LIBRARY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
597.06
CS )
ck

1900-02

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

http://www.archive.org/details/report19001902illi

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BLACK BULLHEAD,

AS THE CONDITION OF THIS VOLUME
WOULD NOT PERMIT SEWING, IT WAS
TREATED WITH A STRONG, DURABLE
ADHESIVE ESPECIALLY APPLIED To
ASSURE HARD WEAR AND USE.

REPORT

or

STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

FROM

SEPTEMBER 30, 1900, TO OOTOBER 1, 1902.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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APPENDIX.

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REPORT OF THE COMMISSION.

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To His Excellency, Richard Yates, Governor:

We beg leave to submit herewith our report as Board of State Fish
Commissioners for the two years ending September 30, 1902.

The two seasons covered by our report could scarcely have been
more widely at variance with each other, and yet each was detrimen-
tal to a successful development of our work. The season of 1901
was the hottest and dryest ever known in this State, while that of
1902 was said to be the extreme of wet and cold. In 1901, beginning
in June, the thermometer showed a high temperature each day, the
heat increasing until it culminated on July 21st and 22d in the hot-
test weather ever known along the Illinois river. The result of this
extreme heat was the extermination of all the fry left in shallow
ponds, which destroyed all possibility of a large collection and dis-
tribution for that season. The following season of 1902 was ex-
tremely wet, the rivers being high in June and daily increasing in
volume, and the bottom lands were in a state of flood for the entire
season. The early collections were fair but later ones amounted to
but little, as the water was all through the timber and nature made
the Commission’s work of rescue unnecessary, as the fish had an op-
portunity of maturing before going back to the river, instead of be-
ing caught in drying ponds as is the case in ordinary seasons. While
this prevented our usual collection the beneficial results will be
realized in the season of 1903 in the greatest increase of native fishes
that has been known for years, and should the river be at its normal
stage the collection for distribution will be of sufficient magnitude
to fully meet all of our requirements, and the market fishermen will
have the greatest output known in many years. In making our dis-
tribution we endeavor, so far as possible, to supply public waters first
and then give our attention to those applicants who have private
ponds. The number of such applicants has been greatly augmented
in the last few years, showing that there is a decided increase of in-
terest in the cultivation of fish for home consumption. Much of our
work in this direction, however, would be of little value if we com-
plied strictly with the demands of applicants, as the requests are
usually for black bass and kindred varieties, but we have advised
against this, as experience has shown that such fish are not adapted
to successful pond culture. Black bass have never been successfully
reared in small ponds, as they will clean up every other fish in the
water and when all other food is exhausted they will prey upon their

2

own young. A few instances to illustrate their nature and habits: A few
years ago we made some very large collections of bass fry at Quincy
for distribution, and having no convenient place for holding them
until they could be distributed, we obtained permission from the city
authorities to put them in the basin of a park fountain for a few
weeks. When deposited there were 6,500 bass fry ranging in size
from 14 to 2 inches up to the “fingerlings” from 4 to5 inches. We
had our men procure the small shiner minnows from the sand bars
in the river for their food, and in the six weeks we held them several
hundred thousand of these minnows were devoured; besides these
we fed the fry twice a week with ground liver and fish. At the ex-
piration of six weeks we drew down the basin to take the fish out for
distribution and found but 2,600 left, allsleek and fat, not a dead fish
in the basin, but the small fish had all been eaten by the larger ones.
At another time, at Meredosia, we selected a spring pond, covering
about an acre, for a storage pond, in which late in the preceding fall
we had placed a few large breeders that we had held over. In the
spring, after the spawning time, the pond was literally filled with
bass fry, estimated at 50,000. As we expected to move the fry early
we did not take out the adult fish, and as our collections were run-
ning heavy we added to the pond 40,000 more bass fry. There was
a delay of several weeks in getting ready for distribution and when
we seined the pond, instead of our 90,000 bass fry we took out less
than 8,000. What made this decrease more extraordinary was the
fact that the pond was well filled with moss and grass, and its inlet
from a creek flowing over vegetation of all kinds, which must have
furnished a large amount of food. This experience of our own, with
the numerous failures of others throughout the State to successfully
raise bass, to which our attention has been called, has convinced us
that bass culture in small ponds is not practicable.

There are so many other fish that make good pond fish that we
urge applicants to give the matter thought before insisting on having
black bass. Large ponds, where vegetation has had a chance to grow
for several years and well filled with small, soft-rayed fishes, may do
well for bass culture, but sufficient area to produce plenty of such
food is a necessity. Some of the best pond fishes we have are the
rock bass, the bream and sun fishes, and crappie in limited quanti-
ties fill in well. Our public waters have been well supplied, and
most gratifying reports reach us as to the increase.

The lack of proper enforcement of the laws for the protection of
fish is felt, and elsewhere in this report we shall recommend such
ee in this respect as will overcome this condition, in part, at
east.

The commercial phase of the fishing industry is on a much better
footing than ever before. The responsible wholesale dealers, recog-
nizing the importance of taking care of the supply for the future, are
codéperating with the commissioners in their efforts to prevent the
sale of undersized fish, and when such fish are received in the regu-
lar course of business, they are often the first to insist on turning

3

them over to our wardens to dispose of to some charitable institu-
tion. Asa rule, too, the market fishermen are backing up our efforts
to enforce the law, and keep within the size limits when shipping
fish,

The new steamer, Illinois, which has been such an important fac-
tor in the enforcement of the laws, has proved to be all we expected
of her, and her great speed has enabled our river wardens to hold in
check the irresponsible element that continually preys on the product
of lakes and streams. These men, who have no thought for anything
but the present need, destroy more than they take, and migrating
from one point to another, their stay only limited by the accessible
supply of fish, their depredations are the most serious with which
we have to contend.

The output of the market fishermen for the season of 1902 has not
been of a satisfactory nature, the high water of the river making the
use of seines and nets impracticable.

In a former report we recommended the adoption of smaller
meshed nets. We quote this paragraph on the subject herewith.

“We are inclined to believe from such experience as we have had
after carefully noting the workings of the two-inch mesh all along
the Illinois river, that an inch and one-half mesh should be allowed
to be used during the season when it is lawful to use anything, and
a vigorous prosecution made, or rather a vigorous enforcement of the
law relative to size of fish which shall be offered for sale. The waters
would be better for a greater reduction in the quantity of these fish,
they are marketable and found everywhere in the State of Illinois.
We believe there would be less illegal fishing with seines if the
meshes were reduced to the size sufficient to take the bull pouts.
The size limit of fish that can be legally offered for sale, has had a
thorough test and has proven to be one of the most successful and
practicable laws so far enacted.”

We are inclined to repeat the recommendation for these reasons;
the two-inch mesh is too large to take bull pouts, which abound in
fhe lakes along the Illinois river and which are not classified in our
ist.

They increase rapidly and should be utilized for food. Then, the
two-inch mesh will not hold the gar, which are also increasing fast
and are the most destructive of all the varieties. Provided we can
have such warden service as we recommend in this report, and can
enforce an adherence to the limit in size of fish offered for sale, we
would advocate a reduction in the size of mesh, but under no other
conditions would we favor such a reduction.

The carp are proving very satisfactory in the large streams, and
are now, as they have been for years, the main dependence of hun-
dreds of men as a means of livelihood, and more than one town for a
business existence. We will note briefly in another part of this re-
port, under its proper head, some statistical information as to their

characteristics and value.
LIBRARY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

4

The restriction in the taking of black bass to the hook and line
only has proved a popular law with the anglers, and will do much to
promote the increase of these desirable game fish. While the law is
not so rigidly enforced as it should be yet it is more satisfactory than
we expected. Bass are always marketable, and when found in the
hands of dealers and of proper size it is not easy to prove how they
have been caught, and for that reason they are handled more gener-
ally than they should be. We purpose giving this clause of the law
closer attention next season, and perhaps a few merited convictions
may make this practice appear too risky even for the more adventur-
ous.

The prohibiting of fishing with any device during the closing sea-
son within 400 feet of any dam has met with vigorous opposition
from some thoughtless anglers, but we consider its enactment one of
the most humane protective features of our fish laws, and one which
should strongly appeal to every one interested in the increase of
game fish. ‘ To take them by the hundreds at the foot of adam while
the fish are using every effort to get above the dam to their spawn-
ing beds, is not only barbarous but wantonly destructive, for every
female fish so taken means the loss of all the increase which would
have resulted had she been allowed to spawn.

In reviewing the results of the past two seasons we feel that more
and better work has been accomplished than for any like period
since the organization of the Commission.

The relation of the Commission to the fish business as an industry
and to the angler as well, is better understood, and the possibility of
protecting and advancing the commercial interests without detriment
to the rights of the angler is admitted.

Not that no fault has been found with your Commissioners, for we
have had criticism and plenty of it. Personal attention to all the
details of the work cannot be given by the Commissioners. Presi-
dent Cohen has given his time liberally to the work and has been
untiring in his efforts to clear up every obstacle as fast as presented,
but there is a limit to the time he can give. Serving, as the Com-
missioners do, without salary or compensation in any form, his only
reason for this work is the interest he feels in the preservation and
protection of the fish of the State, and it is hardly to be expected
that he could, or should, give his personal attention to each of the
thousands of complaints that reach his office, and for such work he
must depend largely upon the wardens. All this is not taken into
consideration by those interested in prosecutions throughout the
State, and blame is frequently attached to the Commissioners for
neglect of minor details that should be attended to by those locally
interested.

On the whole, however, we have nothing of which to complain, for
we have been well treated and met more than half way by the fisher-
men, the dealers, the transportation companies and the public, and
we believe those who have made complaints need only a better
knowledge of the intricate work assigned us to forgive and forget
any seeming neglect on our part.

5

Under separate heads will be found our reports on the status of
the various divisions of our work, and we would ask an examination
and consideration of such recommendations as we have made,

WARDEN SERVIOE,

The utility of unpaid warden service, that is, service depending
wholly upon fines collected for violations of the law for remunera-
tion for time and expense, has been fully tested, and we urge that
such changes be made in the law as will enable us to employ three
or four competent men to do warden service, and pay them a salary
and expenses.

Under the present conditions a warden may occasionally be found
who does his duty thoroughly, either from local interest or on ac-
count of local influence and backing, but in the majority of cases
fish wardens have proved very unsatisfactory. And this is not with-
out some good reasons. That “the laborer is worthy of his hire”
was never truer than when applied to the fish warden who under-
takes an honest and rigorous enforcement of the fish laws. In the
first place, the duty is an unpleasant one at best, doubly so if he is
called upon, as he often is, to prosecute his own neighbors and
friends. This fact is a very great drawback to the successful en-
forcement of the law, and when the only possibility of his getting
remuneration for his time and expense is dependent on the fines
which may follow a conviction, the incentive is not in proportion to
the work, especially when the collection of his part of the fines from
the State’s Attorney is as problematical as it is in some counties,
where it often happens that when the fine is collected by the justice
of the peace that part which should go to the complainant, under
the law, is taken by the State’s Attorney, who has a lien on all fines
collected until his salary or compensation is made good. In such
cases the warden is out not only his time, but also such expense as
he may have incurred in the prosecution of the case, in many in-
stances a considerable amount, and it is not to be wondered at if,
when an opportunity is offered to recoup himself for some of his
losses by the prosecution of a technical violation easily proven, even
though it is plain no illegal act was intended, he does as most men
do, looks after his own interest, and instead of showing the offender
his mistake and warning him against such violation, he prosecutes
and if possible convicts and collects his portion of the fine. This
state of affairs existed for a long time in Chicago and threatened to
do great injury to a large business interest. President Cohen, to
whom this part of the work has been assigned, has shown remarkably
good judgment in the handling of these matters, and much seeming
injustice has been prevented by his care.

The wholesale dealers of Chicago, generally speaking, are opposed
to the sale of small fish and freely turn them over to our wardens for
disposition. The wardens give the fish to some of the charitable in-
stitutions of the city, as before stated, and take a receipt for them

6

from the county agent or warden of the institution, as the case may
be, and the receipts are placed on file in the office of the secretary of
this Commission.

One of our wardens, Mr. George W. Glynn, reports fifty barrels of
fish so dispensed during the past 17 months.

What we need in the work is a~warden service in which those em-
ployed shall receive a stated salary and necessary expenses, so that
there need be no incentive to the prosecution of merely technical
violations, such as cited before, but with a certainty of a proper re-
muneration for the work they can vigorously prosecute all inten-
tional violations. In order to inaugurate this method the Commission-
ers would respectfully recommend the repeal of that portion of the
fish laws which provides for the appointment of an indefinite number
of men as wardens who are to be paid out of such fines as may be
collected, and, instead provide for the appointment of four or five
competent men by the Governor, on the recommendation of the
Commissioners. These men to be paid a salary and such expenses
as may be incurred in their work, on order of the Commissioner or
Commissioners who may have that part of the work in charge. And
we would also recommend that all fines resulting from convictions
be disposed of by turning over one. half to the school fund, and send-
ing the other half, which now belongs to the complainant, directly
to the State Treasurer to form a fund out of which can, eventually,
be paid the salaries and expenses of these wardens, upon presenta-
tion of a bill of particulars, recommended by the Commissioner or
Commissioners having charge of the work, and approved by the
Governor.

For the first two years an appropriation to cover the cost of such
work would be necessary, but after that time a sufficient sum will be
recovered to make the work self-sustaining. This method has been
tried and is now in force under the law enacted at the last General
Assembly for the protection of game.

Without charging any one of our wardens with a desire to do
more than strictly to enforce the law as it now stands, we cannot dis-
miss the subject without reiterating our opinion as to the vicious
character of the law in the hands of an unscrupulous official, and the
temptation that is offered to such to give protection to dishonest
dealers for a remuneration. ‘Something for nothing” is, at best, a
bad business proposition, and a man who is working for the benefit
of the general public should be paid for his work, lest, failing to ob-
tain legitimate compensation, he be tempted to get it by other
means

Without any warden service the streams and lakes of the State,
naturally prolific of a supply of good and wholesome food, would be
at the mercy of thousands of poachers and the immense output of
late seasons would soon be reduced to a small amount.

The practice of taking the buffalo fish along our rivers at spawn-
ing time caused such a vast reduction in the supply that in 1880 the
statistics showed scarcely a million pounds sent to market. This is

7

not to be wondered at when one considers that for every female buf-
falo taken at the rolling or spawning soason the waters are robbed of
the increase which might have accrued from the 100,000 to 300,000
eggs destroyed with her.

The introduction of the carp, and the enactment and enforcement
of protective laws have so increased the output that the commercial
results of the fish business have assumed large proportions. From
16,000,000 to 17,000,000 pounds of coarse fish is not an unusual
showing for a season’s output.

The successful enforcement of the laws has not, however, been the
work of the local wardens only, for the majority of the convictions
have been due to the efforts of the paid wardens, specially directed
by President Nat. H. Cohen, the Commissioner in charge of that
branch of the work.

Referring again to work done in Chicago we give herewith a copy
of a clipping from the American Field, illustrative of the practices
along the lake front.

PARASITES OUSTED.

“At one time hook-and line fishing off the piers of Chicago’s lake
front was a favorite pastime for those residents who were piscatori-
ally inclined, but as time went on the dipnet fishermen increased in
number and gradually crowded off the piers the more gentle anglers.
With the building of breakwaters, extending from the mouth of the
river for several miles south. exceptional opportunities were afforded
for setting the apparatus for working the dipnets, and the owners of
the latter soon monopolized the entire lake front and it was worth a
hook-and-line fisherman’s life almost, to intrude his presence among
them So bold did the dipnet fishermen become that they even de-
fied the legal authorities.

“But there is a law on the statute books making it illegal to fish
with nets inside a quarter of a mile from the shore. The [llinois
Fish Commissioners concluded it was time to oust the brigands on
the piers, and quietly set to work. A few weeks ago deputies were
ordered to destroy the nets and rigging The work has been done,
and in a month over 800 outfits have been chopped down, and to-day
the coast is again clear and a man can take his family out on the
piers and angle to his heart’s content without molestation or insult
from the rowdies and parasites who formerly held sway from Twelfth
street to Hyde Park.

“The Illinois Fish Commission has become quite active during the
past year, and is doing good work, not alone on Lake Michigan, but
all through the State, and the prospects now are that Illinois anglers
will not have to go out of the State to get good bass and other fishing.

“This is as it should be and augurs well for the future.”

All along the breakwaters for miles the large dip nets were placed
as closely as possible, and hundreds of thousands of small fish were

8

taken and sold. Our attention was called to the rapid increase in
this practice, which originated in the catching of bait to sell to ang-
lers, but had grown into a regular traffic in small fish for market,
and we directed our efforts to the abolishment of the nets.) Warden
Ratto, acting under our orders, first posted a notice on each standard
holding up the hoisting apparatus, to the effect that the use of the
dip net was contrary to law, and stating that unless the nets were
removed by the owners by a stated time they would be taken down
and turned over to the sheriff, as prescribed by law. He followed
this by a personal warning whenever the owners could be found,
but very little attention was paid to the warning by the owners.
Warden Ratto, with the assistance of a squad of policeman kindly
furnished by the Chief of Police of Chicago, then sawed off all the
uprights. took down the nets and turned them over to the sheriff,
clearing up the entire lake front. After the death of Warden Ratto
this work was taken up by Warden George W. Glynn and the lake
front has been kept practically clear of these nets.

A prominent railroad official who was interested in the work in-
formed your Commissioners that the fatalities to men and boys cross-
ing the tracks had been materially lessened since the abolition of
this practice, as those engaged in the work would take chances from
moving trains for a short cut to and from their nets, and the number
killed in this way had heen large, although every precaution had
been taken by the management of his road to keep them off their
right of way.

ENFOROEMENT OF THE LAW.

The problem as to how best to enforce the law for the preservation
and protection of fish in a State covering as much territory as does
Illinois is a difficult one to solve, with the methods and means at our
command. When the present conditions are compared with those of
the earlier days of protective legislation we find much cause for con-
gratulation, but, when the vast area is critically considered, we find
that much work still remains to be done before anything like a satis-
factory state of affairs can exist.

The increase in the output of coarse fish on our principal rivers
exemplifies what can be done, but there we can better control
violations.

The small streams and lakes and the ponds of local fishermen are
subject, at all times, to the poacher, and are soon depleted by unlaw-
ful methods. To those locally interested must of necessity be dele-
gated very much of the work of enforcing the law. True, the law
provides each county with a fish warden, and in some counties enough
local pride is manifested to keep down violations, but in a majority
of cases we have found that with wardens the law is very poorly en-
forced, if at all.

There are several reasons for this. As elsewhere stated, no man
cares to incur the enmity of his neighbors by a rigorous prosecution

9

of violations, even when clothed with full power as an officer, and
particularly when whatever of pecuniary compensation he obtains
for his work and expense depends upon conviction and fines. Then,
few care to appear as witnesses. The instances are not rare where
men have stood on the bank, watching a seine haul and commenting
on its illegality, yet when approached by an officer asking the names
of the violators, they refused utterly to give them, although they
freely criticised the officials for not better enforcing the law. The
laws for the protection of fish in this State are not of the best, being
for the greater part mere matters of compromise, and not dealing as
directly as they should with the violators, but such as we have could
be made to serve the purpose much better if the machinery for en-
forcing them could be handled.

We have found that our laws are not only faulty, but that, in some
respects they have worked hardship to unwitting offenders. This is,
particularly true where applied to the size limit, and we shall recom-
mend some changes in the list. The ring or yellow perch, for in-
stance, was limited to 8 inches as the legal size, but that is too large,
for this reason, when the law was passed covering the legal size for
market fish, the sizes were agreed upon by the Illinois Fishermen’s
Association, but the perch brought to the Chicago market from Wis-
consin and Michigan, from which states the bulk of the perch are
brought, were found to be quite mature at 6 inches in length, and
this size largely predominated in the supply. The result has been
that innumerable violations of the law have been noted, and the
larger part of them without any such intent We shall recommend
a change in this respect in the present law, making 6 inches the size
of perch legal to be offered for sale. Under the head of Warden
Service we will note more fully our reasons for this change.

The great fish market of this country is Chicago, and, drawing as
it does from almost every State in the Union for its supply, many of
which have no laws regulating the size of marketable fish, it is only
natural that a large amount of small fish, under the legal size, should
find their way there. Such fish when in market and offered for sale,
no matter where caught, are unlawful merchandise, and for several
years we have had great difficulty in properly regulating the sale of
such fish without working hardship to a great industry. As will
readily be seen, a commission merchant may receive a large ship.
ment of fish in barrels from Baltimore, for example, and among the
number a good many undersized black bass. Without opening them
up, he may sell to small dealers throughout the city or State, and
they, in turn, expose for sale without noting the small fish. If com-
plaint is made against any one of them there is no help for it, he
will be found guilty of a violation of the law and probably fined,
even though innocent of unlawful intent. Our plan has been to in-
struct our officers not to prosecute for such offenses, but to point out
the necessity of separating the illegal fish from those of proper size,
and not offering the former for sale, or returning them to the whole-
sale dealer who could refuse to pay the shipper for them. We hoped

10

by this means to break up the trade in small fish. Thousands of
pounds of fish have been sent to the charitable institutions of Chi-
cago as a result of this work, and it is but fair to state that, asa
rule, the dealers have been very willing to so dispose of them. © Under
another head we give a list of fish disposed of in this way.

DISTRIBUTION,

The work of distribution to public waters from June, 1901, to
Sept. 30, 1902, has been very satisfactory, in spite of the unpropi-
tious conditions existing during both seasons noted in another part
of this report. Unfortunately, it was impossible to give the same
care to applicants for fish for private ponds, owing to our limited
collections and the conditions of the appropriation.

Our method of collecting for distribution is now so well known it
is not necessary to detail it again in this report. The fish we use
for distribution are comprised in the following list, in the order
mentioned: Black bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, ring
perch.

These range in size from one and one-half to eight inches in
‘length. Black bass spawned in May will frequently be found in our
collections eight inches long and weighing eight ounces.

The crappie are difficult to handle early in the season, and can
only be successfully transported after the weather gets cool.

The increase following our plants can only be noticed in ponds or
lakes which are not affected by the rise or fall of the rivers.’ In the
appendix will be found letters from several parties who have had
their lakes stocked by the Commission.

The people of the State are giving considerable attention to the
propagation and care of fish, and the number of reservoirs and arti-
ficial lakes constructed for the purpose has been considerably aug-
mented since our last report. Lake Rice, owned by the C., B. & Q.
R. R. Co, at Galesburg, is a notable example, covering nearly 80
acres, quite deep, and is well laid out and practical. Others noted
are the reservoir at Paris, Ill.,a beautiful lake at Carlinville, Lake
Whittemore at Lanesville, well built reservoirs at Whitehall, Belle-
ville, Kast St. Louis, Joliet, Clinton, Monee, Decatur, Harrisburg,
Chester and numerous places.

