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CALIFORNIA RESOURCES AGE^3CY UBP.A!U

Resources Building, Room Vl/

1416 - 9th Street

SacramenJo, California

■;i''iiii>- , 95314

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REPORT

or THE

Coiiiiiiissioners of Fisheries

OF THE

STATE OF , C ALIFOE^IA,

roK

THE YEAKS 18 7 O AND 1871.

\y^i^^j;

T. A. SPRINGER STATE PRINTER.

HEI^OHT.

To His Excellency, H. H. Haight, Governor of California:

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California, apj^ointed
under an Act of the Legislature, entitled "An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of this State,"
approved April second, eighteen hundred and seventy, respectfully
submit their first biennial report.

KEI^ORT

California lias a scacoast extending through ten degrees of latitude,
and a shore line of nearly eight hundred miles. The Coast Eange of
mountains, which adjoins the coast line for the greater part of this dis-
tance, creates by its western watershed nearly one hundred streams and
rivers emptying into the Pacitic Ocean. These streams and rivers vary
from twenty to sixty miles in length. .The drainage of the western
slojie of the Sierra Nevada, through seven degrees of latitude, forms
several hundred streams, whose united waters make the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Elvers — the first navigable for a distance of one hundred
and eighty miles, and the last navigable one hundred miles from the
ocean. The waters from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada flow into
brackish and salt lakes, in the State of Nevada, having no outlet into
the ocean. Pyramid, the largest of these lakes, receiving the waters of
the Truckee Piver, is forty miles long and twenty miles wide. The
inland bays and fresh water lakes of California cover more than six
hundred and fifty square miles — an area half as large as .the State of
Ehode Island.

These few statistics are given that it may be clearly understood how
extensive is the field over which, under the law, the Eoard is expected
to prevent tlie wanton destruction of fish and required to compel the
, owners of dams to permit the free passage of fish to their native spaAvn-
iug beds. When it is further understood that the members of the Board
neither receive nor exi:)ect comj)ensation for their services other than
the satisfaction of doing something towards the preservation of the fish
now in our waters and adding to the food sujiply of the jDeople by the
introduction of new varieties, it will be acknowledged that if but a
beginning has been made in this work, at least public attention has been
called to the importance of the subject. If a few men of intelligence,
living on the banks of each bay, river, and lake, will inform themselves ,
of what has been done in other States and countries for the propagation
and preservation of fish, they will create a public opinion that will cause
the enactment of proper hiAvs and compel their enforcement. The result
will be that after a few years our river fisheries will be largely increased,
giving employment to a large number of men, and furnishing a cheap
supply of nutritious food to many more people.

FISH WAYS.

The most important means for the preservation of the tish now in our
rivers, is in the construction of fish hidders over all dams otherwise
impassable. Even traps, seines, and spears will not utterly destroy the
tish if some few are permitted to reach their natural spawning beds. It is
the instinct of all anadromoiis fish, after leaving the ocean, to seek the
pai-ticular stream or rivulet in which they were hatched to deposit their
eii"gs. To reach the particular spot and the parent bed of gravel they
will make every effort. Yf here impassable dams have been placed across
streams, the tish will come year after year and leap by the hour to scale
the falls until uttcrl}' exhausted. If no means are provided by which
the fish can pass the dam, in three or four 3'ears the stream above the
dam will be without fish. A fish ladder is ordinaril}^ so simple and inex-
pensive an afl'air that it would seem that men owning dams Avould, if
informed, construct them without the requirements of a compulsory
statute. A good fish ladder for use on our mountain streams is made in
the form of a long box of plank, open at both ends, four feet wide and
three feet high. One end of the box is fastened at the top of the dam,
the other end is extended to and fastened in the center of the pool below
the dam. In the inside of the box and fastened on its bottom are pieces
of plank about four feet apart, placed transversely, and called "ritiles."
Each riffle is about a foot high. These riffles do not extend from side to
side of the box, but only about two thirds across. To illustrate: if the
first riffle is fastened on the right side of the box at a right angle to its
side, it will extend thirty inches across the box; the next, four feet above,
will be fastened on the left side of the box and extend thirty inches
across it; and so on, alternately, until the top is reached. The water
passing into the top of this box, is caught* by these riffles and diverted
right and left by thenl until it reaches the stream below. The fish com-
ing up the stream to the dam seek and explore every crevice and open-
ing where Avater is passing. If the lower end of the fish way is placed
near the centre of the pool below the dam, they readily lind it, and
immediately enter it. Even if the ladder is placed at so great an angle
as forty-five degrees, the fish have no difficulty in passing through it;
they will jump through almost any current a distance of four feet, and
each riffle gives them a resting place behind Avhich they recover for the
next jump. At one dam on a tributary of the Truckee a mill owner
consented to put in a fish way, at the earnest solicitation of one of the
Commissioners, and to prevent the expenses of a suit. He said the law
was an infringement of his rights, and when the Legislature passed an
Act to compel him to spend money in such foolish business they should
have appointed a schoolmaster to teach the trout how to use the con-
trivance; he did not believe a fish could be coaxed to go near it. The
next evening after the fish way was placed in position the fish were j)ass-
ing it eveiy few minutes; the mill owner became a convert to the prac-
tical use of fish ways. He soon tore away the cheap and temporary
affair built to comply with the law under compulsion, and has erected in
its place a substantial ladder that will last for years. A fish ladder is
but an artificial imitation of the means by which river fish in their
annual migrations pass up rapids. After reaching the foot of a rapid
the fish rest; the}^ will then suddenly dart up the stream and seek shelter
in the slack water behind some rock; here, after more rest, as if to recover
strength for the next great exertion, they will dart again and get behind
another rock; and so on, until the rapid is passed. From the descrip-

tion given of an ordinary fish ladder, it will be seen that they are easily
built and that the cost is but a trifle. The average cost of all fish lad-
ders in Maine, including permanent stone structures over manufacturing
dams, does not reach two hundred dollars. Many statistics have been
kept showing the increase of fish as a result from the construction of
fish ladders, especially in Great Britain. As an illustration, I quote
from the report of Charles CI. Atkins, Esq., Fish Commissioner of Maine.
In comparing the salmon fisheries of Europe with those of Maine, he
says: " Their fisheries were nearly exhausted through excessive fishing
and the erection of barriers, and by a careful management, including
the construction of fish ways, have been made to yield large returns. I
Avill instance the river Clalway in Ireland. The salmon fisheries of the
Galway are owned by Thomas Ash worth, who came into possession of
them in eighteen hundred and fifty-two. They were in an exhausted
condition. Mr. Ash worth had good fish ways built over the dams, of
which there was one at the head of the tide; had fishing restricted* and
jirotection given to the fish on their breeding grounds. What success
attended his ettbrts is shown by the annual catch as exhibited in the fol-
lowing table:

YEAR.

Salmon.

Eighteen hundred and fifty-three 1,G03

Eighteen hundred and fifty-four 3,158

Eighteen hundred and fifty-five 5,540

Eighteen hundred and fifty-six

Eighteen hundred and fifty-seven

Eighteen hundred and fifty-eight

Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine

Eighteen hundred and sixty

Eighteen himdred and sixty-one

Eighteen hundred and sixty-two

Eighteen hundred and sixty-three

Eighteen hundred and sixty-four

5,371

4,857

9,639

9,249

3,177

11,051

15,431

17,995

20,512

" Thus the produce of this fishery rose in twelve years from one
thousand six hundred and three to twenty thousand five hundred and
twelve, and this in spite of a dam at the head of the tide, where five
sixths of all the water is used by mills and canals, only the one hundred
and sixtieth part running through the fish way, where all the salmon
must pass; in spite of civilization, in spite of the disappearance of forests
and the cultivation of the land. The fish way through which pass all the
salmon that ascend this river is supplied with water by a gate two feet
square, and through this aperture forty thousand salmon are estimated
to have passed in one year."

The law, so far as it relates to fish ladders, appears to operate. satis-
factorily. Thus far all mill owners on the Truck ee and its tributaries,
whose dams obstruct the passage of fish, have, with one exception, con-
structed fish w^ays. The Commissioners have furnished many mill
owners with plans for the construction of fish ways. From our
experience during the past two years, it would seem that as a rule the
mill owners, with but few exceptions, are a body of intelligent men, who

8

only require to have made clear to them the fact that the construction
of tish ways doi'S not interfere with their business, while it adds to the
public i;ood, to induce them to place fish ways over their dams.

SALMON.

The salmon is the most important visitor to our rivers. It has appro-
priately been called the "king of fish." The richness of its flesli, its
large size, the certainty of its annual i^eturn fi-om the ocean, the rapidity
with which, under favorable conditions, it is multiplied, ail render it an
important article of human food. It has probably been the chief source
of subsistence to more people than any other fish. The question as to
whether the number of salmon is gradually decreasing in the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Rivers seems difficult to be answered. Some of
the, fishermen contend that it is, and others point to the catch of
eighteen hundred and seventy in proof that it is not. There are no fish
weirs to trap them, and but few dams on the ti'ibutaries of th^se streams
to prevent them from reaching their spawning beds. The weight of
testimony is on the side of those who believe the quantity to be
decreasing; and the most intelligent of the fishermen arc so firmly con-
vinced of the fact that they ask that a law be jjjvssed and enforced to
prevent, for a certain period, the catching of fish while they are filled
with ripe spaw^n. But there is no concurrence as to when this " close
time " should be. The fishermen in one part of the river say it should
be at one time, and the fishermen in other parts say it should be at
others. When the great army is passing by Rio Vista, it would be, in the ^
opinion of the fishermen of Rio Vista, a proper season for a close time
at Sacramento and Tehama; and W'hen this army has reached Sacra-
mento, it would, in the opinion of the Sacramento fishermen, be a proper
season for a close time at Rio Vista and Tehama. What would be just
to all the fishermen, and give the next generation a chance to eat this
delicious food, would be to prohibit, by strict law, rigidly enforced, the
catching of salmon by any jjroccss during twenty-four hours each w^eek;
say, from midnight of Saturday to midnight of Sunday. Probably the
most serious cause for the decrease of salmon in our rivers arises from
mining. It is the most serious, becaitse it cainiot be remedied.
Formerly salmon were plenty and largely caught by the Indians in
Feather River, in the Yuba, and in the American; but of late j'eurs they
have ceased to visit these rivers. It is not because the waters of these
rivers are muddj^ All migratory fish that seek rivers iji wdiich to
deposit their spawn, do so in the season when the freshets cause the
Avater to be muddy. They will jDass through muddy water, if beyond
they find clear water and clean gravelly bottoms. The gravel beds that
formerly existed in these streams are now covered wnth a deposit of
mud, Avashed down from the mines; and on this the eggs of the salmon
will not hatch. Neither wnll the eggs of the salmon or trout hatch in
water containing any considerable quantity of sediment. A small
quantity of the finest sediment deposited on the egg prevents it from
hatohina;.

Salmon, after the second year from being hatched, pass the greater
part of the time in the ocean; they there find their principal food.
While in fresh water their growth is slow, in salt w^ater they increase
in size and weight with great rapidit . They can only breed m shallow
streams of cool, fresh water, such as they find in the tributaries of our
rivers descending from the mountains. To such places they annually

9

resort; and to reach them, they Avill make the most extraordinary exer-
tions. Sahnon are cau,a;ht by the Indians in the small streams that
empty into the Sacramento from the sides of Mount Shasta, at an eleva-
tion of more than four thousand feet above the level of the sea; to reach
which they must have passed throu<>;h at least fifty miles of almost con-
tinuous rapids. Bishop Farr states that salmon are also caught in the
headwaters of Snake Eiver, east of Salt Lalce. As Snake IJiver is a
tributarj' of the Columbia, these fish must annually make a joui-ney into
the interior of more than a thousand miles from the ocean.

Some breeding fish enter our rivers during the Summer, but they do
not deposit their eggs until late in the Autumn. During the time they
remain in fresh water they lose in weight, and the quality of their flesh
deteriorates; its color becomes nearly white, and it ceases to be firm.
The great army arrives in our rivers after the first heavy rains. Upon
arriving they seek the brackish water in the vicinitj' of where the salt
and fresh waters meet. Here the}' remain for several days, or perhaps
weeks. ' It is supposed that the brackish water kills the small parasites
which attach to them in the ocean. It is this instinct that retains them
in brackish water that gives to Eio Yista its prominence as a fishing
point.

The salmon, like most other fish, reproduces its kind from eggs which
are extruded from the female fish in an undeveloped and infecund state.
The male fish performs his office of fecundation after the eggs are in the
water. It is a remarkable fact, that the salmon will return, year after
year, to deposit its spawn in the particular stream in which it was
hatched. Salmon hatched artificially in Scotland and icept in breeding
ponds, were, for several years, marked before being dismissed to the
ocean; the salmon, thus mai'ked, invariably returned to the stream in
which they passed their infancy, and, so far as is known, these marked
salmon have never been taken in any other river. The pair, having
arrived in their parent stream, find a gravel bed, where the water is
clear and cold. The female burrows a hole in the gravel, about four
inches deep, and of a diameter nearly equal to her length, then pressing
her body against the up])cr edge of the hole, the eggs are extruded and
fall into this nest. The male, who is in close attendance, extrudes his
milt into the water which flows over these eggs, and they are thus
fecundated. The female immediately busies herself in covering the eggs
with the gravel. This process is again repeated in a few days, as more
eggs become ready for extrusion, until the season's work is over, when
the fish return, poor and thin, and, after remaining for a short time in
brackish water, leave for unknown places in the ocean, to return the
following season, largely increased in weight. The only condition
requisite for the hatching of the eggs is, that cool pure water, free fron.
dirt or sediment, shall constantly pass over thQm. In from ninety to
one hundred and thirty days the young fish are hatched. For the first
twenty or thirty days they require no food, other than the yolk sac
which is attached to them. The young fish remain in the river from
^one to two years before leaving for the ocean. It has been observed in
Scotland, where the artificial breeding of salmon was first largely prac-
ticed, that of a given quantity of eggs hatched in one season, about one
half the young fish would leave for the ocean the same year, while the
other half would remain until the following season. This has been
found to be the unvar3dng rule. No reason has been assigned why this

10

migratory instinct should control but about half the young fish in the
year in which they were hatched, other than that Providence, while
apparently not caring for the individual, makes stringent laws for the
preservation of the species.

The i^reservation of our salmon fisheries is a subject of great impor-
tance. Salmon were formerly as abundant in the rivers of New Eng-
land as they are now in California and Oregon; but traps, v/eirs, pounds,
seines, gill nets, and the erection of dams without fish ladders, at last
nearly exterminated them. Now these States are making appropria-
tions for the artificial hatching of these fish, and the rivers are being
successfully restocked.

So much more is known of the habits of the salmon than formerly,
that it is not difficult to determine what may be done to increase the
number offish, and at the same time increase the quantity that may be
caught. The men who pursue the business of fishing for salmon, appre-
ciate the necessity for their preservation and acknowledge the propriety
of laws requiring a "close time," as well as laws against poxinds and
w^eirs, and laws regulating the size of gill nets. We believe the time
has arrived when the present and future interests of California require
careful and just legislation. We would, therefore, recommend that a
standing committee be appointed in both Houses of the Legislature on
coast and inland fisheries. These committees could visit the fishermen,
and, after learning their views, so amend the j^resent laAV and frame new
laws as to protect legitimate fishing, and at the same time provide for
an increase of fish in the future.

TROUT.

This fish is found in nearly all of the streams that discharge into the
Pa-cific ocean from the Coast JrJange of mountains and in the greater
number of the mountain streams of the Sierra Nevada. They vary
greatl}' in size and appearance in different waters and at different seasons,
but so far no variety is exactly similar to any of the brook trout of the
New England States. The large brown and silver trout of Lake Tahoe
and the Truckee Elver are pronounced by Mr. Seth Green — who is con-
sidered to be an authority in such matters — not to be trout, but species
of the jsebago or land-locked salmon. These fish make annual migra-
tions from Lake Tahoe to the brackish waters of Pyramid Lake. Many
of the fishermen of Tahoe insist that the so-called silver trout does not
leave the lake, but as they are occasionally caught in the river, it is
probable they also migrate, but j)erhaps at an earlier or later season.
The habits of the trout are similar to those of the salmon. It seeks a
bed of gravel or coarse sand in clear running water, near the head of a
stream, bui'rows a nest .and covers its eggs. Lithe streams of the Coast
Eange of mountains the trout spawns in November and December; in
the streams of the Sierra Nevada in March and April. Trout will also
spawn and the eggs will hatch in lakes which are supplied by springs
that rise in the bottoms. In this case they will deposit their eggs among
the gravel where the spring rises, the motion of the water from the
spring having the same effect in bringing the eggs to maturitj^ as the
water in a running brook. It has been observed that there are no trout
in our mountain streams above large falls. The trout will migrate from
one part of a stream to another. If there were ever trout above these
falls they would pass below them in their migrations, and the falls pre-
vent their return. In many places a very little work would create a

11

passage for the fish, which would have the effect of greatly increasing
the numbers of this most delicious species. The reports of our assist-
ants, from which we have largelj' copied, Avill show how rapid has been
the destruction of the trout in this State. It is to be hoped that the-
dissemination of intelligence as to the construction of fish ladders and
the enforcement of the law against trapping and illegal fishing, as well
as the stocking of streams and lakes in which no trout were found, and
the restocking of those from which they have disappeared, v\dll have the
eftect to repair the waste that has been committed. It having been*
noticed that on many streams on which there were sawmills, the trout
after a few years disapjieared, it was supposed that the floating sawdust
in some manner killed the fish, but as m other streams on M'hich there
had been sawmills for years there were still trout to be found, the Maine
Commissioners devoted much investigation to solve the mystery. They
found that trout readily swam among the floating sawdust, and never
seemed to avoid it. At last they ascertained that where the mills were
below the gravel spawning beds of the trout the fish were still plenty,
but where the mills were above the fish had ceased to be. Wherever
the sawdust had sunk and covered the spawning beds, the trout, after a
few years, had disappeared, for the trout has the same instinct as the
salmon — it returns to spawn in the particular stream in which it was
hatched.

Canada, Avhich is in advance of most of our States in her laws for the
preservation of her fisheries, forbids, under penalties, all sawmills from
running sawdust into the streams. In a short time it will be requisite
to pass similar laws in this State, for, in addition to the destruction of
trout, the sawdust will cover the spawning beds of the salmon as
effectually as the mud from mining has their gravel beds in the Ameri-
can, Yuba, and Feather Elvers. On the Truckee Eiver, about five miles
above the Town of Truckee, the Brothers Comer have an establishment
for the artifieal hatching of trout. They have been engaged in this
business for the past three years, and have successfully hatched and
have in their ponds more than half a million offish. Their business is a
success in fvevy respect except financiallj'. There is not in this State,
as yet, a large demand by individuals for the young trotit to stock
streams, and tne feeding of so large a number of fish kept in small ponds
requires a considerable outlay. The Commissioners have been requested
to expend some portion of the appropriation at their disposal in pur-
chasing a j)art of these young fish to be placed in streams that are now
VN'ithout trout. It would be an appropriation of money within the spirit
of the law, but there is some doubt as to whether the wording of the
Act authoi'izes this kind of expenditure. Several of the States have
hatching houses in which various kinds of fish valuable for food are
hatched, and distributed to ail who desire to stock lakes and streams.
The destruction of our native fish has not gone so far that a similar plan
is required in California, but we believe it will be found that the drought
of the past two years will have had the effect of materially decreasing
the trout in all the streams. The sand and gravel beds at the heads of
streams where they deposit their spawn must, to a great extent, have
been bared by the receding Avater before the eggs came to maturit3^ If
authorized, we will expend a portion of the appropriation in purchasing
young fish to be distribu.ted to restock streams, or to place in streams
and lakes which have no trout in them.

The Comer Brothers procure their eggs for hatching from the fish
caught in the small streams that discharge into Lake Tahoe. Their

12

plau of operation is similar to that of other breeders of trout. Having
caught a number of trout, male and female, at the season when they
commence to go up stream, the}^ are kept in a small trap or pound until

■ the females are found to be read}' to deposit their eggs. 'J his can be
readily told by an examination of the fish. The first operation is to pro-
cure a tin pan or other shallow vessel of water, a male trout is then
taken from the pound and his belly placed in the water in the pan, a
gentle pressure of the hand will express a few drops of the milt; he is

' then returned to the pound; a female trout is then taken, and hy the
same process her eggs are also expressed into the same pan. The water
in the pan is then gently stirred so as to insure all the eggs coming in
contact with the milt. In a few minutes the water containing the milt
is washed away and replaced by pure water. These impregnated eggs
are then placed in the hatching boxes, which are a series of shallow
wooden boxes nearlj- filled with tine gravel, over which a stream of pure
cool water is slowly but constantly passing. A trout yields from five
hundred to four thousand eggs, depending upon its size and age. A
salmon yields an average of a thousand eggs to each pound of its weight.
The eggs are spread upon the gravel, and after the water has continu-
ously passed over them for from forty to eighty diiys, depending upon
its temperature, the young trout make their appearance. The}' require
no food for the first thirty days, the yolk sack of the egg, which is
attached to them, alfording nourishment during this period. After this,
the 3Iessrs. Comer feed them on finel}' chopped liver until they are sufifi-
ciently large to be turned into the ponds, Avhere they are fed upon any
kind of coarse meat or fish, finely chopped. Trout will live and thrive
in water of a temperature between forty and sixty-five degrees. This
is about the only question to be settled b}' persons who desire to stock
streams with trout. If the water in summer does not get warmer
than sixty-five degrees, the experiment may be tried with every proba-
bility of success. The qualit}' of the water does not seem to be material.
They live and thrive in water that is impregnated with minerals, and in
salt water, and in artesian Avell water, provided only the temperature is
not too warm. Persons vfho live near small lakes and streams, now
without fish, and containing water of the proper temperature, could, at
trifling exjaeuse and care, provide themselves with a constant suj^ply of
delicious and healthy food b}^ hatching a fevv^ eggs, or by turning in a
few of the young fish. Both eggs and young fish are readily transported
almost any distance. Salmon eggs have been taken from Scotland to
Australia and hatched, and the Acclimatization Society of San Francisco
has successfully imported the eggs of the Eastern brook trout and
hatched them in this State. It has been estimated that an acre of water
can be made to yield as much food as four acres of average land.

SHAD.

Your Commissioners made arrangements with J\Ir. Seth Green, the
noted pisciculturist of Eochester, ISevv^ York, for the importation of a
lot of young shad to be turned into the Sacramento Eiver. No shad
projier (alosa prcestabilis) are found in the rivers of the Pacific Coast,
while there are found several varieties of the same family, such
as herrings, anchovies, and sardines. As shad readily enter rivers
while muddy from the spring freshets, and spawn in water of a tem-
perature as high as sixty five degrees, there was reason to hope that if
the shad could be brought here alive and turned into the river they

13

•

would find suitable food, and in time go to the ocean and return to prop-
agate their species. As the shad is very prolific, each full grown female
yielding from tiftj^ to eighty thousand eggs, and as the flesh is esteemed
to be nutritious and valuable food, it was deemed proper to make the
first experiment of importing new varieties with the 3'oung of this fish.
The eggs of the shad are hatched in from two to lour days after they
are sjjawned, therelbre, if there were no other reason, time alone would
prevent the importation of the eggs.

Mr. Green felt so much doubt as to the possibility of transporting the
young fish for so great a distance that he determined to superintend the
experiment in person. He left Eochester, New York, with an assistant,
on the twentieth of June, with fifteen thousand of the young fish just
hatched, contained in eight tin cans holding about twelve gallons of
water each. The water had to be changed at every convenient oppor-
tunity, and as on a part of the journey the weather was quite warm,
constant attention had to be given to prevent the water in the cans from
reaching a higher temperature than eighty degrees. At Chicago he lost
a few fish from a film of oil from the machinery of the waterworks
with which the water attempted to be used was covered. At Omaha
the river water killed a few; the cause of this he had not time to inves-
tigate. The water of Bear Eiver (discharging into Salt Lake) and the
waters of the Humboldt and Truckee Eivers were foitnd to agree with
them and containing j^lenty of food. Mr. Green arrived on the twenty-
seventh of June. As it was advisable to put the young fish in the river
at as high a point as was practicable, for the reason that the instinct of
the shad is, like that of the salmon, to return to spawn at the same place
where it was hatched, they were the same day transferred to the cars
of the California and Oregon Eailroad and taken to the Sacramento
River at Tehama. Here the temperature of the water was found to be
sixty degrees of Fahrenheit. Upon dipping up the river water in a
glass and pouring a lot of the j'oung fish into it, they were found to be
lively and the water to contain large quantities of some minute substance
on which they feed. All the conditions being favorable, they were
turned loose in their new home. It is expected they will remain in this
river until about January, by which time they will be three or four
inches long; they will then go to the ocean, to return the next year
weighing from a pound to a pound and a half, ready to commence the
increase of their kind. Thus far the experiment has been a success.
The water of the river is adapted to them; it contains the proper kind
of food for their young, and the waters of our coast are filled with the
sand flea, a small species of the shrimp, on which the fish feeds after
reaching the salt water. The only thing to be feared is that there may
be in the ocean some kind of fish which may so completely exterminate
them that none will be left to come back and spawn. If after one or
two years even one shad is taken in the river, the result will be satis-
factory, as it will demonstrate the fact that all the conditions are favor-
able to their successful propagation in the waters of our rivers; we could
then at trifling expense fill our waters with this valuable fish. When
first hatched, and in a condition proper to be transported, one freight
car would bring over two million of them. If, after two years, none
should be taken, it would not then be well to abandon the experiment.

The English, year after year, shipped impregnated salmon eggs to
Australia; the eggs hatched, and the young fish in due time went to the
ocean; but for years none were found to return. Some fish — supposed to
be the bonita — destroyed them all. At last, after repeated experiments.

14

some escaped, and in eighteen hundred and sixtj-seven, large fish, re-
turned from the ocean, wore taken in tlie river. Shad were formerly
plentiful in all the rivers emptying into the Atlantic Ocean from Georgia
to the St. Lawrence. They, therefore, frequent warmer waters than the
salmon. Over-fishing, traps, pounds, weirs, small meshed seines, and
dams without fishways at last nearly exterminated them. Through the
efforts of the Fish Commissioners of the several Eastern States they are
again becoming plentiful. For a number of years all efforts at the arti-
ficial hatching of the eti'i'-s of shad had been failures. It was ascertained
that the fish came into the rivers at about the same time as the salmon,
but that unlike that fish, they did not sj)awn until the warm Summer
months. Their eggs are not placed upon gravel, but float in the water.
Schools of them will play about the river for days, when, upon some
sudden impulse, the milk from the male and the spawn from tlie female
will be exuded into the water, at times, it is said, making the Avater
cloudy. In from two to four days the eggs hatch, when the young fish
immediately swim for the centre of the river, keeping their heads against
the current. At last Mr. Seth Green, after much patient investigation
and numerous experiments, invented a box, the bottom of which was
covered with fine wire netting. On this wire netting the impregnated
eggs were placed; a series of these boxes, fastened together by a rope,
were allowed to float in the current of the river. To the sides of each
box were fastened, at an angle, pieces of board, which, floating in the
water, caused the wire bottom of the box to be partially turned against
the current. The effect was that the current, entering through the wire
netting, kept the eggs in constant motion. All the conditions of nature
were satisfied, and the experiment became a success. Mr. Green obtained
a patent for his invention, which, as it is largely used, is quite valuable.
Within the past four years, under the direction of Fish Commissioners
and by aid of small appropriations, more than five hundred million shad
have been artificially hatched in these boxes in the rivers of the Eastern
States north from Yirginia. The result of the first and second year's
hatching in the Hudson and Cojuiecticut is becoming manifest; more
fish have been taken this year in those rivers than in any year during
the past twenty. So man}^ fish were caught that the fishermen were
unable to take care of them, and fresh shad were sold in the New York
City markets as low as ten cents a shad.

These results, from the experiments of enthusiasts, in increasing almost
without expense the food supply of the people, are worthy the attention
of statesmen. So much attention is now being given to the subject that
Congress has passed a law appointing a Commission to investigate our
river and coast fisheries, learn the habits of the fish, and report as to
what legislation is required to aid in increasing the food supply from
this source.

IMPORTATION OP NEW VARIETIES.

Your Commissioners have it in contemplation to attempt, at the proper
season next year, the importation from the East of white fish from the
great lakes, to be placed in Lake Tahoe; black bass, a superior game
fish, to be placed in some lake to breed and be distributed; eels, to be
put in the Sacramento River; and lobsters, to be deposited in some
appropriate place in the bay of San Francisco. AYe have also opened a
correspondence with gentlemen in China, with the object of learning
what valuable food-fish can be obtained in that country, and the j)i"o-

15

cesses of the Chinese, who are said to pursue Largely the artificial hatch-
ing oftish. From the following extract from one of the letters received
it will be seen that the Chinese have not yet learned how", artificially, to
impregnate the spawn, but depend upon catching the eggs for hatching
after they have been naturally fecundated. Our corresi^ondent says:

" Eeferring to your letter of May twenty -fifth, inquiring concerning
the manner of breeding fish, we w^ould sa}" that we find the Chinese, at
certain periods of the year, spread their cloths across the river at some
distance above Canton and catch the eggs which are washed down from
the smaller streams and ponds higher up. These eggs have been already
impregnated by the male fish at the place in which they are laid, and
when thus caught are placed in ponds, whOTe after a short time they
hatch and are thus raised. There are no breeding ponds near Canton,
and it is said to be impossible to breed fish in ponds on any large scale,
as the eggs are devoured by the male fish after impregnatioji unless he
be immetliately removed, which is impractical where there are any
number. The ponds in which the eggs are placed for hatching must be
running water. We would suggest the plan of sending two or three
men, acquainted with the process of breeding, to California, w^iere they
could experiment on the rivers and lakes, which very much resemble
those in the country where it is at present practiced."

EXTRACTS rROM REPORTS.

Our field is so extensive and there is so much to be done in the way
of investigation preparatory to intelligent legislation on the subject of
inland fisheries, that w^e deemed it advisable to employ two assistants —
the first. Captain E. Wakcman, to examine and report on the fisheries of
the Bay of San Francisco and some of the rivers that discharge their
"waters directly into the Pacific Ocean; the other, Mr. Ceorge C. Has-
well, to examine and report upon the fisheries of Lake Tahoc and the
Truckee Eiver and its tributaries. The following extracts from their
reports will be found of great interest. Eeferring to the bay fisheries,
Captain AYakeman says:

"Since the date of my commission I have visited with the yacht
' George Steers,' repeatedly, all the fishing grounds that are frequented
by the Italian and Chinese fishermen in the waters of our bay. The
only Chinese fishing station that I find is located a short distance to the
north of the ' Two Sisters.' Here, on an extensive mud flat, are stakes
or poles set firmly in the ground, and occupying an area of several miles
in extent, from which poles are kept constantly set the nets, which are
taken up at each slackwater of the flood and ebb tide. From twelve
(12) to fifteen (15) boats are employed, having (3) three men in each
boat. Shrimps are taken here and cured for the Chinese market by
being boiled in large vats in salt water, then spread out on the cleanly
swept ground and dried in the sun, being raked over frequently during
the day. The scales or skin become separated from the meat and looks
like fine sawdust. The meat and refuse is then sewn up in the best
quality of bags and placed on board the Chinese junk of about thirty
tons and sent to San Francisco, from whence it is shipped to China.
Scarce any class of fish are taken in these nets but shrimp, and thou-
sands of tons must find their way to China annually. Their nets are
similar to those used by the Italians, with this difi'erence, viz: the middle

16

of the net, which assumes the charucter of a bag, is, with the Chinese,
opened by untjdng a string, and the whole catch is dropped into the
boat with ease. The net is then closed again with the string and put
back into the water to remain until next slack. Three of these nets
generally load a large boat, which are all of a large and commodious
class.

"Saucelito Bay is constantly used by the Italians, smelt being the
principal fish, with soles, flounders, sardines, and anchovies. In some
cases nothing but crabs are taken, which destroy the nets and irritate
the men so that they are inclined to leave them on the beach to die; but
I have had, in all cases, everything that was not marketable put back
into the water. In fact, crabs are the only fish that are left upon the
beach, all other kinds being taken out of the nets with tin pans, the nets
being in about from one to two feet of water. All that part of the
catch that is desired is taken and thrown into the boat without coming
in contact with the sand and dirt, and the small fish are permitted to
remain in the water; nevertheless, large quantities of the young fish die
from pressure or other cause arising from the fact that they have been
compressed as it were among so many thousand into the contracted
space of a few feet, and are unable in their most strenuous etibrts to
release themselves from their perilous condition.

" They are to be found in large quantities, floating ujjon the water,
completely drowned. Still a very large number revive, and swim off"
again. Whereas, heretofore, the custom appears to have been to dump
the whole catch upon the beach, and, after picking out all they wanted,
the young were invariably left upon the beach, becoming, in many parts,
a most intolerable nuisance to persons residing in the vicinity. A new
order of things has been inaugurated this year, which is found to work
to the mutual benefit of all parties concerned. Five boats are generally
to be found in difi'erent parts of this bay; and fish are taken at all times
of tide, both day and night. Two boats are generally emploj'ed between
the bay and the Golden Gate. They cast on both shores, north and
south, for the same kind of fish; and also in Kashaw's Harbor, two and
sometimes three boats are found both night and day, at all times of the
tide. During the night fires are made ujjon the beach, and frequently
these fires can be seen, not only on all the dift'erent beaches in Saucelito
Bay and Kashaw's Harbor, but also on both sides of Eaccoon Straits,
giving a most picturesque and cheerful aspect during the long and gloomy
nights which j^revail in most parts of our harbor at this season of the
year. ^

" These Italians are a singular and peculiar peoj)le, always sober and
industrious, and, like the Chinese, they pursue their avocations in silence.
During the silent and tedious hours of the night some are found sleep-
ing in close proximity to the fire, with their harness on, face down, which
appears to be the universal practice among all classes of the different
races of people who are accustomed to sleep upon the ground in the
ojien air. From Eaccoon Straits to the Chinese fishing station, on the
north shore, aie several favorite places where the nets of the Italians
are cast, with various success. The same class of fish being taken from
the 'Sisters' up to Petaluma, nothing but sturgeons are found until we
come to Vallejo, where there is a mackerel trap fishery.

'■ Dovm on the south shore we find two (2) Italian boats on the San
Pablo flats, and two more at a favorite point to the north of Sheep
Island, where there is another mackerel traj) fishery.

" Two boats are employed at Sheep Island. They not only cast upon

17

tho boach, but generally fish at night under sail only, pulling round and
towing the nets. The same fish, smelts, flounders, sardines, anchovies,
and soles, are taken here. ~ .

"Two boats are frequently employed around Goat Island, two at Oak-
land Whai'f, and two at Alameda Wharf. Large quantities are taken
all along the Alameda Flats, some ten miles to the southward of Alameda,
and on the west coast from Eedwood Slough, all along until we come to
Baybien, where there is a favorite resort to repair and dry their nets and
take out their boats. From there to Long Bridge boats are generally
engaged, and I have in all cases, at each of these points, impressed upon
the minds of these men the consequences that will attend any infringe-
ment on their part of the laws in reg;ard to the fish interest, and especially
of section number six. I have also, in most of these places, made
arrangements with those who live near the beach to inform me of the
first infringement, by taking the name or number of the boat.

"I am informed from a reliable source that a most wanton course of
destruction is jjracticed by the settlers along the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Elvers, which will, if not arrested, be attended with vital con-
sequences, amounting to a total destruction in these waters of our salmon
fisheries, whicb, to the State, are worth millions of dollars.

"Perch, flounders, shrimps, and herring spawn in December; smelt,,
in August."

From Caj)tain Wakeman's report on the fisheries of some of the coast
rivers we make the following extracts :

"Lj pursuance with your orders of the sixth instant, I have examined
all the streams from Spanishtown to Pescadero, and herein submit my
report in regard to their character as trout streams, their obstruction3,^
and consequences arising therefrom:

'" Pilarcitos Creek — Upon which Spanishtown is located, is a dirty red
stream, of about two feet wide and one foot deep, and empties its waters
upon the beach, about half a mile below the town. There is a steam
flour mill here, but no sawmill, and judging fi'om the thick, muddy water,
nothing but catfish can live in it.

" Gobethey Creek — Two miles below Spanishtown, is a clear water trout
stream, about two feet wide and a few inches deep, and empties its waters
upon the beach. There are no mills u^ion this stream, and only natural
obstructions, such as old decayed trees and their branches.

" Purissima, or Pure Water Stream — Is two miles below Gobethey Creek,
and is a fine clear water trout stream, about four feet wide and a foot
deep. Generally at this season (February) it has a volume of about ten
feet in width and five feet in depth. It empties its waters upon the beach
about half a mile below the Purissima House. Four miles up the stream
is the sawmill belonging to Messrs. Boyden and Hatch. This mill has
an overshot wheel, the water to run it being taken from the stream
three fourths of a mile above and carried in a sixteen-inch flume, at the
head of which are four little dams, made by throwing a short log across
and tamping it tight with a few bags of sawdust. This throw* all the
water into the flume and only half fills it, which shows that this stream

18

is very small at the present time. A site for a new steam sawmill is
being located two miles further up. The sawdust and blocks of the red-
wood are thrown into the stream, which turns the water to a dark red,
and, in some places,'^to an inky black ; in other places to a purple. This
is poisonous, and kills the fish in half un hour after it is drank, according
to the testimony of Messrs. Boyden and Hatch themselves. Cattle along
this stream are walking skeletons. I saw several carcases of dead ani-
mals lying along the bank, notwithstanding there is plenty of good grass.
This shows conclusively the truth of ail the reports made to me by many
of the settlers along the stream. In places where the water runs fast
it is quite palatable; but where it is still it becomes wholl}^ unfit for use,
and not only kills the fish, but is dangerous to the cattle. At some sea-
sons of the year the settlers are obliged to sink holes or wells back from
the stream, and even then the Vv^ater is impregnated with an odor only
to be derived from dead fish.

" Lohetis Creek— Is a clear water trout stream, two miles from Purissima,
about three feet wide, and a foot deep. It empties its waters upon the
beach, and has no mills — nothing but natural obstructions.

" Tunis Creek — Is a clear water trout stream, of about the same volume
as Lobetis. It empties its waters upon the beach. Ten miles up this
stream is Foment's steam sawmill, not running now, owing to a lawsuit
pending and an injunction from the Court; which last, it is to be hoped,
may continue for all time, as the sawdust, so fatal to the fish and inju-
rious to the farmer, is prevented thereby from being dumped into the
stream.

" San Gregoria — Is a fine clear water trout stream, four miles from
Tunis, and connects with the ocean about one mile below the San Gre-
goria House. At full sea, the salmon, of from fifteen to twenty pounds,
and the silver salmon, from two to fifteen pounds, enter this stream
during their spawning season, which is from October to March, when
they go out to sea again. These fish have been taken several miles up
the stream during the rain}^ season, when, owing to the strong current,
most of the sawdust had been washed out. Six miles up this stream is
Templeton's steam sawmill, and a few miles further up, on a northern
branch of this stream, is Gilbei'fs sluice mill, and a few miles further up
the same branch is L. P. Pharis' steam shingle mill. All these mills
dump their sawdust and blocks into the stream, which so poisons the
water that it has become an intolerable nuisance to all the settlers along
the stream below, and will soon exterminate the trout.

" Ponipo7ia Creek — Is four miles from San Gregoria, and is a clear water
trout stream of small volume emptying upon the beach. No mills;
plenty of trout.

" Fescaderp stream — Is three miles from Pompona Creek, and is a fine
clear water trout stream, empties into the sea about two miles below the
town, and connects, one mile from the beach, with the Butena Eiver,
which is also a fine clear water trout stream running to the southeast;
is about twenty feet wide, and six feet deep. For six miles this makes
a fine resort for the salmon and silver salmon from the sea which fre-
quent these waters, with other lesser sea fish, for the purpose of spawn-
ing. From October to March, a wagon load of these beautiful fish,

19

Avcighiug from two to thirty pounds, iiro takeu daily and sold all along
the road, as high np as Spanishtown, at seventy-five cents per pound.
These fish are oul}^ taken during the spawning season, thej^ being a deep
water fish, and go out to sea in March. Three miles up the Peseadero
stream— which is about four feet wide and a foot deep, at present — is B.
Ilayvrard's steam sawmill, and three miles further up is Anderson's saw-
mill, run by a turbine wheel, having a well constructed dam, built of
hewn logs, well secured right across the creek. The dam is twenty feet
long and about ten feet high, built in eighteen hundred and sixty-two,
and all the Avater from above passes at present through the sluiceway at
the turbine ■wheel. As the water has never been half way up to the
top of this dam, since it was built, no fish have ever passed. A sluice
box with stop waters in it for fish could be introduced through this dam
near its base and outside the sluicev/aj' for the wheel, this being the
only place where the box could reach the water below, as all the rest of
the bed of the stream is dry. Large quantities of sawdust and blocks
are deposited in the stream below the dam; fish are found dead, their
eyes eaten out by the strong poisonous acids in the Avater, and their
bodies covered beneath the skin with disgusting blisters, like the small
pox, whilst the inside is as black as ink. The Avaters are rendered at
times AAdiolly unfit for use. Eight miles further up this stream is Vv^olf 's
steam saAvmill, the lumber from Avhich is hauled out to the eastward,
whilst the saAvdust is conA^ej'ed doAA^i the stream, fatal to the fish and
to the interests of eveiybody. There is but one sentiment existing
among the settlers along the streams, and it is this: that they haA'o
arrived at a point Avhere forbearance ceases to be a Adrtue, and have
resolved to exhaust all legal measures, by their united efi'orts and similar
means to protect their interests against the oppressiA'e and persistent
practice of the mill oAvners in dumping the saAv dust into the streams,
Avhereby the AA'hole community beloAv suffer, some hundreds and others
thousands of dollars. The eft'ects of the saAA-mills, during eighteen or
twenty years, are scarcel}^ perceptible in these almost impenetrable for-
ests, and the united efforts of many mills for the next twenty years will
be required before the Avoodman's axe AAdll liaA^e wrung from the settlers
of this nature's retreat in her solitude that beautiful praj'er of ' Wood-
man, spare that tree.'

"I have communicated Avith many of the settlers along the banks of
all these streams, and haA^e the experience of the oldest settlers in this
part of the country, and there can be but one conclusion in regard to
ihe fish interest of these streams, and that is that the redwood saAvdust
poisons the AA^ater, and unless some other method be adopted to get rid
of it, such as burning it or repairing roads with it, there AAdll not be a
breed of trout left in a few years. Where thousands were taken daily
(thirteen hundred by one person), noAV scarcely a trout can bo seen. If
there are laAvs to protect them I can see no good reason for not enforcing
them, and if this Ise done every man's table in this district will be
abundantly supplied AAdth trout — a healthy and cheap article of food —
AAdiile large quantities Avill find their Avay, as a luxury, to the rich man's
table at a distance, so long as these streams shall iioAv ' from the moun-
tain to the sea.' "

From the report of Mr. HasAvell on the Truckee Eiver and Lake Tahoe
AA-e make the following extracts. He says:

20

'•'Under your appointment, and in accordance with your instructions,
I proceeded to that point on the Truckee River where it crosses our
State line on its way to Pyramid Lake, in the State of Nevada. From
thence I followed it up to its head, in Lake Tahoe. I also examined the
California part of that lake; also Bonner Lake and Donner Creek; but
from want of sufficient time could only make inquiries about the Little
Truckee and its sources, Webber Lake, and Lake Independence, though
prior to my appointment I had visited them all for health and pleasure.

" During this official visit I heard and saw so much that requires the
most strino'ent lee-islatiou in both States that I scarce know where to com-
mence my report. But as a preliminary I suggest that carefully drawn
laws, precisely similar in all respects, except the mere verbiage that is
necessary to designate which State enacted them, be passed by each State,
and that, if such a law is not unconstitutional, each Act shall authorize
the officers of the other State, armed with a proper writ from it, and
any citizen of the other State who has seen the offense committed Avithin
its borders, to cross the line and make the necessary arrest, and without
further ceremony take the prisoners back for trial. This seems arbi-
trary, but if it can be constitutionally made a law it will be found to be
one of the greatest safeguards to the joint fisheries.

"Trout commence running up the Truckee, from Nevada, with the
first sufficient rise of the river. The date of this, as also that of their
return, is of course variable. They retire towards Pyramid Lake as the
water recedes in the Summer or Fall.

"From the obstructions hitherto placed in this river and the various
means used to entrap the fish before they reach the shallow, gravelly
streams, together with the wholesale waste of them and the criminal
destruction of their spawn, I believe that in a very few years the great
lakes of both States will be entirely without brown trout, and certain,
very few silver ones, unless the two State Governments concur in some
such law as that above suggested. But to roiurn to my starting point —
the Truckee at the boundary line.

" The first mill and dam (all the mills on this river are for sawing
lumber) on the Truckee in California, is that of Pray & Bragg. At
present it is little or no obstruction to the free run of the fish, and its
owners have agreed that if it becomes one they will either open the
dam itself or construct proper fi.sh ways and ladders.

" The Boca Mill Company comes next. Mr. Doane, the resident part-
ner, is about as enthusiastic on the subject of letting the trout have a
clear passage to and fro between the lake and streams of this State and
those of Nevada, as the members of your body themselves. At this
dam there are two good fish ways — one on a plan recommended by your-
selves, and the other built upon a design which Mr. Doane and the other
members of the company think sujjerior to it.

" The dam of the Marysville Company follows, then that of the Geissen-
doffer Mill Company, then in succession two others known as Proctor's.
Neither one of these four is an impediment now. The piills have been
removed, the sluiceways are open, and the dams themselves are all so
dilapidated that the fish can pass through either of them.

"Succeeding the upper Proctor mill come five dams belonging to the
Truckee Lumber Company. Four of these are mere dams to catch
water when the river is low. They cause no hindrance whatever. The
other one has an excellent and very efficient passageway, but a log got
entangled in it and carried off a portion of the crossbars or resting
places. The owners said that the necessary repairfi should be made

21

forthwith; and us they seem to take as much jjride as the owners of the
Boca Mills do in giving the trout fair play, I do not consider that it
requires any further attention.

" I am sorry that I cannot say the same of the next place — Eusch's
Mill. Here is a so-called fish way which is of no possible use if it was
constructed with a view to allow the fish a passage up stream. If, on
the contrary, it was built to be a most efficient trapping place, the intent
was fully carried out. But the owner has promised that no further
action need be taken, as he would as soon as possible either build a new
passageway or else alter the present one to meet the requirements of
the law.

"Except as above stated the fi-sh have proper passageway in the
Truckee to and fro from the State line to the debouchment of Lake
Tahoe.

"According to your instructions, I returned from the lake to the line
and crossed into Nevada to confer with the citiKcns of our sister State
about opening the Truckee on their side so as to give the fish a perfect
free way whenever they deemed proper to use it between the fresh
waters of Tahoe and the brackish w^aters of Pyramid. The people there
took the matter in hand. The owner of the only obstruction on the
Nevada portion of the river was ajjplied to, to either have fishways
made, or in some other manner give the fish a chance. Ho declined;
but a little giant powder, used by some unknown hand, made the condi-
tion of things about that dam entirely favorable for the trout to indulge
their migratory propensities.

" Donuer Lake emj^ties through a short creek, also called Donner, into
the Truckee about fifteen miles below where that river leaves Tahoe.
On Donner Creek I found a dam so constructed that no fish once leaving
Donner Lake on its way down to the brackish waters of Lake Pyramid
could ever get back again to breed. The consequence of this is that
brown trout, which I believe always yearly go or at least start to go to
the great Nevada lake, Donner, are extremely scarce, whilst the silver
trout, which I think never, or if at all, but seldom, go down stream
beyond the lake they first reached from their hatching grounds, are
moderately plentiful.

" I may as well remark here that the above is my opinion as to the one
kind coming down stream out of the lakes, and the other not doing so,
at least not as a general natural instinct, though ip^'ividual exceptions
may occur. But it is contended that there is no list nction in species
between the two kind I designate as silver and brown crout — in fact, that
they are the same thing — the apparent difference being merely local
caused by the nature and color of the gravel in which they were hatched,
and the peculiarities of the water in which they grew or live. Such
may be the case, but I have examined a considerable number of both
colors, and caught a good many trout in the Atlantic States in my
younger days, and I consider that what I here call the brown trout is
not the same as what Avas called the brook trout in that part of the
country where I was born and brought up and caught fish. In every
trout I have examined here the brown ones have a straight purplish line
on each side of the body from almost the end of its nose to near the
tail. This line is not on the silver ones, and on the broAvn ones I have
never found any of the spots or dots usual on all trout below the pur-
plish line. They have invariably been above it. If I remember cor-
rectly, the Eastern brook trout have nothing of the purplish line, but
merely spots or dots. Not being an ichthyologist I mex'ely call the

99

attention of the Boaro' to what I ijcliovc, from my own observation, and
aslc you and others M'ho read this report to examine this question and
another — are there any trout, either in this State or ]!^evada, except,
perhaps, in the pure mountain streams further North? Whilst upon the
Truekec and the lakes I heard several persons, who have the reputation
of being ichthj^ologists, say that all the fish that we call trout, were in
reality, hind-locked salmon, frequently called schoodic trout. But to
return to the trap on Bonner Creek. I could not find the owjiers of this
dam, but learned that the}'' were A. C. Toll and Brothers. I afterwards
understood from Commissioner Eeddiug that they had promised him that
they -would either remove the dam entirely or put in satisfactory ways
and ladders.

"At the source of the Truckee — i. e., Lake Tahoe — two persons have
been and I believe that, to some extent, they are still in the habit of
taking the fish' by means of seines, nets, and traps, on the alleged pre-
tense of catching them for their spawn to stock lakes, streams, and
ponds. But the fact is they catch them at all times of the ye&v, and
sell immense qiiantitics, Vyrithout reference to either spawn or spawning
season; and, although I did not see it, and can scarcely believe it, I have
been informed by their neighbors of credibility that fish and spawn were
dipped out by the bucketfull, and either consumed on the place or sold
to others for hog feed. Of course, I notified these men of the provisions
of the lav7, and forbid the farther use of either seine, net, or trap at auy
season of the year, or for any purpose whatever. They promised obedi-
ence, and the residents of the vicinity said that they would take care
that the law was complied with, and in the event of any violation the
parties should be i)ro3ecuted with the greatest rigor to the utmost extent
of the law.

"At the mouth of or a short distance up almost every small stream —
the trout's breeding place — that empties either into the Truckee Eiver,
or Tahoe, Donner, or other lakes, fish traps are set in such a manner as
to be actual murder to most of the fish, and complete destruction to
their spawn. Taking advantage of the fish's instinct of jDrocreation and
continuance of its race, and of its other instinct, that that can only be
done by going tip stream to shallow water and a gravelh" bottom, a trap
is made, which is done as follows: A row of stakes is driven across the
full width of the stream. These are not r)laced so close as to. prevent
the water coming down, yet are put so near that a trout cannot get
through to go up. Further dov/n the stream another row is driven
across. This is in eveiy respect like the first, except that in one portion
of it — about the centre — an opening, say, a foot wide and two or three
feet long, is left under water. The distance between the two rows of
stakes is a matter of option, being from three or four feet to ten or
twelve, depending somewhat upon the number of prisoners the owner
expects to take, and how long, and for what purpose he intends to keep
them. It will be seen that die iish can get in through the lower tier
but not out through the upper one, yet might escape by returning; bat
this they will not do. Fish always return to spawn at the spawning-
place of their parents. Here they are, and reasoning, nature, instinct,
or whatever else people may, choose to term it, tells the fish that thej^
are of no further use in the vraters of this world unless they get uj) the
stream to spawn and milt. So in this trap they remain, butting their
heads against the upper stakes until they are either taken out or the
growing ova and milt compels them to violate the laws of nature and
die, when the fish and what should have been their descendants are

23

dipped out and, as already said, given to the liogs. Trout are frequently
throAvn out with their noses absolutely butted off in the vain endeavor
to force their way through the barricade.

" The Indians, and a good many vv^liites, have another distinctive
method of trapping trout, but it is nothing like so bad as the one
descx'ibed above. Even where there are good ladders and ways, a' large
number of fish try to run up the current pouring over the dam. After
repeated efforts to run up on the face of the M'ater against the impetus
with Avhich it is coming down, they become w'eak and exhausted, and
can no longer keep upon the face of the stream and fall through it into
the vacant space that is always found under the water that pours over a
dam. In this space wicker or other baskets (the Indians use willow
twigs) are fastened, and into tbese baskets the fish fall in great numbers,
and of course cannot escape.

" Two facts show conclusively that trout are fast disappearing from
the lakes. One is, that Yery few, comparatively speaking, are caught
now, even in the best seasons, ^yiih. the hook and line. As a sample, I
may tell of a Sacramento attorney who is noted as an expert in fishing —
a gentleman who can nearly equal Izac Walton for patience in waiting
for a nibble — who spent some four or five days this summer fishing on
Donner. He was out by daylight, and did not'return until dark, and the
greatest number ho caught in any one day was five. I may also state
that every trout that he caught was silver — there was not a brown one
in the whole number. The other fact is, that the so called chub, the
natural, as it would seem, food for the trout in the lakes, have of late
years increased i;i such numbers as almost to be a nuisance.

"On the Truckee, about nin j miles from Tahoe, Comer Brothers have
a large establishment for rearing trout. I understand that it was started
about three years ago, and that although it has been a success so far as
to growing and distributing the fish, yet, in commercial parlance, it has
been something very near a failure. I was told that Webber Lake was
stocked from the Truckee several years ago, and that it is nov>^ well
filled, with good sized fish, though formerly it did not possess any trout.
If there is any means by which your Board can aid these Pioneer Cali-
fornia trout growers, I trust that you will do so.

" 1 believe that I have nothing to add, except to say that during the
coming year and until peoj)le begin to understand the law, and the
ofiicers and Courts enforce it, the entire time of at least one man will be
required about Lake Tahoe, the Truckee, Little Truckee, and the lakes
and streams that flow into them, for the protection of fish."

24

EXPENDITUEES.

Of the approi^riation of five thousand dollars made by the Legislature
to aid the Commissioners in importing new varieties of fish, and in pre-
serving the native fish valuable for food, wo have expended the following
amounts :

1870.
Dec. 9th ,

1871.
Feb. 9th

March 20th
March 27th
July 8th

July 8th

July 8th....
Nov. 25th..

Paid J. D. Farwell & Co. bill of sundries

Paid expenses of E. "VYakeman, examinations

Bay of San Francisco

Paid Bugbey & Sons, drawings of fish ladders..

Paid expenses of E. Wakeman, coast rivers

Paid expenses of Seth Green and assistant in

San Francisco

Paid expenses of Seth Green and assistant in

importing 15,000 young shad

Paid fare of Green and assistant, return trip.,..
Paid expenses of G. C. Haswell, examination of

Lake Tahoe, Truekee river, and tributaries..

Total amount expended

All of which is resjiectfully submitted.

UO 32

238

60

25

00

80

00

43

50

348

30

186

50

175

00

$1,137

22

B. B. EEDDING,

S.. E. THEOCKMOETON,

J. 1). FAEWELL,

Commissioners.

REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
For the Years 1873 and 1873.

1— E

G. H. SPRINGER STATE PRINTER.

HEPORT

To His Excellency,

Newton Booth,

Governor of California:

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California, appointed
under au Act of the Legislature entitled "An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of this State," ap-
proved April second, eighteen hundred and seventy, respectfully submit
their second biennial report.

REPORT.

Your Commissioners, in pursuance of the plan contemplated in their
last report, pi'oceeded to open correspondence with the most noted fish
culturists in the East, and also with the United States Fish Commis-
sioner, at Washington City, upon the subject of obtaining an additional
8U]iply of shad, and also a large variety of other food fishes, from the
Eastern lakes and sea coast.

By the kindness of the United States Commissioner of Fisheries, the
Hon. Spencer F. Baird, we were allowed to avail ourselves of the ser-
vices of Mr. Livingstone Stone, attached to the United States Commis-
sion, and engaged in transferring salmon eggs from California to the
waters flowing into the Atlantic. Mr. Stone's high reputation as a suc-
cessful bi-eeder of fish, as well as a writer upon the subject of piscicul-
ture, not only gave us confidence in the success of the enterprise, but
also led us to enlarge and amplify the scope and range of the under-
taking.

In this view, Ave made arrangements with Mr. Stone, for him to pro-
ceed to the Eastern States, and there collect a supply of shad, eels,
black bass, white fish, tautogs, striped bass, blue fish, and lobsters.

To carry into effect these plans, we chartered fi-om the Central Pacific
Bailroad Company a special car, to be placed at our disposal at a given
point at the East, and there to await the necessary time for being fitted
up for the purpose, and to receive its freight of living fish. All the
requisite arrangements i'or the tiansit of this car over the different lines
of roads, as well as for its necessary sto])page8 and delaj's at different
points where fish were to be taken in, had been most completely made
b}' our colleague, Mr. B. B. liedding, through the agency of the different
railroad managers; and, on the seventeenth day of March, eighteen hun-
dred and seventy three, Mr. Stone left San Francisco, to carry out, if
possible, the plan of your Commissioners, to transport a carload of liv-
ing fish from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

lieferring to this expedition, Mr. Stone says:

"In accordance with instructions received from the Fish Commis-
sioners of the State of California, I left San Francisco for the Eastern
coast, on the seventeenth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-
three, for the purpose of procuring a stock of the best varieties of East-
ern fish, and transporting them, alive, across the continent, with a view
to introducing these varieties into the public waters of California.

"My plan of operations for the whole imdertakinG; was: First — To
collect the fish at some favorable point at the East, where they could be
kept alive until everything was read}'' for the journey. »Second — To fit
up a car with the apparatus most suitable for transporting living fish;
and, third— To take this car, when loaded, to California, in the least
possible time, and without any transfer of its contents. This plan was
successful]}' carried into practice, up to the time of the accident just be-
yond Omaha.

"The first installment of living fish intended for the California car,
arrived at Cbarlestown, New Hampshire — the point of rendezvous — on
the seventh of May. It consisted of eighty-two black bass (gnjstes fas-
cintus), glass-ej^ed perch (^lucio perca), and bullheads (^pimelodus), and
about three hundred thousand eggs of the perca flavescens and the lucio
•perca.

"These fish were collected at Lake Champlain, and at the Missisquoi
Eiver, in Vermont, and were taken a journe}' of thirty hours, by rail,
before reaching Cbarlestown. The}^, nevertheless, bore their trip ad-
mirably, and arrived at their destination in first-rate order.

" The next two weeks were spent in fitting up the car, which had arrived
at Cbarlestown, New Hampshire, and making other preparations for the
difficult undertaking in prospect. Arrangements had been previously
made, at the suggestion of the Hon. Spencer F. Baird, United States
Commissioner of Fisheries, with Mr. Myron Green, at Castleton, on the
Hudson, for a supply of young shad and fresh water eels; and, also, with
Captain Orinal Edwards, of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, tor young lob-
sters, and other salt water fish. The Eastern trout (salmo fontinaUs),
were to be taken from the Cold Spring Trout Ponds, at Cbarlestown.
The large lobsters were to come from Johnson & Loring's establishment,
at Boston, and Mr. Mj^ron Green was dispatched to the Earitan Eiver
for catfish.

" The equipment of the car having been completed, and everything
being ready, the third day of June, eighteen hunered and seventy-three,
was set for our departure. At midnight of June second, Mr. W. S. Per-
rin arrived from Boston with a special car, having on board the lob-
sters, oysters, small lobsters, salt water eels, tautogs, and reserves of
ocean water. We began at daylight the next morning filling the
tanks in the car and loading in the fish, and b}^ one o'clock in the after-
noon everything was ready, and at a quarter past two, on Tuesday, June
third, the California Aquarium Car started on its journey.

"The car was furnished by the Central Pacific Eaili'oad Company,
and was one of their fruit cars, intended for quick trips across the con-
tinent. It was twenty-seven feet long and eight feet wide, and was
provided with a Westinghouse air brake and Miller platform, which
enabled us to take it along with passenger trains.

" At one end of the car was a stationary tank, built of two-inch plank,
lined with zinc, and occupying the whole width of the car, an'd eight feet
of its length.

"This tank was two feet and eight inches deep, and held, when full,
about ten thousand pounds of water.

"At the other end of the car was a large ice box, the reserves of sea
water, six large cases of lobsters, and a barrel of oysters.

"In the center of the car, and occupying nearly all the room in it,
were the other portable tanks for carrying the fish. Our beds were on
the top of the large stationary tank, which, of course, was covered.
The large tank was also arranged so that we could take on water on a

lai'ge scale from the waterworks at the railroad stations en route. This
proved to be a very great convenieuce, aud was, in fact, indispensable.

" When we left Charlestown, New Hampshire, the car contained up-
wards of:

"Sixty black bass from Lake Champlain (grysfes fasciatus).

"Eleven glass-eyed perch from Lake Champlain (lucio perca).

"One hundred and ten yellow perch from Missisquoi Elver (perca
fiavescens).

"Eighty young yellow perch from Missisquoi Eiver (perca fiavescens).

"Twelve bullheads (horn pouts), from Missisquoi River (p<wie/o(iMS).

"One hundred aud ten cattish from Earitan Eiver (plmdodus).

"Twenty tautogs from near Martha's Vineyard (tautoga Americana').

"One thousand five hundred salt water eels from Martha's Vineyard
(anguilla).

" One thousand young trout from Charlestown, New Hampshire (salmo
fontlnalis).

'•One hundred aud sixty-two lobsters from Massachusetss Bay and
Woods Hole.

" One barrel of oysters from Massachusetts Bay.

"Supplies of minnows for feed fish.

"The black bass, bullheads, catfish, and part of the lobsters, were
full grown and heavy with spawn.

" Eesities the fish above enumerated, I took on at Albany forty thou-
sand fresh water eels Irom the Hudson, and arranged for twenty thousand
shad and shad eggs (alosa pra^stabilis), from the Hudson, to overtake us
at Chicago.

" The receptacles for holding the fish consisted of one large stationary
tank, eight feet square and two feet eight inches deep.

" One round wooden seventy gallon tank.

"One round fifty-gallon tank.

"Three round thirty-gallon tanks.

" Three conical-shaped thirty-gallon tanks.

"Six conical ten-gallon tin cans.

"One conical fifteen-gallon tin can.

"Three round nine-gallon tin cans.

"Two thirty-fivegallon casks.

"Six large cases (containing the lobsters).

"Tlie total capacity of the whole, excluding the lobster cases, being
about sixteen thousand pounds of water.

" Besides the vessels for holding the fish, the car contained the follow-
ing articles:

''One large one hundred and twenty-gallon cask, filled with ocean
water.

"One sixty-gallon cask, filled with ocean water.

" One large ice box.

" One half barrel of live moss.

"One half barrel of water plants.

" Curd and meal for feed.

"One bushel of salt for killing parasites.

"The aerating apparatus referred to.

" One alcohol stove.

" One set carpenter's tools.

" Two lanterns.

"Two hammocks.

"Two spring beds.

8

"Two mattresses and pillows.

" Two sets bedclothes.

" One broom.

"One lot green sod.

" Two thermometers.

"Pipes, spouts, and syphons, for taking in and letting off water.

"One long-handled dip net.

"Two short-handled dip nets.

" Movable steps to door of ear.

"Sundry barrels, pails, dippers, etc.

" Maps, with stations marked where we knew the water to be good
or bad.

"Our trunks, valises, and private baggage.

"When the oar left Charleslown there were four of us in it — Mr. W.
T. Perrin, of Grantville, Massachusetts, Mr. Myron Green, of Highgate,
Vermont, Mr. Edward Osgood, of Charlestown, New Hampshire, and
myself. We arrived at Albany at eleven o'clock and thirty minutes
p. M.. the same evening, all the fish doing well, and the water in the
tanks standing at forty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Here we took on the
forty thousand eels mentioned above, and half a ton of ice. We also
left Mr. M3'ron Green here to go to the New York Shad Hatching Works,
at Castletou, on the Hudson, and get a supply of young shad.

" On ray urgent application to the New York Central Eailroad author-
ities, that road took us with their passenger train, which was due to
leave Albany at two o'clock and forty minutes A. M., on the same night.
We reached Suspension Bridge about noon, and left for Detroit, with a
passenger train, on the Great Western Railroad. We took on ice and
waler at Hamilton, Canada, and reached the boat at Detroit ferry
about eleven o'clock p. m. the same day — Wednesday, June fourth — all
the fish being in good order, except the lobsters, which were dying in
considerable numbers. The ferry boat being just filled, without the
aquarium car, they left us east of the river all night, and it being very
warm, I spent the rest of the night till daylight looking up ice, of which
I at last obtained about a ton and a half.

"Leaving Detroit that morning — Thursday, June fifth — we proceeded
directl}^ to Niles, Michigan, with a passenger train, via the Michigan
Central Eailroad. We had now come all the way with passenger trains,
and had we known this beforehand, we need not have lost any time in
bringing on the shad; as it was, however, we expected to make slow
time on freight trains from Albany to Chicago, and I here arranged to
have the shad brought on by express from Albanj', two days after we
left that point. These two days we had now on our hands, and it was
very aggravating to be obliged to lose so much time when time was so
precious. There was no help for it, however, and as I thought it would
be better to wait part of the time on the road than to spend the whole
of the two days in Chicago, I had the car dropped at Niles, Michigan,
and we remained there till six o'clock and ten minutes the next morn-
ing— Friday, June sixth — when we went on to Chicago, after taking on
ice and water, and catching some minnows to feed the large fish with.
We entered Chicago about ten o'clock on Friday morning, all the fish
doing well, except the lobsters and eels.

"The temperature at which I aimed to keep the different varieties of
fish were as follows:

Fahrenheit.

Cattish

Fresh water eels

TaiUogs

Salt water eels...

Black bass

Yellow perch

Bullheads

Glass-eyed perch

Trout

Ijobsters

O^'sters

50°

45° to 50°

45°

45°

42°
42°
42°

42°

38°

34° to 36°
34° to 36°

"From the experience which I have now had, however, I would advise
a change with some of the fish, which would make the temperature as

follows:

Fahrenheit.

Cattish

Fresh w\ater eels

Bullheads

(i lass-eyed perch

Yellow perch

Black bass

Salt water eels...

Tautogs

Trout

Lobsters

Oysters

50°

50°

48°

48°

45° to 48°

42° to 45°

42° to 45°

40°

36° to 38°

34° to 30°

34° to 36°

"Mr. Myron Green rejoined us with the shad the next morning — Sat-
urday, June seventh — and at ten o'clock and fifteen minutes A. M. the
same day, after having taken on three tons of ice and three tons of
Lake Michigan watei', we left Chicago for Omaha, via the Chicago and
Northwestern Railroad.

" We took on water again at Cedar Eapids, Iowa, and ai'rived at
Omaha at eleven o'clock, on the morning of Sunday, June eighth.
Through the courtesy of Mr. C. B. Havens, the train dispatcher of the
Union Pacific Railroad, who detailed an engine to take our car to the
ice house at the Union Pacific shops, we were enabled to take on a ton
and a half of ice, and about one o'clock we started westward again.
We were now on our sixth day out, and everything was promising well.
Ail the dead eels had been removed, and we had twenty thousand or
thirty thousand left. The mortality of the lobsters was on the decrease,

-E

10

and we still had over forty alive and in good condition. All the other
fish were in splendid order. We had ice and water enough on board to
tal^e us, if necessary, to the Sierra Nevada — certainly with what sup-
plies we could get in the Wasatch Mountains, where the water is good.
The circumstance of the tish having lived so well up to this time, gave
us a good deal of confidence, and we were encouraged to hope that they
would continue to do well to the end of their journey.

'• x\fter leaving Omaha we stowed away as well as we could the im-
mense amount of ice we had on the car, and having regulated the tem-
perature of all the tanks, and aerated the water all around, we made our
tea and were sitting down to dinner, when suddenly there came a terrible
crash, and tanks, ice, and eveiything in the car seemed to strike us in
every direction. We were, every one of us, at once wedged in by the
heavy weights upon us, so that we could not move or stir. A moment
after, the car began to fill rapidl}^ wnth water, the heavy weights upon
us began to loosen, and, in some unaccountable way, we were washed
out into the river. Swimming around our car, we climbed up on one end
of it, which was still out of water, and looked around to see where we
were. We found our car detached from the train, both couplings having
parted. The tender was out of sight, and the upper end of our car
resting on it. The engine was three fourths under water, and one man
in the engine cab crushed to death. Two men were floating down the
swift current in a drowning condition, and the balance of the train still
stood on the track, with the forward car within a very few inches of
the water's edge. The Westinghouse air-brake had saved the train. If
we had been without it, the destruction would have been fearful.

"One look w^as sufiicient to show that the contents of the aquarium
car were a total loss. JSIo care or labor had been spared iu bringing the
fish to this point, and now, almost on the verge of success, everytiiing
was lost.

"I immediately telegraphed the state of affairs to Mr. S. E. Throck-
morton, Chairman of the California Fish Commissioners, and to Honor-
able Spencer P. Baird, the head of the United States Fish Commission
at Washington. I received instructions, bj^ telegraph, the next morn-
ing, to return East immediately, with my assistants, and take on a
shipment of young shad to California, under the auspices of the United
btates Fish Commission.

"In pursuaijce of these instructions, I went East, and having obtained
forty thousand young siiad from the New York State Hatching Works,
at Castleton, on the Hudson, I left Albany a second time, at eleven o'clock
and thirty minutes p. M, on the twenty-fifth of June, eighteen hundred
and sevent^^-three, in company with Mr. W. T. Perrin and Mr. Myron
Green, my assistants on the aquarium car. We were also accompanied,
as far as Omaha, on this trip, by Mr. H. M. Webster, whose experience
in carrying live snad was, in this instance, of the greatest value.

"On our arrival at Ogdeu, Utah, I left five thousand of the shad, in
first rate order, in charge of Mr. Eockwooii, Superintendent of Fisheries
at Salt Lake City, to be introduced into Great Salt Lake, and continued
with the other thirty-five thousand to Sacramento, California, where we
arrived at half-past one in the afternoon of the second day of Jul}^ the
fish appearing in every respect as fresh and lively as when they leit the
Hudson a week before.

" We deposited them that night, at ten minutes past nine o'clock, in
the Sacramento liiver, just above the railroad bridge, at Tehama, the

11

whole undertaking, from beginning to end, having been a perfect suc-
cess."

Immediate!}^ upon hearing of the loss of the aquarium car, we tele-
graphed a remittance to Mr. Scone, at Omaha, and directed him to rep^iir
at once to the Hudson Eiver, and bring out, while yet in time, all the
young shad which his now reduced facilities would permit.

Mr. Stone at once proceeded East, and communicating, by telegram,
with Mr. Spencer P. Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, received
from him not only prompt attention, but was also furnished by Mr.
Baird, for the California Commission, all of the shad Avhich the United
States Commission could spare — forty thousand in number — which were
immediately sent through to California, at the expense of the United
States Fish Commission, under the care of Mr. Stone, free of all charges,
for which, and for the many kind and valuable aids extended to us by
Mr. Baird, this Commission takes this public opportunity of returning
their most grateful thanks.

Upon receiving advice of the approach of this shipment, one of the
Commissioners repaired to Sacramento, and there mot the incoming car
with a fresh supply of water and ice. The little immigrants were found
to be all alive and in excellent spirits, and after receiving a fresh sup-
ply of ice and water, proceeded on their journey to Tehama, on the
Sacramento Eiver, and there, that same night, they were successfully
placed in the waters which flow into the Pacific.

In the Spring of eigliteen hundred and seventy-two, we opened cor-
respondence with Mr. Seth Green, for an additional supply of shad,
but the earl}^ Summer and excessive heat of the Eastern States at that
time, compelled us to abandon the attempt for the season.

In the meantime, viz., in the Fall of eighteen hundred and seventy-
two, we received advice of a shipment, made to us by Mr, Baird, of
white fish eggs, and we immediately took measures to hatch them, and
place them in the waters of the State.

In view of this, we caused an examination of the different lakes into
which they could be placed with the best prospect of success, which re-
sulted in our selecting Clear Lake as affording most of the necessary
conditions. Among these conditions is an essential one, namely: that
it may be seined without destroying other valuable fish, there being few
or no fish in that lake, the destruction of which by seining would be
any loss, or which, at any rate, would not be most profitably replaced
by the vv^hite fish, which can be taken only by seining or tr;ipj)ing. The
climate, also, of Clear Lake, seemed to us to be the best within reach,
remembering always that the eggs of the white fish are very delicate,
and will not bear rough transportation. As it was, in the first attempt
all the eggs perished; and in the second effort, although great pains
were taken, a very large ])roportion of the eggs perished on the way.

Having selected what we deemed a proper place, we erected a
hatching house, under the charge of Mr. J. G. Woodbury, of whom we
take pleasure in speaking as a skillful, careful, intelligent, and economi-
cal manager.

Mr. Woodbury conducted the hatching of these eggs with great suc-
cess, and closed his labors with putting into Clear Lake twenty-five
thousand living and healthy young white tish, from wdiich we may reason-
ably- hope to stock all the suitable Avatcrs in the State. It may be well to
state, that the great object at first is to get the desirable fish here and

12

acclimated in our waters; after that, the}' may be bred artificiallj', and
distributed to any extent.

It is probable, or at least possible, that ten thousand shad may return
to our waters this coming- Spring, and forty thousand more in eighteen
hundred and seventy six. If such should be the case, and they are
properly protected by legislation, it will be no difficult or cosily matter
to breed from them a million of young fish, which, in three j'ears more,
will stock the entire coast, and give us shad as plenty as we now have
smelts. But, to arrive at this, we require some stronger legislation,
whi(-h will absolute!}- prevent the talking for food of the new shad as
the}- come in; we require them all foi- breeding.

If it shall be the pleasure of the Legislature to continue to aid this
Comniission, it is our intention, this next coming year, to renew our
effort to bring across the continent the food fishes of the East, and with
the experience which we have had, and the additional knowledge which
we have gained, we have hopes of not only repairing our loss of last
year, but largely to improve upon that ttfort. We regret to say that
our loss was large. We had embarked in it all the remaining funds of
the Commission; but no human foresight could have predicted it, or
guarded against it; and we can only say that it is worth all that it has cost
to know the fact that an aquarium of living fish, eels, and lobsters, pro-
vided with both fresh and salt water, can be brought from the Atlantic to
within one day's travel of the Pacific, in good order and in healthy con-
dition.

Since our last report, the Commissioners have given somewhat of their
attention to placing in some of the streams and lakes different kinds of
native and other fish,.although they have not been able to do so much as
they would desire to do were the means at their command. There is no
cheap way of doing this work; everything pertaining to it requires dis-
patch and care. We are handling a delicate and perishable material,
under circumstances in which the painstaking and expense of the most
careful preparations may, in a moment of neglect or accident, be lost
entirely. Consequently, we have refrained from any expensive experi-
ments, and confined ourselves to the infoduction of food fishes fully
known to be profitable in other States, and the dissemination of such
domestic fish as can be easily and cheaply transferred from one part of
the State to another. In this way, we have, during the past season, placed
some ten thousand Lake Tahoe trout in the South Yuba Elver. Trout
from the mountain lakes have been placed in the North Fork of the
Amcr.c'un liiver. We have purchased from the breeders of Tahoe trout,
also, six thousand trout, which have been placed in Lal^e Merced. We
liave also purchased two thousand Eastern red speckled trout (salmo
fontuifiUs),\vhivl\ we placed in the Isorth Fork of the American River,
near the Summit. Two thousand of the same, and six thousand Tahoe
trout, we have placed in the headwaters of Alameda Creek, and two
thousand more Eastern speckled trout in San Andreas Eeservoir, near
this city.

The Commission feels greatly encouraged in its efforts to preserve
and increase the fish of California, by the general interest taken by the
people in this very interesting suiiject. On all occasions we have had
the most ready aid, and in many cases gratuitous services from those
with whom the operations of the Commissioners have brought them in
contact, and we would respecti'ully suggest that we believe that the
people are now willing to incur a moderate expenditure in order to have
this work continued. This Commission does not believe that any large

13

appropriation for this purpose is now necessary. Time is required to
develop and jierfeet the suueoasful ]>rop:ii^';itiun atid preaervaLiun of
foreign varieties of fish. We have yet a great deal to learn in regard to
this subject, and undue haste and lavish expenditure are by no means
the most certain way to success. It is now three years since the first
attempt to bring sliad across the continent was commenced. AYe now
know that some of the shad brought here in eighteen hundred and
seventy-one have lived and grown to good size. The shoal of shad are
not due in the rivers of California until June, eighteen hundred and
seventy-four, but we have had in our hands three specimens, which are,
of course, exceptional, and we have heard of two others. The incoming
fish will be breeders, and we shall require funds to enable us to establish
breeding stations on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Elvers, and, above
all, we require proper laws to preserve this season's arrivals. It will
be seen by the accompanj'ing statement that the entire expenditure of
the Conunission since its last report, has been less than six thousand
dollars, and during the existence of the Commission — four years— but
seven thousand. With this a great deal has been done, and the founda-
tion laid for the accomplish tnent of much more.

The work is but commenced, and as we have before remarked, time
in this business is a more important element than money. The most in
importance is the means for preventing the destruction of the fish we
alread}" have. The (Commission find it almost impossible to prevail upon
the people to refrain from destroying fish in the localities where they
abound. It seems as if human invention is taxed to its utmost in the
desire for wholesale destruction, and the reluctance which men feel to
complain of their neighbors, renders it almost impossible to enforce the
laws in such cases. If the Legislature should see fit to make an appro-
priation suflicient to allovv the Commissioners to emplo}", at times, a
proper person to look after such violations of the fish laws and see to
their enforcement, we think this evil could readily be suppressed, as the
2Deo])!e at large show a great interest in having the law enforced, but no
one is willing to make himself obnoxious by being an inform.er. All
this would be cured by placing the means of x'emedy in the hands of the
Commission.

The Commission alread3^ have the power to do this, and have done it
with most hopeful results, so far as their limited means have allowed.
It Avill be necessary, during this session of the Legislature, to have
passed a full and comprehensive law relating to all kinds of fishing. In
the first place, the whole system of fish-traps, seines, fjdces, etc., should
be abolished by law. Secondly, the meshes of the nets used should be
regulated b}^ law. The time of fisiiing for salmon should he properly
limited. There come from all parts of the State constant complaints of the
destruction of fish by sawdust, and the refuse from sawmills, thrown into
the s'treams; and petitions for the enactment of laws to j^revent it are
novv before the Legislature. This Commission will be aided by many
citizens interested in these matters, in passing a law covering the pisca-
tory interests of the State, which we hope will be favorably acted upon
by the Legislature. The Commissioners have taken pains to ascertain
the season of the j^ear during which the taking of salmon should be
prohibited by law. We have caused careful observations to be made of
the time at which the salmon ascend to the heads of the rivers to spawn,
and from all the information we have been able to obtain in that w^ay,
and by consulting with persons well qualified to afford advice from the
results of practical knowledge of the subject, we would recommend that

/

14

the taking of salmon be prohibited by law from the first of August to
the first of November. It should be observed that the having in pos-
session, or off'ering for sale of salmon, during the close term so pro-
hibited, should be punished the same as the taking of them.

In conclusion, your Commissioners, with much diffidence, would ask
the aid of the Legislature for the means of carrying on the work which
thej^ feel they have just commenced. There will be necessary, for the
coming season, funds to erect hatching houses at such stations as shall
have been discovered as the spawning grounds of the shad, now soon
to be expected in our waters. The renewal of our efi'ort to bring fish
and lobsters across the continent, so nearly successful last year, is an
earnest wish of the Commission. Our work at large remains unfinished
at the time that we are best qualified to prosecute it. The amount of
appropriation necessary to carry the Commission over to the next session
of the Legislature is not large, and, when we consider the object to be
attained, we feel that we may safely ask for a moderate sum, without
laying a very heavy additional burden upon the people. The money
already expended is but a trifle compared with the benefits to be derived
from a like expenditure in the immediate future.

When we entered tfpon the duties of our office, the whole subject of
fish breeding had but lately been entertained on this coast. The ground
was new, and the field of operations opened to the Commission covered
a large extent of country and mai'ked varieties of clin)ate. We have
been compelled to educate ourselves to the work in hand, and to move
as cautiously and economically as possible. We are willing to admit
that we take great interest in the continuance of our operations; we
know that we have learned a great deal about fish culture that will be
useful to the State. We believe that we are now on the road to success.
We are willing to give our time to it, and perhaps it is not amiss for us
to make this report the means of saying that, which may not be gen-
erally known, our services are without charge of any kind to the State.
We have no individual interests to subserve, and we only ask aid from
the State in order that we may serve her, and carry out to completion
the objects for which this Commission was created.

EXPENDITURES.

At the last session of the Lef!;i8lature, an appropruition of two thou-
sand dollars was made to aid the Commissioners in prosecuting- their
work, and, since our last biennial report, we have expended the follow-

ing amounts

1873.
Jan. 25...
Jan. 25...
Jan. 27....

March 17,
Ai^ril 19..,

May 3...

May 5...

May 10.
June 3..

June 12..,

July 2....
July 10..,
July 14...

Paid for advertising in Union....

Paid for copj^ing report

Paid Comer & Co., for Tahoe trout for South

Yuba

Paid telegraph

Paid expenses of establishing hatching station

at Clear Lake, expenses of hatching white fish

eggs, and examination of Clear Lake, Blue

Lake, and other waters

Paid Acclimatization Society for speckled trout

placed in San Andreas Eeservoir

Paid Acclimatization Society for speckled trout

placed in the tributaries of Alameda Creek...

Paid reward for first shad taken

Paid traveling expenses of Commissioners

Paid traveling expenses of E. H. Elam, as Fish

Warden, to Santa Cruz

Paid Haight & Temple, for legal services

Paid Bugbee for drawings for fish ladders

Paid Cleveland for fitting up breeding troughs..

Paid T. H. Selby <fc Co. for lead pipe

Paid expenses of defending salmon laws

Paid Acclimatization Society for trout placed in

American Piver

Paid expenses of Commissioner to Sacramento

to meet shad

Paid Comer & Frazer for Tahoe trout placed in

Lake Merced, six thousand in number

Paid J. (i. Woodbury for services enforcing the

salmon laws

Carried forward

122

75

59

50

300

00

50

547

26

100

00

100

00

50

00

44

00

60

00

5 -J

00

30

00

77

28

38

09

48

25

100

00

8

75

120

00

104

50

^1,761

88

/

16

Brought forward

Paid Acclimatization Society for six thousand
Tahoe trout, phxced in Alameda Creek

Paid expenses of placing the same

Paid total expenses of the aquarium car bring-
ing fish, eels, and lobsicrs from the Atlantic
Coast to California*

Total amount expended

ei,761 88

120 00
51 50

3,912 18

$5,815 56

"••■'A part of this amount "will be restored by a settlement now pending with the railroad
companies.

BECAPITULATION.

Amount of appropriation of eighteen hundred and seventy.
Amount of appropriation of eighteen hundred and seventy-
two

Total

Expenditures, as per report of eighteen hundred and sev-
enty, and of eighteen hundred and seventy-one

Expenditures, as per report of eighteen hundred and sev-
enty-tw^o and eighteen hundred and seventy-three

Cash remaining on 'hand December thirtj'-tirst, eighteen
hundred and seventy-three

Total

$5,000 00
2.000 00

$7,000 00

$1,137 22

5,845 56

17 22

$7,000 00

All of which is respectfully submitted.

S. R. THROCKMORTON,
B. B. REDDING,
J. D. FARWELL,

Commissioners.

APPENDIX

COMMISSIONERS ON FISHERIES.

tTNITED STATES.

Protessoe Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

MAINE.

«

E. M. Stillwell Bangor.

Henry O. Stani>ey Dixfield.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Thomas E. Hatch Keen.

William W. Fletcher Concord.

W. A. Sanborn Wiers.

VERMONT.

M. C. Edmunds Weston.

M. Goldsmith Rutland.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Theodore Lyman Brookline.

E. A. Brackett Winchester.

Asa French South Braintree.

CONNECTICUT.

William M. Hudson Hartford.

Robert G. Pike Middletown.

James A. Bill Lyme.

I RHODE ISLAND.

Newton Dexter ..« Providence.

Aleeed a. Reed, .Tr Providence.

.John H. Barden Scituate.

3— E

18

NEW YORK.

Horatio Seymour Utica.

Egbert B. Eoosevelt New York City.

Edward M. Smith Kochester.

NEW JERSEY.

R. P. Howell Woodbury.

J. H. Slack Bloomsbury.

PENNSYLTANIA.

H. J. Eeeder , Easton.

B. L. Hewitt Holidaysburg.

James Duffy Marietta.

VIRGINIA.

William B. Ball Mid Lothian.

Asa Wall Winchester.

ALABAMA.

Charles S. G. Doster Montgomery.

Ro. Tyler Montgomery.

D. E. Hundley Courtland.

CALIFORNIA.

B. B. Redding Sacramento.

S. R. Throckmorton San Francisco.

J. D. Farwell San Francisco.

MICHIGAN.

GoTERNOR .J. J. Bagley Detroit.

George H. Jerome Niles.

George Clark Ecorse.

OHIO.

John Hussey Loveland.

John H. Klippart Columbus.

Dr. Elisha T. Stirling Cleaveland.

/<

Lihr

.\\A t

REPORT

0¥ THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR

THE YE^HS 1874 ^ND 1875.

i-e^)

A... I^UC

G. H. SPRINGER STATE PRINTER.

REI^ORT.

To His Excellency,

EOMUALDO PaCHECO,

Governor of California:

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California, appointed
under an Act of the Legislature entitled -'An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of this State," ap-
proved April second, eighteen hundred and seventy, respectfully submit
their Third Biennial Eeport.

I^Er^ORT.

Your Commissioners detailed in tlieir last biennial report the loss of
the aquarium car, in eighteen hundred and seventy-three, by the break-
ing of a railroad bridge over the Elkhorn Eiver, in Nebraska, by which
one year's time was lost in the experiment of stocking the waters of
California with new varieties of valuable food-fish.

In eighteen hundred and seventy-four we determined again to repeat
the experiment, believing, that if successful, it would in time largely
repa}" the people of the State for the small amount expended. We,
therefore, in March, eighteen hundred and seventy-four, telegraphed to
Mr. Livingston Stone to prepare another aquarium car, and by letter
instructed him with reference to the varieties of fish to be brought
across the continent. He arrived on June twelfth, having succeeded in
transporting the following fish:

Seventy-three full grown spawning Black Bass from Lake Champlain,
which were placed in Napa Creek.

Twelve small Black Bass {Grystes fasciatus), from St. Joseph's River,
Michigan, which were placed — a portion in Napa Creek, and a portion
in Alameda Creek.

Sixteen full grown Glass-eyed Perch (Lucio perca), from Missisquoi
Eiver, Vermont, which were placed in the Sacramento Eiver, opposite
Sacramento City.

Seventy-four Catfish — fifty-six being the large Schuylkill Catfish
obtained in the Earitan Eiver, New Jersey, and the remainder, Missis-
sippi Catfish, from Elkhorn Eiver, Nebraska, which were placed in the
San Joaquin Eiver, near Stockton.

Seventy Horn-pouts {Plmelodus), from Lake Champlain, Vermont,
which were deposited in lakes at Sutterville, Sacramento County.

One can — containing twelve — small Silver Eels {AiiguiUa), from Hud-
son Eiver, New York, which were placed in a lake near Sacramento.

Three hundred and five small Eastern Salmon {Salmo salar), which
were obtained from the Penobscot Eiver, Maine, and were deposited in
the Sacramento Eiver, near Eedding.

Four full grown Eock Bass from the Missisquoi Eiver, Vermont,
which were deposited in Napa Creek.

Of salt-water fish there arrived twenty-three Tautogs or Black Fish
{Tautoga Americana), from Woods' Hole, Massachusetts, which were
deposited in the Bay of San Francisco.

Of the one hundred and fifty full grown spawning Lobsters, with
which Mr. Stone started, and which were obtained in the Bay of Mas-

sachusetts, but three arrived alive. These were placed in the Bay of
San Francisco.

One can of small salt-water Eels, about one thousand five hundred,
obtained in New York harbor, were dej^osited in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco, opposite Brooklyn.

The details of Mr. Stone's experiments, in gathering and transporting
these different varieties of fish on so long a journey, will be found ap-
I^ended to this report, and are a valuable contribution to the new science
of fish culture, and will enable the Commissioners of other States to
take advantage of Mr. Stone's experiments in the transportation of live
fish during long journeys.

Of the new varieties of fish thus introduced into the waters of Cali-
fornia, we are satisfied that the greater number have found congenial
homes, and have spawned. Black Bass have, during the present season,
been caught in Napa Creek, and large numbers of the young have been
seen. By another season thej" could be obtained in limited quantities
for the purpose of stocking ponds and streams in other portions of the
State, by such persons as desire them. They should only be placed,
howevei', in streams and ponds not adapted to Trout, for the reason
that if placed in Trout streams they destroy the Trout. The Black Bass
placed in Alameda Creek have been seen, but so far as we can learn,
none have been caught. One of the Glass-eyed Perch placed in the
Sacramento Eiver has been caught in a slough, to which it was probably
repairing for the purpose of spawning. No report has come to us that
any of the young have j'et been seen.

The Schujikill Catfish and the Mississippi Catfish, placed in the
San Joaquin Eiver, have grown rapidly and spawned, but several of
the large fish, and many of the young ones, have been caught by the
fishermen near the San Joaquin bridge, and have been returned to the
river. The fishermen at that point are much interested in their suc-
cessful cultivation, and seem desirous that they should be preserved.
By another year they will be so numerous that thej'^ may be caught
with safety and shipped to market, as it would be impossible to exhaust
the river by ordinary fishing. The Horn-pouts, a species of small Cat-
fish from Lake Champlain, which were placed in the lakes near Sacra-
mento, have increased so abundantly that nearly one thousand have
been caught and transported to the various lakes and sloughs in the
Sacramento Valley. We caused several hundred of them to be placed
in lakes containing brush and dead trees, in which it would be impossi-
ble to seine them. The acclimatization and perpetuation of these fish
in the Sacramento Valley is assured, as they are now so situated that no
amount of fishing will exhaust them.

Of the fresh-water Eels placed in a tributaiy of the Sacramento River,
we learn that one had been caught in Willow Slough, in Yolo County,
which had grown to be more than a foot in length.

None of the Eastern Salmon have been seen since they were placed
in the Sacramento Eiver. It is hardly to be expected that they should
be, as yet, as without doubt they have gone to the ocean, not to return
until the Spring of eighteen hundred and seventy-six, when we hope to
hear of some of them being caught on their return for the purpose of
spawning. It will be interesting to learn, in after years, if they will
cross with the Sacramento Salmon and produce a new variety.

The Eock Bass, place(i in Napa Creek, we have not heard from.

We have no knowledge that the Tautogs, salt-water Eels, and spawn-
ing Lobsters, placed in San Francisco Bay, have ever been seen. Many

crustaceans, resembling young Lobsters, have, during the present season ,
been caught in the Bay of San Francisco, which were not before known.
It is not yet definitely determined that these are the young of the
Lobsters brought from the East.

We feel that this experiment in the importation of new varieties of
fish is so great a success that the people of the State are already amply-
repaid for the small amount of money expended in the undertaking.

WHITE FISH.

During the past Winter we received from the United States Govern-
ment, through the kindness of Professor Spencer F. Baird, United
States Fish Commissioner, twenty thousand White Fish eggs from Lake
Michigan {Corego7ius alba). We also purchased, in Charlestown, N. H.,
sixty thousand eggs of the Eastern Brook Trout. It will be remem-
bered that in eighteen hundred and seventy-three, we received from the
Government of the United States twenty-five thousand White Fish
eggs from Lake Superior, which were successfully hatched at Clear
Lake, and placed in that body of water. Inasmuch as ('lear Lake
seemed to be well stocked with these fish — several mature fish having
been caught during the past Winter — we thought it advisable, if suc-
cessful in hatching, to place this donation in Tulare Lake; the inhabit-
ants of that vicinity very much desiring it, and the waters of that lake
being of the proper temperature and containing their natural food. We,
therefore, through the kindness of the Regents of the University, were
permitted to erect a small hatching-house on the banks of the stream
at Berkeley, where, under the supervision of Mr. J. G. Woodbury, these
eggs were successfully hatched. This point was selected because the
building erected on the University grounds, when not in use for hatch-
ing purposes, would be under the supervision of the officers of the Uni-
versity, and it seemed of importance that the students should have an
opportunity, if they so desired, to learn practically the process of fisji-
hatching. On the twenty-ninth of March, eighteen hundred and sev-
enty-five, the young fish were placed in Tulare Lake, which is the
largest body of fresh water in the State, and, we have no doubt, that
in a few j'ears it will be abundantly stocked with this most valuable
variety of food-fish. Experiments made by filling a vessel with water
from the lake, and placing some of the young fish in it, showed that the
water is filled with the minute vegetable matter and animalcula on which
the 3'oung fish feed, as they immediately commenced darting in every
direction in search of food. We carried the cans of young fish in a
boat some two hundred yards from the shore, and turned them into the
lake among large patches of tule where they can hide from their natural
enemies. The lake contains, at the present time, but two varieties of
fish that are used for food — a Perch, and a large cyprinoid, locally called
Lake Trout, and, if these experiments of planting in it White Fish
shall prove a success, it will give the people of the San Joaquin Valley
an abundance of most excellent fish.

TROUT.

The sixty thousand eggs of the Eastern Brook Trout were also
hatched at the State hatching-house, at Berkeley, under the supervision
of Mr. Woodbury, with a loss of only four per cent, which were dis-
tributed in the public waters of the State, as follows:

8

Twenty thousand in the lakes and streams of Mendocino, Sonoma,
Napa, and Yolo Counties.

Ten thousand in the North Fork of the American Eiver, in Placer
County.

Ten thousand in Prosser Creek, in Nevada County, and twenty thou-
sand in Calaveras Creek, in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, and in
other streams emptying in the Bay of San Francisco.

SHAD.

We were unable to procure from the United States Government any
young shad during the past two j'ears. The hatching of them by the
Government was not so successful as heretofore, and all that were
hatched were required to be turned into the rivers running into the
Atlantic. California is promised a large supply if the Government is
successful in hatching during the next year. Of the fifty thousand
that have been heretofore planted in the Sacramento Eiver, in eighteen
hundred and seventj'-one, and eighteen hundred and seventy-three, by
Seth Green and Livingston Stone, we know that manj'^ of the first have
returned from the ocean, and, without doubt, have spawned. The last
lot of thirty-five thousand will certainly return from the ocean in
February and March next for the same purpose. We believe that
these experiments of transplanting Shad to the rivers of the Pacific
Coast, will prove a success. We know of some sixteen full-grown Shad
having been caught at Vallejo and in the Sacramento River, and have
heard reports of others having been taken during the present season;
but, as under an Act of the Legislature, every person who takes a Shad
prior to March, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, is sulvject to a pen-
alty of fifty dollars, we find it difiicult to obtain information in rela-
tion to the catching of Shad, until after the evidence has disappeared.

We believe that after eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, Shad will
be found quite numerous in the Sacramento liiver.

SALMON.

The largest establishment in the world, for the hatching of salmon
eggs, is that of the Government of the United States, on the McCloud
Eiver, in Shasta County, under the superintendence of Mr. Livingston
Stone. At this point from six to ten million of young Salmon are
hatched each year and distributed to the Fish Commissioners of the
various States having rivers suitable for their growth and increase. In
eighteen hundred and seventy-three California received from this source
half a million fish, which were turned into the Sacramento Eiver. The
Government works at this point are so extensive, and conducted with
such economy, that it is found that the total cost of hatching one thou-
sand fish from the egg is but one dollar.

We have thought it to be of so much public importance to increase
this valuable variety of fish in its native waters, that during the past
year we considered it advisable to expend one thousand dollars in the
hatching of a million more fish, to be placed in the Sacramento Eiver.
We therefore applied one thousand dollars of our small appropriation
to this jiurpose, and the fish have been successfully turned loose.

Our appropriation being about exhausted, we will this year pay for
the hatching of but half a million more fish.

The importance of the object of increasing the quantity of Salmon in

9

the Sacramento Eiver for the public benefit hag, however, attracted the
attention of some of our public-spirited and wealthy citizens, who are
actuated by a desire to increase the food supply of valuable fish. Ex-
Governor Lcland Stanford has requested your Commissioners to cause
to be hatched during the present season (at his expense) one million
Salmon, to be turned into the Sacramento Eiver; and Mr. Charles
Crocker has also requested your Commissioners to hatch (at his ex-
pense) half a million more; some hundred thousands, at his desire, have
been placed in Kern Eiver and in Lake Tahoe.

There will, therefore, be placed in the waters of this State, during the
present season, and before this report is printed, two million of Salmon;
and should the State receive her usual share from the Government,
probably half a million more.

We have every reason to believe that the Salmon donated by Mr.
Crocker to the public, and turned into Kern Eiver and Lake Tahoe, will
thrive and increase, and add largely to the valuable food-fish for the
inhabitants of those portions of the State. It seems to be pretty well
settled, from experiments made by the Commissioners in other States,
that it is not absolutely necessary for Salmon to go to the ocean; if they
can reach large bodies of water, containing an abundant supply of
food, their purpose is answered, whether the water is fresh or salt. It
is reported, on good authority, that the young Salmon, placed a few
years since in the rivers of Michigan, found sufficient food in the waters
of the lakes, and, during the past year, returned to the rivers in which
they were placed and deposited their spawn. The waters of Lake
Tahoe empty into Pja-amid Lake, whose waters are brackish, and
abundantly supplied with food. Kern Eiver empties into Kern and
Buena Vista Lakes, whose waters are slightly alkaline and brackish.

It is hoped that these fish may find these waters suitable for their
purpose, for should the experiment be attended with success, it will add
materially to the wealth of the State.

Salmon have been more plentiful in the Sacramento Eiver, during the
present season of eighteen hundred and seventy-five, than ever before,
since Americans had knowledge of the country. This is to be attri-
buted, first, to the " close season," under an Act of the Legislature, which
prohibits the catching of Salmon anywhere in the State between the
first of August and the first of November; and, secondly, to the quanti-
ties of young Salmon turned loose from the artificial hatching estab-
lishment, which were donated to the State by the Government of the
United States. Whether or not Mr. Crocker's experiment, of placing
Salmon in rivers having no outlet to the ocean, shall result in success,
it is certain that the million of Salmon, artificially hatched and turned,,
during the present season, into the Sacramento Eiver, at the expens-e of
ex-Governor Leiand Stanford, added to those hatched from the State
appropriation, and those donated by the United States Government, will
so materially increase the quantity of these fish in that river that, after
three years, there will be found more profitable fishing than has here-
tofore been known.

We believe that if the Legislature, instead of giving to the control of
your Commissioners a mere pittance of two thousand five hundred doU
lars a year, for the purpose of the importation of new varieties of fish
and increasing the quantities of native fish, were to make an appropria-
tion of six or ten thousand dollars yearly, that so many Salmon could

2_(12)

10

be hatched and deposited in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Eivers
that, after three years, the fish would be so numerous that they would
compel as extensive Salmon canning establishments on those rivers as
there are now on the Columbia, and that the increase of wealth and
revenues to the State, from these sources, would pay one hundred fold
on the outiay.

In this connection, we desire to call attention to Mr. Livingston
•Stone's report to the Commissioners, hereto appended, on the subject of
the Salmon of the Sacramento, and of the increase of wealth that may
be derived from this source.

While on the subject of the necessity for increasing the appropria-
tions, your Commissioners may also be pardoned in alluding to the fact
that all of the business, in connection with the Fish Commission, is
attended to without salary, and that, in the necessary work of receiving
and distributing fish, they pay their own traveling expenses. They
would, therefore, confidently ask the Legislature for this increase, which,
without abatement, would be applied to the objects of the appropriation,
in increasing the variety and quantity of food-fish in our rivers, lakes,
and ba3's.

3Iuch attention is given to the Sacramento Salmon (^Sahno qui/inat) by
eeientists and b}' fish culturists in other countries, for the reason that
it comes into rivers to spawn in latitudes much lower and in waters
much warmer than any other variety yet known. Large numbers pass
up the San Joaquin liiver for the purpose of spawning in July and
August, swimming for one hundred and fifty miles through the hottest
valley in the State, where the temperature of the air at noon is rarely
less than eighty degrees, and often as high as one hundred and five
degrees Fahrenheit, and where the average temperature of the river,
at the bottom, is seventy-nine degrees, and at the surface, eighty
degrees. The Salmon of the San Joaquin fiiver appear to be of the
same variety as those in the Sacramento, but average smaller in size.
Their passage to their sj)awning grounds at this season of the j'ear, at
so high a temperature of both air and water, would indicate that they
will thrive in all the rivers of the Southern States, whose waters take
their rise in mountainous or hilly regions, and, in a few years, without
doubt, the San Joaquin Salmon will be transplanted to all of those
States. The fact that the San Joaquin Salmon should be found in a
river in one of the warmest portions of California, at the hottest season
of the year, for this purpose, is so extraordinary, that we here append
the maximum, minimum, and mean temperature of the air and water
for the months of August and September, from the record kejit at the
railroad bridges crossing this river. These statements will be of great
service towards determining the fact into what Southern rivers, empty-
ing into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the San Joaquin
Salmon may be safely transplanted.

11

TBMPERATUEE.

Lower crossing Siin Joaquin River, months of August and September, eighteen
hundred and seventy-Jive. Latitude 37° 50' N, Longitude 121° 22' W.

Air.

August

August

August

September.,
September..
September..

Maximum,
Minimum.

Mean

Maximum
Minimum
Mean

Degrees
98
73

88J^6
94
73

017

or. 6 3

Water at surface,

"Water at bottom.

Degrees.
82

72

78 6 7

78
72
74 8

Degrees.
81
71

78

72

74 4 3

Upper crossing San Joaquin River. Latitude 36° 52' N. Longitude 119''

54' W.

Air.

Water at surface.

Water at bottom.

August

August >

August

September..
September..
September..

Maximum
JMinimum.

Mean

Maximum
Minimum.
Mean

D

egrees.
3 07

Degrees.
84

82

74

100 6 1

104

SOtVtt
82

82

74

QFi 53

18^ A.

Degrees.
83

73

79t^o^
83

73

77tV^

We have obtained, through the courtesy of the officers of the Cen-
tral Pacific liaitroad Company, the following statistics of the Salmon
shipped over their lines, from various points on the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers, from November first, eighteen hundred and sev-
enty-four, to August first, eighteen hundred and seventy-five, this being
the only portion of the year in which Salmon are, under the law,

allowed to be caught:

From Collinsville, New
York of Pacific, Rio
Vista, Euimaton, Jer-
sey Landing, Antioch,
Benicia, Courtland,
Martinez, Kentucky,
Bradford, Sacramento,
Vallejo, and Webbs.

From Courtland, Beni-
cia, Kio Vista, Emma-
ton, and Collinsville...

From Antioch.
Total

To San Fran-
cisco, from
Nov. 1,1874,
to August 1,
1875

To Sacramen-
to, from N'v
1, 1874, to
Aug. 1, 1875

To Stockton,
from Nov. 1,
1874,to Aug.
1, 1875

'128,692 loose salmon, weighing
1,874 boxes of salmon, weigh-
ing

1,847 sacks and baskets of sal-
mon, weighing

116 barrels cured salmon,
weighing

225 barrels and boxes smoked

and dried salmon, weighing

' 1,733 loose salmon, weighing...

722 boxes of salmon, weighing

117 baskets and sacks of sal-
"■ mon, weighing

212 barrels of salmon, weigh-
ing

96 loose salmon, weighing

73 boxes of salmon, weighing..

3,217,300 R)s.

421,650 K)s.

184,700 lbs.

23,100 lbs.

45,000 lbs.
43,325 lbs.
83,700 lbs.

11,700 lbs.

29,900 lbs.

2,400 K)s.
16,250 lbs.

4,079,025 lbs.

12

The above statistics only include the Salmon carried from the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Eivers, to the Cities of San Francisco, Sacra-
mento, and Stockton, from points below the Cities of Sacramento and
Stockton; they do not include the catch of the fisheries at Tehama and
the upper Sacramento Elver, etc., nor of the upper San Joaquin. Nei-
ther do they include Salmon brought to market by other conveyances
than by the cars and steamers of the Central Pacific Eailroad Company,
Dor those caught and sold during the "close" season. It is, therefore,
safe to add one fourth to the above total. This would give, as the total
weight of Salmon caught during the past season, in the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Eivers, five million ninety-eight thousand seven hundred
and eighty-one pounds, which, at the average wholesale price, would
make the business yield, annually, a half million dollars.

(There were shipped by rail from Sacramento to Chicago and New
York, during the same period, ninet^^-two thousand pounds of fresh
Salmon in ice. These have not been added to the total of the foregoing
statistics, for the reason that they maj^ have been included in the sched-
ule of those forwarded to Sacramento, from points on the river below
that city.)

From the same points, by the same conveyances, there were shipped
to San Francisco two thousand three hundred and sixty-seven Sturgeon,
weighing one hundred and eighteen thousand three hundred and fift}''
pounds.

CARP.

"We have received information from United States Fish Commissioner
Spencer F. Baird, that he is expending a portion of the appropriation
made by the Government in the importation of the European Carp, and
especially of the "King" Carp, from the regions of the Upper Ehine,
the Danube, and the Po. Some of these fish have arrived and have
been placed in ponds near Baltimore. We are promised a portion of
the increase of these fish for distribution in- the waters of this State.

Some Carp, from Hamburg, which were imported a few years since
by Mr. Poppe, of Sonoma, and planted in ponds of that county, have
thrived, and the produce is occasionally sold in the San Francisco
market. These fish are, of course, private property.

It is the opinion of those best acquainted with the subject that there
is no fish that promises so great a return in limited waters. It is emi-
nently adapted to the sloughs, tule lakes, and inland waters of the Sac-
ramento and San Joaquin Valleys. It has an advantage over the Black
Bass and Trout, in that it is a vegetable feeder, and, although it will not
refuse animal food, it can thrive well on aquatic vegetation alone. On
this account it can be kept in tanks and small ponds, and a larger
weight obtained without expense than in the case of the other kinds
mentioned.

Professor Baird, in his annual report, says: "It is a mistake to com-
pare the flesh of the Carp with that of the ordinary cyprinidce of the
United States, such as Suckers, Chub, and the like; the flesh of the
genuine Carp being firm, flaky, and in some varieties almost equal to
the Trout."

LOBSTERS.

Whether the few Lobsters brought in the aquarium car, and placed
in the Bay of San Francisco, have lived and cast their eggs which have
produced young, is uncertain. Nothing but scientific investigation by

13

persons familial* with the young of various kinds of crustaceans, will
decide whether the so-called young Lobsters which have made their
appearance in the Bay of San Francisco, during the present season, are
in reality Lobsters. Great interest appears to be felt in the introduc-
tion of this variety of shell-fish to the Pacific Coast.

Should the Legislature see fit to increase the appropriation, we will
again make the attempt to plant Lobsters in the waters of California.
In furtherance of this project, Professor Baird has been making various
experiments at Woods' Hole, Massachusetts, during the present Sum-
mer, for the purpose of ascertaining by what mode Lobsters can longest
be kept alive. When the results of these experiments have been demon-
strated, we will again make the attempt.

SEA LIONS AND SEALS.

For many years the Sea Lions and Seals which inhabit the cliffs near
the entrance to the Bay of San Fi-ancisco, have been preserved by
special enactment, and penalties imposed on any person who should kill
or disturb them. The result is, that they are probably now a hundred
times as numerous as they were ten years since, and are to be found
there in thousands. When it is considered that they weigh from two
to five hundred pounds each, and that they each consume at least from
ten to twenty pounds offish daily, it will be readily seen that the quan-
tity caught ai the entrance of tlie harbor and in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco, .bj' fishermen, is small in proportion to that consumed by these
animals. If allowed to increase at the same rate for a few more years,
it will be difficult for either Shad or Salmon to escape them, while enter-
ing our bay. The fishermen at Vallejo and liio Vista report that they
find many of the Salmon to have been torn by the teeth of .these ani-
mals. They appear now to serve no useful purpose, other than to grat-
ify the curiosit}' of strangers, and we believe it would bo well if the law
which now protects them were repealed, and nine tenths of them were
allowed to be shot, that their oil might be utilized in the lubrication of
machinery. We would recommend that this law be reiDcaled, and, if
necessary, again reenacted after nine tenths of them had been destroyed.

OVER-FISHING.

The preservation of the fish in the waters of this State is of so much
importance that we would advise the appointment of a standing com-
mittee by the Legislature, on the subject of the fish and fisheries of
California. This committee should take testimony in relation to the
different modes of catching fish by nets, traps, etc., and, after informa-
tion had been obtained, advise as to the size of the mesh of gill nets,
and if any of the present modes of fishing should be restrained or reg-
ulated. It has come to the knowledge of your Commissioners that the
Chinese, for catching Shrimp (which are dried and exported to China),
use a net of a mesh so small that hardly any of the young of the valu-
able varieties of our fish escape; and, when it is remembered that the
majority of the young of the salt-water fish of the coast seek their food
in the shallow waters near the shore, where the stake-nets for Shrimp
are placed, and that all of the young fish thus caught are either thrown
on the shore to die, or fed to hogs, it is evident that without legisla-
tion many varieties of our fish will soon be exhausted. A great many
tons of dried Shrimp are annually shipped to China by the Chinese mer-

u

chants of San Francisco. There must be several hundred Chinese fish-
ermen engaged in fishing for {Shrimp in the Bay of San Francisco, for
that market. When it is remembered that man}' of our most valuable
varieties of sea fish come into the hay seeking for Shrimp as their nat-
ural food, it is a question whether unrestrained and unregulated fishing
for this crustacean will not, in time, seriously affect the fisheries of the
bay and harbor.

Under the law, as it at present exists, in relation to Trout, Indians are
unrestrained in their mode of catching them. Taking advantage of this,
white men, for purposes of gain, employ Indians to catch Trout from the
various mountain streams with grab-hooks, baskets, and all the other
methods which ingenuity' has devised for the trapping and catching of
fish, without regard to the season. Legislation should be had lo pre-
vent the Indians from taking fish, except in the manner to which they
were accustomed before the advent of white men.

FISHWAYS.

"We have adopted a plan for a fish ladder, and caused the same to be
lithographed, and distributed copies to all persons who were erecting
dams on streams containing fish. Those that have been erected work
satisfactorily, and we continue to furnish plans to all who may ask
them. So far, we believe, all parties who have been notified to con-
struct fishways have done so.

OBSERVANCE OF THE FISH LAWS.

The duties of your Commissioners involve a vast amount of corre-
spondence— especially with people who see some violation of the laws
for the preservation offish. We desire to call attention to tlie fact that
it is not, especially, the duty of the Fish Commissioners to see the laws
observed, but it is also the duty of every citizen; and if, when persons
Bee a violation of the law, they will notify the District Attornej' of the
county, giving him the information and the facts, and informing him
where the witnesses can be found, he will prosecute without waiting for
a request from the Commissioners.

SAWDUST.

At one time Salmon were quite numerous in the American, Yuba, and
Feather Eivers. lu eighteen hundred aud fifty and eighteen hundred
and fifty one, large quantities were taken by the miners and by Indians
at Salmon Falls, on the American Eiver, as far up as Downieville on the
Tuba, and at various points on the Feather Eiver. No Salmon visit
these streams at the present time. This is not because of the earthy
matter from mining held in suspension in the water of these rivers, for
the Salmon pass readily through the lower part of the Sacramento
Eiver, which is as muddy as any of these streams, but because the
deposit from mining covered the gravel beds where the fish spawn. It
seems to be necessary for Salmon eggs to mature and hatch out the
young fish, that they should be deposited in beds of clean gravel over
which pure water is passing.

The Salmon readily go through muddy water to reach their spawning
beds, but there must be no mud or sediment where their eggs are laid.
The Salmon certainly passed up these streams for a few years after ex-

15

tensive mining was prosecuted, but their spawning beds being covered by
sediment, tiieir eggs would not mature; and as the old fish died or were
killed (no new ones taking their place), they became extinct in these
streams. A similar condition of things exists with regard to sawdust;
neither Salmon nor Trout object to passing through water in which
sawdust is floating, and if their spawning beds are above the sawmills,
the fish in the streams on which sawmills are situated will continue to
breed; but if the sawmills are situated above the spawning beds of the
fish, the sawdust is deposited on their beds, and the fish in a few years
become extinct.

In Canada and other of the British Provinces where there are exten-
sive lumber interests, by provision of law each sawmill is required to
have a furnace attached, in which the sawdust as fast as made is con-
sumed. The expense of such a furnace is but trifling, and in those
countries the fish is preserved and the law obeyed without objection.
We would recommend that a similar law be enacted in this State, and,
while great objection is made to it on the part of mill owners, yet,
probably, the millmen on the Truckee River and its tributaries have
already expended more money in the publication of pamphlets, and in
other means to defeat legislation on this subject, than would be sufficient
to build furnaces for all the mills on that river.

TRANSPORTATION OF SALT-WATER FISH.

We are frequently asked to expend a portion of the appropriation ia
bringing to this coast some of the salt-water fish of the Atlantic. As
will be noticed from Mr. Stone's report, the only salt-water fish which
he succeeded in bringing through alive were Tautog. The truth is, that
the science of fish culture is so young that the preservation alive, and
the transportation of salt-water fish is, as yet, entirely experimental,
and our appropriation is so small that we have not felt authorized to
expend any portion of the money in doing California's share in ascer-
taining how best salt-water fish may be successfully transported. For
two seasons past the Governments of the United States and Germany,
with the benefit of ail the knowledge and intelligence yet acquired,
have been unable to successfully transport young Shad from the Hud-
son to the rivers of Germany emptying into the Northern Ocean. Pro-
fessor Baird has during the present Summer been expending a portion
of the Government appropriation in determining how long various salt-
water fish, including Lobsters and other shell-fish, can be kept alive in
small bodies of sea water. When the result of these experiments is
ascertained, if found practicable, it would be of much advantage to im-
port several of the fish of the Atlantic coast, as well as the Chinese
Shad (called by them Samlai) from the Yang-tze Kiang Eiver, which is
said to be much larger and of finer flavor than the Shad of the Atlantic
coast; also, the Gourami, a large fresh-water fish from Cochin China,
which is very valuable for food, and living, as it does, on aquatic plants,
would thrive in the sloughs and stagnant waters in the southern portion
of the State.

In conclusion, we desire again to call attention to the valuable reports
of Mr. Stone hereto appended, as giving information valuable for preser-
vation, and to again ask through you of the Legislature an increased
appropriation for the purposes of the Commission. We may be per-
mitted to refer (without laying ourselves open to the charge of egotism)

16

to what has alread}' been accomplished during our tenure of office with
the very limited appropriation at our command.

The observations we have made upon the food fish of our rivers, and
the statistics we have gathered from various sources for the informa-
tion of those who are interested in the science of fish culture, have
involved a large amount of labor which, on the part of your Commis-
sioners, has been altogether gratuitous. A liberal appropriation by the
Legislature will enable us to extend our operations and carry out to
completion the objects for which this Commission was created. We feel
that the work we are engaged in, and in the promotion of which we are
willing to devote our time and labor in the future, is deserving of a
more liberal support from the State than it has hitherto received.

sacramento salmon.

United States Fish Commission,

Department of the Pacific Coast,
McCloud Eiver (Shasta County, Cal.), September, 1875.

S. E. Thro.ckmorton, Esq., Chairman of California Fish Commission, San
Francisco:

Sir: I beg leave to report as follows:

In the Summer of eighteen hundred and seventy-four, an agreement
was entered into between the California Fish Commission and myself,
with the approval of the Hon. Spencer F. Baird, United States Com-
missioner of Fish and Fisheries, to the eftect that, in consideration of
the payment of one thousand dollars by the California Commissioners,
towards defraying the expenses of the United States Salmon-breeding
establishment on the McCloud Eiver, California, one million young Sal-
mon should be hatched and placed in the McCloud Eiver by the United
States Fish Commission.

In pursuance of this agreement, a large number of young Salmon
were batched on the McCloud Eiver last Fall, for the purpose above
mentioned, and eight hundred and fifty thousand were placed in the
river in fine condition, during the months of October and November,
and the balance — one hundred and fifty thousand — are now in process of
being hatched, and will be deposited in the river this Fall.

In presenting the report of these operations in Salmon breeding, it
may not be out of place, perhaps, to say a few words eoucerniiig fish
culture in general, and the increase of Salmon in the Sacramento Eiver
in particular.

The preservation or increase of any of the original sources of the
food supply of the human race would, from, its inlierent character, be
naturally a subject of universal interest. This has proved to be emi-
nently true of the efforts which have been made in various countries
with a view to the preservation and increase of the food fishes of the
world. The single circumstance that all the world eats fish, has com-
mended the culture of fish to the sympathies of almost every one, and
would alone sustain an interest in anything that is done to secure or
augment the supply. But the cultivation of fish, besides its general
recommendation to the world's attention, has additional and special
points of interest — such, for instance, as its novelty, and the very
peculiar character of its methods of operation. But chief among its
epecial claims is the promise of its vast returns. Nowhere above the

17

domains of insect and vegetable life is found the vast possible increase
from generation to generation that exists in the culture of fish.
For a good illustration of the possibilities in this direction, we might
take the ease of the Sturgeon, which is said to deposit three million eggs
each season. Supposing that the embryo in all these eggs should hatch
out and mature into full-grown fish, and that each pair of these, whea
matured, should produce a similar number of offspring, what would be
the result? It would be, that in two generations forty-five hundred
thousand million Sturgeon would be brought into the world, or enough
fish, when grown to an average size and placed lengthwise in a line, to
reach one hundred and fifty thousand times around the world, or, with
an average weight of one hundred pounds apiece, to make two hundred
and twenty-five thousand million tons of fish. This, of course, is merely
a conceivable, and, very fortunately, not a practicable example, but it
strikingly illustrates the almost fabulous rate of possible increase in the
generation of fishes.

It is this feature of it which forms one of the special merits of fish
culture, and one of its strongest claims to public attention and support.
A consideration, hardly less forcible in its favor, is the circumstance
that the growth and increase of the fish cost the community nothing
after they are once fairly introduced into suitable waters. Legislatures
are not obliged to pass appropriations to provide food for the fish, or
inclosures within which to confine them. After a river or lake is once
properly stocked with a valuable variety of fish, then all expense ceases.
The fish have natural inclosures. Nature supplies their food, and man
is relieved from an}- further trouble about them. This very simple fact,
that the fishes cause no expense or trouble to the community, has an
importance which is not generally recognized. To bring this out more
fully, I will present one illustrious example — the Salmon of the Columbia
Eiver. The annual Salmon yield of this river, as is well known, is
enormous. In eighteen hundred and seventy-four there were put up
and exported from the Columbia Eiver, upwards of twenty million
pounds of canned Salmon, We will say that half as much more was
cured or eaten fresh. This makes a total of thirty million pounds of
fish-food furnished by one river alone. Now, the whole thirty million
pounds of food has not cost the community a single dollar for its raising
or keeping. Eating the Salmon at an average price of twenty cents a
pound, we have six million dollars worth of food produced without the
cost of a dollar to mankind, either for rent of grounds, for inclosures,
for care, or for food. The subsistence required to sustain this enormous
amount of fish does not even make any diminution whatever of the
resources of the community. They get their food entirely in the sea,
where it costs no one anything, and where it is not even missed.

This instance illustrates, in a striking way, what is true of all varieties
of fishes, and brings out a point in fish culture the value of which can
be hardly overestimated. The Fish Commissioners, when they give
the community living fishes in return for their appropriations, give them
once for all, and pay the bills once for all. The fish become at once a
portion of the public property, in regard to which all expenditures are
at an end. The community will not have to feed the fish, or take care
of them, or do anything more about it, except to take out the fish as
they are wanted. Even if the eiforts of the Fish Commissioners, in
many instances, are failures, it will cost the State or country nothing

18

beyond the fii'st outlay, which in most cases is comparatively very small
indeed.

To these two facts just mentioned, of the marvelous increase of fishes,
and the absence of any cost in the keeping and growing of them, should
be added a third, in order that the merits of fish culture should be fully
brought out. This third fact is the one just alluded to, viz: the very
slight compiirative extent of the original outlay. Two or three thou-
sand dollars, for instance, will place twenty million young Shad in the
Hudson or Connecticut Eivers. A thousand dollars will phice a million
Salmon in the Sacramento River. Millions of White Fish — not the AVhite
Fish of California, but the very valuable " Coregonus Albus," of Lake
Superior — can be hatched at an expense of not many hundreds of dol-
lars. I saw, this Spring, some handsome young Salmon, of about two
pounds each, that wei-e caught with a hook and line in Merced Lake — as
fine looking fish as I ever saw. Two hundred dollars, expended by the
Stale, will put one hundred thousand of these fish into any lake of Cali-
fornia. These instances are, perhaps, sufiicient to show how small is the
original outlay, in fish culture, compared with the returns. Now, if
these three facts are taken into consideration, viz: the marvelous annual
increase of fishes, the absence of any cost of keeping and growing, and
the insignificant character of the original expenditure, it will be seen
that the cultivation of fishes promises advantages that eminently com-
mend it to the public approval.

If, in answer to this last statement, it should be objected that the
Fish Commissioners do not make a success of all their enterprises, a
simple reply may be found in the fact that when they do succeed, it
more than off'sets all their failures. The}' can afibrd to fail a great
many times if they make a success at last, for that success will pay
over and over again for all that the failures cost. For example, the
United States Fish Commission is introducing California Salmon into
many places in the Eastern States, where they will, undoubtedly, be a
total failure, but should the Commission make a success of a single
river of the size, or half the size of the Sacramento, it would pay for all
that has been expended in this direction on all the other waters of the
United States. To come a little nearer home, let us see what bearing
the foregoing remarks have upon the work of the California Fish Com-
mission. Their appropriation for this year and last, has been two
thousand five hundred dollars a year. With this small sum, they have
introduced various kinds of Eastern fish, including among others. Lob-
sters and Shad, into California waters, and have added a million Salmon
to the stock of the Sacramento River, besides distributing many thou-
sand Eastern Trout throughout the State. Now 1 do not suppose
that every branch of these enterprises has been a success, but I venture
to say that if Lobsters alone were successfully planted on this coast,
or if Shad were introduced with success into the Sacramento Eiver, the
returns to this State from either enterprise would be such that the
paltry outlay of two thousand five hundred dollars a year would sink
into insignificance in comparison. If everything the Commission under-
takes is a failure, even then the loss has not been much, and the risk
has been more than justified by the brilliant character of the promised
results, and if one considerable success is achieved, it will more than
compensate for all losses.

In this connection it may be mentioned that the people are in great
danger of being misled on this point, bj'^ inferring that the work of any
specified Commission is a failure because it has failed in some insigniti-

19

cant locality that they are familiar with, while, perhaps, this was one
case out of twentj'^, the other nineteen of which had been successful.
Then, again, what the public in many cases considers a failure, is not
bj^ any means a failure in point of fact, but the successful trial of an
experiment, althou:^h, perhaps, it has failed to produce practical results,
the object of the effort having merely been to acquire information. In
such cases, if the information is obtained the effort is equally a success,
whether in practical results it fails or succeeds. For example, the
California Fish Commission wants to ascertain whether a s])ecified
vai-iety offish will live in water like that of Tulare Lake. The fish are
accordingly introduced there. They do not thrive, we will suppose.
The neighboring inhabitants immediately set the thing down as a
failure, while in point of fact the experiment has been an entire suc-
cess— the Commissioners having acquired the information which was
the object of the undertaking. '

Leaving this point, let us consider a special objection that has been
made to the efforts of the Fish Commission of this State. The objection
I refer to is that which some people put forward because they do not
like all the varieties that have been brought here from the East. Some
object because they do not care anything about Horn-pouts; others
object because they do not like Eels; others because they do not like
Catfish, and so on. But what is it that ought to govern the character
of an enterprise of this sort? Certainly not the peculiar tastes of some
individuals. The wishes oi all should be met if possible, and if some
like Shad, they ought to have Shiid; if some like Catfish, they ought to
have Catfish, and so on with the rest — Bass, Eels, Lobsters, and so
forth — as a 'caterer preparing a dinner for a large number of people
places on the table all kinds of dishes, so that all may find something
that they like. I have heard individuals abuse the Fish Commission
for introducing (as they said) such an insufferable fish as the Catfish
into California, as if their individual tastes on this point should be the
guide of the Commission, How foolish the objection was may be seen
from the fact that I have had more requests from persons in this State for
Catfish than for any other variety. The fact is, that a fish that is highly
valued in one locality frequently has a poor reputation in another, and
it often happens that a certain variety of fish is of fine quality in some
waters and a very poor fish in others; as, for instance, the very Catfish
of which we have been speaking, which is esteemed a great luxury in
the neigtiborhood of Philadelphia, while in the warm and turbid tribu-
taries of the Mississippi it is nearly worthless. A good deal of confusion
and misapprehension is caused also by the same name being applied in
different places to fishes of widely different quality. For example: the
very ordinar}^ fish known in some places as the Sacramento Pike, is, in
many localities in California, called the White Fish, which is also the
name of a most valuable fish of the great lakes, which ranks in com-
mercial importance, hardly second to the Codfish of the Atlantic. In
consequence of these two very different fish being called by the
same name, there are many people in California who think that when
the Commissioners introduced into the State the very valuable White
Fish of the Great Lakes, they were importing the almost worthless
Sacramento Pike, and formed their estimate of them accordingly.

The Commissioners, it is quite probable, have made some mistakes, as
is very natural in a now work of this sort, but I think it will be found
on examination that they have used their means in the wisest way pes-

20

sible, and have introduced into the State the fish which are at the same
time the most valuable and the most generally liked.

Before closing these remarks, let me sa}^ a few words about increas-
ing the Salmon of the Sacramento River, by artificial means.

The commercial value of the Salmon of the Sacramento is undoubt-
edly capable of great extension. Just beyond the minimum limit of the
prices of Sacramento Salmon, lies a double trade in these fish, each
branch of which, with fair opportunity, would exceed the extent of the
present business of the fisheries of the river. The only reason why
larger quantities of fresh Salmon are not sent East in the Winter from
the Sacramento River, both in cans and in ice, is because the prices of
Salmon in California are too high. If the prices were reduced a little,
by increasing the abundance of the fish, both these trades would then
open up in verj* large proportions. The case is exactly parallel with
that of most exportable merchandise.' The moment the cost of the
goods declines bej^ond a certain limit, so as to make exportation profit-
able, a large exporting business immediatel}' springs up. So it would
be with California Salmon. They can be taken to Truckee any time in
the Winter, and frozen in a few hours, and then shipped with perfect
safety to Chicago and New York, and sold there at remunerative prices
and in great quantities, if the original cost of the fish in California is
not too great.

The same is true in regard to canned Salmon — a form of preserving
Salmon which has brought enormous returns to operators on the Colum-
bia River. Salmon cost too much at present on tiie Sacramento River,
but if they could be increased so as to sufficiently reduce the first cost,
canjiing Salmon could be carried on, on the Sacramento, at a profit, and
with this advantage over the Columbia River, that the freight from
Oregon to California would be saved — an item in the Columbia River
trade which alone amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars annu-
ally. To show what a canning business could be done on the Sacra-
mento River, if Salmon could be obtained cheaply enough, it is only
necessary to say that there were, in round numbers, twenty million
pounds of canned Salmon exported from the Columbia River last year,
at a cost value of two million dollars. The canning business on the
Columbia employs one thousand eight hundred men. The cost of the
tin alone consumed by the canners on the river, amounts to several
hundred thousand dollars. It is unnecessary to speak of the advan-
tages that such a business would bring to the State of California. I do
not say that the canning of Salmon would ever be brought up to the
same proportions on the Sacramento that characterizes the business on
the Columbia River, but if Sacramento Salmon would be made abundant
enough to be cheap, something of very considerable importance could
undoubtedly be done in this direction, which, added to the shipping of
frozen Salmon, would make the exporting of Sacramento Salmon a very
valuable branch of industry in the State.

That the Salmon can be thus increased in the river so as to be made
cheap enough to export in the Winter, seems to be a matter of very
gi'eat certainty. The artificial propagation of Salmon has been carried
to such a point of proficiency that with any given number of fish, ninety-
five times as many young Salmon can be brought into existence as would
be naturally produced by the Salmon themselves, for, in artificial prop-
agation, ninety-five per cent of the eggs are hatched, while by the natu-
ral process not over one per cent is hatched. A moment's consideration
will show that with this enormous advantage the Salmon can be in-

21

creased to an almost incredible extent, if it is jDracticable to employ the
artificial method successfully.

That it is practicable, has been already proved bej'ond a doubt, by the
success of the United States Salmon breeding cstablisliment on the Mc-
Cioud Iviver, in Shasta Count}', of this State. This station of the United
States Fish Commission has now been in operation four seasons, and last
year contracted to place in the tributaries of the Sacramento Iliver one
million young salmon, at a cost of one thousand dollars, or one dollar
per thousand. Eight hundi'ed and fift}' thousand 3'oung Salmon under
this contract have been delivered, and the remaining one hundred and
fifty thousand will be placed in the river this Fall. At this rate, it will
be seen at once that tlie Salmon of the Sacramento can be increased in-
definitely, and at a very slight expense. Five million young Salmon
could be placed in the Sacramento River, any year, at a cost of five
thousand dollars. A comparatively small annual expenditure would
keep the river constantly stocked, so that Salmon would become plenti-
ful enough to make it profitable to can them and send them fresh to the
East in the Winter. With the river well stocked, instead of the small
business that is now carried on in Salmon on the Sacramento River, a
lai'ge industry would sj^ring up on the river, employing hundreds of
men, and bringing in a large revenue to the State. This increase of
Salmon in California could not only be effected at a very inconsiderable
expense, but it would, as far as the State Treasury is concerned, be a
self-supporting institution, for the augmented business of the Salmon
fisheries would, by its revenue to the State, pay the apj)ropriation re-
quired; and besides this, there would be the vast increase of fish food
to the community, which would ofiset the appropriation many times
over.

The money that is appropriated by the State for fish culture is not
invested in a non paying object, like a monument or a building, but in a
work that not only paj's an immensely remunerative interest to the
State in one way, but actually returns the money to the Treasury in
another way.

1 have spoken particulaidy thus far in regard to the improvement of
the regular Salmon fisheries of the Sacramento by artificial propaga-
tion, but there are incidental results brought about by this agency which,
though not of so much importance, should not be overlooked. Most
sportsmen, at least of the State, have heard of the great numbers of
Grilse (young Salmon) that were caught by hook and line in the Bay of
San Francisco last Spring, and the fish of the same kind that were
caught in Lake Merced in the same way. These afforded a great
amount of sport to the anglers of the city and the neighborhood, be-
sides yielding a veiy considerable amount of excellent fish food. The
abundance of Grilse in these waters was the direct effect of the labors
of the Fish Commissioners. With so auspicious a beginning, who can
say what cannot be accomplished in time in this direction by the Fish
Commission, with reasonable encouragement. Such encouragement
ought certainly to be given them. Massachusetts, New York, (Connecti-
cut, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, and many other States, have
made ample provision for their Fish Commission, and have considered
themselves well repaid. There seems to be no reasonable course left
for the State of California but to go and do likewise.

LIVINGSTON STONE.

22

THE CALIFORNIA AQUARIUM CAR OF EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FOUR.

S. E. Throckmorton, Esq., Chairman of California Fish Commission:

Sir: I beg leave to report as follows:

On the morning of tbe first day of April, eighteen hundred and sov-
enty-four, I received the following telegram:

"San Francisco, March Slst, 1874.
"Livingston Stone: We want you to bring out another aquarium
car.

"S. E. THEOCKMOETON."

Acting on this intelligence I went to Boston that afternoon to begin
preparations for tbe trip in general, but particularly to inaugurate a
series of experiments in the transportation of Lobsters, it being very
difficult to keep them alive, away from the ocean, long enough to make
the overland trip.

I obtained twelve live Lobsters, some sponges, and a barrel of ocean
"water, and, having made arrangements for future supplies, as occasion
might require, I returned to Charlestown, N. H. The points which were
brought out by these Lobster experiments, which I continued for several
weeks, are substantial!}^ as follows:

First — Lobsters can be kept alive, away from the ocean, twelve days,
under the most favorable circumstances.

Second — They will not stand exposure to the dry air, at all, whether
warm or cold.

Third — They will not live in still sea water, whether warm or cold.

[Note. — The motion of the tides is probably essential to their health
in their natural state.]

Fourth — Fresh water kills them very soon.

Fifth — Artificial sea water (salt dissolved jn fresh water) is not
nearly as favorable to life as the genuine article from the ocean.

Sixth — The confinement of several together in one apartment is
injurious, as they will bite off each other's claws.

Seventh — Eubber bands around the claws to prevent their biting
each other is unfavorable to life.

Eighth — The best vray yet found for keeping Lobsters alive, in con-
finement, is to pack them in separate compartments in sponges wet with
ocean water. They should be kept as cold as possible, and the ocean
water should be renewed twice a day.

A description of an experiment by Mr. F. W. Webber is appended.

"On Wednesday, the fifteenth day of April, eighteen hundred and
seventy-four, thirteen live Lobsters arrived at the Cold Spring Trout
Ponds, Charlestown, N. H., and were divided into four lots as follows:

"Three Lobsters were packed in a box among sponges wet with sea
water, and kept in a cold temperature with ice. Four Lobsters, having
rubber bands on their claws to prevent their injuring each other, were
packed in a similar manner, ancl kept without ice at a warmer tempera-
ture. Three Lobsters without bands on their claws were packed in the
same way, and kept at a similar temperature. Three Lobsters were
packed among sponges wet with a little artificial brine made from coarse
salt and spring water, and kept at a mild temperature. The boxes all

23

had large cracks in them through which the water from the sponges
would easily run off, and thus prevented from becoming staguaulin the
bottom of the boxes.

"Eesults: Of the three Lobsters kept in the artificial brine one was
found dead on Thursday morning, April sixteenth; one on Saturday
morning, April eighteenth; and one lived till Monday morning, April
twentieth.

"Of the four kept at a mild temperature with the bands on their
claws, in sponges wet with sea water, one was found dead on Saturday
morning, April eighteenth; one on Saturday night, April eighteenth;
one on Sunday night, April nineteenth; and one on Monday morning,
April twentieth.

" Of tlie three which were kept in the sponges wet with sea water at
a moderate temperature, without bands on their claws, two were found
dead on Tuesda}^' evening, April twenty-first, and one lived till the even-
ing of April twenty-sixth.

" Of the three kept at a cold temperature, among the sponges moist-
ened with sea water, one died Monday morning, April twentieth; one
died Wednesday morning, April twenty second; and one died Thursday
morning. April twentj'-third.

"In all the above experiments the water in the sponges was renewed
twice a day; ocean water being used throughout in the three first
experiments, and artificial brine in the last.

"It will be observed that the Lobsters treated with artificial briue
began to die first.

"Of those kept cold and treated with ocean water, one lived seven
days, and one eight days. Of those treated with ocean water, and kept
at a moderate temperature, without ice, one lived eleven days.

" On the arrival of these Lobsters, some of the spawn was taken from
one and packed away in sponges wet with sea water, which wetting
was renewed every day. On Tuesday, April twenty-eighth, a fevv of
them were examined under a microscope, and the pulsations of the
blood could be distinctly seen in the region of the little filament which
connects the eggs."

While these experiments were in progress, I made preparations in
various directions for securing several varieties of fresh-water fish. On
the tvvelfth of April I received a letter containing the following ex-
tract:

" Bring especially Shad, Eels, Lobsters, Black Bass, and, perhaps,
Catfish. Bring Blue Fish and Striped Bass. No Perch, nor Trout.

(Signed:) " S. K. THROCKMORTON."

This was the first information I had received that salt-water fish were
wanted, and I hesitated at undertaking to carry them, for, as will be
easily seen, to combine salt water fish, e. g. Blue Fish, shell fish, e. g.
Lobsters, fresh-water fish that required waruT water, e. g. Shad, and
those that required cold water, e. g. Bass, was very much complicating
an enterprise which, even in its simplest form, was an exceedingly
di^cult and criticiil one. I concluded, however, to take the salt-water
fish (though somewhat against my better judgment), and immediately
went to IMew York to make arrangements for obtaining them alive. I
also put myself in communication with Professor Baird on the subject,

24

and with Captain A^inal Edwards, of Woods' Hole. I then went to
Lake Champlain for the Black Bass and Glass-eyed Perch.

Meanwhile I exerted myself to the utmost to secure a suitable ear
for the puipose, but, to m}- great dismay, could not get one. I was
very particular that the car sliould be just what was wauted. Such a
ear must be forty feet long — a passenger baggage ear — with twelve
wheels, air brakes. Miller platform, and wide tread. The difficulties
that now arose,, in the wa}' of getting such a car, were legion.

I applied to the Central Vei'mont Eailroad, the Boston and Albany,
the Great Western Railroad, the JSew York Central, the Central Pacific,
and other railroad companies, but with unfavorable results in every
ease. All kinds of cars were offered, from the plainest box freight car
to the regular passenger car, but all presented some objections which
prevented them from meeting the requirements. Some had not the air
brakes, some M-ere not long enough, some had too narrow a tread, and
so on. I was about giving up in despair, and had actually telegraphed to
California for parties there to get a car if they possibly could, when I
received a dispatch from Mr. Sargent, Superintendent of the Michigan
Central Railroad, to the effect that he would furnish a car exactly suita-
ble for the purpose. A bargain was immediately closed with him, and
on the eleventh of Ma}', the car was at Charlestown, New Hampshire.
It was a large, strong, well built, and handsome car, with wide tread,
twelve wheels, Miller platform, and air brakes, and was in every way
adapted for the purpose.

By this time I had collected large supplies of fresh-water fish at
Charlestown, New Hampshire, and parties at work in various quarters
were securing the proper sizes of other fish for the expedition. The
main thing now remaining was to fit u]) the car for the journey. With
the great variety of fish which I had now arranged to take, it was ob-
viously impossible for any force that I could carry with me to keep
the water aerated by hand; I therefore turned my attention to devising
some machinery which would do the aerating automatically. Three
plans presented themselves. The first was to catch the air in large
funnel-mouthed pipes, placed on the top of tiie car, and to trust to the
motion of the car to force it into the tanks. One of these was accord-
ingly rigged on the car, and we made a trial trip to Bellows Falls. The
experiment was an entire failure, for, though a large volume of air was
carried through the pipe into the car, it did not come with force suffi-
cient to displace the water when the inside end was inserted in a tank.
The next plan was to force the air in, by means of fans or small wind-
mills on the top of the car, to be kept in motion by the progress of the
train. Upon further examination, however, this was given up as im-
practicable. The third plan, and the one finally adopted, was to attach
machinery to one of the axles of the car, in such a way as to acQuire suffi-
cient power to work a pair of air pumps. This was done bj^ passing a
belt around the axle, and continuing it, through a hole in the car, to a
countershaft inside. The counter-shaft was provided with two puUej's,
around each of which a belt was passed, which connected with the
crank-wheel of the air-pumps. Attached to each air-pump were two
main pipes, passing through the entire length of the car, from which
led, at suitable intervals, a dozen or so smaller pipes, of flexible rubber
hose, and of sufficient length to reach all the tanks, find in fact every
part of the car. Whenever the train was in motion the rotation of the
axle revolved the counter-shaft, which in turn worked the air-pumps.
These pumps, at every stroke of the piston rod, forced the air through

25

each piece of hose with great power, so that when the end of the hose
was inserted into a tank the water boiled violently. The operation of
this plan of aerating the water was perfect. The belting being adjusted
and the hose dropped into the tanks, as soon as the train got under
headway the wheels on the counter-shaft revolved briskly, the piston
rod of the air-pump worked with great rapidity, and the water in every
receptacle in the car fairly boiled with the commotion caused by the
fresh air forced through it. Nothing more perfect or more entirely an-
swering its purpose could be asked or wished, and it is a convincing
confirmation of the efficiencj'' of the apparatus, though it sounds some-
what paradoxical to say it, that the Bass and many other fish were, at
the end of their journey, in better condition, owing to their unusual
supply of oxygen in transit, than when the}' started from New Hamp-
shire. At all events, it is true that only one out of seventy-five full-
grown spawning Bass was lost during their long confinement of eight
daj's and niglits, and that one was killed by the falling of a cake of ice.

The mechanical working of the machinerj' was perfect, and never
once got out of order during the trip, or failed to do its duty. I have
no doubt that all full-grown fresh-water fish requiring aerated water,
such as Trout. Black Bass, Glass-eyed Perch, land-locked Salmon, Perch,
and the like, could be taken to California and brought back with the
help of this apparatus, with perfect security, and Without any deterio-
ration in the condition of the fish.

The belting ai'ound the axle passed up nearly perpendicularly through
the bottom of the car. The counter-shaft and air pumps were* placed
as near the ceiling as possible, so that the whole thing took up very
little room, and was very little in the way.

To resume the chronological order of my narrative: The first two
plans of aerating the water having been abandoned, I proceeded at
once to make ai-rangements for testing the third plan, just described.
The pumps, shaft, belting, and pipes were procured, a hole n~iade through
the bottom of the car over one of the axles, each part of the machin-
ery put in its place, and permission obtained from the Central Vermont
authorities to run the car to North Charlestown, on a trial trip.

Everything being ready, the trip was made, several friends and per-
sons interested in the expedition accompanying us. No sooner was
the train in motion than it became obvious that the much sought for
object was accomplished. The moment the hose was dropped into a
tank of water it became a boiling spring. A load of anxiety was taken
from my mind, and 1 returned to Charlestown that night for the first
time confident of success.

Nothing now remained but to complete the furnishing of the car,
and to concentrate the various collection of fishes. As long as it was
decided to try salt-water fish, I concluded to improve the opportunity
by experimenting with several kinds, the same salt-water arrangements
in the car answering as well for several varieties as for one. This con-
siderably increased the number of varieties to be gathered together.
There were Black Bass, Glass eyed Perch, and Ilorn-pouts, from Lake
Champlain, now quartered at the Cold Spring Trout Ponds, at Charles-
town, New Hatnpshire. There were Lobsters and Oysters, at Boston.
Lobsters, Salt-water Eels, Tautog, and Striped Bass, at Woods' Hole,
Massachusetts. Shad and Fresh-water Eels, at Castleton, on the Hud-
son River. Catfish, at the Raritau River, New Jersey. Kingfish, Weak-

26

fish, and Striped Bass, at New York Harbor. Alewives, at the Mystic
Kiver, Massachusetts. Additional Bass, at Niles, Michigan, ami Missis-
sippi Catfish {^Grystes Sahnonides), or Mississippi Bass, at the Elkhorn
Eiver.

I dispatched Mr. M. L. Perrin to New Jersey, for the Catfish, and hav-
ing stowed them safelj^ away at the Cold Spring Trout Ponds, detailed
him again, to take charge of the Woods' Hole and Boston fish, which
were to be brought from Boston in a special car, with the reserves of
ocean water, the night previous to the departure of the aquarium car
for California. I then sent Mr. Myron Green and Mr. Waldo Hubbard
for the New York fish, and Mr. E. C. Forbes was sent to Castletou, to
get the Sha<l and Eels. Mr. Eichard Hubbard I retained at Charles-
town, to assist me there. I also telegraphed to Mr. George H. Jerome,
of Michigan, to intercept the train at Niles, with the Michigan fish, and
Mr. George J3emis, of Omaha, to do the same at the Elkhorn liiver, with
the Nebraska fish.

