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MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY.
wee
Received
Accession No.
Given by
Place,
*,* No book or pamphlet is to be removed from the Lab~
oratory without the permission of the Trustees,
Le iV iy
Th, Anat 8
as
Bie
\ ant
Pa
p ie
U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES,
JOHN J. BRICE, Commissioner.
AL Ta eS TOY
ROE, PO RE
or
THE COMMISSIONER
FOR
THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 380, 1897.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1898.
2997
CONTENTS:
He pOniMGlauNne: COMMISSIONGL 225 sae Leas 26s aes ey eye ey ee eee) aoe +--+ V-XVIL
Report on the Propagation and Distribution of Food-fishes. By W. deC.
LSE AELOCE) hes @ sayy Sa Ne ene MRS en ASE eee ne Ie ES APE Lepore Mega es = XVIII-XC
Report of the Division of Scientific Inquiry. By Hugh M. Smith... xc1-cxx1v
Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By
Ele ny Mey Sra Gh sores re, a onc ete See apy oe NS Sere a re aeectees CXXV-CXLVI
Report on the Work of the Albatross. (Abstract.) By J. F. Moser, Lieut.
Commander WWGS Naw esse Se ack ete ee aoe eee eee CXLVII-CLXXI
APPENDIX.
A Manual of Fish-culture, based on the Methods of the United States Com-
mission of Fish and Fisheries, with Chapters on the Cultivation of Oysters
aAndeurors (lates —b2/andI—X VAIL) sh. 2 stays sre lte seoec aa oes ee wee eee 1-340
/ ’
une
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har ORT
Or THE
UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES
FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1897.
I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the United
States Commission of Fish and Fisheries for the year ending June 30,
1897, with reports from the assistants in charge of its different divisions,
showing the work in detail, together with an appendix describing the
methods of fish-culture pursued by the Commission.
The work of the Division of Fish-Culture has been very satisfactory,
showing a gratifying increase in the propagation and distribution of
the important food-fishes. In addition to the stations mentioned last
year, those at San Marcos, Tex., Manchester, Iowa, and Bozeman, Mont.,
have been completed and are now in operation.
Attention has been paid to carrying out the policy outlined in my
former report, of increasing the production of the commercial species
propagated by the Commission on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and
the Great Lakes, by establishing auxiliary hatcheries in connection with
the permanent stations, for the extension of the field for the collection °
of eggs. The use of Battle Creek Station, Shasta County, Cal., obtained
through the cooperation of the California Fish Commission, resulted in
the collection of over 25,000,000 salmon eggs in addition to the 5,000,000
collected at Baird Station. In the Columbia River Basin the plants
of fry were increased by the establishment of temporary stations on
the Salmon River in Oregon and the Little White Salmon River in
Washington, the two stations yielding over 4,700,000 eggs.
The total collection at the Pacific stations, amounting to 37,000,000,
was over three times greater than the collection of any previous season.
5,000,000 quinnat-salmon eggs were transferred to eastern stations, and
the fry resulting from them were planted in the Hudson, Delaware, and
St. Lawrence rivers, New York, and the Penobscot and Union rivers,
Maine. Additional assignments of steelhead eggs were also sent east,
and plants of the fry were made in the Penobscot and Hudson rivers
and tributaries of Lakes Michigan and Superior.
The cod work at the Massachusetts stations was the most extensive
ever accomplished by the Commission, over 178,000,000 eggs being
collected. 97,419,000 fry were hatched and liberated on the natural
spawning-grounds by means of the steamer Fish Hawk and sailing
vessels chartered for the purpose.
ce
VI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
For the maintenance of the lobster fishery, which has been steadily
declining for a number of years, it was arranged not only to cover the
region in the vicinity of Woods Hole and Gloucester stations, but also
to make systematic collections of eggs from fishermen between Rock-
land, Me., and Noank, Conn. The schooner Grampus was utilized on
the Maine coast for the collection of eggs and the liberation of fry, and
the steamer Mish Hawk was employed as a floating hatchery at Casco
Bay. Agents were stationed at Kittery, Me.; Boston, Plymouth, and
New Bedford, Mass., and points in Connecticut, who collected egg lob-
sters for transportation to the hatcheries of Gloucester and Woods Hole.
As a result of this extension of the work, over 128,000,000 eggs were
secured and 115,606,000 fry planted. During the spring and summer
particular attention was paid to the food, habits, and growth of the
young lobster, and much valuable information was obtained at Woods
Hole, where experiments were conducted in the holding of the fry
during the molting stages.
Preliminary to the establishment of auxiliary shad- hatcheries on the
South Atlantic Coast, the Fish Hawk was detailed early in the winter
to make investigations on certain important rivers in that section for
the purpose of determining their value as collecting fields for eggs.
Proceeding to Palatka, Fla., the vessel was anchored at the mouth of
the Ocklawaha River and ar aa enaeie were made to collect eggs from
fishermen operating on the St. Johns between Welaka and Sanford,
where most of the fishing is done. Large numbers of shad were taken
daily in the nets and seines, and valuable information with reference to
their habits and movements was obtained, but only three or four ripe
fish were secured. At the end of March the vessel proceeded to
Albemarle Sound and commenced operations at Avoca, N. C., at the
mouth of the Chowan River. The work at that point resulted in the
collection of over 27,000,000 shad eggs and the liberation of 16,000,000
fry at the head of the sound. During the months of April, May, and
June the usual shad operations were conducted on the Delaware,
Potomac, and Susquehanna rivers, the total collection of eggs for the
season resulting in a distribution of 154,545,500 yearlings, fry, and eggs.
From the experience gained this year there is little doubt that the col-
lection of shad eggs can be largely increased by the establishment of
auxiliary stations on other rivers of the South Atlantic Coast.
The work on the Great Lakes was attended with good results, though
the collection of eggs was seriously interfered with by severe gales, which
destroyed the fishing gear during the spawning season. Over 18,000,000
lake-trout eggs were secured on Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and
Ontario, besides 126,000,000 whitefish eggs on Lakes cea Michigan,
and Erie; 13,509, 000 veqainias fry, and eggs of the ink trout and
95,049,000 witonsh fry were distributed.
At the interior stations devoted to the production of trout, bass, and
crappie the work of restocking inland streams and lakes has progressed
satisfactorily.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Vil
In continuation of the experiments of previous years, to introduce
lobsters and eastern oysters on the Pacific coast, 20 adult male lobsters
and 69 females, with eggs, were taken from New England and liberated
near Monterey, Cal.,in November, 1896, and at the same time 25 barrels
of 3-year-old oysters were planted on suitable grounds in Humboldt
Bay, near Eureka, Cal., and an equal number in Yaquina Bay, Oregon.
On the same trip 129 diamond-backed terrapin from Chesapeake Bay
and South Carolina were planted in San Francisco Bay under the
direction of the California Fish Commission.
The following table shows the numbers of fish and eggs furnished
for distribution by the various stations:
Source of supply.
Green Lake, Me
Craig Brook, Me
St. Johnsbury, Vt
Gloucester, Mass ..........-.
Woods Hole. Mass-........... |
Cape Vincent, N. Y
Steamer Fish Hawk
Battery Island, Md
Fish Lakes, D.C
Bryan Point. Md
Pevthewille; Via oo... 52225 es.
Put-in Bay, Ohio
Northville, Mich
Alpena, Mich
* 2.819,000 planted in Delaware River, New Jersey; 411,000 sent to Nashville Exposition.
| Quinnat salmon
. Atlantic salmon
| Brook trout
Species.
Landlocked salmon
Atlantic salmon
Quinnat salmon
Brook trout
Quinnat salmon
Von Behr trout
Steelhead trout
Atlantic salmon
Quinnat salmon
Brook trout
Rainbow trout. . A : A
Lake trout
Whitefish
| Striped bass .....--
| Steelhead trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Black bass, small-mouth
Rock bass
Shad
Rainbow trout...--
Loch Leven trout
Hake trout. <-.- 32
Quinnat salmon
Shad
lack bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Lake herring
Black bass, small-m
Lake trout
Brook trout
Loch Leven trout. .
Whitefish
' Shad eggs sent to Nashville Exposition.
een ------2---
outh
Fry and
fingerlings.
Adults and
yearlings.
77, 000
40, 000
Swwissulake Growhe see eee eee ne eae fore SE eA a eed oe ee ee
t+ 2, 070, 000
39, 707, 000
245, 000
1, 252, 000 |
12, 000
61, 000 |
33, 000 |
894, 500
35, 000
495, 400
10, 000
47, 869, 000
62, 305, 000
652, 000
64, 419, 000
35, 953, 000
64, 095, 000
624, 000
193, 000
18, 000
1, 290, 000
10, 600
1, 958, 000
48. 000
750, 000
58, 066, 500
4. 616, 065
50, 862, 000
450, 000
7, 516
25, 346, 000
97, 500
235, 172
10, 886
7, 401
2,219
11, 552
5, 070
79, 754
55
Vill
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Source of supply.
Duluth, Minn
Quincy, Ill
Manchester, Iowa --.---.------]
Neosho, Mo
Baird, Cal
Fort Gaston, Cal
Korbel iC alesse ae ee eee ser.
Battle Creek, Cal
Bear Valley, Cal
Clackamas, Oreg
Salmon River station, Oreg
Little White Salmon River
station, Wash.
Mapleton, Oreg
wahe Wetayster Try and Adults and
Boe | Begs | fingerlings. | yearlings.
Steelhéad'itrouts-2on--. -2 eee peeeeele aioe | T4 000M Becceraccsl =
ake troulicecar = crm see =o ses Ree Eee ee 4,768; 000M R==5-=--+=-1-
BYOOKiULOMt ye ace oie ate oe let es eee ceo 5 4OOMMabe see sc os.
Rainbowsurout: a. ule. s'ssleces ee eee, ee PANDY hae Sea
Wibitetis nye eee: ah aie 6 seen See Cs) TL | SARL SS RR
Black bass large-mouth® see 2e- 6) 4s eee ele ae ae ee | S20aTo
Crappiesssecetie: ea. cot Se el heme ore OS Rees Sees 3,418
Viellow perce eee eee tae oe eee ra el eee 1, 025
Pickereleee soo sce a ess Seal Racer eee Ree coer eee 1, 700
Rainbow broubs oe) Fos cee hon omer eres AAO eee icaren cite.
Ta extrouih ee us ea see bale ea etter T584O00K crews sarc =
Rain bowatrouheasee ce neeee sean 96, 200 27, 000 60, 125
Black bass arge-mouthi- 1. .5-e-|eese sees ee| ene eee eee 15, 660
Rock basse 2 \ostiec/n- Boeee ma lnmeteoiee oer ol omeeme nee eee 32, 940
Strawberry basse oe ete resell ene a, emerge Pepe ec 3, 129
Blackibass, lang-e-mowth ape... s|-cer eee ee ieee eee 11, 750
Loch Leven trout) 2. 2 ee 8 SOKOOON EES: aeean eee 500
Rainbow orowbee ae asece see 5, 000 | Zi o00M Peace ninscee
Black-spotted trout..-.-.--.--.-. 5, 000 | ADNQ00 NS seeeee uct
IBTOOkiromt ye Aces c eres 140, 000 287, 009 94, 000
Wellow-timibrombecss oo anes casa eeiactoe eines oOo lei acetate ooiscnis
Quinnatisalmon=sseee eee see eee. | 4,337, 500 TOOGTOSG i Maen
aehiae MOVE See aca alee se aera cm aee mee 2808 2008| tee iae asi ]
INTRODUCTION.
The work of the Division of Fish-Culture, prosecuted on the same
general lines as in past years, is shown by the following abstracts of
reports of the superintendents of the various stations. The same sta-
tions were operated as in 1896, with the addition of those at Manches-
ter, lowa, and San Marcos, Tex., which were completed in December.
The output of salmon fry was largely augmented by the establishment
of auxiliary stations at Battle Creek, Cal., on Salmon River, Oregon,
and the Little White Salmon, Washington, which were operated in
conjunction with Baird and Clackamas stations. During the year all
the stations in New England and on the Great Lakes, as well as those
at Wytheville and Quincy, were inspected by the Commissioner and the
assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-Culture.
The shad work on the Atlantic Coast was also largely increased, and
steps were taken to investigate the rivers along the South Atlantic
coast with the view to the establishment of auxiliary stations. Onthe
New England coast, in addition to thé operations conducted at Woods
Hole and Gloucester, the Grampus and Fish Hawk were utilized during
May and June in collecting lobster eggs off the coast of Maine. The
crew of the Grampus also rendered material assistance in the cod work,
collecting eggs for Gloucester Station from fishing vessels at Kittery.
From the experience gained the past season it is believed that a
cod-collecting station can be advantageously established at Plymouth,
Mass., and if Successful it will obviate the necessity of penning brood
fish at Woods Hole, materially reducing the expense of that station.
During the fiscal year 586,144,000 fish and eggs, embracing 30 species
and 1 crustacean, were distributed from the following stations:
Green Lake Station, Me.
Craig Brook Station, Me.
St. Johnsbury Station, Vt.
Cape Vincent Station, N. Y.
Gloucester Station, Mass.
Woods Hole Station, Mass.
Steamer Fish Hawk (Albemarle Sound,
Delaware River, and Casco Bay).
Battery Island Station, Md.
Bryan Point Station, Md.
Central Station, Washington, D.C.
Fish Commission lakes, Washington,
Wytheville Station, Va.
XVIII
Put-in Bay Station, Ohio.
| Northville Station, Mich.
Alpena Station, Mich.
Duluth Station, Minn.
Manchester Station, Iowa.
Quincy Station, Ill.
Neosho Station, Mo.
San Marcos Station, Tex.
Leadville Station, Colo.
Bozeman Station, Mont.
Baird Station Cal.
Battle Creek Station, Cal.
| Fort Gaston Station, Cal.
| Clackamas Station, Oreg.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIX
A comparison of this season’s work with that of the previous year
shows a gratifying increase in the output of fry of most of the important
commercial species propagated, such as shad, salmon, lake trout, lake
herring, cod, quinnat salmon, Atlantic salmon, flatfish, and lobsters.
The distribution from the various stations was made as in past years
by station employees in neighboring waters and by means of the four
cars owned by the Commission. Owing to the increased output of the
various species it became necessary during the spring to hire an addi-
tional baggage car from the Pennsylvania Railroad Corpany to assist
in the distribution of shad.
The total mileage traveled by the cars and messengers while engaged
in the distribution amounted to 206,615 miles, 84,892 of which were
free. The only accident which occurred during the season was at San
Francisco, where a freight train collided with car No. 3. The car was
repaired free of expense to the Commission by the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company.
Car No. 3 was utilized as a temporary hatchery on the St. Johns
River, Florida, during February, March, and April. At the opening
of the Nashville Exposition in May car No. 4 was detailed for the col-
lection and transfer of marine specimens for the exposition.
Many changes occurred in the personnel of the messenger service
during the year, the most important being the promotion of Capts. R.
S. Johnson and G. H. Lambson to the superintendency of the stations
at Manchester, Iowa, and Baird, Cal., respectively.
GREEN LAKE STATION, MAINE (KE. E. RACE, SUPERINTENDENT).
The stock of fish on hand having been distributed during the month
of June, the time of the station force during the summer was devoted
to the improvement of the water supply, construction of ponds, and
general repairs and improvements to the buildings and grounds. The
main flume from Rocky Pond to the reservoir, 6,800 feet long, was
thoroughly overhauled and arrangements were made to run the water
from the flume direct to the hatchery instead of accumulating it in the
reservoir as heretofore.
The old ponds between the hatchery and reservoir were condemned
and partly refilled, the two back of the hatchery were rebuilt, and five
new ones were constructed. The old ponds were 20 feet wide by 333
feet long, the new ones 164 feet by 38? feet. A 2-inch pipe was laid from
the hatchery to a spring on the side of the mountain, furnishing an
increase of 25 gallons of water per minute during the dry season, at a
temperature of 43°. During the spring months the amount obtained
from this source is much larger.
The usual arrangements were made for collecting eggs from wild fish
in Green Lake, Manns Brook, Great Brook, Winkempaugh Brook, Pat-
ton Pond, and Boggy Brook. The first landlocked salmon was captured
September 17 at Manns Brook and the first brook trout September
29, The run of golden trout at Floods Pond commenced November 1
XxX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
and continued until November 16. The fish taken were held in traps
in Great Brook, Floods Pond, and Patton Pond until their eggs had
matured. The brook trout commenced spawning October 17, the
salmon on October 19, and the golden trout November 3. The last eggs
secured from the salmon were on November 17 and from the golden
trout on November 28. The following table shows the number of brook
trout, landlocked salmon, and golden trout taken in the various traps
and the number of eggs obtained from them:
Landlocked
SAann Brook trout. Golden trout.
Body of water. : i ; ean: Sale
Fish. | Eggs. | Fish. | Eggs. | Fish. | Eggs.
| |
a a —— nee z =
Green Lake._-/1 20225. 190 | 217, 766 121 S816 5O0NE ees eee tr:
Winkempaugh Brook 49 |
91, 500 PAB Ua en YOY tp) EME aa onl: iat Hee
8, 000
Mloodskondsesee-es= ndesee 4 10, 000 37 | 90 82, 000
Patton Pond.-......- 4 | 5, 200 110 | 114,000 |..-..-..|..-....-..
———
Mo tallies = seiacsisciniek eects sien e sci s visa’ steers 247 | 324, 466 370 | 285, 702 90 82, 000
- In accordance with the usual custom, at the close of the season the
adult fish were returned to the waters from which they were taken. A
number of ripe female salmon collected at Floods Pond yielded 12,000
eges, but as no males were captured an effort was made to fertilize
them with milt forwarded from the Green Lake hatchery in an air-tight
jar, which was held for thirty-six hours after its receipt. Fertiliza-
tion was apparently accomplished and the eggs were forwarded to the
hatchery, but after remaining in the troughs for some time they all
turned white and were thrown away.
During the fall the following shipments of eggs were made from the
station: Of the landlocked salmon, 82,000; quinnat salmon, 30,000;
brook trout, 40,000; golden trout, 10,000.
The following consignments were received: From Battle Creek, Cal.,
1,000,000 quinnat-salmon eggs; from Fort Gaston, Cal., 50,000 steelhead-
trout eggs, and from Craig Brook, Me., 50,000 Atlantic salmon eggs.
The quihnat-salmon eggs arrived in excellent condition on December
17, and commenced hatching February 22. They finished by April 10,
the total loss, including the number found dead on arrival, amounting
to 75,500. The fry resulting from them were held until the absorption
of the sac and then planted in the tributaries of Union River. The
steelhead eggs arrived in very bad condition, and had finished hatching
by May 18. Only 9,335 young fish remained on hand at the close of
the year as a result of this shipment. The Atlantic-salmon eggs com-
menced hatching on March 20, and after a distribution of 33,000 of the
fry during the month of June there still remained 16,220 at the close
of the year. These were placed in the reservoir to be reared for brood
stock. By April 25 all of the landlocked-salmon, brook-trout, and
golden-trout eggs had hatched, the losses during incubation being com-
paratively small. A sudden rise in temperature during the month of
June necessitated a partial distribution of the stock, and at the close
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXI
of the year there remained on hand 131,141 landlocked salmon, 16,220
Atlantic salmon, and 9,335 steelhead trout.
Having decided to discontinue the distribution of Von Behr trout,
the 769 brood fish on hand in the fall were turned over to the fish com-
missions of Maine and Vermont. While the flume was being prepared
during the summer it was found impracticable to provide ponds for the
landlocked salmon that had been reared at the station, and, in view of
the fact that they were about 6 years old and had never produced
healthy eggs, it was determined to liberate them in Green Lake. There
were 2,164 of these fish, varying from 1 to 3 pounds when liberated.
CrAaIG BROOK STATION, MAINE (CHARLES G. ATKINS, SUPERINTENDENT).
During the year two large, deep ponds were constructed on the flat
alongside Alamoosook Lake for the purpose of continuing the experi-
ment of rearing Atlantic salmon under domestication and for domesti-
cating such species as the steelhead trout, landlocked salmon, and
quinnat salmon. These ponds are each about 3,750 feet in area, and
the expense of building them was 8679. In addition to a number of
minor improvements to the buildings and grounds, the old wagon-house
was moved and repaired, a stone bridge was built across the brook, two
gravel breakwaters were constructed to protect the boat-landing, the
fly-house was transformed into a hatchery for the purpose of caring for
the quinnat-salmon eggs transferred from the Pacific Coast, and a new
stand of troughs was erected for holding the fry. An aqueduct 700
feet long was also constructed in order to convey the water supply from
Craig Brook to the above-mentioned stands and hatchery.
At the beginning of the year there were on hand the following fry,
hatched the previous spring:
ATA UG SAIMON 25.-\., cc coe se ccs 244, 405 | Swiss lake trout.........-.....-. 46, 796
Landlocked salmon. ........-..- 1035; ||Vionr Behr trowutesses. 2 45- eee 487
Qumnatisalmon)>.5--- -...22.15-2- 7, 796 | Scotch sea trout..-...- BS ae 1 B37
IBROGKmULOUUS: se. ones a coo es ee PObonEaNuce ead GLOW ee sen aes eee 12, 511
EVA O We UROUD ee 2 eee 12, 778 —_——
American lake trout.-..-.--.----- 38, 965 otal, sets ese ees 378, 776
During July 3,515 steelheads were liberated; the remainder of the
stock was carried through to October, when the fish were counted and
distributed with comparatively small losses The food given was the
same material usually employed—chopped liver and other butchers’
offal, the flesh of horses, and maggots reared at the station. A small
quantity of herring roe was also used and appeared to be acceptable
to the quinnats, though it was not readily taken by the Atlantic salmon.
As in former years the food most readily eaten was the maggots, which
were given alive. This year for the first time a large number of fry
were kept in the ponds, and although the losses were slightly heavier
than heretofore, these fry did remarkably well and outgrew the trough
fish. In all, 102,265 Atlantic salmon and 8,122 steelhead trout were
transferred to the ponds; three months later 91,017 Atlantic salmon
and 7,398 steelheads were removed, showing a loss of 11 per cent on the
XXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
salmon and 8.9 per cent on the steelheads. The loss in the troughs
amounted to 9.1 per cent, 143,374 salmon being taken out at the expira-
tion of seven months. It is probable that the loss on the trough fish
during the three months that the others were in the ponds did not
exceed 3 per cent, but in point of growth the pond fish were far supe-
rior, the pond salmon in the fall averaging 101.1 grains against a mean
of 45.8 for the trough fish. These figures were obtained by actually
weighing the fish.
A summary of the result of rearing fry to the yearling stage from eggs
collected in the fall of 1895 is presented below in tabular form:
| | Percentage—
ang | Lotal re- iar
Kana | umber | Number Gabend Gu taud maining : nnn
: | of eggs. | hatched. 5 y rea) at fall |Of eggs) Of fish poate
| co 1896. 1896. asa > | ing
| count. laid out.) hatched. ate)
| alive
June l.
Atlante salmon ==... 275, 004 | 274,158 268, 818 244, 405 234, 983 85.4 | 85. 7 89.1
Quinnat salmon....-.-.-. | 8, 345 8, 248 7, 961 7, 796 7, 407 88.7 | 89.7 95
Landlocked salmon....) 18, 883 | 18, 736 12, 464 11, 033 10, 889 57.7 58.1 87.3
Broclketrowtecsssss -sace 7, 120 | 6, 364 2, 726 2, 668 2,219 31.2 34.8 81.4
Rainbow trout. ...-.... 25,485 | 25,377 13, 303 12, 778 TG 5a os, 45.9 87.6
Swiss lake trout.....-- | 51, 892 | 51, 294 49, 803 46, 796 41,1380 79.3 80. 2 2.6
Von Behr trout.....-.-. 7, 371 | 6, 652 5, 978 487 653 8.8 9.8 10.9
Lake trout.c...ecsces-- | 43,460) 42,906 | 40,112 | 38,965 | 10,411) 23.9 24.3 25.9
| 437, 560 433, 735 396,165 | 364, 928 319, 343 72.9 73.6 80. 6
| ;
Atlantic salmon.—During the previous June 677 brood salmon were
collected and released in the inclosure at Dead Brook; and, with the
view of increasing this stock, a trap was constructed early in August
near the Bangor Dam in order to stop any salmon that might ascend
the river to spawn in the fall. This dam, located below the natural
head of tide water, is subject to partial submergence during periods
of high water. It is also provided with a good fishway, but it forms a
serious obstacle, nevertheless, to the ascent of fish, and considerable
numbers were collected there during the season. They were especially
noticed under the wheelhouse of the waterworks at the west end of
the dam, where the trap was located. This trap was constructed of steel
and wood, as offering the least resistance to the constant heavy current,
being formed like a pound in an ordinary weir, with a V-shaped entrance
and a wing running obliquely out into the river. It was secured by
bolts and numerous guys in the ledge forming the bed of the river, and
was provided with halyards by which it could be drawn up for inspec-
tion or hauled down for work. The trap proved to be well adapted for
the purpose, as the salmon passed in readily and were removed without
difficulty or serious injury. The work of construction was quite ardu-
ous and consumed more time than was anticipated, as it was not ready
for operation until August 12, when the water temperature registered
79°. It had also become very muddy from the operations of a contractor
who was putting in a cofferdam preliminary to some improvements to
the waterworks. Under these adverse circumstances very few salmon
were taken; but the conditions improved later on, and 8 were secured
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII
on August 27, making a total of 33 captured by the trap. These were
placed in the cars and towed to Orland, whence they were transferred
to the Dead Brook inclosure, 26 of them being delivered alive.
It appears that salmon do not congregate in large numbers at mid-
summer, and, moreover, it is very difficult to transfer them at that
season to the inclosure, which is 30 miles distant, on account of the
high temperature of the water. To obtain good results, the trap
should be constructed early in the spring and a retaining pool pro-
vided in the immediate vicinity.
During the summer 109 dead fish were removed from the pools,
which should have left 594 breeders, but as a matter of fact only 539
were found, indicating a loss of 25 per cent. Of these, 174 were
males and 365 females, 12 of which yielded no eggs. From the others,
the weight of which aggregated 1,050 pounds, 3,192,124 eggs were
secured, of which the Maine Commission received 496,000. From the
remainder, 490,000 were shipped as follows: To the New York Fish
Commission, 100,000; to the Connecticut Fish Commission, 100,000; to
U.S. Fish Commission stations, 100,000; to W.S. Hadaway, Plymouth,
Mass., 25,000; to the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, 100,000; to the
Adirondack League Club, 25,000; to Amos Ellis, Rangeley, Me., 40,000,
From the balance of the eggs 2,008,766 fry were hatched, all of which,
with the exception of 390,000, were liberated in the tributaries of the
Penobscot above Oldtown and in streams in the vicinity of the station;
150,000 were planted in the St. Croix River at Vanceboro, and 240,000
were retained for rearing. The loss on this stock to the close of the
year amounted to 24,442. At the beginning of the year there were on
hand 705 Atlantic salmon which had been hatched during the season
of 1893-94; of these, 290 were distributed and the balance were placed
in one of the new ponds and retained for domestication. In June, 1897,
the usual arrangements were made for the collection of adult salmon,
but owing to the late run only 595 were obtained. The losses during
June were very light, and favorable results are expected in the fall.
From the two lots of domesticated salmon (descendants of parents
reared in confinement in fresh water) 4,400 eggs of inferior quality were
secured during November; these yielded 2,167 fry, but only 1,600 of
them survived to the close of the year. Of the parent fish there now
remain 41.
Landlocked salmon.—Late in October 10,889 yearling landlocked sal-
mon were deposited in Toddy Pond. These fish resulted from a con-
signment of eggs delivered at the station by a number of citizens who
were interested in keeping up the supply of fish in that pond. In
November, 1896, the same parties furnished another consignment of
2,352, from which 2,129 fry were hatched.
Other species.—The brook, rainbow, lake, and von Behr trout were
distributed with the other fishes in the fall, the losses being very
slight, except in the case of the lake trout. On July 1 there were
38,965 lake trout on hand, as a result of the eggs shipped from North-
-
XXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
ville the previous winter. They appeared to be very healthy for a time,
but later in the summer they were attacked by a parasitic trematode,
which appeared in large numbers, especially on their fins and jaws.
The mortality resulting aggregated over 26,000, leaving only 10,411 for
distribution in November. No other species were attacked by this
parasite, though all were kept in the same locality and under the same
conditions. A large percentage of fish was hatched from the consign.
ment of Swiss lake-trout eggs received from Switzerland in February,
1896. A few of these were held over and distributed in the spring of
1897, but the bulk of them were disposed of in the fall.
Steelhead trout.—The fish on hand at the beginning of the year were
carried through the summer with small loss, and all of them with the
exception of 200 were distributed during the fall. These were placed
in one of the new ponds for domestication, and 191 of them survived to
the close of the year. From a consignment of eggs received in April
94,811 fry were hatched; all but 10,000 of these, which have been retained
for rearing, were distributed in local waters during May and June.
Quinnat salnon.—The quinnat salmon on hand at the beginning of
the year were the result of a consignment of eggs received from Baird
in December, 1895. They were carried through the summer without
material loss, and in November 7,062 yearlings were liberated in local
waters. During the fall 200 of them were transferred to the aquarium
in Washington and held until the following spring, when they were
sent to Nashville for exposition purposes. Another lot of 200 was
retained at the station until the following June, when they were liber-
ated, with a loss of only 4, in local waters. In December, 1896, a con-
signment of 1,440,000 eggs was received from Battle Creek, Cal. Some
slight mishaps befell them and it became necessary to crowd them
considerably on account of lack of space, but notwithstanding these
adverse circumstances 1,255,594, or 87 per cent, of them hatched. Of
these, 789,000 were deposited in the Penobscot and its branches above
Oldtown, 77,449 were liberated in local waters, and 50,000 were trans-
ferred to the Maine Commission, making a total distribution of 916,449;
250,000 were reserved at the station to be reared and distributed in the
fall, and at the close of the year they were in excellent condition.
The total amount of food used consisted of 42,746 pounds of butcher’s
offal, beef blood, and horse carcasses, the original cost of which was
$592.25, the additional expense of freight and drayage aggregating
$105.97. This large increase in cost and amount of food was due to
the increased number of fish carried; and it was learned by experiment
that quinnat salmon require a larger amount of food than Atlantic
salmon and other fishes.
The stock of fry held for distribution in the fall consisted of 240,006
Atlantic salmon, 2,167 domesticated Atlantic salmon, 2,295 landlocked
salmon, 250,000 quinnat salmon, 1,894 Scotch sea trout, and 10,000 steel-
head trout.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXV
Following is a record of the meteorological observations made at the
station during the year:
Mean temperatures.
Water. pas Saw
Piste: aus Hatchery, | Head of feed-
inside. trough stand.
7a.m.|2p.m./7a.m./|2p.m.) 7 a.m. | 2 p. m.|Inches. | Inches.
| | |
dal Wo Nee pease Bee aeeeraoe | 64. 71 76.00 | 68.98 | 71 77 | 63.55 | 67.35 Dat ae eee eer
PATI DUIS Gen te coe a= enema 61.02 | 74.56 | 69.28 | 72.23] 64.05] 68.40 1A eee
meptem ber’ s+... = 25. cease 53.45 | 64.88 | 62.78 | 65.05} 59.83] 63.13 6295) see
October ...- 40.27 | 51.74] 53.08] 55.15} 52.18] 55.00 AON eee yseis
November - 34.02 | 40.73 | 44.73 | 46.15 | 45.70 | 47.37 4.25 s
December. - 17.77 | 27.85 34.74 | 35.45] 37.92 | 39.29 1.55 4
1897—January ..- 13. 81 26.02 | 33.56 | 34.19 | 36.65 | 38.18 1. 65 18
February .- 15.09 | 30.62 | 33.66] 34.82 | 35.34] 38.02 1. 65 9
Marehisissch ssc c ck seses -----| 24.55 | 35.13 | 34.11 | 35.77 35. 87 | 38. 87 2.30 143
FAT Resa ces asmce ccs face 37.13 | 50.10} 37.95 | 40.98 | 38.72 | 43.42 PAB esos
Mave Sal iccee tec cesctal see te 49. 14 60.49 | 50.77 53.06 | 48.70 | 52.37 BRE eis ee
RUN Gti Seco e emcisinnce secs 55. 54 65. 77 | 58. 71 60.92 | 54.60} 57.82 SOU oe gaeee
St. JOHNSBURY STATION, VERMONT (J. W. TircoMB, SUPERINTENDENT).
A special appropriation for increase of the spring water supply,
construction of reservoir, and general improvement to the grounds
having been provided, the work was undertaken early in the summer
under the direction of the superintendent. In order to increase the
water supply, the springs on the station property were developed by
excavating ditches into the hillsides. These were lined with 3-inch land
tile, laid on hemlock boards and covered with stones and gravel.
Wooden boxes were set at the outlet of each ditch to catch the water,
from which it is conveyed through pipes connecting with the main line
to the reservoir. Much difficulty was experienced in making the exca-
vations on account of the land containing quicksand and elay, which
also made it impossible to obtain-water free from sediment. The supply
secured by this means was about double the amount obtained under the
old system. During the rainy season the capacity of the springs has
averaged about 80 gallons per minute.
In order to prevent the clogging of the intake at the dam in Sleepers
River, a doveeune wall 30 feet long, 6 feet wide at base, 4 feet wide
at top, and 6 feet high, was constructed. A framework of timber
inserted in the wall on the east side near the lower end and fastened to
the intake on the west side forms a recess for the water to pass through
into the intake. This recess is protected by a grating formed of iron
rods extending perpendicularly down through the framework. Below
the grating, between the jetty and the crib, a piece of 10-inch cast-iron
pipe was inserted, to be used for flushing during periods of high water,
when the entrance to the crib becomes filled with sediment. The
wooden gates connecting the two 8-inch pipe lines were replaced by
iron ones.
A reservoir of 172,198 gallons capacity was constructed between
Emerson Falls and the hatchery, at an elevation of 83 feet. A much
XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
larger one had at first been proposed, but it became necessary to reduce
the size owing to the discovery of quicksand. The reservoir was sur-
rounded by a wall made of local stone and Rosendale cement, the dimen-
sions being 24 feet thick at base, 2 feet at top, and 5 feet in height.
The sides of the reservoir and the wall were covered with Portland
cement and plastered with a mixture of 1 part cement to 245 parts clear
sand. The filter to the reservoir is so constructed that it can be cleaned
by reversing the current. A roof was constructed over the reservoir,
four doors being provided in it to permit access to the reservoir. On
January 23 the overflow from the reservoir was broken by an earth-
quake, which interfered materially with its use until the weather per-
mitted of its being repaired.
