MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY. Received J^i<''^^.../.Yi^.-^ Accession No. ^^^r^.j^k? Given by Place, lL.%..t:a.. %*Ho book OP pamphlet is to be pemoved fpom the Uob- opatopy tuithout the pepmission ot the Trustees. d- u s - ,A?^~-' ,o U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES. i^ GEORGE M. BOWERS, Commissioner. J i^ yr' REPORT THE COMMISSIONER THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1901. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902. 3ool COISr TENTS Page. Report of the Commissioner 1-20 Report on the Propagation and Distribution of Food-Fishes. By W. de C. Ravenel 21-110 ■ Report on Inqiiiry respecting Food-Fishes and the Fishing-Grounds. By Hngh M. Smith 111-140 Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By C. H. Townsend 141-i66 APPENDIXES. Notes on the Fishes and Mollnsks of Lake Chautauqua, New York. By B. W. Evermann and E. L. Goldsborough 109-175 Publications of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries avail- able for Distribution on December 1 , 1901 177-193 Notes on the Tagging of Four Thousand Adult Cod at Woods Hole, Mass. By Hugh M. Smith 193-208 Notes on the Fishes of Lake Ontario. By B. W. Evermann and W. C. Kendall 209-210 An Annotated List of the Fishes known to occur in Lake Champlain and its Tributary Waters. By B. W. Evermann and W. C. Kendall 217-225 An Aimotated List of the Fishes knowm to occur in the St. Lawrence River. By B. W. Evermann and W. C. Kendall 227-240 Notes on the Silversides of the Genus Menidia of the East Coast of the L'nited States, with Descriptions of t\^o new, Subspecies 241-267 Notes on the Scotch Methods of Smoking Haddocl^s. By Hugh M. Smith. 269-271 Description of a new Species of Shad ( Alosa ohiensis) , with Notes on other Food-Fishes of the Ohio River. By B. W. Evermann 27:^-288 The Pan-American Exposition— Report of the Representative of the United States Fish Commission. By W. de C. Ravenel 289-351 Preliminary Report on an Investigation of the Fishes and Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. By D. S. Jordan and B. W. Evermann 35:3-380 Commercial Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. By John N. Cobb . 381-499 Notes on the Fisheries of the Pacific Coast in 1899. By W. A. Wilcox _ . 501-574 Statistics of the Fisheries of the Great Lakes. By C. H. Townsend 575-657 Statistics of the Fisheries of the Mississippi River and Tributaries. By C. H. Townsend 659-740 Notes on the Boats. Apparatus, and Fishing Methods employed by the Natives of the South Sea Islands, and Results of Fishing Trials by the Albatross. By A. B. Alexander 741-829 III LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Plate 1. Spawning and Rearing Ponda at Bullochville, Ga _ ._ 1 2. Pan- American Exposition— Sections of Products of the Fisheries and Scientific Inquiry _ 16 S. Pan-American Exposition — Fish-cultural Section 20 4. General View of Bullochville Station, showing Pond System 54 5. Cold Spring— Part of Water Supply at Bullochville 110 6. Pan-American Exposition— Main Section of Government Building _ 391 ~. Pan-American Exposition — South Pavilion of Government Building, occupied by Fisheries Exhibit _.. 298 8. Pan-American Exposition — View taken from Gallery at North Door, showing Scientific Inquiry Section and Swordfish Fisherman _ __. 304 9. Pan-American Exposition — View showing Beam Trawl in Position and other Scien- tific Apparatus __ _ 308 10. Pan-American Exposition— View of the Fish-cultural Section, showing Hatching- trays, Tables, Spawn-taker, etc _ 314 11. Pan-American Exposition— View showing Apparatus used in the Commercial Fishery, including the Angling Exhibit _ 322 12. Pan-American Exposition— View showing Fishery Products and Angling Exhibit of Abbey & Imbrie 332 13. Pan-American Exposition — Historical Series of Guns, Lances, etc., used in the Whale Fishery _ 33& 14. Pan-American Exposition — View showing Fishery Products 342 15. Pan-American Exposition — View showing Cases containing Canned Products of the Fisheries 346 16. Pan-American Exposition — Plan of Aquarium 352 17. Pan-American Exposition— Details of Aquarium _ 352 18. Pan-American Exposition — Details of Aquaria Tanks. -. _ _ 352 19. Pan-American Exposition— Plan of Pump and Refrigerating Room 3.^ 20. Pan-American Exposition— Diagra^n of Floor Space, Exhibition Hall 352 21. (1) Native Fisherman with Dip Net. (2) Carrying Fish in Baskets _ _ 383 22. (I; Double Canoe and Live-bait Box. (2) Double Canoe returning from Fishing. _ 394 •£i. U) Squid Fishing with Spear. (2) Papai Dip Net 406 24. (1) Puhi Basket Trap. ( 2 ) Fish Basket Trap 408 25. (1 ) Interior Fish Pond, Waikiki, Oahu. (2 ) Sluiceway leading into Interior Fish Pond, Waikiki. Oahu.. 428 26. (1) Banana Plantations. (2i Landing Fish (Aku) at Waiakea, Hilo 466 27. Maj) showing Location of Fish Ponds on Molokai 476 28. ( 1 ) Drying Abalone at a Camp of Japanese Fishermen near San Pedro, Los Angeles County. Cal. (2) Fishing a Sa,lmon Trap, Puget Sound .508 29. (1) Boxing Oysters on the Beds in San Francisco Bay. (2) Sorting Oysters for Market, San Francisco Bay _ 574 I*). Canoes Trading around the Steamship Albatross, Caroline Islands 743 31. (1) Canoe, Makemo. (2) Canoes, Paddle, Dip Nets, and Fish-car, Papeete 768 32. ( 1) Large Dip Net, Aitutaki. (2) Fish-ti-ap, Aitutaki 778 33. (1) Canoe, Kambara. (2) Canoe, Suva, Fi.ji 786 34. (1) Fishing Trap Net closing in on School of Fish with short Drag Seines, Fiji Islands. (2) Fish-trap, Fiji Islands. (3) Fiji Canoe, Hut, and Native 792 35. (1) Canoe, Funafuti. (2) Sailing Canoe, Rongelab 796 36. (1) Marshall Island Canoe on Beach. (2) Marshall Island Canoe under Sail 804 37. <1) Canoe, Kusaie, Caroline Islands. i2; Ponapi Canoe 822 VT LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. TEXT CUTS. Page. A Catch of Rainbow Trout from Laurel River, Va - 25 Menidia peninsuliP _ _ 257 Menidia peninsiTlae atrimentis 258 Menidia beryllina 260 Menidia beryllina cerea 203 Menidia menidia . _ - - - 263 Menidia menidia notata - _ - . - 263 Alosa oliiensis, female 279 Alosa ohiensis, male 279 Alosa alabamae, male 280 Alosa alabamae, female 280 Alosa sapidissima, male - — 281 Alosa sapidissima, female - - - 281 Basket for catching Opai 408 Pearl Hook used in Akn Fishing 416 Bone Hooks used in Fishing 417 Wooden Shark Hooks with Bone Joints. . 418 Tortoise-shell Hook 418 Ivory Hook _ - 418 Deep-sea Fishing Line 419 Cowrie Hook with Shell for catching He© . 420 Hook made from Iron Nail - 420 Hooks used in catching Turtle and Squid- 421 Hook with Ivory Barb and Wooden Shank _ 421 Mortar and pestle for mixing Palu (or Bait I 424 Striped Bass - 504 Common Shad _ 504 Chinook, King, or Quinnat Salmon 506 Blueback or Red Salmon 506 SilverSalmon 509 Dog Salmon _ . , 509 Steelhead _ 512 Cod 524 Cultus-cod 525 Black Cod or Beshowe .- 525 Starry or California Flounder 527 Halibut 528 Pacific Herring 534 Surf Smelt _ 548 California Smelt - 548 Bull's-eye or Chub Mackerel 569 Black-banded Rock-fish -.. 571 Corsair. ._ 572 Tree-fish 573 Page. Canoe, Nukuhiva Island 745 Canoe, Rahiroa Island _ _ 7,48 Large and Small Adze used in making Canoes, Paumotu Islands 749 Stone Fish-trap, Apataki 752 Stone Fish-trap, Anaa Atoll, on the Reef. 755 Ci'oss Section of Makemo Canoe 759 Canoe, Nukutavake 766. 767 Fish-hooks, Hereheretue Island 708 Bamboo Fish-car, Papeete 772 Fish-trap, Papeete, side and end views. . . 773 Fish-car, Bora Bora 778 Large Dip Nets, Aitutaki 779 Sketch of Half ('^anoe. Savage Island 78 Fish-trap, Nukualofa 784 Needle, Kambara, Fiji 787 Small Sailing Canoe, Fiji 789 Steering Paddle for Double Canoe, Kam- bara 79*1 Fish-trap. Funafuti 795 Scoop net, Funafuti 796 Sketch showing Stern of Funafuti Canoe 796 Canoe, Apamama and Tarawa 798 Sketch of Canoe showing Style of Plank- ing, Apamama 799 Apamama Canoe Paddle '. 799 Stone Fish-trap, Maiana Island 800 Stone Fish-trap, Tarawa Island 801 Hand Net, Jaluit ,. 803 String of Cocoanut Leaves used withHand Net - 803 Fish-trap, Jaluit. 804 Sailing Canoe. Jaluit. Marshall Islands .. 805 Sketch of Marshall Island Canoe 807 Canoe Bailer, Marshall Islands 811 Dip Net, Rongelab 811 Showing Build of Rongelab Canoe 812 Fish-traps, Likieb Atoll 813 Dip Net, Kusaie 819 Wing-shaped Hand Net, Kusaie 820 Canoe and two Styles of Ovitrigger, Ku- saie 821 Sailing Canoe. Tr uk Group 8*25 Paddling Canoe, Truk Group. 826 Canoes on Beach, Truk Group 827 Double Fish-trap. Guam 828 Single Fish-trap, Guam 829 Report U. S. F. C. 1901. (To face page 1.) Plate 1. REP O R T OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1901. I have tlie honor to submit a report of the operations of the United States Coniniission of Fish and Fisheries for the year ending June 30, 1901, together with the detailed reports of the assistants in charge of the different branches of the work, and to call attention to some of the more interesting features. PROPAGATION OF FOOD-FISHES. The fish-cultural operations for the year show an increase of over 9,000,000 over 1900, 1,173,833,400 fish and eggs having been distrib- uted, the principal species being shad, salmon, lake trout, white-fish, pike perch, lake herring, cod, and flat-fish, besides lobsters. The results with salmon on the Pacific coast, though creditable, were inferior to some years, for while the runs of fish were good in the Sacramento and in the Columbia and its tributaries, the numbers reaching the headwaters, where the liatcheries are located, were com- paratively small. Pursuing the polic}' mentioned in the last report, the fr3" in several instances were held for a few months and fed, so that when liberated they were 2 to 3 inches long and in vigorous con- dition. About 23,000,000 quinnat-salmon eggs were secured in Cali- fornia and Oregon and nearly 4,000,000 l)lueback eggs in Washington. On the Great Lakes the aggregate results were satisfactory, and besides the usual work in those waters plans were matured to begin the pi-op- agation of lake herring. The severe weather in January limited the results with this species to about 61,000,000 eggs, but greater success is expected during the coming year. The collection of lake-trout eggs in Lakes Supei-ior and Michigan nearh' doubled that of last year, amounting to 22,400,000, from which 19,000,000 fry were hatched. Advantage was taken of the Michigan State law which permits the capture of fish for purposes of artificial propagation after the close season has liegun, and a large i^roportion of these eggs were taken between November 14 and 28. The plan of impounding white-fish to insure a supply of spawning fish was again followed out successfully on the Detroit River and at .several points on Lake Erie. The eggs were hatched at the stations on Lakes Erie, 1 F. C. l'.»Ul 1 2 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Ontario, and Superior, and on the Detroit River, and yielded more than 320,000,000 fry, which were jilanted in those waters. The Commission receives increasing numbers of requests for pike- perch fry for stocking inland lakes and streams, and is endeavoring to meet this demand. The taking of eggs of this species was again interrupted by storms on Lake Erie, but, on the wliole, a satisfactory supply was obtained. This was augmented by over 160,000,000 taken on the Missisquoi River, in Vermont. From Lake Erie 42,000,000 eggs were sent to the State fish commissions of Michigan and Missouri, and 299,000,000 were held at the station at Put-in Bay. In all, 240,887,000 fr}^ were hatched by the Commission and distributed. In New England the customary work with marine species has been carried on, attention being paid chiefly to cod, flat-fish, and lobsters. Brood cod were collected b}^ the schooner Grampus during October and held at Woods Hole until the}^ were ready to spawn, and eggs were also obtained from fish taken by commercial fishermen at Kittery, Me., and at Plymoutli, Mass. The hatching was done at Woods Hole and Gloucester. After the cod work was over at Woods Hole the propa- gation of flat-fish was taken up. It becomes each year more diificult to secure lobster eggs along the coast, notwithstanding agents are stationed at all of the important fishing centers. At the same time reports of statistical agents of the Commission show a slight increase in the number of lobsters brought to nuirket in some ports of New England in the past year, as compared with 1898. During the year there were liatched and planted in New England waters 202,870,000 cod, 44,000,000 flat-fish, and 60,000,000 lobsters. The eggs obtained from lobsters taken on the Maine coast were hatched at Gloucester, but the fry were all returned to Maine waters. The shad work of the season was satisfactorj^ although fewer fish were hatched than in the i^revious year, owing to weather conditions which caused the runs on the Potomac and Susquehanna to be much smaller than usual. On the Delaware, however, the fish were found in great quantities, and during the season, which lasted from May to June 13, more eggs were taken than ever before. In Albemarle Sound the run was also verj^ large, so that the new station at Edenton, N. C, operated for the first time, was enabled to make a very good showing. The total number of shad fry distributed was 193,287,000. At the inland stations devoted to trout, bass, and other fish suitable to interior waters there have been good results, and nearly all of the applicants have been supplied with suitable numbers of fish for stocking i)uri)oses. While the above refers briefly to tlie more important fisli-cultural work of the Commission, a full list of the fishes propagated, with the number of each distributed, will be found on pages 85-110. The Commission is often in receipt of letters showing the successful results of plants of fish in new waters made in previous years. It is reported that rainbow trout introduced in a lake in Ellis County, REPORT OF C0MMISSI02^ER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 3 Tex., in 1899, have so multiplied that there is now good fishing for them, and the same is also true of certain localities in Michigan and Virginia. Steelhead trout continue to thrive and multiply in Lake Superior and inland waters of Minnesota and Vermont, where they have been brought from the Pacific coast. On account of both its food and game qualities, this flsh is an especial favorite in Minnesota, as evidenced by many appreciative letters. Lake trout introduced four years ago in a pond in Vermont have increased to such an extent that there is now good fisliing there, as is also the case with black bass, of which a small plant was made under unfavorable circum- stances in a pond in Massachusetts. These authentic notes of the value of fish-culture are referred to more in detail hereafter. The following tables show the number of fish and eggs furnished to the States and Territories, the output of the various stations, and the total number of fish distributed by species dui'iug the fiscal year ended June 30, 1 901 : Distribution and assignments offish and eggs among the States and Territories. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. Alabama. 1,800 2, .3.50 Crap pie ... 1, .590 Rock bass 1,600 Bream 1,2.50 Arizona .-. Rainbow trout 1,250 Black bass 400 Arkansas 3,400 615 Black bass Rock bass 100 strawberry bass - - . 100 California 3,402,036 889,570 Colorado Steelhead trout 47,800 Rainbow trout 17,000 Black-spotted trout 1,170,000 Brook trout 585,000 308.000 Lake trout 21,250 Connecticut Shad . . . 8,828,000 Landlocked salmon 2,000 Brook trout 40,975 500.000 Pike perch Black bass 2,650 Lobster 727,000 9,136,000 Delaware Shad- Brook trout 500 Black bass. 600 Rock bass 150 District of Columbia Shad. 2, (m, 000 Landlocked salmon 4,500 Rainbow trout. 12 Lake trout 13,600 Black bass 282 Florida Shad 4,426,000 Black bass 1,900 Crappie 200 Rock bass - .50 Georgia Shad 2,575,000 Rainbow trout. 2,900 Sun-fl.'sh 2.58 Black bass 5,720 Crappie 2,011 Rock bass 950 Warmouth bass 306 Bream. 1,767 Idaho 130,000 110,000 30 000 Brook trout 11,000 Grayling 3, 500 Steelhead trout. 16,000 Illinois White-fish 640,000 Pike perch 500,000 Cat-fish ioo REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Distributiun and (iN^iqnments of fish and eggs among the States — Continued. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings. Adultsand yearlings. 135 . 3, 279 2,355 550 375 33,000 30,000 20,000 4,000,000 9,500,000 White-fish 8,000 550 Indian Territory Black bass 350 200 3,000 Rainbow trout 134,000 167, 400 5,235 10,000 Grayling 3,000 1,000,000 Black bass . - . 544 Crap^ie 2,129 500 Black bass 8,180 250 6,000 Strawberry bass 700 Bream 1,700 2,750 2,000,000 8,6.50 1,035 Crappie 100 100 Sti'awberry bass .- - 975 Bream . .. 400 Maine 10,000 359,923 5, 000 437,529 339,837 15,0(K),000 44,836,000 4,516 9,343 7,816 308 11, 191 1,750,000 183, 630 Landlocked salmon. - .. . _ 20,855 186,009 Steelhead trout 13,543 235 Lake trout 358,500 Maryland Shad 5,235,000 20,000 9,550 11,683 11,825 Rock bass . .-- 426 Shad 397,050 Landlocked salmon 35,000 90,000 50,000 8,000 431 74,980 5,000 5,494 10,000 4,000,000 1,350,000 1,550 Cod 303.871,000 44,3:30.000 43,886,000 Flat-flsh 10,000 49. 600 61,000 880,000 8,345,000 " '153^350; 066' 30,900,000 20,900 Lake trout 2,000,000 300,000 152,996 6 White-flsh 33,100,000 2,790 3IJ0 19,900 80,000 1,6*5,000 5,300,000 3,000 230 600 13, 460 67,350 Brook trout 10,000 10,000,000 730 Crappie -. 300 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Distribution and assignments of fish and eggs among the States — Continued. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry and flngerlings. Adults and yearlings. Missouri Rock bass 1 1,495 400 Strawberry bass Bream 3,4.30 20, m) 26 KKI Montana Steelhead trout. Brooi-' trout Black-spotted trout 5,000 1,363,300 464,800 Grayling Black bass 1 050 Nebraska Rainbow trout .:: 1 2,000 105 Black bass Crappie 400 New Hampshire Atlantic salmon 200,000 10,000 25,000 25,000 400,000 Landlocked salmon 7,600 Rainbow trout Brook trout 129, 495 15,000 53 136 Lake trout Grayling 51 q ' WMte-fl.sh. .500,000 Black bass. 4:50 New Jersey Shad. 6,720.000 25,000 20,000 34,805,000 Rainbow trout .500 Brook trout Pike perch : 1,500,000 Black bass 8.50 Rock bass 100 New Mexico ; Rainbow trout 44,960 15 875 Black bass 1 3(10 Rock bass 400 New York Shad 42,000 16,386,000 Atlantic salmon 100 Landlocked salmon 20,000 25,000 11 100 Steelhead trout. 5 598 Brook trout 274,200 1,470,000 100 Lake trout 2,800,00(J Scotch .sea trout 4,907 White-flsh.... 25, UK), 000 13,552,000 17,050,000 Pike perch Black bass 4,3.50 North Carolina _■.. Shad 51,280,000 5,000 Rainbow trout 75,0(X) 8,6.50 100 Brook trout Black bass. 4 3.50 Rock bass 1 540 North Dakota Cat-fish 3, 374 Pickerel 300 Yellow perch 496 Black bass. 3 335 Crappie 493 Sun-flsh 65 Ohio _ .. Brook trout... 90,000 102,600,000 86,587,200 20,200,000 White-fish Pike perch Lake herring Black bass .' 7,310 3,300 2,(X»0 1 950 Crappie . Oklalioma Rainljow trout Black bass Rock bass.. 900 Strawberry bass 100 Oregon 2,728,000 8,030,510 128,00!) 65,8.50 5,000 10,000 91,161 1,788,0(X) 1 668 Silver salmon . Steelhead trout 25,000 Rainbow trout Brook trout 10, .5(X1 Grayling 3, .500 Pennsylvania Shad Atlantic salmon 64 Steelhead trout 68 Rainbow trout 35.000 20,00(1 10, .554. (m .57 277 Brook trout White-fi.sh 5, 070 .314.000 10, 0(XJ, 000 Pike perch Lake herring 30,820,000 Black bass 5,985 900 Rock bass Rhode Island Shad 3.249,950 20.(K)0 Brook trout Black bass 1,975 Lobster 1,266,000 5, .504, 000 South Carolina Shad Black bass 2,0(XI Rock bass 350 South Dakota Loch Leven trout 30,000 Black-spotted trou t 2,071 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Distribution and assignments of fish and eggs among the States — Continued. State or Territory- Species. Eggs. Pry and fingerlings. Adultrtand yearlings. Brook trout . .- 190,000 140,000 1,860 825 Rainbow trout 8,000 10,000 7,500,000 64, 075 Black bass 5,540 1,000 1,225 Texas Rainbow trout. 88, 985 , 12,445 Rock bass 8,265 100 Bream 7,695 Utah Landlocked salmon .. 5,000 44,000 20,000 25,000 300,000 70,000 10,000 Black-spotted trout Brook trout Grayling ... 21,982 16,900 Rainbow trout 3,998 332,990 106,400 27, 944 300,000 Grayling . . 1,196 16,750,000 20,000 Sturgeon Black bass 1,000 Shad 7,089,000 3,000 81,055 Brook trout 8,167 16,345 285 Rock bass . . . 3,355 175 Sun-fish 390 Quinnat salmon 3,865,000 172,041 3,834,453 Black-spotted trout . . 69", 56() 25,000 25,900 153,141 791,295 White-fish Rainbow trout 1,000 25,000 5,000 6,500 750 White-fish Black bass 1,590 1,135 Rock bass 100 Sun-fish . - 180 25,000 50,000 10,000 bteelhead trout , - - - 5,000 6, 855 840, 0(X) 4.800,000 2,700,000 6,394 Brook trout 6,537 White-fish 10,000,000 Pike perch . ... 70 Crap pie 525 Wyoming 80,000 10,000 75,000 151,000 100,000 45,000 25,000 35 2,425 Foreiern countries: Canada Lake trout ... 360,000 150 Mexico do .... 2,500 England 25,000 2C 'JOO 11 JOO 10, TOO 5(X), (XX) lO.lKX) do Italy do Japan Total 1.50,307,251 1,017,687,868 5,838,343 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fish and eggs furnished for (listribution dnriiKj yar ending June 30, 1901. Source of supply. Species. Eggs ^^y ^?^ ^'^■ ^^ gerlmgs. Adults and yearlings. 15,8.55 1 280 231 178.133 437,529 59 Lake trout 358,500 329,827 Steelbead trout 1,370 C'raitr Brook. Me.* 200,000 115, ao 10,000 3,000 5,000 182, 884 Landlocked salmon ! 3. 114 Steelbead trout 14.340 Scotch sea trout ! 16, 000 Brook trout j 4,907 170 Tiand locked salmon 76,693 33,862 Brook trout _ . _ 176 Nashna.N.H 191,000 88, 175 Grayling 540 St. .TX) lake-trout eggs were transferred from Duluth to other sta- tions of the U. S. Fish Commission X 136,000 rainbow-trout eggs were also transferred to other stations of the Commission. § In addition to the above 73.672 rainbow-trout eggs were transferred from Neosho to North- ville station and 500 to the Indiana University, at Bloomington. Ind. II Of the black bass, 2,500 were furnished in 1900. Sent to Mexico and not tabulated last year. II 2.50,000 brook-trout eggs were also transferred to various stations of the Commission. ** In addition to the above, 150,000 brook-trout eggs were transferred from Spearflsh to other stations of the U. S. Fish Commission. tt In addition to the above, ]00,0(W grayling eggs were transferred from Bozeman to Clackamas, and 30,000 black-.spotted trout eggs, 13,000 steelhead trout eggs, and 30,000 grayling eggs were sent to the Pan-American Exposition. M 1,00(J quinnat-salmon eggs were also sent from Baird to Prof. Dudley, of Stanford University. §§1,000,000 quinnat salmon eggs were also transferred from Battle Creek to Baird for hatching, and 6,000 were sent to Stockton, Cal., high school for experimental purposes. i In addition to the above, 91,000 steelhead rrout eggs were transferred from Elk Creek to other stations of the U. S. Fish Commission. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Suniviary of distribution. Species. Shad Quinnat salmon Atlantic salmon Landlocked salmon. Sliver salmon Ulncback salmon Steelliead trout Loch Leven trout . . Rainbow trout Black -spotted trout Brook trout Lake trout Scotch sea trout Grayling -._ -_. White-fish Pike perch Lake herring Sturgeon Cat-fish Pickerel Yellow perch Black bass Craiipie Rock bass Strawberry bass War mouth bass Sun-fish Bream Cod Flat-fish Lobster Total Eggs. 11,997,000 6,6.55,036 300,000 130,855 155,000 10,000 415, 860 225,000 361,000 6,258,5ai 10,000 270, (KM) 46,699,(XI0 46,100,000 30,830,000 150,307,251 Fry and flngerlings. 179,290,000 12,785,080 14, .516 364,423 300,041 3,834,4.53 70, 850 88, 942 377, 716 115,000 3,394,733 13,393,968 11.191 1,453.461 279,4(J7,295 194,787.30(J 20,200,000 20.000 202,871,000 44, 230, 000 60,879,000 1,017,687,868 Adultsand yearlings. 2,000,000 1,668 183, 784 336,691 144,908 13,000 343, 737 1,736,371 678,206 174.246 4,907 11.721 3, .374 300 631 338, 105 30,467 37, 131 3,575 1,031 1,368 16,242 5,838,343 Total. 193,287,000 19,441,784 397,-300 731,969 300,041 3,834,453 370, 758 111,943 1,037,303 3,076,371 4, 433, 938 19,735,714 26,098 1,735,183 336, 106, 395 340,887,200 51,020,000 20,000 3,374 300 631 228,105 30,467 37, 131 2,575 1,031 1,268 16,243 203,871,000 44,230,000 60, 879, 000 1,173,833,463 RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION. The cars of the Fish Commission, while distributing fishes, traveled 103,982 miles and detached messengers traveled 200,473 miles. The following railroads greatly aided the work of distribution by furnishing free transportation : Name of railroad. Cars. 4, .374 104 Atchison. Topeka and Santa Fe Rwy. System Austin and Northwestern R. R- Baltimore and Ohio R. R. Bangor and Aroostook R.R Boston and Maine R. R . _ Burlington, Cedar Rapids and I Northern Rwy 1,461 Central Vermont Rwy Chesapeake and Ohio Rwy . _ | 779 Chicago and Northwestern Rwy Chicago, Burlington andOuincy R.R Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Rwy Colorado and Southern Rwy . . . Colorado Midland Rwy Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek District Rwy Delaware and Hudson R.R Denver and Rio (irande R. R. . Detrtjit and Mackinac Rwy.. . . El Paso and Northeastern R.R. ErieR. R Florida East Coast Rwy Fort Worth and Denver City Rwy _ Grand Rapids and Indiana Rwy [ 3, 196 Grand Trunk Rwy. System Great Northern Rwy. Lme. ' 1,171 Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe I Rwy Houston and Texas Central R.R. , International and Great North- ern R. R I Kansas City, Fort Scott and I Memphis R.R 1,107 130 i.'siiY 326 Messen- gers. 370 489 927 7.2&3 1,601 883 433 8,193 3,466 1,031 108 'i6,'(J34 3.52 732 4.857 173 1,0.57 8,034 1,723 9, .501 Name of railroad. Kansas City Southern Rwy Lexington and Eastern Rwy . . . Maine Central R. R Micliigan Central R. R Mobile and Ohio R. R Monson R. R._ Montana R. R Montpelierand Wells River R.R Natchitoches and Red River Valley Rwy . .__ Northern Pacific Rwy Oregon R. R. and Navigation Co. Oregon Short Line R. R Pennsylvania R. R. System Pere Marquette R. R Philadelphia and Reading Rwy. Plant System Portland and Rumford Falls Rwy Rutland R. R St. Louis and San Francisco R.R .... St. Louis Southwestern Rwy... San Antonio and Aransas Pass Rwy Seaboard Air Line Rwy Somerset Rwy Southern Pacific R. R Texas and Pacific Rwy Texas Central R. R Texas Midland R.R Union Pacific R. R Wabash R. R Washington County R. R Total Cars. Messen gers. 1,476 400 1,893 188 5,71: 854 .501 648 591 3.53 1,108 3,83S» 83 '2,'6.54" 3,445 56 140 1,780 13 349 'ZZ 67.! 6:36 44 a59 666 339 1,146 1,305 4, .511 344 1-25 336 1,.581 204 37,099 7.5,466 10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. BIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES. The investigations and experiments addressed to the fishes and other aquatic animals which are of immediate or indirect nsefulness to man have, as usual, covered a wide range of subjects, as noticed in some detail in the appended report of the assistant in charge of this branch of the Commission's work. In continuation of the policy of extending knowledge of the resources of the fresh waters and the geographical distribution of the food, game, and bait fishes, explorations have been carried on in Maine, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, and Cal- ifornia — some of a general character and some addressed to particular species. Investigations having reference to the animal life in the coastal waters were conducted in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vir- ginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana,Texas, and California. Special experiinents of economic importance related to the artificial fattening of o^ysters for market, the growing of sponges from cuttings, the rearing of lobsters, and the establishment of clam farms. The last two subjects were considered by the special com- mission formed for this purpose in the previous year, and material progress has been made in developing rational measures for main- taining the supply of lobsters and clams on the East coast. The investigation of the fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands required by the act of Congress which provided a government for Hawaii was begun in June, 1001. It was recognized at the outset that a satis- factory study of this subject, as contemplated by C'ongress, would involve a thorough inquiry into the variety, abundance, distribution, habits, etc., of the fishes and other aquatic i^roducts of this archipel- ago; and it was therefore decided that the preliminary investigations which were completed during the j^ear should, without neglecting the purely commercial aspects of the subject, be directed primarily to the marine zoology of the Territorial waters. The intelligent consideration of the diseases of fishes, whether wild or under domestication, has demanded and received much attention. An assistant has been regularly assigned to this duty; special facilities and apparatus have been furnished for the prosecution of his studies, and it is hoped that before long the Commission will be in jiosition to control some of the disastrous fish epidemics which now prevail at the hatching stations. The marine biological laboratories maintained by the Commission at Woods Hole, Mass., and Beaufort, N. C, have been resorted to by a very large corps of eminent biologists from all parts of the country. The Commission has had the benefit of the many important investigations relating to both pure and applied sciences there carried on. The provision made by Congress for a permanent laboratory at Beaufort is highly appreciated by the scientists who have been accus- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 11 tomed to visit this x^lace, and it is evident that the new laboratory will attract man}- workers and prove of great benefit in promoting a knowledge of the fauna of the South Atlantic coast waters. The evident desire of Congress to establish a biological station on the Gulf coast, as the Commission has recommended, has led to an examination of the entire i-egion for the purpose of determining the physical, climatic, and faunal advantages of the various sites which have been suggested. A number of inquiries having pertinency to work of tliis division or to the fisheries of the United States were made by the assistant in charge in several European countries. Among these was the sardine industry of France, on which a special report has been issued. STATISTICAL INQUIRIES. It is not possible, Avith the comparatively small force available for the pui'pose, to canvass the entire country in one j'ear, and the dif- ferent regions are therefore taken up iu turn, three or four years being necessar}" to investigate all of our fisheries. During the past fiscal year investigations have been made on the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and tributaries, and the Pacific Coast States. The statistics which follow, in the report of the division of statistics and methods of the fisheries (pp. 141-166), refer to the calendar year 1899, and much of the information has already been published in advance bulletins. Some miscellaneous field work was also done relating to minor interior waters of Texas, Utah, and Nevada, where an amount of fishing is carried on which is of considerable local importance. There have also been included studies of some of the more important or specially interesting fisheries, such as those of Boston and Glouces- ter, the sponge fishery of Florida, the lobster fishery, etc. Although the work is principally statistical, information is gathered respecting the methods employed, and intimate relations are maintained with all of the fishing and fish-dealing firms, whose interest in the work is revealed bj^ the constant applications for information. Not only the commercial value of the fisheries, but the results of fish-culture, are shown by the statistics, as it is found that millions of pounds of fish are taken annually from waters artificiallj' stocked in which such species did not previously exist. Besides the usual monthly bulletins covering the principal fishery products landed at Boston and Gloucester, five special bulletins con- taining advance information have been issued during the year. At Boston and Gloucester there have been landed during the calen- dar year 1900, 162,218,900 pounds of products, valued at $4,385,000, a decrease of 14,555,000 pounds from the previous year, but an increase of $191,450 in value. Boston shows an increase both in quantity and value, while in Gloucester there was a falling off in quantity. The mackerel fishery for 1900, amounting to 87,967 barrels, was larger tlum for any year except ISSS since the marked decline of this 12 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. industry, which began in 1885. This has been regarded as an indica- tion that this industry might regain its former importance, though the results of the season of 1901 have so far not been so encouraging. The canvass of tlie Great Lakes for the calendar year 1899 shows that the jield and value w^ere nearly equal to those of 1890, the largest on record. The total yield was 113,728,000 pounds, worth 12,611,400. Thei-e were 9,G70 persons engaged in the fisheries and 10,617,000 invested. The most important species, commercially, was the her- ring, followed by the lake trout, pike, pike perch, and white-fish. The values of the fisheries in the different lakes vary considerablj^^, from Lake Erie, where they are worth 11,150,900, to Lake Ontario, which yielded products valued at 1101,000. In recent years the fisheries of the Mississippi and its tributaries have developed to such a degree that in 1899 they exceeded in quan- tit}^ and nearly equaled in value the entire yield of the remaining interior waters of the United States, except the Great Lakes. The most important products are buffalo-fish, cat-fish, and German carp. Mussel shells, extensively used in the manufacture of i^earl buttons, were another valuable item, some 45,500,000 pounds being secured, for which the fishermen obtained $207,000. There has been a marked increase in the fisheries of California, Ore- gon, and Washington since 1895, when the last canvass of those States was made. This is owing in great measure to the extension of the salmon-canning industry in northern Washington. The total invest- ment in these three States is 112,873,000, and employment is given to nearly 20,000 people. Since 1895 the investment has increased by $5,600,000. The salmon fisher}^ is altogether the most valuable, being worth to the fishermen $3,500,000, but oysters, whale products, cod, and halibut are also important factors. In Florida, since 1890, the decreasing supply of sheep's-wool sponges, the favorite commercial grade, has brought about an advance in price and also a demand for other qualities. In the aggregate, while tlie number of sponges taken is smaller, the value is considerably greater. In 1900, 365,000 pounds were taken, worth $567,600. In July, 1900, the assistant in charge of the Division of Fisheries visited the Pribilof Islands to obtain data regarding the fur-seal herd for the Treasury Department, as required bj' law. His report was made to that Department. It was found the number of seals born in 1900 was not much less than in the previous season, attributable probably to the small pelagic catch in 1897. About 5,000 more skins were taken than in 1899, owing to their increased value, which influ- enced the lessees of the islands to kill some 13,000 two-j^ear-olds. It has alwaj^s been customary to confine the take of skins to seals three years old, but in 1900 only 9,000 of this class could be found. The report calls attention to the fact that the increased catch of pelagic seals during the past two seasons does not indicate that the herd is becoming more plentiful, for while the average take by each vessel is REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 13 good, the fleet is now about half the size it was formerly. The only way to arrive at a knowledge of the size of the herd is by actual count on the islands during the breeding season. STEAMER ALBATROSS. On July 1, 1900, the Albatross was at Unalaska on her way to Bering Sea to continue the investigation of the salmon fisheries of Alaska, begun in 1897, and which it was impossible to follow up during the two succeeding years, on account of other demands on the vessel. The cruise extended to Bristol Bay and along the south side of the Alaskan peninsula and the coast of southwestern Alaska, the object being to visit those salmon streams and canneries which were omitted in 1897 and to verify and complete records made at that time. The vessel was engaged in this duty till the close of the season, ai-riving at San Francisco October 30. The great distances to be traveled and the short seasons of those northern latitudes made it impossible to collect all the desired data, and therefore, owing to tlie importance of the work commercially and the interest shown in the previous report, it was deemed expedient to continue the investigation during one more summer, which it was thought would complete it and make available a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of these valuable fisheries. Accordingly, on the 22d of May, 1901, the vessel sailed from Seattle, and at the close of the fiscal j^ear was again in Alaskan waters. The report of the commanding officer is now in preparation for publication. STEAMER FISH HAWK. Tliis vessel was used during the summer of 1900 in connection with tlie biological work at the Woods Hole laborator3^ ^Vfter refitting and undergoing certain repairs she proceeded, November 10, to Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, to continue the hydrographic survey of the oyster-grounds of that region, begun the previous year. The work was confined to the section in Wyesocking Bay, surveyed by Lieu- tenant Win.slow in 1887, to determine what changes had occurred since that date, and it was found that these j)ublic oyster-grounds had decreased materiallj^ in area and productiveness. On completion of this duty the vessel proceeded to the Gulf coast of Florida to survey and chart the sponge-grounds, in connection with the investigation of the sponge industry of that State. Leaving Hamp- ton Roads January 7, 1901, she arrived at Anclote anchorage, Florida, Januar}- 20. On account of boisterous weather the work of the survey was greatly interfered with, and but a very small part of the beds was examined and located. The grounds extend from