In the meantime I devoted myself to completing the arrangements of
the aquarium car. These, when finished, maj' be described as follows:
At the forward end of the car, and occupying the entire width of it,
was a large fresh- water tank, made of two-inch pine plank, lined inside
with tin and bound firmly on the outside with iron rods. It was nine
feet square and three feet high, and held upwards of sixteen hundred
gallons, or about seven tons of water. The top of the tank, which was
also of two-inch plank — was provided with doors which could be opened
and shu-t, and air holes for ventilation. Just over the tanks and passing
horizontally through a circular hole in the forward end of the car,
was a large tin pipe, arranged on the outside to receive water from the
railway tanks along the road. By this arrangement we could throw
into our large tank a ton of water a minute. The tank was also pro-
vided witli an outlet through the bottom of the car for draining off the
waste water. The top of the tank was provided on each side with racks
for holding ice.

In the center of the car and occupying about six feet of the length
of it, were four berths, built up against either side, and extending out
from the wall about two feet, leaving a passageway of five feet between.
Beyond the berths, cupboards and shelves were constructed on one side,
the other being left vacant for the boxes of Lobsters. At the rear end
of the car, were two salt-water tanks, of tvvo-iuch plank, each nine feet
long, four feet wide, and three feet high, holding about seven hundred
uud fifty gallons, or upwards of three tons of water each. These were
covered at the top with two-inch plank and furnished with doors like
the fresh-water tank. Just in front of the salt-water tanks were the
revolving belt and counter-shaft, and about eight feet back and nearly
at the roof of the car, were the two air-pumps, from which extended
forward again, through the car, the system of aerating hose. All the
spare space was occupied wdth movable tanks containing the different
varieties of fish.

Besides these larger objects of the furniture of the car, there were a
hundred smaller articles for the emergencies of the journey, as, for
instance, thermometers, pails, nets, etc.

The fourth of June was set for the day of our departure. On that
day and the daj^ previous there were at least fifty men working at
Charlestown, and at tlie other points of rendezvous, for the expected
journey. Through the help of telegraphic communication everj^ man
was at his post at the required moment, and every man performed his

27

part at the proper time, so that, with all the myriad separate details
that had to be combined in one whole that morning, not one was over-
looked nor forgotten, nor was there a delay or a drawback of any sort
to prevent a perfectly successful departure.

Mr. Perrin arrived at midnight of the third of June, with his car of
fish, lobsters, oysters, and ocean water. The next morning they were
transferred to the aquarium ear, and the Charlestown collection of
fishes put aboard. The tanks were filled; two tons of ice were taken
on, and at two o'clock in the afternoon of Thursday, June fourth, the
second California aquarium car started westward. We were accom-
panied by a party of fi-iends as far as South Vernon. All went very
smoothly up to this point, but soon after the journals of the car wheels
began to heat, and we were kept at work all night and until- noon the
next day to keep them cool enough to prevent the car being dropped.
We arrived at Albanj'- at midnight of the same day, June fourth. Mr,
Green, Mr. Waldo Hubbard, and Mr. Forbes joined us here with the
New York fish, and the Shad and Eels which Mr. Monroe Green had
very kindly brought from Castleton hiaiself. I must not forget to state
here that this lot of Eels — amounting to two thousand — was pi-ocured
by Mr. Monroe Green, and that the Sliad — numbering thirtj'-six thou-
sand— as well as the Shad which I took to California last year, vvere
contributed by the State of New York, from the State hatching works,
on the Hudson Eiver, at Castleton, in charge of Mr, Seth Green, and
under the immediate care of Mr. Monroe Green, from both of which
gentlemen this enterprise, and the similar one of last year, received a
great deal of assistance.

Mr. Willard T. Perrin, one of the aquarium car force of last year,
who had accompanied the car to Albany, left us here. Our party now
consisted of Myron Green, E. C. Forbes, Waldo Hubbard, Marshall L.
Perrin, and myself, all of whom continued with the car to Caliiornia.

Leaving Albany at half-past twelve, we arrived at Eochester an hour
late, the journals heating very badly. At this point Seth Gi'een came
aboard and brought us some circular belting, for which I had tele-
graphed previously. We took on a ton of ice, and left Pochester twenty
minutes after ouf arrival. Reached Suspension Bridge at two P. m. of
June fifth. Here we were furnished with a new set of wheels, which
delayed us till nine forty-five p. m., when we again resumed our jour-
ney, having taken on four tons of fresh water and two tons of ice. It
became evident to-day that the salt-water fish would not survive the
journey — in fact most of them had not reached the car alive. The car-
rying of them was a new thing and had not been experimented upon,
and really did not form a part of the original plan of the aquarium
car, so that the loss did not seem so discouraging as it might otherwise
have done. The fresh- water fish continued in splendid order. We
reached Niles, Michigan, the next day, at four o'clock and twenty min<
utes P. M., where we met the Hon. George H. Jerome, who had with
him a fine lot of Black Bass, which he had very kindly collected at my
request. We all felt under great obligations to Mr. Jerome for the
pains he had taken to procure the fish, and also for the very kind inter-
est and sympathy which he expressed for the success of the expedition.
Mr. H. H. Sargent, the Superintendent of the Michigan Central Pail-
road, who provided the car, also came aboard at Niles. We owe this
gentleman manj^ thanks for the courteous and accommodating spirit
which he manifested from beginning to end, in all our dealings with
him.

28

Wc arrived at Chicago at eight o'clock and thirty minutes p. M., of
the same day, Saturday, June sixth. Here we had to wait ail night for
a train direct for San Francisco. The pumps, of course, ceasing to
work while the ear was still, I kept two men at the cranks all night
turning them by hand. At Chicago we took on five tons of water, and
two tons of ice, and left there the next morning at ten o'clock and forty-
five minutes A. m. ; crossed the Mississippi at four o'clock and twenty-
five minutes p. m., the same day, and put a few Salmon and Shad in the
river as an experiment. Took on four tons of water at Cedar liapids, and
reached Omaha at ten o'clock and thirty minutes the next morning,
Monday, June eighth. Up to this time the fresh-water fish had done
splendidly, no loss of any kind occurring except among the small Eels.
The Black Bass, Glass-eyed Perch, Cattish, Horn pouls, Penobscot Sal-
mon, and larger Eels, were in fine condition — about half of the Lobsters
had died. The Oysters for Great Salt Lake, and the Tautog for the
Pacific, and the Shad, were all in good order. The other salt-water
fish had given up the battle.

We came into Omaha with the journals of our forward pair of
wheels very hot. An examination showed them to be so badly cut,
that it was necessary to put in another new pair of wheels — the author-
ities of the Union Pacific Railroad very kindly consenting to hold the
train till it was done, for which we felt extremely grateful, as, other-
wise, there would have been another day lost. At Omaha we met Mr.
George Bemis, who had very obligingly consented to have some
Nebraska fish in readiness for us at the Elkhorn River, and I must not
neglect this opportunity of saying that from the very beginning of my
correspondence with Mr. Bemis on the subject, he manifested the most
cordial disposition to assist the enterprise, and exerted himself to the
utmost to do his part towards helping it along. While the new wheels
wei'e being attached to the car we took on three tons of ice, and some
more circular belting kindly procured for us by Mr. Bemis, who accom-
panied the car as far as Fremont, Nebraska. Leaving Omaha we
arrived at the Elkhorn River at two o'clock and thirty minutes p. M.,
exactly a year, within a half an hour, from the time when we went
through the bridge into that river with the first aquarium car.

Through the courtesy of Mr. C. B. Havens, the train dispatcher of
the Union Pacific Railroad Company, at Omaha, we were permitted to
stop the train at the river, and to hold it there till we had taken on
some Western Bass and Mississippi Catfish, procured through the
agency of Mr. Bemis, and fifty gallons of water which we brought up
from the river in pails. By a sort of poetic justice the very river which
had swallowed up our car-load of fishes last year was made to contri-
bute to the success of this year's expedition.

Thus far the weather had been very hot. To-night (June eighth) it
was quite cool, and about midnight we encountered a terrific storm,
which stopped the train awhile. The next morning dawned cool and
rainy, and in the course of the forenoon there came a furious hail
storm.

We now thought we had a fair prospect of getting through with all
we had on board, and every thing prospered through the day, but at
night a calamity happened which appalled us. It was the loss of the
Shad. The circumstances were these: between the Elkhorn River,
Nebraska, and the Weber River, Utah, a distance of nine hundred and
fifty miles, there is no suitable water for Shad, except at the Laramie
*{iver.

29

When Seth Green crossed the continent in eighteen hundred and aev-
enty-one, and when I crossed it with Shad, in eighteen hundred and
seventy-three, the water in the Laramie River was good, and up to
to-day, we had received no information to lead us to think anything to
the contrary. We were consequently depending on keeping the Shad
on Laramie River water, from Laramie to the Weber. As we approached
Laramie, however, we heard various rumors to the effect that the recent
rains had washed a good deal of alkali into the river. There was no
alternative for us, however, and when the train stopped there, we took
a supply of Laramie River water for the Shad. This was about dusk on
Tuesday evening, June ninth. I stayed with them till midnight, and
left them in the hands of the long watch, who were to take them through
till morning. When I got up the next morning, at daybreak, every Shad
was dead. They had not been neglected an hour, nor a moment, since
they left the Hudson River, and the two young men who had charge of
them that morning were among my most zealous and trusted assistants,
so that i am confident it was not through neglect or want of ftiithful
care that they died. Knowing no other cause for their loss, we united
in attributing it to the unusual amount of alkaline matter in the water
of the Laramie, caused by the recent extraordinary rains.

AH that (lay it seemed as if there had been a funeral on board, so de-
pressing was the influence of this calamity to all in the car. It was a
terrible disappointment to me, but knowing that everyone had done his
duty, I endeavored to cheer up the others b}' turning their attention to
the flshes which were still living. We took on four tons of water at the
Weber River, and reached Ogden, Utah, a thousand miles from San
Francisco, at six o'clock on the evening of Wednesday, June tenth.
Here I left a barrel of Oysters and two spawning Lobsters, in first-rate
condition, for Great Salt Lake. Our supply of Atlantic Ocean water
was exhausted today. I had previously telegraphed to the California
Fish Commissioners for a supply of Pacific Ocean water, which we heard
to-day would meet us at Winnemucca. We now had on board, all in
good condition. Black Bass, Horn-pouts, Glass-eyed Perch, Rock Bass,
Penobscot Salmon, fresh-water Eels, Schuylkill Catfish, Mississippi
Catfish, Tautog, Lobsters, and salt-water Eels, with which varieties —
ten in all — we hoped to get through alive, and, as the sequel will show,
did actually succeed in bringing through safely. Leaving Ogden about
dark, we arrived at Carlin, Nevada, at ten o'clock and fifteen minutes
A. M., June eleventh, and took on a small supply of water. At eleven
o'clock and twenty-five minutes a. m. we met the Central Pacific freight
train, with the supply of Pacific O^ean water, which was transferred to
our car, and immediately used on the salt-water fish, which showed
every sign of being greatly refreshed by the change. Took on more
fresh water at Humboldt, Nevada, at six o'clock and fifteen minutes
p. M., and ten tons of ice at Wadsworth, at midnight. At Truckee, Cali-
fornia, B. B. Redding, of the California Fish Commission, came on board,
and accompanied us to San Francisco. This was the last day of the
trip (Thursday, June twelfth), and no one can tell the immense relief it
was to our party to know it For seven days and eight nights, with
only three or four hours rest out of the twenty-four, we had kept inces-
santly at work over those fishes. Want of sleep was beginning to break
us down. We had lived in a car full of water and melting ice, which
had, literally, hardly a dry spot in it. The long journey itself, with the
constant jar and rattle of the train, is enough to nearly wear one out.
We had taken on board and cut up into suitable pieces and packed away,

30

fifteen tons of ice. The unusual chill and dampness that pervaded the
car, together with the immense labor and loss of sleep, had made nearly
all on board sick, for a greater or less time; and altogether, the ti-ip had
been one of such extreme hardship and severe labor, that we hailed this
last da}' with a sense of the greatest relief.

As soon as we iiad finished our hearty breakfast, all hands went to
work to transfer the fishes into the various portable tanks in which
they were to be taken to their destinations. This oecupicl all the time
till the train reached Sacramento, at one o'clock and thirty minutes p. M.,
June twelfth. Here we met Mr. S. E. Throckmorton, of the California
Fish Commission, and others, who took charge of the large Black Bass,
the Horn pouts, the Eoek Bass, Glass-eyed Perch, and Penobscot Sal-
mon, all being in first-rate order.

Mr. Green, Mr, Perrin, and Mr. Eichard Hubbard accompanied these
fish to their destinations, while Mr. Forbes, Mr. Waldo Hubbard, and
myself continued with the car to San Francisco.

Upon reaching the San Joaquin Eiver, we deposited the Schuylkill
and Mississippi Catfish safely in that river, in the presence of quite a
large number of people, who left the train to see the deposit made. At
Alameda Creek we deposited the small Black Bass; at an inlet of the
Bay of San Francisco, near Oakland, we left the Tautog and salt-water
Eels; and the Lobsters we deposited in the bay itself. In the mean-
time, the remain<ler of the part}', who left the car at Sueramonto, placed
the Glass eyed Perch in the Sacramento Eiver; the Horn-pouts and fresh-
water Eels m an inlet, or slough, of the Sacramento Eiver; the Penob-
scot Salmon in the same river, at Eedding; and the Black Bass in the
upper waters of Napa Creek. The car was left at Oakland.

So ended the expedition of the second California aquarium car, just
eight days and nine hours from the time it left Charlestown, New
Hampshire. In all the features of the original plan of the expedition
it was a success. The eleven varieties of fish which this plan contem-
plated, were brought through alive, and successfully deposited The
taking of the salt-water fish was an afterthought, and can onlj' be
regarded in the light of an experiment. The Shad were lost, it is true,
but I had alread}' brought the yea.v before five thousand Shad to Great
Salt Lake, and thirty five thousand to the Sacramento Eiver. The fish
which did survive, except the Lobsters, arrived in splendid order, it
being a fact (as before mentioned) that the Black Bass, and others,
seemed in better condition than when they left New Hampshire. The
Lobsters were in a feeble condition, but had a vast quantity of impreg-
nated spawn with them in good order. The result of the expedition
was to introduce into the public waters of California eleven varieties of
fish not native to the State. The attempt to carry salt-water fish across
the continent need not necessarily be abandoned as impracticable because
it was not a success on this particular occasion. The circumstance that
the salt-water fish did not live, finds a very simple explanation in the
fact that nothing was known about transporting them, and no time was
aff'orded this season for finding out by experiments. This difficulty can,
of course, be avoided on a subsequent expedition, by taking ample time
beforehand to discover how the sea fish of the Atlantic can be kept
alive sufficiently long to survive the overland journey, and by giving
them the treatment which it has been found they require; then the en-
terprise can be made successful.

Eespectfully, . LIVINGSTON STONE.

31

LIST OF PLACES WHERE ICE WAS TAKEN ON BOARD.

Tons.

1874.
June 4th....
June 4th....
June 4th....
June 5Lh....
June Tth....
June 8Lh...,
June 11th...

Charlestown, New Hampshire

Albany, New York

Rochester, New York

C 1 i 1 1 o n , Canada

Chicago, Illinois

Omaha, Nebraska

Wads worth, Nevada

Total

1
1
2
2
3
2

13

LIST OF PLACES WHERE WATER WAS TAKEN IN.

Ocean -water-
tons.

Fresh water-
tons.

1874.
June 4tli

June 5th

June 7th, (a. m.)..
June 7tli, (p. M.)..

June 8th

June 9th

June 10th

June 11th, (a. m.)
June 11th, (p. M.)
June 11th, (p. M.)

Charlestown, Now Hamp-
shire

Clifton, Canada

Chicago, Illinois

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Elkhorn River, Nebraska...

Laramie, Wyoming Terri-
tory

Ogden, Utah

Carl in, Nevada

Winnemucca, Nevada

Humboldt, Nevada

5

7
4
5
3

4
1

28 i

32

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33

The following is an account of the receipts and expenditures since
the last report:

1874.
March 5...

July 11....
July 20....

1875.
July 9

1874.
May 27....

June 5

June 8

June 13....

June 19....

June 22....

June 22....

July 3

Sept. 30....

Nov. 8

Nov. 8

1875.
March 1...
March 5...
March 5...

March 11..
March 11..

March 11..

March 15..

March 30..

March 30..

April 28...
May 28

June 14....

July 6

August 4..

By cash on hand — last report

By freight returned from Railroad Com-
panies on account of loss of aquarium car...

By appropriation for fiscal year

By error on j^urchase of ice

By appropriation for fiscal year.

To cash paid — Stone's draft (aquarium car)...

To four barrels for salt water

To cash paid — Stone's draft aquarium car

and telegraphing, etc

To cash paid Stone on occount of aquarium

car, telegiaphing etc

To cash paid U. P. Railroad Co., fare of

Stone and assistants, accrued in 1873

To cash paid Fenton for transporting Trout

to Ameiican River

To cash paid Graham — cleaning cans and

cartage of same

To cash paid Stone on account of aquarium

car.

To drayage of cans

To telegram

To cash paid Stone's order on account of
aquarium car

To postage stamps

To cash paid H H. llaight, attorney's fees...
Q^j cash paid for ice used in transporting fish

to American River and Prosser Creek

To lumber for hatching house at Berkeley....
To gas pipe and labor on hatching house at

Berkeley

To J. G. Woodbury's wages on .same, and

hatching Whitefish and Trout

To cash paid S. R. Throckmorton on account

of expenditures

To expenses of putting Whitefish in Tulare

Lake

To J. G. Woodbury's salary and expenses

in March

To printing circular

To cash paid on account of purchase of

Trout eggs

To cash paid on account of hatching one

million Salmon

To cash paid on account of liatching one

million Salmon

To cash paid on account of hatching one

million Salmon

Cash to balance

1539
7

1,122

300

270

15

200
3

69
50

75

80

75

50

00

00
46
25

200 00

1
100

4

97

67

307

119

5

158
6

200

500

400

350
1.295

00
00

40
55

45

80

00

00

40
00

00

00

00

00
42

$17 22

1,250 00

2,500 00

12 50

2,500 00

3,279 72

$6,279 72

This balance of $1,295^5- will be consumed by debts owing arid
expenses necessary to be incurred prior to the meeting of the present
Legislature.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

5-(i^)

B. B. BEDDING,

S. R. THROCKMORTON,

J. D. FAR WELL,

Commissioners.

COMMrSSIOI^ERS OF FISIIP^RIES.

UNITED STATES.

Professor Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

MAINE.

E. W. Stillwell Bangor.

H. O. Stanley Dixtield.

NEAV HAMPSHIRE.

Oliver N. Noyes Henniker.

John S. Wadleigh Laconia.

A. C. FiFiELD Enfield.

VERMONT.

M. C. Edmonds Weston.

M. Goldsmith Eutland.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Theodore Lyman Brookline.

E. A. Bracket! Winchester.

Asa French South Braintree.

CONNECTICUT.

William M. Hudson Hartford.

EoBERT G. Pike Middletown.

James A. Bill Lyme.

RHODE ISLAND.

Newton Dexter Providence.

Alfred A. PtEEd, Jr Providence.

John H. Barden Pockland.

NEW YORK.

Horatio Seymour Utica.

Robert B. Roosevelt New York Git}-.

Edward M. Smith Rochester.

36

MICHIGAN.

J. J. Bagley Detroit.

George H. Jerome N iles.

George Clark Ecorse.

NEW JERSEY".

J. E. Shotwell liah way .

G. A. Anderson Trenton.

VIRGINIA.

William B. Ball Mid Lothian.

Asa Wall Winchester.

ALABAMA.

Charles S. D. Doster Monlgomer}-.

Egbert Tyler Mon tgo mei-y .

D. E. Huntley Courtland.

CALIFORNIA.

S. E. Throckmorton San Francisco.

B. B. Eedding.... San Francisco.

J. D. Farwell San Frimcisco.

PENNSYLVANIA.

H. J. Eeh)ER Easton.

B. L. Hewitt Holiday sburg.

J. DuFFEY Marietta.

OHIO.

John Hussy Lock land.

J. H . Klippart Columbus.

B. T. Sterling Cleveland.

IOWA.

S. B. Evans... Ottumwa.

B. F. Shaw Auamosa.

C. A. Haynes Waterloo.

MINNESOTA.

A. W. Latham Excelsior.

DOMINION OF CANADA.

W . T. W HiTCHER Ottawa.

W. H. Fenning St. John.

(0)

z ■■"■>

REPORT

OP THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OP THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR

THE ^Ei^^ItS 1S7S .A.3Sri3 1877.

/W? 2^// "1

To His Excellency,

William Irwin,

Governor of California :

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California,
appointed under an Act of the Legislature, entitled " An Act to pro-
vide for the restoration and preservation offish in the waters of this
State," approved April second, eighteen hundred and seventy,
respectfully submit their Fourth Biennial Report.

REPORT.

SALMON (SALMO QUINNAT).

Before the discovery of the gold mines in California, nearly all of
the tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers were the
spawning beds of the salmon. Soon after mining commenced the
sediment deposited by gold washing covered the gravel bottoms of
the streams, The fish found no proper place on which to deposit its
eggs, and after three or four years became extinct in those tributaries.
The instinct of the fish leads it to return from the ocean to the stream
in which it was born for purposes of reproduction. If this place, for
any reason, is rendered unfit, it will not seek a new and appropriate
place. In eighteen hundred and fifty the salmon resorted in vast
numbers to the Feather, Yuba, American, Mokolumne, and
Tuolumne Rivers for purposes of spawning, and many places, such
as Salmon Falls, on the American, were named from the abundance
of these fish. On the Yuba River, as late as eighteen hundred
and fifty-three, the miners obtained a large supply of food from
this source. At the present time no salmon enter these streams. It
would be safe to estimate that one-half the streams in this State to
which salmon formerly resorted for spawning, have, for this pur-
pose, been destroyed by mining. As mining is the more important
industry, of course, for this evil there is no remedy, other than by
artificial means to increase the suppl}^ in those tributaries that are
still the resort of these fish. The principal spawning grounds
remaining, are the McCloud, Klamath, Little Sacramento, and Pit
Rivers in the northern part of the State, and the San Joaquin and
Merced in the southern. The short streams entering into the ocean
from the Coast Range of mountains from Point Conception, in lati-
tude 34° 20' north to the boundary of Oregon, are also spawning
grounds for salmon. The fish of the coast streams deposit their eggs
in January and February, during the winter rains, when the streams
are full, while the salmon of the tributaries of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin spawn in August and September, wdien the water is at
its lowest stage. The salmon of the short coast rivers do not average
as large as the Sacramento salmon, but they are probably the same
fish with habits modified to suit the streams to which they resort.

The salmo quinnat readily adapts itself to a life in fresh water, and
reproduces its kind where it has no opportunity to go to the ocean.
When the dams were constructed on the small streams that go to
make the reservoirs of San Andreas and Pillarcitos — which supply
the City of San Francisco with water — as also when the dam was
constructed on the San Leandro, to supply the City of Oakland, the
young of the salmon that had spawned the year previous to the erec-

tion of these dams, remained in the reservoirs and grew to weigh,
frequently, as much as ten pounds; these reproduced until the reser-
voirs have been stocked. As the supply of fish increased the quan-
tities of food lessened, so that the salmon have gradually decreased in
weight until now, after nine years, they do not average more than
two pounds. P^'rom the fact that, when food was in abundance, they
grew to weigh from eight to twelve pounds, and that, as they increased
in numbers, they averaged less in size, but still continued to spawn
and produce young fish, it would seem that the Sacramento salmon
may be successfully introduced into large lakes in the interior of the
continent, where, in consequence of dams or other obstructions, they
would be prevented from reaching tlie ocean. The history of this
fish in these small reservoirs shows, that all that is requisite for their
successful increase is the abundant supply of food, to be found in
larger bodies of fresh water. Salmon, fully mature, weighing two
pounds, and filled with ripe eggs, were taken, in September, eighteen
hundred and seventy-seven, in the waters of San Leandro Reservoir.
These fish were hatched in the stream which supplies the reservoir,
and by no possibility had ever been to the ocean. The San Leandro
is a coast stream, not exceeding fifteen miles in length, and empties
into the Bay of San Francisco. It contains water in the winter and
spring, at which time, before the reservoir was constructed, the sal-
mon sought its sources for the purpose of spawning. There was
never sufficient water in the months of August or September to per-
mit the fish to reach their spawning grounds. After the construction
of the reservoir, large numbers of salmon that came in from the
ocean in January and February were caught at the foot of the dam
and transported alive and placed in the reservoir above. The
descendants of these fish thus detained in fresh water and not per-
mitted to go to the ocean, have so far modified the habits of their
ancestors that they now spawn in September, instead of in January
and February. Inasmuch as these fish spawn in the McCloud, in
the headwaters of the Sacramento, and at the sources of the San
Joaquin, in the Sierra Nevada, in September, and in the short coast
range rivers, in January and February, and as, when changed to
other waters, their eggs ripen at a time when the conditions of their
new homes are most favorable for reproduction, they show a plastic
adaptability, looking to their future distribution, of much practical,
as well as scientific, importance.

The statistics hereafter given of the temperature of the water
through which the Sacramento and San Joaquin salmon pass to reach
their spawning grounds, show that they swim for hundreds of miles
through the second hottest valley in the United States, during the hot-
test portion of the year, where the mean temperature of the air is 92°
Fahrenheit, and of the water, 75°. These statistics have been obtained
from the record kept by the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and are
for the months of August and September of the years eighteen hun-
dred and seventy-five, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, and eighteen
hundred and seventy-seven. They are of importance as showing
that the Sacramento salmon will enter rivers for spawning purposes,
where the water is so warm that the eastern salmon {sahno salar), if
it were to meet it, would turn back to the ocean. They are also
of importance as illustrating the probability that there are many
streams on the Atlantic Coast, from the Potomac to the Rio Grande,
into which this fish could be successfully introduced.

Mr. Livingston Stone, Deputy United States Fish Commissioner,
in charge of the government liatching establishment on the McCloud
River, reports officially that, in his opinion, all of the salmon of that
river die after depositing their spawn. This is possibly true, but it
does not account for the fact, that in the spawning season the
McCloud contains grilse and hsh evidently of three, four, and five
years old, unless we are to imagine that some salmon, after being
hatched and going to the ocean, remain there two, three, or more
years without returning to the parent stream for purposes of spawn-
ing. Beyond doubt the salmon that spawn in the coast streams go
back to the ocean, as they are frequently taken in the lagoons at the
mouths of these rivers on their return. Somewhere on the tributa-
ries of the Sacramento or San Joaquin, there are salmon that do not
die after the act of spawning, for they are frequently taken in the
nets of the fishermen in the brackish waters at Collinsville and liio
Vista, on their return from their spawning grounds. If it were the
fact that the Sacramento salmon so widely differed from other fish
that it spawned but once and then died, it would detract from its
value. This subject is one of importance, but at present the facts
are so obscure that we have made considerable effort to obtain the
opinions and the result of the observations of the men who are prac-
tically engaged in the taking of salmon in the Sacramento River.

The following, from the letter of a fisherman who has pursued the
business of taking salmon for the San Francisco market during more
than fifteen years, gives some facts and his theory, based on his
observations. In reply to an inquiry on the subject, he says: "As to
the return of the seed salmon to the sea after depositing the spawn, I
am inclined to the opinion of Mr. Stone, so far as the greater part of
the female fish is concerned. I think very few of these, but many,
though not all, of the males return. I should judge that five per cent.
of females and twenty per cent, of males might be an approximation.
I express this opinion diffidentl3^ It is based on the style of fish caught
in the lower part of the river (from Sacramento to Collinsville).
After about the twentieth of September, of the fish then dropping
down the nets catch but few, for the reason that the net is drifting
with the current, and the fish are doing the same thing, and in con-
sequence, as a rule, the two do not come together, and the greater
part of the return fish escape. When the run is upward, the net
drifts with the current, and the fish swim against it, and the rule is
reversed. The percentage named above is not that of return fish
caught, but of fish that I estimate may have returned, judging by the
very few return fish that are caught. It is a very cloudy subject to all
fishermen. I have heard perhaps a thousand discussions on the river,
at all times of day and night, at the head of the ' drift,' among men of
the largest experience — men right in the teeth of the business — men
born to a boat and net, and grow^n gray and grizzled in their use —
upon the jjoint you raise, and the average conclusion always was that
nobody quite knew how it was. Of one thing I am convinced, to
wit, that return fish need no protection from the drifting gill net.
Not one fish in ten could be caught in that way. No such thing as a
run of salmon down the river ever occurs. The normal position of
salmon is head to the current. Though drifting with the current,
his head is toward it. In the light (or darkness) of these facts, you
see how difficult it is to say, positively, wdiat proportion of these fish
that have delivered seed, return to the ocean. No man can say posi-

8

tively that the mass do not return. That some return is beyond
doubt of a reasonable nature. If they all perish, it is certain that
many survive long enough to reach the fishing grounds lying in the
bays nearest the ocean. But I fail to see why the value of the Cali-
fornia salmon is affected by the fact (if it is a fact), that the fish never
spawn but once. I have a theory of the salmon of this river. It
may not be scientific, but it is mine, and I can give reasons for it.
It is this : the female salmon seldom or never spawns but once. The
exceptions to the rule, if any, are few, and the second product of
these exceptions is found in a salmon differing slightly from the mass
of fish found in the river. A goodly, though not the larger part of
the male salmon that have assisted in reproduction, return to the
ocean and 'live long and grow broad,' and return to the river many
times. On their return these fish constitute that class far above the
average size. They reach thirty, forty, fifty, and even a greater num-
ber of pounds in weight, while the average weight for which our
meshes are sized is from sixteen to twentj^ pounds. The female spawn
is not ripe for delivery, nor the male fish sufficiently mature for milt-
ing, until they have made repeated trips between the ocean and the
river. The yearly broods return periodically and in regular cycles ; the
youngest fishes arrive earliest in the season, which begins about the
first of November, and do not penetrate far the first time. In the
order of their birth, the other broods arrive and return to the sea,
until in August and September, the great seed run, consisting of
mature fish, always on time, always urgent in their movements and
purposes, passes up to the headwaters. Salmon of different ages are
always coming in and going out to the sea. The older the fish the
longer his stay in fresh water. The younger the fish (after he once
leaves for the ocean), the more of flirting about the bays and brack-
ish water near the mouths of the river, with short excursions up the
river. The foregoing is the outline of a theory, though it is derived
from, and apparently justified by, known truths in the history of the
Sacramento salmon during the last twenty years. I believe it to be
correct; that is to say, that in any year representations of the brood
of any other year not yet extinct, enter the river, and that not one-
fifth of the fish that enter the river in any given year go to the head-
waters that year, but that more than four-fifths return to the ocean,
and, consequently, that of all the fish that come in to the river each
year, but about one-fifth go to the headwaters for purposes of repro-
duction."

The habits of the Sacramento salmon, while on their spawning
grounds in the McCloud River, have been closely observed by Deputy
United States Fish Commissioner Livingston Stone, and the result
of his investigations has been published by Congress in the Report
of the United States Fish Commissioner Spencer F. Baird. But little
is known of their habits while in the ocean. They probably feed on
shoals not many miles from the shore. They are occasionally taken
in the nets of fishermen in the ocean not far from the Golden Gate.
Many grilse, and a few mature fish, make their appearance in the
bay of San Francisco in December and remain several weeks feed-
ing upon smelts and other small fish. During this period thousands
are taken with hook and bait on lines from the Oakland pier and
other wharves. Many more are also taken in the nets of fishermen.
After leaving the salt water of the bay they go to the brackish waters
where the currents of the Sacramento and San Joaquin meet the

tide from the ocean. After entering the fresh water of the river they
cease to feed. No food has ever been found in all the tens of thou-
sands caught in the Sacramento. As it is of importance to obtain a
knowledge of the habits of the salmon while it remains at the mouths
of the rivers, playing back and forth between brackish and fresh
water, before it makes its long and perilous journey to the head of
the stream, we select from our correspondence extracts from a letter
from Mr. Samuel N. Norton, of Rio Vista. Mr. Norton is a practical
fisherman of many years experience, and the record of his close
observation is of much value. He says : " I will give you a synopsis
of one year's trip with the salmon, showing the general habits of the
fish in all years while remaining in or passing through that part of
the Sacramento River lying between its mouths and the point where
the Feather River empties into it. For this purpose the Georgiana
Slough, the Three-mile Slough around the head of Sherman Island,
the San Joaquin River between these sloughs and the bay, and the
Montezuma Slough leading into the northern arm of Suisun Bay from
the Sacramento River, are considered as mouths of the river with
like functions and processes as the main trunk of the river. Indeed,
some of the best fishing ground, at certain seasons, is found in the
Montezuma, Three-Mile and San Joaquin. To commence with an
anachronism, the spring run begins in the fall ! In November and
December a very few small (as fishermen use the word-ysay twelve
or fourteen pounds each) bright salmon appear in the_ river, and if
no rains occur, or only slight rains, an increase in their numbers is
noticed, yet they are always very scarce in those months. There are
never enough to half supply the local demand of the San Francisco
and other home markets. At first, in November, we pick up occa-
sionally on their return, the last dregs of the old seed run which
occurred during August and September. These are usually male
fish, very dark, ill-conditioned, lank-jawed, disconsolate looking fel-
lows, who through misfortune, incompetency or other cause, — to me
not more than presumable, — seemed to have failed in their mission
up the river, or to have fallen into disgrace. The last of these soon dis-
appear. The bright ones are the avant couriers of the great spring run,
which thus, as I said, begins in the fall. With the first heavy rains
tlie fish that have penetrated the river recede, or as we say, back
down before the thick muddy stream, retreat to tide-water in the
bays and remain there reconnoitering and waiting a steady river
current. Now is the time for good fishing in the bay and just in the
mouths of the river. The fish" are not very plentiful, but none being
caught within the river proper, thereis a great demand and great
price against a small area of fishing ground, where all that
had before penetrated the river are now concentrated. When
the river becomes steady, that is, neither rising nor falling, the fish
start up again, no matter how high the water may be, and by the
varying moods of the river in sudden rise or fall, is the spring run
mainly governed. Sudden rise or fall alike will check theni. Thus
it often happens that for many weeks the fish will be taken in num-
bers at Benicia and Collinsville, in smaller numbers at Rio Vista,
and none at all farther up. Again, there have been seasons when a
steady run commenced in the early part of January, and by an
almost uniform rate of increase reached its culmination in May.
But this is exceptional. The spring run may be stated as commenc-

2-n

10

ing in November and ending in July, and having its greatest strength
in May. Under the most favorable conditions the months of Novem-
ber and December might be classed 'very scarce;' January and
February, 'scarce;' March, 'not scarce;' April, 'plenty;' May,
'very plenty;' June, 'not scarce;' July, 'scarce.' Under unfavor-
able conditions, November, December, January, and February would
have almost none at all; March, 'scarce;' April, 'not scarce;' May,
'plenty;' June, 'scarce;' July, 'almost none at all.' In defining the
terms here adopted, let them be applied to the product of the labor
of two men with their boat and net per day: 'Almost none at all'
would mean two fish per week; ' verj'' scarce,' two fish per day;
'scarce,' six fish per day; 'not scarce,' eighteen per day; 'plenty,'
thirty-six per day ; ' very plenty,' seventy-two per day. There are times
in the hight of the run, when a greater number than is here named
might be caught with ease, but these are exceptional. In the great
run three years ago, three hundred salmon per day might be caught
with ease ; but in no other year, since the Anglo-American occupation,
has there been such a run. It must not be understood that salmon
can be caught at all times by fishing for them, even in the most
limited numbers above stated. There are times when one could not
be caught in a month, if life were at stake upon it. I only intend
to give a fair idea of the average business. You will readily deduce
from it that there are not more than two months, during the spring run,
when fish can be caught in excess of the demand for home consump-
tion. After the subsidence of the spring run in July they are often
found in great numbers near the confluence of the I eather River with
the Sacramento. They have a taste for variety, it would seem, and the
marked difference betw^een the cool, muddj^ water of the former and
the warmer, limpid and clear stream of the latter, afibrds them great
satisfaction. During the first half of August the mature seed fish start
for the spawning grounds. All along the line, from the ocean to the
most advanced posts along the river, the word (if fishes have words — if
not, then wag) is onward and upward. They are on business, and on
time ; they do not shy much, nor stop for trifles ; they rush at a drift-
ing gill net determined to do or die, and of course generally die, if
the net is sound. The run of August and September I have before
described. As for the few belated fellows that are about in October,
they might as well be caught as not — and so, my year is out."

At the time our last report was made, Mr. Charles Crocker had
requested us to cause to be hatched, at his expense, and placed in
streams that do not reach the ocean, a half million of Sacramento
salmon. One half of these we determined to put in Kern River,
which empties into Buena Vista and Tulare Lakes, and the other
half in the Truckee River, which empties into Pyramid Lake, in the
State of Nevada. The quarter of a million of eggs sent to Kern
River, where their hatching was to be completed, unfortunately were
lost. At the point on the river selected for hatching, the water con-
tains too much alkali, it is supposed, and all the eggs died within
twenty-four hours from the time they were placed in the hatching
troughs. The other quarter of a million sent to the Truckee, were
successfully hatched out and turned into that stream. They will go
to Pyramid Lake the present season. They should return during the
summer of 1878, and we are confident they will be taken in the
Truckee weighing five or six pounds. Pyramid Lake is a body of
water forty miles long and averaging ten miles in width, and has no

11

outlet. It contains an abundance of food. This experiment will
demonstrate how large the Sacramento salmon will grow, with plenty
of food, when confined entirely to fresh water.

Since the organization of the Commission, we have caused to be
hatched and placed in the streams of this State eight million three
hundred and fifty thousand young salmon. These include one
million paid for in eighteen hundred and seventy-five, and presented
by ex-Governor Leland Stanford. As the salmon is our most import-
ant food fish, we deemed it of the greatest importance to keep up the
supplj^ The numbers of fishermen are yearly increasing, as are also
the numbers of persons wlio are consuming the fish. As railroad
facilities are increased, and reach new points, the market becomes
extended. The sea lions and seals at the outlet of the bay, being
preserved and protected by law, are also increasing. They now num-
ber thousands, and as each requires from ten to thirty pounds of fish
daily, it was a serious question whether we could keep up the supply
by the addition of two and a half million artificially hatched each
year. Since our last report, a salmon " cannery " has been estab-
lished on the Sacramento, at Collinsville, and another opposite the
City of Sacramento. This Collinsville canning establishment reports
as having canned this year eight thousand five hundred and forty-
two cases, of four dozen cans in a case, equivalent to thirty-four
thousand one hundred and sixty-eight fish, weighing five hundred
and forty-six thousand six hundred and eighty-eight pounds.

Under the enlightened superintendence of Professor Spencer F.
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, the Sacramento_ salmon is
being widely distributed to streams throughout the United States.
The government establishment on the McCloud River annually
hatches from six to ten million eggs. These are distributed to all
States having appropriate waters, whose Legislatures have appointed
Fish Commissioners. From this source the State of California has
received, as a donation, a half million fish each year since eighteen
hundred and seventy-four. In addition, we have expended a large
part of our appropriation annually, in payment for the hatching of
one or two million young fish, which, through the kindness of Pro-
fessor Baird, have been furnished at the actual cost of hatching.
The introduction of more than eight million young salmon into the
headwaters of the Sacramento, since the organization of the Com-
mission, in addition to the natural increase, has had the effect to
keep up the supply, and reduce the local market price of these fish.
It is reported that the " cannery " at Collinsville has purchased all
the salmon it could consume during the past season at from twenty-
five to forty cents each.

Over-fishing, the absence of any close season, and no effort at arti-
ficial increase, has at last had an effect on the salmon of the Colum-
bia River, in Oregon, and complaint is made that this river, once
thought inexhaustible, has begun to fail in its accustomed supply.
This decrease has been so marked during the season that the " can-
ners" have been compelled to pay from thirty to fifty cents each for
salmon. In the absence of legislation, the canning compani3s on
this river have subscribed twenty thousand dollars, which have been
placed under the control of Mr. Livingston Stone, Deputy United
States Fish Commissioner, to be expended in artificial hatching, and
restocking that stream. Fortunately, intelligent legislation in Cali-
fornia made provision for continuing the supply of fish in the Sacra-

12

mento before there was any marked decrease by over-fishing. It is
not disputed that the sahnon were more numerous in the Sacramento
before their spawning grounds on the American, Yuba, Feather, and
other rivers had been destroyed by mining. After the fisli were
destroyed in these tributaries, the supply of the State had to come
from the other tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, on
which there was no mining, and these latter streams furnished the
normal supply. Before these became exhausted, the natural increase
was supplemented by artificial hatching.

In this connection a fact, of much i)ractical as well as scien-
tific importance, may be stated as showing the advantages in
numbers to be obtained by artificial hatching in comparison
with the increase by natural methods. In eighteen hundred
and seventy-six, Mr. Myron Green, foreman for Mr. Livingston
Stone, United States Deputy Fish Commissioner, at the McCloud
River, having observed in the river a favorite gravel bed where
many salmon were depositing their eggs, carefully dug up the
gravel and several thousand eggs. He separated the eggs from the
gravel and placed the former, after counting them, in the hatching
boxes. After twenty-four hours he found large numbers of these
eggs turning white, showing that the milt had failed to come in con-
tact with the eggs. After throwing out all the eggs found not to be
fecund, there were left eight per cent, of the whole number gathered,
which were found to be fertile. When the eggs arid milt are arti-
ficially brought in contact out of the water, it would be carelessness
or inexperience that would prevent ninety-five per cent, of the eggs
from being fertilized.

The following tables will show the numbers and weight of salmon
transported on the railroads and steamboats from the Sacramento
and San Joaquin Rivers to the Cities of San Francisco and Stockton,
from points on the river below the Cities of Sacramento and Stock-
ton, from November first, eighteen hundred and seventy-five, to
August first, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, and from Novem-
ber first, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, to August first, eigiit-
een hundred and seventy-seven. They do not include the catch of
the fisheries at Tehama or near the mouth of the Feather River, nor
do they include the fish taken on the upper waters of the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin, nor the salmon brought to market by fish-
ermen in their own boats; therefore, to the totals should be added
at least twenty-five per cent, to show an approximation of the actual
catch :

13

STATEMENT

Of salmon transported from the folloiving stations on the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers to San Franciseo and Sacramento, from Novem-
ber 1st, 1S75, to August 1st, 1876.

From the following Stations to San Francisco :

CoUinsville, New York of Pacific, Rio Vista, Emmatoii , Jersey La7iding, Antioch, Benicia, Clarks-
burgh, Courtland, Martinez, Kentucky, Bradford, Sacramento, Vatlejo, and Webbs.

127,843 loose salmon, weighing 3,196,075 R)S.

2,433 boxes of salmon, weighing 486,030 ft)s.

3,118 sacks and baskets of salmon, weighing 311,800 lbs.

158 barrels of cured salmon, weighing 31,600 tbs.

512 barrels and boxes of smoked and dried salmon, weighing 102,044 fts.

Total 4,128,149 lbs.

From the following Stations to Sacramento :

Courtland, Benicia, Rio Vista, CoUinsville, Emniaton, and Clarksburgh.

'1,116 loose salmon, weighing 29,150 lbs.

106 baskets and sacks of salmon, weighing 10,600 lbs.

53 barrels of salmon, weighing 12,850 lbs.

414 boxes of salmon, weighing 57,440 tbs.

From Antioch to Stockton.

70 loose salmon, weighing 1,750 lbs.

46 boxes of salmon, weighing 9,200 lbs.

Total weight of salmon 4,249,139 lbs.

Number of Sturgeon.
5,466 loose sturgeon 274,375 lbs,

STATEMENT

Of salmon transported from the folloiving stations on the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers to San Francisco and Sacramento, from Novem-
ber 1st. 1876, to August 1st, 1877.

From the following Stations to San Francisco :

CoUinsville, Neio York of Pacific, Rio Vista, Evimaton, Jersey Landing, Antioch, Benicia, Clarks-
burgh, Courtland, Martinez, Kentucky, Bradford, Sacramento, Vallejo, and Webbs.

143,998 loose salmon, weighing 3,599,950 lbs.

1,903 boxes of salmon, weighing 384,300 lbs.

3,454 sacks and baskets of salmon, weighing 345,400 lbs.

128 barrels of cured salmon, weighing 25,600 lbs.

653 barrels and boxes of smoked and dried salmon, weighing 132,788 lbs.

8,542 boxes canned salmon, weighing — 546,688 lbs.

Total 5,034,726 lbs.

From the following Stations to Sacramento :

Courtland, Benicia, Rio Vista, CoUinsville, Emmaton, and Clarksburgh.

1,511 loose salmon, weighing 37,775 lbs.

208 baskets of salmon, weighing 20,800 lbs.

414 boxes of salmon, weighing 74,350 lbs.

47 barrels of salmon, weighing 11,950 lbs.

From Antioch to Stockton.

106 loose salmon, weighing 2,650 lbs.

63 boxes of salmon, weighing 12,600 lbs.

Total weight of salmon 5,194,851 lbs.

Number of Sturgeon.
5,913 loose sturgeon, weighing 295,650 lbs.

/

14

In our last report, after adding twenty-five per cent, to the state-
ments of tlie catch which we obtained, we showed the total weight as
transported from tlie same places, from November first, eigliteen
hundred and seventy-four, to August, first, eighteen hundred and
seventy-five, to be five million ninety-eight thousand seven hun-
dred and eighty-one pounds. Adding the same percentage to the
totals in the above taljles, and they show the catch from November
first, eighteen hundred and seventv-five to August first, eighteen
hundred and seventy-six, to be five million three hundred and
eleven thousand four hundred and twenty-three pounds, and from
November first, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, to August first,
eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, six million four hundred and
ninety-three thousand five hundred and sixty-three pounds.

This shows a gain of more than a million of pounds in the legal
catch over any year since the organization of the Commission, and
may be ascribed to the fact that our waters are now beginning to
feel the beneficial effects of the millions of salmon hatched arti-
ficially and turned into the headwaters. We have no means of
ascertaining the weight of fish taken out of season, but estimate that
between August first and November first of this year, not less than
two million pounds were taken in defiance of law.

CLOSE SEASON FOR SALMON.

We are informed that a determined effort will be made to induce
the Legislature to alter the time of the close season, so that fishing
for salmon may be permitted in August and September, and that the
close season may be changed from these months to July. With this
object in view, it is reported that the proprietors of the present " can-
neries " and capitalists, who have in contemplation the construction
of other " canneries," have been obtaining the evidence of fishermen,
to present to the Legislature, to show that July is the proper month
when fishing should not be permitted.

As we have shown, in July the spring run of fish has about ceased
and the fall run but commencing. It is one of the months when
fish are most scarce. To permit unlimited fishing during all the
months in the year except July would have the effect of exhausting
our rivers of salmon within ten years. It is a simple proposition
that if some of the ripe fish are not permitted to reach their spawn-
ing grounds, they cannot reproduce naturally, neither can the United
States nor the State obtain eggs from which to restock the river by
artificial hatching. One of the fishermen who was approached with
the object of obtaining his testimony in favor of a change to July,
wrote "to the Commissioners September thirtieth, as follows: "The
close season should never, on any possible pretense or persuasion, be
pressed outside the months of August and September to give oppor-
tunity for fishing in those months. Right there is the life of the
matter. The regularity, the multitudes and urgency of the seed run,
the consequent ease and certainty of the catch, the fine weather for
work, all present a weighty temptation to both catcher and canner."
The object of a close season is, that some of the fish may be permitted
to reach the headwaters to spawn. If they are not allowed to do so
the race will soon be extinct. Cupidity and desire for immediate
profit should not be permitted to influence legislation with the ulti-

15

mate result of the extinction of the last fish. The interest of the
public is that the fish be continued in the river. A. change in the
law that will omit August and September from the close season can-
not but result in material and permanent injury.

TEMPERATURE OF AIR AND WATER.

The following statistics will be found of niuch importance. They
exhibit the temperature of the water and air at two stations, each on
the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, taken for three years dur-
ing the months the great army of salmon are passing up to their
spawning grounds. They will show conclusively that the Sacra-
mento salmon lives for weeks, if not months, in water much warmer
than any other fish of the same family. They also show the strong
probability that these fish may be successfully introduced into rivers
in still lower latitudes than those of which they are native — without
doubt into the waters that flow into the Gulf of Mexico, and with
many prospects of success into the riVers of Europe emptying into
the Mediterranean :

16

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cS .S ID

18

ILLEGAL FISHING.

There is a prevalent opinion throughout the State, that it is the
especial duty of the Fish Commissioners to act as local police in
each neighborhood and prevent violations of the law in relation to
fishing during the close season. Much time is consumed in answer-
ing questions on this subject, and informing correspondents by letter
that it is the duty of every citizen to see that the law is obeyed. We
believe the law which prohibits the catching or having in possession
salmon from August first to November first has been more exten-
sively violated during the present year than ever before. It is true
the fish are not sold openly in the city markets, but we are informed
that the fishermen have erected salting establishments and smoke-
houses in various by-places on the sloughs between the Sacramento
and San Joaquin, where the work of salting and smoking has been
prosecuted more extensively than in any previous j^ear. We learned
that the canning establishment of Messrs. Emerson Corville & Co.,
at Collinsville, only made a pretense of ceasing work on the first of
August, and that they secretly persisted in violating the law. We
caused them to be arrested and fined, upon which they quit work
and promised hereafter to obey the law. The canning establishment
near Sacramento was also reported as at work during the close sea-
son. The proprietors have been indicted by the Grand Jury of Sac-
ramento, and will be fined, if found guilty, during the next term of
Court. It is well known that salmon, during the spawning season,
are unfit for food. The fish canned, salted, or smoked at this period,
if consumed or sold, will have the effect of giving the Sacramento sal-
mon a bad reputation in the market. For this reason the " canners"
on the Columbia River cease work on the first of August in their
own interest, and without any requirement of law. It is useless for
the State to hatch fish and turn them into the river if there isno
time in the year when they are permitted to reach their spawning
grounds for purposes of reproduction. It would seem that when the
State expends money in filling the river with valuable fish for the
benefit of the public, and especially for the benefit of fishermen,
that there should be sufficient intelligence and public spirit among
local officers and the fishermen themselves to see the law obeyed and
give the fish an opportunity to keep up the supply. If the Commis-
sioners are to expend the appropriation in prosecuting violations of
the law there will be no money to pay for the hatching of additional
fish. Many of the fishermen acknowledge the Justice and ultimate
benefit of an observance of the law, and obey it, but very properly
complain that their work ceases, while those who violate it reap a
greater benefit.

The following extracts from a letter received by the Commissioners
from a fisherman who has followed the business of catching salmon
on the Sacramento and San Joaquin for the San Francisco market
during twenty years, will illustrate that, at least, the more intelligent
and thoughtful of these men acknowledge the necessity of an observ-
ance of the law. His letter also gives facts of importance as to the
habits of the Sacramento salmon. Writing from Rio Vista, August
17th, 1877, he says: "I understand the 'cannery' has shut down,
but the greed for salmon is so great, I would not trust them without
watching. As to the fishermen, they will be salting them all along
the banks of the Sacramento and Lower San Joaquin (as far up as

19

the mouth of the Mokelumne) unless especial means are taken to pre-
vent it. The Three-mile Slough, leading from one river to the other,
around the head of Sherman Island, is also fine fishing ground, and
more retired from public observation than any other. Many of the
fishermen started off" with their tanks, etc., the very day the ' can-
nery' was reported to have stopped. Many of them are energetic,
restless men, and the idea of doing something sly or contrary to law
gives zest to their labor. Right here where I write a few boards have
been thrown up shed-fashion by a party I need not now name. You
may well believe salted salmon will be under it if some stranger does
not prevent it. You may rest assured that the people who reside
here will not be known as the initial instruments in punishing any-
one for the violation of the salmon laws, although there are many
who feel it ought to be respected. No doubt, public feeling and prac-
tice will occupy about the same status at Collinsville and wherever
salmon fishing is a business. As I wrote to you the other day, now
(August) is the time to protect the salmon. In review of long expe-
rience and observation I opine that of all the salmon passing in the
months of August, September and October, more than ninety per
cent, pass between August tenth and October first. The seed run is
always on time, not being like the spring run, accelerated or retarded
by the differing moods of the river, caused by the winter and spring
rains. If during the last named period (August tenth to October first)
the law were rigidly enforced, you would find seed enough for home
use and a good part of all creation beside. Indeed,' I think that one
month out of the thickest of them, say August twentieth to September
twentieth, would be quite sufficient, and therein I differ with you in
opinion, no doubt. But you have not, perhaps, observed in person, as
I have, the multitudes and urgency of the run at that time ; and this
is almostt^uniform — it has not varied in time ten days in twenty
years. Now, during the period of four or six weeks, the State, in
view of the magnitude of the producing interest involved, ought
surely to provide beyond peradventure for the enforcement of the
law. The^statute names the taking or possession of salmon a crime,
but in the public mind this crime is only an illegal act. You cannot
force sentiment by act of the Legislature. The absence of sentiment
excuses the citizens' apathy, and between ignorance and cupiditj^ the
salmon will suffer unless special agents of the State do for the public
what the public have not yet quite learned they ought to do for
themselves. Strangers are the best agents for this business. Citizens
living in a fishing neighborhood do not feel like subjecting them-
selves to the enmity and revenge of a rough class by complaint.
x\nd, again, in this salting business, the criminal acts are beyond
observation, except by express intention, as the fish are caught chiefly
in the night, and the salteries are usually situated away from public
highways and thoroughfares."

We have expended a part of the appropriation in prosecuting
offenders against the law, but the field is so large and the profit so
great, that but little good has been accomplished. The more fish
hatched and placed in the river, the more numerous the fishermen,
and the greater, apparently, the desire to make a profit from a viola-
tion of the law. As has been stated, unless the fish are allowed, in
their season, to reach their spawning grounds, the rivers will be
exhausted Until the fishermen realize that the object of the law in
creating a close season is the perpetuation and increase of the num-

20

oers of tish, the law will continue to be violated. We see no remedy
at present except, hereafter, to devote a larger portion of the appro-
priation in preventing illegal fishing, and in prosecuting offenders
against the law. This will require the use of a part of the appro-
priation which should be devoted to increasing the number of fish
placed in the river. If it is expected that the Commission shall
employ special means to enforce an observance of the law, and also
employ attorneys to prosecute oft'enders, it is necessary that the
appropriation should be increased. It is not now sufiicient for these
purposes, and also for the hatching of any large quantity of salmon
with which to keep pace with increased fishing and the increasing-
numbers of sea lions. We have consulted with many of the fisher-
men, and they admit that the law creating a close season should be
obeyed, provided all be made to obey it. It is but proper to say,
however, that they, at the same time, urge that the close season for
salmon (August first to November first) is too long a period. In cor-
respondence with one of these men, who has made a business of fish-
ing for salmon on the Sacramento and San Joaquin for many years
past, as to the necessity for an observance of the law, he says: "I do
not wish to be known as urging the enforcement of the law, or as a
special informer against any party who has violated it. Mj^ reasons
for this reservation affect alike my own peace and safety and that of
many persons whom, I know, have no worse intention than to earn
a living and obey the law, provided that others, less honest, are pre-
vented from violating it with impunity. Your idea of a patrol boat,
or boats, with officers, is the correct one, and I firmly believe that if,
by this or other means, the prohibition were strictly maintained
from Benicia upward, wherever there are practical fishing grounds,
during the period of one month at the right time, that the perpetua-
tion of salmon in our rivers would be abundantly secured. Between
the tenth of August and first of October more than ninety per cent,
of the seed run passes, and has not failed to pass, during twenty
years of my observation. If the whole of the seed run is not wanted
for seed, they ought not to be so used, for the fish is just as good food
then as at any other time, only the wastage is something more, the
spawn being larger. On the Columbia River I understand that the
fall run is almost or quite w^orthless. Not so on the Sacramento.
Well, we may be proud of our river; it is the paradise of the sal-
mon, and they seem determined to resist the devils — who also seem
determined to drive them out — better than could be expected ; but
they will need help in the future. The nets for taking them are
being multii^lied and improved. The fishing grounds are better
known than formerly. Such obstructions as snags in the river bot-
tom are less common — many of them having been broken off" or
taken up by the nets and put out of the way, or covered by sedi-
ment, so that a wider and longer sweep may be taken by the drifting
net. Altogether, the salmon is sure to be exterminated, fight he ever
so persistently, unless we help him. Surely the State can afi'ord to
guard him effectually one month in the year. The cupidity of the
fish speculator, who only cares for the greatest number of cases he
can pack and ship, should not be allowed to influence the statement
of that time. Let it be somewhere between the tenth of August and
the first of October. By the way, it seems to me that at the extreme
upper waters, on the spawning grounds, the fish should be protected
during their entire stay, excepting as needed solely for the purpose

21

of artificial hatching. But of this you are a better judge than I can
be."

While not agreeing with this intelligent fisherman as to the pro-
priety of shortening the close season, we fully concur as to the
absolute necessity of a patrol to prevent unlawful fishing while the
salmon are passing up to their spawning grounds. We also concur
in his suggestion that the salmon should be protected on their breed-
ing beds. The most important spawning ground left in this State is
the McCloud River, in Shasta County. Its banks are mainly com-
posed of lava and limestone, and, so far as known, they contain no
mines. By some inadvertence or intentional manipulation, this
county was exempted from the law creating a close season for salmon,
and the fish are persistently taken in this county for market, while
ill the act of reproduction on their spaw^ning beds. We respectfully
urge that Shasta County be reincorporated in the law, and that no
salmon be allowed to be taken there during the close season, except
for purposes of artificial propagation.

The Chinese and others continue to use nets of a mesh much finer
than is allowed by law, and the young of all kinds of salt water fish
that spawn in the bays and estuaries, are persistently caught, dried,
and shipped to China. The records of the Custom House show that
there were shipped to China, from San Francisco, during the year
ending July first, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, dried fish
and dried shell fish valued at two hundred and ninety-three thousand
nine hundred and seventy-one dollars.

We have caused several arrests to be made for violations of this
law, but it is impossible for the Commissioners to act as local police
on all parts of the bay and rivers, and w^e see no remedy except in
increasing the penalties for violations of the law, involving even, if
necessary, the destruction of the nets, when used out of season.
Unless in some way the wise provisions of the statute are compelled
to be observed, we can see no reason why our present abundance of
fish will not decrease, as they have decreased in other States, in con-
sequence of the disregard of w^ise enactments made for their preserva-
tion and increase. Ordinarily salmon should reach their spawning
grounds on the McCloud and Little Sacramento by the twentieth of
August. As will be seen by the statistics heretofore stated, the catch
was never so great as during the past fishing season. At the com-
mencement of the close season, August first, the river was filled with
fish, yet they were not permitted to reach their spawning places.
Mr. Myron Green, the deputy in charge of the United States fish
hatching establishment on the McCloud, reported, September
fifteenth, that there were ten salmon in the McCloud in eighteen
hundred and seventy-six to one in eighteen hundred and seventy-
seven. Up to that time but five million eggs had been taken, _whi_le
nearly ten million had been taken in a corresponding period in
eighteen hundred and seventy-six. The fish were in the Lower
Sacramento more numerous than ever before, but they were caught,
canned, salted, and smoked, in defiance of the law. It is estimated
that the "canneries" took fifty thousand after the first of August,
and that there were salted and smoked on the banks of the sloughs
and other by-places, at least one hundred thousand more. If this is
to continue,' the Government hatching works will have to be removed
to the Columbia, and we will be compelled to import eggs from some

22

other State, even to keep up a partial supply of salmon in the Sacra-
mento River.

In addition to making the penalties more severe for violations of
the law, we would recommend that the law be so amended that it
shall be made a misdemeanor to fish for salmon with nets or traps
between sunset on Saturday and sunrise on Monday of each week.
This would give the salmon the freedom of the river one day in the
week, do no injury to the fishermen, and go far towards continuing
the supply in our rivers.

SHAD (ALOSA PR^STABILIS).

Shad, in their season, are becoming quite nurnerous in the Sacra-
mento River. The experiment of their importation to this coast has
resulted satisfactorily. The river is of proper temperature, and fur-
nishes an abundance of food for the young fish before they go to the
ocean. There can be no doubt that the first shad brought from the
Hudson River in eighteen hundred and seventy-one have been
to the ocean, returned and spawned. No shad were placed in the
river during the years eighteen hundred and seventy-four and eight-
een hundred and seventy-five, yet shad two years old were quite
numerous this year, and they must have been the product of the first
importation. It may be safely asserted that we now have shad born
in the Sacramento. As it is illegal to take this fish prior to December
of this year, probably there has been no systematic fishing for them,
yet numbers have been accidentally caught in traps and nets; prob-
ably not less than one thousand were thus taken during the winter
and spring of eighteen hundred and seventy-seven. They return
from the ocean at an earlier season of the year than in the
northern Atlantic States, in this respect corresponding to the periods
when they return to the rivers of South Carolina and Georgia. The
first reported this year were taken in Sonoma Creek, January sixth ;
the latest, two at Sacramento, June twentieth. These latter were full
grown fish, a male and female, on their return to the ocean after hav-
ing visited their spawning grounds. There were placed in the Sacra-
mento River, at Tehama, in eighteen hundred and seventy-one,
fifteen thousand young shad ; in eighteen hundred and seventy-three,
thirty-five thousand ; in eighteen hundred and seventy-six one
hundred and twenty thousand, and in eighteen hundred and
seventy-seven one hundred and fifteen thousand — in all, up to the
present time, two hundred and eighty-five thousand. All of these
were donations from the United States Government, but in some
cases we have paid all, and in others a part of the cost of transporta-
tion. We hoped during the past summer to import at least three
hundred thousand, and had all the arrangements made for this pur-
pose, but failed in consequence of the " railroad strikes," which unfor-
tunately took place at the time the young shad were ready for ship-
ment. We are frequently urged to make larger importations of shad,
and fill the rivers immediately. This is impossible with the appro-
priation at our disposal. The eggs of the shad, after being taken,
are hatched in from twenty -four to forty-eight hours, while floating
in the water, and the young almost immediately require food. From
the Hudson to California in seven days, is the greatest distance and
longest time that young shad have yet been transported. With the
utmost care and attention it is doubtful if they could be kept alive

23

another day. We can, therefore, only receive in one shipment the
eggs of the fish that can be caught in one night's fishing. This rarely
exceeds one hundred thousand. As the cost of the passages of the
necessary attendants from the Atlantic and their return, with
express charges, etc., equals twelve hundred dollars, we have not
felt authorized to make more tlian one importation a year. We
believe, however, that by eighteen hundred and seventy-eight shad
will be sufficiently numerous in the Sacramento to w^arrant the
attempt at taking ripe fish for the purpose of artificial hatching
in our own waters. Should we be successful, w^e can save the
expense and risk of importation, and all our appropriate rivers
can, in a few years, be filled with this valuable fish. Having
this in view, we would respectfully ask that you recommend the pas-
sage of a law restricting the catching of shad at all other times except
between January first and April first, of each year. This, if faithfully
observed, would give a part of the fish an opportunity to reach their
spawning places.

It is well known that salmon, after going to the ocean, invariably
return to the river of their birth for purposes of reproduction, and
this was supposed to be the instinct of the shad, yet we have infor-
mation of a shad having been taken at Wilmington, and others in
Russian River and in the Columbia, points on the coast separated
by more than four hundred miles. It may be possible that as these
fish become more numerous they will return in schools to the Sacra-
mento, the young following their elders who have once made the
journey. Should they continue to enter diff"erent rivers on their
return from the ocean they will soon stock all on the coast that are
appropriate to them.

WHITEFISH (COREGONAS ALBA).

In January last we received from the United States Fish Commis-
sioner a donation of three hundred thousand eggs of the whitefish.
These were successfully hatched under the superintendence of Mr.
J. G. Woodbury, at the State hatching house at Berkeley, and the
young fish were distributed as follow's : Seventy-five thousand in
Donner Lake ; fifty thousand in Sereno and other lakes near the
Summit, in Placer County; and one hundred and seventy-five thou-
sand in Lake Tahoe. Including twenty-five thousand placed in
Clear Lake in eighteen hundred and seventy-three, and twenty-five
thousand in Tulare Lake in eighteen hundred and seventy-five,
there have been planted in the waters of this State three hundred
and fifty thousand of these valuable food fish. We believe they
have lived in Clear Lake, also in Tulare. It was reported in a Lake
County paper, that a whitefish was taken in Clear Lake April tenth,
eighteen hundred and seventy-six, wdiich measured afoot in length.
We have no positive information that they have found a congenial
home in Tulare Lake, but have heard reports that a few have been
seen. As these fish can only be taken with a net, and as these are
rarely used on these lakes, their waters will have an opportunity to
become fully stocked before they are extensively fished. There can
hardly be any doubt but they will succeed in Tahoe and other lakes
near the summit of the Sierra — the climate, water, and food being
not dissimilar to those of Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior, in
which they are indigenous. These fish live upon small Crustacea,

24

found on the rockj- and gravel bottoms of lakes. They grow to
weigh an average of one and a half pounds, and constitute the most
important food fish of the people living near the great lakes. Pro-
fessor Baird, in his report to Congress, says: " Few fishes of North
America will better repay eff"orts for their multiplication." We are
promised a further sujjply of eggs during the present winter, and
shall continue receiving eggs, and hatching and distributing these
fish to all the mountain lakes that are accessible during the winter
months.

CATFISH (PIMELODUS CATTUS).

The seventy-four Schuykill catfish imported in eighteen hun-
dred and seventy-four, and placed in lakes near Sacramento, have
increased to a vast extent. They already furnish an important
addition to the fish food supply of the City of Sacramento and
vicinity. From the increase we have distributed eight thousand four
hundred to appropriate waters, in the Counties of Napa, Monterey,
Los Angeles, Fresno, Tulare, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, Alameda,
San Diego, Yolo, Santa Barbara, and Siskiyou. These, should they
thrive and increase as they have in Sacramento, will furnish an
abundance of valuable food in the warm waters of the lakes and
sloughs of the interior, and replace the bony and worthless chubs
and suckers that now inhabit these places. It may be proper to call
attention to the fact that these fish have become so numerous in the
lakes near Sacramento that they can now be obtained in any quan-
tity for stocking other appropriate waters in any part of the State.

CARP.

In exchange for California trout eggs sent to the Department of
Agriculture of Japan, we received, in May last, eighty-eight Japanese
carp. These were all young fish. We have had them placed in the
aquarium, at Woodward's Garden, where they are regularly fed and
cared for. When they shall have arrived at maturity they will be
placed in some appropriate lake or slough in the interior, and their
increase will be used to stock the warm waters of our valleys. Mr.
Sekizawa Akeiko, of the Agricultural Department of Japan, in
writing to us of these fish, sa3''s: "They grow very fast. In three
years they may be a foot and a half in length. We consider them
one of the best fish in fresh water."

Professor Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, imported from
the headwaters of the Danube a number of the king carp. These
are now breeding in ponds at Druid Hill, near Baltimore. The
increase will be ready for distribution during the coming summer.
We are promised a large consignment. The king carp is considered
the most valuable and delicately flavored food fish of the carp fam-
ily. These and the Japanese carp, when they can be distributed to
all the sloughs, reservoirs, and lakes of the interior, will furnish a
valuable increase of fish food. They will be a very excellent substi-
tute for the worthless and unpalatable fish of the warm waters of the
great valleys in the interior of the State.

25

AWA (CHANOS CYPRINELLA) AND MULLET.

In exchange for some salmon and trout eggs, sent to the Hawaiian
Islands, we received, in July last, nearly one hundred fish called
"awa." These we placed in a small stream at Bridgeport, in Solano
County, where they could have free access to brackish and saltwater.
They are said to be the most valuable food fish of the Hawaiian
Islands, of fine flavor, and thrive in fresh, brackish, and salt water.
Where they have access to salt water, they grow to weigh an average
of five pounds. We have reason to believe they will find congenial
homes, and grow and multiply in the waters of this State. In Decem-
ber, we are promised a consignment of the Hawaiian Islands mullet,
said to be a superior food fish, which also lives equally well in fresh
or salt water.

TROUT.

In January, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, we purchased
one hundred and thirty-three thousand Eastern trout eggs {salmo
fonti7ialis), which, were received in good condition, and hatched at the
State hatching house, at Berkeley. We also purchased forty-five
thousand eggs of the McCloud River trout {salmo irridea), which were
hatched at the same place. The former we caused to be distributed
in proper streams in Siskiyou, Contra Costa, Alameda, Placer,
Nevada, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego,
Yuba, and Santa Clara Counties. The latter in streams in Tulare,
Placer, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Clara, and Monterey Counties.
The McCloud River trout is a valuable fish, of fine flavor, and, often
reaching four pounds in weight. It grows more rapidly than any
other trout with which we are acquainted. No more valuable variety
of trout could be distributed. So many of our streams have been
depleted of trout by mining, sawdust, and illegal fishing, that more
should be done towards restocking them. But the salmon has so
much commercial value, and gives employment to so many people,
that we have felt it to be necessary to devote the greater part of the
appropriation to keeping up the supply of this fish.

BLACK BASS, EELS, AND LOBSTERS, ETC.

The black bass placed in Napa and Alameda Creeks have increased ;
many have been caught, and by June, eighteen hundred and sev-
enty-eight, the young can be planted in other appropriate streams.
It is said that a'few eels have been caught, but they have not become
numerous. We hear reports of a few lobsters having been taken in
the Bay of San Francisco, near Redwood, but none have as yet been
brought to us for identification. It is also reported that tautog have
been seen in the market of San Francisco. A majority of the varie-
ties of fish imported from the Atlantic States have become acclimated,
and are increasing in our waters. If any portion of the appropriation
can be spared from the hatching of salmon, we will make another
attempt at the importation of a car load of lobsters and eels. Suffi-
cient experience has now been had to insure success in bringing
lobsters alive across the continent. Could they be successfully intro-
duced in quantities into the waters of the Pacific Coast they would
be a valuable acquisition to our food supply.
4-(0

26

HATCHING-HOUSE.

We find the State hatching-house, at Berkeley, to be too small for
the quantities of fish required to be hatched. In addition, the sup-
ply of water is uncertain and unreliable. During the last spring the
State nearly suff'ered a serious loss of young fish in consequence of the
failure of water. We are under obligations to Mr. Chabot, of the San
Leandro Water Works, for facilities afforded us in this emergency,
and to our Foreman, Mr. J. G. Woodbury, for his ready resources
and untiring energy in saving the young fish then in the hatching
troughs. Should the Legislature make the necessary appropriation,
we deem it advisable to procure a proper location with an abundant
supply of water on which to erect a larger State hatching-house. •

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES.

We would urge that the fishery interests of this State are so impor-
tant, and are increasing so rapidly, that at each session, the Legislature
will be importuned to make changes in the laws which regulate this
industry. It appears to be, therefore, necessary that each House
should now have a standing committee on fisheries. Such commit-
tees could take testimony which would be valuable, and they could
then prepare intelligent and enlightened legislation, which would
have the effect of continuing and increasing the supply of food fish
in our waters. Other coast States have found this to be not only
necessary but profitable.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.

The following is an account of the receipts and expenditures since
the last report :

RECEIPTS.

August 4, 1875— By cash on hand last report $1,295 42

February 9, 1877 — By cash appropriation for fiscal year : 5,000 00

January 6, 1877 — By cash returned, express on salmon eggs for New Zealand 11 50

February 7, 1877 — By cash returned, express on salmon eggs for New Zealand 13 00

May 31, 1877 — By cash returned, Sportman's Club 2 25

July 10, 1877^ — By cash appropriation for fiscal year 5,000 00

$11,322 17

EXPENDITURES.

Octobpr 7, 1875^ — To expenses, 250,000 salmon eggs to Kern River $51 00

October 7, 1875— To telegram to Bakersfield 1 00

October 10, 1875 — To Myron Green, balance expenses to Kern River. 69 51

December 10, 1875 — To W. Bassett, expense transporting catfish 10 00

January 11, 1876 — To W. F. Hubbard, labor salmon hatching on

Truckee 150 00

January 11, 1876— To telegram to L. Stone 1 12

February 8, 1876 — To A. Preece, copying report for State Printer 50 00

February 8, 1876 — To discount on sale of silver 6 25

February 8, 1876 — To L. Stone, on account purchase of trout eggs 111 25

February 8, 1876 — To W. P. Hubbard, balance in full hatching salmon

eggs 279 25

February 8, 1876 — To expressage on salmon trays to Redding 3 00

February 8, 1876 — To L. Stone, balance in full on trout eggs 87 52

March 17, 1876 — To J. G. Woodbury, transporting trout to Lake

and Napa Counties 82 35

March 22, 1876 — To express and telegram 1 15

March 29, 1876— To expenses incurred by J. D. Farwell 53 36

Carried forward $956 76 $11,322 17

27

Brought forward $956 76 $11,322 17

Jul}' 8, 1876 — To drayage and freight on air pump for shad 38 80

July 27, 1876 — To telegram to Holyoke, Mass., on shad 13 60

August 8, 1876 — To labor and ice for shad at Sacramento 4 75

August 10, 1876 —To Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage on shad from

Holyoke, Mass ". 146 60

August 12, 1S76 — To fare and expenses of Clark and Bean with shad. 421 44

August 12, 1876 — To return fare of Clark and Bean to Washington..- 228 60

October 18, 1876 — To prosecutions under salmon law, freight, tele-
gram, etc 40 75

December 12, 1876 — To David Griffin, labor and care trout 50 00

January 4, 1877— To telegrams December 12th, 22d, and January 4th 7 65

January 4, 1877 — To express on whitefish eggs from Michigan 2?> 00

Januar}' 4, 1877 — To wire cloth and repairs to hatching house 45 35

January 4, 1877 — To express on trout eggs from New Hampshire 39 67

January 9, 1877 — To wire cloth, fares of Woodbury, and telegrams

to New Hampshire 27 32

January 10, 1877 — To telegram to Michigan, etc., wire cloth 4 85

January 15, 1877 — To Woodbury, one month's salary, hatching 150 00

January 17, 1877 — To express on whitefish eggs from Michigan, dray-
age and telegram 27 64

January 23, 1877 — To Ellis, one month's labor, $60, express on trout

eggs from New Hampshire, etc 105 50

January 24, 1877 — To Livingston Stone, on account of transportation

of lobsters 142 50

January 27, 1877 — To Expense of transporting whitefish to Donner

Lake" 30 00

February 5, 1877 — To carpenter work on hatching house, freight, etc., 53 55

February 9, 1877— To Livingston Stone, hatching 1,500.000 salmon^. 1,500 00

February 19, 877 — To express on trout eggs, New Hampshire, and

telegram 27 05

February 12, 1877 — To express on land-locked salmon eggs, Maine,

and telegrams 10 15

February 14, 1877 — To transporting whitefish to Tahoe, Capital Sav-
ings Bank advanced 98 11

February 28, 1877 — To freight, cans, transporting trout, and telegram 7 65

February 28, 1877— To Woodbury, salary, $150 ; Ellis, labor, $60 ; and

transporting fish, et^ 258 70

March 5, 1877 — To Stone and Hooper, 133,400 trout eggs. New Hamp-
shire 481 71

March 5, 1877 — To transporting trout to South Yuba and American,

etc 22 32

March 19, 1877— To Woodbury, salary one month 150 00

March 26, 1877— To transporting trout and whitefish, etc 47 20

March 26, 1877 — To iron jjipe for hatching house, express, and tele-
grams 101 72

March 28, 1877— To Seth Green, balance due, $50 50; Ellis, one

month's labor, $60 110 50

March 28, 1877 — To express, etc., on cans and fish 6 04

March 28, 1877— To ice used in transporting fish 32 95

April 13, 1877 — To Ellis, six daj^s' labor, $12; express and telegrams,

$8 90 20 90

April 15, 1877 — To Woodbury, salary $150, and freight on eggs and

fish, ,$23 75 173 50

April 23, 1877— To fish to Russian River, cartage, etc .. 14 70

April 27, 1877 — To exjDense of trout to North Fork of American River 10 75

Mav 1, 1877 — To fourteen days' labor to Dunn, and freight on dis-
tributing fish 1 82 15

May 28, 1877 — To express charges and labor 33 10

May 30, 1877 — Importation of carp from Japan 30 00

May 31, 1877 — To Woodbury, two weeks' services and telegram 75 80

June 23, 1877 — To expenses, fares, and labor on shad, Sacramento

and Tehama 96 00

July 10, 1877- To discount on silver 27 50

July 12, 1877 — To Clark and assistants, shad at Tehama, ice and tel-
egram 79 55

Julv 17,1877 — To Whittier, catching and distributing catfish 41 25

July 20, 1877— To Green, 46,000 McCloud trout eggs, etc 182 00

Julv 27, 1877 — To expenses, importation and distribution of fish,

Honolulu 25 50

Carried forward $9,317 13 $11,322 17

28

Brought forward $ 9,317 13 $11,322 17

July 31, 1877 — To purchase twenty cans for transporting fish 100 00

August 14, 1877— To catching and"distributing 1,000 catfish 83 00

August 16, 1877 — To H. D, Dunn, prosecution violations of salmon

law 100 00

August 31, 1877— To N". Lovely, two weeks' labor 25 65

September 8, 1877 — To N. Lovely and assistant, one week 28 00

September 9, 1877 — To Henry Pitzer, catching and distributing

7,000 catfish 50 00

September 21, 1877 — To Lovely and Bradley, ten days work at Collins-

ville 43 00

October 3, 1877— To Young, gathering statistics 40 00

October 3, 1877 — To fares and expensesof witnesses. People vs. Cor-

ville 54 38

October 6, 1S77 — To Flynu, twenty days, witness, People vs. Cor-

ville, and express 52 50

October 6, 1877 — To Cowderv & Preston, People vs. Labella, Gari-
baldi &Corville 1 '- 242 75

October 11, 1877 — To Kimber and Whittier, catfish for Siskiyou, and

ice 55 63

October 19, 1877 — To fees of Sheriff of San Joaquin, serving notices, 2 60

October 19, 1877— To Purser Australia, care of fish 2 50

October 29, 1877 — To United States, on account hatching salmon 500 00

November 2,1877 — To freight, fish cans, and cartage 1 25

November 8, 1877 — To J. D. Farwell, bill transporting trout, Ala-
meda 10 65

jSToveinber 16, 1877 — To H. C. Marks, copying report 50 00

November 16, 1877 — Amount on hand to balance 3,563 13

$11, 322 17 $11,322 17

This balance of three thousand five hundred and sixty-three dol-
lars and thirteen cents will be consumed in payments to become due
for the salmon now hatching on McCloud River, and in the expense
to be incurred in the hatching of white fish eggs, and other fish eggs
promised to be donated by the United States during the present win-
ter.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

B. B. REDDING,

S. R. THROCKMORTON,

J. D. FARWELL,

Commissioners of Fisheries.

San Francisco, Cal., November 10, 1877.

29

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES.

UNITKD STATKS.

Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

ARKANSAS.

N. H. Fish Pine Bluffs.

J. R. Steelman Little Rock.

N. B. Pearce Fayetteville.

CALIFORNIA.

S. R. Throckmorton San Francisco.

B. B. Redding San Francisco.

J. D. Farwell San Francisco.

CONNKCTICUT.

William M. Pludson Hartford.

Robert G. Pike Middletown.

James A. Bill Lyme.

(lEORGIA.

Thomas P. James

(Duties embracing the work of the fish interest assigned to Commissioner of Agriculture.)

IOWA.

Samuel B. Evans Ottumwa.

B. F. Shaw Anamora.

Charles A. Haynes Waterloo.

KKNTUCKY.

Pack Thomas Louisville.

MAINE.

E. M. Stillwell Bangor.

Henry 0. Stanfield Dixfield

MARYLAND.

T. B. Ferguson Baltimore.

T. W. Downes Denton.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Theodore Lyman . . Brookline.

Asa French South Braintree.

E. A. Brackett Winchester.

MICHIGAN.

George Clark Ecorse.

A. J. Kellogg Allegan.

E. R. Miller Richland.

MINNESOTA.

R. 0. Sweeney St. Paul.

Robert 0 wesly

William Golcher

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Colonel Samuel Webber Manchester.

AlbinaH. Powers Grantham.

Luther H. Hayes Milton.

NEW YORK.

Horatio Seymour Utica.

Robert R. Roosevelt New York City.

Edward M. Smitts Rochester.

30

NEW JKRSKY.

B. P. Howell Woodbury.

J. R. Shortwell Rahway.

G. A. Anderson Trenton.

George Ricardo Hackensack.

OHIO.

John C. Fisher Coshocton.

John H. Klipput Columbus.

Robert Cummings - Toledo.

PENNSYLVANIA.

J. H. Reeder Easton.

B. L. Hewett Hollidaysburg.

James Duffy Marietta.

RHODE ISLAND.

Newton Dexter Providence.

Alfred A. Reed, Jr Providence.

John H. Barden .- Scituate.

UTAH TERRITORY.

A. P. Rockwood Salt Lake City.

(Superintendent of Fisheries, Zion's Co-operative Society.)

VERMONT.

M. C. Edmunds Weston.

M. Goldsmith Rutland.

VIRGINIA.

A. Moseley Richmond.

W. B. Robertson Lynchburg.

M. G. Ellyzer Blacksburg.

WISCONSIN.

William Welch Madison.

A. Palmer Beseobel.

P. R. Hoy Racine.

DOMINION OF CANADA.

W. F. Whitcher Ottawa.

W. H. Vining St. John's, N. B.

(Inspector of Fisheries for jSTew Brunswick and ISTova Scotia.)

(0)

R EPORT

OF THK

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OP THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR

THE ^^-E^^IEtS ISyS J^JSTJD 1879.

MAR 2 4 1941

^i^ii k Game

REPORT.

To His Excellency, William Irwin, Governor of California :

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California, appointed
under an Act of the Legislature, entitled "An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of the State,"
approved April 2d, 1870, respectfully submit their fifth biennial
report.

We have to report an increasing public interest in fish culture and
in the efi'orts of your Commissioners to continue the supply of valu-
able food fish in our waters. The destruction of fish during their
seasons of reproduction, in defiance of law, once thought to be but a
venial legal offense, is beginning to be considered a serious crime.
As population increases, and railroads and other means of transpor-
tation are extended, there is a larger demand for fish ; this is met by
an increase in the numbers of fishermen, by extending the area of
the fishing grounds, and by improved processes of capture.

SALMON (ONCORHYNCHUS QUINNAT).

One-half of the annual appropriation placed at the disposal of your
Commissioners is expended in the hatching of salmon eggs and plac-
ing the young fry in the tributaries of the Sacramento River. From
the organization of your Commission, and including the year 1879,
we have had hatched and turned into the Sacramento River 13,150,-
000 young salmon ; these, added to the natural suppl}^ have been
sufficient to make them as numerous in the river, during their
seasons, as they have been at any time since so large an area of their
spawning beds was destroyed by the operations of mining. Since
our last report three additional establishments for the canning of
salmon have been in operation on the Sacramento. If these estab-
lishments are to increase in numbers, with the consequent increase
in the numbers of fishermen, boats, and nets, the supply of salmon
cannot be kept up unless we add to the 2,500,000 of young salmon
now annually placed in the river. To do this the appropriation
must be increased, or we must abandon all other efforts at adding to
the food fish of the State, and expend the whole appropriation in
increasing the numbers of salmon. This last course would be unjust
to large, important, and increasing interests in the State, and would
be a violation of the intent of the law in creating the Commission.
If there could be a faithful observance of the law that prohibits the
catching of salmon during the close season ; if the fish could have
the river free from nets during these six weeks, and be allowed in
peace to reach their spawning grounds, there would be no necessity
for an increased appropriation, even if canning establishments were
doubled and fishermen multiplied in the same proportion. During
the close season, August 1st to September 15th, no salmon were pub-

2(,-^G-Cai^Z^-i^-^'-^.

licly exposed for sale in the markets, and outwardly the law seemed
to be observed, but we have reason to believe they were caught and
privately brought to San Francisco at night, and were served at
hotels and restaurants to all who would call for them. The canning
establishments ceased to purchase and tin salmon on the 1st of
August, and, so far as we are advised, faithfully observed the law,
but it is reported that many of the fishermen did not stop netting,
and that more than one hundred tons of salt were sold in San Fran-
cisco about the 1st of August'and shipped to by-places on the sloughs
and islands of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, to be used in salting
salmon during the close season. This illegal fishing is done at night,
and the fish are taken before daylight to temporary shanties for salting
and smoking, hidden in the wilderness of sloughs and tule islands.
We have no means to prevent this violation of the law, and find but
little disposition to assist on the part of the Justices of the Peace and
Constables in the vicinity, who hold office by the votes of the men
who violate the law.

The close season is now too short. Salmon in large numbers, with
eggs fully matured, were on sale in the San Francisco and other
markets from September 15th to the 1st of October, and yet we learn
efforts will be made at the coming session of the Legislature to still
further reduce it, or to change it to a time when there are no fish
coming in from the ocean, or perhaps to completely abolish it.
Experience in all the other States has demonstrated that fishermen
as a class look only to their present profit, and are not willing to
yield anything that the supply of fish in the river may be maintained.

The annual hatching of 2,500,000 of young salmon, and their dis-
tribution in the sources of the Sacramento, appear to keep the supply
in the river equal to that of former years notwithstanding the increase
in the number of sea lions protected by law, the increase in the nets
and fishermen, and the erection of additional canning establishments.

The following table will .show the relative catch for the years dur-
ing which we have caused statistics to be obtained :

SALMON CAUGHT IN THE SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN AND TRANSPORTED TO SAN FRANCISCO, SACRA-
MENTO, AND STOCKTON.

Open season November 1st, 1874, to August 1st, 1875 5,098,781 pounds.

Open season JTovember 1st, 1875, to August 1st, 1876 5,311,423 pounds.

Open season November 1st, 1876, to August 1st, 1877 6,493,563 pounds.

Open season September 15th, 1877, to August 1st, 1878 6,520,768 pounds.

Open season September 15th, 1878, to August 1st, 1879 4,432,250 pounds.

The apparent falling off" in the season of 1878-9 was not because
the fish were not as numerous in the river as in former years, but in
consequence of a dispute between the proprietors of the canning
establishments and the fishermen as to the price to be paid by the
former for the fish as they were caught. This dispute continued for
some weeks during the height of the fishing season. The canning
establishments stopped work, the fishermen formed an association
and limited the catch to salmon for the supply of the San Francisco
market. During this period but few fish were taken. The catch was,
however, in excess of the requirements of San Francisco, and while
the fishermen refused to sell average salmon on the fishing grounds
to the canning establishments at twenty-five cents each, they for-
warded them fifty miles to San Francisco and sold them for twenty-
five cents and less. For a month the choicest salmon, weighing from
sixteen to thirty pounds, could be bought from fishing boats at the

San Francisco wharves for one cent per pound. The dispute between
the fishermen and the canning establishments, by which the river
was practically open to the free run of the fish for nearly a month,
will have one beneficial eff"ect. It is equivalent to an increase in the
length of the close season during the present year. The eff'ect was
soon observed on the McCloud and upper Sacramento. The spawn-
ing grounds were early filled with fish in greater numbers than ever
before observed. The fish were so numerous in the McCloud before
the fishermen renewed work on the lower Sacramento that in the pool
at the United States Fishery, Mr. Livingston Stone, Deputy United
States Fish Commissioner, estimated that in one haul of the seine he
captured over two thousand salmon. From this dispute, resulting
in an open river during the hight of the run, thus allowing the fish
to reach their spawning grounds, it is safe to predict an extraordinary
run of salmon in the river in the season of 1883 and 1884.

The following report, made by Mr. H. D. Dunn, whom we employed
to see if the law was obeyed during the close season on the Sacra-
mento, and also to obtain statistics of the canning establishments,
gives many facts of much importance. His statistics of the money
invested in canning establishments on the Pacific Coast, and the
number of cases put up during the past year, have much commer-
cial interest. In his report he states :

In accordance with your directions, I visited Collinsville, Rio Vista, and Washington, on the
Sacramento River, to inquire if there vs'ere violations of the close season for salmon, and to
procure statistics of the quantities of that fish canned in 1878 and in 1879, up to the first of
August. I have also collected all the data available of salmon canned in other portions of the
State, and what amounts were jjut up in Oregon, British Columbia, and Alaska during the
period named. With the single exception of the cannery located at Skeena River, British
Columbia, I have obtained authoritative statictics, and herewith hand you statement of the
same. The product of this cannerj' is mostly shipped to Great Britain via Victoria, Vancou-
ver's Island, a small portion only of the catch of 1878 having been shipped in bond via San
Francisco.

Owing to unfavorable circumstances, canning of salmon in California lias this year been
much less than during the same time in 1878. The spring run of salmon in the Sacramento
came unusually early, commencing April 1st. The fishermen along the lower part of the river
formed a combination, demanding forty cents per fish: the canneries offering twenty-five cents,
as being all they could afford. The combination fishermen (mostly Greeks and Italians), by
threats, and, in some instances, actual violence, prevented the delivery of any salmon from
other boats at Collinsville and Chipps' Island canneries. The latter, however, obtained an
insufficient and irregular supply of salmon b}' steamers from Rio Vista, which was subsequently
much interfered with through the same means used in the vicinity of the canneries. Later the
fishermen accejited the terms of the canners, and supplied fish; but the run ceased a few days
later, the canneries closing June 6th. While the canneries at Collinsville and Chipps' Island
were idle from want of fish, the cannery at Washington, Yolo County, procured a sufficiency at
a less price than was refused by the lower river fishermen.

Being debarred supplying salmon to the Chipps' Island cannery, the fishermen (Germans),
between Benicia and Montezuma Slough (a distance of 13 miles), made arrangements with a
canning firm in San Francisco to put up and sell their catch, the total being about 6,000 cases.
This firm expect to can more salmon this year, should the fall run (after September 15th) be
sufficient, and, if the outlook is favorable, will continue in the business hereafter. The spring
run of salmon in 1879 is reported as averaging twelve pounds j^er fish, dressed for canning.
The market price for one pound salmon tins has been lower this year than before known — the
ruling rates being $1 05 (a) $1 10 per dozen.

Canners complain that the season for taking salmon is too short to admit of their doing a
profitable business, and, that from the same cause, the fishermen cannot make a fair living and
respect the law, without charging a higher price for fish than canners can pay and successfully
compete with the put up of the Columbia River canners. They claim that, under the present
law, the catch of salmon for canning purposes, does not last longer than six weeks on the Sac-
ramento River, while it is fully four months on the Columbia River; that they have to prepare
a full stock of cans in advance of the season's catch, and are jiut to many expenses for an entire
year for not over six weeks' active work; that the spring run of salmon is irregular in times of
arrival, varying as much as six weeks in different years. The spring run for canning in 1878
commenced May 15th, while this year there was a sufficient supply on March 29th to com-
mence on.

6

While the canneries were idle in April, this year, large quantities of salmon were caught and
sent to the markets in San Francisco, where they were sold in part at about freight charges, a
great many spoiling and being thrown into the bay as unfit for any use. Adult salmon in large
quantities are reported as sold in April, in this city, at from 3J to 6 cents each, the price rising
May 1st to 15 and 20 cents each.

I have to report that, when at Collinsville on the 15th of August, I saw many salmon break-
ing in the river, and was informed by a Mr. W. Hosking, that at least 100 fish could be taken
by a boat in making one drift of its net. From other parties I received information of viola-
tions of the close season, and while there I saw boats with nets going up the river to fish.
Since my return I have seen letters from reputable persons, stating there were at least fifty
boats out taking salmon in defiance of the law, and that one boat, containing 140 salmon, came
to the wharf at Collinsville on 19th of August. The fish thus taken in defiance of law are
mostly salted and smoked by the fishermen in the tules, a few probably being sent in a fresh
state surreptitiously to this city. While on this subject, I desire to state my belief, that the Mr.
Hosking referred to above is knowing to the continued violation of the salmon law, and from
the circumstances of his position does much to encourage the same. He openly denounces the
present law, keeps the only store at Collinsville, and does a large trade with the fishermen, who
are more or less in his debt. He is Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, express agent, wharf
keeper, and telegraph operator; so that all communications by letter or telegraph have to pass
through his hands. The support of the citizens of Collinsville being largely derived from the
salmon fishery, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to convict persons accused of violating
the law under the circumstances stated.

COST OF CANNERIES IN CALIFORNIA.

Eight canneries, about $25,000 each $200,000 00

Two hundred and twenty boats, about $325 each 72,500 00

Two hundred and twenty nets, 250 fathoms each, $300 each 66,000 00

One hundred and twenty scow-houses for men on the Sacramento River, about $300

each 36,000 00

Total value of fixtures, etc. $374,500 00

No estimate is made for the boats and nets used at the canneries at Eel and Smith's Elvers.

Number of men employed in fishing, about 600.

Number of men employed in canneries, about 800.

Boats are 22 feet long, 6 J feet beam, and 2 feet 6 inches deep; are sharp at both ends, have
two lockers amid ship to contain the fish, and have a large triangular sail.

The fishermen are all whites.

The can-makers are all whites.

The other workmen are all Chinese.

The catch of salmon in Smith's and Eel Rivers take place in September and October. The
cannery at the latter place will not put up any salmon this year, owing to low prices ruling for
such products.

STATEMENT OF SALMON CANNED IN CALIFORNIA IN 1878.

Two canneries at Collinsville, Solano County ; one cannery at Chipp's Island, Solano
County; one cannery at Rio Vista, Solano County ; one cannery at Black Dia-
mond Landing, Contra Costa County — total amount canned — cases 33,000

One cannery, Washington, Yolo County — cases 1,017

One cannery, Eel River, Mendocino County — cases 10,500

One cannery, Smith's River, Del Norte County — cases 4,277

Eight canneries — total cases, 4 dozen 1-lb cans 48,794

Average size of salmon dressed for canning, eleven pounds. The total number canned, about
222,000. Average value, $5 40 per case, or $263,487.

IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE.

One cannery at Collinsville, Solano County — cases 588

One cannery at Chipp's Island, Solano County — cases 4,000

One cannery at Washington, Yolo County — eases 3,267

One cannery at San Francisco — cases 6,000

Four canneries — total cases 13,855

Number of salmon, about 67,523; average value, $4 30 per case, or $59,576.

The canning at Eel River will be closed this year. All the other canneries (except Rio Vista,
which has been discontinued) will probably resume canning this year, if the fall run of fish,
should prove good.

COST OP CANNERIES, ETC., IN OREGON.

Thirty-five canneries, about $25,000 each $875,000

Eight hundred boats in the Cohirabia Eiver, $325 each 260,000

Eight hundred nets in the Columbia Eiver, $300 each 240,000

Total $1,375,000

Nets in the Columbia River are about three hundred fathoms each. Number of boats, at five
canneries not on tlie Columbia River, not known. Some of the canneries employ small steamers
to collect salmon from the boats. Some few of the canneries on the Columbia River have cost
from $50,000 to $60,000 each. About six thousand persons are employed in the canneries and
fishing boats in Oregon, two-thirds of whom are Chinese. Average size of salmon when dressed
for canning, fifteen pounds. The run of salmon in Oregon, except on the Columbia River, does
not commence until August, and the catch at those places will not be known until late in the
year.

STATEMENT OF SALMON CANNED IN OREGON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, AND ALASKA, IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND

SEVENTY-EIGHT.

One cannery at Sitka, Alaska — cases 2,750

One cannery at Prince of Wales Island, Alaska — cases 5,000

One cannery at Skeena River, British Columbia — cases Unknown.

Seven canneries at Eraser River, British Columbia — cases 120,000

One cannery at Puget Sound, Washington Territory — cases Closed.

One cannery at Gray's Harbor, Washington Territory — cases 5,420

Thirty canneries at Columbia River, Oregon — cases 445,000

Two canneries at Siuslaw River, Oregon — cases 10,300

Two canneries at Umpqua River, Oregon — cases 8,100

One cannery at Rogue River, Oregon — cases 8,000

Forty-seven canneries — total cases 604,670

Average value, $5 40 per case, or $3,264,578.

IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE.

One cannery at Sitka — reported cases 7,000

One cannery at Prince of Wales Island — cases 7,000

One cannery at Skeena River — cases Unknown.

Seven canneries at Eraser River — cases 15,000

One cannery at Puget Sound — cases 1,300

One cannery at Gray's Harbor — cases Unknown.

Thirty canneries at Columbia River — reported cases 438,000

Two canneries at Sinslaw River — cases Unknown.

Two canneries at Umpqua River — cases Unknown.

One cannery at Rogue River — cases Unknown.

Forty-seven canneries — total cases 468,300

Average value, $4 30 per case, or $2,013,690.

The catch at Gray's Harbor, Sinslaw, Umpqua, and Rogue Rivers is had in September, Octo-
ber, and November.

STATEMENT OP SALMON TAKEN FROM THE SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN RIVERS, FROM SEPTEMBER
FIFTEENTH, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN, TO AUGUST FIRST, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND
SEVENTY-EIGHT.

65,046 loose salmon, weighing 1,626,150 pounds.

808 baskets and sacks of salmon, weighing 81,(150 pounds.

2,361 boxes of salmon, weighing 170,715 pounds.

44 barrels of salmon, weighing 8,700 pounds.

48,794 cases canned salmon, weighing 3,330,000 pounds.

Total, say 304,411 salmon, weighing 5,216,615 pounds.

4,460 sturgeon, weighing 334,500 pounds.

8

STATF,.\[ENT OP SALMON TAKEN FROM THE SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN RIVERS, FROM SEPTF,MBER
FIFTEENTH, KIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-EIGHT, TO AUGUST FIRST, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND

SEVENTY-NINE.

97,503 loose salmon, weighing 2,437,575 pounds.

312 sacks and baskets of salmon, weighing 37,740 pounds.

452 boxes of salmon, weighing 41,086 jiounds.

18 barrels of salmon, weighing 4,950 pounds.

40 eases of smoked salmon, weighing L 12,400 pounds.

13,855 cases of canned salmon, weighing 1,012,850 pounds.

Total, say 171,438 salmon, weighing 3,546,601 pounds.

7,104 sturgeon, weighing 607,800 pounds.

The above statements do not include the catch above Sacramento
on the Sacramento River, or above Stockton on the San Joaquin
River. In former reports we have added 25 per cent, to the figures
reported as being a fair equivalent for the unreported catch above
Sacramento and Stockton, and for the fish caught during the close
season and salted and smoked in by-places in the tules. Adding this
would make the catch of salmon of the season of 1877-8 as 6,520,768
pounds, and the season of 1878-9 as 4,433,250 pounds, as heretofore
stated.

The catch of the season of 1877-8 was the largest of any since we
commenced obtaining statistics, and is in fact the practical result of
artificial hatching. Fish hatched in a given year do not begin to
show in the returns until three or four years after the j^oung fish are
placed in the water. After nine years of study and observation, com-
bined with considerable practical experience, we are prepared to
answer the question as to the practicability of keeping up the supply
of salmon in the Sacramento, notwithstanding the increase of popu-
lation, extended facilities for transportation, and the multiplication
of canning establishments, nets, and fishermen.

First — There must be an honest close season, faithfully observed by
the fishermen, to allow a portion of the ripe fish to reach the spawn-
ing grounds. This would keep up a normal supply in the river,
whicli normal supply would depend upon the area of clean gravel
beds at the sources of the streams over which pure water was passing
of a proper temperature. It would also give a supply of fish at the
only places where their eggs could be taken for artificial hatching.

Second — The thousands of sea lions and seals at the Golden Gate
and in the bay — carefully protected by legislative enactment — with-
out doubt catch more fish annually than all the nets of the fisher-
men. These rapacious animals observe neither close season nor
Sunday, live wholly on fish, and are unceasing in their work of
destruction. They should be reduced in numbers or driven to some
other part of the coast.

Third — A portion of the fish being allowed to reach their spawning
grounds, and their destruction by sea lions and seals at the Golden
Gate prevented, the number of salmon in this river would depend
simply on the amount of money which the Legislature should deem
proper to appropriate for the purpose.

After the female salmon escapes all her enemies in the ocean, the
sea lions at the Golden Gate, the seals in the bay, and miles of nets
in the river, and swims blindly against a stream of more than one
hundred miles of muddy water thick with mining sediment and at
last reaches the clean gravel beds of the ice-cold sources of the river

9

to perform the duties of maternity, she is still beset by numerous
enemies. In the most favorable streams, the areas are not large —
having proper beds of gravel, appropriate depth, and the right tem-
perature of water — on which the eggs can be deposited. When the
eggs are deposited, observation and experiment have shown that
only an average of eight per cent, of them come in contact with the
fertilizing sperm of the male — ninety-two per cent., of course, die.
This eight per cent, is liable to be destroyed by trout and other fish,
or to be smothered by a deposit of sediment caused by heavy rains
on the summits of the mountains.

A mature female salmon of the Sacramento will yield 800 eggs to
each pound in weight of the fish; thus, a fish of 20 pounds will yield
16,000 eggs. It has been estimated that, in a state of nature, not more
than two eggs in a thousand ever become fish. This would give the
product of the 16,000 eggs, 32 fish. By the discoveries in artificial
hatching, these 16,000 eggs can be made to produce 15,000 fish. Every
egg can be fertilized and kept under control and inspection in the
most favorable conditions as to the current, purity, and temperature
of the water, shaded from the direct rays of the sun, and closed
securely against the almost innumerable finned, winged, and furred
enemies that are seeking to devour it. The young fish, when they
come from the egg, can be kept and fed until the most favorable
period for placing them in the river. One million eggs can be taken,
fecundated, hatched into young salmon, and turned into the river
at an expense not to exceed |1,200, and larger numbers at a less ratio.
As they find in the ocean the food upon which they grow and become
fat, they exhaust nothing from the river; therefore, if some fish are
allowed to reach their spawning grounds, the number of salmon in
the river can be in proportion to the amount of money the Legisla-
ture may see proper to appropriate for their artificial hatching.

WHITE FISH (COREGONUS ALBA).

Through the kindness of Professor Baird, United States Fish Com-
missioner, we have, since our last report, received from Lake Michi-
gan, as a donation, nearly one million eggs of this most valuable food
fish. The first lot of 300,000, which arrived January 20th, 1878, had
been so kindly cared for by the agents of the express company that
they were placed near the stove in the car, and were killed by the
heat on the journey. The second lot arrived in good condition, and
were successfully hatched out at the State hatching-house, San Lean-
dro, and were distributed as follows :

January 11th, 1879 — To Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, and lakes at summit of Sierra 200,000

January 18th, 1879— To Eagle Lake, Lassen County 225,000

January 21st, 1879— To Tulare Lake 100,000

February 1st, 1879— Mark West Creek 10,000

February 17th, 1879 — San Jose Water Company's reservoir 10,000

February 17th, 1879— Lake Chabot 20,000

Total : 565,000

Some of the previous importations of these fish, planted in Tahoe,
Tulare, and Clear Lakes, have thrived, and a few mature fish are
reported as having been caught in each of these lakes. All of these
bodies of water will, without doubt, within a few years, be stocked

10

with this valuable fish. As the white fish is only taken by nets, these
lakes will be fully stocked before it will be found profitable for fish-
ermen to make a business of catching them. A discovery of some
importance in the care of the young of the white fish was made by
Mr. J. G. Woodbury, in charge of the State hatching-house. This fish
lives on the Crustacea found on the rocks at the bottoms of deep lakes,
and as it was not known on what the young fish could be fed, it has
heretofore been necessary, within a few days after the young fish
have emerged from the egg, to place them in the lakes to find their
own food. Mr. Woodbury found that by pounding to a jelly the
flesh of the common salt-water crab, the young white fish would eat
and thrive upon it. He kept 50,000 on this food for more than two
months. This discovery is of much interest, as it enables the young
fish to be kept for some time, and thus distributed to stock mountain
lakes that are inaccessible during the winter months.

SHAD (aLOSA SAPIDISSIMA).

In June, 1878, we received from Professor Baird, United States
Fish Commissioner, from Havre de Grasse, 115,000 young shad;
these were placed in the Sacramento River at Tehama, where all
previous importations have been planted. The State has now received
from the United States Government, and by our own importations, in
all, 400,000 of these fish. There can be no doubt they find congenial
homes in Pacific Coast waters, and are thriving and producing their
kind. Several thousand mature fish have been taken and sold in the
San Francisco markets during the spring of 1879. A few are found
in market during almost every month in the year. After leaving
the Sacramento River, the great body of these fish follow the coast
south to the Bay of Monterey, where they must remain, finding an
abundance of food; for a few are caught in the nets of the fishermen
in this bay during every week throughout the year. If the appro-
priation were larger, we would do more towards stocking our rivers
with this fish. No discovery has yet been made of any substance
with which the young can be fed, and as seven days is the longest
period they can be kept alive without food, we are compelled to take
the number of young fish hatched from the eggs of one night's catch
in an Atlantic river, and hurry them by express trains across the
continent to Sacramento. The expense of such a journey with the
necessary attendance, is almost $1,800, and as the number of fish to
be obtained is uncertain, a larger importation of young shad would
involve an expense which would lessen the number of young sal-
mon which it seems imperative we should supply to the river each
season.

SCHUYLKILL CATFISH (aMIURUS ALBIDUS).

In 1874 we imported from the Raritan River, and placed in lakes
near Sacramento, 74 of these valuable fish. These have increased
to millions and furnish an immense supply of food. They have
become so numerous that they are as regularly on sale in the city
markets as the most abundant native fish, and are sold at about the
same prices. They thrive in our rivers and lakes, and in the still-
water sloughs of our plains, as well as in the brackish sloughs in our
tule lands. They appear to be equally at home in lakes on the
mountains and in artificial reservoirs in the valleys. Many farmers

11

who have natural ponds on their farms, or who have surplus water
from wind-mills and have made artificial ponds, have stocked them
with this excellent fish. The produce of the few fish of this species,
imiDorted in 1874, now annually furnishes a large and valuable sup-
ply of fish food to people in the interior of the State. The value of
all the fish of this species, now caught annually and consumed as
food, would more than equal the annual appropriation made by the
State and placed at the disposal of the Fish Commissioners. This
variety of catfish has valuable characteristics which admirably fit it
for wide distribution and for self-preservation in the struggle for
existence. The female makes a round nest in the bottom of a pond
in which she deposits usually from 3,000 to 5,000 eggs. These are
fecundated by the male who then leaves them to the care of the
female. The mother remains over them fanning them with her fins,
probably to keep them oxyginated with fresh currents of water, as
well as to prevent them being smothered by sediment. She remains
in constant attendance, driving away every fish that approaches her
nest. In from six to ten days the young make their appearance.
Her care does not cease with the birth of the young fish. She now
swims about them in a circle, keeping them together until all are
hatched. When all the young fish are fitted to swim she leads them
off to find food, still keeping them in a body by circling about them
and driving back wanderers, as a trained shepherd dog drives in a
wandering sheep ; she will at the same time fight any other fish that
comes near her charge. In another week or ten days they are pre-
pared to search for their own food, when they gradually disperse.
Since our last report we have distributed 39,000 of these fish to public
waters to stock rivers, ponds, and reservoirs in the Counties of Butte,
San Joaquin, Yuba, Sonoma, Ventura, San Diego, Sacramento, Placer,
El Dorado, Alameda, Colusa, Yolo, Sutter, Nevada, Stanislaus, Tuo-
lumne, Modoc, Los Angeles, Mono, Solano, Mendocino, and Lassen.

LAND-LOCKED SALMON (SALMO SEBAGO?).

In January, 1878, through the kindness of Professor Spencer F.
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, we received from the United
States hatching-house of Grand Lake Stream, Maine, 50,000 eggs of
the land-locked salmon. This fish is found in a few lakes in the
northern part of the State of Maine. In structure they are the same
as the Atlantic salmon (salmo solar). They have probably been
derived from the Atlantic salmon, which, by some natural cause at
a remote period, were prevented from returning to the ocean. Their
descendants, finding sufiicient food in these lakes, have lost the
instinct which compelled their ancestors to return to the ocean, and
they are now fitted to live continuously and breed in fresh water
streams and lakes. As was stated in our last report, the California
salmon {quinnat) has the same characteristics, and readily adapts
itself to a life in fresh water. The reservoir of the Spring Valley
Water Company, supplying San Francisco with water, and known as
San Andreas and Pilarcitos, are well stocked with salmon, the pro-
duct of those prevented from returning to the ocean by the construc-
tions of the dams. Lake Chabot, the reservoir from which the City
of Oakland is supplied with water, is also well stocked by the same
means, and from young salmon placed therein. In the winter of
1875-6 a large number of young salmon were placed in the Truckee

12

River. This river has its rise in Lake Tahoe and flows into Pyramid
Lake, in Nevada, and has no outlet to the ocean. Some of these
salmon are reported to have been taken with the hook in the Truckee
River this season, weighing from three and a half to five pounds.
The size to which the Sacramento salmon will grow when confined
to fresh water depends upon the quantity of food to be found in the
lake or stream. A few years after the dam was erected at the San
Andreas reservoir salmon were taken in it weighing from six to
twelve pounds. In ten years they have multiplied until hardly any
other fish are taken, but now do not average to exceed three-fourths
of a pound. They now mature their eggs and milt when less than a
pound in weight. The land-locked salmon of Maine do not average
over six pounds in weight, but they are numerous in the lakes,
furnish a large amount of food, and yield much sport to the angler,
as they readily take both fly and bait. As they are natives of the
cold lakes of Maine we have thought the most appropriate places for
the distribution of the young fish would be in our mountain lakes ;
but, for purposes of testing their fitness to thrive in warmer waters,
a portion were also distributed to lakes in the valley and on the coast,
as follows :

March 16tli, 1878 — Donner Lake and other lakes near the summit 10,000

March 20tli, 1878 — San Francisquito Creek, Espenosa Lake, etc 10,000

April 6th, 1878— Tulare Lake 15,000

April 7th, 1878— San Leandro Creek and Lake 2,500

Ajjril 8th, 1878— Arroyo Laguna, near Sunol 700

April 19th, 1878 — Reservoir at Alms House, San Francisco 1,000

April 30th, 1878— Echo Lake, El Dorado County 250

EASTERN BROOK TROUT (SALMO FONTINALIs), TACIFIC COAST BROOK
TROUT (SALMO IRIDEA), DOLLY VARDEN TROUT (SALMO CAMPBEL-
LIl), AND TAHOE TROUT (SALMO TSUPPITCH).

In January, 1878, and in January, 1879, we received from Wiscon-
sin and New Hampshire 70,000 eggs of the Eastern trout. The young
fish were hatched at the State hatching-house, San Leandro, and were
distributed as follows :

March 1st, 1878 — Streams in Santa Barbara County 5,000

March 1 6th, 1878 — North Fork of the American, Prosser Creek, and Truckee River. 10,000

March 19th, 1878— Kaweha River, Tulare County 5,000

March 20th, 1878 — Carmel and streams in Monte'rey County 7,000

March 25th, 1878— Streams in Alameda County 2,000

Mai-ch 26th, 1878- San Leandro Creek, Alameda County 5,000

March 30th, 1878 — Russian River and Sulphur Creek, Sonoma County 6,000

April 5th, 1878- Santa Rosa and Mark West Creeks, Sonoma County 3,000

April 5th, 1878— Streams in Santa Cruz County 2,000

April 5th, 1878— Steams in San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties 4,000

April 8th, 1878 — Alameda Creek and tributaries, Alameda County 2,000

April 15th, 1878 — Calaveras Creek and small streams, Alameda County 2,000

March 1st, 1878— North Fork of American, South Yuba, and tributaries of Truckee

River 20,000

March 29th, 1878— Yosemite Valley 1,000

Of the trout eggs of California trout procured from McCloud River,
the young fish were distributed as follows:

March 30th, 1878 — Russian River and tributaries 6,000

March 30th, 1878— Santa Rosa and Mark West Creeks 3,000

April 5th, 1878— Santa Cruz, Aptos Creeks, etc 4,000

April 8th, 1878— Alameda Creek and tributaries 2,500

April 7th, 1878— Streams in Santa Clara County 2,000

April 18th, 1878— Streams in Santa Cruz County 10,000

May 9th, 1878— San Lorenzo Creek, Alameda County 1,000

May 9th, 1878— Streams in Alameda County 5,000

March 21st, 1879 — Streams in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties 7,500

March 27th, 1879— Streams in Santa Clara and Monterey Counties 9,000

March 29th, 1879— Yosemite Valley 20,000

April 1st, 1879 — San Gregorio and Pescadero Creeks, San Mateo and Santa Cruz

Counties 8,000

April 1st, 1879— Streams in Alameda County 1,000

April 3d, 1879— Tuolumne River 2,000

April 7th, 1879— Streams in San Mateo County 7,000

April 15th, 1879 — Streams in Alameda County 6,700

The few Dolly Varden trout that we succeeded in hatching were
distributed in streams at the summit, and in the Truckee River.

In September we purchased 50,000 young Tahoe trout that had
been hatched by Mr. Frazer, and distributed them in the Truckee
River, in the North Fork of the American, and in the South Yuba.
These fish were placed in the Truckee on the petition of the people
residing on that river, who complained that for some years the trout in
that stream had been gradually decreasing in numbers. There are
now fish ladders over the dams on the Truckee, and, if maintained,
it is probable a supply of trout can be kept up in this river.

The eastern trout does not appear to thrive in the streams of the
Coast Range of mountains. These mountains are composed of sand
stone, which is readily worn by the winter rains and, at certain sea-
sons, all the streams from them carry a large amount of sediment
and become more or less discolored. There is also a great diff'erence
in the temperature of the water in winter and summer. The native
home of the eastern trout, as its name implies, is in the clear cold
sources of mountain streams. Wherever planted in the cold clear
streams of the Sierra Nevada, in water flowing over granite and slate,
they find congenial homes, and thrive and propagate equally with
the native trout.

Probably there is no trout more valuable for wide distribution
than the Pacific Coast brook trout {Iridea). It grows rapidly, occa-
sionally weighing seven pounds when it can feed in salt water at the
mouths of coast streams, and often weighing five pounds when con-
fined entirely to fresh water containing an abundance of food, as in
the McCloud River. Some specimens of McCloud trout, kept m the
hatching-trough in the fishery at San Leandro, grew to average
seven inches in length in one year from the time the eggs were
placed in the hatching trays. It does not seem to be injuriously
affected by a long continuance in water containing a large amount
of muddy sediment. We are not aware of experiments having been
made to test, with exactness, the highest temperature of water m
which it will exist and thrive, but without doubt it will live in water
so warm as to be fatal to eastern trout. We believe it could be suc-
cessfully introduced into streams on the Atlantic Coast where eastern
trout would not thrive.

14

LOBSTERS (homarus americanus); eels (anguilla); striped bass
(roccus lineatus), and black bass (micropterus nigricans).

In 1874, with the aid and experience of Mr. Livingston Stone, we
made the attempt to stock the waters of the Bay of San Francisco
with lobsters. Mr. Stone left Boston in a car prepared with all the
appliances then known for transporting fresh and salt water fish.
One portion of his charge consisted of 150 lobsters. With the excep-
tion of four all of these died on the journey. These four were placed
in the Bay of San Francisco at the end of the Oakland pier. They
were alive, but seemed feeble, and we had small hope that they would
survive and propagate. Since that time reports have been made that
young lobsters have been caught in the bay. An examination of
all that have been brought to us, as young lobsters, has shown that
they belonged to some other family of Crustacea, i^ln July of the
present year (1879), Mr. Livingston Stone again made the attempt to
bring lobsters, eels, striped bass, and black bass from the Atlantic
States, j Availing himself of his experience obtained in former jour-
neys, and having learned by repeated experiments a method of
retaining ocean water in a state of purity in small tanks, he suc-
ceeded, by constant work and assiduous attention, in bringing from
the Atlantic Ocean and depositing in the Pacific Ocean at the Golden
Gate, 24 female lobsters. It is estimated that these lobsters had
attached to them more than two million eggs, all of which would
hatch within a week from the time they were deposited. We believe
we can now look forward with confidence to the time when lobsters
will be found in abundance in our waters.

In 1874 a few young eels were brought from the Atlantic and
planted in lakes near Sacramento, and others in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco, near Brooklyn. We have no reports of those placed in the
salt-water. Several have been taken in the fresh-water, near Sacra-
mento, full grown, and three feet in length. Finding they would
thrive, we obtained, through Mr. Stone, 4,000, which, in July, were
planted, one-half in the Sacramento River, and the other half in
Alameda Creek. Without doubt they will, in a few years, fill our
streams.

At the same time Mr. Stone brought from the Neversink River,
New Jersey, 150 young striped bass, which were successfully turned
into the brackish water of the Sacramento River, at Martinez. It is
to be hoped they will escape the nets of fishermen, the sea lions, and
seals. Should a few pair survive their enemies and propagate they
will add a most valuable food fish to our salt, brackish, and fresh-
waters.

The 73 black bass brought in the aquarium car of 1874 were planted
in Napa River. A number of these were caught in 1875, and proba-
bly all were exterminated by anglers, who could not wait until time
had been given the fish to breed. We can hear of none having
been caught during the past two years. We have again made the
attempt to introduce this valuable fish. In July last Mr. Stone again
brought 24 black bass, and 22 fully mature fish were placed in the
Crystal Spring reservoir of the Spring Valley Water Company, in
San Mateo County. We have the assurance of the officers of the
company that this reservoir shall be preserved, and no fishing
allowed in it for three years, or until such time as we desire to take
young bass for stocking other waters.

15

CARP (CARASSIUS VULGARIS).

We have been unable as yet to introduce the king carp, with which
to stock our inland sloughs and warm water lakes. This, the most
valuable variety of the carp family, was imported from Germany by
Professor Baird, United States Fish Commissioner, a few years since,
and has increased to large numbers in ponds at Washington and
Baltimore. They could not be obtained in July, at the time Mr.
Stone left with fish for California. We now hope to receive the State's
quota in June, 1880, with another consignment of young shad. It is
certain they will thrive in California, as another variety of carp,
imported as a private speculation some years since, has been exten-
sively distributed over California, and now furnish a large amount
of food to people in the interior valleys. We do not know any fish
so desirable for wide distribution throughout the State as this carp.
They are of good flavor, grow rapidly, are tenacious of life, can live
on aquatic vegetation, and in water too warm for almost all other
valuable varieties of food fish. We can hardly do a more useful
work than in the breeding of these fish, and stocking all our interior
streams, lakes, and sloughs with carp.

FISH-WAYS.

We have caused a few suits to be commenced to compel the owners
of dams to construct fish ladders. In almost all cases, when notified,
the owners of dams have complied with the law. It is generally
understood by the people of the State, that to preserve fish in our
rivers, it is absolutely necessary that fish should be allowed to reach
their spawning grounds The eff'orts of your Commissioners to keep
up the supplies of fish in our rivers, and to add new and valuable
varieties, appear to be appreciated, and we find there is in almost
every neighborhood some man who has sufficient interest in the sub-
ject to call our attention to obstructions when such exist.

OCEAN AND BAY PISH.

More than ninety varieties of fish are caught in the Bay of San
Francisco, and in the Bays of Monterey and Tomales, which are sold
for food in the San Francisco market and shipped to various points
in the interior. This gives employment to many hundred men, and
their work furnishes a vast amount of food to our people. So far as
we have been able to ascertain, but one variety is identical with an
Atlantic Coast fish (the halibut). The consumption of fish is so large
on this coast that it seemed desirable to obtain the statistics in rela-
tion to it. We have found this very difficult. Many of the fishermen
are Greeks, Italians, Portuguese, and Chinese, who do not speak
English, and few keep a written record of their catch. The dealers
do not care to exhibit their books. Many of our fish are without
English names, and one English name is made to apply to different
varieties offish. Two of the varieties of fish sold as smelts in our
markets do not belong to this family. Three different fish are sold
as candle fish, etc. Where fish, as in the case of salmon, are mostly
brought to market by transportation companies, the annual catch
can be ascertained with approximate correctness. At present it
seems impossible to obtain statistics of the catch and consumption of

16

salt-water fish. Not being able to obtain these facts, it then seemed
desirable to know what salt-water fish furnish the largest amount of
food to our people? What are their names, and in what months are
they most numerous? To ascertain these facts and make a record of
them, we obtained the valuable services of Mr. W. N. Lockington,
who for some years has been making a study of the fish of this coast,
and who has added to the science of ichthyology several new varie-
ties. Mr. Lockington has watched the market for a year, keeping a
record of all the varieties offish sold as food, their first appearance,
abundance, and disappearance. His report, which follows, will be
found of great value, as it is the first attempt to collate, classify, and
name the various fish which make their appearance in the San Fran-
cisco markets during a year.

APPROPRIATION AND EXPENSES.

A detailed statement of the appropriation received and expenses
incurred will be found at the close of this report. We are gratified
that the work of the Commissioners appears to be approved by the
public. We may be pardoned in the expression of the belief that
not many other of the State's appropriations produce more beneficial
and practical results. When fish valuable for human food are intro-
duced into barren waters, or when valuable fish are made to supplant
worthless kinds, the beneficial results are not confined to the present
time and to the present generation of men. With that better observ-
ance of wise laws for the preservation of fish that is sure to come
with increased intelligence these beneficial results will spread and
increase, and the produces from the fish now introduced and planted
will furnish food to those who come after us so long as our streams
continue to flow, and while our lakes and reservoirs continue to hold
water.

17

REPORT UPON THE FOOD FISHES OF SAN FRANCISCO

BY W. N. LOCKINGTON.

About ninety species of fishes are brought in greater or less num-
bers to the markets of San Francisco, eitiier at certain seasons or
during the greater portion of the year. Most of these are in esteem
as food fishes, while the remainder, either from their scarcity, their
small size, their repulsive appearance, or their actual deficiency of
flavor, are not usually eaten by people of European descent, tliough
some of the more abundant kinds are in favor with the Mongolians.

In the following pages it is proposed to bring together a few facts
relating to the comparative abundance, seasonal and geographical
distribution, size, etc., of the various species used to any extent as
articles of food, together with such notes upon their food and habits
as the limited opportunities of the writer have enabled him to col-
lect. Particular care will be taken to point out some of the more
obvious characters of each species, so that any one interested in the
important subject of our fish supply may be able to distinguish
them. Little attempt at technical description will be made, and the
synonymy will be limited to the recognized name of each species,
together with, in some cases where a change has recently been made,
the title given by its original describer. The writer regrets the
paucity of his original information, but a beginning must be made,
and he trusts that all who are in possession of facts relating to our
fishes will report the same to him or to the Fish Commissioners.

The groups of fishes which are of most importance, from an eco-
nomical point of view, are the Salmonidas (using the word in its old
meaning), the Embiotocidx or viviparous perch, a family almost con-
fined to this coast; the Fleuronedidse or flat-fishes, and the rather
heterogeneous group commonly known by the English name of rock-
fish or rock-cod, and comprising numerous species of the family
Scorpcenidae, with others belonging to the Chiridse.

Probably the Salmonidse, including as it does the quinnat and other
anadromous salmon, together with the lake and brook trouts aiid the
smelts, is the most important of these groups, since the quinnat and
other species of the genus Oncorhynclius not only furnish a large pro-
portion of the fish supply of this coast, but are canned in large quan-
tities for exportation.

As the particulars of the salmon supply, with the details of the
work done in hatching and preserving the young of these valuable
fishes, have been given in the regular report of the Fish Commis-
sioners, the present report will deal only with the small marine spe-
cies of the group. It would not be easy to say which of the other
three groups mentioned above is of most importance as food, since
each of them contains from thirteen to eighteen species, some or
other of which are plentiful during every season of the year; but
the three contain the greater proportion of the individuals and spe-

s-^

18

cies usually sold in the markets. Next to them come the sturgeon,
the Scixnidx, which family furnishes two valued species, the Atlier-
inidx, or so-called smelts, and lastly the Gadidse, or codfish, and the
ClujJeidse, or herrings, two families which do not occupy the promi-
nent position accorded to them elsewhere, since only one or two spe-
cies of each are sufficiently abundant to form an important item in
the total 'fish supply. Several species of Scombridse (mackerel, as the
family was defined by the older naturalists) occur along the coast of
California, but none of these are taken, except occasionally, in the
immediate vicinity of San Francisco, and none of them are brought
to onr markets either regularly or plentifully.

With the exception of a single species of skate, all the marine fishes
habituallj^ eaten by the white residents of the city belong to one or
other of the families enumerated above.

The quantity of fresh-water fishes (excluding the salmon) brought
to our markets is not very large, and consists chiefly of four species
of cyprinidx {Eventognathi, Gill) and the Sacramento perch.

Certain introduced fishes are now becoming sufficiently abundant
to be worthy of enumeration among our food, fishes, although they
are only occasionally brought to market, and are sold at a high price.
These are the shad, Alosa sapidissima, the Prussian carp, Carassius
vidgaris, and a species of catfish, Amiurus albidns. The first of these
is still very scarce, and fetches a very high price, but some examples
attain quite respectable dimensions, and the supply is tolerably con-
stant. The largest I have seen measured twenty-six inches in length
by seven in width; another was twenty inches long by five and a
half wide; and a third intermediate between these. The Prussian
carp was first introduced by Mr. Poppe, of Sonoma County, but has
since been raised at other places. Those sent to the market were
from Port Harford.

During the time that the writer has systematically watched the
market he has been so fortunate as to discover several new species of
fishes, of which three belonging to the Pleuronedidse, a Lycodoid, and
a Scomberoid, are of more or less value as food fishes. This occur-
rence of previously undescribed species, as well as the abundance of
numerous other species formerly little known, may be partially attrib-
uted to the fact that the fishermen now trawl in deeper water than
formerly, going to thirty-six fathoms or more, and partially to the
facility with which, now that railway communication is established,
the fishermen of Monterey and other places can send their catch to
San Francisco. In the days when Dr. Ayres watched the markets
and described so many of our fishes, the Monterey fishermen did not
have the advantage of supplying the San Francisco market; on the
contrary, the fishers of our bay sent a portion of their catch to points
between San Francisco and Monterey that are now supplied by the
Monterey fishermen. This competition, together with the vast quan-
tities taken out of the bay by the Chinese, the havoc worked by the
protected legion of sea lions at the entrance of the Golden Gate, and
the want of any close time for the more useful kinds of fishes,
threaten, in the course of time, to make the local fishery unremu-
nerative to the hard-working men engaged in it. It is much to be
regretted that the white fishermen themselves, by their indiscrim-
inate destruction of young fishes, and uncompromising slaughter of
adults during the spawning season, appear anxious to hasten that
destruction.

19

Already the fishery carried on in the Bay of San Francisco is much
less productive than it was in the early days of the American occu-
pation; species tliat were once common have become scarce, and
others still tolerably abundant fail to attain their full dimensions.
Nor is over-fishing the sole cause of tliis. The constant hurrying to
and fro of the numerous ferry-boats and other steamers, indispensa-
ble to our comfort, tends to drive away the timid finny tribes, whilst
the ashes and cinders let fall injure the character of the bottom.

But the injury from this source is small compared with that /
inflicted by the constant fouling of the waters and consequent destruc-
tion of life by the foetid inpourings of our sewers; by that foolish
waste of organic substances, which has now become an integral part
of what we consider civilization, materials which, if spread upon the
land, would cause our sandy wildernesses and bald Jiill-sides to bear
a luxuriant crop of cereals, and would thus bring life, or, which is
almost the same, the means of life, to thousands of human beings,
are now poured into the waters to pollute them for the destruction
of creatures on which human beings are largely dependant for the
means of life. As the supply in San Francisco Bay has become lim-
ited the scene of wholesale destruction is now shifted to Tomales Bay,
whence a very large proportion of our fish supply is now brought.
Although the fishes of the cod family are not prominent among the
supply of fresh fish sold in the markets, codfish are extremely abun-
dant on the shores of British Columbia, Alaska, and Kamtschatka, and
about thirteen vessels belonging to San Francisco are engaged in the
cod fishery, which is carried on in much the same manner as that of
the Newfoundland Banks. Rather the larger portion of the catch,
which in 1878 amounted to about 1,500 tons, is taken in the Okhotsk
Sea, the remainder principally at the Shoumagin Islands. The
greater part of the supply is consumed in California; but some is
sent to South American ports upon the Pacific, and even to Australia.
The drying of these fish is not done upon the spot, but at drying
establishments on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The fishery is
at present carried on in comparatively shallow water, although, as in
the Atlantic, it is observed that the fish from deeper water are the
best. The cod of the Pacific cod-fishery is a true Gadus; but, as no
entire specimens have yet been carefully examined, it is uncertain
whether it is to be referred to Gadus auratus, Cope, or to one of the
species described by older writers.

Small quantities of halibut {Hippoglossus vulgaris ?), herring ( Clupea
mirabilis), and eulachon {Thaleichthys j)ac?]/icws), are preserved in
various ways for the San Francisco market, but these branches of
our fisheries are in their infancy.

The halibut is abundant, attains large dimensions, and is probably
equal in every respect to that of the Atlantic, yet it cannot compete
in San Francisco with the Eastern article. It is occasionally canned
like the salmon.

The eulachon is one of the fishes which, from their oiliness and
the use made of them by the Indians, are called " candle-fish." Some
are brought down in salt, while others are put up with oil in boxes
and sold as sardines.

SUBCLASS TELEOSTEI, BONY FISHES.

In the fishes of this subclass, the skeleton is more or less ossified, instead of cartilaginous, as
in most of the Ganoidei (sturgeon^ etc.), and in the Elasmobranchii {sharks, r&ys, etc.). The
caudal fin is regular or homocercal, rarely absent; the optic nerves from opposite sides simi^ly

20

cross without forming a network or cbiasma; the arterial bulb of the heart is simple, and pro-
vided with two valves at its origin; the air bladder is simply what its name denotes, never
becoming cellulnr or lung-like; opercles or gill-covers are always jjresent, and the body is
usually covered with scales, though in some cases scaleless, or with prickles or bony plates in
lieu of scales. This subclass comprises all those vertebrates usually called fishes, except the
somewhat miscellaneous group Ganoidei, of which the sturgeons are the only representatives
upon the coast of California; the Elasmobrcmchii, comprising the sharks and rays, wliich are
not generally used for food; the Marsipobranchii or lampreys and hags, the former often eaten;
and the Leptocardii or laucelets, the lowest of vertebrates, if indeed they are entitled to that
name at all.

The Teleostei, according to Professor Gill's classification, are divided into the orders Tehocephali
or ordinary fishes; Nematognathi or Silurians, comprising the catfishes and numerous other tbrms,
chiefly fresh-water, all characterized by the presence of from four to eight long barbels around
the mouth, the longest a continuation of the incomplete maxillary, and with numerous other
characters which render them a compact group; Apodes or eel-like fishes, having no ventrals,
the scapular arch or shoulder-girdle free from the skull, instead of attached to it as in the other
orders, and an elongated, snake-like body; Pediculati, including a few strange forms in which
the pectoral fins are carried by elongated bones, which foreshadow those of the forelimbs of
higher vertebrates, and which have small gill openings behind the pectorals; Plectognathi, bal-
loon fishes, etc., which have the intermaxillary and maxillary bones firmly united; and Lopho-
branchii, i:)ipe fishes, which have their gills in snuiU tufts instead of in long comb-like series, as
is tlie case in all the preceding orders, and the mouth small and toothless, placed at the end of
a long snout. Besides these are the two small orders Sci/phophori and Opinthomi, neither repre-
resented on this coast. As all the indigenous Teleontei of California, ordinarily used as articles
of food, belong to the first of these orders, Teleocephali, it may be as well to dismiss the others
with a few words so as to avoid future reference to them.

Although the order Nematognathi has numerous representatives in North America (Jordan,
catalogue of fresh-water fishes, pages 414-416, enumerates 28), and may be said to have its
headquarters in South America, not a single species is indigenous in the streams of the Pacific
Coast; and the order Apodes is not represented in the neighborhood of San Francisco. Here,
then, we have two remarkable features of our fish fauna, no catfishes and no eels in our rivers,
for though several kinds of fishes, both fresh-water and marine, are often called eels, they are
only elongated Teleocephali or else lampreys. The Pediculati are represented in Lower Cali-
fornia, but not in Upper California. Only a single Plectognath fish is ever brought to our mar-
kets, although another species occurs in the southern part of California, and the order has
several representatives farther south. This solitary Plectognath is the wide-spread Orthagoriscus
mola or sun-fish, if, as seems probable, it is really identical with that Atlantic species. I have
not yet had the good fortune to meet with a fresh example, but a small specimen is in the
Museum of the California Academy of Sciences, and a larger, about three feet long, in the
collections at Woodward's Gardens. In the Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences
of 1867, page 141, Mr. R. E. C. Stearns mentions the occurrence in the market of a specimen,
5 feet 8i inches in extreme length, and 7 feet 6 inches in width from tip of dorsal to tip of axal.
The small specimen, on which Dr. Ayers founded his Orthagoriscus analis, was taken in Santa
Barbara Channel.

The Lophobranchii are represented in our bay by two species of pipe-fishes, Syngnathus dimi
diatiis and Syngnathus griseolineatus, both occasionally brought to market, but both too small to
be used as food, and in the more southern part of our coast by Hippocampus ingens, the great
Californian sea-horse, of which our museum possesses a single sj^ecinien.

The Teleocephali include the greater part of the orders Malacopleri, Anacanthini. and Acan-
thopteri of older naturalises, but as Professor Jordan well remarks, "however different the
extremes of each (as Percoids and Ci/prinoids) jnay be, the intervening forms are too closely
related to render it possible to characterize them as distinct orders."

The suborders now recognized in this large order are the Heterosomata or flat-fishes, the Ana-
canthini, the Acanthopteri, the Percesoces, the Hemibranchii, the Hynentognathi, the Haplomi,
the Isospondyli, the Eventognathi or carp tribe, and the Gymnonoti. Of the last tribe, the elec-
tric eels, we have no examples; the Hemibranchii or half-gilled fishes, chiefly consisting of the
small tribe of sticklebacks, too small for use as food, and of the Fistularians, need not here be
considered; and the Synentognathi or gar-pikes, and the Haplomi do not occur in our markets.
Representatives of the other suborders, which, after all the other classes, orders, and suborders
are taken away, still include far the greater proportion of the families, genera, and species of
gill-breathing vertebrates, are numerous here as in most other parts of the world. A noticeable
feature of the California fish fauna is the almost total absence of ^cawfAojo^erow.s or spiny-finned
fishes from the fresh-waters, which are stocked almost wholly by the Saimonidoe (a family of
Isosp)ondyli) , and by the Evejitognathi or throat-jawed fishes.

ORDER TELEOCEPHALI.

Bony fishes with terminal mouths, the maxillaries and iutermaxillaries distinct, and well
developed pectinated (or comb-like) gills; gill openings in front of pectorals and comparatively
wide; and a sub-operculum (this bone is absent in the order Nematognathi). Scales usually
present, and generally cycloid or ctenoid.

21

SUBORDKR ACANTHOPTERI.

Tekocephah normally with ctenoid scales, a spinous dorsal fin, either separate, or forming the
anterior portion of a single dorsal ; one or more spines in front of the anal, and an articulate first
ventral ray. One or other of these characters olten fails, but a constant character is the absence
of the ductus pneumaticus, or tube connecting the swim-bladder with the gullet.

PERCID.'E.

This large group of typical Acanthoperous fishes, with spinous fins and highly ctenoid scales,
is, by some naturalists, divided into several families or sub-families, two of which, the Serra-
nidve and the Centrarclddce, each send to our markets a single representative, the first occasion-
ally, the second with tolerable regularity.

Archoplites interruj^tus, Girard, Sacramento River Perch — This
species is abundant along the lower course of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers, and in all branches of those rivers that permeate
the low lands, and forms an important article of food not only to the
white inliabitants of the district but also to the Chinese,^ who are
particularly fond of it, catch it in immense numbers and forward it
to their countrymen along the railroad, as far as the boundary of the
State, or even beyond it. It is usually taken in fyke-nets, which are
most effective engines of destruction. It is a very good fish for the
table, unless taken in sloughs that, by the falling of the water, have
become disconnected with the river. During the winter months this
species was rarely brought to the markets of San Francisco, but from
February to Septemberit has been of constant occurrence. Although
usually known as the Sacramento River Perch, it is by no means
confined to that river and its tributaries. Professor Jordan (Bulletin,
United States National Museum, 10, p. 34) gives "streams of the
Pacific slope" as its habitat; the Museum of California Academy of
Science has a specimen from the Pajaro River, and Mr. Livingston
Stone states that it occurs in Clear Lake. This species belongs to the
Centrarchidic, a group wdiich includes the numerous species of " sun-
fishes," or " pond fishes," numbering altogether (according to Profes-
sor Jordan) sixteen genera and sixty species. The headquarters of
this family is in the Mississippi Valley, and the present is the only
species known in California. The SerranoidfiQh, previously alluded
to, is Stereolepis gigas, Ayres, more commonly called the Jew-fish. Mon-
terey Bay appears to be the most northern point ordinarily frequented
by this fish, which attains the immense weight of from four to five
hundred pounds, and is a most delicious food fish — superior, as I am
assured by those who have tasted it, to any of the rock-fishes. Very
rarely it has been taken in San Francisco Bay. The range of this
species extends to New Zealand.

THE ROCK-COD OR ROCK-FISH.

Under these names are included the various species of Chirus,
Sehastichthys, Sebastodes, Ophiodon, and Scorjjoenichthys . many of which
are caught within the bay, others at various points along the coast,
especially towards the north.

The genera enumerated belong to the old family Tnglidse ovSeler-
ogenidse, the latter name meaning "mailed cheeks," and referring to
the extension backwards of the suborbitals and their unionwith the
preopercula. On account of the considerable structural differences
which distinguished the sections or sub-families of this large family,
it is now usually divided into several distinct families, and our rock-

22

fish belong to three of these, namely: Chirus and Ophiodon to the
Chiridse, Sebastichthys, and Sebastodes to the Scorposnidos and Scorpce-
niddhys to the Cottidx or Sculpins. The members of the genus Chi-
rus may be readily distinguished from the others by their compara-
tive smoothness, and the presence of several lateral lines of pores.
Sebastichthys and Sebastodeslhave an armature of spines upon the top
of the head and the edge of the preoperculum, and thirteen spines in
the dorsal fin ; Ophiodon has small scales, a smooth head, a scarcely
spinous preoperculum, and twenty-six dorsal spines; while Scoiyos-
nichtliys, like most of the species of the family Cottidse, is scaleless
and has a depressed head with various spines and flaps. The flesh
of these flshes is firm and nutritious, but rather dry, lacking the del-
icacy of some of the Pleuronedidse and the richness of the salmon.
Several of these species were described by Dr. Ayres, in the Pro-
ceedings of the California Academy of Science, volumes 1 and 2;
and although, in some cases, his notes are antedated by those of Girard
Pacific Railroad Report, volume 10, the Californian naturalist may
still claim to be the first to introduce six of them to the scientific
world. Two species observed by Dr. Ayres I have not yet observed
in the markets ; these are Sebastichthys elongatus and Sebastichthys ova-
lis. The first I am acquainted with only by the specimens in the
Museum of the California Academy of Science; the second I have
not yet recognized.

CHIRID^.

All the fishes of this family have small scales, ctenoid or cycloid, a long, continuous dorsal,.
or two dorsals, and an elongated, rather compressed form. The head is spineless. Exclusively
marine.

Chirus constellatus, Girard, Constellated ; Chirus c/uttatus, Girard,
Spotted — The fishes of this genus appear in the market in greater
or less abundance throughout the v/hole of the winter, spring and
summer. They are usually taken in the bay. Many of the fisher-
men and dealers call these fishes sea trout; others do not distin-
guish them from the various species of Sebastichthys — the names of
rock-fish or rock-cod serving alike for all. Constellatus may be
known by the more or less perfect circles of small round spots,
inclosing a lighter area, that diversify its sides, while C. guttcUus is
covered with small yellow blotches, sometimes arranged in irregular
rows. These light blotches become darker on exposure to the air.
Constellatus may also be distinguished by the spotted pectoral fin.
C. pictus, the painted sea trout, is not so often seen as the two pre-
viously mentioned, although it is taken in the bay. C. nebidosus is
also sometimes brought to market, as the Academy of Sciences pos-
sesses a specimen bought there. C. pictus may be identified by the
rich reddish-brown spots and blue cloudings upon its sides, and by
the pectorals, alternately barred light and dark. C nebidosus is
dark above, lighter below, the two colors showing a tendency to form
bands on the sides. All these fishes are peculiar in having several
lateral lines along the sides instead of one, as is usual among fishes.
The length of full-grown individuals is from twelve to sixteen
inches.

Ophiodon elongatus, Girard, Green Rock-cod — This is one of the
largest and commonest of our marketable fishes, attaining a length
of over three or even four feet, and is usually in great part of a
lively green color, spotted or clouded with light brown. But the

23

coloration of the adults varies greatly. The brown markings some-
times cover almost the entire fish, and different shades of brown
occur in the same individual. The young is spotted with round
spots of a light yellowish-brown, and it was to the young that the
name Ophiodon elongatus was originally given by Girard, who
described the adult with the title of Oplopomn pantherina. Op)liiodon
elongatus was said to have a continuous dorsal, with twenty-seven
spines and no membranous flap upon the forehead, while Oplopoma
paiitlierina was characterized by two separate dorsals, the first with
twenty-five spines, and by the presence of a membranous flap. Dr.
Steindacimer corrects this error {Icth.yologisclie Beitrage, No. III.),
and proves that the continuous dorsal and membranous flap are
characters of the species.

The correct number of spines is twenty-seven, but the adult
frequently comes to market in a dilapidated condition, with the
spines torn apart from each other, or even broken away, and it is
most probable that Girard described his Oplopoma 'pardherina from
such a mutilated specimen. Young and half-grown individuals are
common in the Bay of San Francisco, but the larger examples are
taken in tolerably deep water, outside of the bay, especially in the
vicinity of the Farallones. Steindachner gives the range of this
species as from Sitka to Monterey. This is a highly carnivorous fish.
The fishermen describe it as the terror of the inliabitants of the
rocks ; the other fishes hide for fear of it, and are often seized off the
hooks by it.

Another chiroid, not usually called a rock-fish, is Anoplopoma fim-
bria, a species which, though rare in our markets, except in Septem-
ber and October, is of more common occurrence northwards, and
occurs also along the northern coast of eastern Asiatic Russia.
Examples sold here seldom reach a length of more than twelve or
occasionally sixteen inches.

SCORPCENID^.

The sea-scorpions are easily recognized by their ctenoid scales, spinous heads and gill-covers,
and single dorsal fin. The union of the dorsals and the presence of true scales, always spinous
on their free margins, distinguishes this family from the Cottidce; while the larger head, the
armature of spines, the usually stouter body and the rougher scales, distinguish it from the
Chiridce. Exclusively marine; of wide distribution.

SebastichtJiys flavidus, Ayres, Gill, Yellow Rock-cod — This is one
of the most abundant of the rock-fishes, equaling in this respect
ruber and pinniger. It may be known by the greenish-brown and
yellowish-green tints of the back and sides, as well as by the third
anal spine, which exceeds the second in length, instead of only equal-
ing it, as in Sebastichthys m^elanops. The spines upon the top of the
head are not large. In size it equals Sebastichthys melanops. Those
brought to market are taken outside the bay.

