^ ^? ^ 3 ^ -^i I 2 ^ ^5 CO >« c^^ lo j; --^o t^'g.. ..pi r^ „ ..o H 4.- ■£.&^ ? .. 'S ^^ «V- ^ rA-t^ T^ "^.rc^' §c H§ti-^4^!z!?> * :zif=^ m H ^ H -^S'2">,S^° [5S*'« 'm ^ ^ O-w c3 '^ tS t- ^> O > H cS O P=( fnO O O ^ 5eI o £ q " S !- . . C-l O C! 00> 03 f: -o> t-. to CD J* P to ^" ^ O-g", o o o J2 o '->^ o c o to r::;P^cD in ^ lO o o 3 % ^ 3 5 ^^ s- 5 § 5 5 ""^o s ^ 5g 5^ ^ ^ 5 ^ CO lO 5 ^ g 'ai-* -* ^ rt T)( 5! ^ ^ ^ ^5 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -^ g ?s 5 'S ^ ^ ^ ■w 5 !S ^^ 5 TK ■^•<* 5 ^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^ s ^ 5 K g 5S to ^ ^ § g gs ^ § 05 t~ S5 5 3 2 S3 ^ 00 ^^ ^ i* ^ ^ ^:5 :5 ^ ^ ^ !3 ^^ ^ 5 :3?3 !S5 5 ^ SS g 5^ ^ 3 § ^ ^ S s 55 ^ is; 5 g S gs ^ g gg Kg 5 s S g 3S ^ s ^ s s s g ^ i 3 gg gg g s ^ § g 3 05 §8 s s S § 8 s § s g gg gg s i 5 S §3 gfi s o g g B §§ Sg 8 g 5 J 1^ S 'is g t^ gg ^^ i> 5 " s s§ 1 Is ss 3 5 s q ;■?' Ills |1g3 m a CO o o §§ ?3 § 3 (^"^58 gg g g g ;|^gCO£o Ol O —I -■i 152 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. j-q ir oc C- c: ^T t. iH r-1 "-• •jeqjtjaii Snti'eae ■* ^ ^ ejnoq JO jaqninjj i •JC«p J9d s(»oira; ; 1 : O S be 1 ^ s II rt -^^ •-^ ^ -- • '^- ^ ko 1^ ^4 ►-1 (-?i- ^ IB ^ j: .a ^.c ^ .£) .= r § ^ § § c ? S^ ^« i § i § M g fc g g F f: E = a a a a ; g CO (/! cc :/. M aj . m a — : -3 §•■^=2 c fe « pj|.. ^ -^ '' ^§ |§ a ^' n E g?5 I J 02" Si gg y s |§p Hi ? .i ' g S 1^ n — i 1 ■■3'='^ ar^ sco- ■^^ ;> -.s «3 CI n- .; a *-! o- o" s- C p-^W-* ^ !> M .^ n ■* •a «> r- 00 05C ,- O^ J, c- ; f ir o ; ; 3.9 6.0 0.0 11.0 7.9 K 1 11 : : : :!y M 1 ; f i^ 1 1 Ill ail re S 1 1 1 : : ^^ Smooth Smooth Smooth Smooth Moderate Eough ; bj) )•& 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 B • nil . ^ !z; ??i ;z; '^ ^^ ■^ ^ P :; ^ • .~i £ co' 'm fe a ri? [J Tn ^ ^ ^ rr? ^ .1 6d -co 1 a 5 ^ ^ g - 'd 1 ■d Sq 1 2 1 .-IM is i 1 if i 'd B OO ^ a ■ K ; fH^JO O O Ph ^ I "a lilii I .lj%i IT g . .i5 g.S « o.S ai'3 S 5 ■ » g £-^.fcJ c ^Ja o : p^ofc*oo 00 :o o p^ p^ t>nn to r: t- 1^ t- ^i' c5 O'O M S d -*in lOioit-ai^ tk ^ -*-* ■* -* -* -* (M rl § g I -.O O O O 10 O 1.-3 5 5 g^ 5 % § § g 3§ 1 O to H' to — I T -* cow -* C3 do O r1 1 M IN CI ffq CI CO CO OOOOO s s § ^ 3 S3;5 g S g SP? ? S2g5 SgSSS § S §^ S g§ 8g S^ ^ 9 S g 000 00 000 OOOOO 00 g «, r- • 000 in rH 0-.0 CT^ I- lOrHtOO 00 to to <»■ = : ; cBt^co- cri CO 0; cqc5 t^g§S ^§g-g s ^ s| s 1 s 4 Nayy-yard, Mare Island, Cal. San Pablo Bay, California. Sansalito Harbor, California. do 38 37 001 123 42 00 40 51 00 124 16 00 43 54 00 124 33 00 47 26 00 125 00 00 48 18 OOj 123 41 00 Victoria, B.C Straits of Fuca: 48 16 00| 123 11 00 Port Townsond, Wash. ill. 49 53 30| 125 06 30 Alert Bay, B.C... 50 54 00 127 59 00 52 00 00 133 40 00 52 59 00 139 19 00 53 57 00 142 31 00 54 27 00 144 08 00 55 42 00 147 47 00 55 32 00 152 25 00 55 31 00 159 08 00 Sand Point, Hum- boldt Harbor, Popoii Island, Alaska. 55 03 OOj 161 52 00 s g 3SS I e-j CO •* < 154 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 155 liecord of fur-seals observed at sea by the United States Fish Commission steamer .1 Ibatross, July 1, 1S94, to June 30, 1S95. 1894. July 1 Time of day. 9.20 a.m. 12.45 p.m. 4.11 .1. m. 3.4:^ a. 111. 7.30 a. m. 1.35 i>.m. 8.00 p.m. 4.19 p.m. 5. -IS a.m. 3.58 p. m. 4.32p.m. 5.15 p.m. 4.47 a.m. 4.55 a.m. 11.25 a.m. 2.30 p.m. 6.52 p.m. 7.35 p.m. 7.43 p.m. 7.50 p.m. 8.25 p.m. 8.40p.m. 3.45 p.m. 7.50 p.m. G.20a.m. 10.40 a. m. 12.27 p.m. 1.52 p.m. 5.57 p.m. 8.23 p.m. ■3.27 a.m. 6.15 a. m. 6.25 a. m. 6.45 a. m. 12.00 m. to 6.00 p. m. 4.36 a. m. 5.40 a. m. 2.45 p. m. 5.32 p.m. 6.00 p. m. 7.37 p.m. 10.22 a. m. 2.30 p.m. 9.55 a. m. 11.00 a.m. 1.15 p.m. 2.55 p. m. 6 [ 4.02 p.m. 6 I 0.30 ]). m. 6 I 6.35 p.m. 6 1 7.05 p.m. 7.17 p. I 3.50 a.m. 8.35 a.m. 9.40 a.m. 9.42 a.m. 9.55 a.m. 7 10.10 a.m. 11.57 a.m. 1.55 p. m. 4.57 p.m. 6.15 p.m. 7.00 p.m. 10.25 a.m. 11.45 a.m. 12.35 p.m. 111. Tempera- tures. Air, Sea, D. B. surf. Lat. N. Long.W. 56 58 57 28 55 01 54 13 54 0:i 55 00 56 31 57 01 57 05 57 09 56 58 56 57 56 35 56 35 56 24 56 20 56 1« I 17 I 54 48 55 00 55 06 55 18 55 48 56 42 56 42 56 41 East shore, Paul Island 167 42 167 82 165 58 167 00 166 54 167 17 170 15 