St. Marks to Tampa Bay, a distance of 150 miles, and out from the shore 15 to 20 miles to a depth of GO feet, which is the limit of depth at which the fishermen can work with present appliances. During the latter part of March a series of hauls with dredge and beam trawl were made for collections of invertebrates and fishes. April o the vessel reached 14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Key West, preparatory to proceeding north for the usual shad propa- gation. This work was taken up in the Delaware River, off Gloucester City, and thougli the season was backward, no eggs being taken till May 6, the results were very successful and operations were continued till June 13. NEW STATIONS. Work at the new stations under construction when the last rej)ort was submitted has been continued, and the stations at Bulloch ville, Ga., and Nashua, N. H., completed so that fish-cultural operations have been begun. At Cold Spring station, near Bullochville, 5 of the ponds finished in 1000 have been considerably enlarged, and 8 new large ponds and S'd small rearing-ponds have been built, giving a total jjond area of 6 acres. An office and storehouse, 25 feet by 43 feet, and a stable, 20 feet by 30 feet, have been erected, and fencing, driveways, and grading finished. Water is supplied to the residence, stable, and grounds by means of a hydraulic ram. At Nashua, N. H., a ditch <330 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 2 feet deep, was excavated along the pond system to protect it from the effects of storms. Fourteen new rearing-ponds were completed, 8 wells driven, new flumes constructed, shade trees planted, and other minor work performed. At Edenton, N. C, the attempt to obtain water for bass ponds by means of artesian wells has not i3 roved a success, the flow being entirely inadequate for that purpose. Accordingly some of the marsh land on the station has been cleared of cypress trees and stumps and the construction of ponds begun where they ma}^ be supplied with water from Pembroke Creek. This ground is so low that the pro- posed ponds must be drained by i^umping, and a plant for this purpose has been installed. The necessary outbuildings have been erected, boats and equipment purchased, and the upper floor of the hatchery strengthened to j)rovido quarters for the station force. NORTH CAROLINA BIOLOGICAL STATION. The act of Congress ai^jiroved May 12, 1000, authorizing the estab- lishment of a biological station and laboratory in North Carolina, contained no provision for the purchase of land. Though this defect would doubtless have been rectified at the next session of Congress, the opening of the laboratory would have been delaj^ed at least a year and a half. To avoid this dela}' several institutions of learning interested in the early completion of the station, at the suggestion of Prof. J. A. Holmes, State geologist of North Carolina, subscribed the amount necessary to jjurchase the desired property, and, by a deed dated March 25, 1001, donated it to the Government, subject to no conditions. While this action was very gratifying, since it i^ermitted work to be begun at once, it was taken independently by the donors, without the advice or solicitation of the Commission. iVfter due REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 15 consideration and investigation it was believed that the waters about Beaufort offered exceptional advantages for the j)roposed station, as there could be found material in abundance for the study of marine life, and the opportunities for consideration of economic problems were equally varied. The site finally decided on was Pivers Island, which is about 3 acres in extent, and lies in Beaufort Harbor, some 150 yards west of the city of Beaufort. As soon as the land was acquired the preparation of plans and specifications was begun by the architect and engineer, bids Avere advertised for, and arrangements made to begin w^ork. The sum necessary for the ljurchase of the site, $400, was subscribed by Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; Universitj" of Virginia, Charlottesville ; Uuiversit}^ of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; South Carolina College, Columbia, and University of Georgia, Athens. EXPOSITIONS. The exhibit of the Commission at the Pan-American Exposition, which was opened May 1 at Buffalo, N. Y., and at the close of the year was in progress, was under the charge of Mr. W. deC. Ravenel, who Avas appointed representative on the Government board of man- agers April 28, 1899. The exhibit occupies about 10,000 square feet and is intended to show the functions of the Commission as provided for by law, and also to illustrate, as comprehensively as the space will allow, the methods employed in the various fisheries and to show their products. The exhibits are arranged under three general headings — scieutific inquirj', fish-culture, and products. An aquarium, which occupies about 0,500 square feet, and in which are 32 tanks, has been arranged around the sides of the building. In these are shown all of the fresh and salt water fishes propagated by the Commission, the important economic food-fishes of the North Atlantic coast and the inland waters east of the Rocky Mountains and a few of the Sahnonidca from the Pacific slope. Arrangements have also been made with the New York and Vermont State fish com- missions for collections of game fishes indigenous to those States. The tanks for the display of fresh-water fishes are supplied with water from the Niagara River, which is furnished free of expense bj' the exposition company. The salt water was brought from Woods Hole, Mass., transported in cars loaned by the Union Tank Line Company of New York. In the interior portion of tlie building, which has an area of 3,540 s(iuare feet, the exhibits are placed. In the section of scientific inquiry are illustrated the methods and apparatus employed in conducting investigations and some of the results attained. Most of the instruments used in the laboratory — microscopes, microtomes, dis.secling instruments — are well known to the public, and the purpose has been, therefore, to utilize the space to show ai)iiaratus used in making shore and deep-sea collections. 16 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Facing the aisles are models of the Albatross and the Fisli Hawk, the largest vessels belonging to the Fish Commission, to which are due much of the jtresent knowledge of the life in the deep waters off the coasts of the United States and in the West Indies. Running diagp- nally across the section from the circular aisle of the rotunda is a display of the common forms of apparatus employed in marine inves- tigation. The beam trawl, whicli is spread upon the floor, is used for gathering specimens from the bottom. Hanging to a frame above the trawl are appliances used in collecting from the surface, bottom, and intermediate depths, sucli as tlie tangle, the Chester dredge, boat dredges, and surface and intermediate tow nets. Draped on the frame and otherwise disposed about the section are seines, gill nets, scooi^ nets, scrape nets, and other apparatus used in making shore collections of fishes and other organisms. The col- lecting tanks and chests in which specimens are preserved and trans- ported are shown by the side of the trawl, and adjacent to them is a Tanner sounding machine, with its accessory apparatus. On the walls in frames are examples of plates, colored and black-and-white, used to illustrate the publications of the Commission, and charts of the geo- graphical distribution of certain food-fishes, and a large map showing where the Commission has carried on scientific investigations. Under the head of fish-culture are grouped the exhibits which illus- trate fish-cultural work, embracing full-size forms of apparatus and models of all the appliances used in collecting eggs, the hatching and distribution of fresh and salt water fishes, and photographs, drawings, and charts showing the different fjhases of the work and the results of fish-culture in certain of the fisheries. From the open- ing of the exposition to its close, October oO, the practical work of hatching trout, salmon, shad, pike perch, and other fishes will be dem- onstrated. Suitable troughs and other apparatus have been provided and supplies of eggs will be received from time to time from different parts of the countr3\ At the opening of the exposition eggs of the shad, pike perch, steelhead trout, grayling from Montana, and black- spotted trout were in process of hatching. As the season advances other eggs will be substituted. The hatching of eggs of the marine fishes is illustrated by artificial means, as none of the salt-water fishes propagated by the Commission spawn during the summer. Fishery products are shown in a comparatively small but compre- hensive display of various fishes, oysters, lobsters, clams, turtles, shrimp, etc., preserved by canning in various waj's, and by smoking, pickling, and salting. The fresh-fish industries are illustrated by casts and engravings of the pr-incipal food-fishes, and pictures showing the manner of their capture. There is also a series of shells of salt and fresh water mollusks whicli are used for food or bait, and a collec- tion of edible crustaceans preserved and mounted. The secondary products of tlie fisheries, which are of considerable and increasing value, are illustrated by glues, fertilizers, oils, and isinglass. There are Resort U S. F, C. 1901 UN-AMERICAN EX POS ITIO N— SECTIO NS OF PRODUCTS OF THE FISHERIES AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY, EEPORT OB' COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ' 17 also examples of walrus and narwhal tusks, sperm-whale teeth, baleen or whalebone, both crude and prepared for use; and the well-known tortoise shell, In the form of shells, rough and polished, of the hawk's bill or tortoise-shell turtle. The Florida sponge fishery is represented l\y dried specimens of different grades and sizes. A full series of the shells of moUusks utilized in button-making is shown, together with buttons in the various stages of manufacture. The mollusks yielding shells suitable for buttons are among the numerous species which produce pearls, many of which are very beau- tiful and valuable, and examples of these are added to the collection. The skins of some water animals and fishes are now largely utilized in the manufacture of leather goods of all kinds, and a number of samples of these leathers are exhibited, including the skins as they appear when first tanned and the leathers dressed and dyed for dif- ferent purposes. A display' of furs of water animals, for the loan of which the Commission is indebted to Mr. C. C. Shayne, of New York, illustrates fisherj^ products used for clothing, and represents the furs in their various stages of manufacture. There are models of the modern types of fishing vessels, vessels used on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts, and the various nets, seines, lines, hand-lines, trawls, etc., are exhibited by models and by full-size specimens where sjjace will permit. The exhibit is proving very attractive and is nearly always crowded. The amount of space available was so limited that the aisles were necessaril}" too narrow both for comfort and to allow visitors a proper opportunity to examine the various collections, the j^assages of the aquarium especially being often so filled that it was impossible to have more than a passing glimpse of the tanks. An act of Congress approved July 1, 1808, directed that the United States be represented at che Universal Exposition of 1000 at Paris (commencing April 15 and closing November 5, 1000) by a commis- sioner-general, who was authorized to call on various branches of the Government, including the Fish Commission, for such material in their possession as he desired for exhibit at the exposition. Accord- ingly, at his re(iuest, this Commission furnished to Dr. T. II. Bean, director of foi-estry and fisheries on the staff of the commissioner-gen- eral, the following exhibits, Avhich at the close of the exposition were duly returned: Series of casts of food-fishes; series of photographs illustrating methods of preparing fishery products for food; series of large photographs of fish-cultural stations; series of photographs illus- trating Alaskan fishery methods and scenery; series of Avater-color drawings of fishes of United States and Porto Rico; series of i^ublica- tions of tlie Commission; models and specimens of fish-cultural appa- ratus; model of transportation car ; model of fish hatchery; collection of Florida commercial sponges; collection of oyster-shells, illustrating growth and development; collection of fresh-water mussels, illus- trating the mussel fishery and the manufacture of pearl buttons. F. C. 1!H)1 3 18 • REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Oil October 15, 1900, this Coiumissioii was notified that it had been awarded tlie diploma of a grand pvix for its collective exhibit. The following members of the Commission staff individually exhib- ited sets of their published papers pertinent to the work of the Bureau, and were awarded the stated prizes: Gold medals: Dr, H, M. Smith, Dr. B. W. Evermmn. Si.ver medals: Dr. J. A. Henshall, iMr. C. H. Stevenson, Mr. W. A. Wiko.; Bronze medals: Dr. W. C. Kendall. Honorable mention: Mr. John W. Titcomb. The following additional awards were made wliolly or partly for reports, either published by the Commission or based on its work. Gold medals: Commander Z. L. Tinner, U. S. N.: Dr. D. S. Jordan, Dr. T. H. Bean, Dr. L. Stejneger. Silver medals: Dr. W. O. Atwate.-, Prof. Edwin Linton. Bronze medals: Dr. H. C. Bumpus, Dr. S. E. Meek, Dr. A. J. Woohuan, Dr. P. H. Kirsch. Silver medals weie awarded to Mr. A. H. Baldwin and Mr. C. B, Hudson, for water-color drawings of fishes made to illustrate publica- tions of the Commission. In connection with tlie Paris Exposition, an International Congress of Agriculture and Fisheries was held under the auspices of the French Government. Dr. H. M. Smith was designated to represent the Com- mission at this congress, and his account of the proceedings will be found on pp. 133-139. Attention is drawn to the series of formal views adopted by the congress relating to fishery matters of international interest. AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. Tiie American Fisheries Society held its twenty-nintli annual ses- sion at the Woods Hole station of the Commission, beginning July 18, 1900. The society is the only organization of the kind in tlie United States, and lias a large membership of jiersons in all parts of the country who are interested. in fisheries and fish-culture. The Com- mission has always been in hearty sympathy with the objects and work of the societ}^, of which many of its staff are active members; and it was at the special invitation of the Commission that the meeting was held at Woods Hole. The attendance was large, and the meeting, which continued for three days, was one of the most interesting and profitable in the his- tory of the society. Besides the reading and discussion of a number of unusually valuable papers, the members witnessed the workings of the hatchery and biological laboratory at Woods Hole, made several trips on the vessels of the Commission, had a demonstration of deep- sea sounding and dredging on the steamer Fish Haivk, and visited a number of private trout hatcheries in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 19 PUBLICATIONS. There have been added to the library during the year 164 books and 288 unbound volumes and pamphlets. Besides the bound report for 1899, the following pamphlet extracts from the reports for 1899 and 1900 and tlie bulletin for 1899 have been published: Description of two new species of darters from Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana, by B. W. Evermann. Report for 1899. pp. 363-369. The sturgeon fishery of Delaware River and Bav, by John N. Cobb. Report for 1899, pp. 369-380. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1899, by G. M. Bowers. Report for 1899, pp. vn-CLxni. The i?as-bubble disease of fish, and its cause, by F. P. G-orham. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 33-37. The clam problem and clam culture, by J. L. Kellogg. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 39-44. Description of new species of fishes from the Hawaiian Islands, belonging to the families of Labricke and Scaridce, by O. P. Jenkins. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 45-65. Rotatoria of the United States, with special reference to those of the Great Lakes region, by H. S. Jennings. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 67-104. A report of work on the protozoa of Lake Erie, with special reference to the laws of their movements, by H. S. Jennings. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 105-114. Note on a collection of fishes from the rivers of Mexico, with description of twenty new species, by D. S. Jordan and J. O. Snyder. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 115-147. Notes on the Florida sponge fishery in 1899, by H. M. Smith. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 149-151. Chemical changes in the developing fish egg, by P. A. Levene. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 1.53-155. The free-swimming copepods of the Woods Hole region, by W. M. Wheeler. Bulletin for 1899. pp. 1.57-192. Observations on the life history of the common clam, by James L. Kellogg. Bul- letin for 1899. pp. 193-20-2. Natural history of the starfish, by A. D. Mead. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 203-224. Movements of certain lobsters liberated at Woods Hole, by H. C. Bumpus Bul- letin for 1899. pp. 225-230. Improvements in preparing fish for shipment, by R. W. Tower. Bulletin for 1899. pp. 231-235. Report of a dredging expedition off the southern coast of New England, by Free- land Howe. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 237-240. Lobster fishery of Maine, by .lohn N. Cobb. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 241-265. Fish parasites collected at Woods Hole in 1898, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for 189'J, pp. 267-304. Biological notes from Woo Is Hole. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 305-310. Skeleton of the black liass, by R. W. Shufeldt. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 311-320. Chemical composition of subdermal connective tissue of ocean sun-fish, by E. H. Green. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 321-324. Report of the Commissioner for the year ending June 30, 1900, by George M. Bowers. Report for 1900, pp. 1-191 . Investigations of the aquatic resources and fisheries of Porto Rico by United States Fish Commission steamer Fish Hawk. General report, fisheries and fish trade and the fishes of Porto Rico. A method of recording egg development for use of fish-culturists, by Claudius Wallich. Report for 1900, pp. 18.5-194. Statistics of the fisheries of the Middle Atlantic States, by C. H. Townsend. Re- port for 190i», pp. 19.5-310. Statistics of the fisheries of the New England States, by C. H. Townsend. Report for 1900, pp. 311-386. The hydroids of the Woods Hole region, by C. C. Nutting. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 325-386. Descriptions of fifteen new species of fishes from the Hawaiian Islands, by Oliver P. Jenkins. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 387-404. Parasites of fishes of the Woods Hole region, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for 1899, pp. 405-492. There have been distributed during the year 1,213 bound and 12,112 pamphlet publications of the Commission. 20 REPORT OF COMMISSIOTSTER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The Museum of Comparntive Zoology, at Cambridge, Mass., has published the following paper, based on investigations of the steamer Albatross in 1801: Bulletin, vol. xxxvi, No. 6, xxviii. Description of two new lizards of the genus Aiiolis from Cocos and Malpelo islands, by L. Stejneger, November, 1900. APPROPRIATIONS. The appropriations made by Congress for conducting the operations of the Commission for the year ending .Tune 30, 1901, were as follows: Salaries,... -- $-232,980 Miscellaneous expenses: Administration _ 12, 500 Propagation of food-fishes _ _ 170, 000 Inquiry respecting food-fishes 32, .500 Statistical inquiry - . 7, 500 Maintenance of vessels . - - . 35, 000 For improvement and enlargement of stations at — Green Lake, Me 3,000 Nashua. N. H 2,500 Woods Hole, Mass -- 2,000 Wytheville, Va - 2,500 Edenton, N. C • 6.000 Bullochville. Ga 10,000 Erwin, Tenn 5,000 Put-in Bay, Ohio 3,000 Spearfish, S. Dak 3,500 Baker Lake, Washington . 5, 000 For improving water supply at St. Johnsbury , Vt. , station 20, 000 For rejiairing damage from floods at San Marcos, Tex., station . . 2, 000 For establishment of a marine biological station near Beaufort, N. C . . . 12. 500 For establishment of a fish-cultural station in West Virginia 25, 000 For continuing investigations regarding lobsters and clams 7. 500 A ropoi-t of the expenditure of these amounts will be made to Con- gress, in accordance with law. George M. Bowers, Commissioner. t U S F C 1901 (Pages 2U. 2!) PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSiTIOM-FISH-CULTURAL SECTION REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD-FISHES. By W. DE C. Ravenel, Assistant in Charge. PROPAGATION OF P^OOD-FISHES. The 3"ear's work included the propagation of 32 species of fish and 1 crustacean, and resulted in planting 1,173,830,-1:02 fish and eggs in public and private waters. Operations were conducted on the same general lines as in tlie jmst, attention being chiefly directed to keeping up tlie supply of salmon, shad, white-fish, lake trout, lake herring, pike perch, and other fresh-water fishes, in addition to sucli important sj)ecies as the cod, flat-fish, and lobster. On the Pacific coast the i^ropagatiou of quinnat salmon was con- ducted at stations located on tributaries of the Sacramento River in California, on the Rogue River in Oregon, tributaries of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, and resulted in the collection of over 23,000,000 eggs. Though the run of salmon on the Sacramento was above the average, the number reaching the headwaters and entering McCloud River and Battle Creek at the points where the sta- tions were located was small. At Baii'd station 2,13'.»,000 eggs were secured, and at Battle Creek 3,520,000. Tlie fry hatched from these were held for several months and fed before the}' were i)lanted. On the Rogue River 3,303,000 eggs were secured, from which 1,850,000 young fish were planted at the headwaters of the river and 1,000,000 near its mouth, at Wedderburn. When liberated they were from 2 to 3 inches long, having been fed for several months on canned salmon. For the purpose of maintaining the supi^ly in the Columbia River Basin stations were operated on the Little and Big White Salmon I'ivers, in Washington, and on the Clackamas River, near Oregon Citj^, Oreg., the work at these points resulting in the collection of more than 14,000,00(1 eggs and the planting of 10,500,000 young fish between Portland, Oreg., and the Cascades. At the request of the New Zealand Government, a shiximenr of 500,000 quinnat-salmon eggs was sent to Littleton, New Zealand, under the care of Mr. G. H. Lambson, superintendent of Baird station. Though the eggs were en i-oute 31 days, and were carried over 7,000 miles, they reached their destination with a loss of only 57,500. 21 22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The station at Baker Lake, Washington, was operated as hereto- fore for maintaining the supply of blueback salmon, which is of great importance commercially on Puget Sound. The run of fish reaching Baker Lake was very small, and owing to the washing away of barriers which had been erected to stop their ascent, only 4,171,000 eggs were secured. From these 3,834,000 fry were hatched and released in Skagit River and Lake. An effort was also made to projiagate silver salmon at this station and on the Rogue River, but with slight success. Very encouraging reports have been received from time to time relative to the successful introduction of steelhead trout in the Great Lakes and other eastern waters, hence all the eggs of this species collected at Elk Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River, were sent to eastern stations, except 65,000, which were hatched and planted in local waters. The usual arrangements were made during the summer for the collection of lake-trout eggs on Lakes Superior and Michigan by the superintendents of the Michigan and Minnesota stations. The field embraced Poi-t Arthur and Rossport, Ontario, Grand Portage, Minn., Isle Royale, Ontonagon, and othci' points in Michigan, and yielded 11,900,000 eggs. On Lake Michigan only 200,000 were secured prior to the close of the fishing season ; but acting under authority of laws passed by the Michigan legislature, which permit the capture of fish during the closed season for the purposes of artificial propagation, 10,500,000 were collected between November 12 and 28 at Beaver Island from tugs fished by two commercial fishermen. This work was done by the superintendent of the Northville station, under direction of the State fish and game warden and his deputies. The total collec- tion for the season amounted to 22,400,000, from which 19,000,000 fry were hatched and planted in the waters of the Great Lakes. In addition to collecting white-fish eggs as usual from commercial fishei'men, arrangements were made for penning large numbers on the Detroit River and at several points on Lake Erie. The work proved very satisfactory, the Detroit River yielding 203,500,000 eggs and Lake Erie 194,234,000, making a total of 397,794,000. Large consignments were sent to the hatcheries on Lakes Superior and Ontario, with the view to keeping up the supply of this important fish in those waters. The total plants of white-fish fry in all the lakes amounted to 320,106,000. Great interest having been manifested in the propagation of lake herring, jilans were made for extensive oj)erations, but owing to the severity of the weather only 61,000,000 were obtained. For the purpose of keeping up the supply of pike perch in the Great Lakes and stocking interior waters in the States bordering on them, steps were tak(>n early in April to collect eggs on Lake Erie and on the Missisquoi River, Vermont, a tributary of Lake Chami^lain. On Lake Erie the season opened propitiously early in April, but violent storms occurred soon after, which not only Avrecked the fishing gear, KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 23 but roiled the water and drove the fish from the spawning-grounds, so that the season was well advanced before many eggs were obtained. By the close of April 341,000,000 had been taken at the Put-in Bay station. Of these, 10,000,000 were sent to the Missouri commission and 32,000,000 to the Michigan commission; the balance were hatched, producing 160,087,000 fry. Cooperating with the Vermont commission, 160,375,000 pike-perch eggs were collected on the Missisquoi River during April. These were hatched and the fr}^ were planted in May, making a total of 240,887,000 fry planted by the Commission. At the close of the pike-perch season the proj^agation of sturgeon was taken uj) on Lake Champlain, and more than a million eggs were collected. Owing to a sudden change in the temperature and other unavoidable causes only 20,000 fry were hatched and planted, but the experience gained will undoubtedly enable the Commission to conduct on a larger scale in future the propagation of this important fish, which is fast disappearing from the waters of this country. In October the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Grampus was engaged in collecting brood cod for Woods Hole station, and secured 2,933, ranging from 6 to 20 pounds in weight, which were placed in pounds and held until ripe. A considerable number died from nat- ural causes, but more than 2,000 were tagged and liberated, and at the close of the year 46 had been reported as captured along the coast, many of them at long distances from the station. The collecting stations at Kittery Point and Pljnnouth were opened in November. The weather for the first two months was very favor- able for the work, but the catch of fish was unprecedentedly poor, and after the 1st of Januarj% when fish became abundant, the weather was so rough that for days fishing was impracticable and the collec- tions were therefore small. The brood fish at Woods Hole yielded 140,754,000 eggs, and these, with the eggs obtained at the two field stations, made an aggregate of 311,000,000. They were hatched at the Gloucester and Woods Hole stations, and the fr}^ numbering 202,871,000, were planted on the spawning-grounds along the coast from Kittery to Block Island. At the close of the cod work at Woods Hole the propagation of flat-fish (winter flounder) was taken up, and as a result of the season's operations over 44,000,000 fry were liberated south of Cape Cod. Early in the spring arrangements were perfected for securing the egg-bearing lobsters captured by fishermen along the coast from Maine to Connecticut. The schooner Grampus, assisted by a steam smack, made frequent trips along the Maine coast, visiting not only the large dealers at the important fisliing centers, but also those on the outly- ing islands. Agents were stationed at Kittery, Marblehead, Boston, Plymouth, Block Island, and other points, but although the catch of lobsters was greater in Maine than in the previous year, the work was less satisfactory than then. At Woods Hole only 18,262,000 eggs were secured, and at Gloucester 51,213,000, a total of 69,475,000, which 24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. yielded a little over 60,000,000 fry, as against 77,000,000 the previous year. As indicated bj the number of egg-bearing lobsters purchased, the decline in this important fishery has been greatest south of Cape Cod, and especially in the vicinity of Woods Hole. The establishment of the station at Edenton, N. C, permitted tlie commencement of shad work in March. The run of shad on tlie Albemarle Sound was not only very large, but the herring catch fell below the average, and as the temperature was slightly below normal the season in that region proved most successful, over 75,000,000 eggs being collected between March 29 and May 15. On the Potomac River conditions were exceedingly unfavorable. The weather was unusually cold and the catch of shad on the upper river very small, and at the end of the season only 33,321,000 eggs had been secured at Bryan Point station. Practically the same conditions existed on the Susquehanna River, and although work was pushed energetically at Battery station the total collections for the season amounted to only 61,000,000. On the Delaware River, where the steamer Fish Hawk had been stationed as a floating hatchery, the weather was cool and the catch of fish very large. The season lasted from May 6 to June 13, during which time over 115,000,000 eggs were secured, the largest number ever taken on that river. The total collections for the year amounted to 284,829,000, and the output of fry aggregated 193,287,000, nearly 50,000,000 less than that of the previous year. The propagation of tlie basses and other fisli suitable for stocking inland waters was conducted as usual. The results were gratifying, particularlj^ in tlie increased number of black-spotted trout {Salmo clarkii) and brook trout {Salvelinus fontinalis) handled. The Commission operated the following 37 stations and substations, and the work at each is reviewed in detail iu the abstracts from the reports of the different superintendents: Green Lake, Maine. Craig Brook, Maine. Grand Lake Stream, Maine. St. Johnshury, Vermont. Nashua, New Hampshire. Gloucester, Massachusetts. Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Cape Vincent, New York. Steamer FUh Haick (Delaware River). Battery Station. Maryland. Fish Lakes, Washington, D. C. Central Station, Washington, D. C. Bryan Point, Maryland. Edenton. North Carolina. Wytheville, Virginia. Erwin, Tennessee. Cold Springs, Georgia. Put in Bay. Ohio. Northville, Michigan. Detroit, Michigan. Alpena, Michigan. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Duluth, Minnesota. Quincy, Illinois. Manchester, Iowa. Belle vue, Iowa. Neosho. Missouri. San Marcos, Texas. Leadville, Colorado. Spear fish. South Dakota. Bozeman, Montana. Baird, California. Battle Creek, California. Clackamas, Oregon. Rogue River, Oregon. LittleWhite Salmon River, Washington. Baker Lake, Washington, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 25 RESULTS OF FISH-CULTURE. Reports from various ijarts of the country have been received with reference to the capture of rainbow trout in streams stocked by the Commission, one of the most interesting being a letter from Mr, P. n. Rowell, of Ennis, ICllis Count}^ Tex., in which he states that a 10-pound rainbow trout was taken from a lake near the city, as a result of plants made by the Commission in February, 1899. He also reported that large numbers of small fish had been seen, showing that this species has been successfully introduced even in that latitude. According to a report received from Manton, Mich., a rainbow trout was captured on May 31, measuring 31 inches in length, 15 inches around, and weighing 12f pounds. A catch of rainbow trout from Laurel River, Virginia. The above reproduction of a photograph is illustrative of the suc- cessful introduction of this game fish in Laurel River, Virginia. These specimens were captured near Damascus by Mr. Benjamin T. Clark, of Abingdon, Va. Although the Commission, in cooj)eration with the Pennsjdvania commission, lias liberated annually considerable numbers of Atlantic salmon fry in the upj)ei- w^aters of the Delaware River, and a number of salmon are caught each spring in this river by men fishing with shad and gill nets, it is a matter of regret that there has yet been no regu- larly established i-un of this important sj^ecies reported. During the spring of 1900 seven specimens, weighing 10 pounds and upward, were caught near Gloucester, N, J., in the vicinity of the steamer Fish Haa-lc — one of 10 pounds weight being taken in a gill net almost 26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. under the stern of the vessel. In 1901 nine salmon, ranging from 8 to 15 pounds, were captured at Ilowells Cove Fishery, the three largest weighing 11, 13, and 14| pounds. As a result of an investigation made by the Commission, based on a newspaper article, it was learned that three salmon had been taken from the Delaware River at Newcastle. These were captured in gill nets; they weighed 9-J-, 10, and 11 pounds, and sold for 45 cents per pound. The capture of one weighing 10| pounds, near Trenton, was also verified. Favorable reports continue to come in from Lake Superior and the inland waters of Minnesota, regarding the adaptability of the steel- head trout for that section. Mr. H. H. Marks, of the Michigan Fish Commission, forwarded in June, 1901, a steelhead taken from a pound net near Salt Point, Lake Superior, which measured 30 inches in length. Mr. R. C. Mason, writing from Winona, Minn., reports that they are well adapted to Lake La Belle, and that, as a result of six cans of fry planted in 1898, specimens weighing 2| pounds have been taken by the anglers. The steelhead is not only an excellent game fish, but its food qualities are highly regarded, as indicated by num- erous letters received from residents of Pickwick, Minn. In Vermont the fish are apparently so well established in Willoughby Lake that arrangements were made to operate a field station in March, but only two ripe fish were captured; these yielded 2,000 eggs. Following is an interesting extract from a letter written by the superintendent of the St. Johnsbury station, with reference to the presence of lake trout in Big Averill Pond, Vermont: Four years ago we planted some lake trout in Big Averill Pond and have sent some there every year since. This year they are getting very good fishing in that lake, catching most of the fish by trolling. The 4-year-old trout weigh 3i pounds, the 3-year-olds 2| pounds, the 2-year-olds 11 pounds, and the 1-year-olds are 11 inches long; the weight was not taken, as those under 12 inches in length are not kept. I went out for a couple of hours Sunday morning and caught one 3-year- old, two 2-year-olds, and one 1-year-old laker. I give you this information to let you know another lake where good results have followed the planting of artifi- cially hatched trout. No lake trout ever lived in this lake until those introduced by the Commission. From Big Averill I went to Little Averill to catch some Of the golden trout. I succeeded in catching seven with hook and line, ranging from a yearling to 3 pounds in weight. I had a gill net put in one night, but caught only three fish in it— one landlocked salmon and two golden trout. The salmon is one which must have been put in by the Commission three years ago. Below the outlet of Little Averill, and between Big and Little Averill ponds, I fished about fifteen minutes and caught one yearling and one 2-year-old landlocked salmon. There is every indication that the series of lakes known as Big and Lit- tle Averill and Little Leach will make a good field station in the early future. They are all easily accessible and can be operated from one central field station. They contain brook trout, lake trout, golden trout, and landlocked salmon. Mr. IL B. Handy, under date of January 20, 1901, refers to the suc- cessful stocking of Nine Mile Pond (which is 9 miles in circumference), near Centerville, Mass., with black bass, under very unfavorable con- ditions, several years ago. A few hundred fish from 2 to 4 inches REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 27 long were placed in this pond through a hole cut in ice. As the pond Avas thoroughly stocked with jjickerel and i3erch, his neighbors were verj' skeptical of ever seeing any of the bass; but they now catch large numbers of black bass, some weighing as high as 3^ pounds. INSPECTION OF STATIONS. During the month of December tlie Fish Commission stations at Neosho, Mo., and San Marcos, Tex., were inspected by the assistant in charge of the division of fish-culture, as a result of urgent recom- mendations by the superintendents that arrangements be made for an increased water supply and additional property for the construction of more ponds for the propagation of black bass. After carefully considering the condition of affairs at Neosho, it was found that not only was a greater supply of water essential, but that the hatchery would have to be rebuilt and enlarged and that land should be acquired for the construction of bass ponds, in order to increase the output of this important species. Preliminary arrange- ments were made for obtaining additional water from the Citj^ Water Works Company, and an option was secured on propertj^ adjacent to the Government lands. An estimate M^as submitted to Congress for a special appropriation of IT, 500 to cover the cost of the improvements referred to, which was favorably' acted upon. The condition of this station was excellent, reflecting credit on the superintendent and his assistants. No fish-cultural work was in progress at San Marcos when visited. The ponds were being drained, preparatorj^ to cleaning and restock- ing for the breeding season, which usually commences in February. The general appearance of the station, including the buildings, was excellent, and bore evidence of careful and judicious management. The artesian well was supplying only a fair amount of water, but as the majoritj' of the ponds are now supplied by a ram and by a 27-foot oversliot wheel, operated by the San Marcos River, this was not regarded as of great importance. The demands for fish of all kinds in the State of Texas are con- stantlj' increasing, and as the present output is all that could be expected from the ponds in use, it was recommended that a special appropriation be made for securing more water and constructing ponds on lands belonging to the Government. In providing the water supply it was aj^parently necessary to acquire property on the river front for the erection of overshot wheels or other appliances for lifting water fi-om the San Marcos River, and an option was secured on a desirable piece of property and an estimate submitted to Congress for the funds necessary in carrying out the recommendations referred to. This resulted in obtaining a special appropriation of 18,000. 