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< PIFTY-FIRST’ ANNUAL MEETING 











oe ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA. 
4 SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 7, 192). 








TRANSACTIONS 
of the 


American Fisheries Society 


“To promote the cause of fish culture; to gather 
and diffuse information bearing upon its practical 
success and upon all matters relating to the fisheries; 
to unite and encourage all interests of fish culture and 
the fisheries; and to treat all questions of a scientific 
and economic character regarding fish.” 


FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING 


Allentown, Pennsylvania 
SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 7, 1921 
Volume LI 
1924-1922 


Edited by Ward T. Bower 


Published Annually by the Society 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 









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Che American Hisheries Society 


Organized 1870 Incorporated 1910 


@fficers for 1921-1922 


resiaots, sos Se we WI Li1AM E. BarBer, LaCrosse, Wis. 
Vice-President........... GLEN C. Leacu, Washington, D. C. 
Executive Secretary...... Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C. 
Recording Secretary........... S. B. Hawks, Bennington, Vt. 
WIP EONFET 6 oo enc 5s ot ese whe ARTHUR L. MILLETT, Boston, Mass. 


Hice-Piresidents of Bibisions 


OO a7 | ee a i a Espen W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn. 
Aquatic Biology and Physics....HENRyY B. Warp, Urbana, II. 
Commercial Fishing.......... GARDNER POOLE, Boston, Mass. 
ES OR SEER Eta EN S. THruston BALLARD, Louisville, Ky. 


Protection and Legislation. .Wi1LL1AM C. ADAMS, Boston, Mass. 


Executive Committee 


ea. 6. EMnOpY, Chairman... cities elke Ithaca, N. Y. 
MRE MMU UNE, ERO REB 5 2h a.a 4's witnllaliae es pie! tiene a gaainl Albany, N. Y. 
Peery Fo VINO) iy 5 58 ope Cle ee Sa Ottawa, Canada 
wo Las CEST aR TES eae ae pe ane Sea Des Moines, Iowa 
“EASTER ORS 12 7c 0 SS 1 AR ee Washington, D. C. 
ree PANT Ete TOW TIE s) S bici<shccasabuseilels eejark eas West Buxton, Me. 
Rea, SP UNOREN NS o tons cba a pie ee ot aca eile ea Seattle, Wash. 
Committee on Foreign Relations 
HucH M. Situ, Chairman.............. Washington, D. C. 
mARiie Hi DOWNSEND: © .)0.)i-/iids oe be eka dle New York, N. Y. 
ee Aer iam APRs 2 Ne oO ae sat ae Columbus, Ohio 
TEMES EVAR COG i aon so cia yin vm oars’ ss «ei eee era Victoria, B. C. 
Ree SONI Se 2 ny echictallbaia, Wei cyee lye go BRE Wellington, N. Z. 
Committee on Relations ith National and State Gobernments 
CHARLES O. HayrorpD, Chairman......... Hackettstown, N. J. 
tee SE RR he ka wishin ashe » wiielelnW ollnes New Orleans, La. 
EGA Cee RE ia). e nS Biogas hel Ps weed Harrisburg, Pa. 
Rees) RVR Met srs kta ga had St. Paul, Minn. 
OOD SA10 PRM ONS 25. CSA gn Quebec, Canada 


Presidents, Terms of Service and Places of Meeting. 





The first meeting of the Society occurred December 20, 1870. The 
organization then effected continued until February, 1872, when the 
second meeting was held. Since that time there has been a meeting each 
year, aS shown below. The respective presidents were elected at the 
meeting, at the place, and for the period shown opposite their names, 
but they presided at the subsequent meeting. 


TU A926 5 OF NG.) OY 91 0 oe YATES 1870-1872....New York, N. Y. 
WORE EAE VCOETRD. 0 ic alcietou hl pistes 1872-1873....Albany, N. Y. 

SecA EEDA IMT (OTEIUD)S 6). ej0.0 20 le) elgtete 1873-1874....New York, N. Y. 
4, Ropert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1874-1875....New York, N. Y. 
5. Ropert B. RoosEvELT........ 1875-1876....New York, N. Y. 
6, Rosert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1876-1877*...New York, N. Y. 
7. Ropert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1877-1878....New York, N. Y. 
8. Ropert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1878-1879....New York, N. Y¥. 
9. Ropert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1879-1880....New York, N. Y. 
10. Ropert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1880-1881....New York, N. Y. 
11. Rosert B. ROOSEVELT........ 1881-1882....New York, N. Y. 
12. GEORGE SHEPARD PAGE....... 1882-1883....New York, N. Y. 
Toi) (AMES) BENKARD)..ccheieteloeieiete 1883-1884....New York, N. Y. 
14. THroporE LYMAN........... 1884-1885....Washington, D. C. 
15. MarsHatt McDONALD........ 1885-1886....Washington, D. C. 
AGH OWiotWl.> ELUDBON 2. ied stele ste cnetets 1886-1887....Chicago, Ill. 

Aiae WIRE TAM Ah Maye SSB neem 1887-1888.... Washington, D. C. 
1 Se ORIN WEL BISSEE Dc ciavsters, onses chee 1888-1889....Detroit, Mich. 

19. HucENE G. BLACKFORD....... 1889-1890....Philadelphia, Pa. 
20. EUGENE G. BLACKFORD....... 1890-1891....Put-in Bay, Ohio 
OT AMS) AS UEDEINIS HUAI, .jarerecieve 1891-1892....Washington, D. C. 
22. HERSCHEL WHITAKER........ 1892-1893....New York, N. Y. 
24s HEN C2) NORD siecle cleetieie aot 1893-1894....Chicago, Ill. 

Ake WERETICA DA STs We MCATY 2 (is, we cvs lala 1894-1895....Philadelphia, Pa. 
Zoe Lis LO MEIN GION. cerca 1895-1896....New York, N. Y. 
26. HERSCHEL WHITAKER........ 1896-1897....New York, N. Y. 
UC Set WV EGTA RE IMA Wie iarete ote ee als 1897-1898....Detroit, Mich. 

28. GEORGE EF. (PEABODY.......... 1898-1899....Omaha, Neb. 

29. JOHN W. TITCOMB. «0.000000 1899-1900....Niagara Falls, N. Y. 
30) ROBY DICKERSON E s/o hyetuenarels 1900-1901....Woods Hole, Mass. 
Bile es ES VBRYANT torcte crete clavate Glee 1901-1902.... Milwaukee, Wis. 
32. GEORGE M. BoweERrs.......... 1902-19038....Put-in Bay, Ohio 
oo. DRANK UN... (CLARK. ooctee onic 1903-1904....Woods Hole, Mass. 
34. Henry T) Room cco) eee 1904-1905....Atlantie City, N. J. 
35: On D. JOSEY. ue Ree ee 1905-1906....White Sulphur Spgs,W.Va. 
BU. AL) GS MRGH sot ok ie tess ea eae 1906-1907....Grand Rapids, Mich. 
37. Hues M: SmMira........3.5% 1907-1908....Erie, Pa. 

38.0 (LARLETON #4 UBRAN ss cclele el aaie 1908-1909.... Washington, D. C. 
SOs EY MOUR |) BOWE c/o oiainerciehe 1909-1910....Toledo, Ohio 

40. Wit11aAM BE. MEEHAN........ 1910-1911....New York, N. Y. 
ASE Ney Ee NE OALER TON ssa baa Rede 1911-1912....St. Louis, Mo. 

42. CHARLES H. TowNSEND...... 1912-1913....Denver, Colo. 

ieee OM ELEGY NESE NVA DOV) sient cn eee 1913-1914....Boston, Mass. 

44) (DANIED (B. HEARING? ose 1914-1915.... Washington, D. C. 
45: PACOB! REIGHARD eo ule aae 1915-1916....San Francisco, Calif. 
BO GO! Wis, GE METIDD) Uc seve! at SU aL 1916-1917....New Orleans, La. 
Ai oi euney JO Marry. hose ek 1917-1918....St. Paul, Minn. 
43>) M. ‘Th: ALEXANDER. ....'05 50% 62 1918-1919....New York, N. Y. 
AP SV AC AMES SA VIET ose 6. bk dein uate 1919-1920.... Louisville, Ky. 

50. NaTHaNn R. BuLume......... 1920-1921....Ottawa, Canada 
SLC WOGrrAM, VE): BARBER? 1.)). cc: 1921-1922....Allentown, Pa. 


*A special meeting was held at the Centennial Grounds, Philadelphia, Pa., October 
6 and 7, 1876. 
4 


American Hisheries Society 


ORGANIZED 1870 


CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. 





We, the undersigned, persons of full age and citizenship of the United 
States, and a majority being citizens of the District of Columbia, pursuant 
to and in conformity with sections 599 to 603, inclusive, of the Code of 
Law for the District of Columbia, enacted March 3, 1901, as amended by 
the Acts approved January 31 and June 30, 1902, hereby associate our- 
selves together as a society or body corporate and certify in writing: 

1. That the name of the Society is the AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. 

2. That the term for which it is organized is nine hundred and ninety- 
nine years. 

3. That its particular business and objects are to promote the cause 
of fish culture; to gather and diffuse information bearing upon its prac- 
tical success, and upon all matters relating to the fisheries; to unite 
and encourage all interests of fish culture and the fisheries; and to treat 
all questions of a scientific and economic character regarding fish; with 
power : 

(a) To acquire, hold and convey real estate and other property, and 
to establish general and special funds. 

(6b) To hold meetings. 

(c) To publish and distribute documents. 

(d) To conduct lectures. 

(e) To conduct, endow, or assist investigation in any department of 
fishery and fish-culture science. 

(f) To acquire and maintain a library. 

(g) And, in general, to transact any business pertinent to a learned 
society. 

4, That the affairs, funds and property of the corporation shall be in 
general charge of a council, consisting of the officers and the executive 
committee, the number of whose members for the first year shall be 
seventeen, all of whom shall be chosen from among the members of the 
Society. 

Witness our hands and seals this 16th day of December, 1910. 
SEymMouRk BOWER (Seal) 
THEODORE GILL (Seal) 
Wirr11amM FE. MrEesan (Seal) 
THEODORE S. PALMER (Seal) 
BERTRAND H. RoBerts (Seal) 
HueuH M. SmitH (Seal) 
RIcHARD SYLVESTER (Seal) 


Recorded April 16, 1911. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 
CTR CO TS ie iaare eras ole severe etee a Riees D ate aE Tete Aah oder eae eka Gis IS oleae ake acs epetiererere 3 
List of past presidents and places of meeting................0eeeeee0e 4 
Certificate (of incorporation: © Po.\. Scie sae seca ae date ae ee sae eee 5 
Part I—BusINEss SESSIONS 
RePISLETEU ALLECNGANGCE 15 )<)teye ss lelstele Selec ata her aievere lac oie ea roteeens Ae a, 9 
ING WINE MDErA ii sic A teictar celta ones e's alates herd @ Sivishole clei cies ae eee es aoe eee 10 
List’ of contributors to meet deficiency... ..........-s6%.0seecccse eee 13 
EPOLE TOL WXECULLVE® SCCLELAPY sx oii vie sss c.0/ ee e/ere ie ralers-ove,e 6 (ernlel seo sien aetna 13 
PLEROLE FOL MU PCH SULEL, vas slea o,.c.0: se econ) ai8ie (aay cyels a ciatore jens telah isan eoaye opie aaa 15 
ADpoIMnimMents Of“ COMMITEE: )s.celdis chaired vise aus Sldveto Is) Sie) putin woes nl aie 18 
Report of Committee on Relations with National and State Govern- 
IYOTHES CPEOs abs Siig! wialioychigy arse siete tei con eheoe eal eiaba te hatotto elh hie keel oueas fateh beste et hue tenet 19 
Report of Committee on Financial Condition of Society................ 21 
Report of Committee on Time and Place of Meeting................. 24 
RepoLc OL ATIGITINe }COMMILTCE 15) o)5,.0 cisco. c'e sveie sie leicteicie'e «is els es etna 25 
Reportsof Committee-ion Awards died icias odio vrais siete wiaveileyoial’e-vys love @ es eee ee 26 
Report of Committee on Resolutions............. cece eee cee ee eee eeee 26 
Report of Committee on Affiliation with National Commissioners...... 29 
Report of ‘Committee on Nominations. «< ./:.. <5 c00n-% ccs ol cle bie mieies 29 
MN IMEC OIA crevei/scteretene aidhevatele ae eretele se Sieveuat=|s, ayollciloyeousite cevere Seonoveyens ele hele namananm 33 
Part IJ—Papers AND DIscuUSssIONS 
A New Method of Shipping Live Fish. Hdgar C. Fearnow........... at 
The Domestication of Landlocked Salmon Breeders. W. M. Keil...... 48 
Concerning High Water Temperatures and Trout. G. C. Embody...... 58 
Growth of Fish and Location of Hatcheries. John W. Titcomb........ 65 
Fresh Water Crustacea as Food for Young Fishes. William Converse 
CTU. faye si svacoke, she a: apaliels te see's lehedsustel ons oie, Siehe elah the els Peace wwe) epsievel ster 70 
The Use of Certain Milk Wastes in the Propagation of Natural Fish 
Food. G. C. Embody..... renee bile tevey orevovonattiate ior aliss sul iebede-ta iaile ck the (ee 76 
Salmon Eggs as Food for Salmon Fry. Martin Norgore............. 82 


Further Proof of the Parent Stream Theory. Alexander Robertson.... 87 
Some Observations on the Growth of Young Sockeyes. Alexander 


EDU CTESOMN acctire ele, ctose eho ere ice bilotel deletatalste sio\aseleteteleiceao'ticisy = tetel se eo onEne 91 
Some Fish-Cultural Notes, with Special Reference to Pathological 

Problems; (Charles. Of FLGUPOT . ajs.c.5 waren tw'sro\eintale pw 6 0)ls\ e's, 2810/5 EE 97 
Ma Sh) Pa th OLOS Ve Wal Die OSELCT Ss si cclerers wie: steieic lave seis si wie bie o elblcl aloha lebeietenenene 107 
Bacteriological Analysis of an Experimental Pack of Canned Salmon. 

EE TU OLA EIR EL CALLCT LY hay occas ess prev eiais sie ein lets talley's iets, sue oe isiteta la Skene pe 
Public Aquariums: (Ward Lf. Bower <0 vc.c vie. eic ala ialels vein cle s/o cle deen 117 
Pollution of Streams: A General Discussion. «)... © 5. ./:</s1:): +2. sm slsenes 126 
Effect of Drought and Extreme Heat of Summer on Fish Life. Open 

TD ISCUBSIOMI es ells ocs oford wiaeoreie od verate tee olonehs (otis ic ioawilvile, oi stale acto lc elie helena 133 
isti Ok HMEMBDEES He ie sik eile Sle ls oheuate te date toheliete teneiels ean reuetelel val eueheres te tia aaa 136 


CONSELEMEIONN ee ee tied oie & ob cletaie bie tolel clea ole satelel afl ciel ats ci avelatas hea 150 


PART I 
BUSINESS SESSIONS 


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PROCEEDINGS 
of the 


AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY 
FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING AT ALLENTOWN, 
PENNSYLVANIA 


SEPTEMBER 5, 6, 7, 1921 


The Fifty-first Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries 
Society was held at the Hotel Traylor, Allentown, Pennsylvania, on 
September 5, 6, 7, 1921. 


Opening Session, Monday Morning, September 5, 1921. 
The meeting was called to order by President Nathan R. Buller 
of Harrisburg, Pa., at 10:30 o’clock a. m. 
The Hon. Malcolm W. Gross, Mayor of the City of Allentown, 
delivered a cordial address of welcome. 
The President called upon Mr. Carlos Avery of St. Paul, Minn., 
former president of the Society, who made an appropriate response. 


REGISTERED ATTENDANCE. 


The registered attendance was 45, as follows: 


W. E. Apert, Des Moines, Iowa. 

M. L. ALEXANDER, New Orleans, La. 
CarLos Avery, St. Paul, Minn. 

W. E. Barper, LaCrosse, Wis. 

W. G. Bett, Baltimore, Md. 

Dr. Davm L. BEtpIne, Hingham, Mass. 
J. R. Berkuous, Torresdale, Pa. 

Berks County Rop & GuN ASSOCIATION, Reading, Pa. 
Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C. 
ERNEST CLIVE Brown, New York, N. Y. 
HK. T. D. CHAMBERS, Quebec, Canada. 
OSWILL CHAPMAN, De Bruce, N. Y. 
ALvA CuaApp, Pratt, Kan. 

HE. W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn. 

JOHN M. Crampton, New Haven, Conn. 
L. H. Darwin, Seattle, Wash. 

Dr. GEORGE C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y. 
WALTER G. EMERICH, Watervliet, N. Y. 
Harry A. GRAMMES, Allentown, Pa. 
JOHN HAMBERGER, Erie, Pa. 

Joe H. Hart, Allentown, Pa. 

S. B. Hawks, Bennington, Vt. 

CuHas. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J. 
Mrs. CHas. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J. 
CarL Krarker, Philadelphia, Pa. 

GLEN C. LeEAcH, Washington, D. C. 

E. Lee LeComprer, Baltimore, Md. 


Wma. S. Lesser, Reading, Pa. 

Honore Mercier, Quebec, Canada. 
ARTHUR MerrRiLL, Sutton, Mass. 

ELMER MERRILL, Sutton, Mass. 

ArgtHouR L. Mrert, Boston, Mass. 
PARADISE Brook Trout Co., Henryville, Pa. e 
Epwarp E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada. 

Wm. H. Rowe, West Buxton, Me. 

H. R. StackHovuss, Harrisburg, Pa. 

M. G. Setters, Philadelphia, Pa. 

L. S. Spracrie, Henryville, Pa. 

JOHN W. Titcoms, Albany, N. Y. 
FREDERICK TRESSELT, Hackettstown, N. J. 
Gren. Harry C. TREXLER, Allentown, Pa. 
JOHN H. WALLACE, JR., Montgomery, Ala. 
RoBERTSON S. Warp, East Orange, N. J. 
B. O. WerssTER, Madison, Wis. 

JOHN P. Woops, St. Louis, Mo. 


New MEMBERS. 


In the year ensuing since the last annual meeting the following 
132 new members have been elected: 


ABRAMS, Mixton, 560 Brook Ave., New York, N. Y. 
Apcock, A. Y., 5929 Wayne Ave., Chicago, IIl. 
ALBERT, W. E., State Fish and Game Warden, Des Moines, Iowa. 
ARMSTRONG, RONALD KENNEDY, Dalton House, Dalton, Northumberland, 
England. 
ATLANTIC BrotogicaL Station, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. 
BazgELey, Hon. Wm. A. L., Commissioner of Conservation, Room 519, State 
House, Boston, Mass. 
BELL, Wm. G., 512 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 
BENNETT, L. H., Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
Bernier, Dr. J. E., No. 5 D’Auteuil St., Quebec, Canada. 
BonneER, ALBERT H., Coopersville, Mich. 
BoTHWELL, Davip, Anderson Lake Hatchery, Kildonan, British Columbia. 
Breper, C. M., Jr., 23 Humboldt St., Newark, N. J. 
Butter, C. R., Pleasant Mount, Wayne Co., Pa. 
BuscHMann, L. C., Franklin Packing Co., L. C. Smith Bldg., Seattle, Wash. 
CASSELL, JOHN §8., 4100 Springdale Ave., Baltimore, Md. 
Criapp, Atva, State Game and Fish Warden, Pratt, Kans. 
CLEMENS, WILBERT A., Dept. of Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, 
Canada. 
CLUBS: 
AKRON GAME AND FisH AssocraTion, Akron, Pa. 
ASHLAND FISH AND GAME ProTsEcTIVE Ass’N, Ashland, Pa. 
Barr Camp, Charles H. Foster, Sec., 221 Linden St., Scranton, Pa. 
BemMipsr Trout Crus, R. H. Schumaker, Sec.-Treas., Bemidji, Minn. 
Berks County Rop & Gun Ass’n, W. E. Wounderly, Sec., 615 Hisen- 
brown St., Reading, Pa. 
BETHLEHEM GAME, FISH AND Forestry Ass’N, 423 Brodhead Ave., 
Bethlehem, Pa. 
Birpssoro FISH AND GAME Ass’N, Elmer E. Squibb, Sec., Birdsboro, Pa. 
BLANDBURG CAMP No. 115, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Blandburg, Pa. 
BOWMANSTOWN Rop AND GuN CLUB, Wm. A. Yale, Sec., Bowmans- 
town, Pa. 
Cuicora OvTiIne CLus, R. J. Gainford, Pres., Chicora, Pa. 
CiuB Denartius, 8 Susquehanna St., Barnesboro, Pa. 


10 


CUMBERLAND Co. FISH AND GAME Ass’N, Geo. E. Orr, Sec., Portland, 
Me. 
FarRBrooK CountTRY CiLuB, C. O. Miller, Sec., Tyrone, Pa. 
Frercus FIsHING AND GAME C.LuB, J. C. Henkes, Sec., Fergus Falls, 
Minn. 
JEFFERSON Co. GAME AND FisH Ass’n, Brookville, Pa. 
LOWELL FISH AND GAME Ass’N, Willis S. Holt, Sec., Box 948, Lowell, 
Mass. 
Montcomery Co. FisH, GAME & Forestry Ass’n, H. G. Unger, Sec., 
820 West Marshall St., Norristown, Pa. 
Mount PLEASANT Huntine & FisHine Ass’N, Mount Pleasant, Pa. 
NAZARETH Rop AND GUN CLUB, INc., Nazareth, Pa. 
New JerRseEY Fish & GAME CONSERVATION LEAGUE, Arthur J. Neu, 
Treas., 31 Clinton St., Newark, N. J. 
NortTH CHAUTAUQUA FISH AND GAME CLUB, Dunkirk, N. Y. 
Park Rapips CoMMUNITY CLuB, G. H. Friend, Treas., Park Rapids, 
Minn. 
PENNSYLVANIA STATE FISH AND GAME PROTECTIVE Ass’N, City Club, 
313 South Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
PLYMOUTH CAMP No. 136, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, H. A. 
Ledden, Sec., 58 Oxford St., Lee Park, Wilkes Barre, Pa. 
PorTER’s LAKE HUNTING AND FisHine Cxius, Otto C. Feil, Sec., 2207 
North Sixth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
RAMSEY Co. UNITED SPORTSMEN’S Ass’N, J. McCarthy, Sec., 636 Grand 
Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 
Rmeway BrRANcH, WiLp LIFE LEAGUE, Harl EH. Gardner, Sec., Ridg- 
way, Pa. 
Rinccotp Rop AnD GuN C.LuB, Pen Argyl, Pa. 
Rop anp Gun ProtecrivE Ass’N, East Greenville, Montgomery Co., Pa. 
SANCON VALLEY CAMP No. 168, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Hellertown, Pa. 
Saw CREEK HUNTING AND FIsHING Ass’n, M. S. Kister, Treas., East 
Stroudsburg, Pa. 
SPORTSMEN’S CLUB OF DULUTH, 403 Wolvin Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 
STAPLES Rop AND GUN CLUB, C. HE. Miller, See., Staples, Minn. 
UNAMI FISH AND GAME PROTECTIVE ASS’N, Emaus, Pa. 
VERMONT STATE FISH AND GAME CLUB, S. B. Hawks, Vice-Pres., Ben- 
nington, Vt. 
WAYNE HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB, G. M. Patteson, Sec., Carbon- 
dale, Pa. 
WEST PHILADELPHIA Rop AND GUN CLUB, Wm. L. Bryan, Sec., 55th 
and Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 
WiLp Lire Leacus, Sheffield Branch, G. McKillip, Treas., Sheffield, Pa. 
WILKES-BARRE CAMP No. 103, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
M. B. Welsh. Sec., 96 McLean St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 
WINpsor Co. FIsH AND GAME CLuB, C. W. Grinnel, See., Norwich, Vt. 
Coors, Epwarp, 4706 4th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Corson, ALAN, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. 
Crate, SAMUEL, 898 Van Norman St., Port Arthur, Ontario. 
CRAWFORD, D. R., Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 
EAMES, FRANK, Northeast corner 12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 
EMMERICH, WALTER G., Watervliet, N. Y. 
Evans, H. R., Cultus Lake Hatchery, Vedder Crossing P. O., British 
Columbia. 
FIEDLER, ReGInALD H., 310 E. 51st St., Seattle, Wash. 
FLEMING, JOHN H., Columbia City, Ind. 
Foster, Wm. T., 707 Coleman St., Easton, Pa. 
GANTENBEIN, D., Diamond Bluff, Wis. 
GErDUN, C., 505 Commercial Bank Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. 
GoopHUE, E. C., Sherbrooke, Quebec. 
GREEN, JOHN W., Carlton, Minn. 


11 


HAMBERGER, Hon. JOHN, 16 Hast 8th St., Erie, Pa. 
Harrison, C. W., 801 Rogers Bldg., Dominion Government Fisheries Office, 
Vancouver, British Columbia. 
HEATHLEY, GEORGE, Middleton, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia. 
HEUCHELE, G. L., Bureau of Fisheries, Put-in Bay, Ohio. 
HoornacLe, G. W., Bureau of Fisheries, Orangeburg, S. C. 
Hougss, Cart L., Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 
Mich. 
Innis, WmM., Northeast cornor 12th and Cherry Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 
JONES, CHAPIN, State Forester, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. 
Lesour, Dr. Marie V., Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, England. 
LEESER, WM. S., 919 Walnut St., Reading, Pa. 
LIBRARIES: 
Harvarp COLLEGE, Cambridge, Mass. 
JOHN CRERAR LispRARY, Chicago, Il. 
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Cambridge, Mass. 
Scripps INSTITUTION FOR BroLoGicAL RESEARCH, La Jolla, Calif. 
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA, Bloomington, Ind. 
UNIVERSITY OF Micuican, Ann Arbor, Mich. 
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, Lincoln, Neb. 
UNIVERSITY OF Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 
YALE UNIVERSITY, New Haven, Conn. 
Linpsay, R. C., Gaspe, Canada. 
LOWELL, RALPH P., Sanford, Me. 
MANSFIELD, Harry C., Russells Point, Ohio. 
Mapes, Wm. C., Fort On Appelle, Saskatchewan. 
MatTrHews, J. H., Research and Information Dept., No. 1 Fulton Fish 
Market, New York, N. Y. 
McLEAN, MarsHALL, 27 Cedar St., New York, N. Y. 
MiTrcHELL, Epw. W., Livingston Manor, Sullivan Co., New York. 
Money, GEN. NoEeL, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. 
MorHERWELL, Magor J. A., Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Rogers Bldg., 
Vancouver, British Columbia. 
Norcore, Martin, 1908 N. 36th St., Seattle, Wash. 
OAKES, JOSEPH, Box 5, Belleville, Ontario. 
ODELL, CLInTON M., 1815 Fremont Ave., South, Minneapolis, Minn. 
PARADISE Brook Trout Co., Henryville, Pa. 
PuHitiies, JoHN M., Vice-Pres., Board of Game Commissioners, 2227 Jane 
St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. 
REA, KENNETH G., 285 Beaver Hall Hill, Montreal, Canada. 
ReEForD, ROBERT Wixson, 300 Drummond St., Montreal, Canada. 
Rew, Hueu J., Winnipegoses, Manitoba, Canada. 
Ritey, Hon. Matrruew, 304 Jefferson Ave., Ellwood City, Pa. 
Ropp, R. T., Banff, Alberta. 
Ruuwe, E. LEHMAN, 24 S. 13th St., Allentown, Pa. 
Scorr, Tuomas E., Fisheries Overseer, Hope, British Columbia. 
ScovitLe, R. L., 50 Church St., New York, N. Y. 
SHELDON, H. P., Fish and Game Commissioner, Montpelier, Vt. 
Smiru, Water S., Game Warden, 114 North Jefferson St., Staunton, Va. 
SNOWDEN, ALEX’R O., JR., 1058 Main St., Peekskill, N. Y. 
Spencer, H. B., Room 1223 Munsey Bldg., Washington, D. C. 
SrackHousE, H. R., Department of Fisheries, Harrisburg, Pa. 
STATE FISHERY ORGANIZATIONS: 
Indiana, Department of Conservation, Division of Fisheries and Game, 
Indianapolis, Ind. 
Iowa, Fish and Game Department, Des Moines, Iowa. 
Louisiana, Department of Conservation, New Orleans, La. 
Massachusetts, Department of Conservation, Boston, Mass. 
Minnesota, Fish and Game Commission, St. Paul, Minn. 
Ohio, Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 
Oregon, Fish Commission of Oregon, 1105 Gasco Bldg., Portland, Oreg. 


12 


Stokke, G. B., 16 Exchange Place, New York, N. Y. 

Tart, THORFIN, 64 Hillside Ave., Metuchen, N. J. 

TRESSELT, FREDERICK, State Fish Hatchery, Hackettstown, N. J. 
TRESSLER, Dr. DonaLtp K., Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Truitt, R. V., University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 
Wesster, B. O., Commissioner of Fisheries, Madison, Wis. 
Waite, Dr. E. Hamitton, 298 Stanley St., Montreal, Canada. 


Wor, CHARLES F., Birchwood, Wis. 


List oF CONTRIBUTORS TO MEET DEFICIENCY 


George Shiras,38d...... $100.00 
Geo. D. Pratt . 50.00 
PP ESOT 52) a 'ety's Cal bul tte 25.00 
Raymond ©. Osburn .. ... 25.00 


Robertson S. Ward*..... 25.00 
Ernest Clive Brown..... 10.00 
Ernest Clive Brown* .... 7.00 
as WWHITESIO@ 4).< aie sel 15.00 
WarlosS -AVErY .. 6.6.6 e505 ess 10.00 
Thomas Barbour* . Ut OOO 
OnErE SEA GeLLy. os". 3s ks 10.00 
Charles O. Hayford* ... . 10.00 
He Wend all es s.8 65 ees 10.00 
hHanlegeh) ay... ., 6 6 se 10.00 
Pence IMOCTTILL® . 6.5 6 56) 6 10.00 
Arinuriss Millett 2... 33 10.00 
Sabneb ow. Mixter sf 20). 4 10.00 
Pohoqualine Fish Association 10.00 
Hdward HH). Prinee*® ...... . 10.00 
Fame SCAMAN: Cs. is) ot ena le 10.00 
Frederick G. Shaw* . 10.00 
L. H. Spragle . s 10.00 
S. H. Vandergrift . 10.00 
John Wagner . $ fhnae 10:00 
Andrew Gray Weeks... . 10.00 
Jonnie. Bapcock .. . » .« 5.00 
W. H. Babcock . BORE este 5.00 
Howarowks.)balehe oie) 6 5.00 
A. Bauer . ead ee Rents 5.00 
PARR IE OO SU aah cic ahaa cs 5.00 
Chester N. Blystad* ..... 5 00 
Ward: OWer® . ... « «: 5.00 
Ee VWalrom Clark so0ens aes 5.00 
MME VE OODD Mis le le Ue s 5.00 
Walter G. Emerich* ..... 5.00 
L. F. Grammes & Sons... 5.00 

SES CAO 5.00 


Samuel B. Hawks* 


En Earlbuts 

H. Hinrichs, Jr. . St 
Elaroldtsensene see) oe kre 
Dees (Re ceCeyd Ra Nes i etgs aero ke 
Joseph Kemmerich..... 
Hadwin Ch Wente aes ote et. 
Josiah Kisterbock . 

Glen C. Leach* . aI ai hsb 
Geo. Ne Manntfeld! 3) 3 se. au. 
W. P. Manton . 
Jefferson F. Moser 
M. G. Sellers* 

G. F. Steele . 

J. W. Titcomb* . 
Frederick Tresselt* 
Chas. W. Triggs . . 

Bryant Walker . 

Henry B. Ward . EOS Se 
Chas:’ Hy Wheeler (a). 00) 2) 
S. W. Downing . 

G. C. L. Howell . : 
BAR ane yen oe 

C: W. Harrison: . ara a 
Waldos HS Hubbards <2 .084 sax. 
Alexander Robertson... 
G. W. N. Brown 
C. R. Buller . 
G. W. Buller . 
G. C. Embody* . § 
Robert Fridenberg . 

TSS. Palmers, 

A. §. Pearse . Pee items 4 
PGowatsman Gee Late Cag 4s 





Number of contributors... 
Amount contributed’ . 


5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
5.00 
4.00 
3.50 
3.00 
2.50 
2.50 
2.41 
2.00 
2.00 
2.00 
2.00 
2.00 
2.00 
2.00 
1.50 
1.00 


70 


. -$616.41 


1Includes contributions of $139 received after the Treasurer’s books were closed, as 


_ stated in his report, page 17. 


These are indicated above by an asterisk. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. 


Washington, D. C., September 3, 1921. 


TO THE OFFICERS AND 
ERIES SOCIETY: 


MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN 


FISH- 


In addition to conducting the increasingly heavy correspondence and 
attending to general administrative matters of the Society, the editing 


and preparation of the Fifieth Anniversary volume of the Transactions has 
constituted a very important feature of the work of the Executive 
Secretary. Preliminary to this undertaking much careful consideration 
was given to the desirability of resuming the practice in effect prior to 1914 
of publishing the Transactions in one volume instead of quarterly issues. 
One volume seemed desirable both upon the grounds of economy and con- 
venience. Investigation showed that it could be issued cheaper than the 
quarterlies, notwithstanding its inadmissibility at the low second class 
mail rate. Also it appeared that there was dissatisfaction with the 
quarterlies because of the greater chance of their becoming misplaced and 
causing incomplete sets. So with the approval of officers of the Society one 
volume was decided upon. This course has met with hearty endorsement. 


Bids were solicited for printing, and the offer of the W. F. Roberts 
Company, Washington, D. C., was accepted, this firm’s quotation of $3.45 
per page plus certain extras being lowest. The volume aggregates 446 
pages and contains the business proceedings and 34 papers. With the 
exception of the slightly larger 1910 issue, this volume is much larger than 
any other. The total cost of printing the edition of 750 copies was $1,991.15, 
or about $2.65 per copy. It was decided to sell copies for $3.00 each, 
postage included. 


All of the back numbers of the Transactions are now in the custody of 
the Executive Secretary. Since the last meeting those in the possession of 
Dr. C. H. Townsend, former corresponding secretary, and Dr. Raymond C. 
Osburn, former executive secretary, have been received. There are 
approximately 3,300 copies on hand, including the quarterlies for the six 
years of their publication. Back numbers for 25 years are available for 
sale. This is not for the last 25 years, as there are no copies for 1899, 
1903, and 1905. Since the last meeting, Transactions to the value of about 
$200 have been sold. 


At the last annual meeting the Treasurer pointed out the urgent need 
of increased revenue, and showed that the Society could not, as things 
were going, continue to meet its obligations without increasing the dues 
or taking other appropriate action. While his report indicated an apparent 
balance of about $260 on the right side of the ledger, as a matter of fact 
the Society was then in a_ state of deficiency as bills for printing the 
previous year’s Transactions had not been paid. All of this was known 
when the Fiftieth Anniversary volume was issued, but as was pointed out 
by certain members of the Society, the printed Transactions constitute 
the permanent record of real work and reflect the Society’s standing and 
importance, therefore they did not deem it expedient to curtail or delay 
the issuance of a volume in keeping with the objects and purposes of the 
organization. Publication of the Anniversary number of the Transactions 
was accordingly undertaken in the knowledge that a deficit would be 
created. Inasmuch as practically the entire current fund was absorbed in 
the payment of back bills and running expenses other than printing the 
Fiftieth Anniversary volume, it was decided, with the approval of officers 
of the Society, to borrow about $2,000 from the Permanent Fund to pay 
for this volume, with the distinct understanding that the Fund would be 
reimbursed, with interest at 4 per cent per annum. The Permanent Fund 
has been drawing interest at 4 per cent, and as reimbursement is to be 


14 


made as rapidly as possible at the same rate of interest, this fund 
ultimately will be in no wise impaired. 

Earnest effort has been constantly made to raise funds during the year. 
Numerous letters have been written to effect sales of Transactions and to 
secure new members, and some success has resulted. Also a circular was 
addressed to the members on June 20, 1921, soliciting contributions. 
Another circular was mailed directing attention to the prize contest. . 

It is suggested that for at least a year or two the annual dues for 
regular members be increased from $2.00 to $3.00; of state commissions 
from $10.00 to $25.00; and life members from $25.00 to $50.00. Also dues 
of fish and game clubs and of dealers might be increased from $5.00 to 
$10.00. One of our enthusiastic members, Dr. W. P. Manton, of Detroit, 
suggests an increase in dues to $5.00 or even $10.00, and that there be a 
difference in the membership created, those who prefer to pay $5.00 to be 
designated as Members, and those paying $10.00 designated Fellows, 
privileges being the same in either class. This is a valuable and timely 
suggestion. 

The present membership of the Society is as follows: Honorary, 66; 
corresponding, 11; patrons, 53; active, 502; total, 6382. 

Warp T. Bower, 
Executive Secretary. 


The report of the Executive Secretary was adopted. 


REPORT OF THE TREASURER. 
Boston, Mass., September 3, 1921. 
TO THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY: 


Herewith is my annual report as Treasurer from the meeting in 
September, 1920, to August 10, 1921. 

This report presents the anomaly of an organization which, if it is 
to be square with the outside world, must go in debt to itself. The imme- 
diate cause is that this year bills have come in for printing the Transac- 
tions for two years; that for the 1920 meeting at Ottawa was presented 
promptly on publication of the volume, while the bill for the 1919 meeting 
at Louisville did not come in until June of this year. A further cause is 
that the 1920 volume was much larger than any report in recent years and 
costs of printing were unusually high. 

If these two bills, as well as bills for running expenses, were to be paid, 
as they naturally should be, it would leave the treasury more than bank- 
rupt. In order to pay the bill the Treasurer, with the advice and con- 
sent of the President and Executive Secretary and other officials, decided 
that the only avenue open was to draw temporarily upon the Permanent 
Fund. This was done. Such action was not supported by the Constitution, 
but it was felt that good judgment was used and that the action would 
have your hearty endorsement. It is proposed to reimburse the Permanent 
Fund with interest, so that eventually the fund will once more be intact. 

Some comment may be made upon the apparently large bill for print- 
ing the Transactions of the Fiftieth Anniversary Meeting at Ottawa, 
Canada, but I am confident that consideration of the articles therein con- 


15 


tained, their great number, and their unusual scientific and practical value, 
will convince any member that the money was well spent, however embar- 
rassing it may have been to meet the bill. Personally, I believe that the 
Society can take great credit for such a volume, also that the Executive 
Secretary has cause to be congratulated upon its production. 

When it was first proposed to pay these bills in the manner above 
stated, action was at once taken to replenish the treasury. Letters were 
written to delinquents and appeals made to all members to pay their dues 
promptly, and as a result the condition of the Society as far as the collec- 
tion of dues is concerned is perhaps better than for many years. In 
addition, your President issued an appeal on June 20th, for contributions 
to put our finances on a sound basis. The amount received to August 10, 
1921, from 53 contributors totals $487.41, with more to be heard from. 

Despite the increased cost of all necessary materials and printing, the 
dues of the Society have remained at the almost negligible amount of 
$2.00 a year. It cost $1,991.15 to publish the Transactions for the Ottawa 
meeting, or considerably more per volume than the $2.00 paid by each 
member. On August 10th we had only 491 active members which, if 
everyone paid, would provide but $982.00. 

This meeting should take some steps to provide increased revenue; this 
is necessary if the Society is to pay its bills. A vigorous campaign for new 
members, especially state and club memberships, if intensively conducted, 
would add considerably to the yearly revenue. If something is not done, 
it seems necessary to increase the dues or discontinue the Transactions. 
The latter is unthinkable, for it would practically mean the living death 
of the Society. My personal view is that whatever the success or failure 
of a membership campaign, under no circumstances should the cost of 
printing the Transactions be in excess of a sufficient balance for ordinary 
running expenses. In other words, I do not believe that we should allow 
ourselves again to run heavily into debt. 

The raising of the dues in an appreciable amount would, in my opinion, 
reduce the membership to such an extent that there would be little, if any, 
financial gain over the present two-dollar-a-year policy. But I feel that 
the matter of increasing dues is one that should come before this meeting 
in the form of a resolution or order, and have definite action. 

Following is a tabulation of receipts and disbursements: 





Receipts 
Balance in Treasury after the meeting of 1920............ $264.51 
Annual dues: 
Hon tHhervedT MOUs ose see be relearn elaie le terenerete $ 2.00 
Src PPRM NC Th NA SRL: Gial's (yw ee Neve spate tats aieate le ate ene ate retente 6.00 
NPY GRD IRA aa NG Behl aa) chat te abs Uae Ran ha eat (oie Ren atu 36.00 
BS AAD erat 0 IY ERA Ut Ue eg CR ak | 54.00 
Sah SSE et HY OIDs 5 tea: elec sree ae nat ta aM meee ed ES 780.00 
STIR Sanh PR eNO VESC icy rel Ai scot tcl RS aed gel Ga 50.00 
aaa’ ed yd Ko yy aE PRL eo Ma cares Sh 4,00 
932.00 
Clabimemberships ie icc ea oe ome an eee ick eee ee 10.00 
State MEMPELSHIDSE Miya cels eck ic ete eA eto etoile a ae ee 20.00 


CREE OLSEN) Fasleccvets’ o's aloe cis! Sravaie wicid v eIa ee ee ete einige sisie'e 25.00 








PO CEEWRONT (Sj 0 a ie = a es ee ie oo Soe Mey oT ae 1487.41 
Pest RCE ALE PATINA CLUOTIS S| 5 fave) od oretekn otal Caleleveiare eyatlsretatstetelsleies ere'siee 226.37 
EST OLSTCDIITICS Cis = eb ciaje chsya,ctaalet are esate e\oressvela eyalete) = Sissel Lela 18.00 
BMS Utara rat eas! at crc fact s Yorn velo. araieveres 6 aloteresslemvenehene ofa aide eel stele seks 3.41 
See ION, ANG OXCHANLE. vei sic sie o's e cae etiaylewias dile.s,e 0/686 65 70 
ROSMAN AG AC USCIMENIES ) 7/4 c/o Ciele's s cluialalnetetelele cle sisis ele ewe 4,00 
Refund, from the Permanent Fund, Of life memberships 
Hengsited: therein y by | GELOR en. sede tdaieteielaels ole wie the 75.00 
$2,066.40 
Disbursements. 
EMAL INE) LOL: NCCE c/s) aseleveois devs. s0,0)>, ene Side taiela aerate yaus « $207.40 
Literature for meetings, stationery, etc................... 138.21 
Eerie | DeATINACLLOHS.. LOL) 2 J ereieis's\s:s)0 6 sisys a's sie eesieele sucha oe 714.31 
aaa Teed ES Pretec fel ores aN, we ok shets, Cie) ararale lace ov siieleusine ol ecie wncieneicete mere rats 133.36 
JESRCCLIG ITC ei eee ee Oa 3.22 
ESTIROSN Meebt Natal’ tatatatslers ciebevese 7s ole ». dalidis Wialalovels Wilaratele cle at ene 41.70 
DERVICESALO MEDEA SUITED \3)a:cye a!o miata, cyasa's. 4,014 shotets arava leiase heal dhe sisi ale 100.00 
Entries to adjust bank account (protested checks)........ 2.00 
1,340.20 
RAEDNCO WE DET CASH MIOOK Sy Acre tee ce eicie gic gas crate alalevets orots Oi eiatete $ 726.20 
Permanent Fund. 
Swlancesas Teported at: 1920 MeCN. 00,0100 sels aiasidie ws lee dels Selene $3,111.99 
MEST crac) pay cick ava she va tastes |<) a: ake /ePaudh ate ovenencvetahe are Be akaneb arouse clon poiare 183.00 
$3,294.99 
Disbursement for prize paper, Dr. Wm. C. Kendall........ $100.00 
Withdrawal of funds deposited in the permanent fund 
PHTOUZ A MISUNGEHSEANGING® v.:6.0.0.s,0.0.0:0(e10.0 cle olalelale eclghable tte 75.00 
Temporary loan for payment of bill for printing Transac- 
tions of 1920, Vol. 50 (withdrawn, but not yet handed 
to the W. F.. Roberts Co., Inc., for whom it is intended) 1,991.15 
2,166.15 
ES IAMS serch a tyohd ee a aoe weave wee Ge SR ene eee oy $1,128.84 


Respectfully submitted, 
ARTHUR L. MILLETT, 
Treasurer. 


The report of the Treasurer was referred to the Auditing Com- 
mittee. 

Mr. Tircoms: Now that we are back on the right basis in issu- 
ing one volume and in more fully publishing the discussion, which 
oftentimes brings out more information than the original paper, a 
member who does not attend the meetings will be able to glean from 


1 Included $10 which was later withdrawn to apply on a life membership. 


17 


the reports the information which he needs. He can well afford to 
be a member of the Society, whether or not he can attend the meet- 
ings. Many have not joined because they could not be in attend- 
ance. I move that the dues be increased to $3.00 a year, and that 
every one make an effort to get a new member. I also suggest the 
preparation of a circular to be used in a campaign to secure new 
members, particularly states and clubs. 

Mr. Avery: At the Louisville meeting I moved to increase the 
dues and was voted down on the ground that many of the members 
have small incomes, and that we would lose if we raised the dues. 
The same condition prevails now. I am not opposed to raising the 
dues, because I feel that the Transactions are well worth the added 
fee, but what we want is as large a membership as may be possible 
in order to expand the Society’s usefulness. If we increase the 
dues, we may reduce the membership unless there is a very aggres- 
sive membership campaign. This matter ought to be referred to a 
special committee, which would make a definite report without delay. 

Mr. Miitett: I believe in Mr. Avery’s idea of a special com- 
mittee to report not later than tomorrow. I move that such a com- 
mittee of five be appointed. 

Mr. Titcomb withdrew his motion, and Mr. Millett’s motion was 
duly carried. 

Mr. Butter: The suggestion of Mr. Titcomb to secure new 
members to put the Society on a sound financial basis interests 
me greatly. I will mail at my own expense a circular of that kind 
to at least 300 anglers’ clubs in Pennsylvania. I feel sure that many 
will be glad to join. 

Mr. ALEXANDER: The American Fisheries Society occupies a 
most important position in the United States; it must continue its 
meetings and have its scientific papers to show what is necessary in 
sustaining the great fishing industry of this country. What is a 
paltry $2,000 to an organization that has a membership of five hun- 
dred? I will guarantee to take into membership all clubs in Louisi- 
ana. I do not know how many there are, but if 10, I will guarantee 
to get the 10; if 50 I will guarantee the 50. And if it needs an in- 
dividual subscription, I will be glad to make it. I think that we 
should contribute towards the liquidation of this obligation, either 
in actual money subscribed personally, or in efforts to get additional 
supporters and membership. 


APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES 


During the several sessions, the President appointed the follow- 
ing regular committees : 


18 


Resolutions: J. P. Woods, E. T. D. Chambers, W. E. Albert, 
G. C. Leach, M. G. Sellers. 

Time and place of meeting: Carlos Avery, E. E. Prince, Chas. 
O. Hayford. 

Nomsnations: E. W. Cobb, W. H. Rowe, A. L. Millett, R. S. 
Ward, B. O. Webster. 

Auditing: G. C. Leach, J. W. Titcomb, W. E. Barber. 

The following special committees were also appointed : 

Committee on Financial Condition of the Society: Carlos Avery, 
J. W. Titcomb, G. C. Leach, A. L. Millett, Ward T. Bower. 

Committee to Secure New Members during the Ensuing Year: 
J. W. Titcomb, Carlos Avery, M. L. Alexander, A. L. Millett, Ward 
T. Bower. 

Committee to Consider the matter of Affiliation of the Nationa} 
Association of Fisheries Commissioners with the American Fisheries 
Society: G. C. Leach, Harry A. Grammes, Carlos Avery, J. W. 
Titcomb. 

Owing to the absence of certain members of the Committee on 
Awards, President Buller named E. W. Cobb, Chas. O. Hayford, 
and G. C. Embody to serve with the Chairman, Mr. Titcomb. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEES ON RELATIONS WITH NATIONAL AND STATE 
GOVERN MENTS 


Mr. E. W. Cobb, Chairman of the Committee on Relations with 
National and State Governments, presented a report from which 
the following is quoted: 


The scope of the committee’s work was made to include the relations of 
the National and State Governments with the Committee, with each other, 
and with individuals and groups actively engaged in fishery matters. 

An offer was made to bring before the Society any matter of interest for 
any one not able to be present at the meeting. The replies were not numer- 
ous, and definite recommendations were few and far between. Among 
the answers was one from Dr. C. W. Greene, University of Missouri, 
Columbia, Mo., who suggested the need of fishery schools where not only 
biological but also practical commercial fishery problems would receive 
consideration. 

The following communication from the Fishing Gazette suggesting the 
need of uniform fishery statistics merits consideration: 

“A comprehensive survey of the fishing industry of the United States 
would be greatly simplified and results obtained through planting fish 
fry in streams and enforcing certain closed seasons would be ascertained 
with ease if each State used the same form in keeping fishery statistics 
and collected them every year. To secure totals or comparative figures 
on fisheries in interstate waters under present conditions by reference 
to state reports, is seldom possible because no two secure the same 
figures in the same way. Federal statistics for given areas are 


19 


collected every five years, while some states make surveys in four, three, 
two or one year periods, some of these being for the fiscal year and others 
for the calendar year. General statistics of any value cannot be compiled 
from such sources, as there is no indication whether the particular year in 
which they are taken is an off year, year of large production, or of average 
yield. Universal forms for compiling statistics should be drafted with 
great care, and a conference on the subject should be called in each 
geographical district; plans should be made and an effort put forth to have 
the program adopted by the legislature of each state. By taking the lead in 
such a movement the American Fisheries Society could wield valuable in- 
fluence and perform a valuable service to those engaged in the fishery.” 

Letters were forwarded to various clubs throughout Minnesota, asking 
for opinions on federal control of the fisheries, as this seemed to be a 
matter of cooperation. The replies showed that the subject had not been 
considered to any extent and that ideas in regard to it were very indefinite. 
It would seem, however, that many persons saw the need of uniform control 
of interstate waters, with a strong feeling that the regulations should cor- 
respond very closely to those existing in Minnesota. Nowhere in the 
replies was there any sentiment in favor of this control extending to 
waters other than those of the boundary. 


The report was duly adopted. 
The session adjourned. 


Afternoon Session, September 5, 1920 


The meeting was called to order by President Buller. 

The Secretary read the following telegram of September 3, 1921, 
from Mr. Gardner Poole, President of the United States Fisheries 
Association, Boston, Mass. : 


The U. S. Fisheries Association extends to you its hearty congratula- 
tions on this occasion of your fifty-first annual meeting and extends to the 
members of your Society a cordial invitation to attend and participate in 
the annual meeting and convention to be held at the Breakers Hotel, 
Atlantie City, New Jersey, September sixteenth and seventeenth. We are 
keenly desirous of having all those not commercially engaged in the in- 
dustry but interested in it, become better acquainted with the commercial 
matters. It is felt that time and effort devoted to bringing about a better 
understanding between these two classes will be time well spent and will 
result in bringing about complete harmony of all interests. Believe that 
an open statement of views and a discussion between all interests will 
result in a common viewpoint. Our program has been arranged accord- 
ingly. The U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries and other members of the 
Department have been invited and many fish commissioners and other 
interested men not commercially engaged in the industry will be present, 
and I respectfully request that your Society arrange to have one or more 
delegates present. It is our feeling that cooperation of all those interested 
in the fisheries is necessary in order that the fisheries may be properly 
utilized to the advantage of the country. 


Mr. Mrtrett: This is the first time we have ever received an 
invitation to participate in the deliberations of a practical fisheries 


20 


body. These people whom I know, as I am a member of that or- 
ganization of 800 men, represent many of the fisheries concerns of 
this country. It seems to me that such an invitation should not be 
left unanswered. From an intimate knowledge of the aims and 
objects of the United States Fisheries Association, I want to say that 
there is nothing to indicate in any way that it is trying to controvert 
or upset any of the ideas of the American Fisheries Society. On the 
other hand its members are only too willing to cooperate with us. 
It would be a fine thing if somebody represented us in the meeting 
of that organization. The closer relations we establish the stronger 
we are making our own organization. 


Dr. Prince and Mr. Leach expressed approval of the suggestions 
made by Mr. Millett. The President designated Messrs. Titcomb 
and Adams to formally represent the Society, and sent a telegram 
to Mr. Poole as follows: 

The American Fisheries Society appreciates the cordial spirit of your 
telegram of September third inviting its formal representation at the 
meeting of the United States Fisheries Association at Atlantic City, Septem- 
ber sixteenth and seventeenth. I am pleased to advise you that the Ameri- 
ean Fisheries Society today assembled in its fifty-first annual meeting 
unanimously accepts your kind invitation and has designated Mr. J. W. 
Titcomb, of Albany, N. Y., and Mr. W. C. Adams, of Boston, Mass., as its 
formal representatives. Other members including Messrs. A. L. Millett, 
M. G. Sellers and Ernest Clive Brown have signified their purpose of being 
in attendance. The American Fisheries Society extends its felicitations 
and best wishes and expresses the hope that the convention this month 
and all other activities of the United States Fisheries Association will be 
highly successful in every way. 


Mr. L. F. Grammes announced that through the kind efforts 
of Mr. R. S. Ward, Fish Commissioner of New Jersey, there was 
present Mr. Fred G. Shaw, champion fly caster of England. He 
stated that Mr. Shaw had volunteered to give practical demonstra- 
tions of fly casting at one of the hatcheries near Allentown. On 
motion of Mr. Grammes, seconded by Mr. Titcomb, Mr. Shaw was 
unanimously invited to give such an exhibition. He graciously ac- 
cepted. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE SOCIETY 
The report of the special Committee on Financial condition of 
the Society as presented by Mr. Avery was as follows: 


Your committee has met and canvassed the financial condition of the 
Society and begs leave to make the following recommendations: 

1. That the recommendation of the Treasurer and Executive Secretary 
to borrow $2,000 from the Permanent Fund of the Society to pay current 


21 


indebtedness be approved, on condition that said sum be restored to the 
Permanent Fund as rapidly as possible together with interest at the rate 
of 4 per cent, and that the Treasurer be authorized to pay indebtedness of 
$1,991.15, on account of the printing of the 1920 Transactions, from this 
sum. 

2. That all members be appealed to for contributions at this meeting 
to augment the voluntary contributions so far received which now amount 
to about $567.00. 

3. That an appropriate circular or letter be prepared and printed calling 
attention to the advantage of sportmen’s and anglers’ clubs identifying 
themselves as club members with the Society, which circulars shall be 
furnished to the state commissioners and others with the urgent recom- 
mendation that all such clubs in the United States and Canada be in- 
formed as to the work of the Society in promoting fish propagation, pre- 
vention and control of pollution of waters, and restraint of illadvised and 
unnecessary drainage of lakes valuable for angling, and be invited to join 
this Society. 

4. That the annual fee for dues of individuals and libraries be raised 
from $2.00 to $3.00. 

5. That a special membership campaign committee be formed charged 
with the duty of inaugurating and conducting continuously throughout 
the year a vigorous and persistent campaign for new members in all 
classes. 


Mr. Avery: With reference to that part of the committee’s re- 
port urging club memberships, it was the idea that each commissioner 
especially should interest himself in getting the clubs of his state to 
join. The annual fee is only $5.00 for such memberships, and con- 
sidering what the Society is doing for the benefit of sportsmen and 
anglers, all such clubs in the United States and Canada should be 
ready and willing to join, if it is properly brought to their at- 
tention. 

The report of the committee was adopted. 

In accordance with the action recommended in the report of the 
committee, Mr. Avery moved the necessary changes in Article II 
of the Constitution, fixing the annual dues of active members and 
libraries at $3.00 instead of $2.00. The amendment was adopted. 

A paper entitled ‘Bacteriological Analysis of an Experimental 
Pack of Canned Salmon,” by Reginald H. Fiedler, was read by Dr. 
Embody. Jiscussion followed. 

A paper entitled “A New Method of Shipping Live Fish,” by 
Edgar C. Fearnow, was read by Dr. Embody. Discussion ensued. 

Dr. G. C. Embody presented a paper entitled “The Use of Cer- 
tain Milk Wastes in the Propagation of Natural Fish Food.” Dis- 
cussion followed. 

A paper entitled “Fresh Water Crustacea as Food for Young 


22 


Fishes,” by Dr. William Converse Kendall, was read by Mr. Bower. 
Discussion followed. 


Evening Session, September 5, 1921 


President Buller called the meeting to order. 

A paper entitled “The Domestication of Landlocked Salmon 
Breeders,” by W. M. Keil, was read by Mr. Titcomb. Discussion 
followed. 

Dr. G. C. Embody presented a paper entitled “Concerning High 
Water Temperatures and Trout.” Discussion followed. 

The session adjourned at 11 p. m. 


Morning Session, September 6, 1921 

President Buller called the meeting to order. 

A telegram from Dr. H. M. Smith, United States Commissioner 
of Fisheries, Washington, D. C., to President Buller conveyed to 
the Society his best wishes for a successful meeting and extended an 
invitation to hold the next meeting in Washington. 

President Buller announced that during the year communications 
had been received from the Secretary of the National Association 
of Fisheries Commissioners regarding possible affiliation of that or- 
ganization with the American Fisheries Society, this being a subject 
that had been before the Society for several years but without defi- 
nite action. Mr. Alexander expressed the opinion that the proposed 
merger would be to the advantage of the Society. Mr. Leach con- 
curred. The President appointed Messrs. Leach, Grammes, Avery, 
and Titcomb a special committee to consider the matter. 

Mr. Avery: When I was President of the Society I corre- 
sponded with the National Association of Fisheries Commissioners 
with a view to getting the organization represented at the Ottawa 
meeting. They promised to send a delegation there, and to un- 
dertake arrangements for affiliation at that time. They took it up 
at their annual meeting, but did not agree to affiliate at that time 
on the ground that their interests were special and they would be at 
a disadvantage in merging with this Society. It was explained to 
them, however, that our Constitution provides for sections and sec- 
tional meetings, if desired, and that their special interests could be 
well taken care of in such sectional organizations and meetings as well 
as at our annual conventions. 

It seems to me that if the matter is submitted to them in that 
way, so that they can hold their conventions when we hold ours 
and carry on their sectional meeting at the same time, and therefore 
get what is of special interest to them, it would be beneficial to 


23 


both. They would get a larger representation at their meeting, 
and so would we. 

Mr. Bower: Would you still have a separate organization as 
it exists at the present time? 

Mr. Avery: It would be similar, although not identical, because 
our constitution recognizes this form of organization through sec- 
tional meetings. It would be practically the same, but the Associa- 
tion would have to relinquish its present name and the members 
would have to pay dues to this Society, of which it would be a sec- 
tion. If the Association would consent to such an organization, 
I think it would be highly advantageous to the American Fisheries 
Society. 

Dr. Embody read two papers by Alexander Robertson, entitled 
“Further Proof of the Parent Stream Theory,’ and “Some Ob- 
servations on the Growth of Young Sockeye Salmon.” Discussion 
followed each paper. 

A paper by Martin Norgore on “Salmon Eggs as Food for 
Salmon Fry,” was read by Dr. Embody. Discussion followed. 

Mr. J. W. Titcomb addressed the Society on “Growth of Fish 
and Location of Hatcheries.” Discussion followed. 


The session adjourned. 


Afternoon Session, September 6, 1921 


The meeting was called to order by President Buller. 


Mr. Charles O. Hayford read a paper entitled “Some Fish-Cul- 
tural Notes, With Special Reference to Pathological Problems.” 
Extended discussion followed. 


A telegram of greeting was read from Mr. J. A. Rodd, Depart- 
ment of Naval Service, Ottawa, Canada. 


The session adjourned. 


Evening Session, September 6, 1921 


The meeting was called to order by President Buller. 
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING 

Mr. Avery, Chairman of the Committee on Time and Place of 
Meeting, reported that invitations had been received for the next 
annual meeting from Washington, D. C., New York City, and Madi- 
son, Wis., but as most of the recent meetings had been in the east, 
the committee recommended that the next be at Madison. It was fur- 
ther recommended that the date be left to the Executive Committee. 

The report was unanimously adopted. 


24 


REPORT OF AUDITING COMMITTEE 


Mr. Leach reported that the Auditing Committee had examined 
the books of the Treasurer and found them correct. 

The report was adopted, and upon motion of Mr. Alexander a 
vote of thanks was unanimously extended to Treasurer Millett for 
his efficient and faithful service. 

A paper entitled “Public Aquariums,” was read by Ward T. 
Bower. Discussion followed. 

President Buller announced an open discussion on the subject 
“Pollution of Streams.” 

The session adjourned at 11 o'clock p. m. 


Morning Session, September 7, 1921 


President Buller called the meeting to order. 

A general discussion took place on ‘The Effect on Fish Life of 
the Extended Drought and Extreme Hot Weather During the Sum- 
mer of 1921.” 

Major C. K. Weston, of New York City, addressed the Society 
regarding Near East Relief. As a result, the sum of $20 was con- 
tributed and forwarded by the Executive Secretary to the Treasurer 
of that organization. 

The following resolution was offered by Mr. Crampton: 

Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society in meeting assembled, 
accepts the offer of Hon. M. G. Sellers to bring the matter of stream 
pollution before the American Bar Association, and expresses the hope that 
he will report results at the next annual meeting of the Society. 

The resolution was adopted. 

Mr. Severs: I shall endeavor to report to you. I wish to 
explain that the American Bar Association has as its program the 
construction of modern laws to cover complex situations. I think 
we shall give them a severe task if we can get them started on the 
subject of stream pollution. 

President Buller introduced Mr. Joe H. Hart, of Allentown, 
Pa., who asked that the Society adopt the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society, assembled at the Hotel 
Traylor, Allentown, Pa., on the occasion of its Fifty-First Annual Meeting 
on this the 7th day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred 
and twenty-one, favor the adoption of the poem “The Star Spangled Banner” 
by Francis Scott Key, music by Samuel Arnold, to be our national anthem, 
and we further recommend and favor the petitioning of the Congress of 
the United States of America to enact a law declaring the Star Spangled 
Banner to be our National Anthem, and we further recommend that Con- 


gress make such rules and regulations as will insure the observance of the 
same. 


The resolution was adopted. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON AWARDS 


Mr. Titcomb, Chairman of the Committee on Awards, sub- 
mitted the following report: 


The Committee has passed upon five papers under the three heads for 
which prizes were offered. 

Under the first the prize is for the best contribution on fish culture, 
either new or practical fish-cultural plans or description of the methods 
employed in the advancement of fish-cultural work. In this class a paper 
was submitted by Martin Norgore, entitled “Salmon Eggs as Food for 
Salmon Fry,” reporting on the results of experiments carried on at the 
University of Washington. The committee feels that this paper is to be 
highly commended for the grade of work being performed upon a very 
important problem of fish nutrition, but that it has not been pursued far 
enough to warrant a prize. 

In the same class of fish-cultural work is the paper by E. C. Fearnow, 
entitled “A new Method of Shipping Live Fish,” which is a discussion of 
experiments upon an important economic phase of fish transportation. The 
committee does not feel that these experiments have been carried far 
enough to warrant a prize. 

Under the second head a prize is offered for the best contribution on 
biological investigations applied to fish-cultural problems. In this class 
are two papers by Alexander Robertson, one entitled “Further Proof of the 
Parent Stream Theory,” and the other, “Some Observations on the Growth 
of Young Sockeye Salmon.” Mr. Robertson has made important additions 
to our knowledge of the life history of the sockeye salmon. The work is of 
a high grade, but the investigations have not been extended over a sufii- 
ciently long period to warrant a prize for either paper. 

Under the third head a prize is offered for the best contribution dealing 
with problems of the commercial fisheries. Your committee regrets to 
observe that there is only one paper on this important phase. It is 
entitled “Bacteriological Analysis of an Experimental Pack of Canned 
Salmon,” by Reginald H. Fiedler. This paper deals with a very important 
problem of the salmon canner, and the work is highly commendable, but 
definite conclusions have not been proved. No prize is recommended, 
much as we are obliged to regret such action. 

The Committee, in connection with its report, offers the recommenda- 
tion that when, in its judgment, a non-competitive paper has been submitted 
which appears to be of unusual merit, the conditions prescribing the time 
limit within which such paper should have been submitted in competition 
may be removed and the paper may be acted upon by the Committee on 
Awards, the same as all competitive papers regularly submitted. This 
recommendation is made because the committee feels that both this year 
and last, at least one paper was submitted which was fully as valuable as 
the competitive papers, but was not submitted in competition. 


The report was unanimously adopted. Also a vote of thanks 
was extended to the committee for its very efficient efforts. 
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS 


Mr. John P. Woods submitted the report of the Committee on 


Resolutions as follows: 
26 


WuHereEas, The problem of the abatement of the nuisance of pollution 
of fresh and salt waters is demanding nation-wide attention, and 

Wuereas, The Secretary of Commerce, the Honorable Herbert Hoover, 
has recently called into conference representatives of Atlantic and Gulf 
Coast States to consider this important question, resulting in the offer of 
Federal aid in the problem, 

Therefore be it resolved, That the American Fisheries Society in con- 
vention assembled at Allentown, Pa., hereby endorses the action of the 
Secretary of Commerce in his efforts to aid the States to combat all forms 
of water pollution and to overcome its disastrous effects on fish life, and 
be it further 

Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society does hereby pledge 
its cooperation and support to the Secretary of Commerce, and that a 
copy of this resolution be transmitted to Secretary Hoover. 


Wuereas, One of the main objects of this Society is to encourage and 
promote commercial fisheries, and 

Wuereas, There has possibly been some unintentional neglect in this 
respect by the Society, 

Therefore be it resolved, That the valued treatise presented by Arthur 
L. Millett, of Massachusetts, at the Fiftieth Annual Meeting, entitled “Ade- 
quate Fish Inspection: A means to better fish for the consumer and to 
increased fish food consumption,” be commended to the fish departments 
of other States for earnest emulation, the matter being very important 
and highly constructive in character. 


WuHeEpreas, The establishment of a school of fishes and fish fundamentals 
is now an accomplished fact through the forethought of the University 
of Washington as instituted under the guidance of Dean John N. Cobb, and 

Wuereas, This Society now begins to feel the good effect of such an 
institution, be it 

Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society in convention assembled, 
extends its renewed compliments to Dean Cobb and faculty with congratu- 
lations to two recent graduates of the school, namely, Messrs. Martin 
Norgore and Reginald H. Fiedler. 


Wuereas, The Society endeavors to consecrate itself earnestly to fish 
fundamentals in upholding every phase of the work, and 

WHEREAS, There is justified alarm over the imminence of serious harm 
to natural lakes of the Great Lakes region, caused by selfish interests in 
attempting drainage and in lowering the level of such lakes in such man- 
ner as to injure or destroy existing breeding places, nurseries and natural 
habitats for the various valuable food and game fishes, be it 

Resolved, That this Society enter vehement protest against this in- 
jurious action and further that it pledge itself to resist all encroachments 
upon the priceless heritage of the people. 


WHEREAS, It is well recognized by fish culturists that the artificial 
propagation of both large-mouth and small-mouth bass is impractical upon 
the large scale practiced in the propagation of other food and game fishes, 
that increase of these species by reproduction under natural conditions is 
ordinarily more than sufficient to maintain nature’s balance in waters in- 


20 


habited by these species, and that the removal of parent fish from their 
nests results in the loss of from 500 to 2,500 helpless fry, 

Resolved, That under the intensive angling of the present day, supple- 
mented by the many new and alluring devices cast at the quarry, the con- 
servation of these two important game fishes is necessarily dependent 
upon the proper protection of the parent fish during the entire period 
that they are spawning and caring for their young, supplemented by due 
precaution to maintain in all bass waters an abundance of bass food; 
and it is also further recommended that, for the purpose of encouraging 
the propagation of the bass, as an aid to other means, the establishment 
of refuges or nurseries in places suitable therefor be encouraged. 


Wuereas, There exists an urgent, nation-wide demand for closer con- 
tact and communion with fresh and salt water fishes and with aquatic 
inhabitants generally, and 

WuereEas, There is a deplorable deficiency in public facilities which 
afford such valuable educational advantages through the institution of 
publicly-owned aquariums, be it therefore 

Resolved, That the entire membership be charged with the urgency in 
public need of such establishments. 


Wuereas, It has been heretofore difficult to enlist extended publica- 
tion by local newspapers of the daily proceedings of the Society’s con- 
vention work, and 

WHeEnrEAS, This difficulty has been happily overcome in this, the Allen- 
town, Pa., meeting by a most generous allotment of newspaper space 
through general realization of the great public concern in the involved 
questions, be it 

Resolved, That more than the commonplace expression of thanks in 
consequence is due and hereby extended to the Morning Call, Evening 
Item, Chronicle and News, Daily Leader, and Allentown Record. 


Wuereas, The Entertainment Committee of Allentown has been especi- 
ally zealous in its efforts to afford entertainment to members of this 
Society, be it 

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be given to this committee for its 
courteous consideration. 


WHEREAS, Diversity in general entertainment is productive of better 
human contentment, and 

Wuereas, That fact is fully realized by a representative citizen of 
Allentown, namely, Mr. Harry A. Grammes, 

Therefore be it resolved, That a vote of thanks be extended to Mr. 
Grammes for his hospitable endeavors so delightfully consummated. 


WuHereas, The courtesies extended to the assembled members by General 
Harry C. Trexler touches a further chord of appreciation, 

Resolved, That an acclamation of thanks be accordingly given as in- 
dicative of the gratefulness of the assembly. 


WuHereas, The high executive ability so very modestly displayed by the 
retiring President, Mr. Nathan R. Buller, of Pennsylvania, during the 
past year touches a responsive and overflowing chord of appreciation, be it 


28 


Resolved, Therefore, That a rising vote of thanks be extended to Mr. 
Buller for his very graceful and effective efforts. 


WHEREAS, The efficiency of Mr. Ward T. Bower, Executive Secretary, 
Mr. Arthur L. Millett, Treasurer, and Mr. S. B. Hawks, Recording Secre- 
tary, is duly recognized by the members, be it 

Resolved, That a vote of thanks is hereby extended to them for the 
incalculable value of their services throughout the past year. 


The report of the committee was unanimously adopted. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON AFFILIATION WITH NATIONAL 
COM MISSIONERS 


Mr. Leach, Chairman of the committee appointed to consider 
terms of affiliation of the National Association of Fisheries Com- 
missioners with the American Fisheries Society, submitted the fol- 
lowing report: 

It is recommended that the Executive Secretary take up with the 
National Association of Fisheries Commissioners the terms upon which 
affiliation may be consummated with the American Fisheries Society. 
The following is suggested: (a) That the National Association of Fish- 
eries Commissioners renounce their title and become members of the 
American Fisheries Society by payment of the annual dues of $3.00 each; 
(b) that the American Fisheries Society create a vice-president of Na- 
tional Fisheries Commissioners; and (c) that the affiliation be effective 
in accordance with our Constitution. 


The report was unanimously adopted. 

Mr. Tircoms: In this connection let me say that I was one of 
the vice-presidents of the North American Fish and Game Protec- 
tive Association. The president died and I am now the chief offi- 
cer. We have funds in a bank in Canada which so far we have 
been unable to secure. The members and officers of that Association 
have gone through the formality of a meeting and we are trying to 
get the money and present it to the American Fisheries Society. It 
amounts to $100. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 


Mr. E. W. Cobb submitted the report of the Committee on Nomi- 
nations, as follows: 


President—WiLLIAM HE. BaArBer, LaCrosse, Wisconsin. 
Vice-President—GLrEn C. LEAcH, Washington, D. C. 
Haecutive Secretary—Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C. 
Recording Secretary—S. B. Hawxs, Bennington, Vermont. 
Treasurer—ARTHUR L. MiiteTtT, Boston, Massachusetts. 
Vice-Presidents of Divisions: 

Fish Culture—Esen W. Coss, St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Aquatic Biology and Physics—Hrnry B. Warp, Urbana, Illinois. 


29 


Commercial Fishing—GARDNER Poon, Boston, Massachusetts. 
Angling—S. 'TuHruston Batuarp, Louisville, Kentucky. 
Protection and Legislation—WiLu1aM C. ApAms, Boston, Massachusetts. 


Executive Committee: 
Gro. C. Empopy, Chairman, Ithaca, New York. 
JoHn W. Tircoms, Albany, New York. 
Epwarp E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada. 
W. E. ALBERT, Des Moines, Iowa. 
GrorGE Suiras, 3d, Washington, D. C. 
WILLIAM H. Rowe, West Buxton, Maine. 
JoHN N. Coss, Seattle, Washington. 


Committee on Foreign Relations: 
HueH M. SmiruH, Chairman, Washington, D. C. 
Cuar_Les H. TowNsenbD, New York, New York. 
A. C. Baxter, Columbus, Ohio. 
Joun P. Bascock, Victoria, British Columbia. 
L. F. Ayson, Wellington, New Zealand. 


Committee on Relations with National and State Governments: 
CHARLES O. Hayrorp, Chairman, Hackettstown, New Jersey. 
M. L. ALEXANDER, New Orleans, Louisiana. 
NaTtHAN R. BuLuer, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 
Cartos Avery, St. Paul, Minnesota. 
BE. T. D. CHAMBERS, Quebec, Canada. 


The Secretary was directed to cast one ballot for the Society, 
and the respective officers were declared elected for the year 1921-22. 

Mr. Butter: Before turning the Society over to my successor, 
I desire to thank every member who has assisted me during the 
past year. I now have the pleasure of inviting my successor, Mr. 
Barber, to the chair. 

Mr. Barber here assumed the chair amid applause. 

Mr. BARBER: This is indeed a surprise to me, and I should be 
an ingrate did I not express my appreciation of the honor. The 
word “honor” as used in this connection by me carries with it its 
strongest meaning because it is a distinct honor to be President 
of an organization whose activities are devoted to the causes for 
which you are all laboring. 

The word “conservation” is a comparatively new word in America. 
It has only been within the last fifteen years that the word has come 
into frequent use. But it is not a new word across the seas. In 
those old countries long years of inhabitancy have made it necessary 
for them to practice conservation of their natural resources. Had 
they not practiced conservation in those old countries it is doubtful 
that the great war would have ended yet. Mr. Harrington, the for- 
estry member of our commission, who served two years in the For- 
estry Division of France, stated that during that entire period they 


30 


cut nothing but planted pine, and every time a tree was cut down 
another was planted in its place, and every twig was gathered up 
and the ground left clean to prevent any hazard of fire. 

We are engaged in a mighty cause, a cause which carries to our 
posterity the natural resources which God has so generously given 
to this country. We have waited too long. We have waited until 
here in Pennsylvania, in Wisconsin, in Minnesota and elsewhere 
the timber has been destroyed. Had we known forty or fifty years 
ago what we know today, we would have fine forests now in all of 
these states. 

Fish conservation can be brought about by earnest and coopera- 
tive work. The fish will never be destroyed; they hide away out 
of sight; we cannot find them; consequently they will always be with 
us. It is different with the game. We have to be exceedingly cautious, 
with our increased population and our implements for killing game, 
together with the new facilities for reaching the game grounds, or 
our game will surely be destroyed. We have to use exceeding care 
if we are to hand these blessings down to the generations that follow. 

I want to thank you sincerely for this honor, and I want to thank 
you for bringing the meeting to our capital city next year. I assure 
you that w2 shall use every effort to make your stay agreeable and 
beneficial. Madison is a beautiful city, with four fine lakes, a state 
university, a college of agriculture, and the State Capitol. I am 
sure that all of you who come will be glad and will enjoy your stay 
with us. I thank you. 

Adjourned sine die. 


Immediately after luncheon the members of the Society were 
taken in automobiles furnished through courtesy of the Allentown 
Chamber of Commerce, to the private trout hatchery of Gen. Harry 
C. Trexler, about four miles from Allentown, where an interesting 
hour was spent in viewing that establishment. The party then 
drove to Weissport, about 30 miles distant, where the private trout 
hatchery operated by L. F. Grammes & Sons was visited. An en- 
joyable buffet luncheon was served by the Messrs. Grammes. Mr. 
F. G. Shaw, champion fly caster of England, gave a splendid ex- 
hibition of fly casting which proved most fascinating to the mem- 
bers of the Society. The party returned to Allentown in the evening. 


CHARLES G. ATKINS, 1841-1921 


It is with regret that announcement is made of the death of 
Charles G. Atkins on September 3, 1921, at the age of 80 years, at 


31 


Bucksport, Maine. He was born January 19, 1841, near Sharon, 
Maine, and spent practically his whole life in the State. Mr. Atkins 
was one of the pioneer fish culturists of.the country and although not 
a member of the Society recently he was long identified with the 
organization, having become a member in 1884. He was Corre- 
sponding Secretary from 1905 to 1910, and was much interested in 
and did valuable work in connection with the Committee on Foreign 
Relations. Mr. Atkins was Commissioner of Fisheries of Maine 
from 1867 to 1871 and was continuously in the service of the United 
States Fish Commission, and its successor, the Bureau of Fisheries, 
from July 1, 1872, until his retirement August 21, 1920. 

Mr. Atkins did particularly noteworthy work in connection with 
the Atlantic and landlocked salmons. That part of the Manual of 
Fish Culture issued by the United States Fish Commission in 1897, 
having to do with these species, was prepared by him. All told, 35 
articles by Mr. Atkins appeared in the publications of the Bureau 
of Fisheries. The Transactions of the Society contain 12 papers 
by him on very interesting and important subjects, the first appear- 
ing in 1874 and the last in 1913. 

As a result of his article entitled “Food for Young Salmonoid 
Fishes,” published in the Bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries for 
1908, he was awarded a prize of $150 in gold offered by the Fourth 
International Fishery Congress for the best demonstration of the 
comparative values of different kinds of foods for rearing young 
salmonoids. 

Warp T. Bower. 


Inu Memoriam 


CHARLES G. ATKINS 
WASHINGTON I. DE NYSE 
FRANK EAMES 
IRVING A. FIELD 
CHARLES FLEGEL 
C. F. FOWLER 

W. A. GAVITT 
H. A. GIBB 
O. C. GOODWIN 
H. A. GRAMMES 
J. R. HICKMAN 
LARRY ST. JOHN 


W. J. STARR 





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PART I 
PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS 








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A NEW METHOD OF SHIPPING LIVE FISH’ 
By Enear C. FEARNOW 
Superintendent of Fish Distribution, Bureau of Fisheries 
Washington, D. C. 

Some years ago the writer was detailed to accompany a shipment 
of live fish from New York to the Canal Zone. These were pond 
fish and included bass, sunfish, and catfish, destined to form a brood 
stock in Gatun Lake and other waters of the Zone. A short time 
after the ship left New York it became apparent that the supply of 
ice would be exhausted long before the end of the voyage, unless 
means could be found for conserving the limited amount remaining. 
The successful outcome of the trip was dependent to a large degree 
on maintaining an equable temperature of the water in which the 
fish were carried. The 50 cans in the shipment were arranged to 
occupy as little space as possible and an old sail thoroughly saturated 
with water was drawn closely around them. The results were sur- 
prisingly satisfactory. Instead of having to ice the cans every few 
hours, one icing in 24 hours was found sufficient to maintain the 
temperature at the desired point, and the fish were delivered at Gatun 
and Gamboa, Canal Zone, without undue loss. 

The success of this simple expedient impressed the writer with 
the possibilities of applying the well-known principle of heat absorp- 
tion by evaporation to a container that would be of practical value 
in the shipping of live fish under conditions where a rise in tempera- 
ture must be avoided. Also it seemed to have direct bearing upon 
the problem which the Bureau of Fisheries has recently been called 
upon to solve, namely, how to distribute fish in ever larger num- 
bers without additional funds to meet the greatly increased transpor- 
tation charges. In view of the fact that passenger, freight, and ex- 
press rates are now higher than at any period in our history, and 
as there is an insistent demand for economy in both government 
and private business, it has seemed most opportune to undertake a 
new method of shipping live fish without ice and, in many, perhaps 
most, instances, without the usual attendant. The possibilities of 
great saving over the present method of shipping by messenger are 
readily apparent. 

Temperature is one of the principal factors in the transporta- 
tion of live fishes. It has been noticeable for a number of years 





1In order to add to the value of this paper, the author has incorporated certain data 
as to results secured after the paper was submitted at the meeting of the Society early 
in September, 1921. 


37 


that messengers who watch the water temperature closely are usually 
successful in carrying fish, while those who are constantly working 
with their fish, changing and aerating the water, seem to be least 
successful. Having this in mind, and in view of the experience on 
the trip to the Canal Zone, experiments were undertaken to devise 
a container which would meet the ends sought. 


3, COTTON ROPE 


“GQ = 5 = == 
SO St ee A A Hy ach 









“WOOD BLOCKS 


ELEVATION 












































ELEVATION BOTTOM 


JACKETED CAN FOR TRANSPORTING LIVE FISH. 


DESCRIPTION OF CONTAINER 

In due time there was developed a device consisting of an ordi- 
nary lard can of standard size placed in a loosely fitting bag of 10- 
ounce canvas. The can is supported by four triangular pieces of 
wood attached to the bottom of the bag to permit free air circulation. 
The can has a ring of fine perforations four inches from the top, 
about which ring on the outside of the can is fastened a band of 


38 


cheese cloth or other absorbent material. When in use the bag is 
saturated with water before the shipment is delivered to the car- 
rier; the small amount of water that escapes through the ring of 
perforations is taken up by the encircling absorbent material and con- 
ducted to the outer covering of canvas. The evaporation from the 
constantly moistened canvas is the prime factor in maintaining a 
lower temperature of the water. The cover provided for this con- 
tainer is open in the center and perforated near its outer margin. 
Water splashing out of the can falls back again either through the 
perforations or through the central opening, thus aiding, though but 
slightly perhaps, in aerating the water. 


EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS WITH PROTECTED AND UNPROTECTED 
CONTAINERS 


The table on the following page shows results of some experi- 
ments in regard to water temperatures with this and similar devices, 
as compared with unprotected cans. 

It may be seen from the table that an even temperature can be 
maintained and that, when the margin between the air and water 
temperature is not too great, the temperature of the water may be 
considerably reduced through evaporation. 


EXPERIMENTAL SHIPMENTS 

The first shipments of live fish were the top minnow (Gambusia 
affinis). The results in each case were highly satisfactory, as indi- 
cated by the following: 

1. Edenton, N. C., to Washington, D.C. One 7-gallon can con- 
taining 250 top minnows was delivered to the express agent at 
Edenton at noon August 12 and was not received in Washington 
until noon of August 14, having been much delayed en route. Although 
this lot of fish was about 50 hours without attention, it arrived in 
good condition with a loss in transit of only about 25. It is very 
doubtful whether an attendant could have prevented this small loss 
under the same conditions. The temperature of the water in the 
can on leaving Edenton was 75° F. Unfortunately the watchman 
on duty at Washington failed to note the temperature on arrival. 


2. Washington, D. C., to New York City. One 7-gallon can 
containing 210 Gambusia was shipped by express from Washing- 
ton August 18 at 4:30 p. m., water temperature 79° F. Mr. F. W. 
Collins, 17 East 42nd St., New York City, to whom the fish were 
consigned, reported as follows: “I went to Jersey City this morn- 
ing (August 19) and found the fish to be in good condition on 
their arrival there. The temperature was 68° F.” 


39 


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40 


3. Washington, D. C., to Manchester, lowa. One can contain- 
ing 200 Gambusia left the Central Station of the Bureau at 4:30 
p. m. August 18 and was shipped by express on a train at 7:30. 
It was delayed in Chicago 25 hours, and arrived at Manchester at 
10:00 a. m. August 21, being 66 hours without attention. The 
superintendent reported that 100 Gambusia were alive and in good 
condition and that the temperature of the water was 60° F. 


PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF NEW METHOD 


A specific instance of the gratifying results achieved by the 
plan described in this paper is a shipment recently made from the 
Orangeburg, S. C., station. On this trip the messenger had 20 
cans containing black bass and bluegill sunfish, and supplied 17 ap- 
plicants at nine different points in North Carolina. He left Orange- 
burg at 5:30 a. m. and returned at 11:00 p. m. the same day, the 
cost of the entire trip being only $21.47. Had the messenger gone 
to every point where he had fish to deliver, the trip would have 
required 651% hours, instead of 1714 hours, and the expense would 
have been practically double. The messenger simply went straight 
to Fayetteville, N. C., where a number of deliveries were made, 
and from that point forwarded fish to 11 different applicants. The 
cost of the distribution from the Orangeburg station during the 
fall of 1920, under the old method, was $1.57 per can of fish dis- 
tributed. The records show that from July, 1921, to the close of 
the distribution the cost under the new method was only 90 cents 
per can. 


From the Bullochville, Ga., station 28 shipments were made on 
four messenger trips. On one trip to Atlanta, Ga., 10 shipments of 
fish were made to points in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and 
Georgia. No complaints were received. 

In the fall of 1920 a special shipment of Gambusia was sent by 
messenger from Edenton, N. C., to Washington, D. C., the cost of 
the trip being approximately $25. Practically the same number of 
Gambusia were shipped to Washington, D. C., this fall in two jack- 
eted cans, the express charges being only $1.57. 

The saving of approximately 50 per cent in the distribution cost 
from Edenton was brought about by sending a messenger to three 
railroad centers, Greensboro, Raleigh, and New Berne, N. C., and 
forwarding the fish by baggage masters or by express from those 
points. Twenty-four shipments were made in this manner and no 
complaints were received from the applicants supplied. 


41 


The following statement shows the actual cost of making the 
distribution of sunfish from the Edenton, N. C., station for the sea- 
sons of 1920 and 1921: 


COMPARATIVE COSTS OF DISTRIBUTION OF SUNFISH FROM 
EDENTON, N. C., STATION 














Number of | Number| Number 
Destination. Applicants of of Cost. 
supplied. cans. fish. 
Old Method: (1920) | 
RaleIeh ONG Case ates es televe 6 12 1.800 $32.94 
Catawba pine Oued cele eiern 6 sereuete 5 13 1,910 32.00 
Chapel Hilly Ne iO. saeco tere 8 16 2.519 20.14 
alee FPN Ae aveteceoielereta: suece 8 17 2,350 30.84 
Mie Gilead aN. Cyscns 2h sisson e 4 8 | 1,200 36.40 
Mota: POLO es sc ocr heisiors oe he 31 66 9,779 $152.32 
Average cost per thousand =: |i0 a2 oe orale tee els ee poe $15.57 
New Method: (1921) a | oh 
Greensboro, INIoC.. ses. «sie s 7A 21 2,650 $24.19 
RaletaheON OMe ak. ese 22 22 2,125 17.49 
ING yiGENe IN Cx a oe es enectuarae 19 20 | 3,400 21.15 
May eee ie Kh I eS at ae ane 62 63 8,175 $62.53 
AVErS le COSE DED CNOUSADO cl) vc anise ieors Slorsieeis er ie [os ie ate $7.64 


In addition to the specific results secured at certain southern 
stations, it is expected that the method will be of special value in 
supplying applicants in the western and southwestern states with 
the different species of pond fish, most of which bear transportation 
very satisfactorily. The demand for catfish and other coarse species 
in such states as New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming is large, and 
reports received from applicants who have been supplied indicate 
that the results following the plantings of such fish have been par- 
ticularly satisfactory. Because of the expense involved in such ship-~ 
ments, it has been necessary to refuse many applicants, and only 
those most advantageously located with reference to railroad facili- 
ties have been supplied. By means of the new device it appears 
entirely practicable to transport fish to applicants in those sections, 
carrying them in the distribution cars from the point of production 
to central railroad points such as Denver, Colo., and Albuquerque, 
N. Mex., and then forwarding the consignments by express or bag: 
gage to the applicants. 

In view of the results obtained, it seems quite fair to assume that 
in higher altitudes, where evaporation is more rapid, the temperature 
can be maintained at a point sufficiently low to permit the safe trans- 
portation of the various species of trout without the use of ice or 
the services of an attendant. 


42 


It not infrequently happens that fish delivered in good condition 
to an applicant are lost in transit from the railroad station to the 
point where they are to be planted. The loss may be occasioned by 
the failure of the ‘recipient to understand the requirements. In 
other instances, where fish are transported for long distances by 
pack animal, a method frequently resorted to by officers of the 
Forest Service, it is of course impossible to carry a supply of ice. 
In such cases it is necessary to change the water in the cans as op- 
portunity may permit. Where fish are shipped in the new type of 
container a constant water temperature is assured, and as the move- 
ment of horse or vehicle insures sufficient aeration, the fish will 
arrive at destination in good condition. 

In the case of shipments in the new container the motion of the 
train or other conveyance will cause the water to splash sufficiently 
to provide the necessary aeration, but in shipments involving long 
periods of quiet at transfer points aeration of the water by some 
means is desirable, even essential. It may be that a plan of insuring 
the automatic introduction of the necessary oxygen will some day 
be devised.” Cool water, however, absorbs oxygen more rapidly 
than water at a higher temperature, and low water temperatures 
make fishes less active, hence the lower temperature of the jacketed 
can minimizes the danger of loss during delays. 

Every year a small percentage of the millions of fish rescued by 
the government from the Mississippi River overflow are diverted 
for general distribution. The principle involved in the new con- 
tainer is especially adapted to the transfer of fish from the collecting 
fields to the points where they are to be “hardened”’ prior to their 
shipment to applicants. 

In order to insure proper delivery of shipments of fish, the 
Bureau has been sending to the applicant a telegram substantially 
as follows: 


Answer government rate collect whether you will meet 3.25 P.M. Nor- 
folk & Western train, Roanoke, November 2d, for fish. 


Unless a favorable reply is received to such a telegram, the fish 
are not shipped. And to obviate any possible loss of fish through 
accidental failure of applicant to meet a shipment, each can is tagged 
as follows: 

This can contains (number and species of fish) for stocking (name 
of water). If delivery cannot be made to consignee within one hour, the 
fish should be planted in the above mentioned or other suitable waters. 
Keep can in a current of air and in shade. Do not try to hold. 





1 Recent improvements to the shipping container herein described make it self-aerat- 
ing even when not in motion. 


43 


CONCLUSIONS 


Briefly, the device promises to make it possible for the Bureau 
of Fisheries to materially broaden the scope of its fish distribu- 
tion, and at the same time reduce the expense connected therewith. 
It is not intended to convey the idea that special attendants will not 
be necessary in handling large shipments of fish or under particu- 
larly difficult conditions; but, by taking a large number of cans to 
some central point and sending the various allotments of fish to the 
_ applicants in the same manner as the car now dispatches its mes- 
sengers, one man should be able to cover the territory more ex- 
peditiously and economically than is possible under the present 
system. 

There has been heavy expense heretofore in shipments off the 
main railroad lines, since the attendant, because of irregular train 
service, frequently has been obliged to remain over night at the point 
where the last delivery of fish was made. By means of the simple 
device herein described, such shipments often can be forwarded by 
express, or in care of the train baggage master, at merely nominal 
cost. 

In connection with the use of this improved container for the 
shipment of live fish, attention may be invited to the following ad- 
vantages resulting from its use: 

1. It is inexpensive; the can and jacket or bag complete costs 
less than $1.50. The bag represents about 65 per cent of the total 
cost. In short distance shipments, where express charges are not 
high, the cans may be returned for reuse. In cases where there 
would be heavy express charges, the recipient of the fish may be re- 
quested to return the bags only, by parcel post. 

2. It eliminates the necessity for ice in transporting live fish. Ice 
is expensive, and there are many recorded instances of experienced 
men losing fish because ice was not available and there was no other 
known means of preventing the water temperature from rising beyond 
the point of safety. 

3. Since water temperature is the important consideration in the 
transportation of fish, it follows that the principal duty of the person 
in charge of live fish shipments is to maintain a suitable water tem- 
perature as far as is possible. As a suitable temperature is auto- 
matically maintained in the jacketed can, the necessity for an atten- 
dant is eliminated, thereby effecting a saving of railroad fare and sub- 
sistence of messenger, and other incidental items. The cost of the 
shipment will be represented by the express charges only, or a nomi- 
nal fee to baggage masters. As mentioned previously, the need of an 


44 


attendant with large shipments of fish, particularly over routes in- 
volving a number of transfers, is recognized, but in any event, the 
jacketed can will still have a distinct advantage over the cans in com- 
mon use. 

4. The underlying principle involved in the plan is the cooling 
effect of evaporation, and since heat greatly stimulates evaporation, 
it would seem that the principle might be successfully taken advantage 
of, within certain reasonable limits, in almost direct ratio to the need. 
It is not claimed that the device is perfect, nor have its full possibili- 
ties been exhaustively demonstrated, but the results obtained so far 
in maintaining a lower temperature of water in shipments of live fish 
without an attendant, warrant its general adoption. 


Discussion. 


Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: On September 2d a shipment of 
50 bass was sent from Logansport, Ind., to Washington. They were in 
what is termed a 50-pound lard can, jacketed according to the description 
given in the paper. They arrived in Washington, after having been on the 
road 24 hours, with a loss of but 10 fish. The temperature on arrival 
at Washington was approximately 62° F., about the same as when the ship- 
ment started. The loss of the 10 fish was probably due to the fact that 
the can remained in the station about an hour and 15 minutes, the water 
being in an inactive state. 

Mr. Fearnow does not claim that his device is going to solve all the 
problems in regard to the transportation of fish, but he believes that a 
messenger so equipped may go to some central point and distribute fish 
east, west, north and south by express, saving possibly several trips. He 
does not claim that the jacket on the can is going to be effective when the 
outside temperature is below 50° or 60° F. It will be more valuable during 
the very warm weather in the summer, and it is going to be very successful 
in making shipments of trout or bass for a period of four or five hours, 
but it is not expected to cover a period of 24 hours, though under certain 
conditions we can ship warm water species that long with considerable 
success. The can offers possibilities for shipment of goldfish and top 
minnows. 

Mr. J. W. Trrcoms, Albany, N. Y.: With one exception, the experiments 
were with warm water, above 60° F. Would it help to keep the tempera- 
ture down in the case of trout, starting with 45°? 

Mr. LeacH: The canvas jacket around the container absorbs the water 
that slops out, thus keeping it saturated. The evaporation will cause the 
temperature to rise slowly, and if the start is with water at 48° F., four or 
five hours at least will elapse before it gets up to 53°, or before it would be 
injurious to the trout. It is not claimed that it will carry trout as far 
as it will bass. We realize that the express companies are slow in handling 
the fish, therefore, to expedite the matter we expect the messenger, when 
he arrives at the central shipping point, to put the cans in the express car 
himself. I do not believe more than 5 per cent of the applicants fail to 


45 


meet the fish. In making express shipments it would be necessary to get 
in touch with the applicant and be assured that he would meet them. 

Mr. Titcoms: I think this is a mighty good paper. As bearing upon 
possible loss of fish, in the case of express shipments would you call upon 
the express company to deliver the fish if the applicant was not at the 
depot? 

Mr. LeacH: In that event a tag will give full instructions for placing 
the fish in some suitable water. In making the distribution in certain 
sections of the country, care will be exercised not to put bass in trout 
waters or mix the species. But we expect to have every assurance from 
the applicant that he will meet the fish. 

Mr. J. P. Woops, St. Louis, Mo.: Have any experiments been made to 
show the exact life of a can of fish, how long they would live under present 
practice? 

Mr. LEAcH: We have made some experiments. We feel that fish 
placed in a can in which the water is not active will soon suffocate. The 
water has to be agitated by rocking back and forth, and also in motion to 
moisten the outside jacket. If 100 bass two inches long were placed in such 
a container holding about six gallons of water at a temperature of 55°, not 
more than 50 fish would survive when the temperature increased to 80° F. 
If the water were not active I believe the temperature would reach that 
point in a few hours, when the fish would die. All of the trout would 
die in two hours and the bass in three or four hours. I do not believe 
you would lose them in one hour, as the temperature would not rise that 
fast. Trout would die at 65° F. 

Mr. Cart Krarker, Philadelphia, Pa.: Farmers have used a canvas 
sack three-quarters of an inch thick in shipping milk all through the upper 
part of New Jersey, and in Pennsylvania and New York. The milk in 
its raw condition, after being cooled in a stream or spring house, registers 
about 88° F. It is shipped with a wet jacket, closely packed together in 
unrefrigerated cars, and by the time it reaches Philadelphia for use the 
temperature has risen only three to five degrees, although in transit four or 
five hours. 


Mr. LeacH: The jacket on the milk cans is more expensive than that 
on the 50-pound lard cans. Ours is very simple, a mere sack over the can 
tied with a puckering string. It helps to hold the lid down, is very 
easily made, and is inexpensive. The cans are small, about 12 inches in 
diameter and 15 inches high, with handles on each side, and with six 
gallons of water weigh about 50 pounds. 


Some years ago, we experimented with a thermos can. We put a lining 
in a 10-gallon can, allowing three-quarters of an inch of dead air space 
all around. It was made perfectly air tight. We found that the tempera- 
ture would gradually rise. It would go up as the exposed surface absorbed 
air. I do not think you could make a vacuum can that would be successful, 
because the water would gradually absorb a little of the heat from the 
air at the neck of the can. We also tried to insulate a can, with a jacket 
outside, but it increased the diameter and added weight. Our latest ears 
now carry 140 cans, and we cannot afford to increase the outside diameter 
nor decrease the inside diameter of the can by adding a dead air space. 
We have found recently that we could cut four inches off the 10-gallon 


46 


cans, making them 8-gallon cans, and get just as good results. The weight 
also is reduced. It will both decrease the cost and greatly improve the 
cans. We are also going to eliminate the narrow neck around the top 
of the can, which will save two inches of height on our 10-gallon can and 
will facilitate aeration. It has been proved that just as many fish may be 
carried in the 8-gallon can as in the 10-gallon can of the same diameter. 
Diameter counts more than height. 

Mr. Titcomp: The American Balsa Company constructs a box of 
balsa wood from Central America. It is as light as bark, but comes from 
the tree itself rather than the bark. It is very good for insulation pur- 
poses. They propose to use these boxes for transporting perishable 
merchandise, such as chickens which have been chilled. If you have a 
box two feet long and 15 inches wide, it will take only a few cents postage, 
it is so light. A company was formed in New York recently, headed by 
Kenneth Fowler, which has a concession from the American Balsa Com- 
pany for the use of these boxes in the transportation of fish. They propose 
to have sanitary plants for dressing the fish, and for chilling the meat 
after the skin and bone are removed. Then, wrapped in paper packages 
it is put into these balsa boxes and sent by parcel post, special delivery. 
The boxes will hold the temperature, so that fish can be shipped from New 
York to Chicago and be delivered in good condition. The temperature 
changes very slightly, if at all, during a journey of 48 hours. It presents 
great commercial possibilities in the handling of dressed fish. Possibly 
a jacket of balsa wood around a fish can would not increase the weight 
perceptibly, and would prove more desirable than canvas, especially where 
messengers accompany shipments. 

I am pleased at the innovation introduced by Mr. Leach in reducing 
the height of the can. If we could have the cans twice the diameter and 
cut the height down, we would get much better results from the same 
amount of water. 

Mr. Krarker: In transporting fish to Philadelphia we used 50-gallon 
cans and boxes generally about 26 or 28 inches deep by four feet wide and 
six or seven feet long. We had paraffin canvas cut to fit the boxes and 
always used an air pump. After loading the salt-water fishes on numerous 
occasions we left Atlantic City at 3 o’clock for a journey of 68 miles, and 
being able to make 10 miles an hour with the truck, arrived at the Fair- 
mount Park Aquarium with but a small loss. The highest percentage 
of dead was in the cans, while in the canvas-covered box the loss was 
very small. In the transportation of any fishes in warm weather the 
temperature of the water is driven higher by the warm air forced through 
by the pump; this does the greatest damage, according to my experience 
in transporting fish for the last 10 years. 


THE DOMESTICATION OF LANDLOCKED SALMON 
BREEDERS 
By W. M. Kern 
Consulting Fishculturist 
Tuxedo Park, N. Y. 


When the writer first began the propagation of landlocked salmon 
at Tuxedo in 1899, he often wondered why there were no hatcheries 
anywhere in the United States that had domesticated this fish. It 
was a splendid sporting variety, and there was a steadily-growing 
demand for the young fish for stocking purposes; yet all hatcheries 
that handled the eggs and reared the fish depended entirely upon the 
collection of wild eggs for their supply. At that time there was no 
literature available on the subject, nor is there today; and what in- 
formation the writer has been able to procure regarding the attempts 
of others to domesticate this fish was received through correspon- 
dence. After twenty-two years of continuously handling this salmon 
under domestication, the writer is no longer in doubt as to the reasons 
for all other hatcheries giving it up in disgust after a short trial. 
The Tuxedo Club Fishery is, as far as can be ascertained, the only 
one in the country at which successful domestication has been carried 
out. This has been accomplished not because the conditions at this 
hatchery have been more favorable, nor by reason of any special 
ability of the fish culturists, but simply through a dogged determina- 
tion that it could be done, and a belief that through domestication 
would come an improvement in the species. 

The fingerlings at the Tuxedo hatchery today are the fifth genera- 
tion of domesticated fish that have never left the hatchery pools. They 
are infinitely superior in every way to the progeny of wild fish for 
handling under artificial conditions, and instead of deteriorating from 
inbreeding, are improving with each generation in color, growth, and 
resistance to disease. Our experiences in the long up-hill fight to 
secure these results should prove interesting to many persons. 

When the writer took charge of the Tuxedo Fisheries in 1899 
there were in the hatchery pools a few hundred undersized year- 
ling salmon,—left-overs from the lot that had been put out the fall 
before. The eggs from which they were hatched had been obtained 
from the Bureau of Fisheries station at Green Lake, Maine. They 
were a miscrable looking lot of fish to hold for breeders, but they 
were put into a small pool by themselves and special care was taken 
of them in regard to feeding, cleaning, and frequent salt baths. They 


48 





kept dying off, going blind, and developing thyroid tumor until we 
had but eight fish left. The first to become sexually mature was 
a male in the fall of 1902 at the age of four years and eight months. 
The following fall we had three ripe males and two females with 
developed eggs. Of the three remaining breeders two had turned 
black from blindness and the other degenerated into a “‘racer.”’ The 
ripe males and females were placed in separate raceways for daily 
observation, and on November 2nd one of the females had every 
appearance of being ready for stripping. The eggs had loosened 
and the fish had that soft, flabby feeling that denotes ripeness to 
the experienced spawntaker. None of the males seemed very ripe, 
but after extracting a few drops from each into the pan, a female 
was picked up in the expectation that the eggs would flow freely. 
Efforts were unavailing for even considerable pressure would not 
start them and rather than take chances of injury, the fish was put 
back for the next day, although it was known that the eggs should 
come out. The following day the abdomen of this fish had dis- 
tended and had the hard, firm feeling of over-retention, while the 
other female’s eggs had loosened and dropped down. Again no eggs 
could be obtained from either fish, although they were unquestionably 
ripe. 

It was then decided that the difficulty was in the ovipore, and 
that this opening was not of sufficient size to permit the free pas- 
sage of the eggs. Casting around for some means of getting out 
these eggs without injury to the fish, there was finally conceived a 
method of enlarging the genital pore without rupturing the delicate 
membranous wall surrounding it. A common medicine dropper— 
one drawn out to a very small and smooth point—was filled with 
warm water and carefully introduced into the ovipore, working it 
in slowly to its largest diameter. After remaining a few seconds, 
it was removed, and to our great satisfaction the eggs flowed as 
freely as from a ripe brook trout. Whether the warm water in the 
dropper had a relaxing effect on the muscles, or whether the action 
was purely mechanical in its stretching of the tissue, was not then 
and has not since been determined; but many hundreds of later ex- 
periments in the use of this improvised speculum has shown that 
better and less injurious results are secured, if the dropper is first 
filled with fairly warm water. 

The majority of the eggs from both females were taken at this 
first stripping, and the remainder in a few days following, without 
again having to resort to the use of the dropper. From these two fish 
2,106 very inferior looking eggs were taken. A great many of 


49 


them had white spots on the shells, and there were a dozen or so of 
glassy, opaque ones. From these eggs 1,450 spotted-sac fry were 
hatched, and of these about 600 were reared to the yearling stage. 
The two female breeders did not develop eggs again until two years 
jater, but we had no difficulty in getting out these eggs, although 
they were not much better in quality than at first. We had about 
200 of these second generation fish left when the first female developed 
eggs in the fall of 1908. This illustrates the small percentage of 
females that reach sexual maturity in their fifth year, for the other 
females of this lot of 200 fish did not spawn until the following fall 
—5'Y% years after hatching. This one, poor, lonely female was 
given a good deal of attention, for much of the success or failure 
of the entire undertaking would be indicated by her deliverance and 
the condition of the eggs. When the time arrived for the eggs to 
come out, the writer was very much discouraged to find that they 
could not be taken with any more freedom than had been experi- 
enced with her progenitor almost five years before. The eggs 
though, were much better in quality, color, and percentage of fer- 
tilization; and the reSulting fry showed greater vitality and more 
rapid growth. When the remaining females of this lot of fish ripened 
the following fall, results were more satisfactory, for from among 
the 36 females that had eggs in them, we were able to strip four 
without the use of the dropper, although more force than is usually 
applied was necessary. 


This is perhaps a good place to mention the interesting fact that 
with none of the hundreds of females that we had operated upon, 
was it ever found necessary to dilate the ovipore a second time. 
With the stripping of the third generation of fish in the fall of 
1913 and of 1914 this difficulty of a constricted ovipore seemed 
overcome at last, and with the fourth generation of breeding fish 
in 1918 and 1919 it had entirely disappeared. Why such a physical 
abnormalty should exist even with salmon reared under artificial 
conditions, the writer has never been able to understand, for it is 
not found among the domesticated breeders of other Salmonide. 
We all have had experience with examples of plugged fish, but 
this condition. was entirely different. Many fish with well-developed 
eggs were sacrificed in an effort to discover by careful dissection 
the existence of a false membrane stretched across the internal duct; 
but nothing of a hymenal character could be discovered. It may 
be that the development of the eggs under artificial feeding in the 
fish of the earlier generations, was proportionately more rapid than 
the general development of the rest of the body, for while the sal- 


50 


mon averaged only about 2% pounds, the eggs were 26/100 of an 
inch in diameter. 


Our experiences of over twenty years with these fish has brought 
to light many interesting facts about their growth, feeding habits, 
reproduction, and migatory movements. The Tuxedo hatchery is 
supplied with water from Tuxedo Lake; therefore the growth of 
our fish during the early spring, fall and winter is necessarily much 
less rapid than at hatcheries using spring water. The development 
of the eggs is also very much retarded, those taken about the first 
of November not hatching until the latter part of February. The 
food sac of the fry is usually absorbed in about eight weeks; the 
salmon average only about three inches at one year old, and from 
six to nine inches at two years. Under these conditions, the records 
show that only 10 per cent reach the reproductive age in their fifth 
year, or at the actual age of four years and eight months from 
hatching. Under natural conditions, it is believed that this is the 
average age at which landlocked salmon reach sexual maturity. 
Approximately 95 per cent of these fish spawn only once in two 
years. Occasionally a fish will spawn two years in succession and 
then skip a year; but with the domesticated fish at least, this salmon 
must be regarded as a biennial spawner. 


One of the greatest difficulties we have experienced in the culti- 
vation of landlocked salmon breeders, has been the heavy loss of 
ripe males from fungus. We have tried every conceivable method 
of both prevention and cure without any great degree of success. 
Several weeks prior to the spawning season, the pool containing the 
breeders is drawn down and those fish showing signs of ripening 
are taken out and the sexes separated. The fish are handled with 
extreme care, being dipped out with and held in soft, rubber-lined 
tubs while they are looked over. It does not seem to make any 
difference whether they are handled or not, a large percentage of 
them develop fungus so badly that we can seldom save more than 
50 per cent of the males that ripen. We have tried leaving all the 
males that we think we shall not need, in the large breeding pool 
where they are held throughout the year; but even there where they 
have plenty of room and no reason for injuring themselves, many of 
them become covered with fungus and have to be thrown away. We 
have tried dipping them in salt and other fungicide solutions every 
day, varying the strength of the solutions with different individuals; 
in fact we have tried every method of prevention and cure known 
to fish culturists to combat this trouble, without any appreciable 
results. 


51 


With the females, we have little or no trouble from this source, 
although they are handled and rehandled a great deal more than even 
the males used for stripping. Once in a while one of the females 
will get patches of fungus on her head or tail, but as soon as she 
is relieved of her eggs, the fungus disappears, and the abraded skin 
rapidly heals over. We always have a surplus of male fish 
coming on each year, for when the two-year-olds are sorted out 
to be saved for breeders (as is done each year), the sexes cannot 
be distinguished and lately the writer has taken to putting out into 
the lakes all ripe males which it is thought will not be required. 
This is not good fish culture, for more fish are being carried as 
breeders than would otherwise be needed; but until some better 
method of overcoming this trouble is worked out, it is the best that 
can be done. Our domesticated steelhead breeders are carried year 
after year without loss from this cause. 

The landlocked salmon is without doubt the most susceptible of 
any of the Salmonide to external parasitic disease. This extreme 
susceptibility is occasioned by the almost entire absence of the usual 
protective mucous covering, or so-called body slime, which in con- 
nection with their characteristic habit of resting on the bottom with 
fins motionless, makes them an easy prey for the millions of patho- 
genic bacteria and protozoa that lurk in this decaying matter. Their 
comparatively enormous fins become easily abraded when crowded 
together in narrow quarters, and present a favorable seat for the 
origin of parasitic troubles. Most of these external diseases re- 
spond readily to treatment with gasoline or potassium, and if taken 
in time seldom reach a serious stage. 

With the first, second, and third generations of our domesti- 
cated salmon, we experienced a great deal of trouble from thyroid 
tumor. In the second generation especially, as high as 15 per cent 
developed this growth in the years they were retained. These fish 
were all destroyed as soon as the trouble was discovered, and no 
eggs or milt was ever taken from a fish so affected. For the past 
six years there has not been found a single fish, either among the 
breeders or the thousands of two-year-olds planted, that had the 
least indication of this disease. 

Space will not be taken in this paper for an explanation of the 
rearing methods, water temperatures, foods, tank sizes, and depths 
found best suited to the propagation of this fish. It is hoped to give 
details regarding these matters at some later time. 

All our salmon and steelhead trout are reared to the beginning 
of the smolt period before they are turned out into the lakes. If 


52 


really good results are to be expected from the planting of these 
varieties in deep lakes containing no permanent tributary streams, 
the fish must be held, regardless of size, until they have passed the 
parr stage and begun to take on the silvery coloration of the smolt. 
That this is so, the writer has proved to his own satisfaction; but 
his research work along these lines has not been carried far enough, 
so that a reasonable explanation may be offered to substantiate the 
truth of this statement. Experiments are being carried out this 
summer at both Tuxedo and Sterling Lakes in an endeavor to clear 
up some of the complex biological and physiological factors involved 
in this problem, and it is hoped that by another summer many of 
these little-understood morphological changes in the life of these 
fishes will have been solved. 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. W. Tircoms, Albany, N. Y.: Mr. Keil is probably the only 
man in this country who has successfully bred landlocked salmon under 
domestication. For a number of generations, he has done it very success- 
fully. I have a letter here from him in which he speaks of the results 
with salmon and steelhead trout in lakes: 

Since we have put smelt and shiners into our lakes, the trout and 
salmon are running as high as 5 pounds. Sterling Lake, which I men- 
tioned, belongs to the Midvale Steel Co., and lies west of here about four 
miles. It is about the same size as our large lake (2 miles long by % 
wide) but the shores are entirely wild and covered with heavy timber. 
It is clear as crystal and about 150 feet deep. It has no inlets, but a 
large stream runs out at all times. In the spring of 1919 I planted 
3,000,000 smelt fry in this lake and in the fall of that year took over 
4,000 salmon and steelhead averaging about 6 inches. This spring these 
fish were being taken as heavy as 4% pounds, and one day when I was 
fishing alone I caught four running from 2% to 4 pounds. These salmon 
in Sterling Lake are the finest proportioned fish I have ever seen, plump 
as butter, and as bright as a bar of silver. I thought that salmon could 
not possibly be finer than those I caught at the Averill Lakes in Vermont, 
but these are far better. The chemical analysis of the water at Sterling 
is entirely different from that of Tuxedo. 

Some of you know the difficulties of getting landlocked salmon intro- 
duced into your waters. The State of New York has been planting salmon 
in its lakes for the past 25 or 30 years, and today there is not a public 
lake in the State where we have any salmon fishing. Every year from 
20,000 to 30,000 are hatched, and during the last four years we have put 
out as high as 100,000 landlocked salmon, chiefly in Lake George, with 
an annual yield of perhaps 10 adult salmon a year to the anglers. The 
fish were formerly planted in the lake, and later in the tributary streams, 
where I believe they should be planted. A good many were caught from 
the tributary streams when they still had the red spots which they carry 
until eight or nine inches long. After the investigation we decided it 
was useless to attempt to stock a lake like that, unless we could carry 
the fish through the smolt stage. The State today has one lake entirely 
under its control, posted and screened, where they have been planted for 


53 


three years to determine the possibility of developing a source of supply 
for eggs. 

The salmon have been introduced into many other waters. Vermont 
has done extensive work in the propagation of salmon, but has succeeded 
in really getting them established in only two lakes, which are connected. 
New Hampshire had varying success with the salmon at different times 
and then they disappeared. Maine seems to have kept up the fishing in 
the original basins where these fish were found, and has discovered the 
danger of trying to have salmon and brook trout in the same lakes. At- 
tempts to extend the range of salmon to meet the demand of anglers, by 
planting in lakes of other watersheds than those where they are indig- 
enous, resulted in salmon fishing but at the sacrifice of the trout; so they 
discontinued planting in trout waters. 

Mr. C. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: Landlocked salmon were in- 
troduced in the Rangeley Lakes in 1880, to the detriment of the brook 
trout. In that section the salmon now predominate in what were once 
the best brook trout waters and it is very easy to see the reason. Brook 
trout in the Rangeley section spawn about September 28th, and the land- 
locked salmon from about October 15th to November Ist, both using the 
same spawning grounds. Thus when the salmon arrive on the spawning 
beds and sweep the gravel before spawning, they destroy many brook 
trout eggs. In four years I probably handled 2,000 salmon, ranging from 
2 to 18 pounds, and seldom found any difference in the free flow of the 
eggs from large fish. Once in a while we would get a salmon that would 
strip very hard. 

Dr. D. L. Betpinc, Hingham, Mass.: Several important points have 
been brought out by Mr. Keil in this interesting paper. One of our 
fellow members, Dr. David Marine, conclusively demonstrated that thyroid 
tumor may be eliminated or controlled by the use of small quantities 
of iodine in the water. This work was carried on as part of an experi- 
mental investigation of the cause of goitre. As far as I know, it was 
permanently cured. Even if the disease were only arrested, the effect 
could be maintained by the occasional addition of iodine to the water. 
At the present time, experimental administration of minute doses of 
iodine two or three times a year to school children in goitre districts is 
proving successful. 

Mr. Keil suggested that the reason landlocked salmon were especially 
susceptible to disease might be due to the lack of a slimy mucous covering. 
In this connection, the following observation on the effect of copper 
sulphate on adult brook trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon may 
prove of interest. All three species were confined in a single pool, which 
accidentally received the copper sulphate. All the landlocked salmon and 
over 50 per cent of the brook trout died, while the rainbow trout survived, 
demonstrating that landlocked salmon were more susceptible to chemical 
pollution than either of the other species. Possibly Mr. Keil’s theory of 
the lack of mucous covering in landlocked salmon would also explain its 
susceptibility to pollution. 

At the East Sandwich state hatchery in Massachusetts, chinook salmon 
matured at the age of four years. Some were allowed to spawn in the 
pools, and others were stripped. All immediately became covered with 


54 


fungus, wasted away, and died. Probably this is characteristic of the 
species and not due to the long, arduous migration from the Pacific Ocean 
to the spawning grounds. 

In connection with the susceptibility to fungus, of both the eggs and 
the adult landlocked salmon, I would like to ask various fish cultur- 
ists present whether they consider fungus a primary or a secondary in- 
yader; that is, whether they consider it a primary cause, or secondary 
to other diseased conditions. 

Mr. Hayrorp: At Hackettstown if the brook trout after being stripped 
are placed in spring water which is 52° F., they soon become badly fun- 
gused, but when placed in brook water at about 42° to 44° we have no 
trouble. I think it is a case of temperature rather than handling. 

Mr. Tircoms: Young landlocked salmon seem to be more susceptible 
to fungus than any of the other Salmonide I ever handled. At hatcheries 
holding fish to yearling size, more Saprolegnia is experienced with the 
salmon than any other species. It comes on very suddenly. Young salmon 
seem to thrive better in warm water than trout. 


Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: Very little difficulty is experi- 
enced in handling salmon at our Green Lake station in Maine, as the 
eggs are taken in the fall when the water is cold and there is little 
fungus. We have little trouble with young fish there because they are 
hatched and reared in the natural water temperatures. At the station at 
Manchester, Iowa, rainbow trout very much fungused after the spawning 
season were placed in the creek in water considerably cooler and of 
greater volume than in the ponds and where conditions were natural, and 
they soon developed into healthy specimens. This indicates that natural 
conditions have a tendency to discourage fungus. If landlocked salmon 
are held and reared in artificial ponds, a great deal of trouble may be 
expected. One reason why the introduction of this species into other 
waters has failed is because of the lack of natural food, especially smelts. 


Mr. Trrcomsp: We never attempted to introduce salmon into any water 
where we did not first introduce the smelt. The Adirondack frost fish, 
which averages from six to nine inches in length, is less destructive to 
other fish, and it is quite similar in appearance to the smelt, except that 
it does not have the sharp teeth of the latter. 


Mr. E. W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn.: Referring to the Green Lake hatch- 
ery, old settlers used to tell me about catching cart loads of landlocked 
salmon in the rapids below Rocky Pond and using them for fertilizer. 
During the three years I worked there those rapids were the source of the 
water supply for the Green Lake hatchery, and were originally one of 
the spawning grounds of the salmon. We reared seven-inch landlocked 
salmon in the hatchery ponds the first summer, in some cases. Those 
reared in the troughs averaged about half the size of the salmon in the 
ponds, but the loss in the troughs was probably not over 25 per cent of 
that in the ponds. The water would run up to 86° F., and there was some 
fungus. Unless the salmon were fed for about 24 hours a day, they 
would begin biting each other, thus starting the fungus growth, which 
was inclined to spread. 


Mr. N. R. Burwer, Harrisburg, Pa.: Years ago the State of Pennsyl- 


55 


vania hatched and distributed a great many landlocked salmon fry without 
any apparent results. A few years ago several ardent fishermen from 
the Johnstown region came back from a fishing trip to Maine imbued 
with the idea that landlocked salmon were the particular fish for Penn- 
sylvania waters. The Department discouraged them and cited the experi- 
ments years before. But they were persistent and the Department hatched 
some eggs which they purchased. The fry were planted in ponds in 
Cambria County after being held about two months in the hatching 
troughs. About two years later I received from one of these gentlemen 
two salmon 14 inches long taken out of the pond. We have been putting 
in about 40,000 for three years now. Under the circumstances it does 
not appear to be money well expended to endeavor to stock the ponds 
of Pennsylvania with landlocked salmon; the stocking which these parties 
have had us do for them merely results in the catching of 18 to 20 fish a year 
from an artificial pond built upon a stream, with a maximum depth of 
about 30 feet, and it seems to me that the annual catch does not warrant 
much expenditure along that line. 

Mr. Leacu: It is a question whether the salmon run down stream; 
they may do so in search of food or to spawn. They go down in the fall 
of the year but I do not know whether it is a well-defined movement. 
They get into the current and may drift over the falls of Grand Lake 
Stream in search of spawning grounds; however not all fish passing over 
the falls are lost, but it is so serious that the State of Maine is consider- 
ing the screening of the outlet of Grand Lake Stream. 

Dr. Epwarp E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: The Department of Fisheries 
in Ottawa tried year after year to secure adequate supplies of landlocked 
salmon from the Chamecook Lakes in New Brunswick. I, myself, took 
charge of operations there in 1904, and I found that the salmon were 
migrating from the lower to the upper lakes. We secured our best catch 
of parent fish and take of eggs in the narrow connecting stream. There 
were migratory movements, at times up, and I suppose at some other time 
in the year they must descend as the salmon can go down to the sea 
if they wish. There is no absolute barrier. There is a very swift, short 
stream down to Passamaquoddy Bay, but I have not heard of any fish 
descending to salt water. Mr. E. T. D. Chambers, who devoted a great 
deal of attention to the landlocked salmon of Quebec, is here and I think 
perhaps he may know whether the salmon descend to Lake St. John. 
Are they ever known to go from the Grande Decharge? 

Mr. BE. T. D. CHAamBeERS, Quebec, Canada: It is reported that they go 
almost as far as the heaviest of the rapids. There is no reason why they 
should not, if they desire to do so. 

Dr. Prince: That is a most remarkable case. Lake St. John is up the 
great Saguenay River, one of the most remarkable rivers in Canada. The 
discharge from Lake St. John into the Saguenay is a cascade of the most 
gigantic and terrific character. Mr. Chambers thinks that these Ouananiche, 
as we call them, can reascend. They are a very strong swimming fish, of 
course, but the Grande Decharge is a terrific cascade. 

We have had our difficulties in Canada in trying to obtain adequate 
supplies of eggs. There is a lake near Ottawa, in what is called the 
Gatineau region, 800 miles from the regions where landlocked salmon 


56 


occur, which was planted a few years ago with this species. I have 
reports that the planting has been a success, and quite a number of land- 
locked salmon are being taken. It is a mountain lake, very cold, and 
abounding with landlocked smelt, a very important point. These smelt 
occur all of this great distance from the sea. 

I cannot understand why the landlocked salmon males should be dif- 
ficult to distinguish from the females. The ripe males that I have seen in 
Canada are different from the females and rather like the humpback salmon 
of the Pacific Coast. The species is very susceptible to disease, and I 
imagine, from the experience we have had in Canada, that it is a secondary 
disease, because we have observed very closely our fish in the Chamecook 
Lakes, and the fungus does not seem to affect them at all. Any fungus 
that I observed in the ordinary sea salmon has been due to wounds, 
either to the scraping of the skin by nets or by the males fighting and 
injuring each other. 

Mr. CHAMBERS: I made the statement in answer to Professor Prince 
that the fish could ascend the Grande Decharge. I must explain that there 
is a small body of water, called the Petite Decharge, which is less violent 
and affords different passages for the fish, especially in many places where 
it is impossible to take the steep falls immediately below the Grande 
Decharge. It is the Petite Decharge which the fish probably take. 

In regard to landlocked salmon, quite a serious thing is occurring now 
in our lakes through action of the Dominion authorities, in giving us a 
few hundred thousand sea salmon eggs each year. The Province of 
Quebec is hatching the eggs and planting them in inland waters, whence 
they do not descend into the sea at all, and so I do not believe there is 
any chance that these fish breed. They have been taken up to five to seven 
pounds, and in some cases even more. In Lake Memphremagog, where they 
are planted, a few from five to seven pounds are taken almost every 
summer. 


CONCERNING HIGH WATER TEMPERATURES AND TROUT 
By G. C. EmMBopy 


Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. 


We often use the terms “warm” and “cold” water as an indica- 
tion of the suitability of streams and lakes for various kinds of fish. 
These of course are only relative in meaning, and the question nat- 
urally arises as to what temperature we should take as the dividing 
line between warm and cold waters. We speak of such forms as 
the various trout, salmon, and whitefish as cold-water forms be- 
cause they live and grow at a normal rate, and reproduce in waters 
of comparatively low temperature. On the other hand, we con- 
sider yellow perch, bass, sunfish, and bullheads warm-water forms 
because their life activities take place best in warmer waters. The 
latter forms will live and often reproduce in a temperature suitable 
for trout, but it has been generally believed that they will not grow 
at a normal rate in so-called cold waters. 


From a perusal of the literature on the subject of fish culture, 
the impression came upon me that temperatures of 68° and 70° F., 
were generally regarded as near the dividing line between cold and 
warm water, these temperatures having been used possibly more 
often than others, as the maxima for brook trout water. 


The following notes are offered, merely upon the supposition that 
the above impression is correct. They are based upon many tem- 
perature readings taken in streams of Tompkins County, New York, 
and in the experimental fish hatchery of Cornell University. The 
records include readings taken on the hottest summer days of the 
last three or four years. In saying, hottest summer days, reference 
is had to those days during which the air temperatures ranged from 
O07 sto LOI EF, 


Let us refer at first to an experiment carried on in one of the 
ponds on the fish hatchery grounds. This pond was 50 by 150 feet 
and had a maximum depth of 4 feet. It received water from a 
creek in which temperatures as high as 83° F., had been taken in 
previous years and was thus considered a warm water pond. In 
June, 1920, 225 small fingerlings equally divided between brook, 
brown, and steelhead trout were planted. There were also added 
eight 3-year-old goldfish which spawned several times, and about 
200 young bullheads at the swarming age. The water temperatures 
ranged between 69° and 81.5° F., during July and August. There 


58 


were ten days in July and seven in August when it exceeded 77° 
and on three days it was above 80° F. 

In April, 1921, the pond was drained and the fish counted. The 
results of the experiment appear in the following table: 


EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS SPECIES OF FISH IN WARM-WATER POND 





Put in, June, 1920 Taken out, April, 1921. 
200 bullheads 1 inch long. 150 bullheads 3 inches long. 
8 goldfish breeders. 78 goldfish over 3 inches long. 
75 brook trout 1% inches long. 47 brook trout 3 to 6 inches long. 
75 brown trout 1% inches long. 87 brown trout 2 to 6 inches long. 
75 steelhead trout 1% inches long. 52 steelhead 2 to 7 inches long. 





It will be noted that the bullheads grew at a normal rate and the 
mortality of 25 per cent was not unusually high. The great loss in 
goldfish was no doubt due to the appetites of the trout. Although 
there was great individual variation in the size of the trout, it was 
no greater than has been observed in the hatchery where grading is 
not resorted to. This variation is a perfectly natural and common 
phenomenon among trout. Many of the trout were fully as large 
as those of the same age occurring in our best streams. 


The point which it is desired to bring out, is that here was a pond 
with mud bottom in which both warm and cold-water fish lived and 
grew normally. The temperatures up to 81.5° F., were not too 
high nor of long enough duration to kill the brook trout. The lower 
temperatures down to 69° were not so prolonged as to materially 
retard the growth of the bullheads. The conditions were thus suit- 
able for the trout as well as the bullheads and it would seem to in- 
dicate that so far as the temperature factor is concerned, trout may 
be produced in ponds in which the water is much warmer than has 
heretofore been thought possible. 


In the streams in the vicinity of Ithaca, New York, the highest 
temperature in which brook trout were actually found in numbers 
was 81° F. (Van Pelt Brook, August 6 and 7, 1918.) In other 
parts of this stream 83° was frequently noted but not in any case 
where brook trout were actually present. This brook, however, is 
considered an excellent though small brook trout stream and the 
catches from year to year fully bear out this belief. In other brooks 
equally good for brook trout fishing, temperatures of 77° to 79° F., 
were frequently recorded in places where brook trout were observed 
in abundance. There are more than twenty-five streams in Tompkins 
County, New York, now containing brook trout, and it is an ex- 
ception indeed to find one whose highest summer temperature does 


59 


not exceed 75° F. in sections where brook trout commonly occur 
and apparently thrive. 

The limiting temperatures are higher in the case of brown and 
steelhead trout. Temperatures as high as 83° F., for the former, 
and 85° F., for the latter were recorded. 


The spring and summer of 1921 has been a particularly good 
one in which to test out various temperatures on trout, because of 
the unusually prolonged warm weather in May, June and early July. 
The water temperatures ranged from four to six degrees higher than 
normal during this period. 


Early in May, some brook, brown, and steelhead trout were 
placed in wood races 4 feet wide by 20 feet long, supplied with 
creek water whose temperature was known to be high in summer. 
Everything progressed smoothly until June 27 when at a tempera- 
ture of 83.3° F., the brook trout became greatly distressed and re- 
fused to eat. The table which follows records the daily water tem- 
peratures and the progress of events from this date until the end 
of the test. 


EFFECT OF VARIATION IN TEMPERATURE ON Brook, BROWN, AND STEELHEAD 














TROUT 
Minimum | Maximum 
Date. temperature temperature Effects 
| 
1921 ot MW | See 
June 27 69.8 | 83.3 Brook trout distressed. 
28, 71.6 | 79.7 Brook trout recovered and feeding. 
29 68.9 | 80.6 Apparently normal. 
30 71.6 | 78.8 Apparently normal. 
July 1 70.7 | 79.7 Apparently normal. 
2 69.8 80.7 Apparently normal. 
3 71.6 84.2 Brook trout 20 per cent dead. Steel- 
heads and Browns distressed. 
4+ 70.7 82.4 Brook trout 50 per cent dead. 
5 71.6 83.2 Brook trout all dead. 
6 71.6 85.5 Brown trout 50 per cent dead. Steel- 


head trout 20 per cent deal. All 
| others distressed. 
7} (Ir 87. All trout dead. 








The brook trout passed through a temperature of 83.3° F. with- 
out loss, but with evident distress and failure of appetite. They ap- 
parently recovered on a drop of nine degrees over night and a maxti- 
mum of 79.7° the following day. They lived through five suc- 
ceeding days with the maximal temperatures ranging from 78.8° 
to 80.7° F., but began to die at 84.2° (mortality 20 per cent). None 
died the following day, July 4, at 82.4°; but on July 5 at a tem- 
perature of 83.2° F., the mortality was 100 per cent. 


60 


The brown trout acted in a normal manner until July 3, when 
distress and loss of appetite occurred at a temperature of 84.2°. 
They seemed to recover during the next two days with maximal 
temperatures of 82.4° and 83.2°, respectively; but on July 6, 50 
per cent of them died at 85.5°, and on the following day at 87° the 
mortality was 100 per cent. 

The steelhead trout followed very closely the browns, with dis- 
tress at 84.2°, 20 per cent mortality at 85.5°, and total mortality 
at 87° F. 

The previous year, 1920, a similar experiment was tried, but 
the highest water temperature recorded was 81.5° F. A few of 
the brook trout were distressed and refused food, but recovered 
completely during the next few days at maximal temperatures from 
78° to 80°. The browns and steelheads were not disturbed by a tem- 
perature of 81.5° and continued to eat normally throughout the 
summer. 

It must be understood that the foregoing notes do not prove 
that all strains of brook trout will stand temperatures of 80° F., and 
above. Undoubtedly there is much variation in this respect just as 
we find great variation in the rate of growth, in the behavior of trout 
to current and light, and variation in power of resistance to disease 
germs. 

Nor may we assume that brook trout will thrive in any pond 
or stream whose temperatures do not exceed these uppermost limits. 
Waters vary greatly in oxygen and carbon dioxide content, and these 
gases may be present in insufficient amounts in one case or too great 
amounts in the other to permit trout to live even in the low tem- 
peratures of the average trout hatchery. 

So far as temperature alone is concerned, however, it is writer’s 
opinion that we have been a little too conservative and that we shall 
have to revise to some extent our notions as to the meaning of 
the terms, warm water and cold water. 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. W. Titcoms, Albany, N. Y.: Dr. Embody expressed the idea 
very well when he said that the rainbow trout he got might have come up 
from under the banks. But that was in trout streams, where the maximum 
temperature existed a very short time in the middle of the afternoon, for 
a day or a series of days. The trout can be seen in the shady pools when 
the water is low and there is a high temperature. I think they instinc- 
tively seek the shade and shelter of the banks where it is cooler than the 
water of the stream, and they take care of themselves by leading a very 
inactive life during these high temperatures. We cannot look upon such 
temperatures as standards for the angler in applying for fish, because if 


61 


he is led to think that they can live in the higher temperatures he will 
want to stock with trout all of the streams where the water has become 
much warmer as the result of deforestation and the natural progress of 
civilization. Dr. Embody’s experiments are very interesting, but I ques- 
tion whether they are practicable in hatchery work where a man is rais- 
ing trout for a living or to produce large results. If the troughs in which 
he conducted experiments with a limited number of fish had been as 
crowded as the troughs at our hatcheries, the mortality would have 
appeared at a lower temperature. 

Dr. G. C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: The fact seems to be that we mis- 
judge our streams. If only those streams in Tompkins County, New York, 
that did not exceed 70° F., were stocked with brook trout, there would not 
be more than two in the whole county. But on three consecutive days I 
found several brook trout there in perfect contentment with a temperature 
of 81° lasting for about five hours. Judging from experIments in the 
trough, 83° would be the maximum temperature at which trout could live 
perhaps for a few hours. Brook trout will live all summer in a water 
temperature of 70°. I would not have a bit of hesitation about going into 
trout culture where the water is not warmer than 74° on the hottest days. 
I would not expect to raise the average number of trout the first five or 
six years, but I would expect eventually to have a strain which would come 
through in a perfectly normal manner. But in a wild stream it is altogether 
different, because there you have not introduced conditions of domestica- 
tion. Rainbow trout seem to resist the high temperature better than brown 
and brook trout. The last named would succumb first. I found the rain- 
bows in higher temperatures than the browns. 

Mr. Tircoms: As to propagating trout in a hatchery with a tempera- 
ture of 74° or 70° for a month at a stretch, it is a proposition that I do not 
want to invest any money in, and I would not want the tax payers to invest 
any money in it. 

Mr. G. GC. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: At Manchester, Iowa, a spring 
stream meanders through the meadows for quite a distance where it warms 
up in summer from 48° to 65° F. before reaching the hatchery grounds. 
We take brook trout out of the ponds and put them in the stream where 
they live under more or less natural conditions. During the heat of the day 
they congregate in pools probably five or six feet in depth, and where there 
is a strong current. The volume of water is probably 800 to 1,000 gallons 
a minute. I seriously doubt if we would be able to hold these trout in 
the stream successfully with a volume as small as 150 or 200 gallons per 
minute. We got from 85 to 90 per cent fertilization from the trout eggs 
obtained from the creek as against 50 per cent from trour held in the 
ponds at 50°. I think our success was due to the fact that the stream has 
a rocky bottom, deep pools, and a very large volume of water. To a certain 
extent we were raising wild trout. We shipped rainbow trout to Louisiana 
to ascertain if they would live in certain streams. The water temperature 
there was about 65°, and some of the fish were reported eight or ten inches 
in length the first year, but they never reproduced. 

Mr. Titcoms: The higher the temperature in which you can success- 
fully rear trout the more rapidly they will grow. In some hatcheries you 
can carry trout intensively in troughs with a temperature of 50° to 55°. 
At other hatcheries the water is such that you can carry them intensively at 


62 


10 degrees higher temperature. The nature of the food used in certain 
waters varies from that which can be successfully used in other waters. 
These factors are so numerous that we should try to determine what makes 
water suitable for carrying fish under intensive conditions. We find 
- healthy trout in streams under natural conditions, but when we take that 
water to a hatchery or into pools, and try to raise fish intensively, it is 
with fatal results. 

Mr. N. R. Butter, Harrisburg, Pa.: I would feel uneasy if I had 
money invested in a commercial trout hatchery where the temperature 
exceeded 60° for any length of time. Our greatest success in holding trout 
in large numbers has been in ponds where at no time has the temperature 
exceeded 52°. Our Corry hatchery is entirely devoted to the propagation 
of trout and now has at least 1,000,000 three to six inches in length 
awaiting distribution. I have never known the temperature there to 
exceed 54°. As the water comes from the earth the temperature is 46° to 
47°. At the Bellefonte hatchery, where trout only are propagated, the 
water is from limestone springs; one of the streams flows 20,000 gallons a 
minute. The temperature in the ponds does not exceed 58° at any time. 
We have another hatchery where trout are of minor consideration as we 
attempt only to carry enough to supply several northeastern counties. A 
chance is always taken in holding them throughout the season. This year 
in most of the ponds the loss was due to high temperatures, which ran to 
about 73° as compared with a former maximum of 68°. 


Mr. B. O. WessterR, Madison, Wis.: There is no question but that 
many mistakes have been made in the location of stations merely by 
observation, because almost any cold stream will support a few trout. 
Conditions, however, are entirely changed when 3,000 or 4,000 fish are 
confined in a small space for breeding purposes. I was at the Bellefonte 
hatchery three years and know water conditions there. I also know the 
water conditions at Corry, Pennsylvania, Northville and Paris, Michigan, 
and at other long established hatcheries, and to my mind soft spring water 
is the most successful in the propagation of trout. I do not believe it is 
possible to propagate trout, at least to any great extent, in real hard 
water. A place has been finally located in western Wisconsin where I 
believe it will be possible to raise enough brook trout to supply the State. 
There we built 10 small troughs, about 18 inches wide and 10 feet long, 
and hatched out a lot of fish. In October after all the hot weather, 66,000 
fish 4 or 5 inches long were counted from these 10 troughs. This indicates 
what can be done with the quality of water there. Under ordinary circum- 
stances it would not have been possible to handle more than 4,000 or 
5,000 in the space. At present we have about 200,000 to 300,000 fish there 
4 to 5 inches long and the loss has been practically nothing during the 
whole season. The water is as soft as rain water and as clear and cool 
as any spring water you could expect to find. So I have come to believe 
that the softer the water the greater the success in raising brook trout. 


Mr. Butter: At Bellefonte we propagate brook and brown trout but 
the brown trout did better in the limestone hard water there. We have 
hatcheries where the water is very soft as at Corry. We are not able to 
propagate brown trout there, but are very successful with brook trout. 
In the propagation of brook trout, if temperatures are right, the softness 


63 


of the water is of very great benefit; I also believe that brook trout are 
today being propagated and reared in hard water. 

Mr. WessTER: At our St. Croix hatchery we have about 50,000 finger- 
ling brown trout growing as fast as the brook trout without the slightest 
trouble. The water there is as soft as rain water. Our success with 
brook trout at St. Croix is right along the line of the success at Corry, 
where the work has been carried on for 35 years. So far as I know the 
only hatcheries in the United States where brook trout operations have 
been conducted for 30 or 35 years without an epidemic at some time dur- 
ing the period, are those supplied with soft water. Mr. G. Hansen, a 
member of this Society, has a trout hatchery at Osceola, Wisconsin, and 
during the 30 years of its operation there never has been an epidemic nor 
have the fish ever died to any great extent. It is only seven miles from 
St. Croix Falls, and conditions are practically the same as at the St. 
Croix hatchery. 

Mr. E. W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn.: Some time ago I observed the trout 
at St. Croix hatchery and all that is said about those fish is true. The 
hatchery building is peculiar in that it has four stories. The water is 
very soft, while at St. Paul, 50 miles away, the water is very hard. The 
temperature is the same and I think our methods are the same, Our 
hatchery has been operated for a good many years, and, as far as I 
know, has never had an epidemic. 

Mr. Tircoms: Our hatcheries are producing trout in both hard and 
soft water. We have one hatchery, established about 40 or 50 years ago, in 
which they raised brook trout for 80 or 35 years before they had any 
serious trouble with them. That is a hard water proposition now used to 
propagate brown and rainbow trout. I would not locate a trout hatchery 
under any temperature conditions without testing with an inexpensive 
plant for at least one year before advising the spending of any consider- 
able sum of money, and the commissioner who recommends locating a 
hatchery and spending $40,000 or more before it has been tested is taking 
an unwarranted chance with the money of the tax payers. 

Dr. Empopy: My paper referred alone to the temperature of the water. 
Other factors such as oxygen and carbon dioxide were not considered. 
We know little about the effects of those other factors upon trout. We 
do not know how much oxygen they must have; we do not know how 
much carbon dioxide they can stand. Until we know the individual 
effects and the combined effects of these various factors, we will not be 
able to go to a spring and say, “This is fit or it is unfit for trout.” In the 
present state of our knowledge, the surest way to determine whether water 
is suitable is to try it. 


64 


GROWTH OF FISH AND LOCATION OF HATCHERIES * 


By JoHN W. TiTcCOMB 
Consulting Fish Culturist 
Albany, New York 

In the past year some interesting information has developed in 
regard to the varying sizes of brook trout and brown trout raised 
at a number of different hatcheries. Briefly, the point to which 
attention is directed is the wide variation in size between fish of 
the same age reared under different conditions. The data assembled 
show that brook trout selected on March 1 from ten hatcheries graded 
all the way from the sac stage up to fish nearly 2% inches long. Simi- 
lar observations at five hatcheries in respect to brown trout, which in 
the earlier stages do not grow quite as rapidly as brook trout, gave a 
range at the same time from sac fry to good sized fingerlings. On 
June 1 these fish varied from about 1% to 214 inches at four hatch- 
eries, one of the plants having been closed in the spring on account 
of the water becoming too warm. Comparative sizes of both brook 
and brown trout on August 1 were also observed. 

It is interesting to note the fact that on the first day of May the 
largest fingerlings at one hatchery cost no more than the eggs at 
another except the actual outlay for the food given to the former. 
If three-inch fingerlings can be produced by the first of May at 
some hatcheries, why spend money operating other hatcheries until 
the first of August to produce the same sized fish? 

The answer seems to be largely a question of the proper location 
of hatcheries. Before any extensive fish-cultural work is under- 
taken, test stations should first be operated to see what can be done 
in regard to the economical development of the fish to the stage con- 
sidered most desirable for planting. In connection with such tests, 
an important feature is to see that the fish reach the planting stage 
as early in the season as possible after the water has become normal, 
as there is then probably more natural food for their proper de- 
velopment and growth than two or three months later. 

This matter of testing the water should not be limited to trout 
hatcheries. Mention may be made of a hatchery built on Lake Erie 
within the last four years, representing an investment of $50,000, 
for which establishment the water comes from a depth of about 40 
feet in the lake, then passes into a deep well from the city supply 


1 This address was accompanied by a series of interesting photographs showing widely 
varying sizes of brook trout and brown trout at different hatcheries on the same dates. 


65 


before it is treated, and is subsequently pumped up 50 feet in the 
air to reach the hatchery. This water is suitable for hatching white- 
fish and herring, but the hatching of yellow perch and pike perch 
in it is practically impossible because at the time these eggs are taken 
in the spring the water is so cold that they will not hatch. So the 
investment has to lie idle at the time of year when these two im- 
portant species of fish ought to be handled and could be handled in 
perhaps larger numbers than the herring and whitefish. The de- 
cision as to whether this hatchery should be put on a promontory 
adjacent to a lighthouse, or located down on the shore of the lake, 
was not left to the recommendation of a practical man, hence the 
tax payers will bear the burden for all future operation of a $50,000 
plant which under the circumstances must lie idle for half of its 
proper life. 

Mention might be made of another fish-cultural station repre- 

enting an investment of about $50,000, for the propagation of 
bass, with an expensive pumping plant and a lot of holes in the 
ground on the bank of a big river where there is an entirely unsuit- 
able water supply. Similar examples may be observed in practically 
every state where there are hatcheries, and include federal as well 
as state institutions. 

This is not said to discredit any hatchery or person, but is merely 
brought to attention in the hope that the situation and its needs will 
be realized by those who may be in authority. It is hoped that when 
it comes to a question of locating hatcheries, advice may be sought 
and taken from those who have had most experience, also that 
proper tests of the water will be made, no matter what kind of a 
hatchery is proposed, before expending the people’s money. Much 
more might be said on this subject, but it seems impressive enough 
when one stops to think that the public funds are being spent more 
or less in this unintelligent way all over the country. 


Discussion. 


Me. G. C. LEAcH, Washington, D. C.: Mr. Titecomb spoke about feeding 
the fish and bringing them to No. 3 fingerlings in May, rather than later 
in the season. This presumably means that we first should select water 
in which the fish will thrive, and then feed them very heavily in order that 
they may grow as much as possible. 

Mr. J. W. Tircoms, Albany, N. Y.: I would feed them normally, but as 
in suitable water they hatch so much earlier, they are fed the same length 
of time. The other fish are in the sac stage at a time when they are feed- 
ing, in June and July, rather than in March, April, or May. 

Mr. Leacu: If brook trout eggs are collected in October or November 
and held in suitable water, about 50° F., they will hatch probably sometime 


66 





in January or February. The yolk sac would be absorbed in possibly 30 
days. I do not understand how you could force the feeding unless you gave 
them an extra amount of food to bring them to a large size in May. If it 
were possible to mingle the warmer stream water with the cold spring water, 
so that the temperature would be increased to 55° or 60°, possibly the 
rate of growth could be controlled. These things should be given con- 
sideration when selecting a site for a hatchery. If you can combine the 
two waters, it is possible to produce larger and better fish. 

Mr. Titcomb also spoke about the necessity of testing a hatchery loca- 
tion. It is very easy to criticise what has been done in the past, but 
when a man goes out and takes the initiative in establishing a station it 
is a different thing. We might refer to the Holden station in Vermont 
which was established with a view to making it a good trout station. At 
that time the indications were that it would be a success, but expectations 
have not been realized. Another case is Northville, Michigan, which in 
early days was one of the leading trout stations in the United States. It 
produced large numbers of brook trout, and was generally conceded to be 
very successful but now it is given over entirely to other lines. At the 
Wild Rose station in Wisconsin, the water seemed to be very good for 
the production of brook trout eggs, but after a number of years it proved 
entirely unsuccessful. The Bureau of Fisheries has located a number 
of stations that seemed very good at the start, but later on had to be 
abandoned. Possibly after a station has been operated for a while im- 
proved methods in handling the fish demonstrate that at other plants 
better results can be secured and the station originally established has 
to take second rank. r 

Mr. Trrcoms: I do not want you to get the impression that I am 
knocking the hatcheries generally, but our ideas in regard to them are 
different from 30 years ago. Many advances have been made and we 
have to produce more fish now than then. I located the Holden hatchery. 
It was tested three years by running a small plant there, keeping the 
eggs through the winter, and the fish in the spring; the hatchery is on one 
of the most famous trout streams in southern Vermont and derives its 
water supply from that stream and from springs. I hope that talks of 
this kind will be read by other than the practical men who are here, and 
that they will take warning. The men who have made these mistakes 
and are trying to profit by them are telling their experiences so that 
others may avoid similar difficulties. Some of the hatcheries which do 
not meet the present day standards might just as well be abandoned and 
the money put to more practical use. 

Me. Leacu: I did not intend any criticism in regard to Mr. Titcomb’s 
talk, nor wish to make any suggestion that even appears that way. He is 
one of the most eminent and practical fish culturists that we have today, 
and I believe his judgment was good in locating Holden. I meant to say 
that more modern methods have developed other means of making a 
station efficient. One may be very careful in locating a station, but later 
developments may show it not as suitable as was expected. The Holden 
station is not worthless, but natural causes have reduced its efficiency, 
though when established it might have been 100 per cent efficient. 


Mr. CarLtos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: One thing we all agree upon is 


67 


that the men experienced in fish-cuitural work in the different States and 
in the Federal Government should be accorded the right and privilege 
of making the selection of sites. State Legislatures and Congress have 
located fish hatcheries without consultation to learn what conditions are 
necessary, and the results in some cases have naturally been failures. These 
matters should be referred to some one in authority who has the necessary 
technical knowledge. 

Mr. N. R. Buiter, Harrisburg, Pa.: It is very important that the 
men in authority and the men who have technical knowledge of what is 
necessary for a successful hatchery should be the men to locate the 
hateheries. What is the reason for the condition at Northville? My 
recollection is that when Frank N. Clark was superintendent it was 
known as a heavy producer of brook trout. What has occurred that has 
now made it unsuitable for brook trout? 

Mr. LeacH: Even though a hatchery is established where conditions 
appear 100 per cent perfect, later years may indicate the unwisdom of 
continuing operations along past lines. Northville was very important 
at one time. Possibly unfavorable chemical qualities of the water have 
developed somewhat or possibly the long years of producing brook trout 
have contaminated the surroundings in some way and rendered it impos- 
sible to continue with past success. Possibly newer methods in other 
fields will produce the eggs at much less cost for help and for food used 
to maintain the brood stock. All of these are contributing factors in 
reducing the efficiency of any station. 

Dr. D. L. BELDING, Hingham, Mass.: I am very glad that Mr. Titcomb 
has sounded a note of warning, because I do not believe that one, two, or 
even several years with a small experimental station will absolutely 
determine whether a hatchery will prove an ultimate success, although 
I realize that it is the best and in fact the only evidence we can get. Mr. 
Titecomb’s paper might warrant the conclusion that we should select the 
hatchery that turned out the larger fish. At the present time our poorest 
Massachusetts hatchery is turning out the largest fish. I feel sure that 
Mr. Titcomb will agree that there are other more important factors in 
the selection of a hatchery than the rapid production of large fish. 

Mr. Tircoms: One phase of the Northville situation is the expectation 
of doing things on a bigger scale today than when the station was 
established. There are a number of old hatcheries that cannot be 
criticised along the lines that I have been criticising. 

One of the hatcheries in New York is supplied with water from the 
bottom of the lake, 40 feet deep. That hatchery is all right. It has 
both surface water from the lake and deep water. All we need there is 
a little money to put in new pipe lines and get more water than we have. 
The fish will then develop more rapidly than they do today. At another 
hatehery, which is on Long Island, the artesian wells and springs have a 
temperature of 52° the year round. If you can get your fish to come on so 
as to feed them in April, or even have them feeding well in May, you are 
going to bring them out in good season; but if there is six months of 
winter, twice as much labor in picking over the eggs will be necessary and 
there will be an abnormal loss. 

Dr. Betpine: Were these trout hatched from eggs from the same source 


68 


and time of taking, and were they fed at different states of development 
in the same manner or with the same food at the different hatcheries, so 
that there would be no variation in the method of handling other than 
difference in the water supply at the various hatcheries? 

Mr. Titcoms: The fish were fed on pork or beef liver, or both, and at 
one hatchery after feeding liver for a time they were largely fed on eggs 
from suckers. I like to make a practice of buying eggs from as many 
commercial hatcheries as possible, and if I secure 1,000,000 eggs of one 
hatchery I put them at five or six different hatcheries, and when I 
secure enough from one hatchery I divide them .up among all the hatcheries. 
The result is that each foreman has eggs from three to six hatcheries. 
Sometimes the eggs of one hatchery go bad. If each foreman loses heavily 
of eggs coming from any one commercial hatchery, I assume that the 
trouble is at the source of supply, and the next season no purchase is made 
from the hatchery where I got the poor eggs. I rate all of the eggs from 
the commercial hatcheries as shown by results at each station. This is 
well worth while; also the commercial men like to have the data. 

Mr. Leacu: Mr. Titcomb, I understand you attribute the growth of 
the trout to both the water supply and the food? Is it your opinion that 
hog liver is a very suitable food for young trout? 

Mr. Tircomp: Yes, but I want to give them something else once in a 
while to get the best results. 

Mr. LEAcH: Recent experience at our hatcheries has not indicated 
that hog liver is as suitable as sheep liver or beef liver. At most of our 
stations the opinion is that beef heart is far superior to either. Its cost 
varies at some places more and other places less, but it probably produces 
larger fish with less loss. 

Mr. TitcomBp: We have been rather limited in the expenditure for 
food. Our appropriation for food when the war started was the same as 
before the war, and there were times during the war when we carried our 
stock and increased them to fingerlings on less money than was spent for 
food before the war, and at the increased prices, because we then resorted 
to melts and natural food like suckers, carp, and sucker eggs. I want to 
correct one statement here about the food. At the hatchery on Chautauqua 
Lake which was located for the propagation of muskellunge, there are 
some artesian wells, with which we raised fingerling trout very similar to 
these nice large fingerlings. After the fish reach a length of 1% to 2 inches 
they are fed almost entirely on the flesh of carp caught in the lake. The 
trout have been fed for three months at a stretch on carp, ground up the 
same as liver. The fish are skinned and boned; only about one-third is 
really good flesh but it is excellent fish food. The time is coming when the 
largest hatcheries are going to have their own cold storage plants and buy 
some sort of fish as food for raising fish. On Lake Erie thousands of 
small herring killed in the nets are thrown away and often the ling. They 
would make a mighty good change in diet from liver and that sort of 
thing. Occasionally opportunity occurs to buy a ton or so of butterfish in 
New York for one or two cents a pound, the use of which would be made 
possible by cold storage. Of course, there is quite a little waste, but for 
the larger fish you can grind up the whole thing and do not have to dress 
them at all. 


69 


FRESH WATER CRUSTACEA AS FOOD FOR YOUNG FISHES * 


By WILLIAM CONVERSE KENDALL 
Scientific Assistant, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries 
Washington, D. C. 


Some years ago a number of species of small crustaceans were 
recommended as natural food for artificially-raised young fishes, 
particularly salmon and trout. The claim was made that the ease 
with which certain species of these little animals could be kept and 
bred made them particularly valuable for fish-cultural purposes; 
and it was also suggested that natural streams and ponds deficient 
in food could be stocked with this kind of food, since some species 
were so common and of such wide distribution that a supply was, 
as a rule, conveniently available. The principal advocates of the 
growing of crustaceans were European fish-culturists. In this coun- 
try the idea had its supporters, although there were others who had 
no faith in it. The latter took the ground that while the culture of 
crustaceans as food for young fishes was practicable in European 
establishments, where small numbers of fish are raised, it would 
be impossible to maintain a sufficient supply for such food require- 
ments in this country, where the business is conducted on a much 
larger scale. 


In general the method of procedure was to stock adjacent ponds 
with crustaceans and the necessary water plants. In some instances 
young fish were admitted to one inclosure while another was de- 
veloping. When the first pond was depleted the fish were admitted 
to the second, and the first allowed to be repopulated. In other cases 
the procedure was simply rationing out the crustaceans to the fish in 
their own ponds, either by dipping or admitting through troughs 
or pipes. The crustaceans to which particular attention was given 
were Daphnia and shrimp (Amphipoda). It should be noted, how- 
ever, that the method of raising them did not usually admit of pure 
cultures of any one form, so that the stated results are affected by 
a certain element of error. 


It is not the purpose of the present paper to discuss the relative 


1 The subject matter of this paper is more fully covered by the author’s contribution 
under the same title and issued as Bureau of Fisheries Document No. 914, or appendix 1 
of the report of U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries for 1922. It discusses the distribution, 
habits, and life histories of the most common forms of fresh water crustaceans, such as 
the fairy shrimps, water fleas, copepods, ostracods, isopods, amphipods, Mysis, prawns, 
and crayfishes. The document also treats of the possibilities of successful crustacean 
culture. 


70 


ee 


value of different forms of crustaceans as food for young fishes, 
but, assuming that those available are desirable, to indicate whether 
or not, other things being equal, it would be practicable to raise 
them in sufficient quantities to feed large numbers of young fish. 

Inasmuch as crustaceans vary greatly in size, as do the fish which 
subsist upon them, it would first be necessary to supply to fry such 
sizes as they can swallow, and larger sizes to the fish as they in- 
crease in growth. While there are many kinds and sizes of crus- 
taceans, most of which are natural fish foods, only certain very com- 
mon forms have been utilized, although several have been recom- 
mended. The kinds that have been indicated in any experiment 
have usually been stated to be Daphnia and Cyclops for very young 
fish and shrimp for older fish. Daphnia and Cyclops are, as most 
fish-culturists know, minute crustaceans called Entomostraca. The 
shrimp, of which the once famous “Caledonia shrimp” was one, are 
amphipods or scuds. They are more suitable for fish which have 
passed the Entomostraca-eating stage. 

The purpose of this paper is to make an analytical comparison 
of the stated results of experiments in crustacean culture and feed- 
ing of fish, based upon requirements according to present feeding 
practices at some of the stations of the Bureau of Fisheries. The 
particular purpose of the comparison is to prove or disprove the 
contention that crustaceans cannot be raised economically on a suff- 
ciently large scale to meet the requirements in this country, granting 
that other conditions are equal. As concerns Entomostraca, while 
there are positive claims that it would be entirely feasible, there are no 
very definite data for comparison. The only evidence in favor in- 
dicates that after the fish attained a certain size they were fed on 
finely-minced horse meat instead of Daphnia. 


In other connections it has been mentioned that after feeding on 
Daphnia six or seven weeks the fish were provided with coarser 
food. In this country it is customary to distribute fry at that age, 
so the entomostracan production would need in no instance to con- 
tinue for more than that length of time. This period in the life of the 
fish is the most critical, and the one in which its food should be 
most carefully considered. It is known that young trout naturally 
feed upon Entomostraca when available and that the latter multiply 
rapidly under favorable conditions; thus it would seem that some 
method of raising them might easily be devised. Unfortunately in 
this country there have been no definitely-described experiments. It 
is hoped that experimental work along this line will receive early 
attention. , 


eal 


There are more definite data concerning crustacean food for 
young fish beyond the entomostracan-feeding stage. Some 20 or 
30 years ago, fish-cultural establishments in Europe utilized the 
larger crustaceans, particularly the amphipods, commonly called 
shrimp, to a considerable extent. Over 30 years ago Consul Frank 
H. Mason’ described in some detail the manner of raising shrimp 
for trout food at Lugrin’s establishment at Gremaz, France, a famous 
fish farm of those days. He stated that the ponds were about 120 feet 
long by 12 feet wide, with a depth of 5 feet. Each pond would pro- 
duce 650 to 900 pounds of shrimp in a month. These supplied 
20,000 yearlings and 3,000 two-year-old fish with 20 to 25 pounds of 
shrimp a day, or about 600 to 800 pounds a month. It was necessary 
to have two ponds for each kind of fish, owing to the fact that 
instead of transferring the shrimp to the fish ponds it was the custom 
to drive the fish from one pond to another each month, so that while 
they were eating the stock of shrimp in one pond the other was being 
replenished. Two shrimp ponds would probably. have been necessary 
for each, even if the feeding had been by transfer of the crustacaeans 
instead of the fish. 

If the number of fish is increased, the capacity of the shrimp 
ponds would need to be correspondingly increased. Four ponds of 
the above dimensions would aggregate about one-tenth of an acre. 
Ponds of the necessary capacity for raising amphipods or shrimp for - 
a given number of fish would not appear prohibitive at most large 
hatcheries. 

It is stated that the fish fed upon nothing but the products of the 
shrimp ponds, upon which they thrived. To be sure the ponds con- 
tained some other organisms, but the shrimp were in greatest abun- 
dance. The fish referred to were the European trout, in this country 
commonly called brown trout. The question arises as to how the 
quantity of crustacean food in this European operation compares 
with that supplied to the common brook trout and the rainbow trout 
at our hatcheries. 

At the Spearfish (S. D.) station, in the month of July, 1,000 
brook trout brood fish averaging one pound in weight were fed on 
a mixture consisting of 93 pounds of mush and 186 pounds of liver, 
a total of 279 pounds. At Gremaz it required 600 to 800 pounds of 
shrimp to feed about 1,500 pounds of fish comprising 3,000 indi- 
viduals averaging one-half pound each. At Spearfish it would have 
required 418.5 pounds of the combination food mentioned to feed 





1 Bull. U. S. Fish Commission, Vol. VII, 1887 (1889), pp. 203-206; and Trans. Amer. 
Fisheries Soc., 1802, pp. 58-77, including discussion. 


2 


1,500 pounds of fish. The mush contains little or no nutriment, but 
the same may be said of the shells of the shrimp. So far as the 
figures are concerned, however, the comparison is somewhat in favor 
of the mush-liver combination. On the other hand, 4,000 yearling 
brook trout at Spearfish were fed 372 pounds of mush and 217 
pounds of liver, a total of 589 pounds. At Gremaz 20,000 trout 8 to 
12 months old required 600 to 800 pounds of shrimp, which repre- 
sents 30 to 40 pounds for every 1,000 fish, or 120 to 160 pounds for 
4,000 fish. This throws the advantage to the crustaceans. There 
was probably much waste in the Spearfish feeding. 

At the Springville (Utah) station 8,000 brood-stock rainbow 
trout averaging one pound in weight, were fed in one month 744 
pounds of mush and 496 pounds of liver, or 1,240 pounds of the 
combination. At Gremaz it would have required 400 to 4262/3 
pounds to feed that many pounds of fish averaging one-half pound 
each, which suggests an advantage for Crustacea. 

At the Wytheville (Va.) station 1,000 yearlings 8 to 12 inches 
long were fed 12 pounds a day. At Gremaz, 1,000 fish of approxi- 
mately the same age were fed about 7 or 8 pounds a day, which is 
favorable to crustaceans. At Wytheville again, 1,000 fish 3 to 5 
inches long were fed three-fourths of a pound a day. At Gremaz 
the daily ration per 1,000 fish of about the same age was one to 214 
pounds, which favors Wytheville feeding. 

There are elements of error in these computations, but they indi- 
cate on the whole a not very great difference in the amounts fed to 
fish of the various sizes at Gremaz and in this country. Doubtless 
it would be practically impossible, if at all desirable, to provide an 
exclusively crustacean diet for trout of all ages. It has been demon- 
strated, however, that crustaceans can be cultivated in quantities; 
local conditions and the available crustaceans would largely deter- 
mine the extent of operations. It would seem then, that a consider- 
able collateral supply of crustacean food would be economically pos- 
sible and provide a much desired variation in the kinds of food. The 
largest trout would require more food and perhaps greater variety. 
Possibly this variety could be provided by utilizing the prawn, as 
advocated by Worth." It is probable that the prawn can be raised 
quite as easily as the shrimp or scuds (Amphipoda), if the condi- 
tions under which they live naturally are followed in the artificial 
ponds. It should always be borne in mind that all of these organisms, 
from the most minute to the largest, require food and that no experi- 
ment can be successful unless it is supplied. 


* Bull. U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Vol. XXVIII, 1908, Pt. II, pp. 853-858. 


73 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. W. Trtcoms, Albany, N. Y.: Mr. Leach, are you getting from 
the mush feed more than you formerly got? 

Mr. G. C. LeacH, Washington, D. C.: Probably less, as we are using 
cheaper material, shorts in place of low grade flour. 

Mr. Titcomsp: Do you use twice as much mush as liver, as indicated 
by Dr. Kendall? 

Mr. LeacH: For adult trout two-thirds mush and one-third liver or 
meat has been used at many stations where the meat cost was an item to 
consider. I believe one-third mush and two-thirds meat a better diet 
and one that will produce stronger fish. The mush, as a rule, should 
supply the bulk or filler. It is desirable to have some carbohydrates in 
the diet of the fish. 

Mr. Titcoms: This is a very valuable paper, but there is one feature 
which Dr. Kendall does not appear to have covered. The shrimp reproduce 
naturally in great abundance in lime water, but there are a great many 
places where the trout are raised in which it is practically impossible to 
raise shrimp. He referred to the Caledonia shrimp, which breeds naturally 
in tremendous quantities in the State hatchery at Caledonia, New York, 
and I have found it in several other places in great numbers. It is much 
more abundant at certain seasons of the year. My experience is that 
when trout feed exclusively or very largely upon shrimp, the result is a 
very highly colored fish; better outside color and pinker flesh. Mr. Rowe 
has a natural pond at his hatchery in Maine which has produced these 
pink-fleshed trout and highly colored eggs. At the Caledonia hatchery some 
of the largest ponds have a gravel bottom and rather swift water in some 
portions, with quite a little vegetation in spots, and there the shrimp: 
breed. The trout keep in splendid condition and have a very good color, 
not the very pink, but a much better color than the average trout fed on 
artificial food. I am referring to fish that weigh up to three or four 
pounds. We attribute the fine condition and color entirely to the amount of 
shrimp which they have obtained, in addition to the liver fed about once a 
day. 

Mr. LeacH: Mr. Titcomb raises the question as to the amount of flour 
and carbohydrates that we are putting in our fish food. We find the mush 
cheaper than meat and believe it essential in that it supplies carbohydrates 
found under natural conditions in streams. We have fed more in bulk of 
the cheaper grades of shorts than of low grade flour. We require many 
of our stations to make monthly reports of food used. One of our southern 
bass stations was feeding 750 adult bass $30 worth of food a year; another 
station was feeding about 850 fish $225 worth of food in the same period. 
Naturally there was a big difference in the output in favor of the station 
that fed the greater amount of food. . 

What Dr. Kendall says in regard to the feeding of shrimp would not 
apply to some of our southern trout stations, such as at Wytheville, Va., 
and White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. We cannot produce shrimp in paying 
quantities in the limestone water there; I refer to the Caledonia shrimp, 
G. limneus. I believe shrimp are only produced in limestone water in the 
region of the glacial drifts, which seem to extend through our northern tier 
of States and as far west as Wyoming and Utah. At Saratoga, Wyo., 


74 


shrimp are found naturally in very large numbers and make excellent 
trout food. 

Mr. Titcoms: What is the prawn to which reference is made? 

Dr. G. C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: It is also called the river shrimp 
and grows to various sizes. Those found in the Mississippi Valley are from 
one to one and a half inches long: they belong to two genera, Palaemon 
and Palaemonetes, and are warm water forms. There are many different 
species of Gammarid shrimps. Some of them may live in lime water, or 
require lime water; others do not require it. I doubt very much if you can 
find a clean permanent pool anywhere in the Uuited States that does not 
contain some kind of shrimp.. They are that generally distributed. The one 
at Caledonia, Gammarus limneus, is probably the largest, and the next in 
size is the G. fasciatus. It is very closely related to the Caledonia shrimp, 
but seems to prefer warmer water. It occurs along the marshes of Cayuga 
Lake, not only in the vegetation, but among the rocks. The Hyalella 
shrimps are probably not more than one-fifth as long as the Caledonia 
shrimp, but they occur all over. 

Mr. Titcomsp: Dr. Embody, have you found this common form of 
shrimp in sufficient abundance anywhere to think of them as possible for 
trout food, as we do the Caledonia shrimp? 

Dr. Empopy: In suitable environment the Hyalellas are fully as abun- 
dant as are the large shrimp at Caledonia. They are much smaller, how- 
ever, and easily escape notice. While they occur in both cold and warm 
water, they seem to multiply much more rapidly in warm water containing 
dense vegetation. The Hyalellas escape foraging fishes much more success- 
fully than the larger shrimps and thus would probably hold their own 
much better in large natural rearing ponds such as are used for bass, 
The larger shrimps would probably be exterminated before they could 
become established. In protected inclosures not stocked with fish, how- 
ever, I believe that a greater amount of fish food could be produced by 
using the larger forms. These might be collected and fed to the fish or 
the fish might be turned into forage. 

Mr. Trtcoms: This talk about the shrimp as a food has been up for 
a great many years, and the anglers’ clubs have been encouraged to stock 
streams with shrimp to increase the food for fish. It has been a very 
general recommendation in the past. It is my opinion that in possibly 
nine cases out of ten the introduction of shrimp does not amount to any- 
thing. A great many of our streams; after being stocked, show no evidence 
of shrimp,—that is the large Caledonia shrimp. As Dr. Embody says, 
you will always find the small shrimp in limited numbers under the rocks 
or in the vegetation. I do not think that the introduction of the smaller 
shrimp in trout streams amounts to much, but there are spring-fed streams, 
especially in limestone formations, where the shrimp can be introduced to 
good advantage. i 

Dr. Empopy: I think that is true. The great difficulty of introducing 
those shrimp in many places, we found, was that the fish would extermi- 
nate in a short time the small numbers which could be introduced. It is 
a different matter to propagate them for fish food in protected places. 


75 


THE USE OF CERTAIN MILK WASTES IN THE PROPAGA- 
TION OF NATURAL FISH FOOD 
By G. C. EmMBopy 


Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 


Within the last few years there has been a notable increase in the 
number of commercial plants concerned in the manufacture of 
various milk products. These plants include mere skimming stations, 
cheese, butter and casein factories, and condenseries. In a great 
many cases they are located near important fish producing streams 
which constitute convenient places for the disposal of wastes. 
Whether the procedure in thus disposing of wastes is detrimental or 
otherwise to the life in the stream, depends upon a number of dif- 
ferent factors which cannot be discussed here. It is known, how- 
ever, that in many cases streams have been polluted to a degree that 
is very disastrous to aquatic life. 