Fishing and hunting clubs are fast taking up and protecting the
lakes along both rivers, and the interest generally manifested in fish
protection and propagation is gratifying

11

We give herewith a list of the public waters supplied with fish by
your commission during the seasons of 1901 and 1902:

EE PEM OE. catde deca nhucesbened culclcinwin's os Auroral) ;Groen rivetiic.hcsiccdscsecsstecaves ccwaebnn Lee
MENG Olio on. ca nee cteecsncselecioscvee McHenry | Edwards river................. Mercer county
IQMIOUV ON wast cenevedcscccccweucccaesace Batavia BDY’ GCAVIC! aces cscccccccce sens Adams county
REPU AL ovis cccscccccscssescs recs St. Charles SHV GCSULA ne - cacckccslisscctacecceea Pike county
SC UMA I nade seas cencns above Dayton dam Little Wabash river.............. Clay county
filinois and Michigan canal .......... Ottawa | Little Wabash river....... Effingham county
ENE ISINGS TIVOED. 5.00050 cccccencenas Riverside Lower Cache river............ Pulaski county
PUMP E ELVOR ics ccc cecececes DuPage county Upver Cache river............ Pulaski county
IY Ti CT) Bureau county Big Muddy river ............. Jackson county
Henderson river .......... Henderson county | Galenariver................ JoDaviess county
Trighlan/Gre@k fos oi. ccc ccscciee LaSalle county | Menomonee river.......... JoDaviess county
REV OPE esc css cn ccetetocanticncicce dee ilan Embarras river. --Coles county
Rock river . -Oregon | Spring lake. .-.Cook county
Rock river. -Denrock | Lake Maria ...Cook county
Rock river.. ..-. Dixon Liakew.32) DuPage county
MPDOWPIVOEL. .2o2. te ccesccces eStark county:'| Bangs lakel. 25 200... code. desu cuce Lake county
MOOOW RIVERS. posse ee. scene ea Knox county | Lake Villa................-..----- Lake county
MUON PIVOE so caecccccascacavesce Fulton county MoneltkGrecccensctosccusc sos Madison county
Kankakee river ............ Kankakee county | Clearlake.............022..00+- Monroe county
MenRGkO@GTIVer).® 2 Soe. 5esc.c ae cac ace Waidron Gilmore Take -: ..2.622..2.0<0- Monroe county
ERG REHAW PIVGE) .. cece ccccccccscevcccss soaoMas: | ‘Crystal lak@csccscccusccsuce McHenry county
IMP PIO FE TEV ON oc cccaccssclsccsisccess Decatur | Siefert’s lake................- St. Clair county
Sangamon river ............. near Springfield Lake Bartlett ...........sse0- St. Clair county
Sangamon river........... ARGS POND Riverton | DCOLLSMAK OG) odes oacadceuse nee St. Clair county
Sangamon river...........--.....-. Monticello ' Reservoir ..........-.-. secs eeee Shelby county
Wermillon river. coc. s cc ecwdosleees Danville | WAKO secteat cw esacesceescveslaae Carlinville
igikee Or Kiss does ociusleeeseaicee oes Logan county Fox bakes cssté ities does ease Lake county
Sugar creek ......,........-. .---Logan county , Fox lake ...........0...seee-e0- Henry county
Vermilion river. seeks Livingston county | Nippersinklake.................- Lake county
Macoupin ereek ............... Greene county Round Tak@iest sc cceewcsccce s. Lake county
SES PES A) i eee a Saline county Pistaqua lake t..c..nccsccses McHenry county
Kaskaskia river ..........--- Moultrie county |

State institutions, Joliet, Jacksonville and Quincy, and Soldiers’
Home, Danville.

The plants range in numbers from 150 to 5,000, according to size
of fish and advance of season. Fish are generally carried in bag-
gage cars in charge of a messenger, who attends to the plant, also.
The United States Fish Commission has rendered us great assist-
ance in giving us the use of their cars for purposes of distribution
during both seasons. Without this aid we could not have covered
the same amount of territory with the amount of money at our dis-
posal for that purpose.

In addition to the above named distribution we have supplied 221
private applicants, and have given our attention more particularly
to those who had provided proper ponds or lakes for the fish. To
supply every applicant would be impossible with the means at our
command, as they numbered nearly 1,600 during the two seasons,
and as all fish are delivered free of expense to the applicants it
would take a very large amount of money to supply all who apply,
as no employé of the Fish Commission is allowed to make any charge
or accept any money for service.

A great many applications are received from people whose ponds
are unsuited to the culture of any kind of fish, and to stock such
would be only time and money wasted. The culture of fish of any
kind requires some knowledge of proper conditions, if any measure
of success is expected, and they need proportionately as much care
as any other economic feature of the farm. Your Commissioners

12

will take pleasure in furnishing such information as they can in re-
gard to the building of ponds and the care of fish, and will also sug-
gest the kind of fish suitable for the ponds to be stocked, upon the
request of applicants and the necessary information as to location
and size of pond, its capacity and the nature of the water supply.

Paris, Iuu., 1902.
Hon. N. H. Cohen, President Illinois Fish Commission.

Dear Srr—In response to your request for a report as to the success of
plants of game fish made at Reservoir Lake, by the Llinois Commission, I
am pleased to say that they have been in every respect most gratifying. The
lake is an artificial body of water, constructed for the purpose of obtaining
a city water supply. It covers an area of 105 acres, when the water is level
with the top of the dam and has a maximum depth of 17 feet, gradually
shelving off into shallow water, a mile above the dam. The conditions are
excellent for the propagation of fish, in that there is plenty of natural feed-
ing ground and through careful surveillance, fishing has been strictly limited
to hook and line.

Five plants have been made by your Commission, being for the most part
of black bass, though a plant of crappie, made in the fall of 1901, has yielded
slight returns. A few pickerel have been included in the shipments, but no
one has caught any of them, so far as reported. The bass fishing, however,
is excellent and grows better year by year. During the season of 1902 a
number of very fine fish were taken ranging in weight from one pound up to
six pounds. It is not thought to be an extravagant estimate, to say that an_
average of 50 ponnds of fish per day, was yielded by the lake from May to
October. Very large strings are not common, but nearly everybody is more
or less successful, indicating that the fish are well distributed. Our people
greatly appreciate the work of the Commission in providing this fine ag 7
resort, which is certainly not surpassed anywhere in this part of Illinois. It
may interest you to know that the prize catch at the lake last season was made by
a woman, Mrs. I. N. Sheppard, landing without assistance, a bass, weighing
six pounds and two ounces. Very respectfully yours,

: H. DOLLARHIDE.

CurnTon, Int., 1902.
Nat Cohen, Esq., State Fish Commissioner, Urbana, Illinois:

Dear Sir:—The undersigned having been appointed a special committee
by the Board of Directors of the Weldon Springs of Clinton, Illinois, to look
atter the fishing interests of said Springs, respectfully call your attention to
the fact that we have not been supplied with any game fish by the Srate for
Woldon Springs Lake for the past two years, and ask you to kindly furnish
us with a supply of bass and crappy for the season of 1903. We would like
a consignment of large bass and a consignment of fry. You will remember
some four years ago, you furnished us with a nice supply of large bass, and
no doubt will bs interested in a report from our lake. Those bass we pro-
tected for a year by allowing no fishing and during the seasons of 1900 and
1901 the bass fishing was excellent, and Weldon Springs became a popular
resort of the citizens of this community. One of the undersigned caught 19
bass in 30 minutes with a fly, returning 16 of them to the water, saving only
three of the larger ones, one of which weighed four pounds. The wal! eyed
pike and crappy that you supplied us with, while not multiplying as rapidly
as the bass, have done very well. Last season the crappy made their appear-
ance in great numbers, and furnished excellent sport and the wall eyed pike
made their appearance, and have attained a size of about six pounds. A
great mistake was made last season in allowing fishing in the early spring
before the fish had spawned, and our lake was nearly depleted of bass, hence
we ask you for a consignment of large bassandoneoffry. We are now adopt-
ing resolutions that no fishing is to be done until June 15, thereby obtaining
all the natural increase in numbers. No bass is to be taken from the water

13

that weighs less than one-half pound, and the amount of one person’s catch
is limited to a cetain number. By these safe guards, after our lake has been
stocked, we will always have fair fishing. Considerable enthusiasm has been
aroused in this community in regard to the fishing, and we would respect
fully ask you to reply to this communication stating if you can furnish us
with a few crappy and a consignment of both large and small bass.

Recognizing the success you have had as State Fish Commissioner, we will
ask you to offer recommendations as to the best method of protecting the
fish and to obtain the best possible results from these you may send us.

Thanking you in advance in behalf of the Weldon Springs, and the citizens
of Clinton for anything you can do for us in this matter, we beg to remain,

Yours very truly,
(Signed)
JOHN D. RoGERs,
Perry HuGHES,
FRANK ADKISSON,
Special Fish Commission Weldon Springs.

POLLUTION OF STREAMS.

One of the questions of the near future will be the disposition of
the sewage and waste from manufacturing establishments which is
now turned into our rivers and streams. Complaints come to us
from almost every part of the State of the pollution of some streams
from this cause, and our attention is very frequently called to the
fact that great numbers of fish are being killed by such fouling of
the waters.

As Commissioners, we are powerless to act in the premises, and
can only recommend prosecution for maintaining a nuisance by the
proper local authorities. Very many of the finest streams in the
State are today only sewers. We have had our attention directed
to the effect of such pollution on the Fox river several times, and
fish have been found dead in large numbers for miles below some
manufacturing plant, undoubtedly killed by the introduction into
the river of the poisonous washes. A careful examination of the
water and bottom of the river showed a very dirty condition, to say
the least. The Fox river, once one of the best of inland streams,
with clear, pure water and clean rock bottom, we found one of the
dirtiest, with the bottom covered with a deposit of filth which could
not help being a menace to health wherever the water was used.
What is true of the Fox river is fast becoming a universal condi-
tion, so far as our rivers are concerned. If there were no alterna-
tive it might be considered mere fault finding to call attention to
this matter, but as we now have a system of sewerage which effect-
ually controls all waste and sewage, and renders the escaping ef
fluence practically cleaner than the water of the river, there is no
excuse for a continuance of this practice, and legislative action
should be had to prevent the existence of the present conditions.

It is not of interest.alone to those who desire the preservation of
the fish, but the health of every one living along such stream is daily
endangered. One instance which came under our special notice will
serve to illustrate the reason for our objection. A few winters ago
ice was cut from a stream at a point only 100 feet from the outlet of
a sewer carrying the waste from a number of houses in which were

14

known to exist 65 cases of typhoid fever, and this ice was marketed.
There is an easy, cheap and effective method of caring for such
sewage, and the people should be protected from such unsanitary
conditions by legislation that would prohibit the turning into our
rivers, particularly the smaller ones, the sewage from towns and the
waste from manufacturing or other commercial plants.

We herewith give a clipping which wil] bear on a subject matter
of foregoing item. Copied from Engineering Record of Jan, 10, ’03,
page 66:

A successful Septic Tank Installation is that of Vancouver, British Colum-
bia, the construction of which was described in the Engineering Record of
Oct. 12, 1901. There are three tanks, designed to treat the sewage from dis-
tricts having populations of 5,000, 3,000 and 2,000, respectively. They are
built of concrete and are entirely covered over. In regard to the results ac-
complished, Mr. Thomas H. Tracy, the city engineer, states that the tanks
have now been in operation for nearly two years and they have given the
most decided satisfaction, the effluent having been at all times (after the first
three months) clear and inoffensive. There is a deposit of sediment about 2
inches thick at the inlet end of the tanks, none at the outlet end. The scum
is about 10 inches thick at the inlet end and very slight at the outlet end.
This would seem to indicate that a much greater quantity of sewage could be
treated in the tanks than is at present passing through. Where sewers are
constructed on the separate system, Mr. Tracy does not consider the grit
chambers necessary, and, in fact, a very decided septic action has been
noticed in the grit chambers of the smaller tanks. A small manhole for con-
venient inspection would, it is thought, be better. The tanks have not cost
a cent either for operation or repair in the two years. They have been in-
spected fairly often, as the installation has attracted much attention on ac-
count of its marked suceessfulness.

LAKE MICHIGAN.

This season we have undertaken the enforcement of the law relat-
ing to Lake Michigan. Since the opening of the drainage canal, we
are informed that white fish and trout are again making their appear-
ance in fair quantities in the lower part of Lake Michigan.

Mr. Cohen had several conferences with the Michigan commis-
sioners relative to methods of enforcing the laws during close season
on Lake Michigan, and they have been using our warden jointly in
the work. This together with the removal of the dip nets, will do
very much to increase fish supplies about Chicago. We will ask the
Legislature to add white fish and lake trout to our list of fish, mak-
ing a size limit for them.

STEAMER ILLINOIS.

The boat purchased for our use, the steamer Reindeer, was con-
demned in April, 1901, the hull being worn out, and the appropria-
tion made for the purpose was used in building a new hull, which
was designed and built under the supervision of Mr. E. J. Moritz.

The new hull was 12 feet longer and six feet wider than that in the
old boat, making a total length of 137 feet long by a 29 foot beam.

15

The hull was constructed of the very best oak timber, three inch
gunwale and four inch bottom. The old cabin and machinery were
moved over on the new hull and a texas or upper cabin added. As
completed she is the best boat of her size on either river, of great
speed and very staunch. She went into commission in October,
1901, and a reference to the mileage report of Captain Williams will
show that she had a busy season. The boat is now lighted by elec-
tricity throughout, and is admirably fitted for the work. The lower
deck is fitted up with a complete circulating apparatus for handling
young fish, and has a capacity for 10,000 fry early in season decreas-
ing as season advance and size of fish increases.

In parole service she is unequalled, as with her speed she can
overcome great distances in short time. The investment as a whole
constitutes a valuable one for the State.

The boat was officered as follows: George T. Williams, master
and pilot; Wm. HE. Alford, engineer; F. Gussenmeyer, fireman, F.
Keller, fireman; George Moritz, watchman; F. Ferguson, cook.

REMOVAL OF OBJECTIONABLE FISH.

Your commissioners have an abiding faith in the value of the carp
as a money producer for the fishermen and a source of cheap food
for the people, but there are conditions where they are unsuited to
the waters into which they find their way. This is true of the spring
lakes, such as Fox Lake, Spring Lake and some of the clear rivers.
With a view to the best interests of such places and in response to
requests of interested parties, the commissioners have given permits
to take but the carp and objectionable fish with seines and nets, put-
ting the work in charge of one of our wardens, who derives his re-
muneration from the percentage paid by the fishermen who do the
work. Mr. Henry Kleine of Chicago. whose home is on Fox Lake,
volunteered to take charge of the work and become responsible for
it. Weappend herewith his report. Hoop nets were used, and a
record was kept of all fish taken, so that an estimate could be made
of the proportion of the coarse to the finer varieties. All fine fish
were returned to the water, except the muskelonge, which was re-
tained for mounting.

Cur10ago, ILu., Jan. 3, 1902.
Nat M. Cohen, Esq., President Illinois State Fish Commission, Urbana, Iil.:

Dear SiR—I hereby beg to submit my report on the carp seining in the Fox
Lake region during the months of October, November and December, 1901:

Amount of carp caught, 41,960 pounds, at %4¢ per pound............. $312 68

Amount paid to Henry Dayment, fish warden, 234 months, at $60 per
IPERS Haa ee ah, «chs SON BRE, Sete far Son Se ae HOS NG eh wat hai s ale alee sree 150 00

mount paid to W...G. Glynn, onesmontli o.oo. ceo cn cascidtniieses 60 00

Leaving balance on hand of $102.68, which will secure the services of Mr.
Glynn as fish and game warden for the Fox Lake region for about two months
more.

I also enclose the fish warden’s daily report of the amount of carp caught,
and the amount of game fish caught but returned to the water. I am glad to
say that I am able to report that the seining of carp was done as instructed

16

by you, and no possible complaints can be made in any shape, form or man-
ner. lt is only to be regretted that such a small amount of carp has been
caught, which was due to the extreme low stage of the water in the different
lakes—so much so that it was impossible for the ial g to get into the Fox river,
as it seems that the running water is their natural resting-place during the
cold weather.

Should any further explanation be necessary I should be glad to hear from

you. Z
Respectfully,
Henry KLeEINeE.

RECORD OF OARP TAKEN FROM FOX LAKE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A

WARDEN.

October 15, CAKP: SACULO aa 6.6 oie .6 nm pie pin seine words <= 0d lap pra 2,000 lbs
October 23, GATP SCGULED «.0..)15jci eens vr orem nines 00s =5 0.005 ¥en 750 lbs
October 24, carp sOCured. .2 5 -... 2... anne oseccceceses cosaed samen 900 Ibs
October 25, carp SOCUTCO. . «0... ccc ccacdyseaceredevbvtcs swiea Leen 750 Ibs
October 28, carp SOCULEE <1. 2 Li. bie scolds de ae ae Oona veleeey oan 900 Ibs
October 29, Carp SECULEO! .. ooj0..cpe cen osc ines two vip esduman os hee ee 750 lbs
October 30, carp Secured 2 occ cece ce te sees s tae coe 900 lbs
Novembor 5; carp se@uréd 0) 60.000. Jodha e Ss oe oe op 900 Ibs
November 6; carp secured: ..:.......2... o.-0 «» «0s sees eee 750 ibs
November 7, Garp SOCUFEG..... > 0.600. cases op argneuccce et ene 900 lbs
November. 12,.carp S6CUFOd foc. avs ss cacc caves sceelsun aucun 960 lbs
November 13, Garp S@Cured . ..c0 .. cose ccets ov ene sens coe een 900 Ibs
November 14; carp Secured. 005... cc oe dics wants obec eee 900 lbs
November 19, carp’ S6Cured . ii... fis even vewenwliccs cpewee nee 750 lbs
December |, 3,.carp S6CUredis iu... cicscis < itecws vied tle cos dee bene ee 700 lbs
December 17, Carp. SECULGCS .. ......sis:0 «ov cieis duines were cles chose dee enn 4,025 lbs
December 18; Garp S@CUTEd. ......... cuss» wows oncce sn nus cee enn 4,200 lbs
December 19, carp secured... 6.0.20. oe. cbse eecc dccudee canna 4,025 lbs
December 20, carp secured. . 0056.0. ee SO a 4,025 lbs
December 21, carp: SOGULEG. 2:5. :.c nf ticts sje 2eks 2. e didicicl bald « eee ee 5,005 lbs
Dacember 23, Cary. SOCUPOd,... since. oFeink ewidienine're as twee ames ae 4,800 lbs
December 24, Carp: SACU... oo ics cee + aoe cc ee neue ces cmnls see 800 lbs
Sold TAPMSLS. See's dos oie crc re was ae ev ag cies se aetelete neh eee oer 950 Ibs

Total carp: S0CRred. .wiwcwiG. sie ovale b.clca ce ta knack be . 41,540 lbs

November 1—3 crappy.

November 2—1 pickerel.

November 4—5 crappy.

November 5—1 pike.

November 8—4 crappy.

November 10—3 crappy, 6 pickerel.
November 11—6 crappy, 1 pickerel.
November 12—8 crappy, 2 pickerel.
November 14—2 small-mouth bass.
November 15—1 Muskelonge. :
November 17—I2 crappy, 6 pickerel, 1 pike.
November 19—7 crappy.

November 21—2 crappy, 3 pickerel.
November 22—7 crappy.

November 23—1 muskelonge, 2 small-mouth bass.
November 24—14 crappy.

November 25—4 pickerel, 2 pike.
November 26—2 crappy.

November 29—2 crappy.

November 30—6 pickerel.

December 1—18 pickerel.

December 13—4 crappy, 4 pike.

17

BURLINGTON, IA., Feb. 2, 1903.
S. P. Bartlett, Esq., Supt. Quincy, Iil.:

Following is a record of the seining done at Carthage Lake under special
permit for 1902-1903, for removal of objectionable fish:

March 13—‘‘ West of the fill ’’ Four hauls, about 1,500 pounds, mostly
buffalo, balance carp. Fair showing of game fish, crappie and bass. One
thousand pounds skipjacks.

March 22—‘‘ West fill.”’ Four hauls, about 2,500 pounds, mostly carp,
about 300 pounds game, about 800 pounds refuse.

March 25—‘‘ West fill.’’ Four hauls, about 200 pounds carp and buffalo,
about 300 pounds game, 500 pounds refuse.

April 9—‘‘ West fill.”’ Three hauls, about 250 pounds buffalo, 300 pounds
game, 400 pouads refuse.

Carthage Lake proper. Three hauls, about 1,200 pounds, nearly all carp,
about 350 pounds game, some fine bass, 100 pounds refuse.

April 15.—Carthage Lake. Five hauls, about 1,500 pounds, mostly carp,
600 pounds game, 300 pounds refuse.

April 17—Carthage Lake. Seven hauls, about 600 pounds buffalo and
perch, 500 pounds game, 100 pounds refuse.

April 22—Carthage Lake. Five hauls, about 300 pounds carp, 500 pounds
game, (300 pounds one hau!) bass, pike, crappie; 100 pounds refuse.

May 2—Carthage Lake. Four hauls on the flats, about 2,200 pounds carp,
500 pounds game, 200 pounds refuse.

May 5—Carthage Lake. Seven hauls, all over the lake, about 800 pounds
carp, 300 pounds game, 300 pounds refuse.

May 7—‘‘West fill.”? Four hauls, about 1,000 pounds, nearly all buffalo,
Eame fish light, put about 200 pounds crappie in Carthage Lake; 250 pounds
refuse.

May 12—‘‘West fill.’’ Four hauls, about 800 pounds carp, buffalo and
spoons. Very fine game, 200 pounds refuse.

May 14—‘‘ West fill.’ River five feet three inches, raising rapidly for
week or ten days. Five hauls, about 600 pounds carp, cat, spoons and
buffalo. Very few game fish; 100 pounds refuse. Owing to excessively
high water we were unable to do any work until July Ist.

July 1—‘‘ West fill,’’ four hauls, about 500 pounds buffalo and spoons, 50
pounds goggle-eye, 100 pounds refuse. River about 6 feet. |

July 2—‘‘West fill,’’ four hauls, about 400 pounds buffalo and spoons, 50 ~-
pounds goggle, 100 pounds refuse.

July 8—'‘ West fill,’’ four hauls, about 600 pounds buffalo and spoons, few
carp and cat. Game fish fair showing, 150 pounds refuse.

July 9—Carthage Lake, five hauls, about 700 pounds, mostly carp; 100
pounds game, 200 pounds refuse. High water again shut us out.

August 6—‘‘ West fill,’’ four hauls, about 1,000 pounds buffalo, spoons and
cat, fair showing game, 200 pounds refuse.

August 8—‘‘ West fill,’’ four hauls, about 250 pounds spoons and buffalo, fine
lot crappie, few pike, 150 pounds refuse.

August 11—‘‘West fill,’ three hauls, about 100 pounds buffalo, cat, carp,
fine showing of goggle-eye, 100 pounds refuse.

Owing to heavy rains past few days fishermen unable to get into the lake.
Water coming out over fishway at terrible speed. Lake 8 to 10 inches higher
than the river.

—2F OC

18

August 15—Carthage Lake, four hauls, about 850 pounds carp and buffalo;
fine showing bass, crappie, sunfish and pike, 200 pounds refuse.

August 17—Carthage Lake, four hauls. ‘‘West fill,’’ two hauls, about 350
pounds buffalo and carp, fine showing game fish in Carthage Lake. Heavy
rain Sunday evening and night raises the river 15 inches, also raises Carthage
Lake considerably. Too high for good mark.

August 29—‘‘ West fill,’’ four hauls, about 250 pounds buffalo and cat, few
carp. Water fell so fast fish ran to river.

September 3—Carthage Lake, four hauls, about 1,000 pounds, mostly buf-
falo, balance carp, about 400 pounds game. 400 pounds refuse.

September 4—Carthage Lake, five hauls, about 600 pounds carp and buf-
falo, good game showing.

September 10—Carthage Lake, six hauls, about 600 pounds carp and bnuf-
falo, 400 pounds game.

September 16—Running Slough Lake, five hauls, about 700 pounds carp and
buffalo, 300 pounds game, 300 pounds refuse.

Sept. 18—Carthage Lake. Five hauls, about 250 pounds carp and buffalo,
300 pounds game fish.

Sept. 25—Carthage Lake. Two hauls, about 1,600 pounds, all buffalo, 150
pounds game, 500 pounds refuse.

River rising fast, 6 to 10 inches a day. Fishgate under again (Sept. 27).

Sept. 20—Carthage Lake. Five hauls on the flats, about 1,500 pounds carp,
300 pounds game, 300 pounds refuse. ‘i

Oct. 1—Carthage Lake. Five hauls, about 350 pounds small buffalo, 500
pounds game fish, 300 pounds refuse.

Oct. 9—Rean Lake. One haul, few game fish only. Carthage Lake. Four
hauls, about 350 pounds carp, 300 pounds game, 300 pounds refuse.