28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. STATION REPORTS. Green Lake Station. Maine (E. E. Race, Superintendent). The following are the principal improvements at the station during the past fiscal year: The dam at Rocky Pond has been thoroughlj" overhauled, repaired, and raised 5 feet; the eastern and western wings lengthened 82 feet, making the dam 310 feet long and giving a 9-foot head of water at the inlet of the main supply flume, thereby nearly doubling the station water supply. The main supply flume has been put in good condition, 485 feet of it being rebuilt, and 3(50 new yokes put on. A coal shed has been constructed at Haddocks Landing for the storage of coal for the steamer Senator, and a number of minor repairs and improvements made to the cottages of the foreman and supei'intendent. The cottages for the laborers at the station have been completed and two of the men pi'ovided with comfortable homes for their families. ■ Changes have been made in the water supply and sewer systems, the station force rendering material assistance in all this work when not engaged in caring for the stock of fish on hand. The landlocked salmon ou hand at the beginning of the j^ear were held until September, Avhen 177,899 were distributed to applicants in Maine and other New England States. During the summer and fall the usual arrangements were made for establishing collecting stations at various points. As i*eports indicated that large numbers of l)rook trout and landlocked salmon could be secured in Lakes Onawa and Sebec, in Piscataquis County, the superintendent investigated those waters and established a station at th(? head of Lake Onawa. Two pound nets and a slat trap were fisiied until November 24, but only 21 brook ti'out and 16 salmon were captured. All the lakes and streams within a radius of 10 miles were examined, but without result. In October a trap was placed between Lake Onawa and Sebec Lake on Siiip I*ond Stream, but though large numbers of salmon were found above and below the Cowyard Falls, only 105 were cajjtured, 4 of which were females. The work resulted in the collection of 0,000 brook-trout eggs and 15,000 salmon eggs, which were transferred to Green Lake. The following table shows the fish and eggs obtained at the stations operated in connection with Green Lake. Point of (Hjllection. Brook and lake trout. Landlocked salmon. No. of fish. Eggs obtained. No. of 1 Eggs fish, obtained. Winkempaugh Brook (Branch Pond) - Patteu Pond 84 162 5 386 21 65, .500 74,000 2,000 * 717, 000 6,000 75 10 96 25 121 108,000 14,500 Green Lake 160,500 Cold stream Pond 38,000 Lake Onawa 15,000 Total - - 658 864.500 337 336,000 * Lake-trout eggs. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 29 Of the lake-trout eggs, 358,500 were turned over to the Maine Fish Commission at Enfield. The balance were shipped to Green Lake and produced 329,827 fry, which were i)lanted during the spring. In addition to the 147,500 brook-trout eggs collected, 400,000 pur- cliased from dealers in Massachusetts were delivered at the station in excellent condition. They hatched in March and were j)lanted during April, May, and June, the losses being comparatively light. Of the 336,000 landlocked-salmon eggs, 15,855 were transferred to the Maine Fish Commission. The balance yielded 280,231 fry, which, instead of being held until fall, were planted in June, owing to the bursting of the reservoir dam early in that month. Daring the freshets in April there was a surface wash around the western wing of the dam, but this was filled with gravel and the embankment raised, making it impossible for the water to pass around the extreme end. It was noticed shortly afterwards, however, that the old wing had gone to the south about 5 inches, and a close exami- nation showed that the old timbers pressed hard against the bolts in the ledge, causing this sag. The water at the time was running over the dam between the flush boards 6 inches, but the log gate was opened and the water reduced 3 feet. The pond was never full again, and the head was 14 inches less when the dam gave way. A careful examination has since shown that the new wing gave waj^ at a point where it had been connected with the old dam, which was apparently the strongest spot in the whole structure. The piling put m to secure the wing rested on hard claj^ bottom, but 2^ feet under the ends of these pilings a layer of quicksand extended directly under the wing for 15 or 20 feet. The water had probably worked its way underneath the foundation and the quicksand washed out, causing the wing to collapse. As the suj)ply flume was carried away for a considerable distance, the water supply to the station was coinpletely cut off, which necessitated the planting not only of all the brook trout and landlocked salmon fingerlings, but also the adult fish held in the jionds and reservoirs. Craig Buook Station, Maine (Charles G. Atkins, Superintendent). The Atlantic salmon received, as usual, the greater share of atten- tion, this being the most important feature of the work at the station. The 194,572 on hand at the beginning of the yesiv were carried until fall and distributed with very slight loss. The food for all fishes at the station, including the older stock of nearl}^ 5,000, consisted almost wholly of hog-plucks purchased from an abattoir in the vicinity of Boston. Of the various kinds of food 17,231 pounds were consumed, costing 8212.30, including transportation. In addition to the j^earlings on hand at the beginning of the year, 210 adult salmon were confined at Dead Brook for breeding purposes. This lot spawned in October, but by that time thej- had been reduced to 150, of which 06 were nmles. They yielded 665,000 eggs, 205,000 of 30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. which were distributed and 354,977 hatched. Ot' the fry, 10,000 were distributed in June and 300,295 remained on hand at the close of the year, to be reared to the yearling stage for distribution in the late fall. At the beginning of the year preparations for the capture of salmon at Hunt Logan, Mattagamon, were well advanced. The leader of the weir was thrown across the river so as to intercept the ascent of sal-" mon by July 3, and a few days later salmon were observed in the outer pond. A number of other improvements were in progress, but a heavy rainfall brought on an unprecedented freshet for July. On July 18 the main rack was swept away, liberating the fish inclosed by it and disabling the weir for a time. By the time the repairs were made it was apparent that all of the fish had escaped during the flood. The rest of tlie season was devoted to improving the weir and inclosure and in preparing for another attempt in 1901. In April work was again commenced on the weir, and by the end of the year the river was practically closed. The rack has been much improved, and it is believed will be an effectual barrier to the ascent of salmon. The landlocked salmon held at Grand Lake Stream for distribution in the fall were seriously reduced in numbers in July by a disease which made its appearance late in June. The cause of this disease is unknown, but it is tliought to have been due to the presence of large quantities of hemlock bark in the canal. This bark with some other rubbish was removed from the water supply early in July, and no further trouble was experienced. From June 21 to 29 inclusive the temperature of the water reached 69° or 70° each afternoon, and it is possible that this long-continued warm weather may have proven too much for the young fish, though they subsequently stood a tempera- ture of 75° or more Avithout injury. This was later in the season, however, and they had become older and stronger. It was estimated that 53,715 frj^ were in the troughs on July 1, but tliis estimate was evidentl}^ too large, as the count in October showed only 33,862. Of these, 8,000 were liberated in Sysladobsis Lake, a tributary of Grand Lake, and the others were deposited in Grand Lake and Grand Lake Stream, near the natural spawning-grounds. During the last daj^s of October the trap was jiut in condition for the capture of adult salmon, and on November 21, when fishing operations ceased, 819 salmon — 322 males and 497 females — had been caught. From these, 409,290 eggs were obtained, an average of about 847 eggs to each female. This, though a very small average, was better than that of the preceding year, which amounted to only about 700. The eggs were carried through the Avinter until ready for shipment in March with a total loss of 95,000, leaving on liand 314,200 good eggs. Half of these were transferred to Craig Brook for distribution to other stations and pri- vate applicants; the remainder were retained at Grand Lake Stream and hatched practically without loss; 76,692 of the fry were planted during June, leaving on hand 75,201 for rearing to the yearling stage. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 31 Of the eggs sent to Craig Brook, 130,00(1 were transferre,s taken by tlie same person, but on diflferent days, occurred in the use of both muck and starch, some days tlie quality seeming' to favor tlie use of starch, and others the nuick, but on the whole the eggs treated with starch were of superior quality. The old method of continuously stirring the eggs during the process of fertilization was abandoned, and the following instructions were issued to the spawn-takers: Take the eggs from one fish (if large), use plenty of milt, do not stir but add a little water, let stand about half a minute and then lower and empty carefully into the keg, which should contain about 2 inches of water. This process should be continued until the keg contains as many eggs as can be carried in it. After the eggs have all been taken, add a little water to each keg, pouring a little on and a little off con- stantly until the eggs are washed clean of milt and hardened thor- oughly, after which the water should be changed as often as once an hour. In adding water it must never be poured directly on the eggs, but against the side of the keg, and care must be exercised not to empty off enough of the water to expose the eggs to the air, as during the entire time the}' should^ be covered to a depth of 2 inches. No stirring of the eggs is to be done during the entire i^roeess, as this has been found to cause the rupture of large numbers. NORTHVILLE STATION AND SUBSTATIONS IN MlCHIOAN (FrANK N. ClARK IN CHARGE). The work for the first three months of the fiscal year consisted chieflj'' in caring for the fish at Northville, maintenance of buildings and ponds at the various stations in Michigan, the construction of additional transportation apparatus, and repairs to the hatching equipment. The lake-trout fingerlings that had been carried through the spring were liberated in July. In August the superintendent visited Mackinaw, Sault Ste. Marie, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and other points on Lakes Superior and Mich- igan to arrange for lake-trout collections during the coming season. Spawn-takers were sent to the northern shore of Lake Superior in September to collect eggs, but the work there was discontinued on October 24, as only 704,000 had been obtained. At Marquette 2,375,000 eggs were secured, and at Mackinaw City 200,000, all taken in October, during the open season. It having been decided, after conference with the State fish and game warden, not to attempt fishing during the closed season at anj^ point except Beaver Island, Mr. H. 11. Mancha was sent to that point on October 28, with instructions to collect under the same conditions as heretofore. Arrangements were made with two of the commercial fishermen to fish at such points and such times as might be found advisable, and as a result 10,500,000 eggs were obtained between November 12 and 28, on which date operations ceased. The height of the spawning season extended from November 18 to November 26, 58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 514 (quarts being obtained on the latter day from the two tugs. All the eggs, except 1,500,000 delivered to the Michigan Fish Commission from the field, were forwarded to Northville. During operations at this point the two tugs captured 9,297 lake troutjWeighing 09,271 pounds, and by field measurements 1,659.5 quarts of eggs were obtained from them. The trout caught by McCann''s tug averaged 8 pounds in weight and those hy Martin's a little less than 7, making the average for the whole about 7.5 jDounds. The fishing was under the supervision of the State fish and game warden and his deputies, who threatened to arrest the agents of the (Jonimission, although operations were conducted in accordance with the laws of the State and with an agreement made with the State fish and game warden the previous year. Through the courtesy of the Attorney-General arrangements were made to have the United States district attorney for Michigan defend any employees that might be interfered with by the State authorities. Of the 13,779,000 lake-ti-out eggs collected, 7,267,000 were shipped to other points, 5,766,000 of them being eyed before shipment, and 1,501,000 sent out in the green stage. The balance were hatched at Northville, i>roducing 3,910,000 fry, which were distributed in suit- able waters during the early spring and summer. The majority were planted just before the absorpuion of the sac, but 125,000 were held until June, measuring about 2 inches in length when distributed. The total cost of collecting these eggs was $1,200, or about 9 cents per thousand delivered at the hatchery. The 9,600 brook-trout fry on hand at the beginning of the fiscal year were transferred from the hatchery to the ponds early in July, and when counted again on October 12 they numbered 7,509, showing a loss of 21 per cent. Thej'^ did well through the winter, but in April they were apparently attacked in the same way as the brook trout of previous years, and the mortality increased to such an extent that the experiment of thinning them by transferring to other ponds was tried; but this seemed to increase rather than diminish the mortality, and Mr. Marsh was sent to the station to make a thorough investigation of the matter. It is believed that the disease is caused by bacteria, and water-tight ponds of stone will probably be constructed for experi- mental jjurposes. As there were no brood fish on hand in the fall, 1,000,000 brook- trout eggs were purchased from dealers in New England and 32,000 were received from Kalamazoo, Mich,, in exchange for eggs of the rainbow trout. The eggs developed well, the hatching being done in spring water. The fry began coming out in February and were ready for distribution by the middle of March, at which time 991,250 were planted in the waters of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio; 10,000 were retained for rearing at the station. During January and March three consignments of rainbow-trout REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 59 eggs, aggi'egating 88,074, arrived from Neosho and Manchester in good condition and produced 69,000 fry, of which G1,000 were planted as fry early in the spring and 8,000 as fingerlings in June, There were on hand at ilie beginning of the j-ear 8,000 yearling Loch Leveii trout — 500 of the hatch of 1897-98 and about 50 ranging from G to 10 years in age. The old fish were not used, as it was found that their eggs were worthless, but 103,800 eggs were obtained from the younger fish between November 1 and December 27. These were handled in the Clark box, spring water being used for the first month, when creek water was substituted. This being much colder than the spring water, retarded the hatching so that they did not commence to come out until about the middle of February. In distributingthe eggs, 1,000 were shipped in the green state and 20,000 after the eye-spots appeared; from the remainder, 50,000 fry were hatched and planted in Michigan waters during the spring. An unsuccessful attempt was made to collect sturgeon eggs on the Grand, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo rivers in western Michigan, and also on the Detroit River near Wyandotte. Mr. Thayer, who had been detailed for this work, conducted fishing operations persistently for several weeks, but succeeded in capturing only three sturgeon. The following table shows the number of fish on hand at Northville at the close of the fiscal year: Calendar year in whicli fish were hatched. Species. 1901. 1900. 1899. 1898. 1897. 1894 or earlier. Steelheads . .. 1,243 110 169 231 5,583 " r>i 15 Brook trout - ... 9, ,500 1,.532 Total 9,500 7,115 51 1,353 400 15 The Detroit hatchery, under the immediate charge of Mr. Thayer, was prepared for white-fish work early in the fall, and on November 17 the first eggs were received from the three fisheries on the Detroit River, These were operated in connection w ith the Wolverine Fish Company of Detroit, on the same conditions as in the previous year. At Belle Isle fishing operations extending from November 5 to December 9 secured 6,308 male and 5,865 female wliite-fish, besides 574 undersized ones, which were returned to the river. Those captured at the upper seine were transferred to the lower grounds, where they were held in pens and crates. At Grassy Island 7,254 mature fish were taken, 4,272 males and 2,982 females, 2,609 of which yielded eggs. From the Belle Isle fish 139,280,000 eggs were obtained, and from those at Grassy Island 64,280,000, giving a total of 203,560,000. The average yield of eggs per female was 25,679. Two shipments, aggre- gating 31,000,000, were tran.sferred to the Alpena hatchery, 20,000,000 were sent to Sault Ste. Marie, and 52,000,000 were shipi^ed to other 60 REPORT OB^ COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. fish commissions und private individuals. The balance were hatched at Detroit and produced 77,000,000 fry, which were liberated during rhe month of April. On March 10 the Alpena hatchery was opened for the reception of 31,000,000 white-fish eggs and 1,000,000 lake-trout eggs, which" had been sent to that point to be hatched and j)lanted in Lake Huron. This work was superintended by Mr. Howard Mancha and was completed by May 5, when the station was closed. In order to reduce the expense of distribution, and for the j)urpose of stocking Lake Superior, 20,000,000 white-fish eggs and 750,000 lake- trout eggs were transferred to the State fish-hatchery at Saiilt Ste. Marie, arrangements having been made with the State fish commis- sion for its use from February 1. The white-fish hatched in May with a loss of 10 per cent, and were all planted in Lake Superior with the exception of 3,000,000, which were deposited in Lake Huron, near Detour. The lake-trout eggs yielded 700,000 fry, the loss amounting to only 50,000. The water at this point during April ranged from 32° to 37° the aver- age for the mouth being about 33^^°. The average for the month of March was 32°. The water was shut off from the hatchery several times during the season, but, as it was only for short intervals, no apparent damage was done. All the lake-trout eggs hatched by this commission at Alpena and Sault Ste. Marie were transferred from Northville, and the white-fish eggs were shipped from the Detroit River fisheries. The following table shows the number of eggs collected at North- ville and substations, and the number of eggs and fish shipped during the fiscal year, including accessions by transfer from other stations: Species. Eggs col- lected. Eggs and fish shipped. Lake trout ..... ... 13, 779, 000 1,019,442 103,800 11,280,000 Brook trout 1,001,380 71,026 Steelhead trout . 132 83,850 72,026 Grayling .. 63 White-fish 203,560,000 177,495,000 Total 218,546,092 189,919,627 DuLUTH Station, Minnesota (S. P. Wires, Superintendent). The hatching apparatus was overhauled and repaired during the summer, and a number of improvements to the station grounds were made, including the planting of a large number of willows and pop- lars and the completion of roads. Arrangements were also made with the water and light commissioners of Duluth to furnish the sta- tion with water from Lake Superior, this being very essential in hot weather for reducing the temperature of the river water. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 61 The lake-trout work was commenced early in September, as usual, in the vicinity of Port Arthur and Rossport, Ontario; Grand Portage, Minn. ; Isle Royale, Ontonagon, Copper Harbor, Montreal River, and Keystone, Mich. The spawning season opened in the vicinity of Port Arthur about September 20, and at the Michigan fields on October 5, eggs coming in from the various points up to and including November 30. The work resulted in the collection of 9,525,000 eggs, all but 3,000,000 of which were taken in Michigan waters. These were trans- ferred to Duluth, and after being eyed 2,100,000 were shipped to the State fish commissioners of Utah, New York, Wyoming, and to sta- tions of the IT. S. Fish Commission, the total loss in transit on the entire number amounting to only 2,550. The eggs retained at the station hatched in April, and the distribution of the fry was made between May 2 and June 14. In view of criticisms which have been made in the past year as to the methods employed in planting fry from this station, the following experiment was conducted: On the 4th of April 10,000 lake-trout fry, 2 days old, were transferred from one pail to another in dippers, each dipperful being allowed to fall 7 feet into a pail containing inches of water. On the 15th this was repeated, the fall being increased to 9 feet, and again on May 5, with a fall of 12 feet. Thej^ were dis- tributed the last of May in excellent condition, the total loss daring the time they were held being Go. In view of these facts, it scarcely seems possible that the fry could be materially injured by planting from the deck of a vessel running at a moderate rate of speed with a fall of only 2 or 3 feet. On the 20th of February 15,000,000 white-fish eggs were received from the Detroit hatchery. These hatched between April 20 and 25, 3"ielding 14,000,000 fry, which were planted in Lake Superior at points in Wisconsin and Michigan. Consignments of brook trout and rain- bow trout were also received in February, and were hatched with very small losses, the fry being distributed as usual during the month of June. With the view to the collection of steelhead-trout eggs in the near future an investigation was made in streams tributary to Lake Superior, in which plants of that fish have been made in the past few years. From information gained from anglers in the vicinity it appears that during the past two seasons about 10,000 steelheads have been caught, their weight ranging from one-sixth of a j)ound to 8 pounds and their length from 6 to 25 inches. It was also learned that their spawning season in these streams commences about May 20. On account of lack of funds no effort was made to collect eggs this year, but 45,000 eyed eggs were received from the Oregon station in June; but as these had been six days en route, during very warm weather, they were of poor quality. The fry were hatched by June 21, and at the close of the year there were 34,290 on hand. x 62 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. QuiNCY Station, Illinois (S. P. Bartlett, Superintendent), The prospects at the opening of the season seemed favorable for a large collection of bass and other fishes. They were particularly- abundant in June, and as the river was falling rapidly it was believed and hoped that large numbers would be available for distribution; but on July 19, after several loads of fish had been sent to Mississii)pi and Indiana, a very heavy rain caused the overfiow of the river and all of the ponds and lakes in the vicinity, scattering the fish all through the surrounding country and making it impossible to collect them in large numbers without incurring great expense. As soon as the river had subsided the steamer Reindeer' was secured from the Illinois commission and vigorous efforts were made to accomplish the work laid out. The operations Avere very expensive, however, and the season closed before a great deal of the usual territory could be covered. Late in the fall several carloads of adult bassM^ere collected and distributed. The output for the season amounted to 50,108 black bass (fry and adults), 13,345 crappie, and 72 warmouth bass, besides large numbers of the commoner species. Work was resumed the following May. The services of a gasoline launch were procured, and by the end of June large numbers of fish had been collected and placed in the retaining pools at Meredosia. Manchester Station, Iowa (R. S. Johnson, Superintendent). Various repairs were made to the buildings, ponds, grounds, and waterway during the spring and summer, the most important being the reconstruction in cement of the old dry wall along the spring branch, which had been seriously damaged by freshets. The new wall was made 1 foot higher than the old one, and the land behind it filled in correspondingly. A new roadway was constructed, which adds greatly to the appearance of the station. Heretofore the retaining tanks at Bellevue have been covered with a temporary shelter, which was taken down at the close of each season and stored with tlie other equipment, but this year it was decided to construct a permanent building over the tanks, the city council of Bellevue having granted free use of the land for that purpose. The building is a one-story frame structure, 50 by 16 feet, with an extreme height of 15 feet. It stands on a hillside and is supported by white-oak posts, which raise it 6 feet above the ground on the lower side, thus giving ample space under the building for the storage of boats and other large equip- ment. In one end there is an office and storeroom 8 by 16 feet. In the main i^ortiou, which is 42 feet long, are 6 wooden retaining-tanks, 12 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet, intended for holding young bass and crappie until ready for distribution. These tanks are supplied with water from the city works, conveyed through 1-inch pipes under a pressure of 100 pounds. The total cost of the structure was 1439.39. Fish-cultural work was conducted on the same general lines as in previous years, except that the propagation of black bass has been REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND B^ISHERIES. 63 discontinued entirely, the station depending on collections at Bellevue for its supply of this important fish. The large ponds formerly used for the bass work were devoted to the culture of brook and rainbow trout, with very gratifj'ing results, the adult trout having a much wider range and being able to secure a large amount of natural food. The brook-trout fry on hand at the beginning of the year numbered :30,S()0, of which 10,000 were distributed during the fall. The stock of breeders consisted of 1,810 two-year-olds and 500 adults. These fish have been kept in the old bass ponds for several months, and were in excellent condition. From the 487 ripe females available 173,920 eggs were secured, or an average of 359 per fish. They were of excellent quality, and hatched 98 per cent of strong, vigorous fry. On Januar}^ 18tli, 189,420 eyed eggs were received in good condition from Mr. H. F. Hurlbut, of East Freetown, Mass., and in February another lot of 50,000 came in from Leadville, with a loss of only 210. From these eggs, amounting to 413,340, 370,495 frj^ were hatched, 257,500 being distributed to applicants and planted in public waters during the spring, and 60,000 held for shipment in the fall. The rainbow trout on hand in July were carried until fall, when 13,635 were distributed, the loss during this time being verj' slight. The breeders, consisting of 3,600 three-year-old and 1,340 four-year-old fish, jnelded the first eggs on December 31, and collections continued until the end of March, 415,330 eggs being secured. The results were very disappointing, as only 588 ripe females were available. The fish are in excellent condition, though, and it is hoped that the yield next year will be considerably over a million. Of the eggs obtained, 126,000 were shipped to other stations and 206,155 were hatched, 124,000 fry being distributed during the spring and 75,000 held for fall distribution. Between October 27 and November 24 the Loch Leven trout on hand yielded 4,680 eggs, an average of 520 per fish. From this lot 3,830 fry were hatched. The fry on hand at the beginning of the year were planted during the fall in the Maquoketa River, near Manchester, as there were no ajjplicants for this fish. Several of the 3-j'ear-old grayling reared at the station produced eggs during April and May, but as no ripe males were found an effort was made to fertilize them with milt from the rain])ow trout, but without success. Of the 5,000 fry on hand at the beginning of the year, 3,000 were planted in a stream near the station, the loss during the time they were held amounting to 2,000. All of the brood trout and yearlings were kept as usual during the spring and summer in troughs and nursery ponds, their principal food throughout the year consisting of a mush made of beef liver and shorts boiled in varying proportions, according to the age of the fish, though a considerable amount of minnows and other live food, col- lected from streams in the vicinity, was utilized in this way. Very heavy losses of trout occurred again during the spring from 64 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. the same disease that attacked them the previous year. On July 16 Mr. M. C. Marsh, who has been detailed to make a systematic study of fish diseases, visited the station for the purpose of investigating the cause of the diseased condition of the adult brook trout, and remained until August 1. The rock-bass ponds were drawn on August 1, and 6,000 young were transferred to the hatching-troughs for distribution. The fish were not shipped until October 22 and during this time about 50 per cent of them were lost. Several hundred adult fish were collected near the station during the fall, and early in April 118 of them were placed in Pond V and 117 in Pond Z. The fish were noticed spawning in May, and the first fry were discovered on June 15. As the ponds were not drawn down, no estimate could be made as to the result of the spawning. On account of the excessive drought during the earl}^ spring and summer, and the consequent failure of the Mississippi River to over- flow its banks, very little work was done at the Bellevue collecting station. Lakes and bayous from which thousands of young black bass and crappie had been taken the previous year were practically dry, and although a large extent of territory was covered only a small number of j^oung fish could be secured. Work commenced on July 5 under the direction of Mr. Charles Hruby. Fishing continued from July 11 to September 1, during which time 16,080 black bass, 4,570 crappie, 829 yellow perch, 65 sun-fish, 300 pickerel, and 2,274 cat-fish were collected and delivered to the cars for distribution. Work was discontinued on September 1 and the station closed for the season. During the spring of 1901 the station was opened and arrangements made to commence actual work on July 1. Fish on hand at Manchester station at beginning of the year 1900-1901. Species. Calendar year in which fish hatched. were 1901. 1900. 1899. 1898. 1897. 60,000 75,000 3,000 560 649 Rainbow trout 2,840 10 431 1 140 Grayling Rock bass . . 235 Air tevixieratures at Manchester station during the year 1900-1901. 1900. July August September October November December Mean Min. Max. aver- age. 59 93 7S 68 95 83 40 93 70 46 86 64 1 65 39 50 27 1901 .January February March April May June Min. Max. -10 48 -20 ;« 3 62 82 90 44 90 48 100 Mean aver- age. 24 18 36 57 66 79 Water temperature constant at 50. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 65 Neosho Station, Missouri (H. D. Dean, Superintendent). The fish on hand at the beginning of the year were carried until fall with comparatively light losses, and in October the distribution was commenced, the output amounting to 92,600 rainbow trout, 8,037 black bass, 9,345 rock bass, 300 crappie, 2,700 strawberry bass, and 5,730 bream. At the approach of the spawning season the trout were transferred to breeding ponds, but although in excellent condition, the results were not satisfactory. Once a week the ponds were seined to prevent loss of eggs through the fish not entering the raceways, but despite this precaution the number secured was much smaller than usual. The first eggs were taken on December 10 and the last on March 12, the 655 fish" available yielding -473,503, an average of 723 eggs per fish. Of these only 60 per cent were eyed. 184,032 were sent to other sta- tions and to private applicants, and at the close of the year the stock of fingerlings on hand for fall distribution numbered 51,500. Early in July the black-bass ponds were drawn and 10,968 young fish transferred to troughs placed in the branch stream; 74 per cent of this number were successfully distributed in October and November. "With abundance of suitable food there seems to be little difficulty in holding black bass through the summer at this station. Provision was made during winter for separating the breeders from the young fish by partitioning off a small portion of the i)onds with wire screens, through which the j^oung might pass and thus escape the old ones. At the close of the j'ear large numbers of young fish were in evidence, but none had been transferred from the ponds. The ponds containing strawberry bass were not drawn until Sep- tember, as it is difficult to handle these fish during warm weather without loss, and it was thought best to allow them to remain undis- turbed until fall, but only 3,874 were found, and better results might possibly have been secured had the ponds been drawn earlier. The breeding crappie*, 38 in number, were transferred to the ponds in the spring, and for the first time it was possible to observ^e their spawning habits. Their nests were placed close together and not far from the banks of the pond, 18 nests occupying a space of not more than 10 by 15 feet. In the act of spawning the fish remain nearlj^ stationary, their bellies close together, but their bodies at an angle so that their backs are separated 2 or 3 inches. They will lie this way, bodies quivering, for a few seconds, then separate and take a turn around the nest. Sometimes one fish will visit several nests in suc- cession, but it could not be determined whether one fish spawned on more than one nest. The eggs are smaller than gold-fish eggs, and practically invisible unless drawn up in an examining tube. They hatch in about 50 hours, the fry being so small at first that they can hardly be seen in a pan of water. They are very active, but no screen is small enough to hold them, which explains why so many of them F. C. 1901 5 66 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. have been found in ponds below the breeding ponds. It could not be determined just how long the young remain on the nests after hatch- ing, but parent fish watch the nest very closely for two weeks or more. It is not certain which parent watches the nest, but they show more vigilance than either the rock bass or the black bass, sometimes biting at the glass tube when it is put down to take up fish or eggs for examination. The water temperature in this pond ranged from 60° to 65° during the spawning season. Nests were observed on April 27, and the first eggs were taken up for examination on May 13. The rock-bass work of the past season -was very disappointing, as for some unknown cause onlj^ 9,345 were secured from the ponds. The breeders were placed in three ponds during the spring of 1901, and as large numbers of nests were occupied and many fry have been observed, it is thought that the results will be much better this season. Sun-fish appeared in large numbers in the ponds during the spring, and thousands of them were used for bass food; 5,730 were also dis- tributed to applicants. After the i^onds were drawn down in the fall ponds Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 were entirely rebuilt, and a number of others were materially improved. A cement walk, over 1,000 feet long, from the residence to the small gate on the north side of the grounds, was constructed, and two fine cement bridges over the branch were built. This work has improved the appearance of the station very much. Congress having made a special appropriation of $7,500 for recon- structing the hatchery and acquiring land for bass ponds and an additional water supply, steps were taken to purchase the necessary land and to assemble the material for the work of construction. Number offish on hand at Neosho at the end of the year. Species. Calendar year in which fish were hatched. 