Considerable work was done in grading the grounds, building plank
walks around the ponds, installing a steam-heating plant, and in repair-
ing the ponds constructed the previous year, frost having injured them
to such an extent that it became necessary to rebuild all of the suppiy
and stand pipes. A large amount of work was also done in the interior
of the hatchery, completing unfinished rooms, ete.
At the beginning of the year the stock on hand was as follows:
Calendar year in
which hatcked.
Species. g
1896. 1895.
IBLOOIMbROUt sates ssae cee ese seh SSeS Saeemmierca da setereia cas ee tote Se taialoe we sieieseleloeelepansee els | 8748; |Saeeeeoees
RAIN DOW A CLOUbsas jac ccs eis cicate Seen cee es se cae ae imac siise moma aciet: Seem cemiseiee sans NC Ol Sees seers
Atlanticisalmonrys 225520 discs iS ee ee Spee ene estas Shae eis eae eee era) emeeag a TL W1OD!||sace eee
SGeel ewe br Ou tees sete se eee wea ia ee TE sha ale Te Seite sae Ser marae em er ap teeaers eae 3 90
DOPAC NLR ESE 58 6 ae ae eS a a OES lacs Seen tema eine ear ite eA ee yal OBES A 5
Motaless ose esos oan fs Sct Rees pale Sites siere Erte Uc ime cine Siam ee eee | 11, 201 95
During the summer field stations for collecting brook-trout eggs from
wild fish were established at Darlings Pond, Caspian Lake, Greensboro,
Willoughby Lake, Groton, Fairbanks Pond, and Pico Pond.
Darlings Pond is about 36 miles from St. Johnsbury, 30 by rail and
6by wagon road. The fish there were captured by means of a V-shaped
slat trap or weir and held in retaining pens until ripe. A shanty was
erected near the trap for the accommodation of the attendant. The
first run of trout occurred on the 23d of August, 1,650 being taken in
the brook during a heavy rain storm. Very few were captured from
that time until September 6, when 1,000 more entered the trap. The
fish continued to run in schools during the rainy weather, and on
October 15, when the trap was removed, 7,138 had been captured.
During the season it was discovered that large numbers of trout were
ascending streams which dry up in summer. At the request of the
owners of the pond they were not disturbed, but it is doubtful whether
their spawn ever matured. The first eggs were taken on September
24 and the last on October 26, over 900,000 being secured. The loss in
hatching was very heavy, only 25 per cent producing fry available for
distribution; but these weré vigorous, and no definite reason can be
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, XXVII
ascribed for the large loss, though it has been attributed to confinement
of the trout for a considerable period before they were ripe. Next
year a temporary auxiliary hatchery will be constructed at this point.
At Caspian Lake, 32 miles from St. Johnsbury, the trout were col-
lected by means of small-meshed gill nets and dip nets, the only
improvement in the apparatus being the jack lights, which were con-
structed especially for the purpose. Most of the fish were caught
between sunset and midnight. The first were captured October 29, and
work continued until the lake froze over, on December 2. Long after
the ist of January the trout could be seen at work on their beds under
the ice. The total number taken in dip nets amounted to 1,457, their
average weight being a little over 1 pound. The season lasted one
month, commencing November 10, and 9/7 per cent of the 500,000 eggs
were good. For convenience and comfort while collecting the eggs a
boat-house was constructed over the confining pen in the lake, with
platform space for the spawn-takers. The eggs were placed in a small
private hatchery located near the lake, and as soon as they had reached
the eyed stage were transferred to St. Johnsbury. The hatching of the
eggs taken at this point continued from January 17 to about the end
of April. °
Willoughby Lake (situated 26 miles from the station, 16 by rail and
10 by wagon road) was examined with the view to collecting eggs of
the lake trout, but owing to pressure of other work the investigation
was delayed until November 10, when it appeared that the fish had
already deposited their eggs. From the extent of the spawning-grounds
and the abundance of fish there seems to be little doubt that a large
number might have been taken. Suitable facilities were found for the
establishment of an auxiliary field station.
At Fairbanks Pond, 3 miles from St. Johnsbury, 31,500 eggs were
collected. The work at Pico Pond proved unprofitable, and operations
were discontinued after 12,000 eggs had been secured.
All of the fish were returned to the waters from which they were
taken, the total loss on nearly 10,000 amounting to only 36. During
the winter 140,000 eggs were shipped to the applicants mentioned below,
and from the balance of the season’s take 491,000 fry were hatched,
a fair proportion of which were returned to the waters from which the
eggs were collected:
8. M. Pearson, Stratham, N. H.... 10,000 | L. J. Johnson, Brattleboro, Vt... 15, 000
Vermont Fish Commission ...--. - 50,000 | Clarence Brown, Toledo, Ohio... 15, 000
Adirondack League Club, N. Y.-. 25, 000 | Connecticut Fish Commission ... 25, 000
While there is a marked difference in the sizes of the trout eggs
taken from different waters, they do not always vary according to the
size of the fish, as was supposed. The sizes of eggs taken at three of the
field stations were in the propor tion of 34, 41, and 42 to the square inch.
Those numbering 34 and 42 to the inch were taken from trout averag-
ing 5 to the pound, while those numbering 41 were secured from fish
weighing over a pound each.
XXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Observations as to the effect of low temperature on trout eggs con
firmed the experience of the previous season. Eggs eyed and hatched
entirely in the spring water (ranging from 45° to 50°) yielded a larger
percentage and better fish than those taken under the same conditions
and at the same time which were hatched in water varying from 32° to
50° in temperature. The comparisons were made with eggs collected
at Caspian Lake. It was also observed that eggs eyed in spring water
before being subjected to colder water yielded a larger percentage than
green eggs laid down in cold water. The investigations were carried
still further by trying different temperatures during the period of incu-
bation on various lots of eyed eggs, but these were not fully completed
owing to an accident to the water supply during the critical period.
It was intended to carry ali of the eggs after they were eyed in a
mixture of the spring and river water, the spring-water supply being
insufficient, but on the 4th of March, and periodically from that time
to April 15, it became necessary to shut off the spring water entirely.
The eggs were thus subjected to the reduced water temperature from
12 hours to 16 days at a time, the temperature during these periods
ranging from 324° to 35°. After reaching 324° the development of the
eggs was, apparently suspended for several days, which accounts for
the length of time between the commencement and the end of the
hatching periods with the various lots. One lot of 35,000 was placed
in water registering 324° as soon as eyed and kept there until they
hatched, for the purpose of comparing the results with those obtained in
hatching in spring and river water mixed. They commenced hatching
March 15 and finished April 24, the total loss to May 50 amounting to
520 eggs and 1,435 fry. An equal number of the same lot of eggs
placed in mixed water, but subjected to changes caused by shutting off
the spring water periodically, began hatching February 26 and finished
April 15, with a loss of 1,223 fry and 487 eggs to May 30. Better
results would undoubtedly have been secured had it not been necessary
to shut off the spring water.
In addition to the collections made in the vicinity of the station
300,000 quinnat-salmon eggs were received in December from Battle
Creek, 5,000 landlocked-salmon eggs from Green Lake in February, and
100,000 steelhead-trout eggs from Fort Gaston in April. The quinnat-
salmon eggs arrived in excellent condition and commenced hatching
on April 3 in water of an average temperature of 34°, but during the
hatching period it went down to 325° on several occasions. The fry
resulting from them numbered 200,000 at the time of their distribution.
They were deposited in tributaries of the Connecticut and Merrimack
riversduring the monthof July. During incubation white spotsappeared
on some of the embryos, causing the loss of many. Those on which
the spots were most noticeable were separated from the others and in
a large number of instances they hatched, the spots disappearing with
the absorption of the sac. The steelhead-trout eggs arrived during a
period of unusually warm weather and were in very bad condition,
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIX
only 26,379 healthy fry resulting from them; 10,000 were distributed in
New Hampshire waters and the balance were retained for rearing.
During the summer months observations were made in air and water
temperatures at Caspian Lake, with the view to testing the qualifications
of the lake water for use in operating a trout hatchery on a large scale.
During November the surface temperature ranged from 45° to 33°. On
the spawning-beds (from 1 to 6 feet in depth) it registered the same,
whereas it varied from 45° to 38° when taken from a depth of 40 feet.
In December and January, with an air temperature below zero, the
water from 20 to 100 feet registered 37° and 38° above zero, indicating
that an equable temperature of from 37° to 40° can be maintained
throughout the year with water taken at a depth of over 20 feet.
A small sandpiper was killed on June 13 and in its gizzard were |
found the vertebral columns of several small fish about 14 inches long.
In November the superintendent was instructed to make an investi-
gation in New Hampshire respecting the advisability of establishing a
station for the propagation of trout at some suitable point in that State.
This work covered a period of two weeks in December and January.
CAPE VINCENT STATION, NEw York (H. D. DEAN, SUPERINTENDENT).
An appropriation of $2,500 having been secured for the completion
of the hatchery and grounds, the work of improvement was commenced
early in July. The building was completed, the grounds graded, a wire
fence constructed around the property, a walk laid from the street to
the hatchery, and a gas plant installed.
Permission having been granted by the Canadian Government to col-
lect whitefish eggs in Bay Quinte, under the supervision of the fishery
overseers, the grounds between Belleville and Deseronto were exam-
ined and arrangements were made with the fishermen to operate four
seines in the vicinity of Massassaga Point, the fishermen agreeing to
pay all expenses of running the seines for the coarse fish and to allow
the Comuinission to have the whitefish. The fish were penned in crates,
under the supervision of one of the employees of the station. Of the
400 collected, only 25 per cent proved to be females, and a number of
these were so bruised in handling that the eggs were worthless. As it
was seen that very few eggs could be taken at this point, on November
13 four more seines were secured nearer Deseronto. Many fish were
caught there, but only a few were females, and these yielded no eggs,
though they were held in pounds for some time. Pound nets belong-
ing to the Commission were also operated in Chaumont Bay without
results, and at Three Mile Bay six or seven traps were operated and a
good many fish captured, but owing to heavy gales the bulk of them
died before the eggs could be taken.
As a result of the season’s operations only 2,300,000 eggs of very poor
quality were obtained from all sources, from which 750,000, fry were
hatched and liberated in the St. Lawrence River. The total cost of the
work with this species for the season was $476.41.
XXK REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
As there seemed to be little prospect of securing a supply of lake
trout eggs in the vicinity of the station, early in November arrangements
were made to attend the tug fishermen at Dunkirk, and as a result
nearly 1,000,000 eggs were secured, at an expense of $141. In addition
to these 145,000 were taken in the vicinity of Charity Shoals, and on
November 24 a consignment of 1,000,000 was received from Northville
Station, giving a total of 2,085,000. The hatching period extended
from April 19 to May 8, and the 1,290,000 fry hatched were distributed
in Lake Ontario and its tributaries.
In addition to the operations with lake trout and whitefish the fol-
lowing consignments of eggs from other stations were hatched and
distributed. A shipment of 2,095,000 quinnat-salmon eggs arrived
from Baird, Cal., on December 15 in excellent condition, and although
much crowded in the troughs, 94 per cent of them were hatched and
were planted in tributaries of Lake Ontario and in the Hudson and
Delaware rivers. One thousand of these fry were retained at the
station, and at the close of the year they had attained a length of over
3d3inches. From the 50,000 Atiantic salmon eggs received from Craig
Brook 48,000 fry were hatched, the period of incubation extending
from March 19 to April 8. All of the fry were deposited in the Salmon
River on May 17. Two consignments of steelhead eggs, aggregating
50,000, were received from Fort Gaston on April 24. As they were in
very bad condition on arrival, only 10,600 fry were obtained from them
for distribution. A shipment of 27,700 rainbow-trout eggs from Wythe-
ville yielded 11,600 fry, which were distributed soon after hatching to
applicants in the State of New York.
The following table gives the average, maximum, and mean tempera-
tures of air and water at the station for the fiscal year, by months:
Air. W ater.
| I |
1896. | |——-_— Se ke
| Min. | Max. Mean.) Min. | Max.) Mean. | | Min. | Max. Mean, Min. Max. /Mean
| | | | 22 ete s aerate ace 1, 749, 000 | 1, 219, 000 530, 000 14
Aree totes OER re x c's, cia sta bic ctlais cn Stee ee arstnte tere erie os ee 3, 759, 000 | 1,093,000 | 2, 666, 000 14
OM eras Osi ben ee ae ern eae eee ere tet ote ier 2, 119, 000 888,000 | 1, 231, 000 “14
is | Seo CUE RCE OL OND Lia ea ee LEO UE | 3,102,000 | 1,874,000 | 1, 228, 080 i
ayy = { 1,786, 000 1
8 oe QO sass soi c ssc ae eee ceramics es 3, 708, 000 470, 000 1 1) 452! 000 15
10 | Kittery Point and Rockport.-.-....-..-----..--- 2, 559, 000 969,000 1, 590, 000 15
DI | PKcrtiteny oint Mes a eeee os see ene oe ee 1, 148, 000 609, 000 539, 000 19
TDW eeeee (0X0 cheep rel egret OO Ai ys a ret os dec 1, 121, 000 858, 000 263, 000 20
13022204 Ose a eee Se ree ee ciatisene poe erat ou enienee 983, 000 610, 000 373, 000 20
a eens CO eas at Sos nag Ueineeeeeeb tae cea mie eers 3, 327,000 | 1,654,000 | 1,673, 000 21
18 | Kittery Point and Gloucester .-......-......-- 1, 733, 000 708,000 | 1,025, 000 24
2ORINGLOUGES Ger Massicn- citi co-P reese. seme ee eee 161, 000 37, 000 124, 000 | 24
Be Senn ae iz re f 1,138, 000 24
ORL Ih Sahin vee Jeep byAUN We oa See oooseqsacescogasoonee 4,371,000 | 1,732,000 1 1,501; 000 24
22,|.-..- Ge oseddceocsaqessauadesseasoeseadeabens 4,022,000 | 1,177,000 | 2,845, 000 24
7 ee ae (INE CR AnH SeH aa Scde as SST San SEEM ErO NaHS ate 2, 185, 000 679,000 | 1,506, 000 24
Pay esaoe (liiatabsdaceqnecnaacocdds Hose eer naaEseoEter 785, 000 388, 000 | 397, 000 24
OF | ise: GORE osha 8elo aes Sees Ase SS Lee 949, 000 436, 000 | 513, 000 24
28 Wises GM escocdesenenacane Sop bERcodeda=poneseae sae 963, 000 158, 000 | 805, 000 23
PAL eae DO te aes aecee sos Gacee sence ee tenes saat 840, 000 301, 000 | 539, 000 23
30nlSasce COne te eececciseceaenosae re se esse ene ner aes 3,572,000 | 1,880,000 | 1, 692, 000 23
Sill eetaes OSE EEE. ne classe clatter iee oreo 726, 000 573, 000 | 153, 000 22
1897.
Anis BO Aa Een CN ASRS SABE BOB nne Don io Obbddo seEenecoouseee 1, 111, 000 733, 000 | 378, 000 25
6 Kittery Point and Rockpor era eHacsste Sone seee 437, 000 247, 000 | 190, 000 22
7 | Kittery Point and Gloucester ..-.........-- ee elel531000 700, 000 | 453, 000 | 21
=e Ses CON Se eetaiainta seein EE eee See ee eels dle OSsO00 646,000 | 1, 062, 000 22
12 | Kittery Point and Rockport.---..------.-..... 710, G00 303,000 | 407, 000 20
13M EEG tteryARointeMeee geen) aaa neene en eka 758, 000 471,000 287, 000 20
14 | Rockport, Mass SeiSee Steines foe eC rce eee em eete 1, 299, 000 477, 000 | 822, 000 19
1G) | PKuttery coin tywMie:toga-ee cee eases opener sete 624, 000 200, 000 | 424, 000 20
ig Nees ea (LO Grrstists!saiemtese tae octet halal ee 1, 137, 000 367, 000 | 770, 000 19
20 | Be Wren CO pees cnteese teres Bamso ditt sos deSeeeists seescioe 1, 919, 000 662,000 1, 257, 000 18
22 | Kittery Point and Rockport--..-...-.---...... 2, 387, 000 655, 000 { 1, 68 o08 mA
DSN emer LOC Gae 14 months ..-..-.. 5, 000 13 73
ALPENA STATION, MICHIGAN, (FRANK N. CLarRK, SUPERINTENDENT).
Early in the summer the superintendent and foreman visited the
important fishing centers on Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior, and
made arrangements for the lake-trout and whitefish work. On Sep-
tember 15 the spawn-takers, under the direction of Mr. George Platts,
proceeded to Lake Superior and commenced the collection of trout
eggs at Spruce Harbor and Michipicoten Island, Ontario, and at the
close of the season there they were transferred to various points on
Lakes Michigan and Huron. The first whitefish eggs were received at
the station on October 27, having been collected at Scarecrow Island,
Lake Huron.
The collections continued until December 14, and a total of 35,800,000
were secured from the following points:
Point of collection. | Sea Point of collection. pba
sad eee ee | HezwiueS |
Warehouse, Lake Michigan.-...-..---. | 1,300,000 || Traverse Bay(tributary), Lake Mich-
Epoufette, Lake Michigan........-..- | 6501000) | hep ele ameter fetes iolsie etoile = ee eeisi= =-| 0 102 BOR Sze cOn serena || February ..... | 31.3 73 Li Ss 4i |) orace
September 68.9 93 Git) fee ne © eee || March | 5 93 2PMlePOS COW. 02 ses ce
October. .-- 57.9 83 PE) a Wai ese see || April 5 81 SUPE ros00) sess -
November --| 59.3 |e 10) 3.70" )) Trace.) May =~. 6 BO) reo eI uleeeeeett
December.....-. 41.5 LOM! .44 | Trace.|| June 8 92 Gb ld. Owe cites ie ~
In addition to thousands of pounds of crawfish removed from the
ponds, the following enemies of fish were killed: 35 snakes, 18 turtles,
1 egret, 12 kingfishers, 1 grebe, 10 ducks, 2 fishhawks, 7 bitterns, 9 musk-
rats, 6 water-rats, and 2 water-hens.
San Makcos SraTion, TEXAS (JOHN L. LEARY, SUPERINTENDENT).
Work on the ponds was sufficiently advanced to permit of the recep-
tion of brood fish in December. From December 12 to March 23 eol-
lections of crappie, black bass, and rock bass were secured from the
surrounding streams, 200 rock bass being taken from San Marcos River,
and 281 large-mouth black bass from the San Marcos and the Blanco
River, 3 miles distant. The crappie were obtained from York Creek
and from the Colorado River near Austin. Several hundred of these
fish were secured; but as it was necessary to haul them over 18 miles
of rough road, thence 36 miles by rail, all but 199 of them perished
before reaching the station. The muddy state of the water also aug-
mented the loss.
The black bass were placed in three ponds and commenced spawning
on February 10, the time when they were seen nesting in the river.
Nesting continued at intervals until Junel. Contrary to their habits
in the Eastern States, the large-mouth black bass in Texas deposit their
eggs on the clay, first sweeping away the moss and weeds with their
tails. To thoroughly test this matter, patches of gravel and artificial
nests were placed in the ponds, but in no instance were they accepted,
and observations disclosed the fact that all of the bass in the San
Marcos River deposit their eggs on clay bottom.
As soon as the fry had attained sufficient size they were transferred
from the breeding to the rearing ponds by the use of dip nets and of
small seines made of mosquito netting. The food furnished consisted
of crawfish, the flesh and roe of the mullet, and beef liver finely chopped.
An experiment was made in feeding the salted roe of the cod, but it was
not readily taken. As they increased in size the fish were fed on such
minnows as could be captured in the vicinity; the young of the mud shad
seemed to be the most acceptable. With the view to providing a supply
of live food an attempt was made to rear young carp. As only a small
number could be secured, however, 42 buffalo-fish were substituted, but
the results were not successiul. Mud shad proved better adapted for
LXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
this purpose, and as they are vegetable feeders they can be placed in
the nursery ponds to spawn, thus obviating the necessity of transferring
the young. In addition to this they give up their eggs freely and can
be hatched artificially if necessary.
The heaviest losses from cannibalism occur during the first four
weeks of the life of the young bass. This is probably due to an insuffi-
cient amount of natural food, such as minute crustaceans and insects,
as it is impossible to provide them in adequate quantities where large
numbers of fry are confined in a limited area, though they thrive in
abundance under natural conditions. As soon as a length of 2 or 3
inches has been attained this difficulty is partially overcome, as they
can be readily fed on the fry of other fishes or on chopped food. To
show the extent of loss by cannibalism the following illustration is
given: 5,000 bass less than an inch long were placed in a pond 16% feet
by 50 feet and given careful attention. In 20 days 90 per cent of them
had disappeared. This loss must be uscribed solely to cannibalism,
as, the water being perfectly clear, the destruction of the fish by such
insects as the boat-fly could not have escaped observation.
The growth of the young bass was very rapid, all of them averaging
3 inches and a number 5 inches in length by May 1; 100 of them,
retained until the following October, measured over 8 inches. Their
rapid growth and the difficulty of securing a sufficient supply of food
rendered it necessary to commence distribution in May, and by the end
of June 11,700 had been furnished to applicants in Texas.
The rock bass and crappie have shown no signs of spawning up to
the close of the year, and it is doubtful whether any results will be
realized from them this season. It is probable that they were trans-
ferred too late in the year for spawning.
On June 30 the following fish remained on hand:
Year- |
Species. Adults. lings. Iry.
TB Tae aS aes Leet eis has) tetera a nesses carer eee ere SroTe are RCE Re eee 101 | 180 12, 000
(GIG) 4 sabaseedoucoobsed senocn eases on sedaocouesubescedassondssSSsses 99 | INS) | Sesbscnces
IRQ eS Ssoopap Hobbes peed oS ae eae E Dae absee bes pacoHupoDpouarscooaconorce 200i6| Seema |-s-2222=>-
Chan (GiaIG prigbiribadh )iseeSas she aeeenseeessasontesecscuuSpoers seacracicr 24 | AQOW Pesce acme
Wihalaevils ee ossaqdadeek docu pecbecaooasedanene 65 tsbooandorodeconoSDs ces Shieeeaceeines | fae sueierse
Tote let ery o2= ets Me Neko e NC ae nace a 432 685 | 12, 000
|
During the excavation of the ponds many human and animal bones
were unearthed. These were found in heaps in many instances, and
when exposed to the air they crumbled to pieces. Many implements
of stone were found, but none of metal. The bulk of this material has
been forwarded to the U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C.
The artesian well maintained a steady flow of over 1,000 gallons per
minute throughout the year, at a regular temperature of 72°. The
minimum temperature of the water in the ponds during the winter was
61°, in summer 76°. The minimum temperature of the air, in January,
was 18°; the maximum, in August, was 101°,
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIII
LEADVILLE STATION, COLORADO (E. A. TULIAN, SUPERINTENDENT).
At the beginning of the fiscal year the stock of fish on hand was as
follows:
which fish
Species. were hatched. | Eggs.
| 1896. | 1892.
ISTROGLS LRRD E Hae ogee eecer ooo de sae OC eS BOSSE Ono nO SAUER EDO RS aro sor 137, 000 | HOG) | sr. Secaree
ech even trowt on 2+ sce sees et ae eae eee esta needs Bebe 11, 780 MPG oo oes
[RGT DDT TRU ese se ce anoneScos sseeeoe coh ogoc pays oRseeeeece bees sane ss WEES leecbeac- 44, 900
neyo g iieil RNa o5g555 oh Boas bog as esses aise Se abReSeBeoe ep peeesesacs 29, 000 | 40 57, 900
WOM EnaCG TROT hgSA secs aod de Soot ood oe Eee pun See e Orne pS Grass orcs 56 nol be ocadacha labesaseser 15, 100
The fish were held in the troughs and rearing-ponds until fall, when
the following distribution was made: Brook trout, 94,000; Loch Leven
trout, 500; black-spotted trout, 42,200; native or yellow finned trout,
7,931; rainbow trout, 25,500.
Besides caring for the fish on hand, the employees of the station
were engaged during the summer in making a number of improve-
ments, embracing the construction of a flume between the middle and
lower lakes, installing troughs in the northern half of the hatchery,
which had not previously been in use, and making a number of minor
repairs to the various cabins and log buildings.
Brook trout.—Prior to the opening of the spawning season arrange-
ments were made as usual with the owners of Uneva, Wellington,
Young, and Decker lakes, Gale and Smith ponds, for the collection of
eggs on shares. Lower and Middle Evergreen lakes were also drained
and the fish belonging to the Commission removed and placed in ponds
near the hatchery. The first eggs were obtained from them on October
7 and the last on December 24, the total take aggregating 418,000. The
large loss on these during incubation, amounting to 174,000, or nearly
42 per cent, was attributed to the removal of the fish from the lakes to
the ponds too early in the season. The eye-spots appeared within 50
days and the first fry hatched at the end of 93 days. The season at
Uneva Lake extended from October 21 to December, and resulted in a
collection of 186,600, 6 per cent of which were lost in hatching. The
spawning season at Gales Pond covered the same period, and 281,900
eggs were secured. The loss during incubation was 34 per cent, which,
though large, was smaller than that of the previous year, when the fish
were overfed. In addition to this, a spawning- house had been provided,
so that the eggs were not subjected to intense cold, as heretofore.
At Smith Pond the collections aggregated 109,700, and the loss in
hatching was 11 per cent. At Ridgeway the fish had to be stripped
out of doors during very cold weather, and as a result only 74,000 eggs,
of very poor quality, were obtained.
The season at Wellington Lake opened November 5 and continued to
the middle of December. The difficulties previously encountered at that
point were largely overcome by the erection of suitable shelter and the
LXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
exercise of great care in the transportation of the eggs over the rough
mountain roads from the lake to the railroad station. Only 13 per cent
of the 493,700 taken were lost. At Decker Lake 511,500 eggs were
taken, but, owing to the fact that the fish were very closely confined in
retaining vats during extremely cold weather, 55 per cent of the eggs
and 20 per cent of the fry were lost. At the time the last lot of eggs
were taken the thermometer registered 20° below zero in the cabin where
operations were being conducted; the eggs froze to the pans and the
fish died within a few minutes after being handled. The eggs taken at
Young Lake yielded 57,615 fry, or 80 per cent of the number collected.
During the winter 190,000 trout eggs were shipped to the various
State fish commissions, private individuals, and stations of the United
States Commission. The balance were hatched, and on May 1 there
were at the station 1,021,200 fry, 479,000 of which belonged to private
parties. Owing to very cold weather throughout the spring, they did
not commence taking food until they were about 80 days old.
In order to make room for the eggs of the rainbow, black-spotted, and
yellow-finned trout, 287,000 of the fish belonging to the Commission
were distributed in May and June to applicants in Colorado. The losses
during this period amounted to less than 245 per cent, and at the close
of the year there were 241,465 on hand.
Rainbow trout.—The stock on hand at the beginning of the year was
derived from collections made at Twin and Uneva lakes during the
previous spring, and in September, when the fish were distributed, the
output amounted to 25,500. In February a consignment of 44,000 eggs
was received from Neosho. The loss during incubation was only 10 per
cent, but the fry were very weak and such large numbers of them died
during the sac stage that there were only 2,000 available for distribu-
tion in the spring. Collections of eggs were again made at Twin and
Uneva lakes in May and June, 54,000 being secured from both sources.
The spawning season opened ou May 10, and the eggs commenced
hatching in 27 days, the eye-spots appearing in 13 days. The losses
during incubation amounted to 27 per cent, and at the close of the year
there were 25,370 fish and 8,000 eggs on hand.
Yellow-finned trout.—W hen the general distribution was made in Sep-
tember the output of the species amounted to 7,931. Collections of
eggs were made during the following May at Twin Lakes, and as a
result there were 8,480 fry on hand at the close of the year. The losses
during incubation amounted to 3,920.
Black-spotted trout.—The use of the State trap and hatchery at Twin
Lakes having been tendered the Commission by the State authorities,
arrangements were made to conduct operations there on a larger scale
than heretofore, but as it was necessary to keep a man on watch con-
stantly to prevent the theft of the fish and the destruction of the trap,
the results were not commensurate with the expense involved, though
they were better than in previous years. A collection of 167,000 eggs
was made at Freeman Lake in June, and 5,200 were secured from the
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXV
fish at the station. These, with the take at Twin Lakes, made an
aggregate of 498,900. A consignment of 5,000 of these eggs was sent
to Nashville in June and arrived in excellent condition, only 9 of
them being dead when unpacked. They were hatched at the exposi-
tion during July with comparatively no loss. The losses on the balance
of the stock amounted to 39,300, or nearly 8 per cent, and on June 30
there were 164,780 fry and 289,820 eggs on hand. In view of the poor
results attained at Twin Lakes this year it has been decided to depend
on Freeman Lake and on such collections as can be made from the
stock at the station, for the supply of black-spotted eggs in future.
BOZEMAN STATION, MONTANA (JAMES A. HENSHALL, SUPERINTENDENT).
This station is located on Bridger Creek, in the Gallatin Valley, and
is 34 miles from the city of Bozeman. Its water supply is obtained
from two springs, the combined volume of which varies from 1,200 gal-
lons in wet weather to 500 in the dry season; the temperature of the
water is 45°, and it is always clear. The superintendent, James A.
Henshall, was appointed on the Ist of January and reported for duty
on the 11th of that month.
During the winter 25,000 brook trout eggs were received from Lead-
ville and 100,000 steelhead eggs from Fort Gaston. The fry resulting
from them were transferred to the rearing-ponds in April and May, and
at the close of the fiscal year the brook trout numbered 14,111 and the
steelheads 84,858. Besides caring for the eggs and fry, the station force
was employed during the winter and spring in completing the road-
ways, repairing damage done to the ponds by frost, grading around the
buildings, and other miscellaneous work.
In the spring arrangements were made to collect eggs from wild
black-spotted trout, which were said to spawn during June and July.
From information gathered from residents in the locality it was believed
that large numbers could be secured at Mystic Lake (about 16 miles
from Bozeman, in the mountains), but owing to the impassable condi-
tion of the roads the superintendent was delayed until June 12 in mak-
- ing the inspection. This lake is 30 acres in area, has a depth of 100
feet, and is fed by two ideal spawning-streams with gravelly bottoms.
Numbers of spawning-beds were found, and it was decided to return at
once with the necessary outfit. Owing to heavy rains, however, the
return trip was not made until June 17, when it was found that the
spawning beds had been flooded through the raising of a dam by an
irrigating company. A few fish were taken in the small holes near the
outlet of the lake, and 10,000 eggs were secured.
As trout were reported to occur in great numbers in Soda Butte
Lake, in the northwestern section of the Yellowstone Park, an effort
was made to coliect eggs there in July, but none were obtained, as it
was found that the fish there, as in Mystic Lake and other waters in
the vicinity, spawn much earlier than has been commonly believed. It
is thought that large numbers of eggs can be obtained at both these
F. R. 97—_y
LXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
points in future, but it will be necessary to construct temporary hatch-
eries, so that eggs may be eyed before being transferred to the station.
BAIRD STATION, CALIFORNIA (LIVINGSTON STONE, SUPERINTENDENT).
Karly in July the rack to prevent the ascent of the salmon was com-
pleted and a wagon and foot bridge was built across the river. A new
current-wheel, spawning-house, salmon corrals, ete., were constructed
by the station force.
The first ripe salmon were captured on August 21, and eggs were
taken daily from that time to September 16, the total collection aggre-
gating 5,000,000. These were held until the eye-spots appeared, when
they were shipped to the State hatchery at Sisson, Cal. The last of
them were disposed of by October 20, and as it had been decided not
to make collections from the late run of salmon arrangements were
made for the transfer of a large part of the equipment and the force to
Battle Creek Station. During December over 2,000,000 salmon eggs
were forwarded to Baird from that station, to be hatched and liberated
in McCloud River. To prevent the crowding of the troughs, 1,000,000
of the fry were liberated in January; the remainder were divided
into four lots and experiments were tried for the purpose of determining
what preparation of food would produce the best results. The first lot
was fed on liver exclusively, the second on a mixture composed of three
parts liver to one of mush, the third on equal parts of mush and liver,
and the fourth on three parts mush to one of liver. The fish fed on
liver exclusively were found to exhibit a marked superiority in size and
strength over those fed on the mixtures, but there was very little
difference in the condition of the three lots fed on liver and mush in
varying proportions.
Early in June the work of commencing a new rack and bridge for
the coming season was undertaken, and the indications point to a very
large run of salmon.
The following tables show the daily take of salmon, the daily collec-
tion of eggs, and the maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures of
air and water, by months:
| No.of | No.of | . | : No.of | No.of | :
Date. avo, CL SgEs males | females | f Hine Date. Mo. Ghekes males | females | fees
asen. .|:taken. _ taken. oma Peal aiken. © | takents|: taken |e oaee
1897. | 1897. |
INES P72 eacosaqansle 204 75 36 || Sept. 6 | 277, 500 €2 68 | 54
23 184, 600 167 109 29 | 7 | 221, 000 | 73 | 72 56
24 81, 600 162 | 98 | 33 | 8 211, 900 56 63 46
25 320, 000 158 | 102 | 24 | “) 212, 100 61 62 | 43
26 129, 100 123 66 | 13 10 198, 700 75 74 | 43
27 50, 400 106 70 elie 11 162, 600 50 | 76 | 46
28 | 144, 650 185 | 107 35 12 171, 350 26 33 20
29 227, 550 253 176 52 | 14 169, 325 43 54 41
30 | 154, 300 156 72 19 | 15 125, 675 12 18 15
31 185, 200 258 138 40 16 144, 900 22 31 14
Sept. 1 | 198, 200 166 96 56 IVE Snoosesbasoe 24 27 | 24
2 318, 950 153 129 70 US eco Sheoon Ss 3 5 | 5
3 351, 700 141 135 70 20 BB) OW) | bseerSeciisaooseaoos ljemianeets
4 445, 000 134 131 96 — —-———
5 | 377, 400 115 83 66 |} Total.-| 5,196,700 | 2,989 2,170 | 1, 063
| |
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXVII
Temperatures.
Air. Water. | Air. Water.