Oct. 15—Running Slough Lake. Three hauls, about 800 pounds carp and
buffalo, 400 pounds game; 32 bass, one haul, weighing 1 to 4 pounds each;
500 pounds refuse.

Oct. 29—Carthage Lake. Five hauls on the flats, wind blowing a hurri-
cane, about 275 pounds carp and buffalo, 300 pounds game fish.

‘SOUNDER THE IOK.”’

Jan. 1—Carthage Lake. Two hauls—the first haul was over 44-mile long,
took 12,000 pounds skipjacks, 150 pounds game, and only 3 or 4 buffalo.

Second haul up the lake toward the flats, no coarse fish worth mentioning,
350 pounds refuse, but a fine catch of game, estimated at 1,200 pounds.

The scarcity of coarse fish was astounding as these two hauls were in deep
water, where it is reasonable to expect big catches in winter season. The
fishermen say it might be possible the coarse fish went out on the last rise
when me va reached nearly 6 feet before freezing, or they may have gone
on to the flats.

Jan. 3—Running Slough Lake. One haul, about 50 pounds goggle-eye, no
coarse fish; slime and mud something terrible. Fishermen think it possible
the fish are up on the flats; they couldn’t very well work out of this lake,
connecting it to Carthage lake, frozen solid.

Jan. 5—Carthage Lake. One haul on the flats. Catch nothing. Mud and
a so bad couldn’t work. Compelled take some up, impossible to make
aul.

Jan. 31—‘‘ West fill.’”’ One haul, 2,000 pounds skips, about 500 pounds buf-
falo, 500 pounds game; the big end of the game were white bass from, 1 to
22 pounds each; fine crappie and sunfish. These fish had worked in here
since freezing up, as there has been good stage water all winter. The bass

19

will undoubtedly run to the river the first sign of breaking up, as they are
strictly river fish, although we had a nice lot in the lake, right along, and I
have evidence of their spawning there last year.

We see a few right along while pening: This season has been the most
peculiar both as regards water and fish I ever experienced. No fish taken
anywhere to what there usually is.

ILLEGAL SIZED FISH.

As before noted, our wardens in Chicago have taken large quanti-
ties of fish from the dealers which fell below the specified legal size,
and to the credit of the dealers we can say that, as a rule, they have
voluntarily surrendered such fish. These fish were turned over to
the various charitable institutions of Cook county from whose offi-
cials the wardens take a proper receipt for them, and in turn the
wardens give their receipts to the dealers.

Our warden, Mr. G. W. Glynn, reports 50 barrels thus disposed of,
and Mr. G. R. Ratto probably collected and dispensed as many more,
in a similar manner. This mode of procedure has had very much to
do with the decrease of shipment of illegal sized fish to Chicago
markets.

Our instructions to our wardens have always been to notify all
dealers having small fish in their possession that they must not be
offered for sale, and to make arrests only when efforts to sell were
persistent.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

We desire to acknowledge our indebtedness to the various railroad
managements of the State for their courtesy and liberality. The
assistance they have rendered us in the transportation of our fish for
distribution has enabled us to make the distribution as extensive as
it was. Only courteous treatment has been accorded us by the man-
agement and officials with whom we have come in contact. We are
under special obligations to the following roads: Chicago, Burling-
ton & Quincy railroad, Wabash railroad, Illinois Central railroad,
Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad, Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis
railroad, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, Chicago, Elgin &
Kastern railroad, Wabash, Chester & Western railroad, Toledo,
Peoria & Western railway, Fulton County Narrow Guage railway,
Peoria & Eastern (Big Four) railroad.

During the past two seasons, as for many previous ones, the
United States Fish Commission has placed us under obligations for
the use of its cars and messengers, and for valuable assistance in
other ways, and we desire to express our appreciation of their aid.
The U.S. commissioner is doing great work and shows a wonderfully
practical administration in the operation of his department.

To the press of the State are we also greatly indebted. They have
always been ready to help us when publicity regarding our work
would be of interest to the public.

20

We desire to acknowledge the ready assistance we have received
from the Executive, Governor Yates, who has stood by us at all
times, and has shown a lively interest in our work, and given ita
great deal of personal attention.

To Prof. S. A. Forbes we are indebted for the very valuable paper
in the appendix to this report. aving been in course of prepara-
tion for a number of years, at great expense, it could hardly have
been expected that we should have been permitted to publish it first,
but he has generously given it to us and we give it to the public as
one of the most valuable contributions of the kind ever published.
We are also indebted to Professor Forbes for the use of the colored
plates found in this report.

CHANGE IN COMMISSION,

Mr. A. F. Gartz previous to close of Governor Tanner’s adminis-
tration tendered his resignation.

Governor Yates appointed to succeed him the Hon. August Lenke,
of Chicago, [ll. Mr. Lenke was connected with the commission for
three years during Governor Tanner’s administration.

SUMMARY,

The increase of public interest in the protection and distribution
of fish warrants the belief that satisfactory results of the work must
have been noted in the increase of fish throughout the State and in
the volume of fish taken for commercial purposes. Of the value of
fish as a food supply there can be no question, and the necessity for
using such measures as will insure the greatest possible increase of
the supply needs no argument. Among the various articles of food
the supply of fish has been so plentiful that it alone has escaped the
exaggerated rise in prico commanded by other commodities, and in
many sections of the State it is the chief dependence for the poor.
The attention given and money spent in this work by the U.S, Fish
Commission should convince any one of its importance and value to
the people.

Quite $600,000 is annually appropriated by Congress for the U. S..
Fish Commission for its work, which shows that great results must
have been achieved in its work. Every state in the Union receives
its share of the benefit of this work, and Illinois has been given aid
which enabled us to reap the fullest benefits of the naturally produc-
tive waters of the State. The national commission has loaned us
the use of its cars and messengers to aid in our distribution, and has
given us an equitable share of the products of its work for our
waters.

The enforcement of the laws has been greatly improved, and al-
though violations are still frequent no such wholesale slaughter as
was prevalent a few years ago exists now. The markets of the State
are clear of small fish and the knowledge that their sale will not be

\

21

permitted has done much to prevent the catch of illegal sized fish.
Chicago’s lake front is no longer covered with the great dip nets
that two years ago lined the docks. In brief, your commissioners
have endeavored to make the laws respected and obeyed.

For the first time in the history of the commission the State
authorities have taken part in the enforcement of the laws relating
to the protection of fish in Lake Michigan, and white fish and trout
are again being seen in the lower end of the lake where they were
once so plentiful, but of late years nearly extinct.

The lakes along the Illinois river which for years have been re-
garded as worthless, are being taken up and cared for, either for the
production of fish for commercial use or as preserves for club
purposes.

On the whole, we have nothing but improvement to note, and we
feel sure that with proper laws, rigorously enforced, the waters of
the State will do much toward the furnishing of food for the people
and with the natural increase in the population will come greater
necessity for bringing about such conditions as will make the supply
equal the demand.

OARP.

First now among our fish as a money and food producer, stands
the carp. Every year adds to its popularity as such, and the preju-
dice so long existing is fast disappearing as the facts are brought
out regarding this wonderful fish.

The carp, from its marvelous growth and reproductive powers,
gives back to our almost depleted streams, a substitute for the coarse
fish, depended upon so universally for food, 7. e., the buffalo.

The catch of carp was considerably reduced during last season,
owing to very high stage of water, but while this has been a great
loss to the commercial fishing industry, it has been the means of
giving a greater increase in fish than usual.

The rivers at a flood stage all season enabled fish to spawn, ma-
ture and escape into the river without the great loss following the
decline in the river, when so many thousands of fish perish, being
caught in the shallow ponds and retained there until the water evap-
orates and all life in them perishes.

It is not generally known, and it is in the nature of a surprise to
us, that so few are aware that the carp are easily taken on hook and
line, and when hooked make a vigorous fight. We havea great many
inquiries from all parts of the State asking if carp can be taken with
hook, and if so, what bait is used.

Carp not only take the hook, but are the best of all our fishes to
bite to hook and line. They make a great fight and are second to
the black bass alone in that respect. The mouth, closing on line,
prevents the usual “drowning” of the fish, and they fight until tired
out before giving up.

Ordinary ship stuff, boiled so as to make a paste of the consistency
of putty, is the best bait. Dough (corn meal), well worked in with

22

ordinary cotton batting, so that it will not so quickly dissolve, is also
a good bait. Raw potatoes, fried so as to be tough (not crisp) is a
good bait. Use ordinary hook and line; attach sinker about a foot
above hook, so it will be on bottom of river or lake and bait float up,
and will produce results.

At all points along the Mississippi river, great quantities are taken
with hook and line. On the Illinois river they are constantly fished
for. The writer counted one day over one thousand people with
hook and line in a distance of three miles, along the river front at
Peoria, and nearly all were taking carp. Nearly all so caught are
used for food, and with a knowledge how to cook them properly, they
constitute a very valuable addition to the table.

Carp should be killed as soon as caught, bled thoroughly, laid in
salt water for several hours, par boiled and baked or broiled. We
find them on a large majority of the hotel tables under some other
name than carp, it is found on menu as “blue fish,” “bass,” “pike,”
“white fish.’ They are eaten every day by hotel patrons and
enjoyed.

The president of the commission, Mr. Cohen, had occasion to go
to New York to attend a meeting of the fish commissioners, and
while there happened into the “Waldorf Astoria” hotel, and found
on menu, carp quoted at the same price per portion as fresh mackerel,
etc. He told the story on his return, and found a number of doubters
in his audience. He wrote the chef asking for a copy of menu,
which was sent him with an autograph letter. This has been repro-
duced in electrotype and we publish it herewith. Wetake the liberty
of giving herewith a copy of a receipt sent us by Doctor Weiss of
Ottawa. He says, “I have found the perfected product equal to the
imported article.

CARP OMELET OR OARP JELLY. (SWEDISH.)

‘* Take a six or eight pound carp; scale ard skin. Leave head and skin.
Cut into small pieces and place in boiling water just sufficient to cover and
add salt, coarsely ground pepper, alspice and a bay leaf or two. Boil about
20 minutes or until perfectly soft. Remove from fire, remove pieces of fish
from the water. Break the pieces so as to be able to remove all of the bones
thoroughly. Skin fins and head pieces. Strain liquid through a colander
and if necessary add a cupfull of gelatine, previously dissolved, to this
liquid. At the same time add such other spices as may be desired. Add the
original pieces of fish to the liquid or gelatinized liquid. Stir and place on
ice until solidified.”’

Owing to the very rapid increase of carpin the small rivers and inland
lakes, when no provision of law allows the use of the seine or net, we
have given permits to have them caught by use of the seine, under
the supervision of one of our wardens, paying the expense of the
work and warden from the product. This applies to Fox lake, Fox
river, Calumet lake and river, Rock river and a number of lakes
throughout the State.

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LETTER FROM CHEF, WALDORF-ASTORIA.

Cafe Luncheon.

CAPE CODS 35 LYNNHAVENS 35 BLUEPOINTS 26
Radishes 20 Bigluga Caviare 1 50 Spiced Cantaloupe 30 Sardines 35 Stuffed Olives 35
Lyon Sausage 50 Celery 50 30 Pickled Beets 30 Thon Marin640 Anchovy Salad 50
Rivne California Olives 25 Pearl Onions 25 Spring Onions 25 Pin-Money Pickles 20

Croam Parmentier 50 JO Sagou 35 20
Petits Marmite 50 Chicken Sroth per exp 30 Crofite au pot 40 Tomato Soup 40 23
Chicken Broth. Bellevue 60 per cup 30 Clam Broth per cup 25 Pea Soup 39 25
Strained Gombo75 | VUhicken Okra 6035 Mock Turtle6@ Jiulicnne 40

Green Turtle 1 00 Mongol 40
———————— .
Gyster Crabs 1 00 60 Sfiad Roe 40 Soft Shell Crabs 1 00 Shad 80
English Sole 1 00 Brook Trout 1 00
x Carp. Rhine Wine sauce 65 40 Suelta, Melba 73 40 Kingfish, Bonne-femme 85 60
Rluetish. Italian sauce 70 40 5 Baked Halibut with cream 70

Fresh Mackerel, Maitre d’Hotel 65 Weakfish saute with butter 65 40
Eggs Monseigneur 50

Broiled Mushrooms 1 00 Terrapin 3 00
Lamb Chops, Fremeuse 70 40 Fried Calf’s Brains, Tomato sauce 66 40
Ham with spinach 65 40 : Alguillettes of Filet, Poivrade sauce 85 30
Navarin of Mutton, Parisiontte 65 40 Croquettes Panachées with green peas 65 40
Roast Lamb 65 40 Roast Squab Chicken 1 % ‘Roast Chicken 200 100°
Roast Turkey 1 00 60 Roast Mutton 60 35 Roast: Beef 60 £0
Brolled Turkey 3-00 half 1 50 Breiled Chicken 2 00 half 160 Sqnab Chicken 1 25 76
Broiled Pullet 3 00 half § 50 Squav 80) ~~ | Duckling 2 00 half 1.00
- Squab Guinea Hen 4 i roe
Canvas Back 4 00 Rail Birds 100. Red Head 3 50 Ruddy 2 00 Plover %
Mallard 1 50 ‘Bravt Duck 1 60 Snipe 75
Potatoes Pont-Neuf 30 20 New Asparagus 1 00° _. Okra, German style 50
Beets 80 Spinach 40+ Sweet Potatoes 30° Cauliflower 60 Boiled Potatoes 25 16
Fried Egg Plant 4025 | Succotash 40 Squash 4 Fresh Artichoke 60
French eee 126 Onions 4025 Plain Rice 20 Stuffed Tomatoes 60
Braised Lettuce 60 ‘Bermuda Potatoes 30 20 Lima Beans 50

Mashed Turnips 40 Fresh String Beans 75 Sweet Red Peppers 50
Stewed Tomatoes su Gicsor Ey, Asparagus 75 Cépes 60
D

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Game Pie 100 60 Brook Trout in jelly 1 00 Chaudfroid de volaille 1 25
Lamb 6640 “Tenderloin of Beef 125 75 Syuab Chicken 1 25 75 Chicken 200 100
Piokled Pig's Fast 40 Pickled Lamb’s Tongue 50 30 ‘Boned Turkey 100 60
Orab, Ravigotte50 fam 5030 Virginia Ham 76 Westphalia Ham 75 40
Spring Lamb 1 ,00 Squab 80 Duckling 2.00 i 00

Watercress 40 25 Leftuce and Grapefruit 60 35 Waldorf 60 40 Lobster 1 06 60
Chicken 100 60 Rissian100 Romaine 6035 Dandelion40 Monk’s Beard 40 25
Celery 50 30 Cold Slaw, Egg dressing 40 | Cucumber 6 35 Tomato 60 35
Cotery Knobs 40 25 Lettuce 5030 —-Fetticus 40 95 Ohicory 5030 Escarole 50 30

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Gorgonzola 88 20 22515 dam 30 20 Brie 80 20 Neufchatel 35
Oream Gervais 25. quefort 30,20 Philadelphia Cream 2% 15 Port Salut 30 20
English Dairy 95 15 Camembert 80 20 merican 20 16.
Cheddar 80 20 Stilton 40 23 Canadian 25 Pont IByéque 30 20
Strawberries 50 30 ; . King Tangerines 25 _ Oranges 25 15
Bananas 20 Apples % Malaga Grapes 50 30 Pears 60 35 Grapefruit 50 80
Cassava Pudding 40 25 Kuemme! Omelette Soumiée 50 - Peach Pie 20
Lemon Custard Pie 20 Chocolate Baba 30

Assorted Eclairs 25 Snvarin % Baba 25 Charlotte Russe 25 Caramel Custard 30
Waldorf oe 26 Bar-te-duo Strawberries 40 Fruit Cake 25 Astoria Jelly 25
Assorted Cakes 25 Strawberry Short Cake 50
Barle-duc Jelly 40 Apple Pie 20 Pound Cake 25

Apricot, Pineapple, Raspberry, Lemon or Orange Water Ice 25
Strawberry, Vanilla, Coffee, Chocolate or Pistache Ice Cream 256. Mixed 80
Toed Cotfee 20 = After Dinner Coffee Cup 15 Café Parfait 25 Butter Milk 10
Half Portions are served in Café and to one Person only,

JOHANNIS-LITHIA 40 20
THE WALDORF-ASTORIA Wednesday, April 16, 1902

MENU, WALDORF-ASTORIA, NEW YORK.

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STEAMER ‘“‘ILLINOIS.’’

23

REPORT OF OAPTAIN GEO. T. WILLIAMS, S&S EAMER ILLINOIS,

To S. P. Bartlett, Secretary State Fish Commission:

Steamer Illinois.—Mileage from Oct. 1 to Nov. 5, 1901, was 1,613 miles, col-
lecting 18,000 young fish for distribution, covering territory from Keokuk,
Ia., on the Mississippi river, to Peru, IIl., on the Illinois river; laid up at
Quincy, Ill., on Nov. 5, 1901; boat went in commission April 1, 1902; leaving
winter anchorage at 10:30 a. m. April 5, and, coaling up, left Quincy on
April 3 for Illinois river; from that date until July 1 patrolled the I[ilinois
river, making a mileage of 2,955 miles. The log shows the work of season
of 1902 as follows: 3d, run from Quincy to Grafton; 4th, Grafton to Beards-
town; 6th, Beardstown to Peoria, waiting orders; 8th, Peoria to Peru; 9th,
Peru to Chillicothe; 10th, Chillicothe to Peoria, taking up four nets, warning
ten fishermen; llth, Peoria to Beardstown, taking up 41 nets, warning 14
fishermen; 13th, Beardstown to Meredosia, taking up 31 nets; 14th, Mere-
dosia to Kampsville, removed 61 nets; 16th Kampsville to Grafton, removed
31 nets, warning all fishermen to remove nets or would take them on return
trip; laid up at Grafton 17th and 18th; left Grafton 19th for Kampsville; 20th,
Kampsville to up creek and removed 14 nets; same at Barlow ditch, remov-
ing four nets; laid up at Beardstown; 21st, Beardstown to Peoria. stopped at
Sugar creek and removed ten nets, awaiting orders at Peoria; April 23, left
Peoria, stopping at Chillicothe, Lacon and Henry, returning to Peoria; 26th,
ran to Kingston, river free from nets; 28th, returned to. Peoria; May 1,
Peoria to Havana, taking down 64 nets; 4th, Havana to Valley City, removed
31 nets, seven baskets; 6th, left Vailey City, run to Beardstown and went up
to Sangamon bay, removing eight nets; 8th, returned to Peoria. waiting
orders; 9th to 18th, made short trips in and out Peoria, removing 136 nets;
18th, Peoria to Meredosia; 19th, Meredosia to Clarksville, Mo.; 20th, Clarks-
ville, Mo., to Quincy, Iil.; 22d, Hannibal to Quincy; 23d, Quincey to Keokuk,
Ia.; 24th, Keokuk to Quincy; 25th and 26th, laid over at Quincy; 27th, left
Quincy for Illinois river, arriving at Grafton at 12:00 p. m., 120 miles,
Beardstown at 10;00 p. m., day’s run 240 miles; May 28, Beardstown to
Peoria, river high, practically free from nets; May 29, Peoria to Henry;
30th, Henry to Peoria; June 1 to 4, laid at Peoria; 5th, Peoria to Kingston
and return; 6th, Peoria to Valley City; 7th, Valley City to Beardstown; 8th,
Beardstown to Havana; 9th, Havana to Peoria; llth, Peoria to Chillicothe;
13th, Chillicothe to Peoria; 15th. Peoria to Kingston; 17th, Kingston to
Beardstown; 18th, Beardstown to Kingston; 19th, Kingston to Naples; 20th,
Naples to St. Louis; 23d, St. Louis to Grafton; 24th, Grafton to Meredosia;
26th, Meredosia to Peoria; 27th to July 3, laid at Peoria; July 3, Peoria to
Beardstown; 4th, Beardstown; 5th, Beardstown to Meredosia and return to
Beardstown; 6th to 10th, worked about Beardstown, Sangamon bay and
creek, river very high and but four nets; llth, run to Peoria; 12th, Peoria
to Peru; 13th, Peru to Peoria; [4th, Peoria to Chillicothe and return to
Peoria; 17th, Peoria to Pekin and return to Peoria; 20th, commenced work-
ing or collecting fish, taking 6,000 small black bass; 22d, worked about
Peoria, 5,500 black bass; 23d, worked back to Peoria and down to Havana
Park. 1,500 bass; 24th, Havana te Copperas creek dam, river rising fast, no
nets, water out into the woods; 25th, Copperas creek to Peoria; 25th to 30th,
laid at Peoria, water too high for work; 30th, Peoria to Peoria lake, back to
Peoria; 3lst, Peoria lake, 600 bass; Aug. 1 to 5, laid at Peoria; 5th, Peoria to
Naples; 6th, Naples to Peoria; 7th, Peoria to Henry; 8th, Henry to Peoria;
9th and 10th, laid at Peoria; 11th, Peoria to Pekin; 12th, Pekin to Peoria;
13th, laid_at Peoria; 14th, Peoria to Pekin; 15th, Pekin to Peoria; 16th,
Peoria to Meredosia; 17th, Meredosia to Beardstown; 18th to 23d, working
from Beardstown to Kingston; 24th, Kingston to Pekin; 26th, Pekin to
Peoria; 27th, run to Kingston; 29th, Kingston to Beardstown; Aug. 30,
Beardstown to Meredosia; Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, worked from Meredosia to
Beardstown; Sept. 4, Beardstown, Browning, Frederick and returo to
Beardstown; 5th to 10th, working Beardstown to Meredosia; 11th, 12th and
13th, working Beardstown to Clear lake; 14th, Clear lake to Peoria; 15th,
Peoria to Chillicothe; 16th, Chillicothe to Pekin; 17th-20th, Pekin to King-
ston and return to Pekin; 2lst, Pekin to Meredosia, where I delivered my

24

Joad of fish; 22d, Meredosia to Stay Island, Mo.; 23d, Stay Island to Quincy;
26h, Quincy to St. Louis, 165 miles; 27th, St. Louis to Valley City; 28th,
Valley City to Pekin; Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, working at Pekin and below to
Beardstown; 2d, Beardstown to Meredosia; 3d, Meredosia to Valley City;
4th, Vailey City to Meredosia; 5th to 8th, working Meredosia and Havana;
9th, Havana to Peoria; 10th, Peoria to Pekin; 13th, Pekin to Peoria; 15th,
Peoria to Meredosia; 16th to 22d, Meredosia to Havana; 23d, Havana to
Peoria; 26th, Peoria to Meredosia; 27th, Meredosia to Clarksville, Mo.; 28th,
Clarksville to Quincey; Oct. 29 to Nov. 15, working sloughs about Quincy.
Total miles during season, 6,133.

The lilinois river has been very high, and the use of seines and nets since
July 15 has not been general. The water in the woods most of the time has
made collection difficult. I have .voided, as far as possible, any litigation,
and have, as instructed by Mr. Cohen, undertaken the milder methods of
warning all fishermen and removing nets without destroying same. The
season for the market fishermen has been unprofitable. The better class of
fishermen and dealers are in sympathy with the enforcement of the law, and
have aided me very greatly in my work. The crew have worked hard, and
discipline has been good. The boat goes to bank in good condition. I take
the liberty of recommending more steam capacity, wih new heaters. The
boat will then, I think, fill all requirements as to speed and economy in use
of coal. Agreeable to your instructions, I did what I could to aid the fam-
ilies of residents of overflooded bottoms, and held the boat in radius for res-
cue services for several days.

Respectfully submitted,
Gro. T. WILLIAMS,
Master Steamer Illinois and Chief Warden Steamer Illinots.

LIST OF FISH WARDENS.