1901. 1900. 1899. 1898. 1897. 51,500 1,500 2,375 133 177 105 940 155 40 55 11 Total 51,500 1,500 2,690 940 361 Temperature and precipitation at Neosho for the year ending June 30, 1901. Month. Max. Min. Mean. Precip- itation. Snow. 1900. July-- August September - October — November . December - - °F. 93 98 94 88 78 64 °F. 50 57 47 33 16 9 °F. 75.4 77.7 73 53.6 48 38.4 Inches. 4.65 3.50 10.57 4.02 3.13 .68 Inches. Month. 1901. January . February March .-. April May June Max. Min. Mean. "F. 38.9 34.4 46.6 54.4 63.9 77 Precip- itation. Inches. 0.45 1.30 4. .54 3.13 2.63 1.31 Snow. Inches. Mean temperatui-e for year, 57.5° P. Total precipitation, 39.79 inches. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 67 San Marcos Station, Texas (J. L. Leary, Superintendent), To prevent a repetition of the loss of fish and damage to property caused by the overflow of the San Marcos River in 1900 a special appropriation was obtained for the construction of a protection wall along its banks. During the month of August a stone wall 246 feet long and G^ feet high was built of white limestone, laid loose, 2| feet at base and l-l inches on top. This work was commenced August 20 and was completed bj^ October 5, at a cost of about $640. A concrete walk 1,200 feet long, 4 feet wide, and gravel walks 400 feet long, 4 feet wide, were laid from the residence to the office, and a number of minor improvements were made to the ponds and buildings. It became necessary during the year to obtain additional brood fish, as many had been lost during the freshet above referred to. By seining the Blanco and San Marcos rivers 150 black bass were secured and transferred to the. station in excellent condition. With the approach of the spawning season they were placed in the spawning- ponds, 24 fish being allowed for each half acre. This number is con- sidered ample for that area, as in stocking bass ponds care should be taken not to allot too many breeders to a pond, it being better to have too few rather than too many. Nesting commenced on January 31, and by February 8 young fish were seen. This unusually early spawning was undoubtedlj'^ due to the very mild winter and to the direct flow of water from the artesian well, the temj)erature of which was 68°. Owing to a sudden cold change late in February, however, nearly all the eggs and fry in the pond at that time were lost. The last nest was noticed on June 17. The majoritj^ of the bass still deposit their eggs on the clay banks of the ponds, though the number taking the piles of gravel provided for this i)urpose is increasing annually. The transfer of fry from ponds to distributing tanks commenced in April and continued to the end of June, 89,600 young being handled during this period. In making transfers a seine of bobbinet is used, and no fry under 1^ inches in length are removed from the ponds. No change has been made in the method of feeding, the flesh of crawfish and fish ground very fine and then screened through a fine sieve being the principal material. When they could be obtained water fleas were given for a change in diet, and as the fry became older large numbers of small minnows were fed them. The brood-fish are always fed regularly throughout the spawning season, as it not only keeps them in good condition, but tends to tame them and allows opportunity for close observation. Of the rock bass brought from Neosho six remain. These, with the 17 yearlings saved from the flood, were placed in a breeding pond in the spring, and at the close of the year many thousand young were visible. They commenced spawning about the middle of March, and nests were noticed as late as June 22. The strawberry bass transferred from the same station also suf- fered heavy losses, though the six remaining of this lot are in fine 68 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONEE OF FISH AND FISHERIES. condition. They commenced sjDawning late in March, and it is expected that there will be a considerable number of young available for distribution. This fish is much more hardy than the crappie and, unlike it, will thrive in clear water. The breeding crappie were placed in a pond about an acre in area, together with 26 adult carp for keeping the water in a slightly muddy condition, which is a^Dparently essential in the propagation of this species. About the middle of June a haul of the seine in this pond resulted in the capture of nearlj^ 1 ,000 fry 2 to 3 inches long. Crappie were also placed in several other ponds and tanks in the vicinity, but owing to the drought the water in them dried up and the fish had to be removed. The spawning season of crappie at this station extends from the latter part of March to midsummer, and under favorable conditions fish from 12 to 16 months old will spawn during the fall. The bream, of which there are 4:5 adults, have proven very produc- tive, grow rapidly, and are especially well adapted for small ponds. They were placed in Pond P in March and commenced spawning in April. A peculiarity of these fish is that their spawning extends throughout the entire summer and early fall. As usual, a great deal of attention has been paid to providing the various forms of fish food. Carp and mud shad were cultivated for the black bass and crappie, and shrimp ( Cranijon vulgaris) have been introduced in the ponds containing bass and bream, and this year furnished a large amount of excellent food for the adults and young. During the summer shrimp in large numbers and an occasional sala- mander came up from the artesian well. Many aquatic birds, snakes, and turtles have been killed, the ponds proving an especially great attraction to wild ducks of different varieties during the winter. Crawfish and bullfrogs were also very numerous and furnished a valuable supjjly of food for the fry. The station has been very free from diseases of all kinds until this year, when fungus attacked a lot of 1,000 crappie transferred from a pond in the vicinity. The water in this pond was quite muddy and the temperature high, and fungus made its appearance very shortly after their transfer to the station in water at 75°. During the spring fungus also developed in the five ponds supj)lied by the artesian well, killing a number of the adult black bass and about 30,000 young before it could be checked. This was believed to have been caused by the cold weather killing the upper portion of the very dense growth of water plants, and partly also to the poor circulation of the water, the flow from the artesian well being very light during that period. The plants were all cut out of the i>onds, and while the water was verj^ low salt was applied, about half a pint for each square foot of surface at the bottom and sides being allowed. The fish were also taken out and immersed in a bath of strong brine. Though very seriously affected, they commenced to imi^rove at once under this treatment, and the fungus disappeared in a very short time. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 69 The station furnished for distribution during the j^ear 89,985 black bass, 12,770 crappie, 8,090 rock bass, and 7,595 bream. The dis- tribution was made hy the station employees, and extended from July 2 to October 3, 1900. It was again resumed the following May and continued to the close of the fiscal year, the total cost of this branch of the work amounting to 1778.06. In making this distribution 36,162 miles were traveled, 31,555 of which were free and 4,607 paid. With few exceptions the railroads of the State not onlj' furnished free transportation, but rendered every assistance possible to the employees engaged in the work. To the officers of the International and Great Northern Railroad special thanks are due for courtesies. Leadville Station, Colorado (E. A. Tulian, Superintendent). From December 20 to June 1 the superintendent was absent from the station, his duties being performed by the foreman. At the commencement of the fiscal j'^ear there were on hand 500,000 fingerling brook trout, 270,000 of which were planted in July, 10,000 in August, and 28,000 in October, the losses during this time being about 38 per cent. The usual arrangements were made for the collection of brook-trout eggs in the fall from lakes belonging to private individuals, and the results of the work are embodied in the following statement : Source of supply. Spawning season. Eggs collected. Loss. • Fry hatched. shipped. Station brood fish Oct.lO-Dec. 7 272, 700 275, 900 156,900 .569,800 1,818,400 610,000 116,600 454,500 439,000 46,000 Per cent. 47.5 48.5 30 9.8 48 2L1 70.6 44.6 40 81.5 142,100 Uneva Lake Nov. 1-Nov. 25 143,300 109,000 514,800 675,000 481,500 32,000 251,500 • 274,000 8,500 Smith's Pond Oct. 24-Nov. 17 Ridgway's Pond Nov. 16-NOV.29 .... Wellington Lake Oct. 31-Nov. 24 267,900 Young's Pond Oct. 2.5-Nov. 11 Dec. 11 Decker's Pond .- Musgrove's Pond Oct.23-Nov.30 Derry's Pond. Black Lake Oct.28-Nov.28 Nov.17 Total 4,759,800 2,489,600 410,000 On May 20, when all the eggs had been hatched, there were on hand 1,995,000 brook-trout fry, 887,300 of which belonged to the Commis- sion and 1 , 107,700 to the parties who had furnished the eggs. Between this time and the end of the fiscal yesiv 41,000 of those belonging to the Commission, or 4.5 per cent, were lost and 585,000 were planted, leaving on hand 260,800. Last year it was believed that the .heavy loss of brook-trout eggs was large!}' due to their having been derived from 2-year-old fish, and the results this year seemed to confirm tliis theory, as the loss on each lot, except those taken from tlie brood-fisli at the station and the Uneva Lake fish, was from 10 to 60 per cent less than last year. On the station eggs the loss was 2 per cent greater than the previous 5'ear, but this was attributed to tlie fact that the stock is getting very old. The loss on the L^neva Lake eggs, however, Avas 38 per cent 70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. greater than last year, and this is inexplicable, unless it was drie to close inbreeding of the trout for the past eight years, or to the fact that nearly all of the trout were caught out of the small lakes early in the season and held in ponds in a somewhat crowded condition, and were Injured by frequent handlings. There is no doubt that much handling of the fish injures the quality of the eggs, hence the greatest care is exercised in collecting and in fertilizing them. Shipments of eyed brook-trout eggs, aggregating 410,000, were made to other stations of the Commission, State fish commissions, and j)ri- vate hatcheries, and with one exception they reached destination in excellent condition, the loss en route ranging from 33 to 600 eggs on shipments of 25,000. The exception referred to was a consignment to Tokyo, Japan, which hatched en route because the ice chamber in the top of the case was not kept filled with ice. On July 1 there were 120 three-year-old Loch Leven trout in stock, but 52 died during the year, and the bulk of the 2,000 fry on hand at that time were also lost. The only eggs of this species collected were 20,700, taken at Uneva Lake on November 25; of these 6,700 died and the remainder were hatched, half the resulting fry going to the owner of the lake. At the close of the 3^ear there were 5,790 finger- lings on hand. The rainbow-trout work in Colorado is verj^ discouraging, notwith- standing the fact that the few planted in the streams of the State by the Commission and the State commission have done exceptionallj^ well. Nearly all of the eggs collected this year from the fish at the station were lost, and out of a collection of 25,000 obtained at Lake Loveland on March 27, only 6,000 were saved. These wei'e shipped to Buffalo, reaching destination in excellent condition, and were hatched in the Fish Commission exhibit. In February 50,000 eggs were received fi-om Manchester station and hatched with a loss of 10,000. During May and June 17,000 fingerlings were planted, and at the close of the year there were 6,795 on hand. The 21,400 lake trout on hand, resulting: from eggs shipped from Northville and Duluth, were planted in suitable lakes in Colorado during the months of July, August, September, and October. The steelhead frj^ from eggs shipped from Rogue River, Oregon, in May, were planted in August and September, with a loss of only 800. The collection of black-spotted ti-out eggs continued into July, but at the beginning of the year there were 1,881,300 on hand. They fin- ished hatching early in August, with a loss of 131,800, or about 7 j)er cent, and the loss of try up to the middle of August was 11.5 per cent. The owner of the Grand Mesa lakes received 310,000 fry as his share, and the remaining 1,231,000 were the property of the Commission; 820,000 of these were j)lanted in September and 360,000 in October, with a loss of about 4 per cent of fry, making a total loss of only about 25 per cent on the entire collection of eggs obtained at the Grand Mesa lakes. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 71 These eggs are obtained under very adverse conditions, as they must be hauled 35 miles over the roughest kind of mountain road and then transferred by rail a distance of 230 miles, with the thermometer ranging from 100° to 110° in the shade. During June, 1,317,000 eggs were collected at these lakes and taken to Leadville. The loss on them to the close of the year was 1,800, or about 0.12 per cent. The fish and fry on hand at the close of the year is shown b}^ the following table : Species. Calendar year in which fish were hatched. 1901. 1900. 1899. 1898. 1897. Brook trout • 260,800 5,790 65 Loch Leven trout 410 68 Black-spotted trout 21 Rainbow trout 6,795 1,535 Gray liner 76 Spe.\rfish Station, South Dakota (D. C. Booth, Superintendent). During the summer the special approj)riation of $3,500 was expended in improving the grounds, building ponds, constructing a storm clian- nel for protecting the lower grounds from flood, and laying a 4-inch iron pipe from the upper spring to the hatcheiy , a distance of 700 feet. The fish reared at the station were distributed in the fall to appli- cants in South Dakota, Wj^oming, and Montana, the output being 210,000 brook trout and 10,000 Loch Leven trout. With the approach of fall arrangements were made, as in iirevious years, for collecting eggs of the brook and Loch Leven trout from public and private waters in South Dakota and Wyoming, and a temporary station for eying eggs was established at Sand Creek, Wyoming. Several thousand trout about 10 inches in length were handled here, yielding 302,200 eggs, which after being eyed were transferred to Spearfish. The water temperature at this creek stands uniformly at 54° F. throughout the year, so that the eggs were ready for shipment in 28 days. Collections were also o1)tained from ponds controlled by j)rivate individuals, and these, with the eggs produced b}' the brood fish at the station, gave a total collection of 1,062,050 brook-trout eggs and 50,470 Loch Leven eggs. Of the brook-trout eggs, 201,000 were shipped as follows: 100,000 to Bozeman, Mont. ; 50,000 to Duluth, Minn. ; 51,000 to the Wyomiug Fish Commission. The rest were hatched at the station and produced 054,000 fry, of which 250,000 were returned to the owners of the brood stock. On the remaining 408,000 there was a loss during the spring of 133,000, and 195,000 were planted in waters of South Dakota, leaving 80,000 on hand at the close of the year. The Fish Commission's share of Locli Leven trout eggs amounted to 36,100. The.se were hatched and 30,000 young fi.sh were distributed during the spring, leaving 5,000 on hand at the close of the year. 72 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. During the winter arrangements were made with Mr. S. H. Campbell, the superintendent of the Wyoming commission, for the collection of rainbow-trout eggs on Laramie River. Several hundred large rainbow trout were secured about 24 miles southwest of Laramie and placed in retaining-ponds, but a sudden rise of the river washed away the jiond and tlie fish escaped, but in the meantime 25,000 eggs had been secured. These were transferred to the station and produced 18,500 fry. At the request of the acting superintendent of the Yellowstone National Park, arrangements were made in April for an investigation of the trout streams, with the view to the establishment of a substation for the hatching of trout. Accordingly, tlie superintendent examined the Gardiner River and Lupine, Lava, and Glen creeks, but owing to the large number of bowlders and the swift, strong current, which prevented the use of a seine, it was found impracticable to operate at any of these points. Accompanied bj^ an escort of six men, a trip was iiuule through the park in the attempt to secure rainbow trout in tlie Gibbon River from Nori-is Basin to a point a mile above the Virginia Cascades, but none was cajptured, though a fisherman was seen with tAvo small ones taken from the cascades. The trip was continued to Grand Canyon and a camp was made on May 18 at the mouth of the Otter Creek along the Yellowstone River, where the first fish of the season had been captured on May 15 by Lieutenant Amos. Seining oi)erations were conducted for several days in the Yellowstone and hundreds of Salmo mykiss taken. These, however, were found to be afi'ected by parasites and not very gamy. As soon as the road crew could shovel out the road, whicli was full of snow, the trip was continued to Yellowstone Lake, where the small streams entering the lake from the west were found to abound in trout. Four troughs were constructed, and after building a reservoir 300,000 eggs were taken and placed upon the trays. An investiga- tion was then made of all the streams entering the lake from the lake otitlet to West Thumb Bay, with the view of obtaining a more central point for establishing an egg-ej'ing station, and it resulted in the selec- tion of a site 2 miles north of West Thumb Station, on a stream not over 5 feet wide, but containing a sufficient supply of water of good quality. This stream was alive with Salmo mykiss, averaging 15 inches in length and weighing about 1^ i)ounds. Sufficient trough capacity for eying 2,000,000 eggs was provided, and after building a substantial dam and flumes, the fish were caught and eggs taken. Fish were so plentiful that they were frequently taken with the hands in the shallow water. By the 30th of June 1,200,000 eggs had been taken and placed on trays at this station. Nearly all of the small streams entering the lake are full of Salmo inykiss, and it is recommended that the Commission cooperate with the commanding officer in erecting a building at or near West Thumb for the collection and liatching of black-spotted trout eggs, as it is believed that 5,000,000 could be taken each season. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 73 BozEMAN Station, Montana (James A. Henshall, Superintendent). In Aiis^ust and September the fish that had been carried througlithe summer were shipped to applicants in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, the distribution being made principally by one of the cars. In November 108,000 brook-trout eggs were collected from the brood fisli at the station. In addition to these, 100,000 were received from Spearfish, S. Dak., and 88,000 from Leadville, Colo., making a total of 200,000. During the spring it became necessary to remove the fry liatched from these eggs to tlie nursery iionds, in order to make room for the grayling and native-trout eggs, and the consequent loss was considerable, but the fingerlings on liand at the close of the year were health}' and growing rapidly. The eastern brook trout at this station are subject to a peculiar disease when they reach the age of two years, and at spawning time it is verj' pronounced. It commences with the formation of encysted tumors on the lower jaw, usually at the end of the mandible; this is succeeded by a slimy condition of the entire body in some cases, with engorgement of the gills, though in others the fish seem to be quite normal with the exception of the tumors. All the si3ecimens affected liave died, about 30 per cent of the 2 and 3 year old fish having been lost. As no other species has been similarly affected it is thought that the disease is inherent and not due to local conditions. During the winter the usual arrangements were made for collecting eggs of the native trout at Henry Lake, Idaho, and grayling eggs at Redrock, Mont. The season at the former place did not result as suc- cessfully as heretofore, only 730,000 eggs being secured, as against 1,440,000 in the season of 1900. This was attributed to scarcity of fish, 50 tons of trout having been taken from the lake and shipped the l)revious winter. The station was opened on April 4, and the first eggs were taken on April 22. The 592 fish handled yielded an average of 1,235 eggs. About 370,000 of the eggs were transferred to Bozeman, 150,000 were shipped to other points, and 115,000 fry were hatched and planted at the lake. The last eggs were taken at this place on June 3. At Redrock Lake, where Mr. G. H. Tolbert was in charge, a new and larger trap was put in lower down the creek and a new dam was built. On account of the cold backward season, the run of grayling commenced later than usual, but the fish were very numerous, and it is probable that twice as many eggs as were taken might have been secured had it been desired. Operations at this point began April 4th and closed June 21st, 2,400,000 eggs being secured. From these, 1,362,300 fry were hatched and planted in the lake and its tributaries, 526,000 eggs were transferred to Bozeman, and 390,000 were shipped to other points. The spawning season lasted from May 11 to May 23. The eggs transferred to Bozeman hatched between June 7 and 29, producing 293,000 fry, an unusually good i)ercentage. If the washings from an emulsion of fresh liver are fed to the fry 74 KEPOET OF COMMISSIONEE OF FISH AND FISHERIES. while they are yet in the liatching-troughs and before the absorption of the yolk sac, it has been found that they can be removed to the nuj'sery ponds as soon as they begin to swim and that their physical condition is improved. This food is placed in the aerating tray at the head of the trough, and soon finds its way to the fry at the bottom. A collection of 33,000 steelhead eggs was made from the four-year- old fish confined at the station and from a few captured in Bridger Creek. Of these, 12,000 were sent to the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo; the rest were hatched at the station, and at the end of the year there were 6,600 fingerlings on hand. The following table shows the number of fish and eggs of all kinds on hand on June 30, 1901 : Species. Calendar year in which fish were hatched. 1901. 1900. 1899. 1898. 1897. 202.000 *293,000 6,600 637 3,691 149 489 119 Steelhead trout . . 2,030 1,600 50 293,835 795,481 Total 1,650 4,477 2,638 * Eggs and fry. There was but verj^ little rainfall during the summer of 1900 and a lack of snow the previous winter, consequently the mountain streams were much diminished and the supply of water in the reservoirs was considerably lessened; but, by utilizing the creek water as far as possible, no great inconvenience was experienced. In order that the work of the station be not jeopardized by an insufficient water supply, a connection was made between the creek water pond and the main supply pipe from the spring reservoirs, by a 12 -inch wooden pipe. With this arrangement either spring or creek water can be used for the hatchery and ponds. The creek water is perfectl.y clear for nine months in the year, and never exceeds 60° F. ; hence it is realty pref- erable to the spring water after the eggs are hatched, as it contains plenty of food and air, in which the spring water is entirely deficient. In using the creek water in winter, it can be tempered by the water from the warm spring, which has a uniform temperature of 77°; accordingly the spring has been partly inclosed by a wall, which it is proposed to carry to a height of 4^ feet, whereby the warm water can be flumed into the creek water ditch and thus prevent its freezing in winter. Baird Station, California (G. H. Lambson, Superintendent). At the beginning of the fiscal year the racks were in place and the river closed to the ascent of salmon above the station. Numerous repairs were made to the buildings, a new spawning-house was con- structed, and provision was made for canning salmon as fish food. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 75 Experiiiu'utal hauls of the seine earl}" in Aui^nst showed that the rim of salmon was very light. On the 18th, in four hauls, nine ripe females were secured, and on the next da}" 36,000 eggs were taken. Fishing continued until tlie 22d of September, during which time 215 hauls of the seine were made, 4,588 females and 3,633 males being cap- tured. Of the females 520 proved ripe and yielded 2,021,000 eggs, 517 males being used in fertilizing them. The fish averaged 3,887 eggs each, much less tlian those of the previous year, which averaged about 5,000. The fall run of salmon was very light and no ripe fish were taken in the seine, though several hauls were made at intervals during tlie season. From traps in the upi)er rack 26 ripe fish were collected, which yielded 118,500 eggs, an average of 4,557. The practice of killing the salmon before si)awning was not fol- lowed, as it causes the loss of large lots of eggs. Fully 10 per cent of the females impounded early in the season, and 5 per cent during the latter part, were not sufficiently ripened, though eggs were pressed from tliem when taken from the seine. If the fish killed prove to be unripe, the entire lot of eggs is lost; but it requires as much time and trouble to try them as to accomplish the work of spawning. When there ai'e only a few salmon on hand and an abundance of time, they are killed before stripping, if there is no doubt as to their being ripe; but where large numbers are to be handled this method should not be employed. The eggs were fertilized in the same way as last season — that is, the pan in which the}" were to be caught was dipped in water and mois- tened; the eggs and milt were then taken simultaneously and mixed thoroughly with a feather or the hand. About half a pint of water was then added and the eggs again stirred, after which they were washed and poured into a large bucket, where they were left until the eggs separated. After becoming free they were placed in baskets in the liatchery, 25,000 to the basket, it having been found that they do better allotted in this way than by putting 40,000 to the basket, as formerly. All of the eggs except 8 baskets were picked or washed throughout the time of incubation including the tender stage, and with very successful results compared with the 8 baskets which were kept covered during that time, the experiment seeming to demonstrate that constant picking and washing improves them to some extent. All of the eggs from the first run were transferred to the California Fish Commission hatchery at Sisson, and arrived in good condition. Besides the eggs collected in the fall, 1,000,000 were received from Battle Creek, making a total of 1,118,500 left in the hatchery. Of these, 25,000 were shipped to Mr. L. Z. Leiter, Lake Geneva, Wis., and 1,000 to Professor Dudley, of Stanford University. Those retained commenced hatcliing November 28, and by February 16 they were all out. Of the 1,056,250 fry hatched, 166,680 were lost. The others were planted in the McCloud River between March 15 and May 18. During the fall several attempts were made to can salmon as fish 7fi EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. food before a sueeessfiil solution of the problem was reached. A number of fish received from Battle Creek on December 7 were canned on the 8th, the whole fish being used, including head, tail, fins, and backbone, the contents filling 41 five-pound cans. These were found in -good condition when opened two months later, and the}" probably would have kept indefinitely. This material w^as given to the fry during December, January, and February, but it did not prove a very satisfactory food, as it was very difficult to divide it properly for the young fish. If ground very fine, it would wash awaj^ in the water, and if given in coarse pieces manj^ of the fish would choke and a heav3" death rate followed. It is thought that the difficulty may be overcome in future by rejecting the bones, heads, and fins. As the fry became older they took this food readily and seemed to thrive on it, but, as the quantity canned was too small, it was soon consumed, and it became necessar}" to procure a supply of liver, which, mixed with shorts, was fed to the close of the season, except for a period of two weeks when it was impossible to secnre liver, and goat meat was used. This proved very unsatisfactory. At the request of Hon. W. T. Glascow, the secretary of the marine department, Wellington, New Zealand, the superintendent of Baird station was detailed to take an assignment of 500,000 quinnat-salmon eggs to the New Zealand government. He sailed from San Francisco on December 13 with 14 l)oxes, each 2f feet long, 1| feet wide, and 2 feet high, the weight of each package being about 230 jiounds. The passage w^as very rough, but considering the difficulties under which the eggs were taken, the length of time en route (31 days), and the 7,059 miles traveled, the shipment was regarded as successful. The total number of eggs lost was 57,500. It was impossible to remove dead eggs, as in the poor light they could hardl}' be distinguished from the good ones. When such an attempt was made, the fungus was found to have taken such a firm hold on the wire bottoms of the screens that it broke into smaller particles, which, coming into con- tact with the good eggs, caused it to spread. All attempts at removal were therefore abandoned and an effort was made to prevent its spread by keening the temperature as low as possible. It is thought the fungus started at Honolulu, where the eggs were exj)osed to a temperature of 48° for about nine hours, while the freight in the cold room was being unloaded. A quantity of vegetables stored in the cold room with the eggs may have helped in developing the fungus. In loading the cases on the steamer they were raised from the dock and lowered into the ship by slings, five eases at a time, and fre- quently they were almost on end. This was also done at Honolulu, wdieu removing the eggs, in order to unload freight. In man}" of the cases the eggs had all jolted to one end, and as the dead and unim- pregnated eggs were rather soft, many w^ere broken, thus giving the fungus every possible chance for grow^th. While the eggs were in the cold room no ice was used in the cases, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 77 as the temperature was so low that there would have beeu but little meltage and eggs could not be kept moist by this means. Instead of this the eggs were watered every day after leaving Honolulu, care being taken to have the water of the same temperature as the room. This water was taken aboard ship at San Franciso and Honolulu and no condensed water was used. The isolated car used for transporting the eggs from Littleton to Kurow was a freight car with double walls for keeping out the heat. Ice was packed in the car with the eggs and on arrival at Kurow the interior of the car was cold and a large proj)ortion of the ice remained. As the eggs arrived in New Zealand during the extremely warm weather of summer, it is not thought that they could have been safely transported without this car, as it is a 12- hour journey from Littleton to Kurow. Only three times during the trip did the temperature of the eggs get above 37° or below 35° — once on December 22, when it was 48°, and once on December 26, when it was 42° ; on the 29th it fell to 32°. At such times the temperature was either lowered or raised until it was at 36°, the temperature main- tained during the trip. In making the trip the eggs were loaded and unloaded 15 times, and though great care was exercised, they received at times some very hard jolts. Battle Creek Station, California (G. H. Lambson, Superintendent). A rack was constructed in August under the direction of Mr. Ledg- erwood, and the two retaining racks were placed in position by the middle of the month, so that no salmon could ascend the stream. The station was then left in charge of a watchman until September 23, when the force reported and work was commenced on the ditch and flume. It was found necessarj^ to place new flumes and to make a number of improvements to the mess-house. As very few fish were noticed in the stream in October, an exami- nation of the mouth of the creek was made, and it was found that a sandbar had formed across it near the site of the old racks, which caused the water to pass through Cottonwood Slough and lessened the flow in the regular channel. The bar was partiallj' removed and the water restored to the old channel. On October 12 a number of hauls of the seine were made and 11 ripe fish were secured. Fishing continued throughout the month whenever the number of fish in the pool warranted, and as a result 865,500 eggs were obtained, though many were of poor quality, owing to long confinement of the fish. In November fishing was irregular, as the run continued very light, though reports from the Lower Sacramento indicated that the run l^elow Red Bluff was larger than it had been for j'ears. To ascertain the whereabouts of the fish and to learn the cause of their not ascend- ing as far as Battle Creek, two men were sent to make investigations. They found that the river from Battle Creek to Red Bluff was almost barren of salmon, but that the stream from Red Bluff to Tehama was full, the number increasing the lower they went. Thej^ also found 78 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. that large numbers were spawning on the gravel bars and riffles in that part of the river. This was thought to have been due to the low water for the past several seasons forming good spawning-grounds in the main bed of the river. In November 2,216,000 eggs were collected and 438,600 in Decem- ber, a total of 3,520,100 for the season. A heavy storm occurred during the fall and caused considerable damage, washing out auxiliarj^ racks, spawning weirs, etc., and car- rying away about 12 feet of the bank at the east end of the rack. Of the eggs collected, 461,640 were lost in incubation, several minor shipments were made to the Stockton High School, and 3,079,660 were transferred to the Sisson hatchery of the California commission and to Baird station, including 500,000 sent to New Zealand. Clackamas Station, Oregon (E. N. Carter, Superintendent). It having been decided to move the Clackamas station on account of the insufficient supply and poor quality of the water at the old site, a point down the Clackamas River, with a good supply of spring water, was selected during the month of July and the work of con- structing a new station was commenced. A hatchery 42 feet by 80 feet, a bunk-house 30 feet b}' 42 feet, a stable, and other necessary buildings were erected, and by the end of September the station was in readiness for operating. The necessary roadways, bridges, etc. , were provided, and all equipment that was of value was moved from the old station, which was then abandoned and left in charge of a watch- man at a nominal salary. At the beginning of the year an effort was made to tag about 1,600 quinnat-salmon fingerlings, but the experiment was a failure, and the fry were marked by clij)i)ing the adipose and the upper portion of the caudal fins. This method of marking seemed necessary in order that the fish might be distinguished from a lot of 5,000 marked in 1896. Preparations were made early in October to receive salmon eggs taken on the Clackamas River by G. H. Oldenburg, which were deliv- ered at the hatchery at 40 cents per 1,000 eyed. From this source 1,725,000 were derived. There were also transferred from the Little White Salmon 3,327,000, making a total of 5,049,000 salmon eggs liandled at the station. They arrived in excellent condition and were eyed and hatched with a loss of 429,628. The fry were strong and healthy and commenced feeding about the latter part of December, when they were placed in troughs, 8,000 to each trough. By the end of January all of these fry were swimming and taking food, which consisted of canned salmon of a cheap variety, such as dog salmon, chippings from the gang knives used in canneries, etc. The salmon was put up in gallon cans for the Fish Commission, and was donated by the following-named firms, the cans having been furnished free of charge through the courtesy of Mr. F. P. Kendall, superintendent of the Pacific Sheet Metal Works, of Astoria, Oreg. ; J. G. Megler & Co., REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 79 of Brookfield, Wash.; A. Booth & Co., G. W. Sanborne, Columbia River Packers' Association, and Union Fishermen's Cooperative Com- pany, Astoria, Oreg. ; F. M. Warren and Mr. Farrell, of Portland, Oreg. This food was fresh and in good condition and the fry throve on it, but owing to the lateness of the season only about 1,000 pounds could be had, and it became necessary to purchase 2,880 one-pound cans of dog salmon. Shortlj^ after commencing the feeding of this food a disease broke out among the fry, causing heavy losses. The fattest and oldest fry died, though they were apparently sound. This dis- ease