1896. SSS See 1897. :
Max. | Min. | Mean! Max. | Min. Mean Max. | Min, |Mean| Max. | Min. | Mean
Sly seesese = 99 53 | 66.9 60 55/58 | January ..| 69 24) 44 47 42 | 44.6
August ....) 96 | 50 | 74.6 58 53 | 56.5 | February .| © 71 26 | 44.3 49 41 | 45.4
September.| 94) 45 | 68.6 58 48 | 53.3 | March....| 62 22 | 44.4 49 41 | 42.2
October .... 91 38 | 60.6 54 45 | 50.4 April -.--. 85 29 | 58.9 52 45 50.1
November . 62 | 24 | 47.6 52 ATG PAG hie Whar tence 96 45 | 67.8 57 49 Sana)
December .. 71 32 | 46.3 49 43 | 44 JUNC. 265 -= 94 43 | 64.1 59 50) | 56.2
| |
BATTLE CREEK STATION, CALIFORNIA (JOHN P. BABCOCK IN CHARGE).
Recognizing the necessity for increasing the output of quinnat salmon
on the Pacific Coast, the Commissioner arranged to erect a hatchery
on lands controlled by the California Commission on Battle Creek; also
to take charge of and operate the hatchery erected by the State com-
mission the previous year, in accordance with the following agreement:
This agreement, made this 20th day of October, A. D. 1896, by and between J. J.
Brice, of Washington, D. C., acting for and in behalf of the United States Commis-
sion of Fish and Fisheries, of the first part, and H. F. Emeric, of San Francisco,
Cal., acting for and in behalf of the Board of Fish Commissioners of the State of
California, of the second part, witnesseth:
That the said party of the second part does hereby agree to take charge of and
assume the entire control and management, under the personal supervision of Chief
Deputy Babcock, of the spawning station located on the land of F. R. Love, at
Battle Creek, State of California; and, in the name of the United States Commis-
sion of Fish and Fisheries, operate the hatcheries at said Battle Creek to their fullest
capacity.
The said party of the first part does hereby agree to pay all the operating expenses,
including the salaries and wages of all men employed, from October 1, 1896, until
the close of the season’s operations at said Battle Creek.
The said party of the first part also agrees to deliver to the said party of the second
part that amount of eyed salmon spawn which the said party of the second part
may be able to hatch at the Sisson hatchery.
The hatchery built by the United States Fish Commission has a
capacity for about 18,000,000 eggs, and is a one-story frame building,
144 feet long by 40 feet wide, lighted by skylights in the roof and shut-
tered windows in the sides and ends. It contains two distributing-
troughs and 92 hatching-troughs, one-half of which are 16 feet long by
16 inches wide and 64 inches deep and the other half 16 feet long by 12
inches wide and 64 inches deep. The troughs are arranged in sections
of four, securely bound together, two of them abutting against the dis-
tributing boxes, from which they take their supply of water and earry
it to the two below. At the head of each hatching-box is a tin aerator,
10 inches by 44 inches, with perforated bottom. Each trough has a
capacity for 200,000 eggs, and the supply of water admitted to each is
24 gallons per minute.
Mr. J. P. Babcock, of the California Commission, was placed in charge
of the work, and arrangements were made to operate the station to its
fullest capacity. The first eggs were taken October 20 and the colleec-
tion continued till November 23, when the retaining-racks were carried
DXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
away by high water. The entire take amounted to 25,852,880, and
there is little doubt that more would have been secured had the rack
not been destroyed. The total cost of operating the station for the
season, including the construction of the hatchery, was $7,382.56.
The water supply for the station is taken from a creek three-quarters
of a mile distant, and as it gathers considerable sediment on its way
to the hatchery the eggs were transferred, as soon as the eye-spots
appeared, to the California State hatcheries and the hatcheries of the
U.S. Fish Commission.
The following shows the disposition made of them:
: Number
Where shipped. shipped.
Galifornia#Hish Commission, Sisson; Calese.cisa=sniee eeaiee nisin ciein wie cece acsicninele ans emaicceenee 13, 645, 000
WES 2H scareNo.3; fOr eastern StAblONS serene sae secre tar necising cic ee reins =e ereeeeeeesee 5, 150, 000
Lepii) SUM 6 SAAR pe eecod sme coedacsan0 Sescadads SeencsSoSbbopecuddmenmsean Sborosesamesc | 2, 000, 000
(CLG) RAMA RIA Oe A Rena s aso nsads ssoes conc boousescoenatatin noopadeodoorSecssansasSchosnece 3, 000, 000
Olema Experimental Station, Califormiai--cecccesccs cewecuccccceesescioee secs iser cesses 750, 500
MOS eae es cts ois taal te ete aie aicte eee eieistielae eile asters a Sie iaia ain) eles oe eee 24, 545, 500
The daily take of eggs and capture of fish is
shown by the following
table:
8 Temper- || =e Temper-
“sg ature of) rn atureof
+ 5 : /water in) o ‘ F water in
= = _ | Daily | hateh- 4 3 Daily | hateh-
Ba g No.of | loss of | ery. a a No.of | loss of | ery
Date. @ S eggs eggs in| Date. 2 = aed eggs in
ep lagec || eeepc alse eee a) vey ohakents | Chas eee
Se nD ery. | s | o | Oe n ery. 2 oO
Be ile SE snall 2 lhe E | ‘a
6s | 2 | 6 | =| ee ee o |
A fom }a | } A foot 4 |
lo ge lo | | oF, OF,
OUt Ss] pee ese ek eu ceee conse Dee eae eta Peel ENowe24! lee ctssal ses eual tenancies 19,530 | 49 | 50
19 10 Stengeal voce ocesceclen-careaa|e eee od sell 25 iio teal saeeleecccceseee 45,625 | 46 | 48
OE Bem D3i|s © Go 000m es eescnc | 54 | 57 || 264) oP cole aeas Sa cane eee 25,500 | 43 | 46
210) | s 15) 15 575500) ||-e eee asa | 52 | 56 | Aft eee sae \eoeonaeesas 43,750 | 43 46
PPT A Reod ess5s oseeeseooe 3, 125 | 52 | 56 | 71 meee aac nal aaaescodacc 37,500 | 42 44
OO eames le aoase' lees atteen re eaerigeme 52 551) 29 | .-----).-----|----------- 25,780 | 41 | 44
24 | 32 32 Dts) BWR) |B aseemaae 52) | 55 C108 Roma sesosalledatoss5aas 18,500 | 43 | 46
743) | eam ASeeoe le Eee eee Je tS AS to 2n 54a ecm! ||. e=— 2) heeees Se eeeeee eee 25,000 | 46 49
26 | 82 42 219, 880 1,565 | 52 | 53 2 | Boe eee | 33 Aetea| Soeeeee ener 37,500 | 49 | 51
27| 89] 101] 495,000] 3,125 | 51 | 55 Silcaetes RS ee Seed 32,030 | 48 | 51
28 | 168) 163 800, 000 6, 250 | 50 | 55 | Qi N|\. sasaal os aesteeuseeeeeee 37,500 | 49 | 52
29°] 119 119 542,500 | 14,060 | 52 | 56 D ea tone| (sete le ees 18,750 | 49 | 51
30 | 159 159 780, 000 13,270 | 51 | 55 CO ee ee See eames ce|| 18,750 | 48 | 50
31 | 1738 | 173 935, 000 17,190 | 53 | 56 {iil sites aanece eeeden cose 15,625 | 46 50
Nov. 1] 216] 216 | 1,095,000 | 19,280 | 49 | 53 SS iceineh|(Ses-5s|lsedsesusecs 21,850 | 46) 49
2 | 167 167 | 900, 000 18, 500 | 50 | 54 HH teseellsoasne WoSodeocescs 15,625 | 46 | 50
3) 215 215 ; 1,190,000 | 15,625 | 49 | 52 Nee eho neaance Bee eaee coed 18,750 | 49 | 51
4 | 199 199 | 1,115, 000 15, 625 | 48 |! 52 DA |, Sea ee nox eo babe 08 15, 625 | 50 51
5 156 | 156 800, 000 16,400 | 49 2 1 OR Se ASU lessons eee sec sas 18, 750 | 51 52
6 227 227 | 1,187, 500 13, 280 | 48 | 51 A eecsa|sesaac boeonoconTc 15, 625 | 50 50
vi 238 | 238 | 1,340, 000 15, 625 | 48 2 EO ere lacerice leracctccs 15, 640 | 49 49
8 244 | 244 | 1,318,750] 25,000 | 51 | 53 ED i eeacicins |e eel ee eee 12,500 | 48 | 49
9 253 253 | 1,385, 000 25,000 | 54 | 54 mh ey SY Seer at Lye as ao | 12,500 | 47 50
10 269 | 269 | 1,392,000 | 15,625 | 51 | 52 1 al cee erro lacisoau acon. 18,750 | 47 | 49
1a) 144 144 740, 000 31, 250 | 48 | 53 1 bo eet See | Sobscoaesc 15, 625 | 46 | 49
12 128 | 128 680, 000 37,500 | 45 | 50 9,375 | 46 | 49
13 236 | 236 | 1,265,000 | 37,500 | 46 | 50 9,375 | 47 | 49
14 156 | 156 807,500 | 32,030 48 | 50 9,375 | 45 | 48
15 | 206 206 | 1,047,500 | 28,910 | 50 | 53 3,125 | 45 | 48
16 194. 52 Salsa eee eee 28,910 | 53 | 55 3,125 | 45 | 48
17 58 | 252 | 1, 210, 000 31, 250 | 53 | 54 1,560 46 | 49
18 166 | 166 750,000 | 28,125 | 52 | 54 780 | 47 | 49
19 | 225 | 225 | 1,110,000 | 38,280 | 50 | 51 | 2,260 48 | 50
20! 80) 80| 412,500] 29,680 | 50) 51 1,560 | 49 | 50
21 137 137 710, 000 37, 250 | 51 | 51 —_ | — —_ —
22) 151 151 820,000 | 41, 410 | 51 | 53 Total. 5,001 |4,968 |25, 852, 880/1, 308, 290|....|....
23 | 71 | 71} 407,500] 41,410 | 49 | 50 |
| |
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIX
With the view to testing the advantages to be derived from planting
fry near the ocean, arrangements were made for hatching 750,000 of
the eggs collected at the State experimental station at Olema, Cal.
They were shipped on December 31, and the resulting fry were planted
during February and March in Dutch Bill, Boccacio, Olema, and Bear
Valley creeks. Their movements were carefully noticed by Messrs.
A. B. Alexander and N. B. Scofield.
CLACKAMAS STATION, OREGON (W. F. HUBBARD, SUPERINTENDENT).
The superintendent was occupied during a portion of the summer in
examining a number of tributaries of the Columbia River, with the view
to establishing auxiliary stations, to be operated in connection with the
station on the Clackamas. As a result of his investigations, arrange-
ments were made for the collection of eggs on the Salmon River, a
tributary of the Sandy, and on the Little White Salmon, emptying into
the Columbia above the Cascades, in the State of Washington. The
collections on the Snake and Sandy rivers the previous year were so
small that it was decided not to operate at those points again.
Early in July the station force commenced the construction of a rack
330 feet long across the Clackamas River. Great difficulty was expe-
rienced in this undertaking on account of the extensive rafting of logs
and wood from points above, but arrangements were finally made with
the lumbermen to provide a boom, and a gate was built in the rack to
permit of the passage of the material. The rack was completed on July
18, and the force was utilized during the remainder of the summer in
making repairs to the boats and fishing apparatus, building a trap for
the capture of spawning fish, and laying a new floor in the hatchery.
The collection of eggs from the fish below the rack was commenced
on September 11, and operations were continued until October 31, the
total take amounting to 1,062,500. On that date a part of the rack was
carried away by arise in the river, and, as it was late in the season and
there appeared to be very few fish below the rack, no attempt was made
to repair it.
The results of the season’s work were very discouraging, as the traps
and seines had been worked night and day, and gill nets had also been
fished on the riffles below, where a few salmon were observed spawning.
Early in November the volume of the spring brook was so increased
by heavy rains that the pumps were discontinued and the supply for
the hatchery taken from that source. Considerable damage was done to
the station during the month by high water. The bridge across Clear
Creek was carried away on the night of November 8, and on the 13th
the river rose 13 feet above its normal level, carrying away the plank
breakwater built in 1877, covering and greatly damaging the land about
the station, and flooding the hatchery so that a boat could be brought
into the door.
Shipments of eggs aggregating 2,340,000 were received from the
Salmon River station between September 11 and October 6. The fry
LXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
resulting from them appeared strong and healthy until they were about
two weeks old, when a large number of them were affected by a disease
which had never occurred at the station before. Its first indication
was the appearance of a small white spot on the yolk-sac, followed by
an unnatural position of the fish in swimming, the body being held
perpendicular with the head near the surface of the water. As soon as
death resulted the yolk-sac would burst. All the fish affected in this
way were liberated as soon as possible.
About the middle of December a consignment of 3,000,000 salmon eggs
was transferred from Battle Creek, California, being shipped by rail to
Oregon City and thence to the station by wagon. The eggs arrived in
excellent condition, and by January 25 they had finished hatching. All
but 500,000 of the fry were liberated, just before the absorption of the
sac, in Clear Creek and on the natural spawning-grounds of the salmon
in the Clackamas River, within a range of 2 miles up and down stream.
Those retained at the station were fed on finely chopped beef liver and
on chopped fish when liver could not be obtained. The rate of growth
was rapid. On March 10 the total weight of 1,000 of them was 14
pounds, and on May 31, when the last of them were planted, the weight
of the same number was 3 pounds. They were liberated in small lots
from time to time during the month of May, and the total loss on the
500,000 retained amounted to 11,400.
The only serious loss in addition to the mortality resulting from the
disease referred to above occurred on November 26. There were in
the hatchery at that time 600,000 fry in excellent condition when the
watchman left the building at 5 p.m. On the arrival of the superin-
tendent two hours later all of them were dead. As no one had access
to the building and as the water supply was in free operation it was
evident that some poisonous substance had been introduced into the
water before it entered the hatchery, by some ill-disposed person.
Specimens of the dead fish examined by a chemist in Portland showed
the presence of lime and salt. Salt, except in large quantities, is not
injurious to fry, but experiments by the superintendent proved that
young salmon in flowing water can be killed in a very short time by
the introduction of limewater or small pieces of fresh lime.
During the spring the wagon bridge across Clear Creek was rebuilt,
and the mess-house and fences, which had been damaged by high water
during the previous winter, were repaired.
SALMON RIVER STATION.
The site selected for the establishment of the auxiliary station was
on a small island in the middle of the Salmon River, about 35 miles
from Clackamas Station by wagon road. As the salmon spawn in that
river much earlier than in the Clackamas, the rack was put in during
the latter part of June and arrangements were made with Mr. J. J.
Pankey to furnish ripe salmon at 50 cents each. Immediately after
the completion of the rack an open shed was erected, the necessary
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXI
troughs were provided, the trap was built below the rack for the cap-
ture of the fish, and a flume was laid from a small brook near by, from
which the water supply was obtained by gravity. Salmon appeared
in large numbers in July, and a few were observed spawning the latter
part of the month. The first eggs were obtained on August 11, and
the collections were continued until September 12, during which time
2,600,000 were secured from 492 females; 2,340,000 of them were trans-
ferred to Clackamas, and the remainder were hatched and liberated in
the Salmon River during the month of November. The supply of
water failed during the season, and it became necessary to place part
of the hatching-troughs in a narrow channel, where they were supplied
with water conducted through a short flume from the bottom of the
river. Wooden covers were provided for each trough to protect the
eggs, and canvas, stretched on poles, shaded them from sunlight. The
heavy rains in November caused a freshet in the river, which neces-
sitated the removal of the hatching apparatus to higher ground.
LITTLE WHITE SALMON RIVER STATION, WASHINGTON.
After the examination of a number of localities on the Columbia and
its tributaries by Prof. B. W. Evermann, two sites were recommended
for establishment of auxiliary stations, one on the Washington shore
of the Columbia opposite the Cascades, and the other just below Celilo,
on the Oregon side. At the Cascades Mr. George Stevenson, of Van-
couver, offered to furnish all the fish required free of charge, with the
free use of the land and water controlled by him, and a house for the
employees. It was proposed to capture the fish by means of scow wheels
and hold them until ripe in a narrow channel between the island on
which the wheels are located and the main shore. The superintendent
was instructed to make the necessary arrangements, but before under-
taking the work an attempt was made to transfer the fish from the
wheels to the channel. The results attained were so poor that the site
was abandoned. The question of establishing a station at the other
site, near Celilo, was also considered, but it was given up as imprac-
ticable, in view of the fact that it would be necessary to transfer the
fish some distance from the seines to the retaining pond.
As it was believed that the streams in the vicinity of the Cascades
afforded the principal spawning-grounds of the quinnat salmon, fur-
ther investigations were made, and as a result the Little White Salmon
was favorably reported on by the superintendent and Mr. Evermann.
This stream empties into the Columbia about 14 miles above the Cas-
cades, and the point selected for the establishment of the station is
about a half mile from its mouth. Immediately after the site had been
chosen, steps were taken to erect a rack across the river and to con-
struct a hatchery and a mess-house for the men. Mr. W. P. Sauerhoff,
who had been detailed to assist the superintendent, arrived on the
grounds by September 21, and by September 26 work had progressed
far enough to commence the collection of eggs. Eggs were taken daily
LXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
from that time to October 14, a total of 2,179,000 being secured from
the 427 females handled. During the season the salmon appeared in
such large numbers below the rack that the Indians often captured
two and three at one cast of the spear; many were also observed above
the rack, having ascended before it was constructed.
In view of the fact that the work of construction at this point was
not undertaken until September 15, when the spawning season had
already commenced, the results secured were considered excellent.
Had the station porn established earlier in the season, there seems
little doubt but that seven or eight million eggs might hove been col-
lected. The lands on which the station is located are owned by an
Indian, Joe Thomas, and steps are now being taken by the Govern-
ment to lease it. The total cost of operating at this point, including
construction of hatchery and outbuildings, amounted to $2,288.27.
The hatchery was a rough wooden structure without a floor, lighted by
skylights above and unglazed windows in the sides and ends. It was
equipped with 50 troughs, and the water supply was obtained from a
brook a short distance away. ‘The other buildings consisted of sleep-
ing quarters and a mess-house for the employees. At the close of the
collecting season the trough room was found to be insufficient, and
additional troughs were erected outside for holding the fry.
Owing to heavy rains on November 15, the water in the brook from
which the supply was obtained became so muddy that it was necessary
to discontinue using it and to take the supply from the lumber com-
pany’s flume. During this time the men were obliged to work night and
day to keep the screens open and a supply of water flowing through
the troughs. Snow commenced falling early in November, and by the
28th the thermometer had fallen to 13° above zero.
Mr. Sauerhoff was detached from the station on January 18 and J. A.
Tolbert left in charge. The fry were all liberated between January 7
and February 15 in the Little White Salmon near Chenowith, Wash.
At the close of the season the apparatus was stored in the bunk-house,
and, as the grounds on which the station is located are liable to floods,
the hatchery was weighted down with stone and placed in charge of a
watchman, who was permitted to occupy the mess-house.
SIUSLAW RIVER STATION, OREGON (L. E. BEAN IN CHARGE).
Upon the recommendation of Dr. 8S. E. Meek, who was engaged in
investigating the salmon streams in western Oregon, the Commissioner
authorized the reopening of the hatchery on the Siuslaw River at
Mapleton on a small scale. The owner tendered its use to the Commis-
sion without rental, and the fishermen agreed to furnish the necessary
adult salmon on the fishing-grounds, about 26 miles below Mapleton,
free of expense. An effort had been made to operate this station in
1895, but no results were secured, as the fish were all captured several
miles below the rack by seines and gill nets. This season it was deter-
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXIII
mined to transfer a stock of brood fish in live-boxes from the seining-
grounds and hold them at the hatchery until they ripened. Several
hundred salmon were collected at the seines and floated up to the sta-
tion in this way, and from them 44 ripe females and 42 ripe males were
saved. Between October 26 and November 16, 217,000 eggs were
secured from these fish, and during the month of February plants of
fry aggregating 180,000 were made on the spawning-grounds in the
immediate vicinity of the station. The fry were observed from time to
time during the spring by Mr. Bean, and numbers of small schools
could be seen in the creeks where the deposits had been made as late
as May. They appeared to be from 1 to 14 inches long—not quite as
large as a few which had been retained at the hatchery and fed. Obser-
vations were continued throughout the spring, but in June all of the
fry disappeared from the upper parts of the creeks, and were apparently
moving toward the mouth of the river.
ForT GASTON STATION, CALIFORNIA (Capt. W. E. DOUGHERTY, SUPERINTENDENT).
This station was operated, as usual, for the collection of eggs of the
chinook and silver salmon and the steelhead trout. A rack was con-
structed in Redwood Creek, and the first eggs were obtained on Decem-
ber 17. As a result of the season’s work, 406,000 eggs of the chinook
and silver salmon were secured, from which 405,000 fry were hatched
and liberated in Redwood Creek during Apriland May. The spawning
season of the steelhead trout commenced on February 7 and continued
until April, 805,000 eggs having been secured from 179 brood fish.
Of these, shipments aggregating 550,000 were sent to Bozeman, Craig
Brook, Cape Vincent, St. Johnsbury, Northville, and Duluth stations,
and one consignment of 50,000 was furnished to the New York Fish
Commission. From the remainder of the collection 202,000 fry were
hatched and liberated in Redwood Creek in June.
Owing to the increased demand for steelhead trout eggs in the Kast,
the Korbel Station, which had been closed the preceding year, was
reopened. The results attained at this point were very unsatisfactory,
as work was seriously interfered with at the very height of the spawn-
ing season by high water, which did considerable damage to dams and
racks. From the eggs collected 337,600 salmon and 55,640 steelhead
trout fry were hatched and liberated in the Mad River during the
month of June.
LXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Résumé, by States and Territories, of the distribution and assignment of fish and eggs.
State or Territory.
Species.
Adults and
yearlings.
PAU apa alee eas '=ces im case Dinjaleis
Arizona
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgianeecsseeeena === ace
Maryland
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Rock bass
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Quinnat salmon
Landlocked salmon
Silver salmon
Steelhead trout
Loch Leven trout
Rainbow, troute=---2e--eoaee eee
Von Behr trouts-.---5-----ss.- |
Lake trout
Loch-Leventtroubsc.-2ss2 ser se"
Rainbow trout
Black-spotted trout
Brook trout
Yellow-fin trout
Rock bass
Shad
Atlantic salmon
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
Wale troutiesceeeee cases sae {
MODSteR ee soe ese neo te eee eee
Shad
Shad
Shad
Rainbow: troubts.- j.'s 2 =
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass)s .2:-2easeseeeee Sone
Rainbow trout..-.----5-----2---
Brook trout: = =s2sceesece~s ieee
Loch Leven trout
IBTOO KURO bis sles ae eatetecevaincle Soe
ake troutacsaccmacceemiescic=ivstee
Yellow perch
Pickerel!s 2ocsSccincces cc carstsieeee
Black bass, large-mouth
Crappie
Rock bass
Black bass, large-mouth
Crappie
Rock bass
Rain boOwsabLowbeen.s-nel-5--\27- 1
Rock bass
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
ake troutescacccecose see eesnsee
Roe
Rainbow troubeso--- seaceseo se
Black bass, large-mouth
ROCK DASS aoe eee eee emesis eate
Quinnat salmon
Atlantic salmon
Landlocked salmon
17, 982, 590
10, 000
100, 000
50, 000
25, 000
100, 000
Steelhead trout
Rainbow trout
Von Behr trout
Brook trout
Lake trout
Swiss lake trout
Goldénitroutieeca=-s5--esee oe
Black bass, large-mouth
Lobster
Shad
Quinnat salmon
Loch Leven trout
298, 137
257, 000
2, 234, 000
9, 856, 000
7,479
2, 400, 000
1, 810, 936
1, 655, 671
61, 000
55, 745
15, 389, 360
30, 586, 000
1, 000
234, 799
11, 050
10, 545
7, 402
569
519
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER
Résumé of the distribution and assignment of fish
State or Territory.
Species.
OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
LXXV
and eggs—Continued.
Eggs.
Fry.
Maryland.....-
MaRBACHUSELLS So. ac6 5 ae0 2 =% 1
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Mexico...
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
seer
Rainbow; troute=-—-+,455--s55ee
Brookstront. 225 -ches se = bese eae
agkemtroutese cece ewe saacceceine
Striped bass
Black bass, large-mouth
RockiDassbena- sseeeas essen nates
Shad
Atlan ticsalmO Messe cs asta ose
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
MakemiLoub)|sssses5 sss, eon
Black bass, large-mouth
Black bass, small-mouth
Codfish
Flatfish
Lobster
Rauho gare. cscem se tenee -eecc= eee
Mackerel
Sea bass
Makentroubs so -seee ssa econ |
Black bass, large-mouth
Rainbow trout... ..5.-2--.+-.=2-
Black bass, large-mouth
Crappieze= 8 Weccae sateen os:
ROCK DASS oi 2s soe eet ee eee eee ee eee
Strawberry bass
Rainbow trowbs---=-.--25525-2-6
BROOK ALOUU esc eee nee sae eeeee
BROOK LOU bse ne sean een eee
Mgkenroubssecciiesce cane case enet
Black bass, large-mouth .....---
IROCKpass 2. Ss seteneeea se aoe:
Rainbow trout..-..-..
Quinnat salmon
Landlocked salmon
Steelhead trout
Rainbow trout
Rain OWslLOUb eases eaeee eee
Brookstroutwesssen eee ene eee
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Shades aes sen seccccck eran sp aes
Quinnat salmon........-....----
Atlantic salmon
Steelhead troat....-...-.<....-.
Rainbow, troub---2 22-52 so ees eee
Brook tro titis on =<'cgs = aoe ose as
ake trouts. 22 -cee. 2s ossdtenee.
Swiss lake trout .--..-.--ss.4..
Wihitefishiyoo2 2: 5.2). 405 wee
Black bass, large-mouth....-.-.
ROCK: DABS: -.J20ic- sao os eee
hada see ee 2 oe. saceee eee
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
10, 000
25, 000
98, 258, 000
64, 095, 000
95, 418, 705
624, 000
652, 000
193, 000
5, 743, 000
33, 990, 000
64, 000
200
7, 400
1, 408, 000
14, 000
Adults and
yearlings.
LXXVI
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Résumé of the distribution and assignment of fish and eggs—Continued.
State or Territory.
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
MENNESHCOrs Sse bess otter?
Mea Stoo nee sekie «wcaie = eleinelniste
Utah
AVIOLMONGs. 2 sees a= eeriecee sce
Virginia
Washington
WIiOSt Waltpiniaes- 22555515
Wisconsin
Wyoming
FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
Italy
Species.
| Lake herrin
Black bass, large-mouth
Black bass, small-mouth
Rockebassieee-eeeastecti-s-enes
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Rocks Dassiecesert ees roar tceele
Quinnat salmon
Brook trout
Shad¥sse5- Abe cee ee eeacieone
Quinnat salmon
Atlantic’salmonie asses seene eee
Landlocked salmon
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Landlocked salmon
Lobster
Shad
Black bass, large-mouth
Rock bass
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
Black bass, large-mouth
ROCK Dass iese seco cs en aeeeene
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth-...-.--
Crappie
IROCK D288 s2sec% losses eras alee =
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth. ...-.---
Rock bass
Rainbow trout
Brook trout
Quinnat salmon
Atlanticisalmonossss--4=50se-0
Landlocked salmon
Rainbow trout
Swiss Lake trout.....-...------ |
Black bass, large-mouth
Shad
Rainbow trout
slack bass, large-mouth
Crapplej sss a8 sasn-steoeeee ssc
Rock bass
Quinnat salmon
Brook trout
Rainbow trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Black bass, small-mouth
Rock bass
Steelhead trout
Brook trout
Lake trout
Black bass, large-mouth
Loch Leven trout
Rainbow trout
Quinnat salmon ..........------
Rainbow trout
Quinnat salmon
Lake trout
Landlocked salmon
Lake trout
65, 000
23, 565, 790
Adults and
52, 000
240, 000
542, 360, 000 |
Fry. yearlings.
W299 O00) (eneeeeee
Searemieiee cesoe 3, 055
Seer seine are 31
se Semaeencdste- 950
Ae here pece 8, 541
Be eee secte ener 200
ajsise Se Se aeiaeee 2, 300
4,922, 634 |.--.------
aacinnGSa S550 2, 500
12, 100, 000 |---.-..---
sisleeainine sete 28, 250
PRB EO SEGAOSOOC 3, 750
Scce aaee eee 200
NGS) eeseso55s6
|eainias steetoeeeee 3, 515
2, 564, 000 |-----..-_-
19D 000N paeeeereeee
10, 575
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Details of distribution.
LXXVII
Species and disposition.
Fry and
Adults and
fingerlings.| yearlings.
Shad: :
Connecticut River, Deep River, Conn..............--.-.---.--- te b40N000) (92s ee see
State Kish'Gommission, Gillhill, |\Conn:.=2--..2-.--..+..222ss605-|. e440 S000 |ssaneee. oe
State Fish Commission, Joshuatown, Conn
Brandywine Creek, Wilmington, Del-_-...-...-..-.-...--...-----
Appoquirimink Creek, Middletown, Del
Smyrna River, Clayton, Del
SE bUS iver omeryOaleeeere seen sce escci ce Sac cet cco ence
Murderkill Creek, Felton, Del
Mispillion. Raver Malford: Dele 6 cesaccacecetesicciwicimcewieemrecus
Blackbird Creek, Middletown, Del..............-...-....--.---
Tnthlouviekioreek. Ches wold 2Del>. .32225-/.--ccis0 sb eascmsceueele
NOAM ELE EVOL VETS POLO M) Ol esr omiee oe acta cro nectar sare descesicee
Eastern Branch of Potomac River, Bennings, D.C
PoteMmaAGenLVOr LODO BMG CO. Dl Ooo acces scission esi d=-2/-h sence
Potomac River, opposite Fish Ponds, D.C
TET WIG yea Les, SEN TRO) od Lod OD CT ea a nc i
St. Johns River, Little Lake George, Fla
Savannah River, Augusta, Ga
Ogeechee River, Midville, Ga
Ocmulgee River, Macon, Ga
MrT ler pRO VMOU Sy Galen oo clc. semn) cinneiinelawe ee siarmiisieccee
Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace, Md..............----2.ss-0~
Bush River, Bush River Station, Md..............s-.es-csce.<-
Gunpowder River, Gunpowder Station, Md
PAGAPSCOMUVer, LOlay. Wd 22222 cm naclmisc siecle oe emiee marines
Bape SenGeEver PUAaUTOl WG) ca sce acaaae cesses see see =| eee 1, 800
Trbutariesot Hovnole Lond, Orland Mele: asesacnce sce secee ee See see eeese | aeeeeeeeeee 1, 662
Wong Pond, Bucksport, Mene<- ese mas asae ssseae a ociaseala a ene| See eee eee | eee eee eae 2,093
State HishiCommission, Hast -Atiburn, Meso. 22.. os ce sooo se oe |e ee eee o nose cee eee eee 200
SmithiCreek Emery Junction Mich a aessscs-2e ss) sce scene sere eee ee 6,000) |) --eeeagees
Silver CreekebastiClawas MCh on so sscc sdnesagsces dee soe ee eeee | Sone eee ee 6000 |e es
‘Pine River. West Harrisonville; Mich /22252- <2222s20s4s020ceees|peeeeeeeeere HAOOOM sae eee
Pere Marquette River, and tributaries, Baldwin, Mich ..--..-..)......------ 15 000M Pees eases
State Fish Commission, St. Paul, Minn -....--.-..-.-----.------ i
Stewart River lwo Harbors, Minn =-2-c-sses2.---+-5¢seseaeee |
HacleiNestiuake, Lowers Minn fers ace asc on oame ese eee
CrossRiver,utsen,; Minne-2.- 5. osc dacec 222 Saeesnes cases
Poplar River, Lutsen, Minn ....... sa sben sacs aedeneeecsmeeee sees
Devils Track River, Grand Marais, Minn i
Sucker River, Duluth, Minn..-......--..-- 5,
Movellsiand Hast Lakes, SanbornvilleN. Hie 2s sees emce aes scenes eee ee ae 105000) Aeeeseeee
Wihiteevake branklin J unchionsyNediasssscseeees ses esse oaees | seeeenee eee 3:,0003!||_2eaeee ese
State Fish Commission, Caledonia, N. Y..-......---..--.-.----- 50000) aese sesae as Oke Saeee
Toxedo. Club Luxedo Park News peoseccesscose cae ceceae ce aaa laieeeeeneeee | 5 e300 lesa aeecer
ake Ontario.on Grenadier Msle Nec + acmscise cise ic iets saa sete er eye eleva erste 25000), Sitceeemee
Battery Park Aquaria, New York City, N. Y.-...-.----.-.----- Beeeeeaeeres seeracssseee 100
BIDE River, -BEULS, WAS wii ate -'erni-)= = sete ws ela ee ma eller ele) IKON E Becrcscoce
Motale. cocci fers a= cee saclalsevlse coe seeecs ne nseceeuss ase semen 50, 000 1 439, 045 10, 645
Loch Leven trout:
Calitornia State Fish Commission, Sisson, Cal.-........--------- 10: 0003 tee aotc edocs eeecrees
Coluse bs MeVoureySISsOn, Caleaaa ses sere eee ee eae ee er oer LOL 000) See sae ae eee Sse
AM plicanterin) COlOTAG OM. seat aeeee ns eater Wokboscoacaes Beeesesccbe 500
MiepAa bic elows Evanston lcs soem oce ae sets Sena ea eee eee PE NU eee sonciacs||baeapscoos
Siinolleyy inane ICO SO MGs oes Seana cscops cobcSesscseebecn idasesssace PAYS) \sepedecace
Seamer Tet are, WVObyeEtaey MOTO Gee pee soe concer ee bnyo oe csobeellendocoass 5: HOOOU setae eres
Sturgeon River, Gaylord, Mich ............---...---.----------- Iejotereem a oets: LONOOOM Pere eeea
State Fish Commission, Laramie, Wyo -..---.-.--.----------.---- 10, 000 [ioe ee eee eee cere e tees
Notaleees ce acecescer se he seceemts eee ee ese ee meee ecmeaeiateseerl 32, 000 17, 209 500
Rainbow trout:
bids 1ehyere OG oa E RAB Soe maaan oaoaoncasscmo se Sooce ale odoser aeupSotmoca|pssacencbose 800
AGH She IY VEN SE heoeco aoden pos see epee d seeesesegorsse Sad |acssosessse: Sone Sosesc6 1, 390
Prairie: Creel. Rovers, Avkia:.co-s0 aoe eae ee See oe eee eee rire fae aloes erate aleistetelete rete 1, 000
GavelS prin @vyROPOrS) Au Kise sae etl este =n =a eee ane eeeen S| ae eee Cee eee 1, 000
lint Creek isl Oamisprim os Aw Ke. onan ee ee ee eee ee iela aera ee ea ace eee alee 4, 000
ipallard. Creek (Ballard) ATK. --cessae serene seen ee ieee eee ee re eA 4, 090
Applicants im) Arkansasssecs-ae--ceees eee = sane eee ee ee alle eaten eter 1, 750
Supply, Creek, Hoopa, Callas. -cecesee sesso see tee a ees ear antes ie sates | eee 5, 000
inostiler’ Creek. Hoopa,'Calassa2s-c- soe oe ee ean ne See re ae son ee eo ee eet ete 10, 000
MallGreckwHoopay Cale casa seer eee meee aera ee eee ete eee Le See eee 10, 000 | 15, 000
Pine; Greek Gali ue joecne cso ternal ee DO Seek ee ee SE eee eee eng eee teen TEAC Easeeacese
South Platte kivernear Buttalo) Color. ..s2- snes. see eee eeeeeeal eee eee BN000)| Semeseeee
Pinewiver LPinewRiver Colounoacse cree seen oe eee eee ee eee 5 000 |e seeneeaee
Makeuovelands Woveland: Colo. ...ssessececeeec ss -ee. see See nee eee Ree 3, 000 |---..-----
Applicants in Colorado at Leadville........-.--.---------------|------------ 10000) Sessa ene
State Fish Commission. Hartford, Conn .-.--.-.----------------- 50, 000 |.---.--...-.]----------
Braudywine Creek, Wilmington, Del............-.---2---------|------------ oe eer 1, 000
} Lost en route, 625 yearlings and 311 fry.