170 08 170 04 169 15 169 06 168 18 168 18 167 55 167 47 167 46 167 45 167 37 167 35 166 42 167 80 169 23 170 28 170 50 170 56 171 13 171 18 170 23 169 57 169 55 169 52 St. 56 Its 56 35 56 19 56 36 56 39 56 49 58 19 58 27 59 13 59 n 59 07 59 04 02 58 57 58 57 58 55 58 54 58 24 58 07 58 02 58 02 58 01 58 00 57 57 57 47 57 33 57 25 57 23 57 05 56 54 56 49 56 46 56 40 56 82 171 21 171 29 173 23 173 40 173 45 173 58 170 00 176 51 174 45 174 27 173 53 173 27 173 10 172 32 172 31 172 24 172 18 172 02 172 42 172 54 172 54 172 56 172 58 173 26 174 03 172 43 172 43 172 43 172 41 172 40 Medium Small . . . ....do.. Medium ....do.. ....do.. Small... Medium ...do.. Large... Medium ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. Small... Medium Large.. . Medium ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. ...do.. ....do.. ....do.. ....do.. Small . . . Medium Lar.iie.- . Medium ....do .. ....do .. ....do.. ....do.. Medium ....do .. Small . . . do.. Medium do.. do.. Small... Large. . . Small... do .. do.. Medium Large . . . Medium Small . . . ...do .. ...do.. ... do.. Medium do.. Medium ....do.. ....do .. Small . . . Medium Small ... ....do.. Mediuui , ....do .. ....do .. ....do.. Traveling away from ship. Sloepiug. Jumping and diving. Do.' Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Swimming to westward. Playing near sliip wh.ile sounding. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Sleeping. Jumping and diving. Traveling to northward. Traveling to southeast. Diving. Do. Jumping and diving. Do! Do. Do. Common near rookeries. Jumping and diving. Traveling to northward and eastward. Traveling to westward. Playing. Jumping and diving. Do. ship while nmthward and Playing neai sounding. Traveling to eastward. Sank. Playing. Do. Do. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Traveling to southwest. Abundant; many sleeping, others scratching. Abundant ; lowered seal boat ; fishing station: llyd. 3532. Jumping and diving. Sleeping. Jumping and diving. Playing. Do. Do. Do. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Playing. 156 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Record offar-seaU observed at sea by the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, July 1, 1894, to June SO, i595— Continued. Time of day. 5.25 p.m. 7.40 p. m. 5.25 a.m. 9.00 a.m. 9.50 a.m. 12.00 m. 12.40 p.m. 2.34 p.m. 5.12 p.m. 5.57 p.m. 0.30 p.m. 6.45 p.m. ' 4.00 a.m. to [ 8.00 a.m. ] 2.22 p.m. 12.30 p.m. f 1.00 p.m. to [ 3.00 p.m. 7.14 p.m. 5.00 a. m. 6.20 a. m . 11.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. 7.25 a. ra. 11.10 a.m. 11.35 a.m. 5.50 p.m. 5.11 a. m. {5.15 a. m. to 7.45 a.m. 3.25 p.m. 4.35 p.m. 4.45 p.m. 5.00 p.m. 6.20 p.m. 6.00 a. m 8.25 a.m. 4.30 p.m. 6.30 p.m. 5.15p. m. f 1.30 p.m. I to I 4.00 p.m. 4.25 p.m. 5.00 a.m. 5.30 a.m. 6.40 a.m. 10.00 a. m. 24 11.50 a.m. 25 i 9.00 25 9.15 a.m. 25 11.30 a. m. Sept. Tempera- tures. Air, Sea, D.B. surf. 25 5.00 p.m. 26 2.25 p.m. 26 4.35 p.m. 26 5.35 p.m. 27 8.10 a. m. 27 9.15 a.m. ?7 9.50 a.m. 27 10.00 a. m. 5 9.17 a. ra 6 9.00 a. m 2.30 p. m 6 2.45 p. m f 8.30 a. m U2.00 ni. 4.10 p.m. f 4.30 a.m. Lat.lS^. I Long. W. 56 32 56 25 55 57 55 47 55 45 56 00 50 05 56 21 56 44 56 44 50 44 56 44 56 01 to 55 51 55 38 55 37 55 35 to 55 25 55 18 54 13 54 08 54 55 55 22 55 26 ,55 35 56 29 56 29 172 46 173 40 171 55 172 02 172 11 172 18 172 25 172 28 171 57 to 171 44 171 09 171 03 170 40 to 170 20 169 44 168 11 167 55 167 06 166 43 168 54 169 19 169 22 170 36 170 44 170 42 to 170 03 56 Af>\ 170 25 56 48 170 45 56 49 170 48 56 .50 170 51 56 50 170 59 57 02 171 52 57 03 171 .50 57 02 171 21 57 06 171 37 57 51 172 00 58 23 173 30 1 to to 58 22 174 03 1 58 21 174 21 58 04 172 48 57 59 172 49 57 48 172 51 57 42 173 18 57 07 173 40 56 24 172 42 56 172 44 56 13 172 44 55 45 173 21 54 45 171 13 54 33 171 06 54 25 171 02 54 09 167 40 54 08 107 28 54 07 16V 20 54 07 167 16 56 40 165 04 .55 00 166 30 54 33 166 26 54 27 166 26 55 28 169 IV 1 o to 55 47 170 10 ■\ 55 58 171 12 57 35 171 18 1] to to 58 03 170 5*2 Large Medium . ....do.. ....do .. ....do.. ...do .. Small ... Medium ....do.. ....do .. do .. do.. 2 ! Small . Medium do -- do .. do.. do.. do .. Small . . . Medium ....do .. Small . . - ...do .. Medium Small . . . ....do.. Medium Large... Small . . . Small - . . Medium .....do.. Small . - . do .. ....do .. Medium ....do .. ....do .. do .. Medium ....do .. do .. do .. ....do .. Small... ....do.. Medium ....do.. Small . . . Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Playing. Do. Do. Do. Jumping and diving. Do! Do. Do. f Abundant, over 200 counted ; I mo.st sleeping, some play- l ing, some scratching. Jumping and diving. Abundant; majority sleeping. [Abundant, over 150 counted; < majority sleeping, .some i traveling'away fromsliip. Sank. Jumping and diving. Do. Sleeping. Traveling to eastward. Sank. Sleeping. Playing. Sank. Do. /Common; majority medium \ size ; traveling westward. Jumping and diving. Traveling to eastward. Sank. Traveling to eastward. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Do. Sank. Playing near ship. (Common; majority medium I size ; some sleeping, others I going to north we.st. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Do. Playing near ship ; boarding Mnry Ellen. Jumping ami diving. Do. Do. Playing near ship; boarding Walter A. Earle. Playing. Jumping and diving. Do. Do. Traveling away from ship. Sleeping. Playing. Sleeping. Jumping and diving. Do! iCommon; majority small; \ some sleeping, others diving ) and playing. Sank. (Coninior. ; majority medium; \ iiKistly jumping and diving; i few sleeping. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 157 Record of fur-seals observed at sea hy the United States Fish Commission steamer Aliatross, July 1, 1S94, to Jane 30, ii'55— Contiuued. Tempera- turea. Position. Seals seen. Date. Time of day. Remarks. Air, D.B. Sea, surf. Lat. N. Long. W. No. Sizes. 1894. O ' o / Sept. 10 10.00 a.m. 48 42 57 53 1 170 20 1 Medium .. Sank. 10 2.30 p. m. 50 42 57 44 1 169 33 1 Small Jumping and diving. 10 5.45 p. m. 46 42 57 45 I 168 28 2 do.... 11 6.00 a. m. 46 42 56 12 1 168 29 1 Large 1 Medium .. Do'. 11 9.15 a.m. 47 42 56 29 i 169 34 Do. 11 12.25 p. m. 45 40 56 38 1 1G9 53 2 Small Do. 11 4.00 p. m. 45 40 57 00 170 23 Common ; near Otter Island. 13 11.30 a. m. 47 40 56 40 169 25 5 Medium .. Kear St. George Island. 13 1.30 p.m. 46 40 56 29 169 07 1 Small Sank. 13 7.00 p. m. 46 40 55 46 168 45 2 Medium . . Playing. 17 1.15 p.m. 47 41 54 32 165 .56 3 Small Jumping and diving. 18 9.00 a.m. 45 40 54 22 166 04 1 do.... Do. 1805. Juno 13 5.00 p.m. 44 41 Popof Strait, Shu- magin Island. 1 Medium . . Traveling away from ship. 24 10.00 a.m. 36 37 56 50 1 170 20 Village Cove, St. 3 do.... Do. 24 4.00to8.00 37 34 Several seals seeu near rook- p.m. Paul Island. eries. 27 5.42 a. m. 38 40 56 30 174 00 1 Medium .. Traveling to northward and eastward. 27 7.40 a. m. 38 41 56 28 174 40 1 do ... . Jumping. V 7.53 a.m. 38 41 56 27 174 45 1 do.... Traveling to eastward. 27 11.00 a.m. 40 40 56 25 175 00 6 do.... Do. 27 11.30 a.m. 40 40 56 22 175 10 2 do.... Sleeping. 27 11.35 a.m. 40 40 56 22 175 15 2 do.... Jumi)ing. 27 12.15 p.m. 40 40 56 20 175 25 East. 6 do.... Sleeping. 30 1.00 p.m. 42 40 55 45 178 50 1 do.... Do. 158 REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. L'ecord of animals, drift, kelp, etc., observed at sea by the United States FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, ON CRUISE IN Date. Meridian positions. Mean tem- peratures. Seals. Whales. Auks. Alba trosses. Cormo- rants. Lat. N. Long. W. Air, D.B. Sea, surf. 1S94. July 1 57 22 00 55 17 00 167 36 00 165 05 00 45 43 45 47 40 41 41 43 Two ■ 2 3 Aliutan Harbor, . Akutan Island. 54 00 00 1 166 48 00 One Five Many Two Many Few Several .. 4 Several "" FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA. TO PRIBILOF ISLANDS, TO ISANOTSKI July 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 54 30 00 I 167 04 00 North anchorage, St. George Island. do do 56 42 00 I 169 42 00 56 35 00 168 18 00 54 56 00 I 165 21 00 Ikatan Bay. 54 48 00 [ 163 23 00 54 48 00 1 163 23 00 Morzhovoi Village, Traders Cove, Isanotski Strait. do do Ikatan Bay. 54 46 00 I 163 'l8 00 54 46 00 163 18 00 54 33 00 I 162 53 00 Off Acherk Harbor, Sannak Island. 