was undoubtedly due to the food. When first affected the fry would dart back and forth in the troughs as if seeking escape, but after 24 hours they became too weak for further effort and were drawn down against the screen, where they soon died. Various experiments were tried with canned salmon, in the hope of continuing its use as fish food, but without success. Shortlj^ after- wards the use of liver was begun, and the disease above referred to disappeared. Liver mixed with mush in varying proportions, accord- ing to the age of the fry, and seasoned with a small quantity of salt, proved satisfactory and about as cheap in the long run as canned salmon. The mush is a mill product known as "germea," commonly used as breakfast food ; it costs nearly twice as much as middlings, but is a stronger and better food. Mixed with ground liver, it sepa- rates readily in water and can easily be taken by the smaller fry. The fry were held as long as possible and were then planted at selected places, where the progress of their growth might be noted as far as possible. It is, of course, to be regretted that it is necessary to plant fry under 2 inches in length, but this is unavoidable owing to the immense amount of space that would be required for the rearing of millions. With the exception of the affection due to the feeding of canned salmon, there was very little disease among the fry. In the winter, though, there appeared on the yolk sacs of about 1,500 fry what was supposed to be small air-bubbles, about the size of a pea, which held the fry to the surface of the water. They seemed to have no connec- tion with the vital portion of the sac, however, as when pricked with a needle the bubbles would collapse and the fish would return to the "water apparently none the worse from the operation. Upon applying a lighted match to the bubbles they would burst with a sharp report, indicating that they were filled with hydrogen gas only. Frequent and strong salt-water baths during the rearing period go far toward keeping the frj^ in a healthy condition. In rearing the fry a tank 2 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and 12 feet long, which had been built for the purpose of hatching white-fish, was util- ized for carrying about 10,000. The result was very satisfactory, as the fry had a greater depth of water in this receptacle and more room in which to move about, and it can be easily and quickly cleaned. The floor space occupied is also much less than would be required for 80 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONEE OF FISH AND FISHERIES. four 16-foot troughs, whicli would safely accommodate only 8,400. It is therefore recommended that tanks be substituted. During the winter 1,000,000 white-fish eggs were received from North ville and 200,000 lake-trout eggs from Duluth, all of which were hatched and planted in lakes near Tacoma, Wash. From Leadville 100,000 brook-trout eggs were received, which produced 80,000 fry. Of these, 10,000 were planted in Cox Creek, Oregon, and the balance held at the station for rearing. The same number of grayling eggs, transferred from Bozeman, were hatched with a loss of only 8,839, and the fry were planted in the vicinity of Pendleton and Union, Oreg. , at the request of the Oregon Fish and Game Association. During the spring the California commission furnished the station with 25,000 rainbow-trout eggs, which produced 23,291 fry. Of these, 5,000 were planted as fry and the remainder are on hand at the close of the j^ear. Rogue Rivek Station, Oregon (E. N. Carter, Superintendent). During the first part of the year $1,000 was expended in construc- tions and improvements, the money being furnished by Mr. R. D. Hume, of San Francisco. A residence for the fish-culturist in charge of the station, Mr. J. W. Berrian, and an additional hatching-house, 24 feet by 70 feet, were erected ; the grounds around the station were inclosed by a substantial fence. Provision was also made for procur- ing an increased supply of water from Rogue River, a pump-liouse being provided, in which a boiler and two small engines were placed, with two centrifugal pumps capable of throwing 600 gallons of water per minute each. In order to reduce the cost of pumping water a tank 20 feet wide, 48 feet long, 10 feet deep, capable of holding 72,000 gallons of water, was also constructed. This can be filled in a very short time by the pumps, and in addition to saving a large amount of fuel, it now requires the services of only one engineer where three were formerly employed. An investigation was made with the view to taking water from the Rogue River through a ditch, but owing to the expense the project was abandoned. A rack was thrown across the river to stop the ascent of salmon, and by the end of October, when work had to be discontinued on account of high water, 3,303,000 eggs had been secured. Of these, over 500,000 were taken 15 miles below the station with drift gill nets. An attempt was made to transfer the eggs while green, but those so treated proved almost a total loss, and it became necessary, therefore, to erect troughs for eyeing them near the spawning-grounds. During November one-third of the eggs obtained were shipped to Mr. R. D. Hume, in San Francisco, from which point they were trans- ferred to his hatchery at Wedderburn, at the mouth of the Rogue River, where they were hatched and liberated in adjacent waters. The balance of the eggs were hatched at the station, producing 1,850,000 fry, which were held until May 15 and fed on canned fish; REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 81 silver salmou aud steelhead trout were used for this purpose, being canned in 2^ gallon tin cans, with caps of thin tin. The cans were stacked in a retort and were allowed to remain for 3 hours at a tem- perature of 254° F., when they were taken out and the vents closed, no salt being used in the process. Canned salmon has proved fairly satisfactory as fish food at this station, and it must be used here, owing to the impossibility of securing other material. Its cost, also, is very light, as it can be put up by men employed for other purposes. It was hoped that the cans might be used over and over for a number of years, but it was found impossible to prevent their collapse while cooling, which renders them valueless for subsequent use. During the season 14,500 eggs were taken from two female salmon through slits cut in the abdomen, instead of spawning them in the usual manner. Milt was applied before washing the blood from the eggs, and they were then placed in baskets and separate records kept to note the result of the experiment. Only 16 per cent of them were lost during incubation, and the loss in fry prior to their liberation in Rogue River amounted to 221. The smallest matured female salmon taken during the season, from which 1,800 eggs were secured, weighed before spawning 5f pounds, and after spawning 4^ pounds. The length of this fish was 24^ inches. Efforts were made to collect silver salmon at Elk Creek, but the results were very disappointing, only 133,000 eggs being secured. These were hatched and the fry were liberated in Elk Creek. The steelhead work commenced on March 1 and was continued until May 18, the total take of eggs aggregating 370,000, which were disposed of as follows: 25,000 were shipped to the Tuxedo Club, New York; 50,000 to Wisconsin; 80,000 to Wyoming; 46,000 to St. Johns- bury Station, Vt. ; 45,000 to Duluth Station, Minn. The balance were hatched, and the 65,850 fry resulting were planted in Elk Creek. Little White Salmon Station, Washington (J. N. Wisner, Superintendent). Early in July the station was opened and jjreparations commenced for the conduct of salmon work in tlie fall. The hatching apparatus was put in thorough repair, the upper rack was constructed, four traps built, and later on four other racks were i^laced in position. A small boat, 24 feet long, 6^ feet beam, was provided for use in planting fish, and at the Big White Salmon, which was operated as an auxiliary for collecting and eying eggs, two large racks and a good downstream trap were put in. Racks were also constructed in Tanner and Eagle creeks. By September 10 everything was in readiness antl men had been sent to the Big White Salmon to commence operations. It was not deemed advisable to detail a crew to Tanner and Eagle creeks, as the work at both points was experimental, and it was thought a visit there every few daj's would be sufficient. This conclusion proved wrong, however, as a visit on September 18 showed that the fish had entered F. C. 1901 6 82 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and were spawning. The superintendent at once purchased supplies for both points and sent down a force of men, but on their arrival it was found that a sudden rise in both streams had carried away the racks. It is now believed that from two to three million eggs can be collected from these streams in future. On the Little White Salmon the first eggs were received September 12. For the first five days the collections were comparatively small, but they increased daily until September 21, when 1,069,000 were taken. The total collections for the season on the Little White Salmon and the Big White Salmon aggregated 12,840,700 eggs. The fall run of salmon was reported to be very fair, but the great majority of the fish were caught before they could enter the streams to spawn. According to the Oregon law fishing can be lawfully con- ducted ui) to and including August 15, and this condition of affairs operates unfavorablj" on the work of the station. Another matter for regret is that the Little White Salmon, which is acknowledged as probably the best spawning-ground of the salmon in the Columbia River region, is being ruined bj^ deposits of sawdust. Every possible effort has been made by the superintendent to have this nuisance abated, but so far the results have not been satisfactory. A few of the fish this season were taken by gill nets and seines, but the great majority were captured by means of downstream traps. These traps were necessarily put in where there was considerable fall of water, and consisted of pickets 20 feet long, placed 2 inches apart, forming a bed in the river. From either end of the upstream end wing dams or racks were built leading uiDstream and within a few feet of the banks of the river. The ends of the traps pointing upstream were submerged and weighted into position, and the downstream ends were held on horses, about 18 inches above the water. The space between the end of the racks and the shore was left to allow fish to pass upward. Some distance above each rack were deep holes, in which the fish would lie for a few days after ascending. As they ripened they dropped out on the riffles to spawn, and when a sufficient number to warrant it were on the riffles, a seine was passed across the river above them. This was then rapidly hauled downstream for the purpose of frightening the salmon. It is in tlie nature of a salmon to turn and swim downstream rapidly when startled, and in doing so they encountered the rack, which led them to the trap, where their great momentum carried tliem out of the water onto the beds, where pickets took the salmon and assorted them, placing males and females in separate pens and returning the green fish to the water. The spawning operations were conducted as follows; A female was stunned by a blow on the head, after which it was put into a spawning- box and securely tied. The spawn-taker then placed the bottom of the box on the floor and lifted the head of the fish until it was at an angle of about 80°, with the back down. The spa.wning-pan was held immediately below and close to the vent by an assistant, while the BEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 83 spawn-taker expressed the eggs. In the meantime a male salmon, which had been gotten in readiness by tying a line securely around its caudal peduncle, was manipulated by a second assistant, who grasped the line near the tail of the fish with the left hand, drawing its head between the knees with the right, thus holding it securely suspended with the belly down. The pan containing the eggs was held immedi- ately below, and the milt expressed by the assistant with the right hand. Eggs and milt were carefully stirred until thoroughly mixed, when sufficient water to barely cover the eggs was added, and the mass again stirred to insure the milt coming in contact with every egg. They were then allowed to remain for 1^ minutes, after which thej^ were washed and transferred to the hatchery in buckets, 15,000 being placed in each bucket. For the first five days the eggs were picked; thej^ were then covered and allowed to remain undisturbed until about 30 days old, when thej^ were again washed thoroughly and picked at regular intervals until shortly before hatching, when they were distributed in the troughs, 5,000 to each apartment, after which they were tended as before. The superintendent having been ordered to Washington, Mr. G. H. Tolbert assumed charge of the station on October 22, and the eggs on hand were hatched under his direction. Of the eggs taken, 4,953,000 were transferred to Clackamas and other stations; 5,620,000 fry were hatched from the balance, and the distribution was commenced on December 7. It is believed that this work could be much more satisfactorih^ performed with a small steam launch, and it is recommended that one be procured. As it had been decided to rear as many fry as possible, arrange- ments were made for a supply of fish food consisting principally' of beef liver, ground and mixed with mill feed. Canned salmon was used as an experiment, but as it was not of good quality the results were not satisfactory. The young fish commenced taking food on Decem- ber 30, and the last of them were planted April 28. Baker Lake, Washington (H. H. Buck, Superintendent). Arrangements for the capture of blueback salmon were made, as usual, during the summer by the construction of racks near the mouth of the river. It has been the practice to put in the racks just above the lake to prevent the fish from ascending the stream. For about 2 miles the river runs through an alluvial deposit of gravel and driftwood in several ever-changing channels, and with swift, strong current, often carrying immense trees torn from tlie banks higher up. The first year of the Commission's work racks were built in five places and by constant attention and repair were kept in place through the season. This year a location nearer the lake was selected, where the river could be closed by two racks, but the principal one was carried away by a sharp rise of water on August 25, and no attempt was made to rebuild it, as it was thought that all of the fish had passed up that 84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. were likelj^ to ascend the river. Furthermore, it was believed that bluebacks would not go above the lake in large numbers, and that the time for testing the matter was opportune; but experience proved that probably over 25 per cent did ascend the river, and after they leave the lake their capture is difticult and expensive. The first ripe female was taken on September 7, and fishing con- tinued without interruption until October 25, resulting in the capture of 1,140 females, which i)roduced 4,171,000 eggs. No account was taken of the male fish. The eggs hatched without unusual losses, and 3,834,553 fry were liberated in Baker Lake and its tributaries. At the close of the blueback season fishing for silver salmon was commenced in three creeks tributary to the river, about a mile above the lake, and in a slough or old branch at the head or east end of the lake. By means of traps, seines, and gill nets 78 ripe females were captured before the cold rains and the high stage of the water came. From these 222,000 eggs were collected, which yielded 172,041 fry. Early in March it was decided to again attempt the collection of eggs of the steelhead trout, and a location on Phinney Creek, about 5 miles from Birdsview ahd some 30 miles from Baker Lake, was selected and the work of reopening an old road to the site was com- menced. A camp outfit was installed in some old ranch buildings near by, and bj^ the middle of the month a rack was completed and net fishing commenced under the direction of Mr. Henry O'Malley. Only a few fish were caught, and it soon became evident that the run of steelheads was over. Explorations on Phinney Creek, Grandy Creek, and the Skagit River did not show any large numbers, all tes- timony seeming to prove that the principal run had gone up in January. In accordance with instructions from tlie office efforts were made to reduce the number of Dolly Varden trout in the lake, as it was believed they were feeding principally on tlie young salmon fry liber- ated there. A limited number were killed, but great quantities came up from the Skagit River, and it was soon found to be impossible to materially reduce them without making a systematic effort on the main river. During the year improved connections have been made with mail and railroad by the construction of a trail down the east side of Baker River and the extension of the Hamilton branch of the Great Northern Railroad to Baker. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 85 Details of distribution. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and flnger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Shad: Connecticut Fish Commission, Stratford, Conn.. Hadlyme station. Conn Nanticoke River, Seaford.Del Brandywine Creek, Wilmington, Del Blackbird Creek, Middletown, Del ..- Appoquirimink Creek, Middletown, Del Smyrna Creek, Smj-rna, Del Leipsic Creek. Cheswold, Del.. St. John Creek. Dover, Del _ Murderkill Creek. Feltou. Del Mispillion Creek, Milford, Del Indian River. Millsboro. Del. Broadkiln Creek, Nassau, Del _ Potomac River, opposite Fish Lakes, D.C St. Marys River. Glen St. Marys, Fla Suwannee River. Ellaville. Fla. _ Aucilla River. Aucilla. Fla.- Ocklockonee River, Ocklockonee, Fla . . Little River, Quincy, Fla Chattahoochee River, River Junction, Fla Hillsboro River, near Tampa, Fla Ichetucknee River, near Branford,F)a Santa Fe River, near High Springs, Fla Bhie Springs, near Julietta, Fla Peace River, near Bartow, Fla Miami River, Miami, Fla Anclote River, Tarpon Springs, Fla. Su wanochee River, near Dupont, Ga Toms Creek, near Alesanderville, Ga. Savannah River, near Augusta, Ga Tugeloo River, near Folsom, Ga Ocmulgee River, near Macon, Ga Potomac River, off Bryan Point, Md Pomonkey Creek, Md Accokeek Creek, Md Broad Creek, Md Hunting Creek. Md Piscataway Creek, Md Swan Creek, Md Point of Rocks, Md... Chesapeake Bay, Battery Haul.Md Carpenter Point, Md Eastern Flats, Md. Western Flats, Md Channel, Md Off Mill Creek, Md Western Channel. Md Eastern Channel, Md Locust Point. Md Susquehanna River, Garrett Island, Md Port Deposit, Md Freuchtown,Md Elk River. Elk River, Md Bush River. Bush River. Md Gunpowder River, Gunpowder River, Md Patuxent River, Laurel, Md Pocomoke River, SnowhUl,Md Miles River, Easton.Md Patapsco River, Relay, Md Maryland Fish Commission, Salisbury, Md Druid Hill Park, Md . Wankinco River, Wareham, Mass Shark River. Belmar.N. J Great Egg Harbor Bay, Mays Landing.N. J Salem ( 'reek , Salem. N.J South River, Oldbridge, N.J Delaware River, Howe lis Cove, N.J Off Bennett's FLshery, N.J Lambert ville.N. J Milford, N. J , Hudson River, Catskill, N. Y Albany, N.Y Delaware River. Ca'.licoon, N. Y F.G.Mitchell, New York. N. Y" Edenton Bay. Edenton, N. C Chowan River, Edenton.N.C Avoca.N. C Coleram,N.C Perquimans River, Hertford, N. C Roanoke River, Plymouth. N. C Pasquotami River, Elizabeth City,N.C Tar River, Washington. N.C 1,000,000 4,235,000 6, 720, 000 42,000 3,210. 5, 618; 1,860: 2,500. 150: 150, 150, 240, 980, 450, 451, 250, 450, 450, 450, 325, 375, 375, 175, 175, 375, 125, 200, 375, 1,125, 375, 500, 1,448, 1,810, 660, 881, 481, 2, 145, 585, 450, 2,693, 2,805, 3,731, 2,476, 6,661, 1,208, 1,333, 1,000, 563, 1,338, 1,275, 1,168, 1, 712, 950, 450, 750, 2,500. 2,753, 1,000, 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 i 000 I 450, 450, 680, 450, 11,141, 1,000, 1,580, 9,054, 7,784, 5,372, 3.230, 050 000 000 000 OOO 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 6,826, 4,394, 11,169, 2,005, 2,387, 6,045, 2,900, 3,000, 2,000,000 86 REPOBT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and flnger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Shad — Continued. Trent River, Newborn, N. C Cape Fear River, Fayette ville, N. C Scuppernong River, Columbia, N.C Salmon Creek, Avoca, N. C Albemarle Sound, Edenton, N. C Susquehanna River, Fites Eddy, Pa Peachbottom, Pa Delaware River, Delaware Water Gap, Pa Rhode Island Fish Commission, Providence, R. I . Pedee River, Pedee, S. C Black River, Kingstree, S. C Waccamaw River, Conway, S.C. Sampit River, Georgetown, S. C Cooper River, Monks Corner, S.C Combahee River, Yemassee, S. C Ashepoc River, Ashepoo. S.C Edisto River, Jackson boro. S.C Savannah River, Woodlawn, S. C Potomac River, off Dove Creek, Va Pohick Creek, Va Occoquan Bay, Va Hunting Creek, Va Nansemond River, Suffolk, Va Total. hiinnat salmon: ' McCloud River, Baird, Cal California Fish Commission, Sisson, Cal Clackamas River, Clackamas, Oreg Spring Branch, Clackamas, Oreg Pond connected with Clackamas River, Clackamas, Oreg. Bennett Creek, Clackamas, Oreg--- Hood River, Hood River, Oreg Columbia River, Hood River, Oreg Shell Rock, Oreg - Mitchell Point, Oreg- Nicolia, Oreg Ostergards, Oreg Linsley Creek, Oreg Rogue River, Rogue River Station, Oreg Trail, Oreg -- - Herman Creek, Herman Creek, Oreg R. D. Hume, Wedderburn, Oreg- Oregon Fish Commission, Portland, Oreg Big White Salmon River, White Salmon, Wash Little White Salmon Lake, Little White Salmon, Wash-. Dog Creek, Dog Creek, Wash Columbia River, Underwoods Landing, Wash . .- White Salmon Landing, Wash Drano, Wash - Thirteen Mile Point, Wash Walters, Wash -. ~ Olsen Creek, Wash Gnat, Wash Sprague, Wash Rock Creek, Rock Creek, Wash - L. Z. Leiter, Lake Geneva, Wis Government of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand... Total--- -- Atlantic salmon: Phillips Lake, Hancock County, Me Pleasant River, Brownville, Me Penobscot River, Grindstone, Me Mattawamkeag River, Oakfield , Me Moosetocmaguatic Lake, Bemis, Me Phillips Lake, Bangor. Me Fishing Creek, Frederick, Md- --- New Hampshire Fish Commission, Laconia, N. H New York Aquarium, Battery Park, New York, N. Y. FishPond, Bryn Mawr, Pa 11,997,000 3,402,0.36 1,100,000 1,638,000 25, 000 500,000 6,655,036 200,000 Total. Landlocked salmon: Connecticut Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn Rock Creek, Zoological Park,D. C Spring Brook, Ellsworth Falls, Me Rift Pond, Great Pond, Me -... Canaan Lake, Camden, Me 200,000 910,000 589,000 2,360,000 3,265,000 5,430,000 450,000 888,000 450,000 2,249,950 751,000 750,000 500,000 500,000 625,750 625,750 625, 750 625,750 500,000 528,000 1,216,000 3,758,000 1,137,000 450,000 179,290,000 889,570 2,607,759 1,370,013 450,000 193,000 380,000 42,000 225,000 721,000 21,000 21,000 23,680 350,000 1,500,058 127,000 691,000 1,653,000 74,000 150,000 96,000 75,000 583,000 61,000 40,000 40,000 148,000 254,000 13,785,080 10,000 4,516 14,516 4,500 2,000,000 1,668 1,668 10,000 37,700 63,410 70,510 1,000 100 64 183, 784 2,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 87 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Landlocked salmon — Continued. Phillips Lake, Lakehouse, Me - - Lake St. George, Thorndike, Me Norcross Pond, Farmington, Me King and Bartlett lakes, Farmington, Me Clearwater Pond. Farmington, Me North Pond, Farmington, Me Big Island Lake, Farmington, Me Varnum Pond, Farmington, Me Little Jim Pond, Farmington, Me Sweets Pond, Farmington, Me Duck and Junior lakes, Winn, Me Decker Ponds, Bingham, Me Pierce Pond, Bingham, Me Clear Pond, Bingham, Me Rowe Pond, Bingham, Me Eowe and Bean ponds, Bingham, Me Jewett Pond, Bingham, Me Otter Ponds, Bingham. Me Jackson Pond, Oakland. Me Ellis and McGrath ponds, Oakland, Me Roach Pond,(Treenfleld,Me Sysladobsis Lake. Grand Lake Stream, Me First Debsconeag Lake, Great Works, Me Moose Pond, Hartland . Me Lake George,Skowhegan,Me Parmacheene Lake, Oxford County, Me Water Company's Reservoir, Belfast, Me Swan Lake, Belfast, Me Moosehead Lake. Greenville, Me Holbrook Pond,Holden.Me ■. Long Pond, Great Pond, Me Long Pond, Bar Harbor, Me Tunk Pond,Tunk Pond, Me Brewer Pond. Brewer Junction, Me Donnell Pond. Franklin, Me Lake Thompson, Oxford, Me Pleasant River Lake. Cherryfield, Me Embden Lake, Monmouth, Me Crystal Lake, Waldoboro, Me Lake Anasagunticook, Canton, Me Wilson Lake, Wilton, Me Green Lake, Otis, Me Branch' Pond. Dedham. Me Patten Pond. Ellsworth, Me Big and Little Bear ponds. Canton, Me Boyden Lake, Perry, Me Indian Pond, Shirley, Me.. Twin Lakes. Brunswick, Me Grand Lake, Washington County, Me Grand Lake Stream, Washington County, Me Moosetocmaguntic Lake, Bemis, Me I Williams Pond,Bucksport. Me Maine Fish Commission, Enfield, Me Billings Pond, Ellsworth. Me. -. John F. Stanley,East Auburn, Me-.- Hampden Pond, Hoi yoke. Mass Watuppa Lakes. Fall River, Mass.. Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester, Mass Furnace Pond, Hanover. Mass Podunk Pond. Brookfield. Mass Chauncey Lake, Westboro, Mass Neck Pond. West Barnstable, Mass. Massachusetts Fish Commission, Northampton, Mass . . Wilkinsonville, Mass. C. C. Wood. Plymouth, Mass William H. Drew, Plymouth, Mass Tehanto Club. Wenaumet, Mass Michigan Fish Commission, Paris, Mich Penacock Lake, Concord, N.H Webster Lake, Franklin, N.H Lake Tarleton, Pike Station, N.H Dan Hole Pond. Center (Jssipee, N.H Lake Massaljesic, Manchester, N. H New Hamiishire Fish Commis.sion, Bristol, N.H Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park. N.Y Lake George, Caldwell, N.Y New York Aquarium. Battery Park, New York, N. Y.. Adirondack League Club, Fulton Chain. N.Y Utah Fish Commission, Murray, Utah Caspian Lake, Greensboro, Vt Willoughby Lake. Westmore, Vt Big and Little Averill ponds, Averill, Vt Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. 15,855 5,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 175,231 60,000 30,000 39,3;!2 47,360 3,000 1.5,000 Adults and yearlings. 1,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 2,000 1,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 3,50e 1,000 .500 1,000 1,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 1,000 8,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 1,.500 1,000 1,000 4,500 1,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 1,000 l,0fl0 2,000 2,000 1,000 41,000 30, 133 8,800 1,000 3,000 5,000 200 9,303 16,559 3,014 1.000 2,000 1.000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 1,600 1,000 1,000 10,000 100 11,098 7,047 2,099 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — ContiniTed. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Landlocked salmon — Continued. Lake Dunmore, Salisbury, Vt Vermont Fish Commission, St. Johnsbury, Vt. L. Doyen- Vitry, Brussels, Belgium G. Annville Serebelloui, Milan, Italy 10,000 10,000 10,000 Total. 130,855 364,423 Silver salmon: Elk Creek, Trail. Oregon Skagit River, Baker Lake, Wash. Total 138,000 173,041 300,041 Blueback salmon: Skagit River, Baker Lake, Wash Steelhead trout: Eagle River, Berry Station, Colo Fryingpan River, Thomasville, Colo. South Platte River, Buffalo, Colo Maize Lake, Hailey, Idaho Lake Tesemini, Rathdrum, Idaho Por tneuf River, Pebble, Idaho Morrison Lake, Ellsworth Falls, Me Phillips Lake, Lakehouse, Me Alamoosook Lake, East Orland, Me Green Lake, Otis, Me Catlin Reservoir, Dorsey, Mont Picnic Springs, Monida, Mont Bridgar Creek, Gallatin County, Mont.-- Lake Champlaiu, Rouses Point, N. Y New York Aquarium, Battery Park, N. Y... Tuxedo Lake, Tuxedo Park. N. Y Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N.Y _ Clear Creek, Clackamas, Oreg Elk Creek, Trail, Oreg Trout Pond, Bryn Mawr, Pa Otter Creek, Vergennes, Vt Newark Pond, Newark, Vt Crystal Lake, Barton, Vt. Mississquoi River, Swanton, Vt Lamoille River, Johnson, Vt Sheldon, Vt Cambridge Junction, Vt A. J. McNab, Lake Nebagemain, Wis Wyoming Fish Commission, Laramie, Wyo. 3,834,453 35,000 50,000 80,000 Total Loch Leven trout: Maquoketa River, Porestville, Iowa Fishing Creek, Frederick, Md Long Lake, near Alpena, Mich Torch Lake, Antrim County, Mich Hopkins Lake, Spearfish, S.Dak Fish Pond, Spearfish, S.Dak Fish Pond, Piedmont, S.Dak.. Spring Ponds, Rapid City, S. Dak Pish Pond, Merritt, S. Dak A. J. McNab, Lake Nebagemain, Wis Wyoming Fish Commission, Sheridan, Wyo Total Rainboio trout: Chewacla Quarry Pond, Opelika, Ala Applicants in Alabama. Sabina, Bear, and Wilderness creeks, Tucson, Ariz . Applicant at Prescott, Ariz Fern Lake, Russellville, Ark Chicot Lake, Lake Village, Ark Lake Chatawa, Lawrence, Ark Hurricane Creek, Bryant, Ark Applicants in Arkansas We.st Dallas Creek, Ridgway, Colo Willow Run, Jefferson, Colo Prospect Park Lakes, Cimarron, Colo Barnard Creek, Cripple Creek, Colo. Sweetwater Lake, Gypsum, Colo , Hourglass Lake, Loveland,Colo Soldiers' Home Pond, District of Columbia Panther Creek, Turnerville, Ga 155,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 65,850 70,850 9,343 9,600 40,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 88, 943 2,000 1,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 89 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Rainbow trout — Continued. Little Cedar Creek, Cavespring,Ga Bear Creek, Lookout Mountain, Ga _ Spring Lake, Tunnel Hill.Ga - Atherton Creek, Jasper, Ga Applicant at Lovejoy, Ga ._ -. Notre Dame Lake, 8outli Bend, Ind Spring Lake, Oakland City, Ind __ Spring Brook, Bristol, Ind - Trout Pond, Bristol, Ind _-_ Applicant at Lebanon, Ind Spring Creek, Orchard, Iowa Suy Magill Creek, North McGregor, Iowa Spring Creek and Pond, Riceville, Iowa Mill Creek, Bellevue, Iowa Maciuoketa River, Forestville, Iowa Turkey River, Cresco, Iowa - UpT)er Iowa River, Limesprings, Iowa . _ Willow Creek, Mason City , Iowa _ Suring Branch, Manchester, Iowa. Volga River, Fayette, Iowa - Applicant at Manchester, Iowa _ - - - Spring Pond, Ossawatomie, Kans .-- Lake Walking, Milldale, Ky Crystal Lake, Ryland, Ky Applicants in Kentucky - Spring Run, Hagerstown, Md Whiteoak Run, Oakland, Md - - Deer Branch, Butler, Md - Ridgelv Branch, Butler. Md Gray Rock Creek, Butler, Md Barren Rock Creek, Rocky Ridge. Md Tributary of Gunpowder River, Texas, Md Spring Brook, Conowingo.Md Branch of Western Run,Glyndon,Md Pretty Boy Creek, Shamburg. Md Price Creek, Philipolis, Md - Crabtree Creek, Swanton, Md Pocoinoke River, Snowhill, Md Little Gunpowder River, Parkton, Md... Browning Dam, Oakland, Md - Paint Branch, Hyattsville, Md -. Fishing Creek, Frederick, Md _ Applicants in Maryland Maryland Fish Commission, Baltimore, Md Massachusetts Fish Commission, Wilkinsonville, Mass. Had]ey,Mass..- W. G. Davis, Boston, Mass L. B. Handy, South Wareham,Mass W. S. Nickerson, Kingston, Mass - Bacon Pond, Hyaunis, Mass Branches of Rifle River, Westbranch, Mich. -. Pine River, Lincoln, Mich Washington River, Washington Harbor, Mich Red Run, Dorr, Mich .._ Little Long Lake, Harrison, Mich East Branch Ontonagon River, Watersmeet, Mich Cold water Brook, Freeport, Mich Huron River, Milford, Mich --. Spring Brook trout hatchery, Kalamazoo, Mich. Gill Lake. Duluth, Minn Poplar River, Lutsen, Minn Lester River. Duluth, Minn Sac Creek, Bois d'Arc, Mo -. Spring Brook, Aurora, Mo Spring Lake. Carthage. Mo - Blue Kpring, Bourbon , Mo - Wittenberg Spring, Steelville, Mo Ceflar Gap Pond, Cedargap, Mo Mountain Grove Pond, Mountain Grove, Mo Railroad Reservoir, Willow Springs, Mo. Bennett Spring Branch, Lebanon, Mo Sweetwater Creek, Christopher, Mo Indian Creek, Christopher, Mo Applicants in Mi.ssoun. Applicant at Leigh, Nebr New Hampshire Fish Commission, Plymouth, N.H ... Lilear Lake. Blairstown, N.J A. M. Bigelow, Branchville, N. J Pecos River. Glorietta, N. Mex Mescalero Lake. Tularosa, N. Mex Rio Penasco and Julian lakes, Tularosa, N. Mex Mariano Lake, Gallup, N. Mex 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 3,(KX) 50,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 5,000 15, m) 20,000 35,000 25,000 15,000 20,000 5,000 30,900 35,000 35,000 7,816 5,000 8,000 10,000 6,000 5,000 5,000 3,000 19,000 10,000 5,000 4,900 400 500 500 500 500 3,000 1,000 1,000 1,175 60 500 500 750 1,500 1,000 1,000 350 400 350 500 350 400 500 250 150 500 500 200 1,000 1,000 1,100 431 1,500 300 1,500 13,700 8,400 8,733 3,333 8,734 16,350 1,500 1,500 2,900 2,000 500 1,000 1,000 750 1,000 90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Rainboio trout — Continued. Rio Ruidosa, Capitan, N. Max Rita Leandra Creek, Maxwell City, N. Mex Rock Creek, Maxwell City, N. Mex _ - Rita del Ore Creek, Maxwell City, N. Mex. Rita Bernal Creek, Maxwell City, N. Mex Vermejo Creek, MaxweU City, N. Mex Castle Rock Creek, Maxwell City, N. Mex Gonzales Creek, Maxwell City, N . Mex Pena Flor Creek, Maxwell City, N . Mex Bonita and Eagle creeks, Alamogordo, N. Mex Irrigation Canrl.Espauola, N. Mex Applicants in New Mexico Montague Stevens, Magdalena, N. Mex Trout Lake, Fayetteville, N.C -- West Fork Pigeon River, Canton, N.C - Deep Creek, Bryson City, N.C.-. Swannanoa River, Swannanoa, N.C. Linville River, Linville, N.C '. Mill Pond, Flatrock, N. C Nantahala River, Jarretts,N. C .- . Cranberry Creek. Cranberry, N. C Elk River, Elkpark, N.C. Punching Fork Creek, Madison County, N.C Applicants in North Carolina R. E. Carson, Sapphire, N. C. W.C. Fisher, Brevard, N.C. C. A. Schenck, Biltmore, N. C Applicants in Oklahoma -- Bear and McKay creeks, Pendleton, Oreg _ McElhattan Creek, McElhattan, Pa - Mountain Stream, McElhattan, Pa Falling Spring Creek, Chambersburg, Pa Bear Run, Bear Run, Pa - -- Rattling Run, Tremont,Pa Laurel Run, Center Hall, Pa Spring Branch, Elverson, Pa - Millbach Creek, Sheridan, Pa South Mountain Creek, Sheridan, Pa Spring Brook, Sheridan, Pa - Beaverdam Run, Hooversville, Pa Tumbling Run, Hunters Run, Pa Tag Run, Hunters Run, Pa... Pine Grove Lake, Hunters Run, Pa Mountain Creek, Hunters Run, Pa.. Laurel Dam, Hunters Run, Pa Beamer Creek, Hunters Run, Pa.. Fellows Creek, Columbia Crossroads, Pa Speck Lake,Elizabethville,Pa Letort Spring. Carlisle, Pa. Spotts Dam, Carlisle, Pa Bonny Brook, Carlisle, Pa - Radley Run, Pocopson.Pa. - Lower Briar Creek, Berwick, Pa - Wolflnger Run, Berwick, Pa Loyal Sock Creek, Laporte, Pa - Spring Lake, Glenside, Pa Haynes Branch, Shinglehouse. Pa East Branch Fishing C 'reek, Bloomsburg, Pa _ . Trout and Big runs, Bloomsburg, Pa Spring Brook, Newton Square, Pa Trout Run, York, Pa Louck Run, York, Pa - - - Schall Run, York, Pa Spring Garden Run^ork,Pa Cooper Creek, New Freedom, Pa Webber Branch, New Freedom, Pa Piney Creek, Altoona, Pa Little Kettle Creek, Carters Camp, Pa... LickRuu,Millhall,Pa.... Old Log Cabin Creek. Honesdale, Pa Big Brook, Honesdale, Pa Middle Fork Creek, Glenhazel, Pa Beyer Brook, Smethport, Pa Daly Brook, Smethport, Pa. Barney Brook, Smethport, Pa Blacksmith Brook, Smethport, Pa Walcott Creek, Smethport, Pa Brewer Run, Clermont, Pa... West Branch Potato Creek, Clermont, Pa Red Mill Brook, Clermont, Pa. Robins Brook, Clermont, Pa Wernway Brook, Clermont, Pa 44,960 5,000 40,000 10,000 a5,000 5,000 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 91 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Rainbow trout— Continued. Palmerville Creek, Clermont, Pa Card Machine Run, Johnstown, Pa Alevins Run, Johnstown, Pa Mill Run, Johnstown, Pa Bens Creek, Johnstown, Pa Mountain Brook, West Hickory, Pa - Miller Creek, Hamburg, Pa Peg Hunters Run, Nanticoke, Pa South Pond Creek, Nanticoke, Pa. Badlock Creek, Nanticoke, Pa. Roaring Brook, Nanticoke, Pa. .- Harvey Creek. Nanticoke, Pa Fade Creek, Nanticoke, Pa Cease Creek. Nanticoke, Pa David Spring Creek, Nanticoke, Pa Pike Creek, Nanticoke, Pa - Roberts Run, Central, Pa Tatman Run, Huntingdon, Pa Stony Creek, Huntingdon, Pa. _ Rattlesnake Run, Wetham, Pa Goose Pond Creek. Cresco, Pa __ Bear and Sand Runs.Landrus. Pa... Bear and Bob Creek, Landrus. Pa Bear Run and Rock Creek, Landrus, Pa Sand Run and Rock Creek, Landrus, Pa Rock Creek, Landrus, Pa Beech Creek, Snowshoe, Pa Rock Run, Snowshoe, Pa - -.. South Fork of Beech Creek, Snowshoe, Pa Egypt Creek, Susquehanna, Pa Brush ville Creek, Susquehanna, Pa _. Mill Creek and branches. Ligonier, Pa. Spring Creek. Belief onte, Pa East Lake Creek, Susquehanna. Pa Dunker Creek. Susquehanna, Pa Fishing Creek. Millhall, Pa Little Creek. Obold, Pa Oak Creek. Reading, Pa - Pike Creek, Plymouth, Pa North Branch of Buffalo Creek, Mifflinburg, Pa Limestone Run, Mifflinburg. Pa Molls Hollow Run, Mifflinburg, Pa WeiriekGap Run. Mifflinburg, Pa Raritan Run, Mifflinburg, Pa Panther Run, Mifflinburg. Pa Ridge vie w Pond , Derr y . Pa South Mountain Trout Run, Richland, Pa Cedar Run, Lockhaven, Pa Hawk Run. Cherry tree. Pa Spring Meadow Dam, Bedford, Pa Wapwallopen Creek. Wapwaliopen, Pa Trout Pond.Bryn Mawr, Pa Applicant in Pennsylvania Julius E.Brooks, Allegheny, Pa ..\ Pine and Smith Fork Creeks. McMinnville, Tenn Flint River, Fayetteville, Tenn McFarland Lake, Chattanooga, Tenn East Lake. Chattanooga, Tenn Clark Spring. Chattanooga. Tenn Crosby Creek, Delrio, Tenn Lake Burem.Rogersville, Tenn Fall Creek, Russellville, Tenn Duck River, Lewisburg, Tenn ,. Spring Lake, Meadowbrook. Tenn. .. Camp Creek, Greenville, Tenn Little River. Rockford. Tenn Big Stony Creek. Elizal)ethton, Tenn Fish Pond. Cleveland. Tenn Little Doe Creek, Doe. Tenn Clinch River and Sycamore (^"reek, Lone Mountain, Tenn. Whitooak Creek, McEwen, Tenn Fish Pond. Johnson Citj^.Tenn Rock Creek, Rockcreek. Tenn Unaka Branch, Rockcreek, Tenn Martin Creek. Erwin. Tenn Love Branch. Erwin. Tenn Nolachucky River. Unaka, Tenn Dry Creek, L^nicoi. Tenn Dick Creek. Unicoi, Tenn C. North Indian Creek, Unicoi. Tenn. Doe River, Roan Mountain, Tenn South Indian Creek, Chestoa, Tenn AppUcauts in Tennessee. 35,000 1,000 3,000 4,000 300 500 350 1,300 1,350 500 500 300 600 600 600 900 300 300 500 300 500 300 300 500 500 2,100 900 300 300 300 3,000 250 250 300 300 600 1,000 300 300 1,000 500 1,000 900 600 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 500 500 500 77 2,700 .500 1,000 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 .500 1,000 ,5(:ki 500 5,000 500 500 250 6,000 4,000 4,000 6,000 6,000 4,000 6,000 6,000 5,600 2,725 02 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES^ Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Rainbow froitf— Continued. Gageby Creek, Mobeetie, Tex Lake Hayes, Marshall, Tex City Reservoir and Tyler Lake, Fort Worth, Tex - Utah Fish Commission, Murray, Utah .