During the progress of some experiments undertaken by my 
colleague, Dr. P. W. Claassen, to show the effects cf such wastes 
upon stream life, some phenomena were observed that seemed to bear 
directly upon the problem of growing natural food for fish. The 
writer was thus prompted to carry on some special work with this 
end in view and the following notes constitute a brief statement of 
certain results thus far obtained. 

The experimental procedure consisted in pouring into basins of 
stagnant water known amounts of several different wastes. Sour 
skim milk and whey were the two which gave the most significant 
results and at the same time could be easily obtained in sufficient 
quantities to render their use practicable. Other wastes were tried, 
such as floor washings and the effluents from Imhoff tanks, septic 
tanks, lath filters, etc., but these were either too highly diluted or so 
changed as to render their use at this time impracticable. 

The basins in which the experiments were run consisted of wood 
hatching troughs of regulation size, wood wash tubs, larger concrete 
rearing ponds and small ponds with earth sides and bottom. None of 
these basins was planted with mother organisms, either plants or 
animals, except for those which came in with the water at the time 
of filling the basins, and care was taken to eliminate all of the higher 
aquatic plants and predacious animals such as certain aquatic beetles, 
bugs, dragonfly and damselfly nymphs. Thus the only organisms 
started with were a few micro-organisms found in the plankton. It 


76 


may be said, however, that these materially influenced the results 
obtained. 

The kinds and quantities of the various fish food organisms 
appearing in the basins varied to some extent with the type of basin 
and the quality of the polluting substance, and to a larger extent with 
the temperature of the water and the quantity of polluting substance 
used per unit area. These variations cannot be discussed in detail 
until the experiments have been concluded. 

The principal food animals appearing in the basins were the fol- 
lowing: Micro-crustacea, especially the little cladoceran, Scapho- 
leberis, and the copepods, Cyclops and Canthocamptus ; mosquitoes of 
two species; “blood worms” of the genus Chironomus; rat-tail mag- 
gots, larve of the family Syrphide; the common pollution worm, 
Tubifex, and mayflies of the genus Callibaetss. 

Of these the mosquitoes, syrphid flies and mayflies were attracted 
to the basins for egg-laying by the odors of pollution. The micro- 
crustacea and pollution worms were probably introduced with the 
water and finding conditions suitable, multiplied to an enormous de- 
gree. 

MOSQUITO LARVAE 


Considering the total amount of fish food produced, the mosquito 
larvee were by far the most important. The adults began laying eggs 
the first week in July (1920 and 1921) and continued to do so 
throughout the summer. In 1920 the larve were abundant late in 
September. 

Of the two wastes, sour skim milk and whey, the former induced 
egg-laying in the shortest time and with the smallest dosage. Up to 
the present time the dosage giving the most promising results at 
Ithaca, N. Y., is as follows: 

One pint of skim milk for every 10 cubic feet of water content 
in pond, poured in every other day for 5 days, this followed by a 
resting period of 4 to 6 days. In order to have a continuous supply 
of larve, the procedure is repeated after each resting period. The 
mean daily water temperature for this dosage should be approxi- 
mately 80° F. If the temperature averages lower the period of de- 
velopment will be longer ; if higher, it will be somewhat shorter. 

In a wooden hatching trough treated in this manner there were 
produced 2 egg masses the second day, 6 masses on the third day, 111 
on the fourth day, and an incalculable number on the fifth day, each 
mass consisting of a great many eggs. From the eighth to the 
eleventh day the basin was a wriggling mass of larve, many of them 
ready to pupate, and thus sufficiently large to be fed to trout or bass. 


GT 


In this case the total period was about eleven days. On the twelfth 
day the basin was ready for another dose of skim milk. 

In all cases where the dosage was increased beyond 1 pint per 
10 cubic feet of water every other day for 5 days, there was a per- 
ceptible odor not at all agreeable. The resting period tended to pre- 
vent bad odors. If the production were undertaken on a larger scale 
one would presume that bad odors would be more in evidence even 
with the dosage mentioned above. 

It was stated that two species of ‘mosquitoes appeared abundantly 
in the ponds. These were Culex sexatilis and C. territans. The 
former is reported as not biting man but the latter is considered a 
pest in many places. However this may be, it can be stated posi- 
tively that during the two summers that this work has been going on 
and many thousands of mosquitoes have been allowed to reach the 
adult stage, no one living or working on the hatchery grounds has 
been pestered by them day or night. 

There is no need of allowing the mosquitoes to reach the biting 
stage, if they are collected and fed to fish at the proper time. It is 
very easy to observe the first mosquitoes reaching the pupal stage 
and if the pond is drawn off or if it is swept carefully with a net of 
fine-meshed bobbinet, the mosquitoes can be disposed of to the fish 
before they are ready to transform. 

There are two possible advantages in using the net. One may 
have a fairly continuous supply of larve by allowing the small ones 
just hatched to pass through the meshes of the net. These will grow 
and can be captured the next few days. The other advantage is that 
no pollution is allowed to enter the fish pond. 

Bass and trout will eat large quantities of mosquitoes with appar- 
ent relish. The rate of growth in the case of the trout seems to be as 
rapid as with any other food tried by us. The mosquitoes are 
especially useful as a supplement to those food mixtures consisting 
of dried meat, fish, and clam and shrimp meal. Certain health and 
growth-promoting substances called vitamines are absent or else 
occur in insufficient amounts in these meals, and consequently by 
their continuous and sole use food-deficiency diseases appear in trout. 
It has been found that when live mosquito larve are fed with the 
dry meals not only is the mortality lowered but the rate of growth is 
increased. 

OTHER FOOD ANIMALS PRODUCED 


The rat-tail maggots and tubifex worms occurred in the earth and 
cement ponds and in the wood troughs. They were abundant when 
a high dosage was used. Neither form, however, appeared in such 


78 


great numbers as was the case of the mosquitoes. The maggots 
seem to be preferred over the worms by trout and bass but bullheads 
are active eaters of pollution worms. 

The larve of certain midges (Chironomus), commonly known as 
blood worms, also appeared in some numbers in the polluted earth 
ponds. They are to be reported upon at a future time by another 
person. 

The three forms of micro-crustacea, namely, Scapholeberis, 
Cyclops and Canthocamptus, appeared abundantly in earth ponds 
when the dosage was very light and also in heavily dosed earth ponds 
after the polluting materials had been largely decomposed. They per- 
sisted in rather dense cultures during the greater part of May and 
June and again in late July and early August. The dosage best 
suited for the development of these forms has not yet been deter- 
mined. 

Before concluding these notes it is well to state that success was 
attained in those ponds only which were practically water tight. Even 
a slight change of water, as occurred in newly built earth ponds 
through seepage, was enough to leach out the elements concerned in 
fertilizing the pond and attracting mosquitoes for the purpose of 
egg laying. The conditions must thus be as stagnant as it is possible 
to make them. 


Discussion. 


Mr. G. C. LEAcH, Washington, D. C.: Dr. Embody, have you ever ex- 
perimented by placing the milk around the edges of ponds containing the 
fish and noting the development of the mosquitoes? 

Dr. Empopy: No, we have never tried that. I do not know whether 
the development of the mosquitoes would be harmful at all, but if you 
use too much milk you may pollute the water beyond the degree of safety 
to the fish. 

Mr. LeacH: Possibly that could be determined and the proper amount 
put in so the development of the larve would not be too great and they 
would not get beyond control. 

Dr. Empopy: Of course, you cannot control the mosquitoes in a large 
pond as you can in a small pond. I do not think this would work suc- 
eessfully in a series of very large ponds, but one could control them very 
. nicely in a series of small ponds. By having several ponds, with the 
culture started at various times, you could simply have a rotation of 
ponds, feeding the larve from one while they were developing in the 
others. 

Mr. J. W. Trtcoms, Albany, N. Y.: Dr. Embody, have you considered 
the cost of producing this kind of food as compared with other kinds? 

Dr. Empopy: No, we have not reckoned the cost of producing the food 
on milk waste. 


Mr. LeacH: If applied to the raising of young bass, a series of small 


79 


ponds could be arranged, with an opening into the main pond, and we 
could then raise our bass to the fingerling stage without cannibalism. 


Mr. C. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: Dr. Embody deserves great 
credit in this matter. Under his direction we polluted with milk some 
trout ponds, measuring 5 ft. by 30 ft., and secured mosquito larvze in such 
abundance that they could be dipped out by the solid quart. Our method 
of collection is to use a net with a large bag, the bottom of which is 
closed by a draw string. This is swept through the ponds, then lowered 
into a pail half full of water, the draw string unfastened, and the con- 
tents washed into the pail. A two-inch tea strainer is used in taking 
them from the pail and throwing them to the bass. Both trout and bass 
take them very readily. One hundred and eighteen were taken from the 
stomach of a bass measuring 1%4 inches. The young fish follow the larve 
through the pond, and unless they can get to such shallow water that the 
young bass cannot enter, every one will be taken. 


Another plan would be to construct your food-producing ponds so they 
can be drained into the pond containing the young fish as soon as larve 
are developed. This does away with hand feeding. By covering a pond 
with cheesecloth to prevent the adult mosquitoes from laying more eggs, 
we can control the size of the larve. If for any reason the lary become 
so numerous that they pupate before they can be removed, a little oil 
poured on the water will kill them all, thus preventing an excess of adult 
mosquitoes. 


I think the problem of raising mosquito larve can be worked out for 
each locality, and I believe that Dr. Embody has cpened up a wonderful 
field for us all to tackle. 

Mr. TitcomMsB: What was the size of the little bass when they took the 
mosquito larvze? 

Mr. Hayrorp: They were about an inch to an inch and a half long, 
and three weeks to a month old. We have plenty of microorganisms in 
our waters and the bass feed upon them for about three weeks. By that 
time the supply is running low, and mosquito larve are fed. In one pond 
where we fed the larvie we have about 12,000 young bass. Along one side 
of the pond runs a concrete wall from which we feed. After feeding for 
about two weeks, the young bass flock to the wall when the feeder appears 
and follow him the length of the entire pond, feeding on the larve with 
the same eagerness that trout display in feeding. 

Mr. Leacu: Do you think you can feed the mosquito larve and 
eliminate the daphnia, that is, let them take the place of the daphnia in 
feeding the young bass? 

Mr. Hayrorp: I think after the bass are two weeks old they will 
take the mosquito larve. During the first three weeks we have plenty 
of microcrustaceans for them to feed upon, and it is only when _ supply 
becomes exhausted that the larvee are necessary. 

Mr. LeacH: A large number of our stations do not produce daphnia 
and we have to depend on something else up to the feeding of artificial 
food stage. If the mosquito larve can be produced in large numbers, and 
the rate of growth will not be too great they can be fed to the bass up 
to the time they take the larger insect life. 


80 


Dr. Emsopy: It is not the size of the mosquito larve so much as it is 
the time of the year in which they are produced. We are not able to pro- 
duce mosquito larvze before the first of July, and probably by that time 
your bass would have reached a size large enough to take even the largest 
mosquito. We could not produce them as early as May or June, although 
it may be done in some other parts of the country. The first day or 
two after the mosquito is hatched it is small enough for the smallest bass 
to eat. 

Mr. LeacH: We may try the experiment at some of our stations on 
a large scale and demonstrate its practical possibilities in regard to feed- 
ing the young bass. 

Mr. Hayrorp: At the New Jersey station we can secure the larve 
around the latter part of May. Under our conditions the bass do not need 
the food much before the 15th of June, or the 1st of July. 

Mr. TitcomsB: Do you know yet, Mr. Hayford, whether you will reduce 
eannibalism, and, if so, to what extent, by the introduction of laryx? 

Mr. Hayrorp: I cannot say to what extent cannibalism will be re- 
duced, although I am positive, from my comparison of the fish in the 
ponds fed with the larvee and those not so fed, that it is reduced con- 
siderably. I also observed that in the ponds where the larve are fed, 
the young fish grow much more uniformly. 

Dr. Empopy: I think that the micro-crustacea would be more impor- 
tant in the spring of the year than the mosquito larve. In all of the 
ponds where we used a small dosage of milk, among the first forms to 
appear were the little crustaceans of the genus Scapholeberis. They are 
very closely related to the daphnia, of which Mr. Leach spoke, and so 
small in size that the smallest fish can eat them. 


81 


SALMON EGGS AS FOOD FOR SALMON FRY* 


By Martin NORGORE 
Seattle, Washington 


It is exceedingly important to the fish culturist to obtain efficient 
and cheap food. In fact, to one who operates a hatchery on a com- 
mercial basis, success or failure depends largely on the cost of food. 
For a long time it has been known that fresh food is necessary at 
certain intervals to prevent undue, if not complete, mortality. But as 
long as food was valued on a calorie basis only, the reason for this 
requirement in hatcheries was not known. In the light of what is 
now known concerning the role of vitamines in the diet, however, 
many curious phenomena occurring in hatcheries may be explained. 
It is now well established that protein, carbohydrates, fats, and min- 
eral salts are not sufficient to keep an animal in healthy condition and 
make it grow. There are certain properties called accessory food sub- 
stances, or vitamines, which the food must possess. At least three 
of these have been recognized on the basis of their solubilities, namely, 
(a) fat soluble, or growth promoting; (b) water soluble, or anti- 
neurotic, and (c) water soluble, or antiscorbutic. 

It need hardly be mentioned that as yet little is known concerning 
vitamines. But it seems that certain of them are destroyed by heat- 
ing, salting, or drying at high temperatures. The fat soluble is the 
most stable, while the water solubles are more easily destroyed. Little 
is known about the effect of low temperature on the accessory food 
substances, but it seems that cold storage foods retain the vitamines 
if kept properly and not too long. 

Since the early days of fish culture, liver, melts, and kidneys have 
been used to supply the fresh food requirements of the fish. But it 
happens that at present these meats are expensive and often difficult 
to obtain. Consequently, if a substitute could be found which is 
cheaper and contains all the necessary vitamines, fish could be pro- 
duced at a lower cost. Successful efforts have been made to sub- 
stitute, in part, other products for liver or melts. Dr. G. C. Embody 
has found that trout will keep well and grow on a diet of meat, fish, 
or shrimp meals for six days, and liver on the seventh. In some 
hatcheries canned salmon and liver have been used with good results. 
But no successful attempt has been made, so far as the author is 
aware, to dispense with meats altogether. 

1 Results of some experiments carried on in the experimental hatchery at the College 


of Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., and published with the permission 
of Mr. John N. Cobb, Director of the College. 


82 


The experiments herein recorded were initiated to determine if 
cold storage salmon eggs contain the accessory food substances for 
salmon fry. Salmon roe was chosen because it is cheap and easily 
available at the canneries and cold storages on the Pacific Coast, 
where it constitutes part of the refuse. The eggs used were taken 
from chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in November, 1920, and 
kept in cold storage during the winter. The lowest temperature to 
which they were subjected was —4° F. at the time of freezing and 
10° F. during storage. In addition to these, fresh roe of chinook 
salmon (O. tschawytscha) was used in four quantitative experiments. 
To be sure, the use of salmon eggs as food for fry is not new, but 
heretofore the eggs have been cooked, thus necessitating the use of 
fresh meat, such as liver or melts, to supply the necessary vitamines. 

The eggs were obtained from the cold storage, allowed to thaw 
out, ground in a meat grinder, and strained through a coarse cloth 
to remove the shells. The last operation was found necessary in the 
quantitative work to insure complete consumption. The substance 
was then absorbed with wheat middlings, making a mixture of 
80 per cent salmon eggs and 20 per cent middlings. In this way, the 
ground salmon eggs were made available to the fry. 


The water used during the first part of the experiments was 
pumped from Lake Washington, at Seattle, into a large settling tank 
from which it was drawn for the hatchery. But occasionally the 
water in the tank became low and some sediment passed through. 
Fearing that this would affect the results of the experiments, city 
water was turned on in the hatchery on May 14, 1921. No appreci- 
able change in the quantitative work was observed. Seattle city 
water is no doubt purer than the water used in many hatcheries. 

On March 24, 1921, two lots of 125 each of chinook salmon fry 
(O. tschawytscha), four months old, were placed in two troughs of 
equal size. The fry had been starved for four days, previous to 
which they were fed on the fry of small redfish (O. nerka). All were 
in the same condition. The rate of water flow in both troughs was 
the same, about 166 gallons per minute. The inside measurements of 
the trough were 82 x 14x 6 inches. The space to which the fry were 
confined is 261% x 14 x 4 inches, or a capacity of 1,484 cubic inches 
of water. The light was regulated by means of shades to approxi- 
mately the same intensity throughout the trough. 

One of these lots was fed exclusively on canned salmon. This 
was considered the control, for it is known that the antiscorbutic and 
antineurotic vitamines are easily destroyed by heat. It was there- 
fore expected that this lot would die in time, due to the lack of these 


83 


most important food substances. The other lot was fed on canned 
salmon for four days and on the mixture of ground salmon eggs and 
middlings for three days alternately. This was deemed sufficient to 
determine whether cold storage salmon eggs would prevent the 
“deficiency diseases.” 

Both lots grew at about equal rates and nothing out of the ordi- 
nary was observed until June 11, when some of the fry which had 
received canned salmon only assumed a vertical or semi-vertical 
position, elevating the heads out of water. On June 14 one of this 
lot died. No further deaths occurred until June 21, when the 
experiment had to be terminated. But fungus developed on more 
than half of them, while those that were still apparently healthy had 
frayed pectoral fins. The abnormal behavior persisted throughout. 
The other lot which had received as part of its rations the salmon 
eggs and wheat middlings mixture were all in perfect condition when 
the experiment was terminated. 

Quantitative experiments were undertaken to determine the 
efficiency of salmon eggs as a flesh producer or growth-promoting 
food. Troughs of the same size as in the experiment already de- 
scribed were used with the same flow of water. And the space to 
which each lot was confined was of the same dimensions. At the 
beginning and end of each experiment, the fry were weighed in 
water on regular laboratory balances, according to the method 
employed by Embody. In all cases about 20 hours elapsed between 
the time of the last feeding and weighing. Each lot was fed twice 
daily. To eliminate waste, the fry were taught to take the food as 
soon as it reached the water. By means of a pin, pieces sufficiently 
small for one “bite” were carved out and dropped into the trough. 
Fifty chinook salmon fry and 100 chum salmon fry were used in 
each experiment, lasting seven days. In all 24 experiments were 
completed over a period of 49 days, the most important results of 
which will be found in the following table: 


RESULTS OF QUANTITATIVE EXPERIMENTS WITH SALMON Eccs as Foop 
FoR YOUNG FISH 


[The percentages of daily consumption and of daily growth are computed on the basis 
of initial weights. ‘There was no mortality.] 





Average 


Percentage |Percentage 








: Age in tem per- 5 Efficiency 
Species. daily con- daily Food. 
months. ature: sumption. | growth. factor. 

O. tschawytscha 5% 50.7 2.6 2.1 80.61 Cold storage eggs. 
ID jeemat anteceaar 6 54.3 3.42 2.39 70.5 Do. 
DOorenicbi ese’ 6% 57-5 4.71 3-44 72.9 Do. 
Worewerwcroc 7 59-5 4.52 2.56 57.7 Fresh eggs. 

Og ketaeeyontes 3 59.4 5-34 3.81 71.71 Cold storage eggs. 


From the above data it appears that the food value of salmon 
eggs is extremely high. And the rate of growth is, in the opinion of 
the author, above normal. Special attention is called to the results 
obtained when fresh eggs were used. These were taken from chinook 
salmon during the first week of June, 1921, and were not by far as 
well developed as those used in the other experiments. On the basis 
of our knowledge of vitamines, the explanation seems to be that 
the riper the egg the more growth-promoting substance it contains. 
But as only four series of experiments were completed with these 
eggs, too narrow conclusions must not be drawn. Nevertheless it is 
interesting: to find that the percentage of daily growth of the same 
lots of fry dropped from an average of 3.44 to 2.56 and the efficiency 
factor from 72.9 to 57.7, with practically the same percentage of 
food. 

It is not yet demonstrated that cold-storage salmon eggs contain 
all the food requirements of salmon fry. The experiment inaugu- 
rated to determine this had to be terminated prematurely. But the 
results indicate that salmon eggs are a cheap and efficient substitute 
for fresh meats in the hatcheries, especially on the Pacific Coast. For 
promoting growth they appear to be the best food ever tried. The 
author suggests that fish culturists who are within reach of a supply 
of salmon eggs try them out as a substitute for liver or melts on a 
limited number of fry, using liver as a control. In this manner no 
undue risk is assumed. 


Discussion. 


Dr. G. C. Emepopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: The food situation on the Pacific 
coast differs from that here. It is very difficult for those rather isolated 
western hatcheries to get the more expensive liver, yet it has been found 
that some such fresh food must be used. Canned salmon has been fed 
largely but it happens that this food can be fed continuously for a few 
days only, depending on local conditions, without producing certain dis- 
eases. In order to prevent those diseases, the fish must be fed upon 
fresh liver or some substitute. 

Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: This paper shows some very 
painstaking investigations, and brings out most interesting information, 
especially as to the necessity of feeding a well balanced diet. I was 
wondering as to the advisability, however, of feeding fresh salmon eggs, 
except in case of emergency. I believe no mention was made of feeding 
unfertile eggs. 

Dr. Empopy: These are all unfertile eggs. They are waste from the 
canneries and are ordinarily thrown away. 

Mr. LeacH: The protein content of fish eggs is very low, about 15 
per cent in the herring. At some of our Pacific stations we once fed 
canned herring roe without success, and as this paper goes on to show, 


85 


after it is fed a while there are certain indications that the fish will 
not thrive on it. Im fact, the young sockeye salmon will not take the 
canned herring roe, unless they are absolutely forced to do so; but if 
the roe is cooked and mixed with other food they take more kindly to it. 
As to the vitamines, I understand cooking the food would destroy them 
and, for that reason, I do not think that cooked salmon eggs would be of 
much advantage. The paper is very interesting and brings out some 
things that will be of much value to fish culturists, especially on the 
Pacific coast. 

Dr. Empopy: Here is a waste product that is being dumped into 
Puget Sound by the ton; a little is sold to fishermen, but the greater part 
is wasted. Liver is expensive and hard to get out there; it costs more 
than in the East, but here is a fresh product, presumably an ideal food, 
with absolutely all of the elements for the young fish, because it contains 
the yolk upon which the young fish grow in the early part of their exist- 
ence. Working upon this as the first thought, the author was inspired to 
run these experiments on a fresh material. Now as you cook the eggs 
you destroy those growth-promoting substances called vitamines. Prob- 
ably the chief reason why this food has not been used fresh before is 
because the eggs are too large for the young fish to eat, and when run 
through a grinder, the material inside is in such a fluid condition that 
the fish cannot consume it, as it dissolves in the water. So it was mixed 
with wheat middlings, thus being put in solid form, and by feeding it 
to the fish excellent growth resulted. A very high percentage of the 
material is actually consumed and made over into fish flesh. 


86 


FURTHER PROOF OF THE PARENT STREAM THEORY 
By ALEXANDER ROBERTSON 


Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia 


Considerable attention has been paid by fish culturists to the 
so-called parent stream theory, that is, the assumption that anadro- 
mous fish return to the stream in which they were bred, to reproduce 
their species. In the course of time the consensus of opinion was 
that the salmon of the larger rivers, such as the Columbia and Fraser, 
certainly returned to these rivers, and the controversy narrowed down 
to whether the fish returned to the individual tributary in which they 
were hatched. By scale readings of the Pacific Coast salmon Dr. 
Charles H. Gilbert came to the conclusion that they returned to the 
actual creek in which they were bred. Further light on the subject, 
by one who has made a study of it on the spawning grounds for 
nearly twenty years, may be of interest to those engaged in fish 
culture. 

Ever since the first hatchery was built on the Fraser River it has 
been common knowledge among hatcherymen that the runs of sock- 
eye salmon to its various tributaries differed in many ways, chief 
among which was the time of arrival at the spawning grounds. The 
latter could be depended upon to such an extent that one crew of 
spawntakers could operate several stations, one after another, from 
September to January, with no variation in the sequence from year 
to year. 


Another characteristic, and one which as far as the writer is aware 
has never been given much prominence, is that the difference in the 
size of the sockeye eggs at the different creeks has been so apparent 
and constant in the course of time as to pass without comment. 


In 1914 the writer began a series of measurements of sockeye 
eggs taken at Morris Creek, Harrison Rapids, and Cultus Lake, 
which has been continued each year since. Morris Creek enters Har- 
rison River two miles above the rapids and Cultus Lake lies twelve 
miles southwest. The three stations are thus comparatively close 
together, which fact adds interest to the subject. 


To obviate the inaccuracies of imperfect chambering such as occurs 
when a graduated glass or similar measure is used, a new method of 
measurement was devised. A light V-trough one meter in length 
was set up at an inclination of twenty-five degrees and the eggs 
allowed to roll down until the trough was filled from end to end with 


87 


one row of eggs, the figures appearing in the tables herewith being 
the number of eggs required to fill the trough. As far as the exigen- 
cies of the regular hatchery work permitted, the eggs were measured 
twenty-four hours after spawning and from three to five counts were 
made during the season. 


SERIES OF YEARLY MEASUREMENTS OF SOCKEYE SALMON WGGs 


Year. Morris Creek. Harrison Rapids. Cultus Lake. 
1914 166.0 152.0 182.0 
1915 162.8 150.0 183.0 
1916 164.0 153.2 181.3 
1917 166.7 149.8 185.2 
1918 163.0 153.5 185.5 
1919 162.6 150.0 184.0 
1920 165.4 151.6 182.6 
Average 164.3 | 151.4 | 183.3 





The uniformity from year to year is very evident and the fact 
that the figures for one locality never overlap or even approach those 
of another shows that there is a distinctive species of sockeye at 
each of these places. 

Another interesting phase is that the size of the egg does not cor- 
respond with the size of the fish or the time of spawning, for the 
smallest fish of the three, that from Harrison Rapids, has much the 
larger egg, as will be seen from the following table which shows the 
length in inches, dates of spawning, and average measurement of 
eggs: 


VARIATION IN SPAWNING SEASON AND SIZE OF SOCKEYE SALMON Hees 


| Number of eggs to 








Locality. Males. | Seales Sees season. meter. 
perm varia c ate eC se) eo LTS aI ee i ae, a es ees 
Morris Creek . .| 26.3 23.9 |Sept. 25—Nov. 15 164.3 
Harrison Rapids} 23.6 23.1 |Oct. 25—Dec. 10 151.4 
Cultus Lake . . 25.3 23.2 ‘Nov. 15—Jan. 1 183.3 











That the size of the egg is not due to fuller development in the 
later spawning fish is shown by the fact that the Cultus Lake sockeye, 
the last to spawn, has, as far as the writer is aware, the smallest egg 
of all the Pacific Coast sockeyes. 

A summary of the whole subject shows that at Morris Creek 
there is a run of large, early-spawning sockeyes with medium sized 
eggs; at Harrison Rapids very small, late-spawning sockeyes with 
very large eggs, while at Cultus Lake there are also small, late- 
spawning fish with exceptionally small eggs. 


88 


Discussion. 


Mr. Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C.: The method of measuring 
eggs referred to is not unlike that devised by Mr. Hector von Bayer, 
formerly architect and engineer of the Bureau of Fisheries, which was 
reported fully in a publication of the Bureau. It would seem that the 
same principle is involved. Years ago in my experience at the station at 
Battle Creek, California, where we handied in one season more than 
57,000,000 chinook salmon eggs, it was well known that their average size 
varied considerably through the season. Several times during the con- 
tinuance of operations very careful counts of the eggs were made a few 
hours after they were taken, and a variation of 200 to 300 eggs per quart 
would be found, the eggs increasing slowly in size as the period of incuba- 
tion advanced. 

Dr. G. C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: The claim made in this paper is 
that because the eggs do not vary in size in one particular stream, those 
eggs came from parents that were hatched there and have returned to that 
same stream, and that since there is a variation in the three different 
streams, each having a different size of egg, each must have been pro- 
duced by parents that were hatched there. Mr. Robertson does not indi- 
eate here which of the three streams was entered first by the fish, but he 
says that the larger size of the egg is not due to fuller development in the 
later spawning fish, for apparently the sockeye which spawns latest in the 
season has the smallest egg of all of the Pacific coast sockeyes. 

Mr. G. C. LracH, Washington, D. C.: I do not believe that sockeye 
eggs vary in size as do brook trout eggs, where we find a variation of 
possibly 300 per ounce. Yes Bay, Alaska, has a run of sockeye salmon 
that enters the lake along in July, begins to spawn about the first of 
September, and continues until along in January. There is a consider- 
able variation in the size of the eggs between the first spawners and those 
later in the season. The cannerymen in Alaska know the number of 
salmon from a particular stream required to fill a case, and that this 
average per case varies little from year to year. I believe it is gener- 
ally conceded that there is some slight variation in the size of the eggs. 

Dr. D. L. Betpine, Hingham, Mass.: This paper is especially valuable 
in adding one more bit of presumptive evidence in favor of the parent 
stream theory. I do not believe that we can say absolutely that the 
measurement of eggs alone proves the parent stream theory, but it cer- 
tainly offers strong circumstantial evidence. There is little doubt that 
the alewife or branch herring returns to a particular river to spawn. 
When there are several branches with separate spawning ponds, there is 
some question whether fish return to the identical pond where they were 
hatched. That this specializing tendency exists has been shown by creat- 
ing fisheries through planting adult alewives in unfrequented waters to 
which they return for spawning in three or four years. However, there 
is also evidence that they do not always return to these particular ponds. 

In 1920 a fishway was installed at the Lawrence dam on the Merrimac 
River, which for years had formed an impassable barrier to fish. Ale- 
wives had spawned in certain tributaries and even in the river below the 
dam, when they could not get to the spawning ponds, and they now ran 


89 


up this new fishway into regions where they had never been before. 
Thus there is evidence that though the alewife comes back to a definite 
spawning ground, it will also seek new territory. 

Mr. W. E. Barser, Madison, Wis.: The parent fish stream theory is 
not nearly as hard to understand and believe as that the migratory birds 
after traveling thousands of miles come back to their home nests. It 
is true that demonstrations as to the migratory birds are easily made. 
Strict account has been kept of their flights, and it has been found that 
they cover the same territory and come back to the same nest each year. 

Mr. Titcoms: Dr. Belding’s remarks on the alewife remind me of the 
introduction of shad on the Pacific coast in California. Most of them 
probably return to the stream where first planted, but they have spread 
gradually until they are up in the Columbia River. I am not combatting 
this parent stream theory, but the shad spreading on the Pacific coast 
seem to furnish an example to the contrary. 

Mr. Bower: Perhaps it should be made clear that Mr. Titecomb does 
not challenge the parent stream theory with respect to the Pacific salmon. 
He has gone beyond that and has spoken of fishes to which the parent 
stream theory has never been applied so far as I am aware. Shad were 
introduced on the Pacific coast in the seventies and have spread widely. 
I personally have seen shad in Alaska of the same species that I have 
noted in the Potomac River in the Hast. The parent stream theory has 
never been entertained, so far as I am aware, in regard to shad; but I 
believe that it is the consensus of opinion that the Pacific salmon return 
to the parent stream. Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, of Stanford University, 
California, the greatest authority on the Pacific salmon today, has demon- 
strated clearly that they undoubtedly return to the parent stream, and 
moreover, that they seek the particular side tributary where they were 
originally hatched or planted. Dr. Gilbert bases his conclusions chiefly 
upon a study of the scales of the salmon, thus securing a most accurate 
life history of the fish. 


90 


SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE GROWTH OF YOUNG 
SOCKEYES* 


By ALEXANDER ROBERTSON 


Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia 


The depletion of the sockeye salmon is the most serious problem 
confronting the fishing industry of the Pacific Coast of America, and 
fish-cultural methods in connection therewith are very much in the 
limelight at the present time. Provided that a sufficient number of 
adult sockeyes are allowed to pass to the spawning grounds, which 
may probably mean a complete cessation of sockeye fishing for a num- 
ber of years, authorities all agree that increased protection during the 
early life of the species is the remedy for the situation, but consid- 
erable diversity of opinion exists as to how this is to be accomplished. 

Under ordinary circumstances, sockeyes remain in fresh water 
for at least one year, but whether it is a rigid law of nature or merely 
an expedient to attain a certain size before meeting the destructive 
competition of the sea, it is hard to say. Anyway, it is conceded that 
in certain cases, notably that of the Harrison Rapids sockeye of the 
Fraser River, certain of them do proceed to sea as fry and that par- 
ticular race of sockeyes does not appear to have suffered depletion 
any more than others with a stream-type of fish. 

That the stay of sockeyes in fresh water appears to be a matter of 
choice, received some confirmation last year through an experiment 
at Grace Lake, a small barren body of water at the headwaters of 
Morris Creek, near here. About one hundred thousand fry were 
planted in that lake in April, 1920, and during July and August of 
the same year, the majority of the fingerlings left voluntarily for the 
sea when they had attained a length of three inches. These fish were 
not over six months old and the result of an abundance of natural 
food, coupled with freedom from molestation, is plainly evident in the 
fine appearance of the fish. Though conditions were seemingly ideal 
for a lengthier stay in the lake the fish left of their own accord, thus 
strengthening the presumption that size is probably a determining 
factor in the migration of the sockeye. At that time it was sup- 
posed that all the fingerlings had left, but this year several thousand 
fingerlings came down, our attention being first attracted by their 
appearance in the settling tank of a small hatchery installed below 
the lake. Fry planted at the same time in Otter Lake in an adjoining 
barren body of water all left the first summer, slightly smaller than 
those from Grace Lake, probably owing to the water being colder. 


1This paper was accompanied by a number of interesting specimens of young salmon. 


91 


One and a half million fry have been planted in these lakes this 
year (1921) and the outlets have been screened to control their de- 
parture. | 

In June, 1920, sockeyes were planted in Hicks Lake, an originally 
barren lake lying at an altitude of 500 feet, three miles east of Harri- 
son Lake Hatchery. No migration occurred the first summer. The 
outlet at the lake is shallow and weedy and doubt was expressed as 
to whether the fish would find it. A close watch was kept and on 
May 5 we were agreeably surprised to find the creek swarming with 
yearling sockeyes, and the run continued to the 19th when it ceased 
as decisively as it had commenced. As there are two falls with a 
combined height of 100 feet in Hicks Creek, which drains the lake, 
a flume 500 feet long, three to five feet wide, and two feet deep, 
was constructed of split cedar to provide a safe descent for the 
migrating fish. The first fish to come down were eight inches long 
and the length gradually decreased to five inches as the migration 
progressed. This again demonstrates that the size of the fish is a 
factor in the seaward migration, as the largest fish were the most 
anxious to leave this lake, which has an area of about 400 acres and 
a depth of 200 feet. 

A heavy run of these seaward migrating natural yearling sockeyes 
occurred from Cultus Lake in April of this year then, the average 
length being only three inches. The diminutive size of these year- 
lings indicates a shortage of food, and shows that the feeding capacity 
of the lake was severely taxed to feed them in addition to the per- 
manent fish life of the lake. 

The time-worn assertion of Fraser River fishermen that small fish 
at the beginning of a fishing season is an indication of a big run of 
fish thus receives corroboration, for it is quite reasonable to presume 
that in nature the more numerous the fish the less food each individual 
will receive. Incidentally, 30,000 of these fish were marked by re- 
moving the adipose and right ventral fins, to try to settle the much- 
debated question as to whether the Cultus Lake sockeyes enter the 
Fraser River during or after the regular fishing season. 

Natural sockeye yearlings were also collected from Cultus Lake 
in 1919, when there was a very small migration due to a poor run in 
1918. The average size of these fish, however, is fully an inch 
larger than those taken in 1920, corroborating the foregoing state- 
ment in regard to food supply. 

The sockeyes reared in the ponds at Harrison Lake Hatchery at 
six months old were four inches in length and were fed four months, 
first on the bodies of the parent fish and later on chum salmon, liver, 


92 


and maggots. Most of the credit for this rapid growth is due to the 
good start the fry got on this food, some of them attaining a length 
of over two inches on it alone; the fry showing the most partiality 
for it were the healthiest and most contented in the ponds. It 
appeared, however, that this food is suitable only for the earlier stage 
of fry life, as milk is to the young of animals, for later on they 
ignored it entirely. 


In a paper’ read at the Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries 
Society two years ago, the writer described how sockeye fry ate the 
bodies of their parents when preserved in cold water through the 
winter. 

Spring or king salmon fingerlings five to six inches in length when 
six months old, were fed four months on chum salmon, liver and 
maggots. The remarkable growth of these fish and the sockeyes just 
referred to inclines one to question the necessity for holding the fish 
over to the second summer, especially when comparing them with the 
natural yearlings from Cultus Lake. 

The question is, does the sockeye remain in fresh water merely 
to attain a certain size, and, provided that size has been attained in 
six months instead of a year, are its chances of survival any less? 
If they attain a year’s growth in six months, will they return a year 
sooner? An attempt to throw some light on these questions was 
made here this year by marking 4,000 six-months-old and 8,000 year- 
ling sockeyes with distinctive marks to see when they will return. 

The food on which the fish were fed was placed on submerged trays 
a foot under water and suspended from floats. A lump of ground 
salmon and liver, mixed with a little gravel if it showed a tendency 
to float, was placed on each tray several times a day and the fish soon 
learned to nibble it off. Fed this way the fish got more substance 
from the food, and there was less waste, than if it had been cast on 
the surface in a liquid state. 


With large, deep ponds, water between fifty and sixty degrees in 
temperature, and plenty of raw fish and liver, it is a comparatively 
easy matter to rear sockeyes to a length of three or four inches in six 
months. The feeding of millions of fry and fingerlings is an expen- 
sive undertaking, and the mortality is bound to be high where fish 
are crowded and unnatural food is fed; thus a number of years will 
elapse before facilities can be provided to rear all the fry under these 
conditions. 

By utilizing the barren lakes, meaning natural ponds and lakes 


1 Robertson, Alexander: The parent fish as a food supply. Transactions of 
American Fisheries Society, Vol. XLVIII, June, 1919, pp. 1589. 


93 


utterly devoid of fish life because of falls in their outlets, accommo- 
dation is immediately available for large numbers of fry, feeding is 
not necessary, and there appears to be no mortality worth mention. 
The strongest argument against the use of these lakes is that some of 
the fish may refuse to leave and consequently prey on the fry sub- 
sequently planted. This is assuming that the same lakes are used 
year after year, which, of course, is optional, but even if some do re- 
main and subsequent plantings are made, one has the callous satis- 
faction of knowing that sockeyes are being fed to sockeyes and not 
to trout, chubs, squawfish, and sculpins, as has been done heretofore. 

The stocking of these lakes, which are more or less remote and 
difficult to get at, was done in the following manner: A trail was 
made and the eggs, on the point of hatching, were carried to the lake 
in a specially made back-pack holding 50,000. The eggs were then 
placed in hatching trays, one layer deep, and two trays thus loaded, 
with an empty one on top for a cover, were securely fastened to- 
gether. This stack was then placed in a small spring tributary with 
rocks underneath the corners to keep it off the bottom and more on 
top to keep it down, and left there until the fry were free-swimming. 
Every week or two these were inspected, and at the proper time the 
fry were released. 


Discussion. 


Dr. HE. EH. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: It may be interesting to those of 
you who do not know the Pacific rivers very well to learn that 20 to 30 
years ago the Fraser produced the sockeye or red salmon in probably 
greater abundance than any other known river. These salmon proceeded 
to the upper waters of the Fraser, 500 miles upstream. Other schools 
proceeded to nearer spawning grounds, within 50 or 60 or 100 miles; thus 
there was a succession of schools of sockeyes from June until October, 
even sometimes into November. As the result of a very serious condition, 
the upper spawning grounds of the Fraser were cut off for some years, and 
the earlier runs were practically destroyed. This was the primary cause 
of the decline of the stream. It is generally recognized that the sockeye 
salmon spawn in streams tributary to a lake which itself empties into the 
main river. The Fraser River illustrates the life history of the sockeye 
to a remarkable degree. It really is not a very large river; but it has 
immense spawning areas. Now, the question arises as to whether the size 
to which the sockeye attains before it begins to descend is due to this 
distance from the sea and to the fact that the food is inadequate for such 
immense numbers of fish in the upper waters. 

Mr. G. C. LEAcH, Washington, D. C.: One of the important sockeye 
salmon stations of the Bureau of Fisheries is at Yes Bay, Alaska, produc- 
ing in a good season from 60,000,000 to 70,000,000 eggs. It is located at 
the head of Lake McDonald which is about five miles in length and con- 
nected with the ocean by a small stream about 3 miles long. The young 


94 


salmon placed in Lake McDonald, after the yolk sac is absorbed or after 
a short feeding period, leave the lake in large numbers when about three 
inches in length the following May or June, approximately a year later. 
The young fish have been fed some with salted salmon, also with fresh 
Dolly Varden trout. They are usually fed from one to three months, after 
which they seek their own food. In the spring of the year the young 
salmon are found around the edges of the lake devouring the remains of 
the parent fish. For this reason it is believed that when the food becomes 
scarce in the lake they usually run out into the sea. 

Mr. Robertson refers to planting sockeye eggs in more or less barren 
lakes and inaccessible waters. About two years ago this was tried at 
Yes Bay. The eyed eggs were planted in the gravel of the lakes or 
streams and hatched under natural conditions. If we stock the barren 
lakes, and the fish can reach the sea, it will mean the protection of the 
young fish from Dolly Varden trout and other enemies which do not reach 
such waters. Such plants must be given careful study and the number to 
be planted must be based upon stream conditions, food and the chances 
of survival. I believe eyed eggs should be planted within ten days or a 
week of the hatching period and no attempt made to cover them up if in a 
flowing stream. If in a lake, 1,000 eggs or so placed on a hatching tray 
set on coarse gravel and covered would be preferable. 

Dr. G. C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: It is generally believed on the Pacific 
coast, and supported by very good evidence, that the sockeye, together with 
its near relative the little landlocked red salmon, does not compete with 
other salmons and trouts for food, their principal food being microscopic 
erustaceans. I saw a number of stomachs which were in the possession of 
Dr. Victor Smith at the University of Washington, and in all of these there 
was a mass of entomostraca. I noticed no other forms whatever. All 
were microscopic organisms. These fish were adults, while the little red 
salmon were from 10 to 16 inches long. I also saw some stomachs taken 
from larger sockeyes which contained entomostraca. As I remember, they 
were two or three years old. I do not know whether it was due to a 
preference for that food or scarcity of other natural foods. I think Dr. C. 
H. Gilbert makes the statement that the gill rakers are a little longer and 
more closely set than in other salmon. That would indicate they were 
eapable of straining out finer food. Seeing those salmon full of these 
small crustaceans indicates to me their preference for such food. 


Mr. ARTHUR MERRILL, Sutton, Mass.: I would like to inquire as to the 
survival of the young sockeye salmon sent by the Government to Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland this spring. They were about four inches long. Last 
week I learned that some had been caught there with hook and line 10% 
-Iinches in length. I should like to know whether in the opinion of Mr. 
Leach they will survive? 


Mr. LeacH: The Bureau of Fisheries does not make any attempt to 
stock eastern waters with sockeye salmon. The fish mentioned by Mr. 
Merrill were from eggs sent to Central Station, Washington, D. C., for 
exhibition. It is my opinion that a few may survive and reach maturity, 
but I doubt if they will reproduce and maintain themselves on the eastern 
seaboard. It is a different story with the humpback salmon. In the fall 
of 1916, 4,000,000 eyed eggs were shipped from the Pacific Coast to the 


95 


hatchery at Craig Brook, Me., and in the following spring 3,900,000 finger- 
lings were planted in Dennys River. In the fall of 1919 the Craig Brook 
station collected approximately 500,000 eggs from these salmon which had 
returned to spawn. They ranged from five to six pounds in weight. 

Mr. Merrit: In Massachusetts waters only the chinook is handled. 
So far as concerns the work on the Merrimac River, there have been no 
results at all. We have had varying results in the ponds. Some ponds, 
for a brief period, gave very good results, but we had the same experience 
as in other places. After a brief period of very interesting fishing, it 
fell off to practically nothing. The work has been discontinued. The 
fish were planted as fingerlings, varying in age from three to six months. 

Mr. Leacu: I understand the Massachusetts Commission endeavored 
to establish Pacific salmon in their streams and landlocked lakes, and that 
those in the lakes reached very good size, but never reproduced. It is 
important to know if the species will maintain itself in such an environ- 
ment. Is there on record any instance of the chinook salmon reproducing 
in those lakes? 

Mr. Merritt: There is no instance of reproduction in the lakes of the 
State, but at the Sandwich station the fish matured and spawned and the 
resulting fry grew to fingerlings. This was accomplished last year under 
artificial conditions. 


96 


SOME FISH-CULTURAL NOTES, WITH SPECIAL 
REFERENCE TO PATHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS 


By CHARLES O. HAYFORD 


Superintendent, State Fish Hatchery, Hackettstown, N. J. 


A fish culturist, operating on a large scale, is confronted with 
many problems, but he also has many remedies in his own back yard 
with which to combat these difficulties. In the summer of 1919 the 
Fish and Game Commission of New Jersey set aside a small sum of 
money to be used for experimental purposes, as directed by the writer, 
for overcoming certain difficulties which it was believed could be cor- 
rected. Investigations have been conducted by Dr. George C. Em- 
body, assisted by Frederick Tresselt, and Professor W. T. Foster, 
assisted by Robert W. Hodgson. A brief resumé of some of these 
investigations follows. 


FEEDING AND DISEASES OF TROUT 


Experiments were carried on during the summer of 1920 to de- 
termine the value of the various artificial and natural foods used for 
trout at the Hackettstown Hatchery. These experiments clearly 
demonstrate the value of natural food in the diet of hatchery trout 
together with the relative importance of the artificial food combina- 
tions.” 

The production of the greatest possible number of fish through 
the elimination of all factors detrimental to the increase of the same, 
is the object of every fish culturist. To accomplish this, a careful in- 
vestigation of each of these factors is necessary. The greatest re- 
duction in the number of fish, under hatchery conditions, is brought 
about by disease. Each individual hatchery has its own problems, 
although more or less general conditions prevail throughout. In this 
hatchery we have been confronted with two important diseases, one 
protozoan and the other bacterial. The protozoan disease, namely, 
Ichthyophthirius multifilis, was present during the seasons previous to 
1920. It affected the rainbow trout. This is not recognized as a 
serious trouble, in view of the fact that a very specific cure is known, 
and once the diagnosis is made, the disease can be eliminated. 

The case is somewhat different with the other disease, which is 
more or less common throughout the country. It is of bacterial 
origin and is characterized by the development of gray spots on the 
head in the region of the cerebral hemispheres, followed by an appar- 


1 Transactions, American Fisheries Society, Vol. L, pp. 251-256, 1920. 


97 


ent loss of balance, causing a spiral whirling. Death generally occurs 
shortly after this stage is reached. The fish affected are those in their 
first year, from May to September, which for the Hatckettstown 
hatchery would mean fish from 1% to 4 inches in length. Both 
brook and brown trout were affected, but the brook trout to a greater 
extent. 


The two possible sources of this organism are the water and the 
food. In view of the fact that this disease, as far as known, is 
not present among fish in the native streams, the possibility of the 
transmission of the organism by water may be eliminated. The 
examinations of the various foods such as beef liver and sheep plucks 
show the presence of organisms not unlike those isolated from the 
diseased fish. The study of these organisms has not been carried 
on to a sufficient extent to show that they are identical, but it sug- 
gests a possible relationship. It was thought that the presence of dis- 
solved gases such as CO* and O might be looked upon as a very 
important contributing factor in the loss of fish in the hatchery, but 
a series of experiments carried on in the laboratory has shown this 
factor is negligible. No noticeable difference appeared between equal 
numbers of fish held in two ponds, one showing a maximum of CO’ 
and the other its absence. 


The substitution of natural food such as Asellus and maggots 
for artificial food, as beef liver, was the next logical step. Since, 
under natural conditions, the fish subsist entirely on insect food, it 
appears that there must be a certain something, such as a vitamine, 
which is present in the natural food and lacking in the artificial. This 
vital substance apparently has an inhibitory effect upon the offending 
organism within the body of the fish. Experiments have shown that 
when the disease appears in the hatchery a change of diet to natural 
food has checked its further progress. On the return to the previous 
food, immunity continues for from four to five weeks or more. This 
has been worked out with both brown and brook trout but more 
especially with the brook trout. Some aquatic insects seem to possess 
greater germicidal properties, while another type of insect food pos- 
sesses greater nutritive value. A combination of two, when more 
scientifically worked out, may solve the problem of loss of fish by 
this disease, as was indicated by feeding experiments carried on 
during the summer of 1920. The whole problem narrows down to 
one of diet, but without doubt the diet would have to be modified as 
required by the conditions at the different hatcheries. Each fish cul- 
turist would therefore have to work out his specific salvation based 
on his own conditions, but according to general facts. 


98 


FEEDING YOUNG BASS 


Stomach examinations of young bass carried on at the Hacketts- 
town station show that during the first few weeks of their existence 
their food consists almost entirely of microcrustacea, the predomi- 
nating organisms in their order of importance being Cyclops, Simo- 
cephalus, Chydorus and Scapholeberis. These forms can all be pro- 
duced in the rearing ponds, and by the time the quantity of smaller 
organisms has been reduced the fish will have attained a sufficient size 
to take large organisms and will prefer them as food. It is at this 
time that the supply should be supplemented by the daily introduction 
of some form of natural food which is abundant and easy to secure. 

At this station we have fed the following organisms with good 
results, all of which we can produce in quantities large enough to be 
of importance: 


Abbott’s minnow (Notropss chalybaeus abbotti) 
Larva of the Mayfly (Callibaetis culex) 

Larva of the Culex mosquito 

Maggot of the flesh-fly 

Water boatman, or Corixa 

Fresh-water sow-bug, or Asellus. 

All of these organisms are most abundant during the months of 
June, July, and August, during which period they are also in greatest 
demand by the bass culturist. While they are all utilized to some 
extent, certain of the organisms are more acceptable to the fish and 
are taken more readily than others. The mosquito and Mayfly larve 
and the small minnows are the forms most eagerly taken, while the 
maggots and young sow-bugs are rejected at first but taken readily 
enough when the young bass become accustomed to them. The Corixa 
is taken readily by the larger fingerling bass. By the use of these 
natural foods we find the bass can be trained to feed at a certain spot 
with the same avidity as do trout. Experiments are now being con- 
ducted to ascertain the possibility of rearing the fresh-water shrimp 
(Gammarus fasciatus) in large enough quantities to be of importance 

as a food for the young bass. 


Discussion. 


Mr. C. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: At the Hackettstown hatch- 
ery we have 164 trout ponds arranged in 17 separate parallel lines and 
all are fed by spring water. They contain brook, brown and rainbow trout, 
existing under identical conditions, and yet the mortality will vary widely. 
The mortality record for the day may show one pond to be normal, a loss 
of 40 in a second, 25 in a third, and 50 in a fourth. The reason for this 
wide variation when the ponds and the fish are identical in all respects 


99 


and are handled the same, is one of the problems we are attempting to 
solve. 

Generally speaking, we can correct excess mortality by substituting 
for meat such natural insect foods as fly maggots, the larva of the Culex 
mosquito, and the fresh-water sow bug. I would like to emphasize the fact 
that when the meat diet is stopped and natural food is substituted the 
affected fish live a great deal longer and a large proportion of them re- 
eover. Three or four other hatcheries have obtained practically the same 
results. It is noticeable that when we place affected fish in natural 
streams where they secure insect food a large proportion immediately 
recover. 

We have found that fish flesh and intestines are more attractive to 
flies than other flesh, such as sheep liver and lungs, and that, if the 
weather conditions are the same, a given amount of flesh distributed in 
numerous small quantities over a large area will produce more maggots 
than the same amount placed in one spot. The mosquito larve are secured 
by pond fertilization with skimmed milk, according to the method which 
Dr. Embody has explained in a paper at this meeting. The sow bug or 
Asellus is developed in a stream which is choked with water cress and 
Elodea canadensis, and which receives the washings and waste water 
from the trout ponds. It is estimated that 100 bushels of these bugs 
were secured from this stream during the summer of 1921. About 150 
tons of fish food of all kinds is used at the hatchery each year. A daily 
record of the mortality of each individual pond is charted and a glance 
shows when the mortality of any particular pond is rising. One instance 
of the value of our chart method was a spring fed pond which supplied 
some trout ponds, but the water did not produce the same results as were 
secured by using water from other spring fed ponds. This year the spring 
was enlarged and deepened, and aquatic plants and insects were placed 
in the ponds, which now are among our most successful for raising trout. 


Mer. G. C. LeacH, Washington, D. C.: Do I understand that the para- 
site Ichthyopthirius has given you considerable trouble at Hackettstown? 


Mr. Hayrorp: No, it has not. Most of our water has a temperature 
of about 50°, at which the parasite causes no trouble. Rainbow trout, 
however, need a temperature of from 60° to 65° and at this temperature 
the disease becomes serious. We have found a method of eradication 
which consists simply of placing the affected fish in a pond with a strong 
flow of water. Since the parasite must leave the body of the fish to 
propagate, it is at once swept away by the water. The ponds from which 
the fish have been taken are treated with a one per cent solution of 
milk lime. We have always been able to confine this trouble to one pond, 
and since the foregoing method was tried have had no further outbreaks. 


Mr. LEacH: In our aquarium at Washington we have trouble with 
the parasite Ichthyopthirius every spring, when the temperature of the 
river water gets above 50° F. At that temperature or below the growth of 
the parasite is arrested. The trouble continues until the temperature rises 
to about 65°, and then it disappears. We have never treated fish with 
a lime solution, though we have tried common baking soda. We put the 
fish in a trough containing about as strong a solution of the soda as 


100 


they will stand. A saturated solution of soda is then applied with a 
paint brush to both sides of the fish, which is immediately thereafter 
put in the weaker solution of soda. This is very effective in killing the 
parasites, although difficult to do because they will bury themselves in the 
mucous membrane. 

Dr. D. L. Betpinc, Hingham, Mass.: The subject of fish disease is 
important to the fish culturist because the ultimate and continued success 
of a hatchery depends in a large measure upon freedom from disease. 
Fish are subject to diseases of various kinds: nutritional, developmental, 
parasitic, and bacterial, not to mention mechanical injury, e.g., water 
pollution. With the exception of a few protozoans, crustaceans, and 
worms, the parasitic diseases are of minor importance. The fish culturist 
is chiefly concerned with the bacterial diseases, especially the epidemics 
which at times threaten to ruin completely his hatchery. I believe that 
the work of Mr. Hayford, Dr. Foster and Dr. Embody, looking toward 
the prevention of disease by building up the resistance of the fish by 
means of proper environment, natural food, and selective breeding, is 
a most important step towards the prevention of disease in our hatch- 
eries. However, steps must also be taken to combat disease directly, 
since the virulence of the invading organism, as well as the resistance of 
the fish, must be considered. If you can eliminate the organism or reduce 
its virulence, you will solve the problem. 


In the summer of 1920, at one of the Massachusetts state hatcheries, 
we lost our entire stock of fingerling and adult brook trout, owing to 
an epidemic of the disease commonly known as “Furunculosis,” which is 
eaused by a pleomorphic bacillus. Possibly six writers in Hurope and the 
United States have described organisms so similar that I believe we have 
to deal with a general group, the individual members of which differ in 
virulence, in type of lesions, and in certain other characteristics. The 
disease which became epidemic during the summer months first broke 
out in the previous December, but caused slight mortality during the 
cold weather. As the temperature of the water taken from a 10-acre 
pond rose above 55° F., the number of deaths began to increase, and by 
the time it had reached 60° F. the disease had become epidemic, spreading 
from pool to pool, until all the fish were infected. At the height of the 
epidemic, a death rate of 500 adults per day was attained. If we had 
been able to keep the temperature of the water below 55° F., this par- 
ticular disease could never have assumed epidemic proportions. The 
chances of having epidemics are considerably lessened when the tempera- 
ture of the water at a hatchery is less than 55° F., even though cold 
water itself will not entirely eliminate disease. As a rule, the warmer 
‘the water, the more difficult is the control of an epidemic, owing to the 
lowered resistance of the fish and the maximum growing temperature for 
the bacteria. To illustrate, in Furunculosis, at 57° F., it takes five days 
to kill inoculated fish, while at 65° F., similarly treated fish die in two 
days. 


While I shall confine my remarks to only one bacterial disease, 
Furunculosis, the same general principles hold true for all bacterial dis- 
eases. Furunculosis is spread chiefly from fish to fish by direct contact, 


101 


but it may be transmitted through the water. Subcutaneous injections 
of bacteria are almost invariably fatal, but feeding either material from 
the lesion or cultures of the bacteria causes few deaths. Evidently the 
fish do not invariably acquire the disease when exposed to bacterial infec- 
tion unless there is a local lesion or a point of lowered resistance. 'There- 
fore, continued contact with diseased fish is an important means of spread- 
ing the disease. The artificial condition of hatchery rearing favors the 
tendency to keep the maximum number of fish per pool. The fish receive 
unnatural food and do not get exercise as in nature. Thus, the chances 
for catching the disease and the spreading of an epidemic are very much 
greater among hatchery fish. The only practical treatment is - radical 
elimination by killing the infected and exposed fish and thoroughly steril- 
izing the pools. Early diagnosis and prompt action are necessary to check 
bacterial diseases. Radical methods offer the only efficient method of 
handling such epidemic diseases. 

In hatchery work the prevention of disease, not the treatment of in- 
dividual fish, is the prime essential, except in the case of valuable aqua- 
rium fish. Mechanical or chemical methods of treatment are of little or 
no value for the septiczemic diseases. With the exception of the beneficial 
effect upon fungus of the salt, and possibly the mud, bath all the empiri- 
eal methods handed down from the dark ages of fish culture are value- 
less in combatting bacterial epidemics, and frequently do more harm than 
good. In treating fish infected with Furunculosis, I have tried every 
method I had ever heard of, and the untreated fish lived longer than the 
treated, probably due to the additional handling. In my opinion, we havs 
all been laboring under a delusion, as regards the efficiency of the bath 
and the chemical treatment of bacterial diseases of fish. 

Mr. J. W. Titcoms, Albany, N. Y.: Were the fish in water above the 
pools? 

Dr. BeLpING: They were in separate pools fed chiefly by springs, 
but were unfortunately contaminated by implements used in the diseased 
pools, a condition which could have been avoided if rigid isolation had 
been enforced. To illustrate the practicability of absolute isolation in this 
connection, it may be stated that this particular hatchery had two divi- 
sions—one at Sandwich, and the other at East Sandwich—three miles 
apart, and that, by instituting a rigid quarantine, the Sandwich division 
was kept entirely free from disease. I believe we could have quarantined 
those fingerlings, although it would be more difficult because of proximity, 
seepage from contaminated ground, and fish-eating birds. This spring the 
disease was checked by promptly destroying 600 fish in one pool where 
infection was discovered. That is a debatable question. At the time, I 
decided that it was better to kill the fish in order to keep Massachusetts 
waters absolutely free from this disease. Since then, I have found dis- 
eased wild fish, indicating that Massachusetts is not free from this par- 
ticular disease, although possibly it is less prevalent than in New York, 
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Now, I would be inclined to recommend 
that these fish be put into some coastal streams of limited range and the 
results watched. Of the 600 fish referred to probably less than 10 per 
cent would be infected, and they would spread over a comparatively 
wide territory. It is probable that the 10 per cent would die without 


102 


infecting the others, and even possible that the diseased fish might recover, 
though in the hatchery I have never seen any fish recover from the dis- 
ease, nor have I noted any immunity among the survivors of an epidemic. 

Mr. Titcoms: Is it not true in most instances where there are diseased 
fish that if you liberate them when not too far gone so they have natural 
conditions and a free run, a large proportion of them will recover? 

Dr. BELDING: If we are not contaminating new waters the thing to do 
is to put out the fish and let nature take its course. I do not know the 
origin of that disease but it has been found in 25 rivers in Bavaria, and 
in this country is prevalent in New Jersey and New York. It is not limited 
to the trout or salmon family, since many salt and fresh water species 
are susceptible to artificial inoculation. I have not found this disease in 
salt water fish, under natural conditions, but believe it may exist. Cir- 
cumstantial evidence indicates that this epidemic was started by feeding 
whiting. Low vitality would render the fish more susceptible to the dis- 
ease, but I believe that the strongest hatchery trout would in time suc- 
cumb to this virulent disease. For instance, the landlocked salmon are 
more, and rainbow trout less, susceptible than the brook trout. Both the 
rainbow trout and the brown trout are more resistant to disease generally. 

Mr. Tircomsp: We might say that all our trout, under these intensive 
conditions which are not quite norma], would naturally be more susceptible 
than they would be in wild waters. 

Dr. BELDING: Naturally, the disease would spread by contact infection 
more easily at the hatcheries. About 40 per cent of the diseased fish show 
local lesions in the form of external abscesses and ulcers. The peritoneum 
is also affected in certain cases and a thin bloody fluid exudes from the 
vent. In crowded pools other fish are constantly in contact with this in- 
fectious material. So far as I know no animals except fish are susceptible 
to this particular disease which evidently spreads through the water from 
fish to fish and occurs in the wild state. It is possible that at some time 
this was a harmless bacterium which later acquired pathogenic properties 
for fish. The bacterium which we isolated at the Sandwich hatchery was 
first called Bacterium salmonicida in 1894 by Emmerich and Weibel in 
Bavaria, and Bacterium trutte in 1904 by Marsh in the United States. 

Mr. TircomB: Do you think this disease can be connected with 
pollution? 

Dr. BEtpInc: Ido not. The earlier investigators believed it was due 
to water polluted with organic materials from barnyards, not the chemical 
trade waste pollution of today, but later observations have completely dis- 
proved this idea. 

Mr. J. M. Crampton, New Haven, Conn.: At our hatchery last spring 
- we had 100,000 two-inch trout which died at the rate of about 10,000 a day 
until all were gone. Their eyes were protruding and they were transparent. 
The water temperature was 56° F. and Professor Rutger of Yale University 
said it was as fine as any spring water he had examined. Those who 
furnished the liver and melts fed to the fish declared them fit for table 
use. The minute we put the fish into another spring, or tank from another 
spring, they died more quickly than those held in the original trough. We 
salted the springs and did everything we could think of to save them, but 
they all died in about 10 days. I have since heard that there is not a State 


103 


in the Union but has had these same epidemics. There is an excavation 
which runs directly down to the head of the spring, and we had imagined 
that oiling the road had polluted the water; but Professor Rutger says 
there was absolutely nothing of the kind there. 

Dr. W. T. Foster, Easton, Pa.: The only water ever found without 
organisms was from an artesian well. Water may be pure for drinking 
purposes and yet have organisms in it, and it still may affect fish, though 
not human beings. 

Dr. G. C. Emsopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: Can any of these scientists tell 
us what the chances are of carrying this disease from one hatchery to 
another in eggs or in the package used in shipping eggs? 

Dr. Betpine: I do not know. Diseases undoubtedly vary as regards 
transmission through eggs. In this particular disease you might be able to 
get uncontaminated eggs, since the majority of fish stripped would not be in- 
fected even if the disease were present among the brood stock. If fish with 
infected body cavities were stripped, the eggs would be directly contami- 
nated. Whether such eggs kept in running water would be thoroughly 
cleansed of bacteria before the fry were hatched is at present unknown. 
In this connection I seriously question the advisability of using raw fish 
as food in hatcheries, owing to the danger of transmitting bacterial and 
parasitic diseases. Pasteurizing or even bringing the food to a boil would 
completely elimate this danger, but feeding raw fish will always be a 
potential source of danger. 


Mr. Trtcoms: Is there more danger of transmitting the disease from 
fish than there is from liver? 


Dr. Betpinc: Fish infections are probably different from mam- 
malian diseases, and by using diseased fish for food you would expose your 
fish to diseases to which they were susceptible, whereas they probably would 
not be infected by diseased mammalian food. Cold storage liver in the 
course of handling might pick up a disease bacterium that would affect 
your fish, but the chances of producing any fish disease except nutritional 
or toxic disturbances are very slight. 


Mr. LeEacH: Do you believe that these bacterial diseases would be 
injurious to human beings? 


Dr. Betpinc: The causative organism of Furunculosis is not injuri- 
ous because it will not grow at human body temperature. 


Mr. LeacH: Most of the fish fed to fish in the Mississippi Valley 
are of the coarse species found there and are not considered of best quality 
for human consumption. I think they would be very free from any such 
disease. I think the same condition applies on the Atlantic Coast, except 
that the herring and other fish which would be fed might be too stale for 
the market. I do not see how they would contain such germs, especially 
since they are from salt water. 


Dr. BeLpInc: I am convinced that this disease is prevalent among 
salt water fish and that it can be transmitted by feeding diseased fish to 
trout. Definite proof upon this point is lacking, but Mr. Keil in his paper 
of yesterday mentioned cases where, in his experience, this particular dis- 
ease followed feeding fish food, and in the records of the United States 
Bureau of Fisheries there is also a description of a similar case. Thus 


104 


presumptive evidence, at least, suggests that there is a possible association 
between feeding fish as food and this disease. 

Mr. N. R. Butter, Harrisburg, Pa.: The bacterial disease referred 
to by Dr. Belding and Mr. Hayford is not new. Going back 30 years I 
know of a hatchery in Pennsylvania where an epidemic of this kind 
occurred. It is not always in high temperatures that the disease prevails, 
for here the maximum in the ponds was only 50° F. Drastic action was 
taken, every fish being killed and the ponds emptied and thoroughly steril- 
ized. The hatchery is in operation today and since that time there has been 
no trouble from the disease. I would hesitate to believe that this particular 
disease can be transferred in the eggs, for the reason that we have hatched 
many that came from stations where it was present, without any apparent 
development of the disease. 

Mr. Leacn: I never heard of the disease at our western stations 
where we take eggs from wild fish. It has only occurred at such 
stations as are supplied with eggs from commercial hatcheries, and I 
thought possibly it was due to the lowering of the vitality of those fish. 

Mr. Cartos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: I would like to know the opin- 
ion of these scientific men as to whether fish from wild streams would not 
be more liable to such diseases than healthy domesticated fishes, and 
whether immunity might be built up in these domesticated fishes, the same 
as in other animals? 

Dr. G. C. Empopy, Ithaca, N. Y.: At times during the last three 
years I have been working with Mr. Hayford in an effort to develop in 
trout a resistance to certain bacterial diseases. The results thus far are 
very promising, but we believe it will take six years, at least, to bring them 
to a point where we will be able to deduce any permanent conclusions. So 
far our experiments indicate a practical explanation of what happened in 
the case of the breeders at a certain hatchery. I am not sure that it was a 
bacterial disease there, but it was some kind of disease, and the presumption 
is that it was bacterial. At any rate the trout that were right below the 
basin which was so badly infected, did not take the disease. I understand, 
from what Dr. Belding said, that this disease rarely occurs in wild trout, 
that he found very few cases among the wild trout. Is that true? 


Dr. Betpine: I have never found it in wild trout, but have cited it 
in two pickerel from different ponds in Massachusetts. It has been reported 
in wild salmon and trout in Ireland and in a number of rivers in Bavaria. 
I also understand that it is present in wild fish in New York, New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania and is especially prevalent in certain private preserves. 


Dr. Emsopy: At any rate it is not so prevalent among wild fish as 
among hatchery fish, and in my opinion it is distinctly a disease of domes- ° 
tication. We have diseases of domestication in the history of our poultry 
breeding. If you take wild jungle fowl, from which all of our poultry are 
supposed to have come, and put them in a chicken coop and try to raise 
them like ordinary chickens, I am sure you would not raise very many. 
They are susceptible to the diseases of domestication. Our domestic poultry 
are resistant to those diseases. It has taken hundreds of years to bring 
that about through unconscious selection at a time when nothing was 
known about selective breeding. Something is known about that now and 
I believe we are justified in attempting to produce disease-resistant trout. 


105 


There are two ways in which the disease may probably be prevented ; 
one is by feeding a little natural food, as Mr. Hayford has done with some 
satisfactory results, and the other is by developing a disease-resistant 
strain. Undoubtedly the quickest way to get rid of the disease is to de- 
stroy all the infected fish, but that is not a permanent way. As was men- 
tioned in one case, the disease came back again in two years. I do not 
care how many ponds of fish you destroy, the disease is bound to return 
again, unless you develop a resistance in your fishes. I do not know how 
far this may be carried out, but if the results continue to pile up, I am 
sure that you will be greatly surprised when the experiments are finally 
concluded. 


106 





FISH PATHOLOGY 
By W. T. Foster 
Easton, Pennsylvania 


Early in the summer of 1920 the writer was called to the State 
fish hatchery at Hackettstown, N. J., for the purpose of carrying on 
some experiments in fish pathology, with special reference to the 
bacterial diseases of fish. But a comparatively small amount of work 
has been done along these lines, especially in the United States. The 
only investigator who has done much work along the line of fish dis- 
eases in general is Hofer of Germany, whose book, “Das Handbuch 
der Fisch Krankheiten,’:has not yet been translated into English. 

Most diseases among fish are caused by plant and animal micro 
and macro organisms. Comparatively little is known concerning the 
diseases caused by the microscopic vegetable organisms or bacteria. 
Bacteria are microscopic plants comprising a subdivision of the fungi. 
The two more important diseases with which we have come in con- 
tact at the hatchery, and which are more or less universal, are those 
caused on the one hand by a microscopic animal and on the other by 
a microscopic plant. The first mentioned disease is caused by an 
infusorian of the protozoan group known as the Ichthyophthirius mul- 
tifilis. It is comparatively easy to detect this organism by the pres- 
ence of small, grayish, pimple-like protuberances on the bodies of the 
fish. By scraping off one of these and placing it under the micro- 
scope the actively moving organism can be seen, thus substantiating 
the naked eye diagnosis. 

A specific cure for this disease is known, and, therefore, should 
not receive our serious attention. It is a matter of keeping our eyes 
open, and once the disease is detected in its incipiency, the thera- 
peutic measure is simple. This disease is fully discussed elsewhere. 
With the bacterial diseases the case is quite different. A number of 
diseases of this type have been fully described ; the organisms causing 
them have been isolated and classified, but the eradication of these 
diseases when once they appear creates a difficult problem which is 
not easy to solve. 

The one bacterial organism with which we come in contact per- 
haps more than any other and which creates more varied morbid 
conditions in fish, is that described by Marsh, formerly of the U. S. 
Bureau of Fisheries, and known as the “Bacterium trutte.” At the 
hatchery we have isolated what we believe to be the same organism, 
from the heart’s blood and from local lesions. The disease as we 


107 


have found it exhibits itself in a very peculiar but very definite way. 
It occurs mainly among two to three inch brook trout fingerlings. 
The first manifestation is the development of gray spots in the region 
or directly over the cerebral hemispheres, the spots increasing in size 
and finally running together. About this time the fish begins to 
gyrate in a more or less spiral fashion, which movements always, as 
far as observed, end in death. At the hatchery we have termed this 
disease the “whirling sickness” or the “cerebral spot disease.” In 
every instance the organism in great numbers has been isolated from 
the local lesions and the heart’s blood. This organism has been shown 
by Marsh to be of a pleomorphic type, that is, it exhibits different 
forms under different conditions. The writer believes that a number 
of diseases may be caused by different strains of this organism in 
somewhat the same sense that we have different strains of the Pneu- 
mococci and typhoid bacilli. Dr. David L. Belding, of Massachu- 
setts, has been confronted with what appears to be the same organism, 
producing in the adult brook trout ulcers which usually prove fatal. 
We have begun a comparison of these organisms with the belief that 
there is close relationship between the two. 

In making attempts to combat this disease, after learning the 
morphological and cultural characteristics of the organism, the plan 
was to ascertain the source and mode of infection. Attention was 
then directed to the water supply and the food. The food used at 
the Hackettstown hatchery consists of butterfish, beef liver, pork 
melts, and sheep plucks. Samples from different lots of this food 
taken from cold storage were examined, and organisms not unlike 
those above described were isolated from the sheep hearts and the 
beef livers. It was not possible to carry out the work sufficiently to 
prove that the organisms were normal to the beef and sheep, as these 
animals are warm blooded, while fish are cold blooded. It is quite 
possible for an organism of this type to gain access to the food men- 
tioned on being handled. 

The lactic acid bacillus is not present in milk while in the udder 
nor is it introduced into the milk intentionally, but always gains 
access on subsequent handling. If the food is proved to be a carrier 
of the organism, sterilization would eliminate it. If the water is the 
agent of transmission, the destruction of the bacteria would be a dif- 
ficult problem in view of the fact that any germicide now recognized 
for the treatment of water would have a very harmful effect on the 
fish. On the other hand, the organisms isolated from the heart’s 
blood and from the local lesions in the fish have proved to be very 
resistant to germicidal agents. In laboratory experiments these bac- 


108 





teria have been placed in an iodine solution directly on a microscopic 
slide and the organisms continued their activities, apparently 
unaffected in the slightest degree. 

The same was true in the case where local lesions were treated 
with this solution, the organisms showing no effect of the germicide. 
The preparation of a vaccine or an antitoxin, although proved to be 
effective, would be out of the question because of the impossibility 
of application due to the size and number of the fish that would 
require the treatment. 

In the above investigations the work has not been carried far 
enough to prove anything definitely, and the results of our observa- 
tions are given simply as food for thought, with the feeling that 
others may be sufficiently interested to carry on further experiments, 
eventually of great value to fish culture. 

But in view of all these facts, the writer is of the firm opinion 
that the diseases that prove to be the most disastrous are those of 
bacterial origin, and, owing to their nature, mode of transmission, and 
apparent resistance to recognized germicidal agents, can only be con- 
trolled by the creation or rather development of an immune strain of 
fish. Fish in the native streams as far as we know are immune to 
these diseases. This immunity has been developed naturally and there 
is no reason why this condition among fish in our hatcheries cannot be 
developed artificially by subjecting them to the disease in question 
and breeding from the survivors of each succeeding generation. In 
view of the present facts this seems to be the only solution of the 
problem. 


109 


BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL 
PACK OF CANNED SALMON* 


By Recinatp H. FIEDLER 


Seattle, Washington 


It is well known that bacteria cause spoilage of canned salmon. 
At the present time there is much agitation on the part of salmon can- 
ners to determine just how long to process salmon in order to kill 
any bacteria present. When it is remembered that the annual pro- 
duction of canned salmon on the Pacific Coast exceeds 7,000,000 
cases, we find the question of grave importance. It requires a longer 
time to kill certain bacteria than others, as for instance spore-bearing 
bacteria will withstand a longer process than non-spore-bearing bac- 
teria. The purpose of this investigation will be to determine the 
length of time and the temperature of the process necessary to kill 
certain spore-forming bacteria inoculated in the cans before proces- 
sing. 


HISTORY 


Much literature has accumulated in the past quarter of a century 
in regard to the bacteriology of canned foods. However, very little 
of this scientific investigation touched upon the bacteriology of canned 
salmon. To throw some light on the present experiment it may be 
of value to give a short résumé of previous efforts along this line. 

The first scientific work in the bacteriology of fisheries products 
in this country was conducted in 1897 by Prescott and Underwood, 
who studied the spoilage of canned salmon and lobsters. They sepa- 
rated several species of bacteria from the samples studied. Inocula- 
tion with these brought results. They tested retort and water-bath 
sterilization and found the former to be the better method. 

In 1908 Cathcart, of the Lister Institute, made examination of 
“blown” sardines. A health officer had rejected these cans as unfit 
for food. Upon opening, the cans gave off a very violent smelling 
gas. Organisms of the B. coli type were isolated. Feeding these 
cultures to guinea pigs proved negative. 

Teyxeria, 1910, in Italy, investigated the cause of poisoning 
thought to be due to spoiled canned fish. He found several kinds of 


1 This experiment was unde:taken as a problem in the College of Fisheries, Univer- 
sity of Washington. The bacteriological work was carried on in the bacteriological 
laboratory of the University, under the personal supervision of Dr. John Weinzirl, head 
of the Department, to whom the author is indebted for advice. 

Printed by permission of the College of Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle. 


110 


bacteria present, including L. prodigiosus, B. botulinus, B. enteritidis, 
and two molds of minor importance, indicating serious underproces- 
sing, leaky cans, or contamination of cultures. 

In 1911 Sammet studied different kinds of fish put up in cans in 
various ways. He found some of those preserved in vinegar spoiled 
and had acetic bacteria present, also spore formers of the mesen- 
tericus group were present. In salted fish, such as anchovies, he 

While working for the Bureau of Chemistry, Mrs. Obst exam- 
found micrococci and, rarely, bacteria of the mesentericus group. 
ined sardines and isolated a spore former resembling, if not identical 
with, B. walfischrauschbrand (Nielson). Sadler of Canada isolated 
bacteria from canned sardines. In examination of the cottonseed oil 
used, no bacteria were isolated. 

Dr. Weinzirl, in 1918, studied canned salmon and found two out 
of 17 cans contained living bacteria, or other organisms. He also 
found the colon group prevailing in canned sardines. Since the in- 
testines are not removed from the fish it may be that the bacteria 
there present survive the processing. This group causes the can to 
swell and spoils the fish as well. 

In 1919, Hunter and Thom examined 537 cans of salmon and 
found 237, or 44.7 per cent, contained living organisms in one form 
or another. The high prevalence of non-sterile cans might in part be 
due to the class of canned goods inspected. They confined their in- 
vestigations largely to canned salmon rejected by the Quartermaster 
Corps. They isolated a peculiar spore former that has a tendency to 
redden the meat of salmon and whose spores resisted a considerable 
degree of heat. 

In the National Canners’ Association laboratory, Bagley Hall, 
University of Washington, Seattle, 1920, Dr. C. R. Fellers, Mr. 
R. W. Clough, and Mr. O. E. Shostrom found in over 200 normal 
commercial packs of salmon an average of 7.2 per cent of non-sterile 
cans. In suspected packs this percentage was much higher. In an 
experimental pack of canned salmon prepared in the same laboratory, 
only 4 per cent were found non-sterile. The fish were canned in 
one-half pound flat cans and were processed 80 minutes at 240° F. 


DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENT 


Cultures used. Cultures were obtained from the bacteriology 
department, University of Washington, and subcultures were streaked 
on agar petri plates, these plates being used because they have a large 
surface upon which to get an abundant growth. In all cases the 
subcultures were allowed to incubate not less than three days. This 
gave ample time for the formation of spores. Spore-forming bac- 


ia Gl 


teria were used. This type of organism is more resistant to heat and 
thus would be of more practical value in the experiment. It is also 
found the greatest number of times in canned salmon. The follow- 
ing bacteria were used: B. albolactus, B. vulgatus, B. mycoides, B. 
sporogenes, B. botulinus, B. cereus, B. pseudotetanicus, Hunter and 
Thom’s bacillus (B. mesentericus, Flugge), a thermophile, and soil 
from the street. 

Canning. White king salmon were obtained from local whole- 
sale fish dealers, which had been caught in the waters of Alaska 
by trollers, iced, and then shipped to Seattle. At the time of canning, 
the fish were at least a week old, and perhaps older, but as they had 
been kept at a comparatively low temperature they were in very good 
condition. All the canning was done in the canning laboratory of the 
College of Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle. After being 
thoroughly cleaned, heads removed as well as fins and viscera, the fish 
were hand packed in one-half pound flat sanitary salmon cans. 

Inoculation of cans. In inoculating the cans a short wire was 
smeared over the cuture prepared and thrust into the meat as near 
the center of the can as possible. Reasonable care was taken to ward 
off any contamination. Eighty-eight cans were filled and inoculated, 
40 cans on April 8 and 48 cans May 13, 1921. As a control, 8 of 
the latter, two for each temperature, were not inoculated. Each kind 
of bacteria was inoculated in eight different cans. All the cans were 
then exhausted for 15 minutes at 212° F. with the top on loosely 
(clinched). After exhausting they were double-seamed and proc- 
essed, two of each inoculation for 45 minutes, two for 60 minutes, 
two for 75 minutes, and two for 90 minutes, all at 240° F. 

By varying the time factor and keeping the process temperature 
the same, but one variable element entered into the experiment. In 
selecting the time factors, 45 minutes was taken because it was 
thought with good reason that this length of time was entirely too 
short and would give a basis for comparison. Sixty minutes was 
thought to be just a little under normal; 75 minutes was thought suf- 
ficient, and 90 minutes too long. In short, there were selected two 
lengths of time thought to be too short, one too long, and one about 
normal. After processing, the cans were allowed to cool naturally. 

Method of examination. In examining the cans of salmon, an 
attempt was made to isolate all the types and species of organisms 
found to be present, and learn their relation to the bacteria originally 
inoculated in the cans. It should be kept in mind that some bacteria 
were in the salmon from the start. The scheme adopted is the one 
worked out by Dr. Weinzirl, of the University of Washington, and 


112 


; 
j 





was used in every case. Organisms looked for included anaerobes, 
aerobes, and thermophiles. The anaerobes and thermophiles were 
not fully identified, there being no positive way of determining their 
identity. Aerobes were fully identified. 


The standard method followed consisted of obtaining these cul- 
tures from the fish in each can, i. e., two petri plates were cultured 
from the meat, one petri plate from the juice, a mass culture from the 
meat, and an anaerobic glucose agar culture from the meat. The 
petri plates were incubated at 37°C. The mass culture was incu- 
bated at 37° C. and 55° C. This method would favor the growth of 
bacteria whose optimum temperature is 37° and of thermophiles 
whose optimum temperature is 55°C. The anaerobic culture (glu- 
cose agar) would favor the growth of anaerobic bacteria whose opti- 
mum temperatures are 37° and 55° C. The glucose agar was boiled 
previously to expel any air which might be in the tube. 


All mass culture bottles, petri dishes, test tubes, spoons, and can 
openers were thoroughly washed with soap and water, dried, and 
sterilized. The can was thoroughly washed and dried, and the top 
held over a gas flame to kill any bacteria remaining. The can was 
then opened with the sterile can opener, using due care not to con- 
taminate the contents. After the can was opened the top layers of 
meat were removed with the sterile spoon; this portion of the meat 
having been heated, the bacteria would likely be killed. A mass cul- 
ture was taken from the center meat, consisting of about four grams 
of meat, which was placed in a small, wide-mouthed bottle containing 
beef broth. The juice culture was taken with a spoon, which meas- 
ured about four cubic centimeters, placed in a petri dish and later 
covered with melted agar. The two meat cultures were placed in a 
tube, thoroughly ground up with a small sterile pestle, and placed in 
petri dishes. These cultures were also covered with melted agar. 
The anaerobic culture was placed in a test tube and mixed with 
glucose agar. All these cultures were then incubated at 37° C. for 
from three to five days. The mass and anaerobic cultures were later 
removed and incubated at 55° to detect thermophiles. 


The media for identification were potato, lactose fermentation 
tube, glucose fermentation tube, plain milk, litmus milk, and gelatine. 


Incubation. The cans examined were all incubated at room tem- 
perature from 5 to 26 days. In no case was any swell or leaky can 
noticed. With the first lots of cans the shortest process was exam- 
ined first, while with the second lot the longest process was examined 
first. The cans, as stated above, were heated or exhausted at 212° F. 


113 


for 15 minutes to secure the expulsion of air, thus forming a sterile 
vacuum. This is the general rule followed in most canneries. 


Organisms recovered. Bacteria isolated from the cans were of 
three types, aerobes, anaerobes, and thermophiles, their frequency 
being in the order named. The thermophiles found seemed to be all 
of the same type and no further identification was made of them. 
Anaerobes were detected but not identified. Having such a large 
group of aerobes, it was necessary to separate them into types before 
they could be finally identified, and this was done by subculturing 
upon potato. By this method many like, or apparently like, organisms 
separated. Those encountered the greatest number of times were 
distinguished by the following characteristics: B. subtilis (Ehren- 
berg), an abundant, beady growth upon potato, turning pink after 
about the first 24 hours, when incubated at 37° C.; B. vulgatus 
(Flugge), large, hanging folds, grayish white in color when incu- 
bated at 37° for 24 hours; and B. mesentericus (Flugge), a light 
buff, finely wrinkled growth when incubated at 37° from 24 hours to 
three days. Many organisms found had not been inoculated in the 
cans, and therefore must have been in the raw fish or cans used in 
the experiment. The following foreign organisms were recovered 
from the cans after processing, some of which were isolated from a 
single colony found on a petri plate: 


FOREIGN ORGANISMS RECOVERED 


No. of cans in 





Name which found. 
PNET MIOMOILES seh PIN eke sretafentvens ole Pere eter Bic teeta hereeemer cnametaret een 12 
PRT ROTOWES  tatous ue heehee w Aue te ORC OR TN et REr ister bie sae a Referee Pave eke one 5 
Pe VIS QEAING 2)5.5 sis.ons cto watunsevene Sl apebeeerc eleven ate vele is ieicteneieyekehene Oneonta 49 
aI CSCHCETICUS! signed tierce vateieteleue sonia ete See arcane en eee tT 
SSUES ETD ENG ce Messe co 5yus bs ace toetie saa petaN oh ates hehe Reset ne Paar ORE Te Ve Vea eC 14 
Wet UO OL UC EUS S ailasidr'a ce aiicra eed si oe a etio oe ee detache eles ona AG aNcIAC eee 12 
dC PHSI EI] 0) Fs Lt Ins Se ted PME eri ee BS Sa A Bice Sete al lcd aie sis bi 8 
B. cereus ...... We oid oer ds ds sehene ak) 6 leva eatiaweteh atin’ SuSHiek yelwte sets hater aie eee 15 
MET CEOCOCE eS eis sibs: co bara ee tone mie raha ra baiavey scatters ee ene 9 
SSENOP Ge SM io ssc 6S SIS e ere, Cera eule eee oats GAs IAS aT eee eto a | 
ACAI SUNOS. 5) 5'5.'s5. 9) e tatolatens lateiicte tolk oie lebane abana eT REI Oe eck 1 
ES PETUNIA EUS «52535 oud 0: dete os eect eolancie Rake SII CTO te eT Ere aie ee 1 





Of the ten organisms inoculated into the salmon four were recov- 
ered from eight different cans after processing. These bacteria are 
given in the following table, with the length of time the can was 
processed : 


114 





INTRODUCED ORGANISMS RECOVERED 








No. of cans in Minutes 
which found. Name processed. 

1 B. albolactus 45 

a B. vulgatus 45 

1 B. megatherium (soil) 45 

ib B. subtilis (soil) 60 

2 B. albolactus (soil) 75 

1 B. vulgatus 90 

1 B. albolactis (soil) 80 





Sterility. A can of salmon examined in this experiment was de- 
termined to be sterile when the meat and juice cultures incubated in 
the petri dish produced less than three colonies of any one bacterium, 
when a spreader was present which was the result of less than three 
colonies, when the mass culture showed sterility, and when no gas was 
produced in the anaerobic culture tube. In the case of the meat and 
juice petri plate cultures, the one or two colonies found at times 
may have been caused by an error in the technique, unsterile media, 
or an organism may have fallen into the plate. Thus judgment was 
somewhat reserved. The following table gives the results of the 
experimental pack: 


NON-STERILE CANS IN EXPERIMENTAL PACK 





“——e April 8 May 13 Total 

number Per- 
ee Number prea Number roa ae non- centage. 

=) Of cans. | sterite, | Of CABS: | sterile, sterile. 
45 min.. 10 10 1b. tf 17 UT 6 
60 min.. 10 = 12 1 5 22 
75 min..| 10 al ibe 2 3 14 
90 min.. 10 0 12 7 = 9 











From the above it appears that about 77 per cent of the 45-minute 
process were non-sterile, 22 per cent of the 60-minute process, 14 
per cent of the 75-minute process, and 9 per cent of the 90-minute 
process. These results compare favorably with the results obtained 
in the National Canners’ laboratory at Seattle. It should be remem- 
bered that this experimental pack was put up under the same condi- 
tions that prevail in the average salmon cannery. The fish used 
were somewhat older than those usually canned in a commercial 
plant, giving more chance for bacterial infection. 


115 


CONCLUSIONS 


1. But four of the original bacteria inoculated into the cans were 
recovered. 

2. The process time, according to this experiment, for one-half 
pound flat cans of salmon should be between 75 and 90 minutes at 
240° F. 

Discussion. 


Dr. E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: This paper interests practical 
men because, when it is printed they will get the facts as to the time and 
temperature at which to process fish products for the market. In Canada 
we have done a good deal of work on the canned lobster, especially on what 
is called the blackening of lobsters. You open a can of lobsters and observe 
a very bad color, a black appearance with sometimes a bluish cast which 
is not very presentable at the table. But the lobster itself may not be 
really harmful as a food. It is merely a case of a bacterium which spoils 
the appearance and, of course, from a market point of view that is ex- 
tremely important. From the food point of view it is less important. All 
bacteria are not the same. It is a very important matter for the bacteri- 
ologist to study minutely the various kinds of bacteria. From this paper we 
learn that thirteen different kinds of bacteria were found in canned salmon, 
yet I think we can lay it down as a general proposition that very rarely is 
canned salmon dangerous as food. All fish, of course, contain bacteria, 
and when the cans are filled and processed, these may or may not be killed. 
As a rule they are killed. This paper shows that only four survived even 
the comparatively low temperatures to which the author submitted them. 

In Canada Professor F. C. Harrison investigated blackened lobsters. 
last summer, and he found not thirteen, but I think about twenty-three, 
different bacteria in them. A person studying bacteria wants to know 
what the bacteria really do from a food point of view. 

Many present here will have been asked—I am sure the question has 
been asked hundreds of times by various people—what effect parasites have 
up(n the fish. In other words, when you find parasites in the flesh, skin, 
stomach, or intestines of a fish, is that fish fit for food? On the whole, 
I would say that no fish parasites are injurious to human beings. Every 
parasite as a rule, has two hosts. The first host may be a bird, but the 
second host is not a human being. If you find a parasite in fish its second 
host is in some of the lower animals, frequently invertebrates, but not a 
human being. In Italy some fish parasites are cooked by the Italians for 
food. 


116 


PUBLIC AQUARIUMS 
By Warp T. BoweEr 


Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 


For purposes of education and recreation too much cannot be 
said in behalf of public aquariums. As proof of this, one has but to 
observe the eager and interested faces of the multitudes of visitors 
at our all-too-few institutions of this character. Irrespective of age 
or station in life, whether savant on the one extreme or school 
child on the other, there exists a common and spell-binding interest 
in marine creatures properly displayed. Here lie unbounded educa- 
tional opportunities for the student of biology as well as for the most 
casual pleasure-seeker. Unfortunately but few municipalities have 
thus far recognized the great possibilities in this field. The public 
aquariums at New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Miami, Boston, and 
Washington should point the way to many other cities. The next 
large city to be favored in this regard is San Francisco, where 
through private benefaction funds have already been provided and 
plans about completed for the erection of a splendid public aquarium 
to be located’ in Golden Gate Park and operated at municipal expense 
under the immediate supervision of the California Academy of 
Sciences. 


Public aquariums are of comparatively modern origin. It was in 
the late sixties that an Englishman aroused an interest which soon 
caused various European cities, including London, Berlin, Paris, 
Hamburg, Hanover, Amsterdam, Brighton, and a little later Naples, 
to vie one with another in an effort to establish public aquariums. 
There were others, too, supported both by public and private enter- 
prise. Today probably the most famous and finest of all aquariums 
is that at Naples. 


In the earlier days of public aquariums it was deemed most appro- 
priate to construct them so as to produce marine-like impressions 
upon the visitor. Thus, cavernous and subterranean entrances and 
grotto-like galleries and passageways were much in vogue. In some 
instances this semblance was worked out very well, but ordinarily it 
was at the sacrifice of features which we recognize as of far greater 
importance, including lighting, ventilation, temperature regulation, 
the comfort of the public, and other considerations affecting both 
the economical and advantageous display of fishes and other marine 
forms. These modern features are of special importance and can be 


a, 


overlooked in no instance in the construction or operation of an 
aquarium. 

The ideal public aquarium should be equipped for the display of 
both salt and fresh water specimens. There should also be operated 
as an adjunct a model fish hatchery where the public may see the 
hatching and rearing of several species of fish such as shad, white- 
fish, pike perch, yellow perch, and other semi-buoyant eggs incubated 
in jars, and the non-buoyant eggs of salmon and trout hatched on 
trays in troughs. A valuable feature also in connection with a modern 
aquarium is a public lecture hall, where popular talks may be given 
by the director or members of the staff. A museum with certain pre- 
served aquatic specimens is also advisable. And still again, the main- 
tenance of balanced or self-sustaining aquariums adds another excel- 
lent feature for nature study in connection with school work. 

In maintaining displays of salt water fishes it is essential to have 
sea water. The experience of the Government with the aquarium at 
Washington and at several expositions clearly demonstrates this. 
Theoretically, sea water can be made of 81 parts of common salt, 7 
parts of magnesium sulphate, 2 parts of chloride of potassium, and 10 
parts of magnesium chloride, one pound making about three gallons. 
But fish do not thrive in it. Sea water, however, may be brought to 
the aquarium in tank cars and stored in reservoirs. It should be 
carefully filtered and may be used over and over again in a closed 
circulation. There should be one reservoir in reserve so that the water 
may “rest,” or recuperate, as it were. It should be filtered each time 
before use. All water whether fresh or salt should be regularly fil- 
tered in public aquariums. Impurities which may be deleterious to 
fish life are thus removed and turbidity affecting clear display is 
avoided. 

Since cleanliness is of prime importance, each aquarium should be 
cleaned on alternate days. On the days when not cleaned, feeding 
should occur. This plan has been adopted after many years of exper- 
imentation at Washington. One exception is the case of aquariums 
containing sea horses. These interesting fishes feed chiefly on Gam- 
marus, which small form of life does not reproduce rapidly if the 
aquarium is disturbed frequently. 

The food of fishes, reptiles, and aquatic mammals in captivity 
usually consists of chopped meat, clams, mussels, shrimps and small 
fish. It is essential in feeding not to be too generous; overfeeding 
is far worse than underfeeding. Surplus food should not be allowed 
to foul the bottom. 


Temperature rules must be carefully observed. Tropical salt 


118 





water fishes, which make such a splendid showing, should be kept at 
about 70° to 75° F., while trout and kindred varieties do best at 
45° to 55° F. This requires warming the water in the winter and re- 
frigerating it in the summer. 

Aquatic plants are not only essential in aquariums but they im- 
prove the scenic effect. Fish throw off carbonic gas and plants 
absorb it. Among the aquatic plants best suited to fresh water 
aquariums are Cabomba, Potamogeton, dwarf Sagittaria, Anacharis, 
and Myrtophyllum. Some species of the last named probably are 
preferable. For salt water aquariums Irish moss, red and green 
alge and sea lettuce are excellent aquatic plants; some aquariists 
consider the latter the best. 

Fishes suffer from maladies, both parasitic and non-parasitic. 
If they become infected with parasites, either internal or external, 
it is advisable to do away with them or at least segregate the infected 
ones for observation and treatment, though there is really not much 
that can be done for them. In the case of non-parasitic troubles, salt 
water baths have been found very beneficial, the solution in which the 
fish are temporarily immersed being quite strong. This treatment is 
considered a specific for vegetable growth or fungus caused by fre- 
quent or careless handling. 

In displaying fishes care must be taken to see that only com- 
patible species and sizes are kept in one container. For example, in 
a salt water aquarium it is not safe to put certain other species with 
angel fish, for the latter are likely to destroy them. Likewise it is 
folly to put bass and trout together, even though temperatures per- 
mitted. Most of the fishes ordinarily displayed are cannibalistic. 
Thus, trout in an aquarium must be of about equal size to avoid loss 
from this cause. 

Among the salt water fishes which are most interesting to the 
public may be mentioned the parrot fish, angel fish, squirrel fish, 
grouper, hind, sea horse, and yellowtail. Pleasing displays of fresh 
water fishes may be made of such species as salmon, trout, catfish, 
pike perch, bass, sunfish, muskellunge, goldfish, tench, dace, albino 
trout, bream, crappie, strawberry bass, whitefish—though hard to 
.keep—ling cod, and eels. Turtles make a most interesting display ; 
frogs also may be shown. Among the salamanders, newts, mud 
puppies, and hellbenders are of interest and are hardy. Clams and 
other mollusks are valuable in aquatic displays, but hard to keep. 


A pool or grotto containing seals or large fish is also most inter- 
esting and instructive in a public aquarium. Fur seals would be of 
greatest interest, but they are more difficult to secure and to keep 


119 


than ordinary harbor or hair seals. There are now no fur seals alive 
in captivity. The last pair died in September, 1918, at the aquarium 
of the Bureau of Fisheries in Washington. They had survived 
about nine years. 

Collections of specimens must be made from time to time to keep 
public aquariums properly stocked. Some are made locally and 
others at distant points. Exchanges may be made occasionally with 
other aquariums with mutual advantage, though to date this plan has 
not been adopted to any extent. The personal equation enters into 
this practice more or less, depending mainly on the acquaintance of 
the director of an aquarium with officials of similar institutions and 
Government or State officials. Arrangements may usually be made 
with the Bureau of Fisheries for shipments of specimens, also for 
supplies of eggs for incubation in the small hatchery which should be 
a part of every public aquarium. State fish commissions may also 
cooperate. 

Specimens secured at a distance require great care in transporta- 
tion, as fish are especially tender soon after capture. Specimens from 
4 to 12 inches in length can be successfully transported in ordinary 
10-gallon cans and larger fishes in larger receptacles. They must be 
kept at the proper temperature, and the water treated frequently 
either by lifting in a dipper and allowing to fall back slowly, or by 
forcing in compressed air through porous wood plugs in hard-rubber 
or metal liberators, as is done on the fish cars of the Federal and 
State fishery organizations. A special car is advisable for transport- 
ing specimens, though a small number of cans may be taken, by per- 
mission, in a regular baggage car. An attendant should accompany 
such shipments. Best of all, secure the use temporarily of a State 
or Government fish car for the transportation of valuable specimens 
any distance, such as, for example, from the Hudson River to Detroit. 
Tropical or semi-tropical salt-water specimens are secured chiefly at 
Key West, Fla., or the Bermudas. They are shipped in tanks on 
the inclosed decks of vessels, where proper temperature can be 
secured, the port of entry usually being New York. 


Specimens for display purposes may be purchased from fisher- » 


men, also from a few private breeders of trout, bass, goldfish, bream, 
sunfish, crappie, etc., in this country. Under ordinary circumstances 
good supplies of fish for exhibition, and the smaller common species 
to be fed to the others, may be secured locally by a collector regularly 
attached to the aquarium staff. 


Ordinarily, deep aquariums are better than shallow ones, as depth 
adds to the scenic effect, particularly if the lights and shadows are 


120 


i 
i 
iy 





ee ee ee 


made to appear in proper relationship. This tends to remove the 
effect of artificiality, especially if rocks, shells, and similar objects 
are judiciously placed. It makes the display more closely resemble 
natural surroundings and undoubtedly results in healthier fish. 

In displaying fishes it has been found that there is less refraction 
of light to annoy the visitor if the back wall, with its covering of 
rocks, is set at an angle of about 45 degrees. The bottom should con- 
tain small gravel, or coarse white or gray sand. The introduction of 
compressed air in each aquarium is of great value in keeping the 
water fresh, especially if stored water is used. 

The surface of the water should be at least one-half inch above 
the upper edge of the frame in front of the aquarium so there will be 
no refraction of light. A very important feature is the proper light- 
ing of an aquarium. In most places it is necessary to provide arti- 
ficial illumination; a shaded electric light suspended a short distance 
above the center of each tank usually suffices. Care should be exer- 
cised to deflect the light rays from the line of vision. 

Different sizes of aquariums may be used for various species of 
fish, but ordinarily those about 5 feet in length, 4 feet in depth, and 3 
feet wide at the bottom increasing to 5 feet at the top are most satis- 
factory. Aquariums with sloping rear walls are generally most de- 
sirable, thus affording a close view of the fish as they approach the 
bottom. Smaller aquariums, however, are generally made with per- 
pendicular sides all around. 

Transparent labels giving the name, both common and scientific, 
of specimens in each aquarium should be posted conveniently for the 
visitor. The labels should also briefly describe their habits, range, 
and any particularly interesting features. 


CONCLUSION 


A public aquarium in a city may speedily become one of its most 
popular and useful institutions. As compared with other public 
enterprises, it can be constructed at moderate cost, while the upkeep is 
not particularly great, especially if it is operated in conjunction with 
parks or other municipal institutions. 


Of course these notes and suggestions do not pretend to include 
a complete description of methods and appliances, but are offered 
rather as a basis for discussion and to emphasize the importance of 
public aquariums as an educational influence leading ultimately to far 
greater appreciation and utilization of the enormous resources of the 
sea. It is hoped that there may be deeply impressed upon all the 
thought that a public aquarium is or should be a vivid presentation 


121 


of many forms and phases of water life, attractively staged and prop- 
erly equipped for practical and scientific demonstration, thus trans- 
forming as by magic an irksome schoolroom study into a subject of 
absorbing interest, fascinating alike to teacher and pupil; and that an 
aquarium therefore does not or should not function solely as a 
pleasing and popular exhibit, but rather as an educational institution, 
a school of fishery economics affording exceptional facilities and 
advantages for the study of water life and the solution of water 
problems along the lines of sane and practical conservation. 


Discussion. 


Mr. Bower: It occurs to me that the Society may very properly 
endorse and advocate the more general maintenance of aquariums, public 
and private, than is now the case. For example, we may consider the City 
of Allentown, where we are now assembled. Here is a splendid civic com- 
munity but with nothing in the way of a public aquarium. I am sure 
that such an institution would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors 
every year. In this connection I wish to mention the new public aquarium 
to be built in beautiful Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. About three 
or four years ago the late Mr. Ignatz Steinhart made a bequest of $250,000 
for a public aquarium as a memorial to be known as the Steinhart 
Aquarium, provided the city would furnish funds for its operation. As a 
result San Francisco is going to have an aquarium that will probably 
surpass any other in the world. Dr. Barton W. Evermann, Director of 
the California Academy of Sciences, and a noted ichthyologist, is now 
completing plans for this splendid new institution. He has visited various 
aquariums in this country and has endeavored to take advantage of the 
best ideas in each. Let us hope that other cities may be similarly favored 
in the near future. 

Mr. Jonun P. Woops, St. Louis, Mo.: Very modestly Mr. Bower has 
referred to the importance of the subject. I do not know of any city 
attraction that affords more interest than does an aquarium. I remember 
that at the opening of the Boston Aquarium in 1913 it was almost impos- 
sible to get in on account of the crowd. Almost every human being is 
interested in fish in some way. People like to catch, eat and look at them, 
and I do not know of any form of wild animal life that affords more real 
entertainment to the public than fish as they appear in an aquarium. I 
have a very strong admiration for fish, and my contact with people shows 
that they are practically all of the same mind. I support heartily the 
recommendation as to the desirability and value of public aquariums, and 
I hope that good Samaritans of wealth may, as in San Francisco, favor 
other cities which will realize the full value of the aquariums when they 
are acquired. 

Mr. ArtHUR L. Mittert, Boston, Mass.: At the State Fair in the City 
of Springfield, near the center of Massachusetts, one section of a building 
is devoted to fisheries and game, and there we have an annual exhibition. 
The interest shown is remarkable, as people crowd into the building 
to see the fish displayed. It truly has been of great benefit not only to the 
people but to the Division of Fisheries and Game of our State. It helps 


122 


the whole cause all the way through. We also furnish similar exhibits for 
many of the fairs throughout the State in the fall of the year. We also 
are very proud of having the Boston Fish Pier, which is probably the biggest 
fresh fish wharf in this country. About 123,000,000 pounds are landed 
there annually. The Boston fish merchants are alive to the value of an 
aquarium and this year have prepared plans to have an aquarium and 
allied fisheries exhibit in one of the buildings. The room will be about 
150 feet long and there will be an exhibition of various fishes in their 
native element and a display of fishing apparatus, marine curios, photo- 
graphs, and other interesting objects. Also motion picture films will be 
shown to give the people an idea of actual methods of fishing. This is to 
be put in operation next year. 

Mr. G. C. LeacH, Washington, D. C.: The subject of aquariums has 
never been brought up before at meetings of the Society, and I believe the 
fish commissioners and fish culturists present must recognize the importance 
of public aquariums. It is incumbent upon us to educate the people of 
the country in regard to fish culture, and one of the best means of doing 
this is to bring before them proper displays of aquatic life. If you have 
public aquariums located in your city you will find school teachers very 
glad to cooperate by bringing in school children to study the fish life. If 
you interest the school children and educate them along the right lines 
you are doing much to develop and produce citizens of the best type and 
who will have a keen interest in and a better understanding of all forms 
of wild life. 

Public aquariums hold great interest for visitors to cities and are always 
thronged. Dr. C. H. Townsend, Director of the Battery Park Aquarium, 
has stated that the institution attracts more people than any other public 
enterprise in the city of New York. Ever since the time of Jonah people 
have been interested in big fish; they like to hear big fish stories; they like 
to see big fish; they like to get acquainted with them. I think if the fish 
commissioners of this country want to do something of a really construc- 
tive nature for the good of the entire people they will get behind a move- 
ment to establish public aquariums in the various cities. 

Mr. Carros Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: As an illustration of the interest 
taken in an aquarium by the public, I want to call attention to the small 
exhibit we have at the State Fair in Minnesota, which is the largest fair 
of its kind in the world. Over 400,000 people visit it in one week, and the 
attendance at the aquarium is far greater than at any other place there 
except the immense grand stand which is especially for entertainment. We 
do not know how many people pass through the aquarium, but there is a 
continuous moving mass; they simply fight to get in to see the fish. 

Mr. M. G. Seriers, Philadelphia, Pa.: In Philadelphia we tried to 
have a public aquarium, but could not get the municipal government inter- 
ested. The Pennsylvania State Fish and Game Protective Association 
finally discovered that there was an opportunity to procure the old Fair- 
mount pumping station for that purpose, and be it said to the credit of the 
anglers that they arranged the original subscriptions which started the 
institution. 

Mr. B. O. WessterR, Madison, Wis.: What we consider as a very fine 
aquarium is operated at the State fair at Milwaukee. The Conservation 


1238 


Commission stocks it with fish and it is undoubtedly one of the strongest 
attractions at the fair. Contrary to the usual construction of an aquarium, 
it is built so that the fish may be seen from the outside. By merely pass- 
ing around the outside of the building it is possible for the people to see 
all of the fish that are on exhibition. This idea applied to a State fair, or 
other similar place, where it could be used, is decidedly novel. Any work 
to be done on the aquarium can be accomplished from the inside without 
interference with or by the people who are looking at the exhibit from the 
outside. 

Mr. Cart Krartker, Philadelphia, Pa.: The Fairmount Park Commis- 
sion expects to have its aquarial display completed by Thanksgiving Day. 
We have one room now that has been open to the public for four years; the 
second room, which is 200 feet long and 60 feet wide, has not been completed. 
We have a fair exhibit of both fresh and salt-water fishes. When completed 
we shall have about 90 tanks, the smallest of 60 gallons capacity, and the 
largest, 20,000 gallons. All of the tanks are of solid concrete with plate 
glass windows in front. The salt water is used over and over again, and 
care is taken that its saline quality is not lowered. 


The aquarium in Fairmount Park is very well attended by the public 
in general, also by students from the university, colleges, high schools, and 
the lower grades down to the kindergarten classes. From time to time 
they hear talks and lectures in regard to fishes. The teachers say that 
it is very impressive to the children. On Thanksgiving Day, 1915, over 
12,000 people were in attendance. 

Mr. N. R. Butter, Harrisburg, Pa.: The question of public aquar- 
iums is one that should receive the hearty endorsement of this Society. 
We have always believed that there is nothing more educational than an 
exhibit of live fishes, and the Department of Fisheries of Pennsylvania has 
endeavored to devote certain portions of its hatchery buildings to the 
exhibition of fishes for educational purposes. Thousands of school children 
in the northwestern part of the State visit the aquarium at the Hrie 
hatchery during the school term for the purpose of studying fish life. Even 
at the hatcheries isolated from centers of population, it is interesting to 
note how far people from the country will drive to see such an exhibit. At 
the Pleasant Mount hatchery, there is an entire room devoted to an 
aquarial display. I recently saw around the hatchery grounds a hundred 
automobiles belonging to people that had come in from the country dis- 
tricts to see the display of live fish. I think it is of great importance that 
the Society endorse the project of public aquariums. 


Mr. L. H. Darwin, Seattle, Wash.: The exhibit that we have at 
Seattle has been of great value to thousands of people who throng it 
almost every day during the summer season. The attendance is not as 
large during the winter, but probably at least 1,000 people are there every 
day in the summer. We maintain chiefly fresh-water fish of mature age, 
so-called game fishes. The value of live fish as a drawing card was demon- 
strated to such an extent that we had to install a permanent aquarium at 
the State fair at North Yakima. A peculiarity there was that other ex- 
hibitors complained because the aquarium attracted more attention than 
any other exhibit, and they insisted that it be put in an out-of-the-way 
place. After eight. years’ experience I am able to testify that a public 


124 


aquarium is a splendid educational feature. Among other things I have 
observed doctors who paid daily visits to the aquarium for a long period 
of time trying to observe the diseases, if any, which manifest themselves 
in fishes. 

Mr. E. LEE Le Compre, Baltimore, Md.: In Maryland there are no 
large public aquariums, but we have small aquariums in the parks, and 
along some of our driveways, also at the Washington Monument and in 
Druid Hill Park in the city of Baltimore. The fish are placed in these 
aquariums as early in the spring as possible and removed late in the fall. 
Arrangements have been made with the Park Board to establish a large 
aquarium in Broening Park, which we are to keep stocked with fish. It is 
near salt water so that we shall have little trouble in displaying both fresh 
and salt water game and commercial fishes. 


Mr. W. G. BELL, Baltimore, Md.: In connection with the Poultry Show, 
held at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, the Conservation Com- 
mission was requested to make a fish exhibit. This was done, and was the 
first of its kind ever held in the State of Maryland. Numerous local and 
foreign species were shown in the aquarium as well as methods of hatching 
eggs in troughs and jars. The deep interest displayed by many thousands 
who visited this exhibit was most gratifying and numerous requests have 
reached the Commission to establish a permanent exhibit in Druid Hill, 
our largest and most attractive park, so as to give the public practical 
knowledge of fish-cultural work conducted in the State of Maryland. 


POLLUTION OF STREAMS 
A General Discussion 


Mr. N. R. Buiter, Harrisburg, Pa.: Stream pollution is a matter of 
great importance to every person interested in the conservation of fish. 
On account of great industrial activities and mining operations the streams 
of Pennsylvania are, perhaps, in worse condition than those of any other 
State. This is one of the greatest questions confronting the State today, 
both in regard to the welfare of the fish and the health of the people. The 
manufacturing interests and the railroads admit that it is a question 
involving a great deal and one that is extremely difficult of solution. The 
State Department of Health has jurisdiction over pollution, in so far as the 
sewage of cities is concerned; but the laws exempt the drainage from 
mines, tanneries, and other industrial establishments. The Department of 
Fisheries has under its authority the mining and industrial waste, but the 
laws are inadequate. Our law as it stands today prohibits anyone from 
emptying into the streams any deleterious substance. Unfortunately the 
fine for violation is only $100, which does not meet the situation. The 
eourts have never sustained the Commonwealth in any prosecutions of 
mine operators. They always refer to a famous decision given in the 
early days of mining, known as the case of Sanderson vs. the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania. That decision held that the owners had the right 
to flow mine waste into a stream, as there was no other place for it to 
flow. Mine waste is probably more poisonous to the streams than any other 
waste we have. Without better laws it will be a long time before much 
can be accomplished regarding purification of streams. As long as sewage 
from cities is allowed to flow into the streams, the flowage into the same 
waters of acids which neutralize or kill the germs is the only thing that 
prevents serious epidemics. A suit is pending between the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company and the Mellon interests, the result of which is awaited 
with much interest. The railroad has a $25,000,000 water project in 
jeopardy in case the Mellons open up the mines at its head. While the 
legislature has authorized the Department of Fisheries to employ 65 men 
in this branch of the service, it has never yet appropriated more than 
sufficient money for nine men, who naturally cannot accomplish a great 
deal. This entire question can never be settled unless there is better 
legislation and concerted action by the people interested. It must be 
threshed out through cooperation and education. 

Mr. M. L. ALEXANDER, New Orleans, La.: This is one of the most im- 
portant questions pertaining to our fisheries. In the summer of 1921 Mr. 
Hoover called a conference at Washington to consider two questions, stream 
pollution and control of migratory fish. He invited the commissioners and 
representatives of the Atlantic Coast and Gulf States, possibly 100 of 
whom were in attendance, and the matter was gone into very exhaustively. 
Resolutions were adopted and the final conclusion of the conference was 
that the question of stream pollution should be properly controlled by the 
Federal Government, largely for the reason that such pollution is not 
only brought about by the industries located along the inland streams but, 


126 


in large measure, by the oil burning and oil carrying vessels plying along 
the coast or going to foreign ports. As a large percentage of these vessels 
are carrying foreign flags, it was a question not only of national but of 
international importance. It might be appropriate for this Society to 
endorse the action of the Hoover conference, and for the commissioners to 
urge their Senators and Representatives to push through Congress some 
law sufficiently drastic to meet this particular condition. I believe that is 
the only way to get the desired results. 

Mr. W. EH. Barser, Madison, Wis.: Wisconsin is a manufacturing 
State. Along the Fox and Wisconsin River valleys there are about 60 
paper mills, together with other industrial plants in the different cities 
located on those streams. I do not know how the Federal Government is 
going to step into Wisconsin and tell the people there how to control the 
industrial waste from the plants along those streams, as they are inland 
waters. I am opposed to a centralized government at Washington coming 
into our State and telling us what we are to do with our local institutions. 
The question of the pollution of streams has been discussed for years at 
meetings of this Society and perhaps some progress has been made. We 
have accomplished something in Wisconsin, but it is a discouraging job. 
The cities located along the streams welcomed every manufacturing plant 
they could get; they offered every inducement to locate in their communities 
and employ their labor, and the plants were built without any attention 
whatever to disposition of the waste. The paper mill waste is enormous, 
but it can be controlled. The question is how to do it. We have visited 
every paper mill in our State; we have been to the pea-canning plants and 
have laid plans before many of them. Some have cooperated and gone 
ahead with certain improvements, but the great bulk of the waste matter 
is still flowing into the streams, destroying fish life and polluting the 
waters, making them unfit for domestic use. 


The only way to settle this is for the States to enact stringent legisla- 
tion providing a heavy penalty for violation of that law, giving these in- 
stitutions sufficient time to regulate their plants to take care of the waste, 
and then enforce the law. Do you suppose that if it were known to the 
paper mills of this country that they could make $50,000 by putting in a 
machine costing $25,000 they would not do it? We all know that as a 
business proposition they would accept and go ahead with any improve- 
ment necessary to make their institution a better one; but when it comes 
to a matter of this sort, where the interests of the great mass of the people 
are concerned, the institutions pay no attention until confronted with a real 
law and prosecution thereunder. The Wisconsin Traction, Heat, Light and 
Power Company, of Milwaukee, has a gas plant located at Appleton. They 
were going to take out one of their old tanks which had been in use 40 
years and never emptied. It held thousands of gallons and was practically 
full of sediment and tar accumulations from the manufacture of gas. They 
pumped one-half the contents into Fox River and it was not long until the 
odor spread all over Appleton and people began to wonder what was the 
matter. I went there immediately and looked over the situation. It was 
stopped, of course, and the company hauled away the balance of the con- 
tents of the tank as they should have done with all of it. We prosecuted 
these people, but our maximum fine for such offenses is $100 and the 


127 


company simply went into court, paid the fine, and there the matter ended. 
We want to be fair and square with all the manufacturing interests. We 
should not say that within 60 or 90 days, or anything less than a year cer- 
tain improvements must be made. We should give them sufficient time. 
Then there should be a law with a penalty of from $2,000 to $5,000 for the 
second offense, and there is no doubt that improvements would be made and 
our streams cleaned up. 

Mr. Hoover’s meeting was a fine thing. International waters, of course, 


and outlying waters along the coast are for the Government to take care’ 


of; but I object to the United States Government coming into our State 
and telling us what we must do with our streams and other waters. Our 
legislature convenes once in two years, and our commission will recom- 
mend a law along the line I have outlined, giving manufacturing plants 
sufficient time to take care of their industrial waste. Then we should fix 
a penalty that will make them sit up and take notice. I would deal fairly 
with them, but in that way we would clean up the streams. I believe our 
legislature is in the right temper to pass such a law. The protests we get 
on account of this sort of thing are mighty annoying, when we are tied 
hand and foot with a maximum fine of $100! 


Mr. ALEXANDER: I do not think Mr. Hoover contemplated taking con- 
trol within the States, particularly as to inland conditions. I am possibly 
as strong a believer in State rights as anyone here. That is the principle 
upon which our Government has largely been founded, as we see it down in 
my section of the country ; but we have had some demonstrations of federal 
control. Take the yellow fever situation in the South, and particularly in 
my State; also the matter of levee protection along the Mississippi River, 
and the boll weevil in the cotton districts. Ali of these were taken care 
of by the Federal Government. Many of the rivers in Wisconsin which are 
affected by stream pollution probably enter into other States. These rivers 
go from State to State, and when that condition prevails it seems to me 
that the Federal Government could well come in and advise with you, and, 
if necessary, take control and remedy the condition, recognized by all as 
one of the most serious with which we have to contend. 

Mr. E. Lee LeCompte, Baltimore, Md.: I beg to state that I cannot 
agree with Mr. Barber. Wisconsin cities may, though I doubt it, be located 
on streams different from other States of the union. As the Game Warden 
of Maryland, I have more trouble with pollution than with the enforcement 
of the game and fish laws—ten times as much. In many instances the 
pollution is not caused by the manufacturing industries located in our 
State. For instance there is one pulp mill in West Virginia just across 
the border, which pollutes the waters of the Potomac River. The mill had 
been putting all of its waste into the Potomac, and finally the people below 
at Cumberland complained that the fish life was absolutely destroyed. I 
am just as strong an advocate of State rights as any one here, but when 
the States do not take care of a situation of that kind, give me federal legis- 
lation that will. A justice of the peace thinks that a $25 fine for a viola- 
tion of the game and fish laws is awful and that a man ought not to pay 
more than a dollar and a half at the outside. So how can you ever get 
a conviction with a fine of $2,000? I have had a number of pollution cases, 
but have never had one brought to trial, because I had no faith in the 


128 


: 
| 





justice of the peace fining a man even $100. I worked to get the manu- 
facturing industries to cooperate. I do not want to put any manufacturing 
industry to extra expense or trouble, nor do I want them to close their 
plants, because our cities have invited the industries into their communities, 
offering free sites in many instances. 


One of the pulp mills got an engineer and spent about $47,000 and the 
manager told me it was the best work they ever did. They put in a plant 
whereby waste was used for some by-product which they are selling. We 
received complaints from Thomas Creek on the Monocacy River, one of 
our great bass streams. A very fine dust from a stone quarry in Pennsyl- 
vania was allowed to go into the stream on which this manufacturing 
plant was located. That grit would stick to the gills or throat of the fish 
and cause death. Of course, the fish could not go through the water with- 
out getting the grit. I could not do anything as that manufacturing in- 
dustry was in another State. Federal legislation could do something, but 
not State laws. We can pass all the laws we please in the State of 
Maryland, but some of these streams come from Pennsylvania and 
some from West Virginia, and under our State laws it is impossible to 
prosecute violators not located in our State. We would prefer to have 
Federal Legislation alone take care of the question of pollution. 


Mr. Butter: At the last session of the legislature of Pennsylvania 
the Department of Fisheries carefully drafted a bill carrying a fine of 
$2,000 to enable it to better cope with this situation. This bill was widely 
advertised and public hearings were held, and I regret to say that at those 
hearings we received no cooperation from the public at large, the people 
who complained of the conditions. Every manufacturing interest of any 
importance and the mining interests were heard. In spite of their protests, 
the Department of Fisheries was able to get the bill out of the Committee 
on Fisheries to which it had been referred, and it passed the first reading 
in the House of Representatives. On the second reading it was referred to 
the Committee on Municipal Corporations and nothing further has been 
heard from it. I have failed to learn what interest that committee has in 
the pollution of streams. I hope Wisconsin will be more successful in 
getting this legislation than we were in Pennslyvania. 

Mr. A. L. Mittett, Boston, Mass.: Massachusetts has laws enough in 
regard to pollution but enforcement is well nigh impossible. The conference 
in Washington called by Secretary Hoover was intended to be a step for- 
ward, to improve if possible upon local handling of the matter. It was 
not the idea to take away State rights. I presented the case for Massachu- 
setts at that hearing, and my stand was backed by the gentleman from 
Louisiana, which shows that we were pretty much in accord. Virginia, 
Maryland, South Carolina, and Georgia all did likewise. We discussed the 
subject in a great broad way. We on the coast are up against oil pollution 
by steamers. The waste dumped by those steamers comes into every port, 
so that today in the New York fish trade the designation “Standard Oil” is 
applied to certain kinds of lobsters and fish because they simply reek of 
petroleum. The meeting was an honest effort to do something with the 
pollution question. Whether Wisconsin or Massachusetts, there is no State 
in this country that can handle the pollution problem by itself. The question 
of State rights was very nicely gotten over by Mr. Hoover’s splendid way 


129 


of handling the matter. He termed it federal aid to the States, help to the 
States in handling this great problem. He did it very nicely. He clearly 
showed a strong disposition to help. He said that it was very evident to 
him that the States could not handle this problem individually and he was 
willing to come in and assist. 

Take the case of the Merrimac River. Probably quite a number of you 
are aware of what the Merrimac means to the cotton industry. For three 
miles there is nothing but factories along that river. We cannot put them 
out of business for the sake of the few fish that may come up some year, 
or five or ten years from now. The matter must be looked at in a broad 
light. Some rivers, where there are but few factories or other small inter- 
ests, can be reclaimed, but on other rivers we have not much of a chance. 
We are all interested in fish, but we must look on both sides of the problem. 

Mr. Cartos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: The fact that Secretary Hoover, 
with his great influence and prestige, has taken an interest in this subject 
offers the first ray of hope in all the years I have heard this question dis- 
cussed by this Society. The Secretary has recognized what we know to be 
the fact, that the pollution problem is far greater in the Atlantic Coast 
States than in our inland States. We do not know anything about pollution 
in the sense that the streams are poisoned in the east. Pennsylvania cer- 
tainly has knowledge of it, and I think the situation exists practically 
throughout the country. States may pass laws, but, however stringent 
they may be, it is practically impossible to enforce them. Therefore, I 
hope that this Society will go on record as endorsing the movement of 
Secretary Hoover in the strongest possible way. 

Mr. M. G. Setters, Philadelphia, Pa.: The Federal Government exer- 
cises jurisdiction over streams with respect to navigation and I think it 
would be one great step in advance if we could induce Congress to exercise 
some power over streams on the question of pollution. I think we ought to 
admit, without further argument, that this job is too big for any State; it 
must be an interstate job, a federal job. I want to suggest that the Ameri- 
ean Bar Association undertake the preparation of a model statute on 
stream pollution which the individual States may adopt. 

Mr. J. M. CRAMPTON, New Haven, Conn.: No subject interests Con- 
necticut more than pollution. This important question is being handled by 
a lot of lawyers in the legislative halls of our States. We see the results at 
home and we should clean house first. Norwich, Conn., is as well located 
for taking care of waste products as any city in the United States and if 
it would do so the Thames could be filled with fish. Where have our shad 
and black bass gone? We are not producing today 10 per cent of the fish 
we did. Take our oyster and shad industries and the fishing industries 
throughout the State, even the lobsters, and you will find they are all 
contaminated where they border the cities. This should not be. Com- 
missioner Block of Connecticut says that at comparatively small expense 
each industry could do away with all of the pollution in our Naugatuck 
River where today it would take the hair off a mule’s leg to wade across it. 
Unless this subject is taken hold of by the Federal Government you will 
never see any radical change. 

Mr. Barser: I admire Mr. Hoover as much as does any man here. 
But the Federal Government cannot come in and tell us that we must clean 


130 





up the Wisconsin River and Fox River, because they are Wisconsin streams 
from source to mouth. Along the water sheds of those rivers there are at 
least 150 plants throwing their waste matter into them. If we go to those 
companies and say that they must stop polluting the streams, that the fine 
is from $2,500 to $5,000 they are going to clean house. There is no question 
about it. There are canneries in our State which are pouring the most 
putrid, putrescent nastiness that you can imagine into a stream with 
residences across the street. Can we expect Congress to go in there and 
do a job that is purely a State job? I am morally certain that our legisla- 
ture will pass a law at the next session that will force those men to stop 
polluting the streams. 


We want to cooperate with Mr. Hoover as to the Mississippi River, 
which is an interstate water. It is perfectly proper that the Federal Goy- 
ernment should take hold of that stream, but these other streams are ours, 
and we are abundantly able to take care of them. We know of a lot of 
rivers that are boundary rivers, and I am sure that the States bordering 
on those rivers will help Mr. Hoover to clean them up. The people of our 
State and the States all over the Union are sick and tired of the con- 
ditions that have been imposed through pollution of streams of their re- 
spective States. Ifa resolution is offered here endorsing Mr. Hoover’s plan, 
I shall vote for it, but I want also to vote for a resolution urging every 
State to clean up its own streams. I think it is up to us to clean up our 
respective States, and the way to do it is through stringent laws passed 
by our legislatures. 


Mr. J. W. Titcoms, Albany, N. Y.: I want to refer to a phase of the 
question which has not been brought out in discussion, namely, the study 
of a basis or standard of pollution. In many places there is no question 
as to what pollution is. In New York there is a law against emptying into 
streams anything that kills fish but you have to prove it will kill fish, that 
they cannot live in the water. The minnow test heretofore employed con- 
sists of putting a catch of minnows into the alleged polluted water, and 
another catch into what is called pure water. Today the Empire State has 
an annual appropriation of $10,000 for the study of pollution problems. A 
chemist is making a gas analysis and a biologist a study of the forage of 
the streams and the foods of the fish. A new line of evidence in pollution 
has been established in the State through this study of what produces the 
food which feeds the fishes. Without the oxygen and the vegetation the 
fish cannot live, and the vegetation in the waters is the best food for the 
small fishes. The same kind of a study has to be made, to a certain extent, 
along our coasts, where the salt waters become polluted. We have found 
out the conditions under which the forage can be retained, this being the 
basis for all fish life. 

I think the side of this question I am presenting is entirely new in this 
country ; I do not know that it has been taken up before, but it appears to 
me that the information thus obtained is for the benefit of every citizen 
of the United States. The investigations in New York are being made in a 
small way and it will take years to work them out properly; they should be 
made under the direction of the United States Government, so as to have a 
basis or standard of pollution, in order to enforce the law. There is no 
question of the fact of pollution, but when the manufacturer is required to 


131 


take care of his by-products and his factory waste, he must be given some 
standard in the matter, and know what is permissible and what is not per- 
missible. It seems to me that here again we have the argument that this 
work should be done by the Federal Government, assisted by the States. 

Mr. LeacH: I think that Mr. Barber has been misunderstood here, 
also that he has not fully understood what was said or what action was 
taken at the conference called by the Secretary of Commerce in Washington 
last June. The Secretary said that, as a servant of the people, he was there 
to aid the States in solving the problem in regard to trade waste, and that 
he was ready to receive any advice from the delegates as to how he could 
aid them. I think the Secretary will give the States the same square deal 
that Mr. Barber expects to give his manufacturers, and, in the end, every- 
thing will work out satisfactorily and Mr. Barber and the rest of the State 
Commissioners will be in favor of any sound and sensible trade waste law 
that may be enacted. ; 

Mr. Barser: Has there been any effort to find out what industrial 
wastes are worth? The paper mills of our State were ordered to put in a 
screening process to take out the solid waste matter that they were deposit- 
ing in the rivers. We recommended a machine known as the “Save-All,” or 
some other process that would take out the pulp used in the manufacture 
of paper. Practically all the mills did something. The next year the super- 
intendent of the largest plant in Wisconsin said he wished we had made 
him put in those machines ten years before, as he had made enough that 
year in the saving of the waste products to pay for all of the machines. 
A paper mill at Kaukauna has put in a machine for reclaiming the acids 
used in the manufacture of the paper, and they are using those acids over 
and over again. The rest of the mills do not put them in because they are 
not forced to do so. 

Mr. BuLLER: The same condition exists in most of the paper mills 
in Pennsylvania. They are reclaiming valuable by-products since the agita- 
tion for cleaning up the streams has developed. There was a plant on 
Tulpehocken Creek, manufacturing manganese iron from Cuba. The wash 
from these ores was very poisonous, destroying all fish in the streams. The 
matter was taken up with them by the Department of Fisheries and they 
installed an electric precipitator eliminating the water entirely. It cost 
the company $30,000, but they are reclaiming a valuable by-product in the 
form of potash which is more than paying the expense of installation. 


EFFECT OF DROUGHT AND EXTREME HEAT OF SUMMER 
ON FISH LIFE 


Open Discussion 


Mr. N. R. Butter, Harrisburg, Pa.: This is an open discussion as to 
the effect of the extended drought and extremely hot weather during this 
summer on fish life. This subject was brought to the attention of 
the Society on account of the extremely hot weather experienced this 
summer and the great and extended drought that has occurred in Penn- 
sylvania. Never before to my recollection has the drought been so severe 
and the heat so intense. The effect has been very serious on various species 
of fish in our streams and even in our lakes. I personally observed a great 
many of our lakes during the month of August, particularly, when the vege- 
tation of the bottoms should be green, and most of it was as brown as the 
brown moss on the hillsides, apparently dead. In numerous instances 
where the drought had seriously affected streams, the department received 
requests to remove the fish, but we were not able to do so because of no 
place to put them, that is, in close proximity to the original location, and 
it would not have been possible to carry them any great distance in hot 
weather. 

The only remedy I can see is that all interested in this matter lend 
every possible effort to support forestry programs to the limit, because 
. denuding the hills and reckless destroying of forests have brought about 
this condition. I believe we should do all we can to urge that the program 
' for reforestation be carried out more rapidly than it is at present. Penn- 
sylvania has many millions of acres of mountainous land not valuable for 
other than forestry purposes. As I understand it, the Forestry Commission 
is attempting the reforestation of these mountains on a very large scale, 
and we believe that if we again restore these forests our trout streams and 
other waters will not be so affected in times like the present. 

Mr. Cartos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: There is a condition prevailing 
in the Northwestern States, in the lake region, which is somewhat different 
from that experienced in Pennsylvania. The mortality of fishes in that 
region has been phenomenal this year. It is recurrent, however, in some 
lakes, and investigations made indicate that the causes which may and 
usually do produce the conditions, come every year. Some investigations 
made in a lake in Wisconsin by the United States Bureau of Fisheries and 
the University of Wisconsin, revealed that the mortality recurring annually 
in that lake is due to stagnation in the lower strata of the water. 

We have lakes in Minnesota, about 300 square miles in area where there 
is great mortality of fish every year, windrows of them being piled up 
along the shores for several miles. This year it was worse than usual, 
no doubt on account of the great heat and protracted drought. The Bureau 
of Fisheries detailed a man from the Fairport Biological Station to assist 
our biologist in making an investigation, and after a cursory examination 
they came to the conclusion that the cause was probably the stagnation of 
the lower strata of water in the lake. They could find no other cause, and 
naturally assumed that was the reason, though the lake is not deep. 


133 


This year great quantities of valuable fish were lost in deep lakes where 
they had never died in that way before. The varieties affected chiefly were 
the whitefishes, the loss being extremely heavy on tullibee or mongrel 
whitefish, and there was some loss of pike perch; also in the Mille Laces 
some of the pickerels and other varieties were lost, but chiefly the deep 
water fishes were affected. The men who made the investigation in Mille 
Lacs this year estimated that towards the close of the period of mortality 
there were at least 650,000 pounds of dead fish around the shores of the 
lake, which means that several million pounds of fish have died in that one 
lake this summer. Professor Riley, of our State University, formerly of 
Cornell, is studying the question to find out, if possible, whether any of 
this mortality is due to parasitical infection. 

Mr. W. E. Barser, Madison, Wis.: Conditions in Wisconsin have not 
been as bad as in Minnesota, but we found that in our deep water lakes 
there was less mortality among the fishes than in the shallow lakes. In 
various sections of the State the fish were dying, and we did not know 
what was the cause. Professor Wagner, biologist at the University, made 
some very extensive investigations and stated that the excessive heat and 
lack of wind to aerate the water caused the death of the fishes. 

The lake in Wisconsin referred to by Mr. Avery is Lake Monona, and 
pollution is the chief cause of its fish mortality. Sewage from Madison 
drains into it, and causes a tremendous growth of vegetation, also a heavy 
scum and green slime on the top of the water during the summer months; 
the stench is so bad as to cause complaint in almost every section when 
the wind comes from the direction of the lake. The city had to make better 
arrangements for the disposal of its sewage. 

But I think there is no remedy for the loss of fish in the ordinary lake 
when we have extraordinary seasons of excessive heat, such as this 
summer. It always has occurred and always will occur, and the wonder 
of it is, when we realize the tremendous loss of fish through such conditions 
as we have had this summer and the heavy coating of ice and snow in the 
winter, that there are any fish left. Of course, these fish multiply rapidly 
and we have fish in most of our lakes notwithstanding these conditions. 

Dr. E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: Mr. Barber’s statements are con- 
firmed by what we have found in some lakes in Canada, very far from any 
settlements under perfectly virgin conditions. That is to say, the depth 
of the lake does not seem to have any relation to the serious loss of fish. I 
happened to be on a remote lake in Canada a year or two ago, a lake 
practically only visited by Indians and fur trappers, although there are 
some small settlements at the west end. It is a very shallow lake and 
covers 480 square miles. At times there is a tremendous destruction of fish. 
You find whitefish and yellow perch and various other fishes lying dead 
in windrows. It seems to be due to the unicellular alga (Tetragonium) 
which grows luxuriously in certain seasons and then decays, poisoning the 
water and creating an offensive odor. I mention this because Mr. Avery 
referred to the depth and stagnation as having had something to do wit 
the death of the fish; but when you find lakes which are very shallow, like 
the Lesser Slave Lake, and distant from any population, it is perfectly 
clear that it is due to some cause such as I have mentioned. ; 

Mr. E. Lee LeCompte, Baltimore, Md.: The conditions in Maryland 


134 





are very much like those in Pennsylvania. The pollution of streams by 
cities has been remedied by requiring all places with a population of 3,000 
or over to put in disposal plants. This has been accomplished through the 
people interested in the oyster industry. The waste from the cities going 
into the streams was destroying the cysters, and as there are many people 
interested in the oyster industry, there was not much trouble in getting 
the disposal plants. I have seen water coming from the disposal plant at 
Back River in Baltimore, also in Cambridge and Easton, which the scientists 
claim is as pure as before it was so used. I have not tasted it, so cannot 
vouch for its sweetness. 

The matter goes back to the question of deforestation. The country 
is denuded of the good timber, especially in the mountain sections, and 
there is no shade left for the small streams. Therefore with trout all 
over our State, there is no question that in a summer such as this past one 
there will be destruction of trout in the fresh water streams. The planting 
of willows along the streams for shade has been advised, and I think it a 
very good idea. They would grow there and be beneficial. I do not think 
we can do anything in our State unless it is through the Forestry Board. 

Mr. Butter: I am very much interested in the matter of planting 
trees, and I urge upon all to render every possible assistance to the forestry 
departments, because without trees there cannot be fish. This past winter 
delegations from different sections of our State called at the department 
with reference to taking care of streams in which they were interested. A 
delegation of ladies from the neighboring county of Berks came and asked 
whether the Department of Fisheries would assist in reforestation along 
Maiden Creek. They got in touch with the Forestry Commissioner, and I 
was much pleased to learn later that they set out 50,000 trees on the banks 
of Maiden Creek this past summer and have made application for 30,000 
for next season. I believe that every fishery association should endeavor to 
get the people to plant trees and shrubbery for a certain distance on each 
side of the streams on which they live. If that is done, in the course of a 
few years we shall have shaded streams, thus saving the fish in times of 
drought. No one who has not made a study of it can conceive the enormous 
evaporation from streams exposed to the sun. 


- 


LIST OF MEMBERS, 1921-1922 


(Showing year of election to membership) 


Honorary Members 


The President of the United States................ WARREN G. HARDING 
The Governors of the several States: 
Taam asc Ace ed Pocets aisecies: ott = ayant ataaeieepelantonehetial byais a= toeitapa Tuomas EH. KiILBy 
NPV TOT 1G RoR PRs PRE tier OG ERP Dicey CHLOE ER CREE ic Tuomas BH. CAMPBELL 
FNC d to bho sf ROO VOSS OSORIO OES BOND DIG Cad OF US LUCIO OO ICROIOT THomas C. McRAE 
CHITPOUMIR To selec wn cla alee vac trete sists elelietoneiwiate rexel stenel’sice WILLIAM D. STEPHENS 
COlGTAG Or ae eter Ee et ree eaheoner ee totoielela nels (utah bietele'Tetets OLIveER H. SHOUP 
BONNE CEH Cab ee eaters Shack cloieeane cate bute ede tate ctake eo taieyelebate ereteleletn lone: sheds Everett J. LAKE 
IB ee et SEER a ey See Cine clot AIG Os SG Cue OOS C WILLIAM D. DENNEY 
TOT ea yas ke ea ee RR Ri PS he ee Ga ec COO UO oS OSC Cary A. HARDEE 
ROOT RIA . clecie ccs aeiee cic elte sini els patevelelelsjasteielsielstsialelate Tuomas W. HARDWICK 
Oe ae a ete tier ante ah sahil oe Riaiararetal aie, old Plc stata oho 'slcrar ets he eeleians D. W. Davis 
DIRT N LSA are eae’ aie ates Src lcis Go hanele a le alaone Rie er ehole Iellotwiel ale ohettehe ein ets tater Len SMALL 
IB aViUC 11s Pa ateiey GA Oe, RIAA I in Stl BS. CME CINE! tet oto Gis Warren T. McCray 
DIO 2 ee RE ee ee ee SO Mee Sno. o de pao OOO UT tod o¢ N. E. KENDALL 
ERA TIS rs eiece Co crentictac a acca ctate) © oherescicia) efolciel chetocsashearchelsNeicentctete Henry J. ALLEN 
TRONCUCIEVS care Sie cc a icleucters ein ets eilalerels clstelelslsiensoltin (lets slevelnieis Epwin P. Morrow 
ROTUESTAI AI Shake eR Siac ons ete tale chonemonercliorega ey tieravetatetsteltays rete JOHN M. PARKER 
IY eH CPOE AIA ect SETS Cf at CAG MO AIS On ie BETO L.ctans Hho id PrercivaL D. BAXTER 
IW ih al bith origh MeO DOE OO co AOC AtL CRT dO IU CIO chad cha ALBERT C. RITCHIE 
Massachusetts......-sss.0-- PI EL RE AEs A rao oiene CHANNING H. Cox 
MIKO THEI aaa Ocoee Cone Octo oO oeo ane boost ALEXANDER J. GROESBECK 
IMmN ESO GASB cicietntreeicue > alee rolereiel eo etale als levels © aievoneta lays clelenetsieiste ats J. A. O. PREvS 
IMGISISTSS TPONDT eto fo forel ay ene ete lete ai oi ateveve e shoteiicl ete te ol slellel afelstalove)/ellepetsletatet« LEE M. RUSSELL 
EESTI tse hee aie are elke Le gaat dele ve lotareialieya ichwlle Prranehetsiaveastetapevaie ArtHuR M. HybDE 
DVLOVTEA INAS ei. caic oun stay coarse ataneds (ace) Sis le reballs eysuels, shtheleeisialeatogstalniote’e JosEPH M. Drxon 
INS ces rereahe is seat a toes ae chelale lekan ale sitevevavclevaberevebetaieinte SAMUEL R. McKELvVIE 
ING VLC castor ote teteleiata oretol eh cisiaia in ais chehebersleeretauetersteleitiatarecotars ters EMMET D. BOYLE 
ING Wit ETA MPSHATe Ss cacis cry vole sis) scrote. creletelans esteratalelc, fetes befoheisters ALBERT O. BROWN 
INO Wir OLSOVicricle arsidsiniaistent ofall atelejsre efefeis eels statarsrckstave arenes Epwarp I. Hpwarps 
IN Wits UVICERTCOR ie Recekece wroln aie cate aie irons felete thane etovene epee Merritt C. MECHEM 
INC Tg eh sec ala ter oeleera sre pencil ans deel etaneleneneuetterclinenes cnatie veitesetevseeta NATHAN L. MILLER 
NODE OC ATOLIM Biiie cccucfoctncs ows toisielotareinte olelateteiatelelaleretetens reget ste CAMERON MoRRISON 
INOPER WD DICOta iis cate ters eres cre ces oie, ooo) evel elevere aheisiatatareteraietveuetee tens R. A. NEstTos 
CIT eee a fee caries Sra Ble a ralena a etolaiwire: wiiaiteliava etetwvelacvenelels feuetnuiere Harry L. Davis 
CaO mae ae lo ore cronc wai, sw iolatotetetete avasene wie ouacatarremieterereiete J. B. A. ROBERTSON 
OTOLON A, Sievers sole el eiepey civteteicvees- i cians sre teholserats isis in oilemere lel eteteus tad settee B. W. OLcoTr 
PORTIS VIVANT Siecareicyere is, sue ein letersi ro uerelekeycle rae el voteleleietexeieceetciene Wn. C. Sprout 
RNOde! TSA e so Ove cos oie role a eos ware a eae Peete ereeiere Emery J. SAN Sovuctr 
SOUtH Carolinas Le aes eo eal ctars a ehets wm ctavens ae eee teiateraustey arte Rosert A. CooPER 
South DaKOeas % ce siieeliretsye ths oterctava toy aca o lalemapedo ettovereretetere te tele ore W. H. McMAstTErR 
PP GUTNOSSOG ive iovsisrelele olessvete (0 Sees ee OR OP's ER VGROL STRESS Oe etcherakePe ions Atr. A. TAYLOR 
DOSS 5. abii5 id iaedsiasere co cils aig a a apa wre natel anata A eh eses we pallsyrevevenskenetoretelataerene Pat M. NEFF 
| Dit lc Wea ye Oe ape aU 18 Si A EE ote oyna fi nie BORO OAE CuarLes R. Masey 
WWEEIMNONES ciitercie ois. sretel sheterecetece torele oe wheter tere each elanevona cloneuetevehavensts JAMES HARTNESS 
VAL SALT TAS, eh RIS Cotlar'e os Srltwte olin Gin aahaters lovorebacceae epateie (er ace eis enels WESTMORELAND Davis 
WASHING TOM: 5 deine Siokdie ee tibia ctetert otolee vete senate sravale orece ia hevetaterer Lovis F. Hart 
WIEST BVATOINIA «|... cisss-cic/eratel ave yareie ove alepores vie terelekareloe ele’ o) atshelete EpuriaAmM F. Morgan 
WISCONSIN ss: o5s o's se: 5) oun a raln se oh olenes ious aca etateteielava tele) Wiebe an ereraterai arene JOHN J. BLAINE 
WAV i alere i stale olacctarecane| ashe: cic vetniereeie meters oletcntaterets ateleteaeret= Rosert D. CAREY 


708 
06 


09 
93 
712 


04 
89 


06 
04 
08 
88 
71% 


09 
95 


708 
06 
92 


710 


14 
15 


"15 
15 
"15 

15 
"15 
"15 
15 


15 
15 
15 
"15 
"15 
15 


ANTIPA, Pror. GREGOIRE, Inspector-General of Fisheries, Bucharest, 
Roumania. 

BEsANA, GIUSEPPE, Lombardy Fisheries Society, Via Rugabello 19, 
Milan, Italy. 

BLUE Rivce Rop AND GuN Crus, Harper’s Ferry, W. Va. 

Boropin, Nicoutas, Petrograd, Russia. 

CALDERWOOD, W. L., Inspector of Salmon Fisheries for Scotland, 
Edinburgh, Scotland. 

DENBIGH, Lorp, London, England. 

FisH PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 1020 Arch 
St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

GRIMM, Dr. Oscar, Petrograd, Russia. 

KISHINOUYE, Dr. K., Imperial University, Tokyo, Japan. 

KITAHARA, Dr. Tasaku, Imperial Fisheries Bureau, Tokyo, Japan. 

LAKE St. CiarR SHOOTING AND FisHING CLuB, Detroit, Mich. 

Mercier, Honore, Minister of Colonization, Mines and Fisheries, 
Quebec, Canada. 

NAGEL, Hon. CuHas., St. Louis, Mo. 

New York ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF FISH AND GAME, New 


York City. 

Norpevist, Dr. Oscar Fritsor, Superintendent of Fisheries, Lund, 
Sweden. 

PERRIER, Pror. EpMonpD, Director Museum of Natural History, Paris, 
France. 


VINCIGUERRA, Pror. Dr. Decro, Director Royal Fish Cultural Station, 
Rome, Italy. 


Corresponding Members 


APOSTOLIDES, Pror. Nicoty Cur., Athens, Greece. 

ARMISTEAD, J. J., Dumfries, Scotland. 

Ayson, L. F., Commissioner of Fisheries, Wellington, New Zealand. 

HicGInson, Epuarpo, Consul for Peru, New York City. 

LANDMARK, A., Inspector of Norwegian Fresh Water Fisheries, Chris- 
tiania, Norway. 

Marston, R. B., Editor of the Fishing Gazette, London, England. 

PoTTEAU, CHARNLEY, Lommel, Belgium. 

Sars, Pror. G. O., Christiania, Norway. 

SotsKy, Baron N. pg, Director of the Imperial Agricultural Museum, 
Petrograd, Russia. 

Stead, Davin G., Fisheries Department, Sydney, New South Wales, 
Australia. 


Patrons 


ALASKA PACKERS ASSOCIATION, San Francisco, Calif. 

ALLEN, Henry F.. (Agent, Crown Mills), 210 California St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

AMERICAN Biscuit Co., 815 Battery St., San Francisco, Calif. 

AMERICAN CAN Co., Mills Building, San Francisco, Calif. 

ARMouR & Co., Battery and Union Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

Armspsy, J. K., Company, San Francisco, Calif. 

ATLAS GAS ENGINE Co., INc., Foot of 22d Avenue, Oakland, Calif. 

BaLrour, GUTHRIE & Co., 350 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

BANK oF CaLirorniA, N. A., California and Sansome Sts., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

BLoEDEL-DoNOvAN LumsBer Mitts, Bellingham, Wash. 

Bonp AND Goopwin, 485 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

BURPEE AND LETSON, Lrtp., South Bellingham, Wash. 

CALIFORNIA BARREL Co., 22d and Illinois Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

CALIFORNIA Door Co., 43 Main St., San Francisco, Calif. 

CALIFORNIA STEVEDORE AND BaLuast Co., Inc., 210 California St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 


137 


*21 
16 


949 
vo 


°20 
’20 
98 
14 


CALIFORNIA WIRE CLOTH COMPANY, San Francisco, Calif. 

CASWELL, GEO. W., Co., INc., 503-4 Folsom St., San Francisco, Calif. 

CrincH, C. G., & Co., Inc., 144 Davis St., San Francisco, Calif. 

CoFFIN-REDINGTON Co., 35-45 Second St., San Francisco, Calif. 

CoLUMBIA RiIvER PAcKERS AssocraTION, Astoria, Ore. 

CRANE Co. (C. W. Weld, Mgr.), 301 Brannan St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Dopcr, SwEENEY & Co., 36-48 Spear St., San Francisco, Calif. 

First NATIONAL BANK OF BELLINGHAM, Bellingham, Wash. 

Futter, W. P., & Co., 301 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Grays Harspor CoMMERCIAL Co., Foot of 3d St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Henpry, C. J., Co., 46 Clay St., San Francisco, Calif. 

JONES-THIERBACH Co., THE, Battery and Merchant Sts., San Francisco, 
Calif. 

Knapp, THE Frep H., Co., Arcade-Maryland Casualty Building, Bal- 
timore, Md. 

LINEN THREAD Co., THE, (W. A. Barbour, Mer.), 443 Mission St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

MatTTLaGE, CHAS. F., Company, 335 Greenwich St., New York City. 

Nauman, C., & Co., 501-3 Sansome St., San Francisco, Calif. 

OLIVER SALT Co., Mt. Eden, Calif. 

Morrison Miri Co., Inc., Bellingham, Wash. 

Morse Harpware Co., Inc., 1025 Elk St., Bellingham, Wash. 

Paciric HARDWARE AND STEEL Co., 7th and Townsend Sts., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

Paciric States Erectric Co., 575 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. 

PHILLIPS SHEET AND TIN PLATE ©o., Weirton, W. Va. 

Pore AND Tasot, Foot of 3d St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Pucet Sounp NAVIGATION Co., Seattle, Wash. 

Ray, W. S., Mre. Co., Inc., 216 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Scumint LitHocraPH Co., 2d and Bryants Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

SCHWABACHER-F'REY STATIONERY Co., 609-11 Market St., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

Sure Owners’ AND MercHants’ Tuc Boat Co., Foot of Green St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Co., THE, 454 Second St., San Francisco, Calif. 

SmirH CANNERY Macutine Co., 2423 South First Avenue, Seattle, 
Wash. 

STANDARD Gas ENGINE Co., Dennison and King St., Oakland, Calif. 

Stanparp Orr Co. or Catirornis, Standard Oil Building, San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

U.S. Rupser Co. or CALirornra (W. D. Rigdon, Mgr.), 50-60 Fremont 
St., San Francisco, Calif. 

U. 8. Steet Propucts Co., Rialto Building, San Francisco, Calif. 

WELLS Farco NATIONAL BANK oF SAN FRrRANcIScO, Montgomery and 
Market Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

WESTERN FuEt Co., 430 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

WESTERN Meat Co., 6th and Townsend Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

WHite Bros., 5th and Brannan Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 


Active Members 
Life Members Indicated by Asterisk (*) 


ABRAMS, MiILTon, 560 Brook Ave., New York City. 

ADAMS, Pror. CuHas. ©., State College of Forestry, Syracuse, N. Y. 

ADAMS, WM. C., Director, Division of Fisheries and Game, 506 State 
House, Boston, Mass. 

Apcock, A. Y., 5929 Wayne Ave., Chicago, Tl. 

ALBERT, W. E., State Fish and Game Warden, Des Moines, Iowa. 

ALEXANDER, GEORGE L., Grayling, Mich. 

ALEXANDER, M. L., President, Louisiana Conservation Commission, New 
Orleans, La. 


138 


08 
“ule 
92 
714 
14 
78 
721 


19 
*20 
15 
10 
06 
01 


712 
18 
15 
01 
98 
10 
16 
’20 
05 
712 


10 
719 


712 
’20 
721 


'04 
00 
13 


13 
721. 
18 


*80 
720 
13 
13 
06 
19 
2 
18 


97 
“ya 
‘16 


14 
’20 
02 
14 


20 


AnpERSoN, AucusT J., Box 704, Marquette, Mich. 

ANDERSON, Dr. F. E., Red Wing, Minn. 

ANDERSON, J. F., 3136 Front St., San Diego, Calif. 

Anperson, T. T., Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

ANNIN, Howarp, Caledonia, N. Y. 

ANNIN, JAMES, Caledonia, N. Y. 

ARMSTRONG, RoNALD KENNEDY, Dalton House, Daiton, Northumber- 
land, England. 

AsHToN, GrEo., 1217 Pierce Bldg., St. Louis, Mo. 

ATLANTIC BroLtogicaL STATION, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. 

Arwoop, Irvine M., 31 Boston Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

Aucur, W. A., 33 Fulton St., New York City. 

Avery, Cartos, State Game and Fish Commissioner, St. Paul, Minn. 

Bascock, JoHNn P., Provincial Fisheries Department, Victoria, British 
Columbia. 

Bascock, WILLIAM H., 520 The Rookery, Chicago, Ill. 

Baitey, ARTHUR T., Nashua, N. H. 

Batcu, Howarp K., 158 W. Austin Ave., Chicago, Ill. 

Batpwin, O. N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Saratoga, Wyo. 

Baty, E. M., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

BaLuarD, S. THRustToN, Louisville, Ky. 

BARBER, WM. E., LaCrosse, Wis. 

Barbour, F. K., 96 Franklin St., New York, N. Y. 

BargBour, THOMAS, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. 

*BARNES, EARNEST W., Supt., R. I. Fisheries Experiment Station, 
Wickford, R. I. 

Barron, JAMES T., 1210 Yeon Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

BarTLetT, Morr L., Commissioner of Fisheries and Game, Concord, 
ING. Ee 

Bauer, A., 25th and Dearborn Sts., Chicago, IIl. 

Baxter, A. C., Chief, Ohio Fish and Game Division, Columbus, Ohio. 

BazELEy, Hon. Wm. A. L., Commissioner of Conservation, Room 519, 
State House, Boston, Mass. 

BEAN, Barton A., U. 8. National Museum, Washington, D. C. 

BEEMAN, Henry W., New Preston, Conn. 

*BELDING, Dr. Davin L., Biologist, Division of Fisheries and Game, 
Boston, Mass. 

BEt1, J. C., Alaska Packers Association, San Francisco, Calif. 

BELL, Wo. G., 512 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

BELLISLE, J. A., Inspector General of Fisheries and Game, Quebec, 
Canada. 

BELMONT, PERRY, 1618 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C. 

BENNETT, L. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

*BENSON, JOHN T., Director Zoological Garden, Boston, Mass. 

Bere, GEorGE, Indiana Fish Commission, Indianapolis, Ind. 

BERKHOUvS, JERRY R., Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Torresdale, Pa. 

BERNARD, Gus., Atchafalaya, La. 

BERNIER, Dr. J. E., No. 5 D’Auteuil St., Quebec, Canada. 

Biuisoty, E. Nasu, Commissioner of Game and Inland Fisheries, 
Richmond, Va. 

*Brrck, Dr. E. A., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 

BLACKFORD, CHAS. Minor, M. D., Staunton, Va. 

Biystap, CHESTER N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Laboratory, Fair- 
port, Iowa. 

Borton, C. C., 404 Hickox Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Bonner, ALBERT E., Coopersville, Mich. 

Bootu, Dewitt C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Spearfish, S. D. 


BoRDENKECHER, WILLIAM, R. R. 19, Haughville Station, Indianapolis, 
Ind. 

BOTHWELL, Davin, Anderson Lake Hatchery, Kildonan P. O., V. L., 
BEC. 


139 


Bower, SEYMour, Drayton Plains, Mich. 

Bower, Warp T., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Bowers, GEORGE M., Martinsburg, W. Va. 

BRADFORD, RALPH P., Dept. of Agriculture, Springfield, I. 

Breper, C. M., Jz., 23 Humboldt St., Newark, N. J. 

Brown, Det, U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Edenton, N. C. 

Brown, Ernest C., 52 Vanderbilt Ave., New York City. 

Brown, Ernest Ciive, Box 107, Station G, New York, N. Y. 

Brown, G. W. N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Orangeburg, S. C. 

Bryan, Pror. WM. ALANSON, Director, Los Angeles Museum, Exposi- 
tion Park, Los Angeles, Calif. 

BuckstTaFF, GEO. A., 1101-1501 S. Main St., Oshkosh, Wis. 

*BuLLER, A. G., Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Corry, Pa. 

BuLier, C. R., Pleasant Mount, Wayne Co., Pa. 

BuLier, G. W., Pleasant Mount, Pa. 

*BULLER, NATHAN R., Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Harrisburg, Pa. 

BuLtocH, Cuas. A., U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, Bullochville, Ga. 

BuRKHART, JOE, Star Prairie, Wis. 

BurRNHAM, CHAS. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Louisville, Ky. 

BuRNHAM, JOHN B., Pres. Am. Game Protective Assn., 233 Broadway, 
New York, N. Y. 

BuscHMANN, L. C., care of Franklin Packing Co., Smith Bldg., Seattle, 
Wash. 

Carter, HE. N., Vinta County Farm Bureau, Fort Bridger, Wyo. 

Caster, WM. A., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Hartsville, Mass. 

CASSELL, JoHN S., 4100 Springdale Ave., Baltimore, Md. 

*CASSELMAN, HE. S., Dorset, Vt. 

CHAMBERLAIN, THOMAS KNIGHT, East Corinth, Vt. 

CHAMBERS, HE. T. D., Department of Colonization, Mines and Fish- 
eries, Quebec, Canada. 

CHAPMAN, OSWILL, De Bruce, Sullivan Co., N. Y. 

CHIDISTER, Pror. F. E., West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va. 

CHRISTOFFERS, H. J., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 1217 L. C. Smith 
Bldg., Seattle, Wash. 

Crapp, AtvA, State Game and Fish Warden, Pratt, Kansas. 

CLaRK, H. Watton, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Fairport, Iowa. 

CLEMENS, WiLBert A., Dept. of Biology, University of Toronto, Tor- 
onto, Ontario. 

*CLEVELAND, W. B., Burton, Ohio. 


Clubs 


AKRON GAME AND FisH AssocraTion, Akron, Pa. 

ASBURY PARK FISHING CLUB (John F. Seger), 703 Cookman Ave., As- 
bury Park, N. J. 

ASHLAND FISH AND GAME ProTECTIVE Ass’N, Ashland, Pa. 

Barr Camp (Charles H. Foster, Sec.), 221 Linden St., Scranton, Pa. 

Bemipgri Trout Crus (R. H. Schumaker, Sec.-Treas.), Bemidji, Minn. 

BERKS County Rop & Gun Ass’n (W. E. Wounderly, Sec.), 615 Hisen- 
brown St., Reading, Pa. h 

BETHLEHEM GAME, FISH AND Forestry Ass’n, 423 Brodhead Ave., 
Bethlehem, Pa. 

Brirpsporo FisH AND GAME Ass’N (Hlmer E. Squibb, Sec.), Birds- 
boro, Pa. 

BLAanpBurG Camp No. 115, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Blandburg, Pa. 

BowMANSTOWN Rop ann Gun Crus (Wm. A. Yale, Sec.), Bowmans- 
town, Pa. 

Cayuca County SporTSMEN’s ASssocIATION (John L. Alnutt, Pres.), 
Auburn, N. Y. 

Cutcora OuTine CiuB (R. J. Gainford, Pres.), Chicora, Pa. 

CLtus Denartius, 8 Susquehanna St., Barnesboro, Pa. 


140 





CUMBERLAND CouNTY FISH AND GAME Ass’nN (Geo. E. Orr, Sec.), 
Portland, Me. 

FArRBRooK CountTRY CLuB (C. O. Miller, Sec.), Tyrone, Pa. 

Frrcus FISHING AND GAME CLUB (J. C. Henkes, Sec.), Fergus Falls, 
Minn. 

FLYFISHERS’ CLuB, 36 Piccadilly, W. 1, London, England. 

JEFFERSON Co. GAME AND FisH Ass’n, Brookville, Pa. 

LOWELL FISH AND GAME ASS’N (Willis S. Holt, Sec.), Box 948, Lowell, 
Mass. 

MonTGcoOMERY Co. FISH, GAME AND Forestry Ass’n (H. G. Unger, 
Sec.), 820 West Marshall St., Norristown, Pa. 

Mount PLEASANT HUNTING AND FisHine Ass’N, Mount Pleasant, Pa. 

NAZARETH RoD AND GUN CLUB, INc., Nazareth, Pa. 

NEWARK BaiT AND Fty Castine CLus, Split Rock Lake, Boonton, N. J. 

NEw JERSEY FisH AND GAME CONSERVATION LEAGUE (Arthur J. Neu, 
Treas.), 31 Clinton St., Newark, N. J. 

NortH CHAUTAUQUA FISH AND GAME CLUB, Dunkirk, N. Y. 

Park Rapins CoMMUNITY CiLuB (G. H. Friend, Treas.), Park Rapids, 
Minn. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE FISH AND GAME PROTECTIVE Ass’N, City Club, 
313 South Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. (Address: Dr. T. Chal- 
mers Fulton, Corres. Sec., Schuyler Bldg., 6th and Diamond Sts., 
Philadelphia, Pa.) 

PLYMOUTH CAMP No. 1386, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA (H. A. 
Ledden, Sec.), 53 Oxford St., Lee Park, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 

POHOQUALINE FisH ASssocrATION (J. D. Winter, Jr., care of Thos. A. 
Biddle Co.), Philadelphia, Pa. 

PorTER’s LAKE HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB (Otto C. Feil, Sec.), 2207 
North Sixth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

RamMsEy Co. UNITED SPorRTSMEN’s Ass’N (J. McCarthy, Sec.), 636 
Grand Ave., St..Paul. Minn. 

Riweway BrancH, WILp Lire LEAGUE (Earl EB. Gardner, Sec.), Ridg- 
way, Pa. 

RinecoLtp Rop anp GuN Cus, Pen Argyl, Pa. 

Rop anp GUN PROTECTIVE Ass’N, East Greenville, Montgomery Co., Pa. 

SANCON VALLEY CAMP No. 168, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Hellertown, Pa. 

Saw CREEK HUNTING AND FisuHine Ass’n (M.S. Kistler, Treas.), East 
Stroudsburg, Pa. 

SporTsMEN’s CLUB oF DututTH, 402 Wolvin Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

STAPLES Rop anp Gun Cuus (C. E. Miller, See.), Staples, Minn. 

UNAMI FISH AND GAME PROTECTIVE ASs’N, Emaus, Pa. 

VERMONT STATE FisH AND GAME CLUB (S. B. Hawks, Vice-President), 
Bennington, Vt. 

Wayne Hunting AND FisHine Crus (G. M. Patteson, Sec.), Carbon- 
dale, Pa. 

West PHILADELPHIA Rop anp Gun Crus (Wm. L. Bryan, Sec.), 55th 
and Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Wi Lire Leacvue, Sheffield Branch (G. McKillip, Treas.), Shef- 
field, Pa. 

WILKES-BARRE Camp No. 103, UNiTED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA 

(M. B. Welsh, Sec.), 96 Mclean St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 
Winpsor Co. Fis anp GAME CLuB (C. W. Grinnel, Sec.), Norwich, Vt. 


Cogs, Esen W., Superintendent of Fisheries, State Game and Fish 
Department, St. Paul, Minn. 

Cops, Joun N., Director, College of Fisheries, Univ. of Washington, 
Seattle, Wash. 

CoKER; Dr. Rozert E., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Cotes, RUSSELL J., Danville, Va. 


141 


719 CoMMERFORD, WM., Booneville, N. Y. 

717 Cook, Warp A., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Duluth, Minn. 

°20 Coors, Hpwarp, 4706 4th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

7°00 *CorLiss, C. G., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Gloucester, Mass. 

°21 Corson, ALAN, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. 

719 Corwin, Roy S., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Fairport, Iowa. 

717 CowneEn, S. M., Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 

718 COoOYKENDALL, Hpwarp, 22 Ferry St., Kingston, N. Y. 

°21 Craic, SAMUEL, 398 Van Norman St., Port Arthur, Ontario. 

14. Crampton, JoHN M., State Superintendent, Board of Fisheries and 
Game, New Haven, Conn. 

7138 CRANDALL, A. J., AShaway, R. I. 

711 Crasser, Hueco, U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, LaCrosse, Wis. 

°20 CRAWFORD, D. R., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

720 Criz, H. D., Director, Sea and Shore Fisheries Commission, Rock- 
land, Me. 

719 Crosstry, H. C., Put-in Bay, Ohio. 

708 Cuter, C. F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Homer, Minn. 

712 DANGLADE, ERNEST, Vevay, Ind. 

719 Daspit, A. P., New Court Bldg., New Orleans, La. 

"17 Davinson, Henry, Fish Hatchery, Bath, N. Y. 

06 Davies, Davi, U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, Tupelo, Miss. 

791 and ’10 DEAN, Pror. BASHFOoRD, Columbia University, New York City. 

701 DrAN, HerRBert D., U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, Bozeman, Mont. 

719 DeENMEAD, TArBot, 508 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

705 DePuy, Henry F., 32 W. 40th St., New York City. 

713 DerRocuer, Jas. D., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, East Orland, Me. 

°08 DeETWILeR, JoHN Y., Honorary President, Florida Fish Commission, 
New Smyrna, Fla. 

14 Drmick, F. F., Boston Fish Bureau, Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

‘99 Dinsmore, A. H., U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, St. Johnsbury, Vt. 

720 Donan, GrorGE A., Fish Commissioner, Westerly, R. I. 

07 *Domrny, JEREMIAE M., South Haven, N. Y. 

799 Downine, 8. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Put-in’ Bay, Ohio. 

709. Doyir, Henry, Winch Bldg., Vancouver, B. C. 

720 Dryroos, LEon, 508 State St., Erie, Pa. 

719 DucKREE, BENJ., Wild Rose, Wis. 

700 ~=Duwntap, I. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

18 DuRant, Dr. G. W., Board of Fisheries of S. C., Georgetown, S. C. 

710 Eaton, Howarp, Sheridan Library Association, Sheridan, Wyo. 

713. Emsopy, Dr. Gro. C., 141 Ithaca Road, Ithaca, N. Y. 

721 EMERICH, WALTER G., Watervliet, N. Y. 

17 EricKkson, C. J., 328 Washington St., Boston, Mass. 

°20 Evans, H. R., Cultus Lake Hatchery, Vedder Crossing Post Office, 
British Columbia. 

706 ~Evans, Lieut.-Cot. Kertty, Metropolitan Club, New York City. 

02 ~EvERMANN, Dr. Barton W., Director of the Museum, California Acad- 
emy of Sciences, San Francisco, Calif. 

704 EvEeRMANN, J. W., First Vice-Pres., St. Louis Southwestern Railway 
of Texas, Dallas, Texas. 

"12 *Frarinc, Mrs. D. B., Newport, R. I. 

718 Ferarnow, E. C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

709 ~Ferrck, JoHn A., Sandusky, Ohio. 

715 Ferripine, J. B., 82 Wellington St., Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

20 Firpier, REGINALD H., 310 B. 51st St., Seattle, Wash. 

07 ~=FiELD, Dr. GrorcEe W., 2807 18th St. N.W., Washington, D. C. 

799 FWirxins, B. G., Northville, Mich. 

20 Frniayson, ALEx. C., Dominion Inspector of Hatcheries, Ottawa, 
Canada. 

12 Finury, W. L., Jennings Lodge, Clackamas Co., Ore. 

704 FisHer, JoHN F., Chapinville, Conn. 

"17 «=FirzcerRAp, E. J., Minneiska, Minn. 


142 


20 


‘15 
04 


19 
‘14 
712 
10 
21 
712 
10 
718 


718 
721 
10 
18 
20 
713 
"17 
05 
19 
721 
i 
°20 


713 
10 
10 
03 
19 
127 
21 
10 


20 
13 


15 
05 
00 
78 
721 
07 
716 
06 


10 


"95 
9 
alr 
20 


03 
06 
718 
04 
04 


FLEMING, JOHN H., Columbia City, Ind. 

*HOLGER, J. A., Pres., J. A. Folger Co., Howard and Spencer Sts., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

FoLiett, RicHarD E., Detroit Zoological Society, 1224 Dime Bank 
bBidg., Detroit, Mich. 

Forses, R. D., New Orleans, La. 

ForsytH, RoBerT, 1157 The Rookery, Chicago, Ill. 

*FORTMANN, Henry F., 1007 Gough St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Foster, FREDERICK J., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Neosho, Mo. 