54 34 00 I 162 53 00 Dutch Harbor, Unalaska. 45 44 46 40 44 38 44 38 43 39 43 40 45 41 45 39 45 45 38 47 38 52 40 55 40 57 44 48 41 49 40 48 40 47 40 Three... One Three Thirteen Many. Man}- Many i Many I Many I Few FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, ON CRUISE IN July 30 31 Aug. 1 Dutch Harbor, Unalaska. 55 03 00 170 48 00 56 41 00 : 169 37 00 56 26 00 58 22 00 59 25 00 60 15 00 59 09 00 57 57 00 56 53 00 56 00 00 55 38 00 54 07 00 172 42 00 176 22 00 179 13 00 174 45 00 174 12 00 173 05 00 172 43 00 171 52 00 171 09 00 166 55 00 50 42 48 41 47 39 48 40 47 41 50 43 47 42 47 42 50 43 50 44 49 44 56 46 51 46 Six ... Many. Eight. Two . . Fifteen .. Many Eleven... Twelve . . Many Four Many... Several . Several Several . Many. Few.... Several . FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, ON CRUISE IN Aug. 17 " 18 19 54 01 00 166 28 00 55 28 00 I 169 23 00 North anchorage, St. George Island. 57 06 00 171 37 00 27 I 57 43 00 58 24 00 57 49 00 57 07 00 50 13 00 55 08 00 54 05 00 171 58 00 173 07 00 173 34 00 173 45 00 172 44 00 171 26 00 166 52 00 50 41 46 43 47 42 46 42 45 41 44 41 45 42 46 41 47 42 47 42 46 42 One... Si.^ Two. Many Three I Many Four .. T wo . . . Many.. Suven. . Two - . . Six .... Three . Seven.. Several One .... INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 159 Fish Commission steamer Albatross, July 1, 1804, to June 30, 1S95. BEELNG SEA, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Ducks. Guille- mots. Gulls. Petrels. Puffins. Terns. Drift. Kelp. Remarks. Several . Many.. Many . . . Many... Several . Several . Many... Several . Several Many Much.. Much... Much Many. . Many. - Many... Many Many whales off Uniuiak Pass Few .... STRAIT, TO SANNAK ISLAND, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Many .. Many. . Many... Many... Many... Many... Many... Several . Many . Many- .. Many .. Many... Many. , Several . Several . Several . Several . Many... Many... Many... Many... Many... Many... Many Many... Many... Many... Many... Many. .. Several . Several . Several . Several . Several Several. Few.... Few.... Few.... Few.... Little. . Little... Little... Little- . Few . . . . Few Several . Little.. Much... Several . Several . SeveraJ Several . Few .... Few.... Several . Few.... Few.... Few.... Few Few.... Several . Several . Several . Many... ...... Few .... Several . Several . Several . Many... Much . . . Few Few .... Much... Much . . . Little... Much . . . ¥eivr Few Several . BERING SEA, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Few.--. Many... Many... Many. . Several Few.... Many... Many... Several . Few.... Few Many Many... Many Many... Few Little Many seals near Pribilofs. Several . Many... Many... Many.. Many... Several . Many... Many . . . Few.... Few.... Several , Several . Few.... Few .... Few .... Several . Several Many... Several . Several . Several . Several . Little... Much BERING SEA, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Many... Several . Many. Few Several . Few.... Many. . Many... Many... Many. anj Many Many . . . Several . Many... Few.... Many... Several . Few Many Few .... Few.... Several . Few.... Few .... Few Several . 1 160 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Eecord of animals, drift, kelp, etc., observed at sea hy the United States Fish FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, ON CRUISE OFF Date. Meridian positions, f--;-- Seals. Whales. Auks. Alba- trosses. Cormo- rants. Lat. N. Long. W. Air, 1 Sea, D. B. surf. 1894. Sept. 4 ° ' " ° / " o i 54 13 00 166 21 00 1 47 \ 41 56 44 00 1 165 21 00 47 \ 41 , 54 47 00 1 Tifi '^3 no I A7 \ s^ Many Many Several . . . One Few.... g Six One FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, ON CRUISE TO Dutch Harbor, Unalaska. 55 47 00 57 43 00 56 34 00 170 10 00 169 49 00 169 49 00 Village Cove, St. Paul Island. 