Sebastichthys pinniger, Gill, Smooth Red Rock-cod — This species
was first noticed by Ayres (Proceedings California Academy of Science,
11, 1862, p. 207), but was, by that ichthyologist, wrongly identified with
the Sebastichtliys rosaceus of Girard. It became, therefore, necessary
to rename it.

Sebastichthys pinniger appears to attain a larger size than any of the
other nearly related rock-fish, except Sebastichthys ruber, which it
usually equals in length but not in weight, as it is of more slender

24

proportions. In weight it seldom, if ever, exceeds fourteen pounds.
It is not taken within the bay. In color it is far from uniform, the
upper portion of the head and back being blotched with a darker
red than the ground tint, inclining to brown. The spines upon the
upper surface of the head are small and inconspicuous, and the paired
fins long, the ventrals extending beyond the vent, and the pectorals
to within four scales of the first anal spine.

SebastichtJiys melanops, Girard, Black Rock-cod — This fish does not
usually attain so large a size as SebastichfJtys ruber or Sebastichthys
rosaceus. It is one of the commonest kinds of rock-fish, occurring in
the markets almost every day througliout the year. The back of this
fish is almost black, inclining to purple, the fins are dark purple, and
the sides blotched with purplish black. Besides those taken in the
immediate neighborhood of San Francisco, large quantities are sent
from Monterey and other localities. ^ .

Sebasticldhys rosaceus, Girard, Pink-spotted Rock-fish — The species
thus named is not the rosaceus of Dr. Ayres, who identified Girard's
rosaceus w^ith what has been proved to be a new species, the Sebastich-
thys jjinniger of Gill ; but it is identical with the Sebastes helvomacula-
tus of the former naturalist. It is smaller even than Sebastichthys
nebulosus, not equaling it in length and of much more slender
form. The three elongated pink spots along each side are con-
stant, and at once distinguish it from every other species. In color
it resembles Sebastichthys ruber. Though not so common as Sebas-
tichthys avriculatns or Sebastichthys mdanops, or even as Sebastichthys
nebulosus, Sebastichthys ruber, or Sebastichthys jyinniger ; it is brought in
in considerable numbers. In length it very seldom exceeds twelve
inches. It is probable that this species is identical with S. oculatus,
Val.

Sebasticldhys nigrocinctus, Black-banded Rock-cod — This species is
reddish-yellow, wdth five or six nearly vertical, broad, cross bands,
and usually two or three short bands radiating from the eye ; but
these bands are much more developed in some specimens than in
others. It is one of of the rarest of our edible fishes, as only single
individuals are brought to the market at considerable intervals of
time. It is not taken inside the bay. In size it is about eciual to
Sebastichthys melanops or Sebastichthys flavidus. There is no mistaking
this fish, with its conspicuous black bands across a reddish ground,
for any other fish in our markets.

SebastichtJiys ruber, Ayres, Rough Red Rock-cod. — This, the largest
of the genus occurring in our waters, is stated to reach, though rarely,
a weight of twenty-five pounds. It is of a uniform bright red, very
different from the brownish red mingled with orange red which
forms the livery of Sebastichthys pinniger. Inform it is stouter than
Sebastichthys pinniger but less so than Sebastichthys nebulosus. It is
usually taken outside of the bay, usually from deep water around
the Farrallone Islands. It occurs also northward at least as far as
Humboldt Bay. By the uniformity of the color, the abundance of
supernumerary scales on the large scales, and the peculiar shape of
the preopercular spines, this species may readily be distinguished
from Sebastichthys pinniger as well as from Sebasticldhys rosaceus, the
latter of which strongly resembles it at first sight. The three pink
spots of rosaceus are, however, a constant character by which it may
be known from young individuals of Sebastichthys ruber; and the

25

smooth surface of the head in SebastichtJtys pinniger distinguishes it
as readily from the same species.

SebasticJithys auriculatus, Girard, Bhick-shouldered Rock-cod —
This is rather a small species, seldom exceeding eighteen inches in
length, and is hrought to the markets in great abundance, probably
on account of its common occurrence in the bay. Not only does this
species occur, together with two or three others of the smaller kinds
oi SebasticJdJiys, and the young of the larger kinds, in the deeper por-
tions of the bay near the entrance, but it is also abundant along the
eastern shore of the bay where no other species of the genus is found,
l^robabh^ on account of the admixture of fresh water from the Sacra-
mento River. This fish can always be distinguished by a black mark
upon each of the gill-covers, very obvious in the younger fish, and
sufficiently distinct, though less clearly outlined, in older specimens.
The general color is a dull reddish brown with cloudings of a darker
tint upon the back and sides; these cloudings, like the black spot
before mentioned, becoming more diffused and indistinct with
increasing size and age. This is another of the kinds which must
eventually become scarcer, unless some means be taken to prevent
waste. Small individuals, four to six inches long, are brought to
market in great numbers from various parts of the bay.

The lower jaw in SebasticJUliys auriculatus projects but slightly, con-
trasting broadly with that of flavidus, and most of the other species
of the genus.

SebasticJithys nebulosus, Ayres, Clouded Rock-cod — This is one of
the smallest of our rock-fish, yet is heavier by far than individuals
of other species of equal length, on account of the stoutness of its
form. It seldom attains a length of more than eleven or twelve
inches, though it occasionally reaches eighteen inches, and seven
pounds is the greatest weight ever attributed to it. Some of the
specimens have a broad yellow band along each side, and are also
adorned with yellow blotches of variable form and size; but in others
this band, which doubtless suggested to Girard his name of fascia-
tus, is absent, and the dark and light tints of the sides are mingled
together without any approach to regularity or beauty. In this
species the lower jaw does not project as in most of its tribe, but is
even with the upper. It is one of the most abundant of the rock-
fish.

Sebastodes 2^ciucis2nnis, Girard, Gill, Small-scaled Rock-fish — This
species may readily be distinguished from all the species of Sebas-
ticJitJtys by the smaller size of the scales, as well as by the straight
dorsal outline and the extreme elongation of the lower jaw, the tip
of which extends upwards to the line at the top of the head, and
forms part of its upper outline. The spines upon the head are very
little developed. This is one of the rarest of our food fishes, occur-
ring in our markets only at considerable intervals, and in small
numbers. In color it is reddish brown on the back, as well as on
the dorsal and caudal fins; the tint becoming lighter but more decid-
edly red on the sides and abdomen. In size it exceeds many of its
relations, as most of those brought to market reach or exceed two
feet in length.

26

COTTID^.

Spinous dorsal shorter than the soft dorsals, separate body without true scales, but often with
prickles or scale-like jjlates.

ScorpocnichfJtys marmoratus, Girard, Large Red Sculpin, or Bull-
head— Despite the absence of scales upon its body, this species is com-
monly styled a rock-cod. While its nearest relations, the smaller
sculpins, or catfish, as they are often called here, are thrown away by
the fishermen, this large sculpin is allowed a place among our food
fishes. A priori one would expect the other sculpins to begood food,
and I am assured by those who have tried them that they are; all
they need is skinning before cooking. Although tolerably common
within the Bay of San Francisco, and very frequently taken by the
angling fraternity upon Oakland wharf and in similar situations,
this species is only occasionally brought to market, and then only in
small quantities.

Under the name of Hemitripterus marmoratus, this species was
described by Dr. Ayres, in the Proceedings of California Academy
of Sciences, vol. 1, p. 4.

Scorijocniclithys marmoratus is sometimes called a rock-cod, at others
a bull-head; the latter name being also applied to other cottoids with
depressed heads. It reaches a length of two feet or more. Several
smaller cottoids are brought to market occasionally, more by acci-
dent than design. These are Hemilepidotus spinosus, a species with
four bands of scales; Leptocottus armatus, the common yellow sculpin
of the Bay of San Francisco, Aspicottus bison, Artedius lateralis, Arte-
dius pugettensis, and a species, probably new to science, which I have
described under the name of Artedius quadriseriatus. None of these
are used to any extent as food, yet Leptocottus armatus is sufficiently
common in this bay to be so used, if the prejudice against its appear-
ance could be conciuered.

SCIGENID^.

In this family the body is compressed and rather elongated; dorsal fins, two sometimes
slightly connected, the first consisting of not very strong spines, and less developed than the
second, or soft dorsal; teeth of the jaws in villiform bands, none on the vomer, or palate;
scales ctenoid, but not very strongly so. Other characters are a continuous lateral line, gener-
ally one or two anal spines; the presence in most cases of barbels, or pores, under the chin;
bones of skull more or less cavernous; and usually a large air bladder. Chiefly marine.

Atractoscion nobilis, Ayres, Gill, Sea Bass — This is one of the most
valuable of our food fishes, since it grows to a large size, and is of
most excellent flavor. Its usual dimensions are those of an ordinary
salmon, but it frequently attains a larger size, a large individual
reaching a weight of seventy or even ninety-five pounds, and a length
of five feet. It is taken in the bay, and at various points along the
coast, north and south. Ayres states that Captain Scammon found it
abundant as far south as latitude 27°. In our markets it is some-
times plentiful, but the supply is very uncertain, even when it is in
season. During the months of November, December, and January,
to February 20th, I did not meet with a single individual, but in
October, and from March to September, it has been of tolerably
frequent occurrence. " Sea Bass," boiled and baked, is a constant
dish at the restaurants of the city, but examination shows that much
of that sold at the cheaper restaurants is sturgeon. In color, it is of
a clear grayish blue, with metallic blue and golden reflections on the

27

fore part of the body, and on the head, when fresh ; the sides are
lighter. The first dorsal fin has ten spines; the second, one spine,
and twenty -two articulated rays.

Genyanemus lineatus, Gill ; Leiostomus lineatus, Ayres ; the King-
fish — This species Avas formerly common in the bay, but since its
waters have been defiled with so much tar and drain refuse by our
destructive imperfect civilization it has become scarce, and is now usu-
ally obtained outside. It is, in my opinion, one of the most delicate
of our food fishes, and, fortunately, is still abundant, occurring in
greater or less numbers in our markets throughout the year. In
size it does not greatly exceed a herring, average individuals meas-
uring six to eight inches in length. Ayres says " it seldom exceeds
eleven inches." Other names for this species are little basse and
cognard. The wavy lines of browner tint which run obliquely
along the grayish-brown body are in many specimens not very obvi-
ous. By these bars and the obtuse snout, under which the lower
jaw is received, this species may readily be known from the next.

Seriplius politus, King-fish. — This fish, known by the dealers by
the same name as the last, but readily distinguishable from it by its
longer head, much longer lower jaw, shorter spinous dorsal and
more silvery tint, scarcely deserves, on account of its rarity, to be
mentioned among our food fishes, yet is taken within the Bay of San
Francisco. I have never seen more than one or two in the market
at once.

LABRID/E.

This is the leading family of a group which, in consequence of the coalesenee of the two
lower pharyngeal bones into a single tooth-bearing bone, has received the name of Pharyngog-
nathi, and has been by many naturalists raised to the rank of an order. As, however, exam-
ples of the union of the pharyngeal bones may be found among fishes differing widely from
each other in other structural points, this single character is not now usually believed to be of
ordinal value; yet the Labj-ida-, the Embiotocidce and several other families nearly united in
other respects, form a natural super-family or section of an order. The Labridce, as their
name indicates, are characterized by having the lips, which in most fishes are thin and incon-
spicuous, well developed and thick. The scales are large and cycloid; a lateral lino is present,
but in most cases is interrupted in its course, and the spinous dorsal varies considerably in its
development.

This famil}^ is sparsely represented on our coast. Pimelometopon
pulclier, Gill, Labrus pulcher, Ayres, is occasionally brought to market
in the autumnal months from more southern points, but is rare. It
attains a length of over two feet, and may at once be recognized by
its conspicuous livery of black and red, the former occupying the
head as far as the pectorals, as well as the posterior portion of the
body, the latter a broad transverse band from the pectorals to behind
the anal. The pectorals, ventrals, caudal and dorsal are black.
Oxyjidis modest'us, Girard, Gill, a smaller species, is of still rarer
occurrence, but becomes commoner in the more southern parts of
the State.

EMBIOTOCIDiE.

Ever since the first discovery of these fishes they have been objects
of great interest to ichthyologists, chiefly on account of their peculiar
method of reproduction. While by far the greater number of the
true fishes are simply oviparous, that is, deposit their fully formed
ova upon the bottom of the river or sea which they inhabit, some
few are ovo-viviparous, the eggs being retained in the interior of the
ovary and hatched there. Prominent among these is the well known

28

Zoarces anguiUavis, or viviparous blenny; but in the Emhiotocidse we
have a family of considerable size, all the members of which bring
forth their young alive and fully formed. The interior of each ovary
is divided by highly vascular membranes into longitudinal compart-
ments, in which the young are systematically arranged; and no bet-
ter idea of the appearance of an ovary thus packed with living young
can be formed than by comparing it with the interior of a pome-
granate, the pips representing the young, and the partitions those
dividing the ovaries. Only it must be remembered that there are
of course no transverse partitions in the ovary of an embiotocoid, as
in that case there would be no means of exit. The appearance, how-
ever, is similar to that of the fruit, as the longitudinal membranes
form a fold between each embryo. Between the ventral fins and the
vulva there is a scaleless space upon the abdomen, forming a sort of
sheath or fold, usually concealed by the projection of the scales of
the sides. The shape of these fishes is not unlike that of the sun-
fishes or pond perch {Centrarchida;), or of the sheep's head and porgee
of the Atlantic; but the scales are cycloid or smooth, and rather
large; the lips well developed (in some cases excessively thick), and
the mouth very extensible, characters which prove a rather near
relationship to the Labridse or Wrasse family. The cheeks are scaly,
and a narrow sheath of scales extends along the base of the soft
dorsal. During the winter months the supply of these fishes was
comparatively small, and chiefly confined to the kinds which inhabit
the bay, but during April and May the supply has been very abun-
dant, the species constituting the bulk of the catch being Embiotoca
jacksoni, Embiotoca lateralis, Hypsurus caryi, Holconotus rhodoterus,
Phanerodon furcatus, Bhacochilus toxotes, Damalichthys vacca, and Hy-
per prosopon argenteus. Most of those brought to market are females,
full of young, and it is safe to say that at least twenty perfectly
formed young fishes are killed for every adult taken at this season.
The greater part of the spring supply comes from the north of our
bay, near Tomales Bay; and some of the kinds found in our own
bay all the year round are not largely represented. Among these
are Amphistichus argenteus, Cyrnatogaster [Micrometrus) aggregatus,
and Abeona minima, the latter the "shiner" of the angling fra-
ternity, and the only one of the marine species of the group which
is too small to be of much value for food. As the habits of
this tribe of fishes are not well known, I will only suggest the
desirability, for the sake of ensuring the permanence of the supply
of a group which is only second to the salmon in its importance as
an article of food for the people of this coast, of some legislative
regulations which may give the females a chance to perpetuate their
race before they are taken. How to do this I do not venture to say,
as I do not know whether many of the species are procurable at any
other than the season of reproduction, and I here ask all who have
leisure to investigate the matter, to endeavor to ascertain at what
season the various species of this tribe seek the shallower water, and
whether they are to be found at other seasons in such localities that
they can be taken.

Unless some means is found of protecting some of the more useful
and abundant of our fishes, so that they may have a chance to repro-
duce their kind; our supply of fish, even now too limited for the
demand, will, in a few years, dwindle to next to nothing. Our bay
will be "fished out" as many a river and bay in Europe has been

29

fished out, and one of our most important sources of food supply will
be dried up. The peculiar mode of reproduction of these fishes not
only render them of considerable scientific interest, but the young,
hatched perfectly formed, and able to take care of themselves from
the moment of their exclusion from the oviduct, have many more
chances in the struggle for life than those of ordinary fishes; and
with a little care on our part it is probable that an abundant supply
could be maintained. We take the ova of the shad and the salmon,
and by careful watching and tending hatch the young, which we
then put into the rivers to take their chance; but in this tribe of
fishes nature does all this work for us, and all we have to do is to let
the young fish get away safely, as far as we are concerned.

I have mentioned by name eleven species, but these are not all.
About eighteen kinds are known, one of them a native of Japan, the
others all from this coast; one, Hysterocarpus traskii, Gibbons, is
found in the fresh waters of our State, but all the others are marine.

The Embiotocidffi are a difficult family to study, not only because
of the anatomical peculiarities which need fuller investigation, but
on account of the confusion into which the nomenclature has fallen.
Various species were, about 1854, described almost simultaneously by
Agassiz and by Dr. W. P. Gibbons, of Alameda. Shortly after,
Girard, in the Pacific Railroad Report, described several species,
most of them identical with those described by the two former
naturalists. Each of these writers gave a different name to the same
species; this was unavoidable in the case of the first two naturalists.
But Girard, coming after the others, chose also to re-describe them
giving at the end of his work on the family a list of Dr. Gibbons'
species which he states he could not recognize. He who undertakes
to write scientifically upon this group has now to disentangle the
maze of synonymy, and also to determine which of the numerous
genera have characters which entitle them to recognition, and all
this means a great deal of hard and unattractive work.

These fishes are commonly known as "perch," although some of
the species have been honored wuth distinctive titles.

Embiotoca jacksoni, Agassiz, the Pogy or Black Basse — The pogy,
black basse, or black perch, as il is variously called, on account of
a supposed resemblance to fishes not very nearly related, is perhaps
the best known of the family. At the same time it is one of the
most difficult to distinguish, on account of the difference of color
between the male and female, and between the young and the adult.
Thus the Embiotoca cassidii and Embiotoca webbii of Girard are only
partially grown black perch. The female is of a deep dark purplish-
brown, with the vertical fins and ventrals of a bluer purple; but the
male is much lighter in tint. The young have transverse bands
across the body, a peculiarity which is common to the young of the
whole family, but persists in the adults of some species. These
bands are in all cases darker than the ground tint. Some individu-
als have the vertical fins decidedly violet. There are four rows of
scales upon the cheek. Girard gives the number of young in the two
ovaries as about sixty. This species is tolerably common in the Bay
of San Francisco, and abounds in Tomales Bay; and is brought to
market more or less abundantly throughout the year. It is one of
the largest of the family, attaining a length of fourteen or fifteen
inches, and a weight of from three to four pounds.

Tseniotoca lateralis, Agassiz, Blue-banded Perch — By the peculiarity

30

embodied in the English name I have ventured to apply to it, this
fish may at once be known from the other species of the family. The
sides are banded with numerous longitudinal stripes of purple, and
the head is adorned with various bluish marks. Like Embioioca
jacksoni, it is found both in San Francisco and Tomales Bays. It
attains very nearly as large a size as the former species, and it is
brought to our markets at all seasons of the year, though less abun-
dantly in the winter than in April and May. As in the last species,
the young differ in their coloration from the adult, being usually
lighter and more brightly colored, and this has been the cause of
the description of nominal species.

Hypsurus Caryi, Agassiz, the Orange-banded Perch — This, one of
the most beautifully tinted of the family, is either not found in this
bay or is very rare there, as only occasional specimens occurred in
the markets during the winter months. Large quantities of this
species have been brought from Tomales and ilis vicinity during the
months of April and May ; it is not a large form, exceeding in this
respect the species of Hy]jerproso2:)on, but falling far behind either of
the previously mentioned kinds. The largest I have seen was not
more than twelve inches long, and the average length is about ten
inches. It may be at once recognized both by its coloration and by its
form. The species most nearly resembling it in color is Embiotoca
lateralis, but in the present species the blue streaks are mingled with
orange, which latter tint predominates upon the abdomen, the back
is richly bronzed ; the dorsal, caudal, and anal are irregularly banded
with orange and white ; the pectorals are of light golden ; there is a
black blotch on the anterior part of the anal, and the ventrals are tip-
ped with black. But the form of the body is still more distinctive.
The anal fin is formed of fewer rays than in the preceding species, and
these rays are crowded into a short space and directed horizontally
backwards, their base being directed upwards at an angle of about
60° from the horizontah The space between the ventrals and anal
is thus longer than in the other Embiotocidse, this, together with the
short, horizontally, directed anal, and the straight line formed by the
abdominal outline, give the fish a peculiar appearance. The teeth
are few, four to six in the upper and nine to twelve in the lower jaw.
All the examples I have seen in May were females with their ovaries
full of young.

Phanerodon furcatus, Girard — Extremely abundant in the markets
during the summer and autumn, the supply coming from Tomales
Bay. This is one of the most uniformly colored of the Embiotocidie.,
the prevailing tint being that of burnished silver. The older indi-
viduals are darker above, and the dorsal and caudal have a darker
margin. The dorsal spines increase in length to the last, which is
almost as long as the first ray ; the anal is long and low, and the
caudal peduncle narrow. Phanerodon furcatus seldom reaches a
length of more than twelve inches, and as it is a slender and rather
thin species, its weight seldom exceeds one pound. _

Damalichtliys vacca, Girard — In general form this species closely
resembles the thick-lipped perch, but may at once be distinguished
from it by the want of the thick lips. I first noticed its presence in
the markets in the month of February, and from that time to Octo-
ber it has been tolerably abundant. Most of those I have seen were
about a foot in total length and about four inches in width across
the body; but the species attains a weight of from three to four

ol

pounds. In color it is slaty-gray, becoming more silvery on the
sides and silverj'^-white below, without any conspicuous marks or
bands. The second ray of the soft dorsal is twice the hight of the
last and highest spine of the spinous portion of the same fin.

BJtacochilus toxotes, Agassiz, Thick-lipped Percli — This is the
finest and largest of the tribe, attaining a length of sixteen or
eighteen inches, and a weight of from five to six pounds. It can be
at once identified by the great thickness and prominence of its lips,
especially the lower lip, which forms a broad, continuous fold around
the lower jaw. The greatest width is about a third of the total
length. The caudal peduncle is long and the spinous portion of the
dorsal fin much lower than the soft portion. The teeth are few, and
in a single row. The coloration of the fresh fish is not conspicuous,
as it is chiefly a bright silvery-gray, becoming darker and metallic
on the back, with a reddish tinge posteriorly, and dark and dull on
the top of the head. From April to September this species has been
of tolerably common occurrence in the markets, though by no means
so abundant as lateralis, caryi or Hyperprosopon argenteus. It is
usually sold at a higher price than the other perch. Those brought
to market in the months named are caught in Tomales Bay.

Micrometrus aggregatus, Agassiz; Cymatogaster aggregatus, Gib-
bons, Large Shiner — This is one of the kinds ordinarily found in
San Francisco Bay, brought to market, though not in abundance,
throughout the year, and frequently taken by anglers. It does not
attain the dimensions of the Embiotoca jacksoni, Embiotoca lateralis, or
Rhacochilus toxotes. The scales of this species are comparatively large,
the lateral line containing only from forty to forty-four. The longest
spines are longer than the rays of the soft dorsal, and the sides have
eight or nine longitudinal bands, formed of black dots. The young
have three or four vertical bands.

A still smaller species is the Micrometrus minimus of Gibbons,
Abeona trowbridgii of Girard, and Shiner of the small boys, who usu-
ally contemptuously fling it back into the bay whenever they take it.
Its presence in the market is only accidental, among the heaps of
small flat-fishes or smelts.

Hyperprosopon argenteus, Gibbons, Large-eyed Perch — The large
eye; the upward turned mouth; the lower jaw extending to, or even
beyond, the horizontal from the upper margin of the pupil ; the
broad short body, the shape of the spinous dorsal, the fourth spine
of which is the longest, and longer than the soft dorsal; the silvery
color, and the black-tipped ventrals, render this easily' recognizable
from all the other Embiotocidse except the rarer Hyperprosopion agassi-
zii, Hyperproso]pon arcuatus, and Hypercriticlithys analis. The first of
these is known by the absence of the black tips to the ventrals, and
the presence of a black margin to the caudal ; the second by the greater
curve of the back, less depressed forehead, smaller eyes, and shorter
lower jaw; and the third by the considerably smaller eye, more elon-
gate body, shorter dorsal and anal, and the presence of a black spot
in the middle of the caudal. The large-eyed perch is common in San
Francisco Bay, and during the months of April and May is brought
in large quantities from Tomales Bay. It is smaller than most of the
preceding species, the length seldom exceeding nine or ten inches,
and the weight about half a pound.

In this genus the teeth form a single row extending all around the
lower jaw, and about half way along the upper, thus differing from

32

Embiotoca, Hypsurus, and Rhacochilus, which have only a few teeth
in each jaw, and from Micrometrus and Amjjhistichus, which have a
double row.

The present species, together with Hyperprosopon agassizii and
Hyperprosopon arcuatus, differ considerably in form from the rest of
the family, as the greatest width is contained in the total length to
the tip of the caudal only two and a half times.

All these brought to market in May, so far as I have_ observed, are-
females, with the ovaries full of young; but this species is taken at
all seasons of the year.

Holconotus rhodoterus, Agassiz, Red-fin Perch — This is another of
the kinds which inhabit the Bay of San Francisco. It may be read-
ily identified by the reddish color of the fins, while the shape of the
spinous dorsal, which is highest in the middle, differs from that of
all the other Emhiotocidx except those belonging to the genus Hyper-
prosopon, from which the smaller eye and more elongate form at once
distinguishes it.

As is the case with most of the species of Embiotocidse, the supply
of this fish is very irregular. After weeks during which it either
does not occur or is very rare, it will suddenly appear in the market
in great abundance, forming a large proportion of the total catch of
perch.

Ampltistichus argenteus, Agassiz, Silver Perch — This is another of
the species common in the bay. From Micrometius aggregatus it may
hQ known by its much smaller scales, and by the persistence, in the
adult, of transverse bands upon the body; and from Hyperprosojion
argenteus by its smaller eye and more elongated form; and from Hol-
conotus rhodoterus by the lower spinous dorsal. _ In length it seldom
exceeds ten or twelve inches, and the largest individuals attain a
weight of two pounds "or a little more. The fifth dorsal spine is
sliglitly longer than the last, which is a little shorter than the ante-
rior articulated rays.

SPHYR^NID^.

Sphyroena argentea, Girard, the Barracuda — It is well not to be mis-
led by English names. That of barracuda is applied not only to all
the species of Sphyroena, of which there are several, but also to fishes
of other families, and even other orders. In the rivers of South
America the name is given to the Sudis {Arapaima) gigas, a soft
finned, large scaled, fresh water, carnivorous fish. Ail barracudas,
however, are fierce, rapacious fishes, and the one we are at present
considering attains a length of over three feet, and a weight of from
twelve to fourteen pounds. The form is slender, but it is nearly as
thick as it is deep, and its jaws are armed with a formidable row of
sharp teeth. When darting through the water it looks like a silver
arrow. It is usually obtained south of the bay, and at the Faral-
lones, but occurs at least as far north as Tomales. Its flesh is very
good eating, so that if it devours our food fishes we may console our-
selves by devouring it.

I am informed that this fish has never been known to occur in the
bay. This fish may at once be recognized by its long, cylindrical
shape, elongate head, cycloid or smooth scales; first dorsal fin of five
spines only, the second spine highest, and second dorsal, of eleven
rays, placed far behind the first dorsal. This species is the only rep-

33

resentative on this coast of the family SpJiyrsenidse, which consists of
the single genus Spcehyrna.

SCOMBRID^.

The five following species belong to this family, as defined by the older writers, including the
Stromateicla; , Carangida-, and other tribes not represented here. None of them are caught,
except rarely, near San Francisco, and most are liighly prized, both on account of their rarity
and their qualitj^. In all the scales are very small and smooth, or are absent ; the color is steely
blue, lighter below, and the caudal is broadly bilobate. The three first noticed are true Scom-
hridce, and have several small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins.

Scomber colias, Spanish Mackerel — The Scomber diego described by
Ayres (Proceedings California Academy of Science, vol. 1, 1857, p. 92)
has been proved by Steindachner to be identical with the long known
Scomber colias or Spanish mackerel of the European seas. Steindach-
ner states that it occurs frequently on the coast of the Galapagos
Islands, and wanders in small shoals along the Californian coast as far
as San Diego, also that single individuals occur near San Francisco.
Thus this species and Albula vulpes are among the few fishes which
inhabit both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. On one occasion
only, in April of the present year, I found this species in the
market in tolerable abundance, and it has again occurred in Septem-
ber. Those which were then exposed for sale were small, not above
eight inches long, and came from Monterey Bay. The identity of
Ayres' Scomber diego with Scomber colias has been confirmed by a com-
parison of Ayres' original specimen with the diagnosis given by Giin-
ther. (Catalogue of Fishes, British Museum, II).

From the two succeeding species this may be readily known by the
presence of only five finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins; by the
spinous dorsal of seven spines; and by the irregular reticulated dark
lines upon the back.

Sarda lineolata, Girard — This, like all the Pacific Coast Scom-
bridae, is not very often brought to the markets of San Francisco,
except in September and October. They are usually caught in Mon-
terey Bay.

Giinther (Cat-fish, British Museum, II, 368) considers this species
to be identical with the Pelamys chilensis of Cuv. and Val. It
attains a considerable size, a series of four specimens lying on the
stalls measuring respectively two feet, two and a quarter inches ; two
feet, two and three-quarter inches; and two feet, three and a half
inches, from tip of snout to fork of caudle fin. The caudle fin can-
not be said to be crescentic, as stated by Girard, since its posterior
margin form two sides of an obtuse isosceles triangle. The sides and
belly are silvery, becoming bluish-black towards and on the back,
and five or six obliquely longitudinal bands of the darker tint run
along the sides.

From November to the end of May this species has not occurred
in the markets. Appearances indicate that this and some other
Scomberoids take a run northwards in the autumn, and thus reach
the San Francisco markets from Monterey. The patch of larger
scales behind the pectoral fin, and the oblique, darker streaks upon
the sides of the body, serve to distinguish this species from the suc-
ceeding one, but the dealers distinguish them also by the texture of
the flesh, which is softer in this species than in Chriomitra concolor.
The first dorsal has eighteen spines, and there are eight finlets behind
the dorsal, and seven behind the anal.
5''

34

Chriomitra concolor, Lockington — lu October and November of the
past year, my attention was drawn to a Scomberoid which somewhat
resembled the Pelamys (Sarda) lineolata of Girard, but examination
proved not only that it was not that species but that, on account of
the absence of a corselet, or patch of large scales behind the pectoral
fin, and the want of teeth on the vomer, or palatines, it must be made
the type of a distinct genus.

Very few of these fishes were brought in during the autumn — by
no means sufficient to supply the demand, for it is in great repute
among rich gastronomists, and fetches a high price. Its flesh is said
to be far firmer and better than that of Sarda lineolata, from wliich it
may be readily distinguished by the characters mentioned above,
but also by the absence of the darker, oblique streaks which diver-
sify the flanks of the latter fish. Although most of the individuals
sold here are brought from Monterey, I am informed that stragglers
have been caught as far north as Tomales. Those which I have seen
have averaged about two feet in total length to the tip of the caudal
lobes. There are seven or eight finlets behind the dorsal, and eight
behind the anal fin. There are seldom more than two or three of
this species in the markets at once.

Poronotus simillimus, Ayres, Pompino — This species was first
described by Dr. Ayres (Proceedings California Academy, vol. 2.,
page 84, figure on page 85) in December, 1860, and accompanied by a
tolerable outline figure. Dr. Ayres states that in the course of seven
years he only saw three or four specimens ; but this year at least it
is far more abundant, as I have seen as many as thirty or forty on
the same stall on many occasions. As with the other Scomberoids,
the examples brought to this market are usually caught in Monterey
Bay, which appears to form the northern limit of many species of
fishes, Crustacea, and echinoderms. The Italian fishermen call this
species " pompino," and this must be accepted, in the absence of any
other, as its English name. I am informed that a fish called
*' pompino," on the Atlantic coast, is considered to be the most deli-
cate of all fishes. This is Trachynotiis carolinus, a very different
species. Our " pompino " is also highly prized as a delicate morsel,
and is one of the dearest fishes in the market. This species has been
more or less abundant throughout the whole of the winter and
spring, but during part of the time the catch has been principally
composed of very small individuals, not above three or four inches
long, which certainly should not have been caught at all. Most of
these small ones are, if I have been rightly informed, taken in the
Bay of San Francisco, to which this species is an occasional visitant,
and the high price the species commands tempts the fishermen to
catch all they can find. An adult pompino measures from eight to
ten inches in length. This fish may be identified at once by the
total absence of ventral fins, while its thin, broad, oval body, bright
steely color, and dorsal fin with only a single spine, are other con-
spicuous features. It is covered with rather small, smooth scales.

Trachurus symmetricus, Ayres, Horse-mackerel — Authorities differ as
to whether this fish is peculiar to this coast or is identical with
the Trachurus trachurus of Linnaeus. Dr. Giinther identifies it with
the latter, thus making it identical with the European horse-mack-
erel, which, if his view is correct, is a widespread form, common to
both great oceans. Professor Gill does not agree with this view. He
says (Proceedings Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia, 1862, p.

35

26) : "They can be readily distinguished at first glance. The Cali-
fornia species has the flexure (of the lateral line) very abrupt and
oblique, and the pectoral fin equal to the length of the head before
the preoperculum." This fish is only sent occasionally to our market,
usually from Monterey, but when it is present it is in greater abun-
dance than any of the other Scomheroids. Occasionally it visits the
Bay of San Francisco, for the single specimen (seventeen inches long)
on which Dr. Ayres founded his species, was taken there, and the deal-
ers assure me of its opcasional occurrence. Those sent from Monterey
are seldom as large as Ayres' specimen. It is not valued so highly
as either of the previous species. From all the other fishes brought
to this market it may be readily known by the series of keeled scales
along the center line of the hinder part of the body.

BLENNIID.E.

This family, as originally composed, consisted of a heterogeneous assemblage of fishes with
little in common except a greater or less tedency to an elongate form, with more or less elongate
dorsal and anal fins; and ventrals which are either jugular (in advance of the pectorals) and
composed of fewer rays than usual, or are absent aftogether. They are, by Professor Gill,
divided into several families, among which are the Ana7-7^hichadida; or -wolf-fishes; large, rav-
enous fishes with strong teeth and no ventral fins; Blenniidoe or true Blennies, with ventrals
and a long, dorsal fin, formed partly of spines, and partly of soft rays; Stichceidcc or Snake
Blennies, with a dorsal composed of spines only, and a compressed, thin body; Xi2Mdiontidce.
or Gunnels, which differ from the last, among other things, in the absence of a lateral line, and
the presence of one ray only, in the ventrals; and Cryptacanthidce, which have the cleft of
the mouth nearly vertical, no ventrals, and the dorsal rays all spinous.

To the first of these belongs Anarrhichtliys felis, Girard, a long
snake-like fish, with a large, heavy head — so heavy that if it hang
on one side of the hand while the body is on the other, it will draw
the body after it — and very strong teeth. It is sometimes brought to
market, and attains a length of four to eight feet. The contents of
the stomach of a large specimen brought to market, June 10th, con-
sisted entirely of the tests of our common cake-urchin. Another
Blennoid, occasional!}^ seen in the markets, and reaching a length of
more than two feet, is Cebidichthys cristagalli, Ayres, a browaiish olive
fish, with two or three purplish violet bands upon the cheeks, and a
crest upon the head {Cebidichthyidse, Gill). The other Blemdidx
brought occasionally to market, are quite small fishes, but Apodich-
thys flavidus, Girard, would make up for its small size by its abund-
ance, if it were at all sought for as an article of food. It attains a
length of about a foot, and is freciuently found under stones above
low-water mark.

A species of the Batracliidse, or toad-fishes, Porichthys porosissimus,
the only one found on the coast, is common in the bay and at vari-
ous points up the coast, and is sometimes brought to market in the
summer, at which season it resorts to the tide-pools under the rocks, to
deposit its ova. It attains a length of about sixteen inches, and may
be recognized by the lines of silvery pores on the under side of the
the body, and the absence of scales.

_ All the above fishes are used as food by the Chinese of San Fran-
cisco.

36

ATHERINIDJ5.

A small family, with two distinct, small dorsal fins, the first composed of five to seven weak
spines; ventrals" abdominal; teeth feeble; scales smooth ; a silvery band along the sides.

Chirostoma californiensis, Girard, Smelt — This species, together
with the following, and three species of small Salmonoids mentioned
further on, are all sold in the markets and peddled in the streets of
San Francisco under the name of smelt. All are taken in the bay,
and all are abundant, but the two Atherinidse are far more so in indi-
viduals than any of the Salmonoids sold under that name, and exceed
them still more in quantity. The present species is much larger
than its relation, reaching a length of seventeen inches, and may be
distinguished by its larger head, more slender form of body, larger
mouth, and the central position of the first or spinous dorsal. It is
probably the most common of the fishes of the bay, Atherinops
affinis alone rivaling it in this respect. Both species are excellent
eating, but in this respect are inferior to the salmonoid smelts sold
with them. The two Atherinoids may be readily distinguished from
the salmonoids by the presence of two dorsal fins, the first very
small, placed about in the center of the length of the back, and
formed of spines of stiff rays, the second rather larger, and separated
by an interval from the first. Their prevailing color is light green,
but a silvery band runs along each side.

Atherinops affinis, Ayres, Steindachner — In Atherinops affinis the dor-
sal is nearly its own length further back than in Chirostoma califor-
niensis, the form of the body is much stouter, the head proportionally
smaller, the mouth smaller, the fins larger, and the flesh firmer. Dr.
Ayres states that this species never exceeds eight inches in length, and
this size must be but rarely attained, as the specimens I have seen in
our markets seldom pass six inches, while A. californiensis usually
exceeds twice that length. Like the last species it is extremely abun-
dant throughout the year. A large proportion of the small fishes
wasted by being thrown upon the shore by the fishermen belong to
this species ; but mingled with them are the young of the last species,
quantities of EngrauUs ringens, and a proportion of true smelts and
small flat-fishes. The Chinese dry these small fry in large quantities,
on matting spread in the sun, turning and tending them carefully.
When dried they are gathered up, trodden down into large sacks, and
exported to the Flowery Kingdom. Not only is the mouth propor-
tionally smaller than in the preceding species, but there is only a
single row of teeth in the jaws, each tooth two-pointed,

MUGILID^.

Mugil mexicanus {f), Steindachner — Several specimens of a species of
Mugil, evidently very close to the above species, if not identical with
it, have found their way to our markets in the months of September
and October. All of them were taken near Santa Cruz, in the Bay
of Monterey.

The specimens examined agree with Mugil mexicanus in the number
of scales in the lateral line, and of rays in the vertical fins; in the
length of the latter, in the produced upper caudal lobe, and in the
proportions of the body and head. And I should not hesitate to pro-
nounce them to be of that species were it not that Mr. B. B. Redding,
one of the Fish Commissioners for the State of California, has

37

informed me that about three years ago he placed several (I believe
about forty) individuals of a Mugil from the Sandwich Islands, in
the Sacramento River, and it is, therefore, possible that the speci-
mens obtained may be some of these, or their young. I suspect this
because the shad introduced from the East finds its way, in consider-
able numbers, to Monterey Bay, instead of dutifully returning to the
place of its birth, and this Mugil may have acted in a similar way;
also because the specimens agree tolerably w^ell with the diagnosis of
Mugil cephalotus, given by Giinther. The inter-mandibular spaces
agrees pretty well with Giinther's figure of that of Mugil cejjlialotus, hut
it is still nearer to Steindachner's figure of Mugil mexicanus. As this is
a mullet, it is of course tolerably good eating, but it must be remem-
bered that it is not nearly related "to those famous delicate fishes, the
red mullet and the surmullet, which were so highly prized by the
Romans that they fed them in aquaria, but to the gray mullet. The
first mentioned fishes belong to the Mullidee, and are provided with
a barbel ; the latter and our'Californian fish to the Mugilid-x, which
has no barbel and no teeth worth speaking of. From October to the
end of May I have only seen a single specimen, which occurred near
the end of April.

The Mugilidse, of which this species is the only representative on
this coast, are very near to the Atherinidx, forming with that family
Gill's suborder Percesoces, or perch-pikes. There are two perfectly
distinct dorsals, the first of four weak spines; the ventrals are
abdominal ; the head is broad ; the teeth are extremely feeble, or
wanting, and there is no silvery longitudinal band.

SUBORDER ANACANTHINI.

In this suborder all the fin rays are soft and articulated ; the scales are cycloid ; the ventrals
jugular, that is, in advance of the pectorals; and the dorsal and anal fins very long, often
divided into two or three portions. The suborder includes several families, the most important
of which, to the human species, is the Gadidce, to which the cod, haddock, hake, whiting, and
other well-known Atlantic fishes belong.

Other families, members of which are found on this coast, and occasionally brought to the
markets of this city, are the Brotulida:, Ophidiida;, and Li/codida;, each of which furnishes a
single species.

The Ophidioid of our markets is Ophidium taylori, Girard, a small fish attaining a length of
about ten inclies, and inhabiting the sandy beaches at various points along the coast. It is eel-
like in form, with continuous vertical fins, a pair of long bifid filaments (representing ventrals)
attached to the base of the tongue between the two rami of the lower jaw; and small teeth on
jaws, vomer, and palatines.

The Lycodoid, Leuri/imis paucidcjifs, Lockington, is still more elongated, but has a much larger
mouth and narrower gill openings. Teeth are present upon the jaws only, the ventrals are
very small, and the vertical fins continuous.

Both these fishes are excellent as articles of food, and have the additional advantage of the
almost entire absence of small bones, but they are not brought to market in sufficient abundance
to be of much value.

The Brotuloid is BrosmophyrAsmarginatus, Ayres, Gill, a very rare fish, as only two or three
specimens occur in the course of a season, but larger than either of the preceding. It may at
once be recognized by the continuous margin of red formed by the conjoined dorsal, anal, and
caudal fins. Eed-fin would be a good English name for it. It attains a length of more than
twelve inches, and is less slender than the two preceding species. Of its gastronomical quali-
ties, I cannot speak.

The Gadidre are represented at this jjoint by the two following species only, as the true cod
does not occur so far to the southward.

Merlucius productus, Ayres, Gill, Californian Whiting — Of this
species I have as yet seen only a few exceeding fourteen or eighteen
inches in length. Dr. Ayres, its first describer, speaks of it as by ]io
means common, but mentions " a few specimens, all taken at the

38

same time, and from eighteen to twenty-four inches in length."
Some of the dealers inform me that it has been scarcer of late years.
Certain it is that, except in the autumn, it is of rare occurrence in
our markets.

From Microgadus californiciis this species may at once be recog-
nized by the large size of the mouth and the union of the two pos-
terior dorsals into one fin, each portion of which, as well as the first
dorsal and the two portions of the anal, is highest near the center of
its length.

Microgadus ccdifornicus, Gill; 3Iorrhua proxima, Girard, Tom-
cod — Tliis little fish is abundant throughout the year, and I am
assured that when it is properly cooked no fish of the coast surpasses
it in flavor. It may be at once known from every other fish by the
three separate triangular dorsal fins, the first highest and all highest
anteriorby, tlie small mouth, and the short barbel below the chin. In
length it seldom exceeds eight or nine inches. It is common in the
Bay of San Francisco.

SUBORDER HETEROSOMATA — FLAT-FISHES.

No tribe of fishes is probably so w^ell known to that large class of
naturalists whose love of nature takes a practical turn, who like best
those creatures which taste best wdien boiled or fried, as the flound-
ers, flat-fishes, or Pleuronedidse. Apart from their attractiveness to
the sense of taste, they have one peculiarity which challenges the
attention of the most uninterested observer of this world's living
wonders — they have both their eyes placed on the same side of the
head. If a little more attention be paid to this obvious feature, it
will be found to be even a greater peculiarity than w^as at first sup-
posed. The flounders are not the only fishes which have their eyes
on the same side of the body; the skates, rays, torpedoes, and their
relations are in this respect similar. Where then, lies the great dif-
ference between these two classes, for no one would confound the
two, even at the first glance? Simply in this, that the skate and ray
tribe are flattened downwards, the side which is uppermost is the
proper upper side, and the ej^es are placed in their usual position
with regard to the other parts of the head; whereas, in the flat-fishes
the body is flattened out sideways, the fish swims on one of its sides,
instead of on the proper under-surface; and the eye which of right
belongs to the side which is beneath, has twisted round out of its
place, and is situated on the same side with the other, unsymmetri-
cally with the other parts of the head. Of course this is not the
only difference between the skates and the flounders. There are far
more important anatomical differences, but it is one of the most
obvious outward distinctions between two tribes which, though
widely separated in other respects, resemble each other in having the
eye so placed as to look upwards, in their thin flat bodies, colored upon
the upper side only, or principally, and in their habit of residing
at the bottom of the sea; their uncolored surface resting on the
bottom. Again, the flat-fishes are not the only fishes which have a
very wnde body, flattened laterally ; the sunfish is also very deep
from dorsal to anal; and some of the mackerel tribe are even more
excessively compressed ; but these and all other laterally compressed
fishes, except the flat-fishes, swim in the usual manner, dorsal fin
uppermost, and the eyes are in the usual position — one on each side.

39

It will be readily understood that the two eyes cannot be brought
round to one cheek without great distortion of "the bones of the skull ;
many of the bones on the colored side are cramped in their develop-
ment, squeezed into a narrow space, out of the way of the encroach-
ing eye; while some of the bones of the blind side are correspond-
ingly enlarged, filling up, by their lateral extension, the place where,
so to speak, the eye ought to be. Now, a distortion of this import-
ance, if it were not of universal occurrence in the whole tribe, would
be considered a monstrosity; and it became an interesting question
to ascertain at what point in the life history of these fishes the distor-
tion commenced. Surely so very important and radical a modifica-
tion of the skull and bones of the head must commence at the very
first beginning of the formation of the fish, before it is hatched from
the ovum. But it has lately been conclusively proved that this is not
the case. Professor Alexander Agassiz has watched the development
of young flounders, and has proved that when first hatched, they
resemble other fishes in the position of the eyes and the symmetrical
form of the head ; and that the distortion is the result of habit,
which habit again increases the distortion, precisely as claimed by the
advocates of what is usually called " evolution." That is to say, the
young fishes seek the bottom of the water, yet strive to use the lower
eye. By the continued effort to use this, the soft structure of the
head is aff'ected, and an oblique upward view is gained. This renders
the fish less fitted than before for locomotion in the usual manner, and
more adapted for keeping at the bottom, which it accordingly does,
with the result that the eye becomes more and more twisted till it
at last has passed clear over the dorsal ridge of the animal, and makes
its appearance on the same side with the other eye. This side is, in
some species, the right, while in others it is the left side. All this
takes place while the creature is young, before the bones are hardened
It would appear that in some cases, the eye literally passes through the
head.

But it must be remembered that the bones of fishes are, as a whole,
much softer than those of reptiles, birds, or mammals, and therefore
much more capable of yielding to impressions from the outside
without the destruction of the life of the organism.

Thirteen species of these fishes are now known to occur on this
part of the coast, and all of them are brought to our markets more
or less frequently. All these species belong to the family Pleuronec-
tidx, or flounders, from which the Soleidse, or soles, are distinguished
by the absence or rudimentary condition of the pectoral fins.
Although no real sole occurs here, all the species except the two
known as " halibut," that called " turbot," and another which the
dealers know as " bastard turbot," are sold in the market under the
name of " sole."

HipiJoglossus vulgaris, Halibut— The rarest of these species is a true
halibut, or Hiq^poglossus, which Professor Goode, the well known ich-
thyologist, believes to be identical with the Atlantic species Hippog-
lossus vulgaris. Mppoglossus vulgaris, an Arctic species, extends there-
fore along the coasts of Europe, eastern North America, and Northwest
America, reaching on this coast the latitade of San Francisco, which
is probably its most southern point. It is occasionally taken at the
Farallone Islands, but as yet I have only seen a single specimen
brought from thence. To the northward, about Vancouver Island, it
becomes abundant, as it is also in Alaska. This fish is greatly

40

esteemed as an article of food, and, on account of its rarity, it has,
until lately, commanded a high price. The individual above men-
tioned was retailed at fift}'' cents per pound.

A schooner has recently been fitted up expressly for the purpose of
bringing fresh halibut, packed in ice, from Puget Sound, or its
vicinity, to San Francisco. The trip down occupies about four days,
and the fish, entire, with the exception of the viscera, arrive in
perfectly good condition. Two trips have been taken this year, and
halibut has been retailed at from ten to fifteen cents per pound. The
three largest halibut taken weighed respectively 180, 190, and 220
pounds, and their weight with the viscera would probably be about
one-fifth more. The individual weighing 190 pounds measured 7' 1"
in total length, and had three or four rows of teeth in the front of
each jaw.

PsettichtJiys melanostidus, Girard, Sole. — As most of the fishermen
and fishmongers of San Francisco and its neighborhood are Europe-
ans, principally Italians and other Mediterranean peoples, with a
sprinkling of English and New Englanders, they have given to such
fishes as they have thought worthy of a vernacular title names
which properly belong to species found in the Mediterranean and
Atlantic, and frequently, but distantly, related to their Pacific name-
sakes. In pursuance of this rule, the name of " sole " is applied to
several species brought to the markets of San Francisco, and among
these the most common is the one named above. It does not appear,
so far as I have been able to ascertain, to be caught in any great
quantity within the Bay of San Francisco, but is usually taken out-
side the heads and at the Farallone Islands. The greater portion of
those sold in tlie markets are about ten inches in length, but some
attain a length of eighteen inches or even more. This species may
be readily distinguished from all the other flat-fishes of our coast by
the form of the dorsal fin, the first rays of winch, situated on the top
of the head, are higher than those immediately succeeding them,
and by the dark gray color, produced by black spots, just large
enough to be recognized as such by the naked eye, upon a ground of
a lighter tint. These black spots are not conspicuous hi individuals
just taken from the water, which are of a more uniform and far
lighter color, but become so after a few hours exposure to the air.
The interorbital space varies in width, apparently increasing with
age, though not always in proportion to the size of the individual.
The number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins is, as is not unusual
among long-finned fishes, subject to considerable variation, the num-
ber of dorsal rays ranging from seventy-eight to eighty-eight and
that of the anal rays from fifty-eight to sixty-two. The proportions
of the body also vary considerably, some being much narrower than
others, but the species is always more elongated than Hippoglossides
jordani, with which it is often confounded. The scales are not
smooth, as described by Girard, but ciliate upon their free margins ;
and there is also running along, close to and parallel with the dorsal
outline of the anterior part of the body, a second or " accessory "
lateral line, a feature which is repeated in several of the small-
mouthed flounders. In the stomach of a specimen seven and a
quarter inches long were the half-digested remains of two anchovies
{Engraulis ring ens).

Hippoglossoides jordani (nov. sp.). Sole — This species is tolerably
common in the markets of San Francisco, but appears to have hith-

41

erto escaped description, probably on account of its considerable
external resemblance to Psettichthys melanostidus, Girard, from
which, however, it may be readily distinguished by the much larger
ej^es; the form of the dorsal fin, which increases toward the center
instead of commencing with rays higher than those immediately
succeeding them (as is the case in the latter species); by the narrower
interorbitial space; and, still more readily, by the color, which is
more uniform and lighter, the black points upon the scales, which are
conspicuous to the naked eye in Psettichthys melanostidus, not being
evident unless viewed with a lens. In large specimens the head has a
reddish tinge. The largest I have yet seen measured eighteen inches
in length. In common witli Psettichthys melanostictns this species
bears in the markets the name of "sole," and many of the fishmon-
gers, who readily distinguish from each other most of the species of
flat-fishes, do not appear to discriminate between these. So far as I
have been able to learn, it is taken outside the bay in the same local-
ities with Psettichthys melanostictus. In form of body, size, structure
of the mouth, scales, and lateral line, this species resembles the spe-
cies previously mentioned ; and the distinctions between them would,
in fact, be considered only of specific value were it not for the pres-
ence in PsettichtJiys melanostictus of an accessory lateral line along the
dorsal outline, a character which this species does not possess. A
technical description of this fish has been published in the Proceed-
ings United States National Museum, September, 1879, p. 73, and I
have taken the liberty to name it after the distinguished icththyolo-
gist. Professor D. S. Jordan, who has done more than any other Amer-
ican naturalist to increase our knowledge of the fresh water_ fishes
of the United States, and who is at present engaged in preparing an
Ichthyology of the United States, which will include the fishes of the
Pacific Coast.

Those dealers who distinguish this fish ivom Psettichthys melanos-
tictus do not appear to rate its value as an article of food equal to
that of the latter; but the two kinds lie together on the stalls, and
are sold for the same price. The scales are ciliate or rough upon
their hinder margins, but less so than in the previous species.

ParaUchthys maculosits, Girard, Monterey Halibut — This species
attains a large size, larger than that of any other of our flat-fishes
except the true halibut, Hij^poglossus. Individuals of from 30 to 40
pounds weight are comparatively common. The two largest I have
yet seen weighed respectively 43 and 58 pounds, and I am told that
it reaches from 60 to 70 pounds. The example weighing 58 pounds
measured nearly five feet in total length. Small individualsof this
species, having the eyes and color on the right side, were described by
Girard as ParaUchthys maculosus. Subsequently Dr. Ayres described,
under the name of Hippoglossus caUfornicus, a form which proves to
be really only the adult of Girard's species. As his examples were
sinistral in their coloration, it was until very lately believed that
these two names represented two distinct species, but it has now been
proved that they are one species, which is sometimes dextral, some-
times sinistral. The row of bluish spots along the dorsal and abdom-
inal outlines, which doubtless suggested the name maculosus, is pres-
ent in the adult, but is less distinct; and the caudal fin, said to be
convex in maculosus, and concave in caUfornicus, proves to have a
sinuous outline, the central and exterior rays produced beyond those
6^

42

lying between them. The Monterey, or "bastard" halibut, as it is
sometimes called, may be known from our other Pleuronectidse by its
short head; elongate, regularly ovate form; small scales, with a row
of long, narrow accessory scales along their free margin; and by the
bold, abrupt arch made by the lateral line above the pectoral fins.
In numbers it is not common compared with the two previously-
mentioned species, but makes up in bulk during the months it is in
season. Throughout the winter and early spring it is scarce, but
large individuals become tolerably abundant in April, and through-
out the summer the young are sometimes sold as "turbot." Those
brought to market usually come from Monterey or its vicinity, but
it also occurs northwards, at least as far as Tomales Bay, and south-
wards to San Diego, whence Girard's type was procured.

CitharicJdliys sordldus, Giinther; PsetticJdhys sordidus, Girard, Left-
handed Flounder — This species is brought in considerable numbers
to the markets of San Francisco, and can be readily distinguished
from every other kind occurring on this part of the coast by the
combined characters of eyes and color on the left side, lateral line
almost perfectly straight, bony, ridge-like interocular space, and
insertion of the ventral fin of the colored side upon the ridge of the
abdomen, instead of on the same level with that of the blind side.
As is the case with many other species, the number of rays in the
dorsal and anal fins is not constant. In color this fish is of a dirty
yellow or yellowish-brown, with each scale margined with blackish
and the fins speckled with the same. The scales are smooth and
very flexible. As the dealers do not appear to have given it any
title, I have here named it by its most obvious characteristic, namely,
the presence of the eyes and color on the left side; not that it is the
only species possessing this character, but because, so far as I have
been able to observe, it is constant in possessing it, while the Mon-
terey halibut and the species usually known here as the " flounder "
{Platichthys stellatus) are sometimes dextral, but in other cases sinis-
tral. The left-handed flounder does not usually attain the dimen-
sions of any of the previously described species, the usual length of
those brought to market being only from ten to twelve inches. It is
not taken within the Bay of San Francisco. How far its range
extends either northward or southward I do not know, but in the
latter direction it certainly reaches to San Diego, as a dried speci-
men, sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Dr. J. G. Cooper, fur-
nished Professor Gill with the type of his new genus, Metoponops.

Glyptocephalus zachirus (Lockington, Proceedings United States
National Museum, September, 1879, p. 83) — This hitherto unnoticed
species of flounder owes its specific name to the great length of the pec-
toral fin of the right or colored side of the body. This fin is much
longer than the head and about equal to one-fourth of the total length
of the fish, but it can scarcely be of much value to locomotion, as only
one or two rays are thus excessively lengthened, the others falling
off rapidly on each side. This character alone is sufficient to distin-
guish it, not only from its nearest relation on this coast, Glyj^tocejyh-
alus pacificiis, hereafter mentioned, but from every other species of
flounder, and it is further characterized by the blunt, rounded form
of the front part of the head, a character not shared to anything
like an equal extent by any other of our flat-fishes. It also diflers
from its congener in the presence of a spine in front of the anal fin.
The color, like that of many other of our fishes, is rather diflicult to

43

describe. It is a more or less dark gray ash, formed by minute
black points upon a lighter yet colored ground. On the blind side
there are also numerous black points, but they beset a white ground,
producing a light gray tint.

The two Glyptocephali of this coast may thus be distinguished from
the other flounders by the coloration of their blind side, as well as
by their exceedingly elongate form. As this fish has no name in our
vernacular, it may be as well to call it the "long-finned flounder."
The long-finned flounder is not taken in our bay, and I have not yet
been able to ascertain the locality from which it is brought. I first
noticed this species about March 2ist, and from that date to July it
has been almost regularly present, but always in small quantity. I
have not observed it in August or SeptemlDer. The largest that I
have yet seen measured 141'' in length and 41''' in depth, the length
of the head being 21" and that of the pectoral fin o{^. The dorsal
of this individual contained 98 rays and anal 81 rays ; but some indi-
viduals have as many as 186 dorsal and 89 anal rays. I have experi-
mented on the edibility of this fish, and pronounce it one of the best,
if not the best, of our flat-fishes, an opinion in which I am borne out
by others who have tried it.

Glyptoceplialus ■pacificus, Lockington — -On visiting the market, on the
loth of March, I found, among the small flat-fishes exposed for sale, two
small specimens, which, from their excessively elongated form and the
considerable thickness of the body, seemed new to me. These fishes
were between eight and nine inches long, their width was but a
little more than a fourth of their length (a most remarkable pro-
portion for a flounder), and the short head was less than the greatest
depth ; the mouth was very small, the lateral line quite straight, the
scales minute and quite smooth, and the color a dark, blackish gray,
with the tips of the fins darker, approaching black. The dorsal fin,
as might be expected from the proportions of the fish, was exceed-
ingly elongated, and contained many more rays than that of any
other of our flat-fishes, the two specimens having respectively 102
and 104 rays. The anal fin was correspondingly elongated, and con-
tained 84 rays in one and 87 in the other. The teeth, twelve in
number in the lower, and nine or ten in the upper jaw, were broad
and flat, with a cutting edge, like the incisors ofa mammal, and
formed a close row along the jaws on the blind side and in front,
while there were none upon the colored side. It agrees in the length
of the dorsal, elongate body, smooth scales, and straight lateral line,
with the genus Glyptoceplialus, and has been described as Glyptoceplia-
lus pacificus in the Proceedings of the National Museum, September,
1879, p. 86.

This species cannot certainly be brought to market during the
winter, as, though I was a regular visitor of the markets from Sep-
tember to March, I never met with it. From the date of its first
occurrence until September this fish has usually been in the market,
and during the summer has been comparatively abundant. The
largest I have seen measured nearly twelve inches in length, and this
is probably almost the limit of the growth of the species. In flavor
it is excellent, but scarcely equal to its congener Glyptocep)lialus zachi-
rus. This species and the preceding are taken in seines, in tolerably
deep water, four or five miles from Point Reyes. The fishery is only
two years old.

Platichtliys stellatus, Platichthys rugosus, Girard — This species, com-

44

monly called flounder, is by far the most abundant of the kinds
brought to our market, and attains a larger size than any other,
except the bastard halibut {ParalicJithys maculosus) and the Hipjjoglos-
sus. The eyes and color are sometimes upon the left side, at others upon
the right; a circumstance that has rather bothered naturalists, while
it has served as a basis for fanciful theories among the fishermen.
It may be readily distinguished by its short broad form, the width
exceeding somewhat the half of the length (excluding the caudal
fin); by the presence, instead of scales, of scattered, rough, stellated
tubercles; and by the black bands upon dorsal, anal, and caudal fins,
four upon the first, three upon the second, and three upon the last, all
of them running in the direction of the rays. It is of wide distribu-
tion, occurring along the coast of Kamtschatka, and from thence
extending by Behring's Straits, Alaska, and British Columbia south-
ward to San Francisco. How far it may occur to the south of the
latter point does not appear to be known with certainty, but as it is
evidently a northern form, it is not unlikely that its southern limit
will be found to be near Monterey, at which point there is a mingling
of northern and southern forms, resulting in an extremely rich local
marine fauna; rich not only in species of fishes, but in molusca, ech-
inoderms, and ccelenterates. The flounder occurs within the Bay of
San Francisco, and is brought to market not only from thence, but
from various points outside of the heads; some are even sent from
Humboldt Bay, but it is said that these are far coarser than those
obtained elsewhere, with comparatively less meat, and fetch a much
lower price in the market.

Those taken here attain a weight of eight, ten, or even twelve
pounds, but those sent from Humboldt Bay are much heavier. In
this species the number of the dorsal and anal fin rays does not
appear to be subject to so much variation as in many other flat-fishes.
Many of the fishermen believe that they know the reason why this
fish is sometimes colored on the right, and sometimes on the left side.
It is, they are confident, caused by the moon, and depends upon the
side illumined by that orb at the time of fecundation. A far more
intelligent theory, but one which yet lacks proof, is held by the fish-
ermen and dealers, to the effect that those colored on the left side are
females, while those colored upon the right side are males. The
same theory is held in the case of the Monterey halibut. The old
Russian naturalist, Pallas, first described this species, which was
described by Girard in 1865. The identity of Girard's form with
that of Pallas was noted by Gill (Proceedings of the Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Science, 1862, p. 281), and by Giinther (Cat-
alogue of Fishes, British Museum, vol. IV, p. 443).

PlenroniclifJiys gvttulatlis, Girard, Turbot — This fish, the "turbot"
of our markets, is one of the commonest of our flounders, but is
usually of small size. Occasionally, however, individuals are taken
weighing as much as five pounds, and measuring eighteen inches in
length. The color alone is sufficient to distinguish it from all the
other species. On the colored side it is, when quite fresh, of a dark
olive green, sometimes blotched with irregular whitish spots. By
exposure to the air the color deepens to nearly black. The under-
side is opaque white, like white lead, but along the margin of the
head, from some distance above the eye, and continuing to the anus
is a border of bright gamboge yellow, broadest and brightest upon
the snout and lower jaw. Sometimes the whole of the under surface

45

is yellow. It is a very broad species, in this respect rivaling and
even exceeding PlaticJithys stellatus (the " flounder"), the width being
nearly or quite half of the breadth. Another characteristic may be
found in the teeth, which, instead of being a single row, form several
rows, a character shared only by one other of our flat-fishes, Pleuro-
nichthys coenosus, which differs widely in the color, as well as in
having tlie dorsal fin continued downwards along the blind side
of the head, and in the very much larger eyes. _ The number of
rays in the dorsal varies from 66 to 72, and those in the anal from
47 to 54, a range which, had the two extremes fallen into the hands
of two diff'erent naturalists, might well have led them to make two
species. Nor has this fish, short as has been its literary history,
escaped from a synonym. It was first, described by Girard (Pacific
Railroad Report, vol. 10, p. 152), who attributed to it 67 dorsal and
47 anal rays, and gave its color as "greyish, or lead, sprinkled all
over with black dots and whitish spots." In 1862 Dr. A. Glinther
re-described it, under the name of Parophrys ayresii (Catalogue of
Fishes, British Museum, vol. IV, p. 456), yet admitted Pleuronedes
guttulatus as a species. The insufficient description of Girard was
doubtless the cause of this error. Girard's specimen came from
Tomales, and I am informed that it is in the neighborhood of
Tomales Bay that most of the turbot brought to market are pro-
cured. This fish is much esteemed, and always commands a high
price.

Pleuronichtliys coenosus, Girard — This is a rare species, and evi-
dently inhabits deep water, since the eyes of those I have seen pro-
trudes from their sockets, through the sudden change from pressure
at tlie depths where they reside to that of the surface. There are
three characters about it which render it impossible to confound it
with any other species : the very large eyes, which equal or exceed
in diameter one-third of the length of the head, from the tip of the
snout to that of the gill covers ; the very short, snub snout, scarcely
projecting beyond the protuding eye, and the singular course of the
dorsal fin, the front part of which, instead of ending upon the dorsal
ridge somewhere over the eyes, as in other species, curves over at
that point to the blind side of the fish, and continues downwards
along that side till it reaches a point level with, and not far from, the
end of the maxillary or upper jaw. About eight rays are thus
twisted over to the left side. The color also, a uniform warm reddish-
brown, is very distinctive. The teeth, like those of the last species,
{Pleuronedes guttulatus) are in several rows, and in the form of the
body and fins the two kinds are also much alike.

Girard's original description was drawn from a single specimen,,
the only one he had seen. It is taken near the Farallones. The left
or eyeless side is not always colorless, but has frequently several dark
brown spots or blotches. The dorsal fin is occasionally carried
further down on the blind side than is mentioned above, while in
other cases only four rays are twisted over. During the winter this
species did not occur in the market, but on the 26th of February one
of the first of the season was brought to me, and since then it has
gradually become more abundant until May, during which month it
was as plentiful as Lepidopsetta bilineata, itself a rather rare species,,
also brought from the Farrallones.

Parophrys vetalus, Girard, Sole ; Diamond Flounder— This is
another of the common flat-fishes of our markets, and is grouped

46

with several others under the name of sole. It may be recognized
by its elongate, narrow head, with the upper eye placed upon the
dorsal ridge, so as to look dorsally as well as laterally, by its elongate,
rhombic form, the outlines of the posterior portion of the body being
nearly straight, and by the development of the teeth upon the blind
side only, where they form a single row. In color it is usually of a
uniform reddish ash, but some of the younger individuals are irreg-
ularly spotted with darker blotches. On the blind side it is creamy-
white. The number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins varies from
74 to 86 and from about 54 to 68 respectively, a variation which
has probably been the cause of the description of the nominal species,
digrammus and hubbardi, by Giinther and Gill. Those brought to
market are from eight to fifteen inches long, and occasionally a little
larger, but the species does not appear to attain the weight of Pset-
tichthys melanostictus or Hipimglos^oides jordani, as it is much more
slender in form. It is usually taken outside the bay. As a food
fish, according to_ my judgment, as well as that of those dealers who
distinguish it, it is inferior to the two species just mentioned.

Lepidopsetta bilineata; Platessa bilineat a, Ay res, Mottled Flounder —
The first description of this fish will be found in the Proceedings
of the California Academy of Sciences, vol. 1, p. — . It is one of
the numerous forms described by Dr. Ayres, and has always been
one of the rarest and least known of our fishes, very little hav-
ing been added to our knowledge of it since Ayres wrote. It may
be readily known from every other kind found here by the follow-
ing characters: Many of the scales upon the body are ctenoid ; that
is, beset upon their hinder edges with spinules ; those on the cheeks
are tubercular or roughened with bluntish points upon a large part
of their surface; the form is regularly oval, the width of the body
almost equal to half of the total length, and the color a quite light
yellow with irregular white spots.

As in so many other of the more nearly related fiat-fishes, the
teeth, which are in a single row, are not equally developed on the
two sides of the jaws, but are principallj^ upon the blind side. The
eyes are large, forming f of the length of the head. This species is
only occasionally brought to the markets, where, with several species
previously mentioned, it bears the name of "sole." Those brought
are usually of tolerably large size, from fourteen to fifteen inches
long, and are caught at or near the Farallone Islands, though proba-
bly not in such deep water as Pleuronicthys coenosus, since the eyes
do not protrude, as is usually the case with the eyes of fishes sud-
denly brought up from deep water. On account of the spots upon
its surface, I have given it the name of "mottled sole," or rather,
mottled flounder. As a food fish it is excellent, yet is not consid-
ered equal to Psettichthys melanostictus. The lateral line, or row of
pores which runs along the body from the head to the tip of the
caudal fin, makes a bold, semi-circular arch over the pectoral fin;
and there is, as in the three preceding species and the one following,
an accessory line of pores running from some distance along the
dorsal margin. This accessory lateral line is subject to curious modi-
fications in its length and in the form of its anterior branches. The
whitish blotches upon the colored side often form a series along the
dorsal and abdominal margins.

Lepidopsetta umbrosa; Plcdichthys umbrosus, Girard — This species is
most nearly related to the mottled sole from the Farrallone Islands

47

{Lepidox)setta bilineata), sharing with it the characters of rough scales
and lateral line considerably arched above the pectoral fin. From
that species it may be very readily distinguished by its color, which
is of a dark uniform slaty brown, and from all other species by the
combination of the two characters first mentioned, together with its
regularly ovate form and small, quite laterally-placed eyes. It does
not appear to be very common, as there are rarely above two or three
specimens among a miscellaneous heap of flat-fishes, and the usual
size does not exceed ten or eleven inches in length. From its small
size and comparatively unfrequent occurrence it cannot be consid-
ered as of great value from an economic point of view. It is sold
along with other species as "sole," and fetches the same price. The
extent and boldness of the arch of the lateral line varies greatly.

SUBORDER ISOSPONDYLI.

This suborder is the Physostoyni or Malacopteri of Cuvier and the older naturalists, minus the
Nematognathi or Silurians; the Haplomi (pike-toothed minnows, etc.), and the Eventognathi or
carp-like fishes. The fins are without spines (except one or two in dorsal or anal), the ventral
has no spine, the scales are cycloid, the head is naked, and an adipose fin is present behind
the true dorsal in some, while others have a serrated abdomen. The families, genera, and
species included in this suborder are more numerous than those in any other, the Acanthopie7-i
alone excepted, and among these families are two which, in their value to man, probably exceed
any other, namely, the SalmonidcE and the Clupeidce.

Of the remaining families one only, the Sijnodontida;, sends a member to our markets in the
person of Synodon lucioceps, Ay res, which is not improbably identical with Sonodon (Saurus)
fceteus, Linn, a species known to occur upon the Pacific coast of Panama. In September and
October, 1878, numerous specimens of this species occurred in the market, most of them eight
to ten inches in length, but one individual reached seventeen and three-fourths inches. It is
occasionally taken in the bay.

SALMONID/E.

The Sahnonidfx are by far the most important group of fishes on this coast. The species of
greatest value belong to the genera Oncorhi/nchus, Salar, and Salveiinus. These will not be
treated of here. The single species of Coregonus that is known to inhabit the fresh waters of the
State is not brought to market, so the only salmonoids remaining for our notice are the small
marine fishes forming the group of the Microstomatidce. All the Salmonida: have an adipose
fin; the maxillaries enter into the formation of the lateral part of the ujjper jaw; the belly is
rounded and without serratures, and the air bladder is large and simple.

Hijpomesus olidus— This delicate fish is, at first glance, similar to
the following species, but the mouth is very small, the end of the
maxillary bone reaching only level with the front of the eye, while
in Osmerus thaleichthys it reaches to the back of the orbit. The head
also 'is somewhat smaller. But this fish, when fresh, can be most
readily distinguished by the transparency of its flesh, which, of course
disappears entirely in preserved specimens. The silvery band along
the sides, which is found in all the four species, and is probably the
cause of their being grouped together as smelts, is particularly bright
in this fish. This species has been tolerably abundant in our mar-
kets from October to August. In size it is usually somewhat larger
than Osmerus elongatus or Osmerus thaleichthys, attaining a length of
about eight inches.

Osmerus thaleichthys is really the nearest representative of the smelt
of Europe, having the peculiar, pleasant smell that suggests the name
in that species, which is also a kind of Osmerus. It may readily be
distinguished from the two species of Atherinidse, Chirostoma calijor-
niensis, and Atherinops affinis by the want of spinous rays on theback,
by the adipose fin, by the absence of the bright green tint, which is
replaced on the back by a dull, greenish olive, on which a diamond

48

pattern is traced by rows of minute dark dots that fringe each scale,,
and by its smaller size. From Hyponiesus olidus it may easily be
known by the comparatively large size of the mouth and less trans-
parent appearance. It is usually from five to five and a half inches
in length. Its form is stouter than tliat of' Hypomesus olidus, the flesh
is soft in texture, and the pectoral fins reach very nearly to the origin
of the ventrals. Tliis form, like the last, has been present in the
markets throughout the year in variable quantity.

Osnicrus elongatus, Ayres — Among the fishes described in the early
days of the (California Academy of Sciences, by Dr. W. 0. Ayres,
was a species belonging to the sm.elt or Osmeroid group of the salmon
family. A short description, unfortunately too short and incomplete
for identification, was published in vol. 1, p. 17, of our Proceedings.
Girard, in the Pacific Kailroad lieport, vol. 10, states his belief that
Ayres' species is identical with the small-mouthed smelt of this coast.
{Argentina prctiosa, Girard; Hypomesus olidus, Pallas, Gill). Exami-
nation of the small salmonoids brought to this market proves,
however, that there are three species. One is Girard's small-mouthed
species; another Ayres' Osmerus tlialeichthys, described and figured
in vol. 2, p. 62 of Proceedings of the Academy, while the third is
almost certainly the Osmerus elongatus of the latter authority.

It is not eas3^ for the unpracticed eye to tell these species apart, yet
the difterences are obvious wdien once recognized and are of a con-
stant character. In this species the form of the body is more slender
and elongated than in either of the other smelts, the dorsal fin is
constantly farther back on the body, the lower jaw is long, resembling
in this respect Ayres' other species, but difiering from it in its straight-
ness, that of Osmerus tlmleichthys being curved upwards, and the pro-
file of the top of the head differs from that of the last named form
in the greater elongation and more pointed form of the snout. The
dentition is strong, teeth being present on jaws, tongue, and palatines,
the largest upon the front of the tongue. The dealers are able to
distinguish the three species apart, trusting as much to the difterence
in the texture of the flesh, as evident to the touch, as to the variation
in appearance. In alcoholic specimens this distinction is of course
lost, and the species are harder to distinguish than when fresh. This
may account for the union of two species under one name by Girard,
though I believe it more probable that he never saw Ayres' species.

Among the heaps of small fishes sold for fry may usually be found
all the three species of salmonoid smelts, the anchovy {Engraidis
ringens), and small individuals of the smaller species of mullet-like
smelt [Atherinops affinis).

CLUPEIDiE.

This family as originally constituted comprised a large number of soft-finned fishes without
an adipose dorsal, with the lateral margin of the upper jaw formed by the maxillaries, which
are usually in three pieces, and with rather large scales. The sections of this large family have
been lately raised to the rank of families, and are distinguished by very obvious features; thus
the true C/iipeidce or herrings have the abdomen compressed to a sharp edge, which is set with
a row of jilates forming serrations; the lateral line is absent, and the teeth either very small or
altogether wanting ; the Engrcml idee or anchovies have the abdomen rounded, the upper jaw
much longer than the lower, which is toothless, the mouth large, and the sides with a bright
silvery band ; while the Albulkke or lady-fishes have a rounded abdomen, the upper jaw rather
the longer, both jaws set with bands of villiform (velvet-like) teeth, and the roof and floor of
the mouth covered with pavement-like patches of coarse granular teeth. These Clupeidce are
represented upon our coast by at least four species, three of which are of sufScieut importance
to rank as food fishes.

Albulavulpes, the sole member of tlie Albulidce, and in many respects a very singular species,.

49

is a widely distributed fish, occurriug in both the great oceans. Single individuals occasionally
find their way to this market, probably from Monterey Bay.

Cl'upea mirabilis, Girard, Herring — This species may be known
from the succeeding one by the projecting lower jaw, deeper and
thinner body, and by the absence of conspicuous striations upon the
gill-covers. It comes into the market in September and continues
in season until late in the spring. North of Puget Sound it is said to
occur throughout the year, and shoals visit various points upon the
coast of California during the rainy season. The business of curing
the fish is not extensive, and the dried fish is said to be inferior to
that of the Atlantic herring, though it is probable that the inferiority
is mainly in the method of preparation.

Clupea sagax, Jenyns, Sardine — This is a thicker, less deep, and
somewhat longer fish than the last, the jaws are equal in length or
nearly so, and present no trace of teeth, and the operculum has con-
spicuous radiating striae, descending towards the sub-operculum.
The form of the ridges on the upper surface of the head is also very
diff'erent. The colors are exceedingly intense in the fresh fish, bluish-
purple predominating, and there is a row of dark spots along each
side. It is in season during the summer and winter, and is taken in
the Bay of San Francisco.

Engraulis ring ens, Jenyns, Anchovy — A species exceedingly common
in the bay, and extending along a great part of the Pacific Coast of
America. By the large mouth, with the upper jaw projecting beyond
the lower, the present genus may be at once known from Clupea, and
the present species is the only one of the genus which I have yet
recognized in our markets. Although so near to the highly esteemed
anchovy of Europe this fish does not appear to be in great favor, judg-
ing from the large number which are wasted by the fishermen, but it
is at least usefulas forming a large proportion of the food of the flat-
fishes; if I may judge from the fact that I have found it in the
stomachs of three species of that tribe. As the Pleuronectidse live on
the bottom, I presume that the anchovy is also an inhabitant of the
lower strata of the water. Abundant though this species is, it is not
cured or preserved in any way, but I am told that an abortive efibrt
in this direction was once made.

SUBOKDEK, EVENTOGNATHI.

The Eventognathi of Professor Gill, or Cyprinida: of the older authors, are chiefly distinguished
by the total absence of teeth upon jaw, vomer, or palatines, the only teeth they possess being those
upon the pharyngeal bones at the entrance of the sesophagus. They are without a spinous dorsal
or anal sjjine. The scales are cycloid, and in many cases of large size ; there is no adipose dorsal
fin, and the surface of the head is without scales. They are inhabitants of fresh water, and
occur in both the eastern and western hemispheres. The family Catostomida\ or suckers, is
almost peculiar to America, and several of its species occur in California, although but one is
brought in sufficient quantity to the markets of this city to be worthy of mention as a food
fish.

Species of the true Cyprinidoe abound in the waters of this State, and several are brought to
market with tolerable frequency; others more rarely. None of them, however, are very highly
prized for food.

The Catostomidoe are distinguished by a mouth opening more or less downwards and fur-
nished with conspicuous fleshy lips, the intermaxillaries, and by lower pharyngeal teeth in a
single series— numerous, closely-set, comb-like, across the bone. There are no barbels, and the
air bladder is large, divided into two or three portions by transverse constrictions.

The CyprinidcB are without the thick, fleshy lips which characterize the last family; the
pharyngeal teeth are few in number, rarely more than seven on each side, but often in two or
three series. Barbels are often developed upon the lower jaw, and the air bladder is usually
divided into an anterior and a posterior lobe.

7'

50

Gila grandis, Ayres, Girard, Pike — This, as Ayres enthusiastically
remarks, " is by far the finest fish of its family known to inhabit the
waters of this continent."

It did not occur in the markets of this city in October, November,
or December; but from January 6th, when I first observed an indi-
vidual 2' 91" long, until the end of May, has been tolerably abun-
dant. The largest measured by Ayres was three feet long, but he
reports examples weighing thirty pounds, and I have been told that
it sometimes approaches four feet in length.

The name "pike," under which it is now generally sold, is as great
a misnomer as that of " salmon trout," which Ayres gives as a deal-
er's name. The absurdity of both names will be evident to any one
who remembers that both pike and salmon have a mouth liberally
supplied with teeth, while the Cyprinidx are all literally toothless as
regards the mouth, their only teeth being on the pharyngeal bones
in the throat. But the shape of the head, depressed in front, recall^
that of the pike. It is a handsome fish, dark greenish gold on the
top of the head, and the same, but lighter, on the back, and still
lighter behind the dorsal fin, the color fading on the sides to silvery
with golden reflections, and on the abdomen to plain silvery.

As the largest species found east of the Mississippi, Semotitus buUa-
ris, rarely attains, according to Professor Jordan, '" a weight of three
or four pounds, and a length of nearly eighteen inches," it is evident
that the present species is a giant among the minnows.

Pogoiiichthys ineequilobus, Girard, Split-tail — This species has been
brought to market in tolerable abundance during the spring in com-
pany with Catostomus occidentcdis, Orthodon microlepidotus, and Gila
grandis. It may at once be known by the great length of the upper
lobe of the tail fin, which projects considerably beyond the lower and
has suggested the name of " split-tail," by which it is known in the
markets.

Orthodon microlepidotus, Girard, Fan-tail — This is another of the
more abundant Cyprinoids of our markets, brought in company with
the three previously mentioned species. It attains a length of thirteen
or fourteen inches. In color it is metalic greenish gold above, the top
of the head dark olive green, with iridescent suborbitals, sides bright
metalic silvery, lower surface silvery white. The surface of the head
is crossed by a complex system of rows of pores, the caudal fin is
large and fan-shaped, and the scales are remarkable from their small
size.

Siboma crassicauda, Girard, which may fitly be named the thick-
tail, is of occasional occurrence, as is also Lavinia exilicauda.

Catostomus occidentalis, Ayres, Western Sucker — This species is
tolerably abundant in our markets at certain seasons, the supply
being obtained from the Sacramento or its tributaries. Jordan (Bul-
letin United States Natural Museum, vol. 12, p. 172) mentions its
occurrence in Green River, Wyoming, and says of its habitat
" streams west of the Rocky Mountains, probably generally dis-
tributed." It is the only Catostomoid I have yet seen in the markets,
and I did not observe its occurrence there until February, since
which time the supply has been tolerably regular. The usual size of
those brought here is from twelve to sixteen inches long. The scales
are of variable size, increasing in size from the head backwards, so
that the largest are upon the caudal peduncle and the smallest on
the back, just behind the head. The scaleless head has a well-

51

developed system of pores. In color it is not a very dark olivaceous
above, with bluish silvery reflections, becoming lighter posteriorly.
Each scale of the dark colored portion is darkest around its edges,
rendering the pattern of the scales very distinct. The color fades
into silvery on the sides, and silvery white below, with metalic
reflections, most evident on the base of the caudal.

SUBCLASS GANOIDEI.

The fishes constituting this subclass vary immensely in structure, so much so that almost
every genus constitutes a family, and every family is equivalent to an order; so much so that
our leading systematists are divided in their opinions as to the limits of the subclass, and have
weighted the world with arguments to prove that the curious mud-fishes {Lcpidosiren and Pro-
topteriis) of South America and of the Gambia belong to it, and vice versa; and so nruch so that
some have even suggested the dismembering of the subclass, considering the differences in struc-
ture among its members to outweigh the resemblances. All agree, however, in the importance
and great extent of the structural peculiarities of each group; although the characters they pos-
sess in common are two only, the arterial bulb (of the heart) with several rows of valves, and
optic nerves which do not simply cross, but form a chiasma. In common with the sharks and
rays, they have lieterocercal tail, that is a tail with the upper lobe, containing a prolongation of
the vertebral column, longer than the lower, which is developed below it like a second anal fin ;
the air bladder differs in structure in the various groups, and the bony or ganoid enamelled
plates which charactei'ize some of the more typical form are wanting in others.

The only ganoid fishes found on this coast belong to the chondrostei or cartilaginous ganoids,
or, which is the same thing, to the family Acipenseridce or sturgeons. The skeleton is cartilag-
inous, five longitudinal rows of bony shields run along the elongate, subcylindrical body; the
toothless mouth is a transverse slit on the under side of the head, in the same position as that
of the shark ; in front of the inouth are four barbels; and the dorsal and anal fins are set far
back. There are no gill rays or branchiostegals ; a large air-bladder, and the intestine has a spiral
valve. The species are numerous; three or four occur on this coast, but only one is brought to
our markets in quantity.

Acipenser brachyrliynchus, Ayres, Sturgeon — This is the only species
of sturgeon which is brought to market in abundance, as the fisher-
men have a prejudice against the long-nosed or green sturgeon, Aci-
penser acutirostris, Ayres, which is abundant in the bay and the rivers
and creeks flowing into it, asserting that it is poisonous. Acipenser
brachyrliynchus is always in season, and always abundant, the weight
of its flesh sold in the markets probably exceeding that of any other
single species, excepting, perhaps, Oncorhynchus quinnat. It attains
a very large size. On February 25th of this year I measured an
individual 9' 9" long, the weight of which was- 427 pounds. But
even this was exceeded by a specimen brought to the California
Market Christmas, 1878, measuring nearly twelve feet in length and
weighing about 600 pounds. Examples of this size are of course
rare. Caviare is manufactured in considerable quantities from the
roe. Dr. Ayres describes a third species, Acipenser medirostris, but I
have not yet recognized it.

SUBCLASS ELASMOBRANCHII.

The animals belonging to this class are commonly called fishes, but are distinguished by so
many peculiarities of structure that they may be regarded ns a subclass. This subclass con-
tains the sharks, the rays, and the Chimaroids, examples of each of which groups may be
found upon our coast.

In these fishes the skull is formed of cartilage alone, and no membrane bones (such as the
parietal, frontal, etc.) are develo]3ed in relation to it; the gills are not free; the branchial open-
ings are slit-like, and, (except in the Holocephali, or Chimceroids), several in number, there are no
scales, but the external hard parts are what is known as placoid, composed of calcified papilla;
and the eggs are few and large; some are ovo-viviparous. The minute structure of these pla-
coid points or scales is precisely the same as that of teeth, which are also dermal in their origin.
In the Holocephali the upper jaw and its suspensorial cartilages are wanting in a separate con-
dition, as the parts representing them are united into a continuous cartilaginous plate, which is

52

continuous also with the skull itself; and the branchial clefts are covered by an opercular
menibrane, so that the opening is single; but in the sharks and raj's, which form by far the
largest order, the upper jaw and the suspensorial cartilage are distinct from each other, and are
moveable upon the skull, and there are several gill openings. The teeth are usually numerous,
whereas in the Chimoeras they are not more than six in number.

There is no doubt that the sharks and rays are good for food ; they
may not be so delicate as a flat-fish or a salmon, but they would fur-
nish an acceptable and wholesome addition to our food stock. One
species, Raia binoculata, the common skate of our coast, is habitually
eaten ; the Chinese eat other species ; the poor people along the sea-
coast of England eat dog-fishes ; shark's fins are a delicacy in China.
If the prejudice against them could be removed, the consumption
of these destructive fishes would aid greatly in reestablishing the
balance of life in the waters. What chance have our more prized
fishes to perpetuate their race, when, in addition to the numerous
enemies they previously had to contend with, man comes with his
small-meshed nets, kills twenty young for every adult he needs for
food; and in addition to this, artificially keeps up a colony of sea-
lions at the entrance of the bay, wdiile he neglects to take or kill the
destructive sharks and rays, or to thin the schools of porpoises that
revel in fish slaughter. Not that it would be advisable to destroy the
colony of sea-lions which form one of San Francisco's greatest
attractions, but it needs judicious thinning.

The commonest species of sharks found in the bay and its neigh-
borhood are Triads scmifasciatus, the striped or tiger shark, which
may readily be known by the dark stripes that descend from the back
towards the belly, and which attain a length of more than five feet.
Mustelus, Gill, a smaller species of uniform color; Hexancus indi-
cus{=Notorhy7ichus maculatus, Ayres,) with seven gill openings instead
of the usual five, and very peculiar many-cusped teeth ; and PJiinobatus
produdus, Ayers, with very large pectorals, approaching the skates in
form, but with the hinder part of the body shark-like. Squatina
angelus, the angel-fish or monk-fish, of singular form and forbidding
aspect, with a mouth that is terminal instead of underneath the head,
and large pectorals, is occasionally taken.

Of rays, besides the common skate, we have Rhinoptera vespertilio,
Ayres, a species with a thick head and an array of flat six-sided teeth,
fitted together with all the regularity and closeness of a tesselated
pavement. As this form has a wicked-looking serrated spine on its
long tail, it is commonly called the sting-ray or stingaree. This is
the species which, more than any other of its class, commits depre-
dations on the oyster beds so industriously planted along the shores
of our bay. A species of torpedo is sometimes met with, but is rare.
Of the curious Holocephali, so called because the cartilage of the head
is all in one piece, we have Chimosra colliei, Bennett, Hydrolagus col-
liei, Gill, a species which is distributed widely along the Pacific coast,
and has occasionally been taken near San Francisco.

Raia binocidata, Girard, Skate — This alone, among the numerous
rays and sharks which inhabit the bay, is brought to market regu-
larly as an article of food. It is a very near relation of Raia batis, but
the spines upon the head differ from those of that species. Many
specimens have on each pectoral fin a large sub-circular black ring
enclosing a black spot of similar form, but this is by no means con-
stant, since though present in some examples eighteen inches or more
across the fins, it is often wanting in much smaller specimens. A

53

parasitic Lernean is sometimes attached to the ventrals. The skate
is abundant in the bay, and is also taken at various points along the
coast.

CLASS MARSIPOBRANCHII.

Under this name are included tlie lampreys or lamprey eels, and the myxines or hags, two
tribes which differ from other fishes so widely that naturalists consider them a separate class.
The body is long and worm-like, without a trace of the paired tins, pectorals and ventrals,
which are the homolon;ues, be it remembered, of our own limbs; but with the vertical fins,
dorsal, anal, and caudal, more or less developed. But the greatest structural differences lie
deeper. The whole class has an incompletely developed skull, without a trace of a lower jaw ;
the mouth is a round opening formed for suction, and the gills are purse-shaped, usually seven
on each side. There is only a single nasal opening, whicli is central. In the Pclroinyzontidu:
or lampreys the branchial sacs and openings are seven on each side, the intestine has a spiral
valve, and the nasal duct is a blind sac, not penetrating the palate; the mouth is armed
■with horny teeth, which rest on papillae. The young of these fishes differ cons'iderably from
the adults, and were formerly described as distinct genera. In the myxines the mouth is sur-
rounded by barbels, the intestine is without a spiral valve, and the nasal duct penetrates the
palate.

None of this group are usually brought to the markets of this city,
but as the rivers of California contain several species which are
known as " eels," and largely eaten in some localities, they need
mention among our food fishes. Eel River, in Humboldt County, is
named from the abundance of these lampreys, which are highly
esteemed. The species known are Lampetra plwnbea, Gill =Petromy-
zon plumbeus, Ayres; and Entosphenus tridentatus, epihexodon, and
astori. A Myxinoid, Bdellostoma stoutii, Lockington, with ten teeth
in the first, and nine in the second row, occurs also in Eel River,
and a small example, presumably of the same species, was caught
in the Bay of San Francisco.

LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL FISHES POUND IN THE MARKETS OF SAN
FRANCISCO BETWEEN OCTOBER FIRST, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND
SEVENTY-EIGHT, AND SEPTEMBER THIRTIETH, EIGHTEEN HUNDRED
AND SEVENTY-NINE.

The succeeding list is necessarily very incomplete, and is offered
with apologies, as a commencement only, and a prelude to a more
thorough catalogue. The reasons for its incompleteness are:

First— The fact that the writer had not, wdien the list was com-
menced, identified some of the known species, or detected the pres-
ence of species he has since described.

Second— The inability of the writer to be in the markets every
morning early. The fish from Tomales, and places near the bay,
arrive about 12:30 p. m., those from Monterey and more distant parts,
about 4:30 p. m. The writer has visited the markets twice or thrice a
week on the average, usually about 12:30 p. m. At that hour the
mackerels and other fish from the south are usually all sold off, and
it is probable that several of the rarer fishes occurred more fre-
quently than he is aware of.

It must be remembered that the list refers only to the comparative
abundance or scarcity of the various species in the markets, and,
therefore, at least in the case of such fishes as the Blennioids, Cottoids,
etc., not in great repute as food fishes, furnishes no index for their
abundance in the waters. Several kinds which occurred on one or
two occasions only, and were then only present by accident among
other fishes, are omitted from the list.

54

Reference : , a — tolerably abundant ; b — scarce, never many on
the same clay ; ab — occurring seldom, but abundant when present.

The letter a does not necessarily indicate that the species is abun-
dant, but simply that several specimens were seen on several occa-
sions during the month.

As it was not until the latter part of the year covered by this list
that I examined the two species of herring {Clupea) sufficiently to
distinguish them at sight, I have marked with an f those months in
whicli I think it likely that they occurred.

The English names given are, when printed in ordinary type, those
by which the species is known among the dealers ; when printed in
italics they are proposed by the writer.

55

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August

July.

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May -

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Large-mouthed King-fish

Black Perch, Porgee

Banded Perch

Orange-finned Perch

Thick-lipped Perch

Small Silver Perch

Grey Perch

Large Shiner

Agassiz's Perch

Bed-finned Silver Percb

Cross-banded Silver Perch

Barracuda

Monterey Tunny

Striped Bonito

Pompino

Wolf-eel, Eyed Blenny

Crested Blenyiy

Green Blenny

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Seriphus politus

Embiotocid.e.

Embiotoca jacksoni

Embiotoca laterale

Hypsurus caryi

Rhacochilus toxotes

Plianerodon furcatus

Dainalichthys vacca

Cy in atogaster aggregatus

Hyperprosopon !negalops=argenteus-

Hyperjjrosopon arcuatus

Hyperprosopon agassizii

Holconotus rliodoterus

Am2Jhisticlius argenteus

Sphyr.enid/E.

Sjiby rajna argentea

SCOMBRIDiE.

Scomber colias

Chrioiiiitra coucolor

Sarda ehilensis=lincolata

Poronotus simillimus

Tracburus symmetricus

Blennid^.

Anarrbichthys felis

Cebidiehthys violaceus

Apodich thys flavidus

57

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59

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.

The following is an account of receipts and expenditures since our
last report :

Receipts.

November 16, 1877 — By cash on hand, last report $3,563 13

February 19, 1878 — By cash returned from Livingston Stone 30 61

November 29, 1S78 — By cash, warrant one-half of appropriation 2,500 00

February 25, 1879 — By cash, warrant one-half of appropriation 2.500 00

August 16, 1879 — By cash, warrant appropriation for this year 5,000 00

$13,593 74
£!xpe7iditures.

November 26, 1877— To paid Wells, Fargo & Company, expressage on report $0 50

November 30, 1877 — To paid McKenna, expenses in making arrests 100 00

December 7, 1877 — ^To paid telegrams to Sacramento 1 30

December 20, 1877 — To paid postage and telegram 1 25

December 28, 1877 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Company, expressage on trout, eggs, and

telegram 51 10

December 31, 1877 — To paid Woodbury, foreman at hatching-house, one month's

salary 150 00

January 3, 1878 — To paid purchase of spawning fish 2 30

January 8, 1878— To paid R. M. Davis, expense's in four arrests and convictions 200 00

January 10, 1878 — To paid Jacob Underbill, hardware for hatching-house, and tele-
gram 53 52

January 17, 1878 — To paid Whitby, carpenter, expressage on L. L. salmon and white-
fish eggs, etc 156 95

January 21, 1878 — To paid lumber for hatching-house, and Wells, Fargo & Co. on

land-locked salmon eggs 179 50

January 28, 1878 — To paid nails, paint, etc., and expressage on fish eggs 63 35

January 29, 1878— To paid Palmer & Son, 25,000 trout eggs; Stone & Hooper, 45,000

trout eggs 251 75

February 2, 1878 — To paid Whitby, carpenter, on labor, hatching-house 100 00

February 4, 1878 — To paid Fitzpatrick, labor, one month, to 1st 40 00

February 5, 1878 — To paid Whitby, carpenter, balance 92 50

February 19, 1878— To paid L. Stone, balance hatching 2,200,000 salmon 500 00

February 19, 1878 — To paid Woodbury, one month's salary 150 00

February 19, 1878 — To paid wire cloth, flannel, and expressage 58 15

March 8, 1878 — To paid expressage on trout to Santa Barbara, L. L. salmon, to Sum-
mit, etc 22 50

March 8, 1878 — To paid Underbill, hardware and furnishing hatching-house 160 07

March 18, 1878 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Comimny, expressage on fish to sundry points,

drayage of cans, etc. 43 10

March 18,1878 — To paid Woodbury, salary, one month 150 00

March 18, 1878 — To paid Fitzpatrick, salary, one month 60 00

March 21, 1878 — To j)aid Clark, work on hatching-house and expressage 41 10

March 21, 1878 — To paid land-locked salmon to Donner Lake 12 50

March 26. 1878 — To paid Whittier & Fuller, asphaltum and drayage of cans 5 80

April 3, 1878— To paid Woodbury, on account, .$20; ice, $6 50 26 50

April 6, 1878 — To paid expressage on land-locked salmon to Tulare Lake 20 00

April 6, 1878 — To paid labor and expenses in distributing cat-fish 50 00

April 15, 1878— To paid Woodbury, salary 145 50

April 15, 1878— TojDaid Fitzpatrick, labor 60 00

April 15, 1878 — To paid Stratton, Kirkham, and Wells, Fargo & Company, for trans-
porting cans and fish 24 10

April 16, 1878 — To paid telegrams and drayage 1 50

April 17, 1878 — To paid expenses in transporting trout to Alder, Nevada, and Rus-
sian River 36 19

April ]7, 1878— To paid Myron Green for 32,000 McCloud trout eggs 128 00

April 27, 1878— To paid bill of Taylor & Company, for lumber for hatching-house,

troughs, etc 76 39

May 6, 1878— To paid Fitzpatrick, in full, for labor to May 1st 30 00

May 6, 1878— To paid Woodbury, on account 20 00

60

May 11, 1878 — To paid expressage on fish and cans, etc 11 92

May 11, 1878 — To paid Woodbury, services and sundry expenses in full 135 40

May 19, 1878 — To paid Woodbury, expenses to Pit River and return 125 00

June 7, 1878 — To paid Woodbury, balance expenses and telegram 11 00

June 18, 1878 — To paid ice for shad, freight, and expressage, etc 8 40

August 13, 1878 — To paid purchase and distribution 12,700 cat-fish in seven counties, 129 75

August 14, 1878 — To paid ice and expressage of fish 16 20

August 19, 1878 — To paid Mr. Glashan, expenses Truckee and Tahoe 46 85

September 18, 1878 — To paid Pither, procuring and distribution 5,200 cat-fish in five

counties 104 00

October 1, 1878 — To paid telegrams and cat-fish for San Joaquin 15 40

October 26, 1878— To paid Pither, catfish for exchange to Honolulu 13 75

November 4, 1878 — To paid Woodbury, on account $50 copying notices, telegrams, etc.- 66 25

December 6, 1878— To paid Stone, hatching 500,000 salmon, "telegrams, etc 262 00

December 11, 1878 — To paid Cowdery & Preston, case of Ashton vs. McLean 20 00

December 27, 1878 — To paid freight and express, white-fish eggs from Michigan 24 15

January 3, 1879 — To paid freight and express, white-fish eggs from Michigan 112 40

January 3, 1879 — To paid Stone & Hooper, and Myron Green, trout eggs 167 20

January 3, 1879 — To paid Woodbury, balance salary, flannel, and stationery 120 00

January 6, 1879 — To paid wire cloth, and transiiorting white-fish to Tahoe 31 15

January 15, 1879 — To paid L. Stone, on account purchase 2,500,000 salmon eggs 500 00

January 18, 1879 — To paid expense white-fish to Reno and Tahoe 20 00

February 3, 1879— To paid Woodbury, salary for January, $150, express, $16 50 166 50

February 5, 1879 — To paid Richardson, one month's labor, $100; expenses on white-
fish to Tulare, $35 30 135 30

February 10, 1879— To paid Palmer & Sons, 25,000 trout eggs 63 00

February 27, 1879 — To paid expenses distributing trout 30 25

March 2, 1879— To paid Richardson, one month's labor 100 00

March 6, 1879 — To paid Woodbury, one month's salary, $150 00, expenses, etc 165 75

March 6, 1879— To paid L. Stone, balance due for 2,500,000 salmon GOO 00

March 20, 1879— To paid Pither, 2,000 cat-fish, Yolo, $42 50 ; Sherifl:"s fees, Sonoma,

$6 70 49 20

March 20, 1879 — To paid expenses examining dams on Tuolumne, wire-cloth, and

telegi'ams 13 25

March 29, 1879— To paid Woodbury, salary one month, $150 00; distributing trout,

expenses, etc 173 50

April 8, 1879 — To jiaid distributing trout in San Mateo and Santa Cruz, etc 34 85

April 14, 1879— To paid Richardson, one and one-half month's labor, $150 00; Wood-
bury, one-half month, $75 00 225 00

April 14, 1879 — To paid express on fish and cans 15 95

April 14, 1879— To paid Myron Green for 50,000 trout eggs 200 00

April 19, 1879 — To paid Jones, transporting trout, American River 10 00

April 23, 1879— To paid for ice in transporting fish, $21 50 ; tin strainer, $3 00 24 50

May 8, 1879 — To paid Stone, on account for transporting lobsters, etc., $500 00;

exchange, $1 50 1 501 50

May 22, f879— To paid telegram, $2 00 ; draft of L. Stone, account for transporting

lobsters, eels, etc. 805 10

June 2, 1879— To jmid Pither for distributing 3,500 cat-fish in five counties 88 75

June 13, 1879 — To paid cash for salt-water, telegram, and transporting fish to Lake

County - 18 00

June 19, 1879— To paid for transporting black bass to Crystal Springs Lake, $1 60;

L. Stone, balance, $200 00 201 50

June 24, 1879— To paid W. N. Lockington, for services and report on marine fishes.. 100 00

June 27, 1879 — To paid for repair of wagon broken in transporting fish 7 50

August 14, 1879— To paid Pither, for distributing 2,500 cat-fish in three counties, bar-
rels, etc fi'j 10

August 18, 1879 — To paid steamer Neptune for transporting lobsters 100 00

August 26, 1879— To paid H. D. Dunn for four days' services at CoUinsville 28 25

September 1, 1879— To paid for distributing 3,700 cat-fish to Pit River, Truckee, Los

Angeles, and Lassen Counties 113 95

' September 8, 1879— To paid Lansing, for gathering statistics, $50 00; express, $10 40;

ice, $10 00 70 40

September 16, 1879— To paid J. C. Frazer, 50,000 trout for Truckee, South Yuba, and

American Rivers 254 30

September 23, 1879— To paid H. C. Marks on account copying report 40 00

September 28, 1879— To paid distributing 3,500 catfish, Mendocino, Solano, Nevada,

Lassen, and Mono Counties 112 40

November 1, 1879 — To amount on hand to balance 3,873 70

Total $13,593 74

61

This balance of |3,873 70 remaining on hand will be expended in
payment for the 2,500,000 salmon eggs now hatching on McCloud
River, and in the distribution of the young fish in that stream, the
Pit, and Sacramento, as well as in the necessary expenses to be
incurred in hatching white-fish and other eggs donated by the
United States Government.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

B. B. REDDING,

S. K. THROCKMORTON,

J. D. FARWELL,

Commissioners of Fisheries.

San Francisco, November 1st, 1879.

62

LIST OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

UNITED STATES.

Prof. Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

ALABAMA.

Charles S. G. Doster Prattville.

ARKANSAS.

N. B. Pearce Osage Mills.

CALIFORNIA.

S. p.. Throckmorton San Francisco.

B. B. Eedding San Francisco.

J. D. Farwell Alameda.

COLORADO.

W. E. Sisty Brookvale.

CONNECTICUT.

W. M. Hudson Hartford.

Eobert G. Pike Middletown.

James A. Bill Lynue.

GEORGIA.

Thomas P. James Atlanta.

ILLINOIS.

N. K. Fairbank Chicago.

S. P. Bartlett Quincy.

J. Smith Briggs Kankakee.

IOWA.

B. F. Shaw Anamosa.

KANSAS.

D. B. Long Ellsworth.

KENTUCKY.

William Griffith, President, 166 West Main St.,
Louisville.

John B. Walker Madisonville.

Hon. C. J.Walton Munfordville.

Hon. John A. Steele Versailles.

Hon. J. H. Bruce Lancaster.

P. H. Darby Princeton.

Dr. S. W. Coombs Bowling Green.

Hon. James B.Casey Covington.

General T. T. Garrard Manchester.

Hon. W. C. Allen Owingsville.

MAINE.

E. M. Stilwell Bangor.

Everett Smith Portland.

MARYLAND.

T. B. Ferguson, 1327 M St., Washington, D. C.
Thomas Hughlett Easton.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Theodore Lyman Brookline.

E. A. Braekett Winchester.

Asa French Boston.

MICHIGAN.

Eli E. Miller Eichland.

A. J. Kellogg Detroit.

Dr. J. C. Parker Grand Rapids.

MINNESOTA.

1st District, Daniel Cameron La Crosse.

2d District, Wm. W. Sweney, M.D..Red Wing.
3d District, Ormsby Sweeny St. Paul.

MISSOURI.

I. G. W. Steedman..2803 Pine Street, St. Louis.

John Reid Lexington.

Silas Woodson St. Joseph.

NEVADA.

H. G. Parker Carson City.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Samuel Webber Manchester.

Luther Hayes South Milton.

Albiua H. Powers Plymouth.

NEW JERSEY.

Dr. B. P. Howell Woodbury.

Colonel E. J. Anderson Trenton.

Theodore Morford Newton.

NEW YORK.

R. Barnwell Roosevelt_-76 Chamber St., N. Y.

Edward M. Smith Eochester.

Eichard U. Sherman New Hartford.

Eugene G. Blackford, 809 Bedford Av., Brooklyn.

NORTH CAROLINA.

L. L. Polk Ealeigh.

S. G. Worth ^_._Morgantown.

NEBRASKA.

E. E. Livingston Plattsmouth.

H. S. Kaley Eed Cloud.

W. L. May Freemont.

OHIO.

J. C. Fisher Coshocton.

E. Cummings Toledo.

L. A. Harris Cincinnati.

PENNSYLVANIA.

H. J. Eeeder Easton.

Benj. L. Hewitt Hollidaysburg.

James Duffy Marietta.

John Hummel Selinsgrove.

Robert Dalzell Pittsburg.

G. M. Miller Wilkesbarre.

RHODE ISLAND.

Alfred A. Reid Providence.

John H. Barden Eockland.

Newton Dexter Providence.

63

SOUTH CAROLINA.

A. P. Butler Hamburg.

TENNESSEE.

W. "W. McDowell Memphis.

Geo. F. Akers Nashville.

W.T. Turley Kuoxville.

UTAH.

A. P. Rockwood Salt Lake City.

VERMONT.

M. Goldsmith Rutland.

Charles Barrett Grafton.

VIRGINIA.

Colonel Marshall McDonald Lexington.

WEST VIRGINIA.

Henry B. Miller Wheeling.

Christian S. White Romney.

N. M. Lowry Hinton.

WISCONSIN.

Governor William E.Smith Madison.

Philo Dunning Madison.

J. V. Jones Oshkosh.

C. L. Valentine Janesville.

Mark Douglas Melrose.

John F. Antisdel Milwaukee.

Christopher Hutchinson Beetown.

H. W. Welsher Madison.

REPORT

OK THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR THK

Year 1880.

/VUG U^^^

REPORT.

To his Excellency George C. Perkins, Governor of California:

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California,
appointed under an Act of the Legislature entitled "An Act to
provide for the restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of
this ^State," approved April 2, 1870, respectfully submit their sixth
report.

Heretofore reports of the transactions of the Fish Commissioners
have been made biennially, at the meeting of each Legislature. The
change in time for submitting a statement of our operations, required
by the adoption of the new Constitution, necessarily limits this report
to the proceedings of the past year.

SACRAMENTO SALMON — ONCORHYNCPIUS QUINNAT.

It is with pleasure we report that the annual hatching of two mill-
ions of these fish, and placing them in the tributaries of the Sacra-
mento River, are producing their legitimate results. The numbers
of salmon that could have been taken in this river, before the greater
part of their spawning beds had been destroyed by sediment from the
gold mines, can never be known. It is the testimony of all the pio-
neer miners that every tributary of the Sacramento, at the com-
mencement of mining, was, in the season, filled with this fish,
hurrying and struggling as if to reach the very sources of these
streams. A few salmon continued to enter the Feather, Yuba, Bear,
and American Rivers until the floods of the Winter of 1860-1, which
covered the gravel bottoms of all those streams with mining sedi-
ment, and thereby destroyed their spawning grounds. Continuous
and unrestricted fishing, and tlie destruction by mining of so large
an area of clean beds of gravel, reduced this fish in numbers in the
Sacramento until, in the season of 1872 and 1873, there were probably
less than at any other time before or since. Several thousands of
young fish, artificially hatched, were placed in the head Avaters by
the United States prior to 1873. In that year we made arrangements
with the United States authorities to hatch our cjuota of the eggs
annually given to each State, at an expense of $1,000 for each million
of fish hatched out and turned into the river. Including 2,225,000
fish just placed in the head waters, there have been hatched by the
State, and turned into the McCloud, Pit, and Upper Sacramento
Rivers, 15,350,000 young salmon.

It seemed desirable that a record should be kept of the catch of
salmon in the Sacramento, so as to learn the effect on this industry
of the annual deposit of these two million young salmon.

Since 1874 we have obtained the numbers and weight of salmon

caiiglit in the Sacramento and San Joaquin, that have been trans-
])orted from the })hice of capture, to the Cities of San Francisco,
Sacramento and Stockton, by rail and stea,mboats, as also the num-
bers and weight of salmon put up in tins by the different canning
establishments. We have been unable to obtain the weight of sal-
mon salted, and the numbers and weight of salmon caught near the
mouth of Feather River, and by the fishermen near Tehama, and in
the upper waters of the Sacramento and San Joaquin. Neither can
we obtain the numbers and weight of tliose taken to market by fish-
ermei] in their own boats, nor those caught and salted, in violation
of law, during the close season. Therefore, to the weight of salmon
actually taken to market b}' rail and steamboats, and the salmon
actually tinned, we have added twenty-five per cent., the total being
a close approximation of the actual catch for the season.

This system has been pursued since we commenced in 1873, to
gather the statistics of the catch of salmon in the Sacramento River,
'rhe record is as follows:

For season ending August 1,1875 5,098,781 pounds.

For season ending August 1, IS7(') 5,31 1,423 j^ounds.

For season ending August 1,1877 (■>, '493, 563 pounds.

For season ending August 1, 1878 -6,520,768 pounds.

Eor season ending August 1,1879 4,432,250 pounds.

For season ending August 1, 1880 10,837,400 pounds.

In the season, ending August 1, 1879, the salmon were reported to
be as numerous as ever before known, but for three weeks, during
the height of the season, in consequence of a disagreement between
the fishermen and the proprietors of canning establishments, no
salmon were taken, except for daily consumption in the city markets.
It will be seen that the catch of 1880 was the largest ever reported,
and that the weight of salmon captured has doubled since the State's
appropriation enabled us to place annually an average of two million
young fish in the head waters of the Sacramento. The fishermen, as
well as the proprietors of canning establishments, are beginning to
acknowledge that the annual addition of two million young fish to
the river, over and above those naturally hatched, does, after two
or three years, add to the numbers of mature fish to be found in the
river.

More young fish have been taken by the fishermen, during the
past two years, than ever before; and more young fish have appeared
on the spawning beds of theMcCloud, during the same period, than
have heretofore been observed.

The increase in the numbers and weight of fish taken, and the
immense numbers of young fish that reach the spawning grounds
from the ocean, are conclusive evidence that tlie expenditure, by trie
State, of money, in the artificial hatching of salmon, is a most profit-
able investment for the public benefit. The increase of fish, by
artificial propagation, has doubled the annual catch of salmon in the
river, correspondingly added to the numbers of men and boats
engaged in the industry, and warranted the investment of not less than
§oOO,UOO in the erection and equipment of salmon canning establish-
ments.

When the State commenced the work of artificially hatching
salmon, and placing the young fish into the head waters of the rivers,
there were no canning establishments on the Sacramento River.
Now, on the river, and in the cities, there are nine. The State

appropriation for fish hatching may be said to have created this
industry. To show with wliat rapidity this business is grovving, it
may be stated that in 1879 there were tinned, of Sacramento River
salmon, 33,017 cases of forty-eight pounds each, or 1,584,816 pounds.
In 1880 there were tinned 62,000 cases of forty- eight pounds each, or
2,976,000 pounds.

The average catch of sahrion in the rivers, before the State added
to the numbers by artificial hatching, was five million pounds. This,
to persons not controlled by narrow personal interest or cupidity,
would be convincing evidence of the wisdom of the State laws for
the promotion and increase of this industry. Yet, strange as it may
seem, it is the history of the fish industry of every State in the
Union, and of all other countries, that when public moneys are used
to add to the numbers of fish to be caught, not only the fishermen,
but the owners of large capital invested in the business, are unremit-
ting and persistent in their applications for the repeal of all laws that
place any restriction upon unlimited fishing. The perpetuation of
the salmon industry is absolutely dependent upon the fact that some
of the fish must be allowed to pass the nets and reach their spawning
grounds at tlie head waters. It is only at the sources of streams, and
under the conditions there found, that the eggs will naturally develop
into fish. It is only when the fish reach their spawning grounds
that their eggs have become sufficiently matured so that they may
be taken for artificial propagation. These facts are well known and
undisputed, yet the Legislature is biennially besieged to repeal the
law, or to so change it that practically there shall be no limit to fish-
ing while there is a fish to be found in the river.

From the report of Mr. H. D. Dunn, who, in gathering statistics of
the weight of salmon tinned from the Sacramento, may be learned the
views of the gentlemen engaged in the salmon canning business. It
will be seen that they also, with the fishermen, practically ask a
repeal of the law which now allows some of the fish to reach their
spawning grounds. They claim that if all nets were removed from
the river from Saturday noon until Monday morning of each week,
this would allow a sufficient number of fish to pass. They also assert
that the present law (except by the canneries) is violated. They,
however, neglect to state that if the close season were changed to suit
their views, and increase the profits of their business, they would
hardly stop to inquire, on Monday morning, whether the fish brought
to them were caught on that morning or on Sunday.

Many changes have been made by succeeding Legislatures in the
time for a close season for salmon. Every concession is taken as a
basis for further changes, looking to the present profits of the fisher-
men and canners. Neither the fish, the public, nor the future of
the business appears to have many friends. Any restrictions upon
unlimited fishing and unlimited canning, while a fish can be found
in the river, is looked upon as a personal injury, inflicted by a med-
dlesome and tyrannical government.

Under the present law the fish have so increased that the annual
catch has more tlian doubled. Although the law is violated by many
fishermen, yet the canning proprietors have so much capital invested
that they fear to violate the law by canning fish out of season.
Their obedience compels a partial observance of the law on the part
of the fishermen. When the canneries cease work, as required by
the present law, fish are usually quite numerous in the river. During

6

the close season no salmon are sold in thecit}^ markets, the canneries
dare not purchase, and the greater number of fishermen cease work.
A few, determined to oppose any law, still continue to draw their
nets, and salt the catch in by-places among the tule islands. At this
season the fish are gravid and unfit for food, and wdienever canned
or salted in this condition and sold, they injure the character, in the
markets of the world, of all the fish shipped from the river where
such fish are attempted to be utilized. On the Columbia River,
without any requirement of law, the canners cease w^ork on the
first of August, not because there are not fish still to be taken, but
because they are over ripe. They have found that the tinning of
over ripe fish injures the reputation and lowers the standard of the
whole season's work. The standing of the tinned salmon of the
Sacramento would have been as high, in foreign markets, as that of
the rivers of Oregon had not the greed of a prominent canning firm
induced them, at the commencement of their business, to tin over
ripe fish.

We desire to add that the present law for a close season may lessen
immediate profits, but it perpetuates the business, leaves fish for
those who wall succeed us, compels a high standard for Sacramento
salmon, makes this fish almost the cheapest food in the State, and
is for the best interest of the public, wdio are taxed to keep up and
increase the numbers of fish in the rivers.

The report of Air. H. D. Dunn, which follows, in addition to the
statistical information which it contains, also gives fully the views
of the proprietors of the canning establishments, which, as hereto-
fore, will be urgently pressed upon the attention of the Legislature.
In reply to these requests so plausibly stated, we have to repeat, if
salmon are to be continued in our rivers, a large number of the fish
must be allowed to reach their spawning grounds, not accidently or
by chance, but systematically, and by design. The fishermen will
not cease fishing Sundays while there are canners to buy all that
may be brought Monday morning. Therefore, as at present, the
canneries should cease work during a few weeks of the time after the
fish have come in from the ocean, and are on their urgent errand to
their spawning beds.

San Francisco, California, December 21, 1880.
To Board of California State Fish Commissioners, San Francisco, California :

Gentlemen: From inquiries made of parties engaged in the business, I learn that there has
been packed at the canneries on the Sacramento River and in this city about 62,000 cases of
salmon, of four dozen one-pound tins eacli. All these salmon were taken from the waters of
Suisun Bay and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. These salmon averaged about
twelve pounds each when taken.

There were also packed in Smith's River, in this State, during the present year, 7,500 cases
salmon of four dozen one-pound tins each, and five hundred barrels salted down.

There were also packed in Eel River, in this State, about 6,250 cases salmon of four dozen
one-pound tins each, and as far as can be estimated, about 1,500 barrels salted down. The
salmon in both these rivers are reported to have averaged about ten pounds weight each when
taken.

A new feature this year was the engaging in the business in this city of four fruit canning
establishments, viz.: Chas. King, of Wra. & Co., A. Lusk & Co., Emerson, Corville <fc Co., and
the Cutting Packing Comjiany. A portion of the fish canned by these firms was purchased at
the wharves in thiscity, and the others of fishermen on the Sacramento River.

During the open season, the run of salmon in the Sacramento River was very large, being
in excess of any previous year known. The supply taken by the fishermen at times being in
excess of the wants of the canneries, the surplus fish were brought to San FranciseO for sale,
many spoiling and being thrown into the bay.

After the expiration of the close season (September 15th), the run of salmon was extremely
t lasted for about ten days only, during which, on the 15th, 16th, and 17th of Septem-

ber, it was estimated that fully nine thousand fish were thrown back into the river, thus wasted,
for want of purchasers.

An unusual circumstance, this season, connected with iishing on the Sacramento River, has
been a large run of salmon during the present month (December), boats averaging from forty
to fifty fish per day, when from five to ten were the catch in prior years. As the canneries are
all closed, and an abundant supply salted for the present year, a very large number of these
salmon will probably reach their sijawniug grounds, at the head waters of the Sacramento
River.

During the close season, between August 1, and September 15, the law was openly violated
by the fishermen, who defied arrest and conviction for the offenses. The few persons who were
arrested were taken to Suisiui City, Solano County, where no conviction could be had, it being
stated that public opinion there was adverse to the law. That the close season was openly and
persistently violated by the fishermen on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers was a matter
of notoriety, and parties, well informed, stated that the numherof salmon taken, in violation of
law, and salted and smoked, was in excess of those supplied to the canneries and city markets,
during the legal season. As an illustration of the large number thus taken, a person of credi-
bility, engaged in the canning business, stated to me that he knew of two fishermen (owning
one boat between them) selling, since the close season expired, two hundred barrels salted sal-
mon, which is equal to four thousand salmon, or more than the united catch of three average
boats before August 1.

Another party informed me that salmon were taken frequently in sight of Collinsville on the
Sacramento River, and also in the San Joaquin River, during the close season, in daylight, with-
out any attempt at concealment. The same person stated that he saw lying on the wharf at
mid-day, during the close season, at Webb's Landing, on the San Joaquin River, from five
hundred to six hundred salmon, the fishermen cleaning and salting the same, regardless of who
might see them.

Though the price of salmon ruled low (from one dollar and five cents to one dollar and ten
cents per dozen) all the canneries in this State, except one at Black Diamond Landing, Contra
Costa County, were actively employed during the jaast season. The canneries were as follows:
One each, Washington, Courtland, Chipp's Island, Smith's River, and Eel River; two at Collins-
ville, and four in San Francisco — eleven in all employed. From what I can learn, a similar
number will probablj' be employed during the coming season, action having already been taken
for that purpose. A canning factory at Benicia, during 1881, is also among the probabilities.
Unforeseen adverse circumstances excepted, it seems probable that more salmon will be canned
in this State during 1881 than in any previous year, as should the catch justify it, other can-
neries in this city may engage in the trade. The city canneries have greater advantages, they
emi^loying skilled labor continuously during the larger portion of the year, Avhile the time of
the canneries on the rivers is not only limited, but is broken by the close season, after which it
is difficult to engage workmen for so few days work as the run offish may last.

As all information connected with the taking of salmon is of interest to the Commissioners, I
deem it rigiit to advise you of the feeling of canneis with whom I have conversed, regarding
the present law of this State. These j^arties complain that the six weeks' close season in the
height of the run of salmon puts them to large additional expense, as compared with thecanners
on the Columbia, and other salmon rivers north; that at present, on the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Rivei's, the canneries have a supply of salmon for about six weeks only, as during the
greater part of June and July the run is very uncertain; during which, they have to be at the
same expense as if there was full work for their employes; that nothing is saved to the State
by the close season, as salmon are taken in large quantities by the fishermen, in defiance of the
law; that the fishermen, after having gone to the expense and labor of salting the salmon so
taken, receive a less price for them than what would be paid them if it were lawful to sell them
to the canneries; that while the canneries i)ay thirty-five cents for the fish delivered to them,
the fishermen sell their salted salmon, delivered in this city, at from fifteen to twenty-five cents
•each; that allowing for salt, labor, and freight, the salted salmon net the fishermen from ten to
fifteen cents, instead of thirty-five cents paid at the canneries.

The canners clainr that while the present law against taking salmon in the close season is a
dead letter, from inability to enforce it, that modifications can be made for their benefit without
injury to the best interests of the State. Their desire is to have the close season for taking
salmon limited to thirty-six hours each week, extending from Saturday noon to Monday morn-
ing, claiming that this time being observed, sufficient spawning fish will reach the head waters
of the Sacramento River to furnish all the eggs required to keep up the supply. They ask that
this may be done, pledging theuiselves to aid in enforcing the law, which they will be able to
do by refusing to take any fish taken during the close time ; that if this change is made, and
the result is not satisfactory, after trial, to the Commissioners, they, the canners, will not oppose
a reenaetment of the present law, if the former desire it. To aid in keeping up the supply of
salmon, the canners propose to have all the boats taking salmon licensed, and if need be the
canners also ; that the sum so collected be paid to the Fish Commission as a fund to be expended
in hatching out salmon to keep up the supjjly ; that the boats being licensed will keep out
poachers, who will be easily detected if the licensed boats are properly marked with lai'ge
figures to insure identification; that at the present time all fishing boats being of the same
model, and painted of the same color, it is practically impossible to identify them, and they
can be and are loaned to otiier jiarties who violate the law without liability to confiscation.

I have taken the liberty of writing thus fully the views of the canners, so that the Commis-
sionei-s may be advised of the same before the meeting of the State Legislature, next month.

8

Also, that if it should be desirable to have the canners explain their views more in detail, the
Commissioners could meet them for that purpose and thereby be able to devise, if possible,
some united action by which the fishing interests of the State would be increased.
I am, yours truly, *

HORACE D. DUNN.

The following statement shows the numbers of salmon trans-
ported by rail and steamers from the fishing grounds of the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin to the Cities of San Francisco, Sacramento,
and Stockton, from September 15, 1879, to August 1, 1880. It is to be
regretted that some of the transporting companies do not keep the
numbers and weight of sturgeon separate from those of the salmon.
It is, however, thought that the numbers and weight of sturgeon
were not in excess of previous years. It is also to be regretted that
in one instance the numbers of salmon had to be approximated, in
consequence of carelessness in making the necessary entries :

SUMMARY.

Shipments per steamer Enterprise 40,82^

Shipments per steamer Julia 24,661

Shipments per steamer Chin-du-Wan 2,276

Shipments jier steamer Modoc 1,729

Shipments jjer California Transportation Company 70,354

Shipments per Stockton line (estimated) 34,547

Shipments per rail to Oakland 13,750

Shipments per rail to San Francisco 160

Total numbers 188,296

"While gathering the statistics of the cases of Sacramento salmon
canned during the past year, Mr. Dunn procured the following
statistics of salmon canned in Oregon, etc., the present season, which
is also of interest :

On the Columbia River, 512,000 cases 4 dozen 1-pound tins each.

On the Fraser River, 40,000 cases 4 dozen 1-pound tins each.

On the Skeena, and other rivers, 21,000 cases 4 dozen 1-pound tins each.

Besides the foregoing, there Avere canneries in operation at Sinslaw
and Rogue Rivers, Oregon; Puget Sound, Washington Territory;
Prince of Wales Island, and Sitka, Alaska Territory, the catch of
which he has been unable to obtain.

Under wise laws and small appropriations the salmon industry of
California has doubled in five years. With a more faithful observ-
ance of the present laws, it can be doubled again in another five
years. It would seem to be wise policy for the Legislature to dis-
regard the appeals of even good citizens, whose judgments are liable
to be wrested by their present personal profits. The Fish Commis-
sioners stand between the general good of the public and private
interests, and look to the Legislature, as representing the intelligence
of the whole community, to sustain them in their efforts to foster,
advance, and increase a great industry.

SHAD — ALOSA SAPIDISSIMA,

On the 18th of June, 1880, w^e received from the United States Fish
Commissioner, a donation of 240,000 young shad, which arrived
without loss, and were placed in the Sacramento River at Tehama.
This makes in all 640,000 of these fish that have been placed in

this river, through donations from the United States Fish Commis-
sioner, and through importations by the State. These fish are now
increasing by natural propagation, as fish of all ages are caught in
the river, and in the salt water of the Bay of Monterey. A few
years since, when mature shad first made their appearance, they sold
for $1 50 per pound. They now sell for twenty and twenty-five cents
per pound. They are as regularly Cjuoted in the market reports as
any other fish common to the waters of this State. Relatively to the
numbers in our waters, more shad are caught in California than on
the Atlantic Coast.

When the shad, after spawning, leave the eastern rivers they dis-
appear and rarely, if ever, are taken in the ocean. Practically, they
are only caught for market after entering the rivers. The shad
turned "into the Sacramento, when the time comes for them to leave
the river, resort in large numbers to the Bay of Monterey, about one
hundred miles south of San Francisco, where they find an abund-
ance of food and remain until the procreative instinct compels them
again to enter the river. Shad are caught at all seasons in the Bay
of Monterey, in the nets of the fishermen while fishing for other
fish. There is, therefore, no week during the year when shad cannot
be found on the stalls in the San Francisco market. Looking to the
natural increase of the fish, this is unfortunate, as it will require
largely increased importations to fully stock our waters. When our
rivers'^are fully stocked, now that the habits of this fish on our coast
are known, there will be no difficulty in procuring this valuable fish
at all seasons of the year.

Professor Baird, of the United States Fish Commission, is having
constructed a railway car, to be solely used in the transporting of fish.
When completed, he proposes to send in it two or three million
young shad, whicii he believes will fully stock the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers, and eventually all the appropriate waters of
this coast. We are entirely satisfied with the result of the experi-
ments thus far made in importing and planting shad in the waters
of California.

"WHITE FISH — COEEGONUS ALBA.

The 565,000 wliite fish, the eggs of whicli were brought from Lake
Michigan, and planted in different lakes and streams of this State,
appear to be thriving and increasing. We hear of theni_ being
occasionally taken. As they can only be successfully caught in nets
made for the purpose, and rarely are taken with the hook, the prob-
abilities are they will become very numerous before the fishermen
will make a business of their capture. They are so valuable and
highly esteemed fresh water fish that we shall make every effort to
fully stock all our accessible mountain lakes. AVe have asked the
Unfted States Commissioner of Fisheries for a consignment of 250,000
of the eggs of this fish, to be hatched at the State's hatching house
at San Leandro, for distribution during the present Winter.

SCHUYLKILL CATFISH — AMIURUS ALBIDUS.

The seventy-four catfish imported from the Raritan River, in 1874,
have increased and multiplied, and this increase distributed, until
now, we believe, there is no county in the State, from Del Norte to
2^

10

San Diego, that has not been supplied with a greater or less number
of these fish. They are regularly sold in all the markets, at the same
prices as our most abundant fish. They are admirably adapted to the
sloughs and warm waters of the great valley, and in them have so
multiplied as to furnish a large supply of food. The aggregate value
of this fish alone, sold in the markets of San Francisco and Sacra-
mento annually, would more than equal the appropriation animally
made by the State for fish culture. How constant has been the
demand made upon us for the wide distribution of this fish, may be
seen in our report of expenditures, which shows quite a large amount
paid for their capture, and in sending them bj' express to different
parts of the State. These fish are now so numerous and widely dis-
tributed that probably the time has arrived when their further
distribution should be left to private enterprise, and the money of
the State heretofore used for this purpose be employed in importing
some other equally valuable fish.

CARP — CYPRINUS CARPIO COMMUNIS.

Since the date of our last report, we received from Professor Baird,
at the Government carp ponds, in Washington, three hundred young-
carp of the most valuable variety. They were brought to California
with the loss of but two. Sixty were placed in a public lake near
Sacramento; the remainder were placed in the private pond of R. R.
Tliompson, in Alameda, who promised to protect tliem, and allow
the State to remove them and their increase whenever desired. We
have no report of those placed in Sutterville Lake; probably none of
them have been caught. Those placed in the private pond at Ala-
meda are doing well. These fish were hatched from the egg in June,
1879. When they arrived in this State, December 29, 1879, they aver-
aged about two inches in length. In June, 1880, one year from the time
they had left the egg, they had grown to a length of more than eight
inches. During the latter month, at the request of Professor Baird,
United States Fish Commissioner, we caused the pond to be netted,
and of the carp taken, forwarded one dozen to the ponds at Mare
Island, the Navy Department having expressed a desire that the
ponds at this Navy Yard should be stocked with the most valuable
variety of carp. The great increase in the size of the fish, and their
fine appearance, make it certain they have found congenial homes.
They were probably too young to have spawned last year. They will,
without doubt, produce young fish during the Summer of 1881.
AVhen the young fish are ready for distribution, we shall take meas-
ures to distribute them to all the appropriate waters throughout the
State.

The eight carp, of another variety, brought to this State in 1872,
from Hamburg, by the late Mr. A. J. Poppe of Sonoma County,
increased largely, and have been widely distributed. Wherever
planted in our waters they have grown rapidly, and multiplied in
numbers. No other variety of fish have so long been under the care
and protection of man, and no other seems so capable of domestica-
tion. There appears to be a wide spread desire among farmers of
tills State, who have small natural or artificial ponds or sloughs on
their land, to procure carp for stocking their waters. Although the
carp belonging to the State have not yet produced any increase, and
as it is not probable an}' of the young of this fish can be ready for

11

■distribution before the Winter of 1881, yet we have already on file
twenty-three applications for the young of this fish from farmers in
seventeen different counties. The carp will certainly thrive in all
the interior waters of the State, with tlie possible exception of the
lakes near the summit of the Sierra Nevada, where the water in
Summer may be too cold. The carp furnishes so large a supply of
food to the people of Europe and Asia, and promises to be of so
much value to the people of this State, that we condense from the
report of Mr. Rudolph Hessel to Professor Baird, the following infor-
mation of the habits and natural history, etc., of this fish. He says :
The carp is partial to stagnant M^aters, or such as have not a too swift
current, with a loamy, muddy bottom, and deep places covered with
vegetation. It is able to live in water where other fishes could not
possibly exist — for instance, in the pools of bog meadows and sloughs.^
It lives upon vegetable food, as well as upon worms and larva of
aquatic insects, wdnch it turns up from the mud with the head ; it is
very easily satisfied, and will not refuse the offal of the kitchen,
slaughter-houses, and breweries, or even the excrement of cattle and
sheep.

In central Europe, where the water of the carp ponds becomes very
cold, the fish will, at the beginning of the cold season, seek deeper
water, making holes in the mud, where they pass the AVinter in a
kind of sleep. They make a cavity in the muddy ground, called a
" kettle." In this they pass the time until Spring, huddled together
in concentric circles, with their heads together, the posterior part of
the body raised, and held immovably, scarcely lifting the gills for
the process of breathing, and without taking a particle of food. It is
a most striking fact that the carp, though it does not take any food,
during this Winter sleep, yet does not diminish in weight. In the
warm climates of Southern Europe, Italy, Spain, Dalmatia, etc., the
fish become lively at a much earlier season in the Spring, and Mr.
Hessel doubts if, in these climates, it ever goes into a lethargic state,
or ceases to feed during the Winter. When' the Spring is early, or
the water has become warmed by the sun, in central Europe, it is
ready to spawn by May, and continues spawning at intervals for a
month or two. Days and weeks may pass before it will have left the
last egg to the care of nature. In Sicily, and in Algeria, which have
climates not dissimilar to the interior of California, it commences to
spawn in April. The female carp yields an immense number of
eggs. One of five pounds weight has produced half a millioii. The
eggs are adhesive, and are, when extruded, attached to aquatic plants,
brush, or stones. The male fish follows the female among the grow-
ing water grass and weeds, and impregnates the eggs after they are
extruded. If the weather is warm, tlie young fish are hatched in
about two weeks. Cold water delays the hatching of the eggs for
about three weeks. Ponds of cold water with a rock bottom are not
favorable to the growth of this fish. If the water is warm, and the
pond has a muddy bottom, the young fish should, at the close of the
third Summer, weigh an average of three pounds. If the pond con-
tain large quantities of food, the fish may weigh as much as five
pounds at the close of the third year. This fish is said to live to a
great age, and is also said to increase in weight up to about tliirty
years. Ponds for carp, in California, need not be over three feet in
depth.

In stocking ponds, in Europe, it is estimated that there should be

32

placed in the water three mature females and two males to each acre.
The eggs are subject to many casualties; they get smothered, are
eaten by other tish, and even Ijy the parents, so that it is not usual to
obtain more than eight hundred or one thousand young fish from
the A'ast number of eggs extruded bj' each female. A larger per-
centage of young fish would be obtained if the pond contained no fish
but carp, and the parents were caught and removed to other waters
after the eggs were deposited. The eggs of carp, although adhesive^
have been hatched artificially. A more simple plan is to make a
rough box-shaped frame of willow sticks, tied or nailed together,
four or five feet long, three wide, and one liigh. This frame should
be densely interwoven with the brush of Monterey cypress, or of the
redwood, and not to be trimmed on the inside of the frame. Put
this in the pond where it can float, and place in it two ripe females
and one male; cover the top with netting, so that the fish may not
escape. The females will fill the brush on the bottom and sides with
eggs, which the male will impregnate. When the spawning is com-
pleted, the fish should be removed. In due time the young fish will
make their appearance. This is a close imitation of nature, while
the eggs are preserved from enemies.

The carp in Europe is considered so valuable a fish, and supplies
such a large amount of food, that it is deservedly popular. Wherever
it has been introduced in California, it has grown and increased in
numbers.

So many persons are desirous of obtaining this fish for ponds,
sloughs, and lakes, in their several localities that we have considered
it advisable to give this condensed statement as to the best means for
the care and increase of this variety of fish.

BLACK BASS — MICROPTERUS NIGRICANS.

The seventy-three black bass placed in Napa River in 1873, were
probably all caught by anglers before tliey had time to propagate.
We heard that some were caught, during that year, from the river in
which they were deposited, but cannot learn that any have been
seen since. Twentj^-two mature fish were brought from the East in
July, 1879, and placed by us in the Crystal Spring Reservoir, of the
Spring Valley AVater Company, in San Mateo County, with the assur-
ance, on the part of the officers of that company, that the lake would
be preserved and no fish allowed to be caught until the Fish Com-
missioners granted permission; and, with the further promise that,
if the fish increased, the State could at all times take them for public
distribution. These fish have done well, and are rapidly increasing
in numbers. In another year the young can be caught and distrib-
uted to appropriate waters.

The Sportsman's Club, of San Francisco, have also imported a
number of these fish and placed them in a lake in Alameda. We
are pleased to learn that these also have increased in numbers.

STRIPED BASS — ROCCUS LINEATUS.

The one hundred and fifty striped bass brought in 1879, and placed
in the water in the Straits of Carquinez are probably increasing.
One of these fish was caught in the bay near Saucelito, and brought
to market and identified. We have heard of a few others having

13

been captured at Monterey, and near Alameda. This is one of the
most valuable ocean and river fish of the Atlantic coast, and supplies
a large amount of food to the people of the Eastern States. There is
now no doubt they will thrive in our waters, and we shall make
every exertion to obtain large numbers, so that, in time, our bays
and brackish waters, at the inouth of our rivers, may be fully
stocked.

LOBSTERS AND EELS.

The twenty-four mature lobsters, to which were attached about
two million eggs nearly ready to hatch, brought from the Atlantic
in 1879, were placed in a sheltered cove near the Golden Gate. No
person, so far as we can learn, has as yet tried to capture any of them,
and none have been accidentally caught. As all the conditions
seemed favorable, we have no doubt the young are growing, and
that, during the coming Summer, we shall hear of California lob-
sters having been taken and brought to market.

Occasionally we hear of an eel being captured, but as yet they
have not showed an increase in proportion to that of other imported
fish.

EASTERN AND CALIFORNIA TROUT.

We each Winter hatch the eggs of large numbers of both these
varieties of trout, and distribute them in streams in different parts
of the State. The South Yuba and the North Fork of the American
Eivers, which originally contained no fish above the high falls on
each stream, are now well stocked with both kinds of trout. We
have also stocked other streams, which naturally contained no fish,
or from which all the fish had been caught.

FISH-WAYS.

Whenever we have learned that the passages for fish are obstructed
by artificial dams in any streams, we have notified the owners of
such obstructions to remove them, or construct fish-ways, so as to
permit the free passage of fish. When the owners neglect or refuse
to comply with the law, Ave place the matter in the hands of the Dis-
trict Attorney of the county for prosecution. The law controlling the
subject is deemed wise and beneficial, and only in a few cases has it
been found necessary to do more than call the attention of the
offending parties to its requirements.

At the last session of the Legislature an Act was passed ''To pro-
vide for removing obstructions in Pit River, above the mouth of Hat
Creek, so as to enable salmon to reach the spawning grounds on the
upper waters of said river and its tributaries."

At the place designated on the Pit. there is a fall of forty-one feet.
The salmon in vast numbers reach the foot of this fall, and are now
unable to pass. If a pas.sage were made over this fall through which
the fish could pass, they would find on the upper waters of the Pit
and its tributaries, between two and three hundred miles of unob-
structed spawning grounds. This would make an area of spawning
ground equal to that now used by salmon in all the other tributaries
of the Sacramento. Therefore, the removal of tins obstruction should,
in a few years, even if artificial propagation were discontinued, more
than double the present number of salmon annually visiting the

14

Sacramento River. In addition, a passage for fish over tliis natural
obstruction would give tlie rapidly increasing population of the
northeastern portion of the State an abundance of fish. This Act
provides that the Fish Commissioners should advertise for proposals^
and let a contract for a fish-way over this fall, and makes an appro-
priation of three thousand dollars, with which to pay the cost and
incidental expenses of this work.

As a preliminary to advertising, we appointed A. AV. Von Schmidt,
from his known reputation as a civil engineer, to make a survey and
sketch of this fall, so that of the various fish- ways in use that best
adapted to the situation might be selected. On the approval of his
plan, an advertisement was published in different newspapers, as
required by law. When the bids were opened, it was found that the
lowest was that of Mr. S. C. Mooers, for $2,100. Contracts, in dupli-
cate, were made out and sent to him for his signature. After some
weeks he wrote, stating that he could not do the Avork for the amount
of his bid. We then wrote to E. E. Van Sickel, F. FI. Kenyon, and
W. H. Kenyon, the only other bidders, who had proposed to do the
work for $2,300, stating the facts as to Mooers' refusal, and asked
them if they would contract to do the work, during the coming Sum-
mer, for the amount of their bid, $2,300. They replied that they
would, and contracts have been signed by them, dated January 5,
1881. The work is to be completed between August 1, and Novem-
ber 1, 1881.

This Act is peculiarly worded. Section four says: "When the
work is completed, approved, and accepted by the Fish Commission-
ers, they shall certify the amount due upon said contract or con-
tracts, and the amount due for advertising and other necessary
expenses incurred by them in carrying out the provisions of this-
Act to the State Board of Examiners, and when approved by said
Board, the amount shall be paid out of the General Fund in the
State treasur3^"

The Controller construes this Act to mean that none of the inci-
dental expenses, such as surveying and advertising^ can be paid
until the v/hole work is completed. These necessary expenses, pre-
liminary to letting the contract, amount to about $250, and, as the
persons who have performed the work should be paid for their
services, we have to request that a supplemental Act should be
passed, allowing the Board of Examiners to audit these accounts,
and the Controller to draw his warrant on the appropriation made
for this purpose.

BAY AND COAST FISH.

Accompanying this will be found a report from Mr. W. N. Lock-
ington giving a general and popular description of the most impor-
tant of the fishes hitherto discovered in the inland and coast waters
of the Pacific Coast, U. S. A. In this work he has had the benefit of
the notes and discoveries of Professors Jordan and Gilbert, who, as
the representatives of the Smithsonian Institute and the United States
Census Bureau, have been engaged on this coast, during the past
summer, in studying its fish fauna. Many of these fishes are
known only by descriptions lately published in the Proc. U. S.
Nat. Museum. Mr. Lockington's statements of the habits and
migrations, as well as of the places, upon our coast, where par-
ticular varieties of food fish are most abundant, if studied by

]5

our fisliermen, would be of service in promoting tlieir indus-
try. His statistics and investigations in connection with the rap-
idly increasing codfish business of this coast have much interest
in showing that the codfish banks are probably as extensive
and inexhaustible as those of Newfoundland. As population
increases on the Pacific Coast and new markets are found for
the cured fish, this industry will be found capable of great enlarge-
ment, and thus promote varied industries and furnish employment
to a large number of men and boys.

APPROPRIATION AND EXPENDITURES.

There is herewith appended a detailed account of the appropria-
tion received and expenditures incurred since our last report. We
have sought to exercise the greatest economy consistent with the
work to be performed. With the experience we have obtained dur-
ing ten years, it is believed that no money has been expended in
doubtful experiments. We now know that the money of the people
appropriated for fish culture is resulting in the production of a large
increase of valuable and nutritious food, which is sold to the consum-
ers at low prices. We also know that fish culture, by the State, is
adding to the industries of the people and increasing the public
wealth.

It is with gratification we add that our work seems to be appre-
ciated by the public as one of increasing importance. We are look-
ing for the time when the public will also appreciate the necessity of
sustaining tiie officers of the law in performing their duties in
restraining illegal fishing.

../K.'

P E P» O Tl T

UPON THE

EDIBtL-FlSHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST, U. S. A.

/

BY W. N. LOCKINGTON.

Since the publication of the last report of the Fish Commissioners
of this State, more than forty new species have been described, the
greater part of them by Professor D. S. Jordan and his assistant, Mr.
Gilbert, both of the United States Fish Commission. Beside these
hitherto unknown forms, our fauna has been enriched by the dis-
covery of the occurrence upon our coast of numerous previously
known species of pelagic habits, most of them either belonging to
the Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays), or to the mackerel and allied
families.

These discoveries, notwithstanding the elimination of several
nominal species, raise the total number of California fishes to two
hundred and seventy-eight.

If to this number are added thirty-four species occurring in Oregon
and Washington Territory, and not yet recorded from our State, we
arrive at a grand total of three hundred and twelve species belonging
to the Pacific Coast of the United States.

This number includes the native species only; but the following
introduced species are of more or less frequent occurrence in our
markets, and must be considered as forming part of our supply of
food fishes: Striped Bass, i^occus h'neatus; Shad, ^Zosa sapidissima;
Common Carp, Carassius vulgaris; Catfish (two species), Amiurus catus,
Artiiurus albidus.

Several other Eastern species have been introduced, but have not
3'et become of common occurrence.

For the greater portion of the facts brought together in the follow-
ing pages, I have to thank Professor D. S. Jordan, who kindly placed
his notes at my disposal, and assisted me in many other ways, and
his indefatigable assistant, Mr. C. Gilbert. These gentlemen have
made a more thorough investigation of the fish fauna of our coast
than has ever been made before, so that the present year has-been
more fruitful in facts of scientific and economic interest than any
preceding one since the date of publication of the explorations and
surveys lor a railroad route from the Mississippi to the Pacific.