Foster, Wm. T., 707 Coleman St., Easton, Pa. 

Founp, Wm. A., Asst. Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. 

Fow Ler, KENNETH, Woolworth Bldg., New York City. 

FRENcH, ALBERT, International Agric. Corporation, 61 Broadway, New 
York, Ni ¥. 

FRIDENBERG, ROBERT, 22 W. 56th St., New York, N. Y. 

GANTENBEIN, D., Diamond Bluff, Wis. 

*GARDNER, Mrs. CHARLES C., The Cliffs, Newport, R. I. 

GARNSEY, LEIGH, 451 Summit Ave., Redlands, Calif. 

GERDUN, C., 505 Commercial Bank Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Gerry, Ropert L., 258 Broadway, New York City. 

Giss, C. D., Game Warden, Wilder, Minn. 

Gipps, CHARLES E., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Hast Orland, Me. 

Giover, Wm. L., Edison National Bank, Orangeburg, S. C. 

GoopHUE, EH. C., Sherbrooke, Quebec. 

GorHAM, W. B., Fisheries Station, Anaconda, Mont. 

GouLp, Dr. Epwin W., Sea and Shore Fisheries Commission, 24 School 
St., Rockland, Me. 

GRAHAM, H. A., Berkeley, Taunton, R. F. D., Mass. 

GRAHAM, GEORGE H., 423 Main St., Springfield, Mass. 

GRATER, CHARLES B., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Leadville, Colo. 

Gray, GrorceE M., Woods Hole, Mass. 

Gray, STEDMAN H., 2511 W. Second Ave., Seattle, Wash. 

GREEN, J. C., 4730 London Road, Duluth, Minn. 

GREEN, JOHN E., Carlton, Minn. 

GREENE, Dr. CHaAs. W., University of Missouri, 814 Virginia Ave., 
Columbia, Mo. 

GREENE, JOHN V., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

GUERIN, THEOPHILE, Treasurer, Rhode Island Commission of Fisher- 
ies, Woonsocket, R. I. 

GUNCKEL, WILL H., M. and C. Savings Bank, Toledo, Ohio. 


*HAAS, WILLIAM, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Spruce Creek, Pa. 


Hann, EH. E., U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, Boothbay Harbor, Me. 

HAaLey, Cares, 14 Fulton Market, New York City. 

HaAmBERGER, Hon. JoHN, 16 Hast 8th St., Erie, Pa. 

Hancock, W. K., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Baird, Calif. 

Hanp, HE. R., Fairmont, Minn. 

HANKINSON, Pror. T. L., National Science Hall, State Normal College, 
Ypsilanti, Mich. 

HANSEN, FERDINAND, Russian Caviar Co., 170 Chambers St., New 
York City. 

HANSEN, G., Osceola, Wis. 

Hare, Frank E., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Manchester, Iowa. 

HARRIMAN, AVERILL, Arden, N. Y. 

Harrison, C. W., 801 Rogers Bldg., Dom. Gov. Fisheries Office, Van- 
couver, B. C. 

Harron, L. G., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

HARTMANN, Putt, Erie, Pa. 

HawkEs, S. B., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Bennington, Vt. 

Hay, Pror. W. P., Kensington, Md. 

Hayrorp, CHARLES O., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Hackettstown, 
Ned. 


143 


20 
719 


08 
15 
20 
719 
13 
08 


HEATHLEY, GeEo., Middleton, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia. 

Heprick, H. S., Pierre, 8. D. 

Herman, A. J., Barberton, Ohio. 

HeMiInGway, E. D., 123 Rochelle Ave., Wissahickon, Philadelphia, Pa. 

HENSHALL, DR. JAMES A., 811 Dayton St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Herobp, R., 7 Mills Bldg., San Francisco, Calif. 

HERRICK, PROF. Francis Hosart, Western Reserve University, Cleve- 
land, Ohio. 

Hevucuetez, G. L., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Put-in Bay, Ohio. 

HeEweETT, FRED, Route 6, Madison, Wis. 

Hiecins, ALF. S., 142 Atlantic Ave., Boston, Mass. 

HILDEBRAND, SAMUEL F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D.C. 

Hinricus, Henry, Jr., Booth Fisheries Co., 205 No. Michigan Ave.,. 
Chicago, IIl. 

Hopart, T. D., Pampa, Texas. 

Horrses, G. Raymonp, U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Hoiianp, R. P., Am. Game Protective Association, 233 Broadway,. 
New York City. 

Hoopen, K., Monterey, Calif. 

HooFnacLe, G. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Orangeburg, S. C. 


*Hoprrer, GrorGE L., Havre de Grace, Md. 


Howe tt, G. C. L., care of H. S. King & Co., 9 Pall Mall, London, 
S. W., England. 

Howser, W. D., Nashville, Tenn. 

HUBBARD, WaxLpo F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Nashua, N. H. 

Hupss, Cart L., Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann 
Arbor, Mich. 

HuNTSMAN, Dr. A. G., University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 


*HurbLBuTt, H. F., 18 Iveson Ave., East Lynn, Mass. 


Hussakor, Dr. Louis, American Museum of Natural History, New 
York City. 

HustTep, JAMES D., Denver, Colo. 

INNIS, Wo., N. HE. Cor. 12th and Cherry Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 

JACKSON, RALPH ©., Seven Pines Brook Trout Preserve, Lewis, Wis. 

JENNINGS, G. E., Fishing Gazette, 465 Central Park West, New York 
City. 

JENSEN, Haroxp, Spooner, Wis. 

Jounson, A. S., 300 Exchange Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

JOHNSON, JAMES G., R. I. Commission of Inland Fisheries, Riverside, 
Ree 

JONES, CHAPIN, State Forester, University of Virginia, Charlottes- 
ville, Va. 

Jones, Cov. E. Lester, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington,. 
DAC: 

Jones, J. H., Fergus Falls, Minn. 

Jones, TuHos. S., Louisville, Ky. 

JorDAN, R. D., 12 Stebbins St., Springfield, Mass. 

Jostyn, C. D., 67 Boulevard, Pelham, N. Y. 

KAUFMANN, R. M., The Star, Washington, D. C. 

KAVANAUGH, W. P., Bay City, Mich. 

KEESECKER, A. G., U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, Erwin, Tenn. 

Kert, W. M., Tuxedo Park, N. Y. 

KEMMERICH, JOSEPH, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Concrete, Wash. 

KeEnpat., F. P., Farling Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

KENDALL, NEAL, Farling Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

KENDALL, Dr. WiLttaM C., College of Forestry, Syracuse University,. 
Syracuse, N. Y. 

Kent, Epwin C., Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N. Y. 

Keyes, H. W., Ranier, Minn. 

Kinney, M. J., 1005 Yeon Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

KISTERBOCK, JOSIAH, JR., 3824 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa. 


144 


04 
13 


719 


14 
18 
03 
"16 
ue 
08 
98 
4 ir 
’20 


19 
10 
20 
‘02 


19 
’20 
"21 
’20 
718 
718 
"21 
20 
’20 
"21 
"21 
20 


15 
20 
10 
16 
19 
20 
16 
16 
719 
98 
10 
18 


reek § 
03 
"20 
20 
tay. 
03 
if Is) 
10 
20 
97 
20 
16 
pul: 
99 


KITTREDGE, BENJAMIN R., Carmel, N. Y. 

Knieut, H. J., Alaska Packers Association, San Francisco, Calif. 

Kortz, Dr. Water, Dept. Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann 
Arbor, Mich. 

KRAIKER, Cart, 1745 No. 7th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

KRriprpenporr, Cart H., Sagamore and New Sts., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

LAMBSON, G. H., Calif. Fish and Game Commission, Sisson, Calif. 

Lanpry, D. J., Lake Charles, La. 

LAwyYER, GEO. A., U. S. Biological Survey, Washington, D. C. 

Lay, CHARLES, Sandusky, Ohio. 

LeacyH, G. C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

LEAVINS, Linus, Fish and Game Commission, Cambridge, Vt. 

Lepour, Dr. Mariz V., Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, 
England. 

LE Compete, FE. Lee, 512 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

LEE, W. McDonatp, Irvington, Va. 

LEESER, WM. S., 919 Walnut St., Reading, Pa. 

LEWIS, CHARLES E., Lewis Bldg., 2d Ave., So., & 6th St., Minneapolis, 
Minn. 


Libraries 


COLLEGE OF FISHERIES, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 
HarvarD COLLEGE, Cambridge, Mass. 

JOHN CRERAR Liprary, Chicago, Il. 

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Cambridge, Mass. 
New York Pustic Lisrary, 476 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. 
New York State Lisrary, Albany, N. Y. 

Scripps INSTITUTION FOR BioLocicaL RESEARCH, La Jolla, Calif. 
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA, Bloomington, Ind. 

UNIvErRSITY oF MicuiaAn, Ann Arbor, Mich. 

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, Lincoln, Nebr. 

UNIVERSITY OF Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 

YALE UNIVERSITY, New Haven, Conn. 


LinpAuL, SetH H., 7732 Chauncey Ave., Chicago, Il. 

Linpsay, R. C., Gaspe, Canada. 

Linton, Dr. Epwin, University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo. 

Lipinsky, M. N., Winona, Minn. 

Lioyp, JoHN THomaAs, Court and Plum Sts., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

LOWELL, RatpH P., Sanford, Me. 

Lowrance, W. J., Berwick, La. 

Lupwie, JoHN, Grand Isle, La. 

LyYDELL, CLaup, State Fish Hatchery, Hastings, Mich. 

LYDELL, Dwient, State Fish Hatchery, Comstock Park, Mich. 

Mastin, CHartes H., Maywood, N. J. 

MACKENZIE, Wm. H., The Linen Thread Co., 96 Franklin St., New 
WOLK, IN; ¥. 

McDonabLp, E. B., Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

McDoveat, J. M., Gunnison, Colo. 

McKinney, Ropert E., 505 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. 

McLean, MarsHatt, 27 Cedar St., New York City. 

McReynotps, B. B., Water Superintendent, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Manone, A. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Edenton, N. C. 

*MAILLIARD, JOSEPH, 1815 Vallejo St., San Francisco, Calif. 

MANNFELD, Geo. N., 223 N. Penn. St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

MANSFIELD, Harry C., Russell’s Point, Ohio. 

Manton, Dr. W. P., 32 Adams Ave., West, Detroit, Mich. 

Marrs, Wm. C., Fort On Appelle, Saskatchewan. 

Marpen, Cuas. S., Moorehead, Minn. 

MariIneg, Dr. Davip, Montifiore Home and Hospital, New York City. 

MarsH, M. C., Springville, N. Y. 


145 


"16 
"21 


"94 
"13 


13 
18 
720 
13 
13 
18 
04 
18 
04 
99 
10 
720 


10 
14 
718 
16 
86 
OT 


10 


’20 
720 
13 
16 
"OT 


720 
00 


715 
19 


18 
10 
Aly 
12 
Ale 
04 


21 
04 
07 
18 
11 
09 


MARSCHALK, Paut, Warroad, Minn. 

MatrHews, J. H., Research and Information Dept., No. 1 Fulton Fish 
Market, New York, N. Y. 

*MEEHAN, W. E., 422 Dorset St., Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, Pa. 

MERRILL, ARTHUR, Wilkinsonville, Mass. 

Merritt, M. E., Pittsford, Vt. 

MeErRSHON, W. B., Saginaw, Mich. 

MEYER, Gustav J. T., 829-831 South Delaware St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

Mires, Ler, Probate Judge, Little Rock, Ark. 

MiLiER, ALBERT P., Constantia, N. Y. 

Mittert, ArtHur L., Division of Fisheries and Game, State House, 
Boston, Mass. 

Miscuter, C. F., Sandusky, Ohio. 

MITCHELL, Epw. W., Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, N. Y. 

*MIxTER, SAMUEL J., M. D., 180 Marlboro St., Boston, Mass. 

Morian, Wo. K., Board of Fisheries and Game, Bridgeport, Conn. 

Money, GEN. Nort, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. 

Mownrok, Ot1s D., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Palmer, Mass. 

Moore, ALFRED, 618 American Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Moorst, Dr. EMMELINE, Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 

Moore, Dr. H. F., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Mortey, E. C., Sodus Point, N. Y. 

Morris, Dr. Rosert T., 616 Madison Ave., New York City. 

Morton, W. P., 105 Sterling Ave., Providence, R. I. 

Moser, CAPTAIN JEFFERSON F., 2040 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, Calif. 

MoTHERWELL, Masor J. A., Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Rogers Bldg., 
Vancouver, B. C. 

Munty, M. G., 1012 Yeon Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

Myers, I. S., 604 Norwood St., Akron, Ohio. 

NEEDHAM, Pror. JAS. G., Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 

*NELSON, CHas. A. A., Lutsen, Minn. 

NEVIN, JAMES, Conservation Commission, Madison, Wis. 

*NEWMAN, Epwin A., President, Aquarium Fisheries Co., 4805 8th St., 
N.W., Washington, D. C. 

NICHOLS, JOHN TREADWELL, American Museum of Natural History, 
New York City. 

Norcore, Martin, 1908 N. 36th St., Seattle, Wash. 

OAKES, JOSEPH, Box 5, Belleville, Ontario. 

OAKES, WM. H., 24 Union Park St., Boston, Mass. 

O’Brien, Martin. Crookston, Minn. 

O’Brien, W. J., Supt. of Hatcheries, Nebraska Game and Fish Com- 
mission, Gretna, Neb. 

OpELL, CLINTON M., 1815 Fremont Ave., South, Minneapolis, Minn. 

O’Matiry, Henry, U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, 1217 L. C. Smith Bldg., 
Seattle, Wash. 

OPDENWEYER, JOHN W., Sorrento, La. 

Orr, ArtTHUR, House Appropriations Committee, Capitol, Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

ORSINGER, FRED G., 123 8. Oakley Boulevard, Chicago, Tl. 

*OsBURN, Pror. RAymMonp C., Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 

Otis, Miro F., State Fish Hatchery, Upper Saranac, N. Y. 

Ot1s, SPENCER, Railway Exchange, Chicago, Ill. 

PAcKER, ARTHUR, 423 Plymouth Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn. 

PALMER, Dr. THEODORE S., United States Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, D. C. 

PARADISE Brook Trout Co., Henryville, Pa. 

PARKHURST, Hon. C. FRANK, 54 Barnes St., Providence, R. I. 

PATCHING, Frep, Loring, Alaska. 

PEARSE, Pror. A. S., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 

PELL, GEO. W., 520 Sixteenth St., Denver, Colo. 

PFLEuGER, J. E., Akron, Ohio. 


146 


"21 


17 
13 
09 
‘04 


06 
19 
af 
19 
08 


03 
10 
93 
719 
"21 
721 
718 
’20 
713 
93 
19 
20 


98 
18 
15 
16 
"21 
19 
or 
18 


’20 


19 
20 
10 
16 
21 
14 
13 
05 
18 
719 
15 
20 
721 
00 
13 
18 
00 
121 
13 
19 
Wa 
08 
18 
03 
"91 


PuHILuies, JoHN M., Vice-Pres., Board of Game Commissioners, 2227 
Jane St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

PINKERTON, J. A., Glenwood, Minn. 

PooLE, GARDNER, Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

Pomeroy, Gro. H., Toledo, Ohio. 

Port, T. E. B., Curator, Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee, 
Milwaukee, Wis. 

Porter, RicHArD, Board of State Fish Commissioners, Paris, Mo. 

Post Fisu Co., Sandusky, Ohio. 

Pratt, GrorGE D., Telephone Bldg., Albany, N. Y. 

PRENSKER, Dr. G. A., 1348 Wellington Ave., Chicago, III. 


*Prince, Dr. E. E., Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries, Ottawa, 


Canada. 
Race, E. E., Boothbay Harbor, Me. 


*RADCLIFFE, LEwis, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 


RAVENEL, W. DE C., U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. 

Reep, H. D., Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 

Rea, KENNETH G., 285 Beaver Hall Hill, Montreal, Canada. 

ReEForRD, Rost. Wiison, 300 Drummond St., Montreal, Canada. 

Rew, Gro. C., 1007 N. George St., Rome, N. Y. 

Rew, Huenw J., Winnipegoses, Manitoba, Canada. 

REIDEL, F. K., State Hatchery, Union City, Pa. 

REIGHARD, Pror. JAcoB E., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 

RENAND, J. K., 207 New Court Bldg., New Orleans, La. 

RicH, Water H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 11 Exchange St., Port- 
land, Me. 

Ricuarps, G. H., Sears Building, Boston, Mass. 

RicHarpson, A. P., Supt. Hatchery, Canaan, Vt. 

RICHARDSON, RoBert E., Box 155, University Station, Urbana, Il. 

Ritry, Marx, U. 8. Bureau of Fisheries, San Marcos, Texas. 

Ritey, Hon. Matruew, 304 Jefferson Ave., Ellwood City, Pa. 

Ritey, Pror. WM. A., University Farm, St. Paul, Minn. 

Ristry, A. F., Old Forge, Herkimer Co., N. Y. 

ROBERTSON, ALEXANDER, Dominion Hatchery, Harrison Hot Springs, 
British Columbia. 


*RoBERTSON, Hon. Jas. A., Skerryvore, Holmefield Ave., Clevely’s, 


Blackpool, England. 
Ropp, J. A., Dept. Naval Service, Ottawa, Canada. 
Ropp, R. T., Banff, Alberta. 
Rowe, Henry C., Daytona Beach, Fla. 
Rowe, Wm. H., West Buxton, Me. 
RuwHE, HE. LEHMAN, 24 S. 13th St., Allentown, Pa. 
RvussELL, Gro. 8., Bank of Commerce of N. A., Cleveland, Ohio. 
Ryan, Carvin D., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Ketchikan, Alaska. 


*Sarrorp, W. H., U. 8S. Bureau of Fisheries, Gloucester, Mass. 


Scurapieck, H. E., 211 South Highth St., Olean, N. Y. 

ScHRANK, J. J., Booth Fisheries Co., Sandusky, Ohio. 

Scorretp, N. B., 430 Kingsley Ave., Palo Alto, Calif. 

Scott, THoMAS H., Fisheries Overseer, Hope, B. C. 

Scovitie, R. L., 50 Church St., New York City. 

SeacieE, Gro. A., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Wytheville, Va. 
SEAGRAVE, ARNOLD, Woonsocket, R. I. 

SEAMAN, FRANK, Napanoch, N. Y. 

Setiers, M. G., 1518 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

SHELDON, H. P., Fish and Game Commissioner, Montpelier, Vt. 
SHELLFORD, Victor H., Dept. Zool., University of Illinois, Urbana, II]. 
SHERWOOD, EH. H., State Game and Fish Commission, Seattle, Wash. 
Surra, Austin F., Fairport, Iowa. 

Surras, Geo., 3p, Stoneleigh Court, Washington, D. C. 

SHOLL, C. E., Box 62, Burlington, N. J. 

*SLADE, GreorGE P., 309 Broadway, P. O. Box 283, New York City. 
SmitH, Dr. HucH M., 1209 M St. N.W., Washington, D. C. 


147 


99 SmitH, Lewis H., Algona, Iowa. 

720 SmitH, Water S., Game Warden, 114 North Jefferson St., Staun- 
ton, Va. 

720 SNOWDEN, ALEX’R O., JR., 1058 Main St., Peekskill, N. Y. 

705 Snyper, J. P., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Cape Vincent, N. Y. 

721 Spencer, H. B., Room 1223 Munsey Bldg., Washington, D. C. 

*87 SPENSLEY, CALVERT, Mineral Point, Wis. 

17 SporTSMEN’s REVIEW PUBLISHING Co., 15 W. Sixth St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

16 Spracie, L. H., Henryville, Pa. 

"10 Strack, F. Grorcre, North Creek, Warren Co., N. Y. 

°21 SvrackHoussE, H. R., Department of Fisheries, Harrisburg, Pa. 


States 


721 Inprana, Dept. of Conservation, Div. of Fisheries and Game, Indian- 
apolis, Ind. 

721 Towa, Fish and Game Dept., Des Moines, Iowa. 

721 Louisiana, Dept. of Conservation, New Orleans, La. 

*21 MAassacHusetts, Dept. of Conservation, State House, Boston, Mass. 

‘21 Minnesota, Department of Game and Fish, State Capitol, St. Paul, 
Minn. 

’21 Onto, Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

°21 OreEcoN, Fish Commission of Oregon, 1105 Gasco Bldg., Portland, Ore. 


703. «Stevens, ARTHUR F., Ladentown, R. F. D. 44-A, Suffern, N. Y. 

712 ~Srivers, D. Gay, Butte Anglers’ Association, Butte, Mont. 

°20 StToKKeE, G. B., 16 Exchange Place, New York City. - 

704 Story, Joun A., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Green Lake, Me. 

14 Struven, CuHas. M., 114 8S. Frederick St., Baltimore, Md. 

720 Struser, JAMES W., Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

718 Sun, Dr. F. T., President, School of Fisheries, Tientsin, China. 

710 Sworp, C. B., New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. 

721 Tart, THoRFIN, 64 Hillside Ave., Metuchen, N. J. 

719 Taytor, H. F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

719 TERRELL, CiypE B., Oshkosh, Wis. 

99 THayer, W. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Northville, Mich. 

713. THomas, ApriAn, 190 EH. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Mich. 

19 THompson, CHaAs. H., Colonial Trust Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. 

18 THompson, W. F., State Fisheries Laboratory, Terminal, Calif. 

700 Tuompson, W. P., 123 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

700 Tuompson, W. T., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Bozeman, Mont. 

08 THomson, G. H., Estes Park, Colo. 

713. TicHreNnor, A. K., Secretary, Alaska Packers Assn., San Francisco, 
Calif. 

14 Trr~MAN, RosBert L., Beacon Paper Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

13 *Timson, WoM., President, Alaska Packers Assn., San Francisco, Calif. 

92 «TiTcomsB, JOHN W., 17 Lenox Ave., Albany, N. Y. 

701 and ’12 *TowNsENp, Dr. CHARLES H., Director New York Aquarium, 
New York, N. Y. 

20 TrAveERS, JoHN T., Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

°21 + TRESSELT, FREDERICK, State Fish Hatchery, Hackettstown, N. J. 

‘21 TressteR, Dr. Donatp K., Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

13 « TrREexLerR, Cot. Harry C., Allentown, Pa. 

7138. Trices, CHas. W., Booth Fisheries Co., 22 W. Monroe St., Chicago, Il. 

715 Troyer, M., Astoria Iron Works, Seattle, Wash. 

°20 Truitt, R. V., University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 

16 Truitt, Harry §S., American Museum of Natural History, New York 
City. 

99 Tusgs, Franx A., State Fish Hatchery, Harrisville, Mich. 

98 TuLIaAN, Hueene A., Box 1304, New Orleans, La. 

718 Turner, Pror. C. L., Wooster, Ohio. 

‘11 *VALLETTE, Luciano H., Chief of Section of Fish Culture, 827 Riva- 
davia, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 


148 


a 


709 Van Arta, Clyne H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Yes Bay Hatchery, 
Ketchikan, Alaska. 

719 Van CLEAVE, Pror. H. J., University of Illinois, Urbana, III. 

14 *VaNnpDERGRIFT, S. H., 1728 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C. 

720 VICKERS, Harrison W., Chairman, Conservation Commission, 512 
Munsey Building, Baltimore, Md. 

19 VincENT, W. S., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Mammoth Springs, Ark. 

19 Viosca, Percy, Jr., Natural History Bldg., New Orleans, La. 

12 Voct, JAMES H., Nevada Fish Commission, Verdi, Nevada. 

709 Von LENGERKE, J., 200 Fifth Ave., New York City. 

706 WADDELL, JOHN, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

719 Waaner, JOHN, School House Lane, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa. 

715 WAKEFIELD, L. H., 1810 Smith Bldg., Seattle, Wash. 

796 WALKER, BRYANT, Detroit, Mich. 

"11 Watker, Dr. H. T., 210 Main St., Denison, Texas. 

‘20 WALKER, S. J., District Inspector of Hatcheries, Ottawa, Canada. 

716 WALLACE, FREDERICK WILLIAM, 282 W. 25th St., New York, N. Y. 

96 WatrTers, C. H., Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. 

98 Warp, Dr. H. B., University of Illinois, Urbana, III. 

712 Warp, J. Quincy, Executive Agent, Kentucky Game and Fish Com- 
mission, Frankfort, Ky. 

17 Warp, Ropertson S., 172 Harrison St., East Orange, N. J. 

713. Wess, W. Srewarp, 44th St. and Vanderbilt Ave., New York City. 

721 WeEsstTER, B. O., Commissioner of Fisheries, Madison, Wis. 

"16 WEEKS, ANDREW Gray, 8 Congress St., Boston, Mass. 

20 WELLS, Wm. F., Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 

19 WerRICK, FRANK J., Bigrock Creek Trout Club, St. Croix Falls, Wis. 

13. WESTERFELD, Cart, 702 Postal Bldg., San Francisco, Calif. 

13 WESTERMAN, J. H., Harrietta, Mich. 

19 WHEELER, CHAS. E., Stratford, Conn. 

15 WHEELER, FRED M., 546 Fulton St., Chicago, Il. 

21 Wuite, Dr. BH. Hamitton, 298 Stanley St., Montreal, Canada. 

10 WuHitTMAN, Epwarp C., Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

"15 WHITESIDE, R. B., 204 Sellwood Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

’20 WuitTEway, Sotomon P., St. Johns, Newfoundland. 

19 Wickiirr, Enpwarp L., 1309 Atchinson St., Columbus, Ohio. 

20 Witsur, Harry C., Commissioner, Sea and Shore Fisheries, Portland, 
Me. 

701 Wuson, C. H., Glen Falls, N. Y. 

10 WINCHESTER, GRANT E., Forest, Fish and Game Commission, Bemus 
Point, N. Y. 

700 Winn, Dennis, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 1217 L. C. Smith Bldz., 
Seattle, Wash. 

299 Wires, S. P., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Duluth, Minn. 

13 *Wisner, J. Netson, Director, Institute de Pesca del Uruguay, Punta 
del Hsto, Uruguay. 

21 Wotr, CHar_es F., Birchwood, Wis. 

05 *Worters, Cuas. A., Oxford and Marvine Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 

"97 Woop, C. C., Plymouth, Mass. 

18 Woops, Joun P., President, Missouri State Fish Commission, First 

2 and Wright Sts., St. Louis, Mo. 

14 Work, GeraLp, Perkins Hill, Akron, Ohio. 

19 Wricut, Pror. ALBERT Hazen, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 

16 Youncer, R. J., Houma, La. 

99 ZatsMAN, P. G., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Grayling, Mich. 


Recapitulation 
te niet oh da slate ced is ed doe in sok cou@be die eww kee he ha sla 66 
NS Pte retire ksh id hcl Sn vee boy hac SOTA Eades Unaatite Ale base ctoer dle 10 
STE ie a) Sac. o:01e o - ratelatp lelabotel orevecsnsrs euvtetrs ote) alleigial seeders on Uisecre eae 53 
Active (including 45 clubs, 12 libraries and 7 State organizations).. 556 
AMGTISIH Sogo ALSO ky ORR EEOC ROUGE CRETE OI ne A ee 685 


CONSTITUTION 
(As amended to date) 





ARTICLE I 
NAME AND OBJECT 


The name of this Society shall be American Fisheries Society. 
Its object shall be to promote the cause of fish culture; to gather and 
diffuse information bearing upon its practical success, and upon all 
matters relating to the fisheries; the uniting and encouraging of all 
interests of fish culture and the fisheries, and the treatment of all 
questions regarding fish, of a scientific and economic character. 


ARTICLE IT 
MEMBERSHIP 


Active Members.—Any person may, upon a two-thirds vote and 
the payment of three dollars, become a member of this Society. In 
case members do not pay their fees, which shall be three dollars per 
year after first year, and are delinquent for two years, they shall be 
notified by the treasurer, and if the amount due is not paid within 
a month thereafter, they shall be, without further notice, dropped 
from the roll of membership. 

Any sporting or fishing club, society, firm, or corporation, upon 
two-thirds vote and the payment of an annual fee of five dollars, may 
become a member of this Society and be entitled to all its publica- 
tions. Libraries shall be admitted to membership at three dollars 
a year. 

Any state board or commission may, upon the payment of an 
annual fee of ten dollars, become a member of this Society and be 
entitled to all of its publications. 

Life Members—Any person shall, upon a two-thirds vote and the 
payment of twenty-five dollars, become a life member of this Society, 
and shall thereafter be exempt from all annual dues. 

Patrons—Any person, society, club, firm, or corporation, on 
approval by the Executive Committee and on payment of $50.00, 
may become a Patron of this Society with all the privileges of a life 
member, and then shall be listed as such in all published lists of the 
Society. The money thus received shall become part of the perma- 
nent funds of the Society and the interest alone be used as the 
Society shall designate. 


150 


Honorary and Corresponding Members——Any person can be 
made an honorary or a corresponding member upon a two-thirds 
vote of the members present at any regular meeting. 

The President (by name) of the United States and the Governors 
(by name) of the several States shall be honorary members of the 
Society. 

Election of Members Between Annual Meetings——The President, 
Recording Secretary, and Treasurer of the Society are hereby author- 
ized, during the time intervening between annual meetings, to act on 
all individual applications for membership in the Society, a majority 
vote of the Committee to elect or reject such applications as may be 
duly made. 


ARTICLE Il 
SECTIONS 


On presentation of a formal written petition signed by one hun- 
dred or more members, the Executive Committee of the American 
Fisheries Society may approve the formation in any region of a 
Section of the American Fisheries Society to be known as the 
Section. 

Such a Section may organize by electing its own officers, and by 
adopting such rules as are not in conflict with the Constitution and 
By-Laws of the American Fisheries Society. 

It may hold meetings and otherwise advance the general interests 
of the Society, except that the time and place of its annual meeting 
must receive the approval of the Executive Committee of the Ameri- 
can Fisheries Society, and that without specific vote of the American 
Fisheries Society, the Section shall not commit itself to any expres- 
sion of public policy on fishing matters. 

It may further incur indebtedness to an amount necessary for the 
conduct of its work not to exceed one-half of the sum received in 
annual dues from members of said Section. 

Such bills duly approved by the Chairman and Recorder of the 
Section shall be paid on presentation to the Treasurer of the Ameri- 
can Fisheries Society. 





ARTICLE IV 
OFFICERS 


The officers of this Society shall be a president and a vice-presi- 
dent, who shall be ineligible for election to the same office until a year 
after the expiration of their term; an executive secretary, a record- 
ing secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of seven, 


151 


which, with the officers before named, shall form a council and 
transact such business as may be necessary when the Society is not 
in session—four to constitute a quorum. 

In addition to the officers above named there shall be elected 
annually five vice-presidents who shall be in charge of the following 
five divisions or sections: 

Fish culture. 

Commercial fishing. 

Aquatic biology and physics. 
Angling. 

Protection and legislation. 


a SS ee 


Vice-presidents of sections may be called upon by the President 
to present reports of the work of their sections, or they may volun- 
tarily present such reports when material of particular value can be 
offered by a given division. 


ARTICLE V 
MEETINGS 


The regular meeting of the Society shall be held once a year, the 
time and place being decided upon at the previous meeting, or, in 
default of such action, by the executive committee. 


ARTICLE V1 
ORDER OF BUSINESS 


1. Call to order by president. 
2. Roll call of members. 
3. Applications for membership. 
4. Reports of officers. 
a. President. 
b. Secretary. 
¢., Preasurer. 
d. Vice-presidents of Divisions. 
e. Standing Committees. 
5. Committees appointed by the president. 
a. Committee of five on nomination of officers for ensuing 
year. 
b. Committee of three on time and place of next meeting. 
c. Auditing committee of three. 
d. Committee of three on program. 
e. Committee of three on publication. 
f. Committee of three on publicity. 


152 


6. Reading of papers and discussion of same. 

(Note—In the reading of papers preference shall be given’ to 
the members present.) 

Miscellaneous business. 

Adjournment. 


eos 


ARTICLE Vil 
CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION 
The Constitution of the Society may be amended, altered or 
repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular 
meeting, provided at least fifteen members are present at said regular 
meeting. 


153 





Ort ests 1G ; oF : 
eae ~ National Muse 


_ TRANSACTIONS 


AMERICAN 


_ FISHERIES 
SOCIETY 


WAZ 


___ MADISON, WISCONSIN 
___ SEPTEMBER 6, 7, 8, 19 


> ad 








TRANSACTIONS 
of the 


American Fisheries Society 


“To promote the cause of fish culture; to gather 
and diffuse information bearing upon its practical 
success, and upon all matters relating to the fisher- 
ies; to unite and encourage all interests of fish cul- 
ture and the fisheries; and to treat all questions of 
a scientific and economic character regarding fish.” 


FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 
MADISON, WISCONSIN 
September 6, 7, 8, 1922 
Volume LII 
1922-1923 


Edited by Ward T. Bower 


Published Annually by the Society 
WASHINGTON, D. C. 





Che American fisheries Society 


ORGANIZED 1870 INCORPORATED 1910 


Officers for 1922-1923 


TOME he Os nied Zhe a oats Gien C. Leacu, Washington, D. C. 
MP FESOCHE... v6 veces avewnes GrorcE C. Empsopy, Ithaca, N. Y. 
eaecutive Secretary........- Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C. 
Recording Secretary....... Tuomas E. B. Port, Milwaukee, Wis. 
MOMESUTON.. co ole lu siadee aves ArtHuR L, MiILLeTt, Boston, Mass. 


Vire-Presidents of Divisions 


Pash Culture.......... CHARLES O. HayForp, Hackettstown, N. J. 
Aquatic Biology and Physics......... E,. A. Bircr, Madison, Wis. 
Commercial Fishing...........-+- GARDNER Pook, Boston, Mass. 
NG es foe see ASG enki p oes Joun P. Woops, St. Louis, Mo. 


Protection and Legislation. .HARRISON W. VICKERS, Baltimore, Md. 


Executive Committee 


meen W. COBB, Chairman. . cc cc cee cee eee enss St. Paul, Minn. 
MN EL TTCOM Eo. cis ara cor eye ao owen se pawns Hartford, Conn. 
SIT BE DINCE AG... cic a Wow teh vik e'o oseawe he Ottawa, Canada 
ME AT BRRT 0 sv adic a sachs Gao be ck ew Des Moines, Iowa 
UNREST REELING. GIDL 62 505, 2 aie) o'sitlle. dierent ny meine Washington, D. C. 
I MOC OBE 6 oor aw siaicin nie sere 6 3 'e cinciein's otha cine's Seattle, Wash. 


Committee on Foreign Belations 


PReDERIc C. WoLcort, Chairman.........cceeees Norfolk, Conn. 
BMIP OLE RANDER. % occccx csc eiec nes sos beeen se New Orleans, La. 
TRE RS PVSA INS 1).2 axa'icic. ol o:8-v tian. 00rieencaawralnseiele aes Boston, Mass. 
EEE Tvs, Sos coelc dae ea oboe he bese eb hed Detroit, Mich. 


Committee on Relations with National and State Governments 


meraanw R. BuLLER, Chairman... 20.06 ccs eee Harrisburg, Pa. 
MPENIEMNGNG oi rs So 50.00 bers pedis eo vee diets Jennings Lodge, Ore. 
MP) CHAMBERS. oo us'c bbe cs vce ceecvcceemecs Quebec, Canada 
NE re PATOL TT 2 oxic s aieiacs Vee ens b's wisn ay 18» Boston, Mass. 
PUREE T hI he oh enc ea pd alee dealin pee ea kee Richmond, Va. 


Presidents, Terms of Service and Places of Meeting. 





The first meeting of the Society occurred December 20, 1870. The 
organization then effected continued until February, 1872, when the second 
meeting was held. Since that time there has been a meeting each year, as 
shown below. The respective presidents were elected at the meeting, at 
the place, and for a period shown opposite their names, but they presided 


at the subsequent meeting. 

1 SAVE L PAM OGLIRT. 2 mee eee ee 
ae NYA YF 0 85 ON nl Co 60 ap Ws er aA i es 
2) VVIELTAM: «CLINT 2 tee = 3. 2 See 
A. Roper? B:, ROOSEVELT==-—--—=— 
5. > ROBERT B: ROOSEVELT: 222-2-—~ 
6. Rosert B. ROoSEVELT__~------ 
Te ROBERT 3: eR OOSEVEL Re = 
8. “RoBERT (B> JROOSEVEET= 2-0 === 
9. Ropert B. RoosEVELT._--—_--=- 
10. Roserr B. RoostvelrT__--.----. 
Ade eeROBERT 32 OOSEVEL Tee eae 
12. Grorce SHEPARD PAGE__~---~- 
3, ) JAMES. BENIKARDE 22. -= 5-35 
14). HEODORE (UYMAN= 222-2 eee 
15. MarsHat, McDoNaLD_------- 
Gs MN ERUIDSON==a se ee 
TZ ONVIELTANE DS VCAY <= 22 ees 
18). Jone: BiSSRLR S27 o- Ae 
19. EuGENE G. BLACKFORD_---~--- 
20. Eucengé G. BLACKFORD_------- 
21. james A, HENSHALL—----_—- 
22, HERSCHEL WHITAKER_-------.- 
Ost SEEN RYe«O. ORDso eee ee 
OAT TANT TAA Maes Dee WAY 
Roan) ae EG NDEN GLO Nese ee ee 
26. HERSCHEL WHITAKER___-~----- 
Or eA VLEE PAINE WEA IVA = ee eee 
995) GEORGE i.e PEABODY o—— ooo e= 
Bor MOMNU We) DERDCOMB =o Sas: 
SON pew DICKER SONG. 2 sees 
See Ce eS RWAUN TT cerns me et 
50) (Grorce M. BOWERS _--.---=--— 
Pie ARRAN Keun) OT AIR Kees ee 


30) SEY MOURNBDOWER. = ooo eee—. 
40. WiuLLtiAM E. MEEHAN_-------- 
Aer Sees E UTTER NO Nee ee ee 
42. CHARLES H. TowNsEND_-----. 
438) SELBNR Ye ONWARD pea ee 
4420 DANIED Bo UIbARING2=2—2=—=——= 
45. Jacop ReIGHARD____---------. 
AGue GEORGE Ve nL Da es 
AD SO HENRY OVMALERY 22s 25 eee 2S 
48.) Me ADEA NDER 2-2 
AQeee CART OS JAVERVe 1: ery eer 
BO INATEAN Ree DULLER. @2so= == 
Bi WGA: .BARBER= 222 
Bo GEENA G tL BACH 2 26 eta kans Se 


1870-1872__._.New York, N. Y. 
1872-1873____Albany, N. Y. 
1873-1874____New York, N. 
1874-1875_._._.New York, N. 
1875-1876__.._New York, N. 
1876-1877*-_.New York, N. 
1877-1878___.New York, 
1878-1879__.__New York, 
1879-1880____New York, 
1880-1881__.__New York, 
1881-1882__.._New York, 
1882-1883____New York, 
1883-1884__._.New York, N. 
1884-1885____Washington, D. C. 
1885-1886____Washington, D. C. 
1886-1887__--Chicago, Ill. 
1887-1888___._Washington, D. C. 
1888-1889____Detroit, Mich. 
1889-1890____ Philadelphia, Pa. 
1890-1891____Put-in Bay, Ohio. 
1891-1892___._Washington, D. C. 
=: 1892- 1893____New York, (N.Y. 


2222222 
TMi iain iad 


1894- -1895___- Philadelphia, eae 
1895-1896__--New York, N. Y. 
1896-1897____New York, N. Y. 
1897-1898____Detroit, Mich. 
1898-1899____Omaha, Neb. 
1899-1900____Niagara Falls, N. Y. 
1900-1901___._Woods Hole, Mass. 
1901-1902__--_Milwaukee, Wis. 
1902-1903____Put-in Bay, Ohio. 
1903-1904___._Woods Hole, Mass. 
1904-1905__-_Atlantic City, N. J. 


1905-1906____ White Sulphur Spgs, W.Va. 


1906-1907____Grand Rapids, Mich. 
1907-1908____Erie, Pa. 
1908-1909____ Washington, D. C. 
1909-1910____Toledo, Ohio. 
1910-1911____New York, N. Y. 
1911-1912____St. Louis, Mo. 
1912-1913____Denver, Colo. 
1913-1914____Boston, Mass. 
1914-1915____Washington, D. C. 
1915-1916____San Francisco, Calif. 
1916-1917____New Orleans, La. 
1917-1918____St. Paul, Minn. 
1918-1919____New York, N. Y. 
1919-1920____Louisville, Ky. 
1920-1921____Ottawa, Canada. 
1921-1922____Allentown, Pa. 
1922-1923___._Madison, Wis. 





* A special meeting was held at the Centennial Grounds, Philadelphia, Pa., 


October 6 and 7, 1876. 


American fisheries Society 


ORGANIZED 1870 


CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. 





We, the undersigned, persons of full age and citizenship of the United 
States, and a majority being citizens of the District of Columbia, pursuant 
to and in conformity with sections 599 to 603, inclusive, of the Code of 
Law for the District of Columbia, enacted March 3, 1901, as amended by 
the Acts approved January 31 and June 30, 1902, hereby associate our- 
selves together as a society or body corporate and certify in writing: 

1, That the name of the Society is the AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. 

2. That the term for which it is organized is nine hundred and ninety- 
nine years, 

3. That its particular business and objects are to promote the cause 
of fish culture; to gather and diffuse information bearing upon its prac- 
tical success, and upon all matters relating to the fisheries; to unite and 
encourage all interests of fish culture and the fisheries; and to treat all 
questions of a scientific and economic character regarding fish; with power: 

(a) To acquire, hold and convey real estate and other property, and 
to establish general and special funds. 

(b) To hold meetings. 

(c) To publish and distribute documents. 

(d) To conduct lectures. 

(e) To conduct, endow, or assist investigation in any department of 
fishery and fish-culture science. 

(f) To acquire and maintain a library. 

(g) And, in general, to transact any business pertinent to a learned 
society. 

4. That the affairs, funds and property of the corporation shall be in 
general charge of a council, consisting of the officers and the executive 
committee, the number of whose members for the first year shall be 
seventeen, all of whom shall be chosen from among the members of the 


Society. 
Witness our hands and seals this 16th day of December, 1910. 
SEYMoUR BOWER (Seal) 
THEODORE GILL (Seal) 
WILLIAM E. MEEHAN (Seal) 
THEODORE S. PALMER (Seal) 
BERTRAND H. Roperts (Seal) 
Hucu M. Sirs (Seal) 
RICHARD SYLVESTER (Seal) 


Recorded April 16, 1911. 


6 CONTENTS 


Pacs 
CiBreersey 22 et Be oe oe oe oh ee 3 
List of past presidents and places of meeting_-..---~--------_-.-= = 4 
Gertiicate -of incorporation -£.c..cs2225 20 s0oeS ese oe 5 

Part I—BUuSINEss SESSIONS 

Registered’ attendance. =o.) 2. ae es ee eee 9 
Mew: members jbo Be es Oe ee ee 10 
Appointment of scommittees 222-2 a ee a eee ee eee 12 
Report Gf “Lreastirer 2-2 62 Ue a ee ee eee 12 
Report of Executive ‘Secretaryie 2S 22s. eh eee 14 
Reports of Vice-Presidents. of. divisions.2-.-...=.-+.==--=-.2 2s 15 
Report of “Auditing ‘Committees... es == eee 17 
Report of Committee on Time and Place of Meeting------------------ Li 
Report.of ‘Committee on) Awards. =---. 2425-4-5.4-4. 60222 eee 19 
Report of (Committee ‘on -Resolutions-.._.-3._—--2 2. ==--==-— eee 21 
Reportsot Committee on: Nominations: -—=-+---_=-5—2--- 3. Se eee 25 
im yMemiriaon 2.22 t. 3 2 ne okey 31 


Part JI—PApERS AND DISCUSSIONS 


Investigations in the Preservation of Fish Nets and Lines. Harden F. 


Taylor -and Arthur W.° Wreliso. 2. =) 35 
Octomitus Salmonis, a New Species of Intestinal Parasite in Trout. 

Pmmeline (M0 ore cele oo hee ee oo Sa ee 74 
A New and Practical Device for Transporting Live Fish. Edgar C. 

BCU NOW: soo wees et ee ee ee Le 98 
The Plankton of the Lakes: &. A. Birges22s2--2-=- 5222 eee 118 
Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking—To Increase the Productivity 

of Fish Life. Ernest Clive Brown 222-2. 2is-2 2. eee 131 
Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. John N. Cobb------------------ 146 
Irrigation Canals as an Aid to Fisheries Development in the West. 

oh. Prince “s)he ee ee ee ee er 157 
Pollation of Inland-Streams...17. D.Horto22<-.2- 2222-55-22 see eee 166 
The Maskinongé: A Question of Priority in Nomenclature. E. T. D. 

Ghambers: 22D RAee oe) bo le ee eee 171 
The Biological Significance of the Smolt Period in Certain Salmonoids. 

Vala Rede 2 shia a ae ee Se eee 178 
Brief Notes on Fish Culture in Michigan. Dwight Lydell_------------- 184 
Fish-Cultural Work of the Bureau of Fisheries in the Mississippi Val- 

Bey. pp (C8 eG WHO ee ee eee 186 
Problems of the Commercial Fisheries from Producer to Consumer. 

Jo Hi eM atihews = 22 = 22 es eee eee 193 
Oysters: The World’s Most Valuable Seafood. H. W. Vickers_------- 201 
Commercial Fisheries.- Charles E. Wheeler_...-.~.. 3. -24--L eee 206 
The Problem of Marine Fish Culture. C. M. Breder, Jr.-------------- 210 
Preliminary Report on the Toxicity of Colloidal Sulphur to Fish. Chuki- 

chy. Harukatwd «22-2222 esa sees ee ee ae 219 


Biological Surveys and Investigations in Minnesota. .Thaddeus Surber.. 225 


List (of. Members’ 2/2.22-2- 522-2222 oe ae ee ee 239 


Constitution 220220205. 2 ea ee eee 254 © 








PART | 
BUSINESS SESSIONS 














PROCEEDINGS 
of the 


American fisheries Society 


FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING AT MADISON, 
WISCONSIN 


September 6, 7, 8, 1922 


The Fifty-second Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries 
Society convened in the State Capitol Building, Madison, Wiscon- 
sin, on Wednesday, September 6, 1922, at 10 o’clock a. m., President 
William E. Barber, of Madison, in the Chair, 


First Session, Wednesday Morning, September 6, 1922 


President Barber introduced Mr. Frank W. Kuehl, Executive 
Assistant to Governor Blaine of Wisconsin, who delivered an ad- 
dress of welcome. 


The President called upon Mr. M. L. Alexander, of: New 
Orleans, who made an eloquent respone. 


REGISTERED ATTENDANCE 


The registered attendance was 49, as follows: 


Apams, Wi1.1AM C., Boston Mass. 
Apert, W. E., Des Moines, Iowa. 
ALEXANDER, M. J,, New Orleans, La. 
Avery, Caros, St. Paul, Minn. 

Batcu, Howaron K., Chicago, II. 

Barser, W. E., Madison, Wis. 

Birce, Dr. FE. A., Madison, Wis. 

Brown, Ernest Cuiive, New York, N. Y. 
Burkuakrt, J., Star Prairie, Wis. 
CANFIELD, H. L., Homer, Minn. 

Coss, Epen W., St. Paul, Minn. 

Coss, Joun N., Seattle, Wash. 

Crary, F. O., Hudson, Wis. 

Cuter, C. F., Homer, Minn. 

Downine, S. W., Put-in Bay, Ohio. 
Foster, Frep J., Neosho, Mo. 
GANTENBEIN, D., Diamond Bluff, Wis. 
GANTENBEIN, U. Carver, New Albin, Iowa. 
Hansen, G., Osceola, Wis. 

Hares, F. E., Manchester, Iowa. 

Hart, M. D., Richmond, Va. 

Hayrorp, Cuarzes O., Hackettstown, N. J. 
Hayrorp, Mrs. Cuartes O., Hackettstown, N. J. 
HeEvucuHete, G. L., Put-in Bay, Ohio. 


10 American Fishertes Society. 


HoimMes, WILLIAM W., New Orleans, La. 
JENSEN, HaroD, Spooner, Wis. 

Jupp, E. T., Cando, N. D. 

KuLe, Kart C., Suffield, Conn. 

Leacu, G. C., Washington, D. C. 
Lipinsky, M. N., Winona, Minn. 
LypDELL, Dwicut, Comstock Park, Mich. 
O’Mattey, Henry, Washington, D. C. 
Mercier, Honore, Quebec, Canada. 
Mites, LEE, Little Rock, Ark. 

Miuetr, A. L., Boston, Mass. 

MoLLaNn, W. K., Bridgeport, Conn. 
Moore, Dr. EMMELINE, Albany, N. Y. 
Pearse, A. §., Madison, Wis. 

Porr, T. E. B., Milwaukee, Wis. 

Prince, Dr. E. E., Ottawa, Ont., Canada. 
Taytor, H. F., Washington, D. C. 
TERRELL, CLype B., Oshkosh, Wis. 
Titcoms, J. W., Hartford, Conn. 
TuHayer, W. W., Northville, Mich. 
Vickers, Harrison W., Baltimore, Md. 
Watcott, Freperic C., Norfolk, Conn. 
Wesster, B. O., Madison, Wis. 

Wires, S. P., Duluth, Minn. 

Woops, Joun. P., St. Louis, Mo. 


NEw MEMBERS 


Since the last annual meeting the following 37 new active members have 
been elected: 
ARNOLD, M. Dewey, Bemus Point, N. Y. 
Bayne, Buiss, Chief Assistant Game and Fish Commissioner, Room 312, 
Capitol Bldg., Cheyenne, Wyo. 
CaNnFIELD, H. L., Homer, Minn. 


CLUBS: 


CueErry Ripce FisHinc Cyrus, Honesdale, Pa. 
FERNDALE Rop AND GuN CiuB, New Auburn, Wis. 
GALESVILLE CONSERVATION CrLuB, Galesville, Wis. 
MASSACHUSETTS FisH AND GAmgE Protective Association, Tremont 
Bldg., Boston, Mass. 
McKeesport BRANCH oF WILD Lire LEAGUE oF PENNSYLVANIA, Theodore 
J. Herrmann, Sec., 218 Commercial Ave., McKeesport, Pa. 
SWIFTWATER PRESERVE, Dr. Samuel S. Kneass, Treas., 1510 Walnut St., 
Philadelphia, Pa. 
Comeau, Nap. A., Godbout, Province of Quebec, Canada. 
Cook, FrRanxK, Supt., Albany County Hatchery, Laramie, Wyo. 
Fraser, Dr. C. McLean, Biological Station, Nanaimo, British Columbia. 
GANTENBEIN, U. Carver, New Albin, Iowa. 
Hart, M. D., Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Library Bldg., Rich- 
mond, Va. 
HoimeEs, WILLIAM W., Dept. of Conservation, New Orleans, La. 
Jupp, E. T., Game and Fish Commissioner, Cando, North Dakota. 
Ku.ie, Kary, C., Fish and Game Board, Suffield, Conn. 
mae demas A., South Side Sportsmen’s Club of Long Island, Oakdale, 


LAUERMAN, FRANK J., Marinette, Wis. 





Se ee eee eer eer ee 


ee Ps 


— se 





Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. a 


LIBRARIES: 


Bureau oF ScIENCE Liprary, Manila, P. I. 
CALIFORNIA STATE FISHERIES LABorRATORY Liprary, Terminal, Calif. 
LiprARy ASSOCIATION OF PorTLAND, 10th and Yamhill Sts., Portland, 
Oreg. 
New York State CoLLece oF AGRICULTURE LipraRY, Ithaca, N. Y. 
Outo State University Lisrary, Columbus, Ohio. 
University oF IxL~inois Liprary, Urbana, III. 
Pusiic MusEuM oF MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee, Wis. 
Locxr, SAMUEL B., U. S. Forest Service, Ogden, Utah. 
ManrtINn, J. E., Kennedy Lake Hatchery, Tofino, British Columbia. 
Marvin, J. B., Jr., P. O. Box 544, Saranac Lake, N. Y. 
Nason, R. B., 1410 South Grant Ave., Tacoma, Wash. 
PutMAN, Bert J., 462 Washington St. Buffalo, N. Y. 
Stems, ALLEN G., Big Rock Trout Club Hatchery, St. Croix Falls, Wis. 
STATES: 
Boarp oF FISHERIES AND GAME, State Capitol, Hartford, Conn. 
MARYLAND STATE CONSERVATION CoMMISSION, Baltimore, Md. 
Trout Broox Co., F. O. Crary, Pres., Hudson, Wis. 
Watcorr, Freperic C., Pres., Fish and Game Board, Norfolk, Conn. 
WELLs, ArTHUR W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 


In addition the following have been added to the list of Cor- 
responding Members : 


Director, ALL-RussIAN AGRICULTURAL MusEuM, Fontanka 10, Petrograd, 
Russia. 

Director of FISHERIES (British MALAYA), Singapore, Straits Settlements. 

Liprary, NATIONAL MuseuM or Natural History, Paris, France. 


A paper entitled “Oysters: The World’s Most Valuable Sea- 
food,” was presented by Harrison W. Vickers. Discussion 
followed. 

Mr. Vickers submitted the following telegram from Mr. 
W. McDonald Lee, dated Norfolk, Va., September 3, 1922: 

Doctor Mott of New Jersey, Marshall of Connecticut and others urge 
me to go Madison advocate amalgamation Shell Fish Commissioners with 
American Fisheries Society or some form of affiliation. Wish you see any 
Shell Fish Commissioner and have proposition considered before conven- 
tion. Think shell fish people ought to be taken in and given day or cer- 
tain part on program every meeting American Fisheries Society. 

Mr. Vickers said that at least he would like to see the or- 
ganization invited to attend meetings of the American Fisheries 
Society. Mr. Woods expressed similar views. After considera- 
ble discussion, Mr. Titcomb’s suggestion, as supported by Mr. 
Millett, of a special committee to consider the matter was unan- 
imously adopted. 

Mr. John P. Woods, of St. Louis, Missouri, was appointed 
Secretary pro tem. 


EZ American Fisheries Society. 


APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. 


The following committees were named by the President: 

Resolutions: John N. Cobb, Lee Miles, W. E. Albert, and Chas. 
O. Hayford. 

Nominations: Wm. C. Adams, E. W. Cobb, M. L. Alexander, 
Dwight Lydell, and C. F. Culler, 

Time and Place of Meeting: M. L. Alexander, E. W. Cobb, 
B. O. Webster, E. T. D. Chambers, and J. P. Woods. 

Auditing: W. E. Albert, S. W. Downing, and S. P. Wires. 

Program: Glen C. Leach, J. N. Cobb, B. O. Webster, and W. 
E. Barber. 

Awards: J. W. Titcomb, W. E. Albert, Dr. E. A, Birge, J. G. 
Needham, J. N. Cobb, and Carlos Avery. 

The session adjourned at 11 a. m. 

Following the morning session at Madison the Wisconsin 
Conservation Commission entertained the members of the So- 
ciety by a trip to the Dells. The journey was made by automo- 
bile to Kilbourn, there being a stop en route at Devil’s Lake 
for luncheon, and by boat from Kilbourn to the Dells. On the 
return a visit was made to a famous Indian camping ground. 
A banquet was served at Kilbourn and the party returned to 
Madison later in the evening. 


Morning Session, September %, 1922. 


The President called the meeting to order at 9:30 a. m. 


REPORT OF THE TREASURER. 
Boston, Mass., September 7, 1922. 


To THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY: 

Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Treasurer from the 
Meeting in Allentown, Pa., in September, 1921, to August 2, 1922. 

I know it will be very gratifying to you all to learn that the report 
this year is of a very encouraging nature. All bills against this Society 
as far forth as have been presented to the Treasurer have been paid, 
$666.41 in donations have been transferred to the Permanent Fund in 
partial repayment of the loan of last year, and the cash book at the present 
time shows a fair balance. Certainly it seems that the Society has some 
cause for congratulation here. 

Present time dues have been paid quite promptly and those out- 
standing are less than for several years. Very old accounts have been 
practically cleaned up. It seems to me that these two points indicate 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 13 


a real awakened interest in the continued existence of the organization. 
The raising of the annual dues, contrary to general expectation, does not 
seem to have affected the membership adversely. Indeed I believe to the 
raising of the dues and the payment of back dues can be attributed the 
fact that we have paid our bills and have a slight balance. 

Just a word here in regard to paying back into the Permanent Fund 
the loan of last year of $2,000. It seems to me that we are progressing 
finely in this object. There has been a total of $666.41 paid back for this 
purpose, leaving an actual balance of $1,324.74 still to be replaced. At the 
present rate of repayment the Permanent Fund should again be intact 
within three or four years. It seems to me that this object can be easily 
attained by an annual appeal for donations following the plan instituted 
by former President Buller. I believe that none of us expected that the 
fund would be replaced entirely in one year. Indeed this would be too 
much to expect, but I do believe if the succeeding Presidents follow the 
original plan of appeal, that by 1925 or 1926 we shall have the satisfaction 
of seeing the Permanent Fund entirely repaid for the amount we were 
obliged to borrow from it in 1920. Certainly by seeking small contribu- 
tions from many each year the amount can be paid up without any serious 
strain on anybody’s pocketbook. 

I feel that with the natural increase to be expected in our personal 
membership, expected increases in the memberships of States and Clubs 
and with expenses kept down within the limit to those of this year, we 
have every reason to expect that our financial problem will cause us less 
worry in the future than it has in the immediate past. 

I invite your attention to the following financial statement: 


Receipts 
Balance. in Treasury after the meeting of 1921..............---~.- $726.20 
Annual dues: 
Individuals: 
BEUmECUVeAT soll. ms ee ee ee eS ea $2.00 
ienrthiemyecare) O20 bess: ole ie AW es ee 62.00 
ommene year lon) 228i oe ee So 1,025.99 
RoratheryveaT. 1922222 ss 2 Posi o eh ee ee eee 18.00 
Clubs: 
Pmetiic *yeur Geto. LA vias fe eee ee 7.00 
POSER A CES IBB Sts oi 025 (Rng SR Se aR el ee 225.00 
feretneyedr L92ess2ss2ee oe eee ee 5.00 
Pere aegis Sooo ee a ek eS 50.00 
Perec @ompanics a2. 822i aloes ee cee oes 10.00 
1,404.99 
BeMPtnCInnerships “foo as 8 se Sl ee ese 15.00 
BLS tee Ra SANA AA i ete LE CN oA Sa eg e (Eavta ae Vee 189.00 
SMES nS eres Re ee eee eee 222.50 
TENE cay SM aad Sk te DS SERIA RR A Le 5h Ribs CD ek 5.97 
DIR ren Sn eae ee LOT SOW ot ee eee 60 


——— $2,564.26 


14 American Fisheries Society. 


Disbursements 


Repocting £921) meeting . 2k ee ee ee $375.10 
Literature for meetings, stationery, etc.-.._--.-._-.-_--__ 135.17 
Printing Transactions, meeting of 1920, Vol. L: No dis- 
bursement from general treasury. The amount of 
$1,991.15 was borrowed from the Permanent Fund to 
defray this expense. 
Printing Transactions, meeting of 1921, Vol. LI__---_- 620.83 
Donations temporarily deposited in the general fund, - 
transferred to Permanent Fund in partial repayment of 


loan to pay for printing of Transactions, Vol L------ 666.41 
Postage Boe e2e 5 ete t es Ae ees Se ae a ee 112.70 
xchange i222 ee Se ee ee ee 63 
Services (Secretary, his assistant, and assistant to 
pireasuren) Ut so ste 2 Re 8 Oe tenant See 450.00 
——— $2,360.84 
Balance per ‘cash ‘book. 22.0212 s.2u 5-26 eee $ 203.42 


Permanent Fund 


Balance as reported at 1921 mecting_....2.-.--2 3.22 see $1,128.84 
CERO St yes see see ee Oi ee eee ee 49.72 
Deposits (donations by members to reimburse the Permanent 

Fund for loan to defray printing bill for Transactions, Vol. L, 

1920. Loan, $1,991.15; payments to date, $666.41; amount 


Still..duc,. $1,324.74) 222-22 st eS 666.41 
Balance = 222-0 ee a oe ee eee $1,844.97 
Respectfully submitted, 
A. L. MInLert, 
Treasurer. 


The report was referred to the Auditing Committee. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. 


Mr, JoHN P. Woops presented the report of the Executive Sec- 
retary as follows: 

To THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES 

SOCIETY : 

As in previous years the chief feature of the work was the prepara- 
tion of the volume of Transactions published annually. On account of 
the very heavy expense incurred in the publication of the Fiftieth An- 
niversary volume, and the depleted state of the Society’s finances at the 
time of the 1921 meeting it was felt to be necessary to reduce this expense 
to the lowest possible figure and yet get out a volume in keeping with 
the aims and ideals of the Society. A great deal of time and attention 





Se ee =e eee 


. 





Fifty-Second Annual Meeting 15 


was therefore given to editing and condensing the proceedings of the 
Allentown meeting and the voluminous discussions of papers presented. 
Most careful thought was given to this matter in order always to preserve 
the meat of discussions while eliminating the unessential. A number of 
congratulatory comments have been received in respect to the volume which 
was published. 

As soon as all copy was ready bids were solicited from a number of 
reliable printers. The lowest bidder was the W. F. Roberts Company, 
which made a rate of $3.11 per page of 10pt. matter, with certain charges 
for extras. The volume comprised 153 pages and contained the business 
proceedings, 13 special papers and discussions, and two general discussions 
on assigned subjects. The total cost of printing the edition of 750 copies 
was $620.83, or slightly less than $1.00 each. This low cost was a matter 
of great satisfaction in view of the need to repay at as early a date as 
possible the amount borrowed frorn the Permanent Fund of the Society 
to meet the indebtedness carried over from the previous year. 

Efforts have been continued to secure new members for the Society, 
and also to sell sets of Transactions to libraries and others interested. 
Very satisfactory results have followed, particularly in the efforts of a 
number of members to secure memberships from fish and game clubs. 
Especially to be congratulated in this connection are former President 
Buller and his aids, 32 organizations within the State of Pennsylvania now 
being members of the Society. The Society also lists seven State com- 
missions and 15 libraries among its members. Other libraries which are 
unable to become members of the Society regularly purchase the Trans- 
actions. About $250 worth of back issues of the Transactions have been 
sold since the last report. 

Since the publication of the list of contributors in the 1921 volume the 
Secretary has been notified of the receipt of $50 more from Mr. M. L. 
Alexander. 

Early in the year a special circular letter, including a blank applica- 
tion, was prepared for use in an extensive membership campaign, and 
under date of May 20, 1922, announcement of the prize competition 
was sent out. 

‘The present membership of the Society is as follows: Honorary, 65; 
Corresponding, 9; patrons, 53; active, 565; total, 692. 

Warp T. Bower, 
Executive Secretary. 


The report of the Executive Secretary was adopted. 


REPORTS OF VICE-PRESIDENTS OF DIVISIONS. 


Mr. BARBER: We will now have the reports of the Vice-Presi- 
dents of divisions. 

Mr. FE. W. Coss, Division of Fish Culture: Mr. President, 
I did not prepare any written report. I kept in touch with the 
matter as closely as I could during the last year with the idea 


16 American Fisheries Society. 


of reporting progress. Strictly speaking, however, I could see 
very little progress in the actual work of fish culture. We have 
made great progress in the indirect work of fish culture; in that 
we seem to have a very general understanding as to many of our 
failings and many of our needs, a consideration which bids fair 
to make the work much more effective. The fish culturist has 
been wasting a great proportion of his work by placing the fish 
under conditions in which they could not live after being liber- 
ated, and in that respect we have been making an advance 
during the last year in many of the states and in the Federal 
work. We have been getting more effective equipment and a 
better understanding of the needs of the fish in transportation 
and in planting. We have been getting more help from the 
scientific men; there is more cooperation, I believe, among the 
states and between the states and the Federal Government. In 
other ways also the advance has been great in the past year and 
promises to be greater in the year to come, because we under- 
stands our needs and our limitations better than we ever did 
before. 


Mr. ApAms, Division of Protection and Legislation: The year 
has been given over largely to the consideration of the further 
protection of migratory fish. This action has taken no definite 
form. The more we get into the subject the more we find that 
it is a big one; and there is not necessarily a conflict of interests, 
but there is a need for further investigation, for further study, 
before an adequate report can be made. 

Mr. Woops: I move that these reports be accepted, and con- 
gratulate the Vice-Presidents upon making them. It is seldom 
that reports from these Divisions are filed, and as the practice 
has been initiated, I think it should be followed. 

The Vice-Presidents of the Divisions of Aquatic Biology 
and Physics, Commercial Fishing, and Angling were not present, 
and no reports were received. 

No reports were made by the Committees on Foreign Rela- 
tions and on Relations with National and State Governments. 

A paper entitled, “Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon,” 
was read by John N. Cobb. Discussion followed. 

A paper was presented by Dwight Lydell entitled “Brief 
Notes on Fish Culture in Michigan.” Discussion followed. 

Dr. E. A. Birge presented a paper under the subject, “The 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. ie 


Plankton of the Lakes,” following which there was extended 
discussion. 
At 12:30 p. m. recess was taken until 2:00 p. m. 


Afternoon Session, September 7, 1922. 
President Barber called the meeting to order. 


REPORT OF AUDITING COMMITTEE. 


Your committee to which was referred the Treasurer’s report begs to 
state that it has made a thorough examination of the books and finds them 
correct in every respect. 


The report was duly adopted. 


A letter from Mr. M. G. Sellers, Philadelphia, Pa., was read, 
as follows: 


I regret being unable to attend the 52nd Annual meeting of the 
Society or present a more satisfactory report in the matter of enlisting 
the good offices of the American Bar Association in preparing a model 
statute on the subject of stream pollution, which might serve as a uniform 
basis of action by the various states pending Federal supervision or regu- 
lation to further strengthen same in so far as they relate to boundary 
waterways, etc. 

I transmitted this request to the Association through a prominent 
Philadelphia member who has been ill for some time, and his office was 
unable to give me any definite information at this time as to its progress 
or whether it was a part of any report presented at the annual meeting 
of the American Bar Association held in San Francisco, Cal., August 9-12, 
1922. I can, therefore, at this writing only report progress with assur- 
ance of following up, of which the Society will be duly advised. 

Crystallizing public sentiment in support of corrective legislation upon 
this general subject has received wonderful impetus in the Atlantic Sea- 
board States in the formation at Atlantic City, August 9, 1922, of the Na- 
tional Coast Anti-Pollution League with Mr. Gifford Pinchot, the Re- 
publican nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania, as President, and while 
this primary effort is aimed at Congressional action in abolishing the oil 
nuisance, it will have a salutary effect upon the inland water problem. 


A paper entitled, “Octomitus Salmonis, a New Species of 
Intestinal Parasite in Trout,” was presented by Dr. Emmeline 
Moore. Discussion followed. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING. 


Mr, ALEXANDER: Your President thought it necessary to ap- 
point this Committee so that it could confer with the Committee 
of the International Association of Game, Fish and Conserva- 


18 American Fisheries Society. 


tion Commissioners. As you know, the two societies find it 
profitable to meet at the same time and in the same place. The 
places under consideration were New York, Quebec, Detroit, 
Nashville, St. Louis, and San Francisco. The Committee went 
exhaustively into the question and the final decision was that it 
would be advisable for the societies to meet next year in St. 
Louis. The time is left to the respective Executive Committees 
of the two societies. But we respectfully suggest to the Execu- 
tive Commitees that in selecting the time they fix upon a little 
later period in the year, the latter part of September or the early 
days of October. 

The report was unanimously adopted. 

Mr. BARBER: Here is an offer from the National Museum of 
Natural History, Paris, France, to exchange their bulletins for 
ours. The question is whether or not you desire to do so. 

The exchange was unanimously agreed upon. 

A paper entitled “Pollution of Inland Streams” was pre- 
sented by M. D. Hart. Discussion followed. 

Mr. E. T. D. Chambers presented a paper entitled “The 
Maskinongé: A Question of Priority in Nomenclature.” Dis- 
cussion followed. 

A paper entitled “Fish Cultural Work of the Bureau of 
Fisheries in the Mississippi Valley” was presented by C. F. Cul- 
ler. Discussion followed. 

At 5:00 p. m. a recess was taken until 7:30 p. m. 


Evening Session, September 7%, 1922. 


The meeting was called to order by President Barber. 

A paper entitled “Investivations in the Preservation of Fish 
‘Nets and Lines,” by Harden F. Taylor and Arthur W. Wells, 
‘was read by Mr. Taylor. Discussion followed. 

Mr. E. C. Fearnow presented a paper entitled “A New and 
Practical Device for Transporting Live Fish.” This paper was 
discussed at the session on the following morning. 

At 10 p. m. the meeting adjourned. 


Morning Session, September 8, 1922. 


The meeting was called to order at 9 o’clock a. m. by Presi- 


dent Barber. 
Mr. Miuvetr: You will recall that in my annual report I 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 19 


cited to you the condition with respect to payments back to the 
Permanent Fund. I pointed out that we were indebted to the 
Permanent Fund to the extent of something like $1,300, and I 
made the suggestion that we could easily pay that off in small in- 
stallments by 1926. I still am of that opinion. I know you 
concur in the view that that money must be returned; and I 
simply wanted to suggest that before this meeting finally ad- 
journs some committee should be appointed or some action taken 
looking to the gradual or annual decreasing of that debt we 
owe to ourselves. 

Mr. John P. Woods, who had been acting as Secretary, was 
obliged to leave and President Barber appointed Mr. John N. 
Cobb as Secretary pro tem. 

Mr. Fearnow’s paper, read at the previous session, was 
discussed. 

A paper entitled “Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking 
—To Increase the Productivity of Fish Life,’ was presented 
by Ernest Clive Brown. Discussion followed. 

Dr. Edward E. Prince presented a paper entitlded “Irriga- 
tion Canals as an Aid to Fisheries Development in the West.” 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON AWARDS. 


Mr. Titcoms: Mr. President, the committee as named in 
your letter of August 21st did me the honor of making me chair- 
man, to act with Mr. J. N. Cobb, Director of the College of 
Fisheries, University of Washington; Dr. E. A. Birge, Univer- 
sity of Wisconsin; and Hon. Carlos Avery, State Fish and Game 
Commissioner of Minnesota. 

Three classifications for prizes are set forth in the Society’s 
circular of May 20, 1922, which will be taken up in order as 
follows: 


No. 1. “For the best contribution on fish culture, either new or im- 
proved, practical fish cultural appliances, or description of methods em- 
ployed in the advancement of fish-cultural work.” One paper was pre- 
sented in this class, by E. C. Fearnow. Your Committee feels that this 
paper calls for special or honorable mention. Submitted by the author of 
a similar paper presented last year, it is of great importance and has re- 
ceived very careful consideration. The Committee feels that the apparatus 
should be tested in a practical way by disinterested fish culturists before 
awarding a prize. It is therefore recommended that a committee of three, 
consisting of Messrs. Hayford, E. W. Cobb and Lydell, who happen to 
‘be now distributing fish, and possibly some volunteers who are present, 


20 American Fisheries Society. 


be furnished with some of these cans and given an opportunity to try them 
and report the results of that test to this Committee within three months, 


the Committee on Awards to have authority then to determine whether. 


the paper is entitled to a prize, based upon the reports of the tests. 

No. 2. “For the best contribution on biological investigations ap- 
plied to fish-cultural problems,” your Committee has decided that Dr, 
Emmeline Moore, the author of the paper on “Octomitus Salmonis, a New 
Species of Intestinal Parasite in Trout,” is entitled to a prize. This paper 
has the special merit not only of adding new and important data to our 
meagre knowledge of fish pathology, but also of suggesting in a constructive 
way lines of further advance in the study of hatchery diseases. 


Another paper presented is by W. M. Keil, entitled, “Biological 
Significance of the Smolt Period in Certain Salmonoids.” It is a very 
interesting paper and the Committee feels that it should have honorable 
mention. Mr. Keil has reached the conclusion, through actual tests of 
planting landlocked salmon which he has been raising through successive 
generations in the hatchery, that they should not be planted for stocking 
our lakes and ponds until they have been carried a year. This same 
conclusion has been reached by the Commissioner of Maine, who has so 
much to do with salmon; and it was also the conclusion in the Lake 
George report, to which Dr. Birge referred. But Mr. Keil has shown 
the results from planting in a series of years the smaller sizes of salmon, 
with the returns in the catch on a certain lake; then he brings out the 
fact that after planting these larger fish they got a fifty per cent return 
in the catch of fish by anglers on that lake. 

No. 3. “For the best contribution dealing with problems of the com- 
mercial fisheries.’ The paper on “Investigations in the Preservation of 
Fish Nets and Lines,’ by Harden F. Taylor and Arthur W Wells, excites 
the especial interest of the Committee. The tests of netting twine under 
various conditions have been thorough and exhaustive and show the per- 
severance and ingenuity of the authors; and we feel that they are entitled 
to an award. 


Another paper, presented by Mr. J. H. Matthews, entitled, “Problems 
of the Commercial Fisheries from Producer to Consumer,” is a general 
article on the subject, contains nothing particularly original, but is the 
type of paper that would make a suitable editorial in the commercial 
fishing papers, like the Fishing Gazette or the Atlantic Fisherman. 

Your Committee respectfully recommends that this practice of award- 
ing prizes, under the same conditions as of this year, be continued; and 
if the Society decides to carry out that policy it is further recommended 
that the circulars be issued to all members as quickly as possible. Some 
of these studies and investigations require a year’s work, and we cannot 
too soon have the knowledge that the policy is to be continued sent out 
to all the members. 


Mr. Mityert: I make the suggestion that future papers of- 
fered for award to this Society be entirely original in the sense 
that they have not been previously printed or compensated for 


ee es. 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. zi 


either by the Government or others; and that they remain the 
property of this Society to print for a period of at least six 
months after the award is made. I make this as a suggestion, 
not, of course, as a part of the report. 

The report of the Committee was unanimously adopted. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS. 


Mr. John N. Cobb presented the report of the Committee 
on Resolutions as follows: 


Dams IN STREAMS. 


WuHereas, The building of dams in streams in connection with irriga- 
tion and power projects is proving a serious menace to our runs of ana- 
dromous fishes, especially when there have been installed unsuitable fish- 
ways or none at all, and 

Wuereas, We understand that there are at present pending a number 
of such projects, with others being mooted; 

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society in 
convention assembled at Madison, Wisconsin, September 6-8, 1922, re- 
quests the U. S. Reclamation Commission, and such other public of- 
ficials as may have jurisdiction in such matters, to require that the problem 
of assisting anadromous and other fishes in getting over such obstructions, 
and the young in working their way back to their natural habitat in the 
sea, be taken up and considered along with the engineering and other 
problems relating to each project; and this Society promises every aid 
possible in solving the biological phases of the problems. 


ALASKA SALMON FISHERIES. 


Wuereas, It is a known fact that the salmon fisheries of Alaska are 
not producing as formerly, the decline being due partly to lack of ade- 
quate regulation and partly to other causes; and 

Wuereas, The Department of Commerce has been attempting to meet 
existing conditions by the establishment of reserves in those districts 
most vitally affected and has already established several such, said re- 
serves being necessary on account of the inability to secure a compre- 
hensive fisheries code which could be readily administered and which 
would adequately protect these districts; and 

Wuereas, We understand the Secretary of Commerce has now before 
him a proposal for the extension of the boundaries of the Alaska Peninsula 
Fishery Reservation, said boundaries to be extended so as to iaclude all 
the waters of Bristol Bay north to Cape Newenham in Bering Sea and in 
the North Pacific Ocean, those waters including Cook Inlet, Shelikof 
Strait and about Kodiak Island, within the areas of which at present 
nearly three-fourths of the red salmon of Alaska are produced; 

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, That it is the sense of the American 
Fisheries Society in convention at Madison, Wisconsin, September 6-8, 
1922, that we heartily endorse the creation of the reserve referred to, and 


an American Fisheries Society. 


our Secretary is hereby instructed to send a copy of this resolution to the 
President of the United States, to the Secretary of Commerce, and to the 
United States Commissioner of Fisheries. 


PoLLuTION oF WATERS. 


Wuereas, The pollution of the sea, both within and without the three 
mile limit, by oil and petroleum products from boats and refineries has 
become a serious menace to fish life as well as to property on the beaches; 
and 

Waereas, It is our understanding that an International Conference 
has been called for the purpose of considering means to prevent this 
pollution of the sea by oil products and the consequent harm to the 
-fisheries and property; 

Be tt therefore resolucd by the American Fisheries Society at its annual 
meeting held in Madison, Wisconsin, September 6-8, 1922, That this Society 
heartily approves of this International Conference on the oil pollution 
problem and sincerely hopes that some practicable plan may be worked 
out in the early future to remove this menace to fish life; and 

Be it resolved further, That the Secretary be instructed to send a copy 
of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Secretary of 
State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the United States Commissioner 
of Fisheries. 

PowER DEVELOPMENT IN ALASKA. 


Wuereas, There are several proposed water power developments in 
Alaska involving either the erection of dams for power or for pulp mills 
on salmon canning streams; and : 

Wuereas, It is known that the Federal Power Commission is from 
time to time granting preliminary permits for the erection of such dams; 
and 

Wuereas, The development of power sites and paper mill sites is 
likely to result, first, in the removal of the forests on the watersheds of 
salmon spawning streams; secondly, in obstructing the streams by dams 
so as to more or less effectively prevent the ascent of salmon to the spawn- 
ing beds; and, thirdly, the consequent serious pollution of such streams 
by the poisonous chemicals discharged by pulp mills; and 

WuHereas, It is well understood by all those who are familiar with 
the development of dams and pollution of streams on the Atlantic coast 
that they result in the rapid destruction of fish life in the streams; 

Be it therefore resolved by the American Fisheries Society at its annual 
meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, September 6-8, 1922, That the Federal 
Power Commission and all other Government authorities concerned in the 
development of power and pulp mill sites in Alaska be advised that it is 
the opinion of this Society that great harm and detriment to the salmon 
industry in Alaska will result unless the greatest care is exercised in per-~- 
mitting, for any reason, the obstruction and pollution of salmon spawning 
streams in Alaska; and 

Be it resolved further, That the Secretary be instructed to forward a 
copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the Secre- 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 23 


tary of Commerce, to the United States Commissioner of Fisheries, to 
the Secretary of the Alaska Inter-Departmental Board, and to the Secre- 
tary of the Federal Power Commission. 


Pusiic SHooTING GrouNp Gamer Reruce BI. 


Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society, whose membership is 
composed of scientists, sportsmen and conservative officials of North 
America, in annual convention assembled at Madison, Wisconsin, Septem- 
ber 6-8, 1922, declares unanimously that the so-called Public Shooting 
Ground Game Refuge Bill (S. 1452-H. R. 5823) now pending in Congress. 
is a measure in the interest of wild life conservation, and we recommend 
the early passage of this bill. 


Mapison MEETING. 


Wuereas, The Society has had a most enjoyable meeting in the city 
of Madison, Wisconsin, and this has been due largely to the efforts of the 
following organizations and individuals: The Wisconsin Department of 
Conservation (and especially to Messrs. W. E. Barber, B. O. Webster and 
C. L. Harrington) which had general charge of arrangements for the com- 
fort and entertainment of the delegates; Hon. John J. Blaine, of Wisconsin, 
for welcoming the Society through his representative; the Madison ladies, 
and especially Mrs. W. E. Barber and Mrs. B. O. Webster, who did so 
much to make the visit of the ladies accompanying the members an occa- 
sion long to be remembered; the State Highway Commission; Dr. Sam 
Chase, President of the Four Lakes Rod and Gun Club; the individuals 
who furnished automobiles and chauffeurs for delightful trips in and around 
Madison; 

Resolved, That the most sincere thanks of this Society be extended 
to all the above. 

OFFICERS. 


Wuereas, The high executive ability of the retiring President Mr. 
W. E. Barber; the secretarial ability of our temporary secretary, Mr. 
John P. Woods; and the efficiency of Mr. Arthur L. Millett, treasurer, 
have contributed much to the smoothness of operations during the ses- 
sions and to the comfort of the members; 

Be it ihercfore resolved, That a vote of thanks be hereby extended to 
the officials named above. 


TRIBUTES To DECEASED MEMBERS. 


Greorcrk H. GraAnAm: During the past year the Society has suffered 
' the loss of two of its most distinguished and useful members. 
Indefatigable worker and born optimist, George H. Graham, of Spring- 
field, Massachusetts, was endowed by nature with the spirit of a true 
sportsman and conservationist. To him the skies were always blue and 
clear; the wind always fair; to him all men were friends. Large of heart 
and noble of character, he attracted to his coterie of intimates, kindred 
spirits. He was a true type of those men who visualize ideals and strive 
to press forward to their attainment, yet always with kindly and con- 


24 American Fisheries Society. 


siderate regard for the rights and feelings of others. Gone from us— 
“passed on to silence and pathetic dust’”—the spirit of George H. Graham, 
returning to God who gave it, remains an inspiring lesson to those of 
us who knew him personally and so well, who are striving to continue the 
work he loved; who feel indeed that he is not gone, but “just around the 
corner.” The American Fisheries Society has suffered a great loss, but 
the inspiration of his optimism will remain for a long time to come. Let 
this brief and imperfect tribute be spread upon the records of the Society 
as a memorial to our departed associate, and a copy thereof sent to the 
members of his immediate family as an expression of our sincere 
sympathy. 

JAMEs NEVIN: James Nevin of Wisconsin was one of the pioneers in 
fish culture in the United States. He devoted his entire life to his chosen 
profession and achieved distinction and renown. For forty years he 
served his state and developed its fish cultural work from the most primi- 
tive beginnings to one of the most successful and extensive systems in 
the entire country. The records of this Society abound in his contribu- 
tions to the practical knowledge of fish culture. Mr. Nevin was not only 
a faithful and efficient public servant; he was a loyal friend, a genial and 
considerate associate, an upright citizen. His character was of that staunch 
and sturdy nature which is all too rare. “Jim” Nevin’s word was as good 
as his bond; he was generous, unselfish, helpful and considerate to those 
in his employ and with whom he was associated. He was honored by the 
Governor of his State and respected by his fellow-citizens to the last days 
of his useful life. This Society keenly feels his loss and misses him 
from its councils. We of this Convention extend to his former associates 
on the Wisconsin Conservation Commission, to the citizens of his State, 
and to bereaved relatives, this expression of condolence. 


Mr. HENRy O’MALLEY, Commissioner of Fisheries, Washing- 
ton, D. C.: I should like to say a word, Mr. President, with 
regard to the second resolution presented by the Chairman ot 
the Committee, dealing with the salmon fisheries of Alaska. Last 
winter the Department of Commerce established a reservation tak- 
ing in a portion of the Alaska Peninssla. By the introduction 
of the purse seine into the waters which the proposed reservation 
covers, there is a possibility of the red salmon fisheries of the 
Bering Sea being destroyed. At present the Department of Com- 
merce has jurisdiction only five hundred yards outside the mouths 
of the streams. By the method of fishing that was adopted this yea:, 
the purse seiners go out beyond the limits of the gill nets and with 
one haul of their purse seines, catch two or three scow-loads of 
salmon. Such methods as this are what we are desirous of control- 
ling; and by the Presidential Proclamation, as contemplated, we 
shall have the necessary authority to regulate the entire fishery. 





Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 25 


I think it is very important that this resolution receive the support 
of this Society. 

Mr. Titcoms: Mr. President, bearing upon the resolutions 
respecting the death of members of the Society, I would simply 
like to mention here one who has passed away since our last con- 
vention, and who took a very active part in welcoming and enter- 
taining those in attendance at the meeting in Allentown. I refer 
to Mr. H. A. Grammes, of whose death I learned only a short time 
after the conclusion of our last year’s meeting. 

On motion of Mr. J. N. Cobb the report of the Resolutions 
Committee was unimously adopted. 

Mr J. N. Coss: One of the members has submitted the fol- 
lowing proposal: 

It is moved that the American Fisheries Society invite the National 
Association of Fisheries Commissioners to send to the St. Louis, Mo., 
meeting of the American Fisheries Society delegates for the purpose of 
arranging terms upon which affiliation may be consummated; and that 


the President of the Society instruct the Secretary to communicate this 
invitation. 


The motion was carried unanimously. 
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS. 


Mr. J. N. Cobb presented the report of the Committee on 
Nominations, as follows: 


President—Gurn C. Leacu, Washington, D. C. 
Vice-President—Grorcr C. Empopy, Ithaca, New York. 
Executive Secretary—Warp T. Bower, Washington, D. C. 
Recording Secretary—Tuomas E. B. Porr, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 
Lreasurer—A. 1. Mutrett, Boston, Massachusetts. 
Vice-Presidenis of Divisions: 
Fish Culture—Cuarits O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, New Jersey. 
Aquatic Biology and Physics—Dr. E. A. Bircr, Madison, Wisconsin. 
Commercial Fishing—GarDNER Pooik, Boston, Massachusetts. 
Angling—Joun P. Woops, St. Louis, Missouri. 
Protection and Legislation—H. W. Vickers, Baltimore, Maryland. 
Executive Committee: 
Exsen W. Coss, Chairman, St. Paul, Minnesota. 
Joun W. Tircoms, Hartford, Connecticut. 
Epwarp E. Princr, Ottawa, Canada. 
W. E. Asert, Des Moines, Iowa. 
Gerorce SuHiRAS, 3D, Washington, D. C. 
Joun N. Cops, Seattle, Washington. 
Committee on Foreign Relations: 
Freperic C. Watcort, Chairman, Norfolk, Connecticut. 


26 American Fisheries Society. 


M. L. ALEXANDER, New Orleans, Louisiana. 
W. C. ApvAmMs, Boston, Massachusetts. 

R. E. Fouterr, Detroit, Michigan. 

Committee on Relations with National and State Governments: 

NaTHAN R. Buwer, Chairman, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

W. L. FINniey, Jennings Lodge, Oregon. 

E. T. D. CHAMBERS, Quebec, Canada. 

A. L. Mitiert, Boston, Masschusetts. 

Max D. Hart, Richmond, Virginia. 

The Secretary was directed to cast one ballot for the Society, 
and the respective officers were declared elected for the year 1922- 
23. 

Mr. Titcoms: I hope that a campaign can be waged between 
now and the next meeting to get the various fisheries commis- 
sioners to attend the meetings of the American Fisheries Society 
which, I assume, will in 1923 precede the meeting of the Inter- 
national Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commis- 
sioners. Also I should like to see some action taken—whether it 
needs official action or not I do not know—to attempt to wipe 
out our debt. I am ready to subscribe this year the same amount 
I subscribed last year to help relieve that burdensome condition. 

Mr. Miuszerr: I had it in mind to suggest that the incoming 
President be chairman of a committee to work with the Executive 
Secretary and the Treasurer to formulate plans covering the matter 
during the year. I have in mind an idea whereby we will be able 
to make a fairly satisfactory report next year. 

President-Elect Leach assumed the chair amid applause, 

Mr. LeEacH: Fellow members, I wish to thank you for the 
honor you have conferred upon me by selecting me as President of 
the American Fisheries Society. I feel it is a privilege to represent 
such a distinguished body, especially when I look back over the 
history of the Society and realize that this position has been filled 
by many eminent members. 

I hope that at our next meeting in St. Louis, which I con- 
sider my native town, you will present some of your problems,. 
or give us a paper on some important phase of your work. I also 
hope that each one of you will endeavor to bring another member 
or present the names of persons as new members of the Society.. 
Extend to the various commercial fishermen, fisheries associations, 
clubs and others, an invitation to attend the meeting, and work with 
your own state fish commissioners and endeavor to get them to 
come to the meeting and take an active part in it. 





ee eS See 





ot 


Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 27 


Mr. Barser: I want to say to the members of the American 
Fisheries Society that it was indeed a pleasure to your president of 
the past year and to his associates of the Conservation Commission 
of Wisconsin to have had the privilege of entertaining this Society, 
and we sincerely hope you will go back to your homes with pleasant 
recollections of your visit here. 

Mr. LeacH: I think the members of the Society have enjoyed 
Madison very much, and on behalf of the Society I wish to thank 
the Wisconsin Fish and Game Commission for their very elaborate 
and generous entertainment of the members during our stay in this 
city. 

Mr. J. N. Coss: I should have made this announcement on the 
first day of our meeting, but I overlooked it and Mr. Barber failed 
to remind me of it. Most of you will remember that in 1914 we 
organized the Pacific Fisheries Society, modeled after the American 
Fisheries Society, and established because we are so far away from 
the scene of operations that we are but rarely able to attend its 
meetings, only one of which has ever been held on the Pacific 
Coast. Our local society covers the States of California, Oregon, 
Washington, Montana, Idaho and Utah, and the Province of British 
Columbia. At the meeting held on August 24, they elected me for 
the second time President of the Society, and I was instructed to 
extend the heartiest greetings of our Society to the American Fish- 
eries Society. We feel sure that the especially cordial relations 
that have existed between us in the past will continue in the future. 

Mr, Barser: Mr. Henry O’Malley, who has recently been 
appointed United States Commissioner of Fisheries is here, and I 
am sure we would all like to hear from him. 

Mr. O’MAtteEy: Mr. President and members of the American 
Fisheries Society: I am very glad indeed to have the opportunity 
of being present at this meeting, even if it is only during the closing 
hours. I am very sorry I could not be here throughout the entire 
session. I have been making a trip through the south and to the 
‘west coast, taking up matters in which the Bureau is interested, and 
I am now on my way back to Washington. 

I feel that these meetings bring closer cooperation between the 
State fisheries and the Bureau; it is very important that there be 
the closest harmony. In other words, I feel like the Irishman when 
he was commenting upon the aeroplane. Pat and Mike were walk- 
ing along together and there was an aeroplane overhead. Pat said 


28 American Fisheries Society. 


to Mike, “Mike, I wouldn’t like to be up there in that aeroplane.” 
“Sure,” said Mike, “an’ I wouldn’t like to be up there without it!” 
It is true that the Federa! Government and the State authorities 
must work together in order to secure the best results. Particularly 
is that the case when it comes to the distribution of fishes through- 
out the country. The Bureau has only a limited knowledge of the 
various waters of the States, and there is a chance of some applicant 
requesting fish, the introduction of which might be destructive to 
the fish indigenous to the streams. Therefore I wish to ask the 
State Fish Commissions not to hesitate at any time to write the 
Bureau on this subject. In many cases the Bureau is referring ap- 
plicants to the State Fish Commissions in order that requests may 
be passed upon by the local officials; thus the burden of responsi- 
bility will rest upon the State if we make a mistake. 

I do not believe this is an appropriate time to take up the two 
subjects that are really burninig issues today, because I presume 
they have been discussed earlier in your meeting. I refer to the 
questions of pollution, and to the establishment of fishways in the 
various streams where dams are built or proposed. In the east 
the dams have already been constructed, and in some instances 
fishways have been provided. On the Pacific Coast big power pro- 
jects are coming to the front; this year alone in southeastern Alaska 
there have been sixteen applications for the damming of streams 
known to be among the very best salmon streams in that country. 
If all these permits are granted it means the annihilation of the sal- 
mon industry of Alaska. A hydro-electric power enterprise wishes 
to dam the Klamath River for the development of power. They 
guarantee the expenditure of thirteen millions and the creation of a 
permanent industry in northern California. This river stpports a 
fishery worth annually about $120,000; so you can see the condition 
that exists with respect to that one case alone. As I view the matter» 
itis good policy for the people who are interested in the fisheries side 
of the work to get in with these people and try to arrive at a solution 
of the problem if possible; otherwise—at any rate this is the case 
with us on the coast—our salmon stands a chance of being exter- 
minated. In Alaska, where some of these projects are under con- 
sideration, the salmon fishery is of first importance, because Alaska 
without its salmon would be a very poor country. Perhaps many of 
you do not know that at the present time about 78 per cent of the 
running expenses of the territory of Alaska are paid by the taxes 








Fifty-Second Annual Meeting. 29 


imposed upon che salmon canning industry, but not one cent of the 
tax goes to the rehabilitation of the fisheries. 

I am very glad to have had this opportunity of speaking to 
you for a few moments. I ask you all for your heartiest coopera- 
tion with the Bureau. 

Mr. LEAcH: This Society can be a very important medium 
for the elimination of differences between State Commissions and 
the Bureau of Fisheries. For that reason I am very anxious to 
have the State Commissioners meet with us next year in St. Louis 
so that we can discuss these various problems. If we who are 
interested in these matters meet personally and discuss these vari- 
ous points of interest, little difficulties can be smoothed out and 
relations established that will be useful not only to the persons 
concerned but will add to the efficiency of both the State and Fed- 
eral organizations, 

Mr. AvERY: Would it not be desirable, in view of what Mr. 
Leach has just said, and of what others have said in the last few 
minutes, that the program of the next meeting of the Society be 
made up with reference to that very thing? In preparing the pro- 
gram for next year, could there not be incorporated some subjects 
that would be of special interest to the State Commissioners and 
that would result in getting and keeping more of them at the ses- 
sions of the Society’s meetings? 

Mr. LeacH: I consider the sessions of the American Fisheries 
Society a meeting point where the layman and the scientist can get 
together and discuss their problems in a broad way. Many of the 
fish commissioners are appointed for a limited period of time and 
it is necessary for them to be educated as expeditiously as possi- 
ble in the best methods of handling their organizations. Anyone 
can attend our meetings and come in contact with men who have 
worked up from the ranks; he can meet scientists and practical men 
interested in the everyday problems of fish culture. 

Pror. EK. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries, Canada: Mr. 
President, I feel that I have already trespassed a great deal on 
the time of this convention. I am sorry that we do not have a 
larger representation from Canada at these meetings, but through 
the published transactions we get a great deal of benefit—though 
the personal contact to which Mr. Leach has alluded is undoubtedly 
most beneficial and stimulating. 

Instead of referring particularly to our work in Canada I 


30 American Fisheries Society. 


would like to bring out another point which I will place briefly be- 
fore the convention. Fish Commissioners from various states and 
from the provinces of Canada should make it a point to be present 
and come in contact with other officials and scientists who gather 
at these annual conventions for discussion and mutual benefit. But 
I have often felt that the communities in which the Society meets 
have not realized always that an important convention was pro- 
ceeding in their midst; and they have not realized until the meeting 
was over that the consideration of matters of vital interest to then. 
has been going on. I do not say that is the case in Madison, but 
it has occurred in some of our conventions, I think that the con- 
tact of the Society with the public should be emphasized; that 
there should be evening meetings with possibly one or two popular 
addresses, perhaps illustrated by slides or pictures, to which the 
public should be invited. I think that would do good. I venture, 
therefore, to throw it out as a suggestion worth considering whether 
one or two evenings during our convention should not be devoted 
to something like a public gathering. There might also be an ex- 
hibition of apparatus or of specimens which would be of interest. 

Mr. LeacuH: I think that is an excellent suggestion. We could 
have lantern slides or motion pictures showing the fish-cultural 
work and the problems with which we have to contend, and display 
them at a meeting to which the public should be invited. 

Mr. J. N. Coss: I think the suggestion is good that during 
the course of the convention a popular lecture be arranged, illus- 
_ trated by lantern slides or motion pictures. That ought to be one 
of the first features of the program to be arranged; then there 
weurd ve amnple time to advertise it. 1 am sure there are members 
here who would be willing to assist. I would be only too glad to 
contribute from our stock of lantern slides, and we have a vast 
number, many of which would probably be interesting. 

Mr, LeAcH: I am very much pleased to hear you say that 
Mr. Cobb, I will make note of it. Perhaps Dr. Prince will also 
bring something from his country which will be of interest to us. 
I understand also that Mr. Titcomb has something he could give us. 

Adjourned sine die. 








In Memoriam 


M. L. ALEXANDER 


i Cc BELL 


HOWARD EATON 
GEORGE H. GRAHAM 
OSCAR GRIMM 
JAMES NEVIN 
G. H. RICHARDS 
BARON N. DE SOLSKY 
CALVERT SPENSLEY 
GRANT E. WINCHESTER 


J. H. WESTERMAN 





31 





PART II 


PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS 





INVESTIGATIONS IN THE PRESERVATION OF FISH 
NETS AND LINES.‘ 
By Harpven F. Taytor 
Chief Technologist 
and 
ArtHur W. WELLS 
Assistant Technologist, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 


INTRODUCTION, 


In a paper by one? of us, the literature dealing with the pres- 
ervation of fish nets was reviewed and summarized. The method 
which appeared best where tar could not be used was that of Bull, 
which consisted of a bark extract applied hot, and mordanted with 
potassium bichromate and a small amount of copper sulphate. Ref- 
erence may here be made to a series of papers which escaped notice 
in compiling that review, namely the Dutch investigations carried 
out in the years from 1915 to 1920 by Van Dorp, Tombrock and 
Olie. 

The Dutch papers deal principally with tanning materials for 
use in net preserving, and also with the use of aniline dyes for giv- 
ing a desirable color to fishing nets and lines. They contain data 
on a great variety of tanning materials obtained from many lo- 
calities in various parts of the world. Perhaps the most importan’ 
result of these investigations is the demonstration that if an am- 
moniacal solution of copper sulphate is used instead of potassium 
bichromate to mordant or fix the tanning material in the line, much: 
better results are to be had. The chemical reason assigned for 
this superiority is that the presence of ammonia prevents any in- 
jury from acid that would otherwise be set free, and also that 
copper has a preservative effect on the line. This method of treat- 
ing lines, recommended by the Dutch Fishery Experiment Station, 
is hereinafter referred to as the Dutch method. 

. The significant fact is that while some investigations have 
been made, and valuable results obtained, the preservation of nets 
is still crude; extensive and thorough study is much needed, espe- 

1This paper was awarded a prize of $100 for the best contribution dealing 
with problems of the commercial fisheries. 
2Taylor, Harden F. Preservation of Fish Nets. Report of the U. S. Com- 


missioner of Fisheries for 1920, Appendix IV, 35 p. Separately printed as Doc. 
898, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C., 1921. 


35 


36 American Fisheries Society. 


cially studies directed toward the development of new preserva- 
tives, and toward the definite elimination of those which can be 
shown to have little or no value. 

Accordingly, after the review of literature above referred to 
was completed, an investigation of net preservatives was under- 
taken in the summer of 1920; this investigation has been pursued 
and is still being pursued on an increasingly extensive scale, so that 
thousands of tests have been made of many preservatives on both 
cotton and linen thread, in salt water in various latitudes, at dif- 
ferent temperatures, and in fresh water of the Great Lakes. This 
paper will report, in somewhat abridged form, the more important 
resuits of the work, but for lack of space will be limited to the 
work of cotton lines. What was perhaps the greatest obstacle to 
r7pid progress was the lack of reliable technique of testing the 
ramples before and after exposure, a lack which is not only evident 
on examination of the literature, but also borne out in private cor- 
respondence with the Director of the Dutch Laboratory at Utrecht, 
Dr. J. Olie, who states that technique of testing is the greatest need. 
Accordingly, much attention has been given to this important as- 
pect of the subject, and instruments for and methods of testing 
have been devised, tried, improved and adopted. 


PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENTS. 


By way of a beginning, a small series of lines was tested in 
1920. The thread used was No. 24 white cotton cord. The treat- 
ments were (1) Bull’s method, quercitron, mordanted with potas- 
sium bichromate and copper sulphate; (2) impregnation of lines 
with copper ferrocyanide by tréatment with approximately N/10 
copper sulphate, followed by potassium ferrocyanide; (3) same as 
(2) but potassium ferrocyanide was applied first; (4) same as (2) 
but N/2 solutions were used instead of N/10; (5) solution of 
Ivary soap followed by solution of copper sulphate, both solutions 
at 75° C., when applied; and (6) white lines, no treatment. No. 
5 is a method used by French sardine fishermen, and since it de- 
posits an insoluble copper soap on the lines, appeared to deserve 
more study than it had hitherto received. Two examples were 
prepared by each method, and were placed in sea water at Beau- 
fort, N. C. One sample of each was removed at the end of four 
weeks, the other ten weeks. The breaking strength was ascertained 
with the following results: 





OLS a Ie 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 37 


TABLE I.—BREAKING STRENGTH OF LINES. 





| 
Strength | Strength 


Number Method of treatment after 4 after 10 
weeks weeks 
} Keg. ee ieee 
£ Bull’s method (quercitron, etc.).............. WO4O ee Et8 
2 N/10 Copper sulphate and N/10 potassium 
RELLOCY ANIAE! Pees set aca ats nC eee ae ee 10.86 3.66 
3 N/10 Potassium ferrocyanide and N/10 cop- 
WEI SUP AS 5 Sere wis, oes eco earn teorinaaotal ore ete 10.62 3.22 
4 N/2 Copper sulphate and potassium ferro- | 
OV ATU OLOE worn tons erature iste le sos ate En eae om sia ene 13.06 4.98 
5 Ivory soap and copper sulphate.............. | 11.96 | 7.32 
6 WITtreacecey COMUPOl secre ciacrcmicreom micieleiere eietcueete are 10.48 1.18 


- 





Bull’s method here proved to be best, as a preservative of 
breaking strength under the conditions described. Next in order 
is the soap-copper-combination. The failure of the copper fer- 
rocyanide lines was obviously due to faulty impregnation, since 
the inner strands of the cord were not reached by the preserva- 
tives. 

Copper soap appeared to deserve further study. Microscopic 
examination of the fibers showed that the copper soap was not 
uniformly deposited, but was in the form of an amorphous pre- 
cipitate. Experiments were next undertaken to effect a better 
penetration of the fibres and a more uniform distribution of the 
copper soap’ by means of a suitable solvent. Ivory soap, and the 
copper soap made from it, is a mixture of various fatty acid salts; 
copper stearate was found to be insoluble in any ordinary sol- 
vent, but the oleate is soluble in benzol, gasoline, carbon tetra- 
chloride, turpentine, and various oils. The solution of copper 
oleate in benzol or gasoline penetrates cotton lines readily, and 
on evaporating, leaves a uniform deposit of copper oleate on, and 
possibly in, the fibres. 

One of the difficulties at first encountered with copper soap 
was its tendency to creep to the surface of the line on drying. 
It was found, however, that the presence of a small amount of 
non-volatile mineral oil in the benzol solution serves largely to 
prevent this creeping. When gasoline is used as a solvent, the 
small quantity of a fraction of high boiling point present helps to 
prevent this creeping. 


METHODS USED AND PRESERVATIVES STUDIED IN PRESENT 
EXPERIMENTS. 


The work so far described was of a preliminary nature; it 


38 American Fisheries Society. 


served to point the way to further work, and to indicate the na- 
ture of the difficulties to be encountered. Accordingly, plans 
were made to carry out several large series of experiments, in- 
volving the preparation, exposure in the water and testing of 
several hundred individual samples treated by all the ordinary 
proprietary and non-proprietary preservatives available. Since 
the tests were repeated in many cases fifty or one hundred times 
in order to get a fair average of results, many thousands of tests 
were made. The samples were made in sets of seven by each 
method, one to be held as a check, and the six to be taken up 
from the water at intervals of three weeks to two months, the 
test usually running six months. Most of the exposures hitherto 
made in the European experiments have lasted less than two 
months. By way of describing these experiments, the results 
will be presented in connection with the different factors con- 
cerned and the methods of measuring them. . 

The work was limited to (1) those non-proprietary preserva- 
tives that are in widespread use or have been known by in- 
vestigation to be superior as net preservatives; (2) copper oleate 
as a promising prospect for a new preservative; and (3) all pro- 
prietary net preservatives on the market or in preparation for 
exploitation. These latter were obtained by means of circular 
letters sent through the various fishery trade journals. 


1. ContTROL. 


A. White line, no treatment. 


2. NON-PROPRIETARY PRESERVATIVES. 
Tar. 


F. Coal tar, distilled. Black, thick, syrupy tar. Applied cold, diluted with 
an equal volume of benzol. The benzol evaporates from the lines. 

G. Pine tar. The commercial article, consistency of thick syrup. Brownish 
black. Applied cold, diluted with an equal volume of benzol. The ben- 
zol evaporates from the lines. 

H. Coal tar 1 volume, pine 1 volume, benzol 2 volumes. Applied to the 
lines cold. When the benzol has evaporated, equal parts of the two tars 
remain on the lines. 


Tanning Methods: 


I. Bull’s method. A 20 per cent solution of solid extract of quercitron 
in water is prepared, and heated nearly to boiling. The line is steeped 
in the hot decoction until the latter is cold, then taken out and dried, 
The line is given the same steeping a second time, dried, and finally 
mordanted with a 3 per cent solution of potassium bichromate. (For 





2 5 © 8 


° 


R. 


Ss. 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 39 


details, see Taylor, 1921). The copper was omitted from the formula 
so as to get a check on the value of copper in connection with tanning 
extract. 

Dutch method. The lines were steeped twice with hot extract of quer- 
citron, drying each time as in the foregoing, and mordanted with an 
ammoniacal solution of copper sulphate, containing 1 per cent 
copper sulphate and 3 per cent of a 28 per cent solution of ammonia. 
(See Olie, J., Jaarverslag van het Visscherij-Proefstation over 1917, 
subtitle, Voorschriften voor de behandeling van netten met kopersulfaat 
en ammonia, p. 40-42, 1917.) 


Copper Oleate: 


Copper oleate approximately 7 per cent solution in gasoline. The lines 
so treated contained about 8 mg. copper per yard. 
Copper oleate. About 7 per cent copper oleate solution in gasoline, 5 
per cent mineral oil, to prevent the copper oleate from “creeping” to 
the surface, and cresol, 1 to 1,000. The line so treated contained about 
8 mg. copper per yard. 
Copper oleate, approximately 11 per cent solution in gasoline. The line 
so treated contained about 11 mg. copper per yard. 
Copper oleate, approximately 11 per cent solution and 2 per cent 
mineral oil, in gasoline. 
Copper oleate, a solution of about 7.5 per cent copper oleate in gasoline. 
Line contained 8 mg. copper per yard. 
Copper oleate, approximately 12.5 per cent solution in gasoline, with 5 
per cent mineral oil and 1-1,000 cresol. The line contained 12 mg. copper 
per yard. 
Copper oleate, approximately 12.5 per cent in gasoline. The line con- 
tained 18 mg. copper per yard. 
Copper oleate, approximately 12.5 per cent in gasoline, and 2 per cent 
mineral oil. The line contained 18 mg. copper per yard. 

3. PROPRIETARY PRESERVATIVES. 
Petroleum Product No. 1, a preparation made by a petroleum product 
company. Original formula. Dark, brownish black liquid, thinner than 
the coal tar. Lines dipped and dried. 
Petroleum Product No. 2, similar to J, but a later formula supplanting 


- Petroleum Product No. 1. In appearance similar to J. Line dipped 


and dried. 

Waterproofing material, a preparation made by a manufacturer of water- 
proofing materials. 

Copper paint No. 1, a coppery colored paint, similar to that used to 
protect the bottoms of ships. It was diluted with an equal volume of 
creosote oil (according to directions), and the lines were dipped in it 
and dried. ‘The treated lines contained 60 mg. copper per yard. 

Copper paint No. 2, similar in appearance to the foregoing. The treated 
lines contained 270 per cent mg. copper per yard. 

Gilsonite or Uintaite, a mineral asphaltic or bituminous substance put 
up by a varnish company. A thick, black, tarry substance. 


40 American Fisheries Society. 


FACTORS WHICH MADE UP THE QUALITY OF LINES, AND METHODS OF 
MEASURING THEM. 


Merely to subject lines to the action of water with no more 
definite means of testing them than a visual examination after- 
ward, with perhaps a measurement of breaking strength, would 
be quite insufficient for the purpose of judging the several ef- 
fects of preservatives. A cotton or linen line has numerous prop- 
erties or qualities which make it suitable for fish nets. These 
properties or qualities must be separately measured as accurately 
as possible, and any changes in them during exposure to work- 
ing conditions quantitatively determined. It is therefore neces- 
sary to resolve the quality of a line into its several factors, and 
to consider how these may be measured. It was in this field 
where the greatest difficulty was encountered, as methods of 
measuring these factors had to be devised, machines invented, 
made, and tested. 

The factors of importance in the present connection are 
(1) breaking strength; (2) resistance to mechanical wear or 
abrasion ; (3) stiffness of the line as affected by the preservative; 
(4) shrinkage caused by the application of the preservative; (5) 
increase in weight caused by the application of a preservative; 
and (6) color imparted by the preservative. These factors will 
be discussed separately. Such matters as cost, and labor in ap- 
plication of the several preservatives, will be considered else- 
where. 


BREAKING STRENGTH. 


This factor is, of course, the force or pull required to break 
the sample of line. It is measured on a tensile strength testing 
machine; the one used for the present work was a “Scott” ma- 
chine at the U. S. Bureau of Standards, which Bureau cooperated 
with the Bureau of Fisheries in doing this part of the work. The 
machine is little more than a pair of fasteners which are at- 
tached to each end of the sample which is 8 or 10 inches long, 
and a mechanism for producing a pull which is exerted slowly 
on the sample by means of an electric motor. As the pull in- 
creases, a weight is lifted on a pendulous lever until the sample 
breaks. When the line breaks, the lever with weight is stopped 
in its position, whereupon a reading is taken which shows the 
force in pounds required to break the sample. As the jaws pull 


Taylor and Welis.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 41 


on the sample, if the sample does not stretch, the distance be- 
tween the jaws remains constant; if any stretch occurs, the jaws 
move away from each other, and this motion is transmitted to 
-a sheet of cross section paper by which means is recorded the 
up-and-down movement or ordinates, representing stretch. At 
the same time the motion of the weight lever is transmitted to 
move the pen, causing to be recorded the horizontal component 
.of the line, which is the abscissa. Thus the machine not only 


46 


























TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS 





























MONTHS £APOSED 


Fig. 1.—Tensile strength of cotton lines exposed to weather conditions 
at Washington, D. C. 

measures the tensile strength of the sample, but the stretch, and 

records both, automatically. The measurements of tensile 

strength were made in a room of constant temperature and con- 

stant humidity. 
The tables and graphs reproduced herewith give the results 

of the tensile strength tests so far obtained in the various series. 
EXPERIMENTS ON EFFECT OF WEATHER (AIR CONDITION). 


Fig. 1 represents the results (given in Table II) of the series 
which were placed on the roof of the Fishery Products Labora- 
tory in Washington. As regards what happened to the tensile 
strength of the lines in the long run, the results fall easily into 
two groups, those preserved with tar, (F, G, H) and Petroleum 
Product No. 1 (a proprietary preparation) on the one hand; and 
white lines, those preserved with copper oleate, Bull’s method 
-and the Dutch method on the other (B, C, D, E, I, L). Water- 


42 American Fisheries Society. 


proofing material (K), another proprietary preparation, does not 
seem to fall into either group. These groups are averaged in 
Fig. 2 for ease in interpretation. A simple and striking conclu- 
sion stands out, namely, that those preservatives which have a 
“body,” or a non-volatile component which covers the fibres and 
protects them mechanically, afford good preservation against 
weather, while those which do not have a body, but depend on 
toxic effects are not so good. Preservatives under air conditions,. 
or weather, therefore appear to do their work mechanically or 
chemically rather than biologically (by destroying living organ- 
isms). Simple covering protects the lines against the weather— 
any preservative that covers, answers the purpose as far as 
tensile strength is concerned. 

TABLE IJ.—TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS. OF No. 24 COTTON LINES EXPOSED 


ON THE ROOF OF THE FISHERY PRODUCTS LABORATORY, WASHINGTON, D. C., 
NOVEMBER 25, 1921, To May 25, 1922. 


One sample of each taken up each month. Each figure represents the result of 15 breaks, except 
that of the control (A), unexposed, which is the average of 60 tests. 





Tensile strength 
Sym- Treatment Before After exposure, months 
bol expo- 
sure 
1 | 2 3 | 4 | 5 6 

Pe White Times c. bie os, ec 39.3 | 37.3 | 36.3 | 33.8 | 31.4 |) 2705 
F | Coal tar. woscee. of S04 | 43.5 136.9 | 44:07 46.17 | Sop 
Geils Pine tareicy dist ea ea 35.2 | 39.6 | 39.8 | 44.7 | 47.0 | 44.1 | 44.0 
H | Coal and pine tar, 

equal parts 2.) 04. 2. 37.4 | 38.2 | 37.0 | 41.6 | 43.3 | 43.0 | 46.0 
IT | Bull's method........| 39.3 | 40.0 | 36.6 | 35.7 | 36.2 |) S@gqeneeuen 
B | Copper oleate 7% so- 

PUEIOM, Seid d 5622 Se 36.1 | 35.3:} 35.0 | 34.0 | 31.9 | SiO aoe 
C | Copper oleate 7% so- 

lution; 5% oil; 1- 

1,000 cresol........ 35.5 | 34.0 | 33.4 | 33:.2.|° 3456 | Soi 
D | Copper oleate 11% 

solution? pis < 4 36.1 | 36:5 | 36.1 | 35.3 |-35.8 | soo 
E lee oleate Loi rel 

Bes ee Ge CR tieN ne 4 | 33.8 | 33.8 | 33.2 | 33.3 (Si2 eee 

J Peteoledia Product 

IN Mies ares gp ree 39.0 | 41.4 | 44.0 | 45.7 | 46.4 | 47.0 | 46.0 
K | Waterproofing 

material . 43.7. | 43.5°| 41.8 |) 42.8.) 44.0) Soe 
L | Dutch Method 22 mg. 

copper per yard.. 38.6.| 37:6 | 39.0 | 37:6 | 36.2) 36:05) faces 





Experiments at Key West, Florida. ‘The lines exposed in 


a i 
2 ARM SP hehe 





Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 43 


ocean water at Kéy West, Florida, from November to May, 
showed characteristics quite different from the foregoing. The 
tensile strength of these 11 samples prepared with different 
preservatives are shown in Table III and graphically in Fig. 3. 
Here, the preservatives, except the Dutch method, fall into three 









































TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS 




















VM TEILINE OT EXPO 








MONTHS EXPOSES. 


Fig. 2.—Tensile strength of cotton lines exposed to weather conditions 
at Washington, D. C. Grouped. 


distinct classes (see Fig. 4) as follows: (1) Coal tar, pine tar, and 
those two tars mixed (F, G, H) show a preliminary drop in ten- 
sile strength, followed by a marked increase, which is held almost 
constant to the end of the period of exposure (18 weeks). (2) 
All those preserved with copper oleate, with or without oil and 
cresol, wherein an initial sharp increase in strength is followed 
by a constant tensile strength through the period of exposure. 
Both the tars and copper oleates show excellent preservation. 
(3) Bull’s method, Petroleum Product No. 1, and waterproofing 
material show no particular preserving action at all, as they run 


essentially the same as the untreated lines. he Dutch method 


(L) shows characteristics which resemble, in some respects all 
the other three, and is therefore plotted separately. 

In sharp contrast to the effect of weather conditions in the 
air at Washington, the lines exposed in sea water at Key West 
show clearly that toxic preservatives are important and conse- 
quently we must conclude that the impairment of the lines in 
sea water is traceable largely to biological causes. The tars 


44 American Fisheries Society. 


EAR 
Bar 
reel 
MES 


BERS SESS ier b i, 


SSeS RRee AG) 


me 


PRC 


la 
V1 Ay] 
NZ 


va N 


ee eee 


\\ 


| 
“| 





= 
2 
Ni 

= a 

- 

(=) 

— 

= 

2 


6 
WEEKS EXPOSED: 


Fig. 3.—Tensile strength of cotton lines exposed to sea water at 
Key West, Florida. 


which contain a protecting body and toxic creosote are effective; 
the toxic copper oleate is effective; the Dutch method, containing 
as it does, copper, is effective; the others, Bull’s method, water- 
proofing material and Petroleum Product No. 1 (the two latter 
are bituminous or tarry, but appear to contain no toxic proper- 


ties), have no preserving properties, as far as tensile strength 
is concerned. 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 45 


TABLE IIJ].—TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS OF No. 24 COTTON LINES PUT DOWN 
IN THE SEA AT KEY WEsT, FLoripA, NOVEMBER 7, 1921. 


[One of each was taken up each 3 weeks over a period of 18 weeks. Each figu are is hetverage of 
15 tests, except A, the unexposed and untreated ocntrol , which is the average of 60 breaks.] 


Tensile strength, in pounds 


Sym- Treatment Exposed, weeks 
bol Unex- 
posed 
6 9 12 15 18 
A | White line........... SOS. 5t Oe) 84.91), 35.0! 200 | 20.2 | ase0 
Se 0a! tar... 65 ...25.-.| 35.4 | 43.2 | 51.0 | 50,2 | 47.8 | 49.6] 44.4 
Be INe taP eis. a. cies. 35.2 | 43.9 | 38.9 | 44.8 | 44.2 | 47.0 | 41.0 
H | Pine and coal tar, 
equal parts........ 31.4.) 52.2 | 53.0.) 44.0'1 50.2 146.0 | S10 
I |} Bull's method........ 39.3) S081 3 4026.1 31.7 |. 25.8 | 27.6) 1454 
B | Copper oleate 7% so- 
fbi he. oS Se $6.1 |"34.7 | 35.2 1.36.6) 35.0") 33-4): 29:6 
C | Copper oleate 7% so- 
lution; 5% oil; 1- 
1,000 cresol........ 39.9))) 52.4) 4151345) 34.1) 3528 |-34.5 
D | Copper oleate 11%so-| 
"5C19.0 0 se ne ee ee a S6:40) 37.6). 37-4.\-36.6) |90..9") 37295309 
E | Copper oleate 11% 
solution; 2% oil....| 31.4 | 35.0 | 33.9 | 33.5 | 34.4 | 34.3 | 35.4 
J | Petroleum Product 
|. 0 Pt eA a aa 39:0°|, 40,6 |-34-0.| 31.0: (527297) 19575) 17.0 
K | Waterproofing 
“citsl te. 9 fl 43.7 | 48.9 | 42.0 | 36.6 | 27.1 | 20.5 | 16.2 
L | Dutch method....... 38.6 | 41.4 | 41.1 | 40.7 | 39.0 | 36.3 | 24.4 


By way of demonstrating the effectiveness of copper in the 
lines, the reader is asked to compare Bull’s method with the 
Dutch method. Bull’s method is bark extract, quercitron, applied 
to the line, and mordanted by oxidation with potassium bichro- 
mate. The original formula calls for a small amount of copper 
sulphate, but this was omitted so as to have a control on the 
effect of copper. The Dutch method is the same bark extract 
(quercitron), mordanted with ammoniacal copper sulphate in- 
stead of potassium bichromate. The line treated by the Dutch 
method contains copper tannate, those treated by Bull’s method 
contain no copper. In Fig. 3 compare lines I and L. 

Experiment at Beaufort, N. C. Fig. 5 shows the results 
(given in Table IV) of experiments at Beaufort, N. C., February 
15 to August 15, 1922. In this series, fourteen preservatives and 
a control were exposed as follows: (A) White line, control, (F, 


46 American Fisheries Society. 


TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS 











oan EXPOSED 


Fig. 4.—Tensile sete of cotton lines exposed to sea water at 
Key West, Florida. Grouped. 


G, H) the three tars; (I) Bull’s method; (J) Petroleum Product 
No. 1; (L) Dutch method; (M, N, O, P) copper oleate in four 
variations; (Q, R) two commercial copper paints recommended 
as net preservatives; (S) Gilsonite; and (X) Petroleum Product 
No. 2, a new formula under the same name as (J). Of these A, 
F, G, H, Iand J are the same as were used at Key West and in 
Washington. M, N, O and P, while still copper oleate, were 
not of exactly the same concentrations as those formerly used; 
Q and R, the copper paints, are here studied for the first time. 
S, Gilsonite, a proprietary preservative and X, the Petroleum 
Product of new formula, are here first studied. Here again the 
preserved lines fall into five groups, which are shown graphically 
for the average of each group in Fig. 6. The strongest group is 
Q and R, the commercial copper paints, where a tarry binder is 








Taylor and Wells—Preservation of Nets and Lines. AY 














Nae 
Be 
le ha 


INS 
al 
Nel 

ic lee 








CK 


| 
| Slee cee 


VA IL 
ava paca elt 


LZ 
eres 


\ 


A 

Ghz ae 

E NS 

ea a 

PETAL 

Sania 

Bacal. 

Z 

Be Ea eee 

ecbe aed aria Ala 

Bae 

2 


i 
A 
sabe 
ae 
a 
ra 
Le 
ae 
es 


Za 
aa 
ea geal 


aa 
i 
a 


N 
a 


ae 


Nn 
a 


ue 
Z 
Bo 
a 
is 
ie 


San 

ah NARS 
MECN 
ae “ANE 


* MONTHS EXPOSED 


Fig. 5.—Tensile strength of cotton lines exposed to sea water at 
Beaufort, N. C. 


combined with a toxic copper ingredient. The tars (F, G, H) 
show a rise and then a steady diminution in strength. The cop- 
‘per oleates, though showing the usual initial diminution of 
strength nevertheless hold up well during the period of expo- 
sure. The Dutch method (L) here again shows characteristics 
that make it difficult to combine with any of the groups. Bull’s 
method, Petroleum Product Nos. 1 and 2, and Gilsonite, show no 
preservative action worth considering, as far as tensile strength 
is concerned. 


48 


American Fisheries Society. 


nN 


ACE 
RE ee 
ieee 


n 


nn 


TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUKDS 


Ee 



























































s 4 
MiONTHS EXPOSED 


Fig. 6.—Tensile strength of cotton lines exposed to sea water at 
Beaufort, N. C. Grouped. 








Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 49 


TABLE 1V.—TENSILE STRENGTH IN POUNDS OF No. 24 COTTON LINES PUT DOWN 
IN THE SEA AT BEAUFORT, N. C., FEBRUARY 15, 1922. 


[One of each taken up each 80 days over a period of 6 months. Each figure 
is an average of 15 breaks except the untreated and unexposed control, 
which is an average of 60 breaks.] 


Tensile strength, in pounds 


Sym- Treatment Not Exposed, months 
1 a Ar SEES a RDS 


i | | | 
— _—_—$—$—_$$———— |_| 


meeowWhite litie.......... 39.3.-1733.0.) 5°31 2.9 x x 
GUS. rer 35.4 | 46.0 | 44.9 | 36.2 | 23.2 |18.0 
Menmene tars. ....2.. 2...) 35.2 | 45.0 | 46.9 | 33.8' | 11.9 | 3.4--]...... 
H | Coal and pine tar, = Se 

euar parts: so... 2'>- $7245.01) 46:8) 33.9) 27.9 116.271... 2. 
I | Bull’s method........ 39.3 | 42.4] 19.6} 3.2 x x x 
J | Petroleum Product, 

LN nt OA Aa ee 39.0 | 40.0 | 23.4] 8.7 x x Fs 
M | Copper oleate 7.5%; 


Ww 
rss 
i) 
Ww 
an 
tp 
Ww 
n 
an 
i) 
oe) 
loa) 
| el 
an 
an 
a 
— 
So 


12 mg. copper per 

yard; 5% oil; 1- 

£000 cresol..2...1::| 33.2) }.35,2 | 33.8 | 33:9 |.25.4 } 20.8 
O | Copper oleate 12.5% 

solution; 18 mg. 

copper per yard....| 33.6 | 36.6 | 40.3 | 30.0 | 21.3 | 25.1 
P | Copper oleate 18 mg. 


copper per yard; 2% 
il 36 


eae tace’ 


Sho) 89 .0:)- 370 92927) 29.5 
42.0 | 42.4 | 40.8 | 41.0 | 33.0 


3 

als 
Copper paint II...... 41.7 | 48.0 | 50.0 | 49.5 | 47.0 | 40.0 ]|..... 
AeAISONIte no 8 sets nee 35, Sie2or2) | L455 8.5 3.9 x x 
9 
6 


ia RTS er earls (6 2 Bye eTeis ei WM RP AE Se ea PR eR A aR Pi ero bl ee ee? TS le ue 


oo eas © 


Petroleum Product, 
BARON Sed x x x x 


w taifeglotes el arite: is) =) Sus 403° 370 |" 35.3 120°3 8.3 


re KOW 0 


x Indicates that the line is disintegrated. 


DISCUSSION OF TENSILE STRENGTH IN THE LIGHT OF THE FOREGOING 
EXPERIMENTS. 


Tensile strength is one of the most important properties of 
the lines used for fishing gear, and has been the only factor 
measured by other investigators. In considering the changes in 
tensile strength as influenced by preservation, it is necessary to 
consider (1) immediate increase or decrease of strength of line, 
caused by the physical properties of the preservative; (2) a 
later change in the tensile strength, caused by drying or other 


50 American Fisheries Society. 


change in the preservative; and (3) changes as influenced by 
the toxic or biological preserving properties of the preservative 
used. These will be considered separately. 

1. Immediate changes in tensile strength. The fibers in a 
cotton line are short, but are made into a long line by being 
twisted together so that the friction of the fibers against one 
another causes the line to hold together as a continuous whole. 
When a line breaks, a force must be applied to the line which is 
sufficient to overcome the friction of the fibers against one 
another, or to break them; if the friction is greater than the 
tensile strength of the fibers, they will break; if the tensile 
strength is greater than the friction they will pull out. No 
doubt both things happen—some of the fibers are actually 
broken, while others are merely disengaged from the twisted 
strands. Now the introduction of a foreign material between 
these fibers and among the strands may greatly alter the prop- 
erties and behavior of the line. If the foreign substance lubri- 
cates the fibers or otherwise diminishes friction, the line as a 
whole is weakened proportionately, so that when a pull is ex- 
erted on the line the fibers are drawn out or disengaged rather 
than broken. This weakening, we see, occurs in the case of 
many of the preservatives. In fact, the only preservative which 
did not cause an immediate weakening was copper paint. The 
waterproofing sample, being treated at the factory, was not 
measured immediately after treatment. 

2. A later change in tensile strength, caused by drying of 
the preservative. In the case of those preservatives having a 
volatile and a non-volatile portion, the volatile, or soluble, por- 
tion evaporates or dissolves in time. The body, or non-volatile 
portion, then remains, and may markedly alter the strength of 
the line. Thus, the tars, while at first diminishing tensile 
strength by their lubricating effect, on drying out cause a marked 
increase of strength which may persist until the lines begin to 
deteriorate through decomposition. This is also true of the cop- 
per paints, waterproofing material, petroleum products, and 
slightly in some others, and is particularly noticeable in the 
case of those lines exposed to weather conditions in Washington. 

It is necessary to take these facts into consideration in 
reading the graphs. The sudden initial drop in tensile strength 
may convey the idea that a preservative is poor, or a sudden ini- 


sa 


Taylor and Wells——Preservation of Nets and Lines. 51 


tial rise that it is excellent. The differences are not, however, 
of great value in themselves. The important thing is to observe 
how much deterioration takes place on long exposure. 


3. The toxic or biological action of the preservative used. 
If a line on treatment, drops in tensile strength from 40 to 35 
pounds, and holds the 35 pounds six months, it is still in good 
condition; but if it increases at once in strength to 45 pounds 
and begins to lose its great strength in 60 days through the 
detrimental action of microorganisms, it may be totally worthless 
in 6 months. Furthermore, the increase in strength caused by 
heavy-body preservatives is always associated with a corres- 
pondingly great increase in stiffness and wiriness, as will be seen 
later. This marked loss does, in fact, occur in the tars, for after 
the volatile or soluble creosote is gone, the lines rapidly deterior- 
ate. It is thus plainly to be seen that the principal detrimental 
agency is decomposition, and therefore the most important func- 
tion of the preservative is to prevent this by means of a toxic 
ingredient that is insoluble in water and non-volatile in air. 


It is at this point that criticism can be made of the English, 
Norwegian, and Dutch experiments, in which the experiments 
extended over only a short time, usually two months. Some of 
Bull’s experiments covered eleven weeks. It will be seen from 
the graphs and figures presented herewith that the real differ- 
ences do not come out very strikingly until three or four months 
of exposure, and six months are necessary to get a good test. 


RESISTANCE TO MECHANICAL WEAR OR ABRASION. 


It is impossible to say definitely what are the greatest 
enemies of lines. Breakage by pull against snags, and by the 
struggles of large fish, are important, of course; bacterial decom- 
position appears to be very important. Mechanical wear or 
abrasion caused by dragging the seines or lines over the gun- 
wales of boats, or by the rubbing of the lines against each other 
in handling them, is no doubt also very important. Diminish- 
ing ability to withstand mechanical wear is, like tensile strength, 
an indicator of the general quality of the line, and if it can be 
rated quantitatively will give not only some measure of the 
general condition of any particular sample, but by imitating the 
wear that it is subjected to in actual use, will give a measure 
of this particular factor—ability to withstand abrasion. 


52 American Fisheries Society. 


It was therefore necessary to devise some means of measur- 
ing the amount of abrasion or rubbing a line can stand. A motor 
was arranged to draw samples back and forth over an edge, and 
to count the number of strokes required to wear the line in two. 
The great difficulty was in the nature of the edge. Woods of 
various kinds were tried, but the results obtained thereby were 
inconsistent because of lack of uniformity in the hardness of the 
edge. Steel, hard rubber, glass, etc., were tried, but none of 
these edges answered all the requirements of a satisfactory 
standard. Finally, the threads were drawn across one another, 
and the number of strokes necessary to wear out the sample was 
taken as a measure of this factor. 

The construction and operation of the machine for making 
this test is shown diagramatically in Fig. 7. A is an eccentric, 
to which are fastened the lines to be tested, b and b*, which are 
passed over the rollers, h and h’, fastened at c and c*. Other 
pieces of the same line, d and d’, are made fast at e and e’, and 
run through the slack part of b and b’, at f and ft. Weights of 1 
kg. (g and g*) are attached to the free ends of the lower piece 
of line. The eccentric A is revolved by a motor, imparting a 
reciprocating motion to the samples b and b’, and causing them 
to saw across similar sample, d and d*. The samples thus wear 
out and the weights drop to the floor; the number of strokes 


necessary to wear each sample down to a breaking strength of 
a 





Fig. 7—Apparatus used for testing the wearing quality of lines. 


1 kg. is taken as a measure of the wearing quality. The machine 
was made so as to run 10 samples at a time, and a mechanical 
revolution counter was used to assist in keeping count. 

Table V herewith gives the results of the mechanical wear- 
ing tests on the various samples exposed and tested. 





Taylor and Wells——Preservation of Nets and Lines. 53 


TABLE V.—WEARING TESTS ON No. 24 COTTON LINES EXPOSED AT 
BEAvFoRT, N. C. 


Number of strokes against itself necessary 
to wear out samples 





Sym- Treatment 
bol Not Exposed, months 
ex- 
posed 
2 5 4 5 

A | White line, untreated...| 264.7 56.8 x x x x 
Me eG Gal CAL 5 2 oc orarloye aces 189.4 | 172.4 | 95.4] 103.9 | 34.4 | 14.9 
emoe ine tats ci. s cece os 159.7 | 141.4] 97.8 (Se Sica ex 
H | Pine tar and coal tar 

equal parts. 6.0... 168.5 | 171.6 | 107.2 | 92.6 | 43.6] 9.8 
I Bull's method |.;.....-..- - 50.9 45.1 x % x x 
J Petroleum Product, 

IN( cis 11 Coley eee eens Oa 281.3 | 124.2 x x x x 
Pei Dutch method. .....2. 46.6 | 84.6] 79.4] 91.0] 88.4 1.3 
M | Copper oleate, 8 mg. 

copper per yd. of line.} 118.4 | 167.4 | 141.2 | 129.2 | 12.8] 8.1 
N | Copper oleate, 12 mg. 


copper per yd. of line; 
oil 5%; cresol 1-1,000.| 127.5 | 157.3 | 117.0 | 150.9 | 79.4 | 42.8 


O | Copper oleate, 18 mg. 
per yd. of line....... 191.1 | 191.9 | 143.6 | 123.3 | 40.4 | 48.1 
P | Copper oleate, 18 mg. 


per yd. of line; 2% 
he ee ee 141.7 | 228.8 | 157.4 | 182.4 | 122.0 | 13.0 
Q | Copper paint I plus 
50% creosote oil; 60 

mg. copper per yd. 
eas) Sis eee ones 23.074 0-57-4.| $4326.41 S875). °S6. 7 34-2 

R | Copper paint II, 270 
mg. copper per yd. 








Henebhi ss weer 89.0 | 30.8 17.0 17.9 12.5 | 14.0 
EM Gllsonite. 2 a.n es) 260.0) 207.4) 24.4 x x x 
X | Petroleum Product, 

INGA by ana Nees oe Ov Oka 1.8 x x x 


x Indicates that samples were disintegrated and gone. 
DISCUSSION OF EXPERIMENTS ON WEARING QUALITY. 


There is seen to be a wide variation in wearing quality. This 
quality of lines is influenced by the hardness or stiffness of the 
preservative. When it is dried out and wiry, the line wears out 
more rapidly than when it is soft and pliable. In the case of 
lines that have been exposed in the sea, there is an unavoidable 
deposit of sediment, sand, etc., among the fibers that probably 
increases abrasion in the test. Although the samples were 
washed before being tested, probably some of this sediment still 
remained. A sticky or adhesive preservative pulls out the fibers 


54 American Fisheries Society. 


rapidly and destroys the line quickly during the test. An oily 
or soapy preservative has the opposite effect of diminishing 
abrasion. 

During the test, considerable heat is developed at the point 
of abrasion, which for one cause or another may vary and bring 
about disagreement in the results. 

Overlooking the fluctuations caused by these things, we see 
that, in general, the results confirm and amplify conclusions 
already reached. Lines preserved with the following preserva- 
tives reach, before the conclusion of the period of exposure, such 
a state of disintegration that they will not stand any wear on 





NUMBER OF STROKES 











MONTHS EXPOSED 


Fig. 8— Wearing quality of lines exposed in sea water at Beaufort, N. C. 


the machine: untreated lines, pine tar, Bull’s method, Petroleum 
Products Nos. 1 and 2, and Gilsonite. Those which come out 
best in the end are the copper oleates, which take first and sec- 
ond places, followed by a copper paint. We may account for 
the superiority of copper oleate by (1) the fact that the fibers 
are effectively preserved against decay, and (2) the preservative 
itself is of a soapy consistency, which lubricates the fibers. 





‘7 


Taylor and Wells——Preservation of Nets and Lines. 55 


In Fig. 8 the results are grouped for similar preservatives 
where the wearing results are similar. It is there seen that 
ability to withstand wear of the kind effected by the wearing 
machine, is greatest at first in the white lines, (A) and all the 
preservatives reduce this ability. On exposure the white lines 
{and also Bull’s method, the Petroleum Products and Gilsonite 
(A, I, J, S, X) which have an initial high wearing quality] 
rapidly lose the property by disintegration, so that in two or 
three months they are so far disintegrated as to fail to endure 
any test at all. The tars (F, G, H) and copper oleates (M, N, 
O, P) stand about the same at first in wearing quality, but on 
exposure the tars suffer a steady loss, while copper oleate pre- 
serves the wearing quality at a high figure longer than any other 
preservative studied. Its superiority in this respect is beyond 
question. The copper paints (Q, R) which show up so well in 
other respects are here at a decided disadvantage, as are also the 
tanning extracts, Bull’s method, which is a failure, and the Dutch 
method, which shows fair, though by no means excellent, results. 

It may further be remarked that this test is very severe, as 
will be noticed by the low figures for all preservatives for the 
fifth month. The poorer preservatives all fail very early. Any 
preservative which carries its line through six months exposure 
with a measurable wearing quality has some merit. 


STIFFNESS. 


Most preservatives alter the softness and pliability of lines, 
nets, seines, etc. If stiffness were not objectionable, much of 
our fishing gear might be made of wire. In many cases, stiffness 
is objectionable, and in some cases, such as that of gill nets, it 
is absolutely necessary that the lines be soft, pliable and small. 
Tar and other heavy body preservatives are useful for traps and 
the like, but because they bring about great stiffness, they are 
of limited usefulness. It is decidedly against a preservative to 


‘stiffen the lines to which it is applied. 


To get a quantitative expression of stiffness, advantage 
was taken of the well known laws of the pendulum. The ma- 
chine devised, constructed, tested, and used by the writers is 
shown diagrammatically in Fig. 9. The sample of line (a) is 
gripped between the wooden jaws (b). On the other end of 
the sample is attached a brass plummet (c) weighing exactly 50 


56 American Fisheries Society. 


grams. A scale is laid off on an arc below the pendulum thus | 
formed, so that the circular distance from d to the point of rest 
of the pendulum is one-half a radian, (i.e., one-half the length of 





Fig. 9.—Apparatus used for testing stiffness of lines. 


the pendulum). If the pendulum is displaced to d, and re- 
leased, it swings through one radian, dg, and will continue to 
swing, but each oscillation is of lesser amplitude than the pre- 
ceding, because of the friction in bending the line and, to a 
negligible extent, because of the friction of the air. When the 
amplitude has been reduced from one radian to one-half radian, 


x 
° 
> 








ei 
SE 
























































( VAs 
2 SON 
5 70 ay ee ae 
Qa 
2 | iia 
: RRR 
2 L 
3 40 z a) 
Ee 7 I sel Ee Q 
= wz 
5 Y Ait: 
39 
a a | |e 
ISSs a Be 
20 | | \ SE | ee = 
|) SSeS eer 
= 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 
= = NUMBER OF MONTHS EXPOSED 
a = 
a = 
5 = 
8 5 
x 


Fig. 10.—Stiffness of cotton lines exposed in sea water at Beaufort, N. C. 





Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 5Y 


note is taken of the number of oscillations the pendulum has per- 
formed and this number is recorded as a measure of the stiffness. 

The following table (VI) gives the number of oscillations 
required with the different samples (Beaufort series), which 
measures the stiffness of the lines. The more pliable the line, 
the higher the figure. 


‘TABLE VI.—STIFFNESS OF LINES TREATED WITH THE SEVERAL PRESERVATIVES. 
LINES EXPOSED TO OCEAN WATER AT BEaAurort, N. C. 


Number of oscillations 

















In Air In Water 
Sym-| Method of treatment First month Months 
Freshly 
treated 
i 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 
wk | wks! wks 
eee @oal Carssa.s: 2% orcas 25.0 |19.7/17.2)15.9)19.3/18.9)16.6)16.1/18.0 
fea Ine Gal...) cs csc ce ns 29.9 |19.9]/17.6)17.5)15.0)14.8/18.1/27.4/34.2 
H | Pine tar and coal tar 
HEREC. avs cpcexsnictcietts 24.2 |18.0/16.7)16.3)18.0)/14.8/16.6/16.5)19.2 
I Bull’s method......... 45.1 |40.7|43. 7/43. 7/44.8'35.9137.0) x x 
J | Petroleum Product, 
Chl Se eS ee 29.0 |20.3/18.4)17.9)18.2/18.1/18.2) x 
i Dutch method.;...... 44.9 |39.9!38.3/40. 1144. 3/45 .5|33.8133.6141.7 
M | Copper oleate, 8 mg. 


copper per ae 

length. . | 60.5 |52.3'45.5'44.1)74.3)71.8 56.646.4/46.7 
N | Copper oleate, 12 ‘mg. | | 

copper per yard | 

length, 5% oil 1- 

1,000 cresol. . | 59.1 |51.3/41.0!36.9/61.4/63.9'68.4/70. 1162.8 
O Copper oleate, 18 mg. | | 

copper per yard | 

MAA ay Sous ay ore ce be 50.2 |43.4/37.9138.5:60.9'56.8:53.0/45.9/58.4 














P | Copper oleate, 18 mg. 

copper pe yard | | | 

length, 2%, oil: . 20-5. 49.6 |43.3/38.4135.8 64.3'57.5'55.5 64.7/35.3 
© | Copper paint, No.1...) 31.1 |32.7|30.4/29. 1:39. 3/29. 3'31.0139.6|28.2 
R | Copper paint, No. 2...| 29.4 |31.3/28.7/26.1 14.6126.4:33.9123 623.3 
memtotisonite 2.225... a 36.5 |25.5)22.017.3.21.1)17.218.0,21.3) x 
X | Petroleum Product | | | | 

1 Se RSA hare 34.3 |29.2|27.0/22.3.18.7123.5) x | x] x 

















x Indicates that line was disintegrated. 


Figure 10 shows the result graphically for the individual 
lines. It will be noticed that, although each line shows fluctua- 
tions from month to month that may not have significance for 
our purpose, the lines naturally divide themselves into groups of 


58 American Fisheries Society. 


more and less flexibility. These groups, the copper lines (M,. 
N, O, P), the tanning methods (I, L), the copper paints (Q, R), 
and those preservatives containing a heavy body, coal tar, pine 
tar, mixed tars, Petroleum Product Nos. 1 and 2, and Gilsonite 
(F, G, H, J, S, X), are grouped in Fig. 11. Here the Imes pres 
served with copper oleate are far in the lead, showing upwards. 
of 60 oscillations. Next comes those lines preserved by querci- 
tron, Bull’s method and the Dutch method (I, L), with around 
40 swings; then the copper paints (O, R), with around 30 swings. 
Finally, the tars, Petroleum Products, and Gilsonite, with around 
20 swings. If we express the flexibility of tarred lines as 1, then 
lines treated with copper paints have a flexibility of about 1%, 
tanned lines about 2, and those treated with copper oleate about 3. 


DISCUSSION OF THE FLEXIBILITY TESTS. 


It has been seen in the results of breaking and wearing tests 
that we have a choice of a number of excellent preserva- 
tives, while others are definitely eliminated from consideration 
by their failure to endure the tests. Those which fail to endure 
the breaking and wearing tests are waterproofing materials, Pe- 
troleum Products, Gilsonite, and Bull’s method. Still in the run- 
ning are the tars, copper paints, copper oleate, and the Dutch 
method. Where flexibility is an important consideration, there 
are now thrown out all the tars, the copper paints, leaving only 
the Dutch method and the copper oleate as answering the re- 
quirements of a first class preservative, which leaves the lines 
soft, with the copper oleate far ahead of the Dutch method. For 
gill nets, light seines and the like, copper oleate stands first in 
the tests so far considered. 

Where stiffness is not objectionable, as in pound nets, traps, 
etc., the copper paints are indicated. No doubt copper oleate 
will answer splendidly also for this purpose, though the heavy 
concentrations of copper desirable for this purpose have not 
been tried. The copper paints have very much heavier concen- 
trations of copper. Other considerations yet to be discussed 
bring out further differences. 


SHRINKAGE OF COTTON LINES CAUSED BY THE APPLICATION OF 
PRESERVATIVES. 


Some preservatives cause alteration of the length of lines; 
all that have been so far studied either do not affect the length 





Taylor and Wells—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 59 


or else cause shrinkage ; none have been encountered which cause 
increase of length. The changes in length have been ascertained 
for all preservatives studied by measuring the line before treat- 
ment under a constant pull of 2 kilograms, and after treatment, 
under the same conditions. Duplicate measurements are re- 
peated to an accuracy of about 4 inches in 100 feet, that is, within 
.33 per cent. It was impracticable to make these measurements 
under constant temperature and humidity conditions, because of 
the large space required to stretch and measure the samples, 
and no room equipped for constant atmospheric conditions and 
of sufficient size was available. The following table VII, and 
Fig. 12, show, however, that the change is small, at greatest, so 
that errors caused by changing temperature and humidity would 
be negligible. 


TABLE VII.—SHRINKAGE OF No. 24 COTTON LINES CAUSED BY THE APPLICATION 
OF VARIOUS PRESERVATIVES. 








Symbol Method of treatment Per cent shrinkage 
B Copper oleate, 7%.. Sane 91 
Cc Copper oleate, 7%; 5% oil: =i 000 cresol....... .98 
D Copper oleate, 11%.. Saehiree 1.67 
E Copper oleate, 11%; 2% oil.. aE ec aN mT 1.14 
F (COPIES Ciales & Btu ie eke ane acerca ero nai aE a ge 2.48 
G LEICTE, CSRS SS SRO Ooo AO a ea ae OR Re A rE 2 oil 
H Roavand pine tar, 50% each wis. iia. essed ose 2.00 
I BS llessmethodine 9. eee uk ieee nein oe, aeca ete 3.48 
J Petroleumperoduct: No: Is 2s ait. ene ee 2.60 
K Weaterprooine materialn. 0 ss .26. be ace ee eds ses 2.00 
L Pig eMsHeGHOGL selon pi eos one clke Woe ete ae 3.60 
M Mapper OlEALE hog kee aie ahe kar erin. aieiea ot Be a 
N Copper oleate 714%; 5% oil; 1-1,000 cresol...... 41 
O Copper oleate, 12144% strength................. 1.07 
12 Copper oleate, 12469; 2% Ob... es oe vies .99 
Q CGs Say On ah ERGs eo) Aer tea Mer eed nner 85 
R Pe eioee Pann GEE arate 5 fon, Wea) cts as false aha soph cce- Me ld wis 65 
S BRC Ce ite he ely ENA Seat Ne ret yet cat 2ST 
x Petroleuny Product, No: 2.05.05) 052 fe es Lea 


Noticeable shrinkage occurs only in the case of lines treated 
by hot aqueous bark extracts, Bull’s method, and the Dutch 
method. But none of the methods causes enough shrinkage to 
make this an item of any practical importance. This factor 
should be considered, however, in connection with aqueous 
preservatives, especially those applied hot or repeatedly. 


CHANGES IN WEIGHT CAUSED BY THE APPLICATION OF PRESERVATIVES. 
All the preservatives studied increased the weight of the 


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WOU GV AAAI Aww Be 
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WWI ANNAN AT A AAA ANNES 
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Grouped. 


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various preservatives. 


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American Fisheries Society. 
The weighings were all done on the analytical — 





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WAINdNId 40 NOILY111IDSO0 


This change is in some cases of serious importance, as 


Fig. 11.—Stiffness of lines expcsed in sea water at Beaufort, N. C. 
LENGTH OF LINE BEFOR' 
TREATMENT 100 
Fig. 12.—Shrinkage of cotton lines caused by one application of the 
in those heavy body preservatives that cover the lines with 


the deposit of a preservative material on the line, or among the © 


lines, and obviously so because the preserving action depends on 
fibers. 


thick coatings. 


60 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 61 


balance, and are accurate to the order of a milligram or two. By 
experimentation, it was found advisable to weigh in the air-dried 
or ordinary condition, which was the condition of lines in the 
ordinary air conditions of the laboratory. If the samples were 
dried to constant weight in an oven, they took up moisture so 
rapidly during the weighing that it proved impossible to weigh 
them without elaborate precautions. Where hundreds of samples 
were prepared, these precautions were out of the question. Table 
VIII gives the results of the determinations of weight, and Fig. 
13 exhibits the results graphically. 


TABLE VIII.—PERCENTAGE OF INCREASE IN WEIGHT OF LINES TREATED WITH 
VARIOUS PRESERVATIVES. 








Symbol Method of treatment {Percentage of increase 
in weight 
B SOpmerOlen ted 1 Oped. cM vakck soteaet 6 ao eS es 11.9 
C Copper oleate, 7%; 5% oil; 1-1,000 parts cresol. 18.0 
D Ub eyerty a Stale: 7 age Hl I/O Set a a a 20.6 
E Copper oleate, 11%); 29p0il. oes cee ce cde: 22.9 
F WMA teh ere eatin pea ts aster eee acy Pane ois ase 68.5 
G | EEEE ECT gh pa eh Ee a ge ne 53.9 
H Coaland pine tar, 50% each: cc i ketene 48.0 
I Reet TOTS aa co ia ek os y sivvavaiane Glereit a eke © 9.8 
J Petroleum Product Nos 1s 5.0 oa esisieers ses 48.6 
K MaternrGouns material, .).\-34 22.0 bacie a eels 17.8 
Pemerewaateh METHO -\ vo wn ce wb dures oleviowe views: 20:2 
M Erm EC OlEALEY 5 Yow oes ae bE tae eee a ae 10.2 
N Copper oleate, 744%; 5% oil; 1-1,000 cresol. . 15d 
O Bopper olesten P2660) on. i. aks a aes 15.4 
P Copper oleate, Dat AG BBs ose cela h so: 18.6 
Q Copper Panipat + oo onal SS cad oan pee ees 65.5 
R Pecaia Sota ARE is ana a aires iicla tine cine & he 127.0 
S RRESNIGO TS etal ety StL eu aye ickinieioe sete 46.0 
x Puirgienin Prodwets WO. <2 2.503 «sien a dada, s 5 5 35.3 





It will be seen that the preservatives which add least to the 
weight are copper oleate and tanning methods, Bull’s and the 
Dutch methods. Tars add about 57 per cent to the weight of the 
_ line and copper paint doubles it. 

The weight of the preservative is important in two ways: 
(1) added weight increases the labor of handling and the strains 
imposed on the line, and (2) added weight is an important con- 
sideration where lines, nets, etc., are bought by weight, already 
treated or preserved. 

(1) In such gear as large menhaden purse seines, where 
the seine must be handled by hand by crews in the “purse boats,” 


62 American Fisheries Society. 


the added weight of the large seines must be moved by a larger 
force than would otherwise be required. It is also important to 
work as rapidly as possible when a school of fish is at hand, and 
the added weight of a heavily-tarred seine can not fail to reduce 
the speed of operations, and increase the danger of losing the 
school. 









































































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BOLS OF PRESERVATIVES 

INCREASE IN WEIGHT 

Fig. 13.—Increase in weight of cotton lines caused by one application of 
e various preservatives. 


°o 


(2) When cotton line is selling at 25 cents per pound, it is 
obviously profitable for the producer of, or dealer in, lines to tar 
the line; by so doing he sells tar at 25 cents per pound. It is 
correspondingly unprofitable for the fisherman to buy line with- 
out a consideration of the added weight of the tar. This is an 
important item of cost where netting is used in large quantities. 


i 








te, 
4@ 


a 





Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 63 


Copper oleate being by far the lighter of the more effective 
preservatives, has a great advantage over tar, and deserves 
further study and consideration as a preservative for large heavy 
‘seines where tar is now used. 


RESISTANCE AGAINST FOULING BY BARNACLES, HYDROIDS, ETC. 

It has already been shown that in those circumstances where 
stiffness and weight of lines was not a very important factor, 
numerous preservatives were available to prolong their strength 
and wearing qualities. It is only in the case of traps, pound nets, 
and stationary gear of various kinds that stiffness and weight 
are of minor consideration. But since the nets remain in the 
water for long periods, another important factor arises, namely, 
fouling by barnacles, hydroids, and other attached organisms. 
‘The disadvantages brought about by the growths are numerous. 
(1) They greatly increase the weight of the nets, thus increasing 
the labor and time required to fish them; (2) the extra weight 
(which may greatly exceed the original weight of the net) puts 
an added strain on the net; (3) the accumulation of growths on 
the net increase the collection of floating debris from the water, 
thus further straining the nets; (4) the net offers greater re- 
sistance to stream and tide flow when fouled, and is consequently 
put under greater strain; (5) these growths, especially barnacles, 
injure the fishermen’s hands. 

Tarred lines, though fairly well preserved in strength, yield 
readily to fouling with barnacles and hydroids; so do lines treated 
by Petroleum Products Nos. 1 and 2, Bull’s method, and Gilso- 
nite. Those lines treated with preservatives which contain copper, 
even in small amounts, resist fouling. Lines treated by the 
Dutch method fouled somewhat in four months at Beaufort. 
Those tested with copper paint, and all those treated with either 
of the copper oleates, were, after the fourth month in the sea 
water at Beaufort, entirely free from all attached growths visible 

-to the eye. The tiny amount of copper which remained in the 
lines (2 to 4 mg. per yard, as shown by a determination of the 
copper present) shows the effectiveness of copper in preventing 
fouling. Of course, copper oleate can and should be applied in 
much heavier concentration on lines to be exposed continuously 
in the water. The advantages brought about by this single point 
of superiority would, even if there were no others, alone justify 
the use of copper in lines for continued submersion. 


64 American Fisheries Society. 


The following tabular record gives a statement of the ex- 
ternal condition of the lines after the fourth month at Beaufort: 


TABLE IX.—CONDITION OF LINES AFTER FOURTH MONTH TESTED FOR FOULING. 





Symbol Treatment Condition 
A White line; no treatment.| Disintegrated and gone. 
F Coalitanen cat aac eee Fouled with hydroids and barnacles. 
G Pinestarss ite cian cen iene Do. 
H Pinevand coaltar. 7... 22 0. 
I Bullisanethodsne +) 4t.cne Covered with dense matting of hyd- 
roids. 
J Petroleum product, No.1.| Do. 
L Dutch method..........| Few hydroids; nearly clean. 
M,N, O, P| All copper oleate........ Substantially clean; very few barnacles; 
no hydroids. 
Q,R Capper paints. a i sot or Perfectly clean; no growths. 
S Gilsonite ss. e acne Gah ae Fouled with hydroids and barnacles. 
xX Petroleum Product, No.2} Fouled, less than Petroleum Product, 


No. 1. (This sample had been in 
water only 1 month.) 


The conclusion to be reached in this section is that copper 
oleate and copper paint are the only preservatives among those 
tried that prevent growth of attaching organisms on the line. 
The Dutch method reduces, but does not prevent such growths. 


LABOR AND TIME REQUIRED FOR APPLYING PRESERVATIVES. 


Some preservatives that might answer well some of the re- 
quirements of a good material, are out of the question because 
of the labor and time required to apply them. The laboriousness 
of the application of tar, the time it takes to dry, and the fact 
that it is a black, sticky nuisance, have caused many a net to go 
unpreserved. When labor and time are expressed in terms of 
expense, it will be found expensive, also. In this way cheap 
preservatives may in the end turn out to be the most expensive. 





Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 65 


TABLE X.—TIME REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION AND DRYING OF PRESERVATIVES. 


Number of applications : . 
Preservative and time required for a ore required 
each to dry dat dma 
Mpcr oleate... 2... ee ee es One application. 30 to 45 minutes. 
Pine tar 50% in benzol. One application. 10 to 12 hours. 
Coal tar and pine tar, 50% benzol.| One application. 20 to 24 hours. 
Coal tar 50% Hensal © Aor One application. 24 hours. 
Quercitron: 
Bull’s method \ { Three applications. 12 to 18 hours. 
ered methods ***"*:°°**°>* 4 to 6 hours each. 
| TLIO TOUS 4 ten Oa ere a es ee eee One application. 24 hours. 
Petroleum products, Nos. 1 and 2.| One application. 36 to 48 hours. 
Mammer paint Fo... ee One application. 36 hours. 
Senper paint (1................ One application. 48 hours. 








This record of the time required to apply the various preser- 
vatives studied in this investigation shows copper oleate to be 
far in the lead. By any other method the lines or nets would 
require to be taken out of service at least a day for treatment, 
not including the time necessary for drying the net before the 
treatment is applied. 

In the case of copper oleate, lines or gear could be taken up, 
dried and returned to use the same day, except in case of such 
gear as pound nets, where the labor of taking up and setting 
is excessive. In the case of gill nets, a very light application 
can be applied frequently; by so doing, little time is required, 
and stiffness and weight are kept at a minimum, but sufficient 
copper can be kept in the line to effect excellent preservation. 

Copper paints, excellent preservatives though they are in 
many other respects, are again at a disadvantage. 

The quercitron preservatives (and tanning methods in gen- 
eral) are for practical purposes eliminated by the excessive time 
and trouble required for their application. 


COLOR IMPARTED TO LINES BY THE PRESERVATIVES. 


All the preservatives studied change the color of the lines. 
Just what the value of color in a line is, and what color and 
shade would be preferable, we do not know. There is a large 
literature on the subject of color vision in fishes, but results by 
different observers are quite inconsistent. Still less do we know 
of the reactions of fish to colors which they may distinguish. 
However, since many people who are interested in net preserva- 


66 American Fisheries Society. 











tives have their own, and very often decided, opinions on the 
subject, the colors produced are given here: 


TABLE XI.—COLOR IMPARTED TO LINES BY PRESERVATIVES. 


Preservative Color of treated line 
Copper oleate..................| Apple green, sky blue, or strong brilliant 
green, depending on concentration of 
preservative. 
SATS aon pois s Beet tage Pee Cen ae eee Dark brown or black. 
COpper wait. atk. vom teed ae Dark coppery red. 
Petroleum Products, Nos. 1 and 2.| Black. 
GulSonite were. preclee jee neta detache 
Tanning extracts: 
Diurtch methode ash cae wee eee Brown. 
Bullisimethode re. eects Dark brown. 











GENERAL DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY. 


There have been presented the results of investigations 
which establish certain facts regarding the characteristics of sev- 
eral important or well known net preservatives. These results 
show that some materials that are used have little or no value 
as preservatives, others are good in some respects, while still 
others excel in most or all respects. 

The following materials for, or methods of, preserving may 
be eliminated, on the basis of these results: quercitron mordanted 
with potassium bichromate (Bull’s method), waterproofing ma- 
terial, Gilsonite, and the Petroleum Products Nos. 1 and 2. 

We may classify the points of usefulness of the remaining 
preservatives on the basis of the service the treated gear must 
perform: 

(1) Where the gear is to remain immersed for a long time, 
and where added weight and greatly increased stiffness are per- 
missible, the copper paints excel. They protect tensile strength, 
and prevent fouling, but they resist mechanical abrasion rather 
poorly. The tars are good preservatives, but foul heavily with 
hydroids and barnacles. Both are slow in drying. 

(2) Where softness, flexibility.and lightness are necessary, 
as in gill nets, light seines, etc., the choice is between copper 
oleate and the Dutch method with copper oleate leading in every 
particular—preserving quality, wearing quality, flexibility, light 
weight, insignificant shrinkage, and particularly ease and rapidity 
of application. 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 67 


Copper Oleate. There are many reasons for believing that 
copper oleate will answer as well for the heavy duty set nets, 
traps, etc., as for the lighter gear, the difference being in the 
concentrations of copper oleate to be used. In the case of gill 
nets, a 10 to 12 per cent solution in gasoline, benzol, or carbon 
tetrachloride with the addition of a little ordinary lubricating 
automobile oil may be applied frequently ; the heavy gear may be 
treated with much more concentrated solutions, and not so often. 

So far as the writers are aware, copper oleate has never been 
used before as a net preservative unless we may regard as the 
same the soap-and-bluestone-treatment said to have been used 
by the French sardine fishermen. At least it has never been 
used in the way here recommended. Cunningham * mentioned 
the process as used by the French, and in his trials included lines 
treated with soap and bluestone, but his results were not at all 
encouraging. On the basis of our work, a solution of copper 
oleate, taking all factors into consideration seems best and most 
promising of all and capable of being used to a great annual 
saving by the fishing industry, and the writers submit this as the 
principal constructive part of their work. 

Copper oleate can be had in the market as a commercial 
article at about 22 cents per pound in barrel lots, containing up 
to about 15 per cent copper. The two commercial samples ob- 
tained and examined in this work did not appear entirely satis- 
factory. They contain a high percentage of substances insoluble 
in gasoline, benzol, etc., which appear to be by-product salts 
that have not been removed. 

Accordingly, some work has been undertaken looking to- 
ward the best methods of commercial manufacture of copper 
oleate. Four principal methods are being studied, namely, (1) 
precipitation of sodium oleate with copper sulphate, washing 
and drying; (2) direct action of oleic acid on cupric oxide—the 
ordinary black copper oxide; (3) the direct action of oleic acid 
on copper acetate, wherein at 120° to 140°C. the acetic acid is 
driven off; and (4) direct solution at about 120° C. of copper 
carbonate in oleic acid, or commercial red oil, whereby carbon 
dioxide and water are driven off. At the present writing the 
last named method seems most practicable and economical, and 


* Cunningham, J. T., The Chemistry of net-curing, Fish Trades Gazette 
and Poultry, Game, and Rabbit Trades Chronicle. Vol. XX, Nos. 993 to 1009, 
inclusive, June-September, 1902. London. 


68 American Fisheries Society. 


produces an excellent product. This part of the work is being 
continued and is subject to a later report. 

Oleic acid, and also copper oleate, are readily oxidizable. 
Heating of nets piled up closely is well known to be caused by 
oxidation of reducing substances in or on the nets. If oleic acid 
or unoxidized copper oleate is present in large quantities, it is 
possible that the nets might heat. For this reason, the process of 
manufacture should include “blowing” the melted copper oleate / 
with air until it becomes saturated with oxygen before packing. 

The general summary of the work is presented herewith 
in tabular form: 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservatson of Nets and Lines. 


69 


TABLE XII. SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES OF NET PRESERVATIVES 





Preservative 


Copper oleate with- 
out binder 


Tar (pine, coal and 
mixed). 


Copper paint 
Nos. 1 and 2. 


Petroleum Product 


Nos. 1 and 2. 


Gilsonite. 


Tanning extract 
(quercitron with 
potassium bichro- 
mate as a mor- 
dant.) 

(Copper omitted) 


Tanning extract 
(quercitron 
with potassium 


bichromate as a | 


mordant.) 
(Copper omitted). 











Tensile strength 


Causes immediate di- 
minution by lubri- 
cation of fibers. 
Thereafter tensile 
strength remains 
constant over long 
period. Excellent 
preservative. 


Immediate diminu- 


tion of tensile 
strength followed by 
marked increase, 
which drops off 
after two months in 
salt water. 


Slight immediate in- 


crease followed by 
marked increase, 
which remains quite 
constant even after 
long exposure. 
Good preservative. 


Very little immediate 


cbange. Product 
No. 1 shows marked 
increase after a short 
time. Product No. 
2 shows little 
change. Both de- 
crease very rapidly 
on being exposed. 
Poor preservative. 


Slight immediate de- 


crease followed by 
rapid decrease dur- 
ing time of expo- 
sure. Poor preser- 
vative. 


No immediate change 


in tensile strength. 
Little change noticed 
on Key West and air 
conditions lines but 
strength decreased 
rapidly on Beaufort 
lines. Poor preser- 
vative, as used. 


Practically no im- 
mediate chanze. 
Experimental lines 
at all places en- 
dured six months 
with some tensile 
strength remaining. 
Good preservative, 
especially for cot- 
ton lines. 


Wearing quality 


Preserves wearing 
qualities over long 
periods in salt water, 
but not in fresh 
water. 


Very good on freshly 


treated lines but 
diminishes rapidly 
on being exposed. 
Exposed lines not 
so good as copper 
oleate. 


Poor resistance to 
mechanical wear. 


Product No. 1 when 


freshly applied re- 
sists mechanical 
wear better than 
any other preserva- 
tive. Product No. 
2 resists wear only 
moderately well. 
About 1% as well as 
No. 1. On exposure 
both rapidly lose re- 
sistance to wear. 


Resistance to me- 


chanical wear 
very good when 
freshly treated but 
this quality soon 
disappears when 
the line is exposed. 


Very poor. 


Poor. 





Flexibility 


Flexibility consider- 
ably increased im- 
mediately after 
treating. This flexi- 
bility decreases after 
two or three weeks 
to an equality with 
untreated line. 
Twine remains soft 
and pliable. Suit- 
able for gill nets. 


Very stiff. Fewer os- 


cillations of pen- 
dulum than any 
other preservative. 


Causes immediate 
stiffening but not 
toas great a degree 
as tar, Copper 
paint No. 1 remains 


fairly constant while 


copper paint No.2 
continues to grow 
stiffer. 


Causes considerable 
stiffening which in- 


creases for three or 
four weeks and then 
remains constant. 


Causes a little im- 


mediate stiffening 
and grows gradually 
stiffer for about 4 
weeks. About like 
tar. 


Vlexibility of line 
little affected. 


Flexibility of line 


very little affected. 





Shrinkage 


Shrinkage very small 
Causes about .5 to 
1.5% decrease in 
length after one ap- 
plication. 





Shrinkage not great, 
but a little more 
than copper oleate. 
Averaged 2.22% on 
one application. 





Very little shrinkage. 


About .5% on one 
application. 





Shrinkage about 2% 
on one application. 





Shrinkage about 
2% on one appli- 
cation. 


Considerable shrink- 


age as compared to 
most other treat- 
ments this line show- 
ing 3.48% decrease 
in length on one ap- 
plication. 


Shrinkage compara- 


tively large, as with 
most preservatives 
applied hot. De- 
crease in length 3.6% 
on one application. 


RR RRR SSRN SOE SY A RES AR Ae EE SE A 


70 


American Fisheries Society. 


TABLE XII. SUMMARY OF PROPERTIES OF NET PRESERVATIVES.—Cont. 


Preservative 


Copper oleate 
without binder. 


Tar (pine, coal 
and mixed). 


Copper paint 
Nos. 1 and 2. 


Petroleum Product 
Nos. 1 and 2. 


Gilsonite. 


Tanning extract 


(quercitron with 
potassium 

mate as a mor- 
dant.) (Cop- 
per omitted.) 


Tanning extract 
(quercitron 
with potassiem 
bichromate as a 
mordant.) (Cop- 
per omitted.) 





Increase in weight 


Increase in weight 
not great. Average 
of all lines treated 
shows about 16.5% 
gain in weight, as 
applied. 


Increase in weight 
very high especially 
in case of coal tar. 
Average increase 
56.8% when ap- 
plied from 50% 
benzol solution. 


Greatest increase in 


weight of all pres- 
ervatives studied. 
Copper paint No. 1 
—65%. Copper 


paint No. 2—127%. 


Increase in weight 
averages about 
41.9%. 


Increase in weight 


46.0%. 


Very little increase 
in Weight. About 
10%. 


Increase in weight 
O- 





Fouling 


Very little fouling. 
A few barnacles 
were in evidence 
but no hydroids or 
other growth ap- 
peared on four 
months’ exposure. 


Lines contained 
heavy growth of 
hydroids and bar- 
nacles. 


No fouling of any 
sort after six 
months exposure. 


Lines contained 
heavy growth of 
hydroids and bar- 
nacles. Preserva- 
tive seems to have 
no anti-fouling 
quality. 


Lines exposed for 
short time are laden 
with heavy growth 
of hydroids and bar- 
nacles. 


Lines carried heavy 
growth of hydroids 
and barnacles. 


Not much fouling 
after five months’ 
exposure in sea 
water at Beaufort, 
N.C. 


Time required for 
application 





Lines or nets can be 
treated in short 
time. Should be 
immersed for 5 or 
10 minutes and will 
dry in about 4% 

our. 


required to treat 
line. From 24 to 
36 hours required 
for drying. 


Not much labor or 
time required. 
Drying before use 
unnecessary. 


quired for drying. 


time to apply but is 
rather slow drying. 
About 24 hours 
required. 


the extract and one 
treatment with the 
mordant. About 
24 hours required 
for entire process, 
including time of 
drying. 


Time required same 
as that of tanning 
extract listed above. 





Much labor and time 


24 to 36 hours re- 


Requires but little 


Two treatments with 





Color 





Color varies from a 
light green to a 
darker bluish 
green depending 
upon concentration 
of the preservative. 


Dark brown or black. 


Dark red. 


Black. 


Black. 


Brown. 


Dark brown. 





Mr. Taytor: 


Discussion. 


I think it is safe to say that all the fish taken com- 


mercially in the United States—for that matter, in the world—are taken 
by means of nets or lines made of some kind of textile thread; usually 
cotton, sometimes linen, hemp, or even silk. But these are all perishable, 


and naturally some means of preservation is most important. 


The statistics 


we have indicate that the value of the gear in the United States made of 


cotton, linen, hemp, and so forth, is about $15,000,000. 


How long it takes 


to turn this over we do not know definitely; presumably somewhere be- 
tween one year and two years is sufficient to demand an entirely new outfit. 
The cost, then, will range somewhere less than $15,000,000 a year for nets, 


ivan ineeeniaes 


. 
4 
7 

“7 
= 





Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. ie: 


lines, traps, etc., made of twine. If we could double the life of that ma- 
terial we would save something like ten or fifteen million dollars a year. 
The work we have done indicates that we can go a long way toward at 
least increasing the life of these lines, if not actually doubling it. In some 
cases we have very much more than doubled the life of the lines as com- 
pared with untreated white lines remaining permanently in ocean waters 
until they were completely rotten. 