G. R. Ratto, deceased....JJune 12, 1901|June 19,1901|Chicago, 3827 Indiana AV. .<c-..ssee=seeceee
IR SIGOS Ao. ovens secu ecicennen d OO ..costhes Homer, Champaign Co.......-..-.---+0-s
Max Gallagher.,..........].. do 18, 1901) Lincoln, Logan county....................
Charles D. Mulford...... June 19,1901)June 22,1901|Belvidere. Boone county ..................
James W. Hunter........}.. do GGistaecere Ramsey, Fayette county ........-..--...-.
Chiarlesir Hixsonl:se. cc nee GOlne sence ee) cence es Peoria. Peoria county:..s sass caneneweneene
RYE Scotford ves ceseee. 24,1901) Hinsdale, DuPage county................ L
Thos, McDermott. sc. 2c cch 2 Oseaceles valk O)coocnese Ottawa, LaSalle county........ oe cee eerie
W.H. Moore, deceased..}.. do ........J.. do ........ Danville, Vermilion county...-...........
THOS WiHAMS, cocccesceedes GO sccocse ae ooee eves (Quincy, Adams COUNtYy.ccce seuneeeseeuege
Thomas Berry.... -jJuly 9,1901)July 9,1901}Havana, Mason county....................
Louis Bernero.. -|June 19,1901)July 16,1901)Somonauk, DeKalb county.

. E. Benard...... --jJuly 23,1901}July 25,1901] Hammond, Piatt county.........
Charles Keith.... --/Aug. 3,190 . 9,1901/Shawneetown. Gallatin county. ae
Adolph O. Schreibe edo . 9,1901/Chicago, 3455 Grand ay.......... inane
William D. Milner........].. . 15,1901;]Orchardville, Wayne county..............

Uliamublarticnoceccswscetes 9,1901/ Charleston. Coles county..................

Se WoGlyniieeee seco es Aug. 19,1901) Rockford, Winnebago............-...-..--
Leonard Wilmoth......../Sept. . 20,1901; Milford, Iroquois county...............-.-
Oy Milton eneketscckecs Sept. . 23,1901] Belle Rive, St. Clair county...............
Henry Dayment.......... Oct. 14,1901) Chicago, 200 Lake st...........--.....ss0e-8
ASE. Whitert6..Joceceesecdien 24,1901) Manito, Mason county...........-...-.-.--
Charles A. Nichols....... Oct. 22,1901) Urbana, Champaign county...............
Wapttluiehttooteescusoues Mar. . 2, 1902] Lola, Clay county.......tecubuceas auneeenee
John Jungles.............]-. . ~9,1902| Joliet, Will county..:...3. lc caseeueeeenenee
AN Greenleaf 3. 3e25 285 Mar. . 11,1902) Jacksonville, Morgan county..... ccenehen
Greant Dewey............ Apritaylsozne Spi eh |e ta cee ~ Calhoun county..... etek ates
George W. Sweatman ...|.. . 12,1902)Belvidere, Boone county........-..--...--
GeO Alietivecs. cataaeout hes . 9,1902}Belvidere, Boone county.............-....
COTTON ees. Se Sele . 11,1902/Gross Point, Cook county.................
George B. Kleinman.....}.. . 16,1902)/Chicago, Cook county ..........-..----.---
EK. E. Caldwell............ Apr. . 11,1902) Havana, Mason county........-.........-.

Peter McCoy ............. May 14,1902|Dixon, Lee County... ..... cc. .cucpenmacene

25

List of Fish Wardens—Concluded.

SMNMINGOKG, sc sccascoccneuc Feb. 24,1902)Feb. A 1902|Berlin, Sangamon county ...........-....-
William Curran.......... June 5,1902;/Aug. 22,1902 cs ee Center av., Ghiesco! for Cook, Lake
d McHenry Countleg:... 4c. udsfeseses

Martin A. Howell, Jr....|.. OOrseneeer July 12,1902 MeHenry, McHenry county, for Lake
=O MoHenry counties... 2.2. .ccccscces

DL MOHONEY .cceccccess oly 7¢1902||.3; Ovaesae- <> Carmi, White county.....:...cc.cccccceecs
Holmesihinising: -..5..055|.. dO) ..c. sce July 9,1902 White "Hall, Green county..........-..+00
Milo L. oo ae Sse anal lac ae vomoldacte July 12,1902 Colchester, McDonough county ..........
Jas. L. Wise........- ieee lane 15,1902] + Summer, Lawrence county ...............
Edward K. Peeciaad: Seweiness Aug. 18,1902 Sandwittl DeKalb county.............-..-
Charles B. Kaymond.....|.. aoe Sueateeallion GOV seen. Williamsfield, Knox county.............-.

Wels AStMAN. 6c.5...5--- Sept. 8,1902)Nov. 14,1902)/Moline, Rock Island COUN ccee er cesecacce

* No commission; no oath filed. + No commission issued; no oaths filed.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, J. W. SCOTT, JR., BERLIN, ILL.

No arrests. No convictions.
We have the Sangamon river partly in county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, LOUIS RERNERO, DEKALB COUNTY.

Number of arrests, four.

Number of convictions, four.

Amount of fees collected, $100.

We have the following streams, Indian creek, Big rock, Kishwaukee river.
There are no dams on above streams.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, W. H. MOORE, DANVILLE, VERMILION COUNTY, ILLe

Number of arrests, four.
Number of convictions, four.
Amount of fees collected, $50.

We have the following streams partly in our eounty, Vermilion, North
Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork.

Three dams in county all on North Fork.
All unprovided with fish ways.
The dams, however, are opened to suit the runs of fish.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, THOS. MCDERMOTT, OTTAWA, ILL.

No arrests. No convictions.

The following streams are partly in this county, Illinois river, Fox river,
Illinois and Michigan canal.

The dams at Dayton and Marseilles are both unprovided with fish ways.

I have erected warning signs at the half mile point, above and below dam
as instructed.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, C. H. STOWARD, PAXTON, ILL.

Number of arrests, 12.
Number of convictions, 18.
Amount of fees collected, $200.
Amount not collected, $100.

26

OFFICE OF GEORGE W. GLYNN, STATE FISH WARDEN.

Oct. 1, 1902.
Hon. N. H. Cohen, President Illinois Fish Commission:

Dear SiR:—Enclosed please find my report for the last 17 months, at which
time I was appointed and in fall of Oct. 1, 1902:

Total number of arrests, 37. y

At Chicago, 25.

Total amount of fines collected, $400.

Total at Chicago, $50.

Illegal and undersized fish taken, 50 barrels.

Total number of nets confiscated, 420.

Total confiscated at Chicago since April 15, 1902, 404.
Delivered to different sheriffs, destroyed and on hand, 404.

' Fishing derricks captured and destroyed, and removed on Lake Michigan
front since April 15, 1902, 782.

Value of derricks destroyed, $7,810.
Value of seines captured, $10,425.
Largest seine captured 712 feet long.
Largest gil net, 572 feet long.

Total amount of fish given to the different hospitals at Chicago, and to the
poor, 50 barrels.

Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE W. GLYNN.
State Fish Warden for Chicago and Fox Lake Region.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN J. ©. MILTON, BELLE RIVE, ILL

No arrest. No convictions.
No dams in county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN W. E. HART, CHARLESTON, ILL.

Number of arrest, 4.
Number of convictions, 2.
Amount of fees collected, not reported.

We have the following streams in ourcounty: Embarras river, Kickapoo
creek and Riley creek.

We have one dam ir our county. which is provided with a fish way and
which is in good order.

For the two years ending Sept. 30, show 33 fish traps destroyed. I have
served subpoenas to report to grand jury this fall.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN, WILLIAM B. MILNER, ORCHARDVILLE, ILL,

No arrest.
No convictions.
No fees collected.

27

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN A. SITES, HOMER, ILL.

Number of arrests, 110.

Number of convictions, 67.

Number of , 43.

Amount of fees collected, $200.
Unlawful seines and nets seized, 62.

The above service performed in Champaign, Tazewell, Marshall, Pekin
and Adams county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN A. O. 8OHRIBER, CHIGAGO, ILL.

Number of arrests, 5.

Number of convictions, 4.
Amount of fees collected, $100.
We have three dams in county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN LOUIS E, RENARD, HAMMOND, ILL,

No arrests.
No convictions.
No fees collseted.

Streams incounty: Sangamon river, Lake Fork of Okaw, Camp Creek,
Willow Branch and Wolf run, Goose Creek, Mudhen run and Friends Creek.

No dams in the county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN LEONARD WILMATH, MILFORD, ILL.

Number of arrests, 1.
Number of convictions, 1.
Amount of fees collected, $25.
eams in county—Sugar Creek, Iroquois Greek and Mud Greek.
No dams in county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDENA G, LIGHTFOOT, IOLA, ILL.—(Clay Co.)

Number of arrests, 1.

Number of convictions, none. Evidence defective.

No fees collected.

Streams in county: Little Wabash river, Dismal Creek and Crooked Creek"
No dams in county.

It is very diffisult to cated violators at work. I don’t believe there is &
jegal seine in tas county.

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN GEORGE KLEINMAN, OHIOAGO, ILL.

Numer of arrests, 9.

Namber of convictions, 5.

Amount of fees collected, $50.00.

Calumat river and lake and part of Wolt lake in my district.
I also submit my report for special work assigned me.

28

Nat Cohen, Esq., President Fish Commission, Urbana, IIil.:

Dear Srir—I make a report of what I have done along the lake and at Ore-
gon. In June Glynn and myself cleaned up the lake front from Fifty-fifth
street to Randolph street. We cut down and destroyed about 275 nets and
derricks and made six (6) arrests. Beside this I have taken thirty (30) nets
along the river. On August 17th I went to Oregon. I was there twelve days
and made eight (8) arrests. They were tried by jury, the jury disagreeing.
The cases were continued for ten (10) days, and when they were called again
the State’s attorney thought the best way was to dismiss them and have them
come up before the grand jury. When the grand jury met they were in-
dicted, but when the court was called it held that it had no jurisdiction; so
in that case they will have to come before the Supreme Court. My expenses
for the three trips to Oregon were about $88.00. 1 went to Waukegan and
located the fishermen there, and went there again in company with Palmer.
We waited until they came in with their nets. Captain Smith of the fishing
tug Elcie Nell was the first to arrive. We examined his nets and found them
all small mesh, and the same with Captain Nelson of the tug Hannah Sulli-
van. We then told them what we were there for. They said they had taken
up all their trout nets and were fishing for nothing but perch and herring. I
went down again on the 15th and examined their boats and fish, but found no
trout or white fish. On the 17th Palmer and I went there again and found
the fishing tug Ewig, from Port Washington, Captain Ewig in cothmand. We
examined his boat and fish, but found nothing but herring. On the 18th I
went to Kenosha, but found nothing there. All the fishermen along the lake
seemed to be glad to have the law enforced, and also to have the law the same
as in the other two states. Total expenses for those trips were $28.05.

Yours truly,
Gro. KLEINMAN. ~

REPORT OF FISH WARDEN GEORGE R. RATTO, CHICAGO, ILL.

The report herewith is only partial. Mr. Ratto died on :
Number of arrests, 21.

Number of convictions, 17.

Amount of fees collected, $210.00.

Jail sentences, 7.

I have taken and delivered to the various charitable institutions of Chicago
17,000 of small fish, and enclose herewith recept for the same,

To the Hon. N. H. Cohen, President Illinois Fish Commission, Urbana, Ill.:

I herewith submit my annual report as fish warden as follows: I received
my commission as fish warden on the llth day of April, 1902. On the 15th
day of April, 1902, I began speeial work in the enforcement of the net law,
commonly known as the closed season. I found the fishermen as a rule
willing to abide by the law ard removed their nets until June 1, 1902. Owing
to a large territory and the law being new, it was near the Ist of May before
all the nets were out, after which I confiseated ten nets and turned them
over to George Hoff, sheriff of Mason county.

There bas been no seining here in the Illinois river owing to high water,
the stage of the water breaking all_ records, consequently I have had but
very little trouvle from that point. The most trouble I have had is from the
shipment from small or under sized fish and the use of dynamite. I have
now in my possession evidence of the above which I believe will result in the
arrest and conviction of the violators. There has been some complaint of
open violations of all law in the extreme south end of Mason county, and it
' seems to me nearly impossible to reach the violators without a warden at
Browning, where the fish are sold. With a good man at that point, I think
the laws could be well enforced.

The above report I most respestfully submit.
KE. E. CALDWELL,
Warden,

29

REPORT OF E, E. CALDWELL, FISH WARDEN,

April 15, nets thrown down, 100; April 16, 17, 250; April 17, 115; April 18,
6, 75; April 19, 45, 325; April 21, 75; April 22, 33, 50; April 23,6, 50; April
24, —; April 25, 4; April 26, —; April 28, —; April 29, 35; April 30,—; May
1,3; May 2, 3; May 3, —; May 5, —; May 6, —; May 7, —; May 8. —; May
a aad 10, 5; May 12,3; May 13,7; May 14,6; May 15,5; May 16, 2;

a :—

BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS,

An act entitled, ‘‘An act to establish a Board of Commissioners to increase
the product of the fisheries, by artifical propagation and cultivation.’’ Aop-
proved May 13, 1879. In foree July 1, L. 1879, p. 171.

J 1. Board of Commissioners Created.] Sect onl. Be it enacted by the
People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That
it shall be the duty of the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Sen.
ate, to appoint three persons residents of this State, who shall constitute a
Board of Fish Commissioners. The persons so appointed shall hold their
offices for the respective terms of one, two and three years, the Governor
designating the term each member shall serve as said commissioner from
the time of their first appointment, and their successors to be appointed at
the expiration of the several terms of office, and shall each hold their terms
of office for three years.

{ 2. Duties.] ¢ 2. It shall be the duty of the persons so appointed to se-
lect suitable locations for State hatching and breeding establishments, take
all measures within their means for propagation and increase of the native
food fishes, and also for the introduction of new varieties of food fishes into
the public waters of the State, upon the best terms possible; to employ a
practical and competant fish culturist as a superintendent who shall have
general charge and care of such establishments, and perform ail such duties
as the commissioners shall direct. Said board shall not receive any compen-
sation for their services, but shall be reimbursed their actual expenditures
for traveling and hotel expenses, not to exceed in any event the sum of $300
per annum for the entire board. Provided, That if no appropriation be made
no expenses shall be incurred.

{ 3. Expenses—How Paid. ¢ 3. The said commissioners or any two of
them shall have authority to draw upon the State Treasurer from any appro-
priation made in pursuance of the purpose of this bill, as the same may be
required, to defray expenses incurred, and shall report to the Governor of
the State, all and singular, the items of such expenditures together with the
business transacted under their commission, such report to be made on or
before the commencement of each fiscal year.

30

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31

REOAPITULATION,
| Pounds. Value.

MMM Py pte r ete cneraeacencc ck cccacccot ccsesactueceseeececcatenececerondavececs 6,317, 700| $189,531 00
ERUAaT EU LRT mie Cire ne ca clcclc cwins cision cate eco daa cmaded Juitewecoeeen wbleue bees 3,154,380] 94,631 40
MTPIREAT Oe coe soccer occ acai aan dade sslececisuc's.0e se cuacmscusen acaedet ease 601,390} 15,041 70
MPT a actin a ccls elo ciccle disc Unis wicelees ceesdeuinecetaetesinevcled udacaascsece shoe 314, 220 12,568 80
STE DO (C REE Go cntnd REE GEESE OSI aH 3 ain oo amar raray ot Or a So 87, 200 2,616 00
PIEMITIBLIN RAR oer ce rica s <c.ccicts,« tisacc vere oe e's eis. cuuic icas ucew a seta uaanaclcioals sine.’ 82, 720 4,136 00
enna eee eget 7 fe SM 7,800 20
PETE PTA SEL Rs a ES ee Ce So, we ane i On 624,320} 24,972 80
RAR TNEHIE cess n cncica somace ceicee nce ccccisecigde Con cue os bo delbaacice oclaasied socewcs 98, 575 5,914 50
RIMCOMAD RES ee osc se cose caisa tawiecdiss selecewecdce ota ciwesedecudldeicccwedtedececs 46, 470 4,647 00
PERIEN “I OO COE cccccscece reste cscacnens een atlocecteceaside soctilece acs tlcellscoseeteions 15,695 60
RUMI TITIO RGR Se Ee ct ee eae soca « w’sicleo ce knlobeccaneSeesadedecbaea cedesiddscectnnhecss 56, 060 , 202 00
NG R elore ce cccacatccccdsccesccecundseccncceweewaseeicedes cccececwadassjecce 461, 500 9,230 00
te este anced. b scale cic ceaendeloacccscacecs tees sumeieeaces Sec cebeucdces 11, 899, 865) $388,876 40

M. D. HuR.eEy, President.
JOHN A. SCHULTE, Treasurer.
L. W. GOODELL, Secretary, Beardstown, Til.

LIST OF FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONERS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
CANADA.

United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C.—Com-
missioner, George M. Bowers; chief clerk, Irving H. Dunlap; assistant in
charge of division of inquiry, respecting food fishes, Hugh H. Smith, M. D.;
assistant in charge of division of fish culture, John W. Titcomb; assistant in
charge of division statistics and methods of the fisheries, Charles H. Town-
send; disbursing agent, W. P. Titcomb.

Alaska—Hon. James M. Shoup, Juneau.

Dominion of Canada—A. T. Dunn, St. John, New Brunswick; L. B.
Knight, St. John. New Brunswick; D. G. Smith, Chatham, New Brunswick;
Charles Barber, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Arizona—H, A. Sticker, Flagstaff; W. L. Pinney, Phenix; Jean Allison,
Jerome.

California—H. W. Kelier, Santa Monica; W. W. VanArsdale, San Fran-
cisco; W. E. Gerber, Sacramento; Charles A. Vogelsang, ‘‘Chief Deputy,’’
San Francisco.

Colorado—Charles W. Harris, Denver; T. J. Holland, Denver.

Connecticut—George T. Mathewson, Enfield; Robert G. Pike, Middletown;
E. Hart Geer, Lyme.

Delaware—J. Thomas Lowe, Little Creek.

Florida—John G. Ruge, Appalachicola; John Y. Detwiler, New Smyrna.
Georgia—A. T. Dallis, LaGrange.

Idaho—T. W. Bartley, Moscow.

Illinois—Nat H. Cohen, Urbana; S. P. Bartlett, Quincy; A. Lenke, Chicago.
Game Commissioner, A. J. Lovejoy.

Indiana—Z. T. Sweeney, Columbus.
Iowa—George A. Lincoln, Cedar Rapids.
Kansas—J. W. Hughey, Wellington.

Melia T. Carleton, Winthrop; Henry O. Stanley, Dixfield; E. EK. Ring,
rono.

_Maryland—John W. Avirett, Cumberland; C. L. Vivcent, Snow Hill; Jes-
sie W. Downey, Newmarket.

52

Massachusetts—Joseph W. Collins, Boston; Edward A. Brackett, Win-
chester; John W. Delano, Marion.

Michigan—Freeman B. Dickerson, Detroit; Charles D. Joslyn, Detroit;
George M. Brown, Saginaw; Grant M. Morse, Portland.

Minnesota—Uri L. Lamprey, St. Paul; W. P. Hill, Fairmont; D. W.
Meeker, Moorhead; H. G. Smith, Winoha; Sam. F. Fullerton, St. Paul.

Missouri—F rank P. Yenawine, St. Joseph; J. M. Shepler, Milan; Richard
Porter, Paris; George J. Chapman, St. Louis; J. H. Zollinger, Boonville;
A. J. D. Burford, Burfordsville.

Montana—W. F. Scott, Helena.

Nebraska—Ezra P. Savage, Lincoln; George B. Simpkins, Lineoln; W. J.
O’Brien, South Bend; George L. Garter, North Platte.

New Hampshire—Nathaniel Wentworth, Hudson Center; Charles B.
Clarke, Concord; Merrill Shurtleff, Lancaster.

New Jersey—William A. Halsey, Newark; Benjamin P. Morris, Long
Branch; Richard T. Miller, Camden.

New York—Timothy L. Woodruff; Brooklyn; D. C. Middleton, Watertown;
Charles H. Babcock, Roehester.

North Carolina—S. L. Patterson, Raleigh; T. K. Bruner, Raleigh; B. W.
Kilgore, Raleigh; H. H. Brimley, Raleigh.

Ohio—J. L. Rodgers, Columbus; Pau! North, Cleveland; Daff W. Greene,
Dayton; Thomas B. Baxton, Cincinnati; Edwin M. Kennedy, McConnelsville;
Geo. C. Blankner, Columbus; J. C. Potterfield, Columbus.

Oklahoma Territory—J. A. Gould, El Reno.

Oregon—T. T. Greer, Salem; F. I. Dunbar, Salem; Charles S. Moore, Sa-
lem; H. G. Van Dusen, Astoria; \H. A. Webster, Clackamas; L. W. P.
Quimby, Portland.

Pennsylvania—Fish Commissioners: S. B. Stillwell, Scranton; John Ham-
berger, Erie; Henry C. Demuth, Lancaster; James W. Correll, Easton; Wil-
liam E. Meehan, Philadelphia; Henry C. Cox, Wellsboro. Game Commis-
sioners: Colman K. Sober, Lewisburg; William M. Kennedy, Allegheny;
Charles B. Penrose, Philadelphia; J.O.H. Denny, Ligonier; James H. Wor-
den, Harrisburg; William Heywood Meyers, Williamsport.

Rhode Island—Fish Commissioners: Henry T. Root, Providence: William
P. Morton, Johnston; J. M. K. Southwick, Newport; Charles W. Willard,
Westerly; Adelbert Roberts, Woonsocket; Albert David Mead, Providence;
William H. Boardman, Central Falls. Game Commissioners: Fenver H
Peckham, Jr., Providence; Walter R. Stiness, Warwick; Edwin R. Lewis,
Westerly; William H. Thayer, Bristol; Alexander O. D. Taylor, Newport;
John H. Flanagan, secretary, Providence.

Texas—J. P. Kibbe, Port Lavaea.

Utah—John Sharp, Salt Lake City.

Vermont—Henry G. Thomas, Stowe; Edward A. Davis, Bethel; Charles C.
Gilmore, Swanton.

Virginia—John W. Boudin, Bloxom; George B. Keezell, Keezleton; Henry
M. Tyler, Richmond; Robert J. Camp, Franklin; Seth F. Miller, Riverside.

Washington—Timothy Kershaw, Whatcom.

West Virginia—E. F. Smith, Hinton.

Wisconsin—Edwin E, Bryant, Madison; E. A. Birge, Madison; Calvert
Spensley, Mineral Point; James @. Hogan, La Crosse; Henry Dd. Smith,
Appleton; Currie G. Bell, Bayfield; William J. Starr, Eau Claire; James
Nevin, Madison.

Wyoming—D. C. Nowlin, Big Piney.

33

Recapitulation of Hxpenditures by Illinois State Fish Commission
for General Hxpenditures, Collection and Distribution of Fish,
etc., from Oct. 1, 1900, to Sept. 30, 1902. Bills of Particulars and
Subvouchers on file with State Auditor.

PMC OOM NANG: OGL, 11000 ccaccidintlan sass vince (cduacnenicawciveesescecees|eceecdadeete 35,879 84
AT DEGDLIALION AVALIADIO JULY 1; 1901s. sce ts sessions Coccnecateeccrcelesccoctdeces 7,500 00
$13, 379 84
Cr,
By expenditures (vouchers) for month of October, 1900................ $536 14
November, 1900 ............. 657 43
December, 1900 ............. 586 08
SANUATY 1901 8s. ores sencceees 412 64
Webruaryn 190i ces cacsdoces. 399 60
March 1900 scekeccseeresoss 327 79
Ar SOR ced ccccdues desc. 364 61
Ay 1901 eee: 50 491 84
June, 1901 460 66
July, 1901.... 394 44
August, 1901 ae 662 20
September, 1901............. 642 68
SS SSS 5,625 91
PROM MIANCOW Cos tI DOL somos ccs ctccaajtn adds ccanciacevietowencccroceecce roe secle meen eee. $7,753 93
EGapprovriatlonavallable duly. 1, 19026220 cc .cccccoccusccssuacedcrec snes |iecancecsecs 7,500 00
$16, 253 93
Cr,
By expenditures (vouchers) for month of October, 1901................
November, 1901 .. se
December, 1901..
January, 1902..... gud
February, 1902...............
March s1908) coke oak
J Nae TE Hass aacoanedceecp ee
MayilQ02iec ccccsccn cecuess
PUNE; 1902 os sess cote sconces
DUlY,; 1902-255 c. ccc kcatecdson.
ARZUSE, 19025 csc seus ec sewee. 644 47
September, 1902............. 767 81
SS 8,685 10

BAI AMCCOUMANG OCG: Wala itae on,ow aelds pave caile Suidaweeteceesennevactsesalcdea| sleceeewaces $6, 568 83

Recapitulation of Expenditures by the Illinois State Fish Commis-
ston for Maintenance of Steamer Reindeer from Oct. 1, 1900, to
Sept. 30, 1902. Bulls of Particulars and Vouchers on file with the
State Auditor.