——— a
Species and disposition.
Rainbow trout—Continued.
Pond in Zoological Park, District of Columbia..............-.-
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXxXI
Details of distribution—Continued.
F d | Adult d
Eggs. Aiseclinie: veering!
Sdasogoseocollescescncasne 200
paebossecoce Ty ATOM eee ee ee
Rock Creekin Zooand Rock Creek Parks, District of Columbia.
AIihHOERLVer Gaines Valle, Gaon cesses eee ee crease cccwteseceee
Siar Creek Manoraleb litt, Gates aseererccisc sre oe cee Soc ceecicies c's
Hemptown Creek, Mineral Bluff, Ga.....------.--..-- Sees eo
Young Stone Greek Minerale bli Wei ateateteloici aie oe sae eteccje canis
Sanyal Creek Mineral Bl ai Gace. sites escite ce ccee cece Ssueese
Hothouse Creek. Minerale Bluth | Giaiscase. cncsietic cece esc cice caine
Panther Creek, Fannin County, Ga-...........---.-------------
ASHP LG AIUN EID GCOLPIA en aaeemee enemas em = assim -lo esis eee
Bake CliieBeaver: Canyon; Id ahor- nj. ssi). secctoece cacecsoecccee
Applicants in Indian Territory ............-...-..-
Evans Lake, Rush Springs, Indian Territory..--.
Barren Fork off Illinois River, Indian Territory
Sallisaw River, Sallisaw, Indian Territory.........-....---.....
Mp PUCANtS NWO Wesel ae sce emo asa seoe mise sense c so Secs cele
Makes OKODO|MSpILIbeWake; VOW ae <1 - acces woe es cece se
Spring Brook, Montezuma, Iowa...........-............-------
CedarmRivers CedarRapids, Vowa a2 -.scees-ssce-soec~se o- sence
Spring Branch, Manchester, Towa...-...............2-.--------
RrHuueun ye DECOrmhs sl OWBies = -nmis=cisjelsce sce coe cis sm encies cise eins
PASI GATEDS ATM CATS AS fore iaieajele sinlalolelele claimioe alelsielecieies ee /emicieie eee
nakas eae RiVOE DTUPYy,) SCANS oo < mec a - a4 oc alec enna eee einn oe
FA PHC ANTS ANE ON GU CK aeeeam eee al eorin ene cael oel- namenattaat2 all eeciaysere eee 300
North Branch of Little Conemaugh River, Wilmore, Pa..------- |eecteseteaisasona|e ttee Cee severe 500
Applicants! South ako baie se aia ete sete talele tetra ellele) etal) oteatints {ycoseoedaosd\itkeonoe scons 600
SIOMa iver vo TOOKMIN PS Sela Kee eee se ae eae ae eet a eee ese soclhied ceceeee ee 1, 000
Gouldelbake: Rapid Citys is: Wakes aces anteater = ale aetna etal S005) seems
Spliiprockskuven Grave hs Ons. Lakes = ave ee acis ale ate ele ere tetera ee eee pel | tate ttre aaa 800
SplitiRocki@reek, Brandoniis. Dak = 2.222 ene. 2 qe eae ee saat | eee ee ciel Saar oeaterigman 900
Wralltizakersiouxmalls.|S: Dali: -.5..-0 52. seccecmee cesocenmeasiets eee ee ere cisil srs ae siersiceiee 100
Appiucantsiin' Tennessee -- = = 2 = --s-2 = cc smicsa= sa aeeee see eee WGeecigoisechee 1, 000 775
Intyadenhy@eylabyastehey OU Wy pepeee sees sors soon cee scocuqceSoor|| 1 sssocseeaso/oneseseoesos 500
Indian Creck, Erwi LHW) 1) Ne aopodeeceededssoCSbUdoE Rodeos cob O00 scons COUGEB | Saeosesooacr 500
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Details of distribution—Continued.
LXXXIII
Species and disposition.
Rainbow trout—Continued.
Big Creek, Newport, Tenn.
Big Pigeon River, Newport, Tenn
Gap Creek, Johnson City, Tenn
Red River and tributaries, Glenellen, Tenn
Big Stony Creek, Elizabethton, Tenn
Cedar Greek sGebanony Conn secneeres sain ciqsi sets ce one ec ees cscce |
Laurel Fork and Doe River, Hampton, Tenn
Barren Fork of Collins River, McMinnville, Tenn
Little River, Maryville, Tenn
Seuna indian Creek Mrwin) Lenn. -- 222-02. ecc--ce cet cmecscees |
Laurel and Big creeks, Delrio, Tenn
PRAPERE EEUU SPR INE OKA ee aes ona cet ase note nie ac lelainwie wince Sein tesaiee
UP MICATIUSING UAL o 2 =< ocmm .<. 2.2222... cs: doces Serko ses ones
Sylvan Lake, Custer, S. Dak
SPPREiiin (Oro 3)s SEI DES ee eee ee eae eae Pere
George A. Trumbo, Salt Lake City, Utah
PoteeboUnirsGoalG Gake City, Utals-i<--.iscccsecsinccaccccses.
Grant Hampton, Salt Lake City, Utah
PacaMuler salt bake City. Utah <..:.-c2252 esl sesdenssseeec.
A.M. Musser, Salt Lake City, Utah
Jordan River, Salt Lake City, Utah
L. J. Johnson, St. Johnsbury, Vt
State Fish Commission, Vermont
eo eaetiaikon WiO0USCOCKS Vibes. - ny fdie os oocic seks enec eelceceedees
Mount Pulaski fish ponds, Newbury, Vt..---.--.--.----------.-
MELT ONCE LOLOM Vib coece secs sce es sbdcis ce siher cz aes ee
PRO MMILCHEM EN OF WAC) Vibro oes -ins—Sen2 occ coe ceckcee tee eee
Fairbanks Pond, St. Johnsbury. Vt
Haystack Brook, Wilmington, Vt
Dream Lake Pond, St. Albans, Vt
Crystal Pond, West Hartford, Vt
Pico Pond, Pico Pond, Vt
2 EL CSOOT ily TLINT Saf Bae Sees ee ee a ee aS
Caledonia Club Pond, St. Johnsbury, Vt
Caspian Lake, Greensboro, Vt
Beaver Pond, Proctor. Vt
Se es
as
Eggs.
Fry and
fingerlings.
LXXXV
Adults and
yearlings.
LXXXVI
Details of distribution—Continued.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Species and disposition. Eggs fi RE RpS: Saale
Brook trout— Continued.
Xp pucants\ in iW, 1SCONSiNwe ste -(\-mecieeaesile eet eee nes = cece eel le NOHO) Neoeca- Gasic
State Fish Commission, Laramie, Wyo .--.---.----------------- DASO00 4 | SoSH ss sees oar
Mome:Lake;Sheridan,; Wiyi00-.sca--eessceceveccesececececes eee eee eee See eee 4, 500
Motal so. 2escecenaasoeeae nee tence toe Se cee 332, 000 * 943, 004 84, 506
Lake trout:
California Fish Commission, San Francisco, Cal...---.--.------ TOOHOOG:- (Ae Geee: Se cyl ee ue
Colas.BoMesvouns Wawona Cale eres ereeaere tener eeeeiesnae 7 SHUN) | ene SoReal Sciboseeod
State Fish Commission, Hartford, Conn .......................-- AOOLOOO Pa Fos ene eee
MAC Bicelow, Evanston ville. j-s cee eseeene tere ereceee ee 250008 kee aes S| Ce eee
Stormelvaicetstormvake lowe -- cco see eee en eee nas |leiaacatoctsietes 50000 neeeeeeees
Takes Okoboji, Spirit Wake; TLowaie-cosac: ce oeesees eter anes. oe | crate eerie 5d 1000) |seeeee
GlearsbakeClearlake Towarecs.cc 2. sce diene coe eee poe oo e |Caeeeise sateen | 5S4000s eee
iAllam oosookLake; Orland, Mes: <= o2 2 csc ceacese ene eee s eate eas eo baneee ec aaeee eee 3, 211
Applicants in Maryland (Garrett County) -.-...-....-....-.---|..-----.=--- | 4/3384) Saseeeieee
Ninewiile Pond: Centerville, Masse. 2.2 sees esas coos pers eete oe alce cece eee sets ute 3, 000
HoueondsHalmouth, Mass) 2-2 snes seeenaer seat ear altel seem ees lieQeeoee es 3, 200
iBaupeeswuake: ellsdale, Mich +422 eeeoaee teen okee sere see ccc. Goon aeesene | 208000) eeeeemsees
akerHuronwAl pena, Might=.- ae jaceemonte nat ac cn ese seta | Seeeeriene a erin 0050008 emer seers
MakesHuronnCheboy can) Mache -enateceeeasice sass ene ase as ees eee 5000005 |e ace eee
MarblevWake@uiney2 Mich ee enc ose ne oeeccle cieee cece erase eal ence me meeys 100003 || Seaeeeeoe
MalkeMichigant: Charley ox Mucleece sees eee eee eae anette eee OLOHO00M | eeeeeet eras
Wake: Michigan HranktortsMacheces sete ae se cose a2 ota Aneel arena ly e4055000N| Heese eee
Pineswake, Charlevoix. Mi chos =). cic ee visisk es Seiwa asthe ee cote enemies eee A480" 000m eerase cee
ake Jiuronyhasti Pawas, Miche. cic -ccemecee «cseees oaseeeel seen eseeere HNNM |soeesoseos
Straitsiof Mackinaw, Mackinaw, Muichi-2<-..2---5---+-=--=-ei2o|paiace le ete == | 490000: |Ce222eReee
ihipilewLraversesbays Petoskey, MiCh el oo. acs o relia e ei ecioe een) see meciaeiee i 28° 000H|basaeseee:
SpiderwvakeyDraverseiCity, Mich aac smectic sate ccsioeets nin el eee ata 2050005) S2eseeeee
aleey Michigan, Beaver lsland, Mich: 25-1 ccc aac- =e = eines cle He BER UUM) eee none coc
ake: Superior, Wong b Ont Mach soe on asics salen = ane eeas ee a= Rese Ae socse 12050005) S222 eeeee
Lake Superior, Washington Harbor, Mich..........-...------- NS eet Pee er 12080005| Se eeaaeees
lake;Superior, Wright sland) Machi: 2. as. -n. 2226) oe ane ee loeemenaaaaoc 1:205000))|Se sce
Make; Superior, phishermans Om 6,eMi Chicco = 21s ce /atai- <2 so eee n= nists 120000}|/S335o2=eee
ake: Superior, lock Harbor) Mich 2 3-ccs-.<6 -------- eens |Beaesceteate 120) 000;|2eseeeeere
ake superion i Chippewareach or wVEtChies eres er one eine een eral aelelnians 12020008 Eeeoeeeees
Make Superior wHishelisland, “Mich: 42 -ccs- sees aas ose eeeeeceeee |ecoososcsoon 120000) | tae shece-
ake|Superior;Copins) Harbor, Mich*: =. -.s2cesr += -sen eee: Weasels eee 120; 'O00R eee e eer cm
Weer Creek: Spring) ValleyeeMunn s- os so essen aoa eal eeaeeese een | pee aeee ser 30008 eaaeee eee
Makesiizzie; Pelican Rapids vlinn= =. 2 wees se eciee eee eel see mee seer SOMOCON|Heeeeeeeee
hake Superior, Grand Portape Minn <2 oto se nacee sere eee el See eee 24080000) Sesame
ake; superiori@nicarco Baym: 22sec eases soe see hee een 2403000) ee see niers
ake superior vot. Loplar hier Mann. os] ee heee cee eels rll eel eee Z2LOn 000M Rese eernee
ake superior, off Krench River) Minn. . i224 +s-sseoneessce eee -seeacee 120; 000))| 3-2 2/4es
Make superior. wo arbors) Mlinn <<<) -fo- 22a lene l(:12 5 aR OSE 1207000) |\Sesaeeneee
hake Superior: Beaver Bay, Minn. ..-.2.--222------s-==52s2.---..-......2.... 2. susleceemanenees pease 3 500
aT OGHa KO PE AIG OG AVG aSmce cess Sea ace acisces oc nedec ewe eaeeas| Aoeeeeseeces - wes ee al 4, 000
BROT ee yee aaaies Sette ae coe ieee ain aden cceinccep.nc cli saalaeese cee aes eaeeeees eee * 36, 082
Yellow-jin trout:
Mammoth Creek, Mammoth Lakes, Colo2.-2:~--225 252... svsseclesJosees sees 3 965 sleaesete cee
Peyaneiakess winelakes: OOlO? secctosa scene s2sclcine <= Leite |-eeee eee eee hilt Sea eees aie
eee ee
Te JS ee i a eee me ietorser 7 tory Se eaeer
Golden trout: |
State Fish Commission, Monmouth, Me...-.-......-........---- 10,0003) i 2eesset seeelseoneeasee
Winkempaugh Brook, Hancock County, Me. ....-.-:-..-.-.<---|------+--<-: 15 O00 Meese een
fieodavlond Mls worth alls oMe... ccccsce cet ches oe sen te cess Roce cceneee 20: 000: ces. sees
My alee ee eek. Soithert sashses ot aiiwaeeamla dele 10, 000 | B55 000M aaa eee
Whitejish:
Bake vMichiman pruran kort MICH area saith Siete sa clas senso nie ae Sal Smee eEeeiesee 2500000) hcyarssee let
PROMO CAN we MAIS Guess MAC) n2.25)-.s 30 Green Lake, Buttzville, N.J ......-.-
Wood River, Woods, Ill.............- 100 Mill Pond, Burllngton, N.J .....-----
Applicants in Illinois .-........--.--. 1, 700 Avis Pond: SewelleNid) eccoesseseeees
Lake James, Angola, Ind...........- 125 Hanna’s Reservoir, N. Mex. (Raton). -
Pine Lake, Laporte, Ind .-...---....- 200 Indian River Lake, Sing Sing, N. Y--
Eagle Lake, Warsaw, Ind....-...----- 125 Reservoir, Purdy,uN. Vissse-ceeissieisnce
Zachariah Lake, Covington, Ind ..... 100 Cub Creek, Wilkesboro, N.C..-.....--
White River, Bedford, Ind ......--.- 100 Roaring River, Traphill, N.C.....-.--.-
Manlove Lake, Cambridge, Ind .....-. 100 Water Works Pond, Charlotte, N.C...
Bear Lake, Albion; Ind =..-.........- 125 Mill Pond) Oxtord Ne Cieceess-eee ee
White River, Mitchell, Ind .......... 100 Big Jay River, Mars Hill, N.C ...--.-
Kingsbury Creek, Kingsbury, Ind... 125 Tar River, Oxford, N C-.-...--......
Long Lake, Miller, Ind ............-- 100 Little River, Hendersonville, N.C..-.
Simonton Lake, Elkhart, Ind -.-.-.-..-. 125 |, Applicants in North Carolina...--..--
Indian Creek, Crandall, Ind.......... 150 | Commet Mill Pond, Canal Fulton,
Porter Lake, Cayuga, Ind...........-. 100 || Qhi0 esse anes
Upper Salt Creek, Hiltonville, Ind... 100 || Westboro Reservoir, Midland, Ohio-.
White River, Williams, Ind.......-.. 100 || Muskingum and Tuscarawas Rivers,
White River and Indian Creek, | Coshocton, Obioress-sse-ereseeeleeee
Shoals: md) soceccace ac scone ces cceres 100 || Chippewa Lake, Ohio..........-..---
Lake Maxinkuckee, Marmont, Ind ..| 2,200 || Tuscarawas River, Zoar, Ohio....-..-
Applicants in Indiana.-..-.......-.-.. 325 | Mosquito Creek, Bristolville, Ohio....
Nobles Lake, Council Bluffs, Iowa... 250 Grand River, Leetonia, Ohio......----
Nobles Lake, Missouri Valley, Iowa. 150 || Crystal Lake, Akron, Ohio..........-
Little lowa River, Lime Springs, lowa. 300 Stone Lake, North Bend, Ohio.......-
Creston Reservoir, Creston, lowa.... 200 Tinkers Creek, Bedford, Ohio-.....--
Iowa River, lowa City. Iowa.....--- 1, 100 ApplicantsimiOhios-sessaeace seems
Cedar River, Cedar Rapids, Iowa .... 600 Applicants in Oklahoma........-.---
Cedar River, Vinton, Iowa .........-. 600 Sugar Lake, Wilson’s Mills, Pa.-..-.-
Applicants in Wlowas see ee eee 16 Allegheny River, Oil City, Pa.--...-...
State Fish Commission, Spirit Lake, Loyalhanna Creek, Latrobe, Pa-..-.--
WOW Sieyaae se hoch is on ens slain iacietsee sac 500 Coninauga Creek, Warren, Pa.....--.
Mill Creek, Maple Hill, Kans.....-..- 200 Tributaries of Monongahela River,
Duck Creek, Dodge City, Kans ...... 500 Uniontown Paleesneeee cesta aeeeene
Minnescah River, Wellington, Kans - 200 Clarion River, Clarion, Pa......-....--
Little Blue River, Eldorado, Kans.... 500 Mill Pond, Driftwood, Pa .-..-----.--
Cow Creek, Wilson, Kans ....--..-.---- 200 Clearfield Creek, Cresson, Pa..-....-.-
Bull Creek, Paoli Kans =--2.~ .--2-- = 50 Red Bank Creek, Brookville, Pa...-.-.
Spillman Creek, Lincoln, Kans..-....- 200 Two Lick Creek, Indiana, Pa........
Applicants in) Kansas-22---)-2-- sce 3, 975 Maboning Creek, Punxsutawney, Pa-
Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky .-.--.--- 200 Susquehanna River, Selinsgrove, Pa. .
Rolling Fork of White River, Leba- Conodoquinet Creek, Carlisle, Pa...
MONWKGyeene ae oeete ecient eee 460 Susquehanna River, Shickshinny, Pa.
Salt River at Crooks Station, Ky ----. 100 Allegheny River, Tidioute. Pa.......
South Licking River, Cynthiana, Ky- 550 Muddy Creek, Carmichael, Pa.......-
Green River, Greensburg, Ky..-...--- 200 Applicants in Pennsylvania. -.....--.-
Tygart Creek, Olive Hill, Ky...-....-. 500 Chapman Pond, Westerly, R.I..---..-
Hickman Creek, Lexington, Ky..----- 600 Lilly Pond, Newport, R.1...-..-.-.....
Crystal Lake, Covington, Ky...---.-- 300 Yorkes Pond, Kingston, R.I..-....-.
Lynn Camp Creek, Corbin, Ky .....-- 600 Pawcatuck River, Westerly, R.I.....
Brashear Creek, Shelbyville, Ky ----- 100 Edisto River, Jacksonboro, 8. C......
Southside Lake, St. Charles, Ky...--- 100 Reservoir at Sheldon, 8. C.........---
Applicants in Kentucky .-....-.-.----- 1, 875 Congaree and Gill creeks, Columbia,
Forbes Pond, Sullivan, Me...-.....--- 500 SYIO) 4. Seconshchasenooheaeonmenoadcons
Lake Ellerslie, Upper Marlboro, Md.. 200 Applicants in South Carolina. -.-....--.
Youghiogheny River, Oakland, Md... 500 || Big Sioux River, Canton, S. Dak.....
Patuxent River, Sandy Springs, Md.. 300 James River, Mitchell, S. Dak.......
Potomac River, Hancock, Md ......-. 1, 000 Vermilion River, Centerville, S. Dak...
Potomac River, Woodmont, Md...... 1, 000 Vermilion River, Vermilion, 8. Dak..
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
1s
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIX
Details of distribution—Continued.
| Adults | Adults
Species and disposition. and year- Species and disposition. and year-
lings. lings.
Black bass, large-mouth—Continued. Black bass, small-mouth:
Sioux River, Dell Rapids, S. Dak.-..-.. 100 | Spectacle Pond, Sandwich, Mass...... 1, 300
Sioux River, Sioux Falls, 5. Dak-..... 150 || Big Sandy Pond, Buzzards Bay, Mass. 500
Applicants in South Dakota-......-.. 475 || Applicants in'Ohio.----=--- 5... -=--: 31
Oconee River, Parksville, Tenn...--. 150 || Potomac River, Great Cacapon, W.Va 888
Little River, Notime, Tenn.........-.. 150 | ed
Duck River, Columbia, Tenn-.-..--.. 850 | Total soon. sdecstacccees setae scenes 2, 719
Sequachee River, Sequachee, Tenn... 100 =—=—
Smith Fork and Dry Creek, Water- || Crappie:
Cowal hennmern ese cette esses 200 || Fox River, McHenry, Ill............. 200
Big Pigeon River, Newport, Tenn.... 100 Wabash Railroad Pond, Pittsfield
Big Flat Creek, Luttrell, Tenn.....-.. Real Junctions Wess seer ee eee 25
Applicants in Tennessee..........--- 625 || Applicants in Illinois .--.-.-......-.. 50
Lake McDonald, Austin, Tex ......-. 900 || Lake Maxinkuckee, Marmont, Ind... 1, 900
Russell Creek, Miami, Tex........... 200 Iowa River, Iowa City, lowa........- 125
Lee Creek, Miami, Tex............-.. 300 || Applicants in Mississippi-.-..--.-.--- 50
Shelton Mill Pond, Athens, Tex...... 150 || Big Harpeth River, Franklin, Tenn .. 200
Kidd Springs Lake, Dallas, Tex....-. 200 || Sequachee River, Sequachee, Tenn --. 200
Reservoir, Brownwood, Tex.......--- 200 || Applicants in Tennessee..-.-..-.--.- 7d
Clear Fork of Trinity River, Fort || Applicants in Virginia .2........---- 50
\NGnuLD, 8 NGS Beate se easereeessactiodcc 200 || —_—
MeDonald Lake, Neches, Tex.-....-.-. 300 | Total: . 3... ceceaceseeeerrisct sere t 2, 875
Spring Creek, Amarillo, Tex...-....-.. 300 | es
West Amarillo Creek, Amarillo, Tex. 300 || Rock bass:
Crystal Lake, Palestine, Tex.--.-..... 300 | Buck Creek Mill Pond, Dadeville, Ala- 50
Spring Creek, Miami, Tex...........- 200 | Mill Creek, Dixons Mills, Ala..-....-.. 200
Lake View, Brownwood, Tex..-......- 200 || Applicantsin Alabama........---.... 725
Highland Lake, Marshall, Tex .-.--- 400 || Applicants in Arizona.....-....---.-. 300 .
Wendemeyer Lake, Waco, Tex..--...- 500 | Auchita River, Arkadelphia, Ark.-.-. 500
Elm Lake, Cameron, Tex .-.-..-......- 200 || Applicants in Arkansas.............. 150
Lee Creek, Marshall, Tex...-........- 200) i) eAtpplicantsiin! Colorados-ce-eeece- = —- 200
Highland Lake, Fairbank, Tex....-.. 200 | Chautauqua Lake, Lithia Springs, Ga- 100
Dondy Lakes, Hutchins, Tex ........- 900 || Lake Wildwood, Columbus, Ga..-.-.-. 75
Meadow Brook Farm Lake, Waco, Tex. 500 | Little Swift Creek, Higgston, Ga-...-. 100
Lake Eloise, Waco, Tex....-.......-. 590 || Little River, Washington, Ga..-.-.... 100
Wood Lake, Marshall, Tex .-...--. 3 200 || Applicants in Georgia..........--.... 1, 925
Mareado Creek, Victoria, Tex 500 Applicants in Dllinois .....-....-..... 100
Hillsboro Park Lake, Hillsboro, Tex- . 500 || Applicants in Indiana, at Raub..-.--- 65
City Lake, Ennis; Tex ---2-=.-52....-: 500 | Applicants in Indian Territory. .-..-- 300
Fountain Lake, Waco, Tex.....-..--..- 400 Crane Creek, Chester, lowa-.......... 200
Silver Lake, Arlington, Tex --.-....-. 400 State Fish Commission, Spirit Lake,
Dallas Fishing Club Lake, Hutchins, MON er aeseaan soap oosaedoouadedasace 500
JRES ean Sconce COA ASB aa HE SOE EeanE 500) || ~Atppplicantsian Lowal-- 222-252. se ena 300
Palestine Fishing Club Lake, Pales- || Forest Lake, Bonner Springs, Kans. -. 300
indi (hd i> ae aoe Settee isonet 200 Spring Creek, Jetmore, Kans......-.-. 100
AD PHCAN ES NY EOKAS) Waiters eis oa ee ae 8, 950 Buckner Creek, Jetmore, Kans......- 300
Derby Pond, Derby, Vt-: -.......-.2.. 200 || Bull Creek, Paola, Kans.........-..-- 100
Derby Pond, Newport, Vt.-....-.----- 500 || Middle Creek, Ottawa, Kans..-.-....... 200
Salem Pond, Newport, Vt..-......----. 500) })) “Applicants}in Kansas): ---2--2---0=- 5, 525
Pigg River, Sandy Level, Va...-....-- 200 || Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky-.-...... 200
Cow Pasture River, Millboro, Va....-. 600 | Middle Fork of Rock Castle River,
Rappahannock River, Horners, Va... 400 I ivin eg ston Koyees see ensseeleeiaae 200
Buttalo Creek, Lexington, Va......-.- 200 || Applicantsin Kentucky........-...-. 1, 135
Dan River and tributaries, Danville, | Patuxent River, Sandy Springs, Md.. 200
Witte ere stile sate setimaic cracls: 400 || Applicants in Maryland.............- 750
Tye River, Massies Mills, Va........- 200 || Twin Sisters Lake, Canton, Miss..... 50
South Mayo, Martinsville, Va ........ 200 || Applicants in Mississippi. -.-..--...-- 2, 092
Marrowbone Creek, Martinsville, Va- 200 | Morgan Springs, Osceola, Mo......... 500
Lake Drummond, Drummond Lake, '| Indian Creek, near Neosho, Mo......- 250
Cipscmige ¢ BESS Pe pe ee aes Bees er 700 Reservoir, Moberly, Mo.....-....---- 200
Shenandoah River, Riverton, Va...-... 500 || Applicants in Missouri............... 1, 100
Rappahannock River, Elkwood, Va... 400 Lodge Pole Pond, Sydney, Nebr..---- 500
Jackson River, Cedar Creek, Va-..--.- 400 Applicants in Nebraska............-. 500
Rappabannock Liver, Warrenton, Va. 400 Cedar Lake, Blairstown, N.J-..--.---- 90
Powell Run, Freestone, Va.......-.-- 200 Bridgewood Lake, Lucaston, N.J-..-. 90
Little River, Dover, Va. .-.-.......-..- 1, 075 Reserv On we cEdiyay Ni Veseeie = sie eel 180
Reed Creek, Wytheville, Va-.-.... , 500 Mill Pond, Stokesdale, N. C..---..-.. 200
James River, Balcony Falls, Va 1, 000 Granite Falls Pond, Hickory, N. C--. 200
Gresham Pond, Reams Station, Va ...' 600 Rocky Creek, Wilkesboro, N. C 100
Applicants in Virginia............... 2, 400 Applicants in North Carolina......-.. 1, 000
Potomac River, Great Cacapon, W. Va 1, 104 Park Lake, Columbus, Ohio..--.-.--. 100
Deepers Creek, Morgantown, W. Va .- 100! 4} -Applicantstimi Ghioees ase -e seas aa 850
Greenbrier River, Hinton, W. Va....- 300 | Applicants in Oklahoma ...--.--.----- 2, 300
Ganley River, Camden on Gauley, Applicants in Pennsylvania.......--- 200
WienVigiemersete Sk Bel eo Siecc cc 70 Applicants in South Carolina .-....-. 1, 800
Applicants in West Virginia......... 400 | Choteau Creek, Springfield, S, Dak. --. 200
Lake Beulah, Lake Beulah, Wis...... | 600 || Wall Lake, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.-....- 200
Electric Light Pond, Rapid City, 8.
DOA ie eee seen eo seeee * 95, 358 || Dales - 47} 19,131 $3, 718 89 60, 704 Pa QSDulRe wes solace oetieee
Melawanes saeco 22-0 = 102 32, 853 4, 501 457 | 371, 237 14, 557 60 $180
IMA ee Sead senarcae | 24 21, 450 2,175 201 277, 200 LY CE) Soseee le cemes ose
CeOnR are cree tee cescik wis] odes wiarcl>- oc emcee cee cosine 428 | 152, 845 WS OS OM es ietsielerel rete eteee late
WiGIhGY S68 sec pdonee eee 7 2, 562 627 228 | 56, 298 QS TON so ateme | same eee
Maryland.......-. =e 95 104, 367 26, 422 7, 453 1, 811, 119 59, 557 345 5, 348
Massachusetts - . 45 17, 739 3, 075 10, 2, 250 WAY) |oceacoslscodsscecc
New Hampshire - . 2 360 EY il See eee sos seed Sorc sou balloaosera ek ccdonsecc
New Jersey -.------ = 145 90, 012 17, 838 3,658 | 1,845, 368 111, 433 270 3,214
INIGNACOR Kee he aes c- 67 35, 450 7, 220 1, 879 | 670, 949 34, 727 54 955
North Carolina -.-..-.--- 232 | 232, 749 56,971 | 58,234 | 3,417, 263 RONOOD) Re teeealeet ates =
Rennsylvanideco-----5- =. 96 57, 915 12, 285 179 | 217, 770 Li SGRh 2a s- ais | Seem
hodevsland|:----.-.:=2- 16 9, 600 S40 Ae ssc WeRdep es scosollasosesscballoocosac|jecsoeusecs
South Carolina <=...2--<- | 22 4,905 931 399 | 283, 011 USASBG. ese. aonb ees
Wine Weiss ooquonddactse ae 44 75,183 ; 19,2380 | 10,92 1, 253,575.| 40, 131 72 1, 082
Totalscessencsosss | 944 704,276 | 155,883 | 84,139 | 10,399,589 | 409, 116 801 | 10,729
! | |
ip an her | | lyr ; |
eect el. Spears. Wheels. | Value of | rota] value
States. | aero i% tA Bee laccessory| of invest-
No. Value. | No. | Value.| No. Value. property. an
| |
@onnechcuheerscee ss sce | eau seel Maeno ees Reremcee {eet ary See eee creer $1, 575 $14, 091
Melawarejs cee s2s6- 222 10 $40 SSS. Sea aes Meee ee bec e eee 13, 467 52, 715
EDI pees Cree tae rare sera sora clotel| aes re fo sallo coma so S| eesroce ema lseeeiasel|moeeieemees 4, 349 33, 458
GERI sae. oa seas nca =a 113 2008 Seca recocee Iocooseebllossetaccar 2, 817 : 23, 387
EVES Gere Aateee ocpeete oes 94 |. D222) Naeahcrete NS eyo et cratell atetats sinicins 11, 254 53, 253
Maryland = socio cn r= oe 128 6257 | fseecencialecmeeeteie |Saoeomenlooocancess 54, 149 325, 299
Massachusetts.........-.- 121 193. Se caeees Joieebsbolacacboss||sasssouase 12, 958 19, 470
New Hampshire......... leaceacedleccise scent [eeeareretorees lacadeccdlacacdcdcoscontoses 355 1, 040
| 374, 890
81, 868
622, 997
See : 82, 252
diodeuisland)s =. 5-2. -...2 bosssspa|lsosceccneblisasteode | Stent avec sera llores creer [tetera as 1,170 4, 620
South Carolina .......... | 450 iG PAW Rhee See eee ~ 80 2,178 2, 645 40, 355
Wiinpinia ce cece mice. cae cc eee ees acer Ja oe eeeeefewee eee e[eee ene e-[oeeee-e---| 62, 253 441, 859
Wotwlteece cee = sat 2,245 | 6, 467 50 | 43 155 3,303 | 527, 248 2,171, 554
| | |
* Includes fall traps.
The shad catch of the Atlantic coast in 1896 in apparatus set pri-
marily for this fish was 12,940,000 fish, weighing 50,000,000 pounds and
valued at $1,637,000. The yield of alewives was 140,850,000 fish, weigh-
ing 58,703,000 pounds and worth $435,000. The additional output of
these fish in apparatus set primarily for other fish was 207,000 shad,
with a weight of 775,000 pounds and a value of $19,000, and 7,008,000
alewives, weighing 3,363,000 pounds and worth $24,600; included in
these figures is the incidental catch of shad on the Pacific coast.
The table which follows gives the results of these fisheries in each
State. New Jersey is seen to take precedence in the number and the
weight of shad, being credited with about 3,298,000 fish, weighing
13,746,000 pounds. Virginia ranks second, with 3,197,000 fish, with a
weight of 11,146,000 pounds. In North Carolina, with a catch of
2,097,000 shad, weighing 8,843,000 pounds, the value is greater than in
any other State, namely, $417,000. Maryland is the foremost State in
the yield of alewives; over 44,000,000 were taken, weighing 17,641,000
pounds and valued at nearly $126,000. In North Carolina about
39,890,000 alewives were caught and in Virginia more than 30,000,000,
CXXVIII_ REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Table showing the shad and alewife catch of the United States in 1896 by apparatus fished
primarily for these fish.