My own observations have necessarily been for the most part con-
fined to the neighborhood of San Francisco; the supply brought to
the markets of this city; and the specimens in various collections,
especially that of the California Academy of Sciences.

17

LIST OF THE FISHES OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

ABBREVIATIONS USED.

F. W. Fresh water.

C. S Point Concepcion, southward.

C. N Point Concepcion, northward.

E. S Entire coast, commonest south.

E. N Entire coast, commonest north.

P. S Puget Sound.

Blank Entire coast.

F Monterey and San Francisco.

F. S San Francisco, southward.

F. N. San Francisco, nortliward.

S. D San Diego, southward.

B. N Santa Barbara, northward.

ORIGINAL DESCRIBERS.

Gir. Girard.

J. & G. Jordan and Gilbert.

Ay. Ay res.

Ln. Lockington.

Gr. Cooper.

Str. Steindachner.

Gnth Giinther.

B. it G Baird and Girard.

Pal Pallas.

Cuv. Cuvier.

Val Valenciennes.

L. Linneus.

Ag. Agassiz.

Rich. Richardson.

Raf. - Rafinesque.

Walb. Walbaum.

Other names are written in full.

PLECTOGNATHI.

Ortliagoriscidos —

Mola rotunda, Cuv F. S.

Diodon maculatus, Lac. S. D.

Tetrodontidffi —

Tetrodon politus, Gir S. D.

LOPHOBRANCHII.

Syngnathidse —

Syngnathus punctipinnis. Gill. C. S.

Syngnathus californiensis, Storer B. K.

Syngnathus dimidiatus. Gill C. S.

Syngnathus leptorhynchus, Gir S. D.

Hippocampidse —

Hippocampus ingens, Gir S. D.

HEJIIBRANCHII.

Gasterosteid se —

Gasterosteiis aouleatus var. serratus, Ay F. N.

Gasterosteus microcephalus, Gir

Eucalia Williamson i, Gir F. W.

Aulorhynchida? —

Aulorhynchus flavidus. Gill C. N.

HETEROSOMATA.

Plenronectidse —

Hippoglossus vulgaris, Fleming F. N.

Hippoglossoides jordani, Ln C. N.

Hippoglossoides e.xilis, J. <t G C. Is.

Atheresthes stomias, J. &G F.

Psettichthys melanostictus, Gir C. N.

Paralichthys maculosus, Gir F. S.

Xystreurys liolepis, J. <fe G C S.

Citharichthys sordidus, Gir

Glyptocephalus zachirus, Ln F.

Cynicoglossus pacificus, Ln C. N.

Pleuroneetes stellatus. Pal C. N.

Pleuronichthys decurrens, J. & G. : F.

Pleuroniohthj's coenosus, Gir E. N.

Pleuronichthys verticalis, J. & G F.

Hypsopsetta guttulata, Gir F. S.

Paroplirys vetulus, Gir B. N.

Parophrys isolepis, Ln. F. N.

Lei)idopsetta bilineata. Ay C. N.

Aphoristia atricauda, J. &G S. D.

3^

18

ANACANTHINl.

Gadidfe —

Microsjadus proximiis, Gir ' C. N.

Pollachius chalcogrammus, Pal C. N.

Merlucius product us, Ay. B. N.

Brosr.iophycis marginatus, Ay F.

Ophidiida; —

Ophidium taylori, Gir B. X.

Zoarcidpe —

Lycodopsis paiicidens. Ln. F.

Lycodopsis pacificus, Collett F. N.

ACANTHOPTEKI.

Blennidse —

Cebedichthys violaceus, Gir C. N.

Anarrhichtlij's ocellatus, Gir C. N.

Anoplarchus atropur2:)ureus, Kittlitz C. N.

Muraiiioides nebulosus, Schlegel C. N.

Mursenoides Isetus, Cope C. N.

Apodichtliys flavidus, Gir. C. N.

Apodichthys fucorum, J. <fe G C. N.

Xiphister mucosas, Gir • C. N.

Xiphister chirus, J. & G C. I^.

Xiphister rupestris, J. &G . C. N.

Lumpenus anguillaris. Pal F. N.

Cremnoijates nionophthalmus, Gnthr.^integripinnis, Eos. Smith S. D.

Gibbonsia elegans, Cr F. S.

Ileterostichus rostratus, Gir. . , F. S.

Neoclinus satirieus, Gir F. S.

Neoflinns blanchardi. Gir F. S.

Hypleurochilus gentilis, Gir C.S

Batrachidfe —

Porichthys porosissimus, Cuv. & Val

Trachinidte — •

Icosteus Benigmaticus, Ln F. N.

Iciclithys lockingtoni, J. &G F.

Caulolatilus anouialus, Cr. (=princeps?) F. S.

Trichodon stelleri F. N.

Trachypteridse —

Trachypterus altivelis? Kner F. N.

Liparididte —

Liparis pulehellus. Ay C. N.

Neoliparis mucosus, Ay C. N.

Gobiesocidfe —

Gobiesox reticulatus, Gir. C. N.

Gobiidte —

Gilliehthys mirabilis, Cr M. S. (and N".?)

Lepidogobius gracilis=Gobius lepidus, Gir. F. N.

Lepidegobius newberryi, Gir ?

Crystallogobius eos, Rosa Smith S. D.

Agon id £6 —

Podothecus vulsus, J. & G.. F.

Podotheous trispinosus, Ln E. S.

Braehyopsis verrucosus, Ln F.

Brachyopsis xyosternus, J. & G F.

Triglidffi^

Prionotus stephanophrys, Ln F.

Cottidse —

Artedius pugettensis, Str. F. N.

Artedius quadriseriatus, Ln F.

Artedius lateralis, Gir F. N.

Artedius notospilotus, Gir B. N.

Hemilepidotusspinosus F.

Hemilepidotus gibbsii, Gill F. N.

Leptocottus arniatus, Gir

Aspicottus bison, Gir F. N.

Lioeottus liirundo, Gir C. S.

19

Oligocottus globiceps, Gir C. N.

Oligocottus niaculosus, Gir ('. N".

Oligocottus analis, Gir. F. S.

Scorpsenichthys marmoratus, Hy

Uranidea gulosus, Gir F. W.

IJranidea asper (Rich) Gir. F. W.

Ascelichthys rhodorus. J. & G ---F. N.

Blepsias cirrhosus, Pal F. jST.

ISTautichthys oculo-faseiatus, Gir F. N.

-Chiridse — ■

Zanioleps latipinnis, Gir F. N.

Oxylebius pictus, Gill F. N.

Myriolepis zonifer, Ln F.

Chirus deeagrammus, Pal ^^- N.

Cliirus pictus, Ay F. N.

Oi)hiodou elongatus, Gir 0. X.

Anoplojioma fimbria, Pal. F. N.

Scorpsenidffi —

Scorpwna guttata, Gir. C. S.

Sebastichthys nigroeinctus, Ay F. N.

Sebastiohthys serriceps, J. & G F. S.

Sebastichthys chrysoinelas, J. & G.=fasciatus, Gir F. S.

Sebastichthys nebulosus. Ay F. N.

Sebastichthys carnatus, J. & G. F. S.

Sebastichtliys inaliger, J. & G F. N.

Sebastichthys caurinus. Rich. Var. vexillaris, J. & G F. N.

Sebastichthys rastrelliger, J. & G F. S.

Sebastichthys auriculatus, Gir S. N.

Sebastichthys rubrivinctus, J. & G B. N.

Sebastichthys ruber, Ay. B. IST.

Sebastichthys constellatus, J. & G 15. N.

Sebastichthys rosaceus, Gir B. N.

Sebastichthys rhodochloris, J. & G F.

Sebastichthys chlorostictus, J. <fe G F.

Sebastichthys miniatus, J. & G. F. S.

Sebastichtliys piniiiger. Gill F. N.

Sebastichthys atrovirens, J. & G ' F. S.

Sebastichthys elongatus, Ay F.

Sebastichthys proriger, J. & G F.

Sebastichthys ovalis, Ay F. S.

Sebastichthys entomelas, J. & G F.

Sebastichthys mystinus. J. & G.=:Sebastodes melanops. Ay.

Sebastichthys ciliatus, Tilesius=melanops, Grd.=simulans, Gill F. N.

Sebastichthys fiavidus. Ay F. S.

Sebastodes paucispinis, Ay F. S.

Stromateidse —

Stromateus siniillimus. Ay.

Carangidse —

Caranx caballus, Gnthr. C. S.

Trachurus saurus, Raf. F. S.

Seriola lalandi, Guv. <fe Val. C. S.

Echeneididse —

Remora jacobsea, Lowe F.

Echeneis naucrates, L F.

Xiphiidpe —

Xiphias gladius, L C. S.

Seombridre —

Scomber pneumatophorus, De la Roche F. S.

Scomber scombrus, L, Straying to Santa Catalina Id.

Seomberomorus concolor, Ln F.

Sarda chilensis. Guv. & Val.=Pelarnys lineolata, Grd F. S.

Orcynus alalonga, Gmelin • F. S.

Orcynus pelamys ? (sp. not seen.) Ln. C. S.

CoryphsenidEe —

Cori/phxna hippurus? L Cayucos.

Pomacentridse — •

Hypsipojjs rubicnndus, Gir C. S.

Chromis punctipinnis. Or. C. S.

Chromis atrilobata, Gill C.S.

20

Labridfe —

Platj'glossus semicinctus, Ay , 0. S^

Pseudojulis modestus, Gir F. S.

Piinelometopon putcher, Ay F. S.

Enibiotocidse —

Hypsurus caryi, Ag F. S,

Ditrema jacksoni, Gir,

Ditrema laterale, Ag B. N.

Ditrema atripes, J. & G. F.

Ditrema fiircatum, Gir. F, S.

Damaliclithys argyrosomus=:vacca, Gir E, N^

Amphistiohus argenteus, Ag. F, S-

Ehacochilus toxotes, Ag F. S..

Holconotus rhodoterus, Ag F. S.

Holconotus argenteus, Gibbons F. S,

Holconotus agassizii.Gill B. N.

Holconotus analis, A. Ag C. N.

Cymatogaster aggregatus. Gibbons E. N.-

Brachy isti usfrenatus. Gill

Brachyistius rosacens, J. & G F.

Abeona minima, Gibbons , F. S.

Abeona aurora, J. & G F.

Hysterocarpus traskii. Gibbons F. W.

Scieenidse —

Corvina saturna, Gir C. S.

Eoncador stearnsi i ,Str (.'. S.

Genyonemus lineatus, Ay F. S.

TJmbrina xanti. Gill (!. S.

Cynoscion parvipinnis, Ay G. S..

Cynoscion nobilis, Ay F. S.

Seriphus politus. Gir F. S.

Menticirrus undulatus, Gir C. S>

Ephippida? —

Parephippus faber, Bloch=Ephippus zonatus, Gir F. S.

Separidffi —

Girella nigricans, Ay • F. S...

Scorpis californiensis F. S.

Pereida? —

Xeicehthys californiensis, Str S. D.

Pristipoma davidsoui, Str C. S..

Stereolepis gigas, Ay F. S.

Serranusclathratus, Gir F. S.

Serranus nebulifer, Gir F. S-

Serranus maculofasciatus, Str C. S.

Archoplites interruptus, Gir F. W.

Ammodytidfe —

Ammodytes personatus, Gir F. N.

Si)hj'rEenidfe — •

Sphyrsena argentea, Gir F. S..

PERCESOCES.

Atherinidse —

Atherinopsis californiensis, Gir F. S.

Atlierinops affinis, Ay C. S..

Leuresthes tenuis. Ay S. D.

Mugilidaj —

Mugil mexicanus, Str F. S-

SYNENTOGNATHI.

Scomberesocidse —

Scomberesox brevirostris, Peters F. S..

Tylosurus exilis, Gir C. S.

Heniiramphus ros£e, J. & G. 0. S.

Exocsetus californiensis, Cr C. S.

HAPLOMI.

Cyprinodontidse--

Fundulus parvipinnis, Gir C. S.

Cyprinodon californiensis, Gir S. D.

21

ISOSPON'DYLI.

Synodontidoe —

Sj'iiodus lucioceps, Ay. F. S.

Paralepidfe —

Sudis ringens, J & G C. S.

Scope! idfie —

Myctophum crenulare, J. & G C. S.

Alepidosaurida- —

Alepidosaurus borealis, Gill F. N.

SalmonidEe —

Osinenis thaleichthys. Ay --C. N.

Osmerus attemuitus, Lii. F.

Hypomesus olidus, Pal. F. N.

Oncorhynchus keta, Walb.=tsupijitch, Rich Sac. Riv. N.

OncorJiynchus gorbuscha, Walb Sac. Riv. N.

Oncorhynchus quinnat, Rich Ventura Riv. N.

Oncorhynchus kisutch, Walb.=canis, Suckley Sac. Riv.

Salar inykiss, Walb Riv. of Moiit. Bay, N.

Salar irideus, Gibbons F. W.

Salar henshawi, Gill & Jor Lake Tahoe, etc.

Salar clarki, Rich Riv. of IVIont. Bay, N.

Salvelinus malnia, Walb.=speetabilis, Gir F. W.

Coregonus williainsoui, Gir. Lake Tahoe.

Clupeidse —

Albula vulpes, L F. S.

Clupea mirabilis, Gir E. N.

Clupea sagax, Jenyns F. S.

Stolephorus ringens, Jenyns E. S.

Stolephorus coinpressus, Gir -<-'• S.

Stole])horus delieatissimus, Gir S. D.

EVENTOGNATHI.

Catostoniidas —

Catostonius occidentalis, Gir F. W.

Catostomus labiatus, Ay. F. W.

Catostonius tahoensis, J F. W.

-Cyprinidffi —

Orthodon niicrolepidotus, Ay F. W.

Gila conformis, B. & G F. W.

Gila grandis. Ay F. W.

Gila rapax, Gir F. W.

Siboma crassicanda, Gir F. W.

Myloleucus bicolor, Gir Klamath Lake.

Myloleucus formosus, Gir F. W.

Gheonda crassa, Gir F. W.

Lavinia exilicanda, B. <fe G F. W.

Lavinia harengus, Grd F. W.

Lavinia gibbosa, Ay F. W.

Notemigonus occidentalis, B. <& G F. W.

Pogonichthys intequilobus, B. & G F. W.

Pogonichthys synimetricus, B. & G F. W.

Pogonichthys argyriosus, B. & G F. W.

Mylopharodon conocephalus. Ay F. W.

APODES.

JMurpenidse —

IMurwna mordax. Ay 0. S.

Myrichthystigrinus, Gir Humboldt Bay.

Ophisuridffi — -

Ophichthys triserialis, Kaup C. S.

CHONDROSTEI.

Acipenseridpe—

Acipenser transmontanus. Rich F. N.

Acipenser medirostris, Ay.=A. acutirostris, Gnthr F. N.

22

CLASS ELASMOBRANCHII.

1

HOLOCEPHALI.

Chimasridse —

Chimsera colliei, Bennett C. N.

PLAGIOSTOMI.

Dasybatidae —

Urolophus halleri. Cr . C. S.

Pteroplatea marniorata, Cr C. S.

Dasybatis dipterurus, J. & G S. D.

Myliobatidfe — •

Myliobatis californious, Gill F. S.

^tobatis laticeps, Gill ?

Cephalopteridse —

Manta birostris, Walb S. D.

Raiidse —

Raia cooperi, Gir C. IST.

Eaia binoculata, Ay. F'.

Raia rhina. J. & G C. K

Raia stellulata, J. & G F'.

Zapteryx exasperatus, J. <fe. G S. D.

Rhinobatidse —

Rbinobatus productus, Ay F. S.

Ebinobatus triseriatus, J. & G F. S.

Torpedinidse — -

Torpedo californica, Ay F.

SYUALI.

Sqnatinidse —

Squatina angelus, Dumeril F. S.

Heterodontidse —

Heterodontus francisi, Gir C. S..

Hexanchidffi —

Notorhynchus niaeulatus, Ay F. X.

Hexancbus corinus, J. & G 1 F. N..

AlopecidfB —

Alopias vulpes, Gmelin F^

Seylliidfe —

Catulus ventricosus, Garman F. S.

Lamnidfe —

Isurus oxyrhynchus, Raf. C. S.

Caroharodon carcbarias, L.=rondeletii, Muller & Henle F. S.

Lamna cornubiea, Gmelin

Cetorhinidse — •

Cetorliinus maximus, L F.

Galeorliinida; —

Galeorbiiius galeus, L F. S.

Galeocerdo tigrinus, Muller & Ilenle 8. D.

Carcbarinus glaucus, L F. N.

Eulamia lamia, Risso S. D.

Triaeis semii'aseiatus^ Gir

Rhinotriaeis beiilei, Gill . F.

Mustelus binnulus, Blainville F. S.

Sphyrnidae —

Spbyrna zygsemx, L S. D.

Spinacidse — ■

Squalus acanthias, L C. N.

MARSIPOBRANCKII.

Petromyzontidse —

Entosphenus tridentatus, Rich F. N".

Ammocoetes plumbeus,Ay F. N.

Myxinidse —

Polistotrema dombeyi, Muller^Bdellostoma stouti, Lu F. N.

23

CIKROSTOMI.

Branchiostomatidfe —

Branchiostoiiia lanceolatum S. D.

FISHES OF OREGON AND WASHINGTON TERRITORY,

NOT YET ON RECORD, FROM THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA.

Heterosom ata —

Hippoglossoides elassodon, J. & G P. S.

Parophrys ischyrus, J. & G . P. S.

Anacanthini —

Gadus morrhud, Tilesius P. S.

Scytalina eerdale, J. & G P. S.

Trachiiiidce —

Bathy master signatus, Cope P. S.

Gobiidse — ■

Liparis cyclopus, Gnthr ?

Discoboli —

Eumicotremus orbis, Gill Vancouver Id.

Agonidoe —

Aspidophoroides inerinis, Gnthr

PodothecLis acipenserinus, Pal. Puget Sd. N.

Botliragonus swani, Str. ?

Cottidse —

Psyehrolutes paradoxus, Gntlir ?

Cottus polyacanthocejjhalus, Pal Puget Sd.

Chiridse —

Chirus stelleri, Tilesius Puget Sd. N.

Chirus nebulosus, Gir ?

Scorpsenidfe —

Sebastichthys caurinus, Rich P. S.

Paralepidse —

Paralepis coruscans, J. &. G P. S.

Scopelidffi —

Myctophuni j^rocellarum, Bean ?

SalinonidiB —

Thaleichthys paciticus Columbia R. and P. S.

Oneorliynchus nerka, Walb Columl)ia R. and P. S.

Oncorhyncbus kennerlyi, Suckley Columbia R. and P. S.

Mursenidee —

Nemichthys avocetta, J. & G P. S.

Scymnidse — •

Somniosus microcephalus, Bloch P. S.

EVENTOGNATHI.

Catostomidae —

Catostomus longirostris, Le Sueur F. W.

Catostomus macroehilus, Gir F. W.

Lypomyzon luxatus, Cope F. W.

Lypomyzon brevirostris, Cope F. W.

CYPRINID^.

Gila bieolor, Grd Klamath Lake, Or.

Gila oregonensis, Rich F. W.

Cheonda cooperi, Gir F. W.

Cheonda ccerulea, Gir F. W.

Richardsonius balteatus, Rich F. W.

Richardson ius lateralis, Gir F. W.

Apocope nubilus, Gir F. W.

Mj^oehilus caurinus, Rieli. F. W.

24

The fishes, the names of which are printed in italics, are not
included in the puhlished list by Messrs. Jordan and Gilbert in
the Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., because not seen by them, yet by reliable
report occur in our waters. It is probable that several additional
species of pelagic fishes, especially those of the mackerel and allied
families, will be found to occur at San Diego, the marine fauna of
which place is largely that of Lower California.

The ranges given for the species must not be regarded as final, but
simply as the range now on record. As there is no fishery of any
importance between Tomales Bay and the mouth of the Columbia,
it is probable that several species now believed to be extra-Califor-
nian occur in the northern part of our State, and that many not on
record north of San Francisco extend much farther northward.

HETEROSOMATA — FLATFISHES.

Much additional information respecting the flatfishes of the Pacific
Coast has been gathered together since the date of the last report.
The thirteen species there enumerated have, by the researches of Pro-
fessor D.S. Jordan, been increased to twenty-one, seventeen of which
are known to occur, more or less frequently, in the markets of San
Francisco, and nineteen on the coast of California. TJiree species of
the genus Hij)})oglossoides are now known, as well as three of Plen-
ronichthys, and the species of Parophrys are increased from one to
three, but all the other species are the sole representatives of their
genera upon this coast.

It is the custom of the dealers to lump together all the fiatfishes,
except the two kinds called halibut, that known as "turbot," ancl
Pleuronedes stellatus, commonly called tlie floiinder, and to sell them
all at the same price. Yet it is tolerably well known that the Turbot
[Hypsoj^setta guUnlata), the Black-dotted Sole {Psetticldhys mclanos-
tidus), and the Long-finned Flounder {Glyptocephalus zachirus) are
superior to the others for the table.

Hijypoglossus vulgaris, Llalibut — The halibut of this coast is now
known to be identical with that of the Atlantic. The Farallone Islands
and Monterey appear to be the most southern point at which this fish is
found, but it becomes abundant off Cape Mendocino and Humboldt
Bay, and more so northward of California. It is essentially a northern
species, and in Europe occurs around tlie coasts of England and Ire-
land, but becomes more abundant at the Orkneys, and is common on
the coasts of Norway and Iceland. On the Atlantic coast its southern
limit appears to be Massachusetts Bay. It will be seen that on the
Pacific Coast its range extends further southward than in the Atlan-
tic, a fact probably accounted for by the equable temperature of the
ocean along the coast from San Francisco to the Columbia. The
mean Summer temperature of the ocean at the Golden Gate is 58°
Far., while at the mouth of the Columbia it is 60°, or slightly higher.
In the Winter it is 53° off the Golden Gate, and 50° off the mouth
of the Columbia. Thus it is evident that the temperature off the
Golden Gate cannot be very unsuitable to fish that are at home off
the mouth of the Columbia. The halibut is a deep water fish, and
does not enter land-locked bays like those of Humboldt or Tomales.

AVhen the large and abundant supply of this fish is considered, it
is a matter of wonder that so small a quantity is smoked or canned
for market. There is a prejudice in favor of Eastern halibut, which,

25

doubtless to some extent, hinders the development of this branch of
business. The North Pacific Canning Company can some halibut at
Klawack, Prince of Wales Island, and it is said to be of good quality.

The endeavor to bring fresh halibut to ►San Francisco from Puget
Sound does dot appear to have been financially successful. A
schooner load suddenly brought into a market already fully stocked
with fish caused the price to fall to about ten cents per pound, and
much of it could not be disposed of at that price.

Professor Jordan mentions a large halibut bank near Cape Flattery,
and states that considerable numbers are taken with liook and line
in the deeper channels of Paget Sound, north of which point it
comes more abundant. It feeds upon large fishes, such as codfish.

Hippoglossoides jordani. Large-eyed Flounder — It appears strange
that this common species should have escaped the notice of nat-
uralists until last year. In the markets of San Francisco it
abounds throughout every month of the year, and in Monterey
Bay is the most abundant of its tribe. Professor Jordan informs
me that about 500 })Ounds weight of this fish are taken daily at
Monterey alone by the Chinese, besides large quantities taken by
the Italians. An examination of the stock in trade of the Chinese
located near Monterey, proved that over nineteen-twentieths of the
fish that dry on hurdles and flap in the wind around the hovels con-
sisted of this fish; a few sharks, with PsettichtJiys melanostidus and
Citharichthys sordidiis constituting the remainder.

It occasionally reaches sixteen inches or more in length, and a
weight of five pounds, and is considered one of the best of its tribe, but
is inferior to tiie black-dotted flounder, the turbot, and one or two
others. It becomes rare northward, yet occurs in Puget Sound ; south
of Monterey it is not on record.

Hipjjoglossoides exilis, Large-scaled Flounder — This species is
readily distinguished from the preceding by its much more slender
form, and by the large size .of the scales, which are very delicately
ciliate on their hinder edge. The eyes are very large, their longi-
tudinal diameter contained about ol times in the length of the head.
The greatest depth is contained about 82 times in the total lengtli.

In July it was tolerably common in the markets of San Fran-
cisco, and its previous rarity is probably occasioned by the fact that
it is only taken in tolerably deep water, and is too small to be con-
sidered of much value.

The specimens I have seen were from eight to ten inches in length,
and three quarters of a pound in weight. It occurs in Puget Sound,
but is not very common.

Hipjwglossoides elassodon — Unlike the two preceding species, this
has only a single row of small teeth in the upper jaw. The scales
are small, so that it can readily be distinguished from H. exilis, while
from H. jordani it differs externally in the more strongly ciliated
scales, and slightly more anterior origin of the dorsal fin.

The example in Mus. Cal. Ac. Sci. was taken by Professor Jordan at
Seattle, at which port and at Tacoma he reports it as tolerably
abundant. It reaches a length of one foot, and a weight of about two
pounds.

Atheresthes stomias, the Hook-toothed Flounder — Isolated examt)les
of this species, of fifteen to eigliteen inches in length, have several
times occurred in the markets of San Francisco during this year, but
do not appear to have been noticed previouslj^
4-

26

Id form it is extremely slender, the greatest widtli scarcely extend-
ing one fourth of the total length, and tapering rapidlj^ toward both
extremities. The head enters about four and a half times in the
total length, and is narrow, with an immense mouth, the upper jaw
of which exceeds in length the one half of that of the head. The
eyes are almost even in front, the upper one placed almost across the
top of the head, and looking toward the dorsal outline. The teeth
are numerous, in a double row in both jaws, irregular in size, hooked
incurved canines interspersed among smaller upright teeth. The
scales are large and soft, resembling in their character those of
Oitharichthys sordidus, and the color is a dirty yellow.

Very few examples have yet been found in our markets, and most
of these have been secured for scientific purposes.

The range of this species is not ascertained.

Glijptoccp] talus zacJdrus, Long-finned Flounder — Up to the present
time this species is only known from the markets of San Fran-
cisco, to which it is brought from deep water near Point Reyes,
some thirty miles north of the city. It is comparatively rare,
seldom more than three or four are offered for sale on any one day,
and it is not brought in at all in the winter. It attains a length of
eighteen inches, and a weight of about two pounds, and is held in
high esteem. Hitherto it is only known to occur in Monterey Bay
and in the vicinity of San Francisco. As its mouth is too small for
the hook, and its habitat too deep for the gill-nets, it is taken chiefly
in sweep-nets.

Cynicoglossus pacificus, Short-finned Flounder — This is the Glypto-
cephalus pacificus of the report of the Fish Commissioners for 1879.
It is usually brought to market from the same place as the preceding
species, but is known to occur at other points from Monterey to Puget
Sound. It occurs in the market much more abundantly than the last
species, yet the adults cannot be said to be common. In size and
flavor it does not equal G. zacJiirus. When fresh it is excessively
slimy to the touch.

PleuronicJdhys decurrens, Bastard Turbot — The species described
by me as P. coenosus Girard (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 97, 1879) was there
surmised to be the Fleuronectes quadritubercidatus of the old Russian
naturalist Pallas. It differs from Girard's coenosus in the presence
of tubercles upon the side of the head on the colored side. It is now
known not to be Pallas' species, and has been named decurrens b}^
Jordan and Gilbert.

This fish is now of more frequent occurrence in our markets than
formerly, and becomes more abundant towards the south. It reaches
about a toot in length, and a weight of from two to tliree pounds.

Pleuronichthys verticalis, Spine-cheeked Turbot — This form was
first noticed as a separate species by Professor Jordan, and was des-
cribed by him from specimens found in San Francisco market. In
1879 I obtained a small example of this fish, but did not venture to
describe it as distinct, although some of its peculiarities are noted
in my review of the Pleuronectidse (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1879, 99).

The dorsal fin is not carried downwards on the blind side of the
head so far as in the previous species; the cheek is without spines,
the posterior extremity of the interorbital ridge is developed into a
backward directed spine, and the anterior into two shorter upright
spines. This species has occurred in our markets during the present
year with tolerable regularity. In Monterey Bay it is of common

occurrence, and attains a lengtli and weight equal to the preceding.

Fleuroniclithys coenosus — The P. cocno.nis of Girard proves to be a
distinct s|)ecies, and not, as surmised in my review of the Pleuro-
nectidse (Pro. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1879, 99) identical with the one known
as dccurrens. In this form there are no tubercles on the cheeks, and
the dorsal fin is like that of verticalis, but the tubercles between the
eyes are not developed into spines and the body is unsi)otted.

This fish is not often brought to the market of San Francisco, but
occurs along the entire coast from Puget Sound to San Diego.

All the species of Pleuronichthys feed largely on alga?, with which
their stomachs are found to be filled. In this ])articuUir they differ
from the carnivorous habits of tlie other flounders. Thej^ all occur
in deep water, and their increasing abundance in our markets shows
that the depauperization of our bays and shallows is constantly forc-
ing our fishermen into the depths.

Parophrys {Isopsetta) ischyrus — This is a course rough fish, in ist
general apj)earance greatly resembling the "Flounder," {Plenronedes
stellatus) but differing from it in the ctenoid scales, and in the pres-
ence of an accessory lateral line, characters in which it agrees with
the next species. It has hitherto been found only in Puget Sound,
and reaches a length of about eighteen inches.

Parophrys {Isopscdta) isolcms, Rough Even-scaled Flounder — I estab-
lished the genus Isopsetta to contain tliis species and the preceding,
both of which have the characters of a nearly straight lateral line,
and strongly ctenoid scales of equal development on head and body,
but Prof. Jordan includes them in the same genus with the follow-
ing species:

The examples brought to San Francisco market are usually small,
but Professor Jordan informs me tliat it attains a length of fifteen
inches, and a weight of tliree pounds. Its range extends to Puget
Sound. Its occurrence in our markets is irregular, but occasionally
it is abundant, being taken with sweep-nets off' Point Reyes.

Paroplirys vetulus — This species is abundant from San Francisco
northward, becoming at Puget Sound the commonest of the flat
fishes.

It has been taken by Professor Jordan at Santa Barbara, but
appears to become rare south of Point Conccpcion. Those brought
to market are usually quite small, but occasional examples reach a
length of fifteen inches, and a weight of two pounds, or more.

Lepidopsetta bilmeata, Mottled Sole — The Platichthys umbrosus of
Dr. Girard (U. S. P. R. R. Rep. X., 149 1858), is identical with the
species described by Ayres, while the Lepidopsetta urabrosa described
by me (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1879, lOG), is the one since described
as Isopsetta isolepis.

This species is found along our coast from Monterey to Alaska, is
rather common about rocky places, and is abundant in Puget Sound-
In size and weight it is about equal to Psettichth.ys melanostidus a.nd
Hippor/lossoides jordani, and in quality ranks with the latter.

Aplioristia atricauda, Black-tailed Sole — This fish, although appar-
ently too rare to be of economic value, since the only specimens
extant are about six in number, and do not exceed six inches in
length, is interesting as the only species of true sole found in Cali-
fornia waters.

The Soleidse have been separated as a distinct family from the
flouriders by Dr. Gill, the chief distinguishing character being the

28

smalhiess or absence of the pectorals. But as there is a reguhxr gra-
dation from species with large pectorals to those without any, this
character is scarcely definite. In Cynicoglossus the pectorals are very
small.

FAM. GADID-E — COD AND WHITING, ETC.

The Gadida? are spineless fishes with cycloid or smooth scales, and
nsually with more than one dorsal and more than one anal fin. In
economic importance this family ranks next to the salmon family,
but it is only represented on the Pacific coast, U. S. A., by four
species.

Gadiis morrJi.ua, Codfish — Although this fish does not belong to
the fauna of California, and is not common even at the northern
extremity of the Pacific coast of the United States proper, its eco-
nomic importance renders it necessary to include it in this report.
Dr. Bean, whose mission it has been to investigate the fishes of
Alaska, believes the codfish of illaska identical with Gadus morrJiua,
the common codfish of the banks of Newfoundland, and the adjacent
regions; for the Alaskan cod is not a rock-cod {SebastichtJiys), as are
the so-called cod caught in California, nor is it even a hake, pollack,
or whiting; but it is a true codfish, having three separate dorsal fins,
two separate anal fins, and a small barbel under the chin.

It seems strange that such fishes as the species of SebastichtJnjs,
possessed of rough or ctenoid scales, a spinous dorsal, three spines
upon the anal fin, and numerous more or less developed spines on
the head, should ever be popularly confounded with fishes like the
true cod, which have not a spine uj^on body, head, or fins, and the
scales of whicli are smooth or cycloid. Yet the confusion exists, and
the names of cod and rock-cod, applied to the spiny fishes aforesaid,
are the result of the confusion, and in their turn serve to perpet-
uate it.

Whether the cod-fish brought from the Sea of Okhotsh are of the
same species as those from Alaska, remains to be proved.

Compared with the fishery of the Atlantic, that carried on upon
this coast is comparatively insignificant, yet this does not arise from
any scarcity of the fish, which is stated to abound among the numer-
ous islands of the northwest coast, but from the want of a iparket
sufficiently extensive to permit of its increase. The expense of trans-
continental freight, and the smallness of the population between the
Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains practically limits the mar-
ket to the Pacific States, although small quantities have been sent to
South America, and some have been shipped to Australia.

The fishery was commenced about sixteen years ago, and at that
date the salted fish sold at nine cents per pound. At the present
time the best case cod is quoted at from three and a half to four cents
per pound.

The total catch brought to San Francisco, amounted, in 1878, to
about 1,500 tons, in 1879 to 1,800 tons. Thirteen or more vessels,
large and small, are engaged in the trade, which furnisiies employ-
ment, on an average, to about two hundred and fifty hands. The
largest vessels are barks of about 350 tons, each having a crew of
thirty men. The larger vessels are principally employed in the
Okhotsh Sea fishery, while the smaller vessels, fore and aft riggetl,
are sent to the shores of Alaska, principally to the Choumagin
Islands.

29

Those which go to the Okhotsh Sea, make but one trip annually,
leaving from the middle of March to the end of April, and returning
from the end of June to October. Those which fish at the Choumagin
Islands return earlier than those from the Okhotsh Sea, and
occasionally take more than one trip. Last year one schooner made
three trips, but her cargo each time was made up from the catch of
other vessels that did not return. The smaller vessels are better fitted
for the tortuous channels among the islands of Alaska than those of
larger size.

On the coast of Alaska the fishery is usually carried on at depths
of from ten to fifteen fathoms, but in the Sea of Okhotsh lines are
used at forty to fifty fatlioms. Both trawl lines and angle lines are
used in the cod fishing of this coast. The latter are employed in
deep water, the former where the depth is not too great, and the bot-
tom is clear of rocks. Angle lines are exclusively used in the Sea of
Okhotsh, and frequently also in Alaskan waters. A trawl line con-
sists of a line to which a number of hooks are attached at regular
distances by means of shorter lines, while a weight is secured to each
end. Several trawl lines are paid out in succession, the position of
each being indicated by means of buoys, one of which is fastened to
each end of every trawl line. The trawls used in the Alaska cod
fishery are often six hundred fathoms long (3,000 feet), and bear on
each side a row of hooks at every half fathom, or thereabouts. After
they are paid out, they are examined at intervals, and are drawn once
or twice a day, according to the rate at which the fish take the bait.

An angle line bears two hooks, kept apart by a piece of wire, and
has a heavy weight attached near the hooks. Each man manages
two lines, one on each side of him, drawing one as soon as he lets
down the other.

The use of the angle line instead of the trawl line in the Sea of
Okhotsh is necessitated partly by the deep water, but partly by the
abundance on the sand banks of a small crustacean, called by the
fishermen a " sand flea," which attacks and devours the fish upon
the trawl line before it can be drawn.

The fishermen are paid according to their catch, a fixed sum per
thousand fish. At Kadiak, where some fishing is done, natives are
employed to head, split, and salt the fish, and are paid from seventy-
five cents to one dollar per day. The fish are treated in a manner
similar to that employed in the Newfoundland fishery, the fish as
they are caught are passed to the header, who removes the head ; b}^
him to the splitter, who cuts open the body and takes out the viscera.
The catch is then stored in pickle, as the salted condition is called,
until its arrival in the Bay of San Francisco, where it is dried in
establishments erected for the purpose.

The quantity given above, as the total of the season's catch, does
not include that taken by local fishermen along the various parts of
the long line of coast between Behring's Strait and Puget Sound, at
which latter place it is found, but in small quantity compared with
its abundance in Alaskan waters.

The three principal firms engaged in the cod fishery, are Lynch &
Hough, the Pacific Fish Company, and N. Bichardt & Co. The first
named, which does a somewhat larger business than the second, car-
ries on the fishery exclusively in the Sea of Okhotsh. It employs
about one hundred and twelve men afloat, and from ten to fifteen at
its drying establishment, which is situated, at California City, near

30

San Quentin. When the bulk of the catch comes in, the force on
the shore is increased to about sixty. At this establishment the fish
is not dried in bullc, and then piled, as is done upon the Atlantic
coast, and also in some cases on this coast, but is kept in_ pickle, in
tanks of redwood lumber, and dried when required. This method
is doubtless adopted partly on account of the limited demand caused
by the small population of this coast, but it is claimed that better
results are obtained by it. The piled up heaps of fish, however care-
fully dried, are liable in the more or less foggy atmosphere of our
coast to "sweat" or ferment, to the great detriment of the article. _

The tanks used to hold the.stock are of redwood three inches thick,
dovetailed at the angles, and without nails or any iron whatever.
The fish are washed before drying, and Avhen the latter process
is complete, are sorted into three sizes; the largest, put up into
wooden cases, are known as "case" fish, and fetch the highest price;
the next size are made into bundles; while the smallest, after hav-
ing been divested of skin, vertebrae, and fins, are cut in halves,
packed in cases, and sold as "boneless codfish." Much of the work
of preparing boneless cod can be done by boys. Great care is taken
to insure perfect cleanliness at every step of the preparation, and in
this respect much of the dried cod of this coast is certainly superior
to that of Newfoundland.

The drying establishment of the Pacific Fish Company is situated
upon a small island in Richardson's Bay, opposite to Saucelito.

The quality of preserved codfish depends, to a great extent, like
that of all other salted articles, upon the quality of the salt used.
The impurities, as they are called, of salt, are simply other ingredi-
ents naturally contained in sea water, and not taken out in the pro-
cess of salt making. Ordinary sea water contains, besides common
salt or chloride of sodium, sulphate of lime or gypsum (the material
of plaster of Paris), and sulphate of magnesia. The proportions in
which these enter into the composition of the solid residue, left after
the evaporation of the water of the sea, may be seen from the follow-
ing analysis : Analysis of water of San Francisco Bay, made Decem-
ber, 1879, by Prof. F. Gutzkow :

Chloride of sodium 0023.756

Chloride of potassium . 0000.470

Chloride of magnesium 0003.030

Sulphate of lime 0001.263

Sulphate of magnesium (Epsom salts) 0001.837

Bromide of magnesium ■ 0000.025

Total solids 0030.381

Water 969.619

1000.000

The salt used in curing codfish, as well as most of that used in salt-
ing meats, hides, etc., is made upon the salt marshes of Alameda
County by the evaporation of sea water. Some makers simply evap-
orate, allowing all the impurities to remain, while others, knowing
the degree of concentration at which the objectionable substances are
deposited, adopt means to obtain really pure salt. AVhatever success
may be obtained by others, a personal examination of the works and
methods adopted at the Pacific Union Salt Works has convinced the
writer that the salt obtained by them is as nearly pure as salt can be,
excelling in this respect even the best Liverpool salt, and it is satis-

31

factory to know that tlie greater portion of the codfish taken on this
coast is cured with the salt made by this company.

The oil from the livers of these fish, which forms a valuable portion
of the industry on the Atlantic coast, is not utilized here, nor are the
"sounds," or swim bladders, put up for food purposes. As has been
long ago remarked in the Atlantic, the fish occupying deep waters
are superior to those found on the more accessible banks.

Merlucius j^roducfus, Ay., Hake — The Merlucius produdus of Ayres
may prove to be identical with the vulgaris of the European coasts.
Until lately the examples brought to the markets of this city sel-
dom exceeded eighteen inches in length, but during the present
summer the Italian fishermen of Monterey have frequently caught
individuals of two feet or more in length, and some of these have
found their way to San Francisco. In consequence of tlie stout form
of this fish, and its thickness and depth in the pectoral region, its
weight is proportionately large, reaching eight pounds, or even ten.

Follachius chalcograonmus, Pal., Pollack — This s])ecies, hitherto
believed to be absent from the Californian coast, has lately been
found in the market, to which it was brought from Monterey Bay.
The only other Gadoid fish occurring in California is the well known
Tom-cod [Microgadiis 'pro.rimus), which is not on record south of Mon-
terey Bay, but ranges northward to Alaska.

CHIRID^.

The somewhat heterogeneous group included under this title con-
tributes at least seven species to the fauna of California, all of them
of sufficient size, but only four of them sufficiently abundant for
use as food. All have the character common to the Chiridaz, Ago-
nidse, Cottidfe, Scorpsenidse, etc., of a bony process uniting the sub-
orbital ring with the preoperculum. Unlike the Scorpsenidx, and
most of the Cottidfe, which have three and a half gills, the Chiridse
have four, and there is a slit behind the fourth — not present in Scor-
pxnids (rock-cod), nor in some Cottoids. The dorsal and anal fins
are usually long, but in Anoptoporaa tlie.y are short. The scales are
usually ctenoid (rough), but in Ophiodon they are cycloid. The scales
in some species cover the entire body and head, but in others parts
of the head are scaleless. Chirus has several lateral lines, but the
other genera have but one. Zaniolepis and O.vglebiiis have three anal
spines like the Scoiymiidfe, and the latter would be a scorpasnid
were it not for the gill. Anoplopoma looks like a codfish or whiting
and Myriolepis resembles a Serranvs, or marine Percoid.

The family altogether is a refuge for a number of species that will
not conveniently fit in anywhere else.

All the genera are confined to the North Pacific, and most of the
species become more abundant northwards.

Myriolepis zonifer, Ln., is as yet known from a single example only,
found in the market of San Francisco. The ctenoid scales cover
body, head, and fins, except dorsal; and its general appearance much
resembles that of a young Jew-fish, Stereolepis gigas. The coloration
is black transverse bands on a whitish ground. Oxylehius pidus, Gill,
may be known at sight by the six vertical cross bands on a yellow
ground, barred fins, first dorsal of fifteen spines, anal with three, and
especially by its elongated snout and small mouth. It is not very
rare at Monterey, living among rocks in clear water near shore. From

32

its small month aiul peculiar habits it is seldom taken except in dip-
nets baited with crushed crabs. Its range extends northward beyond
California.

Chirns picfus, Painted Sea Trout — This species is not at all com-
mon in the San Francisco market, but becomes more abundant in
higher latitudes. It is often beautifully colored when fresh with
blotches of bright green upon a dark brown ground. In alcohol
these blotches become purple. In size, qualit}^, and food it is identi-
cal with the next species.

Chirus decac/rammus, Bodieron, Sea Trout, Boregat — It has always
been supposed that Chirus guttatus, which is covered with yellow
roundish spots upon a bluish graj' ground, was perfectly distinct
from Chirus constellatus, which has more or less perfect circlets of
dark, spots surrounding areas of a brighter blue than the rest of
the body; but Professor Jordan has examined numerous specimens
of both forms, and finds that all the constellatus are male, while all
the f/uttatus are female. The two forms always occur together, and
in about equal numbers, and the fisliermen consider tliem identi-
cal. Professor Jordan believes that both names will have to give
place to Chi7'us deco.gr ammus, Pallas, which is probably the same species,
as surmised long ago by Dr. A. Gunther. This species is everywhere
moderately common from San Luis Obispo northward, especially in
Monterey Bay. It is also common in San Francisco Bay, and abun-
dant in the markets throughout the year. It feeds chiefly on Crusta-
cea and worms, and spawns in July. It is a tolerably good food fish,
but inferior to the rock cod or green cod {0})h.iodo}i).

It dies very soon after it is taken from the water, and the flesh
softens very quickly. It reaches two or three pounds m weight.

A. form with longitudinal series of yellowisli blotches along the
sides, once believed by me to be distinct, will probably prove to be
only a variety of the female.

This form is described in the Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1880, 55.

Anoplopoma jimbria, Candle Fish — This, though essentially a
northern form, occurs along the coast as far south as Monterey.
Until recently, it has been rare in the markets of San Francisco,
but last year it was present in tolerable quantity, and during the
present year (1880) may be almost called common. At Seattle it is
very abundant, and is taken with hook and line from the wharves.
At Monterey the Chinese take it with hook and line, while those
caught outside San Francisco Bay are taken with sweep nets. It
feeds on Crustacea, worms, and small fishes, and reaches a length of
twenty inches, and a weight of four to five pounds. This is not
greatly esteemed as a food fish, but is sometimes fraudulently sold
as Spanish mackerel.

Zaniolepis latipinnis, Long-finned Zany — As this fish has no ver-
nacular title, and is not sufficiently common to acquire one from the
fishermen, that given above is suggested. Though of no importance
as a food fish, its singular appearance merits notice. In color, it is
greenish-yellow, with blackish dots and bars upon the fins, and the
surface of tlie skin is covered with prickles. These prickles are
comb-like points radiating from scales that are buried in the skin.
The first dorsal spine is long, the second longer, projecting far beyond
the others, and often equal in length to half that of the fish. It does
not exceed a foot in length.

Ophiodon elongatus, Buffalo Cod, Green Cod, Ln. — This has the

33

reputation of being one of the most rapacious fislies of the coast.
The various species of rock cod {ScorjixnklEe) often come into the
market mutilated, having lost a portion of the posterior part of the
body. The dealers do not attribute this to the sharks, but to the green
cod, which, they say, seldom or never takes the hook itself, but, dart-
ing out of its hiding place among the rocks in pursuit of the rock
fish upon the hook, is caught and brought up along with it. It
attains far larger dimensions than any of its brethren, among either
the Chiridfe or Scorppcnidsc, reaching a length of four feet. Its range
extends along the greater part of the coast of California, but it is most
abundant from Monterey northward. Professor Jordan states that it
feeds on Crustacea and squid, as well as upon other fishes; and that
northward from San Francisco it attains a length of five to six feet,
and a weight of from fifty to sixty pounds. The flesh is usually of a
pale livid hue. On various parts of the coast it is taken with gill
nets, as well as with hook and line. As a food fish it ranks high, and
its size and abundance render it one of the most important species.
Many are dried by the Chinese and Indians.

FAM. SCORP^NIDiE.

The species of rock cod or Sebastichtliys, known previous to the
present year, were eleven in number, and with Sebastodes paucispinis
and Scorpficna guttata, made a total of thirteen Scorpsenidse peculiar to
the coast of California.

To his own great surprise Professor Jordan has, during his stay here
as Fish Commissioner, more than doubled this list; so that now
twenty-five species of SebasticJitJnjs are known to occur, besides one
more northern form, making, with the other genera, a total of twenty-
seven fishes belonging to this family on the coast of California.

Several of the forms described by Professor Jordan had been
observed by the writer on previous occasions in the markets of San
Francisco, but their resemblance to species already described was so
great, the differences amounting often only to the greater or less
development of certain spines upon the head, or to peculiarities of
coloration, that, lacking the facilities for procuring an extended
.series, he did not venture to describe any of them as new, the more
because the series of rock cod was already suspected by naturalists to
be too long. But Professor Jordan, by an extended examination
of numerous specimens of every species, of all ages and of both
sexes, has proved that the characters which separate the various
forms, slight though they may at first appear to be, are constant
and thus of specific value. The spines upon the head, by their greater
or less development, serration or by the addition of an extra pair;
the gill-rakers; the form and height of the spinous dorsal; in a few
cases the number of rays of the second dorsals and anal, and in all
the species the pattern of the coloration are the characters relied
upon to distinguish the species. The coloration is very constant in
this group, so much so that a change in its pattern, or even in its
color, is usually significant of a change of species. The twenty-five
species of Sebastickthys all occur in the Bay of Monterey, and many
of them at Santa Barbara. The Portuguese fishermen, who fish in
deep water, give to the species they take distinctive names, and are
perfectly well aware that they are different; but the Italians con-
5^

34

found the shallow water species under one common title. The spines
upon the top of the head are most developed in *S'. nigrocindus, and
in this respect S. serriceps comes next. Both are rare in the markets
of San Francisco; the first the rarer, and both are black-banded. In
the attempt to give his fish a descriptive name, Ayres called the
former nigrocinctus, or black-banded, a name which applies better to
the second species; while serricex>s or sawhead would fit nigrocinctus
even better than it fits the species to which it is applied. Ayres
observed serricejys as long ago as 1859, for he remarks to this effect:
"There is in tiie markets occasionally another fish of the nigrocinctus
type which may eventually prove distinct." The spines or spinous
ridges on the head of the fishes of this genus are an anterior pair upon
the snout (nasals,) a posterior pair on the back of the head (occipitals,)
and between these three pairs which, from their position, are called
pre-ocular, supra-ocular, and tympanic. A pair of post-oculars, dis-
membered from the supra-oculars, is often present, and some have a
pair of spines called " nuchal," behind the occipitals. In nigrocinctus
the nuchal and tympanic pairs are wanting, but the others rise into
liigh ridges with undulating or jagged edges. In serriceps the nuchal
pair is present, and all the ridges end posteriorly in sharp spines ris-
ing well above the surface of the head.

S. nebulosus, clirysonielas and carnatus are a trio of fishes exceedingly
similar in appearance, differing, in fact, only in coloration, and with
only one or two specimens of each to look at, it is difficult to believe
in their distinctness; yet, when one has seen lying, side by side, a
hundred examples of ^S'. carnatus, all exhibiti]]g red spots in almost
exactly the same positions of the yellow ones of nebulosus, and when
one lias seen a pile of clirysonielas with its characteristic broad yel-
low band from front of dorsal to tail, following nearly the same line
as the principal spots of the nebulosus, and when this color difference
has been correlated with certain differences in the form of the body
and head, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that we have here
three distinct yet very closely related forms.

iS. maligei- Siud S. vexillaris may be known from all others by their
very high spinous dorsal, with the membrane deeply emarginated
between each spine, and from each other by the bright chrome
yellow tint of the former.

In all the foregoing species the jaws are equal in length or nearly
so, and the form of the bod}' is short and thick ; the greatest depth
equal to or more than one third of the length of the fish. Nigro-
cinctus and clirysonielas are remarkable lor the great width of the body
at the origin of the dorsal, and for the abruptly shelving form of the
nape and top of head. In the succeeding sjjecies the jaw's are still
nearly equal, but the body is more elongated. S. rastrelliger may at
once be known by a glance at the gills, or rather at the gill-rakers,
or comb-like teeth set upon the inner or throat side of the bones
bearing the gills. In all the other species these are more or less
elongate, but in this they are often broader than they are long. This
is an exceedingly dark colored species, dark brown, clouded with
still darker, and the dorsal fin is very low.

S. auriculatus, the common rock-fish of the bay, may be identified
by the black spot upon the tip of the gill-cover; S. rubrivinctus, which
rarely, if ever, comes to the markets of San Francisco, by the broad
transverse stripes of red and yellow upon its body; and S. ruber by its
deep uniform red tint, large size, and broad, flat preopercular spines.

35

S. auricidatus may also be known by the pair of small coronal spines
near the median line of the skull.

S. constellatus and S. rosaceus have four or five light pink spots upon
their dorsal outline, and the former is covered on back and flanks
with small white spots. *S'. cfilorostidus is similar to tliese in many
respects, but may be knuwn by the green spots scattered over its
upper portions and dorsal fin, as well as by the greater height of the
spinous part of the latter.

*S'. rJiodochloris resembles rosaceus. S. minatus is of a deep red tint,
darker even than ruber, and is without the broad, flat preopercular
spines which characterize that species. From S. pinniger it may be
known by the rough scales which cover the entire head, even to the
tip of the jaws.

S. pimtiger, the rosaceus of Ayres, is usually more or less orange,
with maroon blotches, and the flns, except the dorsal, are bright red.
The scales on the head are not rough. Occasionally this species
exhibits large blotches of black.

We started with species in which the spines were well developed,
and have now reached those in which they are either present, but
slightly developed, or are reduced in number. Moreover, in the
remaining species the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, the
protrusion increasing as we proceed.

IS. elongatus has its greatest depth contained some four and a halt
times in its total length, and the gill-rakers long, equal to more than
half the diameter of the eye, which is very large. The interorbital
space is slightly concave.

S. proriger is nearly as elongate as the last species, but the outline
of the back is more rounded; the gill-rakers are longer, the eye
smaller, and the forehead or interorbital space -is slightly convex.
In both species the body is irregularly banded with lighter and
darker longitudinal bands, and the lateral line lies on a decided
light streak.

S. ovalis may be readily distinguished from the two preceding by
its much more ovate form, as well as by the almost uniform height
of the dorsal, and its still more protruding lower jaw.

In S. entoinelas the second anal spine is about equal in length to
the third, the spines upon the head are very small, and hidden by
the scales, and the peritoneum, or lining of the abdomen, is black,
whence the specific name.

*S*. 7nystinus=iS. r)ielano2')s — Ay: is the most abundant species in the
markets, and is generally distinguished by dealers as the Black Rock
Cod. Its black color at once distinguishes it from all other species,
the nearest to it in this respect being IS. ciliatus, which, however, is
spotted with black upon a gray ground. In *S'. mystinus, the top of
the head is spineless, but there is a small tubercle in the place of the
preorbital spine, which tubercle is absent in S. ciliatus, which is
identical with S. melanops, Gir., and with S. simulans, Gill.

S. flavidus is greenish yellow, and might be called the Yellow Rock
Cod, were it not for the brighter yellow of some portions of maliger
and ruhrivinctus. The projection of the lower jaw reaches its max-
imum in this species, its tip entering into the dorsal outline, and the
gill-rakers are ver}^ long and slender, equal in length to three fourths
of the diameter of the eye. In the three last species, the third anal
spine is longest, and the anal rays eight in number. Small nasal
spines are present.

36

Sebastodcs j^aucijnnis, Small scaled Rockfish, is placed in another
genus on account of its small scales, straight back, and other pecul-
iarities. The snout is almost twice as long as the diameter of the
eye ; there are nine anal rays, and the third anal spine is longest. A
few economic particulars of these species may prove interesting :

S. rdgrocindus, the Black, or rather the Dark Brown banded Rock
Cod, is found from Monterey to Puget Sound, and is tolerably abun-
dant, in very deep water, in the Straits of Fuca. About San Fran-
cisco it is rare. It reaches a weight of four pounds.

& serriceps, the Saw-head or Tree fish, is more southern in its range,,
but is abundant in rather deep water about Santa Catalina Island.
The bands are decidedly black, instead of dark brown, as in nigro-
cinctus, and are more numerous than in that species. Northern
specimens are larger, paler, and more brightly colored than southern.
It reaches about three pounds, and is rare in the markets of San
Francisco, though met with more freciuently than the preceding.

S. carnatus, S. nebulosus, and S. chrysomelas are known to the fisher-
men by the name of Garrupa. The first is taken in great numbers
with gill nets in rather shallow water, and is occasionally abundant
in our markets. It is rare at Santa Barbara, and has not yet been
noticed north of San Francisco. It reaches a weight of about two
and a half pounds. It is classed with atrovirens, flavidus, nebulosus^
and others, and is accounted a good food fish.

S. nebidosus is about equal in size and weight to the preceding, but
is found in rather deeper water, and is scared}^ so abundant.

*S'. cJirysojyielas, the Yellow-Banded Rock Cod, ranges from San Pedro
to Puget Sound, and becomes more abundant northward. It occurs
in water of moderate depth, and is taken with hook and gill nets.
It reaches three and a half pounds.

S. maliger is found in rather deep water, and is commonest in the
Straits of Fuca, where it is taken with hook and line. Occasionally
it occurs in the San Francisco markets. It is larger than any of the
preceding species, reaching a weiglit of six pounds.

S. rastrelliger, Garrupa, Dusky Rockfish, is not very rare in our
markets, and reaches a weight about ec^ual to that of the latter.
About the Santa Barbara Islands it is taken with hook and line and
with gill nets, rarely with seines. It is esteemed as food.

S. auricidatus, Wharf Rock-fish, is in individuals the most common
of all the group in the San Francisco markets; and as it is plentiful
in the bay, and is taken throughout the year, the total weight of the
species brought in is probably about equal to that of S. 7nystinus^
notwithstanding its smaller size. It is the only kind that frequents
shallow bays, and is taken near shore from wharves and similar
places, with hook and line. It reaches a weight of three pounds, but
the greater part of those brought into the markets of San Francisco
are young, and do not weigh more than half a pound.

*S'. vexiUaris is the most variably colored and one of the most widely
spread of the species, ranging from San Diego to Puget's Sound. It
reaches a weight of five or six pounds, and is occasionally tolerably
abundant in the markets of our city.

S. cJhlorost ictus — Green-spotted Rockfish, the Pesce Vermiglia of the
Italian fishermen, reaches a weight of four pounds, and is known
only from IMonterey Bay, where it occurs in considerable abundance
along with the three following :

S. rhodochloris — Fly Fish, is only known from Monterey Bay. It

37

is occasionally sent to San Francisco in considerable abundance in
spring. It is not a large species.

S. rosaceus — Corsair. This is the smallest of the group, rarely-
exceeding one and a half pounds. It occurs among reefs in deep
water, and where found is the most abundant of the red species. In
San Francisco market it is abundant throughout the year.

S. constellatus — Bagre. This is another deep water southern species,
taken with hook and line only. It is rather abundant, and of fre-
quent occurrence in our markets. Together with the preceding
small red species, it spawns at Monterey early in the spring. It
reaches from two to three pounds.

S. rubrivinctus is appropriately styled the Spanish Flag by the
Portuguese fishermen of Santa Barbara, on account of its gay red
and yellow transverse bands. It occurs on reefs in very deep water,
and is occasionally taken with hook and line in spring. It reaches
a weight of six pounds.

S. ruber — Large Red Rockfish,Tambor, is probably the largest of all
the species, reaching a weight of twelve pounds, or even more. It is
graded upon the stalls with pinniger and miniatus, from which the
dealers do not distinguish it. Its range extends to Puget's Sound,
and its habitat is deep water, so that it is taken with hook and line.
Professor Jordan, from whom all our additional knowledge of this
group is derived, mentions that about Victoria the skulls of large
specimens are infested with an encysted parasitic worm.

S. miniatus, Rasher, Rascira — Another deep water species, taken
with hook and line, and also with gill nets, and occasionally sent
to the city markets in considerable numbers. It is scarcely as large
as S. ruber, but reaches eight or ten pounds, and is equally esteemed.

kS. pinniger, Smooth Red Rock Fish,Hiaume. This is a deep water
species, abundant everywhere from Monterey northward, and taken
in great numbers, usually with set lines It is probably the most
abundant of all the red species in the San Francisco markets, and
in size is inferior only to aS*. ruber, since it reaches a weight of from
eight to ten pounds. It is esteemed as food, except when very large,
when its flesh is rather coarse. Many are split and salted in the deep
waters of Puget Sound.

aS*. atrovirens, Garrupa — Dark Greenish Rock Fish, abundant in
rocky places in rather shallow water, and taken in great numbers in
gill nets, south of Point Conception. Many are taken during Winter
at the Santa Barbara Islands, and considerable numbers are salted
and dried by the Chinamen. It reaches three pounds.

S. elongatus, Reina — Abundant with S. proriger in very deep
water. Weighs about two pounds, and is not common in markets
except in spring.

S. proriger rarely exceeds one and a half pounds in weight. Not
rare in its haunts about Monterey Bay. In quality similar to other
small red species.

S. ovalis, Viuda, Widow — A southern species, taken with hook and
line in very deep water, and apparently somewhat rare. This species
and rubrivinctus have not been observed in the San Francisco markets
either by Professor Jordan or by myself, yet Ayres' type was procured
there.

S. entomelas. Black-bellied Rock Fish — At present the least abun-
dant of the group, and known only from Monterey Bay, where it is

38

taken with hook and line in very deep water. This and the preced-
ing are equal in size and value to the next.

S. flavidus, Yellow Tail — Not common in Puget Sound, but very
abundant in Monterey Bay and about San Francisco. It occurs in
both deep and shallow water, and is taken in large numbers both
with gill nets and set lines. It is one of the largest of the group,
reaching a weight of six to seven i)ounds, and is considered one of
the best.

aS'. mystinus, Black Bass, Black Rock Cod, Black Garrupa, Pesce
Pretre — More common about Monterey and San Francisco than
either southward or northward of those points, and sent from Monte-
rey and Tomales Bay to the San Francisco markets in greater quantity
than any other, although from its dark color it is less salable than
the more brightly tinted species. Large quantities are wasted,
especially in autumn, when they fail to find purchasers at a cent
per pound. It is found in rather shallow waters, is mostly taken in
gill nets, and reaches a weight of five pounds.

S. ciliatus, Black-spotted Bass. This fish, in size, habits, and
value, is similar to the preceding, and is by no means rare in the
markets of San Francisco. It is most common in Puget Sound.

Sehastodespaucis2yinis, Boccaccio, Merou, Jack — The Italian " Boccac-
cio " or big mouth, fits this fish well. It is a large species, reaching
a weight of from twelve to fourteen pounds, and a length of two feet
eight inches. 'It is one of the best food fishes, and although not very
common at San Francisco, becomes more abundant southward. The
adults inhabit reefs in deep water, but the young come near shore in
the Spring, and are taken from the wharves.

The rock fish generally live on small fish and Crustacea. They
spawn early in the spring, and some at least are viviparous. The
young of the S. flavidus are extruded at a length of over one third of
an inch, and the same is the case witli nebulosus, rosaceus, carnatus,
etc. Probably the whole group is viviparous. The first to notice
this peculiarity was the Californian ichthyologist. Dr. W. 0. Ayres^
whose observations have in most cases stood the test of examination.

FAM. STROMATEID^.

This family, a subdivision of the Scombridse of Cuvier, is char-
acterized by the ])resence of spinous processes from the vertebra?^
forming teeth in the oesophagus, as well as by the absence of ventral
fins. Only one species is known to occur upon our coast.

Stroiiiateus simillimus, Pompino — This highly valued species occurs
along the entire Pacific coast of the United States, having been seen
in Puget Sound in the summer. It moves from place to place rather
irregularly, appearing in schools at almost any season. It is but a
small fish, rarely exceeding half a pound in weight, but its flesh is
rich and fat, and its name helps to sell it, so that it readily fetches-
from twenty-five to fifty cents per pound. It is taken in seines, with
hook and line, or by grabhook from the wharves.

A very curious monstrous example of this fish was brought to San
Francisco market in the autumn of 1879. This individual was pos-
sessed of two mouths, externally alike, equal in size, and similar in
structure; the lower mouth, situated somewhat behind the upper,,
directly beneath the eye, and in front of that bone of the gill cover

39

which is denominated by naturalists the interoperculum, while the
upper was in the usual position.

FAM. CARANGID^.

Most of the species of this family, which is a subdivision of the
old mackerel family {Scombfidx), that occur upon this coast, are
widely spread and well known forms, and the presence of some of
them was not suspected until Professor Jordan commenced his
researches in the Spring of this year.

Trachynotus ovatits, a form more nearly allied to the New Orleans
Pompino than is the fish which bears that name at Ban Francisco,
was recorded by the writer as from Lower California in 1876, and
probably extends as far north as San Diego.

T. jJampanns, also found on the Atlantic coast of Nortli Americn,
occurs in Lower California, but has not yet been met with within
the limits of our State. It may readily be known from T. ovatus by
its more elongate body, accompanied by longer dorsal and anal fins,
and by its darker color.

TracJiurus saiirus, the Horse Mackerel, is an old friend of the
Levantines who carry on here the same occupations they pursue in
the Mediterranean. Occasionally it strays up the coast as far north
as San Francisco. It is taken in large numbers in seines, and salted
for bait. It may be known from all other fishes found in the markets
of San Francisco by the row of keeled plates along the center of the
posterior part of the body for its entire length.

Caranx cahaUu.'< may be known from the last species by the limita-
tion of the keeled plates to the posterior portion of the body, as well
as by a black patch upon the operculum.

Naucrates dudor, the Pilot-fish of authors — that small oceanic fish
which is said to guide the shark to his prey — is said to occur south of
Point Concepcion. It may readily be distinguished by the darker
vertical bands across its bluish fianks.

Selene argentea is another species, found both in the Atlantic and
Pacific, but at present not known to occur in the waters of our State,
although, as it is common in Magdalena Bay, it is not improbable it
may straggle farther northward. It is excessively compressed and
thill, the top of the head almost vertical, so that it looks highly intel-
lectual. Tlie anterior rays of the clorsal and anal are very long.

Seriola lalandi — This is the well known Yellow-tail of the coasts of
the tropics, and South America and Africa. At present, it is on
record from this coast only from San Diego and the Coronados Islands
northward to Santa Barbara, where it is abundant in the summer,
spawning about July and August. In winter it is not seen. It is
taken entirely by trolling, sometimes in considerable numbers, and.
as a fresh fish, ranks somewhat below the Barracuda. When dried,
it is considered equal to the Barracruda, or to Caulolatilus.

It feeds upon scpiid and small fishes, and reaches a weight of fifty
to sixty pounds, and a length of four to four and a half feet.

The curious Remoras, which have a sucking disk of large size
occupying the whole of the upper side of the head and nape, consti-
tute a small family, nearly related, in some respects, to theCarangidse
and Scombridfe, or mackerel family.

The sucking disk is a transformed spinous dorsal, and consists of
a number (varying according to species) of transverse laminae united

40

to a central bar, and capable of being raised or closed like tlie slats
of a set of blinds. By means of this sucker, the Remora attaches
itself to a shark, a ship, or other floating object, and allows itself to
be carried wherever its host pleases, thus economizing labor. An
exam\)]e oi licmorajacobeea, which has seventeen to nineteen laminse
in its disk, was last year taken in the Bay of San Francisco from the
body of a shark, which it had accompanied in its wanderings. The
larger Echeneis naucrates has also occurred at San Francisco.

FAM. SCOMBRID.'E.

All the true Scombridse have a greater or less number of finlets
l^ehind the soft dorsal and soft anal, each finlet consisting of a single
ray followed bj^ a membrane of triangular shape.

There is little to separate them from the CarangkhT, except the
non-protractile mouth ; and one genus bridges over this difference.
All are oceanic and swim in large schools.

Scomber ]meumato2)horus, Spanish Mackerel — This species is known
also as Easter Mackerel, and Little Mackerel, and occurs from Mon-
terey Bay soutliward, coming up in irregular and often large schools
in summer and fall. It is occasionally sent to the markets of San
Francisco. It does not exceed fourteen inches in length.

Scomher scombras, Mackerel — There is little doubt of the occur-
rence of this fish upon the southern part of the California coast,
although Professor Jordan did not see it. Captain Charles Willughby,
Indian Agent at Neah Bay, and formerly a Massachusetts mackerel
fisher, gave information that he once netted a school of Eastern
mackerel off Catnlina Island; and a fisherman at Santa Barbara
claimed to have taken it off Anacapa Island.

Scomberomorus concolor — This species is here called the Spanish
Mackerel, is very rare, is held in high repute, and fetches a high price.
It may be known bj'^ its slim form, and toothless palate. This is the
CJiriomitra concolor of my previous report. The nearest of kin to
this fish is the Cybium maculatus of the Atlantic Coast.

La Cepedes's name Scomberomorus has precedence of Cybium, and as
*S'. maculaius has the palate toothless, our Spanish Mackerel must be
included in the same genus. Minute papillffi upon palate and other
parts of the internal surface of mouth and gill-cavity are possessed
by both species, but the only true teeth are those in the jaws.

Sarda chilensis, Bonito, Skip-jack — This is not identical with the
European bonito, although it belongs to the same genus. It was first
described from Chili, and is knowii to occur along our coast as far
north as Monterey Bay. In the summer it is very abundant, and is
taken in great numbers by trolling, especially about Santa Barbara
and San Uiego. Many are salted and dried, but the flesh is rather
coarse, and is considered inferior to the Barracuda and Yellow-tail.
Some persons aver that it makes them sick. It reaches an average
weight of about twelve pounds, and sells at about twenty-five cents
in the localities wliere it is taken. About iVugust it becomes abun-
dant in the markets of San Francisco, so much so, that it frequently
cannot be sold while fresh.

Orcynus alalonga, Albicore — This is one of those widely spread
species which confound the ])e3t efforts of naturalists who have not
had abundant opportunity for comparison. As Tliynnus j^acificus,
this species was described by Cuvier, and Valenciennes, and again,

41

under the name of Orcynus jmdficus, by Cooper in 1863 (Proc. Acad.
Nat. Sci. 111,75), but Professor Jordan considers, from examination
of fresh specimens, that it is identical with the well known Thynnus
{Orcymis) alalonga of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, the alalonga
or long-wing of the Italians. There is no mistaking the fish for any
other found upon our coast. Its long pectoral fin, reaching a consid-
erable distance beyond the second dorsal fin, is a distinctive mark
which none can overlook. The first dorsal is long, and has fourteen
spines, while the second, of twelve soft rays, is followed by eight
finlets, or separate rays, each with a membrane attached. The anal
has eight separate tinlets. In color it is steel blue upon the sides,
becoming blackish above, and silvery while below.

It occurs in the Bay of Monterey in the later months of summer;
is brought occasionally to San Francisco market, and becomes abun-
dant farther southward, notably among the islands of the Santa Bar-
bara channel. It affords excellent sport, being caught by trolling
W'hile sailing very rapidly, and biting voraciously at a white rag.
Those brought to the markets of San Francisco were caught from the
deck of a vessel.

It frequents deeper water than the bonito, and in Santa Barbara
channel is rarely taken within six miles of the shore.

Like the bonito, it feeds chiefly on anchovy and squid, but is occa-
sionally taken with rare deep water fishes in its stomach.

It reaches greater weight, is comparatively deeper in form than the
bonito, and is less valued even than that fish.

Another species of O^'ct/^ims, probably 0. pelamys, Si\so a Mediter-
ranean species, is known to occur on our coast; and a dolphin
(Coryphsena) species unknown, is known from an individual once
washed ashore at Cayucos Landing.

FAM. LABRID^.

The Labridoe, or Wrasse family, a numerous tribe of fishes, is but
poorly represented upon the coast of California, where its place is to
a great extent filled by the Embiotocidae, or viviparous perch. The
Labridae have a single dorsal, the spinous portion of which is at least
as much developed as the soft, and are covered with cycloid scales of
moderate or large size. The lips, as the name indicates, are largely
developed, and tlie mouth is capable of great protraction, the length
-of the ascending processes of the intermaxillaries, or upper jaw
bones, permitting much forward movement.

Many of the fishes of this family are beautifully colored, and most
of them attain dimensions that render them valuable as food fishes.

The Labridoe live largely upon mollusks, and some are more or
less herbivorous.

Pi'melometopon pulcher, first described hy Dr. W. O. Ayres, under
the more pronouncable name of Labrus pulcJter, is, as its name im-
plies, a highly colored fish. Its chief adornment consists of a bright
red band extending across the body from the head to a perpendicu-
lar from tlie anus, contrasting strongly with the black head and
hinder portions of the body. This is one of those species which
prove that it will not do to attach too much importance to compara-
tive proportions of depth to length, since the depth and thickness of
the front ]:)ortion of the body increases with age so much, that one of
6'^

42

those mathematical naturalists who seek to bind nature to fixed rules
might make several species out of it. It attains a length of two feet
or more, and a weight of from twelve to fifteen pounds. It is very
abundant in the kelp south of Point Concepcion, and is taken in
immense numbers by the Chinese, who dry and salt it.

The flesh is rather coarse, but the fat forehead is esteemed for
chowder. It feeds upon Crustacea and mollusks. Rare instances of
its occurrence at Monterey are on record.

Platyglossus modestus, King-fish — This species shares with several
others, in no wise related to it, the names of king-fish and sea-trout.
It is rarely brought to the markets of San Francisco, yet it is of com-
mon occurrence in the Bay of Monterey, and from that point south-
ward. It is a shallow water species, and frequents the kelp that
floats near the shore, and is taken from the wharf at Monterey in dip
nets.

When fresh, the adults are far from deserving the name of modestus,.
since they are decorated with waving, broken lines of bright green
upon the sides of the head, are bright orange red below, becoming
brown above, and have the front edge of each scale marked with a
line of green. The first dorsal is bright blue at the base; there is a
dark green or blue spot at the upper pectoral axil, and a black blotch
on the base of the tail-fin.

The young are much less brightly tinted, the green lines are not
conspicuous, and the color is olivaceous above, fading into whitish
below. It is common in the kelp, and is often taken with hook and
line, or with baited dip net. It is chiefly used for bait, although its;
flesh is said to be of good quality.

Platyglossus semiciiidus, the Kelp Fish, is not rare in the kelp from
Santa Catalina southward, and at San Pedro is occasionally taken in
gill nets and sometimes with the hook. It is larger than the last
species, reaching about a pound in weight.

FAM. POMACENTRID^.

Of this family, which includes numerous short-bodied, large-
scaled fishes with the lower pharyngeal bones united, only three-
species are know to occur upon our coast, and neither of these ranges
north of Point Concepcion.

Hypsipops rubricundus, Garibaldi, Red Perch — This species is-
abundant at the Santa Barbara Islands and southwards; is taken
chiefly with gill nets; reaches a weight of three or four pounds, and
is not held in high esteem as food.

CJiromis 2)unctipmiiis, known as the Blacksmith, is abundant in the
same localities as the last, and is taken with gill nets, or with hook
and line. It reaches two pounds in weight, but is not valued. Like
the other species of the tribe, it feeds on shellfish and Crustacea.

PAM. EMBIOTOCIDiE.

This curious tribe of viviparous fishes has had its numbers
increased by the addition of three species, described by Messrs. Jor-
dan and Gilbert, and all occurring in the markets of San Francisco.

One of these, Ditrema atripes, is exceedingly like the better known
Ditrema (Phanerodon) furcatum, but is larger, and may be distin-
guished by the darker tint of the sides, becoming still darker on

43

the back, where the ground color is interspersed with smal] streaks of
dard red ; as well as by the black-tipped ventrals. This species is
occasionall.y sent to market in considerable numbers from Monterey,
where it is taken in seines.

Brachyistius rosaceus is a pretty little pinkish fish, with two darker
spots on each side near the base of the soft dorsal.

The first specimen observed in the market was treasured by the
dealer as a curiosity, and the second was secured by the writer for
Professor Jordan, who has since obtained two or three others. It is
rare, and at present only known from the markets of San Francisco.

Abeona aurora is, from the structure of the teeth, nearly related to
the Least Shiner, {Abeona minima) but does not very closely resemble
it, in general appearance, and is larger. It may be identified by the
brassy streak which extends along the body from the snout to the
base of the caudal, and by the blackish axil of the pectoral, and
the considerably forked tail fin. At present it is certainly known
only from Monterey Bay, where it is very abundant about rocks.
Many inhabit the larger rock pools at Point Pinos. It reaches about
a third of a pound in weiglit.

Some alterations have been made in the nomenclature of this
group. The short, broad species, called by Gibbons' Hyperprosopon
have, together with Hypercritichthys of Gill, been placed by Professor
Jordan in Holconotus, (Agassiz) from which the.y are not distin-
guished by any structural character; and for similar reasons the
genera Pltanerodon of Girard and Tseniotoca of Agassiz have been
merged in Embiotoca, which must itself give way for the older name
of Ditrema, since the species which of all the group was first de-
scribed, namely, Ditrema temmincki, a Japanese fish, turns out to be,
according to Professor Jordan, generically identical with Embiotoca
of our own coast.

As food fishes, the Embiotocidse are far inferior to the other lead-
ing groups of the coast, but their abundance in species and in indi-
viduals renders them valuable. All the tribe feed upon Crustacea
and small fishes.

The great peculiarity of this tribe does not consist so much in the
mere fact that the eggs are hatched within the body of the mother,
since this occurs also in the large group of rock cod; but in the
small number and high state of development of the young, and in
the modifications of structure of males and females, resulting in an
evident differentiation of the sexes. The eggs are hatched, and
afterwards the young develop, within the ovaries, which are devel-
oi)ed for the purpose into a number of pouches or rather folds, and
from which they escape into the sea through the vulva. There is no
trace of any connection of any kind between the young and their
parent; no rudimentary placenta, as there is in some sluirks. The
males have the anal fin constructed diff'erently to that of the females,
and it is probable that some sort of copulation takes place, as the
eggs must be fecundated while within the ovary. The liard struct-
ure in the anal fin of the male is a clasping organ.

In most genera there is between the ventral fins and tlie anal an
elongated naked area, forming a groove, and between the basis of the
ventrals is a lance-shaped blade, covered with scales, its free tip
overhanging the front of the scaleless area.

From Professor Jordan's notes I glean the following fresh particu-

44

lars respecting the previously known species, which were treated of
more fully in the rejjort for 1879.

Rhacochilus toxotes, is known to the fishermen as the Alfione, bring
forth from fifteen to twenty young in summer, and is considered the
best of the group.

Damalichthys argyrosomus, ranges northward to Puget Sound, where
it is exceedingly abundant; is probably of all the species the third
most numerous in individuals, and in quantity ranks next to the
preceding. It is called White Percli.

Ditrema furcatum [Phanerodonfurcatus, Gir.) lives in sheltered baj'^s
and is taken in seines in great numbers; is ver^^ abundant from San
Francisco southward, but has not been noticed north.

Ditrema laterale, Surf Fish, Blue Perch — This species is very
abundant north of our State, reaching to Puget Sound, and is on the
whole, the most common of the large species.

Ditrema jacksoni, the Black Perch, Pogy, or Black Bass, belongs
especially to California, but extends to Puget Sound.

Hifpsurus caryi, Bugara — This fish is usuallj'- very abundant at
the edge of the kelp, especially at Monterey, where it is often taken
with hook and line, or in baited dip nets, and sometimes in great
numbers in seines. It is used chiefly for bait for rock cod ; but the
larger ones are sent to market.

AmpJiistichus argenteus, Silver Surf-fish — called by the fishermen
Surf-fish and White Perch, is, on some sandy shores, very abundant,
especially in the surf. At Santa Barbara and Soquel, it is more
common than elsewhere.

Holconotus rhodoterus, which may be called the Red-finned Perch,
is not so common as most of the otiiers, except in certain localities,
one of which is Soquel. It reaches about a pound and a half in
weight.

Holconotus agassizii (Hyperprosop)on agassizii) is, like the preceding,
known to range from Tomales to Santa Barbara, and is small, rarely
weighing over half a pound.

Holconotus {Hyp&iyrosopon) argenteus, Wall-eye or Silver Perch — is
everywhere abundant, and is taken in great numbers in seines on
sandy shores, as well as with hook and line from wharves. It is not
much esteemed as food, and is small — usually weighing about half
a pound.

Holconotus analis. Only locally abundant; common at Santa Cruz
and Soquel, where large quantities are taken, along with the Shiner
(Cymatogaster aggregatus), as bait for rockfish. As it does not weigh
more than a quarter of a pound, it is seldom brought to market._

BracJiyistius frenatus. Widely distributed, and at some localities,
as at Monterey, Point Reyes, etc., very abundant ; but used chiefly
for bait, on account of its small size (quarter pound), and not sent to
market, unless accidentally mixed with other species. Ranges to
Puget Sound.

Cymatogaster aggregatus, Shiner, Sparada, Minnie, Little Perch —
This is, everywhere, from San Diego to Puget Sound, the most abun-
dant of the group, and is found especially in sheltered bays. It is
about equal in size to the last.

Abeona minima. Shiner — The smallest of the tribe.

Most of these species occur in the Bay of San Francisco, and all
that weigh half a pound or over are sent to market. The rnost
important, as regards the weight actually sold, are Dit. jacksoni, D.

45

laterale, D. furcatum, Bhacochilus toxotes, Damalichthys argyrosomay
AmjjJiistichus argenteus, and Holconotus argenteus. In the spring
(April and May), Hypsu.nis caryi, the Orange-banded Perch or Bu-
gara, is common. The Red-finned Perch is not often in the market.

The Silver Surf-fish {AmpJi. argenteus) was, during last Winter,,
sent in great numbers from Monterey, and many individuals ap-
proached the Alfione, or Thick-lipped Perch, in size and weight,
reacliing a length of fourteen to sixteen inches, and a weight of four
Or five pounds.

Professor Jordan does not believe Hyperprosopon arcuatus to be a
valid species; so that all the large-eyed, up-turned mouth and short-
bodied perch, are to be considered as one species, and the name WalK
eye will suit very well.

Hysterocarpus traski, the only member of the family that inhabits
fresh water, has been frequently sent to market during the summer,
notwithstanding its small size. It occurs in streams at least as far
south as San Luis Obispo.

FAM. SOI^NID^.

The family of scisenoids is not largely represented on the northern
portion of our coast, but its members become more numerous from
Point Concepcion southwards. Into the Bay of San Francisco come
Cynoscion nobilis, the sea bass; Genyonemus lineatus, popularly called
king-fish, and Seriplius politus, also called king-fish. The last is far
from common, but the first two are well known and highly prized
food fishes. The first attains a large size, examples of from forty to
sixty pounds weight being frequently brought to San Francisco
market in summer months.

The king-fish rarely exceeds ten inches in length, but makes upfor
its small size in its delicate flavor.

Below Point Concepcion occur Corvina saturna, Roncador stearnsii,
Unihrina xanti, Cynoscion parvipinnis, and Ilenticirrus undulatus,
making a total of eight species.

Cynoscion parvipinnis, Blue-fish, Corvina, also called Caravina, and
Sea Bass — This species, originally described by Dr. W. 0. Ayres.
occurs at San Pedro and southward, and is not rare in winter, when
it frequents the bays and is taken in seines and gill nets. It feeds
chiefly on crufetacea. Its flesh is esteemed, but will not keep long,
reeembling in this respect the weak-fish — {Oiolithus regalis) — of the
Atlantic States. It reaches a length of two feet, and a weight of five
pounds, (Jordan).

Cynoscion nobilis {Atractoscion nobilis), Sea Bass, White Sea Bass —
Very abundant in spring and summer from San Francisco south-
ward. It feeds on Crustacea, anchovies, etc. The young are sold as
sea trout, and are often considered by fishermen a distint species.
This is one of the most valued food fishes of the coast, having firm
wliite flesh. Examples of from fifty to sixty pounds weight are not
rare in our markets.

Menticirrus undidatus, Sucker Bass, also known as Bagre and
Sucker — Abundant from Santa Barbara southward, on sandy shores,
and taken in seines and gill nets. It feeds largely on Crustacea,
reaches a length of eighteen inches, and a weight of two pounds and
a half, and is held in moderate esteem as food. (Jordan).

Umbrina xanti, Yellow-finned or Yellow-tailed Roncador — This

46

species is abundant from Santa Barbara southward, on sandy shores;
feeds on Crustacea, squid, etc., and spawns in July. It reaches about
a foot in length and two pounds in weight. Many are taken in
seines and gill nets. It is considered a food fish of good quality, and
at San Pedro many are split and salted.

Genyonevius lineatus, King-fish, Little Bass, Little Roncador —
This species ranges southward at least to San Pedro, but is most
abundant northward, especially in summer, becoming scarce in
winter. It lives between the shore and the kelp, and is taken with
hook and line at the border of the kelp, as well as in great numbers
in seines. Crustacea form its principal food. Many are dried by
the Chinese. The flesh is rather soft.

Roncador stearnsii, Croaker, Roncador — Abuudant from Santa
Barbara southward, on sandy shores, in rather deeper water than
Umbrina xanti, and taken chiefly in gill nets. It feeds mostly on
Crustacea, spawns in July, and reaches a length of two feet, and a
weight of five or six pounds. It is considered a good food fish.

Corvma saturna, Black Roncador — This fish has the same range
and occurs in similar situations- with the preceding, but is less
abundant, and smaller, not exceeding eighteen inches in length, and
about three pounds in weight. It is less attractive in color than
Umbrina and Roncador. This species may be recognized by its dark
gray color, bluft' snout, and short body.

Seriphus politus, King-fish, Queen-fish — Rare at San Francisco,
but more abundant southward, along sandy shores. It is taken in
seines, especially at Santa Barbara and Soquel. Although in flavor
probably the best of the small iScisenoids, its small size — seldom more
than eight inches — causes it to be but little valued.

FAM. PERCIDiE — PERCH.

This family has been divided and subdivided into numerous
groups, and it now appears likely a reunion may be established.
The Sparidse, which have the hinder end of the maxillary hidden
behind the suborbital in the closed mouth, and are furnished
either with cutting incisors in front of the jaws, or grinding molers
at the side, seem at first very distinct, but they are linked by such
forms as the Pristipomatidse with the more typical Percoids. As only
nine species are yet known upon our coast, it will be as well to con-
sider them all as Percidse.

Girella nigricans, Blue-fish — This appears to be the only sparoid
fish found on the coast of Upper California. It occurs but rarely
in the markets of San Francisco, where it is brought from the Bay
of Monterey, Its proper range ends near Point Concepcion, north-
ward of which those found are only stragglers, while southward it is
abundant.

It may be recognized by its curious three pointed, or rather three
lobed teeth. In form it is an elongated oval, and in color an almost
uniform brackish olive. It is abundant about- Santa Barbara, where
it is usually taken in gill nets, and is an important food fish.

It is entirely herbivorous in its habits, and is very tenacious of life.
Soon after death the flesh begins to soften. It reaches a length of
about a foot, and a weight of four pounds.

IScoryis californiensis, Moon-fish — Exceedingly rare, though this
species is at San Francisco, it becomes abundant south of Point Con-

47

cepcion, so much so that the great bulk of the fish taken by the Wil-
mington fishermen off" Santa Catalina Island, for the supply of Los
Angeles, consists, Professor Jordan informs me, of this fish. The few
that have been taken in Monterey and even in Tomales bays must
be regarded only as stragglers from the crowd. Its chief food is
Crustacea. It reaches about a foot in length and three pounds in
weight, and ranks high as a pan fish.

In color it is gray, the ventral fins are covered with scales, the
form is a regular oval and the mouth is small, with three lobed
incisors.

Serranus maculofasciatus, Rock Bass — Abundant in bays from Point
Concepcion southward, especially at San Diego, where it is taken in
seines and also with hook and line from the wharves. It is not
found in deep water nor about islands. It feeds chiefly on Crustacea
and squid ; reaches a length of fifteen inches and a weight of from
two to three pounds, and is considered an excellent food fish.

This species is prettily spotted all over with small round purple
spots, and across the body, overlying the spots, run several irregular
darker transverse bands.

Serranus iiebulifer, Johnny Verde — The greenish tint of this spe-
cies exphiins its common name, but the lower part of the head
exhibits purple spots similar to those of the last species, to which,
despite its more elevated dorsal, it is closely related. _ It ranges to
Monterey, and is common in San Pedro and San Diego Bays. A
large example reaches twenty inches in lengtii, and a weigiit of
about four pounds. It is considered a good food fish.

Serra7ius datliratus, Cabrilla, Rock Bass, Kelp Salmon — From
Monterey southward, becoming more abundant towards the south-
ern extremity of the State, and constituting one of tiie most impor-
tant food fishes of the Santa Barbara Islands. It lives among rocks
in not very deep M^ater; feeds on Crustacea and squid, and reaches
about the same size as the last species. It is considered one of the
• better class of food fish, and is only occasionally split and salted.

Stereole2)is gigas, Jew-fish, Black Sea Bass — The Farallones appear
to be tlie northern limit of the range of this huge sea-perch, M'hich
becomes abundant southward, especially about the Santa Barbara
Islands. It is said to be an excellent food fish, but from its great
size, is not often taken. It is caught by still-fishing, not by trollixig,
but individuals are often taken by swallowing white-fish, etc., when
the latter are on the hook. Small examples are sometimes brought
to San Francisco market, and its occurrence within the Bay of San
Francisco is on record. It reaches a weight of four to five hundred
pounds.

FAM. AMMODYTID^ — SAND LANCES.

Ammodytes jpersonatus, the sole member of this family recorded
from this coast, is abundant upon sandy shores from Monterey north-
ward. In Puget Sound it is exceedingly abundant,_swi mining about
bays close to shore in immense schools. Sometimes it is found
buried in sand between tide marks. It reaches a length of five or
six inches and is seldom eaten.

The Ammodytidse have no ventral fins; the gill membranes are
continuous around the throat, and the vent is situated far back upon
the body. In the Aleutian Islands this fish is called the Candle fish.

48

FAM. SPIIYR^NID.E — BAKRACUDAS.

This small family of highly carniverous and swift swimming fishes
contains the genus Sphyrcena only, and is represented on this coast by
S. argentea, the well known Barracuda of our markets. From San
Francisco southward it is abundant in summer, when it probably
comes near shore for the purpose of spawning. Its chief run is in
July. In the winter it probably retires to deeper water. Professor
Jordan states that it is taken chiefly by trolling at a distance of three
or four miles from shore, except about the Santa Barbara Islands,,
where it is taken with hook and line. In autumn and winter the
young are sometimes taken in seines. It is considered one of the best
food fishes, and and when salted and dried, sells at a higher price
than Alaska codfish. It reaches a length of three or more feet, and a
weight of twelve i)ounds. The Sphyrsenidaj are covered with smooth
scales, and have the ventrals placed far back.

FAM. ATHERINID.E — FALSE SMELTS.

Three species of this family, which, though containing chiefly small
fishes with feeble teeth, agrees with the last in having smooth scales,,
and in the abdominal position of the ventrals, are found upon this
coast.

AtJierinopsis californiensis, the Common Smelt, is taken in great
numbers in all bays open to the ocean from San Francisco south-
ward. It resides in positions sheltered by rocks, and is often caught
by trolling with a small hook.

Atlierinops affinis, the Little Smelt, prefers, according to Professor
Jordan, more sheltered situations than the former for a residence. It
is considered a pan fish of good quality, having firm but rather dry
white flesh. Though smaller than ^4. californiensis, it reaches a foot
in length. Many are dried by the Chinese.

Leuresthes tenuis — This occurs in large schools at San Diego, and
reaches a length of five inches.

FAM. MUGILID^ — MULLETS.

The Mullet, mentioned in the last report of the Fish Commis-
sioners, proves to be really Mugil mexicanus. In San Diego Bay^
Professor Jordan found it abundant. At San Pedro it made its
appearance three years ago, and has since been tolerably common,
and it is occasionally sent to our markets from Monterey. Professor
Jordan believes that it is spreading northward along the coast. It
feeds upon mud containing organic matter, reaches a length of about
fifteen inches and is much esteemed as a pan fish.

In winter, it enters creeks and lagoons, where many are land-
locked and destroyed by sea birds.

FAM. SC0MBERES0CIDJ3 — GAR-FISHES.

This group of fishes is represented on the southern part of our
coast by four species. From all otherwise related families these may
be known, by the union of the lower pharyngeal bones into a single
bone (as in the Lahridse), and by the presence of a series of keeled
scales along each side of the belly.

49

As in the Cyprinodonts, there is no adipose dorsal fin, and the
dorsal and anal are placed far back upon the caudal part of the body.

Belone exilis — Needle-fish, Gar-fish. In summer, this species fre-
quents bays and lagoons along the coast from Santa Barbara south-
ward, for the purpose of spawning, but it is not common. It reaches
a length of two and a half feet, and is esteemed as food.

Exoccetus caUfornicus, Flying-fish, Volador — Professor Jordan has
found this species abundant along the southern part of our coast, as
far north as Santa Cruz. It is particularly common in Santa Barbara
Cliannel, and about Santa Catalina Island. It goes in great schools.
Respecting its habits, the following is quoted from the MS. of Pro-
fessor Jordan:

" The Flying-fish flies for a quarter of a mile, not rising more than
three or four feet above the surface. Its motive power is given by
rapid movements of its powerful tail in the water, which movements
are continued after the body is out of the water and the pectorals
spread. When the tail is out of tlie water, the ventral fins are also
spread out, and the motions of the pectorals cease. Its motion is
then very swift, and in a straight line, which afterwards becomes a
curve by the partial turning over of the body, one wing being placed
partly against the wind. Motion is often renewed by putting the tail
once more in the water, as the fish falls so as to touch it. It is to
some extent able to shy off from a vessel. In the water its move-
ments are very rapid. It reaches a length of fifteen inches and a
weight of a pound and a half or more, and is considered excellent
food. It spawns about the beginning of August, which is the cause
of its visit to the coast. Large numbers are taken in seines and gill
nets oft' Catalina Island. Nine-tenths of those seen in July were
males."

FAM. SALMONIDyE — SALMON AND TROUT.

The salmon and trout, once reported to be so numerous in species,
are gradually becoming fewer as examination is made of the same
species at different seasons of the year, in salt and fresh water, and at
the various periods of its life.

The long list of anadromous salmon {Oncorhynclms) is now by the
researches of Professor Jordan and Mr. Gilbert, reduced to six, which
bear the provisional names of nerka, gorbuscha, quinnat, kisutch, keta,
and kennerlyi.

These names are provisional because some, if not all, of the species
not only occur upon the Pacific Coast, U. S. A., but extend north-
wards to Behring's Straits, and down the opposite coast of Kam-
tschatka. They are thus probably identical with some or other of
the species previously described from the coast of Asia.

The various species of salmon and trout are subject to great varia-
tions in consequence of change of habit, as well as to others caused
by age, sex, and season ; and tliese changes have been the cause of
the excessive multiplication of nominal species. Salmon, when in
the sea, are of a silvery, steely, or bluish tint, darkest upon the back.
When in the river, the silvery tint is lost and the flesh also becomes
lighter. The young of all the species are cross-barred with darker
tints which disappear with age. The form and proportions of the
body are also, in the anadromous species, liable to change, as also

those of the fins. Neither can comparative size be depended upon.

72

50

The Salnio sebago of the lakes of Maine is believed to be only a land-
locked k^almo salar depauperated by the more confined habitat. The
trout of a small brook never attain the size of those of a larger ,
river.

The quinnat of this coast was prevented from returning to the ocean
from the lakes San Andreas and Pilarcitos by the erection of the
dams of the Spring Valley Water Company, and now those lakes are
full of salmon which mature their eggs and milt when less than a
pound in weight.

The characters whicli can be depended On to distinguish the spe-
cies of salmon are as follows: To some extent, the form of the caudal
fin and the arrangement of the spots upon the bodj^, especially near
the tail; the number of rays in the anal fin (Onco7'?/7ic/ms has fourteen
or more, Salar or Salmo about twelve) ; the size of the scales; the num-
ber and size of the gill rakers, or toothlike processes upon the bones
which bear the gills; the number of branchiostegal rays; and the
number of the pyloric cseca which are attached to tlie lower end of
the stomach. The teeth are also to be regarded, but not implicitly,
as they are liable to alterations with age. More attention has natu-
rally been devoted to the study of this group than to that of any
other, on account of its importance as a source of food.

Upon this coast, the salmon fishery upon the Columbia alone
accounts for about a million and a half of salmon, weighing when
taken at least twenty-five pounds each on an average. This is prob-
ably equal to twice the total weight of all other fisheries, salmon
included, carried on upon the Pacific Coast of the United States, even
with the Alaska cod fishery thrown in.

The life history of these fishes is thus invested with much interest,
since, upon our knowledge of it, depends the success of any attempt
that may be made to prevent, by judicious legislation, the threatened
decrease of the species.

The season of the principal run differs according to the species, and
it appears to be tolerably well established, by the reappea^'ance of
marked fish, that some individuals make good their retreat after
spawning, and return again next year, although the greater portion
die of the exhaustion consequent upon their ascent of the streams.
This is the case more particularly with those which ascend highest,
jumping falls, passing rapids, and braving the difficulties of a long
journey without food.

Oiicorhynchus quinnat, the Common Salmon — This is the salmon par
excellence of the Pacific Coast, the victim of the canning industry, the
Columbia River salmon, the taste of which is familiar to Briton, Aus-
tralian, Frenchman, and Teuton. As the salmon business is fully
discussed in the Report of the Fish Commissioners, no statistics need
be given here. An interesting fact in its natural history is that, as
with the shad, so with the quinnat, we know where some at least of
the individuals spend their time while absent from our rivers. In
this respect we are ahead of our Atlantic brethren, who, as yet, have
not found out what Salmo salar or Cliq:)ea sapidissima do with them-
selves during their holidays. Quinnat, like Clupea sajndissima, and
all the rest of our fashionable society, recreates in the Bay of Monte-
rey, where he has this year furnished much amusement and some
food.

It appears singular that few quinnat were caught during summer
in the above named bay until this year, and this may appear to sug-

51

gest a change of habit in the fish; but, in view of the fact that new
species of fish and Crustacea are continually being brought in, and
that this is known to be caused by the search of the fishermen in new
fishing grounds, it is more probable that the quinnat have always
been there, but that the fishers have failed to find them until lately.
But it must not be supposed that all the quinnat go to the Bay of
Monterey. Examples have been taken far southward of this point,
and a few run up Ventura River every year.

South of this river our coast does not present any streams running
freely into the sea, as the rivulets terminate in lagoons separated
from the ocean by sand bars. The quinnat has evidently the most
southern range of any of the species of Oncorhynchus, and possibly
becomes less abundant northward, the most abundant salmon of
Fraser River being 0. nerka, the blue-back of the fishermen. Yet it
is thought that the large "King-salmon" of Alaska is this species.

Notwithstanding the study that has been given to the habits of
salmon, there are yet many points in their life history which are not
cleared up. They are hatched in clear running brooks accessible
from the ocean; they run down to the ocean when three or four
inches long, and they return to the rivers to spawn. This much is
certain, and it is certain also that the greater portion of the return-
ing fish are large, and of the age of about four years. As smaller
individuals, containing spawn, are sometimes taken, it is not unlikely
that some run up the river and spawn once or twice before their final
and fatal journey. However this may be, it appears that when full-
grown, the salmon approach the coast, where, meeting with currents
of fresh water from the rivers, they become irresistibly'- attracted,
and follow them up until fairly within the stream. When at
sea they feed freely and bite vigorously at a hook, but as soon as
they are fairly within a river, they cease to feed and cannot be
tempted to bite. The proof that they do not eat lies in the fact that
the stomach of those taken in the river is always empty. Once in
the river, they become impressed with an irresistible desire to pene-
trate further and further, and in obedience to this impulse, they
mount rapids, spring up small cataracts, and flounder through shal-
lows until, spent with exhaustion, battered and wounded by contact
with rocks and other obstacles, and still further worn out by the process
of spawning, the greater portion die. All spawn before they die, and as
the strength of the individuals differs, they spawn at various points all
along the river and its tributaries, but always in comparatively shal-
low and clean water. In spawning, they pair off; the female depos-
its her spawn upon the gravel, and the male pours out upon it the
iertilizing milt. As the males mount up the river, a great change
takes place in the form of the head. The jaws commence to enlarge
and to curve, the upper forming a hook directed downwards, the
lower a similar hook directed upwards. Coincident with the growth
of the jaws, is that of the group of teeth upon their lips, which
become relatively immense. The result is a " dog salmon" with a
physiognomy utterly unlike the straight-jawed, neat looking indi-
viduals just arrived from the sea, and it is no wonder that such old
males have been described as distinct species. The males also
develop a more or less conspicuous hump upon the shoulder, but
this is not very evident in the species we are now considering.

The females do not, at least as a rule, develop the hooked jaw,
although it is reported that some individuals with hooked jaws

52

have been found to contain ova. Dead salmon are often found
in the shallows of the upper courses of the rivers, having died before
they could reach deeper water.

Some adventurous individuals follow the Columbia into the Terri-
tory of Montana before they succumb.

The color of the flesh of a salmon does not indicate its species^
since the same individual which had bright red flesh when in the
ocean, and at the commencement of its run, will become nearly
white at or after spawning. It is clear from what has been said that
the flesh of the"kelts," as the salmon after spawning are called in
England, can scarcely be fit for consumption by human beings.
Covered with wounds upon which fungus spores find a suitable
nidus, many look sufficiently repulsive. It is probable that the sto-
ries of so called " poisonous" fish and other marine animals arise
entirely from the injudicious eating of such creatures when exhausted
with spawning, or when afflicted with some disease, the outw^ard
symptoms of which we do not -recognize.

In the smaller rivers of the coast the run of salmon takes place in
the autumn, thus, in Eel River, it commences when the first rains
have caused the waters to rise. Thus the canning season upon the
Coquille, Eel, and other small rivers, commences after that of the
Columbia River is over. Some quinnat run up the Columbia in the
autumn, and it is to this fact that we owe the preservation of the
species, in spite of the immense numbers taken. The fishing is car-
ried on during the spring run only, from April to July, during
which season some 1,500 boats are perpetually engaged in it, so that
from the bar up to off Mount Ranier there is an almost continuous
web of nets, effectuallj^ preventing the ascent of by far the greater
portion of the fish. Professor Jordan is, however, of opinion that
the autumn run is sufficient to counterbalance the destruction. In
Klamath, Eraser, Sacramento, and Rogue Rivers there is also a
spring run. An ordinary full grown quinnat weighs about twenty-
five pounds, but individuals attain a much greater size, reaching as
much as sixty pounds or even seventy. Those found in the Sacra-
mento are, as a rule, smaller than those of the Columbia, not aver-
aging more than eighteen pounds. In Puget Sound the ^imma^ are
also smaller and less fat than in the Columbia.

The quinnat has from fifteen to eighteen branchiostegals, or small
bones supporting the gill membranes ; and has the body, dorsal, and
caudal fins spotted with round spots. On the approach of the spawn-
ing season it becomes darker and sometimes, but not always, acquires
a reddish tinge. The scales become covered with a coating of
mucus so that the fish cannot readily be scaled. The pyloric coeca
are xery numerous, varying from a hundred and fifty to two hun-
dred, so that it may be readily known by an examination of the
stomach from 0. nerka, which has about seventy-five very small
cceca, and 0. keta, which has from sixty to eighty large and thick ones.
In this character 0. kisutch and 0. gorbuscha are near quinnat, but
the branchiostegal rays of these species, like those of nerka and keta,
are only thirteen or fourteen in number. 0. keta has fewer spots
than quinnat ; the caudal has a few spots on its upper rays, and the
dorsal a few on its first rays. 0. nerka is immaculate as is 0. kisutch.

Oncorhynchus keta, Silverside Salmon^ Cohoe Salmon — The tsuppitch
of Dr. Richordson has at length been identified by Professor Jordan
as the keta of Walbaum. It turns out to be a salmon of the genus

53

oncorhynchus, and not a trout as heretofore supposed. Its previous
identification with the so called " Black Trout " of Lake Tahoe is thus
found to have been an error. There is but one species of trout j-et
known from that lake, the presence or absence of teeth upon the hyoid
bone being the result of accident or individual peculiarity. The real
tmpintch or keta reaches a length of fifteen to eighteen inches, and a
weight of four or five pounds. When in the ocean, it feeds on Crus-
tacea, herring, etc. This salmon is said to be very superior in Quin-
nault River, where it is abundant and is salted by the Indians, as it
is also at Neah Bay, at which point it was formerly canned. Profes-
sor Jordan saw it at Seattle, and speaks of it as abundant in Puget
Sound and at Cape Flattery, as well as for some distance north and
south from thence. As a food fish it ranks with the young of the
quinnat. It runs up Eel River, California, and has been taken in the
Sacramento.

Oncoo^hynchusnerka, Blueback ; also called by fishermen, Rascal, Suk-
keye, Redfish, Dog Salmon — This is a much smaller salmon than the
quinnat, and apparently has its headquarters farther north. In the
Columbia it is common, but less so than the quinnat, while in Fraser
River and the streams of British Columbia generally it is the com-
monest salmon. It is often canned upon the Columbia, but without
acknowledgment, as four of them are reckoned and paid for as one
quinnat, althougli of course four nerka exceed in weight one of the
latter.

In Puget Sound it is abundant, and ranges northward as far as the
Aleutian Islands. It reaches eight to twelve pounds in weight. This
species runs up the river principally in tlie Spring.

Oncorhynchus gorhuscha. Humpback — This species may readily be
distinguished from the quinnat by the smaller size of the scales, and
also, at least in the Sacramento, which it ascends in tolerable num-
bers in October, by the greatly developed hump formed by the dorsal
outline immediately behind the head. 0. nerka also becomes hump-
backed, but not to so great an extent as the present species. The
males, in the spawning season, present in perfection the character
upon which the genus Oncorhynchus was founded, viz.: the hooked
jaws, which give the fish a repulsive appearance. It does not appear
to be a common species, except in Puget Sound, and does not exceed
five to eight pounds in weight.

Oncorynchus kisutch, Dog Salmon — This, the true Dog Salmon,
occurs in Puget Sound, Fraser River, etc. In most characters, except
the scales, it agrees with the last species; but the scales are larger,
and the aspect of the fish difi'erent. The males, when they enter the
rivers in the fall, have reddish transverse bands alternating with
greenish, and become blotched with these colors as they ascend.
The females are bright silvery on entering the rivers.

Oncorhynchus kennerlyi, the Red Fish — This species appears to be,
for the most part, an inhabitant of lakes that have no outlet, and is
thus debarred from taking a trip to the ocean. Living in the lakes
as ordinary salmon do in the sea, it runs up the rivers that flow into
them, and deposits its ova in their clear water, just as other salmon
run up the rivers flowing into the sea.

After spawning, other salmon become redder in their external
coloration, and are "redfish," but this is the " Redfish "^ar excellence
of the Indians, the valued fish of the lakes, to procure which they
take long journeys.

54

The Redfish attains a weight of from four to five pounds.

Salmo henslimvi, the Silver Trout — Two species of trout, S. tsuppitch
and S. hensliawi, commonly called the Black and the Silver Trout, were
once supposed to inhabit Lake Tahoe and other lakes, but S. tsuppitch
proves to be a salmon instead of a trout, leaving »S'a/'?7io henfihaiui in sole
possession as at once the Silver and the Black Trout of Lake Tahoe.
Again and again has the writer examined the so called Black Trout of
Lake Tahoe, in the endeavor to find any difference between it and the
Silver Trout, and has failed. Head, teeth, gill-covers, fins, tail, all
external characters of form, were alike. Yet the dealers make out two
species; and in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Science we
have what purport to be specimens of both, presented by the Accli-
matization Society. These. also I examined with the same result as-
with tlje fresh specimens. Salmo tsuppitch, the Black Trout, wassaid
to be without teeth upon the hyoid bone. Occasionally a large trout
without these teeth would occur, but invariably it was a particularly
silvery and unspotted individual. If there were two species, it became
evident that it was the Silver Trout that was without these teeth ; yet
other silvery trout had them. At last Professor Jordan claimed that
he had found the real tsuppitch in the Columbia, and that he believed
all the trout in Lake Tahoe were henshawi. It is well known that
the delicate hyoid teeth become worn off by age or accident, in many
cases. The Black Trout of the dealers must, therefore, be a myth, so
far as species is concerned ; yet, as those called " black " usually arrive
here at a different season of the year than those called " silver " (which
are often as dark as the black), it is not unlikely that there may be
some peculiarity in the flesh, especially as the dealers profess to find
a difference in firmness between them.

S. henshawi is sparselj^ covered with rather large dark round
spots.

It reaches a weight of two or three pounds. Large quantities are
sent from Wadsworth, on the Central Pacific Railroad, to the mar-
kets of San Francisco.

It is not confined to the lake it is named after, but occurs also in
other mountain lakes, and in the Sacramento River, but it has not yet
been traced to salt water.

Salmo iricleus, the Brook Trout — This is the almost universally
diffused brook trout of the streams of this State, and is, when adult,
singularly handsome, glowing w^ith peculiarly shaped spots or short
bars of metallic golden green.

It has been generally catalogued as an exclusively fresh water fish,,
but it appears to share to some extent the anadromous habits of Salmo
solar — as "sea trout" — possessing all the characters of Salmo irideus
except the color, which is light, almost uniform, silver}^, are fre-
quently brought to the markets of San Francisco during the winter
months, and there is little or no doubt that these are iridea which
have left the streams for a more or less prolonged visit to salt water.

The fact is that all trout although for the most part inhabitants
of fresh water, take occasional trips to the sea when the waters
they inhabit are favorably situated for the purpose. ;S*. irideus is
usually of small size, not exceeding a foot in length, but under
favorable circumstances reaches eighteen inches. In the Columbia
it is rare, but Professor Jordan saw a few from a stream above
Astoria.

65

The fish is seldom brought into the markets of San Francisco
from fresh water.

Salmo myJciss, Hard-head, and Black Salmon — This is an exceed-
ingly large trout, equal or superior in size to One. nerka, since it
reaches a weight of from fourteen to eighteen pounds. It inhabits
the mouths of large rivers, such as the Columbia, Fraser, Skeena,
etc., and is occasionally found in Puget Sound. It appears to spawn
in spring, somewat earlier than the salmon, and occurs upon the
coast at the same time with the latter. It is believed to be migra-
tory. In some regions it is esteemed as a food fish, but in the
Columbia the flesh is very w^hite, and it is considered valueless.
The body is less deep than that of a salmon, and the tail much
heavier.

Salmo clarki, Oregon Trout, Salmon Trout — This species is very
abundant in all lakes and rivers north Mount Shasta, but is n(;t
found south of that locality. It is abundant in salt water in Puget
Sound, w'here it is taken in seines in great numbers. It reaches a
weight of from two to three pounds, and is reckoned an excellent
food fish.

Salvelinus malma, Dolly Varden Trout — The Charr is abundant
in the lakes and streams of the Cascade Range, from Central Oregon
northward, and is also very common in the salt waters of Puget
Sound, where many are taken in seines. Specimens obtained at
Seattle and in the markets at Victoria reached a weight of eleven
pounds, but in the mountain lakes and streams it does not exceed
three pounds. Many are brought in by the Indians at the places
before mentioned. It feeds freely on sticklebacks, herrings, etc., and
is an excellent food fish.

The Dolly Varden trout of the Upper Sacramento, formerly known
as Salvelinus bairdi, proves to be identical with this. Mr. Smith, who
is stationed at the fish-hatching establishment upon the McCloud
River, has examined many specimens, and finds that the characters
relied upon to distinguish them utterly fail. Teeth are present upon
the hyoid bone, in most examples from the McCloud, as in the typical
spedabilis. The supposed absence of these teeth was the chief char-
acter upon which bairdi was based.

Jrhjpomesus olidus, Surf Smelt — Professor Jordan did not meet with
this fish south of Monterey, and states that it is very abundant in
Puget Sound, where it spawns in the surf in the spring. It reaches
nearly a foot in length, is very fat, and is held in high esteem as a
pan fish. In the markets of San Francisco it is tolerably common,
but seldom exceeds eight inches in length.

Osmerus iMcificus, Eulachon, Candle-fish — The Eulachon has not
yet been recorded from the coast of California, but is abundant from
Oregon northward, ascending the rivers in enormous numbers, but
for no great distance. In the Columbia, as well as in Fraser and^
Nass Rivers, it is especially abundant. In Fraser River the run is.
in May. On Nass River is a factory for making Eulachon oil, which
is used as a substitute for cod-liver oil. When fresh it is one of thev
finest of pan fish. Many are pickled and shipped to San Francisco,^
where they are held in the highest esteem. Its use as Columbia^
River Sardines has been previously mentioned. The largest reaches^
a length of about ten inches.

Osmerus thaleichthys, Smelt, Small Silver-smelt — Tolerably com-
mon from Monterey Bay northward, but not running in such num-

56

bers as the two preceding smelts. It reaches six to eight inches long'
and from its smaller size and softer flesh is less valued than the
eulachon or surf-smelt. It rarely comes to San Francisco market in
very good condition, and hence is less salable than the spurious
smelts, of the family Atherinidse..

OsmerusaUenuatus, Slender Smelt — iVbout equal in size to the preced-
ing, but of a more attenuated form, with a straight lower jawjnstead
of a curved one, and a different upper surface of head. Not very
common in the markets of San Francisco. Hange not made out.

Albida i'M//?9es. Lady-fish — This world-wide species, which, though by
some classed with the herrings, differs from them in the rounded
form of the abdomen, which in the latter is compressed and sharp-
edged, and in the numerous pavement-like teeth of its mouth, is
apparently resident at San Diego, where it is rather common, and
is sold as a food fish along with the mullet. Its bright silvery color-
ation renders it salable, but it is not highly valued. It spawns late
in the autumn, and reaches a length of about a foot.

FAM. CLUPEIDyE — HERRINGS.

Including the Anchovies, this family has only five representatives
upon the coast of California, only three of which reach San Fran-
cisco.

Chqjea sagax, Sardine — This species occurs more or less abun-
dantly in our markets throughout by far the greater portion of the
year. In April and May those brought in are chiefly young, and it
]s commonest about July and August. The sardine may be distin-
guished from the herring by its thicker and more elongated body,
somewliat longer head, and striated gill-cover, as well as by the total
absence of teeth; by the even jaws (in the herring the lower jaw
projects); by the narrow pointed form of the area included between
the ridges on the top of the head, and by the row of spots on the
sides. At San Diego it is even more abundant than at San Fran-
cisco, and is taken from the wharves with hook and line.

This species is very close to, if not identical with the Clupea pil-
chardus of Europe, the young of which are the sardines put up in oil
that are so highly prized. It appears strange that no attempt in this
direction has been made in California.

Clupea mirabilis, Herring— The herring of this coast is,_ on the
whole, slightly smaller than that of the Atlantic, and since it is not
salted or dried to any great extent, it does not figure so largely as an
article of food. This, however, is not due to any scarcity of thefish,
which occurs in shoals along the coast of California in the winter
season, and is still more abundant northward. During some of the
winter months, the bulk of the fish brought into San Francisco
market consists of these species. In September the first of the season
are taken. In November it becomes abundant, and in March or
April falls off and disappears. Some have been cured in Hum-
boldt Bay, but are said to be very poor; indeed, it is stated
that the herring found along the Pacific Coast of the United States
are far inferior to those taken between Puget Sound and Oona-
lashka. At the latter place the Alaska Fish Company put up a
small quantity, and the Cutting Packing Company salt some at Sitka.
The Indians press the whole fish for oil, and the spawn is kept to
form part of their winter stock of food. At Puget Sound many

57

l)arrels are sometimes taken at one haul of the seine. It reaches
about a foot in length, and spawns in Januarj'- at San Diego, but
much later on the northern part of our coast. It is nowhere much
valued.

Clupea {alosa), saiyidissi'ma, Shad — This species has prospered since
its introduction into the Sacramento, and is now brought to market
pretty regularly, although it still bears a high price. As in the Atlan-
tic States, it descends to the sea at intervals, and the locality chosen
by a large proportion of the species is the Bay of Monterey. Others
scatter to a greater distance, as Professor Jordan took two examples
on the Columbia River; and it has also been taken as far south as
Wilmington. The largest shad I have 3'et heard of on this coast was
sold in the spring of this year, by Messrs. Spence & Johnson, of the
California Market. This individual measured twenty-six inches in
length, nine and a half in width, and weighed eight pounds and a
half. One of about the same dimensions, but not quite so heavy, was
sold by the same dealers last year.

Stolephorus rmgens, Anchovy — This is one of the most abundant of
the finny tribe along the coast of California, and although not taken
largely by the fishermen, is of great indirect service to man, since it
forms a large part of the diet of other fishes. Even the tomcod, itself
the prey of almost every fish used for food, devours its share of S.
■ringens. It frequents quiet bays. Two other species of anchovy occur
in the southern part of California, viz.: S. compressus and S. delicatis-
simus. Both of these species differ widely in color from iS. ringens,
being yellowish, with a silvery streak along the flanks, instead of
deep bluish.

In S. compressus the oval fin is much longer than in either of the
other species. S. compressus reaches a length of about five inches,
and is very abundant in the Bays of San Pedro and San Diego. It
is not eaten, as its flesh is very dry.

S. ringens is chiefly used for bait, especially by the Chinese, who
salt it for that purpose. In San Francisco market it is occasionally
j)ickled with spices. It reaches a length of six inches.

S. delicalissimus is a very small species.

ORDER APODES, FISHES WITHOUT VENTRAL FINS.

This order, which includes numerous fishes having an extremely
■elongated form, with numerous vertebrae, very small branchial aper-
tures, no ventral fins, and fin rays of simple structure, is but poorly
represented on this coast, since only the specimens occur within the
limits of California, and one or two others farther north. All of these
are marine.

Murtvna mordax, Conger Eel, Congaree — The Conger is abundant
about Santa Catalina Island, and at San Diego, where it lives among
rocks near tide marks, and may sometimes be taken on land. It is
very pugnacious, striking like a snake. The flesh is fat and pala-
table like that of the fresh water eel, and as it reaches a length of
five feet, and a weight of fifteen to twenty pounds, it is esteemed as
food, although the skin is reputed to be poisonous.

8^

5S

ORDER CHONDROSTEI — STURGEONS.

The four species catalogued from this coast, have dwindled to twa
upon further examination. Acipenser hracliyrhynchus, the large
short-nosed sturgeon, of the Bay of San Francisco, proves to be
identical Avith A. transmontamis of the Columbia River; while the
A. acufirostris or sharp-nosed sturgeon of Ayres is the young of the
same species.

The only other species, although no sharper-nosed than the pre-
ceding, must bear Ayres' name of medirostris, while the A. acutirostiis
of Gunther (Cat. Fish. Brit. Mus. VIII. 344), and the A. agassizii of
Dumeril, are but the young of this species. Both have the snout
acutely pointed when young, and becoming more bluff with age.

Acipenser transmontanus, White or Common Sturgeon — This stur-
geon is common in all bays and large rivers from San Francisco
northwards, and is taken in great numbers on the Sacramento,.
Columbia, and Fraser Rivers. It feeds to a considerable extent on
Crustacea, and Fraser River gorges itself with the eulachon.

It runs up the rivers in the spring with the salmon. It reaches
eight, ten, and even twelve feet in length, and a weight of six hun-
dred pounds, but most of those brought to market are much
smaller, from twenty-five to fifty pounds. The flesh is largely con-
sumed in this city, and is very cheap. Much of it is smoked. The-
eggs are used as caviare, and are much esteemed bj^ Germans and
other Europeans.

Acix)enser medirostris, Green Sturgeon — The distribution and
habits of this species are the same as those of the preceding, but it is-
much less abundant, and though a large species, is probably inferior
in size. It is not eaten, as it has the reputation of being poisonous.
The smaller number of plates in the lateral line, the greater striation
of all the plates, and the different position of the anal fin, are char-
acters by which it is easily distinguished, to say nothing of the green
color of the flesh, which is probably the cause of its bad reputation
and certainly prevents its sale as " sea bass." The flesh is in reality
as good as that of the white sturgeon.

CLASS — ELASMOBRANCHII.

The Elasmobrancliii, or Sharks and Rays, are fishes of a generalized
type, difl'ering widely on the one hand from the true bony fishes, and
on the other from the far less organized lampreys and myxines. In
the days when it was believed possible to arrange all the forms of life
in a straight line, ascending or descending, naturalists were puzzled
to know where to place these creatures. In some part of their struc-
ture they seem to be as far above true fishes as in others they are
below it. The brain is in many respects superior to that of a typical
fish, such as a perch or salmon, and the arrangements for securing
the reproduction of the species approach in complexity those of the
mammalia. On the other hand, the skeleton is cartilaginous and
imperfectly developed, and by far the greater number are without a
gill covering. The development of the reproductive organs varies
greatly in the difierent families and genera of this class; some are
oviparous, but produce few and large eggs, while in others the young-
are hatched within the body of the mother, and in some species of
sharks a rudimentary placenta is formed, the vascular wall of the

59

umbilical sac becoming plaited, and iiiterdigitating with similar
folds of the walls of the uterus.

The great majority of the Teleostei, or true fishes, deposit an
immense number of ova; but some, as the Embiotocidse, or vivip-
arous perch of this coast, are ovoviviparous, that is, the young are
hatched within the ovary. In these cases, however, there is no trace
of a jDlacenta developed, as in the Elasmobranchs. But there is
another and greater difference. In true fishes there is no union of
the sexes. The milt of the male is squeezed out over the ova of the
female — the two sexes, in some cases at least, assisting each other in
the operation by rubbing their bodies togetlier. But in the Sharks
and Rays, fertilization is secured in the same manner as in all ver-
tebrates above fishes, as Avell as in insects, Crustacea, spiders, etc.,
namely, by the direct introduction of the male element into the
female reproductive organs. In this respect the Teleostei, however
specialized in other matters, took a step downwards, while the Elasmo-
branchs foreshadow, in their oviparous forms, the higher oviparous
vertebrates, and in their viviparous forms tlie mammalia. While
in the Teleostei the two sexes are usually much alike, and are distin-
guished externally only by slight differences in the form of the
abdomen, or in the color (especially at the breeding season), the
males of the Elasmobranchs may be readily distinguished by the
pair of large organs known as " claspers," which are really intromit-
tent organs.

The skin of the members of this class is more or less studded with
calcified papillae, forming, when the papillse are numerous and
thickly set, what is known as shagreen; and the entire skeleton is
cartilaginous.

This class is divided into two orders, the first of which includes
only the Chimsera and its allies, which are characterized by the
coalescence with the skull of the cartilage forming the upper jaw and
palate, and by the presence of a single gill-opening only, and the
Plagiostomi, or Sharks and Rays, in which the jaws are distinct
from the skull, and there are from five to seven gill-openings. The
pouches within these branchial slits are narrow, and divided from
each other by a membrane, but the respiratory processes do not
extend to their edges, except in Chimsera and its allies.

The Sharks and Rays, the two sub-orders of the Plagiostomi, are
distinguished from each other chiefly by tlie more or less cylindrical
form and lateral gill-openings of the former, and the depressed body
and ventrally situated gill-openings of the latter. But the two orders
approach closely by such forms as the depressed monkfish and the
sawfish {Pristiophorus), with lateral gill-openings, and the scarcely
more depressed sawfish (Pristls), with gill-openings on the under
surface.

ORDER HOLOCEPHALI — CHIMERAS.

Chimera collici, Rat-tail, Rat-fish — This species, the Pacific rep-
resentative of the Chimsera m.onstruosa of the Atlantic, is by no
means rare on all parts of the North American coast north of Point
Concepcion, and is occasionally, on account of its bizarre appear-
ance, brought into the market of San Francisco as a curiosity.
In museums it is one of the most ordinarily occurring species, for
every novice in icthyology who procures one, believes that such
thing was never seen before, and forwards it accordingly.

60

The two sexes of the chimsera differ widely in appearance. The
female is larger and stouter than the male, and has less singularity
of form, but the smaller male has upon the snout a curious cartila-
ginous organ, armed with recurved teeth on its button-like extrem-
ity. This projection can be used on occasion as a weapon of defense,
but its normal use is that of a prehensile organ, subservient to the
purpose of reproduction. The claspers of the male are of complex
structure.

While performing the reproductive act, the shorter male holds the
female lightly grasped by the pectoral fin, by means of the hooked
projection upon its forehead.

This fish frequents ratlier deep bays, feeds on fishes and marine
invertebrates, and takes the hook readily. It spawns in July, and
its egg-cases are long and slender, and unprovided with tentacles.
The liver is extremely large and fat, but the fish, which does not
exceed twenty to twenty-four inches in length, with a w^eight of from
six to eight pounds, is too small to allow of its profitable pursuit.

SUB-ORDER BATID^ — RAYS AND SKATES.

In the typical rays, Raiidse Dasybatidse, the trunk is surrounded
by the immensely developed pectoral fins, so that it forms a broad,
flat disk, from which protrudes posteriorly a more or less long and
slender tail. Some of the genera, however, approach the sharks,
having a thick tail, and much of the body free from the pectorals.
The gill openings are five in number, and are always on the lower
surface of the body. Spiracles (breathing holes), are always present ;
there is no anal fin, and the dorsal fins, if present, are quite small
and placed upon the tail. Fourteen species are now known to
inhabit our coast, and all but three are peculiar to the west coast of
North America. Previous to the visit of Professor Jordan, only
seven were known to occur.

Myliobatis calif or nicus, Stingaree, Sting Ray, Eagle Ray — This
species is abundant along our coast at least as far north as Tomales
Bay; and along the northern portion of its range is the only sting
ray known. As the pectoral fins are not continued around the
head, the sides of which are free, Myliobatis is not classed with the
Dasybaiidx.

The Eagle Ray is especially abundant on sandy shores, and is very
destructive to oysters, for the mastication of which, the broad flat
surface presented by its hexagonal pavement like teeth is peculiarly
fitted. Ic also devours Crustacea and fishes, and reaches a weight of
seventy-five pounds. It is not eaten by whites, but is occasionally
dried by the Chinese.

Probably the same as Myliobatis aquila of the Mediterranean,
Atlantic, and Australian Coasts.

Mania birostris, Sea Vampire — This gigantic species, which reaches
fifteen to twenty feet in width, is said to occur on the extreme south-
ern part of our coast. The mouth is wide, at the anterior extremity
of the body, and contains teeth only in the lower jaw. These are
small but numerous, in about a hundred longitudinal rows. This
species is also called the Devil Fish, and has been said to carry down
men beneath its outstretched pectorals. It is best known from the
Atlantic, and is common in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gl

FAM. DASYBATIDyE — STING RAYS.

Like the Raiidse this family has the pectoral fins continued around
the front of the head and confluent at the extremity of the snout,
but unlike them the tail is armed with a strong serrated spine
capable of inflicting considerable damage.

Three species are known to occur on our coast, one of which, Urolo-
2)hus halleri, Round Sting Ray, is abundant in every bay and lagoon
and along sandy shores south of Point Conception, especially in San
Diego Bay. Although the smallest of the species, reaching a length
of eighteen inches only, it is the most dangerous, having great mus-
cular power in its tail and striking quickly and accurately. It is not
eaten though often taken in nets. An example thus taken was seen
b}' Professor Jordan to strike its " sting " quite through the body of
another one.

Dasybatis dipterurus is rather abundant in San Diego Bay, and,
in summer, many were seen of from two to two and a half feet
in length, without the tail.

Pteroplatea marmorata, is far broader than it is long, reaching two
and a half feet in width and two feet in length. It is common on
bays and on sandy shores from Santa Barbara southwards. The
large individuals taken at San Pedro are sent to Los Angeles, where
they are eaten by the French residents. It is the only ray eaten
there.

FAM. RAIIDyE — RAYS, SKATES.

Five species of this faintly are now known to be found upon our
coast, four of them discovered and described this year by Messrs.
Jordan and Gilbert.

Zapteryx exasperatus, abundant in San Diego Bay in winter, is too
small for use as food; and Raia stellulata, which in winter and
spring is very abundant in Monterey Bay, is not sent to market on
account of its very rough skin and dark brown color, which render
it less salable than the other rays.

Large numbers of both adult and young are taken in gill nets. It
reaches two to two and a half feet in length.

Raia rliina ranges from Monterey to Vancouver, is often taken with
hook and line from the wharf at Seattle, and is brought to San
Francisco market in company with the other rays. Elsewhere it is
seldom eaten, and is nowhere much valued. It reaches a length of
two and a half to three feet.

Raia binoculata, is on the whole the most abundant species of ray
in tlie markets of San Francisco, and is common along the coast
from thence to Monterey. Those brought to market are mostly
caught in the immediate vicinity. It reaches a length of two to two
and a half feet. The French are the chief consumers of this fish,,
and eat it in the form of Rale avec buerre noir.

Raia cooperi — This is the giant of its tribe, reaching a length
of from five to six feet, and a weight of sixty pounds or more.
Those sent to San Francisco market are usually much smaller,
but examples three to four feet long may be seen there. From
the preceding species it may be known at sight by the white spots
upon its upper surface. It is abundant all along the coast from
Monterey to Alaska, especially in Puget Sound, frequenting bays and
sandy shores, and feeding on Crustacea and fishes. It is taken both

62

in nets and with hooks. Its egg cases, deposited in July, are about a
foot in length, and squarish with short tentacles at the angles. It
is seldom eaten except at San Francisco, and yields but little oil.

FAM. TORPEDINIDiE TORPEDOES.

Torpedo caUfornica is not often taken in the Bay of San Francisco,
but is tolerably common in the Bays of Tomales and Monterey. The
fishermen in the latter bay do not appear to have seen any very
large examples, but in the spring of this year one was brought to this
city from Tomales Bay of the respectable length of three feet and
half an inch, and measuring two feet across the disk. The width
across the ventrals was thirteen inches, the eyes were three inches
apart, and the spiracles an inch in length. The Italian fishermen
call it Tremulo. When fresh it is of a leaden color above, with darker
spots, and white below.

FAM. RHINOBATID^.

Rhinobatus produdus, Shovel-nose Shark, Guitar — The name
guitar refers to the form of this fish, intermediate between that of a
ray and a shark, having the thick tail of the latter, and the expanded
pectoral fins of the former. It is tolerably common in the Bay of
San Francisco and abundant in those of San Pedro and San Diego,
residing on muddy and sandy bottoms, and bringing forth its young
in August. It reaches a length of two feet or more. The tail is eaten
by the Chinese and Mexicans, but is not valued. Otherwise it is only
used as a bait for lobsters {Panidirus).

Rhinobatus triseriatus, Guitar — This species is much more ray-like
in its form than the i:»receding, the disk formed by the pectoral fins
predominating entirely over the rest of the body, the hinder portion
differs only from that of a skate by its somewhat greater thickness.
But the true skates or rays {Raiidaz), are oviparous, while the present
species, like the preceding and all the PJiinobatidx, is viviparous.
Three or four young are produced in each ovarial sac, and are brought
forth in August. It reaches a length of two feet, and a weight of
four pounds. It is not used.

SUB-ORDER SQUALI — SHARKS.

Until Professor Jordan commenced his researches this year, only
nine species of sharks were on record from this coast, of which three
only, viz.. Triads semifasciatus, Notorliynchus macidatus, and Hetero-
dontus francisi, were peculiar to it. The list is now increased to
twenty, but all the newly recorded species are well known forms
inhabiting the opposite coast of the Pacific, or more commonly the
Atlantic, and Mediterranean also, so that it appears probable that all
the species found in the Atlantic will ultimately be found here.

None of the sharks are used as food by the white inhabitants of
this coast, but oil is expressed from the livers of some, and "sharks
fins" are sold to the Chinese. In Europe some of the smaller sharks
or dog-fishes are eaten.

Some of the sharks have spiracles, or breathing holes, but others
are without them; the dorsal fins are large, usually two in number,
and placed upon the body, and an anal fin is usually present. In

G3

some of the species the eye is protected, like that of birds, by a nicti-
lating membrane, or interior eyelid.

Squatina angelus, Angel-fish, Angelo, Monk-fish — This curious
species is in many respects intermediate between the sharks and the
rays, while it differs from both in the terminal position of tlie mouth.
It is tolerably common in Tomales, San Francisco, and Monterey
Bays, and thence southward. It reaches a length of five feet and a
weight of seventy-five pounds, and ranges throughout the Pacific
•and Atlantic Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean. The monk-
fish has no anal fin, the pectorals are expanded horizontally, ray
fashion, and the dorsals are situated upon the tail portion of the body.

Heterodontus fraricisi, Leopard Shark — This siiark is found at
least as far north as Monterey Bay, and is abundant at San Diego
and San Pedro Bays. It spawns in winter, and its egg-cases are
large, cylindrical, and a spirall}^ twisted fringe around them. It
reaches two and a half feet in length.

This species extends along the coast of Mexico, but is apparently
distinct from the Australian species. The family to which it belongs
is remarkable for its broad rolls, formed by the oblique series of
large lateral teeth in the jaws.

Notorliynchus maculatus — This shark has seven gill openings, has
been found at several points from Monterey northward to Puget
Sound. The teeth of the lower jaw are set with numerous cusps
upon their exterior edges. It attains a length of seven feet or more.
Professor Jordan has lately obtained ot a species of Hexanchus having
six gill openings on each side. This he has named H. corinus. These
species have one dorsal only ; and the eye is without a nictitating
membrane.

Alopias vnlpes, Fox Shark, Thresher — This species does not appear
to be common upon this coast, but undoubtedly occurs. It is
reported by Ayres from Tomales Bay ; and a tail, which in this fish
is nearly equal in length to the rest of the body, and is thus enough
for identification, was found by Professor Jordan at Monterey. It is
occasionally taken in seines at Soqueh

This species is found also in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The story that it attacks the whale appears to lack proof, as it is
difficult to understand how it could inflict much mischief on so
large an animal by striking it with its tail as is reported. It reaches
a length of thirteen feet.

Catulus ventricosus, Ground Shark, Puffer Shark — This species does
not appear to occur north of Monterey Bay, but is tolerably abun-
dant at Santa Barbara in the winter, where it lives among the kelp,
and is often caught in the lobster-pots set to catch the craw-fish or
spiny lobster {PanuUrus intemiptus), which is sent from Santa Bar-
bara to San Francisco in great numbers. The pots are baited with
salted fish of which the puffer appears to be very fond. None are
seen in summer. This shark has acquired its vernacular name from
its habit of inflating its stomach with air, after the fashion of a globe
fish {Diodon. Tetrodon), when it is made prisoner. It reaches two
and a half feet in length and is of no value to man. In February the
eggs are ready for extrusion, and this may account for its presence
near shore. The egg cases are flat, oblong, and quadrangular, with
very long tentacles at the angles.

Cetorhinus maxiTnus, the ■ Basking Shark — This is one of those
widely spread forms that inhabit both the Pacific and the Atlantic ;

64

occurring alike off the coasts of Ireland and California. It is one of
the giants of the finny tribe, attaining a length of more than thirtj-
feet, but, spite of its size, is one of the least formidable of sharks. Its
teeth are very small ; showing that, like the giant cetaceans, it is not
adapted to prey upon large animals. Its presence on this coast was
not known to naturalists until Professor Jordan noted its presence
in Monterey Bay. The first example measured was thirty-one feet
in length. Since then, others have been brought or cast ashore.

The name of Basking Shark has been given to this fish on account
of its lazy habit of resting upon the surface of the water, with its
dorsal fin exposed.

It is occasionally harpooned in INIonterej^ Bay, and now and then
becomes entangled in the gill nets. The livers are utilized for oil.

Sphyrna zygsena, Hammer-head Shark — This shark appears to
be tolerably abundant in Lower California, since several examples
were obtained there by W. I. Fisher in 187(5 and 1877, one of them
about fourteen feet long. An example, taken at San Pedro, was sent
to the Smithsonian Institute by Dr. Cooper. None of the finny
inhabitants of- the seas can show a more singularly shaped anterior
extremity than this species, which has its eyes placed at the end of
the transverse prolongations of the head, each of which is as broad
as it is long. The species occurs in all tropical and sub-tropical seas.

Mustelns hinnulus, the Dog Shark, and Bhinotriacis henlei, also
called the Dog Shark, are usuallj^ about two feet and a half long, but
occasionally more, and are used only for bait. The former is known
to feed chiefly on Crustacea and small fish. Neither are on record
north of San Francisco. Both are Atlantic species.

IViacis semifasciatus, Leopard Shark, Cat Shark — This species is
abundant in Humboldt Bay, and thence southward, and is very
common everywhere, frequenting sandy shores and entering lagoons
in summer to spawn. It attains a length of five feet, but yields-
hardly any oil, and thus is of no economic value. Peculiar to this
coast.

Galeorhinus galeus, Tope, Oil Shark — Very abundant everywhere
south of San Francisco from May to August, when it enters lagoons
to spawn, and is taken in great numbers for the oil furnished by
the liver. Sequel and Monterey, and more especiall}^ Westminster
and Newport, near San Luis Obispo, are the places where this fishery
is carried on. It feeds on any other fish, but herring and similar
silvery fish make the best bait. It attains a length of five feet, and
a weight of fifty or sixty pounds, but thirty-five to forty pounds is-
more usual.

From two thirds of a gallon to a gallon of oil is obtained from the
liver. The pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins are cut off and sold to
the Chinese, at twelve and a half cents per pound, for soup fish.

The Tope occurs in all temperate and tropical seas, as do also Gal-
eoeerdo tigrinns, Carcharinus glaucus, and Enlamia lamia. The second
of these is the Blue Shark of the British coast, and attains a length
of eleven feet.

Lamna cornM^ica (Porbeagle); Isurus oxyrhyncJms — These two allied
species seem to be rare on this coast, j^et undoubtedly occur. Doctor
C. L. Anderson, of Santa Cruz, has a drawing of an example of the
former species taken at that place in 1879, and the jaws of another
specimen were procured by Professor Jordan at Wilmington. A
small individual of the latter species was sent from Monterey Bay-

65

to San Francisco in August last as a curiosity, and was secured by
Professor Jordan. It is common in the British Channel, and occurs
in the Mediterranean, in the Atlantic Ocean, and on the shores of
Japan.

The Isurus is found on the Atlantic Coast of the United States.

Carcharodon carcharias, Man eater, White Shark, Great Blue Shark —
The White Shark, the terror of the waters, the "man eater" who
swallows sailors and carries off innocent bathers, has been found in
Monterey Bay. Lest this announcement should bring ruin to the
bathing-houses of Santa Cruz and Monterey, it is well to remark that
either because of his comparative rarity, or because he has not yet
learned to relish the taste of Caucasian flesh, he does not appear to
have ever made off with any of the fair Nereides who frequent those
well known beaches Professor Jordan secured the jaws of an exam-
ple twenty feet in length, taken at Soquel this year, and records the
capture of one twenty feet in length at Carmelo. A few years ago a
young sealion, weighing one hundred pounds, was taken from the
stomach of one of these monsters caught at Soquel.

The only useful part of this fish is the liver, from which oil is
expressed. This large and dangerous shark, which attains a length
of thirty-six feet, occurs in all oceans and large seas of temperate
and tropical regions.

Somniosus microcephcdus, Black Ground Shark, Nurse Shark — This
species is not recorded south of Puget Sound, where it is not very
uncommon, and is occasionally taken on trawl lines set for dog-fish.
It attains a length of eight feet, and is very sluggish, lying ni the
water like a log. The livers are used for making " Dog-fish Oil."

Squalus accmthias, L., Dog-fish, Spinarola — The "Piked Dog-fish,"
is found at Santa Barbara and Monterey, but is not abundant south
of Puget Sound, where it is taken in vast quantities for the oil in its
liver. It has a long spine before each of the two dorcals.

It inhabits deep or quiet bays and channels, and comes into shal-
low water in pursuit of schools of herring and salmon. Its chief
food is the herring, but it eats everything it can, even its own young,
which in Puget Sound are born in June.

It reaches a length of three feet, and inhabits all temperate seas of
both the northern and the southern hemispheres. It occurs on the
coast of Alaska as far north as Kodiak.

CLASS MARSIPOBRANCHII.

Entosphenus tridentatiis, Large Lamprey — The species of Lamprey,
formerly supposed to be five, have under investigation dwindled to
two, namely the small Ammocoetes plumbeus and the large Entosphenus
tridentatus.

The latter reaches a length of two feet, is extremely fat, and has
been observed at various points from Santa Cruz to Puget Sound.
Like other lampreys it ascends rivers in spring to spawn. It runs
np the Columbia in June. In Humboldt county, and probably else-
where, it is occasionally eaten.

Ammocostes 2^lumbeus,ihe small Lamprey or Lamperina, is very thin
and small, often only about six inches long, and never over a foot.

Polistotrema dombeyi, Hag — The habits of the Myxines or Hags
are, in a general way, well known, but the writer had never wit-
9^

66

nessed the result of their ravages until this summer, when, on a
visit to Monterey, where it is especially abundant, he was shown
by Professor Jordan several rock cod which had been literally
eaten alive by them, and had washed ashore mere shells. The
hag enters by the gills, or occasionally by devouring the eye, and
eats its way into the flesh of its victim, consuming it until it dies
of weakness, but presumably leaving, like the ichneumons that
prey upon butterfly caterpillars, the vital parts untouched till last.
Shells of fishes thus eaten are frequently found in Monterey Bay,
and are usually quite fresh, as if but just dead. The hag is fitted
for its work by its suctorial mouth, terminal, soft, unprovided with
jaws, and forming a round opening when in use, as well as by
two rows of teeth on each side of the gullet. The mouth is sur-
rounded by barbels, and in preserved examples is scarcely visible.
The aspect of the hag, the lowest of vertebrates except the lancelet
(if the latter has any right to be called a vertebrate), is strongly sug-
gestive of a relationship between worms and vertebrates, and the
observer can scarcely maintain the superiority of such a creature as
this over beings organized as intricately as insects and Crustacea. In
form it is wormlike. There is no fin above or below to break the
continuous round body, and the barbels suggest a worm, rather than
a vertebrate; yet a vertebrate it undoubtedly is, having the nervous
system and backbone of a vertebrate, although the former is of low
order, and the latter is but a cartilaginous rod, with a rudimentary''
cranial expansion at its anterior extremity.

This species, which is widely spread, was first noticed as Californian
by myself, and was described as new, under the name of Bdellostoma
stouti, from an example taken in Eel River, Humboldt County,
California — a river which derives its name not from the presence of
eels, but of lampreys and hags, both of which are sold for food as
eels. The number of gill openings is not — at least in some examples —
equal on both sides, but is twelve on one side and eleven on the
other.

The fishermen of Monterey declare that one of these parasitic fishes
will devour a fish of six to eight pounds weight in a single night. It
is especially destructive to fish taken in gill-nets. When the hulk
is taken out of the net, the hag scrambles out with great alacrity.
It reaches a length of fourteen inches, and is not used for food at
Monterey.

67

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.

The following is on account of receipts and expenditures since our
last report :

Jteceipts.

November 1, 1879 — By cash on hand as per last report $3,873 70

July 29, 1880— By cash. State appropriation 5,000 00

Total _$8>873 70

Expenditures.

November 1, 1879— To paid H. C. Marks, balance due, copying report for printer .._ $60 00
November 23, 1879— To paid Cowdery & Preston, attorneys, in suits in Fishways,

Stanislaus, and Merced 23 00

December 24, 1879 — To paid expense in transporting 300 carp from Washington oC -■=>

December 27, 1879 — To paid Livingston Stone, on account of hatching 2,500,000

salmon lj054 50

January 1, 18S0— To paid half month fish hatching, J. G. Woodbury, December,

$75; coas oil, express, wood, and sundries, $23 45 98 45

January 3, 1880— To paid postage on reports, $5 ; express on 50,000 trout eggs, $22 60_ 27 60
January 26, 1880- To paid L. Stone, 50,000 trout eggs, $204 80; S. P. Baird, eleven

fish cans, $73 60 278 40

January 26, 1880— To paid H. Pither, 2,500 cat-fish, barrels, and express __ 80 60

January 26, 1880— To paid drafts exchange, $1 00; Wells, Fargo & Company, ex-

pressage on cat-fish, $9 75 10 75

January 31, 1880— To paid Stratton, cartage, $2; brush and broom, $2 35 4 35

January 31, 1880 — To paid J. G. Woodbury, on account of January, fish hatching. __ 30 00

February 3, 1880— To paid J. A. Richardson, three quarter month's labor, January__ 75 00
February 16, 1880— To paid Marks, copying notices, $1 0 ; J. G. Woodbury, on account

offish hatching,$60 70 00

February 20, 1880— To paid expense for distributing cat-fish in Alameda 6 40

March 6, 1880 — To paid dravage and express, $2; "Woodbury, balance for January.

fish hatching. $60. " 62 00

April 3, 1880— To paid two telegrams, $1 15; Stratton, cartage, $7; brush, etc., $2 50_ 10 65

April 26, 1880— To paid J. B. Campbell, 33,000 trout eggs, $100: express, etc., $3 50. 103 60

April 26, 1880 — To paid J. A. Puchardson, three months' labor to M.ay first 300 00

May 6, 1880 — To paid freight, express, salt, telegrams, paint, and other items 18 85

May 6, 1880 — To peid Woodbury, three months' fish hatching to May first 450 00

June 7, 1880 — To paid People's Ice Company's bill, ice, February to May 38 80

June 17, 1880 — To paid fare of assistants for transporting shad to Tehama 38 25

June 25, 1880 — To paid express on cans from Yosemite 90

July 1, 1880— To paid Woodbury, expenses on carp for Mare Island 24 65

July 15,1880 — To paid Marks, on account of labor, copying 20 00

July 16, 1880 — To paid A. W. Von Schmidt, examination of dams on Pitt River 100 00

July 30, 1880— To paid Marks, balance for labor, copying 80 00

July 30, 1880— To paid H. Pither, expense for distributing 5,300 cat-fish 122 70

August 2, 1880— To paid H. Pither, expense for distributing 2,500 cas-fish 65 50

August 2, 1880 — To paid L. Stone, balance due on hatching 2.500,000 salmon 45 60

October 11, 1880 — To paid express on fish cans to San Leandro 1 00

December 8, 1880 — To paid Lockington, report on Pacific Coast fish 100 00

December 8, 1880 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Company, express on cans, $1; J. H.