Tahalanceiin appropriation) of 1899; Oct. 1,1900) cc vccscace sncececcoscccclsscccecoccce $ 841 36
RO SpPpPropriavion AVAL ADIO DULY 1190L. ccs scene a cee recccsmecacotens soccedlnecesscecues ,600 00
$3, 341 36
Cr.

By expenditures (voucners) for month of October, 1900................ $504 26

ovember, 1900........... 337 10

DUl¥e TOO ao oo ces eciowe owes 185 35

AtIpust i190 ee osecececens 284 70

September, 1901............. 487 17
——— 1,798 58
MoMmMOUNntON THANG Ob 1, 190 wane wcccw case sonwea cera cco nc one ue Ociewelisewacesedéos $1,542 78
OMADDLOpriation BVALLADIG JULY 1, 10avacacs cone wcac cee cen wecaweeac cécebe locce ae dances 2,500 00
$4,042 78

—3 F.C.

34

Recapitulation of Hxpenditures—Continued.

Or,
By oxpenditures (vouchers) for month of October, 1901............-.- $396 75
November, 1901 .. 2 FS 354 48
December, 1901 .. 176 67
Jantary, 1902..... paowe 130 50
Hebroary,s 1902s 3. c2ese-n nee 130 05
MAPChH; 19022. 5220.cacsccncses 245 50
Aprils 1002 sees sacesceeene 107 03
DULY {1902 tes scsece ever ceeees 363 93
Avioust; 1902222227022. -22 503 668 15
September, 1902............. 476 68
Amount omhand Oct;1)1902' si cccs ccc ccncenstwsccecdsctescedsadaversJccne|waseeeaeeeee

2,949 74
$1,093 04

Recapitulation of Expenditures by Illinois State Fish Commission
for repairing Hull of Steamer Reindeer. Bills of Particulars

and vouchers on file with State Auditor.

To appropriation available July 1, 1901............-.2--cceee cece ccenwenee |eeeeceeceees
Or.

By expenditures (vouchers) for month of June, 1901..................-. $1,437 91
duly 1900 ess cte ee Seeaccces 1,479 72

Auguey, 190) 2. c.cst coe cccces 1,385 58

September, 1901............. 467 01

October, 4901) 22c. cece sce 228 39

Balanceom band. ccces secs ccc w ccs docete whe dee vo cecoveceeswece’ceacusloas ene

Recapitulation of Expenditures by Illinois State Fish Commission

for Personal Expenses enforcing Fish Law, ete. Bill
ticulars on file with State Auditor.

‘
To balance of appropriation of 1899, Oct. 1, 1900.......... 2. ceo. eeeeee eens |eeeeee es cone
Tolappropriation avaliable aly 151901... le ccdcc tc ccecet cccccviccculsevccre|sssceuneneee
Or.

By expenditures (vouchers) for month of October, 1900................. $392 51
November, 1900..... ........ 258 33
December, 1900............-. 314 25
PANUATY UL ccewcacecucsnee 209 87
PObruary levi cece caccecsce. 284 50
March, 1901 282 58
April, 1901...... 493 56
May, 1901..... 336 88
June, 1901.... 385 66
July, 1901...... 364 04) -
August, 1901 458 24
September, 1901 314 80

To amountion hand! Oct.:1; 190 Use cence ces vocewwecsesscats ecucct chew cececc] UCueeneGeem

To appropriation Avallable July 11002 soc csevccecccccuscse Couucubenecciueceneeunnne

of Par-

$10, 489 22

35

Recapitulation of Expenditures—Concluded.

Or.
By expenditures (vouchers) for month of omer, 190T eee sesh cece $742 33
November, 1901,............. 278 82
December, 1901............-- 363 79
January, 1902..... 267 70
February, 1902.. ore 290 08
March, 1902...... ae 368 66
April, 1902........ 322 29
My 1902 e esctesererearices. 458 62
UNG wa vcadeccecenneanacecs 482 37
wulys 19085. -222225 022582 Sodc¢ 573 17
August, 1902. .......cccccees. 297 09
September, 1902.......,..... 388 73
SS _ 34,883 05 05
Tapaslance on hand Oot:)1, 1908 << ic ecdoccccacsmccastcteccccersvanwess|cseacaccunes gs, 656 17 17

Respectfully submitted,

Nat. H. Conen, President.
S, P. Bartuett, Secretary.

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Lacepede.

Pomoxis sparoides,

BLACK CRAPPIE.

A LIST

OF THE

Native Fishes of Illinois

WITH KEYS

THOMAS LARGE

ACP RODT

Mista

fey
/
al
epee
PAA\\t

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

The following annotated list of the fishes of Illinois is based on
the collections and field notes of the staff of the State Laboratory of
Natural History from the year 1878 to the fall of 1902. It was pre-
pared in the latter year by Mr. Large, while he was in the
service of the State Laboratory as its ichthyological assistant. His
manuscript was revised for the press in my office, but in a way to
make no material change in the substance of his statements, the
credit and responsibility for which remain, consequently, with him.
The analytical keys prepared by him, so far as they depart from
those already printed, are the results of his personal experience in
the identification of Illinois fishes, and are made with a view to
dispensing, so far as practicable, with obscure characters and
structures difficult of access.

S. A. ForBeEs,

Director of Laboratory.
January 6, 1903.

t

A LIST OF THE NATIVE FISHES OF ILLINOIS, WITH KEYS.

By Tuomas LARGE.

As this list is intended particularly for the “man who goes a-fish-
ing,” it is desirable that it contain as much information as possible
and at the same time be free from all unnecessary technical detail.
Although we might wish entirely to avoid scientific names, this is
obviously impossible when we remember that at least sixty of our fishes
have no common names, and that such names as bass, perch, stone-
roller, horny-head, grindle, stickleback, etc., all have more than one
application, the same name being applied not infrequently to very
different fishes.

Of our species about eighty never attain a greater adult length than
five inches. These are very commonly taken for the young of other
fishes, and are referred to indiscriminately as “minnows” by the unin-
formed. It is thought that no apology is needed for directing at-
tention to these smaller members of our fish fauna and including
them in a list of the native fishes of Illinois.

Statements concerning distribution and other data made use of in
this list are, with a very few exceptions, based upon collections made
in Illinois by the State Laboratory of Natural History, at Urbana. ~

In the use of the keys allowance must be made for individual
variations, which are frequently considerable. No determination by
the key alone should be thought of as final, but only as leading to a
description with which the specimen may becompared, AsJordan’s
“Manual of Vertebrates” (5th to 8th editions) is probably more acces-
sible than any other previously published list,comparison with descrip-
tions found there is suggested, and to facilitate such comparison
references to the species numbers of that list are given when
the nomenclature has been changed. The nomenclature employed
in this paper is that of Bulletin No. 47 of the United States
National Museum. ©

‘

ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE FAMILIES OF NATIVE FISHES OF ILLINOIS.

(Adapted from Jordan and Evermann.)

I. Mouth circular; body elongate; no paired fins; gill-openings seven in number, not

covered by an operculum, but opening externallyas large pores on the side of the
bodyin thejuvalar rerlon. woes ccccswe's Se cacnwe scoonaecde nen cceeneeeen PETROMYZONID2&.

II. Mouth a transverse cleft (more or less modified by form and Piper po the lips); gill-

A.

1

openings covered by an operculum; one or two pairs of fins, not median.
No median barbel on chin.
Ventral fins present, abdominal.
a. Tail evidently heterocercal.
b. Body naked, snout wide and spatulate; mouth large; teeth minute or wanting;

MOVDALEELAs Coss cces toasbaneeacocenssoseeuecn cece aicctnteeseeeneeeeee POLYODONTID.
bb. Body with five series of bony shields; mouth inferior, toothless, preceded
by four barbell se se rsee eee akc deeccwceenccceeeeaues tocaeeeeen ACIPENSERIDZ.
bbb. Body with scales.
c. Scales ganoid; dorsal fin short; no gular plate..............-eee eee . LEPISOSTEID.

ce. Scales cycloid; dorsal fin long; large bony gular plate.................-..- AMIIDZ.
aa. Tail not evidently heterocercal.
c. Head with eight long barbels; body naked.......... Siceeeeee hae. Saad SILURID.

cc. Head without elongate barbels (except, in some instances, at corners of mouth);
body more or less completely scaled.

A single dorsal fin, not preceded by free spines or detached finlets.

No adipose fin. ;

Eyes normal; vent behind ventral fins.

Gill membranes broadly joined to isthmus; fins all soft; no teeth in jaws.

Dorsal] fin of more than 25 rays, or the dorsal fin shorter and lips thickened and
covered with plicate or papillose skin; pharyngeal teeth numerous and comb-
DES EU SOR a ae ve cela cemibe ce ceed be oo elc woe Ceclcle de ene beeen Cee nee CaATOSTOMID.

hh. Dorsal fin of not more dian ten rays; lips usually thin, never ples. or papil-
lose; pharyngeal teeth fewer than eight, in one to three rows.... CYPRINIDAE.

gg. Gill membranes free from isthmus; dorsal and anal fins nitcntad well back

PR mo o

on body.
i. Head naked; belly narrow and carinated; silvery fishes.
J outhilarcevnlateral Lin@ presOnt.c.c wccscccctcceeva cock eceeeecnce cen pueee HIODONTID&.

jj. Mouth small or moderate; no lateral line.

k. Mouth inferior, small; stomach gizzard-like; last rays of dorsal much elongate.
DoROSOMID2.

kk. Mouth terminal; maxillary in three pieces; stomach not gizzard-like.
CLUPEID2.

ii. Head more or less scaly; anal fin short.
1, Lateral line present, somewhat irregular; See small; teeth’ on maxillaries,

etc., cardiform; jaws depressed, duck-bill like...............-eee sponte Luorip=.
ll. Lateral line wanting.
m. Upper jaw not protractile; teeth villiform.......... aerate Rea G UMBRID.
mm. Upper jaw protractile, premaxillaries forming its margin.......... POECILIID2.
ff. Eyes concealed beneath skin; vent at throat................eseeees AMBLYOPSID.

ee, An adipose fin behind a dorsal fin composed of rays and a spine.

n. Dorsal, anal, and ventral fins with small but distinct spine; scales ctenoid.
PEROOPSID2.

7

nn, Fins without spines; scales cycloid; many pyloric caeca,............ SALMONIDA.
dd. Dorsal fin preceded by four or more free spines..............-++5 GASTEROSTEID™,
ddd. Dorsal fin preceded by a finlet of four slender spines.............. ATHERINID,

2. Ventral fins wholly wanting,
a. Body much elongated; dorsal, anal, and caudal fins continuous around body.
ANGUILLID2.
aa. Body not elongate; fins separate; eyes imperfect................. AMBLYOPSIDZX.
8. Ventrals thoracic or jugular, the number of rays not I, 5, but usually I,7; dor-
sal with three or four spines; scales strongly ctenoid............. APHREDODERIDS%.

4. Ventral fins thoracic or subjugular; the number of rays definitely I, 5; dorsal
with spiny and soft rays; slit behind fourth gill large: body scaled.

a. Lateral line never extending on rays of caudal fin; often incomplete or wanting.
b. Pseudobranchia undeveloped,
c. Anal spines 3 to 10.

d. Dorsal spines 4; lateral line wanting. ..........2...cssceee cece cence ence -ELASSOMIDZ.
dd. Dorsal spines 6 to 12; lateral line well developed................. CENTRAROHIDZ.
ec. Anal spines 1 or 2; small fishes under eight inches long................. PEROIDZ.
bb. Pseudobranchia developed,
e. Anal spines 2 (ori); pseudobranchia small; cylindrical fishes........... PEROCIDZE,
ee. Anal spines 3; compressed fishes.................0.ses00505 wasidenmiemante SERRANIDZ.
aa. Lateral line extending to tip ef middle ray of caudal fin......... «-+-.sSOIAENIDZ.
5. Ventral fins I,3 or I, 4; slit behind the fourth gill small or wanting; scaleless.
CoTtTipz.
AA. Chin with a median barbel; body elongate; dorsal and anal fins elongate; scales
BIMNGAUEAE an ton oc hac ae sce mdse sau wnauine cinsae sweuwwice Stewetuccwcceaclecsanece -GADIDZ.

FAMILY PETROMYZONID2 (THE LAMPREYS).
Ichthyomyzon concolor (Kirtland).—Silvery Lamprey. (5)
Taken five times from the Illinois River and once from the Wabash river at Mt. Carmel.
Ichthyomyzon castaneus Girard. (4)
One example of this species was obtained at Pekin, IIll., April 16, 1880.
Lampetra wilderi Gage.—Brook Lamprey; Small Black Lamprey. (3)
We have records of the occurrence of this species at Cairo, Pekin, and Peoria; also found

several times by Dr. Jordan in small streams of Illinois.

FAMILY POLYODONTIDZ (THE PADDLEFISHES).
Polyodon spathula (Walbaum).—Spoonbill Cat; Spoonbill; Paddlefish.
This fish feeds upon the minute animal and plant life of the water. Its snout probably

serves as a delicate sense organ.

Formerly abundant in all large streams, but now apparently decreasing greatly in num-
bers. Now found only sparingly in the larger streams tributary to the Mississippi and in
adjacent ponds and lakes.

FAMILY ACIPENSERIDH (THE STURGEONS).

‘Acipenser rubicundus Le Sueur.—Lake Sturgeon; Rock Sturgeon; Red
Sturgeon.

The red sturgeon is usually a rather sluggish fish. The color changes with age, the
young being drab and the adults green or red.

Formerly abundant in rivers and in Lake Michigan, but rarely taken now. Occurs five
Sera our collections, being listed from tributaries of the Mississippi and from the Great

8

Scaphirhynchus Le aig (Rafinesque).—Shovel-fish; Shovel-nose Stur-
geon; White Sturgeon.

The broad nose and long filament of the tail make this fish strikingly different from the
common sturgeon.

Not uncommon in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers; frequently taken from the Ohio at
Evansville, lnd., by fishermen, by whom it is considered worthless for food and thrown
away; rare in the illinois River. Zi

FAMILY LEPISOSTEID& (THE GaRs).
Lepisosteus osseus (Linnzus).—Long-nosed Gar.

Grows to a length of 6 feet. Abundant; predaceous, preying upon fish entangled in set™
nets; possibly, also, to some extent a scavenger. These fishes undergo certain decided
changes with age. Until they reach a length of about 9 inches they are provided behind
with a slender membranous filament which is a process of the dorsal lobe of the hetero-
cercal tail. This filament has a rapid, wave-like motion, which is continued with but brief
interruptions while the fish is at rest. At about the time of the disappearance of the caudal
filament the black side stripe, which up to this time extends from the tip of the snout to the
caudal, begins to break up into oval spots, while similar oval spots begin to appear on all
the fins, on the mid-dorsal line, and on either side of the body. Those on the body vanish
in later life, the ones below the lateral line disappearing first.

Abundant and widely distributed, being found in all parts of the State excepting Lake
Michigan. Principally found in the larger streams, though frequently caught in the
smaller ones, where it is found in pools.

Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque.—Short-nosed Gar.

Length 3 feet. In habits like the preceding, though the two species are not usually
abundant in the same localities. Difficult to distinguish from the young of the next species.

A young specimen, 144 inches in length, has been observed in the act of catching and eating _

a minnow not much smaller (Meredosia, 1900).
Particularly abundant about Havana and Meredosia; absent in our collections from the
Rock and Wabash basins. Otherwise distributed about as Z. osseus.
Lepisosteus tristechus (Bloch & Schneider).—Alligator Gar.

Length 8 to 10 feet. Said by river men to be a dangerous antagonist; also destructive of
netting when caught. Found occasionally in the Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio rivers.

FaMILy AMIIDa (THE BOWFINS).
Amia calva Linnzeus.—Dogfish; Grindle; Prairie Bass.

Of some commercial importance, being regularly shipped from the Illinois River in win-
ter. Occasionally sold by fish hucksters as “prairie bass.’’ Considered worthless and un-
fit for food in the northern part of the State: in the southern part, under the name of |‘‘grin-
dle,” replacing the black bass as the most sought game fish, and considered a good table
fish. Itis a good fighter when hooked and takes bait well.

Abundant in sloughs and lakes adjoining the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and in the
sluggish streams of southern Illinois. Apparently not abundant northward.
FAMILY SILURID& (THE CATFISHES),.
ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE CATFISHES OF ILLINOIS.

a. Tail forked; color usually light or silvery.

b. Bony process from back of head EN with the base of the dorsal fin,
making bony ridge from head to dorsal fin

Cr rAnal fin with 'Se:tO COPAY St.ccocccest ee cotecucactoteecursccsunte [CTALURUS FURCATUS.
ec: Anal finiwith 25\to 23. rays: "barbele lonp...c.. tec. 0... cow atc cueeeekee I. PUNCTATUS.
bb. Process from back of head not articulating with front of dorsal fin; bony ridge

INCOMPIOTS cca ce cuamce teense vedebacecueushaode wu ake ene AMEIURUS LACUSTRIS.

aa. Tail not forked; color brown, yellow, greenish, black, or gray; not silvery.

d. Adipose fin a small lobe, its posterior margin not attached to the back.

e. Spines well developed.

f. Anal fin 24 to 27 rays; length of base more than %\ the length of body; skin thin
’ ONG AMOOUN: Get ousi ws coc cew co cccunt chCcsustuecune uke veGe Chena cnecenme A. NATALIS.
ff. Anal 15 to 22, less than 4 the body in length.

&.. Lower jaw projecting’ anal PAYS 20 yoo. nc seve occu can ccecckusneecehees A. VULGARIS.

gg. Lower jaw not projecting.
h. Anal rays more than 20............. ce aeweae ee Nec taeiade asia Sac ee cawine A. NEBULOSUB.

hh. Anal rays 17 to 19, with black membranes ..........2..cee cece cweenecesees A. MELAS.

ee. Spines short, 4s the height of fin, a fleshy continuation extending about as high
as fin; spines harmless, muffled by thick skin; head flat; upper portion of
GHUU BIL MONE OM WHILE cs. ccecavlesscccdacescvacuectescscccscaae EPTOPS OLIVARIS,

dd. Adipose fin keel-like and continuous with the caudal fin or separated from
it only by a notch.

i. White crescent under the posterior margin of the dorsul fin evident; head flat-
tened, with fleshy mounds on either side of a median groove..NOTURUS FLAVUS.

ii, Mite crescent behind dorsal fin absent or obscure; small fishes, not exceeding
nches.

j. Body heavy; muscle plates evident on sides; longitudinal dark lines at angles
DOT MUSClS; NIALOS: sae saedece sa Came n ee cod ae caclone a sitaievelebiine SCHILBEODES GYRINUS.

jj. Body more slender; color uniform, mottled, punctulate.

k. Adipose fin continuous with caudal, not separated by notch; color plain black-
TD eh SR HSS SHAR Seu SON icIcndaeceboboas asdedguepocenocometsedccr S. NOCTURNUS.

kk. Adipose fin more or less separated from caudal by notch.

l. Body not blotched with black; head small; body slender; color in life yellowish,
Ave a GOR YOGI IS lice se) cs clenen Goncls coe ce nde conmacee ot one anemia docacwenar ess S. EXILIS,

ll. Body more or less blotched with black; head broad.
m,. Saddle-like blotches faint; adipose and caudal fins entirely separated:

. ELEUTHERUS.
mm. Body mottled with black and gray, with 4 saddle-like blotches on back; adi-
pose and caudal not entirely separated .................0-- es eeee sees . MIURUS.

Ictalurus furcatus (Le Sueur).—Channel Cat; Blue Cat; Great Fork-tailed
Cat; Mississippi Cat.

Taken here and there throughout the State in the larger streams tributary to the Missis-
‘sippi; not, however, so abundant as the common channel cat (7. punctatus). Recent exami-
nations by Dr. Eyermann of specimens of the ‘Mississippi Cat” show it to be this species in-
See eee lacustris as previously supposed. (Cf. Bull. U. S. National Museum,

ol. . Dp. = .

a anguilla Evermann & Kendall.—Channel Cat; Eel Cat; Willow
at.

Probably taken in our larger streams with other |channel cats, but not yet positively
Tecognized.

Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque).—Channel Cat; Blue Cat; White Cat.

The most abundant of the channel cats. An excellent and marketable food fish. The
young stay most frequently in the deep swift water of the rivers and larger creeks. A
strong swimmer. :

Onur collections of this species are from 123 localities, distributed throughout the State
with the exception of the upper Illinois valley above the mouth of the Fox River, and the
Lake Michigan region. It occurs, however, in three collections from Iroquois county. It
does not appear to be common southward of the Illinois basin.

Ameiurus lacustris (Walbaum).—Catfish of the Lakes.

Known from other Illinois members of this genus by its forked tail, larger number of
anal rays, and silvery appearance. In these respects it approaches the genus Jctalurus, but
aumers in not having the occipital process articulated with the bones at the base of the dor-
sal fin.

Doubtless not so common in Illinois as hitherto supposed; until lately generally confused
with Ictalurus fureatus, under which see note.

Ameiurus natalis (Le Sueur).—Yellow. Cat; Yellow Bullhead.

Body thick; skin very smooth and thin. Called by fishermen “greaser” or “greased cat,”
and readily separated by them from other bullheads.

Common throughout the State, except in streams tributary to Lake Michigan, and in the
northwestern portion of the Illinois and Fox ‘basins, occurring in the latter region only in
collections from Carthage, Hancock county. Taken, in all, from 76 localities.

Ameiurus vulgaris (Thompson).

Apparently rare in Illinois; possibly not distinguishable from A. melas

10

Ameiurus nebulosus (Le Sueur).—Common Bullhead.

ane fin long; upper jaw projecting; in many specimens the color mottled (var. marmo*
ratus).

Taken from 43 localities in Illinois. Apparently less abundant at Havana and |Meredosia
than other bullheads.

Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque).—Black’ Bullhead.

The most common of Illinois catfishes. The young are black in color and swim in schools
until about 144 inches long.

Abundant throughout the State, with apparent exceptions in the Kankakee, Rock, and
middle Kaskaskia basins. Found in 179 localities in all.

Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque).—Mud Cat; Goujon; Flat-head.

A common market catfish of the [Illinois River, being excellent as food. Exceedingly
ugly; the head very flat, mouth broad, spines short and thickly covered with soft skin; up-
per eal of the caudal white in the young and continuing lighter than the lower portion in
adults.

Thirty localities represented in our collections, all of which are from muddy streams.!Not
found in the Lake Michigan region.

Noturus flavus Rafinesque.—Stone Cat.

This fish is usually mistaken for a young bullhead. From these it differs decidedly in
habits and also, as do the other stone cats. in the form of the adipose fin, which is keel-like,
and may be either separated from the caudal by a notch or continuous with the upper mar-
gin of the latter. This species can usually be separated from the other stone cats by the
prenene of & white or whitish spot of somewhat crescentic form under the posterior margin
of the dorsal.