Shad. Alewives.
States. = = = 3
Number. | Pounds. Value. Number. Pounds. Value.
Connecticut .........-.-.--- 67, 746 251,810 | $13, 486 2,257,798 | 812,119 | $10, 498
WD eClAW ATC. a -aie:e\a eee cee: 467,744 | 1,990, 694 69, 160 2, 057, 390 822, 956 | 7, 756
Mloridarac.o-c-22 ae eee 460,214 | 1, 298, 605 62, 589 40, 000 16, 000 400
(CGM abssonananesconassoces= 143, 974 536, 627 49.289 oy teres eee | a Soe ene See
MAING sews wise eeaeee esse 348, 757 1, 334, 443 29, 553 4, 670, 581 2, 598, 527 | 19, 664
Maryland: =.-cadeheihetoct: 1,542,869 | 5,540, 224 166,464 | 44, 103, 306 | 17,641,322 | 125, 870
Massachusetts......-.....-. 3, 355 13, 420 934 7, 370, 689 | 3,970, 274 35, 050
iNew eHlampshines eros cesses | eee = aes eee el eee meen | saeeneenesece 479, 500 | 269, 734 2,795
WNewidleuseVeeessenceenne sie =c 3, 297, 593 | 13, 746, 298 333, 188 5, 610, 990 2, 859, 299 14, 157
New aWorkieenrs sacaca see: 537, 543 | 2,181,724 73, 596 2,317, 070 926, 828 | 1], 225
North Carolina .......---.-- 2,096, 804 | 8, 842, 708 417,243 | 35,889,798 | 14,355,920 | 115, 945
Pennsylvaria-.--.------.--. 621, 239 2,501, 143 79, 445 1, 572, 000 638, 500 4, 372
Rhodewsslandee-p ces e case: 9, 258 36, 534 2, 408 4,364,120 | 1,745, 648 | 24, 333
South Carolina .. 3 146, 627 671, 5138 33, 436 30, 500 12, 200 463
Wobpmbni a séocnspsoauesoosr 3, 196, 672 | 11, 145, 870 306, 339 30, 085, 617 | 12, 034, 247 | 62, 453
| ——— gn nn ef | SEE |
ARO Uae eisai weiss Ho's 12, 940, 895 | 50, 091, 613 1, 637, 130 140, 849, 359 | 58, 703, 574 434, 981
The incidental catch of shad and alewives is shown by States in the
following table. This represents the yield of nearly 800 pound nets,
several thousand gill and trammel nets, and about 60 seines, whose
individual take was too small to warrant their inclusion in the special
statistics.
Shad. Alewives.
State. "= ; =
| Number. Pounds. | Value. Number. Pounds. Value.
@aliformiagvreun sie ssceeces=tcere 61,861 | 2AT 4450 “BSE B9T se ccrerere stent term's os iaie = 2es0l| erereieterete ies
Connecticutic sos-c.-6- sceee wees 2, 542 | 9, 380 596 472, 625 189, 069 $1, 533
MERINO pais ste sistas cin syeiseisincememeecisict 18, 169 | 70, 486 | 1, 235 1, 567, 258 789, 799 5, 672
Maryland =e acnecinons = tes tace cscs 347 | T2754) 40 64, 980 25, 993 | 180
Massachuseuts s2 2 cmsc-+-ee eee secs 36, 460 100, 712 2,300 |} 2,675, 237 1, 386, 215 10, 074
New Hampshire...--...:2.....-.- 100 | 300 | 15 47, 000 23, 937 250
ING Wid OLS OYi ele =o = 9 reel em =a 40, 887 163, 528 | 6, 868 733, 050 368, 775 | 1, 408
INO Wie VOL Kise cioec ie -tjaiseeseeeee ene 5,271 | 18, 822 1, 237 | 211, 470 84, 588 1, 378
Oregon and Washington..-....--. Bilespal | 125, 246 | P2521) sosersleiste isis cis alls e recs sre tere tere ll acc ticloie ete iat
mhodeMsland esas access cen Seo 3, 374 12, 912 | 925 | 828, 280 331, 312 8} Gil
Wabgestint) ss5coqs6ncupddnobpogoETeSr | 6, 831 | 24, 649 | 716 408, 400 163, 360 571
Total ae cee ecoee ccm ees miseiee 207, 153 774, 755 19,581 | 7,008, 300 3, 863, 048 24, 617
The extent of the shad and alewife fishing in 1896 is shown by rivers,
bays, etc,, in the appended tabulation. The large number of streams
into which these fishes regularly run make them the leading river fishes
of the Atlantic States, considered collectively, and also the principal
river fishes in each State with only two or three exceptions.
The Delaware is shown by the table to have been the most important
shad stream in 1896. Over 2,800,000 fish were taken, having a value to
the fishermen of $306,000. More than 1,000,000 additional shad were
caught in Delaware Bay, this hydrographic area being credited with a
catch of over 4,217,000 shad, valued at $425,000. The second shad
stream in 1896 was the Potomac, in which 684,000 fish were obtained.
Next in order are the Hudson, with 589,000; the York, with 547,000; the
James, with 496,000, and the Rappahannock, with 418,000. In Chesa-
peake Bay and its numerous tributaries, which constitute the most impor-
tant shad-fishing ground in the United States, about 4,870,000 shad were
taken; these were valued at $491,000. The extensive fisheries in the
basin of Albemarle Sound yielded 1,130,000 fish, worth $203,000.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
CxXXIX
More than half the alewives taken in the United States in 1896 were
caught in the Chesapeake basin, in which the run of these fish was
More than a third of the yield of Chesapeake
Bay and its tributaries was taken in the Potomac River, which is now
phenomenally large.
the principal alewife stream.
In 1896 the fish were so abundant that at
times there was no sale for them, and the average price for the season
was less than $1.20 per 1,000. The catch of 24,438,000 alewives credited
to the Potomac was nearly equaled on the shores of Chesapeake Bay,
where 24,112,000 were taken.
The Albemarle region of North Carolina
is the next important ground for alewives; 30,675,000 were secured
there, of which 13,560,000 were obtained in the Chowan River.
Other
prominent alewife streams are the Damariscotta (2,472,000 fish), Con-
necticut (2,216,000 fish), Hudson (2,192,000 fish), Delaware (4,420,000
fish), Susquehanna (10,864,000 fish), and Roanoke (4,177,000 fish).
Statement by waters of the shad and alewife catch of the United States in 1896.
Shad. Alewives.
pinta: Bute Number.| Pounds. | Value.| Number.| Pounds. | Value.
Ste Croix Riveries:202525---|2c005--% 302, 830 8; 5032 |e ssBse da 00 | Secs] see erate oes
Quereau Bank. -.-| 75 |-----.-2--|5----~0. 77, 840 2; 188i) || aarsieteie ste | oats a ate leer sone eee
Green Bank -...-. Dau para ctocieine|| cise sea ate 18, 500 BT Eo BS CCRC Snore ners Beige Gamo bc closae
Grand Bank.....- 1 ee eocesacslbéeccaoe 17,603; 616) S208 574 el ee merereve lata | sere seers are | ste eter eee | ere ete
St. Peters Bank .. 6) Peek baa bor seca 3, 000 Ua Bee Soon Bemerece Seiaososs lacacsae
Burgeo Bank..... 13 || Seceeoagodleocecaps 30, 100 Cale epeooodecd WonskeaE haat seed |aHocdes
Bacalieu Bank .-.. 52 3, 000 60 22, 600 GLP psec epones pebereee ssoosepadiesecaas
Ott Newfoundland NBS 356 So heoaacoo CoE ee apne! bricser ccs (Saomciscn oo Senna ae Semesees el ese ame
Cape North....... SN eececactee MEMoeaaa OD, 44.00/09 LOS OBS release ea teres |stats
Cape Shore. ..--.- 86 393, 000 5, 849 146, 620 3, 922 35, 000 484 10, 640 $197
Gulf of St. Law-
MOWGGs ess sisinis <2) BW laicacpocsd Gaceccee 20, 100 By gh Pts oScaerciod a nessa) bee aoceallaeaneae
Greeniand and
Meeland's. cc ec.0u= LN pe aS CCRC ee ROC eRe aE JODO ena sae Gsudsossn ssraneaée cd sane sodlenosncscdlensscas
Motals- ==. 2. 4- 604 709, 640 | 10,503 | 20,575,418 | 392, 747 82, 660 1,101 10, 640 197
West of 66° W. lon-
gitude:
Browns Bank....-. 51 | 974,535 | 15,573 65778445 | 1G S02n ie 213 580i 2 bo val eee eee eee ee
Georges Bank....| 700 825, 340 | 14, 828 | 11, 070, 631 | 324, 709 178, 200 2,395 | 294, 430 6, 379
Cashes Bank..... BEE SBE GRIN MB (Gti eee ocpesceollanoosecee 8755000) |) 105549) aeons eases ae
Fippenies Bank.. 1b cenoacego5) bo cece Sembornmacees|(ssacudene 3, 000 OH) Ieee coodclactocns
Middle Bank..... 9 3, 500 LP BESS Mase esae ecOnCe pC] b CSODOCSOE DOSSRSEr CSOnTOSEH moeHnce
Jeffreys Ledge...| 25 34, 500 584 7, 600 222 51, 400 G05) |SSce-asaleec sees
Ipswich Bay..... 14} 116,736 | 2,155 8, 000 73 Bepceen end Seesamec Seene oad basasos
South Channel... 82 |1, 167, 555 | 17, 084 15, 000 168 449, 170 BOOS nee Saves eee
Nantucket Shoals 52 40, 000 6405 ede TOS) 405u Pe Sat O7 brits = aeieses [noe cone meee ames ne eee
Off Chatham. .... B35] = BEE SA SSORCOE EGR EOCORECE TEER a Iceeesey aa Ie eemes eee ey eee
General shore
grounds........ Set) || BEE IC AVGt: el BRAS eee er me eeoeee eSeoneeccd se acoser Hoaorcsee eaaraes
otal sooo ss 1, 616 |4, 486, 871 | 72, 467 | 13, 464, 570 | 377,136 |1, 770, 350 | 21,238 | 294,430 | 6,379
Grand total. -.|2, 220 5,196,511 | 82,970 | 34, 039, 988 | 769, 883 |1, 853, 010 | 22,339 | 305, 070 6, 576
Haddock. Hake. Pollock.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. |Value.| Pounds. | Value. |Pounds.| Value. |Pounds.| Value. |Pounds,| Value.
East of 66° W. lon-
gitude: :
La Have Bank.. 10, 000 F475 ee lOO VASOn le S940 sere a eet e | oes tee alle eee |e ey |e elem ee
CApPESHOLG 2 22)-|---25s05--|sceess - 30, 000 130 | 10, 000 $89y |e ss he a2 ae Ssaeslh saoeatad eon ace
Total ......- 10,000} 42 | 220,480|1,070|10,000| 85 |...-....|....-. |e ale ee
Westof 66°W. lon- | av a 5
gitude:
Browns Bank... 11, 000 69 200" 0008 | O05 Eee eeeecliacacase 4, 000
Georges Bank ..|1, 050,200 | 4,877 | 158,000 | 821 | 3,500 HA eas a
Cashes Bank.... 92, 000 403 |2, 034,100 /10, 338 |........ sacstic||HRErisoce
Eippenies|/Bank.|--_.......|------- 3, 000 Md oc oconnit | ascecint| lagesatee
Middle Bank.... 7, 300 222 20, 800 100! Vee asec ast ss|seeccece
Jetireys Ledge... 11, 400 436 245, 500 | 1,377 2, 500 25 | 50, 860
iPvenyaleln 15-2 El ae eel Cae (le el eee 2, 000 20 | 18, 000
South Channel... 40, 000 E5450 1025240) 1) 4.9240 8 ee ee eee el ce meteee
Nantucket
SLAP. ee SASSER ABO et ESSE Ine cee ares Carers) (2 mE ir ReS gree EN (ms eye 2 |e Ab ear | eee 25, 000 $133
Chir (GOAN Te Se ae es t aistaeisiciaisis|/ssisaiser |smesateen noo neot emcee sallscsaeen 230, 000 4, 353
General shore
grounds....... 36, 186 735 7,000 BE Sapna eS eecccon 682552201 2.969 jenn ccsotl sass cmc
Totaltes-.-.. 1, 248, 086 6, 896 |3, 770, 640 !18, 621 8, 000 71 |755, 182 | 3, 250 |255, 000 4, 486
Grand total.|1, 258, 086 | 6, 938 |3, 991,120 |19, 691 | 18,000 | 156 |755, 182 | 3,250 |255,000 | 4, 486
CXXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Summary by fishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Gloucester, Mass., in 1896
by American fishing vessels—Continued.
Halibut. Mackerel.
{" Pishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. |} Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
Ila Have Bank. -.----4--- Dee Ga pa) Eee eS ee oe eet eee BEB eD Roaretcd acerontoas Aocaccos
Western Bank-..-..------- 728, 375 | 76, 628 3, 800 (74 0 Beers ssiSescad Geaecoaaohl teacoo see
Quereau Bank .........-. 984, 747 | 77, 391 20, 080 831 t.ho spews] voces pee ee. wae lense
Green Banke -becee- oss ANT. 8954] 29 O2OM ee nye se eS si ae ovei [ao Seorarclcl yea) Soe tclans ole (eiaciomierers iets laa Senses
Grand'Bank=poco.-seee ee 2, 054, 593 |102, 890 BAT TO20} | MS 000% |r al cca 4] etn cis = = |(itetetetve eta herrea =
Ntseerers Bankes. sss e- 18; O40\|— (Gro a GF | Peart sea sco al cic [aicterctantd oaid| etetate oar =| tal atatote sieeve terete ett
(Bunpeo sean eects = = 312, 588 | 18, 163 7, 530 CEPA Ere ee ascnlbooaecadspnaocdescullsococcan
Bacalieu Bank........-.. 2,493; 20902) S67) P4942400 205425 0/52 oes|Sain ee ee | to ees cece | eee
CaperNortheers--.e-c+- = -| ose s-= | peer 5, 430 BPAiT Bean oseoe aarcdce ccuaroccoc|ticeceSaad
Canorshoreteesssste nee 9620074 ent tOson teeta aoe 4,375 | $520 |2, 852, 000 |$158, 550
Gulf of St. Lawrence ... 9, 960 DIM re eters ate laste @ ao Sal Stereo eae eceeoe 623,000 | 46, 823
Greenland and Iceland ..|--.---....|-------- 334-0001] 13, 530 | Sie ese eas sa- eee lian ee ete | seeneeeete
Motel ect slactarewcise cue 7, 487, 909 |445, 712 iL, 206, 565 | 49, 314 4, 375 520 (3, 475, 000 | 205, 373
West of 66° W. longitude: Ea | rey
Browns) Bankes. ocssces ee 26; 530 eel GTA |< ct xe!s1010%!| SS ancine | cee eee ER ebeee Eee eeee er le eeeeeee
Georges Bank ..-......-. 12081 OG8N | MOG ZS Tal eects ste S| bee eee 8, 720 848 |1, 446,400 | 96, 125
CashésiBankse asso. ce" 8, 000 BBD [ewe cisececalleceresoe dl socio Seals Storer | rameters terete Srep teens
WGI hyn eee sabes lososeou eos bee ooodlopasscsoadeennocas 875 92 16, 000 1,120
Jeffreys Ledge........--. 4, 680 Pet ee odosescellsssuanes|s Reacee son lboseetesleonccchoodlesccasns
ApS waCheBayseaoseseesee ase sa= sees sears cetteetel armies etoion aver 1, 425 228 1, 600 96
General shore grounds...|----------|-------- pera Reet See eleta ceria 58, 680 | 3, 532 |4, 288, 700 | 173, 345
Motalgceets tec. was 1248, 208) OD 220k ae steers stee|| cassis oe 69,700 | 4,700 |5,752, 700 | 270, 686
Grand total! oo. ---.2: 8, 736, 117 |547, 939 |1, 206, 565 | 49, 314 74, 075 5, 220 |9, 227, 700 476, 059
Other fish. Total.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. Value. Pounds.| Value.| Pounds. | Value. Pounds. Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
Maetlavewsan kee meee ey setes nae seis anal eiemntale eal emee ee 874, 275 | $30, 145 1, 647, 772 $44, 694
IWieStOrD DANK 5. ene cee| toe ce peis| sien certe ea eeme cial mestcteae 728,375 | 76, 628 306, 630 8, 715
QE spi So ce os sqoodmed) ssonop 4d eanbeoeSaloscoade 984,747 | 77,391 97, 920 3, 019
Green Bank? )/2-3------- 417, 895 | 29, 029 18, 500 584
Grand (Bank. .36. 2-2 2,054, 593 | 102, 890 | 17, 944, 941 334, 112
St. Peters Bank......-. 78, 040 6, 536 38, 000 98
Burgeo Bank.-.....-...- 312,588 | 18, 163 37, 630 1, 273
Bacalieu Bank-.---.--- 2,496, 209 | 103, 027 517, 000 21, 027
Off Newfoundland: . Sas )|eeseseme|e). S5ss62 e125 .- eee seme e oe Seer e nes See enee eee eee el meee 230, 000 4, 353
General shore grounds.| 60,600 | $247 | 420,390 | 4,556 | 1,234,563 | 15,363 | 4,709, 090 177, 931
Movaliecacecc uns ceae 60, 600 247 | 420,390 | 4,586 | 13, 409, 637 | 229, 646 | 20, 195, 090 663, 344
Grand total........ 60,600 | 247 | 620,390 | 6,836 | 21,924, 701 | 688, 594 | 45, 672, 713 | 1,313, 310
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXV
The quantity of fishery products landed at Boston by American
fishing vessels in 1896 was 63,076,352 pounds, valued at $1,284,994.
Compared with 1895, there was a decrease in the receipts amounting to
10,731,711 pounds, worth $61,079. This decrease was participated in
by every important fish except cod and mackerel. The number of
fares of fish landed was 4,187, which was 84 less than in the previous
year. The following table shows, by fishing-grounds, the quantities of
each species landed:
Summary by fishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Boston, Mass., in 1896
by American fishing vessels.
Num- Cod. Cusk. Haddock.
ber of
Fishing-grounds. oe |
each Pounds. Value. Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
ground.
East of 66° W. longitude:
Maave bank... -22-c-sc~ 112 | 1,051,000 | $18,849 243, 100 | $3,172 | 1, 267,700 | $24, 543
NWGSteMn bance s cos cose 37 330, 000 6, 915 31, 300 474 139, 000 3, 830
GSD SL ee eeeeremee 75 664, 500 13, 208 72, 500 875 853,500 | 16,570
Gulf of St. Lawrence..----. a 1S pe ee | tale ate a bieist| saan car ses) pmetees tee es eee ae eee
West of 66° W. longitude: |
Browns bank: sos2-ce—n 4. = 51 495, 000 9, 605 187. 300 2, 342 640, 000 9, 507
Geortes Bank. 2-2... 578 4, 282, 400 84, 652 269, 000 3, 674 | 10,537, 700 | 153, 016
@ashes banikes ssc s sc. sss. 70 362, 700 7, 181 215,700 | 3, 239 383, 200 6, 736
Oltpkibanks: coos) cerincs occ 6 68, 000 1043 Stas ae seis as sees selma 47, 000 818
Fippenies Bank.-----....--- 12) 34, 700 800 24, 000 372 50, 800 1, 225
ipswich Bay -222252<2-=<<- 4 33, 000 LOOMIS aoe esate eileen 3, 000 90
Jeffreys Ledge aSeasetoesses 298 516, 350 12, 489 48, 500 684 1, 458, 800 sh 712
Middle Banks 22i6.;. 2 222.5: 377 652, 500 13, 760 30, 000 537 1, 648, 000 37, 194
RACBIE ONG see sicicin aor 6 5, 700 208.1 Paitsais ie cee clisisioe eso 16, 500 445
Off Highland Light. -.....-.. 190 547, 600 12, 543 5, 500 69 1, 172, 900 22, 228
Of Chatham ©. o252-525---.. 115 375, 300 7, 729 8, 000 101 1, 016, 400 17, 033
South Channel ............- 556 | 4,341,400 | . 82,493 250,500 | 3,083 | 6,153, 600 | 127, 808
Nantucket Shoals ..--...... 247 | 3,550, 800 GTV2136| Sasa ceceeees|socsasee 387, 600 7, 940
General shore grounds ..... | 1,452 | 2, 940, 210 68, 265 83, 700 1, 012 3,133,500 | 60,981
POU Sscenmecneoeeccee | 4, 187 | 20, 251, 160 407, 693 1,469, 100 | 19, 634 | 28,909, 200 | 521, 676
Hake. Pollock. Halibut.
Fishing-grounds.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
Pasty Oe! bari keocs lt oe cpyen ca can soba } 319,000 | $2, 022 53, 700 $344 160, 450 | $16,547
IWGSbEr DAN Koes. «coms slo sec cic no ces 100, 000 680 14, 500 158 133, 270 | 11, 687
MeIpe SHOLG lesan ncisae- an ces emesnses se 141, 000 1, 278 28, 000 307 44, 700 3, 880
. West of 66° W. longitude:
PONS DANK ooo cea one assesses ose 92, 200 672 15, 000 135 113, 950 9, 376
Scr Os all Krenn oan ec cesses Sens 547,900 | 5,998 45, 100 389 363, 825 | 30, 153
CUES Bas eee eee 345,000 | 3,611 55, 300 231 4, 500 623
lane san iets ones ao easee ses 5, 000 EM cchocmccaees leer eiete 22, 400 1, 644
Fippenies Bank ....-..-.-....-..---.- 41, 000 563 14, 000 70 2, 600 321
LTS AS a eee eee 3, 000 30 1, 000 Hy eee mera tron Ateae
Jefireys Ledge....--.------.--..-.--. 402.900 | 4, 218 126, 100 951 7, 200 576
WIIO ADK ee cc 2 see cca es ceces 566, 700 6,175 122, 200 930 2, 500 294
PCE Oia oe st coe es eels as 1, 000 | LD '| Soa axceete ta Sceroe| scoters aocsoas 3, 094, 950 $65, 477
Western *Bankoe.. jess. .c ages caer ee ae | Seen wiaccisieclee nacce sae seers 748, 070 23, 744
Cape shore: =. ---- nc 79, 450 | $7,140 BACs 200 71$14, 439 s/s 2 se craliteaases 2, 131, 850 57, 692
Gulf of St. Lawrence.|..-.......|-..<..-- SOSOOO RPL NG50 9 Beeeee meee eereser 30, 000 1, 650
Westof66° W .longitude
Browns Bank......-.. Se iwe teraralayell Sh Se ese Tee e eke CIN fotell oie eres al wee sy stcvatacei| aerersatotere 1, 548, 450 31, 637
Georges Bank -....-- 461, 545 946, 260 $380,571 | 17, 591, 730 360, 210
Cashes Banki-2 2s. s.:<|ssc-2/ se adlScncee co leeoasemeee ce ercceslceos css o-lneeeeecre 1, 366, 400 21, 621
(Cina IBET ss SeencallonnesososelsSoss555|sonbccsbos labducddalacosnacmadesonsoe 142, 400 8, 555
Ifiy WOMANS 5— SN SodsScc\lsadasoucud|oos seq selsecncssoca|basdaono|lboocansaer lemscecse 167, 100 Shen
Ish 2tel sth epeoeeeed |seeeeoooae lene ged leceascoocno|>ocacsod jasesececed soopesce 40, 000 825
Jeffreys Ledge......-|---------- 1, 200 86 | 2,561, 050 50, 716
Middle Bank ....--.-. 50, 425 1, 925 130 | 3,074, 250 61, 583
RACoVeOMN bese e nec see eeatiae 23, 200 713
Off Highland Light..|..........
Off Chatham
A esis te stoveetee \svsiaeieue Ste 1, 992, 500 36, 735
pale eins amis eee ee | 1,512, 500 25, 982
South Channel.....-- 53, 900 15, 400 375 | 13, 959, 050 248, 088
Nantucket Shoals. ...} SB ALOO OL OW eee ees | amos so Se ee merece aif oee ces 4, 091, 550 76, 700
Generalshoregrounds| 412,187 | 26,933 | 827,900 | 34,479 | 524,085 | 14,435 | 9, 006, 302 214, 715
}
1, 061, 657 | 83, 862 |1, 256, 100 | 61,009 /1, 488,870 45,597 | 63,076,352 | 1,284, 994
| |
Following is a condensed comparative statement of the fishery prod-
ucts brought into Gloucester and Boston by American fishing vessels in
each of the four years ending 1896. Each important species is sliown
separately, the weights representing the fish as they are landed from the
vessels, in a fresh or salted condition. The catch of cusk and hake
was much less in 1896 than in any of the other years; that of cod was
less than in 1894 or 1895, but more than in 1893; that of haddock was
markedly less than in the two preceding years and somewhat less than
in 1893. The yield of mackerel was larger in 1896 than in any of the
other years shown, and that of halibut and pollock presented no special
change. The aggregate catch in 1896 was nearly 12,000,000 pounds
less than in 1893, over 36,000,000 less than in 1894, and nearly 20,000,000
less than in 1895, with a corresponding decrease in values.
Species. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. —
Pounds. Pounds. Pounds. Pounds.
WO mralatatntslalcreiain(a\aja(nfaleiaveiateleiaiata wes ofatatotafainteraotayers 54, 627, 104 63, 590, 830 67, 298, 639 59, 487, 659
Cas kee eieihae sak ack cele ecmitset aera crease coins 9, 283, 370 10, 645, 640 5, 821, 320 3, 627, 180
Haddock esos ass ob - Sea then See eeic sosseeee 33, 908, 780 45, 611, 856 41, 605, 786 30, 167, 286
UA KOs ees ee riccis = eee cisieeise eerie ene ee ee 19, 991, 600 23, 343, 815 15, 340, 770 10, 544, 420
TSU ete) oe to Ae Se eae Bs Oa RL 3, 614, 626 2,181, 221 2, 478, 324 2, 162, 682
VALID Ut Meee arr he ee so ee eee ae 9,792,911 | 10, 905, 122 9, 722, 342 10, 895, 147
Mackerelist i2isccscisiscsnsosnece eee cee ees 9, 296, 220 8, 013, 400 4, 586, 724 11, 619, 532
Other fish eect se enews deesche ewes sce eee 1, 881, 837 2, 824, 933 3, 585, 635 2, 169, 860
Total seer. to sees eae nemesotoseee secre 142, 396,448 | 167,116, 817 150, 439, 540 130, 673, 766
Ep talaveluecdecce ss eae ce meses teers ~~ $4,099,847 | $3,897,671 | $3, 551, 692 $3, 286, 898
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXVII
FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC STATES.
A general canvass of the important commercial fisheries of this
region, begun in May, 1896, was completed in February, 1897. Mr.
W. A. Wilcox, the agent making the investigation, visited every fishing
community in the coast regions and rivers (except remote points in their
headwaters), and obtained statistical and other data which are embodied
in an appendix to the report for 1896. The inquiry related chiefly to the
calendar year 1895, but embraced a notice of the changes in the various
branches of the fishing industry since the time of the last canvass, in 1892.
The extent of the industry, as determined by this investigation, is
shown in the following tables. It appears that in 1895, 17,305 persons
were engaged in various branches of the fisheries in California, Oregon,
and Washington. Of these, over 2,000 were employed on vessels, about
11,500 in shore and boat fisheries, and 3,800 in canneries, fish- houses, ete.
The investment in the fishing industry amounted to about $7,275,000, of
which $1,380,000 represented vessels and their outfits, $505,000 boats,
about $1,300,000 apparatus of capture, and over $4,000,000 the shore
property and cash capital. The first value of products was $4,470,000,
representing over 147,000,000 pounds of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, ete.
The leading fishery product was the chinook salmon, of which 38,392,000
pounds, valued at $1,682,000, were taken. The next in importance is
the oyster, the product being valued at $650,000.
Persons employed in the fishing industry of the Pacific States in 1895.
How engaged. eae Oregon. ea | Total.
UIGMESNE THE NOLIOS Goer ee otis ain Sei aoe me cee aiee eke 1, 451 92 515 2, 058
MEANS ANC sDOAbIBNEELOS 4. oj. o=s este suas econ eeee coe cae 2, 716 4, 230 4,493 | 11,439
CELUI} EY eS IOS oe oy es Se ete eee meena | 603 2,001 1, 204 3, 808
TUTTE A a ae el Ui SCAN Ge Pee Sie | 4,770 6, 828 6,212 | 17,305
Vessels, boats, apparatus, shore property, and cash capital employed in the fisheries of the
Pacific States in 1895.
California. | Oregon. Washington. Total.
Designation.
No. | Value. | No. | Value. No. Value. No. Value.
|
MERE DIA ie soen tacm a's seas 66 | $705,530 | 23 | $45, 950 59 | $127, 350 148 | $878, 830
PRGUMNS PO 2 =~ sa 252 O96: 81) |Ssecsct cor 4683017 |X-scese ee 15/4202:56; (sae eee ees 16857008 Pee
OG eee ean a anos es = ncshae se 449,155 |.--..-.. CHU see season 35; Od4a lseameeee ee 490, 248
MIA ee an meee cae. | 1,442 | 121,670 | 2,022 | 212,925 2,646 | 170,155 6,110 | 504, 750
Apparatus:
SG eases eae eee 111 14, 805 56 21, 050 176 71, 449 343 | 107,304
Gill nets and trammel
AGUS Voce Aaa seeoen | 2,373 | 158,376 | 2,235 | 319, 705 3,729 | 183, 555 8,337 | 661, 636
Pound nets and trap |
AGC! ete sae Sasa | Bescree sa! 178 127, 700 245 | 181,975 423 | 309, 675
Bag netsand paranzella
NUD) +See Seas 139 BH ot\UE Reno |ssecotencd beorceass| Soraceeeae 139 5, 380
LO AGh i) 830 A100) 623-554 be ctaane ne [eee eee eee 830 4, 700
Reef EES etc I oN e ainizialw 3's |r Sisinis, =o o's Sse ccednessecccce 39 1, 365 39 1, 365
Minor nets and traps ..|......--. S1808 Wetec MPa be ae = ee ATO Nuae trees 5, 623
Beam trawls........... 4 | SUN Pesernd Samos soc||s.o0sce-7 ectooaace 4 300
W UGGIC 5.2... = a Ee eee 33 92, 800 25 71, 800 58 | 164, 600
ont. -.-2 an 188 LA Rear OOO lesen es ZO OBS) lle eieiais ess = 49, 132
Tongs, rakes, and hoes.|. - 3 Gt ars Bt) es eee Sa 25 86liileaaces notte 3, 569
Guns and spears....... ie : a hea 0) eee Aa Shel Eee LEP) eeaee ce wee 23, 769
Shore property .......... Bi) G59" 8300). acre S037 0488 | Bene cee CURE UPD | serosa dce 1, 936, 498
Cash capitaleeeesieces |. 5.2... 454, 800 | Soe eece 9935500) | baes cen G7S5 500 Ee cence c cet 2, 126, 800
otal) - ocean 2S. 2PO12 2985 ln. <<). 2. loi Odile! laa ae ease 2, 024, 469) |... =.= - Ee 274,179
——————————————
CXXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Products of the Jislers ies of the aie States in 1895.
California. Orepent Ww fom ington. Total.
Species. :
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds. | Value.
ROHS Nee sacle = sccis na = 276, 605 $3, 965 99, 399 $1 BAT os ae cee oll aeeeerers ars 376, 004 $5, 312
(Ci Aone See ppeeeaosoe 2, 783, 550 (CER 6 1a) |S sem Ses ees eee 484,250) $13,934) 3, 267, 800 97, 440
Cultus-cod.--..c-----.< 139, 495 4,213 6, 000 240 223, 278 4, 193} 368, 773 8, 646
Mlounders o2--- ULB OF TT | 6 VIELE “PAH
‘od g | 09 (i) lezen ae 4 0) Sg an LOD, 69 OF ¥Z SIL | 0G LT €€ |" -" WB OGG | 6 ToLe “pA
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*pueysy vurpeyey
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| “OAOLD) SULYRC ‘UOT ;
‘od VAS || CR. 1 A SESS aie ace ee ee emia) te | i eae Kae as 6 | 99 | -vAy jo'N Sq ‘@ (FL |-->* rd 0g'T | 2 ze ‘PAH
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| “OAOD SUIYVC ‘UOT
SUS TA TESS [op Tel ie Gand a0! wea aaa AUNTS asec ons Sans save ses senses BTA COUT gpa oltrcsss 6¢ | 99 | Bay Jo°N Aq ‘AT |-- me dog'er |b
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poesn yieg |'on|.* 6 WOrTooIT(T BULO S| ngenalleav airy | ‘AK ‘Su0T | ‘NN “QeT Taye nnitiiGt
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CLXI
B\
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES,
‘OMOMIOUL OJITA 95IVT T
‘ayeys 1oopurrg osie, T ‘qoumtoys Aydmo ‘ayeut ‘spunod $F ‘seyout ez ‘ poo-sn4yno T
*poisestp ][oM pimbs 10 sndojoo T[eus Fo [NF Tovuroys ‘opeur ‘spunod cp ‘soyout FF
SqgnqrpeyT = “Agdime qovioys ‘aways ‘spunod Z ‘soyoul 9T !1apmnoy osavy] T “yorutoys
Ajdmo ‘oyeurey ‘spomod ¢ ‘soyour 0g ‘(sturdsroned sg) ysyyoor T ‘spunod ¢ ‘4y5roM
ODVIOAB +SOTPOUL GT ‘YJHUIT VNVAVAB ‘paysooIp ]JoOM pinbs 1o sndoyoo Jo suomsod
poureymoo Tory A ‘ono oAvS Ajduto [[B STOVUIOJS ‘soyeMes Z PU SoTRUL G ‘STIVI[IXOA ‘Gg
OXI] USPyoor 4 “qovmoys Aydure ‘opeur ‘spunod ¢ ‘seour pT 1930 944 ‘YoRul04s
Ajydmoe ‘oyemoey ‘sponod §g ‘soyout ct ouo ‘aestyeur'g ONL YsSyyoor Z “youutoys
Aydmo ‘ejeumey ‘spunod f[ ‘soyour FT ‘suy poddy yortq pues Apoq Moped 4qstaq
WIM YSyyoor T ‘“syoumojs Aydmo ITM sorwmoys Te ‘spanod gL YysteM oov0Av
!soqoul FI ‘GZoue, onvdeav ‘!(a19S5tautd sg) Ysyyoor p—' Lele "phy wd cep ‘Fe dy
‘proud | “Yysyoop T[eus T ‘podopoaop [Toa
BAO TFTA O[eULey ‘qovut0gs Aydimo ‘spunod Fz ‘soqour ct | (sugotsor0,yo"g) Ysyyoor
T ‘youmoys Aqydue ‘spunod ¢ ‘soqout gt ‘evar T ‘qoumoys Aqdue ‘spanod ¢ ‘soyour
LT ‘oyemley T i (SNplavy's) qsyyoor Z “yovutogs Ayduio “‘vao pedopoaop-TJoa. ITA
g[vmey ‘spanod Fg ‘soqour $61 { (stuvp[txoa *g) Ysyyoo1 [—962e ‘phy wd OL ‘Fo pAdy
“TPO BLOGS
Ajdue ‘oyemoey ‘spunod fF ‘soyout 6T ‘(sngerarm:’g) ysyyoor T eras Aydue
‘ojeutog ‘spunod §% ‘soyour zT ‘(supraey's) qsyxoor [—" cele “pA “ued og T ‘Fe pwdp
“TPOBUIOYS
‘SUO] Saqout Zz Jot JO oy ‘qorur0js Ayduo ‘oTvuoy ‘spunod §¢e
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o ‘aoe [d OUIUS 943 4¥ WOES O1OM Moy ATOA ATQUeUDaSqus !roquey] ‘0109
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peArdesqo omy otuvs JY ‘“satoads 9e1l|} 10049 JO SLOpUNOL odavy F—we “d F ‘er dE
“SUINION—"BadE “phy “wd GF er ‘ST pudy
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OSVIOAT ‘So[vMoy J ‘sopvul 6 ‘ (tastuurd -g) YSYyoor gI—" vr ele "pA “ue -v OF TT ‘6 wa
“q8O[ puvoovjans AY
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*yavys punots T !urdjnos [ !ysyyoor pax [—w dd ogg ‘8 pwd y
“SULJON—"Ut “M OL OL ‘8 dy
“SUIyQoON— "ue “w COG ‘8 ped y
“yspsop [—"w ‘d coF ‘£ edy &
“ysyoop [— ue ‘d oF Ss ‘*£ dy =
“ysysop [ud e's pidy
“YUsysop 7—0ele ‘phy “wm -dosr‘spedy _
‘ususop I—6rle ‘pA “ued cor ‘2 pedy 7
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“8)D1.4) aULp-pUnYy fo 8))8AT
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
CLXII
“SOTOUT CZ
Suey ‘spunod §g yysiom osvsoav ‘ysypoo se— oe Ayn ‘puvpsy saddop ‘wysuaMaqoanT
“Aydule JON—'ST Apne ‘OFIE PUD BE96 “PIS!