56 36 00 169 20 00 54 18 on 166 54 00 Many One.. Many....l Many Two . Eight. FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UtlSr ALASKA, TO AKUTAN Sept. 17 54 24 00 166 08 00 18 54 37 00 106 30 00 Three . . . Several . One Many... FROM DUTCH HARBOR, UNALASKA, 53 56 00 55 10 00 55 35 00 56 11 00 56 22 00 56 37 00 56 47 00 166 29 00 47 41 161 52 00 50 42 155 41 00 49 43 150 48 00 48 44 148 57 00 48 44 143 40 00 51 45 137 43 00 50 45 Several . Two .... One. One. Few Several . Several . Several . FROM SITKA, SOUTHEAST ALASKA, TO NEW Sept. 29 30 Oct. 1 2 3 Peril Strait, SE. Ahiska. Off Douglass Island, SE.l.laska. Frederick Sound. 56 59 00 1 132 58 00 Clarence Strait. 55 42 00 1 132 19 00 Grenville Channel. 53 55 00 1 130 10 00 Finlayson Channel. 48 AR 46 41 46 41 55 45 50 i 45 Several . i Queen Charlotte 1 Sound. 53 49 51 45 45 49 Several . Several . 6 7 Discovery Passage. 50 10 00 i 125 23 00 Rosario Strait. 48 23 00 1 122 48 00 INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 161 Commission steamer Albatross, July 1, 1S94, to June "0, 1S95 — Continued. UNIMAK PASS, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Ducks. Guille- mots. Gulls. Petrels. Puffins. Terns. Drift. Kelp. Remarks. Many... Few.... Many... Many... Few .... Many... - Fe-w Many... birds arcompa- nvins school of wbales. Many... PRIBILOF ISLANDS, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. Many... Few .... Several . Few.... Few.... Many... Many... Few.... Several . Many... Few . . . . Several . Several . whale birds feed- ing on surface life. Many... Many... Several . Many... Many... Few .... Manv ■■ Many... Few Many... Many... Manv birds. HARBOR, AND RETURN TO DUTCH HARBOR. .... Manv Many... Several . Many... Few Man ! Manv •' jMany... TO SITKA, SOUTHEAST ALASKA. Many... Several . Many... Few Great many. Several Few.... Few.... Few .... Few Few.... Few .... Few .... Few Much... WHATCO.M, WASH.. VIA INLAND PASSAGES. Few .... Few .... Little.. Little... Few .... Little Little... Do. Few.... Little.. Much.. Little Little... Little Few bird.s. Few Much.. Little... Few .... Few Few Few Mucli Much Few .... Little.. Little... Much.. Much... F. K. U5- -11 162 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. Record of animals, drift, kelp, etc., observed at sea hy the United States Fish FKOM NEW WHATCOM, WASH., TO Date. Meridian positions. Mean tem- peratures. Seals. Wliales. Auks. Alba- trosses. Cormo- rants. Lat.N. Long. W. Air, D.B. Sea, surf. 1894. Oct 10 Victor 46 34 00 42 59 00 39 32 00 a. B. C. 124 49 00 124 41 00 124 10 00 51 53 53 56 44 40 46 49 11 Tliree 13 One FROM SAUSALITO, GAL., May 22 23 24 38 37 00 40 51 00 43 54 00 123 42 00 51 48 124 16 00 53 51 124 33 00 57 54 125 00 00 51 52 123 41 00 52 49 Many. Four.. Many. Many. Many. Many. May 28 to June 5. IN INLAND WATEES, FROM POET FROM ALERT BAY, B. C, TO SAND 50 54 00 52 00 00 52 59 00 53 57 00 54 27 00 55 42 00 55 32 00 55 31 00 127 59 00 133 40 00 139 19 00 142 31 00 144 08 00 147 47 00 152 25 00 159 08 00 49 49 45 43 42 41 42 44 49 47 46 43 40 One Several Many... 7 One g Several g Several 10 Several One . 12 One Many 13 One Many FROM SAND POINT, POPOF ISLAND, ■June 15 55 03 00 1 161 52 00 Dutch Harbor, Un- alaska. 42 42 40 40 16 FROM DUTCH HARBOR, TTNALASKA, TO ST- 54 38 00 57 02 00 167 34 00 170 32 00 42 35 42 30 :::::;:::::. Few.... FROM ST. PA UL, PRIBILOF ISLANDS, TO NIKOLSKI, T Village Cove, St. Paul Island. 36 39 41 41 36 40 40 40 Few Many Seven- teen. Three .... 28 30 56 00 00 55 43 00 179 45 00 East. 179 05 00 Two One INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 163 Commission steamer Albatross, July 1, 1894, to June SO, 1895 — Continued. SAUSALITO, CAL., VIA VICTORIA, B. C. Ducks. Guille- mots. Gulls. Petrels. Puffins. Terns. Drift. Kelp. Eemarks. Several Little.. Little... Few land birds Several . Few..-. Pew TO VICTOEIA, B. C. Few.... Many... Many... Several . Many... Few Few.... Several Few .... Many.