MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY. Received ''~^^\y^::Y..^:...ly.J.A..-.. Accession No. /..^....X.y .-. Given by ^L/.^.>r^^.^'.< C<^. Place, *,t*flo book OP pamphlet is to be pemoved fpom the Iiab- opatopy tuithout the pepmission of the Trustees. h^V \VA^X\; U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner. P^ET XXIII REPORT THE COMMISSIONER THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1897. WASHINGTOIT: GOVEENilENT PRINTING- OFFICE. 189 8. ^ny CONTENTS, Report of the Commissioner v-xvii Report on the Propagation anfl Distribntion of Food-fishes. By W. deC. Ra veuel x viii-xc Report of the Division of Scientific Inquiry. By Hugh M. Smith.. . xci-cxxiv Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By Hngh M. Smith cxxv-cxlvi Report on the Work of the Albatross. (Abstract.) By J. F. Moser, Lieut. Commander, U. S. Xary cxlvii-clxxi APPENDIX. A Manual of Fish-culture, based on the Methods of the United States Com- mission of Fish and Fisheries, with Chapters on the Cultivation of Oysters and Frogs (Plates 1-62 and i-xviii) 1-340 III REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1897. I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries for the year ending June 30, 1897, with reports from the assistants in charge of its different divisions, showing the work in detail, together with an appendix describing the methods offish-culture pursued by the Commission. The work of the Division of Fish-Culture has been very satisfactory, showing a gratifying increase in the propagation and distribution of the important food-fishes. In addition to the stations mentioned last year, those at San Marcos, Tex., Manchester, Iowa, and Bozeman,Mont., have been completed and are now in operation. Attention has been paid to carrying out the policy outlined in my former report, of increasing the production of the commercial species propagated by the Commission on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes, by establishing auxiliary hatcheries in connection with the permanent stations, for the extension of the field for the collection of eggs. The use of Battle Creek Station, Shasta County, Cal., obtained through the cooperation of the California Fish Commission, resulted in the collection of over 25,000,000 salmon eggs in addition to the 5,000,000 collected at Baird Station. In the Columbia River Basin the plants of fry were increased by the establishment of temporary stations on the Salmon River in Oregon and the Little White Salmon River in Washington, the two stations yielding over 4,700,000 eggs. The total collection at the Pacific stations, amounting to 37,000,000, was over three times greater than the collection of any previous season. 5,000,000 quinnat-salmon eggs were transferred to eastern stations, and the fry resulting from them were i)lanted in the Hudson, Delaware, and St. Lawrence rivers. New York, and the Penobscot and Union rivers, Maine. Additional assignments of steelhead eggs were also sent east, and plants of the fry were made in the Penobscot and Hudson rivers and tributaries of Lakes Michigan and Superior. The cod work at the Massachusetts stations was the most extensive ever accomplished by the Commission, over 178,000,000 eggs being collected. 97,419,000 frj- were hatched and liberated on the natural spawning-grounds by means of the steamer Fish HaivJx and sailing vessels chartered for the purpose. VI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. For the inaiutenance of the lobster fishery, which has beeu steadily declining for a number of years, it was arranged not only to cover the region in the vicinity of Woods Hole and Gloucester stations, but also to make systematic collections of eggs from fishermen between Rock- land, Me., and Noank, Conn. The schooner Grampus was utilized on the Maine coast for the collection of jeggs and the liberation of fry, and the steamer Fish Hawlc was employed as a floating hatchery at Casco Bay. Agents v^ere stationed at Kittery, Me. ; Boston, Plymouth, and New Bedford, Mass., and points in Connecticut, who collected egg lob sters for transportation to the hatcheries of Gloucester and Woods Hole. As a result of this extension of the work, over 128,000,000 eggs were secured and 115,000,000 fry planted. During the spring and summer particular attention was paid to the food, habits, and growth of the young lobster, and much valuable information was obtained at Woods Hole, where experiments were conducted in the holding of the fry during the molting stages. Preliminary to the establishment of auxiliary shad-hatcheries on the South Atlantic Coast, the Fish Hawk was detailed early in the winter to make investigations on certain important rivers in that section for the x^^^rpose of determining their value as collecting fields for egga. Proceeding to Palatka, Fla., the vessel was anchored at the mouth of the Ocklawaha liiver and arrangements were made to collect eggs from fishermen operating on the St. Johns between Welaka and Sanford, where most of the fishing is done. Large numbers of shad were taken daily in the nets and seines, and valuable information with reference to their habits and movements was obtained, but only three or four ripe fish were secured. At the end of March the vessel proceeded to Albemarle Sound and commenced oi^erations at Avoca, IST. C, at the mouth of the Chowan River. The work at that point resulted in the collection of over 27,000,000 shad eggs and the liberation of 16,000,000 fry at the head of the sound. During the months of April, May, and June the usual shad operations were conducted on the Delaware, Potomac, and Susquehanna rivers, the total collection of eggs for the season resulting in a distribution of 131,545,500 yearlings, fry, and eggs. From the experience gained this year there is little doubt that the col- lection of shad eggs can be largely increased by the establishment of auxiliary stations on other rivers of the South Atlantic Coast. The work on the Great Lakes was attended with good results, though the collection of eggs was seriously interfered with by severe gales, which destroyed the fishing gear during the spawning season. Over 18,000,000 lake- trout eggs were secured on Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Ontario, besides 126,000,000 whitefish eggs on Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Erie; 13,509,000 yearlings, fry, and eggs of the lake trout and 95,019,000 whitefish fry were distributed. At the interior stations devoted to the production of trout, bass, and crappie the work of restocking inland streams and lakes has progressed satisfactorily. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. YII In coutiuuatiou of the experimeuts of previous years, to introduce lobsters aud easteru oysters on the Pacific coast, 20 adult male lobsters and 09 leuuiles, with eggs, were taken from New England and liberated near Monterey, Gal., in November, 189G, and at the same time 25 barrels of o-year-old oysters were planted on suitable grounds in Humboldt Bay, near Eureka, Cal., and an equal number in Yaquina Bay, Oregon. On the same trip 129 diamond-backed terrapin from Chesapeake Bay and South Carolina were planted in San Francisco Bay under the direction of the California Fish Commission. The following table shows the numbers of tish and eggs furnished for distribution by the various stations: Source of supply. Species. Eggs. Fry and iingerlings. Adults and yearlings. 77, 000 61,000 .33, OUO 894, 500 50, 000 ■' 164 30, 000 40, 000 7G9 10, 000 390, 000 35, 666 1, 653, 671 Craig Brook. Me Atlantic sahuon 235, 172 10 880 916.449 7 401 2 219 Rainbow trout Lake trout 11,552 10, 411 36 342 651 Steelhead trout 55, 75C 1,341 238, 044 495, 400 10, OOU 47, 869. 000 62, 305, 000 652. 000 64,419,000 35, 953, 000 64, 095, OUO 624, 000 193, 000 18. 000 1, 290, 000 10, 600 1, 958, 000 48, 000 750, 000 58, 066, 500 4. 616. 065 50, 862, 000 450, 000 11 270 St. Jolmsburv, Vt Brook trout Steelhead trout Lobster Cod 140, 000 Gloucester, Mass AVoods Hole. Mas.s Cod Fia tflsh Tautog Sea bass Cajje Vincent, X. V Steelhead trout Whitefish steamer Fish Hawk Shad * 3, 230, 000 Lobster Battery Island, ilil Shad 1 1. 294, 000 Striped bass Fish Lakes, D. C 38, 492 2,688 liock ba.-i8 5 070 Shad 1 500 000 Central Station, U. C lirook trout 2,202 7, 479 2, 209 4,338 7,516 25, 346, 000 Rainbow trout Lake trout Quinnat salmon Shad t 2, 070, 000 39, 707, 000 245, OOO Bryan Point. Mil do Wytheville, Va Kainljow trout 120. 100 79, 754 Black bass, large-mouth 55 Roc k bass 11,615 Put-in Bav. Ohio Whitetish 60, 309, 000 794, 400 7, 299, 000 - Black ba.ss, small-moutli 31 Korth ville. Mich 1, 252, 000 12, 000 5,280,660 1 97, 500 6,500 15, 000 32. 000 32, 000, 000 ; )'>rook trout 2.000 Alpena, Mich Steelliead trout Whitefish * 2.819,000 planted in Delaware River. Kew Jersey ; 411, ♦ Shad egg.>j sent to Xash ville Exposition. 000 sent to Xashville Exposition. VIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP PISH AND FISHERIES. Statement offish and eggs ftirntshed for distribution, etc. — Coutinued. Source of supply. Species. *^ " j flngerlings. Adults and yearlings. Duluth Minn 74 000 4, 768, 000 15, 400 200 1 990 000 Rainbow trout Whiteflsh ! Black bass, large-mouth 32 375 Crappie 3,418 1 025 Yellow perch - Pickerel i i . - 1.700 41, 222 158, 000 97. 000 96, 200 60, 125 15 660 32 940 3 129 ] 11 7,50 30, 000 5, 000 5,000 140,000 500 27, 500 42, 200 287, 000 7,931 1,996,086 280 250 94 000 Baird, Cal 4, 337, 500 do 124, 750 22, 000 22, 100 202, 000 145, 365 173, 387 55, 000 30 000 275 50, 000 Korbcl Cal . ... Battle Creek, Cal 13, 895, 090 Bear Valley, Cal Clackamas, Oreg 635, 000 4, 642, 034 100, OOO 1, 848, 760 .180,000 . .do do do station. Wash. do The following table sliows, by species, tlie flsli and eggs distributed by the Commission during the year : Species. Shad 1 2,819,000 Quinnat salmon ; 18, 262, 590 Atlantic salmon 390, 000 Landlocked salmon Silver salmon Steelhead trout Loch Leven trout Rainbow trout Von Behr trout Black-spotted trout Brook trout Lake trout Swiss lake trout Tellow-fin trout Golden trout Whitefish Yellow perch Pickerel Striped bass Lake herring Black bass (large-mouth) . Black basa (small-mouth) . Crappie Rock bass Strawberry bass Codfish Flatfish Lobster Tautog Mackerel Sea bass 50, 000 32, 000 341, 200 332, 000 1, 252, 000 .Fry. 130, 226, 500 13, 834, 261 1, 705, 010 61, 000 298, 137 439, 045 17, 209 254, 801 22, 100 42, 200 943, 004 12, 247, 738 10, 000 7,930 35, 000 95, 049, 000 Adults and yearlings. 1, 500, 000 7,198 234, 799 12, 566 10, 645 500 172, 122 1,680 84, 506 9,411 36, 082 450, 000 7, 299, 000 98, 258, 000 64, 095, 000 115,606,065 624, 000 652, 000 193, 000 1,025 1,700 95, 358 2,719 2,125 42, 687 3,129 Total. 134, 545, .500 32, 104, 049 2, 329, 809 150, 566 298, 137 499, 690 49, 709 768,123 23, 780 42, 200 1, 359, 510 13, 509, 149 36, 082 7,930 45, 000 95, 049, 000 1,025 1,700 450, 000 7, 299, 000 95, 358 2,719 2, 125 42, 687 3 129 98, 258! 000 64, 095, 000 115, 606, 065 624, 000 652, 000 193, 000 Total I 23,565,790 I 542.360,000 \ 2,218,252 , 568,144,042 Note.— 3,036,000 shad fry were released in the fish-ponds at Washington, D. C, for rearing, and are not to be included in the summation. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES IX The distributing ears traveled 87,550 miles during the year, and detached messengers traveled 119,055 miles, in the distribution of the fishes liberated. The Commission is under continued obligations to various railroads in the United States for free transportation furnished during the year, as shown in the following statement: ICame of railroad. Ann Arbor Railroad Atcliison, Topeka and Santa Fe. Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. Boston and Maine Railroad Burlington and ^Missouri River, in Nebraska Burlingtcm, Cedar Rapids and Northern Central Vermont Railroad Chicago and West Michigan Chicago, Burlington and t^tiincj. Chicago, Mihvaiikeeaiid St. Paul Chicago. Pet>ria and St. Lnuis ... Colorado Midland Railroad Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Cooperstown and Charlotte Yal- ley Chicago and Xorthwestern Rail- road Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad . . Delaware and Hudson River Denver and Rio Grande Denver, Leadvilleand Gunnison.! Detroit and Mackinac Railroad.. Duluth, South Shore and Atlan- tic Railroad Flint and Pere Marquette Florida Central and Peninsular . Fremont, Elkhoru and Missouri Valley Fort Worth and Denver City Grand Rapids and Indiana Great Northern Railroad Houston and Texas Central Illinois Central Railroad International and Great North- ern Jacksonville. Tampa and Key West Cars. Miles. 460 3,717 Messen- I gers. Name of railroad. 1,288 1,754 123 1,0G7 1, 8'?2 Miles. 552 65 964 104 2,101 292 556 3,470 353 ,194 750 554 2,620 491 3,045 1,124 354 444 375 552 3,629 272 170 584 4,039 831 188 122 500 436 1,658 526 Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memjihis , Kansa.s City, Pittsburg and Gulf Louisville and Nashville Rail- road Maine Central Railroad Michigan Central Railroad Mobile and Ohio Railroad Montana Union Railroad Montpelier and Wells River Railroad Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. ;Marie Railroad Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis New York, New Haven and Hartford New York, Ontario and Western. Northern P'acitic Railroad Oregon Railway and Navigation Co Philadelphia, Reading and New England Rutland Railway San Antonio and Aransas Pass.. St. Johnsbnry and Lake Cham- plain " St. Louis and San Francisco Southern Pacific Railroad Southern Railway Texas and Pacific Railroad Terre Haute and Indianapolis. . . Union Pacific Railroad Union Pacific, Denver and Gulf. Vermont Central Railroad Wabash Railroad West Virginia and Pittsburg- . . Wisconsin Central Railroad "Woodstock Railroad Cars. Messen- i gers. Miles. I Miles. 308 3,616 2,436 4, 866 1,-018 116 646 "90 138 ■ 200 3.020 934 151 69 749 136 236 58 376 1,956 180 375 6, 112 154 1,240 256 151 1,021 Total. 462 55, 908 119 426 82 3,456 208 166 28 28, 984 The scientific work of the Commission has an important bearing on the artificial increase of food-fishes in determining the best methods to pursue in fish -culture, in ascertaining the results of propagation, and in the study of the habits, growth, food, enemies, and diseases of fish. The Division of Scientific Inquiry was under the charge of Mr. Eichard Rathbun until December 31, 189G, when, on his resignation to accept the i)Osition of assistant secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Hugh ]M. Smith was ai)pointed assistant in charge of that division. Many special field investigations have been made, besides the usual systematic intjuiries covering interior waters. Field parties, during the summer of 1890, continued the examination of the lakes and streams in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Califor- nia, some of the iinrestigations being the continuation of work begun in previous years. The inquiries have embraced studies of the habits, abundance, distribution, and spawning-grounds of the fishes found in X KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. tliese waters, special attention being given to the salmon as the impor- tant commercial fish of the region. The physical features, including temperature, depth, etc., of the waters, have been studied because of their bearing on fish life, and valuable data obtained. Collections of the fishes, crustaceans, and the other inhabitants of the waters have been made. Investigations were carried on in August and September in the lower Columbia Eiver Basin, in order to determine on a suitable site for an auxiliary hatchery to be operated in connection with the station on the Clackamas River, and a point was selected. on the Little White Salmon Eiver where salmon were observed in greatest abundance. At the request of citizens of New Orleans, an examination of the waters at the mouth of the Pearl River, Mississippi, was made to determine if anything could be done toward increasing the abundance of food and game fishes. Similar investigations were also made in the Sabine and Neches rivers in southeastern Texas, and in the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana; and during the spring and summer months a study was made of the food of the commercial fishes found in Lake Superior. An account of these various investigations and inquiries, as well as of other studies bearing on the subject of fish culture, is found in the apijended report of the Division of Scientific Inquiry. The investigation already begun as to the condition of the coast fisheries of Florida, more particularly the sponge and oyster fisheries, pursuant to Senate resolution of February 15, 1895, has been com- pleted. The report sent to the Senate January 28, 1897, and published, gives an account of the inquiries and the conclusions reached. The work of the joint commission appointed to investigate the fisheries of the contiguous waters of the United States and Canada, on which Mr. Richard Rathbun, of this Commission, represented the United States, has been completed. The report of the Commissioners was transmitted to Congress by the President February 4, 1897, and certain of the conclusions and recommendations therein are quoted elsewhere in this report (pp. cv-cxvii). The laboratory of the Commission at Woods Hole was opened as usual in the summer of 1896, its privileges being extended to a number of representatives from well-known educational institutions. The Commission continues to receive, through its agents and from others interested, reports showing the results of fish-culture, some of which may be mentioned. While seining the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal during the month of March, 1897, over 4,000 crappie, from 4 to 1 pound in weight, were cap- tured between Little Falls, District of Columbia, and Seneca, Md,, and liberated in the Potomac River. These resulted from plants made by the Commission in 1894. The superintendent of the St. Johnsbury (Vt.) station reports the capture of numbers of rainbow trout in Sleepers River in 1896-97. One of the specimens, captured in May, 1897, was 1 inches long, weighed ^ pound, and contained ripe eggs. Specimens over 5 pounds in weight REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XI were also taken in Otto Creek during the spring of 1897. These are generally lound in the lower sections of the streams in deeper water than that usually inhabited by the brook trout. Lake trout were also reported by the same authority as being abundant in Caspian Lake, where plants of that species were made some years ago by the Com- mission. In certain streams in eastern Tennessee, which have been stocked with rainbow trout within the last few years, excellent fishing is now reported. The probability of the steelhead trout becoming successfully intro- duced in many waters of the interior and Eastern States is indicated by the results already attained in some regions. In the spring of 1896 the Commission planted 35,000 fry iu Sucker and Frencli rivers, Minne- sota, and 50,000 iu other streams in that State. Mr. S. P. Wires, super- intendent of the station at Duluth, reports, under date of June 14, 1897, that the number and condition of the steelhead trout in the two rivers named warrant the belief that the species is well adapted to that section. On June 13, 1897, 80 steelheads, from 6 to 8 inches long, were caught in Sucker River. One of the most interesting attempts made by the Commission to secure the introduction of food-fishes into new waters has been the planting of joung Atlantic salmon in the Delaware River, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Pish Commission. In 1895, as shown in the last report of this Commission, over 300 full-grown salmon were taken. In- 1896 record of the capture of 142 fish was obtained by the oifice; these weighed 1,697 pounds. Others were undoubtedly taken and not reported. The outlook for the season of 1897 was considered good, and at the first haul of a large shad seine at Gloucester, X. J., a 15-pound salmon was caught; but the record for the year was poor. The cod fisliermen of Massachusetts, with practical unanimity, ascribe their successful fishing on parts of the coast to the work of the Gloucester and Woods Hole hatcheries. The "rip fishing," which h:!S a^jpareutly been established and maintained by the very large plants of fry, continues jjrofitable. Many statements have been received from fishermen as to the abundanceof cod in the inshore waters and their pres- ence on new grounds, especially on the southern part of Massachusetts. The following note is typical of a number of letters that might be quoted : Possibly it will interest you to kuow that the "rock" cod, as we call them, caught along our shores within a mile or so of the coast and. from the hold shore itself at times, have increased in number Avithin the last two or three years. The present season the^' are remarkably abundant. Early in April (1897), when the herring were in, they could be caught with hand lines by the dory load, and just recently (May) have been caught from the rocky points along the shore, which has not been the case to any extent for twenty-five or thirty years befoi'e. They weigh from 2 to 10 pounds. Reports from various localities along the coast of Massachusetts indicate that young lobsters are abundant, and if the work is continued on the same scale as in the past three or four years it is believed that this fishery will be fully reestablished. XII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. A plan has been adopted to bring to the knowledge of those inter- ested reliable and prompt statistics of the fisheries, by means of monthly bulletins showing the quantity and value of the catch landed at certain important ports, as well as special bulletins relating to the condition of the fisherj^ industries. These reports are issued to those engaged in the business and to the various boards of trade. As this plan has received general commendation from those interested, it is designed to extend the system to embrace all centers of the fishing trade. At the end of each year these statistics will be issued in complete form, and comprehensive and reliable data will be at once available. The field inquiries, described at length in the accompanying report of the Division of Statistics, covered an extensive territory, and attention may be called to some of the more important. The canvass of the shad and alewife fisheries, which is of special interest on account of the fish-cultnral operations with shad during recent years, has been very exhaustive, including statistics of the per- sons employed, appliances used, extent and value of the fisheries, and other special information. It was developed that in 189(5 there were 27,000 persons engaged in these fisheries and a capital invested of about $2,17'2^00(). The catch amounted to 50,775,000 pounds of shad and 62,060,000 pounds of alewives, valued at $1,656,000 and $409,000, respectively. The results of the canvass of the fisheries of the Pacific States are embodied in a special report published as an appendix to the report for 1896. The leading fishery product of this region is the chinook salmon, and the next most important is the oyster. In 1895 17,305 i^ersons were engaged in the various branches of the industry and $7,275,000 were invested. In some sections the fisheries are largely increased, San Diego and Los Angeles counties especially having built up consid- erable new trade with the interior States, though San Francisco con- tinues to be the chief trade center for the reception and distribution of the products. » For the calendar year 1896 there has been a falling off in the quanti- ties of fisli landed by American fishing vessels at the ports of Boston and Gloucester, as compared with the prior year, the decrease affecting both ports. The aggregate receipts were 130,673,766 pounds, valued at $3,286,898. Each species participated in the decrease, except halibut and mackerel, though at Boston the amount of cod lauded was in excess of the previous years. Inquiries during the summer of 1896 confirm the previous reports that the shad and striped bass introduced on the Pacific coast continue to increase, the former being so plentiful as to retail at very low iirices. The striped bass are specially numerous in the San Francisco Bay region, and their rate of increase is such that at present their artificial propagation need not be considered. The regular annual investigations of the fur-seal rookeries, under the direction of this ofiice, were carried on duriug the summer of 1890 in REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIII coimectioii with tlie special commission appointed by the President in accordance with tlie joint resolution of Congress approved June 8, 1890, to investigate into the condition of the fur-seal herd. The Fish Commission representatives on the fur-seal commission were Lieut. Commander J. F. Moser, U. S. N., and Mr. C. H. Townsend. During the summer of 1896, the steamer Albatross was engaged in Alaskan waters, having been detailed by the President to the Treasury Department for the use of the si)ecial commission. The vessel returned via Japan and Honolulu, arriving at Sausalito, Cal., December 11. On the 15th she was relieved from further duty in connection with the Treasury Department, and, after pressing repairs had been completed, sailed for San Diego December 30. The recent very marked development of the fisheries oft' the coast of southern California makes it desirable that the extent, resources, and location of the principal fishing-banks be ascertained, and during the early part of the year 1897 the Albatross was engaged in provisional examinations of the fishing-grounds oft' the coast of Los Angeles County, Monterey, and in the vicinity of the Farallone Islands, to discover the possibilities of a further extension of the oft'-shore fisheries. For the first time in many years the vessel was available for exclusive fishery work, and accordingly preparations were made for a systematic study of the streams of southeast Alaska, to determine their resources and the abundance, movements, and habits of their fishes. The active prosecution of the fisheries in certain streams threatens to seriously reduce the sujjply unless effective measures are taken to offset the destruction. The conditions are so different along the 3,000 miles of Alaskan coast that no general law is aj)iilicable to all parts of the Territory. The Albatross was prepared for this cruise at Sausalito, Cal., and on May 8 set sail for the Straits of Fuca. Observations and dredg- ings were made off Cape Flattery and in the Puget Sound region, and on May 29 the vessel, having been docked, started on a northern cruise. Inijuiries were begun at Mary Island, southeast Alaska, and at the close of the fiscal year were being systematically carried on along the coast. In accordance with the act of Congress approved December 22, 1896, the L^nited States Fish Commission took part in the Tennessee Centen- nial Exposition, which opened at Nashville May 1, and isnowin progress. Mr. W. de C. Raven el was appointed representative on the board of man- agement having charge of the Government exhibit. Fifteen thousand five hundred dollars and 5,000 square feet of space were allotted for the exhibit of the Fish Commission, which was arranged to show the char- acter of the work performed by each of its divisions, the methods and apparatus employed, and the results attained. The material was col- lected and installed by the time of opening of the Government building May 17, 1897. An aquarium 120 feet long, containing 22 tanks, has been provided, with an equal number of tanks for salt and fresh water, respectively, arranged in an ornamental manner on each side of a grotto. The XIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FI^^HERIES. live-fish exhibit is intended to show the food-fishes propagated by the Commission, as well as a large number of important economic fishes of the Mississippi Eiver Valley, and the Southern States. In the section of scientific inquiry are exhibited models of the vessels of the Commission, models and tyi^es of ap])aratus for collecting, assort- ing, and preserving specimens, and samples of the various appliances used in physical observations. The results of the scientific work are shown by means of charts, specimens of corals, starfish, sea-urchins, and various invertebrate animals, besides an extensive collection of oysters. Models of pound nets, seines, spears, hooks, trawls, etc., illustrate the methods employed in the fisheries of the Southern States, and a series of models of fishing vessels shows their development from the crude craft first used in this country to the vessels now employed. In the fish-cultnral section hatching apjoaratus has been erected to illustrate practical fish-culture, and during the summer eggs of various species will be sent to the exposition and hatched. In the office of the architect and engineer various maps, charts, and illustrations have been made, and jilausand specifications prepared for the alterations and additions authorized, and repairs necessary at the diiferent stations. Work at the new stations in Texas, Montana, and Iowa, which was in progress at the beginning of the year, has been completed. At San ]Marcos, Tex., contracts were given out during the summer for the various constructions necessary to complete the station, and by the middle of November the office and workshop were finished. During the fail and early winter a concrete basin was built around the well, 4,000 feet of pathways were laid out, a roadway 3,000 feet long was built, the grounds were graded and fenced, and a number of suitable ornamental trees were set out. Ponds were excavated and the station was in condition for fish-cultural work in December. At Bozeman, Mont., the work was completed with the funds made available by the appropriation of June, 1896, and the station turned over to the superintendent on the 1st of January, 1S97. The station consists of a hatchery with a ca])acity of about 500,000 eggs, an eight- room cottage for the superintendent, an ice-house, a barn, and other outbuildings. Four stock ponds, eight rectangular j)onds for rearing yearling fish, and twelve nursery ponds were at this time ready for use. Work on the Manchester Station was promptly begun after July 1, and a hatchery, superintendent's dwelling, mess-house, barn, and other necessary buildings were erected, and an old farm-house on the site remodeled for foreman's quarters. Twelve small rearing-ponds were completed and eight large ones excavated; a wagon bridge was built across the Spring Branch, the hatchery connected with the water supply by a 14-inch pipe, and, though the large ponds were not lined, the station was in condition to begin active work in January. An act of Congress approved June 8, 1896, provided for improvements at IS'orthville Station, Michigan, and in accordance therewith arrange- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XV ments were made for building- a new liatchery and superintendent's residence ; bj' December 1 botli buildings were completed. The hatcliery is a two-story building, 69 feet long by 40 wide. Tlie first floor is utilized for liatcliing operations and is equipped with the Clark-Williamson and also with ordinary gravel troughs. It has a capacity for about 12,000,000 eggs. The cottage is a two-story frame structure with a cellar and attic, 40 by 31 feet, and contains four rooms and a hall on the first fioor and six rooms on the second. Improvements to the water supply were made so that the flow from one spring was increased from 180 to 438 gallons per minute, and as it appeared that the rotting timber in the old rearing- house was injuriously affecting the water from the other spring, the building was torn down, the ground graded, and a stone wall built around the spring. Another artesian well was also driven, which fur- nishes 50 gallons of clear, cold water per minute, which will be of value in regulating the temperature of the creek water used for the ponds. The cottage formerly used as a superintendent's residence was moved to a new location and remodeled for foreman's quarters. For the new station in Tennessee, authorized by act of Congress approved August 8, 1894, after an examination of various localities throughout the State a site was selected at Erwin, Unicoi County, which appeared to combine all the important features necessary for a flsh- cultural station, there being an ample supply of cold spring water, rail- road connections, and facilities for collecting brood fish and eggs. The ])roperty was surveyed and, as soon as a title was obtained, was trans- ferred to the Fish Commission. Plans and specifications for the build- ings, ponds, and water supply were made and a railroad siding arranged for. A telephone line was constructed, and at the close of the fiscal year contracts for the construction of the hatchery and buildings had been let and some progress made in excavating for the water suj)ply and ponds. Early in the summer steps were taken to have the station at Wythe- ville, Ya., formally turned over to the Commission by the State of Virginia, the necessary appropriation having been secured for this purpose. Upon an investigation by the Department of Justice, how- ever, it was found that the act passed by the Virginia legislature on March 2, 1894, was defective, and an arrangement was accordingly entered into between the Commissioner and the board of jiublic works of the Commonwealth of Virginia, by which the Commission assumed control of the property pending the comj)letion of the title. The act a])proved June 11, 1890, provided for the establishment of a station in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and accordingly in Decem- ber, 1896, a careful examination of a number of available localities was made, and a site in the vicinity of Spearfish was found to be most suitable. An abundant supply of clear, cold spring water, with a sufficient fall for a gravity system for the hatchery and ponds, is available. The point is dose to a railroad line and easy of access, and the topography of the land is such that the necessary constructions can be economically made. XVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. A further examiuatiou will be made during the dry summer season, to determine if the water supply will be sufticient at all times of tbe year. Further investigations with reference to the selection of a fish-cultural station in the State of New Hampshire, authorized by an act approved March 2, 1895, were made in December and January, and as soon as an examiuatiou during the dry season can be completed a site will be definitely selected and the construction of the station begun. Necessary alterations and additions to the machinery of the Commis- sion have been made under the direction of the naval engineer, who also prei^ared drawings and specifications for new boilers for the steamer Fish HmcTc. This ofQce also prepared plans for the pumps aud other machinery for the exhibit of the Commission at the Nashville Exposi- tion aud superintended the installation of the jdaut. During the year the bound Bulletin for 1896, the bound reports of the Commission for the years 1893, 1894, and 1895, and the report for 1890 in pamphlet form were issued, and, in addition, the following pamphlet extracts from the Eeports for 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896, and the Bulletin for 1896: Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, including the rejiorts on the divisions of iish-cnltnre, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by Mar- shiill MfDonald. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 1-175. 1896. The Russian fur-seal islands, by Leonard Stejneger. Bulletin for 1896, xvi, pp. 1-148, plates 1-66. 1896. Remarks on the movements and breeding-grounds of the fur-seal, based on observa- tions made while on the United States naval patrol of Bering Sea in 1894, by John J. Brice. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 573-577. A report upon salmon investigations in the headwaters of the Columbia River, in the State of Idaho, in 1895; together with notes uiiou the fishes observed in that State in 1894 and 1895, by Barton W. Evermann. Bulletin for 1896, xvi, pp. 149-202, plates 67-72. The artificial propagation of the rainbow trout, by George A. Seagle. Bulletin for 1896, XAI, pp. 237-256, plates 88-94. 1896. .The artificial i)ropagation of salmon on the Pacific Coast of the United States, with notes on the natural history of the ([uinnat salmon, by Livingston Stone. Bul- letin for 1896, xxi, pp. 203-235, plates 73-87. Report upon the o])erations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross for the year ending June 30, 1894, by Z. L. Tanner and F. J. Drake. Report for 1894, XX, pp. 197-278, plates 6-8. 1896. Description of a closing tow net for submarine use at all depths, by C. H. Town- send. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 279-282, plates 9, 10. 1896. The whitefishes of North America, bv Barton W. Evermann and Hugh M, Smith. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 283-324, plates 11-28. 1896. A report upon the fishes of the Missouri River Basin, by Barton W. Evermann and Ulysses O. Cox. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 325-429. 1896. A review of the foreign fishery trade of the United States, by Charles H. Stevenson. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 431-571. 1896. The ichthyological collections of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross during thel years 1890 and 1891, by Charles H. Gilbert. Report for 1893, xix, pp. 393-476, plates 20-35. 1896. An annotated catalogue of the fishes known from the State of Vermont, by Barton W. Evermann and W. C. Kendall. Report for 1894, xx, pp. .579-604. A report upon the fishes of southwestern Minnesota, by Ulysses 0. Cox. Report for 1894, XX, pp. 605-616. 1896. List of publications of the U. S. Comnussion of Fish and Fisheries from its estab- lishment, in 1871, to February, 1896, by Charles W. Scudder. Report for 1894, XX, pp. 617-706. 1896. Deep-sea explorations: A general description of the steamer Albatross, her appli- ances and methods, by Z. L. Tanner. Bulletin for 1896, xvi, pp. 257-428, plates i-XL. 1897. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, including the reports on the divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by Mar- shall McDonald. Report for 1895, xxi, pp. 1-123. 1896. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XVII Report upon the investigations of the U. S. Fish Commiissiou steamer Albatross for thd year ending Juno 30, 1895 (abstract), by F. J. Drake. Report for 1895, xxi, pp. 125-168. 1896. Notes on Biscayne Bay, Florida, with reftn-ence to its adaptability as the site of a marine hatching and experiznent station, by Hugh M.Smith. Report for 1895, XXI, i)p. 169-191. 1890. The transplanting of eastern oysters to Willapa Bay, Washington, with notes on the native oyster industry, by C. H. Townsend. Report for 1895, xxi, pp. 193-202, plate 1. 1896. Description of a new species of shad {Alosa alabaina') from Alabama, by Barton W. Evermann. Report for 1895, xxi, pp. 203-205. 1896, A check-list of the lishes and fish-like vertebrates of North and Middle America, by David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann. Report for 1895, xxi, pp. 207-584. 1896. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, including the reports of divisions of lish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by John J. Brice. Report for 1896, xxii, pp. 1-145, plates 1-10. 1897. Report of the representative of the U. S. Fish Commission at the Cotton States and International Exposition at Atlanta, Ga., in 1895, by W. deC. Ravenel. Report for 1896, XXII, pp. 147-167, plates 11-21. 1897. Notes on the extension of tlie recorded range of certain fishes of the United States Coast, by Hugh M. Smith and William C. Kendall. Report for 1896, xxii, i)p. 169-176. 1897. Notes on the food of four species of the cod family, by William C. Kendall. Report for 1896, XXII, pp. 177-186. 1897. The fisheries of Indian River, Florida, by John J. Brice et al. Report for 1896, x.xii, pp. 223-262, plates 22-60. 1897. Report on the fish and fisheries of the coastal waters of Florida, by John J. Brice. Report for 1896, xxii, pp. 263-342. 1897. Report of a survey of the oyster regions of St. Vincent Sound, Apalachicola Bay, and St. George Sound, Florida, by Franklin Swift. Report for 1896, xxii, pp. 187-221. 1897. There have been distributed 4,340 bound and 11,473 pamphlet copies of the publications of this Commission. The Fnited States National Museum has published the following reports, based on collections of lish made by the Fish Commission steamer Albatross: Report on the fishes dredged in deep water near the Hawaiian Islands, with descriptions and figures of twenty-three new species, by Charles Henry Gilbert and Frank Cramer. Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum, vol. xix, pp. 403-435 (with plates xxxvi-xlviii). Descriptions of twenty-two new species of fishes collected by the eteamer Albatross, of the U. S. Fish Commission, by Charles Heniy Gilbert. Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum, vol. xix, jip. 437-457 (with plates xlix-lv). Appropriations were made by Congress for the operations of the Com- mission for tlie fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, as follows: Salaries $182,060 Miscellaneous expenses : Administration 9, 000 Propagation of food-fishes 115, 000 Maintenance of vessels 30, 500 Inquiry respecting food-fishes 10, 800 Statistical inquiry 5, 000 A report, showing in detail the expenditures of these appropriations, was submitted to Congress December 6, 1897. J. J. Brice, U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. F. R. 97 It REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD-FISHES. By W. peC. Ravknel, Atisistnnt in Charge. INTRODUCTION. Tlie work of the Division of Fish-Oulture, prosecuted on the same general lines as in past years, is shown by the following abstracts of reports of the superintendents of the various stations. The same sta- tions were operated as in 1896, with the addition of those at Manches- ter, Iowa, and San Marcos, Tex., which were completed in December. The output of salmon fry was largely augmented by the establishment of auxiliary stations at Battle Creek, Cal., on Salmon River, Oregon, and the Little White Salmon, Washington, which were operated in conjunction with Baird and Clackamas stations. During the year all the stations in New England and on the Great Lakes, as well as those at Wytheville and Quincy, were inspected by the Commissioner and the assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-Culture. The shad work on the Atlantic Coast was also largely increased, and steps were taken to investigate the rivers along the South Atlantic coast with the view to the establishment of auxiliary stations. On the New England coast, in addition to the operations conducted at Wo^ds Hole and Gloucester, the Grampus and Fish Hawk were utilized during May and June in collecting lobster eggs off the coast of Maine. The crew of the Grampus also rendered material assistance in the cod work, collecting eggs for Gloucester Station from fishing vessels at Kitiery. From the experience gained the past season it is believed that a cod-collecting station can be advantageously established at Plymouth, Mass., and if successful it will obviate the necessity of penning brood fish at Woods Hole, materially reducing the expense of that station. During the fiscal year 586,144,000 fish and eggs, embracing 30 species and 1 crustacean, were distributed from the following stations: Green Lake Station, Me. Craig Brook Station, Me. St. Jolinsbury Station, Vt. Cape Vinceut Station, N. Y. Gloucester Station, Mass. Woods Hole Station, Mass. Steamer Fish Hawk (Albemarle Sound, Delaware River, andCascoBay). Battery Island Station, Md. Bryan Point Station, Md. Central Station, Washington, D. C. Fisli Commission lakes, Washington, D. C. j Fort Gaston Station, Cal Wytheville Station, Va. ! Clackamas Station, Oreg Put-in Bay Station, Ohio. Northville Station, Mich. Alpena Station, Mich. Duluth Station, Minn. Manchester Station, Iowa. C^uiiicy Station, 111. Neosho Station, Mo. San Marcos Station, Tex. Leadville Station, Colo. Bozeman Station, Mont. Baird Station Cal. Battle Creek Station, (!al. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIX A comparison of this season's work with that of the previous year shows a gratifying increase in the output of fry of most of the important commercial species propagated, such as shad, salmon, lake trout, lake herring-, cod, quinnat salmon, Atlantic salmon, flatfish, and lobsters. The distribution from the various stations was made as in past years by station employees in neighboring waters and by means of the four cars owned by the Commission. Owing to the increased output of the various species it became necessary during the spring to hire an addi- tional baggage car from the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company to assist in the distribution of shad. The total mileage traveled by the cars and messengers while engaged in the distribution amounted to 200,615 miles, 84,892 of which were free. The only accident which occurred during the season was at Ban Francisco, where a freight train collided with car No. 3. The car was repaired free of expense to the Commission by the Southern Pacific Eailroad Company. Car No. 3 was utilized as a temporary hatchery on the St. Johns River, Florida, during February, March, and April. At the opening of the Nashville Exposition in May car No. 4 was detailed for the col- lection and transfer of marine specimens for the exposition. Many changes occurred in the personnel of the messenger service during the year, the most important being the promotion of Capts. R. S. Johnson and G. H. Lambson to the superintendency of the stations at Manchester, Iowa, and Baird, Cal., respectively. Green Lake Station, Maine (E. E. Race, Superintendent). The stock of fish on hand having been distributed during the month of June, the time of the station force during the summer was devoted to the improvement of the water supply, construction of ponds, and general repairs and improvements to the buildings and grounds. The main flume from Rocky Pond to the reservoir, 6,800 feet long, was thoroughly overhauled and arrangements were made to run the water from the flume direct to the hatchery instead of accumulating it in the reservoir as heretofore. The old ponds between the hatchery and reservoir were condemned and partly refilled, the two back of the hatchery were rebuilt, and five new ones were constructed. The old ponds were 20 feet wide by 383 feet long, the new ones 16i feet by 38f feet. A 2-inch pipe was laid from the hatchery to a spring on the side of the mountain, furnisliing an increase of 25 gallons of water per minute during the dry season, at a temperature of 43°. During the spring months the amount obtained from this source is much larger. The usual arrangements were made for collecting eggs from wild fish in Green Lake, Manns Brook, Great Brook, Winkempaugh Brook, Pat- ton Pond, and Boggy Brook. The first landlocked salmon was captured September 17 at Manns Brook and the first brook trout September 29. The run of golden trout at Floods Pond commenced November 1 XX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. and continued until IJ^ovember 10. The fish taken were lield in traps in Great Brook, Floods Pond, and Patton Pond until their eggs had matured. The brook trout commenced spawning October 17, the salmon on October 11), and the golden trout November 3. The last eggs secured from the salmon were on November 17 and from the golden trout on November 28. The following table shows the number of brook trout, landlocked salmon, and golden trout taken in the various tra.])s and the number of eggs obtained from them : Body of water. Green Lake Winkempaiigh Bro( rioods Pond Pattou Pond Total Landlocked salmon. Fish. 190 49 4 4 217, 7f)6 91, 500 10, 000 5,200 324, 400 Brook trout. Fiah. Egga. 12 211 37 110 16, 500 147, 202 8,000 114,000 Golden trout. Fiali. Egga. 370 , 285,702 82, 000 82, 000 In accordance with the usual custom, at the close of the season the adult lish were returned to the waters from which they were taken. A number of ripe female salmon collected at Floods Pond yielded 12,000 eggs, but as no males were captured an effort was made to fertilize them with milt forwarded from the Green Lake hatchery in an air-tight jar, which was held for thirty-six hours after its receipt. Fertiliza- tion was apparently accomplished and the eggs were forwarded to the hatchery, but after remaining in the troughs for some time they all turned white and were thrown away. During the fall the following shipments of eggs were made from the station: Of the landlocked salmon, 82,000; quinuat salmon, 30,000; brook trout, 40,000; golden trout, 10,000. The following consignments were received: From Battle Creek, Cal., 1,000,000 quinnat-salmon eggs; from Fort Gaston, Cal., 50,000 steelhead- trout eggs, and from Craig Brook, Me., 50,000 Atlantic salmon eggs. The quihnat-salmon eggs arrived in excellent condition on December 17, and commenced hatching February 22. They finished by April 10, the total loss, including the number found dead on arrival, amounting to 75,500. The fry resulting from them were held until the absorption of the sac and then planted in the tributaries of Union Eiver. The steelhead eggs arrived in very bad condition, and had finished hatching by May 18. Only 9,335 young fish remained on hand at the close of the year as a result of this shipment. The Atlantic-salmon eggs com- menced hatching on March 20, and after a distribution of 33,000 of the fry during the month of June there still remained 10,220 at the close of the year. These were i)laced in the reservoir to be reared for brood stock. By April 25 all of the landlocked-salmon, brook-trout, and golden-trout eggs had hatched, the losses during incubation being com- paratively small. A sudden rise in temjjerature during the mouth of June necessitated a partial distribution of the stock, and at the close REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISPI AND FISHERIES. XXI of the year there remained on hand 131,141 landlocked salmon, 1G,220 Atlantic salmon, and 9,335 steelhead tront. Having- decided to discontinue the distribution of Von Behr trout, the 769 brood fish on hand in the fall were turned over to the fish com- missions of Maine and Vermont. While the flume was being prepared during' the summer it was found impracticable to provide ponds for the landlocked salmon that had been reared at the station, and, in view of the fact that they were about 6 years old and had never produced healthy eggs, it was determined to liberate them in Green Lake. There were 2,164 of these fish, varying from 1 to 3 pounds when liberated. Craig Brook Station, Maine (Charles G. Atkins, Superintendent). During- the year two large, deep ponds were constructed on the flat alongside Alamoosook Lake for the purpose of continuing the experi- ment of roaring Atlantic salmon under domestication and for domesti- cating such species as the steelhead trout, landlocked salmon, and quinnat salmon. These i}onds are each about 3,750 feet in area, and the expense of building them was ^619. In addition to a number of minor improvements to the buildings and grounds, the old wagon-house was moved and repaired, a stone bridge was built across the brook, two gravel breakwaters were constructed to protect the boat-landing, the fly-house was transformed into a hatchery for the purpose of caring- for the quinnat-salmon eggs transferred from the Pacific Coast, and a new stand of troughs was erected for holding the fry. An aqueduct 700 feet long was also constructed in order to convey the water supply from Craig Brook to the above-mentioned stands and hatchery. At the beginning of the year there were on hand the following fry, hatched the previous spring: Atlautic salmon 244, 405 Landlocked sjilinou 11, 033 Quinuat salmon 7, 796 Brook trout 2,668 Rainbow trout 12, 778 American lake trout 38, 965 Swiss lake trout 46, 796 Von Behr trout 487 Scotch sea trout 1, 337 Steelhead trout 12, 511 Total 378, 776 During July 3,315 steelheads were liberated; the remainder of the stock was carried through to October, when the fish were counted and distributed with comparatively small losses The food given was the same material usually employed — chopped liver and other butchers' offal, the flesh of horses, and maggots reared at the station. A small (piautity of herring roe was also used and appeared to be acceptable to the quinnats, though it was not readily taken by the Atlantic salmon. As in former years the food most readily eaten was the maggots, which were given alive. This year for the first time a large number of fry were kept in the ponds, and although the losses were slightly heavier than heretofore, these fry did remarkably well and outgrew the trough fish. In all, 10i',265 Atlantic salmon and 8,122 steelhead trout were transferred to the ponds; three mouths later 91,017 Atlantic salmoji and 7,398 steelheads were removed, showing a loss of 11 per cent on the XXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. salmon and 8.9 per cent on the steelheads. The loss in the troughs amounted to 9.1 per cent, 143,374 salmon being taken out at the expira- tion of seven months. It is probable that the loss on the trough fish during the three months that the others were in the ponds did not exceed 3 i)er cent, but in point of growth the pond flsh were far supe- rior, the pond salmon in the fall averaging 101.1 grains against a mean of 45.8 for the trough fish. These figures were obtained by actually weighing the fish. A summary of the result of rearing fry to the yearling stage from eggsi collected in the fall of 1895 is presented below in tabular form : Number of eggs. Number hatcbed. On hand June 1, 1896. On hand July 1, 1896. Total re- maining at fall count. Percentage — Kind. Of eggs laid out. Of flsh hatched. Of flsh remain- ing alive June 1. AthiiUJc s;i)nion Quinnat salmon Landlocked salmon Brook trout 275, 004 8,345 18, 883 7,120 25, 485 51, 892 7,371 43, 4G0 274, 158 8,248 18, 736 6,364 25, 377 51, 294 6,652 42, 906 263, 818 7,961 12, 464 2,726 13, 303 49, 803 5,978 40,112 244, 405 7,796 11,033 2,668 12, 778 46, 796 487 38, 965 234, 983 7,407 10, 889 2,219 11,651 41,130 653 10,411 85.4 88.7 57.7 31.2 • 45.7 79.3 8.8 23.9 85.7 89.7 58.1 34.8 45.9 80.2 9.8 24.3 89.1 95 87.3 81.4 87 6 Swiss lake trout Von Bolir troiit 82.6 10.9 25.9 437,560 i 433,735 396, 165 364, 928 319, 343 72.9 73.6 80.6 Atlantic salmon. — During the previous June 677 brood salmon were collected and released in the iuclosure at 13ead Brook; and, with the view of increasing this stock, a trap wns constructed early in August near the Bangor Dam in order to stop any salmon that might ascend the river to spawn in the fall. This dam, located below the natural head of tide water, is subject to partial submergence during jieriods of high water. It is also provided with a good fishway, but it forms a serious obstacle, nevertheless, to the ascent of fish, and considerable numbers were collected there during the season. They were especially noticed under the wheelhouse of the waterworks at the west end of the dam, where the trap was located. This trap was constructed of steel and wood, as offering the least resistance to the constant heavy current, being formed like a pound in an ordinary weir, with a V- shaped entrance and a wing running obliquely out into the river. It was secured by bolts and numerous guys in the ledge forming the bed of the river, and was provided with halyards by which it could be drawn up for inspec- tion or hauled down for work. The trap proved to be well adapted for the purpose, as the salmon passed in readily and were removed without difliculty or serious injury. The work of construction was quite ardu- ous and consumed more time than was anticipated, as it was not ready for operation until August 12, when the water temperature registered 790. It had also become very muddy from the operations of a contractor who was putting in a cofferdam preliminary to some improvements to the waterworks. Under these adverse circumstances very few salmon were taken ; but the conditions improved later on, and 8 were secured REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII on August 27, making- a total of 33 captured by the trap. These were placed in the cars and towed to Orland, whence they were transferred to the Dead Brook inclosure, 20 of them being delivered alive. It appears that salmon do not congregate in large numbers at mid- summer, and, moreover, it is very diflicult to transfer them at that season to the inclosure, which is 30 miles distant, on account of the high temperature of the water. To obtain good results, the trap should be constructed early in the spring and a retaining pool pro- vided in the immediate vicinity. During the summer 109 dead lish were removed from the pools, which should have left o94 breeders, but as a matter of fact only 539 were found, indicating a loss of 25 per cent. Of these, 174 were males and 3(35 females, 12 of which yielded no eggs. From the others, the weight of which aggregated 1,050 pounds, 3,192,121 eggs were secured, of which the Maine Commission received 496,000. From the remainder, 490,000 were shipped as follows: To the New York Fish Commission, 100,000; to the Connecticut Fish Commission,. 