‘snqoordereg I—'Sl fyne ‘sggg “DIS!
‘dmrzys paw ‘qsyreys ‘sTToys
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“SIOpUNOY [[VUIs PUL S[TONS MOF ‘SIV[[Op-pues sjosnq z—"sT Ayn ‘9g9e *“MIy’
‘QUBpPUNGY SULIOM PUB ST[OYS ‘SUlyoOIN-ves ‘vooRJsNto T[VUS
fsosuods ‘snjoprdatrmoy [eus Z ‘vqgosdoprdey 1 ‘sngoprdoymmey e—or Ane ‘cgoe “Mis
“STIOUS 9
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‘voudeyy ¢ ‘soroeds ¢ ‘tanaovyy Ateur ‘sngooadereg T ‘vsommuy I—'Z ne ‘FEgg ‘DIs
“g68T ‘woungs buyoajji09 pun ‘Burysyl ‘burbpasq
| |
| |
‘uvdep ‘oXyoy, Fo JH Sa Saee ae OLINGN GS Siege aoe “dW |_691 | 08 GL 09
‘od HiGacG tama eeerease ANS Sip (pears nen aera ODN 25 TFL ese abe GO) 89
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0d i ee 19 | 19
‘0d | | 1-0 49 | 219
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‘0d T-0 raed OD a geet | 29 99
‘unde p ‘Avg oyepoyey | I-0 S Aq" | 49 | 99
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‘0d op" """"| 9-¢ rrr GAs oug | LZ 888 gg | IF
‘od ODeepealGays—-nipecy OD sss ee Seamer Oye L'88 gg | IF
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‘od ORV seo Pat Sea ges Aya | 81 3 ‘GP ge | TF
‘0d kee re ch [pag soe ASSIS “AC | FZ Wishing &F tPF
Be Bee sscse's-)--i90RyING peer ee te Panloee Bag Sexe san & eae
MOG GU ELO iy eee gee e le. a ECE G S Aq § 104 "A $99 €'°9€ & &F
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CLXIII
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
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CLXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
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CLXV
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CLXVI
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REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
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REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXIX
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MULLET AND OYSTERS OF HAWAII.
The principal food of the native Hawaiians, like the Japanese, is fish,
the waters around the islands containing many varieties, Some in great
numbers. The market in Honolulu is a large, substantial structure,
paved, open on the sides, clean, and well kept. The sale of fish is
under Government supervision, an inspector having charge of all fish
delivered, which if not sold after they have been taken from the water
a certain length of time are converted into fertilizer.
The Chinese largely conduct this industry, not only in the open waters,
but in the private ponds, and their methods are similar to those in their
native country. A few natives also are employed in fishing.
The mullet is the principal marketable fish, and those supplied are
largely taken along the reefs; but another source of this species is from
the ponds, and this affords the main supply during inclement weather.
The fish-ponds are nearly as old as the peopling of the islands, for
even the traditions give no time when they were first built; but it is
supposed by the best authorities that they date back at least 500 or 600
years, and before the advent of civilization were the source of meat
supply in addition to the sea fishes, as these islands when discovered
contained no mammals. Fish and poi (fermented paste from the root
of the taro) were the diet of the ancient Hawaiians, and are very dear
to the modern natives, as fish and rice are to the Japanese. These fish-
ponds were very numerous on all the islands, but through disuse and
neglect many have become silted up and are now marshes, while the
walls have been destroyed in others by the progress of civilization and
the ravages of nature and are now dry land. Still quite a number are
in excellent condition and are used for raising mullet from the small
fry. There are about a dozen of these ponds in the vicinity of Hono-
lulu, ranging in size from 15 or 20 acres to 150 acres.
The site selected for the pond usually is in shallow water, where the
configuration of the land is such as to reduce as much as possible the
length of the wall to be built, and in localities visited by the spawning
mullet. The Loko Hanaloa, on the Pearl Lochs, covers at least 150
acres, but the wall necessary to inclose this area is less than one-fourth
of a mile in length. The walls are constructed of volcanic or coral rock
and originally without gratings. Interstices in the wall formed by the
loose rock allowed the tidal flow. Prior to the advent of the mission-
aries, when the government of the island was in the hands of the native
chiefs and subchiefs, every native was obliged to contribute his labor
for several days, at certain definite periods, to his chief, and tradition
States that in building the walls lines of men were formed from the sea
to the hillsides and the rock passed from hand to hand.
There is no artificial hatching of food-fishes on any of the Hawaiian
Islands, nor has there ever been any, so far as could be learned, but the
fry are driven or transported to these artificial ponds and there raised.
When the mullet come into the shoaler waters to spawn, the young fry
seek, instinctively, the protection of the shallowest water. In former
CLXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
times the natives from their lookouts would discover the location of the
schools of fry, and then in their canoes, or by wading, would drive the
fry toward the pond walls, where they would escape through the inter-
stices into the ponds. In this manner the ponds were stocked. It is
probable that many again found their way to the sea, but a large part,
no doubt, learned the protection the walls afforded against predatory
fishes, and remained to grow up and fatten. At the present time the
walls are filled up solid, but openings or gratings, protected by grated
gates to prevent the entrance of the larger fishes, are left at intervals
for the ingress and egress of the tide waters. In stocking the ponds
the fry are caught in small nets of mosquito netting or other open
woven fabric, placed in pails and tubs, and quickly transported to the
ponds; some few are driven through the gratings with the entering
tide. The mullet are the only fish intentionally introduced, but natur-
ally by the methods employed a few other species enter, which generally
are destructive to the young mullet, and are removed whenever it is
possible to do so.
Pond mullet are considered the finest, and when sea mullet bring 10
cents a pound those from the ponds find ready purchasers at 13 cents.
The pond mullet is the fish usually eaten raw by the natives; from 6,000
to 10,000 of them are marketed in Honolulu each week, besides those
taken at sea.
OYSTERS.
That the oyster was a native of these waters and occurred in great
numbers is evidenced by the numerous oyster-banks found in different
localities now raised above the sea level and having an earthy covering.
When visiting the fish-ponds on the Pearl Lochs, I examined the ancient
oyster-banks on the eastern side of the middle loch, on the neck which
joins Waipu with the mainland. The shore line here consists of a ver-
tical bluff from 10 to 15 feet high, with a stratum of oyster shells 6 to 8
feet thick. This stratum is exposed on the loch face for at least half
a mile, and it can be traced for a long distance across the peninsula.
From specimens procured it seems that they closely resemble our own
oyster of the Atlantic coast. These are not shell heaps, like those on
our Southern coast and in other localities, but are entire, in situ, as
both valves are usually in place and can be readily removed. They do
not seem to occur in masses or clusters, but are large single oysters, in
size resembling the better varieties of the marketable Chesapeake Bay
oysters. It is possible that these oyster-banks were formed layer by
layer, the upper ones smothering the lower, until through some natural
cause the beds were covered with mud and afterwards lifted above the
sea level. On this little peninsula, in two different places, I examined
the remains of large numbers of the pearl oysters, which seem to have
occurred in pockets among the other oysters. It is said that at present
a few pearl oysters are found off Beckoning Point.
Upon invitation of Hon. John F. Colburn I visited his fish and oyster
pond on Pearl Lochs. In reply to an inquiry requesting information
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXXI
relating to his efforts in oyster-culture in Hawaii, Mr. Colburn wrote
as follows:
In the month of October, 1893, I imported from Mr. M. B. Moraghan, of San Fran-
cisco, three cases of oysters for the purpose of planting. Two of the cases contained
about 1,000 eastern transplanted, and one case contained about 3,000 of the native
California. They were brought down on the steamship Australia, in the ice-house,
and arrived in apparently good order. I at once had them removed to my pond at
Manana Ewa, and planted in a depth ranging from 1 foot to 2 feet of water.
Some three months after I made a thorough search of different places where I had
planted oysters, and found that the native California were all dead, and of the eastern
transplanted about 50 per cent were still living, though considerably sunk into the
soft mud at the bottom of the pond. I had these taken up and put down again, and
some three months afterward I examined them again and found they had started to
grow; the new shell forming was easily noticeable. I continued my practice of taking
them up at different intervals of time until the early part of 1895, when I was so
elated with the prospect of my success that I made arrangements with Mr. Moraghan
to send me down more eastern transplanted, with two objects in view: (1) To have
fresh eastern oysters to supply the oyster-eaters of our city, and (2) to have them
answer for the purpose of seed for propagating.
I imported 38,614 from San Francisco by the steamship Australia, having them
come in five different trips of the vessel. About two-thirds were brought down on
the open deck in boxes, and were wet down every morning when decks were being
washed down. The balance came in the ice-house. With the former way my loss
was more in number, but the latter way was the most expensive. On deck I could
get the oysters landed for about $10 a ton measurement, but through the ice-house
the charges were 5 cents a pound for freight.
As fast as the oysters would arrive I would have them sent down to my pond and
laid out. In a month or so afterwards they would get very thin and be unfit for
the market. However, I allowed them to recuperate by getting acclimated to the
conditions of my pond as well as to the food.
In the latter part of 1895 I discovered young oysters clinging to stones and dead
oyster shells. JI have watched them very carefully and at different intervals of this
year I have found more young ones. Of course the young are not as many asI
would like to see, still I trust that in time I will be able to boast of a bed of
Hawaiian oysters reared from the seed of the American eastern oyster. From those
I have imported I am in a position to furnish to those desiring oysters a mess of them
fresh from the water. The lastlot have been now about eighteen months in my pond
and are in fine and fat condition, having grown twice their original size.
Fresh sea water empties into my fish-pond through gates and a large spring of
fresh water also runs into it, thereby making the water a little brackish.
It will be seen that oyster-culture in Hawaii is of very modern date
and in an experimental stage. There is scarcely any doubt that the
waters are suitable for oyster-culture; the ancient beds and the experi-
ence of Mr. Colburn attest it, but further investigation is necessary to
discover the proper conditions for a commercial enterprise.
I went over the oyster-beds with Mr. Colburn and we took from the
water both transplanted oysters and those that had been propagated
inthe pond. When taken from the water they have a brownish appear-
ance, which upon inspection proves to be a mossy growth on the shell.
They are large, well rounded, and when opened beautiful in appearance
and of good flavor. They are planted in a fish-pond which is stocked
with mullet. The bottom is soft, and I believe covered with grass. The
gratings for tidal access are very small.
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A MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE,
BASED ON THE
METHODS OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
JOERN SS BRIE i,
UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page
Introdiction.. 2 asic. sse Saceceeee con oe esac eee eee oe ee 5-6
ihe Salmonsior theme actitewCoastseeeee eee eee eee ee eeeeeee 7-26
The Atlantic and Landlocked Salmons... 2-2 ---2---.--2--- 27-70
The Rainbow Trouts.cv2 ce sees ce soeeee heres So csen eee 71-89
The Brook ‘Lrovltes- ss2e sete eres ero ee eee a eee 91-101
The Lake Trout. scene pesos eee saee ce Heme ema eee OS aliT
Phe Whiteish ws eee eee cee one et ee eee ota ee Ooo
(Che Shad. 2h5. 2:8. svepsemapnee aces. seo e i Peis et seem OO IOS
The Black Basses, Crappies, and Rock Bass....-.-..-..-.... 159-177
Miscellaneous Fresh- Water Fishes. ..---.-..----.2.---.--.. 179-191
Minor fronts and ytheiGraydino ee. = esse oe Boe e eee 179
Lake Herring and other Whitefishes -...........--.-.-- 180
Muskellunge'.s..222 22sc2. MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 19
The egg receptacles are deep wire trays or baskets about 12 inches
wide, 24 inches long, and deep enough to project an inch or two above
the water, which is 5 or 6 inches deep in the troughs in which they are
placed. Into each of these baskets 2 gallons of salmon eggs, equiva-
lent to about 30,000, are poured at a time. The eggs suffer no injury
whatever from being packed together in this manner, the water being
supplied in a way that forces it through the eggs, partially supporting
and circulating through them. ‘The meshes are too smail to permit the
eggs to pass through, although the fry are able to do so.
The advantages of this apparatus and method are:
(1) The top of the tray or basket is out of the water and always
entirely dry; consequently, in handling it, the hands are kept dry.
(2) By tilting one end of the tray up and down a little or by lifting
it entirely and settling it gently back again in its place the bad eggs
will be forced to the top; thus a feather is not required in picking over
the eggs and the injuries very often inflicted with it are avoided.
(3) The top of the tray being above water, the eggs can never run
over the top nor escape in any way, which is a great advantage over
the shallow form of tray.
(4) There is economy of space; 30,000 to 40,000 eggs can be placed
in each basket, provided a sufficient quantity of water is available.
Two troughs, 16 feet long and 1 foot wide, will by this method carry
about 500,000 salmon eggs. The deep trays may be filled at least half
full of eggs, and thus ten times as many eggs can be hatched in the
same space and with the same supply of water as by the old method.
A good but gentle circulation is continually maintained through the
eggs.
(5) The deep-tray system is admirably adapted to getting rid of mud
that has collected on the eggs, for all sediment accumulating about
them can be easily removed by gently moving the tray up and down a
few times in the water; but if the deposit of mud on the troughs
becomes so excessive as to be unmanageable, a false bottom of wire
cloth or perforated zinc can be placed in the troughs at a suitable
distance above their real bottom, leaving a space of about 1 or 14 inches
between the wire cloth and the trough bottom. By this means the mud
that comes into the trough will sift down into the space below the wire
cloth entirely out of the way of the fish, the movements of the fish
themselves helping very much to produce this result. Should the
accumulation of mud in the space below the false bottom of the trough
become too great, 1t can easily be sluiced out in various ways.
When quinnat-salmon eggs are simply to be matured for shipment,
hatching-trays with 4 or 1 inch Square mesh will answer the purpose,
but when the eggs are to be hatched in them, every alternate strand of
wire running lengthwise, or, better still, every second and third thread,
should be left out in order to form an oblong mesh through which the
newly hatched fry, after separating themselves from the unhatched
eggs, can escape from the hatching-trays into the troughs below.
20 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 4
At Baird eggs kept in water averaging about 54° F. hatch in 35 days.
The allowance of 5 days’ difference in the time of hatching for each
degree of change in the temperature of the water is approximately
correct.
For the first few days the eggs of the quinnat salmon are very hardy,
and at this time they should be thoroughly picked over and the dead
ones removed as far as possible before the delicate stage during the
formation of the spinal column comes on, so that during that critical
‘period they may be left in perfect quiet. As soon asthe spinal column
and the head show plainly, the eggs are hardy enough to ship, but when
there is time enough it is better to wait a day or two until the eye-spot
is distinctly visible, after which time the eggs will stand handling.
PACKING EGGS FOR SHIPMENT.
The packing-box used in shipping salmon eggs is made of 43-inch
pine, 2 feet square and 1 foot deep. At the bottom is placed a thick
layer of moss, then a layer of mosquito netting, then a layer of eggs,
then mosquito netting again, then successive layers of moss, netting,
eggs, netting, and so on to the middle of the box. Here a firm wooden
partition is fastened in and the packing renewed above in the same
manner as below. The cover is then laid on the top, and when two
boxes are ready they are placed in a wooden crate, made large enough
to allow a space of 3 inches on all sides of the boxes. This space is
filled with hay to protect the eggs against changes of temperature, and
when the cover is put on the eggs are ready to ship.
In the middle of the crate an open space about 4 inches in depth is
left, between the two boxes of eggs, for ice. As soon as the crates
arrive at the railway station this space, as well as the top of the crate,
is filled in with ice. Recent experiments show that salmon eggs can be
packed and safely transported to considerable distances when they are
first taken.
CARE OF THE FRY.
The eggs of quinnat salmon. like those of other Salmonida, hatch
very gradually at first, only a small proportion of fish coming out the
first day. The number increases daily, however, until the climax of
the hatching is reached, when large numbers of the young burst their
Shells in a single day. At this time great care and vigilance are
required. The vast number of shells rapidly clog up the guard-screens
at the outlet of the troughs, which should be kept as free as possible
by thoroughly cleansing them from time to time.
In the deep trays the newly hatched fish are mixed with unhatched
eggs, and the advantage of the oblong mesh in the bottom of the trays
becomes apparent. This mesh is too narrow to allow the eggs to fall
through, but the hatched fish, being comparatively long and narrow,
easily slip down through the long meshes into the space below. They
Should be assisted in accomplishing this by gently raising and lowering
9 ied ve bite} 4
eee ny Sebo hit
Report U S. F.C. 1897. (To face page 21.) PLATE 9.
CURRENT-WHEEL FOR PUMPING WATER AT BAIRD, CALIFORNIA.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 21
the tray at intervals, care being taken not to raise them out of the
water, as at this tender age a slight pressure against the wire of the
tray will often produce fatal injuries. On this account too much caution
can not be exercised in regard to handling them out of water during
the first stages of the yolk-sac period, for the injuries can not be seen
at first, and often the death of the fry is the first warning that they
have been injured.
After the eggs are all hatched and the young fish are safely out of
the trays and in the bottom of the troughs their dangers are few and
they require comparatively little care. Almost the only thing to be
guarded against now is suffocation. [ven where there is an abun-
dance of water and room, with a good circulation, they often crowd
together in heaps or dig down under one another until some of them die
from want of running water which is not an inch away from them. The
best remedy in such a case is to thin them out.
Eight thousand gallons of water an hour is sufficient for ten lines of
troughs 64 feet in length, containing altogether a little over 1,000,000
young salmons in the yolk-sac stage. This gives in round numbers
800 gallons of water to each 100,000 fry every hour, or 16% gallons per
minute, which is a safe minimum.
When the yolk-sac has become nearly absorbed the fish rise from the
bottom of the trough, where they have previously remained, and hold
themselves up in the water. It is now almost time to begin to feed
them, and they have become comparatively hardy and require very
little care.
Close attention is required again, however, as soon as they commence
to feed. They will show when they are ready to feed by darting to one
side or the other when small particles of food are dropped in the water
and floated past them. From this time, for several weeks, the necessity
for care and vigilance never ceases.
The young fish should, for the first few weeks, be fed regularly and
as often as six times a day, and the earlier in the day the feeding begins
and the later it continues at night the better. Two hours after feeding
they will be found to be ravenously hungry, and they grow much faster
for frequent feeding and get that growth in their infancy which is
indispensable to their ultimately attaining the largest possible size. If
they are not fed very often they will bite at one another’s fins and so
cause more or less mortality among themselves.
ARTIFICIAL FOOD.
The best food for salmon fry is some kind of meat, finely pulverized.
Boiled liver is especially good for this purpose, partly because it is
inexpensive and easily obtainable, and also because it can be separated
into very fine particles. Raw liver is also an excellent food for fry,
and may be reduced into as fine particles as the cooked liver by grind-
ing or chopping and then properly straining it through a fine-mesh
22. REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
screen. The yolk of boiled eggs is also suitable, but it is comparatively
expensive and is not so good for the fish as liver unless largely mixed
with it.
As the fish grow older they continue to thrive best on meat food, but
if that is not always obtainable in sufficient quantities or on account
of its expense, a very good substitute is a mixture of shorts or corn
meal with the meat. This is prepared as a mush by stirring shorts or
middlings into boiling water, a little at a time, so that it will not cook
in lumps, but become more of a paste. After it has thoroughly cooked
it is allowed to cool and harden. The best proportion is 30 pounds of
shorts to 25 gallons of water with 3 or 4 pounds of salt. The per-
centage of liver to be used in this mixture should be regulated by the
age of the fish, feeding the very young fry upon almost a simple meat
diet and increasing the proportion of mush with the age of the fish.
Doubtless for young Salmonid the best natural fish food, not arti-
ficially bred, is the roe of fishes which have minute ova, as the best
food for the mature fish is live minnows. These foods furnish the fish
with a clean, suitable diet and leave no decaying matter on the bottom
of the troughs or ponds to foul them or produce disease. But these
foods can rarely be obtained without too much expense, although the
time will undoubtedly come when perch, carp, and similar coarse fish
will be economically propagated and raised to serve as food for trout
and salmon. Herring roe is now canned for fish food, and if this can
be furnished at a sufficiently low price ic may ultimately provide an
excellent food for young salmon.
PLANTING THE FRY.
The most prominent instinct of the newly-hatched salmon is to burrow
for concealment, and this habit persists until the necessity for active
feeding compels them to come from their hiding-places. The retention
of salmon in troughs for a number of months after they begin to feed
naturally leads to a considerable change in their instincts and makes
them less liable to escape from their enemies after being planted. The
fry are liberated on the natural spawning-grounds, as a rule, as soon
as the umbilical sac is exhausted and they show a disposition to feed
at the surface. When, for any reason, the fry are held longer, their
growth varies in accordance with the character and temperature of the
water in which they are reared and the foed they receive. The young
fry reared at Baird station grow to a length of 24 inches from the time
when they begin to feed in February until the middle of May, when,
on account of the rising temperature of the water, they are liberated in
the McCloud River.
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(To face page 23)
Report U.S. F. C. 1897.
‘LAYSVE NOW1VS ONIMOHS 'WS3YHO JTLLVE LY AYSHOLVH JO YOINSLNI
Jeniasene eens
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MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 23
SALMON-HATCHING AT BATTLE CREEK.
While the manner of taking and impregnating salmon eggs differs
but little at the hatchery of the United States Fish Commission at
Battle Creek, California, from that at other places, the magnitude of
the operations warrants separate description.
This is now the most remarkable salmon-propagating station in the
world, the total number of eggs secured for hatching during the season
of 1896 being 25,852,880, which. is about 15,000,000 more than have
been taken hitherto at any one station. This phenomenal take of eggs
would have been still larger had not a flood washed away the rack
and allowed the heavy run of salmon to pass upstream.
This station is situated near the mouth of Battle Creek, a tributary
of the Sacramento, and although less than 40 miles below Baird station,
receives the fall run of salmon only, while at Baird this run is light as
compared with the summer run.
Immediately above its confluence with the Sacramento, Battle Creek
is deep and lagoon-like for a distance of 24 miles, and salmon gather
there in vast numbers before entering the shallow waters where their
spawning-grounds commence. At the head of the lagoon is a retaining-
rack similar to that in use at Baird, the fish being taken with a seine ~
just below it.
During the heavier part of the run 500 or 600 are taken at each
sweep of the seine, the number at times being more than can be hauled
in. The first eggs were taken in 1896 on October 8, and collection con-
tinued until the breaking of the rack on November 25, at which time
the run of fish was still in progress. Five thousand “ripe” females
were taken, averaging 18 pounds in weight. No record was kept of the
males, aS more could always be taken than were required, but those
retained were used day after day until exhausted. Male salmon out-
numbered the ripe females 3 to 1.
Spawning operations are conducted upon a floating platform 24 feet
long and 12 feet wide, beneath which are nine compartments for retain-
ing the ripe fish, and which are accessible through hinged covers set
in the plank flooring. Projecting beyond this platform is another, upon
which the actual work of stripping the fish and caring for the pans is
performed. It is roofed with tarpaulin, and on three sides is inclosed
with burlap.
The taking of spawn is performed by ten men. The method differs
but little from that at Baird, except in the manner of handling the fish
and the regular use of water in the spawning-pan. One pint of water
is placed in the pan before either the eggs or the milt. Two men take
the females from the compartments in dip nets and hold them until
taken out by the spawn-takers, not allowing them to strike the floor dur-
ing their struggles. The female is held by two men, one taking the fish
from the dip net by the tail, and the other by the head. The stripper
then comes between them as the fish 1s held over the spawning-pan and
24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
presses out the eggs. One man dips the male fish from their com-
partment and places them on the floor of the platform directly behind
the two men who handle them. One holds the fish by the head and the
other presses out the milt with one hand as he holds it by the tail with
the other, the milt falling into the same pan that receives the eggs and
practically at the same time.
The eggs and milt are gently stirred with a feather in the spawning-
pan as they are expressed from the fish, and the pan is then placed
upon a shelf under a dark curtain, where it remains for 14 minutes,
when the contents are poured into a large galvanized iron bucket nearly
full of water, the eggs being placed therein before adhesion takes place.
During the season of 1896 a total of 4,968 females were stripped,
producing 25,852,880 eggs. The greatest number of females stripped
in any one day was 269, yielding 1,392,000 eggs. The spawning crew
became very proficient, having stripped as many as 151 females in 60
minutes. Spawning usually takes place during the afternoon and
seldom exceeds 24 hours of active work.
The eggs are transferred by wagons from the spawning platform to
the hatcheries in large galvanized-iron buckets, 15 inches deep and 14
inches in diameter, which, when filled with water, hold about 70,000
eggs. The tops of the buckets are covered with canvas, and the
average length of time occupied in taking the eggs, transferring them
to the hatcheries, and measuring them into the hatching-baskets is 40
minutes.
The two hatcheries at Battle Creek contain 160 hatching-troughs, 68
of those in the building first erected being 16 feet by 16 inches by 63
inches, while half of the 92 in the other building are of the same size,
the remainder being 16 feet by 12 inches by 64 inches. A head or
distributing trough runs lengthwise of each building and receives the
water from the settling-tank on the outside. The hatching-troughs are
arranged in sections of four bound together. Two abut against the
distributing-trough, from which they take their supply of water and
carry it to the two troughs below, whence it passes to the escape
drain at their lower ends; 24 gallons of water per minute are admitted
to each trough, and the average temperature of the water is 52°. At
the head of each hatching-trough, 2 inches above the surface of the
water, is placed a tin aerator, 10 inches by 4 inches by 14 inches, the
bottom only being perforated; 4 inches from the lower end of each
trough a retaining-screen is placed at an angle. Between the screen
and the end there is a 2-inch hole in the bottom stopped with a plug
which projects above the surface of the water. In cleaning the trough
this plug is removed, the increased flow of water causing a strong
current through the entire length of the trough, which has a capacity
of 200,000 eggs contained in five trays or baskets.
When the eggs reach the hatchery they are washed, measured, and
placed in the hatching baskets or trays, 40,000 being placed in the
16-inch and 25,000 in the 12-inch trays. These are made of galvanized
PEATE At.
(To face page 25.)
Report U.S. F. C, 1897,
WINYOSINVS ‘W33YNO SILLVE LV ‘(NYOSLV1d ONiddIuLS GNV ‘HSIl4 3dIY SNIGIOH YOS SN3d
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 25
iron wire, with meshes ® by + of an inch, fastened at the top to a wooden
frame 4 inch thick. They are 23 inches long, 154 inches wide at top,
15 inches at bottom, and 6 inches deep. When placed in the hatching-
trough the wooden frame of the basket rests on the edge of the trough.
Two division plates of galvanized iron are placed in the hatching-
trough just above each basket. The first one rests on the bottom
and extends to within an inch of the surface of the water; the second is
placed half an inch below the first one, and extends from the top of the
box to within an inch of the bottom. This causes an upward current of
water to pass through the eggs, which, however, is not strong enough
to move them.
From the second to the tenth day the eggs are washed and the dead
eggs are picked out, but from the tenth to the fifteenth day they are
not handled in any manner, no matter how much sediment may cover
them. After the fifteenth day, or when the young fish is well defined
in the egg, washing and picking is renewed and continued daily until
the eggs are packed for shipment.
The method of handling is determined by the conditions, a lower
temperature allowing them to be washed beyond the tenth day, but
the above noted is the average for the season of 1896. The total loss
in eyeing (that is, carrying eggs from time of taking until the eye-
spots appear) during the season was 1,508,290, or 5.06 per cent. No
eggs were hatched at Battle Creek station, as the water supply was
considered unsafe.
In packing eggs for shipment no ice is used except for long distances.
The eggs received at the Sisson station of the California Fish Com-
mission, located at the headwaters of the Sacramento River, are treated
by methods similar to those already described as being used at Battle
Creek. The average number of days taken to hatch the eggs is 42,
and the alevins absorb the sac in from 30 to 40 days at an average
temperature of 44°. After the eggs are hatched, the division plates
resting upon the bottom of each trough are removed and the remaining
plates lowered to within half an inch of the bottom of the hatching-
trough. This divides the trough into sections and results in a stiff
current running under each plate, which prevents the massing of the
alevins at the head of the trough. At this time, a A-shaped piece of
galvanized iron, termed a harbor plate, is placed in each trough 4 inches
above the retaining-screen, with its apex against the current; it extends
to within an inch of each side of the trough and rises to the surface of
‘the water. The water in passing around each end of the plate causes
an eddy that carries the weak alevins away from the screen into the
angle of the plate, affording them a harbor of rest and preventing their
being held against the screen.
The loss of alevins while absorbing the sac is slight. The space for
hatching-troughs at Sisson is limited; and to relieve the troughs the
planting of alevins begins a few days after they hatch; hence the exact
26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
percentage of loss can not be given; but the total loss of alevins at
the hatchery the past season was 32,934, or 0.3 per cent, in a total of
10,000,000. The loss after feeding began was very slight, amounting
only to 5,716.
The alevins and the fry of the Pacific salmon possess great vitality
and are less liable to disease than those of any of the other Salmonide.
The natural conditions for hatching, rearing, and planting fry at the
Sisson hatchery are excellent; the water supply is unlimited and is
very free from sediment, even during stormy weather, while it has an
equable temperature, averaging 52° for the year, seldom falling to 40°
or exceeding 60°.
No part of the hatching-house work requires more attention or is of
such vital importance as the cleaning of the troughs. Up to the time
that the alevins begin to feed the troughs should be thoroughly cleaned
once every day by rubbing them down with the hand covered with a
coarse crash mitten, and after they begin feeding the troughs require
much more attention. One hour after each meal the troughs should
be cleaned by passing a bunch of stiff feathers over the sides and
bottom, first removing the division and harbor plates and the plug at
the foot of the trough.
Report U, S. F.C. 1897. (To face page 27,)
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SALMO SALAR. Atlantic Salmon.
PLATE 12.
THE ATLANTIC SALMON.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FISH.
The body of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is moderately elongate
and but little compressed; the greatest depth is about one-fourth the
total length without the caudal fin. The length of the head is about
equal to the body depth. The mouth is of moderate size, the maxillary
reaching just past the eye, its length contained 24 or 3 times in the
head. The scales are comparatively large, becoming embedded in adult
males; the number in the lateral line is about 120, with 23 above and
21 below that line. The dorsal fin has 11 rays and the anal 9 rays. The
pyloric cceca number about 65.
The color, like the form, varies with sex, age, food, and condition,
The adult is brownish above and silvery on the sides, with numerous
small black spots, often x or xx shaped, on the head, body, and fins,
and with red patches along the sidesin the male. Young salmon (parrs)
have about 11 dusky crossbars, besides black and red spots.
RANGE.
The salmon native to the rivers of the northeastern United States is
specifically identical with the salmon of Europe and all the affluents of
the North Atlantic. Its original natural range in America appears to
have been from Labrador or Hudson Bay on the north to the vicinity of
New York on the south. Within these limits, at the proper season of the
year, it ascended, for the purpose of reproduction, nearly every river
except those that did not afford the requisite facilities for depositing
Spawn or were inaccessible by reason of impassable falls near their
mouths.
In American rivers frequented by Atlantic salmon they were found
successively in all parts from the mouth upward, their migrations extend-
ing nearly to the headwaters of all the branches so far as they were
accessible and adapted to their necessities. The one exceptionis the
river St. Lawrence, where it seems probable, from such evidence as is
available, that few if any salmon entering the river from fhe sea ever
ascended as far as Lake Ontario, and that the salmon inhabiting that lake
and its tributaries have always, as a rule, made the lake their sea and
the limit of their downward migrations. Within or partly within the
limits of the United States there can be enumerated twenty-eight rivers
that were beyond doubt naturally frequented by salmon, beginning witut
27
28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
the St. John and ending with the Housatonic.* In the greater part
of these the species has been exterminated by civilized man, and in
the few in which it still persists its numbers are far below the estimates
which the earliest records warrant us in making for those days.