-- Many... Several . Many Few- Large masses of velella. One large sea lion. l-'ew geese; oue sea lion. Large school of por- poises. Several . Much.. Much... TOWNSEND, WASH., TO ALERT BAT, B. C. POINT, POPOF ISLAND, ALASKA. Man Many... Several . Few.... One Many Few geese. •' Many... Several . Few Several . Little... i "■ Several . Many... Many... Many... Many... Many... Much... birds. TO DUTCH HARBOPv, DNALASKA. Many... Many... Many... Many. Many... Many... Several. Few, Little.. Much. Much. PAUL, PBIBILOF ISLANDS, BERING SEA. Many... Many... Many... Many... Many... Several . Several . Many... Manv Little... BERING ISLAND, COMMANDER ISLANDS. Many... Many Many... Many... Manv . Several . Few ' Large school of porpoise-s. One One Two 164 KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Boarding record of the United States Fish Commission Lati- tude N. Longi- Name of vessel. Reg. Net ton.s. Nation- ality. Port of registry. Name of master. July 14 16 16 18 Aug. 8 10 18 18 Sept. 4 4 54 31 165 10 Morzhovoi Village, Isa- notski Strait. Morzhovoi Village, Isa- notski Strait. Morzh ovoi Village, Isa- notski Strait. 57 08 172 43 55 38 171 09 54 55 55 30 57 42 168 55 170 56 173 18 173 54 172 44 57 30 56 13 Dutch Har bor.Unalaska Off Unalaska Bay. Oif Unalaska Bay. 54 20 165 50 54 47 166 23 54 05 55 09 54 00 166 42 169 03 166 40 Uranus Frederic Foam Olga Ida Etta Mascot San Jose Borealis Mary Ellen..... Eosie Olsen Walter A. Earle Nicoline Kilmeny Deeahks Jane Gray Walter L. Rich. Allie I. Alger .. Triumph Columbia 3-niast schr. Sip .. Less 5 Schr. Schr. Schr. Schr. Schr . Schr. Schr. Schr. Bchr. Schr. Schr. Schr. 38.71 68 47 19 42.85 Amer ...do .. ..do .. .do .. ..do .. ..do .. Amer Brit .. Amer , ...do .. Brit . . Amer . Brit... Amer. San Francisco . . Owned in Morz- hovoi Village. Sand Point, Alas- ka. Unalaska, Alas- ka. Seattle Victoria ...-do ....do ....do do do San Francisco . . Victoria Port Townsend . San Francisco... Victoria Port Townsend. Victoria Port Townsend. E. B. Anderson Peter Johnson Nicolas Olffin . B. B. Whitney H.F. Siewerd. M.Foley George Meyer. W. O. Hughes. A. Whidden L.Magnessen B. F. Tilton L. Olsen . ....do... ....do... S. Balcom Wester . . C. N. Cox T. I. Powers INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. steamer Albatross, Juhj 1, 1894, to June 30, 1S95. 165 Name of owner. C. G. Jorgensen. Peter Johnson- . Nicolas Olgin... Crews, Gordon Hdwr.Co- 17 Mrs. Siewerd C.J.Kelly /A. Wasburg I\ « \Tho3.Hardd / " V.Jakobsen 23 Monroe, et al Tlios. Eaiie. . J. A. McGee. E.B. Marvin & Co. C. Petersen 4, Hun- ters. 5l| $ 1 19 1 9 30 7 36 13 10 541 Ammunition. 10 pounds powder. 35J pounds powder ; 20 818 15 10 241912 pounds shot. None Large quan- tity. do o| 1^ kegs pow- der. Large quan- tity. ...'do ....do 9 kegs pow- der; 50 sacks shot. Number of seal skins. -a .03 "i ° 327 3, 014 403 a \ a Bear hunt- ing. Ott( iting. Whaler. Spoken. Do. Do. ' Dories. ^Bidarkas. ^Passengers. * Proportion of females kilted, about two-thirds. J Proportion of females killed, about three-fifths. 2 Skiff. "July 21. ^Bomb gun. t Proportion of females killed, about three- fourths. § Proportion of females killed, about two-fifths. 160 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Record of ocean temperatures and specific gravities hy the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, July 1, 1894, to June SO, 1895. Time of dav. LoDg. \V. Depth. ^i S2 fe I a I H Q 63 1. 0238 62 1. 0242 62 1 0242 62 1. 0242 62 1. 0240 69, 1. 0238 62 1. 0238 62 1.0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 62 1. 0240 05 1. 0234 65 1. 0240 65 1. 0244 65 1. 0244 65 1. 0242 65 1.0242 65 1. 0240 65 1. 0240 65 1.0238 65 1.0236 64 1. 0236 63 1. 0240 63 1.0240 63 1.0240 63 1. 0240 63 1. 0240 03 1. 0242 63 1. 0240 63 1. 0240 63 1. 0241 63 1.0240 63 1.0240 03 1. 0242 63 1. 0240 63 1. 0240 63 1.0238 63 1.0236 63 1.0234 03 1. 0223 63 1. 0202 03 1.0170 03 1.0194 03 1.0190 03 1.0182 03 1.0182 03 1. 0208 63 1. 0102 70 1. 0232 70 1. 0232 70 1. 0232 70 1.0232 70 1. 0230 70 1. 0230 70 1. 0230 70 1 0230 70 1. 0236 70 1. 0238 70 1. 0240 70 1.0240 70 1.0240 70 1. 0238 70 1. 0240 70 1. 0238 12in... 12 m . . . 12 m . . . 12 m... 12m ... 12m... 12m... I2ra... 12 m . . . 12ra ... 12m... 12 m... 12m... 12m ... 12 m . . . 12m... 12m... 12m.-. 12m... 12m... 12m... 12m... 12m ... 12 p.m. 6 a. m - . 12m ... 6 p.m.. 6 a.m.. 12m... 6 p.m. . 12 p. m. 6a. m.. 12m ... 6 p.m.. 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12m... 6 p.m.. 12 p. m. 6 a. m.. 12 m ... 6 p. m . . 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12 m... 1 p. m. . 