100,000; to U. S. Fish Commission stations, 100,000; to W. S. Hadaway, Plymouth, Mass., 25,000; to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 100,000; to the Adirondack League Club, 25,000; to Amos Ellis, Rangeley, Me., 40,000. From the balance of the eggs 2,008,700 fry were hatched, all of which, with the exception of 390,000, were liberated in the tributaries of the Penobscot above Oldtown and in streams in the vicinity of the station; 150,000 were planted in the St. Croix River at Vanceboro, and 240,000 were retained for rearing. The loss on this stock to the close of the year amounted to 24,442. At the beginning of the year there were on hand 705 Atlantic salmon which had been hatched during the season of 1893-94; of these^ 290 were distributed and the balance were placed in one of the new ponds and retained for domestication. In June, 1897, t4ie usual arrangements were made for the collection of adult salmon, but owing to the late run only 595 were obtained. The losses during June were very light, and favorable results are expected in the fall. From the two lots of domesticated salmon (descendants of parents reared in confinement in fresh water) 4,400 eggs of inferior quality were secured during November; these yielded 2,107 fry, but only 1,000 of them survived to the close of the year. Of the parent fish there now remain 41. Landlocked salmon. — Late in October 10,889 yearling landlocked sal- mon were deposited in Toddy Pond. These fish resulted from a con- signment of eggs delivered at the station by a number of citizens who were interested in keeping up the supply of fish in that pond. In November, 1890, the same parties furnished another consignment of 2,352, from which 2,129 fry were hatched. Other species. — The brook, rainbow, lake, and von Behr trout were distributed with the other fishes in the fall, the losses being very slight, except in the case of the lake trout. On July 1 there were 38,905 lake trout on hand, as a result of the eggs shipped from North- XXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ville the previous winter. They appeared to be very healthy for a time, but later in the summer they were attacked by a parasitic trematode, which appeared in large numbers, especially on their fins and jaws. The mortality resulting aggregated over 26,000, leaving only 10,411 for distribution in November. No other species were attacked by this parasite, though all were kept in the same locality and under the same conditions. A large i^ercentage of fish was hatched from the consign ment of Swiss lake-trout eggs received from Switzerland in Februarj^, 189G. A few of these were held over and distributed in the spring of 1897, but the bulk of them were disposed of in the fall. Steelhead trout. — The fish on hand at the beginning of the year were carried through the summer with small loss, and all of them with the excei)tion of 200 were distributed during the i'all. These were placed in one of the new ponds for domestication, and 191 of them survived to the close of the year. From a consignment of eggs received in A])ril 94,811 fry were hatched ; all but 10,000 of these, which have been retained for rearing, were distributed in local waters during May and June. Qmnnat salmon. — The quinnat salmon on hand at the beginning of the year were the result of a consignment of eggs received from Baird in December, 1895. They were carried through the summer without material loss, and in November 7,0G2 yearlings were liberated in local waters. During the fall 200 of them were transferred to the aquarium in Washington and held until the following spring, when they were sent to Nashville for exposition purposes. Another lot of 200 was retained at the station until the following June, when they were liber- ated, with a loss of only 4, in local waters. In December, 1890, a con- signment of 1,440,000 eggs was received from Battle Creek, Cal. Some sliglit mishaps befell them and it became necessary to crowd them considerably on account of lack of space, but notwithstanding these adverse circumstances 1,255,594, or 87 per cent, of them hatched. Of these, 789,000 were deposited in tlie Penobscot and its branches above Oldtown, 77,449 were liberated in local waters, and 50,000 were trans- ferred to the Maine Commission, making a total distribution of 916,449; 250,000 were reserved at the station to be reared and distributed in the fall, and at the close of the year they were in excellent condition. The total amount of food used consisted of 42,746 pounds of butcher's offal, beef blood, and horse carcasses, the original cost of which was $592.25, the additional expense of freight and drayage aggregating $105.97. This large increase in cost and amount of food was due to the increased number of fish carried; and it was learned by experiment that quinnat salmon require a larger amount of food than Atlantic salmon and other fishes. The stock of fry held for distribution in the fall consisted of 240,000 Atlantic salmon, 2,167 domesticated Atlantic salmon, 2,295 landlocked salmon, 250,000 quinnat salmon, 1,894 Scotch sea trout, and 10,000 steel- head trout. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXV Following is a record of the meteorological observations made at the station during the year : 189C— July August . . . September October ... November December. 1897— January .. February . March April May Juue Mean temperatures. 7 a. m. 2 p. m. 64.71 61.02 53.45 40.27 34.02 17.77 13.81 15.09 24.55 37.13 49.14 55.54 76.00 74.56 64.88 51.74 40.73 27.85 26.02 30.62 35.13 50.10 60.49 65.77 Water. Hatchery, inside. 7 a. m. 2 p. m. 68.98 69.28 62.78 53.08 44.73 34.74 33.56 33.66 34.11 37. 95 50.77 58.71 71 77 72.23 65.05 55.15 46.15 35.45 34.19 34.82 35.77 40.98 53.06 60.92 Head of feed- trough stand. 7 a. m. 2 p. m. 63.55 64.05 59.83 52.18 45.70 37.92 36.65 35.34 35.87 38.72 48.70 54. 60 67.35 68.40 63. 13 55.00 47.37 39.29 38.18 38.02 38.87 43. 42 52. 37 57. 82 Rain- fall. Inches. 5.95 1.55 6.95 4.15 4.25 1.55 1.65 1.65 2.30 2. 35 3.90 3.00 Snow. Inches. i 18 9 Uh St. J()Iin.si5Ury Station, Ver.mont (J. W. Titcomc, Superintendent). A special appropriation for increase of the spring water supijly, construction of reservoir, and general improvement to the grounds having been provided, the work was undertaken early in the summer under the direction of the superintendent. In order to increase the water supply, the springs on the station property were developed by excavating ditches into the hillsides. These were lined with 3-inch laud tile, laid on hemlock boards and covered with stones and gravel. Wooden boxes were set at the outlet of each ditch to catch the water, from which it is conveyed through pipes connecting with the main line to the reservoir. Much difficulty was experienced in making the exca- vations on account of the laud containing quicksand and clay, which also made it imi^ossible to obtain water free from sediment. The supply secured by this means was about double the amount obtained under the old system. During the rainy season the capacity of the springs has averaged about 80 gallons per minute. In order to prevent the clogging of the intake at the dam in Sleepers Elver, a deflecting wall 30 feet long, 6 feet wide at base, 4 feet wide at top, and 6 feet high, was constructed. A framework of timber inserted in the wall on the east side near the lower end and fastened to tbe intake on the west side forms a recess for the water to pass through into the intake. This recess is protected by a grating formed of iron rods extending perpendicularly down through the framework. Below the grating, between the jetty and the crib, a piece of 10-inch cast-iron pipe was inserted, to be used for flushing during periods of high water, when the entrance to the crib becomes filled with sediment. The wooden gates connecting the two 8-inch pipe lines were replaced by iron ones. A reservoir of 172,198 gallons capacity was constructed between Emerson Falls and the hatchery, at an elevation of 83 feet. A much XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. larger one had at first been j)roposed, but it became necessary to reduce the size owing to the discovery of quicksand. The reservoir was sur- rounded by a wall made of local stone and Eosendale cement, the dimen- sions being 2}j feet thick at base, 2 feet at top, and 5 feet in height. The sides of the reservoir and the wall were covered with Portland cement and plastered with a mixture of 1 part cement to 2^ parts clear sand. The filter to the reservoir is so constructed that it can be cleaned by reversing the current. A roof was constructed over the reservoir, four doors being i)rovided in it to permit access to the reservoir. On January 23 the overflow from the reservoir was broken by an earth- quake, wliich interfered materially with its use until the weather per- mitted of its being repaired. Considerable work was done in grading the grounds, building plank walks around the ponds, installing a steam-heating jilant, and in repair- ing the ponds constructed the previous year, frost having injured them to such an extent that it became necessary to rebuild all of the supply and stand pipes. A large amount of work was also done in the interior of the hatchery, comjjleting unfinished rooms, etc. At the beginning of the year the stock on hand was as follows: Species. Calendar year in wliich hatched. 1896. 1895. 8,748 700 1, 75;j 90 5 Total 11, 201 95 L>u~ring the summer field stations for collecting brook-trout eggs from wild fish were established at 1 failings Pond, Caspian Lake, Greensboro, Willoughby Lake, Groton, Fairbanks Pond, and Pico Pond. Darlings Pond is about 36 miles from St. Johiisbury, 30 by rail and 6 by wagon road. The fish there were captured by means of a V-shaped slat trap or weir and held in retaining pens until ripe. A shanty was erected near the trap for the accommodation of the attendant. The first run of trout occurred on the 23d of August, 1,650 being taken in the brook during a heavy rain storm. Very few were captured from that time until September 6, when 1,000 more entered the trap. The fish continued to run in schools during the rainy weather, and on October 15, when the trap was removed, 7,138 had been captured. During the season it was discovered that large numbers of trout were ascending streams which dry up in summer. At the request of the owners of the pond they were not disturbed, but it is doubtful whether their spawn ever matured. The first eggs were taken on September 24 and the last on October 26, over 900,000 being secured. The loss in hatching was very heavy, only 25 per cent producing fry available for distribution; but these wer6 vigorous, and no definite reason can be REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXYII ascribed for the large loss, though it has been attributed to confinement of the trout for a considerable period before thej^ were ripe. Next year a temporary auxiliary hatchery will be constructed at this point. At Caspian Lake, 32 miles from St. Johnsbury, the trout were col- lected by means of small-meshed gill nets and dip nets, the only improvement in the apparatus being the jack lights, whicli were con- structed especially for the purpose. Most of the fish were caught between sunset and midnight. The first were ca])tured October 29, and work continued until the lake froze over, on December 2. Long after the 1st of January the trout could be seen at work on their beds under the ice. The total number taken in dip nets amounted to 1,457, their average weight being a little over 1 pound. The season lasted one month, commencing JSTovember 10, and 97 per cent of the 500,000 eggs were good. For convenience and comfort while collecting the eggs a boat-house was constructed over the confining jjen in the lake, with platform space for the spawn-takers. The eggs were placed in a small private hatchery located near the lake, and as soon as they had reached the eyed stage were transferred to St. Johnsbury. The hatching of the eggs taken at this point continued from January 17 to about the end of April. • Willoughby Lake (situated 26 miles from the station, 16 by rail and 10 by wagon road) was examined with the view to collecting eggs of the lake trout, but owing to pressure of other work the investigation was delayed until November 10, when it appeared that the fish had already deposited their eggs. From the extent of the spawning-grounds and the abundance of fish there seems to be little doubt that a large number might have been taken. Suitable facilities were found for the establishment of an auxiliary field station. At Fairbanks Pond, 3 miles from St. Johnsbury, 31,500 eggs were collected. The woik at Pico i'ond proved unprofitable, and operations were discontinued after 12,000 eggs had been secured. All of the fish were returned to the waters from which they were taken, the total loss on nearly 10,000 amounting to only 36. During the winter 110,000 eggs were shipped to the applicants mentioned below, and from the balance of the season's take 491,000 fry were hatched, a fair proportion of which were returned to the waters from which the eggs were collected : S.M.Pearson, Stratham, N. H 10,000 i L. J. Johuson, Brattleboro, Vt.. . 15,000 Vermont Fish Commission 50,000 Clarence Brown, Toledo, Ohio.. . 15,000 Adirondack League Club, N. Y. .. 25,000 1 Counecticnt Fish Commission . .. 25,000 While there is a marked difference in the sizes of the trout eggs taken from different waters, they do not always vary according to the size of the fish, as was sui)posed. The sizes of eggs taken at three of the field stations were in the propoi tion of 34, 41, and 42 to the square inch. Those numbering 34 and 42 to the inch were taken from trout averag- ing 5 to the pound, while those numbering 41 were secured from fish weighing over a pound each. XXYIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Observations as to the effect of low temperature on trout eggs con firmed the experience of the previous season. Eggs eyed and hatched entirely in the spring water (ranging from 45° to 50°) yielded a larger percentage and better fish than those taken under the same conditions and at the same time which were hatclied in water varying from 32° to 50° in temi)erature. The comparisons were made with eggs collected at Caspian Lake. It was also observed that eggs eyed in spring water before being subjected to colder water yielded a larger percentage than green eggs laid down in cold water. The investigations were carried still further by trying different temperatures during the period of incu- bation on various lots of eyed eggs, but these were not fully comi)leted owing to an accident to the water supply during the critical period. It was intended to carry all of the eggs after they were eyed in a mixture of the spring and river water, the spring-water supply being insufiicient, but on the dth of March, and periodically from tliat time to April 15, it became necessary to shut off the spring water entirely. The eggs were thus subjected to the reduced water temperature from 12 honrs to 16 days at a time, the temperature during these periods ranging from 32.4° to 35°. After reaching 32J° the develo])ment of the eggs waa apparently sus})ended for several days, which accounts for the length of time between the commencement and the end of the hatching periods with the various lots. One lot of 35,000 was placed in water registering 32i° as soon as eyed and kept there until they hatched, for the purpose of comparing the results with those obtained in hatching in spring and river water mixed. They commenced hatching March 15 and finished April 24, the total loss to May 30 amounting to 520 eggs and 1,435 fry. An equal number of the same lot of eggs placed in mixed water, but subjected to changes caused by shutting off the spring water periodically, began hatching February 26 and finished April 15, Avith a loss of 1,223 fry and 487 eggs to May 30. Better results would undoubtedly have been secured had it not been necessary to shut off the spring water. In addition to the collections made in the vicinity of the station 300,000 quinnat-salmou eggs were received in December from Battle Creek, 5,000 landlocked-salmon eggs from Green Lake in February, and 100,000 steelhead-trout eggs from Fort Gaston in April. The qumnat- salmon eggs arrived in excellent condition and commenced hatching on April 3 in water of an average temperature of 34°, but during the hatching period it went down to 32^° on several occasions. The fry resulting from them numbered 200,000 at the time of their distribution. They were deposited in tributaries of the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers during the month of July. During incubation white spots appeared on some of the embryos, causing the loss of many. Those on which the spots were most noticeafble were separated from the others and in a large number of instances they hatched, the spots disappearing with the absorption of the sac. The steelhead-trout eggs arrived during a l^eriod of unusually warm weather and were in very bad condition, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIX only 26,379 healthy fry resulting from them; 10,000 were distributed in New Hampshire waters and the balance were retained for rearing. During the summer months observations were made in air and water temperatures at Caspian Lake, with the view to testing the qualitications of the lake water for use in operating a trout hatchery on a large scale. During November the surface temperature ranged from 45° to 33°. On tlie spawning-beds (from 1 to 6 feet in depth) it registered the same, whereas it varied from 45° to 38° when taken from a depth of 40 feet. In December and January, witli an air temperature below zero, the water from 20 to 100 feet registered 37° and 38° above zero, indicating that an equable temperature of from 37° to 40° can be maintained throughout the year with water taken at a depth of over 20 feet. A small sandpiper was killed on June 13 and in its gizzard were found the vertebral columns of several small fish about li inches long. In November the superintendent was instructed to make an investi- gation in New Hampshire respecting the advisability of establishing a station for the propagation of trout at some suitable x)oint in that State. This work covered a period of two weeks in December and January. Cape Vincent Station, New York (H. U. Dean, Superintendent). An appropriation of $2,500 having l)een secured for the completion of the hatchery and grounds, the work of improvement was commenced early in July. The building was completed, the grounds graded, a wire fence constructed around the jiroperty, a walk laid from the street to the hatchery, and a gas plant installed. Permission having been granted by the Canadian Government to col- lect whitefish eggf^ in Bay Quinte, under the supervision of the fishery overseers, the grounds between Belleville and Deseronto were exam- ined and arrangements were made with the fishermen to operate four seines in the vicinity of Massassaga Point, the fishermen agreeing to pay all expenses of running the seines for the coarse fish and to allow the Commission to have the whitefish. The fish were penned in crates, under the supervision of one of the employees of the station. Of the 400 collected, only 25 per cent proved to be females, and a number of these were so bruised in handling that the eggs were worthless. As it was seen that very few eggs could be taken at this point, on November 13 four more seines were secured nearer Deseronto. Many fish were caught there, but only a few were females, and these yielded no eggs, though they were held in pounds for some time. Pound nets belong- ing to the Commission were also operated in Chaumont Bay without results, and at Three Mile Bay six or seven traps were operated and a good many fish captured, but owing to heavy gales the bulk of them died before the eggs could be taken. As a result of the season's operations only 2,300,000 eggs of very poor quality were obtained from all sources, from which 750,000, fry were hatched and liberated in the St. Lawrence Eiver. The total cost of the work with this species for the season was $476.41. XXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. As there seemed to be little prospect of securing a supply of lake trout eggs in the vicinity of the station, early in I^oveniber arrangements were made to attend the tug fishermen at Dunkirk, and as a result nearly 1,000,000 eggs were secured, at an expense of $141. In additicm to these 145,000 were taken in the vicinity of Charity Shoals, and on November 24 a consignment of 1,000,000 was received from JSTorthville Station, giving a total of 2,085,000, The hatching period extended from April 10 to May 8, and the 1,290,000 fry hatched were distributed in Lake Ontario and its tributaries. In addition to the operations with lake trout and whitefish the fol- lowing consignments of eggs from other stations were hatched and distributed. A shipment of 2,095,000 quinnat-salmon eggs arrived from Baird, Cal., on December 15 in excellent condition, and although much crowded in the troughs, 94 per cent of them were hatched and were planted in tributaries of Lake Ontario and in the Hudson and Delaware rivers. One thousand of these fry were retained at the station, and at the close of the year they had attained a length of over 3 inches. From the 50,000 Atlantic salmon eggs received from Craig Brook 48,000 fry were hatched, the i)eriod of incubation extending from March 19 to April 8. All of the fry were deposited in the Salmon Eiver on May 17. Two consignments of steelhead eggs, aggregating 50,000, were received from Fort Gaston on April 24. As they were in very bad condition on arrival, only 10,600 fry were obtained from them for distribution. A shipment of 27,700 rainbow-trout eggs from Wythe ville yielded 11,000 fry, which were distributed soon after hatching to applicants in the State of New York. The following table gives the average, maxinuTui, and mean tempera- tures of air and water at the station for the fiscal year, by mouths: 1896. Air. Water. 1897. Air. Water. Min. Max. Mean. Min. [Max. Mean. Min. Max. Mean Min. Max. Mean July August September . October November.. December . . 62 56 39 34 — i 85 \ 73. .5 88 1 74 80 1 62 68 47 63 ' 43.66 48 27.4 61 68 58 47 42 33 72 76 69 59 51 41 66.75 72 64.33 52 45.3 36.8 January.. . February . . Marcli April May Juue —9 6 23 44 49 57 44 49 69 77 85 24 25.75 33.66 47 57 66.75 33 33 33 33.5 42 50 36 33 33 48.5 51.5 64 33.6 33 33 38 47.5 59 Gloucester Station, Massacihisett.s (C. G. Corliss in charge). Upon the appointment of E. F. Locke as superintendent at Woods Hole in October, C. O. Corliss, fish-culturist, was placed in charge of Gloucester Station. Kepairs were made to the hatching-boxes, build- ings, and machinery, and by November 13 the station was ready for operations. Cod. — The crew of the Grampus, under the direction of Captain Hahn, was stationed at Kittery Point, Me., as heretofore, and commenced making egg collections for the station on November 10. The eggs were transferred to Gloucester, packed in closed jars, and surrounded with REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXI crushed ice or snow to keep the temperature equable. Collections continued daily until March 26, the total take amounting- to 113,000,000 eggs, from which 02,305,000 fry were hatched and planted. The meteoro- logical conditions during the season were much more favorable than for several years previous, especially iu the months of iS'ovember and December, when 63,000,000 eggs were secured, from which 45,000,000 fry were hatched. The fish from which the eggs were taken were caught in gill nets and in trawls iished by vessels making their headquarters at Kittery. It has been customary to fertilize cod eggs by what is known as the wet method, but this year tbe dry method was employed, and the increased percentage of fry hatched is thought to have been due to that fact. This percentage, though much smaller than is secured with the eggs of other species handled by the Commission, was remarkably good considering the conditions under which they were taken. Owing to heavy storms it is frequently necessary to allow the fish to remain in the nets for several days, and in such instances those captured in the gill nets perish. The fish taken by the trawl nets frequently live for several days, and for this reason the eggs secured from that source are superior to those obtained from the gill nets. Where the fish have been dead only a short time it is customary to save the eggs, and though they appear to be good when received at the station very heavy losses occur after they have been in the api)aratus for some time. The prin- cipal losses with cod eggs occur during the earlier stages of develop- ment, and until the embryo is well formed great care must be taken in handling them; after that stage has been passed they are quite hardy and comparatively few are lost. During the early part of the season the temperature ranged from 47° to 40°, but after the 15th of December it fell gradually, reaching 35° on January 15. It having been found that the water on the spawning-grounds ranges from 37° to 38°, steam was employed from that time on for the purpose of maintaining about the same temperature in the boxes. The experiment of hatching eggs by means of air circulation iu the McDonald automatic jar was again tried, but the results did not indi- cate that this method could be successfully adopted. The temperature of the water in the jars was kept at 40° by packing them in salt and ice; the water was changed twice a day during the earlier stages and more frequently later on, as it became foul in a very short time. About one-third of the eggs which reached the hatching point were hatched in the jars; the remainder, though kept in circulation for several days, did not hatch until they were transferred to a jMcDonald tidal box, when the fry aj^peared within twenty-four hours, being strong and healthy, apparently. Instead of liberating them in Gloucester Harbor, as heretofore, they were taken out in a sailing boat to the natural s])awning-grounds in Ipswicli I>ay and deposited at the point of collec- tion. The loss in transportation was very small. XXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The following table shows the dally collections of cod eggs lost during incubation, number of fry hatched, and period of incubation: Cod season at Gloucester Station, 1S96-97. Date re- ceived. 1896. Kov. 19 20 21 23 24 25 27 28 30 Deo. 1 2 4 5 7 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 1897. Jau. 2 6 7 12 13 14 16 17 20 Fel). Kittery Point, Me. do -do. .do. .do. .do. .do. .do. .do. Kittery Point and Kockport. Kittery Point, Me do". do do .do. ■Kittery Point and Rockport. . Kittery Point, Me do^ do do... Kittery Point and Gloucester . Gloucester, Mass Kittery Point, Me .do. -do. .do. -do. .do. .do. -do. .do. .do. Kittery Point and Rockport. . Kittery Point and Gloucester do Kittery Point and Rockport. . . Kittery Point, Me Rockport, Mass Kittery Point, Mo , do' do Kittery Point and Roclvport. .... do Kittery Point, Me do' do do Kittery Point and Rockport. Kittery Point, Me Rockport and Kittery Point. do Kittery I'oint, Me. do;. do do do do do Rockport, Mass . . . do Kittery Point, Me. do': Mar. 5 Kittery Point and Rockport. Kittery Point, Me Kittery Point and Rockport. Rockport, Mass Total 113,140,000 Eggs re- ceived. 575 509. 752, 1, 693. 1,847 2,451 1, 251 1,784 2,557 2,649 1,749 3,759 2, 119. 3,102 3, 708. 2, 559. 1, 148 1,121 983 3, 327 1, 733. 161 4,371 4, 022 2, 185 785, 949. 963 840, 3, 572. 726, 1, 111 437 1,153 1, 708. 710. 758, 1, 299 624 1,137 1,919 2, 387 4,185 1, 691 1,209, 1,777 885 1, 108 2, 828, 3, 644 4, 124 1, 705 1,695 1, 646 482, 997 1, 167, 368, 192, 398, 2, 333, 942: 3, 985 643 1, 440 5U3 Loss during incubation. 167, 000 136, 000 149, 000 413, 000 414, 000 633, 000 661, 000 1, 172, 000 579, 000 683, 000 1, 219, 000 1, 093, 000 888, 000 1, 874, 000 470, 000 969, 000 609, 000 858, 000 610, 000 1, 654, 000 708, 000 37, 000 1, 732, 000 1, 177, 000 679, 000 388, 000 436, 000 158, 000 301, 000 1, 880, 000 573, 000 733, 000 247, 000 700, 000 646, 000 303, 000 471,000 477, 000 200, 000 367, 000 662, 000 655, 000 2, 891, 000 1, 518, 000 484, 000 1, 179, 000 571,000 242, 000 1,148,000 3, 139, 000 000 I 1,953,000 573, 000 1, 312, 000 1,021,000 74, 000 558, 000 869. 000 332, 000 179, 000 94, 000 1, 212, 000 388, 000 1,114,000 127, 000 739, 000 337, 000 Fry hatcned. Period of incu- bation. 408, 373 603 1, 280, 1,433 1, 818, 590 612 1, 978, 1, 966 530, 2, 666 1,231 1, 228, / 1, 786, \ 1,452, 1, 590, 539, 263, 373 1, 673 1, 025 124 f 1, 138, \ 1, 501 2, 845, 1,506 397, 513 805 539 1, 692 153 378 190 453 1, 062, 407 287, 822, 424, 770, 1,257 1, 069 063, 1, 294, 173, 725, 598 314 866, 1,680 505, 1, 965, 206, 1, 132 383 625 408 439, 298 36 13 304, 1,121 554 2,871 516 701 160 50,835,000 62,305,000 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIII Lobster tcork. — Arrangements were made for collecting berried lob- sters from flsliermen in the vicinity of Gloucester, Boston Bay, and Kittery Point, and with the view to further extending- the work the schooner Granqms was detailed to make collections along the Maine coast from Portland to Kockland. Permission having been obtained from the commissioners of Maine, iSTew Hampshire, and Massachusetts for holding egg lobsters in live-boxes for the use of the Commission, Captain Hahn visited the various fishing centers in March and made the necessary atrangemeuts with the fishermen, who agreed to deliver large females for 15 cents each and small ones for 10 cents. A small steamer was chartered to make the collections in Boston and Gloucester harbors. The season extended from April 17 to July 19, the total col- lection amounting to 54,532,000, from which 47,869,000 fry were hatched and planted. These results, though not as good as had been expected from the extent of the territory covered, indicated that the work can be greatly extended under favorable conditions. The weather during the early part of the season was very bad, and as a large part of the territory covered was new, the fishermen did not take much interest in the work until the season was well advanced. The greater part of the lobsters from Boston Bay came from the dealers, and by employing two or three local agents instead of one next year it is probable that better results can be secured. The collections by localities were as follows: Boston Bay, 23,687,000; Gloucester Harbor, 5,950,000; Kittery Point, 0,966,000; the schooner Granqms, in Maine, 17,370,000; Marblehead, 559,000. The egg lobsters collected on the Maine coast were transferred without difficulty in the well of the Granqms to Gloucester, where the eggs were stripped and placed in jars, the lobsters being liberated by the vessel's crew at points along the Maine coast on the return trip. Those collected in Boston Bay were transferred by steamer, and little difficulty was experienced in transporting them during the early part of the season. On the first five or six trips they were carried in hogsheads packed in seaweed, no water being used, but as the weather grew warmer it became necessary to use water and to change it frequently en route. Ice was used, but without any apparent eflect. This failure late in the season was prob- ably due as much to the condition of the lobsters when received as to the temi^erature, since many of them had been shipped to Boston, from distant points, packed in ice. A vessel with a well should be used for transporting them. The eggs were developed as heretofore, in the McDonald jar. As the temperature of the water remained below 50° until June 1, the fry did not commence hatching until after that date, but from that time on they came out very rapidly, necessitating large plants each day. The bulk of them were distributed in Massachusetts waters between Marblehead and Bockport. By means of the Grampus 11,665,000 were shipped to Maine and planted in the localities from which the lobsters were col- F. R. 97 III XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. lected, little difficulty beiug experienced iu the transfer. During the latter part of the season several shipments were sent by rail to Port- land in charge of a messenger. The first two lots were planted without loss, as the weather was cool, but the third, shii^ped on a very warm day, suffered heavy losses, as it was impracticable to use ice on account of its freshening the water. Mackerel. — Early in June steps were taken to secure eggs from the trap-net fishermen in the vicinity of the station, but no mackerel w^ere caught until June 9, when the drag nets secured a small number 15 or 20 miles offshore. Spawn-takers were detailed to attend the drag nets, and the launch visited the traps in the vicinity of Magnolia and Manchester daily. The first eggs were collected June 16, and the last on July 12, the total collections amounting to 1,108,000, from which 652,000 fry were produced. From some of the eggs collected over 90 per cent were hatched. They were handled iu the McDonald tidal box in the manner adopted for the cod eggs, except that the motion given was not so violent. This was regulated by setting the siphon high enough to allow the water to rise and fall not over an inch. By doing this the full strength of the current did not reach the surface where the greater part of the eggs were, and a gentle motion was secured, just sufficient to keep them in circulation. The eggs hatched in from 3 to 5 days and were cleaned only once. They should not be changed from one box to another during the first day or two. The following table gives a summary of the work at the station : Species. Cod Lobster Mackerel . . Total Eggs col- lected. 113, 000, 000 54, .532, 000 1,108,000 168, 640, 000 Fry planted. 62, 305, 000 47, 869, 000 652, 000 110, 826, 000 The hatchery and pumps were taxed to their utmost capacity many times during the season, and at its close arrangements were made to enlarge the plant so as to be able to meet all emergencies another year. Woods Hole Station, Massachusetts (E. F. Locke, Superintendent). The following statement shows the kinds of fish propagated, number of eggs collected, and fry hatched and distributed during the year: Species. Cod Lol)8ter . . Flatflsli.. Tautog .. Sea bass . Mackerel ^l!fr/- Fry planted. 65, 167, 000 74, 152, 000 84,591,000 1, 646, 000 241,000 153, 000 Total I 225,950,000 35, 953, 000 64,419,000 64, 095, 000 624, 000 193, 000 165, 284, 000 The work at the station was directed by Alexander Jones until October 10, when he was relieved by E. F. Locke, who was appointed superiu- KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXV tendent of the station. With the view to iucreasiug the output, addi- tional live-cars for holding adult cod were constructed and arrangements were made with the commercial fishermen to supply the fish. The Grampus was also detailed during the latter part of September to make collections. The first consignment of cod was delivered at the station on October 3, and by the 4th of November 9,379 fish, averaging 4 pounds and more in weight, had been delivered ; 2,910 were furnished by the GntmjjKs and the balance were purchased. They were apparently in first-class condition when received, and no serious losses occurred until the middle of "November, when the death rate became very heavy, as many as 200 dying in 24 hours. This loss was dne to injuries received in capture and transportation from fishing-grounds and to the breaking out of sores, which formed Just under the skin and spread over the entire body. Of the smaller fish, 2,>00 were transferred to a small pool near the residence, many of them being affected as described above, but after remaining in the pool a short time the sores healed and they apparently recovered. The collection of eggs commenced ^iTovember 9 and continued until Januarj^ 25, during which time 50,914,000 were secured from 884 spawn- ers. The results attained were very discouraging, as the number of brood fish secured Avas much larger than in past years. During the winter 2,350 of the smaller ones were released, as they gave no evidence of spawning. The experience of this season seems to show that no fish weighing less than 6 pounds should be retained for spawning pur^joses. On January 25 all of the stock on hand, amounting to 1,500, were killed by anchor frost. From the following table it appears that not only a much smaller percentage of the fish purchased this year were spawners, but the yield of eggs per fish was also much smaller than in past years : Tear. Brood fish. Eggs taken. Ripe flsh. Eggs per tish. 1889 90 349 3,000 1,620 3, 320 3,836 9,379 8, 500, 000 67, 600, 000 48, 600, 000 85, 50(1, 000 70, 800, 000 50,914,000 91 587 444 1, 107 415 884 93, 000 1890 91 . . . 115, 000 1891 92 102, 000 1894 95 71, 000 1895- 96 170, 000 1896-97 57, 000 Total 21, 504 331, 914, 000 3,528 608, 000 In addition to the eggs collected at the station, 5,606,000 were received from Kittery Point, Me., and 8,047,000 from the fishermen near Duxbury, Mass. It having been decided in January to attempt the collection of eggs at the latter point, the mate of the Grampus, Mr. J. C. Conley, was placed in immediate charge of the work with a small force, and, altlumgli the collection was undertaken at the time of year when the weather is most unfavorable, the results attained were grati- fying, and it seems probable that about 75,000,000 eggs can be obtained from this source next season. Tlie total output of fry from the eggs handled at the station amounted to 35,953,000, the hatching being done, as usual, in the McDonald tidal box. The temperature of the XXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. water having fallen to 35° in January, it was raised and maintained at from 38° to 40° by introducing steam directly into the supply pipes. The fry distributed during the month of November were deposited in the harbor, but all those hatching after December 1 were liberated on the spawning-grounds off No Man's Land and Gayhead, part of the plants being made by the steamer Fish RawTc and part by a small sloop chartered for the purpose. The following table shows in detail the daily receipts of eggs, number of fry hatched, and period of incubation : Number Number Date of Date of Number Number Date of Date of Date. of eggs of fry hatch- plant- Date. of eggs of fry hatch- ])laut- received. hatched. ing. ing. received. hatched. ing. iug. 1896. 1896. 1896. 1896. 1897. 1897. Kov. 9 337, 000 235, 000 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Dec. 17 2, 298, 000 1, 096, 000 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 10 545, 000 261, 000 20 21 18 758, 000 431,000 14 16 12 972, 000 560, 000 21 22 19 1, 516, 000 788, 000 18 22 14 426, 000 302, 000 24 24 21 1, 420, 000 979, 000 19 22 16 1, 162, 000 640, 000 25 25 22 213, 000 124, 000 19 22 17 663, 000 397, 000 26 28 26 2, 370, 000 1, 472, 000 22 29 18 1, 085, 000 700, 000 27 28 28 1,017,000 580, 000 24 29 19 758, 000 400, 000 29 29 i 30 379, 000 263, 000 25 29 20 1, 279, 000 728, 000 29 30 1897. 21 1, 943, 000 1, 138, 000 30 30 Jan. 1 1, 720, 000 1,844,000 27 25 23 1, 966, 000 1,086, 000 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 4 948, 000 654, 000 29 Feb. 9 24 1, 160, 000 594, 000 3 4 6 758, 000 521, 000 Feb. 2 5 25 2, 487, 000 1, 430, 000 4 6 8 237, 000 102, 000 2 5 27 2, 842, 000 1, 760, 000 8 9 10 1 , 801, 000 1, 320, 000 8 8 28 2, 038, 000 1, 400, 000 8 12 11 :., 070, 000 1, 844, 000 8 8 30 2, 131, 000 1, 319, 000 12 14 i:; 427, 000 230, 000 11 13 Dec. 1 1, 092, 000 864, 000 13 14 14 2,914,000 1, 539, 000 11 13 4 2, 180, 000 1, 232, 000 15 18 16 450, 000 174, 000 11 13 5 1, 188, 000 655, 000 16 18 18 758, 000 179, 000 11 13 6 758, 000 490, 000 17 18 21 237, 000 127, 000 16 17 7 474, 000 91,000 21 24 22 758, 000 226, 000 16 17 8 2, 465, 000 1,712,000 21 24 23 47, 000 11, 000 16 17 9 592, 000 296, 000 23 24 24 616, 000 379, 000 16 17 10 663, 000 362, 000 25 31 31 948, 000 314, 000 26 27 11 1, 233, 000 687, 000 27 31 Feb. 1 1, 326, 000 305, 000 26 27 1897. 1897. 