In certain lakes of Maine and northward this fish is perfectly land-
locked and has somewhat different habits and coloration, but no distinet
specific characters. Similar landlocked varieties occur in Europe.
LIFE AND HABITS.
Salmon eggs are deposited on coarse gravel on some rapid, generally
far up toward the sources of a river, late in October or early in Novem-
ber, when the water is perhaps about 44° F. and the temperature is
falling. The egg is impregnated at the moment of its deposit, and the
independent life of the salmon begins to develop at once. In a few
weeks the embryo becomes sensitive, but the extreme cold of the water
retards its development to such an extent that it does not burst the
shell of the egg until spring. In the rivers of New England it is prob-
able that nearly all the eggs naturally deposited hatch very late in
April and early in May. At this time the embryo salmon has aslender
half-transparent trunk, less than an inch in length, carrying, suspended
beneath, an immense ovoid sac—the “ yolk-sac.” For about six weeks
after hatching it hides in crevices among stones, keeping up an inces-
sant fanning with its pectoral fins. During this period it takes no food,
but is supported and nourished by the yolk-sac, the substance of which
is gradually absorbed into the rest of the body, and not until the sac
has nearly disappeared does the salmon really look like a fish and begin
to seize and swallow food. It now puts on a mottled coat, with several
heavy dark bars across its sides, and bright red spots, larger and fewer
than those of a trout, looking therefore very unlike the adult salmon
but much like a young trout. In this stage it is termed, in Scotland
and England, a “parr,” and it was formerly thought to be a wholly
different species from salmon.
The parr stage lasts a year or two in British rivers, and the few
observations made in America indicate that it is more likely two years
than one in our rivers. The parr, at first but little over an inch in
length, is provided with good teeth and a good appetite, and beginning
to feed at a season of the year when the water is almost crowded with
small insects and other more minute creatures, it grows rapidly, prob-
ably increasing its weight thirty or forty times the first summer. In
two years it reaches the length of 6 or 8 inches, and its bright red
spots and dark bars have given place to a silvery coat like the adult
salmon. It is now termed a ‘‘smolt” and is ready to go to sea, which
it does with little delay, and passes out beyond the range of man’s
*The Hudson River is by some believed to have been a natural salmon river. Its
discoverer, Hendrick Hudson, reported having observed them there, and there is
nothing inherently improbable in it, but the evidence is perhaps insufficient.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 29
observation, but to a region where it finds a rich feeding-ground and
rapidly increases in size.* In northern rivers, those of New Brunswick
and beyond, as in those of northern Europe, the salmon returns from
the sea when it has attained a weight of 2 to 6 vounds, and is then
termed a “grilse.”
In the rivers of Canada, in general, grilse occur in great numbers,
coming in from the sea at a later date than the adults, but ascending
like them to the upper waters, mingling freely with them, rising to the
same fly, and caught in the same weirs. The mesh of the nets is limited
by law to a size that takes the adult salmon, but allows the grilse to
slip through. To this circumstance it is in part owing that by the
time the fish have reached those portions of the rivers suitable for
angling there is commonly, if it be late enough in the season, a great
preponderance of grilse, so that more of the latter than of the former
are taken by the angler. In Nova Scotia many grilse are taken in the
Shubenacadie River from August until late in the fall. On the Mirami-
chi, in New Brunswick, grilse make their appearance about July 1, and
from the middle of that month till the end of August they constitute
the main body of the salmon entering the river. Some sportsmen
report that the grilse caught exceed the adults in the ratio of 5 to1.
In the month of August, in the Nepissiguit, Restigouche, and St.
John of Gaspé, grilse have been found in some years to exceed the
adults in the ratio of 3 to 1. They run into the Nepissiguit mostly
between July 25 and Septemberl. Their scarcity during the early part
of the angling season, or say previous to July 20, is attested by numer-
ous fishing scores. a)
, SST, 3
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fy Scale of feet.
L a) potentomneagea Secleetfeet,
Tronghs arranged for Rearing.
Fig.1, plan. Fig. 2, longitudinal section. Fig. 3, cross-section near foot of trough. Fig. 4, inlet,
with rocking gate. Fig. 5, elevation of lower end.
a, supply-trough. i, hollow outlet plug.
5, screen. j, down-spout.
ec, rocking gate. k, supports.
d, supply-pipe. l, cover.
e, water-board (to spread the water and throw it down). _m, cover open (hanging).
J, fish-trough. n, cover open (upright).
“, gripe, to prevent spreading of sides. p, cover closed.
h, outlet screen. q, end boards (closing aperture).
Water is furnished through rubber or wooden pipes 3 inch in diame-
ter, and the bore of the hollow plug at the outlet is 14 inch or larger.
The inflow is regulated by an oscillating or rocking gate, which is set
to admit the desired volume of water. The trough is set with the
upper end an inch or two higher than the other, to facilitate cleaning
out, and the water is kept during the summer about 4 inches deep at
the lower end.
56 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The troughs are supported by a suitable framework at a convenient
height from the ground and arranged in pairs with their heads against
along feed-trough, constructed of pine boards and perforated on the
side by the feed-pipes, over each of which is a capacious screen to pre-
vent clogging by leaves or other floating debris. A frame 6 by 12
inches, covered on its outer side by wire-cloth of 4 inch square mesh,
answers the purpose of a screen so well that water from an ordinary
brook can be admitted to the feed-trough without previous filtering or
screening and with little or no danger of a stoppage of water in any
of the fish-troughs. Such screens over the feed-pipes might be made
the sole dependence, were it not that the labor attending their cleaning
would be greater than that required by a separate filter or screen.
Conduit to lower level. Scale of feet.
Stand of Troughs for Rearing Atlantic Salmon.
The system represented here by 12 troughs in two series may be
extended to many hundreds of troughs in four (or more) series, each
series on a different level and receiving water from the series next
above, the fall from one to another being about 4 feet. In the drawing
the series of 6 troughs on the left is supplied with water directly from
the upper ‘‘feed-trough” (i. e., supply-trough), and they discharge into
a catch-trough, from which the water is carried to the supply-trough
(‘‘feed-trough”) of the lower level. If the aqueduct supplies more
water than the upper series of troughs can use, the surplus passes by
way of the “overflow” directly to the catch-trough and thence to the
supply-trough of the second series. With a fall of 4 feet, the catch-
trough and the conduits that lead from it are below the walks which
give access to the troughs on both sides and at the lower end.
The number of fish assigned to a single trough is ordinarily 2,000,
and the volume of water given them is commonly 5 gallons per minute.
Generally the water is used but once in troughs and is discharged
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 57
into conduits leading to ponds where larger fish are kept; but a stand of
100 troughs has lately been set up with the design of using all the
water twice; and for many years there has been one system of 52
troughs, arranged in four series, which use in succession the same
water, the young salmon thriving quite as well in the fourth series as
in the first.
On one occasion a few of them were maintained for several weeks in
the warmer water of a neighboring brook, where a trough was set up
and stocked with 100 young salmon taken from one of the troughs at
the station July 30. The temperatures observed between 1 and 4 p. m.
in the fish-trough on successive days from July 30 to August 14, not
including August 1 or 10, were as follows: 79°, 75°, 77°, 79°, 82°, 829°,
78°, 76°, 76°, 76°, 74°, 74°, 74°, 74°, F.
The fish were fed the same as the lot out of which they were taken,
except that they received food only once a day instead of twice, and
were returned to the station October 7 without a single loss during the
experiment. Moreover, they were all weighed October 10 and found
to average 100.6 grains, while those of the original lot that had remained
at the station, with a temperature between 50° and 71° F., averaged
only 56.1 grains. While the greatly increased weight of the fish kept
in the stream was owing in part to more space, as the 100 had as large
a trough as 1,505 at the station, the higher temperature was undoubt-
edly one of the factors that contributed to the gain in weight, and it is
at least plainly shown that the warm water was not unhealthful.
Though small ponds, excavated by the former proprietor, were in
existence at the station and used to some extent for rearing young fish
in their first summer as far back as 1888, and older fish have been kept
in small ponds each season since that, it was not until 1896 that enough
pond work was done to furnish data of importance.
The ponds for rearing Atlantic salmon are among the series known
as the “south ponds,” occupying a smooth piece of ground sloping
toward Alamoosook Lake at a grade of 1in 8. Formerly it was mostly a
swale, watered by a copious spring at its head. This series comprises 19
ponds of rectangular form, about 50 to 90 feet long and 15 feet wide, with
a depth of 2 or3 feet. The water supply of those used for Atlantic sal-
mon is derived from Craig Brook by an aqueduct tapping it at a point
where two parts of Craig Pond water are mingled with one part spring
water, being substantially the same as the water supplying the most
of the rearing-troughs. From 5,000 to 10,000 fish that have been fed in
troughs during the early parc of the feeding season are placed in each
pond, and for the remainder of the season are fed the same food that is
given to the fish left in the troughs; and the results indicate that the
stock of fish might be safely increased.
While the greater part of the salmon reared at Craig Brook are
liberated in October, when about seven months old, in 1891-92 about
16,000 were carried through the winter, most of them in tanks sunk
in the ground, and nearly as many have been wintered some other
58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
seasons. Fish may also be kept all winter in troughs in the open air
by occasionally spreading blankets’ over them in exceptionally cold
weather, and keeping the conduits carefully covered.
The fish surviving the summer season are generally counted and
weighed in October, in the following manner: A large number of them
are dipped up from a trough in a small dip net made of cheese-cloth,
and from this, while it is hanging in the water in such a manner that
the fish can not escape, they are dipped out a few at a time, in a small
dipper or cup, counted, and placed in another bag net until a sufficient
number (generally 200) are counted, when they are lifted out of the
water, held a moment in the air to drain, and all turned quickly into
a pail of water which has previously been weighed. With care no
appreciable amount of water goes with the fish, and the increase in the
reading indicates their weight with a fair approach to accuracy, and
with care and celerity of action it is quite safe for the fish.
The size attained by the fish varies greatly, being affected by the
water, the space allowed, the feed, and perhaps by hereditary influences;
but when seven months old a trough-reared salmon is generally from
24 to3 inches long and weighs from 35 to 100 grains, the maximum being
about 130 grains and the minimum as low as 7 grains, the general
mean for 1896 being 45.8 grains. Salmon reared in ponds have been far
more thrifty, their general average in 1896 being 101 grains.* The
losses in ponds from July to October were rather heavy, being 11.7 per
cent, owing to depredations of frogs, birds, and cannibal fish. The
losses in the troughs during the entire season were 9.1 per cent, but
most of these were in the early stages of fryhood. After July losses in
troughs are always very light.
MATERIALS FOR FISH FOOD.
At Craig Brook station there have been used butchers’ offal, flesh of
horses and other domestic animals, fresh fish,and maggots. Experi-
ments have also been made with pickled fish, blood, fresh-water
mussels, mosquito larvee, miscellaneous aquatic animals of minute size,
*A very interesting comparison between the results of rearing in troughs and
ponds is afforded by the record of two lots of steelhead trout during the season of
1896. All the fry of this species that were devoted to rearing were fed in troughs
until July 22, when some of them were transferred to a pond which has an area of
about 1,100 square feet and another lot was. kept ina trough. The two lots were fed
exactly alike, about one-sixth of their nutriment being liv maggots, and five-sixths
chopped meat, liver, and other butchers’ offal. November 7, the lof in the trough
was overhauled, and the 762 survivors found to weigh 10 pounds 4 ounces, or an
average of 94 grains. Three days later the pond fish were seined out and the 7,398
survivors found to weigh 235 pounds 10 ounces, an average of 223 grains. It is not
believed that natural food occurring in the pond contributed much to this result, and
it would appear that the controlling factor in the case was the space afforded the
fish. Leaving out of the account the difference in depth, in the pond there were less
than 7 fish to each square foot of area, while in the trough, which had an area of
about 11 square feet, there were to each square foot 69 fish. A similar illustration
was furnished by 41 rainbow trout of the hatching of 1896 that got astray in one of
the ponds and were taken out November 11, weighing 480 grains each. Those
of the same age, reared in troughs, attained during the season only a weight of 1363
grains each.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 59
flour, and middlings. The butchers’ offal comprises livers, hearts, and
lights, which are collected from the slaughter-houses twice or thrice
weekly, and preserved in refrigerators until used.
The flesh of old and worn-out horses has been used each year since
1892 in the same way as the butcher’s offal, with very satisfactory
results; the parts that could be chopped readily have been fed direct
to the fish so far as needed, and other parts have been used in the
rearing of maggots.
Next to chopped meat maggots have constituted the most important
article of food, and their systematic production has received much
attention. A rough wooden building has been erected for this branch
of the work, and one man is constantly employed about it during the
summer and early autumn months. The maggots thus far used are
exclusively flesh-eaters, mainly those of two undetermined species of
flies; the first and most important being a small, smooth, shining green
or bluish-green fly, occurring in early summer and remaining in some-
what diminished numbers until October; and the other a large, rough,
steel-blue fly that comes later and in autumn becomes the predomi-
nating species, having such hardiness as to continue the reproduction
of its kind long after the occurrence of frosts sufficiently severe to
freeze the ground.
To obtain maggots meat is exposed in a sheltered location accessible
to flies during the day. When well stocked with the spawn of the flies
it is placed in boxes, which are set away in the “ fly-house” to develop;
when fully grown, the maggots are taken out and fed at once to the fish.
Stale meat, parts of the butchers’ offal and of the horse carcasses not
adapted to chopping; fish, fresh, dried, or pickled; fish pomace from
herring-oil works, and any animal refuse that comes to hand, are used
to entice the flies and afford nourishment for the maggots. Fresh fish,
when not too watery or oily, like alewives and herring, is very attract-
ive to the flies, and in proper condition may serve as well as fresh meat.
Fish dried without salt or smoke and moistened before using is, when
free from oil, a superior article. Its preparation presents. some diffi-
culties, but in winter it is easily effected by impaling whole fishes on
sticks and hanging them up under a roof where they will be protected
from rain without hindering the circulation of the air; in this way
many flounders and other refuse fish from the smelt fisheries have been
dried.
It is usually necessary to expose meat but a single day to obtain suf-
ficient fly spawn; the larvee are hatched and active the next day, except
in cool weather, and they attain their full growth in two or three days.
To separate them from the remnants of food the meat bearing the fly
spawn is placed on a layer of loose hay or straw in a box which has a
wire-cloth bottom, and which stands inside a slightly larger box with a
tight wooden bottom. When full grown, the maggots work their way
down through the hay into the lower box, where they are found nearly
free from dirt.
60 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
When young salmon or trout first begin to feed they are quite unable
to swallow full-grown maggots, and small ones are obtained for them by
putting a large quantity of fly spawn with a small quantity of meat,
the result being that the maggots soon begin to crowd each other and
the surplus is worked off into the lower box before attaining great size.
No attempt is, however, made to induce the young fish to swallow even
the smallest maggots until they have been fed a while on chopped
liver.
Maggots are produced and used in considerable numbers, sometimes
as many aS a bushelinaday. The fish eat them eagerly, and appear
to thrive on them better than on dead meat. Having great tenacity of
life, if not snapped up immediately by the fish they remain alive for a
day or two, and, as they wriggle about on the bottom, are almost cer-
tain to be finally eaten, which is a great gain in cleanliness and economy,
as the particles of dead flesh falling to the bottom are largely neglected
by the fish and begin to putrefy in a few hours and foul the troughs.
As the growth of maggots can be controlled by regulation of the tem-
perature, they may be kept all winter in a pit or cellar and used as food
for fish confined in deep tanks not easily cleaned.
In the rearing of maggots the offensive odors of decaying flesh may
be partly overcome by putting it away in boxes, after the visits of the
flies, and covering it with pulverized earth. Only flesh-eating maggots
have yet been tried, and the trouble may possibly be rectified by culti-
vating the larve of other species, such as the house-fly, the stable fly,
etc., or a little white maggot known to grow in heaps of seaweed, if
their rate of growth is found to be satisfactory.
Occasional use has been made of fresh fish for direct feeding, but when
thrown into the water after chopping it breaks up into fibers to such
an extent that it is not satisfactory, unless in a coarsely chopped form,
for the food of large fish. A few barrels of salted alewives have been
used, and, if well soaked out and chopped, they are readily eaten by the
larger fish and can be fed to fry, but are less satisfactory with the latter,
and, like fresh fish, break up to such an extent that they are only to be
regarded as one of the last resorts.
Fresh-water mussels, belonging almost wholly to a species of Unio,
have been occasionally gathered with nets or dredges in the lake close
to the station and opened with knives and chopped. The meat is
readily eaten by all fishes and appears to form an excellent diet. It is
more buoyant than any other article tried, sinks slower in the water,
and gives the fish more time to seize it before it reaches the bottom;
but the labor involved in dredging and shelling is a serious drawback.
During the seasons of 1886 and 1888 some use was made of mosquito
larvie, collected from pools of swamp water by means of a set of strain-
ers specially devised for the purpose and from barrels filled with water
disposed in convenient places near the rearing-troughs. The larve (or
pup) were strained out and fed to the fish. No kind of food has been
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 61
more eagerly devoured, and apparently no other food has contributed
more to the growth of the fish; but the time expended in collecting is
out of all proportion to the quantity of food secured. Perhaps a series
of breeding-tanks arranged in proximity to the fish-troughs, into which
the water containing the larvee might be drawn when desirable by the
simple opening of a faucet, would reduce the labor involved.
Middlings and flour have been tried in combination with blood from
the shambles, but did not appear to satisfy the fish so well as the vari-
ous forms of meat, and their use has, therefore, not been continued.
They were fed in the form of a pudding composed of two parts blood
and one part flour or middlings, cooked carefully to avoid burning,
and the mixture was then passed through a meat-chopper and ladled
out with a spoon, like other chopped food.
The growth of live food in the ponds themselves in which the fish are
maintained has been the subject of study. Ponds several years old
and well stocked with vegetation were at one time devoted to these
experiments. They had been empty during the preceding winter, and
in the spring were fertilized with various sorts of animal and vegetable
refuse. They were stocked with different species of crustacea native
to the region, including shrimps (Gammarus) and entomostraca, of the
genera Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia, Sida, Cyclops, Polyphemus, ete., which
were systematically collected from open waters by nets and other appa-
ratus and placed in the ponds. These forms all multiplied there, some
of them enormously, but no means was found of inducing continuous
or frequent reproduction of them, and the young fish soon exhausted
the supply.
In serving the food the attendant carries it with the left hand—in a
2-quart dipper if chopped meat, in a larger vessel if maggots—and,
dipping it out with a large spoon, strews it the whole length of the
trough, being careful to put the greater portion at the head, where the
fish nearly always congregate. Finely chopped food, for very young
fish, is slightly thinned with water before feeding.
It is usual to feed the meat raw except the lights, which chop better
if boiled first; but occasional lots of meat, on the point of becoming
tainted, are boiled to save them. All meats fed directly to the fish are
first passed through a chopping-machine. To fish just beginning to
eat, food is given four times a day, or in some cases even six times, but
as the season progresses the number of rations is gradually reduced
to two daily. In winter such fish as are carried through are fed but
once a day.
CLEANING THE TROUGHS.
The troughs are all cleaned daily. When the hollow plug is drawn
the water rushes out rapidly and carries most of the debris against the
screen. The fishes are excited, and, scurrying about, loosen nearly all
the dirt from the bottom; what will not otherwise yield is started with
a brush, but after the first few weeks the brush has rarely to be used
62 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
except to rub the debris through the outlet screen. Owing to the incli-
nation of the trough, the water recedes from the upper end until the
fishes lying there are almost wholly out of water, but, although they are
left in that position sometimes for 10 or 15 minutes, no harm has ever
been known to result.
TRANSPORTATION AND LIBERATION OF YOUNG SALMON.
The salmon produced at the station have, with few exceptions, been
liberated in the Penobscot River or its tributaries, and more than 90
per cent of them in small tributaries within 10 miles of the station.
They have been spread about in streams and lakes, at all accessible
points. They are transferred in tin cans, holding about 8 gallons, with
an extreme height, including neck, of 17 or 18 inches, and a body 154
inches in diameter and 10 inches deep, making a very broad and low
can, well adapted to the use to which it is put. Its great width favors
aeration at the surface, and a good deal of dashing about of the water
when on the road. The cans are filled to within about an inch from the
shoulder, giving opportunity for the water to swash about and aerate
itself. Into such a can are put from 200 to 400 Atlantic salmon seven
months old, more or less, according to the size of the fish, the tempera-
ture of the air, and the weather. The ordinary load is about 300 when
the temperature of the water is 52° to 54° F., making 37 fish per gallon.
Such loads are entirely safe for the conditions attending the work.
The motion of the wagon in which they are carried keeps up the aera-
tion of the water, so that the fish can not exhaust the air. Should the
cans stand still a very long time aeration is effected by a force-pump
which draws the water from the can and returns it through a tube so
that it strikes upon a deflector by which it is broken and scattered in
spray. The suction hose is covered with a roomy wire strainer, so that
the fish are not drawn in.
DISEASES.
Salmon in all their stages of growth are subject to a variety of dis-
eases. White spots sometimes occur on the eggs attached to the shell,
but have no hold on the embryos, so that when the shell is torn off the
white spot is seen as a cluster of globular white masses on its inner
surface. These appear to be vegetable parasites, perhaps fungoid in
their relations, and are never seriously abundant. Other white spots
are connected with the yolk-sac itself. These are more serious, but
while they result in the death of many embryos, they are by no means
always fatal. In 1896 there were hatched at the station some rainbow
trout that were badly spotted on the sac. A portion of the fry were
divided into three lots for experiment: (a) Without spots; (>) moder-
ately spotted; (c) badly spotted. They were kept separate through the
Season, and a fair percentage survived, as follows: Of lot a, 55 per
cent; of lot b, 59 per cent; of lot c, 43 per cent. In the fall they were
it en
IY Io
Report U.S. F.C. 1897. (To face page 63.) PLATE 18.
FUNGUS ON SALMON EGG,
(Enlarged 9 times.)
FUNGUS ON SALMON EGG, BEARING REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS.
(Enlarged 9 times.)
REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF EGG FUNGUS.
(Enlarged 150 times.)
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 63
all weighed, and it was found that lot c had made a slightly better
growth than lot a.
One of the most uncontrollable diseases attacks salmon fry midway
in the sae stage, and finishes its work before the complete absorption
of the sac. The most evident symptom is the appearance of scattered
white spots in the sac; the fish cease to try to hide, but lie scattered
about on the bottom of the trough; the spots increase in size, coalesce,
and finally occupy large areas, especially in the tip of the sac, which
becomes quite white. Soon after this the fish dies. The attack on a
lot makes rapid progress; for instance, a lot of 2,000 in which, up to
April 22, the losses have been from 1 to 9 daily, will show 17 dead on
the 23d, and five days later 360 die in a single day. In 1890 this epi-
demic attacked especially the fry of Atlantic salmon, destroying about
a third of them; it also destroyed many landlocked salmon, and some
other species suffered heavily about the same time. In 1891 there was
not a trace of it. Im 1892 it returned again, and out of 305,353 fry of
Atlantic salmon it left but 3,874, and these were by no means healthy;
but it attacked only Atlantic salmon. Salt and mud were tried as
remedies, but though the progress of the disease appeared in some
instances checked thereby, no permanent benefit resulted from their
use.
In 1890 this epidemic appeared to run in families. There was evi-
dence tending to show that all the eggs coming from a particular mother
would have a common degree of liability to the disease—some families
being exterminated by it, some only decimated, and others able to resist
it altogether. It did not appear to be infectious, as several lots of fry,
separated by screens, would occupy a single trough, and in some cases
those at the head of the trough would be totally destroyed, or nearly so,
and those below them escape from attack.
The only other diseases of Atlantic salmon that demand notice here
are connected with the so-called fungus, belonging to the group of ©
water molds called Saprolegnie, and probably to the genus Saprolegnia,
one species of which, S. ferax, is noted as the cause of very destructive
epidemics among the adult salmon of Scotch and English rivers. The
species that attacks fish eggs is well known to every fish-culturist as
a fine white growth of a cottony or woolly appearance that forms upon
dead eggs, and when neglected spreads out so as to envelop in its
threads a great many of the living eggs surrounding it. It is by no
means certain that all such growths belong to one species or even to
one genus, but they are much alike in structure and growth and live
upon animal and vegetable matter, either as parasites attacking living
matter or as saprophytes attacking only dead and decaying matter.
There has never been serious trouble with this fungus at Craig Brook
Station, and great loss from it can only occur in consequence of neglect
of the duty of picking out the dead eggs. An instance of its attacking
a living egg except by reaching out from a dead oneis unknown. Fish
64 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
several months old are sometimes afflicted with a similar growth, which
may possibly be not the original cause of the disease, but only an
attendant symptom. Such an attack was experienced at Craig Brook
in July, 1888. The fry of Atlantic salmon were the sufferers and the
mortality was considerable, but it yielded promptly to a salt bath.
The occurrence of fungus on wounds, even on such as result from
the abrasion of the skin or the loss of a scale, is very common, but such
cases are rarely fatal, though no remedy be applied. The only serious
attack of fungus on adult salmon occurred during the experimental
work at Craig Brook in 1871. The first inclosure made to receive the
breeding fish was a small and shallow one, made by damming the brook
itself at a point where its volume consisted of about 30 per cent of
spring water. The fish had suffered considerably from the handling
necessary in bringing them so far and from the rough character of the
experimental cars in which they were transported. The first of them
were placed in the inclosure June 8. On the 12th 2 of them died, on
the 13th 2 more, and by the 17th 14 were dead out of 41 received; by
the 20th the mortality had increased to such a point that it became
evident that not a single salmon would survive unless some change was
made in the mode of confining them, and they were all removed and
placed in other quarters. Nine of them, already so badly diseased as
to be considered hopeless cases, were turned loose in Craig Pond, and
part of these recovered and spawned in the autumn following on a
gravelly shore, where some of them were taken and found to bear the
well-healed scars of their ugly sores.
The symptoms noted were sluggishness and heedlessness; an inclina-
tion to swim near the surface of the water; a white, filmy appearance
of the eyes, which seemed to be accompanied or followed in many cases
by blindness; a white fungoid growth on the abraded tips of the fins
and wherever the scales had been rubbed off; white blotches breaking
out on all parts of the body, even where there had been no mark of
injury, particularly on the head, proving on examination to be patches
of white fungus, which, on the parts of the body covered by scales,
grew underneath the latter and pushed them from their places.
Experiments in confining salmon in other waters the same season
turned out successfully, and it seems that the most important condi-
tions in the case were these: The area of the fatal inclosure was about
a quarter of an acre; the water was partly from springs and was so
exceedingly transparent that a pin dropped into it could be readily
seen at a depth of 6 feet, so that there was practically no protection
from the rays of the June sun; the fish had been transported in a com-
mon dory with holes bored in the bottom to admit water, a very inferior
sort of car compared with those now in use; they had been transported
a long distance and passed three separate locks and had finally been
hauled in a tub on a cart over rough ground from Alamoosook Lake to
the inclosure.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 65
The conditions at Craig Pond, where some of the worst cases recov-
ered, were these: An area of 231 acres; a maximum depth of 69 feet;
exceedingly pure and transparent water, like that of the inclosure.
At two of the other inclosures tried that summer, where there was
no attack of fungus, the water was brown and dark, like that of ordi-
nary brooks and ponds, and in the remaining one it was intermediate
in character.
These facts point strongly to the character of the water as the cause
of the fatality of the disease, and especially to its pellucid character,
which exposed the salmon to an extraordinary glare of light, whereby
the growth of the pest was greatly encouraged. The recovery in the
transparent water of Craig Pond was rendered possible by the great
depth of the water, through which but a small fraction of the light of
day could penetrate. No doubt the salmon liberated there at once took
refuge in the deeper parts. The suggestion naturally arises that arti-
ficial shade might be useful in the treatment of such diseases, whether
the attacking fungus be identical with that observed in the above in-
stances or a related one.
It is certain, from the promptness with which dead animal matter
becomes the prey of saprophytic growths, that the spores of these
water-molds are well disseminated throughout fresh waters, everywhere
ready to seize upon an opportunity for germination and growth, and
that as a general rule these spores are quite unable to seize upon any
animal substance which is not already dead or in a diseased condition.
A growth of Saprolegnia ferax once established on the body of a
salmon is able to extend itself upon and into the living tissues around
it, which it seizes upon and destroys. Growing upon a dead egg, it not’
only ensnares the neighboring living eggs, but sometimes pierces their
shells and establishes itself on the internal parts. In one instance the
fungus had gone so far as to attach itself to a living embryo, which, on
removal from the shell, was tound to support on the sac quite a tuft of
growing fungus, though neither on the sac nor any other part of the
fish was a trace of dead substance discernible.
It has been ascertained that the Saprolegnia which attacked the
living salmon can be communicated by contact to dead flies, and that
Saprolegnia found growing in the ordinary way on dead flies in water
can be communicated in its turn to living and healthy dace and may
so flourish on them as to cause their death.
The impression has prevailed that the Saprolegnia which infests the
eggs in hatching-troughs originates in or is encouraged by bare wood
exposed to water, and that special effort is necessary to prevent its
forming; but experience at this station does not show that attacks of
fungus on either eggs or fish could be traced to bare wood, and, on the
other hand, eggs and fish in troughs carefully varnished with asphaltum
are no freer from fungoid or other disease than those in neighboring
troughs from which long use had worn almosi the last vestige of varnish.
F. C. R. 1897-5
66 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The best precaution against this growth is the careful picking out of
dead eggs before there is time for the fungus to grow on them, and in —
case of a serious attack on fry or older fish to treat them with an exterior
application of salt, which, while not a cure-all, is very efficacious in
cases of fungous diseases, and, if prudently used, a safe remedy for fish
that have reached the feeding stage.
To apply this remedy to fry in the troughs a saturated solution of
salt in water is made—that is, the strongest brine that can be made with-
out heating the water. The flow of water in the trough to be treated
is then stopped, which leaves it from 3 to 4 inches deep, when enough
brine is poured in to make the water in the trough about as salt as com-
mon sea-water, about 1.028 specific gravity. The fish are left in this 20
or 30 minutes, unless they exhibit uneasiness, and then fresh water is
turned on. Precaution is taken to dilute the brine with an equal quan-
tity of water, to distribute it the whole length of the trough, actively
stirring the water to secure an even mixture; and before turning on the
usual water supply, a large quantity of fresh water is likewise poured
in, distributing it the whole length of the trough and stirring as before,
to guard against a too sudden change.
Such precautions are especially necessary in the application of salt
to very young fish. A large number of salmon in the sac stage was
once destroyed by pouring in a little brine without stirring it; it ap-
peared to sink to the bottom and spread out in a layer by itself among
the fry, and all exposed to it died.
ENEMIES OF YOUNG SALMON.
The young salmon are subject to the attacks of many animals and
birds, such as the mink, mole, star-nosed mole, common rat, muskrat,
kingfisher, great horned owl, great blue heron, sandpiper, and fish-
hawk, besides frogs and all large fishes.
At Craig Brook the mink has caused serious loss in the ponds. As
a protection some of the ponds are covered with galvanized poultry
netting, and traps are kept constantly set in the avenues by which it
is apt to approach. The mole burrows through embankments and thus
sometimes causes trouble. The star-nosed mole is known to steal dead
eggs, and is suspected of taking live ones. The rat sometimes takes
young fish from the troughs. The muskrat burrows in embankments
and sometimes eats fish.
The different fish-eating birds occasionally steal fish from the ponds
or troughs, but if a careful watch is kept the danger is not great.
Frogs may be exceedingly destructive to young salmon, and must be
caught out of the fish-ponds.
To avoid loss from cannibalism among the fishes it is necessary to
feed them well and to take great care that no large fish get in among
the small ones.
Report U.S. F. C. 1897. (To face page 67.) PLATE 19
TAKING SPAWN OF LANDLOCKED SALMON AT GRAND LAKE STREAM, MAINE.
THE LANDLOCKED SALMON.
The landlocked salmon was formerly regarded as specifically distinct
from the seagoing form, but it is now generally considered only a vari-
ety. The fish found in Sebago Lake and other localities in the United
States is known as Salmo salar sebago, and the Canadian form as Salmo
salar ouananiche. From the fish-culturist’s point of view, however, the
marked difference between the landlocked and the seagoing salmon in
habits and growth must separate them as widely as any two species of
the same family.
Landlocked salmon are known to exist only in some of the Jakes in
Sweden, besides the lakes of eastern North America. They are native
to most of the lakes of eastern Labrador, including the waters tribu-
tary to Ungava Bay, and find their western limit in Lake St. John and
vicinity, on the Saguenay River. Those of the latter district have been
much written about under the name of ‘ouananiche.”
Doubtless the absence of the migratory instinct is at the bottom of
most of the variations from the normal type of Salmo salar which the
landlocked salmon exhibits. The lakes afford a far poorer feeding-
ground than the sea; hence, perhaps, the diminutive size and leaner
flesh of the landlocked salmon. Its lower tone of color, less permanent
sexual marks, and greater liability to ovarian disease, as well as differ-
ent habits of feeding, may perhaps be referable to the same general
cause. There are some other peculiarities, however, which are not so
easily explained. For instance, the eggs of the landlocked salmon are
considerably larger than those of the sea salmon, and the very young
fry are correspondingly larger.
The growth of the young of the Sebago landlocked salmon seems to
be more rapid than that of the anadromous salmon, for some specimens
more than a foot long still bear on their sides dark, transverse bands,
characteristic of young salmon; but it may be that the landlocked fish
simply retain the marks of the immature stages to a later period of life.
This view is supported by the fact that the dark bands are never com-
pletely obliterated from the sides of the landlocked salmon, being always
very distinct, even in adult specimens, on the under side of the skin, a
character absent among migratory salmon.
The landlocked salmon is smaller and more slender than the anadro-
mous salmon, but its flesh is fat and rich and of a very delicate flavor.
In game qualities it is, for its size, quite the peer of the larger salmon, and
affords keen sport to the fly fisherman. It is, therefore, much sought
after, and ranks in public favor among the foremost fresh-water species.