Mr. J. N. Coss, Seatle, Wash.: Have the preparations you tested been 
used before? 

Mr. Taytor: All but copper oleate, which we made. 

Mr, J. N. Coss: Is it the one that proved best? 

Mr. Taytor: Yes. ‘The idea occurred from the use of bluestone and 
soap dissolved in water. Of course, copper oleate is one of the things sup- 
plied by that reaction. We found that copper oleate was the only one soluble, 
so we ignored everything else and took the copper oleate dissolved in gasoline. 

Mr. J. N. Coss: You stated that a gill net could be used practically 
one year in the salmon industry. My experience in Alaska gill netting for 
salmon is that we would start with an old net and use it about two weeks; 
then we would bring it in and dry it, putting out a new one. That new 
net finished the season, then we would use it again for the first few weeks 
of the next season. That would mean that we used a gill net three months 
or less, and that was the life of it. 

Mr. Taytor: I will have to add here, Professor Cobb—for the sake 
of brevity I had to leave out a good many things—that we have been carry- 
ing on two more series of experiments in addition to the ones mentioned 
in the paper: one at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and the other at Put-in 
Bay, on Lake Erie. We found that fresh water is very much harder on the 
lines than salt water. Our copper oleates are not showing up nearly as 
well in Lake Erie as they have been at Beaufort and Key West. Copper 
oleate appears to be more soluble in fresh water than in salt water. 

Mr. J. W. Trrcoms, Hartford, Conn.: Can a commercial fisherman who 
wants to buy a net or treat a net tell from your paper what these different 
preparations are which you compare? 

Mr. Taytor: In most of them there would not be any difficulty. One 
or two have been withdrawn from the market; in the other cases the adver- 
tising matter makes known what is in it. If a fisherman reads between 
the lines and reads the circulars, he can very easily tell. 

Mr. TitcomsB: This copper oleate is a preparation which you have 

_yourself devised? 

Mr. Taytor: Yes. We are now making it up and beginning to treat 
lines for people experimentally. We are sending to the laboratory at Beau- 
fort a case of this stuff put up in tin cans, with instructions to give it free 
of charge to any of the fishermen who want to try it. We furnish it for 
a limited time. 

Mr. Titcoms: After you have furnished it free for a time, what do 
you propose to do? Are you going to commercialize it, or is it going to be 
given out so that anybody can make it? 


W2 . American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Taytor: Anybody can use it who wants it; it is perfectly free. 

Mr. TitcomsB: It is merely a matter of giving the formula? 

Mr. Taytor: Yes. We are making it now ourselves in order to 
encourage the trial of it. Of course, we do not expect to continue that; it 
is merely for experimental purposes. We give it to people who show a 
willingness to try it out and to keep us informed of the results. 

Mr. J. N. Copp: Have you worked out any estimate of the cost of this 
material as compared with the others? 

Mr. TAyLor: The cost depends to a considerable extent on the solvent. 
There are several substitutes for gasoline at our disposal; kerosene can 
be used, but it takes longer to dry and leaves the line more oily. Carbon 
tetrachloride would be ideal, because it is non-inflammable, but it costs four 
times as much as gasoline. Anybody can use carbon tetrachloride who wants 
to, but I do not think many people will want to pay $1.30 a gallon for it. 

Mr. J. N. Copp: You say copper oleate is not inflammable? 

Mr. Tayior: No; but when you dissolve it in gasoline of course it is 
highly inflammable until the nets dry out. 

Mer. J. N. Coss: That, of course, is the principal trouble with the tar 
preparations; there is apt to be spontaneous combustion at any time if you 
get the sun shining on it in a room. We have had that several times. 

Mr. A. L. Miuuetr, Boston, Mass.: What is the ratio or proportion of in- 
creased life by this method as against increased cost? 

Mr. Taytor: So much depends on the nature of the service the line is 
expected to perform. All our experiments have been in connection with 
continuous exposure under the water, allowing the lines to rot. That does 
not happen in actual service; it goes in and out. 

Mr. Miutetr: You claim that lines treated by this method last twice 
as long, do you not? Naturally the life would be twice as long in any event. 

Mr. TayLor: I think that is about the right estimate. It is a question 
of labor more than anything else. 

Mr. Miwwetr: Would the longer life actually mean a lower cost? 

Mr. Taytor: I have not exact figures on that, but I can give you a 
guess unhesitatingly that it would. 

Mr. MILLETT: You said that in your test it took those that were painted 
with the ordinary copper paint, such as is used on a ship’s bottom, forty- 
eight hours to dry. Why did it take so long, when it will dry on a brush? 

Mr. Taytor: The copper paint used in net preserving is not the same. 
It has the same active ingredients, but the binder is different. We know 
it takes forty-eight hours to dry; it is recommended, however, that the 
painted line be put immediately in water without drying. 

Mr. C. F. Curizer, Homer, Minn.: What is the temperature of the 
water in which you make these experiments? 

Mr, Tiayior: The water at Key West is about 80. At Beaufort, about 
the middle of February, as I recall, the water was about 45 or 50; in August, 
about 80. 

Mr. CuLLER: We use a number of seines, and the temperature of the 
water in summer time ranges as high as 96 to 100. Do you know whether 


Taylor and Wells.—Preservation of Nets and Lines. 13 


-or not the copper oleate would act as a preservative in that case? 

Mr. Taytor: My advice would be not to try copper oleate in fresh 
water until we have made more experiments. We feel quite positive about 
the results in salt water, but our experiments in fresh water are not turning 
-out so well. 

Mr. Minett: Have you made any experiments in waters at Cape Cod 
or along the Nova Scotia or Labrador coasts? 

Mr. Taytor: We have a series now going on at Woods Hole. 

Mr. Mittett: Would it make any difference, do you think, as to the 
-temperature of the water up there? 

Mr. Taytor: So far the Woods Hole series have been running like the 
Key West series—not much difference. 


OCTOMITUS SALMONIS, A NEW SPECIES OF INTES- 
TINAL PARASITE IN TROUT. 


By EMMELINE Mooré 
New York State Conscrvation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 


Author’s Note: The preliminary paper under the caption, “Giardiasis 
of Trout,*” was read at the meeting of the American Fisheries Society, 
Madison, Wis., September 7, 1922. Since that date further study of the 
organism in question requires a correction in nomenclature, necessitating 
a shift in generic position from the genus, Giardia, to the genus, Octomitus. 
The specific name, s@/monis, is retained under the new designation. Revision 
of the text has been made in accordance with the later findings. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Octomitus salmonis Moore is a flagellate parasite occurring 
in the intestine of trout. It is widely prevalent in trout-rearing 
hatcheries, affecting various species in the fingerling stages. The 
presence of the organism in large numbers produces serious dis- 
turbances of the intestinal tract attended by evident symptoms 
of dysentery. The disease may cause serious epidemics accom- 
panied by high mortality. 

Without doubt the disease octomitiasis caused by Octomitus 
salmonis is a very common cause of hatchery troubles. The 
papers and discussions on fish pathology appearing in recent 
numbers of the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 
have indicated the widespread nature of certain hatchery 
diseases, variously designated as “gill trouble” by local hatchery 
men, or as “whirling sickness” by Hayford (1921) and Foster 
(1921). There is evidence, also, of a close similarity between 
the symptoms produced by Bacterium truttae, as described by 
March (1901, 1902) and those of fish afflicted with Octomitus. 
It seems quite probable that we are dealing with the same 
disease, whose various manifestations have been studied from 
different points of view, and that the inciting cause is not a 
bacterium, but the protozoan parasite, Octomitus salmonts. 

The recurrence this year of an epidemic of “gill trouble” or 
“whirling sickness” among brook trout fingerlings at the State 


* Awarded the prize for the best contribution on biological investigations 
applied to fish-cultural problems. 


74 





Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 75 


hatchery at Bath, N. Y., led the Conservation Commission to 
inquire into its cause. It had been assumed, because of the ap- 
parent symptoms of “gill trouble,” that the water was low in 
oxygen. Accordingly, about five years ago, a fountain and flume 
were introduced into the system of water supply to improve the 
aeration. There appeared to be temporary relief, yet the losses 
continued annually to be heavy. The mortality was especially 
high last season and on the reappearance of the epidemic in 
April of this year the whole problem at the hatchery was given 
intensive study. 

Preliminary to the study of the disease a sanitary inspection 
of the plant and a chemical analysis of the water, including 
oxygen determinations, were made by experts in these fields in 
the Commission. Their results, which are appended to this paper, 
show that the sanitary conditions of the plant are excellent, but 
a low oxygen content prevails in the water supply, the gaseous 
oxygen present in water delivered to the hatchery troughs being 
only 2.10 parts per million, or 18.5 per cent saturation at 9 de- 
grees Centigrade. 

While it is reasonable to suppose that the annual heavy 
mortality of fingerlings at the Bath hatchery may be corrrelated 
with a possible low resistance of the fish due to a deficiency in 
the oxygen-supply, it must be noted that, after the epidemic 
ceases, the fingerlings, which either escape the infection or ac- 
quire immunity, thrive remarkably well. Moreover, at other 
hatcheries, where the oxygen relations are notably good, the 
disease has been observed to approach the nature of an epidemic. 
That the fatalities were not more serious at the various hatcheries 
may be attributed to delayed infection or to the presence of other 
factors and varying practices at the different hatcheries. 

That the disease should be locally diagnosed as “gill trouble” 
was not unnatural under the circumstances. The swollen ex- 
posed gills of the sick fish and the apparent effort in breathing 
seemed to indicate this as a primary cause of death, particularly 
since it was known that the oxygen supply approached the criti- 
cal point for fishes. Persistent and careful study revealed no 
definite lesions of the gills, excepting that they were somewhat 
swollen and usually clogged with debris. It was observed, how- 
ever, that troughs and races carrying approximately the same 
numbers of fingerlings showed vast differences in mortality 


76 American Fisheries Society. 


and, where the numbers of sick fish were large, the appearance 
of the excrement suggested that the seat of the trouble was in 
the intestines rather than in the gills. This proved to be the 
correct clue. On further search it was found that the fish in 
the entire hatchery were quite generally infected with the in- 
testinal protozoan, Octomitus. The sick and dying fish were so 
heavily parasitized as to leave no room for doubt that Octomitus 
was the chief cause of the trouble. Further observations, there- 
fore, were directed toward the study of this organism and its 
effect upon the fish in producing the disease. 


SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE AND DIAGNOSIS. 


So far as observed there are no definite external lesions, 
though badly infected fingerlings show somewhat abnormal 
coloring and a characteristic behavior. The dwarfed emaciated 
specimens often appear blackish, while those of an older growth 
present a pale or faded appearance. Balance seems easily lost 
and the fish turn over repeatedly with a “whirling” or “cork- 
screw” motion. Weakened by the disease they are unable to 
stem the current of the water which wafts them toward the foot 
of the troughs where they congregate in the corners, nose along 
the sides and near the surface and eventually die on the screens. 
As the sick fish turn over on their backs the gills are in feverish 
action and appear distended, a symptom which has doubtless 
given rise falsely to the diagnosis “gill trouble.” 

The examination of the intestine gives the more dependable 
diagnosis, the walls of which in bad cases of infection appear 
translucent, yellowish or whitish and somewhat inflated. The 
contents are watery and easily run away from the vent. In 
the earlier stages of infection the motile organisms are most 
abundant in the fore-intestine, but later they are more generally 
distributed in the lower intestine and the rectal region. In 
severe cases of infection among the young fingerlings the entire 
lumen of the fore-intestine, then devoid of food contents, may be 
filled with a mucous fluid in which the motile parasites are ex- 
ceedingly numerous. By transferring a drop of this fluid to a 
microscope slide for examination they may be observed, even 
with medium powers, as minute, watery, pear-shaped objects, ex- 
tremely active, moving forward through the fluid with a revolv- 
ing or cyclic motion. 


Moore——New Species of Parasite in Trout. 717 


Lesions are produced in the walls of the intestine and in 
the glandular tissue of the caeca, * which provide sufficient ex- 
planation for the cause of death. These lesions are occasioned 
by the activities of the parasite in passing through the various 
stages of its life history. They will be considered in detail later 
in the paper. 


SUSCEPTIBILITY AND MORTALITY. 


All species of trout fingerlings thus far examined are sus- 
ceptible to the disease—brook, brown, rainbow, steelhead and 
lake trout—approximately in the order named. The suscep- 
tibility of brook trout over other species is pronounced and may 
help to explain the decline in brook trout production at certain 
well known and long established hatcheries. 

Mortality is highest among the smaller fingerlings. During 
the single epidemic which has been observed, the larger number 
of deaths occurred among fingerlings of 1% inches to 134 inches 
in length. Infection begins soon after artificial feeding com- 
mences and progresses rapidly for about 6 to 8 weeks, when a 
decline sets in. These periods would probably vary with local 
conditions. There may be recurring waves of the disease during 
the season with relatively less mortality among the larger finger- 
lings. It may be that in cases of epidemics all contract the 
disease and that those affected lightly develop immunity. It is 
certain, from the large numbers examined throughout the season, 
that most of the fingerlings which survive are to a large extent 
carriers. Even adult trout about the hatcheries have been found 
to be carriers, though apparently unaffected by the presence of 
the organism. 

The gradient of mortality, showing the approximate number 
a trough can carry without loss from the disease, could not be 
completely established this season, but it was found that in 
troughs under special observation carrying 500, 300 and 100 


' fingerlings, 244 to 3 inches in length, there were no losses after 


the second day following removal from troughs in which the 
disease was rampant. 


*Dr. H. S. Davis, Pathologist of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, investi- 
gating simultaneously the cause of an epidemic among fingerling rainbow trout 
at White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., ascribes, in his unpublished researches, the 
cause of the disease to the organism in question and finds evidence of an in- 
vasion of the glandular tissue of the intestinal and caecal epithelium. 


718 American Fisheries Society. 


High mortality is a relative term. To many a practical fish 
culturist the loss of 25 per cent of the fingerlings has come to 
be regarded as the normal loss to be expected. On the face of 
it that loss seems abnormally high. Fingerlings have been 
dropping away season after season without apparent external 
signs of disease or without knowledge of the reason why. It 
seems more than likely that the annual loss in the hatcheries, 
that is, “the normal loss to be expected,” disregarding the loss 
from epidemics, is referable in a high degree to individual cases 
of octomitiasis. 


DISTRIBUTION. 


Octomitiasis appears to be a disease of domestication. Al- 
though the organism which produces it has only recently become 
known it is not necessarily a new disease. Infection by Octomitus 
has been found in all of our trout-rearing hatcheries in the State 
and in three private hatcheries which have come under inspection. 
It is probably endemic in most of them in this country. Under 
conditions of artificial feeding and crowding in the hatchery the 
disease appears to be aggravated, although there is wide varia- 
tion in the different hatcheries as to the extent of the trouble. 
The survey of the field for the presence of Octomitus in wild 
trout has been begun, but with insufficient observation thus far 
to warrant a generalization regarding its distribution in the 
wild state. 


TRANSMISSION. 


The transmission of the organism to fish in the hatchery 
may be considered from several standpoints. In its adult, active, 
motile form Octomitus does not persist long outside the in- 
testinal tract, but forms cysts by rounding up and developing 
about it a resistant wall which survives desiccation for con- 
siderable periods. The ordinary motile form, if taken into the 
intestine of the fish, would hardly survive the digestive juices of 
the stomach, while the cyst with its resistant wall could reach 
the seat of infection in the fore-intestine. If such is the case, 
bits of excrement from infected fish easily explain its transfer 
from fish to fish. 

If it is found that wild fish are carriers of the organism, the 
original “seeding down” of a hatchery can be explained from 
this source. Persistence of the disease in the hatcheries is 


g 
: 
a 
3 





$ 
a 
' 





Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 79 


readily explained by the neighborly way we have of exchanging 
eges and fish, by keeping adult brood fish which are carriers, 
and by permitting infected fish in the source of the hatchery 
water supply. 

It has been thought that a probable source of the organism, 
Octomitus, in the hatchery might be derived from the frog which 
harbors a somewhat similar intestinal parasite. Hexamitus tm- 
testinalis Dujardin (13) and comparative studies on local ma- 
terial were made to elucidate this point. Two species of frogs, 
the pickerel-frog (Rana palustric Le Conte) and the green-frog 
(Rana clamitans Latreille) common in the locality of Bath, N. Y., 
where the epidemic of octomitiasis occurred, were found to be 
heavily parasitized with Hexamitus. The frogs had access to the 
water supply of the hatchery and must have naturally spread 
infection in it. However, a careful search through many pre- 
pared slides of material from parasitized frogs and fish has given 
what seems to be convincing proof that the parasite, Hexamitus 
entestinalis Dujardin, of the frog and Octomitus salmonis of the 
trout are specific for their hosts. 


OCTOMITUS SALMONIS MOORE. 


Octomitus salmonis Moore is a binucleate, bilateral, parasitic, 
octo-flagellate belonging to the family Hexamitidae of the order 
Polymastigina. It is an intestinal parasite causing the disease 
Octomitiasis in various species of trout. The actively swim- 
ming adult form, or trophozoite (1) is pear-shaped in outline, 
broad at the anterior end and bluntly pointed at the tail. The 
body in action is exceedingly mobile, but the pyriform outline 
is generally characteristic. In size the flagellate is minute, vary- 
ing in length from 6 to 12 micra and in width from 3.5 to 5 micra. 

The two nuclei (nuc.) are conspicuous at the anterior end. 
From their changing position, when the organism is moving, the 

nuclei appear to be connected with the blepharoplast complex, 
the mass of deeply staining granules in front of the nuclei, from 
which arise the three pairs of anterior flagella (fl. 1, 2 and 3). 
This complex consists of two sets of granules bilaterally ar- 
ranged. In each set there is a forward granule, which lies at the 
base of a single flagellum (fl. 1) and two immediately behind, ap- 
parently fused, giving rise to the next two pairs of flagella (fl. 
2and 3). The pair of axostyles (ax.) extends backward from 


80 American Fisheries Society. 


this complex through the cytoplasm of the body and, because of 
their great flexibility, appear generally twisted or crossed during” 
the movements of the organism. The axostyles extend to the tail 
and pass out of the body as the two posterior flagella (fl. 4) 
through two elongated grooves (gr.). Two darkly staining 
masses sometimes occur posterior to the nuclei on each side of the 
axostyles and may be interpreted as the parabasals of various 
allied forms of the Hexamitidae (14, 15, pb.). Their function is. 
not clear. 

Mode of Increase. Binary fission with a longitudinal split-- 
ting occurs abundantly and normally in both adult and juvenile 
stages (2,9). The extremely mobile body becomes more nearly 
oval in outline and considerably enlarged. On the completion 
of mitosis—in which the nuclei are doubled—and the duplication 
of the blepharoplast complex, the two bodies pull away from one 
another from the anterior end posteriorly, each apparently be-- 
coming full fledged within the space of an hour. 

Multiple fission is a common mode of increase in the encysted 
organism and the changes thus far observed in this process are 
suggestive of both a sexual and an asexual cycle in the life his- 
tory. Encystment is frequent. The adult rounds up, decreases 
slightly in size, becomes quiet and secretes a cyst wall, which is 
thin and hyaline. During this process the nuclei increase im 
number and the flagella are lost (3 and 4). Further multiplica- 
tion of nuclei follows rapidly (5), the cyst becomes considerably 
enlarged and finally breaks up into definite nucleated structures, 
resembling eggs or macrogametes. Structures resembling 
sperms or microgametes—minute, actively swimming bodies— 
have also been observed within cyst walls. 

It is certain that the life history is extremely complex as 
regards the developmental phases of the cysts. From our present 
knowledge of the organisms in this group of protozoa, it is im- 
possible to distinguish definitely between cysts producing 
gametes; i. e., copulation cysts, and those which may be desig- 
nated as ordinary multiplication cysts which function in the 
asexual cycle or schizogamy. With the progress that has been 
made this season, however, the further interpretation of the life 
cycle does not present insurmountable obstacles. 

Artificial Culture. Young stages have been secured under 
conditions of artificial culture and they indicate a free swimming,. 





Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 81 


motile, juvenile phase, in which growth and rapid multiplication 
by binary fission take place. By inoculating a highly alkaline 
and dilute fish broth with the adult organism, the growth stages 
shown in (8-12) were obtained. It is assumed that the adult 
passed quickly into a cyst, possibly a multiplication cyst, and 
this gave rise to numerous minute structures, resembling masses 
of deeply staining, coccus-like bodies that soon developed into 
the recognizable form of (8). The presence of a cytostome or 
“mouth” is apparent in the young (10), but it is a feature which 
is unrecognizable, if not lost altogether, in the adult stage. The 
last step which appears to be possible under conditions of arti- 
ficial culture is shown by (12). Without doubt further trans- 
formation necessitates encystment within the intestinal and 
caecal wall, as suggested by the recent unpublished researches 
of Dr. H. S. Davis, * who simultaneously studied Octomitus dur- 
ing the past summer. His observations indicate that develop- 
mental stages also occur within the epithelial cells of the in- 
testinal caeca and of the intestine. Such development apparently 
carries the organism through to the adult stage (7). It is possi- 
ble that the young flagellates, motile and very mobile, slip into 
the soft epithelial tissue and there undergo final transformation. 

Octomitus Salmonis a New Species. The organism in ques 
tion is characterized by a binucleate, single celled structure with 
eight flagella. On the basis of these characters it obviously be- 
longs to the family Hexamitidae, which includes such related 
genera as Hexamitus (13), Octomitus (14) and Giardia (15). 

In determining the generic position of the new organism the 
criteria of classification are on the whole less easily applicable. 
The presence of a disk or cytostome is a structural feature to be 
reckoned with. It is conspicuous in Giardia and sharply sets it 
off from the other genera pictured. Schmidt (1920) argues that 
a cytostome is suggested for Octomitus by the behavior of the 
organism he described. His figures indicate a somewhat con- 
tracted structure of this kind. In the culture forms of the new 
organism (8-12) a cytostome is present, in the juveniles, but it 
is not apparent in the adults, although their behavior in this 
Stage agrees with Schmidt’s description of Octomitus, In Hex- 
amitus no evidence of a cytostome has been adduced. By com- 


"Loc. cit. 


82 American Fisheries Society. 


paring the new organism with the three representative genera 
in their various aspects of shape, type of nuclei, relation of 
axostyles and arrangement of flagella it seems clear that its 
generic position is in Schmidt’s Octomitus. 


The assignment of the organism to the genus Octomitus can 
hardly be made, however, without noting the confusion that 
exists in the use of the word. There has been a disposition to 
replace the genus name Hexamitus, established by Dujardin 
(1841) by the name Octomitus, on the ground that it expresses 
more accurately the number of flagellar appendages and to set 
off the free-living Hexamita from the parasitic forms (Prowazek, 
1904, Dobell, 1909, Schmidt, 1920). An objection to this pro- 
cedure has been raised with good reason by Swezy (1915). 
Clarity in nomenclature is given, however, in another direction. 
Moroff (1903) described an intestinal parasite of the rainbow 
trout and gave it the name Urophagus intestinalis. From the 
figures and descriptive matter the organism was doubtless 
identical with Octomitus and clearly not Urophagus, a name 
given to forms which ingested food particles through the hind 
end of the body, an activity which Moroff admitted he never ob- 
served. Alexeieff (1910) described similar parasites of marine 
fishes and, accepting Moroff’s name, placed them in the genus 


Urophagus. ‘They, aiso, judged by the figures and descriptions, 


belong to the genus Octomitus. By reducing Urophagus in- 
testimalis Moroft to a synonym of Octomitus intestinalis truttae 
(Schmidt 1920) the intestinal parasites of the fish in so far as 
they have been described for the Hexamitidae now find a place 
in the genus Octomitus. 


In assigning the name Octomstus intestinalis truttae to the 
intestinal parasite in the rainbow and brown trout, Schmidt 
(1920) has chosen to make it a subspecies of Octomitus intesti- 
nalis found in the rat (Prowazek, 1904) and a synonym of Hex- 
amitus imtestinalis Dujardin found in the frog. Certain differ- 
ences between Schmidt’s species (14) and the one found in our 
hatcheries (1) warrant classifying the American type as a dis- 
tinct species. The European species shows relatively small 
nuclei, a difference in the relation of the axostyles in both adult 
and early cyst stages, and in the absence of grooves at the caudal 
end where the axostyles proceed outward, as the posterior flagella. 





e 


Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 83 


Because of these differences the species name of salmonis is 
proposed and our American form designated as Octomitus 
salmonis. 

Schmidt states that he found the organism (14) widespread 
among the rainbow and brown trout fingerlings, in the lumen of 
the intestine and in the gall bladder, yet he failed to observe a 
pathological condition arising from their presence and concluded 
that the organism was a harmless commensal. The nature of 
the disease produced by the American species is different. Our 
species causes serious lesions in the intestinal epithelium, terminat- 
ing fatally in many cases. 

The parasites considered above are widely distributed in 
nature. Giardia is found in man, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice 
and frogs. No authentic record is as yet at hand of its occur- 
rence in fish. Hexamitus is common in frogs, toads and other 
batrachians and has been recorded for turtles and rats. Octomitus 
is distinctively a parasite of fish, occurring in both marine and 
fresh water forms. 


REMEDIAL MEASURES. 


With the isolation of the disease organism accomplished and 
the facts in the life cycle fairly well known, it is possible to 
consider preventive measures. Complete eradication of the 
disease can hardly be expected since resistant cysts are certain 
to be widely disseminated through one agency or another—by 
flies or other insects and by floating bits of excrement carried 
off in the current of the water. Nor is it to be expected that a 
disease of this nature, in which the organism passes a part of its 
life history within the walis of the intestirtal tract of the 
fish, can be cured by administering drugs. Similar parasites 
(Giardia, Plate II, 15) in man and in cats have not responded 
successfully to treatment with carbon tetrachloride, * a chemi- 
cal used with great success in the eradication of hookworm, nor 
with other drugs, emetine, B-napthol, etc. (Wenyon, 1915) used 
also experimentally in infections of Giardiasis. It would seem 
that hope lies in the adoption of preventive measures which will 
better control the disease and prevent epidemics. 

Besides the adoption of better and more thorough sanitary 


*From the unpublished researches of M. J. Hogue on the effects of 
carbon tetrachloride in infections of Giardia in man and in cats, 


84 American Fisheries Society. 


measures, it seems highly probable that a greater variety in 
kind of food will assist in combatting the disease. Such pro- 
cedure is indicated by the examination of several 2-year and 3- 
year-old brook trout which had been removed as fingerlings 
from infected troughs at the Bath hatchery and placed in the 
spring pond, where they secured only natural food. It was 
found that the trout were still “carriers” of the organism, though 
not in numbers evidently to interfere with the normal function- 
ing of the intestinal tract. These examinations were made in the 
summer and again at the time of the spawning function in the 
fall and their appearance at both times was that of normal and 
healthy fish. 

Sanitary Measures to be Tried Out.* In order to check the 
ravages of this and other diseases, it has been directed that all 
the State hatcheries be given a thorough course of disinfection 
this fall. The directions for this, which have been sent out, 
are as follows: 

Every trough, race or other receptacle in which fish have 
been must be thoroughly sterilized. The ordinary tarring process 
used in all our hatcheries should be sufficient for this if particu- 
lar care is taken to cover every surface which has been touched 
or will be touched by water with a complete layer of tar. There 
must be no holes in this coating and all corners and inaccessible 
spots must be thoroughly and carefully treated. This applies 
to plugs, screens and trays as well as to troughs. All brooms, 
brushes, feathers, cloths and similar implements used about the 
hatchery should be collected and destroyed, preferably by burn- 
ing. All pans, spoons and other metallic implements or utensils 
must be thoroughly sterilized by washing with soap and hot 
water, prolonged boiling and the use of such disinfectants as 
chloride of lime. To be effective this sterilization must be 
thorough and universal and the progress of the work must be so 
conducted that at some moment of time after the shipping of the 
last fish and before the arrival of the first eggs there will be in the 
hatchery absolutely nothing which can carry the infection which 
has not been thoroughly sterilized. This is of prime importance, 
as one infected brush kept over through this period may reinfect 


* Excerpt from: Diseases of fish in State Hatcheries, State of New York 
Conservation Commission, Twelfth Annual Report for 1922, Legislative Doc. 
No. 29, 1923, p. 66-79, 2pl. fig. 10-14. 








Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 85 


the entire hatchery. In hatcheries where fish are kept through 
the winter, it would be highly desirable, if possible, to make a 
rigid separation between the younger and older fish, and, under 
no circumstances, to permit any implement or utensil used in 
connection with the older fish to be used or brought into the 
building where the younger fish are to be raised or are kept. 
For instance, at Cold Spring hatchery, nothing used in connec- 
tion with the outside races should be permitted to be brought 
into the hatchery building and the hatchery building should be 
put through the course of sterilization above mentioned. There 
is no doubt but that the adult fish at these hatcheries harbor the 
disease, so that danger of reinfection of the rearing troughs must 
always be present. 


IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY. 


Because of its prevalence octomitiasis is unquestionably a 
disease of considerable economic importance. The vested in- 
terests in state, federal, private and commercial hatcheries de- 
voted to trout rearing are extensive and their combined losses 
enormous. The greater susceptibility of brook trout over other 
species limits the output and jeopardizes the future culture of 
this favorite game fish. 

The study of this disease is still in its initial stages, the 
work of a single season, and much remains to be done before a 
definite mode of treatment can be prescribed. Further study is 
essential on the morphology of the organism, on its mode of in- 
crease, its transmission and the general or special conditions af- 
fecting its pathogenicity. 

Aside from the benefits to be derived from this study in the 
field of fish culture, there are those which are directly applicable 
to human problems in the field of comparative medicine. For 
example, Octomitus in the fish and Giardia in man are closely 
related protozoa. Both are octo-flagellates that parasitize their 
hosts in the intestine with attendant symptoms of dysentery. It 
has been noted that in case of infected fish Octomitus penetrates 
the wall tissue of the intestine where it passes certain of its de- 
velopmental stages, and that in cases of heavy infection such 
parasitism is accompanied by a general disintegration or break- 
down of tissue resulting in the fatal sickness. Observations of 
this kind, as shown by Octomitus, should throw light on the 


86 American Fisheries Society. 


behavior of the similar organism, Giardia, but which from the 
nature of the problem in the human host cannot be so readily 
investigated. 

' Other aspects of the study of parasitism in the fish of im- 
portance in comparative medicine have to do with double or even 
multiple infections. These, also, have been observed in the fish. 
Octomitus is clearly associated with a species of Entamoeba, 
similar to that occurring in man. Yeasts with branching habit 
occur frequently and suggest, from their abundance, a possible 
role in the progress or decline of octomitiasis. 

A hatchery in which infection is severe affords unlimited 
opportunity for research in this field of parasitology and, because 
of its bearing on the human problem, offers a fertile field both 
for study and experimentation. 


SUMMARY. 


Trout hatcheries suffer annual losses of fish from octom- 
itiasis, a disease caused by a minute protozoan flagellate (Octo- 
mitus salmonis Moore) parasitic in the intestine of the fish. 

Lesions occurring internally in the intestinal wall and in 
the caeca are occasioned by the penetration of the organism 
into the wall tissue, where certain developmental stages take 
place. 

All species of trout are susceptible to the disease, though 
the susceptibility of brook trout over other species is pronounced 
and doubtless explains the inability to rear this species at some 
of the older hatcheries. 

Mortality decreases with increase in size, so that an epidemic 
among the smaller fingerlings may result in heavy loss. The 
survivors of the disease may become “carriers.” 

Transmission of the disease probably occurs by cysts, highly 
resistant structures, which pass to the exterior in the excrement 
and become widely disseminated through various agencies, or 
through lack of proper sanitary precautions. Although some- 
what similar parasites occur in the frog, the observations incline 
to the belief that each type is specific for its host. 

Octomitus salmonis Moore is a binucleate, bilateral, parasitic 
octo-flagellate, belonging in the order Polymastigina and in the 
family Hexamitidae. The genus has been previously described for 


ye 
Oh. 


Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 87 


the single European species,Octomitus intestinalis truttae, common 
in the rainbow and brown trout. 

The ordinary adult form or motile trophozoite is pyriform in 
outline, broad at the anterior end and bluntly pointed at the tail. 
Its length varies from 6 to 12 micra and its width from 3% to 5 
micra. Its neuro-motor system resembles that of its close allies, 
Hexamitus and Giardia; the two nuclei are anteriorly placed and 
presumably connected with the six anterior flagella and with the 
two axostyles, which sweep outward at the caudal end as the two 
posterior flagella. Parabasals are not a constant feature. A cyto- 
stome is not clearly marked in the adult form, though it is a distinct 
feature of the juveniles. 

By artificial culture methods motile juvenile forms have been 
obtained, but development by artificial means has failed to show the 
adult form. It is assumed that further development requires en- 
cystment conditions presented by the wall layer of the intestine. 

The mode of increase is by binary fission with a longitudinal 
splitting and by multiple fission. In the latter case the multiplica- 
tion of nuclei follows rapidly on encystment of the adult and struc- 
tures are produced which strongly resemble micro and macroga- 
metes. 

Preventive measures should follow the lines of thorough sani- 
tation. Internal medication is impracticable and hope lies in the 
adoption of thorough sterilization methods, which should keep 
the disease in check. 

Octomitiasis is a disease of considerable economic importance 
because of the limitations and restrictions it places on the output 
of the trout hatcheries, representing large investment of capital in 
state, federal, private and commercial hatcheries. 

The study of the disease from the standpoint of comparative 
medicine is suggestive of beneficial results in terms of human 
economy. 


REFERENCES. 


ALEXEIEFF, A. 
1910. Sur les flagelles intestinaux des poissons marins. Arch. Zool. 
Exp. et Gen., 46, i-xx, 12 figs. in text. 
Benson, W. 
1908. Bau und Arten der Gattung Lamblia. Zeitschr. f. Hyg. u Infekt., 
61, 109-114, 6 figs. in text. 


88 American Fisheries Society. 


Desent, -C, °C. 

1909. The intestinal Protozoa of frogs and toads. Quart. Jour. Micr. 

Sci. 53, 201-266, pls. 2-5, 1 fig. in text. 
DorLeIN, F., ; 
1916, Lehrbuch der Protozoenkunde (ed. 4) (Jena. Fischer). xv + 
1190 pp., 1198 figs. in text. 
DuJAardiNn, F. 
1841. Histoire Naturelle des Zoophytes; Infusoires. Paris. 
Foster, W. T. 

1921. Fish Pathology. In: Transactions of the American Fisheries 

Society. Vol. 51, p. 107-9. 1921. 
Hayrorp, C. O. 

1921. Some Fish-cultural Notes, with Special Reference to Pathological 
Problems. In: Transactions of the American Fisheries So- 
ciety. Vol., 51, p. 97-99. 

Kuss, G. 
1892. Flagellatenstudien, Zeitschr. wiss. Zool. Ly. pp. 265-353. 
Kororp, C. A. and Swezy, O. 

1922. Mitosis and Fission in the active and encysted phases of Giardia 
enterica (Grassi) of man, with a discussion of the method of 
origin of bilateral symmetry in the polymastigote flagellates. 
Univ. of Calif. Publications in Zool., Vol. 20, No. 8, pp. 199— 
234, plates 23-26, 11 figs. in text. 

MarsH, M. C. 

1901. The Brook Trout Disease. In: Transactions American Fisheries 
Society, Vol., 30-32. 1901-03. 

1902. A more complete description of Bacterium truttae. Bull U. S. 
Bur. Fisheries, Vol., 22, p. 411-415, II pl. (1903). 

Mororr, T. 

1903. Beitrag zur Kenntniss einiger Flagellaten, Arch. Pirotistenk, 

iii, p. 69. 
ProwAzZEk, S. V. 

1904. Untersuchungen uber einige parasitiche Flagellaten, Arb. kaiserl. 

Gesundheitsamte, xxi, 1904. 
ScHMIpDT, W. 

1920. Untersuchungen uber Octomitus intestinalis truttae. Arch. f. 

Protistenk, Bd. 40, S. 253-289, 2 Taf. 
Swezy, O. 

1915. Binary and Multiple Fission in Hexramitus. Univ. of Calif. Pub- 

lications in Zool., Vol. 16, No. 6, pp. 71-88, plates 9-11. 
Wenyon, C. M. 

1915. The Common Intestinal Protozoa of Man (Their diagnosis and 

pathogenicity). Lancet, Nov. 27, 1915, pp. 1173-1181, pl. 1. 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


All figures, excepting Plates II-14-15, were outlined with a camera 





: 
| 


Moore—-New Species of Parasite in Trout. 89 


‘lucida from permanent preparations, under oil immersion 1.5, ocular 10-X. 
‘Smears were made of the intestinal contents and treated by the wet Schau- 
-dinn method or in Zenker’s fluid. Stain: iron-haematoxylin, or Delafield 
-and eosin following Zenker’s fixative. 


Abbreviations: nwc., nucleus; ff. 1, first flagellum; ff. 2, second flagellun., 
fi. 3, third flagellum; ff. 4, posterior flagellum; ax., axo- 
styles; gr., groove; cyt., disk or cytostome; pb., parabasal 
bodies. 

PLate I.—Octomitus salmonis. 

1. Typical adult, motile, individual showing six anterior and two posterior 
flagella, nuclei, and axostyles. Found chiefly in the fore-intestine 
when infection is most severe. 

2. A stage in the longitudinal division of the adult form. This stage 
and the preliminary ones leading to it were frequently observed 
on smears of fresh material, and represent a common mode of mul- 
tiplication. 

3. A newly encysted adult Octomitus. 

. A stage in encystment later than in 3, 

5. A cyst at stage later than that in 4, showing multiplication of nuclei— 

perhaps a phase in the sexual cycle. 

‘6. Advanced stage of that shown in 5, showing formation of what are 
perhaps the eggs. 

7. An encysted form which has developed within the epithelical cells of 

the intestine—perhaps a “Hexamitus stage.” 

8. Young Octomitus. Early stage showing single flagellum and attach- 
ment disk at bottom. 

9. Longitudinal division of young form, a method of rapid increase of 
individuals, Attachment disk shown at right of upper individual. 

10. Side view of young form, a slightly older than that in 8, showing strong 

resemblance to young Giardia. Attachment disk at bottom. 

11. Further advancement of young form, showing two flagella. 

12. Advanced young form with three flagella. The attachment disk has 

disappeared and the prolongation at the bottom suggests the future 
trailing flagella. 


lad 


PLaTe lI1—Heramitidae. 
13. Hexamitus intestinalis Duj. Specimen from intestine of a frog. 
14. Octomitus intestinalis truttae Schmidt. After Schmidt, W., 1920. 


15. Giardia enterica Grassi. Human parasite. After Kofoid, C. A. and 


Swezy, O., 1922. 

16. Octomitus salmonis. Forms encysted in tips of epithelial cells sloughed 
off intestinal tract. a, single individual; b, division of individual in 
the encysted stage. 


APPENDIX. 


The data in the tables of Dissolved Oxygen Determinations 
and Chemical Analysis are appended by courtesy of the Commis- 


90 


s 


American Fisheries Society. 


PLATE I. ~ 


OCTOMITUS SALMONIS. 





MILLIMETERS. 





Moore—New Spectes of Parasite in Trout. 91 


PLATE II. 





HEXAMITIDA5. 


92 American Fisheries Society. 


sion’s staff; Mr. Herbert Ant, chemist; Mr. Summer Cowden, field © 
superintendent; Mr, Henry Davidson, hatchery superintendent, and — 
Mr. Russell Suter, senior assistant engineer. 

Attention is called to the very low oxygen content at the Bath 
Hatchery; to sample 18 indicating that the critical point was ap- 
proached when the oxygen supply was about one part per million 
(10 per cent saturation) at 9° C.; and to sample 19 showing the cor- 
relation between low oxygen and high CO? when death occurs. 
These samples were taken primarily to determine the minimum 
oxygen requirements of fish. 





93 


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94 American Fisheries Society. 


CHEMICAL ANALYSIS. 
Parts per million. 


2 1 tae er a Rees eases on 4 Seria TEL A 1 vegetable 
Sepa ee ee ee trace 
op TQS: 5 ee la ei es am ee man See 8 eB es clear 
Witrogen as free aumonias 222-25 .028 
Nitrogen as albuminoid ammonia--------------------- .016 
Witrogen: as nitrate... = 4 trace 
MUitbO ped 25 *fTabese So 1.40 
Ossyiren cconsutien =e. 2 0.10 
Roiloririet See 2 ee ee 7.00 
Pork tardness- soap ametmod st 190.00 
PU eT ss RS EE Se er eee eee Dee eC 160.00 
Total solids in-solution= =.=. —-=— +22 Sc ee 224.00 
Discussion. 


Mr. C. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: This paper of Dr. Moore’s 
is exceedingly interesting to me. I have often encountered the same trouble, 
as the fish from every appearance had the same symptoms as described by 
Dr. Moore. I lost this year, in a single night, from one pond, 1,700 brook 
trout fingerlings. My scientific assistant, Mr. Foster, has made some progress 
in investigations, but we have not the means and experience of getting at 
this subject that Dr. Moore has. It may be interesting to know that when 
we take the artificial food entirely away from affected fish and give them 
their natural food, the mortality greatly diminishes. Our trouble generally 
comes when the black birds make their first appearance. At first we were 
inclined to believe they might be carriers of the trouble. Examinations of 
cultures from the excrement, blood, etc., have been of no value thus far 
We also found, as Dr. Moore stated, that the greatest mortality is among 
the brook trout. We have very little trouble with the rainbows, and this 
is the first year the brown trout contracted it to any extent. One interest- 
ing point about the brown trout is that a little brown spot appears on top of 
the head just back of the eyes. Soon after this spot becomes visible the 
fish generally starts a spiral whirl along the sides of the ponds and is finally 
carried against the overflow screen. We have a great many springs boiling 
out of the ground that supply our hatchery. These springs vary in oxygen 
from two and one-half to eleven parts per million. Carbon dioxide zero 
to fourteen parts per million. Three years ago ponds carrying the highest 
percentage of carbon dioxide gave us the most trouble. This year they gave 
us the least. Therefore we can not at present attribute it to the carbon 
dioxide. 

Mr. W. T. Foster, Easton, Pa.: I should like to ask Dr. Moore if 
she occasionally found some of the infected trout turning a darker color, 
with the gills light instead of reddish? 

Dr. Moore: Yes, I believe I can say that. I thought that might be 
attributable, however, to variation in the natural coloration; but I have 








Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 95 


noticed that some of the badly afflicted fish are quite black—notably the 
smaller ones. 

Mr. Foster: It is suggested to me that possibly the liver may be re- 
sponsible. I have been told by authorities on the feed of animals in zoological 
gardens that the feeding of liver to those animals produced conditions quite 
similar to those that Dr. Moore has described. 

Dr. Moore: The fact that this disease becomes pronounced when they 
are about six weeks old, shortly after artificial feeding commences, leads 
me to suspect that the trouble may be aggravated by the kind of food given, 
but this is the first season I have had them under observation. We have 
secured many leads on which to work in following years, and that phase 
of the problem should certainly be studied. 

Mr. J. W. Tircoms, Hartford, Conn.: We apparently had a disease of 
that description at a rearing plant where we were taking fish from two 
different hatcheries; and we attributed it to one of those hatcheries. First 
we thought it might be blamed on the brushes, so we had them sterilized. 
Whenever we found a fish boring we let it go into the stream below, and 
although the water was largely from this same rearing plant, the fish 
seemed to recover. In fact, we had quite a large school both above and 
below the rearing plant that thrived splendidly in the natural stream. 

Dr, Moore: In a similar situation I found a trout about 7%4 inches 
long carrying the organism. The chances are that it had eaten an infected 
fish that had been discarded. 

Mr. Titcoms: Do you think there would be danger of spreading the 
disease by planting trout from a trough in which the disease you have de- 
scribed had been discovered? 

Dr. Moore: From the standpoint of our knowledge of hygiene and 
Sanitation, the best plan to follow, it would seem, would be quarantine; 
that is quite contrary to our practice. 

Mr. G. C, Leacu, Washington, D. C.: Do you think the disease may be 
attributable to unsanitary conditions in feeding? 

Dr. Moore: Not to unsanitary conditions, because at this hatchery where 
the epidemic has occurred annually the sanitary conditions are excellent. 

Mr. LeacH: You spoke of the appearance of the disease about six 
weeks after the fish had hatched. I would think it possible that the fish 
were fed a little too soon, causing a form of indigestion. 

Dr. Moore: That is possible. They were hatched in February and the 
disease became apparent the first of April. 

Mr. Leach: That would be about right, then; feeding would be started 
at about four weeks of age, or possibly a little earlier. At the Manchester, 
Iowa, station they apparently had that disease three years ago; and they 
have been starting their fish on beef heart and later on feeding them sheep 
liver. I am told that last year they had absolutely no trouble. 

Dr. Moore: That is quite remarkable; because at one of our hatcheries 
where they feed along similar lines the disease is present, though not in 
epidemic form. 

Mr. Leacu: I was wondering if the melting snow would have anything 


96 American Fisheries Society. 


to do with the water becoming infected. At Manchester we get very little: 
surface water, if any, in the spring; but it might be surface water that. 


seeps down through the soil and eventually enters the spring and flows out. 


Dr. Moore: There is some seepage or ground water entering the spring. 


at this hatchery. 
Mr. LeacH: That condition may have been different at Manchestes 


this last year, and it might explain why they did not have any loss when. 


in the previous two years there was a loss. 


Mr. Titcoms: I had something to do with this hatchery for a number 


of years. Undoubtedly they have had this same trouble for a great many 
years, varying of course in severity; some years the loss would be very 
much larger than others. This flume that Dr. Moore refers to was put in 
because I had a great prejudice against carrying water underground to 
hatcheries; I will never put a pipe underground when I can conduct the 
water on the surface. The idea of the flume is to get the water into the 
air and thus secure more oxygen. In the two seasons after that flume was 
introduced we had very remarkable results in the production of fingerling 
trout at this hatchery. 

Mr. HayForp: I might add one thing more in regard to the question 


Mr. Leach has asked. With us, it varies from the time the fish have been. 


feeding from two to eight weeks. We have very little trouble after the 
middie of June. Generally we have been able to control the epidemic by 
changing the water and food supply. Our experience at Hackettstown has 
taught us that the fresher our food supply the better success we have. 
In the past we have fed a great deal of frozen butterfish. This year we 
have fed very little of it, depending largely on sheep plucks and beef livers 
with a liberal amount of natural insect food given at least once a week to 
the brown and brook trout; the result has been beyond expectations. 

Mr. LeacH: I think Mr. Hayford’s point is a good one—that the food 


of the fish probably has much to do with it. I think that overcrowding 


also has its effect. What size hatching trough do you use, Mr. Hayford? 
Mr. Hayrorp: We have all sizes, but prefer those 12 feet long, 15 
inches wide and 9 inches deep, in buildings, and as many larger ones as we 
have room to raise fish up to 8 to 10 inches long. The New Jersey Com- 
mission does not believe in planting fish under two inches. We could hatch 
20,000,000, but as we do not plant fry we only hatch four to six million. 
We put the fish into ponds at all sizes, from fry to two and one-half inches. 
In one pond there will be 10,000 fish without any trouble; in another, with 


the same water and the same conditions generally,. we will have all kinds of 


trouble. We are much interested in this food question. Where we get 
perfectly fresh sheep plucks, of light color, which every practical fish 
culturist recognizes as an indication of their fitness, we have no trouble. 


Mr. LeacH: You think the trouble is brought about more by the food’ 


than by overcrowding? 

Mr. Hayrorp: After running them in different numbers from 1,006 
up to 10,000, and often having more trouble with the 1,000 than with the 
10,000, I am satisfied that overcrowding has very little to do with it. I made 





Moore—New Species of Parasite in Trout. 97 


a great many tests with different members. We have kept pretty close watch 
on them as far as the food is concerned. Our main idea is that we can 
have a certain number of fish up to a certain size as long as they all get 
sufficient quantities of food. If a practical feeder will take plenty of time 
in feeding there should be a minimum of trouble. 

Mr. TitcomsB: I just want to give one theory on this whole subject of 
fish diseases where we raise fish intensively. We know that if we do not 
take care of ourselves and we happen to be carrying some bacteria in our 
bodies, we may yield in our weakened condition and become ill. Extend 
this condition and you have an epidemic like the influenza. With the trout 
there may be a number of factors contributing to the presence of disease. 
It may be a lack of oxygen, or something in the food. Anyway, the fish 
become weakened and they yield to the bacteria or rather protozoa in their 
bodies. 


A NEW AND PRACTICAL DEVICE FOR TRANSPORT- 
ING LIVE FISH. 


By Epcar C. FEARNoW 
Superintendent of Fish Distribution, Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 


The process of evolution in fish distribution has, in the past, 
been very siow indeed. In the earlier days the Bureau’s distribu- 
tion cars carried hatching equipment, and everything was designed 
on a large scale—large boilers, air pumps large enough for several 
thousand cans, large tanks for carrying an extra supply of water, 
and other equipment in proportion, and few changes have been 
made. The 10-gallon milk can selected for use, and still em- 
ployed to a great extent, weighs 2214 pounds without the lid, 
the weight being sufficient to crush the rim and neck if an empty 
can be dropped in an inverted position from a baggage car to 
the platform. 

Prior to the late war the Bureau’s distribution cars were moved 
at an average cost of about 14 cents per mile, as in many instances 
free transportation was secured. During the war the rate was in- 
creased on Federal-controlled roads to ten full fares and the cost 
mounted to 36 cents per mile on interstate shipments. This in- 
crease of approximately 150 per cent, still operative, has been most 
serious, since the allotment of funds for distribution purposes has 
remained practically the same for a number of years notwithstand- 
ing an enormous increase in the number of applications received 
annually. The necessity of economical and practical means for 
transporting live fish, although recognized some time ago by the 
Bureau, was most strongly emphasized by these circumstances. 
Moreover, it was realized that if the transportation problem could 
be solved there would be corresponding benefits in other phases 
of fish-cultural work. In order to meet the difficulties presented 
the writer caused to be conducted a number of experiments in 
carrying fish with a view to finding a practical method of filling 
the applications filed with the Bureau with the limited funds 
available for that purpose. 

The shipment of live fish is attended by many difficulties and 
great expense. The water in which the fish are carried must be 
maintained within a few degrees of a certain temperature and must 
be aerated to replace the oxygen which is rapidly lost and which 


98 


Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 99 


is necessary to the life of the fish. Experiments in connection with the 
use of the evaporation jacket described in an article entitled “A New 
Method of Carrying Live Fish,” and published in the Transactions 
of the American Fisheries Society in 1921, convinced the writer 
that the large amount of water used in transporting fish could be 
materially reduced. 

After numerous experiments it was found that with means 
for controlling the temperature, fish could be carried as satisfac- 
torily in eight or ten inches of water, the ordinary milk can being 
used, as in sixteen inches of water. These experiments were con- 
ducted on two of the cars and extended over a period of several 
months. One of the car captains used an ordinary garbage can 
13 inches high and 12%4 inches in diameter, carrying as many fish 
therein as were handled in the regulation can. Another captain 
carried fish from Marquette, Iowa, to New Mexico, in 8 and 10 
inches of water. 


INCEPTION OF IDEA. 


Practically every individual who has been connected with the 
distribution of live fish has observed one or two trout or bass in- 
advertently left in the bottom of a fish can in a very small amount 
of water. Fish in such condition have been known to survive for 
a number of days without attention provided no sudden change of 
temperature occurred. It has also been noted that fish in land- 
locked ponds and pools along streams survive months in a very 
crowded condition when a large surface of the water is exposed 
to the air. The 10-gallon can now in use carries a depth of sixteen 
inches of water, and when the fish are poured from one of these 
cans into a tub or lard can where the water is shallow they seem 
to do much better. In fact, it not infrequently occurs that a 10- 
gallon can of fish is poured into a shallow fifty-pound lard can and 
shipment made a considerable distance with good results. 

Certain species most difficult to transport successfully, such as 
trout, habitually seek the bottom of the container where the water 
is less affected by the absorption of the oxygen of the air. Since 
a considerable body of water is less affected by change of the atmos- 
pheric temperature and does not become polluted as quickly as a 
smaller volume, it has been customary to fill the containers com- 
paratively full, notwithstanding the desirability of carrying fish 
near the surface of the water. 


100 American Fisheries Society. 


With the idea of devising a practical means for carrying fish 
in a small volume of water the writer conducted the following 
experiments : 


(a) During the month of November, 1921, 300 3!4-inch black bass were 
delivered to the Bureau in four 10-gallon cans by one of its distribution 
cars. These fish were held in an aquarium several days, and on November 
21, 1921, 75 of them were placed in a lard can containing 8 inches of water 
and held from 10:30 a. m. until 3:00 p. m., without aeration. The air and 
water temperatures at the beginning of the experiment were 56° and 50°, 
respectively; at the end of the experiment 58° and 50°, respectively. At the 
same time 75 fish were placed in a standard 10-gallon can in 14 inches of 
water and held for the same length of time. At the end of the experiment. 
fish in both cans showed signs of needing aeration. No loss whatever 
Occurred in connection with the experiment. 

(b) At 1:15 p. m., the same day, 25 3%-inch bass werg placed in a 
standard 10-gallon can containing 1% pints of water, air temperature 58° 
and water 50°. These fish were held until 4:15 p. m., when the experiment 
was discontinued with no loss of fish. 

(c) On November 22, 1921, at 9 a. m., 50 fingerling 3%4-inch black 
bass were placed in a lard can in 1 quart of water; water temperature 
50° and air 54°, and held until 1:00 p. m. The temperature of the air at 
the end of the experiment was 63° and water 58°. These fish by being held 
in shallow water provided their own aeration. Their dorsal fins were 
slightly out of the water and when they became restless their motion fur- 
nished the required aeration. Twenty-five fish of the same size were placed 
in a 10-gallon can in the same amount of water with similar results. At 
1:00 p. m., the fish in the two cans, 75 in number, were placed in one can 
in 1 quart of water. In order to maintain an even temperature a moistened 
jacket was placed over the can and the 75 fish held therein until 2:00 p. m., 
when the experiment was discontinued and the fish delivered to an applicant. 
The air and water temperatures in the beginning were 63° and 50° re- 
spectively, and remained practically the same during the hour the 75 fish 
were in the can. 

It became apparent that fish could be held in a very small 
volume of water, provided means could be found for controlling 
the water temperature and removing the pollution. While the 
swimming efforts of fish can be utilized to provide aeration, it 
would not be possible to handle them in shipments over rough roads 
in so small a volume of water. To permit this to be done, an 
aerating pan was designed which would hold the fish near the sur- 
face of the water with the object of overcoming difficulties here- 
tofore experienced and making it possible to ship live fish for quite 
a distance, with substantially no attention, suitable water tempera- 


iure and aeration being automatically provided. 





a 


Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 101 


A rough model of this device was constructed on December 
19, 1921. On that date 20 6-inch albino brook trout were placed 
in the aerating pan which was submerged one inch in seven inches 
of water, the outside container being provided with an absorbent 
jacket. The experiment was begun at 9:00 a. m., with water tem- 
perature 40° and air 50° F. The can was held indoors without 


aeration until 4:30 p. m., when the temperature of the water had 


gone up to 43° with the air 50°. As the fish were in excellent con- 
dition at that time they were placed in an automobile and taken to 
the writer’s home, 7% miles in the country, and held over night 
without attention. The consignment was returned to the Bureau 
and placed in the aquarium at 9:30 a. m., on December 20. 

The appliance was delivered to one of the distribution em- 
ployes and taken to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, for the 
purpose of shipping adult trout to the Washington aquarium. On 
January 5, 1922, the can containing five adult brook trout in ex- 
cellent condition arrived at Washington at 5:00 p. m., the ship- 
ment having left White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, at 8:30 
a. m., the same day. 


DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE. 


Broadly stated the device is a container having a supplementai 
compartment, the container to hold a body of water in which the 
supplemental compartment is partly immersed. This compartment 
is provided with means through which water from the main body 
may circulate and be aerated. The purpose of the device is to 
carry adults and fingerling fish in the shallow inner compartment 
where the water is purest and to utilize their activity for the 
aeration of the water. Means are also provided for controlling 
the temperature of the water. The receptacle may be used without 
the compartment for carrying fry, as in this case the problem 
of aeration is insignificant. : 

The container consists of an outside receptacle with a series 
of perforations or vents somewhat below the upper edge for the 
purpose of admitting air into the interior in case something is 
placed on top of it. The compartment fits into the outer receptacle 
and is held in place by flanged edges which rest upon the shoulder 
of the outer receptacle. The bottom of the lower tray has a number 
of small apertures, and its sides taper from top to bottom more 
rapidly than the sides of the outside receptacle, thus providing an 


102 American Fisheries Society. 


air space or splash chamber between the sides of the bottom tray 
and the outside receptacle. The bottom of the upper tray is also 
perforated with a series of small apertures, and has a large central 
opening to permit inspection of the interior. 






“if “YAror ABSORBENT MATERIAL \ 
STITCHED ONINSIDE OF JACKET 


—_<-- 


PLAY YOR OVER SAIC 


“spur orsiT orem Bat 





PLAN OF BOTTOM TRAY. 






i=] 





TA RNa TOFLOAT TRAY 
a 





TRAY USED AS LIVE CAR 
Fig. 1—Jacketed can for transporting live fish. 


In use the receptacle is partially filled with water of a pre- 
determined temperature until the depth in the bottom tray is suffi- 
cient to submerge the fish. An absorbent jacket is then drawn over 


ed | 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 103 


the container and its inside flap folded in and down over the edge 
of the outside receptacle. The upper tray is placed within the re- 
ceptacle and the inner flap of the absorbent jacket is thus held 
in position between the outer receptacle and the upper tray, the 
width of the flap being sufficient to permit it to extend below the 
bottom of the upper tray. The jacket is then moistened and is 
maintained in that state by the wick-like action of the flap. The 
evaporation of moisture in the jacket absorbs the atmospheric heat, 
thus keeping the water sufficiently cool for warm water fishes. 


AERATION.—HOW ACCOMPLISHED. 


The automatic aeration is accomplished in the following man- 
ner: The fish in the bottom tray are compelled to remain near the 
surface of the water, where the greatest amount of oxygen is 
present When the container is in motion its swaying and jolting 
will cause the water in the outer receptacle to move from side to 
side. Since water presses equally in all directions, and the body 
of water in the lower part of the outer receptacle entirely fills the 
space between its bottom and sides and the bottom of the lower 
tray, this body of water can move only by virtue of the air space 
of the splash chamber between the sides of the outer receptacle and 
lower tray. The result is that a portion of the water will be forced 
up into the air space with considerable violence by 
the mass movement of water in the lower part of the outer recep- 
tacle, and will pass in small jets from the space into the lower tray, 
not only through the perforations in its sides, which are below the 
normal surface of the water, but also through the perforations 
which are above the surface of the water, falling therefrom through 
the air into the lower tray and becoming aerated by its passage 
through the air. 

The amount of water thus forced into the lower tray will, 
because of the pressure to which it is subjected, be somewhat 
greater than the quantity that will flow out by its own weight 
through the limited number of perforations below the surface, 
with the result that the water level in the lower tray will be raised 
until a point is reached where the perforations submerged by the 
water within the lower tray are sufficient to compensate for this 
forced injection. In this way a higher level of water is maintained 
and it affords the fish greater freedom of action while the vessel is 
in motion. 


104 American Fisheries Society. 


This method of aeration permits the carrying of fish in very 
shallow water in a comparatively quiet state, since the water in the 
fish compartment is not disturbed by violent waves having behind 
them the inertia of the entire volume of water in the vessel. The 
artificial water level produced by agitation, either manually or by 
the motion of the vehicle, creates a gentle current through the 
bottom apertures of the tray which carries all excrement to the 
bottom of the outside receptacle, where it remains on account of 
the comparative stillness of the water at that point. 


When the container is stationary the water within the lower 
tray returns to its normal level, to be determined by the character 
of the fish to be shipped. When shipping large fish as distinguished 
from fry the water should be of sufficient depth to permit the fish 
to swim about with their dorsal fins slightly exposed. 


When the supply of oxygen in the water becomes depleted the 
fish begin to feel discomfort, which manifests itself in increased 
activity and results in the splashing of the water because of its 
extreme shallowness. 

The functions of the upper tray are as follows: 

1. To act as a cover and baffle plate whenever the motion is sufficient 
to cause the water to splash against it. The perforations are of such dimen- 
sions that the water cannot pass through in sufficient volume to slop over 
but will percolate back into the tray, becoming aerated by the process. 

2. The upper tray also serves as a receptacle for carrying ice when cold 
water fishes are handled during the warm summer months. The perforations 
permit the ice water to drip into the bottom tray, carrying with it a large 
supply of oxygen. Under such conditions the outer flap of the absorbent 
jacket is drawn over the ice and retained in position by a drawstring. 


SIPHON. 


The object of the siphon is primarily to remove sediment and 
pollution from the pail and secondarily to provide means for main- 
taining the water level at a substantially fixed point, and inci- 
dentally to moisten the canvas jacket. These results are accom- 
plished by combining with the pail a siphon so arranged that 
by tilting the pail, or by addition of water to the container, 
by the melting of ice or otherwise, the siphon may be submerged © 
and caused to operate to remove sediment and polluting matter and 
to reduce the water level to a predetermined quantity. 


The siphon may be caused to function regardless of the water 
level, whenever it is desired to remove polluting matter, by simply 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 105 





tilting the container until the siphon is completely submerged and 
tilting it back again when the desired result has been accomplished. 
This arrangement also makes it impossible for the container to be 
filled too full. 












































124" 
Fig. 2. Cross section showing Fig. 3. Cross section showing 
automatic siphon. water circulating through tray. 


It should be obvious to anyone that it is desirable to carry fish 
under the most sanitary conditions possible. While messengers 
have instructions to carry siphons and remove pollution from cans 
when necessary, such instructions cannot always be carried out. 
The cans are often so arranged that it is difficult to use the siphon, 
as for example, on the fish cars where the compartments are lower 
than the aisle of the car and the cans are close together. The rub- 
ber tube siphon sometimes employed is obsolete in that its use is 
impracticable in most instances, and besides it is insanitary since 
it is usually started by suction applied by the mouth. 

The automatic siphon permits the removing of sediment and 
a complete change of water in the minimum amount of time, which 
is quite important when close train connections are to be made. 

- With this device in use on the distribution cars it will be possible 
for one man to change water on a full carload of fish while at 
a junction point. 


PRACTICAL RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED. 


The jacketed lard can, the forerunner of the self-aerating pail, 
was used by practically all the southern stations and on the dis- 
tribution cars in shipping warm-water fishes last year. The ship- 


ars 


106 American Fisheries Society. 


ment of trout from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to 
Washington, D. C., previously referred to, was in an improvised 
pail of the new type. It was during the spring of 1922 that the 
Bureau arranged with the Naval Gun Factory for the manufacture 
of 65 pails embodying the ideas set forth in this paper. These 
pails were made by hand and delivered to the Bureau in small 
lots from time to time. Several of the Bureau’s cars have used 
them, carrying five in the space occupied by three of the regulation. 
cans, with very satisfactory results. 


The following are typical examples of shipments of fish made 
with this device: 

1. To meet an urgent call for adult rainbow trout two of the pails. 
were sent to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, with instructions that 
12 adult fish be forwarded to Washington, D. C., without an attendant. 
The consignment reached Washington on the morning of March 20th, having 
becn shipped the previous evening. The fish were brought to Central station 
about 8:00 a. m., where they remained without attention until 11:00 a. m. 
when they were conveyed to the Zoological Park and held until 3:00 p. m. 
Each can contained 6 rainbow trout, the fish being 11 inches in length, 


An item in the Fisheries Service Bulletin of May, 1922, con- 
tained the folloing report of a shipment made by the Bureau: 


2. “On April 8th a shipment of adult black bass for breeding purposes: 
was forwarded from Washington, D. C., to Edenton, North Carolina. The 
fish, 60 in number, averaging about 2 pounds each, were carried in 8 of 
the regulation 10-gallon cans, each containing about 8 gallons of water, 
5 fish per can; one 20-gallon can with 10 fish; and two of the new type 
of vessel with 4 gallons of water and 5 fish per can. A dipper was used 
at intervals to aerate the water in the old type vessels. No special at- 
tention was given the fish in the new type except to lift the tray during a 
delay at the transfer point. A satisfactorily uniform temperature was main- 
tained in these pails throughout the 13-hour trip and the fish were delivered 
m good condition. Three fish were lost in the regulation cans.” 


3. To fill an application for fish of the Potomac Anglers Club, 1,400 
*4-inch rainbow trout were shipped by express from White Sulphur Springs 
West Virginia, to Washington, D. C., the consignment being contained iF 
‘wo pails. The shipment left White Sulphur Springs on the evening of 
April 14th and reached Washington at 8:30 a. m. the next day. The fol- 
‘owing letter dated April 18, 1922, on the subject was received from Mr. 
P, E. McKinney, chairman of the organization’s committee on fish stocking: 


“With reference to the test conducted by the writer on the handling of 
brook trout in the new type of Fearnow self-aerating fish pails, a shipment 
of brook trout, consisting of two pails containing approximately 700 fish 
each was received by the writer at Union Station on April 15th, about 8:30 








Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 107 


a.m. One of these pails contained fish which had been fed within 48 hours 
of shipment, whereas the other contained fish which had been fed within 24 
hours of shipment in order to determine the comparative efficiency of fish 
shipment under the two conditions. 

“Some delay was experienced in getting the fish to the stream, on account 
of tire trouble with the automobile used to transport them, and second, on 
account of extremely bad road conditions in Virginia, the fish having bee» 
en route for over two hours. About 11 o’clock the fish were distributed in 
several localities, being placed in meadow stream feeders to the main creek. 

“Both lots of fish were in fine shape when placed in the stream, the 
total of dead or injured fish in the shipment being less than 3 per cemt, 
which would compare very favorably with any shipment of fish which the 
writer has previously handled in the old type of containers. The condition 
of the fish which had been fed 48 hours previous to shipment was decidedly 
better than those which had been fed 24 hours previous to shipment, the 
percentage of dead and injured fish in this lot having been practically nothing. 

“The new type of fish pail is considerably easier to transport and is 
not subject to splashing and slopping water when transported over rough 
roads and requires no attention by aerating, as is necessary with the old 
type of containers.” 

4. Fifty 4-inch rainbow trout produced at Manchester, Iowa, were placed 
on Fisheries Car No. 8 at 3:00 p. m., on April 17, 1922, temperature 45°, 
and were poured into one of the special fish pails, the depth of the water 
in the tray being 114 inches. At Drummond, Wisconsin, at 3:05 p. m., on 
April 18, the fish were delivered to an applicant in good condition. These 
fish had been held in the compartment for quite awhile without specia? 
aeration. 

5. Five hundred 1%-inch brook trout produced at Manchester, Iowa, 
and delivered to Fisheries Car No. 8 at 4:00 p. m., on April 17, 1922, tem- 
perature 45°, were placed in a pail. These fish being small enough to pass 
through the perforations of the tray, it was decided to carry them in the 
outer receptacle. The car arrived at Ashland, Wisconsin, at 4:25 p. m., on 
April 18, where the fish were delivered to an applicant in good condition. 

6. Thirty thousand whitefish fry were delivered to Fisheries Car No. 8 
at Duluth, Minnesota, at 4:00 p. m. May 9, and poured into a pail not 
equipped with the fish tray, the tray not being intended for use with small 
fish. No ice was used during the trip. The temperature of the fish com- 
partment of the car dropped from 42° to 38°. These fish were planted 
off Portage Entry near Chassell, Michigan, in good condition, having been 
in the pail 16 hours without special aeration. 

7. Five thousand lake trout fry produced at Duluth, Minnesota, were 
placed in one of the fish pails on Fisheries Car No. 8, at 3:00 p. m., on May 
16. The temperature in the fish compartment was gradually reduced from 
45° to 40° during the trip. These 5,000 lake trout fry were in the pail 21 
hours and were planted in Lake Superior at Munising, Michigan, at noon 
May 17, in good condition. The captain of the car makes the following 
statement with reference to this shipment: 


108 American Fisheries Society. 


“These fish had never been fed and because of its flat bottom the special 
pail carries such fish better than the regulation can. Vessels having flat 
bottoms are better for holding the fry of salmon, Loch Leven trout and 
other very small fish that are inclined to huddle on the bottoms of hatchery 
troughs and transportation equipment.” 

8. One thousand 1-inch brook trout produced at the Duluth hatchery 
were placed in a pail at 7:00 a. m., June 6. The train left Duluth at 8:00 
a. m. With the exception of pouring the fish into the pail there was no 
aeration other than that furnished by the motion of the train until the fish 
were delivered to an applicant at 1:30 a. m., in good condition. The follow- 
ing is an exact from a letter received from one of the captains who tested 
these pails on his car: 

“The ice tray of the pail is very desirable as it allows the aerating hose 
to go through the central opening, enables observation of the fish and has 
a tendency to keep the fish from jumping when the compartment cover is 
lifted, admitting bright light unexpectedly to the upper tier. 

“The upper and lower tier means that one can is placed upon another 
thus carrying 6 lots of fish in the same space where 3 lots are now carried 
on the car in the fish compartment. This will double the capacity of the 
present cars.” 

9. The following has reference to a shipment of 4,000 brook trout No. 2 
fingerlings produced at the Manchester, Iowa, station and shipped from 
Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Pembine, Wisconsin, on May 26th. The fish were 
placed in 5 pails of the new type. The consignment left Rhinelander without 
an attendant at 5:00 a. m., due to arrive at Pembine at 11:45 a. m. The 
following is a communication received from Mr. E. G. Sauld, Secretary of 
the Pembine Gun Club, in regard to this shipment: 

“The fish arrived on schedule time and were in good condition. We 
spent the balance of the afternoon in putting them in the small stream.” 

10. The following extract from the Fisheries Service Bulletin of July, 
1922, reflects the attitude of the Bureau with reference to the pail as a 
means for carrying fish on cars: 

“A further experiment in the use of the new type of fish transportation 
can, mentioned in previous issues of the Bulletin, tends to further demon- 
strate its value in effecting greater economy in the. Bureau’s distribution 
work, It has been demonstrated that by substituting the new type of can the 
carrying capacity of the distribution cars may be increased approximately 
66 2-3 per cent with the present arrangement of space. Since this can suc 
cessfully carries the same number of fish with practically one-half the amount 
of water, the weight of the load of the car is not increased and no extra 
work to the attendant is entailed. A sufficient number of cans to equip 
one of the Bureau’s cars are now being made for the Bureau at the Naval 
Gun Factory, Washington, D. C., Navy Yard. Should the further use of the 
cans continue to produce as satisfactory results as have thus far been ex 
perienced, it will be possible with slight alterations to the interior arrange- 
ment of the fish compartments to double the carrying capacity of the 
transportation cars.” 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 109 


COMMERCIAL VALUE. 


From the experiments conducted it is believed that the device 
can be used for shipping fish to market alive. Automatic aeration 
seems to work admirably in connection with large fish, especially 
trout and bass. As the experiments have been conducted along 
conservative lines, the maximum capacity of the pail for adult 
fishes has not been demonstrated. On the Edenton, North Caro- 
lina, shipment previously mentioned, ten pounds of bass were car- 
ried in 4 gallons of water. The writer does not question the possi- 
bility of shipping live trout from western Pennsylvania to Phila- 
delphia, Washington and New York in pails of this type. The 
devicé is not limited as to size or shape and the underlying prin- 
ciples may be applied to large tanks or cars as readily as to smaller 
vessels, / 

The goldfish shipper will find the pail of especial value in 
marketing his product. The American Railway Express Company 
is interested in a suitable container for shipping goldfish, as the 
company is held responsible for the numerous losses of fish for- 
warded by express in the various types of cans. Since the express 
company is willing to ice fish and add water from time to time, 
there seems to be no reason why goldfish could not be shipped 
safely great distances with the minnow-bucket type of pail contain- 
ing the evaporation jacket and automatic siphon. 

That fish can be shipped considerable distances without an 
attendant has been fully demonstrated. Of the hundreds of ship- 
ments forwarded by express and baggage last year no instance is 
recorded where delivery was not as satisfactorily made as if the 
fish had been accompanied by an attendant. 


MINNOW BUCKET TYPE. 


This type of bucket is made with an air space at the top of 
the tray so shaped that it will facilitate pouring the fish from 
the tray, the cover being provided with a hinged lid. This device 
"may be secured to a boat or other convenient object by means of 
a cord attached to a ring. Furthermore, it may be placed within 
the outer receptacle and will then perform the functions of the 
bottom tray heretofore described in addition to its function as a 
floating pail. 

There is a demand on the part of anglers for a minnow or bait 
bucket that will hold an ample supply of bait for a week-end’s 


110 American Fisheries Society. 


fishing and one that will carry fish without bruising them. For 
this purpose the pail will be a valuable adjunct to the fisherman’s 
equipment whether the transportation to the fishing grounds be by 
rail or automobile. If by rail the pail will be placed in the baggage 
car while the angler enjoys the comforts of a Pullman. 


CONCLUSION. 


The outlook for the successful application of the underlying 
principles of the device to the distribution work of the U. S. Gov- 
ernment, the States, goldfish shippers, and private fish culturists 
is very promising indeed. By placing 5 pails in the space occupied 
by three milk cans the carrying capacity of the Bureau’s cars has 
been increased 66 2/3 per cent. By installing light, movable trays 
it will, it is believed, be possible to increase the load 100 per cent, 
and in specially built cars as many as three tiers of pails could 
be carried. This radical change in the methods of handling live 
fish will permit the concentration of the fish propagation work at 
points where conditions are ideal for fish culture, as the problem 
of distributing the product will not be as serious as it is with 
present equipment. It is also fair to assume that in the course of 
years the automobile truck will be used more extensively for mak- 
ing deliveries of fish. The pail is light, it rides smoothly, and a 
three-ton truck could easily be equipped with racks that would per- 
mit it to carry as many fish as have been carried by one of the 
specially-equipped distribution cars. 

The use of a bail on a fish container facilitates handling and 
enables expeditious deliveries of fish while the train makes its usual 
stop. The pails may be double-decked on the car platform in an- 
ticipation of the delivery, and the transfer of fish made in the 
minimum amount of time. This saving of time is of great im- 
portance at railroad stations, where 30 or 40 cans of fish are to be 
delivered to applicants. 

In handling fish in milk cans it has been noticeable that bag- 
gagemen frequently permit the can practically to fall from the 
door of the car to the pavement, the men handling the can merely 
serving to guide it in its downward course. This condition pre- 
vails to some extent at stations and on cars, and it is reasonable 
to assume that the shock which the fish receive produces in many 
instances unfavorable results. It is believed that the primary 
reason for rough handling, excessive weight, will have been elimi- 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. yt 


mated when the pail comes into general use. 

In shipping fish it is not enough merely to make delivery of 
the consignment in what is usually termed “good condition.” A 
satisfied applicant does not always indicate that the fish were in 
first-class condition at the time of their receipt. Improper hand- 
ling at the station or in transit may result in fatalities days, and 
even weeks, after the fish have been planted. The success of fish 
culture will be measured in the final analysis by the number of 
fish that survive and reproduce after being planted. With this 
in view it is of the utmost importance that the matter of fish trans- 
portation and fish planting be given due consideration. 

The writer does not contend that the pail is mechanically per- 
fect, or that its full possibilities have been thoroughly demonstrated, 
The experiments have, it is believed, been carried far enough to 
satisfy most fish-culturists that an important step has been taken 
in the art of transporting live fish. 

Briefly, the advantages of this container over the old type 
may be summarized as follows: 

1. It permits the carrying of fish in one-half the amount of 
water commonly used. 

2. It aerates all water in the can when the receptacle is in 
motion, the slightest agitation producing aeration. 

3. It aerates without splashing and rides smoothly over the 
roughest roads. 

4. The fish are held in the purest water of the can, near the 
surface where the oxygen is readily absorbed. 

5. The fish being carried in a supplemental compartment are 
not disturbed by the wave motion as is the case in ordinary 
receptacles. The aerated water is jetted into this compartment, 
creating an artificial water level therein, which causes a current 
through the bottom apertures, removing all pollution from the 
tray to the bottom of the outside container. 

6. When the vessel is not agitated, the fish are left in shallow 
water and their swimming efforts utilized to produce aeration. 

Y. It permits the shipment of fish for considerable distances 
without the usual attendant. 

8. It maintains an equable temperature. Means are provided 
for automatically moistening the absorbent covering of the outer 
receptacle. ‘The evaporation of moisture on this cover absorbs 


112 American Fisheries Society. 


the atmospheric heat and reduces the water temperature sufficiently 
to permit the carrying of warm-water fishes, even in low altitudes, 
during the warmest weather. 

9. The pail is provided with a compartment for carrying ice 
in the event that trout are handled during the warm summe1 
months. 

10. The lid of the minnow bucket is so shaped that it does 
not permit the dripping of ice water on the fish, but feeds the water 
from the melting ice into the fish compartment indirectly, making 
the change of temperature very gradual, 

11. It automatically siphons pollution from the bottom of the 
container when new water is added, maintaining a fixed water level. 

12. The tray of the minnow bucket type is made with a float 
and may be used as a live car. 

13. The parts are made so that they will nest, requiring a 
minimum amount of space in shipment from the hatchery or on 
return trips. 

14. Air vents are provided in the sides of the outside container 
and packages placed on the top of the pail do not exclude the air 
from the fish. 

15. It is easier to handle, as one man can carry two pails 
whereas two men are required to handle one 10-gallon can. 

16. It is useful in the transportation of fish eggs. 

1%. The tray fits the standard hatchery trough and fish may 
be counted at an opportune time well in advance of shipment and 
held until required. 

18. It affords a safe and practical means of transporting fish 
to the headwaters of streams which have heretofore been neglected 
on account of their inaccessibility, 

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration 
in carrying live fish. It-is not the intention that the device be used 
with tray when carrying fry. Neither should it be understood 
that the utilization of the swimming efforts of fishes can be advan- 
tageously applied to all sizes of fish. The method provides for 
holding fish in sanitary condition near the surface of the water, 
jetting the water into the compartment when the receptacle is in 
motion and utilizing the swimming efforts in emergencies only. 

It may be stated that a large saving in last year’s distribution 
allotment was effected by the use of the device described in this 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 113 


paper, notwithstanding that distribution work was exceedingly 
heavy. 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. N. Coss, Seattle, Wash.: Have there been any cans of that 
type developed by other people? If so, just what are the original features 
of your can as compared with theirs? 

Mr. FEARNOW: The 18 points summarized in my article show the ad- 
vantages of this device over other types of fish containers. The combina 
tion of a canvas jacket and receptacle, with a means having ventilating 
and water aerating apertures for retaining a cooling medium, is new. The 
canvas jacket alone is not new. Of course, the idea of absorbing atmos- 
pheric heat through evaporation has been known virtually for ages, par 
ticularly in the Far East. I do not believe that the canvas jacket has ever 
been used before to lower the water temperature in the transportation of 
live fish. 

Another feature is the automatic syphon, in combination, of course, 
with a fish container. A feature I consider entirely new is the aerating 
pan, designed to hold the fish near the surface of the water. I do not mean 
to say there have not been compartments for minnow buckets, but there has 
been no compartment that embraces the fundamental idea of this container. 
The substantiaily imperforate bottom of this compartment restricts the move- 
ment of the water and directs its force to the upper apertures. The idea 
is to hold the fish in comparative stillness in this compartment and to jet 
the water into it. 

Mr, J. W. Tircoms, Hartford, Conn.: Well, Mr. Fearnow, as a mem- 
ber of this committee I want you to feel that we realize the importance 
of this device, and if it receives a prize it means that perhaps thousands 
of dollars will be invested in it by commissions who want to try it. How 
far is the device submitted this year different from the presentation of last 
year? 

Mr. FearNow: This device includes last year’s device, with added 
features. If you remove the automatic siphon, place handles on this con 
tainer, leave the tray out of consideration, and place a different type of 
lid on it, you have last year’s device, which was a shallow water container 
with a canvas jacket. 

Mr. TitcomsB: It is well recognized that the shallow water method of 
transporting fish has been used by the Japanese for ages. You consider, of 
.course, that yours is an improvement over that. If the container is standing 
still for two or three hours with fingerling trout in it, you think they are 
going to move around sufficiently to aerate themselves. 


Mr. FEARNoW: The Japanese method is based almost entirely on spon- 
taneous aeration. The fish are carried in shallow water in tubs. No pro- 
vision is made for lowering the temperature, removing sediment, aerating 
the water without disturbing the fish, or utilizing the swimming efforts ot 
he fish to assist in aeration. The practical value of my device, as far as 
automatic aerating is concerned, is in connection with the larger sized fishes, 


114 American Fisheries Society. 


especialiy trout and bass. 

Mr. Titcoms: Where the can sets out on a warm day for several hours, 
Say at a junction point, how do you depend on keeping it iced? 

Mr. Frarnow: We depend on keeping warm-water fish cool by the 
absorption of atmospheric heat through evaporation. The jacket has a flap 
that draws the moisture from the can. Besides, if the jacket were thor- 
oughly saturated and the can taken off the train at a junction point, it would 
retain that moisture for a reasonable length of time. A shipment of trout 
could be made for a reasonable distance, for 8 or possibly 10 hours, in hot 
weather, by moistening the jacket and drawing the flap over as a protection 
to the ice. The melting ice also assists in keeping the jacket moist. A ship- 
ment of trout arrived at Central Station from White Sulphur Springs, West 
Virginia, a few days before I left Washington. There were about 25 3%- 
inch fish in the can and they arrived in excellent condition. So far we have 
not had what could be considered a failure, a real loss of fish, in using 
this device. 

Mr. F. E. Hare, Manchester, lowa: How about the young fry? 

Mr. FEARNOW: ‘The idea is to carry the fry and up to fingerlings No. 2 
size in the can without the compartment. In that case the problem of 
aeration is insignificant. The upper tray serves as an ice container. It also 
provides aeration because any water that happens to slop up through these 
perforations will trickle back. In carrying fry the water should be up to 
the siphon port; that is the normal water level. As to 4-inch fingerling 
brook trout, in hot weather I would not attempt to carry over 75, 
as in a 10-gallon can. Two of the Bureau’s car captains who have tried the 
pails have asked for full equipment of their cars. 

Mr. TircomB: You quoted the Bureau of Fisheries Service Bulletin as 
commending this method of transportation. In the closing part, it states 
that if the test of the 65 cans you made continues to prove satisfactory, 
all of the cars will be equipped. Have you reached the point where you 
-would say that the test was so satisfactory that the cars were to be equipped? 
‘ Mr. FearNow: We could have probably a thousand of these cans in 
service now had I not wanted it subjected to every possible test. 

Mr. TrrcomsB: This other pail is really a minnow pail, is it not? 

Mr. Fearnow: It is valuable for carrying fingerling fish and adults, 
but it does not seem to meet our special requirements quite so well as this 
one. I make every claim for the minnow bucket feature that was made for 
the other, with the exception that it cannot be used without the intermediate 
compartment. It is not used on the cars. It would be valuable for collect- 
ing fish at stations, or for use on messenger shipments. 

Mr. Tircoms: What entirely novel feature is there in the combination 
tray or lid? 

Mr. Fearnow: It is the process of aeration—jetting the water into 
the compartment. It is really a combination of two trays provided with a 
float. 

Mr. Cuartes O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: This device is very 
interesting to me, for in our State we handle practically all our distribution 









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Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 115 


by truck. We do not make more than half a dozen train shipments in a 
year, and it looks to me as if we might almost double the amount of fish 
we are putting out if this system can be successfully employed. I say that 
for this reason; a man with a Ford car could take a number of these 
pails and distribute the fish thinly along the streams. The average man 
who takes out the fish wants to get rid of them as soon as possible once he 
gets to his destination. I would rather have one can of fish planted prop- 
erly—thinly scattered along the stream, among the stumps and at other 
desirable points—than ten cans dumped indiscriminately. 

Mr, TitcomB: I tried the canvas jacket a good many years ago, and 
it was only the expense that kept us from adopting it. In some states a 
5-gallon can is being used in place of a 10-gallon can, for the reason that a 
man can so easily take two 5-gallon cans in his hands. They are popular 
in the hatchery on that account; and of course they have the same feature 
that Mr. Hayford speaks about—the advantage in planting. But if we can 
get a combination—Mr. Fearnow’s idea—which has all these advantages 
and others as well, we have made a distinct step in advance. 

Mr. FearNow: Probably Mr. Titcomb has reference to the padded 
covers used on fish cans at some of the New England hatcheries years ago, 
which was simply a method of insulation. I believe I am safe in saying 
that a receptacle with an absorbent jacket provided with a flap for retain- 
ing a cooling medium and means for moistening the jacket is something 
new. 

Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: Do you believe that both diam- 
eter and depth in a container count? 

Mr. Titcoms: I certainly do. I would be inclined to make these pails 
two inches greater in diameter. I am a great believer in shallow water, 
not over 8 or 10 inches in depth. 

Mr. C. F. Cuter, Homer, Minn.: How does the old Atkins can 
differ from this one? Would you say the Atkins can would not carry 
fish as well as this? 

Mr. Fearnow: The Atkins can is simply a shallow water container 
17% inches in diameter with a narrow neck. It is not provided with means 
for controlling the temperature, removing sediment, or facilitating aeration. 
The can is awkward to handle and as a practical and economical method 
of distributing fish it is considered a failure. 

Mr. H. L. CANFIELD, Homer, Minn.: In transporting fish in eight or ten 
inches of water does not Mr. Titcomb think some difficulty would be ex- 
perienced in going over rough roads or pavements; would not the splashing 
of the water injure the fish. On a trip from Jersey City to the Battery, 
New York, 30 or 40 adult landlocked salmon were transported by truck 
in a square tank holding about fifty gallons. When the messenger left the 
car they were in pretty good condition, but the bumping splashed the wate: 
about and threw the fish against the sides of the can. The water was 
gradually reduced, and upon arrival only one-third or one-quarter of it 
remained, and all but a very few of the fish were dead. You could not 
«arry as many fish in 8 or 10 inches of water, using the plain bucket, as 


116 American Fisheries Society. 


you could if you had more water; that is, if the pail was filled to within 
a couple of inches of the top. 

Mr. TitcomB: I suppose the object of this pail is to overcome the 
very difficulties you mention—of the water slopping and leaving the fish 
high and dry. 

Mr. CANFIELD: I was speaking of the matter in a general way. The 
point I wished to bring out was whether or not it is the generally accepted 
idea that it is a good plan in all cases to use very shallow water in trans- 
porting fish. I think there would be a great many instances where it would 
be detrimental to do so. 

Mr. TitcomB: There might be cases where it would be detrimental. 
The Japanese bring their goldfish to this country, all the way from Japan, 
in trays that have about 2 inches of water. The idea of shallow water is 
to give the fish more air; so that if you can get a container that will carry 
them in shallow water and not have it all slopped out when going over 
rough roads, you have something well worth while. Of course you realize 
that the landlocked salmon is one of the most difficult fish to carry. 

Mr. Hare: In carrying fry I find that you get an ideal can by using 
that large tray inverted. It is a wonderful improvement over the ordinary 
method. 

Mr. FEARNoW: I see something new in this can every day. One of our 
men was speaking of a method of combining the trays in such a way 
that you could place them in a stream at night; when making shipment 
you could pour fish into the container and place the large tray on top, 
inverted. 

Mr. Titcoms: I consider our 10-gallon round-shouldered can the worst 
device ever invented. It is too heavy to carry and almost impossible for 
getting fish into spring rivulets and the headwaters of a stream. I urge 
my applicants to use lighter receptacles in the final transfer of the fish. I 
am almost inclined to order light tin cans, even if we smash them up in 
one season; I think we would in the end get more fish planted and get 
better results generally than by using the heavy cans. 

I like the straight pail. I like the idea here; if we can prove that 
Mr. Fearnow’s device has all the advantages claimed for it, I am ready to 
order all we need for our work. I know from tests I have already made 
that we could carry twice as many fish as we carry now with the round- 
shouldered cans. We ship entirely by truck in Connecticut. 

Mr. Leach: The Bureau of Fisheries has made a number of experi- 
ments with these pails and is planning to purchase a larger number with 
the view of determining their value in comparison with present equipment. 
From experience gained by tests made at the Bureau it has been found that 
the larger fish, from 4 inches and upward, assist in aerating the water by 
their movements in this upper tray. I have found that the pail will do 
everything that the 10-gallon can will do, and a little bit more. I figure 
that a 10-gallon can will carry 100 3-inch fish; this can will do the same 
thing. One man can handle two of these cans; two men are required to 
handle one of the 10-gallon cans. These are much easier to load. In the 





Fearnow.—Transporting Live Fish. 117 


handling of whitefish fry at Duluth and other stations it takes ten men 
to load nine cans of the round-shouldered type on the boat; ten men will 
load twenty of these pails. 

I believe this bucket will revolutionize and cheapen the distribution of 
fish, It is a very easy matter to stack them in the car one on top of the 
other. In carrying them on an auto truck it is an easy matter to put one 
row of cans on the bottom of the truck, and with a little platform in be- 
tween you can stack the other row on top. You will not then have a total 
height of much more than 20 or 30 inches, and the truck will not be top- 
heavy. In that way I believe a two or three-ton truck can carry 75 or 85 
of these cans. Those of you who are interested in distributing fish by truck 
will find, I believe, that you can more than double your capacity. 

Mr. E. W. Cops, St. Paul, Minn.: In Minnesota we have along the 
north shore of Lake Superior a stretch of considerably over one hundred 
miles of good road running parallel with the shore, but there is no railroad. 
We have purchased a truck and plan to plant the fry ourselves. The road is 
well surfaced but not well graded; it is up and down hill all the way. I 
think that this will be an ideal place to try out some of these cans during 
the coming year. If they will stand that trip, they will stand any you may 
give them. 

Mr. FEARNOW: This can seems to carry fish remarkably well in auto- 
mobiles. The Potomac Anglers’ Club took a shipment of trout from Wash- 
ington forty miles into Virginia over the worst roads possible. The presi- 
dent of the club later remarked particularly that it did not seem to splash 
as the ordinary ten-gallon can would. He told me that the bottom of his 
automobile was not wet when he reached his destination—the little slop 
had been taken up by the absorbent jacket. I have also carried fish a con- 
siderable distance over rough roads in Maryland. 

Mr. Dwicut LypetL, Comstock Park, Mich.: I want to get hold of halt 
a dozen of these cans to enable a thorough trial, and if they do the work I 
think that a considerable number will be ordered by the Conservation De- 
partment of Michigan. 


THE PLANKTON OF THE LAKES. 
By E. A. Birce 
President, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 


I shall speak this morning about the plankton of inland 
lakes—that assemblage of minute plants and animals which float 
in the open waters of the lake and which constitute a great part 
of the fundamental food for all higher aquatic organisms. The 
Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey has for years 
devoted much attention to the investigation of this complex sub- 
ject, and I have here an early copy of a report which covers a 
part of that work. It deals with the quantity and the chemical 
composition of the plankton of Lake Mendota and adjacent lakes. 


As the older members of this Society know, I have been 
much interested in the study of limnology and for a good many 
years I took an active part in it. In recent years I have had 
other duties and most of the work for our reports has been done 
by Mr. C. Juday, who has given all of his time to it since 1905. 
I had expected him to do much of the talking today, but he is 
necessarily absent from the city. 1am very sorry that you should 
lose the advantage of his great knowledge of the subject. 


The field work for this report was carried on from 1911 to 
1917, and was executed upon a large scale. We secured the plank- 
ton from large quantities of water in such amounts that chemical 
analyses could be made. Food analyses were also made so that 
some notion could be reached not only of the quantity of the 
plankton but also of its value as food. All of these results are 
summarized in this report, which is very definitely scientific in 
character, and is for reference rather than for general reading. * 





<a SERS SA PETE 


i is 


2 ee 


A very good and more popular account may be found in the 
report of the New York Conservation Commission on Lake 
George. This gives an excellent general account of the plankton 
and its relation to the fish besides much other information on 
the lake. ? 


1 The Inland Lakes of Wisconsin. The Plankton: Its Quantity and Chemical 
Composition. E. A. Birge and C. Juday. 1922. 

2A Biological Survey of Lake George. J. G. Needham, C. Juday, E. Morse, 
C. K. Sibley and J. W. Titcomb. 1922. 


118 





Birge—Plankton of the Lakes. 119 


For practical purposes the plankton may be divided into 
two groups, separated chiefly by the size of the organisms: (1) 
that which can be strained from the water by a net of fine silk 
bolting cloth, and (2) that whose individuals are so small that 
they must be extracted from the water by a centrifuge or simi- 
lar divice. 


To the first group belong all of the larger animals of the 
plankton, such as the water-fleas (Cladocera and Copepoda) 
which are of special interést to us here, because they constitute 
an important item in the food of the fish. It also includes the 
larger algze—those, for instance, which give rise to the “green 
scum” in lakes—and the larger diatoms. The second group in- 
cludes the very minute animals (protozoa) and alge, together 
with the bacteria of the water. 


In the investigation that I am reporting the Survey both 
Strained and centrifuged large quantities of water, doing this 
work in a special laboratory on the shore of Lake Mendota. 
Altogether, in 481 catches made from 1911 to 1917, we strained 
out the plankton from about 4,750,000 pounds of water (2,157,000 
liters), securing some 45 ounces (1,292 grams) of dry material 
for chemical and food analysis. The water centrifuged to secure 
the minuter organisms during the years 1915-1917 was neces- 
sarily much less in quantity; but it aggregated in 184 catches 
about 482,000 pounds, from which we obtained somewhat less 
than 24 ounces (752 grams) of dry material, nearly half of which 
was fine silt derived from the water and less than half was 
organic material. These facts look as though the food material 
of the open water of the lakes is very small in amount, but it is 
really quite considerable. If the ash is taken out the average 
amount of dry organic material yielded by the plankton of Lake 
Mendota is about two pounds in a million pounds of water. In 
the living condition about nine-tenths of the weight of these 
“plants and animals consist of water, so that in the lake there 
are by weight about 20 parts of live plankton to a million of water. 


This quantity in the area occupied by the deeper water of 
Lake Mendota (depth 20 m. or more) would give a standing 
crop of more than 3,800 pounds per acre, or nearly two tons of 
fresh material. February yielded the smallest amount—about 
2,300 pounds per acre—and December the largest—about 4,500 


120 American Fisheries Society. 


pounds per acre. The larger planktonts, those caught by the 
net, consitute only a small part of this total in most lakes and 
at most seasons. In Lake Mendota the net plankton never quite 
equalled that extracted by the centrifuge, and at the maximum 
the centrifuge yielded nearly 25 times as much as the net. On 
the average there was about five times as much plankton from 
centrifuge as from net. Thus the more minute organisms, those 
which have the shortest life and the most rapid reproduction, 
constitute by far the larger part of the standing crop; and this 
is of great significance in estimating the annual turnover. In 
other lakes the net has yielded an even smaller proportion of the 
total plankton. In Lake George (164 feet deep) and in Green 
Lake (237 feet deep) it has been found in mid-summer so low as 
one-fortieth of the total. 


These studies on large quantities of water have been made 
on Lake Mendota and the two neighboring lakes which can be 
reached by a launch. These lakes range in maximum depth from 
11 meters to 24 meters. During last year and the present season 
we have been carrying on our studies with smaller and portable 
apparatus in Green Lake which reaches a depth of 65 meters. 
We find that in all of these lakes the quantity of plankton per 
unit of area of the deeper water of the lake is not widely dif- 
ferent, no matter what the depth of the water may be. Of course, 
it varies a good deal with years and with season, but, after all, 
in any of these lakes it is of the same order of magnitude, say 
about two tons of live plankton per acre of deep water. It is 
yet doubtful whether this will be found true of the far deeper 
lakes like the Finger Lakes of New York, and I do not see but 
that the very deep lakes ought to give a larger amount. But 
still it seems a fair provisional conclusion from our studies, that 
the fundamental capacity for production in a lake depends on 
area and not on depth. While there are plants which might 
and probably do multiply as saprophytes in the deeper water, 
they do not seem to add appreciably to the crop of plankton and 
the bacteria are a very insignificant part of the standing crop. 
Other things being equal, the production of food in the open 
water is a function of surface, not one of depth. 

This statement might seem to be a necessary result of the 
fact that plants depend on sunlight for the manufacture of or- 
ganic matter. But it is really unexpected and the reasons for 








Birge—Plankton of the Lakes. 121 


‘it are still to seek. For there is a far greater amount of organic 
substance dissolved in the water of a lake than is contained in 
the living organisms. There may be four or five times as much, 
-and the sum may rise as high as ten times. We do not know 
why plants that are not green and can not manufacture organic 
-substances with the aid of the sun, do not utilize this material 
and develop in large numbers. This indeed they sometimes do 
and growths of plants like Oscillatoria may occasionally be found 
in the deeper water of lakes, evidently supported by these dis- 
solved substances. But such growths are rare and so far as our 
experience goes they contribute little to the general food supply. 

The same may be said of bacteria. These are always 
present in the water and often in large numbers. Our studies 
show that there was an average of about 30,000 bacteria per cubic 
centimeter of water during the summer of 1920, while the aver- 
age for 1919 was only about 3,000. But the quantity of organic 
matter yielded by these numbers is small. Even 30,000 bacteria 
per cubic centimeter at the average size of those in Lake Mendota 
‘would weigh less than one-six hundredth part of the weight of 
the other plankton organisms, and the weight of bacteria in 
1919 averaged only one-tenth as much as in 1920. We are still 
quite ignorant of the agencies that limit the number of bacteria. 

Thus the fundamental food supply of the open water comes 
back to the alge and to the creatures that feed upon them. And 
we must conclude that the total amount of this supply of food 
is mainly a function of the surface of the lake and not of its 
depth. Depth dilutes the food supply but does not add to it, 
and if this is true, then the total amount of living material in 
the form of fish that can be supported by an acre of open water 
is rather decreased than increased by addition to the depth of 
water. 

In this assemblage of plankton plants and animals one group 
is of especial interest to us—that of the entomostraca, or water- 
- fleas—which convert the alge into a form available as food for 
fish. These little crustacea—Cyclops, Diaptomus, Daphnia, and 
their relatives—constitute one of the most important sources 


of fish food. 

There is a second similar group in the plankton, that of the 
rotifers. But these “wheel animalcules” are small individually 
and they are rarely present in numbers sufficient to make a sub- 


122 American Fisheries Society. 


stantial addition to the menu. The entomostraca which eat the 


alge directly in the open water and the insect larve which 


feed on them as they die and sink to the bottom, constitute the 


main direct contribution of the open lake to the food of the fish. 


There are fish, like the gizzard shad, which feed directly on 


alge, but such fish are few and most fish get their food in form 
of animals. We are therefore much concerned with those 
creatures which serve as intermediaries between alge and fish. 


We have been able to make rough determinations of the 
quantity of entomostraca in the plankton. In Lake Mendota the 
eaters in the plankton—crustacea and rotifers—make on an aver- 
age about one-eighteenth of the total plankton. Such an aver- 
age is, of course, subject to wide variation, as both animals and 
plants come on in waves; but it is rarely the case that the eaters 
find in the water less than a dozen times their weight of food. 
This seems a liberal provision. If a “beef critter,” for instance, 
weighing 1,000 pounds had a constantly renewed stock of green 
food amounting to 10,000 pounds or 20,000 pounds, he would 
seem to be amply supplied. But the alge are not concentrated 
into a sort of sheet or carpet like the grass; the animal must 


strain them or pick them out of the water. No fresh water 


animal has a better straining apparatus than has Daphnia, but 
when I tell you that in Lake Mendota a Daphnia must extract the 
algze from 60,000 times her own weight of water in order to ob- 
tain her own weight of food you will see that life for her in- 
volves no small amount of work. 

The same statement may be made of other plankton animals. 
In lakes like Green Lake, the quantity of plankton is smaller 
and the crustacea are in general smaller and fewer per unit of 
volume of water. The animals of the plankton seem everywhere 
to be as great in quantity as the plants will support. 

In general the same statement may be made of the weight 
of crustacea per unit of area of a lake, that was made of the total 
plankton. In lakes of very various depths the number of pounds 
per acre is not widely different, and the deep lake has no ob- 
servable advantage over the shallower one. In the deeper water 
(20-24 m.) of Lake Mendota the plankton crustacea and rotifers 
may yield a standing crop of something over 20 pounds of dry 
organic material per acre, or over 200 pounds of fresh meat, 
“on the hoof,” as it were. This average is subject to much varia- 





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. 
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Ch ty att Od ; 


ie? hes high 














Birge—Plankton of the Lakes. 123 


tion, as yet not exactly determined. The crop doubtless falls as 
low as 10 pounds per acre at some seasons and rises in spring as 
high as 50 pounds or even higher. 

In other lakes we have found the crop as small as 7 pounds 
of dry matter per acre in Canandaigua Lake (150 ft. deep) ; 
about 10 pounds in Cayuga Lake (450 ft.) ; 24 pounds in Seneca 
Lake (600 ft.) ; and nearly 30 pounds in Green Lake (237 ft.) 
These were single observations and I have no doubt that. the 
amount found in any one of these lakes could have been found 
in any other of them on a different occasion. 

Such a crop of, say, 200 pounds of live crustacea per acre, 
seems small, but even so the annual production is great. In Lake 
Mendota Daphnia produces some three broods per month during 
the spring. If we estimated the turnover at only twice a month 
(and such an estimate is doubtless too low) during the period 
from May 15 to September 15, there would be eight crops during 
the period and a production of 1,600 pounds of animal food per 
acre. This is, of course, far in excess of the production of animal 
food from an acre of land, and the period of production includes 
spring and fall also, and even winter for some forms. 

Thus if we look at the lake as an enterprise for converting 
algz into potential food for fish we must agree that it is by no 
means inefficient. Little as we know of the details of the pro- 
cesses, the gross results as we see them today are very creditable. 
How far the fish are able to utilize this potential food is quite 
another question, and one of whose answer we are quite ignorant. 
So far as I am aware, no one has made a study of the subject. 

Here, then, are a few words on one great branch of the story 
of the plankton of lakes so far as it directly interests us of the 
American Fisheries Society. We must think of a plant popu- 
lation numbering millions and often billions of individuals in a 
cubic meter of water—most of them so small that they add no 
observable turbidity to the water as seen in a glass vessel, yet 
present in such numbers as to yield a standing crop of nearly 
two tons per acre in a moderately deep lake. This standing crop 
is constantly renewed as its shortlived members reproduce and 
die. It supplies food which maintains a standing crop of animal 
life in its higher forms, though still minute, which amounts to 
200 pounds per acre, more or less; or, say, perhaps one-twentieth 
of the weight of the plants on which it feeds. And out of this 


124 American Fisheries Society. 


animal life there may come an annual supply of potential food 
for fish which we can not estimate at less than 1,500 pounds per 
acre and which is probably much larger. How far the fish use 
this supply is a question to be determined by you who raise them. 

I mentioned the insect larvee, and while these do not belong 
to the plankton I must say something about them, or at least 
about those insect larve which live on the bottom of the open 
lake in the deeper water. You are all familiar with these larve, 
may-flies, bloodworms (Chironomus), phantom larvze (Corethra) 
and many others. These constitute a second and smaller stream 
of animal life that issues from the vegetable plankton, aided by 
that part of the shore plants which sinks to the bottom of the 
deep water. For as the planktonts die they gradually sink in a 
sort of gentle rain to the bottom and there they accumulate in 
an ooze which supplies nutrition to these larve.and as well to 
worms, to clams, and to crustacea. All of these animals furnish 
food to bottom feeding fishes and the quantity of animal matter 
thus maintained is often very considerable. In the depths of 
Green Lake there lives a crustacean—Pontoporeia—a relative of 
the scud or “shrimp” familiar in every fish hatchery pond. We 
have found this animal in quantities as large as 74 pounds dry 
weight per acre, over large areas of the bottom. This is much 
larger than the standing crop of the plankton crustacea, but re- 
production is much slower and the annual crop is therefore 
smaller. Lake Mendota has no Pontoporeia but has almost in- 
-numerable insect larve, chiefly midge larve—Chironomus—and 
especially Corethra. There are also many worms and small 
clams (Pisidium). The total annual crop from all of these may 
aggregate some 112 pounds of dry organic matter per acre in 
the deep water, an amount which is much less than the annual 
crop from the open water itself. 

In order to give you some visible idea of the amount and dis- 
tribution of the plankton I have made a diagram showing a 
set of observations made this summer on Green Lake, Wisconsin. 
On the right side you will see the temperature indicated. There 
are some ten meters of warm water on top; then comes the ther- 
mocline, five meters thick, in which the temperature falls from 
21° C. to 9° C. (70° to 48° F.). Then follows a very slow fall of 
temperature through the cold water to the bottom, reaching 
4.7° C. (about 40° F.) at a depth of 65 m. (about 215 ft.). The 





Birge-—Flankton of the Lakes. 125 


numbers on the left side of the diagram indicate the depth in 
meters. The figures at the top indicate the dry weight of the 
organic matter of the plankton in milligrams per cubic meter of 
water. The live weight is about ten times as great. The total 
quantity of fresh plankton in a column of water one meter square 
and 65 m. high is about 455 grams, a little over 16 ounces. 


e 200 400 600 800 /00 1200 





Diagram showing temperature of Green Lake, Wis., and quantity of 
organic matter in its plankton on Aug. 17, 1922. Temperature in centi- 
grade degrees; depth in meters; weight of plankton in milligrams of 
dry organic matter per cubic meter of water. 

A—A, total plankton; B—B, net plankton. For explanation see text. 

The two lines, A-A and B-B, indicate the dry organic matter 
of the plankton at the various depths; B-B shows the larger 
planktonts collected by the net to which A-A adds the material 
extracted by the centrifuge and therefore shows the total plank- 
tons. You will see that the smaller creatures constitute by far 
the greater part of the total. It is also noteworthy that the 
quantity of plankton is greatest in the warm surface stratum, 
that it diminishes rapidly in the thermocline stratum of tem- 
perature and then decreases slowly, reaching a minimum at about 
40 m. and increasing again toward the bottom. 

This is a typical picture of the summer plankton of Green 
Lake. It represents a total of nearly 4,000 pounds of fresh ma- 
terial per acre of water at the depth indicated, of which the net 


126 American Fisheries Society. 


plankton constitutes about one-tenth. Probably more than half 
of the net plankton consists of animals, chiefly crustacea. 

(Dr. Birge had brought with him the portable centrifuge mentioned in 
his address and at the close he extracted the plankton from a pint or more 
of water from Lake Mendota. This water was perfectly clear to the eye, but 
there collected in the bowl of the centrifuge a considerable quantity of minute 
organisms which adhered to the wall of the bowl. These were chiefly alge. 
belonging to the genus Aphanocapsa, the dominant form in the centrifuge 
plankton of most lakes). 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. W. Titcoms, Hartford, Conn.: May I ask Dr. Birge whether 
he gets the same results in his winter observations? 

Dr. BircE: In general, yes, but you cannot make plankton observa- 
tions in the winter with the same regularity as in the summer. During the 
Open season we expect to make two observations a week on Lake Mendota, 
but during the winter may go out only four or five times altogether. In 
one year the maximum amount of plankton was in December; it ran down 
during the winter, and then in March it began rising again slowly. It went 
up very rapidly in April, then fell off in the summer and rose again in the 
fall. The number of crustacea in Lake Mendota, the lake which we know 
most about, is greatest in April, May and early June. I have always had 
the notion—I give it for what it is worth—that in the lakes these water 
fleas “get the jump” on the fishes in the spring; they start out earlier than 
the fish, and then the little fishes come on and run them down. That is my 
thought so far as Lake Mendota is concerned, but the question would have 
to be worked out on a good many lakes before we could speak very definitely. 
I do not know that this sequence of forms has been worked out quan- 
titatively in streams. 

Mr. TitcomB: You have in a scientific way explained why the shallow 
lake is more productive than the very deep lake. But the point not quite 
clear to me is about the relations of the higher forms of plants. The plank- 
ton and the alge are intermixed, are they not? 

Dr, BrrcE: The alge are part of the plankton. 

Mr. Titcoms: What is the relation of the higher forms of plants to all 
these valuable plants that we think so much of here? Do they properly 
enter into the discussion? 

Dr. Birce: A few years ago we published a very elaborate paper on 
the shore plants, the insects, etc., that live in Lake Mendota. So we have 
a report on that subject, but we are still very far from knowing much 
about it. We have just completed also reports on water weeds—showing 
the amount of these plants per acre in Lake Mendota; we also worked them 
up in Green Lake, but the report is not yet published. It can be said that 
in the most productive parts of the edge of the lake about as much green 
stuff will grow per acre as will grow upon a meadow. 

The only connection I brought in between these plants and the animals 
of the open water is the fact that as these plants die parts of them break 








it 


Birge.—Plankion of the Lakes. 127 


up in the water and contribute to the organic material at the botom of 


the lake, on which the insect larve like the Mayfly larve and the blood- 
worms, may feed. 
Mr. TitcomB: Do you not think that most fishes like to live on the 


bottom? In a deep water lake it is not customary to find any of the various 


species feeding on the surface over the deep areas; they are in comparatively 


‘shallow water. This means that all this food, this great abundance of 


food in the plankton, is wasted. 

Dr. BircE: A great amount of it must go to waste. Yet Green Lake has 
many small fish that go out in the deepest water. On a calm day your boat 
may be surrounded by hundreds of them. I refer particularly to one of 
the shiners, Notropis atherinoidzs. The young of this species is very abun- 
dant in the open water. 

Mr. Tircoms: In connection with the Lake George survey, one of the 
interesting things we found there was that the small form of whitefish 
which inhabits that lake, and which is the main food of the lake trout 
when they are young, apparently comes to the surface at night to feed. 
They come to the surface just at dusk, when it is cool; you can see large 
schools of them on or near the surface. I suppose they come up for this 
food you speak of? 

Dr. Birce: Probably. A great many of the deep water fish come to 
the surface at night. But the habits of both the fish and the water fleas 
vary greatly. You must bear in mind that there are scores of species of 
water fleas. For instance there is Daphnia pulex—a big, heavy-bodied 
water flea. That is the type you find in ponds; it is not found as abundantly 
in the open water of the lakes, and if present there it is found ordinarily 
in the deeper and colder water. In Lake Mendota it lives in the surface 
water during the winter and early spring, and as the temperature warms up 
it moves down from the surface; as the summer goes on the water at the bot- 
tom loses its oxygen and there are only a few feet of water that have a 
sufficient supply of oxygen to meet its needs. There are other delicate-bodied 
forms which are characteristic open water forms—they live in the open water 
of the lakes. 

You will see that the study that I have reported relates chiefly to the 
food derived from the open waters of lakes and from the deep water as 
well. Its direct bearing on fish, therefore, is primarily with the fish of the 
open water, like whitefish, with the young of shore-living species, which 
may come out into the open water, and with the fish, which, like perch 
or white bass, are regularly shallow water forms, but which also come 
out into deep water for food. We have not studied these relations between 
fish and food; we have been determining the quantity of the food from the 
plankton and its general food value. Some of the commercially valuable 
fish of the Great Lakes, notably herring and whitefish, go back more directly 
to the plankton for food, than do the fish which most of you are raising. 

If the Bureau of Fisheries could carry on such studies as ours in the 
Great Lakes the results might be more directly useful to the commercial 
fisheries than our studies on smaller lakes are to you. But we have been 


128 American Fisheries Society. 


studying one great source of food for fish in small lakes and therefore- 


under conditions that are so limited in space as to permit such a study, we 
have done this in the hope of establishing principles and securing knowledge 
which will help all fisheries in the end. 


Mr. Titcoms: Conceding that most of the little fishes keep away from. 


the deeper water, it would appear that the main usefulness of these plankton 
organisms is at the bottom? 

Dr. Birce: If there is no appreciable number of small fish that are 
utilizing this material, then its main usefulness must be at the bottom. But 


I am not prepared to say that this is the case until the subject has been 
studied much more accurately than has hitherto been done. Our studies. 


have been chiefly on the deeper water, but most of the fishes that this 
Society is directly concerned with are shore fishes, or shallow water species. 
Other forms of food may be more important to some of them than this 
plankton. Of course, the whitefish and lake trout, all the whitefish group, 
are open water fish. Has anyone ever tried to breed the young of the 
gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum, as a food minnow? This fish, as you 
know, feeds on plankton alge, and if it will multiply- freely in lakes it 


might become a valuable foodfish, especially as it lives on material which: 


very few fish can utilize. It seems to be more abundant in streams but is 
not absent from lakes. 


Dr. EMMELINE Moore, Albany, N. Y.: In the early part of his re- 
marks Dr. Birge referred to the source of the fishy odor as being mainly 
due to the crustaceans—Daphnias, Cyclops, and so on. Do you find that 
such flagellates as Synura and the Peridinee, when they develop in very 
great numbers, are quite as much a source of that trouble? 


Dr. Birck: We have never found Synura in large numbers. It has. 


been the same with Peridinee—we find a few, but not enough to make 
any considerable part of the weight of the food. I should not doubt that 
these crustacea may get this fishy material out of oils in the vegetable food. 
I think that it is certain that they concentrate it; I will not say they 
manufacture it, though they may do this also. I was talking about the 
way the fish flavor got into the fish, and I think it does get in very largely 
through these crustacea, at least for fish that eat crustacea freely. I think 
they are feeding on these very fishy oils, and that that has something to 
do with their flavor. 


Mr. W. E. Barser, LaCrosse, Wis.: In your research, Dr. Birge, have 
you determined why the perch in Lake Mendota run so small—why there 
are no large perch? 

Dr. BircE: No, I have not determined that, but if you want a guess I 
will give you one. In 1883 or 1884 there was an enormous mortality of the 
perch in Lake Mendota. They died by the million and their bodies were 
washed up along the shores; for years there was a windrow of bones all 
around the lake. Now, I can give you no statistics, but those perch that 
died were decidedly bigger than the perch that are now there. My theory 
has been this: the epidemic did not hit the little perch, and the death of 


the larger fish, which prey on the little ones gave these little fellows a fine 


= 


Birge—Plankton of the Lakes. 129 


start. So instead of getting picked off they grew up in great numbers and 
became as big as they could. But they did not get food enough, and the 
result is that they are decidedly smaller than the perch which are found 
in lakes where there has been a natural depletion of the smaller fish from 
year to year. I was told by the former Commissioner of Fisheries of 
Pennsylvania that some of the men down there got hold of a small lake 
back in the mountains, stocked it with bass, and did nothing with it for 
some years. They thought they would go up there and see how the fish 
had been getting along. There were large numbers of bass in the lake, but 
while these had grown and were sexually mature, they were all small—I 
think not over four inches long. I imagine that if a dozen big bass were 
put in they would eat up many of these Mttle fellows with the result that 
the fish would then be fewer, but larger. 


Mr. Titcoms: The suggestion about these larger fish reducing the 
number of the smaller ones and perhaps changing the balance, is pertinent 
to another point. It is generally thought that the introduction of new blood 
in a lake does not improve the fish, that is, in a large, natural lake. I am 
wondering whether your theories there account for a change in the growth 
of fish in the waters I am going to mention, rather than the introduction 
of new blood. In this instance it was pickerel, Esox reticulatus. One 
pond stocked with fish never yielded anything over about twelve inches in 
length. The sportsmen went to a lake a few miles distant where the 
fish would rtin up to five pounds in weight, and imported some of these 
larger fish. Two years in succession they introduced the larger fish into 
this lake where the pickerel were of small growth and since then they 
have been catching large fish in those waters. Is that probably due to the 
fact that the large pickerel proceeded to restore the balance there and not 
to the introduction of new blood? 


Dr. BircE: Yes, I think it is. You must bear this in mind: the supply 
of food in any lake from all sources is strictly limited, and you are getting 
at any given time, barring accidents, as much fish as the lake will raise— 
unless you increase the amount of food. The food all comes back to 
plankton material on the one hand and the shore material on the other. 
Now, you have no means of increasing the supply of food, so far as I 
know; and the question you have to solve is, can you get a better utiliza- 
tion? The question you raise would be a very interesting one to work out. 
Can you find a minnow, for example, which will swim out into the open 
Water and eat this plankton more largely than it is now being eaten, and 
also allow itself to be eaten by other fish? If you can do that, there is 
“no reason why you should not short-circuit some of these losses and turn 
them into useful flesh. I do not see that new blood of itself is going to 
make any appreciable difference in the matter; the fish in any lake are 
going to grow as big as they can on the food that is available to them. 

Mr. M. D. Hart, Richmond, Va.: Would the selection of the best 
species as practised by agriculturists not have a tendency, in your opinion, 
to result in improvement so far as these various fishes are concerned? 


Dr. Birce: There is no question that work of that kind could be done, 


130 American Fisheries Society. 


and that it would be very valuable indeed; but at the present there is no 
way of studying the problem since neither funds nor men are available. 
And the same is true of many other matters. Take this problem I have 
laid before you; none of you can say that it is a problem of major prac- 
tical importance for today or tomorrow; but when you look upon fish 
culture as going on for a generation, then this sort of knowledge is abso- 
lutely essential. But here is a problem that only one man in the United 
States is working at; compare that with the manner in which the work at 
the agricultural experiment stations is carried on. Wisconsin is putting 
$5,000 a year into lake work, and that is more than all the other states 
are putting into this particular job. Money is going into agricultural ex- 
perimentation and research by millions, whereas in the case of aquiculture 
it is coming in tens—and that is one reason why nobody can answer these 
questions that you raise. 


You are bringing up here the question of fry vs. fingerlings. ‘Thirty 
years ago, when I began coming to this Society, that question was up and 
it is just as fresh today. Why doesn’t somebody get to work on it? Why 
doesn’t somebody stock a stream for a number of years with fry; observe 
the results carefully; stock another stream with fingerlings; then change 
them about; find out whether fry or fingerlings are the best to plant and 
under what conditions? Well, it is because the money is not available to 
do it. There is not a State Fish Commission or a National Fish Commis- 
sion anywhere that I know of that would take up a practical problem like 
that and work at it for years. Take what was said today of this Lake 
George report; why do we not know something about the young whitefish— 
about what it does from the time the egg is laid until the fish is mature; 
what it feeds on, where it lives, and so on? We are putting millions of 
dollars into such problems of the land; and we are right in doing so. 
But we do not study the problems of the water in the same way. When, a 
few years ago, they wanted a fish pathologist in Washington, Commissioner 
Smith wrote to me and asked that we help him to get $2,500 or $3,000 from 
‘Congress for that purpose. That is the way the fisheries business is being 
xyun—from hand to mouth. You have to beg for little driblets of money. 


- You are doing the best you can with the means you have; but through 
the nation and through the states there ought to be money for all sorts of 
investigations. There should be investigations going on that would con- 
tinue for ten or fifteen years before final results were reached. Much of 
the work going on now at our agricultural experiment stations will pro- 
ceed for years without direct results being noticeable; yet ultimately the 
results will revolutionize, perhaps, some important branch of agriculture. 
Certainly aquiculture should be handled in the same way. 





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7 


44 





ADJUSTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT vs. STOCKING—TO 
INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF FISH LIFE. 


By Ernest CLIivE Brown 
Consulting Fishculturist, New York, N. Y. 


The title for this article has been selected with a view to set- 
ting forth what I believe will be the underlying principles of the 
fish culture of the future, and though the topic as stated would 
seem to present an antithesis, it does not do so in fact, since each 
line of action supplements the other in endeavoring to attain max- 
imum productivity of fish life. 

While fish culture in artificial punds was known to ancient 
China and to Egypt in the time of the Pharaohs, and in later 
times stood in high favor among the great landowners of the 
Roman Empire, relatively very little study has been made of the 
conditions of environment regulating the production of fishes in 
natural bodies of water. The oldest reliable records in aquatic 
biology date back only a little over half a century. Study and ad- 
justment of aquatic environments to bring about conditions increas- 
ing the size and number of desirable fishes is therefore a relatively 
unexplored field. 

Modern hatchery and rearing practices, achieved by the life- 
long devotion of many earnest workers in and connected with 
federal, state, and private hatcheries, have greatly extended the 
quantity of young fishes returned to the waters over the number 
which could have been produced to the same stages by the 
parents under natural conditions. Still, I feel that fish culture 
as practiced today does not go far enough to meet the terrific 
attack which civilization is in part unwittingly making against 
the perpetuation of our native fishes and particularly our game 
fish. Let there be no doubt on this vital point. The weight of 
civilization is at present against the survival of our fishes. 

Consider for a moment the opposing forces in the situation. 
They are too unequal for it to be called a struggle. On one side 
we find pollution killing our fishes; deforestation warming our 
trout brooks, if it does not alternately convert them to dry 
Tavines and raging torrents; power storage project dams which 
prevent the ascent of anadromous fishes to their spawning grounds; 
irrigation projects which shunt the fishes from their native element 

131 


132 American Fisheries Society. 


out upon the desert sands; and drainage of wet lands for agricul- 
ture which lowers the underlying water table of the surrounding 
country and exerts a harmful effect upon lakes perhaps miles dis- 
tant in addition to absorbing a large part of the normal precipita- 
tion. The number of anglers is increasing with the population. As 
trout and other streams become uninhabitable to fishes the stream 
fishermen, urged on by the enormous amount of bass advertising run 
by the manufacturers of tackle, turn to join the multitude already 
on the lakes. As lakes and ponds become “fished out,” polluted 
or are taken over by private individuals or protective associations, 
and the number available becomes less, concentration even upon 
the more distant waters is eected through the agency of the trolley, 
the automobile or the railroad. Once there, the outboard motor and 
the latest developments of tackle, which give surprising accuracy 
and speed in combing the waters, are brought into play, and baits 
which seldom miss a strike drag out the fish. In addition to all 
this—day and night, month after month, year after year—the great 
nets of the commercial fishermen reap their harvest. That is one 
side of the story, 


On the other hand we find a native fish fauna whose repro- 
ductive capacities, even at their best during periods of favorable 
readjustment, are less than two per cent efficient under 
natural (undeveloped) conditions and have not increased one iota 
to withstand the tremendous devastation inflicted by the opposing 
forces. ‘The fishes know no cooperation. Their entire lives are 
practically devoted to securing food without becoming it, and at 
the end nearly every one comes to a violent death in good health. 
Behind them, it is true, is solidly lined up every hatchery in the 
country turning out fry and fingerlings which have been carried 
through the period when they are subject to greatest mortality; 
hence so far as the body of water into which they are placed is con- 
cerned, this terrible loss is escaped. The hatcheries do not entirely 


overcome loss of young fish, but they do provide a concentrate 


of fry and a still greater concentrate of fingerlings for stocking 
which have survived owing to the care bestowed upon them. Hence, 
if one is to stock waters, the fingerlings used represent more effi- 
ciency at the time of planting than a like number produced natur- 
ally in the waters, the degree of efficiency achieved being the differ- 
ence between the number of eggs required under natural conditions 
in the waters and the number required in the hatchery to produce 


: > senegal 


Brown.—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 183 


the same number of fingerlings. So far, good! But what becomes 
of these little fish when they are set free to sink or swim in our 
open waters? Does the average individual or fish and game asso- 
ciation, to whom they must be entrusted, give them a good or even 
a fair chance for survival? It is regrettable, but I fear the answer 
must be negative. 

Costly and disastrous mistakes on the part of individuals to 
whom fish are turned over for planting, or who secure them them- 
selves from private hatcheries, are the rule rather than the ex- 
ception. The usual haste which attends the actual introductions 
causes the fish to be literally dumped into waters at one or two 
convenient points without regard to equalizing the temperature 
in the cans or thought of possible shelter for the young fish while 
getting their bearings. Bass and pickerel are placed in waters 
ideal for trout. Trout are placed in natural bass waters. Trout 
and bass are placed in the same waters. Waters absolutely lacking 
in forage fish are heavily stocked with large, voracious, predatory 
species. Species which require running water on shallows for 
spawning are placed in deep lakes having no current, and vice versa. 
Large-mouth bass are placed in clear rock-bound lakes, while the 
small-mouth is introduced where mud and turbidity prevail. Fishes 
already nearly eliminated, either by other fishes of the natural suc- 
cession or an environment to which they are unsuited, are given 
support by heavy stocking and the wasteful struggle is kept up 
for a few years longer. As if all the violent reactions which the 
foregoing lines of action create were not sufficient, much harm has 
been done by introduction of species for the sole reason that they 
were known favorably from other regions or even other countries. 
The carp and brown trout are notorious examples from abroad. 
Both are, indirectly and directly, respectively, highly destructive 
of our native fishes; neither furnish sport equal to that given by 
the indigenous species which they displace, and both, depending 
upon the individual case, are difficult if not impossible to eliminate. 
Thus it is seen that the almost incredible lack of knowledge which 
everywhere prevails among the average owners of waters, and to 
which may be added a deplorable lack of realization of the serious- 
ness of the situation which our native fishes are facing, is probably 
the greatest single drawback to extension of our fish culture. 

Intelligent stocking of waters requires more time and study 
than the average busy man can afford to give. The mere fact 


134 American Fisheries Society. 


that specimens of a non-indigenous species are seen a year or even 
two years after introduction does not prove that the species is es- 
tablished; for, while the individuals may exist for the periods of 
their life-times, the life cycle must be complete before the species 
can be considered established. That is, if the original introduction 
was made with yearlings, yearling fishes must be produced in the 
waters from their offspring before it is definitely shown that the 
species can exist therein. Misinterpretation of conditions such as 
this, based upon inadequate observation and experience—plus the 
difficulty of obtaining fish, particularly the warm water varieties 
for lakes and ponds, tends to concentrate the owner’s attention to 
securing of fish alone. Haphazard plantings then prevail, and 
though natural results nearly always come about slowly, no defi- 
nitely progressive policy is adhered to; and even though a wise 
plan may have been originally chosen, relapses occur which are 
fatal to success. Much money, effort and time are lost by mis- 
guided attempts to improve the situation, and after a number of 
years the fish life is probably less plentiful and the entire aquatic 
environment more unbalanced than before anything was at- 
tempted. 

It has long been-an axiom of mine that whatever condition 
exists tends to become intensified, and that in time cause becomes 
effect and effect cause. In other words, cause and effect become 
more and more inseparable; and the condition continues to develop 
at constantly accelerating speed unless it is met by other forces. 
Fortunately it would appear that the very nature of things has de- 
creed that most situations have their compensation and a balance 
is established before serious collapse occurs due to overweight in 
any particular direction. ‘The question now is—with a thorough 
understanding of the effect civilization is working upon our native 
fishes—can we apply the conpensating force? 

It is my firm belief that the solution must be sought by study 
tending to extend our fish culture to include adjustment of aquatic 
environments. The advance which modern hatchery practices gain 
for the young fish must not end when they are planted. The years 
of experience behind the months of effort with the particular fish 
used in any given problem must not be vitiated by lack of under- 
standing of the basic laws which control those fish after their liberae 
tion in open waters. Mere stocking is too frequently dealing with 
effects. Adjustment deals with causes. From now on we must 





Brown.—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 1835 


endeavor to master the riddles the solution of which will enable 
more fish to exist in a given area of a given type of water. As 
this is a very large subject, I merely wish to touch briefly upon 
certain salient points, which, if fixed in mind, will perhaps be of 
aid in future investigations. 

In the accompanying Lake Table of Progressive Factors con- 
trolling the production of small-mouth bass under natural (unde- 
veloped) conditions (Table I) I have endeavored to itemize the 
principal factors making up the environment in a lake where the 
fish cultural object is the maximum production of small-mouth 
black bass. The two groups are identical, but those at the top 
represent the dependent factors or those which are benefitted or 
otherwise influenced by the controlling or possibly limiting factors 
in the left hand column. All of the controlling factors directly 
influence various items in the other group as indicated by an X 
in the column beneath the item affected. The direct influence, as 
easily seen by consulting the table, is, however, little, if any, greater 
in importance than the indirect results which come about by multi- 
plied action through the enormous number of reactions which make 
up an ecological environment. An attempt to diagram the influence 
of a single factor, such as turbidity, through the factors which it 
affects, then through those which they affect and so on and on, if 
only to the end of each cycle, will easily convince anyone as to 
the complexity of aquatic environments, and how impossible it is 
to disturb one element therein without bringing on readjustment 
almost throughout. 

There can be no doubt that the rate of production of any 
species in lake, pond or stream is determined and regulated by the 
balance existing in the environment betwen those forces which are 
favorable to and those which are against increase. Therefore, 
if we can study and adjust the situation to extend and intensify 
the favorable factors and at the same time eliminate or minimize 
_ those which are untoward, the fishes must increase because that is 
all they can possibly do. We should not doubt, at least for the 
present, that the laws governing aquatic life are absolute. There- 
fore, the more of these laws we learn the more complete will be 
our control over the destiny of our fishes. 

In a preceding paragraph I refer to controlling or limiting 
factors. The reason for this dual nomenclature is that of the factors 
which control production in any given body of water, only a few 


136 American Fisheries Society. 
Ti 
LAKE TABLE OF ProGRESSIVE Factors CoNTROLLING Propuction oF SMALL- 
Mouth Brack Bass. 
[Symbols: E. A.—Effect absolute. V. D.—Varies disproportionately. E. V. D.— 
Effect _varies disproportionately. E. V. P.—Effect varies proportionately] 








Dependent Factors. 























































































































| l 
: ‘i 
| | 5 ig Bs) 
4 | mh) hey o 5 
Controlling $1 38|s = 3 i] 13 
g| S| El 13 "a 
Factors. 1S) Sl sl. eee | |S 
Ola; a) Ol wa | S| a = Te) 
. H/2Q;Q)"s| a “ule ° 5 is} 
| sigisfsrs/8/e) jee] [elel jal ts 
| -|3 ail Hl el ala a ast slg ig ~ 3 
mB] Ping] do] 9 ZO! 0/9). = 
3) 9} 20 a} ais} aq\a refer 
Yom eH) Si Oi w\ w Ss aja|a i;a/0/4 
~W\d| © c 21 al | §/.8 pe ee, | Oo) 
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P/Q iSlal#) 8/2] O}] QiS!U] oO Bw )O)S Io a 
2 /'3| 8| 81.8) 8) 2/3] 8) SiS 3/2) a) la| Bs) 
bil ies il i ee aK is Oj ave na 
| 
A panih Vbpo [aia aph ad ma yc] > ae ect ne 
Be Avaltitide os ae ele x | 
nae (ee SE) ONE QD em (SON pean WA ee Pm ee NT 
SAD ObaEbIGby ak oo oa 21k a x} X| | x 
eS Ln VR (OI SR (SmI GREE [ae EE | OC) pea EE Pe 
vay temperatures. i. ose. | | x|x[x}x|x|x|x|x|x|x 
| | a Se ee eS ae SS eee 
nr depth areas... 2 41h) Want | x|x|x|x]x]x|x]x|x|x 
eee | ee ee Sees eS eS aa ee eS ee 
* Je dissolved! eases iui02.s'.cal | 3 x|x}x|x|x|x|x|x|x 
oe ee | ee eee aa ae Ee ee ee eee 
“current orabsence.;......|x! | x|x/x|x/x x|x|x|x x 
ee pt es ee See eee 
< el | 
“barriers or absence........ hea palpi fie. <alfio-<115.61| ><], 51) 5° | 
“bottom chemical areas...... | |x |x| | x 
“c . Citi lo. 
brecdingiarcase. jal a | % | ae 
Wim aleeoe. i ei Sh ki | x |x > Alhp.elp.< || 5.5 | | 
| | ee 
io iigher plantsac cr ie | |x [se ok ee 
eee fe fe hs eee ed (a | —| —  —_ — | — 
“  scuds and waterfleas......! | |x X | ‘eel x x|x|x x 
ee ee ee 
. z | i | { 
BV Winsectithes eels 1s 402 Han | | x x XIX x 
| i | 
aes a FC | ee ve 
4 Le ai eet 
% snails and molluscs... .. a ea | | | | X|X/X|X|x 
a ee ee ee eee eee 
: i_ | 
ye forage fish (golden shiners)... .. | | | x |X| x | x 
—_T > | I 
2 : | 
i swiftwater minnows (fallfish)...... ae | | | z| oe x| x 
LL. rasa Veapeanl (ering eae oo [eT | SSS = 4 7 ot 1 ee 
a3 table fish (perch and sunfish)...... | | K/K|/X | x 
Soe 
2B other predatory fish (pickerel)..... | | x|x|x|x 
WAP De Wn a 
E. V. P. small-mouth black bass........... | | | | | xxix 
| | | 

















This table is not presented as accurate, but is intended to approximate 
the main factors and stimulate thought along similar lines. 


Brown.—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 1387 


will actually limit it at any one time. Moreover, the degree to 
which limitation to the bass occurs is variable with the different 
factors. Some, as indicated by the letters EK. A. on the Lake Table, 
have effect which is absolute; others lettered V, D.—vary dispro- 
portionately with the production of bass, but as they are con- 
sidered present far in excess of the immediate requirements of the 
bass in the present illustration they vary only in disproportion, 
and not in effect until a shortage begins to occur. Others in 
the table are lettered E. V. D., meaning effect varies dispropor- 
tionately within a short time. Only one factor affects the bass 
in possibly direct proportion to their increase, and that is the bass 
themselves. 

Thus, to illustrate each case in different words: suppose we 
consider the Lake Table applicable to a lake where adjustments 
are being made to increase small-mouth bass. The effect of 
factors like (E. A.) altitude, turbidity, and temperature remain 
the same regardless of bass production unless we are able to 
change them. Factors like (V. D.) vegetation, free alge and 
other early turnovers in the bass food supply vary dispropor- 
tionately to the increase of the bass; but since the bass can not 
or do not quickly exhaust their beneficent influences, there is 
no untoward effect. Factors such as (E. V. D.) table fish and 
swifi-waier minnows which destroy young bass and compete 
with them for food will no doubt destroy or impair the maximum 
development of a greater number numerically as the bass in- 
crease; therefore their effect, since they were already a limiting 
factor before the increase of bass began, will be quite appreciable. 
The proportion destroyed, however, wiil probably be less as 
efforts are made to increase the forage fish and insect life (E. V. 
D.) on which both bass and hostile fishes feed. Therefore, the 
effects vary disproportionately with the bass increase. The 
last classification (E. V. P.), meaning effect varies proportion- 
ately, applies only to the bass in certain of their relations to one 
another; as to all other factors which the bass are capable of 
affecting, the increase continues disproportionate. 

In analyzing these conditions as variously shown in the 
Lake Adjustment Reaction Chart (Table II), under the five 
divisions indicated as States A to E, inclusive, it would appear 
that during the summer of the initial investigation of the waters 
in question, the production of bass fingerlings was a hypo- 


138 American Fisheries Society. 


thetical 10,000 out of a hypothetical potential of 30,000 made pos- 
sible by the number of eggs hatched on the available breeding 
grounds and remaining after other factors not shown in the chart 
had exerted their effects. Only 10,000 survive the summer; for, 
although there are sufficient snails, molluscs, and insect life to 
support 20,000 fingerlings to the summer’s end, the supply of 
forage fish is so scarce that the hostile fishes, inclusive of the 
older bass, prey upon the fingerlings to this extent. 

Assuming that in this particular case it is possible to double 
the available breeding areas by spreading gravel of the right sort 
at proper depths, or by raising or lowering the water level, this 
will give a potential (State B) of 60,000 fingerling bass within a 
year or two as excess breeders take up space and more fish arrive 
at maturity. However, as new species of vegetation, molluscs, 
and forage fish superior to those native to the locality have just 
been introduced, the change is not appreciable the first year fol- 
lowing; and while an increase in the number of potential finger- 
lings is available from the increased number of eggs hatched, the 
hostile fishes consume the surplus nearly down to the old num- 
ber of 10,000. 


State C, however, shows decided improvement. The number 
of fingerlings made possible by the increased breeding areas is 
now at its maximum of 60,000. The superior species of vegeta- 
tion which have been introduced are taking hold well and show 
improvement which is further evidenced by the great increase 
among the newly introduced forage fish. The latter, however, 
have kept the snails, molluscs and insect life retarded, though 
on the other hand they have forced the hostile fishes to slacken 
in their persecution of the bass fingerlings, over 20,000 of which 
survive the summer. 


139 


Brown—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 


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140 American Fisheries Society. 


This table shows production in thousands of fingerling small-mouth 
bass by length of arrows. Those to right indicate maximum possible pro- 
duction aided by the factors named. Arrows to left indicate direct limita- 
tion by factor named. Hence longest arrow from the right ard shortest 
from the left are limiting factors. 

Only five factors are dealt with in order to simplify the chart. The 
arrow from breeding areas represents eggs hatched converted to potential 
fingerlings after factors not shown in this chart have exerted their effect. 
Specific accuracy is not attempted, but the general reactions shown are 
believed by the author to be substantially correct. 

In State D still further improvement is noted. The vegeta- 
tion is now capable of sheltering and supporting more fingerlings 
than the potential provided by the full use of the increased avail- 
able breeding grounds. The same is true of the snails, molluscs 
and insect life and the forage fish. As, however, increase in con- 
ditions favoring the bass have reacted favorably on the hostile 
fishes also, we find them increasing and holding bass production 
down to 45,000—15,000 below possible maximum under the 
present adjustment. 


State E, the most interesting of all, is intended to show the 
gradual readjustment of the various factors to the new balance 
of higher production. Owing to the constant increase in vegeta- 
tion, the forage fish, through the shelter afforded and food fur- 
nished, are at their maximum. The snails, molluscs and insect 
life, however, are decreasing on that account and the available 
breeding areas are becoming less, due to plant invasion. The 
increase in forage fish and efforts to eliminate fishes antagonistic 
to the bass has resulted in a decrease in enemy activity more 
than compensating the loss of breeding area and leaving the 
total number of fingerlings surviving the summer at 50,000. 


These charts indicate that, unless the only limiting factor in 
a lake, pond, or stream is insufficient breeding areas, or other factor 
wholly effective before.the stage at which plantings are made, tt ts 
a total loss to introduce young fish of species already established 
without making suitable adustments providing for them, since they 
wil be consumed together with the percentage already being 
eliminated by other factors. ‘Thus if there is a shortage of spawn- 
ing beds and it remains unremedied, any possible gain to the angler 
even through lavish stocking is purely transitory, since the availa- 
ble breeding ground is the neck of the bottle through which any 
increase in maiure fish must pass to become permanent. 





Brown.—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 141 


As a matter of fact, shortage of breeding areas is seldom, 
though far from never, the difficulty, as the potential reproduc- 
tive capacity of the bass (and most other fish) is so great that 
it never becomes an absolute limiting factor. More bass are, and 
probably always will be, produced than survive environmental 
elimination. However, an extension of breeding areas tends to 
be beneficial unless it cuts down on other necessary factors such 
as depth areas providing winter shelter, or chemical areas sup- 
porting submerged vegetation beyond the minimum of each es- 
sential to maximum bass support. In a natural, undeveloped lake, 
which will average 500 bass nests year in and year out, fished or 
unfished, providing the same is done at a constant rate, the 
Saturation point of bass breeders may be said to approximate 
1,000. That is, in spite of everything, 1,000 mature bass spawn 
in those waters every year. 

Now on these 500 nests there will be 1,500,000 eggs if we 
take 3,000 as an approximate number per nest. Though the sur- 
vival of bass from hatching to reproduction is sometimes referred 
to as less than 2 per cent, in reality the percentage reaching 
maturity and reproduction is in the neighborhood of .000269 or 
somewhat less than .0003 per cent. In other words, if 1,000 ma- 
ture fish spawn every year they are made up of some which are 
spawning for the first time, some for the second, and some for 
the third and fourth times. I have no data on spawning ages 
so am leaving any earlier or later spawners out of the reckon- 
ing; but, as any fish spawning for the fourth time would be six 
years old, and in well-fished waters would probably not exceed 
that age, I think the figures are close enough. One thousand 
breeders would therefore (see Table III) probably consist of 50 
six-year-old fish, 200 five-year-olds, 350 four-year-olds, and 400 
new spawners. Thus out of the 1,500,000 eggs produced an- 
nually only 400 annually survive to reproduction, which gives 
the above percentage, and at the same time clearly shows, whether 
the figures are absolutely accurate or not, than the reproductive 
capacity of the bass is a tremendous potential and gives a glimpse 
of the wonderful advantages which are not only possible, but 
positively await study and adjustment of environments. 

There is no reason why ecological adjustment of aquatic 
environments, including the fish life, cannot be made an exact 
science, but it will only become so by close and patient study 


142 American Fisheries Society. 


leading to complete knowledge of the relations which the 
species bear to each other and to the environment and ap- 
plication through the knowledge thus gained of the principles 
which mankind has applied through the ages in securing and 
maintaining his own supremacy. 


III. 
PoTENTIAL AND MorTALity TABLE FOR SMALL-MoutH Bass. 
a8 we 


Hatched; - 1916 ISL7 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 


Premise; Mortality before spawning 
down to .000269 {per cent. 
1,000 spawners on ; 
500 nests each year, : 3 
3,000 eggs per nest. 
1,500,000 eggs yearly. 
First spawning 400 400 400 Qo 4Q0 400 


Second spawning 350 350 350 0 
Third spawning 200 200 200 200 NG 
Fourth spawning 50 50 50 50 


me a a a a a a a a a a nn a a a ee fee eee 
a a a a a a we ee a we fa a ee 





Total spawners yearly. | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 


wee wn aw a + a eo he a hl ee he ee he ow oe eo do ee ows 


Assume a lake where scarcity of food, low temperature, or other en- 
vironmental reasons defer spawning until the fish are three years old. If 
spawning starts sooner the proportion reaching maturity and reproduction is 
less than .000269 since the total number per year is one thousand, unless 
all die under six years of age, which is unlikely. 

Mortality before spawning probably substantially correct. Mortality 
after first spawning purely hypothetical. 


For many years it has been increasingly evident to those who 
have consulted old records, or otherwise kept in touch, that the 
supply of our native game fishes, particularly in the more de- 
veloped parts of the country, has been steadily decreasing. The 
fact that this diminution has not attracted the full and respon- 
sive attention which it merits is probably due to a number of 


Brown.—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 148 


reasons. For one, improved facilities of transportation bring 
formerly inaccessible places within easy reach, thereby prevent- 
ing realization of the increased energy expended to obtain fish. 
For another, the changes coming with the slow passage of the 
years are usually so gradual as to deceive; but, should someone 
remember and speak of former abundance, what happens? The 
new generations of anglers growing up are inclined to regard 
statements of their immediate predecessors which concern larger 
catches, both in size and number of individuals, as intended more 
to impress than edify, or, if they do consider the statements as 
seriously intended, attribute them rather to that state of mind, 
sometimes found in those of advancing years, which rather fails 
to find anything quite so good or as plentiful as in years gone by. 

Whatever the reasons may be, it is time that vigorous and 
cooperative action extending our fish culture to include progres- 
sive adjustment of waters should be taken by everyone who is 
in the slightest degree interested in the preservation of our 
fishes, especially the game species, from gradual but certain 
elimination. Inasmuch as streams are less subject to control 
than lakes, it is upon the latter that the first pitched battles in 
the coming struggle of defense must be fought. Our ultimate 
object should be to learn how to develop, from any starting 
point, the ideal body of water whereon the angler shall be the 
only limiting factor. The day may come when a war of con- 
quest will carry our victorious arms, or fins if you prefer, into 
the great river systems, but for the present our backs are to the 
wall to win out on our ponds and lakes. It is here we must stand, 
and fall if necessary, to preserve one of the most remarkable 
heritages of fish life that evolution has yet produced. 


Discussion. 


Mr. C. F. Cuner, Homer, Minn.: Mr. Brown spoke of the poor old 
carp. Did he mean to suggest that the carp was a bad citizen all over 


the country, or was he referring to some particular place? 


Mr. Brown: I think in general that the presence of the carp has a 
bad effect upon our native fishes. In localities where other fishes would not 
naturally be able to maintain themselves, of course there would be no 
objection to the carp. 


Mr, CULLER: The poor old fellow has been condemned from all quarters, 
but have you ever stopped to realize that the carp and the buffalo in the 
Mississippi Valley are of the greatest economic value to that section of 
the country; that there are more pounds of these species of fish caught 


144 American Fisheries Society. 


and marketed in that section than any other kind; and that they reach a class- 
of the people who could not afford a higher grade of fish? Also the carp 
furnishes food for the game fish. There is nothing more destructive to- 
game fish than their own kind. For example, the pike will eat more fish 
in a day than you will eat in a month. 

Mr. Brown: In regard to the use of the carp as a forage fish, I have: 
run across that a number of times in the past year. Some people have ad- 
vocated that the carp should be introduced into natural bass waters with 
a view to their young serving as food for the bass. I went extensively into 
the matter; and it would appear that as the carp increase, though they do- 
not feed directly on the bass, they are nearer to the source of the food 
supply than the bass. The bass have to take their food after a number 
of turn-overs, whereas the carp can feed on the vegetation direct; the re- 
sult is that as the carp increases in size and numbers—and there is a great. 
increase when they first come in—they begin to compete with the bass. 
They tend to eliminate the vegetation by grubbing and rooting in the water, 
and they consume the roots. Dr. Osborn found, a couple of years ago, over 
five thousand seeds of plants in the stomach of a single carp. In this way 
the vegetation is gradually eliminated; and the turbidity of the water, created 
through the operations of the carp, has a very deleterious effect on bass 
eggs, also on the young bass—particularly the small-mouth. In addition to 
this, the turbidity of the water enables swift water-minnows, such as 
chubs, redfins, fallfish, and so on, to operate as if under a smoke screen 
and to take the young bass. The consequence is that the partial protection 
ordinarily afforded by the mature bass to their young is done away with. 

Mr. CuLLeER: Why not hatch them out under proper restrictions? When 
it comes to sport it is hard to beat a 10-pound carp. I have got them on 
live minnows, and I have had some sport with a 10-pound carp; you cannot 
land him unless you have a net. In fact, I have had more sport with a 10-- 
pound carp than I could have with a 5-pound bass. You cannot land a 
carp as you land a salmon. 

Mr. BrowN: What kind of minnow did you use for bait? 

Mr. CULLER: Chub. 

Mr. Brown: How big a fish was it? 

Mr. CULLER: The chub—about 3 or 4 inches. 

Mr. Brown: ‘Then it would appear that the carp do eat live fish. 

Mr. CuLLER: ‘They will eat live bait in certain places—in the rivers; 
that was in the Mississippi River. But do not crush the old fellow out; 
give him a show. 

Dr. EMMELINE Moore, Albany, N. Y.: I have been very much inter- 
ested in the hypothetical problem that Mr. Brown has projected and the 
very interesting and intelligent way in which he has analyzed the steps in 
the solution of that hypothetical problem. But I feel that his conclusion 
is weak in one respect. He states that this hypothetical pond or lake will’ 
have, when it is properly adjusted, only one limiting factor, and that is the 
angler. I cannot quite see how, in a pond so intensively cultivated, the- 
only limiting factor would be the angler. 

Mr. Brown: I expressed the idea that such a thing would be possible: 


Brown—Adjustment of Environment vs. Stocking. 145 


and that we should work toward that end; but the probability would be that 
we might never reach our objective. As said in my paper just read, our 
vitimate object should be to learn how to develop, from any starting point, 
the ideal body of water whereon the angler shall be the only limiting factor. 

Mr. C. O. HayrorpD, Hackettstown, N. J.: I think we are very fortu: 
nate in having Mr. Brown give us this paper. I have known him for a num 
ber of years. Up where he comes from they have a very large lake and 
from the time he was a boy he has had a wonderful chance to observe 
the fish life in that body of water. He became interested in this subject, as 
few boys do; it has been a hobby with him from the start. He informed me 
the other night that he was going much further with his studies. It is 
remarkable the extent to which he has taken the time to count and study 
the fish nests, and do many of the things which he has discussed with 
me. I hope Mr. Brown will continue along this line and later give us a 
further account of any developments in the valuable work that he is carrying 
on. 

Dr, E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: I would like to say one word in 
commendation of this paper. It seems to me to be an admirable supplement 
to Dr. Birge’s paper of yesterday, because after all, when we come down 
to these questions of adjustment, we must know the chemical and biological 
factors that lie at the bottom of it all. As Mr. Brown has said, there are 
many factors to be considered, none of which you can ignore. There is 
especially the question of new diseases, new troubles that arise from our 
artificial adjustments; because after all we are aiming at keeping up the 
proper natural balance of factors—a very ideal condition of things. While 
Mr. Brown’s paper is highly theoretical in its character, it is not entirely 
so; there is a basis of fact there. I have often thought that in surmounting 
the difficulties which arise from over-fishing and from changed ecological 
conditions, the ideal to aim at is not always that of simply making a certain 
body of water self-producing or self-reproducing. I call to mind certain 
bass lakes in Canada and one or two very important brook trout waters 
which are well stocked with fish, but the young fish are reared in other waters 
and brought there to grow to maturity. Let me illustrate: We had a bass 
pond in Ontario in which we placed a great number of parent fish just 
before the spawning time. They nested there, and the young hatched out. 
We immediately removed all the parent bass and left the young in this 
admirable pond, which was well supplied with the natural food. On some 
of my visits to that nursery I found the pond actually black with young 
bass. Now, the parents were put into the main lake, where they were 
accessible to the angler. When the young bass were two or three inches 
in length, then we transferred them to the open waters. It was a solution 
of the problem of keeping up the supply of fish where it is a very difficult 
thing to balance all the ecological conditions for parents as well as fry 
in a large open lake. Similarly brook trout were reared in a stream and 
subsequently planted in another region, but it was found especially suc- 
cessful with black bass. The angler got a much better supply of fish through 
the use of this method of providing a nursery separate from the fishing 
waters. I wish personally to thank Mr. Brown for his admirable paper. 


PROTECTING MIGRATING PACIFIC SALMON. 
By Joun N. Coss 
Director, College of Fisheries, University of Washington, Seattle 


The remarkable development of irrigation and power 
projects, especially in the country west of the Mississippi River, 
has brought to the fore a number of perplexing problems in con- 
nection with our fish life, and unless these can be satisfactorily 
solved our economic and game fisheries are threatened with ex- 
tinction or heavy loss. This is especially true of the Pacific Coast, 
as in nearly all of the rivers debouching into the Pacific Ocean 
occur annual runs of anadromous fish, comprising the five species 
of salmon, also steelhead trout, smelts, sturgeon, lampreys, and 
others. In this connection the writer has thought that the mem- 
bers of the American Fisheries Society might be interested in 
what we have done in the State of Washington to safeguard the 
runs in the Yakima River, one of our typical streams. 


DESCRIPTION OF THE YAKIMA RIVER. 


This river rises in the Cascade Range, near the Snoqualmie 
Pass, flows in a southeasterly direction in Kittitas, Yakima, and 
Benton counties and empties into the Columbia River about 10 
miles above the mouth of the Snake River. The approximate 
length of the river is 180 miles, and it has a drainage area of 
5,970 square miles. It has a number of important tributaries, in- 
cluding Naches, Cle Elum, Kachess, and Teanaway rivers and 
many large creeks. The river water is remarkably clear and 
cold. The river is subject to frequent freshets during the rainy 
season, and as a result of the melting snow in the mountains 
there is a good flow of water even during the dry season in the 
lower reaches. 


HABITS OF THE MIGRATING FISH. 


In order to understand the magnitude of the task it is neces- 
sary to describe briefly the migrations of the salmon, which com- 
prise the vastly greater part of the migrants. 

It is the custom of the salmon, when it reaches the adult 
stage, which period varies with the species, and also within a 
limited range in the case of certain species, to leave the salt 


water and head for the certain stream in which it was born, or 
146 


Cobb.—Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. 147 


in which it was planted. How it finds this particular stream 
out of the many, is still one of the unsolved salmon problems, 
but find it we well know it does. As soon as the salmon reach 
the brackish waters they cease to feed, and from this until the 
end no food enters the stomach. After a period varying with 
the species and the length of the stream, those that escape their 
many enemies reach the spawning grounds. Here they remain 
until the eggs and milt are ripe, when the reproductive act takes 
place. From the moment the fish enters the fresh water a sort 
_of decay of its body sets in. Gradually the body loses the bright, 
silvery appearance it had when first coming in, and replaces it 
with a reddish, sometimes a deep red, color; the scales gradually 
fuse into the skin, the upper jaw becomes elongated and hooked, 
in some dead white blotches appear on the body and these spread 
so that finally the whole body appears one dead white blotch. 
As the fish has ceased to eat, the stomach and intestines, through 
disuse, shrivel up until it would be difficult to insert a pencil 
point into them. Still other changes are noticed in some species. 
But the above is ample to prepare the reader to learn that all of 
these fish die after spawning. 

As a result of this it is not necessary for us to assure a 
return passage to their ocean home for these hordes, but it is 
necessary to do so for their progeny. The eggs deposited by 
the female find shelter in the pebbles at the bottom and those 

“that have been fertilized and escaped their enemies hatch out in 
approximately three months time. They are born with a yolk 
sack and during the first 30 days they live by absorbing this, 
after which they must shift for themselves. The humpbacks and 
dogs go to sea as soon as possible after the sack is absorbed, 
while the others remain in the fresh waters varying periods, 
ranging from three months to sixteen months after birth. 


SAFEGUARDING THE MIGRATING ADULT FISH. 


From the above it can easily be perceived that our first task 
is to assure a safe passage to the spawning grounds of those fish 
which escaped their many enemies in the main Columbia River. 
No commercial fishing is permitted in the Yakima River, al- 
though Indians catch them for home use, and occasionally to 


148 American Fisheries Society. 


sell, with spears in those stretches of the river abutting on Indian 
reservations. 

The first obstruction to the ascent of the fish is at Kenne- 
wick, close by the mouth. Here a dam 42 inches in height has 
been constructed to obtain water for irrigation purposes. The — 
next obstruction is at Prosser, where a dam was constructed — 
some years ago in order to supply power to operate a mill. This 
dam has a fishway of the pool and fall system. 

At Wapato, on the Yakima River a few miles below the city 
of Yakima, the United States Indian Service some years ago 
installed a dam in order to supply water to irrigate land on the 
Yakima Indian Reservation. A couple of miles farther down, 
at Sunnyside, the United States Reclamation Service about the 
same time built another dam to irrigate land outside the reser- 
vation. In the upper dam was constructed one of the finest pool 
and fall fishways the writer has ever seen, being made of cement, 
of ample dimensions, and having an excellent system of control 
gates at the head. In the other was installed a narrow, shallow 
pool system, with openings at the bottom of the pools, and with 
no control gates at the head. As a result there was a steady, 
regular, and ample flow of water through the Wapato fishway, 
while in the Sunnyside there was a seething and wild flow, espe- 
cially when the water was high, which any fish accustomed to 
jumping would have had much trouble in combatting. 

For a considerable time fish culturists paid but little at 
tention to the river, in fact they hardly thought of it, as but 
little attention or consideration had been paid to them when 
the dams were constructed, and it is still a puzzle in one or two 
instances where the builders got their plans for the fishways 
that were installed. If biologists thought of them at all, it was 
doubtless to feel that expert advice had been asked and acted 
upon and that all was well. A few doubting Thomases, how- 
ever, insisted upon being heard and claimed that the fishways 
were not doing the work they were installed for. About a year 
ago Mr. J. W. Kinney, who had assumed office a few months 
before as State Supervisor of Game and Game Fishes, put the 
matter of ascertaining the facts in the case up to the writer, who 
was also authorized to apply such corrective measures as might 
be needed. 

The first task taken up was the determination of the effec- 








Cobb.—Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. 149 


tiveness of the established fishways. Observation at the Wapato 
and Sunnyside dams developed that many fish were to be seen 
jumping at both dams when the annual runs were on, and it was 
noticed that quite a few managed to get over the dams in this 
way, and the bigger the flood in the river the easier it appeared 
to be for the fish. In order to determine whether fish were 
passing through the fishway of the Sunnyside dam, last spring, 
during the steelhead run, a trap was placed at the upper exit of 
the fishway. This trap was left in for several weeks, and during 
that period not a steelhead was captured, the catch consisting 
of squawfish and suckers, none of which are inclined to jump out 
of the water. During this period plenty of steelheads were, 
however, observed jumping along the face of the dam. 

Previous investigation elsewhere had developed that the 
fatal weakness of the standard type of pool and fall fishway is 
that the entrance to the fishway is so far downstream that salmon 
and trout almost invariably miss it, and the writer is impelled 
here to express the fear that but few species of fish other than 
suckers and squawfish would be apt to find it. 

During the preceding winter a plan radically modifying the 
pool and fall system had been prepared and the modified fish- 
ways are now under construction in both dams. In this the 
device is carried a certain distance down stream, then turned at 
right angles, thence turned again to face toward the dam, and 
carried back to the foot of the apron of the dam. This makes a 
structure resembling a staircase with one acute turn and landing 
and in this way reduces at least one-half the extreme distance 
of the fishway below the dam. By making the entrance to the 
fishway parallel to the face of the dam and just at the foot of it a 
convenient and easily found gateway is provided for the salmon 
to enter. A somewhat similar plan has been found to work suc- 
cessfully in the Ament dam on the Rogue River in Oregon, near 
Grants Pass, where it superseded one of the old type which had 
proved worthless. 

As the Sunnyside dam is quite wide, while the river just 
below it is broken up into pools and shallows, it has been de- 
cided to also construct another fishway of the modified type on 
the western side of the dam. In the new pool and fall system 
being installed in the Wapato dam, the pools are 7 feet long by 
8 feet wide by 4 feet deep while the openings for the water to 


150 American Fisheries Society. 


pass from one pool to another are 2 feet wide and one foot deep. 
In the Sunnyside fishways the pools will be somewhat smaller in 
the old one, due to the fact that it was thought best not to alter 
the upper half too much as it is in this case, as well as in that 
of the Wapato, to be incorporated into the new system. 


Another arrangement of the pool and fall system which has 
been found to work well in certain places is that which has its 
entrance in the face of the dam at one side. This type is in use 
in the dam and locks of the canal connecting Lake Union with 
Puget Sound. Here the high bank on one side and the wall of 
the lock on the other side confine the fish in a channel about 
150 feet in width, and as the water is deep along the bank the 
salmon are easily led to the mouth and thence induced by the 
flow of water from the fishway to jump into the first box, and 
thence up until they swim away into Lake Union, some distance 
beyond the top of the dam. In many instances this will be found 
a more feasible and practicable system than one located wholly 
below the dam, and it is our intention to use it whenever possible. 

At this point it might be well to emphasize a fact soon dis- 
covered that only up to a certain point can the fishway be stand- 
ardized. There are no two dams constructed exactly alike, and 
it is but rarely, if ever, that the effects produced by adam 
upon the river itself are uniform. Asa result each project must 
be considered as an entirely separate and distinct problem, which 
must be attacked all over again, and such modifications in the 
regular type of fishway made as investigation develops are 
needed, and the solving of this problem is preeminently the work 
of the biologist. 

The fishway in the Prosser dam was about as worthless for 
migration purposes as the one in the Sunnyside dam, and last 
year a considerable section was torn out and the fish now have 
no trouble in passing through the sluiceway so made. In the 
Kennewick dam a sluiceway about 50 feet in width in the center 
of the dam has been provided. In order to prevent too rapid 
flow of water through this for the fish to breast, three baffle 
boards, two on one side and one about midway of the others 
and on the opposite side have been provided. 

In the endeavor to evolve the best type of fishways for the 
dams on the Yakima a number of plans were prepared, and the 
best of these, in the writer’s opinion, had to be abandoned be- 





Cobb.—Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. 151 


cause the owners of the dams were unwilling to allow the in- 
stallation of anything that required any considerable cutting 
into the dam. One of these provided for a tunnel under the 
apron and the dam itself, and the installation of an enclosed pool 
and fall fishway along the upper side of the dam, with an open- 
ing upstream at the crest of the dam. This opening was to be 
safeguarded from debris and was to be provided with gates for 
controlling the supply of water entering therein. The entrance 
to the fishway was to be at the head of one of the deeper pools 
in which the fish generally congregated. 


SAFEGUARDING THE YOUNG ON THEIR SEAWARD WAY. 


After provision had been made as noted above for the ascent 
of the adult fish, it was necessary to safeguard the young fish 
on their way to the sea, their natural habitat. 

When the course of the river was unobstructed the little 
fish usually came down stream in schools in the late spring and 
early summer. When small tributaries were encountered many 
of the fish would ascend these for some distance, or play around 
inside their mouths, to later resume their interrupted journey. 
For irrigation purposes large ditches, some of them carrying an 
immense volume of water, are constructed and the entrance to 
these is at one or the other side of the dams. They are pro- 
tected by large gates, which are raised to a height sufficient to 
permit the volume of water needed to enter under them. From 
these main ditches innumerable distributing ditches radiate and 
thus carry the life-giving water to the thirsty fields in the area 
covered by the project. Water is usually turned into the ditches 
early in April and shut off about October. 

If these main ditches are left unguarded, the young fish 
appearing a month or more later are almost irresistibly drawn 
into them by the strong current and in a very short period of 
time the younger ones have been carried through the various 
feeders to ultimately find an untimely fate on the fields. Should 
the larger and stronger ones be enabled to keep out of the 
smaller ditches which lead directly onto the cultivated fields, 
their fate is merely postponed until the water is drawn off in the 
fall, and they are left to die in the rapidly-drying ditches. We 
have ocular evidence that many millions of young salmon and 
trout have met such a fate. This has been a terrible drain on 
the Pacific salmon runs, and while numerous attempts have been 


152 American Fisheries Society. 


made to find a way to stop this sapping of our fishery resources, 
it must be reluctantly confessed that the burden has fallen upon 
our fish culturists, who have had almost no aid from the agri- 
culturists ; in fact, the latter have frequently fought the remedial 
measures applied, and it has been necessary to require by law 
that some preventive measures be adopted in such ditches. 
One of the earliest safeguards employed was the placing 
across the mouth of these ditches of a heavy wire screen of small 
enough mesh to prevent the fish from getting through. The 
principal disadvantage of this device was that floating leaves 
and other debris gathered along its face and sometimes almost 
formed a dam of it, and it proved a difficult matter to keep it 
clean. A big wheel, the full width of the ditch, and with a fine 
mesh covering, was then devised and this was found to work 
better than the screen, as the revolving of the wheel due to the 
force of the current prevented part of the debris from accumulat- 
ing on and against it. While a number of these are in use they 
have been successful only in a measure, and the same objections 
have been made against them that are made against the screen. 


Several years ago W. J. Burkey, of Berkeley, Calif., con- 
ceived the idea of an electric fish stop, and shortly afterwards 
got in touch with the Yakima County Fish and Game Com- 
mission. In 1920 he came to Yakima and installed one or two 
of his devices in irrigation ditches nearby. At this time the 
device was an exceedingly crude one, and a little experimental 
work soon developed that while it had some merit it would have 
to be greatly improved to do the work desired. Shortly after 
this the Yakima County authorities purchased the county rights 
for the use of the device. The State Department of Fisheries 
assigned an electrical expert to the work of perfecting it and 
he and E. C. Greenman, County Game Warden, worked with the 
device for several months and finally produced the one now 
in use. 

The present electrical fish stop consists of from two to four 
rows of iron or steel spirals, placed in a vertical position, and 
from two to five feet apart both up stream and across and ex- 
tending from about six feet above high water mark to the bottom 
of the ditch. These spirals are held in position by means of a 
wooden frame which stands entirely out of the water and is 
placed across the canal above the headgates. An ordinary light 








Cobb.—Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. 153 


drop of low amperage, and a voltage of 110 to 120, connected to 
the spirals or electrodes will furnish ample electricity. If a 
power line is not available, electricity may be supplied by a small 
generator driven by a water wheel or gas motor. Copper wiring 
is connected to the tops of the electrodes, and electrical current 
is shot in all directions through the canal in a zone of about 
twelve feet up and down the ditch, and the County game au- 
thorities claim this is sufficient to turn back all fish entering. 
The writer has visited these devices a number of times, but 
has not yet been fortunate enough to witness the actions of fish 
when coming into the charged zone. Those, however, who have 
witnessed them claim that as the young fish drift tail first down 
the stream they are seen to be affected when some feet away 
from the device and immediately swim away from the affected 
zone. It is said that when the device was first put in and charged 


young fish were at times seen around the electrodes and the 


force of the current was sufficient to knock them senseless, but 
they soon recovered after drifting out of the charged area. 


In 1921 the devices were put in the ditches several weeks 
after the water had been turned in and thus it was impossible 
to tell whether the very few fish found in the ditches when the 
water was turned off in the fall had got in before or after the 
devices were installed. This year, however, the devices were 
in place when the water was turned in and conclusive evidence 
of their efficiency will be afforded during the summer and after 
the water is turned off in the fall. 


Discussion. 


Mr. J. N. Coss: I am preparing now a comprehensive report on fish- 
ways of the Pacific Coast. The engineer who has been working with me for 
some time on this problem under my direction has prepared a number 
of plans. I am holding the report up until we test out one or two of these 
devices, but I can assure you that I shall be only too glad to place at the 
disposal of those who are interested any of the plans prepared. I have 


. gathered, as far as I could, plans and specifications of other fishways, and 


would like to enlarge this collection. If, therefore, any of the members 
here know of fishways that I can get plans and specifications of—whether 
they work or not—I should be glad to hear of them; because I would like 
to know what is good as well as what it is wise to avoid. I never knew 
of a fishway that was thoroughly satisfactory, while many of them have 
been absolutely worthless. 

Mr. Cartos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.: Perhaps we are inclined to give 
up the struggle with reference to fishways in this section of the country 


154 American Fisheries Society. 


too soon. We have been inclined to the conclusion that it might be use- 


less to attempt further work with fishways in the streams in our section- 


of the country where we have the more sluggish fishes—the pike perch 
and other fishes which do not leap and perhaps would not adapt themselves 
to the style of fishways that Mr. Cobb may have found successful in his 


streams. But his work indicates that perhaps we ought to make a more 


thorough and scientific study of the question here. I have in mind one 


fishway on the Mississippi River through which the pike perch pass in 


large numbers; we have found that by observation—but it is one of the 


very few I have heard of that pike perch would use. If we can, as he 


suggests, by studying each individual case more thoroughly, devise a fish- 
way through which the fish will pass, we shall have done something to 
meet a very large demand. We have been importuned to require the in- 
stallation of fishways in dams, but on account of the failure of most fish- 
ways we have been inclined to discourage any further efforts along that 
line. 

Mr. N. A. Comeau, Godbout, Quebec: It has been possible for me to 
build two fishways on Canadian rivers, one on the Sheldrake River, about 


15 miles from my place, and another on the Matamak or Trout River’ 


for Mr. Copley Amory, of New York. Both of these fishways have been a 
success. Three hours after I put the fishway on the Sheldrake River the 
fish were ascending. I would be very glad to give you a plan of these 
fishways. The fall on the Sheldrake River was 24 feet, over a great granite 
cliff; on the Matamak it was 28 feet. I built the fishway in the solid rock. 
Mr. CHartes O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: Maine has a number 
of successful fishways of various heights, for landlocked salmon and trout. 
I had charge of one located at the outlet of Rangeley, where many trout and 
salmon ascended annually. The dam was 12 feet high. My experience 


with fishways has taught me that currents have a great deal to do with 


their success, 

Mr. G. C, Le&acu, Washington, D. C.: It is my opinion that a fishway 
is of little value except for anadromous fish; and even then I believe that, 
having regard to the cost of maintenance of the fishway and interest on 
the investment. that in a great many cases a man employed to seine the 


fish from below the dam will put more fish above than any fishway. So: 


far as the more sluggish species are concerned, I think the dam is a pretty 
good thing in the streams; it forms them into pools and places which you 
can stock with fish. In this case I believe you get better results than may 
be obtained, as a rule, in the ordinary open stream. 