Stone, salmon statistics, $60 51 00

December 8, 1880 — To paid Marks, on account, copying report 20 00

December 17, 1880 — To paid H. Pither, catching, transporting, and distributing 2,750

cat-fish 96 50

December 22*, 1880 — To paid H. D. Dunn, gathering salmon statistics 20 00

December 22, 1880— To paid L. Stone, hatching 2.250.000 salmon 1,002 50

January 3, 1881 — To paid galvanized wire 1 25

January 3, 1881— On hand to balance 4,258 55

Total... - $8,873 70

68

This balance of $4,258 55 will be consumed in the hatching of
native and foreign fish during the present Winter, and in tiie impor-
tation of striped bass and shad in the Spring.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

B. B. REDDING,

S. R. THROCKMORTON,

J. D. FARWELL,

Fish Commissioners.

69

LIST OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

UNITED STATKS.

Prof. Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

ALABAMA.

Charles S. G. Doster Prattsville.

J). B. Hundley Courtland.

ARKANSAS.

N. B. Pierce Osage Mills.

CALIFORNIA.

S. R. Throckmorton San Francisco.

B. B. Redding San Francisco.

J. D. Farwell Niles, Alameda Co.

COLORADO.

W. E. Sisty Brookvale.

CONNECTICUT.

W. M.Hudson Hartford.

Robert G. Pike Middletown.

G. N. Woodruff Sherman.

GEORGIA.

Thomas P. James Atlanta.

ILLINOIS.

N. K. Fairbank Chicago.

S. P. Bartlett Quincy.

IOWA.

B. F. Shaw Anamosa.

KANSAS.

D. B. Long Ellsworth.

KENTUCKY.

Wm. Griffith, President Louisville.

Hon. John A. Sleel Midway.

Dr. Wm. Van Antwerp. Mount Sterling.

A. H. Goble Collettsburg.

Hon. C. J. Walton Munfordsville.

Dr. S. W. Coombs Bowling Green.

John B. Walker Madisonville.

W. C. Price Danville.

P. H. Darby Princeton.

Hon.M. J. Chambers. Independence, Kenton Co.

MAINE.

E. M. Stilwell Bangor.

Everett Smith Portland.

MARYLAND.

Major T. B. Ferguson Baltimore.

Thomas Hughlett Easton.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Theodore Lyman Brookline.

E. A. Brackett. Winchester.

Asa French Boston.

MICHIGAN.

Eli R. Miller Richland.

A. J. Kellogg Detroit.

Dr. J. C. Parker Grand Rapids.

MINNESOTA.

Daniel Cameron La Crescent.

Wm. W. Sweeney, M. D Red Wing.

R. Ormsby Sweeney St. Paul.

MISSOURI.

Hon. Silas Woodson St. Joseph.

Hon. H. Clay Ewing_ Jefferson City.

John Reid Lexington.

NEBRASKA.

R. R. Livingston . Plat-tsmouth.

H. S. Kelley Red Cloud.

W. L. May Fremont.

NEVADA.

H. G. Parker Carson City.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Samuel Webber Manchester.

Luther Hayes Soutli Milton.

Albina H. Powers Plymouth.

NEW JERSEY.

Dr. B. P. Howell Woodberry.

E. J. Anderson Trenton.

Theo. Morford Newton.

NEW YORK.

Hon. R. B. Roosevelt New York.

Edward M. Smith Rochester.

Richard U. Sherman New Hartford.

Eugene G.Blackford Brooklyn.

NORTH CAROLINA.

p. M. Wilson Raleigh.

OHIO.

J. C. Fisher Coshocton-

R. Cummings Toledo-

L. A. Harris Cincinnati.

PENNSYLVANIA.

r

H. J. Reider Easton.

B. L. Hewitt Hollidaysburg.

James Duffy Marietta.

John Hummel Selingsgrove.

Robert Dalzell Pittsburg.

G. M. Miller Wilkesbarre.

RHODE ISLAND.

Newton Dexter Providence.

John H. Barden Rockland.

Alfred A. Reid Providence.

70

SOUTH CAROLINA.

A. P. Butler Columbia.

TENNESSEE.

W. W. McDowell Memphis.

Geor2;e F. Akers Nashville.

Hon.^T. W. Tuiiey Kuoxville.

TEXAS.

J. H. Dinkins Austin.

UTAH.

Prof. J. L. Barfoot Salt Lake City.

VERMONT.

I WISCONSIN.

Governor William E. Smith Madison.

Philo Dunning Madison.

J. V. Jones Oshkosh.

C. L. Valentine Janesville.

Mark Douglas .._ Melrose, Jackson Co.

John F. Antisdel Milwaukee.

C. Hutchinson Beetown, Grant Co.

CANADA.

W. H. Whitcher Ottawa, Ontario.

S. Wilraot New Castle, Ontario.

NEW BRUNSWICK.

Dr. M. Goldsmith ___ Rutland. W. F. Venning St. John

Charles Barrett Grafton

VIRGINIA.

M. McDonald Lexington.

WEST VIROINIA.

Henry B. Miller Wheeling.

C. S. White Romney.

N. M. Lowrv Hinton.

NOVA SCOTIA.

W. H. Rogers Amherst.

PRINCE EDWARDS ISLAND.

J. H. Duvar Alberton.

BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Alex. C. Anderson Victoria.

REPORT

OK THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

KOR THK

Years 1881 and 1882.

>^

- 0 ^ // g

REPORT.

To his Excellericy George Stoneman, Governor of California :

The Commissioners of Fisheries of the State of California, appointed
under an Act of the Legislature, entitled "An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of the State,"
approved April 2, 1870, respectfully submit their seventh report.

SACRAMENTO SALMON.

The marked increase in the demand for salmon by the canning
establishments, arising from the growth and extension of that
important industry, has induced the Commission to endeavor to
increase the supply of this valuable fish, in order, if possible, to keep
pace with the demand ; and we now have the gratification of reporting
the successful hatching and distributing, this season, of four millions
of salmon in the waters of the State. The success of the artificial breed-
ing of this fish which has attended our former efforts, has led us to
believe that the Sacramento River may be made to produce an almost
unlimited supply, and with this view of its capabilities, we have this
season commenced the experiment of placing in that river and its
tributaries double ihe number heretofore planted. If this large
planting should give the same evidence of success in the increase of
fish which the planting of former years has exhibited, it will go far
towards encouraging the hope that the Sacramento River may be
made a great " fish farm," from which may be supplied all the salmon
that a largely increased business of the canning interests may require.
That the artificial breeding of salmon has largely increased the run
of fish in the river, is too clearly demonstrated in the increased pro-
duction of the canning establishments, to admit of a doubt.

It will be seen, by referring to former reports, that the business of
the canning of salmon has been as follows:

For the season ending August 1, 1875 5,098,781 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1876 5,.311,423 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1877 6,493,563 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1878 6,520,768 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1879 4,432,250 pounds.

Nowwe come to the results, as we think reasonably indicated, of
the artificial breeding.

It is a well settled fact that the reproduction of the salmon to its
full size requires four years; consequently the "output" of 1880 is
the first result of former planting. We now have the gratification of
registering the increased production as follows:

For the season ending August 1,1880 10,837,400 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1881 9,600,000 pounds.

For the season ending August 1, 1882 9,605,280 pounds.

This increase of production cannot reasonably be credited to an
increase in the number of canning establishments, as it is well known
that no such sudden and large increase of such facilities has taken
place; nor can it fairly be attributed to chance runs of fish into the
river. It is too regular and well sustained to be the result of accident.

In addition to the amount of salmon canned for export, it will be
seen by the detailed report of transportation, that 6,713,408 pounds of
salmon have been taken for home consumption. It may be well here
to add that the above statistics are not mere estimates, but reliable
information obtained from parties engaged in this business, and from
registers of internal transportation.

The Commission has much satisfaction in being able to report that
there now appears to exist a more harmonious feeling upon the
necessity of preserving the fish in our rivers. During the year last
past, from all the information we have, there has been exhibited, on
the part of the conductors of the canning business, a fair and earnest
desire to enforce the close season, and a commendable realization of
the importance of preserving the fish from wasteful destruction, and
allowing them to reach their breeding grounds in sufficient numbers.
But still there has been a great deal of surreptitious violation of the
laws by itinerant fishermen, whose depredations can only be pre-
vented by the people in the immediate neighborhood assisting in
enforcing the law; for it may here, we think, be pertinently remarked,
that the "American citizen," whilst exhibiting the highest order of
natural ability for the making of laws, seems to almost entirely over-
look the fact that it is also his privilege and duty, individually, to
aid in the enforcement of them. It has been frequently suggested to
the Commissioners, that they ask the Legislature for an additional
appropriation for the establishment of a " patrol police," to enforce
the laws as against these desultory depredations. We cannot see the
expediency of such an extravagance, for extravagance it w^ould be.
It would cost more to keep it up than any possible benefits derived
from it. There is no actual necessity for large expenditure by this
Commission, and the simpler and more economically it is conducted,
the better will the State be served.

STRIPED BASS.

During the last year we have repeated the effort of introducing
this valuable fish into the waters of the State, and we may add, this
coast, for it is a sea-going fish, as well as an inhabitant of inland
waters.

On the Eastern coast of the continent there is no other fish so highly
valued. It is exceedingly prolific. It inhabits the fresh waters
during all the Spring and Summer months, running in schools and
taking the hook readily, and varying in weight from one to five
pounds. When it takes on its sea-going form, it becomes a noble fish,
reaching in weight from seventy to one hundred pounds, and still at
even this great size, never losing its delicious flavor. We subjoin
the report of Mr. J. G. Woodbury, the present Superintendent of the
State Fishery, who made the trip East during the last Summer espe-
cially to bring out the striped bass, and W' hose success in the difficult
task of bringing across the continent fish of so large a size will best
illustrate his skill and care in so difficult an undertaking. It is hoped
by the Commission that this importation will soon exhibit its results :

REPORT OF J. G. WOODBURY ON STRIPED BASS.

San Francisco, July 31, 1882.

S. -R. Throckviorton, Esq., Chairynan California Fish Commission:

Dkar Sir: In accordance with your instructions to bring from the Atlantic Coast waters a
lot of striped bass fry, for the purpose of stocking the waters of the Pacific Coast, I proceeded
directly to Red Bank, New Jersey, which is on the Shrewsbury River, a few miles from the
ocean, from whose tidal waters it was known that young bass could be conveniently caught,
being the same place to which Mr. Livingston Stone had, on a former occasion, been directed
by your Commission. I arrived at Red Bank on June twenty-seventh, and, with a letter of
introduction, called upon Mr. G. H. Wild, the gentleman with whom you had been communi-
cating in regard to the best season for catching young bass. Mr. Wild, who had previously
interested himself in getting a permission from the New Jersey Fish Commissioners allowing
the Shrewsbury River to be seined for the young bass we desired to obtain, now heartily lent
his aid in securing men, boats, and seine to help catch the young fry. The next thing was to
devise some means to keep the young bass in safety, as they were caught from day to day, and
where they could be conveniently examined and fed if needful until the proposed number
had been caught. For this purpose I adopted the suggestion you made to me before leaving
San Francisco, which was to make a cage for them and anchor it in the current of the river.
This cage was to be six feet long by three feet square (to suit the width of the wire), the
bottom and top to be of boards, and the sides of galvanized wire to permit a free circulation
of the water, the top to have a door for easy access. Mr. William E. Cole, a well known
merchant of Red Bank, in his kindly interest in the success of our enterprise, insisted upon
making this cage himself, which he did in a very satisfactory manner, thus giving me more
time to devote to other urgent matters. You had written to Mr. Seth Green, Superintendent
of the New York Fish Commission, to send a man experienced in catching and handling fish,
and also a seine, to Red Bank, to meet me on my arrival from California. This gentleman
(Mr. E. L. Marks), owing to some delay consequent on making a shipment of fish, did not
reach Red Bank until the second day after my arrival. The seine which Mr. Green sent was
too small to be of much use in the Shrewsbury, while the one I had secured in Red Bank was
so much torn that nearly two days were consumed in repairing it. On the fifth day we had
gotten the cage into the river and anchored it in a strong current, under the bridge; the seine
had been repaired, and we made several hauls, catching about fifty fish. This was so encour-
aging that it led us to expect that the number of bass desired might be easily caught, although
the fish were not so small as I had hoped. I now left Mr. Marks in charge of catching the
bass, while I attended to other matters necessary to the success of our enterprise, such as getting
cans made for transporting the fish to California, securing transportation passes in the baggage
car over the railroads, etc. In New York I ordered made twelve cans like the New York Fish
Commissioners' cans for transporting trout. These cans will hold about fourteen gallons each,
and are made of the heaviest tin, strongly bound. The cans are so constructed as to give the
largest possible air surface to the water, and they will be of good service to the Commission in
the future. Three ten-gallon cans were also ordered for carrying extra water ; they have
wooden jackets, and are the same as those used by ihe United States Fish Commission in trans-
porting young shad. Also, four strong pails for carrying water. These cans and pails were to
be finished at a certain time, but owing to the Fourth of July intervening, and the warm spell
which prostrated some of the workmen, they were not ready for delivery until a week after the
time promised, consequently we were not able to start on our journey until several days after
our fish had all been secured. Through the kindness of Professor Spencer F. Baird, United
States Fish Commissioner, and his assistants, I received much practical information in relation
to transporting fish on long journeys, and specially such as was pertinent to the trip I was
about to begin. Professor Baird also kindly furnished me with free transportation passes for
our outfit in the baggage cars over the difierent railroads.

While at Red Bank I had received a letter from you, with instructions to bring back some large
eels for breeding purposes. I therefore went down to the eel-fishing grounds below Highlands,
and near the mouth of Shrewsbur}' River, to make arrangements to have some caught and
delivered at Red Bank a day before our departure for California with the striped bass.

As the striped bass was the first consideration, the floor space allotted to our use in the bag-
gage car was all reserved for them. For carrying the eels I therefore proposed light boxes, so
that they might be hung to hooks on the walls of the car over the fish cans. These boxes were
similar to cheese hoops, with a bottom having holes in it for circulation of air, and a cover also
having holes in it, which would drop loosely into the top of the box and find a resting place on
lugs about two inches below the top. The two-inch space at the top was reserved for ice, so
that, as it melted, the cold water would drip through upon the eels below. To the outer rim of
the bottom was suspended a shallow tin dish to catch the dripping water, and so prevent the
floor of the car becoming sloppy from this source. I knew that eels would live a long time if
put in a cool place and their gills kept moist. With this fact in view, I arranged the boxes aa
above described, and intended putting the eels in boxes among eel grass, and to keep them
moist by pouring over them, every fe\v hours, a dipper full of waste water from the striped
bass, and thus obviate the necessity of taking any extra water for the eels. To keep them cool,
a small piece of ice placed on the cover to slowly melt and drip through on them would meet
the requirements at little expense.

6

In consequence of the excessive hot weather, all the eels that were put into the cages died
before we were ready to start with them. I therefore brought with me but ten eels (as an
experiment), which were caught near our bass-fishing grounds on the night before our
departure. These were put into a box as above described, and in addition to wetting them
down three or four times during each twenty-four hours, and keeping a small piece of ice on
the cover, they were every day given a bath for a few minutes in the waste water from the bass,
which they seemed to enjoy hugely — the eel-grass being well rinsed and the box washed out.
These eels were from twelve to twenty-four inches long. They all came through in fine con-
dition, and were put into the bay near where the striped bass were planted, in water about a
foot deep, on the edge of the tules. On being put into the water, they immediately bored
straight down into the soft mud, and in a moment were all out of sight.

The weather had been excessively warm, raising the temperature of the water at times, where
the fish were caught, to 84° Fahrenheit. When about three hundred had been secured, the fish
being much larger than was anticipated, and some of them showing signs of distress on account
of close confinement in such warm water, a second cage was built. The men continued fishing
until July fourteenth, and, according to their count from day to day, had caught about six
hundred, although all of this number were not in the cage when the fishing was discontinued,
for some had died from bruises caused by careless handling-, the temperature of the water caus-
ing the fungus to grow very rapidly where the scales had been rubbed off or discoloration pro-
duced from a bruise. Those that had been put into the first cage were supposed to be getting
somewhat hungry after going without food for a week, therefore they were fed with some
chopped liver, and their desire for food was so much stronger than their instinct of fear, that
they eagerly rushed for the food as it was put into the water, even taking it from the hand as
tame trout will often do. It was noticed that the bass in the second cage would not take food
until they had been several days in confinement.

We now had all the fish we could carry in the space allotted -to us in the car, and we only
awaited the arrival of the cans from New York, which were promised to be ready for shipment
on Saturday morning. Arrangements were made to start for home on Monday afternoon, July
seventeenth. Mr. Marks, whom I had engaged to assist me in the care of the fish on the trip
to California, was to see that the bass were gotten into the cars all right, so that we might start
on the 4:55 p. M. train for Jersey City. While in an endeavor to get some eels to take along, I
was obliged to be away until one o'clock of this, to us, important day, on a trip to Seabright
and Parkerstown. Thirty-five of the larger bass were put into each of six cans, and forty of
the smaller ones into each of the six other cans. These bass were from five to nine inches in
length, and would average six and one half inches long. I had been advised by men experi-
enced in handling fish to put no more than twenty-five in each can to take on such a long trip;
but I knew that some of the weaker ones, with the best of care, would probably die, and being
very anxious to get through with as many bass as possible, we had resolved to give them more
than the usual amount of aeration and careful attention. It was decided to take the risk of
the cans being somewhat crowded. The warm, brackish water of the Shrewsbury was used to
fill the cans, and, after the fish were put in, the water was cooled down with ice. While the
water was being cooled down, some of the bass showed signs of distress, and, while at the river
bank, some of them died, perhaps twenty. At the railroad station, and before getting the cans
on the cars, we lost about as many more. During the excitement of attending to the fish, pay-
ing bills, and seeing that all of our traps were put aboard, no one thought of counting the dead
fish. Besides the twelve cans of fish, we had three cans of extra water and one box of eels;
and with the ice, pails, aerating apparatus, and our own baggage, we took up considerable
room in the car. Mr. J. A. Throckmorton, a prominent citizen of Red Bank, who had rendered
us much assistance, and to whom I am indebted for many personal favors, also Mr. G. H. Wild,
who, from the first, had been unremitting in his assistance, came to the station to wish good
luck and bid us good-bye. I am also greatly indebted 'to Mr. William E. Cole for many kind
favors. After the fish were on the train, we gave our whole attention to cooling down and
aerating the water, which was soon lowered to about 60° Fahrenheit, at which temperature, a
little above or below, we kept it all the way to the Pacific Coast.

On the way to Jersey City, and during a detention there of two hours to connect with the
Pacific express train, twelve more of the bass died. During the night, some time after passing
Philadelphia, two more were found dead, which made fourteen all told since leaving Eed Bank.
Most of these had shown signs of distress by occasionally turning on their sides. A consider-
able number of those picked out had either lost some of their scales or had contusions, and
some had the "water- louse" fastened to their gills. These parasites were huge fellows, being
about five eighths of an inch long and three eighths of an inch broad, and would no doubt have
killed the fish sooner or later. During the next two days no more fish were lost. They
appeared strong and lively until early in the morning of our arrival at Council Bluffs. I
examined the cans, as had been our custom every few hours, and found the fish very lively in
all the cans but one, in which were several dead fish. They were all taken out of the can and
the water poured off, when at the bottom of the can was found a greenish-looking substance
about the size of a lozenge, which would break like a piece of cheese. I think, perhaps, the
fish may have nibbled from this mysterious substance and been poisoned. The next day, on
drawing off the water from these fish and filtering it, there was found a soft, greenish, oozy
matter, which may have passed through the fish. We could in no way account for this sub-
stance being in the can. From this can sixteen fish in all were lost before getting to Council
Bluffs. On arriving at Council Bluffs the fish were left in charge of Mr. Marks to bring over

to Omaha on the through train, while I crossed the river on the dummy train to make arrange-
ments for our passes to San Francisco, and also get a requisition for ice at the stations between
Omaha and Ogden. While waiting for the train to come along, Mr. Marks gave the fish a
change of water from an artesian well. The water was clear and cold, appearing to be of the
best quality. The fish soon showed signs of distress, and, with all the aeration he could give
the water, ten of them died, and others were occasionally turning on their sides. Some said
the water was alkaline : others said the water had been analyzed and no alkali was found.
Artesian water is almost destitute of air. I have known carp, after being in it a few minutes,
to lie as if dead at the bottom of the can, and after an energetic aeration of the water would
become lively again. As soon as the train got over to Omaha, a change of Missouri River water
was given them, and with continual aeration they soon showed signs of improvement. In
Omaha twenty-five fish were thrown out dead, and during the next eighteen hours thirty-
three more died, making the loss of bass, from the time of first putting them into the cans,
about one hundred and forty. While at Omaha, I felt that we would be fortunate if we could
keep any of the fish alive during the remaining five days of the journey, as, on putting the
arm down into the roily water, the fish seemed to be either on their sides at the bottom of the
cans or so sick that they would make no effort to escape from the hand. During the remainder
of the journey of about three and one half days no more fish were lost; and, although this
was the most dangerous part of the trip, on account of the alkaline water at most of the
stations, the fish kept in splendid condition all the way through.

I desire here to exjjress my deep sense of obligation to the General Manager of the Union
Pacific Railroad at Omaha for his very generous act in furnishing free transportation for the fish
over his road, and also for other personal favors extended. The success of our undertaking
was largely due to the uniform courtesy of the railroad officials along the entire route.

The striped bass, a little over three hundred in number, were placed in brackish water at
61° Fahrenheit, at Array Point, in Suisun Bay. Mr. B. B. Redding met us at that place and
assisted in depositing them into the water.

The water in the Shrewsbury River is brackish, indicating on the salinometer four degrees
density. Taking this brackish water with us on the start, Turk Island salt was added to fresh water
until about four degrees density, when we renewed the water in the cans. During the first night
the salinometer was accidentally broken, and afterwards we had to salt the water to our taste.
By some misunderstanding the quantity of salt taken from R^d Bank was not what had been
intendad, and the supply getting short the water gradually became fresh again. In this con-
dition the fish remained' twenty days or more. But they seemed to do equally well in either
fresh or brackish water. Mr. Marks took great interest in making the enterprise a success,
working very faithfully, and cheerfully submitting to the inconvenience of obtaining sleep by
short naps across the trunks in the baggage-car, so that we could relieve each other every two
hours, and thus give the bass that almost constant attention they required. For aerating the water,
which was done every fifteen to twenty minutes, we used an implement contrived by Mr. Munroe
Green, of Mumford,'New York. This was a cylinder about eighteen inches in length and six
in diameter, having the bottom perforated with fine holes, and the top with a lid, and a handle
to manipulate it. By letting it fill as it was slowly pushed nearly to the bottom, and then quickly
pulling it to the top of the can, it gave it a fine shower of about one and a half gallons of almost
perfectly aerated water. By having ice inside this aerator during the operation, we found it
admirably adapted for quickly cooling the water. This is just the thing where small fish are
being carried, thus avoiding the danger of crushing them by having loose ice in the can. This
aerator gave better satisfaction than any other ever used by me.

Very respectfully,

J. G. WOODBURY.

CARP.

There has sprung up throughout the State an active interest in the
cultivation of the carp, and the Commission has done everything in
its power to meet the.wishes of those embarking in the business. We
are most opportunely aided just at this time by the generous expend-
iture and active efforts of the United States Fish Commissioner in
sending to this coast a special car with a full corps of experts in charge
of a large shipment of carp for distribution on this coast, and it grat-
ifies us to be able to say that the arrangements for supplying persons
desirous of cultivating and propagating this Valuable fish are now in
successful operation. The cultivation and propagation of this useful
fish seem as yet scarcely understood by many who are disposed to
embark in it. The carp is, in fact, to a great extent, a domesticated
fish. It requires care and attention, and a proper preparation of con-
ditions artificially. In fact, we are yet to be educated to the success-
ful and cheap mode of propagating them. This will all come with

8

time, and time only will bring it about, and no extravagant expend-
iture of money will very much hasten the result.

SHAD.

Since our last report we have received from the United States Fish
Commissioner two hundred and twenty thousand eastern shad, which
were, placed in the Sacramento River above Tehama. These fish
have doubtless added to the already increasing stock of shad on this
coast, and we may now fairly congratulate ourselves upon the estab-
lishing of shad as an existing fact. They are now a food fish ready
for consumption, and require the protection of the law.

There seems to have been some misinformation in regard to the
proper season of taking them, on the part of some persons who have
attempted to make laws for their protection.

The Commission has taken pains to correspond with Mr. Seth
Green and the Commissions on the eastern coast, and find that the
"close season " for shad on this coast should be from June fifteenth to
March first, thus, making the open season — during which it may be law-
ful to take them — from March first to June fifteenth in each year ; and
in addition, the taking should be forbidden at all times from Saturday
night to Monday morning.

In presenting this report we must be allowed to state that it is, in
some respects, the records of what may be called unfinished business.
There is a great deal' of matter before the Commission requiring
immediate care and attention. The hatching and distributing season
is at hand. We have in course of hatching five hundred thousand
whitefish presented by the United States Fish Commissioner. These
are to be distributed throughout the northern waters of the State.

The hatching and distribution of land-locked salmon and the dis-
tribution of carp will require much care and attention of the Com-
missioners.

In making up the account of receipts and disbursements, we have
made, as usual, the close of the fiscal year the first of January. At
that time the amount of cash on hand is chargeable with the out-
standing amount of the cost of placing of four millions of salmon in
the Sacramento River, the bill for which not having come to hand in
time to be paid out of the funds on hand at that date. It will amount
to the sum of two thousand dollars. This and the current expenses
of the hatching-house, and distributions before us, will probably
consume the balance of the funds of the Commission by the time the
new appropriation Avill be available.

We hope that we need not now state that the Commissioners have
practiced the closest economy in all the details of the business, but
the work covers a great deal of ground and must be well and care-
fully conducted, and always by employes of knowledge and experience
in the business. A whole hatching of eggs may be lost in a night,
and carloads of fish may perish in a single hour of neglect or ignor-
ance. The work must be done by those trained to it.

In closing this report it is proper to give some reason for the delay
which has attended its delivery. In the death of our lamented
associate, Mr. B. B. Redding, this Commission shares largely in the
loss which the State and the cause of science, education, and develop-
ment have suffered in the untimely passing away of this truly
estimable gentleman. For more than twelve years he gave to the

Commission the fruits of his study and research, and to him, mainly,
it is indebted for the standing it had attained amongst the similar
associations of the United States.

The death of Mr. W. W. Traylor, soon after his appointment,
deprived us of a colleague who bid fair to make an attentive and
valuable officer; and the other vacancy, caused by the resignation of
Mr. J. D. Farwell, one of the earliest and most useful appointees, have
contributed to retard the bringing up to date the affairs of the Com-
mission with more dispatch.

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.

The following is an account of receipts and expenditures since
our last report:

Receipts.

January 3, 1881 — By cash on hand, as per last report $4,258 55

November 3, 1881 — By cash returned from A. W. Von Schmidt 95 00

January 31, 1882 — By cash appropriation 5,000 00

January 31, 1882— By cash Pit River fish ladder 70 50

May 16, 1882— By cash returned freight carp 12 00

July 20, 1882— By cash State appropriation 5,000 00

$14,436 05
Expenditures.

January 14, 1881— To paid Woodbury $20 00

January 15, 1881— To paid Marks.-. 80 00

January 21, 1881— To paid Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express on 250,000 whitefisheggs. 16 70
January 27, 1881 — To paid "W. N. Lockington, trip to Sacramento and reading

proof of report 26 00

January 31, 1881 — To paid Lockington balance expense proof at Sacramento 24 00

February 1, 1881 — To paid expressage on 100,000 whitefish eggs 16 50

February 1, 1881 — To paid stove and pipe for hatching house 7 65

February 1, 1S81 — To paid copper, lock, shingles 1 90

February 1, 1881— To paid flannel 3 10

February 1, 1881 — To paid staples and files 60

February 1, 1881 — To paid Woodbury, balance labor, January 130 00

February 3, 1881 — To paid telegram, Michigan and Tulare 3 50

February 11, 1881 — To paid Richardson, expense of 100,000 whitefish in Donner

Lake, and 10,000 in Presidio Lake 43 60

February 11, 1881 — To paid expressage on 250,000 whitefish eggs, Michigan 38 55

February 11, 1881— To paid drayage _> 1 00

February 15, 1881 — To jDaid telegrams, Washington and Michigan 5 40

February 15, 1881 — To paid Richardson, one month's labor, January 100 00

February 15, 1881 — To paid expressage on 100,000 whitefish, Donner Lake 40 25

February 24, 1881 — To paid postage stamps 5 00

February 24, 1881 — To paid expressage 50

March 8, 1881 — To paid Hoehn & Co. money advanced for purchase of catfish;

expressage on cans and fish, Lathrop and Alameda 43 85

March 8, 1881— To paid Woodbury one month's labor 150 00

March 8, 1881— To paid food forfish 40

March 13, 1881 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co. expressage on whitefish eggs and

trout eggs 26 05

March 13, 1881 — To paid telegram, Watsonville, etc 2 25

March 15, 1881 — To paid expense of trout, etc., to Alpine County 38 30

March 15, 1881 — To paid telegram, Woodbury 50

March 24, 1881— To paid Stratton expressage on cans and fish 9 50

March 24, 1881 — To paid expense of distributing trout, etc., Gilroy 4 30

March 24, 1881- To paid same, Tahoe 53 31

March 24, 1881— To paid two telegrams, Visalia 2 00

Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr:
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr:

1 4, 1881 — To paid Henry Pither, 100 catfish, San Mateo, and expressage 11 75

1 4, 1881— To paid 500 small catfish, San Diego 12 40

1 4, 1881— To paid 102 catfish, Alpine 16 00

1 4, 1881 — To paid Richardson, two months' and four days' labor 212 00

1 6, 1881 — To paid Richardson, expressage on trout to Tehachapi 39 05

1 6, 1881 — To paid Richardson, L. L. salmon, San Mateo 3 24

1 6, 1881— To paid telegrams 1 00

1 8, 1881 — To paid Woodbury, labor, one month to April 1 150 00

1 8, 1881— To paid milk, feed trout 1 25

1 8, 1881 — To paid W. J. Stratton, expressage and drayage 6 50

1 8, 1881— To paid 425 pounds ice 9 25

11

April 13, 1881- To paid Dunn, expense of trout to Sonoma

April 18, 1881— To paid Woodbury, in full for labor to the 15th

April 18, 1881— To paid telegram

April 18, 1881— To paid Stratton, expressage on cans

April 18, 1881— To paid feed for trout

April 18, 1881— To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage on cans

May 3, 1881 — To paid expressage on cans

June 23, 1881 — To paid telegrams. Professor Baird

June 27, 1881 — To paid John Merryman, witness in Chinese ease at San Rafael..

July 28, 1881 — To paid 11. C. Marks, services clerk account, 1881

August 16, 1881 — To paid expenses of Johnson, witness in Chinese case at San

Rafael

August 16, 1881— To paid self

August 8, 1881 — To paid Neville & Co., seine for carp, sixty feet

August 8, 1881 — To paid Woodbury, expenses of transporting carp from Alameda

to Redwood

August 12, 1881— To paid Pither, 250 catfish, Walsh, Cloverdale

August 12, 1881— To paid Pither, 5,00 catfish, Radcliff, Watsonville

August 12, 1881 — To paid Pither, 500 catfish, A. Benson, Beowawe

August 12, 1881— To paid Pither, 500 catfish, Morland, Healdsburg

August 12, 1881— To paid Pither, 400 catfish, Weller, Cascades

August 12, 1881— To paid 500 catfish, Weller, Cascades .

August 28, 1881 — To paid expressage on cans

August 28, 1881 — To paid Woodbridge one month's salary to 22d

September 1, 1881— To paid L. Levy, witness in People vs. Blencke

September 4, 1881 — To paid expenses in examination of Pit River fishway

September 22, 1881 — To paid J. Caire, wire cloth

September 22, 1881— To paid freight on 200,000 salmon eggs

October 1, 1881- To paid freight on 200,000 salmon eggs

October 15, 1881 — To paid Captain Farwell for removing obstruction in Alameda

Creek

October 24, 1881 — To paid telegram. Professor Baird, whitefish.__

October 24, 1881— To paid Sturtevant & Gray, food for carp

October 24, 1881 — To paid flannel for screen

October 24, 1881 — To paid copper wire

October 24, 1881 — To paid Stratton, expressage

October 24, 1881 — To paid tacks and fare

October 24, 1881— To paid Woodbury, salary to October 19 —

November 3, 1881— To paid Horton, transporting 20,000 salmon, Donner Lake..-
November 21, 1881 — To paid W. G. Giffbrd, labor and expenses at hatchery, and

distribution of salmon

November 21, 1881 — To paid tin pipe and work

November 21, 1881 — To paid steel, Pacific Saw Factory

November 21, 1881 — To paid thermometer, salt, brush

November 21, 1881 — To paid labor, drawing carp pond

November 21, 1881 — To paid galvanized wire

November 21, 1881 — To paid Stratton, express transportation of salmon

November 21, 1881 — To paid Woodbury, one month, four days

November 21, 1881 — To paid expenses and fare, Gilford, distributing salmon

November 26, 1881 — To paid H. D. Dunn, distributing salmon, Pescadero, Red-
wood, and Russian River

November 29, 1881 — To paid H. Pither, catfish. Sierra Valley and Monterey

December 3, 1881— To paid E. F. Preston, attorney for Superior Court, Hey Sing

Yet vs. Anderson

December 8, 1881 — To paid bill for ice, transporting fiah

December 13, 1881 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., transporting cans

December 19, 1881 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., freight, trout eggs. New Hampshire

December 31, 1881— To paid L. Stone, 30,000 Eastern trout eggs

December 31, 1881 — To paid packing

December 31, 1881— To paid draft

January 1, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, labor half month to date

January 1, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, expense to Taylorsville, fish-ladder

January 1, 1882 — To paid Stratton, express, fish eggs

January 3, 1882 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., express, whitefish eggs

January 31, 1882— To paid L. Stone, for hatching 2,000,000 salmon

February 2, 1882— To paid express, 250,000 whitefish eggs, Michigan

February 2, 1882 — To paid Mullen, to San Leandro for fish

Februaiy 8, 1882 — To paid half month labor to January 15

February 13, 1882 — To paid Knowles & Co., syphon and aerator

February 13, 1882 — To paid Stratton, express, fish and cans to January 13

February 13, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, expenses with carp to Stockton

February 13, 1882— To paid Woodbury, labor one month to February 1

$5

50

75

00

70

6

50

1

60

1

95

2

80

3

55

20

00

100

00

10

00

1

75

35

00

36

30

6

25

11

25

18

25

14

00

15

00

13

50

1

50

150

00

10

50

70

50

5

76

16

00

7

50

5

00

2

00

2

45

2

10

1

35

2

00

2

10

150

00

20

00

54

70

2

50

2

00

1

25

2

25

2

63

12

00

170

00

23

85

10

00

41

50

105

40

4

00

2

50

11

55

120

00

3

25

35

75

00

6

60

3

00

52

80

1,000

00

28

00

2

00

50

00

2

75

11

50

9

55

150

00

$4

08

50

00

125

00

14

50

50

35

55

40

46

10

51

30

31

55

75

50

60

00

3

00

4

35

150

00

10

20

1

00

50

3

00

20

00

4

00

2

50

130

00

60

3

75

3

90

2

00

12

February 13, 1882— To paid J. Caire, wire cloth...

February 13, 1882 — To paid Eiehardson, half month labor to February 1

February 13, 1882— To paid Palmer <& Sons, 50,000 Eastern trout

February 13, 1882— To paid Pither, 500 catfish and express

February 16, 1882- Topaid draft. Palmer Sons

February 15, 1882— To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., transporting trout and whitefish.
February 15, 1882 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., transporting trout and whitefish.

February 23, 1882 — To paid express, transporting 1,000 whitefish, Clear Lake

February 23, 1882— To paid 80,000 whitefish, Donner Lake

February 23, 1882— To paid 60,000 whitefish. Clear Lake

March 2, 1882— To paid dispatch, Carson

March 2, 1882- To paid express

March 3, 1882— To paid J. B. Campbell, 15,000 trout eggs

March 6, 1882— To paid Stratton, express, trout eggs

March 6, 1882 — To paid express, Mullen, 50 cents; transporting trout, Monterey,

$3 85

March 6, 1882— To paid sheet tin, $1; Woodbury, labor one month, $1 50

March 10, 1882 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., L. L. salmon eggs, Maine

March 10, 1882— To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., San Leandro

March 10, 1882— To paid telegram, Boca

March 10, 1882 — To paid shrimps, etc., fish food, $2 50; messenger, 60 cents

March 26, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, account

April 3, 1882 — To paid Stratton, Whitefield and L. L. salmon expressage to cars

Ai:)ril 3, 1882 — To paid drawing carp pond labor

April 3, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, balance labor, March

April 3, 1882— To paid drayage

April 9, 1882 — To paid McDonald, trout, Prosser Creek

April 15, 1882 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage on fish cans

April 15, 1882 — To paid drayage on cans, etc

April 15, 1882 — Topaid Eiehardson, labor, February seventeenth 100 00

April 21, 1882 — To paid March first, expressage and labor for transportation of
100,000 whitefish to Tahoe via Carson, and 10,000 Eastern trout, and dis-
tributing in Truckee, Little Truckee, P. Creek, D. Lake, S. Valley and Cisco. 60 55
April 21, 1882 — To paid April seventh, transportation of 3,000 L. L. salmon and
6,000 Eastern trout to P. Creek and Truckee, and 1,500 Eastern trout and

1,500 California trout to Nevada 33 70

April 21, 1882 — To paid April seventeenth, transportation of 4,500 Eastern trout,

2,600 L. L. salmon, Blue Lakes, Lake County

April 21, 1882 — Eiehardson, labor, one month

May 1, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, expressage, fare, and telegram

May 1, 1882— Fare to Watsonville

May 1, 1882- Fish food

May 1, 1882 — Woodbury, labor, one month

May 1, 1882 — Stratton, expressage on fish cans

May 3, 1882— To paid Hoehn, ice

May 12, 1882— To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., distributing carp

May 15, 1882— To paid telegram

May 16, 1882 — To paid fare and expense Taylorsville fish-ladder

May 16, 1882 — To paid Eiehardson, labor for April

May 16, 1882 — To paid fares to San Jose and San Leandro

Mav 20, 1882 — To paid telegram, Sacramento

May 24, 1882— To i^aid bill of ice for fish..

May 25, 1882 — To paid H. C. Marks, labor copying notices, writing letters, etc

May 25, 1882— To paid Woodbury, labor

May 25, 1882— To paid telegram

June 1, 1882 — To paid feed for fish, fare to San Jose, etc

June 1, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, balance for labor for May

June 1, 1882 — To paid turpentine, wire cloth, etc

June 1, 1882--To paid Stratton, expressage, $9; Wells, Fargo & Co., $2 55

June 1, 1882 — To paid expense Taylor trial, San Eafael

June 7, 1882 — To paid Eiehardson, labor one month and five days, to June fifth..
June 7, 1882 — To paid fare, expressage on 15,000 Eastern trout to south fork of

Yuba and north fork of American

June 8, 1882 — To paid telegram, Woodbury

June 12, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, ten days' labor, July

June 12, 1882 — To paid for distributing fish, $3 25; Stratton, expressage, $3

June 12, 1882 — To paid two telegrams

July 21, 1882 — To paid Pither, catfish M. Gray, San Diego and Arizona

^July 21, 1882— To paid, 1,000, Farwell, Alameda

July 21, 1882 — To paid to H. C. Marks, labor copying, writing, etc

June 14, 1882 — To paid expense suit People vs. Taylor

June 14, 1882 — To paid Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage on eggs from Eedding

10

40

100

00

3

85

2

90

2

00

150

00

8

00

2

34

44

25

50

3

20

100

00

4

10

60

12

55

50

00

60

00

50

8

15

100

00

4

81

11

55

4

60

119

00

32

95

1

00

50

00

6

25

1

60

12

50

24

60

50

00

2

00

7

70

13

June 14, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, account of striped bass from New Jersey $800 00

June 14, 1882— To paid S. I. Co., bill ice 2 25

July 23, 1882— To paid tele2;ram, Woodbury 1 60

July 23, 1882— To paid telegram, Woodbury 25

July 23, 1882— To paid telegram, Throckmorton... 45

July 23, 1882 — To paid drayage labor, striped bass 2 10

July 20, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, account of expressage on striped bass 80 00

July 26, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, account of expressage on striped bass 60 00

July 29, 1882 — To paid Woodbury, balance expense of $946 47, for transportation

of striped bass 6 47

July 29, 1882 — To paid Stratton, expressage on cans 2 00

July 31, 1882— To paid H. C. Marks, labor to July first 60 00

August 4, 1882 — To paid W. A. Gift, expenses of arrest, People vs. J. Benson 25 00

August 13, 1882- To paid Hoehn, ice. May third 2 34

August 13, 1882 — To paid Iloehn, ice, June twenty-third 2 25

December 5, 1882 — Bill of Stafford & Dugan, for horse and buggy to fish pond, and

carp "1 3 00

December 5, 1882— Bill of Tubbs & Co., piece If Manila rope 4 00

December 5, 1882 — Bill of Thomas Driver, one can paint 60

December 5, 1882 — Bill of H. C. Marks, clerical services 50 00

December 5, 1882 — Bill of Wengola, for material and work on seine, 180 feet long. 35 60

December 5, 1882 — Bill of Armes & Dallam, forty-one pounds of netting 32 80

December 5, 1882 — Bill of George R. Jackson, for services in making statistics of
salmon, sturgeon, etc., transported to San Francisco, Sacramento, and Stock-
ton, September 1, 1880, to August 1, 1882. 67 50

December 6, 1882— Bill of J. G. Woodbury:

August third, express charges to Washington $ 60

August twenty-second, fare to Oakland 90

August twenty-fifth, fare to San Leandro 60

August thirtieth, fare to Redwood City 60

October twenty-sixth, fare to San Leandro 80

Shipping tags ■ 10

November first, services for one third of a month 50 00

54 75

December 5, 1882— Bill of J. G. Woodbury :

November eighteenth and nineteenth, fare to San Leandro $ 50

Hotel expenses 50

November twenty-third. Fare to San Leandro 80

November twenty-seventh, fare to Redwood City 1 85

November twenty-seventh, stage fare to Burr's pond.. 76

November twenty-seventh, expressage on seine 1 00

November twenty-seventh, freight, cans, etc 1 00

December first, services, November 18 to December 1 60 00

66 40

December 7, 1882 — Freight on fish cans 1 35

January 3, 1883— Bill of J. G. Woodbury :

December twenty-fourth, cash for staples for baskets $ 30

January first, salary for one half month to date 75 00

75 30

January 3, 1883— Bill of A. D. Oakley :

One stencil $ 1 45

One set tags 75

Ink and brush 50

2 70

January 3, 1883— Bill of E. M. Derby & Co., for lumber 10 13

January 3, 1883— Bill of C. H. Gray, brush, nails, etc 1 10

January 3, 1883 — Bill of Thomas Driver, one dining table 3 76

January 3, 1883— Bill of Smallev & Stratton, for hauling 4 00

January 3, 1883— Bill of California Wire Works 5 04

January 3, 1883 — Bill of Cunningham, Curtiss & Welch, stationery 4 25

January 3, 1883— Bill for telegrams 15 30

January 3, 1883 — Exjjressage on fish cans 6 00

$7,559 61
Cash on hand to balance 6,876 64

$14,436 05

The balance on hand of $6,876 54 stands charged with the outstand-
ing amount of $2,000, payable for placing four millions of salmon in
the Sacramento River, as before stated, after which the remaining

14

$4,876 54 will be required and consumed in distributing the produc-
tions of the State Hatchery throughout the State, and the importation
of Eastern fish.

S. R. THROCKMORTON,
Chairman of Fish Commission.

APPENDIX "A."

Memorandum Statement, showing Fresh Salmon received at San Francisco from September 1, 1880,

to August I, 1882.

Boxes.

Loose.

1880— September

October __.
November
December

Boxes will average eight fish per box; total, 56,882 fish. Estimated
at 13 pounds each, or say in season, 739,466 pounds.

1881 — January

February

March

April

May

June

July

September

October

November

December

Total, 320,426 fish; estimated at 13 pounds each, or say in season,
4,165,538 pounds.

1882 — January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Total

Total, 124,383 fish ; estimated at 13 pounds each, or sav in season,
1,616,979 pounds.
Grand total, 501,691 fish.

997
621
118
150

36,330

20,244
8,560
3,369
9,621

1,886

41,794

140

4.210

114

5,823

138

6,431

2,965

26,391

5,384

10,383

1,939

2,414

993

3,813

10,054

60,853

1,526

2,932

443

1,086

577

2,906

24,273

126,242

579

2,734

341

4,746

853

16,576

2,238

9,708

2,967

2,247

1,608

1,876

1,685

5,128

10,171

43,015

211,051

16

Memorandum Statement, showing amount of Fresh Salmon received at Sacramento from September

1, 1880, to August 1, 1882.

Loose.

Boxes.

1880— September-

October

November.
December .

203

Total, 1,134 fish; estimated at 13 pounds each, or say in season,
14,742 pounds.

1881 — January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November •

December

Total, 2,814 fish; estimated at 13 pounds each, or say in season,
36,582 pounds.

1882— January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Total, 10,777 fish: estimated at 13 pounds each, or say in season,
140,101 pounds.

184
635

1,022

107

42

143

100

34
92

518

39
64

168
83

103

130

579

2
7
4
1

14

3
65
50
53
10

18
49
39

287

49

28

136

^73

776
214

1,276

Memorandum Statement, showing amount of Fresh Sturgeon received at San Francisco from Sep-
tember 1, 1880, to August 1, 1882.

1880— September 688

October 237

November 160

December 433

Total 1,418

Estimated at 50 pounds each, or say in season, 70,900 pounds.

1881— January 185

February 315

March 320

April 870

May 453

June 172

July 214

August 1,809

September 606

October 186

November 220

December 171

Total - 5,821

Estimated at 50 pounds each, or say in season, 291,050 pounds.

17

1882— January 146

February 356

March 846

April 409

May 70

June 102

July . 875

August 2,230

Total 5,034

Estimated at 50 pounds each, or say in season, 251,700 pounds.

Memorandum Statement shoioing Miscellaneotts Receipts of Fiah as under at San Francisco from

September, 1880, to August, 1882.

Baskets.

Barrels.

Mats.

Sacks.

ft

1880— September

21

25

45

200

36

3

21

1
1

8

October- _ _. ..

41

November

December . _.

33
46

291

60

2

128

26 boxes smoked salmon, 9,000 pounds.
1881 — January . . _ _

180

251

84

22

9

14

4

4

31

20

66

201

61

9

20

16

9

6

10

14

43

14

33

26

31

February .- ._ .- .

4

March .. .. . _. _. . -.

1

April .

3

May - - - -

June . -- _ ... _- .

16

July

August .- - ..

September _ . .

354

October . . _.

4

November. .. _. __ _.

18

December ._ ■

20

886

261

451

11 boxes smoked salmon, 3,500 pounds.

1882— January

February,. .. . .. .

84

65

169

27

12

9

3

5

6

45

32
1
3

18

5
1

March. . ... .

22

April . . -_

9

May - .

June.. -. -. .

2

July .- ._

369

110

39

Totals--

1,646

431

2

618

Barrels are dried fish, and weigh 200 pounds each. Sacks are small fresh fish, and weigh
75 pounds each. Baskets are China and contain both fresh and cured fish, and weigh 100
pounds each.

DISTRIBUTION OF FISH.

January 31, 1880 — 500 catfish sent to J. B. Still, for Eel, Salt, and Mad Rivers, Humboldt

County, California.
February 7, 1880 — 15,000 Eastern trout, placed by Richardson in Merced and Yosemite.
February 20, 1880-300 catfish sent to J. E. Still, Eureka, Humboldt County.
March 19, 1880 — 1,000 Eastern trout sent to Almshouse Pond, San Francisco, California.
March 20, 1880 — 2,000 Eastern trout sent to Donner Lake outlet.

3"

18

March 20, 1880 — 6.000 Eastern trout sent to Independence Lake and Little Truckee.

March 20, 1880—8,000 Eastern trout sent to South Yuba, Truckee.

March 29, 1880— .500 Eastern trout sent to Woodward's Gardens.

April 2, 1880-1,000 Eastern trout sent to Laguinetas Creek, Marin.

April 7. 1880 — 2.000 McCloud River trout sent to Laguinetas Creek, Marin.

April 4, 1880—2,000 Eastern trout. Soda Springs, South Yuba.

April 4. 1880- 6,000 Eastern trout. Sierra Valley, Feather River.

April 12, 1880—10,000 McCloud River trout to Carmel, Monterey, Salinas Valley, and Santa

Cruz streams.
April 28, 1880—10,000 McCloud River trout sent to Tuolumne and Merced (lost).
May 1, ISSO— 8.000 McCloud River trout sent to streams in San Mateo, Monterey, and Santa

Cruz.
May 3, 1880—2,000 McCloud River trout sent to streams in Santa Clara.
June 7, 1880-500 catfish to Smith & Terry, for Stockton.
June 7, 1880—500 catfish to J. K. Vail, for Forbestown.
June 7, 1880—2,000 catfish to A. C. Bassett, for Monterey, Pajaro, etc.
June 7, 1880 -50i) catfish to J. W. Wright Johnson, for Bellota.
June 12, 1880-1.000 catfish to A. B. Carlock, for Siskiyou (lost).
June 21, 1880-500 catfish to J. C. Smith, for Stockton.

Jui:ie .30, 1880—12 carp sent to Commissioner E. R. Calhoun, for Mare Island.
July 17, 1880—500 catfish to C. Brown, for Merced.
July 17, 1880—1,000 catfish to A. B. Carlock, for Siskij-ou (lost).
July 21, 1880—500 catfish to J. H. Maynard, for San Mateo Creek.
August 2, 1880—500 catfish to W. McLaughlin, for Amador.
September 2, 1880—500 catfish (large) to S. B. Weller, Cascade Lakes, Placer.
October 21, 1880—500 catfish to E. R. Shimmin. for Eel River (Little Lake).
November 1, 1880—500 catfish to Charles Mansfield, Merced, for Sloughs, San Joaquin.
November 2. 1880—250 catfish to E. Steele, for Yreka.
Januarv 24, 1881— 100 catfish to Lux, for San Mateo County.
February 5, 1881—100.000 whitefish sent to Tulare Lake.

February II, 1881 — 10,01)0 whitefish sent to United States Marine Hospital, Presidio.
February 12, 1881-10,000 whitefish sent to Lake Merced.
February 12, 1881-10,000 whitefish sent to lakes in Marin County.
February 16, 1881—100,000 whitefish deposited in Donner Lake.
February 21, 1881—500 catfish sent to Foster, for San Diego County.
March 2, 1881 — 4,000 landlocked salmon to Alpine County.
March 2, 1881—162 catfish to Alpine County.

March 16, 1881 — 1,000 McCloud River trout to E. H. Farmer, for Gilroy.
March 16, 1881 — 1,000 McCloud River trout to R. D. Arricks, for Gilroy Hot Springs.
March 16, 1881—1,000 McCloud River trout to W. R. Radclilf, for Santa Cruz.
March 16, 1881-1,000 landlocked salmon to W. R. Radclift', for Santa Cruz.
March 16, 1881—1,000 McCloud River trout to H. S. Ball, for Salinas.
March 16, 1881-1,000 landlocked salmon to H. S. Ball, for Salinas.
March 16, 1881—200 catfish to D. Benson, Beowawe.
March 18, 1881—201) catfish to Dr. Webber, for Sierra Valley.
March 18, 1881—4,000 McCloud River trout to E. D. Parks, Sumner, Tehachapi.
March 18, 1881— .3,000 McCloud River trout to R. A. Campbell, for Cisco.
March 18, 1881—3,000 McCloud River trout to J. B. Brogan, for Prosser Creek.
March 18, 1881—5,000 landlocked salmon to J. B. Campbell, for Tahoe City.
March 18, 1881—2,000 landlocked salmon to J. F. Moody, for Donner Lake.
March IS, 1881-4,000 landlocked salmon to J. B. Brogan, for Prosser Creek.
March 18, 1881—2,000 landlocked salmon to Colkins & Sons, for Nevada City.
March 25, 1881—300 landlocked salmon to Mt. View Lake, Presidio.
March 25, 1881—200 trout to Mt. View Lake, Presidio.
March 25, 1881 — 200 trout to Woodward's Gardens.
March 25, 1881-500 whitefish to Shatter, for Marin County.
March 25, 1881 — 100 landlocked salmon to Shaffer, for Marin County.
March 25, 1881—200 trout to Shaffer, for Marin County.
March 25, 1881—1,000 trout to E. P. Converse, for Tulare.
March 25, 1881—4,000 trout to E. D. Parks, Sumner, for Kern County.
April 4, 1881 — 200 landlocked salmon to San Mateo, San Andreas.
April 4, 1881—500 landlocked salmon to Mt. View Lake, San Francisco.
April 7, 1881—4,000 trout to Sonoma Creek.

October 27, 1881 — 20,000 salmon to San Leandro, Grass Valley, and creeks in Alameda.
November 2, 1881 — 10,000 salmon to Almshouse, San Francisco.
November 3, 1881 — 15,000 salmon to Pescadero Creek.
November 4, 1881 — 8,500 salmon to Petaluma Sportsmen's Club.
November 5, 1881 — 10,000 salmon for Prosser Creek and Truckee.
November 5, 1881 — 10,000 salmon for Donner Lake.
November 6, 1881 — 15,000 salmon for Russian River.
November 9, 1881 — 15,000 salmon for San Gregorio.
i^^ovember 9, 1881 — 2,000 salmon for Woodward's Gardens.

19

November 14, 1881 — 15,000 salmon to Skaggs' Springs.

November 18, 1881 — 15,000 salmon to Santa Cruz and Monterey.

November 18, 1881 — 15,000 salmon to Salinas and Gilro^'.

November 24, 1881—2,270,000 salmon deposited in MeCloud, Pit, Sacramento Rivers, and Salt
Creek.

November 26, 1881 — 500 catfish sent to ]Monterev.

November 26, 1881—1,000 catfish sent to Sierra'Valley.

January 7, 1882 — 39 old carp, 32 young carp of 1881 spavi^n, deposited with W. L. Overheiser,
Stockton, to be bred on shares.

February 10, 1882—500 catfish sent to C. Warfield, for Fresno.

December 16, 1882 — Completed the placing of four millions of young salmon in the head-
waters of the Sacramento River.

LIST OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DOMIXIOX OP CANADA.

W. F. Whitcher, Commissioner Ottawa, Ontario

PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

W. H. Venning, Inspector of Fisheries St. John

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA.

W. H. Rogers, Inspector Amherst

PROVINCE OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

J. H. Duvar, Inspector Alberton

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

A. C. Anderson Victoria

THE UNITED STATES.

Prof. Spencer F. Baird Washington, District of Columbia

ALABAMA.

C. S. G. Doster Prattville

D. B. Huntley --.Courtland

ARIZONA.

John J. Gosper « Preseott

Richard Rule Tombstone

Dr. J. 11. Taggart, Business Manager Yuma

ARKANSAS.

John E. Reardon Little Rock

James H. Horn i brook ' Little Rock

H. H. Rottaken Little Rock

CALIFORNIA.

S. R. Throckmorton San Francisco

A. B. Dibble Grass Valley, Xevada County

B. H. Buckingliarn Washington, Yolo

COLORADO.

Wilson E. Sisty Idalio Springs

CONNECTICUT.

Dr. Wra. M. Hudson Hartford

Robert G. Pike Middletown

George N. Woodruff Sherman

DELAWARE.

Enoch Moore, Jr. Wilmington

21

GEORGIA.

J. T. Henderson, Commissioner of Agrieultiiie, and ex offieio Commissioner of Fish and

Fisheries A.tlanta

Dr. H. H. Gary, Superintendent La Grange

ILLINOIS.

N. K. Fairbank, President Chicago

S. P. Bartlett Quincv

S. P. McDoel Aurora

INDIANA.

Calvin Fletcher Spencer, Owen County

IOWA.

B. F. Shaw Anamosa

A. A. Mosher, Assistant Spirit Lake

KANSAS. ,

Hon. D. B. Long Ellsworth

KENTUCKY.

William Griffith, President Louisville

Hon. John A. Steele Versailles

Dr. Wm. Van Antwerp Mount Sterling

A. H. Goble Catlettsburg

Hon. C. J. Walton Munfordville

Dr. S. W. Coombs Bowling Green

John B. Walker Madisonville

P. H. Darby .Princeton

Hon. J. M. Chambers Independence, Kenton County

W. C. Price Danville

MAINE.

E. M. Stilwell Bangor

Henry 0. Stanley Dixfield

MARYLAND.

Thomas Hughlett Easton

G. W. Delawder Oakland

MASSACHUSETTS.

E. A. Brackett Winchester

Asa French South Braintree

F. W. Putnam Cambridge

MICHIGAN.

Eli R. Miller Richland

A. J. Kellogg Detroit

Dr. J. C. Parker ._ Grand Rapids

MINNESOTA.

First District — Daniel Cameron La Crescent

Second District — Dr. Wm. M. Sweney Red Wing

Third District— Dr. Robert Ormsby Sweeny ..St. Paul

Fourth District — No appointment until January.
Fifth District — No appointment until January.

MISSOURI.

Dr. J. G. W. Steedman, Chairman 2803 Pine St., St. Louis

John Reid Lexington, Lafayette County

Dr. J. S. Logan St. Joseph

22

NEBRASKA.

W. L. May Fremont

R. R. Livingston Plattsmouth

B. E. B. Kennedy Omaha

NKVADA.

Hon. Hubb G. Parker Carson City

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

George W. Riddle Manchester

Luther Hayes Milton

Albina H. Powers Grantham

NEW JERSEY.

Dr. Benjamin P. Howell Woodbury

Major Edward J. Anderson Trenton

Theodore Morford Newton

NEW YORK.

Hon. R. Barnwell Roosevelt 76 Chambers St., New York

Edward M. Smith Rochester

Richard U. Sherman New Hartford, Oneida County

Eugene G. Blackford Fulton Market, New York City; 809 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn

NORTH CAROLINA.

S. G. Worth Raleigh

OHIO.

Col. L. A. Harris, President Cincinnati

Charles W. Bond, Treasurer Toledo

Halsey C. Post, Secretary Sandusky

PENNSYLVANIA.

Hon. H. J. Reeder Easton

Hon. B. L. Hewit_. Hollidaysburg

James Dutfy Marietta

John Hummel Selingsgrove

Robert Dalzell Pittsburg

G. M. Miller Wilkesbarre

RHODE ISLAND.

Alfred A. Reed Providence

Newton Dexter Providence

John H. Barden Rockland

SOUTH CAROLINA.

A. P. Butler, Commissioner of Agriculture and ex officio of Fish and Fisheries Columbia

C. J. Huske, Superintendent Columbia

TENNESSEE.

W. W. McDowell Memphis

H. H. Sneed Chattanooga

Edward D. Hicks Nashville

TEXAS.

R. R. Robertson Austin

UTAH.

No appointment since the death of Prof. J. L. Barfoot, in April last.

23

VERMONT.

Hiram A. Cutting Lunenburg, Essex County

Herbert Brainerd St. Albans

VIRGINIA.

Col. M. McDonald Berry ville

WEST VIRGINIA.

Henry B. Miller, President Wheeling

C. S. 'white, Secretary Romney

N. M. Lowry --- Hiuton

WISCONSIN.

The Governor, ex ofTicio Madison

Philo Dunning, President Madison

C. L. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer Janesville

J. V. Jones Oshkosh

John F. Antisdel Milwaukee

Mark Douglas Melrose

Christopher Hutchinson Beetown

WYOMING TERRITORY.

Dr. M. C. Barkwell, Chairman and Superintendent Cheyenne

Otto Granim, Secretary Laramie

Hon. N-. L. Andrews Johnson County

Hon. E. W. Bennet , Carbon County

Hon. P. J. Downs Uinta County

Hon. T. W. Quinn Sweetwater County

X

REPORT

OF THE

;OMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

Fni; THh:

STATE OF CALirOENIA.

YEARS 1S83-4.

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES.

A. B. DIBBLE, Grass Valley, Secretary and Treasurer
R. H. BUCKINGHAM, Sacramento, President.
J. D. REDDING, San Francisco.

ST.VTK Ol'KICK

SACRAMENTO:

. . . JAMES .T. AYKliS, SL;1"I\ STATK I'ltlXTINr
1884.

K EP O R T

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

FOR THE

STATE OF CALirORNIA,

FOB THE

YEARS 1883-4.

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES.

A. B. DIBBLE, Grass Valley, Secretary and Treasurer.
R. H. BUCKINGHAM, Sacramento, President.
J. D. REDDING, San Francisco.

SACRAMENTO:

STATE OFFICE JAMES J. AYERS, SUPT. STATE PRINTING.

1884.

c

REPORT.

To his Excellency George Stoneman, Governor of California :

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of California, appointed
under an Act of the Legislature, entitled "an Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of the State," ap-
proved April 2, 1870, respectfully submit their eighth biennial report.

SALMON.

This most important of our inland water fish is in great demand,
not only by all our citizens for table consumption, but also by the
numerous canneries, some twenty-one in number, situated on the
banks of the Sacramento, the bays, and in San Francisco, haying
increased their business in the last few years to large proportions.
The average pack now is about 200,000 cases per annum. The boats
employed in ]883, in taking salmon, were about 1,200, and are increas-
ing in number. The average catch to each boat is about 1,500 fish,
weighing about 21,600,000 pounds, per annum.

The increase of catch for the last three years caused a marked de-
crease in the supply for the year 1883, with a chance of a more marked
decrease for the year 1884, the causes of which are many, viz.:

First — Illicit fishing done during the close season.

Second — Loss of salmon in the tules.

Third — The consumption by seals and sea-lions, which are very
destructive to salmon and other fish. They follow the fish from the
Golden Gate to Rio Vista.

Fourth — The different kinds of aquatic birds, which are very nu-
merous, and very destructive to the young of all kinds of fish as they
are descending from the sfjawning grounds to the ocean.

Fifth — Dams and other obstructions near their spawning grounds.

These are the principal difficulties over which the Commissioners
have no control, excej)t as to the first.

the violators of the law.

The Commissioners have exercised their power to abate the evil of
illicit fishing, but owing to the limited means at their command,
they have been unable to do all that was required to be done. There
has been in that direction a great amount of work performed, in dif-
ferent parts of the State, the most of which was done on the lower
Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the bays of Suisun, San
Pablo, and San Francisco.

During the close season of 1883 the Commission placed a patrol
upon the rivers and bays, which has had a very wholesome effect.

Mr. W. C. Jones, the Deputy Commissioner, had charge of the patrol-
men emploj^ed, and did good service, as his annexed report shows.

The marked increase of sahuon caught in the last few years is on
account of the demand from the canneries. During the heavy run in
former years, the fishermen did not work more than one third of the
time. The canneries take the most of the catch from the first of
April to the fifteenth of July, and from the first of September to the
middle of October. The fishermen work most of the time, say eighteen
hours of the twenty-four.

It is necessary for the Commission to plant as many young salmon
as can be procured, at the headwaters of the Sacramento, in order to
keep up the supply. Owing to the breaking of the waterwheel of the
United States hatchery on the McCloud River, and to other causes,
the supply of young fish was cut short in the year 1883 more than
3,000,000. It will be necessary for the California Commissioners to
plant not less than 4,000,000 young fish each year, in order to meet
the heavy drain continually going on.

The present Commission has used considerable exertion against the
violators of the fish laws, but unless some stringent legislation is
obtained, our streams and bays will soon be without a needful supply
of salmon and other fish.

The large demands that came from the packing houses in the year
1883, caused an unusual amount of fish to be taken. During this
season, which has been an unusually short one, the amount of fresh
salmon, which has been packed, amounts to 451,957 Spring salmon,
and 160,542 Fall salmon, aggregating 7,349,998 pounds. The amount
of fresh Spring salmon sold in the markets was 115,004, and of Fall
run 52,902, aggregating 2,235,684 pounds; total number of pounds sold
and canned in the year 1883, 9,585,672 pounds. These statistics do
not include 60,000 or more caught above Sacramento City. In order
to meet this immense drain, it will be necessary to have at least one
hatching house belonging to the State on the Little Sacramento, or
the McCloud, or Pit Rivers.

From the fifteenth day of October, 1883, until the first day of Janu-
ary, 1884, the run of salmon was very good, and especially in the
month of January, as there were more caught during that month of
what is termed the Winter run, than in years past. The cause was
probably on account of the stage of the river, which was extremely
low for that season of the year. The Spring run was retarded in
consequence of the low water, and no considerable amount of fish
was caught until after the twentieth of March. The outlook for a
heavy run early in the season was not promising, there being less fish
observed outside the Bay of San Francisco than for a number of years
preceding.

The decrease of salmon in the McCloud River, in 1883, was caused
by the continual blasting on the line of the Northern Pacific Railroad,
above Redding; this caused the fish to stop below the United States
hatchery, at Bairds, only allowing very few fish to ascend to their
spawning grounds. It was a cause that could not be avoided.

Mr. Livingstone Stone, the Deputy United States Fish Commis-
sioner for this coast, did all in his power to catch as many fish as
would fill his contract with the Commissioners of this State (4,000,-
000), but did not succeed by about 3,000,000. The Commissioners
desire not less than 4,000,000 each year in order to keep up the sup-
ply and to increase the number. The demand is increasing every

year, and, unless the number of young fish can be increased, our run
of sahnon will be less every year. In the year 1883 there were caught
not less than 300,000 more than the Commission planted. A consid-
erable number of salmon spawn in different streams, quite a large
proportion running into the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers;
and, in fact, we feel assured that most of the Fall run of salmon
never reach the McCloud, but deposit their ova upon the bars between
Colusa and Red Bluff.

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR.

The run of salmon during this year has been very late. The
Spring run was very light up to and after the first of April. During
the month of April the run started in with a small catch, and
remained so until the first of May, when a small increase was noticed
for about two weeks; then the run slacked, and by the middle of May
the fish were very scarce, and continued scarce all through May,
resulting in the smallest take in a number of years.

The June run, which in ordinary years has been the heaviest, re-
sulted in a very small showing; a heavy decrease for the Spring run.

The causes for the scarcity of salmon for the year 1884 are several,
viz.:

First — The loss of fish in the tules in the years 1881 and 1882.

Second — The using of small mesh nets from 1877 up to 1883, and
the increase of seines at or near the spawning grounds. The increase
of nets used in the bays leading to the river has also caused a great
decrease. The river is at times apparently completely dammed by
nets.

The pack of salmon on the Sacramento for the year 1884 will fall
short fully one half from that of the year 1883, although more than
ordinary exertions have been made by the fishermen to obtain them.

The Commissioners in their report of 1878-9 predicted a heavy run
of fish in the Sacramento River for the years 1883 and 1884, but, for
the various causes mentioned, their predictions have not been fulfilled.

The Fall run of salmon of 1884 has been the lightest that was ever
known in the memory of the oldest fisherman. On the first and sec-
ond days of September the run was not as heavy as it should have
been during the same days in the montJi of October. There is no
cause known to the Commission for the marked decrease in the Fall
run this year, as the Fall fish have invariably taken care of them-
selves.

EASTERN SALMON.

These are a different species and are entirely unknown to the Pa-
cific Coast. They inhabit the waters north of the forty-first degree
of latitude, and are never seen south of that degree. They are caught
in great numbers as high north as the coast of Norway.

The California, or Chinook, are taken in lower degrees of latitude
than any other kind of salmon, and run down as low as thirty-seven
degrees north, which we believe is as low as they are ever caught.
This is occasioned by the temperature of the water, which in some
seasons of the year reaches as high as eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

At the time when the fish are seeking their river spawning grounds
they begin to fail in quality as food (although they are used by a great
many), and large numbers are secured just before spawning, by fish-

6

ermeii and others, on the upper waters of the rivers. Numbers of
fishermen liave been Icnown to catcli and sell salmon immediately
after spawning and upon the spawning grounds, when the fish were
wholly unfit for human food. This grievous evil, in our opinion^
should be prohibited by very stringent laws.

TRUCKEE TROUT.

Of this species of fish, most are taken in the State of Nevada, on
account of the various dams in that State, which are constructed in
such form that it is impossible for trout to raise over them. Unless
the State of Nevada does something towards dam abatement, the
Truckee River trout will be a fish of the past in a very short time.
Although the citizens of Nevada stoutly deny this fact, it appears
strange that no trout are caught above the Nevada State line, when
in former years they were abundant the whole length of the river
from Pyramid Lake to Lake Tahoe.

Commissioner Dibble visited several of the dams in the State of
Nevada, and in his report, before the meeting of the Board held on
the fourteenth day of April, 1884, he stated that the statements of the
mill owners on that portion of the river in California were correct, in
that it was impossible for trout to ascend the Truckee above Foulkes'
Dam, near Verdi, in the State of Nevada.

LAND-LOCKED SALMON".

The Commission received from Mr. Atkins, Deputy United States
Fish Commissioner at Bucksport, State of Maine, 30,000 eggs of the
Shadoe salmon. They were received on the seventeenth of March,
1884, in good condition, and were hatched with only a loss of seven
and one half per cent. They were distributed in the lakes as follows:

Bigler 15,000

Donner 5,000

Webber 5,000

The plant of land-locked salmon by the former Commissioners has
only been a partial success. Very few of the fish have been taken as
yet, although a better showing is looked for. At present writing, the
catch has been about the same as last season, no great amount having
been captured.

, PERCH.

In former years this fish was very plentiful, but has become very
scarce in the last few years, owing to several causes, viz.:

First — We believe the greatest cause of disappearance is due to the
reclamation of our tule lands by closing the sloughs, whereby ingress
and egress is stopped, causing them to deposit their spawn in the
rivers, and the spawn is lost by being covered with sediment.

Second — By a continual drain upon the supply by Chinese and
other fishermen, who are ever on the alert to find their hiding places.

In our opinion a law should be passed to protect them from seine
fishing for at least two years.

For some reason the run of perch has been better this year (1884)
than for a number of years past, owing, probably, to the several

breaks in the levees between Knight's Landing and Cache Slough,
on the Sacramento River, which has allowed the fish egress from the
shoal lakes into the tules. Perch are taken in all the lower rivers
and streams of the Sacramento and San Joaquin; also in Clear and
Tulare Lakes. They do not appear to have decreased in those waters
where reclamation has not been so extensive, as in those tule dis-
tricts above mentioned, but appear to be as plentiful as formerly.

It is not the habit of the perch to ascend very high in any of the
streams, but they confine themselves to the more sluggish portions of
the waters of the State, lakes and ponds, which seem to be their favor-
ite haunts.

CHUB.

This fish, a great favorite with the Indian and Mongolian races, has
been scarce for the past few years, but are now becoming more plen-
tiful, the probable cause of increase being the breaking of the levees
in the overflowed districts, which gives the fish a chance to return to
the river. The outlook for the year 1884 is good for a fine run, from
the fact that in the month of March they were numerous in the river,
and, as the run lasts generally two or three months, we may expect a
large increase from last year; their habits being similar to the perch,
the probabilities are that the same causes lead to the same effects.

PIKE.

With reference to the pike, we repeat the same statemcAit made in
'regard to perch and chub. The pike is more plentiful at the present
time than most of our strictly inland fish. They ascend the rivers
higher than most of the other kinds and are thereby protected, as
most of the fishermen do not follow them very far up the river. As
they are not taken in quantities except by those who fish with fyke
nets, they ascend the river as far as Red Bluff. They are said to be
a great enemy to the young salmon. They are a good table fish for
baking or boiling.

The pike run commences with the channel pike in the month of
December, and with the bar or school pike in the month of March.
They vary in size from one half pound for bar to twenty -four pounds
for channel ; there is a marked increase for this year.

These fish are known on the upper waters as whitefish, although
they bear no resemblance to the eastern fish of that denomination.

DACE,

The dace, a native of our rivers and lakes, were never very plentiful,
and are on the decrease. They are similar in shape, but are different
in color from the pike, being of a yellowish brown on the back, and
a dingy white on the sides and stomach. The dace are nearly extinct;
from what cause, the Commissioners are unable to ascertain at present.

MULLET (or hard-head).

The mullet or hard-head is one of the most common of our inland
fish, and is used more by the Chinese than by any other class of peo-
ple— their extreme cheapness being the great desideratum. They
are taken in large numbers during the Fall and Winter months.

8

They inhabit the lakes and sloughs, and also the rivers, but, like
some other species of fish mentioned, are getting scarce. In our
opinion, they need no protection.

CARP.

The carp has been introduced into the State by the United States
Commissioners. They have proven a great success. They do well
in any of our lakes and ponds, natural or artificial, and are one of
the most prolific of all of the inland-water fish. The condition of the
water, whether clear or otherwise, so long as vegetation exists therein,
is agreeable to the carp. They are truly vegetarian in regard to diet;
living and thriving upon vegetable food. It is the opinion of the
Commissioners that the carp are a fish that will come into general
favor with the middle class of our citizens, as they can be raised very
cheaply by artificial methods. They are well known in China, where
they are raised almost entirely by artificial means.

The carp will never be a fish sought after by our Waltons, as they
are a fish that seldom take the hook.

Opinions differ in regard to the quality of carp as a food fish; the
flesh being of a rather coarse order. They are not so highly flavored
as some other kinds of fish.

The carp are already being taken in the Sacramento River, and in
some of the lakes bordering on it — not in any great numbers as yet,
but enough have been caught to show that they thrive well in our
waters. The Commissioners are well satisfied that, in a few years,
there will be any quantity of them, as they increase rapidly.

STURGEON.

This is one of our best and cheapest food fishes, and is coming
more in favor with all classes of our citizens, and, like most other
kinds of food fish, is steadily on the decrease in numbers. This is
due almost wholly to the mode of fishing resorted to by the Chinese.

The catch for the year 1883 fell short fully fifty per cent from the
result of the catch the previous two or three years. Unless something
is done in the way of legislation, the State will, in a few years, be
without this kind of fish, one of the best of cheap food fish that in-
habit our waters.

In the opinion of the Commissioners, a law should be enacted to
protect sturgeon less than twenty-four inches in length. The small
ones are not marketable fish, but are dried and sent to China by the
Chinese fishermen, who are the only ones that follow that line of the
business, they having monopolized the sturgeon trade.

There are two species of this fish that visit our waters; one called
the green, and the other the white. They are both good food fish.
There is a, difference of opinion as to which kind is the best; the
majority, however, favor the white.

CATFISH AND BULLHEADS (OR POUT).

These fish were introduced into our waters by the late Commis-
sioners, and have thrived wonderfully. All of the lakes, ponds, and
sloughs of the central portion of the State are well stocked with them.
It has been stated by fishermen that they would destroy all the native

fish. It is our opinion that it was a timely act on the part of the
former State Commissioners to plant them just when they did, as our
native fish were giving out. They are caught from the mouth of the
Sacramento River as far up as Tehama, a distance of about two hun-
dred miles. They are a fish that need no protection. They are so
prolific that it is a question if they can ever be exterminated.

Catfish proper are not so plentiful as the bullhead. It is a mistaken
idea that all the fish that are called catfish are so in reality. There
are two distinct species, however, bearing a near resemblance to each
other; the catfish having a peculiar build and a swallow-tail, while
the bullhead or pout has a square tail. The pout seems to take to the
lakes, while the catfish prefer the river, and are seldom caught in the
lakes. They are coming more into favor with our citizens every year.
The prejudice that existed at the time of their introduction is fast
dying out, and the majority of our people claim that they are a better
food fish than the carp. Whether such be the fact is a matter of taste.

The idea that they would destroy our native fish is a fallacy, as, in
the last two years, statistics tend to show that such is not the fact. In
this statement the disciples of the famed Izaak Walton, we think, will
bear us out.

There is also in our lakes and rivers a small native catfish, not
very plentiful, and too insignificant to call for any extended notice,
the fish being seldom over four inches in length.

WHITEFISH.

This is what might be termed a land-locked shad. The results
accruing from the planting of this kind of fish in our waters are not
fully known to the Commissioners. They are a fish that do not take
the hook, and, as our laws protect the lakes in which they were
deposited from all kinds of nets, we have no reliable data as to
whether they are a success or not. There are native whitefish that
are caught in Lakes Bigler and Donner, which have been taken for
those planted by the former Commissioners, but they are different in
form from the eastern, being longer and more slim in build, and not
so full in the shoulders.

The native, or river whitefish, are taken in great numbers, and are
called fresh water herring. They are to be found in all the streams
in the State; are small in size, from one half to one pound each. They
are in great favor with the Chinese.

There has been no showing of the eastern whitefish so far, although
it is five years since they were planted. Up to August thirtieth not
one has been taken, so far as the Commissioners have any knowledge.

SHAD.

Since the Commissioners first planted shad in our rivers they have
done well, so much so that the whole Pacific Coast can now be said
to be well stocked. They have been taken from Monterey Bay on the
south, to British Columbia on the north. The shad have large breed-
ing grounds in the waters of the center of the State; their increase
has been marvelously great. We have no accurate means of know-
ing the amount of shad that can be taken in a single day. Enough
is known, however, at the present time, to assure us that an unlimited
supply can be had in the proper season.

10

i

Of all the migratory fish in our waters, the shad is one of the most
prolitic. Our tule lakes are splendid spawning grounds for them.
During the year 1883 the law to protect shad was in force; fishermen
who caught them generally returned them to the water, but enough
were caught to assure the Commissioners that they had greatly in-
creased in numbers and growth, some being seined that weighed nine
and three quarter pounds.

It is the opinion of the Commissioners that California is the only
State in the Union where shad can be taken and marketed the year
round.

STRIPED BASS.

This most desirable fish is not a native of our waters. A few were
planted by the former Commissioners in the Bay of San Francisco at
Army Point. In the opinion of the Commissioners they will be a
success, as they have been taken in the Bay of San Francisco weigh-
ing four pounds, and one taken in the Bay of Monterey in September,
1883, weighed nearly seventeen pounds. It will be some time before
striped bass will be very plentiful, as the immense a/ea in which they
travel will have to be well stocked before any one place would have
any considerable number for the fishermen to work upon. In Octo-
ber, 1883, one was caught in the Sacramento River weighing sixteen
pounds. This and other catches are strong evidence that the striped
bass will propagate in our waters. The Commissioners find that by
reason of thus stocking our bays the whole Pacific Coast is benefited,
as in the case with shad. Bass have been taken as far north as Brit-
ish Columbia.

March third, 1884, a striped bass, weighing four pounds, was for sale
in a San Francisco market. March eleventh there was one offered for
sale that weighed eighteen and one half pounds. It seems to us that
most of the eastern fish assimilate themselves very readily to our waters.

SALT WATER FISH.

ROCK COD, OR GROUPER.

This fish abounds in great numbers all along the Pacific Coast.
The markets of California are well supplied from the Bays of San
Francisco, Monterey, Tomales, and from Punta Arenas and the Far-
allone Islands; they are caught with hook and line near the rocks
and are always in good demand.

Their habits compare with the blackfish of the New England
Coast. There are as many as five different varieties; the red is con-
sidered the most numerous of all. In the last ten or fifteen years
the markets received the most of their supply of this fish from out-
side the Bay of San Francisco. The decrease in tlie bay is owing
to the same conditions as have caused the decrease of the inland or
fresh water fish. They are gradually lessening in number by the
continual drain upon them, occasioned bj^ the various devices which
our cosmopolitan fishermen use in their capture.

The immense number of small fish of all kinds annually destroyed
by the Chinese and other fishermen in the bay, compel the market-
men to look further abroad for their daily supply, as not more than
one half of that supply is obtained in the vicinity of San Francisco.

11

f

In former years most of the supply was obtained in and around the
bays; at present the bays of Monterey, Tomales, Point Reyes, and
other points along the coast, north and south, come in for their share
of the market supply. As the consumption increases about ten per
cent per annum, increasing with the increase of our population, the
outlook for years to come is not promising. The Commissioners
know of no way to increase the supply of fish of the varieties that are
strictly indigenous to our salt waters, as the greater number of species
are migratory in their habits — only few kinds remaining the year
round in our waters. The best varieties of salt water fish are floun-
ders, soles, turbot, and tomcod, which are taken in good quantities in
the inland bays, the greater portion in San Pablo Bay. Sea perch, or
porgy, as they are termed in the New England States, are a fine pan
fish. Ours, in appearance, are darker in color than the eastern. Her-
ring are considered the most plentiful of all our food fish. They are
caught in great numbers in the Winter months, and are always in
great demand,

BAY FISH.

San Pedro and San Diego Bays furnish most of the crayfish that
are used in the markets of the State. Shoalwater Bay furnishes all of
the native oysters, and a large proportion of the clams that are used
in the various markets of the State. It is a well known fact that
at the present time a large percentage of the food fish that are used
throughout the State come from outside bays and rivers; only a small
per cent being caught within the Bay of San Francisco.

In the opinion of the Commissioners the catch of all kinds of fish
will decrease to a considerable extent in the next five years, if the
Cliinese are allowed to fish with what is known as bag-nets, for the
purpose, as claimed by them, of taking shrimp. The nets they use
are so small in size of mesh that they catch and destroy the young of
all kinds of food fish by the hundreds of tons annually.

Monterey supplies annually a large number of fish of all kinds to
the markets of San Francisco and the State.

EELS, BLACK BASS, AND LOBSTEKS.

Eels, placed in our waters by the former Commissioners, have not
been a success. It is probable that the place where they were deposited,
and where they have made their home, has not yet been discovered;
at all events, none have been taken since they were planted. It seems
to us that they ought to do well in our inland waters, as they are fond
of the bottoms of ponds or streams where mud prevails, as is the case
in our lakes and rivers.

Black bass, in our opinion, would do well in all of our large lakes,
such as Bigler, Donner, Webber, Clear, and Tulare.

Lobsters may not do well in our latitude. They are not caught
in any considerable numbers below forty-one degrees north on the
Atlantic Coast. In the opinion of the Commissioners it would be
useless to expend any considerable amount to renew the lobster ex-
periment.

In some of the lakes near San Francisco, quite a number of black
bass have been taken, and they seem to have done very well.

In this report, the Commissioners who have signed it deemed it
proper, in the naming of the various species of fish, to avoid Latin

12

nomenclature, and to call them by the good old Saxon or provincial
names by which they have been known to our fishermen and people.

NOTES BY THE COMMISSIONERS.

The fish interest is on the increase all along the line, from the Ore-
gon Coast to the line of Mexico, every bay having its well established
fisheries, which send the greater proportion of their catch to San
Francisco, where they find a ready market.

Most of the salmon which are exhibited for sale in the months of
November, December, and January, are taken up the coast at Point
Arenas, Little River, Eel River, Bolinas, and Rogue River. The
species consists of what is known as the coast or steel-head. There
are a few of the salmon taken at other points that are indigenous to
the waters of the Sacramento River.

We would also respectfully state that when the present Commis-
sioners were appointed they were at a loss to know where to commence,
as the head of the old Commission, Hon. B. B. Redding, died a few
months before, and the only one left was the Hon. S. R. Throckmorton,
who was at the time in very poor health; and he also died in a month
or so after our apijointment, leaving us without any one to confer
with who had any knowledge of what was to be done or where to
commence. We entered upon our duty as strangers to the business,
and it may have cost more to carry on the needed work than it did
our predecessors, but when taking into consideration the amount of
work done by the present Commission, we confidently believe that
the people of this State will approve of our action and. endeavors to
secure and advance its fish industry.

The present Commissioners have used earnest endeavors to protect
the fish interest from the unlawful raids made by unprincipled fisher-
men during the close season, by employing and placing a patrol on
the various bays and watercourses of this State, which action has
resulted, in great benefit. During the month of August, 1883, the
Commission caused the arrest of thirty-six violators of the fish laws,
chiefly Greeks and Italians; all were convicted and fined. During
the months of September and October, 1883, forty-eight Chinese were
arrested for violating the provisions of Section 636 of the Penal Code,
by fishing with set-nets, and in nearly all cases convictions were
obtained. The Legislature should pass a very stringent law prohibit-
ing the use of set-nets, whether for catching of shrimp or fish; shrimp
nets especially are more destructive to the young of all varieties of
fish than any other nets used, from the fact that while the fishermen,
who are fishing for the market, use nets that will catch nothing but
marketable fish, on the other hand, those parties who catch shrimps
have their nets made of so small sized mesh that it is impossible for
the young of any kind to escape therefrom, thereby catching and
destroying immense numbers. The only way to avoid the evil is to
stop the catching of shrimp except by the use of proper seines. If the
mode adopted by the Chinese is allowed to be continued, in a few
years they will have the Bay of San Francisco entirely drained of all
kinds of food fish. The number of small fish, shrimp, etc., so taken
by the Chinese, and by illicit fishing, amounts to thousands of tons
per year. The distribution of fish, in 1883, was not as large as in
former years, on account of the fact that the United States Commis-
sioners did not send to the State of California any kinds of fish that

13

they had been accustomed to furnish in former years. Our Commis-
sion has sent out from the Shelby hatchery and distributed, between
the twenty-first of May, 1883, and the first of January, 1884, over
95,000 trout.

In December, 1883, there were placed 600,000 young salmon in the
McCloud River by the United States Fish Commission, at the expense
of $600 to the State of California. _

On April 13, 1884, the California Commissioners planted ever 200
carp in the lakes of Yolo County, and on April 25 placed a number
in China Slough, Sacramento County.

The present Commissioners of the State of California have been
unable to place new varieties of fish in the waters of the State, from
the fact, mainly, that the United States Commission has not been able
to furnish the much desired and needed supply. The United States
Commissioner, Hon. Spencer F. Baird, in making annual distribution
of fish, up to the year 1883, favored California with its proportion.
To him and to his associates the people of this State owe their thanks
for the successful stocking of our watercourses and bays with shad,
catfish, carp, black bass, striped bass, whitefish, etc.

We most earnestly hope that, in the coming years, we may be favored
by the United States Fish Commission with a supply of the different
varieties of eastern fish.

VIOLATIONS OP LAWS.

The fish laws have been violated to a great extent on the upper
rivers, by unprincipled men, who have established fisheries from
Fremont to Redding, on the Sacramento River. The great damage
that has been done by these up-river fishermen has been occasioned
by the continued drawing of seines upon the gravel bars, not only in
the taking of the fish ready to deposit spawn, but also in destroying
the ova already deposited upon the gravel bars, these bars being the
natural spawning grounds of the salmon. In the opinion of the
Commissioners, the State should set apart that section of the river
from Jacinto to the McCloud and Pit Rivers as breeding grounds, so
that no net or seine could be legally used in that portion. of the river.
If a law of that character is not passed and enforced, the salmon
interest of this State will be of short duration, as the parties using
seines on the spawning grounds do more towards annihilating the
salmon than all the gill-net fishermen, as the gill nets are nearly of a
uniform size of mesh, and only take matured fish, while the seines
take all sizes, from one half pound up.

In the opinion of the Commission, it would be wise for the Legisla-
ture to enact such laws as will control excessive and prohibit destruc-
tive modes of fishing, such as Chinese bag nets, Chinese trout lines,
etc., as they are destructive to the young of all kinds of hsh.

The Commission would advise that a law be passed to prohibit the
use of any weir, pound, bag net, China trout line, set nets, and all
other contrivances, in the public waters of this State, with the excep-
tion of the fyke nets, and providing that the wings thereof do not
extend more than twenty-five feet in the stream from the bank or
shore; also, to enact such laws as will prohibit the Indians from
taking any kind of fish by any other method than was in use by them
prior to 1850.

4

14

SHELBY HATCHERY,

The hatching of trout at the Shelby hatchery was started in the
month of May, 1883, and during the year there were hatched and dis-
tributed over 95,000 trout, and, although this hatchery was started
very late in the season for trout hatching, it establishes the fact that
the conditions and surroundings are very favorable to the business.

The hatching house was, in 1883, under the charge of Mr. Richard-
son, a gentleman well versed in the art of propagating fish artilicially.
Under his management, in the space of two months, over 95,000 were
hatched of the species as follows : McCloud River, Lake Bigler,
Donner Lake, and Modoc or rainbow trout. After the appointment
of the majority of the present Commission they examined into and
took charge of the property belonging to the State, which consisted of
an old building called a hatchery, situated about one mile from the
railroad in Alameda County, near Chabot Lake; some transporting
cans, and a few hatching boxes which were not worth moving. As
soon as we could conveniently get to work, the Commission found a
suitable place for a temporary hatchery, which is situated on what
is called Butterfly Creek, between Colfax and Grass Valley, on the
Nevada Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Commission received the
privilege of building a hatchery house, with the use of a bountiful
supply of water, from the owner of the property, Joseph Shelby, Esq.

SACRAMENTO RIVER.

The Sacramento River, which heads in the northern part of the
State, runs nearly north and south through four degrees of latitude,
and is one of the best salmon streams in the world. At the head the
water is clear and icy cold, and the river has a fine gravelly bottom,
making fine spawning grounds.

The principal tributaries are the Pit River, which rises in Siskiyou
County in Goose Lake, and the McCloud River, which is one of the
finest streams in the State of California, and widely noted as a trout
stream. Here the United States Commission built their hatchery.
The water is very cold, more so than any other stream in the State.

The Feather River is another branch, and in early years was a very
good salmon stream, but of late years the salmon have not ascended
on account of the impure water.

m'CLOUD RIVER.

The United States hatchery on the McCloud River has been a great
benefit to the State of California in years past, on account of the large
number of salmon which have been planted and obtained from it in
the headwaters of the Sacramento River. The abandonment of the
hatchery and of the propagation of fish by the United States Commis-
sion, leaves the State of California without any hope of depositing
any salmon fry in any of our streams this year (1884). It is to be
hoped that our next Legislature will make an appropriation that will
enable us to establish a hatchery, in the year 1885, on one of the
branches of the Sacramento River. As our interest in the packing of
salmon is very great, it occurs to us that tlie^ State should make liberal
provision in the direction mentioned. THe United States hatchery,

15

on the McCloud River, has been virtually given up, and we can
expect no further salmon supply in that direction. Unless the Legis-
lature make an ample appropriation for the erection of a State salmon
hatchery, the decrease of salmon will annually continue, and in a
short time we will neither have the salmon for a food, nor the can-
neries as an industry, and the fisherman vocation will pass away.

FISH-WAYS, OR LADDERS.

Not many arrests, up to the present time, have been made for the
violation of the law by dam owners, in failing to establish ways and
ladders.

The dams on the headwaters of the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, San Joa-
quin, and the upper Sacramento Rivers, are, in our opinion, a great
drawback to the salmon interest, as the spawning grounds are, for the
most part, above the dams. There being no fish ways at the dams,
the fish deposit their ova farther down the rivers, where fishermen
are using nets, and thereby disturbing the ova and killing every egg
that would otherwise mature. The failure to erect proper fish ladders
was one of the causes of the decrease of salmon in the year 1884.

APPEAL TO THE LEGISLATURE.

The California Commission call upon the next Legislature to make
appropriations for two hatcheries — one for the purpose of hatching
trout and keeping the same in proper ponds until they become at
least four months old, and a hatchery for the breeding of salmon on
the headwaters of the Sacramento River. Without these hatcheries
the Commission will be unable to keep up the supply. The demand
now exceeds the supply by more than 100,000 matured salmon. The
California Commissioners have been dependent upon the United
States Commission for all salmon supplies, and we can no longer look
for fish in that direction. Because the California salmon do not
thrive well in Atlantic waters is the reason why the United States
Commissioners have discontinued their work at the McCloud River
hatchery.

AMERICAN RIVER.

This branch of the Sacramento River is nearly depleted of all kinds
of fish, although most of the small streams which empty into it are
well supplied with small brook trout. The same can be said of the
Feather and Yuba Rivers. The great cause of depletion is owing to
the fact that gold mining has been carried on upon those streams
from the first discovery of gold to the present time, causing the water
to be heavily charged with debris.

It is the opinion of the Commission that the accumulations of sand,
etc., from the mines work great destruction to the ova by covering it
with deposit, and also forcing the fish that would naturally breed in
these waters to seek other streams where the water is purer.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER.

This is a very good stream for the Fall run of salmon, the ascent
being not very steep, and the current, especially the first seventy-five
miles, not being very strong. The different branches form fine spawn-

16

ing grounds, provided the fish could reach their headwaters. The
only stream emptying into the San Joaquin not dammed is the
Mokelumne. The Tuolumne and Stanislaus are dammed in such a
way as to prevent the fish from ascending.

BIG MEADOWS.

These meadows lie in Plumas County. They are grand spawning
grounds for trout. The north fork of the Feather River runs through
the meadows. The river derives its waters from springs, some of
which are extensive, causing large streams to flow into the main
river, and furnishes, with a large realm of water, one of the finest
spawning grounds in the State — one of the best for feeding, spawn-
ing, and fish increase. The water is cold at all seasons of the year;
the temperature not higher than sixty degrees Fahrenheit. The
waters have been diverted from the original watercourse by what is
known as the Watt cut, which, at certain times of the year, leaves
insufficient water for fish to ascend over the natural falls in the river,
causing great complaint from the property holders along the meadows.
They have just cause for complaint.

THE m'cLOUD river.

The McCloud River takes its water supply from the Shasta Buttes.
The river runs nearly north and south, with little variation, through
six or seven townships, and ranks among the finest of our mountain
streams. The water is always cold, varying in depth from three to
fifteen feet. It is also a most excellent trout stream, the rainbow and
Dolly Varden trout being caught in its waters in great numbers, and
weighing from one half pound to eight and ten pounds each.

Salmon also ascend the McCloud in great numbers for the purpose
of spawning during the season. At this time of the year it is a known
fact that they will readily take the hook, a fact not known to exist in
any other river in our State.

The tributary of the Little Sacrainento, called Dog Creek, is well
stocked with trout that weigh from one lialf pound to three pounds.

Mosquito Creek is well stocked.

Little Mosquito and Portage Creeks are w^ell stocked with Califor-
nia brook trout, and of average w^eight with those found in the small
streams that empty into the Sacramento, Pit, and McCloud Rivers,
making that section of our State one of the best trout fishing locali-
ties found in our own State or the United States, as also furnishing
the best spawning grounds in the world considering the area.

The different branches of Pit River are as follows:

Hat- Creek is well supplied with the rainbow trout, which average
from one half pound to four pounds above the falls, and weighing
from one half pound to eight pounds below the falls.

Hatchet Creek also abounds with small brook trout.

Bennie Creek, above the falls, is also well filled with large brook
trout, pulling the scale at one and one half pounds.

Fall River is also well supplied with the black trout and native
whitefish. The latter fish do not resemble the eastern whitefish. In
fact all the streams that empty their waters into Pit and McCloud
Rivers are all good trout streams and well stocked.

17

The streams on the eastern divide of the State are not so prolific
with trout, although some few are well stocked. The lakes are well
supplied. The only streams which appear to have become mate-
rially exhausted, are our coast streams in and around San Francisco.
This, no doubt, is owing to the large population that indulge in the
pastime of angling. There has been a scarcity of food for the trout
to feed upon in the upper rivers, but the fish have done better during
the last few months. This may have been caused by the continued
blasting on the northern railroad in the vicinity of their feeding and
spawning grounds.

In our opinion, the McCloud River trout are migratory, and are
called on the lower rivers, salmon trout.

CLOSE SEASON.

On the first day of August, 1883, the Commission placed a patrol
upon the Sacramento River and adjacent bays, under the direction
of W. C. Jones, as Deputy Commissioner. The arrangements for the
patrol were completed by the ninth of the month, when the first
sortie was made and several parties were arrested for illicit fishing.
From the ninth of August, the patrol was kept in the field. In fact,
the pirates and violators of the law seemed to forget that there ever
was a law passed for the protection of salmon. It was a hard matter
to make them believe that the Commissioners were in earnest. Dep-
uty Commissioner Jones at times was compelled to resort to force in
order to prevent parties from further violating the laws. In the
opinion of the State Commission, Mr. Jones has succeeded, by his
energy and intrepidity, in stopping almost all of the lawless and
wanton destruction of salmon, especially during the close season of
1883.

During the close season of 1884, viz. : the month of August, there
was but little illicit fishing done, except in the last few days of the
month, when a few boats ventured out, and those were captured by
our deputy, W. C. Jones.

One of the greatest drawbacks to successful work is, the want of a
proper conveyance to patrol the rivers, and at all times; sailboats are
not always successful in making captures, on account of tlie fishermen
having fast crafts of their own, and, as soon as the Commission's boat
is discovered, they escape. This is owing to the fact that the most of
their boats are superior sailers. The Commissioners need a good
steam launch, with a light draft of water, having speed sufficient to
overtake and bring the violators to justice.

18

REPORT OF DEPUTY FISH COMMISSIONER W. C. JONES.

We herewith submit the report of Deputy Fish Commissioner W.
C. Jones:

Bird's Landing, January 1, 1884.

To the honorable Board of Fish Commissioners of the State of California:

Gentlemen: In compliance with your request, I hereby submit my
report from August 1, 1883, to January 1, 1884.

On the first of August, 1883, 1 received a dej^uty commission author-
izing me to patrol the Sacramento River, the San Joaquin River, and
Suisun Bay.

Up to the ninth of August I succeeded in locating several tanks
and salt-houses, where active preparations were being made for the
purpose of salting fish during the close season. Up to the ninth, no
arrests had been made. On that day, in attempting to arrest two
Greeks in Three-mile Slough, one of them, named A. Nicholaus, was
killed; the other, John Peterson, was arrested. Nothing more oc-
curred until the fourteenth, when two nets were captured near China-
town, the owners escaping. On the sixteenth, a raid was planned,
using the steam tug Belshaw, owned by Captain Nelson & Co., of the
Benicia cannery, and up to the twentieth, we captured thirteen hun-
dred salted salmon and three tanks. In this raid, no owners ap-
peared. On the twenty-first, five men were taken, and on the
twenty-second four more, for violating the fish laws; on the twenty-
seventh two more, and on the night of the thirtieth sixteen men,
making a total for the month of August of twenty-nine individuals.
During the month of September nothing of interest occurred.

By directions of your Board a raid was planned to overhaul the
Chinese fishermen in San Pablo and San Francisco Bays, and during
the ten days following, we captured forty-three Chinamen who were
using set-nets. On the twenty-ninth two Greeks were captured near
Collinsville, violating the Sunday law. November second, took in
four Chinamen with nets set across Cache Slough, and on the eighth
four more, for the same offense; making a total number of prisoners
up to the eighth of November, inclusive, eighty-two. Of the white
fishermen there were thirty-one. Their nationalities are as follows:

Greeks 14

Italians 10

Portuguese 4

Austrians 2

Germans 1

The whole number were convicted, thirteen paying fines of $50
each; the remainder serving out their sentence in jail. Of the China-
men, fifty-one in number, eighteen were convicted; fifteen were tried
at Martinez by jury and released, and five more that were tried at
San Rafael were freed by jury, ten convicted, and the remainder
were not brought to trial. Nothing more occurred until January 15,
1884, when, by direction of your honorable Board, I descended the
Sacramento River to inspect nets. Found two at Courtland, one at

19

Emmaton, one at Collinsville, below the legal size in length of mesh.
The owners were all arrested. The one at Emmaton pleaded guilty
and was fined $50 on the twenty-ninth of January.

On the sixteenth of January found two nets below legal size at
Courtland. One of the parties pleaded guilty, and on the eighth day
•of February was fined $50.

Collinsville, October 20, 1884.

To the honorable the Board of Fish Commissioners :

Gentlemen: In compliance with your request, I hereby submit
the following report from January 1 to October 23, 1884, inclusive. I
have captured the following, viz. :

January 15 to 25— Fourteen Greeks and Italians, charged with stealing a house located on the
lower end of Grizzly Island, on or near the north boundary of Suisun Bay. All of the above
parties were tried in Fairfield, and found guilty of petty larceny, fined $50 each and costs,
iiggregating $80 to each prisoner.

"February 10— Took in Harry Beyer, John Seevie; February 15— Frist Hartman, Frank Har-
mainsons, J. D. Crandell, Frank Robies. Discharged.

February 15 — Antone Bruers, tried at Benicia, and fined $50.

February 15 — Alonzo Pisto, tried at Benicia, and fined $50.

February 25 — A. Devoto, tried at Benicia, and fined $50.

February 25 — A. Costo, tried at Benicia, and fined $50.

February 25 — Santo Lucee, tried at Benicia, and fined $50.

February 25 — Christ. Manuel. Sent to jail.

March 15 — Peter Buinbus. Sent to jail.

March 15— George Manuel. Sent to jail.

March 12 — Peter Dago. Sent to jail.

March 12 — John Nacht. Sent to jail.

March 19 — Costa Stratto. Sent to jail.

March 19 — A. Thedros. Sent to jail.

April 17 — Tom Lee. Sent to jail.

April 17 — Ah Chung. Sent to jail.

April 17 — Ah Gon. Sent to jail.

April 17 — Ah Shone. Sent to jail.

April 19— Peter Tom. Fined $50.

April 19— A. Constantine. Fined $50.

May 5 — George Brown. Fined $50.

May 5— John Smith. Fined $50.

May 5 — Dometry Bob' s,. Fined $50.

May 5 — John Brown. Fined $50.

May 5 — Demetro Lawrenco. Fined $50.

May 5 — Nicholas Bruces. Fined $50.

May 5 — John Mimecha. Fined $50.

May 5 — John Andrews. Fined $50.

May 5— George Brown. Fined $50.

May 11— Chas. Kesling. Fined $50.

May 11— Thos. Roberts. Fined $50.

May 11 — John Lunes. Fined $50.

May 11 — George Journess. Fined $50. •

May 19 — John Golitto. Jail fifty days.

May 19 — Joseph Pogee. Jail fifty days.

June 7 — Nicholas Barra. Fined $50.

June 7 — Constine Janullo. Fined $50.

June 7 — Josey McCorea. Fined $50.

June 7 — Alex. Peters. Fined $50. .

June 7 — Alex. Rozario. Fined $50.

June 9 — John Constine. Fined $50.

June 9— Pappello Sofico. Fined $50.

June 9— Christ. Sprego. Fined $50.

June 9— George Allec. Fined $50.

June 9 — John- Nicholas. Fined $50.

June 16— Nicholas Christ. Fined $50.

June 16— Nicholas Columbus. Fined $50.

August 15 — Joseph Largomorisina, Antone Petro, Manuel Gappie, Joseph Penio, Manuel
Tarkenia. Held for stealing a cow from Walter Storey of Chipp's Island. Case set for Novem-
ber 15, 1884.

20

August 29— John Starbo. Fined $50.

August 29 — Manuel Dorris. Fined $50.

August 29 — Henrv Richardson, A. Mastillo, Peter Holker. Jailed.

August 29— John 'Bell. Fined $50.

August 29— Niel Nelson. Fined $50.

August 29 — Chas. Summon, Andrew Faruseth, Martin Busion. Not guilty by jurors.

September 16 — Antone Bragell. Fined $60.

September 16 — A. Andrews. Fined $50.

September 16— F. Bayo, A. Bosco. Jailed.

September 25 — John Spodd. Fined $50.

September 25— M. Calighan. Fined $50.

September 30 — Romaro Francisco, Frank Rittie. Jailed.

October 4 — Ah Shun, Gom Lee, Tom Tough, Ah True. Jailed.

Total amoiiut collected for fines, $2,000.

The foregoing report does not include some forty arrests that I made
during the fourteen months that I have been under the employment
of the Fish Commissioners. By the partiality of the jurors, and in
some cases not having sufficient evidence to convict, many of the vio-
lators escaped justice.

The best evidence that I have to offer in the interest of the good
accomplished by the river patrol, is the small amount of violations
now being committed of the existing fish laws. It is a well known
fact that previous to the establishment of an efficient patrol on the
rivers and bays, fishermen carried on their unlawful business without
restraint.

The following is the number of convicted violators of the law as
regards nationality:

Greeks 45

Italians 23

Germans 6

Americans 1

Chinese 18

Total 93

I hereby certify the above report to be correct.

W. C. JONES,
Deputy Fish Commissioner.

21

HISTORY OF FISH CULTURE.

1850 — French Government appointed a Fish Commission.

1850— Norwegian Parliament voted 3,000 thalers for the culture of
fish.

1854 — Belgian Government organized a fish-breeding establishment
on the same principle as France.

1856 — Massachusetts appointed a Fish Commission to inquire and
report; the result was, that in 1865 the State adopted the present sys-
tem and granted appropriations.

1857 — Russia appointed a Fish Commission; the result of their
labor culminating in the establishment in 1862 of a government
breeding place in Finland, and by the year 1873 there were ten such
in that province.

1860 — Russia also subsidized an extensive hatchery at Nicholasky,
in the Province of Novgorod.

1865 — The State of New Hampshire sent commissioners to Canada
for salmon ova. From 1865 to 1870, the State expended some $23,000
for fish culture.

1865 — The Austrian Government founded a fish hatchery at Saltz-
burg, and in 1873, every province in the empire was provided with
its own breeding establishments.

1866 — The State of Pennsylvania organized a Fish Commission,
but no money was appropriated until the year 1873; but between the
years 1873 to 1880 inclusive, the amount given through State aid was,
for the purpose of public fish culture, nearly $100,000.

1866 — The State of Connecticut appointed a Fishery Commission,
and appropriated for the purpose of public fish culture, from 1868 to
1880, $44,500.

1866 — The Dominion of Canada established a Fishery Commission
with a large stafli" of officers, with ample funds at their command.

1867 — The State of Maine appointed a Fish Commission, From
1867 to 1880, appropriations were made to the amount of $38,000.

1868— The State of New York appointed a Commission of Fish-
eries, and from 1868 to 1879, expended the sum of $169,000.

1870 — The State of California appointed a Commission of Fisheries,
and from 1870 to 1882, appropriated the sum of about $40,000.

1870— The State of New Jersey appointed a Fishery Commission,
and from 1871 to 1880, the appropriations were about $30,000.

1870 — Rhode Island appointed a Commission for Fish Culture, and
from 1871 to 1880, appropriated $10,000.

1870 — Alabama appointed a Fish Commission.

1871 — The Congress of the United States of America appointed a
Commission of Fish and Fisheries, for all the States of the Union,
with a full staff of officers having a knowledge of Fish Culture, and
up to 1880, the total sums placed at the disposal of the Commission
amounted to about $488,500.

1871 — The American Fish Culturist Association organized, and in
1872 applied to Congress to authorize the United States Commission
to undertake the duty of restoring fish to the depleted rivers, and a
resolution was passed authorizing the United States Commission to
fulfill that duty.

22

1872 — At Bucksport, State of Maine, an extensive breeding place
was established at the joint expense of certain States and the United
States Commission, under the control of the United States Commis-
sion.

1873 — The State of Ohio appointed a Fish Commission, and from

1873 to 1880 the sums voted for fish culture amounted to nearlv
$29,500.

1873 — The State of Wisconsin appointed a Fish Commission, and
from 1873 to 1880 the sum voted for fish culture amounted to about
$40,000.

1874 — The State of Iowa appointed a Fish Commission, and from

1874 up to 1880 money was appropriated for the artificial culture of
fish amounting to $23,500.

1875 — The New York Commission succeeded in hatching sturgeon,
and were very successful.

1875 — The State of Minnesota appointed a Fish Commission, and
from 1875 to 1880, sums were appropriated amounting to $23,000.

1876 — The State of Kentucky appointed a Commission of Fisheries,.
and from 1876 to 1880 the various sums appropriated for fish culture
were, in total, $11,000.

1877 — The State of Kansas appointed a Fish Commission, and from
1877 to 1880 appropriated for fish culture the sum of $2,500.

1877— Germany and the United States were successful in the artifi-
cial hatching of herring.

1877 — United States successfully introduced three species of carp
from Germany.

1877 — United States Congress established a Government carp pond
by special appropriation, from which pond several hundred thousand
carp have been distributed to all parts of the United States.

1877 — The State of Colorado established a Fishery Commission,
and from 1877 to 1880 appropriated for fish culture the sum of $2,000.

1877 — The State of Nevada appointed a Fish Commission, and from

1877 to 1880 the sum of $2,500 was appropriated.

1877 — West Virginia appointed a Commission of Fisheries, and

from 1877 to 1880 there was appropriated for fish culture about $4,000.

1877 — There was one salmon caught in the Delaware River, and in

1878 there were several hundred taken.

1876 — Salmon were planted in the Connecticut River, and in 1878
the fishermen caught more than six hundred.

. 1878— Sole were introduced by the United States Commission into
the United States.

1878 — Codfish were successfully hatched on the coast of Massachu-
setts by the United States Commission of Fisheries.

1879— Haddock were successfully hatched, in large numbers, by
the United States Commission of Fisheries on the coast of Massachu-
setts.

1880— The United States Government built and equipped a large
steam vessel for the transportation of fish.

1880 — Spanish mackerel and other species of European fish were
introduced by the United States Commission.

1880— Countries to which prizes were awarded at the Berlin Inter-
national Exhibition, were as follows:

United States: Six gold medals, one silver, one bronze, and two
honorable mentions.

Germany: Three gold, one silver, three bronze, and eleven honor-
able mentions.

23

Russia: One gold, one silver, one bronze, and one honorable men-
tion.

Norway: One silver medal.

Sweden : One silver medal.

Austria: One bronze medal.

Switzerland : One bronze medal.

The people of the United States may well feel proud of the awards
above mentioned. It shows that the people of the United States are
the most progressive, energetic, and in fact the foremost in the art of
fish culture. To-day, in such respect, the United States takes the lead
of all other countries in the civilized world, and it is to be sincerely
hoped that she will continue to maintain the supremacy.

REPORT OF TREASURER.

To the Commission of Fisheries of the State of California:

Appended find your Treasurer's statement and reports of receipts
and disbursements from March 3, 1883 — at which time the present
Board was organized — up to December 3, 1884.

As to receipts, to the extent they have come from State appropria-
tions, in this report will be found, in consecutive order, the number,
date, and amount of each of the Controller's warrants.

The accounts covered by these warrants were presented to and
approved by the State Board of Examiners, and are now on file in
the proper State department.

All other disbursement accounts were paid by bank checks, and,
on settlement of the bank account, these paid checks have been
returned, and are now on file as vouchers.

Having given to the fish industry of California, personally and as
one of the Commissioners, much consideration, I deem it not inap-
propriate for me, in this report, to present a few suggestions.

In order to protect and increase the fish industry, I suggest that an
appropriation of $3,000 be solicited from the ensuing Legislature, to
enable the Fish Commissioners to purchase a swift steam launch,
by means of which the Commission and its patrol may successfully
pursue, overtake, arrest, and bring to punishment all violators of the
fish laws, and to drive the Chinese and other offenders from our bays
and rivers.

I further suggest that the State appropriate $10,000 to be expended
by the Board of Fish Commissioners in the establishment and con-
struction of a State salmon hatchery — the hatchery to be erected at an
available site on one of the upper tributaries of the Sacramento River.
The hatchery should have a hatching capacity of 6,000,000, wdth ample
storage reservoirs for the safety of the young fry, until, by size, they
can protect themselves from the devouring large fish. It is reported
by the United States Fish Commissioner that from September, 1873,
to November, 1882, 18,337,000 young salmon were released from the
United States hatchery into the McCloud River, a tributary of the
Sacramento. Whilst I have much reason to question the statement

24

as to numbers, I fully appreciate the obligation of our citizens to the
Government of the United States and her Commissioners for a very
generous and valuable supply. The General Government having
practically, if not positively abandoned all work of supply in the
direction mentioned, the State must do it or lose the salmon.

In my judgment this branch oifisli culture demands immediate and
active attention of the Commission and the Legislature.

I further suggest that a "boat license law" be enacted, requiring all
persons and parties known as market or cannery fishermen, and those
engaged in catching fish to dry, salt, or transport, to pay a license tax
upon each boat used by them in their vocation. Such law will have
the approval of the law abiding fishermen.

I further suggest that the State appropriate, for the thirty-seventh
fiscal year, $7,000, and for the thirty-eighth fiscal year, $6,000, and
that a special appropriation of about $1,000 be made to cover the defi-
ciencies of the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth fiscal years.

Submitted.

A. B. DIBBLE,
Commissioner and Treasurer.

MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.

Date.

Auiuuut.

1883.
March 3

March 3

June 26

November 9

1884.

February 19

1883

March 5-.
March 10.
March 12.
March 16.
March 24.
April 2...
April 10-.
April 18_.
April 25-.

May 5

June 9

June 9

June 9

July 4 ...
July 12--
July 13 —
August 14
July 19 --
August 14
August 8 .
August 17
August 18
August 18
August 20

Beceipts.

Cash received from former Commission, deposited with Anglo

Californian Bank

Cash from estate of Traylor

Cash returned by J.D. Redding

Cash returned by J. D. Redding

Cash from Sacramento River Packing Company

Disbursements.

Paid J. G. Woodbury, labor account

Paid Francis & Valentine, printingannualreportandexpress'ge

Paid Wells, Fargo & Co., freight on eggs from East

Paid Livingstone Stone, 4,000,000 salmon eggs

Paid J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses

Paid R. H. Buckingham, expense account

Paid R. E. Wilson, counsel fee

Paid John Sissengood, balance labor account

Paid Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage

Paid J. D. Redding, expense account

Paid R. H. Buckingham, expense account

Paid A. B. Dibble, expense account

Paid J. D. Redding, expense account

Paid J. A. Richardson, salary and expense account

Paid Weisbien Bros., fish eggs

Paid J. G. Woodbury, expense account

Paid R. tt. Buckingham, enforcing Section 634 Civil Code

Paid Peter Johnston, merchandise for hatchery

Paid J. D. Redding, expense account

Paid Mohawk Lumber Company, lumber

Paid J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses

Paid California Wire Works, wire

Paid J. D. Redding, expense account

Paid A. C. Lowell & Co., merchandise

Amount carried forward

$6,504

11

21

28

97

40

55

00

200

00

$6,877 79

$230

25

54

25

60

00

2,000

00

44

00

10

00

100

00

15

00

4

45

40

00

130

00

50

00

125

00

100

00

24

00

18

00

500

00

173

23

40

00

49

33

100

00

14

75

210

00

20

00

$4,112 26

25

MiscELLANKOus RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS— Continued.

Date.

August 31

September 5 _.
September 10 .
September 10 .
September 12 .
September 22 .
September 28 .
September 29 .

October 10...,

October 15

November 20
November 20
December 24.
December 31.
December 31.

1884.

February 19 .

Amount brought forward

Paid R. H. Buckingham, expense account

Paid Samuel Granger (for J. A. Richardson), labor account...

Paid .James Dobbins, for services and labor on river

Paid W. C. Jones, for services and labor on river

Paid J. A. Richardson, for services and labor on river

Paid A. B. Dibble, cash advanced and exi^enses

Paid H. S. Crocker & Co., printing

Paid R. H. Buckingham, expense account and Chinese prose-
cution, etc

Paid R. H. Buckingham, expense account and Chinese prose-
cution, etc

To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., merchandise

To H. Woodson, trout eggs

To A. B. Dibble, expense account

To A. R. Hamlin, labor account

To Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage

To discount on State warrant

Paid C. H. Rogers, boat and service (Sacramento River Pack-
ing Company)

Paid June, October, and December, 1884, discount on State
warrants

Paid, July, 1884, Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage _.

Paid Mohawk Lumber Company, on bill omitted by error in
claim No. 5

Balance unexpended

Amount.

$4,112 26

189

30

60

00

539

50

530

00

300

00

384

60

6

00

250

00

100

00

9

93

20

26

12

37

90

00

3

40

18 76

75 00

53 27
1 56

12 76

$6,768 84
118 95

$6,877 79

SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES OF APPROPRIATION FOR THIRTY-FIFTH FISCAL

YEAR.

1883— October 29 ..
December 21

1884— February ._.

March 4

May 21

June 28

August 16

To appropriation

1. By warrant No. 1,962.

2. By warrant No. 2,971.

3. By warrant No. 3,969.

4. By warrant No. 4,334.
6. By warrant No. 6,835.

6. By warrant No. 7,136.

7. Bv warrant No. 536.

$6,000 00

$5,000 00

* This is tlie amount paid of the claim for f89G 45— see below.

CONDITION OF APPROPRIATION FOR THIRTY-FIFTH FISCAL YEAR.

To claim No. 1 — Expenses ^ $1,250 28

To claim No. 2— Expenses 1,568 35

To claim No. 3— Expenses .' 562 00

To claim No. 4^ — Expenses 180 00

To claim No. 6 — Expenses 763 70

To claim No. 6— Expenses 544 20

To claim No. 7— Expenses 896 45

$5,754 98
By amount drawn as above 5,000 00

Deficiency in appropriation to pay claim No. 7 $754 98

26 ^

STATEMENT IN DETAIL OF EXPENSES OF APPROPRIATION FOR THIRTY-FIFTH
FISCAL YEAR, BEGINNING JULY 1, 1883, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1884.

Claim No. 1, August 6, 1883, to October 13, 1883, inclusive.

1. To W. C. Jones, patrol and expense account $664 65

2. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account 163 38

3. To Charles Donicke, boat and services 50 00

4. To Carquinez Packing Company, tug service 80 00

5. To S. Marsich, merchandise 25 80

6. To Peter Terrillo, sloop and expenses 66 95

7. To John J. Murphy, services 32 00

8. To J. Griraley, labor on river i5 00

9. To F. M. Angelotti, retaining fee 40 00

10. To John Ferrin, services, cash, etc 103 50

11. To D. Odds and Lot Smith, keepers' fees 10 00

$1,250 28

Claim No. 2, September 22, 1883, to November 20, 1883, inclusive.

1. To A. B. Dibble, expense account $187 40

2. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account 133 60

3. To W. C. Jones, labor and expenses 415 35

4. To Livingstone Stone, salmon eggs 600 00

5. To W. J. Hugh, board, etc 13 00

6. To Frederick Buckingham, services 76 00

7. To John Cropper, services 69 50

8. To sloop Bessie, Captain Ferrella 73 50

1,568 35

Claim No. 3, November 11, 1883, to January 31, 1884, inclusive.

1. To J. N. Gill (W. C. Jones), merchandise $12 85

2. To F. M. Angelotti, legal services 20 00

3. To John Cropper, services 25 00

4. To Jacob Cantrell, services 30 00

5. To Charles Dagnol, services and boat 45 00

6. To Wm. T. Wallace, Jr., legal services 80 00

7. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account 102 15

8. To D. H. Burton, labor, etc.. - 110 00

9. To W. C. Jones, labor and expenses 127 00

Claim No. 4, February — , 1884.

To A. B. Dibble, expense account $180 00

^ 180 00

Claim No. 5, January 8, 1884, to April 17, 1884, inclusive.

1. To J. D. Johnson, labor — $18 00

2. To W. C. Jones, services and expenses 113 50

3. To Eureka Lumber Company, lumber 40 71

4. To Peter Johnson, hardware 109 49

5. To J. Shebley, services, etc. 48 50

6. To J. C. Frazier, one month's salary 100 00

7. To J. Shebley, fish, expenses, and labor 95 65

8. To R. H. Buckingham, expenses 118 40

9. To J. C. Frazier, salary, expenses, etc 116 90

10. To Mohawk Lumber Company, lumber 2 65

763 70

Clai7n No. 6, February 10 to May 9, 1884, inclusive.

1. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account $83 05

2. To A. B. Dibble, expense account 333 85

3. To J. C. Frazier, salary, expenses, etc 127 30

544 20

27

Claim No. 7, July 23 to December 11, 1884, inclusive.

1. To Lenni Fish Company, fish $125 00

2. To J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses 328 50

3. To H. Woodson, 25,000 trout 200 00

4. To W. C. Jones, sloop and services 90 00

5. To J. C. Frazier, salary, expenses, etc. 107 95

6. To John Healey, boat and services 45 00

Apportioned all that was received from the warrant.

896 45
141 47

Total expenditures $5,000 00

Note. — Claim No. 7 allowed, S896 45 ; balance in appropriation, S141 47; deficiency, $754 98.

EXPENDITURES FOR THIRTY-SIXTH FISCAL YEAR, ENDING JUNE 30, 1885.

To appropriation .

By expenditures, Claim No. 1, Warrant 537, July 6 to July 13, 1884,

inclusive.

1. To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses $178 30

2. To W. C. Jones, salary and expenses 40 00

3. To W. C. Jones, sloop and services 200 00

4. To J. C. Frazier, expenses. Lake Tahoe 16 50

Claim No. 2, Warrant 1,839, from July 1, 1884, to August 11, 1884, in-
clusive.

1. To J. Shebley, cash and labor $168 10

2. To Bosqui, engraving and printing 25 00

3. To W. C. Jones, salary and expenses 600 00

4. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account 154 65

Claim No. 3, Warrant 3,088, December 2, 1884.

1. To J. C. Frazier, services and expenses $247 95

2. To W. C. Jones, services and expenses 160 00

3. To R. H. Buckingham, expense account 98 35

4. To A. B. Dibble, expense account

Balance unexpended

$434 80

947 75

506 30
365 04

$5,000 00

2,253 89
$2,746 11

RECAPITULATION,
Receipts.

Miscellaneous

Appropriation thirty-fifth fiscal year..
Appropriation thirty-sixth fiscal year.

Disbursements.

Miscellaneous

Thirty-fifth fiscal year..
Thirty-sixth fiscal year.

$6,758 84
5,000 00
2,253 89

$6,877 79
5,000 00
2,253 89

$14,131 68

14,012 73

Balance unexpended.

$118 95

DISTRIBUTION OF FISH, 1883.

5,000 trout in Butterfly Creek, above reservoir, Nevada County.
33,000 trout in the upper waters American River.
15,000 trout in Webber Lake.

5,000 trout in Butterfly Creek, below reservoir.

8,000 trout in San Bernardino County.
300 carp in Yolo County.
29,000 trout in Donner, Webber, and Independence Lakes.

28

DISTRIBUTION OF FISH, 1884.

25,000 trout in Sonoma Creek.
30,000 trout in Modoc County streams.
5,000 land-locked salmon in Independence Lake.
10,000 land-locked salmon in Donner Lake.
10,000 land-locked salmon in Bigler Lake.
2,000 trout at Folsom.
500 catfish at Fresno.
10,000 trout in Bear River, Placer County.
20,000 trout in South Yuba River.
10,000 trout in American River.
2,000 trout in stream at Nevada City.
5,000 trout at Steep Hollow.
10,000 trout in streams of Santa Clara County.
10,000 trout in streams of Santa Cruz County.
70,000 trout on hand for distribution at Shebley.
600,000 salmon in Sacramento River.
100,000 salmon-trout (eastern), now being hatched at Shebley.

300 land-locked salmon in Butterfly Creek and above reservoir.

LIST OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

UNITED STATES.

Prof. Spencer F. Baird Washington, D. C.

ALABAMA.

Col. D. R. Hundley Mooresville

Hon. Charles S. G. Doster Prattville

ARIZONA.

Hon. J. J. Gosper Prescott

Hon. Richard Rule Tombstone

J. H. Taggart... Yuma

ARKANSAS.

J. E. Reardon Little Rock

J. H. Hornibrook Little Rock

H. H. Rottaken Little Rock

CALIFORNIA.

J. D. Redding San Francisco

A. B. Dibble, Secretary and Treasurer Grass Valley

R. H. Buckingham, President Sacramento

COLORADO.

"Wilson E. Sisty Idaho Springs

CONNECTICUT.

Dr. W. M. Hudson Hartford

Robert G. Pike Middletown

James A. Bill Lyme

DELAWARE.

Enoch Moore, Jr. Wilmington

29

GEORGIA.

Hon. J. T. Henderson Atlanta

Dr. H. H. Gary, Superintendent of Fisheries

ILLINOIS.

N. K. Fairbank ^ Chicago

S. P. Bartlett Quincy

S. P. McDole ■ Aurora

INDIANA.

Calvin Fletcher Spencer, Owen County

IOWA.

B. F. Shaw . Anamosa

A. A. Mosher Spirit Lake

KANSAS.

"W. S. Gale Venango

KENTUCKY.

William Griffith, President Louisville

John B. Walker Madisonville

P. H. Darby ^ Prineetown

Hon. C. J. Walton Munfordville

Hon. John A. Steele Versailles

W. C. Price Danville

Dr. William Van Antwerp Mount Sterling

Hon. M. J. Chambers Independence, Kenton County

A. H. Goble Collettsburg

J. H. Malory Bowling Green

MAINE.

E. M. Stilwell Bangor

Henry 0. Stanley Dixfield

MARYLAND.

G. W. Delewader Oakland

Thomas Hughlett Easton

MASSACHUSETTS.

E. A. Brockett Winchester

E. H. Lathrop Springfield

F. W. Putnam Cambridge

MICHIGAN.

Dr. J. C. Parker, President Grand Rapids

A. J. Kellogg Detroit

J. H. Bissell Detroit

MINNESOTA.

First District — ^Daniel Cameron La Crescent

Second District — William W. Sweeney, M.D Red Wing

Third District — R. Ormsby Sweeney, President St. Paul

MISSOURI.

John Reid Lexington

J. G. W. Steedman, Chairman 2803 Pine Street, St. Louis

J. S. Logan St. Joseph

30

NEBRASKA.

R.R.Livingston Plattsmouth

W. L. May Fremont

B. E. B. Kennedy Omaha

NEVADA.

Hon. Hub. G. Parker.. Carson City

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

George W. Riddle Manchester

Luther Hayes South Milton

Eliott B. Hage Plymouth

NEW JERSEY.

Theo. Morford, President Newton

Richard Jenkins Camden

William Wright... Newark

NEW YORK.

Hon. R. Barnwell Roosevelt, President 76 Chambers Street, New York

Gen. Richard U. Sherman, Secretary New Hartford

Edward M. Smith Rochester

Eugene G. Blackford No. 80 Fulton Market, New York

NORTH OAROLINA.

S. G. Worth. - Raleigh

OHIO.

Col. L. A. Harris, President Cincinnati

Charles W. Bond, Treasurer Toledo

Halsey C. Post, Secretary... Sandusky

PENNSYLVANIA.

Hon. B. L. Hewitt Hollidaysburg

James Dutfy Marietta

John Hummel Silingsgrove

G. M. Miller Wilkesbarre

John Gay Greensburg

Arthur Maginnis Swiftwater

RHODE ISLAND.

John H. Barden Rockland

Henry I. Root Providence

Col. Amos Sherman Woodsocket

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Hon. A. P. Butler Columbia

C. J. Huske Columbia

TENNESSEE.

W. W. McDowell Memphis

H. H. Sneed Chattanooga

Edward D. Hicks Nashville

TEXAS.

John H. Lubock Austin

31

VERMONT.

Hiram A. Cutting Lunenburgh

Herbert Brainard St. Albans

VIRGINIA.

Colonel Marshall McDonald Berryville

WEST VIRGINIA.

Henry B. Miller, President • Wheeling

C. S. White, Secretary Romney

N. M. Lowry Hinton

WISCONSIN.

The Governor, Wm. E. Smith, ex officio Madison

Pliilo Dunning, President Madison

C. L. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer Janesville

J. v. Jones Oshkosh

John F. Antisdel Milwaukee

Mark Douglas Melrose, Jackson County

C. Hutchinson Beetown^ Grant County

WYOMING TERRITORY.

Dr. M. C. Barkwell, President Cheyenne

Otto Gramm, Secretary Laramie

N. L. Andrews Jackson County

E. W. Bennett Carbon County

P. J. Downs Unita County

T. W. Quin Sweetwater County

WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

Albert B. Stream North Cove

DOMINION OF CANADA.

W. H. Whitcher, Commissioner Ottawa, Ontario

PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

W. F. Venning, Inspector of Fisheries St. John

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA.

W. H. Eogers, Inspector Amherst

PROVINCE OF PRINCE EDWARDS ISLAND.

J. H. Duvar, Inspector Alberton

f'ROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

A. C. Anderson Victoria

SCOTCH FISHERIES IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.

His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, President.

The Right Hon. the Earl of Breadalbane, Vice-President.

The Eight Hon. the Earl of Dalhousie.

The Right Hon. Lord Polworth.

David Milne Home, Esq., of Milne Gordon.

COUNCIL.

The Right Hon. the Earl of Leven and Melville.
The Right Hon. Lord Abinger.
Major-General A. McDonald, of Dalhousie.

32

E. A. Stewart Gray, Esq., of Gray & Kinfauns, Chairman of Tay District Board.

J. Maxtone Graham, Esq., of Cultoquhey.

Arcliibald Young, Esq., Inspector of Salmon Fisheries of Scotland, Edinburgh.

David Lang, Esq., W. S., President of the Edinburgh Angling Club.

J. W. Young, Esq., W. S., Edinburgh.

J. F. Cathcart, Esq., Edinburgh.

John Clark, Esq., Secretary of the Echaig Angling Club, Glasgow.

J. A. Harvie Brown, Esq., of Quarter and Shingarton.

William Menzies, Esq., Secretary of the Edinburgh Angling Club.

George H. Handasyde, Esq., Edinburgh.

J. Barker Duncan, W. S., Hon. Secretary, No. 6, Hill Street, Edinburgh.

SALMON CANNERIES OBTAININU FISH FROM THE SACRAMENTO.

Banner Packing Company San Francisco

Benicia Packing Company Benicia

Booth & Co. Packing Company Collinsville

Booth & Co. Packing Company Chipp's Island

S. Booth & Co. Packing Company Black Diamond

W. B. Bradford Packing Company Collinsville

Carquinez Packing Company Benicia

Chas. Taylor & Co P.io Vista

Cutting Packing Company Martinez

Courtland Packing Company Courtland

Capital Packing Company Sacramento

Columbus Packing Company (F. M. & Co.) San Francisco

Columbus Packing Company San Francisco

Jones cfc Anderson Sacramento

King, Morse & Co Black Diamond

Eed Cross Packing Company San Francisco

Robt. Carter & Co Rio Vista

Suisun Packing Company Suisun Bay

Sacramento River Chipp's Island

Occident and Orient Smith's River

Pacific Coast* Eel River

The increase since 1879 in the number of outfits for the taking of salmon, and especially in
1883 and 1884, have nearly trebled, the nets and boats increasing from two hundred and twenty
to over fifteen hundred. The nets now have an average length of over three hundred fathoms
or eighteen hundred feet each.

The cost of running the different canneries varies considerably, owing to various causes,
mainly:

First — Capacity.

Second — Structure.

The cost of running the canneries will average about $50,000 each per annum.

The cost of each net is about on an average of $200. The nets have to be renewed annually,
or sooner, owing to wear and tear and accidents.

The cost of fishermen's boats average $200 each on the lower end of the river, while the boats
on the ujjper river, being principally skiffs, cost about $40 each.

CANNERIES ON THE COLUMBIA.

Shoiving the immense production of food from salmon.

Aberdeen Packing Company, Quilwact, Oregon 27,500 cases

Adair Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 11,000 cases

Astoria Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 20,000 cases

Anglo-American Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 12,500 cases

Bactolet & Co. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 24,000 cases

D. Morgan J. R. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon

A. Booth & Co. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon

Columbia Canning Comjjany, Washington Territory 16,200 cases

Columbia River Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon

John A. Devlin k Co., Astoria, Oregon 26,000 cases

Eureka Packing Company, Eureka, Washington Territory 20,000 cases

Samuel Elmore Piicking Company, Astoria, Oregon 10,000 cases

Fishermen's Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 17,500 cases

Hapgood cfe Co. Packing Company, Waterford, Oregon 10,000 cases

Hartshorne & Co. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 16,000 cases

R. D. Hume Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 14,000 cases

William Hume Packing Cotnpany, Astoria, Oregon 16,000 cases

William Hume Packing Company, Eagle Cliff, Washington Territory

33

I. X. L. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 8,500 cases

Knappton Packing Company, Knappton, Washington Territory 8,500 cases

George T. Meyers & Co., Rainet, Oregon 15,000 cases

J. G. Megler Packing Company, Brookfield, Washington Territory 20,000 cases

Ocean Packing Company, Bay View, Washington Territory 13,000 cases

Oregon Packing Company, Clifton, Oregon

Occident Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 15,000 cases

Union Pacific Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 15,500 cases

Point Adams Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon

Pillar Rock Packing Company, Pillar Rock, Washington Territorj^ 12,500 cases

Scandinavian Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 18,500 cases

Sea Side Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 10,800 cases

White Star Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon j 16,500 cases

Union Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon . 20,800 cases

Wests Co. Packing Company, Hungry Harbor, Oregon 16,000 cases

West Coast Pacliing Company, Astoria, Oregon 16,000 cases

Jas. Williams & Co. Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 8,900 cases

Thomas & Knowles Packing Company, Astoria, Oregon 18,000 cases

F. M. Warren & Co., Cascades, Oregon I -j^ qqq ^^^^^

Warren & Co., Cascades, Oregon J '

Washington Company, Astoria, Oregon 14,000 cases

Bath Canning Company, Gardner, Oregon

Gardner Packing Company, Gardner, Oregon

Jas. Williams, Tacoma, Washington Territory

Puget Sound Cannery, Milton, Washington Territory

R. D. Hume, Rogue River, Oregon

Tillamook Packing Company, Hobsonville, Oregon

Washington Packing Company, Grey's Harbor, Oregon

BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALASKA CANNERIES.

Balmoral Canning Company, Skeena River

British America Canning Company, Canoe Pass

British Columbia Canning Company, New Westminster

British- American Canning Comiaany, Skeena River

British Union Packing Company, Ladner's Landing, British Columbia

Cape Fox Packing Company, Cape Fox, Alaska

Chilkat Packing Company, Chilkat, Alaska

Cutting Packing Company, Cook's Inlet

Delta Packing Company, Ladner's Landing. British Columbia

Douglas Packing Company, Nass, British Columbia

E. A. Wadhams Packing Company, Excelsior Landing, British Columbia

English & Company Packing Company, New Westminster, British Columbia

Ewen Packing Company, New Westminster, British Columbia

Findley & Company Packing Company, Deas Island, British Columbia

Inverness Packing Company, Inverness, British Columbia

Joseph Spratt Floating Cannery, , British Columbia

Ka-rluck Floating Cannery, Kodiac Island, Alaska

Laidlaw & Company, Lapperton, British Columbia

Mettakath, Mettakath, British Columbia

Nass River Fishing Company, Nass River, British Columbia

Nimpkish Cannery, Alert Bay, British Columbia

North Pacific Trading Com pan j', Kalawaek, Alaska

Richmond Canning Company, North Arm, British Columbia

River Inlet Canning Company, Queen Charlotte Sound, British Columbia

Robert Cunningham Canning Company, Coquitlan, British Columbia

Wachusett Canning Company, Alaska

Wellington Canning Company, Wellington Landing, British Columbia

Windsor Canning Company, Aberdeen, British Columbia

Quasbela Packing Company, Skeena River

Wanmuck Packing Company, River Inlet

Respectfully submitted.

R. H. BUCKINGHAM,
A. B. DIBBLE,

Fish Commissioners.

O 9

BIENNIAL REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR

1885-1886.

COMMISSIONERS.

R. H. BUCKINGHAM, Sacramento, President.
A. B. DIBBLE, Grass Valley, Secretary.
T. J. SHERWOOD, Marysville.

m^ ^^'

SACRAMENTO, CAL.

STATE OFFICE JAMES J. AYERS, SUPT. STATE PRINTING.

1886.

L

REPORT

To his Excellency George Stoneman, Governor of California :

The Commissioners of Fisheries for the State of CaHfornia, appointed
imder an Act of the Legislature entitled "An Act to provide for the
restoration and preservation of fish in the waters of the State," approved
April 2, 1870, respectfully submit their ninth biennial report:

The Commissioners refer with much pleasure to the fact, that since their
last biennial report, public interest has greatly increased, in regard to the
fish industry of this commonwealth, and favorable to the adoption of meas-
ures and means for increased propagation, and more ample protection of
the fish of the State. In nearly all of the States and Territories, their
Legislatures have recognized the great importance of fish culture and pro-
tection, by the enactment of protective laws and liberal appropriations.
Opposition to " Fish Commissions " has been disarmed, and increased
energy on part of Commission and State has been demanded. Our citizens
call for a larger supply of choice cheap and healthy fish food. This
universal demand should be answered in fostering laws and generous
appropriations.

Your Commissioners are pleased to report, that during the last two years —
notwithstanding the heavy drain made upon our waters, by hordes of
alien fishermen, using criminal methods, and for foreign deportation — the
catch of most of the food fislies has been measurably satisfactory. During
these, and a part of the preceding two years, it has been the aim of this
Commission, to the extent of the power and means allowed it, to stay all
vandal waste, and to drive from our waters all classes of fishermen, except
those who respect our laws, the present interests of our citizens, and the
future prosperity of our fast growing commonwealth.

The "patrol work" inaugurated by the present Commission (expensive
as it has been and must be), was forced upon it by reason of the decrease
of salmon and other species of fish, and as a means of protection and
restoration.

SALMON,

It is a matter of serious regret that our choicest and most valued fish,
the Quinnat salmon, is annually decreasing, and the supply for exporta-
tion and home consumption is diminishing. Unless salmon that now
home in our waters are protected and fostered as a nucleus for increase,
our rivers will become as barren of this most desired fish as is the Con-
necticut and other eastern rivers. The causes of impoverishment are
various, and are well known. In our last biennial report we alluded to
them at length, and expressed the opinion that the decrease woidd annu-
ally continue until at least some of the causes were removed, and until the
efforts of the Commission, by its patrol work for protection and hatchery
work for restoration, could be realized; and that restoration by means of
replanting could not be appreciable sooner than four or more years after

the release of young salmon into our watercourses. The present Commis-
sion was informed that four millions of young salmon were released in the
year 1881, from the United States salmon station on the JNIcCloud, into
the headwaters of the Sacramento River. If such was the fact, although
five years have elapsed, that plant has not yet made a showing.

The salmon Spring run of the year 1885 was probably fifty per cent less
than the early run of 1884. The Fall run — owing in part to the low stage
of water — showed a falling off of about thirty per cent over that of the
preceding year. During the present year the decrease has been marked
and steady. The pack of 1885 diminished fully fifty per cent from that
of the year 1884, and has decreased during the present year.

The Spring season of 1886 opened favorable for a good run. The river'
was high in December, and held well up into January. Notwithstanding
promising conditions, but few fish were taken in December and January.
February presented a slightly increased run over that of the same month
in the preceding year. March and April presented the same result. The
run up to the latter part of April seemed to be confined to the Sacramento
River below Rio Vista. In latter part of April catches were reported from
mouth to Sacramento City. In May the takes were notably small. June
(always regarded as a favorable month for a good run), opened with a
small increase, which lasted but a few days. During the last of this
month few fish were taken, and the fishermen, in disappointment, housed
their nets. The run below Rio Vista was quite good during the month of
August, and during the close season, "between the thirtieth day of August
and the first day of October," the run above Sacramento City, in the upper
waters of the river and its tributaries, was the best of the year.

Our Commission will this year release from the State Salmon Hatchery
at Hat Creek into Pit River — the main tributary of the Sacramento — about
1,200,000 young salmon, and in the year 1887 over 5,000,000.

Having reference to the run of former years, and to salmon eggs obtained
for propagation, and also Rainbow Trout eggs, we present the following
table:

LAND-LOCKED SALMON.

Our Commission, on the seventeenth day of March, 1884, received from
Mr. Atkins, Deputy United States Fish Commissioner, shipped from Brock-
port, Maine, a box containing 30,000 eggs of this species. The eggs reached
the State Trovit Hatchery at Shebley's Station in good condition, and were
hatched with a loss of only seven and one half per cent. They were
mainly distributed in the following lakes:

Bigler 15,000

Donner 5,000

Webber 5,000

Some small plants were made b}^ former Commissioners. The fish
increased and thrived. Many large ones have been captured during the
last and the present year. The Commissioners hope to be able during the
coming year to make generous plants of this much valued fish in other
favorable localities.

SHAD.

The Pacific Coast is amply stocked with this species of fish. The
increase in California has been marvelous. Millions are annually hatched
in the overflows or tule lakes. The supply equals, if it does not exceed,
the demand. Whilst as ah edible fish it may not rival its eastern relations,

5

in number and size it is victor. In the East a six-pounder is a very large
specimen; here we take them that avoirdupois eight to ten pounds. It is
estimated that more than a million of good sized shad have been taken
from the waters of California during the present year.

AVe note here, for careful consideration, the fact that the yearly actual
value of shad to the State is many times greater than all of the money that
has been expended by the State " for the restoration and preservation of
fish."

CARP.

Carp culture since May, 1877, at which time three hundred and forty-five
were brought over from Germany to the United States, has been exten-
sively and successfully prosecuted in nearly all the States of the American
Union and in Her Majesty's Dominions. The progeny of the three hundred
and forty-five has run into billions, and the increase continues. Carp has
generally been received with great favor, and has in that respect more
than equaled the demand for catfish. Carp were planted in California by
favor of the United States Commission, December 19, 1879. Here they
found congenial homes and favorable water, diet, and climatic conditions,
and the family has become as large, if not larger, than that of any species
of fresh water fish.

In 1872, on private account, eight carp of a choice variety were brought
into this State from Hamburg, Germany. Their increase was prolific and
widely distributed. Up to 1884 there was a strong desire among farmers
and landholders to procure carp for stocking natural and artificial ponds
and sloughs. Calls were covered with ample supplies, and private pre-
serves, ponds, sloughs, swamps, still and sluggish waters, all over the State
were filled with them. Since 1884 but few calls have been received. The
supply is enormous — market value at times one and one half cents per
pound.

CATFISH.

The seventy-four catfish imported from the Raritan River in 1874, have
increased and multiplied and the increase distributed, until now, we believe
there is no county in the State, from Del Norte to San Diego, that has not
been supplied with a greater or less number of these fish. They are regu-
larly sold in all the markets at the same prices as other abundant fish.
They are admirably adapted to the sloughs and warm wafers of the great
valleys, and in them have so multiplied as to furnish a large supply of food.
The aggregate value of this fish annually sold in the markets of San Fran-
cisco and Sacramento more than equals the appropriation annually made
by the State for fish culture. Catfish are coming more into favor with citi-
zens as food, and by a large class of consumers are preferred to the carp.
The planting of these fish was regretted by many and approved by more.
They have thriven wonderfully and need no protection. They cannot be
exterminated.