2 1,137,000 546, 000 26 27 12 14 544, 000 2,061,000 379, 000 1,019,000 Jan. 6 7 Jan. 9 9 65, 167, 000 35, 953, 000 Flatfish. — Early in February fyke nets were set in Woods Hole Har- bor and Wacpioit Bay, and the hrst ripe fish were ca])tured on the 15th. From that time collections were contiuued daily until the 15th of April, 305 ripe females being secured from the seven nets operated. The take of eggs aggregated 84,591,000, or an average of about 277,000 per fish; the yield per fish varied with the size, one female, 3^ pounds in weight, producing 1,162,000. The fish captured in Waquoit Bay were much larger than those from Woods Hole Harbor. The hatching was done, as usual, in the modified McDonald box, the period of incubation vary- ing from 7 to 22 days, according to the temperature of the water. By the close of the season 64,095,000 fry had been hatched and distributed on suitable grounds in Buzzards and Waquoit bays. Lobsters. — While engaged in collecting lobsters for shipment to the Pacific Coast during October and November 887,000 eggs were collected and placed in hatching-jars. They did well throughout the winter, but the losses became very heavy about the 1st of April, and as a result only 385,000 fry were hatched from them. The regular spring collec- tions commenced on April 7. The field of operations was enlarged by the employment of an agent at Plymouth, Mass., who purchased Qgg REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF PISH AND FISHERIES. XXXVII lobsters from the fishermen operating between Green Harbor and Ship roudjinclndiug Dnxbury, Kingston Bay, and Plymouth Harbor. This territory proved to be very disappointing, as the entire number of eggs received during the months of April, May, and June amounted to only 5,335,000. Collections were made at the usual points in the vicinity of Woods Hole, and steps wer^ also taken to secure the egg lobsters cap- tured in the vicinity of Block Island and along the Connecticut coast, a small smack being chartered for the x)urpose of bringing them to the station and transporting the fry back to the spawning- grounds. The lobsters brought in by the smack were much larger than those obtained from the other points, hence the yield of eggs per lobster was greater. All of the adults handled were returned to the waters after the eggs had been stripped. The eggs were handled in the universal hatching- jar, and tiie losses were comparatively light, the total take of 74,152,000 yielding 04,419,000 fry. The planting of the fry was commenced on May 19, and during the season several shipments were sent by rail to Plymouth and Proviiicetown, being carried in the ordinary transporta- tion can without serious losses. The last deposit was made on July 13. Experiments were tried during the latter part of the season in holding and feeding young lobsters in hatching-boxes containing sand, gravel, stones, and vegetable life. Collections of crustaceans and copepods were made daily, and microscopical examinations showed that these, together with some vegetable life, formed their principal food. In only a few instances was cannibalism observed. Maclxcrel. — During May and June efforts were made to collect mack- erel eggs from fish caught in pound nets in the vicinity of the station, but no ripe ones were captured, though the nets were visited daily from June 1(5 to the end of the month. Spawn-takers sent to'Edgartown to make collections from the hand-line fishermen reported that all of the female mackerel were either spent or unripe, and the only eggs received v^ere several small shipments, aggregating 153,000, sent by the spawn- taker stationed at Barnstable, Mass. These were collected between June 19 and 26, and were forwarded to the station in Mason jars, packed in an ordinary transportation can partly filled with ice water. They were apparently in good condition when received, but died on the second day, and it is thought that the change in temperature afi'ected them, as the water inshore where they were packed was 0^ higher than that at the point of collection. Sea hass. — Efforts were made to secure eggs of the sea bass in con- nection with the collection of mackeral eggs, but only two ripe fish were found. The 241,000 eggs obtained from these produced 193,000 fry, which were planted in Vineyard Sound. As large numbers of these fish are usually taken off Cotuit and Hyannis by hand-line fishermen a spawn-taker was sent to those points, but he found that the fishery had been abandoned before the commencement of the spawning season. Tautog. — At the approach of the si)awning season of this fish arrange- ments were made for continuing the work begun last season, and on XXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. the 29th of -Tune fishermen were employed to capture brood fish. Many large ones were secured, but only 24 of them were ripe. These yielded 1,646,000 eggs, from which 735,000 fry were hatched and planted in Vineyard Sound. The last eggs were taken on July 9, and the average period of incubation was from two to three days. Steamer Fish Hawk (Lieut. Franklin Swift, Commanding). With the view of determining the spawning-grounds and season of the shad on the St. Jolms River and other southern streams, the steamer Fish HawTc proceeded to Florida in January to undertake the collection and hatching of shad eggs. Palatka was reached on January 16, and an investigation of the fishing-grounds between tliat point and the headwaters of the St. Johns was at once commenced. It was found that the majority of the shad taken in the upper part of the river were caught in haul seines; from Volusia Bar to Lake Monroe, a distance of 50 miles, 30 of them were oi>erated, while above the lake there were only 3. The seines were of 3i-inch mesh, 300 yards long, and 40 meshes deep. No ripe shad were caught at Sanford and an examination of those taken indicated that they would not spawn for some time. As the water at the mouth of the Ocklawaha Eiver was found to be well adapted for hatching puri^oses, a suitable anchorage was found and the vessel was removed there on January 26. The water in this section of the river was found to be slightly brackish, and it continued so until February 17. This was attributed by the inhabitants to the presence of salt springs in the lakes and river, but it seems more probable that it was caused by the banking up of the sea water at the mouth of the river by easterly gales. Tide gauges were used and regu- lar observations of density and temperature were kept during the time the vessel was stationed at this point. As operations were being con- ducted on a large scale at Volusia Bar, arrangements were made with the fishermen for collecting eggs, and through the courtesy of Capt. W. A. Shaw, commanding the steamer City ofJacl'sonville, free trans- portation was furnished the employees of the Commission engaged in the work. Volusia Bar is situated at the entrance of the St. Johns into Lake George, and is so narrow that a seine can be stretched across" it, thus effectually stopping all fish. The seines are operated from sun- rise to sunset, and as soon as one is laid out and ready to be hauled in another is run out behind it, so that the shad passing up the river have little chance to escape. The catch was large throughout the season, and at times amounted to over 1,000 per day. Spawn-takers were stationed at this point and at Welaka on Feb ruary 23 for the purpose of making regular examinations of the fish captured. The ship's nets were also set regularly, but the majority of the fish taken were gizzard shad. On the 3d of March 8,000 eggs were secured at Volusia Bar. They were hatched without loss, the mean temperature of the water during incubation being 73°. The fry were strong and healthy, and exhibited no signs of weakness, as might have been expected from the high temperature of the water. They were REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIX liberated in the middle of Little Lako George. At the time these eggs were takeu it was thought that the spawning season had at last arrived, but no more were secured, though operations were continued daily. In order that the entire field might be covered, car No. 3 was stationed at Sanford, Fla., in February, and a part of the crew of the Fish Hawk was detailed to assist Capt. T. C Pearce in making collections in Lake JMonroe and in the river above and below it. From February 20 to the end of March the spawn-takers from the car attended daily the seines operated at Manuel Lauding, between Lakes George and Monroe. The appearance of the shad in general remained the same to the close of the season, though several ripe ones were found early in March, from which 57,000 eggs were secured. The first two lots taken were placed in the hatching apparatus as usual, but inside of twenty-four hours they were all dead. This loss was attributed to the use of water from the city works, which contains tannin. The third lot of eggs was hatched without difficulty in water taken from Lake Monroe, and the 10,000 fry resulting from them were liberated in that lake. At Yolusia Bar observations continued until the close of the month, but though large numbers of shad were being taken in the various seines and gill nets fished on that river, no ripe ones were found About the close of March spawn- takers were sent to Lake Harney, 35 miles up the river, but they reported that there was no fishing for shad at that point. Again, in Aiiril, one of the men returned and made several hauls with a seine, capturing 1. He was informed that small numbers of spent shad had been caught there for the past three weeks. A third trip to that lake, on April 15, resulted in the capture of 5 spent fish. On April 5, after the close of the fishing season, a seine was hired and four hauls were made at Manuel Landing, resulting in the capture of 18 roe shad, none of which was ripe. Trips were also made to Lakes Poinsett, Winder, and Washington, but from the information gathered it seems that very few shad go beyond Lake Harney. Though much valuable Information was obtained, the results as a whole were unsatisfactory, as the main object had been to locate the spawning-grounds and to determine definitely at what season eggs are deposited. The dealers stated repeatedly that spawning fish had been captured in January and February. It may be that the headwaters of the river and the lakes are the principal spawning-grounds, but as there is no commercial fishing in those waters this was not decided. On March 25 the Fish HawTc sailed for Albemarle Sound, arriving at Mackey's Ferry on April 1. As soon as possible afterward the owners of the seines, pounds, and gill nets were interviewed and arrangements made for collecting eggs. Spawn -takers were sent out on April 2 and the first eggs were brought in on the 5th. From that time to April 27 eggs were taken every day except Sunday, when fishing is prohibited by law. On April 7 the eggs collected the previous day commenced XL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. dying, and as their general condition before being placed in the jars was good, the loss was attributed to the water. An examination by the chemist failed to show any deleterious substances, but to avoid further losses the vessel was removed to Avoca, on Salmon Creek, where it remained to the close of the season. This location proved excellent, as it was within reach of the seines owned by Dr. Capehart and Mr. Ham])ton. The ship's launches and five spawning boats wei'e in constant use, and by April 27 the collection from all sources amounted to 27,901,000; 22,540,000 of these were secured from the seines at Avoca and 3,965,000 from Mr. Hampton's seines on the Eoanoke Eiver ; the bal- ance were obtained from pound nets. As the result of the season's work 10,911,000 fry were hatched and planted in the Albemarle and its tributaries, under the direction of Dr. Kendall, who had been detailed to observe their habits after liberation. The temperature of the water during the season varied from 59° to 63°. On April 27 the vessel i)roceeded to Delaware Bay, the 5,473,000 impregnated eggs still on hand having been turned over to Dr. Ken- dall, to be hatched in floating boxes anchored in the Salmon Eiver. Owing to the very poor circulation of the water here the loss on these eggs was very heavy; the 750,000 fry resulting from them were liberated in the Chowan Eiver. The vessel arrived in the Delaware on May 1, and remained at Howell Cove until May 28, when it removed to an anchorage otf Gloucester. For the first time in the history of the shad work on this river the efforts to collect eggs from the fisheries above the city of Philadelphia met with success. Collections commenced at once and continued without interruption until June 11, during which time 06,708,000 eggs were obtained and 42,130,000 fry hatched. Over a third of the eggs were collected in Howell Cove; the balance were obtained from gill-net fishermen and from seines above Philadelphia. The following table shows the daily collection, number of ripe fish used, fry hatched, and average temperature of air and water : Date. May Female No. of lisli eggs ob- used. tained. 2 Sunday 24 90 61 68 51 4 Sunday 34 82 40 48 46 14 Sunday 121 87 87 93 45 7 94, 000 1,214.000 3, 453. 000 2, 927, 000 2, 964, 000 2, 206, 000 199, 000 No. of fry hatched. Average temperature each day. 1,211,000 3, 369, 000 1, 550, 000 2, 761, 000 1, 942, 000 715, 000 5, 930, 000 4, 297, 000 3, 422, 000 3,611,000 2, 169, 000 294, 000 50, 000 500, 000 956, 000 1, 994, 000 2, 800, 000 2, 337, 000 273, 000 1, 500, 000 1, 851, 000 1, 990, 000 1, 076, 000 1, 122, 000 670, 000 1, 000, 000 3, 597, 000 Air. Water, o Y. 64 ' 64 55 58 63 68 63 60 62 68 66.5 71 66.5 67.5 64 62 64.5 65 69 68.5 63 64 o p_ 59.5 59 60.5 60 61 61 60 60 62.5 63.5 64.5 65 66 66.5 65 6J 64.5 64.5 65 65 65 65 Date. May 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 June 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Female flsh used. No. of XT i. f po-o-cni. h^o. of fry eggs OD- i,ofpi,pfi tained ^''-'^ouea. Sunday 74 58 45 63 39 3 Sunday 54 30 23 46 19 Average temperature each day. Air. I Water. Sunday 10 2, 982, 000 : 2, 325, OOO; 2, 302, 000, 3,110,000 1, 901, 000 142, 000 2, 767, 000 1, 125, 000 1, 025, 000 2, 054, 000 954, 000 513, 000 255, 000 378, 000 547, 000 3, 376, 000 2, 179, OOO 1,000,000 1, 155, 000 1, 690, 000 2, 000, 000 2,494,000 1, 726, OOO' i,'50O, OOO! 1, 409, 000 649, 000 1 1, 191, 000 574, 000 380, 000 o p 63 62,5 60 00 62 65 Gl 64 66 63, 61 72.5 72 69 68 60.5 59 61 67.5 70 1, 51 1 '66, 708, 000 43, 045, OOOj °F. 65,5 66 67 65 65.5 65 66 66 66. 5 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLI Several times during the season the capacity of tlie vessel was taxed to its utmost, and on two occasions it was found necessary to transfer eggs to other stations. In addition to the jar, various forms of appa- ratus, such as the Seth Green boxes, tidal boxes, and aquaria, were employed temporarily in hatcbing. The shad work was discontinued on June 14 and the vessel pro- ceeded to Woods Hole, arriving there June 10. It was the intention to remain here for a time, to cooperate in the collection of mackerel eggs near Edgartown, but after waiting for several days and failing to secure any eggs she proceeded on June 24 to Oasco Bay and ancliored in Orr Island Harbor. This location was selected as the base of operations on account of its being the headquarters of the mackerel fishermen ; it was also in easy communication with Portland, where large numbers of lobsters are collected. Arrangements were at once made for the spawn- takers to attend the pound nets in the vicinity and to accompany the drag-net fishermen regularly on their trips. The weather at this time was so bad that the drag-netters Avere often prevented from going out, and on July 13 a southwesterly gale completely wrecked the pounds at two of the fisheries. As a result the total number of mackerel eggs secured amounted to only 990,880, most of which were taken from the l)ounds on Jaquish Island. The period of collection extended from June 25 to July 8. In view of the difficulties experienced the past season in hatching eggs of the mackerel, Dr. J. P. Moore was employed to make a special study of the development of the egg, with the view to suggesting some practical improvements in the hatching methods. The following are the most important of the hatching processes experimented with : Increase of density from the normal 1.0224 to 1.0252 by the addition of salt; floating box in supply tank; McDonald jar with supply covered; inverted cod-jar with tidal flow; jar with bottom feed and cheese-cloth top; jar containing salt water to which new water was added from time to time; and, finally, the tidal-box system. There appeared to be no marked improvement in any of the methods over that of the tidal-box system, which last year hatched over 70 per cent in one instance. As far as could be observed the difficulty appeared to be with the egg and not with the hatching apparatus. Many fish were found to be spent soon after the commencement of operations, and eggs Avere found in all stages of development throughout the season. At the end of July fish were noticed that had not yet spawned. There is no difliculty in fertilizing the eggs, as all taken appear to be impregnated. It has been stated in previous reports that the eggs lacked sufficient vitality to produce healthy fry, and it was thought that the good eggs were given up while the fish were endeavoring to escape from the net. Nothing occurred during the season to disprove this, but fi'om further investigations it would seem that the greater number of the mackerel spawn offshore. This view is substantiated by the condition of the fish when taken, and by the fact that only with ofi'shore winds XLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. were eggs found in the surface tow net used. Before coming to any detiuite conclusions on this point, however, it would be necessary to conduct a series of offshore towings, and to carefully examine the eggs under a microscope in order to note their development, if impregnated, and to compare it with that of eggs artifically treated. LohHters. — The Oranqnis, which had been engaged in collecting seed lobsters and transferring them to Gloucester, was instructed to cooper- ate with the Fish Haivl' on the arrival of the latter in Casco Bay. Dur- ing the season 372 lobsters were received, from which 4,877,935 eggs were secured, and 4,616,005 fry hatched and liberated 2 miles offshore, directly in the center of the bay. The direction of the wind and the current were considered in making the plants, so as to provide against tlie fry being swept toward the shore. Experiments were also conducted in the holding of lobster fry. They were placed in boxes with a good circulation of water, individually and in lots of fifty, rock, gravel, and rockweed being provided so as to imitate as nearly as possible the conditions of nature. They were fed with towings from the surface of the water in the vicinity of the ledges. It was soon found that they would not live under these conditions, and they were removed to iioating boxes in the supply tank and overboard. Notwithstanding these efforts it was impossible to keep them alive longer than 13 days. Death was not caused by starvation, as their stomachs were found to contain such food as copepods, diatoms, vege- table debris, and fragments of algoi. In but few instances could the mortality be attributed to cannibalism, as only one specimen of the many examined was found to contain any portion of a lobster. It was also noticed that those confined separately lived no longer than those in lots of fifty. Toward the end of the season young lobsters in the second, third, and fourth stages of molting appeared in the jars which contained eggs and fry in the first stages. Most of these when first noticed must have been three or four weeks old. As the increase in size became apparent they were placed in a jar by themselves and fed on lobster eggs. They were brought to Woods Hole on the return of the vessel on July 31, but they all died the night of the arrival, probably because of the change in the temperature of the water, which showed an increase of 10°. They had passed the fourth stage and taken on the character- istics of the adult 5 the largest were over five eightlis of an inch in length. Of adult lobsters handled during the season, 332 were liberated in open waters and 40 died in transj)ortation. Battery Station, Maryland (Alex. Jones in charge). Ice disappeared from the Susquehanna early in March, and, as reports from the lower part of Chesapeake Bay indicated a very early season, the station was gotten ready for operations by April 1, and on April S the first lot of eggs were received. The weather turned cool, however, and the temperature of the water remained so low that the full force of employees was not taken on until April 19. From that date collections REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIII coutinued daily until June 5, the total take for tlie season amounting- to 71, 145,000, not including 3,000,000 received from the steamer Fish Eaicl: From these eggs 50,082,000 fry were hatched and distributed. A shipment of 091,000 eggs was sent to Nashville during the season for exposition purposes. Tbe following table shows in detail the daily collections of eggs, fry hatched and planted, and average temperature of the air and water: Date. Apr. 8 35,000 U 60. 000 15 58, 000 16 270, tiOO 17 180,000 18 388,000 19 247,000 21 321,000 22 78,000 23 1,725.000 24 2, 938, 000 25 420.000 2G 1,254,000 27 2,395.000 28 1.212,000 29 4. 729. 000 30 6, 902, 000 2 428,000 3 2,018,000 4 1,270,000 5 894,000 6 448,000 7 1 550,000 9 951,000 10 1,301,000 11 1,142,000 12 929.000 13 1,609.000 15 630,000 10 203,000 17 i 1.189,000 18 2,004,000 19 1 2,377,000 20 i 5, 888, 000 20 *1, 800,000 May Eggs received. 2,398,000 * 663, 000 * 198, 000 1,764,000 816, 000 45, 000 346, 000 340, 000 1. 544, 000 3,416,000 2, 580, 000 1,432,000 31 3,667,000 Juno 1 [ 2,260,000 2 1,039,000 3 1,574.000 4 i 805,000 5 400,000 Total I 74,145,000 May 3 | tl, 280, 000 Loss. 35, 000 60, 000 58. 000 149, 000 90, 000 172, 000 131,000 213, 000 41,000 645, 000 973, 000 218, 000 1, 184, 000 973, 000 298, 000 1,457,000 2, 297, 000 185, 000 097. 000 401,000 103, 000 132, 000 155, 000 126, 000 341,000 343, 000 252, 000 389, 000 196, 000 7.'!, 000 289, 000 650, 000 636, 000 1, 149, 000 684, 000 760, 000 155, 000 31, 000 678, 000 320, 000 10, 000 34, 000 30, 000 362, 000 816,000 618,000 513, 000 704, 000 415,000 178, 000 623, 000 325, 000 95, 000 Hatching. Date. 22, 469, 000 780, 000 Apr. 28 Apr. 29 Apr. 29 Apr. 29 Apr. 29 Apr. 29 May 1 May May May jSIay May May May May H May 11 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 18 May 19 May 19 May 21 May 21 May 23 May 23 May 25 May 26 May 26 May 27 May 27 May 28 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 30 May 30 May :',1 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 11 May 6 Number hatched. Number of fry planted. 130, 000 84, 000 216, 000 116, 000 108, 000 37, 000 1,080,000 1. 965, 000 202, 000 70, 000 1,422,000 914, 000 3, 272, 000 4, 605, 000 243, 000 1,321,000 869. 000 791,000 316, 000 395, 000 825, 000 960, 000 799, 000 677, 000 1, 220, 000 440, 000 130, 000 900. 000 1, 354, 000 1. 741, 000 4, 739, 000 1,116,000 1,638,000 508, 000 160, 000 1, 086, 000 490, 000 35, 000 312, 000 310, 000 1, 182. 000 2, 600, 000 1, 962, 000 919, 000 2, 449, 000 1,845,000 861, 000 951, 000 305, 000 130, 000 84, 000 216, 000 116, 000 108, 000 37, oOO 1, 080, 000 1,965,000 202, 000 70, 000 1,422,000 914, 000 3, 272, 000 4, 605, 000 243, 000 1,321.000 869, 000 791,000 316. 000 395, 000 825, 000 960, 000 799, 000 677, 000 1, 220, 000 440. 000 130,000 900, 000 1,354,000 1,741,000 4, 739, 000 1,116.000 1, 638, 000 508, 000 166, 000 1, 086, 000 496. 000 35, 000 312, 000 310,000 1, 182, OOO 2, 600, 000 1, 962, 000 . 919,000 2, 449. 000 1, 845. 000 861, 000 951, 000 305, 000 50, 682, 000 500, 000 50, 682, 000 450, 000 Average temperature. Air. Water. °F. 58 58 58 55 55 55 55 55 55.3 56.7 57 57 58 58.3 59 59 60 60 60.4 60.7 60.7 61 61.3 61.3 61.5 61.5 61.7 65 65.9 65.9 65.9 66 66 66 66.3 66.3 64 64.7 65 65.3 65.3 65.7 65.7 66.3 66.3 67 67 67.3 68 57 or. 53.4 54 54 54.5 54.6 54.6 54.6 54.7 54.7 55.7 55.7 55.7 56 56.2 56.4 56.4 57 57 58.1 59 59.3 60 60 60 61 61 61.1 63 64 64.3 64.3 64.7 65 65 65 65 65.2 65.1 65 65.1 65.1 65.3 65.5 65.7 65.9 65.9 66 66.1 66 66.5 66.7 67.2 58 * Steamer Fith Hawk. t Eggs of striped bass. Storms were very frequent throughout the season, and as tbey usually occurred at slack water, between sunset and midnight, the daily collec- tions were materially interfered with, though the total take exceeded that of any season since 1888. It is worthy of mention that 11,000,000 XLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. eggs were obtained bet\Yeeii midnight and daylight, more than 3,000,000 between 8 a. m. and noon, and 0,000,000 between noon and night. Contrary to past experience, the eggs collected during the day were of excellent (jnality and produced strong, healthy fry. This year the number of fry hatched amounted to 72 per cent of the total take of eggs. The fishermen in the neighborhood cooperated with the superintendent throughout the season, and furnished 26,000,000 eggs, or nearly three times the number furnished last year, at a rate of $20 jier 1,000,000. Striped bass. — For several years the station force has been on the lookout for striped bass or rockfish eggs, and on May 3 the spawn -taker attending the Carpenter Point seine brought in 1,280,000, which he had collected from a fish weighing 12 pounds. The eggs were nearly trans- parent and measured one-seventh of a linear inch, or 24.552 to the quart. After attempting to hatch them in the McDonald jar it was found neces- sary to improvise a special form of apparatus somewhat similar to the Mci )onald tidal box, owing to the fact that there is very little diifereuce between the specific gravity of the water and that of the eggs. The improvised form consisted of four bell aquaria inverted and placed in a box supplied with water through a f -inch tube and discharged through a i-iuch tube, thus giving a rise and fall of 5^ inches every 8 minutes. By the afternoon of May 6 the hatching was completed, the mean tem- perature during the period of incubation being 58°. The fry resulting from these eggs (estimated at 450,000) were liberated in the Susque hanna River near Port Deposit. The small percentage hatched was occasioned partly by the muddy condition of the water and x^artly by imperfect circulation due to the character of material used for covering the jars. For the purpose of closer observation during the r)eriod of incubation, two small glass jars were placed in a bell aquarium fitted with tidal motion. The water used was first run through a charcoal filter. Bryan Point Station, Maryland (S. G. Worth, Superintendent). In August and September important improvements were made under the direction of the superintendent, embodying repairs to the boiler- house, seine-house, and boat-house; the wharf was repaired and pro- tected against damage from ice by driving piles 20 feet away from the corners, on a line with the end, and a v\'ell 18i feet deep was excavated, which affords a copious supply of cold, clear water. The station has heretofore been dependent on a very unsatisfactory spring and upon river water, which caused sickness. A large amount of worn-out property, including seines, seine boat, and other fishing apparatus, was condemned and sold at auction. A topographical survey of the station was made during the year, and an estimate was submitted by the superintendent for a large hatchery, where the entire product of the station can be cared for, thus obviating the necessity of transferring the eggs to Central Station. In view of the receipt of large numbers of shad during March, 104,000 being received from the 14th to the 28th, preparations were made REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV to open the statiou two weeks in advance of the usual time. Mr. L. G. HaiTon was detailed to assist the superintendent in field work. Special attention is called to the fact that although immense numbers of shad were taken in March, the catch during' the spawning period (April 15 to June 30) was much smaller than that of any year since 1887, and this accounts for the poor results secured. A few rij)e fish were found as early as April 2, but the regular collections did not com- mence until April 14. The following table shows the daily collections of eggs and the source of supply : 1897. sSS. 1 «"!-• Daily total. 1897. Haul seines. Gilleis. Daily total. April 14 15 472, 000 356, 000 481, 000 522, 000 485, 000 288. 000 184, 000 80, 000 203, 000 461, 000 871, 000 653. 000 60, UOO 283, 000 130, 000 116, 000 384. 000 511,000 400, 000 92, 000 145, 000 472, 000 53.^. 000 488, 000 642, 000 1, 085, 000 624, 000 306, 000 751,000 460. 000 1,471,000 3, 050, 000 2. 349, 000 1, 003, 000 887, 000 338, 000 252, 000 1, 529, 000 1, 109. 000 1. Oil, 000 1, 662, 000 531, 000 May 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 25 27 28 29 Total... 78, 000 468, 000 1, 353, 000 2, 789, 000 1, 447, 000 1, 271, 000 1, 377, 000 1, iOfi, 000 729, 000 241, 000 605, 000 641, 000 679, 000 387, 000 847, 000 1, 483, 000 318, 000 795, 000 621, 000 401, 000 .546 000 177, 000 7,000 120, 000 600, 000 336, 000 122, 000 671, 000 257. 000 1,010,000 2, 179, 000 1, 696, 000 943, 000 604, 000 208, 000 136, 000 1, 145, 000 508, 000 611, 000 1,570,000 386, 000 1 353 000 16 17 19 20 21 422. 000 289, 000 63, 000 271. 000 3, 211, 000 1, 736, 000 1, 334, OOJ 1, 648. 000 1 408 000 22 23 171,000 900, 000 241 000 24 25 605, 000 641 000 26 679 000 27 387 000 28 847 000 29 1,483 000 30 318 000 May 1 2 795 000 621 000 5 401 000 6 7 8,471,000 31,236,000 39,707,000 Over 90 per cent of the eggs were from the lower river, whereas only about 15 per cent were obtained from that field the previous year. As the daily collections were very small, half of the temporary employees were discharged on May 15, and most of the remainder on the 29th, sufficient force being retained to dismantle the station and care for the property. On April 20 the daily shipment to Central Station was frozen, though the eggs were closely covered with oil-cloth and placed on the forward deck of the launch, where they were exposed to sun- light. This is the first instance of shad eggs freezing on the trays during the spawning season. A system of temxDerature observations, embracing 25 miles of spawning territory, was inaugurated on April 20, and it is thought, by continuing the work from season to season, that valuable deductions may be made as to the spawning habits of the shad. During May an etibrt was made to ascertain the extent to which young shad were frequenting the spawning-grounds at Stony Point. Tlic .station was closed on June 7. Following are the mean temperatures of air and water for March, April, and May: Month. Air. Water. Marcli 48.25 55.75 66.38 45.25 April . . 54.50 May 64.73 XLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The following- table shows the temperatures of water by weeks, dur- iug the shad season, from 1887 to 1897. It will be found of interest iu connection with the table on the opposite page : Tear. Week ending Feb. 7. 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 39 35 38.07 44.07 41.14 38.50 34.85 38.28 34.35 39.92 35. 03 Week ending Feb. 14. 40.89 35 36.32 42.28 41.66 39.21 34.80 39.53 34.17 40 36 Week ending Feb. 21. 42.17 35.28 36.21 44.42 44.57 39.35 35.57 39.32 34.82 38.32 36.78 Week ending Feb. 28. 38 34 42 I 37 36 I 35 38 36 43.37 37.07 36 44.35 45.38 42.85 35.42 38.32 35.17 36.50 39.10 Week ending Mar. 7. 42 41 37.53 36.50 44.67 41.42 42.90 36.89 41.75 38 38.96 41.03 Tear. 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 Week ending Mar. 14. 42.21 37.21 39.07 42.67 40.38 43.60 40.64 48.35 41.82 39.71 43.32 Week ending Mar. 21. ^ IS 45 ' 41 48 44 41.71 36.21 43.39 45.85 41.33 41.04 41.53 51.35 42.32 39.50 46.21 Week ending Mar. 28. 42.71 39.07 46.82 47.17 44.04 43.14 44.14 52.42 43.71 41.03 49.89 Week ending Apr. 4. 42.39 44.14 48.92 48.10 44.42 47.28 48.64 48.03 47.14 45.17 50.14 Week ending Apr. 11. 52 i 43 52 [ 48 52 50 53 50 46 44 47.17 50.92 50.50 51.46 45. 04 53.80 53.21 50.17 59.14 46.07 52.21 Week ending Apr. 18. 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1803 1894 1895 1896 1897 54.39 51.22 52.64 54.60 52.28 50.85 54.53 50.50 53.32 53.84 53.96 Week ending Apr. 25. 54.21 50.55 55.67 57.35 61.33 51.85 53.36 58.35 56.67 64.50 56.03 Week ending May 2. 55.71 55 57.71 59. 42 63.04 56.23 53.09 62.39 59.57 63 60.64 Week ending May 9. 66 57 64 58 62.55 60.64 r>7. 84 62. 07 62 65.09 58.14 68.32 63.39 64.64 61.60 Week ending May 16. :8 d 3 a 68 66 66 63 68 61 65 60 65 60 68 64 67.28 64.53 65.64 62.53 63.28 65.52 62.47 68.64 67.35 70 64.39 Week ending May 23. Week ending May 30. Week ending June 6. June 6 to 10. Tear. i 1 § 1 1 a i 1 3 a 1 1887 72 63 70 68 68 69 69 70 62 75 67 68 61 66 64 61 65 60 67 70.35 62.14 68.64 65.92 64.61 67.33 63.57 69.10 73 65 66 68 68 66 70 68 72 72 68 72 61 64 64 62 62 66 64 62 70 67 72.67 62.75 65 66.45 64.42 64.57 69.09 65.71 65.32 71.78 67.75 72 72 72 72 70 71 17 1888 1889 70 73 70 74 75 69 82 73 71 65 66 62 62 68 62 70 71 68 67.92 69.14 67.42 68.66 71. 23 65.07 76.28 72.03 69 69 74 72 74 76 77 80 76 71 65 72 66 70 74 66 75 73 70 67 25 1890 73.61 1891 68.42 1892 72.19 1893 75 1894 72.71 1895 60 61 . 2S 77.50 1896 72 66 73.28 66.14 75.21 1897 70.12 REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLVII The following table shows the receij)ts of shad from the Potomac Eiver, at Washington, D. C, by weeks dnring the season, from 1887 to 1897. The data were furnished by Mr. Gwymi Harris, inspector of marine products: Non-spawn fish. Tear. Week 1 Week Week ending [ ending ending Feb. 7. Feb. 14. { Feb. 21. Week ending Feb. 28. Week : Week ending ending Mar. 7. : Mar. 14. Week ending Mar. 21. Week Week ending ending Mar. 28. Apr. 4. Week ending Apr. 11. 1887 1 2 2 64 2 208 1 1 391 53 52 38 464 3,325 4,841 2,963 16, 862 43, 520 7,070 16, 493 48, 170 23, 631 70, 352 23, 338 84, 373 26, 038 25 922 1888 1889 i 221 4,103 491 132 477 3,020 15, 916 2,447 1,442 5,914 42' 463 1890 4 15 2 19 12 4 292 38 2 97 375 1891 15^761 71 056 1892 1893 58 115 1894 3 2 5 15 67, 325 1895 89 39 1,060 1,897 101 24, 986 15, 743 3,642 80,120 134 800 1896 1 3 1 2 16 49, 456 79 237 1897 25 Spawn fisb. Year. Week Week Week ending ' ending ending Apr. 18. \ Apr. 25. May 2. Week ending May 9. Week ending May 16. Week ending May 23. Week ending May 30. Week ending June 6. Juno 6 to June 10. Total. 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1890 1897 50, 045 61, 611 88, 832 97, 676 87, 341 60, 502 55, 431 83, 959 126, 290 128, 050 60, 250 48, 634 61,611 110, 254 71,805 97, 600 38, 753 55, 392 79, 067 106, 501 53, 300 24, 079 33, 655 53, 302 56, 139 45, 586 53, 918 28, 173 35, 963 55, 370 38, 123 32, 852 18, 598 49, 921 51, 363 72, 066 24, 328 21,211 22, 285 18, 029 22, 470 56, 874 22, 973 10, 239 22, 951 23, 442 31, 979 11, 822 15, ]94 8,468 15, 220 20, 195 28,642 13,218 7,273 17,921 14, 307 14, 886 3,261 10, 920 4,655 9,520 9,044 20, 449 7,937 3,400 5,760 7,790 8,002 1, 369 3, 412 3,476 3,820 7,234 13, 112 3,307 1,882 3,881 5,237 2,308 1,481 2,061 3, 961 1,514 12. 410 8,826 4,346 1,151 1, 308 893 1,544 337 258 1,358 375 2,777 1,612 592 210 269, 110 308, 444 448, 577 419, 390 317, 789 260, 882 307, 978 383, 507 623, 310 313,160 396, 899 Centkal Statiox, Washington, D. C. (S. G. Worth, Superintendent). During the summer the superintendent was detailed to make an investigation in the neighborhood of Weldou, N. C, with the view to determining the extent to which the river shrimp, Palwmonetes exilipes, enters into the food of the bass and crappie, and to arrange for the extension of its geographical range as a natural food for trout and other edible fishes. They were found in many of the ponds and streams of Halifax and Northampton counties, and shipments were Sent to Washington, D. C, WythevHIe, Va., and Keosho, Mo. It was learned that they form an important part of the natural food of bass, crappie, and other predaceous fishes, and that they can be successfully shipped in pails of water by express for distances requiring not over seven hours time. Part of the consignment sent to Washington were put in a trout stream near Leesburg, Va. An examination of the pond in Washington during the month of May showed the presence of egg-bearing shrimp. As in former years, the fish-cultural work included the distribution of the year's production of fish from the Fish Commission ponds, the hatching of shad eggs collected on the Potomac River, and of a few eggs of the ([uinnat salmon, brook, rainbow, Loch Leven, and lake trouts, which had been transferred from other stations during the winter for the purpose of illustrating fish-cultural methods. XLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The followiug table shows the uiimber of eggs received and the fish distributed : Species. Brook trout Lake trout Loch Leveu trout. Raiubow trout . . . . Quinuat salmon. . . Shad Total Eggs Fry received. ; distributed. 3,000 5,000 3,000 10, 000 10, 000 40, 359, 000 2,202 4,338 2,209 7,479 7,516 25, 346, 000 40, 390, 000 25, 369, 744 The first consigumeiit of shad eggs was received from Bryan Point on April 14, and shipments continued uninterruptedly from that time until the 29th of May, 31,877,000 of the 39,719,000 shipped being received in good condition. A consignment of 640,000 was also received from the Delaware River on May 22. During the season 25,346,000 fry were hatched and distributed, and 2,070,000 eggs were shipped to Nashville for exposition purposes; the balance were lost during incubation. The eggs were transferred from Bryan Point by means of the Fish Commission launch instead of by passenger boat, as in past years. At the close of the year the superintendent was detailed for duty in connection with the construction of the station at Erwin, Tenn. Aquarium at Central Station (L. G. Harrox, in charge). In October arrangements were made to restock the aquarium with salt-water fishes from Chesapeake Bay, but owing to the prevalence of heavy gales it was impossible to obtain good collections. Fresh- water fishes were collected from time to time in the Potomac River, and consignments of trout and salmon were received from the New England stations. Comparatively little difficulty was experienced during the year with fungus or disease of any kind. During March and April 19 yellow perch spawned in the aquarium, but eflbrts to hatch their eggs were unsuccessful; this was attributed to the presence of alum in the filtered water. Two rainbow trout spawned early in March and another on May 12; none of the eggs hatched, though effort s were made to save them. The goldfish spawned in April and May and the eggs were placed in a separate aquarium in the greenhouse, where they^were hatched. The fresh-water fishes, with the exception of the lake trout, were held without loss until May 6, when a part of the steelhead trout and quinuat salmon were transferred to Nashville. The balance v/ere retained with comparatively light losses until June 18, when they were liberated in a small spring fed pond about 10 miles from Washington. Several adult rainbow trout, weighing from li to 2 pounds, a number of 2-year-olds, and a few steelheads were retained in the aquarium for experimental purposes, and lived until July 4, when they died at a temperature, of S20. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIX From June 18 to July 4 the water temperature was as follows : Date. 1897 ■June 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 6 a.m. Noon. 6 p. m. OF. °F. °F. 74 74 74 74 75 75 75 75 76 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 76 77 77 77 Date. 1897, June 27 28 29 30 July 1 2 3 4 6 a.m. Noon. Of ojr 77 77 77 77 77 77 77 78 78 78 78 80 80 81 81 81 6 p. m. °F. 77' 77 77 78 78 80 81 82 The following shows the number and kind of salt and fresh water fishes exhibited during the year: Species. , No. ( Species. No. Species. No. Fresh water : Large-moutli black bass. 295 32 100 120 3 1 165 175 193 150 300 174 29 66 40 12 12 300 1 1 Fresh water — Continued. 5 10 30 6 4 6 2,700 120 20 12 25 200 12 100 4 2 19 40 2 32 1 Salt water — Continued. Pinfish 3 30 20 Crappie Pigflsh 4 9 Flounder Mummichog Tautoo- 8 Shad 20 Sunfisb 24 Toadflsh 12 14 Moonflsh _ Swellfish 4 Quinnat salmon 1 Fresh- water shrimp . . 1 Bullfrog 19 6 3 Freeh-water terrapin . . Snapping turtle Salt water : 3 English tench Skate 2 I 4 Goldfish 12 15 Pike 1 Fish Commission Lakes, Washington, D. C. (Rudolph Hessel in charge). During the fall months the following fish, resulting from the crop of the previous spring, were distributed : Large-mouth black bass, 38,492 ; small-mouth black bass, 2,688; rock bass, 5,070; shad (estimated nnm- ber), 1,500,000. At the close of the previous fiscal year 12,270 young large-mouth black bass had been transferred from the breeding-ponds to the tanks and the small rearing-ponds. This work was continued during the summer, a total of 48,822 large-mouth and 2,976 small-mouth bass being secured. The losses up to the time of distribution amounted to 11,410, of which 1,080 were the small-mouth species. The heaviest mortality occurred in June, caused by the high temperature and the muddy condition of the water. Their food during the early summer consisted of chopped fish (carp and tench reared at the station), and when the sui^ply was exhausted, fishes purchased from the market were substituted. The bass refused to take the fresh-water sjiecies, but the various salt-water fishes, particularly the butter-fish and the sea trout, proved very accept- F. K. 97 lY L REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. able. These were purchased at a rate of 3 cents per pound. In pre- paring fish as food the scales and gills should be carefully removed. With the view to enlarging the output of bass, spawning-ponds were constructed along the south banks of the north and south ponds during the winter, and the stock was increased by the transfer of several hundred large-mouth breeders from Quiucy and small-mouth breeders from Lake Erie. On the loth of April 20 adults were placed in each of the partitions of the north pond and the same number of small-mouth bass were placed in the various partitions of the south pond. Spawners were also placed in Pond No. 6 and in a number of the small i)onds on the terrace in front of the cottage. As good results had been attained at Wytheville Station the pre- vious year by the use of artificial nests, all of the ponds were provided with them, in addition to piles of gravel. The nests used were of two forms, one being simi)ly a cement plate 20 inches in diameter, covered with coarse gravel; the other, the Seagle nest, described in the Eeport for 189G, page 48. The fisli commenced spawning on April 18, and it was noticed that they deposited their eggs on the artificial nests quite as readily as on the natural nests of gravel. The temi^erature of the water at the opening of the spawning season was 45'^. Fungus developed after a few days on the first eggs deposited in partitions 1 and 2 of the north pond and Pond No. 6, but the others did well, and on April 26 young fish were seen in both the north and south ponds. Owing to the faet that the ponds were not dried during the winter, there was an immense growth of algoe, which not only interfered mate- rially with tlie removal of the fry, but i)revented close observation of their movements. As au examination of the jjonds showed them to be abundantly stocked with microscopic food, artificial feeding was not commenced until the bass were about two weeks old. During the month of May there was every reason to expect a large crop of both species, but late in June a small bug belonging to the family of Notoneciidw made its appearance and destroyed large numbers of the young fish. An insect which belongs to the Bytiscidcv family appeared later and caused even greater danmge. It attacked the young bass in large numbers, killing and eating in a few minutes a fish 1^ inches long, nothing remaining but the skeleton. Tliougb little is known of the natural history of this insect, it has heretofore been thought that its food consisted solely of dead flesh. The pests fly over into the ponds at night from the river, and the only way to prevent their ravages is to cover the ponds with very fine meshed netting. At the close of the year, owing to heavy losses caused by the insects referred to, very few of the young fish remained in the small ponds. Crappie. — As the demand for this species is constantly increasing, a supply of adults was brought to the station from Quincy in the fall, and early in April 23 of them were placed in Pond No. 5 and the remainder REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LI in the acclimatization pond, No. 20, which has an area of 17,500 square feet. In Pond No. 5, where there was very little vegetation, a close watch was kept, with the view of noting the spawning habits of the fish, but in no instance were they observed to nest, though a few fry appeared in June. The vegetation in Pond No. 20 is very dense, and the results attained were apparently much better, as hundreds of fry an inch in length were observed during the latter part of June. The crappie are so delicate that it is impracticable to handle them during warm weather, and no effort was made to remove the young brood, but the old fish were taken out and placed in a smaller pond. Golden ide. — A part of the stock of golden ide was placed in Pond No. 4 and commenced spawning on April 21. The temperature of the water at that time was 51°, but it fell to 11° on the 24th, causing the loss of all the eggs. A few days later 10 specimens which had been set aside for shipment to Nashville spawned, the temperature at the time being 58°. These eggs were successfully hatched within 10 days, and at the close of the year there were several hundred of the young fish on hand. Their food consists of cornmeal and flour. All of the spotted catfish and rock bass on hand were shipped to Nashville for exhibition purposes. As usual, large numbers of carp and tench were hatched to be used as food for the bass, and a sufficient number of goldfish were reared for stocking the public parks. During the winter the old tool-house, the fences, and the partitions around the ponds were removed; a driveway was constructed from Executive avenue to the office, and the grounds were further improved by the planting of ornamental flower beds. Wttheville Station, Virginia (George A. Seagle, Superintendent). The condition of the ponds and buildings was such that it became necessary to expend $800 in improvements during the fall. These con- sisted of the subdivision of the bass ponds into 9 spawning-ponds by the construction of wooden and earthen partitions, and the painting and repairing of the hatchery and superintendent's residence. The stock of fish on hand at the beginning of the year is shown in the tollowiug table: Calendar year in which fisli were hatched. Species. 1896. 1895. 1894. 1893. 1892 or before. Rainbow trout 117, 300 1,400 560 805 1,830 Black bass 24 140 Total 117, 300 1,400 560 805 ] 994 At the time of distribution in the fall the trout numbered 81,954; 2,200 of these were retained for breeding purposes and the remainder were i)lanted in public and private waters. Very few black bass were reared at the station, owing to the condition of the ponds, but the out- LII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. put was increased by tlie transfer of 13,5()2 from Central Station and 234 from Quincy, 111. The output of rock bass was 11,485 yearlings and 70 adults reared at the station and 2,550 yearlings transferred from Neosho. Bainboiv trout — The l)rood stock at the station in iSTovember con- sisted of 1,623 fish from 4 to 8 years old, 700 three-year olds, 515 two- year olds, and 1,200 yearlings. The spawning season commenced on IS^ovember 6 and continued until February 5, during which time 770,440 eggs were collected from 984 fish, 620 males being used to fertilize them. Of these eggs 245,000 were assigned to State fish commissions, foreign societies, and private applicants; 52,000 were transferred to other sta- tions of the Commission; and from the balance 365,000 healthy fry were hatched. During March and April 120,000 of these were distributed to applicants in Virginia and Tennessee; the remainder were placed in troughs in the hatchery and in outside ponds to be reared for the fall distribution, the losses to the close of the fiscal year amounting to 63,038. During the early stages of the existence of the fry their diet consisted entirely of canned herring roe and salted cod roe, but from May 1 to the close of the year a mixture of liver and mush was given to them. After an experience of two years, fish roe, either salted or canned, is considered far superior to the usual liver diet for small fry. Of the two preparations the canned roe is preferable. There were no unusual casualties until June 23, when the water supply to one of the ponds was obstructed for several hours, resulting in the loss of 327 two-year old fish. Quinnat salmon. — On December 31, 5,000 quinnat salmon eggs were received. They hatched between January 8 and 12 with slight loss, and on May 28, when the fry were transferred to the ponds, the loss from the time of hatching amounted to less than 200. They grew very rapidly after being released in the ponds, and at the close of the year were about 4 inches long. Black bass. — To increase the output of the station, 59 adult small- mouth black bass were transferred from Put-in Bay in October. They were kept in one of the spring-fed ponds until April 14 when tliey were transferred to the spawning-ponds, which had been prepared with artificial nests. Owing to the unusually cool and cloudy weather they did not commence nesting until late in May, and at the end of June only two nests containing eggs had been found. Bock bass. — Early in April 145 adult rock bass were placed in the spawning-ponds. These were also afl'ected by cool weather, and though they commenced nesting early in May very few eggs were noticed at the close of the year. Crapxne. — Of 104 crappie transferred from Quincy Station in October, there remained but 46 the following spring. These were in excellent condition, apparently, but so far they have shown no indications of si)awning. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LIII Put-in Bay Station, Ohio (J. J. Sthanahax, Superintendent). The following important improvements \rere made at the station dnring- the year: A frame storehouse 15 by 20 feet, 1^ stories high, was erected on the southwest corner of the station grounds; the old dock was replanked throughout and sui:)i)lied with new timbers where needed ; a rowboat dock, 40 feet by 9 feet, was built at the southeast corner of the building, running parallel to and 20 feet away from the main dock; a 30-foot channel, 200 feet long and 7^ feet deep, was dredged from the dock outward to deep water; retaining walls were built on the north and the west sides of the main building and on the northeast of the grounds on the lake front; the grounds were graded and seeded and walks were built; a 60-light gas plant was installed in the hatchery, and to obviate the possibility of the water supply being cut oft', the suction pipe at the end of the dock was placed in deep water in the new channel. During October the usual arrangements were made for collecting whitefish and herring eggs at various points on Lake Erie, but owing to the exceedingly bad weather during the spawning season the total take was less than half that of the previous year. The lirst eggs were obtained on oSTovember 4, but a violent storm commenced November and lasted for several days, causing great destruction to the nets, and breaking up and driving the schools of whitefish and herring out into deep water. Scarcely a pound net escaped injury, and it was estimated that over one-third of the gill nets in the western end of the lake were destroyed; 21 pounds belonging to a firm in Toledo were so injured that they were not fished again during the season. At the close of operations, on November 20, the total collections amounted to 86,139,000 whitefish and 11,725,000 lake-herring eggs, secured from the following fields : Collecting field. Whitefish. | Herring. Port Clinton Putin Bay Xorth Ba'sa Lsland . Toledo Kelly Island Jtiddle Bass Island. Catawba Island Total 45,513,000 ' 5,225,000 12, 213, (!00 I 3,200,000 12, 159, 000 I 1, 100, 000 7, J 37, 000 ' 2,200,000 4,617, 0i!0 I 2,439, 000 ' 2,061,000 86, 139, 000 11, 725, 000 Owing to the unfavorable conditions under which the eggs were col- lected, their (juality was not so good as in former years. The first fry were planted on March 20, and deposits were continued to April 29, during which time 60,309,000 whitefish, and 7,299,000 lake herring were liberated. For the purpose of experiment, 2,000,000 fry hatched early in April were held in four tanks and were fed on fine middlings prepared by LIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. the roller process. They commenced to take food on April 8, and were apparently healthy and vigorous until April 17, when a considerable number of dead ones were discovered at the bottom of the tanks. The death rate continued to increase from this time until about the 28th, when it had become so large that it was decided to plant half of them. The balance were held for experimental purposes, and various kinds of food were tried, but they all died on the night of May 6. The temperature of the water during this jDeriod was as follows : Date. Air. Water. Air. Water. Max. 43 Min. Mean. Max. Min. Mean. Max. Min. Iklean. Max. Min. Mean. Apr. 8 41.5 42.25 40.5 40 40.25 Apr. 23 73 64 68.5 46 45 45.5 9 35 34 34.5 40 40 40 24 74 59 66.5 48 47 47.5 10 41 33 37 40 39 39.5 i 25 61 54.5 57. 75 48 48 48 11 38 35 36.5 40 40 40 26 54 54 54 48 47.5 47.75 12 44 38 41 41 40 40.5 27 44.5 40 42.25 47.5 47 47.25 13 59 49 54 41 40.5 40.75 28 59.5 53.5 56.0 48 48 48 14 49 42 45.5 42 41.5 41.75 29 54 51 52.5 48 48 48 15 52 45 48.5 42.5 42 41.75 30 48 48 48 49 47.5 48.25 16 48 44 46 42 5 42 42.25 May 1 41 41 41 48.5 48.5 48.5 17 37.5 37 37.25 43.5 43 43. 25 2 42 40 41 48 47.5 47.5 18 58 40 49 43 42 42.5 3 56 47 51.5 48 47.5 47.75 19 36 34 35 43 43 43 4 55 47 51 51.5 51 51.25 20 33 29 31 43 42.5 42. 75 5 56 52 54 52 51 51.5 21 50 41 45.5 43.5 43.5. 43.5 : 6 69 57 63 52 51 51.5 22 72 57.5 64.75 44 43.5 43,75 From a consignment of 1,000,000 lake-trout eggs shipped fromNorth- ville Station 794,000 fry were hatched and libeiated in the vicinity of the station, on Korth Bass Island and Peach Point Eeef. Another attempt was made to collect black-bass eggs by setting out artificial nests in the vicinity of the hatchery. Over 100 were prepared and placed in shallow places, but owing to the very high winds and low temperature j>revailing during the spawning season only three broods of young fish were hatched. In the spring the superintendent made an investigation of the stur- geon fisheries at the west end of the bay, with the view to taking up the propagation of that species, but it was found that the conditions would not warrant it. Following is a record of the maximum, mean, and minimum tempera- tures of air and water, by months : Month. Air. Water. Month. Air. Water. Max.j Min. Mean. Max. Min. Mean. Max. Min. Mean. Max. Min. Mean. 1896. July August September . October November. . December . . 90 92 86 67 66 51 66 65 54 36 21 17 76.51 74 77.09 80.50 65.011 70 51.48 59 43. 05| 52.5 31.85| 37 64 68 56.5 46 38.5 32.5 70.60 73.67 66. 25 51. 82 44. 30 39.74 1897. January . . . February . March April May June 55 44 56.5 74 77 80 —13 6 21.5 33 40 52 29.56 29.47 35.12 46.51 56. 84 68.65 35.5 34.5 38 49 62 73 32.5 32.5 32.5 37 47.5 56 32.84 32.63 33.70 42.63 55.12 64.85 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LV NoKTiiviLLE Station, Michigan (Frank N. Clark, Superintendent). The regular force of tbe station was employed during the summer in assisting' in the various constructions, repairs, and improvements. Tlie stock of tish on hand at the beginning of the year was as follows : Species. Calendar year in whieh fisli were hatched. 1896. 1895. 1894. 1893. 1892. 17, 000 90 675 215 230 512 85 20 Total 17, 000 ! 90 i 1,187 550 The fish continued to do well until the excavations for the new hatchery were commenced, when it became necessary to cut off a large part of the water supply. This resulted in heavy losses, and by the close of summer there remained on hand only 1,600 yearling fish. Laln:! 50 10 269 144 128 236 156 206 194 58 166 225 80 137 151 71 269 144 128 230 156 206 17 18 49 11 49 12 19 49 13 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 49 14 48 15 48 16 48 17 252 166 225 80 137 151 71 1, 210, 000 750, 000 1,110,000 412, 500 710, 000 820, 000 407, 500 49 18 49 19 2, 260 i 48 1, 560 ! 49 50 20 50 21 22 23 Total. 