12 m... 12 p.m. 12 m... 12p.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 6 p.m. . 12 m... 6 p.m.. 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12 m . . . 6 p.m.. 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12m... 6 p.m.. 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12 m... 12 p.m. 6 a. m . . 12m... 165 57 22 00 Akutan Bay I 56 35 00 , ! 54 56 00 Ikatan Bay Morzhovoi Village Ikatan Bay, sout n side. . . I '54 33 00 I 102 Sanuak Island , I 54 34 00 1 102 Unalaska Harbor 56 41 00 50 26 00 58 22 00 59 25 00 00 15 00 59 09 00 57 57 00 50 53 00 56 00 00 55 38 00 55 28 00 57 43 00 Unimak Pass 54 42 00 55 10 00 55 22 00 55 28 00 55 35 00 55 45 00 55 52 00 56 05 00 56 11 00 56 15 00 50 20 00 56 18 00 56 22 00 56 25 00 56 32 00 50 35 00 50 37 00 56 42 00 56 48 00 56 47 00 Harbor, high 53 00 37 00 42 00 22 00 13 00 45 00 12 00 05 00 43 00 52 00 09 00 23 00 58 00 Sitka 162 161 160 157 155 154 153 152 150 150 149 149 148 147 146 144 143 142 140 139 ■water . 10 00 52 00 15 00 10 00 41 00 28 00 15 00 12 00 48 00 12 00 45 00 25 00 57 00 35 00 12 00 55 00 40 00 04 00 40 00 05 00 Peril Strait Uoiiglass I.sland Taku Harbor "Wrangle Narrows Marys Island Promise Island Bella Bella Harbor Alert Bay Bellingham Bay 00 00 12 00 28 00 41 00 59 00 10 00 26 00 38 00 57 00 06 00 11 00 18 00 27 00 04 00 30 00 42 00 133 40 00 134 35 00 135 40 00 136 58 00 138 19 00 139 10 00 140 12 00 141 10 00 142 31 00 142 48 00 143 15 00 143 35 00 144 08 00 145 50 00 146 45 00 147 47 00 Surface . ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do.. ...do... ...do... ...do ... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do... ...do.. ...do... ...do.., ...do... ...do.., . . . .do . . ...do... ...do.. ...do.. ...do.. ...do... ...do... ...do . ...do.. ...do .. ...do.., ...do . . . . .do . . ....do.., ....do... ...do... ...do... ....do... ...do ... ....do.. ...do... ...do.. ...do... ...do... ...do .. ...do... ....do... ...do.. ...do... ...do.. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 167 Record of ocean temperature and specific gravities by the United States Fish Commission, steamer Albatross, July 1, 1894, to June 30, 1895 — Continued. Time of day. Long. y^. t^fl ,s n o Depth. ^ , I'l s qm^ a ointed out a depression in which he had on several occasions found crocodile eggs. The existence of a species of crocodile in the United States was first made known in ISGO by Wyman, wlio based a paper* on a skull sent from the Miami Eiver. Alligators {Alligator mississippiensis) are found in all the fresh-water streams discharging into the bay. Of late they have been so assidu- ously hunted by the Indians that their number has been greatly reduced, and the species is approaching extinction here as elsewhere in Florida. The green turtle (Ghelonia mydus) is one of tlie most valuable water animals of this region. It has undergone a noteworthy diminution in abundance within a comparatively few years, and it would appear that some protective measures are urgently demanded in order to preserve it from practical extermination. The poaching of turtle fishermen from Bahama Islands is a source of great 'annoyance and injury to the peo- ple of Bisca;^ne Bay, who have seriously felt the efl'ects of the wholesale capture of turtles on the grounds lying off the bay. As many as 10 or 12 sail of Nassau vessels are sometimes seen taking turtles within jurisdictional waters. They withdraw on the approach of a revenue cutter and are seldom apprehended by the customs officers. As a result of the indiscriminate fishing done by these fishermen the turtle fishery along the reefs and keys is reported to have been almost ruined, and the turtles are yearly becoming scarcer in the bay itself. The turtles found in the bay range from 75 to 10 pounds in weight, the average being about 25 pounds. The average weight of those taken outside is probably GO or 75 pounds. It is reported by the fishermen that only a few green turtles now visit the beaches of southern Florida and that no eggs are there deposited. This species is supi^osed to chiefly fre- quent the shores of Yucatan for the purpose of breeding. The loggerhead