STURGEON.

In our last biennial report we stated with regret that the catch of the
year 1883, of this, one of the best and cheapest food fishes, had fallen short
fully fifty per cent below the takes of the previous two or three years,
and we attributed the cause to the indiscriminate and criminal slaughter
made by Chinamen and other fishermen. Our river patrol has often raided
the vandals and measurably stopped their murderous work, and we are
permitted now to report, that during the last and present year, the increase

6

of sturgeon has been satisfactory, and great numbers of very large size
have been taken, and that indications point to a heavy increase in the year
1887. The sturgeon is not only a cheap, but it is also a favored food with
all classes of our citizens, and is well advertised in " bills of fare" as the
'' steak of sole."

PERCH.

The Sacramento perch is regarded by many who claim to be good judges,
as the best flavored and most palatable fish found in the inland waters
of California. The following excerpt, from page 405 of Section I, Nat-
ural History of Useful Aquatic Animals, published under the auspices of
the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, relating to this deli-
cious fish, does injustice to it and to its epicurean friends:

This species is known only by the name of "perch." * * * It has been thus far found
only in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and tributaries. It is abundant in the
lower parts of these rivers, large numbers being shipped to the market in San Francisco.
It is there bought and coTisunied mainly by the Chinese, who value it highly, paying for
it more than any other fish which they consume. Although it is an excellent pan-fish,
verj^ similar to the black bass, we have never seen any of them bought bj' Americans.

In our last report we complained of the scarcity of this species of fish,
and attributed it in part to the covering of its spawn by sediment and to
the drain upon the supply by Chinese and other fishermen, and we recom-
mended the enactment of a law "to protect them from seine fishing for at
least two years;" albeit there has been during the last two years a steady
and gratifying increase in the catch of perch. During most of the time,
and especially during the months of August, September, and October, our
markets have been well supplied. The perch obtained from Tulare Lakes
have sized well, and have been of most excellent quality. In 1885, Mr,.
Flockman caught and sold from Big Lake, in Yolo County, over thirty
thousand pounds. Washington, Fisherman, and other small lakes are well
stocked and have yielded a good harvest.

DACE.

But few of this species are now caught in the lower Sacramento Biver.
This no doubt is owing in part to the fact that for several years past the
waters of the river has been heavily charged with slickens or debris. This
fish seeks clear water, and higher up the streams where the water is pure,
they are caught in large numbers. The dace is a native of our rivers and
waters. They are similar in shape to the pike, but different in color, being
of a yellowish brown on the back and a dingy white on the sides and
belly.

PIKE.

This fish has increased to a considerable extent in most of the waters of
the State. During the last two years the increase has been about forty per
cent, and promises to continue. They ascend the rivers higher than most
other kinds of river fish and thus escape the fishermen's nets and snares.
The run commences with the channel pike in the month of December, and
with the bar or school pike in the month of March.

CHUBS.

The chub, a strictly inland water fish, was captured in great numbers
until a few years ago, when they began to decrease so rapidly that it was

feared they would become extinct in the rivers. Within the last three
years, however, there has been a marked increase, so much so, that they
are to be found at most any time of the year in our interior markets. Our
mountain lakes still hold them in great abundance, notwithstanding the
fact that in some of the lakes (notably Webber), tons of dead ones have
been beached, either destroyed by disease or by poisons. The chub is an
excellent fresh water fish, the flavor is almost equal to that of the Sacra-
mento River perch. The chief objection to it is that it is quite bony, yet
the meat peels well. The river catch this year has been heavy and an
ample future supply is assured.

TRUCKEE TROUT.

Two kinds of trout are found in the streams of the Truckee basin. The
silver trout is the finest of the trout variety in California. They are beau-
tifully marked, clipper built, gamy, and often pull the scales at twenty-
five pounds. This most excellent food and sportive fish is taken in large
numbers in Bigler, Donner, Webber, Independence, and other mountain
lakes. Appreciating the value of this species of trout, our Commission
has during its office-holding secured several hundred thousand silver trout
eggs, which have been hatched at the Shebley station, and fairly dis-
tributed in the lakes and streams of the State.

The other kind is commonly known as the black trout. It is the opinion
of many experienced fishermen that it should be classed as a land-locked
salmon. They grow to a large size, often weighing from ten to fifteen
pounds. They are excellent spawners and breeders. Large numbers
come to our markets from the State of Nevada.

Our friends east of our State line are unwilling to lose their traffic in
this kind of fish, and have barricaded their passage into California by
placing impassable dams across the Truckee River. Whilst regretting
the lack of good will and comity so manifested, our citizens are pleased
to pay their neighbors royal prices in the way of tribute for this excel-
lent table fish.

RAINBOW TROUT.

In the United States Commissioners Report, Section I, History of
Aquatic Animals, page 475, mention is made of the Rainbow Trout as
follows :

This species is generally known as the "brook trout," "mountain trout," " speckled
trout," "golden trout," and other evanescent names are also sometimes applied to it.
It does not reach a weight of more than five or six pounds, so far as we know, and
most of them are tingerlings from four inches to a foot in length, etc."

In California the name "rainbow trout" (sometimes called the Mc-
Cloud) is applied to what is regarded to be a distinct trout family,
coarse-scaled and distinctively marked. Mr. Rosevelt — a most careful
observer — says that " the distinction between the McCloud River and the
mountain trout are quite apparent to the eye," and " there are some differ-
ences in their habits;" that the mountain trout does not grow to more
than one half the size of the McCloud River trout, and that when cooked
there is a marked superiority in favor of the mountain trout. Certain it is
that but one kind of trout has been found in the ponds of the United States
Fish Commission on the McCloud.

Rainbow trout are taken in great numbers in nearly all of the tributa-
ries of the Sacramento River. They seek spawning grounds high up on

8

their favored streams, and in near proximity to the natural and impassa-
ble falls found near the headwaters of most mountain streams.
. Other varieties, called "mountain trout," "brook trout," "speckled
trout," etc., are found above these falls. The rainbow is neither a gamy
nor a choice food fish. Entering, however, into family relations with other
varieties, the hybrid is an improved get.

HARD-SHELL CLAMS.

These are found, not in large quantities however, in the Bay of San Fran-
cisco. A great many that are sold in the City of San Francisco are taken
from the shoal waters in the neighborhood of Tomales. The catch
amounts to about 100 boxes per day. They sell readily for $1 per gallon.
There are also several other kinds sold in small quantities of which no
account is kept. The average amount of hard-shell clams consumed
annually is 27,604 gallons.

SOFT-SHELL CLAMS.

During the last few ^'-ears soft-shell clams have been taken in great
quantities. The spawn is supposed to have been brought to this coast
with the eastern oyster. They have covered the flats surrounding San
Francisco Bay. The number taken by bushels cannot be obtained, as
they are marketed in San Francisco by the box, each box holding about
two gallons of solid meat. Two hundred and fifty boxes or 500 gallons
are consumed daily, making the annual consumption 156,500 gallons.

SEA TURTLE.

There has been quite a trade during the past two years in this most
valuable shell fish. The markets have been well supplied by coast fish-
ermen of San Diego and Santa Barbara Counties.

TERRAPIN

Are taken in all of the inland lakes and rivers of central California. They
are in good demand at all times and in consequence of consumption, show
a slight decrease from former years.

HALIBUT.

This fine fish has increased to such a degree that they are found on sale
at all times, in the markets. They are taken along the entire coast, from
San Diego to the Oregon line.

FLOUNDERS

Are caught in great numbers in all the bays of the State. There has been
no perceptible decrease in this species of fish.

TURBOT.

There never have been any large catches made in the waters of this State
of this species of flounders. More, however, have been taken within the
last few years than formerly. A small increase is clearly noticeable in the
market supply.

9

SOLES

Have been taken in considerable quantities within the last few years,
showing a healthy gain.

SALT WATER FISH.

The Commission has not been able to obtain an accurate account of the
quantity of fish of all kinds taken below San Francisco, owing to the fact
that fishermen in that section often act in the capacity of marketmen. A
large amount of fish is consumed in the City of Los Angeles — not less than
400,000 pounds annually. It is estimated, by fishermen competent to
judge, that the consumption in San Diego County annually is 150,000
pounds. These estimates do not include the thousands of pounds annu-
ally caught by fishing parties below the Bay of San Francisco. All
together, from estimates and data obtained, 4,337,991 pounds have been
taken during the present year — a decrease of twenty-five per cent from the
catch of the year preceding.

Below is given the amount of salt water fish, received by wholesale
dealers, during the fiscal year commencing August 1, 1885, and ending
July 31, 1886. It includes rock cod, codfish, barretta, shad, barracuda, sea
bass, tomcod, flounders, soles, smelt, halibut, turbot, pompino, king fish,
herring, white bait, sardines, and sea trout:

A. Pardini, Clay Street INIarket, San Francisco, 714,100 pounds.

A. Sylvester, Clay Street Market, San Francisco, 281,765 pounds.

S. Paladina, Clay Street Market, San Francisco, 573,100 pounds.

J. Tavolara, New Market, San Francisco, 117,520 pounds.

Joseph Catania, New Market, San Francisco, 737,600 pounds.

E. Antoni, wholesale dealer, San Francisco, 361,400 pounds.

J. H. Kessing, Clay Street Market, San Francisco, 274,420 pounds.

Sold in Chinese markets, of all kinds, about 300,700 pounds.

The following tabulated statement will serve to show the quantities of
each species and the season of the year when most numerous:

Salt Water Fish Received by G. Camillone, Wholesale Fish Dealer, California
Street Market, San Francisco, During the Last Fiscal Year, Commencing August
1, 1885, and Ending July 31, 1886.

August, 1SS5.

Rock and codiish . 13,310 pounds.

Shad 240 pounds.

Barracuda and bass 11,320 pounds.

Tomcod .-- _. 920 pounds.

Flounder and sole 72,960 pounds.

Smelt 12,400 pounds.

Halibut 9,300 pouads.

Turbot 1,100 pounds.

Pampino . : 940 pounds.

Barretta 1,100 pounds.

Kingfish 2,140 pounds.

125,730 pounds.

September, 1SS5.

Rock and codfish 1,940 pounds.

Shad 40 pounds.

Barracuda ,_. 1,600 pounds.

Sea bass : . 16,100 pounds.

Tomcod and smelt 10,100 pounds.

Halibut 400 pounds.

Flounder and sole 6,000 pounds.

Turbot 600 pounds.

Pampino 740 pounds.

Barretta 12,100 pounds.

Kingfish 18,100 pounds.

Shad, small 6,700 pounds.

— 74,420 pounds.

10

October, 1SS5.

Rock and codfish 16,300 pounds.

Shad.- 200 pounds.

Smelt -- 1,100 pounds.

Barracuda 900 pounds.

Tonicod and king 2,900 pounds.

Herring 100 pounds.

Bass 14,000 ]>ounds.

November, 18S5.

Rock and cod - 1,400 pounds.

Shad 2,000 pounds.

Smelt 2,000 pounds.

Barracuda 9,000 pounds.

Tomcod and king 1,900 pounds.

H erring 9,000 pounds.

Barretta 6,700 pounds.

Flounder and sole 9,000 pounds.

December, 18S5.

Rock and codfish --- COO pounds.

Shad - 12,000 pounds.

Smelt .. 900 pounds.

Barracuda 800 pounds.

Flounder and sole 14,000 pounds.

Herring 24,000 pounds.

Bass .-- -. 100 pounds.

Tomcod 1,000 pounds.

Kingfish 600 jwunds.

January, 1886.

Rock, codfish, and perch 1,243 pounds.

Flounder and sole 390 pounds.

Tomcod, kingfish, and smelt 460 pounds.

Herring 2,490 pounds.

Rock, codfish, and perch 3,490 pounds.

Barracuda and halibut 960 pounds.

Flounder and sole 790 pounds.

Tomcod, smelt, and kingfish 1,160 pounds.

Rockfish and perch --- 1,340 pounds.

Herring 21,160 pounds.

Flounder and sole 690 pounds.

Halibut and barracuda 370 pounds.

Rockfish, flounder, and cod 690 pounds.

Herring 27,670 pounds.

Barracuda 340 pounds.

Rockfish and perch 4,670 pounds.

Flounder and sole 3,460 pounds.

Tomcod and smelt 1,390 pounds.

Halibut ..- 970 pounds.

Herring 1,800 pounds.

Rock, codfish, and perch 2,496 pounds.

Flounder and sole 346 pounds.

Herring 39,490 pounds.

Tomcod and smelt --- 290 pounds.

February, 1886.

Rock, codfish, and perch 9,496 pounds.

Barracuda 490 pounds.

Flounder and sole 12,.560 pounds.

Tomcod 3,720 pounds.

Smelt - 9,200 pounds.

Herring -. -. 84,300 pounds.

Turbot 320 pounds.

Pampino 90 pounds.

Prawns 140 pounds.

Halibut 320 pounds.

35,500 pounds.

40,600 pounds.

54,000 pounds.

4,583 pounds.

6,400 pounds.

23,560 pounds.
28,700 pounds.

28,490 pounds.
42,622 pounds.

120,636 pounds.

n

March, ISSG.

Herring .- 3,420 pounds.

Rock, codfish, and perch 11,()30 pounds.

Barracuda --. -.. 7()0 pounds.

Flounder and sole 19,(i20 pounds.

Tonicod 49,340 pounds.

Smelt 11,3(!0 pounds.

Halibut 1,390 pounds.

Turbot 9(i0 ])Ounds.

Pampino 1,390 pounds.

Prawns _ 40 i)ounds.

Kingtish 2,340 i)Ounds.

Barretta -. 1,190 pounds.

Shad - 12,920 pounds.

April, ISSG.

Rock and codfish 24,fi70 pounds.

Shad. 19,390 pounds.

Barracuda 340 pounds.

Tomcod 3,140 pounds.

Flounder and sole -- 22,390 pounds.

Smelt 20,190 pounds.

Halibut 290 pounds.

Turbot 90 pounds.

Pampino 40 pounds.

Kingfish 2,940 pounds.

May, 1SS6.

Rock and codfish '. 17,340 pounds.

Shad 9,000 pounds.

Barracuda 4,390 pounds.

Tonicod fi,400 pounds.

Floiander and sole 29,400 pounds.

Smelt 9,3()0 pounds.

Halibut 1,490 pounds.

Turbot 790 pounds.

Pampino 390 pounds.

Kingfish 1,340 pounds.

Sea bass 940 pounds.

June, ISSG.

Rock and codfish 2,950 pounds.

Shad 3<i0 pounds.

Barracuda 290 pounds.

Tonicod 970 pounds.

Flounder and sole 9,340 pounds.

Smelts _ _ 390 pounds.

Halibut _ 190 pounds.

Turbot 790 pou nds.

Pampino 85 pounds.

Barretta 1,190 pounds.

Kingfish 2,340 pounds.

Smelt 420 pounds.

Sea bass 10,000 pounds.

July, 1SS6.

Rock and codfish 12,420 pounds.

Shad 140 pounds.

Barracuda 90 pounds.

Tomcod - 310 pounds.

Flounder and sole... 6,l(i0 pounds.

Sea bass 32,490 pounds.

Smelt 960 pounds.

Halibut C90 pounds.

Pampino 60 pouiuls.

Barretta 12,740 pounds.

Kingfish 1,410 pounds.

Shad (small) 2,140 pounds.

116,340 pounds.

93,480 pounds.

81,400 pounds.

29,315 pounds.

71,610 pounds.

NETS AND SEINES.

During the year 1886 over three thousand men were engaged in sahiion
fisliing. They used from fifty to sixty seines, and over nine hundred gill

12

nets. Greeks and Italians being a large class of the fishermen, use all
kinds of nets and seines, and take most of the herring, smelt, flounder,
tomcod, rock cod, sardines, barracuda, and sea bass. Chinese fishermen
catch most of the shrimp, sturgeon, crabs, and clams.

CHINESE SPOLIATIONS.

We learn from the reports of the United States Treasury Department that
our export trade with China for the 3^ear ending June 30, 1885, amounted
to $6,396,506. Evidently our importations are greatly in excess, probably
as three is to one, over our exports. Be this as it may, California exporta-
tions bring no returns, except such trifling amounts as may be paid to
shippers and carriers. The export trade from San Francisco is largely in
the shape of dried and salted fish, and dried shrimps and shrimp shells.
These are taken from our waters by Chinese using criminal methods, and in
violation of our laws and as free of cost to them as if they were " to [our]
the manor born." These shipments of our unmatured fish in China are
annually Avorth over $3,000,000. Where comes in our compensation ?

Deputy Fish Commissioner W. C. Jones, in letter of March 16, 1886, refer-
ring to the destruction of small fish by Chinamen, says : " I have seen on
many occasions a vessel ladened with shrimps and small fish all from one
camp, the vessel carrying one hundred and twenty-five tons. I have visited
some forty camps during the last two and a half years, and have heard of
the location of many others on San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. To
give you a better idea, I have arrested as high as five junks at a time, and
in each of them would be at least one ton of small fish and shrimps in
each junk every six hours or every tide. I made an effort last Fall to get
something like an estimate of the number of Chinese engaged in the fish
traffic — not including those directly engaged in San Francisco, but merely
those catching fish and preparing them for shipment — and there are
between fifteen hundred and two thousand. Five to six are required to
manage one junk and attend to the drying beds. Their nets are made
stationary and it requires about one hour to haul them and dump the
catch in the boat ; that leaves them about five hours to assort, spread them
out, and take care of those sufficiently dried. On one occasion, last Sum-
mer, the boss Chinaman told me that the shrimp and fish in a junk was
worth about twenty dollars when prepared for market. By the facts above
stated, you can see that the matter has been underestimated."

In letter to one of our Representatives in Congress, dated March 9,
1886, our Commission, in hopes of obtaining Congressional relief, presented
this grievance and stated that " the people of California most earnestly
demand that a law shall be passed at the present session of Congress that
will, in effect, prohibit the exportation of shrimp and young fish by Chi-
nese to China. If such a law be passed our citizens will have (and they
are entitled to have) the food of the waters for themselves, and a most
destructive vandal occupation will cease. The oft-repeated and serious
complaint that fish food is becoming scarce in California furnishes a pow-
erful reason why the Chinese exhaustion should cease, and the cause of
the complaint be removed."

The Commission received words of encouragement but nothing more.
The Commission will use its police power to remedy the evil, and to enforce
obedience to our fish laws.

18

PATROL AND PROTECTION.

The present Commissioners on coming into office were alarmed at the
excessive decrease in the salmon take and at the small catch of some
other varieties of fish. Ascertaining that the diminution was largely owing
to violation of the fish laws of the State, by Chinese and others, the Com-
missioners determined to employ upon bays and rivers a strong and active
patrol police. We were compelled to do this, or to permit the laws of the
State to be violated and our waters and citizens robbed. The Commission-
ers also believed it to be a vain work to stock waters for the mere gain of
vandals and foreign exportation. The patrol system was inaugurated in
the Fall of 1883, and up to the present time has done much excellent work.
Chief W. C. Jones in one of his reports favorably says of it, " The best
evidence I have to offer in the interest of the good accomplished by the
river patrol, is the small amount of violations now being conmiitted of the
existing fish laws. It is a well known fact that prior to the establishment
of an efficient patrol on the rivers and bays, fishermen carried on their
unlawful business without restraint."

As to the necessity and efficiency of the patrol, no better or more con-
vincing statement is required than to refer to the number of arrests and
convictions that have resulted from the first day of August, 1883, to Octo-
ber 1, 1884.

That branch of the police service under Chief Jones, arrested, and in
nearly all cases, convicted, one hundred and seventy-five criminal offend-
ers. From these, fines in the sum of $2,000 were collected, and under the
law, mostly distributed to informers and District Attorneys. In 188-5-86,
over six hundred were arrested and about four hundred and fifty convicted.
During the present year, between April seventh and September eighteenth,
Chief J. H. Harten arrested seventy. Many were convicted, fined, or
in default of payment, jailed. Whilst these law violations and wrongs
have been known to all, their magnitude has been realized by but few.
The expense of this service, although it has been heavy, is a trifle in com-
parison with the beneficial results secured. The work should be kept up
and strengthened.

MAINTAINING THE LAWS.

Having reference to public sentiment in favor of maintaining the laws,
our Conunission adopt, as applicable to our State, the views of the Commis-
sioners of Fisheries of the State of New York, contained in report for the
years 1883-1884, page 12:

Allusion has been made to the decided change in public sentiment in regard to the work
of the Fishery Commissioners. It is beginning to dawn upon the minds of a great many,
hitherto o])ponents, that every citizen has a direct pecuniary interest in the matter of fis"h
culture an(l protection. The stronger and more widespread it becomes, the sooner the
aims and objects of the Commission will be realized. If the people can be educated up to
the standard of believing what, to every reflecting, intelligent mind is a self-evident prop-
osition, namely : that every citizen has an indisputable right to share in the fish products
of this State, and that those who infringe the protective laws are defrauding them of a
portion, or, perhaps, the whole, of their rightful dividend, antagonism to legislative appro-
priation would speedily cease, and in its stead there would be a strong popular demand
for the providing of all the money needed to jjerfect the operations already begun. They
should be taught to regard the individual who kills an edible fish out of season or by illicit
means, at any time as a public enemy. Why not? Either act is unlawful; hence, the
man who perpetrates it is a violator of law, and as clearly entitled to punishment as an
offender of any other class.

14

STEAM LAUNCH.

An Act of the Legislature to authorize the Board of Fish Commissioners
to construct a steam launch to aid in carrying out the purpose of said
Board, passed in March, 1885. The sum of i|^4,000 was appropriated. In
April, 1885, a contract was entered into with John W. Rock, Esq., of Sac-
ramento, an experienced boat builder, for the construction of the steamer
at the cost of $4,000. The plans and specifications called for a boat forty-
six feet long, twelve feet breadth of beam, and six feet depth of hold, with
a boiler of the best American iron, six feet long, five feet in diameter, with
return flues. The engine a ten by ten cylinder, propeller shaft three and
one half inches in diameter, with a forty-six inch propeller. The boat was
completed on the twentieth day of August, 1885, and immediately put into
patrol service. The necessity for the craft was considered and passed upon
by the Legislature, and the State is now the owner. The " Governor Stone-
man" is staunch and swift (having made twenty miles in an hour and ten
minutes) and has ali-eady clone and will hereafter do most excellent pro-
tective and patrol work.

SHEBLEY HATCHERY.

This hatchery was established in May, 1883. During that year there were
hatched and distributed over 95,000 trout. In the year 1884 about 250,000.
In the year 1885 about 150,000. During this year, up to the present time,
over 100,000. The output for 1887 should not be less than 300,000. The
trout distribution from Chabot for the two years preceding 1883 amounted
to only 87,000. The maintenance cost of the hatchery at Chabot (con-
demned in 1883) was $250 per month; cost of the Shebley, $100 per month.

STATE SALMON HATCHERY.

In March, 1885, the Legislature passed a bill, authorizing the Board of
Fish Commissioners to erect and maintain a State Salmon Hatchery, and
appropriating therefor the sum of $10,000. Before entering upon the work
of construction a majority of the Board personally examined the Little
Sacramento River, McCloud, Pit, and Hat Creek, all tributaries of Sacra-
mento River. On the twentieth day of April the Board selected a site,
and secured ample domain and necessary water, timber, and other privi-
leges. The station is upon Hat Creek, about two and one half miles above
its junction with Pit River. The site is a most excellent and desirable
one, for the following reasons: an assured supply of salmon spawn; abun-
dance of pure, cold water; absolute security from freshets; convenient
reservoir sites; excellence of seining grounds; abundance of timber; ample
grades for water discharge; good public roads, etc.

The selection was also made from another and most important induce-
ment. Pit River is only about one half a mile from the hatchery, and the
spawn of both Hat Creek and Pit River (a noted salmon stream) can be
readily handled and hatched in it. Work upon the building commenced
in May last. Fred. White, Esq., of Sacramento, a skillful mechanic and
builder, drafted the plan and superintended the construction. The build-
ing is 100 feet long, and 46 feet wide; framed and strongly tied; inclosed
with planed rustic; well roofed, painted, and underpined. The inside
furnishing consists of four large water tanks, and eight tiers of boxes or
flumes, set on proper grade, and made to receive seventy propagating
baskets to the tier. Two more tiers can be added, when required. Two
storage ponds, convenient to the hatchery, have been constructed — one,

15

40x40 feet; the other, 8x60 feet. The young samlets will be held in these
reservoirs, until acquired size and strength will enable them to defend
themselves against larger fish and common enemies. 6,000,000 to 8,000,000
young fry can be hatched annually. At the present writing we have in the
hatchery about 1,200,000 that will be released in December.

The expense of running the United States Salmon Hatchery at McCloud,
covering a period of five years preceding January, 1883, was $53,000 — (see
Bulletin of the United States Fish Commissioners, page 202). The main-
tenance of the California State Salmon Hatchery should not exceed $3,000
per annum. The State is now the owner of a large, commodious, well
furnished hatchery, and will not hereafter be called upon to pay question-
able bills, aggregating thousands of dollars, for the hatching and release
of salmon.

CANNERIES.

On account of the small run, and decreased take of salmon, more than
one half of the canneries that were operated in 1 883-4 were closed in 1885
and 1886. The number of cases packed in 1885 was 90,000, as against
120,000 for 1883, and 200,000 for 1882. In 1882, nineteen canneries were
in successful operation, whilst in 1885, only five or six were running.

The closing of ten or twelve packing establishments was not only a
serious loss to proprietors, but also to the large force of men employed by
them; several thousands thereby lost remunerative employment.

The prospect for the pack of 1887 is not encouraging. Most of the
canneries will remain closed, and one third or more of the boats will be
unused. The pack on the Columbia River also shows a heavy shortage, as
appears from the following statement taken from an Oregon financial and
trade report: "The legal limit of the canning season on the Columbia
River closed last Saturday night, but the canneries have not made up their
reports. In a general way, the pack in that river is estimated at from
400,000 to 450,000 cases. Possibly the actual returns will not vary much
from 425,000 cases, which means a shortage of 100,000 cases, as compared
with last year." The salmon season on the Columbia River runs from
April first to August first.

DAMS AND FISH LADDERS.

Many complaints have been made to the Commissioners from all portions
of the State, that owners of dams have neglected to comply with the law
requiring the construction of fishways, so as to permit the free passage of
fish. Many of the old dams now obstructing the rivers, were originally
built to divert water for mining purposes. The mining use having ceased,
the parties who erected long since abandoned them. Other parties have
come into possession and now use them for irrigation, but disavow owner-
ship and deny any obligation to furnish them with fish ladders. Others
are owned by persons who still claim them, but who are not residents of
the county in which they are situated, and others are owned by unknown
parties. Such surrounding conditions render it difficult and expensive to
serve the necessary papers, and to obtain the desired relief. Other dams
are upon rivers close to natural falls, and the distance between is too lim-
ited to be of any serious injury. In such a case both or neither should be
furnished with fishways. The owners of dams upon whom we have served
notices have generally either put in fish ladders or promised so to do.

\ 1«

\

) LAWS RECOMMENDED.

The close season .lor salmon should be enlarged. It is now "between
the thirtieth day of' August and the first day of October." It should be
from the first day of August to the first day of October.

A law should be passed prohibiting the use of what is called the "Chinese
shrimp or bag net." This net does more damage to the fish interest of the
State than all other nets and traps combined.

A law should be passed prohibiting the use of Chinese sturgeon lines at
any time, and making the penalty severe for its violation.

The Commission earnestly recommends legislative remedial action to
prevent the destruction of fish by seals and sea lions.

And further recommend the repealing of the shad close season law.

And further recommend that the penalties for the violations of fish laws
be made uniform, and that fines collected be allotted as follows: one half
to the informer, one quarter to the prosecuting District Attorney of the
county in which the action is tried, one quarter to the State Board of Fish
Commissioners, to be paid to the Treasurer of the Board.

APPROPRIATION AND EXPENSES.

The sum of $5,000 per year has heretofore been appropriated "for the
restoration and preservation of the fish of the State." This sum was
devoted by former Commissioners mostly in the securing and hatching of
fish eggs, and in the distribution of young fish.

Extensively, as heretofore, the work of preservation and restoration has
been kept up by the present Board. Since the coming in of the present Com-
j mission its work has been necessarily enlarged, and its expenses greatly
increased. In August, 1883, a system of police patrol of the rivers and
bays was established, and has been annually kept up, and should be
^ continued. In March, 1885, a steam launch became an arm of the police
>^ service. The maintenance of the patrol, including the operative expenses
of the steamer, has greatly increased the expenditures of the Commission,
and the draft thereby occasioned upon the $5,000 fund leaves but little of
it for other important uses.

The efficient and successful management of the State Salmon Hatchery,
since its construction in 1885, has devolved upon the Commission. We
estimate that the cost of operating it will be about $3,000 a year. This
figure, in comparison with the annual expenditure of the United States
Commission, of $10,000 per year on the McCloud, we think is reasonable.
In order to cover the cost of propagation and replenishment, the police
service and steamer, two extensive hatcheries (a salmon and trout), the
meetings of the Board, official work, traveling and incidental expenses,
the sum of $10,000 a year is required, and should be appropriated.

SEALS AND SEA LIONS.

These aquatic animals are a serious detriment to the fish interests of the
State. They sit at the entrance of the Golden Gate as royal toll gatherers,
and take the lion's share of the schools of the finny tribe, as they pass
from the- broad Pacific into the Bay of San Francisco, preparatory to an
ascent of our rivers. In the opinion of the Commission, they are great
destroyers of the salmon. They appear to be more numerous at Seal Rock,
and around the entrance of San Francisco Bay, than in former years, owing,
no doubt, to the fact that the fishermen have driven them with their nets

17

from Suisnn and San Pablo Bays. They not only guard the entrance of
San Francisco Bay, but are found at the entrance of Monterey, Bolenas,
Point Arena, Tomales, and Shoalwater Bays. This and former Commis-
sions, and the public press, have repeatedly invoked legislative action to
prevent the immense destruction of fish constantly going on and increas-
ing by these worthless animals. It is highly important to our citizens to
have the food of which they are so deprived, and in their behalf remedial
legislation is again urgently demanded.

THE SACRAMENTO RIVER.

The Sacramento, the largest river in the State, runs from north to south
through the counties of Modoc, Lassen, Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Colusa,
Sutter, Yolo, Sacramento, and Solano, a distance of nearly five hundred
miles. It has its origin from the springs and melting snows of the moun-
tains, and, as it drains an immense area during protracted and heavy
rains, it overflows its banks and floods a large area of lowlands along the
lower part of its course. The river is a pure, clear stream above the mouth
of the Feather, but below that point it is heavily charged with detritus from
the mining districts, the streams flowing from which are tributary to the
Feather. The water in the mountains is cold, while in the lower reaches
during the Summer months it gets quite warm, reaching at times a tem-
perature of eighty degrees.

COMPARATIVE TEMPERATURE OF THE RIVER.

Below is given the temperature of the water in the Sacramento River
at Sacramento, taken at 4 o'clock p. m. daily, by Thomas Evans, day
watchman of the Central Pacific Railroad, for'the Fish Commission, from
September 15, 1885, to September 15, 1886:

September 15,1885 72

September l(i, 1885 72

September 17, 1885 71

September 18, 1885 71

September 19, 1885 71

September 20, 1885 72

September 21, 1885 73

September 22, 1885 73

September 23, 1885. 71

September 24, 1885 70

September 25, 1885 70

September 20, 1885 69

September 27, 1885 r,9

September 28, 1885 69

September 29, 1885... 68

September .30, 1885 68

October 1, 1885 68

October 2, 1885 ...69

October 3, 1885 70

October 4, 1885 70

October 5, 1885 70

October 6, 1885 68

October 7, 1885 67

October 8, 1885 67

October 9, 1885 60

October 10, 1885.... 66

October 11, 1885 66

October 12, 1885. 64

October 13, 1885 64

October 14, 1885 63

October 15, 1885 63

October 16, 1885 ...63

2'

degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.

October 17, 1885.. _62 degrees.

October 18, 1885 63 degrees.

October 19, 1885 63 degrees.

October 20, 1885 .62 degrees.

October 21, 1885.. 61 degrees.

October 22, 1885 ..-61 degrees.

October 23, 1885 61 degrees.

October 24, 1885 61 degrees.

October 25, 1885. 61 degrees.

October 26, 1885 .61 degrees.

October 27, 1885 61 degrees.

October 28, 1885 61 degrees.

October 29, 1885 61 degrees.

October 30, 1885 ..61 degrees.

October 31, 1885 61 degrees.

Novendjer 1, 1885 ..60 degrees.

November 2, 1885 59 degrees.

NovendDcr 3, 1885 58 degrees.

November 4, 1885 50 degrees.

November 5, 1885 55 degrees.

November 6, 18S5 54 degrees.

November 7, 1885 54 degrees.

November 8, 1885 56 degrees.

November 9, 1885. 54 degrees.

November 10, 1885 53 degrees.

November 11, 1885. 52 degrees.

November 12,1885 52 degrees.

November 13, 1885 51 degrees.

November 14, 1885 51 degrees.

November 1.5, 1885 51 degrees.

November 16, 1885 51 degrees.

November 17, 1885.. 52 degrees.

18

November 18, 1885- 51 degrees.

November 19, 1885 51 degrees.

November 20, 1885 50 degrees.

November 21, 1885_ -.50 degrees.

November 22, 1885 49 degrees.

November 33, 1885 49 degrees.

Novemljer 24, 1885 48 degrees.

November 25, 1885 -.48 degrees.

November 26, 1885- 48 degrees.

November 27, 1885 49 degrees.

November 28, 1885 49 degrees.

November 29, 1885 49 degrees.

November 30, 1885 50 degrees.

December 1, 1885 48 degrees.

December 2, 1885--. 48 degrees.

December 3, 1885- 48 degrees.

December 4, 1885 48 degrees.

December 5, 1885- 48 degrees.

December 6, 1885 46 degrees.

December 7, 1885 46 degrees.

December 8, 1885 46 degrees.

December 9, 1885 46 degrees.

December 10, 1885 46 degrees.

December 11, 1885-.- 46 degrees.

December 12, 1885 46 degrees.

December 13, 1885 -46 degrees.

December 14, 1885 46 degrees.

December 15, 1885 46 degrees.

December 16, 1885 46 degrees.

December 17, 1885 46 degrees.

December 18, 1885 46 degrees.

December 19, 1885 46 degrees.

December 20, 1885 46 degrees.

December 21, 1885 46 degrees.

December 22, 1885 46 degrees.

December 23, 1885 46 degrees.

December 24, 1885 46 degrees.

December 25, 1885- 46 degrees.

December 26, 1885 46 degrees.

December 27, 1885 46 degrees.

December 28, 1885.... 46 degrees.

December 29, 1885 46 degrees.

December 30, 1885 46 degrees.

December 31, 1885 45 degrees.

January 1, 1886 44 degrees.

January 2, 1886 43 degrees.

January 3, 1886 42 degrees.

January 4, 1886- --- 41 degrees.

January 5, 1886 41 degrees.

January 6, 1886 41 degrees.

January 7, 1886 41 degrees.

January 8, 1886 41 degrees.

January 9,1886- - 41 degrees.

January 10, 1888 41 degrees.

January 11, 1886- 40 degrees.

January 12, 1886 40 degrees.

January 13, 1886 -42 degrees.

January 14, 1886 42 degrees.

Januarv 15, 1886 42 degrees.

January 16, 1886 .--43 degrees.

Januarv 17, 1886 43 degrees.

Januarv 18, 1886 ---42 degrees.

January 19, 1886 ---43 degrees.

January 20, 1886 43 degrees.

January 21, 1886 47 degrees.

January 22, 1886 - 47 degrees.

January 23, 1886 47 degrees.

January 24, 1886 47 degrees.

January 25, 1886 47 degrees.

January 26, 1886 47 degrees.

January 27, 1886- 47 degrees.

January 28, 1886 -46 degrees.

January 29, 1886 46 degrees.

January 30, 1886 46 degrees.

Januarv 31, 1886 --- -46 degrees.

February 1, 1886 -- -48 degrees.

February 2, 1886 48 degrees.

February 3, 1886 49 degrees.

February 4, 1886 50 degrees.

February 5, 1886 50 degrees.

February 6, 1886 50 degrees.

February 7, 1886 50 degrees.

February 8, 1886 50 degrees.

February 9, 1886 _51 degrees.

Februarv 10, 1886 51 degrees.

Februarv 11, 1886 -.52 degrees.

February 12, 1886 53 degrees.

February 13, 1886 51 degrees.

February 14, 1886--- - 51 degrees.

February 15, 1886 50 degrees.

February 16, 1886 .50 degrees.

February 17, 1886 .50 degrees.

Februarv 18, 1886 51 degrees.

February 19, 1886 .51 degrees.

FebruarV 20, 1886 51 degrees.

February 21, 1886 .52 degrees.

Februarv 22, 1886 --51 degrees.

February 23, 1886 -51 degrees.

February 24, 1886 53 degrees.

February 25, 1886 53 degrees.

February 26, 1886 51 degrees.

Februarv 27, 1886 50 degrees.

February 28, 1886 50 degrees.

March 1,1886 49 degrees.

March 2,1886 48 degrees.

March 3,1886 48 degrees.

March 4,1886 48 degrees.

March 5,1886 48 degrees.

March 6,1886 - 48 degrees.

March 7, 1886 48 degrees.

March 8, 1886 49 degrees.

March 9,1886 49 degrees.

March 10,1886 48 degrees.

March 11,1886 49 degrees.

March 12, 1886 50 degrees.

March 13,1886 50 degrees.

March 14,1886 --48 degrees.

March 15,1886 -50 degrees.

March 16,1886... 50 degrees.

March 17, 1886.. . 48 degrees?.

March 18,1886 48 degrees.

March 19,1886 49 degrees.

March 20,1886- 50 degrees.

March 21,1886 51 degrees.

March 22,1886 53 degrees.

March 23,1886 53 degrees.

March 24,1886 54 degrees.

March 25,1886 54 degrees.

March 26,1886 ---55 degrees.

March 27,1886 55 degrees.

March 28,1886 55 degrees.

March 29,1886 55 degrees.

March 30,1886 55 degrees.

March 31, 1886 55 degrees.

April 1, 1886 54 degrees.

April 2, 1886 54 degrees.

April 3, 1886 54 degrees.

April 4, 1886 55 degrees.

Agril 5, 1886 55 degrees.

April 6, 1886 54 degrees.

April 7, 1886 55 degrees.

April 8, 1886-.- .54 degrees.

April 9, 1886 .-53 degrees.

April 10, 1886 53 degrees.

April 11, 1886 50 degrees.

April 12, 1886 50 degrees.

April 13, 1886 50 degrees.

April 14, 1886-- 50 degrees.

April 16, 1886.- 50 degrees.

April 15, 1886 50 degrees.

April 17, 1886 50 degrees.

April 18, 1886 - 51 degrees.

19

Apr:
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr:
Apr
Apr
Apr
Apr
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
May
Mav
Mav
May

1 19, 1886... 52

120, 1886 5-t

121, 1886 55

122, 1886 56

1 23, 1886.. ...56

124, 1886 58

125, 1886 59

126, 1886 59

127,1886 59

128, 1886 58

129,1886 ...58

130, 1886 58

1,1886 .-

2, 1886

3,1886

4, 1885

5, 1886.

.59
-.58
. .56
..56
..56

6, 1886 57

1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.
1886.

.58
_58

.58
.58

.58

degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.

May 12, 1886 58 degrees.

Mav 13, 1886 59

May 14, 1886. ..60

May 15, 1886. .62

May 16, 1886 64

May 17, 1886 65

May 18, 1886 65

May 19, 1886 63

May 20, 1886 62

May 21, 1886. 62

Mav 22, 1886 63

May 23, 1886 62

May 24, 1886 .62

May 25, 1886 63

May 26, 1886 63

May 27, 1866 63

May 28, 1886 63

Mav 29, 1886 63

Mav 30, 1886 63

May 31, 1886 64

3,

4,
5,
6,

June

June

June

June

June

June

June

June

June

June 10

Juns 11

June 12,

June 13,

June 14,

1, 1886 65

1886 65

1886 66

1886 66

1886 67

1886 69

7, 1886 70

8,1886 70

9, 1886. 70

1886 68

1886 68

1886 68

1886 67

1886 69

June 15, 1886 70

June 16, 1886 70

June 17, 1886 70

June 18, 1886 70

June 19, 1886 70

June 20, 1886 .72

June 21, 1886 73

June 22, 1886 ...73

June 23, 1886 74

June 24, 1886 74

June 25, 1886 74

June 26, 1886 72

June 27, 1886 71

June 28, 1886 71

June 29, 1886 72

June 30, 1886 72

July 1, 1886.
July 2, 1885.

:a

degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.

July
July
July
July
July
July
July

July
July
July
July

3, 1886 72

4, 1886 72

5, 1886 72

6, 1886 72

7, 1886 73

8, 1886 74

9, 1886 75

July 10, 1886 76

July 11, 1886 77

July 12, 1886 78

July 13, 1886 80

July 14, 1886 82

July 15, 1886 82

July 16, 1886 .82

July 17, 1886 81

18, 1886 80

19, 1886- 80

20, 1886 79

21, 1886 ...80

July 22, 1886 79

July 23, 1886 78

July 24, 1886 78

July 25, 1886 78

July 2(i, 1886 77

July 27, 1886 76

July 28, 1886 78

July 29, 1886 78

July 30, 1886 80

July 31, 1886
August
August
August
August
August
August
August
August
August
August 10
August 11,
August 12!
August 13;
August 14,
August 15
August 16,
August 17,
August 18,
August 19,
August 20,
August 21,
August 22,
August 23,
August 24,
August 25,
August 26,
August 27,
August 28,
August 29,
August 30,
August 31,
September
September
September
September
September
September
September
September
September

80

., 1886 82

:, 1886 80

1. 1886 ..79

., 1886 80

;, 1886 81

;, 1886 79

', 1886 78

1, 1886 78

I, 1886 ...78

I, 1886 80

., 1886 .81

!, 1886 80

;, 1886 78

r, 1886 78

1, 1886 77

!, 1886 77

', 1886 77

i, 1886 77

>, 1886.. 76

I, 1886 75

., 1886 75

!, 1886 74

;, 1886 74

:, 1886 75

1, 1886 76

1, 1886 77

■, 1886 76

i, 1886 ..75

I, 1886 .75

I, 1886 74

,, 1886 74

1,1886 74

2,1886 74

3,1886 75

4,1886 73

5,1886 71

6,1886 71

7,1886 72

8,1886 73

9,1886 74

September 10,1886 73

September 11,1886 73

September 12,1886 72

Septendjer 13,1886 71

September 14,1886 71

September 15, 1886 71

degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees,
degrees.

20

THE AMERICAN RIVEK.

The American is a shallow, muddy stream and empties into the Sac-
ramento at Sacramento City. But few fish are found in the lower part of
the stream. Trout are found in some of its branches above the mining dis-
tricts— notably Silver Creek and the Rubicon. This river, prior to placer
mining, Avas one of the best salmon streams in the State. Of late years no
salmon have ascended it.

THE YUBA RIVER.

The Yuba is a branch of the Feather River. It is a shallow stream,
except during the rainy season. Considerable mining is carried on in its
bed and along its banks, and its water is muddy. Trout are found in its
headwaters above the mining districts.

BEAR RIVER.

Bear has lost all claim to the name of river. Above the town of Wheat-
land it has lost its channel and volume as a Summer stream. It never
was noted as a fish stream, although a few salmon and perch were taken
from its waters in early days.

THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER.

The San Joaquin, once a noted salmon stream; of late years few salmon
have been taken in its waters. The principal cause of abandonment is
the great number of dams upon its various branches, which are so con-
structed as not to allow the fish to reach their spawning grounds. Salmon
and other varieties of fish are taken in considerable quantities near the
mouth of the river. Most of the fishing in this stream is done below the
city of Stockton.

THE TUOLUMNE RIVER.

The Tuolumne, a branch of the San Joaquin, at one time was one of the
best salmon streams in the State. Salmon have not ascended the stream
for some years.

THE STANISLAUS RIVER.

What has been said of the Tuolumne is true of the Stanislaus. Occa-
sionally a salmon may be seen trying to get over one of its numerous dams.

COAST RIVERS AND CREEKS.

Smith River, in the county of Del Norte, with its north and south forks,
makes a large stream. It has a regular run of salmon and is also well
stocked with salmon and brook trout.

The next stream south of the Smith of any consequence is the Klamath.
This is an excellent salmon stream, not fished, however, to any great extent.
The time is close at hand when it will have its share of fishing camps
and canneries.

Trinity River, owing to the debris from the placer mines in that section,
does not amount to much as a fishing stream. The fish will not ascend
a stream to spawning grounds through water heavily charged, as this is,
with mining detritus.

21

Redwood Creek and Mad River are not much fished, notwithstanding
the fact tliat sahnon and trout abound in them.

Eel, one of the principal rivers running through Humboldt County, is a
large stream and has many fishing camps upon its banks, in which large
quantities of salmon are salted annually.

Mattole River and Casper Creek are comparatively small streams. They
are well stocked with fish.

A great many salmon are taken in Little River and shipped to San Fran-
cisco, where they are known as coast salmon.

The same can be said of the Navarro River in Mendocino County.

Russian, the longest river running through Sonoma County, is a good
fish stream. There are several camps upon its banks near its mouth, and
vast quantities of fish are taken in its waters. Its best fish is the salmon,
perch, pike, and chub.

San Lorenzo, Benito, and Soquel Creeks, are about the only streams of
any consequence in Santa Cruz County. Several smaller streams empty
into INIonterey Bay. At times salmon run in them, but never in great
quantities. These are the most southerly streams entered by salmon, being
between latitude thirty-six degrees and thirty-seven degrees north, and
are the lowest salmon streams on either the Atlantic or Pacific Coast.

In the rivers and creeks of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara,
Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Diego, no salmon enter to speak of, but
salmon trout are taken in large quantities.

22

EXPENDITURES DURING THE THIRTY-SIXTH FISCAL YEAR.

To Appropriation.
General Appropriation Bill, Stats, of California, 1883 (p. 76)

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 537 — To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses $194 80

ToW.C.Jones, salary "and expenses, Julj^ 240 00

Warrant No. 1839— To J. Shebley, cash and labor $168 10

To E. Bosqui, engraving and printing 25 00

To W. C. .Tones, salary and expenses, August. 600 00
To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc 144 65

Warrant No. 3088 — To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses, Sep-
tember -- --- $247 95

ToW. C.Jones, salary September and Octo-
ber ---■- -- 160 00

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc 98 35

Warrant No. 3095— To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-

T)lips etc — -

Warrant No. 3547— To W. C. Jones, salary November $80 00

To J. C. Frazier, salarj^ and expenses Oc-
tober 101 75

To W. E. Doan, clerical work 40 00

ToT. H.Wilhelm, meat 32 00

Warrant No. 4446 — To Wm. Irelan, analysis of water

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and other
expenses

To W. C. Jones, salary December

To Shaw & Son, 100,000 salmon eggs

Warrant No. 6279 — To W. C. Jones, salary January

To Jos. Shebley, labor, expressage, etc

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc

$20 00

65 78
80 00
65 00

Warrant No. 8723 — ToJ.Shebley, salary and expenses January.

To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses De-
cember

To W. C. Jones, salary February

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,
supplies, etc

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc.

$80 00
211 86

329 10

$306 10

24 48
80 00

170 40

189 25

Warrant No. 9595— To W. C. Jones, salarv March and April.. $160 00

To S. P. Maslin, clerical work 100 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc . -'. 160 60

Warrant No. 7 — To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc $51 95

To H. Woodson, 100,000 trout eggs 195 75

To Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage 29 75

Warrant No. 341 — To W. C. Jones, salary June

Warrant No. 352 — To J. Shebley, traveling and expressage

Warrant No. 353 — To J. C. Frazier, salary December and ex-

penses

Less deficiency in appropriation.

$240 90
55 74

$434 80

937 75

506 30
365 04

253 75

230 78

620 96

70 23

420 60

277 45
80 00
46 60

185 16

$5,000 00

5,000 00

23

EXPENDITURES

During the Thirty -seventh Fiscal Year, ch.argeahle against the Ai^propriation for the Restoration
and Preservation of Fish witUin the waters of the State.

To appropriation (General Appropriation Bill, Statutes California, 1885,
page 85).. -

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 354— To A. & D. E. Matteson, laving cement pipe. $41 50

To Stevens & McKennv, 302,580 trout eggs. 365 78

To A. W. Coffin, freight on li«h ... 65 GO

To J. Shebley, labor, etc 100 00

To Wm. Shebley, expressage, etc. 82 85

To Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage 32 40

Warrant No. 737— To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc

Warrant No. 796— To W. C. Jones, salary July and expenses,

1885

Warrant No. 1818— To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

^^Q_ _^ .

Warrant No. 1819— To W."cVj'ones"saiary August7etV.^i8'85""""i300 65
To Goodall, Perkins &' Co., 500 gallons water 2 50
To Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson, hardware. 45 99

Warrant No. 2106— To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., hardware. fSl 19
To J. N.Gill, provisions-. 26 36

Warrant No. 2108— To S. P. Maslin, clerical services :...,

Warrant No. 2415— To Sherburn & Smith, crockery $21 00

To E. Canberry, labor 5 00

To Standard Oil Company, oU 4 88

To E. N. Eager, survey of San Pablo Bay.. 40 00
To W. Shebley, labor, etc 90 63

Warrant No. 2761 — To Marchutz & Cantrell, propeller

Warrant No. 3206 — To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc $148 85

To A. Caldero, board, etc 5 00

To R. E. Hansen, pilot 30 00

To A. B. Diljble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc 125 50

To Black Diamond Mining Company, coal. 35 30

To W.'C. Jones, provisions.... 31 85

To W. H. Dewey & Co., provisions 106 18

To pay-roll September and October, 1885.. 885 00

Warrant No. 4019-

-To W. C. Jones, provisions ...

To Thos. Summers, engineer

To Marchutz & Cantrell, propeller

To E. M. Leitch, coal

To Peter Johnson, hardware

To W. H. Dewey & Co., provisions

$22 60
27 00
67 00
42 25
15 70

108 14

Warrant No. 4214 — To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., packing .. $5 67

To Peter Torillo, labor 10 50

To Black Diamond ]\Iining Company, coal. 13 45

To W. C. Jones, traveling expenses...- 50 75

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, suj)-

plies, etc 113 55

To W. H. Dewey & Co., provisions 26 27

To pay-roll, November 176 00

Warrant No. 5294— To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., oars $2 00

To Root, Neilson & Co., machine work 4 10

To John Cropper, labor, December 30 00

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc. 89 30

To S. P. Maslin, clerical work 38 00

Amount carried forward $4,103 61

$687 53

99 00

105 00

286 75

348 49

77 57
100 00

161 51

27 80

1,367 68

282 69

396 19

163 40

$5,000 00

$5,000 00

24

Expenditures — Continued.

Amount brought forward

Warrant No. 5580— To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc

Warrant No. 5813— To W. C. Jones, salary December, etc

"Warrant No. 5814— To Wm. Shebley, salary September to De-
cember 1390 00

To John Cropper, salary January 30 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc 77 65

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,
supplies, etc 53 85

"Warrant No. 6442— To Sacramento Transfer Company, 3 tons

coal .1136 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc -- 71 80

To paj-roll, February 71 50

.$179 30
Less deficiency in approprintion --. 39 11

$4,103 61

114 70
90 00

551 50

140 19

.$5,000 00

5,000 00

DEFICIENCIES

Incurred during the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Fiscal Years, chargeable against the Appro-
priation for the Restoration and Preservation of Fish within the waters of the State.

Thirty-sixth Fiscal Year.

"Warrant No. 353..

To "W. C. Jones, salary, May

Thirty-seventh Fiscal Year.

"Warrant No. 6442

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses, etc

To J. Shebley, salary June, 1886...

To J. H. Haftin, expenses April, May, and June.
To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, supplies, etc.

$39 10

80 00

86 66

294 50

288 94

$55 74
80 00

789 10
$924 84

'lo

EXPENDITURES

In the Erection and Maintenance of a State Salmon Hatchery, incurred during the Thirty-sixth

Fiscal Year.

To appropriation (Statutes of California, 1885, page 31)

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 9615 — To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses

selecting site for hatchery

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses select-
ing site

Warrant No. 9789— To T. C. Ten Eick, teaming

To Murcken & Knoch, lumber

To Hat Creek Mills, lumber

To Florin Brothers, sui^plies

To T. Millward, fish spear

To J. L. Chadderdon, oil

To Standard Oil Company, x)aints and oil -
To Sacramento Lumber Company, lum-
ber ---

To Sherburn & Smith, crockery, etc

To Hall, Luhrs & Co., provisions

To Charles Zeitler, hardware.-

Balance on hand July 1, 1885.

$447 55
238 05

.1182 00

47 27

167 51

926 49

2 50

15 00

26 77

207 65
252 85
134 72
397 25

$10,000 00

10,000 00

26

EXPENDITURES

In the Erection and Maintenance of a State Salmon Hatchery, incurred during the Thirty-
seventh Fiscal Year.

To Appropriation.
Balance on hand July 1, 1885 .-.

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 8 — To M. Knoch, supplies to hatchery

To J. F. Bownuin, supplies to hatchery.
To H. Schnittger, supplies to hatchery .
To F. L. White, supplies to hatchery. ..
To pay-roll, April and May

181 73
41 39
31 (i5
16 90

713 50

Warrant No. 340— To F. L. White, supplies

To Merchen & Knoch, supplies.
To H. Schnittger, supplies

To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., seine net-
To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies

To labor pay-roll, June and July

Warrant No. 355 — To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc

To C. W. Pierce, teams and board

To Bidwell Brothers, provisions

$37 50
10 55
18 50
63 75
43 35

518 83

$130 90
53 50
91 29

Warrant No. 797-

-To Dennis & Fitzwater, provisions $88 66

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other expenses 397 90

To labor pay-roll, July and August 500 00

To H. Schnittger, supplies 15 70

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 11 99

To F. L. White, supplies 24 58

Warrant No. 1820 — To Lion Insurance Company, insurance on

hatchery $48 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc 208 65

To F. L. White, freight and supplies 96 30

To J. McArthur, supplies 17 68

To H. Schnittger, supplies 16 86

To Florin Brothers, lumber and supplies.. 41 80

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 44 17

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies 87 53

To pay-roll, Aiigust 514 00

Warrant No.
Warrant No.
Warrant No.

2107-
2116-

2762-

Warrant No. 3202-

Warrant No. 3729-

-To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., pipes, etc..

-To California Wire Works, wire cloth

-To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., hardware.

To Dennis & Fitzwater, provisions

To J. Dungan, lumber..

To H. Schnittger, provisions

To Murcken & Knoch, provisions

To F. L. AVhite, provisions

To pay-roll, September

-To R. H. Buckingham, traveling expenses,

supplies, etc. --

To M. R. Rose, bridge bolts

-To Black Diamond Mining Company, coal-
To D. H. Woods, labor

To Florin Brothers, svipplies

To S. T. Dibble, labor

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies

To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., hardware.
To pay-roll, October —

$60 83
55 92
8 64
27 70
33 69
80 00

557 20

$90 55
11 87

$52 20

150 00

8 GO

38 33

16 34

2 52

374 33

Amount carried forward.

$885 17

G92 48

275 69

1,039 60

1,074 98
179 83
400 05

823 98

102 42

641 72

$6,924 39

$6,115 92 $6,924 39

27

Expenditures — Continued.

Amount brought forward

Warrant No. 4020— To Dennis & Fitzwater, provisions

Warrant No. 4213— To C. W. Pierce, teams and board |54 00

To Murcken & Knocli, supplies 15 90

To A. B. Dibble, traveling expenses, sup-
plies, etc 156 00

To BidwcU Brothers, supplies 92 (52

To pay-roll, November 120 00

Warrant No. 5292— To Fall River Mills, lumber $8 98

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 77 80

To Dennis & Fit/Avater, supplies 31 75

To pav-roU, December 103 25

To S. P. Maslin, salary April to August .-. 105 00

$371 78
Less deficiency -- - -- 59 49

$6,924 39

6,924 39

DEFICIENCY

Incurred (hiring the Thirty-seventh Fiscal Year, chargeable to the Appropriation for the Con-
strtiction and 3Iaintenance of a State Salmon Hatchery.

Warrant No. 5292 — To deficiency

Warrant No. 5815— To Bush & Johnson, freight $15 55

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies 25 40

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 9 78

To pay-roll, January.- 120 00

Warrant No. 6439— To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., hardware $14 20

To H. Schnittger, provisions 8 05

To Dennis & Fitzwater, provisions 46 28

To I. N. Cxill, supplies 17 98

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 16 87

To pay-roll, February --. 115 67

Warrant No. 6834 — To H. P. Maslin, salary Janxiary and February

Warrant No. 7000— To Murcken & Knocli, supplies J $81 67

To pay-roll, March 151 40

Warrant No. 7724— To S. P. Maslin, salary March and April.

To Dennis & Fitzwater, provisions $92 94

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 23 35

To H. Schnittger, supplies 9 55

To Florin Bros., lumber 20 46

To S. P. Maslin, salary May and June --. 60 00

To T. M. Buckingham, labor April, May, and June 120 00

To W. K Dibble, labor April, May, and June -- 120 00

To W. O. Cropper, labor April, May, and June 120 00

To John',Cropf)er, labor April, May, and June 90 00

Deficiency incurred in the erection and maintenance of a State Salmon Hatchery.

$59 49

170 73

219 05

60 00

160 07
60 00

656 30

$1,385 64

28

EXPENDITURES INCURRED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEAM LAUNCH.

To appropriation (Statutes of California, 1885, page 124) _..

Warrant No. 15— To J. W. Rock, first payment on contract

Warrant No. IG— To J. W. Rock, second payment on contract . .
Warrant No. 1492— To J. W. Rock, third payment on contract . .

To J. W. Rock, alteration made on steam launch.

11,330 00
1,.330 00
1,340 00

$4,000 00

4,000 00
595 00

Note. — This deficiency of $595 was authorized to he created by the State Board of Examiners September 4, 1885.

Respectfully submitted.

R. H. BUCKINGHAM,

A. B. DIBBLE,

T. J. SHERWOOD,

Commissioners of Fisheries.

29

LIST OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

UNITED STATES.

Prof. Spencer F. Baird . Washington, D. C.

ALABAMA.

Col. D. R. Hundley Madison.

Hon. Charles S. G. Dorster -Prattville.

ARIZONA.

Hon. .T. .T. Gosper -- Prescott.

Hon. Richard Rule Tombstone.

J. H. Taggart, Business Manager --- Yuma.

ARKANSAS.

J. E. Reardon Little Rock.

J. H. Hornibrook Little Rock.

H. H. Rottaken Little Rock.

CALIFORNIA.

R. H. Buckingham, President Sacramento.

T.J. Sherwood Marysville.

A. B. Dibble, Secretary and Treasurer Grass Valley.

COLORADO.

Wilson E. Sisty Idaho Springs.

CONNECTICUT.

Dr.W. M. Hudson Hartford.

James A. Bill (term expires August 2f), 1887) Middletown.

Robert G. Pike (term expires March 8, 1889).. Lyme.

DELAWARE.

Enoch Moore, Jr Wilmington.

GEORGIA.

Hon. T.J. Henderson.. ...Atlanta.

Dr. H. H. Cary, Superintendent of Fisheries Le Grange.

ILLINOIS.

N. K. Fairbank, President Chicago.

Maj. George Breuning Centralia.

S. P. Bartlett, Secretary Quincy.

INDIANA.

Enos B. Reed (term expires in 1887) . Indianapolis.

IOWA.

E. D. Carlton Spirit Lake.

KANSAS.

S. Fee.. Warnego.

KENTUCKY.

William Griffith, President Louisville.

P. H. Darby Princetown.

John B. Walker... Madisonville.

Hon. C. J. Walton Munfordville.

Hon. John A. Steele Versailles.

W. C.Price Danville.

Dr. Wm. Van Antwerp Mount Sterling.

Hon. M.J. Chambers Independence.

A. H. Goble Collettsburg.

J. H. Malory Bowling Green.

MAINE.

ien;y'SSley,}f^«------ «f '^-^ -^^ «-- { DixS'.

B. W. Counce, Commissioner of Sea and Shore Fisheries ...Thomaston.

30

MARYLAND.

G. W. Delewader - Oakland.

Dr. E. W. Humphries Salisburj'.

MASSACHUSETTS.

E. A. Brockett Winchester.

F. W. Putnam ..Cambridge.

E. H. Lathrop .Springfield.

MICHIGAN.

Dr. J. C. Parker, President... .Grand Rapids.

A. J. Kellogg Detroit.

Herschel Whitaker Detroit.

W. D. Marks, Superintendent -. Paris.

MINNESOTA.

Daniel Cameron La Cresent.

AVm. M. Swerney -Red Wing.

Robert Ormsln' Sweeney St. Paul.

S. S. Walking, Superintendent Red Wing.

MISSOURI.

J. G. W. Studman 280 Pine Street, St. Louis.

Gen. J. L. Smith Jetlerson City.

H. M. Garliech St. Joseph.

NEBRASKA.

W. L. May.. • .Fremont.

B. E.B.Kennedy Omaha.

R. R. Livingston Plattsmouth.

NEVADA.

W. M. Cary Carson City.

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Geo. W. Riddle Manchester.

E. B. Hadge, Superintendent Plymouth.

John H. Kimball Marlboro.

NEW JERSEY.

Richard S. Jenkins Camden.

William Wright Newark.

F. M. Ward Newton.

NEW Y'ORK.

Hon. R. Barnwell Roosevelt, President New York

Gen. Richard U. Sherwood, Secretary New Hartford.

Eugene G. Blackford ...'. No. 70 Fulton Market, New York

William H. Bowman Rochester'

Super inte7idents.

Seth Green Rochester.

Fred. Mather Cold Spring Harbor.

Monroe A. Green Mumford, Monroe County.

F. A . Walters Bloomingdale, Essex County.

H. H.Thompson, Secretary P. O. Box 25, New York City.

NORTH CAROLINA.

There is no Fish Commissioners in service in this State.

OHIO.

Col. L. A. Harris, President ..Cincinnati.

Geo. Danials Sandusky.

Henry Douglass, Superintendent Sandusky.

James Dority. Toledo.

PENNSY'LVANIA.

John Grev, President - Greenbury.

H. H. Defr, Secretary Wilkesbarre.

Arthur Maginnis Swift Water, Monroe Co.

A. M. Spangler 512 Commerce St., Philadelphia.

Aug. Duncan, Treasurer Chambersburg.

Chas. Porter Corry

RHODE ISLAND.

John H. Barden Rockland.

Henry T. Root Providence.

William P. Morton Providence.

ol

SOUTH CAEOLINA.

Hon. A. p. Butler Com. of Agriculture.

TENNESSEE.

W. W. McDowell Memphis.

H. H. Sneed -. Chattanooga.

Edward D. Hicks _ Nashville.

VEEMONT.

Hiram A . Cutting Lunen burgh.

Herbert Brainard..- St. Albans.

VIRGINIA.

Col. Marshall McDonald Berry ville.

WEST VIRGINIA.

C. S. White, President ..- Pomney.

W. A. Manning, Secretary Tolcott.

F. J. Baxter, Treasurer Baxton Court House.

WISCONSIN.

Philo Dunning, President Madison.

C. L. Valentine, Secretary and Treasurer Janesville.

J. U. Jones 1 - Oshkosh.

A. U. H. Carpenter - Wilwaukee.

Mark Douglas Melrose.

Calvert Spensley Mineral Park.

James Nevin, Superintendent Madison.

WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

Albert T. Stream... North Coye, Pacific County.

WYOMING TERRITORY.

Otto Gramm .Laramie.

Dr. W. H. Hemt, Commissioner for Laramie County Cheyenne.

B. F. Northington, Commissioner for Carbon County Rawlins.

DOMINION OF CANADA.

Hon. John Tilton, Deputy Minister of Fisheries

PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

W. F. Venning, Inspector St. John.

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA.

W. H. Rogers, Inspector Amherst.

PROVINCE OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

J. H. Duvar, Inspector Alberton.

PROVINCE OF QUEBEC

W. Wakeham, Inspector Lower St. Lawrence and Gulf Division.

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Thomas Mowat, Acting Inspector New Westminster.

^ PROVINCE OF MANITOBA AND NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY.

Alexander McQueen, Inspector Winnipeg, Manitoba.

.S. Wilmot, Superintendent of Fish Culture Newcastle, Ontario.

"h=^.

I ''#

1

i?

^■^

BIENNIAL REPORTi^^-, ^^"'"///iijj^

OF THE

ATE BOARD

W i

SH COMMISSIONERS

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR THE

YEAIiS 1886-1888.

COMMISSIONERS.

JOSEPH ROUTIER, Sacramento, President.
J. DOWNEY HARVEY, Los Angeles, Secretary.
CHARLES JOSSELYN, San Francisco.

STATE OFFICE

SACRAMENTO:

: J. D. YOUNG, SUPT. STATE PRINTING.
1888.

fe)S^I

BIENNIAL REPORT

OF THE

STATE BOARD

\j 1

^ -I

lkJjL±

r\

ION

n

or THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOK THE

YEARS 1886-1888.

COMMISSIONERS.

JOSEPH ROUTIER, Sacramento, President.
J. DOWNEY HARVEY, Los Angeles, Secretary.
CHARLES JOSSELYN, San Francisco.

. SACRAMENTO:
STATE OFFICE, : : : : J. D. young, supt. state printing,

1888.

REPORT.

Honorable R. W. Waterman, Governor of the State of California:

Sir: As required by law, the State Board of Fish Commissioners here-
with present their report of the transactions and disbursements of the Com-
missioners during the thirty-eighth fiscal year, ending June 30, 1887, and
the thirty-ninth fiscal year, ending June 30, 1888.

Governor Washington Bartlett, on March 12, 1887, appointed Joseph
Routier a member of the Board to succeed R. H. Buckingham, term ex-
pired, and J. Downey Harvey to succeed A. B. Dibble, term expired, both
of whom were subseqviently confirmed by the Senate. Messrs. Routier and
Harvey, together with T. J. Sherwood, constituting the State Board of Fish
Commissioners, organized on the twenty-fourth day of March, 1887, by
electing Joseph Routier, President, and T. J. Sherwood, Secretary and
Treasurer. The Board immediately entered upon a vigorous prosecution
of the work of the Commission. The various subordinate officers, necessary
to a discharge of the important duties of the Commission, were appointed,
and the members of the Board looked forward to the accomplishment of
many important results to the fishery interests of the State.

The work of the Commission was progressing very satisfactorily, until
disturbed by the attempt on your part to reorganize the Commission by
placing thereon persons of your own selection. This attempted removal
of the members of the Commission (Routier and Harvey) discredited the
acts of the Commission, destroyed public confidence in the legality of their
official acts, and defeated all efforts to an efficient discharge of their duties.
That the legal status of the Board might be determined, Mr. J. D. Redding,
who had been appointed by you to succeed Commissioner Routier, obtained
the permission of the Attorney-General to bring an action in the name of
the people to oust Mr. Routier, but after suffering the action to remain in
the Courts for several months, he caused it to be dismissed. Subsequently,
the State Board of Examiners, moved by the clamor of claimants who had
furnished supplies, or rendered services to the State, agreed that the ques-
tion as to who were entitled to act as the State Board of Fish Commissioners
should be submitted to the Attorney-General, and that the opinion of that
officer should be binding upon the Board of Examiners until overruled by
the Courts.

This course of the Board of Examiners was rendered necessary by the
action of Messrs. Redding and.Orr claiming under a commission issued
by you, setting up a rival Board, and pretending to be the State Board of
Fish Commissioners, and assuming to discharge the duties of such Com-
missioners. These gentlemen were subsequently reinforced by Mr. Charles
Josselyn, appointed by you to succeed Commissioner T. J. Sherwood, re-
signed.

The Attorney-General in due time filed his opinion with the State Board
of Examiners, affirming th-at the State Board of Fish Commissioners legally
consisted of Messrs. Joseph Routier, J. Downey Harvey, and Charles Jos-
selyn. Notwithstanding this opinion of the Attorney-General, and the
previous agreement between the Board of Examiners and the rival Boards,

4 REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Mr. Josselyn, as to whose right to the office no question existed, refused,
and still refuses, to act with the majority of the Board.

These actions practically destroyed, for a time, the usefulness of the
Board, and makes it impossible for us to lay before you any extended rec-
ords of its labors. Discouraging as have been the obstructions thrown in
our way, we have endeavored to protect and advance the interests of the
State committed to our care, and believe that we have not been altogether
unsuccessful in our efforts.

FISHING INTERESTS IN GENERAL.

The fishery interests of the State are in a comparatively satisfactory
condition.

The salmon spring run of 1887 was quite small, as was also that of 1888.
The fall run of 1887 did not show any improvement. The August run of
this year was abundant. The supply of shad has been very large, and will
increase materially each year. The supply of carp has been enormous,
being found in all the rivers and waters of the State. The catch of sturgeon
during the last and present year has been small. This must be attributed
to the continued indiscriminate and criminal slaughter made by the China-
men and other fishermen. Special efforts have been made to stock the
rivers and lakes with the various species of trout. In these efforts we have
been quite successful, as evidenced by the astonishment of many at finding
them abundant in streams to which they had for years been strangers.
Black bass have been distributed in different places throughout the State.
The increase of this fish at Crystal Springs, San Mateo County, has been
rapid, and is the source from which our supply has been obtained.

PATROL AND PROTECTION.

As in previous years, the patrol boat has been maintained upon the rivers
and bays. That its work has been effective has been shown by the large
number of arrests and convictions for violations of the fish laws of the State.
The service, however expensive, is absolutely necessary to the protection
of the fish interests of the State. Jhe receipts into the State Treasury from
fines for violations of fish laws amounted during the thirty-eighth fiscal
year to $183 66, and for the thirty-ninth fiscal year to $1,751 98.

SEALS AND SEA LIONS.

We respectfully repeat the recommendations of the last report of the Fish
Commissioners, as follows: These aquatic animals are a serious detriment
to the fish interests of the State. They sit at the entrance of Golden Gate
as royal toll gatherers, and take the lion's share of the schools of the finny
tribe, as they pass from the broad Pacific into the bay of San Francisco,
preparatory to an ascent of our rivers. In the opinion of the Commission,
they are great destroyers of the salmon. They appear to be more numerous
at Seal Rock, and around the entrance of San Francisco Bay, than in former
years, owing, no doubt, to the fact that the fishermen have driven them with
their nets from Suisun and San Pablo Bays. They not only guard the
entrance of San Francisco Bay, but are found at the entrance of Monterey,
Bolenas, Point Arena, Tomales, and Shoalwater Bays. This and former
Commissions and the public press have repeatedly invoked legislative
action to prevent the immense destruction of fish constantly going on and
increasing by these worthless animals. It is highly important to our citi-

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 5

zens to have the food of which they are so deprived, and in their behalf
remedial legislation is again urgently demanded.

STEAM LAUNCH.

The steam launch " Governor Stoneman," constructed at a cost of over
$4,000, has been found useless for the service for which it was intended.
We have, in the interest of economy and an efficient service, laid it up, and
used in its stead for patrol purposes a sloop rented and operated for a sum
much less than the cost of running the launch. The main objection to the
launch is that its approach can be discerned by those engaged in illegal
fishing, at such distances as to enable them to escape detection in their
criminal acts. We recommend that the " Governor Stoneman '' be dis-
posed of, as it is a bill of expense to the Commission.

SHEBLEY HATCHERY.

This hatchery was established in May, 1883. During that year there
were hatched and distributed over ninety-five thousand trout. The output
for 1887 was two million. During this year, up to the present time, fifty
thousand. In addition to this trout hatchery. Captain Todman, with the
authority of the Commission, established one at Lake Bigler, and hatched
and released over five hundred thousand during the year 1887. The Com-
mission this year rented the hatchery, and up to the present time have
hatched and are distributing over six hundred thousand trout. The Com-
mission contemplated the building of a trout hatchery at Donner Lake,
but owing to the complications in which we found ourselves, were compelled ^
to forego this intention. We believe that a hatchery should be constructed
at that place, and so recommend.

STATE SALMON HATCHERY.

In March, 1885, the Legislature passed a bill, authorizing the Board of
Fish Commissioners to erect and maintain a State Salmon Hatcher3% and
appropriated therefor the sum of $10,000. The site was selected and the
hatchery erected during the term of office of our predecessors. The great
expectations indulged in by the previous Commission have not been real-
ized. An experience of two years has convinced us that the selection was
an unfortunate one. During 1887 but two hundred thousand salmon were
hatched. During the previous years, as I have been informed, a less num-
ber were hatched.

The location on Hat Creek is too high up in the river, and the salmon
do not reach there until October, after the spawning season is over. More-
over, the climate is too severe, and the cost of maintaining the hatchery
during the winter season too heavy. The distance of the hatchery from
railroad communication — eighty miles — is another substantial objection to
the site. We have abandoned its use and removed all the portable appa-
ratus to Sisson, where a temporary hatchery has been established at a
cost of $1,500.

The United States Fish Commission will furnish us all the eggs that we
can handle. This will enable us to hatch and release about two million
salmon during the present year.

6

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DAMS AND FISH LADDERS.

Much has been accomplished towards securing observance of the law
requiring the construction of fishways, so as to permit the free passage of
fish. However, in a few instances, resistance has been made, and in one
case, after the arrest and conviction of the offending parties, in the Justice's
Court, an appeal was taken to the Superior Court, where it now rests.

APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENSES.

The Legislature, at its last session, appropriated for the use of the Com-
mission during the thirty-ninth fiscal year the sum of $7,500; and for the
fortieth fiscal year the sum of $7,500. These appropriations, with the
moneys received from licenses and fines, have been sufficient for the work
of the Commission.

A detailed statement of the disbursements is herewith transmitted. Also
a statement of moneys disbursed on account of certain deficiency claims
allowed by the Legislature.

fishermen's LICENSES.

Under an Act of the Legislature, approved March 21, 1887, all persons
engaged in the vocation of fishing were required to take out a license. The
licenses and classes were arranged as follows: Class A (less than three men
using one boat), $5 00; Class B (three men), $7 50; and for each addi-
tional man, $2 50. The receipts from licenses for the thirty-eighth fiscal
year amounted to $2,100; and for the thirty-ninth fiscal year, $2,708 70.

We have met with many difficulties in our efforts to enforce this license
tax. The fact that no penalty is provided by the Act for failing to take
out the required license, has led to the release of some offenders by Jus-
tices of the Peace, who held that no punishment could be inflicted upon
those who refuse or neglect to obey the law. This, in spite of the fact that
a penalty is provided by Section 435 of the Penal Code. The number of
licenses of the different classes sold, and the receipts therefrom during the
year 1887, were as follows:

Class.

Number
Sold.

Amounts-
Received.

A - --

651

17

33

45

2

$3,255 00

B

127 50

C

330 00

D .-.. -- -

562 50

B

30 00

748

$4,305 00

Of this amount — $4,305 — the sum of $492 30 was deducted as commis-
sions allowed by law for the collection of the licenses, leaving $3,812 70 as
the net amount paid into the State Treasury from this source during the
year stated. The receipts for the present year will be considerably less,
owing partly to the disorganized condition of the Commission during the
early part of the fishing season. Also the action of certain of the Courts,
as detailed above.

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. /•

LAWS RECOMMENDED.

The following recommendations of our predecessors in office, contained
in their last report, are renewed: "The close season for salmon should be
enlarged. It is now between the thirtieth day of August and the first day
of October. It should be from the first day of August to the first dayof
October. The Commission earnestly recommends legislative remedial
action to prevent the destruction of fish by seals and sea lions." We fur-
ther recommend, for the reasons stated in another portion of this report,
that the License Act be amended so as to declare the penalty for its viola-
tion. We also recommend that a law be passed providing for the confisca-
tion and destruction of all unlawful nets or seines taken with persons
arrested for illegal fishing. The possession of fish out of season, or fish of
under size, should be made a misdemeanor. Some legislation should be
had regarding the taking of immature fish, and defining "immature fish,"
at least so far as it concerns salmon, shad, sturgeon, and trout.

Respectfully submitted.

JOSEPH ROUTIER, President.
J. DOWNEY HARVEY, Secretary.

October 1, 1888.

8

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EXPENDITURES

During the Thirty-eighth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1887, chargeable against the Appropria-
tion for the Restoration and Preservation of Fish within the waters of the State.

To appropriation (General Appropriation Bill, Statutes of California,

1885", page 85)

To additional appropriation, March 15, 1887 (Statutes, 1887, page 156). .

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 558 — To J. Shebley, salary and expenses, July

ItolB, 1886 .' $83 35

To William Shebley, labor and expenses. 59 05

Warrant No. 2682-

-To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other ex-
penses.... .$93 00

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and

other expenses 45 15

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 7 47-

To .1. H. Hartin, salary and expenses of

Chief of Patrol 160 70

To John Cropper, salary, watchman

" Governor Stoneman " 30 00

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies 32 38

To Caledonian Insurance Co., insurance

on hatchery at Hat Creek.. 96 00

To Huntington, Hopkins & Co., supplies 12 56
To payroll, July. 1886 120 00

Warrant No. 3952— To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other ex-
penses.. $104 00

To Goodall, Perkins & Co., 500 gallons of

water 2 50

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and

other expenses . 73 35

To Sullivan'& Co., supplies 29 75

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 17 36

To J. Sheblej', salary and expenses 224 50

To J. H. Hartin, salary and expenses,

Chief of Patrol 296.00

To Charles J. Hendery, supplies 13 00

To W. T. Garratt, repairs for •' Governor

Stoneman" 5 50

To payroll, August, 1886 263 34

Warrant No. 4356— To S. P. Maslin, salary of Assistant Secretary and
Treasurer, months of July, August, and Sep-
tember, 1886

Warrant No. 4366— To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies .$52 72

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other ex-
penses... 76 00

To J. Mc Arthur, supplies 8 66

To Florin Bros., supplies 12 00

To Burns & Kneass, supplies 103 50

To I. N. Gill, supplies 10 25

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies 36 10

Topayroll. 238 50

Warrant No. 4710— To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and

other expenses $179 80

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies. 22 88

To Marysville Coal Gas Co., 1 barrel coal

tar 6 00

To J. H. Hartin, supplies and repairs,

"Governor Stoneman" 138 50

To J. H. Hartin, salary and expenses,

Chief of Patrol, September, 1886 346 50

Amount carried forward $3,090 37

$142 40

597 26

$5,000 00
405 18

1,029 30

90 00

537 73

693 68

$5,405 18

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.
Expenditures — Continued.

9

Amount broug
Warrant No. 5429-

ht forward -

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other ex-
penses |80 00

To Bidwell Bros., supplies 17 60

To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and

other expenses .- (M 20

To Fall River Mills, supplies 19 77

To J. Shebley, labor and expenses,

October, 1886 147 45

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies --- 22 16

To payroll, October, 1886 229 00

Warrant No. 5430-
Warrant No. 6543-

Warrant No. 6544-
Warrant No. 6828-

Warrant No. 6829-

-To S. P. Maslin, salary, October, 1886.

-To S. P. Maslin, salary as Assistant Secretary,

November, 1886 - •

-To J. H. Miller, clerical services-- -

-To S. P. Maslin, salary as Assistant Secretary,

December, 1886 -

-To R. H. Buckingham, traveling and

other expenses -. •'^46 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other ex-
penses

To J. McArthur, supplies

To W. J. McDowell, supplies

To W. H. Schnittger, wood and hauling
To H. Buckingham, watchman "Gov-
ernor Stoneman," November, 1886-.-

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies

83 00

5 00

31 00

22 00

30 00
41 76
80 60

To payroll November, 1886 ... 241 50

Warrant No. 7347-

-To T. J. Sherwood, traveling and other

expenses $62 40

To T. J. Sherwood, traveling and other

expenses 52 90

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other

expenses 96 25

To H. Buckingham, watchman "Gov-
ernor Stoneman," December, 1886 30 00

To C.W.Pierce 4 65

To Murcken & Knoch.. 26 57

To payroll December, 1886 187 75

Warrant No. 7453-
Warrant No. 8956-

$3,090 37

-To Black Diamond Coal Mining Company, coal.

-To H. Woodson, 70,000 trout eggs $100 00

To A. B. Dibble, traveling and other

expenses 96 25

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies. 6 15

To payroll January 1 to 15, 1887 153 20

-I

$355 60
Less deficiency in appropriation 308 33

Warrant No. 13163— To J. H. Hartin, salary and expenses

Chief of Patrol, December, 1886 $65 00

To H. F. Johnson, supplies 3 85

To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies 28 00

Warrant No. 13164 — To balance due on deficiency claims shown in

Warrant No. 8956

610 18
30 00

30 00
25 00

30 00

$5,405 18

580 86

460 52
95 80

47 27

96 85
308 33

$5,405 18

10

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EXPEMDITURES

During the Thirty-ninth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1S88, chargeable against the Appropria-
tion/or the Restoration and Preservation of Fish in the waters of the State.

To annronriation ^Statutes of California. 1887. T>a.se 215^ . --

$3,750 00

By Expe7iditures.

Warrant No. 1498— To J. W. Willage, services as Chief of

Patrol, July. 1887

$33 33

To J. W. Willage, provisions, etc

61 30

To J. W. Willage, rent and repairs to

sloop

124 90

To J. W. Willage, expenses and board . .

24 75

To John S. Benn, boat hire, etc

85 60

To Catania & Carlett, boat hire, etc

59 00

To W. S. Shebley, labor at hatchery

74 00

To Frank Sherwood, cook on boat

33 00

To Williana Haven, cook on boat

5 50

To Walter Markharn, deckhand

34 00

To W. E. Elliott, Captain of boat

60 00

To Orson Elliott, watchman on boat

16 66

To John Howard, deckhand

16 66

To John Richardson, pilot.

22 50

To John F. Moody, removing obstruc-

tions

20 00

To T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Commis-

sioner

102 05

To J. Routier, expenses as Commissioner.

61 90

To J. Downey Harvey, expenses as Com-

missioner

46 00

To Le Count Bros., lithographing.

40 00

To Black Diamond Coal Company, coal.

95 85

$1,007 00

Warrant No. 1955— To J. W. Willage, rent of sloop, J uly, 1887-

$60 00

To J. W. Willage, traveling expenses ..

23 50

To J. W. Willage, traveling expenses

11 00

To Walter Markharn, cook on boat

40 00

To Orson Elliott, deckhand

50 00

To John Howard, mate..

50 00

To W. E. Elliott, pilot

60 00

To J. W. Willage, services as Chief of

Patrol

100 00

To J. W. Willage, expenses in trials

10 00

To J. W. Willage, provisions, etc.

79 10

To J. W. Willage, rent and expenses of

sloop

50 00

533 60

Warrant No. 4222— To J. W. Willage, salary and expenses .

$283 50

Warrant No 4223 — To J W Willase rent of sloon

60 00

T f x« X X cXf X X V .^ ' vy • X *J *J t.^ .X. W !./• Tf« TTXXX %.%/ y^, ^«i" ■ X \J X X U \J *. *J X \J ^^^ t^ — — ^™— ^ m, ^ ^

Warrant No. 4224— T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Commis-

sioner .-

76 70

Warrant No. 4225— To J. Routier, expenses as Commissioner.

75 80

Warrant No. 4226— To Marysville " Appeal," printing

50 00

501 00

Warrant No. 4945— To Orson Elliott, labor on patrol boat...

$50 00

Warrant No. 4946— To Walter Markham, labor on patrol boat-

50 00

Warrant No. 4947— To John Howard, labor on patrol boat..

50 00

Warrant No. 4948— To W. E. Elliott, labor on patrol boat...

60 00

Warrant No. 4949— To J. W. Willage, salary, expenses, and

,

supplies --.

191 75

Warrant No. 4950— To T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Commis-

sioner

104 50

Warrant No. 4951— To J. Routier, expenses as Commissioner.

89 50

Warrant No. 4952 — To J. F. Cunningham, supplies

34 97

630 72

Warrant No. 7285— To J. W. Willage, salary and expenses..

$173 50

Warrant No. 7286 — To John F. Moody, expenses serving

papers

7 50

Warrant No. 7287 — To J.Routier,expensesasCommis.sioner.

35 80

Amount carried forward

$2,673 12

$3,750 GO

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.
ExpENDiTUEES — Continued.

11

Amount brought forward - - ---

Warrant No. 7288— To J.Downey Harvey, expenses as Com-
missioner $44 00

Warrant No. 7289— To T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Comniis-

niissioner -- 107 20

Warrant No. 7290— To Westgate, Ruble- & Co., supplies for

sloop - - 54 40

Warrant No. 10049— To Mrs. J. W. Willage, expenses of J. W.Willage,

deceased ---

Warrant No. 12546— To Mrs. J. W. Willage, labor and supplies fur-
nished by J. W. Willage, deceased

Warrant No. 12547— To J. Downey Harvey, expenses as Commis-
sioner

Warrant No. 12548— To J. Routier, expenses as Commissioner

Balance on hand July 1, 1888 -

$2,673 12

422 40

88 90

16 00

83 00
162 45
304 93

$3,750 00

$3,750 00

EXPENDITURES

During the Thirty-ninth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1888, chargeable against the Appropria-
tion for the Support and Maintenance of State Hatcheries.

By appropriation (Statutes of California, page 215)

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 1954— To J. Shebley, salary and expenses at hatchery...
Warrant No. 4953— To J. Shebley, salary and expenses at hatchery..

Warrant No. 4954— To E. W. Hunt, salary at hatchery

Warrant No. 4955— To Frank Sherwood, salary at hatchery

Warrant No. 4956— To Murcken & Knoch, supplies

Warrant No. 4213— To W. H. ShebleJ^ distributing fish

Warrant No. 4214— To J. Shebley, distributing fish, and salary, etc...

Warrant No. 4215— To E. C. Ross & -Co.. pipe, etc

Warrant No. 4216— To E. W. Hunt, labor

Warrant No. 4217— To W. F. Sherwood, cook

Warrant No. 4218— To Murcken & Knoch, repairs

Warrant No. 4219— To B. B. Bainbridge. groceries..

Warrant No. 4220— To M. Kerney, meats

Warrant No. 4221— To T. J. Sherwood, traveling expenses

Warrant No. 7291— To E. B. Bainbridge. supplies.

Warrant No. 7292— To M. Kerney, meats. .1.

Warrant No. 7293— To William Schnittger, teaming

Warrant No. 7294— To Frank Sherwood, cook

Warrant No. 7295- To E. W. Hunt, labor

Warrant No. 7296— To J. Shebley, salary as Supt., and supplies

Warrant No. 7297— To J. S. Benn, tish and expenses

Warrant No. 7298 — To W. H. Shebley, salary and expenses as Supt.,

distributing fish

Warrant No. 9380— To E. B. Bainbridge, supplies

Warrant No. 9381— To E. W. Hunt, labor.

Warrant No. 9382- To W. F. Sherwood, cook

Warrant No. 9383— To Murcken & Knoch. supplies

Warrant No. 9384— To W. H. Shebley. salary as Supt., and expenses.

Warrant No. 11592— To W. H. Schnittger, supplies

Warrant No. 11593— To W. F. Sherwood, cook

Warrant No. 11594— To E. W. Hunt, labor

Warrant No. 11595 — To Murcken & Knoch, supplies —

Warrant No. 11596— To E. B. Bainbridge, supplies

Warrant No. 11597— To W. H. Shebley, supplies, etc

Warrant No. 11598 — To J. Shebley, services and expenses

Warrant No. 11599— To E. B. Bainbridge, supplies

Warrant No. 12564 — To W. H. Shebley, salary and expenses as Supt. .

Warrant No. 12565 — To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses

Warrant No. 12568— To E. B. Bainbridge, supplies

Warrant No. 12569 — To Murcken & Knoch, supplies

Warrant No. 12570— To W. P. Sherwood, cook

Balance on hand July 1, 1888

$309 75

168 54

60 00

50 00

16 21

158 10

187 19

58 60

57 30

36 70

50 00

40 91

11 75

76 70

64 38

6 40

11 50

50 00

60 00

126 85

164 70

433 85
35 94
50 00
40 00

5 85
71 60
27 00
40 00
50 00

8 25
26 05
85 85
52 08
13 70
68 15
56 21
22 88

5 08

40 00

851 93

$3,750 00

$3,750 00

12

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EXPENDITURES

During the Thirty-eighth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1S87, chargeable against the Fish Commis-
sion Fund.

By receipts into the fund, thirtv-eighth fiscal year.

$2,283 66

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 14887 — To Le Count Bros., record and account

books ..- -

$6 00

To C. H. Evans, repairs to steamer

" Governor Stonenian "

41 96

To Charles J. Hendery, supplies for

steamer

5 60

s To Charles J. Hendery, supplies for

steamer

9 00

To Orson Elliott, labor on steamer

23 50

To John Howard, labor on steamer__.

23 50

To William Havens, labor on steamer.

18 00

To John Richardson, pilot

37 50

To Alexander Harper, labor on steamer

31 25

To J. W. Willage, expenses moving

"Governor Stoneman"

53 30

To J. W. Willage, provisions, etc., for

steam er

23 70

To J. W. Willage, salary as Chief of

Patrol

70 00

To Pacific Printing House, printing

license blanks

30 00

To H.Buckingham, watchman steamer

■-"•

" Governor Stoneman "

20 00

To J. Routier, expenses as Commis-

sioner -

135 20

To T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Com-

missioner

84 50

$613 01

Warrant No. 15683— To G. A. Gillespie, fees in cases of illegal fishing.

12 00

Warrant No. 15684— To Jim Chin, services as interpreter in

cases of

illegal fishing

6 00

Warrant No. 15826 — To J. W. Kerns, stove, etc., for steamer

'' Governor Stoneman "

|16 75

To J. S. Benn, rent of plunger, etc

10 00

To T. W. O'Neil, tin tags for licenses. .

546 00

To J. W. Willage, expenses as Chief of

Patrol

49 88

To J. W. Willage, supplies for steamer.

34 75

To Westgate, Ruble & Co., supplies for

steamer

65 87

To John Howard, deckhand

50 00

To Orson Elliott, watchman on steamer

50 00

To William Havens, cook on steamer.

40 00

To C. A. Sweeney, expenses in cases of

illegal fishing.'

14 85

To D. D. Willis, expenses in cases of

illegal fishing

9 00

To J. R. Lewis, expenses attending

meeting of the Board as License

Collector

20 00

To J. W. Willage, salary as Chief of

Patrol...

100 00

To John Richardson, salary as pilot..

75 00

To A. Harper, salary as engineer of

steamer " Governor Stoneman "

75 00

To Charles Chinn, services as inter-

preter in trials for illegal fishing

3 00

To G. H. Kinloch, Constable fees in

cases of illegal fishing

13 20

To J. Downey Harvey, expenses as

Commissioner

140 00

To Joseph Routier, expenses as Com-

missioner

121 85

Amount carried forward

$631 01

$2,283 66

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.
Expenditures — Continued.

13

Amount brought forward -

To T. J. Sherwood, expenses as Com-
missioner.- 101 15

To J. K. Lewis, expressage, etc., for
License Collector 5 90

Balance on hand July 1, 1887 ..-

$631 01

1,546 20
106 45

$2,283 66

$2,283 66

EXPENDITURES.

During the Thirty-ninth Fiscal Year, ending June SO, 1888, chargeable against the Fish Com-
mission Fund.

By balance on hand July 1 1887

$106 45

Receints into the fund tliirtv-ninth fiscal vear

4,460 68

Bi/ Expenditures.

"Warrant No. 1500— To R. C. Carter, stovepipe -.

$2 00

To A. Harper, engineer on steamer

15 00

To S. T. Hadlev, blacksmithing

5 00

To J. W. Willage, traveling expenses ..

21 00

To J. W. Willage, block and tackle

1 75

To J. W. Willage, traveling expenses

36 00

To J. W. Willage, provisions, etc

29 60

To J. W. Willage, rent of sloop _

50 00

To Orson Elliott, services as watchman

on steamer -

41 69

To Frank Sherwood, services as cook..

31 51

To John Howard, services as deckhand

41 69

To John Richardson, services as pilot -

62 50

To J. S. Benn, seven days labor

21 00

To Le Count Bros., stationery _

11 25

To J. S. Benn, fish net, tank, etc..

41 45

To J. Routier, expenses, etc., as Com-

missioner

132 50

To T. J. Sherwood, expenses, etc., as

Commissioner- . . ._

157 20

To J. W. Willage, services as Chief of

Patrol

83 35

$784 49

Warrant No. 4535— To J. Sheblev, labor and expenses

236 62

Warrant No. 4536 — To John Koon, expenses in arrests for

illegal fishing

$14 50

Warrant No. 4537— To J. W. AVillage, services as Chief of

Patrol - -

66 67

Warrant No. 4538 — To John Howard, services as deckhand

33 34

Warrant No. 4539— To Orson Elliott, services as watchman

on steamer -.

33 34

Warrant No. 4540— To J. Routier, expenses, etc., as Com-

missioner -

162 05

Warrant No. 4541— To T. J. Sherwood, expenses, etc., as

Commissioner

87 40

Warrant No. 4542 — To T. J. Sherwood, expenses, etc., as

Commissioner

65 00

Warrant No. 4543— To A. B. Dibble, expenses and printing,

t

suit of People vs. Dobbins

32 75

Warrant No. 4544 — To J. Downey Harvey, expenses, etc..

as Commissioner ..

20 00

Warrant No. 4545 — To John Koon, expenses in arrests for

illegal fishing

6 00

.5''1 05

Warrant No. 4943— To J. Routier, per diem as Commis-

sioner

$65 00

Warrant No. 4944— To T. J. Sherwood, per diem as Com-

missioner

70 00

135 00

Amount carried forward

$1,677 16

$4,567 13

14

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.
Expenditures — Continued.

Amount brought forward - .-

Warrant No. 5909 — To J. Routier, per diem as Commis-
sioner --

Warrant No. 5910— To T. J. Sherwood, per diem as Com-
missioner 90 00

$75 00

Warrant No. 7281— To T. J. Sherwood, per diem as Com-
missioner |55 00

Warrant No. 7282 — To J. Routier, per diem as Commis-
sioner .. 35 00

Warrant No. 7283 — To J. Downey Harvey, per diem as

Commissioner . 15 00

Warrant No. 7284— To Westgate, Dozier & Co., supplies .-. 23 35

.$1,677 16

165 00

Warrant No. 9385 — To J. Downey Harvey, expenses, etc., as Com-
missioner - -

Warrant No. 9386 — To T. J. Sherwood, expenses, etc., as Commis-
sioner

Warrant No. 10031 — To J. Routier, expenses, etc., as Commissioner -
Warrant No. 11.587 — To Murcker & Knoch, supplies for hatchery

at Hat Creek

Warrant No. 11588— To W. F. Sherwood, labor, etc., for hatchery

at Hat Creek

Warrant No. 11589 — To W. H. Sheblej^ salary and expenses as

Superintendent of Hatcher j^

Warrant No. 11590 — To W. F. Sherwood, services as cook at hatchery
Warrant No. 11591— To W. H. Schnittger, services as watchman,

etc., at hatchery

Warrant No. 12571 — To L. Meyer & Co., supplies to Chief of Patrol -

Balance on hand July 1, 1888 --.

128 35

74 00

73 90
30 20

5 15

24 55

66 25
40 00

24 50

4 25

2,253 82

14,567 13

14,567 13

DEFICIENCIES

Incurred during the Thirty-fifth Fiscal Year, ending June SO, 1884, ^''^^ during the Thirty-seventh
Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1886. chargeable against the Appropriation for the Restoration
and Preservation of Fish within theiualers of the State.

Appropriation to provide for the deficiency for the thirty-fifth fiscal
year - -

Warrant No. 13160 — To balance due on claims contained in vouchers

on which warrant No. , fiscal year, was

issued

Appropriation to provide for the deficiency for the thirty-eighth fiscal

vear

Warrant No. 13161-

Warrant No. 13162-

H. Buckingham

-To balance due on claims contained in vouchers
on which warrant No. 6442, thirty-seventh
fiscal year, was issued
-To R. ■ "
To A. B. Dibble
To J. Sheblev-.
To W. C. Joiies
To J. H. Hartin
Pavroll

$19 65

869 20

REPORT OF THE STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

15

DEFICIENCIES

Incurred during the Thirty-seventh Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1886, chargeable against the
Appropriation for Support and Maintenance of a State Salmon Hatchery.

Appropriation

Warrant No. 131f)5— To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies for hatchery .. ..
Warrant No. 13160 — To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies for hatchery . . .

To H. Schnittger, supplies for hatchery -.

To Murcl^en & Knoch, supplies for hatchery ...

To Florin Bros

To S. P. Maslin, services as Assistant Secretary

Payrolls, April, May, and June, 1886

Warrant No. 13167 — To Dennis & Fitzwater, supplies to hatchery ....

To Murcken & Knoch, supplies to hatchery ...

Payroll, April

$895 47

BIENNIAL REPORT

OF THE

STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR THE

YEARS 1888-1890.

COMMISSIONERS.

JOSEPH ROUTIER, Sacramento, President.

J. DOWNEY HARVEY, San Francisco, Secretary.

CHARLES JOSSELYN, San Francisco.

SACRAMENTO:

STATE OFFICE, ::::::: J. D. young, supt. state printing.

1890.

REPORT.

To Hon. R. W. Waterman, Governor of the State of California:

Sir: The undersigned have the honor hereby to j)resent their Second
Biennial Report relative to the fish industry of the State.

The fish interests of the State are in a comparatively satisfactory
condition.

The spring run of salmon for 1889 was fair, as was also that of 1890.
The fall run of 1889 showed improvement over that of the previous
years. The supply of shad continues to be large. Carp is found in large
quantities in all the waters of the State; they are not a desirable food
fish. Sturgeon continues to diminish every year, owing to the indis-
criminate slaughter waged upon them by Chinese fishermen. Special
efforts have been made to stock the rivers and lakes with the various
species of trout. In these efforts we have been quite successful, as
evidenced by the astonishment of many at finding them abundant in
streams to which they had for years been strangers. This will appear
more i^ointedly in the report of the Superintendent of Hatcheries. Black
bass have been distributed in different places throughout the State. The
increase of this fish at Crystal Springs, San Mateo County, has been rapid,
and is the source from which our supply has been obtained. Catfish
have developed into popular favor, and are plentiful in most of the waters
of the State.

SEALS AND SEA LIONS.

We respectfully repeat the recommendations of the last report of the
Fish Commissioners, as follows: These aquatic animals are a serious
detriment to the fish interests of the State. They sit at the entrance of
Golden Gate as royal toll gatherers, and take the lion's share of the
schools of the finny tribe as they pass from the broad Pacific into the
bay of San Francisco, preparatory to an ascent of our rivers. In the
opinion of the Commission, they are great destroyers of the salmon.
They appear to be more numerous at Seal Rock and around the entrance
of San Francisco Bay than in former years, owing, no doubt, to the fact
that the fishermen have driven them with their nets from Suisun and
San Pablo Bays. They not only guard the entrance of San Francisco
Bay, but are found at the entrance of Monterey, Bolenas, Point Arena,
Tomales, and Shoalwater Bays. This and former Commissions and the
public press have repeatedly invoked legislative action to prevent the
immense destruction of fish constantly going on and increasing by these
worthless animals. It is highly important to our citizens to have the
food of which they are so deprived, and in their behalf remedial legis-
lation is again urgently demanded.

STEAM LAUNCH.

The steam launch "Governor Stoneman," constructed at a cost of
over .$4,000, was found useless for the service for which it was intended.

4 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

In the interest of economy and an efficient service, and in response to an
Act of the Legislature, we disposed of it for the sum of $1,100, which
money is in the State Treasury for the purchase of other boats suited to
economical use in quest of persons engaged in illegal fishing.

HATCHERIES.

The Shebley Hatchery has been abandoned, the supply of water being
inadequate. The Hat Creek Hatchery has been abandoned, and it is
the desire of the Commission that the Legislature provide for its removal
to a more desirable location. The Sisson Hatchery has been a great
success. A new hatchery has also been constructed at Lake Tahoe.
The details relating to all these hatcheries, will be found in the report
of the Superintendent of Hatcheries. The United States Fish Com-
mission have furnished us with all the eyed salmon eggs it is pos-
sible for us to handle, for which they are entitled to the thanks of every
person in the State.

FISH LADDERS.

Fish ladders have been built in most places where necessary, but many
are not properly built, are not kept in repair, and are to a considerable
extent inefficient, owing to the fact that the Board has no appropriation
from which to defray the expenses of construction.

The last Legislature appropriated $500 for the removal of obstructions
at Salmon Falls, in the American River. This has been successfully
accomi^lished.

LICENSES.

The amount received from sales of licenses to fishermen for last year
exceeds the sum received for sales of the previous year. The receipts

were as follows:

Licenses for the Year 1888.

Received of
(;ontroller.

Class.

Value of
Each. '

On Hand
March 31,

1889.

Sold

during

the Year.

Total Value

of
Licenses Sold.

Commissions

Allowed
for Collecting.

Net Amount

due

the State.

700
100
100
100
5

A
B
C
D
E

$5 00
7 50
10 00
12 50
15 00

208
93
83

77
4

492

7

17

23

1

$2,485 00

52 50

170 00

287 50

15 00

$300 01

7 87

25 50

43 12

2 25

$2,184 99

44 63

144 50

244 38

12 75

Total, 1,005

465

540

$3,010 00

$378 75

$2,631 25

Licenses for the Year 1889.

Received of
Controller.

Class.

Value of
Each.

On Hand

March 31,
1890.

Sold

during

the Year.

Total Value

of

Licenses Sold.

Commissions

Allowed
for Collecting.

Net Amount

due

the State.

775

50

50

52

1

A
B
C
D
E

$5 00
7 50
10 00
12 50
15 00

19
35
28
26

756

15

22

26

1

$3,780 00

112 50

220 00

325 00

15 00

$356 25

16 87

31 50

48 75

2 25

$3,423 75

95 63

188 50

276 25

12 75

Total. 928

108

820

$4,452 50

$455 62

$3,996 88

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF PISH COMMISSIONERS. O

APPROPRIATIONS.

The last Legislature appropriated $20,000, one half of which was to be
used for support in each of the forty-first and forty-second fiscal years.
The expenditures made will be found in the proper place herein. The
sum of $2,000 was appropriated for the purchase and importation of cer-
tain game birds into the State. The Board has so far been unable to
obtain most of the species named in the Act, but hopes yet to secure them.
Some quantities of Chinese quail and Oregon pheasants have been pur-
chased and distributed in accessible localities. These quail have propa-
gated already fairly well, and supplies can soon be had from them for
other localities, as required. The $2,000 appropriated for the prosecu-
tion of violators of the fish laws has been expended, and was insufficient
to defray the costs of prosecutions.

The Oregon pheasants can only be had by sending agents there to buy '
them in person, and they cannot be had at less than about $15 per
pair. So far only forty pairs have been secured. The cost of the Chinese '
quail is about $20 per hundred. We have obtained about one thousand
three hundred so far. These have been distributed pretty widely through-
out the State. The amount so far drawn from the appropriations for
game birds is $1,500, of which up to this time the sum of $1,020 has been
expended.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT BILL.

Section 38 of the Act of March 16, 1889, amending the County Govern-
ment Act, authorizing the Boards of Supervisors to fix the size of fish
net meshes, should be repealed. If one county has one law, and another
county another one, it renders it impossible for violators of the law to
be punished, and the law thereby becomes inoperative. One county has
already fixed the size of meshes for fishing at four inches, instead of the
seven and one half inches prescribed by the statutes.

If the Legislature should agree with the recommendations of the
Superintendent of Hatcheries for the creation of more hatcheries, the
appropriation he asks for, or more, may be necessary. We recommend
an appropriation of $10,000 for patrol purposes. If illegal fishing is to
be prohibited, men enough to patrol the rivers must be had; otherwise,
illegal fishing will go on as usual with impunity.

FOOD FISHES.

In its proper place herein will be found an interesting and instructive
paper on the food fishes of this State from the pen of Dr. C. H. Eigen-
mann, who is regarded as authority upon that subject; also, a letter from
Dr. H. W. Harkness, President of the California Academy of Sciences.

WIRE SCREENS FOR IRRIGATION DITCHES.

The millions upon millions of fish, large and small, that pass into the
open heads of irrigating ditches, only to die when the water becomes
exhausted, will decimate the fish supply faster than it can be restored
from all the hatcheries in the State, in those localities where irrigation
is largely in use. This has rendered necessary in some of the States
the enactment of laws requiring the use of close-meshed wire screens at

6 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

the entrance to all irrigating ditches in the State. What is necessary
elscAvhere, is indispensable here, and we recommend the passage of a law
here similar to the following law in the State of Wyoming upon this
subject:

Any person or persons, corporation or corporations owning in whole or in part, or leas-
ing, operating, or having in charge any mill-racCj irrigating ditch, or canal, tailing or
receiving its water from any river, creek, or stream m this territory in wliich tish has been
placed or may exist, shall put or cause to be placed and maintained over the inlet of such
ditch, canal, or mill-race a wire screen of such construction, fineness, strength, or quality
as shall prevent anv sucli fish from entering such ditch, canal, or mill race, when requesteii
to do so by the Fish Commissioner.

Any person or persons, corporation or corporations violating the provisions of the pre-
ceding section, or who shall neglect or refuse to provide, put up, and maintain such screen,
in accordance with the provisions of the preceding section, shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than ten dollars,
and not more than one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail not
exceeding thirty days for each offense ; provided, that the continuance by any person of
such neglect or refusal from day to day after notification in writing shall constitute a
separate and distinct offense for each and every day of the continuance of such neglect
or refusal; provided further, that no offense shall be committed by reason of such screens
not over the inlet of any ditch, canal, or mill-race when water is not entering the same.

LAAVS RECOMMENDED.

We desire to renew the recommendations contained in our last bien-
nial report, to wit:

"The close season for salmon should be enlarged. It is now between
the thirtieth day of August and the first day of October. It should be
from the first day of August to the first day of October. The Commis-
sion earnestly recommends legislative remedial action to prevent the
destruction of fish by seals and sea lions. We further recommend that
the License Act be amended so as to declare the penalty for its violation.
We also recommend that a law be passed providing for the confiscation
and destruction of all unlawful nets, seines, and traps of any description
found in use. The possession of fish out of season, or fish of under size,
should be made a misdemeanor. Some legislation should be had regard-
ing the taking of immature fish, and defining ' immature fish,' at least
so far as it concerns salmon, shad, sturgeon, and trout."

DEER.

We recommend that the killing of deer be prohibited absolutely for
the next two years, and also the having in possession the skin of any
deer for the same time. This is rendered necessary because of the great
loss of these animals during the extremely severe weather of the last
two winters, as well as their indiscriminate slaughter in some localities
by hunters who defy the law with impunity. With these men, nothing
save the heavy hand of the law can be made effective.

JOSEPH ROUTIER,
J. DOWNEY HARVEY,

Fish Commissioners.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. /

EXPENDITURES

During the Fortieth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1SS9, chargeable against the Appropriation for
the Restoration and Preservation of Fish in the waters of the State.

Balance on hand July 1, 1888 $304 93

Warrants issued during fortieth fiscal year for services performed during
the thirty-ninth fiscal year :

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 468— To O. P. Egbert, supplies $13 55

No. 469— To W. E. Elliott, salary 66 50

No. 470 — To John Howard, salary and expenses 56 50

No. 471— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 37 06

173 61

Balance on hand from thirty-ninth year $131 32

By appropriation (Statutes of California, page 215) 3,750 00

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 2226— To J. P. Dalton, salary and expenses $240 71

No. .3085— To J. P. Dalton, salary and expenses 714 90

No. 3086— To 0. P. Egbert, supplies 39 15

No. 3088— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 12 38

No. 3089— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 173 70

No. 3090— To W. E. Elliott, salary - : 60 00

No. 8091— To John Howard, salary 50 00

No. 3092— To Charles AVenzinger, salary 50 00

No. 5519— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 310 00

No. 5561— To 0. P. Egbert, supplies 14 30

No. 5562— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 15 52

No. 6170— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 177 50

No. 8271— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 156 96

No. 12294— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 216 70

No. 12295— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 159 85

No. 12296— To John A. Richardson, salary 75 00

No. 12297— To E. W. Hunt, salary 45 00

No. 12298— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 241 83

No. 12299— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 270 38

No. 12300— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 20 90

No. 12301— To O. P. Egbert, supplies 7 15

No. 12302— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 10 00

No. 15455 — To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 208 00

No. 15456— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 221 10

No. 15777— To Osborn & Alexander , supplies 24 10

No. 15778— To J. F. Curley, salary 25 00

No. 16000— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 21 45

No. 16797— To R. Lauritzen, supplies ■ 5 51

No. 16798— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 45

No. 16799— To O. P. Egbert, supplies 25 15

No. 16800— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 32 15

No. 17054 — To James McKenna, salary 5 00

No. 18249— To R. Lauritzen, supplies 11 30

No. 18267— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 10

No. 18268— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 24 60

No. 18269— To O. P. Egl^ert, supplies ^ 37 40

No. 18270— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 126 55

No. 1286— To 0. P. Egbert, supplies (paid in 41st fiscal year). 23 53

Totals $3,881 32 $3,881 32

8 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EXPENDITURES

During the Fortieth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1889, chargeable against the Appropriation
for the Support and Maintenance of State Hatcheries.

Unexpended balance on hand July 1, 1888 $851 93

Warrants issued during the fortieth hscal year, for services performed during
the thirtv-ninth fiscal vear:

Warrant '^o. 208— To J. Sheblev, salary and expenses |69 20

No. 472— To W. H. Schnittger, salary and expenses 60 00

No. 473— To Stevens & McKinny, supplies 200 00

No. 1628— To J. C. Frazier, labor 93 34

422 54

Balance on hand from thirty-ninth vear $429 39

To appropriation (Statutes of California, 1887, page 215) 3,750 00

Warrant No. 1195— To Henry Woodson, supphes $101 30

No. 1197— To J. C. Frazier, salary 100 00

No. 1196— To Stevens & McKinney, supplies 400 00

No. 1629— To W. H. Shebley. expenses 63 35

No. 1630— To J. Sheblev, salarv 93 00

No. 3087— To W. H. Sheblev, salary 81 30

No. 3093— To John Hurley, rent 20 00

No. 3094r-To J. C. Frazier, salary 118 82

No. 3095— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 60 00

No. 5267— To J. G. Woodbiiry, salarv and expenses 298 18

No. 5533— To J. F. Wvman, supplies 8 12

No. 5535— To J. C. Frazier, supplies 48 66

No. 5534— To R. M. Watson, supplies 8 00

No. 5558 — To Sisson Lumber Company, supplies 364 71

No. 5559— To Sisson, Crocker & Co., supplies 97 32

No. 5560— To J. M. Bowles, Jr., supplies 42 50

No. 6163— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and supplies 57 70

No. 6164— To W. C. Gifford, labor..: 50 00

No. 6165— To Whittier, Fuller & Co., supplies 13 00

No. 6166— To J. H. Sisson, supplies 58 65

No. 6167— To W. H. Schnittger, salarv 5 00

No. 6168— To Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson, supplies 17 51

No. 6169— To Sisson Lumber Company, supplies 17 47

No. 8895— To L. Stone, labor 375 00 ,

No. 8896— To Sisson, Crocker & Co., supplies 48 00

No. 8897— To Fred. C. Boyce, labor 50 00

No. 8898— To E. W. Hunt, salary 55 65

No. 8899— To Mount Shasta Manufacturing Co., supplies 71 40

No. 8900— To W. C. Gifford, labor 37 50

No. 8901— To F. C. Boyce, labor 45 00

No. 8902— To Robert Radcliff, freight 20 00

No. 8903— To J. A. Richardson, traveling expenses 85 65

No. 8904— To J. H. Sisson, supplies 4130

No. 8905— To J. C. Frazier, supplies 112 66

No. 8906— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and supplies 169 41

No. 12292— To Edson & Co., supplies.' 10 65

No. 12293— To F. C. Boyce, labor 25 00

No. 16783— To E. W. Hunt, labor 41 65

No. 16784— To W. H. Schnittger, labor 10 00

No. 17015— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and supplies 266 41

No. 17053— To J. A. Richardson, salary and supplies 78 15

No. 18250— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and supplies " 465 33

No. 18251— To W. H. Schnittger, salary and supplies 10 00

Balance on hand July 1, 1889 36 04

Totals $4,179 39 $4,179 39

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 9

EXPENDITURES

During the Fortieth Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1SS9, chargeable against the Fish Com-
mission Fund.

By balance on hand, July 1, 1888 $2,253 82

Receipts into the fund, fortieth fiscal year 3,444 23

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 206-To T. W. O'Neil, supplies $240 90

No. 207— To L. L. Lewis, supplies 3 10

No. 474 — To Carquinez Packing Company, supplies 12 50

No. 475 — To .Tohn Ferrin, expenses 121 30

No. 476— To W. H. Ewing, labor 36 66

No. 477— To Stevens & Co., supplies 59 22

No. 478— To . I. L. Sutton, salary 100 00

No. 479— To Bauer & Steffan, supplies 7 65

No. 480— To E. J. Upham & Co., supplies 6 83

No. 481— To G. A. Hastings, supplies 25 50

No. 482 — To John S. Benn, traveling expenses 10 50

No. 483— To John P. Taggart, salary .' 50 00

No. 484 — To Charles Josselyn, money advanced 38 62

No. 485— To J. J. Smith, labor 50 00

No. 486— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 305 75

No. 487 — To James V. Geary, salary 110 66

No. 488— To J. L. Sutton, labor... 50 00

No. 489— To.Tohn Ferrin, salary 209 79

No. 597— To T. J. Sherwood, expenses 98 70

No. 1032 — To James Clyne, repairs 5 50

No. 1033— To C. D. Dagnol, rent of sloop 152 66

No. 1187 — To J. Routier, traveling expenses 30 10

No. 2997— To L. L. Lewis, supplies 3 10

No. 2999— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 9 80

No. 2998— To Moh rife Yoerk, supplies 4 95

No. 3000— To O. P. Egbert, supplies 11 75

No. 3001— To John P. Dalton, expenses 100 50

No. 3002— To Cooper's book store, supplies 8 50

No. 4590— To W. A. Duncombe, rent of sloop 41 57

No. 6162— To J . G. Woodbury, traveling expenses 208 91

No. 6550 — To T. J. Sherwood, traveling expenses 25115

No. 8891— To John P. Dalton, traveling expenses 151 95

No. 8892— To John P. Dalton, supplies 15 00

No. 8893— To Matt. Coffey, salary 35 00

No. 8894 — To Joseph Routier, expenses 91 40

No. 11747— To Lauritzen & Frates, supplies 34 04

No. 15459— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 239 39

No. 15460— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 320 04

No. 15728— To E. W. Hunt, salary 45 00

No. 15729— To E. W. Hunt, salary. 45 00

No. 15775— To J. A. Richardson, salary 75 00

No. 15776— To J. A. Richardson, salary 75 00

No. 16650— To Edward Reillv, salary 91 90

No. 16771— To T. W. 0'Neil,'painting 196 00

No. 16791— To C. J^olger, salary 50 00

No. 16792— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary 1 50

No. 16793— To John P. Dalton, salary and expenses 368 10

No. 16794— To C. Elliott, salarv 44 85

No. 16795— To G. J. Scullev, salarv 4150

No. 16796— To W. E. Elliot, salarv..-- 72 00

No. 17017— To M. J. O'Reillv, salary 60 00

No. 17055— To W. T. Robinson, expenses 37 00

No. 17056— To San Francisco " Daily Report," advertising.--- 40 00

No. 18252— To M. J. O'Reillv, salarv 30 00

No. 18253— To J. C. Frazier, salary 107 20

No. 18254— To John F. Moody, supplies 69 10

No. 18255— To C. C. Folger, salarv 33 20

No. 18256— To G. J. Scullev, salary 50 00

No. 18257— To Truckee Lumber Company, supplies 113 16

No. 18258 — To Carson and Tahoe Lumber Company, supplies- 185 16

No. 18259— To J. G.Woodbury 110 00

No. 18260— To E. W. Hunt, salary, etc 49 50

No. 18261— To C. Elhot, salary, etc 50 00

No. 18262— To J. P. Dalton, salary, etc 100 00

Amounts carried forward - -.. $5,393 16

10 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Amounts brought forward $5,393 16 $5,698 05

No. 18263— To Thomas H. Powers, salary, etc 40 00

No. 18264— To Westgate. Dozier & Co., supplies 27 34

No. 18266— To W. E. Elliot, salary 68 00

No. 18266— To Edward Reilly, salary 150 50

Balance on hand July 1, 1889 19 05

■ Totals $5,698 05 $5,698 05

EXPENDITUKES

During the Forty-first Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1890, chargeable against the Appropriation
for the Restoration and Preservation of Fish in the waters of the Stale.

To appropriation (Statutes of California, 1889, page 438) $5,000 00

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 1280— To John P. Dal ton, salary and supplies $62 50

No. 1284 — To Frank Anava, salary and expenses 77 50

No. 1285— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary 2 00

No. 1287— To Henry Mathey, expenses 122 10

No. 2219 — To Edward Reilly, salary and expenses 193 85

No. 2478— To T. W. O'Neil, painting 70 00

No. 2486— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary 30 00

No. 2487— To R. Lauritzen, supplies 20 33

No. 2488 — To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 45

No. 2489— To Goldberg, Bowen & Co., supplies 12 38

No. 2490— To O. P. Egbert, supplies 37 05

No. 2491— To John P. Dalton, supplies 67 34

No. 2492— To John P. Dalton, salary 100 00

No. 2493— To John P. Dalton, rent 10 00

No. 2494— To G. J. ScuUey, salary 50 00

No. 2495— To W. Lamonte, salary 28 00

No. 2496— To John Howard, salary 36 65

No. 2497— To W. E. Elliott, salary 60 00

No. 2498— To C. B. Elliott, salary 50 00

No. 2499— To C. Higgins, salary 26 00

No. 3375 — To J. M. SuUiyan, salary and expenses - 172 44

No. 3376— To J. M. Sullivan, salary and expenses 193 20

No. 3377 — To Edward Reilly, salary and expenses 203 20

No. 3378 — To J. W. Hughes, professional services 75 00

No. 3379— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary 30 00

No. 3380— To M. J. O'Reilly, expenses 5 75

No. 3765— To John P. Dalton, salary 100 00

No. 3766— To John P. Dalton, expenses 10 00

No. 3767— To John P. Dalton, expenses 124 77

No. 3874 — To Frank Anaya, expenses 27115

No. 3875 — To J. Downey Harvey, expenses 14 00

No. 3876 — To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 108 65

No. 3877— To 0. P. Egbert, supplies 37 60

No. 3878— To R. Lauritzen, supplies 17 80

No. 3879— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 45

No. 3880— To W. Lamont, salary 40 00

No. 3881— To W. Markham, salary 50 00

No. 3882— To G. J. Sculley, salary 50 00

No. 3883— To W. E. Elliot, salary 60 00

No. 4997— To Jno. T. Curley, expenses 77 10

No. 5048— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary and expenses 33 10

No. 5138— To John P. Dalton, expenses 119 25

No. 5139— To O. P. Egbert, supnlies --- 24 25

No. 5140— To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 45

No. 5141 — To J. Downey Harvey, expenses 5 00

No. 5142— To W. Lamont, salary 40 00

No. 5143— To H. H. Briggs, salary 100 00

No. 5144— To G. J. Sculley, salary 50 00

No. 5145 — To A. Cassidy, supplies 46 66

No. 5146— To W. Markham, salary 50 00

No. 5147—To W. E. Elliott, salary 60 00

No. 5148— To John P. Dalton, salary 100 00

No. 5149— To J. F. Curley, salary ... 66 30

Amounts carried forward ._. ., $3,434 27 $5,000 00

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 11

Amounts brought forward $3,434 27 $5,000 00

No. 5150 — To Joseph Routier. expenses 31 00

No. 5151 — To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 114 65

No. 5126— To M. J. O'Reilly, expenses 1145

No. 6473— To J. M. Sullivan, expenses 108 05

No. 6474— To E. Reilly, salary 100 00

No. 6475— To E. Reillv, salary 152 05

No. 6505— To M. J. C'Reillv, salary and expenses 32 20

No. 6749 — To J. Downey liarvey, expenses 5 00

No. 6750 — To Joseph Routier, expenses. 147 35

No. 6751— To C. H. Bogart, expenses 16 70

No. 6752— To C. E. Grunsky, salary 1110

No. 6753— To F. Anava, salary... 62 80

No. 6754— To F. P. Callundan, salary 100 00

No. 6755— To H. F. Williams, salary 50 00

No. 6756— To John F. Curley, expenses 109 60

No. 6757— To James H. Carothers, expenses 10 00

No. 6758-To John P. Dalton, expenses 24 41

No. 7437— To C. W. Thorrold, salary 50 00

No. 7438— To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 132 25

No. 7439— To F. Anaya, salary and expenses 78 45

No. 7930— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary and expenses 32 55

No. 8354— To E. Reilly, salary 100 00

No. 8407 — To F. Anaya, salary and expenses 12 70

No. 8408 — To J. Downey Harvey, expenses 5 00

No. 8409— To Joseph Routier, expenses 30 00

No. 11314^To M. J. O'Reilly, salary... 30 00

No. 13169— Wells, Fargo & Co., expressage 6 15

Balance on hand .Tune 30, 1890 2 27

Totals $6,000 00 $5,000 00

EXPENDITURES

During the Forty-first Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1890, chargeable against the Appropriation
for the Support and Maintenance of State Hatcheries.

Unexpended balance on hand July 1, 1889 $36 04

"Warrants issued during the forty-tirst fiscal year for services per-
formed during the fortieth fiscal year:

Warrant No. 1296— To W. H. Schnittger, labor $5 00

No. 1297 — To Jones & Givens, supplies 30 75

35 75

Unexpended balance fortieth fiscal year.. .$0 29

By appropriation (Statutes of California, 1889, page 438) 5,000 00

By .Expenditures.

Warrant No. 2500— To W. H. Schnittger, salary... $5 00

No. 2501 — To J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses 1 78 50

No. 2502 — To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses 100 50

No. 2503— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 61 50

No. 2504 — To Truckee Lumber Co., supplies 33 00

No. 2505 — To Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., insurance 15 00

No. 3884— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 357 12

No. 3885 — To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 141 50

No. 3886— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 5 00

No. 3887 — To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses . 50 50

No. 3888— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 63 50

No. 3889— To J. A. Todman, labor 15 00

No. 3890— To John Hurley, rent... 20 00

No. 5131 — To Carson and Tahoe Lumber Co., supplies 73 51

No. 5132— To Whittier, Fuller & Co., supplies 10 00

No. 5133— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 37 75

No. 5134— To. J. C. Frazier, salary 50 00

No. 5135— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 205 35

No. 5136— To A. J. Bayley, labor 2150

No. 5137— To Truckee Lumber Co., supplies 46 40

No. 6759— To Wm. Boyle, labor 135 00

No. 6760— To L. C. Nelson, supphes 15 00

No. 6761— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 79 15

Amounts carried forward $1,619 78 $5,000 29

12 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Amounts brought forward $1,619 78 $5,000 29

No. 6762— To Andrews & Barr, supplies 15 00

No. 6763— To J. H. Sisson, supplies 3110

No. 6764— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses.. - 200 40

No. 6765— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 10 00

No. 6766— To Truckee Lumber Co., supplies 45 25

No. 6767 — To J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses 297 50

No. 7931 — To Liebenbaum Bros., supplies 38 95

No. 7932— To J. M. Short, supplies 48 91

No. 8405— To Sisson, Crocker & Co., supplies 43 61

No. 8406— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 5 00

No. 8410— To John F. Moody, supplies 46 66

No. 9021 — To Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., insurance 31 80

No. 9022 — To .T. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses. 152 25

No. 9023— To Truckee Lvimber Co., supplies 23 58

No. 9024— To John F. Moody, supplies 88 42

No. 9025 — To J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses 163 90

No. 9026— To J. C. Frazier, salary and expenses 66 33

No. 9027— To E. W. Hunt, salary 75 00

No. 9558— To Justinian Caire, supplies 49 01

No. 9559— To W. F. Bowers & Co., supplies 10 00

No. 9560— To W. H. Hinies, supplies 6 00

No. 9561— To L. C. Nelson, supplies 16 00

No. 9562— To J. A. Richardson, salary 75 00

No. 9563— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 144 60

No. 9564— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 78 00

No. 10507— To J. A. Richardson, salary 75 00

No. 10508— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 133 35

No. 10509— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 5 00

No. 10510— To L. Stone, salary and expenses 204 50

No. 10659— To E. W. Hunt, salary 75 00

No. 11575— To J. A. Richardson, 'salary 75 00

No. 11576— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 5 00

No. 11577 — To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses ._. 135 80

No. 11578— To E. W. Hunt, salary 75 00

No. 11579 — To Sisson, Crocker & Co., supplies 95 91

No. 11580— To The Bancroft Co., supplies 5 75

No. 11581— To Southern Pacific Co. , freight 22 85

No. 11582— To Neville & Co., supplies 41 06

No. 11583— To F. E. Drew, labor 25 00

No. 12556— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 92 90

No. 12589— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and expenses 180 85

No. 12590— To J. A. Richardson, salary and expenses 77 90

No. 12591— To W. T. Bowers, expenses 5 50

No. 12592— To Edson Brothers, supplies 61 50

No. 12593— To W. H. Himes, labor 5 00

No. 12594 — To Leibenbaum Brothers, supplies 92 61

No. 12595— To W. H. Schnittger, salary 10 00

Balance on hand July 1, 1890 117 76

Totals $5,000 29 $5,000 29

EXPENDITURES

During the Forty-first Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1890, chargeable against the Fish Com-
mission Fund.

By balance on hand July 1, 1889 $19 05

Receipts into the fund, forty -first fiscal year 5,309 17

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 1272— To W. E. Elliott, salary $60 00

No. 1273— To John Howard, salary 50 00

No. 1274— To G. J. Sculley, salary 50 00

No. 1275— To Thomas H. Powers", salary... 40 00

No. 1276— To John P. Dalton, salary 100 00

No. 1277— To John P. Dalton, expenses 71 91

No. 1278— To Charles Elliott, salary 50 00

No. 1279— To John F. Moody, salary 20 00

No. 1283— To Frank Anaya, salary I 23 10

Amounts carried forward $465 01 $5,328 22

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 13

Amounts brought forward $465 01 $5,o28 22

No. 1288— To E. W. Hunt, supplies and salary 73 25

No. 1289— To J. A. Richardson, salary 45 70

No. 1290— To E. Reillv, salary - 15.3 00

No. 1291— To M. .7. O'Reilly, salary 30 00

No. 1292 — To R. Lauritzen^ supplies 13 65

No. 1293 — To Osborn & Alexander, supplies 14 45

No. 1294— To Goldberg, Bowen 6c Co., supplies 14 00

No. 1295 — To J. 0. Frazier, salary and supplies 104 50

No. 2716— To J. G. Woodbury, salary and supplies 609 72

No. 2965 — To J. Downey Harvey, traveling expenses 192 00

No. 4452— To C. Higgins, labor '.-. 95 00

No. 5826 — To J. Downey Harvey, traveling expenses 413 00

No. 6768— To H. G. Miller, balance due on'contract 16 40

No. 6769 — To "Sacramento Bee,'' advertising 24 00

No. 7208— To John P. Dalton, supplies 5 25

No. 7209— To John F. Moody, expenses 42 45

No. 7210— To R. Radclift; expenses 100 00

No. 8369— To H. Dutard, rent of tug 49 .50

No. 8370 — To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 207 25

No. 9154— To E. Reilly, salary.. 100 00

No. 9158— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary and expenses 31 40

No. 9520 — To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 9521 — To J. Downey Harvey, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 9522— To P. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 199 50

No. 9523— To Thomas Tumstead, salary 100 00

No. 9524— To W. J. McDowell, expenses 16 80

No. 9525— To J. F. Curley, expenses 7 25

No. 9526— To J. F. Curley, expenses 28 50

No. 10501— To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 109 00

No. 10502— To J. D. Ennis, salary 100 00

No. 10503— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary and expenses 33 85

No. 11617 — To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 34 00

No. 11618 — To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 30 00

No. 11619— To J. D. Hai-yey, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 11620— To J. D. Harvey, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 11621 — To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 130 50

No. 11622— To Whittier, Fuller & Co., supplies 8 00

No. 11623— To John D. Ennis, salary 100 00

No. 12553 — To Joseph Roiitier, traveling expenses 30 00

No. 12554— To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 201 70

No. 12555— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary and expenses 31 90

No. 12599— To J. D. Harvey, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 12600— To John M. Bailhache, expenses 6 00

No. 12601— To John D. Ennis, salary 100 00

No. 13184— To T. E. Sullivan, labor.. 22 50 .

No. 13185— To W. H. Shebley, salary 52 25

No. 13400— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary 30 00

No. 13401— To E. D. Stewart, labor 68 55

No. 13402— To S. F. Earl, labor 97 50

No. 13403— To John D. Ennis, salary 130 50

No. 13404— To John F. Curley, boat hire 30 00

No. 13405 — To J. Downey Harvey, traveling expenses 5 00

No. 13406 — To F. P. Callundan. salary and expenses 121 40

No. 13407 — To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 30 00

No. 13869— To T. W. O'Neil, labor 177 80

No. 13885— To M. J. O'Reilly, salary .30 00

No. 13886— To E. W. Hunt, salary and expenses 107 35

No. 14045— To Joseph Routier, traveling expenses 30 00

No. 14092— To Jolm D. Ennis, salary and expenses 121 50

No. 1409.3 — To F. P. Callundan, salary and expenses 137 45

Balance on hand July 1, 1890 .' 44 89

Totals. $5,328 22 $5,328 22

14 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EXPENDITURES

During the Forty-first Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1S90, Chargeable Against the Appropria-
tion for the Importation and Propagation of Game Birds.

To appropriation (Statutes of California, 1889, page 304) |2,000 00

By Expenditures.

Warrant No. 8404 — To "American Field" Publishing Company,

advertising $3 84

No. 11313— To State Board of Fish Commissioners 500 00

Balance on hand July 1, 1890 1,49G 16

Total 12,000 00 $2,000 00

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 15

REPORT OF J. G. WOODBURY,

Superintendent of Hatcheries and the Restoration of Fishes, embracing the Operations
carried out during the period between August 1, 1888, and October 1, 1890.

San Francisco, October 1, 1890.

To the honorable the Board of Fish Commissioners of the State of California:

Gentlemen: After being appointed Superintendent by your honorable
Board on the first day of August, 1888, 1 visited Lake Tahoe, where Mr.
Frazier was in charge of hatching the six hundred thousand eyed trout
eggs, which had been contracted for by your honorable Board.

These eggs were being hatched in a rented building, small and win-
dowless, and consequently giving insufficient light to distinctly observe
the condition of the fish in the troughs, which is a very essential mat-
ter, for cleanliness is a cardinal virtue in the successful hatching and
rearing of trout, and an abundance of light is necessary to perceive
what one is doing.

The supply of water to the hatchery on a hot day was very precarious,
diminishing in quantity in the middle of the day, and with cattle tramp-
ing up the ground around the springs, and the rotten condition of the
wooden pipes which conveyed the water a long way to the hatchery, made
it a very uncertain business in hatching trout, and kept the attendant
in constant apprehension of some mishap.

It seemed a reproach to the California Fish Commission to be com-
pelled to do its work of stocking Lakes Tahoe, Donner, Independence,
Webber, and the mountain streams in the vicinity with fish under such
adverse conditions as these. And if it is thought of sufhcient impor-
tance that these waters be stocked with trout, it should be done from
year to year, continuously, for intermittent work of this kind — stocking
these waters for a year or two and then skipping a year — is work almost
thrown away.

It occurred to me that the State should select some favorable point for
shipping, and build its own hatchery, commodious and well appointed,
with a certainty of plenty of cold spring water, and make Lake Tahoe
a trout-hatching station as a distributing point for all these mountain
waters.

Mr. Frazier reported that he shipped the trout, resulting from these

six hundred thousand eggs, in 1888, to the localities and in the numbers

given in the tables which accompany my report to your honorable

Board.

THE SISSON SALMON HATCHERY, 1888.

The Board of Fish Commissioners had received word from Mr. Living-
ston Stone, who was in charge of the United States salmon hatchery on
the McCloud River, that he w^ould deliver at the McCloud River Station,
free of charge to the California Fish Commission, four million eyed
salmon eggs for stocking streams in this State.

16 REPOKT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

To take advantage of this generous offer on the part of the United
States Fish Commission, I immediately, on my return from Lake Tahoe,
started to look up a place on the headwaters of the Sacramento River
for the erection of an extensive hatchery to accommodate this large num-
ber of eggs when hatched out. The necessary conditions for hatching
out so many eggs, and the large trough space for nurseries to keep in
good condition the young fish until they are old enough to ship, are
a good sized stream of pure, cold spring water with no possibility of
floods washing out the ditches or flumes that ' take the water to the
hatchery, and with a right at all times to control a sufficient quantity
of water for all purposes. It was also essential that the hatchery should
be at a convenient distance from the railroad station and a telegraph
office for convenience of shipping the fish to distant points; also, a point
on the river, whence it was, owing to its accessibility, the cheapest to
reach by wagon road the greatest number of the branches of the head-
waters of the Sacramento River, For the shipping of even one million
of young fish to distant points and properly distributing them over the
nursery grounds is a costly and tedious operation.

After examining the Sacramento River for the best place in my opin-
ion, I selected, with the consent of Mr. J. H. Sisson, a site in the field
back of his barn about three quarters of a mile from the railroad station
in the town of Sisson. The spot selected is well drained, sunny, and
sheltered from the prevailing winds, and with an open view of old Mount
Shasta.

The water for the hatchery comes from a large spring, about one and
a half miles distant, which forms the extreme head of one of the branches
of the Sacramento River. Its volume is sufficient to run a sawmill, and
its temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit at all seasons. The main ditch
from this spring runs near by the hatchery. It seemed to be an ideal
place for a hatchery, and also most conveniently situated for distributing
the fish to the proper nursing grounds. In the two years of experience
since the hatcher was built, in hatching the millions of trout and salmon
eggs, the expectations have been more than fulfilled. The waters seem
to have a marvelous virtue in maintaining the health of the young fish
as well as having a sparkling taste to the palate. The hatchery was built
in expeditious haste to prepare it in one month for the reception of the
expected salmon eggs from the September run of fish at the McCloud
River Hatchery.

The hatchery is a plain building forty feet by sixty feet, strongly built,
with a half pitch roof which has resisted the tremendous snows of the
past winter. It has a capacity for forty-four hatching troughs sixteen
feet long and sixteen inches wide. The troughs are made of one and
one half-inch dressed pine, and are painted with three coats of asphalt
varnish to prevent the wood from growing a fungus, which would
destroy the young fish. A head trough sixteen inches square, prepared
in the same way, runs the entire length of the building, sixty feet, which
furnishes water through gates to the hatching troughs. A large filter-
ing tank outside, and a flume about one hundred yards long, connect
the hatchery with the main ditch. The hatchery has a system of
troughs beneath the floor to carry off the water from all the hatching
troughs to a waste ditch outside.

A room fourteen by sixteen feet, for the men to live in, was finished
in the upper part of the hatchery.

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REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 17

Each trough has screens and covers to protect the eggs from the light.
One hundred and fifty wire hatching baskets were made and painted
with asphalt varnish. It seemed to be an endless task to get this large
hatchery finished. We worked every day in the week, and most of the
nights until ten and eleven o'clock, painting the troughs, making the
baskets, covers, etc., and fixing up the living-room. This work con-
tinued long after the first lot of eggs were received.

This hatchery is well equipped and is also one of the largest in the
country. It has a third larger capacity than the United States Salmon
Hatchery on the McCloud River, where fourteen million salmon eggs
have been eyed at one time.

Before shipping the eggs, Mr. George B. Williams, Superintendent of
the station at Baird, where the United States Salmon Hatchery is
located, sent word notifying us of the date of shipment. The salmon
eggs are hauled to Smithson, on the Sacramento River, where one of our
men meets them with ice to be put in the packages to keep them cool.
The State Fish Commission pays all expenses incurred on the shipment
of eggs from the McCloud River to Sisson. The United States Fish
Commission generously donates the eggs, eyed and packed, ready for
shipment, from the Government Hatchery on the McCloud River.

We received at the Sisson Hatchery, from the September run, 1888,
about eight hundred thousand salmon eggs, instead of the three or four
million which were expected to be taken during that month. This
caused a great surprise and disappointment, for ten years ago during
the same month twelve million eggs were easily taken. This shows
what havoc the fishermen with their nets are making in the lower
Sacramento River.

This year, 1888, the United States Fish Commission renewed their
operations on the McCloud River, that station having been abandoned
during the previous five years. The eight hundred thousand eggs
received from them were hatched out at Sisson, and kept till old enough
to be planted, and during the month of December were distributed in
branches of the Sacramento River, the West Fork, Salloway Creek, Big
Spring Creek, Cold Creek, and in the main Sacramento below the
eighteenth crossing.

The Government Station on the McCloud River did so poorly in the
August and September run that they continued their efforts for the taking
of more spawn during October and November. This had been unusual
in former years, because they got all they required in the first run. Usu-
ally the McCloud River rises in volume during the fall rains, which makes
it very difficult for the men to keep their traps in the river (as, for
instance, during last year, 1889, when everything was swept away).

We received at the Sisson Hatchery from the October and Novem-
ber run, 1888, about two million two hundred thousand salmon eggs.
The eggs arrived during the last of December and part of January,
1889. These were hatched out in fine condition, and kept till old
enough to ship, and were distributed, in March and April, in the same
streams as those of the September run; and, also, doAvn the Sacramento
River as far as Big Castle Creek. In shipping these fish down the river
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company very generously loaned us the
use of a hand car, and gave the right of way on their road. Without
this accommodation it would have been almost impossible to have dis-
tributed the fish properly. With the good water at the Sisson Hatchery,
2'

18 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

and the care they received from the attendants, Mr. James A. Richard-
son and Mr. E. W. Hunt, I venture to say that no fish were ever hatched
out with a less percentage of loss.

In the fall of 1888 a contract was made with Mr. Livingston Stone, at
the United States Hatchery on the McCloud River, to hatch out from the
eyed eggs which the United States Fish Commission donated to the
California Fish Commission, five hundred thousand young salmon at
75 cents per thousand, and distribute them in the McCloud River.

Tlie United States Fish Commission also very generously hatched out
-and planted in the McCloud River the same season one million young
salmon at its own expense; and, also, in 1889 the United States Com-
mission planted eighty-four thousand young salmon in the McCloud
River. More would have been planted there that year by the United
States Commission, if the floods had not washed out the traps and thus
prevented the taking of any more breeding salmon.

Mr. J. H. Sisson generously gave two lots in the addition to the town
of Sisson, each thirty feet by one hundred and forty feet, for the use of
the hatchery, for $1 a year with the free use of the water; and, also, he
signed a bond to give the Fish Commission permission to remove the
buildings, or else buy the land at the market price, with a perpetual free
use of all the water from Big Sj^rings Creek which the hatchery should
need. These lots should belong to the Fish Commission, with one or
two more of the adjoining lots on the south included.

Mr. Dunn, the Controller, claims that under the present law the Fish
Commission has no right to purchase land for its hatcheries. I would
suggest that your honorable Board petition the next Legislature for a law
to be passed granting the Fish Commission the right to purchase land
for its hatcheries when a desirable locality has been fixed upon.

If the hatcheries do any good in maintaining the normal supply of
food fish by restocking the streams, and if it is advisable to operate the
hatcheries for a few years, it is equally important to maintain them for
all time. The State consequently should own and operate its own
hatcheries as a permanent institution.

As soon as the young salmon were all distributed (April, 1889), the
hatchery was closed at Sisson for the season of 1888-9.

LAKE TAHOE.

Operations were now immediately begun at Lake Tahoe. The fisher-
men said that the month of May was too late a date on which to take
spawn at Taylor Creek, which was considered the best place for getting
the most spawn. But we managed by careful seining to get about one
hundred and fifty thousand trout eggs here, which were put into the old
private hatchery at Tahoe City. Taylor Creek is at the upper end of
the lake, about twenty miles from the hatchery. Work was then begun
on traps to be put in the creeks near their mouths. We had to wait for
the lumber to be sawed out at Truckee and hauled over what was, at
that time, a bad road. This delayed us somewhat, but as soon as possi-
ble we had traps in Meek's, Phipps', Blackwood, and Ward Creeks.
Trout run up these creeks later than they do in Taylor Creek, for the
reason that these streams are fed by melting snow water which is cold
and often roily, while Taylor Creek has its source in Fallen Leaf Lake,
which modifies the temperature of the small streams running into it.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 19

In Meek's Creek the trout had been running some time before we put
in our traps, and Chinamen had been catching them by torchlight, so
the fishermen said. The run dwindled down very fast and we caught
but few trout, but the traps Avere full of suckers.

In Phipps' Creek, which is later than Meek's, the trout had not begun
to run when the traps were set; the water was very low. We caught
here but very few fish during the season. Trout used to run up this
stream in large numbers, but a trap had been kept here for years past
to catch the fish, principally for the market, and I could not learn if
any young trout had been planted in the stream to restock it in place
of those which had been prevented from going up to spawn.

The next creek, Blackwood, is a larger and later stream for trout; in
this creek we caught the greater bulk of our eggs. We had to continue
trapping in this creek a long time — into August, in fact — when the water
became very low.

In Ward Creek but very few trout were caught.

We also seined at the Incline in Nevada, by permission of Fish
Commissioner Mills. Here formerly trout used to be caught in great
numbers by the same fishermen who worked this season for us. This
year, however, but few fish could be seined, while cart loads of sawdust
were drawn in by the seine. The two streams which empty into the
lake at this place were very low.

We took this season, 1889, about one million two hundred thousand
eggs. It was expensive to keep the traps in for so long a time with men
to attend them. Spawn taking had been continued through three
months, while in an ordinary season, and to get two million five hun-
dred thousand eggs, it was expected that the work of spawning would
be done in six weeks. The cause given why so few fish could be caught
was that it had been an open winter around the lake, scarcely any snow
had fallen, and the water consequently in all the streams was very low.
It is the melting of the deep snows in the mountains that cause the
streams around Lake Tahoe to rise in April, May, and June. All the traps
and seining grounds were at distant points from the hatchery. The
eggs had to be brought around the lake on the steamer or in rowboats.

In the first part of this report mention is made of the old private
hatchery, where the Commission was having trout hatched, of its inade-
quate qualities, of the insufficiency of water for hatching purposes, and
the insecurity of supplying pipes. It seemed necessary that the Fish
Commission of this State should have a hatchery of its own, sufficiently
large to take care of fifteen hundred thousand trout, with a good supply
of cold spring water.

A State hatchery at Lake Tahoe would be the most central, as a point
of distribution, for the great Tahoe, Donner, Independence, and Webber
Lakes, as well as the Truckee River and its Ijranches, and also the head-
waters of the different forks of the American River, and rivers farther
south, rising at the summit of the Sierra Nevada Mountains — these latter
being stocked with Eastern trout alone, while all the former could be
stocked with Lake Tahoe trout. Eastern trout, and the land-locked
salmon.