5,001 4,968 25, 852, 880 1,308,291) .... REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIX With the view to testing the advantages to be derived from planting fry near the ocean, arrangements were made for hatching 750,000 of the eggs collected at the State experimental station at Olema, Gal. They were shipped on December 31, and the resulting fry were planted during February and March in Dutch Bill, Boccacio, Olema, and Bear Valley creeks. Their movements were carefully noticed by Messrs. A. B. Alexander and N. B. Scofield. Clackamas Station, Oregon (W. F. Hubbard, Superintendent). The superintendent was occupied during a portion of the summer in examining a number of tributaries of the Columbia Eiver, with the view to establishing auxiliary stations, to be operated in connection with the station on the Clackamas. As a result of his investigations, arrange- ments were made for the collection of eggs on the Salmon River, a tributary of the Sandy, and on the Little White Salmon, emj)tying into the Columbia above the Cascades, in the State of Washington. The collections on the Snake and Sandy rivers the previous year were so small that it was decided not to operate at those points again. Early in July the station force commenced the construction of a rack 330 feet long across the Clackamas River. Great difficulty was expe- rienced in this undertaking on account of the extensive rafting of logs and wood from points above, but arrangements were finally made with the lumbermen to provide a boom, and a gate was built in the rack to permit of the passage of the material. The rack was completed on July 18, and the force was utilized during the remainder of the summer in making repairs to the boats and fishing apparatus, building a trap for the capture of spawning fish, and laying a new floor in the hatchery. The collection of eggs from the fish below the rack was commenced on September 11, and operations were continued until October 31, the total take amounting to 1,062,500. On that date a part of the rack was carried away by a rise in the river, and, as it was late in the season and there appeared to be very few fish below the rack, no attempt was made to repair it. The results of the season's work were very discouraging, as the traps and seines had been worked night and day, and gill nets had also been fished on the riffles below, where a few salmon were observed spawning. Early in November the volume of the spring brook was so increased by heavy rains that the pumps were discontinued and the supply for the hatchery taken from that source. Considerable damage was done to the station during the month by high water. The bridge across Clear Creek was carried away on the night of November 8, and on the 13th the river rose 13 feet above its normal level, carrying away the plank breakwater built in 1877, covering and greatly damaging the land about the station, and flooding the hatchery so that a boat could be brought into the door. Shii)ments of eggs aggregating 2,340,000 were received from the Salmon River station between September 11 and October 0. The fry LXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. resulting- from them appeared strong and healthy until they were about two weeks old, when a large number of them were affected by a disease which had never occurred at the station before. Its first indication was the appearance of a small white spot on the yolk-sac, followed by an unnatural position of the fish in swimming, the body being held perpendicular with the head near the surface of the water. As soon as death resulted the yolk-sac would burst. All the fish affected in this way were liberated as soon as possible. About the middle of December a consignment of 3,000,000 salmon eggs was transferred from Battle Creek, California, being shipped by rail to Oregon City and thence to the station by wagon. The eggs arrived in excellent condition, and by January 25 they had finished hatching. All but 500,000 of the fry were liberated, just before the absorption of the sac, in Clear Creek and on the natural spawning-grounds of the salmon in the Clackamas River, within a range of 2 miles up and down stream. Those retained at the station were fed on finely chopped beef liver and on chopped fish when liver could not be obtained. The rate of growth was rapid. On March 10 the total weight of 1,000 of them was 1^ pounds, and on May 31, when the last of them were planted, the weight of the same number was 3 pounds. They were liberated in small lots from time to time during the month of May, and the total loss on the 500,000 retained amounted to 11,400. The only serious loss in addition to the mortality resulting from the disease referred to above occurred on November 26. There were in the hatchery at that time 000,000 fry in excellent condition when the watchman left the building at 5 p. m. On the arrival of the superin- tendent two hours later all of them were dead. As no one had access to the building and as the water supply was in free operation it was evident that some i^oisonous substance had been introduced into the water before it entered the hatchery, by some ill-disposed person. Specimens of the dead fish examined by a chemist in Portland showed the presence of lime and salt. Salt, except in large quantities, is not injurious to fry, but experiments by the superintendent proved that young salmon in flowing water can be killed in a very short time by the introduction of limewater or small pieces of fresh lime. During the spring the wagon bridge across Clear Creek was rebuilt, and the mess-house and fences, which had been damaged by high water during the previous winter, were repaired. Salmon River Station. The site selected for the establishment of the auxiliary station was on a small island in the middle of the Salmon River, about 35 miles from Clackamas Station by wagon road. As the salmon spawn in that river much earlier than in the Clackamas, the rack was put in during the latter j^art of June and arrangements were made with Mr. J. J. Pankey to furnish ripe salmon at 50 cents each. Immediately after the completion of the rack an open shed was erected, the necessary REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OV PISH AND PISHERIES. LXXI troughs were provided, the trap was built below the rack for the cap- ture of the fish, aud a Hume was laid from a small brook near by, from which the water supply was obtained by gravity. Salmon appeared in large numbers in July, and a few were observed spawning the latter part of the month. The first eggs were obtained on August 11, and the collections were continued until September 12, during which time 2,000,000 were secured from 492 females; 2,340,000 of them were trans- ferred to Clackamas, and the remainder were hatched and liberated in the Salmon Kiver during the month of November. The supply of water failed during the season, and it became necessary to i^lace part of the hatching-troughs in a narrow channel, where they were supplied with water conducted through a short flume from the bottom of the river. Wooden covers were provided for each trough to protect the eggs, and canvas, stretched on poles, shaded them from sunlight. The heavy rains in November caused a freshet in the river, which neces- sitated the removal of the hatching apparatus to higher ground. Little White Salmon River Station, Washington. After the examination of a number of localities on the Columbia and its tributaries by Prof. B. W. Evermann, two sites were recommended for establishment of auxiliary stations, one on the Washington shore of the Columbia opposite the Cascades, and the other just below Celilo, on the Oregon side. At the Cascades Mr. George Stevenson, of Van- couver, oftered to furnish all the fish required free of charge, with the free use of the land and water controlled by him, and a house for the employees. It was proposed to capture the fish by means of scow wheels and hold them until ripe in a narrow channel between the island on which the wheels are located and the main shore. The superintendent was instructed to make the necessary arrangements, but before under- taking the work an attempt was made to transfer the fish from the wheels to the channel. The results attained were so poor that the site was abandoned. The question of establishing a station at the other site, near Celilo, was also considered, but it was given up as imprac- ticable, in view of the fact that it would be necessary to transfer the fish some distance from the seines to the retaining pond. As it was believed that the streams in the vicinity of the Cascades aftbrded the principal spawning-grounds of the quinnat salmon, fur- ther investigations were made, and as a result the Little White Salmon was favorably reported on by the superintendent and Mr. Evermann. This stream empties into the Columbia about 14 miles above the Cas- cades, and the point selected for the establishment of the station is about a half mile from its mouth. Immediately after the site had been chosen, steps were taken to erect a rack across the river aud to con- struct a hatchery and a mess-house for the men. Mr. W. P. Sauerhoff, who had been detailed to assist the superintendent, arrived on the grounds by September 21, and by September 26 work had progressed far enough to commence the collection of eggs. Eggs were taken daily LXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. from that time to October 14, a total of 2,179,0()() being secured from the 427 females handled. During the season the salmon appeared in such large numbers below the rack that the Indians often captured two and three at one cast of the spear; many were also observed above the rack, having ascended before it was constructed. In view of the fact that the work of construction at this point was not undertaken until September 15, when the spawning season had already commenced, the results secured were considered excellent. Had the station been established earlier in the season, there .'♦eems little doubt but that seven or eight million eggs might have been col- lected. The lands on which the station is located are owned by an Indian, Joe Thomas, and steps are now being taken by the Govern- ment to lease it. The total cost of o])erating at this point, including construction of hatchery and outbuildings, amounted to $2,288.27. The hatchery was a rough wooden structure without a floor, lighted by skylights above and unglazed windows in the sides and ends. It was equipi^ed with 50 troughs, and the water supply was obtained from a brook a short distance away. The other buildings consisted of sleep- ing quarters and a mess-house for the employees. At the close of the collecting season the trough room was found to be insufficient, and additional troughs were erected outside for holding the fry. Owing to heavy rains on November 15, the water in the brook from which the supply was obtained became so muddy that it was necessary to discontinue using it and to take the supply from the lumber com- pany's flume. During this time the men were obliged to work niglit and day to keep the screens open and a supply of water flowing through the troughs. Snow commenced falling early in November, and by the 28th the thermometer had fallen to 13° above zero. Mr. Sauerhoff was detached from the station on January 18 and J. A. Tolbert left in charge. The fry were all liberated between January 7 and February 15 in the Little White Salmon near Ohenowith, Wash. At the close of the season the apparatus was stored in the bunk-house, and, as the grounds on which the station is located are liable to floods, the hatchery was weighted down with stone and placed in charge of a watchman, who was permitted to occupy the mess-house. SiusLAW River Station, Oregon (L. E. Bean in charge). Upon the recommendation of Dr. S. E. Meek, who was engaged in investigating the salmon streams in western Oregon, tlie Commissioner authorized the reopening of the hatchery on the Siuslaw Kiver at Mapleton on a small scale. The owner tendered its use to the Commis- sion without rental, and the fishermen agreed to furnish the necessary adult salmon on the fishing-grounds, about 26 miles below ]\Iapleton, free of expense. An effbrt had been made to operate this station in 1895, but no results were secured, as the fish were all captured several miles below the rack by seines and gill nets. This season it was deter- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXIII mined to transfer a stock of brood fish in live-boxes from the seining- groiinds and hokl them at the hatchery until they ripened. Several hundred salmon were collected at the seines and floated up to the sta- tion in this way, and from them 44 ripe females and 42 ripe males were saved. Between October 26 and November 16, 217,000 eggs were secured from these fish, and during the month of February plants of fry aggregating 180,000 were made on the spawning-grounds in the immediate vicinity oj the station. The fry were observed from time to time during the spring by Mr. Bean, and numbers of small schools could be seen in the creeks where the deposits had been made as late as May. They appeared to be from 1 to 1^ inches long — not quite as large as a few which had been retained at the hatchery and fed. Obser- vations were continued throughout the spring, but in June all of the fry disappeared from the uj)per parts of the creeks, and were apparently moving toward the mouth of the river. Fort Gaston Station, California (Capt. W. E. Dougherty, Superintendent). This station was operated, as usual, for the collection of eggs of the Chinook and silver salmon and the steelhead trout. A rack was con- structed in Redwood Creek, and the first eggs were obtained on Decem- ber 17. As a result of the season's work, 406,000 eggs of the chinook and silver salmon were secured, from which 405,000 fry were hatched and liberated in Redwood Creek during April and May. The spawning season of the steelhead trout commenced on February 7 and continued until April, 805,000 eggs having been secured from 179 brood fish. Of these, shipments aggregating 550,000 were sent to Bozeman, Craig Brook, Cape Vincent, St. Johnsbury, Xorthville, and Duluth stations, and one consignment of 50,000 was furnished to the New York Fish Commission. From the remainder of the collection 202,000 fry were hatched and liberated in Redwood Creek in June. Owing to the increased demand for steelhead trout eggs in the East, the Korbel Station, which had been closed the preceding year, was reopened. The results attained at this jjoint were very unsatisfactory, as work was seriously interfered with at the very height of the spawn- ing season by high water, which did considerable damage to dams and racks. From the eggs collected 337,600 salmon and 55,640 steelhead trout fry were hatched and liberated in tbe Mad River during the month of June. LXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Eesume, hij States and Territories, of the distribution and assignment of fish and eggs. State or Territory. Alabama. Arizona . Arkansas California Colorado. Connecticut , Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Indian Territory Iowa Kansas . . . Kentucky Maine Maryland. Species. Rainbow trout Black bass, large-mouth . Rock bass Rock bass Rainbow trout Brook trout Black bass, large-mouth . Rock bass Quinnat salmon Landlocked salmon Silver salmon Steelhead trout Loch Leven trout Rainbow trout Von Behr trout Lake trout Loch Leven trout Rainbow trout Black-spotted trout Brook trout Yellow-fin trout Rock bass Shad Atlantic salmon Rainbow trout Brook trout Lake trout Lobster Shad Rainbow trout Shad Rainbow trout Black bass, large-mouth . Shad Shad Rainbow trout Black bass, large-mouth . Rock bass Rainbow trout Brook trout Loch Leven trout Brook trout Lake trout Yellow perch Pickerel Black bass, large-mouth . Crappie Rock bass Eggs. 5,000 17, 982, 590 10, 000 20, 000 125, 000 100, 000 50, 000 25, 000 100, 000 Black bass, large-mouth . Crappie Rock bass Rainbow trout Rock bass Rainbow trout Brook trout Lake trout Black bass, large-mouth . Crappie Rock bass Rainbow trout Black bass, large-mouth . Crappie Rock bass Rainbow trout Black bass, large-mouth . Rock bass Quinnat salmon Atlantic salmon Landlocked salmon Steelhead trout Rainbow trout Von Behr trout Brook 1 rout Lake trout Swiss lake trout Golden trout Black bass, large-mouth . Lobster Shad Quinnat salmon Loch Leven trout 5,000 2,000 12,000 2,000 30, 000 40, 000 20, 000 30, 000 Fry. 3, 056, 701 298, 137 257, 000 22, 000 22, 100 14, 000 42, 200 288, 700 7,930 5, 480, 000 204, 198 Adults and yearlings. 2, 190 680 975 300 11,750 350 650 30, 000 275 53, 200 200 2, 234, 000 9, 856, 000 4, 625, 000 7,479 1,000 1, 500, 000 200 2,500 2, 017, 500 2, 400, 000 10, 000 1,500 1,000 41, 222 14, 700 158, 000 1,810,936 1, 655, 671 61, 000 55, 745 50, 000 3 425 1. 510 2,300 7,500 1,025 1,700 3,280 275 100 4,400 1,900 65 7,673 300 35, 000 3,716 125 1,000 6,200 5,825 1,750 6,525 895 5,585 1,535 7,198 234, 799 11,050 10, 545 7, 402 569 519 3,211 18, 982 15, 389, 360 30, 586, 000 7,516 2,209 500 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXV Ihmimc of the distribution and assignment offish, and eggs — Continued. State or Territory. Species. Eggs. Fry. Adults and yearlings. 2,234 25 2 202 4,338 450, 000 3 300 950 Shad 450, 000 25, 000 500 Brook trout 25, 600 Lake trout 6 200 3 000 1 800 Codfish 98, 258, 000 64, 095, 000 95, 418, 705 624, 000 652, 000 193, 000 Flatfish Tautog Mackerel Sea bass 5,000 Steelhead trout 32, 000 15, 000 21,500 5, 743, 000 33, 990, 000 64, 000 200 7,400 1, 408, 000 Loch Le ven trout Brook trout Lake trout Whitefish Minnesota Steelhead trout Rainbow trout j Brook trout 25, 000 Lake trout 400 Mississippi Rainbow trout 500 658 Crapjiie 50 2 142 Missouri 27, 000 15, 655 1 710 Black bass, laree-mouth 500 Rock bass 2 050 Strawberry bass 129 Montana Rainbow trout 1,500 Brook trout 5 500 Nebraska 25, 000 200, 000 1 000 Lake trout Black bass, large-mouth 700 1 000 Kevada 50, 375 New Hampshire Quiunat sahiion 49, 000 Landh)r ked salmon 5,000 Steelhead trout 10, 000 Rainbow trout 50, 000 10, 000 2, 819, 000 1 000 Brook trout 20, 000 26, 609, 000 3,000 2,000 New Jersey Shad Steelhead trout 25, 000 10, 000 Brook trout Black bass, large-mouth 2 100 Rock bass 180 Landlocked salmon 3,000 New Mexico Rainbow trout 3 ''52 Black bass, large-mouth 150 New York Shad 8, 925, 000 1,950,000 48, 000 Quinnat salmon Atlantic salmon 12?, ou5 18, 000 50, 000 Landlocked salmon Steelhead trout 7,300 16, 000 100 1 000 Brook trout 25, 000 400, 000 500 Lake ddy Pond, near Orland, Me Green Lake, near(;reen Lake, Me Michisan State Fisli Commission, Detroit, Mich Kew Hampshire State Fish Commission, Ashland, N. H. A.M. Bigelow, Branclmlle, N.J Ed. Hayes. Buflalo, X. Y Adirondack League Club, Fulton Chain, N. Y Eggs. 100, 000 50, 000 Fry and I Adults and iingerlings. yearlings. 1,500 1,000 10, 000 28, 000 57, 444 4,000 2,970 ■A, 200 1, 848, 760 18,262,590 1*13,834,261 100.000 40, 000 9,246 65, 725 8,000 52, 500 55, 000 155, 000 50, 000 83, 000 155, 000 482, 000 33, 000 150, 000 27, 000 54, 000 ,54, 000 178, 200 20, 000 20, 000 4,000 7,198 41, 901 6,200 46, 083 7,572 21, 194 9.100 8,000 5,850 8,232 8,396 14, 099 21,188 16, 183 1, ,551 2, 500 2, 500 2,500 2,500 2,500 6,750 25, 000 100, 000 25, 000 12, 000 12, 000 12, 000 12, 000 1,339 390, 000 1, 705, 010 1 234, 799 10, 000 5,000 5,000 10, 000 5,000 5,000 3,000 3,000 5,000 35, 000 20, 000 3,000 3,000 5,313 3,573 2,164 'Lost en route, fry 8,343; yearlings 203. I Lost eu route, fry 31,002; yearlings 373. LXXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Eggs. I Fry and fingerlings. Adults and yearlings. Landlocked salmon — Continued. Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N. T... , Wm. J. Coon, Gleneyre, Pa Rhode Island State Fisli Commission, Providence, K. I . Peacham Pond, Lanesboro, Vt Foreign countriea: Royal Geographical Society, Rome, Italy 10, 000 3,000 3,000 1,516 Total - 77, 000 61, 000 ' 12, 566 Silver salmon : Mad River and North Fork, near Korbel, Cal . Redwood Creek, near Blair's Ranch, Cal Total. Steelhead trotit: Redwood Creek, Blair's Ranch, Cal North Fork, Korbel, Cal , Mad River, Korbel, Cal Turner Pond, Isle au Haut, Me Silver Lake, Katahdin Iron "Works, Me Smith Brook, Bucksport, Me , Craig Brook, Orland, Me Heart Pond, Orland, Me '... Craig Pond, Orland, Me , Tributaries of Hothole Pond, Orland, Me Long Pond, Bucksport, Me State Fish Commission. East Auburn, Me Smith Creek, Emery Junction, Mich Silver Creek, East Ta was, Mich Pino River. West Harri.sonville, iVIieh Pere Marquette River, and tributaries, Baldwin, Mich , State Fish Commission. St. Paul, Minn Stewart River, Two Harbors, Minn Eagle Nest Lake, Tower, Minn Cross River, Lutsen, Minn Poplar River, Lutsen, Minn Devils Track River, Grand Marais, Minn Sucker River, Uuluth. Minn , Lovells and East Lakes. Sanborn ville, N. H White Lake, Franklin Junction. N.J State Fish CJommission, (.'aledonia, N. T Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N.Y Lake Ontario, off Grenadier Isle, N. Y Battery Park Aq uaria. New York City, N.Y Brule River, Brule, Wis , 173, 387 124, 750 298, 137 202, 000 15, 000 40, 000 25, 000 24, 989 2,000 3,756 3,090 Total. Loch Leven trout : Calitornia State Fish Commission, Sisson, Cal. Col. S. B. M. Young, Sisson, Cal Applicant.s in Colorado M. A. Bigelow, Evanston, 111 Sliipley liranch, Towison, Md Sturgeon River, Wolverine, Mich Sturgeon River, Gaylord, Mich State Fish Commission, Laramie, Wyo 50, 000 10, 000 10, 000 1,700 1,800 1,662 2,093 200 6,000 6,000 5,000 15,000 20, 000 6,000 3,000 5,000 5, 000 10, 000 15. 000 10, 000 3,000 5,300 2,000 10, 000 1 439,045 2,000 Total. Main'oow trout: Little River, Dekalb, Ala Applicants in Alabama Prairie Creek, Rogers, Ark Cave Spring, I?ogers, Ark Flint Creek, Siloam Sjirings, Ark Ballard Creek, Ballard, Ark Applicants in Arkansas Supply Creek, Hooi)a, Cal Hostler Creek, Hoojia. Cal Mill Creek, Hoopa, Cal Pine Creek, Cal South Platte River, near Buffalo, Colo. . Pine River, Pine River, Colo Lake Loveland, Loveland, Colo Applicants in Colorado at Lead ville. . . . State Fish Commission. Hartford. Conn Brandywitie Creek, Wilmington, Del 2,209 5,000 10, 000 17, 209 10,645 10, 000 12.000 5, 000 5.000 3, 000 1,000 1,390 1,000 1,000 4,000 4, 000 1,750 5. 000 10. 000 15, 000 'Lost en route, 484 yearlings. Lost en route, 025 yearlings and 311 fry. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXI Details of distribution — Continued. Species and diaposition. Eggs. Fry and fingerlings, Adults and yearlings. l\ainbow . . . North Fork of South Platte River, South Platte, Colo. North Fork of Platte River, Ferndale, Colo Platte Kiver, Ferndale, Colo South Fork of Platte River, South Platte, Colo Bufl'alo Creek, Butialo, Colo Carbon and Castle creeks, Gunnison, Colo Gunnison River, Gunnison. Colo Blue Eiver, Breckeuridge, Colo Clear Creek, Empire, Colo Clear Creek, Idaho Springs, Colo Clear Creek, Dumont, Colo Chicago Creek, Idaho Springs, Colo South Platte River, Clitf, Colo Roaring Fork River, Aspen, Colo Straight Creek, Dillon, Colo Willow Creek, Dillon, Colo Platte River, between Grant and South Platte, Colo . . State Fi.sh Commission, Windsor, Conn Applicants in Connecticut East River, New Hartford, Conn Tributaries of Nachang River, Hartford, Conn Spring Brook, Bridgeport, Conn Stillman Brook and Reservoir, Bridgeport, Conn Tuttle Brook, New Haven, Conn Five Mile River, South Norwalk, Conn Spring Branch, Roxbnry Falls, Conn Cold Spring Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Ro way ton Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Barnum Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Silver Mine Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Chestnut Hill Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Tower Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Horse Sw.Tmi) Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Guthrie Brook, South Norwalk, Conn Comstock and Barretts Brook, Wilton, Conn Norwalk Stream, Norwalk, Conn Cold Spring Brook, Wilton, Conn Wilton Brook, Wilton, Conn Brewers Creek, Bridgeport, Conn Mill River, Bridgojiort, Conn Peck Spring Brook, Bridgeport, Conn Spring Brook, Cannon, Conn Spring Brook, Wilton, Conn Clark Brook, Hartford, Conn Norwalk River, South Wilton, Conn Horseneck Brook, Greenwich, Conn Geo. W. Rea, Beaver Canyon, Idaho Beaver Canyon Creek, Heaver Canyon, Idaho Willow Creek, Beaver Canyon, Idaho Sheridan Creek, Beaver Canyon, Idaho Sheridan Lake, Beaver Canyon, Idaho Lost River, Lost Kiver, Idaho Smith Creek, Bliss, Idaho Eggs. Fry and Adults and fingerlings. yearlings. 25, 000 20, 000 5,000 000 000 000 000 000 000 001) 000 700 000 000 000 000 000 ,'000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 5,000 2, 000 5,000 1,000 3,000 6,000 11,200 2,000 1,000 i,oon 1,000 1, 000 3,000 600 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXV Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Brook troMt— Continued. M. A. Bigelow. Evanston, 111 Applicants in Illinois Applicants in Iowa at Cedar Rapids Clear Creek, Lansing, Iowa Pariuachenee Club, Camp Caribou, Me Ajjplicantsin !Maiue (ireen JjaUe, Otis, Me Winkeniiniusli Brodk, Hancock County, Me Pattons Pond, Ellsworth Falls, Me '. Floods Pond, Ellsworth Falls, Me Applicants in Mary land On'uta ]5ranch, Towson, Md Bakers Trout Pond, Hanover, Mass Chelmsford Brook, Lowell, Mass , Tributaries of Asiouet River, Taunton, ^Mass.'. Maslipeo Lake, Sandwich, Mass Garretts and Hadway Poml, Hyannis, Mass Applicants in Massachusetts at Green Lodge Champion Brook, Tecumseli, Midi Cedar and Glass creek s, Hastings Mich Hay ward Lake, Casno via, Mich Bietner Creek, Grand Rapids, Mich . Applicants in ^lichigan Deer Creek, Spring "Galley, Minn Poplar River, Lutsen, Iilinn Applicants in Minnesota State Fish Commission, St. I'aul, Minn Ai)plicants in Montana Spring Creek, Livingston, Mont Box Elder Creek, Havre, Mont Applicants in Kebraska State Fish Commission, Southben.e, N. Y State Fish ('omiiii.s.<;i(pn, Ulen Falls, N.Y Battery Park Aquaria, New York Uity, N. Y .. Lake George, Lake George, N. Y Caspian Lake, St. John.'^bury, Vt "\Villinii;liby Lake, St. John.sbnry, Vt P.ij; Fish Pond, St. Jobusbnry, Vt Fail lee Lake, Fair'ee, Vt . ...' Eggs. Fry ail d flngerlingF Adults and yearlings. Total. Telloif-nii trout: Maniuiotb Creek, Maiiimotb Lakes, Colo. Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes, Colo Total. Golden trout: State Fish Commission, Monnioutb, Me Winkeuipaiigli Brook, Hancock County, Me. Floods Pond, Ellsworth Falls, Me 3,965 . 3,965 j. 7,930 10, 000 15,000 20, 000 Total. WTiitefish: Lake Micliigan, Frankfort, Mich Lake Michigan, ilanistique. ilicb Lake Michigan, Warehouse Fishery, Mich Lake Michigan, Epoufette, Mich Lake Michigan, Beaver Island, Mich Straits of ^Lickinaw, Mackinaw City, Mich Lake Huron, Xortb Point, Mich Lake Huron, Oscoda, Mich Lake Huron, East Tawas, Mich Lake Huron, otf Scarecrow Island, Mich Lake Huron, off Alpena, Mich Lake Superior, Grace Harbor, Mich Hammond Bay, Hammond Bay, Mich St. Lawrence River, Cape Vincent, N. Y Lalie Erie, Ballast Island Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, (ireen Lslaud Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Peach Point Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Xoytb Bass Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Port Clinton Shoals, Ohio Lake Erie, Kattlesnake Reef Ohio Lake Erie, Lighthouse Point Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Niagara Reef Port Clinton, Ohio Lake Erie, Aliddle Bass Reef, Ohio Lake Erie. Kelley Island Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Locust Point Shoals, Port Clinton, Ohio. Lake Erie. Cone Reef, Toledo. Ohio Lake Erie, "West Sister Reef, Ohio Lake Erie, Put-in Bay, Ohio Total. Yellmv perch: Fox River, McHenry, 111 Wabash Railroad Pond, Pittsfield .Junction, 111. Pick rel: Fox River, McHenry, 111 Sirijied ba»s: Sii8i|uehanna River, Port Deposit, Md Lake herring: Lake Erie. North Bass Heef, Ohio Lake Erie, Peach Point Reef Ohio Lake Erie, Port Clinton, Ohio 2, 500, 000 4, 000, 000 1, 000, 000 1,000,000 3, 000, 000 2, 500, 000 6, 000, 000 2, 000. 000 2, 000, 000 4, 000, 000 2, 000, 000 1, 990, 000 2, 000, 000 750, 000 4, 200. 000 6, 640, 000 5, 860, 000 10,360,000 2,400,000 3, 250, 000 4, 920, 000 8, 200, 000 3, 000. 000 3, 950, 000 2, 130, 000 2. 460, 000 2, 015, 000 924, 000 95, 049, 000 450, 000 2, 6C0, 000 1,400,000 3, 239, 000 3,600 3,400 1,937 10,045 1,000 9,000 100 1,000 7.50 750 500 4,000 * 36, 082 1,000 25 1, 700 *Lost en route, 260 yearlings. LXXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Coutinued. Species and disposition. Adulta and year- lings. Species and disposition. Adults and year- lings. Black bass, large-mouth : Big Mill Creeli, Gadsden, Ala Dog River, Vinegar Bond, Ala 180 200 200 100 350 500 2,000 180 230 200 200 200 200 300 200 500 250 500 30 100 1,700 125 200 125 100 100 100 125 100 125 100 125 150 100 100 100 100 2,200 325 250 150 300 200 1, 100 600 600 16 500 200 500 200 500 200 50 200 3,975 200 460 100 550 200 500 600 300 600 100 100 1,875 500 200 500 300 1,000 1,000 Black bass, large-mouth— Continnei. 300 Thompsons Pond, 'North Abington, 500 Ala Black Pond, Bourne, Mass 800 Applicants in Alabama at Verbena .. White Island Pond, Bourne, Mass... Applicants in Massachusetts Bass Lake, Battle Lake, Minn Chicago Lake, Lindstrom, Minn Twin Sisters Lake, Canton, Miss 1,200 500 Potomac River, Chain Bridge, D. C- . . Rock Creek, Zoological Park, DC... Ostanaula River, Rome, Ga Totterpoll Creek, Pine Mountain, Ga. 200 200 100 558 300 210 1,200 Flint River Zenith (Sa Uni n (Jreek, Madison, Nebr 300 400 Miles Lake Carlyle III 400 Fox; River McHenrv, 111 Bridge wood Lake, Lucaston, N. J Passaic River, Patersou, N.J Spring Lake, Spring Lake, N. J 200 300 300 Wabash Railroad Pond Pittsiield 200 Green Lake, Buttz ville, N. J 200 Wood River Woods 111 Mill Pond, Burlington, N.J 300 200 Hanna's Reservoir, N. Mex. (Raton). . Indian River Lake, Sing Sing, N. Y.. 150 300 300 Zachariah Lake, Covington, Ind Cub Creek Wilkesboro N C 200 Roarin"' River, Traphill, N. C 200 Manlove Lake, Cambridge, lud Water Works Pond, Charlotte, N. C. . Mill Pond,Oxlord, N. C 200 200 White River Mitchell Ind Big Jay River, Mars Hill, N. C Tar River, Oxford, N C 200 Kingsbury Creek, Kingsbury, Ind... 200 Little River, Hendersonville, N. C , Applicants in North Carolina 1 Commet Mill Pond, Canal Fulton, \ Ohio 200 Simonton Lake, Elkhart, Ind 3,900 200 Upper Salt Creek, Hiltonville, Ind. . . White River, Williams, Ind j Westboro Reservoir, Midland, Ohio.. Muskingum and Tuscarawas Rivers, 150 200 200 Lake Maxinkuckee, Marmont, Ind . . Tuscarawas River, Zoar, Ohio Mosquito Creek, Bristolville, Ohio 200 100 200 Kobles Lake, Missouri Valley, Iowa. Little Iowa River,Lime Springs, Iowa. Crestou Reservoir, Creslon, Iowa Iowa River, Iowa City. Iowa Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 200 Stone Lake, North Bend, Ohio Tinkers Creek, Bedford, Ohio 200 100 1,305 200 Sugar Lake, Wilson's Mills, Pa AllegheBy River, Oil City, Pa Loyalhanna Creek, Latrobe, Pa Coiiinauga Creek, Warren, Pa Tributaries of Monongahela River, 200 300 State Fish Commission, Spirit Lake, 150 150 Mill Creek, Maple Hill, Kans Duck Creek, Dodge City, Kans 200 200 Little Blue River, Eldorado, Kans Mill Pond, Driftwood, Pa Clearfield Creek, Cresson, Pa 100 300 Red Bank Creek, Brookville, Pa Two Lick Creek, Indiana, Pa Mahoning Creek, Punxsutawney, Pa. Susquehanna River, Soliusgrovo, Pa.. Conodoquinet Creek, Carlisle, Pa.\.. Susquehanna River, Shickshinuy, Pa. Allegheny River, Tidioute. Pa Muddy Creek, Carmichael, Pa 200 Spillman Creek, Lincoln, Kans 200 200 Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky Rolling Fork of White River, Leba- 131 300 131 Salt River at Crooks Station, Ky South Licking River, Cj'nthiana, Ky. Green River, Greensburg, Ky Tygart Creek Olive Hill, Ky 150 200 638 Chapman Pond, Westerly, R.I Lilly Pond Newport R.I 600 Hickman Creek, Le.xington', Ky 515 400 Lynn Camp Creek, Corbin, Ky Brashear Creek, Shelby ville, Ky Southside Lake, St. Charles, Ky Pawcatuck River, Westerly, R. I Edisto River, Jacksonboro^ S. C Reservoirat Sheldon, S. C Congaree and Gill creeks, Columbia, S.C 2,000 100 200 500 Lake Ellerslie, Upper Marlboro, Md. . Toughiogheny River, Oakland, Md . . . Patuxeut River, Sandy Springs, Md. . Potomac River, Hancock, Md Potomac River, Woodmont, Md 1,300 i Big Sioux River, Canton, S. Dak Jiyues River, Mitchell, S. Dak Vermilion River, Centerville, S. Dak . . Vermilion River, Vermilion, S. Dak.. 100 50 100 100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIX Details of distribntion — Coutinued. Species and disposition. Jilack bass, large-month— Continnf^d. Sioux Kiver, Dell Kiipids, S. Dak Sioux River, Sioux Falls, .S. Dak Applicants in South Dakota 0<-onee River, Parksville, Tenn Littlo River, Notinie, Tenn Duck River, Columbia, Tenn Sequaclice River, Se(iuacliee, Tenn... Smith Fork and Dry Creek, Water- town, Tenn Big Pijjeon River, Newport, Tenn Big Flat Creek, Luttrell, Tenn Applicants in Tennessee Liike ^[cDonald, Austin, Tex Russell Creek, Miami, Tex Lee Creek, iliami, Tex Shelton Mill Fond, Athens, Tex Kidd Springs Lake, Dallas, Tex Reservoir, lirownwood, Tex Clear Fork of Trinity River, Fort Worth. Tex McDonald Lake, Neches, Tex .Spring Creek, Amarillo, Tex West Amarillo Creek, Amarillo, Tex. Crystal Lake, Palestine, Tex Spring Creek, Miami, Tex Lake View, Bro wnwood. Tex Highland Lake, Marshall, Tex Weudemeyer Lake, Waco, Tex Elm Lake, Cameron, Tex Lee ('reek, Marshall, Tex Highland Lake, Fairbank. Tex Dondy Lakes. Hutchins, Tex Meadow r.riicik Farm Lake, Waco, Tex. Lake Kloise, Waco, Tex Wood Lake, Marshall, Tex Marcado Creek, Victoria, Tex Hillsburo Park Lake, Hillsboro, Tex. . City Lake, Ennis, Tex Fountain Lake, Waco, Tex Silver Lake. Arlington, Tex Dallaa Fishing Club Lake, Hutchins, Tex Palestine Fishing Club Lake, Pales- tine, Tex Api)licaut8 in Texas Derby I'ond, Derby, Vt Derliy Pond, Newport, Vt Salem Pond, Newport, Vt Pigg River, Sandy Level, Va Cow Pasture Kiver, Millboro, Va Rappahannock River. Horners, Va. . . Butialo Creek, Li^xiugton, Va Dan River and tributaries, Danville, Va Tye River, Massies Mills, Va South Mayo, Martinsville, Va Marrowbone Creek, Martinsville, Va. Lake Drummond, Drummond Lake, Va Shenandoah River, Riverton, Va Rappahannock River, Elkwood, Va... Jackson River, Cedar Creek, Va Rappahannock River, Warrenton, Va. Pow ell Run, Freestone, Va Littlo River, Dover, Va Reed Creek, Wy theville, Va James River, Balcony Falls, Va Greshani Pond, Reams Station, Va . . . Appliciints in Virginia Potomac ]{iver. Great Cacapon,W. Va Deepers Creek, Morgantown, W. Va . (ireenhrier River, Hiuton, W. Va Gaulev River, Camden on Gauley, W. Va :.. Applicants in West Virjrinia Lake Beulah, Lake Beulah, Wis Adults and year- lings. 100 150 475 150 150 350 100 200 100 75 625 900 200 300 150 200 200 200 300 300 300 300 200 200 400 500 200 200 200 900 5110 500 200 500 500 500 400 400 200 8,950 200 500 500 200 600 400 200 400 200 200 200 700 5ii0 400 400 400 200 1,075 500 1,000 600 2, 400 1,104 ino 300 70 400 600 Species and disposition. Total * 95, 358 Lost in transit, 2,074. lilack bass, smallinovth : Spectacle Pond, Sandwich, Mass Big Sandy Pond, Buzzards Bay, Mass. Applicants in Ohio Potomac River, Great Cacapon, W.Va Total Crappie : Fox River, McHenry, 111 Wabash Railroad "Pond, Pittsfield J unction. Ill Applicants in Illinois La ko Maxiukuckee, Marmont, Ind . . . Iowa Kiver, Iowa City, Iowa Applicants in Mississippi Big Harpeth River, Franklin, Tenn . . Sequachee River, Sequachee, Tenn . . . Applicants in Tennessee Applicants in Virginia Total Hock bass : Buck Creek Mill Pond, Dadeville, Ala. Mill Creek, Dixons Mills, Ala Applicants in Alabama Applicants in Arizona Auchita River, Arkadelphia, Ark A])plicant3 in Arkansas Applicants in Colorado Cliautan(iuaLake, Lithia Springs, Ga. Lake Wild wood, Columbus, Ga. Litllei Swift Creek, Higgston, Ga Little Kiver, Washington, Ga Applicants in Georgia Applicants in Illinois Applicants in Indiana, atRaub Applicants in Indian Territory Crane Creek, Chester, Iowa State Fish Commission, Spirit Lake, Iowa Applicants in Iowa Forest Lake, Bonner Springs, Kans. . . Spring Creek, Jetmore, Kans Buckner Creek, Jetmore, Kans Bull Creek, Paola, Kans Middle Creek, Ottawa, Kans Applicants in Kansas Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky Middle Fork of Rock Castle River, Livingston, Ky Applicants in Kentucky Patuxent River, Sandy'Springs, Md . . Applicants in Mar j' land Twin Sisters Lake, Canton, Miss Apj)licant8 in Mississippi Morgan Springs, Osceola, Mo Indian Creek, Jiear Neosho, Mo Reservoir, Moberly, Mo Applicants in Mis.souri Lodge Pole Pond, Sydney, Nebr Applicants in Nebraska (,'edar Lake, Blairstown, N. J Bridgewood Lake, Lucastou, N. J Reservoir, Purdy, N. T Mill Pond, Stokesdale, N. C Granite Falls Pond, Hickory, N.C... Rocky Creek, Wilkesboro, N. C Applicants in North Carolina Park Lake, Columbus, Ohio Applicants in ( ihio Applicants in Oklahoma Applicants in Pennsylvania Applicants in South Carolina Choteau Creek, Springfield, S. DaU Wall Lake, Sioux Falls, S. Dak Electric Light Pond, Rapid City, S. Dak Applicants in South Dakota t Lost in transit, 543. Adults and year- lings. 1,300 500 31 2,719 50 1,900 125 50 200 200 75 50 t2,875 50 200 725 300 500 150 200 100 75 100 100 1,925 100 65 300 200 500 300 300 100 300 100 200 5,525 200 200 1,135 200 750 50 2,092 500 250 200 1,100 500 500 90 90 180 200 200 100 1,000 100 850 2,300 200 1,800 200 200 200 1,900 xc REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Details of distribution — Continued. Species and disposition. Adults and year- lings. Species and disposit ion. Adults and year- lings. Rock bass — Continued. 200 200 200 1, H25 200 200 200 300 200 100 120 5,800 200 200 200 liock &a.ss— Continued. 3 200 ristol Creek, Maryville, Tenn Big Stony Creek, Lowell, Applicants in West Virg: W. Va 40 100 P.ipaljlanco Creek Lake. Chauniiig,Te.\ . Minevsa Creek, Cliauuing, Tex Koinero Creek, Cbanning, Tex /Strawberry bass: Duck Creek, Dodge City Stillman Creek, Lincoln, Kans Kans 1, ooc PuntadeAyua Creek, Channing, Tex. 150 GlIO Zimmerman Lake, Washburn, Tex... Keservoir, Moberly, Mo.. A pplicants in Mis.sourj . . . Total 300 329 Kappahannock Kiver, Elkwood, Va.. t2 379 Species and disposition. Codfish : Vineyard Sound, Woods Hole, Mass Vineyard Sound, west from Quicks Hole Buoy, Mass Gloucester Harbor, Mass Atlantic Ocean, Gloucester,Mass. Atlantic Ocean — Southwest of Ko Man's Land, Mass Off Browns Ledge, Mass Off Eastern Point, Mass GavHead Light-House, ^lass Off Thatcher Island, :Ma8S. . . Oti'Devils Bridge Buoy, Mass. Boston Bay, off Baker Lsland, Mass. Boston Bay, off Eastern Point, Mass \ Atlantic Ocean, Vineyard Sound, Mass Massachusetts Bay, off Baker Lsland, Mass Total. Flatfish : Woods Hole Harbor Waquoit Bay, Waquoit, Mass.. Total Taufog : Woods Hole Harbor Barnyard Sound, Woods Hole Vineyard Sound, Gosnold, Mass. Buzzards Bay, Quissett, Mass. . . Total Mackerel : Massachusetts Bay, off Glouces- ter, Mass ; Mas.sachusettfl Bay, Magnolia, Mass Total. Fry and flngerlings. 10, 231, 000 3, 327, 000 4, 097, 000 3, 020, 000 4, 075, 000 4, 282. 000 31,591,000 9, 877, 000 13, 886, 000 2, 634, 000 2, 459, 000 3, 042, 000 1,527,000 4, 210, 000 98, 258, 000 53, 993, 000 10, 102, 000 287. 000 242, 000 52, 000 43, 000 624, 000 588, 000 04, 000 Sea bass .- Barnyard Sound, Woods Hole. Lobster : Fisher Island Sound, Noank.Conn Fi.sher Island Sound, Stoningtou, Conn , York Harbor, York, Me Casco liay, offBrown Cow Island . Casco Hay, off Brown Bulllsland . Casco Hay, between Mark Island and Bald Head, Me Casco Bay , between Mark Island and Flag Island, Me 1,248,000 986, 000 500, 000 1, 500, 000 150, 000 100, 000 350, 000 Species and disposition. Lobster — Continued. Casco Bay, off Jaquish Island, Me. Gulf of Maine, off' Eichmonds Island, Me Kittery Point Harbor, Kittery Point, Me '. . Muscle Kidge Sound, off Muscle Ridge Island, Me Harps well Sound, between Harps- well Harbor and lieeds Cove, Me Atlantic Ocean, between Portland and Orr Island, Me Atlantic Ocean, off' Monhegan Island, Me Atlantic Ocean, off Cape Eliza- beth, Me Atlantic Ocean, off Matinicus Isle, Me Harpswell Sound, oft' Stovers Point, Me Casco Bay, off Marsh Island, Me. Woods Hole Harbor, Woods Hole, Mass Vineyard Sound Vineyard Sound, Gosnold, Mass.. Vineyard Sound, Korth Tisbury . Vineyard Sound, Gay Head, Mass. Buzzards Bay, Gosnold, Mass Buzzards Bay, South Dartmouth . Blizzards Bay, Quissett, Mass Blizzards Bay, Woods Hole, Mass. Bnzzards Bay, New Bedford, Mass. Pl.\ mouth Bay, Plymouth, Mass. . Massachusetts Bay — Oft' Salem, Mass Off ( ilouceater, M.ass Oir .Manchester, Mass Off Marblehead. Mass Oft' Magnolia, IMass Southeast of Ca])e Ann. Mass. Southeast of Great Eastern Point. Mass Off Halfway Kock, Mass AtlanticOcean.bff Rockport, Mass Atlantic Ocean, oft' Gloucester, Mass Atlantic Ocean, oft Vineyard Light-ship, Mass .' Provincetown Harbor, Province- town, Mass Plymouth Harbor Barnstable Bay, Sagamore, Mass . Gloucester Harbor, Gloucester Mass Narragansett Bay, Newport, R. I. Total :i]5, 606. 065 Fry and flngerlings. 2, 650, 000 500, 000 1, 100, 000 1, 840, 000 2O0, 000 300, 000 1,225,000 1, 200, 000 2, 750, 000 24, 360 1, OUO, UOO 2, 332, 000 15,921,000 7, 206, 000 3, 687, 000 1, 710, 000 9, 924, 000 3, 210, 000 4, 060. 000 3, 765, OHO 1,847,000 931,000 250, 000 15, 710, 000 345, 000 5, 245, 000 2, 010, 000 100,000 241,705 1, 225, 000 3, 620, oon 4, 830, 000 1, 877, 000 1, 072, OOll 1,016,000 2, 969, 000 2, 564, 000 Lost in transit, 0,938, t Lost en route, 750 + Lost en route, 1,298,000 fry. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY. By Hugh M. Smith, Assistant in Charge. Up to December 31, 1896, this division was under the charge of Mr. Richard Eathbun, who resigned to take eflect on that date, when IJr. Hugh M. Smith was appointed to the vacancy. Other changes in the personnel of the division consisted m the promotion of Dr. 11. F. Moore, scientitic assistant, to the position of naturalist on the steamer Alba- tt'oss, vice Mr. Charles H. Towusend, appointed assistant in charge of Division of Fisheries, and Mr. F. M. Chamberlain, scientific assistant, promoted to the i^osition of general assistant on Albatross, vice H. B, Miller, deceased. Mr. M. C. Marsh, of Cornell University, was appointed a scientific assistant in conformity with civil-service regulations. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS. During the j^ear numerous field inquiries were conducted in different parts of the country. Besides the usual iuvestigatious of fishes of the interior waters, which have been regularly carried on for a long series of years, many special inquiries of a diverse character were undertaken. Extensive investigations in the waters of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon were prosecuted. These had for their object the study of the distribution, abundance, habits, and spawning of the salmon, trout, and other native fishes ; the examination of various lakes with reference to the introduction of the common eastern whitefish, and the survey of streams with a view to ascertain their advantages and facilities for fish-cultnral operations. The investigations were in immediate charge of Prof. Barton W. Evermann, who was assisted by Mr. A. B. Alexander, Dr. Seth E. Meek, Prof. Ulysses O. Cox, and Mr. A. G. Maddren. A systematic examination of the short coast rivers of the Pncific Coast from San Francisco northward was begun. A number of inter- esting inquiries in Florida, Mississipjd, Louisiana, and Texas were made pursuant to special requests. Ontlines of the more imjtortant inquiries are here given. Detailed accounts of some of them will be found in special printed reports. LOWEE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN. It being the intention of the Commission to establish a salmon hatchery on one of the tributaries of the Columbia River, in order to snp])leraent the fish-cultural operations of the hatchery on Clackamas River, extensive investigations were made in August and September. XCl XCII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The streams visited were Lewis, Toutle, Hood, Big White Salmon, Little White Salmon, Des Chutes, and John Day rivers; the Columbia River at the Cascades and Celilo; Hamilton and Rock creeks near the Cascades, and Tanner and Eagle creeks. The examinations were in the main limited to the lower parts of the streams on account of their greater accessibility, a reasonably close proximity to the railroad being a desirable feature of the proiDosed station. During the visits made to these streams early in August the inquiries consisted chiefly in determining their physical characters, the examination of possible sites for hatchery buildings, and the collection of information concerning the abundance of salmon. At that time the run of fish had not begun, and no authentic information regarding the spawning time and condition could be obtain(?d. It was therefore necessary to revisit the different localities in September, when salmon were arriving upon the spawning-beds and it was possible by personal observation to determine the relative advantages of the different sites and streams for fish cultural purposes. Salmon were found in some numbers in Big White Salmon and Little White Salmon rivers and in Tanner and Eagle creeks. No salmon were observed in Des Chutes, John Day, and Hood rivers, and it is doubtful whether, at the present time, these rivers contain any impor- tant spawning-grounds of the chinook salmon, Salmon were observed in greatest abundance in Little White Salmon River, and this stream was selected as the most desirable site for the contemplated hatching- station. Temporary buildings were hastily constructed and the station operated during the same fall. The number of eggs collected was com- paratively large and warrants the belief that this is one of the best sites in the lower Columbia basin for fish-cultural work. In September and October, 1896, Mr. A. B. Alexander spent consid- erable time at the canneries of Mr. I. H. Taff'e and Messrs. Seulert Bros., at Celilo, Oreg., inspecting the catch of salmon made in their wheels and nets. Important data were obtained as to the relative abundance of Chinook salmon, silver salmon, and steelheads, their sizes, spawning condition, relative numbers as to sex, and the time of run. WALLOWA LAKE, OREGON. A brief visit was made to this lake in August, 1896, by Messrs. Meek and Maddren for the purpose of ascertaining what facilities existed in that region for the study of the blueback salmon or redfish and the quinnat salmon, more especially their spawning habits and grounds and their condition after spawning. No large redfish were seen, but it was learned that this species formerly spawned in large numbers in an inlet of Wallowa Lake; the run has been rapidly decreasing in recent years. This region is also a spawning-ground of the small redfish, but they had not arrived at the time of this visit. Important spawning-grounds of the chinook salmon formerly existed in the west and main forks of Wallowa River, but during the last few years not many of this species have been seen. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCIII LAKE PEND D'OREILLE, IDAHO. The investigations begun on this lake in the latter part of June, 1806, by Messrs. Alexander and Cox were continued until July 16, when the requirements of the work on Puget Sound necessitated the suspension of the inquiries. The visit to this lake had for its object the search for survivors of the plant of whiteflsh made by the Commis- sion in 1889, and the determination of the physical characters and the nature of the aquatic fauna. The results of the inquiries were not altogether satisfactory, owing to the shortness of the time devoted to them and to the unfavorable conditions then prevailing. The melting snows and heavy rains caused the water in the lake to rise from 10 to 17 feet higher than normal, and retarded the work. An abundance of small crustaceans and insect larv* suitable for fish- food was found, and the indications are that the lake is well adapted to the common whitefish. Although no specimens of this species were seen, and no reliable evidence was obtained showing that it has suc- ceeded in establishing itself, further inquiries will be necessary in order to settle the matter conclusively. A party could profitably devote an entire summer and fall to an examination of this important lake. THE REDFISH LAKES, IDAHO. The studies of the spawning habits of the redfish or blueback salmon and the chinook salmon begun in these lakes in 1891 and continued in 1895 were resumed in the j)resent year by Messrs. Evermann, Meek, and Maddren. The observations were confined chiefly to Alturas Lake, its inlet and outlet, and the ujiper course of Salmon Eiver, although some examinations were made at Pettit and Big Eedfish lakes. The work began July 10 and continued until October 5, the observations after August 15 being made by Mr. F. C. Parks, of Sawtooth, Idaho. Among the most important facts established by the investigations of 1895 were the following: (1) Both the redfish and the chinook salmon reach these spawning-grounds in excellent condition, showing no muti- lations or sores of any kind; the mutilations appear later, and are due to injuries received on the spawning-beds. (2) All of the fish of these two species coming to the headwaters of Salmon Eiver for spawning purposes die immediately after spawning. (3) The young of each of these species remain in the vicinity of the spawning-beds for about one year. (4) The eggs of the redfish laid in September hatch in the fol- lowing March. The inquiries carried on in 1896 were, in the main, a repetition of those of 1895, and resulted in a complete verification of the more important points established that year. The season was unfavorable, however, for the study of the chinook salmon and the large redfish ; only a few of the former and none of the latter were seen. This is doubtless to be attributed, in part at least, to their wanton destruction in these waters by men and boys. The small redtisli were even more numerous than XCTV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISELERIES. in 1895. Upward of 2,000 were observed on their spawning-ground in the inlet to Alturas Lake. They were closely watched through the season and it was found that all died at the close of the spawning period. These fish were already in xVlturas Lake when the observations began, July 10, and it is not yet certainly known whether they are anadromoas or remain permanently in the lake. TRIBUTARIES OF PUGET SOUND. In 1889 a large plant of fry of the eastern whitefish {Goregonus ckipei- formis) was made in Lake Washington, near Seattle, by the United States Fish Commission. In June, 1896, Mr. A. B. Alexander devoted a short time to a series of examinations to determine whether any of these fry have survived. No whitefish were found. Investigations were again taken up in November and December, 1896. Various tests were made with appropriate kinds of apparatus in different parts of the lake, biTt no evidence was obtained that any of the whitefish remained. The physical features of the lake were carefully studied, soundings were made, a valuable series of temperature observations was recorded, and collections of the fishes, crustaceans, and other inhabitants of the lake were obtained. Connected with Lake Washington, and distant only a few miles, are Lakes Union and Sammaraish. Mr. Alexander conducted similar inves- tigations in these waters, studying the physical conditions and making collections of the fishes and crustaceans. During July and August, 1896, Messrs. Alexander and Cox carried on studies of the blueback or sockeye salmon {Oncorhynchus nerl-a) in certain streams flowing into Puget Sound from the east. One object of the investigation was to obtain information desired by the Inter- national Joint Fishery Commission as to whether any large numbers of blueback salmon entering Puget Sound ascend Washington rivers for the purposes of spawning. The movements of the bluebacks in the region of the San Juan Islands were studied, and the more impor- tant rivers were visited and examined, among them being the Skagit, Nooksack, and Stilliguamish. It was ascertained that the blueback enters only the Skagit Eiver in noteworthy numbers, and that im- portant spawning-beds occur in Baker Lake and Baker Eiver, one of the principal tributaries of the Skagit. TSILTCOOS, WHOAHINK, AND TAHKENITCH LAKES, OREGON. These are small lakes situated near the coast a few miles south of the mouth of the Siuslaw River. A number of persons living in the vicinity had requested the Commission to stock Tsiltcoos Lake with black bass and Whoahink Lake with brook trout. Dr. Meek, who was engaged in experimental fish-cultural work on the Siuslaw Eiver, was detailed to report on the advisability of complying with the requests. The biological and physical features of the lakes were studied and large collections were made of the native fishes and the various kinds REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCV of fish-food found. It was learued that a considerable number of salmon run into one or more of these lakes; and that all of them, but particularly Whoahink, are well supplied with the native black-spotted trout, which attains a large size and possesses excellent game qualities. The planting of black bass in Tsiltcoos Lake would, in all probability, prove detrimental to the native trout and the salmon, while the eastern brook trout would probably never become so well established as to render these lakes more attractive to anglers than they now are. UPPER KLAMATH LAKE, OREGON. In 1889 the Fish Commission planted 400,000 fry of the common whitefish {Coregonvs clupeiformis) in Upper Klamath Lake. Sufficient time having elapsed to enable the species to become established if the conditions were favorable, investigations were made to determine the result of the i)lant. ]\Iessrs. Meek and Alexander reached the lake October 31, and continued their observations until iSTovember 7. The parts of the lake which were most carefully examined wore Pelican Bay and vicinity, and the extreme southern end, near Klamath Falls. The lake was found to be comparatively shallow, the greatest depth in the places where soundings were taken being 17 feet, while the usual depth did not exceed 6 or 7 feet. The bottom consists largely of a loose layer of decaying vegetation from the extensive tule marshes adjoining the lake. Fish-food, chiefly small crustaceans and insect larvae, was found to be very plentiful. Trials were made with seines, gill nets, set lines, and other apparatus, but no whiteflsh were taken, nor did inquiry among the people on the shores of the lakes elicit any information showing that the fry have survived. The general physical characteristics of the lake hardly warrant the expectation that the common whitefish can be acclimatized. The lake is, however, well supplied with one of the largest and best species of American trout. It attains a weight of 17 pounds and is easily captured by trolling, and is so abundant as to attract many anglers to the lake each season. The lake is also inhabited by four or five s])ecies of suckers, several of which are exceedingly numerous, of large size, and constitute an important part of the food supply of the Indians upon the Klamath Eeservation. CRATER LAKE, OREGON. In response to the request of citizens of Klamath Falls, Ashland, and Medford, Oreg., and of the Mazamas, an association of mountain climbers with headcjuarters at Portland, Oreg., the Commission sent Messrs. Evermann and Cox to Crater Lake to determine whether it was advisable to plant trout in the lake, which now contains no fish whatever. Six days in August were devoted to an examination of the physical and biological features of the lake. This lake is on the crest of the Cascade Mountains, about 100 miles east of Ashland. It is unique in character and ranks among the most XCVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. wonderful of the natural attractions of America. It is approximately circular in shape and about 5 miles in diameter. It lies in the top of Mount Mazama, and is comiDletely encircled by a bold escari^ment rising from 500 to 2,000 feet almost vertically from the water's edge. So steep are the walls that in only a few places is it possible to descend to the lake. Crater Lake is the deepest American lake, and one of the deepest in the world. The greatest ascertained depth is 2,000 feet, a large part of the bottom being practically a level floor of this depth. With a few limited exceptions there is practically no shore and scarcely any shallow water, the surrounding walls extending vertically beneath the water to a depth of several hnndred feet. In Eagle Cove on the south side of the lake, in Cleatwood Cove on the north side, and about Wizard Island are found the only considerable areas of shallow water, the depth ranging from 2 to 100 feet; and, in the absence of streams flowing into the lake, the best conditions required for spawning-beds would probably be furnished at these places. The water was ascertained to be sufliciently pure and of proper tem- perature for trout, and to contain a fairly abundant supply of fish-food, consisting chiefly of small crustaceans, insect larva>, and mollusks. While the conditions do not seem favorable for the existence of an abundant fish life in this lake, it is probable that a limited number of tront would be able to maintain themselves in it, especially the species of black-spotted trout found in Lake Tahoe {ISalmo mykiss henshawi). COAST RIVERS OF CALIFORNIA. In May, 1897, Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, with four assistants from Leland Stanford Junior University, was engaged to make an ichthy- ological canvass of the coastal streams of California, and at the close of the year the inquiry was still in progress. The object of the investi- gation was to study the fishes of the difterent streams with reference to their distribution, abundance, spawning habits and grounds, etc., particular attention being paid to the species of economic value. FLORIDA. In October and ]!>J^ovember, 1896, certain investigations were carried on in the coastal waters of Florida in response to a resolution of the United States Senate, dated February 15, 1895, requiring the Com- missioner to make an inquiry as to the extent, methods, and present condition of the coast fisheries of the State, especially the sponge and oyster fisheries. Prof. B. W. Evermann and Dr. W. C. Kendall repre- sented this division in the party sent by the Commissioner to make the necessary examinations. Special inquiries were made at Key West, Biscayne Bay, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, and other i)laces, having for their object a study of the natural history of the various species of com- mercial sponges with reference to the causes of the decrease in their abundance and the possibilities of artificial propagation; also a deter- REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCVII miuatioii of the abuudauce, size, spawning, food, etc., of the commercial salt-water fishes. The sponge indnstry received much attention. It was ascertained that the methods employed are seriously affecting the j)ermanency of the industry and that important moditications in the regulations governing this fishery are much needed. The inquiries led to the view that the lawful niiuiiiuim size of sponges should be increased, the law forbidding the sale of undersized sponges should be enforced, arrangements should be brought about by which any given ground should be tished over only once in any period of two years, and provision should be made for the protection of those desiring to undertake the artiticial propagation of sponges, a new field that gives promise of results of great economic importance. The number of species of salt-water food-fishes in Florida is perhaps larger than in any other State. The fishes are especially numerous, as regards both individuals and species, among the Florida Keys. The species handled for food at Key West exceed 100, many of which are of much commercial importance. If to these are added those of no direct food value, the total number of fishes inhabiting the Key West region is found to be about 225. The investigations indicate that there has been no noteworthy diminution in the abundance of any of the food- fishes of this part of the State. The i^resent methods followed in fishing are such as will conserve the fisheries to the fullest extent. While much information was obtained regarding the fishes, there is yet a great deal to be learned. The fishermen are, as a rule, poorly informed on the habits and spawning of even the common species, and their opinions can not be relied on. The most satisfactory way to gain a knowledge of the life-histories of these fishes is to station at Key West a trained observer, who will continue his observations during one or two entire seasons. Large and important collections of fishes were made at the different places visited. These are now being studied, and will, in conjunction with other collections from Florida, serve as the basis for a compre- hensive report on the fishes of the State. The general information collected was utilized in a report submitted to the Senate by the Com- missioner in January, 1897. MISSISSIPPI. At the request of prominent citizens of Kew Orleans, an examina- tion of certain waters about the mouth of Pearl Kiver, Mississippi, was made in April, 1897, for the purpose of determining if anything could be done to increase the abundance of game and food fishes in that region. The locality is an important resort for Xew Orleans anglers, who are desirous that additional species of game fishes be introduced if the waters should prove suitable. The examinations, which were conducted by Messrs. B. W. Evermaun, H. R. Oenterj and F. M. Chamberlain, were F. 11.97 YII XCVIII KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. carried on chiefly in the vicinity of Baldwin Lodge, located on Camp- bell Bayon. The water in this locality consists of two months of Pearl River and a large number of lagoons, bayous, and lakes. At the time of the visit these waters were almost fresh, being slightly brackish only in the portions nearest the Gulf of Mexico. ])nring the dry season, however, it is likely that brackish Avater extends several miles above Baldwin Lodge. The lagoons and lakes are shallow, and the water in summer doubtless becomes quite warm. In April the temperature at the surface was found to vary from 68° to 76°, and at the bottom, in 10 feet of water, was 65°. The large-mouthed black bass {Micropterus salmoidcs) is the principal fresh- water game lish in this region, though the goggle-eye (Chamo- hryttus (/hIosus) and several other species of sunlishes and cattishes are also abundant. During the dry season various salt-water hshes, such as sheepshead, redfish, drum, etc., appear in large numbers. The fishes which can bo introduced into these waters to the best advantage are the crappie and the calico bass. It is very probable that both of these would thrive very well in the lagoons, lakes, and channels farthest from the Gulf. SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS. In the latter part of April a few days were spent by Messrs. Evermann and Chamberlain on the Sabine and Neches rivers, in southeastern Texas, for the purpose of determining whether these streams are suit- able for stocking with shad. Inquiries were conducted at Orange, Beaumont, Lufkin, and Logansport. Considerable collections of fishes were obtained at these places, and inquiries were made of various peo])le acquainted with the rivers, but no evidence was obtained indicating that the shad planted here several years ago have ever been seen since. The character of these streams does not indicate that they would prove suitable for shad. The water Avould probably be so muddy during the spawning season as to prove fatal to a large percentage of the eggs and fry. LOUISIANA. It having been rei)resented to the Commission that the catch of catfish in the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, has been rapidly decreas- ing during the last two or three years, a brief investigation was made during the latter part of April, 1897, to determine the cause of the decrease and the remedy therefor. The inquiries were carried on by Messrs. B. W. Evermann, F. M. Chamberlain, and H. E. Center. The catfish industry of the Atchafalaya Kiver centers chiefly at Mor- gan City, and is a very imjiortant one, the three fi^rms doing business there shipping more than a million pounds of drer-sed fish annually. During ordinary stages of water the fishing is i>rosecuted chiefly in the regular waterways or channels, and set lines of various lengths are used ; but when the country becomes flooded in spring, the fishing is done in the woods. Instead of trot lines, a single short line is used, REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCIX one end of which is tied to a limb and the other allowed to hang 12 to 18 inches under water. The hooks are baited with "shad" (Hiodon, Dorosomu, Signalosa, etc.) or crawfish. The fisherman visits his lines twice a day if possible, takes the fish ofl^' the hooks and puts them in live-boxes, where he keeps them until the collecting tug from the com- pany to which he sells comes along. The fish are then transferred to the live-cars of the tug and towed to Morgan City. The Morgan City tugs ascend the AtchafalayaEiver and its connecting lakes and bayous for 75 to 100 miles north of Morgan City. When the fish are brought to Morgan City, they are dressed, barreled in ice, and shipped to vari- ous points in Texas, Indian Territory, Kansas, Colorado, and elsewhere west and northwest. The principal species handled are the blue cat {Ictalurvs furcatus) and the goujon or yellow cat [Leptoiis oUvaris), A small percentage of the catch consists of the spotted or channel cat [Ictcdurns imnctattis) and the eel cat {Ictalurns angiiiUa). The blue cat and the goujon reach a very large size. Formerly indi- viduals of each weighing 75 to 110 pounds were not infrequent, but now one weighing more than 50 pounds is not often seen. The flesh of these fish is of excellent flavor and finds a ready sale wherever its good qualities are known. The statistical inquiry very soon developed the fact that there has been a very great decrease in the catch during the last few years, and a careful inspection of the fish in the live-boxes of the fishermen and again in the companies' houses at Morgan City suggested the causes for the decrease. Overfishing and fishing during the spawning season are doubtless the principal causes. A law fixing a minimum size of the fish which it is lawful to sell, and a close season during the height of the spawning period, would doubtless do much toward the rebuilding of the industry. During tlie inquiries valuable collections of the different species of catfishes and other fishes of the region were made. LAKE SUPERIOR. In April, 1897, Mr. A. J. Woolman was detailed to make some inquiries in Lake Superior during the subsequent spring and summer months, relative to the food of the j)rincipal fishes found in the lake, including the common whitefish, the lake herring, other species of whitefishes, the lake trout, the siscowet, the wall-eyed pike, and the sturgeon. Besides enumerating the food objects of each species, the inquiries were intended to bring out the variations in the character of the food dependent on age, size, season, si)awning condition, etc.; the distribution, abundance, and habits of the food-organisms were al.-o topics to be studied. A knowledge of the food of the predaceous species involves a study of the food of the fishes on which they sub- sist, and the investigation is therefore thrown back on a study of the minute life of the lake, the most important forms probably being the entomostraca. C REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The consideratiou of the food of very young fishes received special attention because of its bearing on fish-cultural work. It is important to determine wliether the places in which whiteflsh and otlier fry are planted are provided with suitable food-organisms; and if not, the inquiries were intended to show the most favorable localities for the liberation of young fish. By the close of the fiscal year the work was progressing satisfactorily and gave evidence of important practical results. STUDIES OF YOUNG FISH. During the year some important studies of the movements, habits, food, growth, etc., of young shad and Pacific salmon were begun, and resulted in a considerable addition to existing knowledge. These will be extended so as to embrace most of the fishes cultivated by the Commission. In association with the work of propagating shad on the steamer Fish Haulc in St. Johns Kiver, Florida, in January and February, 1897, Dr. W. 0. Kendall was detailed to conduct systematic observations relative to young shad in that stream. Later he accompanied the vessel to Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, and continued his inquiries in that region. On the completion of the shad-hatching there in March, the investigations were transferred to Potomac Eiver, where arrangements were made for an active study of the young fish during the following months, at a number of points on fresh, brackish, and salt water. In February, 1897, Mr. A. B. Alexander, fishery expert of the Alba- tross, was detailed to make studies of the movements and habits of young quinnat salmon. The Commission had under consideration the advisability of liberating artificially hatched salmon fry at points near salt water, instead of in the upper courses of the streams where they are naturally hatched, in order that they may have a better chance of escaping from their numerous enemies in the rivers and reaching the ocean. The tributaries of Tomales Bay, California, were selected for the experiments and observations. About 700,000 recently hatched fish were transferred to Olema, on a tributary of the bay, and were subsequently distribnted in suitable lots to Bear Valley Creek, Paper Mill Creek, Dutch Bill Creek, and Olema Creek. Mr. Alexander began his observations on February 25 and continued till April 1, when he was relieved by Mr. N. B. Scofield, of Leland Stanford Junior University, who was employed until May 20. The in(iuiries consisted in noting the behavior of the young fish after planting; their movements to and from the salt water; their growth, food, and enemies; the influence of temperature and rains on their movements; and the length of tlieir sojourn in the creeks. The Tomales Bay region is made up of low lines of hills running north and south, barren on their western slopes, but heavily wooded on their easterii side. The bay itself, which is quite shallow, 2 or 3 miles wide and 30 miles long, occupies the space between two ridges. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CI Towards its upper end, it gradually grows very shallow and at low tide leaves a large mud tlat; at high tide the water backs up in Paper Mill Creek for about 3 miles. Paper Mill Creek and Olema Creek are favorite angling resorts. The two streams are much alike, but the former is larger. Its banks from tide water to the source are heavily wooded, keeping the water cool. The upper half has considerable fall and descends over rocky cascades, but there are no places that fish can not get over. There are many broad and quiet pools and places where the current runs through narrow channels between the rocks; there are also broad riftles where the water runs over gravelly beds. The stream is. regarded as an ideal spawning-ground for the steelhead. None of the creeks tributary to the bay becomes dry in summer; all are quickly swollen by rains, and quickly subside again. The reports of Messrs. Alexander and Scofield show that up to the time of the discontinuance of the inquiries most of the young salmon planted were still in the streams. The observations showed that some of them at least had run into salt water and that they probably go out at intervals in small schools. The movements of the fish in the streams are regulated primarily by the food vsupply, which in its turn may be aftected by temperature or rains. When the food supply grows short, the young fish instinctively move downstream. In the fresh water they show no tendency to congregate in schools. Their numbers in any given locality are determined by how many the place will accommodate and give each an equal chance to secure its food. They prefer to scatter and shift for themselves. Young salmon in tide water, especially those in brackish water, seem to move in schools. The inquiries indicated that the salmon are not preyed on by any of the fish in these streams, and that the number caught by snakes and birds must be very small. In the systematic seining done to obtain specimens for comparison, all of the salmon taken were strong and robust, and apparently no place could have been better suited to their development. The few fish taken in salt water were healthy-looking and had been eating young smelt; there are large quantities of young smelt in the bay, which would probably form suitable food for the salmon, and are of a size adapted to their needs. Before the planting of the young salmon, there were no fish of this species in these streams. This fact, combined with the circumstance that they have done so well, makes it an exceptionally fine opportunity to determine how long such fish will remain in the streams. A person stationed at Olema can easily observe the salmon in the streams named from their source to salt water. To get the best results, obser- vations should be carried on at least a year. By engaging the services of some of the fishermen, and attaching a minnow-seine to the center of their nets, young salmon can be collected in the bay at intervals and many of their habits in salt water learned. CII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. COASTS OP CiALIFORNIA AND WASHINGTON. The recent marked development of the fisheries of southern Cali- fornia, more especially those carried on with lines for bottom hsh like the rock-cods, made it desirable that the location, extent, and resources of the principal fishing-banks should be determined, and the Albatross was assigned to the work. About eight years ago the vessel spent a few months on a preliminary examination of the fishing-grounds off the southern coast of the kState, but has done practically nothing of a like nature since that time. The grounds then vsurveyed were principally off Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Diego counties. The territory selected for the present inquiry comprised grounds off Los Angeles and Orange counties, particularly the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island. The investigation, which was carried on during part of the month of April, was curtailed by the necessity of preparing the vessel for the inauguration of inquiries in Alaska about June 1. A renewal of this work is contemplated. The examination of the waters consisted of the usual hydrographic work and the setting of various appliances to show the abundance and nature of the animal life. Trials for fish were made with travvl lines, hand lines, deep-water gill nets, beam trawls, seines, and dip nets in combination with electric light. On the way to San Francisco after the conclusion of the foregoing work the vessel spent a short time in setting deep-sea gill nets and beam trawls off Monterey Bay and in the vicinity of the Farallone Islands, with a view to ascertain the presence of salmon or other anadromous fishes. Similar experimental trials for salmon were made oft" Cape Flattery and in the Straits of Fuca as the vessel was on the voyage to Alaska. A detailed account of the foregoing work will be found in Lieut. Commander Moser's rejiort of the operations of the Albatross. SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA. In the spring of 1897 arrangements were made to have the Albatross visit southeastern Alaska for the purpose of conducting fishery inves- tigations. The vessel started north from San Francisco on May 8, arrived in southeast Alaska on June 6, and immediately began inquiries. The principal subjects determined on for investigation were the salmon industry and the halibut fishery. The magnitude of the salmon fishery in Alaska and the absence of accurate information concerning the various streams made it very desirable that the Commission should begin a systematic survey of the waters frequented by the salmon. This fishery is prosecuted along 3,000 miles of the Alaska coast. Inas- much as the regulation of the fisheries of the Territory is vested in the general government, an important object of the investigation is to ascertain the conditions prevailing in the different sections, in order that suitable protective laws may be provided, since no general law will meet all the conditions or be applicable to all regions. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CIII It is tboiigbt that two or three years will be required to coiiiplete this work, which was in active progress at the close of the year. The inquir- ies will exteud to each stream in or near which fishing is done or in which salmon are found, and will relate to the physical characters of the stream; the species of salmon entering it, the time and duration of their run, their relative abundance; the spawning time, habits, and grounds of each species; natural and artificial obstructions to the passage of fish upstream; the methods of fishing in their relation to the maintenance of the supply; the general iish-fauua in each stream and its relations to salmon, and tlie extent of the fishing, canning, and salting business. INQUIRIES AND EXPERIMENTS RELATIVE TO OYSTERS. Among the questions of vital interest to oyster-growers in tlie United States are the following : (1) Under the prevailing economic conditions, is it possible to profitably fatten oysters in artificial ponds or claires? (2) Is it commercially practicable to breed oysters in ponds so as to furnish a supply of seed in regions where it can not be raised with regularity by the ordinary means now employed? These subjects the Commission had under consideration during the fiscal year, but it was not possible to take up both, owing to the limited force available for such inquiries. The question of the feasibility of breeding oysters in inclosed or semi-inclosed ponds was deferred for the present, and the matter of fattening oysters was taken up because of its more widespread and immediate importance. ■- Observation and inquiry have shown that in a number of localities planters have encountered yearly increasing difficulty in bringing their oysters to such, a condition as to yield the best financial returns. This difficulty is especially manifested in regions in which there has been a heavy increase in the area of the planted beds, and is appar- ently due to the inadequacy of the water to support the luxuriant micro- vegetation which is necessary to supply oysters with food. The problem for the oyster- grower, therefore, is to increase the oyster-food- produciug powers of the water. It is evident that this can not be undertaken to advantage in the open waters of bays and bayous in which the oysters are grown, and the question resolves itself into the feasibility of some method of pond culture. Recognizing this, exjieri- ments were begun in May, 1897, in Lynnhaven River, A^rginia, under the charge of Dr. H. F. Moore. A cove having an area of over an acre was inclosed by a substantial dam, so as to exclude the tides, and three small ponds were constructed for the conduct of check experiments. Tests are being made, by varying the temperature, density, and the chemical composition of the water, to determine the most favorable conditions for the development of the microscopic organisms upon which the oysters feed. At the close of the fiscal year the actual experiments had been in operation but a short time and the results can not yet be stated. CIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Duiiug the year a x'>aper eutitled "Oysters and metbods of oyster- culture" was prepared by Dr. Moore. It aims to bring- together, for the information of oyster-growers, the more important facts relating to the life-history of the oyster, and to furnish to those lacking experi- ence the information necessary to enable them to carry on successful oyster-culture. There have been the usual complaints of the destruction of oysters in Long Island Sound by starlish, but this enemy is now less feared and more successfully combated than in former years. The tangle seems to be the most effective appliance used in its capture. In April Mr. Fred Mather sent to this office specimens of a small crustacean which is said to feed upon the starfish. It is an isopod of the family Cirolanidw, hitherto undescribed, and is the subject of a paper to be hereafter i^ublished. In Long Island Sound, in various parts of 'Sew Jersey, and in some other localities there has been more or less trouble with " green gills," Late in the month of June a few affected oysters were observed in Lynnhaven Kiver, and during the summer all of the beds were more or less affected. It is notable that oysters placed in the exi)erimental claire were wholly untiuged by the green coloration. After all that has been written on this subject it should be unnecessary to point out the vegetable origin and harmlessness of the " green gills," but there is still much reluctance on the part of consumers to purchase green oys- ters, great loss being thereby entailed upon the growers. During May, 1897, it was reported in the press that the oyster set in the vicinity of New Haven was dying of a mysterious malady, but no comi)laints were received at this office. It is probable that this trouble was locarl and not serious, as the seed-growers in other parts of Long Island Sound appear to have had a very successful season. The oyster season of 189G-97 is generally reported to have been unsatisfactory to the dredgers of Chesapeake Bay, owing in ])nvt to the depletion of the natural beds, and also, it is stated, on account of the competition of planted oysters, which each year are occui)ying a more important place in the markets. The conflict between the natural-bed and the planting interests of Delaware Bay has resulted in legal and legislative warfare in New Jersey, a contest which has been waged with more or less energy for several years. The net results of such disputes elsewhere has generally been to liberalize the laws relating to planting, in consequence of which that branch of the industry is exciting much interest. An evidence of this is seen in the increased sales of seed oysters in Connecticut during the spring of 1897 and in the purchase of seed in the Chesapeake region by the oystermen of New Jersey and Delaware. During tlie spring of 1897 arrangements were made to have Prof F. L. Washburn, of the University of Oregon, make a study of the bays of the west coast to determine those possessing conditions favorable to the introduction of the eastern oyster. At the end of the fiscal year REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CV this investigation was in progress. In November, 1896, 25 barrels of eastern oysters were planted in Humboldt Bay, California, and an equal quantity in Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Both lots were planted under the immediate supervision of Mr. 0. H. Townsend. Specimens of those planted at Yaquina Bay were received at this office during the summer and exhibit an encouraging growth, and those at Hum- boldt Bay are also reported to be doing well. It is still too soon to say whether self-perpetuating beds can be established at these places. IsTo spat has yet been found in either place, but Professor Washburn reports copious spawning during the past summer. INVESTIGATION OF CONTIGUOUS WATERS OF UNITED STATES AND CANADA. Under the provisions of an agreement, dated December 6, 1892, between the Governments of Great Britain and the United States, having for its object the investigation of the fisheries in the waters adjacent to the American-Canadian boundary, Mr. Richard Eathbun,of the United States Fish Commission, and Dr. William Wakeham, of the Canadian Department of Marine and Fisheries, conducted extensive inquiries during the years 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896, with the aid of assistants from the respective departments. On December 31, 1896, the commissioners submitted their report, which was transmitted by the President to Congress on February 21, 1897, and printed as House Document No. 315, Fifty-fourth Congress, second session. • The report deals fully with the conditions prevailing in each of the international waters involved in the agreement; considers the physical and ichthyological features; discusses the relations of the fisheries, of obstructions, and of pollutions to the fish supply; and makes numerous recommendations concerning the preservation of the fisheries. The mackerel fishery, to which much attention was given by the commis- sioners during the past four seasons, was not considered in the report. In view of the magnitude of the fisheries covered by the investiga- tions, and of the importance to the fishing interests of the conclusions reached by the commissioners, their general recommendations, as well as those for the different waters, are here given in full : On account of the diversified characteristics of the waters investifjated, the variety of their products, and the magnitude of the industries to whicli the latter give rise, we have found it impossible to consider fully all of the questions which the subject presents, and have tlierefore been unable in many cases to reach more than general conclusions, leaving the matter of details to be settled by furiher and more complete inquiries. Our observations, moreover, have clearly demonstrated the inexpediency of attempting to regulate any of the fisheries herein discussed by a rigid code of enactments, owing to their constantly changing character and conditions, and we would therefore urge, in the event of joint action by the two Governments, that a permanent joint commission, to be composed of comjietent experts, be jirovided for, which shall be charged with the direct supervision of these fisheries, and sh:ill be empowered to conduct the necessary investigations and to institute such modifications in the regulations as the circumstances may call for from time to time. CVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. That ii nniforni sysfcem of regulations common to the entire extent of each body of water along the lioundary lino is required to insure the protection of its resources, is fully shown hy the conditions which we have found to exist in nearly all of them, whether hordercd on the side of the United States hy a single State or hy several States. The failure to secure adequate results in tliat direction has naturally hoen due to the diversity of legislation, hut it has resulted in large part from the general lack of accurate inibrination regarding the habits of the several fishes to servo as a basis for intelligent action. While we have been able to establish some important facts respecting the natural history of the commoner market species, much more remains to be accomplished in that regard, and the subject should be giAcn duo prominence in the future. All questions, outside of navigation, with which we have had to deal have been considered solely from the standpoint of the preservation of the several fisheries, and we have endeavored in each instance to provide for the most liberal amount of fishing which, in our judgment, is warranted by the circumstances. In so doing we have been led to suggest greater license in some regions than is granted by existing laws, but wherever a State on the one side or the Dominion Government on the other would impose greater strictures than are here recommended we see no objection thereto. We are convinced that no system of regulations can bo properly administered except by the registration or licensing of the fishermen, as a basis for restricting the character and amount of apparatus employed in each locality, while, on the other hand, we feel confident that the fishermen themselves would be greatly l)enofitod by such a measure, through the protection of individual rights thereby assured them. Much of the irritation occasioned from time to time, especially in the region of the Great Lakes, through the fishermen of one country extending their operations into the territory of the other, has undoubtedly resulted from the imperfect knowl- edge which prevails respecting the relations of the intervening water areas. In fact, the belief is widespread that wherever the lakes exceed 6 miles in width each country has jurisdiction only to a distance of 3 milos from its shores, leaving a neutral area or high sea between, to which the fishermen from both sides are privi- leged to resort iu common. On the official maps of the Great Lakes the boundary lino is not shown, nor can its position be accurately marked in most places until new surveys shall be nuido conjointly l)y the two Governments. It would be greatl}'^ to the advantage of the fishing interests in that region, and much annoyance would bo proventod in the future by having the boundai-y line redefined and appropriately located on a series of charts made available for distribution among the fishermen. ST. JOHN RIVER SYSTEM. In order to restore and protect the fishery resources of international interest iu the St. John River system, the following measures seem to be demanded: (1) That all dams throughout the system be provided with suitable fishways, except those used exclusively for log driving and containing gates, and that the latter shall be kept open at all times when the driving of logs is not? actually in progress, and just previous thereto for the collecting of water. (2) That the construction of all now dams bo subject to governmental authority and conform to such recjuiremonts in each case as the circumstances may warrant. (3) That the practice of throwing sawmill waste of any kind into the water be everywhere prohibited ; and that all existing accumulations of such waste in streams where it may be detrimental to the movements or spawning requirements of useful fishes be removed. As the sawmills situated in the city of St. John have been able for many years to dispose of their rubbish without recourse to the adjacent river, it is not considered that this provision would work undue hardship iu other places. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CVII % (4) That it bo prohibited to throw orto allow to pass into the water any garbage, lime, waste from gas works, or other deleterious substances from manufacturing or other establishments. (5) That commercial fishing be limited to tidal waters, and be so restricted therein as to insure au ample run of salmon and other anadromous fishes to their respective spawning-grounds. (6) That uniform regulations be adopted for the protection of the salmon, trout, and other useful fishes throughout the fresh waters of the system. (7) In case the measures above suggested are carried out, it is recommended that joint action be taken to increase the supply of salmon by artificial propagation. (8) It is recommended that all natural obstructions which impede the passage of salmon to important waters adapted to their spawning, such as the fiill near the mouth of the Aroostook River, bo examined with reference to improving the condi- tions for the distribution of that species. ST. CROIX RIVER SYSTEM. (1) That the disposal, through the medium of the water, of all kinds of sawmill refuse be prohibited throughout the entire river system. Sawdnst is the only kind of such refuse now understood to be disposed of in this manner, and its retention on land can undoubtedly be provided for at comparatively slight expense, as has been done in other places. (2) That all extraneous material encumbering the channel of the river in tidal water between the Calais-St. Stephen Bridge and The Ledge, and resulting from the deposition of sawmill refuse, be removed. This measure is refj^uested in the interest especially of navigation, but there is no doubt that the fisheries would also be benefited thereby. We do not consider, however, that such a step would be justifiable while the practice of allowing said refuse to escape into the river still continues. It would also be of great advantage to the lisheries if the beds of sawmill refuse occurring between Union Dam and Fourth Dam, above tidal waters, could be removed to the extent of providing at least a wider and more direct channel for the passage of salmon. (3) That the sewage from the St. Croix Cotton Mill be disposed of in such manner as to prevent any harmful influence upon the salmon in that A-icinity during their ascent of the river. (4) That the tanneries be prohibited from using the streams adjacent to them for the disposal of tan bark, tan liquor, fleshings, hair, or other refuse which may be deleterious to fishes. All liquids from the washings of the hides containing any harmful ingredients should l)e purified before Iteing allowed to enter the stream. (5) That all fishways and passageways through the several dams be placed in good repair and be modified where necessary to insure their greater efficiency, and that subsequently they be maintained in proper condition and their approaches kept clear of drift materials. The construction of all new dams should be subject to Government authority, and should conform to such requirements in each case as the circumstance may warrant. (6) TJjat in the case of all log-driving dams provision be made to keep one or more of the gates open at all times when their use is not actually required in con- nection with the driving of logs. (7) That in those streams to which the salmon resort for spawning purposes all sources of pollution be restrained and all obstructions and existing impurities be removed as far as ]>ossible. (8) That net fishing be prohibited throughout the fresh waters of the system. (9) That the capture of salmon in the neighborhood of their spawning-grounds and in the approaches to fishways, or by any means except hook and line, be prohibited. (10) That appropriate and uniform regulations be established with respect to all classes of fishing in the fresh waters of the system, the same having reference to methods and extent of fishing, close seasons, etc. CVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. (11) That iu the eveut of the removal of all obstructions aud polluting ageucies and the establishment aud enforcement of suitable regulations, the increase of the supply of both salmou and landlocked salmon by artificial means be attempted through the cooperation of the two governments. PASSAMAQUODDY BAY AND VICINITY. International fishery interests iu Passamaquoddy Bay and its neighborhood are concerned chiefly with the preservation of the herring, and as no decrease of that species has been proved, beyond the disappearance of the winter school, which can not be attributed to overfishing, it is not considered necessary to suggest any changes in the methods employed, and the only recommendations made are as follows: (1) As the present regulation providing for a close season on the principal spawning-grounds off Grand Manau has undoubtedly been a wise one, and may have, to some extent, aided iu maintaining the supply of herring, it is recommended that it be continued and that a similar close season be adopted for a part of the herring spawning-grounds oft" Machias. (2) It is recommended that a regulation be adopted prohibiting the use of herring for the manufacture of oil or fertilizer. (3) It is recommendeil that the minimum size of lobster which may be taken be fixed at 10| inches, aud that all lobsters caught, l)y whatsoever meaus, under that size be returned alive to the water. (4) It should be made unlawful to take berried lobsters at any time. (5) With a view of protecting the smelt, a close season, extending from March 15 to July 1, is recommended, during which close season it should l)e unlawful to take smelt in any manner except with hook and line. LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG. The interests of this lake can undoubtedly best be served by fostering the g;ime fishes, and, in out opinion, this should be done to the extent of prohibiting all net fishing. The lake has become an angling resort of umch importance, and as bmg as its attractions in that respect are properly maintained, the local Avelfare will be benefited more materially through the influx of visitors than by the continuance of a commercial fishery dependent on so small a basis of supply as that furnished by these waters. The use of spears, which are employed on the spawning-grounds, is also to be regarded as detrimental and should be stopped. It is further recommended that the black bass and lake trout be jirotected by close seasons, extending from November 1 to June 15 in the case of the former species, and from Sei)tember 1 to January 1 in tlie case of the latter. LAKE CHAMPLAIN. (1) That no not fishiug other than by seines be permitted in waters adjacent to the boundary line or elsewhere in the lake where international interests would be afi"ected thereby. (2) That the use of seines be permitted from February 1 to March 31, inclusive, for the capture of wall-eyed pike aud other associati^d species, but under such limita- tions as to localities and number of nets employed as shall amply provide against the decrease of the species named. Should further inquiry establish the fact that this fishery is proving harmful to the wall-eyed pike by materially i-edncing the supply, its abolishment is recommended. (3) That the use of seines be permitted during the mouth of October for the capture of whitefish and other associated species under suitable restrictions as to localities and number of nets employed. (4) That the length of any seine shall not exceed 40 rods ; and that the mesh of the seines shall not measure less than 2i inches iu the bunt and 3 inches in the wings. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CIX (5) That the capturo of blaer 1, and they should be removed from the water by March 31. Fished during such a season, in suitable localities, there could be no risk of their taking bass, wall-eyed pike, or maskinoug^. A set-line fishery might also be allowed for such fish as sturgeon, eels, ling, and channel cat, as the removal of some of these fishes would certainly be of benefit to sporting interests. Under the arrangement made Ijetween Canada and the State of Ne^v York it was enacted : (1) That no commercial fishing be permitted in the waters of the St. Lawrence between a line drawn from Cape Vincent, in the State of New York, to the city of Kingston, in the Province of Ontario, and a second line from the town of Prescott, in Ontario, to the city of Ogdensburg, in New York. (2) That within the waters above included the close season for bass, maskinong^, wall-eyed pike, and grass pike be from the 1st day of .January to the 9th day of Juuc, inclusive, in each year. (3) That the limit of the number of bass to be taken by each rod per diem be fixed at twelve, and that the number of rods to each boat be limited to two. (Ij That all undersized and immature fish be returned alive to the water, and that no bass under 10 inches in length be taken. While we do not consider that the close season as enacted above by any means fully covers the spawning season of the bass, which in the region of the Thousand Tslands extends from the 15th of May to the 1st of July, at least, yet when taken in conjunction with a size limit, a limit to the number taken by each rod per diem, and a further limit of the number of rods per boat, it may be allowed that the protection is ample for the present. We would recommend a continuance of the above arrangement and would further suggest that it be extended so as to include the rest of the St. Lawrence from the lower limit above mentioned, between the cities of Ogdensburg and Prescott, to the iioint where the river ceases to be the boundary between the two countries, at the crossing of the line of 45"^ north latitude. LAKE ONTARIO. In view of the extent to which the supply of both whitefish and lake trout has become exhausted in Lake Ontario, any regulations looking to the protection and increase of those species, in order to be effective, should be decidedly stringent. ex KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. With respect to the fisheries for theui and for the other importaut fishes of the lake we recommend as folloNvs : (1) That a close season be adopted for both the whitelish and lake tront from the 15th day of October to the Slst day of December, between Avhich dates they shall not be fished for or taken in any manner. (2) That in the Bay of Quintc the close season for whitcfish extend from the 1st day of October to the 31st daj^ of December, and that the use of herring gill nets in that bay be jirohibited during November. (3) That the minimum size of mesh in the gill nets fished for whitcfish and trout be fixed at 5 inches, in the lierring gill nets at 2f inches, and in the sturgeon gill nets at 11 inches. (4) That the quantity of gill nets used in connection with each fishery be restricted within proper limitations. (5) That the use of baited set lines for sturgeon be permitted, but that the capture of that species by means of naked hooks or grapplings be prohibited. (6) That all sturgeon measuring less than 4 feet long, taken by any means, be returned aliv(^ to the water. (7) That a close season be adopted for the black bass from May 1 to June 15; that all black bass measuring less than 10 inches long, by wliatever means taken, be returned alive to the water; that the number of bass taken by each rod per diem be limited to 20, and that the number of rods to each boat be limited to 2. (8) That it be permitted to fish fyke nets and trap nets in the inshore waters of the lake for the capture of the coarser fishes between the 1st of October and the SOtli of April, within proper limitations as to number and under such restrictions as shall prevent their ])eing set on th(^ spawning-grounds of whitcfish, trout, or herring, or in such manner as to interfere with the spawning movements of those species. (9) That the mesh in the bag of all trap nets and fyke nets measure not less than 2^ inches in extension Avhen in use. (10) That the use of seines on or about the spawning-grounds of any of tlic impor- tant fishes during their spawning season be prohibited. (11) That the joint efi:"orts to increase the supply of whitcfish and lake trout by artificial means be continued, and that the scope of that work be increased to the fullest extent possible. It is recommended that the ])lanting of the fry be not restricted to one part of the lake, but be extended to as many of the important spawning areas as possible. (12) That the throwing into the water of fish ofial, including dead fish taken from the nets, of city garbage, and of all other substances deleterious to fish life be prohibited. That steps be taken to prevent injury by the waste from sawmills, gas works, oil refineries, etc., especially in tributary streams containing spawning- grounds of important fishes. LAKE ERIE. Pound nets. — It is imperative that the extent of the pound-net fishery, especially in the western part of the lake, be very materially reduced, and that the positions and distances apart of these nets be so regulated as to make ample provision for the free circulation of the several important fishes. Although further observations will be necessary l)efore the limitations of so comprehensive a measure can be properly adjusted or its details perfected, we venture to offer the following suggestions respecting it: That the total number of pound nets in the lake be limited to 1,000. The reduc- tion in the number is intended to apply mainly to the United States waters from Vermilion westward. That the number of such nets set in a string be restricted to (5 on the United States shore and to 3 on the Canadian shore. That the length of the pound-net leaders be restricted to 50 rods. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXI That in iill strings the individual pound nets he separated by gaps hetwoon each crib and the next succeeding loader, which gaps shall be at least 50 feet wide and shall extend to the bottom. That all pound nets or pound-net strings be separated laterally by interspaces of at least 1 mile. That no pound nets or strings of pound nets be allowed to begin in a less depth than 10 feet or to extend out into a greater depth than 40 feet. That in tlie vicinity of the islands at the western end of tlie lake the length of pound-net strings be further regulated in accordance with local conditions, but in no case should these nets obstruct more than one-third the width of any cliauucl or passageway. That the use of pound nets be prohibited on any reef or ground on which white- fish or herring are known to spawn, or within a reasonable distance therefrom. That the use of pound nets be prohibited in any locality where young whitelish may be taken in undue ([uantity. That the mesh in all pound nets n^easure in extension at least 21 inches in the crib, after shrinkage. That all pound-net stakes be removed from the Avater within thirty days from the close of the fall fishing season. Gill nets. — The mesh in the gill nets used for the cai)ture of herring, wall-eyed pike, blue pike, and saugers should measure at least .3^ inches in extension, and the employment of any gill net having a smaller mesh should be prohibited. A very large reduction is called for in the extent of fishing with the small-meshed gill nets, especially for the herring and wall-eyed pike. In case this can not satisfactorily be accomplislied by reducing the amount of netting employed, prac- tically the same result may lie reached by instituting a close season, which should preferably occur at the time of year when the greater waste of fish takes place. We recommend that the use of the small-meshed gill nets be entirely prohibited west of a line connecting Point Pelde with Vermilion Light between July 1 and January 1. In any locality where the small-meshed gill nets are liable to take an undue quantity of undersized whitefish their nse should 1)6 prohibited, at least during the peridd when such undersized fish are there present. The mesh in the gill nets used for the cajjture of whitefish sliould measure at least li inches in extension, and it is considered that a 5-iuch mesh would be preferable. The quantity of whitelish gill netting now emploj^ed appears to be excessive, in view of the continued depletion of the whitefish, und it should be restricted unless the protection of the species can be better provided for by a close season. The mesh in the gill nets used for the capture of sturgeon should measure at least 11 inches in extension. It seems to us that the gill-net fishery for sturgeon at the eastern end of tlie lake is being conducted on too large a scale, and that a reduction should be made in the number of nets employed; but a special investigation will be required to determine the proper means of regulating this fishery. The hook-and-line fishery for the sturgeon also needs to be taken into consideration in the same connection. The use of any gill net within one-fourth of a mile of any fixed net, such as a I)ound net or trap net, should he prohibited. Fi/kr nets and trap nets. — The mesh of these nets should coufovm to the same regulations provided for the pound nets. Their number should be restricted in accordance with the capacity or requirements of each region in which they are fished. A great reduction in the number of the fyke nets is demanded in several jtlaces. Seines. — The dimensions of seines and the size of mesli therein should conform in e&ch instance to the conditions under which they are employed. The mesh should in ail cases be sutFiciently large to permit the escape of undersized fish, and the number of seines, as well as the manner of their use, should be properly restricted in all places. CXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. It should be prohibited to fish seines on or about the spawning-grounds of the blacls: bass, the pike-perches, or other important iishes during their spawning season or while the eggs and young fish continue to remain upon the grounds, and in all other places where the employment of this method would be unduly harmful. Naled hooks for sturf/eon. — It is recommended that the method of taking sturgeon by means of naked hooks or graimels be prohibited. Spears. — The use of spears for taking fish of any kind should be prohibited. Whitefish. — This species is the one most urgently demanding protection, as well as efforts to rehabilitate the supply. A largo reduction in the amount of apparatus used for its capture, accompanied by extensive fish-cultural operations, may be expected to aid materially in replenishing the stock; but we venture to suggest that, in our opinion, even greatei benefits might be gained by the discontiniumce of all fishing for the species during all or a part of its spawning season, as elsewhere explained. Stitryeon. — All sturgeon measuring less than 4 feet long, taken by any means, should be returned alive to the water. Black buss. — All fishing for black bass, including its capture by any means, should be prohibited from at least May 1 to June 15; and all bass which may be taken in the nets during that period should be returned alive to the water. No black bass measuring less than 10 inches, taken by any method, should be retained or sold. Pollutions. — The throwing into the water of fish offal, including dead fish taken from the nets, of city garbage, and of all other substances deleterious to fish life should be prohibited. Steps should also be taken to prevent injury by the waste from gas works, oil wells, oil refineries, etc., especially in tributary streams contain- ing siiawning-grounds of important fishes. It is recommended that in connection with all harbor imiirovemeuts and other work of th.at character due precautious be taken in disposing of the materials obtained by dredging, etc., to prevent injury to any fishing-grounds. Propagation. — A continuance of the joint efforts to increase the supply of whiteiish by means of artificial propagation is strongly recommended, and it is urged that the scojie of this work be increased to the fullest extent possible. DETROIT RIVER, LAKE AND RIVER ST. CLAIR. (1) That the use of all nets, excepting seines employed in obtaining whitefish for the hatcheries and seines with not less than l-inch mesh for catching sturgeon, be prohibited in the waters of the Detroit and St. Clair rivers. (2) That all fishing with seines, traps, or other forms of nets be prohibited in Lake St. Clair north of a line drawn from the mouth of the Clinton River in Michigan to the mouth of the Thames River in Ontario. (3) That the minimum size of mesh in the cribs of pound nets, trajt nets, and fyke nets be not less than 2;V inches in extension. (4) That no nets whatever be permitted to be used between the Slst day of Octo- ber and the 1st day of December, excepting for the purposes of the hatcheries. (5) That a close season be ado])ted for the black buss from May 1 to June 15; that all black bass measuring less than 10 inclies long, by whatever means taken, be returned alive to the water; that the number of bass taken by each rod per diem be limited to 20, and that the number of rods to each boat be limited to 2. (6) Tliat all sturgeon less than 4 feet long be returned alive to the water. (7) That all fishing with grapnels or naked hooks be prohibited, but that all other hook-and-liue fisheries be permitted, except for black bass between May 1 and June 15. (8) That the throwing into the water of fish off'al, including dead fish taken from the nets, of city garbage, and of all other substances deleterious to fish life be prohibited. That steps be taken to piievent injury by the waste from sawmills, gas works, oil refineries, etc. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXIII LAKE HURON. Pound nets. — A reduction iu tlic niiiubor of pound nets iu some places, especially in the northern part of the lake, and probably also in Saginaw Bay, is called for. The recommeudatious made under pound nets in Lake Erie with respect to the length of leaders, the .separation of individual nets in the string by gaps, and their distance apart are considered to be applicable also to Lake Huron. It is recom- mended that iu Saginaw Bay not more than 6 pound nets be allowed in a string, and elsewhere in the lake not more than 3. North of a line drawn from North Point, Michigan, to Clark Point, Ontario, the mesh in the cribs of all pound nets should measure not less than 4 inches in exten- sion after shrinkage, and south of said line not less than 2^ inches. This would provide for the use of only a large mesh iu that part of the lake where the wliite- tish is the most important species and where the youug are being captured in undue (]uantities, and would permit the taking of herring and other small species in those localities where they are now mainly fished for. In the latter case the proposed mesh is also larger than the one now employed, and would perhaps serve to liberate a certain proportion of the undersized Avall-eyed pike, which are at present a conspicuous feature of the catch. The use of jiound nets during November should 1)e prohibited north of the lino above defined, in order to provide a close season for whitofish. All pound-net stakes should be removed from the water within thirty days after the close of the fishing season. Gill nets. — The mesh in all gill nets should measure at least .5 inches in extension, except that nets of 2|-inch mesh miglit be allowed to be fished on the Canadian shore V)etween Sable River and Cape Hurd, from October 15 to November 1, for the capture of herring, which, at that season, do not appear to be associated with young whitefish in that locality. During November it would be expedient to prohibit fishing by any gill net having a smaller mesh than 6 inches, which would serve in large measure to protect the spawning whitefish. The use of any gill net within one-fourth mile of any fixed net should be prohibited. The mesh iu gill nets used for the capture of sturgeon should measure at least 11 inches in extension. Fyke nets. — The mesh in the bag of fyke nets should measure at least 2| inches in extension. The number of these nets should be restricted in accordance with the capacity or requirements of each region in which they are employed. Sehns. — The dimensions of seines and the size of mesh therein should conform in each instance to the conditions under which they are employed. The mesh should in all cases be sufficiently large to permit the escape of undersized fish, and the number of seines, as well as the manner of their use, should be properly restricted iu all i)laces. It should be prohibited to fish seines on or about the spawning-grounds of any of the important fishes, or iu any place where their employment would be unduly harmful. Xakcd hooks for sturgeon. — The method of taking sturgeon by means of naked hooks or grapnels should be prohibited. Spears. — The use of spears for takiug fish of any kind should be prohibited. Sturgeon. — All sturgeon measuring less thau 4 feet long, by whatever means taken, should be returned alive to the water. Pollutions. — The throwing into the water of fish offal (including dead fish taken from the nets), of city garbage, and of all other substances deleterious to fish life should be prohibited. Steps should also be taken to prevent injury by the waste from sawmills and from manufacturing establishments of all kinds, both along the shores and in all tributaries containing spawning-grourds of important fishes. It is rcconmiended tliat in connection with all harbor improvements and other work of that character, due i)recaution be taken in disposing of the material obtained by dredging, etc., to prevent injury to any fishiug-grouads. F. R. 97 yiii CXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. rropagaiion. — A contiuuance of the joint efforts to increase the suiiply of Avliitefish aud lake trout through the ageucy of artificial propagation is recomniended. LAKE SUPERIOR. The remedial measures suggested for Lake Superior are as follows: (1) In all localities where there is evidence of overfishing by the pound nets the number of the latter should he suitabh' restricted. These nets should be separated by an interval of at least 1 mih?, and they should not be allowed to extend more than one-third the distance across any channel or passageway. (2) Where young whitefish abound and may be captured by the pound nets in appreciable quantities, the use of such nets should be i)rohibited either entirely or during such periods as the young of that species may be so present. (3) The mesh in the cribs of all pound nets should measure at least 4 inches in extension when in use. (4) It would seem that the extent of gill-net fishing for whitefish and trout had reached, if not passed, a safe limitation, and that some restriction should be placed upon the quantity of gill nets to be fished hereafter. Further obser\ations, how- ever, are required to establish a satisfactory basis for action in this matter. (5) The mesh in gill nets employed for the capture of the common whitefish and the lake trout should measure not less than 4^ inches, aud we consider that a 5-inch mesh would bo preferable. (6) The herring gill nets and those used for the smaller varieties of whitefish require a smaller mesh than the above, but the conditions under Avhich such nets may be employed should be explicitly defined. (7) No restrictions appear to be called for at present in respect to the herring gill nets, except that their use should be prohibited wherever young whitefish would be taken in them. (8) The number of seines employed at present is relatively small, and it should not be allowed to increase beyond a safe limitation. (9) The mesh in whitefish seines should measure not less than 3i- inches in the bunt and 4^ inches in the wings. (10) The use of all kinds of seines should be prohibited wherever the capture of young whitefish is involved, either entirely or during the seasons when the young are present. (11) It is considered that it would be beneficial to iustitute a close season covering the spawning jieriod of the whitefish, during which no fishing for the species should be permitted. (12) All sturgeon measuring less than 4 feet long which may be taken by any means should be returned alive to the water. (13) It may be found advisable to establish local regulations for the protection of the wall-eyed pike in places where they occur, but no information that would be serviceable in tliat respect has been collected. (14) The throwing into the water of fish ofl'al and of all other deleterious substances in places where it would be harmful to lish life should be prohil)ited. (15) .Joint efforts for the increase of the supply of both the whitefish and the lake trout by means of artificial propagation are recommended. LAKE OF THE WOODS, RAINY LAKE, AXD RAINY RIVER. International interests on Lake of the Woods are concerned chiefly with the pres- ervation of the sturgeon. Although the pound-net catch of scale fish is comparatively large and important, especially at certain seasons, should the capture of sturgeon become unprofitable at any time, that method of fishing would probably be mostly, if not entirely abandoned, and little else be done thereafter in waters closely adjacent to the boundary line. As both the scale fish and sturgeon, however, are taken together and under the same conditions, their preservation should and can be arranged for on a common basis. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXV The luosfc eftectual inoasurc of relief, and one which we strongly urge be carried out, is a restriction on the extent of fishing, Avhich undoubtedly already far exceeds a safe limitation. It is impossible to determine positively the maximum numljer of pound nets which could be lishcd without danger of depleting the supply, as the latter is an uncertain and lluctuatiug (juantity, and the matter will therefore have to be settled arbitrarily; but we are convinced th;it within the small area to which this kind of fishing is confined the total number of pound nets in use should not exceed 150, to be divided between the two countries in proportion to the extent of shore line belonging to eacii. I^ven this number we regartl as too large to insure the ultimate preservation of the sturgeon, but we have been constrained not to reduce it still further in view of the fact that the industry has already been firmly established on so large a basis. Besides the limit.atiun upon the nuinl)er of pouud nets to be employed, we would recommend that not over two such nets be allowed in any one string; that the leaders to the same be not over 50 rods long, each ; that the inner end of any pound net or pound-net string be set in not less than 10 feet of water, and that the outer end of the same extend not over 1 mile from the shore; and that no pounds be fished within 1 mile of the mouth of any stream which the sturgeon are known to enter. The object of such provisions is to insure as much freedom of movement for the sturgeon as possible, both during and subsequent to the spawning run. We also consider it advisable that no gill-net or trawl-line fishing be permitted in the pound-net region, oi* south of a line extending due east from American Point at the mouth of Northwest Angle Inlet to the Peninsula, exceiJt the use of gill nets by the Indians for supplying their own needs. While a close time covering the spawning season of the sturgeon could not fail to be beneficial, in order to be efi'ective it would require to begin at such a date and to be continued for so long a time as practically to interfere with the entire sjiring and early summer fishery, the most profitable of the year. A close season is, however, suggested for the wall-eyed pike and whitefish, by restricting the pound-net season to the period beginning May 15 and terminating October 31, which is essentially in accordiince with the present custom. Protection should be afi'orded the young sturgeon by requiring the return to the water alive, of all individuals taken in the nets which measure less than 4 feet long. At present they are retained when as small as about 3^ feet, the ordinary maximum size being 54 to G feet. No caviare is said to be obtained from sturgeon under 4 feet long, and none of those containing caviare landed during our visit were less than 4^ feet. The capture of small whitefish, wall-eyed ])ike, lake trout, etc., should be restricted by regulating the size of mesh, which should measure not less than 4i inches in pouud nets and 5 inches in gill nets. A"o fish offal, garbage, sawmill waste, or other pollutiug agencies should be thrown or allowed to pass into the waters of the lake. Fishing for sturgeon in Rainy River, except for domestic use, should be pro- hibited. Further inquiries require to be made in Rainy Lake and the more eastern waters of the system before deciding ujion the measures necessary to protect their fishery resources. W ATEKS CONTIGUOUS TO THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE STATE OF WASHINGTON. (1) The following recommendations are intended to apply only to those waters adjacent to the Itoundary line between British Columbia and the State of Washing- ton which are traversed by the main body of the sockeye salmon, and to which our inciniries were chielly restricted. This area may be roughly defined as comiirising the Strait of .luau de Fuca and thoSe parts of the Gulf of Georgia and Puget Sound (Washington Sound) lying between tlio ])iiiallels of 48^- 10' and 49^ 20' noith latitude, together with their adjacent bays and tributary streams. We consider, however, that it would be advantageous to extend the scope of any joint regulations which CXVI REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. may be agreed upon to all jiarts of this inclosed sea, and the information necessary to accomplish that iiurpose satisfactorily could readily be obtained. (2) In the salt waters comprised within the State of Washington we see no reason for prohibiting at iircsent any of the kinds of ai:)paratus now employed there, namely, trap nets, purse seines, drag seines, reef nets, and gill nets, the bulk of the sockeye catch being made in the form of net lirst mentioned. (3) We are in accord with the Canadian regulation which restricts commercial fishing on the Fraser River and off its mouths to the use of drift gill nets, and recommend that the rivers in Washington be subject to the same regulation. (d) Being uncertain as to the capacity of the contiguous waters in question in respect to fishing operations, we are not prepared to suggest a direct limitation upon the quantity of apparatus to be employed, but consider that the present require- ments of the case Avill be met by the restrictive measures which follow. (5) The mesh in trap nets to measure in extension not less than 3 inches in the crib and 6 inches in the leader when actually in use. Trap-net leaders not to exceed 2,000 feet in length. Not more than two traps to be placed in one continuous line, and when so arranged to be separated by a gap of at least 100 feet between the inner crib and the liegin- ning of the outer leader. All traps or strings of two traps to be separated by lateral passageways of at least 2,500 feet. The inner end of all trap-net leaders to liogin in a depth of not less than 1 fathom at low tide, and the space intervening between it and the shore to remain entirely unobstructed. All trap-net stakes to be removed from the water, in the interest of navigation, within thirty days from the close of the fishing season. (6) Drift gill nets not to exceed 150 fathoms each in length. The drift gill nets employed for taking quiunat salmon to have not less than 7f-inch mesh extension measure, and to be used only from Ajiril 1 to September 15. The drift gill nets employed for taking the sockeye and other smaller species of salmon to have not less than 5|^-iuch mesh extension measure, and to be used only from July 1 to October 1. All drift nets when in use to be kept at lor.st 250 yards apart, and to obstruct not more than one-third of the width of the river. (7) We are not prepared to suggest any changes in the dimensions or in tlie man- ner of employing drag seines, purse seines, and reef nets, nor do we consider any such changes essential while the extent of fishing by these methods remains as small as at present. (8) It is recommended that in all rivers commercial fishing with nets be restricted to the tidal part of the river. (9) We consider it very important that the movement of the salmon toward their spawning-grounds be facilitated by weekly close times of thirty-six hours' duration, Avhich we suggest extend from 6 a. m. on Saturday to 6 p. m. on Sunday of each week during the continuance of the fishing season. (10) We also recommend an annual close season, extending from October 1 to April 1 of each year, during which all net fishing shall be prohibited. (11) We recommend that the Indians be allowed to fish at all times by their cus- tomary methods, except the use of drift nets and sjiears on the rivers during the close seasons, during which periods, moreover, they should be permitted to take salmon only for the jjurpose of supplying themselves with food, and not for sale or barter. (12) As no evidence of a decrease in the abuudauee of any of the salmon species has been obtained, we do not feel justified in recommending joint action at present in the matter of their artificial propagation. While we feel confident that the natural supply can best be maintained by early compliance with suitable protective measures, we found it generally admitted that the efforts made by the Canadian Go\ ernmeut to increase the stock of sockeye salmon on the Fraser River by fish- cultural methods has been beneficial, the annual run of the fish being made more constant and the off seasons being improved. In view of the growing demand for REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXVII the shipment of qniuiiat salmon in a fresh condition, which may sooner or Liter come to exceed the supply, we venture to suggest the possibly greater advantages to be gained by the artificial hatching of that species. (13) We are convinced that the remedial measures which have heretofore been adopted, although not enforced, for disposing of the fish ott'al from the canneries on the Fraser River are inadequate to accomplish the results intended, and are also to a large extent impracticable. The practice of throwing this waste material into the river is to be deprecated on general principles; but, except in respect to a few local- ities, no specific evidence has been presented to indicate that it may be detrimental either to the health of the community or to the welfare of the salmon, and there is no proof that the latter have suffered from this cause. It seems to ns that as much, if not greater, harm would result from dumping the offal in the open waters off the entrance to the river as from its disposition in the customary manner in the vicinity of the canneries, pi'oviding the necessary precautions are taken. So far as we have been able to ascertain, when thrown into the current of the river in a fresh condi- tion it is practically always dissipated, and produces a nuisance only when placed in quiet, shallow water, or in eddies, which tend to retain it along tlie shores or to carry it into the adjacent sloughs. Factories established for converting it into oil and fertilizer have failed of success, nor is there any apparent prospect of its extensive utilization in tlie innnediate future. While suggesting renewed inquiries for reaching a more satisfactory solution of this question, we are constrained to recommend that for the present the current prac- tice be allowed to continue, under such restrictions as may be called for to prevent the accumulation of the offal in any situations where its effect can be shown to be prejudicial. The fishery officer of the district should be empowered to designate all places wliere the throwing in of this waste should not be permitted. Xo complaints respecting tlie offal in the vicinity of the canneries in the State of Washington have been leceived from any source, nor do any regulations regarding the manner of its disposition in that region seem to be called for at present. (14) Waste from sawmills and otlier substances deleterious to the salmon should not be allowed to pass into any streams which they frequent. FUR-SEAL INVESTIGATIONS. The Fish Commission steamer Albatross was detailed by the Presi- dent for duty in connection with the investigation of tlie fnr-seal question in Bering Sea. The inquiries, which were, by act of Congress, placed under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, were addressed to the condition of the seal herds on the Pribilof, Commander, and Kuril islands, and were conducted by a scientific commission appointed by the President, consisting of Dr. D. S. Jordan, in charge; Mr. Leonhard Stejneger and Mr. F. A. Lucas, of the U. S. National Museum; Lieut. Commander Jeft'. F. Moser, U. S. N., commanding steamer Albatross ; Mr. C. H. Town send, naturalist of the Albatross ; Col. Joseph Murray, special agent of the Treasury Department, and Mr. G. A. Clark, secretary. A similar commission was appointed by the British Government, the mem- bers being Prof. D'Arcy W. Thompson of University College, Dundee, Scotland; Mr. James M. Macoun, of the Geological Survey of Canada; Mr. G. E. H. Barrett- Hamilton, and Mr. A. Marett, photographer. As stated in the last report, the Albatross left Seattle on Juno 24, 189G, having on board all the United States representatives and all the British representatives except Mr. Barrett-Hamilton. The party was CXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. landed at the Pribilof Islauds on July 8 and spent the ten days follow- ing in observations on the condition of the rookeries. On July 18 the Albatross proceeded westward with Dr. Stejneger for the purpose of making similar investigations resi)ecting the seal herds on the Com- mander and Kuril islands; the rookeries of the Commander Islands being inspected from July .30 to August 9, those of the Kuril Islands from August 22 to August 26, and the herd on Eobben Island from August 28 to September 2. The Albatross tlien proceeded to Hakodate, Japan, to refit and to enable Dr. Stejneger to make further inquiries regarding the seals of the Asiatic herd. The vessel then sailed for Sau Francisco, touching at the Hawaiian Islands. The commissioners remaining on the Pribilof Islands were engaged in studying the conditions of seal life, in mapping and photographing the rookeries, and in making inquiries as to the methods of the sealing fleet in the adjacent waters. The last-named work was assigned to Messrs. Townsend and Lucas, who cruised among the pelagic sealing vessels on the U. S. revenue cutter Hush, examining their catch, noting the sexes of the seals killed, and making dissections intended to throw light on the feeding and breeding habits of the seals. Other investi- gations relating to pelagic sealing were made later in the season by Messrs. Lucas, Macoun, and Barrett-Hamilton. On August 16 Dr. Jordan and Professor Thompson sailed in the British vessel Satellite to make a further examination of the rookeries on the Commander Islands, then returned to the Pribilofs September 1, bringing with them Mr. Barrett-Hamilton. Mr. Townsend returned to San Francisco on August 23 for the purpose of collecting statistics relative to pelagic sealing. Messrs. Jordan, Thompson, and Lucas started home from the Pribi- lofs on September 8, the other commissioners remaining on the islauds until October 22, with the object of ascertaining the effect of pelagic sealing on the young seals born during the summer. The result of the season's investigations of the fur-seal fisheries have been published in a preliminary report.* A further decrease in the number of breeding seals on the rookeries of the Pribilof and Comman- der islands was disclosed, additional evidence on the destructiveness of pelagic sealing was procured, and the resulting starvation of young seals was observed at the close of the season by representatives of both governments. During the time that the Albatross remained at the Pribilofs Captain Moser was engaged in making a survey of the different rookeries, with a view to test the correctness of the maps that had been prepared by earlier investigators. During the cruise from the Commander Islands to Japan the Albatross took many soundings in the little- known waters about the Kuril Islands and in Okhotsk Sea and secured at some of the more remote localities a number of hitherto unknown fishes. ' Observations on the fur-seals of the Pribilof Isfands, Treasury Docmuent 1913. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXIX THE LABORATORY AT WASHINGTON. A large amount of miscellaneous investigation and experimentation is carried on at the Washington laboratory. In its relation to tbe fisli- cultural branch of the service the work consists in the examination of specimens of diseased fishes or fishes infested with parasites forwarded from the various stations and in microscopic studies of the food of artificially-hatched fishes. Many specimens of fishes from all parts of the country are sent to the Commission for identification by private individuals, associations, aud institutions. The duty of studying and labeling natural-history collections and of preparing sets of same for distribution also falls to the laboratory assistants. Collections of fishes and other animals made by the vessels and field parties of the Commission are sent to the laboratory of this division to be studied, labeled, and distributed. The collections in a given year are usually larger than can be critically studied and reported on in detail duriug the same time. During tlie present year reports on the following collections have been either completed or well advanced: (1) A large series of fishes and crustaceans from the basin of the Columbia Eiver and elsewhere on the Pacific Coast; (2) fishes obtained in the Klamath Lakes basin in 1894; (3) fishes of Vermont collected in 1894; (4) large series of salt-water fishes from Indian Eiver, Biscayne Bay, Key West, Tarpon Springs, aud other points in Florida; (5) fishes of the Missouri Eiver basin; (6) very extensive assortment of fishes of the Great Lakes obtained in 1893, 1894, and 1895; (7) fishes from tlie interior of Florida collected in the winter of 189G-97; (8) miscella- neous fishes secured at i^oiuts in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas in 1897; (9) fishes from the interior of Kew York. In accordance with the custom long prevailing, collections of fishes and other natural-history specimens were sent to the United States i^ational Museum. The material consisted of (1) a collection of marine invertebrates obtained in the course of oyster investigations in Long Island Sound in 1890 and 1892; (2) a quantity of stomach contents and ovaries of fur-seals secured by the Albatross in Bering Sea during several recent years; (3) collections of mollusks from the Pacific Ocean taken })y the Albatross during the years 1887 to 1896; (4) miscellane- ous collections of fresh-water and salt-water mollusks obtained by various field parties during the years 1888 to 189G; (5) collections of mollusks obtained by the Fish Hawk in Long Island Sound and on the coast of South Carolina; (0) collections of reptiles and batrachians, containing about ."iOO specimens, obtained in various parts of the United States by field expeditions; (7) types of 41 new species of fishes col- lected by the Albatross in Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean in 1889, 1890, and 1891, and by field parties in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, in 1894 and 189G. The collections of cephalopods, that had been accumulating in the Commission for a long time and included several thousand specimens CXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, were prepared and shipped to Prof. William E. Hoyle, of Owen's College, MancLester, England. Pro- fessor Hoyle is a recognized authority on this group of mollusks, and kindly agreed to study and report on the Commission's collections. Tow-net collections of small crustaceans from lakes in Idaho, Wash- ington, and Oregon, obtained by assistants of the Commission in the course of iclithyological explorations, were, by request, transmitted for study to Prof. S. A. Forbes, director of the State Laboratory of Natural History, Urbaua, 111., who had previously given the Commission several valuable reports on this class of animals. A lot of sea- weeds collected by the Albatross in Alaska was sent to Prof W. A. Setchell, of the department of botany in the University of California, for examination and report. A complete working series of American fishes is a great desideratum in the laboratory, and active measures have been taken to fill out the reserve collection and arrange it in a manner convenient for ready reference. While the small size of the laboratory precludes the possi- bility of having a large series of specimens on hand, there is ample room for typical examples of all the fresh-water species and the smaller salt-water ones. A special collection of considerable importance has been begun, consisting of carefully identified immature fishes of various sizes and ages, more especially those which are propagated by the Commission or are related to those artificially cultivated. THE WOODS HOLE LABORATORY. The laboratory of the Commission at Woods Hole was operated in the usual manner during this year. The privilege of using the tables, equipment, and fticilities was extended to a number of persons from various well-known educational institutions, who were given sleeping accommodations in the residence building. The laboratory was ready for occupancy July 1 and remained open till about October 1, Mr. Alexander Jones, the acting superintendent of the station, being in general charge. The investigators who were granted the privileges of the laboratory, the institutions they represented, and the subjects of their studies were as follows: Mr. Ulric Dahlgren, Princeton University, nervous system of flounder; Mr. Alfred A. Doolittle, Princeton University, embryology of echinoderms and collecting; Mr. Leonard H. Bobbins, Princeton University, anatomy of dogfish; Mr. F. C. Waite, Harvard University, development of green glands in decapoda; Mr, George Lefevre, Johns Hopkins University, budding of ascidians; Dr. Reid Hunt, Johns Hop- kins University, stimulation of cardiac nerves of fishes; Prof. C. C. >[utting. State University of Iowa, description and classification of hydroids; Dr. William Patten, Dartmouth College, phylogeny of horse- shoe crab; Dr. J. H. Gerould, Dartmouth College, nervous system of REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXI ecbiDoderms; Mr. W. A. Eedenbaugh, Dartmouth College, nervous sys- tem of horseshoe crab; Mr. H. M. Chase, Dartmouth College, anatomy of elasmobranchs; Mr. Ellis Kerr, Northwestern University, urino- genital system of amphibia; Mr. H. B. Cragin, IsTorth western Univer- sity, development of olfactory nerve and histogenesis of nasal epithelium in Amhlystoma; Mr. W. H. Dudley, anatomy and development of the lateral-line sense organs in killifish; Dr. H. V. ISTeal. NOTES ON FISHES, FISH-FOOD, AND FISH DISEASES. Reappearance of tilefisli. — The history of the discovery of the tilefish {Lopholatilus chamceleoiiticeps) in 1879, followed by its almost complete extermination from natural causes in 1882, forms one of the most inter- esting chapters in connection with the food-fishes of the Atlantic coast. In 1892 the Grampus, as a result of a special search, succeeded in taking 8 specimens between Marthas Vineyard and the capes of Delaware, the first that had been met with since the great mortality which befell the species ten years previously. In 1897 the tilefish was accidentally taken in such numbers as to suggest a considerable body of fish and to warrant the hope that the early expectations of its taking a i^lace among the food products of the country may eventually be realized. The 78-ton schooner Mabel Kenniston, of Gloucester, Mass., was overtaken by a gale on Georges Bank on February 8, 1897, and was blown 120 miles to the westward. After the gale was over haddock trawls were set in G5 fathoms of water, and when the lines were hauled 30 tilefish were caught, weighing from G to 15 pounds apiece. Dogfish were very abun- dant and troublesome, otherwise the captain thought he would have taken fully 100 tilefish. They were landed at Gloucester February 16, and were all eaten locally and pronounced '' better than salmon." The weather was very thick, and the vessel's position when fishing could not be definitely determined, but it was 104 miles southwest of No Man's Land, in latitude about 39° 40' and longitude about 72° 10'. The hluejin ivhitejish in LaJce Superior. — Up to a few years ago the bluefin or blackfin whitefish {Argyrosomus nigripinnis) was known only from Lake Michigan and some small lakes in Wisconsin and Minnesota. It has recently, however, come into prominence in Lake Superior, where, in some sections, it is now extremely abundant. Vague reports of the occasional capture of a "blackfin" in Lake Superior have reached the Commission from time to time, but it was not until 1897 that specimens of this species came into the possession of the office; these were three in number, and were sent by Mr. S. P. Wires, the superintendent of the Government hatching station at Duluth, Minn. The coming into prominence of the bluefin in Lake Superior is analo- gous to that of the longjaw {Argyrosomus prognailiufi) in Lake Ontario. Both were brought to the notice of the fishermen after a very marked decrease in abundance of the common whitefish ( Goregonus clupeiformis), whose place they seem, to a considerable extent, to have occupied. CXXII REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The following interesting notes on the bluefin in this lake have been couimnnicated by Mr. W. D. Tomliu, secretary of the Duluth Fisheries Association : The coming of the hlnefin into Lake Superior waters oontignons to the port of Duhith has been apparently recent. Twelve years ago (1885), when the lishermen here first combined to protect themselves, the blnefin or blackhn was very little known. The fishermen covered hundreds of miles with their fishing operations, leaving their homes very early in tlie'8]iriug and staying until the ice formed on the nets. Miiny of the present fishermen used to go out about 50 miles and get some fine catches of whitefish in their nets; and as soon as the fall fishing had ended the lake herring — alw.ays known as a prolific fish and easily found — was an object for consideration for some weeks until the winter set in. Occasionally one or two bluefins would be taken in a lift of nets. They had no sale, were not recognized as a herring, and could not bo passed as a whitefish ; so the fishermen used to take them from the nets and clean them at once and let the cook supply them as a pan fish. When thus taken fresh from the icy water and cooked as described they were fine eating, but if left over until the next day they were strong and insipid. When the whitefish began to go farther out into the lake the fishermen followed them, and very few bluefins were taken or even thought of. As recently as 1894 or 1895 some fishermen, who have homes about 20 miles out from Duluth, on the Minnesota shore, began to set nets entirely for lake trout, because it did not pay them to run 150 miles for whitefish. Then in the fishing once in awhile the lai'ger bluefins would be caught in the trout nets, and since that time the increase has been enormous, and during the past few years they have attained remarkable abundance. During last summer they wei'e a positive drug on the market, and it was almost impossible to sell them, except to those ignorant of the true whitefish. As soon as the lake opens they can be canght by the ton. Booth & Co. state they will not agree to take any of them from the fishci'men. They had nearly 20 tons of them in the refrigerator during last summer and could not dispose of them. At the first appearance of the bluefins they frequented the grounds on which herring had always been caught, but later the schools have extended outward until they are caught on grounds formerly the feeding-gronnds of the whitefish. The fish- ermen are now liable to find them anj'where within 30 miles of Duluth, principally along the Wisconsin shore. As a result of their migration from Lake Michigan they seem to have increased in weight. Some will be found at the 2-pound mark; and, as a result of the rich food siipplies that can be obtained at this end of Lake Superior, it will be a matter of no surprise if these fish follow the course of the whitefish and the lake trout and take on bulk and weight. It is stated that Wisconsin will not place any restriction on the fishing for these fish, and Minnesota will possibly follow the same course. It was at one time surmised that the bluofin or blackfin was a species of whitefish that had been introduced with the multitude of fry that had been turned into the lake by the Fish Commission. Considerable inquiry was made by the fishermen con- cerning the coming of these fish, and the rumor gained currency that bluefin eggs had been sent up with other eggs and had been hatched out and planted; but Mr. F. N. Clark, superintendent of the Michigan stations of the U. S. Fish Commission, assured me that no bluefins had been planted by the Commission in Lake Superior. Food of artificially hatched fish. — In order to determine the natnral food resources for young black bass of tlie fish ponds on the river front in Washington in which the propagation of bass has been carried on for a number of years, microscopic examinations of the water and of the stomach contents of recently hatched fry were made in May, 1897. The water was found to be extremely rich in entomostraca, rotifers, and other REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXIII animals suitable for bass food, and also in small vegetable and animal organisms on which the flsli food subsists. The more abundant forms included species of Cyclops, Daphnla, Alona, Scapholeberis, Amoeba, Hydra, Bothrimonus, several genera of infusoria, nematodes, Volvox, Spirogyra, Micrasterias, Euglena, and some other alg.T. The stomach contents of the young bass from the same ponds showed that cladocera were being principally consumed. One small-mouth bass 4 days old contained 10 specimens of Cyclops, Daphnia, and other cladocera; one 2 days old had 8 specimens of the same animals; three large-mouth bass a few days old had been subsisting on Baphnia. The possible use of iinely powdered cereals as food for young white- fish has from time to time been suggested. At Putin Bay, Ohio, station in 1897 Superintendent Stranahau fed wheat shorts to about 2,000,000 whitetish fry contained in tanks. They at first api)eared to thrive, but by May 7 had all died, and specimens were forwarded to Washington for examination. In nearly every case the alimentary tract was well filled with granules of wheat starch, and it was apparent that the fry readily took the food. The nutritive value to fish, however, of such a substance is doubtful, and an examination of the condition of the gran- ules in the hind gut, as compared with those in the anterior part of the alimentary canal, showed no evidence that they had undergone diges- tion to the slightest degree. The assimilative powers of the very short intestinal canal of the whitefish fry are not sufficiently active to utilize raw vegetable material of this nature. It is possible, however, that by cooking the shorts and diluting them with other food they may prove of service in rearing young whitefish. Study of rainhow trout and steelhead trout in aquaria. — In the month of April, 1897, the aquaria at Washington contained a large number of artificially hatched rainbow trout (*SVecies chiefly affected. The disease in its appear- ances and symptoms differed from any previously manifesting itself in the local aquaria, and on examination was found to be due to a proto- zoan parasite {Ichtliyo'phthirius mulUfiliis Fouquet). This is the same animal that produced great mortality among fishes in the Fish Commis- sion aquaria at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and was there studied by Dr. Stiles, of the Department of Agriculture, whose report on the subject is printed in the Bulletin of the Commission for that year. It is noteworthy that at Chicago Xha disease first appeared in a lot of catfish [Ameiurus alhidus) from the Potomac Eiver. The parasite thickly covers the entire surface of the body and also enters the mouth and gill-cavities and the intestines. The skin becomes coated with a thick mucus, the gills are matted together with slime, and the gill-coverings bulge. The infested fish abstain from eating and remain at or near the surface of the water. The respiratory movements are rapid and gasping. Death is gradual and seems due to a combina- tion of starvation and asphyxiation. From GO to 70 per cent of the salmon and nearly all of the trout succumbed to the disease, which was arrested in the course of a month by thoroughly cleaning the aquaria and filling them with a strong salt solution. About the first of May some of the young salmon were sent from Washington to the aquaria at the Nashville Exposition. In a few weeks the disease appeared on them, but they were killed before the trouble had spread to other fishes. Brook trout in the same aqua- rium were not attacked. In the spring of 1897 a diving beetle {Laccophilus maculosus) appeared in numbers in the fish ponds in Washington and proved destructive to young bass. Dr. H. F. Moore made some observations on its habits and ravages, and found it to be a very dangerous enemy of young fish, which it attacks savagely. Beetles in the larval stage were also dis- covered in the bass ponds. Suggestions were made as to expedients for preventing subsequent inroads on the young bass. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. By Hugh M. Smith. This division was under the direction of the writer until April 7, 1897, when Mr. Charles H. Townsend, formerly naturalist on the steamer Albatross, was appointed in charge. The principal work of the division comprised a canvass of the shad and alewife fisheries of the entire Atlantic coast, a reconnaissance of the fishing industry of the Pacific States, inquiries relative to the fish- eries of the coastal waters of Florida, and a study of the salmon fishery of Penobscot Bay and Eiver. Besides the general investigation of the fisheries of the Pacific States, some special inquiries were made rela- tive to the sardine industry, the abundance of the introduced shad and striped bass, and the transplanted eastern lobster. SHAD AND ALEWIFE FISHERIES. The extensive canvass of the important fisheries for shad and alewives, begun in May. 189G, and noticed in the last report of the division, was completed during the present year, and the Commission was put in possession of very complete and instructive matter regarding the condi- tion of the industry in each stream. In view of the magnitude of the fish-cultural operations with the shad, the inquiries had a special value, because of the opportunity afitbrded for making comparisons Avith pre- vious years. The canvass was, in some respects, the most thorough examination of the shad fishery ever undertaken. It included statistics of i)ersons employed, apparatus and boats used, and products taken in each stream or water, the extent of the fishing with each kind of appliance, the number, weight, and value of the shad of each sex, and other special data. The canvass disclosed the fact that in 1896 the number of persons engaged in the shad and alewife fisheries was nearly 27,000, including only those who used apparatus set especially for these fish or in which they constituted an imi)ortant part of the catch. Fully 3,500 other persons took more or less shad and alewives incidentally in gill nets, pound nets, and seines operated primarily for other fish. Of the 21,800 persons who may be classed as fishermen, as distinguished from those who simply transjwrted the catch or handled it on shore, over 6,100 l)ersons Avere employed in ISTorth Carolina, more than 4,100 in Maryland, nearly 1,000 in Virginia, about 2,900 in New Jersey, 1,650 in South Carolina, 1,200 in New York, and 1,100 in Pennsylvania. CXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF PISH AND FISHERIES. The following table shows the uumber of persons employed in each State: Tahlc showing hi/ States the numher of persons employed in the shad and alcwifc fisheries of the United States in 189G. States. Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Maiue Maryland Massachusetts . . New Hanipshiro New Jersey New York North Carolina . Pennsylvania... Khodo Island ... South Carolina. . Virginia Total Fisher- men. 278 004 487 888 435 4,418 342 10 2,937 1,180 6,112 1,115 6fi 1,646 3,972 Trans- porters. 24, 796 38 73 197 Shores- men. 10 385 46 35 10 990 14 18 42 1,581 Total. 