turtle {Thai assocJiclys caretfa) resorts to the outer beaches in large numbers for tlie purpose of depositing its eggs. The supply is much less than formerly owing to the wholesale destruction of the eggs by fishermen and by various predaceous animals, such as bears and raccoons, which walk the beach incessantly at night and devour a large part of the eggs not taken by man. The loggerhead turtle is much less valuable as a commercial product than tlie green turtle, and is chiefly taken for local consumption, although at times considerable numbers are secured by the turtle smacks from Key West. Their average weight is about 300 pounds. * Amer. Journ. Sci. and Arts, XLix, 1870, p. 105. F. R. 95 12 178 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The diamond-back terrapin {Malaclemmys 2)alustris) is found in suit- able situations tlironghout the bay. It is said to be most abundant in the southern part. It is said to be somewhat inferior in food value to the same terrapin taken farther north. No efforts are made to take it for shipment or local sale. CRUSTACEANS. This section is well snpi)lied with crustaceans suitable for food, but, owing to tlie absence of any fislieries for them, their abundance and local distribution are only imperfectly known. The common blue crab {GalUnectes) is found throughout the bay in considerable numbers, and it or an allied si^ecies also exists in the fresh- water streams flowing from the everglades. The stone crab {Menippe) frec^uents the inlets and channels of the section, and is well known to the people of the bay, but is eaten in only limited quantities. The lady crab {Platyonichus) is observed along the sandy beaches of the keys, and is reported to be abundant. The horseshoe crab or king crab [Limulus) is found throughout Bis- cayne Bay and in other suitable localities along this coast. It is not utilized. Perhaps the most valuable crustacean of this region is tl^e salt-water crawfish or spiny lobster {Panulirns)^ which is reported to occur in immense bodies around the keys forming tbe eastern boundary of the lower part of the bay. It is marketable as food and bait and is similar to the "lobster" of the Pacific coast^ which is eaten in large numbers, but no use is at present made of the animal in the Biscayne Bay region, except its casual employment in very small quantities for bait and family supply. Shrimp [Fenams) are probably present in sufficient numbers to war- rant the prosecution of a fishery, if the facilities for marketing the catch were better. OYSTERS. There is a luxuriant growth of oysters in parts of Biscayne Bay. They are all raccoon oysters, growing in dense reefs or beds in the open bay, and on the roots and submerged limbs of mangrove and other trees along the shores. In places they hang in large compact bunches to the mangroves, forming long continuous lines of oysters 10 or 12 inches deep. They also attach themselves to the piling of docks, the bottoms of boats, and submerged logs and branches. The oysters are uniformly small. The average length of the shells is under 2i inches and the maximum size of the oysters growing on the reefs is but little over 4 inches. When the clusters are separated, how- ever, the oysters attain a much larger average size. The oysters grow very rapidly. Mr. Ealph Munroe, of Cocoanut Grove, has seen oysters on the bottom of a boat at his wharf attain a length of over 2 inches from the spat in nine months. A large proportion of the oysters on NOTES ON BISCAYNE BAY. 179 the reefs have remarkably well-shaped shells, considering the condition under which they exist. The shells are rather thick, owing to the presence of lime salts in abundance brought down by the rivers and by surface drainage from the limestone formation which is such a conspic- uous feature of the topography of this region. Many of the shells are marked by high radiating ridges which project beyond the proper margin of the shell and give it a fluted appearance. According to Mr. Munroe, who has had extended practical experience in oyster planting in l^ew York, the oysters in Biscayne Bay have an excellent flavor, and, w