Lake Tahoe is of considerable importance as a resort for health and
pleasure by tourists from the East, as well as large numbers of our own
people. Boating and fishing are among its pastimes. Travel here must
increase as our State becomes more thickly populated. All these waters

20 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

were well stocked with trout in former years, when the Truckee River
was open to the passage of trout from Tahoe to Pyramid and Echo
Lakes. The magnificent spawning grounds of the whole length of the
Truckee River were then used by the trout to deposit their eggs. In
almost countless numbers the trout made their way from. Pyramid and
Echo Lakes to Lake Tahoe. But since the dams have been built on this
river no trout can get up to Lake Tahoe, and of late years trout have
been diminishing above the lower dam very fast.

Taking all these things into consideration, I thought it best to build
at Lake Tahoe a new State hatchery.

THE NEW STATE HATCHERY AT LAKE TAHOE.

Soon after arriving at the lake, and while the other work of seining and
trapping was in operation, I began to look up a place to build, Avith the
necessary conveniences for hatching and shipping. A spot near Tahoe
City was selected, where there were some fine springs near the shore of
the lake and quite close to the steamer landing.

No one could tell me where the owner could be found, or even what
his name was. But in the hurry for a safe place to hatch the spawn
which was being taken (the first few lots were placed to the old private
hatchery, which was hired for the purpose), I had determined to build
a temporary hatchery on the place selected, and trust to luck in finding
its owner and buying it of him. So I ordered lumber from the mill at
Glenbrook for the building, and had the hatching troughs made at the
factory in Truckee. Wire for the hatching baskets was ordered from
San Francisco. A man was put to work getting out sills for the founda-
tion of the permanent hatchery. Other men were set to digging ditches
to bring in water from the springs to a new reservoir to be made near
the lake shore. As soon as the lumber and troughs arrived, a temporary
roof was put up. Some of the troughs were painted and prepared for
the eggs. After the troughs were in place, and the flume to the head
trough finished, and the water was running in the hatching troughs,
we brought the eggs from the old hatchery to our temporary new one.
We felt much relieved now, for we could take care of the eggs as fast as
they came in, and had the eggs which were in the old hatchery in a safe
place — the old rotten pipe had already burst several times, and we had "
been harassed with fear of losing the eggs.

At this point of our work I started for San Francisco to find the owner
of the place on which I wished to build the new hatchery. After con-
siderable trouble and delay, I found the owner of the springs, and after
making a bargain at a fair price for the land, and a guarantee to give
me a month to search the title, I returned to Tahoe. We at once began
work on the new hatchery, laying a strong foundation with heavy sills
to bear up the weight of water and heavy winter snows.

The building is twenty-four feet by forty-two feet, strongly built, with
a half pitch roof. It has seventeen windows, which give abundance of
light. The plan of the hatching troughs is lik6 those at the Sisson
Hatchery, with twenty-four troughs twelve feet long, and sixteen inches
wide — with head trough and a large settling tank outside connecting
with a flume, which brings the water down for about two hundred yards
from the springs.

As soon as the building was ready and part of the troughs had been

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 21

placed in position, we transferred the baskets of eggs and young fish
from the temporary hatchery to the new building; the remaining troughs
were then put in place.

The troughs are well made, of sugar pine, and painted with two coats
of asphalt varnish. A good supply of new hatching baskets, painted
with varnish, and covers made for all the troughs.

The hatchery is well appointed, strongly built, and roomy.

It was necessary to do all this work as quickly as possible, and, in
doing it, there were many vexatious delays. No supplies for the work
could be obtained at Tahoe, except lumber in the tree. The shakes for
the roof had to be made, the sills had to be hewn from the tree, and, as
no teams get in there until the loggers arrive, we were much delayed in
hauling the sills and shakes. The lumber had to be sawed and brought
over on scows from Glenbrook, then rafted and got inshore as close as
possible, then thrown into the water, pushed ashore, dragged out and
packed up to the building.

Lake Tahoe is a very difficult place to collect spawn. The traps are
all at distant points. In going to one on the steamer it takes all the
next day to get back, as the steamer has to go round the lake to get
home. To go to the traps off the regular route of the steamer rowboats
must be used, which takes half a day to go the round trip. On many
days the lake is so rough that it is not possible to go in a boat. We had
a Very busy summer's Avork; all hands were employed every Sunday, as
well as through the week days.

Of the thirteen acres which were bought for the hatchery, the greater
jDart consisted of wet land through which the springs flowed. This
naturally produced the best feeding ground for cows. As soon as the
grass began to spring up, about two hundred head of cattle were driven
into the neighborhood of Tahoe City, and they made our springs their
headquarters. They would wade in all through that soft ground among
the alders, tramping it up, and the water in the hatchery would be
black with mud, covering the eggs and thickly settling on the bottom of
the troughs.

We had to endure this annoyance for weeks, leaving our work in the
day time to drive them off, and watching the place till ten o'clock at night,
till the wire for fencing ordered from Sacramento arrived, the posts split,
the holes dug, and fence put up to protect ourselves from their raids.

Later in the season, when most of the fish were shipped and more
leisure obtained, a line ditch was dug from the reservoir to the main
spring, and a strong flume of two-inch planks was laid and covered up.
This was to keep the water from getting heated upon a hot day. Also,
a new house for quarters for the men was built, sixteen feet by twenty-
four feet, with three rooms, boarded and battened outside and close
boarded inside, making a strong, well built, and warm house. A new
stove and housekeeping articles were bought. Our men did their own
cooking after the first of August, the Commission furnishing the supplies,
thus saving large board bills at the hotel.

After I had made a bargain for the land, your honorable Board sent
me word that Mr. Dunn, the Controller, said that he had no authority
to issue a warrant to pay for land for the Fish Commission. As the
buildings were already begun, and as there was no other course to pursue
but go ahead, I wrote your honorable Board that I would buy the land
myself and rent it to the Commission at a nominal sum.

22 REPORT OP STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

After the spawn was all taken, about the first of August, I sent Mr.
Richardson to the city to begin shipping Black bass from the Spring
Valley Water Company's lakes.

Mr. Hunt stopped at the hatchery till jnost of the young trout were
shipped in the latter part of September. He then went to the Sisson
Hatchery to receive the first lot of salmon eggs from the United States
Hatchery on the McCloud River. I had already been up there (August),
and painted the troughs with asphalt varnish, and turned on the water
to soak them in readiness for the September run of salmon eggs.

I stopped 'at the Tahoe Hatchery, working on the house and flume
most of the time until both were finished.

The fish being all shipped, the house and flume finished, several cords
of wood got into the house for the next spring work, the hatchery was
closed up on the last of October, 1889.

The distribution of this season's trout (1889) at Lake Tahoe will be
seen on reference to the tables.

BLACK BASS.

Seth Green brought the first Black bass to California. These were
brought out at the expense of a sportsmen's club, and placed in Temes-
cal Lake, near Oakland. A few waters have been stocked from the young
of these bass.

The second lot of Black bass was brought out by B. B. Redding, for
the California Fish Commission, and planted in the Crystal Springs
reservoir, near San Mateo, with the permission of the Spring Valley
Water Company, for breeding purposes, wdth the privilege of shipping
the progeny of these fish to stock the waters of this State.

The Black bass is a splendid game fish, fighting bravely and fiercely for
its liberty, many anglers claiming that there is more sport fishing for
them than for trout. They are also a delicious fish to eat. They will
do well in almost any of our fresh waters, either rivers or lakes; they
multiply very rapidly, and require no aid from artificial propagation.
When waters are once stocked with them, they are to stay, if fair play
is shown them. They should be protected for several years till the origi-
nal stock has had a chance to breed two or three times, and afterwards
no fishing should be allowed for several months during the spawning
season. Like any other live stock, if breeders enough are not reserved,
the stock will become diminished.

The Black bass, like Striped bass are ravenous feeders; they will devour
the Sticklebacks, which almost all fish avoid on account of their spines.

Not many of our public waters have been as yet stocked with these
fish. They should be, for when once they become stocked with Black
bass it is done for all time.

Clear Lake, in Lake County, will make, when it has been well stocked
with Black bass, a splendid and extensive resort for anglers. There is an
inferior fish there which breeds in myriads, which will give grand feasting
for Black bass.

It was thought to be high time that some systematic work should begin
to stock all the waters of our State that are proper to plant with bass:
Clear Lake, the Blue Lakes, Tulare Lake, Goose Lake, and many smaller
lakes in our State, and perhaps the great Klamath Lakes. Probably it

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 23

would not be well to plant Black bass in Tahoe, Donner, Independence,
or Webber Lakes.

The rivers Kern, King, and so forth, are admirably adapted for the
home of this fish. I am not over confident that it would be safe for the
young salmon to have the Black bass planted in either the Sacramento
or San Joaquin Rivers.

The young salmon make the Sacramento River their highway from
the nursery grounds in the McCloud and upper Sacramento Rivers to
the ocean, and they would have to run the gauntlet of the Black bass if
the latter were planted there. But the perch and the Sacramento River
pike, which have always been there, would also be salmon eaters, if
they could catch them. The question remains: Would the Black bass
be any more destructive than their first cousin, the perch? At any rate,
in time these fish will find their way into these rivers, clandestinely by
private parties, if not done so openly by the Fish Commission. Russian
River is, I understand, at present well stocked with Black bass.

Many applications have been made for Black bass to stock waters in
different parts of the State. They have to be caught for shipment with
hook and line. If they swallow the hook it is liable to injure them, and
cause them to die while kept in confinement waiting for shipment, or on
the journey to be planted.

When fish are shipped to private waters, the expenses of the journey,
transportation, railroad fares, hotel bills, etc., are expected to be paid by
those who make application for them. Fifty fish, such as would breed
for the first time during the following spring, are sufficient to stock any
reservoir or small lake. The number did not exceed twenty which were
originally placed in Crystal Springs reservoir.

Mr. James A. Richardson, after leaving the Tahoe Hatchery, in August,
1889, began shipping the Black bass, making one trip to the waters near
Oroville, for Senator Jones, one to Sweetwater reservoir, San Diego, and
two shipments to Clear Lake. More shipments would have been made
that year, but Mr. Richardson became seriously ill, and had to postpone
the work.

SISSON HATCHERY, 1889-90.

The salmon hatching season opens about the latter part of Septem-
ber. Mr. E. W. Hunt, after leaving the Tahoe Hatchery, in September,
1889, went up to the Sisson Hatchery to receive the first consignment of
salmon eggs from the United States Hatchery on the McCloud River.
There were shipped of the August and September run nine hundred and
seventy-four thousand salmon eggs, and of the later run in October and
November, three hundred and fifty-five thousand salmon eggs. In all,
for 1889 only one million three hundred and twenty-nine thousand eggs.

The reason why this small number of eggs (three hundred and fifty-
five thousand) was received in the second run from the United States
Hatchery, was because of the heavy early fall rains, which raised so
great a flood in the McCloud River that it swept out all their traps, and
put an end to all fishing for that season. This shows how important it
is that the close season for salmon should be so definitely fixed that
sufficient numbers of breeding salmon should reach the United States
Hatchery in the month of September, so that a sufficient supply of eggs
for artificial hatching could be caught at that time to supply the young
for stocking the rivers of our State, and not depend upon the late fall

24 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

run, which is so uncertain on account of the liability to floods, which
makes it impossible to secure the salmon.

The young fish from the first run of salmon eggs were compelled to be
kept, on account of the furious snowstorms of the past winter, till in
February and March, of 1890, and then distributed, the boys using snow-
shoes and hauling them out on handsleds. The second run was kept
till March and April, and was distributed, same as the first lot, in the
Sacramento River and its branches. Many difiiculties had to be encoun-
tered this year, owing to the great snowstorm. For weeks there was
almost continuous shoveling of snow, to keep it away from the windows
of the hatchery, to obtain some light to enable the attendants to see to
do their work.

The young fish had to be put on short rations during the great snow
blockade, on account of the scarcity of meat.

EASTERN BROOK TROUT,

The Eastern Brook trout, with its brilliant scarlet spots, mottled green
back and lower fins red and fringed with white, is one of the most
beautiful fish in the world. It is gamey and has a delicate flavor.

Our first Board of Fish Commissioners thought the}^ would be a valu-
able acquisition to our trout streams. They introduced the eggs of these
fish from New Hampshire in 1876; these were hatched out and dis-
tributed from their first hatchery on the University grounds at Berkeley.
They continued the introduction and hatching of these fish for several
years. The fish were distributed in many hundreds of thousands into
the streams of Alameda, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and
Monterey Counties; also, in the high Sierra Mountains, above the falls
of the Yosemite Valley, on the headwaters of the Yuba and North
Fork of the American River, Prosser Creek, a branch of the Truckee
River; also, in Cold Creek, at Sisson,a small branch of the headwaters of
the Sacramento River. In all these short coast streams, which become
warmer and diminished in volume as the summer advances, they have
not reproduced themselves — at least, I cannot learn that any have been
caught for a number of years past; but in all the high Sierra streams
where these trout were planted, they can now be caught quite plentifully.
The integrity of their characteristics in all their virgin beauty is main-
tained. A number of these fish were caught during the past summer in
Blackwood Creek, Lake Tahoe.

About four years ago a few of these fish were planted in a small lake
on the mountain side back of McKinney's place, Lake Tahoe. Last
year Mr. McKinney told me that a number of Eastern trout had been
caught in that little lake, one of which weighed three pounds. He said
they were fierce fighters, and had a delicious flavor. Some of these
Eastern trout have been caught thirty miles down the river from the
place where they were first planted in the North Fork of the American
River. It seems to me very probable that the Eastern Brook trout, as
they become older and larger, will drop farther and farther down the
main stream and ascend other branches to spawn, and, thus becoming
acclimated, will gradually stock all the streams in the State accessible
from the first stream in which they were planted. From the Tahoe
Hatchery, Lake Tahoe: Fallen Leaf Lake and the streams which empty
into these lakes, the numerous small lakes on the mountain sides, the

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 25

Middle and South Forks of the American River, as well as the head-
waters of other rivers farther south; also, the North Yuba and Feather
Rivers could be stocked with these Eastern Brook trout.

From the Sisson Hatchery, these trout could be planted in the head-
waters and branches of the Upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers, and
also in the headwaters of the Trinity and Klamath Rivers.

It seemed to me to be such a public good that these trout should be
systematically planted in all these mountain streams, so that anglers
could catch these speckled beauties during their vacations for health
and pleasure, that I asked of your honorable Board permission to buy one
hundred thousand Eastern Brook trout eggs. They were shipped from
Mr. Livingston Stone's trout hatchery, Charleston, N. H. These eggs
were hatched out during the past winter at the Sisson Hatchery. From
these eggs, which came about four thousand miles, we got about eighty
thousand of fine, healthy trout; these were kept in the hatchery for
several months waiting for the snow to melt so that the roads could be
opened to the McCloud River and other places. As soon as these fish
could be shipped, about thirty thousand, were planted in spring brooks
which feed the upper McCloud River, near the Horseshoe Bend at the
eastern side of Mount Shasta. Twelve thousand were planted on the
application of Senator Stanford in Deer Creek, a fine stream which rises
in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and empties into the Sacramento
River, near Vina. The balance of the trout were planted in the West
Fork of the Sacramento River, and also in School House Spring and
Kaiser's Creek, branches of the upper Sacramento River; also, in the
headwaters of the Shasta River, Griffin's Springs, Wadsworth Springs,
Big Springs, and in Shovel Creek, branches of the Klamath River.
The Eastern Brook trout cannot but do well in all of these places, as
there is plenty of food and the water is cold. I consider that it is
worth all the expense and trouble many times over to have the famous
McCloud River stocked with these fine fish. In order to get these
Avaters well and permanentely stocked with these fish, several years of
continuous stocking should be done.

TEOUT HATCHING AT SHOVEL CREEK, 1890.

There had been complaints because no trout had been planted in the
vicinity of the bay of San Francisco during 1889, but as a food fish was
of the first consideration, a hatchery large enough to accommodate the
donation of salmon eggs from the United States Government had to be
erected. The Tahoe Hatchery was built during the next spring and
summer, and the season's work carried on there. This work was all
done in hot haste, and, with shipping the Black bass, we had no time to
spare. Our help was all engaged and the money getting short.

To ship trout from Tahoe to streams around the bay would take at
least four days' time, and the trip is very expensive, nearly $100 a trip.

These two large hatcheries, with appointments and quarters for the
men, with the large number of salmon and trout distributed, were paid
for solely from the regular appropriation.

To meet the wants of the anglers in having the streams stocked with
trout, I began to prospect early in the winter of 1889 for a station where
the Rainbow trout could be caught in sufficient numbers to make it an
object to build a small hatchery, eye their eggs and then ship these eggs

26 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

to the Sissoii Hatchery, hatch them out and from there ship the young
fish to stock the streams of the State as well as possible.

The Shasta River, in Siskiyou County, had been famous for its great
numbers of trout. I looked at that and made close inquiries, and found
that but few trout run up that stream now in comparison to the great
numbers that formerly did so. And no wonder, for the water has "been
taken out of that river for years, and from the famous springs which
help to supply its volume of water, through open irrigating ditches, with
no screens to keep the trout from being drawn in and distributed through
the grass to die. A gentleman, who formerly owned a farm near Edge-
wood, told me that he had found fully thirty thousand dead young trout,
which he discovered in holes after the water in his ditch had been turned
ofi". This number is one instance. Now, taking the same ditch through
the whole season and adding this to the other ditches in Shasta River
Valley, and the numbers of trout destroyed in this way would amount
up into the millions.

I also heard of the Shovel Creek, at the Klamath Hot Springs, as a
wonderful trout stream. I visited that place, and received the generous
l^ermission of the Edson Brothers to trap that stream for trout spawn
and establish a small hatchery on their grounds. I was told, however,
that but few salmon and trout had made their appearance there during
the preceding fall, on account of the dam which had been put in at
Klamath City. It had been complained of, and a small fish ladder had
been put i»i, large enough for a small stream, but a wee thing for such a
roaring river as the Klamath, with its immense volume of water pouring
through the sluiceways with such force that a trout could not stem the
current. The fish ladder, with its minute quantity of water, was away
at the end of the dam, next the bank, where only a straggling trout or
salmon would find its entrance.

I felt discouraged at the prospect of finding a good place for a trout
hatchery. The heavy storms drove me home, but as soon as the snow
blockade was broken I went up to that region again, and found that the
elements, although fierce, had been propitious to trout, which by instinct
were compelled to seek the upper Klamath for spawning beds, for the
great volume of water, higher than ever known before, had ripped out
the dam at Klamath City, and the trout had an unobstructed highway.

I immediately began, early in March, 1890, fitting up a small build-
ing, which Mr. Edson loaned me, with hatching troughs flumed in the
water, and began building traps for Shovel Creek. The hatching baskets
for trout eggs had been built at the Sisson Hatchery during the winter in
anticipation of using them there.

Shovel Creek is quite a large stream which empties into Klamath
River, within the grounds of the Klamath Hot Springs Hotel. Many of
the trout which were spawned would weigh two and one half pounds.

After getting the hatchery in working order and a few thousand trout
spawn taken, leaving Mr. Richardson in charge, I went to the Sisson
Hatchery and left Mr. Stewart in charge to distribute what salmon were
"ieft, to look after the Eastern trout which were being kept until the roads
would be open to ship part of them to the McCloud River, and also to
receive the trout eggs which were to be sent from the Shovel Creek
Hatchery.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 27

TAHOE HATCHERY, 1890.

I now proceeded, accompanied by Mr. Hunt, to Lake Tahoe to open
the spring campaign there. The road not being open from Truckee, we
had to go up by way of Carson.

On arriving at the hatchery, our house we found buried in snow — it
had been twelve feet deep on a level, but in places the wind had drifted
it to a great height. After putting new wings to the bag of the old
seine, we hired the steamer Tod Goodwin to take our traps, seines,
boats, bedding, and provisions up to the mouth of Taylor Creek, twenty
miles at the uppermost end of the lake. The steamer also towed up the
scow Lillie Van, which was already fitted up with rooms, stove, and cook-
ing outfit. This scow we hauled into the stream: it was to be our home
while seining in the lake at the mouth of the creek. The seine was
hauled three times a night: once just after dark, again about midnight,
and once again before daylight. Some of the nights were so cold that
the seine Avould freeze stiff five minutes after it was hauled out of the
water. A bonfire burned while hauling the seine, casting its light over
the water; the boatmen could thus see what ground to go over in pay-
ing out the seine and rowing in.

They would catch at one haul from five to ten, fifteen, or twenty
trout, a few times more and sometimes not any; and many nights the
seine could not be hauled on account of the rough sea. A great many
Suckers were caught, sometimes as many as three hundred pounds weight
at a haul. Some Whitefish were also drawn in. The Suckers were so
plump that it was thought they must be full of trout spawn; twelve
were opened and not an egg was in their stomachs; but the Whitefish,
although small, were full of trout eggs.

The seining continued here some time, till no more trout could be
caught. Mr. Burton and I went up the creek to the dam, but we did not
see half a dozen trout.

The trout we caught were nearly all ripe; only about seven hundred
thousand trout eggs were got at this place. Mr. Burton and Mr. Sam
Nichols, who had fished in the lake many years, had prophesied that we
would get here all the spawn we wanted.

The seine was drawn through the spring and summer at Meek's Bay,
Blackwood Creek, and at the Incline, in Nevada. Traps were put in at
Meek's, Phipps', and Blackwood Creeks. The creeks were so high,
especially on a hot day when the sun Avould melt the tremendous snows
of the past winter which fell on the headwaters in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains. The streams would rise in a tumultuous volume of icy,
roily water, which made it very difficult to put in the traps; and after a
trap had been put in Blackwood Creek, the water rose two feet over
all, tearing the trap out. The trap was put in again, but it was a trying
work for the boys: Hunt, Will and Joe Shebley, who, after working in
that icy water all day, slept on the banks of the creek in their wet
clothes. Fishing was continued up to about the last of July, when the
traps were all taken out.

There is usually a large run of trout up Blackwood Creek in March.
Some time after we got up there a gill net was set in the current outside
the mouth of Blackwood Creek, and nineteen fish were caught, weighing
over two hundred pounds — one weighing a little over sixteen pounds.
These were towed behind a rowboat, tandem fashion, for about five

28 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

miles, by putting a line through the sides of their mouths and fastening
it to a toggle of wood; these fish pulled back with the strength of a
donkey; they were not ripe, and were put in the settling tank. On the
following day, when Will was away on the steamer to Taylor Creek for
spawn, six of these large fish were stolen.

The gill net was set every night afterwards for awhile, but the run
was over and only a few more were caught. Some of the fish were
spawned, and turned out about five thousand of fine looking eggs each.

The past winter was the hardest ever known here, and the snows the
deepest. Those who lived at Tahoe said that it snowed almost continu-
ously all the winter. The streams have been booming with icy water
all the summer. For some cause but very few fish run up the streams.
The fishermen said that the season was a month late, and that the fish
would run up by and by; but it was not to be. They all said that the
fish must have spawned in the lake. Lake Tahoe was as low as ever
was known last fall, and since then it has risen about six feet, being
about as high as ever was known; it has also been unusually rough this
summer.

A new wharf has been built near the hatchery; a second-hand boat

has been bought, and also a scow for seining and for shipping cans of

fish. A great many tourists have visited the hatchery, and expressed

their admiration of what they see outside of the hatchery as well as

inside.

BLACK BASS, 1890.

About August first Will Shebley left the Tahoe Hatchery to go to San
Francisco to begin shipping Black bass, leaving Mr. Hunt, who has had
charge of the Tahoe Hatchery, with Joe Shebley to distribute the trout
now on hand there. After the Tahoe Hatchery is closed for the season,
Mr. Hunt will go below and help distribute the Black bass and trout
from the Sisson Hatchery. Mr. Richardson will ship trout till the
salmon hatching season opens, in the last of September, when he will
be stationed at the Sisson Hatchery. The Black bass which we are
catching now from San Andres reservoir are from six to nine inches
long; these will probably spawn next spring. Seventy-five to one hun-
dred of this size is all one man can conveniently and safely handle on
a long journey.

This year, 1890, shipments have been made as follows: One to the
Del Monte reservoirs, at Monterey, for the railroad company; one to the
Blue Lakes, in Lake County; one to Clear Lake (two shipments were
made to this large lake last year); one to the Pajaro River, near Sar-
gent's Station; and one to a lake near San Luis Obispo.

Black bass distribution will continue this fall till as late as possible.

RAINBOW TROUT AT SHOVEL CREEK HATCHERY, 1890.

Trapping in Shovel Creek continued till about the first of July. The
water was unusually high, on account of the deep snows on the mount-
ains. About one million six hundred thousand eggs of the Rainbow
trout were taken and eyed there; of these, one hundred and thirty
thousand were hatched out and distributed in Shovel Creek — this was
to give back the seed for the future from the harvest of eggs which we
had gathered there. ,

One hundred thousand eggs were shipped to the North Pacific Game

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 29

and Fish Club, and were hatched out by Mr. A. V. La Motte, at his
hatchery in Glen Ellen; and which, he writes me, were distributed in
Sonoma and Robinson Creeks, in Sonoma County and Mendocino
County, respectively. This club, by permission of your honorable
Board, trapped Sonoma Creek last winter for spawning trout, and Mr.
La Motte reports that fifteen thousand native trout were restored to that
stream.

One hundred and fifty thousand eggs were shipped to Mr. Alex.
Badlam and hatched out in his trout hatchery at Arcadia, near Mount
St. Helena. These were — part of them — for his ponds, and the rest, Mr.
Badlam writes me, were distributed in streams, as follows: In Sulphur
Creek, near the Geysers, in Sonoma County; in Lokonoma Creek, Ander-
son's Creek, Grizzly Creek, and Bradford's Creek, in Lake County; in
Bear Creek, near Arcadia, and Troutdale Creek, Napa County. Mr.
Badlam trapped Bear Creek last winter for spawning trout (with per-
mission of your honorable Board), and reports that he restored to that
stream fifteen thousand native trout as the result.

Fifty thousand eggs were shipped to Mr. Knowles, who has a hatchery
near Alma; these were hatched out all right, but by some mishap they
did not do well. I shipped a second fifty thousand to him, with which
he had good success. These were distributed: about twenty thousand in
.Bear Creek and Deer Creek, branches of the San Lorenzo Creek, in Santa
Cruz County; the balance was divided between his own ponds and a
branch of the Los Gatos Creek.

Fifty thousand eggs were shipped to the hatchery at the Hotel Del
Monte; this lot did not do well through want of experience and the high
temperature of the water, owing to its- being so low in the reservoir from
the main pipe having washed out last winter. I shipped a second fifty
thousand eggs there; they hatched out, and, with more experience on
the part of the attendants, did well. These have been distributed in
their reservoir and in the Carmelo River.

The hatching out of these eggs sent to private hatcheries, their
expressage from Shovel Creek, and the distribution of the young trout,
has been clone free of expense to the Commission. This saved to the
Commission the cost of distribution of the young fish from the Sisson
Hatchery, which would have been a large item, and was also the means
of stocking many streams which would otherwise have been impossible
this year.

I visited the Del Monte Hatchery several times, Mr. Knowles'
hatchery twice, and Mr. Alex. Badlam's hatchery once, to give instruc-
tions.

Hon. A. R. Williams, Ramen Wilson, and a number of other gentle-
men have made arrangements to build a trout hatchery at Webber Lake
for the purpose of maintaining the supply of trout in that and Inde-
pendence Lakes and in the streams in their vicinity.

The thanks of the Commission and of the people of the State are due
these gentlemen for their unselfish interest and laudable eftbrts in
behalf of the fishery interests of the State.

I am satisfied that the efforts of these gentlemen will meet with every
success, and that they will at all times receive the encouragement and
support of the Commission.

Fifty thousand of these Rainbow trout eggs were shipped to the State
Hatchery, at Tahoe, on application of Commodore Todman; these were

30 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

hatched out and planted in the Truckee River below the dam at the
outlet of Lake Tahoe.

The balance of the eggs, about one million, was shipped to the Sisson
Hatchery; these eggs and the young fish did finely in the cold water at
Sisson. They have been fed in the troughs for several months awaiting
shipment.

After the eggs were all taken at Shovel Creek, Mr. Richardson began
shipping these fish from Sisson for distribution, taking ten cans at a
trip, and about three thousand fish in a can, or thirty thousand to each
trip, which are as many as it is safe to handle on a trip in hot midsum-
mer, the round journey averaging about eight hundred miles, and taking
about three days' time.

A trip with this number has been made to Lagunitas Lake, Marin
County, and to about five miles down the Lagunitas Creek, below the
dam; also, to the following places: to Crystal Springs Reservoir, San
Mateo County; to Alminitos Creek, near the New Almaden Mines; the
Guadaloupe Creek, Saratoga Creek, and to Smith Creek, near Mount
Hamilton, a branch of the Calaveras Creek; to the Arroyo Mocho, twelve
miles south of Livermore, and the Calaveras and the Alameda Creeks,
near Sunol; to Monterey County, for branches of the Salinas River,
near Salinas and Soledad; to Bowlder Creek and other branches of the
San Lorenzo Creek, in Santa Cruz County; to Almao for the Los Gatos
Creek, in Santa Clara County; to the San Gregorio Creek, over the
mountains from Redwood City; to Gilroy, for the Uvas Creek; to the
Lagunitas or Paper Mill Creek; to Napa City, for branches of the Napa
Creek; and to a small creek, near Santa Rosa, a branch of the Russian
River.

Arrangements have been made to ship these trout to Dr. Smith, of
Placerville, for the American River; also, to Judge McD. R. Venable, in
San Luis Obispo County, for streams there; to the Sonoma Creek, Cache
Creek, in Yolo County, and other places. We shall continue to ship
these trout until their trough room will be needed for the salmon at
Sisson, or until we are admonished to quit shipping to save funds for our
winter and spring work. These which are not shipped to the central
and southern parts of the State, will be planted in the Sacramento
River. There have been already planted during August, 1890, in
branches of the Sacramento, one hundred and fifteen thousand, distrib-
uted thus: West Fork, Sulloway's Creek, Cold Creek, School House
Spring Creek, and near Peter Klink's place. The balance for the Sacra-
mento will be distributed below the eighteenth crossing.

During both seasons of our work at Lake Tahoe, in 1889 and 1890,
Commodore Todman has been exceedingly generous in his aid to advance
the work of the Fish Commission by giving at all times free transporta-
tion on the steamer Tod Goodwin to all parts of the lake, shipping our
racks for traps, fish cars, seines, towing the boats to the different streams,
shipping our supplies, and also giving almost daily passage for the men
in their traveling to the creeks where the traps were, for eggs, and in
shipping the trout for distribution.

Captain Wherman and his men on the Tod Goodwin have also been
very kind and willing in helping us, by doing many errands at distant
points of the lake. Mr. Lawrence, of the Tallac House, and Captain
Holt, also generously gave us free passage on the steamer Tallac. The
citizens around the lake gave us many accommodations.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 31

It would have been impossible for the Department of Hatcheries and
the Restoration of Fishes to have done with its small funds the amount of
work it has accomplished without the generous help which the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company has extended in giving an annual free pass to
the Superintendent to all parts of our State in his frequent trips to
the hatcheries from San Francisco; also, in giving free passage in the
baggage car for the salmon and trout eggs and all the cans of trout in
the many shipments for distribution from the Sisson Hatchery, in the
shipments of Black bass, and free passage for the attendants with the
fish. The railroad people were very kind also in giving us the use of a
handcar and right of way on their road in shipping the young salmon
down the Sacramento for distribution. I would like to give an instance
in which the railroad people have shown their kindness to the Fish
Commission, and at the same time show why but few salmon have been
up the Sacramento to spawn during the fall run for a long while past.

I was told by different parties that at a point on the Sacramento
River, near the railroad tunnel No. 3, there was a horseshoe bend in
the river; through the neck of this bend a mining company, years ago,
had made a tunnel to drain the river in the dry season, so that they
could mine the bed of the river around that bend. In August and Sep-
tember, when the salmon make their great migrations to their spawn-
ing beds, it was noticed that for years past but very few salmon made
their appearance in the Sacramento River above the bend, while in early
times the salmon went up in thousands.

In August and September the river is very low, and most of the water
went through this tunnel, leaving so little water in Horseshoe Bend
that it was almost impossible for the salmon to make their way up,
while they congregated in thousands at the lower end of this tunnel,
where the volume of water came through with such force, and made such
a jump off into the river below, that the fish could not get up. Here
the Indians, and also white men, would assemble, and while the salmon
were using up their strength in continually making ineffectual eftbrts to
leap up into the tunnel, they would destroy them with grab hooks and
nets. This point is but a little way above where the Pitt River joins the
Little Sacramento.

I determined to stop, if I could, this destruction of salmon and give
them a chance to get up on their spawning grounds and deposit their
eggs. I went down to this tunnel and made an examination, and saw
at a glance that the railroad people — with their ties and old bridge tim-
bers, with their handcars to carry them to the tunnel, and the crews of
road repairers to do the work of putting in the timbers to face the
tunnel, and blasting down the overhanging bank to fill up the open
cut — could do the work much cheaper than I could. So I called at
Fourth and Townsend Streets and told my story to the railroad people,
showing the importance of this tunnel being closed up, that the salmon
now being stopped there might not be hindered in making their way
up the river to their spawning grounds; and asked them if they would
not, as a great favor, have this job done by their men and send in their
bill of expenses to the Fish Commission. They readily assented to have
the work done, and, at the same time, said that if it did not cost too
much, no charges would be made. In a short time they had the tunnel
closed (1889), but, owing to the great pressure of the waters in the
floods of the present year, 1890, the dam at the tunnel was torn out.

32 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

During the past summer it has been closed again, and the sahnon will
now have an unobstructed highway up the river.

The Fish Commission is also under obligations to the San Francisco
and North Pacific Railway for free transportation, and also to the North
Pacific Coast Railroad, both giving the use of their baggage cars and free
passes for the attendants over their lines in shipping trout and Black
bass for distribution.

I wish here also to acknowledge the many courtesies and aid extended
to the Fish Cominission by the many applicants for trout and Black
bass, who have furnished teams to transj^ort the fish and attendants
from the railway station to the streams for planting; also, to Mr. J. H.
Sisson for the use of the ground and the water for the Sisson Hatchery,
and to the Edson Brothers for the use of the ground for the Shovel Creek
Hatchery on their hotel grounds, and the privilege of trapping Shovel
Creek for trout.

HAT CREEK.

I visited Hat Creek to see what advantages the State Hatchery there
offered for hatching salmon. The hatchery at Hat Creek is a large
building one hundred feet by forty-six feet, with sixty-four troughs six-
teen feet long and twelve inches wide. The building has settled at its
upper end owing to poor underpinning; the troughs have the grade the
wrong way. The dependence for water is from a ditch owned by pri-
vate parties, who use it for running machinery. The water comes
through the ditch from up Hat Creek, and the ditch is dug through a
formation of infusorial earth which is disintegrated by frost, making it
very loose and friable; it crumbled into the water in the ditch, and was
held in suspension in such quantities that it covered up the eggs in
the hatching troughs.

The proper way is for the Commission to have entire control of the
water for the hatchery. Copartnership in a ditch causes trouble, and
the water is liable to be turned ofi' entirely from the hatchery, which
would cause, if it lasted for a few hours, the entire loss of all the fish
and eggs. The water could be brought into the hatchery by an under-
current wheel built in Hat Creek, near the upper end of the hatchery,
which would give a large quantity of clear, cold water, and would, if
built strongly, give a certainty to the continuousness of the supply; for
Hat Creek never rises, as I have been informed, over eight inches above
low-water mark. Hat Creek has a large volume of water at all seasons.

I think the more suitable place for the hatchery would be at the con-
fluence of Hat Creek with Pitt River, on a point of land about two miles
below the present site of the hatchery, where a large spring flows of clear,
cold water; and as it is at the lower end of a fall or riffle in Hat Creek,
a ditch of short length could be cheaply made to bring water for ponds.
Opposite, and close at hand, is a seining place in Pitt River, and at this
point, also, in Hat Creek, a trap could be built, as well as in Pitt River,
to trap salmon and trout for spawners. The hatchery and spawning
traps would be close together, which is of great importance for accom-
modation and security. (Fourteen years ago, when the old Board of
Fish Commissioners gave me instructions to survey the Pitt River Falls,
I selected this place as the most suitable for a salmon hatchery, if one
ever should be built on Pitt River.)

There are not many salmon running up Pitt River, it is said, but if these

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 33

were caught and spawned, and the numbers supplemented by eyed eggs
sent from the United States Hatchery on the McCloud River, a plant of
two millions could thus easily be deposited in Pitt River and Hat Creek,
which would be good nursery grounds for these fine fish to increase their
numbers on the fishing grounds of the lower Sacramento River.

THE CLOSE SEASON FOR SALMON.

To prevent any depletion of our rivers, while the present great draft
upon their fish supply is going on, to meet the demands of the canneries
and the local markets, it is necessary that a sufficiently large number of
young salmon should be hatched out naturally as well as artificially.
It will be impossible to keep up the supply of salmon from artificial
hatching alone for this reason, that the nursery grounds, which are
accessible to distribution of the young salmon that are hatched arti-
ficially, are not extensive enough to meet and fully supply this great
demand. We must have the aid of the salmon of the spring run to sup-
plement our efforts, by stocking the highest mountain streams. The
young salmon should be placed upon a great extent of nursery grounds
for food and protection, to keep up the supply of mature salmon to
return from their stall feeding in the ocean.

In order that this may be successfully accomplished, it is essential
that the close season for salmon should be sufficiently long to give a free
highway to enough breeders to ascend to the extreme headwaters of the
salmon-breeding rivers to deposit their spawn over a large extent of
nursery grounds beyond where teams can go to distribute cheaply the
young fish from artificial hatching.

There are two great runs of salmon up the Sacramento River: one in
March, April, and May, and another in August and September; but
salmon are caught in considerable numbers during every month in the
year.

RUN OF MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY.

It is very essential that a close season of two or three weeks in the
month of April be enforced, in order to give a clear road for the passage
of a part of the cream of the great run of the salmon in March, April,
and May. It is the salmon from this run which reach the upper waters
of our rivers, where they are almost inaccessible to man. Especially is
this the case on the McCloud River. Above the United States Salmon
Hatchery, which is about two miles from the confluence of the McCloud
with the Pitt River, there are only four white men and but few Indians;
and above the last white man on the river, eight miles beyond the
United States Hatchery, for some sixty miles, till you reach " Horseshoe
Bend," there is scarcely a soul to be found, when the spring run of sal-
mon go up, to " molest or make them afraid" when passing through this
long reach of the best salmon-breeding river in the world.

It is a fact well known to fish culturists that the winter and spring
run of salmon, during the high, cold waters, go to the extreme head-
waters of the rivers if no obstructions prevent, into the highest mount-
ains.

They are in the very best condition when they start on their long
journeys. Nature has implanted in them the instinct to begin their
journey while the spawn is yet small, that it may not become full grown

3«

34 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

and ripe for depositing until they reach their far-distant spawning
grounds.

As they eat nothing while on their journey up the rivers, and with
their fighting and exertions to overcome this distance, a great deal of
the way being through a swift, racing current, and also with a constant
draft upon their own vitality to mature their spawn, they become much
exhausted and emaciated.

These fish cannot be used for spawming artificially, for at this season
the waters are too high to catch them, and they are too unripe when they
pass the United States Hatchery on the McCloud River to catch and
impound them; in the attempt to keep them till they become ripe they
would all die before they were ready to spawn. They will kill them-
selves if kept long in confinement, in their frantic efforts to get free to
ascend to their spawning grounds.

THE CLOSE SEASON FOR THE AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RUN.

The spawning time at the Government Hatchery on the McCloud
River for the great run of salmon in the late summer and fall is prin-
cipally during the month of September; it usually opens about the
twenty-eighth of August and continues until the latter part of September.

The vital points of the question in considering the time for the close
season are: At what time should the close season begin at the fishing
grounds on the lower Sacramento River, and how long should it last in
order that enough breeding salmon from the great run during the months
of August and September may reach the United States Hatchery on the
McCloud River, during the month of September, to furnish sufficient eggs
for the artificial hatching of young fish for distribution on the nursery
grounds to maintain the supply of mature salmon for food, which the
rivers for nursery grounds and the ocean for feed till the salmon are
matured, are capable of producing?

Ten years ago, during the administration of B. B. Redding, S. R.
Throckmorton, and J. D. Far well as Fish Commissioners, as many as
fourteen millions of salmon eggs were taken during the month of Sep-
tember from the fall run of salmon.

The close season at that time was during the month of August.

The close season is now, and has been for some years since, during
the month of September.

The Government Hatchery, on the McCloud River, renewed its oper-
ations in 1888. The number of eggs taken in September, 1888, was
only about one million five hundred thousand; and in 1889, only
about one million one hundred thousand eggs: or, averaging for the two
years, less than one tenth as many eggs as were taken ten years ago,
when the close season was during the month of August. This is a loss
of 90 per cent.

For what cause, or by whose agency the close season was changed
from the month of August to the month of September, I do not know.
It was certainly a very disastrous change, if the interests of the salmon
were considered.

During the last Legislature, in 1888, a bill was introduced by some
one — from Solano County, I believe — to change the present close season
for salmon from the month of September to the month of October.

If this bill had become a law, the close season would have been

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 35

pushed entirely beyond the season of the great run of salmon. " Give
them an inch and they will take an ell," if they can get it.

It is of the utmost importance that the close season should be placed
back again to the month of August. If more salmon do not reach the
McCloud River during the month of September than have arrived there
during the past two years, serious consequences will happen to the
salmon industry of California.

By changing the close season for salmon back again to the month of
August, it can easily be determined if the run of salmon has lessened
during the past ten years.

If as many salmon do not arrive there during August and September
as did ten years ago, or if an insufficient number got up during that
period from which to secure the number of eggs necessary for artificial
reproduction, then it will be imperative to include part or the whole
month of September in the close season, in addition to the month of
August.

I see no reason why this change should have been made in the close
season, unless it may have been to accommodate the canneries and fish-
ermen on the lower Sacramento in securing greater catches of salmon.

If there is any accommodation to be done in the matter, it should be
towards the salmon which are trying their best to reproduce themselves
in the effort that their kind may not be diminished, and not to those
who are doing their best to destroy the salmon for the future that they
may fill their pockets to-day, and " kill the goose that lays the golden
egg."

Can it be possible that the people of this State will allow a great
resource of food supply, which Nature has planted in our rivers, to be
endangered by the remorseless destruction going on in the eifort to catch
every salmon that attempts to go up to the spawning grounds?

The following valuable communication has been received from Mr.

Geo. B. Williams, Jr., and I take great pleasure in submitting it to the

consideration of your honorable Board, as it so strongly represents the

facts of the case:

Baird, Cal., July 8, 1890.
Mr. J. G. Woodbury, San Francisco:

Dear Mr. Woodbury: Yours of the fifth at hand. Two years of experience in charge
of this station on the McCloud has convinced me that unless some action is taken by the
Legislature and those interested in the propagation of salmon as a food fish, to include
the month of August as well as that of September in the close season, not manj^ years
will elapse when this valuable food fish will become almost extinct.

On account of the high water we are liable to have at this point during the spring and
late fall runs, it is impracticable to secure and spawn by artificial methods trie parent
fish ; but the August run comes at a time when it can be handled successfully. In order
to allow this run to reach the headwaters of the Sacramento River and its tributaries, the
months of Aiigust and September should be reserved to allow a free passage of salmon.

I draw my conclusions from the fact that in previous years, when there was no fishing
with seines in the Sacramento to speak of, thousands of salmon collected here during the
latter part of August and during the month of September, and we found no difficulty in
securing all the eggs we could handle, fourteen million ova having been taken inone
season. From the "August run in 1888 but one million five hundred and sixty-eight
thousand six hundred eggs were secured, and in 1889 one million one hundred and five
thousand were taken. In 1888 the season's take was increased to five million five hun-
dred and four thousand six hundred, by securing ova from the late run in October and
November. But this was something unusual, and could not have been accomplishecl
had it not been that the rains did not set in until December of that year. An attempt
was made in 1889 to take the late run, but rains in October caused the McCloud to become
very high, and racks and dams were washed out, allowing the parent fish to ascend tlie
river and small creeks above the station.

It is very hard to decide how long it takes the salmon to reach their spawning grounds
after they leave the seining grounds of the lower Sacramento, biit as near as we can tell,
from two to three weeks.

36 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

As you know, the work done at this station is almost entirely for the State. It seems as
if it should be the aim of the people to do all in their power to aid the United States Fish
Commission to accomplish its object by making laws that will protect this valuable food
fish.

]\luch more could be said regarding the tremendous decrease in late years of the
salmon, but 1 think I have advanced sufficient reasons to show that a longer close season
is necessary to make a success of our work. It is a question that should be seriously
considered and acted upon at once.
Yours truly,
(Signed:) GEO. B. WILLIAMS, Jr.,

Superintendent of Station.
STRIPED BASS.

There were brought to this coast in 1874 some one hundred and fifty
Striped bass, about one and one half inches in length. From these
quite a number of mature fish were caught in years afterwards, but it
was not certain that they had reproduced themselves, and it was thought
best to have another shipment of these fish brought out to this coast, to
make it as sure as possible that these excellent fish should become
familiar in our waters.

By instructions of the Board of Fish Commissioners, B. B. Redding,
S. R. Throckmorton, and J. D. Farwell, in 1882 I brought out from the
Shrewsbury River at Red Bank, New Jersey, just above Monmouth
Park, a shipment of Striped bass, running from five to nine inches in
length, and planted them in Suisun Bay, at Army Point. Quite a num-
ber of these have been caught from year to year, increasing in weight
every year. Last year several were caught weighing over twenty pounds,
and during the past winter one was caught weighing thirty-five pounds.

I have been watching for the young fish, the progeny of those brought
out in 1882, and during the past spring, on my return from a trip to
Tahoe Hatchery, I heard that they were being caught by the thousands
and offered for sale in the market. I hurriedly went up to the market
to see if it were true. I found there a lot still unsold, averaging from
one half to three quarters of a pound in weight. I was delighted to see
them, knowing that those brought out from New Jersey must have kept
together in the muddy waters of our bay till they matured and spawned,
and their young had been successfully reared.

But knowing that the young Striped bass run in schools, I became
alarmed lest the many Chinese nets in our bay and the lower Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Rivers would soon destroy the greater part of
them, which would be a great pity, as they had cost so much money,
trouble, and time in waiting for them to reproduce themselves. And if
these young fishes could remain unmolested for a few years longer, till
they themselves had spawned, our bays would be full of these splendid
fishes. Certainly this would be a great acquisition to the whole Pacific
Coast.

I immediately visited the newspapers, and they kindly published a
notice of the arrival of the numerous strangers, of their great impor-
tance, and the danger of their destruction if they were not protected.

Your honorable Board petitioned the Board of Supervisors to pass an
ordinance to prohibit catching them under eight pounds in weight.
This they quickly did. A similar petition it would be advisable to pre-
sent to the Boards of Supervisors of Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa,
Alameda, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties. The young bass will
most certainly visit the waters of all these counties, and their protection
for a few years is of vital importance.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 37

I have since learned from the market men that from three to four
thousand of these fish were sold in the market before the ordinance was
passed, and that it has since been in the newspapers that these fish have
been caught and sold in other counties around our bay.

The arrival of so many young of this fish at one time in our markets,
shows conclusively that the Striped bass have successfully reproduced
themselves in our waters. Our anglers may anticipate some grand sport
in a few years.

I am happy to give the people of California some desirable informa-
tion about this useful fish, and take the opportunity of appending to my
report a valuable paper taken from " The Fisheries and Fishing Indus-
tries of the United States," by George Brown Goode.

NECESSITY FOR A TROUT HATCHERY NEAR SAN FRANCISCO AS A DISTRIBUTING

POINT.

California is a large State in territorial area, approximating to three
times the size of the State of New York.

The headwaters (the breeding places for trout and salmon) of most of
the large streams in our State are far away from the railroads, and are
also in high altitudes. To reach these is, in most instances, a weary
road to travel by stage coach and teams, and in some cases by horse-
back only, following Indian trails through almost impassable canons and
mountain gorges

The Sisson Hatchery, which is at present the distributing point for
the RainboAV trout, is about seven hundred miles from the southern bor-
der of the State, and applications for trout come in from Siskiyou to San
Diego Counties.

To distribute fish into these streams over such a vast territory is very
expensive, and the cost is much increased by the many difficulties in
getting to their headwaters with teams heavily loaded with ice and cans
of water, over the long, hot valleys, and up steep mountain roads.

It is also unsafe to transport young fish in large numbers over such
long distances.

To ship half a million of eyed eggs is comparatively inexpensive to
what it is to ship the same number of young fish. Thirty thousand
young trout in eight to ten cans of water is as much as it is safe for one
man to carry on a long journey. This means half a ton of water and
hundreds of pounds of ice.

Express charges for this great weight are heavy; the cost of the ice,
railroad fares to and fro, teams to transport the fish from the railroad
to the streams (sometimes for sixty miles to their headwaters), hotel
expenses, and telegraphic charges rapidly eat up our funds.

Two men are compelled to go on long journeys to care for the fish, as
the water in the cans has to be almost continuously aerated night and
day to give the fish fresh air to breathe, and the water in the cans
requires occasional changing.

A trip with trout from Sisson to the southern part of the State con-
sumes nearly one week's time, which is very dangerous to the safety of
the young trout, and limits the number of trout which can be distributed.
To make these journeys shorter and less expensive, with saving of time,
and with more certainty that less fish will be lost in their transporta-

38 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

tion, it is essential that a string of hatcheries should be established as is
done in other States.

We have already built and equipped two extensive hatcheries: one at
Lake Tahoe as a point for distribution for the mountain region and the
eastern slope of the Sierras; and a large hatchery at Sisson, which was
built for the purpose of stocking the Sacramento River with salmon.
This can be used as a distributing point for the northern part of the
State for trout also; and a small hatchery on Shovel Creek, w^hich is
for eyeing the eggs of trout to be shipped to other hatcheries as distrib-
uting points.

Now, it is very essential that a hatchery with nursery troughs (space
sufficient to accommodate one million of young trout till they begin to
feed, or till they are old enough to be distributed in the streams) should
be built during the coming winter in or near San Francisco, as a dis-
tributing point for the waters in Central California, to which the eyed
eggs can be sent from Shovel Creek or some other hatchery.

A plain hatchery for this purpose, well equipped, wdth quarters for
the men, would probably cost from -$1,000 to $1,200.

The demand for trout wdll be the greatest from a hatchery here to keep
up the supply in the many streams in this part of the State, to meet the
growing wants of the many anglers in the counties surrounding the bay
of San Francisco.

This place is also the center from which radiates all the many routes
of travel by which the trout can be conveniently shipped to all parts of
the State without delay.

After full consideration of these matters by your honorable Board, if
I have presented the subject in a proper light to convince you of its
importance, I would suggest that a petition be presented to the incoming
Legislature in the first days of its session to make an appropriation of
$1,000 to $1,200 for a new hatchery and its equipment and quarters for
the attendants, the money to be immediately available, so that work can
begin in time to have it finished to receive the first trout eggs in the
early spring of 1891.

APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF HATCHERIES AND RESTORATION OF

FISHES.

As the field of fish culture and propagation is continually increasing,
the appropriation for this department must also increase with its devel-
opment. The appropriations, owing to the immense area of California,
should at least approximate those of Eastern States (which are devoted
almost entirely to hatcheries and the restoration of fishes). The State
of New York, which is of one third less area, makes an annual appropria-
tion of from $30,000 to $35,000 to enable its Fish Commission to carry
out its work. This department is being continually hampered by want
of funds, and is compelled to forego the necessity of making constant
improvements. Efficiency, thorough and satisfactory, cannot be had
without incurring expenses far above the present limited appropriation
in the department embracing Hatcheries and Restoration of Fishes.

It is doubtful economy that hinders the cheapening of food for the
people.

It seems absurd to appropriate so small a fund as $5,000 to foster and
maintain the fish industries of this State. A resource furnishing a staple

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 39

article of food for the people — a cheap and plentiful supply of wholesome
food — is of immense importance. The waters of California are almost
unlimited in their capacity to produce fish food, but wanton destruction
of fishes when they congregate at certain seasons of the year for breed-
ing purposes, and the increasing demand on them to supply an increas-
ing population with food, will soon largely diminish their numbers
unless assistance is rendered by artificial reproduction on a greater scale
than is being done at present.

When live stock is owned by private parties it is to their individual
interest that the best care be taken of it to the end that it may make
the most remunerative returns. But the fish which the waters of our
State produce are the common property of the whole people, and it is
not the duty of any one individual to see that the fish interests are
cherished.

AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATION OF TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS NECESSARY.

It follows that it is the duty of the Legislature to appropriate ade-
quate funds to meet the expenses incurred in carrying out the work
necessary to such an important trust.

This work embraces the artificial reproduction and distribution of
young salmon upon their nursery grounds to keep up the supply to meet
the immense draft upon their numbers as they annually migrate as
mature salmon from the ocean to their spawning grounds, by the fisher-
men's many miles of network and seines, catching them to supply can-
ners and the local markets.

If this work is not kept up from year to year, it is certain that their
number will be diminished, and in time salmon will become as great a
rarity in California as they are to-day in New England.

The artificial reproduction and distribution of trout over this State to
satisfy the increasing number of applications for these fishes to supply
the depleted streams which our growing population in their search for
health and recreation exhaust, it is far beyond the unaided powers of
trout to keep the streams well stocked; and as far as the present appro-
priation for this costly work goes, it is only a make-believe towards
accomplishing what the real work should.

It would be most desirable to continue the purchase of the eggs of
the Eastern Brook trout — that pride of the trans-mountain angler — for
their introduction into the headwaters of all our high mountain streams,
where it has been demonstrated they have done well in the past, and it
is but reasonable to suppose that as they become acclimated they will
gradually descend the rivers and spread themselves over the whole
State.

The Black bass is such a desirable fish that, as we already have
them, it would be a public benefit to systematically distribute them
into all the suitable waters of the State. When once planted they
become permanent " settlers," no restocking is necessary, and it would
be well to do this work quickly.

I would recommend the introduction of the eel, which is highly
esteemed in the East and in Europe; in fact, it is considered a luxury,
and is preferred by many to the trout. The flesh of the eel salted,
smoked, and pickled, forms quite an article of trade, and will in time
aftbrd a large addition to the food for the people.

40 EEPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Many have asked for the introduction of the Big-mouthed Black bass
from the Southern States for planting in our warmer waters; also, the
big catfish of Texas, which occasionally weighs three hundred pounds.
It is said that it would be very desirable for the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Rivers.

A part of the fund should be expended for the scientific investigation
of the economic fishes of our State, and experimenting in artificial
reproduction of others fishes, among them the sturgeon, which valuable
food fish is becoming notably scarce.

For all of the foregoing, which is expensive field work, the present
appropriation of $5,000 is ridiculously insufficient, and it is needful
that $12,000 should be annually appropriated for the sole and exclusive
use of this department.

Therefore, I would suggest to your honorable Board that you would
petition the Legislature for an annual appropriation of $12,000 for the
Hatcheries and Restoration of Fishes.

SCREENS FOR DITCHES.

Most ditches take their supply of water from the streams above the
valleys, from the lower foothills to far into the high mountains.

Our mountain streams are good spawning grounds for trout and
salmon.

The young trout, as soon as able to swim, leave their hidden recesses
in the gravel and seek the shallow water near the bank or shore of the
streams where the water is less swift. Here they are better able to stem
the current, and are also comparatively safe from the raids of larger fish
which live in the deeper water, and are cautious about venturing into
the shallow water.

Ditches, of course, take their supply from the shores of these streams.
The current at the inlet of these ditches is strong, and draws the little
fellows down with the water farther and farther. The current within
the ditch is so strong that they cannot get back, hardly, even if the
instinct of fear impelled them to do so.

But they go with the current willingly. Mother Nature has not taught
them that these side issues from their native brooks lead to their destruc-
tion, by distributing them with the water to nourish the roots of alfalfa
and timothy grasses, or through the great fields of the raisin grape or
wine vineyards and orange orchards ; nor by being dashed over the
rocks through nozzles of miners' pipes, nor by being ground up into
mince meat by the turbine wheels of sawmills and papermills.

These thousands of ditches tapping the mountain streams the whole
length of our State, from Oregon to Arizona, destroy ten times more
fishes, especially the trout and salmon, than is done by all other means
of illegal destruction of fishes. The numbers of trout destroyed through
the agency of ditches will run up into millions every year.

This great destruction of fishes is self-evident to every man who taps
a trout stream for irrigating purposes, unless the process has been going
on so long that the stream has already become barren of fishes.

I have already cited an instance in this report of the great destruction
of trout in Siskiyou County by a ditch from Shasta River, which was
told to me by the owner of the ditch.* I have known of what I write
by observation in traveling over this State during the past twenty years.

*Refer to trip to look up a trout hatchery in 1889.

EEPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 41

Hundreds of men have told me the same story, and angrily denounced
such wanton destruction of trout, saying that in a few years, unless there
was a stop put to it, there would be but few to destroy. Those who use
the waters from these ditches admit the facts. I do not believe there is
a man in the State who knows anything practically about the use of
ditch water but who will admit what I have stated about the great
destruction of trout is substantially true. I will instance a case which
happened last year not far from the hatchery at Sisson.

A lot of young salmon had been distributed in Big Spring Creek.
At that time we were not aware that there was a ditch taking water from
this creek, but it haj^pened there was one whose inlet was from the oppo-
site bank from the road, hidden from view by a thick growth of alders.

Some time after the salmon had been planted, at a considerable dis-
tance above this ditch, its owners had occasion to shut the water off.
After the water had drained away they saw so many dead salmon, that
word was sent to the men at the hatchery who went up to investigate,
and they estimated that about seven thousand young salmon had
perished. What is the use of stocking our streams with fish to have
them killed ofi' by wholesale in this manner ?

It is well known that in early times all the mountain streams through
the mining counties were bountifully stocked with trout, and where
there are at the present time hundreds of ditches taking ^vater from
these streams for irrigating and mining purposes. All these streams
have fine spawning grounds for trout for miles far above where the
mining debris has been deposited, and even where it is almost impos-
sible for an angler to go. And besides these counties are not thickly
iwpulated, and the streams cannot have been fished to excess. Yet the
people in these mountain counties are asking for trout to restock their
streams.

All these streams would be full of trout if it were not that they have
been destroyed by the open ditches.

To stock these streams with trout, whose waters are taken out through
ditches without screens at their inlets to protect the young fish from
being drawn into them and destroyed, is a waste of time and money.
It is as ineffectual as it would be to try to dip up water in a sieve.

If it is of material consequence to keep our mountain streams stocked
Avith trout and salmon, then it is imperative that a law should be passed
compelling the owners of all ditches, flumes, and pipes which take
their supply of water from public streams, to maintain screens across
their inlets of sufficient fineness to prevent young trout from finding
their wav through.

In regard to the size of the mesh, it is of the utmost importance that
it should keep out the young trout, and yet let through enough water
for the requirements of the ditch.

The mesh of the screen should not be larger than one fourth of an
inch square.

To let in sufficient water Avith this size of mesh, and not require but
little attention to keep off rubbish, the surface of the screen should be
two or three times larger than the cross-section of the ditch.

The ditch or flume should be enlarged at its inlet or mouth by flar-
ing its sides to accommodate this size of screen.

A good way to put in a screen which will prevent the young fish from
being drawn against the wire, as well as the floating stuff in the stream,

42 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

which would have a tendency to choke the screen, and, of course, let in
less water, is to have the flaring end of the flume flush with the bank of
the stream, and fitted with cleats to receive a light wooden frame.

To this frame should be fastened an oblong square basket made of
the screen wire cloth. The depth of the basket should be a foot or so,
according to the size of the ditch. The screen being in place, the depth
of the basket would thus project into the stream, and have the two ends,
one side, and the bottom of the basket as a screen surface.

The upper end of the basket would, of course, be more or less clogged
up with floating stuff", but the under side and the lower end would be
almost entirely free, while the bottom of the basket, or outer surface,
which should be nearly parallel with the current of the stream, would
be kept comparatively free from floating stuff" by the current itself.

This basket screen, being loosely fitted between the cleats, could be
easily taken out, and with a few splashes in the stream cleared of all
rubbish.

A coarse rack of slats outside of the screen would keep off" any large
floating substance, which might otherwise injure the basket, and with a
boom fastened at the bank above the ditch, and swung diagonally part
way across the stream and fastened in position, would ward off' most of
the floating debris.

Of course, if the main ditch at the stream has a screen, the smaller
ditches taking water from the main ditch will require none.

Galvanized wire cloth of one quarter-inch mesh, strongly made, and
soldered at each intersection of the wires, can be bought in San Fran-
cisco for 6 cents per square foot.

The cheapness of the wire will make the cost of a good sized screen
but a small item. And with a little of our American ingenuity in con-
structing it, and an ardent desire for the safety of our trout, screens can
be speedily placed at the inlet of all ditches.

Accompanying this report wdll be found a copy of the Screen Law of
Wyoming, which Fish Commissioner Louis Miller kindly sent me.

The Striped Bass, Roccus Lineatus.

Geographical Distribution. — The Striped bass, as has already been
stated, occurs in all the waters of our coast from latitude 50 degrees to
latitude 30 degrees. In the North it is called the " Striped bass," in the
South the "Rock-fish," or the "Rock." The neutral territory, where
both these names are in use, appears to be New Jersey. The fishermen
of the Delaware use the latter name; those of the seacoast the former.
Large, sea-going individuals are sometimes known in New" England by
the names, "Green-head" and " Squid-hound." There is still some uncer-
tainty regarding the southern limits of the distribution of this species.
In the Saint John's River, Florida, they are very unusual. Though
familiar in the fisheries of that region since 1873, I have only known
of the capture of two individuals. Mr. Stearns has obtained one or two
specimens in the Gulf of Mexico, and gives an account of the degree of
their abundance in those waters. He writes: "They are occasionally
caught on the northern shores of the Gulf, and are, evidently, more
common about the mouths of the Mississippi River than elsewhere.
Since they are taken in this region only in seines, and in shallow water,
their abundance cannot be correctly determined. The earliest I have
been able to obtain of the capture of Striped bass in Pensacola Bay, is

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 43

that of Captain John Washington, of Mystic, Connecticut, who states
that in 1850, Avhile seine fishing from the smack "Francis Parkes," he
surrounded with his seine a large school of fish which were quite
unmanageable. A few of them were saved, and proved to be large
Striped bass, weighing from fifteen to forty pounds. At long intervals
since, solitary individuals have been taken at various points on the
coast. At New Orleans it is found in the market quite often. An
eighteen-pound specimen was sold there in March, 1880."

In Hallock's "Sportsmen's Gazetteer" the following statement occurs:
"It is constantly seen in rivers of fresh water at great distances from the
ocean, even as far up the Mississippi as St. Louis, and it is common in
White River, Arkansas, and in all the rivers of the Southern States."

While there can be no question that straggling individuals of this
species have been taken in the Gulf of Mexico, it seems probable that
both Mr. Stearns and Mr. Hallock have been mistaken by the resem-
blance of this species to the Brassy bass (Roccus interruptus) , which
abounds throughout the lower Mississippi Valley.

Canadian authorities inform us that, though the bass still occur along
the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia shores of the gulf, they are much
less abundant and of smaller size than formerly. They have been known
to ascend the St. Lawrence as far as Quebec, and Mr. Roosevelt has seen
a specimen, a female fish, which was taken in the Niagara River near
Lewiston. The bass is most abundant in the bays and inlets of Cape
Hatteras, in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay region; and in the pro-
tected waters of Long Island and southern New England. In winter
they occur in considerable numbers in the Altamaha River, and are
unusual in the markets of Charleston, South Carolina.

Habits. — The Striped bass is not migratory, being found along our
coasts in winter as well as in summer, and in our markets in every
month in the year. Great quantities are taken in winter in the rivers
tributary to the Chesapeake, and in the rivers of New^ Brunswick quan-
tities of them are speared through holes in the ice. During the past
four years I have known of their capture in Long Island and Block
Island Sounds, and in the Merrimac River in December, and in Martha's
Vineyard Sound and in the lower part of the Hudson River in January.
Though they appear to avoid a temperature higher than 65 or 70 degrees,
they are not sensitive to cold, and there is good evidence that they fre-
quently, when detained th-roughout the winter in shallow places, enter
upon a state of torpidity.

Food. — They are very voracious feeders. Entering the rivers, they
prey upon small fishes. They are particularly abundant at the time of
the spring runs of the shad and herring, and at this season are partic-
ularly plump and well fed, doubtless owing to the ease with which they
can obtain food. They also frequent the rocky shores of the bays and
sounds at high tides, in search of crabs, shrimps, and squids; and they
are said to feed upon clams and mussels, which they obtain by delving
with their snouts.

Reproduction and Groivth. — They spawn in the late spring and early
summer, some of them in the rivers, others probably at sea, although
this has not been definitely ascertained. The European bass are said
to deposit their spawai near the mouth of the rivers in the summer
months.

From North Carolina to New Jersey the spawning time appears to be
in May; in New Brunswick in June. Dr. Blanding many years ago

44 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

estimated the number of eggs at two million two hundred and forty-eight
thousand. Their rate of growth is very rapid. Dr. C. C. Abbott, for
five successive years, found in the Delaware River young an inch long in
the second week in June. About the middle of October these had grown
to the length of four and a half inches.

The young fish — five to nine inches in length — which are taken in
such quantities in the Potomac in February and March, are supposed to
be the young of the previous year. Captain Gavitt, of Westerly, Rhode
Island, has caught bass in June that weighed from one half to one pound,
put them in a pond, and taken them out in the following October, when
they weighed six pounds. The average size of this fish probably does
not exceed twenty pounds. In the Potomac, Hudson, and Connecticut
Rivers the largest seldom exceed thirty or forty pounds, though in the
Potomac fifty-pound fish are not unusual. The Fish Commission has
for several years had a standing oflJer of a reward for a sixty-pound fish
from the Potomac, but none has been forthcoming as yet. The largest
Striped bass on record was one weighing one hundred and twelve pounds,
taken at Orleans, Massachusetts, in the town cove. Such a fish would
be at least six feet in length. A fairly proportioned bass thirty-six
inches long would weigh at least eighteen pounds.

Uses. — The Striped bass is one of the most valuable of our food fishes,
its flesh being firm, finely flavored, and hard enough to bear exposure
to the air for some time without injury. It is also the most popular
game fish, next to the salmon. Those in the markets are chiefly
obtained in seines and traps, set at various points along the coast from
the south side of Cape Cod to New Jersey. Great quantities are also
taken in the shad seines in the spring. They may be readily taken,
also, by heaving and hauling in the surf with menhaden bait, the fish
being tolled by the use of great quantities of menhaden ground into
small bits, and in fresh or brackish water by the use of the artificial fly.
At various points on the coast of southern New England are club-
houses, supported by wealthy amateurs for the purpose of carrying on
these sports.

It has already been stated that the Striped bass are believed to be
less abundant in the Gulf of St. Lawrence than in former years.
Similar complaints are heard from the Bay of Fundy, and from Cape
Cod, where the period of diminution is believed to date from the last
advent of the Bluefish: about 1850. The bas^ fishery, in Cape Cod Bay,
was formerly of great importance, but the capture of. this fish is now of
rare occurrence. The early settlers of New England seem to have been
more impressed by the abundance of bass than by any other circum-
stances connected with the fisheries, and the early chronicles are full of
allusions to their exceeding plenty and excellence.

Captain John Smith saw so many in one river, that he declared that
he thought he might have walked across on their backs dryshod. While
there can be no doubt that north of Cape Cod their numbers have
decreased, there is no reason to believe that elsewhere on our coast^ the
fisheries have had any especial eflect upon them. A Hessian officer,
writing in 1777, declared that enormous numbers were, at that time,
brought to New York; and the same might be said at the present day.
Three fishing gangs at Bridgehampton, New York, took over eight
thousand in less than a week, in December, 1874. Captain Charles
Ludlow secured at one set of his seine one thousand six hundred and
seventy-two bass, or about three and a half tons. Shortly afterwards -a

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

45

New London fisherman brought in four hundred and nineteen bass, one
hundred and eighty-five of which had been caught with a hoolc in three
hours, near Norfolk, Virginia. One thousand five hundred have been
taken with a single set of the seine. A few years ago, it is said on
credible authority that six hundred were once taken, the average
weight of each being eighty pounds.

DISTRIBUTION OF FISH BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE FISH

COMMISSION.

DISTRIBUTION OF TAHOE TROUT.
Distributed in September and October, 18S8.

Localities and Remarks.

Squaw Creek

Lake Tahoe, at various points

Donner Lake

Dinkley and Buena Vista Greeks, Fresno County ---

South Fork of American River

Taylor Creek

Truclcee River

South Yuba River

Shafer's Creek

Richardson's Creek

Barker's Creek and Lake

Gilmore's Lake

Watson's Lake.

Total Tahoe trout (as reported by Mr. J. C. Frazier, October 27, 1888)

Number of
Fish.

20,000

245,000

100,000

30,000

20,000

25,000

105,000

35,000

7,000

7,000

6,000

1,500

500

601,000

DISTRIBUTION OF SALMON.

Date.

Where Distributed and Remarks.

Num.ber of
Pish.

1888.
Dec. — ..

McCloud River, from the United States Hatchery, by contract
with ]Mr Livingston Stone, at 75 cents per tliousand . ..

500,000

From Sisson Hatchery, fob the Season of 1888-89.
Early Fall Run.

Date.

Where Distributed and Remarks.

Num^ber of
Fish. ,

1888.

Dec. 23..

Dec. 24..

Dec. 25..

Dec. 26..

Dec. 27..

Dec. 28..

Dec. 29..

Dec. 30-

Dec. 31..

Below Eighteenth Crossing, main Sacramento River-
Above Eighteenth Crossing, main Sacramento River

Atjove Sullivan's, West Fork Sacramento R,iver

Near Stevens', West Fork Sacramento River

West Fork Sacramento River

Big Springs Creek, tributary Sacramento River

Sulloway Creek, tributary Sacramento River

Cold Creek, tributary Sacramento River

Near Big Castle Creek, main Sacramento River

Total

50,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000

80,000
150,000

60,000

50,000

790,000

46

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.
Late Fall Run.

Mar. 25.
Mar. 26.
Mar. 27-
Mar. 27-
Mar. 28.
Mar. 28.
Mar. 29.
Mar. 30.
April 3-
April 4.
April 5.
April 6.
April 7-
April 9.
April 10.
April 11-
April 12.
April 15.
April 16-
Aprill7-
Aprill8.

West Fork Sacramento River

West Fork Sacramento River ..

West Fork Sacramento River

School House Spring Creek, tributary Sacramento River

Big- Spring and Sullivan Creeks, tributary Sacramento River

Sulloway and Cold Creeks, tributary Sacramento River

West Fork Sacramento River

West Fork Sacramento River

Near Upper Soda Springs, main Sacramento River

Near Eighteenth Crossing, main Sacramento River .

Near Mossbrae Falls, main Sacramento River

Near Mossbrae Falls, main Sacramento River

Near Dunsmuir, main Sacramento River

Near Lower Soda Springs, main Sacramento River

Near Little Castle Creek, main Sacramento River

Near Anderson's Mill, main Sacramento River

Three miles below Anderson's Mill, main Sacramento River.

Near Big Castle Creek, main Sacramento River

Two miles below Big Castle Creek, main Sacramento River. _

Below Welsh's Mill, main Sacramento River

Below Eighteenth Crossing, main Sacramento River

Total -,

156,000

144,000

72,000

144,000

144,000

104,000

144,000

144,000

84,000

90,000

90,000

90.000

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

72,000

60,000

2.168,000

DISTRIBUTION OF TAHOE TROUT.
From Tahoe Hatchery, 1889.

Date.

Applicant.

Where Distributed.

Number of
Fish.

1889.

Aug. 18.
Aug. 24-
Aug. 26.
Aug. 27.
Aug. 28-
Aug. 29-
Sept. 3.
Sept. 3.
Sept. 4.
Sept. 5.
Sept. 6-
Sept. 7.
Sept. 8-
Sept. 10.
Sept. 13.
Sept. 14.
Sept. 17
and 18-
Sept. 18.
Sept. 20.
Sept. 23.
Sept. 24-
Sept. 27.
Sept. 29.

Oct. 2.

Oct. 5.

Oct. 5.

Oct. 5.

Murphy Bros. ...

0. Roberts

0. Roberts

McKinney

McKinney

McKinney

M. Lawrence

M. Lawrence

Mrs. Vade Clark ,

Mrs. Kirby...
M. Lawrence.
A. J. Bayley.
A. J. Bayley.

Mr. Gilmore

Mr. Wentworth.

A. L. Frost

A. J. Bayley. -
Com. Todman

Blackwook Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Sea Gull Point, Lake Tahoe

Near Saxon's Old Mill, Lake Tahoe --

At wharf, Tahoe City

Off Island Ranch, Lake Tahoe

Off Island Ranch, Lake Tahoe

Meeks' Bay and Creek, Lake Tahoe

SmaUlake at the head of Meeks' Creek ^

Meeks' Bay, Lake Tahoe

Phipp's Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe, near Sugar Pine Point

Quail Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

In Lake Tahoe, near thesnag

Taylor Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Fallen Leaf Lake, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Rubicon River, bi-anch of Middle Fork of the

American River

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Taylor Creek and Floating Island Lake

Burton Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Truckee River, above Wardrusk Dam

Blackwood Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe ...

Gilmore Springs, seven miles from Yank's

Loon Lake and Buck Island Lake, headwaters

Middle Fork American River

Near Rubicon Point, Lake Tahoe

Ward Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe..

Truckee River, below outlet of Lake Tahoe ...
Lake Tahoe, near Tahoe City

Total

60,000
35,000
35,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
60,000
8,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000

50,000
100,000
.30,000
25,000
60,000
65,000
8,000

25,000

25,000

20,000

6,000

5,000

1,027,000

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

47

DISTRIBUTION OF SALMON.

From Sisson Hatchery for the Season of 1889 and 1890.

Early Fall Rim.

Date.

Where Distributed and Remarks.

Number of
Fish.

1890.

Feb. 3...
Feb 4

Cold Creek, tributary of Sacramento River..

Snllnwnv Creek trilmtarv of Sacramento River -

100,000
100,000

Feb 5

Cold Creek tributarv of Sacramento River

100,000

Feb 6

Snllownv Creek tributarv of Sacramento River

100,000

Feb 7

V>\b Snrinf Creek tribntarv of Sacramento River

140,000

Feb. 8...
Feb 10

School House Spring Creek, tributary of Sacramento River

Sullowav Creek tributarv of Sacramento River _ .

180,000
150,000

Feb 12

RiiT Snrinc Creek tributarv of Sacramento River . _ __ _

100,000

Total -

970,000

Late Fall Run.

Date.

Where Distributed and Remarks.

Number of
Fish.

1890.

April 23-
April25-
April 26-
April28-
April 30-

West Fork Sacramento River

West Fork Sacramento River

Upper Soda Springs^ main Sacramento River

Near Dunsmuir, main Sacramento River ....

Near Eighteenth Crossing, main Sacramento River

Total

80,000
75,000
75,000
75,000
45,000

350,000

DISTRIBUTION OF EASTERN BROOK TROUT.

Date.

Localities and Remarks.

Number of
Fish.

1890.
June 7-

June 6-
June 8-

June 9-

June 9-

June 8-

June 8-

June 19-

Jtine 19.

June 25-

Deer Creek, east of Vina, Tehama County, California, for Senator

Stanford

Headwaters McCloud River, Siskiyou County

Shovel Creek, branch of Klamath River, for A. C. Tubbs, Siski-
you County

Big Springs, branch of Shasta River, Siskiyou County

Griflfen's Springs, branch of Shasta River, Siskiyou County

Wadsworth Springs, branch of Shasta River, Siskiyou County

School House Springs, branch of Sacramento River, Siskiyou

County .- -

Headwaters of Shasta River, branch of Klamath River, Siskiyou

County

Kaiser's Springs, headwaters of Sacramento River, Siskiyou

County

West Fork of Sacramento River, Siskiyou County

Total Eastern Brook trout

12,000
24,000

4,000
8,000
2,000
1,000

2,000

8,000

6,000
16,000

83,000

48

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF TAHOE TROUT.
From Tahoe Hatcheey.

Date.

1890.
July 28 _

July 29.
July 31.
Aug. 2.
Aug. 4.
Aug. 5.
Aug. 6.

Aug
Aug
Aug. 11
Aug. 12

Au

9-.

19..

Aug. 21.
Aug. 22.

Aug. 23.

Aug. 25-

Aug. 26.
Aug. 26.
Aug. 27.
Sept. 14.
Sept. 17.
Sept. 23-

Applicant.

Com. Todman ...

M. Lawrence

M. Lawrence

M. Lawrence

Mrs. Kirby

A. L. Frost

Mrs. Vade Clark .

O. Roberts ...
J. McKinney.
J. McKinney.
Mr. Gilmore .

J. McKinney. -

M. Lawrence..

Com. Todman

J. Moody

J. Moody

Mr. Scott

Mr. Scott

H. D. Burton .
A. J. Bayley ..

Where Distributed.

Truckee River, above Ward Rush Dam (Rain-
bow trout)

Taylor Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Fallen Leaf Lake

Taylor Creek and Cascade Lake

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe

Near Rubicon Point, Lake Tahoe

Rubicon River, branch of Middle Fork of

American River

Meeks' Ci'eek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Phipps' Creek, trilmtary of Lake Tahoe

Quail Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

McKinney' s Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe. .
Gilmore Springs, seven miles from Yank's

(several small lakes)

Blackwood Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Loon Lake (15,000), Summit Lake (5,000),

Quail Lake (5,000)...

South Fork American River, fourteen miles

from Tallac

Truckee River, above Ward Rush Dam (Rain-
bow trout)

Donner Lake .

Headwaters Alder Creek, near Truckee

Squaw Creek, tril)utary of Truckee River

Squaw Creek, tributary of Truckee River

Carnelian Bay, Lake Tahoe

Burton Creek, tributary of Lake Tahoe

Total Tahoe trout

Number of
Fish.

8,000
60,000
56,000
60,000
60,000
56,000

50,000
52,000
56,000
56,000
50,000

35,000
60,000

25,000

35,000

38,000
50,000
8,000
8,000
10,000
20,000
20,000

873,000

DISTRIBUTION OF BLACK BASS.

Date.

Applicant.

Locality and Remarks.

Number of
Fish.

1889.
Aug. 12.

Aug. 17.
Aug. 25.
Aug. 31.

1890.

Aug. 12-
Aug. 12.

Aug. 22.
Aug. 29-
Sept. 4.

Oct. 6..

Oct.

Senator Jones.. -

J. D. Jordan

J. D. Jordan

W. G. Dickinson

Pacific Imp't Co.
Pacific Imp't Co.

0. Weissman

J. D. Jordan

A. C. Bassett

McD. R. Yenable

McD. R. Venable.

Thermalito Reservoir, at Oroville, Butte

County. Cal

Clear Lake, Lake County, Cal

Clear Lake, Lake County, Cal

Sweetwater Lake, National Citj', San Diego
County, Cal. (40 per cent lost)

In lake at Del Monte, Monterey County, Cal..
Reservoir in Pacific Grove, jStonterey County,

0&.t.

Blue Lakes, Lake County, Cal.

Clear Lake, Lake County, Cal

Sargent's Station, Pajaro River, Santa Clara
County, Cal 1

City Reservoir, San Luis Obispo, San Luis
Obispo County, Cal.

Laguna de San Luis, two miles west of San
Luis Obispo City, San Luis Obispo Count}' ..

Total Black bass

60
160
160

120

4a

60
69

88

40
10
50

857

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP PISH COMMISSIONERS.

49

DISTRIBUTION OF RAINBOW TROUT.
From Sisson Hatchery.

Date.

Name of Applicant.

Localities where Planted.

Number of

Fish

Shipped.

1890.
July 15..
.July 15..
July 20..
July 23..

July 23..
July 26..

July 26..
JulV 26_-
July 30..
July 30..
Aug. 3..
Aug. 3..

Aug. 11..
Aug. 11..
Aug. 15..

Aug. 15..

Aug. 19..
Aug. 23..
Aug. 31..
Sept. 3..
Sept. 7..
Sept. 7..

Chas. Sonntag ...

S.V.W. Works Co.
J. B. Randol

J. B. Randol....
A. W. Ingalsbe..

A. W. Ingalsbe..
A. W. Ingalsbe..
Mr. Mendenhall
Cbas. Hadsell...

J. R. Hebron

Chas. Romie

.TohnT. Doyle...
John T. Doyle...
George Dennison.

George Dennison.

F. Marriott

J. G. Chesley

Dr. C. 0. Dean...

A. C. Bassett

A. W. Stott

T. Lake Harris.. .

Sept. 11.. I Dr. H. W. Smith.

Sept. 11..

Sept. 11..

Sept. 11 _-

Sept. 18..
Sept. 23.-
July and

Aug.
Aug. 25..
Aug. 25..

Aug. 25-

Aug. 28.

Aug. 28.

Sept. 28.
Oct. 1.
Oct. 2.

Oct. 3.

Oct. 6..

Oct.
Oct.

Oct.

Oct.

Oct.

6..
6.-

6--

6--

6--

Dr. H. W. Smith -
Dr. H. W. Smith -
Dr. H. W. Smith -

C. F. Haswell.
F. L. Wooster
Edson Bros. ..

McD. R.Venable-

McD. R. Venable-
McD. R.Venable-

McD. R. Venable.

McD. R.Venable-

xMcD. R. Venable -

48

Lagunitas Lake, Marin County

Lagunitas Creek, Marin Co., 5 miles below dam
San Mateo Ck., above reservoir, San Mateo Co.
Almanitos Creek, near New Almaden Mines,

Santa Clara County

Guadalupe Creek, Santa Clara County

Smith's Creek, a branch of Calaveras Creek,

Santa Clara County

Stevens' Creek, Santa Clara County

Saratoga Creek, Santa Clara County

Arroyo Mocho Creek, Alameda County.

Alameda and Calaveras Creeks, Alameda Co..
A branch of the Salinas River, Monterey Co..
Arroyo Seco, branch of Salinas River, Mon-
terey County

Stevens' Creek, Santa Clara County

Adobe Creek, Santa Clara County

Boulder Creek, branch of San Lorenzo Creek,

Santa Clara Countj'

Bear Creek, branch' of San Lorenzo Creek,

Santa Clara County

Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County

San Gregorio Creek, San Mateo Co. "(^ lost)...

Paper Mill Ci-eek, Marin County

In branches of Uvas Creek, Santa Clara Co...

Sonoma Creek, Sonoma Countj''

A branch of Russian River, near Santa Rosa,

Sonoma County

At Chili Bar, South Fork American River,

El Dorado County .

At Moore's Bridge, South Fork American

River, El Dorado County

Near Dennis Johnson's, South Fork American

River, El Dorado County

Two Silver Creeks, branches of South Fork

American River, El Dorado County

Cache Creek, near Ramsey, Yolo County

In branches of Napa Creek^ near Napa, NapaCo.
Shovel Creek, branch of Klamath River, Sis-
kiyou County

West Fork Sacramento River, Siskiyou Co

SuUoway Creek, branch of Sacramento River,

Siskiyou County

Cold Creek, l^ranch of Sacramento River, Sis-
kiyou County

School House Creek, branch of Sacramento

River, Siskiyou County

In three creeks at Peter 'Klink's, branches of

Sacramento River, Siskiyou County

West Fork Sacramento River, Siskiyou Co

Near Dunsmuir, main Sacramento River

Near Mossbra Falls, main Sacramento River,

Siskiyou County

Near Little Castle Creek, main Sacramento

River, Siskiyou County

San Margarita Creek, branch of Salinas River,

San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Creek, San Luis" Obispo County

Chorro Creek, empties into Morro Bay, San

Luis Obispo County

Laguna de San Luis, near San Luis Obispo

City, San Luis Obispo County

Stein'er and Venable Creeks, branches of San

Luis Creek, San Luis Obispo County

Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County

Total Rainbow troiit

12,000

8,000

40,000

18,000
12,000

12,000
9,000
9,000
18,000
12,000
12,000

18,000
18,000
12,000

18,000

12,000
30,000
30,000
30,000
30,000
18,000

12,000

12,000

3,000

6,000

9,000
30,000
30,000

130,000
25,000

25,000

15,000

50,000

50,000
50,000
50,000

41,000

40,000

8,000
8,000

8,000

10,000

3,000
3,000

996,000

50

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF SALMON BY THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.

Feom McCloud River Hatchery.

Date.

Localities.

Number of
Fish.

1888.
Nov., Dec.

McCloud River.. -_ . .

1,000,000
84,000

1889.
Nov., Dec.

McCloud River

Total salmon _

1,084,000

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

51

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52 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

RECAPITULATION.

Salmon distributed by California Fish Commissioners 4,478,000

Salmon distributed by United States Fish Commissioners 1,084,000

Eastern Brook trout distributed by California Fish Commissioners-.. 83,000

Tahoe trout distributed by California Fish Commissioners 2,501,000

Rainbow trout distributed by California Fish Commissioners 996,000

Black bass distributed by California Fish Commissioners 857

Rainbow trout distributed by private hatcheries 322,000

Total . 9,464,857

Salmon eggs in Sisson Hatchery October 15, 1890 3,000,000

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 53

THE FOOD FISHES OF THE CALIFORNIA FRESH WATERS.

By Dr. Carl H. Eigenmann.

The knowledge of the fresh-water fishes of California is at present
more limited than that of any other State. It is, therefore, no easy
task to present an account of the food fishes which shall at the same
time be popular, or free from the technicalities of the ichthyologist, and
scientifically exact. My personal observations have been confined
to the southern and central counties of California, my explorations
having been rather prematurely arrested. I hope, however, either this
or the coming year to thoroughly explore every stream and lake in the
State, and present you with a fuller report.

There is comparatively a very limited variety of fishes in California.
A stream which, in the Mississippi Valley, would harbor seventy-five
or a hundred different species of fish, would, in California, scarcely
contain twenty. This is due to two causes.

CAUSES OF FISH SCARCITY.

I. Many of our streams become entirely dry during the summer, and
no species that does not migrate to the sea or the lower or higher water-
courses, can exist in them.

II. It is a law in the distribution of fresh-water fishes that the greater
the water system the larger the number of species of fishes found in any
of the tributaries. The tributaries of the Sacramento thus have much
fewer species than the tributaries of the Mississippi, and the tributaries
of the Mississippi much fewer than the tributaries of the Amazon. To be
more precise, one naturalist has caught as many species of fishes in one
of the tributaries of the Mississippi in a day as there are known from
the entire region west of the Sierra Nevada.

NAMES OF FISHES.

I present a list of the fresh-water fishes now known from California,
giving both the scientific and popular name:

Ammoccetes tridentatus Gairdner. Lamprey.
Ammoccetes cibarius Girard. Lead-colored Lamprey.
Acipenser transmontanus Richardson. White Sturgeon.
Actpenser medirostris Ayers. Green Sturgeon.
Catostomus arxap^is Jordan. Kern River Sucker.
Catostomus rex R. Eigenmann. Klamath Sucker.
Catostomus occidentalis Ayers. Sacramento Sucker.
Catostomus tahoensis Gill and Jordan. Tahoe Sucker.
Chasmistes brevirostris Cope.
Chasmistes luxatus Cope.
Orthodon microlepidotus Ayers.
Lavinia exilicauda Baird and Girard.
Pogonichthys macrolepidotus Ayers.
Mylocheilus caurinus Richardson.
Mylopharodon conocephalus Baird and Girard.
Piychocheilus oregonensis Richardson. Sacramento Pike.

54 EEPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Pti/chocheilus rapax Girard.

Pti/chocheilus harfordi Jordan and Gilljert. Sacramento Pike.

Phoxinus montaniis Cope.

Phoxinus orcuttii E. and E.

Phoxinus conformis Girard.

Phoxinus bicolor Girard.

Phoxinus obesus Girard.

Phoxinus crassicauda Baird and Girard.

Phoxinus crassus Girard.

Phoxinus coeruleus Girard.

Algansea dimidiata Cope. Chub.

Algansea symmietrica Baird and Girard.

Algansea bicolor Girard.

Luxilinus occidentaUs Baird and Girard.

Coregonus ivilliamsoni Girard. Whitefish.

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha Walbaum. Humpback Salmon.

Oncorhynchus keta Walbaum. Dog Salmon.

Oncorhynchus tchmvytcha Walbaum. Quinnat Salmon.

Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum. Silver Salmon.

Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Steel-head Salmon.

Salmo gairdneri irideus Ayers. Brook Trout.

Salmo purpuratus Pallas. Oregon Brook Trout.

Salmo purpuratus heushatvi Gill and Jordan. Tahoe Trout.

Salvelimis malma Walbaum. Dolly Varden.

Gasterosteus williamsoni Girard. Stickleback.

Gasterosteus microcephahi.s Girard. Stickleback.

Archoplites interruptus Girard. Sacramento Perch.

Coitus asper Richardson.

Cottus semiscabrus centropleurus E. and E.

Cottus gulosus Girard.

Cottus minutus Pallas. " Catfish."

By saying that the number of species of fresh-water fishes is limited, I
do not wish to imply that the food fishes are less in number or inferior
in quality, but merely that we have less variety, a defect which can be
remedied by introducing other species.

DESIRABLE SPECIES TO IMPORT.

The most prominent food fishes of the Mississippi Valley which are not
indigenous to California, are the various catfishes, the buffalo, the
pickerels, most of the sunfishes, especially the Black bass, the perches,
and the bass. Several of these have already been introduced.

In the southern part of the State, where all but the moun,tain sources
of the rivers dry up during the summer, we naturally have but few fresh-
water fishes, and any attempts to stock these rivers are, of course, futile.
There are but four diff^erent species of fishes in the fresh waters of San
Diego County, exclusive of the Colorado River. One is a small killifish
living in the hot springs of the Colorado Desert, another a small stickle-
back, a third a small minnow, while the only eatable fish is the Salmo
irideus, which occurs, as far as known, only in Pala Creek. There is
scarcely more variety till we reach the Tulare Basin. Salmo irideris, or the
Brook trout, is the only food fish south of the Tulare Basin, and it never
reaches a large size there. A few species of marine fishes run up the
Southern California streams during spring. Chief of these is the mullet.
When the dams of the Sweetwater reservoirs were opened, to clear part of
the land of the water, large numbers of Sea bass ascended the stream thus
formed. With these remarks Southern California may be dismissed.

The remainder of California may be divided into the Tulare, Sacra-
mento, Klamath, and Tahoe regions, each of which has a different set of
food fish. They are:

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

55

Tulare Region.

Sacramento Region.

Klamatli Region.

Tahoe Region.

Kern River sucker.

White sturgeon.
Green sturgeon.
Sacramento sucker.
Salmon.
Brook trout.
Salmon trout.

White sturgeon.
Green sturgeon.
Three species of

suckers.
Salmo purpuratus.
Salmon troiit.
DoUj^ Varden.

Tahoe sucker.
Tahoe trout.
Whitefish.
Chub.

There are besides these a number which are found in several of these
systems. The trouts and suckers are, however, different for each system.
Taking up the different species used for food separately:

AciPENSERIDiE, OR StURGEON,

The sturgeons are among the largest of the fresh-water fishes. Like
the salmon they spend some of their time in the bays and ocean, and
ascend the streams to spawn. There are two species found on the
Pacific Slope, to which they are confined, those in the eastern rivers
being quite distinct.

Acipenser transmontanus Richardson. White Sturgeon.

This sturgeon is said to reach a weight of six hundred pounds. It is
almost daily brought into the San Francisco markets. Those offered
for sale vary from two to seven feet in length. It is said to reach a
length of twelve feet. It is sold in the restaurants as " tenderloin of
sole." Large numbers enter all of the large streams from the Sacra-
mento to the Frazier River.

Acipenser medirostris Ayres. Green Sturgeon.

This species is much rarer than the White sturgeon, but is not infre-
quently iDrought into the markets. It reaches as large a size as the
preceding. The young of these two sturgeons differ greatly from the
adult, and the young of the two species are not distinguished in the fish
stalls. Dr. Jordan said ten years ago, that this sturgeon was reputed
poisonous and not used for food. Although it is still looked upon with
less favor than the White, or ..the sturgeon, it is no longer considered
poisonous. This property is now ascribed to the young of this or of
both species. The old can readily be distinguished from the White
sturgeon by its rough skin and by the green band along the belly.

Catostomid^, or Suckers.

The sucker is almost entirely a North American product; of the many
species only two are found elsewhere. The suckers found in California
are all species peculiar to the western slopes of America. The Buffalo
fishes, which belong to this family, are not found on the Pacific Slope.
All the species are more or less valuable as food. The California suckers
all belong to the genera Catastomus and Chasmistes, and each river sys-
tem has one or more which is peculiar to it. The majority ascend small
streams in spring to spawn.

56 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Catastomus arseopus Jordan. Kern River Sucker.

This is a small sucker, about thirteen inches long. Very little is
known about it as yet.

Catostomus rex R. Eigenmann.

This sucker, reaching a length of three feet, is abundant in Tule Lake,
and ascends the Lost River.

A specimen has lately been procured for the Academy of Sciences,
through the kindness of Mr. Woodbury, of the Fish Commission.

Catostomus occidentalis Ayers.

This is the common Sacramento sucker, or "the sucker" of the San
Francisco market. It is abundant in the whole Sacramento Valley, and
descends some distance into tide water. I have taken it at Mare Island.
It is not greatly esteemed as food.

Catostomus tahoensis Gill and Jordan. Tahoe Sucker; Red-sided Sucker

Black Sucker.

T

This sucker is found in the Truckee Basin. It ascends the rivers and
rivulets tributary to Lakes Tahoe and Donner in June to deposit its
spawn. The very young of this species are quite black; the half grown
have a bright red stripe along the sides. In the early part of June these
half grown ascend the small rivulets in such abundance that the Indians
and others catch large quantities by placing a sack across one of the
streams and then driving them down. The larger ones have the red
lateral stripe less conspicuous than the half grown. They ascend the
rivers at the time the young ones ascend the rivulets. In June none were
seen in Lake Tahoe, and but few were being taken in Donner Lake. A
few were taken in the Fish Commission's traps in June, and great quan-
tities were seen in Donner Creek, especially in all deep holes.

Chasmistes hrevirostris Cope.

This is a small sucker, reaching the length of sixteen inches. It is
abundant in Klamath Lake, but does not asct^nd Williamson's River in
spring.

Chasmistes luxatu^s Cope.

This sucker is also found in Klamath Lake, but reaches a much larger
size, nearly three feet. "It ascends the streams in thousands in the
spring, and is taken and dried in great numbers by the Klamath and
Modoc Indians."

CypRiNiDiE. The Carps or Minnows.

The American members of this family are mostly small, bony fishes,,
not fit for food. In the waters of the western slopes some of them
attain a large size, however, the Sacramento pike reaching a length of
five feet. They are usually very abundant where they are found at all,
and form an important item of the food of larger fishes. The most
important member of the family is the German carp, a native of Central

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 57

Asia, which has been copiously introduced into Europe and America.
A large number of the species found in California are more or less
valued as food, and are at times brought to the San Francisco markets.

Orthodon microlepidotus Ayres.

This is a small species, reaching a length of fourteen inches. It is
abundant in the Sacramento, and is occasionally found in the San
Francisco markets.

Lavinia exilicauda Baird and Girard.
This species resembles the preceding in size and distribution.

Pogonichthys macyolepidotus Ayres. Split-tail.

This is one of the commonest of the minnows. It is at once recog-
nized by its widely forked tail.

Mylophardon conocephalus Baird and Girard.

This is one of the largest of the Cyprinidse. It is said to reach a length
of eighteen inches. It is rarely brought to the San Francisco market.

Ptychocheilus oregonensis Rich., and harfordi J. and G. Sacramento

Pike; Whitefish.

There are two varieties of pike brought to the markets, but they are
not distinguished by the fishermen. They are called pike from their
resemblance to the true pike, from which they are, however, quite dis-
tinct, and to which they are not at all related. P. oregonensis is said to
reach a length of five feet.

Salmonid^. Salmons, Trouts, and Whitefish.

The Salmonidse embrace the most important of our fish, both as
regards food and sport. The genera which in California are of greatest
value are Coregomts, Oncorhynchus, Salmo, and Salvelinus. They can
readily be distinguished from our other fresh-water species by the adipose
fin, and by the presence of scales. The genera found in California may
be distinguished by the following characters:

a. Jaws toothless; scales rather large ; habitually livhig in freshwater

Coregomis, or Whitefish.

aa. Jaws with distinct teeth.
b. Anal fin elongate; fourteen to seventeen rays, the tip of the highest ray rai'ely

extending beyond the base of the last ..-" Oncorhynchus, or salmon,

bb. Anal fin shorter; of nine to eleven developed rays,
c. Vomer flat ; its toothed surface plane ; teeth on its shaft in pairs, or in a zig-
zag row; tip of the highest anal ray usually extending beyond tlie tip of

the last ray Salmo, or trouts.

cc. Vomer boat-shaped; its shaft strongly depressed; teeth on clievron only..

Salvelimts, or Charrs, or Brook trouts.

Unfortunately there is a confusion of names due to localities 'and
variation in the species of this family which is frequently misleading.
To this is to be added that very little is known as yet concerning the
California trouts, so that many writers, basing their remarks on a few
f)ickled specimens, have increased the confusion rather than helped us.

58 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

To this must also be added that the excellent figures accompanying
many of the reports, and which pretend to give the differences, are based
on sjsecimens which differed widely in size, and are therefore mislead-
ing. This last fact has undoubtedly much to do with the confusion
existing in regard to the Steel-head trout and Brook trout.

The discussions whether a given fish may be a trout or Salmon trout,
while edifying to the man talking or writing, does not help us in the
least to clear this matter.

In this connection it may be worth our while to examine the remarks
of Dr. Cliinther on the variability of the species of the genus Salmo,
remarks which Dr. Jordan had occasion to quote when studying these
same fishes:

There is no other ijroup of fishes which offers so many difficulties to the ichthyologist,
with regard to the distinction of species, as well as to certain points in their life history,
as this genus.

The almost infinite variations of these fishes are dependent on age, sex, and sexual
development, food, and the properties of the water. * * * The co/oraiion is, first of all,
subject to variation, and consequentlj' this character but rarely assists in distinguishing
a species, there being not one which would show in all stages of development tiie same
kind of coloration. The young of all the species of this genus are barred, and this is so
constantly the case that it maj' be used as a generic, or even as a family character, not
being peculiar to Salmo alone, but also to Thyinallus, and probably to Coregnnus. The
number of Ijars is not quite constant, but the migratory trout have two (and even three)
more than the river trout. When the salmons have passed the " parr" state, the color-
ation becomes much diversified. The males, especially during and immediately after
the spawning time, are more intensely colored and variegated than the females, speci-
mens which have not attained to maturity retaining a brighter silvery color, and being
more similar to the female fish. Food appears to have less influence on the coloration
of the outer parts than on that of the flesh; thus, the more variegated specimens are fre-
quently out of condition, whilst well fed individuals, with pinkish flesh, are of a more
uniform, though bright coloration. Chemistry has not supplied us yet with an analysis
of the substance which gives the pink color to'the flesh of many salmonoids ; but there is
little doubt that it is identical with, and produced by, the red pigments of many salt and
fresh-water crustaceans which form a favorite food for these fishes. The water has a
marked influence on the colors. Trout with intense ocellated spots are generally found
in clear, ra]iid rivers, and in small, open, alpine pools; in the 'iaroe lakes, with pebbly
bottom, the fish are bright-silvery, and the ocellated spots are mixed with, or replaced by,
X-shaped black spots ; m pools oj- parts of lakes, with muddy or peaty bottom, the trout are
of a darker color generallv. and when inclosed in caves or holes they may assume an
almost uniform blackish coloration. The brackish, or salt water, has the ett'ect of giving
them a bright-silvery coat, without or with comparatively few spots, none of which are
ocellated. * * *

With regard to size the various species do not present an equal amount of variation.

Size appears to depend on the abundance of food, and the extent of water. Thus, the

salmon and the difterent kinds of Great Lake trout do not appear to vary considerably in

size, because they find the same 'conditions in all the localities inhabited by them.

* ** * ** ***********

The proportions of the various parts of the body to one another vary exceedingly in one and
the same species. * * * The -fins vary to a certain degree. * * *

Finallv, to complete our enumeration of these variable characters, we must mention
that in old males, during and after the spawning season, the skin on the back becomes
thickened and spongy so that the scales are quite invisible, being imbedded in the skin.

Coregonus williamsoni Girard. Whitefish.

This fish is abundant in Lake Tahoe. It spawns in October and
November in the tributaries of the lake. During the remainder of the
season the adult is probably found in deep Avater. In June, schools of
individuals, nine inches long, were seen on the eastern shores of the lake.
In the evening when swarms of gnats were l)lown into the lake these
Whitefish rose to them. A few were caught at the time with small hooks
baited with fly. It reaches a length of nearly fifteen inches, and weighs
about a pound. It ranks high as a food fish. Mr. Henshaw says of it:

At Lake Tahoe it was found verv abundant in October, being met with at that
season in all the few streams that rise from the lake. * * * This month, and later, is

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 59

their spawning season, and as they pass up many are intercepted by the Indians, who
find a market for considerable numbers in the settlements and logging- camps about the
lake. Having constructed a suitable net of mosquito netting, which is affixed to a long
pole, the Indian, accompanied by one or two squaws, proceeds to the stream where it is
sufficiently narrow for his purpose. Placing the net at the head of one of the deep
sandy-bottomed pools which are found at every turn of the stream, he awaits quietly till
all the fish near by have been frightened into it by the squaws, who advance from below,
and beat the water with sticks. With a sudden scoop he usually empties the pool, taking
perhaps from six to a dozen fish from each. All that we saw caught in tliis manner were
quite small, averaging perhaps ten inches in length, but they attain a much larger size.

Oncorhynchus. Pacific Salmon.

The members of the genus Oncorhynchus are confined to the North
Pacific and the rivers flowing into it. They are generally termed
salmon ^vithout distinguishing them from one another, or from the
salmon of New England and Europe. They are by far the most impor-
tant food fishes, and the Quinnat salmon probably surpasses in value all
of our other fresh-water fishes combined.

Four of the five species known are found in the Sacramento; one of
these is, however, only occasionally taken.

All of these species live in the sea, and ascend the rivers only at the
spawning season. The Quinnat salmon enter the Sacramento in the
spring and summer, a,nd the run ceases, according to Jordan, in October.
The larger individuals enter the river first, and the smaller ones, two
feet long, do not run till July and August. Jordan says:

The spring salmon ascend only those rivers which are fed by the melting snows from
the mountains, and which have sufficient volume to send their waters well out to sea.
Such rivers are the Sacramento, Klamatli, * * * etc.

Those salmon which run in the spring are chiefly adults (supposed to be at least three
years old). Their milt and spawn are no more developed than at the same time in
others of the same si^ecies which will not enter the rivers until fall. It would appear
that the contact with cold fresh water when in the ocean, in some way caused them to
turn toward it and to "run" before there is any special influence to that end exerted bj^
the development of the organs of generation.

High water on any of these rivers in the spring is always followed by an increased run
of salmon. * * * The average weight of the Quinnat in the Sacramento in the spruig
is sixteen pounds.

Those fish which enter the rivers in the spring continue the ascent until death or the
spawning season overtakes them. Probably none of them ever return to tlie ocean, and
a large proportion fail to spawn. They are known to ascend the Sacramento as far as the
base of Mount Shasta, or to its extreme headwaters— about four hundred miles.

At these great distances, when the hsh have reached the spawning grounds, besides
the usual changes of the breeding season, their bodies are covered with bruises, on which
patches of white fungus develop. The hns become mutilated, their eyes are often
injured or destroyed, parasitic worms gather in the gills, they become extremely ema-
ciated, their flesli becomes white from the loss of oil, and as soon as the spawning act is
accomplished, and sometimes before, all of them die.

Dr. Gr. Brown Goode says of this fish:

Fifty years ago it was hardly known, except to students of natural history. Now it is
known and eaten almost all over the world, for there is hardly a port in the world where
ships have not carried the canned salmon of the Columbia, which is the same fish under
a different name; and not only has this fish, in the form of food, traveled nearly all over
the world, but the living embryos of the California salmon have been transported to
England, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand,
so that there is probably no one fish inhabiting a limited locality which is known over
the world in so many different places as the California salmon.

The four species of Oncorhynchus found in the Sacramento are distin-
guished by the following characters:

fl. Scales small, lateral line more than 200 Gorbuscha.

aa. Scales large, lateral line 125-155.
b. Pyloric ca^ca 50-80; lateral line 125-135 Kisutch.

60 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

bh. Pyloric cccca 140 or more.

c. Anal rays i;i-14; branchiostesals 13-14 .Keia.

cc. Anal rays 16 ; branchiostegals 15-19 Tchaivytcha.

Oncorhynchus gorhuscha Walbaum.

This, the Humpback salmon, is only occasionally taken in the Sacra-
mento and Columbia. It runs every other year in Puget Sound. It
reaches a weight of three to seven pounds.

Oncorhynchus kisutch Walbaum. Silver Salmon.

This salmon runs in the Sacramento in summer and fall; it does not
exceed eight pounds in weight, and many are doubtless confounded with
the young of the Quinnat. From this they are, however, readily dis-
tinguished by the number of coecal appendages about the stomach, which
scarcely exceeds seventy-five in this species, while there are more than
one hundred and twenty-five in the Quinnat. Mr. Chas. Ohm took the
young of this species, five and seven eighths inches long, in Paper Mill
Creek, on March 24, 1890.

■■)

Oncorhynchus keta Walbaum. Dog Salmon.

I have not yet seen any fresh examples of this species. It is said to
be abundant in the fall from the Sacramento northward, when it ascends
all the streams for a short distance. It does not begin to " run " until
its sexual organs are well advanced in development and its flesh propor-
tionately deteriorated. For this reason it is of no great economic value.

Oncorhynchus tchaioytcha Walbaum. Quinnat Salmon.

This is the salmon par excellence, and, like Sahno solar, " stands pre-
eminent, like a Highland Chieftain, needing no name save that of his
clan." It is still "The Salmon," "Quinnat Salmon;" and "King
Salmon" when ready to be eaten, "Columbia Salmon "or "Alaska
Salmon."

What I have said under the head of the genus Oncorhynchus in general
applies to this species especially. I have caught the very young of this
species (about two inches long) at Mare Island, on April 17, 1890.

SALMO.

The species of this genus are variously named by the fishermen.
The young taken in the mountain streams are all Brook trouts, or Rain-
bow fronts; the old ones are Trout, Steel-head, Salmon trout, and even
Salmon, and a special series of names has been invented in Lake Tahoe.

It is concerning the members of this genus that there was such dis-
cussion in the papers during last spring. For practical purposes, all
the species of this genus may be classed as one, and covered by a gen-
eral law protecting trout. All the rules of the angler will not suffice
in distinguishing the species, and such practical experiments as scraping
the scales with the thumb nail to distinguish Brook trout from Salmon
trout, are perfectly useless. Every angler knows how variable the trouts
are in the different streams and ponds, and Dr. Giinther'sAvords, quoted
above, are but the expression of the experience of every naturalist, as
well as of every angler. Through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Ohm, I

REPOKT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 61

have been able to examine about seventy-five Brook trouts from difier-
ent streams, and others have come into my hands from Mr. Belding.
Although the alcohol has obliterated most of the color markings, it can
still be seen that no two streams have trout with exactly the same
characters. To add to the confusion, the young of the salmon greatly
resemble the trouts, and the old trouts greatly resemble the salmon.
Young salmon have been brought to me as Brook trouts; and I bought
a splendid Brook trout, nineteen inches long, which the fish dealer de-
clared was a salmon, and willing to jDrove it by as large a bet as I would
name.

I do not know where trouts have been planted, and where those so
planted were procured, but the native species are distributed as follows:

1 . The Brook trout, or Rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri irideiis Gibbons) ,
in all mountain streams west of the Sierra Nevada from Mount Shasta
to Lower California.

2. The Steel-head {Salmo gairdneri Richardson), from the Sacramento
northward.

3. The Northern trout {Salmo purpuratus Pallas), from Mount Shasta
northward.

4. The Tahoe trout ( Salmo purpitratus henshawi Gill and Jordan ) , in the
Truckee Basin, including Lakes Tahoe, Donner, Pyramid, and possibly
Eagle.

It is thus seen that three of the trouts inhabit contiguous territory,
while the other, the Steel-head, overlaps the territory of two of the species.
There are, however, so many forms which are intermediate between the
Brook trout proper and the Steel-head that the former may be looked
upon as simply a southern form of the latter, or, conversely, the latter a
northern form of the former.

These species and varieties are extremely hard to distinguish unless
specimens of the same size are at hand. They may be determined by
the following technical characters arranged by Dr. Bean:

a. No hyoid teeth.
i. Anal rays, 12 ; depth of body equals length of head in young ; tail of adult trun-
cate S. gairdneri; Steel-head.

bb. Anal rays, 10; depth of body much exceeds length of head in young; tail of

adult forked S. gairdneri irideus; Brook, or Rainbow trout.

aa. Hyoid teeth.

c. Head short ; scales, not more than 170; gill rakers, 8-12; cceca, 20

S. purpuratus ; Northern trout.

cc. Head long, conical ; scales, sometimes 184 ; gill rakers, 9-14 ; cosca, 50-60

.S. purpuratus henshawi; Tahoe trout.

Salmo gairdneri Richardson. Steel-head Salmon.

This trout is not infrequently brought into the San Francisco mar-
ket during the close season. At other times it is not so abundant, and
in summer and fall it is rarely seen. It reaches a weight of twenty
pounds. The California Academy of Sciences possesses a large specimen ,
the gift of Mr. Charles Ohm. It measures two feet five inches in length,
and is a spent male.

There are several others smaller than this in the Academy's collection,
presented by the same gentleman. It is more slender than the Rainbow
trout or the Quinnat salmon, and does not ascend streams to any great
distance.

Very little or nothing is known of the habits and life history of this
species, and any notes on its migration, etc., ought always to be kept.

62 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

The young have very rarely been found, a fact which has led many to
believe that the Brook trout are only the young of this species, especially
as the latter are always, or usually, found in abundance in the same
streams.

Salmo gairdneri irideus Gibbons.

This is the Rainbow or Brook trout proper. It is also known by
various other names. There is no difficulty in distinguishing the adult
of this species from the adult of the Steel-head, but the half grown are
remarkably alike, and intergradations of all sorts are abundant. It does
not attain nearly the size of the Steel-head, the largest recorded weigh-
ing but six pounds. These large examples are very rare. I have seen
only one in the markets of San Francisco, and, as I have stated above,
this was represented to be a young salmon.

The young are caught in large numbers in all the trout streams in
Central and Southern California. It probably does not enter salt water as
readily as the Steel-head, but it probably runs into the sea from short
rivers which are dry in summer, and from others having a continuous
stream of clear water.

It is a most excellent table fish, but not caught in quantity for the
market. Its chief value seems to be to offer sport to anglers, and this
is said to be of a very tame kind. It has been extensively introduced
and seems to flourish in many eastern streams. Specimens have been
taken in salt water near Oakdale, Long Island.

It varies more in size, color, etc., with the stream it inhabits than any
other fresh-water fish.

Mr. Henshaw says of this species:

This is the common Brook trout of the small mountain streams of the Pacific Slope,
and up to an altitude of nine thousand feet it is the rare exception to find a suitable
stream that is not well stocked with it. Upon many of them, as the tributaries of the
South Fork of the Kern River, these trout are found in very great abundance, each pool
and rapid numbering its finny denizens by the score. They may be taken in any sort of
weather, at any hour of the day, by almost any kind of bait. During the heat of the day
they frequent almost entirely the deeper pools, lying under overshadowing rocks or in
the shade of some convenient log. In early morning or late afternoon they come out and
run more into the shallows and rapids, under which circumstances they bite best and
afford the finest sport. Like the average Brook trout the species rarely attains any con-
siderable size, ranging from foiir to eight or more inches in length. Their colors are
usually very bright, and for beauty this species takes rank among the foremost of its
kind, and has well been called the Golden trout. In this respect, however, it is subject
to the usual variation obtaining in the family, the change of color not only accompany-
ing a difference in locality, but being plainlj' discernible in individuals taken in different
parts of the same stream not far distant. In fact, as a specific character, color in this
family seems to be at its lowest value. The character of the bottom and water itself has
much to do with this, and I remember to have fished in a small rivulet on one of the sub-
alpine meadows not far from Mount Whitney, whose sluggish waters flowed over a
bottom of dark mud, in which the color of the trout simulated very closely its hue; they
had lost nearly all the flashing iridescent tints characterizing the same species caught
but a few liours before in another stream, and had become dull and somber-hued.
Accompanying this change of color was a correspondingly noticeable difference in the
habits and motions, and the several dozen trout caught that evening for supper were
taken out by the hook with the display of very little more gaminess than would be
noticed in so many Horned pout. On the contrary, in the clear rapid current of the
mountain stream, a. flash of siinlight is scarcely quicker than the gleam of gold and
silver, seen for a single instant, as the whirling waters are cut by one of the trout as he
makes a rush from his lurking place for some chance morsel which is being borne past
him. The western trout are rarely as shy as their relatives of eastern waters, and
because of their numbers and consequent scarcity of food are apt to be less fastidious;
yet even when most abundant due caution must be used if one would be successful, and
not every one can catch troiit even in the West. With tne proper care in concealing one's
self a pool may be almost decimated ere the alarm will be taken, and I have seen fifteen
fair sized trout taken from a single small pool in quick succession.

REPORT OP^ STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 63

Salmo purpuratus Pallas. Oregon Brook Trout; Salmon Trout; Lake

Trout.

I know nothing personally of this fish. It " is very abundant in all the
waters north of Mount Shasta, and through the Great Basin and Rocky
Mountain region; occasionally southward to Santa Cruz." It seems to
have skipped California, except some parts of it; is found in abundance
to the north of us, and extends farther south than any other salmon,
having been "obtained by Professor Lufton from streams of the Sierra
Madre, Mexico, at an elevation between eight and nine thousand feet in
the southern part of Chihuahua, near the boundaries of Durango and
Sinaloa." It occasionally reaches a weight of twenty-five pounds in the
Columbia. These large ones are known as Steel-head, the young as
Brook trout, and the partly grown as Salmon trout. It is of consider-
able importance economically, and its introduction into all streams
suitable to it is to be recommended.

Salmo purpuratus henshawi Gill and Jordan.

This, the Lake Tahoe trout, is of greater economic importance than
the others. It is abundant in the San Francisco markets all through
spring. The fishermen of Lake Tahoe keep their catch alive till they
have a sufficient number to w^arrant a shipment, when they are killed,,
boxed, and shipped to San Francisco. The past year one company had
the entire control of the Tahoe catch.

This fish is known under various names to the fishermen and anglers
of Lake Tahoe, who consider the variations, due to age, sex, depth of
water, and character of bottom, all of specific value. If we keep in
mind, however, the statements made by Dr. Glinther, all the variations
can easily be explained. The trout reported to me while at Lake Tahoe
last June were: First, the Big Black trout, reaching a weight of twenty-
nine pounds, and spawning in the rivers in April and May. Second,
the Red trout, probably not exceeding a weight of seven pounds,,
which spawns in the streams from May to the first of August. Third,,
the Pogy or Porgy, weighing one and a half to two pounds, and spawn-
ing the latter part of August and during September. Fourth, the Silver
trout, reaching nearly seventeen pounds in weight, and spawning in the
lake in October and November. Fifth, the Yellow Belly or Sulphur
Belly, the time and place of spawning not determined. Sixth, the Brook
trout, found in the streams about Lake Tahoe.

In this connection I can but quote, with slight modification, what we
have said elsewhere — ''San Francisco Chronicle," August 31, 1890:

The so called Big Black trout we did not see. The eggs of this large trout are larger
than those of the Red trout, and graj'ish in color ; the young are also gray. The eggs and
young of the Red trout are almost cherry red, and the pigment of the young, reared in
the hatchery, is much more developed than in those of the big trout. The facts brought
to our notice would seem to indicate that the big trout is a species distinct from the Red
trout. It would not, however, be surprising if this should prove to be only the adult form
of the Red trout. The difference in the size of the egg, and in the time of spawning, is not
without its parallel in sea fishes, and the difference in color is, as we have seen, easily
accounted for.

The Red trout has meat of a light pink color. The branchiostegal membrane is bright
red. The females which have deposited their ova are quite silvery, while the males
which have spawned are of a dark cherry color on the sides, darker above and lighter
below. AH the numerous individuals seen were jDretty uniformly spotted.

The Porgy is unquestionably the young Red trout diiring its first spawning season. "It
is so fat that it may be fried in its own grease." The later time of spawning is readily
accounted for by the youth of the Porgy, while its place of spawning (in the lake) is made

64 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

a necessity by the fact that, in all but unusually late seasons, like the present, the streams
emptying' into the lake become dry by the time this tish is ready to spawn. In color the
Porgy is intermediate between the niale and female trout, but' the spots are much less
regular.

The Silver trout may readily be distinguished at a glance in life, but the Porgy is readilj^
taken for a Silver trout when life is extinct. Two Porgies purchased at the wharf of
Tahoe City appeared to be Silver trout when they reached our hotel. The meat is of a
salmon color. Many of the Silver trout are, without any doubt, the Red trout at a stage
younger than the Porgy. If the assertion be true, that the Silver trout attains a weight
of seventeen or eighteen pounds, the lack of color is doubtless due to the surroundings.

The Yellow-belly is a Silver trout from a different bottom, which has changed tlie
silvery to yellow.

The' Brook trout of this region are merely the young of the Red trout. They are quite
distinct from the true Brook trout {Sahno irideus).

It will thus be seen that the trout of Tahoe belong at most to only two species, and very
possibly to a single one.

At the fish hatchery of the State Fish Commission, located at Tahoe City, thousands of
trout are now being hatched. The troughs at the hatchery are filled with the trout in all
stages of development, from the currant-like egg to the food-hunting fish an inch long,
which has lost its j^olk-sac, or source of nourishment.

Salvelinus malma Walbaum. Dolly Varden; Red-spotted Trout.

This is another species concerning which I have no personal knowl-
edge. It is indigenous to the region west of the Cascade Range, from
Northern California to Alaska. According to Goode it is the most
important of our chars, next to the Eastern Brook trout. It descends to
the sea, and reaches the weight of fourteen pounds, but in the mountain
streams it spawns at a length of six or eight inches. They are reported
to spawn late in the fall in the rivers.

Centrarchidye. The Sunfishes.

Archoplites interruptus Girard. Sacramento Perch.

This is the only California representative of the numerous species of
sunfishes inhabiting North America. It is found throughout the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Valleys, and descends to tide water. It is not
frequently brought into the market, and is of no great economic value.

HoLcoNOTiD^. Viviparous Perches.

Hysterocarpus traski Gibbons. Viviparous Perch.

The economic value of this fish is entirely incommensurate with its
scientific interest. It does not reach a large size. It is found through-
out the Sacramento Valley. It is the only American fresh-water repre-
sentative of the viviparous family Holconotidx, of which there are so
many species along the entire coast of California. While all our other
fresh-water fishes deposit spawn, this species brings forth living young
in an almost mature stage.

Its characters have been so changed, probably by its permanent stay
in fresh water, that it now represents a sub-family quite distinct from
its marine relatives.

CoTTiDiE. Sculpins.

The members of this family are mostly marine, and species of Cottidas
abound along the entire coast of California. Some of them reach a
large size, and are brought into the markets; but most of them are
small and of no importance.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 65

CoTTUS. Bullheads; Miller's Thumbs.

The remaining species of fresh-water fishes are all small, and only
indirectly of economic interest. Our account of the one found at Lakes
Tahoe and Donner will serve for them all.

Large individuals (about seven inches is large for this fish) are
especially abundant near the hatching house of the Fish Commission,
where the dead trout eggs are thrown each day. A handful of trout
eggs is certain to bring a bullhead from under every stone in the
vicinity. This fish is related to the Oligocottus analis, a marine species
of bullhead living in tide pools on the coast of California, which
changes, according to food and surroundings, from a grass-green to gray
of various patterns. The changes in color of Coitus minutus are no less
striking. Over a muddy bottom this species is quite black, assuming a
drab or "sand color" over sandy bottom; while over rocks and pebbles
it is conspicuously banded with light and dark. The bullheads are
very destructive to the trout. They lie in wait for them at the mouths
of creeks for the descent of the young ones. The bullheads, in their
turn, form the principal food of a species of Eiitenia, abounding on the
shores of the lake.

5'

66 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

WHY SALMON ARE SCARCE.

LETTER FROM DR. II. W. HARKNESS, PRESIDENT OF THE CALIFORNIA

ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

Upon reexamining the subject, with the view of determining the
cause for the scarcity of sahnon in our rivers, we find that the principal
agent engaged in their destruction is man.

Man accomplishes this in various ways — by the fouling of the rivers
by manufactories, by dams or other obstructions, and chiefly by seine
fishing.

The modern appliances are so perfect, and the pursuit of fish so
active and persistent, that we are convinced that should the fishermen
comply with the law in every particular, even then the salmon would
disappear altogether from our waters; but when we take into considera-
tion the fact that all unfair means are resorted to for the purpose of
increasing the catch, we are no longer at a loss to account for their
scarcity.

If our fishermen would but pay a decent respect to the laws, and
furthermore would capture only a sufficiency for the supply of the
market with fresh salmon, our rivers, with assistance from the State in
the way of restocking at intervals, might still continue to be productive
for an indefinite period.

There is one source of waste, as we look upon it, however, which should
be prevented by the authorities, viz.: the canning interest. From time
to time the Government has expended large sums of money for the
purpose of stocking our rivers with salmon. This is the act of a pater-
nal government with the sole idea, as we view it, of furnishing to all of
the inhabitants of the State, so far as it is possible to do so, an oppor-
tunity for supplying the table with a cheap, nutritive article of food.

The taxpayers at large are called upon to pay the cost, and all are
alike to share in the benefit. Let us examine for a moment, to see if
there is a fair distribution of the results of this outlay. If, as has been
previously stated, after the stocking of the rivers, fishing was conducted
in accordance Avith the laws (fishing being prohibited during certain
davs, in order that a percentage of the breeding fish might escape);
also, that the close season should be strictly observed, and further, that
the exportation of fish should cease under these conditions, we believe
that our rivers would, for an indefinite period, continue to furnish
salmon in quantity sufficient to meet the home demand.

No sooner, however, does the salmon appear in tolerable abundance
than the canner begins his work. Either by hiring boats and fisher-
men himself, or by offering tempting rewards to the fisherman for his
catch, he is enabled to cover the river with boats in such numbers as to
capture a large proportion of the product of the stream before they can
pass his establishment.

If the fish so captured from the Government preserves were distrib-
uted as canned provisions among our people, there would be some slight

KEPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 67

excuse; but wheu we come to learn that all, or nearly all, are shipped
away to foreign countries, we begin to realize that the people are being
defrauded of their just dues.

The canner may claim that he is realizing but a small percentage of
profit, or he may affirm that he has met with material loss, yet this has
nothing to do with the subject. He is responsible for the increase of the
price of fresh fish, and he is to be blamed for the final exhaustion of
the rivers. There is no river, however rich it may be in salmon, but
must eventually become impoverished if the canner is to be allowed to
pursue his vocation, even when under limited Government surveillance.

During one year, some time back, there were two thousand men and
one thousand boats engaged in the salmon fisheries of the Sacramento
River alone. How many of these were employed by the canners we are
unable to determine. As his means of canning fish are practically
unlimited, and he has the world for a market, the canner has but to
increase his fishermen until the stream is so far exhausted as to be of
no further value.

In our judgment, the business of the canner should cease, or else the
Government should abandon the plan of stocking the rivers when the
results are so unsatisfactory.

We feel that this is a question of the greatest importance, and that
the attention of the authorities should be called to it, and that the facts
should be set forth so clearly as to induce them to take steps to remedy
the evil.

To illustrate the case still more fully, we will suppose that our rulers
should, while acting in the capacity of a paternal government, deter-
mine to set aside a large tract of land for a deer park, where large bands
of these animals might be cared for with the view ultimately that veni-
son should be furnished cheaply at certain seasons to the people of the
State. What would be said of the economy of such a proceeding if the
Government, during the hunting season, should permit individuals to
kill the deer without hinderance for the purpose of canning the flesh so
secured and sending it away to a foreign market?

BIENNIAL REPORT

OF THE

;tate board

-\ -i

r\

IONE[

OF THE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

FOR THE

YEARS 1S91— 1892.

COMMISSIONERS.

JOSEPH D. REDDING, President, San Francisco.
RAMON E. WILSON, Secretary, San Francisco.
JOSEPH MORIZIO, Treasurer, San Francisco.

SACRAMENTO

STATE )FFICE, : :

A. J. JOHNSTON, SUPT. STATE PRINTING.

1892.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page.

Ileport of Commissioners 5

Extracts from Deputies' Reports . 17

Report of salmon hatched and distributed from the Sisson Hatchery 29

Directory of outside deputies 31

Distribution of Rainbow and Eastern Brook Trout 1, 32

Tables of temperature of the water in hatcheries 35

Expenditures from variovis appropriations and funds by the Board 36

Cost of the Bear Valley Hatchery 41

Table of licenses sold by the Board 42

Bulletins issued by the Commission 43

Description of a New Species of Trout. By David Starr Jordan 60

Description of Golden Trout. By David Starr Jordan 62

REPORT.

To H. H. Markham, Governor of the State &f California:

The State Board of Fish Commissioners herewith present, in compli-
ance with the law, a report of their official operations, commencing
with the 17th of March, 1891, and ending with the 1st of September,
1892, being the biennial report of the Board of Fish and Game Com-
missioners of the State of California.

The State Board of Fish Commissioners, as at present organized, was
appointed by your Excellency on the 28th of June, 1891.

The first formal meeting of the Board was held on the 13tli of April,
1891. At this meeting a permanent organization was effected, and Mr.
Joseph D. Redding was elected President of the Board, Mr. Ramon E.
Wilson, Secretary, and Mr. .Joseph Morizio, Treasurer.

Since the first meeting as above stated, the present Fish Commission
has held twenty-one meetings at the office of the Commission, and upon
the following dates:

1891 — March 17, formal meeting.
April 13, called meeting.
April 17, called meeting.
April 28, called meeting.
jNlay 11, called meeting.
June 4, called meeting.
.Tune 18, called meeting.
August 8, called meeting.
August 28, called meeting.
September 11, called meeting.

1891 — October 8, called meeting.

November 6, called meeting.
1892 — January 15, called meeting.
' February 15, called meeting.

March 1, called meeting.

April 2, called meeting.

April 27, called meeting.

May 3, called meeting.

May 10, called meeting.

August 2, called meeting.

At each of the above meetings a majority of the Fish Commis'sioners
were present, and a complete minute-book has been kept of all proceed-
ings had, which minute-book is now in the office of the Commission, and
open to inspection.

Immediately upon the organization of the Board,, they proceeded to
appoint assistants. Thomas Tunstead was selected as Chief of Patrol,
and John P. Bal^cock and F. M. Bacigalupi as his deputies. George H.
Koppitz was appointed License Collector, and Samuel C. Mills assistant
to the Secretary.

The office of the Commission was established at Room No. 27, 419
California Street, San Francisco, where it has since remained.

Having thus organized, the first discovery made by the Board was that
all of the funds available to the Commission for the balance of the forty-
second fiscal year had been entirely exhausted; and more than that, that
there was a large outstanding indebtedness, arising from unpaid bills of
the old Board, t-he amount of which is fully set forth in a detailed state-
ment hereto attached.

The business of the Commission has steadily augmented, and the
importance of more stringent fish and game laws is fast becoming
appreciated by the great majority of our citizens.

6 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

The territory of the State of California is so large in area, and the
number and variety of its streams and waters, and diversity of game, so
greatly in excess of those of any other State of the Union, and in fact of
any number of States, that it is hard to appreciate the volume of work
that the Commissioners and their deputies are called upon to perform.

The two chief divisions of our labors are, respectively, the Patrol and
the Hatchery Departments. Under the former is included the main-
tenance of the fish and game laws. For this purpose, under the present
law, there is an annual appropriation of $5,000. AVith this amount at
hand we are supposed to engage competent deputies to patrol the various
wharves and fish markets of San Francisco and the other large cities of
the State; to watch all of the avenues of ingress, and prevent the impor-
tation of certain fish and game when out of season; to keep a vigilant
eye on the 250 miles of the bay lines of San Francisco and confluent
bays and rivers, and to make continuous trips from one end of the State
to the other, and throughout the length and circumference of all of its
streams and waters, for similar purposes.

THE PATROL DEPARTMENT.

It is impossible, with the small appropriation allowed us for this
department, to properly carry out that portion of the law Avhich makes
it the duty of the Commission to protect and preserve the fish and game
in this State. It is hardly necessary to give any reasons for this, for
they must be apparent to every one who will give the matter one
moment's thought. If we undertook to patrol the State in detail, the
actual traveling expenses of the deputies alone would exhaust the fund.
Appreciating this, the Commission has devoted almost its entire atten-
tion to what it conceived would produce the best results, namely:

Fir-'it — The prevention from sale in the markets of San Francisco of
fish and game at the time when it is unlawful to sell the same.

Second — The prevention of illegal fishing in the bay of San Francisco,
especially in the catching of the young of fish.

Third — The prevention of illegal fishing in the Sacramento River.

Fourth — The prevention of dumping sawdust and other deleterious
substances into the various rivers and streams of the State.

Fifth — The requiring of the construction and maintenance of fish
ladders.

What we have been able to accomplish in this direction will be shown
in detail by the reports of our deputies and excerpts therefrom, which
are attached to and made a part of this biennial report.

It requires a particular fitness to be a competent deputy in this
department. The patrolmen are called upon to undergo all kinds of
hardships, to be exposed to wet weather at all times of the day and
night, and to come in contact with some of the most brutal and irre-
sponsible classes of men. The position demands shrewdness, bravery,
and executive ability of high order, besides a thorough familiarity with
the topography of our State. In order to properly fulfill the work of
this department and to employ a sufficient number of competent men,
there should be an annual appropriation of at least $20,000, to be used
entirely in this division of the labors of the Commission. Besides the
patrol work and arrest of violators of the fish and game laws, there fol-
lows an immense amount of labor in the trial and conviction of the

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 7

oftenders. The deputies making the arrest have to be present at the
trial. This, coupled with the customary delays of legal procedure,
demands a great deal of time, and often prevents our employes from
doing important service in other directions. Only by a sufficient appro-
priation can the Commissioners hope to even partially fultill the duties
which are prescribed to them in this behalf under the law.

The exclusive attention of our deputies has been given to the Patrol
Department ever since their appointment. We beg to express to you
our satisfaction in what has been accomplished in this matter of the
prevention of the sale of fish and game in the markets, and especially
with the results which has been accomplished in the prevention of the
dumping of sawdust into the Sacramento, Truckee, and other rivers
and streams, and also in the establishment and maintenance of fish
ladders in the Truckee River and other places. Our most difficult labor
has been found in the neighborhood of the bay of San Francisco, and in
the Sacramento River. We believe that we have accomplished all that
our funds would permit us to do. Your attention is called to the fact
that the shore line of the bay and the Sacramento River alone covers
a distance of more than two hundred and fifty miles. The fishing
business is carried on and conducted at all points on the Sacramento
River, from the city of Sacramento to the mouth of the river, and all
points on the bay. As above suggested, the sum of $5,000 is absolutely
inadequate, if devoted exclusively to this department, to accomplish
much active results. The sum of $20,000 would permit the Commission
to not merely threaten the arrest of the violators of the fish laws by
infrequent visits, but, on the contrary, to accomplish their arrest and
conviction in every instance.

LICENSES.

The Commission early appreciated that the matter of the collection
of licenses, owing to the small amount appropriated for the benefit of
the Commission by the Legislature, was an important matter, and if
properly and successfully conducted, would add materially to the funds
of the Commission. Under the law requiring all persons engaged in
the avocation of fishing, with boat and net, to pay a license, the Com-
mission is authorized to pay to the collector of licenses a percentage
upon the amount of his collections, namely, 15 per cent.

So far as the city of San Francisco is concerned, there is no doubt but
what the compensation, so provided, is fair in proportion to the services
performed; but when it is considered that all the expenses of collection
have to be borne by the collector, such compensation, for collections
outside of the City and County of San Francisco, is entirely inadequate.
In other words, the percentage thus provided for would not pay
expenses, particularly so on account of long distances.

In most of the bays, rivers, and harbors outside of the city of San
Francisco, the number of men engaged in the avocation of fishing is
comparatively small — ras, for instance, in Humboldt Bay, Tomales Bay,
Monterey Bay, and San Diego Bay. Appreciating this condition of
affairs, the Board concluded to appoint a deputy with a fixed monthly
salary, whose principal duty should be to collect licenses.

It was early learned that no provision had heretofore been made for
ascertaining or locating the various individuals throughout the different
portions of the State who were engaged in the occupation of fishing.

8 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

When the vast extent of territory included within this State is consid-
ered, it can be readily understood that the accomplishment of this
object is a very difficult one, and yet without it the law^ would be inoper-
ative and useless.

We beg to call your attention to the expense bills which are hereto
attached, and particularly to those items thereof which were incurred
in the early work of the Commission in the matter of the collection of
licenses. When it is considered that that work was absolutely neces-
sary for the purpose of establishing a correct foundation and system
for the more perfect collection of licenses, and when the work accom-
plished at that time is compared with the results as shown by the reports
of the License Collector for the year 1890, there can be but one conclu-
sion, and that is that the money has been well expended. The Com-
mission is prepared at the present time to turn over to its successors a
fairly complete list of all individuals and sets of individuals who are
engaged in the avocation of fishing with boat and net in the waters of
this State, with the exception of the extreme southern portion of the
State, which, from lack of means, we have not been able to canvass.
As will be seen from the amount of moneys which have been collected
from this source, the collection of licenses is a very important matter to
the Commission. We feel confident in stating that we have inaugurated
the proper system for the accomplishment of the end which was in-
tended, and that if this system is followed out for some length of time,
the objects of the law will have been fully accomplished, and the funds
of the Commission very materially increased. In this connection it is
proper for us to call 3'our attention to the fact that the fishing industry
in this State has materially decreased in certain localities within the
past two years, and this is especially so in the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Rivers, although, as hereinafter shown, the salmon- canning
industry has revived, owing to the unusually large run of salmon this
year.

The collection of licenses from fishermen is a ver}^ difficult undertak-
inar, for the reason that almost the entire fish industrv of this State is
carried on and conducted by foreigners, principally by Italians, Greeks,
Slavonians, and Chinese, half of whom neither understand nor speak
the English language. With the system already established, and which
we intend to more fully perfect, we feel confident in saying tliat our next
report will show a very material increase in the funds of the Commission
from this source.

THE SALMON RUN.

An extraordinary increase in the salmon run has been noticed in the
Sacramento River this year, and to such an unusual extent that the
several canning establishments along that river, which have remained
closed for some time past, have reopened and are doing a thriving busi-
ness. It is difficult to ascribe the proper cause for this unusual run.
Whether it is the actual result of the several millions of young salmon
deposited by the Commission in the headwaters of the Sacramento and
the surrounding streams within the last six years or not, we cannot say.
It is generally supposed that the salmon returns from the sea, as near
as possible to the headwaters, and, in fact, to the exact locality where
it was hatched. On the other hand, the run of the present season is out
of all proportion to that of any other preceding year within the last

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 9

decade, and does not appear to be the natural increase from the work of
the Commission in hatching and depositing these fish in the streams
(^numerated.

The report of the Norwegian Fish Commissioners for the year 1889
makes note of this same anomaly, namely: the unusual and enormous
run of salmon up their rivers during one year after several preceding
years of very inferior runs. They seek to account for it on the theory,
that the salmon, after leaving the fresh waters of its birthplace and
gaining the sea, has no fixed or regular period, so far as the years are
•concerned, for returning to the fresh waters, but is likely to do so at any
time after migrating indiscriminately in the deep waters of the ocean.

Attached to this report and made a part hereof is the report of the
Superintendent of the State Hatchery at Sisson, California, Mr. J. A.
Richardson, setting forth in detail the number of salmon eggs received
from the United States Government during the last two years, the num-
ber hatched and planted, and where planted and distributed during the
j^ame period.

SHAD.

The shad planted by the first State Commission, some fifteen years
ago, have become one of the most plentiful of our fishes, is a staple
article in our markets, and obtainable for less price than in any other
])ortion of our country. Such practical results from the introduction of
a fish hitherto unknown in our waters are very gratifying.

This fish in our waters is equal in every particular to the same fish
found in its native haunts. In this connection, however, we would call
attention to the necessity of shad being handled with great delicacy
]'rom the time it is caught until it is placed upon the table to eat. The
fiber of the flesh is very tender, easily bruised, and at once softens and
loses the quality of its taste by indiscriminate and improper handling.
]N[r. Blackford, the well-known Fish Commissioner of the State of New
York, suggests in a recently published article, that the shad when
<'aught should be packed belly upwards, and handled as carefully as
ripe fruit sliould he for the ]nn-pos(' of transportation.

STRIPED BASS.

The transplanting of striped bass has been equally as successful as
that of the shad, and this delicious fish is now found in our waters and
has become a permanent source of food supply in our markets. There
is an important matter in this connection we beg to call your attention
to, and that is that a law should be framed for the protection and pres-
ervation of striped bass. This fish seeks the slack waters of the rivers
and bay for spawning. The young fish remain for some time in the
waters of their birthplace, and during the period of their growth are being
caught in large quantities by the fishermen, instead of being protected.

There should be a law passed making it a misdemeanoj' to catch, take,
or have in one's possession a striped bass under two pounds in weight.

BLACK BASS.

I

The Commission, through the courtesies of the Spring Valley Water-
works, have been enabled to obtain a few black bass, which we have
distributed, and we are at this time engaged in the same work.

10 REPORT OF STATE BOXrD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

LOBSTERS.

In Ma}', 1888, the United States Fish Commission at Washington
sent a carload of Atlantic lobsters {Homarus Americanus) to this coast,
consigned, for delivery at Monterey Bay, to two of the State Commission-
ers. The car was in charge of Mr. Frank Ellis, one of the deputies
of the United States Commission, and most experienced in the trans-
portation of fish. Over one hundred and sixty full-grown lobsters were
placed in Monterey Bay, off the shore and near Point Finos. These
lobsters arrived in a healthy condition and full of vigor, and when
placed in the waters swam away with great rapidity, seeking their
natural haunt at the bottom, among the rocks. Over thirty thousand
young lobsters also were deposited in and around the same locality.

Since this deposit was made no definite and reliable information has
been received that the lobsters have thrived. Reports have come to us
that one or two of the mature lobsters were washed up by the waves on
the Monterey beach some two years after their transplanting, alive and
in good condition. They were at once placed back into the sea, as the
fishermen of Monterey Bay were duly informed of the eflbrt made to
transplant this most edible of fishes, and have apparently been only too
willing to assist the Commission in its labors. None of the young
lobsters have been heard from. There is a standing reward for the pro-
duction of the first live lobster, which at the present time remains
unclaimed. There would seem to be no reason why the lobster should
not thrive on our coast. The temperature of the waters of the bay is
exactly identical with that of Woods Holl, where the lobsters were taken ^
on the Atlantic Coast. The saline quality is likewise the same. It may
be that the lobster fails to find similar food to that to which it is accus-
tomed in the Atlantic, or that there is some unknown enemy which has
devastated them. Four 3'ears are ample time to mature the young lob-
ster, and if the experiment has been a success we should certainly have
definite results at the latest within another year.

FRESH-WATER CRAY-FISH, OR KCKEVISSE.

These fish, which are indigenous to our State, and at one time most
plentiful in the fresh-water streams around our bay, have become
almost exterminated through the unlimited taking of the same for food
purposes. We suggest that a law should be passed making it a misde-
meanor for the period of the next three years to take, catch, or have in
one's possession any of these fish.

STEAM LAUNCHES AND BOATS.

We are compelled to hire during almost every month of the year a
steam launch, row boats, and yawls. This we are expected to pay for
out of the sum_of money appropriated for the Patrol Department, and
as above indicated, the same is entirely insufficient. We were particu-
larly fortunate at the outset of our work in having donated to us the
steam launch of Commissioner Joseph Morizio, who gave the Commis-
sion the use of it without charge for several weeks, thus reducing our
expenses considerably.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 11

HATCHING DEPARTMNET.

At the outset of the present Commission's work, there being no
funds of any kind available, we were obliged, for the time being, to
abandon all attempts to operate the Hatchery Department. The result
of this was that the spring run of trout was entirely lost, and no ova
were obtained from the trout in this State during the whole of the year
1891, with the exception of 88,000 taken by the Commission under a
contract with Messrs. Stevens & McKenney, at Independence Lake, a
report of which is hereto attached.

When this Commission took office there were two hatcheries belonging
to the State, one located at the town of Sisson, in Siskiyou County, and
the other at Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe.

The hatchery at Lake Tahoe is built upon leased ground, Mr. J. G.
Woodbury being the owner.

The hatchery at Sisson was also located upon leased ground belong-
ing to Mr. J. H. Sisson. The Legislature of 1891 appropriated from
the State's funds $500 to buy the ground upon which the hatchery is
located. This purchase was made, and the deed for the same has been
executed and duly recorded. As hereinbefore stated, when we took
office there were no funds available for use in this department, and none
could be obtained until the coming in of the appropriation for the
forty-third fiscal year, which commenced on the 1st of July,. 1891 ;
however, we made a contract with Messrs. Stevens & McKenney, at
Independence Lake, to take all the spawn they could hatch, at the price
of $2 50 per thousand. They were not very successful in taking a large
quantity of spawn, but without any fault on their part. They turned
over to the Commission 88,000 fry, which were distributed by the Com-
mission, as will appear by a report of the same hereto attached. No fur-
ther attempts were made towards getting any spawn or fish until the fall
run of salmon commenced, when we received fi'om the United States
Hatchery, located on the McCloud River, 2,850,000 eggs.

Mr. J. A. Richardson was appointed by the Board Superintendent of
the Sisson Hatchery, and the work of hatching the salmon spawn
received from the Government was turned over to him.

The Commission, early appreciating the necessity of having a hatch-
ery in the vicinity of San Francisco, soon after the coming in of the
appropriation for the forty-third fiscal year set about to see what could ,
be done towards the accomplishment of that purpose. All the waters of
San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin Counties were carefully
examined, and finally, Bear Valley, in Marin County, was selected as
the site for the new hatchery. The use of the waters of a small mount-
ain stream which empties into Bear Valley Creek, with the right to
construct a dam and reservoir, and also ground of sufficient quantity
for the purposes of the hatchery, was obtained from Hon. Charles
Webb Howard, the owner of the property, and he has given to the Com-
mission a lease for five years, with the privilege of five additional, at a
nominal rent of $1 per year. Having selected the site, the Commission
set to work in August to build the hatchery.