-. Beaver Pond, Proctor, Vt - Colvin Run, Vienna, Va Mill Creek, Blacksburg.Va - Elk Creek, Crockett, Va - - Private Pond, Crockett, Va -.- Stuffles Run and Pond, Crockett, Va Fish Poud,Ellerson, Va ..- - Fish Pond, Granite, Va - Middle River, Staunton, Va South Fork Holston River, Marion, Va Pish Pond, Marion, Va - Staley Creek. Marion, Va ..- - North Fork Holston River, Saltville, Va Robinson Pond, Saltville, Va - Fish P<)nd,Howardsville,Va. Spring Brook, Delaplane, Va Elk Creek and Pond, Natural Bridge, Va Abraham Creek, Winchester, Va - - - Redbud Creek, Winchester, Va - Spring Brook, Winchester, Va -- Big Crab Orchard Creek, Crab Orchard, Va Laurel Creek, Bland, Va - - Little River, Plains, Va Fish Pond, Amelia, Va - Private pond, Fred, Va Mountain stream, Craigsville,Va - Spring Brook, Boyce,Va - Spring Pond, Dublin, Va - -- Big Walker Creek, Dublin, Va Page Spring, Boyce, Va --■ Reed Creek, near Wytheville, Va Tate Run, Wytheville, Va - Peak Creek, Pulaski, Va --- Little Walker Creek, Pulaski, Va Little River and Laurel Creek, Pulaski, Va Max Creek, Pulaski, Va -- Cripple Creek, Beverly Furnace, Va - Tinker Creek, Roanoke, Va Glade Creek, Roanoke, Va Mason Creek, Roanoke, Va Upper Lick Run, Roanoke, Va Roanoke River, Roanoke, Va Wolfe Creek, Abingdon, Va Fish Pond, Etter,Va North and South Forks, Clinch River, Burkes Garden, Va Clear Fork Creek, Burkes Garden, Va Meadow Creek, Emory, Va Applicants in Virginia - Rattlesnake Run, Shepherdstown, W. Va Keyer Run, Rowlesburg, W. Va - Meadow Brook, Romney, W. Va Rockwell Run, Orleans Roads, W.Va -- Spring Brook, Martinsburg, W. Va Fish Pond, Charles Town, W.Va - Buckhannon River. Hall, W.Va - J.B. Johnson, Morgantown, W.Va- -.. Bear Lake, Minocqua, Wis - — Beef River, Augusta, Wis Bridge Creek, Augusta, Wis Horse Creek, Augusta, Wis Middle Inlet to Lake Noqueboy , Athelstane, Wis Reefer Creek, Orienta, Wis Walter Bailey, Malvern Wells, England Moreton Freweu, Innishannon, Ireland Total . Black-spotted trout: Lone Pine Lakes, Fort Collins, Colo - Trout Lake, Fort Collins, Colo Surface Creek, Cedar Edge, Colo Lakes and streams. Cascade, Colo _. . Eagle River, Berrys Ranch, Colo — Sweetwater Lake, Gypsum, Colo Gypsum Creek, Gypsum, Colo Willow Creek, Lead ville, Colo Rock Creek . Lead ville, Colo Arkansas River, Leadville, Colo Eggs. •14,000 Fry and finger- lings. 1,000 25,000 20,000 415,860 3,000 377 716 Adults and yearlings. REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 93 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs, Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Black-spotted trotit — Continued. Half moon Creek , near Lead ville, Colo Fryingpan Creek, between Norrie and Basalt, Colo. Ivauhoe Lake, Ivanhoe, Colo Trout Lake, Soda Springs, Colo Crystal River, Carbondale, Colo South Platte River, Hartsell and Idlewild, Colo North Fork of South Platte River, between Buffalo and Grant, Colo Public Lake, Idaho Springs, Colo St. Vrain River and tributaries, Lyons, Colo West Fork of North St. Vrain River, Lyons, Colo Middle Fork of St. Vrain River, Lyons, Colo Cabin Creek, Lyons, Colo Fox Creek, Lyons, Colo Rock Creek, Lyons, Colo- Goose Creek, Wagonwheel Gap, Colo Los Pinos Creek, Osier, Colo Snow Mass Lake, Aspen, Colo Gunnison River, ElkCreek, Colo Cimarron River, Cimarron, Colo South Boulder Creek, Central City, Colo Poncho and Marshall creeks, between Salida and Mont- rose, Colo Dallas Creek, Dolores and Mancos rivers, between Ridg- way and Durango, Colo Lime Creek, Thomasville, Colo Brush Creek, Eagle, Colo Grizzly Creek, Glenwood Springs, Colo Spring Lake, Aspen, Colo Mesa Creek Lakes, Cotopaxi, Colo Maize Lake, Hailey, Idaho Cottonwood Spring, Blackfoot, Idaho. Trout Lake, Granite. Idaho Portneuf River, Pebble, Idaho. Henrys Lake, Henrys Lake, Idaho Applicant at Henrys Lake, Idaho George W. Rea, Rea, Idaho R.A.Osborne, Rea, Idaho Charles J. Trude, Rea, Idaho Thomas Turton, Kilgore, Idaho. Sorren Nelson, Kilgore, Idaho .-. Yellowstone River, Livingston, Mont.. Bear Creek, Whitlash, Mout Big Spring Creek, Lewiston, Mont Waterdog Lake, Sweetgrass, Mont Trout Pond, Poplar, Mout Sixteen-Mile Creek, Lombard, Mont Little Blackfoot River, Elliston, Mont Spring Pond, Harlow, Mont Trout Lake, Fridley, Mont Cottonwood lake and stream, Martinsdale, Mont Little Casino Creek, Lewiston, Mont Walter Creek, Pony, Mont Smith River, Great Falls, Mont Sun River, Great Falls, Mont Hound Creek, Great Falls, Mont Sheep Creek. Great Falls, Mont Nez Perces Creek, Wood ville, Mont Dearborn Creek, Craig, Mont Prickly Pear Creek. Helena, Mont Lake Five, Belton, Mont Vincent Lake, Anaconda, Mont Cottonwood Creek, Bozeman, Mont Fish Pond, Bozeman, Mont Middle Creek, Bozeman, Mont Lyman Creek, Bozeman, Mont East Gallatin River, Bozeman, Mont Trout Lake, Bozeman, Mont Bridger Creek, Gallatin County, Mont. Stone Creek, Gallatin County, "Mont Bear Creek, Gallatin County, Mont Fish Pond, Whitehall, Mont Johnson Lake, Twin Bridges, Mont Blacktail Creek, Dillon, Mont Roberts Creek, Oka, Mont Lake Palmer, Butte, Mont Lake Wilder. Bernice,Mont Roosevelt Lake, Silverbow, Mont Spring Creek, Drummond. Mont Crater Lake. Dillon, Mont Private Lake. Salesville, Mont Tributaries of Missoula River, Bonner, Mont 20,000 25,000 2.5,000 50,000 10,000 105,000 5,000 18,000 120,000 10,000 5,000 20,000 30,000 150,000 15,000 150,000 10,000 30,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 25,000 2.5,000 50,000 20,000 50,000 5,000 75,000 a5,ooo 15,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 13,000 5,000 2,000 10,000 25,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 20,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 25,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,(»0 5,000 12, .500 12,500 10,000 10, 000 10,000 5,000 10, 000 30,000 15,000 10,000 60, 000 15,000 15,000 10, 01)0 10,(K)0 10, 000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 20,000 4,800 94 BEPOET OF OOMMISSIONEE OF FISH AND FISHEEIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Black-spotted irorti— Continued. Duck Creek, Lake view, Mont Spearfish Creek, Elmore, S. Dak Pish pond, Spearfish, S. Dak Utah Fish Commission, Murray, Utah ...... Bigelow Creek , Spokane , Wash Little Spokane River, Spokane, Wash. ^ring Creek, Spokane, Wash Knester Lake, Milan, Wash -. Pend de Oreille River, Newport, Wash Pish pond, Wilbur, Wash Wyoming Fish Commission, Laramie, Wyo. Total Brook trout: North Fork Cache la Poudre River, Tie Siding, Colo Squaw Lake, Canyon City, Colo Pond and stream, Cotopaxi, Colo Trout Lake, Twinlakes, Colo Beaver Lakes, Dillon, Colo North Fork of St. Vrain River. Lyons, Colo. ^ South Fork of St. Vrain River, Lyons, Colo -.. St. Vrain River, Lyons, Colo Freeman Creek, Estabrook, Colo Van Place Lake, Cimarron, Colo. Big Cimarron River, Cimarron, Colo Little Cimarron River, Cimarron, Colo Crystal River, Carbondale, Colo Jarvis Creek and ponds, Montrose, Colo Pelton Lake, Montrose, Colo Spring Creek. Montrose, Colo North Fork of South Platte River, Cassells, Colo Bailey, Colo Grant, Colo Cliff, Colo Chase ville, Colo Slaghts,Colo Shawnee, Colo Buffalo, Colo Pinegrove, Colo Brookside, Colo Domerock, Colo Between Grant and Cliff, Colo Tributaries of North Fork of South Platte River, Mead- ows, Colo North Fork of South Platte River and Geneva Creek, Grant, Colo South Platte River, Muldoon, Colo Deer Creek, Bailey, Colo Elk Creek, Pinegrove, Colo Kenosha Creek, Webster, Colo Beaver Creek, Webster, Colo Jefferson Creek, Jefferson, Colo -. Spring Lake, Jefferson, Colo. North Fork of Geneva Creek, Cassells, Colo Beeler Creek, Chase ville, Colo Brandy Creek, Chase ville, Colo Lake Hassell, Idaho Springs, Colo Clear Creek, Idaho Springs, Colo Chicago Creek, Idaho Springs, Colo St. Mary Lake, Idaho Springs, Colo Loch Lomond, Idaho Springs, Colo '. Rock Creek, Cycle Park, Colo Chinn Lake and Mill Creek, Dumont,Colo Naylor Lake, Georgetown, Colo Grand Lake, Georgetown, Colo Clear Creek, Georgetown, Colo.. Buffalo Creek, Buffalo, Colo. Wigwam Creek, Buffalo, Colo. , Bear Creek, Morrison, Colo Blue Creek and tributaries. Basalt, Colo Cold Springs Pond, Basalt, Colo Beaver Creek Pond, Gunnison, Colo Tributaries of Beaver Creek, Gunnison, Colo Elk Creek, Cliff, Colo Fish Lake, Durango, Colo Boulder, Mammoth, and Jenny Lind creeks and Mam- moth Lake, Blackhawk, Colo Lake Lenore, Ouray, Colo Middle Evergreen Lake, Lead ville, Colo Reservoir, Victor, Colo Eggs. 20,000 75,000 225,000 Fry and finger- lings. 5,000 115,000 20,000 45,000, 5,000 10,000 25,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 15,000 5,000 5,000 40,000 15,000 5,000 40,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 Adults and yearlings. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 95 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Brook trout— Continued. Woods Lake, Thomasville.Colo Gardner Lake, Fort Collins, Colo - South Arkansas River, Salida, Colo Spring Pond. Denver, Colo Trout Pond, Loveland, Colo Buckhorn Creek, Loveland, Colo Fremont Lake. Climax, Colo - Blue River, Breckenridge, Colo _ Price Creek, Shawnee, Colo Tributaries of East River, Crested Butte, Colo . .. Goose Creek. Wagon wheel Gap, Colo Fryingpan River, Sellar, Colo Aspetuck River. Reading, Conn Saugatuck River. Reading, Conn Norwalk River. South Wilton, Conn Brambletye Brook, Chester, Conn Trout Brook and Pond, Manchester, Conn Applicants in Connecticut. E. G. Shortlidge. Wilmington, Del Cottonwood Spring, Genesee, Idaho.-. Fish Pond, Genesee, Idaho Halverson Pond, Moscow, Idaho Maize Lake, Hailey, Idaho Sweetwater Creek, Lewiston, Idaho Bull Run and Patrick Creek, Kendrick, Idaho Potlatch Creek, Kendrick, Idaho Portneuf River, Pebble, Idaho ._ _ Fish Pond, Mindoka, Idaho , Swank Creek, North Manchester, Ind . Pinhook Pond, South Bend, Ind. Spring Pond, Crawfordsville, Ind Baldwin and Bigalk brooks, Cresco, Iowa Steel Branch, Edgewood, Iowa. Spring Creek, Osage, Iowa Bloody Run, North McGregor, Iowa. Mill Creek, Bellevue, Iowa Spring Branch, Manchester, Iowa Maquoketa River, Manchester, Iowa. .- Mclntyre Springs, Mclntyre, Iowa -- Kane Creek, Decorah, Iowa Spring Brook, Decorah, Iowa Village Creek, Lansing, Iowa _ Bacon Creek, Lansing, Iowa Clear Creek, Lansing, Iowa Penuamaquan Lake, Eastport, Me Brewer Pond, Brewer, Me Harrington River, Cherryfleld, Me Sandy Brook. Unity, Me Herd Pond. Norcross, Me Second Herd Pond. Norcross, Me First Debsconeag Lake. Norcross, Me Blunt Pond, Ellsworth, Me , p^t*:on Pond, Ellsworth, Me Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Me Upper Wilson Pond, Greenville, Me Spring Lake, Phillips. Me Little Jim Tond. Phillips, Me Sandy River. Phillips. Me Long Pond, Phillips, Me Pushaw Lake, Bradley, Me Clearwater Pond. Farmington, Me Clearwater and Varnum Ponds, Farmington, Me Lake Anasagunticook, Canton. Me Big and Little Bear Ponds, Canton, Me St Gforge Lake, Thorndike, Me. Sabljath Day Lake, Danville, Me Otter Ponds, Bingham, Me Bean Pond. Bingham, Me Brandy Pond, Bingham, Me , Clear Pond, Bingham, Me Jewett Pond, Bingham, Me Rowe Pond, Bingham. Me Great Pond . Oakland , Me Messalouskee Pond, Oakland, Me Ellis and McGrath Ponds, Oakland, Me Hebron Pond, Monson, Me , Held Pond. Jackman.Me Canaan Lake. Rockland, Me Tuikey Pond, Rockland. Me Phillips Lake.Dedham.Me Branch Pond,Dedham, Me Sprague Meadow Brook, Calais, Me Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. 10,000 20,000 10,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 30,000 4,995 5,000 9,990 4,995 9,995 6,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 20,000 17,500 10,000 49,900 20,000 30,000 12,000 8,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 30,000 25,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 i5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 30,000 5,000 Adults and yearlings. 500 500 500 500 1,000 2,500 1,500 1,500 2,500 500 2,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 5,000 96 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Brook frotti— Continued. Russell Pond,Houlton,Me Sebago Lake, Sebago, Me Great Pond, Belgrade, Me Little Sebago Lake, Gray, Me Jordan Pond, Eden, Me. Williams Pond.Orrington, Me Swan I-ake, Belfast, Me Private Pond, Franklin, Me Donnell Pond, Franklin, Me Alton Pond, Alton, Me Green Lake, Otis, Me Grand Lake Stream, Washington County, Me Browning Dam, Oakland, Md Fishing Creek, Frederick , Md Applicants in Maryland Lebine Brook, Dunstable , Mass. - Fletcher Brook, Dunstable, Mass Bash Bish Brook, Mount Washington, Mass Silver Spring, Ne wbui'yport. Mass Spring Pond, Newburypor t. Mass Lake Chaubunagungamaug, Webster, Mass Headwaters of Westfield River, Williamsburg, Mass North Branch. Springfield, Mass Trout Brook, Everett, Mass Trout Bi'r)ok,Fall River, Mass Tatunck Brook, Worcester, Mass Massachusetts Fish Commission, Worcester, Mass Hadley, Mass Centennial Mill Creek, Dailey, Mich Shaw Creek, Dailey, Mich Harriman Creek, Schoolcraft, Mich Wells Creek, Schoolcraft, Mich Trout Pond, Farmington, Mich , Buckhorn Cree k. Holly , Mich Head Thread River, Holly, Mich Hill Creek, Sidnaw, Mich Paint Creek, Ypsilanti,Mich Boardman River, Traverse City, Mich Boardman River, May field, Mich Tributaries of Boardman River, South Boardman, Mich. Kalkaska, Mich Brush Creek, Hillman, Mich Townline Creek, Harrison. Mich Asylum Creek, Kalamazoo, Mich Spring Brook. Kalamazoo, Mich Black River, Tower, Mich Miller Creek, Ona way, Mich Wolf Creek, Alpena, Mich Thurston Brook, Oxford, Mich Spring Brook, Oxford , Mich Tributary of Flint River, Oxford, Mich Parret Brook, Oxford, Mich Trout streams in Iosco County, near East Ta was, Mich.. Tributaries of Maple River, Pelleston, Mich Au Sable River, Grayling, Mich Tobacco River and branches, Clare, Mich Coldwater Creek and Chippewa River, Farwell, Mich ... Comstock Creek and Chippewa River, Evart, Mich Little Manistee and Au Sable rivers, Baldwin, Mich Little Manistee River. Caufield, Mich Cannon Creek, Rapid City, Mich... Spencer Creek, Alden, Mich Cedar Creek, Bellaire, Mich Sycamore Creek, Lansing, Mich Pine River, Lincoln, Mich Bradley and Brooks creeks, Mankato, Minn Cross River, Gunflint, Minn Flute Reed River, Hovland, Minn Cook Valley Creek, Kellogg, Minn Gill Lake, Duluth, Minn Spring Brook, Northfield, Minn A. Lauth , Fanning, Mo Cherry Creek, Madison County, Mont Short Creek, Fivemile, Mont Sixteen Mile Creek, Lombard, Mont Trout Lake, Fridley, Mont Spring Creek, Whitehall, Mont Lebo Creek, Bigelk, Mont Trout Pond, Lewiston, Mont Penacook Lake, Concord, N.H Bear, Dolfe, and Tannery brooks, Concord, N. H 25,000 25,000 10,000 5,000 20,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 8,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 64,529 308 'i6,"666 15,000 10,000 9,995 10,1)00 9,990 9,995 10.000 10,000 10,000 10, 000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 20,000 10,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 10,000 20,000 10,000 10,000 20,000 20,000 20.000 10,000 35,000 25,000 5,000 100,000 25,000 100,000 30,000 20,000 20,000 40,000 50,000 50,000 30,000 35,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 50,000 15,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OB^ FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribiition — C^^ontinned. 97 Species aud disposition. Fry aud Eggs. finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Bi-ook trout —Continned . Lake Tarlotcui, Pike Station, N.H .-. 2 (JOO Sucker Lake, Franklin, N.H-... 2 000 1 990 Fish I'ond. Rockiuglmni Junction, N.H 1 000 Cli;,so Brook, Hndsim, N.H 3, 000 4 500 Brickyard Brook. HikIsou, N. H Spriuu' Lake, Percy. N.H 10,000 5,000 1 0(X) Trout Brooks, Hainpstead,N. H Fisli Pond, Wentwortli, N.H Trout Brook, Hollis. N.H 1,000 Gilford and Farrar brooks, New Hampshire 2, 000 Milford Brooks, Milford, N.H 2 000 CiPsar Brook, Milford, N.H 9,8(HI Fish Pond. Lisbon, N.H 5,000 Sunapee Lake, Newbury, N.H 4, 0(55 Trout Brook, Na.shua, N.H 300 Chase and Brick yard brooks, Nashua, N.H 10,000 Trout Brook. Brookland.N. H OOI) Wildmeadow Brooks. Grafton, N. H 4,995 10,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 5,000 9,70C 10,000 5,000 Trout Brooks, Exeter, N.H Christine Lake, Groyeton, N. H Brooks in Cheshire County. Keene, N. H Meadow Brook and other streams, Warner. N. H Indian River and Hains Brook. Cauaaii, N.H.. Emerson Brook, Westrindge.N. H Hutchinson Brtjok, Wilton, N. H Streams in Hillsboro CUiuntv.Brookline, N. H Trout Brook, Pcterboro, N.H - New Hampshire Fish Commission, Colebrook, N.H 8 071 Laconia.N.H 2.5,00(3 20,000 A. M. Bigelow, Bevans, N.J Canisteo River, Hornollsville, N. Y 10,000 5,000 10,000 14,500 13,000 10,000 11,000 2,200 10,000 10,000 10,000 25,000 30,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 10, otto ]2,IHX) 10,000 14,500 - 20,000 18,000 Fish Pond, Amity ville. Long Island, N.Y Croton Rivei', Patterson. N.Y - Ragged Lake, Owls Head, N. Y Twitchell Creek, Beaver River, N.Y. Carpenter Brook, Halfway. N.Y Silver Lake. Big Moose, N.Y Fish Pond, Moira, N.Y Tributaries of Oriskany Creek, Waterville, N. Y Long Pond, Pleasant Lake, N.Y. i Mud P(md,Plea.sant Lake, N.Y 1 Lily Pond, Pleasant Lake, N.Y Mon tf redy Brook, Syracuse, N.Y Handsome Brook, Sherburne, N.Y Rum Brook, llartsdale, N.Y Hiepfel Lake, Brinckerhoff,N. Y Wiscoy Creek, Bliss, N.Y Wynantskill Creek, Troy, N. Y Loon Lake, Beaver River, N.Y Owego Creek, Owego, N. Y Lake Massawepei. Child woM, N. Y Trout streams near Watertown, N.Y Trout Lake, Babylon, N.Y New York Aquarium. Battery Park, N. Y 100 East Fork Pigeon River, Canton, N.C IOC Mad River, Belief ontaine,( ihio ., 20,000 20,000 20.000 20, 0(X) 5,000 5,000 Spring Brook, Massillon. ( >liio Spring Lake, Belief ontaiiie. Ohio Little Miami River. S))ringfield, Ohio ^ Spring Branches, Troy, Ohio 1 Trout Pond, West Liberty, Ohio Neal Creek, Hood River, Oreg. 7 000 Tributaries of Willamette River, Salem, Oreg 3, 500 Cox ("reek. Albany, Oreg 1 10,000 McElhattan Creek, McElhattau, Pa 400 Sandsprinir Run, Ashland, Pa 1.50 Beaverdani Run, Hooversville, Pa 300 Rattlesnake Run, Wetham, Pa ;300 Beach Haven Creek. Plymouth, Pa . . 150 Pike Creek, Plymouth, Pa.. 1.5(1 Shickshiuney Creek. Berwick, Pa 100 Lockard Dam, Berwick, Pa 100 Bowman Run, Berwick, Pa 100 Piuey Creek, Altoona, Pa 100 Clover Creek, Altoona. Pa 100 Rapid Run. Lewisburg.Pa li50 300 LickRun.MilUiHll.Pa 100 Potter Creek, Martinsburg, Pa 100 F. C. 1901- 98 REPORT OF COMMISSIONEK OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and flnger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Brook trout — Continued. Clover Creek, Mar tinsburg, Pa Spring Creek, Belief onte. Pa Logan Branch, Belief onte, Pa Spring Run, McElhattan, Pa . Harveys Lake, Nanticoke,Pa Sandy Run, Fort Washington, Pa . Buckhill Creek, Cre-sco, Pa _ Mill Creek. Ligouier, Pa Beech Creek, Snowshoe,Pa Rock Run,Snowshoe,Pa Conrad Creek, Bern ville, Pa - - Tub Mill Creek, New Florence, Pa Freemaii Creek, Hamburg, Pa Bernhardt Reservoir, Reading. Pa Little Carorsing Creek, Weruersville, Pa Trout Pond, Bryn Mawr, Pa Julius E. Brooks, Allegheny, Pa _ Applicants in Pennsylvania Tarkiln Brook, Woonsocket, R. I Piggery Brook, Woonsocket, R. I South Fork of Little Rapid Creek, Rochford, S. Dak Spearfish Creek, Spearflsh, S. Dak Maurice. S. Dak — ^ ... West Fork of Spearflsh Creek, Elmore, S. Dak East Fork of Spearflsh Creek. Elmore, S. Dak Grant Lake, Spearflsh, S. Dak Jelbert Lake. S])earflsli, S. Dak Crow Creek, Spearfish, S. Dak Brancli of Jim Creek, Piedmont, S. Dak Little Elk Creek, Piedmont, S. Dak. Box Elder Creek, Nasby, S. Dak ._ Englewood, S. Dak Piedmont, S. Dak . .. Nemo, S. Dak Squaw Creek, Custer, S. Dak Spring Lake, Hill City, S. Dak Spring Creek, Hill City, S. Dak Horse Creek, Hill City, S. Dak.. Bruce Creek, Rapid City. S. Dak _ Deer Lake, Kapid City,S. Dak Canyon Lake, Rapid City.S. Dak Lonetree Lake, Rapid City, S. Dak Sportsmen Lake, Rapid City,.S. Dak Rapid Creek, Rapid City.S. Dak Fish Ponds, Rai)id City ,S. Dak. Whitewood Valley Lake, Whitewood,S. Dak Fish Pond, Dead wood. 8. Dak Rapid Creek, Mystics. Dak Trout Lake, Mystic, S. Dak American Creek , Chamberlain , S. Dak Fall River, Hot Springs. S. Dak Bogus Jim Creek, Blackhawk.S. Dak Splitrock Creek, Corson. S. Dak... Artificial Lake, Stureis. S. Dak Silver Creek, Sturgis.S. Dak Lower Falsebotrom Creek, St. Onge, S. Dak _.. Pearl Creek, Huron. S. Dak Ezekiel Creek, Wilmot. S. Dak.. Spring Brook, Wilmot. S. Dak Applicants In South Dakoka Upper Doe River and tributaries. Roan Mountain, Tenn . Utah Fish Commission, Murray, Utah Mount Sterling Brook, Johnson, Vt Long Pond, Westmore,Vt _ Schoolhonse Brook, Lunenburg, Vt Caspian Lake.Greensboio, Vt Little Leach Pond, Averill, Vt Lyford Pond, Walden, Vt Lake Mansfield, Sto we, Vt FishPond,W(>st Hartford, Vt .. Spring Brooks, Mendon. Vt.. Tributary to East Creek. Mendon. V^t North Comfret Brook. North Cumfret, Vt House of Correction Pond, Rutland, Vt Shrewsbury Pond, Cuttingsville, Vt Lake Ansel, Bethel, Vt Martin Brook, Rochester, Vt Shrewsbury Pond, Shrewsbury, Vt Vermont Fish Commission. Rox bury, Vt Standing Pond, Sharon, Vt 1 20,000 25,000 10,000 10,000 .5,000 5.000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 .5,0(K) 5,000 10,000 10,00(1 5,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 10,0(K) 10, (HK) 5, 000 10,000 10,000 10,(100 10, 000 10, 000 .5,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 20,000 4,990 10,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 99 Details of distrihutinu — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. Fry and finger- lings. Adults and yearlings. Brook /roH<— Continued. Frog Pond and tributaries, Waterford,Vt — Hilltop Pond, Waterford, Vt Duck- Pond, Waterford, Vt Tributary of Connecticut River, Waterford, Vt Ayer.s Brook and tributaries, Randolph!, Vt Hatch Pond and Brook, Randolph, Vt Trout Brook, Plymouth, Vt Caledonii. Club Trout Pond, St. Johnsbury, Vt Tributaries of Passuuipsic River, St. Johnsbury, Vt Hatchery Brook, St. Johnsbury. Vt Gos Hollow Brook and tributaries,near St. Johnsbury, Vt. Lake Mansfield. Waterbury,Vt.. Wells River Fish and Game Club Pond, Wells River, Vt. . . Water Andrick Brook, Barnet, Vt. Lake Mitchell. West Norwich, Vt Fish Lake. Mclndoe, Vt Warden, Lake Factory and Laramore brooks. East Bar- net. Vt Darling Pond. Groton, Vt Small Pond, Brandon, Vt Jewell Brook, Ludlow, Vt Washburn Brook, Maidstone, Vt Sandborn Pond, West Burke, Vt Tributaries to Center Pond, West Burke, Vt Fish Pond, East Concord, Vt Tvout Brook, North Danville, Vt Trout Brook, Sutton, Vt Line Brook, Kirby, Vt Mill Creek, Blacks! lurg, Va... Wornian River, Charlottesville, Va Alum Springs Run, Goshen, Va Redbud Creek, Winchester, Va . Laurel Creek, Bland, Va Thornton River, Luray, Va. Thomjison Creek, Millboro, Va Tate Run, Wytheville.Va Fei-n Lake, Seattle, Wash Mill Pond, Seattle, Wash.. Bigelow Creek, Spokane, Wash Little Spokane River, Spokane, Wash Fish Lake, Ellensburg, Wash Touchet Pond, Dayton, Wash Connowai Creek, Wilbui-, Wash.. Fish Pond, Marshall, Wash Fish Pond, Winlock, Wash Mountain and Cascade lakes, Newhall, Wash. .. D. Marcot. Spokane, Wash Stream and Pond, Rowlesburg, W. Va. Houstin Run, Centralia, W. Va F. A. Degler, Cheatbridge, W Va Nordnian Creek, Hortonia, Wis. Pine and other creeks, Hixton, Wis Bear Grass and Thomp.son creeks, Augusta, Wis Muskrat Creek, Augusta, Wis. Horse Creek, Augusta, Wis... Otter Creek, Augusta, Wis Reefer Creek, Orienta, Wis Fish Pond, Beulah, Wyo Beaver Lake, Weston County, Wyo Beaver Creek, Eothen, Wyo. South Fork of Red water Creek, Beulah, Wyo Fish Lake, Beulah, Wyo Sand Creek, Crook County. Wyo Red water Creek, Farrall, Wyo Willow and Glen creeks, Yellowstone Park, Wyo Wyoming Fish Commission, Wolf, Wyo Sheridan, Wyo H. G. Parlett, Tokyo, Japan. 2.5,000 "25^600 51,000 100, (X)0 10,000 Total. 361,000 Lake trout: Public Lake, Idaho Springs, Colo Trout Lake, Sellar, Colo . Lyle Lake. Ivanhoe, Colo Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe, Colo Rock Creek, near Zoological Park,D. C St. Marys Lake, South Bend, Ind Fir.sf Debsconeag Lake, Norcross, Me .. ... Second Debsconeag Lake, Norcross. Me 10,000 2,500 5,000 5,000 5,000 10, (KX) 10,000 10, 0(XI 5,000 10,000 12,500 10,000 30,000 5,000 70,000 10,000 10,000 15,000 4,000 4,000 6,000 2, 500 8,000 10,0(X) 5,000 5,000 2,500 10, (KK) 5,000 10,000 10, 000 10,00(< 3,394,732 13,600 20,000 lO.fHK) 10,000 300 300 99 200 500 •M) 6,500 68 1,600 1,600 2,500 2,500 2,500 l,60fJ 2,500 1,.500 1,600 7,000 250 500 1,469 1,468 1,000 1,000 600 1,000 5,000 10,000 10,000 678,206 9,8.50 4,000 4.000 3,400 100 KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Lake 25 .50 75 100 1(W 100 300 1.50 100 100 100 1(K) ;ioo 100 IW 200 50 50 100 100 70 100 50 200 1,000 400 3(X) , ' Black 6ass— Continued. Pohoke Pond, Whitehouse, Va... Denton Pond,Doswell, Va Jones Creek, Dispatch, Va Stubbs Millpond, Sassafras, Va.. South Fork Roanoke River, Shawsville, Va 500 200 300 200 300 Little Brazos River, Hearne, Tex . Bear, Slaughter and Onion creeks Mancbaca, Tex Wildcat Creek, Vernon, Tex Spring Creek Victoria, Tex Railroad Reservoir, Moore, Tex. . Colorado and Llano livers. Cave Creek, Wytheville,Va Tate Run,Wytheville,Va Tinker Creek, Hollins, Va Applicants in Virginia 1,200 2, .500 800 3,125 Kingslantl, Tex Opequan Creek, Martinsburg, W.Va Birdwell Lake. Bigsprings, Tex. . 200 Applicants in Texas- North Pond,. Johnson, Vt Tuscarora Creek, Martinsburg, W.Va 400 Hinesburg Poud, Williston, Vt. . . Milliiond, South Londonderry, Shenandoah River, Charlestown, W.Va . . 500 Vt Elk River, Charleston, W.Va.... • Little Kanawha River, Fishing Camp, W Va.. 50 Great Back Bay. St. Albans, Vt. . . Lake Hortonia, Brandon, Vt 60 Potomac River, Dayesville, Va. . . Millpond, Roxbury, Va Tug River, Williamson, W.Va... Cheat River, Parsons, W Va Applicant at Harpers Ferry, 80 200 Reservoir, Petersburg, Va Rawlett Millpond, Petersburg, 100 Va Elbow and Newton lakes, Athel- stane. Wis. Pike Lake, Iron River. Wis Yellow River, Necedah, Wis Applicant at Augusta. Wis Lake Desmet, Sheridan. Wyo Reservoir at Taylor, Ontario, Canada Lees Pond, Petersburg, Va Ba.\ter Pond, Petersburg, Va Tdtty Millpond, Petersburg, Va.- Brauder Millpond, Petersburg, Va 30 10 20 10 35 Falls Branch, Cleveland, Va Vanity Millpond, Arrington,Va.. 150 Merriken Lake, Staunton, Va Middle River. Staunton, Va Piedras Verdes River, Colonia Juarez, Mexico 2,500 Jones Lake, Guinea Va Total Licking Creek Pond. Fairoaks,Va. 228, 105 Holly Springs, Cotman, Va Hughs River, Culpeper, Va Corbon Pond, Avalon, Va. Tinker Creek, HoUins, Va Cedar Run, Catletts, Va Stony Creek, Edinburg, Va Crappie: Millpond. Dothan, Ala Ingram Millpond, Opelika, Ala . . Millpond, Waverly, Ala. Hill Lake, Eufaula, Ala 50 90 45 225 Stinting River, Franklin Junc- tion, Va Frog Creek, Rock Run, Ala Bethea Lake, Fauusdale, Ala Applicants in Alabama 75 100 Banister River, Franklin Junc- 1.005 tion, V^a Allen Creek, Franklin Junction, Va Lake Como, Como, Fla Waterworks Lake, Marietta, Ga. Fouche Pond. Rome. Ga 200 30 25 Sharcoe Creek, Franklin Junc- tion, Va Clemmons Millpond, Summer- ville, Ga Shropshire Millpond, Summer- villa, Ga Norton Creek, Jasper, Ga Dennis Creek, Neda, Ga 75 Whitethorn Creek, Franklin Junction, Va _. West Fork Shenandoah River, Strasburg Junction, Va Finches Millpond Goochland, Va. 50 300 106 100 Spring Lake. Esmont, Va . Lake wood Lake, Atlanta, Ga Burpee Millpoud, Newnan,Ga... Big Spring, Calhoun, Ga 15 Mai)lewood Pond. Richmond, Va. Spring Lake, Richmond, Va Mordecai Pond, Richmond, Va. . . 15 15 15 Edgemeer Pond, Richmond, Va . . Spring Lake, Richmond, Va Granite Lake, Richmond, Va Little River, Pulaski, Va Charlie Creek Dam, Blue Ridge, Ga Lake Clara Meer, Atlanta, Ga . . . Spring Lake, Jaspei-, Ga 1.50 Ice Pond, Urbanna.Va 15 Rappahannock River, Reming- ton, Va Applicants in Georgia Spring Lake, Oakland. Ill-- Pistakee Lake, McHenry, 111 Channel Lake, Antioch, 111 Long Lake, Long Lake. Ill Millpond, Germantown, 111 ...... Clear Lake, Germantown, 111 Clement Lake, Danville, 111 Grays Lake. Grayslake, 111 Pistakee Bay, Nippersink, 111 Sangamon River, Decatur, 111 ... Applicants in Illinois 1,035 40 Millpond, Burke ville, Va 30 (xoose Creek, Plains, Va 40 Buttonwood Creek. Ford, Va Little River, Beaverdam, Va Bluestone Creek, Graham, Va . .. Rock Hill Lake, Charlottesville, Va 50 180 180 100 .50 Reservoir, Harrisonburg, Va Sugar Creek. Herndon, Va James River, Glengyle.Va 700 .50C 485 Balcony Falls, Va.. Gilmores Mills, Va. Granite Lake. Chesterfield, Va. . . Shenandoah River. Boyce, Va Pago Spring, Boyce, Va . Cedar River, Orchard, Iowa Charles City, Iowa. Maquoketa River, Dundee, lowa. Manchester, Iowa North Fork, Maquoketa River, 200 2(l() 75 79 Wirt Millpond. Oakgrove.Va Milli)ond and Jones Branch, 175 Providence Forge, Va Upper Iowa River, Chester, Iowa. 50 108 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Adults and yearlings. Species and disposition. Adultsand yearlings. Crappie— Continued. Crapwte— Continued. Lake Hayes, Marshall, Tex Crane Creek, Chester, Iowa ,50 100 Volga River, Fayette, Iowa .50 Applicants in Texas 3, 740 Little Turkey River, Navan, James River, Gilmores Mills, Va . 35 Iowa . .. 50 Glengyle. Va . 1.5f) 1,200 100 Reservoir, Kendall, Kans 200 Buffalo Creek, Fairmont, W.Va. 73 Applicants in Kansas 50 Wheeling Creek, Elmgrove, W. 100 200 Va 240 Deer Lake. Onota, Mich Elk River, Charleston, W. Va HK» Clark Lake, Watersmeet, Mich . _ 100 Hughes River, Fennsboro, W. Va. 96 Eagle Lake, Willmar, Minn 200 Little Kanawha River, Fishing Lake Minnewaska, Glenwood, Camp, W. Va.. 480 Minn 200 Tug River. Williamson, W. Va. .-. 75 Redwood River Pond, Redwood Quarry Lake.Oornwallis, W. Va . 72 Falls, Minn 200 Elbow and Newton lakes, Athel- Chick Lake, Excelsior Springs, stane,Wis 250 Mo 150 Pike Lake, Iron River, Wis 100 Applicant at Perry ville. Mo .50 . Yellow River, Necedah. Wis 135 Frenchman River Millpond, Im- 1 Applicant at Augusta, Wis 50 perial , Nebr 100 ; Lake Desme t, Sheridan , Wyo Big Goose Creek, Sheridan, Wyo . 300 Seymour Lake, Seymour Park, 2,125 100 100 Total Spring Lake, Grand Island, Nebr. Applicant at Tobias, Nebr Spiritwood Lake, Jamestown, 30,467 100 Bock bass: N. Dak 300 Ingram Millpond, Opelika, Ala ... 400 96 Millpond, Opelika, Ala. 150 Stump Lake, Lakota, N. Dak 96 Applicants in Alabama ■ 1,050 Stillwater River, West Wilton, Applicants in Arkansas 100 Ohio. 100 Applicants in Delaware 150 Congress Lake, Congress Lake, Spring Branch, Mount Pleasant, Ohio. 1,800 300 Fla 50 Lake Erie. Cleveland . Ohio Hudson Pond, Tucker, Ga 50 Lake Hendricks, White, S. Dak... 300 Millpond. Cuthbert, Ga .50 Sylvan Lake, Custer, S. Dak Water Company's Reservoir, 100 8,50 Sulphur Creek, Sulphur, Ind. T . . 250 Sturgis, S. Dak 135 Applicants in Indian Territory 100 Spring Brook, Spearflsh,S. Dak.. 100 Smoky Hill River, Enterprise, Applicant at Castalia, S. Dak Lake Blanche. Austin, Tex 300 300 200 Reservoir, Kendall, Kans 200 Spring Pond, Thurber Junction, Waldock Lake, Pratt, Kans 200 Tex 300 Crooked Creek. Fowler, Kans 75 Chicken Creek, Amarillo, Tex ... 100 Spring Creek, Meade, Kans 25 Berry Creek, Georgetown, Tex . . 1(K) Reservoir, Meade, Kans 200 Middle Lake, Georgetown, Tex .. 1.5() Little Arkansas River, Wichita, San Gabriel River, Georgetown, Tex Kans 300 700 Solomon River, Minneapolis, Lake Farrar,Ennis, Tex 100 275 Kans Wea and Bull creeks, Paoli, 300 Spring Lake, Ennis, Tex . Cotton Oil Company's Pond, Kans - ,500 Kaufman, Tex . 930 Elk and Cana rivers, Grenola, Kans Guadalupe River, Kerrville, Tex 300 Spring Creek, Victoria, Tex 100 Forest Lake, Bonner Springs, Spring Lake, Waco, Tex 250 Kans . 200 Lake Kloise, Waco, Tex 300 John Creek. Ashland, Kans 300 Bold Spring Lake, Waco, Tex 100 Applicants in Kansas 3,100 Reservoir, Cuero, Tex 50 Ai)i)licant in Louisiana 100 50 Ijocust Run, Mechanicsville, Md . 100 Llano River, Llano, Tex 450 300 Branch of Patuxent River, Lau- rel,Md Colorado River, Kingsland,Tex 226 El Caney Lake, Crockett, Tex Artificial Lake. Naples, Tex 200 Applicant in Maryland 100 75 Cut-off Lake, Brunswick, Mo 200 Trinity Rod and Gun Club Lake, Clay Lake. Jeffer-son City, Mo 1.50 .500 300 Spring Lake, Nevada, Mo Spring Lake, Joplin, Mo .._• 200 Colorado River, Fairland, Tex 445 Hamilton and Morgan creeks. James River, Aurora, Mo 100 Burnett, Tex... 300 Applicants in Missouri 4(X> Graham and Allen lakes, Over- Prickett Mill Pond, Woodbury, ton, Tex 300 3(X"I N.J- ...- Reservoir. Folsom.N.Mex 100 Giles Lake, Mineola, Tex 100 Salado Creek, San Antonio, Tex . 3fK1 Applicant at Deming, N. Mex . . 300 San Antonio River, San Antonio, Ewen Creek, PinohalbN.C 1.50 Tex 100 200 Beaver Lake, Fayette ville, N. C . . TwitlePond, Roxboro,N.C 2.50 Hust Lake. Fort Worth, Tex 85 Lake Katrine, Timpson, Tex 75 Lochlily Pond,Roxboro, N. C 85 100 350 200 50 Rogers Lake, Warren Plains, N.C Spring Lake, Palestine, Tex 120 King's Mountain Pond.Grover, NO .-. Railroad Reservoir, Moore, Tex . . 100 Nueces River, Cotulla, Tex 500 Fish Club Pond, Wilson. N.C ... 150 Cold Sjjring Lake, Yoakum. Tex. . 15(1 Applicants in Nm-th ('Mrolina ... 600 Beaver Creek, Burnett, Tex 100 Little Deer Lake, Wcathei-ford, Lake Kyle, Kyle, Tex 50 Okla 100 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 109 Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Rock bass— Continued. Applicants in Oklahoma Lake Rowena, Ehenslnirg, Pa — Ridley Creek, Media, Pa __- Brandy wine Creek, Westchester Pa_ Dorland, Pa PeiHiypack Creek, Hatboro, Pa. . A])]ilicants in Pennsylvania Applicants in South Carolina Millpond. Newport, Tenn Toms ( ;reek , Del Rio, Tenn Cediir Creek, Coalcreek. Tenn Doe River, Elizabetliton,Tenn.. Applicants in Tennessee. -_ Chicken Creek. Amarillo, Tex Cypress Creek, Marble Falls, Tex Dry Creek, Richmond, Tex Biir Creek, Richmond. Tex Rogers Lake, Corpus Christi, Tex Lakes in North Creek, Canadian Tex Washita River, Canadian, Tex Colony Fork Reservoir, Ranger Tex _ Bold Springs Lake, Waco, Tex . . Onion (!reek, Kyle, Tex Lake McL)onough, Phelps, Tex.. Clear Fork Trinity River, Fort Worth, Tex... Spring Lake, Ennis, Tex Cold Spring Lake, Yoakum, Tex. San Antonio River, San Antonio, Tex Guadalupe River, San Antonio. Tex San Marcos River, San Marcos, Tex .- ._ Applicants in Texas Tinker Creek, Roanoke, Va. Hollins. Va Chinn Creek, Plains, Va Maplewood Pond. Richmond, Va Reedy Creek, Ford, Va Whiteoak Creek, Ford, Va Button wood Creek, Ford, Va Tate Run, Wytheville, Va Applicants in Virginia Applicant at Bluefleld, W. Va ... Total Strciwhcrry bass: Bull Bayou, Hot Springs, Ark... Applicants in Indian Territory. Crooked Lake. Fowler, Ivans Reservoir, Meade, Kans John Creek. Ashland, Kans A])plicants in Kansas Lake Martin. Cades, La Foster Lake. Shreveport,La Bayf>u Robert, Ale.Kundria. La . Lake Chaplin. Natchitoches, La. Lake Julia. Bermuda, L.a Applicants in Louisiana James River, Aurora, Mo Clay Lake. Jefferson City, Mo... Willow Pond, Perry, Okla Lake Hayes, Marshall, Tex Total ■. Adults and yearlings. 800 100 100 300 300 100 100 a5o 100 100 50 200 550 375 250 700 725 300 100 100 335 75 200 400 100 400 75 300 100 500 3,440 100 100 100 100 100 100 400 155 1,200 100 37, 131 100 200 50 150 200 300 125 200 135 150 150 335 300 100 100 100 2,575 Species and disposition. Warmouth bass: Warm and Cold Springs creeks, BuUochville.Ga Pistakee Lake, McHenry, 111 Clements Lake. Danville, 111 Pistakee Bay, Nippersiuk, 111 . . . . Applicants in Illinois James River, Gilmores Mills, Va . Glengyle,Va Balcony Falls, Va . . Total --. Sun-fish: Pistakee Lake, McHenry, 111 Clement Lake, Danville, 111 Pistakee Bay, Nippersink, 111 Applicantsin Illinois Stump Lake, Lakota, N. Dak Devils Lake. Devils Lake, N. Dak. James River, Gilmores Mills, Va . Glengyle, Va.. Balcony Falls, Va. . . Little Kanawha River, Fishing Camp, W. Va Total ._ _ Brecint: Hill Lake, Eufaula, Ala Sil ver Lake, Seale, Ala Euchre Creek, Seale, Ala Tadlock Lake, Seale, Ala Applicantsin Alabama Soap Creek, Marietta. Ga Warm Springs Creek, Bulloch- ville. Ga Bowden Millpond, Raleigh, Ga... Mallory Pond, Forsyth, Ga Crystal Lake. Cuthtert, Ga Ocmulgee River, Juliette, Ga Spring Lake, Macon. Ga Ingleside Lake, Macon, Ga Lake Benson, White Sulphur Springs. Ga — Warm and Cold Springs creeks, BuUochville.Ga. ._. Applicants in Georgia Crooked Creek, Fowler, Kans Spring Creek, Meade, Kans Reservoir, Meade, Kans Applicants in Kansas. Applicantsin Louisiana Spring Branch. Neosho, Mo Shawver Lake, Seymour, Tex Seymour Creek, Seymour, Tex . Clear Fork of Trinity River, Fort Worth, Tex Trinity River, Fort Worth, Tex . San Antonio River, San Antonio, Tex San Marcos River, San Marcos, Tex Colorado River, Marble Palls, Tex Lake Kyle, Kyle, Tex Applicants in Texas Total Adults and yearlings. 306 ,30 150 300 80 25 100 50 1,031 20 150 100 105 33 33 40 200 150 180 1,010 400 150 200 100 400 100 2.58 100 100 100 150 300 100 100 267 450 400 100 500 7(X) 400 3,430 150 400 3.50 650 1,500 1,000 1,01)0 100 3,545 16,500 110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Fry. Cod: Vineyard Sound, Mass.— 1,406,000 Off Robinson Hole, Mass Tarpaulin Uove, Mass Jobs Neck. Mass 4,869,000 86,106,000 27,693,000 15,370,000 Waquoit, Mass .- 4,030,000 7, 155, (XK) Can Buoy, Mass Atlantic Ocean, Gloucester, Mass Beverly, Mass... Eel Pond, Woods Hole, Mass Green Pond, Falmouth, Mass 3,371,000 96,541,000 3, 925, 000 1,558,000 957,000 Total 302,871,000 Flat-fish: Woods Hole Harbor— Off Woods Hole, Mass Grassy Island, Mass Lackey Bay. Mass Green Pond, East Falmouth, Ma.ss Great Pond, East Falmouth, Mass Vineyard Sound, Lambert Cove, Mass -- Hadley Harbor, Naushon Island, 33,495,000 1,527,000 585,000 3,313,000 1,533,000 1,681,000 2,668,000 Acushnet Harbor, JNew Bedford, Mass 438,000 Total 44,330,000 Lobster: Fisher Island Sound, off Noank, 737, 000 Gulf of Maine — Oft Cape Porpoise Light, Me... Between Heron and Damascus Cove islands, Me Northeast shore Georges Is- land, Me... Off southeast shore Mosquito Island, Me ..