Mr. Dwicut LypELL, Comstock Park, Mich.: We have a dam in Mich- 
igan on the Pine River, known as the Welston dam, that is about 40 feet 
high; and at this place there is located one of the collecting stations for 
rainbow trout eggs. On one occasion when I visited the place we opened 
the upper trap of the dam, where the fish make the final leap into the 
water above, and we took out of it 50 rainbow trout; so I have always 
considered that our fishway there was working to perfection. The only 
thing was that we had to close it in order to get any fish below the dam. 
This fishway is composed of a lot of large boxes and the fish jump from 


a 


|, 


« 


Cobb.—Protecting Migrating Pacific Salmon. 155 


one to the other; they also have a place to rest. Particulars as to the con- 
struction of this fishway can be obtained from our department. 

Mr. J. N. Cosz: Our irrigation projects do not bother us so much, 
because the dams are all low. But I have now at my office an application 
for a fishway or some way of getting the fish over a dam 110 feet high. 
The projectors expect to take every drop of water out of the river on 
which the dam will be located, and run it through a sluiceway to the power 
plant, which will be located on salt water. We have at present in use a 
power project with a dam 200 feet high; they put a fishway in the dam, 
the entrance to which is nearly 600 feet below the apron of the dam. 
The State Fish Commission uses it mainly for the catching of squawfish 
and suckers. About half way up the fishway a gate cuts off the ascent 
of the fish, and when the suckers and squawfish get up there they are re- 
moved. Nobody has ever seen a salmon or trout go up this last fishway. 
We don’t find as great a difficulty in getting the adult fish up and over 
the dam as we do in getting the young fish safely over it on their downward 
migration. There is a sluiceway in the Sunnyside dam, but it is too swift 
for fish; there is always a heavy flow of water through it—the less water 
they have in the river the more there is in the sluiceway. The} want to 
use as much as possible of the run of water through the ditches and as 
little as possible over the dams. But we have had the assurance from 
the United States Reclamation Service that no more irrigation projects 
will be considered unless the problem of how to get fish over these dams 
is considered at the same time. 

Dr. E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: The points raised in Mr. Cobb’s 
communication we in Canada have faced for a good many years. We have 
approached this fishway question, it seems to me, from an entirely wrong 
standpoint. Every species of fish has its own peculiar susceptibilities and 
methods, and the same mode of ascent apparently does not suit all. 

Mr. Cobb has told us that every dam is different; there are no two 
alike. There is also the engineering difficulty; I do not see how you can 
erect a fishway in a strong dam without weakening it from an engineering 
standpoint. Many members of this Society will remember that four years 
ago I made a proposal to lift the fish up mechanically*, but I confess that 
I have been disappointed in receiving little encouragement from anybody in 
regard to this device of mine. If you can lift fish a height of 10 feet you 
can lift them with the same device a distance of 100 feet. Apparently most 
fish culturists think it is the wrong way of solving the difficulty; they want 
to make the fish go up themselves, whereas I want to elevate them mechan- 
ically. Mr. Cobb has mentioned the building of dams over 100 feet high. 
Well, if you let the fish climb up that height by a ladder or pass you 
provide a trap from which any poacher can take the fish. The longer the 
fishway the more opportunity there will be for them to take the fish out. 
Fishways are often in out of the way places and very hard to protect. 
Again, in Canada—and I suppose you have the same in many states—we 


*See Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc., Vol. XLVIII, No. 3. 


156 American Fisheries Society. 


have the difficulty in winter of ice forming at these obstructions, with the 
result that many of the fishways are broken up or carried away. 

As to the electrical screens, an electric shock seems to me to be a 
rather harsh method of driving fish away. It may work all right, but 1 
think the simpler method of a revolving wheel or screen would be satis- 
factory; it has worked quite well in some of our western waters. I should 
like to ask Mr. Cobb what kinds of fish he was particularly referring to as 
making the ascent. 

Mr. J. N. Cops: I was referring to the chinook salmon, the silver 
or coho, and the steelhead trout. The red salmon does not run up that 
stream, nor does the dog salmon or the humpback. I assure Dr. Prince 
that I do not think the fish suffer from electric shock; it simply causes them 
to feel a tickling sensation and induces them to move on. We have never 
seen one killed, because the shock is very slight. Some which were playing 
around the electrodes were merely knocked senseless. They drifted away, 
but as soon as they got beyond the influence of the current they revived. 





a 


IRRIGATION CANALS AS AN AID TO FISHERIES 
DEVELOPMENT IN THE WEST. 


By Pron, E, F. Princes, M.A. LL. D:, D.Sc, F. R.-S.-C. 
Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada 


It has frequently been said that irrigation schemes on a 
large scale in western sections of the United States and Canada, 
while they may be the hope of Agriculture, are the grim despair 
of the Fisheries. “You cannot hope to have an abundant supply 
of fish in the same areas as you have irrigation reservoirs and 
canals,” is the assertion of many well-informed people. That 
it is a grave question for our population in the Western States 
and Canadian Provinces cannot be disputed. A well-known 
Canadian railroad official, frankly declared ten or twelve years 
ago before a Fishery Commission, of which the Canadian Gov- 
ernment had appointed me Chairman: “You cannot have irriga- 
tion and fish.” It is because I hold the opposite opinion that I 
have brought the subject to attention at this time. 

After viewing the matter from a variety of standpoints, I 
can see no insurmountable difficulty in providing a supply of 
fish for the people’s food, and even a supply of certain game fish, 
if the conditions are observed, which are set forth in this paper. 
During my visit to Australia in 1914, when I paid special atten- 
tion to the fisheries there, I found vast irrigation schemes on foot 
which involved the erection of huge dams, and extensive retain- 
ing reservoirs, but the conserving of the fish had never been 
ignored, and I may point out that the famous “Murray Cod,” 


-one of the most delicate and delicious of food-fishes, was the 


principal species in the South Australian waters where irriga- 
tion plans on an immense scale were in progress. Of course, 
like most great rivers in Australia, the Murray River, though 
it is 1,200 miles long, dries up to a large extent, forming a chain 
of lakes 40 to 50 feet deep; yet the Murray Cod, really a Serra- 
noid, has continued to abound, the periodical droughts not hav- 
ing killed off the supply. There are always ample areas of water 
sufficiently deep remaining to furnish favorable conditions for 
the fish until normal conditions return with the wet season. 


IRRIGATION SECURES PERMANENT RESERVOIRS. 


The object of irrigation schemes is to prevent total drought 
157 


158 American Fisheries Society. 


conditions, and to hold back ample supplies for distribution over 
arid regions. Just as great cities, in most countries, have created 
water-storage reservoirs, often very extensive ones, to guard 
against failure of drinking-water supplies for the citizens, so 
irrigation secures water for the farmer’s crops. 

My first point is that, apart from the ultimate object of this 
storage of water, these schemes create new possibilities for fish- 
eries, fish-culture, and fish-conservation. In some countries these 
city reservoirs have been stocked with fish, and the issue of 
fishing permits has not only provided a coveted form of recrea- 
tion, but has yielded a substantial annual revenue to many cities. 
It has not been found that such fishing has affected the quality 
or purity of the water for drinking purposes; indeed by per- 
mitting angling, and thus keeping the abundance of fish in check, 
numerous noxious animals and plants have been destroyed by 
the fish, and all ground of fear on the part of supersensitive citi- 
zens has been removed. Some large cities in England have en- 
couraged anglers to resort to these storage reservoirs. Such a 
populous city as Leeds in Yorkshire has done so, and few large 
communities have better drinking water than the town referred 
to. In certain cases I know objections have been raised, as in 
the State of Connecticut, where systematic netting is carried 
out officially, and the catches are transported alive to various 
lakes and rivers in the State, and a system of extensive stocking 
is made possible. Angling was forbidden in the reservoirs, but 
they were utilized as supply-ponds for planting sporting waters, 
and the overcrowding of the reservoirs with fish was prevented. 


INJURIOUS EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION. 


I am well aware that irrigation of “dry belts” has caused 
great damage to fish. Twenty years ago the venerable Dr. 
James A. Henshall wrote, in reference to fish in Montana waters 
especially, 

It is disheartening and discouraging to the Western fish-culturist to know 
that millions of fish, both large and small, annually perish through being 
stranded on meadows and grain fields, as a result of unscreened ditches. 

A Canadian Fisheries officer in the Province of Alberta, Mr. 
M. T. Miller, stated at the Fishery Commission’s sittings in 1910: 


The irrigation ditches have been a great cause of destruction, especially 
in earlier days, owing to fish passing out of the laterals. I had instruc- 





Prince.—Irrigation Canals and Fisheries. 159 


tions, as a Fishery Officer, to secure the screening of ditches, and some 
men did it, but others refused. 

One complaint has been that dams erected for irrigation have 
prevented fish from getting up important creeks, which they had 
been accustomed to ascend. At Maple Creek, in Southern Saskat- 
chewan, about 200 miles east of the Rocky Mountains, the state- 
ment, which I have before me, is that fish are held back below 
the dam, and die in such numbers as to be a nuisance, and that 
the Commissioner of Irrigation being asked to report, obtained 
evidence from local parties asserting that before dams were 
placed in the creek, fish ascended each season as far as they 
could; but now, since the cattle company had constructed irri- 
gation dams, the fish were stopped, and died below. Thus fish 
are either obstructed and held back when migrating and die, or 
they are carried down the ditches, and along the laterals to be 
scattered over the land where they perish. 


SCREENS ARE NECESSARY. 


Both the evil results mentioned can be avoided by providing 
suitable screens. In general such screening is not difficult, 
though trouble and expense cannot be entirely avoided. There 
are cases, it must be admitted, where the difficulties cannot be 
ignored, particularly in very large reservoirs and canals. As an 
example I may mention the Bow River scheme in the Province 
of Alberta. The maintenance of screens in canals of large capa- 
city presents difficulty, but not insuperable difficulty. The gates 
are four feet wide, with a ten-foot head of water, and no less 
than 1,500 miles of ditches can be supplied, under this plan 
operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. It should 
be possible for a company of such importance, immense capital, 
and enlightened enterprise, to devise and install screens, not at 
the actual intake, but below the first water-gate. The placing 
of the screens should be decided in all cases by competent engi- 
neers furnished with discretionary power. The public and the 
sporting section of the community have undeniable rights, and 
estimates of the cost of effective screening, even on the largest 
irrigation systems, can be shown to be a very insignificant item 
annually, compared with the beneficial results to the general 
public. 


160 American Fisheries Society. 


IRRIGATION IN FOOTHILLS AND PLAINS. 


In the hilly regions, among the western foot-hills, the ques-- 
tion is not identical with that on the level prairie. Where the 
water-supply comes from swift mountain streams, the character 
of the water, and the kinds of fish, are in contrast with those 
of more sluggish and warmer water courses, meandering over 
the plains. Superior species inhabit the foot-hill streams, which 
are more esteemed by anglers and more valued on the table. 
The game cut-throat trout or red throat, the fastidious and famous 
grayling, that is to say the true northern grayling, not the Rocky 
Mountain whitefish, also known as Williamson’s whitefish, which 
is popularly called grayling in the West—these are among the 
fishes which make their home in the rapid streams of the hilly 
territory. The slower sluggish water courses over the prairie 
are characterised by pike-perch or dore (the wall-eye), jackfish 
or long-nosed pike, yellow perch, the silvery herring-like gold- 
eye, various catfishes, mullets, and many species of suckers, and,. 
in some localities, the fresh-water ling or cusk, all of which 
fish, at some season of the year, especially in the colder months, 
are very fair table fish, and even the least esteemed can be so 
prepared by salting and kippering as to be very palatable. 





IRRIGATION RESERVOIR DAMS MAY BENEFIT FISH. 


The erection of dams and the blocking of even important 
streams is not always a detriment, for the retention of a large 
body of water may provide more food, cooler conditions, and 
more ample environment for fish, and result in the production of ; 
larger fish and a more abundant supply of them. Local condi- 
tions vary, and a condition that may be injurious in one locality 
may be actually beneficial in another. I can recall two cases of 
substantial benefit to the fisheries due directly to the erection of 
dams which had caused great complaint on the part of mistaken 
enthusiasts. Thus in a stream in Guysborough County, Nova .— 
Scotia, small trout abounded, though at certain seasons some 
large sea trout ascended and later descended and returned to the 
sea; but after the erection of a dam for logging purposes, the 
body of water above was increased, and the trout retained in this 
deeper water increased in quantity and became of much larger 
average size, so that the anglers who complained of the dam at 
first, readily admitted the substantial benefit to fishing which. 


: 
P| 
: 
. 


Cee RA a Be PO ete 





Prince.—Irrigation Canals and Fisheries. 161 


had resulted. In the Grand River in Ontario a dam was erected 
near Dunnville. Owing to complaints that fish could not migrate 
up the river, and that the dam obstructed ascending schoois, a 
fishway was erected; but proved wholly useless. Fish, however, 
above the dam began to increase, and angling greatly improved, 
for such species as black bass and pike perch spawned, and 
the schools of young were retained and could not leave the river ; 
hence the fishing was in every way benefited. The local anglers 
appreciated the situation, and adopted a system of netting bass 
and other fish below the dam and transferring them to the 
deeper waters above, where they permanently remained. Now, 
the canal and reservoirs which form so important a part of all 
schemes of irrigation provide the very conditions for similar fish 
culture work. Asa rule the lakes and streams in northern areas, 
where irrigation systems are being carried out, are shallow, often 
not very pure, frequently affected by saline and alkaline ele- 
ments, reduced or dried up in summer, and frozen to the bottom 
in winter, and thus afford every condition unfavorable for fish. 
A wholly new condition is created by the construction of canals 
and reservoirs under irrigation schemes. Large bodies of water, 
deep, cool, and free from excesssive impurities are created, and a 
great opportunity arises, therefore, for turning them to account 
as fish-producing constructions. Irrigation canals might become 
angling reserves, or, if of larger dimensions, sources of fish food 
for the communities in which they are located. 


What then are the possibilities of securing fish production 
in such larger reservoirs or canals? Insect food usually estab- 
lishes itself in a very short time, often in a few months after 
water is admitted; various fresh-water mollusks, water snails, 
etc., are carried by birds, and rapidly become numerous. But the 
food conditions necessary for fish could be hastened by the trans- 
ference of such aquatic life from other waters. Species of small 
minnows (always excluding the destructive and harmful stickle- 


backs, small fish with three or more sharp spines on their back) 


will require to be introduced in most cases, as there are few 
large kinds of fish which do not prey upon these small species 
or feed upon their spawn and diminutive fry. But the question 
of food for fishes need cause no concern as both minnows and 
insect food and water snails will rapidly increase soon after 
they are introduced. It must, I fear, be taken for granted that 


162 American Fisheries Society. 


the finest game fish, such as the various western trouts and 
graylings, are not suitable. They must have rippling, rapid 
water, gravelly shallows, and the conditions generally which are 
characteristic of mountain streams. The eggs of such fishes 
also are deposited, and the young fish hatch out on sandy or 
gravel areas where the water is swift and aeration is assured, 
and subdued sunlight has access to hasten incubation. 


YELLOW PERCH PRESENT ADVANTAGES. 


There are many species of fish which deposit their eggs in 
glutinous masses, and which do not usually occur in rapid water. 
The yellow perch (Perca flavescens) has desirable qualities ren- 
dering it suitable for comparatively still waters. It is a hand- 
some active fish, a good “pan fish,” and affords considerable sport 
especially when it takes the fly—the black bass flies being the 
best. The eggs occur in tenacious ribbon-like masses, which 
cling to water plants, submerged posts, etc., or may even lie 
folded in a circular form on a soft muddy bottom, where I have 
often procured them in an advanced hatching condition. They 
take five to ten days only to incubate, and the young fry are 
unusually transparent and minute, and well fitted to escape the 
notice of many enemies. They are so prolific and hardy that the 
species is entitled to favor in spite of its low esteem on the part 
of many anglers, and also on the part of epicures because of its 
numerous small bones which are a trouble when it appears upon 
the table. 


Its fighting qualities are undoubted. I have hooked a yellow 
perch of one and one-half or two pounds in weight, when fly- 
fishing for black bass in the swift clear waters of the Upper 
Ottawa River, Ontario, and I imagined, at first, that a good bass 
was at the end of my line. But after much powerful tugging, 
and many vigorous “rushes,” he failed to “break water,” and I 
soon realized that my victim was not a bass. When taking the 
fly it proves a really good game fish, and is, as I have said, so 
hardy and so prolific that it may be regarded as an ideal species 
for many irrigation reservoirs and canals. The only danger may 
be its tendency to spread, and it hatches out so rapidly that it 
soon over-runs adjacent waters, and finding its way into trout 
or bass waters has proved undesirable on that account. Of pike 
or jackfish, suckers, and other kinds of what are called “coarse 





Prince —I rrigation Canals and Fisheries. 163 


fish,” all producing tenacious eggs, usually in gummy masses, I 
need say little. Their sporting qualities are inferior, and in 
southerly areas they are soft and poor flavored. “Poisson mou” 
they are called by French Canadians, and, as the term implies, 
they are flabby and tasteless; but in northern lakes and streams 
they are firmer and sweeter than in eastern and southern regions. 
In waters connected with the Hudson Bay basin I have found them 
firm, white, and so well flavored as to compare favorably with any 
other table fish. One species, the large Channel Cat (Jctalurus punc- 
tatus), is worthy of special mention both for its fine edible qualities, 
and for the sport it furnishes. It is a strong, powerful fish when 
hooked ; but it is voracious, and like the whole Catfish family, some- 
thing of a scavenger. 


BLACK BASS IN IRRIGATION RESERVOIRS. 


The black bass, when planted, may cause disappointment, 
because of its inordinate voracity. It will devour its own young 
if other small fish are not plentiful for food. Where few bass 
could find sustenance a far greater number of yellow perch would 
flourish. Black bass, of both species, nest in shallow water— 
three to six feet deep—and shelves of concrete, or of sunken wood 
covered with gravel would be necessary as nesting platforms. 
Even yellow perch increase more favorably when such plat- 
forms are provided, but they must slope from two to four feet, 
and freezing in early spring, when the water may be low, is thus 
guarded against. Pike perch or wall-eye pike are fine fish, but 
must have shallow gravel areas, over which running water passes 
to produce the best results. 


VARIOUS FORMS OF SCREENS FOR IRRIGATION DITCHES. 


Screens at the intake or inlet of all ditches and canals are 
really essential, especially if there is any communication with 
streams frequented by trout, as in the eastern foothills of the 
Rockies. The complaint of a Canadian Fishery officer that “irri- 
. gation ditches are great cause of destruction. ... but screening 
is possible if properly done,” (Canadian Alberta Commission 
report 1910-11 p. 960) is a common one, though the red-throat 
or cut-throat trout, if of any size, rarely perish; but pike and 
bull trout (Salvelinus malma) commonly do so, as well as many 
small species of fish of little value. 


“I never saw trout in irrigation ditches, or trapped in pools 


164 American Fisheries Society. 


overflowed,” is the statement of an experienced western man 
.... “I have seen suckers and grayling (Williamson’s whitefish) ; 
but trout are too smart, and are never taken in irrigation ditches” 
(Ibid p. 101). A well-known ranchman in Western Alberta de- 
clared: “There should be screens at the headgates. They would 
not clog as there is not enough rubbish to cause much bother.” 
(ibid; p.-99). 

Twenty-five years ago the State of Maine tried to enforce 
a law requiring screens to be installed at the outlets of all lakes 
and ponds (See N. Y. Fishing Gazette, June 25, 1897). The 
amount of leaves and rootlets floating in the water varies in 
different localities; but the device invented by State Warden 
W. F. Scott (Montana), and described in Forest and Stream, 
February 14, 1903, meets the most serious objections. It is 
simply an eight-bladed paddle-wheel, placed in a short flume at 
the head of the ditch, the projecting end of the center octagon 
shaft working in a slot-bearing at each side. If very wide, two 
flumes are advisable, and they so work that any large materials 
or hard substances pass under the paddles because the whole 
wheel rises, the axle being lifted up in the vertical slot at each 
side. Frightened away, it is claimed, by the splashing of the 
paddle blades, fish remain at the upper side of the device at the 
head of the ditch. A modification of this paddle device has been 
suggested, viz., a barrel-shaped frame covered with small-meshed 
wire netting, and fitting the flume closely. I think it was Dr. 
Henshall who proposed the barrel screen, and the use of the 
paddle for motor-power. If the pulley be placed on the projecting 
shafts outside the flume, and the belts crossed, then the paddles 
work in a direction opposite to that of the barrel screen at the 
entrance to the ditch. By this arrangement the device is self- 
cleaning, all leaves and rubbish being carried over, and the fish 
prevented from finding a passage down. In very wide ditches 
two flumes and a double apparatus are advisable. 

A patent screen, invented by Mr. W. Parsons (U. S. Patent 
1166628) resembles the Scott device; but the patent of Mr. 
Dreher, Detroit, Mich., (U. S. Patent 1150348) is provided with 
a paddle bearing long prongs to deter the approach of the fish. 
A more elaborate device is that of Mr. H. Broberg (U. S. Patent 
1147301) which rotates on a vertical not a horizontal shaft, and 








Prince.—Irrigation Canals and Fisheries. 165 


its inventor has claimed that fish are deterred from passing down 
and it cannot be clogged by floating rubbish. 


CONCLUSION. 


It appears far from chimerical to assert that large canals and 
reservoirs, constructed for supplying water for irrigation, offer 
great possibilities for fish culture, if suitable species of fish be 
used for stocking, and if spawning shallows be provided, and 
the fry after hatching be prevented from escaping into the 
ditches and laterals. 

Great facilities are being provided in dry belts of the country, 
where native fish are usually scarce, for creating fish reserves 
and establishing a fish-supply for sport, or even for commercial 
purposes, and of guarding against the destruction of the fish 
already occurring in the local lakes and streams. 


POLLUTION OF INLAND STREAMS. 
By M. D. Harr 


Richmond, Virginia 


History teaches us that the march of civilization has found and 
always will find man encroaching upon the habitats of our wild 
life, and in using the land and water for human necessities, wild 
life must gradually yield its domain. The task ahead of the wild 
life conservationists is not to undertake to arrest the laws govern- 
ing human progress, but rather to direct man’s course so as to con- 
serve as much as possible for his use natural resources of im- 
mense importance to him economically and recreationally. 

There is not a wild life conservationist who does not sub- 
scribe to these fundamentals. The game departments of every 
state in the Union trace their creation back to the efforts of the 
men who hunted and fished, and any state game and fish depart- 
ment which fails to realize its source of power and which does 
not lend a sympathetic ear to the hunters and anglers within its 
confines is doomed sooner or later to perish. So the leaders in 
this great cause should take these men absolutely into their con- 
fidence, and though we may now and then be forced to take certain 
positions seemingly antagonistic to the interests of hunters and 
anglers on account of the far-reaching future consequences we 
can foresee, minute and thorough explanations should be made 
publicly. 

The subject of stream pollution is a burning issue in every 
eastern state. The habitats of the fish, like those of the big game 
of America, are being taken up for man’s use. The fish will have 
to give way like the bison, the elk, the moose and the antelope. 
At the sessions of the general assembly of every state in the east 
it is the rule rather than the exception to find proposed drastic 
pollution laws submitted for enactment. Heading and pushing 
these measures are’to be found enthusiastic anglers; opposed to 
them, the various enterprises polluting the streams and destroy- 
ing the fish life—recreational interests versus money interests. We 
state game department officials naturally are aligned solidly behind 
the interests given to our keeping. We appear before legislative 
committees and lay down the great, fundamental principles that 

166 








Hart—Pollution of Inland Streams. 167 


no man or set of men have any moral right to contaminate a na- 
tural resource such as water belonging to all of the people any 
more than they have a right to contaminate the air; that no man 
or set of men, by the same token, have the right to use the water 
unless they return it to its natural beds or channels in the same 
purity as when taken by them. But we get nowhere, because we 
assume to lead in these fights when the primary interests, such as 
the state departments of health and the state departments of agri- 
culture, should be in the vanguard and we poor little Isaak Waltons 
in the rear guard and commissary department. You might just 
as well put a six-year old boy in the ring with Dempsey and expect 
him to win as to pit all the anglers in any state against all the 
millions commandeered by these polluting industries. 


I am fundamentally against unnecessary pollution. I am fun- 
damentally in favor of manufacturing industries and the use of 
certain water courses by them, the damaging refuse to be cared 
for where possible. Otherwise, to my mind, the feasible solution 
is to have surveys made of the streams in each state, setting aside 
certain of them for industrial enterprises and certain of them 
for recreational purposes. Thus the angler will not be denied his 
health-giving outings, and on the other hand your industrial enter- 
prises will be relieved of that constant fear that they will be put 
out of business by some legislative act. 

I do not know that anybody ever suggested this plan before. 
I am satisfied that in some of our eastern states it would not work; 
for in some of them nearly every stream is polluted. But there 
are states—Virginia, for instance—which have some open streams, 
and it is just a question of time when something will be done 
which will result in their being polluted. The scheme, therefore, 
should receive consideration where pollution has not found its way 
into every stream of a state. 

I feel, too, that the matter of publicity regarding pollution has 
not been handled as it might have been. If you ask the average 
man you meet in the country—or in the city, for that matter— 
what his opinion is as to how long it will take water to clear itself, 
he is apt to say it will do so within a distance of twenty miles 
everytime. We know that that depends on the kind of pollution, 
the amount of pollution, the rapidity with which the water is run- 
ning, and so on. In fact, in the case of some kinds of pollution the 
water never gets clear. Now, I have been in several aquaria. I 


168 American Fisheries Society. 


have been in the aquarium at Washington, which is a splendid one. 
This thought suggests itself to me: that you put a sign up in the 
aquarium stating that this kind of game fish can be reared in 
certain waters provided that the water is not polluted. Before the 
Virginia Game Department was established the United States Bu- 
reau of Fisheries did not send us many fish because they thought 
that we in Virginia did not protect the fish. We are getting our 
share now. I feel satisfied that sometimes they have not sent fish 
to Virginia because those fish were requested for certain rivers that 
the Bureau was satisfied were polluted. 

You gentlemen who are doing so much for the anglers and to 
whom the anglers are so much indebted for the scientific work that 
you are accomplishing, ought to pay some attention to the pollution 
end of it. The anglers do not seem to organize as the hunters do; the 
hunters are the men who get legislation, and anglers for the most 
part come to us when they want anything of that kind. If we will 
interest the state health departments and the departments of agri- 
culture in this pollution business, I believe we can secure legisla- 
tion; but until we do we are not going to get anywhere. 

As to the nature of the pollution, or trade waste in our inland 
streams of which I am speaking, it is at one place, for instance, 
a sulphite that is doing most of the damage. Our state has taken 
action to prohibit these mills from emptying their trade waste into 
our streams, but we have never got anywhere. We have a law 
prohibiting any man from putting any noxious or deleterious sub- 
stances into a watercourse whereby the fish therein may be de- 
stroyed. But when you take a case into court you have got to have 
the fish there and you have got to prove that that fish was destroyed 
by the pollution of which you are complaining. We may have 
three or four saw-mills on a river where the sawdust is killing the 
fish. We may produce evidence to show that the fish are being 
affected by sawdust in the gills, but then we have to prove that the 
particular saw-mill we are after put that sawdust in the river; and 
when it comes to a criminal action of that kind—well, you simply 
cannot do it. 

Discussion, 


Mr. A. L. Miniertr, Boston, Mass.: I find myself in accord with Mr. 
Hart’s ideas as to publicity being one of the best weapons to combat this 
menace of pollution. I also feel that if you are going to discuss pollution 
you should not confine it to the streams. The states have control also 
of the coastal waters, and there you find the greatest of all pollution, that of 


a, 


Hart.—Pollution of Inland Streams. 169 


-oil, Furthermore, it is useless for us to discuss this pollution matter unless 
we take into our confidence or into our conferences the business men and 
‘those whose interests would be affected by any legislation that might have 
the effect of hampering or wiping out certain industries. We know that 
you cannot combat big business when it is established three or four miles on 
each side of a river. It is of no use for us to think that we can put that 
business out of the way for the sake of a few fish; it simply cannot be done, 
and it would not be good judgment to try it. But as Mr. Hart says, there 
are many streams that have not been encroached upon and which we 
could control or hold forever for the use of the angler. 


Mr. Hart: When we were presenting that pollution bill, fashioned 
closely after the New York and New Jersey laws, at the last session of the 
state legislature, we sent for Mr. J. W. Titcomb; we anglers and sports- 
men thought that his testimony before the committee would be such that we 
would not have much trouble getting the bill through. Mr. Titcomb is a fair 
and square man; he told the legislative committee considering the bill that 
neither the State of New York, the State of New Jersey nor any of the 
other states, were enforcing their pollution laws strictly, for the simple 
reason that they had too much business sense to put industrial enterprises 
out of business. I would like Mr. Titcomb to tell us what he said down 
there. 


Mr. J. W. Trtcoms, Hartford, Conn.: I explained the general effects 
of pollution—its destructiveness to oxygen and its effect on the’ growth 
of vegetation, and all that sort of thing that everybody is familiar with. I am 
not a pollution expert, but I made some general remarks along that line 
‘to help Mr. Hart with his bill. I told Mr. Hart beforehand I was sorry 
that they had introduced a bill which it would be impossible to enforce 
without killing industry. When I finished, members of the committee 
questioned me, asking if there was any solution for the problems presented 
by certain pollutions such as the discharge from dye factories, from sulphide 
pulp plants, and so on; and I had to confess that we had no solution. It 
seems to me that all our work in connection with the purification of our 
waters must be devoted to a study of the problems involved and of methods 
of taking care of the wastes which cause pollution. 


Mr. Hart: I do not want you gentlemen to think that I oppose in any 
way the development of processes to take care of pollutions. I understand 
that Germany has made more progress in this line than most other coun- 
_ tries; and I hope our scientists and experimenters will continue that work. 
I do not doubt that from the economic standpoint you have streams that 
it would be better to turn over to your industrial enterprises; on the other 
hand, I do believe that the anglers of the state have some rights. We have 
started out on a proposition now looking to the establishment of public shoot- 
ing grounds. Why are we doing that? Because practically all the land has 
been taken up and the hunter who does not belong to a club has been shut 
off. Well, if you do not take steps to protect your watercourses, or some 
of them, for the anglers, you will find yourselves in a situation similar to 


170 _ American Fisheries Society. 


that which now prevails in respect to hunting. It may be many years; it 
may be twenty-five, fifty, or one hundred years from now, but if something 
is not done you will eventually be faced with the same conditions that we 
are facing down there in the east. 





THE MASKINONGE: A QUESTION OF PRIORITY IN 
NOMENCLATURE. 


By E. T. D. CHAMBERS 
Quebec, Canada 


One of the most prominent members of the American Fisheries 
Society, the learned Doctor Prince, of Ottawa, in a paper pub- 
lished by the Dominion Government, some years ago, on “The Ver- 
nacular Names of Fishes,” furnished some interesting illustrations 
of the diversity of names applied by different people to the same 
fish. In the course of his article, he said: 

As a rule these early names—Indian or Indio-French names, which thé 
early settlers continued to apply to animals, because they were already in 
use—always more or less accurately describe features in the forms on which 
they were bestowed. Thus the name maskinongé, commonly, but very 
erroneously, spelt muskellunge or mascalonge in the United States, is really 
an Indian name, the Chippewa name for pike being kenosha and the prefix 
mis or mas means large or great, so that maskenosha or maskinoge (cor- 
rupted into maskinongé) is really a large, deformed pike. 

In the case of Esox nobilior, or Lucius masquinongy, whose 
popular title in its original form, like that of the ouananiche, comes 
down to us, as correctly claimed by the late Fred Mather, from its 
Indian nomenclature, an apparent desire to get away from French 
orthography has produced a somewhat similar confusion of lan- 
guage to that which so long existed in the case of the ouananiche. 
The original spelling of the Indian name was undoubtedly “maski- 
nongé,” and such it is officially called in the statutes of Canada, 
in which country the fish was first known and the name originated. 
According to Bishop Lafleche, who was a recognized authority upon 
Indian customs and dialects, and in his early life a devoted mis- 
sionary to the Northwest, ‘“maskinongé” is derived from mashk 
(deformed) and kinonjé (a pike), and was applied to the Esor 
nobilior by the Indians, because it appeared to them a deformed 
or different kind of pike from that to which they had been accus- 
tomed. The river of the same name that flows into Lake St. Peter, 
which name has been extended to the town built at its mouth, and 
to the county of which it is the chief place, was so called from 
the number of these fish taken in or near its estuary, and after 
their Indian name. And it is a singular corroboration of the abso- 


171 


172 American Fisheries Society. 


lute correctness of the French orthography “maskinongé,” that 
no less an authority than Dr. James A. Henshall, the author of 
the paper on this fish in “American Game Fishes,” following the 
nomenclature of Dr. Mitchell, as quoted by De Kay in his “Fishes 
of New York,” substitutes for nobilior, as the scientific name of 
this particular species, masquinongy, which is about as near as it 
is possible for English orthography to go in representing the correct 
pronunciation of “maskinongé.” Yet Dr. Henshall claims that by 
common consent and custom the name is “mascalonge”’ among the 
majority of anglers and that “mascalonge” it will be for genera- 
tions to come. Nor does this mongrel name represent the full 
extent of the departure from the original name. Dr. Henshall 
mentions, among other forms, “muscalonge,” ‘‘muskellunge,” “‘mus- 
kallonge,” etc., and a variety of other spellings has been adopted 
by other writers. ‘“Muskellunge’—one of the forms already quoted 
is the name employed to designate the species by Dr. G. Brown 
Goode, in his “American Fishes,” and is as far removed from the 
original name as “winninish” is from “ouananiche.” It may take 
some time to arrive at uniformity in the spelling of Esox nobilior’s 
familiar name, but it is encouraging to note the general conformity, 
in recent years, to the name “ouananiche,”’ which is the statutory 
designation in the country in which that fish is found, and it may 
be useful to point out that “maskinongé” is also the statutory 
form of the name of another Canadian fish, and, like ‘‘ouananiche,” 
has in its favor the undoubted claim of priority of nomenclature. 


Dr. Tarleton H. Bean has declared in a contribution to “The 
Encyclopedia of Sport” that the priority of the Indian word “maski- 
nongé” is well supported. Dr. Gunther, a fellow of the Royal 
Society, and for many years keeper of the Zoological Department 
of the British Museum, avoids altogether the word “mascalonge” 
in his voluminous “Introduction to the Study of Fishes,” and de- 
scribes the fish as “muskellunge” of “maskitongé.” 


That splendid American sportsman and angling author, Mr. 
Genio C. Scott, admirably summed up many years ago some of the 
reasons which compelled his use and advocacy of the orthography 
maskinongé. In his “Fishing in American Waters,” he says: 

The Ojibwa name of this fish is “maskanonja,’ meaning long snout. 
When Canada was a French colony the habitants named it masque-longue, 
signifying long visage I submit that the Ojibwa was entitled by priority 
to the right of naming the fish; but, as the Dominion of Canada has named 


‘ve Tier 2 


_ 


Chambers—The Maskinongé. 173 


it again, and in all legal enactments where there is reference to it the name of 
the fish is writtn maskinongé, I willingly accpt the modification instead of 
either the Indian or the French name. Thus much in explanation of naming 
a fish which has puzzled most ichthyologists and anglers, so that they have 
been uncertain and dubious on the point. The name is maskinongé. 

And to emphasize his concluding statement, Mr. Scott printed 
the name in small capitals. 

I might continue to quote from other distinguished writers 
of fish and fishing, notably from Mr. Whitcher, from Mr. Wilmot, 
from L. Z. Joncas, from Professor Ramsay Wright, of the Univer- 
sity of Toronto; from A. N. Montpetit, author of the exhaustive 
book entitled “Les Poissons d’eau douce du Canada’; from Cas- 
tell Hopkins, in his “Cyclopedia of Canada”; from Sir James M. 
LeMoine, D. C. L., in “Les Pecheries du Canada,” and from many 
more, did time and space permit; though I am satisfied that enough 
has been said to show that the employment of the form “masca- 
longe” is far from being as general as some suppose and that if 
uniformity of nomenclature is to be looked for in the case of the 
fish in question, with any prospect of success, it must be upon the 
basis of the name by which it has been officially known for con- 
siderably over half a century in the country in which it was first 
found and described by white men—which has received the general 
indorsement of writers upon fish and fishing—and which by Mr. 
Genio C. Scott, in 1849, and by the North American Fish and 
Game Protective Association in 1904, has been alike declared to be 
“maskinongé.” 

However, the Bard of Avon, whose frequent references to 
hook and line shows that he was quite as well up in angling as in 
botany, is authority for the statement that “a rose by any other 
name smells quite as sweet,” and no matter how we spell the name 
of the great game fish of the St. Lawrence, the angler who takes it 
with becoming tackle, will find that he has a foeman worthy of 
his steel. 


This is not going to be a monograph on the maskinongé for 
there are already excellent ones in print, but you may be interested 
in a few captures of the fish that have occurred in recent years in 
some Canadian waters. There the favorite fishing grounds are in 
the St. Lawrence, a little below where the boundary line between 
Ontario and Quebec crosses the river. Other popular resorts of 
the fish are in the neighborhood of Vaudreuil and Isle Perrot, 


174 American Fisheries Society. 


which are only one hour’s run by railway from Montreal on the 
roads leading to Ottawa. 

Some time ago, a fourteen-year-old boy named Wanklyn was 
trolling near Isle Perrot from a boat in which were his father and 
sister. His bait was a perch nearly a pound in weight, the dorsal 
fin of which, with its sharp rays or spikes, had no terrors for the 
huge-throated fish which gorged himself with it and became im- 
paled upon the hook. It may well be imagined that the boy had 
a swift time for half an hour or so with his new connection. When 
it was first found possible to bring the fish close up to the boat, 
Mr. Wanklyn struck at it with the gaff and impaled it at the first 
attempt. Its weight was such, however, that the effort to lift the 
fish into the boat tore the gaff out of its body, and a stream of 
blood marked its course as it writhed in the water, lashing it into 
foam and then placing a considerable distance between itself and 
the boat. It was not very long before it was again brought to the 
side of the boat, and the gaff having a better hold in the body of 
the fish this time, it was safely, though not without considerable 
difficulty, lifted over the stern of the boat. Even then it was not 
killed without considerable difficulty and some danger of upsetting 
the boat. The head of a maskinongé, when well mounted, as this 
one certainly is, makes a very handsome trophy. 

A few years ago, the Ontario Department of Fisheries at 
Toronto received a magnificent specimen of maskinongé, over five 
feet long and weighing fifty-two pounds. It was caught in the 
branch of the Rideau River, which passes through Kemptville, by 
Sam J. Martin, of Kemptville. Big as this specimen was, it has 
been cast altogether in the shade by a capture by a French-Cana- 
dian, Mr. Alphonse Allard, at Chateauguay, on the border of the 
St. Lawrence, a little west of Montreal. This monster, which 
was sixty pounds in weight, had a girth of twenty-seven inches. 
The length of the head from the tip of the snout to the back of the 
gill was exactly a foot. 

Most maskinongé are taken with hand line and trolling spoon, 
and hauled in hand over hand, so that the fish have no opportunity 
of displaying their game qualities. When, however, one fishes with 
an eight-ounce black bass rod and brings a St. Lawrence maski- 
nongé of thirty-two pounds fairly to gaff on it in twenty minutes, 
as Dr. Henshall once did, he has certainly enjoyed twenty minutes 
of exciting sport, and has reason to be proud of his achievement. 





§ 
¢ 
‘ 
x 


-_ 


Chambers ——The Maskinongé. 175 


On a taut line, the maskinongé often leaps clear of the water, and 


being a powerful fish, requires at this time very careful handling. 
The great difficulty, with light tackle, is to keep the maskinongé 
from running into and entangling himself in the weeds, rushes, 
or sunken tree tops in which he probably lay concealed when he 
rushed for the angler’s bait. This cannot always be done, but there 
is sport in trying it and good assistance can be rendered the fisher- 
man by his guide, who should know enough to pull for deep water 
immediately a fish is hooked. The rod should not be more than 
nine feet in length, and eleven or twelve ounces in weight, but the 
hook should be fastened to the line on a gimp snell, for the teeth 
of the fish render gut impossible of success. 


Discussion. 


Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: This matter of nomenclature 
in fish culture as applied to fish is a very important one. Some of our 
fishes in the United States that are known by certain names in the north- 
ern sections are entirely unknown, so far as those names are concerned, in 
southern sections. For instance, our trout in the northern sections are not 
so designated in the southern portions of the United States, but the bass 
down there are called trout. It would be a very good thing, both in the 
United States and in Canada, if we could have some uniformity of nomen- 
clature. But I suppose, as Mr. Chambers explains, these names are handed 
down through different races—the Indians, the French Canadians and Eng- 
lish—with the result that some differences creep in, and after a few genera- 
tions the name becomes changed. I think Mr. Chambers’ paper in a very 
interesting one and bears on a subject to which more attention ought to 
be paid. 

Dr. E. E. Prince, Ottawa, Canada: The fact that we have had a 
paper like this, upon a literary phase of the fisheries, is an illustration of 
the variety of topics covered in the discussions and proceedings of the 
Society. I have great sympathy with Mr. Chambers’ contention. He re- 
ferred to an old official report of mine on “The Vernacular Names of 
Fishes,” in which I showed how utterly hopeless it was to understand what 
we were talking about when we used popular names. 

As Commissioner of Fisheries for Canada, almost every year I have 
this question put to me: What is a pike, and what is a pickerel? It is on 
of those qtestions almost impossible to answer, because you must first of 
all ask the questioner: What do you mean by a pike, and what do you mean 
by a pickerel? We in Canada use certain names in one sense, while in 
the United States they are used in another. I may say that eleven or twelve 
years ago Dr. David Starr Jordan and myself had the task assigned to us 
by our respective governments of drawing up international regulations for 
the contiguous waters of Canada and the United States. We decided upon a 
list of the names which we would use in our regulations, and when Dr. 
Jordan heard my arguments—which were very much the same as Mr. 


176 American Fisheries Society. 


Chambers has given us, though not quite, because Mr. Chambers has gone 
into the matter very much more thoroughly—he agreed that maskinongé 
was the correct mame; and on behalf of the United States Dr. David Starr ~ 
Jordan adopted that name in the international regulations. 


The term “muskellunge,” so far as I can see, originated through a mis- 
take. Anglers who came into Canada from the United States found a fish 
called the “longe” or “lunge”—that is the big lake trout; and when the Ind- 
ians and French-Canadians spoke of “maskinongé,” by some means the visit- 
ing anglers confused “lunge” with “maskinongé’; and so we got this word 
“lunge” imported into the name of a fish that never in all its history 
was called “lunge.” ‘“Maskinongé” has a meaning; it describes the fish 
accurately; ‘“‘muskellunge” means nothing and describes nothing. As Mr. 
Chambers has pointed out, it is a comparatively new name; it does not date 
back very far. The name “masquinongy” occurred in the Canadian Fisheries 
Act and has been there for at least fifty years. I would strongly urge the 
adoption of names which have an historical as well as a descriptive basis. 

Mr. C. F. Cutter, Winona, Minn.: I would like to know the difference 
between the northern pike and the maskinongé. 


Dr. PrincE: There are several differences. The northern pike has little 
spots of white spread out on a darker ground, whereas with the maskinongé 
there are darker marks on a pale greenish or brownish ground. 


Mr. CHAmBers: As a rule the markings on the great northern pike, 
Esox lucius, are oblong in shape, a pale oblong spot; whereas the darker 
spots on the lighter ground in the maskinongé are very much smaller, 
rounder and darker. These, of course, are the body markings. 


Mr. Leach: The markings are very apt to change according to the 
water in which they are found. In the St. Lawrence, where water is per- 
haps swifter and somewhat different in color from the water in some of the 
inland lakes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, the markings are apt to be differ- 
ent. That is true of almost any fish; the character of its food and en- 
vironment also has an effect upon the markings. The State of New York 
a few years ago issued a little placard illustrating the different species of 
pike and gave a brief description of each, so that there would be no con- 
fusion between pike, pickerel, and pike perch. 

Dr. Prince: Of course the scales on the cheek and operculum are 
quite different. On the cheek in the northern pike they pass all the way 
down; but half-way down on the gill cover; whereas in the great maskinonge 
they are cut off hali-way down on both cheek and gill cover. The small 
chain or grass pike has scales all the way down on cheek and gill cover. 

Mr. E. W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn.: Do I understand, Dr. Prince, that 
you consider the great northern pike to be the same fish that we call the 
pickerel—Esox lucius? 

Dr. Prince: Yes; that is what is called pickerel in most of the states. 

Mr. E. W. Cops: And that the “muskellunge” is distinguished by the 
scales being on the upper part of the cheek and’ gill covers only; that is. 
correct, is it? 





')? - =— = 


ee 


Chambers —The Maskinongé. 177 


Dr. Prince: Yes. At the same time, there are several species of the 
jackfish or northern pike. There is the big northern fish, Esox lucius, and 
there are a number of other varieties. You would never confuse these with 
the maskinongé, which is really a very large fish; it runs to a considerable 
size. : 

Mr. E. W. Coss: In Becker County, Minnesota, we have a fish that 
some call pickerel and others that are called northern pike. They are dis- 
tinguished by the difference in size; there is also an oblong, light-colored 
spot which indicates the pickerel. You will find them with that identical 
cheek and gill-cover marking, following back from the eye. But the whole 
thing is very confusing to us. 

Dr. Prince: The publication referred to by Mr. Leach makes that 
plain; every species is described so that confusion can be avoided. 

Mr. E. W. Coss: I have that; but on this fish I found the identical 
scale marking that he finds on the “muskellunge.” I could not convince 
anybody up there that these fish were “muskellunge,” because they have 
identically the same markings as the pickerel, and are the same shape. 


Dr. PrINcE: Maskinongé is not a fish that is thought to extend to 
the far west, though a letter has recently reached me from a correspondent 
who claims that it occurs in South Saskatchewan. 

Mr. E. W. Coss: We have what we call the “muskellunge” in the 
upper Mississippi—a somewhat darker fish with dark bands. It is a very 
beautiful fish. Its coloration is hard to describe, but when it comes out of 
the water it shows a brilliant golden color as though it were draped over 
with something like glistening sheen, showing underneath a sort of change- 
able glistening hue. Some of them weigh 30 to 35 pounds. 

Mr. CHAMBERS: I have some sympathy with the use of the name 
“pickerel” for “pike,” because I remember that in England the small pike 
are called pickerel. But unfortunately, in Canada, and I suppose also in 
some parts of the northern states, the name “pickerel’ has been applied 
erroneously to the pike perch, or the doré, as it is known to French- 
Canadians. 


THE BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SMOLT 
PERIOD IN CERTAIN SALMONOIDS 


By Wiiu1AM M. KEIL 
Tuxedo Park, N. Y. 


In a paper read before this Society at the last meeting, the 
writer made the following statement: “If good results are to be 
expected from the planting of landlocked salmon and _ steelhead 
trout in lakes containing no permanent tributary streams, the fish 
must not be turned out into such waters until they have passed the 
parr stage and begun to take on the silvery coloration of the smolt.” 
Such a statement needs substantiation, and the purpose of this 
paper is to present to the Society the results of over twelve years 
of experimental investigation of this subject. Preliminary to this 
it will be necessary to give a brief outline of the stocking oper- 
ations that were instrumental in bringing about this study. 


There is probably no other angling water in the world where 
the results from planting salmon and steelhead have been so care- 
fully recorded as at Tuxedo Lake. For over twenty-five years an 
accurate record has been kept of not only the number and size of 
the fish planted, but the number, size and condition of those taken 
by anglers as well. During the years from 1900 to 1906, both of 
the above varities were planted either as nineteen-months-old fish 
in the fall or two-year-olds in the spring, and the fishing registers 
at the boat houses show that approximately 50 per cent of the 
numbers turned out were retaken by anglers. This lake also con- 
tains great quantities of bass, perch and pickerel, and the good 
results secured by this method of stocking was at that time at- 
tributed entirely to the size of the fish planted. While thousands 
of good-sized fish of the two kinds were taken by anglers each 
season, the salmon especially, were not in the best of condition, 
and the club fish committee was informed that in all probability 
these fish were being stunted by being retained too long in the 
hatchery pools. Several well known authorities advised the plant- 
ing of fingerlings, and as an experiment, the committee decided to 
turn out great quantities of these, rather than a smaller number 
of the older fish. The hatchery was given instructions to put out 


178 





Keil—Smolt Period in Salmonoids. 179 


everything as fingerlings in the fall, and for three years following, 
an average of 200,000 were planted each October. 

This change of method in stocking had a very noticeable effect 
on the fishing within a year’s time. The catch of salmon and steel- 
heads dropped from 3,100 the preceding year, to 1,644 the following 
season. No small fish were taken by the anglers; but for the first 
season at least, it was thought that the fingerlings had not grown to 
a size where they would take the lure. The records for the next 
two years tell the whole story; 786 fish were taken in 1908, and 
but 30 in 1909, with no immature specimens taken by angling or 
observed around the mouths of the brooks or elsewhere in the 
lake. Previously, many small male steelheads would be taken in 
the collection of breeding fish in the small tributary streams during 
the spring freshets. It must be kept in mind that this lake, like 
hundreds of others in which salmon and trout are planted, is fed 
principally by springs; and that the few small brooks that empty 
into it are dry by the middle of summer and usually remain so 
until the late fall or winter. Had there been permanent tributary 
streams in which to plant these fingerlings, the results no doubt 
would have been entirely different. 

Of the lot of fingerlings reared during the summer of 1909, 
15,000 of the largest were sorted out, pushed ahead as rapidly as 
possible, and 5,000 planted as 6 and 7?-inch yearlings in May, 1910. 
The remainder of the lot were carried through, for it had been 
decided to resume the planting of older fish. Careful observation 
of the movements of these yearlings after they were turned out, 
disclosed the fact that instead of separating and going out into deep 
water as was the habit of the two-year-olds, they remained together 
in schools, swimming around near the shore and congregating at 
the mouths of the brooks at such times as these streams were in- 
fluenced by heavy rainfall. As the surface water grew warmer 
toward the middle of summer, they gradually disappeared, and it 
_ was thought they had gone down into the deep, cold water of the 

bottom. None of them were taken by angling that summer or fall, 
nor was there any evidence the following season to show that any 
had survived. The yearlings that had been carried through (4,900 
steelheads and 3,114 salmon) were planted in November, 1910, 
averaging about 9 inches in length. The summer of 1911, several 
hundred of these were taken running from a pound to a pound 
and a half in weight. By the fall of 1911, the hatchery was so 


180 American Fisheries Society. 


regulated that approximately 6,000 of 8 to 10-inch fish could be 
planted each season, and the records of 1912 show the catch coming 
back to normal with 2,200 taken, averaging 2 pounds. 

It is not the intention in this paper to enter the controversy 
that has arisen between fish-cultural workers over the relative 
value for stocking purposes of fry, fingerlings, or yearlings; but 
rather to point out that with fishes of these varieties, nature has 
shown us in an unmistakable manner the time at which they should 
be turned out into the open waters of lakes. It was while the 
fingerlings were being planted and producing no results, that the 
writer first began to doubt the prevailing belief that their disap- 
pearance was due to predatory fish. It did not seem credible that 
all of them should be eaten up however numerous the bass and 
pickerel. This opinion was further strengthened by the peculiar 
actions of the year-old fish that were planted, and by their disap- 
pearance also. Why should 19-months-old fish of 8 and 9 inches 
produce good results, and 12-months-old ones of 6 and 7%, none 
at all? 

During the summers of 1910 and 1911, the writer visited a 
number of waters in New England where landlocked salmon were 
being planted as advanced fry and fingerlings. In every instance 
where good fishing had followed the planting of salmon in these 
stages, it was found that the lakes either had good sized streams 
emptying in them, or a considerable permanent overflow at the 
outlet. At most of these places, while it was reported that the fish 
had been planted directly into the lake, hundreds of small salmon 
in both the fingerling and yearling ages were observed in the 
streams tributary to or flowing from such lakes. One of the finest 
locations for a study of these conditions was found at the Averill 
Lakes in northern Vermont. These two lakes, which furnish 
angling not to be excelled elsewhere in New England, are con- 
nected by a stream of about a mile in length. Little Averill—the 
upper lake, is fed by springs and by a small tributary inlet at the 
northern end. In both this inlet and the connecting stream be- 
tween the upper and lower lakes, many hundreds of salmon parrs 
could be seen and readily taken by means of net or minnow trap. 
They were of both the first and second summer’s growth, with the 
bars and red-spot markings very conspicuous. The length was 
from 1% to 5 inches, and during three weeks of observation in 
July, no examples were taken showing the least signs of assuming 


~<a 


pio } 


Keil—Smolt Period in Salmonoids. 181 


the smolt coloration. One of the local guides who had promised 
to send certain information, reported that fall that the larger 
of these fish had turned silvery and was beginning to move out of 
the streams. 

In order to determine the average age or size at which this 
color transition takes place, in both salmon and trout of a migra- 
tory type, five seasons were spent in gathering data for compari- 
son. This was necessary on account of the great variation in fn- 
cubation and growth during different seasons and at various locali- 
ties. From observations upon thousands of specimens of known 
age, it was definitely established that with fish of normal growth, 
this change from parr to smolt begins during the latter part of the 
second year. 

All writers handling the subject of the life history of the 
Atlantic salmon, while briefly mentioning the remarkable color- 
change of the young fish previous to migration, studiously avoid 
commenting on the probable significance of this change. No doubt 
it would be regarded as an adopted protective coloration, were it 
not for the fact that it takes place before rather than after migra- 
tion. This change of the trout-like parr to the silvery smolt, is 
not one of color alone, for there are several anatomical changes 
as well. During this stage, the form, fins, and especially the tail, 
take on certain characteristics of the adult fish; while the sexual 
organs, as if in preparation for functioning, undergo their first 
real period of development. The silvery, metallic-like appearance 
at this time is not caused by the formation of new scales, but by 
the depositing of a pearly pigment over the sides and gill-covers 
of the fish. This, in the opinion of the writer, is nature’s method 
of armor plating that portion of the body containing the thousands 
of tiny ducts, whose functions would be impaired or destroyed 
by the tremendous water-pressure of lake or ocean. It was with 
this idea in mind that the following experiments were carried out, 
which resulted in evidence so definite in character that they may be 
regarded as having solved the entire problem. 

These experimental tests were carried out to determine what 
effect or influence the water-pressure had on landlocked salmon 
and steelheads in the various stages from advanced fry to 2-year- 
olds. In order that the results might not be influenced by factors 
other than water-pressure, the experiments were conducted at such 
times as the water temperature and dissolved gases were uniform 


182 American Fisheries Society. 


from surface to bottom. Those members of the American Fisheries 
Society who are familiar with limnological work, and with the ex- 
tremely short periods during the spring and fall, when such con- 
ditions are found, can understand the length of time required to 
carry out these tests. In each experiment the apparatus and 
methods of procedure were the same. A wire cage containing the 
fish was attached to a measuring line and lowered 6 inches at in- 
tervals of one minute each. At every 5-foot mark the cage was 
raised, at the same degree of speed, to the surface for observation. 


No. 1. April 12, 1914—Six landlocked salmon, advanced-fry (feeding 
two weeks) returned from 5-foot depth in uneasy condition; from 10 feet, 
all dead. 

No. 2. April 12, 1914—Six 10-months-old steelhead; 5 feet, no change; 
10 feet, ail distressed, three had changed to pale color; 15 feet, five dead 
with one in very feeble condition, which upon being returned to hatchery 
died later. 

No. 3. April 13, 1914—Four yearling salmon and four 22-months-old 
steelhead; 5 feet, no change; 10 feet, all salmon changed color; 15 feet, 
one salmon dead, others distressed; 20 feet, all salmon and one steelhead 
dead; remaining steelheads lowered to 55 feet with no bad effects except 
slight change in color. None of these steelheads died later in the hatchery. 

No. 6. November 10, 1015.—Four 19-months-old salmon and four finger- 
ling steelheads; 5 feet, no change; 10 feet, two steelheads dead, all uneasy; 
15 feet, other steelheads dead; 20 feet, two salmon distressed, others normal; 
25 feet, one salmon dead; from 30-foot depth to 55 feet, no change, and 
two saimon in normal condition and one distressed were returned to hatch- 
ery. None died later. 

No. 12. November 14, 1915.—Six fingerling salmon, all died between 
the 10 and 15-foot depths. 

No. 21. March 27, 1916—One 2-year-old salmon with smolt coloration 
and one 20-months-old steelhead with partial smolt development were lowered 
to 60 feet without visible ill effects. 

No. 24. April 3, 1917—Two precociously-developed yearling salmon of 
6 and 6% inches, with indications of abnormally early smolt development, 
were killed between the 20 and 25-foot depths. 

No. 25. April 4, 1917—Two 2-year-old salmon, which still retained the 
parr markings, although the spots had faded to a faint orange. One died 
at 40 fect, the other remained normal. 

No. 29. April 11, 1921—At Sterling Lake, N. Y., two 2-year-old salmon 
and two steelheads 22-months-old, as fully developed smolts, were lowered 
to a depth of 110 feet without ill effect or noticeable change in color. 

The above tests were taken from a list of fifty-four, which 
were brought to a conclusion in November, 1921. Many of them 
were in duplicate and were made in order to confirm former re- 


sults and for the purpose of post-mortuary examination with micro- 





j 
. 
‘ 


Tr er iS 


Keil—Smolt Period in Salmonoids. 183 


scope. Such examinations disclosed many unusual organic dis- 
turbances and lesions. The most important one in respect to the 
subject under investigation was the peculiar distorted condition 
of the lateral-line canals; and it is believed that the inability of 
the parrs to withstand a high pressure was due to the unprotected 
nature of these ducts at this stage of their development. 

These experiments, observations, and stocking experiences, 
have given us a number of clearly established facts upon which to 
exercise Our common sense; and it should not be at all difficult 
to understand what has happened to millions of our landlocked 
salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout. Such fish planted while in 
the parr stages in spring-fed lakes without tributary streams, are 
unquestionably thrown away. Unable to find streams where nature 
intended them to be at this age, or to descend to depths in the 
lake where suitable food and temperature are to be found, these 
fish swim aimlessly around in the surface water and eventually 
disappear from one cause to another. 


BRIEF NOTES ON FISH CULTURE IN MICHIGAN. 
By Dwicat LyYDELL 
State Fish Culturist, Comstock Park, Mich. 


This is to be but a very brief outline of two or three points 
in extension of the paper which I presented at the meeting of the 
Society at Ottawa, in 1920, under the title, “Progress in Practical 
Fish Culture.” It has occurred to me as of possible interest to 
direct attention to the marked expansion of fish-cultural work now 
going on in the State of Michigan. As a result of these efforts the 
state will, it is believed, equal the efforts in any other state in the 
production and distribution of food and game fishes. We are build- 
ing a number of new fish hatcheries and these, together with the 
ones already in use, will give a total of 16 plants. Their locations 
and the species propagated are as follows: Detroit, perch and wall- 
eyed pike; Drayton Plains, perch, bluegills, and large-mouth bass; 
Hastings, bass, perch and bluegills; Mill Creek Station, perch, blue- 
gills, bass, wall-eyed pike and trout; Paris, trout; Harriette, trout; 
Grayling, trout; Sidnaw, trout; Sault Ste. Marie, trout; Harris- 
ville, trout and bass; Wolverine, trout; Oden, trout; Thompson, 
trout, bass, perch and bluegills; Marquette, trout; Watersmeet, 
trout; and Benton Harbor, perch, bass, bluegills and trout. 


We are making preparations to handle at least 25,000,000 brook 
trout each year, and at least 8,000,000 of these will be raised to 
fingerlings or past the fry stage. One of the important reasons 
why this is being done is because of the fact that in the spring 
the condition of the roads and of weather makes it almost impos- 
sible to plant fry in some of our northern waters, especially in 
those of the upper Peninsula. 


Further attention is called to propagating bluegills, which mat- 
ter was also referred to in the article presented in 1920. There 
have been some developments since which may be of interest. In 
preparing the rearing ponds they are drawn dry in the fall and 
left dry until well frozen out. In some cases they are left dry all 
winter. In the spring they are generally fertilized, if necessary, 
and then a small flow of water is turned on to let the temperature 
increase gradually. Water fleas soon become very numerous and 
that is about the time we introduce our bluegills. 

184 





Lydell_—Fish Culture in Michigan. 185 


Since our experience of two years ago, instead of using cheese 
cloth frames around the margin of the pond we now use any pan 


or box partially filled with sand. This is placed in the pond and 


the bluegills are deposited therein. They will rise three or four 
times and settle back; when they rise finally they swim away. Food 
is so plentiful in the pond that they get all they want until they 
are about three-fourths of an inch in length, when they will begin 
to come ashore; then we start feeding them. They will come from 
all sections of the pond; you can see thousands of them coming 
to get the food. 

Anyone having in mind to take up this work will find it very 
interesting indeed. There is a great demand for bluegills in Mich- 
igan, especially in the southern part of the state. 

Discussion. 


Mr. G. C. Leacu, Washington, D. C.: I would like to ask Mr. Lydell 
if he ever tried to take bass eggs off the nest with a glass tube and hafch 
them ? 

Mr. Lypetu: Yes, we took some small-mouth bass eggs in that way and 
had a 75 per cent hatch. But it is not practicable. You can go on our 
rivers and lakes where they are spawning, and at the right stage, when the 
little fish are turning from the transparent stage to the black stage you 


an get them with a tube and put them in your ponds and raise them. But 


we have not had a chance to do that where we are; there are no nearby 
streams to make it possible. Moreover, it is not as sure as the bluegill work, 
because most of our small-mouth bass are in the rivers and if the least bit 
of a freshet occurs you cannot see the nest. In the lakes, however, where 
the bluegils are, you can keep them under observation from time to time 
until they had reached the stage that you are waiting for. One season’s 
experiment will determine where they are. The tubes used were one-half 


- inch in diameter and 30 inches long. We feed clam meal and also use it as 


fertilizer. Before the water is put in we sow about 100 pounds to a pond 
300 feet long and 100 feet wide. 

Mr. C. O. Hayrorp, Hackettstown, N. J.: Do I understand Mr. Leach 
to ask if we take bass eggs off the nest and hatch them? We had three 
or four pairs of bass spawn before we moved them from the wintering 
ponds to the spawning ponds. When we drew these ponds to take the adult 
bass out there were three or four nests of small-mouth eggs. We rinsed the 
eggs off the stones into ordinary dish pans, then placed them in a Chase 
hatching jar. We followed the same process as in the case of hatching 
pike perch eggs, and a large percentage of them hatched. It has occurred 
to me that we might do some work of that kind in removing eggs from the 
reservoirs or streams. To what extent it could be carried on I do not know. 
When the eggs were removed from the nest the embryo was just beginning 
to show a little under the microscope. They developed more slowly in the 
jars. 


FISH-CULTURAL WORK OF THE BUREAU OF FISHER- 
IES IN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. — 


By C. F. CuLner 


U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Homer, Minn. 


The work of the United States Bureau of Fisheries in the 
Mississippi River Valley consists of the reclamation from over- 
flowed lands of stranded food and game fishes, or “rescue work” 
as it is more commonly known, mussel infection operations, and the 
propagation of cold and warm water fishes. Also scientific work 
is conducted at the Biological Station at Fairport, Iowa. All of 
these operations are carried on in the immediate vicinity of the 
Mississippi River. Fish cultural activities are also conducted at 
the Bureau’s stations at Manchester, Iowa, where rainbow and 
brook trout, black bass and rock bass are handled; at Neosho, Mo., 
where the same species are handled; at Mammoth Springs, Ark., 
where small-mouth bass and crappie are handled; and at Tupelo, 
Miss., where black bass, crappie, and sunfish are propagated. But 
it is felt that no branch of the Bureau’s fish-cultural work has at- 
tained more rapid development during the past few years than 
the Mississippi River rescue operations, the development and 
growth of which is manifested not only by the ever-increasing 
numbers of food and game fishes saved each season, but is also 
marked by decreasing cost of production. 

Normally, the Mississippi River is a wide shallow stream flow- 
ing peacefully within its banks; but in the spring its waters are 
much swollen, due to melting snow and spring rains, and many 
thousands of acres of bottom lands and islands along its course 
are inundated. All through these lowlands are numerous lakes, 
sloughs, and small ponds, which during the low water are entirely 
cut off from the main channel and which are ideal spawning and 
feeding grounds for various species of fish. This is the greatest 
natural spawning ground of warm water fishes in the United 
States. The eggs are laid under conditions favorable to their de- 
velopment and the young fish attain a rapid growth before the 
freshets begin to subside. At this time a majority of the adult 
fish find their way to safety in the main channel, but the young 


186 





_——— 


Culler—Fish Cultural Work in Mississippi Valley. 187 


do not react promptly to the falling waters and enormous num- 
bers are cut off and become permanently landlocked. 

The lakes and sloughs left by the falling waters are of various 
sizes and depths; some of them dry up in a few days or weeks, 
while others become so shallow that the fish will freeze during 
the winter months. The shallower pools freeze solidly, while in 
the deeper ones the fish are so highly concentrated that death by 
smothering is inevitable, even though the pool does not freeze 
solid to the bottom. From these lakes and sloughs millions of 
fishes of all warm water species found in the Mississippi River 
are taken by the rescue crews and transferred to the main channel 
of the river or to a running slough, a small percentage being held 
for distribution to other waters. 


The need of some sort of salvage work has long been recog- 
nized and the first attempts to save a few of the stranded fishes 
occurred in the late nineties. It is only in recent years, however, 
that the work may be considered as approaching a point commen- 
surate with the need. In the past the lack of funds and trained 
personnel has worked a great disadvantage; however, Congress 
at the last session recognized the needs of the situation by provid- 
ing a suitable personnel so that this important work can be further 
extended in the future. 

The territory now covered extends from Prescott, Wis., on the 
north to Savanna, Ill., on the south; and the experimental work is 
being carried on in the vicinity of Rock Island to determine whether 
sufficient numbers of fish can be rescued at reasonable cost. Head- 
quarters for the work are at Homer, Minn., with sub-stations at 
La Crosse, Wis., and Marquette and Bellevue, lowa. These points 
represent the centers of the most prolific fields. 


Some lakes and sloughs are not as productive as others, some 
having but a few thousand fish while others have large numbers. 
As an example of large numbers that are sometimes caught in 
one lake, the crew at Lynxville, Wis., seined a large shallow lake, 
the maximum depth of which was 28 inches, and carried 182 tubs 
of miscellaneous fish to the main channel. This represented a 
saving of 1,250,000 fish, or an average of approximately 7,000 per 
tub. These numbers seem large, but when it is taken into con- 
sideration that small carp an inch long will run approximately 
1,200 per quart and small bullheads from 1,800 to 2,000 per quart, 


188 American Fisheries Society. 


it can readily be seen that the figures are not excessive. It will 
also give an idea as to the immensity of the work. 

During the season of 1921, there were 178,100,161 miscel- 
laneous fishes rescued and returned to the main river. Of these 
506,394, or 29-100 of 1 per cent were shipped elsewhere to stock 
lakes and streams. The average cost in all fields in 1921 was 17.3 
cents per thousand. When the work was first undertaken a num- 
ber of years ago the cost was $3.18 per thousand. 

Comparison of the cost of the rescue work with that at a 
station is clearly in favor of the former. The average cost of pro- 
duction of warm water fishes at a pond station is approximately 
$5.50 per thousand, while rescue operations have handled the same 
species at a cost of 13.5 cents per thousand, the cost varying with 
the price of supplies and labor conditions. If the fish rescued 
during the season of 1921 had been purchased from commercial 
dealers or reared at pond stations, the cost to the Bureau would 
have been approximately $979,550, while the actual cost, exclusive 
of the salaries of the regular employees, was $30,811. The com- 
parison is obvious. 

In connection with the rescue of stranded fishes, such species 
as are suitable hosts for larval mussels are infected with the glo- 
chidia and released; thus a double service is accomplished with only 
a slight increase in cost of the work as the same men perform 
both services. 

The pearl button industry of this country is dependent on thé 
mussels of the Mississippi River and its tributaries for raw mate- 
rial, hence keeping up the supply is of more than local importance. 
There is probably not a man, woman or child in the United States 
today on whose clothes there are not pearl buttons manufactured 
from Mississippi River mussels. ‘There is no other known mate- 
rial as suitable for buttons of this type as the fresh water mussel. 

In nature the mother mussel liberates the baby mussel when 
the gill pouches become filled with ripe mussels, and the little mus- 
sels pass out into the water with no known destination. If the 
proper fish, or host as it is known, happens to be swimming by, 
all well and good; the little fellow is carried on the gills as the 
fish breathes, and fastens there and stays until it has reached the 
stage when it can begin life on its own initiative. The length of 
time the larval mussel is carried on the gills of the fish is depend- 
ent on the temperature of the water. If no fish happens by when 





ee oe ee 





Culler—Fish Cultural Work in Mississippi Valley. 189 


the larval mussel is ejected from the gill pouch, it drops to the 
bottom and dies. It can be seen that nature is quite uncertain and 
haphazard in her method of reproduction of commercial mussels. 
By artificial propagation this can be remedied to a very great ex- 
tent; nearly all species of game fish are suitable hosts for mussels 
in greatest demand by the pearl button manufacturers, and these 
fishes are infected with glochidia before they are liberated in the 
river. As showing the success of this work, the muckets in Lake 
Pepin have increased in the past six years from 28 per cent to 62 
per cent. Also the yellow sand shell shows an appreciable in- 
crease on the lower Mississippi River and the White and Black 
Rivers in Arkansas. 

Inasmuch as the fish taken from warm water during the rescue 
operations cannot safely stand a long railway journey, those in- 
tended for distribution are taken to the nearest holding station, 
where they are hardened for several days in cold running water. 
After this they are shipped by messenger or in the Bureau’s dis- 
tributing cars to all parts of the country. Fish have been sent to 
stock depleted waters in states as far east as Massachusetts, as far 
south as Alabama, to Arizona in the southwest, and to Montana in 
the northwest. In addition to its own distribution, the Bureau fur- 
nishes fish to the states bordering on the Mississippi River, where 
rescue operations are conducted. It is probable that many of these 
fish are planted in waters connected with the Mississippi River 
drainage system. Rainbow and brook trout are hatched and reared 
at La Crosse, Wisconsin, for distribution in the states in this sec- 
tion, with the idea of assisting the several states in keeping up the 
supply of these species. 

At different points along the Upper Mississippi River eggs are 
taken, fertilized, and planted on the natural spawning grounds to 
aid in keeping up the supply of these valuable species of commercial 
fishes. The eggs taken in this manner would otherwise be an 
_ absolute loss, as they are from fish caught for the market. It is 
the intention of the Bureau to extend this work as far as available 
funds will allow. 

In Louisiana the Bureau has been operating the only buffalo- 
fish hatchery in the country for the past four years. The hatchery 
is situated in the middle of the Atchafalaya Swamp, one of the 
greatest spawning grounds of buffalofish in the country. Appre- 
ciable results are shown in reports received from the Conservation 


190 American Fisheries Society. 


Commission of Louisiana telling of large quantities of undersized 
fish being caught in the sections where the greater portion of the 
buffalofish fry have been planted in the past. In the season 
of 1923 it is expected that a new buffalofish hatchery will be built 
on Bayou Plaquemine by the State of Louisiana in cooperation 
with the Bureau. These two hatcheries should do much to insure 
the future supply of buffalofish in Louisiana. The field employes 
working from the Atchafalaya Station have made minor investiga- 
tions in regard to the spawning habits of the spoonbill catfish or 
paddlefish as it is known in some places. Very little is known of 
the life history of this species, and it is hoped to get some definite 
data another season. 

The Bureau has also endeavored to cooperate with the several 
states in their propagation of all species of fishes and has at differ- 
ent times detailed experienced employes from the Fish Rescue 
Station to take charge of work in certain sections. As all are 
working to a common end, the spirit of cooperation that now exists 
between the several states on the Upper Mississippi River and the 
Bureau of Fisheries will mean increased activities and results that 
will be immeasurable. 

The rescuing annually of millions of landlocked fishes, plant- 
ing of hundreds of millions of commercial larval mussels on proper 
host fishes, the rearing of millions of commercial and game food 
fishes is surely indicative of the Bureau’s usefulness in the Missis- 
sippi River Valley. 

The Bureau’s work in this field, especially the rescue work, 
is receiving each year more and more recognition from those in- 
terested in fisheries and conservation of the country’s natural re- 
sources. Numerous letters are received urging the extension of 
this valuable work to new fields, but until Congress recognizes its 
importance by providing additional funds, new fields cannot be 
opened. The possibilities for the further extension of the Bureau’s 
activities in rescue operations, mussel infection work, and propa- 
gation of commercial and game fishes are very great. The field is 
only partially covered, as there are many unbroken miles of river 
bottoms where no rescue work or mussel propagation has been done 
and many sections where the propagation of commercial fishes has 
not been conducted, that surely would produce good results if only 
funds were available. It is hoped that Congress will give special 
recognition to these needs. 





Culler—Fish Cultural Work in Mississippi Valley. 191 


The above-outlined fish-cultural operations, including rescue 
and mussel infection work, are of more than local interest. The 
food fishes of the Mississippi River Valley receive a wide distribu- 
tion in the trade, while the number diverted for stocking other 
waters is of national importance. In fact, the importance of this 
fish-cultural and reclamation work as a means of increasing the 
food supply, furnishing sport for the angler, and maintaining the 
pearl button industry, can hardly be equalled in any other field, 
when cost, results, and quick returns are considered. 


Discussion. 


Mr. E. W. Coss, St. Paul, Minn.: We have received each year con- 
signments which we have taken out and distributed to applicants. Formerly 
we carried on rescue work down nearly to the Iowa line. To work over 
the same ground with the Bureau of Fisheries, of course, was useless dupli- 
cation; so we took the territory north of Prescott, the Bureau working 
our side of the river south of Prescott; and they send us numbers of fish 
for distribution. 


Mr. G. C. Leacn, Washington, D. C.: In the past few years the 
various states along the upper Mississippi River have conceded to the 
Bureau the right to rescue fishes along the border waters of that river. 
Very amiabie arrangements have been made, and I believe that they have 
been the means of increasing the efficiency of the work. In the early days 
the state legislatures did not seem to recognize the importance of the salvage 
of large numbers of food fishes. They would make a small appropriation 
and expect it to run over a period of two years. If it happened to be a 
very good year for the salvage of food fishes, the state would probably ex- 
pend the fund in the first year; the next year they would have no funds 
and would appeal to the Bureau to take up the work. In view of these 
sporadic arrangements with regard to funds, it was found necessary for 
the Bureau to take over the major part of the work on a cooperative basis, 
and the states very generously assisted. We have, therefore, been working 
in close cooperation, and I think that is one reason why we have been able 
with our personnel to obtain greatly increased numbers of fish. ‘The states 
are assisting to a considerable extent in the distribution of fish, receiving 
them at the Bureau’s holding stations located at certain points along the 
river, and distributing them in their own waters. That is one thing that 
.the Bureau has considerable difficulty in doing; the railroads in the states 
seem to recognize that the state should have certain concessions in regard 
to rates that they would not grant to the Federal Bureau. 

Mr. W. E. Barber, Madison, Wis.: What proportion of the fish rescued 
are of the bass family? 

Mr, Cutler: Last year we rescued about 700,000 bass. The greatest 
number rescued were catfish, crappie, sunfish, carp, and buffalo. It might 
be interesting to refer to the sunfish. Four years ago, out of 34,000,000 
fish rescued we handled only 600,000 sunfish; last year, out of 178,000,000 


192 American Fisheries Society. 


we handled 51,000,000 sunfish, There are points along the river whéte 
fishermen had not been catching sunfish and crappie for twenty years, but 
where this summer they were able to get the limit each day. Wabasha is 
one place; Fountain City, Lynxville and Marquette are others. Up to 
the first of September this year (1922) we had rescued and planted back 
in the river over 70,000,000 fish and about 145,000,000 larval mussels. 


Mr. J. W. Titcoms, Hartford, Conn.: This is not exactly rescue work 
I am going to speak about, but it may be of interest to some of the com- 
missions. In the State of Connecticut we have many lakes and ponds that 
are accessible to 20,000,000 people by driving 100 miles; in other words, a 
circle drawn around the center of the state takes in 20,000,000 people. Now, 
to keep these ponds and lakes supplied with the warm water fishes is quite 
a problem. The numerous cities in the state have water supplies which are 
mostly natural ponds and lakes; and as a sanitary precaution, it is unlawful 
to fish in them. This season we are getting concessions from the officials 
of these municipal reservoirs under which the Board of Fisheries is allowed 
to trap the fish in them and transfer the fish to the lakes and ponds 
which are open to public fishing. We argued that if we were allowed to 
net these reservoirs periodically for the purpose of stocking the public 
waters, anglers would not be tempted to fish them surreptitiously. The people 
who allowed us the privilege were authorized to post the lakes over the 
name of the State Board of Fisheries and Game; and we patrol the reservoirs. 
so far as it appears to be necessary in order to safeguard them against pol- 
lution by poachers. The first reservoir yielded about 8,000 pounds of pickerel, 
bullheads and perch, consisting of fish ranging from one-half pound to five 
pounds in weight—a large proportion of them before they had spawned. 
Another lake yielded principally small-mouth bass. We got started only 
this spring, rather late in the season; but we now have concessions from the 
officials of five other cities, and some of these officials have charge of five 
or six reservoirs. It is a very interesting proposition, and I do not see why 
it should not work out in some other states. We have, in other words, 
a pond cultural proposition worth many millions, under which we can go 
and get our bass and other warm water fishes for the restocking of these 
much-fished ponds and lakes. 








PROBLEMS OF THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES FROM 
PRODUCER TO CONSUMER. 


By J. H. Martruews 
New York, N. Y. 


It would be manifestly impossible to detail all the problems 
confronting the commercial salt water fisheries. Each branch of 
the industry has its own problems, which are seriously reflected 
in all other branches. 

The problems of the producer begin to develop before he lands 
his first fish. A fisherman must first obtain his boats and equip 
them with the necessary nets, gear, bait, ice, etc. He must secure a 
license to operate his boats. He must have packages in which to 
ship his fish to market. Often he must employ extra labor in the 
handling of his production. It is often necessary for him to seek 
financial assistance to outfit his operations. Many times, his equip- 
ment and season’s work are mortgaged far beyond their intrinsic 
worth. He sometimes spends days, even weeks, without taking 
enough fish to supply even his own family. When production be- 
comes great and when he should receive the greatest returns for 
his labor and investments, he usually finds the market glutted and 
his returns probably no greater than a small percentage of his 
catch would bring if production was equal to demand. 

There are times when he is made to suffer financial loss by 
unnecessary restrictive legislation. Many bills are presented in our 
legislatures, imposing prohibitory license fees and taxes on pro- 
duction, regulating the size mesh of nets and the length of seines, 
prohibiting fishing in certain areas, regulating the seasons when 
certain varieties may be taken, and various items in opposition to 
the needs and interests of the fisherman, and absolutely unessential 
to conservation. The fisherman’s calling, though of equal import- 
ance, is more precarious than many other branches of industry. 
’ He should receive the same measure of support and encourage- 
ment as that now extended by the Government to other industries. 

Many of the problems of production could be solved by the 
Federal Government with the cooperation of the various states and 
through appropriations for the Bureau of Fisheries large enough 
to broaden and expand the work to include exhaustive research 


193 


194 American Fisheries Society. 


and investigations as to the resources of the seas, to increase the 
number of marine biological laboratories with competent scientific 
staffs, and fish-cultural stations for the propagation and distribution 
of commercial food fish. The development of practical ideas and 
methods in the economic exploitation of the fisheries; the demar- 
cation of fishing grounds, employment of scout vessels, hydroplanes 
and wireless communication in locating and following up seasonal 
migratory fish; practical instruction in the handling and packing 
of fish for shipment to distributing centres; the dissemination of 
information as to costs together with sources of supply of gear and 
equipment, particularly nets, twine, bait, ice, packages and all com- 
modities essential to production; and recommendation for the re- 
peal of all unnecessary legislation and the substitution of genuine 
conservation measures are all helpful suggestions. 


POLLUTION. 


Pollution is exercising a great influence over our supplies of 
fish, particularly the anadromous salt water fishes which spawn 
in our rivers and brackish coastal waters, and, what is more im- 
portant, the destruction by pollution of their food supply in inshore 
waters, such as the minute pelagic forms of plant life and crusta- 
ceans. 


The waters of our rivers and harbors, along the banks of which 
great manufactories are located, are favorite dumping-grounds for 
waste materials of all kinds, the most injurious to the fisheries being 
oil-waste and tar. Drainage of waste oils and tar from gas-houses 
and oil refineries, the accidental leakage and wanton discharge of 
fuel oil by oil-burning vessels, are responsible, to a great extent, 
for the depletion of our inshore fisheries. Waters such as the 
Kennebec River in Maine, the Connecticut and the Hudson Rivers, 
New York Bay, Chesapeake Bay and many others, for years famous 
for their production of salmon, shad or striped bass, have in the 
past few years become nearly barren of these valuable fish on 
account of this most destructive agency—pollution. That the greed 
of the commercial fisherman is not wholly to blame for the depletion 
of these waters is borne out by the fact that, from time immemorial, 
fishermen have been taking the fish, and the runs have been as great 
one year as another, until the waters became contaminated with the 
pollutions of civilization. 

In framing measures of conservation, the subject of pollution 





a ee ee oS 





Matthews.—Problems of Commercial Fisheries. (195 


should be given very serious consideration. Legislation with very 
heavy penalties, prohibiting the discharge of polluting materials in 
any fish-producing waters or in any stream emptying into such 
waters, would undoubtedly be one of the means of reestablishing 
in a very few years these former valuable fisheries. 


TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRIBUTION. 


Much has been written concerning transportation of fish and 
products of the sea. Market conditions are of such a nature that 
the wholesale selling price is not based on the cost of production, 
but upon the law of supply and demand. 

The fisherman cannot store up his catch in anticipation of 
favorable market conditions. He must ship his fish to the dis- 
tributors at the earliest possible moment. Many times during 
periods of glut his fish do not bring transportation charges, not 
considering remuneration for his labor and cost of packages and 
ice, nor the expense of the distributor in handing the fish. The 
transportation company is practically secured against loss, as its 
charges must be paid at time of delivery. 


It is of national importance to place on our markets, without 
loss, but at reasonable prices, wholesome and nutritious foodfish 
in good condition. Fish is the most perishable of all foods and 
should receive the closest attention and preferential treatment. 
Rapid and thorough distribution is a vital factor in the develop- 
ment of the industry. To attain this end, better transportation 
facilities are essential. Tariffs reduced to a reasonable rate, in- 
sulated and refrigerated cars, with more efficient train service will 
make it possible for fish to be carried to the most distant points 
in perfect condition. 

The following extract from the address of former Senator 
Beveridge in Indianapolis on June 7, 1922, applies very forcibly 
to the fishing industry: 

The product of all labor must pay railway charges, and the price of 
every article is affected by railway rates. Cost of living, scales of wages, 
profit or loss of farmer, manufacturer and merchant, all depend on this 
vital economic element, and whatever prevents reasonable railway tariffs 
and sufficient railway facilities must be removed. 

Retail Distribution—tThe retail distribution of fish is of vital 
importance to the industry inasmuch as the average consumer 
comes in contact with the industry, solely through the retail dealer. 
Careless and unscrupulous dealers have created much prejudice 


196 American Fisheries Society. 


among consumers by selling fish of poor or inferior quality and also 
by representing some of the cheaper and inferior grades to be 
more popular and expensive varieties. The unsanitary conditions 
of many fish markets is another factor in discouraging a more ex- 
tensive use of sea-foods. The average housewife makes her pur- 
chases of fish only one day in each week, many believing fresh fish 
can be obtained only on Thursday or Friday. Due to this fact, 
the dealer’s expenses and overhead for the entire week must come 
out of one or two days’ business. 

The housewife in making her purchases of meat does not 
consider quality, knowing it is up to the standard set by the Gov- 
ernment or it would not be offered for sale; but, in purchasing sea- 
food, usually the first question she asks is in regard to its quality. 
She is invariably assured that the fish is absolutely fresh. 


Practically all of the abuses retarding the wholesome increase 
in consumption could be eliminated by the cooperation of every 
branch of the industry, together with the Fisheries Bureau, in 
educating the public by various methods of advertising, distribution 
of literature describing and picturing seasonable varieties of fish 
and sea-food, methods of ascertaining quality and recipes for pre 
paring the fish for table. 


PRESERVING. 


Freezing and Cold Storage.—The subject of preserving fish is 
of immense importance to the industry and is one that should be 
given extensive consideration. Very nearly all salt-water fish are 
of the migratory type and must be taken while on their migrations 
to shoal water. During seasons when the fish are most abundant 
the selling price is such that in many instances the producer does 
not receive enough for his fish to pay the cost of production. At 
these seasons dealers usually purchase for storage and preserving 
purposes the quantities they deem adequate to supply their trade 
during seasons when the varieties are not produced. 

Much of the fish frozen in the past has been of indifferent 
quality. Frozen after having covered long distances from the point 
of production, exposed for sale for indefinite periods in markets, 
it is finally placed in cold storage for future use. Fish will not 
be improved by freezing and will not be in better condition when 
defrosted than before going through the process. 

Little consideration has been given to the varieties of fish 





te Poy 


ae 


Matthews—Problems of Commercial Fisheries. 197 


to be frozen. Many varieties are not adapted to the process. 
A consumer purchasing one of these varieties, or fish of inferior 
quality, naturally condemns all frozen fish. Fish for cold storage 
purposes should be given the same care and attention as that to 
be used in its fresh state and frozen at the earliest possible moment 
after removal from the water. 

At one of the large fish-freezing plants in New York City, 
several million pounds of fish are frozen annually. These fish are 
graded as to size and quality and the boxes in which they are 
packed are marked accordingly. Fish that are of the best quality 
are designated as grade “A,” those graded as “B” are not of as 
high quality as grade “A.” Each fish is inspected by an expert 
and nothing is permitted to be frozen unless it measures up to the 
standard of grade “B.” Many other concerns are now practicing 
these same careful methods in the freezing of fish and are finding 
the results more satisfactory to the purchaser as well as to them- 
selves. 

Brine-Freezing—There are several methods of brine-freezing 
which are claimed by their inventors to be superior to the air- 
freezing process. It is also claimed that the original appearance 
and flavor of the fish are retained, the time required for treatment 
being from two to four hours, according to the method used and 
the fish dealt with. The fish retains its quality for from one to 
two weeks without ice or other preservatives, and can be kept in 
cold-storage at a temperature of about 21 degrees F. for many 
months. 

In view of the necessity for preserving freshly caught fish 
on board the fishing vessels and the desirability of placing in our 
inland markets high quality stock, it is desirable from the com- 
mercial viewpoint, that one or several of these methods be officially 
tested by the Bureau of Fisheries or the Department of Health, 
and if found practicable and not detrimental to the public health, 

advocated for general use in the fisheries. 

Curing, Smoking and Canning—While, on the whole, fresh 
fish will always be preferred and with improved preservation and 
distribution, should be obtainable everywhere throughout the entire 
year, there is scope for the development of curing and smoking 
processes, as cured, smoked and canned fish furnish a needed 
variety and are in much demand. 

One criticism that may be made in regard to our processes 


198 ‘American Fisheries Society. 


of curing and preserving is that they show very little variety, and 
are conducted by the same methods as were practiced many years 
ago. A majority of the varieties cured in large quantities consists 
of the so-called ground fish, herring and mackerel, while practically 
all varieties lend themselves admirably to various methods of 
curing. Curers and smokers cater principally to the popular taste, 
to the practical exclusion of creating demands for some of the 
other, and in many instances, cheaper varieties. The varieties 
smoked consist chiefly, in our eastern markets, of haddock and 
herring. There is no doubt that if many of the other varieties 
were smoked they would soon become as popular as the finnan 
haddie and the bloater or kippered herring. 

it is rare for a new variety of canned fish to appear on our 
markets. Considering the vast quantities of numerous varieties 
produced during the seasons of abundance, when the value of these 
fish is at its lowest and the supply is far greater than the current 
demand, canning of every variety suitable for this purpose should 
be one of the means of relieving the condition of over-supply. The 
farmer when he reaps his harvest has an outlet for his produce in 
the canning factory as well as in the markets. There are very few 
varieties of fruit or vegetables, grown in the entire country that are 
not preserved in cans to become the staple supply until the next 
harvest. 

Canning is the most economical means of preserving fish for 
future consumption. After the fish is canned it does not demand 
the same care as that required by frozen or cured fish, the ordinary 
storage warehouse affording ample protection for the pack. 


UTILIZATION OF BY-PRODUCTS. 


The waste in connection with the fisheries industry is almost 
beyond comprehension. The actual average of fish-flesh consumed 
as food is about 33 per cent of the fish as it comes from the water, 
the head, tail, scales, skin, bones and viscera, comprising the other 
6% per cent, being waste material. The value of fish waste and 
of varieties unfit for food, as a by-product of a great fishing in- 
dustry, is hardly realized and the nitrogenous fertilizer, oil, glue, 
fish-meal, etc., derivable from these are mostly lost. 

To encourage the destruction of the dog-fish that roam the sea 
like packs of wolves and do untold harm to fish and gear, and also 
to utilize their carcasses and other fish waste, the Canadian Govern- 








Matthews—Problems of Commercial Fisheries. 199 


ment at one time established reduction plants in Nova Scotia. At 
Liverpool, England, a plant has been earning $400 a ton for the fats 
and $100 a ton for the poultry meal made from fish residues. To 
us the value of dessicated fish powder as a food for pigs and 
cattle, if not for men, as in Japan, is hardly known. Fish scrap 
contains practically all the elements of an ideal fertilizer for nearly 
every agricultural purpose; fish meal furnishes an excellent food 
for cattle and poultry. A very fine grade of leather is made from 
the skins of some of the larger species, principally the shark and 
porpoise. The scales of certain varieties, notably the shad, are 
valuable in the manufacture of artificial pearls. The best kind of 
glue is a product of fish skins. 

With the increased demand for dressed and fillet fish, mnich 
residue accumulates in plants where these operations are conducted, 
but very little of this residue is utilized and is only a source of 
expense to the operators for its removal. In the meat industry the 
by-products are far more valuable than the dressed meat that is 
sold to the consumer. Every particle of the animal is utilized for 
some commercial purpose. The great volume of waste material 
and non-food fish that are now destroyed could be collected and 
utilized in the manufacture of various articles of commerce which 
would greatly enhance the value of the fisheries. 


EDUCATION. 


Technical knowledge is a very important asset in the fishing 
industry. Some of our institutions of higher learning, notably the 
University of Washington and the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- 
nology, have included fisheries and fish-cultural courses in their 
curriculums. Fishery engineering will do much to place the in- 
dustry on a higher plane than is possible by any other means. 
Every commercial fish producing state should have at least one tech- 
nical institution where persons engaged in or intending to enter 
into some phase of the industry, can take courses pertaining to 
the fisheries; and for those who, for various reasons, cannot take 
the time to attend resident colleges and who wish to increase their 
knowledge, there should be extension courses provided. 

Nearly every one from the producer to the consumer is in 
need of education to a greater or less extent. The producers could 
be benefitted by instruction in various economical methods of taking 
fish, packing and shipping other than now in common use. Many 


200 American Fisheries Society. 


of the methods employed by large numbers of producers are anti- 
quated, inefficient and expensive. More efficient methods of dis- 
tribution, sanitation, proper display of goods and installation of 
economic accounting systems by the wholesalers and retailers can 
only be accomplished by education. 


Education of the consumer is by far more important than 
educating the producer or the distributor. The housewife knows 
the various cuts of meat and practically all varieties of vegetables, 
and can usually tell their quality at a glance. With fish, she is 
absolutely at sea. With very few exceptions she does not know one 
variety from another or what varieties are best suited for par- 
ticular purposes. Methods to distinguish the quality of the fish 
are foreign to her. She may know one or two ways of preparing 
the fish for the table. When she purchases fish other than of the 
limited varieties with which she is familiar, she is experimenting 
with a deep mystery. Education of the public will of necessity 
educate the producer and the distributor. The public press, mag- 
azines, moving pictures, public school lectures and the radio are 
some of the means by which the public could be educated to eat 
more and better fish. 





nt eee 


OYSTERS—THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE 
SEAFOOD. 


By H. W. VICKERS 
Chairman, Conservation Commission, Baltimore, Md. 


Oysters are the most popular and the most extensively eaten 
of all shellfish; economically, they are the most important of all 
cultivated water products and, with the single exception of the 
sea herring, the most valuable of all aquatic animals. The oyster 
crop of the world in the year 1913, according to Government sta- 
tistics, amounted to over 42,000,000 bushels and was valued at 
nearly $25,000,000. Of this output, the share of the United States 
was 88 per cent of the quantity and 69 per cent of the value. Of 
the remaining portion, fully 50 per cent belong to France. 

It is my intention, in this paper, to deal with the oyster prob- 
lems of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and especially of the Ches- 
apeake Bay, the world’s greatest oyster ground. Any food prod- 
uct of so great commercial value as the oyster and one which has 
given a livelihood to thousands of citizens for generations, war- 
rants the most serious consideration of those entrusted with the 
care and preservation of the nation’s fisheries. 

The natural oyster bars and rocks of the North Atlantic States 
became practically exhausted many years ago. The oyster cultur- 
ists of those states had no opposition when they determined to 
raise oysters by scientific methods. The main thing they lacked 
was the oysters to furnish the spawn and the seed oysters for the 
start in the industry. Naturally their attention was focussed on the 
section of the greatest natural production—Chesapeake Bay. Then 
followed the greatest transplanting of oysters ever known in the 
history of this country. From 1875 to 1900 it was a common sight 
to see a dozen two or three-masted schooners from New England 
anchored in the waters of Tangier Sound, loading seed oysters, 
marketable oysters, and shells which had been scraped from the 
rocks of the Sound, to be freighted to the northern planting 
grounds. The Maryland oystermen were pleased with the idea of 
a market, especially in the early spring, and no thought was given 
to the fact that they were selling their future livelihood. Tangier 
Sound alone was at that time producing about 4,000,000 bushels 


201 


202 American Fisheries Society. 


of oysters a year and it required many years for the fishermen 
to awaken to the fact that the oyster rocks were exhaustible. It 
was but a few years after the migration of the Chesapeake oyster, 
however, before the New England oyster culturists started on their 
successful career as oyster growers. The cultivated oysters com- 
manded a higher price and the product was marketed in a manner 
which greatly increased its value. The little State of Rhode Island 
developed bottoms which brought in considerable revenue, the 
oyster planter paying a rental of $10 an acre a year. The State 
of Connecticut sold its bottoms in fee, a great mistake from the 
state’s standpoint as it was later realized, since it materially re- 
duced the annual revenue from oyster bottoms. 


It is said that until 1910 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con- 
necticut, and New York were most successful with the cultivation 
of the oyster. The culturist had met and overcome all difficulties. 
The most dangerous and serious enemy to the northern bivalve, 
the starfish, had been successfully controlled by means of “tangles,” 
and even the drill, with its rasping tongue, did not affect successful 
oyster propagation in New England waters. 


For practically the past ten years, however, the necessary set 
of spat has failed in northern waters and thousands of acres of 
the best planting bottorns are now considered of little value. The 
cause of this serious setback has been investigated by the Bureau 
of Fisheries for several years, and while their report on this sub- 
ject has never come to my attention, I understand that pollution 
of the waters is largely responsible for the lack of young oyster 
larve, and the most serious pollution has been found to be caused 
by oil sludge from oil-burning ships. 


The South Atlantic States and especially Louisiana, which 
borders on the Gulf, have made much progress in oyster propaga- 
tion and have experienced a noteworthy augmentation of yield dur- 
ing recent years. A government report in 1913 gave the seven 
leading oyster states at that time as Rhode Island, Connecticut, 
New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and Louisiana; in 
each of these states over 1,000,000 bushels of oysters were marketed 
annually. Virginia was the ranking state as regards production, 
with over 6,000,000 bushels, followed by Maryland, with over 
5,500,000 bushels, and Connecticut with 4,000,000 bushels. - As re- 
gards value of oysters taken, Connecticut and New York led, with 








Vickers.—Oysters. 203 


over $2,500,000 each, followed by Virginia and Maryland with 
about $2,250,000 each. 

One of the highest authorities in this country once said that 
nowhere in this country is there any excuse for continuing to rely 
on public oyster grounds as sources of supply, and the proposition 
to discourage or prohibit individual control of land for agricultural 
purposes would not be less absurd than to prevent or retard the 
acquisition of submerged lands for aquicultural purposes. It would 
seem that this is a most reasonable and progressive statement, yet 
representing a part of the Chesapeake Bay region where we have 
always had to depend on our large natural oyster rock areas for 
production, I feel that we must still rely on our public grounds 
and adopt strong conservation methods to prevent their depletion. 
The 1918 statistics of the oyster industry show the preponderant 
importance of Chesapeake Bay; an output of over 11,000,000 
bushels, valued at more than $4,250,000, and the production of the 
Bay since has not varied more than 2,000,000 bushels from these 
figures. 

In reviewing the statistics of the production of the oyster- 
producing bottoms of Maryland between the years 1865 and 1920, it 
may be of interest to know that these bottoms produced 453,000,000 
bushels of oysters which had a money value of over $200,000,000, 
or an average of $3,571,428 a year. The greatest production in 
Maryland was between 1873 and 1893. The survey of the oyster 
bars of Maryland, 1906-1912, showed that the natural oyster rocks 
beneath the waters of the State covered over 200,000 acres at that 
time, although many thousands of acres had become depleted since 
1885 and this depletion was on the increase. 


MAINTENANCE OF NATURAL OYSTER AREAS. 


Believing that it is essential to maintain the natural oyster 
bars and rocks in the waters of the State of Maryland, we are 
returning cultch, in the shape of oyster shells, to the partly depleted 
bottoms, and are leasing barren areas with suitable current and den- 
sity conditions for oyster culture. During the long period from 
1865 to 1920, aside from the cull law on the natural oyster rocks, 
nothing whatsoever was done to maintain the oyster bars. The 
fishermen of Maryland continued to resort year after year to the 
bars for a livelihood, and this overfishing naturally caused de- 
pletion. During the past two seasons, over 250,000 bushels of 


204 American Fisheries Soct ty. 


shells have been carefully scattered on selected depleted bottoms 
with excellent results. The writer is informed that the State of 
North Carolina has also adopted this method. It is not believed, 
however, that this method will restore the natural bars to their 
original condition, but it is believed that shell planting will stem 
depletion and conserve this great natural wealth lying beneath the 
waters of the Chesapeake. 


OYSTER ENEMIES. 


While the oyster has many enemies in almost every stage 
in its career, these vary in size and kind in certain regions of the 
Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The oyster growers of Long Island 
Sound and adjacent water suffer large losses from the inroads of 
starfishes, which come in from deep water and move in waves over 
the bottom, devouring every oyster in their path and sometimes de- 
stroying several hundred thousand bushels of marketable oysters in 
one state in a single season. It is remarkable that a weak creature 
like the common starfish should be able to prey on an animal so 
strongly fortified as an oyster. In the Chesapeake region the power- 
ful jaws of the black drumfish may literally clean out an oyster- 
bed in one night, while the Gulf States have to deal with the drill 
and the Pacific Coast States with a species of stingray. The most 
serious recent enemy of the upper Chesapeake Bay oysters is the 
mussel, which practically covered the oysters on the Bay and river 
bars during the past season and materially affected marketing the 
bivalves. The Bureau of Fisheries attributed this unusual growth 
to the high density caused by iight precipitation in the winter and 
spring of 1920 and 1921. The heavy rainfall during the spring and 
past summer has caused the mussels to fall from the oyster shells 
and the condition is much improved. 


OIL POLLUTION. 


Our fin and shellfisheries as well as our wild fowl are now 
subject to one common enemy—oil pollution—and unless concerted 
action is taken in the near future by the several interests concerned, 
this great natural wealth seems doomed to destruction. The solu- 
tion of this problem has been before the Congressional Committee 
on Rivers and Harbors for many months, and it is hoped that the 
American Fisheries Society will see fit to ask Congress to expedite 
action to relieve the situation. 


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Vickers.—Oysters. 205 


Discussion. 


Mr. WintiaAm C. ‘ApAmMs, Boston, Mass.: I should like to ask Mr. 
Vickers a question, with respect to this oil pollution. Oil coming in on 
the surface of the water and precipitated on the clam flats and adjoining 
areas by reason of the rise and fall of the tide can very easily pollute 
those areas; if it remains on the surface of the water it is, of course, very 
deadly in its effect upon wild fowl. But the point I would like to be in. 
formed upon is the extent to which this oil or waste will precipitate and 
lodge on oyster beds, perhaps a number of feet below the surface of the 
water. To what extent has your investigation shown that that is the 
fact? 

Mr. Vickers: This oil pollution destroys the oyster spat, which starts 
on the surface of the water and goes down gradually. It has the same 
opportunity to destroy any other animal life in the water. It has been 
noticed down on the beds, on the oyster ground. 

Mr. JoHN N. Coss, College of Fisheries, Seattle: The oysters were 
practically all destroyed in San Francisco Bay as a result of the dumping 
of sludge from the oil tankers. The vessels bring the oil in and take 
it up to the head of the bay, where they discharge it at the great refineries, 
and then come down the bay—or used to, at least—and dump the sludge. 
The sludge works around the beds at low tide, killing the spats that are 
floating, and affecting the oysters on the bottom. We have had the same 
trouble in Puget Sound. There we have a tide varying from fifteen feet 
up to twenty feet, which quite freely exposes many of the beds. Some of 
them are protected by the artificial dykes, but any oil deposited in the 
neighborhood of those that are not so protected usually spreads around, 
gathers on the shells and kills the oysters. 


COMMERCIAL FISHERIES. 


By CHarLes E, WHEELER 
Stratford, Conn. 


The question has been raised as to what is wrong with our 
commercial fisheries. In this connection it can be said that in 
some localities the trouble is that fish are getting fewer and 
prices consequently higher, while in other localities the fisher- 
men have been forced to liberate tons of fish because they could 
not get enough for them to pay for barrels and ice. So the 
answer to the question in some sections is small production, and 
in others small returns. 

In the course of over thirty years of experience in the fishing 
and shellfishing industries of New England, the writer has noted 
many changes that have affected these industries commercially. 
Many varieties of both fish and shellfish that were once abundant 
are now on the verge of extermination in some localities, and 
sadly depleted in others. Many streams that were once pure 
and productive are now grossly polluted and barren. 

Many little fishing settlements along the shore, once bright, 
thrifty spots, now show signs of deterioration. The net-reels 
are tumbling down, the fishing boats are laid np to die, the nets 
are being utilized as poultry fencing and the fisherfolk are busy 
in other walks of life simply because “Fishin’ aint what it used 
to be.” And in answer to the question: “Why isn’t it?” one 
hears either, ‘““Not fish enough to pay,” or “Not enough for our 
fish to pay.’”’ Commercial fisheries, like other industries, are de- 
pendent upon production first and upon distribution and re- 
turns next. 

Inasmuch as many fishermen in New England have quit 
fishing because there are not enough fish locally to make fishing 
profitable, it is obvious that the trouble here is on the produc- 
tion end. It is equally obvious that in the south where trap 
fishermen have been forced to liberate thousands of barrels of fish 
because they could not get enough for them to pay for handling 
and shipping, the trouble is on the sales and distribution end. 

In considering fish production from the viewpoint of Na- 
ture’s supply, one finds that fish do certain things, under certain 


206 





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Wheeler.—Commercial Fisheries. 207 


conditions, at certain times of the year and that their actions are 
governed wholly by a natural instinct. In the beginning, God 
created fish and a habitat and food supply for them. Since that 
time Nature has been taking care of this work very efficiently 
until foreign influences introduced by man have handicapped 
the work. Some of the provisions of nature were that matured 
fish should deliver their spawn under favorable conditions and 
in suitable areas; that the spawn should hatch, that food proper- 
ties should be present in the water to take care of the little fry 
during its babyhood, that enough of these fry should escape their 
natural enemies and mature so as to return and deliver their 
spawn. 

This process went on for ages successfully and would be 
going on more effectively today were it not for the unnatural 
conditions imposed by man. With the introduction by man of 
ingenious types of gear and nets for catching fish, and the de- 
struction of spawning beds and food properties in the streams 
by pollution, the candle has been burning at both ends for the 
past fifty years without much thought being given to replacing 
the candle. Weare now at the point where we realize that unless 
something real is done in the way of rebuilding our fisheries, this 
extremely valuable natural resource, over which we are but 
. custodians, will be depleted beyond restoration and the coming 
generations will have been legally, morally and economically 
wronged by our wilful wastefulness. 

The common-sense version of the situation is that first we 
need to conserve a plentiful suppiy of matured stock for healthy 
spawners; next we must provide suitable places, as nature did, 
for these specimens to spawn in; we must make it possible for 
them to reach these areas and protect them while they are there; 
we must protect the quality and quantity of our stream flow so 
as to provide sufficient food for the young fry; we must protect 
these fry from UNNATURAL enemies so that a sufficient num- 
ber will mature and restock these same areas another year. 
This applies to the natural propagation of shellfish equally as 
well as to the production of the finny fish species. 

“Getting down to brass tacks,” this means that the life of 
our commercial fisheries depends on the elimination of such 
pollution as is deleterious to fish or fish-food life. It means that 
our stream flow must be augmented by reforestation of drainage - 


208 American Fisheries Society. 


areas. It means that restrictive catching laws must be enacted 
so as to make certain that enough spawners reach the spawning 
beds. It means that spawning areas should be designated in 
the rivers, and in as near the same localities as is practicable, that 
nature originally provided for spawning purposes. 

The question has been asked: “How long would it take to 
restore our fisheries if stream pollution was eliminated?’ The 
answer to this is that the work of restoration would commence 
immediately as is evidenced by better conditions in Connecticut 
since the quality of the water here has been greatly improved by 
reason of the industrial depression. Since the war our factories 
have operated but feebly, with the result that little or no manu- 
facturing wastes found their way into many of our streams. The 
fish sensed the better quality of water and immediately ascended 
the sreams to points many miles above where they had been for 
ten years. ‘This is positive proof that just as soon as man im- 
proves the conditions in the streams, just so soon will nature 
take advantage and commence to do her part in the restocking 
of barren areas. 

The volume of possible returns may be estimated by the 
results obtained in California waters where shad and striped bass 
were introduced many years ago. Neither of these fish were na- 
tives of the west coast, but were shipped there from eastern 
points, with the result that in a few years California was able 
to ship shad and shad roe to eastern points in carload lots, and 
striped bass are now very plentiful in California waters. Surely 
if these results are possible in waters foreign to these species, 
then success must follow sensible efforts to reestablish them in 
the rivers that nature chose for them originally. 

Much has been said about the advisability of a Federal 
migratory fish law. It would seem that inasmuch as a similar 
law had worked wonders in rebuilding our depleted flocks of wild 
fowl, it might be well worth trying in the interest of our fisheries. 
It would at least bring the Government face to face with a rotten 
condition of stream pollution which together with severe over- 
fishing is fast exterminating several species and sorely depleting 
a very valuable natural food resource. 

It would not be fair to the commercial fishermen, the fellows 
who actually catch the fish, to pass on without saying a word or 
two about the modern method of marketing. When there is a 





; 
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Wheeler—Commercial Fisheries. 209 


run of fish the fishermen are busy catching fish and tending gear; 
they have no time for marketing advantageously; they ship 
everything to commission houses -and take chances as to 
whether they get something or nothing for their product. The 
result of this method is that invariably the fisherman gets little 
or nothing for his large consignments and but a fair price for 
his small catches. In actual figures it can be shown that on May 
16, 1921, the return for 45 barrels of weakfish was $69.27, or a 
little less than four-fifths of a cent a pound; that on the same 
day weakfish were wholesaling in New York at 18 cents a pound 
and retailing in Connecticut towns for 25 cents and 28 cents; 
that on July 29, 16 barrels of weakfish brought a net return of 
“sold for expenses,” and that on that same day weakfish were 
bringing 18 cents and 20 cents wholesale in New York; that on 
August 1, 30 barrels of butterfish and weakfish brought $97.26 
in New York, and that on the same day in New York 30 barrels 
of these fish brought over $1,000 and were retailing in Connecti- 
cut for 25 cents and 28 cents per pound. 

Many similar instances might be cited, but what’s the use? 
If the commercial fishermen will continue to ship their fish to 
the commercial fish monger and gamble on the returns they are 
to get, they cannot blame anybody but themselves if they get 
“stung.” 

It might be well for them to study the advisability of form- 
ing an exchange big enough to operate their own cold storage 
plants, and market their product through the exchange. It is a 
good gamble that they would get more for their fish and that the 
consumer would get better prices which would tend to create a 
better demand. 

Summing up it can be said that the real panacea needed to 
resuscitate our commercial fisheries is the elimination of pollu- 
tion from our streams, the designation and protection of spawn- 
_ ing areas, and conservative fishing laws. The matter of better 
marketing methods will be solved by the fishermen eventually, 
as it was by the fruit growers and others. 


THE PROBLEM OF MARINE FISH CULTURE. 


By C. M. Breper, Jr. 
New York Aquarium, New York, N. Y. 


Constructive efforts put forth in any direction by an in- 
dividual or a group are almost certain to be attacked in a more 
or less violent manner by others, apparently as a matter of an- 
cient custom or because of some dislocated sense as to the ap- 
propriateness of criticism on the part of the self-appointed critics. 
This promiscuous picking to pieces of our contemporaries’ labor, 
while sometimes simply obstructive to the work it is intended to 
aid, nevertheless, has its place either when it is backed by the 
knowledge of a student of the particular field concerned, or when 
brought up by one sufficiently removed from the scene of activity 
to gain a fair perspective of the whole. The most pleasing re- 
sults possible from such criticism are usually discussions and 
controversies arising therefrom. ‘These, if carried on in the 
proper spirit, become the stimulus necessary to arouse an in- 
terest sufficient to goad active minds to the point of developing 
improvements great enough to raise the results of the work from 
mediocrity or failure to a measurable degree of success. 

The actual value of the cultivation of marine food fishes has 
long been open to question, and in consequence has become the 
target for both just and unjust criticism. That this condition 
has existed for such a long period of time is largely due to the 
great difficulty to be encountered in any attempt to measure the 
effectiveness of fish cultural work on marine fishes. Among the 
prime reasons for this difficulty is the fact that many of the little 
understood factors contributing to the production of oceanic con- 
ditions, cause annual fluctuations of considerable size in the 
abundance of fish life which tend to invalidate any deductions 
based on the statistics of catches made by commercial fisher- 
men, not to mention such other factors as have been introduced 
by man himself. Partly, at least, for these reasons marine fish 
culture has found it necessary to use as a basic assumption the 
general proposition that the figures in reports showing that im- 
mense numbers of fry have been planted, actually represent some 
tangible result, which of necessity must follow the liberation of 


210 





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Breder—Marine Fish Culture. 211 


great quantities of fish larve. However the truth of this proposi- 
tion is by no means a proven fact. With these considerations in 
mind the present paper has been penned and its single reason for 
existence is the hope that a perusal of it will aid in the stimula- 
tion of constructive thought in the minds of fish culturists in- 
terested in the development of the marine hatchery. 

It is well to note here that the case of the older art of cul- 
tivating lacustrine and fluvatile ’spawners is another matter, and 
any criticism of its practice must, in almost all cases, be directed 
against the efficiency or practicability of the technical methods 
involved. If for example we select a given pond, known to con- 
tain not a single individual specimen of certain desirable species, 
and cause it to be stocked with the desired fish in such a manner 
that the species is able to establish itself without injurious dis- 
turbance to the previous balance of life in the pond and in suff- 
cient numbers to be worth the cost and trouble involved, the 
effort may be counted a success. Simple observation is sufficient 
to prove such a case, as all that can be criticised is, for example, 
that a particular method of handling or incubating is open to im- 
provement in one way or another. In the case of marine fish 
culture, on the other hand, the underlying proposition may be 
attacked; for in the study of oceanic conditions such direct ob- 
servation as is applicable to small bodies of fresh water is im- 
possible, owing chiefly to the vastness of the scale of the open 
sea. Therefore, to say after a few years spent in cultivating a 
particular marine species, that a slight increase in the amounts 
brought to a particular fish wharf furnishes evidence of the ef- 
fort’s success, is simply to ignore the vast and uncontrollable 
forces that operate to make abundant or scanty the fishing of the 
year. Each such factor is in itself of a magnitude sufficient to 
dwarf by comparison the best known efforts of man in the culti- 
vation of these fishes. Until nearly all of these factors are much 
more thoroughly understood, the comparison of the fisher folks’ 
fluctuating fortunes from year to year must continue to mean 
but comparatively little. Therefore, as previously explained, the 
question here to be considered is not one of technical methods, 
even as obviously bungling and crude as are some of the current 
practices, but rather refers to the possibility of handling intelli- 
gently and efficiently a problem of such dimensions with our 
present knowledge of oceanic conditions, or rather, lack of it. 


212 American Fisheries Society. 






For this reason it would seem that the money spent in main- 
taining such supposedly useful stations might better be expended 
on thoroughgoing investigations with the view to determining 
as accurately as possible just what value such fish cultural opera- 
tions may have. Ultimately the question to be considered enters 
the field of political economy. Can the taxpayers’ money now 
being directed to the support of marine hatcheries be shown to 
be doing what is expected of it? 

Europeans have paid more attention to this study of the 
rationale of the problem than have our own students and a num- 
ber of the former have already committed themselves to the 
belief that the entire efforts of cultivating marine fishes should 
be thrown into the discard, because, according to their views, the 
only real factors controlling the fluctuations of oceanic fishes 
are to be found among various climatic functions far beyond the 
present control of man, and it was not without much study and 
careful reasoning that they have arrived at their conclusions. 
These naturalists have taken into consideration such factors as 
the melting of polar ice and the seasonal variations in the 
amounts of sunshine and shade. For the present, however, we 
may leave this phase of the problem without discussing the 
probability of truth to be found in their beliefs and content our- 
selves with the platitude that the ocean or even an arm of it 
cannot be treated simply as an overgrown millpond but must be 
considered in proportion to its increased complexity as well as 
its greater size, for it must be borne in mind that any important 
bay or sound always has a considerable contact with the open 
water. 

A consideration of the reports of the United States Bureau 
of Fisheries will in itself demonstrate the truth of some of these 
considerations. For example, a study of the-statements of the 
amounts of cod, Gadus callarias Linn., landed at Boston, Gloucester 
and Portland, together with the number of cod fry recorded as © 
having been liberated from the Woods Hole hatchery will reveal 
a rather interesting condition. If there are equal numbers of 
both sexes of this fish in the sea, the following corollary must be 
true. Out of the million odd eggs laid by each female and fecun- 
dated by the milt available from one male, but two would have 
to hatch and reach the age and spawning condition of the parents 
which may here be called “maturity,” to maintain a status quo. 


eo a een Ss ee) oe ee 


Breder—Marine Fish Culture. 213 


If three survived the new generation would be 50 per cent greater 
in number than that of the parents, and so on. Codfish are no 
doubt perfectly promiscuous in habit, and as the sexes seem to 
vary greatly in relative frequency from time to time we will as- 
sume there are two males to every female. While this is giving 
an overabundance of males this liberal allowance may be used 
here as a basis without doing great violence to the point to be 
made. Accordingly, then, in a spawning school each female 
would have available the milt of two males to fertilize her ova, 
and therefore an average of three eggs from every female 
would have to be successful to maintain the said status quo. In 
order to draw a sharp mental picture of what this means re- 
course may be made to one of the much overworked methods 
used by statisticians to bring home the point. As cod eggs aver- 
age one-eighteenth of an inch in diameter a medium sized 
“market cod” could lay a string of eggs which if placed in a 
single straight line would be over one and one-quarter miles in 
length.* Of this mileage only one-sixth of an inch would have 
to reach “maturity” to keep the number of cod in the sea at a 
constant figure. An inspection of a certain report* shows that 
77,659,000 fry were liberated from the Woods Hole hatchery dur- 
ing the winter of 1917-18. Assuming for the sake of the discus- 
sion that the naturally spawned eggs lost twice as many of their 
numbers between the time of ovaposition and the day their ar- 
tificially incubated relatives were liberated, than did the latter, 
due to non-fertilization and the vicissitudes of early life in open 
water, and also that after this time the cultured fry now being 
subjected to like conditions, equalled the naturally spawned fish 
in losses, then a net initial advantage of 100 per cent would be 
possessed by the fry hatched in cod boxes. As cod are certainly 
not increasing perceptibly in numbers, according to simple pro- 
portion it may be said that the total effective output of the station 
for the year would, by these figures, be about 311 fish, available 
of course to the fishermen some years later. This figure is far 


-1Cod 6% pounds in weight deposit on an average 1,500,000 eggs which 
number if arrayed as described would reach for that distance. By ‘‘market 
cod” fishermen mean all under 10 and over 2% pounds in weight, which excludes 
the very small or scrods and the very large, the latter of which form the bulk 
of their catches. 

2Report of the U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries for the fiscal year 1918 
with appendices—Hugh M. Smith, Commissioner. Appendix I—The distribu- 
tion of fish and fish ges during the fiscal year 1918, Document 863, p. 75. 


214 American Fisheries Society. 


too liberal as it was arrived at on the assumption that 1,500,000 
eggs is the average number per female, whereas this figure is 
much too low. Furthermore, it is hardly probable that stripped 
spawn has a 100 per cent advantage over the natural product, 
since it is known that fish culturists expect to obtain only from 
25 to 50 per cent good eggs, due to the fact that the eggs do not 
all ripen at one time. . 

No consideration has been given above to losses incident to 
handling and planting, which while highly variable are no doubt 
considerable for any one entire season. All the eggs hatched at 
Woods Hole moreover are not taken in the above manner, the 
Norwegian method also being used in which live cod are allowed 
to spawn more or less naturally in large tanks. The only ad- 
vantage that can be claimed for this method is that the eggs are 
afforded protection during incubation, for it is the practice to 
release them immediately on hatching. Records show that 90 
to 95 per cent of the eggs are fertilized by this method and there- 
fore it can hardly be assumed that much better results are to be 
obtained from a few fish in confinement than from a hoard in the 
ocean. It is further hard to believe that the planted fry are as 
well able to withstand the vicissitudes due to oceanic environ- 
ment as are those which have been in open water from the start. 
The simple shock of change must work some havoc among them. 
The previously given figures are ridiculously liberal to the 
hatcheries and besides none of these draw-backs have been reck- 
oned with. What would be the actual number of mature hatchery 
fish at the end of four years if these could be figured in, to say 
nothing of numerous others which have not even been men- 
tioned? Certainly it could be at best only a small fraction of 311. 

For the year of 1921, four years later, the Bureau of Fisheries’ 
statement of the quantities of cod landed at Boston, Gloucester 
and Portland? is as follows: Large (10 lbs. or over) 33,238,407 
pounds; market (over 2% and under 10 Ibs.) 19,126,030; and 
scrod (1 to 2% Ibs.) 1,150,577 pounds. Exact figures are not 
available but it is believed that the average weight of the large 
cod is about 20 to 35 pounds, depending on the grounds from 
which taken and the time of year. The large and market cod 
taken together probably average about 15 pounds, while that of 


1 Statistical Bulletin No. 517—U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. 





Breder—Marine Fish Culture. 215 


the scrods is probably near 134 pounds. From this we may 
broadly say that about 3,490,962 adult cod and 657,472 scrod were 
landed in 1921. By simple calculations according to this reason- 
ing one large cod in every lot of 13,375 would be a hatchery fish 
as would one scrod in every lot of 13,148. These smaller fish 
would naturally be expected to be of a later year’s work, but as 
approximately a like number would be taken from the group 
which form this year the large and market fish a season before, 
the figures may stand as being reasonably correct. This would 
give a grand total of 4,003 pounds of cod, or less than .008 of 
one per cent of the total catch for the year as hatchery fish. On 
the face of it, it is obvious that these calculations are absurdly 
liberal to the hatchery fish, for it is assumed that the fishermen 
hailing from these three major ports would be the only ones to 
catch these fish and that they would catch all of them, that is 
take 16 per cent as scrod one year and the remainder the follow- 
ing. A long list of further reasons why this is a high figure 
might be given but it would be superfluous for our purpose here. 


Any one, with the figures available, might calculate the cost 
per pound of a year’s output of hatchery cod which is certainly 
composed of considerably less than 311 individuals made availa- 
ble to the fishermen by this method, and compare it with the 
actual value of this amount of fish. Neglecting the Norwegian 
method which takes fish which would not have necessarily been 
caught otherwise, and granting that all of the fish stripped would 
have died anyway, can it be said that this amount of codfish is 
worth the money, time, and energy expended? It is pointed out 
finally that this number, 311, is perfectly absurd because at every 
step the calculations have purposely been placed way out of the 
reach of even extraordinary success just to show that even then 
no important effect could be expected. A very minute fraction 
of this .008 of one per cent is all that could actually be obtained in 
practice. ? 

1Data and assumptions on which calculations were based: Cod reach 
maturity usually in about the fourth year. They are then generally about two 
feet long and weigh over six pounds. A 25-pound fish may lay 2,700,000 eggs 
and a 75-pound one 9,100,000. A 614-pound fish lays on the average of about 
1,500,000 eggs. It was assumed that this is the average of all spawners. The 
number of fry 77,659,000 liberated at Woods Hole in 1917 was doubled (155,- 
318,000) because of the assumption that they had twice the advantage of the 


wild fry. 
Three fish per female are supposed to attain ‘‘maturity’’: Then 3: 1,500,- 


216 American Fisheries Society. 


The cultivation of flatfish, Pseudopleuronectes americanus 
(Walb.) could be questioned in a similar manner with the ad- 
ditional criticism that all the fish are taken from the spawning 
grounds and would not have necessarily been captured otherwise. 
At present the practice is simply to let these fish which are cap- 
tured expressly for the purpose, spawn in large wooden tanks 
and to liberate the fry at hatching, the only advantage possible 
being that of protection of the incubating eggs. From whatever 
value this may have must be deducted the losses incident to handling 
both the ripe fish and the fry, as well as the fact that the fry are 
generally deposited in a small area where they are more liable 
to attack from their natural enemies, until they can scatter, than 
would be the naturally spawned ones which at no time would 
be expected to be so congregated in a small area. Further ex- 
planation would be too nearly a repetition of the cod story so 
it may be omitted in its entirety. In fact, similar views might 
be expressed concerning nearly if not all marine species at pres- 
ent cultivated. 

The quantities of practically all marine food fishes fluctuate 
annually in most surprising numbers, as before noted, from 
causes obviously not due to the activity of man, so that it be- 
comes next to impossible to arrive at any definite conception 
as to the value of such fish culture from a study of fishery statis- 
tics even over long periods of time. Besides, other factors, in- 
troduced by man himself further complicate and lower the value 
of any conclusions so arrived at, such as the continual improve- 
ments both in gear and methods, to say nothing of the difficulty 
or impossibility of comparing statistics compiled in various ways. 

Nevertheless is there not some angle from which the ag- 
gravating problem of marine fish culture may be more success- 
fully attacked? The comparatively recent theories of certain 


000::x:155,318,000. x=811 fish. 
Cod landed in 1921: 


Rangze and market Code: c.cecce ccleis care 52,364,437 pounds. 
SCLOGN oe bra ieveiaialn suas Sloe ie erate tact hom actos av 1,150,577 pounds. 
OGD ss sic iaielaveiece widnaloie cles alelesayererorslayorcho ete 53,515,014 pounds. 


Large and market cod together average 15 pounds apiece. Scrod average 1% 
pounds apiece. 

Then there were landed 3,490,962 cod and 657,472 scrod. By proportion of 
the 311 hatchery fish, 84 per cent were adults and 16 per cent (from the next 
year) were scrod, or 261 and 50 fish respectively, that is: 261x15+50x1%= 
approximately 4,003 pounds of cod as hatchery fish or under .008 of one per cent. 





Breder.—Marine Fish Culture. aN 


Europeans concerning the causes of fluctuations of fishes from 

season to season give promise of developing into an interesting 
and valuable viewpoint bearing on the future of the husbandry 
of such fishes. It has been known for some time that practically 

all marine fry of commercial interest reach a very precarious 

stage of existence in from a few days to two weeks or more 

after hatching, its time of appearance varying, of course, with 

each species. In captivity even under the particular conditions 

possible in an experimental laboratory it has been found next 

to impossible to carry salt water fish successfully beyond this 

point; nearly all species dying at the expiration of this definite 
length of time which is about coincident with absorption of the 

yolk sac. Apparently at, or some time before, this stage minute 
forms of plankton as food are necessary in order to wean the 

fry gently from its earliest mode of obtaining nourishment. At 
least one reason for such small fry to fail of survival in captivity 
is found in the difficulty of procuring this microplankton in the 

proper quantity and quality. As in the final analysis plankton 
is dependent chiefly on sunlight and temperature, the European 

oceanographers deduce that both these factors are largely in- 

volved in the fate of the fry for any one year. It is in this con- 

nection that polar ice and the conditions of the sky are brought 

in by them. As what are considered favorable seasons to this 
microplankton occur but periodically, it follows that larval fishes 

dependent on such would likewise flourish only periodically. 

Scale examination substantiates this largely. That is, practically 

-any school of adults shows a great preponderance of some par- 
ticular year class. Figuring back this has been found to coincide 

well with some year especially favorable to these food organisms. 

These successful years seem to be able to carry over the more 
numerous poor ones when nearly all of the fry are annihilated. * 

When this matter is better understood it may be turned to good 

advantage in the matter of the management of marine hatcheries, 
as it at least partially accounts for the high mortality of marine 

fry at a set time after hatching. If the proper kind of plankton 

could be cultivated and fed to the fry in such a manner as 

1These views have been summarized and are set forth lucidly and without 

the use of technical terms in the recent publication, ‘‘Ocean Research and the 


Great Fisheries,’’ by G. C. L. Howell, M. A. 1921. The Clarendon Press, Oxford, 
England. 


218 American Fisheries Society. 


to carry them past this period, especially in the more frequent 
unsuccessful years, probably marine fish culture could be placed 
on a more sound footing, if indeed it is possible to influence the 
number of fishes in the ocean by work on such a comparatively 
small number of individuals. 

The writer, as a former employe and as an ardent admirer 
of the purposes and traditions of the United States Bureau of 
Fisheries, wishes to emphasize that the foregoing remarks are 
not intended to be mere destructive criticism of marine fish cul- 
ture in America and wishes to reiterate the hope that they may 
stimulate constructive thought in the minds of fish culturists in 
such a direction that marine fish culture may some day, if pos- 
sible, be raised from its position of questionable value to that 
of its companion operating in the fresh waters which has its 
worth absolutely established. Before salt water fish culture can 
compare with it much research will be necessary, and it is to be 
hoped that the Bureau of Fisheries will see fit to carry on such 
research intensively or at least initiate and supervise efforts in 
that direction. 


[Practically all of the facts and figures used as a basis of reasoning 
here have either been taken from the publications of the United States 
Bureau of Fisheries direct or from various members of its personnel. 
The writer is indebted to Mr. J. T. Nichols, of the American Museum of 
Natural History, for a number of criticisms and suggestions, and to Mr. 
R. H. Corson, a private individual and angler of unusual breadth of vision, 
who is at present collaborating with the Bureau of Fisheries, as he must 
bear the responsibility of sowing the seeds which have led to the publication 
of these thoughts.] 





PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE TOXICITY OF COL- 
LOIDAL SULPHUR TO FISH.’ 


By CHuxkicur1 HaruKawa, Dr. Acr. (Tokyo Imperial University) 


Entomologist for the Ohara Institute 
Karaschiki (Okayama), Japan 


INTRODUCTION. 


The present paper contains a part of the results of investiga- 
tions which were primarily undertaken in connection with the 
study of the toxicity of lime-sulphur mixtures. It has long been 
known that sulphur powder is effective in controlling the mite and 
certain fungi. Sabbatani (1) has shown that the action of colloidal 
sulphur is more powerful than that of the other forms of sulphur. 
These facts induced the writer to conduct some experiments to 
learn the toxicity of colloidal sulphur to goldfish. 


Hydrogen sulphide dissolved in water has been known to 
change to colloidal sulphur on slow oxidation. (Taylor 2.) It has 
been reported that hydrogen sulphide develops in considerable 
quantities in the Black Sea, in the Norwegian threshold fiords, and 
in oyster pools of the Norwegian Coast, as well as various other 
small sea basins. The statement is made that these oysters are 
frequently killed by sulphur poisoning or lack of oxygen (Murray 
and Hjort, 3). Hydrogen sulphide is also introduced into waters 
by illuminating gas works and various industrial processes, such as 
paper manufacture (Shelford, 4.) In all these cases there would 
be a zone of water in which hydrogen sulphide occurs in the pres- 
ence of oxygen, so that there would probably occur a zone of water 
containing colloidal sulphur. As will be seen later, the writer’s ex- 
periments have shown that colloidal sulphur is quite strikingly toxic 
to goldfish. Hydrogen sulphide is also known to be toxic, but no 
comparisons have been made. Such comparisons would be made 
with difficulty but it should be possible to determine the relative 
toxicity of mixtures of the two and colloidal sulphur alone. 

Attention must, therefore, be called to the fact that pedro 
sulphide is dangerous in the presence of oxygen, both on its own 

1 Contribution from the Zoological Laboratory of the University of Illinois, 
No. 221. 
219 


220 American Fisheries Society. 


account and on account of the production of colloidal sulphur. In 
view of these facts the results obtained in the toxicity study of 
colloidal sulphur are of some interest to those who are concerned 
with culture of fish, oysters, etc. The results are, therefore, pre- 
sented as a preliminary paper. 

METHODS AND MATERIALS. 

The experiments were conducted in a constant temperature 
tank. The water contained in the tank was kept at a temperature 
of about 20° C., which did not vary more than 0.5° C. 

The goldfish used for experiments was Carassius carassius L,. 
The criterion by which the writer determined the time of death 
was cessation of all the movements. A dying fish was carefully 
watched, and when all the movements (of the eyes, fins, mouth, 
etc.), ceased, it was touched rather vigorously with a glass rod 
and watched for two or three minutes more. When this was done, 
the fish responded with the movements of the mouth, fins, etc., if 
it was still alive. When there was no response the fish was con- 
sidered dead. 

Samples of Colloidal Sulphur—A few methods were tried 
and discarded. The method of Raffo (5) was adopted with slight 
modifications. The procedure was essentially the same as described 
by Raffo, so that it is considered unnecessary to describe it fully 
in this paper. A few statements, however, are necessary. When 
the amorphous soluble sulphur was obtained by precipitating with 
sodium carbonate, the clear supernatant water was decanted, and 
an amount of distilled water sufficient to dissolve all the precipitated 
sulphur was added. The solution was then poured into collodion 
dialysers and dialysed for at least three days. In most cases the 
solution was dialysed first with ordinary distilled water for three 
to five days, and then, with conductivity water for one to five days. 
During the course of dialysis much of the sulphur dissolved in the 
solution was precipitated and the concentration was gradually de- 
creased. It was, therefore, necessary to dialyse for shorter periods 
to get stronger solutions. 

For this reason the duration of dialysis was not always the 
same. Because of the instability of the colloidal sulphur solution 
the writer could not prepare samples of colloidal solution very 
uniformly. Some of the samples were milky, some were slightly 
opalescent, while others were perfectly clear and yellowish, show- 
ing that they were very good colloidal solutions. A good colloidal 





se ee 


——_ 


Harukawa.—To.xicity of Colloidal Sulphur. 221 


solution of sulphur did not show any sign of change during the 
experiment. 
Results of experiments are shown in the following table: 


RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN STUDY OF TOXICITY OF COLLOIDAL 
SULPHUR. 





Concen- : : 
: Weight Survival Date of 
tration of ahihch: 


Sample. sulphur. time. Experiment. 
Per cent. Grams Minutes. 1922 
\VAL20d ie rg nee Sata amy ger ceil Pie Lan? (C0) 2d, 58 March 30 
.210 Ried) 55 Do. 
.210 Poet | 71 Do. 
7H) PA 48 Do. 
Vic .201 4.0 99 March 20 
.201 3.0 74 Do. 
VALS | Oe ere er n200 3.0 50 March 28 
2207 320 45 Do. 
10 Gili fe eS rte Rae ao ae 220 4.0 72 Feb. 22 
.20 2:3 78 Do 
e133 Sh 68 Feb. 22 
S116) 2.0 77 Do. 
WAL a tee ee a ee ts a .101 3.6 78 March 27 
.101 Pek) 83 Do. 
.101 4.2 70 Do. 
.101 Dan 65 Do. 
‘41 CES eae Sa Enna oo gen .084 4.0 71 March 31 
.084 1.6 110 Do 
1 RS Ae Si ater ed .080 4.0 97 Feb. 22 
. 080 2.3 82 Do. 
II .073 os 120 Feb. 16 
.073 3.0 90 Do. 
fo a By Gg .074 ey 108 March 28 
.074 Syl 103 Do. 
.074 2.6 di Do. 
.074 Sot] 87 Do. 
DVis as. .061 4.0 80 Feb. 27 
LOY Lg ei aA .050 2.6 133 March 1 
.050 DS 100 
GSR eNOS AC CS .057 355 130 March 7 
.057 IAG 110 Do. 
WTS Capuneyf-3 rth ab oat .042 27. 126 March 31 
.042 PETS 126 Do 
Vi aire .040 3.6 150 Feb. 27 
IVs C.-. 041 SEO 87 Feb. 28 
041 Dre 175 Do. 
Via .030 4.0 100 Feb. 27 
.030 tS 139 Do. 
ee as tes ae rake ses .034 5.0 165 March 2 
.034 Dai) 155 Do. 
TY, Fe. .027 4.0 117 Feb. 28 
.027 Diao 140 Do. 
Ween sa ete c Gtekhclt®. .023 3.6 215 March 18 
.023 4.0 172 Do. 
.023 2.8 124 Do. 
\Ys 0d SPO ELON Bact a .020 3.0 230 March 20 
.020 Sel 210 Do. 
LNA GG: Aol 7S a Pi a eas wert 016 2.8 315 Feb. 28 


222 American Fisheries Society. 


An experiment was carried out with Wackenroder’s solution, 
concentration being about 0.01 per cent. Fishes kept in this solu- 
tion for 24 hours did not die. 

Control Experiments—According to Raffo and Mancini, (2), 
(5), an impurity which is present in an appreciable amount in 
the colloidal solution of sulphur prepared by Raffo’s method is 
sodium sulphate. This substance could not be completely dialysed 
away. A solution of colloidal sulphur prepared by Raffo contained 
about 4.5 per cent of sulphur and 1.5 per cent of sodium sulphate; 
i. e., of about 6 grams of solids contained in the solution about one- 
fourth was sodium sulphate. Now, the strongest cencentration that 
the writer used was about 0.2 per cent. 

The writer considered that the amount of sodium sulphate 
which might be contained in the writer’s solution would not affect 
the results of experiments. The writer, however, conducted a few 
experiments with sodium sulphate as control for the experiments 
with colloidal sulphur solution. 

Experiment 1. 0.05 Per Cent Solution of Sodsum Sulphate. 
March 24-25, 1922—Two fishes (one 3.25 grams and the other 
4.15 grams) were kept in the solution for 24 hours, yet they did not 
seem to have been affected at all. 


DISCUSSION OF EXPERIMENTS. 


From the rather meager data shown above, the survival time 
curve and the velocity of fatality curve were drawn. (See the 
graph.) It is considered that these curves show the relation be- 
tween concentration and toxicity approximately. From the results 
of experiments and the curve, the theoretical threshold concen- 
tration was estimated to be somewhere about 0.008 per cent. 

The straight line part of the velocity of fatality curve is very 
steep, showing that the toxicity is increased suddenly with a slight 
rise in concentration. Above about 0.03. per cent the rate of the 
increase of toxicity becomes smaller. ; 

The theoretical threshold concentration of sulphur contained in 
lime-sulphur mixture is 0.009 per cent for lime-sulphur I and 
0.005 per cent for lime-sulphur II, respectively. 

The velocity of fatality curves of the two kinds (6) of lime- 
sulphur mixtures are shown partly in the accompanying graph. It 
will be seen that the straight line part of the velocity curve of col- 
lodial sulphur is much steeper than those of lime-sulphur mixtures. 





Harukawa.—T oxicity of Colloidal Sulphur. 223 


The writer calculated the relative toxic effect from the graph 
according to the formula of Powers (7), and obtained the foilow- 
ing values: 


er etl SEt I UNO E  Perteiane eae ooo ae ecm amie seu 6 0.559 
PETC S UU E Soa or erasirans, are pie igre mie ora eraye ial wore oe 0.293 
Brmessutpiat Us. is wes acta Site aceate wee 0.103 


hee REC es 


aL | ees i me A RL oe 
c 
2 | | 
£40) 


480 














Fa) <k pe) co £6 10 2 4 io 18 20 cf 24 is 20 23 32 a ae 5 Ye 


EXPLANATION OF THE GRAPH. 


The graph shows the time-concentration curves for the death of gold- 
fish in colloidal sulphur (C. S. T.). The reciprocal of this curve repre- 
sents the velocity of fatality (C. S. V.: See Powers, 7); the time to death 
is arbitrarily divided into 100 in the same sense that that time to go a mile 
is divided into 60 to give velocity in miles per hour. The velocity of 
fatality curves of two kinds of colloidal sulphur are also shown for com- 
macicon, (L. S.1.) Gi. 8.1L). 

From the general character of the curves shown by Powers, the least 
fatal amount of colloidal sulphur probably lies between 0.001 and 0.008 
per cent. Velocity of fatality curves always turn toward lower concen- 
trations in the region of least fatal amounts as indicated by the round 
dots. The steep slope of the curve indicates greater toxicity than the 
lime sulphur compounds; the least fatal dose is also greater in the case of 
the lime sulphur compounds. The lime sulphur compounds were used in 
the hope that fish might be employed to standarize these insect sprays. 


224 American Fisheries Society. 


Even at concentrations where the velocity curve of colloidal 
sulphur is no more a straight line, the toxicity of colloidal sulphur 
solution seems to be greater than lime-sulphur mixture, which is. 
a compound of sulphur and lime. It will be seen from the table 
that the survival time varied within a rather wide range. As has 
already been stated, the samples were not very uniform in nature. 
The variation in toxicity is considered to be due chiefly to this fact 
and to the variation in the size of the fish. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 


The present study was suggested by Dr. V. E. Shelford and the 
experiments were conducted under his direction. The writer wishes 
to thank him heartily for his kindness in allowing the use of his 
laboratory equipment and for extending many courtesies, includ- 
ing the furnishing of references regarding the occurrence of hydro- 
gen sulphide in water. The writer is also much indebted to Dr. 
Carver for his kind suggestion and for supply of conductivity 
water. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 


(1) Sabbatani, L. Pharmacological Action of Colloidal Sulphur. 
Arch. inter. Pharmacodyn., 18:373-391. Abstract: Chem. Abstract, 3:1413, 
1909. 

(2) Taylor, W. W. The Chemistry of Colloids, 2nd Ed., 1921; com- 
pare also Raffo, M. Ueber Kolloiden Schwefel. Zeitschr. f. Chem. wu. 
Indus. d. Kolloid., 2:358-360. 

(3) Murray, J., and Hjort, J. The Depths of the Ocean. London, 
1912. 

(4) Shelford, V. E. An Experimental Study of the Effects of Gas- 
waste Upon Fishes. Bull. Ill. St. Lab. of N. H. 11:380-412, 1917. 

(5) Raffo, M. and Mancini, J. Beitrag zur Kenntnis des Kolloiden 
Schwefels. Zeitschr. f. Chem. u. Indust. d. Kolloid., 9:58-61, 1911. 

(6) Harukawa, C. Studies on Lime-Sulphur Mixtures. Berichte d. 
Ohara Institute f. Landw. Forsch., Japan, 2:1-20, 1921. 

(7) Powers, E. B. The Goldfish (Carassius carassius) as a test animal 
in the study of toxicity. Illinois Biolog. Monogr. IV, 2, 1917. 





——— a 


a 





BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS IN 
MINNESOTA, 


By THADDEUS SURBER 
Biologist, Minnesota Game and Fish Department, St. Paul, Minn. 


The fact has been long established that certain plants of fish 
fry and fingerlings, made by both Federal and State departments, 
end in failure; but the causes underlying the failure are but little 
understood because of a lack of knowledge of the exact conditions 
of the waters so planted. The mere fact that a body of water, be it 
lake or some favorite trout stream, is thought to be all right simply 
because it was formerly good, but had only become fished out, is the 
argument most frequently used, and the applicant, be it club or 
individual, proceeds with this idea and procures fish fry and dumps 
them in, often at considerable expense to himself, and most cer- 
tainly to the Government. Then, when no results are forthcoming, 
blame is attached to the Government (State or Federal) that the 
fry were either too small, or delivered at the wrong season of the 
year, and were subsequently washed out by floods, etc., when the 
real fact of the matter is that the fry would not have been planted 
if some attention had been given to an investigation of the waters, 
the nature and amount of its food resources, and extent of the 
pollution. 

The writer, during his boyhood and early manhood, lived near 
a famous spring, now the site of a Federal hatchery, where brook 
trout had spawned for untold centuries in great numbers, and 
probably continue to do so to the present day. Now, this spring 
and the brook below it for a considerable distance maintained a 
temperature of 50° to54°F., winter and summer, which is about the 
average temperature of all Minnesota springs, and the temperature 
of the water supplied to most trout hatcheries. As we know 
the temperature of the water controls the development and 
‘subsequent hatching, we infer that the period at which 
the fry emerge from the shell and their subsequent development 
near the heads of these spring-fed streams coincides very closely 
with conditions existing at the hatcheries of the present day. At 
the big spring under consideration and in the brook below it, my 
observations showed fry in the creek gravel in the early part of 


225 


- 


226 American Fisheries Society. 


January, and these must have been swimming up early in February, 
or about the time of the annual spring freshets of that region, where 
many of the mountain streams rise to a height of 50 feet above 
low water, producing torrents, and doing damage the like of which 
would be impossible anywhere in Minnesota, with the possible ex- 
ception of some of the North Shore streams. Yet these little fishes 
withstood the tremendous forces of nature here exerted, and little, 
if any, diminution of their numbers could be detected until the 
waters became polluted by the advance of civilization, followed by 
the devastation of large areas by forest fires, leaving the spring 
sources deep in the earth to dry up and the waters gradually to sub- 
side, often resulting in the complete obliteration of running streams. 
The causes leading up to this change are an inevitable result of our 
advance in agriculture and other pursuits connected with our ad- 
vance in civilization, so that our responsibility to future genera- 
tions leads us to look more deeply into the causes underlying our 
failure to do so and so and to search for a remedy. We can assist 
nature, but we cannot improve upon her methods. 


It was with a realization of the failures attending certain plants 
of fish fry in apparently suitable waters that the desire to acquire 
more or less accurate knowledge of our streams and lakes led to an 
investigation of certain areas in the state. This was made possible 
by acts of the legislatures of 1917 and 1919, tn appropriating 
nominal sums for that purpose. The summers of 1918 and 1919 
were spent in an investigation along the eastern border of the State 
in Pine County; the area covered approximately 650 square miles 
.of almost virgin forest country, where all the conditions of pris- 
tine wilderness still prevail over large areas. The experience gained 
in Pine County, and the pressing demand for information from 
the older-settled regions of the State determined a more fixed 
policy of procedure, and it was decided each drainage system should 
be investigated in turn as completely as the circumstances per- 
mitted. Therefore, the summer of 1920 was spent in a survey 
of the Root River basin, a section of the State in which changes 
first began with its settlement over 80 years ago. This basin covers 
an area of 1,638 square miles in the southeastern corner of the 
State, the main stream having a length approximating 151 miles, 
with many tributaries, one at least being 65 miles long. 

We find the development of the agricultural possibilities of this 
particular region necessitated the removal of a very heavy hard- 


ee 





PG SI A boa es. hae & 4' le 


Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 227 


wood forest around the headwaters of all the tributaries and the 
drainage of considerable marsh areas, so that the changes here 
brought about are particularly noticeable, and will be spoken of 
more fully in another paragraph. Investigations in the southern 
quarter of the State show a reduction of the water table of approxi- 
mately 4 feet during the past 60 to 70 years. While the time de- 
voted to any particular system has been, necessarily, limited, it is 
believed the results accomplished are worthy of record as adding 
very materially to a correct understanding of present-day conditions 
and the problem of meeting these conditions in the future. 

As a result of careful study of the conditions affecting the 
aquatic life of state waters, the following cardinal principles in- 
volved in their examination naturally present themselves : 

1. Obtain an accurate description of the body of water and 
locate it definitely on a map drawn to scale. 

2. Determine the approximate flow of springs and all sources 
of supply. 

3. Determine the amount and nature of the animal and plant 
life of the waters and their suitability for maintenance of fish life 
under existing conditions. 

4, Determine the pollution of the waters—its extent, and the 
probable effect on aquatic life. 

5. Study the geographical features of the region, their rela- 
tion to the permanence of the water supply, any immediate changes 
now taking place and the probable effect of such changes on a 
continuance of the existing conditions. 

6. Study the effect of flood waters on the plant and animal life; 
active erosion and its effect. 

Y. Ascertain, if possible, past conditions of the waters. 

8. Report on contemplated drainage of marshes, wet prairie 
uplands, lakes, etc., in their relation to permanence of the present 
water supply. 

9. Definitely locate the best roads by which the waters are 
accessible. . 

The value to the department of working under these principles 
grows more and more apparent as the work progresses. 

The change in conditions affecting our water supply in the 
southeastern counties has been brought about not so much by 
actual drainage, as we usually accept it, but more indirectly by 
deforestation and destruction of the surface-absorbing strata of 


228 American Fisheries Society. 


soil. Originally this area of the state was clothed with a magnifi- 
cent hardwood forest, known as the “Big Timber,” covering nearly 
all the plateau-like uplands as well as the valleys, and the rich 
soil and comparatively level uplands were first cleared and put 
under cultivation beginning with the early forties, or over 80 
years ago. 

The actual systematic drainage of marshes and lakes covers 
an immense territory in the southwestern, western, and north- 
western counties, areas, into which we have so far carried on but 
little investigation. What little we have done proves the conclu- 
siveness of the disastrous results so far as they affect our future 
water supply and the permanence of our streams. 

To what extent drainage, naturally resulting in a greatly re- 
duced evaporation of moisture into the atmosphere during long 
sustained hot weather, is going to affect the rainfall in years to come 
is problematical, authorities differing greatly on this point; but it 
seems to be utter folly to disregard its very probable effect on the 
precipitation of the future. According to official sources (Water 
Resources Investigation of Minnesota, St. Paul, 1912) we find the 
mean annual rainfall of the Mississippi basin in Minnesota to be 
27 inches, of which the run-off has varied from 5.1 to 23.9 per 
cent of the total mean. At St. Paul, where records are continuous 
since 1837, we find the wettest year (1849) gave 49.7 inches and 
the driest (1910) but 10.2 inches of precipitation. However, the 
precipitation appears to be heaviest in the southeastern part of the 
State, where it is 33. inches, as compared with 24 inches in the 
western part. The mean precipitation for the Root River basin, the 
wettest in the State, is 82 inches, where the run-off reaches as high 
as 27.% per cent. We find the mean annual for the Red River 
basin varying from 15 inches on its west border to 26 inches on the 
east in the lake region; about 75 per cent of this total falls in the 
six months from April 1 to September 30. The run-off here varies 
from 5.9 to 23.1 per cent in the timbered region above Fergus Falls, 
while from the prairie and timbered area below this it varies from 
1.8 to 11.3 per cent. From this same report we find the rainfall 
of the Des Moines basin in southwestern part of the State to be 
25 inches. 

Even though we admit a normal annual rainfall still persists 
over much of our territory, in the cultivated regions it now rushes 
off immediately after every downpour, carrying soil and debris 


Cy A et 


Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 229 


from the uplands, and gathering momentum as it passes through 
the deep ravines and gullies, greatly accelerating the action of 
erosion; and while much of the silt, or soil, of the uplands is 
carried onwards to the main valley of the Mississippi, vast quanti- 
ties are deposited on the beds of the smaller streams, so that we 
find once clean rocky beds are well covered by this sediment. 


The removal of the heavy sod formerly covering our prairie 
lands, the deforestation of the hardwood forest belt, with the 
attending removal of the centuries-old accumulation of humus and 
the destruction by fire and pasturage of low-lying shrubbery among 
the groves of forest left standing creates conditions having tre- 
mendous influence on the water supply, in that such lands no 
longer absorb and hold for gradual release the rainfall on which 
our springs depend; but, being underlaid with a subsoil or stratum 
of earth impervious to water, the rainfall rushes off in torrents as 
soon as it falls. This condition particularly applies to the south- 
eastern counties where, as a result of the deforestation and suc- 
ceeding intensive cultivation of the uplands, we find many springs 
so reduced in flow as to have become entirely inadequate to sustain 
even small running brooks during long continued hot weather, 
when, of course, evaporation reaches its maximum. This is but 
one step removed from actual stoppage of flow, and where such 
conditions exist over an extensive territory, as it does in this in- 
stance, it has so reduced the flow in the main streams for miles 
below, that we can readily become reconciled to the fact that at 
no long deferred future date such streams will have become inter- 
mitient in character, and eventually run only immediately follow- 
ing heavy precipitation. Much of this has been brought about by 
the necessities of civilization. 


The lesson this teaches us is that the permanence of any stream 
depends primarily on its fountain heads and these in turn are de- 
pendent on the adaptability of the soil and its covering of humus 
to absorb and hold moisture. There can be no sadder experience 
for the practical conservationist than to wander along a stream 
bed holding here and there a pool of stagnant water where once a 
rushing flood full of life meandered its way, and to observe along 
its course the conditions of wooded banks and slopes conducive to 
far different results had its headwaters been protected by standing 
forest or undrained marshes. 


230 American Fisheries Society. 


STREAMS IN DRAINED AREAS, 


; As an example of the effect of drainage on lands lying 
around the headwaters of streams mostly in cultivated areas, 
usually in the prairie region, we may take the headwaters of 
Root River in Mower County. Here much of the land is nearly 
level and the stream itself was originally a succession of prairie 
sloughs of considerable size connected by running streams over 
gravel, all being fed by seepage from marshy springs. Con- 
siderable areas of these sour, marshy lands have been drained, 
resulting in such a reduced regular flow into the sloughs as to 
admit of a highly increased water temperature, and such a re- 
duction in flow that the former running sloughs are mere stag- 
nant pools in midsummer and early fall. The incomplete drain- 
age of these lands has produced results sufficient to clearly indi- 
cate that with complete drainage of the area, now under 
progress, the sloughs will be so reduced very shortly as to func- 
tion merely as catch-basins during a considerable portion of the 
year, destroying most of the aquatic life now present, and, as pre- 
viously pointed out, reducing the flow of the entire stream for 
miles below. This seems to be the case with hundreds of spring 
or marsh-fed streams in the prairie region of the southern half 
of the State, and it is only a question of time till drainage will 
have absolutely annihilated the aquatic life over a vast area. 

However, about 50 per cent of the streams tributary to the 
eastern half of the Root River are still maintaining themselves 
by copious springs situated deep in forest-clad, abundantly 
shaded ravines, and while the food supply usual to such streams 
is becoming limited, still produce sufficient food to maintain ex- 
cellent trout fishing throughout their upper waters, but usually 
warming up to such an extent in the lower hali, where they ap- 
proach the main valley, as to exclude trout from the waters there. 

The abandonment of many water power projects, mostly mills, in 
the Root River and Whitewater basins, is directly traceable to 
the great reduction in the permanent water supply of those 
regions. 


STREAMS IN FORESTED AREAS SURROUNDED BY INTENSIVELY CULTI- 
VATED LANDS. 


The Whitewater valley in Olmsted and Winona counties, to 





Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 231 


the traveler following certain sections of its course through the 
deep wooded canyons, is perhaps one of the most picturesque 
regions of the State, recalling to mind certain mountain streams 
of the Pennsylvania Alleghanies, or of New England. The stream 
bed is rough and rocky with many waterfalls and deep pools, 
having every appearance of being ideal trout waters. However, 
as we ascend certain tributaries we find that it is wholly de- 
pendent on springs for its supply, and where certain springs have 
become dry, as we frequently observe, long stretches of the 
stream cease flowing and exist only as scattered pools of luke- 
warm water during the late summer months. Here we find no 
evidence of fish or other aquatic life except in the vicinity of 
bank springs. The forest growth along the river bottoms and 
clothing the steep side hills to their summits is very heavy, trees 
of large size predominating, with abundant undergrowth in many 
places, indicating but little disturbance of the original forest. On 
ascending to the crest of the steep slopes and getting clear of 
the canyon-like valley we find an almost level plateau extending 
back and away from the course of the stream for miles, all drain- 
ing, however, at more or less regular intervals through deeply 
eroded gullies and ravines to the main valley. This plateau, 
formerly the “Big Timber,” is divested of all original forest and 
almost every square foot of it has been under intensive cultiva- 
tion for years. Rains often fall on these uplands in perfect de- 
luges and rushing down through the gullies without any re- 
straining influences, carry vast quantities of the soil to the river 
below where it is responsible for the strangulation of aquatic 
life referred to under another heading. The results are inevitable, 
and in spite of all we can do to restock this stream it is gradually, 
but surely, approaching the day, not far distant, when its only 
function will be that of an open sewer. The conditions in many 
parts of the Root River basin are almost identical, and in all 
probability exist in other basins of that section. 


STREAMS IN WILDERNESS COUNTRY AND IN CUT-OVER AREAS. 


Much of the North Shore Country remains pretty much as 
the white man found it 300 years ago, so far as it has affected the 
water flow of many of the small rivers flowing into Lake Su- 
perior and the boundary waters between this and Rainy Lake, 
though man has taken enormous toll of the heavy forests. This 


232 American Fisheries Society. 


is due in great measure to the large areas of spruce and tamarack 
Swamps yet undrained, as we note wherever these streams have 
their sources in dried-up swamps, or when swamps were of but 
very limited area, as in the country just north of Duluth, there 
deforestation has very materially reduced the water flow, and the 
streams, formerly very cold, become very much heated during 
midsummer. 

The removal of the pine forests by the lumbermen has almost 
invariably been followed by forest fires of great destructiveness, 
these fires not only sweeping all low-lying shrubs, moss and 
small trees, but often entering the swamps and either partially 
or completely killing the timber therein. As an example we can 
take the great Hinckly fire of 1894. The removal of the white- 
pine forest had been going on in the Hinckly region for 30 years 
previously, but serious fires had never gained a footing previous 
to 1894, when it spread over Pine County clear across to the 
Wisconsin line. This fire made such a clean sweep that even 
today, nearly 28 years later, much of the country bears a prairie- 
like appearance. This fire, however, spared most of the swamps 
in the eastern part of the county, and the reforestation of the up- 
lands there has been extremely rapid, so that today we find an 
extremely heavy growth of poplar and other hardwoods wher- 
ever the soil will admit of its growth. This country is watered 
by many small streams fed by numerous small springs, and the 
borders of all are heavily clothed with brush, or flow through 
heavy natural meadows, and occasionally through swamps. The 
swamps lie in such proximity to the spring feeders that at the 
present time at least conditions have become again much as they 
are presumed to have been at a time many years preceding the 
fire, and will probably remain so as long as the swamps which 
feed the springs are left untouched. 

In this region we see an example of what is to eventually 
transpire unless our whole system of handling such matters is 
changed. Big Sand Creek, which has its source in a large swamp 
northeast of Bruno, flows through a country now rapidly being 
settled up along about one-half of its upper courses. About four 
years ago it was decided to drain this swamp, and in due course of 
time this has resulted in the rapid drying-up of the entire head- 
waters of the creek. Now no fish occur there except an occasional 
minnow in some of the pools, though at one time it was a most 


Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 233 


excellent trout stream. On the other hand the streams of the 
reforested country south and east of this, previously mentioned 
as having recuperated since 1894, are now among the best trout 
streams in the State, for the dense cover along their courses tends 
to preserve natural conditions of environment, and not only af- 
fords shade and food in abundance, but also tends to preserve a 
low temperature during the heat of summer. 

Similar conditions obtain in other parts of the State where 
cut-over lands have reforested themselves; and in northern Hub- 
bard and southern Beltrami counties the streams have so recuper- 
ated that it has been possible to introduce trout with marked 
success in waters which had previously been uninhabited by any 
species but pike, pickerel and suckers, the trout being unknown 
in that region as a natural inhabitant. 

In abundance and variety of food supply for fishes many of 
the streams in cut-over country, where not heavily fired, closely 
approximate that of wild country, but as soon as the country is 
divested of this second-growth and put under the plow its change 
is remarkably rapid, and in an incredibly short time floods and 
sun do their work and all small animal life disppears. In some 
of the streams of the southern part of the State it has required 
but 50 to 75 years to accomplish their ruin, even when the spring- 
water supply was twice that of other sections, so that it can be 
realized how rapidly it will be accomplished in a region where the 
spring-water is limited, and that supply dependent on swamp- 
seepage for its maintenance. 


THE INFLUENCE OF A REDUCED WATER SUPPLY ON AQUATIC ANIMAL 
LIFE AND ITS BEARING ON POLLUTION. 


We can readily understand that with a reduced flow all 
streams necessarily become more susceptible to pollution. This 
pollution should be divided into actual sewage waste on the one 
hand, and long-continued agitation by domestic animals during 
periods of hot weather, of the accumulated silt bearing minor 
sewage, on the other, the results, so far as affecting fish-life, 
being similar. 

While sewage pollution is regarded as most highly injurious 
to fish life, there is considerable question if the silt carried down 
from the uplands is not even more injurious in the more settled 
districts, where intensive cultivation of former forested areas 


234 American Fisheries Society. 


facilitates tremendous erosion at every flood. In most of the 
streams of southeastern Minnesota the lighter surface soil is 
carried down and deposited as a thick mass of silt over the bot- 
tom, often entirely obliterating all traces of the rocky bed, and 
covering it like a blanket. This has had the effect of smothering 
out the clear water Entomostracans, Gammarus, and such aquatic 
insect larve as the caddis-fly during the period of hot weather 
extending from the last June floods through to October, as dur- 
ing this period cattle, hogs and sheep, great herds of which are 
pastured along the banks with free access to the stream, keep the 
water in constant agitation by standing most of the day in it; and 
during a season of the year when such streams were naturally 
most clear, they produce a condition of intense roiliness, in which 
some small aquatic life can not exist, and in which fishes will 
not remain, if we except undesirable species as the carp for 
instance. 

If a stream is thus divested of the natural food supply for the 
smaller fishes, it seems hardly advisable to attempt to reintroduce 
even adult fishes in its waters, as it is only a question of time 
until they will either be caught or desert the stream in search of 
food and clear water; and since no food exists for their progeny, 
even though they spawn in great numbers, it would be the height 
of folly to attempt to introduce fry into such streams. Many 
streams in southern Minnesota are found to have reached this 
condition, and while from casual observation, they have the ap- 
pearance of being suitable for trout, on more careful examination 
they are found to be absolutely devoid of small animal life. 


BARNYARD POLLUTION. 


Ordinarily it has been found that barnyard pollution has but 
little effect on most streams, the most pronounced effect being 
noted in the case of springs with a comparatively weak flow (50 
gallons or less) situated in a barnyard which drains directly 
into it. In the case of large springs this pollution seems to have 
little bearing on the aquatic life, an example of this kind being 
the large spring about a mile east of Spring Valley, coming out 
from underneath a barn and continuously frequented by ducks, 
geese, hogs and cattle; a few trout exist here apparently in the 
best of condition, but in this case the heavy growth of water 
cress apparently purifies and balances the water. On the other 





Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 235 


hand, when the water supply becomes reduced to a weak slug- 
gish flow like the upper waters of Mill Creek at Chatfield, the 
many barnyards situated along its course have a telling effect 
and create conditions which aquatic life can not withstand. 


Other matters besides pollution have a tremendous influence 
on the conservation of our fish life. One of them is the care- 
lessness or indifference of owners of power projects along some 
of our important streams. In one instance complaint had been 
made of certain devastation of spawning beds in one of our rivers 
which demanded investigation. Quite by accident it was found 
that a far more serious offense was being committed weekly by 
the owner of a large mill who every Saturday evening at 6 o’clock 
shut down his turbines and conserved every ounce of water 
until Monday at 7 a. m., in order to raise a head. In doing this 
he exposed the active river bed for several miles below, and bass 
and crappie nests were found high and dry, resulting in the 
utter destruction of thousands of fish; yet no one complained of 
this, though they were up in arms over a matter doing less than 
a hundredth part of the destruction caused by this mill owner 
in cutting off the overflow at his dam. 


RESULTS AS APPLIED TO STOCKING OF STREAMS. 


As previously stated it appears that many waters have be- 
come unfitted for certain fishes, but admit of the substitution of 
an almost equally desirable species. For instance, certain brook 
trout waters have become much warmer than formerly without 
an appreciable diminution of the food supply; in such waters 
the introduction of the brown trout has met with signal success. 
Another means of great saving in these changed waters has been 
the determination of the available food supply for young fishes, 
whereby a far more conservative estimate of the number such 
a stream would actually support has been made and fry planted 
in accordance therewith. Previous to a critical examina- 
tion thousands of fry had been dumped into certain streams 
where but little food existed, resulting in overstocking, and na- 
turally ending in almost complete failure. We, therefore, see the 
application of the results of these surveys has been the elimina- 
tion of waste in the distribution of fry and the substitution of 
suitable for unsuitable species. These two remedies, elimina- 


236 American Fisheries Society. 


tion and substitution, have, therefore, been a means of more sav- 
ing to the department than the entire cost of the surveys. 


LAKE SURVEYS. 


Investigations for the improvement of lakes have not merely 
required biological investigations, but have presented civil en- 
gineering problems as well, and have required a more extensive 
survey than observations for streams. The most extensive work 
of this character has been done in the southern part of the State, 
where the results show most clearly the subsidence of the water- 
table. Lake Shetek in Murray County is one of the largest lakes 
so surveyed, having a shore-line of over 1514 miles. For many 
years the level of this lake was controlled by a dam across the 
stream below its outlet, the dam having been rebuilt several 
times, each time a little higher, so that when it was finally 
abandoned for water power with the disappearance of the dam 
a few years ago, the abnormal water level so long sustained had 
entirely destroyed the original contour of the lake and made 
its restoration to its original meander level a problem of no mean 
importance. Flood waters at its maximum artificial level had 
inundated the high banks and washed them into the lake back a 
distance of a hundred feet in some instances, the dirt so washed 
in aiding enormously in filling up the natural shallow bed of the 
lake until it is now found not to exceed 8 feet in depth anywhere 
at extreme low water such as prevailed during the past summer 
(1921). The destruction of so great an area of original shore- 
line, and all landmarks along with it, rendered a determination 
of its original level, fixed in 1861 by Government survey, difficult 
in the extreme, and the position of original meander corners 
could only be definitely determined by a resurvey of lines from 
section corners beginning at considerable distances from the 
lake shore. 

The accurate determination of the original meander is vital, 
as we can not exceed its level without considerable damage to 
surrounding lands, thereby laying the foundation for numerous 
suits for damages from the owners. The actual filling up of this 
lake bed, however, has not so seriously affected it as the de- 
struction of its aquatic plant life which has been almost absolute; 
it has been claimed that the disappearance of this plant life is 
due to the carp, and probably some of it has been destroyed by 








Surber.—Biological Surveys in Minnesota. 237 


that fish, but by far the greater bulk of it has been smothered by 
sand and clay. The lake at its normal level is connected with 
large slough-like ponds at this time filled with aquatic plants, 
and as these ponds have always been connected with it, it would 
seem very improbable that the carp would discriminate in their 
favor if it alone were responsible for the destruction of the vege- 
tation. As these ponds, with their heavy growth of vegetation, 
are literally alive with the best natural food for young fishes, and 
the lake itself almost barren of like food, the most important 

problem connected with its restoration is the construction of a 

dam at its natural outlet sufficiently high to give the fish access 

to the ponds. 

A problem of an entirely different character is presented in 
the case of Cannon Lake, in Rice County, through which Cannon 
River passes. Here we find if we construct a dam to raise the 
lake to a level for proper winter storage, we cut off all access to 
the natural spawning grounds of the fish in a small lake below. 
Both this small lake and the main lake are level-controlled by a 
power dam in operation for many years at a short distance below 
the smaller lake. Under normal weather conditions this power 
dam maintains a fair level in the two lakes, but under the sub- 
normal weather of the past summer the dam was inadequate to 
control the levels, even though water was consumed for a very 
short period weekly, and in spite of the efforts of the owners of 
the power dam to conserve water, it subsided far below normal. 
This seems to be the inevitable result of too much drainage on 
the headwaters of the river itself, but fortunately occurs only 
during seasons of long-sustained drought. 

SUM MARY. 

The lessons derived from these investigations show us: 

1. That certain streams, happily in the minority, are unsuitable 
for restocking, and have been dropped from the list. 

2. The substitution of brown trout in stocking certain waters 
produces excellent results where repeated failures have been 
made with brook trout. 

3. An absence of proper food for young fish, mostly semi-micro- 
scopic food, accounts for repeated failures in restocking de- 
pleted streams and lakes. 

4. That much of the so-called destruction of aquatic plants by 
the carp is not borne out by the facts. 


238 American Fisheries Society. 


5. Spring-fed streams in burnt-over, reforested areas are among 
the best trout streams in the State. 

6. Deforestation, with accompanying cultivation around the 
headwaters of spring-fed streams, is very rapidly diminish- 
ing the water supply. 

7. ‘The water-table in the southern part of the State has been low- 
ered 3 to 4 feet. 

8. Barnyard pollution has little effect on fish life unless the 
water flow is so reduced as to make the waters of very ques- 
tionable value even if not polluted. 

9. Sewage waste and muddy water during long-sustained hot 
weather haye very decided injurious effects, the former by 
direct action, the latter through the destruction of the smal- 
ler aquatic life, both animal and plant. 





art toe i ee ee 


2 


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a 


LIST OF MEMBERS, 1922-1923 


(Showing year of election to membership.) 