Confined to the north half of the State where it is found under stones in the swifter
portions of the larger creeks and small rivers. Not listed from further southward than the
Kaskaskia River, in Douglas county. Found in greater abundance in Mackinaw Creek than
elsewhere. Our collections are from 37 localities.

Schilbeodes gyrinus (Mitchill).—Tadpole Cat; Poison Cat. (65)

A stone cat, as shown by the form of the adipose fin, but in habit much like a young bull-
head, preferring deep, muddy water. The form of the body is in adults much like that of
Ameiurus natalis; easily separated from the latter by the dark lateral stripe, which ex-
tends the length of the body, connecting the angles of the muscle plates.

Abundant in the sluggish portions of all streams of central Illinois; common in southern
Illinois; somewhat rare in the northwestern part of the State.
Schilbeodes nocturnus (Jordan & Gilbert).
Body brown. covered with minute dots; no notch between adipose and caudal;15 orjié
rays in the caudal. Length 3 inches.

Occurs in ten collections: two from Havana, three from near Lincoln, three from
points on the Kaskaskia River, one from Spoon River near Lewistown. and one from the
south fork of the Saline River in Saline county.

Schilbeodes exilis (Nelson). (61)
With much the appearance of Voturus flavus, including even the white spot behind the
dorsal, but in this fish the cresceutic spot is much less evident than in the larger species.
From Crane Creek, Freeport, South Henderson and Honey creeks in Henderson county.
Iroquois River near Watseka, and creeks in Union county.
Schilbeodes eleutherus (Jordan). (64)
Length 4inches. Color brownish, with obscure, dark, saddle-like blotches; head broad,
flat; barbels not reaching to gill-opening.

The distribution of this catfish is peculiar, it being known at present only from creeks
near Lincoln, and from the headwaters of the Kaskaskia and Embarras rivers in Douglas
and Piatt counties,

Schilbeodes miurus (Jordan). (63)

Known by its grayish color and the four black blotches on the back.

Common on gravelly rapids throughout the Wabash basin; taken once from Cache River
and once from a creek near Pontiac.

11

FamiLy CatosTomMipa (THE SUCKERS AND BUFFALOES).
ARTIFICIAL KEY TO THE BUFFALOES AND SUCKERS OF ILLINOIS.

a. Dorsal fin very long, 25 to 30 rays.
b. Lips thin, not covered with papill#; scales large.
ce. Colors dark; mouth large.

d. Anal rays 9; lips thin; head thick and rounded; mouth protractile forward;
dorsal outline much more curved than ventral outline... lcTIoBUS CYPRINELLA.

dd. Anal rays 10: lips thicker; head much enlarged.

DIO TIL 3 LP LON Qua siaclnies's\ sea cts tela ad adiuto sa ain die sleidislacla cine s sie dieviaslasiadineidstssice I, URUS.

See apis wvOUL LWO-1tthe OF LON Ste ccc ce ccconcecccaccitisccencdsccvececcceces I. BUBALUS.

ec. Colors pale, plain; mouth not large.

f. Body not deep; depth 13 to 4&4 of length.................2.essceees CARPIODES OARPIO.

ff. Body deep; depth one third to four-ninths of length.

g. Dorsal with about 24 rays, nostrils near tip of snout................. C. DIFFORMIS.

gg. Dorsal with 26 or 27 rays, the first rays elongate more or less; head conical,
With projectine MUAZIe 22... oe ecw. enna cccncenc secs cesensancsiconnies C. VELIFER.

bb. Lips thick, papillose; scales not large; head very small; body elongate, not
MACHO COMPLGRREOs coos csee cose cco nencanaeccsene cceserisanne CYCLEPTUS ELONGATUS.

aa. Dorsal fin not elongated.
h. Lateral line complete.
i. Lips papillose.
j. Body fusiform; head rounded.
k. Scales 95 to 115 in lateral line’.

kk. Scales 64 to 68 in lateral line, crowded forward....... CATOSTOMUS COMMERSONII.
ji. Body conical; caudal peduncle slender; head pyramidal, concave between small
OVO sac a cictwekvucccdsseceassus Mig aale ratte nico cteiclatie we wicaiwe walncte culcisrers ae C. NIGRIOANS.

ii. Lips thin and plicate.

l. Dorsal of 15 to 18 rays’.

ll. Dorsal fin of 12 to 14 rays.

m. Caudal fin normal, upper and lower lobes about equal.

n. Free margin of dorsal straight.
MoxosToMA AUREOLUM, PLACOPHARYNX DUQUESNEI.

nn. Free margin of dorsal more or less incised....... MoxosToMA MACROLEPIDOTUM.

mm. Caudal fin with upper line much longer than the lower; anal fin reaching
past the caudal’.

hh. Lateral line incomplete or wanting.
o. Sides with regular rows of small black spots; lateral line usually interrupted

Gwanting Invyoun gf ccecee vce ccceae lence cuseae cee cetenete MINYTREMA MELANOPS,
oo. Sides with irregular blotches of large size; a black stripe in young; lateral
ATVIO WANING... creccswcceccccconsecacnecesemaseedaelcccecceaue ERIMYZON SUCETTA,

Ictiobus cyprinella (Cuvier & Valenciennes).—Buffalo; Red-mouthed Buffalo.

The common buffalo-fish of commercial fishermen. Mouth large, protractile forward;
color brownish olive; opercle 12 the length of the head. Weight 20 to 30 pounds.

Taken from the Rock, Illinois, and Wabash river basins. Common in large streams.
Ictiobus urus (Agassiz).—Mongrel Buffalo.

a not much elevated and not compressed into a keel above, but rounded in cross-
section.

Distributed about as J. cyprinella, though not so common.

Ictiobus bubalus (Rafinesque).—Small-mouthed Buffalo; Razor-backed
Buffalo.

Depth of body five-elevenths of length; back thin; belly thick.
Common in large streams and in lakes and sloughs.

Carpiodes carpio (Rafinesque).—Carp Sucker. (62)
Perhaps not rare in large rivers; our collections not, however, as yet carefully studied

‘Catostomus catostomus; of uncertain occurrence in Illinois.
2Moxostoma anisurum; of uncertain occurrence in Illinois.
*Mozxostoma breviceps; of uncertain occurrence in Illinois.

12

Carpiodes difformis Cope. (70)

nee in our Illinois River collections. Probably frequently confused with the next
apecies.

Carpiodes velifer (Rafinesque).—Quillback; Spearfish; Skipjack. (70)

Known by the excessive elongation of the first rays of the dorsal fin.
Very abundant everywhere, but almost worthless as food.

Cycleptus elongatus (Le Sueur).—Black Horse; Missouri Sucker.

Formerly abundant in the Illinois River, but now only occasionally taken. The single
specimen taken in our collections of the past three years comes from the mouth of Green
River. Aspecimen was obtained also from the Little Fox River, at Philipstown, III., in 1882.

Catostomus commersoniit (Lacépéde).—Common Sucker; Fine-sealed
Sucker; Black Sucker. (76)

The number of scales varies greatly, giving rise possibly to several more or less distinct
varietal forms.

Abundant; found usually in prairie creeks; not yet taken by us in tributaries of Lake
Michigan, Not found in our collections from southward of the latitude of the mouth of the
Illinois River, with the exception of one collection from near Mt. Carmel, and (singularly
enough) ten collections in the Illinois spur of the Ozarks,in the counties of Williamson,
Saline, Hardin, Pope, Johnson, and Union. Taken, in all, from 68 localities.

Catostomus nigricans (Le Sueur).—Hammer-head; Hog Sucker; Hog
Molly; Mullet; Stone-roller.

A fish of peculiar appearance; head pyramidal, bcdy subconical; eyes very small;
mouth large and sucker like. It is a strong swimmer and is chiefly found upon gravelly
riffles, where it feeds upon the bottom. As in the case of many other fishes inhabiting simi-~
lar situations, the back is crossed with dark bars, which probably serve as a means of pro-
tection against discovery by wading birds and other enemies.

Abundant in rapid gravelly streams of the Mississippi valley northeastward of a line
from the mouth of the Rock River to the mouth of the Embarras River. In this section we
have 84 collections of this species, while southwest of this line we have but four, two of
these lying very close to the line; viz., Little Wabash River at Effingham, Spoon River at
London Mills, Otter Creek in Jersey county, and Clear Creek, Union county. Not found in
the few collections whick have been made from streams flowing into Lake Michigan.

Erimyzon sucetta oblongus (Mitchill).—Chub-sucker; Sweet Sucker.

The absence of a lateral line serves to distinguish this fish from other suckers. (It should
be noted, however, that the young of the next species are without a lateral line also.) The
young of this variety are distinguished from adults by the possession of a very black
lateral stripe, and may easily be mistaken for minnows.

This fish is abundant in the Wabash basin, in the streams tributary to the Ohio River,
and in the headwaters of the Kaskaskia; also fiequently taken at Havana, It is much less
abundant throughout the Illinois valley, not having been taken by us between the Illinois
and Mississippirivers. It appears in four collections from the Rock River basin.

Minytrema melanops (Rafinesque).—Spotted Sucker; Black Sucker.

Readily recognized by the presence of several longitudinal rows of black dots on the
scales of the sides. Lateral line absent in the young and incomplete or broken in adults.

Abundant in the Wabash basin and in the headwaters of the Kaskaskia. One collection
from the Saline River at Harrisburg, one from Cedar Creek at Simpson, and one from the
Big Muddy at Benton. Rare at Havana and Meredosia and in the northern portion of the
State. Not taken between the Illinois and Mississippirivers. This fish apparently prefers
the weedy prairie creeks in situations where it is abundant.

Moxostoma aureolum (Le Sueur),—Common Red-horse; White Sucker;
Large-sealed Sucker.

Scales large; body heavy; head larger than in the next, flat between the eyes and squarish
in cross-section; nose ending abruptly.

Very abundant in streams of all sizes northward; generally found in the black-prairie
regions. Occurs but six times south of the south line of Shelby county,as follows: Jasper
County, N. E.; Fayette County, N.; Wabash County, E.; Wayne County, W. (2); Saline
County, 8.; and Hardin County, center.

Moxostoma macrolepidvtum (Le Sueur).—Red-horse.

Scales large; body more elongate than in the last, tapering from before the dorsal fin for-
ward; head rather small, rounded, and bluntly pointed,

Common in streams of the northern half of the State.

13

Placopharynx duquesnei (Le Sueur).—Red-horse. (85)

Not certainly distinguishable from M. aureolum without removal and examination of
the pharyngeal teeth. Occurs in Illinois, but out collections have not yet been carefully
enough examined to determine how frequently it may have been mistaken for M. aureolum.

FAMILY CYPRINID2 (THE MINNowWs).*
KEY TO THE GENERA OF ILLINOIS CYPRINIDZ.
(It must be understood that this key is intended only for Illinois representatives of

these genera, and in many cases will not apply to those found elsewhere.)

a. Minnows with intestine of length more than twice that of the body; peritoneum
usually black or dark gray.

b. Intestine spirally wound around the air-bladder..................-..-. CAMPOSTOMA.
bb. Intestine not wound around the air-bladder,

ce. Scales small, about 63 to 80 in lateral line.

peep bod yoplain Silvery cccce- sce csccecoee vichuoece te ctn doe leeks ie Sac Vey abr OXYGENEUM.
dd. Body striped longitudinally, frequently highly colored .............. CHROSOMUS,
ce. Scales larger, about 37 to 45 in lateral line.

e. Scales not crowded before the dorsal, and not differing muchin size from those
on cther parts of the body; breast scaly; first ray of dorsal slender and closely
ALLAONE LO'SECONG os sore aceiccesiccetlvae snewelececteeces Salvetdetslele nce HYBOGNATHUS.

ee. Scales small and irregularly crowded before the dorsal; breast naked; first
ray of dorsal 1% the length of second, not closely attached toit, a mem-
brane intervening ..........ccccccece Goede des delavinaisnckinetacenonnacoe -- PIMEPHALES.

Minnows with intestine short, less than twice the length of the body; peritoneum
usually pale,

f. Maxillary without evident barbel.
g. Scales minute,70 or 80 in lateral line.2
gg. Scales larger, less than 70 in lateral line.

h. Mouth very small, upturned; lower jaw more nearly vertical than horizontal
when mouth is closed; angle formed by cleft of mouth and long axis of body
MIOEO LAN AD) COLTER soccwes cece ce usesecsicaseneassuceeesecctes .+--.-- OPSOPHODUS.

bh. Mouth horizontal or more or less oblique; angle formed |by cleft of mouth and
long axis of body less than 45 degrees.

i. Body strongly compressed between ventrals and anal fin, forming a ventral
keel over which the scales do not Pass..........0..sseeeeeeenee Caaeanaee we ABRAMIS.

ii. Body not strongly compressed ventrally. \

j. First ray of dorsai club-like and not in close contact with the second ray, a mem-
brane intervening ..... BSG mals aeie eco cee oaipis cae bce eae cbeiecee seus caetied ee eee BO mIOle.

jj. First ray of dorsal slen"~>y and attached closely to the second.

k. Upper lip not much thickened near angles (lips thin); mouth horizontal or ob-
que.

1. Lower portion of head normal, not swollen..................ses+.se+++-++--s NOTROPIS.
ll. Lower portion of head swollen, semitransparent; rectangular mucous cavities

apparent in bones of face..............-. aa chissmnitcsiaies eam aacitoteactecene ERICYMBA.
kk. Upper lip much thickened at angles, giving appearance of sucker mouth; snout
somewhat projecting, mouth inferior, horizontal................ PHENACOBIUS.

ff. Maxillary with a barbel at or near the extremity. This is sometimes quite small
and difficult to see in preserved specimens.

m. A pair of barbels on the upper lip a short distance from the distal extremity.
n. Scales 50 to 60; eye small, one-fifth the length of head; dorsal usually ,with
TAYS...c-vecese Ssacte AEnOriCe care ee Eee sanuab sualdacuectetase-ceees SEMOTILUS.
nn. Scales 60 to 70; eye large, as long as snout; dorsal usually 8.2
mm. Barbels at the distal extremities of upper lip.
o. Scales small, 60 to 70 in the lateral line; premaxillary not protractile.
RHINICHTHYS.
*The common German carp (Cyprinus carpio), belonging to the family Cyprinidae,
though not native to Illinois waters, is now found in all streams of the State. It may be
recognized by the two long barbels at either side of the mouth, and by the long spine at the

front of the dorsal. The large number of rays of the dorsal and the form of the bod -
quently lead toa confusion of this fish with the buffaloes. eo bete ae

1 Leuciseus; a genus not certainly known to occur in this State.
2 Couesius plumbeus; a northern form, which may occasionally be found in [llinois.

14

oo. Scales larger, 35 to 60in lateral line; premaxillary protractile.
p. Head not usually much depressed; mouth usually inferior; common

SPGCLER ces acicecateowame nderdsan'es dewerdese bev enep ems tone HYBopsis.
pp. Head broad and much depressed; mouth terminal; rare species.
PLATYGOBIO.

A.—LONG-INTESTINED MINNOWS.

Campostoma anomalum (Rafinesque).—Dough-belly; Stone-roller; Greased
Chub; Creek Chub.

Differs from all other minnows in having its elongate intestine spirally wound around the
air-bladder. Mouth inferior and somewhat sucker-like, but the lips smooth. Body mottled
with black; the fins highly colored in spring, and the males at this season with tnbereles on
the head and many parts of the body. A fine bait minnow, easily taken with a minnow seine
in small creeks of running water; very tenacious of life in the minnow pail and on the hook.

Abundant throughout the State. More common in snia]l than in larger streams.
Oxygenewm pulverulentum Forbes.

A single specimen of this fish was taken in 1885 from the Illinois River by Professor
Forbes, which was so different from any known fish that it seemed necessary to refer it to
an entirely new genus and species. Asit has not been since taken, a doubt is suggested
whether the fish may not be a hybrid or merely an example of very wide variation. There
is no warrant, however, for discarding the genus and species until breeding experiments
show that it is a hybrid, or until the discovery of more specimens removes the doubts.

Chrosomus erythrogaster (Rafinesque).—Red-bellied Dace.

A very surprising little minnow. found in the muddier small creeks, The scales are very
fine. The color of the female is plain olive, silvery or white beneath, with black dots on the
back and narrow silvery and black stripes on the sides; in the males the whiteis replaced
by gorgeous cherry-red shading to golden forward. The base of the dorsal is red; the other
fins and the gill-covers (opercles) arearich yellow. The red color, while very deep and-
rich, is peculiarly evanescent, disappearing and reappearing often in a surprising manner,
It is not a distinctly spring coloration as has hitherto been supposed; specimens in our
aquaria, on the contrary, have shown high colorin almost all the summer months and as
late as October.

Occurs frequently in the Rock River basin and in creeks flowing into the Illinois River in
LaSalle county. Has been taken from creeks near Canton and Farmington, from a spring
branch near Wolrab Mills. Hardin county, and from creeks in Union county; also reported
from a spring in southwestern Clark county.

Hybognathus nuchalis (Agassiz).—Silvery Minnow.

A large silvery minnow, with large scales, spindle-shaped body, and pointed head. The
lower jaw is thin and hard, with a small hard lump just inside the mouth in front. Dies too
quickly to be a good bait minnow.

Chiefly found in deep muddy water in large creeks or rivers. Somewhat rarely found in
the swift gravelly streams of central Illinois. Abundant to the southeastward, near the
Ai eeetop! and Illinois rivers. Collected once from atributary of Lake Michigan, at South

icago.

Hybognathus nubila (Forbes).

A small fish; in appearance very much like Notropis heterodon, the similarity extend-
ing to the form of the body. head, and fins, and the black stripe on the side which passes
through the eye and around the snout. Theedge ofthe lower jaw is hard and sharp and has
a perceptible tubercle on its upper side atthe tip. Length rarely greater than 2 inches (to
base of caudal fin).

We have collections of this species from the Ohio River at Cairo, from the neighborhood
of Peoria, and from Galena, Carmi, and Henry.

Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque).—Black-head; Minnow; Fat-head.

A short thick fish with very blunt head. The males in spring very dark in color, and
with two rows of large tubercles around the snout. Differs from P. notatus in the thicker
body and in the incompleteness of the lateral line.

Distributed through the Mississippi, Rock. Illinois, and Kaskaskia basins, usually in
the deep holes of small sluggish creeks; also found in the small creeks of Coles county, in
the Wabash basin. Taken, in all, from 64 localities.

Pimephales notatus (Rafinesque).—Blunt-nosed Minnow.

Differs from P. promelas in having a rather slender body with the lateral line complete;
tuberculations and colors not so noticeable as in the preceding.

15

Very abundant throughout the State, occurring in 338 of our collections. In the eastern
Wabash basin so abundant as to be a nuisance to the collector. Not so numerous in the
larger streams.

AA.—SHORT-INTESTINED MINNOWS.
Semotilus atromaculatus (Mitchill).—Horned Face; Creek Chub.

A large fat minnow, reaching 10 inches in length. The fine scales on the forward part
of the body, the large mouth, and the small barbel on the upper lip near the corner of the
mouth, serve usually to distinguish it. It is an active swimmer, feeding on insect larve
worms, and small fishes. It is provided with a powerful set of pharyngeal teeth. One of
our best bait minnows; easily taken in creeks.

Abundantin streams of smaller size throughout the State. Rarely taken in lakes or
sloughs connected with the Illinois River. Oecurs in 149 of our collections.

Opsopewodus emilie (Hay).

The validity of this species is frequently questioned. It differs from O. megalops in
the complete lateral line and the black spot on the anterior rays of the dorsal.

Specimens identified as this species occur in collections from the Illinois River at Havana,
. the Big and Little fox rivers in White county, and from French Creek at Grayville.

Opsepeodus megalops (Forbes). (158b)

A fish with a very small upturned mouth, a black spot on the posterior rays of the dorsal,
and an incomplete lateral line. Delicate lines of black mark the edges of the scales.

Occurs in 67 collections, mainly from the [llinois River and from the streams of south-
eastern Illinois. Also found at Urbana and near Galena. Never abundant, but found only
sparingly, usually in water of moderate depth with muddy bottom.

Abramis crysoleucas (Mitchill).—Golden Shiner; Roach; Bream. (159)

This fish is distinguished from all other minnows by the keel on the belly behind the
ventral fins. The body is compressed toa thickness of about one-fifth to one-sixth of the
genut. eae much upturned; scales large and rounded on their posterior borders;
13 rays in anal.

Found in still water in all parts of the State. Not abundantin collections from the Rock
River basin. Occurs in 257 of our collections.

Cliola vigilax (Baird & Girard).—Fat-head.

This minnow approaches Pimephales in the fine scales before the dorsal, in the general
form of the body, and in not having the first ray adnate to the second of the dorsal, while it
differs in having a long intestine and a pale peritoneum. In separating this species from
P. notatus we have found that we can usually depend upon the paler color and more ob-
tuse head of Cliola. The black spot st the base of the caudal is also usually more distinct
eae in a notatus. As in the latter, there is a black spot on the first rays of the dorsal in

s species.

Found in 170 collections, made throughout the State, with the exception of the Lake Michi-
ganregion. Not abundant inthe Rock River basin.
KEY TO SPECIES OF THE GENUS NOTROPIS FOUND IN ILLINOIS.
a. Body neither stout nor much compressed; small cylindrical fusiform fishes
more than 24 inches in length; depth not more than ¥4 of length. a
b. A black stripe around snout, through eye and on side to base of caudal.

PALIT MINCE ONMOW Or AW. Chin WHILGssecosdicscmnis awe s once tees ne celacicecconeane N. CAYUGA.
ec. Mouth more oblique, lower jaw with some black.

d. Mouth very small; lower jaw included...............cccccccceccccc cece N. ANOGENUS.
dd. Mouth large; lower jaw projecting?...............cceescecceccccceces N. HETERODON.

bb. Sides without black stripe (dusky or silvery); sometimes dusted on sides and
head with black specks.

e. Fourteen to 17 scales before dorsal.

f. Anal rays 7 or 8.

g. Dorsal stripe present; no caudal spot..............sseeeeceeeeeeeeesees N. BLENNIUS.
gg. No dorsal stripe.

h. Dorsal rays 8, anal 8; fins high.?

MEIOLNAl Pays, e+ ANB ig net ate twee Societe dder cctees te bne sonatas wuncacetcuead N. 8CYLLA.

rmr2Care must be taken to avoid confusion of cayuga, anogenus and heterodon, u
larly heterodon, with Hybognathus nubila. —

2V. volucellus; not certainly known to occur in Illinois.

16

ff. Anal rays 9; sides dusted with black specks..........-..c00-eeeeeeee N. GILBERTI-
ee. Twelve scales before dorsal.
i. Eye small, 4 length of head.’
ii) Bye large; “2 length of head er largers.. 2 20<cberr <codcarscwectceameee N. SHUMARDI.

aa. Body compressed, at least posteriorly; depth noticeably greater than width; (head
sometimes thick).