278 904 523 888 445 4,820 388 10 3,010 1,196 7,162 1,133 84 1.646 4,087 26, 574 The investment in vessels, boats, apparatus, and shore property used in these fisheries is very large, amounting, in 1896, to about $2,172,000. This represented 56 vessels used in transporting thecatcli or in setting the nets, 12,400 boats, over 4,000 pound nets and similar nets, nearly 950 seines (with a combined length of 133 miles), 84,000 gill nets (aggre- gate length 1,970 miles), 800 fyke nets, and miscellaneous property. In ISTortli Carolina $623,000 was invested in tliese fisheries, the lead- ing item of apparatus being 1,705 pound nets. Virginia is credited with $442,000 devoted to this industry and with over 1,200 pound nets. In both New Jersey and Maryland more than $300,000 is invested. The details of the fishery property in each State are shown in the following table : Table showing by Slates the vessels, boats, apparatus, and ]}roperty employed in the shad and alewife fisheries of the United States in 1S9G. states. Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Maine Maryland Massachusetts... New Hampshire. New Jersey New York North Carolina .. Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina .. Virginia Total Vessels transporting. No. Tonnage. Value, ^^^-^^f 51. 85 59.57 298. 38 14 27 138. 56 4,000 4,100 23, 000 12, 225 14, 167 58, 092 Boats. No. $30 1,585 3,631 132 442 251 495 379 2,220 88 12 1,485 600 2,966 468 36 799 2,049 12, 422 Value. 7, 8, 108, 127, 28, 102. 21, 14, 70, 530, 540 ' This vessel fished for shad, using a purse seine. Pound nets, trap nets, and weirs. No. 26 178 893 1 12 Value. $1, 400 535 208 25, 255 66, 266 150 480 18 1,705 3,890 138, 588 21 1,910 1,208 227, 820 4,074 i 460, 502 liEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXVII Table showmy luj Slaies the vessels, boats, apparatus, and jn-opcrti/ eiiiploi/cd in the sliad and alewifc fisheries of the United States i« 1S96 — Continued. Seines. States. Connecticut lielaware Florida Georgia Maine Maryland Massachusetts. . . New llaiiipshii'e . New Jersey New York Korth Carolina . . I'einisvlvaiiia Khodc'lslniHl.... South (':ir(iliua .. Virginia ^°- ^^S' I ^^1- 47 102 24 7 95 45 2 145 67 232 96 16 22 44 Total , 18, 131 32, 853 21,450 2,562 104, 367 17, 739 360 90,012 35, 450 232, 740 57,915 9,600 4, 905 75, 183 718 501 175 627 422 075 50 838 220 971 285 840 931 230 704,276 1 155,883 Gill uets. No. Length (feet). Value. 457 201 428 228 7,453 10 60, 704 371, 237 277, 200 132, 845 56, 298 1,811,119 2, 250 3,658 1,879 58, 234 179 399 10,924 1, 845, 3G8 670, 949 3,417,263 217,770 283,011 1, 253, 575- $4, 285 14, 557 17, 550 13, 080 2,870 59, 557 120 111,433 34, 727 80, 002 11,968 18, 836 40,131 84,139 I 10,399,589 I 409,116 Fyke nets. No. Value. 270 54 801 .$180 3,214 955 1,032 10, 729 States. Dip and other minor nets. Spears. Wheels. Value of shore and accessory property. Total value of invest- No. Value. No. 1 Value. No. Value. ment. $1, 575 13, 407 4, 349 2,817 11,254 54, 149 12, 958 355 90, 228 6,325 227, 252 36, 451 1,170 2,645 62, 253 $14, 091 52,715 10 $40 Florida 33, 458 113 94 128 121 259 222 625 193 23, 387 5 !, 253 325, 299 19, 470 1,040 374, 890 20 $20 81,808 1,278 51 3,781 185 75 $1, 125 622, 997 30 23 82, 252 Rhode Island 4,620 450 1, 162 "80 2,178 40, 355 441,859 Total 2,245 6,467 50 43 155 3,303 527, 248 2 171 554 * Includes fall traps. The shad catch of the Atlantic coast in 1896 in apparatus set pri- marily for this fish was 12,940,000 fish, weighing 50,000,000 pounds aud valued at $1,037,000. The yield of alewives was 140,850,000 fish, weigh- ing 58,703,000 pounds and worth $435,000. The additional output of these fish in ai^paratus set primarily for other fish was 207,000 shad, with a weight of 775,000 pounds and a value of $19,000, and 7,008,000 alewives, weighing 3,303,000 pounds and worth $24,000; included in these figures is the incidental catch of shad on the Pacific coast. The table which fijUows gives the results of these fisheries in each State. New Jersey is seen to take precedence in the number and the weight of shad, being credited with about 3,298,000 fish, weighing 13,740,000 pounds. Virginia ranks second, with 3,197,000 fish, with a weight of ll,14(i,000 })ounds. In North Carolina, with a catch of 2,097,000 shad, weighing 8,843,000 pounds, the value is greater than in any other State, namely, $417,000. Maryland is the foremost State in the yield of alewives; over 44,000,000 were taken, weighing 17,041,000 pounds and valued at nearly $126,000. In North Carolina about 35,890,000 alewives were caught and in \'irginia more than 30,000,000. CXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Table showing the shad and alewife catch of the United States in 1896 hy apparatus fished primarily for these fish. Connecticut Delaware rioriila Georgia Maine Marylaiitl Massachusetts... New Hampsliire. New Jersey New York Nortli Carolina . . Pennsylvania Khode Island South Carolina . . Virginia Total 12, 940, 395 Shad. Number. 67, 746 467, 744 460, 214 143, 974 348, 757 1, 542, 869 3,355 3, 297, 593 537, 543 2, 096, 804 621, 239 9,258 146, 627 3, 196, 672 Pounds. Value. 251, 810 1, 990, 694 1, 298, 605 536, 627 1, 334, 443 5, 540, 224 13,420 13, 746, 298 2,181,724 8, 842, 708 2, 501, 143 36, 534 671,513 11, 145, 870 50, 091, 613 $13, 486 69, 160 62, 589 49, 289 29, 553 166, 464 934 333, 188 73, 596 417, 243 79, 445 2,408 33, 436 306, 339 1,637,130 Alewives. Number. Pounds. 2, 257, 798 2, 057, 390 40, 000 4, 670, 581 44, 103, 306 7, 370, 689 479, 500 5, 610, 990 2,317,070 35, 889, 798 1, 572, 000 4, 364, 120 30, 500 30, 085, 617 812, 119 822. 956 16, 000 Value. 140, 849, 359 2, 598, 527 17,641,322 3,970,274 269, 734 2, 859, 299 926, 828 14, 355, 920 638, 500 1, 745, 648 12, 200 12, 034, 247 $10. 498 7,756 400 58, 703, 574 19,664 125,870 35, 050 2, 795 14, 157 11,225 115, 945 4, 372 24, 333 463 62, 453 434, 981 The incidental catch of shad and alewives is shown by States in the following table. This represents the yield of nearly 800 pound nets, several thousand gill and trammel nets, and about 60 seines, whose individual take was too small to warrant their inclusion in the special statistics. state. California Connecticut Maine Maryland Ma.ssachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Oregon and Washington. Khode Island Virginia Shad. Number. Pounds. Value. 61,861 2,542 18, 169 347 36, 460 100 40, 887 5,271 31,311 3,374 6,831 247, 445 9,380 70, 486 1,275 100, 712 300 163, 528 18, 822 125, 246 12, 912 24. 649 $4, 397 596 1, 235 40 2, 300 15 6,868 1,237 1,252 925 716 Total 207, 153 774,755 19,581 7,008,300 Alewives. Number. Pounds. Value 472, 625 , 567, 258 64, 980 , 675, 237 47, 000 733, 050 211, 470 828, 280 408, 400 189, 069 789, 799 25, 993 1,386,215 23, 937 368, 775 84, 588 331,312 163, 360 3, 363, 048 $1,533 5,672 180 10, 074 250 1,408 1,378 3,551 571 24, 617 The extent of the shad and alewife fishing in 1896 is shown by rivers, bays, etc., in the ai)pended tabulation. The large number of streams into which these fishes regularly run make them tlie leading river fishes of the Atlantic States, considered collectively, and also the principal river fishes in each State with only two or three excejjtions. The Delaware is shown by the table to have been the most important shad stream in 189G. Over 2,800,000 fish were taken, having a value to the fishermen of $306,000. More than 1,000,000 additional shad were caught in Delaware Bay, this hydrographic area being credited with a catch of over 1,217,000 shad, valued at $125,000. The second shad stream in 1896 was the Potomac, in which 681,000 fish were obtained. Next in order are the Hudson, with 589,000; the York, with 517,000; the James, with 196,000, and the Rappahannock, with 118,000. In Chesa- peake Bay and its numerous tributaries, which constitute the most impor- tant shad-fishing ground in the United States, about 1,870,000 shad were taken; these were valued at $191,000. The extensive fisheries in the basin of Albemarle Sound yielded 1,130,000 fish, worth $203,000. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXIX More than half the alewives taken in the United States in 1896 were caught in the Chesapeake basin, in which the run of these fish was phenomenally large. More than a third of the yield of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries was taken in the Potomac Eiver, which is now the principal ale wife stream. In 1890 the fish were so abundant that at times there was no sale for them, and the average price for the season was less than $1.20 per 1,000. The catch of 24,438,000 alewives credited to the Potomac was nearly equaled on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, where 24,112,000 were taken. The Albemarle region of North Carolina is the next important ground for alewives; 30,675,000 were secured there, of which 13,500,000 were obtained in the Chowan Eiver. Other prominent alewife streams are the Damariscotta (2,472,000 fish), Con- necticut (2,210,000 fish), Hudson (2,192,000 fish), Delaware (4,420,000 fish), Susquehanna (10,864,000 fish), and Roanoke (4,177,000 fish). Statement hy waters of the shad and alewife catch of the United States in 1S96. Waters. State. Shad. Number. Pounds. I Value. Alewives. Number. Pounds. I Value. St. Croix River Denn ys Kiver Machias River Penobscot River Medomab River St. George River Pemaquid River Damariscotta River Kennebec River CascoBay Shores o{ Maine Piscataqua Kiver Kewmarket Kiver Exeter Kiver Merrimack River Gape Cod Bay Taunton River Ponds. small rivers, and creeks Shores ofMassachusetts Warren River Ponds and small rivers Shores of Rhode Island Connecticut River Housatonic River Shores of Connecticut Shores of Long Island Hudsou River New Tork, Sandy Hook, and Karitan bays. Shores of Xew Jersey Delaware River Maine do do do do do do do do do do New Hampshire do do Massachusetts. do do .... do do Rhode Island.. do do Connecticut . . . do do New Tork N.Y.andN.J.. do $27 290, 122 64, 690 12, 000 100 1,160,488 26,257 220, 020 3, 592 24, 000 912 300 15 32, 905 3,355 86, 732 13, 420 3,555 9,258 13, 980 36, 534 Delaware Bay. Indian River.. New Jersey N. J., Pa., and Del. N. J. and Del . . Delaware 3,374 51, 690 9,878 8,720 8,786 588, 898 214 425 16, 240 2, 833, 101 1, 183, 761 8.51 2,408 12, 912 190,934 37, 360 32, 896 31, 680 2,356,960 83,237 861, 653| 30,941 925, 9, 508i 2,471 2, 103| ,241 64, 937| 3, 518 11, 752, 359 306, 536 5, 075, 891 119, 870 Chesapeake Bay and tribu- taries: Bay shores Susquehanna River Northeast River Elk River Chester River Choptank River and tribu- taries. Nanticoke River Wicomico River Pocomoke River Patuxent River Potomac River Kaiipahannock River York Kiver and tributaries. James Rlverandtributaries Sassafras, Transquaking, and Blackwater rivers. 11, lOOi 160, 500 91, 700 617, 608 73, 800 686, 000 206, 000 2,472,100 494, 781 1,391,250 33, 000 47, 000 46, 350 433, 150 945, 000| 1, 732, 972 1,897,478 4,528,211 942, 265 403, 200 3, 960, 920 828, 280 2, 216, 243 4,200 509, 980 336, 540 2, 192, 000 930, 800 3, 482, 140 4, 420, 700 221,490 550, 700 Total F R 9< Md. and Va Md. and Pa ... Maryland , ao do do ild. and Del Maryland... do do Md. and Va . Virginia do do Marvland 1, 742, 455 6, 261, 967 177, 742 24, 112, 084 140, 087 565, 037 20, 153 10, 864, 000 47, 205, 176, 215 5, 138 587, 400 14,164! 52,250 1,579 2,327,000 48,703 195,387' 7,448 1,219,160 338,420 1,115,620 35,810.1,993,560 216, 324 68,015 29, 752 52, 354 684,063 417, 789 723, 026 227, 563 95, 482 199, 200 2, 476, 730 1,442,505 546,548 1,888,354 495, 762| 1,657,203 28, 144 94, 202 20,669 1,527,000 8, 480 173, 300 4, 304| 32, 730 5, 8671 1,474,330 63, 60824, 437, 885 35, 37i; 2,798,826 50, 361 1 632, 798 51, 247| 528, 230 2,933; 2,321,600 6, 243' 90, 280] 51, 581 308, 844l 41, 512; 385, 804 115, 875 1,390,612 277, 726 701, 287 18, 562 23, 937 26, 088 243, 646 472, 500 884, 255 1, 067, 324 2, 430, 450 501, 960 161, 280 1, 584, 368 331,312 795, 497 1,680 204, Oil 134, 616 876, 800 465, 400 1, 955, 234 1, 812, : 88, 596 220, 280 9, 644, 835 4, 345, 600 234, 960 930, 800 487, 664 797, 424 610, 800 69, 320 13, 092 589, 732 9, 775, 154 1,119,530 253, 119 211,292 928, 640 470 570 3,028 417 3,014 1,100 9,811 2,739 3,771 323 250 270 2,525 4,200 5,479 9,478 21, 372 4,595 692 23, 641 3,551 10, 350 28 1,653 2,840 9,763 1,374 8,873 11, 044 1,589 3,823 61, 709 48, 983 929 3,834 4,625 5,598 4,3^9 628 223 4,008 39, 003 6,411 3,111 2,539 4,124 4, 869, 785 17, 170, 741 490, 710 75, 029, 903 30, Oil, 962,190, 064 -IX CXXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Statement iy waters of the shad and alewife catch of the United States in 1896 — Cont'd. "Waters. State. Shad. Alewives. Number. Pounds. Value. Number. Pounds. Value. Albemarle Sound and tributaries: North Carolina do 735, 192 8,757 32, 822 183, 545 169, 409 3, 050, 809 36,015 135, 684 762, 875 678, 553 1140, 159 1,599 6,299 34, 422 20, 489 11, 447, 204 829, 000 662, 500 13 559 600 4, 578, 882 331, 600 265, OUO $34, 671 4,167 do do do 4, 177, 000, 1, 670, 800 19, 962 Total 1 129 725i ward of $1(>,()00 each season. ^Notwithstanding the greatly increased catch in 1896, that season was behind a number of earlier years for which statistics are available. Thus, in 1880 about 10,000 salmon were taken in this region, and in 1887, 1888, and 1889 the catch was still larger. From 1892 to 1895 the output declined about 30 per cent, and the general tendency of late has been toward a decrease, 1896 affording a pleasing contrast. The salmon fishermen are almost unanimous in the belief that the maintenance of the supply is dependent on artificial propagation. They think the opportunities for natural reproduction are so limited that only a few years would elapse before the supply would become exhausted without the planting of artificially hatched fry. All the eggs collected by the Commission are from fish caught for market, which eggs would otherwise be lost. There was in May and June, 1896, a noteworthy run of small salmon that had then entered the stream for the first time ; a corresponding scarcity of large fish was observed. The fishermen refer to these small salmon as the hatchery school. The interesting experiment is being tried of introducing the quinnat salmon and steelhead trout of the Pacific coast into the Penobscot and other Maine waters. Should it prove successful, two very valuable fishes will be added to the fishing resources of the region. COASTAL FISHERIES OF FLORIDA. In October and November, 1896, an investigation of the coastal fish- eries of Florida was conducted by the writer and Mr. John N. Cobb, field agent, in conjunction with other Fish Commission representatives who were studying tbe natural- history features of the Florida fisheries. All the fishing communities on the west coast of the State were visited, and a number of places on the east coast. Most of the latter section, however, had recently been canvassed by agents of the division. The information thus obtained was incorporated in a report submitted to the Senate by the Commissioner on January 28, 1897. Fishing is one of the principal industries of Florida, and the business is doubtless destined to undergo much further increase in certain lines. The approximate extent of the coastal fisheries at the present time is as follows: Persons employed, 6,100 j capital invested, $1,300,000; value of catch, $1,200,000. In this investigation special attention was given to the sponge, oyster, green turtle, and red snapper fisheries, as well as the Key West line fishing and the very extensive mullet fishing on the west coast. Florida is the only State having a sponge fishery, and surpasses all others in the yield of mullet, red snappers, green turtles, kingfish, pom- pano, and many other products. CXXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The leading fishery is for sponges. It is prosecuted from Key West, Tarpon Springs, Cedar Keys, and Apalachicola, being most extensive at the first-named place. In 1895 the catch amounted to 300,120 pounds, valued at $386,871, of which 231,272 pounds, valued at $363,107, were sheepswool sponges. The next fishery in importance is for mullets, which are caught in enormous (luantities along the entire coast of the State, but are most numerous in Indian River and the southern part of the west coast. The yield of fresh and salted mullet and mullet roe in 1895 was about 20,734,000 pounds, having a value of $311,000. The red-siiapper fishery, centered chiefly at Pensacola, produced 4,899,000 pounds of snappers and a large quantity of groupers inci- dentally taken. The value of the snappers was $155,000. The yield and value of other important products in 1895 were as follows : Green turtles, 520,000 pounds, $28,500; oysters, 270,000 bushels, $61,723; squeteague, 1,380,000 pounds, $30,700; redfish or channel bass, 722,000 pounds, $13,900; grunts, 678,000 pounds, $16,850; pompano, 615,000 pounds, $41,000; sheepshead, 1,180,000 pounds, $19,300; Spanish mack- erel, 520,000 pounds, $24,000. FISHERIES OF GLOUCESTER AND BOSTON. The reports of the local agents of the Commission at Gloucester and Boston, Mass., show that during the calendar year 1896 the fisheries centering at those places were somewhat less extensive than in the previous year. The quantities of fish which were brought in by the American fishing vessels aggregated 130,673,766 pounds, having a value as landed from the vessels of $3,286,898. The number of separate fares was 6,407. Comparing these figures with those for 1895, it appears that there was a decrease of 19,765,774 pounds and $264,794, with 1,084 fewer fares. The falling off in receipts was shared by both ports. The vessel fisheries centering at Gloucester yielded 21,924,701 pounds of fresh fish and 45,672,713 pounds of salt fish, a total of 67,597,414 pounds, having a value of $2,001,904. The aggregate receipts were 9,034,063 pounds less than in 1895, the decrease in value being $203,715. The number of fares of fish brought into Gloucester was 2,220, of which 1,616 were from grounds off the New England coast, and 604 from the eastern banks. Gulf of St. Lawrence, Greenland, and Iceland. The former grounds yielded 33,604,727 pounds of fish, having a value of $892,990, and the latter 33,992,687 pounds, worth $1,108,914. In the preceding year there were just 1,000 more fares, mostly from the banks lying off the coast of IsTew England, which grounds yielded 38,531,754 pounds of fish, valued at $894,068, while from the eastern grounds 38,099,723 pounds of fish were brought, having a market value of $1,311,551. In the following table the receipts of the different fishes from each ground are given. EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXIII Summdry hij fisMng-grounds of certain fishery products landed at GlonccNter, Mass., in 1896 hy American fishing vessels. Cod. Cusk. rishing-grounds . Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Pounds. "Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66° W. lon- gitude : La Have Bank. . . 89 48 75 23 119 3 16 52 1 3 86 55 4 313, 640 $4. 594 1, 647, 772 302, 830 77, 840 18, 500 17, 603, 616 3,000 30, 100 22, 600 $44, 694 8, .'.03 2, 188 548 320, 574 98 821 602 47, 660 $617 Western Bank . . Quereau Bank Grand Bank St. Peters Bank . . Burgeo Bank Baoalieu Bank . . 3,000 60 Otl'Newfouudland Cape North Cape .Shore Gull" of St. Law- rence 702, 440 146, 620 20, 100 10, 218 3,922 579 393, 000 5,849 35, 000 484 10, 640 $197 Greenland and Iceland 1 1 Total 604 709, 640 10, 503 20,575,418 392, 747 82, 660 1, 101 10 640 1 197 "West of 66° W. lon- gitude : Browns Bank 51 700 94 974, 535 825, 340 934, 930 15, 573 14, 828 13, 766 657, 844 11,070,631 16, 802 324, 709 213, 580 2. .557 Georges Bank... Cashes Bank 178, 200 875, 000 3,000 2,395 10, 549 38 294, 430 6,379 Fippenies Bank.. 1 Middle Bank 9 25 14 3,500 34, .500 116. 736 92 584 2,155 17, 084 540 Jeffrej'8 Ledge . . . 7,600 8,000 15, 000 1,705,495 222 260 168 34,975 51, 400 605 Ipswich Bay South Channel... 82 1,167,555 52 40.000 449, 170 5,094 Nantucket Shoals : 1 Oir Chatham 3 585 General shore grounds 389. 775 7,845 Total 1,616 4.486 871 72, 467 13, 464, 570 377, 136 1,770,350 21,238 294 430 6 379 Grand total... 5, |2, 220 196, 511 82, 970 34, 039, 988 769, 883 1, 853, 010 22, 339 305, 070 6, 576 Haddock. Hake. Pollock. FiBhing.grounds . Fresh. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66° W. lon- gitude : La Have Bank . . 10, 000 $42 190,480 30, 000 $940 130 Cape Shore 10, 000 $85 Total 10, 000 42 220, 480 1,070 10, 000 85 1 1 West of 660W. lon- gitude : Browns Bank... 11, 000 , 050, 200 92, 000 69 4,877 403 200, 000 158,000 2, 034, 100 3,000 20, 800 245, 500 1,005 821 10, 338 21 100 1,377 4,000 $18 Georges Bank . . ] 3,500 26 Cashes Bank Fippenies Bank. Middle Bank.... 7,300 11,400 222 436 Jetlrevs Ledge.. 2,500 2,000 25 20 50, 860 18, 000 182 81 Ipswich Bay South Channel.. 40, 000 154 1. 102. 240 4,924 Nantucket Shoals 25, 000 230, 000 $133 4 353 Oflf Cliatham General shore grounds 36, 186 735 7,000 35 682, 322 2.969 Total L, 248, 086 6,896 3, 770, 640 18, 621 8,000 71 755, 182 j 3, 250 255, 000 4,486 Grand total. 1 L, 258, 086 6,938 3, 991, 120 19, 691 18, 000 156 755, 182 3,250 255, 000 4,486 CXXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Summary hy fishing-fjroiinds of certain fishery jrrodKcts landed at Gloucester, Mass. by American fishiuf) vessels — Continued. in ISDb Halibut. Mackerel. \ Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66° W. longitude : 312,495 728, 375 984, 747 417, 895 2, 054, 593 78, 040 312, 588 2, 493, 209 $23, 952 76, 628 77, 391 29, 029 102,890 6,536 18, 163 102, 967 3,800 20, 080 $212 831 j 1 1 341, 325 13, 538 i 7,530 494, 400 5,430 453 20, 425 326 96, 007 9,960 7,635 521 4,375 $520 2, 852, 000 623, 000 $158, 550 46, 823 334, 000 13, 530 Total 7, 487, 909 445, 712 1, 206, 565 49, 314 4,375 520 3.47.5.000 205, 373 West of 66° "W. longitude : 26, 530 1, 208, 998 8,000 1,671 99, 737 585 8,720 848 1, 446, 400 96, 125 875 92 16, 000 1,120 4,680 234 1,425 58, 680 228 3,532 1,600 4, 288, 700 96 173, 345 Total . 1, 248, 208 102, 227 69, 700 4,700 5, 752, 700 270, 686 8, 736, 117 547, 939 1, 206, 565 49, 314 74, 075 5,220 9, 227, 700 476. 0.59 Other fish. Total. Fishing-ground s . Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66° W. longitude : 874, 275 728, 375 984, 747 417, 895 2, 054, 593 78, 040 312, ,588 2, 496, 209 $30, 145 76, 628 77, 391 29, 02!) 102, 890 6,536 18, 163 103, 027 1, 647, 772 306, 630 97, 920 18, 500 17, 944, 941 3,000 37, 630 517, 000 200, 000 707, 870 3, 019, 260 643, 100 334, 000 $44, 694 8,715 3 019 584 334,112 98 1,273 21,027 200, 000 $2, 250 2,250 10, 544 558, 382 9,960 14, 618 521 162, 754 47, 402 13, 530 Total 200, 000 2,250 8, 515, 064 458, 948 25, 477. 623 649, 966 "West of 66° W. longitude : 1, 429, 645 3, 429, 458 3, 944, 030 6,000 32, 475 398, 340 136, 161 2, 758, 965 40, 000 20, 893 123, 506 35, 641 59 506 3,418 2,464 27, 250 540 657, 844 12,814,961 16, 802 427, 239 16, 000 10, 100 11, 600 15, 000 1, 730, 495 230, 000 4, 709, 090 1,120 247 376 168 ::'.::::. :;;;:;. 35, 108 Off Chatham 4,353 General shore grounds. 60, 600 $247 420, 390 4,586 1, 234, 563 15, 363 177, 931 Total 60 600 0^7 420, 390 i r.sfi 13, 409, 637 229, 646 20,195,090 663. 344 Grand total 60,600 1 247 620, 390 6,836 21, 924, 701 688, 594 45, 672, 713 1, 313, 310 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXV The quantity of fishery products lauded at Boston by American fishing vessels in 189G was 63,076,352 pounds, valued at $1,284,994. Compared with 1895, there was a decrease in the receipts amounting- to 10,731,711 pounds, worth $61,079. This decrease was participated in by every important fish except cod and mackerel. The number of fares of fish landed was 4,187, which was 84 less than in the previous year. The following table shows, by fishing-grounds, the quantities of each species landed: Snmmari/ by fishituj-grounds of certain fisherij iwoducis landed at Boston, Mass., in 1896 hy American fishing vessels. Num- ber of trips from each ground. Cod. Cusk. Haddock. Fishing-groimda. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66° W. longitude : La Have Bank 112 37 75 1 51 578 70 6 12 4 298 377 6 190 115 556 247 1, 051, 000 330, 000 664, 500 $18, 849 6,915 13, 203 243, 100 31, 300 72, 500 $3, 172 474 875 1, 267, 700 139, 000 853, 500 $24, 543 3,830 16, 570 Gulf of St. Lawrence West of 66= W. longitude: 495, 000 4, 282, 400 362, 700 68, 000 34, 700 33, 000 516, 350 652, 500 5,700 547, 600 375, 300 4,341,400 3, .550, 800 2, 940, 210 9,605 84, 652 7,181 1,043 800 700 12, 489 13, 760 253 12, 543 7,729 . 82, 493 67, 213 68,265 187. 300 269, 000 215, 700 2,342 3,674 3,239 640, 000 10, 537, 700 383, 200 47, 000 50, 800 3,000 1, 458, 800 1, 648, 000 16, 500 1, 172, 900 1, 016, 400 6, 153, 600 387, 600 3, 133, 500 9 507 153 016 6,738 818 Clark Bank 24, 000 372 1 225 Ipswich Bay 90 48, 500 30, 000 684 537 31 712 Middle Bank 37 194 445 Oflf Highland Li "^ht 5,500 8,000 250, 500 69 101 3,083 22 228 Off Chatham ..T. 17 033 127, 808 7 940 General shore grounds Total 1,452 4,187 83, 700 1,012 60, 981 20, 251, 160 407, 693 1, 469, 100 19, 634 28, 909, 200 521, 676 Fishing-grounds. East of ee'' W. longitude : La Have Bank Western Bank Cape Shore West of 66° W. longitude Browns Bank Georges Bank Cashes Bank Clark Bank Fippenies Bank Ipswich Bay .JefTrevs Ledge Middle Bank Race Point Off Highland Light Off Chatham South Channel Nantucket Shoals General shore grounds. Total Hake. Pounds. 319, 000 100, 000 141, 000 92, 547, 345, 5, 41, 3, 402. 566, 1, 240, 90, 2.848, 13, 778, Value. $2, 022 680 1,278 672 5,998 3,611 50 563 30 4,218 6,175 15 1,653 639 19, 106 65 5,476 6, 535, 300 52, 251 Pollock. Pounds. Value. 53, 700 14, 500 28, 000 15. 000 45, 100 55, 300 158 307 135 389 231 14, 000 1,000 126, 100 122, 200 25, 700 19, 4U0 202, 700 135, 500 294, 300 1, 152, 500 70 5 951 930 220 228 1,265 1,077 1,962 8,272 Halihut. Pounds. 160, 450 133,270 44, 700 113,950 363, 825 4,500 22, 400 2,600 7,200 2,500 200 2,200 80, 950 1,500 12, 220 952, 465 Value, $16, 547 11, 687 3,880 9,376 30, 153 623 1,644 321 576 294 22 207 8,408 90 1,172 85, 000 CXXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Summary hy fiaMny-g rounds of certain fishery products landed at Boston, Mass., in 1896 1)1/ American fishing vessels — Continued. Mackerel. Piehiug-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. East of 66'' "W . longitude 3, 094, 950 748, 070 2, 131, 850 30, 000 1, 543, 450 17, 591, 730 1,366,400 142, 400 167, 100 40, 000 2, 561, 050 3, 074, 250 23, 200 1,992,500 1, 512, 500 13, 959, 050 4,091,550 9, 006, 302 $65, 477 23 744 79, 450 $7, 140 248, 200 30, 000 $14, 439 1,650 57 692 1,650 Westof 66° W .longitude 31 C37 Georges Bank 461, 545 42, 096 138, 000 9,661 946, 260 $30, 571 360, 210 21,621 Clark Bank 3,555 3 351 825 1,200 1,925 86 130 -50, 716 Middle Bank 50, 425 2,563 6i, 583 713 Off ni"^hlaiid Light.. 36, 735 1,000 53, 000 3,150 412, 187 45 4,770 315 26, 933 25, 982 South (Uiannel 12, 000 780 15, 400 375 248, 088 76, 700 General shore grounds 827, 900 34, 479 524,085 1 14,435 214, 715 Total 1, 061, 657 83, 862 1, 256, 100 61, 009 1, 488, 870 d^^ 597 i 63 076. 359 1,284 994 ' ' Following is a condensed comparative statement of the fishery prod- ucts brought into Gloucester and Boston by American fishing vessels in each of the four years ending 1896. Each important species is shown separately, tlie weights representing the fish as they are landed from the vessels, in a fresh or salted condition. The catch of cusk and hake was much less in 1896 than in any of the other years; that of cod was less than in 1894 or 1895, but more than in 1893; that of haddock was markedly less than in the two preceding years and somewhat less than in 1893. The yield of mackerel was larger in 1896 than in any of the other years shown, and that of halibut and pollock i^resented no special change. The aggregate catch in 1896 was nearly 12,000,000 pounds less than in 1893, over 36,000,000 less than in 1894, and nearly 20,000,000 less than in 1895, with a corresponding decrease in values. Species. 1896. Cod Cusk Haddock Hake Pollock Halibut Mackerel other fish Total Total value Pounds. 54, 627, 104 9, 283, 370 33, 908, 780 19,991,600 3,614,626 9,792,911 9, 296, 220 1, 881, 837 Pounds. 63, 590, 830 10, 645, 640 45,611,856 23, 343, 815 2, 181, 221 10,905,122 8,013,400 2, 824, 933 Pounds. 67, 298, 639 5, 821, 320 41, G05, 786 15, 340, 770 2, 478, 324 9, 722, 342 4, 5.HC, 724 3, 585, 635 142, 396, 448 167,116,817 150, 439, 540 $4, 099, 847 3, 897, 671 $3, 551, 692 Pounds. 59, 487, 659 3, 627, 180 30, 167, 286 10, 544, 420 2, 162, 682 10, 895, 147 11,619,532 2, 169, 860 130, 673, 766 $3, 286, 898 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXVII FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC STATES. A general canvass of the important commercial fislieries of this region, begun in May, 189G, was completed in February, 1897. Mr. W. A. Wilcox, the agent making the investigation, visited every fishing community in the coast regions and rivers (except remote points in their headwaters), and obtained statistical and other data which are embodied in an appendix to the report for 1896. The inquiry related chiefly to the calendar year 1895, but embraced a notice of the changes in the various branches of the fishing industry since the time of the last canvass, in 1892. The extent of the industry, as determined by this investigation, is shown in the following tables. It appears that in 1895, 17,305 persons were engaged in various branches of the fisheries in California, Oregon, and Washington. Of these, over 2,000 were employed on vessels, about 11,500 in shore and boat fisheries, and 3,800 in canneries, fish-houses, etc. The investment in the fishing industry amounted to about $7,275,000, of which $1,380,000 represented vessels and their outfits, $505,000 boats, about $1,300,000 apparatus of capture, and over $4,000,000 the shore property and cash capital. The first value of products was $4,470,000, representing over 147,000,000 pounds of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, etc. The leading fishery product was the chinook salmon, of which 38,392,000 pounds, valued at $1,082,000, were taken. The next in importance is the oyster, the product being valued at $650,000. Persons employed in the fishing industry of the Pacific States in 1S95. How engaged. Califor- nia. Oregon. Washing- ton. Total. 1,451 2,716 603 92 4,230 2,001 515 4,493 1,204 2,058 11 439 On shore 3 808 Total 4,770 6,323 6,212 17 305 Vessels, boats, apparatus, shore property, and cash capital employed in the fisheries of tht Pacific States in 1S93, Designation. California. Oregon. Washington. Total. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. Vessels 66 9, 796. 87 $705, 530 23 468. 07 '2," 622' 56 2,235 178 $45, 950 59 1, 420. 56 $127, 350 148 11, 685. 50 $878, 830 Tonnage Outfit 449, 155 121, 670 14, 805 158, 376 8,059 212, 925 21,050 319, 705 127, 700 33, 034 170, 155 71,449 183, 555 181, 975 490 248 Boats 1,442 111 2,373 2,646 176 3,729 245 6,110 343 8,337 423 139 830 39 504, 750 107, 304 661, 636 309, 675 5 380 Apparatus : Gill nets and trammel net.s Pound nets and trap nets Bag nets and parauzella nets 139 830 5,380 4,700 Fvkenets 4 700 K«ef nets 39 1,365 470 1 365 Minor nets and traps . . 3,898 300 i, 255 5 623 Beam trawls 4 4 58 300 Wheels 33 92, 800 8,357 150 2,913 803, 048 993, 500 25 71, 800 22, 583 2,861 5,752 473, 620 678, 500 164, 600 49 132 Lines 18, i92 558 Tongs, rakes, and hoes. 3 569 Guns and spears... 15, 104 1 659,830 454. 800 1 23, 769 1, 936, 498 2, 126, 800 Shore property ... Ca.sli capital Total • 2,612,298 2, 637, 412 2, 024, 469 7 274 179 CXXXVIII EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Products of the fisheries of the Pacific States in 1S95. Species. Catfish Cod Cultns-cod Flounders ■ Halibut Herring Kocktisli Salmou, blueback Salnidii, Chinook Salmon, dog Salmon, humpback . . . Salmon, silver Salmon, steelhead Smelt Striped bass Sturgeon Other fish Oysters Clams , Abalones Other niollusks Crabs Spiny lobster Crawfish Shrimj) and prawn. . . Terrapins, turtles, and frogs Fur-seal, sea-lion, and sea-otter pelts "Whale oil Other oil , Whalebone Algae California. Pounds. Value 276, 605 2, 783, 550 139, 495 3, 308, 334 3, 180, 960 1, 527, 344 192, 000 4, 398, 044 164,413 461, 225 1, 739, 600 252, 454 299, 729 4,781,467 14, 727, 240 1, 582, 959 302, 292 520, 590 2, 565, 000 558, 054 5, 425, 000 144, 566 549, 517 4,500 98, 517 26, 565 24, 31, 4, 126, Oregon. Pounds. Value 99, 399 6,000 5,000 37, 000 565, 913 21, 056, 926 2, 125, 115 4, 18, 53, 13, 8, 86, 539, 15, 7, 5, 61, 12, 21, 606 120, 061 19,944 180 287, 227 531 9, 457, 355 3, 220, 324 31, 125 956, 239 125, 246 88, 800 280, 700 23, 520 58,' 970 4,000 $1, 347 240 400 1,780 18, 315 977, 901 10, 627 142, 143 80, 825 1,245 23, 767 1,252 2,220 2,475 637 3,369 400 13, 093 Total 50, 010, 020 1, 786, 483 38, 141, 632 1, 282, 036 59, 089, 527 1, 401, 433 147, 241, 179,4, 469, 952 "Washington. Total. Pounds. Value, 484, 250 223, 278 106, 850 714, 315 344, 670 38, 420 292, 588 936, 886 471, 897 269, 766 361, 721 971, 385 528, 455 883, 543 245, 480 484, 035 405, 000 23, 650 163, 000 36, 088 104, 250 $13,934 4,193 1,502 39,418 2,201 796 1G6, 818 574, 975 28, 956 15, 326 141, 460 135, 040 7,706 Pounds. Value. 47, 934 5.983 109, 232 8,550 208 4,241 86, 291 "'4,865 376, 004 3, 267, 800 368, 773 3,415,184 1,719.315 3, 525, 630 1, 602, 764 8, 050, 501 38, 391, 856 7, 597, 012 2, 209, 21, 983, 489 8, 652, 934 2, 299, 180 252, 454 3,139,511 5, 152, 193 21, 300, 075 3, 268, 659 302, 292 544, 240 2, 751, 520 558, 054' 58, 970 5,461,088 I 148, 566 549, 517 108, 7.50 98, 517 26, 565 $5, 312 97, 440 8,646 71, 497 39, 818 26, 561 33, 609 189, 933 , 679, 477 39, 583 15, 326 288, 006 234, 314 62, 254 13, 037 80, 094 93, 379 650, 949 26, 482 7,173 5,739 66, 628 12, 575 3,369 164, 553 22, 006 219, 445 19,944 5,045 287, 227 531 Comparing the extent of the fishing- industry in 1895 with that in 1892 (the year covered by the previous canvass), it appears that 3,260 more persons were engaged, $881,515 more capital invested, and $357,012 less products taken. Notwithstanding the decrease in the output, the canvass of 1895 showed a substantial gain in the fisheries for food products. In Washington and Oregon there was an increase of more than 1,900 persons engaged and over $400,000 in the value of the catch in each State, with a corresponding increase in capital. This gain was chiefly in the salmon fishery. The building of cold-storage plants has also largely increased the utilization of fresh salmon, of which extensive shipments have been made to Eastern States as well as to European countries. In the varied fisheries of California there have been more marked changes. In some sections the food-fish fisheries show large gains, San Diego and Los Angeles counties especially having greatly increased their fishing business by building up a trade with the interior States of the Southwest. San Francisco continues to be the cbief center for the reception and distribution of a vast amount of canned, dried, pickled, and fresh fish, besides the products of the whale and seal fleets. The decline in the yield of whales and seals has been marked, amount- ing to nearly $1,000,000 compared with 1892^ the number of vessels engaged becomes less yearly; some vessels are lost, some are not put in commission, and there are no new additions to the fleet. This branch may be expected to still further decline. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXIX The cauiiiiig of salmon is the most imjiortant industry depending on the fisheries. In 1895 there were 47 establishments in operation. These employed over 33,300 persons, and represented an investment of more than $2,760,000. The fresh salmon utilized amounted to 04,048,000 pounds, for which $1,968,000 was paid. The canned goods comprised 955,000 cases, holding 48 one-pound cans or the equivalent, the market value of which was $4,224,000. The extent of this industry in each State is outlined in the following table : Summary of the salmon-canning industry of the Pacific States in 1895. States. Persons em- ployed. No. of can- neries. Value. Cash capital. Total in- vestment. Salmon utilized. Salmon canned. Pounds. Value. Ca.ses. Value. California Oregon Washington . 198 1,960 1,146 4 26 17 $62, 000 719, 225 374, 650 $64, 000 942, 500 601, 000 $126,000 1,661,725 975, 650 1, 906, 525 $52, 091 35,299,241 1,184,029 27, 441, 724 731, 922 29, 035 525, 839 400, 752 $128, 632 2, 456, 698 1, 638, 938 Total... 3, 304 1 47 1, 155, 875 1,607,500 2,763,375 64, 647, 490 1, 968, 042 i 955, 626 4, 224, 268 LOBSTER INQUIRIES ON THE PACIFIC COAST. As noticed in the last report of the division, some special inquiries relative to eastern lobsters on the Pacific coast were begun by the writer in the latter part of the fiscal year 1895-96. The inquiries were especially addressed to the region of Monterey Bay, where the largest plants of adults, young, and eggs had been made in 1888. The supposed capture of lobsters in this locality has from time to time been reported, but no specimens have ever been seen by persons competent to identify them. No apparatus adapted to the taking of the eastern lobster is used here or elsewhere on the western coast where lobsters have been planted, and the absence of results may rep- resent simply a lack of knowledge. There is a widespread belief on the Pacific coast, especially in Cali- fornia, that, through an oversight, the lobsters brought from the East were planted with their claws tied together, and that consequently all must have soon perished by starvation. This story, originally told as a joke at the expense of a member of the California Fish Commission, has by many come to be accepted as a fact. It is hardly necessary to say that there is absolutely no foundation for the rumor; the lobsters were not tied in any way whatever during transportation from the East, and they were deposited under the most favorable conditions. While at San Pedro, Cal., in June, 1896, the writer secured 3 lobster traps that had been constructed by an eastern lobster fisherman some years before. These had been set for the spiny lobster, but had been discarded as being non-effective for that species. The traps were sent to Monterey for the purpose of setting them in that bay for eastern lobsters. After securing the services of a local boatman and fisherman, there was begun a series of trials for lobsters in various parts of the bay. Fresh rock-cod and flounders were used for bait and the lobster traps were rigged and set as on the New England coast. The experi- CXL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ments were continued for seven days in June. During that time the traps were set once or twice daily in water from 18 to 125 feet deep, on rocky and sandy bottoms, at distances from the shore varying from 100 feet to 1^ miles. The ground covered was from one-half mile off Pacific Grove to the Hotel Del Monte wharf. The conditions seemed favorable for the existence of lobsters, the bottom consisting of rocky ledges, loose rocky patches, and hard sand, with giant kelp and other vegetation. Sometimes the traps were left down 24 hours; sometimes they were lifted in 7 to 12 hours. The results, so far as lobsters were concerned, were entirely negative. Sometimes the traps were empty, with bait unmo- lested; sometimes the bait would be taken, with no clew to the animal removing it; but generally the traps contained starfish, rock-crabs, and spider-crabs, often in large numbers. On one occasion a trap was com- I)letely filled by an octopus, which had insinuated its body between the slats and whose arms projected from the sides of the trap. As much time was given to the experiment as could then be properly devoted to it, but the trials should be continued with more traps and in other parts of the bay before the absence of lobsters is conceded. Ko evidence of the i)resence or absence of lobsters in the region may be expected of the fishermen, as they set no apparatus in which a lobster is apt to be caught. Several other reports of the capture of lobsters in Monterey Bay have been made to the writer. Mr. E. Duarte, a fish-dealer of Monterey, states that about January, 1896, while in the Chinese village near Monterey, he saw a large lobster that a Chinese fisherman had snagged on a trawl line. He engaged to take it for 25 cents, but during a short absence the China^ man became susijicious that it was unlawful to sell it and made away with it. It weighed between 5 and 7 pounds, and Mr. Duarte is con- fident it was an eastern lobster. No spiny lobsters are caught here. Mr. James McMann, superintendent of a fish-cannery at San Pedro and formerly of Maine, states that in 1893 he saw a lobster at Monterey that he is confident was a genuine eastern lobster; it was 6 inches long. Inquiries relative to the lobsters planted otf the Oregon and Wash- ington coasts elicited only negative information. In July, 1896, the Canadian Fisberies Department had a consign- ment of eastern lobsters planted on the coast of British Columbia. The shipment was in charge of Mr. C. A. Stayner, inspector of lobster fisheries, and consisted of 600 adults and 2,000,000 eggs; some of the lobsters weighed 10 pounds. All but 106 died in transit; the survivors were deposited in deep water at Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, on the Strait of Georgia, the eggs being planted near Vancouver, on the mainland. Mr. Stayner reports that about September 1 a lobster was caught at Victoria and fully identified. Victoria is on Fuca Strait, on the southern side of Vancouver Island, and about 80 miles from ISTanaimo. The opinion of the local government fishery inspector is that the lobster was a representative of plants made by this Commission in Puget Sound in 1889, but the matter can not be definitely decided. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLI STRIPED BASS IN CALIFORNIA. In the summer of 1896 the writer made some special studies of the striped bass in the waters of California, supjilemental to the inquiries carried on in 1894, an account of which has been published by the Com- mission.* Bistrihution. — The striped bass continues to be most numerous in San Francisco Bay and its tributaries; it is also taken in small numbers in Monterey Bay, and regularly ascends the coast as far as Eussian Elver, which stream it enters. A few have been taken as far south as Los Angeles County. Up to 1896 Eussian Eiver was the supposed northern limit of its range, but in February of that year two medium- sized bass were taken in the Gualala Eiver, which divides Sonoma and Mendocino counties and is nearly 100 miles north of Eussian Eiver. From time to time in 1896 small shipments of striped bass reached the San Francisco market from Alviso, in Santa Clara County; these were taken in the sloughs which connect with the extreme southern end of San Francisco Bay, into which they are sux)posed to run for the pur- pose of spawning. This is the first year the species has been reported from this locality. Very few are caught at Sacramento, and none in salmon gill nets; the few obtained are taken in seines hauled on the bars for catfish. They are found from June to October. In weight they range from 4 to 10 pounds, no large fish being observed. Abundance. — The abundance of this fish in the San Francisco Bay region is remarkable and shows no signs of diminution; in fact, the receipts in the markets have been steadily increasing from year to year, and 1896 showed a large gain over 1895. The increased catch is due entirely to increased abundance, and does not represent more active fish- ing operations or the employment of more apparatus; on the contrary, it is probable that less fishing is now done than formerly, when the good prices received for bass were an incentive that is now lacking. In Ajiril, 1896, a deputy of the California Fish Commission seized a lot of nets that had a mesh below the size permitted bylaw. They had been set in Honker Bay, an arm of Suisun Bay, and consisted of 200 fathoms of 5-inch gill net and about 180 fathoms of trammel net, all belonging to one fisherman. The nets, when seized, had a large number of striped bass in them, weighing from 7^ to 25 pounds, and averaging 10 or 12 i)ounds. The deputy making the seizure reports that about 465 fish were taken out and given away, the total catch thus being not less than 5,000 pounds. So abundant was the fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta in the spring of 1896 that one salmon fisherman reported that "the spring run of salmon this year was all striped bass." In the fall of 1895, while fishing for salmon off Sherman Island, in the San Joaquin Eiver, this fisherman had the following experience: He had set a large- * A review of the history and results of the attempts to acclimatize fish and other water animals in the Pacific States. By HughM. Smith, M. D. Bull. U. S. F. C. 1895, pp. 379-472. CXLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. meshed salmou gill net near one of the breaks in the island, through which the water pours from a tule lake. No salmon had been caught, and he was taking the empty net into his boat (having stowed fully half of it), when suddenly the water was churned into foam near his boat and around his net by a school of striped bass that had evidently just come out of the tule lake. He realized that a large number of fish had struck his net and set about to secure them. One end of his net was close to shore, and he hailed some fishermen on the bank, who began to lift that end of the net, throwing the fish on land, while he emptied the other end into his boat. The catch consisted of 700 fish of nearly uniform size, and averaged 30 pounds each. This fish- erman states that if his whole net had been out he would probably have lost all or part of it from the weight of the fish. This catch of 21,000 pounds was sold at less than 5 cents a j)0und, in San Francisco. Grounds, 7novements, spawning, etc. — Evidence is accumulating to show that the striped bass remain in the tule lands for long periods, or, at least, do not move to and from salt water, as they do on the Atlantic coast. Schools are often found in the delta, and large catches are made without any fish having been caught below, and the fishermen think the fish have cuddenly emerged from some tule lake. The opinion is entertained that the striped bass often become landlocked in the tule lakes, to be liberated by some freshet or high tide, thus explaining their sudden occurrence in a certain place when nets above and below have taken none. Above the Strait of Karquines the fish are usually of uniform size in the difi'erent schools, while in the straits they are apt to vary. Large catches are often made at the outlets of the tule lakes. With few exceptions, the food of the striped bass in the fresh waters consists of carp. Additional information has been obtained indicating a protracted spawning period for the fish on the California coast. On June 4, 1896, a 15-pound striped bass, examined by the writer in the San Francisco market, was found to be a nearly spent male from which ripe milt was running. On July 3 both male and female ripe fish (sent from Benicia) were observed in the San Francisco market. In October, 1895, a San Joaquin Eiver fisherman, while taking a bass from a salmon net, observed a large quantity of ripe eggs to fall into the bottom of his boat. The present abundance and rate of increase of striped bass in Cali- fornia render almost unnecessary at this time the consideration of the question of their artificial propagation. It can not be said that those now taken form a large part of the run. Few persons fish esioecially for them, the largest part of the catch being taken incidentally in salmon nets. When the conditions change, as they probably will in time, the artificial propagation of striped bass in California may become desirable. Striped hass trade of San Francisco. — Practically the entire catch of striped bass is consigned to the San Francisco dealers, whose receipts afford an accurate basis for determining the catch. Their receipts during recent years have increased almost 100 i)er cent annually, and in 1896 amounted to about 361,000 pounds. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLIII The following table shows the number of pounds of striped bass handled in San Francisco in 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896: Statement hij months of the pounds of striped bass handled by San Francisco dealers in 1S93, iS94, 1895, and 1896. Months. January ... February . . March April ,May June ... July August September. October November . December.. Total 1893. 3,448 3,087 5,403 8,35i 7,232 4,353 2,950 2, 6.55 8,507 6,820 10, 473 17, 514 80, 793 14, 177 12,572 9,002 9,638 9,413 4, 820 7,521 6,863 10, 218 23, 192 17, 950 24, 631 149, 997 1895. 28, 328 15, 611 11, 281 22, 000 12, 639 11, 532 13, 782 12, 419 21, 063 28, 724 .50, 245 24, 553 252, 177 27, 179 36. 107 38, 340 41, 740 45, 903 15, 047 13, 531 15, 574 24, 214 40, 704 40, 089 25, 319 363, 747 Receipts in 1890, 5, 000 pounds; in 1891, 25,000 pounds; in 1892, 50,000 pounds (estimated). The prices received by the fishermen did not average more than 5 cents per pound in 1896, and at times were much lower. In April, for instance, only 3 cents a pound could be obtained. SHAD ON THE PACIFIC COAST. Distrilnition, ahundmice, etc. — Inquiries by the writer in 1896 disclosed the fact that the shad is becoming more evenly distributed aloug the Pacific coast of the United States, although the San Francisco Bay region and the Columbia River are still the centers of greatest abun- dance. The fish seems to range regularly as far south as Los Angeles County, Cal., and as far north as Stikine River, in southeast Alaska. Following are a few special notes regarding the shad's distribution and abundance sui)plemental to the information given in the report* based on an examination of tliis subject in 1894: In April, 1895, a 5-pound shad was caught in a seine in San Pedro Bay, Los Angeles County, Cal., and three or four others were taken during the same year at San Pedro. In Monterey Bay this fish is found from August to December. It is taken chiefly in gill nets having a 3 to 4 inch mesh set for perch and horse-mackerel ( Trachurus). Shad are very abundant in the bay and are increasing yearly. In that part of the bay adjacent to Santa Cruz and Capitola they are more numerous than at .Monterey. There are some small fresh- water streams near Santa Cruz which may attract them. It is reported that a good many 7 to 9 pound fish are taken in that section, while the_ average for the bay is only 5 pounds. In the vicinity of Sacramento, shad are taken mostly in April and May, although some are caught in June and a few throughout the summer and fall months. The heaviest run is in May, which is the Bull. C. S. F. C. 1895, pp. 379-472. CXLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. spawning time ; after that the fish are of poor quality. The largest shad taken in this vicinity weighed 8 pounds, and 5 to 7 j)ouud lish are not rare. The fish-dealers of Sacramento obtain all the shad they can handle from salmon fishermen, in whose nets the shad are snagged by being caught by their maxillary bone, the mesh of the nets beiug too large for the shad to gill. Shad now ascend the Sacramento as far as Chico, about 120 miles above Sacramento. They were caught there in large numbers in dip nets in June, 1896, and it is probable that they have pushed their way for a considerable distance beyond Chico. In the Columbia Eiver the shad is extremely abundant, and was per- haps more numerous in 1896 than in any previous year. Its move- ments in this river conform with those on the Atlantic coast; that is, there is a definite run into the river for spawning purposes. The fish are in greatest numbers in May and the first half of June. In the region of the Cascades but few are caught in July, and none in August. Here, in the season of 1896, the fish was more abundant and larger than ever before. Shad are taken in salmon wheels in the vicinity of the Cascades. In May, 1896, 200 were caught in one wheel in a single day. The largest ever seen here weighed 7 or 8 pounds, the usual weight being from 4 to 6 pounds. Near the mouth of the river shad are taken in salmon traps from early spring to the end of the fishing season, probably more being caught in June than in any other month. Examples weighing as much as 7 pounds are not infrequently taken, although the average in trap nets is only about 4 pounds. Usually only 3 or 4 are taken at each lift of the net, but sometimes 30 or more are obtained. A great many shad too small to mesh are seen in the traps. In May, 1896, 7 of the largest brought in by the Ilwaco trap fishermen on one day ranged in weight from 7^ to 11 pounds. The 11-pound shad was the largest ever observed on the Columbia of which any record may be had. In a salmon seine at Wallace Island, Columbia River, in May, 1896, from one to two thousand shad were sometimes caught daily in six or eight hauls, and in another seine operated 15 miles below Mapledell, Oreg., 15,637 pounds were caught and marketed in the same month. In 1895, between April 25 and July 13, a salmon seine at Quinn, Oreg., took 25,791 i30unds of shad, that were shipped to Portland, and in the following year, between April 13 and June 17, the same seine took 22,792 pounds. The monthly catch was as follows: Months. 