Honorary Members 


wbue President of the United States_.:.-..--.2-=--== Warren G. Harpine 

The Governors of the several States: ; 
RemM CHITRA) oe oa oe klk te a A OL a W. W. Branpon 
os, ESE FSA PSR a a RPI a SI he th ph Pe aig Grorcs W. P. Hunt 
0 6 ESS BER ase ies Se cae eo, an Pei Ae Tomas C. McRar 
OSTEO BIT Ss a a IY BEER NE er epnae ee Frienp W. RICHARDSON 
MTORR tg Snes nam ye tie eee Ee Wir1iam E. Sweet 
_ avn iaGileh ne 2 ae a ee CHarites A. TEMPLETON 
Ms RWC mee oe ee ae Le eee eee WituiAm D. DENNEY 
arcsec pee ee nk ge ek SUF ee Ak et eee eg Cary A. HarbEE 
RMR eo on A a ee es Tuomas W. Harpwick 
UDI 2) SEE et el lene eee gas Bes Peers ee ee a CHarites C. Moore 
HUN rennet ar A Sees en et te cha eee Beh eg lee ite lie ot Len SMALL 
irl navies ene ees Se ena ee es Se Warren T. McCray 
LB a ae ee Pn 9 OP wey my rey a nee aN Cay el Ser ean N. E. KENDALL 
1S IL a ge Sa aed a Le a JonatHAN M. Davis 
RRR ci es es SS Ns art eo Epwin P. Morrow 
EES ip SRI a elt en RE ae Re er PRES rs Joun M. PARKER 
PCDI Gy Ses SS a aS a ag Ee lean Sipe AES pe eee. Perciva, D. BAXTER 
RO ne ne cet a oe Set a Apert C. RITCHIE 
DME E ETL SL ES me ae es cw es a CHANNING H. Cox 
nee ate ie he oS by gee ALEXANDER J. GROESBECK 
BIMIES Ot oo es eM eee ean eee ie ee J. A. O. Preus 
"5S SSC VS il ca eee Sy veer a at NS Lee M. Russel 
SA TLLLESISYO (U1 (ea an Rompe esr rr AE ee Artuur M. Hyper 
a Ri Nch Me oP a ke rien JosepH M. Drxon 
GRAS ica eee aoe es en ea See ee a eh ee CHarLtES W. Bryan 
| 507/07 De pel plat a Strack ale Seibert Neorg James J. ScrucHAM 
BermmTatepShibe! 0 es oe ee eee Frep H. Brown 
nee eeu Se a a pe ae ae GrorcE SILZER 
Beer neste Oe Ae oa eo aes oe Seale JamMEs HINKLE 
oles ZG fe dasa a Nc les OL aR ge Dee ee ae ee ee Ss AFreD E.. SMITH 
Pract ee Elina ee ee ote ee en aap Se Se Se CAMERON Morrison 
ARs ame Y ck Oy tease ats a cs eet ae ee Rn a ee ras R. A. Ne&stos 
as ici a ee ee ee Se A. V. DoNAHEY 
Rene Leth (iil eee ee ee teres oa ee Bn Joun O. WaLton 
RETR en ao amen ao ee ao eee eee Water M. PIERCE 
Beare rN ee oS ee ee eee ee Girrorp PINCcHOT 
AIC aes TAT Ga een = oo ee ee eh ree at ee Witiam S. FLYNN 
Gite ARG Lita et eee ee ee a te Tsuomas G. McLeop 
eTSTT AHIMA) ACO GA ne ae ee nee ee ee en W. H. McMaAstTER 
BRE TATIES SCE me ent ee ee ee ae a en AUSTIN PEAY 
ies es en ee ote ee Gk oe eae Pat M. NeErrF 
Re Se ee Pe Sn ee Se eee eae Cuaryes R. Masry 
Be eION tes. a ne ee we ea oes Cee naan REDFIELD Proctor 
IDC So ee ee ch ee ees E. Leet TRrINKLE 
RRL RRE GIS oe ooo cnet ar ae inl eS en een ape ee Louis F. Harr 
FUSS SRS re Ree See ie Ea ee ee Se Sa EpHraim F. Morcan 
BEES 22 2h ana ones ateen ts oneaaeebe Joun J. BLaIne 
BRAINS ae ce rere tl Wiuu1aM B. Ross 


American Fisheries Society. 


ANTIPA, Pror. GREGOIRE, Inspector-General of Fisheries, Bucharest, 
Roumania. 

BESANA, GIUSEPPE, Lombardy Fisheries Society, Via Rugabello 19, 
Milan, Italy. 

Biuse Rince Rop anp Gun Ctus, Harper’s Ferry, W. Va. 

Boropin, Nico.as, Petrograd, Russia. 

CaALDERWooD, W. L., Inspector of Salmon Fisheries for Scotland, Edin- 
burgh, Scotland. 

DensicH, Lorp, London, England. 

KisHINOUYE, Dr. K., Imperial University, Tokyo, Japan. 

LAKE St. Clair SHOOTING AND FisHiNnG Cus, Detroit, Mich. 

MERcIER, Honore, Minister of Colonization, Mines and Fisheries, 
Quebec, Canada. 

NacEL, Hon. Cuas., St. Louis, Mo. 

New York ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF FisH AND GAME, New 
York City. 


Norpgvist, Dr. Oscar FRrityor, Superintendent of Fisheries, Lund,. 


Sweden. 

Perrier, Pror. EpMonpD, Direetor Museum of Natural History, Paris, 
France. 

VINCIGUERRA, Pror. Dr. Decio, Director Royal Fish Cultural Station, 
Rome, Italy. 


Corresponding Members 


APoSsTOLIDES, Pror. Nicony Cur. Athens, Greece. 

ARMISTEAD, J. J.. Dumfries, Scotland. 

Ayson, L. F., Commissioner of Fisheries, Wellington, New Zealand. 

Director, ALL-RUSSIAN AGRICULTURAL MusruM, Fontanka 10, Petro- 
grad, Russia. 

Director oF FISHERIES (British Malay), Singapore, Straits Settlements. 

Hiccinson, Epuarpo, Consul for Peru, New York City. 

LANDMARK, A., Inspector of Norwegian Fresh Water Fisheries, Chris- 
tiania, Norway. 

Liprary, NATIONAL Musrum or Naturat History, Paris, France. 

Marston, R. B., Editor of the Fishing Gazette, London, England. 

PortEau, CHARNLEY, Lommel, Belgium. 

Sars, Pror. G. O. Christiania, Norway. 

SreaD, Davin G., Fisheries Department, Sydney, New South Wales, 
Australia. 


Patrons 


ALASKA Packers Association, San Francisco, Calif. 

ALLEN, Henry F., (Agent, Crown Mills), 210 California St. San 
Francisco, Calif. 

AMERICAN Biscurr Co., 815 Battery St., San Francisco, Calif. 

AMERICAN CAN Co., Mills Building, San Francisco, Calif. 

Armour & Co., Battery and Union Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

Armssy, J. K., Company, San Francisco, Calif. 

Attias Gas Encine Co., Inc., Foot of 22d Avenue, Oakland, Calif. 

Batrour, GutTurig & Co., 350 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

BANK oF Ca.iForNiA, N. A., California and Sansome Sts., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

BLoEDEL-DoNovan LumsBer Mitts, Bellingham, Wash. 

Bonp anp GoopwWIN, 485 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

BurrEg AND LeEtson, Lrv., South Bellingham, Wash. 

CALIFORNIA Barret Co., 22d and Illinois Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

CALIFORNIA Door Co., 43 Main St., San Francisco, Calif. 


Bd > ae 
os > 


List of Members. 241 


CALIFORNIA STEVEDORE AND BaLast Co., Inc., 210 California St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

CaLirornia Wire CLrota Company, San Francisco, Calif. 

CASWELL, GEo. W., Co., INC., 503-4 Folsom t., San Francisco, Calif. 

Cuincy, C. G., & Co., INc., 144 Davis Sty San Francisco, Calif. 

Corrin-REDINGTON Co., 35-45 Second St. San Francisco, Calif. 

Couumpra River PAcKERs Association, Astoria, Ore. 

Crang Co. (C. W. Weld, Mer.), 301 Brannan St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Doncr, SWEENEY & Co., 36-48 Spear St., San Francisco, Calif. 

First Nationa, BANK OF BELLINGHAM, Bellingham, Wash. 

FuLLeR, W. P., & Co., 301 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Grays Harsor CoMMERCIAL Coy Foot of 3d St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Henpry, C. J., Co., 46 Clay St., ‘San Francisco, Calif. 

oe TarexBAcH ( Co., THE, Battery and Merchant Sts., San Francisco, 

ali 

Knapp, THe Frep H., Co., Arcade-Maryland Casualty Building, Bal- 
timore, Md. 

Linen THREAD Co., Tur, (W. A. Barbour, Mgr.), 443 Mission St., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

MATILAGCE, Cnas. F., Company, 335 Greenwich St., New York City. 

Naumay, C., & Co., 501-3 Sansome SE, oan Francisco, Calif. 

Ouiver SALT. Co., Mt. Eden, Calif. 

Morrison Mit Co., INc., Bellingham, Wash. 

Morsg HARDWARE Co., INc., 1025 Elk St., Bellingham Wash. 

Pactric HARDWARE AND STEEL Co., 7th and Townsend Sts., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

Paciric States Execrric Co., 575 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. 

PuiILLirs SHEET AND TIN Piate Co., Weirton, W. Va 

Porg anp Tatsot, Foot of 3d St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Pucrer Sounp Navication Co., Seattle, Wash. 

Ray, W. S., Merc. Co., Inc, 216 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. 

ScuMIDT LITHOGRAPH Co., 2d and Bryant Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

SCHWABACHER-FREY STATIONERY Co., 609-11 Market St., San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

Snip OWNERS’ AND MercHANTS’ Tuc Boat Co., Foot of Green St. San 
Francisco, Calif. 

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Co., THe, 454 Second St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Smit CANNERY MACHINE Co., 2423 South First Avenue, Seattle, 
Wash. 

Sranparp Gas ENcinge Co., Dennison and King Sts., Oakland, Calif. 

STANDARD Ot Co. oF CALIFORNIA, Standard Oil Building, San Fran- 
cisco, Calif. 

U. S. Rupper Co. or CALIFORNIA (W. D. Rigdon, Mgr.), 50-60 Fremont 
St., San Francisco, Calif. 

U. S. Strer Propucts Co., Rialto Building, San Francisco, Calif. 

Wetits Farco Nationa, BANK oF San Francisco, Montgomery and 
Market Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

WESTERN FUEL Co., 430 California St., San Francisco, Calif. 

WESTERN “MEAT Co., 6th and Townsend Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 

Wuirs Bros., 5th and Brannan Sts., San Francisco, Calif. 


Active Members 


Life Members Indicated by Asterisk (*) 
AsBrAMs, Minton, 560 Brook Ave., New York City. 
ADAMS, PRoF. Cas. C., State College of Forestry, Syracuse, N. Y. 
ADAMS, Wo. C.,, Director, Division of Fisheries and Game, 506 State 
House, Boston, Mass. 
ADCOCK, A. Ve Harris Trust Building, 111-117 West Monroe St., Chi- 
cago, Ill. 


242... American Fisheries Society. 


} 


Apert, W. E., State Fish and Game Warden, Des Moines, Iowa. | 


ALEXANDER, GEorce L, Grayling, Mich. 

ANbeRsoNn, AuGust J., Box 704, Marquette, Mich. 

ANDERSON, Dr. F. E., Red Wing, Minn. 

ANDERSON, J. F., 3136 Front St., San Diego, Calif. 

Anpverson, T. T., Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

ANNIN, Howarp, Caledonia, N. Y. 

ANNIN, JAMEs, Caledonia, N. Y. 

ARMSTRONG, RoNatp KENNeEpy, Bellister Castle, Haltwhistle, Northum- 
berland, England. 

ArRNoLD, M. DEweEy, Bemus Point, N. Y. 

ASHTON, GEo., 1217 Pierce Bldg., St. Louis, Mo. 

ATLANTIC BioLocica, Station, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. 

Atwoop, Irvinc M., 31 Boston Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

Aucour, W. A,, 33 Fulton St., New York City. 

Avery, Carios, State Game and Fish Commissioner, St. Paul, Minn. 

Bascock, JoHN P., Provincial Fisheries Department, Victoria, British 
Columbia. 

Bascock, WILLIAM H., 520 The Rookery, Chicago, III. 

BaiLey, ArTHUR T., Nashua, N. H. 

BatcH, Howarp K., 158 W. Austin Ave., Chicago, III. 

BaLpwin, O. N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Saratoga, Wyo. 

Bau, E. M., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

BALLARD, S. THRusTON, Louisville, Ky. 

BarBER, Wm. E., Conservation Commission, Madison, Wis. 

Barzour, F. K., 96 Franklin St., New York, N. Y. 

BarzBour, THoMAS, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. 

harrier a arcie W., Supt., R. I. Fisheries Experiment Station, Wick- 
Ova yak, ps 

Barron, JAMES T., 1210 Yeon Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

mouruen Morr L., Commissioner of Fisheries and Game, Concord, 

SEA: 

Bauer, A., 25th and Dearborn Sts., Chicago, Ill. 

BAYNE, Buiss, Chief Assistant Game and Fish Commissioner, Room 312, 
Capitol Building, Cheyenne, Wyo. 

Baxter, A. C., Chief, Ohio Fish and Game Division, Columbus, Ohio. 

BazeELey, Hon. Wm. A. L., Commissioner of Conservation, Room 519, 
State House, Boston, Mass. 

BEAN, Barton A., U. S. National’) Museum, Washington, D. C. 

BEEMAN, HeNry W., New Preston, Conn. 

*BELDING, Dr. Davin L., 80 Concord St., Boston, Mass. 

Bett, WM. G., 512 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

BELLISLE, J. A., Inspector General of Fisheries and Game, Quebec, 
Canada. 

BELMonytT, PERRY, 1618 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C. 

Bennett, L. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

*BeNnson, JoHn T., Mgr. Hagenbeck Bros. Co., 307 Newark St., Hoboken, 
N 


Berc, Georce, Indiana Fish Commission, Indianapolis, Ind. 

BerKHous, JERRY R., Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Torresdale, Pa. 
Bernarp, Gus., Atchafalaya, La. 

BERNIER, Dr. J. E., No. 5 D’Auteuil St. Quebec, Canada, 

BILIsoLy, E. Nasu, Portsmouth, Va. 
*BrrcE, Dr, E. A., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 

BLACKForD, CuHas, Minor, M. D., Staunton, Va. 

Biystap, Cuester N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Laboratory, Fair- 

port, lowa. 
Botton, C. C., 1550 Hanna Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. 
Boner, ALBERT E., Coopersville, Mich. 


List of Members. 243 


Boorn, Dewirr C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Spearfish, S. D. 

BorDENKECHER, WittiaM, R. R. 19, Haughville Station, Indianapolis, 
Ind. 

er Davm, Anderson Lake Hatchery, Kildonan P. O., V. L, 
B 


Bower, SEYMour, Drayton Plains, Mich. 

Bower, Warp T., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Bowers, Grorcrk M., Martinsburg, W. Va. 

BrADForD, Raupu P., Dept. of Agriculture, Springfield, Ill. 

BREDER, C. M., J New York Aquarium, New York City, N. Y. 

Brown, DELL, S. Bureau of Fisheries, Mammoth Springs, Ark. 

Brown, Eee CLivE, Box 107, Station fe New York, N. Y. 

Brown, G. W._N., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Orangeburg, S.C. 

BRYAN, PRor. Wo. Axanson, Director, Los Angeles Museum, Exposi- 
tion Park, Los Angeles, Calif. 

BUCKSTAFF, Gro. A., 1101-1501 S. Main St., Oshkosh, Wis. 

* BULLER, a G., Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Corry, Pa 

Butter, C. R., Pleasant Mount, Wayne Co., Pa. 

Butter, G. W., Pleasant Mount, Pa. 

*BuLLER, NATHAN Ro », Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Harrisburg, Pa. 

BULLOCK, Cuas. A,, S. Bureau of Fisheries, Bullochville, Ga. 

BURKHART, Jor, ae Prairie, Wis. 

Burnuam, Cuas. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Louisville, Ky. 

BURNHAM, Joun B., Pres. Am. Game Protective Assn., 233 Broadway, 
New York, N. Y. 

BuscHMANN, L. C., care of Franklin Packing Co., Smith Bldg., Seattle, 
Wash. 

Canrieyp, H. L,, oe Minn, 

CARTER, E. N., Vinta County Farm Bureau, Fort Bridger, Wyo. 

CASLER, Wo. A.,, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Hartsville, Mass. 

CASSELL, JOHN S., 4100 Springdale Ave., Baltimore, Md. 

*CASSELMAN, E. §., Dorset, Vt. 

CHAMBERLAIN, THOMAS KNIcHr, East Corinth, Vt. 

Cuampers, E. T. D., Department of Colonization, Mines and Fisheries, 
Quebec, Canada. 

CuHapmMan, Oswitt, De Bruce, Sullivan Co., N. Y. 

CHIDISTER, PRoF, F. E., West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va. 

Curistorrers, H. J., 'U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 1217 L. C. Smith 
Bldg., Seattle, Wash. 

CLapp, ALVA, State Game and Fish Warden, Pratt, Kansas. 

CLARK, H. WALTON, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Fairport, Iowa. 

CLEMENS, WILBERT he Dept. of Biology, University of Toronto, Tor- 
onto, “Ontario. 

* CLEVELAND, W. B., Burton, Ohio. 


Clubs 


Axron GAME AND Fisu Association, Akron, Pa. 

Assury Park FisHinc Cius (John F. Seger), 703 Cookman Ave., As- 
bury Park, N. J. 

Barr CAMP (Charles H. Foster, Sec.), 221 Egos St., Scranton, Pa. 

Berks County Rop & Gun Ass’N (W. E. Wounderly, Sec.), 615 
Eisenbrown St., Reading, Pa. 

BETHLEHEM Gamer, Fish AND Forestry Ass’N, 423 Brodhead Ave., 
Bethlehem, Pa. 

Birpsporo Fish aNnp Game Ass’N (Harry E. Deam, Sec.), Birds- 
boro, Pa. 

Buanppurc Camp No. 115, Unitep SporTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Blandburg, Pa. 


American Fisheries Society. 


ide ee a Rop anp Gun Ciusp (Wm. A. Yale, Sec.), Bowmans- 

own, Pa 

Cayuca County SporTsMEN’s AssociaATION (John L. Alnutt, Pres.), 
Auburn, N. Y. 

CHERRY RIDGE FisHING Cus, Honesdale, Pa. 

Cuicora Outine Cius (R. J. Gainford, Pres.), Chicora, Pa. 

sane DENARIUS, care of C. A, Colbert, 310 Begler Ave., Barnesboro, 

a 

CUMBERLAND County FisH anp Game Ass’n (Geo. E. Orr, Sec.), 
Portland, Me. 

Farrprook Country CLus (C. O. Miller, Sec.), Tyrone, Pa. 

Bar os FisHING AND GAME CLuB (J. Cc Henkes, Sec.), Fergus Falls, 

inn, 

FERNDALE Rop anp Gun Crus, New Auburn, Wis. 

FLYFISHERS’ CLuB, 36 Piccadilly, W. 1, London, England. 

GALESVILLE CONSERVATION Crus, Galesville, Wis. 

JEFFERSON Co, GAME AND FisH Ass’Nn, Brookville, Pa. 

aici es FisH AND GAME Ass’N (Willis S. Holt, Sec.), Box 948, Lowell, 

ass. 

MaAssacHusETts Fish and GAME Protective Ass’N, Tremont Bldg., 
Boston, Mass. 

MontcomMEery Co. Fish, GAME AND Forestry Ass’n (H. G. Unger, 
Sec.), 820 West Marshall St., Norristown, Pa. 

Mount PLEASANT HUNTING AND FISHING Ass’n, Mount Pleasant, Pa. 

NAZARETH Rop aNnp GuN Ctyus, INc., Nazareth, Pa. 

aes Barr anp Fry CASTING Crus, Split Rock Lake, Boonton, 

New JERSEY FisH AND GAME CONSERVATION LEaGuE (Arthur J. Neu, 
Treas.), 31 Clinton St., Newark, N. J. 

NortH CHAUTAUQUA FisH AND GAME CyuB, Dunkirk, N. Y. 

Park Rapips ComMMuNItTy Crus (G. H. Friend, Treas.), Park Rapids, 
Minn. 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE Fish AND Game Protective Ass’Nn, City Club, 
313 South Broad St. Philadelphia, Pa. (Address: Dr. T. Chal- 
mers Fulton, Corres. Sec., Schuyler Bldg., 6th and Diamond Sts., 
Philadelphia, Pa.) 

PiymMoutTH Camp No, 136, UNITED SPORTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA (H. A. 
Ledden, Sec.), 53 Oxford St., Lee Park, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 

POHOQUALINE FisH AssocIaATION (J. D. Winter, Jr., care of Thos. A. 
Biddle Co.), Philadelphia, Pa. 

Porter's LAKE HuNTING AND FisHinGc CLus (Otto C. Feil, Sec.), 2207 
North Sixth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Ramsey Co. UNitTep SportTsMEN’s Ass’N (J. McCarthy, Sec.), 636 
Grand Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 

Rinccotp Rop anp Gun Cxus, Pen Argyl, Pa. 

Bonen Gun Protective Ass’N, East Greenville, Montgomery Co., 

a 

SANcon VALLEY Camp No. 168, Unritep SporTSsMEN oF PENNSYLVANIA, 
Hellertown, Pa. 

Saw CREEK HuNTING AND FisHinc Ass’N (M. S. Kistler, Treas.), 
East Stroudsburg, Pa. 

SPORTSMEN’s CLus or DuLutH, 403 Wolvin Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

Staples Rop anp Gun Crus (C. E. Miller, Sec.), Staples, Minn. 

SWIFTWATER PrEsERVE (Dr. Samuel S. Kneass, Treas.), 1510 Walnut 
St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Unami Fish anp GAME Protective Ass’n, Emaus, Pa. 

VERMont Stats Fish anp Gun Cxus (S. B. Hawks, Vice-President), 
Bennington, Vt. 


2a eee 





List of Members. 245 


WAYNE AEN AND Fisuinc Cius (G. M. Patteson, Sec.), Carbon- 
dale, Pa. 

WEst PHILADELPHIA Rop anpD Gun Crus (Wm. A Dell, Sec.), 902 So. 
48th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Witp Lire Leacurt, McKeesport Branch (Theodore J. Herrmann, Sec.), 
218 Commercial Ave., McKeesport, Pa 


WILD ae LeacuE, Ridgway Branch (Earl E. Gardner, Sec.), Ridg- 
way, Pa. 

Witp Lir— Leacur, Sheffield Branch (G. McKillip, Treas.), Shef- 
field, Pa. 


Wiixes-Barre Camp No. 103, UnireD SPoRTSMEN OF PENNSYLVANIA 
(M. B. Welsh, Sec.), 96 McLean St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 

Winvsor Co. Fish anp GAME CLUB cc: W. Grinnel, Sec.), Nor- 
wich, Vt. 


Corns, Essen W., Superintendent of Fisheries, State Game and Fish 
Department, St. Paul, Minn. 

Cops, Joun N., Director, College of Fisheries, Univ. of Washington, 
Seattle, Wash. 

COKER, Dr. Ropert E., Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N. C. 

Cotes, Russet J., Danville, Vai 

CoMEAU, Nap. AS Godbout, Province of Quebec, Canada. 

ComMMeErrForD, WM., Boonville, N. Y. 

Coox, FRANK, Supt. Albany County Hatchery, Box 605, Laramie, Wyo. 

Coox, Warp A., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Duluth, Minn. 

Coors, Epwarp, 4706 4th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

*Cortiss, C. G., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Gloucester, Mass. 

Corson, ALAN, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Corwin, Roy S., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Fairport, Iowa. 

Cownen, S. M., Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y 

CoYKENDALL, Epwarp, 22 Ferry St., Kingston, N. Y. 

Craic, SAMUEL, 398 Van Norman St. Port Arthur, Ontario. 

CRAMPTON, JoHNn M., 317 Willow St., New Haven, Conn. 

CRANDALL, A. J., Ashaway, R. I. 

Crasser, Huco, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, LaCrosse, Wis. 

CrawrorD, D. R., College of Fisheries, Seattle, Wash. 

Crit, H. D., Director, Sea and Shore Fisheries Commission, Rock- 
land, Me. 

CrosstEy, H. C., Put-in Bay, Ohio. 

Cuter C. F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Homer, Minn. 

DANGLADE, ERNEST, Vevay, Ind. 

Daspit, A. P., New Court Bldg., New Orleans, La. 

Davinson, Henry, Fish Hatchery, Bath, N. Y. 

Davies, Davin, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Tupelo, Miss. 

and ’710 Dgran, Pror, Basurorp, Columbia University, New York City. 

Dean, Hersert D., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Bozeman, Mont. 

DENMEAD, TALBOT, 508 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

DePuy, Henry F., 32 W. 40th St., New York City. 

DeRocuer, Jas. D., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, East Orland, Me. 

DETWEILER, JOHN ve Honorary President, Florida Fish Commission, 
New Smyrna, Fla. 

Dimick, F. F., Boston Fish Bureau, Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

Dinsmore, A. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, St. Johnsbury, Vt. 

Dotan, Grorce A., Fish Commissioner, Westerly, R. I. 

*DoMINY, JEREMIAH M., South Haven, N. Y. 

Downline, S. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Put-in Bay, Ohio. 

Doyie, Henry, Winch Bldg., Vancouver, B. C. 

Dryroos, LEON, 508 State St., Erie, Pa. 

Ducxrer, BENJ., Wild Rose, Wis. 


246 American Fisheries Society. 


00 


Dun ap, I. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

DuRant, Dr. G. W., Board of Fisheries of S. C., Georgetown, Fe 

Empopy, Dr. Gro. C., 141 Ithaca Road, Ithaca, N. Y. 

EMERICH, WALTER G., Watervliet, N. Y. 

Erickson, C. J., 328 Washington St., Boston, Mass. 

Evans, H. R., Cultus Lake Hatchery, Vedder Crossing Post Office, 
British Columbia. 

Evans, Lizut.-Cort. Ketty, Metropolitan Club, New York City. 

EVERMANN, Dr. Barton W., Director of the Museum, California Acad- 
emy of Sciences, San Francisco, Calif. 

EvERMANN, J. W., First Vice-Pres., St. Louis Southwestern Railway 
of Texas, Dallas, Texas. 

*FEARING, Mrs. D. B., Newport, R. I. 

Frearnow, E. C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Frick, Joun A., Sandusky, Ohio. 

FEILpINc, J. B., 82 Wellington, St., Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

FriepLerR, Recinarp H., 310 E. 51st St., Seattle, Wash. 

FIELD, Dr. Grorck W., Sharon, Mass. 

Firxins, B. G., Northville, Mich. 

Fintayson, Arex. C., Dominion Inspector of Hatcheries, Ottawa, 
Canada. 

Fintey, W. L., Jennings Lodge, Clackamas Co., Ore. 

FisHer, JoHn F., Chapinville, Conn. 

FITZGERALD, E. J., Minneiska, Minn, 

FLEMING, JoHN H., Columbia City, Ind. 

*Foucer, J. A., Pres., J. A. Folger Co., Howard and Spencer Sts., San 
Francisco, Calif. 

Fotietr, RicHarp E., Detroit Zoological Society, 1224 Dime Bank Bldg., 
Detroit, Mich. 

Forses, R. D., New Orleans, La. 

ForsytTH, Ropert, 1157 The Rookery, Chicago, III. 

*ForTMANN, Henry F., 1007 Gough St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Foster, FREDERICK J., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Neosho, Mo. 

Foster, WM. T., 707 Coleman St., Easton, Pa. 

Founp, Wo. A., Asst. Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. 

Fow.er, KENNETH, Woolworth Bldg., New York City. 

Fraser, Dr. C. McLean, Biological Station, Nanaimo, British Columbia. 

FreNcH, ALBERT, International Agric. Corporation, 61 Broadway, New 
Work JN. ¥% 

FRIDENBERG, RoBERT, 22 W. 56th St., New York, N. Y. 

GANTENBEIN, D., Diamond Bluff, Wis. 

GANTENBEIN, U. Carver, New Albin, Iowa. 

*GARDNER, Mrs. Cuaries C., The Cliffs, Newport, R. I. 

Garnsey, LEIGH, 451 Summit Ave., Redlands, Calif. 

GerpuN, C., 505 Commercial Bank Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Gerry, Rosert L., 258 Broadway, New York City. 

Giss, C. D., Game Warden, Wilder, Minn. 

Gipss, CHarLEs E., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, East Orland, Me. 

Grover, Wm. L., Edison National Bank, Orangeburg, S. C. 

GorHam, W. B., Fisheries Station, Anaconda, Mont. 

Goutp, Dr. Epwin W., Sea and Shore Fisheries Commission, 24 School 
St., Rockland, Me. 

GraHamM, E. A., Berkeley, Taunton, R. F. D., Mass. 

Grater, CuHartes B., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Wytheville, Va. 

Gray, Grorce M., Woods Hole, Mass. 

Gray, StepMAn H., 2511 W. Second Ave., Seattle, Wash. 

GREEN, J. C., 4730 London Road, Duluth, Minn. 

GREEN, JoHN E., Carlton, Minn. 

GREENE, JoHN V., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 





| i ae ae a ee ila, 


List of Members. 247 


Guerin, THEopHite, Treasurer, Rhode Island Commission of Fisher- 
ies, “Woonsocket, Rel: 

GUNCKEL, Wit H., M. and C. Savings Bank, Toledo, Ohio. 

*HAAsS, WILLIAM, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, Spruce Creek, Pa. 

Hann, EE, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Boothbay Harbor, Me. 

HALEY, CaLen, 14 Fulton Market, New York City. 

Hamorrcer, Hon, Joun, 16 East 8th St., Erie, Pa. 

Hanp, E. R,, Fairmont, Minn. 

HANKINSON, Pro. T. .s. National Science Hall, State Normal College, 
Ypsilanti, Mich. 

HANSEN, FERDINAND, 65 Beach St., New York City. 

HANSEN, Ge Osceola, Wis. . 

Hare, Frank E., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Manchester, Iowa. 

HARRIMAN, AVERILL, Arden, N. Y. 

Harrison, C. W., 801 Rogers Bldg., Dom. Gov. Fisheries Office, Van- 
couver, B. 

Harron, i. G&:, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Hart, Max D.. Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, Library Bldg., 
Richmond, Va. 

HARTMANN, Putt., Erie, Pa. 

Hawks, S. B., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Bennington, Vt. 

Hay, Pror. W. P., Kensington, Md. 

Hayrorp, CHARLES OF Sunt; State Fish Hatchery, Hackettstown, 
Ne. 

Heatuiry, Gro., Middleton, Annapolis Co., Nova Scotia. 

HEDRICK, H. S& Pierre, oe: 

Herman, A. J., Barberton, Ohio. 

HEMINGWAY, E. Ds, 123 Rochelle Ave., Wissahickon, Philadelphia, Pa. 

HENSHALL, Dr. JAMES A., 811 Dayton St., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

HEROLD, R, % Mills Bldg., San Francisco, Calif. 

HERRICK, PRror, FRANCIS "Hopart, Western Reserve University, Cleve- 
land, Ohio. 

HEuCHELE, G. L., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Put-in Bay, Ohio. 

HEwET?, FRep, Route 6, Madison, Wis. 

Hiccrns, Aur. S., 142 Atlantic ‘Ave., Boston, Mass. 

HILDEBRAND, SAMUEL F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

HINRICHS, HENRY, eR. "Booth Fisheries Co., 205 No. Michigan Ave., 
Chicago, Ill. 

Hozart, T. D., Pampa, Texas. 

Horrsks, G. Raymonp, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

HOLLAND, Rites Am. Game Protective Association, 233 Broadway, 
New York City. 

Houmes, Wittiam W., Dept. of Conservation, New Orleans, La. 

HoorF NAGLE, GW, UW: 'S. Bureau of Fisheries, Cape Vincent, N. Y, 


*Hoprer, GEORCE ae Havre de Grace, Md. 

Hovpen, es Monterey, Calif. 

Howe Lt, CoC L., care of H. S. King & Co., .9 Pall Mall, London, 
S. W., England. 

Howser, W. D., Nashville, Tenn. 

HUBBARD, WALDo 2 We S. Bureau of Fisheries, Nashua, N. H. 

Hupss, Carr I, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann 
Arbor, Mich. 

Huntsman, Dr. A. G., University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 

*Hurisut, H. F., 13 Iveson Ave., East Lynn, Mass. e 

Hussaxor, Dr, ’ Louis, American Museum of Natural History, New 
York City. 

Hustep, James D., Denver, Colo. 

JACKSON, RALPH ‘es Seven Pines Brook Trout Preserve, Lewis, Wis. 


American Fisheries Society. 


sae G. E., Fishing Gazette, 465 Central Park West, New York 
ity. 

JENSEN, HarRoLD, Spooner, Wis. 

Jounson, A. S., 300 Exchange Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

ee James G., R. I. Commission of Inland Fisheries, Riverside, 


Jones, CuHapin, State Forester, University of Virginia, Charlottes- 
ville, Va. 


sae oe E. Lester, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington, 


Jones, J. H., Fergus Falls, Minn. 

Jones, Tos. S., Louisville, Ky. 

JorDAN, R. D., 12 Stebbins St., Springfield, Mass. 

Jostyn, C. D., 67 Boulevard, Pelham, N. Y. 

Jupp, E. T., Game and Fish Commissioner, Cando, N. D. 

KAUFFMANN, R. M., The Star, Washington, D. C. 

KavanaucuH, W. P., Bay City, Mich. 

Keesecker, A. G., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Erwin, Tenn. 

Keii, W. M., Tuxedo, Park, N. Y. 

KEMMERICH, JosEPH, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Birdview, Wash. 

KENDALL, F. P., Farling Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

KENDALL, NEAL, Farling Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

KENDALL, Dr. WILLIAM C., Freeport, Me. 

Kent, Epwin C., Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N. Y. 

Keyes, H. W., Ranier, Minn. 

Kinney, M. J., 1005 Yeon Bldg., Portland Ore. 

KISTERBOCK, JOSIAH, JR., 3824 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Kittrrepcr, BENJAMIN R., Carmel, N. Y. 

Knicut, H. J., Alaska Packers Association, San Francisco, Calif. 

Koeuz, Dr. WALTER, Dept. of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann 
Arbor, Mich. 

KrIpPENDORF, CAr, H., Sagamore and New Sts., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Kuiir, Karri C., Fish and Game Board, Suffield, Conn. 

LAIRD, ae South Side Sportsman’s Club of Long Island, Oak- 
dale. Ne Ye 

Lamsson, G. H., Calif. Fish and Game Commission, Sisson, Calif. 

LaNnpry, D. J., Lake Charles, La. 

LAUERMAN, FRANK J., Marinette, Wis. 

Lawyer, Gro. A., U. S. Biological Survey, Washington, D. C. 

Lay, CHARLES, Sandusky, Ohio. 

Leacu, G. C., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

Leavins, Linus, Fish and Game Commission, Cambridge, Vt. 

Lesour, Dr. Marie V., Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, 
England. 

Le Comptes, E. Ler, 512 Munsey Bldg., Baltimore, Md. 

Lee, W. McDonatp, Irvington, Va. 

LEESER, Wo. S., 919 Walnut St., Reading, Pa. 

Lewis, Cuaries E., Lewis Bldg., 2d Ave., So. and 6th St., Minneapolis, 
Minn. 


Libraries 


BuREAU OF SCIENCE LisrAry, Manila, Philippine Islands. 

CALIFORNIA STATE FISHERIES LABORATORY LipraRy, Terminal, Calif. 
CoLLEGE oF FisHeErtEs, Univ. of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 

Harvarp CoLiece Liprary, Cambridge, Mass. 

JoHN Crerar Liprary, Chicago, Ill. 

Liprary Ass’N or PortLAND, 10th and Yamhill Sts., Portland, Ore. 
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Cambridge, Mass. 

New York Pusric Liprary, 476 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. 





List of Members. 249 


New Yorx Stare Couiece or AGRICULTURE LipraryY, Ithaca, N. Y. 
New York State Lisrary, Albany, N. Y. 

OuIo STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Columbus, Ohio. 

Pusiic MusEuM oF MILWAUKEE, Milwaukee, Wis. 

Scripps INSTITUTION FoR BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH, La Jolla, Calif. 
UNIveERsITY oF In,inois Lisrary, Urbana, III. 

UNIVERSITY oF INDIANA, Bloomington, Ind. 

University oF Micuican, Ann Arbor, Mich. 

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, Lincoln, Nebr. 

University oF Toronto Lisrary, Toronto, Canada. 

Yas UNIversity Lisrary, New Haven, Conn. 


LINDAHL, SETH H., 7732 Chauncey Ave., Chicago, IIl. 

Linpsay, R. C., Gaspe, Canada. 

Linton, Dr. Epwin, Medical Department, University of Georgia, 
Augusta, Ga. 

Lirinsxy, M. N., Winona, Minn. 

LLoyp, Joun Tuomas, Court and Plum Sts., Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Locke, SAMUEL B., U. S. Forest Service, ea Utah. 

LoweLL, RALPH P. Sanford, Me. 

Lowrance, W. J., Berwick, La. 

LupwIc, Joun, Grand Isle, La. 

LYDELL, Craup, State Fish Hatchery, Hastings, Mich. 

LYDELL, Dwicnr, State Fish Hatchery, Comstock Park, Mich. 

Masir, CHARLES H., Maywood, N. J. 

MACKENZIE, WM. Hi. The Linen Thread Co., 96 Franklin St., New 
York, N. Y. 

McDona tp, E. B., Liggett and Myers Tobacco Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

McDoueat, J. M., Gunnison, Colo. 

McKinney, Rosert E., 505 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. 

McLean, MARSHALL, 27 Cedar St., New York City. 

McREYNOLDs, B. B., Water Superintendent, Colorado Springs, Colo. 

MaAunong, A. H,, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Edenton, N. C. 

*MAILLIARD, JosEPH, 1815 Vallejo St., San Francisco, Calif. 

MANNFELD, Gro. N., 223 N. Penn. St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

MANSFIELD, Harry C., Russell’s Point, Ohio. 

Manvon, Dr. W. P., 312 So. Holliston Ave., Pasadena, Calif. 

Marrs, Wm. C., Fort On Aypelle, Saskatchewan. 

Marven, Cuas. S., Moorehead, Minn. 

MarineE, Dr. Davin, Montifiore Home and Hospital, New York City. 

Marsh, M. C., Springville, N. Y. 

MarSCHALK, Paut, Warroad, Minn. 

Martin, J. E., Kennedy Lake Hatchery, Tofino, British Columbia. 

*Marvin, J. B., Jr., P. O. Box 544, Saranac Lake, N. Y. 

Matruews, J. H., Research and Information Dept., No. 1 Fulton Fish 
Market, New York, N. Y. 

*MEEHAN, W. E., 422 Dorset St., Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, Pa. 

MERRILL, ARTHUR, Wilkinsonville, Mass. 

MERSHON, W. B., Saginaw, Mich. 

MEYER, GusTAv J. T., 829-831 South Delaware St., Indianapolis, Ind. 

Mites, LEE, Probate Judge, Little Rock, Ark. 

MILLER, ALBERT P., Bemus Point, N. Y. 

Miutett, ArtHur L., Division of Fisheries and Game, State House, 
Boston, Mass. 

MitcHet,, Epw. W., Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, N. Y. 

*MixtTeR, SAMUEL J., M. D., 180 Marlboro St., Boston, Mass. 

MOLLAN, Wo. K,, Board of Fisheries and Game, Bridgeport, Conn. 

MONEY, "GEN. Norn, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. 

Monnoz, Otis D., Supt. State Fish Hatchery, Palmer, Mass. 


250 American Fisheries Society. 


"13 Moorr, ALFRED, 618 American Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. 

"18 Moore, Dr. EMMELINE, Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 

04 Moore, Dr. H. F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, 1D: a: 

18 Morey, BiG, Sodus Point; Ni Y. 

704 Morris, Dr, ROBERT eieR ris b.' "E. 54th St., New York City. 

’99 Morton, WP, 1105 Sterling Ave., Providence, R. I. 

"10 Moser, CAPTAIN JEFFERSON F., 2040 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, Calif. 

20 MoTrHERWELL, Major J. A., Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Rogers Bldg.,. 
Vancouver, Bac: 

"10 Munty, M. G., 1012 Yeon Bldg., Portland, Ore. 

14. Myers, I. S., 604 Norwood St., Akron, Ohio. 

"21. Nason, R, B., 1410 So. Grant Ave., Tacoma, Wash. 

18 NEEDHAM, Pror. Jas. G., Cornell University, Ithaca, Nt: 

716 *NELSON, Cuas. A! os, Lutsen, Minn. 

07 *NEWMAN, EDWIN A, President, Aquarium Fisheries Co., 4305 8th St., 
N.W., Washington, DIG 

"10 NicHoLis, JoHN TREADWELL, American Museum of Natural History,. 
New York City. 

’20 Norcore, Martin, 1908 N. 36th St., Seattle, Wash. 

’20 Oakes, JosEPH, Box 5, Belleville, Ontario. 

13. Oaxes, WM. H., 24 Union Park St., Boston, Mass. 

16 O’Brien, Martin, Crookston, Minn. 

"97 O'BRIEN, MTS ‘Supt. of Hatcheries, Nebraska Game and Fish Com- 
mission, Gretna, Neb. 

20 ODELL, CLINTON M., 1815 Fremont Ave., South, Minneapolis, Minn. 

00 O'MALLEY, HENRY, 'U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C 

715 OPDENWEYER, JOHN W., 2328 Dublin St.. New Orleans, La. ; 

19 rata ee ae House Appropriations Committee, Capitol, Washington, 


"10 *OsBuRN, Pror. RayMonp C., Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 

17 Otis, Mito F., State Fish Hatchery, Upper Saranac, N. Y. 

12 Oris, SpeNcER, Railway Exchange, Chicago, Ill. 

"17 PAcKER, ARTHUR, 423 Plymouth Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn. 

04 Patmer, Dr. Turopore S., United States Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, D. C. 

21 Paravisk Brook Trout Co., Henryville, Pa. 

704 Parkuurst, Hon. C. FRANK, 54 Barnes St., Providence, R. I. 

707. ~Patcuinc, Frep, Loring, Alaska. 

18 Pearse, Pror. A. S., University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 

11 Pett, Gro. W., 520 Sixteenth St. Denver, Colo. 

09 «=~ PrieuceEr, J. E., Akron, Ohio. 

’21 Puitiirs, JoHN M., Vice-Pres., Board of Game Commissioners, 2227 
Jane St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

17 Pinkerton, J. A., Glenwood, Minn. 

713. Pootr, GARDNER, Fish Pier, Boston, Mass. 

709 Pomeroy, Geo. E., Toledo, Ohio. 

704. Porr, T. E. B., Curator, Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee, 
Milwaukee, Wis. 

706 ~Porter, RicHarpD, Board of State Fish Commissioners, Paris, Mo. 

19 Post Fisw Co., Sandusky, Ohio. 

17 ~Prartr, Georcg D., Telephone Bldg., Albany, N. Y. 

"19 PreNnsker, Dr. G. A., 1348 Wellington Ave., Chicago, III. 

08 *Prince, Dr. E. E., Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries, Ottawa, 
Canada. 

22 PuTNAM, Bert J., 462 Washington St., Buffalo, N. Y. 

03. «RACE, EB. Boothbay Harbor, Me. 

"10 *RADCLIFFE, LewIs, Tariff Commission, Washington, D. C. 

793. «~RAVENEL, W. DE Ci U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. 

21 Rea, KENNETH G., 985 Beaver Hall Hill, Montreal, Canada. 





List of Members. 251 


Rerorp, Rost. Witson, 300 Drummond St., Montreal, Canada. 

REID, Gro. C., 1007 N. George St., Rome, N. Y. 

RED, Hucu 3 Winnipegoses, Manitoba, "Canada. 

REEL, F. K., State Hatchery, Union City, Ea 

REIGHARD, Pror. Jacos E., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 

Renavp, J. K., 207 New Court Bidg., New Orleans, La. 

a eas H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 11 Exchange St., Port- 
an e 

RICHARDSON, A. P., Supt. Hatchery, Canaan, Vt. 

RicHARpDSON, Rosert E., Box 155, University Station, Urbana, Ill. 

Ritey, Marx, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, San Marcos, Texas. 

RILEY, Hon. ‘Marruew, 304 Jefferson Ave., Ellwood City, Pa. 

RILEY, Pror. Wm. A., University Farm, St. Paul, Minn. 

RISLEY, A. F., Old Forge, Herkimer Co., N. Y. 

ROBERTSON, ALEXANDER, Dominion Hatchery, Harrison Hot Springs, 
British Columbia. 
*RopeRtTson, Hon. Jas. A. 
Blackpool, England. 

Ropp, J. A., Dept. Naval Service, Ottawa, Canada. 

Ropp, R. Tk. Banff, Alberta. 

Rows, HENRY c» Daytona Beach, Fla. 

Rowe, Wm. H., West Buxton, Me. 

RUHE, E, Lenman, 24 S. 13th St., Allentown, Pa. 

RUSSELL, GEO. a Bank of Commerce of N. A., Cleveland, Ohio. 

Ryan, Carvin D ier S. Bureau of Fisheries, Ketchikan, Alaska. 

*S AFFORD, W. H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Gloucester, Mass. 

SCHRADIECK, it oe "211 South Eighth St., Olean, N. Y. 

ScHRANK, i qs Booth Fisheries Co., Sandusky, Ohio. 

ScorieLp, 'N. B., 430 Kingsley Ave., Palo Alto, Calif. 

Scott, THOMAS E., Fisheries Overseer, Hope, B. C. 

Scovitte, 1S ae 50 Church St., New York City. 

SEAGLE, Gro. ia 135 College Ave., Bluefield, W. Va. 

SEAGRAVE, ARNOLD, Woonsocket, R. I. 

SEAMAN, “FRANK, Napanoch, INGRYe 

Setters, M. G., 1518 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

SHELDON, Et. P., Fish and Game Commissioner, Montpelier, Vt. 

SHELFORD, Vicon E., Vivarium Bldg., Wright and Healey Sts., Cham- 
paign, Il 

SHERWOOD, E. E., State Game and Fish Commission, Seattle, Wash. 

SHIRA, AUSTIN F., Fairport, Iowa. 

SHIRAS, Gro. 3D, Stoneleigh Court, Washington, D. C. 

Sno, C. E,, Box 62, Burlington, N. J. 

SIEMS, ALLEN G., Big Rock Trout Club Hatchery, St. Croix Falls, 
Wis. 


Skerryvore, Holmefield Ave., Clevely’s, 


, 


3 *SziapEe, Grorcs P., 309 Broadway, P. O. Box 283, New York City. 


SMIrH, Dr. Hucr M., 1209 M St. N. W., Washington, LD Ea Oy 

SmitH, Lewis H., Algona, Towa. 

SmirH, WALTER ic Game Warden, 114 North Jefferson St., Staun- 
ton, Va. 

SNOWDEN, ALEX’R O., JR., 1058 Main St., Peekskill, N. Y. 

Snyvpes, J.P U.S: Bureau of Fisheries, Cape Vincent, N. Y. 

SPENCER, H. B., Room 1223 Munsey Bldg., Washington, D.C. 

SPORTSMEN’S Review Pusiisninc Co., 15 W. Sixth St., Cincinnati 
Ohio. 

Spracie, L. H., Henryville, Pa. 

STACK, F, GEORGE, North Creek, Warren Co., N. Y. 

STACK HOUSE, Ee Department of Fisheries, Harrisburg, Pa. 


252 American Fisheries Society. 


States 
See Board of Fisheries and Game, State Capitol, Hartford, 
onn 
InpIaANa, Dept. of Conservation, Div. of Fisheries and Game, Indian- 
apolis, Ind. 


Iowa, Fish and Game Dept., Des Moines, Iowa. 

LOUISIANA, Dept. of Conservation, New Orleans, La. 

MARYLAND, State Conservation Commission, Baltimore, Md. 

MASSACHUSETTS, Dept. of Conservation, State House, Boston, Mass. 

panne an Department of Game and Fish, State Capitol, St. Paul 
inn 

Ouro, Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

ORECON, Fish Commission of Oregon, 1105 Gasco Bldg, Portland, Ore. 


STEVENS, ARTHUR F., Ladentown, R. F. D. 44-A, Suffern, N. Y. 

Stivers, D. Gay, Butte Anglers’ Association, Butte, Mont. 

STOKKE, G. B., 16 Exchange Place, New York City. 

Story, Joun A. U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Green Lake, Me. 

STRUVEN, CuHas. M., 114 S. Frederick St., Baltimore, Md. 

STuBER, JAMES W., Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

Sun, Dr. F. T., President, School of Fisheries, Tientsin, China. 

Sworn, C. B., New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. 

Tart, THorrin, 64 Hillside Ave., Metuchen, N. J. 

Taytor, H. F., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

TERRELL, CLypE B., Oshkosh, Wis. 

TuHayer, W. W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Northville, Mich. 

THOMAS, ADRIAN, 3211 Helen Ave., Detroit, Mich. 

Tuompson, CHAS. H. Colonial Trust Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. 

THompson, W. F., State Fisheries Laboratory, Terminal, Calif. 

Tuompson, W. P., 123 N. Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 

Tuompson, W. T., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Bozeman, Mont. 

Tuomson, G. H., Estes Park, Colo. 

TicHENoR, A. K., Vice President, Alaska Packers Assn., San Francisco, 
Calif. 

TILLMAN, Rosert L., Beacon Paper Co., St. Louis, Mo. 

*Timson, Wo., President, Alaska Packers Assn., San Francisco, Calif. 

Titcoms, Joun W., Supt., Board of Fisheries and Game, Hartford, 
Conn. 

and 712 *Townsenp, Dr CuHaries H., Director, New York Aquarium, 
New York, N. Y. 

TRAVERS, JouN T., Bureau of Fish and Game, Columbus, Ohio. 

TRESSELT, FREDERICK, Lantz, Md. 

TrESSLER, Dr. Donanp K., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, 
1D al G: 


TREXLER, Cor. Harry C., Allentown, Pa. 

Triccs, CHAs. W., Booth Fisheries Co., 22 W. Monroe St., Chicago, III. 

Trout Broox Co., F. O. Crary, Pres., Hudson, Wis. 

Troyer, M., Astoria Iron Works, Seattle, Wash. 

TRUITT, R. V., University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 

TRULL, HARRY S., American Museum of Natural History, New York 
City. 

TUBBs, fe A., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Harrisville, Mich. 

TULIAN, EUGENE Ay Box 1304, New Orleans, La. 

TURNER, Pror. C. ioe Beloit College, Beloit, Wis. 

Van Arta, Crype H., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Leadville, Colo. 

Van CLEAVE, Pror. H. J., University of Illinois, Urbana, III. 

*VanveERGRIFT, S. H., 1728 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C. 





List of Members. 258 


*g9 «VicKers, Harrison W., Chairman, Conservation Commission, 512 Mun- 
sey Building, Baltimore, Md. 

49 Vincent, W. S., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Mammoth Springs, Ark. 

19 Viosca, Percy, Jr., Natural History Bldg., New Orleans, La. 

12 Vocr, JAMEs H., Nevada Fish Commission, Verdi, Nevada. 

09. Von LENGCERKE, J., 200 Fifth Ave., New York City. 

706 WADDELL, JOHN, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

49 WaGNER, JoHN, School House Lane, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa. 

15 WakeEririp, L. H., 1310 Smith Bldg., Seattle, Wash. 

22 “asa Freperic C., Pres. Board of Fisheries and Game, Norfolk, 

onn, 

796 «WALKER, BRYANT, Detroit, Mich. 

41. Watxer, Dr. H. T., 210 Main St., Denison, Texas. 

99 WALKER, S. J., District Inspector of Hatcheries, Ottawa, Canada. 

16 WALLACE, FreDERICK WILLIAM, 282 W. 25th St, New York, N. Y. 

96 «Watters, C. H., Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. 

’98 Warp, Dr. H. B., University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill. 

49 Warp, J. Quincy, Executive Agent, Kentucky Game and Fish Com- 
mission, Frankfort, Ky. 

47 Warp, Rozertson S., 172 Harrison St., East Orange, N. J. 

13 Wess, W. SEwarp, 44th St. and Vanderbilt Ave., New York City. 

91 WessTer, B. O., Commissioner of Fisheries, Madison, Wis. 

46 Weeks, ANDREW Gray, 8 Congress St., Boston, Mass. 

99 «WELLS, ArtHur W., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 

99 WELLS, Wo. F., Conservation Commission, Albany, N. Y. 

19 Wueeter, Cuas. E., Stratford, Conn. 

145 Wueeter, Frep M., 546 Fulton St., Chicago, Ill. 

91 Wuite, Dr. E. HAMILTON, 298 Stanley St., Montreal, Canada. 

40 Wuitman, Epwarp C., Canso, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

145 Wuitesipe, R. B., 204 Sellwood Bldg., Duluth, Minn. 

99 Wuuiteway, SOLOMAN, P., St. Johns, Newfoundland. 

19 «Wicxtirr, Epwarp L., 1309 Atchison St., Columbus, Ohio. 

99 Wipur, Harry C., Commissioner, Sea and Shore Fisheries, Portland, 


Me. 

01 Witson, C. H., Glen Falls, N. Y. 

00 Winn, Dennis, U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, 1217 L. C. Smith Bldg., 
Seattle, Wash. 

99 “Wires, S. P., U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Duluth, Minn. 

43 *WisneR, J. Netson, Director, Institute de Pesca del Uruguay, Punta 
del Esto, Uruguay. 

94 Wo.r, CHartes F., Birchwood, Wis. 

95 *Worters, Cas. A., Oxford and Marvine Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 

’97 Woop, C. C., Plymouth, Mass. 

13 Woops, Joun P., President, Missouri State Fish Commission, First 
and Wright Sts., St. Louis, Mo. 

14 Work, GERALD, Perkins Hill, Akron, Ohio. 

49° Wricut, Pror, ALBERT Hazen, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. 

46 Youncer, R. J., Houma, La. 

99 ZALSMAN, P. G., Supt., State Fish Hatchery, Grayling, Mich. 


Recapitulation 
Honorary __..-.--------------------------------------------------- 63 
Corresponding ----------------------------------------------------7 12 
Patrons ~-..------- = == == <= ~ = 5 nnn 53 
Active (including 49 clubs, 19 libraries and 9 State organizations) ------ 569 


CONSTITUTION 
(As amended to date) 


ARTICLE I 
NAME AND OBJECT 


The name of this Soviety shall be American Fisheries So- 
ciety. Its object shall be to promote the cause of fish culture; to 
gather and diffuse information bearing upon its practical success, 
and upon all matters relating to the fisheries; the uniting and en- 
couraging of all interests of fish culture and the fisheries, and the 
treatment of all questions regarding fish, of a scientific and econo- 
mic character. 


AB ICL Et 
MEMBERSHIP 


Active Members.—Any person may upon a two-thirds vote and 
the payment of three dollars, become a member of this Society. In 
case members do not pay their fees, which shall be three dollars per 
year after first year, and are delinquent for two years, they shall 
be notified by the treasurer, and if the amount due is not paid 
within a month thereafter, they shall be, without further notice, 
dropped from the roll of membership. 

Any sporting or fishing club, society, firm, or corporation, upon 
two-thirds vote and the payment of an annual fee of five dollars, 
may become a member of this Society and be entitled to all its 
publications. Libraries shall be admitted to membership at three 
dollars a year. 

Any. state board or commission may, upon the payment of an 
annual fee of ten dollars, become a member of this Society and be 
entitled to all of its publications. . 

Life Members.—Any person shall, upon a two-thirds vote and 
the payment of twenty-five dollars, become a life member of this 
Society, and shall thereafter be exempt from all annual dues. 

Patrons.—Any person, society, club, firm, or corporation, on 
approval by the Executive Committee and on payment of $50.00, 


254 





Constitution. 255 


may become a Patron of this Society with all the privileges of a life 
member, and then shall be listed as such in all published lists of the 
Society. The money thus received shall become part of the perma- 
nent funds of the Society and the interest alone be used as the 
Society shall designate. 

Honorary and Corresponding Members.——Any person can be 
made an honorary or a corresponding member upon a two-thirds 
vote of the members present at any regular meeting. 

The President (by name) of the United States and the Gov- 
ernors (by name) of the several States shall be honorary mem- 
bers of the Society. 

Election of Members Between Annual Meetings—The Presi- 
dent, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer of the Society are hereby 
authorized, during the time intervening between annual meetings, 
to act on all individual applications for membership in the Society, 


a majority vote of the Committee to elect or reject such applica- 


tions as may be duly made. 


ARTICLE III 
SECTIONS 


On presentation of a formal written petition signed by one 
hundred or more members, the Executive Committee of the Ameri- 


_can Fisheries Society may approve the formation in any region of 


a Section of the American Fisheries Society to be known as the 
Section. 

Such a Section may organize by electing its own officers, and 
by adopting such rules as are not in conflict with the Constitution 
and By-Laws of the American Fisheries Society. 

It may hold meetings and otherwise advance the general in- 
terests of the Society, except that the time and place of its annual 
meeting must receive the approval of the Executive Committee of the 
American Fisheries Society, and that without specific vote of the 
American Fisheries Society, the Section shall not commit itself to 
any expression of public policy on fishing matters. 

It may further incur indebtedness to an amount necessary for 
the conduct of its work not to exceed one-half of the sum received 
in annual dues from members of said Section. 

Such bills duly approved by the Chairman and Recorder of the 
Section shall be paid on presentation to the Treasurer of the Amer- 
ican Fisheries Society. 





256 American Fisheries Society. 


ARTICLE 1V: 
OFFICERS 


The officers of this Society shall be a president and a vice-- 


president, who shall be ineligible for election to the same office until 
a year after the expiration of their term; an executive secretary, a 
recording secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee of 
seven, which, with the officers before named, shall form a council 
and transact such business as may be necessary when the Society is 
not in session—four to constitute a quorum. 

In addition to the officers above named there shall be elected 


annually five vice-presidents who shall be in charge of the follow-. 


ing five divisions or sections: 

1. Fish culture. 

2. Commercial fishing. 

Aquatic biology and physics. 
Angling. 
Protection and legislation. 

Veco: presidents of sections may be called upon by the President 
to present reports of the work of their sections, or they may volun- 
tarily present such reports when material of particular value can 
be offered by a given division. 


tpt Laos 


ARTICUE V 
MEETINGS 


The regular meeting of the Society shall be held once a year, 
the time and place being decided upon at the previous meeting, or, 
in default of such action, by the executive committe. 


ARTICLE VI 
ORDER OF BUSINESS 


Call to order by president. 

Roll call of members. 
Applications for membership. 
Reports of officers. 

President. 

Secretary. 

Treasurer. 

Vice-presidents of Divisions. 
Standing Committees. 


wo 


pane oD 








Constitution. 257 


5. Committees appointed by the president. 
a. Committee of five on nomination of officers for ensuing 
year. 
Committee of three on time and place of next meeting. 
Auditing committee of three. 
Committee of three on program. 
Committee of three on publication. 
Committee of three on publicity. 
6. Beodiae of papers and discussion of same. 
(Note—in the reading of papers preference shall be given 
to the members present.) 
?. Miscellaneous business. 
8. Adjournment. 


mo aos 


ARTICLE VII 
CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION 


The Constitution of the Society may be amended, altered or 
repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regu- 
lar meeting, provided at least fifteen members are present at said 
regular meeting. 








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PeeOCIETY | 
















_ FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING — me : 


ae ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI eae 
SEPTEMBER 17, 18, 19, 1923 











TRANSACTIONS 


OF THE 


Amenican Fisheries Society 


FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 
SEPTEMBER 17, 18, 19, 1923 


Published Annually by the Society 
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 
1923 


4 








American #isheries Suciety 


ORGANIZED 1870 INCORPORATED 1910 


Officers for 1925-1924 . 


Bey Ye GEO. C. EMBopyY, Ithaca, N. Y. 
Vice-President ............................. HBEN W. COBB, Hartford, Conn. 
Executive Secretary ............ JOHN W. TITCOMB, Hartford, Conn. 


RCCOTOING SCCTOCULY oe coon cscsecnenn FLOYD S. YOUNG, Chicago, III. 
CAT SR ed a ee ede T. E. B. Pope, Milwaukee, Wis. 


Hice-Presideuts of Divisions 
MITTS a ee C. F. CULLER, Homer, Minn. 
Aquatic Biology and Physics, 
DR. EMMELINE MoorgE, Albany, N. Y. 


Commercial Fishing . JOHN N. Cops, Seattle, Wash. 
Angling .. _ DUDLEY BERWICK, Ne ew Orleans, La. 
Protection and Legislation hoa W. E. ALBERT, Des Moines, Iowa. 
Executine Committee 
CHARLES O. HAYFORD, Chairman. .................. Hackettstown, N. J. 
mere CET ART 2 We el ea Pe eS ae Richmond, Via. 
mae 68). PRINCI! jieluiler Sle ho ie IS Ottawa, Canada 
NRIs oh noodle Ne, ee tea es pene es Little Rock, Ark. 
Beene TIIRAS, Go .8 2 ee mabe ris DD; 
E. T. JUDD .. SU dea thes, NONE oy . Cando, N.. D. 
a tenis an Peon Relations 
MAW ALCOTT: CROUMON: sifnch te wecutes Norfolk, Conn. 
CUE TCR hte eR Boston, Mass. 
EnV AS Di. tee te tL a che ee Detroit, Mich. 
MARD T. BOWER —...02:. yh er in Pa he. Washington, D. C. 
Gommitice on Relatiuns with National and State Gouerwments 
DNATHAN R. BULLER, Chairman —....0. nec Harrisburg, Pa. 
See OO HAMBEERS oy Quebec, Canada. 
BrCseAVERY. age dhe een St. Paul, Minn. 
HENRY O’MALLEY ............. Pee Nl eee Washington, D. C. 
Ere Dap a A ga a Madison, Wis. 


Sperial Pollution Committee 
NATHAN R. BULLER, Chairman, to select other members. 


ditarial Buard 


mee mon C. OSBURN 4.4 Va a BOS Columbus, Ohio. 
rE VARESCIEVY, seer Ak) ns AAV eal gost Tes Ithaca, N. Y. 
Set, OME MELINE MOORE 22.000 Albany, N. Y. 
SMP ED CON ce es ee Hartford, Conn 


4 CONTENTS 


Page 

ONT Ce Re eee ah eh ies ORO See ee ee 3 
PART I—BUSINESS SESSIONS 

Registered attendance’ ):.s.0000 0) ca a ee T 

Report of Executive Secretary .......................... USA g 








Report of Treasurer . 10 
Reports of Vice- Preadents oF Te chi Net Aa 13 
Appointment of Committees! 02555 ficcsigcisendntdecr sme 13 
Reports from Corresponding: Member -.......-..cccccecccccecseessccsesssssesnefsccnesssssnsmennestenes 14 
Report of Special Committee on Executive Secretary 16 
Report of Committee on Nominations) ...2....026...0..-..0.2005oeee iky( 
Report ‘of (Comimitice on Resolutions, a.e:.ccccc.ccp ccc. cnseentcmoedociacinass oes 18 
VECHROLIE ST: 90) Cie He Mae ON ROK SST Re RAR leg OCS PRR eA Bel fo wise totbtectndeciopae 23° 


PART II—PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS 


Natural and Artificial Conditions Detrimental to Black Basses. 
Raymond CrOSOUI © i kits oo 27 





The Sportsmen’s League. Fred J. Foster 50 
Museum Methods in Relation to the Fisheries Society. JT. EH. B. 
OPEL | IB Fok ENS bis 2 Ne ee We es 8 55 
Are We pagan the Supply of Whitefish in Lake Erie? S. W. 
Downing ........... sae Oe 
The Future of the honesty of. he Pace Uns i ep. 2.0 65 
A Report of Progress on the Study of Trout Diseases. Dr. 
mmeline Moore. .8 ke ed We ne ok 74 
Pike-Perch Propagation in Northern Minnesota. Eben W. Cobb ...... 95 
Headwaters. F. EH. Hare ................ 2 LLOG 
Present Status of the Louisana Shri! capa e ie Putian eae 110 
Some Considerations Concerning the Canning of Sardines. Harry 
OMB Grp dens tae SN To 8 Beet 2 ed a A 122 
Problems in Bass Culture at the Cold Spring Georgia Station. 
CST TY: Wat ELT LTT) ee oe ee ERE ORO mares 3% | 
Foods and Feeding of Fishes, a Symposium ....0........c-cc-scscsssssssesssceeeseunsneeeeesemun 137 
Fish Distribution of the Federal Government. LE. C. Fearnow ............ 160 
Production of the Fresh Water Mussel. H. L. Canfield .....000000..... LT 


Angling, Past, Present and Future. Dr. James Alexander Henshall 176 


Notes on the Propagation and Distribution of Pond Fishes. G. W. 
IN BT OUI: |i a ter ce 





Planting Eyed Salmon and Trout Eggs. C. W. Harrison. ............ 
Black Bass vs. Netting Coarse Fish. J.P. Smyer occ..sececccsesesssssemeseesseneee 
Fisheries in Virginia. McDonald Deee cca. -ccnpeciccpsecemena er 
Conservation of the Fishery Resources of the Pacific. Dr. Barton 

Wh TEU OP II occa scteccicgioasvrcoigansectls Miacdenbda tence anche oda Sine ee ee ee 210 





a ee eee 


ae —— 


PART | 


BUSINESS SESSIONS 





PROCEEDINGS 
of the 


American Hisheries Society 
FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 
at 
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 


September 17, 18, 19, 1923. 


The Fifty-third Annual Meeting of the American Fish- 
eries Society convened at the Hotel Statler, St. Louis, Missouri, 
on Monday, September 17th, at 10 o’clock a.m., President Glen 
C. Leach, of the Bureau of Fisheries, Washington, in the Chair. 


First Session, Monday Morning, September 17, 1923. 


President Leach introduced Mr. Findly, Secretary to the 
Mayor of St. Louis, who delivered the address of welcome. 


Mr. Carlos Avery, of St. Paul, Minnesota, made the re- 
sponse. 


REGISTERED ATTENDANCE 


The registered attendance, 58, was as follows: 
ACKLEN, CoL. Jos. H., Nashville, Tenn. 
ADAMS, WILLIAM C., Boston, Mass. 
ALBERT, W. E., Des Moines, Ia. 
AMSLER, Guy, Little Rock, Ark. 
AVERY, CARLOS, Minneapolis, Minn. 
BarBer, W. E., Milwaukee, Wis. 
-BASKETT, CECIL M., St. Louis, Mo. 
BEARD, Harry R., San Pedro, Calif. 
BerG, Gro., Indianapolis, Ind. 
BERWICK, DUDLEY, Baton Rouge, La. 
Bower, WarpD T., Washington, D. C. 
Brown, DELL, Mammoth Springs, Ark. 
BrRuNsSON, J. H., Helena, Mont. 
Butter, C. R., Pleasant Mount, Pa. 
Buuier, N. R., Harrisburg, Pa. 
BuULLocK, CHAS. A., Bullockville, Ga. 
BurnuAM, C. W., Louisville, Ky. 
CANFIELD, H. L., Homer, Minn. 
CATTE, EUGENE, Langdon, Kansas 
Cops, EBEN W., Hartford, Conn. 
CuLLER, C. F., Homer, Minn. 

Davies, David, Tupelo, Miss. 

DENNIG, L. E., St. Louis, Mo. 
Downline, S. W., Put-In-Bay, Ohio. 
Doze, J. B., Pratt, Kansas. 7 


8 American Fisheries Society. 


EHRHART, W. C., St. Louis Mo. 
EmBopy, G. C., Ithaca, N. Y. 
FEARNOW, E. C., Washington, D. C. 
FLEMING, JOHN H., Syracuse, Ind. 
FOLLETT, R. E., Detroit, Mich. 
Foster, FRED J., Neosho, Mo. 

Hare, F. E., Manchester, Iowa. 
Hart, M. D., Richmond, Va. 
HAYFORD, CHAS. O., Hackettstown, N. J 
JuDp, E. T., Cando, N. Dak. 
KOPPLIN, PHIL., St. Louis, Mo. 
KULLE, KARL C., Suffield, Conn. 
LAVERY, PETER J., Bass Lake, Ind. 
LEACH, GLEN C., Washington, D. C. 
MANNFELD Geo. N., Indianapolis, Ind. 
MILES, LEE, Little Rock, Ark. 
MOLLAN, W. K., Bridgeport, Conn. 
Moore, Dr. EMMELINE, Albany, N. Y. 
NOBLE, P. S., St. Louis, Mo. 
O’BRIEN, W. J., Gretna, Neb. 
OSBURN, R. C., Columbus, Ohio. 
Pore, T. E. B., Milwaukee, Wis. 
PORTER, RICHARD, Paris, Mo. 

RILEY, Mark, San Morcos, Texas. 
SEABURG, ERNEST, Seattle, Wash. 
TAYLOR, HERBERT, St. Louis, Mo. 
TITCOMB, JOHN W., Hartford, Conn. 
TULIAN, E. A., New Orleans, La. 
WEBSTER, B. O., Madison, Wis. 
WIEMEYER, Wm. J., St. Louis, Mo. 
Woops, JOHN P., St. Louis, Mo. 
YOuNG, E. C., Ottawa, Canada. 
YOouNG, FLoyp S., Chicago, III. 


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 


Washington, D. C. 
September 12, 1923. 


To THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES 

SOCIETY : 

On account of my absence from the United States on an extensive 
official trip during the past year, the work of completing copy for the 
1922 volume of Transactions of the Society was somewhat delayed. 
The lowest bidder for printing the volume was Griffith Bros. & Company, 
a smaller concern, and as it was later found, not so well equipped as the 
larger plants, which considerably delayed publication. The volume 
comprised 257 pages, containing 18 special papers and discussions in 
addition to the business proceedings of the Madison meeting. The total 
cost of printing the edition of 750 copies, with envelopes for mailing, 
was $1,078.84. 

Upon submission of the bill to the Treasurer it was found that there 
were not sufficient funds to pay it and a partial payment of $600.00 was 
made, with the arrangement that additional payments would occur as 
rapidly as possible. This situation was due to the fact that a large 


Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 9 


number of members (144) were in arrears for dues. The Treasurer 
furnished a list of these members and letters were at once sent out 
over the signature of the President stating the situation and asking for 
prompt settlement. As a result about 25 members have paid, leaving 
more than 100 yet to be heard from. Delivery of Transactions was 
withheld from 17 members who were in arrears for three years or more 
and their attention called to it in special letters. The names of such 
members are dropped if payment is not made promptly. 


The Treasurer’s report will comment more in detail in regard to 
the financial situation of the Society. I wish to go on record, however, 
as of the opinion that while at present we are about $2,000 behind, 
considering about $1,400 which remains to be replaced in the Permanent 
Fund, the Society is solvent. But the situation is serious if members 
do not pay their dues. This is our only source of revenue other than 
the comparatively small sum derived each year from the sale of Trans- 
actions. I strongly urge that every member pay his dues promptly. 
This will enable the Society to get on its feet financially and meet all 
future obligations. 


Dr. H. M. Smith was appointed by President Leach to represent the 
American Fisheries Society at the exercises commemorating the 100th 
anniversary of the birth of Spencer Fullerton Baird, celebrated on Febru- 
ary 3, 1923. Professor Baird, who was a noted man of the highest 
scientific attainments, was the creator and first head of the United 
States Fish Commission, and a prime mover in the establishment of the 
systematic study and development of the fishery resources of this 
country. 

After careful consideration by the President and other members, it 
was decided that the financial status of the Society would not permit 
the offering of any prizes for papers contributed this year. In fact it 
seemed to be the opinion that prizes should not be again offered until 
all debts of the Society were paid off and the Permanent Fund fully 
restored, all income from that fund in the meantime to be applied to the 
reduction of the debt. Thereafter the Society should adopt the policy 
of not offering annual prizes which amount to more than the total in- 
come from the Permanent Fund in any one year. 

Under date of July 30, the President issued a circular letter of 
information in regard to plans for the St. Louis meeting and urging 
attendance of all members possible. 

Since the last meeting 11 members have died and there have been a 
few resignations. A number have also been dropped for non-payment 
of dues and other reasons. The present membership of the Society is 
as follows: Honorary, 63; corresponding, 12; patrons, 53; active, 576; 
total 704. 

Respectfully submitted, 


Warp T. BOWER, 
Executive Secretary. 


10 American Fisheries Society. 


REPORT OF THE TREASURER 


In the absence of Mr. Millett, the Treasurer, his report 
was read by Mr. Bower. 


Boston, Mass., September 12th, 19238. 
To THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY: 


Herewith is submitted the annual report of the Treasurer from 
the meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, in September, 1922, to August 14, 
1923. The financial showing of the Society for the past year cannot 
be called satisfactory. Despite frequent appeals of the Treasurer for 
the payment of dues and a personal appeal of the President to delin- 
quents, there still remain unpaid dues. On the other hand, those in 
arrears for two years and over, number but 138. To these, special 
notices have been sent and the last number of the Transactions has 
been withheld from them. The Treasurer plans that if these dues are 
not paid by the time of this annual session the usual form of one 
month’s notice will be sent to them, and then those who fail to respond 
will be dropped unless this meeting shall decide otherwise. 


As for those in arrears for one year, it is but fair to presume that 
the large majority of them will pay within a reasonable time. 


If the Society is to continue existence as an active force in its 
chosen field, it must immediately inaugurate some plan whereby the 
present indebtedness may be cleared up and also make provision that 
the annual expenditures shall not exceed the annual receipts. 

For that reason, I would suggest the following: 


First: A campaign to at least double the present active dues-pay- 
ing membership of the Society. 


Second: Active steps to secure, by pledges or otherwise, sufficient 
money to insure the annual payment of a stipulated sum annually into 
the Permanent Fund of the Society, this payment to continue until 
the indebtedness to the Permanent Fund is fully paid up with interest. 


Third: A closer understanding and more effective cooperation 
between the officers of the Society. 


Taking this opportunity to recall to the members that the authority 
of the Treasurer is limited to only the solicitation and collection of 
dues and the disbursing of monies for the payment of such properly 
approved bills as may be presented to him, I invite your attention to 
the following financial statements: 





Balance on hand at the meeting of 1922 


Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 


Permanent Fund 


Balance on hand at meeting of 1922.................0...0006 
Disbursements 

TERT ESES ENE vos cs onthe ass odd 13 8s carob ba cop. snc ok mecensnialusb tess pantie dnp 

LEEW CY =) ORO ree mina Re ee CheCe Reea eee eerert oer ir cer cen 


eee eee eee eee eee ee 


eee eeeneee 


Receipts 
For annual dues: 
PRrOvauaAls, > LOAZO! ...b.ccccsecsccvsavevcea $6.00 
+ DW, Oe so scaccmsatar eden 62.00 
a 2 ie ier 2 = Oe, 1,000.00 
sf TOE Sm tee teee teen eee 17.00 
MME ISSSO TONE he shock coe coca vetbeeaee Macodoneses 130.00 
MmPANTES TODD fos: ees 5.00 
PSBULE SY GOD Cn ceracooncus moceeceutccreetes 100.00 $1,320.00 
PEMVECTIIOGESNIDS) ccccsret trees cecs saeerect occa ctue ecb eetoubsee 25.00 
eer M LMU Fret VISE CLIGINS Pac cio testcase nc cemierakeekeaectaee ada 104.00 
pull STSCI | ARREARS at ae et Soe od SS 3.20 
Disbursements 
Menonnine Meeting OF DOQD i cccccccsseccotescesosnsoace $250.00 
Merserneads.. StAGIONGrY,, -CtC.— <.2..cczcsonesaocccodeessceves 118.08 
Printing Transactions of 1922 (on account) (To- 
PMMAT DINO LOL ie neste ces ceoee oi esetee Se atest noose datescs 600.00 
MSO DOOKS. AO DD ccectietaccseces $854.11 
Changes and corrections ........ 142.90 
CORES. cpp Be aaa Aa Re ae is ale te ea ete 61.58 
750 envelopes printed .............. 20.25 
1,078.84 
Meleeramsrand: POSTAGE! i..i.sceadovsnaseaceseseawesscowdesecee WAALS 
SPERM ESE mie ei oN Te cd clis co e eees ch ae seta haceetv ae 62.19 
ee ie feels Cts: Sen aeee ones oes aie oaee ones s 16.82 
ANIMA TERT: eae ce poeceee Aes baec ks Seas noe tec ornans 42.64 
12165 
RINGO OS) Us Ou eRe Sere Ap ere ers Ras) Ree eet eae An 459.71 
URMIL ES es ek ect cetoecteseaecededs Fevdsccecess 50.00 
BUINILOICH Wieceen cose sac edt tas deueucee ween cote 100.00 
TROIS, Ssan bebe ade nent ontobce aol arcectateasaeer 300.00 
VEIN TEPER AN We co8e stat ecb toca gsue eines <asnn SETA 
459.71 
SEHR TAT CR Seuee tee wel ee, Leta cece a cea twacectwbsnumtes cesaavevevcde te50 
ea eutaGOy Oey HleA Tenet ec coset uirde akc hecadccancoG eacGeneues ost cs ccabesetns (ai ceae 


Pewee eee eeee 


11 


$203.42 


$1,556.94 
$98.68 


$1,844.97 


200.00 


$1,644.97 


12 American Fisheries Society. 


Memoranda 
Outstanding bills: 
Balance on bill Griffith Bros. & Co. 13819 F St. North- 
west, Washington, D. C. Bill of July 26, 1923, for 


Transactions Of NODA ie teens tcce she eee cece thee ee eee eee $478.84 
oOtalwoL Mo Reece Sere oae le cena rete cee $1,078.84. 
Paidtonsaccoumiinaceccstecss caer eee eee 600.00 
OH aaa hyphae kaos et ncrnas toca tno reer eee Perea $478.84 


Due permanent fund, balance of amount borrowed Aug. 
4, 1922 to pay for printing the Transactions of 1920 1,369.74 


IB OLR OWE Gusts escent nace caso ee ER $1,991.15 

Pardponnaccopmbaceess tener cesteer eter tereee 621.41 

UU Owaneany costes enten een tee cnaane tee ree $1,369.74 

Ward T. Bower for years from meeting of 1922 to meet- 
AN ONO NM Qi Oren dasss aetossswoe es aaseesoataunegae oes atest hese hee eee eee 300.00 
Potalyindebtedness of then society <:s:ccssecess--cceveecesen etree $2,148.58 


Interest on money borrowed from Permanent Fund .......... 


Respectfully submitted, 


(Signed) A. L. MILLETT, 
Treasurer 


NOTE: 


Since the books of the Society were closed on August 14th there 
has been received by the Treasurer $164. A portion of this was for 
the sale of Transactions, but the larger part is due to the personal ap- 
peal of the President to delinquent members to pay their dues. This 
effort of the President and Secretary also brought in several new mem- 
bers and increased the bank balance of the Society of $98.68 on August 
14th to $262.68 on this date, Sept. 12th. For this reason there will be 
sent to Griffith & Co., printers of the Transactions, to whom a balance 
of $478.84 is owed, a check for $150, bringing the balance owed this 
concern to $328.84. This leaves the Society a present bank balance of 
$112.68, which I consider none too large to reserve for emergencies. 


(Signed) A. L. MILLETT, 
Treasurer 


Mr. TiIrcoMB: Certainly we should meet the cost of any 
assistance the Secretary has to have, but it seems to me that 
in view of our present financial position we ought to find some- 
body in this Society who is so situated that he will look upon 
the office of Secretary as an honor. That item of Secretary’s 
salary, then, could be discontinued until a proper financial con- 
dition warrants an honorarium each year. 


——— 


Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 13 


Mr. Woops: My suggestion would be the appointment 
of a special committee to deal with the whole question of the 
secretarial position, salary, and so on. This suggestion was 
made a motion, seconded and carried. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: The next business will be the Reports 
of Vice-Presidents of Divisions. 

Mr. Hayford presented the report of the Division of Fish 
Culture. 

Mr. HAYFORD: Sportsmen are no longer satisfied with 
anything less than trout 6 to 8 inches for stocking purposes. 
Fish culturists must know how to breed a strong vigor into 
trout, that the fish may not be susceptible to every hatchery 
disease. 

Mr. PooLe, Division of Commercial Fishing: The im- 
portance of the fish industry in most parts of the world is 
proven by the extent to which its welfare has entered into 
national politics. The industry is languishing. It sorely 
needs the assistance the Government can render. I recom- 
mend that every member of this Society get behind the Bureau 
of Fisheries program for the coming year. Give such as- 
sistance as you can through your Representatives in Congress 
on behalf of appropriations for Bureau activities. 

The Vice-Presidents of the Divisions of Aquatic Biology 
and Physics, Angling, Protection and Legislation, did not sub- 
mit reports. 

A greeting was read from Mr. Henry O’Malley, United 
States Commissioner of Fisheries. 


COMMITTEES. 


PRESIDENT LEACH: I wish to announce the appointment 
of the following committees. 


Committee on Nominations: Nathan R. Buller, Carlos 
Avery, E. A. Tulian, J. H. Brunson, C. F. Culler. 

Committee on Time and Place of Meeting: John W. Tit- 
comb, G. C. Embody, W. C. Adams. 

Committee on Resolutions: Dr. R. C. Osburn, E. W. Cobb, 
Dudley Berwick. 

Auditing Committee: T. E. B. Pope, Fred J. Foster, Chas. 
W. Burnham. 

Special Committee re Financial Status: J. P. Woods, R. C. 
Osburn, J. W. Titcomb. 


Special Committee on Pollution: N. R. Buller, Chairman. 
Other members of Committee to be selected by Mr. Buller. 


14 American Fisheries Society. 


PRESIDENT LEACH: We will now take up the reports of 
committees. 


PROPOSED AFFILATION OF SHELLFISH COMMISSIONERS 


Mr. BowER: Mr. President, perhaps at this time the 
question of the affiliation of the Association of Shellfish Com- 
missioners with our Society may properly come up. Since 
the last meeting there has been considerable correspondence 
on the subject, with absolutely negative results. 

Mr. JOHN P. Woops: Mr. Adams is better posted on this 
subject than anybody else, I suppose? 

Mr. BOWER: He had some correspondence on the subject 
with Mr. Marshall. In fact, I wrote Mr. Adams and sent him 
a copy of my communication to Mr. Marshall. It was not re- 
turned, so I assume that he received it. 

Mr. TITCOMB: I move that the matter be laid on the table 
until Mr. Adams arrives. 

Motion was seconded and carried. 

Mr. BOWER: ‘There are two or three minor matters of 
business to be disposed of. There is a request from the Deut- 
scher Seefischerei-Verein, of Berlin, which desires to exchange 
publications with this Society and to be placed upon its records 
as corresponding member. I move that this organization be 
added to our list of corresponding members. 

The motion was seconded by Mr. Titcomb and carried. 


REPORT FROM CORRESPONDING MEMBER 


A letter from David G. Stead, Fisheries Enquiry Commis- 
sioner of New South Wales, who is a member of the American 
Fisheries Society, was received by the Secretary. He recom- 
mended that all governments and countries bordering on the 
Pacific undertake not only ordinary research work in fisheries, 
but that they organize a system of fisheries research and ex- 
ploration which will bring about results of national and in- 
ternational economic importance. He suggested that the 1924 
meeting of the American Fisheries Society be an International 
Fisheries Congress to discuss the world’s future in fisheries. 

Mr. BowER: A communication has been received from 
the American Peace Award requesting that its literature be 
made available to the members of this Society at this meeting. 

There has been an extended correspondence with the 
National Coast Anti-Pollution League, with headquarters at 
Trenton, and a request has been made that a resolution be 
passed by this organization, if possible, in connection with 
the work of that League. Mr. Buller is connected with the 
League, and I believe that he will have something to say in 
respect to the matter at a later stage. 





Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 15 


One of the members of our Society, Mr. Nap. A. Comeau, 
of Godbout, province of Quebec, Canada, has written a book 
which should be interesting to members of the Society. It 
is entitled, Life and Sport on the North Shore. The book 
treats of hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping, natural history 
and Indian folk lore. It is a volume of 440 pages, containing 
thirty-six photo engravures, and may be obtained at a cost of 
$3.50 for cloth binding and $2.50 for paper, postage 20 cents 
extra. 

I may announce that two or three additional papers 
have been received since the printing of the program. Mr. 
John N. Cobb, Director of the College of Fisheries, University 
of Washington, has sent a paper entitled, “The Future of the 
Fisheries of the Pacific,” and Mr. E. A. Tulian has two brief 
papers, one on the subject of the “Shrimp Industry” and the 
other in regard to “Hatching.” 

Dr. Osburn presented his paper, “Natural and Artificial 
Conditions Affecting the Black Basses.’”’ Discussion followed. 

Before a recess for luncheon there was a short discussion 
on the position of the executive secretary. 


Second Session, Monday Afternoon, September 17th. 


President Leach presided. 

Discussion of Dr. Osburn’s paper continued. 

“The Sportsmen’s League.—A Neglected and Undeveloped 
Power for Conservation,”’ was presented by Mr. Fred J. Foster, 
U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Neosho, Mo. Discussion followed. 

“Museum Methods in Relation to Fisheries,” was presented 
by Mr. T. E. B. Pope, Curator, Public Museum, Milwaukee. 
Discussion followed. 

A paper entitled “Are We Maintaining the Whitefish Sup- 
ply In Lake Erie?” by Mr. S. W. Downing of Put-In-Bay, was 
read. Discussion followed. 

“The Future of the Fisheries of the Pacific Coast,” by Pro- 
fessor John N. Cobb, was read by Mr. Bower. 

The meeting adjourned until Tuesday, September 18, at 
9.30 o’clock, a.m. 


Third Session, Tuesday Morning, September 18th. 


The meeting was called to order at 9.30 a.m. by President 
Leach. 

Mr. TITCOMB: I would make the motion that the papers 
of those who are here be presented in the order in which they 
appear on the program, those of the absentees being deferred 
util we have heard the others. In that way an opportunity 
for full discussion will be afforded. 


16 American Fisheries Society. 


Ba motion was seconded by Mr. John P. Woods and car- 
ried. a 

Applications for membership were read to the meeting by 
the Secretary and, on motion duly seconded and carried, the ap- 
plicants were declared elected members of the Society. 

Dr. Emmeline Moore, Albany, presented a paper on “A 
Report of Progress on the Study of Trout Diseases.” Dis- 
cussion followed. 

Mr. Eben W. Cobb, of the Conservation Commission, Min- 
nesota, read a paper on “Pike Perch Propagation in Northern 
Minnesota.” Discussion followed. 

Mr. Hare read his paper entitled, ‘“Headwaters.” Dis- 
cussion followed. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: Mr. Woods will present the Report 
of the Special Committee appointed to inquire into matters 
pertaining to the position of Secretary of the Society. 

Mr. JOHN P. Woops: This committee recommends the 
temporary formation of an Editorial Board of four, comprising 
Dr. G. C. Embody, Managing Editor; Dr. Emmeline Moore, 
Dr. R. C. Osburn and Mr. John W. Titcomb; all of whom are 
to edit jcintly the papers, and all of whom promise to do so 
with despatch. 

I move that the report of the committee be adopted. 

Mr. Pore: I will second the motion. 

The report was unanimously adopted. 

The meeting took recess for luncheon. 


Fourth Session, Tuesday Afternoon, September 18th. 


The meeting resumed at 2.30 p.m., Dr. Embody occupied 
the Chair. Mr. Tulian presented a paper, “Present Status 
of Louisiana Shrimp Industry.” 

“Some Consideration Concerning the Canning of Sardines,”’ 
was read by Harry R. Beard, San Pedro, California. Dis- 
cussion followed. 

Mr. C. A. Bullock presented a paper on “Some Problems 
in Bass Culture at Cold Springs, Georgia Station.” Discus- 
sion followed. 

A Symposium on Foods and Feeding of Fishes followed. 


Fifth Session, Tuesday Evening, September 18th. 


The meeting was called to order at 8.15 p.m. The Presi- 
dent presided. 

A paper on “Fish Distribution by the Federal Government” 
was read by Mr. E. C. Fearnow. 

“Production of the Fresh Water Mussel” was presented by 
Mr. H. L. Canfield. Discussion followed. 

Following the showing of slides and pictures, some of them 
illustrative of the papers read, the meeting adjourned. 








, 
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— 


Se ee ee 


oa se pir 


Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. ae 


Siath Session, Wednesday Morning. September 19th. 


The meeting was called to order at 9.30 a.m. the President 
in the Chair. 

“Aneling: Past, Present and Future,” be ur. dauies A. 
Henshall of Cincinnati, was read DY Mr. Bower. 

Mr. AVERY: It seems to me that this paper ought not to 
be passed without extending our greetings to Dr. Henshall! 
and the thanks of the Association for his most excellent pre- 
sentation of this subject. If any of us are fortunate enough 
to reach the age of eighty-eight and possess the keen men- 
tality of Dr. Henshall, it will be a matter of congratulation to 
himself. I move you, Mr. President, that we extend our 
greetings to Dr. Henshall on this occasion and that the Secre- 
tary be requested to wire him accordingly. 

The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: It is a very remarkable paper from 
a very remarkable man. Dr. Henshall is to be commended 
for the interest he has taken in fishing; he is recognized as an 
authority on these subjects throughout the United States and 
Europe. 

“Notes on the Propagation and Distribution of Pond 
Fishes,’ prepared by G. W. N. Brown, was read by Mr. 
Canfield. 

Discussion on Pollution followed. 

“Planting Eyed Salmon and Trout Eggs” prepared by C. 
W. Harrison, was read by Mr. Foster. Discussion followed. 

“Netting Coarse Fish vs. Black Bass’ was presented by 
J. P. Snvder. 

Under head of New.Business there was a valuable discus- 
sion on Carp; Work of the International Association of Con- 
servation Commissioners and Fearnow Transportation Pail. 

Revorts of Committees followed. 

It was moved and seconded that time and place of next 
meeting be left to the Executive Committee of the Society. 

The motion was carried: 

The report of the Committee on Nominations was sub- 
mitted. It was moved and seconded that the report be ac- 
cepted. The motion was carried, and a ballot was cast for the 
officers. 


CER OSTIGH Tie Saad ise VNU ALR a UR OE AL ae Cae chactals GEO. C. EMBODY 
aE SILC TEE Spectre eee eg 2s EN is sos ati thaacl eee ea EBEN W. COBB 
BVO CUTIVE SCCTCEOLY oeesececcesssccssseeresecnn pole hte gd hg SUNG sae as JouN W. TITcOMsB 
1 TUDE Of SSI OLLTEG Tf eee eA te RR Nae nee oA eee Eco FLoypD S. YOUNG 
MOREE PEMD i sah 8s) ou 6 rd Re Bi) ey elton! Et la ie POPES 


a a ee ee 


3) NN Eee 


18 American Fisheries Society. 


Vice-Presidents of Divisions: 


WOT OW Oy 2110) 1g Aen Re EOE aot SET eon Me vere ve eke BRL cra IRU EL, 6 C. F. CULLER 
Aquatic Biology and Phystes 22.2.2 DR. EMMELINE MOORE 
Thm gaagesp GAL MAMR A «GT 276 Ce AOU Manis opie se OSE pore e ain) me ce Sun ona JOHN N. COBB 
ANQUNG i BE are ry NT AN oat aah ieee Dupvtry BERWICK 


Frotection and Legislation US SNe ie) oN W. E. ALBERT 


Executive Committee: 


Charles O. Hayford, Chairman; Max D. Hart, Edward E. Prince, 
Lee Miles, George Shiras, 3d., E. T. Judd. 


Committee on Foreign Relations: 
F. C. Walcott, Chairman; W. C. Adams, R. E. Follett, Ward T. 
Bower. 

Committee on Relations with National and State Governments: 


Nathan R. Buller, Chairman; E. T. D. Chambers, Carlos Avery, 
Henry O’Malley, W. E. Barber. 


Special Pollution Committee: Nathan R. Buller, Chairman, to select 
other members. 
Editorial Board: 


Raymond C. Osburn, G. C. Embody, Dr. Emmeline Moore, John W. 
Titcomb. 


The report of the Auditing Committee was submitted and 
on motion, duly seconded, was adopted. 


Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, read the following 
resolutions: 


ALASKAN SALMON FISHERIES 


WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States has not adopted legis- 
lation for the administration of the fisheries of Alaska which will give 
the Secretary of Commerce authority adequate for the control and preser- 
vation of the salmon industry of Alaska, and 


WHEREAS, To meet the existing emergency reservations have been 
created by the exercise of the power vested in the President under which 
the necessary restrictions on operations have been applied in the districts 
which include Cook Inlet, Kodiak and Afognak Islands, Bristol Bay, 
Alaska Peninsula, and the Aleutian Islands, and 


WueErEAS, A similar situation exists in the central and southeastern 
districts of Alaska which threatens the continuance of the salmon fishery 


Now therefore be it resolved, That it is the sense of the American 
Fisheries Society in convention assembled at St. Louis, September 17, 
18, and 19, 1923, that we heartily endorse the policy inaugurated by the 
creation of these reserves and recommend that further action of this 
nature be taken by the creation of reservations which will include all 
of the fishing districts of Alaska not covered by the reservations already 
in existence. 





Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. 19 


POLLUTION 


WHEREAS, The presence of oil from oil-burning steamships and of 
trade wastes from various industries in the navigable waters and in 
streams of this country is resulting in an increasing amount of damage 
to the fish, oyster and game bird food supplies of our nation, to the sea 
bathing, boating, fishing and hunting, recreational opportunities of our 
people, to the purity of our water supplies, and is a fire menace in many 
quarters and 


WHEREAS, There has recently been formed the National Coast Anti- 
Pollution League, uniting in one program the various interests that wish 
to end pollution of the waters and having these objects: 


“To foster and aid the enactment and enforcement of adequate re- 
medies and legislation to prevent the pollution of navigable waters and 
to secure the co-operation of those responsible for such pollution in 
accomplishing its elimination by all lawful means.” 


Therefore, be it resolved, That we, the American Fisheries Society, 
in convention assembled, do hereby endorse the efforts of the National 
Coast. Anti-Pollution League to end pollution of the coastal waters by 
oil, and 

Further be it resolved, That the President of this Society is hereby 
authorized and requested to appoint a committee of three to co-operate 
in all matters relating to pollution of the waters with the National Coast 
Anti-Pollution League to lend their fuliest support to its efforts, and 
to attend if possible the conference of that League in Atlantic City on 
October 1, 2 and 3. 


DRAINAGE MISSISSIPPI BOTTOMS 


WHEREAS, The maintenance of fish and other aquatic life is of great 
importance to the people of the country, and is essential to their welfare 
as a source of food supply and a means of recreation, and 


WHEREAS, Suitable areas for the breeding and life of the fresh water 
fishes are constantly being encroached upon for the avowed purpose of 
commerce and agriculture by means of ill advised and unnecessary drain- 
age, and 

WHEREAS, Under present agricultural conditions large increase in 
agricultural products, owing to an apparent over production of such pro- 
ducts in this country, is unnecessary and because many drainage pro- 
jects are of doubtful value as aids to agriculture, therefore 


Be it resolved, That the American Fisheries Society is firmly op- 
posed to the pending projects for dyking and drainage of the upper Mis- 
sissippi River bottom lands, including that enterprise known as the 
Winnesheik project is subversive of the best interests of the American 
people, inasmuch as the culmination of these projects would obliterate 
and destroy the greatest and most productive breeding grounds for warm 
fresh water fishes on the North American Continent. 


20 American Fisheries Society. 


TRANSACTIONS 


Be It Resolved, That this Society considers it extremely important 
that the proceedings of reports received and papers read at the meeting 
be printed and distributed to its members within the period of three 
months after the close of the meeting. 


ARTIFICIAL LAKES 


WHEREAS, The creation of lakes by the construction of dams for 
developing hydro electric power, or for conserving surplus water during 
the spring, thereby preventing floods; said lakes open to the public at all 
times during the open season for hunting, fishing or trapping and boat- 
ing; said lakes likewise furnishing some of our best egg collecting fields, 
thereby providing means of perpetuating and conserving fishing for — 
future generations, therefore, 

Be It Resolved, By the American Fisheries Society that it hereby 
favors such projects as being the means for conserving surplus waters, 
affording refuse for birds and fish and providing recreational pleasures 
for the American public. 


RESEARCH WorRK—N. Y. STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION 


WHEREAS, The attention of the American Fisheries Society has been 
drawn to the very important work on fish diseases and parasites now 
being conducted by the N. Y. State Conservation Commission, and 

WHEREAS, This Society recognizes that such work is fundamental to 
the future conduct and policy of fish culture, and 

WHEREAS, The rapid growth of population and increase of travel 
are placing a special drain on fish life, 

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That this Society commends especially 
this research work and expresses the hope that the State of New York 
through legislative enactment and financial assistance, when necessary, 
will continue to carry on this work which is recognized to be of great 
benefit to the entire community. 


ISAAK WALTON LEAGUE 


WHEREAS, The activities of the Isaak Walton League of America, 
its purposes, ideals and policies have been brought so prominently before 
the public within the past few months, and 

WHEREAS, The saving of the fish, game, forests and streams of the 
United States and Canada is imperative at this time, the conditions of 
wastefulness and indifference having become a crime, and their correction 
an emergency, and 

WHEREAS, The rapid growth of the Isaak Walton League of America 
is almost phenomenal, spreading as the organization has to almost all 
the states of the Union, and 

WHEREAS, The efforts of the Isaak Walton League of America are 
pledged to save and protect the fisheries that this Society is known to 
foster and many of its members are engaged in producing, therefore 





Fifty-Third Annual Meeting. re | 


Be It Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society endorse the 
work of the Isaak Walton League of America, and that it hereby pledges 
its support and co-operation insofar as it is able to do, believing that the 
Isaak Walton League of America will be a sustaining aid in the accom- 
plishments of this Society. 


CONDOLENCE 


WUEREAS, The hand of death has removed a number of valued mem- 
bers from our midst during the past year, 

Be It Resolved, That this Society hereby expresses its sincere sorrow 
at the loss of these devoted members, and that their names be printed 
on a special “In Memoriam” page of the Transactions. 


St. Louis CONVENTION BUREAU 


Be It Resolved, That the American Fisheries Society expresses its 
cordial appreciation to the St. Louis Convention Bureau for the admirable 
arrangements provided for the meeting. 


HOTEL STATLER 


Be It Resolved, That the thanks of the American Fisheries Society 
are due to the Statler Hotel’s management for its courtesies and service 
during our meeting. 

Their adoption was moved, seconded, and carried. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: In connection with the representation 
of this Society at the forthcoming meeting of the Anti-Pollu- 
tion League at Atlantic City, I shall appoint Mr. Buller as 
Chairman of the Committee to represent us; he will select two 
others to accompany him. 

Dr. Embody the President-elect, was conducted to the chair. 

PRESIDENT EMBoDY: If I were permitted to have any one 
policy in connection with the work of this Society, it would be 
to bring into closer relationship the so-called scientific man 
and the practical fish culturist. In a sense, I do not like using 
those terms ‘scientific man” and ‘practical fish culturist.”’ 
The practical fish culturist must be scientific if he is to make 
progress in his work, and the scientific man must have expe- 
rience just as the pr actical fish culturist must have it, if he is to 
attain the success that he desires. You are all working for the 
same end; if you work together, something will be accom- 
plished; if you do not work together you cannot hope to get 
very far. 

Is there any other business to come before the meeting? 

Mr. Foster: I would like to offer a motion that a copy of 
the resolution with regard to the drainage of the upper Mis- 
sissippi River be forwarded to the President of the United 
States and to the Secretary of War. 






22, American Fisheries Society. 


RETIRING PRESIDENT LEACH: I will second that, with the - 
provision also, I suggest, that a copy be sent to the President — 
of the Isaak Walton League. 

The motion was agreed to. | 

Mr. FOLLETT: Is it the intention of the Game Commis- © 
sioners to take up this question of the drainage of the upper 
Mississippi? . 

Mr. ADAMS: Yes. I do not know of any project in the — 
United States to-day that is of greater importance than the 
protecting of the breeding grounds on the upper Mississippi — 
River. I personally have already written to President Coolidge 
about this matter, and I think that every man in this room — 
ought to do the same thing. We ought to do everything in our 
power to uphold the Isaak Walton League in initiating this — 
legislation. 

Mr. LAWYER: I may say that the War Department has 
approved of that project only from the engineering standpoint. 

Mr. CULLER: But without that approval the project could — 
not go through. 3 

Mr. LAWYER: I am not so sure about that. I had that — 
out at one time with some of the officials of the War Depart- © 
ment, and my understanding was that they were simply asked 
to give their advice on the advisability of the question. 

RETIRING PRESIDENT LEACH: I move that we adjourn. Y 

Mr. JOHN P. Woops: Mr. President, before we adjourn ~ 
I think we ought to express our deep appreciation of the effi- — 
cient services rendered by Mr. Leach during the past year. I 
think it is appropriate that we should indicate our feeling in 
that respect by a rising vote. 

The motion was seconded and carried by a rising vote. 

The motion for adjournment was seconded and agreed to, — 
whereupon the Fiifty-Third Annual Meeting of the American 
Fisheries Society adjourned sine die. 


ee ln eee ae 


. 
; 
i 
« 
i 





du Memoriam 


NAP. A. COMEAU 


H. A. GRAMMES 


JAMES B. MARVIN, Jr. 


M. G. MUNLY 


JOHN WADDELL 





23 





PART Il 


PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS 





NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL CONDITIONS DETRI- 
MENTAL TO THE BLACK BASSES 


By RAYMOND C. OSBURN 
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 


The black basses are outstanding among the game fishes 
of the fresh waters of America. Whether,as many sports- 
men maintain, they outrank all others in thisrespect, weneed 
not discuss here. They have this advantage, at least, that 
they appeal toa much larger and more widely distributed 
population than any other game fishes, since the two species, 
the large mouthed and small mouthed, which we shall con- 
sider together for the sake of brevity, range from the Atlan- 
tic States to the Great Plains and from the Gulf States far in- 
to Canada and live in lakes, ponds, large rivers and smaller 
creeks. They are important in that they yield a large 
amount of food of excellent quality. 


Time was,—and that not so very long ago,—when all the 
waters of suitable sizein the eastern half of the United 
States were supplied with these fishes to the full extent of 
the balance of nature. Such is no longer the case, owing to 
the checks which man has placed on their reproduction and 
development, and these and other fish now find existence 
impossible in multitudes of streams and some lakes and 
ponds. 


There has been much discussion of the possibilities of 
bass propagation, in fisheries associations and sportsmens’ 
organizations, but still it appears to be worth while to dis- 
cuss the various conditions which limit the production of 
bass, and to attempt to estimate their future and the chances 
of increasing their numbers,—a thing so near to the heart of 
the large number of American anglers. 


Let us first consider the various factors which limit re- 
production and growth. Any given body of water under a 
state of nature will produce only a certain number of adult 
bass, depending especially upon the food supply, natural en- 
emies and conditions for reproduction. As a very great 
over supply of eggs and young are usually produced, we may 
assume that the maximum number of adult fishes possible 
under the living conditions are continually present in a state 
of nature. The question arises whether it is possible to im- 
prove upon nature and to produce a larger number than 
could exist under natural conditions. We know that this 


27 


28 American Fisheries Society. 


can be done in a limited way, because itis being done every 
year in our state and government hatcheries, but whether in 
the open waters, under more natural conditions, we can, to 
paraphrase an old saying, make two fishes grow where one 
grew before, is quite another matter. To dothis would re- 
quire certain changesin the natural conditions, especially 
the increase of the food supply and the removal of natural 
checks on reproduction and growth. 


NATURAL CHECKS 


The natural inimical factors which tend to limit the sup- 
ply of adult basses in any stream or lake are; first, conditions 
interfering with spawning; second, parasitism and diseases; 
third, natural enemies; fourth, amount of food. 

Bass are rather sensitive to environmental conditions at 
the spawning season, perhaps more so than any other fish. 
The sudden lowering of the temperature even a few degrees, 
just at the spawning season may interfere with the process 
of egg laying and cause the female to become egg-bound so 
that she may die asaresult. Cases of this sort are common. 
Such temperature changes also cause the male to desert the 
nest, so that any eggs already deposited are lost,—as every 
hatchery superintendent knows to his sorrow. 

Preceding such sudden drops in the temperature we 
often find spring storms occurring and these at times are 
sufficient to nearly or completely destroy the nests by wash- 
ing them out or covering them with gravel, mud or other de- 
bris. I have personally known all the bass nests of a whole 
stream to be swept out by a succession of such storms during 
the reproduction season, so that no hatch was observable, 
even though numerous adults were present and nest mak- 
ing had been in active progress before the storms. 


In Lake Erie I have observed similar conditions around: 


the Bass Islands where I have studied the reproduction of 
the small-mouthed bass for the last five years. In 1919, 
when the weather was especially favorable during the 
breeding season, there was an astonishing hatch. One 
could not draw a small minnow seine (we used a fifteen 
foot common minnow seine in our studies) anywhere about 
the Islands without taking large numbers of young bass. 
The season of 1920 showed just the reverse. Heavy storms, 
with sudden drops in the temperature at inopportune times, 
apparently destroyed all the nests of the bass about the is- 
lands, with the exception of a few in well protected localities 
where the force of the storm could not reach. In 1921 this 
condition was repeated and no young bass were to be found 


Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 29 


in any exposed situation. In 1922 conditions were much im- 
proved and young bass were to be found on all but the more 
exposed coasts. In the present year (1923) the condition 
of 1919 was again repeated; the season was rather late, the 
water was slow in arriving at the breeding temperature and 
when the season did open it came without storms or sudden 
temperature changes. The result again was an enormous 
hatch of the young bass on all the coasts around the Bass 
Islands and the other islands in their vicinity. 

In smaller lakes and ponds storms do not play such 
‘havoc as the waves do not reach such a depth as to wash out 
or silt in the nests. The large mouthed bass is less affected 
by such untoward conditions than the small-mouthed bass 
for the reason that it is essentially a fish of the smaller lakes 
and quieter waters. During the same five seasons which I 
have just described as affecting materially the reproduction 
of the small-mouthed bass, the large-mouthed bass in the en- 
closed harbors of Catawba Island only a few miles away 
were not interfered with in their breeding operations andthe 
production of young was constant as far as could be deter- 
mined. The same was true in the smaller lakes of Ohio as 
observed especially in the Portage lakes near Akron and 
Buckeye Lake near the center of the state. The season 
(1923) was not as favorable for the large-mouthed bass as 
the four preceding years, because the shallower waters of 
smaller lakes did warm up to the breeding temperature and 
then drop again, causing many male bass to desert the nests 
and many females to become egg-bound. 

It is doubtful just how much parasitism and disease 
check the production of adult bass, for the reason that it is 
very difficult to estimate the losses produced in this way 
and they are extremely variable. The black basses are 
apparently not often subject to epidemic diseases such as 
sometimes play havoc with trout and other fishes. How- 
ever, they are occasionally found dead with the gills par- 
tially sloughed away and probably an appreciable numberof 
them die from bacterial diseases, especially those affecting 
the gills. Parasites, on the other hand are quite numerous 
and it is rare to take a bass at any time of its life when it does 
not harbor some of these unwelcome guests. In adult bass 
they often occur in such numbers as to definitely injure the 
host. Parasites in the skin or flesh, ‘‘grubs’” as they are 
usually called by the layman, may be present in such num- 
bers that the fish are thin and gaunt and the flesh unfit for 
human consumption. Tapeworms also occur sometimes in 
such numbers that the intestine is practically obstructed by 
them. Larval tapeworms and other flatworms are also 


30 American Fisheries Society. 


found encysted in the liver and other internal organs in 
large numbers and no doubt interfere with the functioning of 
the organs containing them. Round worms, and especial- 
ly the Acanthocephala, or thorn-headed worms, occur in the 
intestine where they attack the lining membrane. Leeches, 
crustacean parasites and some others may attack the skin 
and subject the fish to infection by the deadly fish fungus 
(Saprolegnia.) 

Parasites produce the deadliest effects in the young fish. 
Certain protozoan parasites, unicellular, miscroscopic organ- 
isms, attack the skin of the young bass,even before they have 
left the nest. While these do not remain long to affect the 
fish, usually being gone before the young reach an inch in 
length, they may cause the death of many of the young fry 
by forming pustules in the skin which break to the outside. 
These were abundant on young small-mouthed bass about 
Put-in-Bay in June and caused considerable loss. 

Internal parasites begin to affect the young bass as soon 
as they begin to feed. The first of these to make their 
appearance are young tape worms and fluke worms which 
have their larval stages in the minute crustacea (water 
fleas) which form the first natural food of the bass and most 
other fishes. The presence of large numbers of the early 
stages of these parasites at a time when the bass fry were 
still feeding entirely on these minute crustacea, called the 
attention of the writer to the fact that the parasites must 
inhabit these crustacea as their intermediate host. A for- 
mer graduate student, Dr. R. V. Bangham, took up the prob- 
lem and traced various species of tapeworms and fluke 
worms back to the species of crustacea which carry them. 
It is no uncommon thing for a young bass less than an inch 
long to harbor a score or more of these parasites and oc- 
casionally the number is much greater than this. They 
sometimes grow to maturity in the intestine of the bass, or 
they may penetrate the wall of the intestine and encyst 
themselves in the liver, spleen or other internal organs. 
Sometimes the liver is so full of these young parasites that it 
appears to have been riddled by them and there seems no 
doubt that they may cause the death of the fish. More fre- 
quently, it is probable they merely delay the development of 
the fry and weaken them so that they readily fall victims to 
the voracity of larger fish. Dr. Bangham has shown that 
heavily parasitized fish are smaller than others belonging 
apparently to the same hatch, so the effect is not mere sup- 
position. 

By the time the fry are an inch and a half long they have 
also accumulated some of the round worms, especially the 





Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 31 


thorn-headed worms, which they obtain from larger crus- 
tacean food. (Wickliff, Transactions, Vol. L. p. 364-371 and 
Turner and Kraatz Transactions, Vol. L. p. 372-380, have 
shown how the type of the food varies in relation to the size 
of the fish.) 

But it is not only the young fish that are affected by these 
enemies. The adults may sometimes be heavily infested 
with tape worms so that the intestine may be almost closed 
by them. Fluke worms may attack the liver and the coeca, 
especially, to injure the fish and thorn-headed worms may 
occur sometimes by the hundreds in the intestine and the 
coeca. Fishes so parasitized usually show it by the gaunt 
appearance, the absence of intestinal fat, the smaller size 
of the reproductive organs, etc. It isnot possible to esti- 
mate with any degree of exactness the check which these 
parasites produce on growth and reproduction and it prob- 
ably varies greatly in different waters and in different sea- 
sons, but it is undoubtedly important. It may not be possi- 
ble to control parasitism in natural waters, but I shall have 
something to say later concerning the control of parasitism 
in hatcheries. Parasitic crustacea and certain of the fluke 
worms occur on the gills, but I have not found these numer- 
ous enough on the basses to produce serious results. 

The natural enemies preying on the basses are many, 
especially in their younger stages. The predaceous water 
insects get some of them when they are very young. Pre- 
daceous fishes take their toll and it is not a small one. I 
have found young bass in the stomach contents of many fish- 
es but especially in the yellow perch, the gars and the grass 
pike. To a lesser extent I have found them in catfishes of 
various species, the chubs, the crappies, the green sunfish 
and occasional others, while the larger bass do not hesitate 
to make a meal of their younger kin at times. 

Frogs, snakes and turtles occasionally get the bass as a 
part of their diet, though the bass is usually too quick for 
such enemies. Various kinds of birds also take their toll of 
the young bass, as is well known. The common tern is pro- 
tected and there has been considerable discussion pro and 
con as to the destructiveness of this bird on the game fishes. 
This much has come under my own observation. The small, 
barren Starve Island, near Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is inhabited by 
large numbers of terns which breed there. I have been un- 
able to find any young bass about this island in several sea- 
sons, though the character of the bottom is suitable for 
breeding purposes. Careful investigation of the food of 
these birds may force us to include them among the un- 
desirables. 


32 American Fisheries Society. 


FOOD 


A factor which has not had sufficient consideration in 
fish propagation under natural conditions is the amount of 
food. Even men old in fisheries work sometimes appear to 
overlook the fact that fish cannot live on pure water alone, 
any more than land animals can live on fresh air. We have 
probably seen waters stocked with many more fish than 
could possibly find sustenance there. Furthermore, it is not 
only the amount of water, at its lowest stage, that is con-— 
cerned, for the food crop of a lake or stream depends uponas 
many different factors as a crop on land and the chemicals 
in solution, the amount and kind of organic matter, the tem- 
perature, the amount of light, the character of the bottom 
and various other factors affect the productivity of any body 
of water. In the end this goes back to the production of 
aquatic plant life, for, just as upon land, the amount and 
character of animal life is conditioned by the plant life that 
furnishes the primary food source. Clear water will grow 
more food than muddy water on account of the amount of 
hight which penetrates. Warm water will produce more 
than cold. A stream or lake that maintains a fairly con- 
stant level will produce more than the one which fluctuates 
greatly. To judge the productivity of a body of water, 
therefore, it should be studied at its worst and all the un- 
satisfactory conditions known. Many streams and some 
lakes become so low in dry seasons that they cannot support 
a fish fauna commensurate with their size at other seasons. 
Streams which are muddy for a considerable ‘portion of the 
year cannot support as many game fish, nor as much life in 
general, as waters that are clearer. This is one of the 
reasons why lakes are more generally productive than 
streams, for they are seldom roiled to any extent. 

The natural limit of fish production is therefore not con- 
ditioned by the reproductive capacity of the fish, which al- 
ways produce an overplus of young if not interfered with, 
but upon the various factors which check the development. 


ARTIFICIAL CHECKS 


These are in the nature of the unsatisfactory conditions 


which the industry, the carelessness and the short-sighted- ~ 


ness of man have thrown in the way of the natural balance 
of aquatic life. It is a sad commentary on human behavior 
that very few of our waters produce any where near as 
many fish as they did in a state of nature. “Increased pro-— 
duction” has been the slogan of the farmer, the manufac- 





Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 33 


turer, the miner and many other producers, while atthesame 
time they have worked great detriment and often made im- 
possible the productivity of the water in the vicinity of their 
operations. 

The important human checks on the productivity of our 
waters are (1) pollution, (2) interference with the water 
supply and (3) over-fishing; these three, and the greatest of 
these is pollution. I shall not need to consider the pollution 
question at this time, for it has been discussed already and 
we are all of one mind that it has wrought more damage to 
our waters than all other things combined. The voters of 
the country have the solution of this matter in their own 
hands, but until they awake to the fact that there are more 
important things in the world than to find the easiest way to 
dispose of refuse and waste by dumping them into the water, 
the menace will continue to grow. The individual in the 
city is compelled to install plumbing and take other meas- 
ures to care for household wastes and it is just as logical to 
expect the manufacturer, miner, canner, etc., etc., to care for 
his industrial wastes. It may make the products of indus- 
try cost more to the consumer and it may reduce the income 
of the producer somewhat, but there are some natural rights 
of all the people valuable beyond price and pure water is 
one of these. Pollution is the one absolute check on fish 
production, though fish production is only one of the ques- 
tions involved in the pollution problem. 

Interference with the water supply is another important 
menace to fish production, and this again is charged to the 
score of humanindustry. Deforestation is perhaps the most 
important phase ofthis problem. Itis a common experience, 
observable everywhere in the more populous sections of our 
country, that the streams and lakes no longer maintain their 
original levels throughout the year. At the same time 
floods are higher and more destructive with the passing of 
the years, since there no longer exists the natural means of 
holding back the rainfall until it sinks into the soil. Streams 
that only a generation or so ago were good fish streams 
now become so low in dry seasons that game and food fish 
- cannot live in them at all or only in more limited numbers, 
for the productivity of any body of water is measured not by 
the condition at its best, but at its worst and it will produce 
only such forms as will find cover and sustenance at its low- 
est stage. Reforestation of the hill tops and steep slopes 
will aid in stream recovery and the reduction of floods, and 
should be a part of every fish conservation program. 

The cleaning up of stream and river bottoms is another 
factor in this problem. The brush and fallen tree trunks 


34 American Fisheries Society. 


that used to hold back the water at flood time have been re- 
moved in many parts of the country. In some places the 
stream beds have been straightened and dredged out and 
apparently everything done to hasten the escape of the 
water in as short a time as possible, and where this has been 
done the production of fish is usually made an impossi- 
bility. 

Large areas of swamp land have been drained and 
this cuts off another source of constant water supply as well 
as a great source of food of the fishes. Many of the smaller 
lakes have been drained for agricultural purposes in the 
mistaken notion that a larger income can be obtained from 
the land than from the water. Much of this so-called re- 
clamation work has proved to be utterly useless. 

Another source of interference with water supply is that 
of drawing water from lakes for the manufacturing indus- 
tries or for the purpose of making trifling improvements at 
the water’s edge. It it only necessary to lower the water a 
few feet in most of our lakes to force the young fish into the 
open water where they are without protection and without 
their supply of natural food. The manufacturing indus- 
tries will, of course, take no heed of this matter and boards 
of public works, when made up of political appointees and 
changing every few years, are not likely to understand the 
importance of maintaining a constant water supply in the 
waters under their control. 

It should be the self-imposed duty of every sportsmens 
association and of every denvartment of fish and game to en- 
courage reforestation and to insist on the constant main- 
tenance of the water supply. If it becomes necessary to 
lower the water for any purpose of construction, this should 
be done only at the approach of colder weather, when the 
fish naturally seek the deeper water. 

Over-fishing is a menace that has increased with enormous 
strides with the development of the automobile and the 
motor boat. These two useful contrivances have made it 
possible for a greatly increased proportion of the popula- 
tion to go fishing. The ease with which one may now reach 
fishing grounds is the chief cause of over-fishing. Many of 
our smaller streams and lakes are annually almost depleted 
of fish of breeding size. It is true that our state fisheries 
bureaus can stock these waters and so maintain them for the 
people interested. The modification of our game laws, by 
increasing the legal size of game fish, would do much to 
prevent over-fishing and to insure the constant production 
of young. One of my assistants, Mr. E. L. Wickliff, has 
measured the size and estimated the age at breeding (by 








Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 35 





the scale method) of many of our Ohio game fishes and has 
| discovered that it is possible for the large-mouth bass to 
reach the legal limit of 11 inches without having had oppor- 
tunity to breed. The elimination of spring fishing would 
curb this to some extent or the raising of the legal size to 12 
inches would accomplish the same purpose. In the lakes 
this is not so important a matter as it is in the streams, where 
there are fewer fish and less cover and where over-fishing is 
more likely to occur. 

Over-fishing at any rate, is not so serious as the other 
checks already discussed, for at least somebody profits by 
the fish taken for food and by the recreation involved in 
their capture and it does not hinder restocking, while pol- 
lution and interference with the water supply present no 
such mitigating features and make restocking futile. If 
boards of fish and game were more careful to investigate 
the waters they restock and refuse to stock waters that 
are impure or are otherwise tampered with, they might at 
least arouse the fishing population to the point where they 
would insist on doing away with these menaces to fish pro- 
duction. 

Before closing I wish to say just a few words about the 
checks on the artificial production of young bass in hatch- 
eries. Here the conditions are made as satisfactory as pos- 
sible and most of the checks above mentioned are elimina- 
ted. Pure water is insisted on as a matter of course, but I 
believe that it is possible to eliminate parasitism to a greater 
extent. Some preliminary studies which I have made on 
our hatcheries in Ohio, indicate that it is not good policy to 
take water for the hatchery from lakes or streams and that 
springs should be the only source from which water should 
be drawn. We have both types in Ohio and while the per- 
centage of hatch is about equal, the investigation of the 
young bass indicates that parasitism is almost absent in the 
young fish from spring-fed hatcheries where the ponds have 
been kept clean, while in those fed by streams and lakes 
parasitism runs as high as it does among the wild fish. Also 
where ponds are in series and the lower ones receive their 
water supply from those above, I believe it is the best policy 
to winter breeders in the lowest ponds of the series and use 
the upper ponds for breeding and rearing purposes. The 
upper ponds may then be drained \jand cleaned over winter 
and will be found practically free from organisms carrying 
parasites when the young bass begin feeding. The clean- 
ing of the hatching ponds is also good insurance against the 
water becoming stale from the decomposition of organic 
matter at the bottom, which sometimes results in the loss of 


36 American Fisheries Society. 


large numbers of fry when the temperature goes very high 
during protracted hot spells. a 

As to the future of bass production I wish merely to in-- 
dicate some of the possibilities for I realize that prophesying ~ 
is dangerous to the reputation. In judging of the possi- | 
bilities it is necessary to consider whether the natural and 
artificial checks which now exist may be modified in either 
direction in the future. 

1. As to conditions which interfere with spawning, it — 
seems futile to attempt to devise any method of preventing ~ 
storms or sudden deleterious changes in temperature. — 
Pollution may be cleared up so the bass can return to their — 
original spawning grounds and thus extend their area of 
distribution. 

2. Parasitism and disease are not likely to be controlled © 
to any extent in wild fishes, except through the destruction © 
of fish-eating birds and other animals which are the inter-— 
mediate hosts of fish parasites, though it may be possible to © 
prevent parasitism to a large extent in hatcheries, as is al- 7 
ready stated. q 

3. Natural enemies can be controlled to a great extent 7 
and some of these are already much fewer than in a state of | 
nature. Fish-eating birds and reptiles are less numerous ® 
than formerly and likely to become still more reduced. 7 
Highly predaceous fishes, such as the pikes and gars, which 7 
prey on the basses, have been reduced to some extent. 9 
The pikes are good game fishes and are edible, but the 9 
worthless gars are usually more numerous. Every sports- § 
man kills them when opportunity offers, of course, and in ~ 
some lakes they have been netted to advantage to get rid of © 
them. It would seem possible to reduce the number of en- ~ 
emies very considerably. It may be argued that the bass 7 
are vicious enemies of their own young and this is sometimes © 
the case, but every young bass that enters the stomach of an — 
older one at least contributes to the supply of larger bass, 
so there is an element of consolation in this. Moreover if 
there is plenty of cover and food the young bass are not like- © 
ly to be greatly depleted by attacks of the larger ones. h 

4. The amount of food is naturally a very vital ques- ~ 
tion. The cleaning up of swamps and stream beds and the © 
bottoms and shores of lakes reduces the amount of natural — 
food as wellas cover. Deforestation, resulting in alternate ~ 
floods and seasons of extremely low water, has the same re- 
sult. The lowering of the water level in smaller lakes and 
reservoirs for water power or for construction work has a 
very deleterious effect on the food organisms as well asonthe ~ 
young fish directly. The cultivation of farm lands results — 





Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. ae 


in the carrying into the streams a larger amount of silt and 
the muddying of the waters to a greater extent than obtains 
in nature and this is harmful to the food supply as well as to 
spawning beds. The seining of minnows and other small 
fish for live bait is a menace to bass production since it de- 
prives them at once of a large amount of natural food. In 
many smaller streams and on the shores of lakes this has 
gone to the extent that anglers are complaining that they can 
no longer get live bait. It is well known that large numbers 
of the small fish taken for live bait die before they are used 
and are thrown away. Time is about ripe for a cam- 
paign against this useless waste of good bass food, for when 
angiers are unable to obtain minnows for bait with a seine 
the question arises; what are the bass finding for food to re- 
place them? I am of the opinion that it would be well to 
restrict the seining of small fish for live bait. 

Reforestation will aid in reestablishing the water level 
of streams and education will have some effect in preventing 
over-cleanliness such as the removal of vegetation from 
shallow water, etc., and in preventing the lowering of the 
water level in lakes at seasons when fish and their-food are 
most susceptible to the change. It is even possible to fer- 
tilize a body of water to make it more productive of lower 
organisms, to plant with aquatic vegetation suitable for 
cover and to introduce smaller fishes which will serve asfood 
for the basses. 

5. Over-fishing can be controlled by limiting still far- 
ther the size of the fish legally taken and by preventing 
spring fishing before the adults have had an opportunity to 
breed at least once. Restocking from hatcheries is a satis- 
. factory method, as far as it goes, and my observations indi- 
cate that often the fry may be taken from lakes and streams 
without injury to the fishing in those waters, when the natu- 
ral hatch is excessive. I feel sure that millions of young 
small mouthed bass might have been removed from Lake 
Erie about the Bass Islands the past season without doing 
any injury to the future fishing prospects and the same has 
been true of the large mouthed bass in many of our smaller 
lakes season after season as I have observed them, for not 
one out of a hundred young could possibly come to maturity 
and find food and range. Over-fishing is probably the 
least important of the checks to production except in re- 
stricted localities. 

6. As to pollution, I look forward to the time when the 
American people will no more tolerate this than they do cer- 
tain other public nuisances. Then the bass may be restored 
to their original haunts and the area of bass production in- 


38 American Fisheries Society. 


creased again to its original limits. It will be a hard fight, 
undoubtedly, but the people can have anything they want if 
they are only willing to go after it. 

One interesting and encouraging feature of the present 
situation is the much larger number of people who are in- 
terested in fishing as a part of their recreation. To be sure 
many of these are now driving long distances for the purpose 
of trying their luck, instead of attempting to improve condi- 
tions at home, but they will be keen to improve their own 
waters when they see the way to doit. Sportsmen’s organ- 
izations are rapidly becoming more numerous and powerful 
and these societies will have an excellent influence in edu- 
cating the general public as to the ways and means of obtain- 
ing what they want. To restore our waters to their origi- 
nal cleanliess and productiveness should be our first organ- 
ized effort. 


Discussion. 





PRESIDENT LEACH: The Bureau of Fisheries has been depending 
on Lake Erie for a certain amount of brood stock each year which it has 
transported to its nearby fisheries stations. We have noted that we 
have transferred also some of the parasites of which Dr. Osburn speaks; 
some, I believe, have been sent to Neosho for Mr. Foster to contend with. 

I notice what Dr. Osburn says about Starve Island, the area of 
which, I believe, is not more than about one half an acre. -May I ask 
Dr. Osburn whether he attributes the scarcity of bass there to the terns? 

Dr. OSBURN: Bass of breeding size are caught in numbers there 
when the angling season is on, but in the course of five years, seining 
for investigational purposes, we have never found any young bass. 
I am not sure whether the terns are responsible. The matter needs 
careful investigation. - 

PRESIDENT LEACH: Have you found the same conditions regard- 
ing the bass around Hen and Chickens Island, which are very thickly 
inhabited by terns? 

Dr. OsBuRN: I have not studied the conditions affecting the Big 
Chicken Island, where sc many of the terns breed, though I have visited : 
most of the others,—the Sister Islands, Green Island, Rattlesnake Is- ~ 
land, etc., where the terns are not numerous and where the bass fry > 
have been taken. " 

PRESIDENT LEACH: The Bureau has sent+ to its hatcheries, where — 
they are used for the propagation of smaller fish, a great many adult © 
fish taken from Lake Erie; and the State of Ohio, I understand, distrib- 
utes a great many of these adult fish to interior waters. Do you think” 
that if that practice is continued the result will be a depletion of the 
small-mouth bass? 

Dr. OsBuRN: Of course, a great many bass are caught out each — 
year by anglers and a good many are taken for the purposes you men-— 


> 
b 







Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 39 


tion, but that does not seem to have greatly affected the supply. As 
for the large-mouth, we get a great many of them also and distribute 
them to the quieter waters of the state. There are three large, well- 
protected harbors on Catawba Island, comprising thousands of acres of 
water ranging in depth from a few inches to a few feet, and there 
the large-mouth hatch, in spite of the fact that many have been taken 
for stocking and by anglers, has been well kept up. 

As to the distribution of parasites referred to by Mr. Leach, of 
course that is possible, provided that the parasite can find an interme- 
diate host. It undergoes the larval stage in some small organism and 
comes to the adult stage in the bass. If the small organism which 
carries it in the larval stage does not occur in the waters stocked, the 
parasite could not complete its life history. Certain kinds of parasites 
might be transferred, others not. 

Mr. S. W. DowNING: May I ask whether the taking of fish from 
the vicinity of the islands and their distribution in the inland waters 
of the state during the past eighteen years has increased the supply of 
small-mouth bass in those waters? 

Dr. OSBURN: I doubt if it has, but it has afforded a considerable 
amount of angling in the waters down state, and that is where the bene- 
fit has resulted. Whether or not the fish would have been caught had 
they remained in Lake Erie is another matter. The fishing about the 
Islands is not always as good as one might desire. I know from per- 
sonal experience, though at times fish may be caught in considerable 
numbers. Apparently, however, plenty of breeding bass remain in 
Lake Erie; we had a good production of young bass this season when 
the conditions were favorable to breeding. The adult bass may lay 
from ten to twenty thousand eggs, and if a fair number of these hatch, 
you get a very rapid re-stocking. 

Mr. BURNHAM: How many years has the law been in effect pro- 
hibiting the sale of adult small-mouth bass in Ohio? 

Dr. OSBURN: I cannot answer that. It was in effect when I came 
back to the state six years ago. 

Mr. BURNHAM: It occurred to me that the number of adult fish 
saved by prohibiting their sale might offset the numbers that are being 
taken away for the purpose of stocking other waters. 

Mr. DOWNING: If the stocking of these streams has resulted only 
in providing a few day’s fishing for the anglers, who take the breeders 
- out after they are put in there, would it not be a whole lot cheaper to 
the state to furnish these anglers with a few messes of fish and leave 
the bass in the lake? 

Dr. OSBURN: But they get all the sport of catching them. In some 
places the fish may be caught out before they have an opportunity to 
breed, but we have a good many preserves in the state now where no 
angling is permitted until after breeding, and that has helped to keep 
up the supply of breeders. Where the taking of fish of legal size later 
in the season involves the removal of practically all the breeders from 
a stream or a considerable reduction of their numbers in lakes, the 


40 American Fisheries Society. 


introduction of more breeders does tend to continue our supply of fish 
in a way that would not, I think be possible otherwise under our present 
angling laws. 

Mr. HAyForD: For a number of years we have been doing some of 
this work in connection with certain of our reservoirs in New Jersey. 
I find that if the adults are moved in the fall of the year we generally 
have splendid results in the reproduction the following spring. In the 
case of those that were handled about ten days before spawning, very 
few of them ever spawned; and on opening them up we found the eggs 
decomposed. If the big bass are left in the municipal reservoirs and 
the yearling bass taken, those which are from five to seven inches long, 
some results can be obtained, but as for removing the big bass, it is 
simply cutting off the fountain head of supply. 

Mr. BULLER: Iam very much interested in what Professor Osburn 
has said in his paper with regard to the amount of fish in certain waters 
depending largely upon the amount of food available in those waters. 
In Pennsylvania the practice of seining for minnows, on the part of 
fishermen and those dealing in bait fish, was practically destroying the 
minnow life in our streams and inland lakes. It has therefore become 
necessary for us, in addition to propagating fish for the stocking of 
waters, to propagate minnows and introduce them into those streams 
for food, at the same time prohibiting seining for minnows. We have 
a law on the statutes today which imposes a penalty of $100 upon any- 
one who seines in the waters of Pennsylvania at any time of the year, 
with the exception of the waters below McCall’s Ferry dam and in the 
Delaware river, as well as within the limits of the tidal waters. The 
seines are permitted there for the catching of shad. That law was 
enacted for the sole purpose of protecting the food which is absolutely 
necessary to fish life in those streams. 

Dr. OSBURN: Can live bait be used in Pennsylvania? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. We do permit the use of a small dip net not to 
to exceed four feet in diameter, but there must be no seining. Since 
the enactment of that law, and with the propagation and distribution 
of minnows, the food is increasing, and, from the reports received from 
the bass fishermen, bass fishing is improving in spite of the many dis- 
advantages that we have to contend with. The increase in bass fishing 
in Pennsylvania is due, in my opinion, not so much to artificial propaga- 
tion and the stocking of waters as to the law that we have relative to 
the taking of bass. The close season is up to the first of July, thereby 
giving the adult bass a chance to reproduce. 


Dr. OSBURN: There is no Spring fishing? 

Mr. BULLER: No. These are two things that are helping bass fish- 
ing in Pennsylvania. As to the removal of adult fish, we do some of 
that work, and having the close season up to the first of July we are 
reasonably sure that they have reproduced before the fishermen take 
them. 

With Pennsylvania—and I think every state has found itself in 
the same position—the difficulty of getting sufficient funds out of the 


0 


* 


Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 41 


‘general revenues to carry on the work of the Department of Fisheries 
‘had been getting more acute each year. About twelve years ago the 
matter of requiring resident and non-resident fishing licenses was first 
taken up. At each session of the Legislature for ten years I fought 
to get some enactment of that kind on the statutes, and in 1922 it went 
into effect, not in the shape in which it was introduced into the House 
and the Senate, but in the form of a compromise. The original bill as 
introduced by the Department placed the minimum age limit at sixteen 
years; the bill we got through made the minimum age limit twenty-one 
years. After consulting the Governor on the question, who helped in 
every way to enact this law, we came to the conclusion that we had bet- 
ter take half a loaf than no loaf at all, and depend on future legislation 
to remedy any deficiency. Jn the first year that this law went in to 
effect, 1922, the Department sold 203,000 resident fishermen’s licenses. 
We had our officers make a careful study as to the fishermen who were 
fishing the streams, and we found that two-thirds of them were under 
twenty-one vears of age. In 1923, out of the turmoil we had in the 
House and the Senate, we succeeded in having the maximum age 
established at eighteen years, and the result is that we have sold this 
year up to date resident licenses in the amount of $335,000. 
Mr. JouN P. Woops: At what price? 


Mr. BULLER: One dollar. We think that at the next session of the 
Legislature, with the educational campaign that we are carrying on 
among the fishermen, we shall be able to get the bill back to its original 
shape, and we feel satisfied that we shall then sell every year 600,000 
fishermen’s licenses. There are 600,000 hunter’s licenses sold in the 
state to-day, and we feel, from the knowledge we have, that we have 
as many fishermen as hunters. The men who are contributing this 
money are entitled to take a few bass or other fish out of the streams 
before they have had the chance to breed. They are the men we are 
depending on today for funds, and they are the men upon whom, in my 
judgment, every state in the Union will have to depend if we are suc- 
cessfully to carry on our work. 

Mr. Titcoms: I was very much interested in Dr. Osburn’s paper; 
it covers a very large field. I would like to ask him to what extent he 
examined the bass which he found egg-bound? 

Dr. OSBURN: That has been chiefly the work of one of my assist- 
ants, an instructor in the university, Mr. E. L. Wickliff. He has exam- 
ined a great many of them, at Buckeye Lake especially. I had some bass 
sent in to me by the Department of Fish and Game this spring which 
were otherwise in perfect condition, but the eggs were degenerated and 
a mass of raucous had formed a kind of block in the end of the oviduct. 

Mr. Titcoms: When they become egg-bound they subsequently die? 


Dr. OSBURN: Some of them undoubtedly die in that condition; 
but it is an open question what percentage of death is from that cause. 
We had this same experience in the New York Aquarium with fishes 
that could not spawn because conditions were abnormal. 


42 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. TitcomMB: That applies to other species as well? 


Dr. OSBURN: Yes, many of the marine species. Almost always 
the females would die off first. For instance, we kept striped bass until 
some were more than twenty years old, and all we had left at the end 
were a number of old males. 

Mr. TiITCOMB: With regard to parasites, you referred to the desira- 
bility of using spring water and keeping the adults in the lower ponds; 
you would move these adults to the upper ponds for breeding purposes? 

’ Dr. OsBuRN: Yes. 
Mr. TiTcOMB: Do they carry the parasites with them? 


Dr. OsBuRN: If they do, they would not in most cases distribute 
them that year to the young fish. Some of these parasites have to be 
carried over the year before they can reinfect the fish. That is to say, 
the fish will carry the parasite through the summer season, the parasite 
sometimes reaching the adult condition in a couple of months or so; 
then they will produce their eggs, which pass out into the lower organ- 
isms and there be carried over the winter. It is just a question, then, 
of breaking up the life history of the parasite; if we can do that at any 
point we have got him. 

Mr. TITcCOMB: Do you think we could ke2p the ponds that are spr’ng 
fed free from parasites for any definite period? 

Dr. OSBURN: I think you could. Some of these lower organisms 
can hibernate in the mud, or can encyst themselves and get through the 
winter in that way, but a sudden draining off of the water would have 
the effect of seriously interfering with this procedure. The result would 
be that the next year you would start in free from that kind of organ- 
ism carrying parasites. 

Mr. TitcomsB: We have in Connecticut one small-mouth bass breed- 
ing establishment that I am familiar with. There the water is supplied 
to concrete pools used for breeding the dimensions of which are, I 
should judge, about 10 feet by 30 feet. The bass are taken from the 
private lake in the spring and reproduced in these lower pools; then 
the fry are taken from the nests and put into these concrete pools. 
The superintendent keeps two crews of men at work on the lake above 
which is the source of water supply, two small power boats being en- 
gaged in dragginy for plankton. He feeds the little bass in the concrete 
pools on plankton until they are about an inch and a half long. Some 
years he has a very good production, and some years he loses 100,000 
in a night from what he has called fungus. I happened to be there at 
the time this sudden mortality occurred; he thought it was brought 
about by something in the plankton. What would be your theory about 
that? 

Dr. OSBURN: I do not think there is anything in the plankton that 
could ordinarily bring about that sort of loss. 


Mr. Titcoms: In that netting he would probably get the parasites 


too, would he not? 











Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 43 


Dr. OsBURN: Undoubtedly he would get the organism carring the 
parasites if he took them by netting the plankton, and the young fish 
would then carry probably as many parasites as the fish in the lakes 
where he got the plankton. 


Mr. TITCOMB: I understand that you have been netting the lakes 
in your state for adults tc move to the inland waters? Do I understand 
from your remarks that the fishing in the lakes has kept up under those 
conditions? 

Dr. OsBuRN: As far as I know there has been no depletion of it 
within five or six years. 

Mr. Titcoms: That would mean that there is plenty of food to en- 
able the young fish to go on naturally and take the place of those 
which are removed? 

Dr. OSBURN: Certainly, and there are plenty of breeders left. 
There are enormous hatches right in the waters where many breeders 
have been removed annually for inland use. 


Mr. TITcoMB: And all these parasites and other enemies of the 
fish which you recounted in your paper are the natural enemies you may 
expect in any water to take care of the surplus reproduction? It is 
simply the normal condition? 

Dr. OSBURN: Certainly, under natural conditions there could not 
be more than a certain number of bass growing in Lake Erie or any 
other body of water, limited, as they are, by these natural checks on 
reproduction and growth. The question is, whether we are maintaining 
that number. 

Mr. TitcomsB: Do you not think that in any lake inhabited by bass 
if they can be protected through the spring until the spawning season 
is over, and if limits can be enforced as to the size which may be taken 
so that they may not be taken until mature, the natural reproduction 
in such waters will be all that that lake can possibly take care of? In 
other words, artificial propagation is not really necessary under those 
conditions? 

Dr. OSBURN: I agree with you. We have made a mistake, I be- 
lieve, in many parts of the country in trying to increase the number of 
fish, especially of large-mouth bass, by planting in lakes where they al- 
ready exist. I know that in some lakes where the bass have been 
planted from time to time there is a production of young that is far 
beyond the capacity of the lake to support when they become adults. 

Mr. Titcoms: Have you ever observed whether the female spawn 
on more than one nest? Mr. Beaman, of Waramang Hatchery, who 
has closely observed the bass in those small breeding ponds and has at 
times tagged many of them, maintains that none of the females expel 
all their eggs at one time; that after depositing a certain number of 
eggs they leave the nest, and, a few days later either on the same nest 
or another one deposit more eggs, and that sometimes this process goes 
to the third time before all the eggs have been expelled. 


Ad American Fisheries Society. 


Dr. OsBuRN: ‘There is no doubt that the female does spawn several 
times; the eggs do not all mature at once, as they do in some fishes, and 
can not all be spawned ot one time. I see no reason why they should 
not go to any nest that was convenient. 


Mr. TiTtcoms: Do you find the large-mouth bass much more pre- 
dacious or destructive of other fishes than the small-mouth? 

Dr. OsBuRN: I have no exact data on that, but judging from 
stomach contents, I would hardly say so. 

Mr. Titcoms: Every time I have occasion to talk to a bunch of 
sportsmen in Connecticut, they say that the large-mouth bass is very 
destructive of other fishes; they attribute entirely to the large-mouth 
the disappearance of bullheads from waters in which they had formerly 
been very abundant. From what we have observed it is evident that 
the bullheads decrease after the bass are introduced, and, in one instance 
where the bass have been twelve years in quite a large body of water, 
the bullheads have practically disappeared. I believe the majority of 
the fishermen in Connecticut to-day are of the opinion that we would be 
much beiter off if we did not have the large-mouth bass in the state at 
all. 

Dr. OsBURN: They are both, of course, feeders on bullheads to a 
certain extent. The large-mouth bass lives in the quiet waters where 
the bullheads are most frequently found, while the small-mouth prefer 
the colder water and so do not come so largely in contact with bullheads. 
That may, in part, be the answer. I have no evidence on the question 
whether one is more predacious on the bullheads than the other, when 
they can get at them. 

Mr. Titcoms: We have an interesting situation in Connecticut, 
which I think I mentioned at the last meeting. In that state it is un- 
lawful to fish in the municipal reservoirs because of the danger of 
contamination, and we have concessions from the water companies all 
over the state under which we remove from these reservoirs all the 
adult fish that we can catch in large numbers by the use of trap nets, 
This is along the line of the work Mr. Buller is doing and along the 
line also of the work in Ohio. Last spring we took out something like 
30,000 adult fish, including bass; in some instances we took small-mouth 
bass up to six or seven pounds. In keeping these fish where they will 
have a chance to reproduce before they are caught—we do not allow 
them to be fished until after the first of July—we are doing more than 
we could possibly accomplish by artificial spawn culture. We begin 
this work next week and will continue until the ice covers the lakes. 
I think this is very much better than any attempt to propagate bass. 

Dr. OsBuURN: Both methods are good. I am disposed to favor the 
hatchery for certain kinds of planting, but I do not believe we need 
very much of that in the case of the large-mouth bass, because in the 
waters in which they are chiefly found, in our smaller lakes, they are 
taking care of themselves very well. At any time during the five years 
that we have studied them in the small lakes, one could have taken 


Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 45 


millions of young fry for the purposes of distribution without in any way 
depleting the natural resources of the lake. In the case of the small- 
mouth bass the situation is a little more difficult in Ohio because we get 
them almost entirely in the streams; the lakes, aside from Lake Erie, are 
as a rule too warm for the small-mouth. 


Mr. TiTcoMB: One point that cannot be too strongly emphasized 
is the seriousness of the depletion caused by the taking out of bait fish 
by the angler. In some of our lakes the minnows are practically gone, 
and we have to introduce minnows, along with our other work, in 
connection with the reservoirs. 

Dr. OsBURN: That was true around Sandusky and Put-In-Bay this 
summer; there was no live bait to be had. In the seining about Put-in- 
Bay harbor for study purposes I could always get some, but not anything 
like what we should be able to get. Where we could formerly get 
large numbers of minnows we can now only get a few, so there is no 
question that there has been a great depletion. It can not be attributed 
to pollution in streams where no pollution exists. The condition may 
be due in part to other factors than seining,—the cutting out of 
shelters and the elimination of the forests, the latter resulting in the 
streams going so low that they will not maintain even the smaller fish 
during the lowest water of the season, That is a great check on the 
production of our small fish as well as of our larger rough fish, suckers 
and so on, which are no longer found in streams where they used to be 
abundant. f suppose the same conditions exist all over the country 
where it is thickly populated. 

Mr. Hare: Which of the two basses, the large-mouth or the small- 
mouth, is more susceptible to that parasite which you term the grub. 


Dr. OSBURN: I have not found any paticular difference in Ohio 
waters; both are susceptible to it. I do not believe we have as much 
trouble with it in our state as they do in some Canadian waters, judging 
by reports. 

Mr. HARE: Does it depreciate the value of the fish to any consider- 
able extent? 

Dr. OSBURN: When they are numerous enough they make the fish 
unfit to eat, but it is uncommon in the waters of Ohio that the fishshould, 
from this cause, be unfit for food. 

Mr. Hare: Is this parasite more prevalent in warmer than in 
cooler waters? 

Dr. OsBuRN: I do not think so. I have not made comparisons of 
this in Ohio, but you will find them both in the small-mouth bass in Lake 
Erie and in those in the streams in the southern part of the state. 


Mr. BULLER: May I supplement your remarks in reference to the 
disappearance of the minnow by stating the conditions which, in our 
judgment, were the cause of the disappearancee of minnow life from the 
forest streams in Pennsylvania? It was reported by our officers that 
bait fishermen who were fishing for minnows would pull up. say, a 


46 American Fisheries Society. 


bushel of minnows on the sand, pick out what they needed and leave 
the rest on the sand. We came to the conclusion that that was one of 
the real causes of the disappearance of the minnows; accordingly a law 
was enacted to prohibit it. 

Dr. OSBURN: There is no doubt that much waste occurs, because 
many of the minnows die and because the larger, breeding ones are 
taken. 

Mr. HAYFOoRD: Speaking of the netting of reservoirs, I have no 
doubt that in a great many instances good results are obtained, but I 
would point out that to-day every fish culturist has to be familiar with 
the raising of bass. When I went to New Jersey there was a good deal 
of opposition to the spending of money on bass ponds; now each year 
they are spending more money for artificial propagation. In some of 
our lakes there is an abundance of fingerlings, but we have a lot of 
ponds in which we find it very convenient to have artificial propagation. 
For instance, in the case of one of our lakes the shores were simply 
lined with large-mouth bass fingerlings an inch to an inch and a quarter 
long, while in another lake the hatch was very poor; so that we put 
fingerlings into the lake where the hatch was poor in order to try to 
keep both going. 

Dr. OsBURN: That raises a practical point. If bass fingerlings 
are taken out of a lake, even though there may be a large surplus of 
them in that water, the anglers interested are likely to raise strenuous 
objections, because they do not quite appreciate the fact that no damage 
is done to the fishing in the lake by removing a considerable number of 
the young. If hatcheries can supply the bass for new reservoirs and 
for waters that are depleted, the angling population who do not see the 
scientific side of it is better satisfied, If we could educate them to our 
point of view, perhaps we would not need so many hatcheries. In the 
meantime it is better to have some hatcheries to satisfy the angling 
population. 

Mr. Foster: May I ask Dr. Osburn whether he has ever noticed 
ege-bound females in any fish other than those from Lake Erie? 

Dr. OSBURN: Oh yes, we have had them in our inland lakes. We 
have had them in Buckeye Lake, in the central part of the state. A 
couple of years ago the anglers were complaining about the law which 
prevented the taking of fish in the closed season in that lake, because, 
they argued, these fish would all get hooked by somebody and dieanyway. 
Mr. Wickliff examined a large number of dead bass down from that 
lake, and upon only a very small percentage of them could he find any 
marks whatever. When he opened them he found they were adult 


females egg-bound; they had not been hooked. The fact was that un- 


favorable weather conditions had caused the loss of a large number of 
females, and the anglers, seeing these floating on the surface, thought 
they had died as the result of being hooked. 

Mr. Foster: The reason for my inquiry is this: Two years ago 
we received at Neosho station a number of adult small-mouth bass from 


— . 





Osburn.—Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 47 


Lake Erie. The first season they did not reproduce; the second season, 
when it was evident that they were not going to reproduce, a number of 
them were opened and we found the ovaries degenerated and in a very 
bad condition. This was attributed to the larval stage of the tapeworm 
parasite; the larvae were actually present in the ovaries and also in the 
intestines. It was very evident that those fish would not reproduce 
that season, and it is questionable whether they ever would have re- 
produced. I was wondering whether that was due to a parasitic condi- 
tion peculiar to those lake waters only, or whether the same thing had 
been found in other sections of the country. 


Dr. OSBURN: The larvae of some parasites penetrate quite young 
and remain there until the fish are eaten by something else; it is their 
only means of getting out. Whether they would be the same parasites 
feund in Lake Erie I could not tell without examining them, 

Mr. Foster: They were pronounced the same. 

Dr. OSBURN: You may have the same parasite there, for “tt I 
know. Some of them have a wide distribution, but some, I know, are 
limited to the Lake Erie drainage. 

Mr. Foster: It has been brought out today that many waters 
which are re-stocked do not need re-stocking, and it has even been 
deemed necessary to defend the hatcheries in their work. I suggest 
that an ounce of protection is worth a pound of propagation. I am 
sure that that principle will hold good in many cases. 

Dr. OSBURN: Quite right. In many cases we would not need to re- 
stock if we would only give a little better protection. 

Mr. BURNHAM: Mr. Titcomb says that in Connecticut the impres- 
sion prevails that the large-mouth is more destructive to the young of 
other species than the small-mouth. In our ponds at Louisville we pro- 
duce young sunfish in the ponds with the small-mouth black bass, and 
the bass do not seem to consume the young sunfish to any appreciable 
extent. In regard to the large-mouth, they do not seem to have re- 
duced the number of young catfish along the Mississippi river to any 
considerable extent. 

Mr. CuLteR: Can Dr. Osburn say what percentage of the stomachs 
of large and small-mouth bass that he opened contained catfish? 

Dr. OsBuRN: I have found catfish in their stomachs, but I could 
not give you the percentage. 

Mr. CuLLER: From the fish culturist’s standpoint, do you think it 
advisable to take the adult fish out of Lake Erie and put them in streams 
in the southern part of Ohio in which the conditions are not adaptable 
to them? 

Dr. Os8suRN: The same species occur, of course, in both waters; we 
have evidence that they do establish themselves in southern streams. 
In connection with our studies we have seined out fish in the southern 
streams of Ohio where they had been planted at least a year before, 
and we know they were Lake Erie fish because they carried special 
Lake Erie parasites. 


48 American Fisheries Society. 


Dr. EMMELINE Moore: That is a very interesting point; it might 
have some application in the case of the depletion of small-mouth black ~ 
bass around Starve Island. I was going to ask a question this morning — 
on that point. 

Dr. OsBURN: In relation to the terns? 

Dr. EMMELINE Moore: Yes. However, I rise now to ask another — 
question: What foods of small-mouth black bass—crustacean or insect 
food—do you find most heavily parasitized? 

Dr. OSBURN: Species of Cyclops, and Hyalella. 

Dr. EMMELINE Moore: You do not find the Daphnias specially — 
heavily parasitized? 

Dr. OSBURN: No. . 

Dr. EMMELINE Moore: Have you found the larvae of the midge to 
be heavily parasitized with the round worm? I have found them so 
occasionally. 

Dr. OSBURN: Yes, but I have not made any careful studies of the 
the midge. That is a problem which I hope to take up one of these 
times. . 

Dr. EMMELINE Moore: In the course of examination of young 
small-mouth and large-mouth basses over two successive years, to the ~ 
number of about fifty each season I found that the fingerling large- — 
mouth black bass were much more cannibalistically inclined than the 
smal!-mouth. 

Dr. OsBURN: That is quite true, and the fact that they grow much 
faster and are able to take fish food much earlier than the small-mouth 
is, I think, an important factor when they are kept with other fishes, 
such as sun fish, etc. 

Mr. Doze: Do you find that the small-mouth bass is a longer lived 
species than the large mouth? The reason I ask is this: we have started 
work with the small-mouth in Kansas, and we find that our average life 
of the large-mouth is about ten years. We have got that from develop- 
ment right in the hatchery. 

Dr. OsBURN: The small-mouth would run about the same age, I 
should think. 

Mr. Doze: What remedy would you suggest for the fungus growth 
on these fish? 

Dr. OsBuRN: There is nothing that is effective. Individual fish ~ 
can be cured by salt baths and by use of various germicides, but it is — 
impossible to do that in open waters. 

Mr. Doze: Something has been said about closing the season on 
bass during the spawning period. When the warm weather stage gets — 
well on in August the bass become infected with worms, so that if we , 
pass legislation restricting the fishing in the spring in a large number — 
of states we are going to cut out the only time that the angler can © 
catch big-mouth bass that are fit to eat. It is a tradition in our state | 
that the bass will not bite when over the eggs, and I would like to know ~ 





Osburn.—-Conditions Detrimental to Bass. 49 


what Dr. Osburn’s opinion is on that point. I am referring now to the 
large-mouth male bass. 

Mr. TiTcomMB: They will bite at a troll right over their nests in 
the weeds. 

Mr. Doze: Do they strike at it simply in anger, or for the purpose 
of getting food? 

Mr. TiTccMB: I do not know as to that. 

Mr. Doze: J have found that they will not take minnows in the 
spring. 

Mr. BULLER: There were sent to my office for indentification about 
the fifteenth of June seven small-mouth bass, ranging in size from 
seventeen to twenty-two inches, which had been illegally caught with 
live bait. Upon opening them we found that three were males and four 
females. That is evidence that they will take food while they are on 
the nest spawning. 

Dr. OsBuRN: I would like to ask some of the old hatchery men 
whether they find that the breeding fish in the ponds take the artificial 
food the same as the others? That is my conclusion, from what I have 
seen. 

Mr. HAyForD: We find that they seldom eat very much during 
those periods; if they do catch up food now and then they blow it right 
out of their mouths. An occasional one may take the food, but as a 
rule they eat only about ten per cent during that period of what they 
eat right after they have finished spawning. 

Mr. BuLLER: These fish that were brought into my office were 
taken directly off the nest. The man who took them was caught in the 
act and was arrested by one of our officers. 

Mr. HAYForRD: Two years ago this spring I caught with a plug one 
hundred large bass right off the nest, to get them for the following 
spring as breeders. It seemed to me that they bit more in anger than 
from any desire to get food. 

Mr. DozE: We conducted an experiment in one of our hatchery 
ponds where the water was very clear; we used all kinds of minnows on 
the male bass, but we did not catch any; we did catch a couple of females. 
We do not meet very much with the problem of egg-bound fish in 
Kansas, but we do have cases where the female bass is killed by the 
male bass. Possibly a good deal of the egg-bound trouble is due to the 
fact that the numbers of males an d females are not properly balanced; 
there are probably more males than females. td 

Mr. TitcomsB: The condition of the so-called grubby bass you 
attribute to the birds, do you not? 

Dr. OSBURN: It is true that some of them do come from birds; 
whether or not all do, I could not say. Most of these parasites which 
we have studied in Ohio are intestinal parasites and those which pass 
the larval stage in the organs of the body cavity. I am really unpre- 
pared to discuss the bird question. 


THE SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE—A NEGLECTED AND 
UNDEVELOPED POWER FOR CONSERVATION. 


By FRreD J. FOSTER 
U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, Neosho, Mo. 


Fishermen are as a class a patient lot, otherwise they 
would not be followers of the “Gentle Art’’, for patience is 
one of the chief characteristics of a successful fisherman. 
Perhaps it is due to this abundance of patience and to that 
other trait, so often found in fishermen, confidence in his 
fellow man, which has caused him to permit the pollution 
and depletion of our waters. In days gone by, had fishermen 
been quick to do battle for their rights, we should not now be 
facing disaster to the life in so large a percentage of our 
lakes and streams. 


We may thank providence, however, that patience and 
persistence are usually found hand in hand and when pa- 
tience ceases to be a virtue, as it most surely has in many of 
our fish life questions of today, we may expect a militant 
and persistent corrective effort on the part of this quiet and 
lone suffering brotherhood. 


Anger can seldom be condoned but righteous indignation 
which has for its object the betterment of conditions or the 
preservation of present favorable conditions is the com- 
mendable and powerful incentive which has banded men to- 
gether for ages. 

In union there is strength, but how slow have been the 
sportsmen to apply this old, old adage to the problems so 
near their hearts. Those of us who realized the importance 
of organization have neglected our duty in not devoting more 
time and greater energy to the furtherance of sportsmen’s 
leagues. Only within the last year has an organization been 
developed whose aims, ideals and method of functioning are 
such as to reach and hold the sportsmen of the entire country 
and those interested in the preservation of our woods and 
waters. 

The American Fisheries Society has and is filling a most 
worthy and important part in the advancement of fish cul- 
ture and conservation of fish life but from the general char- 
acter of its organization, the infrequency of its meetings and 
lack of state organizations capable of immediate action 
when necessary, we have not been able to stem the tide of 
private interests, commercialism and ignorance which has 
swept the fish from so many of our waters and reduced the 


50 








Foster.—The Sportsmen’s League. 51 


supply in even a larger number. I do not wish to give the 
impression that the character of our organization or the 
procedure of our business should be changed, for ours is 
only a single spoke in the wheel of conservation, which must 
be maintained at its present strength and efficiency and it 
would not be advisable for us as a body to scatter our 
forces. But may we not as individuals give greater support 
to the local sportsmen’s leagues in our communities, under 
whatsoever name they may be operating and to that national 
organization, The Izaak Walton League of America, which 
it is the writer’s firm conviction, is destined to play a most 
important part in the preservation of America’s out-of- 
doors? 


There are few among us do not realize the necessity for 
a militant national organization whose voice is capable 
of being heard in the national and state capitols, backed 
by the influence and vote of such a vast army of sportsmen 
that it will command immediate attention and respect. 


Nationa! and state executives and legislators are, as a 
rule, inclined to do what is just and right as soon as they 
are informed that a sufficient number of persons are in- 
terested. The proposed drainage of the famous Winneshiek 
Bottoms of the Upper Mississippi is a glaring example of the 
necessity of national pressure. 

Many of the states represented here today have superior 
laws for the propagation and protection of fish, but others,— 
and I am forced to include dear old Missouri among the 
latter,—are years behind in either protection or propagation 
or both; not necessarily because of fault in the initiative 
or administrative ability of the Fish & Game Commissioners, 
but because there has been no concerted strength and man 
power behind their recommendations. 

One can hardly imagine the laws of a state permitting 
the gigging of a 1014 pound rainbow trout from her spawn- 
ing bed, and at the same time prohibiting the taking of this 
species with an artiticial fiy months after the close of the 
spawning season, yet this is exactly the condition in Mis- 
souri today with other laws even more destructive because 
they adversely effect the native fish found in the majority 
of the waters of the state. With proper organization of the 
sportsmen such laws would soon be replaced and all game 
fish protected during the spawning season; a size limit per- 
mitting a fish to have reached maturity and to have spawned 
at least once before being put into the frying pan and a 
creel limit that would prohibit the killing of 110 bass in one 
day as accoplished by a certain sport—not sportsman—from 
Kansas City this past summer. 


52 American Fisheries Society. 


This in turn leads to another most important duty and 
privilege of the sportsmen’s league, that of educating the 
general public and our boys and girls, particularly, in true 
sportsmanship and the necessity for conservation. Do I 
hear someone ask why the girls are included? If for no 
greater reason than that some of our sons may enjoy at 
least one vacation in three with a wife who is a companion 
in God’s out-of-doors as well as at White Sulphur. 

Much good can be accomplished by enlightening sports- 
men to the necessity of exterminating the natural enemies of 
fish, such as snakes, turtles, undesirable fishes and fish eat- 
ing birds and animals. The sportman takes his toll of 
fish but a few days, a month or season but the natural ene- 
mies are present for months at a time or throughout the 
entire season and the damage done by them would equal 
the combined output of many hatcheries. 


Sportsmen are eager for more knowledge as to the life 
history and methods of propagation of their beloved finny 
tribe and all the multitude of aquatic creatures that are re- 
lated to them and the conditions which govern their exist- 
ence. If we will but take the time to say a few words at 
Sportsmen’s League meetings and impart a small fraction 
of the knowledge we possess, be it scientific, fish cultural 
or commercial, we will be repaid by the thanks of the most 
attentive and appreciative audience one could wish. 

The American Fisheries Society is organized, “To pro- 
mote the cause of fish culture; to gather and diffuse informa- 
tion bearing upon its practical success and upon all matters 
relating to the fisheries: to unite and encourage all interests 
of fish culture and fisheries; and to treat all questions of 
a scientific and economic character regarding fish.” Yet 
beneath these words is a hidden and greater meaning which 
might be expressed as follows: To pass to the coming genera- 
tion a greater knowledge of matters piscatorial; to maintain 
the fight against commercialism and ignorance that idealism 
may not perish and the human race may not degenerate to 
a mass that knows not God in nature. 

How much clearer life is seen from the porch of the 
little log cabin overlooking the clear, swift waters of a 
stream which winds its pleasant way through wooded 
Ozark hills, than it appeared a week before amid the strife 
and sham of city life. 

The American Fisheries Society and the Izaak Walton 
League of America, in their efforts to maintain fish life in 
the waters of ovr country, are striving not alone to give 
recreation and health but to maintain that even balance 
in the hearts and minds of men so ably expressed in Edgar 
A. Guest’s poem entitled “Out Fishin’ ’’. 


SN ee eS 


Foster.—The Sportsmen’s League. 53 


Discusssion, 

Mr. JOHN P. Woops: A year or so ago a chapter of the Isaak 
Walton League was organized in St. Louis, and I was honored with the 
office of President. Within a few weeks I found it necessary to go 
abroad with my famiily, and therefore could not give to the work the 
attention that it deserved. On that account I resigned the presidency, 
but I have not by any means lost interest in the work of the organiza- 
tion. Were it not for the fact that I am Chairman of the Resolutions 
Committee I would be willing to present a resolution to this meeting en- 
dorsing the work of that splendid organization, (Applause.) 

PRESIDENT LEACH: Someone may have a resolution to offer to the 
Resolutions Committee on that subject. Is there any further discussion 
of this paper? 

Mr. C. M. BASKETT (St. Louis) : I have been busy for the past 
five and a half months organizing chapters in the State of Missouri for 
the Isaak Walton League of America. In a period of fifty-five working 
days we have instituted thirty-five chapters in the State of Missouri. I 
have pledged the National Board one hundred chapters. This move- 
ment is sweeping over the country like wildfire. Kansas is crying for 
it; I organized a couple of chapters there a few weeks ago. Every state 
wants it; it is the only thing that is going to save the day. 

Mr. AveRY: What Mr. Baskett has said is wholly true, and he has 
merely touched upon the subject. ‘The sportsmens organizations, of 
which the Isaak Walton League is the most powerful example in the 
country to-day, are going to do what he predicts, But this Society is 
just as necessary as any other organization. The American Fisheries 
Society is not a society for propaganda, not a Society to arouse the 
people or to get legislation, as these other institutions and organizations 
can do. I want to make this suggestion to Mr. Baskett: every chapter 
of the Isaak Walton League ought to tale out a club membership in this 
Society. If there are seven hundred chapters and they all took out 
memberships in the American Fisheries Society, the Society would be 
placed in a position to finance its work. This is a learned Society; its 
purpose is investigation and scientific research, things which are 
absolutely necessary to supplement the work of such organizations as 
the Isaak Walton League, no policy, no code of laws which is worth a 
cent, can be adopted in this or any other State or in the United States as 
a whole unless it is based on actuai knowledge, upon scientific facts 
which this Society is accumulating. Therefore I believe that the Isaak 
Walton League could do nothing better than give its support to this 
Society. 

Mr. CuLLeER: I am a member of the Isaak Walton League, I am 
proud to say. In connection I may point out that if the Winneshiek 
bottoms, of which Mr. Foster spoke, are saved, it will be due only to the 
Isaak Walton League, through Mr. Will Dilg, who made a personal 
inspection of that country and who has written on the subject on a 
number of occasions, and to a local chapter of the Isaak Walton League 
in Iowa which arranged for funds to carry the case to the Supreme 
Court of Wisconsin, hoping to gain time so that these bottoms could 


54 American Fisheries Society. 


be properly taken care of. I hope to see the day when the Isaak Walton 
League will be the greatest organization of sportsmen in America. 

Mr. FEARNow: The Bureau of Fisheries has dealings with over — 
two thousand different organizations, under various names. We have 
the Isaak Walton League of America, the various Fish and Game 
Associations, the United Sportsmen’s Club, and so on. These organiza- — 
tions are all of inestimable value in connection with our work; without 
their aid we could not accomplish more than two-thirds of the work we 
are now undertaking. Fish which we furnish to applicants are deliv- 
ered at railroad stations; when we have done that we have fulfilled our 
part of the contract. Representatives of these Associations meet our 
messengers at the railroad stations, divide the fish up into small lots and 
carry them to the headwaters of streams away back in the mcuntains. 
It would cost the Bureau about as much to do that part of the work as 
it does, to propagate the fish and deliver them at the railroad stations. 
The importance, therefore, of the work that these organizations have 
been doing in the matter of fish distribution cannot be over estimated. — 
Moreover, I do not know where we could get from any other source the 
valuable information which they furnish to us. They know every little 
headwater; they know the right place to plant the fish so as to get the 
maximum results. We should do everything possible to encourage the 
formation of organizations that have in mind the protection of fish or the 
fostering of the fish supply in our streams. 

Mr. Baskett: I hope that Mr. Avery did not think I was in any 
way disparaging scientific research. I am greatly interested in it. 
But in the State of Missouri alone there are more than fifteen or six- 
teen hundred “hill-billies’”, and they are the boys we have to educate. 
They care nothing about your scientific meetings; but they know what 
they want and are out to get it. When you can educate that chap down 
there on the Niangu, the Current or the Black river that he is not to © 
dynamite fish; that he is not to gig fish in or out of season—the law 
will be changed in Missouri. When you teach him that he is to quit 
shooting with high-powered rifles and violating the game laws in various 
ways; when you can impress that upon him, we are going to have more 
fish in the streams and lakes of the United States. This is the work we 
are endeavoring to do; we have to reach these fellows. We have to put 
it to them in their own vernacular. I have fished and hunted among — 
them for years, consequently I am having more success in these endeay- 
ors than I otherwise would. I have come here to ask you gentlemen to 
co-operate with the Isaak Walton League of America in its great work, 
and from the remarks that have been made I see that co-operation is 
here. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: The Isaak Walton League of America fills a 
long-felt want. It meets the sportsmen and fishermen all over the 
country; it speaks their own language. The League will have the co- — 
operation of the American Fisheries Society. Mr. Will Dilg is an 
organizer; he has a large number of enthusiastic men behind him. Every 
body should read the monthly publication that he publishes. 





MUSEUM METHODS IN RELATION TO THE 
FISHERIES SOCIETY 


By T. E. B. PoPe 
Curator of Zoology, Public Museum of Milwaukee. 


The modern natural history museum is not in the fish- 
hatching business, nor is it concerned in any financial or 
other way with the commercial fisheries, but nevertheless 
it is intensely interested in both of these directions as will 
be briefly shown. It is, therefore, greatly concerned with 
the proceedings of this Society and other allied scientific 
bodies that are endeavoring to promote and encourage the 
proper conservation, production and utilization of the natu- 
ral history resources of this country. 

If I should be asked as to the relationship that is so 
claimed to exist between the modern museum that includes 
natural history exhibits within its walls and the fisheries 
industry in all of its phases, my answer would be that it 
serves as a sort of public clearing-house between the society 
concerned and the general public; it servés, or can well be 
made to serve, as the medium for the tangible and actual 
illustration of the results achieved in the field of production 
and is in reality an agent, exponent, or publicity-medium 
for the fishery and other ailied societies. 

Let me now briefly attempt to illustrate by a few facts 
and weliknown examples, some concrete evidence of the 
claims so made. To do solI will be obliged to roughly out- 
line the methods of a modern museum in this important re- 
lationship to the Fisheries Society. The evidence I believe 
will speak for itself. 

1. The modern museum does actually serve or can be made 
to serve as a direct agent between yourself and the people at 
large even though its services as such have hitherto not been 
solicited or openly considered in that capacity by you. 

Despite the numerous papers that have been submitted 
‘and read before this body on the identification of species, 
nomenclature, apparatus, transportation, legislation, con- 
servation factors, resources, etc., etc., the major number by 
far have been directly concerned with the problems, methods 
and various phases of production. To a large extent this 
society has been recognized as a society of fish producers 
and the most active participation in its meetings have con- 
sequently been by public officials of the Federal Bureau, of 
state hatcheries, state fish commissions, and conservation 


55 


56 American Fisheries Society. 


appropriations for their work in turn has been, and is, de- 
pendent upon the support, approval and enthusiasm of the 
people’s representatives to the Federal and State legisla- 
tures. These representatives again are influenced and 
stimulated to support, or to cease to support, fishery ap- 
propriations in accordance with the trend of public senti- 
ment. Public sentiment finally is entirely based on the 
factors of necessity for the service, public welfare or de- 
sirability, and the practical results obtained. ‘‘The proof 
of the pudding is in the eating.” In other words, if the 
actual results of fishery production are not sufficiently ade- 
quate, or can be demonstrated that they will be within a 
reasonable period of time, then there always is the natural 
prospect of greatly reduced appropriations, or, worse still, 
an absolute discontinuance of the entire service. It natur- 
ally stands to reason that appropriations will not be con- 
tinued unless tangible results are forthcoming even though 
the necessity for and the objects of the service are of the 
most laudable character. Public interest and continued 
support of the service, therefore, hinges upon the public 
knowledge of the tangible results of the service. 