4: pAblack spot/at base of Candal oon <ccscccas sascne scons seddvssassaaaaae eae N. HUDSONIUS.
jj. No spot at base of caudal. y

k. Scales before dorsal not much finer than elsewhere on the body.
l. Anal fin of 7 to 9 rays.
m. Body deep, compressed; length 3 to 6 inches.

n. Scales uniform in size; body not heavy forward; regularly marked with diagonal
lines forming lozenges on sides of scales; black lateral stripe made up of small
diagonal bars on posterior half of body; dorsal fin usually with a black spot on
posterior rays; no red coloration): .~. cc. cocesceo sess scovensseasteameee .N. WHIPPLII.

nn. Body heavy before dorsal; nape high; much red coloration in adult males;
mouth large: scales somewhat crowded forward.

o. Length of exposed portion of scales equal to about 42 depth of scales; eye not
PEO cerseias Cuine bins alee ols o id nda len e aipid's awe, outa dale wile inate ly Nein aaa N. LUTRENSIS.

oo. Scales very deep, length of exposed portion narrow on forward part of body and
rows running out behind dorsal fin; eye large in young, variable in adult.
N. CORNUTUS.

mm. Body rather stout; not much compressed; head thick; depth of body 14 toi-5
of length; silvery fishes without red or yellow coloration of body or fins.

p. Anal rays 9; eye 5-13 of head; lateral line much decurved........... N. ARIOMMUS.
DD. Anal Tays:75,/@Ve0-bL OL NGAd 2.2 sissewey sa ciro= vvbw poke sacs ehoaseanmanne N. JEJUNUS.

ll. Anal fin of 10 or 11 rays; body elongate, silvery; depth 4-19 to 1-6 of length; eye
large: mouth large, oblique.

q. Depth 2-11 to 1-6 of length.

r. Lateral line much decurved; mouth and eye moderate.......... N. ATHERINOIDES.
rr. Lateral line nearly straight; mouth and eye large..................-.--- N. ARGE.
qq. Depth 4-19 of length. :

s. Seven rows of scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; eye 4s length of head;

mouth small, Obliquessssc che sete tes voce va dues dene cldacsncne eee N. DILECTUS.
ss. Five rows of scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; eye 4% of head; mouth
largeland VeryiODlidde: ccc cccdsceve ccltceiccneventotepsertsnec enema N. RUBIFRONS.

kk. Scales before dorsal very fine, notin regular rows, about 30 on median Jine;
body not much elongate,

Ca MAM all rays LOMO mM acet cco ccs cc va tece celes seicebessne bic det menite em tecee comme N. UMBRATILIS.
te A RAL PAYS Diao uch! doecrsce devices eceeee nobus de wen sesawepeecrcee es qeeete Gemma N. CORNUTUS.

Notropis anogenus Forbes.
Taken from the Fox at McHenry and in South Chicago.
Notropis cayuga Meek. (98b)

Tail forked; mouth not so large as in the next and less oblique. A dark stripe around the
snout and through the eye, continued on the sides to the base of the candal fin as a dusky
band which is crossed by numerous darker crescentic or X-shaped marks.

Not abundant, although found in 46 localities, distributed throughout the State. Occurs
most frequently in the Illinois River and northward.

Notropis heterodon (Cope).

External appearance so much like that of JV. cazjuga as to lead easily to their confusion.
Differs from the latter in the larger more oblique mouth, the lower jaw partaking at its
edges of the black of the lateral band.

Not uncommon in the streams to the northward of the Illinois River. Widely distributed,
but rare southward.

1 NV. longirostris; not certainly known to occur in this State.

17

Notropis blennius (Girard).—Straw-colored Minnow. (103)

A very plain minnow, wholly without striking color-marks. Scales faintly edged with
dark brown; a brown mid-dorsal stripe, which is broauer at the base of the dorsal fin than
elsewhere. Muzzle decurved; mouth almost horizontal.

A common species, quite regularly distributed throughout the State. Occurs in 174
collections.

Notropis scylla (Cope). (105)

mens much like the preceding, but with short stout body, blunt head, and rather small
mouth.

Rare in Illinois. Specimens in six collections, from central and western Illinois, have
been referred to this species.

Notropis gilberti Jordan & Meek.

A slender species, with long head and caudal peduncle. Mouth large, almost horizontal;
scales before dorsal, 17

Specimens in 17 collections have been referred to this species. These collections are from
streams in LaSalle county and Macoupin county, and from tributaries of the Mississippi
River west of the Illinois basin.

Notropis shumardi (Girard). (106)

A fish with a large eye and a large oblique mouth; the head broad across the top.

Occurs from localities as follows: Wabash basin, Cedar Lake, Sangamon River and trib-
mearies, Rock River at Erie, Illinois River at Havana, and creeks near Canton and Car
nville.

Notropis hudsonius (De Witt Clinton).—Spot-tail.

A large pale minnow, with a black caudal spot.

Most commonly found in the Illinois River and tributary sloughs and lakes; also, less
epmmonly, in various parts of the State near the Mississippi River, and in tributaries of
ake Michigan.

Notropis lutrensis (Baird & Girard).—Red-fin.

This fish is proportionately deeper than any of our other minnows, with the possible ex-
ception of Abramis, the thickness and depth immediately behind the head increasing with
age. aor Auaipacent and fins red; spring males highly colored; females duller in color

an the males.

This_species is confined to western and southern Illinois, Its eastern limits seem to be
in LaSalle and McLean counties. It is exceedingly abundant in Union county, and is
found in sluggish streams as far north as the mouth of Green River. Also found, peculi-
arly isolated, in Richland Creek, Stephenson county. We have taken it in 117 localities.

Notropis whipplii (Girard).—Lemon-fin; Steel-blue Minnow.

The young of this species are distinguished with difficulty from JV. lutrensis. The adults
are larger and more elongate than the latter, the upper and lower curves of the body being
gentle and quite uniform from the tip of the pointed snout to the base of the caudal fin.
Coloration less brilliant than in JV. lutrensis; the sides and back marked off into diamond
or lozenge-shaped areas by blue lines parallel to and near the exposed edges of the scales,
these markings being more or less distinctive; a black spot usually present on the dorsal
fin; fins of the males in spring a transparent lemon-yellow.

Taken in 293 collections, from all parts of the State. Most abundant in the rapid gravelly
ereams am the area of the later glacial drift. Less common in the lower Illinois basin and
westward.

Notropis cornutus (Mitchill).—Horned Dace; Shiner. (113)

This species is the gamiest of the minnows, growing to a length of about 9inches. Rec-
ognized by the great depth of the exposed edges of the scales. Spring males much colored
with salmon-pink, and the head covered with tubercles.

Occurs incollections from 153 localities, but is almost wholly absent from collections
made between the southern Illinois hill region and the latitude of the mouth of the Illinois
River, this area of scarcity corresponding very well with the older glaciated area of south-
ern Illinois. In this region we have obtained but two collections, one from the Little Wa-
bash River, in Clay county, and one from a creek in eastern Wabash county.

—2

18

Notropis jejunus (Forbes).
A large pale silvery minnow, without conspicuous color markings; in the rounded form of
the scales agreeing with Hybognathus nuchalis.

Specimens found in 49 of our collections, made principally in the Illinois River and to the
northwestward. Found a few times in tributaries of the Wabash and Ohio rivers in
southern Illinois, once in Lake Michigan, and once in Logan county.

Notropis atherinoides Rafinesque.

The first fish of the genus to be named. A long thin silvery minnow. with long lower jaw
and oblique mouth. Lateral line decurved. Specimens from Lake Michigan with a very
black stripe on the side.

scpata(ed inoue printuaty duterubatouo is iieede tas ig posable 2 MOF Sharolz
Notropis arge (Cope).
Differs from JV. atherinoides in the larger eye and almost straight lateral line.
Notropis dilectus (Girard) .
Depth greater and mouth smaller than in JV. atherinoides.
Notropis rubrifrons (Cope).
Notropis umbratilis (Girard).—Red-fin. (123)

Body short and compressed; very fine scales before the dorsal; anal fin long (rays 11)
The males are highly colored; body of variegated bluish, greenish, purple, and opalescent:
fins deep red in spring.

Found everywhere, but occurs most commonly in large creeks and small rivers, being
most abundant southward. The several varieties of this species which occur in the State
have not yet been carefully discriminated in our collections.

Ericymba buccata Cope.

Body cylindrical: in general appearance like the straw-colored minnow (J. blennius).
Lower jaw much enlarged, with mucous cavities which appear on the outside as vitreous
streaks; eyes directed slightly upward, giving to the fish a peculiar watchful expression.

Abundant in the upper Wabash basin; taken also from the Iroquois basin near Watseka.
Its occurrence in the latter place due probably toits crossing the low divide near Hoopeston
by aid of high water or the changing of water courses throuzh artificial drainage.

Phenacobius mirabilis (Girard).—Sucker-mouth Minnow.

Mouth inferior; upper lip thickened outwardly and sucker-like; form of body similar to
that of the common red-horse. ‘This species and P. scopifer (Cope) are not readily distin-
guishable in our collections. The first is described with 48 to 52 scales in the lateral line,
the second with 43 to 45, this being the usual basis of separation, Our specimens are inter-
mediate, having from 43 to 50 scales. We have therefore called them collectively P. mirabilis.

Taken in 140 localities, in moderately swift water, throughout the State.
Rhinichthys atronasus (Mitchill).—Black-nosed Dace.

In general appearance very much like the Stone roller (Campostoma anomalum), but
with a barbel at each corner of the mouth; the males differing in having a stripe on the side
which varies with seasons from crimson to pale saJmon-color.

Found in rapid streams, widely distributed throughout the State, but nowhere common.
Not yet taken from tributaries of the Wabash or of Lake Michigan.

KEY TO ILLINOIS SPECIES OF THE GENUS HYBOPSIS.

a. Small slender species with mouth inferior; usually silvery.
De BLVOIS 4. occu cede ee cteubeesanboal ditwe tvatistmcciemubeeesmcc ERebeeee H. TETRANEMUS.
bb. Barbels 2.
c. Eye small, its length less than 43 that of head.

19

d. Length of eye about 4 of head; length of barbel about 14s of head; scales every
where dusted with black specks over silvery color................ H. HYOSTOMUS.

dd. Length of eye about 1-6 of head; length of barbel about 3-5 of eye; fine black
specks on posterior border of seales of back; lower lobe of caudal dark,
with white border.'

ec. Eye large, its length about 43 or more of head; sides blotched; dusky or silvery.
e. Mottled with black or brown.

PES CHILOS 1GtOy1SIDOLOLE) COLBAl vec cs as vc derjaciow piguin'elnpicaidatyciocicsctios ciaeiesoe H. DISSIMILIS.
ff. Scales 20 to 24 before dorSal...................0 da eintcitas sfelslelets sreit's wieie/e H. WATAUGA.
ee. Not mottled; silvery, dusted with dark specks, or scales edged with dusky.
g. Head large, length 4 that of body, flattened above; muzzle bluntly decurved;

VOM MONET NOL MEAG s occa cates Gans muiss asta cists Selec Gan acctencsaccanes H. AMBLOPS.
gg. Head short, length less than %4 of body; cheeks nearly vertical; a fleshy pad
OMIGNG Of SNOUtsencscne cnciecic occisccicicicec ce sccuciceccetied cscioeeds H. STORERIANUS.

aa. Large species, with rather heavy body; mouth large, almost terminal; not silvery,
H. KENTUCKIENSIS.

Hybopsis tetranemus Gilbert.

The only native minnow with four barbels. A small, slender, silvery fish, with large
fins. Length 2 inches.

Hybopsis hyostomus (Gilbert).

Snout long and acute, projecting half its length beyond the mouth. A silvery minnow.

Specimens referred to H. hyostomus have been taken fromthe Illinois River at Havana
and od a and from the middle fork of the Big Vermilion River on the Champaign-Ford
county line.

Hybopsis dissimilis (Kirtland).—Spotted Shiner.

In form much like the sucker-mouth minnow (Phenacobius); length3to4inches. Dis-
tinguished readily from Phenacobius by the pair of barbels, the form of the lip, and the
dark irregular mottling of the back and sides.

Takeu from Rock River at Rockford and Dixon, from Tomahawk Creek near La Salle,
een River at London Mills, Sangamon River at Decatur,and Embarras River at Charles-
on.

Hybopsis watauga Jordan & Evermann.

Like Z. dissimilis in many respects, but with a bluish stripe passing around the snout,
the stripe bearing § to 12 small black spots.

Hybopsis amblops (Rafinesque).—Silver Chub; Big-eye Chub.

Head large and flattened; eyes directed upward; color silvery.

Not infrequent in the streams of the Wabash and Ohio basins; taken five times from the
middle course of the Illinois River and once from near its mouth; taken also from near the
mouth of Rock River, from a pond near Quincy, from the Sangamon River, and five times
from the Kaskaskia River.

Hybopsis storerianus (Kirtland).

Second in size among the species of this genus. A silvery chub, in appearance and size
somewhat like Hybognathus nuchalis, Mouth inferior, overhung by the snout, which has a
peculiar fleshy pad on the end; barbels minute; cheeks vertical; eye high and situated mid-
way_ between front and back of head; body tapering forward from the front of the dorsal;
head small.

Nowhere common, though widely distributed in I]inois—from Cairo to East Dubuque and
from Danville to Quincy. Not taken from the Little Wabash, Big Muddy, Kaskaskia, or
Rock River basins, and found at only two points in the Illinois basin—the Illinois River at
Ottawa and Crooked Creek in Hancock county.

Hybopsis kentuckiensis (Rafinesque).—River Chub; Horny-head.

A minnow of large size, growing to a length of 6to9 inches. Body fusiform, stout, about
evenly curved dorsally and ventrally; mouth wide; color olivaceous, sometimes bluish; fins
frequently tinged with yellowish or red. An excellent bait fish for bass because of its
hardiness.

Confined to northern Illinois, not being found further south than Crab-apple Creek in
Moultrie county, Salt Creek in Logan county, and Flower Creek in Hancock county.

_ 3H, gelidus; not certainly known to occur in Illinois.

20

Couesius plumbeus (Agassiz).

This species may be found in Illinois, but has not yet beentaken. Similar to Semotilus,
but with smaller scales.

Platygobio pallidus Forbes (147b.—Misprinted in Appendix, 8th ed., as
P. gracilis.)
A small silvery species, reaching a length of 4 inches; barbel prominent. Differs from

the young of P. gracilis, with which it has been confused, in the shorter and broader head,
broader interorbital space, wider mouth, and shorter dorsal, anal, and pectorals.

Found only in the Ohio River near Cairo, from which locality we have 21 specimens, the
largest of which are about 3 inches long.

FAMILY ANGUILLIDZ (THE EELS).

Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque.—American Eel. (218)
Ascending rivers from the sea, to which it returns to spawn in the deep water. Common
in large streams in spring.

Famity HIopONTIDa (THE MOON-EYES).

Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque).—Moon-eye.

Known from the next by the strong carination of the belly both before and behind the
ventral fins. Dorsal fin with 9 rays,
A fish of the large rivers; no longer common in the waters of Illinois,

Hiodon tergisus (Le Sueur).—Moon-eye; Toothed Herring.

Belly not strongly carinate before the ventrals; dorsal fin with 12 rays.
Occasionally taken from the Illinois and Mississippi rivers; formerly more abundant.

FamIty Dorosomip& (THE GIZZARD SHADS).
Dorosoma cepedianum (Le Sueur).—Gizzard Shad; Hickory Shad; Skip-
jack.
This fish will readily be recognized by the elongation of the posterior rays of the dorsal.

oky abundant in large streams everywhere, and occasionally taken from pools in small
streams.

FAMILY CLUPEID& (THE HERRINGS).

Pomolobus chrysochloris Rafinesque.—Skipjack; Blue Herring. (171)

Not common, but only occasionally taken from large streams. Has been obtained by us
from the Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers.

Alosa sapidissima (Wilson).—Common Shad. (172)

Introduced into waters tributary to the Gulf of Mexico, and since taken from the Ohio
River at Louisville by Dr. Evermann, of the U, 8. Fish Commission.

FAMILY SALMONID (THE SALMON FAMILY).
' Coregonus quadrilateralis Richardson.—Round Whitefish.
Lake Michigan.
Coregonus clupeiformis (Mitchill).—Common Whitefish.
Lake Michigan, chiefly in deep water.
Argyrosomus artedi (Le Sueur).—Ciseo; Lake Herring. (186)

Descending the canals from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River. One specimen taken at
Meredosia and three at Ottawa.

21

i]
Argyrosomus hoyi Gill—Moon-eye Cisco.
Lake Michigan, in deep water.
Argyrosomus prognathus (H. M. Smith).—Long-jaw Bloater.
Lake Michigan.
Argyrosomus nigripennis Gill.—Blue-fin; Black-fin.
Lake Michigan in deep water.
Argyrosomus tullibee (Richardson).—Tullibee; ‘‘Mongrel Whitefish.’’
Lake Michigan.
Cristivomer namaycush (Walbaum).—Great Lake Trout; Mackinaw Trout.
Lake Michigan.
Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill).—Brook Trout; Speckled Trout.
Attempts have frequently been made to introduce this and other trout into the streams

of I)linois, but apparently entirely without success. Trout will not thrive where the tem-
perature of the water at any time exceeds 60 degrees.

FaMILy UMBRID& (THE MUD-MINNOWS).

Umbra limi (Kirtland).—Mud-minnow.

This little fish has a form very much like that of the common dogfish (Amia calva). It
can. however, be at once distinguished from the latter by its small dorsal fin, which has but
14 rays, while the number is 42 to58in Amia.

Usually taken from grassy ponds or muddy creeks, which it apparently prefers to
larger open waters. Taken in 29 localities throughout the State.

Famity Luciipa (THE PIKES).

Lucius vermiculatus (Le Sueur).—The Little Pickerel. (214)

The Little Pickerel seldom exceeds 12 inchesin length. It differs from our other species
(D. luctus) in this respect, and in having the cheeks and opercles fully scaled,

th Eaund in grassy prairie creeks and along weedy margins of larger streams throughout
e State.

Lucius lucius (Linnezeus).—Common Pike; Pickerel. (216)

A voracious feeder, taking fishes of considerable size; the jaws provided with strong
eeer er-pointing teeth. Differs from the preceding in having the lower portion of the
opercle bare.

No longer common, but found in all sections of the State.
Lueius masquinongy (Mitchill).—Muskallunge. (217)

Differs from the preceding two species in having the lower portion of both cheeks and
opercles bare.

vex in Lake Michigan; has been said to occur inthe lakes of northern Illinois (Nel-
n).

Famity Peorniip® (THE KILLIFISHES).

Fundulus diaphanus menona (Jordan & Copeland).—Top-minnow.
Found in Illinois only in the lakes of the northeastern part and in Rock River.
Fundulus dispar (Agassiz).—Top-minnow. (208)

The body marked with several narrow vertical bars of dark color.

Found throughout the State in the quiet weedy pools of smaller streams, or along the
margins of larger streams. Quite rare northward.

22

Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque).—Top-minnow. (206)

On the side and around the snout a large dark purplish stripe, with sometimes a sugges-
tion of bars.

Common throughout the State in such situations as described for /. dispar.
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard).—Top-minnow. (211)

A tiny top-minnow, with deep body. The males are very minute and scarce.

Taken from 17 localities in southern Illinois; two specimens from Havana provisionally
referred to this species.

Gambusia nobilis (Baird & Girard).—Top-minnow.
Similar to G, afinis, but less common in our collections. Possibly identical with the

preceding, specimens being overgrown examples of that species.
From Johnson county, and from ponds near the Wabash River opposite Mt. Carmel.

FaMILy AMBLYOPSIDA (THE BLIND FISHES).

Chologaster papilliferus Forbes.

The eyes of these fishes are imperfect, and they otherwise show relationships with the
blind fishes of the caves, which have not yet been taken in Illinois.

Taken only from a spring under a bluff of the Mississippi River west of Cobden
Ill. These fishes have been obtained by only two or three collectors. Mr. E. B. Forbes, the
most recent collector, secured about two dozen specimens, which he was able to dip up from
among the rocks with a tin cup.

FAMILY GASTEROSTEIDZ (THE STICKLEBACKS).
Eucalia inconstans (Kirtland).—Brook Stickleback.

A northern form, not common in Illinois; has been taken from a spring-fed slough of
Indian Creek near Wedron, in LaSalle county.

FamiIty PErRcopsip# (THE TrRouT PERCHES).

Percopsis guttatus Agassiz.—Trout Perch; Sand-roller.

This peculiar fish is no doubt frequently overlooked by inexperienced collectors, who
mistake it fora minnow. Its small adipose fin will distinguish it from all other scaly fishes.
common to Illinois except the whitefishes, from which it differs in the form of the body and
in the spiny rays of the dorsal, anal, and ventral fins. The sides are marked with round
dusky spots; color otherwise pale.

Found in Lake Michigan, and in the Illinois River, from Ottawa to Meredosia. Not very
common.

FaMILY APHREDODERID® (THE PIRATE PERCHES).

Aphredoderus sayanus (Gilliams).—Pirate Perch.

This fish, like the last, is frequently overlooked by collectors because of its superficial
resemblance to the sunfishes; called “half-breeds” by a boy who thought them a cross be-
tween sunfish and minnows. Head broader than in the sunfishes; dorsal spines but 3 or 4 in
number; vent in adults in front of the ventral fins.

Taken in 92 collections, from muddy pools throughout the State.

FAMILY ATHERINID& (THE SILVERSIDES).

Labidesthes sicculus (Cope).—Brook Silverside; Skipjack.

A slender silvery fish, commonly mistaken by unobserving fishermen foraminnow. The
small tuft-like spinous dorsal fin with 4 rays; soft dorsal with 11 rays; anal elongate, consist-
ing of a spine and 23 soft rays. The form of the mouth is peculiar, being prolonged into a
sort of beak, the lower jaw curved downward.

Abundant near the shores of larger streams and lakes, and frequently taken from the
grassy parts of prairie creeks. Generally distributed over the State.

. 23

FAMILY ELASSOMIDA (THE PiamMy SUNFISHES).

Elassoma zonatum Jordan.—Pigmy Sunfish.

A tiny sunfish-like fish without a lateral line and with only 4 or 5 dorsal spines; on the
aes “s de vertical bands; beneath the dorsal a black spot, and at the base of the caudal
a blackish bar.

From five Illinois localities, all in the southern part of the State,as follows: Drew Pond,
White county; Swan Pond, St. Francisville; Little Fox River, Phillipstown; Wabash River,
Wabash station; and Running Lake, Union county.

FAMILY CENTRARCHID& (THE SUNFISHES).

KEY TO ILLINOIS GENERA OF CENTRARCHID~.

a. Dorsal and anal fins nearly equal in size,
DMEPPLOUR ALS DIN GEOG 8 secies sockicciecenincouswesmonad cress visteelcls aacids este = ccletenleaiee PoMoxis,
BOSRPOLEAISDINGS 11) OF AS i tocccccccicc c deins castae cam ste cies Deleicelsle cewwleachelsient CENTRARCHUS.

aa. Dorsal fin much larger than anal.
ce. Body short and deep; depth usually more than 2-5 of length.
PCPA EER DITIOS Of nine ce iiacace\anice setae tetdslnviondecie teleeeelesecnclaccmdeltecieats AMBLOPLITES.
dd Anal spines 3.

e. Tongue ard pterygoids with teeth; mouth large; depth 2-5 to 1-2 of length.
CHA NOBRYTTUS.
ee. Tongue and pterygoids toothless; depth about 2-5 of length.
APOMOTIS, EUPOMOTIS, AND LEPOMIS.

ec, Body elongate; depth 1-3 of length; dorsal fin low, with 19 spines; deep emar-
gination at juncture of soft and spinous dorsals; mouth large... MICROPTERUS.

Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque.—White Crappie; Crappie.

Differing from the next species in the more gradual slope of the profilefrom the front of
the dorsal, the lighter general color, the arrangement of the dark color in definite bandson
the side, and the lesser depth of body,

Dorsal and anal fins of about equal size; dorsal spines 6 or7, more commonly 6.

Very abundant and generally distributed through the State, with the exception of the
Rock and Wabash basins, where it is not very common.

Pomoxis sparoides' (Lacépéde).—Calico Bass; Strawberry Bass; Black
Crappie; Crappie.

Colors darker than in P. annularis; dorsal and anal larger and much mottled with black;
sides irregularly mottled with dark green or black. Profile of head steeper and more
abruptly recurved just behind the snout than in the preceding; dorsal spines from 6 to 10 in
number, usually 7 or 8.

Widely distributed, but not abundant in rapid streams.
Centrarchus macropterus ‘Lacépéde).—Round Sunfish; Flyer.

A small fish with rows of dark spots on the sides much as in the rock bass (Ambloplites
rupestris); body very thin; dorsal and ventral outlines strongly and symmetrically curved;
dorsal and anal fins about equal in size.

Taken only from southern Illinois. Our collections are from Auxier Creek and north
fork of the Saline River in Hamilton county, a branch of the Big Muddy in Franklin county,
Cache River in Johnson county, and two localities on Clear Creek in Union county.