We beg particularly to call your attention to the expense account in
the construction of the hatchery. All of the lumber, with the exception
of the shingles and the underpinning, which are of redwood, was a dona-
tion and a gift by the late Hon. James McM. Shafter. The building

/

12 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

itself is a one-story, peaked roof, 40 feet in length by 22 feet in w,idth,
and can accommodate 24 r2-foot troughs, with a capacity of hatching
1,000,000 eggs. At the present time, however, the Commissioners have
in operation only 12 troughs, but expect to put in the other 12 shortly.
The water used in the building is taken from a reservoir some 300 feet
distant from the building. The dam is about 4 feet high, and is made
of concrete. Ever since its construction, and up to the present time,
the hatchery has been in constant operation, as will be seen by tables
attached hereto.

We have proven conclusively the usefulness and perfect success of
this hatchery. About the time of its completion the Commission
appointed Mr. Eugene W. Hunt Superintendent of it, and he immedi-
ately took charge, and has been in charge ever since. The result of his
work is fully set forth in reports and tables hereto attached.

Having failed to procure any trout spawn in the spring of 1891 for
the above reasons, the Commission set to work to see what could be done
in the matter of obtaining the spawn of the Eastern Brook trout. Appli-
cation was made to the United States Fish Commissioner, but he was
unable to supply us with any. We then placed ourselves in communi-
cation with Hon. George T. Mills, Fish Commissioner for the State of
Nevada, asking permission to cooperate with him in procuring spawn
of the Eastern Brook trout from Marlette Lake, State of Nevada. These
negotiations culminated in an arrangement being made between Mr. Mills
and this Commission by which each Commission gave the services of
one of its deputies, the two Commissions dividing all of the expenses
incident to the taking and eyeing of the spawn. By this arrangement,
as will be seen by tables and reports hereto attached, we were enabled
to distribute 317,000 fry. This arrangement with Mr. Mills was a very
generous one on his part, and it is due to him that we should express in
this report our appreciation of it. Immediately upon the completion of
the distribution of the Eastern Brook trout so obtained, the taking and
eyeing of Rainbow trout spawn from the Klamath River was commenced.
The bulk of the spawn taken was sent to the Bear Valley Hatchery, and.
as will be seen by tables hereto attached, resulted in the distribution of
331,000 Rainbow trout. That work has just been completed. At the
present time we have made no definite arrangements with Mr. Mills to
secure Eastern Brook trout eggs this fall, but we feel confident that some
efficient phm will be made.'

The Commission has not used the hatchery at Lake Tahoe for general
work, that is, the hatching of spawn for general distribution, as we have
concluded in was impracticable, principally for the reason of its long
distance from any means of transportation by rail, and for the further
reason that it cannot be made available in the winter on account of the
snow and ice. It was this fact which prompted the Commission to con-
struct the new hatchery at Bear Valley. As before suggested, and as is
apparent from the tables and the reports attached, the Bear Valley
Hatchery being located within so short a distance of railroad, and being
near the central point for general distribution, is thoroughly practicable.
It is not the present intention of the Conmiission to abandon the
hatchery at Lake Tahoe; but we do not think it can be made use of, (Con-
sidering the small amount of the appropriation, for any purpose, other
than the taking and hatching of spawn for Lake Tahoe and vicinity.
We beg to call your attention to the tables hereto attached showing the

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 13

placets where trout liave been planted. It will be noticed that some of
the points are at long distances from railroad, but the distribution in all
cases has been successful, and the planting has been attended with
extremely small loss.

Mr. W. H. Shebley was appointed a deputy to assist the Superintend-
ents of the Bear Valley and Sisson Hatcheries in the distribution of
fish. Since that date he has practically had the entire management of
that branch of the work.

Apropos of this subject, the Commission desire to express their grate-
fulness for the many favors which have been granted to it by all of the
various railroad companies in the State, in furnishing transportation to
our assistants, and the giving to them of the use of the baggage cars
for the transportation of the fish and apparatus.

Without this aid the work of the Commission would have been very
much handicapped, and we take great gratification in pointing to this
assistance as one of the many courtesies we have received from every
class of citizens of our State with which we have come in contact.
There seems to be a broader and more liberal appreciation of the work
of the Commission in all directions, and from every locality.

Whenever our deputies have proceeded with young fish to deposit
them in remote streams, they have been invariably met by enthusiastic
citizens only too willing to lend their time and labor to the successful
transplanting of the young fry.

The Commission is under many obligations to Dr. David Starr .Jordan,
President of the Leland Stanford, Jr., University, and we take this op-
portunity to express our gratitude to him for the interest that he has
taken in the work of the Commission, and in supplying us with scien-
tific information, some of which has been embodied in bulletins hereto
attached. He has at all times cheerfully responded to all requests that
the Commission and its assistants have made.

We beg to call your attention to Dr. Jordan's description of the Golden
trout and of a new species of salmon, as well as the drawings of both,
which have been furnished to us by him, and with his permission we
now publish for the first time. We also desire to express our thanks
to Col. Marshall McDonald, United States Commissioner of Fisheries,
for many courtesies we have received at his hands in supplying us with
salmon spawn, and in sending to us bulletins and publications pertain-
ing to his department.

A SEPARATE HATCHERY FOR YOSEMITE VALLEY AND SURROUNDING TERRITORY.

We earnestly recommend the construction of a hatchery in Yosemite
Valley, to be placed under the control and expense of the Yosemite
Commissioners. There is a large demand for trout fry from that section
of the State, but it is impracticable for the State Commission, on account
of the long distances of transportation, to stock those waters. If, how-
ever, a hatchery is built by the Yosemite Commissioners, we can always
furnish the spawn. The expense of such a hatchery would be only a
few hundred dollars.

14 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

NECESSITY FOR INCREASED APPROPRIATION IN THIS DEPARTMENT.

Upon reading the above report, we are of the opinion that you will
perceive the necessity of an increase of $5,000 per annum in the appro-
priation for the Hatchery Department. We are hardly able to reach
the remote portions of the State under our present appropriation; be-
sides this, the wants of the State are enlarging with the increase in
population. It is but the natural development of the situation. We
therefore ask that the appropriation of the Hatchery Department shall
be .$10,000 per annum, instead of $5,000.

GAME AND FISH I.AWS.

The Commissioners beg to recommend that certain changes be made
in the fish and game laws of this State, and in particular as follows:

First — The sum of $20,000 per annum should be appropriated for the
restoration and preservation of fish, which includes the Patrol Depart-
ment. With this sum the entire State can be properly and efficiently
patrolled by competent deputies, who will enforce and protect the game
and fish laws. If you will consider the vast territory under our juris-
diction, this amount will appear to be a very moderate one. In the
several Atlantic States extending from Maine to North Carolina, and
covering an area in their entire extent less than that of our own State,
the combined appropriation per annum for these purposes runs up to
over $100,000; besides, on the Atlantic seaboard there is in that limited
territory about twenty million of population, who watch each other and
report to the authorities depredations and violations of the fish and
game laws. We have about one million of people, but just as many
fish and as much game to protect as the Eastern territory has with its
enormous population. It is for these reasons we suggest this increase
in our funds, and earnestly urge that your Excellency will present our
claims for the increase to the coming Legislature.

Second — The law should be so changed as to make possession of any
fish or game at a time when it is unlawful to take or kill the same, a
misdemeanor, without regard to where the fish or game were taken or
killed. As the law now stands, it is claimed that fish or game may be
brought into this State from another State, when it is lawful in the
other State to take or kill the same, although at the same time it is
unlawful to take or kill in this State.

Third — The cold storage system is a matter which demands serious
consideration. By this system it is practicable to place in storage either
fish or game, taken at a time when it is lawful, and keep them for sale
at a time when it is unlawful to take them. By this system it is entirely
practical to supply fish and game out of season, and to make a market
for both fish and game much in excess of the natural demand for the
same during the open season. It is apparent that unless some restrictions
and limitations are imposed, it will only be a matter of comparatively
a short time when close seasons for fish and game will cease to accom-
plish any purpose.

. Fourth — The close season for salmon should include the month of
August, as well as September. In support of this recommendation we
beg to call your attention to a letter written by George B. Williams, Jr.,
Superintendent of the United States Hatchery on the McCToud River,

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 15

Avhich was embodied in the biennial report of our predecessors for the
years 1888 and 1890, and which we republish:

Baird, Cal., July 8, 1890.
3/r. .T. G. Woodbury, San Francisco:

Dear Mr. Woodbury: Yours of the 5th at hand. Two years of experience in charge
of this station on the McCloud has convinced me that unless some action is taken by the
Legislature and those interested in tlie propagation of salmon as a food fish, to include
the month of August as well as that of September in the close season, not many years
will elapse when this valuable food fish will become almost extinct.

On account of the high water we are liable to have at this point during the spring and
late fall runs, it is impracticable to secure and spawn by artificial methods the parent
tish; but the August run comes at a time when it can be handled successfully. In order
to allow this run to reach the headwaters of the Sacramento River, and its tributaries,
the months of August and September should be reserved to allow a free passage of
salmon.

I draw my conclusions from the fact that in previous years, when there was no fishing
with seines in the Sacramento to speak of, thousands of salmon collected here during
the latter part of August and during the month of September, and we found no difficulty
in securing all the eggs we could handle, 14,000,000 ova having been taken in one season.
]''rom the August run in 1888 but 1,568600 were secured, and in 1889, 1,105,000 were taken.
In 1888 the season's take was increased to 5,584,600, by securing ova from the late run in
( »ctober and November. But this was something unusual, and could not have been
accomplished had it not been that the rains did not set in until December of that year.
An attempt was made in 1889 to take the late run, but rains in October caused the Mc-
('loud to become very high, and racks and dams were washed out, allowing the parent
fish to ascend the river and small creeks above the station.

It is very hard to decide how long it takes the salmon to reach their spawning grounds
after they leave the seining grounds of the lower Sacramento, but as near as we can tell,
from two to three weeks.

As you know, the work done at this station is almost entirely for the State. It seems
as if it should be the aim of the people to do all in their power to aid the United States
Fish Commission to accomi^lish its object by making laws that will protect this valuable
food fish.

Much more could be gaid regarding the tremendous decrease in late years of the sal-
mon, but I think I have advanced sufficient reasons to show that a longer close season
is necessary to make a success of our work. It is a question that should be seriously
considered and acted upon at once.
Yours truly,

GEO. B. WILLIAMS, Jr.,
Superintendent of Station.

Section 635 of the Penal Code should be amended so as to make it a
misdemeanor to dump shavings into waters.

Fifth — Your attention is called to Section 636 of the Penal Code.
As it now reads it is meaningless. The word " fish " in some manner
was omitted.

The last section referred to should also be amended so that the
])Ossession of the young of any fish, either fresh or dried, be made a
misdemeanor.

The same section should be further amended by eliminating there-
from the words " except Brook trout."

Sixth — The Board of Fish Commissioners should be given the right
at any time to take any kind of game for propagating purposes.

Seventh — There should be legislation requiring ditch owners to place
wire screens at the entrance of the ditches.

Eighth — We beg to call your attention to the fact that game birds
are being introduced into this State from other countries, such as
]>heasants and wild turkeys. The Legislature should make it a misde-
meanor to hunt, take, or have in possession any of this game for some
l)eriod of time, say four years.

Ninth — An increase in the appropriation for the Hatchery Depart-
ment from $5,000 per annum to $10,000 per annum.

Tenth — We recommend that a tax of 4 cents per case be placed and
collected upon canned salmon. This Commission is hatching and

16 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

planting about 3,000,000 salmon each year in the waters of our State.
A small tax of 4 cents per case (which contains four dozen one-pound
cans, or, which is the same thing, two dozen two-pound cans) would be
willingly paid, we believe, by all persons engaged in this industry, and
the revenue to the Hatchery Department of the Commission would be
greatly augmented.

DEEP SEA FISHING,

Up to the present time no direct attempt has been made to investi-
gate the extent of the marine fishing banks lying at the outer edge of
the Golden Gate and along the coast of our State. On the Atlantic
Coast this has become the most important department of the labors of
the United States Fish Commission and of the various State Commis-
sions. The number and variety of our marine fishes are supposed to
equal, if not exceed, any other locality of equal area on the globe. To
properly classify this, and to adopt any of the systems for the spawning
and hatching of marine fishes, now so successfully being carried on on
the Atlantic seaboard, will require a separate appropriation. The
United States Fish Commission has for many years recognized the
great importance of our seacoast for these purposes. The United
States steamship "Albatross," Capt. Z. L. Tanner commanding, has,
ever since the summer of 1888, been constantly along the Pacific Coast,
and the reports made by him and his experienced officers and special-
ists upon the variety and diversity of our marine food fishes, form the
most interesting portions of the United States Fish Commission reports
for the last three or four years.

We respectfully recommend that the importance of this department of
our labors be thoroughly investigated and understood by the forthcom-
ing Legislature, and a sufficient sum allowed by law to not only assist
the work of the United States Commission, but to obtain for our benefit
a knowledge of the great marine wealth that lines our coast for over
seven hundred miles in extent.

Herewith we proceed to present the reports in detail of our expenditures
in the various departments, and also the reports of our several deputies,
all of which will be found to proceed in conformity to the statements
made in our own report.

Respectfully submitted.

JOSEPH D. REDDING,

President.
RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.
JOSEPH MORIZIO,

Treasurer.

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REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 17

EXTRACTS FROM REPORTS OF DEPUTIES.

Under the organization of the departments of the Commission, orders
were given to each one of the deputies to file a weekly report with the
Board, covering their actions and doings for that time. Such reports
have been filed with the Board every week since its organization. A
great many of them are of a confidential nature, partaking of detective
work, and we do not think it advisable to publish them in full. They
are, of course, open at all times to the inspection of the proper State
officials. They show exactly where each and all of our deputies were
upon every day since they have been in our employ, and are complete
records of the work of the Patrol and Hatchery Departments during
that time.

REPORT OF THOMAS TUNSTEAD.

[Under date of July 29, 1891.]

We visited every fishing camp on the Sacramento River from Nicolaus
to Vallejo, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles, and found
the salmon run very small. At Feather River and vicinity I saw about
one hundred fike nets, but they were not in use. These nets, when in
use, are a permanent contrivance, which is a misdemeanor. We have
no authority under the law to seize these nets. Of the men that I
arrested on the 16tli for extending their nets more than one third across
the river, two were fined $50 each, and in the cases of the other two
the jury disagreed, and upon the advice of the District Attorney, I con-
sented to the dismissal of their cases.

[Under date of August 26, 1891.]

I started on the 28th to San Pablo Bay in search of Chinese, in com-
pany with Deputy Babcock. We saw a number of boats on the drift,
but they w^ere not working, and they did not work during the thirty-six
hours that we lay at anchor in plain view of them.

[Under date of September 29, 1892.]

Visited Belmont, San Mateo County, investigating the reports concern-
ing the trapping of quail, and in company with Mr. Lindsey, the local
deputy, I visited the following places: Spanish Town, or Halfmoon Bay,
Wrights Creek, Purisima Creek, San Gregorio, Lobitas, Corte Madera,
Tornitas, Pescadero, Yazzos, Buteno, White Creek, New Year Creek,
and Wardell Creek. We found and destroyed a number of traps at
these places, but could not find the persons who set them. At one ranch
we found a number of live quail, which the people claimed they had
hatched. We released the birds but made no arrests.

At Wardell Creek we made the acquaintance of a former deputy. He
reported that he had made a number of arrests in his district while he
was connected with the Board, and had prosecuted the cases. After-

0 *3 ,

18 REPORT OP statp: board of fish commissioners.

wards his store and barns were burned down, and he said that he then
resigned from the Commission.

[Under date of January 11, 1892.]

I have to report tliat on January 4th I went to Cazadero, taking-
Deputy Babcock with me. We remained there over night. Tuesday
morning we went to Duncan's Mills by train, and from there walked to
the mouth of Russian River, some six miles. We were dressed as hunters
and were accompanied by two dogs. About one mile from the mouth of
the river we found a set net placed in the stream; it was fastened at one
end to a stake, the other end being anchored in the stream some sixty
yards from the shore. We remained in sight of this net for some two
hours, when we saw two men come from a cabin near the net, get into a
l)oat and take up the net. We were within four hundred yards of them
at the time, and could plainly see what they did; they caught two salmon.
After they had replaced the net in the water again we arrested them,
taking them to Duncan's Mills on foot, and from there to Guerneville by
wagon. We arrived there at 5 p. m. and took them before Justice Bartley,
and preferred the charge against them of using a set net. They pleaded
not guilty and demanded a jury, and the trial was set for the following
Thursday. They were placed in the hands of the Constable. That
evening at about 7 o'clock, the hotel at which we stopped was sur-
rounded by a howling mob of men and boys, who blew fish horns and
gave many other evidences of their disapproval of our actions; the dis-
turbance was brought even into the public sitting-room of the hotel in
which we were. We were told by a number of men about the place that
we could never convict the men or any person or persons in that neigh-
))orhood of illegal fishing; that it was too general, and public sentiment
was opposed to the law. Wednesday evening Assistant Prosecuting
Attorney Luppo, of Sonoma County, came from Santa Rosa to take up
our case. He informed us that he thought we had made a mistake in
preferring the charges in Guerneville, as conviction there was almost
impossible, but that our case was so very strong he hoped we might
do so.

The trial came off Thursday. The jury was composed of middle-aged
men. One of the defendants admitted, on cross-examination, that he
fastened the net at 5:30 a. m. Tuesday to a post which was securely driven
into the bank of the river, and that while the net was so fastened they
caught two salmon. The other defendant claimed that he did not know
whether the net was fastened to the stake or not while they were fish-
ing. The Justice, at the written suggestion of the prosecuting attorney,
instructed the jury to the effect that if they found from the evidence that
either of the defendants fastened or assisted to fasten either end of the
net to any stationary object, it is constituted a set net, and they must
find the defendants guilty, etc. The jury was only out of the room some
ten minutes, when they returned a verdict of not guilty. From the
court-room to the hotel, and from the hotel to the station, we were fol-
lowed by a howling mob of thirty or forty men and boys. It was a
most insulting demonstration. Attorney Luppo and Superintendent
Korberly of the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad, who came
away with us on the train, denounced the affair as being the most dis-
graceful of anything they had ever witnessed, and they did not believe
such a demonstration could take place in any American town.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 19

[JJnder date of February 1, 1892.]

We drove along the coast of San Mateo County, and spent several
days in the vicinity. The waters were full of Steel-heads, but none are
being killed contrary to the law, so far as we could find out. The stories
one gets from San Gregorio and Pescadero are without number, but we
could not get any evidence to su])stantiate any one of them; though we
visited and talked with all of the people in the vicinity for two days,
few of them knew our business. * * *

Deputy Lindsey, of Belmont, has been of great service to the Com-
mission, in my opinion, by having posted Bulletins Nos. 1-3 throughout
his district. All the people in the coast country seem to be posted upon
the Steel-head, and are very shy of killing them. We found no founda-
tion for any of the deer stories, and believe them to be without fact.

[Under date of February 29, 1892.]

This endless patrol of the markets goes on each day, and it is very
necessary, but it is almost always without results. Since I have been
in the employ of the Fish Commission the markets of the city of San
Francisco have been visited every day by some one of the deputies in
your employ, and the patrol of these markets I consider to be very
complete. In this way we have destroyed the market for illegally
caught game or tish. * * *

The almost entire absence of public sentiment for the enforcement of
the fish laws in such places as Glen Ellen, Napa, and other well-known
localities is most marked, so that the local aid the Commission may
expect in these places is but slight.

[Under date of May 6, 1892.]

On April 15th, accompanied by Deputies Babcock and Koppitz, I went
to the Sacramento River to make the annual spring examination and col-
lect licenses. On the way up we overhauled and arrested eight Chinese
fishermen for catching the young fish with set nets. We took the men
to San Rafael, and resumed the trip, visiting Vallejo, Martinez, Benicia,
Antioch, Collinsville, Rio Vista, and Sacramento, besides all the islands
and sloughs on the way up the river.

On April 22d we arrested a Greek for fishing with a 5-inch-mesh net.
He plead guilty at Martinez, and paid a fine of $50.

On April 26th we arrested four men below Rio Vista for having their
nets more than one third across the width of the river. The local senti-
ment is strongly against the law, and a conviction is doubtful.

We finished the trip and returned to the city on May 5th. We col-
lected some two hundred and ten licenses, a report of which is made to
the Board by Deputy Koppitz. The spring run of salmon is light. The
canneries are not open on the river, and the prospects of their opening
is poor. The necessity of the close season in the spring, of at least one
month, seems to me very necessary if the salmon are to be preserved to
the waters of the Sacramento River. The number of boats engaged in the
fishing grows less each year, and the men engaged in the business have
a hard struggle for existence. The Saturday and Sunday close season
is well observed, but does the salmon run but little good, as it is not
long enough to let the fish pass up that part of Suisun Bay and the
river covered by the fatal seines. A close season in April and Septem-

20 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OK FISH COMMISSIONERS.

ber would be of much greater benefit to the fish, and would help materially
to prevent their destruction. There cannot be too much effort made to
have such a close season established. The launch that we used worked
well most of the time.

[Under date of IMay 11, 1892.]

AVent to Rio Vista, taking Deputy Babcock with me, to look after the
fishermen arrested on April 25th. The defense put in a demurrer that
the Code did not cover the case. The demurrer w-as sustained. It is
the old question of "every jjerson who shall cast, extend, or set any
seine or net of any kind for the catching of," the word " fish " being
omitted from Section 636. This section should be amended, as it is
meaningless, owing to the omission of the word " fisli."

[Under date of June 17, 1892.]

Taking Deputy Babcock with me, I went to Belmont, where we were
joined by Deputy Lindsey. We took a boat from Belmont to the Mor-
gan Oj'ster Co.'s camp at the mouth of the slough, and we sailed from
there in one of the company's oyster boats, dressed as fishermen, and
overhauled the Chinese at South Belmont. Their catch was free of
fish, and the shrimps were the smallest I have seen. From South Bel-
mont we sailed to the mouth of Redwood City Slough, and overhauled
the two boats of the Quan Man Lee & Co., and arrested the ten men,
as their catch was fully one third small fish. The head man, Ah One,
ofTered Babcock and mj'self the money they would have to pay if fined,
and used every endeavor to get us to take the money and let them go.
We took them before Justice Welch, who held them to answer.

[Under date of June 29, 1892.]

With Deputy Babcock in the launch " Rustler," we went to Hunter's
Point and overhauled the Chinese camp. We overhauled one junk on
the bay that had Chine?e sturgeon lines and sturgeon freshly caught.
There were three men in the boat. I left the launch and took the China-
men to Pacific Wharf in their own junk. * * *

I would suggest that the Commission request the next Legislature to
pass a law prohibiting the catching of shrimps in set nets, and also pro-
hibiting the catching of shrimps for the purpose of drying, and prohibit-
ing the shipping, having in possession, or offering for sale, or exporting
any dried shrimps.

[Under date of July 1, 1892.]

Upon several occasions your honorable Board has requested a more
detailed report of my visits to the markets. It is, however, a rather
monotonous form to give the names of all the stalls visited each week.
I visit them all, each morning or during the day when I am in the city,
and have found no violation of the law in any of them for months. The
work is very necessary and is carefully done, and I am unable to give
any facts or information from these visits, other than to report that the
law, so tar as the dealers are concerned, is observed. I cannot arrest
any of the dealers because they have sturgeon that have been caught
with Chinese sturgeon lines. The law does not cover the offering for
sale of any such fish. I hope, therefore, that you will not hold me as
being indifferent to your instructions that I did not mention the name
of each stall each w'eek.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. ' 21

[Under date of July 2, 1892.]

I accompanied Deputy KopjDitz to Harbor View for the purpose of
collecting licenses from fishermen at that point. We had very poor
success, as many of them refused to pay, and dared us to make an
arrest. We arrested five men, and locked them up, with the charge of
fishing without a license. They gave bail to appear on the 5th, and on
paying their licenses they were discharged.

Mr. Koppitz re^Dorts that since then he has collected from all the
fishermen at that place without trouble.

[Under date of July 13, 1892.]

Accompanied by Deputy Babcock we went down the bay and arrested
two Chinamen who were catching sturgeon with sturgeon lines, and
took them to Redwood City to await trial. Their cases come up at San
Mateo on the 22d. We have made almost weekly trips to the Chinese
shrimp-fishing stations during the season of 1891-92, and the constant
howl that we do not enforce the law as regards the Chinese, is done for
some other purpose than is apparent upon the surface. These camps
are regularly and systematically overhauled, and all that we can do
with the means at our hands is being done, to see that they do not
destroy the young of fish. The drying beds at all these camps are mostly
free of small fish. I do not believe that the law is violated to the
extent that is complained of.

[Under date of August 29, 1892.]

We took up a lot of sturgeon lines at Roe Island, Suisun Bay, and
ordered the Italians who run the camp to move away. We could not
arrest these men, as we could not catch them in the act of using the
lines. We have taken no less than four miles of line and twelve anchors
from these men during the year, so that their business cannot have
been very profitable to them.

REPORT OF .JOHN P. BABCOCK.

[Under date of July 13, 1891.]

I went to Port Reyes on July 7th, as directed. I saw Mr. ; he

repeated to me the story that he had told to Mr. , and gave me so

good a description of the Swiss that he saw with the deer on July 1st,
that I had but a few hours' search before locating the man at Millerton.

I took Mr. there to identify him, but he failed to do so, though

he admitted the man answered the description to a nicety. I am fully
convinced that "the little sawed-off Swiss, with small, black eyes, and
a long, black-haired mustache so thin that you can see all of his upper

lip," is the man at Millerton, and that did not want to identify

him, for fear that the large Swiss element in the neighborhood would
resent his information and burn his valuable property.

[Under date of August 17, 1891.J

Mr. Storey, of Chip's Island cannery, told us that he would pay the
orders given on him by fishermen who had any money due them;
that the last spring run of salmon had been the poorest in his expe-
rience for years; that most of the fishermen quit in the spring in his

22 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

debt, and that the poor fellows had not made their salt during the
summer; that he -would not open the cannery for salmon until the last
week in August, unless the run of fish was strong.

[Under date of August 26, 1891.]

It is needless for me to add that the license-collecting trip on the
Sacramento River should be made early in April, during the spring run,
and pressed to a finish. The fall run is too short and uncertain.

[Under date of October 9, 1891.]

I went to Santa Cruz. Left the train at Rincon and went down to the
California Powderworks, on the San Lorenzo River, and in company
with Mr. W. C. Payton, Superintendent, went over the company's dams,
flumes, and tunnel. They take all the water from the river and carry
it for a mile or more in flumes before it is again returned to the river,
leaving the bed of the stream dry at this season of the year for at least
a mile and a half. During the winter there is plenty of water in the
bed of the stream. The company has agreed to put in three ladders at
points in their flumes that I selected. With the aid of these ladders, I
believe that every ambitious fish can go around the break. I am pleased
to find the matter so simple of solution.

[Under date of October 10, 1891.]

I went to Branceforte Creek and saw the Hihn Company dam. It
is about twelve feet high and has plenty of water running over it, even
at this time of the year, to support a ladder. I interviewed the man-
ager of the company, and he agreed to put in a Commissioner's ladder.

[Under date of November 15, 1891.]

I visited the new hatchery at Bear Valley, and found the hatchery
admirably located, a good, strong, and suitable building for its important
purpose. Bear Valley Creek is an ideal stream, its waters being abun-
dant, cool, and clear. It flows for its entire length over rocks and gravel,
through a deep, closely wooded canon. All persons familiar with its
history say that it is always clear, subject to no floods, and in mid-win-
ter rises but a foot or so. I gave the plans and drawings to Andrew, the

carpenter, for the tanks and the troughs.

********

I had a long talk with George Hall, of the McCloud River, during
the week, and he says that the fishing on the McCloud River has never
])een so fine as this season; that he has not seen nor heard of any carp
])eing in the upper Avaters of that most beautiful stream. He says that
there has been no deer killed in his vicinity that he knows of, and that
the laws have been well observed, and that there are no complaints from
any one there; that he never saw the upper Sacramento so clear and
fish so plentiful. There is no sawdust dumped in the Sacramento River.

[Under date of January 18, 1892.]

I overhauled the Chinese shrimp-fishing station at San Pedro Point.
The fishermen are mostly idle at this season, as they cannot dry shrimp
during the wet weather.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 23

[Under date of February 15, 1892.]

I do not visit the markets at any regular time, so that the dealers

may not expect me. There were a few Tahoe trout shown by

during the week, but they had been in cold storage since last season.

They are shriveled and uninviting specimens, and trade in them cannot

amount to much. The question of cold storage, however, may some

time become a matter of great annoyance to the Board. * * *

The only deer hides I found during the week were from Colorado. I

took the address of the shipper, and have written the Colorado Game

Commissioners, informing them that hides were being shipped into this

State.

[ Under date of February 29, 1892.]

Mr. George Denison, of Boulder Creek, called at headquarters this

morning. He gives a fine report of the workings of the fish ladders in

all the dams near his place. He says the Perry dam at Boulder Creek

has a fine ladder that works well, and the one that he has put in his

own dam was a success in every way; that he had seen hundreds of fish

pass over it, and that he had never seen so many or such large fish in

Boulder Creek.

[Under date of Jiine 5, 1892.]

Went over the hatchery and buildings at Tahoe. Everything was in

good order, save the nets, which the field mice seemed to have ruined.

J. A. McKenney, of Tahoe City, made application to me for the use of

the house and grounds connected with the hatchery. He agrees to take

good care of the same, rent free. I would recommend that his request

be granted.

[Under date of June 6, 1892.]

We visited the Pacific Lumber and Wood Company's Mill at Burk-
halter Station. They have as fine a fish ladder in their dam as I saw
anywhere in the Truckee River, and their arrangements for disposing
of their sawdust are by far the best I have seen in the State. Their
furnace and conveyors cost over $8,000.

[Under date of June 7, 1892.]

The Truckee Lumber Company have a bulkhead on the opposite side
of the river from their mill, where they dump their sawdust. They
claim to have spent $10,000 on it. It takes good care of all the sawdust
from the ixiill, but the shavings from their door, sash, and blind factory
are, however, all dumped into the river. I protested against this, and
am in hopes that we may yet come to a satisfactory conclusion in the
matter. The Legislature should be petitioned to prohibit the dumping
of shavings as well as sawdust into streams of the State. * * *

The Sierra Nevada Sportsman Club, recently organized in Truckee,
has a membership of over thirty. Stewart McKay is the President, and
Wm. O'Neill is the Secretary, and all the local fishermen — not profes-
sionals— are members. They have printed notices of the fish and game
laws stuck up all around the lakes and rivers in that vicinity, and seem
to be organized for business.

24 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

[Under date of June 11, 1892.]

From the mill we drove to Griff's Creek, a tributary of Lake Tahoe.
O'Neill had located an Indian fish trap on the creek several days before,
but was in doubt as to his powers in the matter. We found the trap in
place. It was a most ingenious contrivance for catching fish, made from
Avoven green willows. The Indians who were working this engine of
destruction for numberless spawn fish, were camped beside the creek.
We ordered them to leave the lake and took out their trap. We worked
over an hour and a half to get it out of the water. The Indians made
no objection, as O'Neill told them that I was a Government man, and
would put them in jail if they did not leave.

[Under date of June 16, 1892.J

This endless round of the markets each day is, of course, very neces-
sary, but it has been without result for months, other than to keep
them free from game and illegally caught fish.

[Under date of June 23, 1892.]

In the launch " Rustler," in company with a " Call " reporter, I visited
the shrimp-fishing station at San Pedro. We overhauled some ten fish-
ing junks. They were full of shrimp, but contained no small fish. The
drying beds on the hillsides at this large station are without shrimp or
fish. The " Call " man said I had proved to him that the Chinese could
catch shrimp without taking small fish.

[Under date of June 29, 1892.J

I went to Hunter's Point in the launch "Rustler." We first over-
hauled a Chinese boat, with sturgeon lines and fresh sturgeon. Tunstead
accompanied this junk to the city. After he left the launch I overhauled
another junk, and arrested the five Chinese fishermen it contained for
having caught the young of fish. After a good deal of a row, I landed
them in the county jail in San Francisco. This is the first time that
I have found at Hunter's Point Chinese with the young of fish in their

boats.

[Under date of July 5, 1892.]

I called upon JVIr. Smurr, of the Southern Pacific, and he assures me

that the railroad will not move the deer skins for , or any one

else, without a permit from the Commission. No such permit should
be granted, as the position the railroad people have taken will be of
great help to the Commission.

[Under date of July 21, 1892.]

Spent the day in the markets, and went to Harbor View. One may
visit these places every day, and so long as there are no arrests to make
one cannot do more than mention that the places were visited; from the
fact that nothing else is reported, seems sufficient to cover our action.
The market men know that some time during the day we will carefully
inspect their stalls, and that knowledge has the desired effect.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 25

[Under date of July 22, 1892.]

Went to San Mateo. The Chinamen were tried and convicted. Her-
ald the fact that one jury has not shirked its duty.

[Under date of July 31, 1892.]

The month has been a good one for us. The number of convictions
were larger than usual. I believe there can be no just fault found with
the work that we have done, when one knows the extent of shore line
and territory we have to patrol. The most effective thing that we can
do, is to see that the sale of illegally killed fish or game is prevented,
for by destroying the market we destroy the business.

[Under date of August 17, 1892.]

The improvement in the condition of the Truckee River is most
marked, and when the factories cease dumping their shavings into the
river, the Commission may feel satisfied over the situation here. Every
one agrees that the fishing in the Truckee River was never so good. There
are no dams in the Truckee River without good and efficient fishways,
and no sawdust is dumped into the river.

REPORT OF W. H. SIIEBLEY.

[Under date of January 6, 1892.]

We began receiving the Eastern Brook trout spawn from Carson on
January 6th, and received shipments on the 15th and 23d, and on Febru-
ary 1st. The total amount of spawn received in the four shipments
was 362,000. The total loss of transporting was 18,882, or an average
loss per cent of .0521 + .

All, or nearly all, of these eggs that became addled in transportation
were unfertilized. * * *

As the spawn neared the period of hatching, quite a number of the
eggs hatched out and died. The embryo would burst from the shell, or
membrane, and die soon after. These were all organically weak, the
result unquestionably of carrying the green spawn so far over the rough
road. After the eggs were hatched there was an unusual number of mal-
formed embryos in the troughs, the effect of the jolting the ova received
on the way from the lake to Carson. Those embryos that came from
the eggs in a healthy condition developed into fine healthy fish.

[Under date of April 4, 1892.]

We started for the San Gabriel River on the 29th and arrived on the
evening of the 1st, after a continuous journey of over sixty hours. The
fish arrived in good condition, considering the length of the trip and the
smallness of the fish. We lost about two hundred and fifty, or about 1
per cent. They died from exhaustion. The length of time they were
without food, and the continual motion of the water from the use of the
aerators wears them out on such a long trip. The Eastern Brook trout
should do well in the San Gabriel Canon.

26 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

[Under date of June 13, 1892.]

I returned to Beswick to take charge of the work of securing ova dur-
ing the remainder of the spawning season. I found that the spawn
fish were not running any better than they were in March, when I left
to commence distributing the fish from the Bear Valley Hatchery. Mr.
Richardson had 29,600 eggs in the building, and 221 large fish — 106
females and 115 males. He had thein shut up in an impounding weir
in the creek. I manipulated them and found that they were unripe,
and would not mature for quite awhile. I changed them to a larger
reservoir near the hatchery, where they would have more room and less
chance to injure themselves in their efforts to escape. These fish were
smaller, and in appearance different from those that we took last year.
Those taken last year in the traps were ripe, or nearly so, and we did
not have any difficulty in securing all the sj^awn that we wanted. From
June 14th to July 1st we caught 388 fish — 271 females and 117 males.
There were more fish caught with rod and line, and put into this new
reservoir, than we took with our trap. The number of fish caught and
put in this pond during the interval from June 14th to July 1st was at
least .500. With those Mr. Richardson had when I came, and those we
caught in the trap, made a total of over 1,100. We manipulated these
fish every few days, and only secured 53,600 ova.

The last time that we stripped the fish we took about 5,000 eggs. The
females were healthy and in good condition, but the males were diseased
and nearly spent. I did not count this lot of ova at all. The appearance
and general condition of the fish this season showed plainly that they
inhabited the river above the dam, and did not belong to the great run
of fish that come from the ocean and the lower waters of the river dur-
ing the spawning season. The fish ladder over the dam at Pokegama
is too small for a river of the size of the Klamath.

REPORT OF E. W. HUNT.

[Under date of September 9, 1891.]

I left San Francisco for Independence Lake, where I was to accept the
young trout hatched by Messrs. Stevens & McKenney for the Commis-
sion under contract. I arrived at the lake on the 10th at 2 p. m., met
Messrs. Stevens & McKenney, and went to their camp at the head of the
lake where their hatchery is situated; saw the young fish, which appar-
ently looked in good condition and ready for distribution. Their
hatcher}^ is very nicely arranged under the circumstances. * * *

The water is supplied by several springs, and the average tempera-
ture while hatching was 48°, the coldest being 44° and the warmest
52°. They took about forty days to hatch. They took about 83,000
Idependence Lake spawn and 16,000 White Rock Lake spawn. The
loss of the Independence was about 10 per cent and the White Rock
about 5 per cent. The color of the White Rock spawn is a cherry red,
about one quarter smaller than the Independence. The color of the
Independence is lemon, and about the same size as the Tahoe and Don-

ner spawn.

[Under date of September 12, 1891.]

I left Webber for the Fordyce Dam Avith Captain Burton, over the new
road which has been completed at the head of the lake. We went to
ascertain if it was possible to take spawn there. * * * There

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 27

is 110 place on either sliore of the lake where a seine could be hauled

or the fish trapped.

[Under date of September 26, 1891.]

In pursuance to orders, I started for Carson to see Fish Commissioner
Mills, of Nevada. I had a conversation with him about taking Eastern
Brook trout spawn from Marlette Lake. He says that we could have
one half of the spaAvn if the Commission would pay half of the expenses,
and send one man to assist in obtaining it. He does not think it advis-
able to ship the green spawn to the Tahoe Hatchery, as we would take
too many chances of losing it after the long trip it would have from the
lake to Carson. He stated that it would be better to eye them at the
Nevada Hatchery in Carson. This will take from forty to fifty days.
By that time we can readily ship them to the Bear Valley Hatchery
without injury. The Carson Hatchery has six troughs and twenty
baskets, enough to eye 1,000,000 spawn.

[I'nder date of September 30, 1891.J

I have been making inquiries about the land-locked salmon planted
ill Donner and Independence Lakes. There have been two or three
caught in Independence Lake during the spring and summer, weighing
from 1^ to 3 pounds. The professional fishermen on the lake do not
think that they hybridize. They are decreasing instead of increasing.
None have ever been caught in Donner Lake that I can hear of. I have
also made inquiries about the Eastern white fish in the Little Truckee
River. No one seems to know anything about them. They say that
some have been planted in the Truckee River, Prosser Creek, and Lake
Tahoe. A great many of the fishermen say that the white fish caught
in these waters are natives, and not the Eastern white fish. I did not
know that they could distinguish the difference. These fish have been
caught from small fry up to 2 pounds in weight in the Truckee River
and in Lake Tahoe. * * *

They are catching Rainbow trout in the Truckee River, and all of the
anglers say that these fish are the best and most game in the river.

[Under date of August 1, 1892.]

I would respectfully suggest to your honorable Board the necessity of
building a cabin near the Bear Valley Hatchery before beginning work
this fall. We lose from an hour to an hour and a half each day in
coming from town to our work. The time thus lost is precious, for early
in the morning and evening is the time young fish most like to feed.
Another reason why the person in charge of the hatchery should live
close to it, is the danger of an accident happening to the water supply.
If anything should happen to the water the labor and expense of months
may be lost in a very short space of time. I would also recommend
that the hatchery be completed by putting in eight more hatching
troughs before more spawn is put into the building. We are now in the
middle of the dry season, and the water is as low as it will be. There
is an ample supply of water to run this hatchery to the full capacity.

28 REPORT OP STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

REPORT OF J. A. RICHARDSON.

[Under date of September 15, 1891.]

I arrived at the United States Fishery, and was met by George B.
Williams, Deputy United States Fish Commissioner. Mr. Williams
accompanied me Over the works. He has made many improvements
in the last two years. Everything is working perfectly, and the right
man is in the right place. Tlie mode of raising water from the river,
by combining a current wheel and a centrifugal pump, works without
danger or accident. There were 2,544,000 eggs in the hatchery. The
temperature of the water was 53°. I w^atched the men seining in the
evening. The salmon are not running very numerous, but are large in
size, the females predominating 6 to 1. As fast as the salmon are caught
they are put in corrals, where they get much scarred and battered trying
to free themselves. There is no way to prevent this. They seine from 5
p. M. to 10 p. M., with one hour for dinner, and again from 5 a. m. to 8:30
A. m. The system of working is perfect. From three to fifteen is the
average catch. Early in the season sometimes two hundred salmon are
taken at one catch. The stripping does not commence until 9 a. m.;
140,000 eggs were taken from 31 fish, giving a total of 2,684,000 to date.
The fish average large this season, 148,000 eggs from 31 fish, giving an
average of 4,516 eggs. They have taken as many as 8,000 eggs from
one fish this season. The smallest fish caught this season was a
female, weighing 3i pounds, and the largest weighed 40 pounds, and
was a male. * * *

I saw a Leather carp in the reservoir by the house, which was one of
two that were taken in the seine a few days ago, which would go to
show that the carj) are working up into the McCloud River.

[Under date of Beswick, jNIay 17, 1892.]

The total number of trout eggs taken to date is 402,000. During this
month a new run of trout have put in an appearance. We have about
100 on hand; they are slow in maturing. It will be from one to three
weeks before the above have reached that condition. These trout are
thick set and rather short, and are in good condition. They are highly
colored, and especially is this the case with the fins. I have noticed a
few specimens that were so highly colored that it seemed unnatural.
The pectoral, ventral, and anal fins were bright scarlet, tipped with
white. We are catching more angling than with the traps. Until about
the 10th instant the males were very scarce, and even now only about
one in ten is matured, although there are plenty of them. The season
has been unusually cold and backward. Fly fishermen are taking from
ten to twenty pounds of trout here a day. * * *

I think a great many trout ran up the creek last winter, for this
reason: For the past two months spent trout have been coming down
the creek, but could not pass the corrals or traps which extended
entirely across the stream. These trout would collect in the pools
above by the hundred, and would die if not allowed to return to the
river. A narrow lane, or pass, one foot wide was built through the cor-
ral, or trap, connecting the creek above with that below, and in twenty-
four hours scarcely a trout could be seen above in the creek.

These trout are silver-sided, long and slim, in good condition, but

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 29

jioor; tlie flesh is almost white. When collected in the pools above the

trap they take the fly readily. The salmon fly are here by the

thousand.

[Under date of 8isson, ^lay 15, 1892.]

Hon. Ramon E. Wilson, Secretary State Board of Fisli Commissioners:

Sir: I herewith transmit a statement of the salmon spawn hatched
during the season of 1891-92:

These salmon eggs were received from Superintendent G. B. Williams,
of the United States Fishery, on the McCloud River, with a per cent
loss in shipping, as follows:

September 30, 1891 454,750. Loss .018 percent.

October 2, 1891 450,000. Loss .02 percent.

October 6, 1891 460,000. Loss .025 per cent.

October?, 1891 460,000. Loss .03 per cent.

Octobers, 1891 332,000. Loss .015 per cent.

October 10, 1891 440,000. Loss .02 per cent.

December 1, 1891 255,000. Loss .033 percent.

The entire shipment of salmon eggs was hatched at a loss of 7 per
cent, or about 200,000 eggs (not fry). Regarding the loss of fry dur-
ing the months of October and November, I selected four compartments
at random from the forty compartments containing the same number,
70,000, of fry. The loss was as follows for each day in the six weeks:
200, 150, 50," 30, 65, 76, 176, 102, 120, 140, 155, 140, 125, 123, 35, 76, 54,
82, 90, 45, 33, 46, 54, 30, 25, 37, 73, 29, 70, 41, 29, 20, 18, 21, 27, 15, 30,
22, 12, 8, 21, 7; total, 2,800, or, for the forty compartments, 28,000,
which is less than 1 per cent.

All of the fry in this loss were mostly malformations. You will notice
that the loss gradually decreases from day to day to the end of the six
weeks. The following six weeks I made a second test of the loss; every
fifth day I made a careful count of the loss of the fry in all of the forty
compartments, and found the loss to be 221.5 on an average for each day,
or 9,303 for the six weeks.

This loss is less than one third of 1 per cent for these six weeks. This
would give a loss of 1^ per cent for the three months up to the time
when we commenced to distribute the fry.

When we commenced to distribute the fry in the streams, and make
the transfer to the nursery ponds, the number on hand was changing
and diminishing every day, and it was difllcult to get at the exact per
cent loss, but it was much less than one half of 1 per cent for the re-
maining time, and I have allowed If per cent, which is more than the
actual loss for that time, or a total loss of fry of about 3 per cent.

There never were over 500,000 fry in the nursery ponds at one time,
as a few were allowed to escape each day, while others were added from
time to time to make up the difference.

The fr}^ in the nursery boxes are not so large as fry reared in the
nursery ponds. The fry in the nursery boxes are never at rest from
the constant current, which is gentle, but continuous. In the ponds
they can seek still water to rest, which they will do a portion of the
day. I made the first transfer of fry to the nursery ponds on Novem-
l)er 30, 1891. The fry were transferred to the nursery ponds as follows:

30

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

1891— November 30 150,000

1892— Febraarv 4 50,000

February 15 50,000

February 18 50,000

February 20 80,000

February 24 20,000

February 27 20,000

February 29 80,000

March 2'. 20,000

March 4 72,000

March 5 50,000

March 6 24,000

March 7 50,000

1892— March 8 20,000

March 9 25,000

Marcli 10 25,000

March 11 25,000

March 12 25,000

March 13 25,000

March 15 50,000

March 17 50,000

March 18 25,000

March 20 50,000

Total __. 1,036,000

After February 1st the screens of the nursery pond were removed for
an hour each day, to allow a portion to escape into the creek. After
March 10th the screens were removed entirely, which allowed the fry
to escape at their pleasure. May 1st there were still 200,000 fry on
hand at Sisson, the loss being from one to thi-ee per day. A careful
count is being kept of the loss.

Salmon fry were distributed in creeks which are tributary to the Sac-
ramento River, as follows:

1892— January 7— School House Creek 25,000

January 7 — Sulloway Oreek ■ 70,000

January 3— "3" Creek 70,000

January 13— Cold Creek 70,000

Januarj^ 14— Sulloway Creek 70,000

January 15 — Steyens Creek 70,000

January 16 — Sulloway Creek 70,000

January 17— Cold Creek 70,000

January 18— "3" Creek 70,000

January 20 — Wagon Valley Creek 70,000

January 23 — Stevens Creek ^ 70,000

January 25 — Sulloway Creek 70,000

January 26— Cold Creek 70,000

January 27 — School House Creek 70,000

January 29 — Sulloway Greek 70,000

January 30 — "3" Creek and School House Cz"eek 70,000

February 1— Wagon Valley Creek 70,000

February 2— Cold Creek . 70,000

February 3— School House Creek i 70,000

February 7— Boot Creek 50,000

February 8— Little Castle Creek 50,000

February 10— Slatonis 50,000

February 13— Klamath River *. 60,000

February 16— Klamath River 60,000

February 19— Klamath River 60,000

Total 2,651,000

The above lot of fry were as fine a lot of fish as ever were turned out
of any hatchery in the world. I have hatched over 24,000,000 salmon,
and I think my judgment good in this matter. The eggs varied greatly
in size this year; the average diameter was .307 of an inch, a 4-incli
square containing 86. Many eggs of the second run were as small as
trout eggs, being but .22 of an inch in diameter.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 31

DIRECTORY OF DEPUTY PATROLMEN, STATE BOARD OF FISH
COMMISSIONERS, WHO SERVED WITHOUT PAY.

William Lindsey Belmont.

A. W. Scott San Francisco.

E. A. Dakin San Francisco.

H. H. Brittan Stony Ford, Colusa County.

H. W. Smith Placerville.

Thomas W. Hobson San Jose.

Donald Ross - San Francisco.

Howard Black Livermore.

S. H. Bolander -^ San Francisco.

James Hanley San Francisco.

George McCrimmon Oakland.

Victor Poncellett New Almaden.

Alexander Murphy Mountain View.

George Denison •- Boulder Creek.

J. H. Mansfield Spanishtown.

James Haynes Marysville.

Wm. O'Neill Truckee.

Trividio Trumbo Santa Cruz.

F. G. Laird Santa Cruz.

H. S. Loveland Las Uvas.

Mason Bradfield Filmore.

C. R. Woods Selma.

Thomas A. Varian Ferndale.

Charles F. Hargitt Avalon.

Wm. Mossop Olema.

A. C. Maude Bakersfield.

George Bement, Jr. Oakland.

32

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF FISH BY THE STATE FISH COMMISSION.

DISTRIBUTION OF LAKE TAHOE TROUT FRY.
Distributed during the month of September, 1891.

1891.

Sept. 19__
Sept. 19-
Sept. 21 __
Sept. 22..
Sept. 22..
Sept. 23..
Sept. 23-

Donner Creek, 2 miles west of Tnickee

Cold Stream, 7 miles southwest of Truckee

Little Truckee River, 3}4 miles from Webber Lake

Mortis Creek, 3 miles southeast of Tnickee

Union Mill Creek, 9 miles east of Truckee

Little Truckee River, 2 miles from Webber Lake . .
Webber Lake (White Rock tront) .

Total.

10,000
15,000
25,000
6,000
4,000
1.3,000
15,000

88,000

The spawn from which these tish were hatched was taken by Stevens & McKenneJ^
under contract, and was hatched by them at Independence Lake in their own hatchery.

DISTRIBUTION OF EASTERN BROOK TROUT.
From Bear Valley Hatchery.

1892.

April
April
April
April
April 1
April 10
April 14
April 17
April 22
April 22
April 22
April 25
April 26
April 26
April 26
April 26
April 30
April 30
May 4
Mav 12
May 14
Mav 14
May 14
May 14
May 14
May 14
Mav 16
May 18
May 21
]\Iay 21
Mav 31
May 31

I slips Creek, tributary San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County

Browns Canon, tributary San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County .
Persingers Gulch, tributary San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County
Creel Club Creek, tributary San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County

West Fork San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County

Garcia River and tributaries, Mendocino County^

Olema Creek, Marin County

Ai;stin Creek and tributaries, Sonoma County

Pescadero Creek, San Mateo County

Smith Creek, tributarjr to Pescadero Creek

Buteno Creek, San Mateo County

San Lorenzo River and tributaries, Santa Cruz County

Ijranceforte Creek, Santa Cruz County

San Lorenzo River, Santa Cruz County, below powderworks

Laguna Creek, Santa Cruz County

Soquel Creek, Santa Cruz County

Calaveras Creek, Santa Clara County ■

Austin Gulch, tributary Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County

San Antone Creek, tributary Calaveritas River, Calaveras County..

Halleck Gulch, tributary Nicasio Creek, Marin County

San Vicente Creek, Santa Cruz County

Granite Creek, Santa Cruz County ..,

Scott Creek, Santa Cruz County

Glen Cailon Creek, Santa CruzX'ountj'^

Zayanto Creek

San Lorenzo River

Sulphur Creek, at confluence with Sqiiaw Creek, Sonoma County ..

Pieta Creek, Sonoma County

Dry Creek, Placer County

Applegate Creek, Placer County

Golden Gate Park

Inm'an Creek and Adobe Creek, Sonoma County

Total 1

2,.500

5,000

9,600

400

7,500

25,000

10,000

25,000

13,000

3,000

9,000

.30,000

7,000

7,000

7,000

14,000

12,500

12,500

25,000

6,000

3,500

.3,.50O

7,000

3,500

3,.50O

14,000

10,000

10,000

6,000

10,000

5,000

10,000

317,000

■ The spawn from which these tish were hatched was taken jointly by the Nevada Fish
Commission and this Board, frohi Marlette Lake, in Nevada.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS.

33

DISTRIBUTION OP RAINBOW TROUT FRY.
From Bear Valley Hatchery.

Date.

Location.

Number of
Fish.

1892.

.Tuly 27
July 27
July 29
July 29
July 29
July 29
Aug. "
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug. .
Aug. 12
Aug. 12
Aug. 12
Aug. 16
Aug. 16
Aug. 16
Aug. 16
Aug. 16
Aug. 18
Aug. 22
Aug. 22
Aug. 22
Aug. 25
Aug. 25
Aug. 26
Aug. 28
Aug. 29
Aug. 29
Aug. 29
Aug. 29
Aug. 29
Aug. 30
Aug. 30
Sept. 1

San Geroninio Creek, Marin County

Ijagunitas Creek, Marin C'ounty

Cold Creek, Mendocino County, tributary Russian River

Reeves Creek, ]\Iendocino County, tributary Russian River

Walker Creek, Mendocino County, tributary Russian River

Mark West Creek, Sonoma County, tributary Russian River

Stevensons Creek, Fresno County, tributary San Joaquin River

Rush Creek, Fresno County, tributary Kings River

Limekiln Creek, Santa Clara County ,

Guadalupe Creek, South Fork, Santa Clara County

Guadalupe Creek, West Fork, Santa Clara County

Guadakipe Creek, main branch, Santa Clara County

]\Iontoyo Creek, Santa Clara County

Corta Madera Creek, San Mateo County

Tornitas Creek, San Mateo County

Purisima Creek, San Mateo County

Napa Creek, Napa County

^lilliken Creek, Napa County

Hinchica Creek, Napa County

Dry Creek, Napa County

Recta Creek, Napa County

Santa Ysabella Creek, San Luis Obispo County

Santa Rosa Creek, Sonoma County

Lynch Creek, Sonoma County

(Larson Creek, branch of Paper Mill Creek, Marin County

Dry Creek, Sonoma County

Little Sulphur Creek

San Gregorio Creek, San Mateo County

Squaw Creek, Placer County, tributary Truckee River

Scott Creek, Placer County, tributary Truckee River

Deep Creek, Placer County, tributary Trucl^ee River

('old Creek, Nevada County, tributary Truckee River

Cold Creek, Nevada County

Martins Creek, Nevada County

Alder Creek, Marin County

Ness Creek, Marin County

Mill Valley Lake, Fresno County, tributary Kings River

Total

12,500

12,500

9,000

6,000

10,000

15,000

45,000

5,000

9,000

13,000

3,000

7,000

3,000

9,000

6,000

10,000

7,000

6,000

6,000

3,000

3,000

25,000

15,000

6,000

7,500

12,000

10,500

10,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

2,500

2,500

2,500

2,500

25,000

331,000

The spawn from which these fish were hatched was taken from Shovel Creek,
you County, California.

Siski-

34

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF RAINBOW TROUT.
From Sisson Hatchery.

Date.

Location.

Number
of Fish.

1892.

May 30-
Aug. 4-
Aug. 5-
Aug. 5.
Aug. 12.
Aug. 24 _
Aug. 29-
Sept. 6.
Sept. 8.
Sept. 8-
Sept. 9-
Sept. 9-
Sept. 9.
Sept. 9.
Sept. 9.
Sept. 9.
Sept. 11.

Shovel Creek, Siskiyou County

Cold Creek, Siskiyou County

Soda Creek, Castle (Jrag, Siskiyou County

Cache Creek, Capay Valley

Placerville, tributary American River

Squaw and Bear <'reek, tributary Truckee River

North Fork American River, above upper falls

Golden (late Bark

Bridal Veil Creek, above Yosemite Valley

Illillonthe Creek, seven miles from Yosemite Valley
Ostromder Lake, twelve miles from Yosemite Valley

Rush Creek, tributary South Fork Merced River

Laurel Creek, tributary South Fork Merced River -..
Wawona Creek, tributary South Fork Merced River.
Chilualno Creek, tributary South Fork Merced River

Soda Creek, tributary Sacramento River

Scott Creek, Mt. Shasta

Total

10,000

500

20,000

20,000

20,000

25,000

25,000

4,600

1,700

1,700

6,800'

1,700

1,700-

3,400

3,400

25,000

5,000

175,50a

The spawn from which these fish were hatched was taken from Shovel Creek, Siskiyou
County, California.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

35

TEMPERATURE OF WATER.

IN BEAR VALLEY HATCHERY— SEASON OF 1892.

Month.

Lowest.

Highest.

Mean.

January .
February-
March . . .

April

May

June

July-_...
August . .

35°

42

46

46

49

49

52

53

60°

53

54

53

58

58

59

60

411^°

50

48

53

5334

53

56^

IN SISSON HATCHERY— SEASON OF 1892.

Month.

Lowest.

Highest.

Mean.

January -
February

March

Ai)ril

May

June

July-....
August ..

40°

44

40

40

40

42

43

44

47°

49

52

52

57

57

56

55

43K°

44K

46

46

48K

49K

50

50

36 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

EESTORATION AND PRESERVATION FUND.

Expenditures during Forti/second Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1891, Chargeable against the
Appropriation for Restoration and Preservation of Fish in the Waters of the State.

Appropriation March 21, 1889 ?5,000 00

Warrant No. 44.3.— M. J. O'Reilly .$1 00

No. 478-J. Routier 30 00

No. 1621— W. S. Harris 147 80

No. 1623— Rerkins & Stevens 1 05

No. 1624— J. A. Richardson 119 65

No. 1625— M. J. O'Reilly » 30 00

No. 1626— Tng " Roberts" 52 00

No. 1628— J. D. Ennis 159 25

No. 1629— J. I). Harvey 9 00

No. 1630— J. Routier 30 00

No. 1817— F. P. Callandun J 115 60

No. 2581— F. P. Callandun 147 60

No. 2582— M. J. O'Reilly 30 00

No. 2583— W. S. Harris 140 50

No. 2599— .1. I). Harvey 5 00

No. 2600— J. Routier 30 00

No. 2601— J. D. Ennis 135 00

No. 2602— Wells, Fargo & Co 75

No. 3872— Wells, Fargo & Co 105

No. 3870— W. S. Harris 100 00

No. 3871— W. S.Harris 37 50

No. 3873— M. .1. O'Reilly 30 00

No. 3874— F. P. Callandun 179 80

No. 3874— .1. D. Ennis 146 50

No. 4701— W.S. Harris 100 00

No. 4720— W.S. Harris 48 40

No. 4723— M. J. O'Reilly 30 00

No. 4724— F. P. Callandun 195 85

No. 5085— Perkins & Stevens 70

No. 5086— .7. Routier 61 00

No. 5087— ,T. D. Ennis 144 15

No. 5088— Britton <V: Rey 75 00

No. 3856— F. P. Callandun 129 00

No. 5837— M. .7. O'Reilly 30 00

No. 5838— .7. E. Curley 10 00

No. 5948— W. S. Harris 100 00

No. 5960— W. S. Harris 43 90

No. 5978—7. D. Ennis 137 00

No. 5979— W. S. Schittger 5 00

' No. 5980— .7. Routier 30 90

No. 6579— J. F. Curley .-.- 20 00

No. 8034— F. P. Callandun 136 50

No. 10376— .7. M. O'Reilly 30 00

No. 11642— J. D. Ennis 140 50

No. 12575— F. P. Callandun 130 50

No. 1.3302— J. F. Curley 15 00

The above bills were approved by the previous Board, and
paid out of the appropriation for the forty-second fiscal year.

No. 1330.3— F. P. Callandun 136 45

No. 13747— .7. D. Ennis 306 00

No. 14915— M. J. O'Reilly 93 00

No. 14934— J. W. Hartley 34 00

No. 14935— Geo. A. Arnold 22 00

No. 14936— S. Kaufman 10 00

No. 16020— .7. A. Richardson 81 85

No. 16021— J. A. Richardson 52 70

No. 16119-S. C. Wells 73 51

No. 16297— 7. P. Babcock 110 30

No. 16375— A. Carlisle & Co 12 50

No. 16.376— S. Kaufman 21 50

Balance on hand June 30, 1891 . 753 74

Totals $5,000 00 .|5,000 00

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 37

To balance broiTght down $753 74

To balance from forty-tirst fiscal year 37 00

WarrantNo. 28(3-. Whittier, Fuller it Co. $14 00

No. 531— J. P. Babcock 10(3 40

No. 532— S. C. Mills 59 60

No. 659— F. M. Bacigalupi 251 69

No. 660— (ieo. H. Koppitz ." 359 05

Totals $790 74 $790 74

Expenditures during Forty-third Fiscal Year, ending June SO, 1892, Chargeable against the
Appropriation for the Restoration and Preservation of Fish in the Waters of the State.

Appropriation April 6, 1891 $5,000 00

Warrant No. 2036— J. A. Kicbardson $142 35

No. 2037— S. C. Mills 63 50

No. 2038— F. Bacigalupi 130 50

No. 2039— .T. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 2040— J. P. Babcock 114 45

No. 2041— R. E. Wilson 38 40

No. 2071— J. P. Babcock__- 168 35

No. 2472— Thos. Tunstead 25170

No. 2473 — Benicia Agricultural Works 3 65

No. 2474— S. C. Mills (50 00

No. 4126— G. H. Koppitz 159 70

No. 4127— F. Bacigalupi 133 25

No. 4128— Thos. Tunstead 126 00

No. 4362— S. C. Mills 60 15

No. 4363— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 4364— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 4365— .T. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 4366— G. H. Koppitz 143 60

No. 4441— Whittier, Fuller & Co 29 25

No. 4442— F. Bacigalupi 104 55

No. 4443— G. H. Koppitz 104 65

No. 4444— .LP. Babcock 113 65

No. 5135— Thos. Tunstead 137 25

No. 6016— J. P. Babcock 133 75

No. 6017— S. C. Mills 69 10

No. 6018— G. H. Koppitz 168 50

No. 6019— Thos. Tunstead 136 50

No. 6020— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 6021— F. Bacigalupi 102 95

No. 6061— .T. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 7715— S. C. Mills 62 40

No. 7716— F. Bacigalupi 101 75

No. 7717— Thos. Tunstead 142 45

No. 7718— G. H. Koppitz 175 15

No. 7719— J. P. Babcock 103 45

No. 8156— J. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 9170— F. Bacigalupi 102 25

No. 9171— S. C. Mills 65 10

No. 9172— G. H. Koppitz 123 40

No. 9173— J. P. Babcock 100 95

No. 9308— S. Kaufman 24 60

No. 9309— A. Haywood 50 00

No. 9310— .T.W. Hartley 15 00

No. 9556— Thomas Tunstead 110 00

No. 10205— G. H. Koppitz 108 25

No. 10206— Thomas Tunstead 139 70

No. 10207— J. Batcheller 15 32

No. 10208— S. C. Mills 59 15

No. 10209— .1. Nunan • 15 00

No. 10210— F. Bacigalupi 107 75

No. 10211— .1. P. Babcock .'---- 128 55

No. 10(315— J. W. Hartley I 15 00

No. 10(316— A. Haywood - 25 00

No. 11325— S. C. Mills 76 25

No. 11326— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 11327— .T. P. Babcock 115 90

No. 11328— Thomas Tunstead.. 126 50

No. 11398— F. Bacigalupi 11 25

No. 14319— G. Jepson 41 13

Totals ! , $5,000 00 $5,000 00

38 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

STATE HATCHERIES FUND.

Expenditures (hiring the Forty-second Fiscal Year, ending June SO, 1891, Chargeable against
the Appropriation for the Support and Maintenance of State Hatcheries.

Appropriation March 21,1889 .i;5,000 00

Warrant No. 1631— J. G. Woodbury .$257 25

No. 1632— J. M. Sliort 19 31

No. 1633— E. M. Hunt - 86 40

No. 1634— J. A. Richardson . 75 00

No. 1635— J. Lowe 67 50

No. 1636— B. Denton 9 00

No. 1637— E.D. Stewart 53 25

No. 1638— W. H. Schittvger 5 00

No. 1639— P. M. McMahbn 32 50

No. 1640— W. H. Shebley 60 00

No. 1812— J. Sheblev, Jr 50 00

No. 1813— E. W. Hedson 13 00

No. 1814— T. E. Sullivan 4 50

No. 2.586— Fireman's Insurance Co 30 75

No. 2587— E.W. Hunt 90 75

No. 2.588— W. H. Shebley lOfJ 40

No. 2.589— J. a. Woodbury 188 77

No. 2590— Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson 9 00

No. 2591— J.Earle 16 50

No. 2592— W. H. Schittyger 5 00

No. 2593— J. Sheblev, Jr .50 00

No. 2594— J. A. Richardson 82 65

No. 2595— E. D. Stewart 50 00

No. 2596— A. Russi 7 50

No. 2597— G. M.Fulsom 39 64

No. 2598— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 3839— W. H. Shebley 112 80

No. 3840— J. G. Woodbury 171 00

No. 3841— J. H. Eigerman 25 00

No. 3842— R. J. Waters 10 00

No. 3843— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 3844— J. A. Richardson 62 95

No. 3845— E. W. Hunt 128 90

No. 3846— J. Shebley, Jr 47 70

No. 3847— E.D. Stewart .50 00

No. 5089— L. J. Griffin 38 14

No. 5090— A. B. Morton 23 25

No. 5091— E. W. Hunt 103 00

No. 5092— W. H. Sheblev 72 15

No. 5093— J. G. Woodbury 149 80

No. 5094— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 5095— J. A. Richardson 32 10

No. 5096— W. C. Tibbett 10 00

No. 5097— Sisson, Crocker & Co 88 57

No. 5098— W.H. Hines .58 GO

No. .5099— E. D. Stewart .39 88

No. .5100— J. H. Sisson 51 45

No. 5968— J. Tonge 34 00

No. 5969— E. Sullivan 18 00

No. 5970— E. AV. Hunt 78 55

No. 5971— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 5972— E. D. Stewart 18 45

No. 5973— R. E. Wilson .55 00

No. 5674— Leibenbaum Bros 24 00

No. 5975— A. Gallavan 7 38

No. 5976 — Fireman's Insurance Co.-- .3180

No. 5977— J. G. Woodburv 174 22

No. 6062— G. Medson _._! 44 00

No. 6063— J. D. Harvey 135

No. 10347— S. C. Wilson 8 00

No. 10348— E. W. Hunt 80 25

No. 10.349— L. J. Griffen 23 23

No. 10350— J. A. Richardson 10 50

No. 10351— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 10352— J. A. Richardson 4 75

No. 10355— J. F. Moody 9 93

No. 10375— Ward ct Bailey 6 00

No. 10747— J. G. Woodbury -. 134 85

Amounts carried forward $3,885 45 $5,000 00

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 39

Amounts brought forward $3,885 45 $5,000 00

Warrant No. 13253— Lloyd Stone.. 12 50

No. 13254— J. A. Richardson 75 00

The above bills were i)assed by the previous Board, and
paid out of the appropriation of the forty-second fiscal year
by the present Board.

No. 13255— Justinian Caire 1 ^8

No. 13256— J. A. Richardson 8 25

No. 13257— Sisson, Crocker* Co 5 40

No. 13258-E. W. Hunt 82 25

No. 13259— L. C. Wilson 2 00

No. 13260-L. J. Griffen 18 44

No. 13704-J. G. Woodbury 132 25

No. 14320— J. G. Woodbury 144 85

No. 14388— J. A. Richardson... 8 55

No. 1438i>— J. A. Richardson 75 00

No. 14390— L. L. Stone 30 00

No. 14391-L. J. Griffen 23 98

No. 14392— E.W\ Hunt 91 00

No. 14931— E. W. Hunt 54 60

No. 14932-W^ H. Schittyger 10 00

No. 14933— .Justinian Caire 3 99

No. 15011— J. G. Woodbury 129 9o

No.16018— J. A. Richardson 100 00

Balance on hand June 30, 1891 104 86

$5,000 00 $5,000 00

To balance brought down - $104 86

Warrant No. 530— Ramon E.Wilson $42 60

No. 1168— J. A. Richardson 62 26

$104 86 $104 86

Expenditures during the Fortij-third Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1892, Chargeable against

the Appropriation for the Support and Maintenance of State Hatcheries.

Appropriation April 6, 1891 $5,000 00

Warrant No. 2475— J. G. Woodbury $50 00

No. 4361— Stevens & McKenney 220 00

No. 4440— Whittier, Fuller & Co 22 62

No. 3136— C. B. Guin & Co 81 75

No. 3137— J. A. Richardson 153 80

No. 5138— E. W. Hunt 155 75

No. 6022— L. Griffen 9 00

No. 7448— J. A. Kichardson 147 50

No. 7449— E. W. Hunt 149 50

No. 7450— Sisson, Crocker & Co 9 33

No. 8152— L. C. Neilson 51 00

No. 8153— G. T. Mills 178 53

No. 8154— E.W. Hunt_.. 141 90

No. 8135— L. Griffen 20 50

No. 8321— J. A.Richardson . 132 00

No. 9553— L. Griffen 37 75

No. 9554— E. W. Hunt 152 30

No. 9555— J. A.Richardson 134 75

No. 9864— J.Keboe 47 01

No. 10217— E. W. Hunt 187 50

No. 10218— G. T. Mills 13 00

No. 10617— Whittier, Fuller & Co 5 50

No. 10618— W. W. Montague & Co 7 05

No. 10619— Huntington-Hopkins Co 9 00

No. 10620— Thos. Wood it Goldsack 5 00

No. 10621— J. A.Richardson 144 00

No. 10622— W. H. Shebley 126 25

No. 11321— J. A.Richardson 149 15

No. 11322— E.W Hunt 134 10

No. 11323— W. H. Shebley HO 75

No. 11441— L. A. Griffen 33 75

No. 11442— W. H. Schittyger . 35 00

No. 11443— J. P. Chamber 20 00

No. 11444— Angel Ditzzitgo 84 00

No. 14153— J. M. Bowers, Jr. 15 22

No. 14154— A. Howe .• 45 00

No. 14137— T. E. Sullivan 58 00

Aniounts carried forward $4,084 26 $5,000 00

40 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Amounts bronght forward $4,084 26 |5,000 00

Warrant No. 14318— Lloyd Stone 10 00

No. 14422— J. P. Chambers 5 00

No. 14423— E. W. Hunt ' 146 50

No. 14424— J. A. Eichardson 144 90

No. 14425— T. E. Sullivan 62 00

No. 14426— C. B. Green 8 50

No. 14427— L. Griffen 12 00

No. 14428— G. H. Fuller 35 00

No. 14429— A. Havwood - 25 00 ^

No. 14430— J. W. ilartley 15 00 ^

No. 14431— W. H. Shebley 134 20

No. 14432— S.Grandy.-." 108 58

No. 14734— S. C. Mills 61 20

No. 15603— T. E. Sullivan 60 00

No. 15604— W. Massop 22 65

No. 15605— W. H. Shebley 120 40

No. 15606— S. Nelson 33 00

No. 15607— E. W. Hunt 141 82

No. 15608— S. C. Mills 58 10

No. 15609— J. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 15610— L. Griffen 46 50

No. 15611— J. A. Richardson 143 60

No. 15612— S. Neilson 72 00

No. 16040— J. P. Chambers 7 00

No. 17953— J. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 17954— S. C. Mills 64 40

No. 17990— W. H. Shebley 127 95

No. 17991— E. W. Hunt 148 30

No. 18715— T. E. Sullivan 72 14

Totals $5,000 00 $5,000 00

FISH COMMISSIONERS' FUND.

Expenditures during the Forty-second, Fiscal Year, ending June 30, 1891, Chargeable against

the Fish Commissioners^ Fund.

By balance on hand July 1, 1891 $47 26

Receipts into fund by old Board 1,723 03

Ex2)enditures.

Warrant No. 283— Wells, Fargo & Co $0 50

No. 284— J. D. Harvey 5 00

No. 441— M. .T. O'Reilly 30 00

' No. 3439— E. W. Hunt 78 50

No. 3440— H. Liddell 12 50

No. 3441— E. D. Stewart 40 40

No. 3442— E. D. Stewart - 50 25

No. 3443— H. D. Burton 70 00

No. 3444— H. D. Burton 39 00

No. 3445— Carson Lumber Co 17 20

No. 3446— T. W. O'Neill 70 00

No. 3857— F. P. Callandun-.j 123 50

No. 5295— J. D. Harvey 5 00

No. 5491— J. E. Todman 6 00

No. 5497— J. E. Todman 20 00

No.5498— Jack Earle 67 50

No. 5499 — Justinian Caire 7 01

, No. 5500— Jack Earle 62 50

No. 5501— J. D. Ennis 126 50

No. 5502— Samuel Nicholls 65 00

No. 5503— W. Schittyger 5 00

No. 6709— J. F. Curlev 228 05

No. 6779— J. Shebley," Jr 50 00

No. 6780— W. H. Shebley 63 00

No. 6781— W. H. Shebley 22 00

No.6782— E. W. Hunt 80 50

No. 6783— J. Earle 21 00

No. 6784— A. F. Caswell 27 50

No. 6785— J. A. Richardson 100 30

No. 6786— J. A.Richardson 95 05

No. 6787— J. A. Richardson 135 00

Balance on hand 46 53

Totals.— $1,770 29 $1,770 29

REPORT OF STATP: BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 41

Expenditures during the Forty-third Fiscal Year, endiiuj June 30, 1892, Chargeable against

the Fish Commissioners' Fund.

By balance on hand July 1, 1892 $46 53

Receipts into fund, forty-third fiscal year 4,461 42

Expenditures.

Warrant No. 2433— C. W. Neill |189 00

No. 2434— .T. H. Sisson 47 15

No. 2435— Sisson, Crocker & Co 97 81

No. 2436— J. G. Woodbury 150 25

No. 2437— J. G. Woodbury 163 10

No. 2450— J. G. Woodbury 213 95

No. 4699— S. Kaufman 30 60

No. 4700— .7. W. Hartley 15 00

No. 5134— Thos. Tunstead 137 60

No. 7736— Thos. Tunstead 328 55

No. 7737— Thos. Tunstead 57 08

No. 7986— Thos. Tunstead 117 90

No. 7987— .1. A. Richardson 181 85

No. 10282— Baker & Hamilton 21 60

No. 10283— J. S. Lowe 221 28

No. 10613— Hy. Hall cfe Co 3 50

No. 10614— Hy. Hall & Co 381 GO

No. 11324— J. 'W. Hartley 15 00

No. 15122— S. Kaufman 31 35

No. 15123— P. P. Callandun 104 11

No. 15124— L. Lagloria 102 00

No. 15125— W. A. Schittyger 30 00

No. 15126— .T. D. Ennis 96 11

No. 15127— G. Jepson 86 00

No. 15263— T. W. O'Neill 196 00

No. 15264— G. .Tepson 112 00

No. 15265— Thos. Tunstead 139 15

No. 15266— J. P. Babcock 125 95

No. 15628— .1. P. Babcock 149 10

No. 15629— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 15630— Geo. H. Koppitz 141 75

No. 16041— Thos. Tunstead 306 25

No. 16407— S. Kaufman 52 70

No. 18049— .T. P. Babcock 141 91

No. 18050— A. Haywood 25 00

No. 18051.— F. M. Bacigalupi 97 71

Balance on hand 163 64

Totals $4,507 95 $4,507_95

June 30, by balance on hand $163 64

EXPENSES INCURRED

In the Construction of the Bear Valley Hatchery and Dam at Bear Valley, Marin County,.

State of California.

B. (fe J. S. Doe, building material $221 28

S. Grandi, building material 9 73

S. Grandi, building material - 101 58

A. Howe, building material 45 00

S. Grandi, building material 109 23

Andrew Howe, constructing building 100 00

Andrew Howe, carpenter work 281 00

Andrew Howe, setting water tanks and water gates 40 00

O. Hardman, labor i 15 00

J. P. Chambers, cutting dam ._- 20 00

Whittier, Fuller it Co., painting trovighs 5 50

A. Pedrotti, hauling lumber for Bear Valley Hatchery 84 00

William INIassop, freight on lumber 22 65

Total , , $1,054 97

42

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM LICENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDING

MARCH 31, 1892.

Class.

Received of
Controller.

Value of
Each.

On Hand
March 31,

1S92.

Sold

during the

Year.

Total Value

of
Licenses Sold.

Commissions Net Amount

Paid Due
for Collecting, the State.

A ....
B ....

500
50
50
50
50

$5 00

7 50

10 00

12 50

135
20
43
16

49

365
30

7
34

1

$1,825 00
225 00

70 00
425 00

25 00

$2 75
1 10

$1,821 25

223 90

70 00

D

425 00

E

25 00

Totals

700

263

437

$2,570 00

$4 85

$2,565 15

AMOUNT RECEIVED FROM LICENSES FROM APRIL 1,

SEPTEMBER 1, 1892.

1892, TO

Class.

Received

of
Controller.

Value of
Each.

On Hand

September 1,

1892.

Sold

during

the Year.

Total Value

of Licenses

Sold.

Net Amount

Due

the State.

A

500
50
50
50
50

$5 00

7 50

10 00

12 50

125
24
44
19
49

375
26

6
31

1

$1,875 00
195 00

60 00
387 50

25 00

$1,875 00

B

195 00

C .

60 00

D

387 50

E

25 00

Totals .

700

261

439

$2,542 50

$2,542 50

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 43

BULLETINS ISSUED BY THE EISH COMMISSION.

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, )
San Francisco, October 12, 1891. )
[Bulletin No. 1.]

A question having been made as to the classification of certain fish
found in Eel River, in salt water, during the month of September,
specimens were obtained ranging from one third of a pound to a pound,
and sent by the Commission to Dr. David S. -Jordan, the well-known
ichthyologist, now President of the Leland Stanford, Junior, University,
for classification. He pronounces them trout — young Steel-heads {Salmo
gairdneri, Richardson).

Under the law. Section 632 of the Penal Code of the State of Cali-
fornia, it is unlawful to catch these fish at any time, except with hook
and line.

Issued by order of the Board.

RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, }
San Francisco, October 12, 1891. ^
[Bulletin No. 2.]

Dr. David S. Jordan, now President of the Leland Stanford, Junior,
University, and Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, Professor of Vertebrate Zoology
in the same University, both well-known ichthyologists, have very kindly
offered to assist the Commission in classifying any fish which may be sent
to them.

Specimens of trout taken from Lake Webber have recently been sent to
Dr. Jordan, which, he says, belong to the form known as the Tahoe trout
{Salmo henshawi). He now regards these trout as a variety of the Red-
throated trout, and writes its name as Salmo viyhiss henshawi.

He has substituted the word my kiss for purpuratus, as it is a much
older name than the latter.

The trout found in Webber Lake are said to have been planted many
years ago by Dr. Webber, and that he took the original stock from Feather
River. They have been commonly known in California as the Feather
River, or Cut-throat trout.

Issued by order of the Board.

RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, \
San Francisco, October 24, 1891. \
[Bulletin No. 3.]

In the early part of the month of October, Capt. A. W. Foster, of
Sacramento, sent to the Commission specimens of trout caught by him
in Klamath River, at Beswick. The specimens thus obtained were sent

44 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

to Dr. David S. Jordan for classification. He classifies the fish as Steel-
head trout {Salvio gairdneri) , and says: "They correspond more nearly
to the Salmon trout of England than do any other of our American
species. The name Salmon trout is promiscuously used for all sorts
of large trout or small salmon, but if any fish on this west coast is
entitled to that name it is the Steel-head."
Issued by order of the Board. .

RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, )
San Francisco, February 15, 1892. j
[Bulletin No. 4.]

By permission of Dr. David Starr Jordan, President of the Leland
Stanford, Junior, University, the Board of Fish Commissioners of the
State of California take pleasure in presenting the following able and
instructive discourse on the subject of " Salmon and Trout of the Pacific
Coast."

Issued bv order of the Board.

RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.

SALMON AND TROUT OF THE PACIFIC COAST.
By Dr. David Starr .Jordan, President Leland Stanford, .Junior, University.

Of all the families of fishes, the one most interesting from almost every
point of view is that of the Salmonidse, the Salmon family. As now
understood, it is not one of the largest families, as it comprises less
•than a hundred species; but in beauty, activity, gaminess, quality as
food, and even in size of individuals, difierent members of the group
stand easily with the first among fishes.

The Salmonidas are found only in the North Temperate and Arctic
regions, and within this range they are everywhere almost equally
abundant wherever suitable waters occur. Some of the species, espe-
cially the larger ones, are marine and anadromous, living and growing
in the sea, and ascending fresh Avaters to spawn. Still others live in
running brooks, entering lakes or the sea when occasion serves, but not
habitually doing so. Still others are lake fishes, approaching the shore
or entering brooks in the spawning season; at other times retiring to
waters of considerable depth. Some of them are active, voracious, and
gamy, while others are comparatively defenseless and will not take the
hook.

All the Salmonidse feed upon fish; the smaller ones upon worms,
insects, and small fish; the larger forms on fishes and Crustacea — what-
ever they can find. The eggs of the species are much larger than in
fishes generally, and the ovaries are without special duct, the eggs fall-
ing into the cavity of the abdomen before they are excluded. The large
size of the eggs, the fact that they do not stick together, and the ease
with which they may be impregnated, render all the Salmonidx pecul-
iarly adapted for artificial culture.

Naturalists divide the Salmonidse into nine genera: Coregonus, the
White Fish; Plecoglossus, a little annual fish Avhich is found in the

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 45

waters of Japan, born in the spring, runs up the rivers in the summer,
and dies the following winter, only the young surviving; Brachymy-
stax, a large and scarcely known salmon-like fish in the waters of Siberia;
■Stenodus, the Inconnu, a large, weak-tooth salmon found in the Mac-
kenzie River; TJiymallus, the Grayling; Hucho, the Huchen, or Roth-
fisch of the River Danube, a large, voracious, pike-like salmon, which
seems to be little known either to naturalists or to anglers; Oncorhyn-
chics, the Pacific Coast salmon, or Quinnats; Sahno, the salmon and
trout; and Salvelinus, the Charr, or Red-spotted trout.

Of these, the various fishes commonly known as salmon and trout
belong to the last three genera. The others need not be further men-
tioned in the present discussion. In order to get a better idea of the
proper application of the various vernacular names that are used in
America, it is necessary to go back to Europe, the source from which
tliese names have been drawn. First, we have a large fish, common in
tlie salt waters of northern Europe, spending most of its life near the
sliores in regions where the water is cold and clear, and ascending the
rivers in the spring when the high water comes down from the mount-
ains, going through rapids with great force, leaping cataracts, and finally
casting its spawn on the gravelly bed of a small stream. This was
known to the Latin writers as Sahno, the word coming from salio, which
means "to leap," and in the different languages which are derived from
the Latin having as its names some form of the word " salmon." The
scientific name of this fish is Salmo salar.

Very similar to the salmon in all technical respects, like it having
black spots over the surface of the body and rather large silvery scales,
is a smaller fish which rarely descends to the sea, and makes its home
in the rivers and lakes throughout northern and central Europe. This
fish was known by the name of Fario to the old Latin writers, the most
important of whom, in this regard, was Ansonius, who wrote feelingly
and poetically of the fishes of the River Moselle. From the Latin word
" fario " comes the German name " forelle." This fish is the trout of all
English writers, the trout of Izaak Walton, and its scientific name is
Salmo fario.

Half wav between the salmon and the trout there is a large trout
which lives mostly in the estuaries of the rivers, sometimes mistaken
for salmon, sometimes for trout, rarely ascending the rivers very far,
and seldom venturing far into the sea. This is the Trutta of the Latin
authors, from which the word "trout" originally comes, although, as it
has happened, the word " fario " has become, in its various forms, the
name of the trout in all the German* and Scandinavian countries, while
derivatives of the word " trutta " have come to mean the same fish in
the Latinf countries and with the English. The scientific name of this
large fish, half salmon and half trout in appearance, altogether trout
in fact, is Salmo trutta, and to this fish properly belongs the name of
Salmon trout.

There are thus in England, whence our names have come, three
species of black-spotted silvery fishes of this family: (1) The Salmon,
largest of all and anadromous, that is, running up the rivers to spawn,
and living in the sea; (2) the Trout, living in the brooks and the lakes
only; (3) the Salmon trout, which stands between the two. All three

* German, Forelle; Danish, Forelse, etc.

+ French, Truite; Spanish, Trucha; English, Trout, etc.

46 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

belong to the genus Salmo, and the only difference of any importance
between the salmon and the trout, so far as structure goes, lies in the
fact that the salmon shed the teeth on its vomer, that is, the middle
part of the roof of its mouth, as it grows older, while in the trout these
teeth are preserved throughout the life of the animal. Living in salt
water, and feeding on large fishes and Crustacea, the salmon is the more
vigorous, with coarser and more oily flesh, but this difference becomes
of small importance as a matter of distinguishing species.

Besides these three, there is another and a finer fish, found in the
coldest and clearest lakes of the Alps and of northern Europe, dark
colored and spotted with bright red, the scales so small that they seem
as mere impressions in the slimy skin, so that the average fisherman
does not recognize their existence. This is a finer and more beautiful
fish than any of the trout, and it is very much less abundant. This is
known in England as the Charr, and on the Continent it has, in Ger-
many, the name of Saibling or Salbling (both words from the low Latin
name Salvelinus, which again is a sort of diminutive of Salmo — a little
salmon); in France it is called the Ombre Chevalier, which in turn
comes from the Latin name Umhla, given to the same fish in allusion to
its dark colors, and its love of shady places in the lakes and brooks.
This charr differs from all the trout in various anatomical respects, the
most notable of which is the entirely different form of its vomer, a form
which could only be satisfactorily described by a series of comparative
drawings. This character of the vomer distinguishes the genus Salve-
linus, to which the Saibling belongs, its scientific name being Salvelinus
alpinus.

Armed with these names of Salmon, Trout, Salmon trout, and Charr,
our ancestors came to America. The name "charr" was doubtless un-
familiar to most of them, for the charr is scarcely found in England
except in the lake district of Cumberland, and for this reason, I sup-
pose, it has never been in common language applied to any American
fish.

Our ancestors found running up the rivers of the Atlantic Coast, a
large fish precisely like the salmon of Europe; in fact, the very same
thing, and so they naturally and correctly enough called it Salmon. In
the fresh waters of New England and New York, in all the clear streams
throughout the Alleghany region, and in the lakes of Canada and to
the northwest, our forefathers found a red-spotted, fine-scaled, dark-
colored speckled beauty. Finding no creal trout with black spots and
large scales in the rivers, and having forgotten the name of "charr,"
they gave to this fish the name of trout, or Speckled trout, or Brook
trout, and in spite of the fact that in reality it is not a trout, but a
charr, the name Brook trout is likely to adhere forever to the Salve-
linus fontinalis.

Real trout there are none on our Atlantic Coast, and Salmon trout is
likewise wanting, but the name Salmon trout is often given to the Brook
trout, or charr, which has run out into the sea; and it is also often
given to another charr, a ver}^ large, coarse species, in which the red spots
have faded out to a cream color, which is found in all the lakes from
Alaska to Maine, across the northern half of our continent. This is
the Great Lake trout {Salvelinus namayciish) , and except for its large
size and comparative coarseness, it would never be mistaken either for
trout or salmon. The name Salmon trout is wholly inapplicable to it.

EEPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 47

In the lakes of Greenland and the eastern part of British America,
the European charr {Salvelinus alpinus) is as abundant as it is in
Europe — a fact which has been only lately made manifest, and even
yet there is some question whether some of these which are found in
the lakes in New Hampshire have not some time or other been brought
over and planted there from Europe.

In the lakes of Maine, and on the north, there is still another charr,
smaller and finer than the European one, the Blue-])ack trout of the
Rangley Lakes, known as Salvelinus oquassa.

Thus, instead of one of the salmon, salmon trout, trout, and charr, of
Europe, we have in the Eastern States the same salmon, the same
charr, and three other charrs, but neither the trout nor the salmon
trout.

In coming to the Pacific Coast, the settlers of California brought the
names with them from the East, but found none of the fishes to which
they had been accustomed. Salmon they found, similar in habits and
in value as food, but many of them larger, finer, and vastly more
abundant than any of the salm'on of Europe. California salmon differ
from all the rest of the salmon family in the fact that the number of
rays in the anal fin is from fourteen to twenty, while in all the salmon
and trout on the other side of the Atlantic this fin contains no more
than nine or ten rays. The Pacific Coast salmon have also an increased
number of branchiostegals, an increased number of gill-rakers, and a
much larger number of pyloric creca, or glands, about the stomach.
They are, therefore, in strictness, not salmon at all, but something
more intensely salmon than the salmon of Europe itself really is. They
have therefore been placed in another genus known as Oncorhynchus.
For the lack of any other common name they are always spoken of
and will always be canned, as long as the canning industry lasts, under
the name of Salmon. The Chinook name, Quinnat, was early applied
to them, and if we feel the need of some other name to distinguish
them from real salmon we may call the Pacific Coast salmon Quinnat,
or Quinnat Salmon. These species all live in the ocean, ascend the
rivers in the spring and summer, spawn in fresh water in the fall, the
young, as soon as they are able to swim, floating tail foremost down
the river and growing rapidly as soon as they reach the ocean and the
peculiar ocean food. There are five species of these Quinnats, which
will be described farther on.

Besides the salmon, the settlers of California found in the brooks an
abundance of what they called trout. These are black-spotted, silver-
scaled, and in every way closely resemble the trout of Europe, and are
wholly unlike the charr, or so-called trout of the Eastern States. The
name trout by rights belongs to these fishes, and they are placed in the
genus Salmo. The three species of trout found in the Pacific waters
will be mentioned farther on. One of these is so similar to the Salmon
trout of Europe that it might fairly be called, as it often is called, by
the same name.

A charr is also found in Pacific waters, but as the name "charr" had
been wholly forgotten by our ancestors, they could only call this, like
the others, a trout. In Oregon the red-spotted trout, or charr, is distin-
guished by the name of Bull trout. In California it had, for a long
time, no distinctive name. A landlady in some hotel in the neighbor-
hood of the United States Fish Hatchery at Baird, on the McCloud

48 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

River, at the time of the Dolly Varden craze, noticing the gaudy colors
of this California charr, proposed to call it the Dolly Varden trout.
This name coming to the ears of Professor Baird, then United States Fish
Commissioner, pleased his fancy, and he directed me, who then had the
classification of the trout in the Smithsonian Institution in hand, to con-
tinue for this species the common name of Dolly Varden trout, and so,
in the books at least, Dolly Varden trout it is to this day.

Turning back to the Quinnat salmon, or the salmon of the Pacific
Coast, we often find persons puzzled to distinguish its 3'oung from the
various forms of trout. Any person who can count, and will take the
trouble to learn which of the fins is the anal fin — the one on the lower
side just behind the vent — can distinguish the young Quinnat salmon
from any form of trout. All the so-called salmon of the Pacific Coast,
all the species of Oncorhynchus, have an increased number of rays in
the anal fin, from fourteen to twenty, while all forms of trout in what-
ever country, all the charrs and the Atlantic Coast salmon, have in this
fin but nine or ten rays. This is a matter of some importance, in view
of the fact that the fishery laws of this State discriminate between trout
and salmon, permitting the catching of the one, when to take the other
is forbidden.

The existence of large salmon-like fislies in the Pacific has long been
known. The dift'erent species were recognized about one hundred and
forty years ago by that most exact of early observers, Steller, who
described and distinguished them with perfect accuracy, under their
Russian vernacular names. These Russian names were, in 1792, adopted
by Walbaum as specific names, in giving to these animals scientific
names. Since Steller's time, writers of all degrees of incompetence, and
writers with scanty material or with no material at all, have done their
worst to confuse our knowledge of these salmon, until it became evident
that no exact knowledge of any of the species remained. In the current
system of a few years ago,* the breeding males of the five species known
to Steller constituted a separate genus of many species {Oncorhynchus,
Suckley); the females w-ere placed in the genus Sahno, and the young
formed still another species of a third genus, called Fario, supposed to
be a genus of trout. The young breeding males (grilse) of one of the
species {Oncorhynchus nerka) made still a fourth genus, designated as
Hypsifario. Not one of the writers on these fishes of thirty years ago
knew a single species definitely, at sight, or used knowingly in their
descriptions a single character by which species are really distinguished.
Not less than thirty-five nominal species of Oncorhynchus have already
been described from the North Pacific, although, so far as is now known,
only the five originally noticed by Steller really exist. The descriptive
literature of the Pacific salmon is among the very worst extant in
science. This is not, however, altogether the fault of the authors, but
it is in great part due to the extraordinary variability in appearance of
the difierent species of salmon. These variations are, as will be seen,
due to several difierent causes, notably to differences in surroundings,
in sex, and in age, and in conditions connected with the process of re-
production. The writer and his associate, Prof. Charles H. Gilbert,
have had, under the auspices of the United States Fish Commission,
better opportunities to study the different species of Oncorhynchus than
had fallen to the lot of any previous ichthyologists. Entirely similar

* See report IT. S. Pacific R. R. Explorations, 1858.

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 49

conclusions have been independently reached by Dr. Tarleton H. Bean,
of the United States Fish Commission, who had several times visited
Alaska for the i)urpose of investigating its salmon fisheries, and whose
means of studying the dift'erent species has been as extensive as ours.
It is very gratifying to see that the results of these different sets of
observations agree in all essential respects, and also agree fully with the
observations made so long ago by Steller.

All of these authorities recognize the existence of five species of
Oncorhynchus inhabiting both shores of the North Pacific. There is no
evidence of the existence of any more on either the American or the
Asiatic side. These species may be called: (1) The Quinnat, or King
salmon; (2) the Blue-back salmon, or Red-fish; (3) the Silver salmon;
(4) the Dog salmon, and (5) the Humpback salmon; or (1) Oncorhyn-
chus tschawytscha; (2) Oncorhynchus nerka; (3) Oncorhynchus kisutch;
(4) Oncorhynchus keta, and (5) Oncorhynchus gorbuscha. All these
species are now known to occur in the waters of Kamtschatka as well as
in those of Alaska and Oregon. These species, in all their varied con-
ditions, may usually be distinguished by the characters given below.
Other differences of form, color, and appearance are absolutely valueless
for distinction, unless specimens of the same age, sex, and condition are
compared.

The King salmon, or true Quinnat, or Chinook salmon {Oncorhynchus
tschawytscha), has an average weight of 22 pounds, but individuals
weighing 70 to 100 pounds are occasionally taken. It has about 16 anal
rays, 15 to 19 branchiostegals, 23 (9+14) gill-rakers on the anterior gill
arch, and 140 to 185 pyloric coeca. The scales are comparatively large,
there being from 130 to 155 in a longitudinal series. In the spring the
body is silvery, tlie back dorsal fin and caudal fin having more or less
of round black spots, and the sides of the head having a peculiar tin-
colored metallic luster. In the fall tlie color is often black or dirty red,
and the species can then only be distinguished from the Dog salmon by
its technical characters.

The Blue-back salmon {Oncorhynchus nerka) usually weighs from 5 to
8 pounds. It has about 14 developed anal rays, 14 branchiostegals, and
75 to 95 pyloric coeca. The gill-rakers are more numerous than in any
other salmon, the number being usually about 39 (16-|-23). The scales
are larger, there being 130 to 140 in the lateral line. In the spring the
form is plumply rounded, and the color is a clear, bright blue above,
silvery below, and everywhere immaculate. Young fishes often show a
few round black spots, which disappear when they enter the sea. Fall
specimens in the lakes are bright red in color, hook-nosed, and slab-
sided, and bear little resemblance to the spring run. Young spawning
male grilse are also peculiar in appearance, and were for a time consid-
ered as forming a distinct genus, under the name of ^^Hypsifario ken-
nerlyi.'^ This species appears to be sometimes land-locked in mountain
lakes, in which case it reaches but a small size. Such specimens, called
" Kokos " by the Indians, have been sent us from Lake Whatcom, Wash-
ington, by Mr. T. .J. Smith, of Whatcom. Similar specimens have been
sent in from other mountain lakes.

The Silver salmon {Oncorhynchus kisutch) reaches a weight of 3 to 8
pounds. It has developed rays in the anal, 13 branchiostegals, 23
(10+13) gill-rakers, and 45 to 80 pyloric coeca. There are about 127
scales in the lateral line. In color it is silvery in spring, greenish

^43

50 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

above, and with a few faint black spots on the upper parts only. In
the fall the males are mostly of a dirty red.

The Dog salmon {Oncorhyncltus keta) reaches an average weight of
about 12 pounds. It has about 14 anal rays, 14 branchiostegals, 24
(9+15) gill-rakers, and 140 to 185 pyloric coeca. There are about 150
scales in the lateral line. In spring it is dirty silvery, immaculate, or
sprinkled with small black specks, the fins dusky. In the fall the male
is brick-red or blackish, and its jaws are greatly distorted.

The Humpback salmon {Oncorhynehus gorbuscha) is the smallest of
the species, weighing from 3 to 6 pounds. It has usually 15 anal rays,
12 branchiostegals, 28 (13-(-15) gill-rakers, and about 180 pyloric coeca.
Its scales are much smaller than in any other salmon, there being 180
to 240 in the lateral line. In color it is bluish above, silvery below, the
posterior and upper parts with many round black spots. The males in
the fall are red,. and are more extravagantly distorted than in any other
in the Salmonidse.

Of these species the Blue-back predominates in Fraser River and in
the Yukon River, the Silver salmon in Puget Sound, the Quinnat in the
Columbia and the Sacramento, and the Silver salmon in most of the
streams along the coast. All the species have been seen by us in the
Columbia and in Fraser River; all but the Blue-back in the Sacramento
and in waters tributary to Puget Sound. Only the King salmon has
been noticed south of San Francisco. Its range has been traced as far
as Ventura River. Of these species, the King salmon and Blue-back
salmon hal)itually " run " in the spring, the others in the fall. The
usual order of running in the rivers is as folio w^s: nerka, tschawytscha,
kisutch, gorbuscha, keta.

The economic value of the spring-running salmon is far greater than
that of the other species, because they can be captured in numbers when
at their best, while the others are usually taken only after deterioration.
To this fact the worthlessness of Oncorhynehus keta, as compared with
the other species, is probably wholly due.

The habits of the salmon in the ocean are not easily studied. King
salmon and Silver salmon of all sizes are taken with the seine at almost
any season in Puget Sound. This would indicate that these species do
not go far from the shore. The King salmon takes the hook freely in
Monterey Bay, both near the shore and at a distance of six to eight
miles out. We have reason to believe that these two species do not
necessarily seek great depths, but probably remain not very far from
the mouth of the rivers in which they were spawned. The Blue-back
and the Dog salmon probably seek deeper water, as the former is seldom
or never taken with the seine in the ocean, and the latter is known to
enter the Strait of Fuca at the spawning season, therefore coming in
from the open sea. The great majority of the King salmon, and nearly
all the Blue-back salmon, enter the rivers in the spring. The run of
both begins generally at the last of March; it lasts, with various modi-
fications and interruptions, until the actual spawning season in Novem-
ber, the time of running and the proportionate amount in each of the
subordinate runs varying with each different river. In general, the
runs are slack in the summer and increase with the first high water of
autumn. By the last of August only straggling Blue-backs can be found
in the lower course of any stream; but both in the Columbia and in the
Sacramento the Quinnat runs in considerable numbers, at least till

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF PISH COMMISSIONERS. 51

October. In the Sacramento the run is greatest in the fall, and more
run in the summer than in spring. In the Sacramento and the smaller
rivers southward, there is a winter run, beginning in December. The
spring salmon ascends only those rivers which are fed by the melting
snows from the mountains, and which have sufficient volume to send
their waters well out to sea. Those salmon which run in the spring are
chiefly adults (supposed to be at least three years old). Their milt
and spawn are no more developed than at the same time in others of
the same species which are not to enter the rivers until fall. It would
appear that the contact with cold fresh water, when in the ocean, in
some way causes them to run towards it, and to run before there is any
special influence to that end exerted by the development of the organs
of generation. High water on any of these rivers in the spring is always
followed by an increased run of salmon. The salmon canners think,
and this is })robably true, that salmon which would not have run till
later are brought up by the contact with the cold water. The cause of
this effect of cold fresh water is not understood. We may call it an
instinct of the salmon, which is another way of expressing our ignorance.
In general, it seems to be true that in those rivers and during those
years when the spring run is greatest, the fall run is least to be depended
upon.

As the season advances, smaller and younger salmon of these species
(Quinnat and Blue-back) enter the rivers to spawn, and in the fall
these young specimens are very numerous. We have thus far failed to
notice any gradations in size or appearance of these young fish by which
their ages could be ascertained. It is, however, probable that some of
both sexes reproduce at the age of one year. In Fraser River, in the
fall, Quinnat male grilse of every size, from 8 inches upwards, were run-
ning, the milt fully developed, but usually not showing the hooked jaws
and dark colors of the older males. Females less than 18 inches in
length were rare. All of either sex, large and small, then in the river,
had the ovaries or milt developed. Little Blue-backs of every size, down
to 6 inches, are also found in the upper Columbia in the fall, with their
organs of generation fully developed. Nineteen twentieths of these
young fish are males, and some of them have the hooked jaws and red
color of the old males.

The average weight of the Quinnat in the Columbia in the spring is
22 pounds; in the Sacramento, al^out 16. Individuals weighing from
40 to 60 pounds are frequently found in both rivers, and some as high
as 80 or even 100 pounds are recorded. It is questioned whether these
large fishes are those which, of the same age, have grown more rapidly;
those which are older, but have for some reason failed to spawn, or
those which have survived one or more spawning seasons. All these
origins may be possible in individual cases; we are, however, of the
opinion that the majority of these large fishes are those which have
hitherto run in the fall, and thus having spawned not far from the sea,
have survived the spawning season of the previous year.

Those fish which enter the rivers in the spring continue their ascent
till death or the spawning season overtakes them. Probably none of
them ever return to the ocean, and a large proportion fail to spawn.
They are known to ascend the Sacramento to its extreme headwaters,
about four hundred miles. In the Columbia they ascend as far as the
Bitter Root Mountains, and at least to the Spokane Falls, and their

52 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

extreme limit is not known. This is a distance of six to eight hundred
miles. At these great distances, when the fish have reached the spawn-
ing grounds, besides the usual changes of the breeding season, their
bodies are covered Avith bruises, on which patches of white fungus
develop. The fins become mutilated, their eyes are often injured or
destroyed, parasitic worms gather in their gills, they become extremely
emaciated, their flesh becomes white from the loss of oil, and as soon as
the spawning act is accomplished, and sometimes before, all of them die.
The ascent of the Cascades and the Dalles j^robably causes the injury
or death of a great manv salmon.

When the salmon enter the river they refuse to take bait, and their
stomachs are always found empty and contracted. In the rivers they
do not feed, and when they reach the spawning grounds their stomachs,
pyloric coeca and all, are said to be no larger than one's finger. They
will sometimes take the fly, or a hook baited with salmon roe, in the
clear waters of the upper tributaries, but there is no evidence known to
us that they feed when there. Only the Quinnat and Blue-back (there
called Red-fish) have been found at any great distance from the sea, and
these (as adult fishes) only in late summer and fall.

The spawning season is probably about the same for all the species.
It varies for each of the different rivers, and for different parts of the
same river. It doubtless extends from July to December. The manner
of spawning is probably similar for all the species, but we have no data
for any except the Quinnat. In this species the fishes pair ofi'; the male,
with tail and snout, excavates a broad, shallow " nest " in the gravelly
bed of the stream, in rapid water, at a depth of one to four feet; the
female deposits her eggs in it, and, after the exclusion of the milt, they
cover them with stones and gravel. They then float down the stream
tail foremost. As already stated, a great majority of them die. In the
headwaters of the large streams, unquestionably all die; in the small
streams, and near the sea, an unknown percentage probably survive.
The young hatch in about sixty days, and most of them return to the
ocean during the high water of the spring.

The salmon of all kinds, in the spring, are silvery, spotted or not,
according to the species, and with the mouth about equally symmetrical
in both sexes. As the spaAvning season approaches, the female loses her
silver}^ color, becomes more slimy, the scales on the back partly sink into
the skin, and the flesh changes from salmon-red and becomes A^ariously
paler from the loss of oil, the degree of paleness varying much with
individuals and Avith inhabitants of different rivers. In the Sacramento
the flesh of the Quinnat, in either spring or fall, is rarely pale. In the
Columbia a few Avith pale flesh are sometimes taken in the spring, and
a good many in the fall. In Fraser River the fall run of the Quinnat
is nearly AA^orthless for canning purposes, because so many are " Avhite-
meated." In the spring very few are " white-meated," but the number
increases toAvards fall, Avhen there is every variation, some having red
streaks running through them, others being red toAvard the head and
pale toward the tail. The red and pale ones cannot be distinguished
externally, and the color is dependent on neither age nor sex. There is
said to be no difference in the taste, but there is no market for canned
salmon not of the conventional orange color.

As the season advances, the difference betAveen the males and females
becomes more and more marked, and keeps pace Avith the development

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 53

of the milt, as is shown by dissection. The males have (1) the pre-
maxillaries and the tip of the lower jaw more and more prolonged, both
of the jaws becoming, finally, strongly and often extravagantly hooked,
so that either they shut by the side of each other like shears, or else the
mouth cannot be closed. (2) The front teeth become very long and canine-
like, the growth proceeding very rapidly, until they are often half an inch
long. (3) The teeth on the vomer and tongue often disappear. (4) The
body grows more compressed and deeper at the shoulders, so that a very
distinct hump is formed; this is more developed in Oncorliynchits gor-
huscha, but is found in all. (5) The scales disappear, especially on the
back, by the growth of spongy skin. (6) The color changes from silvery
to various shades of black and red, or blotchy, according to the species.
The Blue-back turns rosy red, the Dog salmon a dull, blotchy red, and
the Quinnat generally blackish. The distorted males are commonly
considered worthless, rejected by the canners and salmon salters, but
preserved by the Indians. These changes are due solely to influences
connected with the growth of the reproductive organs. They are not in
any way due to the action of fresh water. They take place at about the
same time in the adult males of all species, whether in the ocean or in
the rivers. At the time of the spring runs all are symmetrical. In the
fall all males, of whatever species, are more or less distorted. Among
the Dog salmon, which run only in the fall, the males are hook-jawed
and red-blotched when they first enter the Strait of Fuca from the out-
side. .The Humpback, taken in salt water about Seattle, have the same
peculiarities. The male is slab-sided, hook-billed, and distorted, and is
rejected by the canners. No hook-jawed females of any species have
been seen. It is not positively known that any fully hook-jawed old
male survives the reproductive act. If any do, the jaws must resume
the normal form.

On first entering a stream the salmon swim about as if playing. They
always head towards the current, and this appearance of playing may
be simply due to facing the moving tide. Afterwards they enter the
deepest parts of the stream and swim straight up, with few interrup-
tions. Their rate of travel at Sacramento is- estimated by Stone at
about two miles per day; on the Columbia at about three miles per day.
Those who enter the Columbia in the spring and ascend to the mountain
rivers of Idaho, must go at a more rapid rate than this, as they must
make an average of nearly four miles per day.

As already stated, the economic value of any species depends in great
part on its being a " spring salmon." It is not generally possible to
capture salmon of any species in large numbers until they have entered
the rivers, and the spring salmon enters the rivers long before the
growth of the organs of reproduction has reduced the richness of the
flesh. The fall salmon cannot be taken in quantity until their flesh has
deteriorated; hence, the Dog salmon is practically almost worthless,
except to the Indians, and the Humpback salmon is little better. The
Silver salmon, with the same breeding habits as the Dog salmon, is
more valuable, as it is found in the inland waters of Puget Sound for a
considerable time before the fall rains cause the fall runs, and it may
be taken in large numbers with seines before the season for entering
the rivers. The Quinnat salmon, from its great size and abundance, is
more valuable than all the other fishes on our Pacific Coast taken
together. The Blue-back, similar in flesh, but much smaller and less

54 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

abundant, is worth much more than the combined value of the three
remaining species of salmon.

The fall salmon of all species, but especially of the Dog salmon,
ascend streams but a short distance before spawning. They seem to be
in great anxiety to find fresh water, and many of them work their way
up little brooks only a few inches deep, where they perish miserably,
floundering about on the stones. Every stream, of whatever kind, has
more or less of these fall salmon.

It is the prevailing impression that the salmon have some special
instinct which leads them to return to spawn in the same spawning
grounds where the}^ were originally hatched. We fail to find any evi-
dence of this in the case of the Pacific Coast salmon, and we do not
believe it to be true. It seems more probable that the young salmon
hatched in any river mostly remain in the ocean, within a radius of
twenty, thirty, or forty miles of its mouth. These, in their movements
about in the ocean, may come into contact with the cold waters of their
parent rivers, or, perhaps, of any other river, at a considerable distance
from the shore. In the case of the Quinnat and the Blue-back, their
"instinct" seems to lead them to ascend these fresh waters, and, in a
majority of cases, these waters will be those in which the fishes in ques-
tion were originally spawned. Later in the season the growth of the
reproductive organs leads them to approach the shore and search for
fresh waters, and still the chances are that they may find the original
stream. But undoubtedly many fall salmon ascend, or try to ascend,
streams in which no salmon were ever hatched. In little brooks about
Puget Sound, where the water is not three inches deep, are often found
dead or dying salmon, which have entered them for the purpose of
spaw^ning. It is said of the Russian River and other California rivers,
that their mouths, in the time of low water in summer, generally become
entirely closed by sand-bars, and that the salmon, in their eagerness to
ascend them, frequently fling themselves entirely out of water on the
beach. But this does not prove that the salmon are guided b)^ a marvel-
ous geographical instinct, which leads them to their parent river in spite
of the fact that the river cannot be found. The waters of Russian River
soak through these sand-bars, and the salmon instinct, we think, leads
them merely to search for fresh waters. This matter is ixiuch in need
of further investigation; at present, however, we find no reason to
believe that the salmon enter the Rogue River simply because they
were spawned there, or that a salmon hatched in the Clackamas River
is more likely, on that account, to return to the Clackamas than to go
up the Cowlitz or the Des Chutes. "At the hatchery on Rogue River
the fish are stripped, marked, and set free, and every year since the
hatchery has been in operation some of the marked fish have been
recaught. The young fry are also marked, but none of them have been
recaught."

In regard to the diminution of the number of salmon on the coast,
Dr. Gilbert and myself published in 1880, in the report of the United
States Census Bureau, the following observations: "In Puget Sound,
Fraser River, and the small streams, there appears to be little or no
evidence of diminution. In the Columbia River the evidence appears
somewhat conflicting. The catch in 1880 was considerably greater than
ever before (nearly five hundred and forty thousand cases of forty-eight
pounds each having been packed), although the fishing for three or

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 55

four years has been extensive. On the other hand, the high water of
that year undoubtedly caused many fish to become spring salmon which
would otherwise have run in the fall. Moreover, it is urged that a few
3^ears ago, when the number caught was about half as great as in 1880,
the amount of netting used was perhaps one eighth as much. With a
comparatively small outfit the canners caught half the fish; now, with nets
much larger and more numerous, they catch them nearly all, scarcely any
escaping during the fishing season (April 1st to August 1st). Whether
an actual reduction in the number of fish running can be proved or not,
there can be no question that the present rate of destruction of the
salmon will deplete the river before many years. A considerable num-
ber of Quinnat salmon run in August and September, and some strag-
glers even later; these are all which now keep up the supply of fish in
the river. The non-molestation of this fall run, therefore, does some-
thing to atone for the almost total destruction of the spring run. This,
however, is insufficient. A well-ordered salmon hatchery is the only
means by which the destruction of the salmon fisheries of the Columbia
€an be prevented."

Since this was written the over-fishing has gone on steadily, the num-
ber of nets used is two or three times as great as it was in 1880, while
the catch has steadily fallen off". Seines are now used freely in the
Columbia, and other appliances by which great numbers of young sal-
mon, too small for use in the canneries, are destroyed, and the utter
disappearance of the salmon fishery of the Columbia is only a question
of a few years unless some vigorous means is taken to prevent over-fish-
ing, to prevent the destruction of young fish, and to replenish the losses
from all these causes. The same story of the destruction of the rich
fisheries of the Columbia will be told again in the Fraser River and in
the Yukon, and in every other stream where unlimited fishing is allowed,
and where no adequate effort is made to keep up the supply. Just as
the forests are wantonly and thoughtlessly destroyed by early settlers
and by lumbermen, just so the fisheries of this coast will go under the
hands of the canner.

Of the American trout, the one which most nearly approaches the
European Salmo fario, is the Rainbow trout of California, Salmo irideus,
as it was named some forty years ago by Dr. W. P. Gibbons, of Alameda.
The name Rainbow trout is simply a translation of the Latin name
irideus given by Dr. Gibbons, and in default of any better common
name this name is likely to last. The distinctive characters of this
trout lie mainly in the large scales (about 135) in a lengthwise series, in
the comparatively small mouth and plump body. The color is bluish,
the sides silvery, usually with a red lateral band, and marked with
reddish and dusky blotches. The young, as in all trout, are crossed by
dark bands, which are, in every case, a mark of immaturity. In the
Rainbow trout the head, back, and upper fins are sprinkled with round
black spots, which are very variable in number. In specimens taken
in the sea, this species, like most other trout in similar conditions, is
bright silvery, and sometimes immaculate. This species is especially
characteristic of the waters of California. It abounds in every clear
brook from the Mexican line northward to Mount Shasta, and perhaps
farther. No specimens have been anywhere obtained to the eastward
of the Cascade Range or of the Sierra Nevada. It varies much in size,
specimens from Northern California often reaching a weight of 6 pounds.

56 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

while in the Rio San Lnis Rey, the southernmost locality from which I
have obtained trout, they seldom exceed a length of 6 inches. Although
not an anadromous species, the Rainbow trout frequently moves about
in the rivers, and it often enters the sea. All of the small trout which
I have seen from the streams of the Coast Range belong to this species,
and there is no authentic record of its occurrence outside of California.

Another California trout is the so-called Steel-head, more usually
known in California as Salmon trout, a fish sufficiently like the Salmon
trout of Europe, but the name Steel-head seems to me preferable because
it is given to no other fish. The Steel-head, so called from the color of
its head and the hardness of the bones of its skull as compared with the
bones of the Quinnat salmon, is found very abundantly in the mouth
of the Columbia and other rivers at the time of the salmon run. Its
usual weight in the Columbia is about 12 pounds, but it occasionally
reaches 20 or 25 pounds. The fishes seen in the river mouth at the
time of the early salmon runs are evidently spent fishes. They are
lean and lank, the flesh is pale and poor, and the bones are hard, for
all of which reasons it is, or ought to be, rejected by the canners,
although there is no doubt that the Steel-head, when taken at its best,
may be one of the finest of all trout. It certainly reaches a larger
average size than any other real trout in any country. Its scientific
name is Salmo gairdneri, named for Dr. Gairdner, of Astoria, who first
discovered the species and sent it to John Richardson. The fact that
these fishes are spent in the spring would indicate a spawning time later
than that of the salmon — probably midwinter — and they are probably
found in the rivers at this time, because they are returning toward the
sea. Steel-heads are most abundant in the Columbia, but they are not
infrequently taken in the Sacramento, and several young specimens have
been sent to me by Mr. Ramon E. Wilson, of the State Fish Commission,
from the Eel River and the Klamath River. It is not unlikely that the
most of the trout in the coastwise streams of northwestern California
belong to this species.

Comparing the Steel-heads with the Rainbow trout, we find no differ-
ences, other than the former is of much larger size, and has a larger
mouth, and its caudal fin is truncate instead of forked. But the tail
becomes more truncate and the mouth larger with age in all species of
salmon and trout. If a Rainbow trout were to reach the size of the
Steel-head, it ought to acquire characters similar to those of the latter
species. It is not at all unlikely that the Steel-head is simply a Rain-
bow trout which has descended into the sea, and which has grown larger
and coarser and acquired somewhat different form and habits, on account
of its food and its surroundings. If this be true, the very young Steel-
heads would not be distinguishable from the young Rainbow trout, and
I do not know a single structural character of any kind by which the
two may be separated. In every other case there is some mark, some
difference in the number of scales or bones, b}^ which we can tell the
species of trout, the one from the other; but in the case of the Steel-
head there is absolutely no such diff"erence. The Rainbow trout is a
small, plump fish, found in the fresh-water streams, and having certain
peculiarities of form and coloration. In every internal respect, in every
bone and every part of its structure, the Steel-head and the Rainbow
trout agree, and so it is one of the unsettled problems connected with
the fisheries of California whether the Steel-head is a distinct kind of

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 57

trout, or whether any Rainbow trout, placed in the ocean or the river
mouth, and allowed to feed on the rich food which the salmon gets,
would not, in time, develop into a Steel-head regardless of the form of
its parents. The evidence, so far as it is in, is conflicting. There are
some things which go to show that the two are distinct fishes. Other
evidence Avould show that they are simply forms of the same thing, and
a thorough study of the coastwise streams of this State is necessary
before this point can be settled. If the tw'o are the same, then the name
Salmo irideus must drop from our lists, because the Steel-head was first
introduced to science, and the name of Salmo gairdneri is the oldest.

The remaining trout of this coast is the species known as the Cut-
throat trout, or Salmo mykiss. This is the longest known of the Amer-
ican trout, having been discovered first by Steller, who gave it the
Russian name of mykiss, which science has preserved. It is the most
widely distributed of all our trout, being found throughout Alaska,
Kamtschatka, in all the streams of Washington and Oregon, in the
northwestern part of this State, throughout the rivers of the Great
Basin of Utah, in all the streams on both sides of the Rocky Mountains
until w^e come to the desert lands, where the washes of sand make the
streams uninhabitable to any trout, and thence extending its range
southward in the mountains as far as the springs in Chihuahua, the
southernmost point reached by any trout in any country. Throughout
this vast area the Salmo mykiss is found. It is subject to very great
variations according to the character of the water, according to the food
which it receives, and according to various other less known circum-
stances. It is, however, in all this region, substantially the same fish.
In some places it reaches a weight of 25 or 30 pounds. In the southern-
most limit of its range it never becomes more than a fingerling, but
everywhere in this whole great region every specimen retains more or
less distinct traces of the same mark — a deep crimson or scarlet blotch
on the half-concealed membrane between the two branches of the'lower
jaw — the mark which has suggested the name of Cut-throat trout. It
has much smaller scales than the Rainbow trout or the Steel-head. In
fact it has smaller scales than any other of the known species of
trout, although much larger than the scales of any of the charrs. In
a longitudinal series along the side the usual number is about 175.
Excepting the red blotch and the presence of black spots somewhere, all
other details of coloration are extremely variable. As we go eastward
the spots tend to bunch themselves more and more on the tail, so that
in eastern Colorado, on the Rio Grande and the Platte, most specimens
that are taken are spotted almost entirely on the tail. In Washington
and Oregon the spots are usually evenly divided over, the back, and in
the trout of Lake Tahoe they commonly cover the belly also. In Cali-
fornia it has been positively found only in Lake Tahoe, in the Feather
River, and in some streams of the northwestern part of the State. It
will probabl}^ be found to be the common trout of Lassen and Modoc
Counties, and ijerhaps along the east slope of the entire Sierra Nevada.
The largest known specimens have been taken in Lake Tahoe and in
the salt water about Puget Sound. Here it is a very common fish. As
in the case of all trout entering salt water, these sea-run individuals are
more silvery and less spotted than those found in the mountain streams
and the lakes. The presence of salt water in all fishes destroys the
black spots and markings which are found in fresh water, replacing

58 REPORT OF STATK BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

them by a uniform silvery hue. The same effect is noticeable when
trout enter alkaline lakes. Thus, the trout of Utah Lake are more
silvery than those which inhabit any of the surrounding streams, the
waters of Utah Lake, in the summer at least, being milky with alkali.

The remaining fish of this famih^ to which I need refer, is the Dolly
Varden trout, or charr, which is the finest of the trout-like fishes on this
coast. It is found in the upper Sacramento, and thence along the line
of the Cascacle Range as far as Kamtschatka. It often enters the sea,
where it loses its spots and becomes plain silvery gray. I have myself
obtained a specimen, weighing 11 pounds, near Seattle, in Puget Sound,
but in the mountain streams specimens weighing even a single pound
are comparatively rare. It is true of all the trout that their size depends
upon the conditions. They all grow large in the sea, and in the little
mountain brooks their size corresponds to their advantages; every trout,
large or small, is perfect so far as he goes. The Dolly Varden trout is
scarcely different from the Eastern Brook trout, the slight difference
being, on the whole, to his advantage. It is rather plumper in body
than the Brook trout of the East. The red spots are found on the back
as well as on the sides, and the back and upper fins do not show the
dark green marblings which are characteristic of Salvelinus fontinalis.
In food, in body, and in gaminess, the Dolly Varden, or Salvelinus
malma (this, too, a Russian name, first given it by Steller),is not inferior
to its Eastern cousin.

Everywhere on the Pacific Coast, in the clear streams of the Cascade,
the Sierra Nevadas, and ■ even the Coast Range of mountains, some
species of trout abounds. This region should be the paradise of anglers.
In the East, according to the words of the veteran angler. Rev. Myron
W. Reed, the day of the trout is passed:

"This is the last generation of trout fishers. The children will not
be able to find any. Already there are w^ell-trodden paths by every
stream in Maine, in New York, and in Michigan. I know of but one
river in North America by the side of which you will find no paper
collar or other evidence of civilization. It is the Nameless River. Not
that trout will cease to be. They will be hatched by machinery, and
raised in ponds, and fattened on chopped liver, and grow fiabby and
lose their spots. The trout of the restaurant will not cease to be. He
is no more like the trout of the wild river than the fat and songless
reedbird is like the bobolink. Gross feeding and easy pond life ener-
vate and deprave him. The trout that the children will know only by
legend is the gold-sprinkled living arrow of the white water; able to
zigzag up the cataract; able to loiter in the rapids; whose dainty meat
is the glancing bjitterfly."

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, )
San Francisco, March 15, 1892. )

[Bulletin No. 5.]

To game dealers, hotel and restaurant keepers, and all persons engaged in
the business of dealing in or sellioig ducks or English snipe:
Your attention is especially called to the following ordinance, adopted
by the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco,
July 22, 1890:

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 59

ORDER No. 2,249.

Trohibiting a'ny Person from Hunting, Pursuing, Selling, Killing, or Offering
FOR Sale, etc., any Mallard Duck, Widgeon, etc., between the First Day of
March and the First Day of September, of each Year.

The People of the City and County of San Francisco do Ordain as follows:

Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, betw^een the first day of March and
the first day of September, of each year, in the City and County of San Francisco, to
hunt, pursiie, kill, or destroy, or to buy, sell, barter, exchange, offer or expose for sale,
transport, or have in his possession, any mallard duck, widgeon, teal, redhead, pmtail,
gadwall, wood duck, or Jack Wilson snipe, commonly known as English snipe.

Sec 2. Any person violating the provisions of this order shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and upon conviction tiiereof shall be punishable by a fine of not less than
fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, or l)y imprisonment in the county
iail for not more than six months.

JOHN A. RUSSELL, Clerk.

Approved: San Francisco, July 22, 1890.

Mayor, and ex officio President Board of Supervisors.

It is the intention of the State Board of Fish Commissioners to en-
force the above ordinance by prosecuting every person who, between the
first day of March and the "first day of next September, shall sell, offer
or expose for sale, or have in his possession, any of the ducks men-
tioned in the above ordinance, or any Jack, or English snipe, whether
the same be held in cold storage or otherwise.
Issued by order of the Board.

RAMON E. WILSON,
Secretary.

Office of the Board of Fish Commissioners, )
San Francisco, July 12, 1892. \
[Bulletin No. 6.]

Three specimens of trout caught in Mount Whitney Creek, on Mount
Whitney, by Mr. Harvey, of Lone Pine, Inyo County, California, and
by him given to Hon, George S. Mills, Fish Commissioner of Nevada,
who in turn sent them to Mr. William H. Shockley, were sent to Dr.
David S. Jordan, President of Leland Stanford, Junior, University,
with request that he classify them. The following is what Dr. Jordan
has to say of them:

They are the famous Golden trout of Mount Whitney and the upper Kern River,
which has attracted the attention of anglers for some little time, but which has not yet,
so far as I know, received anv adequate notice in print.

The trout were first brought to my notice by Lieutenant Wheeler's geological sur-
vey, which brought me specimens in 1877. These were not in very good condition. I
regarded them as of the same kind as the trout in the headwaters of the Colorado, at
the same time calling attention to the remarkable distribution of species on both sides
of the desert and the mountains. Later on I received other small specimens, but still in
such poor condition that I could do nothing more with them. The three received were in
perfect condition, and I have had a colored painting made of them. The fish is really
a distinct species of trout, entirely different from anj^ found elsewhere, either in the
Rocky ^Mountains or Sierra Nevadas. The very small size of its scales, the lack of teeth
on the hvoid bones, and the peculiar color markings, are all distinctive of this trout,
which will in time receive a name of its own.

It seems evident, so far as one can judge of such matter, that this trout is descended
from the trout of western Colorado, which abound in the tributaries of Clear River, the
(ireen River, and the (irand River, and in the Cunnison district. But in being separated
from these trout it has undergone a considerable change, and one would think this
separation must have occurred before the Sierra Nevadas were elevated. It has already
been claimed by geologists that the Kern Valley, although on the California side of the
Sierras, is geologically a part of the Creat Basin. Its trout, at any rate, are wholly dif-
ferent from the Rainbow trout of California.

Issued by order of the Board.

RAMON E. WILSON,

Secretary.

60 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF TROUT (SALMO

KAMLOOPS).

FROM THE LAKES OF' BRITISH COLUMBIA.
By David Starr Jordan.

Salmo Kamloops. Species nova.

Head 4^ in length to base of caudal; depth, 4^; dorsal rays, 11, not
counting the rudiments; anal rays, 11 in one specimen, 12 in the other,
besides 3 rudiments; scales, 30-145-26 (in second specimen 135 scales);
about 120 pores; length of body, largest specimen, 16i inches; smallest
specimen, 15f.

Body moderately elongated, somewhat compressed, the general form
resembling that of a Silver salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch); jaws in
the typical specimens not prolonged, the maxillary extending beyond
the eye, its length not quite half the head; snout slightly rounded in
profile, the profile regularly ascending; eye large, about as long as snout,
4^ times in head; teeth moderate, some of those in the outer row in
■each jaw moderately enlarged; teeth on tongue and vomer, as usual
in Salmo gairdneri; opercles striate, not much produced backward;
branchiostegal rays, 11 on each side; dorsal fin rather low, its longest
ray slightly greater than the base of the fin. If in head; anal fin lower
and smaller than usual in Oncorhynchus, but larger than usual in the
trouts, its outline slightly concave, its longest ray greater than the base
of the fin and a little more than half-head; adipose fin moderate; caudal
fin rather broad, distinctly forked, its outer rays about twice inner;
pectoral fins rather long, 1-J in head; ventrals moderate, 1| in head;
gill-rakers comparatively short and few in number, about 6+12, or 11.

Coloration dark olive above, bright silvery below, the silvery color
extending for some distance below the lateral line, where it ends abruptly ;
when fresh the middle of the sides in both specimens was occupied by a
broad band of bright light rose-pink, covering about one third of the
total depth of the fish; back above with small black spots, about the
size of pin-heads, irregularly scattered, and somewhat more numerous
posteriorly; a very few faint spots on upper part of head; dorsal and
caudal fins rather closely covered with small black spots similar to those
on the back, but more distinct; a few spots on the adipose fin, which is
edged with blackish; lower fins plain; the upper border of the pectoral
dusky; a vague dusky blotch on the upper middle rays of the anal;
ventrals entirely plain.

The intestines had been removed, and so no account can be given of
the pyloric coeca.

The existence of this fish was first known to me from conversation
with Mr. A, C. Bassett, of Menlo Park, California, a very enthusiastic
angler, who had taken the fish in the Kamloops Lake in British Colum-
bia. I was unable to identify the fish from the account given by Mr.
Bassett. In going for a summer outing in July, 1892, Mr. Bassett went

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REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 61

to Kamloops Lake and secured the two type specimens, which were care-
fully placed in alcohol and sent to me. The following statement of their
habitat was furnished me by Mr. Bassett:

These specimens were taken at the outlet of Kamloops Lake into the South Thompson;
the jsorth Thompson River flows into the upper end of the same lake. These waters
connect with the Shuswap Lakes, and this fish we find in all the tributaries of the last
named lakes, also in Okanagan Lake, the waters of which flow towards the Columbia
(the other lakes being tributary to the Fraser River). Reliable information gives the
weight of the largest spcimen ever caught in Okanagan Lake as 17K pounds. The
Shuswap Indian name for this salmon is SHt-tse. They have been taken flfty miles
below the Kamloops Lake in the Thompson River, biit not in large numbers.

Mr. Bassett has since informed me that the species is found also in
Kootenay Lake, and that it is locally known as Silver trout.

This seems to be a species of trout distinct from those hitherto authen-
tically recorded from the waters of the Pacific Coast. There is not much
doubt, from the account of Mr. Bassett, as well as from the appearance
of the fish, that it is a "land-locked" species. Its nearest relationships
seem to be with the Steel-head trout, or Salmon trout {Salm.o gairdneri),
from which it.differs somewhat in coloration, and especially in the longer
pectoral fin and in the form of the preopercle. It is, however, not un-
likely that it is descended from Salmo gairdneri. This species is really
intermediate between the ordinary trout and the Pacific salmon, com-
posing the genus Oncorhynchus, and its characters indicate the necessity
of replacing all in the genus Salmo.

I have given the species the name of the lake from which it was first
taken. One of the two type specimens has been sent to the United States
National Museum, and the other is in the museum of the Leland Stanford,
Junior, University. With these two specimens was a small fish about
5 inches long, of the kind on which these salmon were ■ feeding. This
little fish was without spots, and has some 18 rays in the anal fin. Ap-
parently it is the young of the Quinnat salmon; certainly it is not the
young of the species in question.

Palo Alto, September 12, 1892.

62 REPORT OF STATte BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE GOLDEN TROUT OF KERN RIVER.

SALMON MYKISS AGUA BONITA.
By David Starr Jordan.

I have lately received from Mr. W. H. Shockley, of San Francisco,
three specimens, each about 7 inches in length, of the Golden trout of
Kern River. These specimens were taken by Mr. Harvey, of Lone Pine,
California, in a stream called by him Whitney Creek, on the west side
of the Sierra Nevada, near Mount Whitney. The specimens were sent in
ice to Mr. George T. Mills, Fish Commissioner of the State of Nevada,
who forwarded them to Mr. Shocklev. The following is a detailed
description :

Salmo Mykiss Agua Bonita. New sub-species.

Head, 3| in length; depth, 4^ D. 2, 12; A. 1, 10. Scales, 130 to 200
rows; 121 to 124 pores. Length, 7 inches.

Body formed about the same as usual in Salmo mykiss and its varie-
ties. Head rather long, bluntish at tip; mouth moderate, the maxil-
lary extending a little beyond the eye, If in head. Hyoid teeth not
evident; opercle moderate. Its greatest length 4^ in head; its posterior
margin moderately convex. Eye, 4| in head; snout, 4i; gill-rakers not
very short, x+H or 12 in number.

Scales extremely small, smaller than in any other species of Salmo.
Fins moderate; the anal high, the caudal moderately emarginate; pec-
toral, ly in head; ventral, 2; caudal, If.

Olive above; sides and belly light golden; about twelve dark cross-
bars on middle of sides; these the usual parr-marks; middle of sides
along lateral line with a deep scarlet lateral stripe, broadest under the
dorsal, where it is about as wide as eye; thence narrowing to either end,
and not reaching either head or caudal; middle line of belly with a
broad scarlet band, extending from chin to anal fin, equally bright all
the way; a fainter shade along lower side from anal fin to tip of caudal;
no crimson dash at throat between branches of lower jaw; the whole
region uniform bright orange; opercle largely orange.

Dark spots chiefly posterior, as in spilurus and pleuriticus, large and
well marked, some as large as pupil on tail and posterior part of body;
smaller and well marked on dorsal; a few small ones scattered along
forward to the head in two specimens; none on body before adipose fin
in the other.

Upper anterior angle of dorsal abruptly yellowish white; this color
edged by a dark oblique streak, made by coalescent spots; the rest of
the fin light olive with four or five rows of small black spots; pectorals
light orange; ventrals deep orange, with a faint blackish tip; the ante-
rior edge of the fin conspicuously and abruptly whitish, as in Salvelinus
fontinalis; anal dusky orange, the tips of the last rays blackish, the
outer anterior corner abruptly white, the white stripe widei: than the
pupil, and separated from the color of the fin by a dusky shade.

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REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS. 63

Caudal olive, tinged with orange on its lower edge, and profusely
spotted with black. Inside of mouth pink; of gill cavity light orange.

Of the three typical specimens, two have been sent to the United
States National Museum, and one remains in the museum of the Leland
Stanford, .Junior, University.

This trout is evidently an off-shoot or descendant of the widely-dis-
tributed Cut-throat trout, or Salmo viyhiss, which is found in all the
rivers suitable for trout between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky
Mountains. It, however, differs from any knowai specimens of any of
the many varieties of Salmo inykiss in its pattern of coloration and the
absence of the deep red patch between the branches of the lower jaw,
from which Salmo mykiss receives its common name — Cut-throat trout —
and in the small size of its scales, which are more numerous than in
any of the forms of Salmo mykiss. Matters of less importance, Avhich
are, however, comparatively distinct, are the presence of white and black
edges to the fins, and in the absence of teeth on the hyoid bone. The
name Agua honita, suggested for the species, is that of the falls in Vol-
cano Creek.

The earliest record of this trout, is that of Jordan and Henshaw in
Appendix NN of the annual report of the Chief of Engineers for 1878,
p. 195.

The specimen collected by Mr. H. W. Henshaw, in 1875, from the
South Fork of the Kern River, and No. 17,107 in the National Museum
collection, is here referred to, Sahno pleuriticus, Cope. With this refer-
ence is the remark, that "the extension of its range west of the Sierra
Nevada is rather unexpected. The prevalent theory that most of the
species of trout have a narrow local range is hardly supported by a
study of our western forms." This trout, Mr. Henshaw^ says, was
" abundant in the South Fork of the Kern River, beyond which state-
ment nothing can be said of its distribution on the western coast, or of
its abundance as compared with S. irideus, the distinctness of the forms
not having been recognized at the time of collection."

On page 195 of the same paper is a reference by Mr. Henshaw to the
"■ Golden trout," which apparently belongs to the species here described,
although Mr. Henshaw identifies his specimens taken from near Mount
Whitney with the Salmo irideus. Mr. Henshaw^ says:

This is the common Brook trout of the small mountain streams of the Pacific Slope,
and up to an altitiide of 9,000 feet it is the rare exception to find a suitable stream that
is not well stocked with it. Upon many of them, as the tributaries of the South Fork of
the Kern River, these trout are found in very great abundance, each pool and rapid num-
bering its finny denizens by the score. They may be taken in any sort of weather, at
any hour of tlie day, by almost any kind of bait. During the heat of the day they fre-
quent almost entirely the deeper pools, lying under overshadowing rocks or in the shade
of some convenient 'log; in early morning or late afternoon they come out and run
more into the shallows and rapids, under which circumstances they bite best and furnish
the finest sport. Like the average Brook troiit, the species rarely attains any considerable
size, ranging from 4 to 8 or more inches in length. Their colors are usually very bright,
and for beauty this species takes rank among the foremost of its kind, and has been well
called the "Golden trout." In this respect, however, it is subject to the usual variations
obtaining in the family, the change of color not only accompanying a difference in
locality, Tjut being plainly discernible in individuals taken indifferent parts of the same
stream not far distant. In fact, as a specific character, color in this family seems to be
at its lowest vakie. The character of the bottom and water itself has miich to do with
this, and I remember to have fished in a small rivulet on one of the sub-alpine meadows
not far from Mount Whitney, whose sluggish waters flowed over a bottf)m of dark mud,
in whicli the color of the troiit simulated very closely its hue; they had lost nearly all
the flashing iridescent tints characterizing the same species caught but a few hours
iDefore in another stream, and had become dull and somber-hued. Accompanying this
change of color was a correspondingly noticeable difference in habits and motions, and

64 REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS.

the several dozen trout caught that evening for supper were taken out with the hook
with the display of very little more gaminess than would be noticed in so many Horned
Pout. On the contrary, in the clear, rapid current of the mountain stream, a Hash of
sunlight is scarcely quicker than the gleam of gold and silver seen for a single
instant as the whirling waters are cut by one of these trout, as he makes a rush from
his lurking place for some chance morsel which is being borne past him. The western
trout are rarely as shy as their relatives of Eastern waters, and because of their numbers
and the consequent scarcity of food, are apt to be less fastidious; yet even when most
abundant, due caution must be used if one would be successful, and not every one can
catch troiit, even in the West. With the proper care in concealing one's self, a pool may
be almost decimated ere the alarm will be taken, and I have seen fifteen fair-sized trout
taken from a single small pool in quick succession.

During the present year other specimens have been sent to the museum
of the Leland Stanford, Junior, University, but in such very bad condi-
tion that nothing could be made of them, except that they were evidently
small scaled trout of the niykiss type, and nearest to the sub-species
pleuriticus of the Colorado River, and not in any way related to the
Rainbow trout, which inhabits most of the streams of the basin of
California.

In a pamphlet entitled " Whitney Photo-Campers," written by Mr. W.
E. Houghton, of Bakersfield, California, and bearing the following title:
" Whitney Photo-Campers, Bakersfield to Mt. Whitney and Return, July
30 to August 23, 1889: An Abstract of General Results, with some Details
of the Beauties and Marvels of Kern River," I find the following refer-
ences to the Golden trout, and the streams in which it occurs:

Camp Beautiful was made that day on Whitney Creek, near the Natural Bridges, at
2 p. M. The whole current of Whitney Creek foams under those bridges of lava. It is
from here, and for only a distance of three hundred yards in length, namely, from Agua
Bonita Falls to the Chute, that the only Golden trout in the United States can be caught.
The deeper the pool the darker the fish in color, but all, as drawn from the water, have a
genuine golden sheen. Whoever makes the journey below these falls deserves a prize,
for it is a most difficult undertaking; but while he will be fully repaid with one Golden
trout, a loaded basket will be his reward.

This whole country is distinctly volcanic. At the Divide there is a small mountain,
whose surface is as red as ordinary brick. From this Red Mountain — as locally named —
a stream of lava at some time Howed directly in the course of Whitney Creek as far as
Kern River. At different points the trail passes over this irregular bed, while there are
large piles of it on either side. In places the stream and the elements have washed the
earth away, leaving perpendicular masses of lava, just as when it was in a molten state.
Occasionally there will be a cave. Natural Bridge Creek forms from seven springs, all
within a radius of one hundred yards, and not more than two hundred yards above the
bridges. At the point where the waters all join just above the bridges, they form a
good-sized trout stream, which precipitates itself over the rocks and down its steep bed,
a mass of foam until it reaches Whitney Creek. One bridge is about fifteen feet wide,
the other at least thirty. From the surface of the water, is on the upper side about ten
and on the lower side forty feet. In every direction from the bridges are views of
grandeur and beauty. Looking east is a beautiful little meadow with springs of water
H owing into it from almost every direction. To the left, almost touching the trail, one
spring sends a volume of water out of the side of a bare mountain, which equals the
flow of the largest artesian well in the valley. To the south rises a timbered slope
covered with pines, manzanitas, and cedars. Northward is the stream of lava, just
across AVhitney Creek, and back of it a perpendicular cliff towering at least a thousand
feet above the spectator. But the grandest view of all is toward the west. Whitney
Creek takes a leap into space. It must be at least 2,000 feet above Kern River, which the
creek rushes down to meet in less than a mile. One looks down and down to fathom the
end of the headlong career, to see boiling foam with occasional lines of soft, hazy blue
between cliffs of enormous proportions. And at the end, across the canon of Kern River,
there rises a snow-capped giant 14,000 feet in height, which bars the rushing waters and
baffles the vision. Besides numerous cascades, there are in this short distance three
waterfalls, the largest perhaps 125 feet in height.

A graphic story of Golden trout is told by the Captain of the Pilgrims: " You can only
get below this fall at one point, and that "by an extremely hazardous route, only possi-
ble by aid of the tirmly-rooted and stout bushes. Down this cliff I went with many a
choky feeling, for if a bush was to give way, then good-bye all. Once at the bottom,
right amid tlie spray of the falls, I lost all interest in the scenery and bother about
brush, and fell to hook and line as quickly as possible. Down in the beautiful deep
pool below me in an instant I hooked a ten-inch (Golden trout, to be followed by another
and another, and as many as I wanted, in rapid succession. The stream of ages has

REPORT OF STATE BOARD OP FISH COMMISSIONERS. 65

worn into the lava mountain, until away above my head it was a huge overhanging cliff,
threatening in appearance to fall at any time, and bury me mountains deep. Once out
from under, I drew a long breath and reasoned. Certainly that cavern and cliff has
stood just as it is for 3,000 years, anyhow; it ought reasonably to last a few days longer;
and besides, those dearly beloved Golden trout. So back under the beetling precipice
again; back to the sport I had come so far to seek. The waters roared, the spray
ascended, the mighty rocks continued their rest of ages, and the golden beauties rose
with all the fervor of the tallest kind of true love to the cast of my glittering fly."

As far up the cliffs as the spray can reach the rocks are mantled with lichens, ferns,
flowers, shrubs, beautiful grasses and mosses, and in the niches, fashioned by water in
perfect regularity and symmetry, vegetable growth attains rare luxuriance; while above
the reach of the water, the rocky battlements have the barrenness of desolation. The lava
is porous and light, but tough and enduring, and with its different strata or layers, pre-
sents a bewildering variety of colors. The broken debris at the mountain's feet is ten-
anted by a world of ground-hogs, whose piercing whistles are ever-sounding notes of
alarm arid orders for prompt disappearance.

In a recent letter from Mr. Houghton, to whom I am indebted for a
copy of the above-named pamphlet, he writes:

In the first place, "Whitney Creek" is not the proper name of the stream in which
they are caught, although it is almost universally so called. The proper name is un-
doubtedly "Volcano Creek," so called because it "runs through a bed of lava and lava
formation for about ten miles from its confluence with Kern River. "Whitney Creek"
proper heads in a little lake directly at the base of "New Mount Whitney," at the point
where Professor Langley had his camp when making atmospherical experiments, and
flows into Kern River twelve or fifteen miles north of the mouth of Volcano Creek.
The latter creek does not receive any of the water shed off either old or new Mount
Whitney, consequently I claim that it has no right to the name of Whitney Creek.

As the book states, the Golden trout are only to be found between Agua Bonita Falls
and the Chute.

The first time I was there was in 1879. At that time the meat of every fish caught
was a deep golden yellow. I was again there in 1887, and noticed that we" occasionally

caught one with white meat. In 1889 more than ? of our catch were of white meat.

This demonstrates very plainlv that they are crossing with trout from above Agua
Bonita Falls, which are the ordinary species of Brook trout. Fish cannot get up the
Chute from Kern River, nor can they get up Agua Bonita Falls.

Now, from the very peculiar formof the fish, I am more than inclined to think they
are an entirely different species from any on the coast. You will observe this in the
direct rise of the meat from the head to the back, giving them an almost hump-backed
appearance; the same spread on the sides is something unusual. I have never seen any
other trout with this peculiarity.

The question of the relation of this trout to others in Kern River
must be settled by further investigations, as also the question whether
the Salmo Agua Bonita itself is confined to the space in Volcano Creek
between the two waterfalls mentioned, or whether in that part of the
stream is found a variety different from the ordinary form.

*«:;-iisi

5*^^

For Reference

OP TAKEN FROM THIS ROOM
NOT TO BE TAKEN r

CAT. NO. 1935