This public knowledge of tangible fishery results at the 
present date has been almost wholly restricted to the numer- 
ous and voluminous reports, bulletins, and other publications 
of the Federal] and individual State Governments, including 
their respective departments (which although free for the 
asking, are rarely obtained or read by even the mass of the 
intelligent people); to the knowledge of citizens in scat- 
tered local communities where hatcheries are situated (even 
this local knowledge is often not only inadequate but negli- 
gible as far as the mass of the country’s citizenry is con- 
cerned) and also to a less extent to the irregular, and com- 
paratively few circulars issued by conservation commissions. 
It is, therefore, safe to say that the average citizen knows 
practically nothing about the methods and actual results 
of the fishery production service and the continued support 
to the service is consequently left to the various state and 
Federal legislators who may or may not inject petty poli- 
tics into the system or decrease appropriations. 

For some time, there has been a public institution that 
has a decided interest in matters that you are concerned in, 
—that is, all matters that are connected with the necessity 
far, the production of, the distribution, the proper legisla- 
tion for, and the conservation of fish life. It is the public 
natural history museum. Conditions have radically changed 
in the last ten vears or so in the policies and exhibition meth- 
ods of museums. Only those persons that visit them fre- 
quently or keep directly in touch with their work can realize 





Pope.—Museum Methods. 57 


the full sienificance of the great changes that have trans- 
pired in later years. No longer is such an institution only 
a permanent storehouse of varied specimens, no longer is the 
system of ‘upholstering’ and relegating objects to dusty 
shelves forever, in vogue, etc. Onthe contrary, the progres- 
Sive muserm is today rapidly becoming an educational 
power in the community and a broad-casting station through 
the means of carefully prepared exhibits of value (involving 
the most improved methods of technique of skilled techni- 
cians) and free illustrated lectures on almost every topie con- 
nected with the animal, plant and geological resources of 
the country. It is directly in contact with the people, and, 
with possibly the excention of the public library system, the 
progressive museum with its exhipvition halls and free, num- 
erous, illustrated lectures directly ‘rubs elbows’ with a 
greater mass of the people annually perhaps than any other 
educational or other public institution. Such an institution 
‘is rapidly becoming the official heacdauarters of the people 
in numerous large cities for the azeummulation and broad- 
casting of knowledge on aii r.atters pertaining to the bio- 
Jovical and geological resources, as well as other subjects, 
within its scope. Its information, handed out in manifold 
ways, is popular in form, within the understanding of the 
- average citizen, it is not clothed and tainted with the ped- 
antry of the university class room and laboratory. Again, 
unlike the books of a library or the wearisome, dry, statisti- 
cal pages of a public document, the information is brief, 
digested down to the practical, ultimate facts and presented 
to the public from the public lecture platform by word of 
mouth, with stereopticon, with motion-film, printed on 
specimen labels and in other forms. Further, this informa- 
tion, unlike that of any other institution, is materially sup- 
plemented by actual specimens of the fishes or other objects 
under consideration, by actual apparatus, photographs, 
charts, diagrams, models, etc., connected with the same. 
For the proper dissemination of the tangible results of the 
fisheries service, it may be here stated that all cf the im- 
portant and salient facts are carefully ‘culled out’ from the 
latest documents when received, the proceedings of such a 
society as this are digested to obtain the most recent im- 
provements in methods and the final results in popular form 
up to date are printed upon the museum specimen labels, 
incorporated in public lectures and broadcast to the public 
at large. Thus it will be readily seen that the modern pub- 
lic museum is constantly radiating ‘daylight’ on matters that 
concern the public pocketbook, of which the average citizen 
has hitherto been ignorant of, unable to get authentic know- 
ledge of, or understand. By the same token it will be seen 


58 American Fisheries Society. 


that the modern progressive museum is, as has been claimed 
in the early part of this paper, serving as a direct agent be- 
tween yourself and the people at large even though its 
services as such have hitherto not been solicited or openly 
considered in that capacity by you. “Constant dropping of 
water may wear away stones,” so the saying goes, and in 
like manner the continual process of popularly enlightening 
the public on your methods, objects and actual results, by 
disseminating such information annually to hundreds of 
thousands of people through the exhibits and lectures of a 
single institution alone will no doubt sooner or later have a 
decided effect upon the sentiment of the people and not im- 
probably affect your necessary annual appropriations. In 
short, it is becoming universally recognized that such public 
institutions can and do possess the power to considerably 
aed BURNS sentiment along the directions already men- 
tioned. 


2. The modern progressive public museum serves as the 
people’s headquarters and agent for information within its 
scope. 


Inquiry will develop the fact that the United States alone 
has hundreds of museums of all types, but that among them, 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, are a number of general 
museums dealing with natural history that are well scattered 
among the larger and most densely populated communities. 
In recent times the tendency seems to be for the establish- 
ment of public museums just as for public aquaria. It is 
perfectly natural therefore that, in any community possess- 
ing a natural history museum, such an institution should be 
regarded as the official headquarters of the community for 
information within its scope and to it the general public and 
newspapers go with every possible kind of inquiry on natural 
history. Should I attempt to elaborate upon the number 
and nature of such inquiries and demands that include all 
phases of fishery production, care and conservation ranging 
from the remedies for goldfish diseases, or the identification 
of local fishermen’s captures to the interpretation of Govern- 
ment statistics, you might be both interested and amused. 
Obviously vou will see why the modern museum is unlike its 
predecessor in policies and exhibits. In the old days the 
people appeared to be satisfied with the well-known system- 
atic collections of animals and other objects placed in tire- 
some array upon shelves with only a Latin name upon a 
piece of pasteboard to differentiate one specimen from 
another. Now such methods are cecidedly out of date. 
The people want to see the various forms of life represented 
in natural environment to show their relation in nature, one 





Pope.—Museum Methods. 59 


to the other (called by us Habitat Groups). They want also 
exhibits to show the usefulness of these many fishes, birds, 
reptiles, insects and other forms of life to man, if such have 
an economic value; how they are obtained or captured, 
what is the economic status of the animal, and how it is 
converted into a useful purpose by man, etc., etc. The 
people now want something for their money. They want 
the best of exhibits, lectures, and, above all, they want the 
latest and correct information. And the modern progres- 
sive museum is keeping up with the times. It now posses- 
ses, in the case of all the larger institutions, the staff and 
facilities for gathering of suitable exhibitional material, the 
proper installation of the same and the broadcasting of 
popular information. That the people of a community do 
want such an institution, can support it financially, as well 
as back it up with actual attendance and encourage its 
development, allow me to cite you the concrete example of 
the Public Museum of Milwaukee. The museum is general 
in scope, it is ranked as about fifth in size of all museums in 
the country, even though the city only occupies the position 
of thirteenth in population. In actual attendance, by the 
same method of computation as employed by all other 
museums, it ranks second, with an annual attendance of ap- 
proximately 750,000, thus being next to a famous New York 
City institution. This attendance places the museum in the 
enviable position of being the only institution of its kind in 
the country whereby the annual attendance is greater than 
the entire population of the community in which it is located. 
This fact is of no little significance when it is remembered 
that the city is not noted for its ‘sight-seeing’ advantages and 
therefore such abundant support is of local nature and 
comes entirely from the people that support it financially 
and not from transient patronage. Its public free lectures 
were attended by close to 100,000 last year and that figure 
is on the increase for the present current year. These facts 
are not incorporated in this paper with any intention to 
advertise the institution (because it already draws adequate 
support, as shown, in its own local community) but simply 
_ to offer a concrete example to the claim made above, namely, 
that the public natural history museums of the country, 
either individually or collectively, are in a position to pro- 
mote considerable sentiment and dispense information on 
subjects under public control as represented by fishery 
production. 

3. The modern progressive public museum has thé facili- 
ties for promoting the cause of the American Fishery See 


and allied scientific societies. 


60 American Fisheries Society. 


Needless to state, the average natural history museum 
possesses a systematic collection of fishes. In addition to 
that, the Milwaukee Museum has initiated the nucleus of an 
Economic Fishery Collection in which it is planned to ulti- 
mately include all of the economic food and game fishes of 
the country, these to be supported by as complete a collec- 
tion as possible of all apparatus used in their capture, of the 
products and byproducts that come from the same with 
ample charts, photos and models to illustrate the fishery 
methods and commercial processes. Such a collection is ex- 
plained in the copy of the Museum Yearbook submitted for 
your reference. 

In a museum of this kind is, therefore, the opportunity 
for the installation of fish-cultural apparatus and exhibit 
material, photographs, explanatory charts and diagrams, 
models and all else that serves to publicly explain and illus- 
trate the cause of the fish-culturalist and conservationist. 
Legal and illegal apparatus could be exhibited with brief 
popular descriptive labels that tell the aims and story of 
the conservation commissions. In fact, there is today hardly 
any useful public cause or occupation that is not conducive 
to illustration through exhibits. But the material must and 
should come directly from the interested parties themselves 
if they would desire their own field of endeavor with its 
aims, methods and tangible results to be more adequately 
and intelligently presented to the people. The modern 
museum is therefore in a position to encourage, foster and 
promote the fishery industry but it should have active sup- 
port from the interested scientific societies. 


CONCLUSION 


In conclusion, therefore, allow me to state that our pub- 
lic natural history museums, our fishery colleges (as repre- 
sented by the Seattle Institution), our commercial museums 
(as that of the Philadelphia Commercial Museum), and all 
other similiar institutions of this country and Canada do 
actually serve the fishery and allied causes and that active 
cooperation between these institutions and the various so- 
cieties concerned cannot be too strongly emphasized. 


Discussion. 

Mr. Doze: At Topeka recently they had a free fair; a pavilion was 
built fcr the Fish and Game Department and we exhibited fish there. I 
was told by those connected with the fair that this exhibit was the most 
popular place in the grounds; there was not a time when the people were 
not gathered three or four thick around the exhibits. We took advan- 
tage of the opportunity of handing out literature published by the Fish 
and Game Department, with suggestions in regard to organizing local 





Pope.—Museum Methods. GE 


sportsmen’s associations. Since I have heard from the gentleman from 
Missouri speak of the Isaak Walton League I think we shall change 
these to Isaak Walton Chapters, and if he comes over to Kansas we will 
help him organize. 

Dr. OSBURN: The experience of the gentleman who has just spoken 
is the same as ours in Ohio in connection with our State fair. For a 
number of years we have had an exhibit of fish and game, including a 
small aquarium, and that place is literally packed during the whole 
week of the fair. An exhibition of this kind is very important from an 
educative point of view. A great many people from outlying districts 
attend these fairs where they could not get this information in any other 
way. Many who do not know one fish from another are found standing 
by the tanks, carefully reading the labels and examining the fishes, 
Another thing that has been a feature there for years is an exhibit of 
illegal apparatus. 

The public museums and the aquaria of the country are very im- 
portant in that they offer the kind of education the people need. This 
phase of education might be further augmented by a display of hatch- 
ery methods. I do not know whether or not Mr. Pope’s museum has 
undertaken that, but at the New York Aquarium for many years a small 
model fish hatchery has been exhibited, and has always attracted a great 
deal of attention. 

I believe there is no better way of getting information to the public 
than through the medium of sportsmen’s organizations. We never can 
get legislation which is backed up by the people—and unless this is the 
case it is not of much use—until the people get the information before 
them, and the best way to do this is through such organizations as the 
Isaak Walton League. Members of this and other sportsmen’s associa- 
tions are always willing to get behind any movement in favor of con- 
servation, not only of fish but of other resources as well. (Applause.) 

Mr. Doze: Asa result of this display at Topeka, Wichita has bor- 
rowed the idea and built a number of aquaria. Furthermore, next year 
we are going to make a similar exhibit at the State fair at Hutchinson, 
so that the exhibit will be made at three different places in succession. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: Education of the people is necessary if you want 
them to take an interest in such organizations as the Isaak Walton 
League and the American Fisheries Society. 


ARE WE MAINTAINING THE SUPPLY OF WHITEFISH 
IN LAKE ERIE? 


By S. W. DOWNING, 
Put-In-Bay, Ohio. 


I was asked to write a short article on whitefish, and it 
was suggested that particular mention be made as to wheth- 
er or not our work of propagating this most excellent food 
fish is resulting in maintaining them in as great numbers in 
Lake Erie as they were previous to the time the work was 
undertaken. 

At first thought this appears to be a very easy subjeet to 
write upon, but in preparing these few thoughts, I find it to 
be rather difficult to bring out the ideas and make them com- 
prehensive. However, we will begin with the assertion that 
we are not only maintaining the original number, but that we 
are materially increasing it, and this in spite of the great ac- 
tivities of the commercial fishermen who are taking them in 
the largest numbers possible to supply the demand for them 
as food fish. 

Beginning as far back as the first year that the federal 
hatchery at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, was put in operation in 1890, 
and continuing from that date up to the year 1899, the 
annual collection of whitefish eggs from the same fields oper- 
ated since that time, ranged from eighty to two hundred 
millions. (This record is not complete but from the data at 
hand we believe this number to be fairly accurate.) 

The fields from which the eggs were collected are as 
follows: Monroe, Mich., and in Ohio, Toledo, Port Clinton, 
Catawaba Island, Kelley’s Island, Middle and North Bass 
Islands and Put-in-Bay Island, so called. 

The collection of whitefish eggs from these fields during 
the twelve years from 1900 to 1911 inclusive, yielded a 
total of 2,658,486,000 eggs, or a total average of 223,498,000 
each year. During the next six years, from 1912 to 1917 
inclusive, they produced a total of 2,567,690,000 eggs, or an 
average of 427,948,000, eggs, which shows an average 
annual increase over the preceeding twelve years of 204,450, 
000 or nearly double the number produced each of the first 
twelve years. 

During the last five years, from 1918 to 1922 inclusive, 
the Ohio State Fish Commission operated the Kelley’s Island 
field and a part of the Put-in-Bay field and the U. S. Bureau 


62 





Downing.—Whitefish in Lake Evie. 63 


of Fisheries operated the balance of the original area, and 
the total collection by both was 2,917,350,000 or an average 
of 583,470,000 each year; showing an average annual in- 
crease of 155,522,000 eggs over the collections of the six 
years immediately preceeding, and a yearly increase of 358, 
972,000 over the first twelve years considered, or more than 
two and one half times as many from the same area. 

Now as this is an assembly of persons more or less in- 
terested in fish, and fish culture and the method used in the 
work, it is taken for granted that most of you here are 
familiar with our work up on the Great Lakes, but for the 
benefit of those who are not, I will say: 

Our entire work is strictly that of conservation, as we 
neither catch or destroy any of the fish from which we secure 
-our stock of eggs for propagation. On the contrary all the 
eggs of all the species propagated by us are taken from the 
fish caught for market by the commercial fishermen and 
would have gone to market with the fish and been a total 
loss to production had net we secured them for propagation. 
Now as we secure our stock of eggs from the fish caught by 
these commercial fishermen, it goes without saying that the 
supply of eges naturally must correspond to the number of 
fish taken by these commercial fishermen, and therefore if 
the number of eggs secured by us has steadily increased dur- 
ing all these years there must have been a like increase in the 
number of fish caught, which we think will conclusively 
prove to you that our assertion that we are maintaining the 
number of whitefish in Lake Erie, is true. 

Now this may seem to be avery short paper, and it is, 
considering the importance of the industry under considera- 
tion, and I will therefore touch upon another phrase or angle 
of the subject, not so much with an idea of proving any thing 
as to introduce the matter for discussion. 

From the year 1900 to within a few years since, the 
Monroe, Michigan, field, the most westerly of all our sta- 
tions, was very productive, producing the great number of 
306,000,000 of eggs in the year1913, but since that time the 
collection at that point has gradually dropped off until since 
the year 1919 we have not been able to secure any eggs at 
all, and the take of fish by the commercial fishermen has de- 
clined to such an extent that some of the firms operating in 
this vicinity have purchased no new nets to replace those 
worn out, believing that the fishing on these grounds has be- 
come permanently ruined. 

While the conditions at Toledo, another of the fields at 
the extreme west end of the lake, are not quite so bad, the 
catches of fish, and consequently the take of eggs, has ma- 


64 American Fisheries Society. 


terially diminished, having dropped from 82,560,000 in the 
fall of 1914 to 15,600,000 in the fall of 1922, the decline be- 
ing steady, with the exception of the fall of 1920 when the 
number reached nearly 54,000,000. 

Now the question is why? What is causing this decline 
at the west end of the lake while the take of both fish and 
eggs is increasing farther east or down the lake from these 
fields mentioned? The take of whitefish eggs at Kelley’s 
Island, one of the most easterly fields has steadily increased 
during this time, why? We believe that the reason for these 
changes is on account of pollution. What do you believe? 

Discussion. 

Mr. TiITcOMB: Have you any statistics of the whitefish catch during 
any of these years? 

Mr. DOWNING: No, I have not. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: The State of Ohio, I believe, collects statistics 
on this point every year. The commercial fishermen are required to 
furnish the necessary information, and that is made a matter of record 
at Columbus. The Bureau collects statistics out there about every five 
years; it just completed one last year. 

Mr. Doze: Is the pollution any greater at the upper end of the lake 
than at the other? 

Mr. DOWNING: Since the establishment of large powder factories 
near Monroe at the upper end of the lake and the dumping of their 
refuse into the water, the catch of fish has very materially dropped. 
At Toledo they get the pollution from the Maumee River, which drains 
a large section of the country; and there is all the sewage from the city 
of Toledo. 

Mr. TITCOMB: We have many organizations throughout the country 
which are interested in this matter. Wehave the Anti-Pollution League, 
which is to meet at Atlantic City in October; and there is another meet- 
ing at Pittsburgh preceding that. We have the league with reference 
to migratory fish, and we have this most recent acquisition, the Isaak 
Walton League, which has come to be so powerful. Every one of these 
organizations should be working to help the Bureau of Fisheries to get 
appropriations to do intelligent work; and none of them can accomplish 
a great deal if they are not intelligently directed. The Isaak Walton 
League has to have the assistance of this Society and of the Bureau of 
Fisheries. It is possible to knew definitely whether the disappearance 
of the whitefish in certain sections of Lake Erie is attributable to certain 


causes it can be worked out by the Bureau of Fisheries if they have i 


proper suppert and the money to do it with. This is only one of the 
things which these organizations ought to take hold of and push through. 
A man like Carlos Avery, recognized as one of the leading conserva- 
tionists of the country, can be put out of office and a politician put in 


his place. Much of the work he has done is upset; no man, however 


good he may be, can learn in fifteen years what Carlos Avery knows. 
This is a chance for the anglers’ league; and the anglers’ Jeague has to 
work with the commercial fishermen, otherwise the work they are trying 
to do may be blocked. 


om 
{ 





THE FUTURE OF THE FISHERIES 
OF THE PACIFIC 


By JOHN N. COBB, 
Director, College of Fisheries, University of Washington. 


“Westward the Star of Empire Takes Its Way.”’— Berkeley 


When the poet wrote the above line, he little recked how 
soon they would come true, especially in fishery matters. 
First the Atlantic Coast of North America wrested the fish- 
ery preeminence from the old world, and for many years our 
fishing vessels, manned by the hardiest and most daring 
fishermen the world had seen up to that time, plowed the 
seas from the ice-bound fastnesses of the Arctic to the even 
more difficult ones of the Antarctic. 

As time went on, and the shore of the Pacific gradually 
became peopled with the hardy pioneers of the East and 
Middle West, including also some of those who had partici- 
pated in the later stages of the wonderful development of 
the Atlantic fisheries, and the descendants of others, the in- 
fant fisheries of the Pacific began to attract attention. 
Starting with the salmon, our fisheries steadily increased in 
value and importance until in 1919 they exceeded in value 
and quantity those of the Atlantic seaboard, and unless all 
the teachings of history are at fault, they will never again be 
distanced by that section of our continent. If we are ever 
to lose our supremacy it will be because the course of empire 
has continued its way to the westward and the preeminence 
rests with the Asiatic side of the Pacific. 

Around the shores of the North Pacific are at present to 
be found the most important commercial fisheries in the 
world, and also the greatest undeveloped fishery resources 
of the known world. The Mexican and Central American 
fisheries on the Pacific have been but slightly developed; 
there isroom for a large expansion of the present fisheries of 
the Pacific States, Alaska and British Columbia; Siberia’s 
vast fishery resources (both marine and freshwater) have 
hardly been scratched as yet; the marine resources of Korea 
and China are largely in an undeveloped state while Japan, 
one of the leading fishing countries of the globe, is still hold- 
ing herown. It has been estimated that the fisheries of the 
sections bordering on the Pacific amounted in value in 1918 
to $325,665,000. 


65 


66 American Fisheries Society. 


With the exception of Japan, none of the countries bor- 
dering on the North Pacific has exploited its fisheries to any- 
thing like the extent that is practiced in the fisheries of the 
North Atlantic. Most of our efforts in each section of the 
Pacific have been centered upon a few well known species, 
while the lesser known ones have been almost entirely neg- 
lected. A typical example of this is the albicore. In 1907 
Dr. Jordan stated ‘‘the flesh of the albicore is of little value, 
unless, as in Japan, it is eaten raw.”’ That same year, Mr. 
A.P. Halfhill, of San Pedro, California, discovered a method 
of canning them, and as a result a large canning business, 
amounting in 1919 to 657,624 cases, was built up. About 
1903 the canning of sardines began on the Pacific Coast, but 
it was not until the war created a large demand for food pro- 
ducts that the industry became important; the pack in 191 
(a dull year as the result of the ending of the war in Novem- 
ber, 1918) amounted to 1,151,516 cases. Prior to the open- 
ing of the war, the largest pack of pickled food herring in 
our Pacific territory amounted to only about 15,000 barrels. 
In 1922, we pickled for food nearly 200,000 barrels, and this 
could be expanded enormously had we accurate informa- 
tion as to the migrations of this species. 

Cod.—The oldest fishing industry by Americans in Alas- 
ka is that for cod, this having been started some years be- 
fore the territory was purchased by the United States. The 
principal off-shore cod banks in the North Pacific extend 
from Middleton Island, in the Gulf of Alaska, to Unimak 
Pass, and in Bering Sea, from Unimak Pass to Cape Newen- 
ham. These banks comprise some 30,000 square miles. In 
addition there are what are known as inshore banks, mainly 
worked by the shore stations and which [ie between the off- 
shore banks and the mainland shore. These comprise an 
area about one-half as great as the offshore banks. In 
Southeast Alaska considerable cod is also found, while there 
are good reasons for believing that important offshore and 
inshore banks exist on both sides of the Aleutian chain to the 
westward of Unimak Pass. 

The fleet operating on the offshore banks inl1921 com- 
prised some 19 sailing and power schooners, while 17 shore 
stations, equiped with launches and dories, operated on the 
inshore banks. The total catch amounted to 4,787,831 cod, 
valued at $457,320. This catch could be enormously in- 
creased, and the only reason why this has not been done has 
been because the Atlantic banks continue as heavy produc- 
ers, and our fishermen find it difficult to compete in South 
and Central American markets with the Atlantic coast deal- 
ers who have controlled this trade for nearly 200 years. 





Cobb.—Fisheries of the Pacific. 67 


The present insignificance of the local fleet may be gauged 
by the fact that the cod banks in the Atlantic off the Ameri- 
can continent are less in extent than ours, and yet they give 
employment to over 2,000 vessels, and this in despite the 
fact that they have been fished continuously since 1502. 

Trout.—The fresh and salt waters of the Pacific Coast 
are infested with hordes of Dolly Varden trout, and some 
day the preparation of these for market in a fresh, frozen, 
pickled and canned condition will be a big industry. Atthe 
present time but little use is being made of this species. 

Miscellaneous Fish.—In our waters are to be found 
many species but sparingly, or not at all, used as food and 
among these may be cited silver hake, atkafish, various 
species of flatfishes, “ling cod.” Sitka ‘“‘black bass,’”’ white- 
fish, Alaska pollock, the various rock-fishes, etc. 

Fish Offal— Thousands of tons of fish offal are thrown 
away every season at the fish canning and other plants in 
Alaska. <A very small fraction of this valuable material is 
at present saved, and oil, meal, and fertilizer prepared, but 
this production could be increased a thousandfold were an 
effort made. 

Included in this offal are tons of salmon eggs and salmon 
melt. These, if properly prepared, would make excellent 
food. 

Clams.—The clam resources of the North Pacific are 
enormous and it is only within the last 8 years that any se- 
rious attempt has been made to exploit them, and this only 
in one or two small areas. Most of the clams utilized were 
canned, some thousands of cases being so prepared this year. 

Oysters.—The oyster production of the Pacific Coast 
cught to be almost as great as that of the Atlantic. As a 
matter cf fact it is not more than a fraction of the quantity 
produced in the latter region. This is due largely to the 
fact that the growers have received almost no assistance 
from the federal government in working out the problems 
peculiar to this coast. 

Shrimp and Prawn.—The shrimp and prawn industry of 
Alaska at present is centered around Wrangell Narrows, 
and produced in 1921 products to the value of $132,077. 
Shrimp may be found in many other sections of Alaska and 
as time goes on these supplies will be used quite extensively. 
They are also said to be exceedingly abundant off the Sibe- 
rian coast, and are only occasionally used for food. 

Aquatic Manmals.—The north Pacific has always been 
a favorite resort for aquatic mammals, and many whales, 
(finbacks, sulphur-bottoms, humpbacks and belugas) are to 
be found in their season, while porpoises, hair seals, sea 


68 American Fisheries Society. 


lions, and walrus are present in countless numbers. Sever- — 
al stations are now being operated in Alaska in the catching 
and rendering of whales. Oil, meal and fertilizer are the 
usual products obtained, but each season witnesses a steadily 
increasing demand for the meat as food in either a fresh, 
frozen or canned condition, while a market has of recent 
years been found for the hides of aquatic mammals in the 
preparation of a high grade of leather. 

Crabs.—Operations during the year 1922 indicate that 
the canning of crab meat is now an established industry on 
this coast, as some six or seven plants were operated. The 
pack was comparatively small, and this is due to several 
causes—the fishermen have not yet become familiar with the 
habitat of the spider crab, the best and most profitable crab 
to can; the duty of 15 ver cent on imported crabs does not 
furnish enough protection to our packers, while in some in- 
stances local methods of packing are susceptible of consid- 
erable improvement. One of the first pieces of research 
work taken up by the College of Fisheries of the University 
of Washington after its establishment early in 1919 was the 
working out of a process for cooking crabs and canning the 
meat, and this was published in the Pacific Fisherman of 
June, 1921. At the College we still have some of the origi- 
nal pack, now a little over two years old, and whenever 
opened these present a pleasing appearance, and in all cases 
have proved sterile. When put up properly Pacific crab 
meat is a delicious article and one that not only pleases the 
eye but also the palate. 

Most of the meat packed so far has been of the Dungenese 
crab (Cancer magister), the common crab of this coast, and 
which is found in the shallow coastal waters from Monterey 
to some unknown point in Alaska, probably Cook Inlet. This 
crab is a favorite in the markets of our coastal states, where 
it is sold mainly in a boiled condition. Attains a maximum ~ 
weight of about five pounds, but the average weight is about 
one and one half or two pounds. They are taken in oblong 
pots, similar to the common lobster pot of the Atlantic, or in 
open collapsible pots like waste paper baskets when dis- — 
tended. 

The fact that the spider crab has a whiter flesh, while the 
red stripes on the outside of the leg meat is more brilliantly — 
colored than that of the Dungenese crab, has led our packers ~ 
to institute a search for the former in our waters, and so far 
it has been reported from the neighborhood of Wrangel Nar- — 
rows, in Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet. In the last 
named place, two canneries began catching and packing — 
them last fall, and the produce turned out compares very 
favorably with the best of the Japanese pack. 





Cobb.—Fisheries of the Pacific. 69 


What little knowledge we have of the spider crab is to 
the effect that it is a resident of our deeper coastal waters, 
and it is probable that it will be found all along the outer 
coast, and possibly in certain of the straits and sounds of 
Southeast Alaska. 


MANY UNSOLVED FISHERY PROBLEMS 


It is surprising how little we know of the life histories of 
the aquatic animals of the Pacific. This is especially true 
of the migrations, etc., of the herring, halibut, tuna, albacore, 
mackerel, and other species, of the Pacific, and when the 
life history of these has been worked out, I hope to see an 
immense extension of the herring fisheries,-and a lesser 
expansion of the others. 


We have but fragmentary surveys of the fishing banks. 
Most of this work has been done by the ‘‘Albatross’”’ on the 
occasions when she was not otherwise employed. The sur- 
veys were exceedingly meager, the data and material col- 
lected very slight in quantity, while large areas that our 
fishery people were interested in were not covered. It is 
my belief that the cod banks off the Alaska coast extend 
much farther to the westward than the government surveys 
indicate; that the known banks are much more extensive 
than are plotted; and that halibut will be found to extend 
much farther to the westward than is now supposed to be 
the case. 


Small power vessels of the type used in halibut fishing, 
would be ideal for making such surveys. The type has been 
developed to fit the peculiar conditions prevailing in the 
North Pacific ocean, and as they are extremely economical 
to operate, the expense would be kept to a minimum. 

As we are far from many of the consuming markets of 
the world, it is necessary that we prepare most of our pro- 
ducts in such a manner that it will be possible to hold them 
for considerable periods of time, and also that they will be 
in proper condition to be shipped to far distant markets. 
Canning more nearly fills these requirements, but it is not 
feasible with some products, while with others, the consumer 
demands them either fresh, frozen, or pickled, in prefer- 
ence to canned. 

There is a wide field for the working out of the methods 
best suited to the preparation of food products from the 
many hitherto neglected, or but little used, aquatic species 
found in the Pacific. Up to two years ago, this field was 
almost totally neglected, and even today but little active 


70 American Fisheries Society. 


work is being carried on. It is hoped to devote our equip- 
ment and a considerable part of our time, at the College of 
Fisheries, to research work on the best methods of canning, ~ 
pickling, dry-salting, drying, freezing, and smoking fishery 
products. A start has already been made along this line, ~ 
but, unfortunately, the lack of funds for carrying on such 
work is already hampering our efforts. 


EDUCATION IN FISHERIES. 


The earliest of the nations to appreciate the need for 
proper training of its men in fisheries was Japan. In 1889, © 
the Fisheries Society of Japan established the Fisheries 
Training School for the sole purpose of training young men 
to be future organizers and managers of the fishery sindus- 
tries of Japan, but since the time of its transfer from the 
society to the Imperial Government in 1897 the investiga-— 
tion and experimental work pertaining to the fishery indus- 
try has been added to its original scope. 4 

The work has since been enlarged until in addition to— 
the Imperial Fisheries Institute there are six local fishery 
institutes, and various schools of grammar and high school © 
standing, giving Fishery education throughout Japan. 

In these strenuous days, when nation is competing ™ 
with nation for commercial supremacy, it behooves each to © 
make use of the very best intelligence of its citizens, and as — 
a result the nation that furnishes its citizens the best training ~ 
along economic and vocational lines will undoubtedly forge 
to the front. 

In 1919 the University of Washington established a 
College of Fisheries, the only fully equipped one in the world 
outside of Japan. In addition to the regular four-year 
curricula leading to a degree, provision has been made for 
special students who show aptitude for the work, but who 
have not had the preliminary training requisite for regular 
admission to freshman standing. These students may se-— 
cure this in the University and thus become regular students — 
eligible for degree if they wish. An exceedingly im-— 
portant feature is the series of short courses offered in the — 
various branches during the winter quarter, and which are 
open to any person who understands English, is 20 years of © 
age or over, and who indicates ability to carry the work | 
with profit. Most of those attending the Short Courses are 
regularly employed in the industry. They come for the 
purpose of enlarging their knowledge of the fisheries. { 

Through the generosity of the manufacturers of canning 
machinery our canning laboratory is well equiped for carry- 
ing on research work of this character, while the U. S. 





Cobb.—Fisheries of the Pacific. f(t 


Bureau of Fisheries has greatly aided us in acquiring suffi- 
cient equipment for fish cultural research work. We are, 
however, much hampered by lack of equipment for freezing 
and smoking work, and vessels for carrying on dredging, 
plankton and other work, but hope in time to overcome this. 


GOVERNMENT AID TO FISHERIES. 


Many people have the impression that our federal Gov- 
ernment has done much to foster and upbuild our fisheries, 
and, while this is true to a certain extent, much of its efforts 
have been ineffective through the failure of Congress to 
appreciate the value of this work. Despite the very inade- 
quate support of Congress, the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries has 
been, and is doing much to aid and foster the industry. 

The reverse is the case with Japan. Just as it was the 
pioneer in fishery education, so it has been the pioneer in the 
intelligent upbuildng of its fisheries and the expansion of the 
foreign demand for its prepared products. Many people 
object to certain phases of this work as carried on by the 
Japanese, but I have nothing but admiration for the in- 
telligent and immensely effective way they have gone about 
it, and wish our own people would adopt the majority of 
their methods, which I think would immensely profit us and 
place our fisheries in an unassailable position both at home 
and abroad. 

Less than a decade ago the Japanese awoke to the fact 
that they had at their doors raw fishery products similar to 
those from which other nations were preparing much liked 
secondary products, and drawing wealth therefrom. These 
were principally salmon, cod, sardines, herring, mackerel, 
tunny, trout, crabs, shrimp and prawns, oysters and clams. 
A public sentiment on the subject was soon aroused and a 
number of firms and companies engaged in the business of 
preparing such, mainly by canning, and endeavored to dis- 
pose of them abroad, the purchasing power of the Japanese 
people not permitting them to become much of a consuming 
factor in connection with such high cost products. Very 
much to the packers’ and government’s surprise, the foreign 
consumer almost uniformly refused to accept the products 
with the result that the packers suffered large losses. 


Did the Japanese tamely throw up the game at this 
stage? Far from it. With their usual astuteness they 
studied the matter pro and con and finally came to the con- 
clusion that their methods of preparation had not sufti- 
ciently taken into account the great progress which had been 
made in canning methods in other countries, nor the likes 


2 American Fisheries Society. 


and dislikes of the consuming public in different countries. 
When they had well digested this, they decided to begin at 
the bottom and work up, instead of as before, beginning at 
the top and working down. 

They began first with crabs. Trained men from the 
Imperial Fisheries Institute were sent abroad by the federal 
government to study methods. These men, without any 
blare of trumpets, (in fact but few people knew who they 
were) went into plants as common workmen and watched 
the various stages of preparation until they had mastered 
the art. They then returned home and taught the commer- 
cial canners. These, fortified with this expert knowledge, 
installed modern canning machinery, and were soon turring 
out a product which drove our domestic canned crab almost 
completely from the Pacific Coast market. At the same 
tire they were improving the product, and very materially 
improving the container by perfecting one of the best lac- 
quers known for the coating of the inside of the cans used 
and thus preventing the product from blackening through 
contact with the metal base should the tin be accidentally 
eracked or scratched. . 

After they had established their crab market they began 
experimenting with sardines, but here they met with very 
little success, although the last few years have shown an im- 
provement in the demand from abroad. The same has also 
been true with respect to the mackerel canning and pickling. 

During the last 6 years they have been devoting their 
attention to the development of foreign markets for salmon 
and cod. Modern sanitary plants have been erected in 
Siberia for canning salmon, in some of which American 
experts are employed, and the product prepared compares 
favorably with that produced on this coast. 

With cod the work has been more difficult. The first 
lots of dried cod were far from attractive and they met with 
almost uniform condemnation. Again the experts who had 
been trained at the Institute were requisitioned, and one by 
one, they visited the various codfish producing sections of 
the world and studied at first hand the different processes, 
thence going to the consuming markets and studying their 
likes and dislikes. Many of these experts have called upon 
me upon arrival in this country, and I have always found 
them earnest and indefatigable workers, trained to ob- 
serve everything and ready to turn their hands to any kind 
of work, no matter how laborious and disagreeable, only so 
they could advance their knowledge of the subject. Some 
of them have been kind enough to remember me with post 
cards and letters throughout their travels, and it has been 





Cobb.—Fisheries of the Pacific. 73 


surprising how much ground they have covered and the 


length of time devoted to the work. One of them went to 
Alaska, thence to Puget Sound where he worked in one of 
the home codfish stations where the fish were prepared for 
market; then to Gloucester, Mass; thence to Norway, from 
which country he expected to sail for home, his work having 
occupied two years’ time. 

And what has our government done in the meantime to 
improve our methods of preparation and to find an export 
market for our fishery products? 

As to the first, it extended a little aid during the stress of 


war in teaching those Alaska herring packers who wanted 


to pack Scotch cure, and also did a little experimental can- 
ning work at San Pedro, California, but all this has now been 
abandoned for economy sake. 

As to the second, but little has been done to aid our ex- 
porters. A few persons have been sent abroad at times to 
look up certain fishery matters. One, possibly two, investi- 
gations were made which really produced results, but with 
the exception of these the rest were barren of results. 

If we are ever to greatly diversify our canned fishery 
pack, it will be necessary for the federal government to 
come actively to the aid of the packers in finding markets, 


both domestic and foreign. The great increase in our 


wealth which would result ought to be ample justification 
for the government’s undertaking the work. 

In this matter, we should take a leaf from the Japanese 
book and send abroad properly trained men who know what 
they are after and are able to understand preparation 
methods when they see them and who are also fitted to 
follow the products clear up to the consumers, if necessary, 
in order to see if these cannot be rendered even more attrac- 
tive to them. 

Another way in which the government could aid our fish- 


ermen and fish preparators, would be by a judicious system 


of loans covering a long period of time and at a reasonable 
rate of interest. The government has gone into the farm- 
loan business on a large scale, and there are, in my opinion, 
no reasons why the same kind of assistance can not be ex- 
tended to the people who develop our fisheries, or who de- 


sire to do so, but lack the money necessary. 


A REPORT OF PROGRESS ON THE STUDY 


OF TROUT DISEASES. 


By EMMELINE Moore, 
N. Y. State Conservation Commission. 


This progress report carries forward the studies that were © 


begun last year and reported upon before the American Fish- ¥ 
eries Society in a paper entitled “Giardiasis of Trout.” It — 


happens that the organism producing the disease is not — 


Giardia, but Octomitus, a near relative whose full name, Oct- — 


omitus salmonis, has been duly entered in the annals of the © 
society. Its name has been changed to satisfy taxonomic re- 
quirements. Its habits, however, remain as verminous as © 
before. } 

Following the reading of my paper last year on the presence ~ 


of Octomitus in the New York State hatcheries, it transpired _ 


that Dr. Davis, Pathologist of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, ~ 
was studying the organism, also, in the Virginia and Tennessee 


hatcheries. Information has come recently of its presence at 
hatcheries in three other states—Iowa, New Jersey and Mas- ~ 
sachusetts. Such spottiness may be interpreted to mean a © 


much more general distribution in the hatcheries of the eastern _ 
states, where its recognition awaits only greater discrimina- — 


tory power in determining the reasons for mortality, now 


often generously charged off as “normal loss.” 

Before proceeding with my later findings, let me recall © 
briefly for the sake of orientation the more important features — 
of last year’s report. i 

It was found that Octomitus is a minute, protozoan para- — 
site in the intestine of trout, that it is common under hatchery 
conditions, and that it is the cause of serious epidemics ac- 
companied by high mortality. It was found, also, that all 
species of trout are susceptible to the disease, the susceptibility 
of brook trout over other species being pronounced. e 

The most significant and important information proceeding _ 





from the studies last year, and this refers both to Dr. Davis’ fs 
work and my own, bears on the explanation of the mechanism 
of the disease. It is now known with a fair degree of cer- 


tainty what makes the fish die, and knowing this neither time 
nor money need be wasted in doctoring symptoms. i 
In advancing to the report of progress I must beg your — 


indulgence in presenting unfinished work. It may not be en- — 


couraging to point out that perhaps a not less difficult or- i] 
74 ; 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 75 


ganism, the malarial parasite, challenged the best efforts of 
Laveran, Ross, Grassi and others during a period of twenty 
years before the facts associated with malaria were under- 
stood, and the simple remedy of a dose of quinine could be 
prescribed at the appropriate interval after ‘a chill. When 
pressed to speed up results in the study of Octomitus for their 
quicker application to practical fish culture, a cheerful refer- 
ence to this fascinating bit of history proves an effective 
anodyne in allaying a natural impatience for results. So I 
beg your indulgence. 

In the further study of Octomitus the efforts of the Com- 
mission have been directed this current year to the following 
phases of the problem: 

1. The examination of wild brook trout waters to deter- 
mine whether the organism is indigenous to our native brook 
trout. 

2. The examination of wild waters flowing from infected 
hatcheries to determine the seriousness of infection in the 
wild state. 

3. To continue the life history studies of the organism, 
including an investigation of the possibility of transmission 
of the organism through the eggs of “‘carrier’”’ brood fish. 

The question—Is the germ, Octomitus, indigenous to our 
native brook trout?—is not easy to solve. I do not claim to 
have solved it yet, I am merely attacking the problem. One 
mode of approach has been by the study of wild waters which 
for a long period of years have contained only brook trout. 
Two such waters within the boundaries of New York State 
have been located and studied this summer. They offer ex- 
ceptional advantages for the pursuit of this question for the 
following reasons: 

(a) The lakes orginally stocked with native brook trout 
have been isolated from other fisheries waters for a long period 
of years. Natural dams, which in later years have been raised 
somewhat, have kept out fish of various species inhabiting the 
waters below, particularly the brewn trout, which have been 
introduced into the region in more recent years. 

(b) The lakes have been practically self-sustaining. 
There appears to be one record only of the introduction of 
“new blood” in these waters and this occured in both lakes 
about ten years ago. To one lake there was a shipment made 
f eyed eggs from a Pennsylvania brook trout hatchery and to 
the other, eggs from a New Hampshire trout hatchery. 

(c) Asmall hatchery exists on each lake whereby the nat- 
ural increment of increase has been augmented by hatching a 
certain number of eggs each year from the lake spawners 
and planting them back in the lake as fry or fingerlings. In 
this connection the hatchery itself, with its necessarily arti- 


76 American Fisheries Society. 


ficial features, would seem to supply the essential conditions 
for the maintenance of the organism were it indigenous in the 
trout of the lake. 

The net result in the search for Octomitus among the brook 
trout of these waters in the hatcheries and in the lakes has 
been negative. Added to this negative evidence is the positive 
evidence of our infected hatcheries, where the brook trout are 
the most susceptible of all trout species, their susceptibility 
distinctly limiting the period under which they can be carried 
successfully. This very susceptibility yields strong evidence 
that the organism is not indigenous when we reason by anal- 
ogy from the manner in which many of our native plants 
and animals, unimmunized to the disease germs introduced 
from abroad, succumb to their ravages. 

The possibilities for determining the indigenous or non- 
indigenous character of the germ are by no means exhausted 
and to this extent the problem further presents an interesting 
subject for speculation. If not indigenous, how did the or- 
ganism get here? Was it introduced into our brook trout 
waters by way of the Brown or Loch Leven trout from 
Europe? The inference is strong that it has been introduced 
in this manner. 

The history of the organism bears strongly on the point. 
Last year Dr. Davis, of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries, and I, 
working at different hatcheries, simultaneously recognized 
Octomitus as the infecting organism responsible for epidemics 
of enteritis at the respective hatcheries under observation. 
Hitherto this organism had not been observed or described in 
this country. In Europe, however, this, or a similar organ- 
ism, has been known for twenty years. In 1903 Moroff de- 
ser ibed it as the inciting cause of disease among the introduced 
rainbows of their hatcheries, and he makes the interesting ob- 
servation that the browns are less affected. This is just what 
might be expected to happen to the non-immunized rainbows 
by contrast with the more hardened native browns. In 1920 
Schmidt re-described Moroff’s organism, which for nearly 
twenty years had been masquerading under the name of 
Urophagus intestinalis, and rechristened it Octomitus intest- 
inalis truttae. Ihave str ong suspicions that this and our own 
species, Octomitus salmonis are identical, and that our species 
was introduced and has now become a naturalized citizen. 

The infection by Octomitus of wild waters flowing from 
hatcheries in which octomitiasis exists seems inevitable under 
the circumstances, for infectious material is constantly being 
discharged by diseased fish into the waste waters which enter 
the streams. As is usual in such streams there are numerous 
fish which come up to the hatchery outfalls for stray morsels 





2 


ge ee Ee ee 


Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. rae 


of food and they afford excellent material for observing how 
serious the infection may be when they are free to range over 
wild waters, where natural food is available. 


In these situations the adult brown trout and fingerlings 
carry the organism in varying degrees of intensity, seemingly 
quite unaffected by it. It is a question, however, how long 
they can tolerate such severe infections as have been observed 
without becoming so devitalized as to succumb either to this 
or some other disease. In the stream where the browns were 
most heavily parasitized no brook trout were found and the 
local comment is that they are now never found there. Of 
course the explanation of their extermination from the stream 
they once inhabited may lie along one or more lines, either 
they die of the disease or they are driven out by the browns 
and rainbows which now populate the stream. Probably both 
factors operate in their extermination. Infected brook trout, 


AAAI gyi MC LSSESUNT WATT oC ATTA GUPTA ACUEEE ecsenarety 


Intestine 


UOMO yA AAALIURCLONN cys csi AICO 





Fig. 1.— Diagram illustrating a section of the digestive tract of trout in typical 
infection by Octomitus salmonis. The organism in its various stages appears in 
heavy lines in Groups A-F. Group A, segment of germinating spore and juveniles: 
Group B. aiult with incicaticn. by arrows, of binary fission an: of cevelopmental 
stages of growth within the epithelial cells of ceca and fore-intectine, D, indicating 
multiple fission; Group E, stages concerned in the development of a resistant spore: 
Group F, juveniles attached to a blood corpuscle. 


78 American Fisheries Society. 


aged two to three vears, in waters more distantly removed 
from hatchery discharges have been found to be “carriers” 
of the organism, though, at the time of observation, apparently 
quite unaffected by it. 

It is reasonable to suppose that immunity is relatively high 
in wild waters compared with that under hatchery conditions, 
where recurring waves of the disease have been observed after 
the peak of the epidemic is passed, and where its reappearance 
occurs among two-year-olds that have successfully passed 
through the first attacks. But it is certain that before any 
broad ¢eneralization can be made on the degree of resistance 
that infected trout may acquire to Octomitus after planting in 
wild waters more extensive study of the problem is necessary. 

In passing to the discussion of the third and last subject, 
the life history of the organism, I shall make use of the ac- 
companying charts (Figs. 1 and 2), which illustrate in the one 
case, the mechanism of the disease, and in the other, the more 
formal representation of the life cycle so far as it is known. 


THE MECHANISM OF THE DISEASE. 


By reference to the chart (Fig. 1) it is seen that the seat 
of infection where fatal lesions are produced lies in the fore- 
intestine. Here the epithelial or lining cells of ceca and in- 
testine (C, D and D,) are shown harboring the parasite in 
various stages of development, from exceedingly minute 
juveniles Jess than a micron in diameter to those of 9-12 mic- 
rons in diameter, ready for emergence from the cells as typi- 
eal flagellated adults. The time interval required to pass 
through the intracellular staves is undoubtedly brief. for dur- 
ing an epidemic the fatal lesions develop rapidly. From the 
intracellular stage the parasites pass into the adult form 
emerging into the lumen of the intestine on the dissolution or 
disintegration of the parasitized cell. It can be imagined from 
the diagram, which for purposes of clearness illustrates only 
a mild infection, that the drain on the parasitized tissue must 
be very ereat when the number of encysted organisms is ex- 
cessively high. 

As indicated, the stomach, fore-intestine, ceca and blood 
seem to be involved in the cycle of development. The occur- 
rence of the organism in the blood indicates the possibility of 
erg infection from brood fish that are “carriers.” 

Juveniles (A) are presumably set free in the stomach on 
ingestion and germination of a spore, the resistant structure 
concerned in the transmission of the organism. The mode of 
‘progress from this point to encystment in the epithelial cells 
of the fore-intestinal region is not yet clearly established 
though the observation that the blood corpuscles seem to be 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. wa 


carriers of the organism suggests their entry through the stom- 


ach wall, thence into the blood stream, and finally into the 


epithelial cells, where developmental stages resulting in the dis- 


organization of tissue take place. 

The motile adults whose habitat is the lumen of the intes- 
tine move about in the mucous discharges of the epithelial 
cells. They may be found at any point along the intestinal 





Fig. 2.—The life cycle of Octomitus salmonis. I represents an epithelial cell 
parasitized by two organisms, a juvenile and a later stage before the emergence of 
an adult. I-IIs, side chain showing multiple fission. II, adult motile form common 
In the lumen of the intestine. III, an encysted adult within the lumen of the intestine, 
the 4-nucleate stage of a temporary spore. IV, a more advanced stage of III. F 
a juvenile (merozoite), obtained from culture material by inoculaticn with adults. 
Stages I-V, asexual cycle which may be repeated many times within the host fish. 
Vi, binary fission simulating budding, a stage initiating development of a resting 
spore with a hard, resistant wall. VII and VII,, two types of resting spores. VIII 
and VIIil,, germination stages of resting spores, produced in cultures. IX and IX, 
Bporozoites (?), produced in cultures. 


80 American Fisheries Society. 


tract, though they are generally most numerous near the seat 
of infection in the fore-intestinal region. While the adults — 
are thus swimming about transformations take place in the 
various ways illustrated in the diagram, with the resultant 
production of structures concerned in the further spread of 
infection. Multiplication (B) oceurs by binary fission, the 
division of one individual into two, and by another more pro- 
lific means, schizogony, the intervening structure in this case 
being a spore or cyst of temporary nature which functions ap- 
parently in the spread of local infection. 

The development of another type of spore, also a multinu- 
cleated structure (E), appears to follow binary fission. Such 
a spore possesses a hard resistant wall, passes to the exterior — 
in the feces and functions in the transmission of the parasite 
from fish to fish. It is the structure which doubtless accounts 
for the presence of juveniles in the stomach in the initiation 
of new infection. 


THE LIFE CYCLE. 


By assembling the important stages in the life history of 
Octomitus in their natural sequence of development (Fig. 2), 
it is possible to show more directly how the organism is 
equipped for self perpetuation. Starting the cycle with an in- 
fected epithelial cell (1), encystment stages carry forward the 
development from minute juvenile stages to the adult stage 
(II), by a route in all probability involving schizogony and 
supplemented by steps shown in the side chain I, l, I,-I1). 

Dr. Davis* has made a distinct contribution to our under- 
standing of the life history of Octomitus by pointing out in- 
tracellular development and indicating methods of increase of 
the organism in the intracellular stages. These findings are 
corroborated by the writer’s studies, though exception is taken 
to the interpretation of structural features concerned in cer- 
tain of the developmental stages. For example, Dr. Davis pos- 
tulates a development of transitional stages whereby binu- 
cleated individuals (adults) arise from uninucleated structures 
(juveniles). The writer’s study of culture material in which 
exceedingly minute juveniles have been observed indicate that 
the organism throughout its life history is binucleated. 

Passing from the adult (II), which is the final product 
of encystment, two lines of development seem indicated within — 
the intestinal tract, one involving the series of steps included — 
in II-V, suggesting possibilities of increase by schizogony 
from a temporary spore (III), and the other proceeding from 
the division of an adult by binary fission (VI) eventuating in 


*Davis, H. S. Observations on an intestinal flagellate of trout. Journ. of 
Parasitology, 9: 153-160, 1923. 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 81 


the production of resistant spores (VII and VII,). Such 
spores as indicated above pass from the intestinal tract and 
function in the transmission of the organism from fish to fish. 
The final products resulting from the germination of the spores 
(VIII, 1X and VIII,, [X,), presumably in the stomach of the 
new host, carry the cycle to the point of beginning. 

To summarize briefly the observations of the year incline 
to the belief : 

1. That the organism, Octomitus, is not indigenous to 
our native brook trout, but was introduced from Europe. 

2. That infection extends to wild waters. 

3. That the main features in the life history of the or- 
ganism indicate a complete cycle of events within the body 
of the fish, with transmission of the germ from fish to fish by 
means of a resistant spore. 


Discussion. 


PRESIDENT LEACH: Dr. Moore has dealt very ably with the studies 
in progress. Octomitiasis is a disease which has also given the Bureau 
of Fisheries no little concern, and Dr. Davis, our pathologist, has also 
made some interesting studies in this connection. J am sure that many 
of you will wish to take part in the discussion. 

Dr. OSBURN: I wish to congratulate Dr. Moore upon her presenta- 
tion of this valuable paper and to commend her for the persistence with 
which she has carried out this very detailed work. An infinite amount 
of patience is necessary to the pursuance of studies of this kind. One 
point upon which I am not quite clear is just what is the cause of death? 
Is there any loss of blood from these lesions, or is death due to toxic 
action of some sort? 

Dr. Moore: There is loss of blood. In severe infection the epithe- 
lial cells slough off and this must permit a more or less continuous loss 
of blood from capillaries that are situated near them. Extrusions of 
intestinal content show the presence of blood corpuscles, in greater or 
lesser amounts varying with the severity of the disease, and I think it is 
safe to say that this is an attending cause of death. 

Dr.OsBuRN: How long does this condition last? 

Dr. Moore: It appears to vary considerably. At some hatcheries 
the disease manifests epidemic conditions early in the season, at others 
later. An epidemic during which practically all fish become infected 
may be in progress several weeks. 

Dr. OsBURN: It might be a wasting disease as a result of loss of 
blood might it not? 

Dr. MoorE: Mortality is highest among the stunted and emaciated 
fingerlings and there is every reason to suppose they have had the dis- 
ease longest. They have large heads and thin wiry bodies, they carry 
heavy infections of the organism and have been observed to take little or 
no food. 


82 American Fisheries Society. 


Dr. OSBURN: Might death be due to interference with digestion? 
If there is a diseased area covering a large portion of the intestinal tract, 
the result would be a lack of the absorption of food. But, if there were 
any intense toxic effect, you would expect that death would come sooner. 

Dr. Moore: From the nature of the excretory products I should 
say there must be more or less chronic indigestion. As to toxic effects 
operating in more rapid cause of death, I am unable to judge except by 
inference. Some diseased fish, less emaciated than others succumb to 
the disease quickly, the reason therefor may be a toxic effect due to a 
condition favoring an excessively rapid production of the organisms. 

Dr. OSBURN: How much of the intestine is affected? What por- 
tions of the intestinal area might be sloughed off in the severer cases? 

Dr. Moore: The seat of infection is in the fore-intestine and ceca. 
Other portions of the intestine are invaded by adults, but I am not yet 
sure that the epithelial ceils there are parasitized. Dr. Davis’ findings 
indicate that the parasitized tissue occurs only in the ceca and fore- 
mtestine. These seem to be the portions that easily slough away. It 
is possible that there may be invasion of epithelial cells lower down in 
the intestine in the severer cases of infection of larger fish, 

Mr. TitcomB: May I inquire whether the eggs of the fish carry 
the organism? 

Dr. Moore: That seems a possibility from the fact that the organ- 
ism is carried in the blood. 

Mr. TitcoMsB: It would be necessary to establish that if you are to 
attribute the importation of the disease to the brown trout. 

Dr. Moore: Yes. I realize that, and that it will require much time 
and exhaustive study and experimentation to establish the fact one way 
or another. ' 

Mr. Titcoms: It would mean all those states which are buying eggs 
from infected commercial hatcheries are liable to introduce the disease. 

Dr. Moore: The disease is certainly very infectious and probably 
no state in the East is free from it. 

Mr. TitcomsB: The disappearance of the brook trout has in certain 
cases been attributed to cannibalism of the brown trout. Do you think 
that part of that disappearance of brook trout may be attributed to this 
disease? 

Dr. Moore: It seems reasonable to think so, especially as our knowl- 
edge of the feeding habits of the brown trout become better known. 
It seems from the observation that the brown trout is more of a bottom 
feeder than the brook trout. 

Mr. Titcoms: You have not found anything new in the way of a 
remedy, or anything in the diet to regulate it. 

Dr. Moore: No. More perfect sterilization measures seem the only 
hope at present. As to regulating the diet, I have not given any atten- 
tion to that side of the problem. I understand that Dr. Davis of the 
U. S. Bureau has been investigating that phase of the subject. 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 83 


Mr. Hare: Is there any connection at all between octomitiasis and 
gill trouble? At the Manchester station the brook trout have for years 
had an infection of the gills, and it seems they have never been able to solve 
that problem. Under the glass they show no parasitic growth what- 
ever. I am just wondering whether Octomitus would cause that trouble 
at Manchester. 


Dr. Moore: Since I have found the organism in the blood it has 
seemed possible that various parts of the fish should show pathologic 
conditions. Before my attention came to be drawn to the study of 
octomitiasis at the Bath hatchery, where no doubt it had been endemic 
for years, the mortality had been ascribed to “gill trouble,” because as 
death ensued the fish seemed to exhibit symptoms of suffocation. It 
has seemed to me that the gill symptom was due rather to mechanical 
eauses. As the fish become less active during the progress of the dis- 
ease various matters passing through the troughs in the water—algae 
debris, food particles, ete—may easily clog the gills and cause the 
feverish action so noticeable. There is room for further study of this. 
phase of the question. Fish afflicted with octomitiasis will, under cer- 
tain conditions, develop a red spot or congested area of the blood 
noticeable beneath the skin, on the fin or the belly, in the eye and 
other parts. Very minute congested areas are also found in the gill 
tissue. These seem to be manifestations of the disease. 

Mr. Titcoms: The so-called red spot disease, which has occurred 
at Long Island, is not attributable to Octomitus? 

Dr. Moore: The red spot which occured at Long Island in 1898 
and 1904 is not the red spot to which I have referred. The Long Is- 
land trouble was associated with an open sore and was similar to furun- 
culosis. 

Mr. Fearnow: As I understand it, the disease was introduced from 
the brown trout. The brown trout is what we might term a more highly 
cultivated fish than the brook trout or rainbow trout. Is it not possible 
that this disease is one of the effects of a high degree of civilization in 
fishes? 

DR. Moore: It seems probable, in the light of observation and his- 
tory that the disease has been introduced. I think really the brook 
trout culture antedates brown trout culture. 

Mr. FEARNOW: Is there any preventive for this disease, or any 
known method of treatment? 

Dr. Moore: The only preventive that seems at all practicable at 
present is a careful regard for prophylactic measures. In an infectious 
disease of this kind, thorough sterilization methods are certainly neces- 
sary in keeping the disease under control. Attention must be given to cer- 
tain details, such as the avoidance of the use of utensils, brushes, feathers 
etc., the second season, since they may harbor the resistant spores. 

Mr. TitcomsB: Would it be advisable, in the case of fingerlings at 
any given plant, to divide that plant into sections and use separate 
brushes for each lot of progeny reared through the season? 


84 American Fisheries Society. 


Dr. Moore: Yes. And a brush for every trough is even better. 
This routine is very hard to establish as we find and as you will find, 
no doubt. When the hatchery laborer has learned the various mechani- 
cal operations and works efficiently and swiftly in cleansing one 
trough after another keeping the same brush in hand, it is hard to 
divert him from that routine. Even though you bring him to the 
microscope and show him the organisms in all their stages and indicate 
how infectious they are, it is difficult to impress upon him the greater 
need of thorough sterilization methods. Everything that helps to re- 
duce the spread of infection must be resorted to in keeping the disease in 
check. The use of separate utensils and frequently scalding them must 
in the long run be efficacious. Heat kills readily most pathologic 
organisms of the fish. A fortunate circumstance, since otherwise we 
should not enjoy fish in our diet as much as we do. 

Mr. ADAMS: For the purposes of record, that the men in our hatch- 
ries, that is, the young fish culturists, can get it, will you describe brief- 
ly the exterior appearances or symptoms of octomitiasis? 


Dr. Moore: I have been thinking a good deal about how “to put 
it over’ to our hatchery men that they may recognize the disease and 
deal with it early. Briefly the symptoms may be described as follows: 
as observed in the troughs, badly infected fingerlings have a character- 
istic behavior. Balance seems easily lost and they flop from side to 
side, or roll over repeatedly with a “whirling” or “corkscrew” motion. 
They appear to “bore” into the water. Just before death they lie on 
their back with gills distended and in feverish action. Those greatly 
weakened by disease and dwarfish in size congregate in the corners at 
the lower end of the trough, or nose along the sides, keeping near the 
surface. The fish usually die on the screen or nearby at the foot of the 
trough. Sick fish removed from the water will give more specific 
diarrhceal symptoms and pass a yellowish, watery fluid on the slightest 
pressure. In the troughs the superabundance of excrement in partial 
stages of digestion is noticeable also. Of course in other diseases afflic- 
ted fish may turn on their backs and have difficulty in breathing; that is, 
they may show a similar “gill trouble’ and emaciated ones may con- 
gregate in the corners, but, if all the symptoms taken as a whole appear, 
it is a pretty sure indication that octomitiasis is present. The symptoms 
of a disease in which lesions occur internally should be supplemented by 
microscopic examination. é 

Mr. ADAMS: Are there no external marks on the fish? 

Dr. Moore: Generally there are not. I strongly suspect, however, 
that the red spotting I have previously described as due to a congestion 
of the blood beneath the skin is an occasional manifestation of the 
disease. 

Mr. ADAMS: Side by side with that explanation, will you briefly 
put into record a description of furunculosis? 

Dr. Moore: In the literature we find furunculosis described by the 
German pathologists as an infectious disease of adult and yearling trout. 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 85 


The first signs are most apparent internally in an extensive inflamma- 
tion of the intestine and peritoneum. Sometimes the symptoms of 
enteritis are lacking and the second, or ulceration stage, manifests it- 
self directly. As described in typical furunculosis, hemorrhagic spots 
appear in the deep or shallow portions of the muscle. These spots 
quickly develop into sores which eventually break through the overlying 
flesh. The skin gradually bulges out, producing “furuncles” or swellings 
varying from the size of a pea to the size of a nut. The inside of the 
sore contains a purulent mass of muscle fibres, pus and bacteria. On 
perforation of the sores flat ulcers appear; some of them deep and not 
larger than a five cent piece. A foul colored, bloody mucous flows from 
them, but generally this is washed away by the movements of the fish in 
the water and the spots appear less bloody. The later German author- 
ities indicate that the ulcer or sore is a manifestation which may or may 
not be present in furunculosis. 

The course of the disease is usually short, death occurring in two to 
three weeks after infection. In the earlier writings the authorities in- 
dicated that the disease is most likely to occur where there is putrefac- 
tion in the bottom of the pond and in the water, especially when in the 
course of artificial feeding remains of food in excess foul the bottom. 
But later, as observations were extended to wild waters, it was found 
that pollution did not enter into the question, It was found that in wild 
waters infection does not follow so suddenly, nor so severely as under 
artificial conditions and the disease may last longer, including a period 
of several weeks or several months. It was found that a bacterium 
(B. salmonicida) was the inciting cause of the disease and produced a 
very general infection, spreading throughout the body, in the blood, 
liver, kidneys and muscles. 

Certain manifestations of the “ulcer disease,’ as described by 
Calkins and Marsh during epidemics at Cold Spring, L. I., show a 
striking similarity to furunculosis. The difference between the two 
diseases lies apparently in the origin of the ulcer. According to the 
German authorities furunculosis is caused by a bacterium; according to 
Marsh the ulcer disease is not but belongs to the type “whose living 
causative agents are not to be cultivated outside the body by the usual 
methods.”’ The ulcer, as described by Marsh, is of the rodent type. It 
starts as a spot on the skin and erodes on all sides, progressing just be- 
neath the skin, leaving overhanging edges or flaps of loose skin. In 
furunculosis the ulcer penetrates the flesh. The ulcers described by 
Calkins may be shallow or deep, and it seems quite probable that the 
disease we have in this country is a manifestation of furunculosis. 

Mr. ADAMS: Do you believe that furunculosis can be transmitted 
through the egg, as is probable with the disease you have been discuss- 
ing this morning? 

Dr. Moore: It is possible that the disease is transmitted through 
the egg. We know little as yet of egg infection, but by analogy with 


86 American Fisheries Society. 


what happens in chicks, where it is known that the disease “‘bacillary q 
white diarrhcea of chicks” is so transmitted, it seems highly probable. © 

Mr. ApAMs: The reason I ask that question is that our brood stock — 
at our fish hatchery at East Sandwich, consisting of about 25,000 fish, 
was absolutely wiped out three years ago by what our biologists iden- 
tified as furunculosis. We practically abandoned a portion of the 
hatchery for a year, and we carried out the sterilizing and prophylac- 
tie measures which you have described. Despite our efforts we have 
reason to believe that the same disease has appeared at a couple of our 
rearing stations this year, We know of no way to account for the © 
communication of the disease unless it was through the egg, for no 
small fish have been sent from this hatchery to the rearing stations. 

Dr. Moore: Do you think that a bird could have been the carrier? 

Mr. ApAMs: It is barely possible, because we have the usual run- 
ning fight with the kingfisher and the blackcrowned night-heron, and 
even with the catbird and the robin. 

Dr. Moore: The question comes to me, because two lakes in the 
Catskills quite isolated from each other have been infected. There had 
never been any contact between the two lakes so far as the transfer of 
either eggs or fish is concerned. It looks in that case as if a bird might 
be the transferring medium. 

Mr. ADAMS: In regard to Octomitus, how long will the shell of the 
spore remain intact in open water and remain sufficiently vital to ger- 
minate when, subsequent to its being deposited in a stream, it finds 
lodgment in the proper chamber of a fish to undergo further develop- 1 
ment? 

Dr. Moore: I cannot answer directly from my own experience. 
Dr. Schmidt, in his work in Bavaria found that the spore was very 
resistant to drying and to heat. His experiments extended over an ~ 
interval of several days. It is quite possible that the spore can retain 
its vitality in water for weeks or even months and resist an equal period — 
or longer of drought. 

Mr. ApAMs: If this disease is found prevailing in a hatchery, © 
would you advise the liberation of the fish on the theory that upon being © 
restored to the wild state they may cure themselves? 

Dr. Moore: I believe they do not entirely cure themselves. The — 
infecting organism must perpetuate itself and on this account it would ~ 
be impossible to believe that the fish, when introduced into wild waters, ~ 
would be rid entirely of the germ. The fish are doubtless much helped — 
by their more extensive range over wild waters and by securing their ~ 
natural food, and to this extent improvement could be looked for. © 
There is always the possibility however of infection being spread by the ~ 
carriers. 

Mr. ADAMS: Would a change in the temperature of the water; that 
is, a rise in temperature, retard or speed up the disease? . 

Dr. Moore: It would tend to speed up the disease judging by the — 
influence of increasing temperature on cultures of the organism. f 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 87 


Mr. Hare: I gather that these parasites are so minute that approxi- 
mately four million of them could be placed on a twenty-five cent piece. 
That being the case, I doubt whether we could recognize the parasite 
even with the use of the glasses that we have at the stations. 


Dr. Moore: In the days when I made my rounds of some of the 
Federal hatcheries I recall that we had quite a number of small micro- 
scopes ordered, particularly to study foods. They would be inade- 
quate for the study of such organisms as these, whose size individually 
is approximately ten 25 thousandths of an inch. A lens which will 
magnify seventy-five times, i.e. a number sixteen objective on the 
compound microscope, would enable you to recognize the organism. 
With that magnification you would be able to distinguish minute, clear 
watery, pear shaped objects darting about. A higher magnification, a 
4 mm. objective, magnifying 900 times, would enable you to see a quite 
remarkable beast equipped with the characterictic number of flagella at 
the anterior and posterior ends and with a facility for using them which 
is quite astonishing, 

Mr. WEBSTER: Do you attribute fin disease to Octomitus? 

Dr. Moore: I do not. One type of fin trouble is caused by a 
bacterium, another by a flat worm. Ihave observed that the fin trouble 
may be present together with octomitiasis. The causative agent in 
each case is a specific organism. 

Mr. Titcoms: That latter fin disease, Gyrodactyliasis, is very pro- 
bably due to filth, is it not? 

Dr. Moore: Possibly, it would be in some cases. 

Mr. TITCOMB: With regard to the two Catskill lakes to which you 
referred, perhaps the disease was introduced through artificial stock. 

Dr. Moore: Artificial stocking took place only once in the history 
of those lakes. It is extremely difficult to trace back to their beginnings 
the causes and results of our complicated stocking policies. 

Dr. OSBURN: I understood you to say that certain of these fishes 
appeared to be more resistant than others and the question at once 
occurred to me whether it might not be possible eventually to breed 
from a more resistant strain as plant breeders and animal breeders have 
been able to do, and so eliminate the disease, or at least eliminate the 
effects of the disease, in that way. If that is the case it seems to me that 
the practical thing for trout breeders to do is to get that resistant stock 
and make a serious and continued effort to breed from that sort of strain 
rather than take any type of wild trout that certainly will become in- 
fected in the course of a few years. Trout eggs are being distributed 
throughout the country in such a way that, if there is any possibility of 
the disease being carried in the eggs, I see no way to prevent it from 
spreading everywhere as various other diseases and pests have done. If 
we could get under way a good resistant strain from which we could 
supply hatcheries, it would only be a short time when trout bred from 
that strain could be supplied everywhere and, even if we could not elimi- 
nate the disease, we could largely eliminate its effects, 


88 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Foster: An interesting case came up at Neosho last 
spring when Dr. Davis was there. He had just returned from 
Manchester station after examining the effects of Octomitus. Hardly a 
year previously we had received some yearling brook trout from the 
Manchester station which no doubt had the disease at the time they were 
brought to Neosho. These were examined by Dr. Davis as were other 
trout at Neosho, and no trace of Octomitus was found. What the 
condition was that eliminated it we do not know. 

One of the symptoms mentioned by Dr. Moore, the heading of the 
fish to the side of the trough, is also a symptom of disintegration of the 
kidneys with crystals, which condition we have had to deal with for a 
couple of years. The crystals are very prominent and the disintegra- 
tion is quite noticeable. That can be corrected, as has been found in 
some hatcheries, I believe, by thinning the fish from the troughs at an 
early age and placing them out of doors. We found that by doing that 
the trouble did not occur, whereas we did have it where the fish were 
held in the house. 

It would seem that there is some similarity between octomitiasis 
and intestinal trouble in the human being in connection with which 
the typhoid serum is administered, so that the measures employed in the 
treatment of typhoid might apply in some degree to the treatment of 
Octomitus. Of course, we can scarcely develop a serum for the 
treatment of each individual fish, but some of the measures adopted 
might be of use. 

Dr. Moore: That is an important observation regarding the elimi- 
nation of Octomitus from presumably infected trout and is paralleled 
more or less by a single observation of my own. Not long ago I visited 
one of our hatcheries where in recent years it has been impossible to 
carry adult brook trout very long in the ponds at the station. One adult 
male brook trout, about 12 inches long survived. On examination 
it was found not to be infected with Octomitus but by another species 
of protozoan parasite, a sporidian. Such observations, however, must be 
greatly extended in order to generalize from them the conditions 
favoring immunity. 

The point raised by Dr. Osburn regarding the development of 
immune strains seems a most practical and forward looking suggestion. 
Dr. Embody has already started work along this line. From my obser- 
vations at the Bath hatchery the trout fingerlings which survive do so 
because they apparently acquire immunity. After the epidemic passes 
the survivors attain a splendid growth and become remarkably fine fish 
for planting. They are however “carriers” still. What happens after 
planting in general is still a matter of conjecture. Some specific in- 
stances of what happens near hatchery outfalls have been discussed in 
my paper. 

Mr. BuLLock: When our scientists took up the study of the cause 
of malaria and found the organism, they not only recommended 
prophylactic measures, but they found a medicine which was effica- 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 89 


scious in the treatment of the disease. When they took up the 
question of the hookworm in the south, again they not only found the 
organism in the intestinal tract and recommended sanitary measures, but 
they also prescribed a medicine suited to the case. Now, have you 
scientists done anything along the line of adding medicines to the food 
of the fishes and noticing their effect on any of the organisms? Of 
course, the first thing the fish culturist resorts to at the fish hatchery is 
salt; that is his panacea for all ills. But has anything else been found 
which would meet the case? Should we stop with locating the organ- 
ism? Could not medicine be administered with the food? 


Dr. Moore: Nothing of moment has been done yet in the matter of 
interior medication. The use of salt, which has been regarded by fish 
‘eulturists as a panacea for everything, has been vastly over-estimated 
and is of no special value in octomitiasis. The administration of medi- 
cine to fish that are an inch long, for that is about the size of the ear- 
liest casualities, is a difficult and an uncertain proposition, even though 
it could be administrated with the food. The possibilities of over-doses 
‘and under doses, when so administered is a matter to ponder over. 


Mr. BuLLocK: If it should be true that the organism is transmitted 
through the egg, let us cure it in the adult fish and get good eggs; then 
‘by employing the prophylactic measures, from the spring on down 
through the hatchery, we have conquered the trouble, have we not? 

Dr. Moore: We have, optimistically speaking. 

Mr. HAyrorD: One of our commissioners, when he sends me to 
‘these meetings, always asks whether Dr. Moore is going to be 
there. The last time he said: “I have read Dr. Moore’s paper in 
the last Transactions and it seems to me what we need is more Dr. 
Moore.” In 1917 we started to compare the rainbow, brown and brook 
trout in waters that were alike. We were in a position to do that be- 
cause we have six chains of ten ponds, each running on the same water 
‘supply, In the course of our operations we have come in contact with 
‘the various things that the average fish culturist runs up against; in fact, 
I believe we have all his problems. We are not always aware of them, 
‘but now and then they break out and wake us up. In 1917 we started to 
‘carry our own brood stock. In the case of some of our brook trout we 
have reached the third generation; in our brown trout the second 
eeneration. 


Not being a scientific man I am simply going to talk as a practical 
fish culturist, on the basis of observations I have made. The first trouble 
we ran into was designated by our scientist as Bacterium truttae. We 
started to study that; we did not eliminate it, but we helped to do it a 
little bit. The next season we ran up against furunculosis. Neither of 
these diseases was disturbing to any considerable extent. This year we 
have both Octomitus and Gyrodactylus. Octomitus was present in the 
brown and brook trout; of that I am positive. As to the rainbows, I am 
uncertain. You must understand that I am not an expert microscopist 


90 American Fisheries Society. 


either, but, when I have been shown a bug, I can recognize him. You 
cannot mistake Octomitus after seeing him once. 

We have had some rather interesting experiences in connection with 
Bacterium truttae. We tried changes of food and the benefit has been 
so great that, on examining the brook trout this year, we found no traces 
of this organism. Whether relief is only temporary, of course, we do not 
know. With regard to furunculosis, we had last year about 2000 brown 
trout breeders in a pond that would run anywhere from 10 to 16 inches 
long. A warm spell came on and we changed the fish from one pond to 
another, expecting the water temperature to drop. Instead of that it 
rose and furunculosis appeared on about one hundred of the fish, whereas 
in a pond where no change was made the fish exhibited no symptoms of 
the disease. I believe the way to get at this trouble is based upon three 
factors, namely: the study of the temperature of the water and its effects, 
the study of fish foods, and the building up of resistant strains. There 
are many instances in which a very slight change in temperature has 
a marked effect. It has been our experience that Bacterium truttae is 
never very bad after the fish attain the age of eight months and there are 
very few symptoms of furunculosis after they attain the age of 12 or 18 
months. In our plant we have at the present time, roughly speaking, 
150,000 fish running from 4 to 12 inches long. There are probably only 
about a hundred fish now afilicted with furunculosis. 

Our ponds are so built that we can clean everything out and the 
oftener we clean the ponds the less trouble we have. Cleanliness helps 
a great deal in connection with Gyrodactyliasis. It also helps in the case 
of furunculosis, but I cannot see that it means much so far as Octomiti- 
asis is concerned. The fish culturist needs the scientist to check him up, 
We have been employing Dr. Embody for the last five or six years. He 
is much too modest to tell about the things he has observed, but he has 
certainly been a wonderful help to us. We run our plant in four distinct 
sections, each having its own water supply, and we have a man who looks 
after each section. Acting on Dr. Moore’s suggestion, we keep the 
brushes separate; we have determined to do that even if we have to put 
a tag on the man and on the brush too. We find that it helps a great 
deal. Another thing that helps is to be able to turn on a big flow of 
water. The man in charge of these operations says, and I will quote 
him exactly: “John, turn on a hell of a flow of water.” 

Mr. JoHN P. Woops: On the assumption that this disease is the 
result of a foreign invasion, I would like to ask Dr. Moore whence it 
came? 

Dr. Moore: It is impossible to answer positively. The brown trout 
was introduced into this country from Germany in 1883. My theory is 
that the disease may have been introduced through the importation of 
eggs at that time. A hundred thousand brown trout eggs were sent to 
Mr. Fred Mather, Superintendent of the hatchery at Cold Spring Harbor, 
L. I., as a present from his friend, Mr. Von Behr, President of the Ger- 
man Fisherei Association. According to the records, some of these eggs 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. oi 


were placed in the Cold Spring hatchery, on Long Island, some in the 
hatchery at Caledonia, N. Y. and others were presented to the U. S. 
Bureau of Fisheries, being transferred to Mr. Clark at their Michigan 
station. Seanning the literature for records of outbreaks of disease 
both previous and subsequent to the importation of the eggs, I have 
found very little authentic data to support my theory. Nothing but a 
devastating epidemic has seemed worth mentioning in the annual re- 
ports and these have not always been accompanied by the attending 
symptoms of the disease. There must have been in the nature of things 
many lesser epidemics. In this connection a too great modesty has 
prevailed in mentioning them, perhaps for statistical reasons (laughter), 
consequently we are deprived of much valuable information that might 
serve as a basis in arriving at some conclusion as to the effects of these 
foreign importations of fish eggs. 


Mr. LEACH: This has been a very interesting paper, because the 
subject is one of vital importance to everybody interested in trout. I 
want to give all an opportunity to discuss the matter with Dr. Moore, 
and, if she is willing to continue, we shall be glad to hear from any 
others who wish to ask questions or speak on the subject further. 

Mr. TitcomB: If you require specimens for examination, are fresh 
specimens necessary? 

Dr. Moore: It is possible to use preserved specimens, but generally 
the preservative used is the one that is handy and that one is not usually 
the most desirable for further study of the organism. The most ideal 
way is to visit the hatchery with a microscope, then a diagnosis is 
possible, often within a few hours. Fresh specimens in sufficient num- 
bers are the next best thing. 

Mr. TitcomMB: For the benefit of the laymen in the fish hatcheries 
absent from this meeting, will you tell us what is the best way of putting 
up fresh specimens to be shipped for examination? 

Dr. Moore: Shipment in cans alive by ordinary shipping methods is 
the best way. Diagnosis is simplified and in some cases only possible 
when the fish are sent before death ensues, for the reason that various 
invading organisms foliowing death, such as bacteria, protozoa and the 
like, may obscure entirely the correct line of diagnosis. When fish 
cannot be shipped in cans I have found it useful to have them wrapped 
separately in a moist cloth, packed in ice, and expressed with dispatch. 

Mr. BULLOCK: Would shipment in a solution of formaldehyde an- 
swer the purpose? 

Dr. Moore: Formaldehyde is a useful preservative, but it is used 
indifferently at various concentrations. I do not know, however, of 
anything better for general purposes. 

Mr. Doze: The brown trout have been introduced in the higher 
altitudes. Have you ever received specimens from the Rockies and do 
you know whether or not this disease is prevalent there? 

Dr. Moore: I have not received specimens from that quarter. I 
think it would be very desirabje to get this information and for the 


92 American Fisheries Society. 


Pacific Coast Fisheries College to examine the rainbows in their native 
haunts. 


Mr. Doze: Is there any indication that Octomitus has ever attacked 
our scale fishes of the warmer waters, including the sunfish, or the cat- 
fish? 

Dr. Moore: There are no records in this country of its occurrence 
in any fish except trout. In Europe however, its presence, or that of 
a similar organism, has been noted in a carp feeding at a hatchery outfall 
where infection by Octomitus was prevalent. It has also been found in 
the marine fishes, Box and Motella, in the Mediterranean. 


Dr. EmBopy: Through the kindness of Mr. Hayford and the Fish 
Commissioners of New Jersey, I was fortunate to have placed 
at my disposal a number of specimens of trout infested with 
this particular organism, Octomitus. Upon referring to Dr. Moore’s 
paper, we were able to identify it definitely. There was one 
diagnostic character that I noticed which I should like to mention. It 
refers to the greatly distended condition of the upper intestine, giving 
the appearance of a fish that has been greatly overfed. I thought, 
when I first observed it, that the fish was gorged with food, but, on 
examination, I found that the intestine was destitute of food, and filled 
with gas. In nearly all the fish in which we found the intestine dis- 
tended, there were large numbers of this particular organism. If it 
proves to be a good diagnostic character, coupled with the other diag- 
nostic characters that have been mentioned, it would be a very good way 
to tell whether or not the disease occurs naturally. However, the only 
sure way of recognizing the disease is to examine the intestinal fluid 
with the microscope. Even then, unless you have had the organism 
pointed out to you before, it may not be possible to tell whether this is 
the particular organism that is causing the trouble. 


Another point has come to my attention which bears upon the 
question of how this organism can be carried. Dr. Moore has stated 
that it exists in the encysted form which is resistant to influences that 
will destroy other active organisms. If such is the case, would it be neces- 
sary for it to exist in the egg of a fish in order that it might be trans- 
mitted from one hatchery to another? In connection with our method 
of dipping eggs out of a tray, dumping them on another tray and sur- 
rounding them with moss for shipment, would it not be possible to 
transfer some of the encysted forms in this way from one hatchery to 
another? Might not that have been the case in the transportation of the 
brown trout from Europe to this country? 

Dr. Moore: It seems quite probable. Your observation regarding 
the distended appearance of the intestine due to an accumulation of gas 
seems to me not altogether trustworthy as a general symptom, though it 
may be found so locally. Gas accumulations occur apparently in 
connection with the development of yeasts in the intestine. These 
I find do accompany the organism Octomitus at times in great quantity. 





Moore.—Study of Trout Diseases. 93 


Dr. Empopy: If it is found that this organism has come from 
Europe, of course, it is nothing more than a repetition of what has taken 
place heretofore in the case of many kinds of animals and plants. I 
assume it is not an exaggeration to say that by far the greater number 
of organisms that are giving trouble in this country now among plants 
and animals have been imported from Europe. I cite the case of the 
chestnut bark disease, the Chinese beetle, which has come recently, the 
corn borer, and many others. If Octomitus came in that way, it only 
repeats history so far as the importation of these things from Europe is 
concerned. I prefer to think it came from Europe than to believe that 
it was indigenous to this country. 


Mr. Titcoms: It is important to inquire what precautions may 
be taken when we buy eggs, to have them properly packed and steril- 
ized—if that is the proper method—in order that we may not introduce 
the disease into hatcheries where it does not now exist. It is eminently 
desirable, even this fall, that we should take the necessary precautions 
to guard against the transfer of Octomitus externally on the eggs. 

Dr. Moore: Precautions should be taken, but, unfortunately, we 
have not yet made any experiments as to the best method of procedure 
in guarding against transferring the spore. This as I have indicated, 
is a very small thing, about 25 microns, more or less, in diameter, or 
about 1/1000 of an inch. 

Mr. TITCOMB: ‘I'he eggs arrive at the hatchery with the same water 
that has been constantly used in connection with them. Would it be 
possible, do you think, to wash those eggs before they are packed, per- 
haps taking the water at its source, thus washing out any of the convey- 
ing cysts or spores? 

Dr. Moore: That would seem a reasonable precaution to take, but 
I do not know to what extent the natural stickiness of the outer envelope 
of the egg would cause the organism to cling to it. These are questions 
that should come up again and again until we know how to answer 
them. 

Mr. BULLER: In your opinion, would furunculosis be carried through 
the food given to fish? The reason I ask is that some few years ago I 
got the idea that we could produce a more highly colored trout by feeding 
shrimp from Louisiana. In the pond in which shrimp were used as food 
we lost practically every fish. I was wondering whether the disease 
might have been introduced into that pond in that way. 

Dr. Moore: My line of reasoning would be this: Organisms ot 
disease which fish are heir to must invariably be present in greater or 
lesser numbers in fisheries waters and, if the fish for one reason or 
another become devitalized, infection might become so severe as to in- 
dicate symptoms of disease. It is possible that feeding shrimps alone 
would induce a lowering of vitality by way of its being an unbalanced 
ration. Assuming the causative organism of furunculosis is present, 
it would be only in some such indirect way as this that the shrimp could 
be a contributing cause. We have, however, no knowledge of the 


94 American Fisheries Society. 


presence of the causative agent of furunculosis in any marine organisms 
other than members of the genus Salmo. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: Dr. Moore, on behalf of the Society, I wish to 
thank you for your very interesting paper. It will make a valuable 
addition to the Transactions of our Fifty-third Annual Meeting, and I 
am sure both paper and discussion will be read far and wide. I 
hope that you will continue this work and that at the next meeting you 
will report upon your further findings. 





PIKE-PERCH PROPAGATION IN NORTHERN 


MINNESOTA. 
By EBEN W. COBB. 


Northern Minnesota is supplied by nature with the best 
conditions for pike-perch to be found. Here are the head 
waters of three great water systems with literally thousands 
of clear lakes, many of which are of a large size. Much of 
this territory is wild and will doubtless remain so for a long 
time. 

Pollution except in Rainy River, is a thing unknown and 
only the acts of man interfere with the fish. Once the 
supply of pike-perch seemed inexhaustible, but where good 
roads have been opened and the summer tourists have come 
in there has been a rapid decrease in the number of fish and 
in some instances the depletion has been great enough to 
eause poor fishing. The vicinity of Detroit may be taken as 
an example. Here is one of the very best lake regions in 
the state. Within a comparatively short period of time, the 
pike-perch, which were here in seemingly countless numbers, 
have been reduced to such an extent, that those whose pur- 
pose it is to find pike fishing pass on to other waters. 

The taking of pike-perch eggs by our state at one time, 
was carried on for the purpose of securing eggs, that fry 
might be furnished to lakes throughout the more thickly 
settled portions of the state. As it became apparent that 
the supply of these fish could be maintained only by locking 
first after the large and productive lakes throughout the 
northern portions of the state, a definite programme was 
formed with this object in view. The building of field 
stations, which were in reality hatcheries, was undertaken. 
These were located at or near the spawning grounds and in 
them were placed the eggs as they were taken from day to 
day. A large part, and in many cases all, of the resulting 
fry were returned to the waters from which the spawn was 
secured. In some instances spawn was taken to the other 
hatcheries. The primary object was to care for the spawn 
producing lakes but it is interesting to note that the average 
hatch where eggs were placed in jars without shipment ran 
about 25% ahead of the hatch where shipment takes place 
inthe green stage. This will be of interest to those studying 
the causes of losses in pike-perch eggs. We also feel that 
there is a saving in numbers due to the direct planting but 


95 


96 American Fisheries Society. 


have nothing definite to offer on this. It can readily be seer 
that the average cost of the fry was greatly decreased. 

At present, we have twelve hatcheries equipped for 
handling pike-perch eggs. Seven of these are operated 
during the season for this work only. Last Spring we plant- 
ed 353,647,000 fry. Nearly all of these hatcheries are in 
the northern part of the state. 

Besides this added propagation work we have succeeded 
in extending the close season on these fish to May 15th, with 
a days limit of ten and a limit in possession of twenty fish. 
The buying or selling is prohibited. 

A hatchery was constructed in the Rainy Lake region,. 
and put into readiness for operation in 1922. During that 
year 89,100,000 eges were taken and from these 75,075,000 
fry were produced. During 1923 eggs to the number of 
156,140,000 were secured from which 61, 949,000 fry were 
produced and 10,000,000 eyed eggs were forwarded to other 
hatcheries. Besides this 20,000,000 eggs were taken and 
shipped in a green state. 

Though this lake extends for a distance in a direct line 
east and west for about forty miles and has many bays and 
inlets we have operated one trap only in Rat Root River. 
During the last season no attempt was made to take spawn 
from all the fish coming into the trap and many thousands. 
of spawning fish were allowed to pass above the nets and 
continue uptheriver. The percent of hatch was not so good 
in 1923 as in 1922 due to one large lot of very poor eggs. 
We did not determine the cause of this condition. There is 
no reason to believe that many times the number of eggs 
secured could not have been taken had we been provided 
with jars to care for them and men and equipment to take 
them. 

The total hatch for the season ran 42% on eggs shipped 
green and 60% on eggs hatched where taken, which is a 
little lower than is sometimes the case. The opportunities 
for this work in Northern Minnesota are almost unlimited 
and it is only lack of money which prevents the work being 
increased. 

The loss of eggs is one of the most interesting details of 
the work. My observation leads me to believe that in 
normal years when temperatures hold right during the 
spawning season eggs of this species can be fertilized with 
almost the same degree of success as with trout or salmon. 
The great delicacy of the egg is our great source of trouble 
but besides that we often meet conditions which we are 
absolutely unable to explain. From one of our stations we 
receive eggs well fertilized and they eye up a good percent- 





Cobb.—Pike-Perch Propagation. 97 


age. After the eggs are eyed up they begin to adhere to 
the extent of causing a poor circulation. A slight movement 
with a feather will start the circulation again but the eggs 
are so delicate that the loss is considerable and we never 
secure a good hatch from these eggs though a nice percent- 
age reach the eyed stage. We find that when these eggs are 
retained in the water, where taken, this condition does not 
exist. We now hold all the eggs at this collecting station 
in the hatchery located on the river in which the run of pike 
takes place. We are unable to advance any reasonable ex- 
planation of the condition. It is only one of the many prob- 
lems not talked about by writers on fish culture. 


Penning of fish is another problem capable of making 
much trouble. We have been told that the welfare of the 
fish while penned depended upon the circulation of water, 
amount of oxygen, temperature and the number of fish con- 
fined in a givenspace. We have had occasion to watch this 
matter closely and fourteen years study has convinced me 
that while the above conditions must necessarily affect the 
fish, as they affect all life they are not the condition that 
cause the most trouble in Minnesota. 


In 1910 I spent the entire spawning season on Rainy 
River. Our main problem was holding the fish. At that 
time tremendous numbers of large pike could be taken be- 
low the rapids at Birchdale and some of them yielded from 
two to two and one-half quarts of eggs. The average of all 
fish stripped was about one quart. The water ran extreme- 
ly high being about fifteen feet above normal summer level. 


Above the spawning grounds was a mile of rapids and 
one mile below our pens were placed. This mile of water 
was one rushing mass. Under these conditions there could 
have been no lack of aeration and certainly no lack of water. 
The temperature during the season was hardly above that 
required for good spawning condition and sometimes below. 
I placed the spawners in cribs made from netting and also 
in pens made from boards. In some instances I closed 
portions of the pens and left other portions free to circula- 
tion so the fish could take their choice of current. I an- 
chored pens in the current and also below the dock. Some 
were crowded and some were nearly empty. The results 
were the same in all cases no matter how placed and regard- 
less of numbers. The fish showed signs of sickness the 
second day. A pinkish color showed on the tail and also, 
slightly, onthe cheek. Another indication which I have not 
mentioned elsewhere was a slight depression along the cen- 
ter of the belly which seemed to be caused by a shrinking of 


98 American Fisheries Society. 


the ovaries. Fish could not be held over the end of the 
second day without loss. 

At Tower, which is one of our best stations, we were not 
penning fish at all but seining, stripping those ripe, and re- 
leasing the balance to be handled over again. In 1912 I 
put in three weeks at this point and put in a trap and holding 
pens. Conditions of the water were similar to those at 
Rainy River but on a smaller scale. I was glad to learn, 
that at this point fish could be held indefinitely and under 
almost any conditions which could be desired. Loss from 
penning at Tower has never occurred and none of the signs 
of sickness have been in evidence. 

Other investigations have been carried on in other places 
and though it will doubtless raise a question of scientific 
reasoning I have found the following to hold true in every 
case during my fourteen years service in Minnesota. Where 
the run is composed of large yellow pike they cannot safely 
be penned longer than from one day to the next. A run of 
black pike can be held as long as desired and between these 
colors the ability to stand penning very closely corresponds 
to the degree of color. I will not try to explain this but hope 
some time a scientific study of this subject can be made. Up 
to this time I believe we have results from scientific reason- 
ing which is altogether a different thing from scientific 
study. 

IT do not believe color would have any effect on fishes’ 
ability to stand penning but it does not follow that the con- 
ditions which produced the color would not otherwise con- 
trol the general life of the fish. 

One thing has held true in all cases where conditions are 
such that fish return for the day to some point further down 
the stream. When they are released below the net the 
same fish return at dark and will continue to come to the net 
night after night until ripe apparently suffering no harm. 
It all leads me to believe that the cause of the trouble is in 
the nervous system of the fish rather than in the physical 
surroundings and that the condition which brings this out 
strongest has a direct bearing on size and color. In any 
event we have only experienced trouble where instructions 
based on this theory have been disregarded. 

I have gone somewhat lengthly into the subject as it is 
one of the most important questions with which we have to 
deal. Were we able to pen and ripen the fish we could ex- 
tend our work to almost any extent at comparatively small 
cost. 

The work has been extended as rapidly as circumstances 
would permit and in this we have been greatly aided by the 





Cobb.—Pike-Perch Propagation. 99 


Bureau of Fisheries. The hatchery on Rainy Lake has been 
operated by men assigned to the work from the Bureau and 
the same holds true of all spawning work connected with the 
hatchery. One of their men has also operated the Otter- 
tail hatchery. 

With all our work the fish can be saved in large numbers 
only by rigid enforcement of our adequate laws. The con- 
clusions arrived at from considering the notes on our work 
as a whole might be of interest. 

Those streams, in which the water comes to a suitable 
temperature for spawning before the ice is out of the lakes, 
into which they flow, are the most desirable for spawning 
operations. The spawners come up in a well defined run 
and are ripe, or nearly so, when taken. The best spawning 
temperatures run from 45° to 50° preferably 46° to 48° 
though eggs are taken at as high a temperature as 638°. 
Eggs taken at the higher temperatures are as a rule poor. 
Good hatches have been made from eggs subjected to a 
temperature so low that slush ice has formed in the water, 
and this in instances where eggs had already been taken. 
Such conditions occurring when the run is on, invariably 
drive the fish down stream and stop the run. 


We find that the egg bearing females will not ascend 
above the first swift water in any numbers while the males 
pass over rapids to a large extent. The females pass up and 
join them after depositing their eggs. 


Below the rapids in Pike River we have found naturally 
deposited eggs forming a mass from 6 to 8 inches. These 
eggs were eaten by suckers during the night and another 
mass deposited during the next day. This sometimes was 
repeated for as many as three consecutive days. All efforts 
to hatch eggs taken from this mass were a total failure. Not 
one fish has been produced by such attempts. 


The presence of eggs to this extent took place some years 
ago though even now there are places where the egg mass is 
considerable. 


In most cases where an abnormally large loss has taken 
place in eggs, indications have pointed to lack of care during 
the hardening process. Rainy River is an exception to this 
rule and here pollution is a determining factor. Lack of 
care is generally the result of a sudden run producing more 
eggs than the crew and equipment can care for in the 
natural desire to secure the largest number of eggs possible. 
The combination results in loss unless the men in charge of 
the work have unusually good judgment. 


100 American Fisheries Society. 


A run of suckers is nearly always coincident with the 
pike run, though no other rough fish appear in numbers 
during the spawning time. 


Discussion. 


Mz. CuLteR: I understood Mr. Cobb to say that the unripe female 
came back after being thrown below the net. 


Mr. Coss: In certain places they do; in some places they do not. 

Mr. Cutter: It might be unnecessary to nen the fish then. 

Mr. Coss: In some instances where they come back we have no 
pens. Pine River, where the water is very clear, the fish come in at night 
but being unripe it is dropped out in the morning. In the evening it will 
start to work its way back upstream and will get into the trap again that 
same night. We do not pen where those conditions exist. 

Mr. CULLER: That makes it very much better from the fish cul- 
turist’s standpoint. 

Mr. CoBB: Yes. 

Mr. CULLER: In taking your eggs, what do you use, muck or starch? 

Mr. Coss: Muck. 

Mr. CULLER: Have you ever made an experiment with starch? 

Mr. Cops: Yes, we have tried it, but liked muck better. 

Mr. ADAMS: You spoke about the adherence of eggs in the jar. 
Has any experiment been tried with the view of dripping automatically 
into the jar a chemical that would not injure the egg but would be suffi- 
cient to counteract that tendency to pack or collect? 

Mr. Cops: I do not think so. We have never had any trouble ex- 
cept at that one place. 

Mr. ADAMS: You collect your eggs in very quick water? 

Mr. CoBB: Yes. 

Mr. ADAMS: What gear do you use to take the adult fish? 

Mr. Coss: Pound nets. 

Mr. Apams: You cannot anchor them in the quick water, can you? 

Mr. Cops: We have succeeded in holding pound nets in water so 
swift that it took two men to row a boat up to them, and in a channel 
where we could not drive a stake—absolutely rock bottom. We ran two 
wings to the shore, and put the big pound there. 

Mr. ADAMS: But your debris goes down the river. 

Mr. Cops: We turn that to one side of the stream with boom logs 
run out by the leads. 

Mr. ADAMS: Then you have to have booms on the up-side of the 
stream —protect your trap in the same way? 

Mr. Coss: We put a boom up above the works on an angle across 
the river, and get the stuff away from our traps in that way. We fasten 
two anchor lines up stream on either side of the banks, but we use no 
stakes. In certain cases we put our pound into a frame, and anchor the 
frame and then drop the pound into it. Then we build from that to the 
end of the two leads, which are also fastened to trees on the shore. 





Cobb.—Pike-Perch Propagation. 101 


Mr. ADAMS: Assuming that on one side of a river the banks were 
gravelly and that on the other they consisted of a ledge of rocks pro- 
jecting out to the bottom of the stream, would you endeavor to anchor 
that pound or trap toward either shore or more toward the middle of 
the stream? 

Mr. Coss: It is preferable in fishing for pike to get the pound 
where you can lead into it on the side of the stream where the fish are 
helped up at least a part of the way by a back eddy. It depends, how- 
ever, entirely on the conditions. 

Mr. ApAMs: In the case of such shores as I describe, the pike will 
follow or be affected by the currents rather than by the contour of the 
shore? 

Mr. Cops: Yes. The female pike with the eggs will not work up 
in the swift current; they will take advantage of the eddies which help 
them along; and they hesitate when they come in that eddy to a point 
where they face directly into the swift current. 

Mr. ADAMS: Would you say that May 15th would be late enough 
in the year for the close season to protect the spawning pike say in Mas- 
sachusetts? I believe that is your limit now in Minnesota, is it not? 

Mr. Coss: That is not late enough in Minnesota, and I presume it 
would not be late enough in Massachusetts. We had a great deal of 
trouble on account of the run being cleaned out by fishermen above our 
nets after being spawned and dropped over. We now have a law by 
which these places can be closed to fishing by the commissioner, which 
takes the fish over the spawning period. 

Dr. EMBoDy: There was a point concerning the spawning of the 
pike-perch in which I was interested. I do not think anyone has ever 
adequately described the spawning behaviour of the pike-perch. At 
least, I have never found anything more than a general declaration that 
the pike-perch scatters its eggs over a sandy bottom, the sandy shoals 
near the mouths of rivers. Did I understand you to say that you had 
actually found eggs of pike-perch laid naturally in this river? 

Mr. CoBs: Yes. 

Dr. EmBopy: And that they were massed together? 

Mr. Cops: They were massed together. Shall I describe the con- 
dition at that particular place? Slightly up the bay from the lake was 
a very swift rapid, and above that rapid we found almost no female pike 
with spawn. The males, especially the smaller ones, passed over there 
in great numbers. These pike came up to the foot of this swift water; 
they would wait there until they became massed in from the accumula- 
tion of numbers, then they would rush up into the current, come to the 
surface and break water; and in the large majority of cases when they 
broke water, with a sort of splurge or splash, they would throw a part 
of their eggs. Then they would drop slowly down to a little clearer 
water, stay there a minute or two as if recovering from their effort; 
and finally come up again. The eggs would drift down and gradually 
settie to the bottom, where they would adhere. 

Dr. EMpopy: I assume that would be a gravel bottom. 
























102 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Cops: It was a rock bottom. I may say that with extremely 
high water the swift current extends further down and sometimes 
reaches an accumulation of mud; and the fish will even spawn right on 
the mud bank if the swift current ends down there. Of course, that 
takes place only once in a long time. 

Dr. HMsBoDY: The disturbed condition of the water seems to be the 
primary factor. If that is the case, would they not spawn in the lake 
itself? 

Mr. Cops: They do, but our work is confined almost entirely to 
streams, because a large part of our fish do spawn in the streams, and 
where you can get a run passing one way in a stream you can do a great 
deal more business with the same amount of money and men than you 
can out in the open lake. But they do spawn in the lake quite frequently. 

Dr. EMBoDy: I was interested to know if they did actually spawn 
in the lake. Or whether a stream was actually necessary. That might 
throw some light on the type of lake in which we ought to introduce pike- 
perch. 

Mr. Cops: I have seen a heavy run in Pike River driven back by 
snow. We had about a foot of heavy, wet snow. The water temperature 
went down to freezing point, and the pike left the river. The bay in- 
the river at that time was free from ice, and we found that the pike were 
on the north shore of the lake, where the shore consists largely of broken 
rocks. They were spawning where the waves were breaking over the 
broken rocks, a good way from shore. They did not go back to the stream 
that year. 

Mr. DowNING: When the female fish break water and extrude eggs 
at the same time, is the male with them? 

Mr. Copp: In some cases yes, and in some cases no. We have 
taken chunks of eggs that would fill a jar when you came to separate 
them—eggs some six to eight inches deep, over a space 175 feet across. 
On one occasion the pike were spawning all night; but a search in the — 
morning would show the bottom clean. The same thing was repeated 
three days in succession, and at the end there were no eggs there except, — 
probably, a few that you could find in the crevices of the rock. 

Mr. DowNING: The moral is to dispose of your suckers. . 

Mr. Cops: We have given large numbers of them away for many 
years. 

Mr. Hare: Have you any idea of the percentage that were fertil- 
ized among those you took from the bottom of the stream? 

Mr. Coss: We were not equipped to determine the fertilization, 
but we have made a good many attempts to hatch them. The whole — 
thing needs more scientific study in order to arrive at definite conclu- 
sions. We never hatched a fish from eggs taken in that way. 4 

Mr. Titcoms: Did you find any egg-bound fish among those that 
were turned back by change of temperature; or did you look for that? 

Mr. Cops: I have never found any in such cases. | 

Mr. Titcoms: In reference to Dr. Embody’s question with regard — 
to the movements of pike-perch in connection with their spawning habits, — 


Cobb.—Pike-Perch Propagation. 103 


I may say that in some waters tributary to Lake Champlain there are 
very large runs of these fish, but occasionally they are turned back by 
the temperature conditions and spawn largely around the lake shore. 
On Oneida Lake, in New York State, the principal run of fish is to the 
shores rather than to the streams, but they are apt to run to the streams. 
It depends on the conditions. If you get a rising temperature, causing 
the pike to start up the river, and then a sudden drop in temperature 
occurs, they back down and spawn around the shore; they do not go 
back. 

Mr. Coss: No, they will not go back that season. 

Mr. Hare: Mr. Cobb has presented a very important paper, because 
he has proved conclusively that modern fish cultural processes are abso- 
lutely correct, and that there is a tremendous loss in natural reproduction. 

Mr. Cops: One thing I did not mention in the paper—Mr. Titcomb’s 
remark makes me think of it—is that the specific gravity of pike eggs 
has caused much of the trouble. The eggs in some cases are so light 
that we can hardly hold them in the jars, and our loss is tremendous 
from that cause. At the slightest motion of the water they run out of 
the jars and pass right down through our battery tanks and into the 


fry tanks. 
PRESIDENT LEACH: What type of jar do you use? 


Mr. Coss: The Meehan jar. 

Mr. Titcoms: You prefer that to the others? 

Mr. Coss: I could not say as to that, except that I believe in using 
the same type of equipment so that it is all interchangeable. I do not 
believe there is any difference in the various types of jars so far as 
capability of hatching goes. 

Mr. ApAMs: In the case of the quick water you have described, 
from the point where these eggs are extruded by the female about how 
far down stream are they carried before they are anchored somewhere? 
I recall your statement about the specific gravity of the eggs, some 
apparently being lighter than others, but I am getting at the average 
now. 

Mr. Cops: The egg sinks fairly rapidly in still water. In that 
case they pass directly down. But in a stream, where there is quite a 
swift current and the fish are thick they keep everything agitated. In 
this particular case the egg mass on the bottom began about at the lower 
edge of the swift water and extended down in a mass for about 175 feet. 
Mr. ADAMS: Where would they first lodge from the point where 

you think they were released by the female? 

Mr. Cops: Almost directly underneath, and from there for 175 feet 
the great mass of eggs was on the bottom. 

Mr. Apams: The wall-eyed pike has established itself in the upper 
regions of the Connecticut River, at Turner’s Falls, Mass., particularly 
where the sides and bottom of the river are very rocky. It is the place 
these fish have selected as spawning ground, irrespective of the fact that 
some distance above there is an obstruction across the river that would 
prevent them from ascending. On the coast of Massachusetts we have a 


104 American Fisheries Society. 


run of salt water smelt, and it has always seemed mystifying to me how a 
little, delicate fish like the smelt could spawn in the very quick water and 
have practically all the eggs located right on the bottom and sides of the 
stream in the quick water. That is why I wondered whether there was 
much difference between the smelt spawning and the larger fish, such as 
the wall-eyed pike; apparently there is not. 

Mr. Cops: Iam not familiar with the spawning habits of the smelt. 

Dr. EMBopy: Do I understand that you had a continuous mass of 
pike-perch eggs nearly one hundred feet long on the bottom? 

Mr. Cops: Yes. You could go out there, take a kick into it with 
your boots and kick up a bunch that would fill a hatching jar. 

Mr. DOWNING: There is one feature that Mr. Cobb has brought out 
which is very gratifying to me. He tells us he has almost absolutely con- 
trolled the taking and hatching of his eggs, whereas in our work the eggs 
are taken under the most adverse conditions. They are taken in small 
boats out on the open lake by the fishermen themselves, then we buy 
the eggs from them. All our receiving stations are from twelve to forty 
miles from our hatching stations. Some of our eggs are shipped on 
trains and have to be held three or four days. It gratifies me to say 
that under these conditions my hatch this year was forty-three per cent. 
They were taken just the same as any other egg, without the use of 
starch or muck. 

Mr. Cops: Our percentage was a little light this year. 

Mr. Hare: How can you determine your percentage on pike-perch? 

Mr. Coss: It is not tied down to a definite number. We do not 
make an exact count. We measure the eggs, and we measure the eyed 
eggs just as late as possible before the hatch. We keep watching the 
tanks for any that have died after the hatch. The loss is small from 
that time on. Sometimes we have something that offsets that, but that 
is what we take as a figure. It is quite accurate up to that last estimate, 
which might cause a variation. 

Mr. MANNFELD: Has Mr. Cobb ever tried to raise wall-eyed pike? 

Mr. Coss: Only to a very early stage; I have never got very far 
with them. 

Mr. MANNFELD: I want to tell you something of an experiment 
of ours in Indiana. Unfortunately, we have no waters from which we 
can take fish in order to strip them; we have to purchase our eggs. We 
have some friends in Michigan who have been kind enough to sell us eggs. 
Two years ago I wanted to see what we really could do with pike-perch 
fry. We planted between twenty and thirty thousand fry in a pond 
which had absolutely nothing else in it; we were first careful to make 
sure that the small insect life in this pond which would constitute food 
for the fish was very prolific. Along in September we gave a State Fair 
exhibit, and we took fingerlings out of the pond some of which were ten 
and a half inches long, some five or six inches long. When we drained 
that pond in the fall we had one fish that was seventeen and a quarter 
inches long. Out of the twenty or thirty thousand that we placed in 





Cobb.—Pike-Perch Propagation. 105 


‘this pond we got 1,325. Perhaps that was a waste of pond area to rear 
these fish to the fingerling stage, but it developed one very important 
thing to me, that is, that that could be done. 

Mr. Cops: How large was the pond? 


Mr. MANNFELD: Over half an acre, and rather deep. We did not 
feed the fish; they fed naturally on the Daphnia, Cyclops and other in- 
‘sect life with which the pond was well supplied. At the Annapolis State 
hatchery there are twenty such ponds. In addition there are five others 
maintained by one of our Fish and Game Associations which are re- 
sponsible for the fish collecting at this particular point. But we are 
troubled with crawfish. The iittle crawfish in this pond were the main 
food for the wall-eyes; of course, they feed on one another, undoubtedly. 
‘That experiment, however, was worth while, although we have not since 
repeated it because we can use our ponds better for the rearing of bass. 
We rear large and small mouth bass, ring mouth bass, bluegills and 
yellow perch, so we need all the pond area we can get for these purposes. 
We have tried to plant fingerlings. We figure that fingerlings are more 
valuable than fry. These particular fingerlings reared with the wall- 
‘eyes were planted in a space in the park that is perhaps half a mile wide, 
and we have some there now that are perhaps three feet long, weighing 
four pounds. We are trying to establish a place where we can have 
some breeders that we can strip right at Indianapolis. It may not be 
possible. 

Mr. Coss: Did you determine definitely what was the food of the 
young pike? 

Mr. MANNFELD: It was nothing but the natural food that was in 
the water. They were not fed anything. 


Mr. Coss: I would like to find out definitely what the first food of 
the young pike consists of. 


HEADWATERS 


By F. E. Hare, 


Manchester, Iowa. 


I have always appreciated the opportunity of attending 
meetings of the American Fisheries Society and the inspira- 
tion derived from associating myself with men who have 
reverence for the big out-of-doors, and the preservation of 
our national resources. Men of this type, it seems to me, 
are in the minority; consequently, many of nature’s most 
gracious gifts to mankind have been sadly neglected and dis- 
gracefully abused. Such carelessness and disregard for the 
future welfare of the coming generations is a clean cut case 
of public neglect. However it is gratifying to know that 
public sentiment is gradually awakening to the supreme im- 
portance of this subject, and some very commendable 
legislation has been, and is now being enacted with a view 
toward better protection for these natural resources. 

A particular subject under the broad head of conserva- 
tion which has interested and impressed me vividly during 
the past few years has been what we commonly term, ““Head- 
waters’’, and it is toward a realization of the importance of 
this phase of conservation that I would direct your atten- | 
tion, and then perhaps venture a few words suggestive of 
remedial measures, which we as sportsmen and lovers of 
wild life should consider. 

I know it has been the privilege of most fishermen to 
visit the headwaters of a pure sparkling stream of water 
amongst towering hills or in virgin forest, and as you noted 
the rugged grandeur of the scene, were you not impressed 
with the peaceful and sublime surroundings? 

I have in mind at this moment several mental pictures 
of these sacred sanctuaries which I have visited during the 
past few weeks, and I presume that many of you could con- 
jure up in your mind’s eye visions of similar beauty. 

It was not without adequate sense of reason that the 
Indian, the true American sportsman, frequently took as his 
shrine the sparkling and apparently living waters of some 
crystal spring, the source of a limpid brook and a mighty 
river. For him the land of headwaters seemed symbolic of 
an infant, who gradually grew greater and wiser, until he 


106 





Hare.-—Headwaters. 107 


was finally lost in that mystic unfathomable depths of the 
ocean. 

Can it be that I am a fanatic on this subiect, or will you 
agree with me that the time is at hand when we shall come 
to realize that headwaters are of vital importance. Not 
only as places of surpassing beauty; but also as important 
factors in the life of the waters below. Truly, it is as im- 
practical to believe that a crystal stream could emanate 
from putrid headwater as it is to believe that a golden 
pheasant could hatch from the egg of a sparrow. 

It is true that many of our headwaters are not especially 
beautiful or economically important, or suitable for fish 
propagation; but this fact makes it all the more necessary 
that we should wrap the cloak of protection about those 
which we recognize to be of specific importance. By the 
most important headwaters, I refer to those streams which 
originate in strong flowing springs back up in the hills, that 
should be controlled and protected by state or national 
supervision. 

Frequently, by the purchase of a comparatively small 
portion of land, springs and headwaters of this nature 
could be brought under the proper control, and be utilized 
for the purpose of prolific breeding places for water life, 
and incidentally, as ideal locations for parks. I would call 
your consideration to these in particular, and proceed at 
once to state my reasons for so doing. 

In the first place polluted water is one of the most 
difficult problems with which we have to contend at this 
time. Therefore, it is my conviction that every state in the 
Union should employ a competent man to investigate head- 
water conditions in each of the respective states, to de- 
termine which are of most importance for fish propagation, 
and take steps to place them under state control, as a means 
of protecting them in their natural state of beauty and use- 
fulness. 

In many instances these headwaters contain ideal con- 
ditions for fish hatcheries, and in many other instances con- 
ditions are suitable for at least rearing adult fish for brood 
stock and egg collecting purposes. 

In fact, I would call your attention to the Manchester, 
Iowa, Fisheries Station as an example of such headwaters, 
where successful fish propagation has been conducted for a 
quarter of a century. It has served as a delightful public 
pleasure resort throughout these years, where thousands of 
visitors find pleasure and recreation. 

I have not traveled very extensively thru the rural dis- 
tricts of my adopted state, Iowa, however, I could cite a 


108 American Fisheries Society. 


number of headwaters in that state that should be thorough- 
ly protected at this very moment. 

A short time ago I visited a number of the public parks of 
Chicago. On inquiry I learned that some man or woman 
with a future vision had donated land for the worthy pur- 
pose of affording recreational grounds so long as time lasts. 
These parks are now regarded as the lungs of the. city. 
Similarly, we want these natural headwaters and the adja- 
cent forests to become the safety zone for fishes and birds. 

Finally, we should not forget that many destructive 
floods and the consequent loss of property are directly due 
to the deforestation of our headwaters. This is but another 
clinching proof of the need of headwater protection for the 
man who prefers the alluring song of a whirring reel, to the 
disastrous report of the woodmens’ axe. 

If we were all living in the proper relationship to this 
grand old world, corrective measures would speedily come 
as a natural result; but how are we to intensify man’s appre- 
ciation toward mother nature and her children? 

I have been wonderfully impressed with the writings of 
James Oliver Curwood, in the Isaac Walton League Jour- 
nal. It is the voice of Curwood, and the still voice of 
Roosevelt and Isaac Walton, in co-operation with such 
organizations as the Audobon Society, American Fisheries 
Society etc., that are most effective in agitating sane and 
sensible methods of dealing with these important problems. 

In conclusion allow me to impress the importance of 
headwaters upon your attention for the following reasons; 
Namely, prevention of source water contamination: ideal 
situations for fish propagation: suitable locations for public 
parks, and prevention of destructive deforestation. 

As sportsmen with practical vision, I would be pleased to 
have you discuss the merit of headwater protection and 
suggest some plan relative to the most practical method of 
encouraging proper legislative measures for protecting the 
beauty and usefulness of our most valuable headwaters. 


Discussion. 

Mr. FEARNOW: Mr. Hare has brought up some very important 
points bearing upon the necessity for protecting the headwaters of 
streams. Many of these headwaters are difficult to reach and for that 
reason afford excellent breeding places for fish. I think it advisable 
that iaws should be enacted which would close these headwaters or these 
feeders of the main streams to fishing. The modern fisherman with his 
automobile leaves the city and goes far into the mountains; he is able 
to reach points that had been almost inaccessible in the past; he is 
seeking the headwaters and the places where the fish naturally reproduce. 





Hare-—Headwaters. 109 


Another thing we might consider is the advisability of carrying 
fish to the headwaters of these streams and planting them where they 
will be immune from the attacks of their natural enemies. One of the 
members of this Society last year made a very timely remark when he 
said that he would rather have one can of fish properly planted than 
half a dozen cans of fish dumped into pools where the larger fish con- 
gregate at fords and bridges. We might consider the necessity of using 
more judgment in planting fish as well as enacting laws for the pro- 
tection of those fish in the small headwater streams. I do not wish to be 
personal, but I would like to remind you of a little stream in West Vir- 
ginia. I always think of that stream with fond recollections because it 
was the stream wherein I used to dive; it was the old mill pond—Sleepy 
Creek. When I left West Virginia years ago that stream was practi- 
cally depleted; there were no fish in it that amounted to anything; the 
people would go to the great Cacapon River and the Potomac River. 
Well, the Bureau of Fisheries planted, not in Sleepy Creek proper but 
in the tributaries of that stream, a quantity of fish; ample protection was 
afforded; the laws were strictly enforced, and to-day the organizations 
are going to Sleepy Creek on their fishing excursions instead of to the 
great Cacapon River and the Potomac. That is one way of increasing 
the supply of fish in public waters, and it seems to me that it is the most 
important way. 

Mr. Hare has raised a very interesting question, touching upon 
many phases respecting the protection of fish, the enactment of laws, 
and the planting of fish, and I do not think the matter he brings up 
could be given too much consideration. We can interest the public gen- 
erally through the Isaak Walton League; these men take special de- 
light in carrying fish away up into the mountains. When we get the 
headwaters of our streams so thoroughly stocked that the supply of food 
becomes inadequate, the fish will know enough to come down stream 
and let the angler catch him. We might, therefore, consider the advisa- 
bility of having enacted legislation which would close entirely the head- 
waters of certain public streams. 


THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE LOUISIANA SHRIMP 
INDUSTRY 


BY EA) TULIAN; 


Superintendent of Fisheries Division, Department 
of Conservation of Louisiana, New Orleans, La. 


As mentioned in the opening paragraph of my paper on 
the production of shrimp in Louisiana read before this 
Society on October 10th, the United States Census report 
gave the total shrimp production of the United States for 
1908, as 14,374,000 pounds, 60 percent of which, or 8,580,- 
000 being produced by Louisiana. The U. S. Bureau of 
Fisheries statistics gave the total catch for 1916 as 43,942,- 
105 pounds for the territory extending from the northern 
boundary of North Carolina to the western boundary of 
Texas, and which takes in nearly all of the shrimp territory 
of the United States. Approximately 53 percent or 23,160,- 
586 pounds of this total was given as Louisiana’s produc- 
tion. 

At the time that paper was read, our study of shrimp and 
the shrimp industry, both statistical and scientific, had al- 
ready progressed to such a point that I freely predicted in 
the closing sentences of that paper, that the time was com- 
ing, when the shrimp industry would expand as never 
before, yet in such a way that there would be no diminution 
of the supply even if the maximum possible yield was 
reached. Based on the severance tax actually paid to the 
Department of Conservation on shrimp produced in Louis- 
liana during 1921, the total catch during that year had 
already risen to 34,992,443 pounds, a 50 percent increase 
over the figures of 1916. The value of this catch for 1921 
to those engaged in the industry was not less than $3,000,- 
000. 

There was a small decrease during the year 1922, owing 
to the excessive pack of the canneries during the previous 
year, which the market could not absorb. This was not due 
in any way to a decrease in the supply in our waters and as 
market conditions have now been relieved, the indications 
are that the steady growth will continue. The present 
open season began on August 16th, with more vessels and 
tackle in operation than ever before. 


110 





Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. 111 


The phenomenal increase in the shrimp industry has 
been due to several interrelated factors; the introduction of 
the trawl, the enforcement of certain close seasons, and the 
correction of wasteful practices, which factors will be dis- 
cussed below. 

The otter trawl for the purpose of catching shrimp made 
its first appearance in Louisiana during 1917. Its great 
advantage over the large shrimp seine as a labor saving 
device, often enabling one man to take the place of ten(10), 
and greatly increasing the shrimp output per man, was de- 
cidedly in its favor from the standpoint of the commercial 
fisheries. From four traw!s operated during 1917, the num- 
ber increased to 250 during 1919, and 983 during 1921. 
The number of shrimp seines has decreased over 50 percent 
during the same period. It is clearly evident that the in- 
creased catch of shrimp is entirely due to the trawls which 
opened up new territory, the bottoms of our brackish water 
lakes and bays and the coastal waters of the Gulf, whereas 
the seine operated to advantage only along the shores. 
Normally, the smaller shrimp take to the shallower waters, 
except when migrating through passes. The trawls need 
not necessarily catch the smaller sized shrimp during the 
open seasons, and during the colder months when the large 
shrimp take to deeper waters, there is a close season on in- 
side waters where the smaller ones congregate, this season 
extending from December 1st to February 15th inclusive. 
The destruction of young shrimp, thus prevented, combined 
with the fact that the adult shrimp spawn in the open gulf 
where they are not as readily available during the breeding 
season, are in my opinion the factors which will permit 
still further expansion of the shrimp industry without reach- 
ing the critical point. 

The department has had little or no difficulty in enfore- 
. ing the close seasons and the observance of the law is 
attributable to the co-operation received from the more in- 
telligent fishermen and dealers, and to the services of the 
departments field inspectors and other employees. Unfor- 
tunately, there has been observed now and then a disposition 
on the part of some of the fishermen to take undersized 
shrimp to some of the drying platforms where the manage- 
ment did not seem to realize the injury they were doing to 
the business by purchasing same and thereby encouraging 
business of dubious character to the detriment of a profi- 
table and legitimate business a few months later. Some of 
the drying platforms referred to did not refuse totakeshrimp 
measuring two and a half or three inches long. Platform 
operators have been warned that the purchase of any con- 


112 American Fisheries Society. 


siderable quantity of these small shrimp must cease or the 
provisions of the law which authorize the Commissioner to: 
entirely prohibit the use of trawls in any inside waters, will 
be invoked and the violators prosecuted to the full extent of 
the law. 
The situation in this respect is steadily improving and we 
now feel certain that the shrimp industry suffers a great deal 
less from the using of trawls than it did when seines were 
principally used. Besides, the salt water fisheries have 
certainly improved as a result of taking shrimp with this 
apparatus. It may be said, that our chief food fishes belong 
largely to the shore zone, and it is here that they find the 
best feeding conditions and protection in the shallower 
waters, since this zone of aquatic life presents a combination 
of conditions, typical surface and bottom fish are found here 
also. The seine catches all three zonal types of marine 
animals, and not only the commercial species but the young 
and old of most salt water fish are taken. Under average 


conditions of practical operation, it has been shown thatif — 


the number of shrimp or fish caught is considerable, practi- 
cally the whole lot is doomed to die even if the bag with its 
catch is not removed from the water, a few worthless species 
such as gars, sharks, rays and catfish being the more notable 
exceptions. In the first place, a large percent of the small 
and young fish are gilled. Again the shrimp seem to give 
off a powerfully irritating secretion, probably an alkaloid. 
This in some way seems to poison the fish as most food fish 
taken out of a seine bag full of shrimp, otherwise uninjured, 
almost invariably die. There must also be considered the 
effect of concentration of the fish and shrimp. While the 
shrimp are being removed from the bag when it is in the 
water, the oxygen content, especially in summer is no doubt 
reduced to low terms, and besides, the mucous exuded by 
the fish, especially when great numbers of such species as - 
menhaden are taken, is considerable. This settles on the 
gills of the fish, much dirt adhering to it, and thus further 
prevents respiration. 

Trawling takes place generally in deeper water, and 
usuaily only bottom species are taken. Of our food fishes, 
only four species, are taken to any extent in the trawls. 
These, with one exception, the gulf flounder, may be con- 
sidered second class fish, and of less commercial importance 
than the important shore and surface feeders. As they are 
all found over great areas and in great abundance, the 
number actually destroyed may be relatively insignificant. 
Besides, several factors inherent in the trawl itself, and the 
method of operating, seem to permit of the escape of a great 


\ 





Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. 113 


number of the small and young fish alive. In the first place, 
the secretion produced by the shrimp is continually carried 
away by the current of water passing through the trawl, and 
its effects must be certainly minimized. Next, the smaller 
number and aggregation of fish, especially the absence of 
such abundant species as menhaden, and washing away 
of what mucous there is prevents the accumulation on the 
gills as in the case of seines. The smaller bulk of the catch 
and the shorter time required to unload and separate the 
catch are also factors to be considered. While the catch is 
being scooped out, the trawl is generally dragging through 
clear clean water at the surface, instead of the muddy water 
near the shore. Another thing must not be lost sight of. 
Typical bottom species, being associated with mud, natural 
pollution, and less oxygen, are fortified by nature to resist 
these conditions, and therefore those food species caught in 
the trawls are generally the very ones which survive above 
all others. Those returned to the open water, especially 
during the colder months, stand a much greater chance of 
survival than the less hardy shore or surface feeders or for 
that matter than the same species liberated from the seines 
in shallow muddy water. 

Another factor in favor of the trawl is that most large 
fish seem to escape, no doubt due to their own alertness and 
rapid swimming. The rate of motion of the trawl is rela- 
tively slow and the disturbance is sufficient to permit their 
escape. The shrimp seine on the other hand catches large 
and small fish of all kinds because of the large area sur- 
rounded. The escape of the large fish from the trawl partly 
compensates for the young of any species destroyed. 

Since my last paper before this Society, there has been 
done much research work pertaining to the life history of 
the premiere shrimp found in our waters, and Mr. Percy 
Vioscea, Jr. M. S. Biologist of the Fisheries Division of the 
Department of Conservation of Louisiana, has gotten to- 
gether a great deal of information on this subject. His 
previous work has been amplified and as a consequence, 
the Department possesses more intimate knowledge of the 
life history and habits of the shrimp, Penaceus setiferus, 
than any other denizen of our waters. Many of the remarks 
made in this paper are based on his field observations. 

I will conclude this paper by incorporating bodily, a 
report made by Mr. Viosca to this Department, which 
summarizes our present day knowledge of the life history 
and habits of Penaeus setiferus. 

“The following is a summary of the results of studies of 
Penaeus setiferus, which have been taken up since July 


114 American Fisheries Society. 


1918, when the research in connection with the work of the 
Fisheries Division. 

“As comparatively little was known in a scientific way 
about this common prawn of our salt and brackish waters, 
better known locally as the lake shrimp, and as its habits 


Wd me 
re 
90h Beart 
oe. 
Syek . 
ae : 
Nie x 
yeah 
ah 2 na 
es cae est 
' At : 
$%13 te 4 
Me 4 
Mo Os 
io 
| 8 


Salt chscat crm ara name 





Penaeus setiferus 1-2 natural size. Immature 
female on left, sexually mature female on right. 
Note that while longitudinal growth has been 
slight, there has been considerable expansion in 
width especially in the region of the cephalo- 
thorax to make room for the developing eggs. 
This transformation usually takes place when the 
shrimp attain a length of six inches. 


and migrations were very confusing even to fishermen best 
acquainted with it, we had only a small foundation to begin 
with, including the writer’s limited previous experience. 
Furthermore, owing to insurmountable difficulties in the way 
of rearing the species in captivity with the facilities at 





Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. 115 


hand, observations had to be made entirely in the field; 
little by little, bits of information regarding its life history, 
habits and sexual development being gathered, often under 
adverse conditions, and now, after putting these together 
we consider that we have at least a substantial foundation 
for further inquiry. Furthermore, the advent of the 
otter trawl, which was to revolutionize the industry, made it 
imperative to accumulate all the grosser facts possible re- 
garding shrimp, especially those most readily and rapidly 
available, so that they could be applied in a practical way 
for the preservation of the species and the industry if that 
was found to be necessary. 

“Although, we have gained some headway with our 
study of the early life of the shrimp, we must still look to 
the researches of Fritz Muller and W. K. Brooks for the 
larval stages in the development of Penaeus. We have 
really only a fairly complete knowledge of the development 
and migrations from the time they enter shallow waters 
when they abandon their plankton life at the size of 1% 
inches, until they return to the sea as fully matured adults 
for spawning. 

“Beologically, Penaeus setiferus is associated with the 
sharky clay deposits precipitated by southern rivers upon 
bay and gulf bottoms, and as a consequence of Louisiana 
having much the largest river, we have much the largest 
shrimp territory along the coast of this State. The species 
is not associated with larger living vegetation of any kind, 
the schools moving over soft mud bottoms where they feed 
as scavengers upon organic material picked up in the ooze. 
They avoid sandy bottoms, especially those composed of 
coarse or compact sand. The breeding season, a rather 
extended one, includes at least the period from April to 
October, and is confined to the waters of the gulf, although 
ripe adults may come at times rather close to the gulf beach, 
especially during calm weather. 

“By May, reasonable numbers of baby shrimp appear in 
the shallow waters near the coast line and a large propor- 
tion gradually migrate into brackish waters, all growing 
rapidly throughout the summer. New schools of young 
shrimp are continually coming in from the sea in greater 
and greater numbers as summer advances. As they grow 
older, they generally seek the deep water zones of the bays 
or lakes in which they happen to be, and the schools are 
usually of uniform sized individuals. Only a negligble 
percent remain in the sea throughout this growing period of 
their lives, and it is very evident that conditions there are not 
suited to their development. The maximum sized indi- 


116 American Fisheries Society. 


viduals of this generation born in the spring reach a length 
of six inches by the middle of September a rate of growth 
of not less than one (1) inch per month throughout the 
period. At this size there is a return migration to the sea, 
and adult sexually mature specimens which are always 





Shrimp trawl operated from 
power-boat. 


over six inches are never found in inside waters, the only 
recorded exceptions being individuals caught in large passes 
leading in from the sea and only on inrushing tides. 


‘“‘When cold weather approaches, spawning ceases and 
the rate of growth of the young which have not reached 
maturity is greatly slackened, later becoming practically 
checked during December and January. Because of winter 
rains, there is usually at this time a temporary seaward 
migration, even of very young individuals, these also seeking 
deeper waters during cold weather. As the warm season 
approaches, growth is quickened and the small individuals 





Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. db oy ¢ 


resume their erratic movements until they approach matur- 
ity, when a definite migration to the sea can be traced. 
This can be followed easily by watching the growth of the 
smallest individuals which came in late the previous summer, 
and wintered ata size of 2inches. These all reach maturity 
and go to sea toward the latter part of May, and as the new 
crop of babies is just beginning to come in, there are prac- 
tically no shrimp of any size in the inside waters for a certain 


Diagram illustrating the sizes of shrimp (Penaeus setiferus 
found in Louisiana throughout the year. 





In the above diagram, measurements are in inches, represented by 
the vertical lines, the dotted squares indicating that shrimp between 
those sizes are present in appreciable abundance during the correspond- 
ing months. The blank spaces indicate that shrimp of those sizes are 


118 American Fisheries Society. 


not obtainable, except that shrimp under 1% inches, which are plank- 
ton larvae, are not included in the table. All shrimp approximately 
six inches or over can be considered as adults, while all between the 
sizes of one and a quarter and six inches while possessing the ultimate 
form of adults, are immature sexually. 

Curve (a) (a) indicates the rate of growth of the minimum sized 
individuals of the so-called spring crop, which is in reality the small 
shrimp left over from the preceding fall, (a) (a) which grew very 
little during the winter. Curve(b) (b) indicates the development of 
the maximum sized individuals of the summer crop. 

After reaching maturity, this rapid rate of growth evidently 
ceases, so that we find individuals varying somewhat in size, at all 
seasons of the year. During the summer there is an increase in the 
average size of the adults and the maximum sized specimens obtained 
in the littoral zone of the gulf during the various months are rep- 
resented by the curve (c) (c), The sizes of shrimp to the left of the 
dotted curve (d) (d) represent average sizes of shrimp taken from 
inside waters while sizes to the right of this curve are from average 
measurements of shrimp from outside waters in the littoral zone of the 
gulf, usually from near the beach to five miles or more off shore. Such 
a strict line cannot in reality be drawn as shrimp varying about an 
inch either way of the sizes represented by the curve can be found both 
in inside and outside waters though usually near the coast and in the 
passes. Besides, there are many minor variations to be considered, 
caused by irregular natural causes. Although this curve (d) (d) is 
arbitrary and variable, it represents the approximate age at which 
immature shrimp migrate back towards the sea during the various sea- 
sons, they being much smaller during the winter months when the cold 
weather migration becomes somewhat confused with the permanent 
seaward migration. 


period. The length of the period in which no shrimp are 
found widens as we leave the coast line and in such lakes as 
Ponchartrain and Salvador it is greater than the period 
during which shrimp are found. In some lakes farther in- 
land they may even appear only every few years and then 
only for very short periods during the late summer. As 
growing shrimp migrate with the tide, they can be consid- 
ered an excellent index to the presence of sea water how- 
ever small the amount.”’ 

“Much has been learned of the sizes and quantities of 
shrimp present in various localities under varying conditions 
and the sum of this knowledge has been tabulated and in 
condensed form is herewith graphically presented. 

“‘As shrimp under three inches are never taken in con- 
siderable quantities by the fishermen because they are of 
no commercial value, and as they are not usually associated 
with the larger sizes, they hardly need be considered in the 
formulation of a close season on shrimp. Protective meas- 
ures should be devised more for the purpose of protecting 
sizes between three and five inches and a study of the table 
will clearly indicate during which months of the year a 
close season should be recommended. 





Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. ES 


“The table should also be applicable to conditions along 
other sections of the gulf coast of the United States through- 
out an average summer, but might have to be modified to 
apply to conditions in a different latitude. 





Hauling a long shrimp seine—a method of catching this sea food 
that is being discarded in favor of the trawl. 


“Now that we know something of the habits and habitat 
of the adults, and the general development of their sexual 
organs, we are in an excellent position to secure fine speci- 
mens of all stages, for the preparation of slides for more 
detailed miscroscopic study, without which we cannot be 
sure of the exact extent of the breeding season. Until this 
and other equally important basic scientific problems con- 
cerning shrimp, all of which have significant and far-reach- 
ing economic value, are worked out in great detail, we can- 
not expect to conserve this great natural resource with the 
fullest measure of success, by constructive legislation.” 


120 American Fisheries Society. 


Or 





= = 


Shrimp on drying platform protected against 
rain by tarpaulins. 


Discussion. 


Dr. Emspopy: Are there any questions on the subject dealt with 
in this very interesting paper? 

Mr. Titcoms: May I ask what the density of the salt water was in 
which you found the shrimp? 

Mr. TULIAN: They come up into Lake Ponchartrain and Lake Sal- 
vador where the density is about one per cent. 

Mr. FeaRNow: I wonder if I could get some information in regard 
to the shrimp that are found in great abundance near the spillway at 
the Gatun dam in the Panama canal. The shrimp are found there two 
or three inches thick all over the concrete work. Apparently they are 
trying to get into fresh water. Is it the habit of the shrimp to go into 
fresh water at certain periods? 

Mr. TULIAN: There are three or four different varieties of salt 
water shrimp. Probably the one you refer to is closely related to what 
we call the river shrimp—fresh water shrimp. It is considered a del- 
icacy in New Orleans. 

Mr. FearNow: These shrimp came out of the salt water and got 
on to what is known as the apron, right below the spillway. 

Mr. TULIAN: If they had got into the fresh water it would have 
done for them. 

Mr. FearNow: They were up on the walls to a great height. 

rn. TULIAN: Probably there was a certain amount of salt water 
up to the apron. 

Mr. Frarnow: No, there was salt water to the apron, but the apron 
is 300 feet long and the water is very swift on it. It is fresh water. 





Oe Gents Fee a a oe 


Tulian.—Louisiana Shrimp Industry. 121 


Mr. TuLIAN: The fresh and salt water mixes below the apron. 
The fully matured shrimp do not go up, but the small ones start to go 
into the brackish waters and there they stay until along in the fall; 
sometimes even in the winter they are found there. In Lake Ponchar- 
train and all these lakes connected with the gulf, during a season like 
this when there is a great deal of rain and large amounts of fresh water 
coming in, the shrimp do not come up as far. There are three of four 
different varieties, of course; I was speaking only of the particular 
variety known as the brown shrimp or commercial shrimp. 

Mr. FEARNOW: These seemed to be disappointed shrimp, it seemed 
as if they wanted to go up into the lake proper. 

Mr. TULIAN: They were lucky they did not get into fresh water. 

Mr. Mark RiteEy: How do the shrimp in Louisiana compare with 
those we have in Texas? 

Mr. TULIAN: You have about the same kind. We have had a con- 
siderable correspondence with your commissioner over there. They are 
opening up quite a shrimp industry in Texas. No state has ever equalled 
Louisiana in that respect on account of her thousands of miles of brack- 
ish bayous. 

Dr. OsBuRN: Does the industry extend right over to the Florida 
coast? 

Mr. TULIAN: Yes, they are catching large numbers along the lower 
Atlantic coast of Florida. 


SOME CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING THE 


CANNING OF SARDINES 


By HARRY R. BEARD, 
Assistant Technologist, Experimental Laboratory, U. S. Bureau of Fish- 
eries, San Pedro, California. 


Sardine canning in the United States is carried on in 
two localities, the coast of Maine, from Portland north to the 
Canadian border, and on the California coast from Monterey 
south to Mexico. In 1922 over two and one-half million 
cases were packed, having a value in excess of nine million 
dollars. These figures place this industry next to that of 
salmon canning in importance and, excluding Alaskasalmon, 
first among our canned fishery products. 

Although other products are canned, the output in Maine 
is essentially “‘quarter-oils’ being small herring with oil in 
flat cans of approximately quarter pound capacity, while in 
California the pack consists almost in total of from four to 
ten large pilchards or sardines, with tomato sauce, in 
fifteen ounce flat oval cans, giving the so called “pound 
oval” pack. ‘“Quarter-oils’” are also canned in California 
and, in Maine, small and large fish are put up in mustard 
and tomato sauces. 

The general method of preparation in Maine is to salt 
the fish lightly or place them for a short time in brine, after 
which they are spread on wire trays, next steamed and then 
partially dried by moving warm air. When cool, the fish 
are packed into cans, covered with oil or sauce, sealed, and 
next cooked and sterilized in hot water or steam. Califor- 
nia sardines are usually brined, partially dried, pre-cooked 
in hot oil, cooled, packed into cans with the proper sauce and 
exhausted. After sealing the canned fish are cooked and 
sterilized in steam retorts. Some fish, however, are pre- 
cooked by steam in California and by hot oil in Maine. 

With the view in mind of aiding in the protection of 
cheaper, yet at the same time better packs of sardines, the 
U. S. Bureau of Fisheries has been experimenting upon the 
technology of sardine canning in its Experimental Labora- 
tory, San Pedro, California. Much research has been con- 
ducted yielding results most interesting and practical. It 
is the work which will now be briefly described and dis- 
cussed. 


122 





Beard.—Canning of Sardines. 123 


A first view of the sardine industry shows that a variety 
of packs are produced and by methods apparently quite 
diverse. Even the same method is seldom. alike in any two 
canneries. Closer study reveals, however, that the produc- 
tion of all canned sardines is dependent upon a few well 
defined factors, which are:(1) the fish themselves, including 
their condition, handling and cleaning; (2) the preparation 
of the fish for canning; (3) the materials placed in the can 
with the fish; (4) the canning procedure itself; and, (5) the 
chemical and physical changes which take place within the 
can during processing and later storage. Much is known 
about some of these factors and less about others. In any 
case, however, good methods of bringing about desired re- 
sults and of obtaining excellent final products are known and 
practiced, yet it is reasonable to assume that a better under- 
standing of underlying principles and of more economical 
methods of accomplishing the ends sought will be of assis- 
tance, perhaps to a very material degree. This is especially 
true concerning factor (2), the preparation of the fish for 
canning; and it is for this reason that the investigation has 
so far been directed into this field. 

The first problem taken up was a study of the changes 
which take place in oil used for frying sardines. This, 
because of the rapid deterioration of the oil used, presents a 
problem of importance, especially in California where pre- 
cooking in oil is the usual procedure. Under operating 
conditions, starting with a bath of fresh cottonseed, or other 
oil, the oil in the fry-bath rapidly darkens in color, becomes 
viscous and acquires a characteristic paint-like taste and 
odor. Part of this oil, although perfectly sanitary, finds its 
way into the canned product with results which are dis- 
pleasing to some. The expense of frequent renewal of the 
oil isso large that itis impracticable. Attempts to diminish 
these effects and to recover the used oil by mechanical or 
chemical treatment have met with little success. In studying 
this problem experiments were conducted which show the 
nature of the changes taking place and indicate the direction 
. in which improvement should be made. 

The results of the investigation may be summarized as 
follows: Fish oil is present to a greater or less extent in oil 
used for frying sardines. When the fish are placed in the 
fry-bath, oil is rendered from them and mixes with the oil 
already present. Upon removal the cooked fish mechani- 
cally carry away some of the resulting mixed oils but leave 
some of their oil, thus increasing the percentage of fish oil 
in the fry-bath. When fat fish are fried this increase is 
so rapid that it is only a short time before the fish are being 


124 American Fisheries Society. 


fried in an oil which is largely fish oil. It can be shown 
by calculation that under conditions which are frequently 
paralleled commercially, the oil will be over 90% fish oil 
after 25 hours of service. 

The use of corn oil or a hydrogenated oil such as Crisco, 
in addition to cottonseed oil, was found to be feasible for 
frying purposes. However, under conditions just described 
it is evident that it makes little difference what oil is used 
except at the first. 

The presence of varying quantities of fish oil, and the 
action of air and heat, are largely responsible for the chang- 
es which take place in fry-bath oil. Under existing condi- 
tions the fish oil content of fry-bath oil is not open to con- 
trol, but the bad effects due to air and heat can be lessened 
by diminishing to a minimum the action of these factors. 
Fry-baths should be constructed so as to offer minimum 
exposure of oil to the action of the air. By using the small- 
est possible amount of oil for the purpose, replacements will 
be large and this will diminish the effects coming from the 
action of the air and heat upon the oil. 

Attempts to reclaim used fry-bath oil by chemical treat- 
ment were unsuccessful. It is not probable that a satisfac- 
tory cheap method will be developed. 

In concluding, it may be said that although some of the 
difficulties of frying in oil are inherent much can be accom- 
plished by attention to the following points: construction of 
fry-baths which use the minimal possible quantity of oil for 
the purpose; maximum protection of the oil from the action 
of air and heat; removal of frying oil to as great an extent as 
possible from the cooked fish before canning; and more 
frequent oil removal, using cheaper yet high quality oil. 

The second vroblem taken up was a study of methods of 
preparing fish for canning as sardines. It is evident from 
a consideration of the first investigation that some of the 
difficulties incident with frying in oil can be materially les- 
sened and that further study, especially upon the design of 
equipment, offers promise, yet certain troubles undoubtedly 
will still exist. Elimination of the necessity of frying as a 
step in the preparaton of sardines for canning presents a 
most desirable field for investigation. This was and still is 
especially true in California where, at the time of planning 
the investigation, considerable interest was evident, yet 
little known about methods of accomplishing this end, and 
as to how fish prepared in ways other than frying would 
withstand storage and shipping. No commercial attempt 
in this field had yet been satisfactory. Frying in general, 





Beard.—Canning of Sardines. 125 


had already been eliminated in Maine, because a steamed 
pack was much cheaper to prepare. Steaming as done 
there, however, is evidently not suitable for California use. 
In this study three methods of preparing the fish for making 
the California ‘‘pound oval” pack were investigated, samples 
prepared, stored and shipped. These methods (named 
from a characteristic step in the process) are: steaming, 
cooking in brine and packing raw. 

The preparation of fish for canning can be shown to be 
essentially a process of removing excess water from the fish 
and getting them into good physical condition for canning. 
If sufficient water is not removed from the fish—sardines let 
us say—before being sealed in the can they will shrink badly 
and give up much water during the sterilizing process. This 
gives a slack, so called “sloppy”? pack which not only pre- 
sents a poor appearance when opened, but is in no condition 
to withstand the treatment it might receive in being shipped. 

Study shows that the procedure used when the fish are 
fried is an excellent one for removing water from them. To 
succeed, another process must accomplish this same end. If 
this removal of excess water is well done, and if the fish are 
in good physical condition when packed, a very good product 
will be obtained having satisfactory keeping and shipping 
qualities. This has been shown to be the case with the 
experimental packs put up by the different processes. 

The big drawback to the steaming of California fish, 
especially fat ones, is that the skins break badly during the 
process and that they then stick to the trays and to each 
other when cold. Brining and drying before steaming, 
especially the latter, were found to lessen, but not eliminate, 
these bad effects, as does the use of trays the wires of which 
are oily. The preparation for canning them in this methodis 
to brine, steam, drain and cool the fish. Good results were 
also obtained by packing the well dried fish into cans, invert- 
ing them to facilitate draining and then steam. 

Instead of passing the fish through hot oil, simmering 
strong brine may be used. The fish should first be dried, 
but not brined, as this combined with cooking in a salt solu- 
tion gives a too salty final product. This same trouble is 
encountered when small fish are used so the method is not 
applicable to the preparation of ‘“‘quarter-oils.”” A ten- 
dency towards a too salty final product can be met by leaving 
the salt out of the tomato sauce. Although not so pro- 
nounced as when the fish are steamed there is found to be 
some trouble in this method regarding the sticking of the 
cooled fish to each other and to the wire trays. 


126 American Fisheries Society. 


When fish are packed raw, brining and drying alone 
must remove the necessary water, therefore, these steps 
must be well carried out. Brining removes some water and 
to make the most of this step the fish should be kept in sat- 
urated brine as long as possible without making the final 
pack too salty. The fish are then well dried and packed in- 
to the cans raw, with thick tomato sauce. Any water which 
cooks out of the fish is taken up by the thick sauce. A dis- 
advantage encountered here is that the canning process must 
be completed within a few hours after the preliminary prep- 
aration, which is a disadvantage compared with pre- 
cooked fish which may be held as long as 48 hours before 
being packed. 

Time is not available here for a full discussion of the 
advantages and disadvantages of the different methods of 
preparation just described. These, as well as other angles 
of the problem and an elaboration of the parts of this paper, 
including the experimental data are now to be taken up ina 
Bureau of Fisheries bulletin which is now being prepared. 

The third problem selected for study was the partial 
drying of such fish as sardines for canning. So far, the re- 
moval of some water from raw or steamed fish by subject- 
ing them to the action of moving, warm air, has been an 
essential step in all successful methods of preparing fish 
for canning as sardines. Commercially the fish are scat- 
tered upon wire trays or belts contained in a tunnel through 
which air is blown or drawn, the air being heated by first 
passing over steamcoils. The principles involved in this 
method of removing moisture and their best application are 
in general unknown to the sardine canner. Then, too, the 
behavior of raw and cooked fish under various drying con- 
ditions has not yet been worked out. Accurate knowledge 
of this latter point is necessary, to permit the practical appli- 
cation of the fundamental principles of air drying to the 
designing of apparatus and to the improving and cheapen- 
ine of this important step in the preparation of the fish 
for canning. 

This problem was approached by first studying airdrying 
in general, followed by the construction of an experimental 
dryer which was used in investigating the behavior of raw 
and steamed fish under the different drying conditions. 
Data were also obtained upon commercial sardine dryers 
and their operation. 

Before going into the results of the experiments it will 
probably be well to discuss briefly the part drying plays in 
the preparation of the fish for canning and the nature of air 
drying. 





Beard.—Canning of Sardines. 127. 


Air drying is resorted to in Maine after the brined raw 
fish have been steamed. These cooked fish still contain too 
much water to can well so they are partially dried. Drying 
of raw fish, however, prior to some form of pre-cooking pre- 
sents a somewhat different problem from that of drying 
steamed fish or fish to be canned raw. In these cases the 
problem is more largely one of moisture, but to prepare fish 
for pre-cooking the most important thing is to get them into 
good physical condition for withstanding the rest of the 
preparation for canning. It is a process of toughening the 
skins and the removal of surface water and some internal 
moisture so that the fish will undergo frying, steaming or 
cooking in brine with minimum damage to themselves. The 
actual amount of water removed is of secondary impor- 
tance and may vary some without detriment to the final pack, 
especially if plans are laid to remove more or less water in 
the subsequent preparation. 

If one looks into the nature of air drying it will be found 
that when air is heated it has a greater moisture absorbing 
capacity at the higher temperature. It is therefore possible 
to take air which is already saturated with moisture, (as on 
a rainy day), heat it, and use it for drying fish. The mov- 
ing, warm air striking the fish warms them, furnishing the 
heat needed to vaporize the water and then carries the water 
vapor away from the fish. With other conditions equal and 
favorable, an increase in the temperature of the air, or in its 
velocity, or a decrease in its moisture content, will bring 
about an increase in the amount of moisture removed from 
-an object being dried. The application of these principles 
is limited, however, by the physical and chemical proper- 
ties of the object being dried, and practical considerations 
which present themselves. 

The experimental work upon the behavior of the raw fish 
under different drying conditions has shown that the amount 
of moisture in the drying air has but little effect upon the 
rate of moisture removal from the fish, providing no conden- 
sation of water on the fish takes place. Increasing the 
temperature, however, brings about a marked increase in 
‘the amount of water removed and this is also true for in- 
creased velocity. With other conditions equal, either an 
increase in temperature or in velocity will bring about 
greater heat transfer from the air to the fish, thus increasing 
the vaporization of the water, and its diffusion from the in- 
terior to the surface. In this way a greater loss of water 
from the fish is brought about. High temperatures acting 
upon large “pound-oval” size fish for any considerable 
length of time softens them considerably and causes some oil 


128 American Fisheries Society. 


to be rendered from them. For example, one hour expos- 
ure in the dryer to a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit 
brings about these undesirable changes while one-half hour 
does not. The fish enter the dryer at or below outside 
air temperature, say 60 degrees Fahrenheit. and then the 
temperature near the skin gradually rises towards that of 
the drying air. During the first 30 minutes the temperature 
may vary from 60 to 100 degrees and during the next 30 min- 
from 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It would appear from 
this example that the undesirable changes take place after 
the fish attain a temperature of over 100 degrees. The 
experimental evidence shows this to be the case with the 
limiting temperature possibly a few degrees lower. 

To use the higher temperatures, then, times must be cut, 
yet it is found that if this is done the total moisture loss is 
quite the same as at the lower temperatures with their longer 
drying times. The fish are in excellent condition for frying, 
too, and do fry perfectly satisfactorily. This angle of the 
drying problem is a most important one, for it is entirely 
possible that future study along this line may mean a great 
deal; at least the preliminary work gives such a promise. 

Drying conditions being equal, small fish will lose water 
more rapidly than large fish. The rate of loss in any case 
varies with the time; the percentage loss being considerably 
larger during the first unit of time and after that, morenearly 
equal for each succeeding unit of time. In no case were fish 
dried longer than three hours. 

Steamed fish lose water much more rapidly than raw 
fish; otherwise they behave quite similar to raw fish under 
different drying conditions. Much research, however, was 
not carried out on steamed fish; this to be done later. 

In the California industry where accurate data on com- 
mercial dryers were collected, temperatures from 75 to 120 
degrees Fahrenheit and velocities from 350 to 1450 feet per 
minute were inuse. Times varied from 28 minutes to about 
3 hours, with losses on large fish running from 3.8 to 10.7 
percent. In all cases fish were being dried for frying in oil. 
One canner was getting 314 times the efficiency from his 
dryer that his next door neighbor was and they are both 
big successful plants. 

Having available data upon the behavior of the fish and 
knowledge of the role of drying in the preparation of the 
fish for canning, one is able to make better use of the general 
principles of drying and their application as embodied in 
dryer design. This means that present equipment and prac- 
tices can be made much better and future installations 
smaller and more efficient than the ones now in use. 








Beard.—Canning of Sardines. 129 


Experiments have shown that an important cause of 
slow drying on certain days is due to a lack of drying for a 
short time when the raw fish first enter the dryer. The fish 
may come out of the brine with a temperature several de- 
grees below the dew point of the air in the dryer and in that 
ease there is some condensation upon them until they are 
warmed to a temperature above the dew point, and not 
until then does any drying take place. Several methods of 
handling this difficulty are available, the question, however, 
is to pick the best. This is going to be a part of the future 
research to be carried out in the drying field. How to in- 
crease the amount of air which may be recirculated in the 
dryer (and thus save heat) depends in part upon a solution 
of this problem. Itisalso planned to further investigate the 
drying of steamed fish and to study existing commercial 
installations used for this purpose. The most important 
work, however, will be upon the use of high temperatures 
and short times for drying raw and steamed fish. 

A field of major importance is the use of live steam in 
the preparation of the fish for canning. It is planned there- 
fore, to make a study of this problem. This is, at present, 
primarily a question of the Maine industry. 

So far, all actual experimenting has been upon Califor- 
nia fish and although most of the results can be applied to 
problems in Maine, yet there are commercial aspects and 
questions as to the behavior of the fish which must be settled. 
Some experimenting in Maine with the fish there will give 
the desired information. This is going to be done in the 
future. 

Much of the effect of industrial research of this type 
and of as general a nature as this has been, is bound to be 
more or less intangible; however, concrete evidences of its 
value are beginning to collect. So far only the work upon 
“Changes in Oil Used for Frying Sardines” has beeen pub- 
lished. The rest, as previously stated, is now being prepared 
for publication. 

The results of the investigations and their application 
to the problems at hand have been discussed with the 
California sardine packers, most of whom state that they are 
being of material assistance to them. In the case of a can- 
nery just getting ready to install equipment for sardine 
canning on a large scale, it has been possible to plan a dryer 
which, per ton of fish handled, will occupy considerably 
smaller space and cost much less to build and operate than 
any California sardine dryer heretofore in use. The fry- 
bath is also being designed so that material economies in 
the use of oil will be effected. In several other cases 


130 American Fisheries Society. 


changes in existing dryers are being made so that their 
capacity may be increased. 

In concluding this discussion, attention is called to the 
fact that during a lapse in Congressional support the Cali- 
fornia State Fish and Game Commission met the expense of 
the investigation upon ‘‘Changes in Oil Used for Frying 
Sardines” and later contributed some towards the study of 
“Methods of preparing Fish for Canning as Sardines.” 
Appreciation is also expressed for the willing cooperation 
at all times shown by the sardine packers. 





PROBLEMS IN BASS CULTURE AT THE COLD SPRING, 
GEORGIA STATION. 


By CHARLES A. BULLOCK 
Bullockville, Georgia. 


Before reading the paver I want to describe the condi- 
tions that prevail in the territory served by our station, 
approximately the eastern half of Alabama and the west- 
ern half of Georgia. 

So far as conservation or fish protection, in any sense of 
the word, are concerned, we have none. Bass, trout, bream 
and catfish can be taken at any time during the year. 
There is no well enforced restriction against seining for 
game fishes at any time of the year. Under such conditions 
it easily will be understood that the public streams have been 
sadly depleted of their game fishes. 

The people, down there, have apparently given up all 
hope of remedying conditions through their legislature, and 
therefore have built, and are still building a large number 
of private ponds. A very large part of the output of our 
station is distributed to furnish an initial broodstock for the 
development of these ponds. This paper treats of our 
problems in supplying the demand. 

A systematic effort has been made in the last six years, 
to lower the unit cost in the production and distribution of 
young bass; and, as rapidly as possible, to increase the out- 
put in order to meet the constant increase in demand. 

Unit costs have been kept low by having all such skilled 
labor as carpentering, plumbing, painting, blacksmithing 
etc., performed by the personnel. Increasing our area in 
pond waters by one-third was also accomplished by the 
crew with the addition of a single temporary laborer. And 
in all labor, skilled and common, the superintendent not only 
directs but feels privileged to share a fair part. 

While providing for an increase in the output through 
increasing the size of the plant, the possibilities from inten- 
sive culture were not overlooked. 

Three springs furnish our ponds with water. They 
are close together, so the quality is about uniform for the 
three. It has never been considered a good fish-producing 
water. It is deficient in dissolved mineral elements, par- 
ticularly in calcium, so necessary in producing an abundance 


131 


ue ¥4 American Fisheries Society. 


of the minute crustaceans on which the baby bass feed. It 
is also deficient in all the elements that, under the action of 
bacteria, change the dying aquatic plants into humus. 

Of calcium it contains less than one part per million. At 
some of the other Bureau’s stations the parts per million 
are: White Sulphur, W. Va., 14; Erwin, Tenn., 17; Neosho, 
Mo., 37; Wytheville, Va., 50; Northville, Mich., 60; and 
Bozeman, Mont.,65. A comparison as to many of the other 
elements would show a similar disparity. In free carbon 
dioxide Cold Spring water is rich having 60 parts per million. 

The effect of a difference in amount of mineral elements 
is clearly shown by a comparison of the higher aquatics 
that thrive at the stations mentioned with those that grow 
at Cold Spring station. In the ponds at these stations are 
found Chara, Water Cress, Potomogetons, etc. In our 
ponds grow water grasses, sedges, rushes and Starwort. 
These are the native species. The Milfoils and Pennywort, 
introduced species, also thrive. 

On our fish the effect of the deficiency in minerals in 
solution and the presence of considerable free carbon 
dioxide is shown in the high mortality of adults, often one- 
fourth the total number, and in the number and thrift in 
schools from domesticated stock when compared with the 
greater numbers and more rapid growth of schools from 
wild bass newly introduced from South Georgia waters. 

A number of experiments have been made with the 
purpose of improving the quality of the water and of en- 
riching the bottom soil of ponds. One year a carload of 
stable manure was broadcast over the drained ponds and 
worked into the soil. It failed to decompose into humus pro- 
perly and the results were negative. 

The next year a carload of limestone, crushed to pass — 
through a screen of 100 mesh per inch, was applied to the 
pond bottoms. No benefit could be claimed. 

This year a filter was made in a single pond. It con- — 
tained, above the gravel and sand, a barrel of newly slaked 
burned lime. Water was forced up through it from a three- 
fourths inch pipe under a half pound pressure. Installed 
and put into operation last September much of the lime had ~ 
dissolved out by the time fish began spawning. Though — 
many eggs were spawned, no fry or fingerlings could be 
found for collections, so about the first of May the filter 
was disconnected. After that the pond gave good results; — 
perhaps as good or even better than any other on the place. — 
The results were not conclusive. 

The problem of providing a better fish medium was ~ 
undertaken in another way, beginning last summer. Ponds 





Bullock.—Problems in Bass Culture ives 


were drained as soon after July 15th as we failed to find 
schools present and the work could be begun and completed. 

Three purposes were in view; first to sweeten pond 
bottoms by letting air permeate through them as long as 
possible; second to have summer suns and winter freezes 
destroy the undesired weed, Pennywort; and third, and most 
important, to reduce the number of carnivorous insects. We 
had too many giant water beetles, Dytiscus, giant water 
bugs, Benacus, water mites, water scorpions, small diving 
and whirligig beetles, etc. 

The results were satisfactory. The warm weather last 
winter spared too much of the Pennywort, but carnivorous 
insects were very scarce this season while more daphnids 
could be seen along the shores in the early months than in 
all the previous five years combined. The final proof of 
the advantage of very early drainage is shown in the output. 
It was much larger this year, as compared with any other 
in the history of the station. 

The food given to bass at this station had always been 
chopped fresh mullet. Itis a species rich in oil; the many 
dead bass examined showed the stomach surrounded by a 
mass of fatty tissue, and it was thought that perhaps the 
food might, in part, account for the high mortality, besides 
the cost of mullet seemed prohibitive. 

Grouper and other fish were offered the bass as a sub- 
stitute, but were refused. Next strips of beef heart were 
tried and were taken by the bass quite as greedily as had 
been the mullet. They could be purchased for less than a 
fourth the cost of mullet, at that time, and we became 
optimistic. We knew that hearts were fed at many of the 
Bureau’s stations and that their mortality and costs as well 
were low. 

Pig hearts were made our regular food, beginning July 
Ist, 1921. All seemed going well until spring. Then loss 
of adults became so high that on May 25th, 1922 the order 
for hearts was discontinued and a return made to mullet as 
fish food. Not only was the loss, under a heart diet, ex- 
tremely high, but the output per adult was probably the 
lowest ever experienced here. 

It may at times be advisable to cut off the artificial food 
altogether. In distributing our broodstock from the hold- 
ing pond to the numerous spawning ponds, the past Febru- 
ary, it was decided that the fish were too fat. All feeding 
was discontinued for six weeks. The results were satisfac- 
tory. 

Probably all pond stations are troubled with algae. We 
have it too. Our scientific advisers tell us it is not to be 


134 American Fisheries Society. 


considered as wholly a curse but in part a great blessing. 
They say that, somewhat like weeds in a garden of vege- 
tables, some of the great number of species of algae are the 
principal foods of the daphnids; which in turn feed our 
baby bass. They tell us further that the decomposing 
higher aquatic plants release the nitrates necessary for the 
growth of algae. These plants (algae) are seasonal in their 
appearance. Certain varieties, making their appearance in 
the winter months, are followed in rotation by spring, sum- 
mer and autumn varieties. We know nothing of a method of 
promoting the growth of the good ones while at the same 
time checking the growth of those that are but a nuisance. 

If nitrates, derived from decomposing plants in good 
fish ponds, promote the growth of useful algae, perhaps 
commercial nitrate of soda will give like results. It is our 
intention to make an applicaton of it to the bottom of our 
most barren pond, and then note results in algae, in minute 
animal life, and in fish production. 

Every pond station has its own peculiar problems and — 
only through experimenting at our own, checking results — 
with those derived by similar experiments of others, is 
progress to be made. 


Discussion. 


Mr. TITcCOMB: That station was a political location, was it not? 

Mr. BULLocK: ‘The station was selected in this way. Congress 
provided for its location, with the restriction that the site must be do- 
nated. The whole state was scoured to find a site that would be donated. 
Many more desirable sites could have been gotten for a consideration; 
this was selected as the best to be had as a gift. 

Mr. Titcomp: When you get something for nothing you do not 
usually get much. Would it not be better to abandon the station entirely? 

Mr. BULLOCK: Well, my idea is this: While the present conditions 
in our territory are permitted to continue; while station visitors can 
boast of taking bream from bream beds, in numbers, for a single day, in 
excess of our total broodstock, and others from 100 to 400 a day, Idonot 
think the public is entitled to much more consideration or expenditure 
for their public streams; so the idea of abandoning this station and es- 
tablishing another does not appeal to me very much. Moreover, we are 
fairly successful in supplying all applications. Our output is now sent 
out while fish are still in the advanced fry or No. 1 fingerling stage. 
In this way we get a satisfactory output; even though minute fish food 
is scarcer in our ponds than could be desired. I have said in the past, 
and I think the same opinion is probably held by a good many of you 
gentlemen here, that I would not exchange twenty-five two and a half 
inch fingerlings for a can of a thousand fry. I still adhere to the belief 





Bullock.—Problems in Bass Culture LSS 


that the distribution of fry in flowing streams is of little value. But, 
when one party tells me that he found thousands of six and eight inch 
bass on the bottom of his broken pond in October, the result of stocking 
with fry in May, and others seem well satisfied with the number of 
twelve inch bass two years after planting fry, I am convinced that fry 
and small fingerlings are perfectly successful to plant in ponds. These, 
by hard work, we can produce in satisfactory numbers. 

Mr. Fearnow: While this station is not located at an ideal 
place, it is performing a very useful work and, in spite of the 
.difficulties that are being experienced there, we are producing 

a fairly good type of fish. A great percentage of the output is used for 
the stocking of private ponds, and in the southern states that often 
means the stocking of ponds owned by companies who employ large num- 
bers of people, such as the Cotton Mill Ponds that we have in North and 
South Carolina and, I presume in Georgia as well. That matter was 
brought to my attention some time ago by a congressman from one of 
the southern states. He pointed out that these employees work long 
hours; that fishing is their only recreation and that they fish these ponds 
under restrictions. It seems to me, therefore, that the work being done 
at that station in very important in that it contributes to the happiness 
and comfort of the population. : 

Mr. Titcoms: I did not have it in mind that we should give up the 
fish culture work there, but I should like to give it up where it is not 
profitable. I should like to see the government buy a place where they 
could produce fish in maximum numbers at a minimum expense instead 
of spending so much money in a place where conditions are so unfavor- 
able. The station is rather valuable for experimental purposes. May 
I inquire where you get your brood fish to replenish your loses? 

Mr. Buttock: ‘The question of getting brood fish is our most bother- 
some problem. For a number of years they were purchased in South 
Georgia from the owner of a pond of between six and ten thousand acres. 
Last year we could not get them there, and we had five unstocked ponds. 
Prospects are very good for getting them for the next season at a very 
low unit cost. It is better to buy at a low unit cost, than to try to raise 
them. It may well be that they cost less than does the brood stock reared 
from fingerlings at some of the other stations. Aside from purchase 
of broodstock our operating expenses are kept low as we employ no 

_temporary labor at our home station. 

Mr. Woops: While we are on this subject, I may say that the 
Missouri State Fish Commission is represented here in the person of 
Mr. Kopplin, who has been in the Service for about thirty years. I 
think you ought to call upon him, Mr. Chairman. 

Dr. EmBopy: We shall be glad to hear from the representative of 
the Missouri Commission. 

Mr. Koppiin: I do not know that I have anything in particular to 
say, though I should be pleased to answer any questions. The problems 
involved are difficult, and each station will have to work out its own 
salvation. Now, the matter has been discussed pretty thoroughly, and 


136 American Fisheries Society. 


I shall not detain you, but if there is any information you want I shall 
do my best to furnish it. 

Mr. GEORGE BERG: We have had cases where trouble developed 
when the young fish reached about three-quarters of an inch. We term 
it “cotton-mouth,” just among ourselves. The fish have a sort of growth 
in the mouth; it looks something like a fungus, and it affects them 
so seriously that they die off in large numbers. This year we lost some- 
thing like fifteen or twenty thousand from that cause. The gentleman 
from New Jersey is the only one I know of who has also experienced 
it, and he does not know exactly what it is either. 

Mr. Koppuin: I have had experience along that line, and I attribute 
it to oil draining off our roads into the ponds. When we eliminate 
the oil we can eliminate the trouble. 

Mr. BERG: We have nothing of that sort. It might be due to some- 
thing the fish eat. 

Dr. EmMpopdy: Am I correct in understanding, Mr. Bullock, that 
you spoke of there being as much as 60 parts per million of carbon 
dioxide? 

Mr. Buttock: That is what the state analysis gives. 

Dr. EmBoby: Did you have a statement of the percentage of free 
oxygen? 

Mr. BuLLocK: No. The analysis is taken from the State bulletins. 
The analysis is given therein of the waters of all the larger springs 
in the State of Georgia. The free oxygen in the water of our springs 
was not given. 

Mr. Empopy: Sixty parts per million is so unusual that it seems 
almost like a miracle to me that any fish we have in this country could 
live in such waters. 

Mr. Buttock: That occurs at the spring. The water flows from 
there a few hundred feet to a stone crib; then it flows a few hundred 
feet to the ponds, falling out of the crib to the lower line of pipes with 
considerable splash—all tending to aerate it. But I am simply giving 
the figures to you as published. 

Dr. Empopy: It is very interesting. 

Mr. Titcoms: I should think that the Society for the Prevention 
of Cruelty to Animals ought to interfere when importing bass from wild 
waters to any such place as that. 

Dr. MoorE: The carbon dioxide might be well shaken out by aera- 
tion by the time the water reaches the ponds. 

Dr. Empopy: I should think you would have a rather dense growth 
of green aquatic plants, which would eliminate it still more. 


DR. Empopy: Some of the members of the Society have 
asked for a symposium on foods and feeding of fishes. As 
I understand it, they desire a general discussion of what 
foods are used in the various hatcheries, what species of fish 
are fed, how the foods are prepared, what experimental work 





Bullock.—Problems in Bass Culture 137 





is being done and what results have been obtained. The’ 
question of foods and feeding is a very important one; it has 

a direct bearing upon the health of the fishes in the hatcher- 

ies; if we do not give them properly balanced food, there is 

bound to be trouble sooner or later. It will be very interest- 

ing, therefore, to know what the practical men in the various 

hatcheries of the country are using as food and what success 

they are having in that direction. Mr. Titcomb, will you 

lead the discussion on this subject? 