Ambloplites rupestris (Rafinesque).—Goggle-eye; Red-eye; Rock Bass.

Well known by the common names given above. Living in deep pools near swift water
or in drifts, where it bites quite readily on any ordinary bait, sometimes even taking a fly
cast for bass. A young fisherman’s fish, and of fair quality as a pan-fish.

Common in the northern part of the State; taken once from the Kaskaskia River at
Cowden, and once in Union county. Infrequently taken in large bodies of water.

Chenobryttus gulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes).—Warmouth Bass; Goggle-
eye.

Somewhat like the last in general appearance and habits, but with much deeper color
and more of a liking for sluggish water. A fair fish for pond culture, growing to consider
able size and making a very good fry.

Common in favorable situations throughout the State; rare in the Wabash basin, Rock
River basin, and in the gravelly streams of central Illinois.

24

KEY TO ILLINOIS SUNFISHES OF THE GENERA APOMOTIS, LEPOMIS, AND EUPOMOTIS.

a. Body elongate; depth 2-5 of length; scales in lateral line 45 to 55; mouth large; usu-
ally a stellate black spot on hase of soft dorsal; in life with a coppery ma

on opercular flap and pale blue spots on the scales............ APOMOTIS CYANELLUS.
aa, Body not elongate; depth 4-9 to 5-10 of length.
b. Lateral line developed on less than half the scale........ APOMOTIS SYMMETRIOUS.

bb. Lateral line well developed, pores‘on all but a few scales.
ce. Black opercular flap without margin of lighter color.

d. Anal rays 8to10; scalesin lateral line 36 to 45,31 to 40 developed pores: oper-
cular flap frequently large and long, always broad, and striate longitudinally.
LEPOMIS MEGALOTIS.

dd. Anal rays 10 to 12; scales in lateral line 43 to 52, pores developed on 40 to 50 scales;

opercular flap not much elongate; a black spot on dorsal fin.
LEPOMIS PALLIDUS.

ec. Opercular flap with amargin of light color or a red spoton posterior edge.
e. Scales in lateral line usually less than 40.

f. Anal with 8 to10 soft rays; sides regularly spotted with red, orange, or dark
brown spots.

g. Opercular flap short, portion on bone of operculum black, membranous portion
pale LEPOMIS GARMANI.

gg. Opercular flap an elongate membrane, the center black and the margin very
paleipink lor Silvery white 2 os.. Jocswes oooh ae bd oe eaeens cae eee LEPOMIS HUMILIS.

ff, Anal usually with 11 soft rays; sides not regularly spotted as described above.
EUPOMOTIS HEROS.

Ce

ee. Scales in lateral line 40 to 47.

h. Opercular flap with a pale margin.............cceee.c-seencceee APOMOTIS ISCHYRUS.
hh. Opercular flap with red spot on edge; 4 rows of scales on cheeks; also wavy
DIMGI SHENG Rea -see eeancctcwaneus oceeiees vevegrenencaemat EUPOMOTIS GIBBOSUS.

sea cyanellus (Rafinesque).—Blue-spotted Sunfish; Green Sunfish.

Of sufficient size to make it a pan-fish of some economic importance; taken readily by
unskilled anglers.

Distributed with remarkable impartiality throughout the State in the smaller streams,
ee largest specimens coming from small sluggish creeks. We have taken it in 220 local-
ies. =

Apomotis ischyrus (Jordan & Nelson). (310)

Our collections of this species include the original type, from the Illinois River, and two
or three others of very doubtful identity.

Apomotis symmetricus (Forbes). (309)

This species is represented in our collections by specimens from Union county, from
Site from several points on the lower Wabash River; has also been taken in the IIli-
nois River.

Lepomis garmani Forbes.

A very handsome fish, of dark color, with rows of orange-colored spots on the sides;
amoug the most finished in appearance of all sunfishes.

From Pecatonica River at Freeport, a creek near Warsaw, Round Pond at Hamilton,
middle course of the Illinois River, creeks near Lincoln, and Big Fox River in White county.

Lepomis megalotis (Rafinesque).—Long-eared Sunfish.

In this fish the opercular flap is quite variable in size, being 18 the length of the head
sometimes in large specimens.

Jommon in clear streams southeastward of the region of Pontiac, which is the locality
of ont tte northward occurrence. Not yet taken from the Illinois River or from streams
west of it,

Lepomis humilis (Girard).—Orange-spotted Sunfish.

This fish may be easily recognized by the silvery white or pale pink margin of the thin
flexible opercular flap; the palest of our sunfishes. A considerable degree of sex dimor-

25

phism is exhibited by this species. The males have orange-colored spots on the sides in-
stead of dark brown, as in the females; measurements of males and females by Mr.
Howard of Ottawa, IIl., have shown also that in the former the profile is steeper, with fore-
head concave, and that the ventrals are longer, reaching past the vent.

Found very generally distributed in the State, except in the upper Rock River basin,
Fox River and tributaries, and the DuPage, Desplaines, and Kankakee basins. Not common
in the sluggish portions of creeks.

Lepomis pallidus (Mitchill).—Blue-gill.

The most important of the sunfishes as a food fish. The name blue-gill refers to the
blue color usually found on the lower portion of the cheeks. Form of the body orbicular; a
black spot usually present on the dorsal posteriorly.

Generally distributed and quite common in the larger streams; apparently not found in
the upper portion of the Wabash basin; not very common southward.

Eupomotis heros (Baird & Girard). (318b)

ne In oo like the preceding, but with a blood-red margin on the opercular flap in
ema

ac from two ponds near St. Francisville, and from a pond opposite Mt. Carmel; a
specimen also recorded from Onion Creek, at Topeka, IIl.

Eupomotis gibbosus (Linnzeus).—Pumpkin-seed; Common Sunfish. (319)

Wavy blue lines on the cheeks and opercles; colors very bright, with much yellow;
opercular flap with red on the posterior margin.

Abundant in the Illinois basin; especially so in the lakes of northeastern Illinois.
es peicely distributed, but not abundant. Not found in collections from the Wabash
or its tributaries

eeeruprerus dolomiew Lacépéde.—Small-mouth Bass; Green Bass; Red-eye
ass.

The gamiest of Illinois fishes. Often confounded with the large-mouth bass by the in-
experienced, although the separation on a basis of the finer scales in this species (17 rows
on cheek and 72 to 80 in the lateral line) is quite easy. The young may be readily recog-
nized by the white margin of the caudal fin.

Found in large clear streams. Not taken from the Wabash or Kaskaskia basins.
Otherwise generally distributed in favorable situations.

Micropterus salmoides Lacépéde.—Large-mouth Bass; Black Bass; Green
Bass.

Scales on the cheeks in about 10 rows; 65 to 70 in the lateral line. The young haveavery.

marked black stripe on the sides and around the snout. This stripe breaks up later into

spots, which gradually disappear with age, but are usually noticeable until the third year,
and sometimes later.

Common throughout the State in the sluggish portions of streams.

FaMILy Percip& (THE PERCHES).

KEY TO ILLINOIS GENERA OF THE FAMILY PERCID,

a. Pseudobranchia well developed; branchiostegals 7; {no anal papilla; mouth large,
terminal; fishes growing to a weight of 1 1b. or more.

b. Canine teeth on jaws and palatines; body cylindrical, elongate; ventrals sepa-
rated by a space equal to width of base............. 22s ceeeceececnes STIZOSTEDION.
bb. No canine teeth; body oblong, slightly compressed................se-es0e- PEROA.

aa. Pseudobranchia small! or wanting; branchiostegals 6; anal papilla usually
ene small fishes, never exceeding 10 inches in length, usually muc
smaller.

ce. Lateral line developed, at least anteriorly.

d. Body usually almost cylindrical; nuchal region never much compressed; skull
immediately behind eyes, ~~-shaped in cross section.

e. Breadth of cranium between eyes about equal to diameter of orbit; snout pig-like,
projecting much beyond MOuth..............cceeeececens secs ccccrecssceccs EROINA.

26

ee. Breadth of interorbital space less than diameter of eye.
f. Body not extremely elongate and not hyaline.

g. Mouth more or less oblique, terminal; head rather pointed; belly with enlarged
scales or a naked strip.

h. Premaxillary broadly joined to skin of forehead, free only at ager

ADROPTERUS.
hh. Premaxillary separated from skin of forehead by a groove, which is some-
times'‘crossed by ‘ainarrow frenuim...2-....---ssecceccceceacdeueueus CoTTOGASTER.

gg. Mouth inferior, horizontal; profile much decurved.
ji. Anal spines 2, well developed; ventral fins close together, an enlarged scale

between their bases. ..00sso.c<+ccs esccedscs eve ccevec docdcs gece DIPLESION.
ii. Anal spine 1, weak; ventrals bupaeatad by a space equal to width of base,
BOLEOSOMA.

ff. Body extremely elongate; hyaline in life.
j. Body very pale, marked with rows of black spots; very slendei, cylindrical;

premaxillary' protractile.< oo cces bose ede cea codudonbevenee peaeeee AMMOCRYPTA.
jj. Body mottled with dark above and with black spots on sides; terete; head de-
pressed; snout long; premaxillary not protractile................ CRYSTALLARIA.

dd. Body compressed (or cylindrical); skull just behind eyes f-shaped in cross-
section; premaxillary never protractile; belly covered with ordinary scales.

k. Lateral line straight; body rather stout; caudal peduncle not noticeably long
and slender; head usually more or less pointed; mouth nearly or quite

terminal 2: ees See hie s SEN a bine nisbes done tenes eee ETHEOSTOMA.

kk. Lateral line arched, parallel with line of back: caudal peduncle slender; profile
much decurved; mouth INGOTION sic c ec acswccteleceucconcs toee Eee BoLeIcHTHYs.

Ce. lateral ine wanting 526205 sets sce cece ceadecdesces toate cuee seneee ee eeee MICROPERCA.

Stizostedion vitreum (Mitchill).—Wall-eyed Pike; Jack Salmon.

A well known fish, of large size, with fusiform body; well developed canine teeth on the
jaws and palatine bones, as in the next species; a large jet-black spot on the posterior two
membranes of the spinous dorsal.

Common in the Illinois basin and in the northwestern portion of the State. Taken once
from, the Pett River at Vandalia, and in large numbers from the Wabash above
. Carmel.

Stizostedion canadense (Smith).—Sauger; Sand Pike.

Spinous dorsal with two or three rows of round blaek spots. but without a black blotch
on the posterior rays; second dorsal with three irregular rows of round dark spots.

We have specimens from the Rock River at Dixon, from lakes about Quincy, and from the
Illinois River at Pekin. Reported from other places northward. Less common than the
preceding species.

Perca flavescens (Mitchill).—Yellow Perch; Ringed Perch.

A very common lake fish, found also in streams. Much sought by the pot-fisherman; may
often be caught on a hook baited with a piece of red flannel; the individuals ofa school will
usually bite until the last oneis taken. The flesh is of fine ‘flavor when fried.

Common in Lake Michigan, and in the small glacial lakes. Also common in the Illinois
River at Ottawa, Peoria, Havana, and Meredosia, and in lakes about Quincy.

Pon caprodes (Rafinesque).—Log Perch; Hog Perch; Giant Darter.

A fish well known to boys and often caught by them ae pin-hooks, “along with ‘red-eyes’
‘stone-toters,’ ‘horny-heads.’ and other ‘boys’ fish.’” Its large size, cylitadrical form, yel-
doesn culor, with narrow black bars, and its pig-like snout will serve to distinguish it from
other darters.

Occurs infrequently in the south half of the State. Frequently taken northward in gravelly
situations.

KEY TO ILLINOIS SPECIES OF THE GENUS HADROPTERTS.

a. Head pointed; lower jaw projecting; colors never very dark; a row of black spots
on sides; a brilliant red or orange band on membranes of spinous dorsal.
H. PHOXOCEPHALUS,

aa. Head more obtuse; lower jaw included, but mouth terminal; much dark colora-
tion on sides.
b. Gill membranes aither connected or not connected across the isthmus, the
connection, if present, not exceeding in width the diameter of the eye; border
of preopercle not serrate.

OS Dorgaliapines dS (t0 2B ccc oct in ck Caco cua k kre sees ce cute eee ee ene nee

27

ec. Dorsal spines 11 or 12.

d. Nape scaled; no red or green markings; sides with 8 or 9 quadrate black spots.
H. OUACHITAE,

dd. Nape naked; coloration brilliant in life, variously yellowish, black, green,
bronze, and rust-red; 7dark bars extending from !ower part of side over back

BNOLGOWIODDOSILE B1GG voe crc anicecacalcsbiededwatacteceddncamecneavenaenes H. EVIDES.
bb. Gillmembranes broadly connected across isthmus; margin of preoperdle serrate.
. SCIERUS.

Hadropterus phoxocephalus (Nelson). (341)

Form slender; head pointed; mouth nearly terminal; sides with quadrate or diamond-
shaped dark blotches, smaller than in H.aspro, sometimes grading into bands; back also
blotehed or banded with dark; spinous dorsal with a band of orange-red.

Taken from 77 localities, distributed throughout ‘llinois; usually found in the rapids of
large creeks or rivers; rare in southern Illinois.

Hadropterus aspro (Cope & Jordan).—Black-sided Darter. (340)

Sides marked with large black spots. The gill membranes rather narrowly joined
across the isthmus, overlapping or merely joining at the front, all gradations between
these conditions occurring. The edges of the preopercle not serrate; premaxillary not pro-
tractile; mouth large and terminal.

In rapid streams in all parts of the State.
Hadropterus evides (Jordan & Copeland). (343)
A few specimens from Rock River in Ogle county, 1877.
Hadropterus scierus Swain. (342)
Differing distinctly from H. aspro in the serration of the preopercle and in the broader
connection of the gill membranes across the isthmus.
One specimen taken from Skillet Fork, in Wayne county. Several others referred to
this species are possibly only Varieties Of asprow F
Cottogaster uranidea (Jordan & Gilbert).

Not identified in our collections, but reported from the lower Wabash basin, in Indiana,
by Dr. Evermann.

Cottogaster copelandi (Jordan). (336)
Occurs throughout central Indiana in clear brooks.

Cottogaster shumardi (Girard). (336)

With much the apearance of the black-sided darters (genus Hadropterus), from which it
is separated by the protractile premaxillary. Males with a very deep and long anal fin,
which reaches beyond the base of the caudal in some instances.

Not common in Illinois. Foundin the Wabash River in Wabash county. in the Kaskaskia
ahd at Carlyle and Cowden, twice in the Illinols River, near Meredosia, and five times at

avana.

Diplesion blennioides (Rafinesque).—Green-sided Darter. (332)

A large darter, with much decurved profile, small mouth, and large fins; with prominent
green markings. One of the handsomest of our darters.

Confined to the Wabash basin, where it is abundantin the streams of Champaign and
Vermilion counties, less abundant in the Embarras River and its tributaries, and present
5 (a8 collection from the Little Wabash River in Clay county. Occurs in 26 of our col-
ections.

Boleosoma nigrum (Rafinesque).—Johnny Darter. (325-326)

An inconspicuous little fish; the body slender and of pale straw-color, sprinkled with
brown dots or W-shaped marks.

The Johnny darter lives in almost all situations, but is most commonly found on sandy
Phone: Abundant throughout the State in all our streams and lakes. Taken in 282 of our
collections.

Boleosoma camurum Forbes. (330)

Differs from B. nigrum in the more slender body, longer caudal peduncle, and incomplete
lateral line.

28

Found in southern Illinois and in the [llinois River at Peoria and Henry in early collec-
tions. More recently it has been taken from Havana, French Creek at Grayville, Salt Creek
near Lincoln, and Johnny Run in southwestern Grundy county.

Crystallaria asprella (Jordan). (324)
Form of the head peculiar, much depressed; caudal peduncle very slender; something of

the color-markings of the black-sided darters. ,

Specimens have been obtained from the Wabash River at New Harmony, from the Mis-
sissippi River at East Dubuque and Warsaw, and from the Rock River at Cleveland, Milan,
and Hrie, large numbers having been obtained at the latter place. Generally rare; unusual
to take more than one in a place.

Ammocrypta pellucida (Baird).—Sand Darter. (322)

Body translucent in life; on each side a row of black spots. Scales absent from the belly-
and inconspicuous elsewhere; cheeks, opercies, and temporal regions sealed. These fish
will instantly bury themselves in the sand by a swift movement.

Not rare in the Wabash basin. from which we have specimens in13o0f our collections.
Found also in the headwaters of the Kaskaskia, in the Sangamon and its tributaries, in
Crooked Creek near Ripley. Spoon River near Lewistown. Bear Creek near Marcelline, Otter
Creek at Streator, and the Kishwaukee River at New Milford.

KEY TO ILLINOIS SPECIES OF THE GENUS ETHEOSTOMA.

a. Lateral line complete.
b. Gill membranes joining in a wide angle or curve across the isthmus...E. ZONALE,

bb, Gill membranes searcely connected; muzzle decurved as in Boleosoma.
E. CAMURUM.

aa. Lateral line more or less incomplete, or, if complete, the gill membranes joining
at an acute angle across the isthmus.

ce. Angle between gill membranes acute; membranes joined across in some cases;
lower jaw not projecting.

Humeral region without a distinct black scale-like process.
Cheeks and opercles scaled.
Scales about 60; soft dorsal of 10 or 11 rayS..............cceecececccccecenees E. low.

Scales 47 to 55; soft dorsal with 12 to 14 rays; lateral line almost complete.
E. JESSL&.

ee. Cheeks naked; opercles scaled..............--eeecececceceeeee E. C&RULEUM.
dd. Humeral region with a distinct.black process or scale.
g. Scales in about 50 diagonal rows; lateral line developed on less than 30 seales.
ny iCheeks naked: operclesscaly...cs..sacccces euosbenece ee sc caeemeeeeane E, TIPPECANOE.
hh: | Cheeksiand/operclés) naked sew. .si. costccccdks Wenge tecvieece unavbeudbeae EK. OBEYENSE.
gg. Scales in about 60 diagonal rows; lateral line almost complete....E. SQUAMIOEPS.

ce. Gill membranes joining broadly across the isthmus in a gentle curve (no angle).
body slender; head pointed; lower jaw projecting; first dorsal in males with
fleshy knobs on ends of spinesin breeding season............-. E. FLABELLARE;

Rro om

Etheostoma zonale (Cope).

Readily distinguished from other darters of this genus by the broad connection of the
branchiostegal membranes across the isthmus. Body in spring with bands of greenish,
which become bluish in later summer.

By far the greater number of our collections of this species come from streams north of
the upper course of the Illinois River, including the Rock River basin. In addition we have
one collection from the Little Fox River in White county. a few from streams in Woodford
one and some from the Vermilion River and tributaries in Livingston and LaSalle
counties.

Etheostoma camurum (Cope).—Blue-breasted Darter.

Highly colored, ‘perhaps the prettiest of fresh-water fishes.”

Early collections of this species appear from Peoria, from Union county,and from the
Saline and lower Wabash basins. A darter which belonged apparently to this species, taken
more recently by Mr. J. P. Bauer, of the U. S. Fish Commission, from a pond near Naples,
Ill., was brought into the laboratory at Meredosia and inadvertently lost before the prelim-
inary identification could be verified.

Etheostoma iowe Jordan & Meek. }
' The males of this species are strikingly marked on the sides and on the spinous dorsal

with dark brown and rust-red. The females are plainer, with olive bands, and bear
some resemblance to the females of the rainbow darter.

29

From Pistakee Lake; Green River at Geneseo; Pecumsaugum Creek in LaSalle county;
Salt Creek, Lincoln; Little Fox River, White county; and E. Dutchman’s'Creek, Vienna,
Quite abundant in Pecumsaugum Creek.

Etheostoma jessie (Jordan & Brayton).
A quite common darter, of brown color, with a curved band of orange-red on the spinous

dorsal.

The common darter of large sluggish streams; not found north of the Illinois basin and
not common in southern Illinois, except in the south portion of the Wabash basin.

Etheostoma ceruleum Storer.—Blue Darter; Rainbow Darter; Soldier-fish.

The males are strikingly marked with red and blue, which colors appear in bands on the
sides and on the dorsal fin. The females are plainer, with drab and olive bands. Body
quite thick and deep; head large. Common throughout the State.

' Etheostoma tippecanoe Jordan & Evermann.
A few specimens have been provisionally referred to this species, but are questionable.
Etheostoma obeyense Kirsch.

Several specimens have been foundin Hardin county which correspond to descriptions
of this Kentucky species.

Etheostoma squamiceps Jordan.

This fish is much like the next in general appearance, with head of similar form and of
brownish color. The body is much heavier than is common among darters.

Taken in five localities in Hardin county, and once near Anna, in Union county.

Etheostoma flabellare Rafinesque.

Body long; lower jaw projecting; mouth large. Color decidedly brownish; males with
an orange-colored spinous dorsal, the spines of which are tipped with fleshy knobs; fins in
both sexes large and barred with black in delicate pattern. Northern specimens have the
color on me sides arranged in parallel lines of brown, and are known as variety lineolatum

gassiz).

This species is taken occasionally from creeks and small rivers in all parts of the State.
Boleichthys fusiformis (Girard). (366)

A fine-appearing little fish. Body deep anteriorly; caudal peduncle slender; profile
much decurved; lateral line not reaching further back than the second dorsal, placed high,
and parallel with the line of the back. Rare, but widely distributed. .

Microperca punctulata Putnam.—Least Darter. (368)

A tiny fish, among the smallest of the vertebrates; commonly not more than an inch in
reap aud oranrlly, escaping the collector. Known from all other darters by the absence
of the lateral line.

Most frequently taken from the lakes and streams of northeastern Illinois. Taken also
from ey Creek in Woodford county, Skillet Fork in Wayne county, and Drury Creek
in Union county.

FAMILY SERRANID2 (THE Sea Bass).
Roccus chrysops (Rafinesque).—White Bass.

Body deep, appearance much as in the Centrarchidsx. Color silvery, with a variable
parce of nasEoy dusky lines on the sides. Anal spines graduated in length. An excel-
ent food fish.

Not uncommon in the Illinois River; found also in the Mississippi and inlarge streams
tributary to it and the Illinois. Not reported from the Wabash basin.
Morone interrupta Gill.—Striped Bass; Yellow Bass; Streaker.

A fish similar to the last, but with more distinct markings on the sides, the dark lines
being interrupted below the lateral line and near the frout of the anal fin. First anal spine
longer than the rest. Distributed like Roccus chrysops.

30

FAMILY SCL@NID& (THE CROAKERS).
Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque.—Grunter; Sheepshead; White Perch.

Ventral line almost straight; back much arched; eolor silvery; dorsal fin long; the lateral
line extending to the end of the caudal fin on the middle ray. An excellent food fish.

Distributed as the two preceding species; also reported from the Saline River.
2

FamiILy CoTtTipa (THE SCULPINS).
Cotte) ictalops (Rafinesque).—Miller’s Thumb; Mouffle-jaw; Spring-fish.

A scaleless fish with loose skin about the head; spinous and soft dorsal fins; a spine and
four rays in the ventral fin.

Found occasionally in springs and in the clear water of creeks. Taken most abundantly
in southern Illinois in early collections. :

Cottus ricet Nelson.

Described in 1876 from two specimens which were taken from deep water of Lake Michi-
gan off Evanston. Four ventral rays.

Uranidea kumlienii Hoy.
From deep waters of Lake Michigan. Three ventral rays.
Uranidea hoyi Putnam. (411)

From deep waters of Lake Michigan. Three ventral rays.

FamMILty GapIp& (THE Cops).

Lota maculosa (Le Sueur).—Burbot; Ling; Lake Lawyer.
Readily known by its elongate body, short first and long second dorsal, long anal, and
single barbel on chin. The fresh-water representative of the cod family.

Not uncommon in the large lakes of North America. Occasionally found in the streams
of the Mississippi valley.

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