- --. Northeast side Seal Harbor, Me Southeast side Owls Head Bay, Me 7.50,000 350,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 500.000 Wood Island Harbor, Me Off Deer Island, Me Lunts Harbor, Long Island, Me. 600,000 2.50,000 2.50,000 Species and disposition. iobs^er— Continued. North shore Long Island, Me.. Between Schoodic and Petit Man an. Me Cutler Harbor, Me Johnson Bay, Me Boothbay Bay, off Cape New- agen. Me Casco Bay- Off Small Point, Me Near north point Long Island, Me South shore Great Diamond Is- land, Me. Off south shore Cow Island, Me. Midway between Peaks and Long islands. Me Near west shore Peaks Island, Me. Near south shore Little Dia- mond Island, Me Woods Hole Harbor- Woods Hole, Mass Off Grassy Island, Mass Devils Foot Island, Mass. . . Vineyard Sound, off— Ce lartree Neck, Mass Nobska Point, Mass Great Ledge, Mass ., Woods Hole Harbor, Mass Atlantic Ocean, Gloucester, Mass off Scituate Bar- bor. Mass Beverly, Mass . . . Rockport, Mass . Lianesville, Mass. Barnstable Harbor, Barnstable, Mass Cape Cod Bay, off Manomet, Mass Buzzards Bay, off Weepecket Island, Mass Long Neck, Mass Massachusetts Bay, east of Mi- nots Light, Mass Newport Harbor, Newport, R. I. Total Fry. 350,000 350,000 350,000 150, 000 250,000 3.50,000 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,500,000 1,.500,(JOO 1,3(JO,000 1,. 500, 000 1,975,000 1,534,000 .573,000 1,165,000 634,000 585, 0(X) 798, 000 33,370,000 1,42;1000 3,450,(K)(i 3,800,OtlO 1,850,000 980,000 646, 000 787,000 531,000 1,800,000 1,366,000 60, 879, 000 Report U. S F. C 1901. (To tace page 1 10.) Plate 5. REPORT ON THE INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES AND THE FISHING-GROUNDS. By Hugh M. Smith, Assistant in Charge. RIVER AND LAKE FISHES OF MAINE. Tlie fresh-water inquiries in Maine, referred to in previous reports, were continued in 1900 by Di-. William C. Kendall. In the latter part of the summer and early fall the Sebago Lake region was visited, principally with a view to obtain further data on the spawning of the native salmon {Sahno sehago). It was observed that there are distinct spring and fall runs of these fisli into the streams for feeding and breeding i^urposes respectively. The sj^ring salmon enter the streams in pursuit of smelts, and at that time Avill take the hook. They return to the lake with the downward movement of smelts. The fall tish very seldom bite. Tliese facts suggest an exj)lanation of similar habits in the sea salmon. The early sea salmon take the hook, while fall salmon seldom, if ever, do. It is quite i^ossible that the early run is f r feeding purposes. The fact that food is seldom found in the stomachs is not proof that the salmon do not feed, for after confinement in traps or when caught in gill nets they naturally get rid of their stomach contents, perhaps by disgorging, but more likely by digestion. Some interesting notes were obtained on the habits of fresh-water smelt in Sebago and Little Sebago lakes. Later Lake Auburn was visited and a collection of the native fishes was made. Here Hon. H. O. Stanley, one of tlie State fish commissioners, rendered assistance in various ways. A short trip was made to the Rangeley Lakes, in order, if possible, to study and collect the blueback trout {Salveliuus oquassa), but only one specimen was obtained. The fish have become scai-ce almost to extinction, but in the last ten years they seem to have changed their habits to some extent and have increased in size. For- merly a fish 10 inches long was tlie largest, and a weight of one-fourth of a pound was probably the heavi(\sl . The specimens now cauglit on fly or spoon, or I)}' bait-fishing at the liottom, weigh as much as 2^ pounds This increase in size is ascribed to the abundance of smelts, the result of tlie plants made about ISOl. Sebec Lake, one of the original landlocked-salmon lakes, was also visited. It was learned that there the salmon had the same migratory habits as the Sebago fish. From there Dr. Kendall went to Mataga- mon or Grand Lake, near the headwaters of the east branch of the Penobscot. A few years ago a gentleman from New York called at the Fish Commission Office in Washington to ascertain the identity 111 112 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. of some small trout or salmou-like iisli that he had caught at the upper end of the east branch below the foot of Grand Lake. He reported that the}^ ran from 6 to 10 inches long and were sexually mature at that size. These interesting fish seemed to be identical with the small salmon found in the Presumpscot River below Sebago Lake. A specimen of a ripe male only (J inches long was obtained. No adult salmon were observed there, though it was learned that not longer than four years ago they were plentiful on the spawning-grounds within 2 miles of the dam at the foot of Matagamon Lake. At least 17 species of fishes inhabit Matagamon Lake and neighbor- ing waters. At one haul of a 12-foot seine in the mouth of a small brook 12 species were obtained. Of these, 3 were previously unknown from Maine waters, and the recorded range of 4 more was extended. The most interesting feature of this collection scientificall}^ was the discovery of 2 unrecognized species of the minnow Leuciscus and the occurrence of the minnow Notropis muskoka, previously recorded only from Muskoka Lake, Ontario, together with the finding of the "shore- fish" {Fundulus diaphanus), the stickleback {Gasferosteus atkinsii), and the chub {SemoUlus atromaculatus) in these new localities. Incidental to the clam-i)lanting experiments on Casco Bay, a number of interesting observations were made in the Harraseekett River, a tidal estuary. The usual littoral fishes of the region were found in abundance. Young blue-fish {Pomatoinus) were \evy common, and some had been seen the previous season, when they were supposed by fishermen to be butter-fish {Poronotiis). Their presence in such large numbers is remarkable, since adults of this species have not been noticed in these waters, and onl}^ now and then has one been caught in pound-nets in the outer waters of Casco Bay. In October young menhaden {Brevoortia) from 3.75 to 4. 75 inches long were seined, and were also observed in brush weirs. The young of this species had not before been positivelj^ known to occur on the Maine coast. White perch (Morone) were uncommonly numerous, and the fishermen, owing to their unfamiliarity with the species because of its previous searcitj^, identified it as the sea bass. On October 21 a jumping mullet {Mugil cephalus) was taken in a weir, this being the first record of the occur- rence of this southern species in Maine waters. MODEL STUDY OF AN INDIANA LAKE. In the summer of 1899 the Commission began a physical and bio- logical survey of Lake Maxinkuckee, Indiana, the desire being to make such a study of this lake as would serve as a model for the investigation of all similar lakes. The objects and scope of this inquiry are indicated in the report for 1900. It very early became manifest that satisfactory data concerning many of the problems that came up for consideration could be secured only by carrying on the observations throughout at least one entire year. Therefore, when the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 113 woi'k WHS resinned July 1, 1900, it was with tlie iutentiou to continue as nuiuy of the lines of observation as possible until July, 1901. The investigations were again placed under the direction of Dr. B. W. Everniann, who, during the summer months, had the following assistants: Dr. J. T. Seovell, teacher of biology, Terre Haute, Ind., High School, whose time was devoted chiefly to a study of the plants of the lake and its immediate shores; Mr. Leonard Young, teacher of biology, Evansville, Ind., High School, who was put in charge of the plankton investigations; Mr. Millard Knowlton, student, Indiana State Normal School, and Mr. II. W. Clark, of Fort Wayne, Ind., general assistants, and Mr. W. F. Hill, assistant engineer, U. S. Fish Commis- sion, who, with Prof. R. G. Gillum, teacher of physics and chemistry, Indiana State Normal School, and Mr. T. B. Evermann, student, Cornell University, made the survey for accurately mapping the lake. Tills survey was completed early in September, and the volunteer assistants returned to their respective school and college duties about the first of September, leaving only Dr. Evermann and Mr. Clark to continue the investigations during the fall. When tlie former retui-ned to Washington Mr. Clark remained at the lake and carried on the observations during the winter and spring. The results of Mr. Clark's observations are important and interest- ing. They cover a period of the year during which but little study has been given to any American lake, and it is believed that they will add materially to a knowledge of the physics and oecology of small lakes. Perhaps the more important series of observations made during the winter pertained to the behavior of various species of fishes, mollusks, turtles, and aquatic plants, the feeding of coots and other water birds, the series of temperature records, and the action of the ice in its relation to the life in the lake and in modifying the shore line. In spring the observations regarding the breeding times, habits, and places of the different species of fishes, turtles, frogs, crustaceans, and mollusks, the growth of the aquatic plants of the lake, and the development of the plankton were of much interest and value. The report on these investigations is now in pi-eparation, and when published will constitute a fairly complete monograph of Lake Maxinkuckee. BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE GREAT LAKES. This work, whicli had been in progress for several years, was continued under the direction of Professor .Jacob Reighard, of the University of Michigan. The plan of operating a central laboratory at Put-in l^ay, which should serve as the headquarters of the survey, was tempoi-arily abandoned, and a number of independent inquiries were taken up by field parties. One of the most important of the fundamental biological investi- gations which must be undertaken in lakes is the natui-e, abundance, F. C. 19(11 8 114 REPORT OV COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and distribution of the minute floating organisms comprehended under the general name of i)lankton, for it is on these that all the fishes and other large forms are ultimatel}' deiiendent for their food supply. Besides the mere determination of the species of animals and iilants which comprise the plankton, it is desirable to ascertain, by means of specially devised apparatus, its volume and its vertical distribution. Since 1808, Professor Reighard, in association with Prof. H. B. Ward, had been at work on a net which would register automatically the volume of water from which a given amount of plankton had been abstracted ; and this subject was continued in 1900. During the summer of 1899, it had become evident that, in order to determine the amount of water passing through a plankton net when in use in the lake, it would be first necessary to "rate" in a labora- tory the meter placed in the net opening for the purpose of indicating the rate of flow of the water through the opening. It was reqiiired to measure the volume of water passing through the net opening at different net velocities in a unit of time, and to determine the number of revolutions of the meter corresponding to such volume for each velocity. This could be done only in a hydraulic laboratory, and after investigation it was decided to make use of the facilities of the hydraulic laboratory of the Ohio University at Columbus, Ohio. The Commission had the services of Prof. William T. Magruder, of the Columbus laboratory-, and the rating was carried out under the joint direction of Professor Magruder and Professor Ward. The work of practically testing the efficiency of plankton nets was then transferred to Put-in Bay. Here four nets were constructed of bolting cloth of four different degrees of fineness. Each of these nets was then hauled repeatedly in the open lake from the steamer Shear- luater, and about seven hundred such hauls were made. The au'to- matic record of each haul showed the time occupied by the haul (recorded in fifths of a second) and the number of revolutions of the meter during the haul. From the curve constructed from the labora- tory tests it was possible to determine the amount of water filtered by each net during the entire haul, as well as during each fraction of the haul. The results so far obtained may be stated as follows: 1. All of the nets experimented upon become clogged during the haul, so that they filter less water toward the end of the haul than at its beginning. This clog- ging is so serious as to make it doubtful whether such nets can be, in any way, made to yield quantitative results of value. 2. The records show that the pitching of the boat affects the amount of water passing through the net, a downward motion of the boat decreasing the amoiint and an upward movement increasing it. 8. The records show that currents in the water or the drifting of the boat noticeably increase the amount of water passing througli the net. 1. It was rendered probable that the nets filter a much larger part of the water through which they are drawn than the work of Hensen has indicated. This work yields the first direct measurement of the water passing through a plankton net, and when completed will show under what conditions, if at all, such nets ma}' be used. The conclusions SLated REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 115 above involved tlie careful tabulation of all the meter records, a tedi- ous operation involvinii: a large amount of calculating. This work was completed in December. Upon discussing the results with com- petent physicists and engineers it seemed best, in order to avoid all possible sources of error, to continue the work for a short time during the summer of 1901. By making slight alterations in the apparatus it is hoped to reduce to a minimum some of the unavoidable errors. The work on the biology of the plankton algse of Lake Erie was continued by Dr. Julia W. Snow in the botanical laboratory of the Uni- versity of Michigan. Material collected at Put-in Bay was frequently forwarded to Dr. Snow in the living condition and a\ as used in prepar- ing cultures. The I'esults of Dr. Snow's work during the summers of 1898, 1899, and 1900 have been embodied in a paper, with numerous colored figures, which is an important contribution to the subject. Mr. R. H. Pond continued his investigation on the source of nutri- tion in the larger aquatic plants. This work was carried on (;hiefly at Ann Arbor by means of aquarium experinients. Mr. Pond also visited Put-in Baj" at intervals and there conducted experiments in which large numbers of aquatic plants were cultivated under various conditions. Brieflj' stated, Mr. Pond's Avork shows that in the case of several si)ecies of the larger aquatic plants there is, contrarj^ to the usual oijinion, undoubted dependence on the soil for nutrition. In April, 1901, an investigation of the breeding habits of the stui'- geon in the rivers of western Michigan was undertaken by Prof. S. O. Mast, of Hope College, Holland, Mich. A study was made of the ascent of western ^Michigan rivers by this fish, with a view to deter- mining whei'e fish might be obtained for artificial proj)agation. Mr. Mast collected a considerable bodj^ of facts by correspondence and made some observations in person. The observations show that the sturgeon still ascends these rivers (Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Grand, and Manistee) in small numbers, but it is not apparent that artificial propagation on a profitable scale could be undertaken there. In May and June Pi'ofessorReighard maintained, under the auspices of the Commission, an observation camp on the Huron River, Michi- gan, for the purpose of studjing the breeding habits of various fishes. Among the si)ecies to which special attention was given was- the dog- fish {Amia calva), which .ras under constant observation from the time the young fish, attended by the males, left the nests in swarms until they had attained a length of 34 inches. The adult fish also came in for study. Othiei- species which were studied in some detail were the common sun-fish {Eupomoiis gibbosus), the bullhead {Amei- urus nebiilosus), and the black bass {Micropterus) . The large collections of invertebrate animals of Lake Erie obtained since the beginning of the survey have been distributed as follows for study and report- Mollnsks, to Mr. Brj-ant Walker, of Detroit; nemer- tine worms, to Di-. C. M. Child, of the Univei-sity of Chicago; leeches and oligocluetes, to Dr. J. P. Moore, of the Universit^'of Pennsylvania; 11(^ REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. bryozoa,to Dr. C. li. Da venport.of the Uiiivei-sit y of Chieairo ; cladooera. to Prof. E. A. Birire, of the University of Wi^^eon^een sho\vn that the death of the female salmon after .spawning is not due to exhaus- tion incident to the spawning process, and that the fish remain on the spawning-gi"ounds even after all the eggs ai-e extruded and continue the spawning exertions until death. Some interesting observations wei'e made on the diseases to which the spaAvning fish are subject, fungus and gill parasites being very destriictive in September, but of only slight effect in Xovember. Some additional facts in i-egard to the migrations of adults and fry were secui-ed; but the rate of migi-a- tion of adults is still an unsettle*! question and should be further investigated. It would be useful for the fish-eulturists on the upper waters of the Sacramento to know definitely when to exi)ect a run of salmon that had passed a given point in the lower river — say, Sacra- mento — at a certain time. It has been appreciateil that by tagging or branding much light may be thrown on the growth and movements of salmon that could not be obtained in any other way. Accoixiingly, tests have been made of the relative advantages of tagging fish, of marking numbers or characters on their cheeks and opercles. and of mutilating non-A-ital parts in various ways. Some 10,ChX> eggs were set aside with a view to holding the resulting fry until the fall of 1001 and liberating them after marking. A complete study of the circulatory system of the salmon, with drawings, has been made; a full .set of drawings has been prepared, showing the changes in the alimentary tract of the salmon during migi-ation. and material has been preserved for histological study of the various organs and tissues. Series of specimens for a full embiyo- logical study have been prepared. In the course of the work along the river a new stream was found affonling special facilities for artificial propagation, especially in dry seasons, like 190C>, when many of the fish fail to reach the upper courses of the river. This stream, Mill Creek, is already provided REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 117 with a (lam, and in 1900 would i)r(jbal)ly have yieldey Dr. Salvatore Lo Bianro. Translated by E. O. Hovey. Bull. U. S. Nut. Muk., No. 39, Part M. 138 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AKD FISHERIES. The periodical publications of the station are Contributions from the Naples Zoological Station, Fauna and Flora of the Gulf of Naples, and The Zoological Yearbook. Although this is primarily a station for biological research, an important feature is the aquarium, which is justly celebrated for the beauty of its installation and the healthy condition of the exhibited animals. The aquarium is one of the leading attractions of Naples and is much resorted to bj" Adsitors and by the local population. The price of admission to the aquarium is 2 francs, except on Sunday afternoons, when it is 1 franc, and on sj)ecial occasions, when it is half a franc. The income from this source is about $8,000 annually. The grotto arrangement of the aquarium is unconventional, and the general impression made on the visitor is novel and pleasing. The 26 large tanks with large glass fronts are skillfully liglrted from above, no light reaching the aquarium room excei)t that which comes through the water. As one stands before the tanks and sees the groups of healthy, contented fishes and invertebrates, with nothing neglected that contributes to the naturalness of their environment, one easily fancies he is at home with the animals on the sea bottom. The salt water required for the aquarium (and laboratory) is retained in large subterranean reservoirs; it is supi)lied through a closed circulation and is renewed onl}^ as needed to replace losses due to evaporation and leakage. Owing to the care exercised in feeding the animals and to the "balance" which has been established, it is rarely necessary to cleanse the aquarium tanks. The water reaches the aquaria from a nozzle with a contracted aperture about a foot above the surface, and the Jet carries considerable air with it; this form of aeration is regarded as quite essential for the health of the animals and renders a direct air circulation unnecessary. The water supply- ing each series or line of tanks runs from one to another by means of a surface gate and discharges into the reservoirs under the building, so that there is a current in each tank, which is considered quite necessary. Seaside laborafoi'i/ at Concarneau, Finance. — Mention should be made of a visit to the laboratory at Concarneau, France — one of the many small seaside laboratories and biological schools maintained by the French marine department. At this institution, in the center of the great sardine fisheries of IJrittany, some important biological and fish-cultural work is being done under the direction of Dr. Eugene Bietrix. An interesting adjunct of this station is a rec- tangular stone pound or inclosure {vivier) constructed many years ago by M. Gnillou, for the experimental rearing of lobsters. The pound is very extensive, with eight compartments in which the tide flows; is built of granite and schist, Mud cost 130,000 francs. It was the first of the kind in France, and is still used in part for the same purpose as lobster pounds are on the coast of Maine. In view of the attention now given to lobster-rearing in tlie United States, and the REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 139 comparatively recent date at which lobster-culture was taken up in this country, it is worthy of note that as earlj^ as 1859 M. Guillou, in conjunction with M. Coste, began his successful lobster-rearing exj)eriments. Tlie writer was privileged to examine the collection of artificially-reared lobsters (ranging from the newly-hatched larvfe to examples 10 years old) for which the French government made an award. MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN INQUIRIES. While in Europe the writer investigated a number of fisheries and fishery industries, primarily with a view to possible improvements in similar industries in the United States. The fisheries to which special attention was given were the herring, the sardine, and the lobster. A number of other subjects had been assigned for investi- gation, but the time available did not permit their consideration. Immense quantities of the sea herring are imported into the United States annually from England, Scotland, Holland, and Norway, and meet with a ready sale at prices that are uniformly higher than those commanded by the same fivsh prepared in the same manner on our own coasts. The Commission was in receipt of communications from fisher- men, fish-packers, and wholesale dealers in the Eastern States, asking that it investigate the methods of the herring trade in Europe and determine the factors which give to the foreign herring their supe- riority ovei' the luitive-prepared fish. Visits were made to the most important herring centers of England, Scotland, and Holland; and through the courteous assistance of gov- ernment fisliery officials and United States consular officers, much valuable information was obtained. Acknowledgments for assistance are due especially to Mr. Charles E. Fryer, of London, one of the gov- ernment inspectors of fisheries for England and Wales; Mr. James R. Nutman, of Great Yarmouth; Mr. W. F. Robertson, of Edinburgh, secretary of the Fisherj^ Board for Scotland; Mr. James Ingram, of Aberdeen, one of the Scotch fishery inspectors; Col. S. Listoe, United States consul at Rotterdam, and Mr. E. A. Man, United States con- sular agent at Schiedam. The observations on the herring fishery of tlie countries named will be incorporated in a special report now in prepai'ation. In view of the large consumption of imported sardines in the United States and the relativelj'^ high prices commanded by them, the sar- dine fisliery of France and the canning industry dependent thereon were made the subject of a special investigation for the purpose of determining the factors which underlie the general superiority^ of the French sardines over the native "sardines" prepared from the j^oung of the sea heri-ing. The French sardine industry centers in the province of Brittany, in which one of the most important fishing and canning towns is'Conearneau. In this place some time was devoted to a study of the natural histoi-\ of tlie sardine, the fishing methods and 140 REPORT OB^ COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. appliances, and the canning processes. The manner of prejiaring cod roe as bait for use in tlie sardine fishery was fully considered, as a remunerative trade can doubtless be developed in this commodity between the United States and France. These inquiries were greatly facilitated by Mr. Emile Deyrolle-Guillou, to whom special acknowl- edgments are due for numerous courtesies. A special report on the Fi'ench sardine industry has been submitted, and will shortly be issued. Some attention was also given to the sardine (i. e., pilchard) fishery in Cornwall, England, and the limited canning of sardines at Mevagissey in that county. The downward tendency of the United States lobster fishery and the special investigations addressed to the lolister which the Commis- sion has been conducting for several years, made it quite desirable that the actual condition of the lobster fisheries of other countries should be determined, together with the measures which have been adopted abroad for protecting the lobster and promoting the fisherj". Accordingly, at various places in England, Scotland, and France, vis- ited in connection with the foregoing inquiries, data on this subject were obtained by jjersonal inspection, and information in regard to several other^ countries was secured from government officials and others met at the fishery congress at Paris. The history of the lobster fisheries of the different European countries is of decided importance for comparison with that of our own lobster industry. One current feature of the lobster fisheries of England and France — the most important in Eurojje — is of special interest as showing the interrelation of aquatic animals and man's possible influence thereon. Owing, in part at least, to the active fishery for the conger eel, this fish has become comparatively uncommon in lobster-fishing regions, where it was formerly very abundant. This is especially the case on the southern coast of England and west coast of France. At the same time these coasts have been visited by enormous numbers of octo- pus, which have proved very disastrous to the lobster fishery, reduc- ing the number of lobsters on the fishing-grounds and also entering the fisiiermen's traps and destroying the lobsters after they have been , caught, so that in some important districts the lobster fishery has been rendered a total failure. The conger eel is perhaps the most potent natural enemj^ of the octopus, and according to a widespread and apparently well-founded belief it is to the scarcity of this fish that the present unprecedented scarcity of lobsters is to be attributed. Another industry to which some attention was given, looking to an extension of the fishery in the United States, was the gathering of seaweed in France. This is one of the leading water products of that country, the value of these marine vegetables taken annually on the west and south coasts being upward of $1,000,000. In tlic United States, with a vastly longer coast line and a much greater abundance of useful algai, the yearly production is insignificant. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. By C. H, Townsend, Assistant in Charge. The work in which the statistical field agents of this division were employed dnring the past fiscal year inelnded investigations of the fisheries of the Pacific coast, the Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River and tributaries. The Pacific coast region was canvassed by Mr. W. A. Wilcox, with the assistance in California of Messrs. A. B. Alexander and E. A. Tnlian, the latter having been transferred temporai-ily to duty in this division. Mr. T. M. Cogswell canvassed Lake Superior, Messrs. C. IL Stevenson and E. S. King Lake Michigan, and Mr. W. A. Roberts Lakes Huron and St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers. Mr. J. B. Wilson collected information on the wholesale fishery trade of Lake Erie, the statistics of the general fisheries of that lake and of Lake Ontario having been obtained before the commencement of the fiscal year by Mi-. J. N. Cobb. The inquiries respecting the Mississippi River and tri])ntaries were conducted as follows: Mr. Cobb canvassed the Ohio River and the Mississippi and tribu- taries from Alton, 111., to New Orleans, being assisted in Arkansas and Louisiana by Mr. G. H. H. Moore. Mr. Roberts canvassed the Mississippi above Dubuque, Iowa; Mr. Stevenson the Mississippi from Dubuque to Keokuk, Iowa, and the Missouri and its tributaries; Mr. King the Illinois River and tribu- taries and the Mississippi between Keokuk, Iowa, and Alton, 111. Inquiries respecting the Tennessee River were made by Mr. Wilson. The minor investigations during the year included canvasses of the Lake of the Woods liy Mr. Cogswell, the fisheries of Nevada by Mr. Tulian, the sponge and sturgeon fisheries of Florida and iwrtionsof the interior waters of Texas by Mr. Cobl). Later Mr. Cobb was detailed to assist in an investigation of the fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. Mr. Stevenson was detailed for one month for field work in connec- tion with the preparation of reports on the utilization of fishery products. Other investigations relating to the lobster, sturgeon, menhaden, and salmon fisheries of the Atlantic '-oast were in progress at the close of the fiscal year, Messrs. Wilcox, Cogswell, Moore, and Wilson being in the field. 141 142 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. . Mr. Barton A. Bean was employed for a short time in May and June in making inquiries respecting shad fisheries of the Susquehanna River in Dauphin and Lancaster counties, Pa. During the summer, Mr. Townsend, assistant in charge, visited the Pribilof Islands for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of the fur-seal herd and the sealing industry located there. Capt. S. J. Martin and Mr. F. F. Dimick, local statistical agents of the division stationed at Gloucester and Boston, Mass., have submit- ted monthly reports on the quantity and value of certain fishery products landed at those ports by American vessels. The following single-sheet bulletins, containing advance statistics in condensed form, have been issued during the year: No. 17. Fish furies of the Great Lakes. 1899. No. 18. Statement of the quantity and values of certain fishery products landed at Boston and Gloucester, Mass., by American fishing vessels during the year 1899. Noj 19. Sponge fishery of Florida, 1900. No. 20. Fisheries of the Pacific coast, 1899. No. 107. Fisheries of the Mississippi River and tributaries, 1899. Additional bulletins showing the quantity and values of certain fish- ery products landed at Boston and Gloucester by American fishing vessels have been issued monthly as usual. The i)ublications api)earing during the year which emanated from this division were: " Statistics of the fisheries of the New England States, "and "Statistics of the fisheries of the Middle Atlantic States." A paper on the sturgeon fishery of the Delaware River and Bay, and one on the lobster fishery of Maine, were prepared by John N. Cobb. FISHERIES OF BOSTON AND GLOUCESTER. The important fisheries of tliese ports are reported upon monthly by local agents of the Commission. The total quantity of products landed by American vessels was 162,218,921 pounds, worth $1,385,102. Tlie returns for 1900, as compared with those of the jirevious year, show a decrease of 14,555,380 pounds and an increase in value of $191,450. The total number of fares was 7,513. At Boston there has been an increase in the quantity and value of products as compared with 1899, which is shown chiefly in the suj^ply derived from banks off the New England coast. There has been a slight increase in the quantit}' and value of fresh fish, while the quan- lity and value of salt fish has been more than doubled. The total quantity of products landed at Boston was 66,820,912 pounds, valued at $1,598,506. The number of fares was 3,731, of which 203 were from the eastern banks and 3,528 from grounds off the New England coast. The fresh and salted fish from the eastern banks amounted to 9,786,500 pounds, valued at $281,546, and from grounds off the New England coast, 57,034,412 pounds, valued at $1,316,960. There were 95,398,009 i^ounds of fish lauded at Gloucester, valued REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 143 at $2, 78(5,590, a decrease from the previous year of Ki, 651, 563 pounds, with an increase in value of $21,290. There has been a decrease in the quantity and value of fresh fish and an increase in the quantity and value of salted fish. The fares landed at Gloucester numbered 3,782, of whicli G68 were from the eastern banks and 3,114 from grounds off the New England coast. The total of fish from the eastern banks was 55,590,243 pounds, valued at ^1,427,097, and from grounds off the New England coast 39,831,700 pounds, valued at $1,358,899. Siunmary, by fishing-grounds, of certain fishery pi'oducts landed at Boston, Mass., in 1900 by American fishing vessels. Fisbiug-grounds. No. of trips. Cod, fresh. Cod, salted. Cusk, fresh. Haddock, fresh. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. lvalue. Lbs. Value. East of 66° W. longitude: 57 56 12 1 33 44 885, 600 938,300 366, 000 60,000 2,000 591,200 Sr.t,987 21,416 7,218 1,200 60 13,086 147, .500 73, .500 4,000 .S2,055 9.59 130 959,000 355,500 $30, 129 9,015 Quereau Bank St. Peters Bank Off Newfoundland . . . Cape Shore 61,0C0 $7.50 73,m 298, oaj 1,171 477,500 14,368 Total --- 203 2, 743, 100 62, 967 61,000 750 4,305 1,792,000 43,512 Westof66°W.longitudc: 40 440 49 6 8 413 173 571 97 87 as 1,563 .512,000 2,472,500 270,800 32,000 as, 000 682, 60(1 347,300 4, 836, 700 1,345,(K)0 310, 100 337.800 4,004,850 10,308 60,803 8,198 551 1,070 16,913 10, 467 107,390 21, 12:3 5, 685 7, .5.56 84,384 67,000 89,000 142, ,500 3,000 6,800 15, .500 53, 000 153,200 1,118 1,457 1,880 60 96 179 S3S 2,196 784,000 8,577,70(.> 227,600 86, (X)0 ,52, .500 1,874,000 795, .500 7, 860, .500 223, 700 717,200 1,047,300 4,197,850 16,335 Georges Bank 150, 8.52 7,533 Clark Bank 1,948 Fippenies Bank 1,715 Middle Bank 41, 469 .Teff revs Lodge 18, 362 SouthChannel. Nantucket Shoals... 20,000 a50 173,736 3,586 Off Highland Light .. 3,000 9,000 77,800 28 175 935 20, a)3 Off Chatham 2:3, 148 Shore, general 50,000 750 86,666 Total 3,528 14,974,550 334,448 70,000 1,100 618,800 8,957 28,443,850 .545,593 Grand total 3,731 17,717,650 397,415 131,000 1,850 916,800 13,263 38,235,8.50 589, 105 Fishing-grounds. Hake, fresh. Pollock, fresh. Halibut, fresh. Halibut, salted. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. East of 66° W. longitude : La Have Bank 121JM 123, (XD 3,000 SI, 994 1,537 112 31,000 6,000 $320 110 48,800 584,800 189,000 1.5,000 $4,570 37,8a5 17,460 1,800 28,880 903 Western Bank Quereau Bank St. Peters Bank Off Newfoundland 1.000 20 40n 15 fill mx) 180,000 $9,900 Cape Shore 92,000 1,101 278 1 1.5, 900 Total 339, 5(X) 4,744 1 48,400 723 1,464,500 91,448 180,000 9,900 West of 66° W. longitude: Browns Bank 29, .500 .SO;3,7(K) 382, ;300 45, (KX) 57, (XX) ,536, 000 630, 8(X) 3, 373, 000 :ji,ooo 157,:3(K) 148, 900 1,011,100 1 450 1 13 .ViO 170 292 381 13 25 412 3,1.53 3,544 603 92 .524 5,364 16,600 55,350 2,700 1,636 5,421 280 (Jeorges Bank .5,a55 7,929 665 825 6, 7.59 32,600 22,800 1,000 2,000 29 6nn Cashes Bank Clark Bank Fipi>enies Bank MiddU- Bank 250 400 41,2.5(J 1,000 25 51 5,178 150 .letfreys Leflge 8,904 ' 166,' .300 43,046 270, 5(X) 293 69,rXK) 2, .582 , 13, OCX) 2,610 ! .58,(KKJ 15,257 I 446,:300 South ( 'haniiel Nantucket Shoals Off Highland Light... Off Chatham i, ilX) 5,000 134 485 Shore, general Total 6,577,600 (a xra i 1 i->^ inn 12,573 123,6.50 13,340 Grand total 6,917,100 98,119 1 1,173,500 13,296 1,588,150 104, 788 180,000 9,900 144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fishery products landed at Boston — Continued. Fishing-grounds. Mackerel, fresh. Mackerel, salted. Other fish, fresh. Other fish, salted. Lbs. Value. I Lbs. Value. Lbs. 1 Value. Lbs. Value. East of 06° W. longitiide : 1,600 600 1,410,000 $132 60 40,100 1,441,800 $33, 555 6,000 $360 40,282 Total 6,000 360 1,413,300 1,441,800 32, ,555 Westof66°W.longitude: tTeorges Bank . . . Middle Bank 329, 775 1,64:3,775 $17,980 46,031 383,600 194,400 30,605 2,593 1,043,800 2:3, 0(X) 400 8,950 3,600 1,400 .586,050 73,008 1,408 34 691 288 182 7,967 65,000 3,600 141,600 7,084 Off Highland Light Shore, general 1,980,812 88,933 679,700 38,030 16.000 160 Total 4,019,363 155,544 1,398,300 68,302 1,667,200 83, .568 16,000 160 C4rand total _ 4,019,362 155,544 1,404,300 68,663 3,079,400 133,850 1,457,800 22,715 Fishing-grounds. Total fresh. Total salted. Grand total. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. East of 66° W. longitude: 2,185,000 2,081,100 462,600 75,000 3,024,000 1,370,000 S49, 177 70,873 34,970 3,000 69,055 30,907 3,185,aX) 3.081,100 462, (K)0 75.(100 3,645,800 " 1,337,000 $49, 177 70, 873 Quer eau Bank 24,970 3.0(10 Off Newfoundland . . 