FOODS AND FEEDING OF FISHES. 


Mr. TiTcoMB: The suggestion that this matter be discussed was 
the result of a conference among a number of fish culturists, and arose 
partly out of a conversation concerning our various difficulties and 
experiences. It would seem to be worth while that each of the practical 
men here who is engaged in fish cultural work should recount very 
briefly just what species of fish he is rearing what experiments he has 
tried what the results were, and what he is doing to-day as a result of 
his past experience. It was my idea that every man here who is engaged 
in that work could get up and briefly answer these questions. 

I must confess that in this connection we have not done very much 
in Connecticut at the present time. We are, however, building up our 
work very rapidly. We are raising all our trout to at least three inches 
before distributing them. We had no hatchery where we could raise 
fingerlings. We have no large sources of water supply, so that in 
view of these conditions we are putting in what we call field stations or 
rearing stations, which are nothing more or less than a battery of 
hatching troughs set up as close as possible to the source of water 
supply. There are no flowers; there is no green grass growing round— 
just a feeding plant. We transfer the fry from the two hatcheries we 
now have to these troughs and there feed them until they are at least 
three inches long; then we distribute them until the last of them are 
about five inches long. There are some advantages in that method: 
we can keep the troughs perfectly clean; if our water supply turns out 
bad or if we have any disease we can put the whole plant on a truck 
and move it somewhere else. The largest one of these rearing plants 
has eighty-six troughs. We are feeding principally beef liver. We 
have fed shrimp with the liver this summer; we fed clabbered milk to 
some extent also in the case of the trout. I am not yet prepared to 
give the results of those experiments because this is our first season in 
the testing of that variety of food. We now have three of these field 
stations running and we are going to put up some more as rapidly as we 
find suitable water supplies. 

I cannot contribute much on feed because you all have fed the 
beef liver. I prefer it to the livers of other animals, but I know that 
the cost is a little more. One other species of fish that we are attempt- 


138 American Fisheries Society. 


ing to feed at the present time is shad. We had an appropriation of 
$10,000 for studying the shad situation and a scientific staff has been 
working on that all summer. Dr. Moore was borrowed early in the 
season and gave us a great deal of assistance; we hope to have her 
again next spring. She can tell you about the natural food of the shad. 
We had some ponds in which shad were said to have been reared many 
years ago, and it happened that during the period that those ponds were 
stocked with shad the statistics of the commercial fisheries rose so 
rapidly that the commercial fishermen, now that shad fishery is about 
gone, keep harking back to what was done at that time. My exper- 
ience in Washington and in New York had satisfied me, however, that 
any attempts to raise shad in ponds was doomed to failure. I was 
rather slow about going back to shad rearing in Connecticut, but we 
planted about 300,000 shad in a pond of about ten acres. They did very 
well, apparently, until they were about an inch and a half long. Shad 
caught in the rivers where they are spawning, the tributaries of the 
Connecticut and in the Connecticut River itself, are about twice that 
length, some of them four inches long. The last time we took speci- 
mens from this pond we found that they were going back; they were 
slim, weak and apparently starving; and we found that the particular 
species of plankton upon which they were known to feed were entirely 
exhausted. The first of last week we started in dragging for plankton 
in another lake with a view to transferring it to this pond in an attempt 
to save these fish. We are also feeding cracker crumbs, and we are 
using some dried shrimp, thinking that if they do not eat the shrimp 
they might eat some food developed by it. We have a scientist follow- 
ing up this work, taking specimens of young shad to see whether, for 
instance, they are eating crackers or whether they are eating the shrimp: 
it is an attempt to follow up this work of feeding shad through the 
season in order to see what the actual results from feeding are. 

Mr. Hare: At our station at Manchester, Iowa, one of the most 
complete tests in connection with feeding is being made at the present 
time that I have ever had any knowledge of. We have there a young 
man from the western biological station, working under the direction 
of Dr. Davis. I have never seen any man more devoted to his duties: 
he reports promptly at eight o’clock in the morning and never quits 
work until the evening. He has experimented with thirteen different 
sorts of food, and the tests made are very complete indeed. I am not 
in a position to state results, but when the next Convention meets a 
report will be submitted on that very subject, and I am confident that 


it will be one of the most complete reports on feeding experiments 
that we have ever had. 


I want to add this: if there is anything that will beat hearts for 
trout, I would like someone to bring it to me. If you feed your beef 
hearts until the fish are seven weeks old and make a gradual change to 
sheep’s liver, you will produce the goods. If we do not send out 
seven carloads of as fine fish as ever flipped a tail this year, I will eat my 
hat. 








Foods and Feeding of Fishes 139 


Mr. CULLER: I have had some experience in trout work, and I agree 
with what Mr. Hare says about beef hearts and sheep’s liver. I learned 
my fish culture under the grand old man of Rainbow trout culture, Mr. 
George A. Seagle of Wytheville, Virginia. He taught me that clean- 
liness was next to godliness and that the fish need exercise. His teach- 
ing was that if you kept everything clean and fed carefully, you could 
raise trout; and he certainly raised them. 


Dr. EMpoDy: Have you had experience in feeding other fish besides 
trout? 

Mr. CULLER: We have fed bass down there; and have had no trouble 
whatever in feeding them with beef hearts; they took it the same as the 
trout would. 

Dr. EmBopy: How do you prepare it? 

Mr. CuLLER: Cut it in strips to make it resemble angle worms. 


We feed sunfish the same way, and yellow perch. In fact, we never 
have any trouble in getting any species of warm water fishes to feed. 


Mr. Titcoms: How do you cut it to make it look like angle worms? 

Mr. CULLER: Divide the heart and cut it in strings. 

Mr. TITcoMB: Using a sharp knife? 

Mr. CULLER: Yes. 

Mr. W. C. ADAMS: You are talking about adult fish? 

Mr. CULLER: Small fish, too. 

Mr. ADAMS: How small? 

Mr. CVLLeR: I have fed black bass four inches long. 

Mr. ADAMS: Small or large mouth, or both? 

Mr. CULLER: Both. It depends a great deal on the care the atten- 
dant gives the fish. If you get a man who wants to get through a job in 
a hurry you do not have much success, but a man who is faithful to his 
duty can soon teach the fish to feed. If necessary with your bass, put 
them in a small pond, a confined area; put a few trout that are feeding 
in with them and they will soon learn to take the food the same as the 


trout. 
Mr. BuLLocK: Black bass two inches long will soon learn to take 


artificial food of that kind. 
Mr. Cutter: I have fed No. 1 fingerling black bass in a trough, 
using ground up beef heart. I have fed bass three-quarters of an inch 


long. 
Mr. TitcomMs: In other words, you feed them what you give the 


trout. 

Mr. CULLER: Yes; we put the young trout in there to teach them 
to feed. 

Dr. EMBoDY: Did you ever feed rock bass? 

Mr. CULLER: Yes. we did not keep the small mouth in the troughs. 
In the case of the large mouth, it was just an experiment to see whether 
they would take the food. 

Mr. FLEMING: And they took on an average growth? 


Mr. CuLLER: Yes. 


140 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. ADAMS: An interesting experiment was made at one of our 
hatcheries this summer with the small mouth black bass which were 
somewhere between half and three-quarters of an inch long. These 
were bass fry that were sent out to one of our ponds; the superintendent 
of the hatchery took several hundred of them for the purpose of his 
experiment. He put them in a regular rearing pool and fed them with 
the ordinary stuff that would be fed to brook trout fingerlings say two 
inches long. The bass, however, gradually died off, the experiment 
never produced any green fish or any that were advanced in size. But 
it was rather interesting to see these little bass feed: they would go 
right down and, almost standing on their heads, would eat off the bottom. 
It was observed that the bass would go down and take the stuff off the 
bottom and feed on it, where the brook trout wanted it in the water 
where they could grab it. It seems to me that in this bass cultural work 
the question is to discover some food that you can feed to the small 
bass—I am talking now about small mouth black bass—that will 
supplement the natural food. Ido not know how it is going to be done 
or whether we shall ever be able to do it, but it is the eternal struggle of 
trying to maintain enough animal life of the kinds that we have been 
working with in the past in our bass ponds, reducing what would seem to 
be the number of fish that ought to be raised in a bass pond, with inten- 
sive cultivation. The present foods will have to be supplemented, it 
seems to me, by something else if we are going to carry on this work on 
a big scale. 


Mr. Hare: Mr. Culler brought out a point that is far more impor- 
tant than might be imagined, and that is that you want to give your 
young trout something to do; you want to set them to work. There isa 
simple way of doing that. I do not claim any credit for it; it is not my 
own idea; I did not originate it. But in our troughs at the Manchester 
station we use what we call division dams. The division dam is noth- 
ing more than a piece of sheet metal across the trough; the water cannot 
flow over the top of this dam but does flow underneath, and in that 
way we have a strong current at three or four different positions in the 
troughs, and you will always find the young trout right in next to this 
division dam. They are always working against that current, which is 
perfectly natural for the trout, and that has a great deal to do with 
keeping them in a healthy condition. I just wanted to emphasize that 
point brought out by Mr. Culler; it is really important, 

Mr. CULLER: I can tell you where that idea came from: it is one of 
Mr. Seagle’s inventions. . 

Mr. HARE: He deserves great credit for it. It has worked wonders 
for me. 

Mr. CULLER: About 1905, under Mr. Titcomb’s direction, Mr. Seagle 
conducted a series of experiments in connnection with which we tried 
all the different kinds of food that were known at that time. In addi- 
tion, we tried an aquatic bug from Mexico—cooked, ground up and 
dried. We tried azotine and meal, and liver and meal. 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 141 


Mr. BuLLocK: What you refer to as azotine is called “fishotine” 
now? 

Mr. CuLLER: It is the same thing. Well, do not feed that to your 
fish until after they have reached two and a half or three inches, or you 
will have mighty disastrous results. The digestive organs of the small 
fish cannot take care of azotine. 

Mr. BULLOCK: We feed it to bream when they are along about three 
inches. 

Mr. CuLLER: I have had experience in connection with trout, and 
find that the feeding of azotine to the small ones brings about dis- 
astrous results. 

Mr. BRUNSON: I have fed everything that it is possible to prepare 
for fish food—all kinds of dry food, mild cured food, smoked food, and 
so on, and of all the foods I know I have always had the best results 
with salmon carcasses, mild cured and freshened in running water— 
allowed to stand in running water twenty-four hours, then ground 
through one of those special plates we all use in the fish hatcheries. 
Put it through that plate from ten to fourteen times; then take beef 
spleen, prepare that in the same marner, and mix one spoonful of beef 
spieen to three spoonfuls of salmon carcass. If that is fed through a 
shaker it will come out resembling little angle worms; the size of the 
holes in the bottom of the shaker would depend upon the size of the 
fish you were feeding. I feed them that from daylight till dark. Then, 
I feed one feed daily consisting of a mixture of some cereal with spleen. 
We used to call that cereal middlings’”’; it was mixed with raw beef 
spleen. With brook trout we would use cooked beef liver and cooked 
spleen, although the raw spleen and the raw liver is best. In Montana 
on brook trout and rainbow and native trout at present we use beef 
liver, hog liver, sheep liver, beef hearts, sheep hearts, fish carcasses— 
anything we can get, mixing it fifty fifty with cereal and feeding twenty 
times a day. Mr. Culler has seen some of my fish, and he can tell you 
whether or not I am getting results. 

Mr. Titcoms: You are feeding twenty times a day? 

Mr. BRUNSON: Yes. I cannot feed more than that because I have 
not the money to hire the men. 

Dr. EMBopy: These are your young fish, when they are first begin- 
ning to feed? 

Mr. BRUNSON: I hatch my brook trout out in September and in 
December they get it, and they get it twenty times a day too. I think 
the whole success in feeding is in the preparation of the food. If you 
ean get your food fine enough so that your fish can digest it fast enough, 
you will get the quick growth that is so desirable. 

Mr. YouNG: A company at Put-In-Bay have been turning out a 
food which is ninety per cent fish—lake herrings— and the rest cereal. 
I was sent some samples of this food. The fish is cooked, ground very 
fine and mixed in with the cereal, and it is claimed to produce wonder- 
fully successful results. This food in its finished form is in fine particles 


142 American Fisheries Society. 


which go to the bottom, and the bigger fish do not pick them up, but 
the fish will devour it ravenously if you can get it to them before it hits 
the bottom. I believe the name of the manufacturer in Put-in-Bay is 
Paxton. The cost of the food is six cents a pound. 

Dr. EMBopy: It is a mixture of fish and cereals? 

Mr. YounG: Yes. It is from seventy to ninety per cent fish. 

Mr. Foster: The Paxton food has not proved as good for the small 
fingerlings as beef heart. 

Mr. TitcomB: Is it good for the fish after they get started? 

Mr. Foster: It has not been definitely tried out. As far as I know 
there have been no conclusive experiments on the larger fingerlings. 

Dr. Emspopy: Have you used it alone without any fresh meat like 
liver or melts? 

Mr. Foster: Yes, alone and with combinations. 

Dr. EmMBopy: I imagined that if you used dry food alone— 

Mr. Foster: It is not very dry. It is a mush preparation. 

Dr. EmBopy: Is it bought in that form? 

Mr. Foster: Yes, it comes in a paraffin sack. 

Mr. BRUNSON: Mr. Titcomb mentioned the use of dried shrimp for 
fish food. We have used dried shrimp, tried it in every conceivable 
manner, but it seemed to kill the fish that ate it. I would like to ask 
the members of the society if anyone present knows whether dried food 
does not always swell after the fish eats it, with the result that there are 
internal injuries which may cause death. 

Mr. TitcoMB: We boil the shrimp before we grind it. Moreover 
it comprises only one-quarter of the food; we feed liver three times 
where we feed shrimp once. 


Mr. BULLER: I have been experimenting so many years with fish 
food that some of the early experiments we have made in Pennsylvania 
have been forgotten. I shall deal only with what we have found best in 
the hatcheries of Pennsylvania and what we are using to-day. We are 
propagating quite a number of different species of fish and rearing them 
before they are placed into our streams. It is absolutely necessary, 
if we want any results at all, to raise our trout up to at least nine 
months; we never plant any trout in the waters of Pennsylvania which 
are less than nine months of age—from that on up to two years. Now, 
in order to grow these trout and to grow them in numbers we have 
made different experiments with a few trout under favorable circum- 
stances and have obtained results which we could not duplicate when we 
tried to do the same thing in connection with the growing of trout by the 
hundreds of thousands or millions; and invariably we have come back 
to our old friend the sheep pluck as our principal food. The first feed- 
ing is the ground sheep liver. We find in our hatcheries that that gives 
the best results in the rearing of the fry, with the addition of milk curd. 
We feed that to our trout in the fry stage, or up until they reach a size 
of from two to three inches, Milk curd is a very good combination 
with sheep liver. 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 143 


Mr. TitcomB: How do you mix it? 

Mr. BULLER: In the early stage of the fry it is mixed with the liver, 
but as the fry advance we feed it at night; that is, the fish are fed con- 
stantly all they will take. We have men who do nothing else but feed; 
that is their business. Our aim is to keep our fish as full as possible, 
keep them growing as fast as possible. The last food that man gives is 
milk curd; that is put into the troughs in the evening and by morning 
it has disappeared; there is never any of it left. As these fish grow in 
size, the combination then is the liver and heart and lung ground to- 
gether. 

Mr. ADAMS: At what lengths do you begin to feed the complete 
pluck? 

Mr. BULLER: From two to three inches. 

Mr. TitcoMB: Do you feed clabbered milk to the larger fish? 

Mr. BULLER: Not to any considerable extent. We do occasionally 
in the ponds, but in the fry stage and up until they are two or three 
inches long we think it is a very beneficial food along with the sheep 
pluck. As a result of long years of study we find that that food is 
giving the best satisfaction with our trout, and we are sticking to it. As 
I mentioned this morning we have started feeding shrimp. I am not 
condemning shrimp at all—I hope I am mistaken in regard to it; further 
studies would seem to be necessary on that phase of the subject. Every 
fish culturist admires the beautiful colors of the trout which we are not 
able to produce with this artificial food. In order to produce these 
beautiful colors I conceived the idea of feeding the trout with shrimp. I 
refer to trout that we were keeping for exhibition purposes; in fact, 
that is the only purpose for which we keep any adult trout, with the 
exception of brown trout. Well, in the pond where we fed the shrimp, 
the trout practically all died. We intend, however, to carry that 
experiment a little further; it may not have been the shrimp that 
caused the trouble in that particular pond. 

With regard to the feeding of bass, I suppose Pennsylvania has 
spent as much money as any State in the Union on the rearing of small 
mouth black bass. That is the fish that the sportsmen are insisting 
upon having, though we are trying to convince them that it is absolute- 
ly impossible to grow and rear them in any considerable quantities. At 
least, I have never found any station yet that has grown small mouth 
black bass in large numbers up to a size of four or five inches. We 
have tried all kinds of ponds; we have tried all kinds of foods, and we 
have not been very successful with any of them. But we have not 
given up, though we might have if we had not been fortunate enough 
to get the resident fishermen’s license, which has given us some money 
to carry out further experiments with the small mouth black bass. 

I would like to give you the benefit of some of the experiences of 
some of the men in Pennsylvania in regard to the black bass. Some 
years we raise some, other years we do not. We have one pond that 
comprises an area of about half an acre, the depth of the water being 


144 American Fisheries Society. 


from eight feet to two or three inches. We have never in all our ex- 
perience been able to retain small mouth black bass in any of our ponds 
that would reproduce on artificial food; that is, when the time came for 
the spawning of the eggs, invariably the bass were in such condition 
that the eggs were never normal. So that we depend every year on 
a new supply of breeders. We have tried all sorts of artificial food 
without any results that could be considered worth while. Well in this 
pond to which I referred, we introduced one year 100,000 small mouth 
black bass fry. 

Mr. ADAMS: Where did you get them? 

Mr. BuLueR: Took them off their nests. The water conditions 
were very favorable; we had plenty of plant life in the pond, an ample 
supply of Daphnia for the fry when they were in the small stage. We 
attempted to feed them artificially, and in October, when we drew 
that pond down, we had one black bass nine inches long; he was the only 
one there. What happened I am at a loss to explain; I am just telling 
you about some of our experiments. In that same pond next year we 
put about the same number of small fry and fed them with minnows 
which we gathered daily from some of the storage lakes to which we 
have access—we brought in from fifty to one hundred cans of small 
minnows every day— and in October that year when we drew down that 
pond we took out 49,000 bass from four to five inches long. 

Mr. ADAMS: The pond being of the same size? 

Mr. BULLER: It was the same pond. We have come to the conclu- 
sion, therefore, that what work we do in future with the small-mouth 
black bass will be done with live minnows, and with that end in view we 
have now a pond on which work is proceeding—it will be completed in 
four or five weeks—that will cover an area of from 95 to 125 acres, and 
there we propose to carry on the rearing of small mouth black bass with 
minnows. We have never been successful in doing it in small ponds, 
and it is my opinion that anyone who wishes to continue the rearing of 
small mouth black bass will have to use live food. I am not speaking of 
hatching out small mouth bass and distributing them in the fry stage, 
because our people will not accept them under those conditions; we must 
raise the fish up until they are suitable to put into the waters. 

Mr. ADAMS: The small mouth bass in that lake are of what size? 

Mr. BULLER: Four, five or six inches in October; some three and a 
half. 

Mr. TiTcomB: At what time will you begin to introduce minnows 
in this pond? 

Mr. BULLER: As soon as the bass are three or four inches long. 

Mr. TIrFcoMB: What size minnow will you use? 

Mr. BULLER: Very small; we get them by the hundreds of thou- 
sands now. Anybody who goes in for the propagating of bass must 
realize that it is going to cost them money. It costs us a great deal; 
we have to produce these minnows, we have to raise them; we have to 
have places to do that, and it is going to cost us money. But that is 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 145 


what the sportsmen expect us to do, and we are spending their money. 
They are perfectly satisfied that we do spend it in that direction pro- 
vided that we show them some results for the expenditure. 

Other species of fish that we are propagating and rearing are the 
yellow perch, the bluegill, and the catfish—that is the bullhead. 

Mr. ADAMS: Before you leave the question of the bass, what do you 
think of the plan—leaving out the wishes of the fishermen of Penn- 
sylvania—of collecting up in ponds that have a liberal supply of bass, 
the fry that are say half an inch long, and planting them in other 
ponds? 

Mr. BULLER: If you can get them half an inch and over I think it 
would repay you. 

Mr. ADAMS: Do you think that in the long run that would be as 
profitable as to carry on the usual bass culture work that has taken place 
in many States? 

Mr. BULLER: Of course, bass culture work is very expensive, and I 
am putting that before the Pennsylvania sportsmen as strongly as I 
ean. We have a mailing list in our office of 560 Fish and Game 
Associations in Pennsylvania with which I am closely in touch all the 
time. I am frequently called upon to talk to these people and I try to 
impress it upon them that the artificial propagation of bass is a very 
expensive and a very difficult thing and that they need not expect, at 
least for some years to come, that the State of Pennsylvania will be able 
to distribute small mouth bass in the quantities that they distribute 
other fishes. I have impressed upon them the fact that bass fishing is 
increasing, in spite of the great number of fishermen, in our streams that 
are suitable for bass, but I attribute that to the season that we have on 
the bass more than to any restocking of the streams. We positively re- 
fuse to plant any bass in any small lake in Pennsylvania, because in 
every case where either the small mouth or the large mouth bass has 
been introduced into the lakes of our State the rest of the fishes having 
been destroyed. Our small lakes are not suited to the bass. They are all 
on top of the mountains; the water is absolutely pure—they are what we 
call ‘hell holes’’—no visible inlet to any of them. 

Mr. Hart: What kind of minnows do you feed these bass on? How 
do you raise them, and what does it cost? 

Mr. BULLER: What we raise in our ponds at the hatchery are the 
banded or striped minnows. Most of the minnows that are fed to these 
bass are taken from such lakes as are in close proximity to the hatchery. 
These are principally the little shiner—golden and silver. 

Mr. BURNHAM: Do you get the best results from small mouth black 
bass breeders collected in the spring, or from those collected in the fall? 

Mr. BULLER: The collection in the fall is the safest. We have oc- 
casionally in the spring of the year received our bass too late. If it is 
possible to get them in the fall and you have the proper storage for them, 
I think it is best. 


146 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Hare: In speaking of trout, did you speak of planting them 
in the advanced fingerling stage? 

Mr. BULLER: We do not call them fingerlings. We plant nothing 
under nine months. 

Mr. Hare: I want to ask you one of the most pertinent questions 
one man can ask another in regard to fish culture. How do you arrive 
at the conclusion as to the relative worth of trout fry and trout finger- 
lings? 

Mr. BULLER: That is a different subject. 

Mr. Hare: If you will answer it we will crown you lord of all. 


Mr. BULLER: I may say that we in Pennsylvania have probably 
more difficult problems to work out than any other State. We have 
for many years been planting fry without any results. We are increas- 
ing and improving our trout fishing in spite of the many adverse condi- 
tions that we have to meet, and it is done only by rearing trout until 
they are a catchable size before they are put into the streams. I know 
that there is a large hatchery on the Lackawaxen River, on the banks of 
which I live; and you can put 10,000 fry into that stream and a month 
afterwards you can search for trout without success. I know every 
nook and hole and ripple in that stream, and I will give you fifty cents 
for every trout you find there resulting from that planting. In this 
same stream I have gone out in the morning and in half an hour come 
back with from seven to nine trout twelve to sixteen inches in length, 
any time I wanted to do it. 


Mr. CULLER: Have you had any experience in planting eyed trout 
eggs? ; 
Mr. TitcomsB: I rise to a point of order. 
Dr. EMBoDY: We have a paper on that subject; would it not be well 
to defer any discussion until that paper is presented? Let us confine 
our attention this afternoon to the matter of fish food. 


Mr. BULLER: We have our trout fishermen, who believe in the elim- 
ination of every other fish in our waters except trout, and who think 
we should devote all our time and attention to the propagation and rear- 
ing of trout. Then, we have the small mouth black bass man who takes 
the same position in regard to the bass. We have another class of 
fishermen, a class which outnumbers either the advocates of the trout 
or the advocates of the bass, made up of people who love to catch 
yellow perch, catfish, bluegills, suckers, and fish of that kind. We are 
therefore devoting a lot of time, energy and money to the propagation 
and raising of these various fishes.” We find that the most profitable 
of the catfish in our waters is the common bullhead. We are rearing 
these in great numbers and growing them until they reach a size of 
two and a half to four inches with very good results, 

Mr. ADAMS: With regard to your bullhead fry, will you tell us how 


you get them, how you feed them and bring them to that size in the 
fall? 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 147 


Mr. BULLER: We have our bullhead breeding ponds as we call them, 
we bring in our breeders in the fall of the year from the storage lakes 
to which I have referred, and put them into the pond. The young cat- 
fish are taken up into the rearing ponds and there they are fed until 
October. 


Mr. TitcomsB: What is the size of the breeding pond? 


Mr. BULLER: About half an acre. In addition we also go on to the 
storage dams and collect hundreds of thousands of catfish of the size 
that you would get out of the rearing ponds. We only keep our rear- 
ing ponds to guard against any unfavorable circumstance which would 
prevent us gathering the fish at the proper time; thus we make sure of a 
supply of young fish. These young fish are fed sheep liver and milk; 
they are voracious feeders and grow rapidly on that kind of food. We 
have never experimented with or tried any other food, but we will 
probably do so when we get around to it. However, we are getting 
very good results from the sheep liver and the milk. 

Mr. TiTcOMB: You mean clabbered, soured milk? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. 

Mr. ADAMS: When you collect your fry either from outside or from 
your central producing pond where you have your adult stock, how 
much of a body of water do you put them in to rear them? 

Mr. BULLER: Our ponds run from a quarter to half an acre each. 

Mr. ADAMS: How do you feed milk to these fish in bodies of water 
that size? 

Mr. BULLER: We put it around the shores and at the inlets. At 
feeding time they will come to the troughs like a lot of bugs, and they 
take a great deal of food. 

Mr. ADAMS: The first feedings are these feedings of clabbered milk? 

Mr. BULLER: Clabbered milk and liver. 

Mr. ADAMS: You start right off with the liver as well as the milk? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. 

Mr. ADAMS: Do you feed the two at once, or do you give the liver 
during the day and follow at night with the milk, as in the case of trout? 

Mr. BULLER: We feed all our milk at night. Of course, we en- 
deavor to have as much aquatic life in our ponds as possible. We never 
disturb any of these ponds with a net. Before the ponds were arranged 
as they are at present and the fish were taken out with a net, the re- 
sult was destruction of a good deal of aquatic life in the ponds. They 
are now so built, however, that we draw out our fish. 

Mr. ADAMS: How often during the day do you feed the small fish? 

Mr. BULLER: They are fed morning, afternoon and evening. They 
are practically feeding all the time. 

Mr. ADAMS: Ground up liver about the size you would feed to your 
small trout? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes, very fine when you start, because they are small. 

Mr. ADAMS: You feed them on shore? 

Mr. BULLER: On shore and at the inlets too. 


148 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. ADAMS: In the case of the bluegills, do you separate your fry 
from your adult stock? 

Mr. BULLER: No, we have our bluegills all in one place. We do not 
separate the fry from the adults; we have not got to the point where 
our room will allow that. Arrangements are now under way, however, 
by which our present plant will be increased to the extent of about 
forty per cent. 

Mr. ADAMS: Would you think it practicable to catch up the fry 
from the larger ponds where you have your bluegills now stocked and 
transfer them to the rearing stations as you would the hornpout? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes, I think so. We would be doing it now if we 
could. 

Mr. ADAMS: And you would feed the bluegills about the same way 
you feed your horn pout—start them off with the clabbered milk and 
then go on with the liver? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. 

Mr. FLEMING: How many will you rear in one pond? 

Mr. BULLER: The number varies. In the quarter acre and half 
acre ponds we have anywhere from 80,000 to 300,000 fish. Some years 
we are more successful than others. 

Mr. TITCOMB: The average being about three inches? 

Mr. BULLER: Two and a half to three inches. 

Mr. ADAMS: You plant these small bluegills in the fall? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. 

Mr. TITCOMB: Can you raise as many bluegills in that pond as you 
can bullheads? 

Mr. BULLER: No. It requires more water for the bluegills than it 
does for the catfish. You cannot grow them as you can the catfish. 

Mr. TitcomsB: Is there much cannibalism among the bluegills? 

Mr. BULLER: We do not notice it. I do not believe there is. 

Mr. ADAMS: Could you, at a given pond that houses, we will say, 
the maximum number of brood stock in the spring, produce the maxi- 
mum number of young bluegills which that pond is capable of hand- 
ling? 

Mr. BuLuer: If the adults were not in there, no. 

Mr. ADAMS: In other words, you could supplement the stock which 
you got from your adult fish by bringing in stock from the outside as 
well. 

Mr. BULLER: Yes, indeed. 

Mr. BuURNHAM: Do your bluegills continue spawning all through 
the summer? 


Mr. BULLER: Yes. They are one of the long season fishes. What 
we intend to do when the program is complete is to take these ponds 
that contain the adult bluegills and the young fish, draw them out and 
then retain the young fish until next October; they will then be a year 
old before we let them go off the property. We believe that is the 
right method to pursue, and that it will bring better results than we can 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 149 


get by planting in October. There is a variation in the size of the 
bluegills on account of the early and late spawning. 

Mr. Hart: Is the butter fat taken out of the milk before it is 
soured? 

Mr. BULLER: Oh yes, it is skim milk. We have milk separating 
stations in close proximity to the plant from which we can buy all we 
want. We are paying twenty-five cents for a forty quart can of that 
milk, so it is a rather economical food. 

Mr. FLEMING: In your small ponds which, as you say, have a capa- 
city of from 80,000 to 300,000, what growth do your bluegills take on 
the first season? 

Mr. BULLER: Sometimes they will be an inch and a quarter long, 
and sometimes not more than half an inch. That is why, when this 
plan is completed, these fish will be held over next year so that we shall 
have bluegills which are two, three and four inches long. 

Mr. FLEMING: I am raising bluegills, and I use no artificial food 
whatever. In one of our ponds which is about the size you speak of, the 
fish are as small as three-quarters of an inch, and I was wondering 
whether artificial feeding produced better growth, or whether it did not. 

Mr. BULLER: We have to feed in our ponds; we would not have any- 
thing if we did not. 

Mr. Woops: Did you ever try it without feeding? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes. 

Mr. Foster: JDid you ever try feeding clabbered milk in a skimmer 
—just shake it in the water? 

Mr. BULLER: Yes, but that is too’slow a process. 

Mr. Foster: We found that we fed the fish on the milk they did 
just about as well as when fed on beef hearts and sheeps liver. Those 
fed on beef hearts went a little ahead of those fed on the sheep liver 
and milk, and those given two feeds of milk with three feeds of beef 
hearts did as well as any. 

Mr. BULLER: We advocate the use of milk. We find it keeps our 
fish in a healthy condition, fed in conjunction with some concentrated 
meat foods. 

Mr. TITCOMB: You separate the young of this year from your 
adults this fall; you put the young in a pond by themselves? 

Mr. BULLER: For shipping. 

Mr. ADAMS: Are you doing anything now with the channel cat 

‘or any of the catfishes other than the horn pout? 

Mr. BuLLteR: I did have some channel cat, but we could not get 
them to feed; they would not take live food or anything else, with the 
result that fish which were a foot long when we got them were about 
like my finger when we released them. We could not get them to feed 
in the aquaria, either, I do not know why, 

Mr. TitcomsB: Let us hear from Mr. Hayford. 

Mr. HayrorD: In the course of five years we did a great many 
things in regard to the rearing of bass, and the results were somewhat 


150 American Fisheries Society. 


discouraging. However, about three years ago, after Dr. Embody had 
been with us about two weeks, we began to get tangible results. We 
got them in this way: we started spending money—as Commissioner 
Buller says, it is an expensive proposition. The first thing we did was 
to dam up our water supply, or get it under control: by means of a 
ten inch pipe a supply of pond or brook water which has been held back 
is forced round into another pond of about three acres which is on a 
lower level. I may say that probably few fish culturists have exactly 
the same conditions as we have. Our ponds are mostly built by the use 
of horses and scrapers, and our water fall is nineteen feet on our own 
property in a distance of 3,000. That permits us to get good drainage. 
We also have limestone water, in which most of the aquatic plants grow 
profusely. After many troubles we have succeeded in hatching the 
fry, and we get Daphnia and other minute organisms in sufficient num- 
bers to feed the small fish until they are three-quarters of an inch to an 
inch long. We found that when we got to that stage we were up against 
it; and Dr. Embody suggested that we should try to raise mosquito 
larvae. That would seem to be a big problem, but it is not as big as 
it appears to be; the only thing is that you have to careful with the adult 
mosquitos so that they do not get away from you, because you must 
retain the friendship of your neighbors. We have overcome that by 
taking the mosquito larvae and spreading them over ponds. ‘These 
bass soon became very tame, almost like trout, Then, as they grew 
larger we substituted maggots—we can produce these, of course, in 
almost any quantity. But the bass would not eat maggot as it dropped 
from the fish waste, or whatever we wished to use, direct into the 
receptacles; we had to let them drop into chopped straw and bran and 
wiggle down through. When we did not adopt this plan the fish would 
take the maggots in their mouths and then blow them out, but with the 
use of the straw and bran they would not do that. Well, we took them 
_from an inch to an inch and a half on mosquito larvae and we got them 
from an inch and a half to two inches and a half very nicely 
with the maggots; then, of course, cool weather began to set in. We 
then tried clam meal and shrimp from Louisiana, but that alone would 
not bring about the desired result. We found that by getting a greater 
density of plant life we could produce large quantities of shrimp and 
crustacea there, and by supplementing these two foods with such 
amount of clam and maggots as they would eat, we could get them 
from the two and a half inch period up to the four inch period by 
October. We have not yet done this on a large scale; and that brings us 
back to Commmissioner Buller’s statement that when you get to working 
on a larger scale you have to have quicker methods. Our piping sys- 
tem is such that we can drain the ponds containing these larvae direct 
into the supply pipe; we build our ponds generally on a higher level so 
that we can open a valve in each one and blow this stuff into them in 
order to add to the food that is already there. When we have food 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 151 


enough, we do not disturb these two stock ponds very much ; we 
let the water take its natural course around through the chain. 

We have reached the point now where we have less trouble in 
feeding the small mouth than we have with the large mouth. The 
small mouth bass take the food more readily and become tame more 
quickly. But we do have less trouble in the reproduction of the large 
mouth than we have with the small mouth; therefore, each one seems to 
have its own trouble. I find I can do much better with the small 
mouth bass, under our conditions in New Jersey, in small ponds about 
one-third of an acre, while with large mouth I can do better if I put 
them into ponds from two to three acres and let them come up to a 
point where they are, say, two and a half inches long. Then we draw 
the pond off and grade the bass according to size, whereupon they are 
put into smaller ponds that have the weeds in them. 

Mr. Titcoms: Do you feed the large mouth? 

Mr. HAYFoRD: Yes, we feed the large mouth too. We have always 
worked on the plan of using the small minnow. We have one pond 
there now that contains probably 2,000 large mouth bass fingerlings 
from four to four and a half inches long, and we are able to get enough 
small minnows to meet their needs. Last year we had some small 
mouth bass in this pond, and I can see no difference so far as growth, 
etc., is concerned. We expect to build from twelve to fifteen ponds 
from time to time as we need them and as funds permit, to raise forage. 
We believe, from experiments, that we are going to get a great deal in 
the way of results from raising smal! goldfish, and it might be that we 
could raise small carp; in fact, I think each one has to work out his own 
problems; conditions respecting water, and so on, are so different in 
different places. When I first started, if I could get from 500 to 1,000 
bass to grow, I felt pretty big. That result, however, is no longer satis- 
factory; in three different ponds this year we were able to get out from 
16,000 to 24,000 per acre of fingerlings from two to four inches long. 
We have four large ponds there, and we always have had three experi- 
mental ponds. 

Our department is only building as fast as we can show results. 
We have been getting results from the reservoirs. This spring we took 
out quite a few fry from the reservoirs as they came to the surface— 
helpless, you might say—and transferred them into inexpensive ponds 
which contained myriads of Daphnia. These bass grew very rapidly up 
to an inch; of course, we could not go further than that, because we 
had others in the ponds that we had put our breeders in. I may say 
that in one pond where we had approximately 20,000 small mouth No.1 
fingerlings, the fish became badly affected by fungus. The first signs 
were spots here and there around the head; it was what we termed 
“pin point” fungus—a little spot here and there which gradually merged 
into one large spot. Therefore I think we have to be careful in bring- 
ing the small fish in from the reservoirs. These fish were brought in at 
night, and I asked the fellow who brought them in whether he noticed 


152 7 American Fisheries Society. 


anything the matter with them, and he said. “Oh no, nothing particu- 
lar; it was dark but you could see little things on them, I suppose it was 
clay stuff or something like that.”” But we had none of that in the ponds 
this year that we hatched in. It has occurred in other ponds which were 
newer, though: we have a clay formation on the bottom of the pond and 
it takes from two to three years to get a suitable amount of black muck 
and scum through the decomposition of plant life which will in turn 
enable the ponds to grow plant life profusely, 


In conclusion, as I have said, I think that every fish culturist has to 
work out his own salvation, but he cannot do it without the assistance of 
the scientific man, who can carry out experiments, examine stomachs, 
apply his biological knowledge and training—something which, un- 
fortunately, a great many fish culturists do not have. May I say also 
that for whatever success we have attained the credit is due not so much 
to me as it is to Dr. Embody. 

Mr. Bearp: I am not a fish culturist, but I am a chemist. Mr. 
Buller stated that he could raise small mouth black bass; one year they 
fed them artificially and had no success; the next year they fed them 
minnows and raised a large number. Now, these fish that grew on 
minnows must have been furnished with certain food factors such as are 
given to sick people, and so on, in order to get results. They must have 
been furnished with such things as protein, different food constituents, 
vitamines, and so on. Might it not be a good thing to study what the 
requirements of the fish are from a biological standpoint; to find out 
what they should have in the way of food constituents? It seems to me 
that if that were done you would have some basis to work upon im 
connection with the things you do. That is, instead of feeding this, 
that and the other thing, irrespective of whether or not you are giving 
them the proper food elements, it seems to me that here is a field that 
might profitably be gone into through study and investigation. Wonder- 
ful things have been done in that same line in connection with the food 
of human beings. 

Mr. HAYForD: Quite so; that is why we carry on a great deal of 
our work along these lines. 

Mr. BEARD: My idea would be to get the right type of man to corre- 
late all these different facts so that proper scientific conclusions could 
be arrived at with a view to getting definite results. There would 
certainly seem to be opportunities along that line. Furthermore, if we 
got down to the bioligical and chemical fundamentals, the food con- 
stituents necessary in certain cases and at different stages, we might be 
able to devise foods that would be not only better but cheaper, and a 
large amount of money would thus be saved. We may be now paying 
ten cents a pound for fish food which is not perfectly suitable, whereas 
inquiry might result in the production of a food that could be turned out 
at say $15 a ton. The thing is to know exactly what kind of food you 
want to make. 


Foods and Feeding of Fishes 153 


Mr. HayrorD: I have been writing during the last month to various 
eanners and people who put up fish, and I have obtained a great many 
samples. It is in the analysis of these various foods that the chemist 
has to play an invaluable part. I do not think it is in any sense a one- 
man problem: you have to have the practical fish culturist, the chemist, 
the biologist and the pathologist. As an example of what some of 
these foods cost, we pay three and a half cents a pound for one type of 
food delivered at the station, which means an expenditure of $9,000 
a year for food alone at that one station. Where the fish culturist has 
twelve or fifteen men, 160 pounds is about all he can handle if he wants 
to keep things humming. That is where he needs the scientist to help 
him. Our Department is going to let me have the services of Dr. 
Embody from time to time, as he can be spared; the present program is 
that he shall be with us four or five days in every sixty in order that he 
may check us up. Then when he can spend a longer period with us he 
can go into these various matters further. One of the commissioners 
asked me if I would like a couple of thousand dollars to spend next 
year for investigational purposes, and I told him, no; that by putting 
the problem up to Dr. Embody we might have attention given to some 
of the vital points and might have him start right off in the direction of 
the work, thus avoiding any delay of a year or so in waiting for results 
in the larger field. I suggested recently that it might be a good thing if 
we could all submit our problems to a committee of three, consisting, 
say of two scientific men and one practical man, with the understanding 
that the knowledge imparted to him would be treated as confidential; 
then each year we might have considerable progress to report in connec- 
tion with these various problems. We are doing certain work in New 
Jersey; other States are going into these various matters; there is a 
good deal of duplication of work. If these problems were put through 
such a clearing house of scientific men and boiled down to something 
definite, I am quite sure we would get somewhere. In order to raise 
fish in large numbers, a great deal of fish food must be purchased, and 
that costs money. We probably use 150 tons of food a year. I will 
mention one thing we do which results in a little more economy in the 
use of foods. We have one mixture in connection with which we use 
this by-product of shrimp; if we did not use shrimp with a certain num- 
ber of the fish we would average twenty-eight pails of twenty-five 
pounds each, but by putting in certain quantities of the shrimp we bring 
that figure down to twenty pails. The feeding of shrimp, etc., seems to 
do one thing especially—it stops nipping. It has been my experience 
that when fish start nipping at one another their systems are out of 
order, and the administering of a wider variety of foods seems to 
eliminate that condition and to make them more peaceable. 

Mr. BeAarD: A great deal of money is spent in more or less indefi- 
nite experimentation, trying this, that and the other thing; and it does 
cost money. If that money by some miracle, could be all taken together 
_ and turned over to the right source, say the Bureau of Fisheries, and the 


154 American Fisheries Society. 


right type of man assigned the task of correlating all the facts and 
working down to fundamentals, I believe that very definite results 
could be produced. Take the different results obtained through the 
use of shrimp meal: of course, no two shrimp meals would be alike. For 
instance, one might have been scorched; undoubtedly some vitamines 
may have been destroyed in the process, so that different effects would 
be produced in different cases. If, therefore, you could hit upon a 
shrimp meal of the right type, your feeding problem would be largely 
solved. The same would be true in a large measure of fish meal. I 
happened to be talking to a fish meal producer in California; I do not 
know how much truth there is in what he says or to what extent his 
reasoning is on a scientific basis, but he produces a fish meal that is 
much better than any other produced in that part of the country. He 
produces it in non-reducing atmosphere where the oxygen has very 
little effect upon the meal in its production, and he produces a meal that 
is not in the least degree scorched. He uses very fresh fish, and he 
claims that when fed to dairy cows reactions are obtained which 
could not be brought about by the use of the ordinary fish meal. Now, 
the vitamine content of that meal, taken in connection with other 
accessory food factors, must have some bearing on the reactions that 
they get in these cows, and it is quite possible that all these things 
would have a very direct bearing on the feeding of the fish if they 
could be brought to the stage where they are definitely known and 
understood. 

Mr. TiTcoMB: The object of this whole symposium is to bring to- 
gether the experiences of all the fish culturists, and it is my suggestion 
that the man who is called on to give his little story on the subject 
should be allowed to give the whole of it; then that he should be ques- 
tioned on it; then that somebody else should go on in the same way. I 
would like to ask Mr. Hayford to continue what he was saying about 
the feeding of shrimp, and to ask him what results he has had in that 
connection. 

Mr. HAYFORD: We are feeding shrimp to the brook, brown and rain- 
bow trout—that is the big end of it. We have not been able to get 
the shrimp in sufficient quantities to be able to feed more than ten or 
fifteen per cent. Our present ration is eighty-five pounds of sheep’s 


plucks—the heart, liver and lungs of sheep—and fifteen pounds of - 


shrimp. That produced very good results with us last year. 

Mr. TitcomMs: Do you boil the shrimp before you grind it? 

Mr. HAYFORD: No, we simply soak it in cold water to get rid of the 
swelling. In order to do this work as we wanted to do it we bought an 
International No. 6 Type ‘‘B’”’ Feed Mill, such as the farmers use for 
grinding grain. You can put the clam or the shrimp or most any of 
these products into that and grind it almost to a dust if you want to. 
We grind the plucks and the whole thing together, after the meal is 
added, spread it right out on the floor, take an ordinary scoop shovel 
and shovel it right into this hopper. 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 155 


Mr. TiTcoMB: Do you raise other warm water fishes than bass? 

Mr. HAyForD: We have raised some perch and this year we tried 
bluegills, but principally it has been the five species, rainbow, brook and 
brown trout and large and small mouth bass. 

Mr. TitcomsB: What do you feed to the bluegills? 

Mr. HAYFoRD: Clam meal. The small mouth adult bass also eat it 
ravenously. To the large mouth bass we give sheep’s plucks; we can- 
not get them to eat the clam meal. We turn that out a little larger; it 
comes out the size of a pencil. 

Mr. TITCOMB: Can you get plenty of clam meal? 

Mr. HAyForD: We can get enough for our purposes—two or three 
tons a year. Last year I think we got two tons. 

Mr. TITcoMB: Do you think they eat the clam meal entirely? 

Mr. HAyForD: They eat it; they sit around waiting for it, you might 
say. When you go down in the morning at ten o’clock to feed them, 
they are all there waiting for it like a lot of hungry boys. 

Mr. TitcomMe: Do you raise bullheads? 

Mr. HAYForD: No, not to speak of. We have not any ponds for 
that purpose as yet. 

Mr. TiTcoMB: How do you produce the mosquito larvae? 

Mr. HAyForD: We put sour milk into concrete tanks five by thirty. 
The mosquitos seem to fly up from all over the sections, and next 
morning the place is all covered with mosquito eggs. 

Mr. TitcomMB: Do the bass consume all the larvae you put in? 

Mr. HayrorD: Mosquito larvae to bass are like candy to a child. 
The reason we went into this mosquito larvae question arose out of a 
paper given at Allentown, Pa., by Dr. Embody, We also have a lot of 
the shrimp in our ponds; it is not the little fellow or the big one; it is 
one of medium size. What is the name of the shrimp we have there at 
Hackettstown, Dr.. Embody? 

Dr. EmpBopy: I think it is the Caledonia shrimp; if not that, it is 
one very closely related to it. 

Mr. HayrorD: In the case of the large mouth bass, if we put min- 
nows in with the sheep’s hearts we always get a good fat fish. 

Mr. TitcoMB: Do you raise minnows for food? 

Mr. HayFrorD: We have not made a business of raising minnows. 
I may say that one year I put about fifteen thousand fry into a pond 
50 feet wide by 160 feet long and from 2 to 3 feet deep. I put them 
in on the 15th of June, and on the 16th of September we took out 
5,702 fingerling small mouth bass from one to three inches long. It may 
be said also that there does not seem to be much loss up to the three- 
quarter inch and one inch period; it is from there on that the loss 


occurs. 
Mr. TitcomsB: Do you find any particular kind of minnow preferable 


to others? 
Mr. HaAyrorD: What we have is largely the golden shiner. The 
desirable thing, of course, is a slow moving fish; some of them move too 


fast. 


156 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Doze: Do you raise any carp? 

Mr. HayrorD: No—TI have to be careful how I say “carp”. But I 
believe it would be a good thing to do. 

Mr. CANFIELD: Have you ever tried the orange spotted sunfish? 

Mr. HAYForD: No, not to any considerable extent. We have them 
in this plant, but only in small number. It does not seem to make any 
difference with these young bass how long a minnow has been dead: we 
can take four or five cans, go up to the pond, and dump them in; and if 
you go round the pond in an hour you wont even see a dead one. 


Mr. CANFIELD: Do you find it cheaper to collect your minnows than 


to raise them? 

Mr. HAyForD: These ponds are on our own property. 

Mr. CANFIELD: In other words, the labor in collecting them is less 
than it would be in raising them? 

Mr. HAyForD: Yes. The big cost is building—that is where the 
pinch comes. 

Mr. Doze: Have you the leaf hopper out there—a little green bug? 

Mr. HayForD: Iam not familiar with it. 

Mr. Doze: How are the grasshoppers? 

Mr. HAYFOoRD: We have the grasshoppers. 

Mr. Doze: Have you ever fed grasshoppers? 

Mr. HAyForD: No, we have not come to that point. They are pretty 
large for the small bass. Of course, we could not get them in quanti- 
ties. When you get a big plant you have to get something of which you 
can obtain large quantities. 

Mr. CANFIELD: What is the average percentage of female small 
mouth bass that spawn each year? 

Mr. HayrorD: The first year I thought I was doing pretty well: 
I put 29 pair on the nest; and I hatched 24 pair out of 29; but the next 
year I put 49 pair on and hatched 7. 

MR. CANFIELD: What is your average from year to year, over a term 
of years? 

Mr. HAyForD: I would say about 50 per cent. I had a pond of 14 
nests this year, and I had 7 very fine nests come up. In another pond 
I had 20 nests, and I had 11 come up; and I had three or four nests that 
I did not see at all. But speaking of feeding, to me the thing is to get 
the facts boiled down to where we can produce a proper food; and then 
you have got to face the fact that the conditions are not the same in 
any two places. 

Mr. CANFIELD: Is it pretty much a local proposition? 

Mr. HAYForD: Yes. 

Mr. MANNFELD: I take it for granted that everybody here is more 
or less interested in the propagation of the small mouth bass. We 
have been carrying on some very interesting experiments in Indiana 
relative to the rearing of the small mouth bass. Much has been said 
about the feeding of the fish, but we have found by experience in our 
State that the water supply is absolutely one of the important things. 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 157 


Two of our hatcheries in Indiana are fed by lakes. One of these lakes, 
Maiden Lake, is about eight feet higher than our hatchery; it comprises 
about 360 acres. This lake is full of food life of various kinds—full of 
vegetation. In our hatchery, which consists of about fifteen ponds, 
some of them over half an acre in extent, we have repeatedly tried to 
raise small mouth bass. We have had excellent results with the large 
mouth in these ponds, but with the small mouth we have had no success. 
We can get the nests and the fry come up, but they do not live, though 
there is plenty of food available. On the other hand, we have two 
hatcheries that are fed by spring water, one at Indianapolis, and one at 
Bass Lake, and there Mr. Lavery for the last two seasons has had very 
good luck with the small mouth bass, which he was raising along with 
some of the large mouth. Perhaps you gentlemen can tell us some- 
thing about your experiences in that connection, but, stating the case 
briefly, I would say that the water supply is the big factor in raising 
small mouth bass. I doubt very much whether anyone will have much 
success in cases where the lake water is used. Mr. Lydell, whom most of 
you will recognize, I am sure, as one of the greatest bass culturists in 
this country, will tell you the same thing. I remember well that in 1907 
he told us, ‘“When your State engages in the propagation of bass, espec- 
ially small mouth bass, do not make the mistake of trying to rear them 
in lake water.”’” We found that this was borne out by experience. At 
these particular ponds where we have attempted to raise the small 
mouth bass there is an abundant supply of many of the ordinary 
foods—Daphnia, Cyclops, Synura, things that little bass and other fishes 
live on, yet the results have not been satisfactory, while with the large 
mouth we have done quite well. I may add that we screen all our nests 
and take the young fish out and put them in rearing ponds; and we 
examine the food life to see that it is there so that we may replenish it 
when it becomes scarce. 

We do some things with our bass, perhaps, that I do not know 
very many others do. For instance, we spawn them more than once. 
We find that by taking all the breeders out of a pond—in fact, taking 
all the young fish out first, then removing the nest and seining out the 
old breeders—putting them in other ponds freshly set and adding 
some other females and some males, we can get the second spawning. 
Then, when we get this second spawning we set another pond with 
’ nests, take all the fish out again, and put them in a third pond. In that 
way we get three spawnings, and you would be surprised at the enor- 
mous number of fry that are produced in this manner. The question is, 
of course, what to do with the fry. We have planted many fry that we 
might have preferred to rear to the fingerling stage. We have some 
difficulty in raising fingerlings, but this last season we had some on 
display at the State Fair that were nine inches long. They had been 
raised on live food—that is something to which Mr. Buller referred; 
there is no doubt that that is the food that will make them grow fast. 
We have had some that will grow longer than nine inches in four months 


158 American Fisheries Society. 


—small mouth bass we have had up to nine inches. That all shows 
that food is the main thing in the propagation of fish. I have always 
contended that if you want to rear fish and to get them growing fast 
you must give them plenty of food, and if you use the right kind you 
certainly will produce results. 

Dr. EmsBopy: So far as the raising of bass is concerned, the whole 
matter resolves itself into a question of producing the right kind of 
food at the right time. If we can get the smaller animals—entomos- 
tracans, let us say—in great abundance at the time when the bass are 
fry, we will succeed at that point. Then we readily pass from that 
stage to the size where they require larger food, and mosquito larvae 
would seem to answer the purpose there for a while. From that stage 
they go gradually into the minnow stage. If we can produce minnows 
or some other fish—orange spotted sunfish, goldfish, or buffalo fish, so 
that they will be just about the right size when the bass are ready to 
feed on them, we will have done something to meet some of these prob- 
lems in bass culture. The question is how to make available the 
different sizes of food at the right time, and what species lend themselves 
best to that procedure. Here there will be a variation, of course, 
according to the location. It may be that our friends in Kansas can get 
grasshoppers in sufficient numbers to permit their being fed to the bass; 
we could not do it in New York—we can hardly catch enough grass- 
hoppers there to fish with. So we must resort to something else, and 
mosquito larvae seems to come along about the right time; in fact, we 
can keep it going all summer by using more of the material which pro- 
duces the culture. As Mr. Hayford has pointed out, the greatest 
problem there is to prevent the pupal mosquitos from reaching the 
adult stage. We can feed them before they become pupae all right, 
but if you allow a great many of them to become adults, they will 
permeate the neighborhood and make bad neighbors. I cannot see any 
objection to raising goldfish for the purpose of feeding the young bass 
from the time they are an inch and a half long and on, In June I 
happened to visit the goldfish farms in western Maryland; if you have 
never been there I advise you to go and see how these ponds are manip- 
ulated. They have farms comprising anywhere from ten to fifty 
acres, and it was a revelation to see the swarms of goldfish that were 
crowded into these ponds. When I saw these fish it occurred to me 
that there was what we needed to feed our bass. You will all remember 
that our former member, Professor L. L. Dyche, advocated that very 
thing in his book on “Pond Fish Culture’; that was the first time I 
heard the suggestion made. It seems to me that the suggestion is a 
good one. You can introduce the goldfish breeders into the ponds with 
young bass; they can spawn there and it will not harm the bass. Young 
sunfish will eat young bass; at least that is my experience. I do not 
know whether the orange spotted sunfish will do it, but the common 
sunfish will clean them up almost as fast as they are put in the pond. 
Goldfish will not do that; they are quite harmless to the young bass. You 





Foods and Feeding of Fishes 159 


can get your pond fully impregnated with the goldfish; then the young 
bass, when you turn them in, will clean up the goldfish. It would seem 
that these are the main problems connected with bass culture at the 
present time. 

Dr. OSBURN: Do you mean by the common sunfish, the green sun- 
fish? The bluegill will not eat young bass? 

Dr. EmBopy: No, I refer to the one, named Eupomotis gibbosus. I 
have my suspicions about the bluegills. I know they will eat young 
bullheads as fast as they can capture them. 

Dr. OSBURN: What do you think of the midge larvae versus the 
mosquito larvae? 

Dr. EmpBopy: I would prefer the midge larvae, but the question is 
how to produce them in sufficiently large numbers to permit their being 
fed to the bass. In fact, the mosquito larvae production experiments 
are an outgrowth of our attempts to produce the midge larvae. Midge 
larva is a superior food, and of course the adult midge would not do any 
harm to our neighbors. But they would have to be produced by the 
millions, and the question is how to do that, 

Dr. OSBURN: In Ohio waters, judging by the stomach contents, 
young fish from three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half feed 
very largely on midge larvae before they come to the minnow stage of 
feeding. 


FISH DISTRIBUTION BY THE FEDERAL. ; 


GOVERNMENT. 


By E. C. FEARNOW, 


Superintendent of Fish Distribution 
U. S. Bureau of Fisheries 


INTRODUCTORY. 


In connection with the distribution of living fish there 


are always two main problems to be considered. The first 
is how to produce a sufficient number of suitable species to 
meet the ever-increasing demand; the second, how to obtain 
sufficient funds to distribute the output which might be pro- 
duced. As the purpose of this article is neither to consider 
the methods of fish production nor the means by which 
adequate appropriations may be obtained, the discussion 
will be confined to the methods employed by the Federal 
Government in transporting fish from its hatcheries and 
collecting stations to various points throughout the states 


and some of the problems encountered in this particular 


work. 


EARLY HISTORY OF DISTRIBUTION 


In the early days of the United States Fish Commission,,. 
by which name the Bureau of Fisheries was known until 


July 1, 1908, the distribution of fish was conducted solely by 


messengers who travelled in baggage cars on regular pas- 
senger trains. The species distributed at that time con- 
sisted of a few anadromous fishes which were, as a rule,. 
planted in waters near the points where the hatcheries were 
located, but as the output of the various stations increased it 
became necessary to employ more efficient methods of trans- 
portation. 


The first car load of fish shipped by the United States 
Fish Commission, and probably the first shipped in the 
United States, was sent west in June 1873, but the consign- 
ment was lost in a wreck near Elkhorn, Neb. An attempt 
to send a car load of fish across the continent met with 
success in 1874 when a shipment of shad was delivered in 
California. Experiments conducted during the years 1879 
and 1880 demonstrated that large numbers of fish could be 


160 


Fearnow.—Fish Distribution. 161 


handled more. expeditiously and economically in car load 
lots than in messenger shipments, and it was decided to con- 
struct a car especially adapted for carrying live fish, ar- 
ranged so that an even circulation of aerated water could be 
maintained in the vessels containing the fish, and provided 
with living accommodations for the crew. 

In the winter of 1881 car No. 1, a baggage car known as 
Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington car No. 4, was 
purchased and fish-carrying apparatus installed thereon. 
This car was eventually rebuilt and lengthened to 60 feet. 

Experiments with car No.1 were very satisfactory and 
Congress was asked to appropriate funds for another car 
which was delivered on May 23, 1882. This was called 
Baltimore and Ohio Passenger Car No. 450 but in a few 
years the name was changed to United States Fish Com- 
mission Car No. 2. 

On July 7, 1884, an act of Congress authorized the con- 
struction of car No. 3, the first specially designed fish dis- 
tribution car in the United States. The refrigerator com- 
partments of this car were placed below the floor with doors 
opening from above through the floor. The compartments 
could also be reached by doors opening from the outside, 
which permitted a clear floor space. 

It was found, however, that this arrangement prevented 
the car from passing over short curves, and the compart- 
ments were, therefore, eventually placed above the floor. 

Old car No. 4, later changed to No. 5, was a combination 
baggage and mail car built for a railroad in Mexico. It was 
purchased by the United States Fish Commission totransport 
salt water fishes to the World’s Fair at Chicago, Illinois. It 
had no refrigerator compartments, being merely a baggage 
car equipped with berths. . 

An act of Congress approved March 3, 1899, appro- 
priated $8,000 for building a new car to replace Car No.4. 
The new car was designated No. 4 and the older one No. 5. 

Car No. 6 was constructed for use in connection with the 
Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 and at the close of 
the exposition it was turned over to the Bureau of Fisheries. 

The Bureau now operates five cars, Nos. 8, 4, 7, 8 and 9. 
The three last named are of steel construction and were 
built within recent years. These cars are so equipped that 
they can be carried in any of the standard passenger trains. 
On completion of the three steel cars, four of the old wooden 
cars (Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 6) were disposed of. 


162 American Fisheries Society. 


EARLY EXPERIMENTS 


It was soon found that, in moving fish in car load lots, 
it would be necessary to provide means for aerating the 
water otherwise than by hand. On the first cars the power 
used to run the pumps was obtained by connecting a belt 
with one of the axles but this was very unsatisfactory as the 
pumps could be run only while the car was in motion. 
Later, a small boiler was used to furnish power for a water 
circulating pump but was found to be unsuitable. 


In 1885 the first hatching outfit was placed on Car No.3 
and was used en route to the New Orleans Exposition. The 
hatching of eggs on the distribution cars was carried on 
for several years with a reasonable degree of success but 
as the number of regular hatcheries increased, it was found 
unnecessary to maintain hatching apparatus on the cars and 
this part of the equipment was gradually eliminated. © 


A number of experiments have been made in filtering 
and refrigerating water used in carrying fish. Filters have 
been made of gravel and sponge through which water was 
forced by a pump but they soon became clogged and unfit for 
use. Car No. 3 was equipped with an air coil made of 1- 
inch pipe through which water was pumped. The coil was 
placed in an ice box, the ice being in the center and on top 
of the coil, but this method of cooling water and air was 
found to be inefficient in proportion to the amount of ice 
used. 


PROGRESS OF FISH DISTRIBUTION 


An idea of the progress that has been made in fish dis- 
tribution may be gained by comparison of Car No. 2 with 
Car No. 9, one of the new steel coaches. Car No. 2 carried 
92 milk cans or 9,200 83-inch fish. One of the new steel cars 
will carry 240 pails or 24,000 38-inch fish. This increased 
efficiency is brought about by(1) building cars with larger 
compartments and (2) using the same amount of water and 
more vessels, thereby exposing more water surface to the 
air. On the assumption that the present carrying capa- 
city of one of the steel cars is 100%, the efficiency of one of 
the earlier cars was approximately 35%. Twenty-five per 
cent of the increased efficiency has been brought about by 
changes in the construction of the cars and 40% by changes 
inthe equipment. Twenty years ago the cost of distributing 
fish per thousand, based on the Bureau’s annual output, was 
$0.027; during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1923 the cost 
per thousand fish had been reduced to a little over $0.01. 


ee 


Fearnow.—Fish Distribution. 163 


An idea of the magnitude of the distribution work 
accomplished by the Bureau of Fisheries may be gained by 
a study of the records covering plants of fish made in the 
last twenty years. During that period the output of the 
various hatcheries amounted to 72,281,380,861 fish. In the 
distribution of this output, the bureau’s cars travelled 2,029,- 
416 miles and detached messengers 8,104,799 miles. 


ASSIGNMENT AND ALLOTMENT OF FISH 


In apportioning the bureau’s output of fish it is always 
a problem to decide on what waters are most in need of re- 
stocking and the species most suitable for introduction there- 
in. There is a desire on the part of the public for non-indi- 
genous fishes. In some of the northern states where the 
small-mouthed black bass is common, applicants request 
large-mouthed black bass, while in North Carolina, Tennes- 
see, and other southern states where the waters are adapted 
to the large-mouthed black bass, applicants insist that the 
Bureau introduce small-mouth black bass. Frequently 
lake trout are desired for stocking waters in southern states 
and in several instances insistent demands have been made 
for brook trout in Florida waters. Of course, such requests 
cannot be granted but it requires a great deal of time and 
patience to convince the applicants that they should con- 
fine themselves to suitable species. 

As the bureau has no representative to investigate the 
condition of the various streams for which fish are desired, 
it is necessary to rely to a great extent on information 
furnished by the applicants. Sometimes, however, the 
bureau consults the state fish commissions in regard to the 
fish that should be placed in certain waters, this being 
especially true with reference to requests for spiny-finned 
species for trout regions. 

In order that this information may be accessible at all 
times, a card index system is maintained showing the species 
of fish that have been planted in the various streams for a 
number of years. These plants are followed up at intervals 
and notations made on the cards showing what results 
attended each planting. Thesystem will eventually become 
a complete index of streams in the United States and will 
show the results that have followed each planting of fish. 

The number of fish can be furnished an applicant de- 
pends on the area of the water to be stocked, size and num- 
ber of fish available for distribution, and distance the fish 
have to be transported. 


164 American Fisheries Society. 


PREPARATION OF FISH FOR SHIPMENT 


The distribution problem begins at the hatchery and it is 
necessary, therefore, to use proper care in preparing the 
fish for shipment if they are expected to withstand the 
vicissitudes of transportation. Fish are necessarily trans- 
ported under unnatural conditions and diseased or weak- 
ened fish that cannot be held at stations without consider- 
able loss cannot be expected to survive in transportation 
cans for days and even weeks. 

Warm-water fishes, in order to be successfully trans- 
ported, should be held in cool running water until they 
have become “hardened”’. The importance of “hardening” 
fish was recently emphasized by several shipments that were 
sent to Central Station, Washington, D. C. In one instance, 
five cans of gambusia were collected from warm stagnant 
water and immediately shipped. The consignment arrived 
in very poor condition and within twenty-four hours every 
fish had died. 

A shipment of the same species was then ordered from 
another station, the time involved in shipment being about 
the same. The consignor, in this instance, made the collec- 
tion and held the fish in cool running water for about thirty- 
six hours. It is needless to say that this consignment, which 
was forwarded to Washington, D. C. without an attendant, 
reached its destination in excellent condition and the fish 
were successfully reshipped to various points throughout the 
country. 

An idea of the importance of shutting off food in advance 
of shipment may be gained by reference to a consignment 
of trout forwarded from one of the bureau’s hatcheries to 
Washington, D.C. Two pails of fish were forwarded under 
identical conditions except that the fish in one pail had 
been fed within twenty-four hours of shipment. In the 
second pail the fish had not received food within thirty-six 
hours of shipment. On the arrival of the consignment at 
Central Station, the fish that had not received food for thirty- 
six hours were in excellent condition, while those in the other 
pail were in but fair condition. 

When fish which have cannibalistic tendencies are to be 
shipped, it is quite important that they be graded so that 
fish as near the same size as possible will be placed in a can. 

If care is used in preparing fish for shipment, there is no 
reason why such species as black bass, bluegill bream and 
other warm-water species cannot be successfully transported 
for weeks and probably months. 


Fearnow.—Fish Distribution. 165 


TRANSPORTATION OF FISH 


When a distribution is to be made by one of the specially 
equipped cars, the first matter of importance is to arrange 
the trips with reference to the accessibility of the applicants, 
who may be located in half-a-dozen different states. As 
the cars are now equipped for carrying large loads of fish, it 
frequently occurs that as many as 150 individual applicants 
are supplied on a trip. Schedules for the car and for the 
messengers are necessarily prepared in advance and appli- 
cants notified by letter or by telegram concerning the exact 
time that delivery of the fish is to be made. Owing to the 
uncertainties of railroading, it frequently becomes necessary 
to rearrange the whole schedule and renotify all applicants. 

It is the rule to move the car to a certain point, dispatch- 
ing en route messengers who either fill applications on roads 
parallel to lines traversed by the car or pursue a circular or 
semicircular route, joining the car further along the line. 
The most expensive messenger shipments are those in which 
the messenger has to retrace the same line, and the least 
expensive and the ones most frequently made are the circu- 
lar, semicircular and triangular. Happily, there are few 
trips made at the present time that necessitate return travel 
without fish. Shipments off the main lines are usually made 
by express or in care of train baggage masters. Shipments 
without attendants are made to probably 95% of applicants 
living off the main lines, necessitating over 1,000 such ship- 
ments in the course of a year. There are on record many 
messenger shipments in which 75% of the deliveries were 
made successfully without an attendant. 

In distributing the annual output of the Bureau of Fish- 
eries it is necessary to use, in addition to the regular distri- 
bution force, probably as many as 150 station employees 
who from time to time, make trips from the various hatcher- 
ies. 


RAILROADS 


_ A number of the important railroads of the country have 
extended courtesies to the bureau in the way of reduced 
transportation rates for the movements of its distribution 
cars. Practically all the important railroads have given the 
bureau the privilege of carrying in baggage cars free of 
charge shipments of live fish, the only condition imposed 
being that the consignment be accompanied by an attendant 
with first-class transportation. 

As a rule, however, the railroad companies are more 
liberal to the states than to the Federal government. It is 


166 American Fisheries Society. 


well known that free transportation is extended to messen- 
gers of state fish commissions while regular fares are re- 
quired of the bureau’s messengers doing distribution work 
within the limits of the same state. While, in special cases, 
free transportation has been furnished the bureau’s cars and 
messengers, such courtesies on the part of the railroads call 
for increased efficiency on the part of the recipient. That 
free or reduced transportation is accorded is no excuse for 
not employing efficient and economical distribution methods. 
As reduced transportation carries with it the obligation to 
use the most efficient methods, it is an abuse of the privilege 
the railroad company has extended to carry two or three 
times as much water as is necessary for the safe transporta- 
tion of the fish. Within recent years the public has been 
taught, after a great deal of effort, to judge a consignment 
of fish not by gallons of water or number of cans but by its 
value for stocking purposes. 

The railroad companies have been quick to grasp the 
economic value of the new transportation pails described by 
the writer before the meeting of this society last year, as 
evidenced from the fact that the roads which formerly in- 
sisted that not more than twenty of the old-style cans be 
carried by a messenger are now permitting forty and sixty 
of the new pails to be so handled, when stacked so as not 
to require more floor space than was formerly required by 
twenty milk cans. 


TEMPERATURE OF WATER DURING TRANSPORTATION 


In transporting fish an equable water temperature is of 
vital importance. It is generally accepted that low water 
temperature within reasonable limits is desirable as the cool- 
er the water the more gaseous oxygen it holds in solution. 
The temperature of the water from which the fish were 
taken and the temperature of the water to be stocked 
should guide the messenger in the regulation of the temper- 
ature during the period that the fish are in transit. 

On each fish car there are two compartments, well in- 
sulated, so that a proper temperature may be maintained in 
the fish cans with a comparatively small amount of ice. 


AERATION 


For a number of years the bureau’s distribution cars 
have been equipped with air compressors operated by 10 


H. P. boilers. The air is driven through air distributors in — 


the fish compartments, into rubber tubes leading to groups 





Fearnow.—Fish Distribution. 167 


of from 4 to 6 containers and forced into the water through 
plugs of porous wood, preferably American Linden. 


Recently there was installed on Car No. 8 a Worthington 
feather-valve air compressor operated by a 14 H.P. electri- 
cally-driven motor connected with the storage batteries 
used for lighting the car. This device furnishes a sufficient 
amount of free air to aerate the water in from 200 to 300 
pails and has been used continuously for 14 hours without 
producing any apparent deterioration in the batteries 
which have a capacity of 375 ampere hours. As train line 
air is available when the car is in motion, the electrically © 
driven compressor meets all requirements while loading 
the car and during layovers at junction points. making it 
unnecessary to use the steam boiler. 


AIR LIBERATING PLUGS 


The wooden plug which has been employed for liberating 
air in fish containers has a number of disadvantages when 
used in connection with modern equipment. In recent years 
it has been difficult to obtain wood of the same degree of 
porousness so that all plugs will liberate the same amount 
of air. If for any reason the air pressure is shut off for a 
time the wooden plug absorbs water to the extent that it 
fails to liberate air when the pressure comes on again. Un- 
der such circumstances it is necessary to go over the entire 
load of fish as rapidly as possible and regulate the amount 
of air in each pail. It is needless to state that the plugs 
when they become dry contract and this makes it necessary 
to completely overhaul the equipment after each trip. 


ALUMINUM PLUG 


An aluminum plug for use in equalizing the air either in 
the pet cock which leads to the air distributor or in the out- 
lets of the air distributors, was recently devised, and super- 
-cedes the wooden plug. The plug is made of aluminum rod 
and threaded to fit into the air pipe. It hasa 1/32-inch tube 
drilled through it longitudinally and two 1/32-inch holes 
are drilled through it transversely near each end and inter- 
secting with the tube in the center, which allows 5 openings 
on each end of the plug. With this arrangement there is 
little difficulty in maintaining an even air pressure in the air 
distributors and containers even though one or more of the 
distributors is disconnected. 


168 American Fisheries Society 


“FILTROS” 


Experiments are being made with “‘filtros,” a rock-like 
substance which may be purchased in cylinders 5%-inch in 
diameter and 614 inches long. This material is quite 
porous and while it disintegrates in the course of time, it 
lasts about four times as long as wood when used for liber- 
ating air. ‘‘Filtros’ does not contract when not in use and 
therefore requires little attention in the way of adjustment 
However, the experiments with filtros have not been car- 
ried far enough to warrant its general use on fish distribu- 
tion cars. 


JET AERATOR 


During the spring and summer of this year a new aerat- 
ing device which circulates the water in the container and 
operates by air was used to a limited extent on the distri- 
bution cars with very satisfactory results. This aerator was 
devised for the purpose of aerating the water and removing 
the carbon dioxide gas given off by the fish. 

The device consists of a tube placed on the inside of a 
larger tube, care being taken to allow room enough to per- 
mit the water to be forced up in the space between the two 
tubes. 

There has always been a question in regard to whether 
the liberation of free air in water is the best method of 
aeration. It has been noticeable for a number of years 
that when air circulation is discontinued the fish show signs 
of distress in ten or fifteen minutes while, if the water is 
thoroughly aerated by dipping or pouring, they may be left 
without aeration for as long atime as one hour. The jet 
aerator, by throwing the water into the air, furnishes a 
more natural aeration. 

The following extract taken from the log of Car No. 8 
is typical of reports received from those who have tried the 
jet aerator: 

“These aerators showed their superiority over the ordinary wooden 
plug when a number of fingerling sunfish were moved from La Crosse, 
Wisconsin, to Denver, Colorado, in July of this year. When received on 
the car, these fish had just come out of hot sloughs along the upper 
Mississippi River and were very weak, There was a rather heavy 
loss but the pails having the jet-pump aerators in them had consider- 
ably less loss than the other pails with wooden aluminum plugs.” 


Experiments with this device are still being carried on 
and while its practicability is not generally perceived at 


Fearnow.—Fish Distribution. 169 


the present time, it is believed that it will be more fully 
appreciated when further improvements are made in other 
transportation equipment. 


A system of water circulation which was tried out years 
ago was a failure for the reason that the water when passing 
through the pump picked up a small amount of oil which 
proved inimical to fish life. There was also some difficulty 
in regulating the overflow or return from the various cans. 
Since all the water returned to a central tank, one can of 
diseased fish might infect the entire shipment. The jet 
aerator, by circulating and aerating the water in each con- 
tainer overcomes these difficulties. The underlying princi- 
ple of this aerator may be applied to a device for lifting 
water or removing sediment from the cans. 


AERATOR FOR MESSENGERS 


Within the last year the dipper which was used for 
aerating water has been largely replaced by the ‘‘Question 
Mark” aerator, so named on account of the bend in its 
handle which is made of 14-inch pipe and serves as an air 
vent and means for suspending the aerator in a fish can when 
notin use. The cylinder of the aerator is made of galvan- 
ized rain spouting and is 414-inches in diameter by 6-inches 
in length. The bottom contains twenty-one circular open- 
ings which are screened to prevent fish from entering the 
cylinder. The handle may be unscrewed and the device 
carried in a small hand bag. 

The device provides quick and efficient aeration, does not 
injure the fish, can be used to remove sediment or to lower 
the water in a container, and has a number of other sdvan- 
tages over the ordinary dipper. 

The Question Mark aerator has met with geneml ap- 
proval as it seems to answer the bureau’s needs better than 
any device that has heretofore been used. 


PLANTING FISH 


Closely linked with distribution work is the planting of 
fish. While much has been written on fish propagation, it 
seems that comparatively little has been said on fish plant- 
ing. The tendency has apparently been to produc: fish and 
trust to Providence to care for them, regardless of whether 
planted in unfavorable environment. 

Too much care and attention cannot be ae to fish 
planting, as it is here that all the efforts of the fsh cultur- 
ist may be placed in jeopardy. The practice a been to 


170 American Fisheries Society. 


get the fish into waters as soon as possible, frequently dump- 
ing the entire consignment into one pool at some convenient 
point such as a bridge or ford where the young fish merely 
serve as food for a few larger ones. The importance of 
carrying fish to the headwaters of streams where there is 
plenty of natural food and immunity from enemies, and 
depositing them in small lots in shallow spring-fed pools, is 
not fully appreciated by all who make plants of fish. Fish 
produced at great expense may be wasted by placing them 
in unsuitable waters, or in suitable waters under adverse 
conditions. The stations’ output for an entire season may 
be completely lost, so far as increasing the food supply is 
concerned, by injudicious methods of transporting and plant- 
ing the young fish. 


CONCLUSION 


Fish properly hardened and graded may be carried foran 
indefinite time in suitable vessels, means being provided 
for controlling the temperature, removing the sediment and 
adding enough water to compensate for that removed. If 
shipment is made during warm weather, the melting ice will 
afford a gradual change of water. 

From 10,000 to 15,000 individual applications are filled 
annually by the Bureau of Fisheries. The distribution field 
includes practically every state in the Union; besides, ship- 
merts have been made to Central Mexico, Porto Rico and the 
Canal Zone; and only recently a consignment of gambusia 
was sent from Edenton, North Carolina to Palestine. 

Five years after plants of fish are made the results are 
ascertained. This is the day of reckoning, for if the plants 
have not been successful, “‘our sins will surely find us out.” 
Thotsands of reports are received—excellent 31 per cent, 
good 24 per cent, fair 13 per cent, and only 14 per cent in 
doubt Hundreds of letters are received testifying to the 
remarkable success that has followed the stocking of 
streans, lakes and artificial ponds that contained no fish 
life pr.or to its introduction by the bureau. 

Th: distribution of fish is one of the most important 
phases of fish-cultural work. It might be compared to the 
dissemnation of seed grain. The end and aim is to increase 
the supply of desirable fish in streams and lakes. 


PRODUCTION OF THE FRESH WATER MUSSEL. 


By H. L. CANFIELD, 


Homer, Minnesota. 


The Mississippi and its tributary rivers are the greatest 
producers of warm water fishes in the world, and practically 
all commercial fresh water mussels are produced in the 
waters of the Mississippi basin. In time of spring flood the 
Mississippi overflows its banks and inundates the islands and 
adjacent lowlands in which are located sloughs, pools and 
other depressions, and into this territory many fishes go to 
feed and spawn. Later in the season the river recedes into 
its banks and becomes quite low, leaving many of the fishes 
in the depressions. As the season advances and the land- 
locked waters become low and stagnant due to the low stage 
of the river and to seepage, millions of fish are left high and 
dry to perish unless removed to live waters. 

During the fiscal year 1922, the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries 
rescued from these land-locked pools of the Mississippi 
River over 139,000,000 stranded game and commercial fish- 
es of various ages and sizes, and released on the gills of suit- 
able host fishes, in a state of parasitism, over two billion 
larval commercial mussels. 

The fresh water mussel is in great demand for use in the 
manufacture of pearl buttons and the supply has become so 
short that mussels sold at $10.00 and $15.00 per ton ten 
years ago are now easily disposed of at $60.00 to $90.00 per 
ton. The necessity for protecting measures and artificial 
propagation of mussels is therefore easily understood. In 
mussel infection work, quantities of fishes are required, so 
the rescue of stranded food fishes and mussel infection are 
combined to great economic advantage. 

The larval mussel is developed in the adult female 
mussel, then freed as a parasite into the water. To live it 
must within a very limited time attach itself on the gill of a 
proper host fish. Here it encysts and passes through a met 
amorphosis which changes its internal structure. In about 
two weeks or more, according to the water temperature, jit 
releases itself as a juvenile mussel, to commence its inde- 
pendent life. Th larval mussel is of light weight and is 
therefore held in suspension by the water for a short time. 
This is a very critical period of the larval mussel’s life, far it 


171 


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Li2 American Fisheries Society. 


is necessary that it attach itself almost immediately to a 
host fish by clamping its tiny valves to the gills of the fish. 
(Only one of the commercial mussels becomes parasitic on 
the fins of fishes.) The larval mussel has no power of 
locomotion, so unless conditions are very favorable it will 
fail to meet with a host fish and will fall to the bottom and 
perish. The greatest loss of mussel life under natural con- 
ditions is due to the failure of the larval mussel to connect 
with its host fish. Artificial infection of fishes bring the 
mussel and its host fish together. 

After the land-locked fishes have been rescued and taken 
to the open waters, such suitable host fishes as are available 
are placed in clearing tubs preparatory to the infection. A 
ripe female mussel is then opened and the larval mussels 
from her gill pouches released in the tub with the fishes and 
the water gently stirred. The myriads of larval mussels 
held temporarily in suspension give the water the appear- 
ance of being milky and the tiny larval mussels constantly 
open and close their valves in their attempts to attach them- 
selves to the fishes. As the fishes pass the water through 
their gills in process of breathing, the larval mussels are 
carried againt their gills with the water and they readily 
attach themselves. After the infection has been effected, 
the fishes are released in the open water with a positive and 
correct infection of larval mussels. 

If the juvenile mussel drops on favorable bottom, and is 
not destroyed or devoured by enemies, it grows and matures 
in from three to five years and is suitable for use in the 
manufacture of pearl buttons in from four to seven years, 
depending upon the species of mussel and its environment. 


Discussion. 


DR. OSBURN: To what extent are the fish that are of no particular 
use for any other purpose available for mussel growth? 

Mr. CANFIELD: The most striking instance of that kind is found 
in the common river gar, which, I believe, is of no commercial value 
and is usually thrown out when caught in the commercial fisherman’s 
net. This gar is the only known host fish for one of the highest priced 
commercial mussels that we have. Another instance is that of the 
river herring, sometimes called the skipjack, which carries the nigger- 
aead mussel, one of the important commercial varieties. 

Mr. AvERY: Would it not be interesting if we could hear something 
nore about the different varieties of fish that are hosts to the various 
knds of mussels? 

Mr. CANFIELD: The United States biological station at Fairport 
has worked out very definitely the various host fishes of all the com- 





Canfeld.—Fresh Water Mussel. 173 


mercial mussels. In the slides that will be thrown on the screen later, 
a number of host fishes will be shown. Such fish as the black bass, 
crappie, sunfish, sauger, perch and pike are very useful hosts in carry- 
ing what is known as the river mucket and the Lake Pepin mucket, two 
of our most valuable button-producing shells. The sheephead is the 
only known carrier of the butterfly mussel, another very good commer- 
cial mussel. Then, such fish as the yellow perch also carry the mucket, 
and catfishes carry the Quadrula mussel, the exterior of which is rougher 
than that of the other types. The two main groups are the Lampsilus 
group and the Quadrula group; most of the Quadrulas are carried by 
catfishes and other lake fishes. 

Mr. Pore: Is it possible to raise mussels from the glochidia stage 
to the adult stage without the intervention of a host? 

Mr. CANFIELD: There is just one mussel we know of that produces 
an adult without its passing through a state of parasitism on fishes, 
and that is known as the squawfoot mussel, which is of no commercial 
value. There is, however, some question about that; it is also known 
that the squawfoot mussel uses fishes as hosts. 

Mr. Pore: Has it ever been established whether the encysting of 
glochidia in the fins or gills of fish is for the purpose of protection, or 
for the desire for food? 

Mr. CANFIELD: Dr. Avery, as I understand it—I may be speaking a 
little in advance, as he has not yet published his paper on the subject— 
has very definitely shown that the mussel consumes food from fish. 
I presume he would not object to my making the statement, although, 
as I say, he has not yet published the results of his researches. 

Mr. Porpe: Do you believe that the encysting is for the purpose of 
obtaining suitable food? 

Mr. CANFIELD: [ am satisfied from the slides which Dr. Avery 
showed me—it is entirely his work, not mine—that the mussel consumes 
a portion of the fish. In fact, the part that the tiny larval mussel bites 
on to is eaten, if you can express it that way, by the cells during the 
time that the larval mussel is passing through the metamorphosis. 

Mr. Pore: Has the Bureau of Fisheries ever carried on any ex- 
periments to determine whether it is possible to raise glochidia to adults 
without the intervention of a host fish? 

Mr. CANFIELD: Yes, but so far, all have been unsuccessful. 

Mr. AVERY: Experiments in that line are still being conducted? 

Mr. CANFIELD: Oh yes. 


Mr. PoPpeE: What percentage of adult mussels have been known 
actually to develop from glochidia encysted upon fish? 


Mr. CANFIELD: You have asked me a difficult question. I do not 
think we have any figures on that. 


Mr. Pore: What percentage would you suggest? 


Mr. CANFIELD: I should think that if we got one in a thousand to 
maturity, we would be doing very well. 


174 American Fisheries Society. 


Mr. Pore: Do you think it would be advisable, or have any experi- 
ments ever been made to that end, to provide suitable food for the glochi- 
dia other than living fish, thereby largely increasing the percentage of 
glochidia that reach the adult stage? 

Mr. CANFIELD: We have no figures on the subject; there is no one 
who could tell you definitely how many might be expected to develop 
under those conditions. But it has been definitely shown that if the 
mussel attains an age of six or eight months there is very little likeli- 
hood of its meeting with enemies, and the chances are that you would 
get a very heavy percentage in that case. The greatest death rate is in 
the juvenile stage, after it leaves the fish. Of course, the great trouble 
in nature is that it would be more or less an accident if the proper host 
fish should happen along just as the female mussel happened to release 
the larval mussel. However, it is said that in some cases the mother 
mussel attracts the fish to it by means of its waving cilia-like fringes. 
But we do not know even that. I may say that in several plants that 
we made, we recovered after two years practically one hundred per cent 
of the mussels that we placed out, but these were not placed out until 
they were about six or eight months old. With protection you could 
place even the larval mussels out, but unprotected there would be con- 
siderable loss. 

Dr. OSBURN: Does the sheephead prey on mussels? 

Mr. CANFIELD: The sheephead is said to be an enemy of the mussel; 
both the sheephead and the catfish have been known to devour them, 
also the pumpkin seed sunfish. I have no doubt that many fishes will 
take them during the juvenile stage. 

Mr. Pore: Do you know of any experiments that have shown that 
the glochidia are actually led by instinct to choose certain kinds of fish, 
or is the fastening on a host an act of a mechanical nature? 

Mr. CANFIELD: It is entirely of a mechanical nature. 

Mr. Pore: Then why does it not take hold of the carp? 

Mr. CANFIELD: They do take hold of the carp; they take hold of any 
fish, but they do not remain on them—they are sloughed off or released 
either by the fish or by the mussel prematurely. 

Mr. BURNHAM: How do the protective laws protect the mussels? 
Is it by providing a close season, or by limiting the size that may be 
taken? 

Mr. CANFIELD: Mainly by closing certain areas alternately. For 
example, at a certain place they would perhaps close the upper part of 
the river for a distance of five miles, while the lower part of the river 
would be left open, the idea being to allow clammers and others who are 
engaged in the industry to continue their operations and at the same 
time to permit the closed portion to recuperate. Then, at the end of 
five years, which is regarded as a suitable length of time to allow the 
mussels to mature, they will change about; the open area will become 
closed and the closed, open. In that way it is planned to keep up the 
industry and also the mussels. I have every reason to believe it is an ex- 
cellent law. 





Canfeld.—Fresh Water Mussel. 175 


Mr. AverRY: The regulations of the various states also provide for 
the licensing of fishermen, limitations as to the sizes to be taken, and 
various other regulations and restrictions? 


Mr. CANFIELD: Yes—restrictive legislation. 


ANGLING: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. 


By Dr. JAMES ALEXANDER HENSHALL. 


The Art of angling is as old as civilization, and has been 
handed down to us through the fog and dust of remote ages. 
The fish hook is mentioned in Holy Writ by the prophets Job 
and Amos, which fact, as Father Isaak Walton observes, ‘‘must 
imply anglers in those times.” The art of angling and its 
practice, with the tackle then used, has been vouchsafed to us 
by authors who lived four or five centuries ago. 

The first book on the art of angling was written by a 
woman, Dame Juliana Berners, a lady of noble birth, the 
Prioress of Sopwell Nunnery, near St. Albans, England. Her 
book was entitled a Treatyse of Fisshynge With an Angle, and 
was published at London, England, in 1496. In this volume, 
or ‘“‘plaunflet’’, as she called it, she gives explicit directions 
for making rods, lines, hooks, floats and sinkers, illustrated 
by rude wood cuts. She also gives the formulas for the dress- 
ing of twelve artificial flies, most of which with slight modifi- 
cations are in use to-day. 

Dame Juliana gave precedence to the sport of angling over 
the then popular sports of hunting, fowling and hawking. 
Her advice to anglers is just as applicable to anglers of the 
present day. The angler is counseled to take but few fish at 
any one time; not to fish in private ponds or preserved waters 
without permission, nor to trespass on private property, or to 
break down hedges, or to leave gates open. Also to protect 
fish from their enemies; and, in modern diction and spelling, 
concludes thus—‘“‘And all those that do after this rule shall 
have the blessing of God and St. Peter, which he them grant 
that with his precious blood us bought.” 

Angling, she assures us is conductive to long life and happi- 
ness, and believes that it is not all of fishing to fish, for she 
says “if the angler catch fish no man is merrier than he,” but 
if he catch no fish and is ‘‘wet-shod to the tayl,” yet at the 
least he hath his wholesome walk, and merry at his ease; a 
sweet air of the sweet flowers of the mead maketh him hungry; 
he heareth the melodious harmony of the birds.” 

The next book on angling, in chronological sequence, was 
The Book of Fishing, by Leonard Mascall, published in London, 
in 1600. A half century later The Art of Angling, by Thomas 
Barker, was published at London, in 1651. Barker’s direc- 
tions for fly-fishing were afterward adopted by Isaak Walton 
in his great angling classic, The Compleat Angler, or the “Con- 


176 


Henshall-—Angling. 177 


templative Man’s Recreation,” which was published in London 
in 1653. This well-known and remarkable book, which treats 
of many subjects in addition to angling, has run through more 
than a hundred editions, edited by various persons in Great 
Britain and the United States. 

Walton was essentially a bait-fisher, and his book relates 
mostly to bait-fishing, but some twenty years after the first 
edition of his wonderful book, there was added to it Part II, 
by Charles Cotton which comprises his “Instructions how to 
angle for a trout or grayling in a clear stream.” These direc- 
tions treated mostly of fly-fishing, and the original book has 
since been known as Walton & Cotton’s Complete Angler. 
Isaak Walton, the patron saint of all good anglers, declared, 
more than three hundred years ago, ‘“‘Angling to be an art, and 
an art worthy the knowledge and practice of a wise man.” His 
book is so universally known that any further reference to it 
is not necessary. 

During the latter part of the eighteenth century and in the 
nineteenth century many books on angling were published in 
Great Britain, good, bad and indifferent. In the United States 
the earliest books on angling were published in the nineteenth 
century. Among the first, most noteworthy and thoroughly 
American, were the American Angler’s Book, by Thaddeus 
Norris, treating of the brook trout and other fresh water 
fishes. About the same time was published Fishing in Amer- 
ican Waters, by Genio C. Scott, on the striped bass and other 
brackish water species. Then came Game Fish of the North, 
and Superior Fishing, by Robert B. Roosevelt, all being most 
excellent works. Since these pioneer American books on ang- 
ling, many others have been issued, some of much value, others 
meritorious and desirable. 

To return to Dame Berners, it may be well to give a list 
of the fishes described by her in her treatise, and to refer to 
the baits recommended for their capture. To her great credit 
it may also be said that she mentioned only a single hook for 
either the artificial fly or for natural baits. What a sad and 
reproachful comment on our methods of the present day when 
artificial lures are made of wood, metal or bone, each bristling 
with from three to a dozen murderous fish hooks, and the 
same may be said of Walton and Cotton and the anglers of 
their time. 

Substituting modern orthography, Dame Berners says of 
the salmon: ‘‘For by cause that the salmon is the most stately 
fish that any man may angle for in fresh water, therefore | 
propose to begin at him. The salmon is a gentle fish, but awk- 
ward to take.” For baits she names the red worm and a 
“sovereign hait’” that breeds on a water dock; “Also you may 


178 American Fisheries Society. 


take him with a dubbe (artificial fly), at such time as he lea- 
peth, in like manner when you take a trout or a grayling.” 

For the trout she names the “stone fly,” several worms 
and grubs, “grasshops” and crickets, and “‘ye fat of ye bacon.” 
The grayling she says, “is a delicious fish to a man’s mouth,” 
and is to be fished for with the same baits as the trout. De- 
scriptions of barbel, carp, chub, bream, tench and roach 
follow, all to be taken with worms of various kinds, pastes, 
and natural baits. Then come the pike and perch, conclud- 
ing with the eel. 

In the foregoing list only the salmon and the pike are 
natives of the United States, although the perch, trout and the 
grayling are more or less closely allied to our own fishes of 
the same names. The coarse fishes mentioned are not true 
game-fishes, and belong mostly to the minnow family (Cypri- 
nidae), but as they are found in free water, the fishing of nine- 
tenths of English anglers is restricted to these common forms. 

Of the pike the Dame’s discourse is thus: “He is a great 
fish; but for he devoureth so many as well as of his own kind 
as of other, I love him the less.” For baits she recommends 
minnows, fresh herring and frogs, and young mice, with par- 
ticular directions as to placing them on the hook. 

It may be as well to note the tools and tackle recommended 
by the good Dame four centuries ago. The rod was made in 
three pieces, or joints, and was about fifteen feet long; the butt 
piece was made hollow to accommodate the two smaller joints, 
when the whole could be used as a walking-staff, and as Dame 
Juliana says: ‘‘and there shall no man know whereabout you 
zo.” I have known this ruse practiced successfully where a 
law prohibiting fishing on Sunday is rigidly enforced. The 
butt of the rod was fashioned of ash, hazel or willow, the sec- 
ond piece of hazel, and the top piece of the green shoot of 
hawthorn, crab, or juniper. All the joints were thoroughly 
straightened and dried. The line was made of six hairs from 
the tail of a white horse, dyed, and twisted together with the 
aid of a simple device, shown by a rude figure. For trout and 
erayling the hairs were left white. Full directions were given 
for making hooks, floats and sinkers. From this it will be seen 
that the angler of the Dame’s day was independent of tackle 
stores even if there were any. 

Passing by the unimportant and little-known books of 
Mascall and Barker, we come to the wonderful Compleat Ang- 
ler, by Isaak Walton, published a century and a half after 
Dame Juliana Berner’s quaint and marvelous Fisshynge Wyth 
an Angle. It should be remembered that these two books are 
entirely original, and made of whole cloth. The rod recom- 
mended by Walton was “‘five or six yards long,”’ depending on 


Henshall.—Angling. 179 


the width of the stream. His line, like Dame Juliana’s was 
made of six white horse hairs, dyed, and twisted, if of seven 
hairs the center was a black one. ‘But,’ he says, “if you can 
attain to angle with one hair, you shall have more rises, and 
catch more fish.” Of the rest of his tackle we may judge from 
the following: 


“My rod and my line, my float and my lead, 
My hook and my plummet, my whetstone and knife, 
My basket, my baits, both living and dead, 
My net and my meat, for that is the chief, 
Then I must have thread, and hairs great and small, 
With mine angling-purse, and so you have all.” 


From this list of essentials it may be inferred that Walton 
was primarily a bait-fisher, as artificial flies are not included. 
Artificial flies and fly-fishing originated with the ancient 
Romans, and by them was introduced into Britain. It was 
through the example of Charles Cotton that Walton became 
interested in fly-fishing. They fished together many years, 
and Cotton, in admiration and affection for his “father” Wal- 
ton, built the famous fishing lodge on the River Dove, in 
England, for their accommodation. Although it seems but a 
step from the days of Berners and Walton and Cotton to our 
own, it has taken four centuries to arrive at our present knowl- 
edge of angling, and the marvelous perfection of tools and 
tackle, but none the less do we venerate and revere the names 
of those pioneers in the art of angling. 

At the Columbia Exposition, or World’s Fair at Chicago, 
in 1893, was the most wonderful exhibit of angling tools and 
tackle accessories that the world has ever seen. As Assistant 
Chief of the Department of Fisheries, that exhibit was pecu- 
liarly my own. Among the notable exhibits were split-bamboo 
rods made by the inventor, Samuel Phillippe, of Easton, Pa., 
and of others of the best makers since his time. Also there 
was a fine collection of the famous Kentucky reels from those 
of the inventor, George Snyder, of Paris, and those of his suc- 
cessors the Meeks, Milam and Sage of Frankfort, and Hard- 
man of Louisville. It was a wonderful coilection and a rev- 
elation as showing to what a state of perfection had been 
- yeached since the time of Berners, Walton and Cotton. 


It happened that August 9th, 1893, was the tercentennial 
anniversary of the birth of Isaak Walton, and it was to occur 
at the height of the great Exposition. I determined, there- 
fore, to celebrate the event in a becoming manner. I arranged 
with the Chicago Fly-Casting Club to erect a replica of the 
renowned fishing lodge built on the River Dove by Charles 
Cotton for the accomodation of Walton and himself. I enlisted 
the interest and co-operation of Mr. R. B. Marston, Editor of 


180 American Fisheries Society. 


the Fishing Gazette (London), who furnished specifications, 
descriptions and photographs of the little edifice, and with the 
eminent services of Mr. Burnham, chief architect of the Ex- 
position, a perfect reproduction of the Walton and Cotton Fish- 
ing Lodge was erected on the bank of the Lagoon in the 
grounds of the Fair White City, where it proved to be the 
Shrine and Mecca for anglers from the world over. It was 
the headquarters for many angling events and numerous cast- 
ing tournaments. 

“The strangest part of the matter,” said Mr. Marston 
afterward in the Fishing Gazette, “was that notwithstanding 
the hundreds of angling societies in England, and a number of 
angling journals, mine among the rest, no one, evidently, 
thought of so important an event as the tercentenary of 
Walton’s natal day, but it was left to an American angler and 
an American angling club to celebrate and honor the occasion 
in such a splendid and appropriate way.” 

It is now thirty years since the Chicago World’s Fair, but 
it was twenty years before, in 1873, that I began the crusade 
to give the black bass its proper place among game-fishes, 
and to call attention to its possibilities both as a game-fish 
and a focd fish, and to make known the most suitable tackle 
for its capture, in order to prove it “inch for inch and pound 
for pound the gamest fish that swims,” and to verify my pre- 
diction that, eventually, it would become “The great American 
game-fish.” At that time, however, there was not a single 
article of tackle made especially for black bass fishing except 
the Kentucky reel. At that time the real art of black bass 
angling was confined to a small zone of the middle west, of 
which the “blue grass section” of Kentucky was the center. 
Outside of that area black bass angling, as an art was un- 
known. The earliest angling books by American authors, as 
before mentioned were published during the sixties, namely 
those of Browne, Norris, Scott and Roosevelt. Evidently these 
authors knew little or nothing of the black bass or black bass 
angling, inasmuch as they were either silent on the subject or 
dismissed it with a few words; Robert B. Roosevelt, however, 
referred to several incidents of black bass fishing in Canada. 

Thirty years afterward, at the Chicago World’s Fair, it 
was demonstrated that in the Angling Exhibit there were more 
different articles of fishing tackle made especially for black 
bass than for all other game-fishes combined. At that time 
it may be said that black bass angling was never better, and 
the species never more abundant. The inland streams were 
comparatively pure and undefiled, and coastal waters uncon- 
taminated. But, alas, the great popularity of black bass ang- 
ling proved to be our undoing. Unheard of and uncouth mul- 


Henshall.—Angling. 181 


tiple-hooked artificial lures of wood or metal, known as plugs 
and kill-devils, began to be advertised in the fishing journals 
by profiteers, few of whom were anglers, and they persist to 
this day, a bar-sinister on the escutcheon of true sportman- 
ship, and a disgrace to the gentle art of angling. It is only 
by propaganda of education that our erring brother anglers 
can be induced to forsake these vile implements of destruction 
and resort to honest and ethical means and methods of angling. 

We have received the art of angling as a sacred trust and 
heritage from times of great antiquity, and it behooves all 
honest anglers to see to it that the trust be righteously and 
faithfully regarded. From remote ages, from Biblical times, 
through the dark ages, and the days of our Mother Superior 
and Father Isaak to the present day, it has been proved that 
age cannot wither nor custom stale the gentle art of angling. 

It has been a pleasant task and a labor of love to trace the 
past records of angling down to our own times, but I am now 
obliged to broach a subject both unpleasant and forbidding, 
but one, nevertheless, that must be earnestly and intelligently 
considered, if we are to have any fishing left for black bass or 
for any other game-fish in either fresh or salt water. We are 
confronted by the most serious and appalling menace of this 
century in the pollution of our inland and coastal waters. In- 
land streams are, as you know, poisoned by industrial offal 
and waste, and the coastal estuaries by the deadly effects of 
oil pollution from tankers and oil-burning vessels. This means 
that not only angling, but commerciai fishing as well, is almost 
a thing of the past in certain sections. These facts are so 
evident and apparent that it is up to this competent and tute- 
lary society to work while it is yet day, for the night cometh 
when it will be too late to save what little remnant is left of 
our once glorious heritage of the piscatorial wealth bequeathed 
to us by past centuries. 

And now, as to the future. Watchman, what of the night! 
The famous electrician, Dr. Steinmetz, tells us that the people 
of the next century will wonder at our ignorance; that every- 
thing at that time will be done by electricity, and that they 
will work but four hours a day; Well, they will have more 
time to go a-fishing, provided there are any fish to be caught, 
which is problematical. I would not care to live in the next 
century and take the chances. 

But, seriously, something must be done and done quickly. 
We must co-operate with the manufacturers to do away with 
pollution by reducing it to a condition where it will be 
harmless to animal life, and at the same time be a source 
of profit to themselves; a proceeding that has already been 
consummated. If this can not be done through moral suasion, 


182 American Fisheries Society. 


then the law must be invoked. As I have stated elsewhere, 
more than once, our diminished streams may be augmented 
by boring artesian wells along their banks, whose flow of 
water, when aerated, would furnish an additional supply of 
oxygen. This is not at all chimerical. When a schoolboy 
my geography taught me that there was three times as much 
water as land on the globe; and as there is nothing that has 
ever existed on this planet that is absolutely destroyed, that 
proportion of water must still exist. There are the seas, 
lakes and rivers on the surface, and ‘‘the waters under the 
earth.” These subterranean waters can be reached and uti- 
lized through artesian wells of various depths. There are 
many small cities and towns that procure their water supply 
in this way. = 


When I was transferred as superintendent from Bozeman, 
Montana, to Tupelo, Mississippi, I found a dozen artesian wells 
on the grounds of the latter station, about four hundred feet 
in depth. When first bored they were flowing wells, but when 
the city of Tupelo bored a well about a thousand feet deep for 
an additional water supply, it caused the water in the wells 
of the station to drop about ten feet below the surface, and 
the water had to be pumped. There were but two of the 
station wells in use, operated by steam pumps. There were 
three ponds, and this supply of water was inadequate, for the 
output of large-mouth bass had never exceeded twenty thous- 
and at any one season. I did away with the leaky boiler and 
the steam pumps and substituted electric motors and four 
pumps, and thereafter the output was never less than three 
hundred thousand per season. If funds had been available 
half a dozen more ponds could have been constructed, and the 
rest of the wells utilized, and the output could have been in- 
creased to a million each season. In this connection it is as 
well to say that when our streams have diminished in size and 
purity, and are fishless, artesian wells may be bored on farms 
or other private property, and stocked with fish. 


I have an abiding faith in the integrity and practical work- 
ing of the American Fisheries Society. Because I am one of 
its oldest members, and have served as its president, I trust 
the Society may see its way clear to adopt a resolution mem- 
orializing the Congress to institute measures to abate or miti- 
gate the pollution of navigable rivers and coastal estuaries. 
And I feel sure that individual members of the Society from 
the various states will give aid and comfort to any state move- 
ment looking to the alleviation of pollution of inland waters 
from industrial waste and sewage, and will assist with their 
counsel and influence in the work of any combined effort by 
protective associations or conservation organizations, or in 


Henshall.—Angling. 183 


needed legislation of their states. And I want to assure them 
that I am not crying “wolf, wolf,” to urge others to their duty, 
but that I am now, in eighty-eighth year, doing my bit for 
conservation with the Isaak Walton League of America and 


in conducting the department of pollution in its monthly maga- 
zine. 


NOTES ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION 
OF POND FISHES. 


By G. W. N. Brown. 
The U. S. Fisheries Station, Orangeburg, S. C. 


From observation and study of the spawning habits of 
pond fishes it is learned that the proper manipulation of the 
water supply is a factor in incubation that should not be 
overlooked. Especially is this true in regard to the incuba- 
tion of black bass eggs. Black bass begin nest building and 
spawning during the first warm weather of the season, 
which occurs, usually, about the middle of February. They 
seek the shallow portions of the pond as the warmth of the 
sun has there penetrated to the bottom. As is well known 
the male fish remains with the nest after the spawning is 
concluded. His purpose in this is not only to protect the 
eggs from enemies, but also, to keep the water constantly 
changing on them so that they may obtain the proper 
amount of oxygen which is necessary to incubation as to the 
life of the fry after hatching. He accomplishes this func- 
tion by passing back and forth over the nest with a gentle 
undulating motion of the fins. By this means he also pre- 
vents sediment from collecting on and smothering the eggs. 

Should anything occur to drive the male from the nest for 
any considerable length of time the eggs, thus deprived of 
his parental care, soon die. As the warm periods are 
invariably followed by cold snaps which chill the surface 
water it is necessary to close the supply valves to prevent the 
cold surface water from the reservoir from displacing the 
warm water at the nests and driving the male fish to seek a 
more equable temperature in the deeper section of the pond. 
For this reason the supply valves are closed at the Orange- 
burg station until all danger of cold snaps has passed, some- 
times remaining closed for four or five weeks. 

A former custom of bunching the brood fish in a few 
ponds for the winter and distributing them to the various 
spawning ponds early in February has been abandoned. It 
was found that better results can be obtained by placing 
them in the fall, after the ponds are drawn and cleaned, in 
the ponds in which they will remain during the spawning 
season, as it obviates the necessity of handling them after 


184 


Brown.—Pond Fishes. 185 


the eggs are nearing full development. About 35 pairs are 
placed in an acre of water. 

An experiment in hatching bass eggs in a trough was 
conducted at this station last spring. A nest of eggs found 
on the morning of March 5, believed to have been spawned 
the previous night, was taken up and counted and found to 
contain about 4,500. They were placed in a trough of run- 
ning water on a cheesecloth tray. They were showing the 
eye spot on the 7th and the following day the outline of the 
fry could be seen. Hatching began on the 9th and was 
completed on the 10th. It was estimated from 600 to 800 
fry were hatched. The yolk sac had all been absorbed by 
the 23rd. They rose from the tray that morning and contin- 
ued to maintain themselves as free swimmers thenceforth. 
Beef heart was passed several times through an Enterprise 
chopper and then rubbed through a cheesecloth screen. 
Water was added to make a thin soupy solution. This was 
spread over the surface of the water by the use of a feather. 
The fry rose to it at once and took it greedily. On April 9 
they were delivered to an applicant, being in all 394 advance 


In collecting advance fry for shipment advantage is 
taken of the protective instinct of the male. He seems to 
realize that by steering the fry near the shore he has only 
one side of the school to protect from enemies. Close 
observation is kept on the movements of the school and as 
soon as they are old enough a cast-net is thrown over them 
and the entire school, if possible, brought out. The ponds 
should be carefully watched to locate schools before they 
disperse, as a few fingerling bass can destroy an entire school 
of advance fry in a short time. Proof of this was furnished 
by a number 2 fingerling during the spring of 1922. A 
school of advance fry were caught up and placed in a trough 
for shipment. This fingerling was found among them with 
a very much distended stomach. He was opened up and 
found to contain 27 advance fry. Several of these were 
digested, except the head, but with most of them the process 
of digestion was only beginning. The loss through canni- 
balism among fingerlings is far in excess of that of adults. 
This shows the necessity of keeping in close touch with the 
development of the fry, removing them for shipment before 
they reach the fingerling stage. 

Sunfish, warmouth and crappie do not begin spawning as 
early asbass. The fry are more susceptible to injury by the 
net, and are more easily overcome with the heat. Hence, 
they can not be successfully handled for shipment during 
hot weather. They are left to be distributed during Octo- 


186 American Fisheries Society. 


ber and November in connection with the residue of bass 
collected when the ponds are drawn for cleaning. There is, 
apparently, no cannibalism among these species. 

After the young fish are taken from the pond with the 
seine the tub in which they are carried is placed under 
a half inch bibcock to equalize the temperature after 
which they are transferred to a trough. From there they 
are counted and placed in the transportation cans. If the 
shipment is intended for.an early morning train the cans, 
covered with a bobinet screen are set under a 2 inch pipe 
which supplies water to the cans through half inch bibcocks 
and they are held thus till time to load them for shipment 
next morning. 


All bass shipped to one applicant for planting in the same 
pond should be the same size. When fry and fingerlings 
are planted together the chances are ten to one the fry will 
become food for the fingerlings. Plants should be made in 
shallow water containing suitable pond vegetation in which 
they may find an avenue of escape from enemies and where 
the food supply is more plentiful. When young fish are plant- 
ed in a new pond containing no vegetation they should be 
fed on finely chopped beef heart two or three times each 
week. Suitable pond mosses should be set in a new pond 
as the water in turned in for the first time. 


The number of fish shipped in a transportation can de- 
pends on the size of the fish. 1,000 advance fry, 600 No.1 
fingerlings, or 200 No. 2 fingerlings per can have given the 
best results in shipments from this station. If the cans are 
overloaded there is considerable loss of fish and those sur- 
viving the trip are in a weakened condition. Having lost 
the disposition to search for food they consequently die of 
starvation. Every possible effort should be put forth to 
deliver the fish to the applicant in first-class condition, as 
this is the chief end and aim of propagation. 


A change of method in some features of the distribu- 
tion inaugurated during the early part of the fiscal year 1922 
has resulted in a reduction of the cost of more than 50 per 
cent during the last two years, as compared with former 
years. During the fiscal year 1921, under the old method, 
the average cost per thousand for distributing the fish from 
the Orangeburg station was $5.60. Under the new method 
the cost was $1.93 per thousand in 1922, and $1.99 in 1923. 
The method consists in sending a messenger with fish to a 
central railroad point with instructions to ship from various 
points enroute to applicant living on connecting lines, in care 
of the train baggageman, or by express. On arrival at his 


Brown.—Pond Fishes. 187 


destination he will ship in the same way to applicants living 
on lines diverging from this central point. A case in point 
was that of a messenger sent from Orangeburg to Fayette- 
ville, North Carolina. He carried fish for 17 applicants. 
At Florence, South Carolina, a shipment was made to three 
applicants living on a connecting line between Florence and 
Wilmington, North Carolina. Arriving at Fayetteville 
shipments were made to eight applicants on various lines 
diverging from that point. The messenger returned to 
Orangeburg at 11:00 P. M. the same day, whereas, if he had 
gone to all points and made personal deliveries it would have 
required at least two days time and would have more than 
doubled the cost beside the inconvenience and hardship of 
holding most of the fish over night. It is important that 
the fish be turned over to the baggageman, or expressman, 
in first-class condition with proper instructions as to their 
care enroute. Baggagemen generally have taken a decided 
interest in rendering assistance in this work and very little 
complaint has been heard from applicants in regard to the 
condition of the fish received. 


Discussion. 


Mr. BULLER: Pennsylvania, as you gentlemen probably know, has 
more pollution in its streams than any State in the Union, owing to its 
vast mining interests and its large number of industrial plants. The 
area of Pennsylvania is about 48,000 square miles. Up to the year 1923 
these matters were vested in the Department of Fisheries so far as in- 
dustrial and mining wastes were concerned, and under the Department 
of Health were placed matters pertaining to sewage. This matter of 
pollution has been a nightmare to the Commissioner of Fisheries. Year 
after year articles have been published on the front pages of prominent 
newspapers of the state; in ninety-five cases out of one hundred unjust 
criticism was offered by people who never went to the trouble of studying 
the situation and getting the facts. We have been working conscien- 
tiously every year with a view to remedying this condition as far as 
possible, in many instances with a great deal of success. But no matter 
how successful we were in effecting improvements in certain streams, 
the newspapers of the state made no references to these circumstances, 
there were never any words of praise on their part in connection with 
what had been accomplished. This, in my judgment, is the most serious 
question confronting the people of the United States to-day, and it is 
one that we are to find very cifficult of solution. It involves not only 


188 American Fisheries Society. 


the conservation of the fish but the health of the general public, par- 
ticularly those connected with manufactures, railroads and mines. In a 
great many states there is considerable agitation to-day in regard to 
this matter. We elected as Governor of Pennsylvania one of the foremost 
conservationists in the world, Mr. Pinchot, and under his administration 
there has been a reorganization of the State Government officer in con- 
nection with the question of the pollution of streams. The powers form- 
erly vested in the Department of Fisheries and in the Department of 
Health are now vested in what is called a Sanitary Water Board, com- 
posed of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission of the State, 
the Attorney General, the secretary of Health, the secretary of Forests 
and Waters and the Commissioner of Fisheries. We have outlined a 
definite policy in Pennsylvania relative to stream pollution and the De- 
partment of Fisheries is at present engaged in making a compiete sur- 
vey of all the waters of the State. This survey is being made under the 
direction of the Commissioner of Fisheries by sanitary engineers, who, 
working with maps which cover the whole state, are traversing the banks 
of these streams on foot and making a complete survey as to the pollu- 
tion. While we have many thousands of miles of streams that are badly 
polluted, we also have many miles of waters which are yet 
in their pure state. It is the policy of this Board, in making this sur- 
vey, to place all streams that are not already polluted in class “A”, 
and to insure that the purity of these streams is preserved, no manufac- 
turer will be allowed to erect a plant along their banks and pollute the 
waters, nor will there be any mines opened on that watershed. There 
has also been created a Board called the Water and Power Resource 
Board, and these two Boards are working in conjunction with each other. 
The Water and Power Resource Board has authority over the construc- 
tion of all dams in the state of Pennsylvania, irrespective of their size. 
it is composed of the Secretary of Forests and Waters, who is the Chair- 
man; the Secretary of Health, the Attorney-General, and a competent 
consulting engineer appointed by the Governor, and the Commissioner of 
Fisheries. A resolution was passed by that Board, on my recommenda- 
tion, at the last meeting providing that no permit shall be granted to 
any person or corporation impounding waters in the state of Pennsylvania 
for manufacturing or power purposes unless they permit the public to 
fish legally in those waters. This provision is going to open up a large 
body of water in our state for recreational purposes. 

The survey to which I have referred will also disclose to what ex- 
tent some of the streams are partly polluted but not to such an ex- 
tent that they cannot be remedied without placing too much hardship 
upon the manufacturers who have their plants on the banks of those 
streams. It is the policy of the Board to co-operate with the manufac- 
turers and, with the assistance and advice of its sanitary engineers, to 
attempt to remedy these conditions as far as possible. These partly 
polluted streams will be placed in class “B”. 

Then, we have another class of stream which will be known as 
class “C” streams. To illustrate that class I will take the Lackawanna 


Brown.—Pond Fishes. 189 


River. This river rises in the northeastern part of the State, in the 
Susquehanna watershed; it is a beautiful stream for a distance of about 
twenty miles until it strikes the anthracite coal regions at Forest City, 
and from Forest City to Pittston, a distance of about thirty miles, there 
is one mine operation after another; it is said that even a typhoid germ 
will not live in that section of the river. The courts of Pennsylvania 
in 1825 unfortunately rendered a decision favorable to the mine operator 
which has caused a great deal of the present trouble in relation to the 
streams that mine water flows into. In this case, known as Sanderson 
vs. the Pennsylvania Coal Company, the facts were that Mr. Sanderson 
has a dwelling alongside the Lackawanna River; in his yard was a 
fountain containing goldfish; when the mine operations commenced 
the water in the river became so acid that as it flowed through the 
fountain it killed the goldfish; and on this account Mr. Sanderson brought 
action against the company. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania de- 
cided in that case that the mine operator had the right to flow that water 
into the stream, irrespective of anyone’s private rights below. I have 
spoken to a great many judges on that question, and they have agreed 
that the decision was a very unfortunate one; had it been given in op- 
posite terms, all these difficulties could have been foreseen and steps 
taken to obviate them. There is now before the courts of Pennsylvania 
a case on which this Board is anxiously awaiting decision, known as the 
Mountainside Water Company et al vs. the Sagamore Coal Company 
et al. It was a case brought in the Fayette County Court, as effecting 
not private interests but public interests, and it was argued in the 
Fayette court by thirty-six of the most prominent attorneys of the 
State of Pennsylvania. The decision of the Fayette County Court was 
against the Water Company; it is now before the Supreme Court, and 
we are awaiting with much interest the decision of the Supreme court, 
in view of the fact that the case is brought as affecting the public inter- 
est. This case involves a $25,000,000 water project of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company; so that in the case of class ‘“‘C’”’ streams, we are ad- 
vising all those who are complaining that we will take no action until 
we learn of the decision of the Supreme court with regard to mining 
streams. I may say that we have provided that everyone who makes 
a complaint about the pollution of streams and the killing of fish must 
make it in the form of a sworn complaint, or we will pay no attention 
to it. 

PRESIDENT LEACH: I only wish that more States would take the 
interest in this matter that Pennsylvania is now taking. 

Mr. BULLER: I would like to know what some of the other states 
are doing. It is a question that involves a great deal in the work of con- 
servation. 

Mr. Doze: What is being done about oil pollution? 

Mr. BULLER: I think that is a matter that will be taken up in the 
meeting of the commissioners which is to follow this. 

Mr. DozE: We have that problem to meet in our state. The ques- 
tion is, what are we going to do with the water that is polluted? It has 


190 American Fisheries Society. 


to reach the sea level. This question came up in Kansas in connection 
with our oil wells, and in any action that is brought we will be beaten 
every time because that water has to find its way to the sea level, and the 
only way you can do that is through the streams. We do not want to 
make a laughing stock of ourselves by being too severe toward the indus- 
trial plants which are located along streams. In one of our counties 
which is about the size of the State of Delaware, the result of the strik- 
ing of oil was the destruction of one of the finest black bass streams in 
the United States; there was no way of getting the water out except 
through that stream. If you bring action in these cases, you are asked: 
“What are you going to do with this stuff? It has to have an outlet, 
and even if it is not put directly into the streams it will find its way there 
through the subterranean sands or strata.” We will not get anywhere 
by simply saying to people, “You must not do this,” because the develop- 
ment of the nation requires that we open our coal mines and drill for oil. 
The problem of oil pollution is of vital interest to me. I have had some 
correspondence with the gentleman from Pennsylvania on the subject, 
and I intend to go down there and see what his methods are of handling 
the problem. I think this Society ought to hear him on how he is hand- 
ling the oil situation. 

Mr. HARE: We have a chemist in the room, and I would like to ask 
him if it would not be possible to use every by-product that results from 
the operations of these various manufacturing concerns. Have we not 
a scientist who is competent to work it out on that basis? 

PRESIDENT LEACH: I think I could answer that question by saying 
that all the large manufacturing concerns of this country have their own 
cheinists and that they are utilizing their waste products as far as pos- 
sible. For instance, the Dupont Company used to make powder only; 
now they make something like two or three hundred different by products; 
these have become the main product of the plant, and powder has become 
a by-product. Most of the large companies are doing the same thing. 
It is only a matter of working these things out. Some of the companies 
feel that they are not able to afford the necessary changes of machinery 
and equipment involved in the utilization of these by-products, partic- 
ularly when there would be some doubt as to the possibility of selling 
them even when they were ready for the market. 

Mr. Hart: I understand that they have a fine Sanitary Board in 
Rhode Island which is giving attention to these matters. Is there a man 
from Rhode Island in the room? 


PRESIDENT LEACH: I do not think there is a representative from 
Rhode Island present. This question of pollution is a very important 
one, but we are depending upon the meeting which will convene after 
ours to thresh that out. The Bureau of Fisheries is very much interested 
in it, because it has a large bearing upon our work. We are glad that 
Pennsylvania and some of the other states are tackling these problems. 


PLANTING EYED SALMON AND TROUT EGGS. 


By C. W. Harrison, 
District Inspector of Hatcheries for British Columbia, 
Vancouver, B. C. 


For many years fish culturists have been attempting to 
devise ways of planting, in their natural environment, the 
eggs of fish artificially spawned. Particularly this has been 
the case with salmon and trout eggs, and though several 
methods have been tried, they have not met with unquali- 
fied success: the faults in them have been obvious to those 
engaged in the propagation of fish life. 

One of the methods employed, particularly in Great 
Britain, has been the screening off of sections of natural 
spawning grounds and then scattering the eggs in these 
enclosed areas. But the loss through exposure to sunlight, 
natural enemies and through eggs which failed to lodge in 
crevasses in these partly protected areas being washed 
down stream, made popular acceptance of this method im- 
possible. Another method was to construct boxes in the 
streams and place therein layers of gravel and eggs through 
which the necessary amount of water was allowed to circu- 
late. This system, though successful in hatching the eggs, 
was so limited in its application that the wide distribution 
of ova—at which egg planting principally aims—was far 
beyond its scope. 

The method described below has overcome all obiec- 
tionable features which apply to these artifices mentioned 
and has for three years been employed in British Columbia 
by the Department of Marine and Fisheries of Canada with 
a large degree of success. 

Three years ago it was found necessary for the writer to 
proceed to an unsettled and isolated portion of the northern 
British Columbia Coast with a view to rehabilitating certain 
streams which had become depleted of sockeye salmon and 
to use for this purpose eyed sockeye eggs which were to be 
planted in gravel under as natural conditions as possible. 
The district to be seeded was many miles from a settlement 
and conditions demanded that a speedy and inexpensive 
means of distribution be employed. Planting in gravel on 
the natural spawning grounds was the only way open and 
although this work had been attempted before by various 
means, on an experimental scale, the nature of the district 
and the shortage of local material precluded the use of any 


191 


192 American Fisheries Society. 


of these. Since the transportation of cumbersome equip- 
ment was out of the question, it was necessary to invent 
some new mobile apparatus capable of being handled by a 
small number of men. The egg planting box described in 
this report was the result. 

The first plantings were made inasmall way. Extensive 
and repeated experiments were tried with it until, last year 
the Department of Marine and Fisheries, being thoroughly 
satisfied with the feasibility of the plan, a total of 22,000,- 
000 eyed eggs were planted with it in outlaying sections of 
the Province, far from localities covered by hatcheries. In 
this Province when planting trout eggs where not more than 
one hundred to five hundred eggs are deposited in one plant- 
ing, a box 18” or 20” in length with other dimensions in 
proportion, is used. 

Considerable improvements in the design and attach- 
ments have been made, one of which was the elimination of 
the hinged door on the top, and again, the fasteners for the 
bottom shutters were replaced by a much simpler fastener. 

Under existing conditions in British Columbia, the plant- 
ing of eyed eggs in outlying districts is the only feasible 
method whereby many extensive and important spawning 
grounds can be stocked. A great number of these grounds 
are so far removed from existing hatcheries that it is quite 
out of the question to stock them with fry. The planting of 
eyed eggs is the only method that remains and the Harrison 
Box has proved to be the most efficient device so far devel- 
oped to meet all the conditions liable to occur. 

In experimental work it has been found that the best 
results cannot be expected unless the eggs are deposited 
under almost natural conditions, on no account must the 
plantings be completely surrounded by small-meshed wire 
screening. To determine the numbers of fry hatched out 
from any given quantity of eggs planted, a narrow spring fed 
creek which is not subject to freshets and containing a 
clean, loose gravel bed is the most suitable. Screens may be 
placed completely across the stream at intervals of about 20 
feet one planting being made in each of these sections. The 
screens must be properly placed and kept perfectly clean to 
ensure thorough circulation of water. Conditions such as 
these have been found to give good results and the resultant 
fry can be accurately counted. 

When undertaking extensive seeding of natural spawn- 
ing grounds the man in charge of the egg planting opera- 
tions should first select portions of any stream where con- 
ditions are as nearly as possible identical with others where 
it has been noted that parent fish naturally prefer to deposit 


Harrison.—Salmon and Trout Eggs: 193 


their eggs. In this province most satisfactory locations are 
at points where clean loose gravel is to be found, ranging in 
size from 14” to 2” in diameter. He should then have 
channels dug in the bed of the stream of sufficient length 
and width to accommodate the planting box. These chan- 
nels should be about 5’ in length and 2’ in width, lying 
lengthwise up and down stream with a depth in the gravel 
about the same as that of the box. Care should be taken to 
ensure that all plantings will be covered with water at all 
times during incubation, thus a knowledge of what will be 
the extreme stage of low water should be obtained and al- 
lowance made accordingly. 

In loading the box it is necessary that the gravel used 
should be well washed, to clean out all silt and mud. This 
is usually done by turning it over a few times at the edge of 
the stream so that it is thoroughly cleansed by the running 
water flowing through it. It is then placed in a heap in 
close proximity to the place where the box will be loaded. 
Where large numbers of eggs are going to be planted the 
above is the proper method to follow but where small plant- 
ings are to be made it is advisable to wash and screen the 
gravel thus eliminating all silt, sand and mud. 

The men in charge should arrange for the loading of the 
box at a point as near as possible to the area where the eggs 
are to be planted and a suitable stool should be provided to 
keep the box clear of the water at a convenient height for 
filling. 

The method of loading the box is as follows: Place about 
2” of gravel over the bottom of the box, then carefully scat- 
ter eggs on the surface of the gravel, taking great care to 
handle the eggs gently. The eggs will roll into the inter- 
stices of the gravel. Over this carefully place a covering of 
gravel, care being taken that the eggs receive no jar or ill 
usage. Continue to introduce alternately eggs and gravel 
to within about 4” of the top of the box. The remaining 
space should be filled with fairly even-sized, clean gravel. 
The box is then lifted and placed in one of the channels pre- 
- viously prepared in the bed of the stream. Both sides are 
banked with gravel to the full height of the box. Next 
insert the long handled hook provided for the purpose, in 
the iron ring in the center of one of the bottom shutters and 
draw it clear of the box. Directly the shutter is withdrawn, 
bankupthatend. Thesame procedure is followed with the 
other shutter. It is advisable to first withdraw the shutter 
and bank up the gravel at the upstream end, thus preventing 
the eggs from being scoured out when the down stream 
shutter is taken out. The contents will now be lying in the 


194 American Fisheries Society. 


bed of the stream confined in a bottomless box. Two men, 
one at each end, now take hold of the handles and slowly 
lift the box clear of the water, which leaves all eggs in the 
bed of the stream under the same conditions as if deposited 
naturally by parent fish. The quantity of eggs deposited at 
each planting should be nearer 3,000 than 5,000; the eggs 
should be well eyed, but not too near the point of hatching. 

As stated in a previous paragraph, the first plantings 
were confined to small numbers of eggs but as the value of 
the new method became recognized, the Department author- 
ized the planting of increased numbers. 


From the collection of 1920, 750,000 eyed sockeye eggs 
were deposited on natural spawning grounds by this method. 
From the collection of 1921, the number of eggs thus planted 
was increased to about 16,000,000 and from the collection 
of 1922, 22,000,000 eggs were distributed by this. system. 
The distribution from the 1922 collection includes about 
1,500,000 trout eggs and 200,000 Atlantic salmon eggs. 

All reports go to show that the results were eminently 
satisfactory. 

A number of experimental plantings conducted by the 
superintendents of various hatcheries in the Province are 
described. 

At the New Westminster Hatchery on February 26th, 
1921, one thousand eyed sockeye eggs were planted by 
this method in a waste ditch in the immediate vicin- 
ity of the retaining ponds. The Superintendent reports 
that when the free-swimming fry left the gravel, 807 heal- 
thy, vigorous fry were counted. 

The Superintendent of the Cultus Lake Hatchery, in 
connection with experimental plantings, reports as follow: 


“Almost a month after the eggs of the same age held in 
the hatchery baskets had become free-swimming, the fry be- 
gan to appear from the gravel, those from a nest of coarse 
gravel were the first to make their appearance. From the 
very beginning the fry were wild and undoubtedly more 
wary than those incubated in the hatchery. 


The results are set down in the following table: 


No. planted Description of nest No. Hatched. 
500 Gravel from size of pea to hickory nut— 
some clean sand. 350 
500 Same as above with top coating of silt— 
Yinch deep. 325 
500 Fine gravel sand and small amount of clay 


in sand. 200 


Harrison.—Salmon and Trout Eggs. 195 


500 Fine gravel and much clay or mud in sand. 170 
500 Gravel from size of hickory nut to walnut, 

very little sand, no clay or top covering of 

silt. 420 


In continuation he expresses the opinion that the alert- 
ness of the gravel-hatched fish is a factor worthy of consid- 
eration when estimating the relative chances of survival of 
these and hatchery-reared fry. 

One hundred cohoe salmon eggs were planted in coarse 
clean gravel, within an hour after the parent fish were strip- 
ped. Seventy-five fry hatched in healthy condition. 

The following plantings of sockeye eggs were made 
during the past season at the Harrison Lake Hatchery by 
means of the Harrison Planting box: 


Planting No. of No. of re- 
eggs planted sultant fry. 
No. 1 500 456 
No. 2 500 420 
No. 3 500 407 
No, 4 500 200 
No. 5 500 401 


The superintendent reports that there was a hole in the 
screen of No. 4 and fry escaped which were not counted. 
Two plantings of green eggs in gravel were also made, 
in one case with soft and in the other with hardened eggs, 
with the following results: 3 
1,000 soft green eggs produced 350 fry 
1,000 water-hardened eggs produced 400 fry 


Altogether at this hatchery 300,000 sockeye eggs were 
planted in gravel in the vicinity of the hatchery last fall, 
including the experimental plantings mentioned above. The 
superintendent reports that the results of these plantings 
have been good. Careful watch was kept and large num- 
bers of young sockeye resulting from the plantings were 
seen. The plantings at Morris Creek amounting to 1,413,- 
000 eyed eggs also turned out very well. This point was 
inspected and great quantities of sockeye fry were later 
observed in the creek. 

On January 29th, 1923, three plantings of eyed spring 
salmon eggs were made in Oliver Creek near the Cowichan 
Lake Hatchery—500 in each planting, with the following 
results: 

Planting No. 1 — 487 fry. 

«¢ 2— 465 “ 
“ 3 — 476 “ 


196 American Fisheries Society. 


Again on January 30th two plantings of eyed eggs—500 
each—were made in the same creek, which produced: 

Planting No. 1 —- 482 fry. 

Planting No. 2 —- 463 ” 

In 1922 the Superintendent of the Rivers Inlet Hatchery 
made five plantings each containing 500 carefully counted 
eved sockeye eggs. He reports as follows: 

“Tn the first pond the gravel was coarse and the eggs 
planted about six inches deep. Three hundred and eighty- 
seven fry came out of the gravel. 

In the second pond the gravel was finer and the eggs 
planted about 6 inches deep. One hundred and thirty- 
seven fry were counted. 

In the third pond the gravel was about the same as in 
the second pond and the eggs planted about 2” deep. Four 
hundred and ninety fry were counted. 

In the fourth pond the gravel was very fine, practically 
all sand and the eggs were planted about 2” deep. A small 
hole was found in the screening so no doubt some fry es- 
caped. Two hundred and thirty-seven fry were counted. 

In the fifth pond the gravel was very fine and the eggs 
were planted 8” deep. Only 7 fry made their way out of the 
gravel. These seven were much larger and stronger thanthe 
fry hatched in the baskets in the hatchery or the fry that 
came out of the gravel in the other four plantings. Appar- 
ently only the very strongest fry were able to make their 
way out of the very fine gravel when planted that deep. 

In plantings of this nature the eggs and fry do not have 
the same advantages as they would if not screened and in a 
creek bed. The screening around the plantings gets clogged 
up and prevents not only the surface water but also the 
circulation of water through the gravel, which no doubt is a 
great help to the fry when they are trying to make their 
way to the surface.” 

The Superintendent of the Anderson Lake Hatchery, 
Vancouver Island, reports that he made four plantings each 
containing 500 eyed sockeye eggs and the resultant fry, 
accurately counted, were as follows: 


No. 1 planting 487 fry. 
No. 2 e 475 ” 
No. 3 i Aas 
No. 4 Mh 448 ” 


In 1922 about two million sockeye eggs were planted in 
Great Central Lake, Vancouver Island, and during the 
summer of the same year large schools of fry were observed 
in these waters by residents in the locality. Early this spring 


Harrison.—Salmon and Trout Eggs: 197 


employees of the Department operated fyke-net at the out- 
let of the lake at the time the yearling sockeye were expect- 
ed to migrate to salt water. A number of well proportioned 
sockeye yearlings were captured and specimens forwarded 
to the Department. These yearlings undoubtedly were the 
result of egg planting as, owing to that impassable obstruc- 
tion, Stamp Falls, no returning parent fish of this variety 
were ever known to reach Great Central Lake. 

The Superintendent of the Pitt Lake Hatchery reports 
that in January, 1922, he made two plantings of eyed 
‘sockeye eggs in one of the retaining ponds operated in con- 
nection with that station, each planting containing 1,000 
eggs. An accurate count showed that the number of fry 
emerging from these plantings was 1940, indicating a loss of 
only 60 from the 2,000 eggs deposited. 

Other successful experiments might be cited but those 
described above are sufficient to prove that this system has 
an important place in future fish cultural operations. 

The advantages to be derived from this method are 
apparent to every fish culturist whose work is carried on in 
a thinly populated country where means of transportation 
are still of a very primitive nature. One man can carry an 
egg planting box lashed to a Yukon pack board; a second 
ean carry 100,000 eggs, and one or two others the shovels, 
and so work their way up or down salmon rivers or creeks, 
planting a tray here and a tray there—wherever conditions 
are suitable. A wide distribution can thus be made. This 
work has been done in this Province in the late fall as well 
as in the early spring when the rivers first open and the 
planting team have had to work from stream to stream on 
snow-shoes. It has been carried on from a fishery patrol 
boat travelling from cove to cove up the north coast stopping 
at the nearest point to many of the innumerable short 
spawning streams. In the latter case the team with extra 
men to carry whatever additional boxes containing eggs 
were needed, left the boat at dawn, pushed inland to pre- 
viously selected spawning grounds, and were back to the 
‘boat by night. Eyed eggs properly cared for, have been 
held on board the boat in shipping boxes for one month 
without any loss whatever, so that scores of miles of coast 
line can, and have been covered in a single cruise. 

These plantings along the coast can be made at whatever 
time during the winter or spring the eggs are at the required 
stage of development, but those made in the interior of this 
Province, where severe winter conditions prevail, must be 
completed either before the freeze-up or as soon as the 
streams are open in the early spring. In the case of fall 


198 American Fisheries Society. 


plantings, to guard against frost during low water, the nests 
are placed as near as possible to the foot or head of riffles 
which give a more rapid circulation of water. In this kind 
of planting, the box is set deeper in the gravel so that the top 
of the nest is flush with the creek bed; but in the spring when 
danger of frost and freshets is past and incubation is more 
rapid, the plantings are made shallower, only part of the 
nest being below the level of the stream bed, and the rest in 
a flat mound through which the water circulates freely. In 
this as in every other phase of this work a thorough acquaint- 
ance with local conditions is imperative. 

This method of distribution is not necessarily confined 
to fish of purely commercial value. Last spring 200,000 
Atlantic salmon eggs were distributed in this way, in 
streams tributary to Great Central and Sproat Lake, on the 
west coast of Vancouver Island, and plantings of cutthroat 
and Kamloops trout eyed eggs were made at widely 
separated points in many parts of the Province. The 
majority of these places would have been impossible to reach 
and stock with free-swimming fry or fingerlings. In almost 
every case splendid results have been reported. 

To facilitate the planting of sporting fish eggs, the writer 
is now perfecting a one man outfit. This consists of a small- 
er box, a shovel after the fashion of an army entrenching 
tool and a light box for the trays, which is nested inside the 
planting box while being carried. The carrying can be done 
by means of shoulder straps attached to the box. With this 
equipment, one man can make an almost ideal distribution, 
planting small lots of one hundred to five hundred eggs in 
suitable places over a wide area. 

At one of the Canadian Government hatcheries at Cultus 
Lake, experiments are being made in planting green eggs 
directly after they are water-hardened. The results so far 
obtained were as follows: 

‘On December 10th, 1922, two female cohoes were spawn- 
ed in separate pans, the eggs fertilized and allowed to 
stand for 40 minutes in water at a temperature of 34 deg.F. 
These eggs were then planted by the Harrison Box method in 
two streamlets at the hatchery. On February 28th of the 
present year planting No. 1 was examined, and on March 
27th an examination was made of planting No.2 with the 
following results: 

Of the 687 eggs shown as fertile in planting No. 2 six 
eggs when being picked up had the appearance of being 
alive, but were found on subsequent examination to be in- 
fertile. It will be noted that these are not included in the 
column headed “Bad Eggs.”’ 


Harrison.—Salmon and Trout Eggs: 199 


If this is found to be workable generally, a new and 
hitherto unconsidered saving can be effected and great 
natural wastage of seed prevented. One instance select- 
ed from several of which the writer is aware will illustrate 
this: 

In Fifteen Mile Creek a tributary to Babine Lake in the 
northern interior of the Province, there is a limited spawn- 
ing erea not more than a quarter of a mile in length, yet 
annually approximately 12,000 to 15,000 parent sockeye 
gather off the mouth of this stream. When the first fish 
are ripe they leave the large school and run up to spawn. 
Succeeding runs enter the creek and in making their rudds, 
turn up the eggs of the first spawners within a short time 
after they have been deposited. This continues for several 
weeks and finally only the eggs of the last run are left to 
develop, unmolested. The wastage is enormous and be- 
hind sunken logs or boulders it is possible to scoop up 
immense quantities of eggs which have been turned out of 
gravel and killed while in a delicate stage of development 
by the later running fish. This loss is tremendous and un- 
doubtedly the eggs destroyed would be sufficient to fill a 
small hatchery to capacity. 

When a sure method of planting water-hardened eggs is 
perfected, as the writer is confident it will be, a spawning 
camp can be located at the mouth of this creek, all eggs 
taken as the parent fish become ripe and the spawning 
ground abundantly seeded by this method. The surplus 
eggs which otherwise would be lost will then be available 
for transportation to other creeks in the district where the 
runs are negligible, and planted there by means of the 
Harrison planting box. What this saving would be, applied 
to many other streams in this Province, where similar con- 
ditions exist, the reader can well imagine. 

In conclusion, the writer feels the need of reiterating 
his statement that the successful development of this work 
depends to a very great extent on the fish culturist’s know- 
ledge a his district and the various natural conditions that 
prevail. 


Discussion. 


PRESIDENT LEACH: This is a very interesting paper, particularly 
so to those parts of the country where it is found necessary to plant eyed 
eggs in more or less inaccessible waters. It is also of great importance 
to those whe find it necessary to plant surplus eggs, and I am sure that 
a close study of this paper after it is printed will reveal to you methods 


200 American Fisheries Society. 


by which you can greatly improve your present work. Are there any 
remarks on this paper? 

Mr. Cutter: The Bureau of Fisheries planted quite a few eyed 
eggs in Yellowstone Park this summer, and I fully agree with what Mr. 
Harrison says in regard to the feasibility of the plan. As to the 
apparatus used, that is merely a question of opinion among fish cultur- 
ists; the main idea is to have as simple apparatus as possible. Depth is 
another matter of opinion; nothing has been decided in regard to it. 
Experiments show that where there is fine gravel, sand, silt and clay, 
the work is not successful, and for my part I would use a little larger 
gravel where the plants are made than he used in his experiments. 


BLACK BASS VERSUS NETTING OF COARSE FISH. 


By J. P. SNYDER, 
U. S. Fisheries Station, Cape Vincent, N. Y. 


What effect in general does the netting of coarse fish in 
the early spring before bass spawn and in the late fall after 
bass leave the shoal waters have upon the abundance of 
black bass? This is a local question coming up again and 
again in the vicinity of Cape Vincent, New York, situated 
at the junction of the St. Lawrence River with Lake Ontario. 
Since this question undoubtedly comes up from time to time 
all over this country where people are deeply interested in 
bass fishing the writer feels justified in bringing it to the 
attention of this society hoping it will provoke discussion and 
be helpful to those who are frequently called upon to answer 
the question. To the inhabitants of many of our tourist 
villages along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River the 
correct solution of this question is of vital importance and 
doubtless this is true of communities in many other states and 
in many of the provinces north of us. The writer refers to 
it as a vital question because the prosperity, in fact the very 
life of many of our lake and river shore villages is depend- 
ent upon good bass fishing that draws its devotees from all 
parts of this country and from every walk in life. Many 
millions of dollars are invested in boardinghouse and hotel 
property maintained for the convenience and comfort of 
men and women who enjoy the exhilarating thrill and sport 
of catching black bass. Many hundreds of thousands of 
dollars are also invested in boats and equipment for their 
accommodation, and employment is given to thousands of 
men who act as guides in conducting these summer visitors 
to various fishing grounds. Even the catching of bait for all 
these thousands of bass fishermen is no insignificant source 
of employment and revenue. The revenue derived from the 
people who annually visit Lake Ontario and the St. Law- 
rence River runs into many hundreds of thousands of dollars 
and it is the lure of black bass more than any other one thing 
that impels them to come again and again and to stay as 
long as they can. Poor bass fishing is immediately reflect- 
ed in the attendance at our hotels, boarding houses and 
tourist camps. Take away our bass fishing or destroy it to 
such an extent thet it is no longer attractive to our summer 


201 


202 American Fisheries Society. 


people and you take away the livelihood of thousands of 
our citizens and destroy millions of dollars worth of prop- 
erty. 

But we have another class or group of people who are 
not dependent on bass or on bass fishermen for their liveli- 
hood. Irefer to our commercial fishermen or net fishermen. 
Here also we have an industry that gives employment to 
hundreds of people and many tons of good food to thousands 
of people. Both industries are necessary to the prosperity 
of many of our villages. Both are legitimate, proper, worth- 
while and should be encouraged. The one directly brings 
rest and health to tired bodies and fagged brains, gives a 
new appreciation of the great outdoors, and directly and 
indirectly gives employment to thousands of our people. 
The other gives employment to hundreds of men, cheap and 
healthful food to thousands of people and investment to 
hundreds of thousands of dollars. The question arises, 
are these two industries necessarily antagonistic to each 
other? Are they fundamentally such that they cannot be 
harmonized? Many think they are. Many think it possible 
to harmonize them. Others think it may even be possible to 
so fit them together that they will be helpful to each other. 
The writer is not qualified to attempt to answer these ques- 
tions. He simply happens to be employed where these 
questions come up from time to time, and since his work 
deals with fish those interested in fish often seek his guid- 
ance. In the vicinity of Cape Vincent there seems to be no 
conflict of opinion as to the use of nets in taking non-game 
fish except when the nets are set in the St. Lawrence River or 
along the lake shore and its indentations. In the open 
water of the lake a mile or more from shore there is no 
objection to the use of nets in taking fish. It is only when 
these nets are set along the shore, or in bays, or rivers or 
interior lakes that objection is made and here even the net 
fishermen concede no nets should be set whilebassarespawn- 
ing or during the warm summer months when bass entering 
the nets would be likely to be injured and die. The question 
then becomes limited to their use in the early spring and late 
fall. At Cape Vincent it centers around early spring netting 
along the lake shore before bass spawn and that seems to be 
the most practicable time to catch coarse or non game fish 
such as yellow perch, pike perch, pickerel, suckers, ling, 
sunfishes, carp, bullheads, eels, ete. Nearly every man you 
meet has rather pronounced views as to the advantages or 
disadvantages of spring netting of these so-called coarse 
fish and some men on both sides are so convinced as to the 
correctness of their views that they give freely of their 


Snyder.—Netting of Coarse Fish. 203 


time and money to any effort to give effect to their views. 
Unfortunately few, if any of these men who are so positive 
of the correctness of their views, have given the question any 
dispassionate thought or careful study. As a result their 
views are of little or no help in uncovering the truth. How- 
ever as this question has come up again and again all along 
the Great Lakes and at many smaller lakes and along many 
rivers and bays it seems that out of all this discussion some- 
thing fixed, clear, definite, secure, should come. It is this 
something fixed and safe that the writer wants. Many 
factors necessarily enter into the solution of this question. 
Many of these factors belong to a field in which the writer 
regrets he is not qualified to enter, a field belonging to those 
having a scientific education and training and a love or 
passion for research work, but so general and wide-spread 
is the interest in this question and so vital in its correct solu- 
ton and applicaton to so many people that it seems some- 
where there must be trained men who are giving or have 
given it careful study. If there are any of these men pres- 
ent at this meeting it is to them that the writer appeals. 
Among the factors entering into the correct solution of the 
question the writer takes the liberty to mention the follow- 
ing: 

lst—To what extent are we justified in spring netting 
of coarse fish because of their commercial value to the net 
fishermen and their food value to our people? Undoubted- 
ly this phase of the question deserves careful consideration. 
The writer understands that in a restricted disputed area in 
the vicinity of Cape Vincent last spring over 60,000 pounds 
of coarse fish were taken in nets and sold for food. The 
food value of these fish was doubtless equal or greater 
than the food value of all the bass taken throughout the year 
from these same restricted waters. During the spring of 
1918 when netting of coarse fish was permitted in the St. 
Lawrence River hundreds of thousands of pounds of coarse 
fish were taken and sold for food. This being true we can- 
not ignore the food value of these coarse fish and we seem 
- unable to get them in large numbers except by netting. 
Netting is most effective in catching them in shallow water 
in the early spring during their migration to shoal water 
to spawn. 

2nd—W hat effect does the removal of these coarse fish 
have upon mature bass? We know that at least in some 
measure small suckers, perch, bullheads, etc., serve as food 
for mature bass and for bass fingerlings. Doubtless the 
extent to which this is true varies greatly in different waters 
but Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River seem to be well 


204 American Fisheries Society. 


stocked with many species of minnows, crawfish and other 
natural foods for adult bass. In fact so abundant are these 
foods that we often hear bass fishermen attribute poor bass 
fishing to the abundance of minnows, etc. Are we then to 
conserve these coarse fish because they in some measure at 
least enter into the food of bass? Because of this are we 
justified in outlawing spring netting of non game fish with 
its accompanying results—the denial of employment and 
revenue to netters and many thousands of pounds of cheap 
food to our people? Here is food for careful thought and 
study. 

3rd—To what extent does spring netting of coarse fish 
conserve the eggs of bass? Herein many bass fishermen lay 
all their troubles to German carp, believing that carp de- 
stroy the eggs of bass. What do our pond men say as to 
this? Itseems this phase of the question could be solved by 
putting German carp in bass ponds and observing what takes 
place. Personally the writer has never seen carp eating 
the eggs of bass except in cases where the parent bass had 
been killed or driven away from its nest. The writer is sat- 
isfied however from what reliable men have told him that 
eels are destructive to bass eggs. They tell him that the 
silver eel is one species of fish that brood bass seem unable 
to drive away from their nests, that again and again they 
have seen eels eating the eggs of bass. They also tell him 
that suckers operating in schools are destructive to bass 
eggs. Are we therefore justified in removing coarse fish 
from bass waters because some of them at least at times eat 
bass eggs? 

4th—To what extent if any does spring netting of coarse 
fish conserve bass fry and fingerlings? With us on the 
eastern end of Lake Ontario suckers, carp, perch pike, 
pickerel, bullheads, etc., all seek the shoal waters in which 
bass later spawn. We know they spawn earlier than do 
bass, that their eggs hatch earlier than bass eggs do, and 
that their fry feed earlier. This being true to what extent 
do these millions of little perch, pickerel, pike, etc., feed 
upon bass fry, and particularly to what extent do they feed 
upon the natural food of bass fry? Since the fry of these 
coarse fish feed earlier than do bass fry they may be tre- 
mendously destructive to bass fry by cutting down their 
available food supply. The writer believes it is generally 
conceded that the capacity of any body of water to produce 
fish is largely influenced by its capacity to produce fish 
food. To the writer this phase of the question deserves 
careful consideration. The importance of this was brought 
forcibly to his attention some years ago by an experience he 


Snyder.—Netting of Coarse Fish. 205 


had at Cape Vincent. A few miles from the station there 
is a depression on an island that fills up with water during 
the early spring forming a pond of one or more acres. In 
the late summer this pond dries up and weeds and grasses 
grow all over the pond bed. Some years ago in May the 
writer put 100,000 yellow perch fry in this temporary pond 
intending to remove them later before the pond dried up. 
At the time the perch were introduced the pond was simply 
teeming with minute aquatic animal life. By the middle of 
June these baby perch ranged from half an inch to one 
inch in length averaging about three fourths of an inch in 
length. They were plump and well rounded and it seemed 
that every one had survived but by that time they had 
exterminated the foodinthe pond. A week later they were 
emaciated and turned cannibals and in a few days they 
actually cut their numbers down to about twenty thousand. 
Hundreds and hundreds of these perch were seen eating 
their weaker brothers. This was about the time with us 
when bass fry were just beginning to take food. The 
question arises what possible chance would bass fry have 
had in that pond at that time? It is true this was a pond 
in which conditions were intensified but in open waters of 
the lake and river teeming with millions of perch, pickerel, 
pike, bullheads, sunfishes, carp, suckers, etc., where each 
spring these fish deposit untold millions of eggs and later 
where the shore line and bays teem with hordes of their 
young before bass fry need food isn’t there something of 
this same tragedy effected? What chance have bass fry 
where these conditions exist? The writer has seen myriads 
of baby perch, bullheads, sunfishes, etc., along the lake shore 
and in the shallow waters of the lake indentations prior to 
the advent of bass fry and it seemed to him that these 
myriads of little perch and other fishes must surely seri- 
ously cut down the food supply available for baby bass. We 
all know the cannibalistic tragedies that take place when 
baby bass get hungry. It has been quite a few years since 
the writer handled bass in ponds and doubtless many care- 
~ ful observations and much progress has been made in pond 
work since then but his observations led him to believe that 
scarcity of food was the one biggest cause of loss of bass 
fry in ponds. May not the same thing be true of bass fry in 
the open water of lakes and rivers? If this is true then 
will taking out coarse brood fish in the early spring before 
they spawn conserve food for bass fry? At any rate the 
writer feels that someone having the necessary training and 
experience should delve into this, that we may have some- 
thing authentic on which to base our judgments. 


206 American Fisheries Society. 


If we concede that in general these coarse fish or non 
game fish should be removed from waters inhabited by bass 
the question immediately arises as to the best time and most 
effective method and appliance to be used in removing them. 
Spearing is not effective in taking all kinds of coarse fish. 
Gill nets are not recommended because bass entering them 
are almost certain to be seriously injured. Poundnets are 
outlawed in Lake Ontario. Fykenets are used in Canadian 
waters near Cape Vincent. The New York Conservation 
Commission favors the use of trapnets or so called sunken 
poundnets and in this the writer concurs. These nets are 
effecti ve in taking all kinds of fish and they seem to be less 
injurious to bass that enter them than any other type of net 
except poundnets and seines. 

We have in the vicinity of Cape Vincent certain bays in 
which no netting of any kind has been permitted for years. 
In other local bays the use of trapnets in taking coarse fish 
during the early spring and late fall has been permitted 
for years until the present year. Across the boundary line 
of the St. Lawrence River and of Lake Ontario fykenets have 
long been used in taking coarse fish during the spring and 
fall and it is worthy of note that it is generally conceded 
even by those opposed to any netting of any kind that bass 
fishing has for years been better in those areas where netting 
has been permitted than elsewhere. For instance more 
bass were taken by hook and line—the only way they can 
lawfully be taken—along the north shore of the St. Law- 
rence River than along the south shore. More bass are 
taken in Chaumont Bay and around the islands of Grenadier 
and Fox where netting has long been permitted than are 
taken in Henderson Bay and Harbor where no netting has 
been permitted for years. The question naturally arises to 
what extent, if any, is this condition due to spring netting of 
coarse fish? The writer does not attempt to answer any of 
these questions but seeking information brings them to the 
attention of this society. 


Te eee 


FISHERIES IN VIRGINIA. 


By McDONALD LEE, 


Commissioner of Game and Inland Fisheries, Richmond, Va. 


It is rather a difficult matter to get the up-country people 
to understand the value of our fish and oyster industries in 
Tidewater—to the people of one-fifth of the state directly, 
and indirectly to the state’s tax problem in general. But 
for these water industries a large part of the Tidewater 
section would be barren wastes, inhabited only by fiddlers, 
sand-crabs and buzzards, and of no taxable value to the 
state at large. It is largely due to this favorable location 
on water-courses and nature’s gifts that the personal and 
realty values of Tidewater equal or exceed those of other 
grand divisions of the state. This should be the answer to 
all criticism of legislators and others when the fish and 
oyster industries are under discussion. Approximately 
16,000 persons are wholly engaged in our water industries, 
and probably 60,000 more indirectly connected. 

Not only does Virginia present in its physical aspect the 
best haven in area for shipping on the Atlantic coast, but it 
occupies the central position of ingress and egress both 
North and South. So much for its great Hampton Roads 
and the five major rivers, with their splendid tributaries, 
which feed it and course on tothe sea. Our topic at present 
is nature’s material asset there— that of fishes and oysters. 

The blue crab of the Chesapeake is really the only 
commercial crab of importance, and Virginia furnishes the 
greater part of this product. True Crisfield, Md., on the 
border, is the center of the soft crab industry, supplied large- 
ly from the crags of Pokomoke Sound (wholly within Vir- 
ginia) and Tangier Sound (largely in our state.) To this 
Maryland market comes also the soft crab from the Potomac, 
. Rappahannock, York and the Eastern and Western shores of 
Chesapeake Bay. Hampton, Virginia, is the center of the 
hard crab market, for according to nature, hard crabs are 
more abundant in the lower Chesapeake, while soft crabs 
predominate in the upper Chesapeake. From both Cris- 
field and Hampton soft and hard crabs are shipped North 
and West in the raw state, and also canned for transport to 
California as well as the European markets. The crab in- 
dustry engages our watermen, and those of Maryland, at 


207 


208 American Fisheries Society. 


periods when many other fishing industries are not in opera- 
tion. Fortunately, or unfortunately, water-products rotate 
in their seasons and watermen in general desert the land 
the year round. 


However, the oyster is the greatest commodity of our 
water products. While the output in recent years has been 
approximated around five or six million bushels annually, 
there was a time when Virginia produced twelve to fifteen 
million bushels, by far the greatest of any state on the Atlan- 
tic coast. The upgrade work in oyster production, which is 
being resumed since the world war, should in a year or two 
approximate ten or twelve millions of bushels, and if so the 
advanced price on oysters will cause the industry to be the. 
most valuable in its record. The cost of oystershasadvanced 
with all other products, largely because of the great in- 
crease in demand and the high cost of labor. Norfolk is 
the largest individual handler of oysters, the dealers there 
getting their stock from the James River and Hampton 
Roads points, as well as further up, from the York, Mobjack, 
Cape Charles and even the Rappahannock, the Potomac and 
the Sounds. 


There are three classes engaged in the oyster business, 
viz: the tonger or catcher, the planter, the packer. Ofttimes 
the tonger may be a small planter, and quite frequently 
the packer is also a planter. Each vying for preferment 
brings a complex situation in the administration of these 
affairs. For instance, he who packs and ships, only, is in 
little accord with the catcher or planter; the planter is often 
at loggerheads with the catcher, while the catcher is in 
general opposed to the planting system. These conditions 
exist only in a general way, for there are many exceptions in 
each of the classes. The administration of oyster affairs has 
always sought the best for each class while not infringing 
upon the privileges or deserts of the other classes. Such 
a policy, which is for the best good of the greatest number, 
does not meet with approbation from any of thethreeclasses, 
since it is human nature to want all for yourself or your 
business. Nevertheless, conditions in the oyster regions in 
Virginia today are quite favorable—both as to administra- 
tion and the prospect for increased output. 

Oysters and fish are probably the cheapest of meats 
when the weight and caloric values are considered. None 
could be more healthful. It is not hard to estimate that 
about fifteen millions of dollars of the raw product goes 
annually from the water industries of Virginia. As said, of 
this the oyster is the greater portion. 


Lee.—Fisheries in Virginia. 209 


The fin fisheries add much to the income of Virginians. 
More than six thousand licensed nets are engaged in the 
commercial industry of fishing. and but for these there 
would be very few or no fish on the markets. As it is, we 
have much complaint of the scarcity of fish and against the 
numerous nets. Year after year these complaints come up, 
yet the records of many years indicate that there is decrease 
in but few varieties of our fish, while the total output is 
constantly increasing. 


The demand for fish in Northern markets at high prices 
induces the catcher to ship North instead of throughout the 
state, and this unfortunate condition of scarcity in our own 
markets is brought about by the demand of those who are 
willing to pay higher prices, and not by scarcity of the fish. 
While the rivers up the bay teem with commercial as well 
as game fish, most of these go to Baltimore, Philadelphia 
and New York. Those of the lower Bay and Hampton 
Roads center around Norfolk and the Virginia peninsula, 
Norfolk being the largest market for fin fish even as in 
oysters. The commerce and trade derived from the water 
delvers is a great asset to Norfolk and other marts on Hamp- 
ton Roads. 


Periodically, efforts are made to scare the public on the 
Pollution theory as effecting oysters. Years ago the Fed- 
eral Government made a terrific crusade on this line, and 
beggared many thousands of people in the industry, and 
frightened the general public almost into fits. The 
campaign, lasting several years, was finally decided before 
Secretary Houston of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
who declared that the oyster had been greatly wronged. 
Occasionally there bobs up some department of science 
that wants to get into the limelight on the same subject 
and the damage to localities and people is much before it 
can be dissipated. With the exception of the waters at one 
or two thickly populated sections of Virginia, our vast area 
of tidal waters is free of pollution. From those isolated 
spots alluded to no oysters are allowed to be taken, there- 
fore the product of Virginia is certainly equal if not 
superior to that of any Atlantic coast state. Competitors 
North are usually the ones who agitate this pollution idea 
for the Southern States, because they themselves have been 
barred in the waters of their populous localities. 


THE CONSERVATION OF THE FISHERY RESOURCES 
OF THE PACIFIC. 


By Dr. BARTON WARREN EVERMANN 


Director of the Museum of the California Academy 
of Sciences and of the Steinhart Aquarium. 


The fishery resources of the Pacific are, chiefly, (1) the 
fishes proper, such as the salmon, sardine, halibut, cod, 
herring, albacore and the like; (2) the aquatic fur-bearing 
animals such as the various species of fur seals and sea 
otters; (3) the whales and other cetaceans; (4) the species 
seaweeds. 

Before man began to deplete these resources through 
greed and destructive fishery methods, practically all these 
species were excessively abundant in various parts of the 
Pacific. The annual product of these natural resources has, 
in years past, run into hundreds of millions of dollars. 

In the present article attention will be called to only a 
few of these natural resources. 


FUR SEALS 


It appears not to be generally known that fur seals were 
once very abundant cn certain islands off the coast of 
California and Lower California. Ihave recently looked up 
some of the old records and I was surprised to find that 
several of these islands were once the breeding grounds of 
large herds of fur seals. For example, more than 200,000 
fur seals were killed on the Farallons, only a few miles from 
San Francisco and the Golden Gate, between 1806 and 1813. 
Many thousands were killed about the same time on or about 
San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, San 
Clemente and San Nicolas islands off the California coast, 
and still other thousands at the Coronados, Guadalupe, the 
Benitos Cedros and Natividad off the coast of Lower Cali- 
fornia. 

The total number killed between 1806 and 1820 must 
have exceeded 400,000. At current prices of fur-seal skins 
these would be worth more than $20,000,000. The killing 
was done in the most reckless manner possible, without 
any regard whatever to the preservation of the species, with 


210 


Evermann.—Fishery Resources of Pacific 211 


the result that the rookery on the Farallons was entirely 
wiped out by 1834. Not a single fur seal has been seen on 
those islands since that year, although it is not impossible 
that a few may be left on one of the uninhabited islands of 
that group. 

It is known that fur seals continued to be killed about 
certain of the Channel Islands for many years after they 
were commercially exterminated at the Farallons, and at 
certain islands off Lower California as late as 1892. There 
is good reason to believe a few still persist about some of the 
isolated unfrequented islands whose rocky shores contain 
caves which the fur seals frequent and in which they may 
escape observation. 

The fur seal which occurred on Guadalupe Island and, 
presumably, on the other islands off the coast of Lower 
California, was the Guadalupe fur seal (Artocephalus 
townsendi), a species distinct from the Alaska fur seal 
(Callorhinus alascanus) and, of course, distinct from the 
Russian and Japanese species (Callorhinus ursinus and 
Callorhinus curilensis). What the species was. that 
frequented the Farallons and the other California islands is 
not certainly known, as there is no specimen in any 
museum. In all probability it was the same species as that 
found on the Lower California coast—the Guadalupe fur seal. 

Fur seals were formerly abundant not only on the coast 
of California and Mexico, but in many other places further 
south. Among islands which they at one time frequented in 
large numbers may be mentioned the following: 


1. The Galapagos Islands. Up to the beginning of the 
present century fur seals were abundant about these islands 
and a few are known to persist. Several were killed in 1905— 
1906, and recent reports indicate that enough remain to 
justify the belief that the herd can be restored. These is- 
lands belong to Ecuador and that country should be interested. 


2. Islands on the coast of Peru. Among the islands on 
the coast of Peru where fur seals were once common are 
Lobos de Afuera and Lobos de Tierra. It is believed a few 
fur seals still remain in those waters. 


2 Chile. At one time perhaps the largest fur-seal rook- 
eries in the world were found on Mas-a-Tierra and Mas-a- 
Fuera of the Juan Fernandez group on the coast of Chile. 
Smaller herds occurred on other smaller islands off the south- 
ern end of Chile. In the early part of the last century millions 
of seals were killed in those waters and the herd was com- 
mercially wiped out. But it is now known that the 


212 American Fisheries Society. 


species was not actually exterminated. Dr. Carl Skotts- 
berg of Gothenborg, Sweden, recently visited those islands 
and saw a number of fur seals, a few of which he collected 
as specimens. No doubt this important herd could be 
rehabilitated under proper international protection. Chile 
is the country most concerned. 


4. Uruguay. There is a valuable herd of fur seals on 
Lobos Island in the mouth of the Plata River. This herd is 
protected by the Uruguayan government but it receives no 
international protection. Even Uruguay does not seem to 
realize what a valuable asset this herd can become. 

5. Falkland Islands. The Fur-seal herd on these islands 
was once very large and valuable, many thousands having 
been killed in the early part of the last century. Although 
commercially depleted it is known enough seals remain to 
make restoration of the herd an easy matter. 


6. South Georgia. These islands, situated in the South 
Atlantic east of the Falklands once had enormous herds of 
fur seals. Considerable numbers are said to be there. 


7. South Shetland. These islands in the Antarctic just 
south of Cape Horn, in the early days, were the breeding 
grounds of large nerds of fur seals and a good many are 
still left. 


The Falklands, South Georgia andSouthShetlandislands 
all belong to Great Britain and that country should be deeply 
interested in rehabilitating the herds. 


8. New Zealand. Fur seals are still found in some 
numbers on certain islands off the New Zealand coast, ac- 
cording to Mr. Le Suef, Superintendent of the zoological 
Park at Sydney. 


9. Australia. Mr. Le Suef also reports that certain is- 
lands on the coast of Australia have remnants of the large 
fur seal herds that once frequented them. 


10. Kerguelen Islands. A large herd of fur seals for- 
merely resorted to these islands which lie southeast of the 
Cape of Good Hope. A remnant still remains and France, 
to which the islands belong, would no doubt be interested 
in restoring the herd. 


In all probability there are small remnants of several 
other fur seal herds on several other isolated islands not 
included in the above list. There is every reason to believe 
that most if not all of these 15 to 20 herds can, through 
international protection, be restored to their former abund- 
ance. 


we) 
_ 
Ge 


Evermann.—Fishery Resources of Pacific. 


SEA OTTER. 


Like the three northern species of fur seals, the North- 
ern Sea Otter (Latazlutris) is fairly well protected by the 
fur seal treaty of 1911. But the Southern Sea Otter (Lataz- 
lueris nereis) which occurs on the Southern California coast, 
receives no protection whatever except such as the State of 
California can give it within the three-mile limit. Nor is 
any protection afforded to sea otters in southern waters. 

The early history of California makes frequent refer- 
ences to sea otters and sea-otter hunting. Indeed, for many 
years sea-otter and fur-seal hunting constituted almost the 
only industry on that coast. Sea-otter hunting began there 
at least as early as 1786, and the industry developed rapidly. 
Sea otters were found all alcng the ecast from Trinidad Bay 
southward. They were particularly abundant about the 
Farallons, among the Channel Islands, and even in San 
Francisco Bay. They were abundant southward at least as 
far as the islands of Cedros and Natividad. One early man- 
uscript (that of Vallejo) says: ‘“‘They were so abundant in 
1812 that they were killed by boatmen with their oars in 
passing through the kelp.” 

In 1812 the Russians began to explore the coast, islands 
and arms of San Francisco Bay. The records show that 
they gathered great numbers of sea-otter skins. It is said 
that, in some weeks they killed in San Francisco Bay alone 
as many as 700 to 800 sea otters a week. In a period of five 
years they took 50,000, and thereafter they took 5,000 a 
year down to 1831. One writer says that by 1817 the otter 
was exterminated from Trinidad Bay down to San Antonia 
Cove, near San Francisco, but that hunting continued more 
or less actively at various places along the coast farther 
south for years. 

Some of the hunters hired Aleuts and bidarkas from the 
Russians, and Indians from Mission San Jose, and did quite a 
good business for some time. 

Particular places where sea otters were taken in large 
numbers as mentioned in the old records were the Farallons, 
San Francisco Bay, Purisima, Monterey Bay, SanLuis Obispo, 
Santa Barbara, San Buenaventura, San Diego, Todos Santos 
and San Quentin; and San Miguel Santa Barbara,SantaCruz, 
Santa Catalina, San Clemente, San Nicolas, Coronados, San 
Benito and Cedros islands. Even as late as 1914 sea otters 
were occasionally killed about these islands, and it is known 
that a few still persist in certain favored localities. 


While some of the early accounts are somewhat lacking 
in definiteness, and while there are many discrepancies, it 


214 American Fisheries Society. 


is nevertheless clear that both the fur and the sea otter were 
exceedingly abundant on the coasts of the Californias 100 
years ago. The total number of otters killed between 1786 
and 1868 must have exceeded 200,000. At current prices 
these would be woith at least $200,000,000, a very neat 
little sum. 


The remarkable rapidity with which the Alaska fur-seal 
herd has increased during the last ten years under the pro- 
tection of the fur-seal treaty of 1911, an increase from 
127,000 in 1911 to more than 600,000 in 1921, which permit- 
ted a kill in 1922 of 30,000 seals valued at $1,500,000 net, 
demonstrates what a depleted natural resource of this kind 
will do when given proper protection through international 
cooperation. The world needs a similar but more compre- 
hensive treaty covering, not only the other fur seals of the 
at present unprotected areas, but alsothesea otters, elephant 
seals, whales, walruses, fishes and other natural resources 
of the sea. Such a treaty by the various countries inter- 
ested would, in a few decades, result in rehabilitating these 
depleted resources to an extent that would permit for all 
time an annual product of at least $500,000,000. 


Resolutions urging the necessity for early action by the 
various countries concerned have been passed by numerous 
organizations, including the Pan-Pacific Commercial Con- 
gress, the California Academy of Sciences, the Scripps Insti- 
tution for Biological Research, the San Diego Museum of 
Natural History, the Los Angeles Museum, the Common- 
wealth Club of California, and the Chamber of Commerce 
of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. 


Such resolutions were adopted by the San Francisco 
Chamber of Commerce on January 23 last, and by the West- 
ern Society of Naturalists and the Pacific Fisheries Society 
at Los Angeles last September. 


There is no greater or more urgent conservation problem 
than that of the natural resources of the sea which require 
international cooperation for their development and ade- 
quate protection. 


It is hoped that our government may take the initiative 
to bring about an international treaty for the protection of 
these great natural resources. 























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