1895. 1896. April 1.304 Mav 14.0'0 June 9,307 July 1.110 2,639 15, 335 4,818 Total ! 25,791 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLV Shad are numerous in most of the rivers and bays on the coast of WashingtoQ. Many have been taken in Chehalis River, in tributaries of Willapa Bay, and in Grays Harbor. Mr. A. B. Alexander reports that shad have made their appearance in considerable numbers in the vicinity of Point Eoberts. At almost every lift of the salmon traps during the summer of 1896 from 30 to 40 shad were taken. One trap lifted in Mr. Alexander's presence in July contained 55; their aver- age size was about 3i pounds, but several weighed fully 5 pounds apiece. There is little or no demand for them, and those caught are returned to the water. At the x)resent rate of increase it will be only a short time wheu the waters of Puget Sound will teem with this fish. In July, 1887, Oapt. D. Markham, of Ilwaco, Wash., while experi- menting with salmon traps just below the mouth of the Stikiue River, Alaska, caught a dozen shad. Commercial value of shad. — The prices received for shad by the Cali- fornia fishermen in 1895 and 1896 rarely reached 5 cents a pound, and were usually much lower. In April, 1896, many hundred pounds con- signed to the San Francisco market brought only 1% cent or 1 cent a pound, and even these prices were maintained only by restricting the catch. In Monterey Bay about 75 per cent of the catch goes to San Francisco. The fish sold locally bring the fishermen 3 to 6 cents a pound, but sometimes the prices fall very low, and a box of 100 or 125 pounds of shad will often yield only $1. At Sacramento there is little sale for shad. They bring the fishermen only 2 to 2^ cents a pound at the height of the season, and retail for 4 or 5 cents a pound. The quantity of shad handled by the San Francisco dealers in 1894 was much less than in 1893. The receipts in 1895 were but little more than half those in 1894, but 1896 showed a large gain over both 1894 and 1895. Mr. John P. Babcock, the chief de]>uty of the California Fish Commission, thinks that the decline noted between 1893 and 1895 was more apparent than real, owing to the fact that in recent years the practice has been growing among dealers of buying directly from the fishermen at the city wharves, of which receipts no full account is kept. The following statement, taken from the books of the San Francisco dealers who purchased directly from the fishermen, shows by months the quantities of shad handled in 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896: Months. Pound*. 6,588 19, 185 19, 546 32, 389 80, 557 36, 184 3,319 2,796 698 53, 652 96, 340 77, 882 Total 429,136 January . • . February . . March April M^y June July August September . October November . December.. 1893. 1894. Pounds. 41, 266 11, 767 17,747 39,115 57, 823 22, 027 7,941 2, 029 475 24, 229 38, 110 8,278 270, 807 1895. Pounds. 369 2,106 14, 257 23, 960 36, 729 25, 787 3,213 805 3,317 5,788 23, 534 6,534 146, 399 1896. Pounds. 4,600 6,000 14, 353 C5, 625 95, 392 38, 620 18, 151 3,527 9,264 5,383 24, 926 20. 404 306, 245 F R 97- -X CXLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. In the Columbia Eiver shad will bring the fishermen 3 or 4 cents a ponnd early in the season, but in the middle of the season the iirice drops to 1 cent, and even at that price the demand is limited. The absence of a good market necessitates the throwing away of far the larger part of the catch. The fishermen save a few for home consump- tion and for the use of their neighbors. The shad is regarded as a good fish and is much liked, but it can not compete with salmon as a marketable sjiecies. A few shad have been canned on the Columbia Eiver for experi- mental purposes and home consumption. Mr. M. J. Kinney, of Asto- ria, in 1895 canned shad for winter use on his own table. He states that they were very good, but of course lacked the color and oil which add to the value of the canned salmon. REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. [Abstract.] By Lieut. Commander J. F. Moser, U. S. N. During the first part of the fiscal year, until December 15, the A Ibatross was emj)loyed in fur-seal investigations, under direction of the Treasury Department. After an extensive cruise in the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, visiting the difterent seal islands, she returned via Japan and Honolulu. The vessel was relieved from duty under the Treasury Department December 15, and the latter part of the year was engaged in fishery investigations ofi" the coast of southern and central California until May, when preparations were made for an examination of the streams of southeast Alaska, to determine their fishery resources. During the year there were 153 days spent at sea underway and in open anchorages, and 13,925 miles were steamed by log. The want of reliable charts for navigation on the Asiatic coast was felt, and, incident- ally to the regular work of the vessel, many hydrographic omissions and errors were noted and corrected. Attention is called, in the report of the vessel work, to the many doubtful islands, reefs, and shoals on or near the regular tracks of vessels between Yokohama, Honolulu, and San Francisco. Hydrographic notes and observations, particularly of the Eobben and Kuril islands, were comjiiled which, accompanied by photographs and sketches, have been transmitted to the office of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survej^ The itinerary of the vessel was as follows: Dutch Harbor, Unalaska July 2-6 PribUof Islands July 8-19 Dutch Harbor, L'nalaska July 20-23 Commander Islands July 30- Aug. 9 Petropaulski Harbor, Kamchatka Aug. 11-19 Kuril Islands Aug. 22-26 Robben Island, Okhotsk Sea Aug. 28-Sept. 1 Shana Anchorage, Kuril Islands Sept. 4-6 Hakodate Harbor, Tezo Island, Japan, Sept. 10-19 Yokohama Harbor, Japan Sept. 22-Oct. 22 Honolulu Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaii, Nov. 7-30 Sausalito Harbor, California Dec. 11-30 San Diego Bay, California Jan. l-Apr. 5 Santa Catalina Island, California Apr. 6-10 Monterey Bay, California Apr. 11-24 Sausalito Anchorage Apr. 25-May 8 Ports on Puget Sound, Washington May 14-30 Ports and anchorages in British Colum- bia and southeast Alaska Juno 1-30 The commission appointed by the President in June, 1896, to investi- gate the condition of the fur-seal herds of the Pribilof, Commander, and Kuril islands consisted of Dr. David Starr Jordan, of Leland Stan- ford Junior University; Mr. Leonhard Stejneger and Mr. F. A. Lucas, of the United States National Museum; Lieut. Commander Jeff. F. Moser, U. S. N., commander of the steamer Albatross; Mr. C. H. Town- OXLVll CXLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. send, naturalist J Col. Joseph Murray, special agent of tlie Treasury, and Mr. G. A. Clark, secretary. The report covering their work will be made by that commission. All the commissioners visited the Pribilof Islands, and Dr. Stejneger and Lieut. Commander Moser were instructed to visit the Asiatic side, the former being detailed to make the report. Submitted herewith are extracts and tables from the report of Lieut. Commander Moser covering the subsequent work of the vessel: PACIFIC COAST FISHERIES. In summing up the work of this vessel for the six months ending June 30, 1897, that part relating to the salmon and halibut fisheries of Alaska, which commenced June C, forming part of the work for the summer and fall, will not be referred to, but left for the full report for the six months ending December 31, 1897. The fisheries in the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island and the salmon trials with deep-sea gill nets will here be chiefly considered. Under instructions of March 24, the Albatross was directed to examine the shelf surrounding the island of Santa Catalina with reference to its fishing resources. This island lies 18 miles south of Point Fermin (San Pedro) and is separated from the mainland by the San Pedro Channel. Its extreme length is 18i miles in a general east-and-west direction, extreme breadth 7 miles, average width 4 miles, and length of shore line about 45 miles. It is mountainous, with precipitous slopes, the highest peak reaching an altitude of 2,109 feet. About 6 miles from the extreme western end a break occurs in the mountain system con- necting the two parts by a very narrow isthmus about one-half mile long, which gives it the appearance of two islands when aj^proaching from the northward. There are several coves in which large vessels may find a lee, but no harbors for an all-around protection. The jyre- cipitous character of the shore line is sufficient indication that the shore shelf is narrow. The oO-fathom curve is nowhere more than 2^ miles from shore, and generally within a mile, while the greatest dis- tance of the lOO-fathom curve, so far as the hydrography has been developed, is less than 4 miles. The character of the bottom generally is mud, with areas of mud and sand, or mud and shells, or all combined. At a few points outside of the immediate shore line and off the eastern and southeastern parts of the island small areas of rocky bottom are found. The visit of the Albatross during the first part of April was at a period when the migratory fishes had not yet appeared, or at least the advance guard of a few species had only commenced to run. I can therefore only speak of what might be termed the winter or early spring- fishing. From the morning of our arrival at Isthmus Cove, April 6, t» the morning of departure, April 10, the drag seines, gill nets, trawl lines, hand lines, and beam trawl were constantly used whenever ])rac- ticable, in depths varying between a few fathoms to 130 fathoms. The principal stations were made at Isthmus Cove and vicinity, in Catalina REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLIX Harbor — in tbe vicinity of Dakin Cove (Avalon) to 86 fathoms, off the southeast end to 50 fathoms, ami off the south end to 132 fathoms. The results are appended in detail by stations. The largest catches were made with the drag seine, large numbers of smelt and small herring being taken; with other gear the results were disappointing. At Avalon, one morning, some 25 or 30 wall-eyed mackerel {Scomber coiias) and about a dozen rockflsh [Sebastodes) were taken with the triple mesh gill-net; a few yellow- tails had also recently been taken. Hand-line fishing off the eastern end of the island did not meet with much success, but south of the island, off what is known locally as Silver Canon, where the chart has character of bottom marked "rocky," we took by hand lines, in depths ranging from 90 to 132 fathoms, a large number of rockfish {Sebastodes), the largest weighing 8 pounds. The fishing here is entirely in spots: As the vessel drifted over a favorable locality, probably a small, exposed rock area, as many as five rockfish would be taken on one line. A few minutes afterwards the place would be passed, and then a long wait until we drifted over another spot. All the places were visited that are known locally as good fishing-grounds around the island, but so far as could be ascer- tained there are no large fishing-banks on the shore shelf of this island. On the south and southeast sides are a few small, rocky patches in deep water, 80 to 130 fathoms, where if one knows the exact ranges — a ship's length makes a difference — a person desiring to handle 100 or more fathoms of line can obtain several varieties of fish in large numbers. The visitor to the winter resort at Avalon can go to these spots and get a " good day's fishing," and the small village at that point can also be supplied, but the grounds could not be relied upon for large markets. Migratory fishes come to these shores during the spring and summer in large numbers for spawning, and the summer visitor finds many different species in abundance. During our visit, smelt, small herring, and anchovies were ijleutiful, the seine bringing in large numbers; and the local authorities stated that a little later all the fishes so well known in these waters would be abundant, such. as mackerel {Scomber coiias), yellow-tail {Seriola dorsalis), bonito {Sarda cJiilensis), albacore {Germo alalunga), barracuda {Sphyrwna argentea), etc. The fisheries around Santa Catalina Island are not vigorously pros- ecuted; there are a few fishermen at Avalon who supi)ly the local demands, and a few more at Isthmus Cove who ship occasionally to San Pedro. These latter were engaged in setting pots for the spiny lobster during our visit, and making some preparations for summer fishing. The demand for fresh fish by neighboring cities on the mainland is easily met by local fishermen, and as the demands become greater this island may supply a larger amount during the summer season. When the sardine cannery at San Pedro is running, large hauls are made on this side of the channel, and no doubt fish of different species can be taken here in sufficient numbers for canning or salting, but the supply near the large cities is ample to meet their wants. CL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. The flshingf methods in this vicinity have been fully described in pre- vious publications of the Fish Commission, and therefore need not be referred to again. The Albatross arrived at Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, at midnight of April 11, and commenced a series of investigations off Monterey Bay and the Golden Gate with a view of determining the grounds resorted to by salmon while at sea, and all the attending conditions. The stations were selected with special reference to the character of the bottom, and as net setting in such great depths was experimental, the work was commenced under 100 fathoms depth. Seven stations were made, and while the catch at each station, together with the beam-trawl hauls, is appended in detail, it may not be uninteresting to add a few remarks relating to our trials. The stations were first selected on the chart, but before setting the nets the depth was ascertained by sounding, and, if satisfactory, one or more hauls of the beam trawl were made to test the bottom life. The first station was selected near the 100-fathom curve on the south side of the submarine gorge which penetrates the central portion of Monterey Bay, in latitude 3(3° 45' 30" N., longitude 121° 53' 30" W., at the sounding marked 127 fathoms, fine, dark sand. The lead at this point indicated soft mud. The vessel was then moved over short distances, but each sounding indicated muddy bottom. Trials with the beam trawl showed that proper bottom had been found, and two cod gill-nets were set in 68 fathoms, latitude 36° 45' 15" IST., longitude 121° 53' W., C. S. chart No. 5500. On account of a dense fog these nets were not hauled for three days, when the catch was found to be a few rockfish and dogfish. The nets were badly torn by sharks. In all our search for proper bottom conditions, the indications of mud as shown by the lead were not conclusive, for at all such stations in this vicinity and to the northward the beam trawl gave evidence of rocky bottom, either by bringing up pieces of rock or marine forms only found on rocky bottom, besides the net being torn by dragging over rocks. The shore shelf, say to 500 fathoms, appears to be bowlderous or stony, generally covered or partly covered with or imbedded in mud. Station No. 2 was in 39 fathoms, latitude 36° 39' 30" N., longitude 121° 53' W., near sounding 38 fathoms, hard gray sand. Two surface salmon nets were set at this station and remained 18 hours without result. At a third station, in 5 fathoms, gray sand and rock, inside of Point Pinos and parallel to the beach of Pacific Grove, where 2 salmon nets were down 12 hours, only a couple of rock bass were taken. Station No. 4 was in 278 fathoms, mud and sand bottom, in latitude 36° 47' N., longitude 122° 10' W. The beam trawl indicated very pro- lific life, bringing up several bushels of sea-urchins, large numbers of flounders, slime-eels, spider-crabs, starfishes, and other forms. There were many humj)back whales seen in the vicinity. These nets fished 16 hours, and when hauled brought in a number of blac"k-cod and a few dogfish, rockfish, and spider-crabs; nets very badly torn by sharks. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLI Station No. 5 was in 581 fathoms, mud and sand, in latitude 36° 43' N., longitude 122° 12' W. The beam trawl at this position brought up about a dozen large macrura, the same number of rockfish and small flounders, spider-crabs, and many other forms. Easter Sunday inter- vened, and as a long search had to be made to recover the station the nets were in position 48 hours, and when hauled contained a number of macrura and black-cod; nets badly torn, presumably by sharks. This station is probably the deepest gill-net station that has ever been made, and it is doubtful if macrura have ever before been gilled. Station No. C was made in 56 fathoms, sand and mud, in latitude 37° 00' 30" N., longitude 122° 20' 30" W. The beam trawl indicated live bottom, but the nets, after lishiug 40 hours, were empty when hauled. The conditions at this time were very unsatisfactory; heavy wind and sea prevailed, so that the gear could hardly be handled, but the nets were well set, for they were clear when hauled. Station No. 7 was in 68 fathoms, in latitude 37^ 37' 30" N., longitude 123c> 02' W. The beam trawl indicated rocky bottom, the trawl net being badly cut. The gill nets fished 18 hours, and brought in large numbers of rockfish, several black-cod, raffish, dogfish, skates, etc. These stations were all made between April 13 and 24. En route to Alaska gill nets were set 4 miles SW. from the Tatoosh Island light (entrance to Straits of Fuca) in 77 fathoms, live bottom, as indicated by the beam trawl, and were fished for about 20 hours ; they brought in 1 black-cod, 1 flounder, numerous dogfish, aud (rolled up in a few fragments of what had been a net) a ground shark lOf feet long. It was intended to continue this work a few days ofl" Cape Flattery, but the weather was so unfavorable that all further trials were aban- doned, and the vessel entered the sound to complete her preparations for work in Alaska. Deep-sea gill nets, I think, can be used to 1,000 fathoms if the proper gear and projyer iceather conditions are obtained. The nets furnished the Albatross were not specially rigged and consisted of three salmon gill nets and three cod gill nets, all 30 yards long of 16-6 flax, and hung to 6- thread tarred manila. The salmon nets were: One 53 meshes, 6-inch; 45 meshes, 7-inch; and 40 meshes 8-inch; floats, 1 fathom apart. The cod nets were 1 each: 24 meshes, 0-iuch; 21 meshes, 7-inch; 18 meshes, 8-inch; floats, 2 fathoms apart. The floats used were glass, and alter- nate ones on the salmon nets removed. The lower corner of the nets were anchored with 10-pound Chester folding anchors. The buoy line was 6 and thread stuff and usually from a third to a half the dejith of water was added to stray line. The hauling was done from boats by a small hand winch. This could have been done from the vessel by steam winch, but there was danger of carrying away the light gear, not only by the heavy strain of the winch, but by the jump of the vessel in a seaway. For hauling by steam specially heavy gear will be necessary. The buoys were ordinary trawl-line buoys, the number increasing with the depth of the set. At 581 fathoms four buoys were used on CLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. eacli line, and tlie line further relieved by a glass float at each 100 fathoms. The glass floats are excellent if properly made; those sup- plied seemed to be thin and not well sealed — about half becoming "drunken" under the pressure, and therefore useless. The positions were obtained by sextant angles on shore objects and compass bearings, yet in several instances some difficulty was exi)eri- enced in recovering the buoys. Large buoys can not be used without increasing the gear very much in weight, and it is probable if the size were very much Increased the jump of the buoy in a seaway would move the moorings. A very small metal nun-buoy painted red and white, fitted with a socket for thfe staff of a small white flag, would be most suitable. It is true that a vessel could lie near the nets, but some method would have to be adopted to light the buoys for night work. This course would, however, be frequently defeated by the weather. The weather on the Pacific Coast is not favorable for these investi- gations. The prevailing northwest winds, while not blowing a steady gale, at times approach it and send in a sea too heavy for work of this nature. When the winds slacken the fogs relieve them. Moderate and smooth seas are necessary to work the nets and use the beam trawl successfully, and clear weather to locate the positions. The greatest enemies to the nets were found to be sharks, for which the gilled fish no doubt formed a tempting bait. A bite of the net was usually taken with the fish. In sonie instances the nets came up almost in ribbons, and one set was always under repairs. From 15 to 20 nets are needed in these investigations. When detained at an anchorage on account of unfavorable conditions outside, the drag seine was used, surface gill nets and hook trawls set, and boats employed in trolling and hand-line fishing. Many fish taken by hook trawl and gill nets were found completely hollowed out, nothing remaining but the head, vertebra, and skin. This is the work of the slime eel, which, introducing itself inside the fish, sucks out the fleshy portion. A few specimens taken in the beam trawl have been preserved. The fishermen of Santa Cruz and Monterey state that they took salmon in the bay every month during the winter of 189G-97; that the salmon follow the bait, anchovies, and sardines, and can be taken when the bait is. inshore; that no salmon are taken in gill nets, but that during the summer when the run is large they take several tons a day, and all by trolling. During our visit no salinou were taken. Keferring to the investigations by deep-sea gill nets it will be seen that at every station occupied there was good live bottom, and at every set, except No. 6, fish were taken, showing that the nets were doing their work; but in no instance were any anadromous fishes captured. Judging from the forms of the bottom fish taken in the nets, the hauls of the beam trawl, the general nature of the bottom, and considering the subject of structure and pressure, it is my opinion that anadromous fishes will not be found in ocean depths. REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLIIl TABLES. 1. — Record of ocean iemprratnrcs and specific gravities (surface). Date. 1896. July Aug 10 10 11 11 16 19 19 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 30 Sept. 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 Time of day. 6 a. m 12m 6 p. m 12 p. m 6 a. m 12 m 6 p. m 6 a. m 12m 12 m 6 p. m 12p.m 6 a. m 12 m 6 p. m 12 p. m 12m 6 p. m 12 p. m 6 a. m 12 m 6 p. m 12 p.m 6 a. m 12 m 6 p. m 12 ]). m 6 a. m 3 p. m 10 a. m 12 m 12 m 12 p.m.... 6 a. m 12 m 12 m 4 p. m 12 p.m 6 a. m 12m 6 J), m . . . 12 p. ra.. . 6 a. m . . . . 12 m 6 p. m 12 p.m 6 a. m 12 m 6 p. m . . . 12 p. m ... 3 p. m . . . 12 m 12 m 12 m 6 p.m .. . 12 p.m ... 6 a. m . . . 12 m 6 p. m . . . 12 p.m ... 6 a. m . . . 12 ra 7 p. m . . . 12 m 12 m 6 p. m . . . 12 p.m.... 6 a. m 12m 6p.m 12 p.m 6 a. m 12 m 12m 6 p.m 12 p.m 6 a. m Station. Lat. K. Long. "W. 53 45 00 53 47 00 53 40 00 53 37 00 53 35 00 53 30 00 53 46 00 156 40 00 158 09 00 159 22 00 160 41 00 162 12 00 164 07 00 165 28 00 Dutch Harbor 56 26 30 169 34 00 54 24 15 54 31 00 54 40 00 54 45 00 54 46 20 54 58 00 54 59 00 55 03 35 55 05 00 55 07 00 55 07 00 55 05 00 55 05 00 55 03 00 55 03 00 55 02 20 54 58 00 54 55 00 54 51 00 Bering I.sland Copper Island 55 22 15 165 44 45 169 08 30 170 08 00 171 30 00 172 48 00 174 17 00 175 24 00 176 38 00 179 07 18 East. 179 55 00 178 53 00 177 30 00 176 09 00 175 28 00 175 15 00 174 08 00 173 15 00 172 21 00 171 12 00 170 08 00 54 42 30 53 45 00 53 17 00 52 59 00 Petropaulski Aratcha Bav 52 04 00 ; "158 49 00 162 55 00 161 15 00 160 35 00 159 54 50 51 36 00 51 15 30 50 49 00 50 23 00 49 48 00 49 30 00 49 12 00 48 43 00 48 39 00 48 34 11 48 29 GO 48 22 00 Matua Island Sundnoi Rocks Ushlshir Island 47 32 30 152 14 45 158 30 00 157 53 30 157 22 00 156 53 00 156 13 30 155 21 00 154 56 00 154 36 00 154 20 00 153 52 00 153 37 00 153 20 00 47 38 00 47 42 00 47 48 00 47 54 22 48 03 00 48 09 00 48 18 00 48 26 30 151 30 00 150 44 00 149 30 00 149 03 00 148 09 00 147 11 00 146 21 00 145 28 00 Robbeii Island 48 35 00 48 46 07 48 29 00 47 56 00 47 28 00 46 56 27 46 38 00 46 18 00 45 54 00 45 31 30 45 16 30 45 17 00 45 20 00 45 24 00 144 11 30 144 00 17 144 41 00 145 13 00 145 48 00 146 22 32 146 45 00 147 05 00 147 17 00 147 32 30 147 44 00 146 51 00 145 58 00 145 03 00 Temper- ature by Temper- attached ature ihermom- of air. eter. o 47 47 46 48 46 49 46 47 46 47 45 43 44 43 46 41 40 43 45 46 44 45 45 44 45 45 45 47 45 46 46 48 47 48 46 49 46 46 46 48 40 48 46 48 46 47 45 46 46 48 46 48 46 47 46 46 51 47 47 46 48 49 51 58 51 55 50 53 52 58 50 55 48 60 49 54 46 50 51 54 52 55 48 48 49 50 45 48 42 45 40 44 38 41 42 44 38 48 43 45 49 50 38 45 39 49 40 45 53 52 46 42 47 45 56 54 53 53 56 56 57 57 54 57 53 56 53 57 56 56 47 54 55 54 56 53 57 58 56 66 55 53 53 53 55 58 58 64 58 61 58 62 01 60 Temp, of specimen at time sp. grav. was taken. Specific gravity. 1. 0250 1. 0252 1. 0250 1. 0250 1. 0250 1. 0246 1. 0246 1.0234 1. 0246 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0244 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0244 1. 0236 1.0236 1. 0224 1. 0184 1. 0208 1.0240 1. 0240 1. 0236 1. 0238 1. 0240 1. 0238 1. 0240 1. 0242 1.0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0240 1. 0240 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1.0240 1.0238 1.0238 1. 0236 1. 0233 1. 0230 1. 0230 1.0220 1. 0222 1. 0222 1. 0222 1.0222 1. 0226 1. 0226 1. 0230 1. 0230 1. 0232 1. 0230 1. 0234 1. 0234 1. 0230 1. 0232 1. 0232 Specific gravity re- duced to 15° C. 1.024060 1.024260 1. 024060 1. 024060 1. 024060 1. 023660 1. 023660 1. 022460 1. 023660 1. 024128 1.024128 1. 024328 1. 024328 1.024128 1. 024128 1. 023928 1. 023928 1. 023928 1. 024128 1.024128 1.024128 1. 024128 1. 024128 1. 024328 1. 024328 1. 024328 1. 024328 1. 024328 1. 024128 1. 024328 1. 024328 1.024128 1. 023328 1. 023328 1. 022128 1. 018128 1. 020528 1. 023728 1. 023728 1. 023328 1. 023528 1.024167 1. 023967 1. 024167 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024167 1. 024167 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024367 1. 024167 1. 023967 1. 023907 1. 023767 1. 023467 1.023167 1. 023167 1.022167 1. 022367 1.023466 1.023466 1.023466 1. 023866 1. 023866 1. 024266 1. 024266 1. 024466 1. 024266 1.024666 1. 024666 1. 024266 1. 024466 1. 024466 CLIV KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. . — Record of ocean temperatures and specific gravities (surface) — Continued. Date. 189P.. Sept. 7 7 7 Time of day. 2in .. 6 p. m p.m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p. in p.m 6 a. m 2 m.. 6 p.m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m .. 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2 m.. 6 p. m 2 p. m 6 a. m 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2m .. 6 p.m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m.. p. m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p. m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p. m 6 a. m 2m.. 6 p.m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m .. 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2 m.. 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2 m.. 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2 m.. 6 p. m 2 p.m 6 a. m 2m .. 6 p.m Station. Lat. N. o / // 45 25 30 45 31 00 45 35 00 45 39 00 45 28 46 44 47 00 44 19 00 43 36 00 42 53 35 42 22 00 41 25 00 41 21 00 Long. E. 144 04 30 143 17 00 142 32 00 141 46 00 141 21 00 141 10 00 140 42 00 140 16 00 139 54 00 139 37 00 139 42 00 140 12 00 Hakodate, Japan 39 44 30 38 49 42 37 51 00 36 53 40 36 01 00 35 24 30 34 51 00 Gulf of Tokio 142 17 00 141 56 20 141 36 10 141 19 00 140 55 40 140 42 30 139 57 30 34 50 00 34 51 00 34 50 00 .34 57 00 34 44 00 34 35 00 34 24 00 34 15 30 34 09 00 34 07 00 34 05 00 34 04 19 34 02 00 34 02 00 34 04 00 34 04 11 34 10 00 34 10 00 34 20 00 34 25 30 34 25 00 34 26 00 34 25 30 34 26 18 34 24 00 34 24 30 34 24 00 34 23 46 34 24 00 34 23 30 84 22 00 34 21 45 34 16 00 34 10 00 34 02 00 33 56 00 33 40 00 33 28 00 33 18 00 32 28 00 32 00 00 31 27 00 30 50 00 30 13 00 29 40 00 29 07 00 28 35 00 28 00 47 27 40 00 27 21 00 26 55 00 26 29 00 26 13 00 25 47 00 25 24 00 24 54 00 24 21 00 140 35 00 141 30 00 142 29 00 143 25 30 144 25 00 145 50 00 146 51 00 147 47 00 148 56 00 150 05 00 151 10 00 152 04 00 153 25 00 154 40 00 155 38 00 156 21 30 157 42 00 158 45 00 159 50 00 160 54 46 161 45 00 162 46 00 163 50 00 165 01 25 166 10 00 167 25 00 168 35 00 169 32 23 170 50 00 172 00 00 173 20 00 174 18 15 175 45 00 176 55 00 178 00 00 178 55 00 179 .58 00 West. 179 06 00 178 23 00 174 21 15 173 31 00 172 40 00 175 31 00 170 56 45 170 10 00 169 23 00 168 37 00 167 41 14 166 57 00 166 02 00 165 19 00 164 19 00 163 38 00 162 53 00 161 56 00 160 50 00 160 22 00 Temper- ature by Temper- attached ature thermom- of air. eter. o 56 62 56 59 58 58 53 57 06 64 67 68 68 68 68 66 68 68 68 69 69 69 70 68 68 68 67 70 68 68 69 69 68 68 72 69 77 72 76 73 70 66 73 68 75 66 73 66 75 67 75 67 74 65 74 65 75 68 75 68 74 67 73 66 74 72 74 70 73 69 73 68 72 72 76 74 73 71 72 72 72 72 71 74 70 73 71 74 71 74 71 74 72 75 72 74 69 73 72 73 72 73 73 74 72 75 70 74 69 73 69 72 67 70 67 65 67 66 65 66 66 67 69 65 70 66 72 67 72 71 72 69 72 69 73 68 75 72 75 74 74 72 75 72 76 75 76 76 76 76 77 78 77 80 78 80 Temp, of specimen at time sp. grav. was taken. Specific gravity, 1. 0230 1. 0228 1. 0224 1. 0228 1. 0230 1. 0234 1. 0234 1.0234 1. 0236 1. 0236 1. 0236 1. 0232 1. 0230 1. 0240 1. 0238 1. 0236 1. 0238 1.0238 1. 0240 1. 0242 1. 0202 1. 0242 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0246 1.0246 1. 0246 1. 0246 1. 0248 1. 0246 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0250 1. 0250 1. 0250 1. 0250 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0246 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 0250 1. 0252 1. 0252 1. 0252 1.0252 1. 0252 1. 0236 1.0236 1. 0240 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1.0242 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0244 1. 0242 1. 0242 1. 0242 1.0242 1.0240 1. 0240 1. 0242 Specific gravity re- duced to 15° C. 1. 024266 1. 024066 1. 023666 1. 024066 1. 024266 1. 024666 1. 024666 1. 024666 1. 024866 1. 024866 1. 024866 1. 024466 1. 024266 1. 024630 1. 024430 1. 024230 1. 024430 1. 024430 1. 024630 1.024830 1. 020830 1. 024830 1. 025230 1. 025230 1. 025230 1. 025230 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025230 1.025230 1. 025230 1. 025230 1. 025430 1. 025230 1. 025430 1. 025430 1.025630 1. 025630 1. 025630 1. 025630 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025230 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025430 1. 025630 1. 025830 1. 025830 1. 025830 1. 025830 1. 025830 1. 026200 1. 026200 1. 026700 1. 020900 1. 026900 1. 026900 1. 026900 1. 020900 1. 026900 1. 026900 1.027100 1. 027100 1. 027100 1.027100 1. 026900 I. 026900 1. 026900 1. 026900 1. 026700 1. 026700 1. 026900 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLV -JRecord of ocean temperatures and specific gravities {surface) — Continued. Time of day. Station. Temper- ature \>y attached thermom- eter. Temper- ature of air. Temp, of specimen at time sp. grav. was taken. Specific gravity. Specific gravity re- ducea to 15° C. Date. Lat. N. Long. W. 189G. Nov. 5 6 6 12 p. m 6 a. m 12 m o // / 23 52 00 23 27 00 23 02 30 22 31 00 22 03 00 21 31 00 Honolulu, 21 21 00 22 58 00 24 33 10 26 15 00 27 47 00 29 17 20 30 26 00 31 36 30 32 53 00 34 01 25 35 55 45 o // / 159 41 00 159 27 00 159 01 30 158 47 00 158 32 00 158 18 00 H.I 157 28 00 154 27 30 151 39 15 148 20 00 145 37 00 143 03 25 140 09 00 137 02 00 133 32 00 130 00 12 126 17 30 o 77 77 77 77 77 77 78 76 77 75 74 73 68 69 66 65 66 60 80 79 80 80 80 80 81 78 78 78 76 73 70 70 68 69 71 63 o 82 82 82 82 82 82 82 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 1.0242 1. 0242 1. 0240 1. 0238 1. 0238 1. 0238 1. 0232 1. 0256 1. 0258 1. 0258 1. 0258 1. 0258 1.0258 1. 0256 1.0256 1. 0252 1. 0248 1. 0248 1. 026900 1. 026900 1. 026700 1. 026500 1. 026500 1. 026500 1. 025900 1. 025767 1. 025967 1. 025967 1. 025967 1. 025967 1. 025967 1. 025767 1. 025767 1. 025367 1. 024987 1 024987 6 6 7 7 30 Dec. 1 2 6p.m 12 p. m 6 a. m 12m 12m 12m 12 m 3 12 m . 4 12 m 5 12 m 6 12 m 7 12 m 8 12m 9 12 m 10 12 m 2. — Record of accepted sotinding stations of the United States Fish Commission steamer Aliatross for the fiscal year ending June SO, 1897. EASTERN" PORTION OF BERING SEA SOUTH OF PRIBILOF ISLANDS. Serial number. Time of day. Position. Depth. Character of bottom. Temperatures. Date. Lat. N. Long. "W. Air. Sur- face. Bot- tom. 1896. July 7 7 Dr. 3634 Hy. 3655 4. 14 p. m. 8.18 p.m. o / // 54 51 00 54 51 00 o / // 167 27 00 167 46 00 Fms. 664 671 bk. vol. S gn. M. bk.vol. S . 43 43 43 43 36.3 36.4 'FROM BERING ISLAND TO KAMCHATKA COAST. Aug. 2HT.3660 Hy. 3661 Hy. 3662 Hy 3663 3. 05 p. m. 5.21 p.m. 11.16 p.m. 5. 24 a. m. 3Hv. 3664 11.01 a.m. * Hy. 3665 4. 20 p. m. SHy.3666 5.49 p.m. » Hy. 3667 7. 07 p. m. 55 11 30 55 08 30 54 49 42 54 51 00 54 42 30 54 35 00 54 32 30 54 29 00 East. 165 39 00 41 165 26 00 2,250 164 36 00 2,665 163 46 00 3,117 162 55 00 2,077 162 11 30 473 161 58 30 586 161 50 00 453 fne. gy. S. bk. Sh fne. gy. S.bk.P.C M. fne. dk. S. P . bn. M. fne. dk. S bn.M. dk. S. P.. bn.M.dk. S.P.. bn. M. fne. S. P . bn.M.dk. S. P.. 52 48 49 49 52 49 54 49 57 50 53 44 53 44 54 45 3d.O 35.0 35.2 35.0 38.0 37.4 37.0 'SOUTHEAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA. Aug. 20 20 20 Hy. 3638 Dr. 3643 Dr. 3644 10. 04 a. m. 51 17 00 10.43 a.m. 51 16 00 L 09 p.m. 51 09 00 10 00 127 03 00 100 48 00 96 gn.M.Co.dk.S.P bk.S.P.... bk.S 53 49 53 49 60 51 32.7 31.7 33.1 8 ALONG KURIL CHAIN. Aug. 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 Hy. 3669 Hy. 3670 Hy. 3671 Hy. 3672 Hy. 3673 Hy. 3074 Hy. 3675 24 9Hy.3676 8. 42 p. m. 3.32 a.m. 5.01 a.m. 11.19 a.m. 7. 54 p. m. 10.26 a.m. 2.24 p.m. 10.58 a.m. 48 43 00 48 33 00 48 32 00 48 36 00 48 26 00 48 19 00 48 13 00 47 35 00 154 31 00 425 154 53 00 114 154 55 00 106 153 59 00 • 304 153 33 00 1,102 153 23 00 1,001 153 20 00 624 152 48 30 96 crs.dk. S... hrd brk. Sh crs. G crs. dk. S. P bk.S.P bk.S rky 44 41 42 37 41 37 45 42 47 45 48 44 48 49 45 38 36.7 35.7 36.7 34.7 35.7 36.3 35.7 'Except station Hy. 3660, geographical po.sitious on this line are independent of shore features. ^Accepting position of Ari Kamen, Bering Island, as plotted on Stejneger's map, it bore NE. by E. |E. (mag.), di.stant 3 miles from Hy. 3660. ^Serial temperatures to 1,000 fatlioiiis. <97° 33' Ext. Rt. Pt. to Cape Kosloff. 95° 08' first Pt. left of Ext. Rt. Pt. to Koslofl:'. 77° 02' Ext. Rt. Pt. to Mt. Kronotski. n02o 43' Ext. Rt. Pt. to Kosloff. 91° 03' Ext. Rt. Pt. to Kronotski. 5° 07' Kosloff to Detached Rock. Ext. Right Point, N. 16° E., mag. Mt. Kronotski, N. 74° W., mag. Cape Kosloff', N. 86° 15' "\V., mag. «73° 56' Ext. Rt. Pt. to Koslotl". 1° 12' Kosloff to detached rock. Cape Kosloff, N. 46° 30' W., mag. 'Geographical positions, approximate, without relation to shore features. 'Geographical positions approximate, without relation to shore features, except station Hy. 3676. 'Position referred to obs. spot at Old Village, Lower Ushishir Island, as in lat. 47° 30' 56.8" N., long. 152° 47' 55" E., determined by this vessel. CLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OP FISH AND FISHERIES. 2. — Record of accepied sounding stations of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross for the fiscal year ending June SO, 1897 — Continued, ' SEA OF OKHOTSK FROM LOWER TJSHISHIR ISLAND TO ROBBEN ISLAND. Date. 1896. Aug. Serial number. 2Hy.3679 3Hy.3680 4 Hy. 3681 5 Hy. 3682 6Hy. 3683 Hy. 3684 Hy.3685 Hy. 3686 Hy. 3687 Hy. 3688 Hy. 3689 Hy. 3690 Hv. 3691 Hy. 3692 Hy. 3693 Hy. 3094 Hy. 3695 Time of day. 7. 27 a. m. 8.14 a.m. 9. 27 a.m. 11. 07.%m. 1.22 p.m. 4. 25 p. m. 9.32 p.m. 2.32 a.m. 7. 46 a.m. 1.02 p.m. 5.41 p.m. lu. 35p. m. 3.27 a.m. 8. 02 a. m. 12.47 p.m. 3. 46 p. m. 5. 30 p. m. Position. Lat. N. Loug. W. 47 31 30 47 31 30 47 31 42 47 32 00 47 33 00 47 36 00 47 40 30 47 45 00 47 50 00 47 55 30 48 01 30 48 08 00 48 15 00 48 21 00 48 27 45 48 31 48 48 29 00 152 45 48 152 39 00 152 32 00 152 21 00 152 07 00 151 46 00 151 05 00 150 23 30 149 42 00 148 56 00 148 16 30 147 34 00 146 51 00 146 08 00 145 20 30 144 54 51 144 42 30 Depth. Fms. 37 685 1,164 1,500 1,712 1,830 1,836 1,830 1,843 1,562 1,426 964 796 698 155 27 16 Character of bottom. P P fne. gy. S bn. M. fne. gy. S . fne. gy. S bn. M. dk. S Im. M. fne. S bn.M. fue.S bn. ctyl.M.fne. S bn.M. fne. S bn.M. fne. S It. bn. M. qtz. S . . lt.bu.M. qtz.S.. bn.M. fne. S bn. M. crs. vol. S. fne.G. R. Sh rky Temperatures. Air. Sur- Bot- face. tom. 38.7 35.7 35.2 34.7 35.2 35.7 35.9 36.0 35.8 36.0 36.0 30.0 36.2 33.0 35.0 'SEA OE OKHOTSK FROM ROBBEN ISLAND TO ITTJRUP ISLAND. Sept. Hy. 3696 Hy. 3697 Hy. 3698 Hy. 3699 Hy. 3700 Hy. 3701 Hy. 3702 Hy. 3703 Hy. 3704 Hy. 3705 Hy. 3706 Hy. 3707 44 p. m. 04 p. m. 40 a. m. 12 a. m. 08 a. m. 18 p. m. 13 p. m. 18 a. m. 28 a. ni. 25 a. m. 20 a. m. 25 a. m. 48 22 00 48 05 00 47 43 00 47 20 30 46 58 00 46 35 00 46 15 00 45 48 00 45 40 00 45 31 30 45 23 00 45 18 00 144 41 00 20 145 01 00 71 145 28 00 631 145 54 00 584 146 20 00 818 146 49 00 820 147 07 00 817 147 22 00 825 1 147 28 00 761 147 32 30 078 147 39 30 107 147 42 00 668 fne. S. bl.M. gn. M. gn. M. gn.M It. bn bn.M. gn. M. gn. M. bn.M. bn.M. bn.M. P.. S fne. S . fue.S. M.S.. fne.S- fne. S. fne. S. fne. S. fne.S. crs. S . 55 47 54 55 54 54 53 56 57 58 62 55 55 55 53 54 53 53 53 54 54 54 54 54 40.0 31.0 37.0 35.9 35.9 36.0 35.8 36.0 35.9 36.0 36.0 36.5 ' SEA OF OKHOTSK FROM ITURUP ISLAND TOWARD LA PEROIJSE STRAITS. Sept. 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 Dr. 3652 Dr. 3653 Hy.3708 Hv. 3709 Hy.3710 Hy.3711 Hy.3712 Hy.3713 Hy. 3714 Hv.3715 Hy.3716 Hy. 3717 Hv.3718 10. 00 a. m. 10.30 a.m. 1 10. 53 a. m. I 11. 48 a. m. 1. 29 p. m. ' 4. 06 p. m. ] 9. 06 p. m. 1.53 a.m. 6.30 a.m. 10. 43 a. m. I 2. 38 p. m. ' 5.22 p.m. 6. 50 p. m. 45 15 30 45 14 00 45 16 00 45 16 30 45 18 00 45 19 00 45 21 00 45 23 00 45 25 00 45 27 00 45 31 00 45 34 00 45 36 30 147 53 00 14 147 52 30 18 147 52 00 27 147 45 00 312 147 31 00 810* 147 09 00 1,641 146 27 00 1,744 145 46 00 1,700 145 02 00 1,649 144 21 00 468 143 38 00 122 143 12 00 68 142 58 00 62 yi.c dk.gy.S dk. g.y.S gn. M. fne. S . . gn. M. S gn. M. fne. S . . gn.M. fne.S.. gn. M. S gn. M. S gn. M. crs. S. P gy-s gn.M gn.M 64 56 64 57 64 58 64 58 60 55 60 54 60 58 61 58 60 57 62 54 62 56 61 57 60 59 56.5 50.0 35.7 36.0 36.0 35.8 36.0 3,5.9 36.5 33.0 34.0 32.0 • Geographical positions on this line referred to obs. spot at Old Village, Lower Hshishir Island, as in lat. 47° 30' 56.8" N., long. 152° 47' 55" E. Robben Island is assumed to be in lat. 48° 31' 30" N., long. 144° 43' 38" E. ^Babuskin Rock, south (true) J mile. 3SW. end Lower Ushishir, S. 68"° E., true; S. end Ketoy, S. 48° W., true. "SW. end Lower Ushishir, S. 80° E., true: S. end Ketoy, S. 28° W., true. 6SW. end Lower Ushishir, S. 92° E., true; S. end Ketoy, S. 14° E., true. 6 Right end Ketoy, S 44° E., true; North Ushishir Peak, S. 86° E., true. The five preceding bearings are all independent of geographical positions of the stations and have not been adjusted. ' Positions on this line are geographical without relation to shore features. Position given on B. A. chart No. 2405 of Shana Village, Iturup Island, is accepted. Lat. 45° 15' N., long. 147° 56' E. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLVII 3. — Record of stations of the steamer Albatross where long-beam trawl was used. 3662 3663 3664 3665 3666 3667 3668 3669 3670 3671 3672 3673 Dat 0. 189' J. Apr. 8 Apr. 8 Apr. 8 Apr. 9 Apr. 13 Apr. 13 Apr. 13 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 21 Apr. 24 May 14 Time of day. Position. Lat. N. 11.09 a. m. 11.39 a. m. 1.39 p.m. 1.07 p.m. 11.02 a.m. 12.04 p.m. 2.44 p.m. 4.48 p.m. 11.44 a.m. 10.52 a.m. 10.47 a.m. 9.50 a.m. Long. "W. Santa Oatalina Is- land, California. IJ" off Avalon, Da- kins Cove. Near prec e d i n g station. 2' off Avalon, Da- kins Cove. 33 17 00 1118 24 00 Monterey Bay and vicinity. 121 53 00 121 52 00 121 53 00 122 11 00 122 12 00 122 20 00 123 02 00 Flattery Bank. 48 21 45 124 50 30 36 45 00 36 45 00 36 40 00 36 47 00 36 43 00 37 00 00 37 37 00 Temperatures. 51.7 52.5 49.7 47.7 48.7 42.7 37.8 49.0 Character of bottom. Fne. gy. do.. do.. do.. M. s. bldr . do .... S. mica . . . Gn. m. fne. Gn. m. 8... do.... S. CO, r . . . . Gn. m. s.. "Wind. Variable . ...do.... ...do.... ...do.... West . . . .-do.... W.byS. SSW ... Calm . . . NW.byW West. » a Hi 0—1 0—1 0—1 0—1 1—2 2 1—2 0—1 5—6 2 1—2 Results of Beam-trawl Hauls. No. S6C5.— Many flounders of 2 species, 1 quite large, many small; many small sculpins; several large bolotburians; many sea-urchins, 2 species; 2 soft crabs with mossy backs; 1 naked iiiolliisk; 1 shell with small ascidiaus attached; few small shells of two species ; few large hermit-crabs ; lew brachiopods with cup-corals attached; few hard redstartish; 3 very small starfish; 2 fragments of sponge; 4 small shrimps. So. S66S. — Several large flounders, 2 species, many young and .small; several young sculpius; 1 small octopus; 1 small fish; 3 .small shriLips; 1 large red holothurian ; 2 hard red starfish ; 1 large gray starfish ; 1 very small starfish ; 1 very small ophiurjiu; many sea-urchins of 2 species; 2 pen- natula, 1 very small ; 1 large worm in tube ; 1 large and 3 small shells. No. S664.—2 large flounders of different species, few small ; 1 red sculpin; several small sculpins; 2 alligator-fish; few young rockfish; 1 small blenny; many sea-urchins, 2 species; few small 8hrimi)S; 1 small hermit crab; 1 tiny .spider-crab ; 1 cushion starfish ; several hard starfish with short arms; 1 large soft starfish; 1 large shell; few small shells; 1 holothurian; 1 naked moUusk ; 1 worm ; skate egg-cases, bryozoa, hydroids, etc. No. 3065. — 36 small flounders. 2 or 3 species ; sev. eral flounder fry ; 1 sculpin ; small sculpins of several species ; I adult and 2 small alligator-fish ; few young rockfi.-ih ; 1 small skate ; 1 small octo- pus; sea-urchins, 2 species; several red holothu- riaus; 1 hard-skinned holothurian covered with warts ; 1 small ophiuran; several small starfish, 2 or 3 species; few small shrimps; 1 large worm intube; 2 naked mollusks; 1 small sea spider. No. 3666.— I cultus-cod, female, 39i inches, 21J pounds, stomach empty ; 1 cultus-cod, female, 30J inches, 12 pounds, residue of fish well digested in stomach; 4 chimaira; 3 red rockfish; 1 skate; 3 small flounders; several young rockfish ; 2 small octopus; 1 bushel large white anemones: Iprawn; few small shrimps of 2 species ; 1 each of 2 species of holothurians; Ismail crab; 1 hermit-crab; sev- eral small shells of several species; 1 small crus- tacean; 3 starfish of different species; many small and a few large wonns and tubes ; several cup- corals. A bowlder the size of a hogshead, covered wjthanemones and cup-corals, was also brought up. No. 3667. — 8 small rockfish, of 3 .species; 1 eel- pout ; 1 small flounder ; 1 small octopus ; 1 holo- thurian; 2 sea-urchins. No. 3668. — 1 large and few small long-finned sole ; 1 small fish ; few shrimps ; 3 small shells of 2 spe- cies ; 1 parasitic crustacean ; 1 ophiuran. No. 3669. — 1 rockfish (S. ruber) ; 1 large skate with rockfish in stomach ; 1 small skate ; 15 large flounders, of 3 species; several slime eels; 1 small pelagic fish, with very long teeth; 2 small fishes; several large and few small spider-crabs; 1 small anemone ; few small medusa; ; several her- mit-crabs; 1 barrel sea-urchins, apparently of same species; several small hard .starfish; several small brittle starfish with many arms ; several shrimps; 1 fragment sponge; several shells. No. 3670. — 8 macrviri, 4 male and 4 female, 1 with apparently i ipe ova ; 3 large flounders ; many red small rockfish (probably Sebastes) ; several young rockfish; 1 small dusky fish, and 1 very small brilliant-scaled fish, both evidently pelagic ; 6 large spider-crabs, with long thin red legs; many small ditto; 1 large crimson prawn; few small shrimps ; 2 sea lice ; few very small sea- urchins; 3 small starfish with many arms; 2 small starfish of different species ; 2 ophiurans, 1 very small; many small shells of several specie.s"; many shells (Gasteropoda) mostly with small, red aneniones attached, and a few with hermit-crabs; many small, red anemones; few small Pennatula; 2 naked mollusks; worms of several species; 4 sea mice; I small squid; 1 small medusa ; 1 skate egg-case with anemone attached. No. 3071 — Several large and few small flounders of 2 or 3 species; ova of larger flounders marly ripe, showing pink through skin ; few small rock- fish ; 3 alligator-fish; 2 young squid; 1 shrimp; few sea-urchins; several starfish; several ophi- urans; several shells, 3 or 4 species; few worms and sea mice; 3 naked mollusks. No. 3672. — 4 large flounders, 2 each of 2 species; 1 small rockfish; 1 large skate; 1 alligator-fish, ova well developed ; 1 small shrimp ; 1 small star- fish; few ophiurans; many crinoids; 2 small shells, 1 with hermit-crab ; i sea-urchin ; 1 large green worm ; 2 small crabs ; 1 large anemone ; 1 small fragment coral. No. 3673. —1 large barndoor skate, 8 pounds; 1 large flounder with young shrimps in stomach ; 4 chinia'r.i; 2 small alligator-fish; 2 flounder fry; 1 young squid ; several shells, few with hermit- crabs; several shrimps and prawns ; several ophi- urans ; few fragments sponge ; 1 large starfish. CLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 4. — Record of gill-net stations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Position. Tempera- ture. a o o "Wind. Nets set. a •a Date. Time. Lat.N. Long.W. i 6 o u S 02 a o o W 1 a 1 a _o o 2 s C o P o w s Xi 3 .9 1897. Apr. 7 8 7 p.m ... do O 1 II 1 II Santa Catalina Is- land, Oalifornia. V 3" SE. of Ava- lon,Dakins Core. do 64 60 58 58 6-10 6-10 rky. rky. Variable ..-.do... 1.2a; 11 ? 2 2 Menha- den. Do. Monterey Bay and vicinity. 1 2 3 4 5 Apr. 13 13 14 16 17 10 a. m 2.30 p.m.. 5 p.m 4 p.m 11 a.m 36 45 15 36 39 30 Off Pacif Point I 36 47 00 36 43 00 121 53 00 121 53 00 c Grove, 'inos. 122 10 00 122 12 00 64 57 60 55 57 55 56 57 57 55 47.7 48.7 42.7 37.8 68 39 5 278 581 m.S.bldr. gy.S.mica. gy.S.rky. gy- m. fne. &. gy. m. S. ....do ... W. & S. WNW.. SSW.... Variable 0.1 l-2a; 3-2 a; 1 0-1 70 19 13 17 51 2 2 2 /I {! Cod. Salmon. Do. Salmon. Cod. Salmon. Cod. 6 21 9.30 a.m.. 37 00 30 122 20 30 53 50 .... 56 gy. m. S. WWW.. 5 48 {! Salmon. Cod. 7 24 10.30 a.m. 37 37 30 123 02 00 56 49 49.0 68 S. Co. R. NW .... 2 20 {I Salmon. Cod. Flattery Bank. 8 May 14- 8.30 a. m . . 48 21 30 124 50 15 53 48 45.0 80 gn. m. S. W. &N. 2 H'^ Salmon. Cod. Sets marked x made at surface ; remainder on bottom. Results of gill-net trials. April 7. — 1 anchovy. April S. — Barren. No. 1. — One net badly torn. 8 rockfish (S. paucispinis), 3 badly eaten by sea lice — skin only remaining; average length of 5 not destroyed, 26J inches; average weight, 8 lbs.; 4 females, all with empty stomachs; 1 male with fish bones. 1 rockfish (S. luelanops), 20 inches long, also badly eaten. 1 cultus-cod (badly eaten), 38 inches long. 3 ground sharks (2 badly eaten), 1 with beaks of large octopus in stomach. 3 dogfish. TVb. 2. — Barren. No. 3. — 2 rock-bass. No. 4. — One cod and one salmon net badly torn ; 7 black-cod ; 3 males and 4 females ; average length, 28inches; average weight, 8J pounds; 3 stomachs empty; others with fish bones, young shrimps, and niedusa. 3 red rockfish ; bodies of 2 badly eaten; the other, 19 inches, 3 pounds; male, stom- ach empty. 1 large flounder ; 2 dogfish ; 6 crabs ; branch of cherry tree with anemone attached (pre- served section with anemone) . No. 5. — Cod net badly torn; 3 black-cod, all females; average length, 30f inches; average weight, llj pounds; 2 stomachs empty; 1 witli small piece fish bone; ova partially developed ; 9 Macruri; 8 males, 1 female; average length, 244 inches ; average weight, 2J pounds. No. 6. — Barren. Set from ship. No. 7. — 1 rockfish (S. entomelas) ; female; 18 in- ches ; 3 pounds ; stomach empty. 8rockflsh(S. pau. cispinis) ; 1 badly eaten by sea lice and slime eels ; eel found in skin"; of other 7, 3 were females and 4 males ; average length, 27 inches ; .iverage weight, 6J pounds; stomachs all empty; 2 black-cod; 1 chimiera; 1 barndoor skate ; 5 small dogfish. No. S. — Nets badly torn ; 1 ground shark lOJ feet long ; several dogfish ; 1 flounder ; 1 black-cod. 5. — Record of dip-net trials with electric light. Time. Position. Length of trial. State of sea. Temperature. Date. Air, D.B. Sea surface. 1897. Apr. 6 9 8 p.m . do Santa Catalina Itland, Cal. Anchorage, Isthmus Cove . do Smooth . . . do .... 60 70 59 55 56 do :.... 58 Apr. 12 23 7.30 p.m.. 8 p. m Monterey Bay and vicinity, Cal. Anchorage, Santa Cruz Anchorage, Half moon Bay IJ hours Smooth . . . Light 54 49 Result of dip-net trials with electric light at surface. April 6.— Quantitjr of minute Crustacea, me- dussB, and marine refuse. One worm. April9. — Several annelids. Quantity of minute Crustacea and marine refuse. April 12, — 1 small fish. April 23. — Many young fishes, thought to be anchovies and sand launces; 4 very tiny fishes; 3 young shrimps; many minute cru.stacea; large crustacean like a centipede; several minute worms. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLIX 6. — Record of tratvl-line stations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Time. Position. Tempera- ture. "Wind. Trawls set. Date. Lat. N. Long.W. Air. Sur- face. Depth. of bottom. Direction. 00 o w o 'A Kind. 1897. Apr. 6 6 7 7 8 10 a. m . . 1 p. m ... 10.30 a.m 4 p.m... 9.30a.m. 3.30p.m. 5 p. m . . . 5 p.m... 5.30p.m. Santa Catalina Is- land, Cal. Isthmus Cove Catalina Harbor . . East Point ent. Dakius Cove. SE. end Santa Ca- talina Island. do 60 62 63 66 66 72 80 64 59 56 57 57 59 58 59 59 55 55 Fms. 8-12 7-10 10-15 15-20 15-20 15-20 35-40 8-25 8 S. Sh. R. S. Sh. R. S. Sh. R. gy. S. R. gy.S.R. gy. S. R. S. Sh. R. S.rky. S. Sh. R. NE ....do... Calm. .. Variable Calm ... Variable SSW ... SW wsw .. 1-2 0-1 0-1 0-1 1 2-3 2 20 17 8 17 6 15 13 13 14 1 1 1 1