1,631,800 67,000 $32, 4.55 1,110 101.510 :32,017 Total 8,097,700 347,98] 1,688,800 33,565 9,786,500 281,546 West of 66° W. longitude: 1,433,600 13,904,425 1,048,700 167,000 151,300 4,794,725 1,983,600 16,497,100 1,566,8(KI 1,102, 0(H) 1,602, K)0 12,309,762 30,007 314,868 26, 191 3,237 3,731 113, 196 40, 694 336,381 26,043 28,922 34, 137 289,991 1,433,(500 13,387,025 1,048,7(10 167, 000 151, 3(K) 4,989,135 1,!I8:3,(J00 16, (558, TOO 1,566,80(1 1,102,000 1,603,100 13,0.55,463 30,007 383,600 20, 605 335,473 36, 191 Clark Bank 3,237 3, 731 Middle Bank 194,400 ""'i61,"(if)6" 3,593 ""■7; 434' 115,789 •Teffi'eys Lodge 40,694 343,815 26,043 Oft' lli"hland Light 28,923 Off Chatham 34, 137 745,700 38,930 338,931 Total 5.5,550,112 1,247,398 1,484,300 69, 563 57,034,413 1,316,960 63,647,812 1,495,379 3, 173, 100 103,127 66,830,913 1,598, .506 Summary, hy fishing-grounds, of certain fishery products landed at Gloucester, Mass., in 1900 by American fishing vessels. Fishing-grounds. Eastof66°W.longitude: La Have Bank Western Bank. Queveau Bank Green Bank Grand Bank St. Peters Bank Bacalieu Bank . Off Newfoundland.. Cape North Cape Shore ._ Gulf of St. Lawrence Total. No. of Cod. fresh. Cod, salted. Cusk, fresh. Cusk, salted. trips. 143 170 95 5 88 3 .57 85 1 i9 3 Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. 3,446,785 8,409,580 296,;380 $58,(;07 143, 832 5,393 646, 869 5,246,570 3,078,153 46,865 15,650,370 10,(K)0 12, 000 169,305 110,000 38,000 4,000 $21,021 129,024 55,334 1,53:3 336,941 350 330 4,910 3,550 950 130 369, 485 153,000 $:3,941 1,816 .59,000 4,000 $708 90 3:36,000 51,000 9,763 998 3,000 35 95,000 1,638 10,000 115 3,000 45 668 12,0)34,745 219,330 34,013,033 553,053 ,534, 485 5,907 65,000 843 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 145 Fishery products landed at Oloueester — Continued. Fishing-grounds. No. of trips. Cod, fresh. Cod, salted. Cusk, fresh. Cusk, salted. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. West of 66° W. longi- tude: 28 405 30 56 80 341, 780 955, 700 478,300 1,436 18. ,500 §7,219 18,414 6,990 29 370 2,375 3,293 155,300 5,281,239 $3,477 156,336 55,685 32,500 288,300 $669 414 3,341 Georges Bank Cashes Bank 58,000 $1,325 Middle Bank 19 1 179, (MO 12 1 119.060 S01 151, 175 968, 910 79,004 1,883,973 3,957,564 198,440 3,000 33,917,896 831,475 3,903,647 1,599,810 135,440 1,000,650 187, 9a5 393,330 13,380,090 10,396,430 19,617,687 43,535,583 $99,891 157,633 135, 815 14,087 56,93:3 3,067 100, 199 111,490 3,139 240 672,473 14,848 83,118 17,904 6,645 6,656 2,508 7,107 15,149 393,082 447,017 1,119,490 Total salted. Lbs. 705,869 5, 367, .570 2,103,333 46,865 15,669,185 10,000 1,37:3,320 5,7:31,705 110,000 533,200 139,400 31,678,347 155,300 10,773,719 115,400 '"59,"66o' 67,120 1,880,400 7,133,540 30,184,079 51,S Value. $31, 739 139,337 55,636 1,533 337, 957 350 77,453 94,237 3,550 31,448 3,014 755,334 3,477 434,061 4,938 'i,'478" 1,576 86, 043 380,310 911,883 1,667,106 Grand total. Lbs. 7,423,904 14,541,765 3,786,9:34 198,040 16,638,095 89,004 3,257,193 8,689,269 lll),(XK1 730, 640 142, 400 55, 596, 243 986, 775 14,677,366 1,599,810 340,840 1,000,650 247,535 393, 230 67, 130 3, 360, 490 17,438,960 39,801,766 95,398,009 Value. $131, 630 386,949 181,451 15,61(1 394, 890 3,417 177, 6.53 205,727 2,5,50 34,577 3,254 1,427,697 18,:325 517, 179 17,904 11,583 6,656 3,986 7,107 1,576 J01.191 673, 393 1,358,899 3,786,596 RErORT OF rOMMIPSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 147 Siatcinciit. by moniJus, of qaaiiiitu'ti and values of certain fiH'liery products landed at Boston and Gloucester by American fishing vessels during the year 1900. Months. No. of trips. Cod, fresh. Cod, salted. Cusk, fresh. Cusk, salted. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. 342 376 43:3 42;5 300 241 337 331 370 335 297 276 865,900 ()35,600 3,036,600 1,983,100 1,736.400 1.467.600 1,913,800 1,697, 5(H) l,591,ia) 1,435,000 781,60(J 1,583,450 §25,256 ;i5, 431 4.5,072 28,994 25,035 25, 816 31,696 35,839 39,953 49,737 25,462 39,124 71,000 63, 000 4:3, (MH) 8i,(m 110,000 71, COO 5.3110 34.(;kjo 39,500 111,000 114, .500 181.000 SI, 167 1,6.58 871 956 1,031 830 77 315 649 1,426 1,790 3,493 February .. Marcli . "" 1 " May...._ 61,000 50. (XX) 30,000 S750 7.50 350 July August 1 1 Total at Boston .... 3,731 17,717.&50 :397,415 131,000 1,850 916, S(K) 13,363 January 159 255 270 316 303 377 349 354 331 474 360 530, 780 334,627 1,374,599 1,968,057 1,697,483 1,184,604 1,068,703 1,5:31.330 1,539,188 1,383,806 3,728,101 1,113,566 13,394 13,368 23,090 33,949 23, 147 16.210 17, 0:33 34. 83(j 36,099 37, 1.53 63,t)05 113,000 76.360 333, 745 916, .539 2,199,940 4,114.285 7.510,123 3, 866, 18:5 2,605,215 3. 040. 186 5. 335. 205 3,579 2,576 10, 780 30,534 57, 1.50 94,807 144.431 66. :389 (38, ;mi 86, 666 1:38,539 28,584 66,500 14,000 31,000 73,920 254, 120 386,645 122,500 63,000 34,000 13,500 10,000 53,915 864 177 364 8.50 3,933 4,008 1,468 778 301 154 133 615 February . . March '4,'(h')6' May June $90 July 87, cm 40,000 1,3.58 900 August --. September October Noyember December _., 344 34.074 847.051 Total at Gloucester Grand total Landed at Boston lu 18!I9 Landed at Glouces- ter in 1899 3,783 16,333,742 393,348 39,8:37,831 722,366 1,101,100 12,5:34 131.000 2,348 7,513 34,051,392 690,663 29,968,831 724,216 3,017,900 25, 796 131,000 2,348 3,866 3,954 19,684,550 28,609,038 437, 756 .506,574 50,000 36,855,649 1,3.50 1,033, .516 1,103,800 3,308,749 13,35:3 30,385 227,987 5,185 Months. Haddock, fresh. Haddock, salted. Hake, fresh. Hake, salted. Lbs. Value. Lbs. [ Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. January _ 3,0,52,400 3,252,500 6,483,000 ;J, 991, 700 1.799,900 1,581,900 ,3.211,4(J0 1,738,7(X) 1,847,800 1,53:3,600 1.047.300 1,69.5,650 $48, 660 84, 751 92, 180 40, 136 33.437 33, .5,52 25,966 37,892 44. 492 52, .571 42. 023 ,53. 445 318,500 227,600 127,600 132,800 316,800 381,300 368,000 424, .500 8:36,800 1,445,800 1,304,700 1,032,700 $7,289 7,275 3,916 1,586 2,934 3,901 3,553 5,095 8,223 18,538 19,657 16, 152 February March.. April May June 1 July 1 August September October November December Total at Boston 28,335,8.50 | .589,105 6,917,100 98,119 January 731, 466 ! 15, 107 680,117 1 11.873 1,914,031 1 2.'?. 100 113,325 12, 465 5.270 68, 060 435,921 1,036,728 1,309,585 306,050 600, 715 353,180 103,281 193,876 1,6.57 180 95 544 3,491 8, .5*8 11,798 3,760 .5,336 3,390 1,806 3,335 February March April 633,363 137,548 49,373 28, (HK) 40,4(X» 24,(K)0 32..5fK) 133, 4:35 433, 43f) 4.:3:59 845 1,188 168 :305 144 465 3, 439 10, -180 ""i,m ""m May 3,0(X) $35 June July 73,000 4,000 993 August 2,(X)0 25 50 September October November December Total at Gloucester. 4,806,653 71,4.52 6,000 75 4,528,456 41,830 78,000 1,068 Grand total 3:3,042,502 1 660,557 6,000 75 11,445.5.56 139,949 78.000 1,068 Landed at Boston in 1899 25, 145, 160 8,146,208 5.54, 198 119,003 8,489,800 8,166,804 99, 708 78,608 Landed at Gloucester in 1899 15,279 187 .53,500 807 148 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Statement of quantities and values of ce7'tain fishery products, etc. — Continued. Pollock, fresh. Months. January February _ March . .". April - May June July August.. - September - - October - November December Total at Boston January February March . pril- May -- June July August.. - September October - - November December _ Total at Gloucester Grand total Landed at Boston in 1899 Landed at Gloucester in 1899 - Lbs. 14,000 14,100 30,500 19,900 48,500 38,900 231,100 112,400 111,000 258, 200 210, 500 84,400 1,173.500 3,718 1,186 4,898 1,600 4,166 8,901 9,728 13,870 109,810 2,141,748 1,448,-507 356, 692 4,104,324 5,277,824 1,286,850 6, 056, 252 Value. 412 770 224 356 412 1,475 883 1,625 3,171 2, .580 1,179 13,296 a5 11 26 10 25 54 69 89 695 13.647 11,149 3,147 28,957 42,253 12,883 41,147 Pollock, salted. Lb.s. Value 11,890 $149 5,000 'iijso" 63 '362' 41,070 514 41,070 514 144,000 1,799 Halibut, fresh. Lbs. 71,350 69,050 103,200 117,000 332,400 167, 800 250, 550 118,200 145,850 91,300 97,300 24,150 1,588,150 402, 687 241.5.54 353, 638 409,157 1,075, .541 673, 562 653,831 634,349 389, 879 368,886 309,607 173,814 5,686,505 7,274.655 1,606,585 6,629,807 Value. 104,788 371,616 476, 404 112,462 428,329 Halibut, salted. Lbs. Value- 180,000 $9,900 180,000 9,900 2,000 52,0a5 340,500 881,600 113,200 1,389,335 1,569,335 788, 790 100 2,603 18.550 50,417 6,930 78,599 88,499 59,218 Months. Mackerel, fresh. Mackerel, salted. 1 Other fish, fresh. 1 Other fish, salted. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. 290,000 510.000 S8, 7m 14. (KM) 186,000 , S3, .5(0 460.(K)(I i;i.SO() .S3, 800 1.905 150,000 3,000 8,340 447,522 725,275 2,106,525 510, 775 220,925 S276 14,800 41,959 58,274 27,818 12,417 227,400 369,600 631,000 112,800 63,500 $11,425 20,297 24,913 6,924 5,103 565,450 4.50, 100 148,950 237, 150 245,050 22,700 35,450 August - . September 33,395 8,170 3,022 3,409 548.000 7.960 304 1 640,000 1 9,350 Total at Boston 4,019,362 155,544 1,404,300 68,662 3,079,400 Il2:3,850 1,457,800 1 22,715 498.00(_) 860,000 230,000 170,000 16, 193 30,100 7,650 4,2.50 49,000 5.35,800 30,000 14,000 771 9,577 .535 April . 345 18.200 3,48.5,400 4,060,400 4 664 6(K» 1,092 116,65:3 214. 665 •?:!;; 191 3,632,840 1.53, 792 701,250 187.200 194,580 270 189,842 8,921 19,857 6,443 9,320 25 120,000 2.100 July " 892' 45" 2, .519. 4(10 i:ilt.6r)2 13,000 85,800 3, 735, OX) 1,235,400 228 October 707, 8(X) 105,400 56,289 7,539 204,680 1,754 1,160 58,125 141,300 5,453 20,:324 Total at Gloucester - 4,869,932 2:34,408 14,561,200 769,081 2,104,872 65, 445 5,818,000 93,055 1157770 8,889,294 389,952 15,965,5(X) 837, 743 5,184,272 189.295 7,27.5,800 Landed at Boston in 1899 Landed at Gloucester in 1899 . ... 798, 752 430, 788 43,9a5 27,373 196,400 3,665,800 14,695 375,570 5,335,833 3,475,921 123,866 75,609 1,038,000 14,270 6,475,000 93,096 > Includes herring from Newfoundland, 3,339,000 pounds frozen, $101,346; and 7,001,000 pounds salted, $111,733. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES 149 Statement of quantities and values of certain fishery products, etc. — Continued. Mouths. Total fresh. Lbs. Value. Total salted. Lbs. Value. Grand total. Lbs. Value. January . . February March Aiiril May June July August September October . . . November December . 3, &S3, 150 4,770,850 !»,273,90() 5, 478, 500 4,:i-)3,340 4,15G.U:i3 6,270,775 6,671,935 5,3:31.775 5.332,975 3, 800, 950 4,624.050 S96,833 140, 113 166, 169 81,317 77,(i99 90,810 153,956 177, 944 141,817 1.50, 044 103,471 115,306 186,000 83,800 61,000 277 400 389, 600 631, (XX) 393,800 m. 500 548, 000 640, (m Total at Boston 63,647,813 i 1, -1:95,379 3,173,100 January February . March April May June. Jiily August Sejitember . October November . December . . Total at Gloucester. Grand total Landed at Boston in 1S99 I ^anded at Gloucester in 1899 2,326,476 2,133,949 3, 803, 936 3.313,1.56 3, .594, 778 6, 963, 653 3,;34<),138 3,390,041 2.874,793 4,690,880 4,7a3,301 3,466,593 43,535,583 107,183,395 6.3,450,329 &3, 833, .567 80, 935 71,9(KI 84, 743 .59, 9-13 76. 881) 258, 341 75, 4(X) 79, 939 67, 790 93, 471 106, 085 64,0.58 1,119,490 2,614,i 1,398,131 1,306,928 163, 000 613, 160 353, 745 930, .529 2, 230, 140 6,719,685 11.793,447 7,917,383 6, 034, 315 3,946.986 9. 089, 785 2,083,451 51,863,436 S3, .500 1,905 750 12,175 20,647 34,913 16, 834 5,103 7,960 9,350 103, 137 4. 350 13, 1.53 11,305 20, 769 58, 507 213, 560 364, 198 319, 105 358. 701 151,045 304. .505 48,908 1,667,106 55,a35,536 1,770,233 1,374,400 48,226,005 30,215 1,458,378 3,683,1.50 4,9.56,850 9,a57,700 5,478,500 4.41.3,340 4, 434, 023 6,660,375 7,303,935 5,524,575 5,396,475 4,348,950 5,364,050 66,820,912 2,488.476 2, 746, 109 4, 156, 671 4,243,685 5,824,918 13,682,338 15,139,585 ll,3f)7,324 8.899,007 8. 637, 866 13.833,986 4, 549, 044 9.5,398,009 163,218,921 64, 734, 729 112, 049, .572 896,833 143,614 168,074 81,317 78,449 103, 985 174,603 303,857 158,641 IK, 147 111,431 124, 656 1,598,506 8.5,285 84,0.53 96,047 80,712 135,393 471,901 439. .598 399,044 326, 491 244, .516 310,590 112,966 3,786,596 4.385,102 1,438,346 2,765,306 THE MACKEREL FISHERY. The mackerel fishery has been of unusual interest durinf]: the seasons of 1!)00 and 1901 on account of its impi-oved condition as compared with other recent years. The j)resent period of scarcity began witli the year 188G, when the catch of salted mackerel landed from the ves- sels fell from 329,04;] barrels in 1885 to 79,998 barrels in 1886, and has never since risen to 100,000 barrels annually. According to informa- tion received from Mr. F. V. Dimick, the local agent of the Commission at Boston, the New England catch of salted mackerel in 1900 was 87,907 barrels. This, with the exception of 1888, when it was 88,382 barrels, was larger than at any time since 1885, and gave rise to the liope on the ])art of the fishermen and dealers tliat tlie fisheiy might in the near future regain its former importance. The present season, 1901, has so far been less encouraging. The quantitj^of salted mack- erel landed by the New England fleet to tlie 1st of September was 57,072 barrels, valued at 1627,792, and for the same period in 1900 it was 67,533 barrels, valued at $742,863. The contrast between present and former conditions will be better appreciated when it is stated that in 1884, which was one of the most prosperous j'ears in the histoiy of the fishery, 214,189 barrels of salted mackerel were landed by the 1st of September, and the total catch for the season was 478,076 barrels. 150 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The greater part of the fresh mackerel caught along the coast is shipped to Boston, and it is nsually estimated that the receipts at that port cover about 90 per cent of the whole New England catch. The receipts of domestic fresh mackerel to the 1st of September, 1901, are reported to be 44,196 barrels, valued at $265,170, while for the same period in 1900 the quantitj^ landed was onlj^ 40,553 barrels, but the value was $273,732. There has therefore been an increase in the quantity so far during the season and a decrease in the value. It is generally believed that the total catch of fresh and salted mackerel will not be equal to that of last year, and some of the fishermen have discontinued mackerel fishing to engage in other branches of fishery which seem to be more promising. However, some good catches are being reported, and it is not impossible that conditions may improve. The southern mackerel catch for this season, 1901, amounted to 16,419 barrels, valued at $180,609, which is more than 5,000 barrels larger than it was in either of the five preceding years. SHAD IN PENNSYLVANIA. An inquiry in Dauphin and Lancaster counties, Pennsylvania, shows that since the destruction of the dam at Columbia some years ago there has been considerable improvement in the sliad fisheries of the Susquehanna River above that point. The catch at four different localities in the above-named counties in 1900 aggregated 16,840 shad, or about 67,360 pounds, having a value of $3,990. GERMAN CARP IN LAKE ERIE. An interesting fact in connection with the fishing industry of this lake is the increased utilization of the German carp. This fish, now abundant in nearly all waters where it has been introduced, has become commercially important in a number of regions. For several years it has constituted more than half of the total yield of the fisheries of the Illinois River. An investigation of the fisheries of the Missis- sippi River and tributaries for 1899 shows the catch of German carp to have been 11,869,840 pounds, valued at $289,258. While taken in our interior waters in abundance by anglers and used locally, the growth of the carp fishery as an industry has been slow. In a former report of this division attention was called to the importance of this fishery in the Illinois River, and the development of a good market for the catch in certain eastern cities, where the proportion of foreigners in the population is large. In Lake Erie German carp are very abundant, and in the effort to utilize them new markets are being found in the Mississippi Valley, an important part of the catch being sent to St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and other cities. When taken in larger quantities than required, they can be easily retained in ponds until wanted. Tlie writer recently visited a pond near Port Clinton, Ohio, where about 50 tons of German carp were held. Fishermen in th'i region usually receive 1^ cents a pound, sometimes 2 cents. When extra large (pian- REPORT OF C0MMISSI0NP:R OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 151 titles are taken the surplus is frequently sold for the manufacture of fish fertilizer. German carp sent to New York and other eastern cities are shipped round, but if destined for other markets they are generally dressed. Most of the catch is made with seines. Recent inquiries respecting" commercial fishing carried on in Utah show that the catch of German carp in Utah Lake and tributaries in 1000 amounted to 344,685 pounds, or about three times the quantity taken from the same waters in 1895. More than half of the catch in this lake was made with spears. FISHERIES OF LAKE OF THE WOODS. A canvass of the fisheries of Lake of the Woods, made for 1899, shows a continued decrease of the fisheries in nearly all respects. The number of j)ersons engaged was 126, and the amount of capital employed was 158,830, a decrease of 47 j^ersons and 149,272 since 1894. The total yield of the fisheries was 626,225 pounds, valued at 132,815, while in 1894 it was 2,198,984 pounds, valued at 156,747. The fish- eries of this lake are prosecuted chiefly for the sturgeon. Since 1894 the catch of this species has decreased from 1,059,267 pounds, worth $31,778, to 197,033 pounds, having a value of $16,623. The number of pound nets, the principal form of apparatus of cap- ture, has decreased from 148 in 1894 to 58 in 1899. Other products of these fisheries have decreased in similar propor- tions. The shrinkage in value has not been so great as in quantity for the reason that as the supply has diminished jjrices have advanced. The three following tables show the extent of the fisheries of this lake for the year 1899, a fourth table i)resenting a comparison of the yield of the various species taken in pound nets for a term of years: Table fihoioing the number uf persons employed in the fisheries of Lake of the Woods for the year 1899. How employed. No. Vi 100 14 136 On vessels transporting In shore fisheries On shore, in fish-houses, etc Total Table showing tlie apparatus and capital employed in the fisheries of Lake of the Woods for the year 1899. Items. No. Value. Vessels transporting 4 113 S18,000 Tonnage . , . .. Outfit 3, 335 Boats 3.5 13 4 58 35 1,480 Pilf-drivers ... 1,4.")0 Barpes 3,5U» A])paratus of capture: Pound nets 15, 435 Fyke nets 350 Shdre property ^ -. - . ^ ... . 17,500 Total 58,830 152 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table ahouiiiig, hy apjwratus and species, the yield of tJie fisheries of Lake of the Woods for the year 1899. Apparatus and species. Lbs. Value. Pound nets: Buffalo Pike -. Pike perch (wall eyed) Stui-geon* Trout Wiiite-flsh Total .-- Fyke nets: Bullheads Grand total 6,013 39,903 134, 723 197, 033 423 179,242 SI 13 1.200 6.2:i6 16,62:5 17 6, 723 ij47,336 78,889 ;50,911 1,904 626,225 32,815 ♦Included with sturgeon are 18,041 pounds of caviar, valued at $11,.''.(').5, and 391 pounds of sturgeon sounds, valued at S3:)2. Table shoiinng the jMirud-itet catch in the American waters of Lake of the Woods in certain years. Species. 1894. 1897. 1898. 1899. Buffalo Lbs. 80,620 231, 474 405, 104 1,059,267 11,501 411,018 Lbs. 16,965 48,275 137,461 511, 159 650 71,907 Lbs. 28, 130 56, 676 92, 181 330,601 440 113,624 Lbs. 6,013 Pike 39, 9a3 124,722 197,033 Trout 42:3 White-flsh 179,242 Total 2,198,984 786, 417 630,652 547,3:16 FISHERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES. A statistical canvass of the fisheries of the Great Lakes for 1899 — the results of which have already been published in condensed form as statistical bulletin No. 17 — sliows the total yield and value of fishery products to be nearly equal to that of 1890, the largest on record. In 1899 the fisheries of the Great Lakes yielded 113,728,040 pounds, valued at 12,611,482. The total number of persons engaged in the fisheries was 9,670, and the capital invested amouut(5d to 16,617,716. The vessels employed numbered 208, having a value, with their outfits, of $802,621. The number of boats employed was 8,281, worth $277,766. The apparatus of capture which represented the greatest value was gill nets, valued at $690,518. Pound nets and trap nets were valued at $660,408. The number of gill nets in use was 105,687, and of pound and trap nets 3,837. The most important species among the products of the fisheries with respect to value was herring, worth $941,067. The catch of trout was valued at 1431,276, and of wliite-fish at *297,023. The yield of pike and pike perch was valued at $325,941. The various lakes as compared with each other differ considerably in the value of their fisheries. Lake Erie, the fisheries of which are BEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 158 nincli more extensive than those of any of the other lakes, j'ielded pi-oducts valued at $1,150,895; Lake Michigan, $870,743; Lake Huron, $308,078; Lake Superior, $150,86iJ; Lake Ontario, $101,040; Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit rivers, $23,864. 'J'he following" tables show the persons, apparatus, and capital employed in the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1891), and the quan- tity and value of the fishery products: FisheiHes of the Oreat Lakes, 1899. Items. Lake Superior. Lake Michigan. Lake Huron. Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit rivers. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Persons employed 613 10 277 305 1 7,229 162 15 i5i,"664" 27,245" .50 99,283 35,830 150 588 320 111.023 56,000 3,255 80 1,321 1,098 11 49,857 805 1,477 ■S2.54,"905" 1,241 12 256 537 9 5,676 996 398 $55,'645' 442 Boats' 67,968 510 288,395 186, »49 23,627 3, 158 2,500 869, 629 1,218,200 40,8:35 673 .54,384 111,8:39 7,633 346 310 148,489 55,500 188 13 60 5 S3, 770 1,255 600 Pound nets and trap net.s. Fyke nets 1,030 644 271 Shore an d accessory prop- 26,945 Cash capital - 20, 000 372,083 2,915,241 474,953 .54,5:35 PRODUCTS. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Black bass 8,565 498,318 53,453 25,280 8,710 484 10,225,&53 11,348,06=3 133,339 375,0.5'J 144, 030 3,077,741 87,316 173, 7a3 4,161 .55,373 108,279 934,642 109, 136 S644 13, 794 1,367 492 315 40 211,784 313,345 886 9, 747 4, 560 57,972 4,490 7, .5.55 ^43 7,187 10, 143 1,931 5,659 S396 300 |14 Bluefins 435,060 7,600 111,317 304 Bullheads 141,439 6,369 433,977 861 1,073,957 2, 625, 850 20,880 112,417 24, 060 2,740,669 191,751 1,110, ,516 83,344 160,64fi 30,497 980,695 126, 795 61,062 1,879,411 7,690 4,3.55 143 12,373 49 10,696 49. 733 167 3,667 810 33,690 6,995 49,294 1,612 1,009 1,268 18, .502 1,818 7:39 80,077 346 1,300 8,000 16,305 18 231 Cat-fish 611 Eels Herring, fresh '- Herring, salted '^ Ling or lawyers . . 886,018 239,460 6,9.54 4,816 Perch Pike Pike perch (wall-eyed pike)''. 3,879 15,602 13,679 934 39 316 495 38 46.006 42,365 368. a50 3,700 17,0.50 7,600 33,600 1,202 1,795 11,877 Rock ba.ss Sheepshead . 317 131 Sturgeon^ Suckers, fi'esh 4,415 .5,447 6,200 176 5i 114 1,:353 335 Sun-fish 250 69,915 4 Trout, fresh 2,664,8:38 453,331 85, 572 15, 127 5,407,110 81,837 4,:3so 1,407,142 103,222 117 135.861 241,015 3,666 146 68,025 5,467 9 3,498 2,884 Trout salted White-fish, fresh 647,670 45,521 23,710 1,837 584, 168 8,140 484 31,. 525 385 31 69,902 3,087 Other fish 630 126 Frogs 8,000 520 Total 5,429,654 150,862 34,499,996 876,743 12,418,327 308.078 ,579,067 33,864 ' Includes steam tugs and gasoline launches under 5 tons. * Includes "loiig-.iaws"" and "chubs." ' Sturgeon im-ludes 47,470 pounds of caviar, valued at $:iO,.510, apportioned asfollows: Michigan, 5.W4 iiomids. :ici.2<4: Huron. 'M) pounds, 8195; Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit rivers, 960 pounds, j;7tW: Erie. :52.:365 pounds, §21,133 ; Ontario. 8,801 pounds. §6,161. •* Pike perch (Utizostediun mtreum) is also called blue pike and wall-eyed pike. 154 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Fisheries of the Great Lakes, 1S99 — Continued. Items. Persons employed Vessels and outfits , Tonnage Boats Seines Gill nets - Pound nets and trap nets Fyke nets Lines Other apparatus Shore and accessory property . Cash capital Total investment . PRODUCTS. Black bass Blueflns Bullheads Carp, German Cat-fish --. Crappie Eels Herring, fresh - Herring, salted Ling or lawyers Menominee, fresh Menominee, salted Mooneye Perch - Pike Pike perch (blue pike) Pike perch (walleyed pike) Rock bass Saugers - Sheepshead Sturgeon Suckers, fresh- Suckers, salted _ . . Sun-fish Troac, fresh.. Trout, salted White bass ; White-fish, fresh White- fish, salted Other fish Crawfish Frogs. Turtles Lake Erie. No. 3,738 104 1,665 876 104 41,678 1,734 617 Lbs. 133, 746 3,6133,697 1.003,704 60,000 849 33,437,797 43,836 3,315,496 19,625 4. 544, 786 1,735,174 5,296 3,026,.5(J5 1,147,133 789,402 1,568,734 175, 440 32,024 1,596,524 2,066,314 540 982 67,211 Total 58,393,864 1,150,895 3,407,132 101,040 Value. $439,977 79,466 8,390 229, 182 329, .500 15, 750 3,470 142 , 050, 977 563,700 3,720,554 Value. $9,866 51,456 30,4.51 1,800 61 431,037 867 53,625 1,241 139,301 86, 455 91 75,313 7,651 53,392 18,077 4,363 1,736 30,603 153,009 172 3,334 Lake Ontario. No. 391 387 24 1,187 145 451 Lbs. 511,043 1,000 7,381 133,840 61, 178 35, (iOO 407,017 100, 365 186,996 10, 440 103, 968 189,955 378, 738 148, 449 15.433 3,300 161,935 33,700 '"i,'750' Value. $1,090 8,483 430 18, 674 5,850 5,413 1,355 437 18,440 30,300 80,350 Value. 3,133 18,600 .50 3:34 6,163 2,789 1,034 11,833 5,861 9, 439 837 3,323 17,753 5,101 3,099 853 10,978 1,593 '"306 Total for Great Lakes. No. 9,670 308 3, ,541 3,381 163 105,687 3,837 2,958 Lbs. 196,216 933,378 714, 733 3,674,346 1,468,077 60,000 126,034 45,674,603 14,338,973 143,319 487,470 168, 090 43, 836 9,584,803 4.57,034 4,731,783 3,311,893 300, 403 3, 036, 565 1,380,190 1,130,148 3,801,856 343, 131 385,201 10,068,730 543, 858 1,(J{J3,304 4,937,131 1,56, 88:3 34,471 135, 861 10, 733 67,311 113,738,040 Value. 03, 621 337, 766 11,398 690.518 660, 408 53,571 9, ,561 3, 870 3, 335, 503 1,9.33,000 6,617,716 Value. $14,053 34,111 24, ,544 53, 363 43, 983 1,800 6,313 673, 360 367, 807 1,053 13, 414 5,370 867 156,;3,50 30, 698 148, 740 156, ,503 4,314 75,313 9,513 81. 138 53,305 3,863 7,304 413, 137 19. 139 311,841 389,3:34 7,689 1,754 3,498 998 2,324 2,611,482 The following shows the quantity and value by lakes for the years 1885, 1890, 1893, and 1899: Yield of the fisheries of the Great Lakes in 1SS5, 1S90, 1S93, and 1S99. Lakes. 1885. 1890. 1893. 1899. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lake S u p e - rior 8, 835, 980 23,518,148 11,4.57,170 3, 185, 795 .51,456,517 3, 398, 466 $391,533 878, 788 376,397 40,193 1,109,096 95,869 6,115,992 26,434,266 10,056,381 2,994,571 64,&50,873 3,446,448 $220,968 830,465 231,067 73, .577 1,000,905 134, 786 8,096,937 30,747,7,55 13,(J64,3;38 1,814,311 43,968,335 938,015 $353, 107 838,611 306,381 46,030 805,979 31,, 510 .5,429,6,54 34,499,996 12,418,327 579,067 58,393,864 2,407,132 113,728,040 $150, 863 Lake M i c h - igan Lake Huron. . . Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and Detroit riv- ers Lake Erie Lake Ontario.. 876, 743 308,078 23,864 1,1.50,895 101,040 Total ... 99,843,070 2,691,866 113,898,531 3,471,768 96,619,671 3,370,618 3,611,483 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 155 STURGEON FISHERY OF FLORIDA. The sturgeon fisliery of Florida has never been of great importance, from tlie fact that while sturgeon are quite numerous in the bays and rivers of both the eastern and western parts of the State the supply has generally become exhausted after a few seasons in all localities where, in former years, the fishery has been prosecuted. In eastei'u Florida the catcli of sturgeon in 1889 was 40,G20 pounds, and in 18!)0 it was 28,055 pounds, but since that time none have been taken. The catch in Tampa Bay, on the western side of the State, during the winter of 188(3 and 1887 was about 1,500 sturgeon, which yielded 5,000 pounds of caviar. The following season over 2,000 fish were secured and nearly 6,300 pounds of caviar prepared. The next season only 7 fish were taken and the fisheiy was then abandoned. Since 1S05 there has been more or less sturgeon fishing in the Suwanee River, but it is reported that the fish are now becoming scarce. The sea.son during which sturgeon are taken in the Suwanee extends from Februaiy 1 to May 1, and the fishing is done with gill nets. In the Ockloekonee River sturgeon fishing was prosecuted successfully in 181)8 and 18i)i), but veiy few sturgeon have since been caught there. In the Apalachicola River sturgeon fishing began in 1899 and is still being carried on successfully, but whether the supply will become exhausted in three or four seasons, as has been the case with some of the other rivers of this section, is a matter yet to be determined. Mr. J. N. Cob!) has recently, in connection with other fishery inves- tigations, collected statistics respecting the sturgeon fishery in western Florida in 1900. There were 84 persons engaged in the industry, and the investment amounted to $8,157. The yield of sturgeon, at round weight, for the Suwanee River was 44:,400 pounds; for the Ockloekonee River, .'37,100 pounds, and for the Apalachicola River, 84,000 pounds. These rivers are the only ones where sturgeon are now taken. The total value of sturgeon products for western Florida was 112,901. In the following table, showing the extent of the sturgeon fishery of Florida in 1900, the round and dressed weights of the catch are given: Table showing by iraters the number of xtersons and the amount of caj3ital employed and tlie yield of tlie sturgeon Ji she ry of Florida in 190". Items. Suwannee River. Ockloekonee River. Apalachicola River. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. 18 19 1 10 22 $2,000 290 220 400 47 1 20 20 $2,500 400 600 2(X) 84 2 38 *.5l P.oats. aiiparatns, etc.: $4, .500 8 9 $1,290 1()2 95 1,980 (iill nets 982 695 Total 1.547 2,910 i .3,700 8,157 PHODUCTS. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. LiDs. Value. Lbs. Value. Sturgeon (round weight) Sturneou (dressed weight) 44,4(K) 22,20(1 1,2(MI :i2J'if'u" 1.008 3,672 :57, 100 84,000 U».:{.".0 1 §2,322 40,0(K) 8.50 595 2, 160 "§4,"86o' 1,512 16.5, .500 81,5.50 4,270 " '$9,' 786 3,115 Total 2. «1 i 6, .il2 12,901 4,9.30 yards. 156 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. SPONGE FISHERY OF FLORIDA. The total number of persons engaged in the sponge fishery of Florida in 1900 was 2,245; the investment in vessels, boats, fishing apparatus, and sliore property was 1594,598; and the products amounted to 364,990 pounds, valued at 1567,685. These figures indicate a decided increase in the yield of this fisheiy in recent years. The catch was slightly less than in 1890, but prices have been constantly advancing and the value of the output is now greater than ever before. ' ' Sheeps- wool" sponges are more abundant than at any time since 1895, but there is a marked decrease in the yield as compared with earlier years. This decline, which is probabl}' temporary, has apparently resulted in a larger demand for other grades. The increase in the catch of "yellow" and "grass" sponges has therefore more than compensated, both in quantity and value, for the decline in "sheepswool." The following tables show in detail the extent of the sponge fishery for the yeai- 1900, and also a comparison of the yield and value for the years 1895, 189G, 1899, and 1900: Sponge fishery of Florida, 1900. Items. Key West. Tarpon Springs. Apalachicola. i Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Persons employed : 1,080 669 78 120 180 54 ■39 25 _ 1,239 874 132 Total 1,827 354 64 2,245 Vessels, boats, etc. : 136 1,584 8167,170 15 129 46' $11,831 "ii,'i63' 28, 100 ;553 720 12,907 5 37 5 $3, 150 '3,' 446 3,915 96 45 156 1,750 $182, 151 Tonnage Outfit 166,956 146,450 2,704 2,458 99,200 115, 499 Boats - Apparatus used in vessel 183 228 '178,465 3, 1.53 Apparatus used in boat fl.sh- 3,223 Shore and accessory proiierty 112, 107 Total 518,932 65,014 10,652 594,598 KINDS AND GROUNDS.- Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Catcli by vessels on "Bay" grounds: Sheepswool 79,466 15, 177 26, 731 948 386 $229,401 11,305 8, 140 134 64 12,572 2,376 8,195 $37,046 l,.'i84 2, 185 1,640 464 S4,S34 309 93,678 18,017 3.5,511 948 386 148,540 *!271,281 Yellow 13, 198 585 j 156 10, 481 134 J 64 Total. 122,708 249,044 23,143 40.815 2,689 5,299 295, 158 Catch by vessels on "Key" grounds: Sheepswool Yellow 19,199 10,010 18,266 3, 748 2,141 41,856 8,6a3 5,778 543 1,752 19.199 10.010 18,266 3,748 2,141 41,856 8, 6ai 5,778 Glove 542 1.752 Total 53,364 58,531 1 53,364 58,531 1 ' Includes value of outfit. " " Bay " grounds, i.e., Gulf of Mexico; Florida'. ■ Key " grounds, i. e., vicinity of the islands of southern REPORT OF C0MMISSI0NP:R OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 157 Spunye fishei-y of Florida, 1900 — Continued . KimlsaiKl grounds. Key West. Tarpon Springs. Apalachicola. Total. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Catch by boats on "Bay" Sroiinrls: 19,674 3,793 6,683 337 S57,009 2,827 2,035 34 8,433 2,670 10,894 S24,820 1,780 2,905 996 438 360 $2,934 292 96 29,093 6,901 17,937 237 S84, 763 4,899 Grass 5,036 34 Total 30,387 61,905 21,987 29,505 1,794 3,323 54, 168 94,733 Catch by boats on "Key" grounds: Sheepswool 39,341 20,250 37,551 7, 495 4,281 85,363 17,345 11,968 1,084 3,504 39,341 20,250 37,551 7,495 4,281 85,363 17,345 11,968 1,084 3,504 Total . - - 108,918 119,264 108,918 384,990 119,264 315,377 488,744 45,130 70,320 4,483 8,621 567,685 Yield and value of the sponge fishery in 1895, 1896, 1899, and 1900. Kinds. 1895. 1896. 1899. 1900. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Sheepswool Yellow 331,273 39,509 31,387 23,952 S363, 107 11, 798 5,464 6,503 149, 724 23,655 44,617 18,315 S248, 196 9,318 11,508 3,990 153, 700 55,800 76,900 18,000 $333,390 16,205 14,319 5,000 181,311 55, 178 109,265 19,2;S6 $483,363 44, 045 a3,263 Other 7,114 Total 306,130 386,871 336,311 373,013 304,400 367,914 364, 990 567, 685 FISHERIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES. A condensed statement of the results of the investigations of the Mississij)pi River and tributaries has already been jiublished as sta- tistical bulletin No. 1 07. The total number of persons engaged in the fisheries of these waters was 11,218, the capital invested amounted to $1,883,875, and the products aggregated 94,713,402 pounds, valued at 11,771,812. The most important apparatus of capture employed in these fish- eries is fyke nets. They exceed in value all other forms of apparatus, and are more extensively used in this region than in all the other fishing sections of the United States combined. Among the products of these fislieries, bufi'alo-fish is most promi- nent, the yield being 14,215,975 pounds, valued at $349,913. Cat-fish is also very abundant, the quantity taken being 7,648,179 pounds, valued at $339,800. German carj) stands next in value and is greater in ([uantity, the catch being 11,868,840 pounds, valued at $289,258. Mussel shells constitute another important product, due to their use in the manufacture of pearl buttons, the quantity secured being 45,504,000 pounds, for which the fishermen received $207,187. Other important products were crappie, worth $61,400; black bass, worth $56,652; paddle-fish, worth $55,514; suckers, worth $40,340; frogs, $53,054 158 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Since the canvass of these fisheries for 1894 there has been a large increase in the quantity and value of i^roducts. The products of the fisheries of the Illinois River, the most important tributary of the Mississippi from a fishery point of view, have more than doubled in quantity and value during that period, and are now worth 1380,284, more than two-thirds of which was received for German carp. There has also been a substantial increase in the fisheries of other rivers. In 1800 the fishery products of this river system were greater in quan- tity and nearly equal in value to the entire output of all the interior waters, exclusive of the Great Lakes, of the United States in 1894. Fisheries of the Mississippi River and tributaries, 1899. Items. Mississippi River and minor tribu- taries. Missouri River and tributaries. Illinois River and tributaries. Ohio River and minor tributa- ries. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Persons employed . - . 7,059 4,oa3 "1761795" 6,086 13, -393 36.803 75, 548 30 2,660 8,200 987 1,791 594,773 473, 150 820 686 "'S8,"237" 897 1,017 698 1,102 1,095 $37,658 844 $19,393 3,285 Crowfoot grapples, rakes, forks, and 511 16,119 4 63 355 5,376 121 1,135 4,134 5,457 140 7,421 12 20,069 41,465 340 180 3,703 2 7, .500 Fyke nets Gill nets 23,084 15 Trammel nets Shrimp traps Other apparatus Shore and accessory 48 1,077 44 1,047 936 11,614 27 125,217 1S3,3IK) 51,466 1,287,216 278,309 113,873 104,670 PKODUCTS. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. Lbs. Value. 375,073 7,616,889 3,272,716 3,445,775 480, 348 8,250 1,448,900 52,651 13, 430 6, 300 1,880,061 159,871 144,314 50,900 33,620 $17, 133 173,604 65, 535 141,497 31,303 56 30, 589 2,559 32 197 41,315 5,126 7,196 2,381 1,202 3,970 549,012 44,915 467,038 10,837 $383 20,934 1,587 30,403 776 104,589 2,324,553 8.436,887 976,845 295, 134 802, 750 245,068 10,203 5, WO $9,309 64,032 215,305 35,802 11,670 8,695 5,075 498 75 11,119 407,020 90, 863 723,449 7,907 $1,090 Buftalo-flsh 20,260 Carp, German Cat-Hsh 4.836 37,894 Crannie 585 Drum or slieepshead. EeJs 99,4a5 2,525 3,834 224 610,451 6,061 2.50 10,726 119, 179 30 13,778 4,831 6,240 6,955 14, 161 64,661 402,393 4, 740 ""'33J36' 250 3.51) 13.825 37,075 388 Hicljory shad 20 489 Paddle fish 99,900 15,330 10,890 3,348 1,058 668 26,515 17, 111 11,526 43,074 1,082 1,078 674 962 5,495 Pike or pickerel Pike perch ( wall- 5 1,379 425 Saiigers or sand pike. Shad 556 3.55 Sturgeon, lake Sturgeon, shovel -nose Suckers Sun-fish 178.881 496,614 980, 151 171.261 28,015 17,281 3,810 170,872 198,954 200,058 15,564.000 3,750 182 70,300 5,230 9,681 22, 1.58 4,467 1,327 389 119 18,801 3,834 16,095 '^ 307, 187 938 455 26, 739 25,520 75, 130 397,290 1,061 3,118 10,944 635 18,374 67,790 .508, 180 109,933 12, 700 2.3 378 1,400 10,931 3,861 2m 835 3,076 23,044 273 3,140 600 112 27 Yellow perch Other fish 1,946 18 Frogs Turtles and terrapin . 36.610 517, 916 3,224 11,950 210 658 Caviar Total products. . 66,971,227 827,014 1,704,5