67
68 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The natural range of the landlocked salmon in the United States is
much restricted. Leaving out of the question the salmon formerly
frequenting the rivers tributary to Lakes Ontario and Champlain, the
extent of whose migration is a matter of doubt, we find them only in
four limited districts, all in the State of Maine, namely, the Presumpscot
River (including Sebago Lake) in Cumberland and Oxford counties, the
Sebec River (a tributary of the Penobscot) in Piscataquis County, the
Union River in Hancock County, and the St. Croix River in Washing-
ton County. There are some minor differences between the fish of these
several districts, of which, perhaps, that of size is most notable. The
Sebago and Union River fish are much larger on the average than those
of the Sebee and St. Croix. The Sebago salmon average at the spawn-
ing season 4 or 5 pounds weight for the males and a pound less for the
females, while specimens of 12 and 14 pounds weight are not rare, and
there is a record of one of 174 pounds. The Union River fish are
about the same size. “The St. Croix fish vary in the matter of weight in
different parts of their range, but the average weight of either sex at
Grand Lake Stream is a little less than 3 pounds; specimens of over we
pounds are rare, and none is on record of over 10 pounds.
After Heine to collect eggs of landlocked salmon in each of the
four regions mentioned, it was found that Grand Lake Stream in
the St. Croix district afforded excellent facilities for this work. The
hatching station at that place was operated continuously from 1875
to 1892. Since 1892 the station has been closed and the propagation
of landlocked salmon by the United States Fish Commission has been
conducted at Green Lake station.
The following notes on fish-eultural methods have special application
to Grand Lake Stream:
The landlocked salmon of the St. Croix, though originally well dis-
tributed through the lakes tributary to that river and still inhabiting
a great many of them, finds in some a much more congenial home
than in others, its favorite abode being Grand Lake on the Schoodic
River. This body of water is of irregular shape, about 12 miles in
length and 4 in extreme breadth, fed almost wholly by short streams
that form the outlets of other lakes, and from this cause, as well as
from the fact that it drains a gravelly country and is girt with clean,
rocky shores, it is one of the purest of the Maine lakes. Its greatest
depth is believed to be a little more than 100 feet. Its outlet is Grand
Lake Stream, a shallow, rapid, gravelly stream, about 3 miles long, to
which the salmon go in October and November to deposit their eggs.
Comparatively few of the salmon of this lake resort to the streams
tributary to it.
The operations with landlocked salmon necessarily differ from those
with migratory salmon. Being at home in fresh water and having there
their feeding-grounds, they continue to feed until the close approach
of the spawning time, and hence they could not be penned up in the
summer without some provision for an artificial supply of food, which
would probably involve a great deal of expense and troubie. More-
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 69
over, the necessity of collecting breeding fish early in the summer does
not exist, because they are at no time more congregated and easy to
catch than at the spawning season.
Their capture is easily effected by stretching a net across the outlet
of the lake and leading them through a tunnel-formed passage into an
inclosure of netting. There happens to be at this point a wide surface
of smooth bottom, with water from 1 to 3 feet in depth, affording an
excellent site for spacious inclosures, not only for entrapping but for
assorting and storing salmon during the spawning season. Nets are
generally stretched across the stream (to keep the fish back in the
lake) immediately after the beginning of the close season, September 15.
The earliest of them begin to spawn before the end of October, but the
actual inclosing of the breeding stock is deferred until the early days
of November. The taking of spawn generally begins about November
6 and continues two or three weeks. Commonly by November 20 or 22
this work is completed, and the breeders are carried a mile or two up
the lake and liberated.
The method of manipulation is the same as at the Craig Brook station,
and does not differ materially from that adopted by all the American
breeders of Salmonide. The results in the impregnation of the spawn
are not so uniformly satisfactory as with sea salmon. ‘There appears
to be a greater prevalence of ovarian disease than among the migratory
salmon. The occurrence of white eggs among the normally colored
and healthy ones as they are yielded by the fish is very common, and
occasionally the entire litter is defective. It is not improbable that
some eggs are incapable of impregnation, though exhibiting no visible
signs of disease. However, the general result is satisfactory, the ratio
of impregnated eggs being from 93 to 95 per cent.
The facilities for developing and hatching the eggs at Grand Lake
Stream are rather poor. No good site could be found by the side of
the stream, no suitable brook could be found near enough to the fishing-
grounds, and the neighboring springs lacked either volume or facilities
for utilization. Of three hatcheries, two use spring water exclusively,
and one of them lake or stream water exclusively. The lake water is
preferred, but unfortunately it can only be used for the slow develop-
ment of part of the eggs, circumstances connected with the floating of
timber down the stream compelling the evacuation of that hatchery in
March. The main hatchery is well located except that the water is from
springs, and this unfavorable circumstance is well counterbalanced by
the facilities for aeration, which are very good and very fully employed.
The eggs are placed upon wire-cloth trays in stacks or tiers, ten deep,
and arranged for a free horizontal movement in the water.
The egg shipments are made in January, February, March, and some-
times in April. The eggs hatched are selected from those that have
been retarded in development; the fry reach the age for liberation in
June, when their natural food is believed to be abundant.
70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Experience at Green Lake has supplied some interesting data. Here
we find the breeding. grounds of the salmon both in the affluents and in
the effluent of the lake, but, unlike Grand Lake, mainly in the affluents.
Great Brook, the largest tributary, is most resorted to, and on this
stream is located the station of the United States Fish Commission.
The most of the breeders are taken in a trap in the brook, which
they readily enter when seeking to ascend to their natural breeding-
grounds just above. The trap is constructed of wood and close to it,
also in the bed of the brook, are numerous pens of the same material
in which the fish are assorted and held during the spawning season.
On the bank, snug by the pens, is the spawn-house, and a few rods
away isthe hatchery. The hatchery is supplied with water from Rocky
Pond, the source of Great Brook, by a wooden flume 7,050 feet long,
supported by wooden trestles, at some points elevated many feet above
the ground. In cold weather the water cools off 14 degrees in passing
down this flume; in warm weather it warms up 14 degrees. Though
the summer temperature during the early years of the station was
sometimes over 80° I’. and some other species succumbed to the heat,
the landlocked salmon endured it safely, and the only notable effect on
them was that at 75° and upward the adults reared in the station ponds
refused to eat.
As at the Schoodie station, among the adult wild salmon caught
for breeding each year are many more females than males. In 1889
the proportion was 3 females to 2 males; in 1893 it was 9to4. The
size of the Green Lake salmon is remarkable; the mean of 69 full-roed
females in 1889 was 7.8 pounds in weight and 25.5 inches in length; the
males the same year averaged 5 pounds in weight and 22.3 inches
in length; one female weighed 11 pounds 9 ounces, and measured 30
inches; another, 11 pounds 6 ounces in weight, was 304 inches in
length; one male, 31 inches long, weighed 13 pounds 8 ounces. The
number of eggs yielded by the females is about 4,000 each.
*
PLATE 20.
Report U. SF. C. 1897. (To face page 71.)
‘YSU oANYVULUTL BANSY TOMO] ‘oyPVUl 4[NPB aansy teaddQ
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THE RAINBOW TROUT.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FISH.
The body of the rainbow trout (Salmo irideus) is comparatively short
and deep, and is more elongate in males than in females. The average
depth is contained about three and four-fifths times in the body length.
The short head, which is obtusely ridged above, is about one-fourth the
total length. The mouth is smaller than in other species of Salino, the
maxillary reaching scarcely beyond the eye, which is rather large, and
is contained five times in the side of the head. The caudal fin is dis-
tinetly but not strongly forked. On the vomer are two irregular series
of teeth. The dorsal rays number 11 and the anal 10. In the typical
species there are about 135 scales in the lateral series, with 20 rows
above and 20 below the lateral line; in the several subspecies the
number of rows of scales along the side is from 120 to 180. The color is
variable, depending on sex, age, and character of water. Typical adult
fish are bluish above, silvery on the sides, profusely and irregularly
dark-spotted on the back and sides, the spots extending to the vertical
fins, with a red lateral band and blotches and a nearly plain belly. The
sea-run fish are nearly plain silvery. The chief distinguishing color
. characteristics of the varieties are in the number and position of the
spots.
RANGE AND VARIATION.
The rainbow trout is not indigenous to eastern waters, its original
habitat being the Pacific coast of the United Staves. Itis especially
abundant in the mountain streams of California. A few specimens,
however, have been taken in salt water, and it is not unlikely that some
find their way through the rivers into the sea. :
The species is subject to considerable variation in form and color in
different parts of its range, and the following varieties have received
recognition by ichthyologists: The brook trout of western Oregon and
Washington (Salme irideus masoni), which rarely weighs as much as a
pound and is locally abundant in the streams of the Coast Range from
Puget Sound to southern Oregon; the McCloud River trout (Salmo
irideus shasta), which attains a large size, is abundant in the streams of
the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Mount Shasta southward, and is the
rainbow trout which has received most attention from fish-culturists;
the Kern River trout (Salmo irideus gilberti), which attains a weight of
8 pounds, and is found only in Kern River, California; the noshee or
nissuee trout (Salmo irideus stonei), which inhabits the Sacramento
basin, and reaches a weight of 12 pounds; the golden trout of Mount
Whitney (Salmo irideus aqua-bonita), which inhabits streams on both
sides of Mount Whitney, California.
a
(2 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
In the extensive section of the West in which the fish abounds its
name varies in different localities; ‘‘red sides,” ‘mountain trout,”
“brook trout,” and “golden trout,” besides “rainbow trout,” are some
of the popular appellations, while in the States east of the Mississippi
River it is generally called “rainbow trout” or ‘California trout.”
TRANSPLANTING.
The rainbow trout has been successfully transplanted in many of the
mountain streams in different parts of the United States, where it
grows and multiplies rapidly, as is shown by the many favorable
reports. The best results, however, seem to have been obtained from
plants made in streams of Michigan, Missouri, Arkansas, throughout
the Alleghany Mountain ranges, and in Colorado, Nevada, and other
Western States. It was introduced into eastern waters by the United
States Fish Commission in 1880, but it is possible that specimens of it,
or its spawn, had been brought east prior to that time by some of the
State commissions or by private enterprise.
It is believed that this species will serve for stocking streams for-
merly inhabited by the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), in which the
latter no longer thrives, owing to the clearing of the lands at the
sources of the streams, which has produced changed conditions in and
along the waters not agreeable to the brook trout’s wild nature. The
rainbow is adapted to warmer and deeper waters, and is therefore
suited to many of the now depleted streams which flow from the moun-
tains through the cultivated lands of the valleys.
Rainbow trout differ widely from brook trout and other pugnacious
fishes, in that they feed principafly upon worms, larve, crustacea, and
the like, and do not take readily to minnows as food. They should be
planted in spring or early summer, when their natural food is abun-
dant, as they will then grow more rapidly and become accustomed to
life in the stream; and when worms, larvee, etc., are no longer to be
found, their experience and size will enable them to take a minnow or
anything that may present itself in the shape of food.
In the Eastern States fry should not be planted in open waters until
they are several months old, and then not until the temperature of the
streams begins to rise; but fish hatched in December and January can
safely be planted in April and May. On the Pacific slope the fry may
be successfully liberated at any time after the umbilical sac is absorbed.
SIZE AND GROWTH.
The size of the rainbow trout depends upon its surroundings, the
volume and temperature of the water, and the amount of food it con-
tains.. The average weight of those caught from streams in the East is
probably less than a pound, but some weighing 63 pounds have been
taken. In the Ozark region of Missouri they are caught weighing 5 to
10 pounds. In some of the cold mountain streams of Colorado their
average weight is not more than 6 or 8 ounces, but in lakes in the
PLATE 21.
(To face page 73.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
GNNOYOMOVE SHL NI AYSHOLVH HLIM 'SGNOd ONIGSSYA ONIMOHS 'NOILVLS STIASHLAM 4O MGIA
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. (
Same State, where the water becomes moderately warm in summer
and food is plentiful, they reach 12 or 15 pounds, fish of this size being
from 25 to 28 inches long. In the Au Sable River, in Michigan, they
attain a weight of 5 to 7 pounds. In their native streams of California
they are often caught ranging from 3 to 10 pounds, but average from
1to2 pounds. The largest specimen ever produced in the ponds at
Wytheville, and fed artificially, weighed 64 pounds, but many others in
the same ponds weigh from 1 to 3 pounds.
The average growth of the rainbow trout under favorable artificial
circumstances is as follows: One year old, from ? to 1 ounce; 2 years
old, from 8 to 10 ounces; 3 years old, from 1 to 2 pounds; 4 years old,
from 2 to3 pounds. They grow until they are 8 or 10 years old, the
rate diminishing with age. Some grow much faster than others under
the same circumstances, but the rate of growth is largely a question of
food, temperature of water, and extent of the range. In water at 60°,
with plenty of food, fish 1 or 2 years old will double their size several
times in a single season; while in water at 40°, with limited food, the
growth is scarcely perceptible.
The rainbow, like the brook trout, will live in water with a compara-
tively high temperature if it is plentiful and running with a strong
current, but sluggish and shallow water, even with a temperature of
70° F., is dangerous for brook trout. Rainbow trout will live in warmer
water than brook trout, and are found in swift, rapid streams at 85° F.,
especially where there is some shade, but in ponds that temperature is
dangerous even with shade and a good current. In its natural condi-
tion this trout is usually found in water varying from 38° F, in winter
to 70° F. in summer, and in selecting a site for a trout hatchery spripg
water with a temperature of 42° to 58° is required.
The rainbow trout is a superior game fish, a vigorous biter, and fights
bravely for liberty, though in the East it is somewhat inferior to the
brook trout in these respects.
SPAWNING-PONDS.
In constructing ponds, one of the first considerations is to place the
fish absolutely under the control of the fish-culturist, that he may be
able to handle them without delay or inconvenience. At Wytheville
they are constructed entirely of wood, about 15 by 50 feet and 3 to 34
feet deep, and shaped as shown in plate 22, and have been found very
satisfactory. Excellent water circulation is obtained in all parts, and
there are no corners for refuse to lodge in. The bottom of the pond is
built with a gradual elevation, in the direction of the upper end, of 2
inches in the entire length of the pond. This makes it practically self-
cleaning; nearly all of the foul matter will pass off and any remainder
can be disposed of by drawing the water down low for a short period
and then flushing the pond with fresh water. This method obviates the
necessity of handling the fish, which is very important, especially when
near the spawning time.
74 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
A guard-rack made of thin, narrow slats is arranged on an incline of
about 45°, as shown at C. If the water is to be used again in ponds
below, a receiver is built underneath the bottom of the pond at the
lower end, between the foot of the guard-rack and the dam-boards,
and the floor of the pond immediately over the receiver is cut away and
fitted with a grating. This allows matter to fall through the receiver
and from there it is washed through the sluiceway, which taps the
receiver by drawing the gate shown at D. The sluiceway, HE, is
covered and leads off to a general waste-ditch.
The pond is provided with a spawning-race about a foot deep, 4 feet
wide, and 25 feet long, placed at the upper end of the pond, as shown
at H. Three division boards (shown at F), about 12 feet long and of
suitable width to come within 1 or 2 inches of the surface of the water
when the pond is filled, are firmly fixed at the bottom. The object of
these boards is to form four avenues leading to the raceway, so that
one or two pugnacious fish can not command the approach and keep
back spawning fish inclined to enter. ‘There is a dam across the race-
way about 4 inches high (shown at G) for the purpose of bringing the
water to that depth in the lower end, so that when the trout enter they
will find sufficient water in which to swim freely, and not be inclined
through fear to return to the pond.
The water in the pond is of sufficient depth to bring its surface
within 6 inches of the top of the dam in the raceway, which will give
the fish, in entering the raceway, a jump of 7 inches, allowing 1 inch
for the depth of water on the dam in the raceway. This distance has
been found more satisfactory than any other, and spawning fish alone
will go up. If a jump of less than 7 inches is given, other fish can
enter the raceway without much exertion, and will ascend and disturb
the breeding fish, which, when spawning, should be kept strictly by
themselves.
There is no rule regarding the supply of water that applies to a
spawning-pond at all times and in all places. It is necessarily gov-
erned by the temperature of the water, size and shape of the pond,
size of the fish to be supported, the amount of shade, etc. For a
pond such as has been described, where water is plentiful, at least 200
gallons per minute should be provided, with not less than 75 gallons
per minute as a minimum, even where the temperature is from 50 to
55 degrees and all other conditions are favorable. While the former
amount is not absolutely necessary for the support of the fish, if
insures the pond being kept clean and the fish are more inclined to
enter the raceway at spawning time. In order to maintain an even
temperature in the pond the earth is banked against the sides and
ends, covering the framework shown on plate 25, and the embankments
are made broad enough on top to admit of a good footway around the
ponds.
Such a pond as this can accommodate from 1,000 to 1,500 breeding
fish. Fish must not be overcrowded, and in estimating the capacity of
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MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 75
a pond several modifying conditions must be considered, such as the
size of the fish, water supply, temperature, and shade. In stocking the
spawning-pond a good proportion is two females to one male. The
breeding stock is selected carefully every year; only sound and perfect
fish are retained for the next season, and the blind and emaciated
fish of both sexes are destroyed.
TAKING THE SPAWN.
The spawning season varies with the locality and the temperature of
the water. It is usually two to four weeks later in the streams than
where the fish are kept confined in spring water. In the ponds at
Wytheville the spawning fish may be found any time after the Ist of
November; the season is well started by November 15, and generally
closes about the Ist of March. December and January are the best
months. In California the season extends from the Ist of February to
May, and in Colorado begins early in May and continues until July.
The natural nests of these fish are made on gravelly bottoms, and
are round or elongated depressions about the size of a dinner plate.
After the eggs have been deposited and fertilized they drop between
the pebbles of the nest, where they lie protected until hatched.
Where spawning-ponds are provided with suitable raceways the fish
will ascend from the ponds into them, seeking a place to make their
nests, and may then be taken out and stripped of their spawn. To take
the fish from the raceway, a square net (I, plate 22) is dropped in on
the cleats nailed against the side walls in the approach, shown at J, the
dam in the mouth of the raceway is raised, and the fish driven back
into the net. The net is then lifted out of the water, and if 1t contains
too many fish to handle conveniently a landing-net is used to take out
part of them before the square net is moved. The ripe fish are then
placed in tubs or other vessels provided for the purpose. If -too many
fish are put in the tub at one time they become restless and sick before
they can be stripped of their spawn.
There are two methods of taking and impregnating the spawn of
fishes, the “‘wet” and the “dry” methods. Bythe ‘ wet” method the
eggs are taken in a pan containing sufficient water to cover them and
allow them to mix freely with the milt, which is immediately added.
After the contents of the pan have been stirred for a few seconds with
a feather, the eggs are set aside and left undisturbed during fertiliza-
tion. The “dry” or “Russian” method is now in general use; the eggs
and milt are taken in a moist pan and it makes little difference which
is taken first, but one should immediately follow the other, and the
contents of the pan be thoroughly mixed.
After the eggs and milt have had time for contact, and before the
eggs begin to adhere to the bottom of the pan, water is added to
the depth of about an inch, the eggs being kept in gentle motion, by
turning the pan, to prevent adhesion. After 2 or 3 minutes the milt
76 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
is poured off and clear water is put in the pan, in which the eggs are
allowed to remain until they separate, which will be in from 15 to 45
minutes, depending on the temperature of the water. It is preferable
to take the eggs to the hatchery before the milt and water are poured
off, and there rinse them off and place them directly on the hatching-
trays (previously arranged in the troughs) and then allow them to
separate. In freezing weather it is advisable to strip the eggs in water
or to yse two pans, one set in the other, with water in the bottom pan
to prevent the eggs from being chilled.
In taking spawn the manipulation of the fish without injury is a very
delicate and exacting task, full knowledge of which can only be
acquired by experience, as it is difficult to squeeze the spawn from the
fish without injuring or even killing it. In taking hold of the fish in
the spawning-tub the operator catches it by the head with the right
hand, the back of the hand being up, and at the same time slips the
left hand under the fish and grasps it near the tail, between the anal
and caudal fins. A fish caught in this way can be easily turned over
as it is brought out of the water, so that its abdomen is up and in the
proper position for spawning by the time the spawning-pan is reached.
If the fish struggles it must be held firmly, but gently, until it becomes
quiet, and when held in the right position it will struggle only for a
moment. A large fish may be held with its head under the right arm.
When the struggle is over the right hand is passed down the abdo-
men of the fish until a point midway between the pectoral and ventral
fins is reached, then with the thumb and index finger the abdomen is
pressed gently, and at the same time the hand is slipped toward the
vent. If the eggs are ready to be taken they will come freely and
easily, and if they do not, the fish is put back in the pond until ready to
spawn. If the eggs come freely from the first pressure the operation
is repeated, beginning at or near the ventral fin.
After the first pressure has been given, by holding the head of the
fish higher than the tail, all of the eggs that have fallen from the
ovaries and are ready to be expressed will fall into the abdomen, near
the vent, so that it will not be necessary to press the fish again over
its vital parts, the eggs having left that portion of the body. All of
the eggs that have fallen into the abdomen below the ventral fin can
be easily ejected without danger of injury to the fish, caused by unnec-
essary pressure over its important organs after the eggs have left that
part of the body. If these directions are judiciously and carefully fol-
lowed but little, if any, damage will result; and, as an illustration, it
may be mentioned that fish have been kept for 14 years and their full
quota of eggs extracted each season during the egg-producing term,
which is normally from 10 to 12 years. The male fish is to be treated
very much in the same manner as the female, except the milt must not
be forced out, only that which comes freely being taken.
After stripping, the fish are not returned to the spawning-pond, but
spent females are placed in one pond and the males in another. The
PLATE 23.
(To face page 77.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
‘$993 GvV3d LNO ONIMOld NAW SNIMOHS ‘AYSHOLVH STIABSHLAM 40 M3IA YOINSLNI
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. Cl
males are very pugnacious at this season, and sometimes fight for an
hour or more at a time, until they are entirely exhausted; they run at
each other with open mouths, lock their jaws together, and in that
position sink to the bottom of the pond, where they lie fora short time,
each holding the other in his grasp until rested, when they rise and
resume the combat. As their teeth are abnormally long, they scar
each other and even bite pieces of skin and flesh from the sides of their
antagonists.
The males are good breeders at 2 years old, but very few females
produce eggs until the third season, when they are from 30 to 36 months
old. At Wytheville hatchery about 1 per cent of the females spawn at
2 years of age; about 50 per cent at 3 years, and about 85 per cent
each season after that. About 15 per cent of the fully matured females
are barren each season. It was at one time thought that the same
individuals were barren each year, but experience has shown that
such is not the case, as fish which were barren one season have been
held over, in a separate pond, until the following year, when a large
portion, if not all, produced eggs. This sterility may be the result of
injuries received during the previous season, during the progress of
spawning.
EGGS.
The number of eggs produced in a single season depends upon the
size and age of the fish. The maximum from one 3 years old, weighing
4 to 15 pounds, is from 500 to 800; from one 6 years old, weighing 2 to 4
pounds, it is 2,500 to 3,000. The eggs vary in size from 44 to 5 eggs to
the linear inch, and are of a rich cream color when first taken, changing
to a pink or flesh-color before hatching.
THE HATCHING-TROUGHS AND TRAYS.
The eggs of rainbow trout are usually incubated on trays, placed in
the water in troughs of various sizes and shapes. At Wytheville the
troughs are set in pairs, as shown on page 78, are made of the best
pine lumber dressed to 14 inches thick, and are 15 feet long, 14 inches
wide, and 8 inches deep; 14 inches from the lower end inside is a
guard-screenof perforated tin or wire mesh, fastened on a frame exactly
fitted across the trough. Tin with perforations of ;; inch for very
young fry, and larger ones as the fish grow, is preferable to wire. The
screen is arranged to slide vertically between beveled cleats, that it
may be kept clean easier. A plain board 34 inches wide is placed 4 or
5 inches from the lower end of the trough to serve as a dam.
In the upper end of the trough horizontal screens (B, page 78), made
of perforated tin, are used. These are so constructed that they can be
slipped forward or raised up (as shown in the illustration) in feeding the
fry or cleaning the troughs, and the water falling on.a small wooden
block in the center of the screen is thoroughly aerated before entering
the trough. This arrangement possesses many advantages over the old
method, where the screens were vertical, or nearly so, as it permits the
78 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
fish to ascend to the head of the trough and receive the water as it falls
from the screen, which is very beneficial. Its use not only keeps the fry
clean even in muddy water, but also reduces theloss of fry from suffo-
cation in the early stages, caused by their banking around the vertical
Screens, and obviates the necessity for trough covers to prevent jumping,
as trout rarely jump where the horizontal screen has been adopted.
A. Guard-sercen.
B. Horizontal sliding-screen.
C. Hatching-tray.
D. Position of hatching-trays.
E. Tin tray for use in muddy water.
F. Block for water to fall on.
x. Brackets.
H. Feet.
=. _men___ TN
SLIDING SCREENN
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LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF HATCHING TROUGH.SHOWING POSITION OF HATCHING TRAYS, DAM, ETC.
Matching-troughs, Guard-screen, etc.
Hatching-trays (©), made about twice as long as wide, i. e., 28 by
153, are convenient to handle and adjust in the troughs. The sides
of the frame are made of good pine lumber, dressed, 1 inch square;
the ends are dressed }$ by 1 inch, and are cut into the sides to form a
smooth surface on the bottom for the wire filling. The wire used on
the trays is woven with 8 threads to the inch, with a mesh { inch long,
and should be well galvanized after it is woven, in order to prevent
rusting at the laps.
PLATE 24.
(To face page 79.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
"NOILVLS ATIASHLAM LV SGNOd-ONIYVSY-LNOUL
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 19
- Four hatching-trays are placed in each trough and are secured by
keys or wedges, and should be from 1 to 2 inches lower at the end next
to the head of the trough, as shown at D, D, D, D, page 78. If placed
in this way, each tray will hold from 12,000 to 15,000 eggs with safety.
Muddy water during the hatching season necessitates the use of a tin
tray with a perforated bottom (shown at E, page 78), which is 133 inches
wide and 32 inches long. This sets inside of the hatching-trough on
feet raising it an inch above the bottom of the trough. The hatching-
tray containing the eggs is placed inside and rests on the brackets
shown at G. The fish,as they hatch out, fall from the hatching-tray
upon the perforated bottom of the tin tray, and by their movements
work the sediment through, leaving them on a clean bottom and in no
danger of being smothered. The tin trays are also useful in counting
fish, or in holding small lots of fish of different species in the same
trough. Where supplementary trays are not used, the fry fall directly
into the troughs.
Troughs 15 feet long will admit of four hatching-trays in a single
row, each of which will safely carry 12,500 eggs, making 50,000 to a
trough; this is enough to work easily, but if it is necessary to make
more room a double row of trays may be put in, one tray resting on
the top of the other. Thus the trough could contain 100,000 eggs as
its full capacity. The troughs will carry this number up to the time
of hatching by placing the trays lower at one end than the other, as
previously described.
When the hatching stage arrives, two trays of 12,500 eggs each are
as many as should be left in one trough; with this number, by using the
horizontal sliding-screen in the upper end, there is but little danger of
the alevins congregating and smothering in any part of the trough. If
it is necessary to hatch a much larger number than this in one trough,
the sliding-screen is so arranged that the water falls well up against
the end of the trough. This is done by raising the screen and turning
it back against the reservoir, or by putting in a wedge shaped block for
the water to fall upon, turning the thin side of the block toward the
upper end of the trough. Fifty thousand trout have been hatched in
one trough prepared in this way without loss from suffocation, but it is
not advisable to hatch such a large number together.
The amount of water necessary for hatching and rearing depends
upon the temperature and the manner in which the water is applied.
The water should receive as much aeration as possible before entering
the compartments containing tle fish and eggs. At Wytheville, where
there is an even temperature of water of 53° in the hatchery, about the
following quantities are used in the troughs containing fish and eggs:
100,000 eggs during incubation, 124 gallons per minute.
100,000 fish hatching to time of feeding, 30 gallons per minute.
100,000 fish from 1 to 4 months old, 50 gallons per minute.
100,000 fish 4 to 6 months old, 100 gallous per minute.
100,000 fish from 6 to 12 months old, 200 gallons per minute.
80 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
These amounts are ample, and probably even half would suffice if it
were necessary to economize in the use of water. In rearing-ponds
more water is required, as the circulation is not so good and the out-
door exposure causes the temperature to rise. If water is plentiful,
double the amounts stated would be advisable for pond-culture.
During the last two seasons at Wytheville 80 to 85 per cent of the
eggs taken produced fish, of which about 70 per cent were raised to
three months old and 55 per cent to yearling fish. The loss in eggs
was almost entirely due to failure in impregnation, very few being lost
from other causes.
CARE OF EGGS AND FRY.
After the eggs are placed on the trays, the only attention necessary
until the hatching begins is to keep them clean; the dead eggs, which
may be known by their turning white, must be picked out at least once
each day. After the eye-spot can be plainly seen it is well to run a
feather through the eggs for the purpose of changing their position
on the trays, and to disclose any foreign matter or dead eggs that
may be hidden underneath. The greatest care should be exercised in
handling the eggs at any time, particularly from the first or second day
after collection up to the appearance of the eye-spot, and then only when
absolutely necessary. During this period, the eggs are very delicate,
and even passing a feather through them may cause a heavy loss.
The time required for hatching depends mainly upon the temperature
of the water. Rainbow trout eggs will hatch in water at 50° in from 42
to 45 days, each degreé colder taking 5 days longer, and each degree
warmer 5 days less; the difference increases as the temperature falls
and diminishes as it rises.
After the fry hatch they require but little attention until the umbil-
ical sac is absorbed and the time for feeding arrives. They are exam-
ined each day, and the dead fish and decayed matter removed from
the troughs, which are kept perfectly clean, and if possible provided
with a thin layer of coarse white sand on the bottom, to keep the fish
in healthy condition. As the fish grow they should be thinned out in
the troughs, from time to time, as their size may require. When they
first begin to feed, 12,000 to 15,000 fish to the trough are not too many;
but by the time they get to be 14 to 14 inches long they must be divided
into lots of 8,000 to 10,000 to each trough; while with fish averaging 3
inches in length, 3,000 to 4,000 are as many as one trough will accom-
modate. It is advisable to give as much room as is practicable.
REARING-PONDS.
Ponds for rearing trout are from 8 to 12 feet wide, and of any desired
length up to 60 feet, which, for convenience in drawing them off and
in feeding the fish, is about the extreme limit. The size, shape, and
arrangement of the ponds must depend upon the ground on which
they are to be constructed, If practicable, it is best to build them ona
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(To face page 81.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
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MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 81
hillside, one above the other, with earth and piling embankments on
the lower sides and at the ends.
PLATE 32.
(To face page 105 )
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
‘NYOIHOIN 3XV1 NI YSWVALS ONIHSIS NO NMY¥dS LNOYLSV1 ONILDS1109
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 105
The method of capture is by gill nets, pound nets, hook and line,
and in winter by spearing through the ice. The majority, however,
are taken from gill nets operated by steam tugs. These boats are fitted
out with the most approved appliances of their trade and have quar-
ters on board for the men employed, usually a crew of 8 or 10. Some
of the tugs carry 5 or 6 miles of nets and catch in one lift from 1,000
pounds to 4 or 5 tons of trout. Fishing is done from the time the ice
breaks up in the spring until late in the fall or early winter, the work
ceasing only when the weather and ice no longer permit operations.
In some localities the water becomes so warm during summer as to be
detrimental to the nets, and consequently at such points there is a
lull in the work for afew weeks. Lake trout spawn on the reefs and
live in deep water during the remaining time, and their migratory
habits govern the movements of the tugs, the fishermen necessarily
moving from one point to another. The small gill-net boats, carrying
sails and handling a few hundred feet of nets, confine their operations
to more shallow water and fish only during the spawning season. At
Detour, Lake Huron; at some points in Lake Superior, and on the
north shore of Lake Michigan pound nets are in use, but usually these
nets are not used to any great extent for the capture of lake trout.
NATURAL SPAWNING.
Spawning commences the last of September in Lake Superior and
later in the lower lakes, since the water does not become sufficiently
cool here as early as in the headwaters. In Lakes Huron and Michi-
gan the height of the season is in the early part of November, and
Spawning continues to the first of December. The spawning-grounds
are on the reefs of “honeycombed” rocks, 10 to 15 miles from shore,
and during the reproductive period vast numbers of fish visit these
places, spawning in a depth of from 1 to 20 fathoms. Owing to the great
depth of water, the shyness of the fish, and the severity of the weather
at this time, nothing definite has been determined as to the fish’s
maneuvers while spawning. The supposition is that the female lies
over an indentation of the rocks and allows her eggs to settle into the
“honeycomb” cavities; fragments of the rock with the cavities filled
with eggs having been hauled in by fishermen when lifting their nets.
No doubt the general characteristics of the Salmonide are carried out
by the lake trout as far as the conditions in which they exist permit.
An instance has been known of a Mackinaw trout of 24 pounds weight
containing 14,943 eggs; but not over 5,000 or 6,000 eggs are commonly
found, and 1,000 eggs to the pound of fish may be accepted as a general
rule, after the trout have attained maturity, at three years of age.
A much smaller variety, called the shoal trout, is found in Lake
Huron in the vicinity of Alpena, and in Lake Michigan near Charle-
voix and Northport, but its weight compared with its length is greater
than that of the true Mackinaw trout, and the markings and appearance
of the two also differ. The shoal trout spawns in September, about a
106 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
month earlier than the lake trout, on a cobble, bowlder, or gravel
bottom, and in from 2 to 8 feet of water.
OBTAINING THE EGGS.
During the spawning season men are employed by the different
lake-trout hatcheries to accompany the tugs to their fishing-grounds
and strip the ripe fish as they are taken from the nets. These “spawn-
takers,” or “strippers,” must possess strong constitutions to withstand
the many hardships to which they are subjected. Where very exten-
sive nets are operated by a boat and fishing is exceptionally good, two
men are detailed to the same ground, one as spawn-taker, the other as
helper. Pans, pails, and dippers are taken on board and made ready
by the time the nets are reached. As the net is lifted the men disen-
tangle the trout and throw them on deck, where the spawn-takers sort
them over, taking the eggs from ripe females and impregnating them
with milt from the males. During very severe weather the fish are
thrown into the hold instead of on deck and the work is done there.
The manner of taking the eggs 1s similar to that used in taking
Spawn from other trouts and salmon. First, the female is taken and
the eggs, if mature, are gently stripped into an ordinary milk-pan and
then impregnated with milt from the male. This operation is repeated
until the pan is about half filled, when the eggs are “‘washed up” and
poured into a 5-gallon pail. The “washing-up” process is performed
by filling the pans with water and then allowing it to run off, repeating
the same until the water which is poured off no longer appears milky;
as the specific gravity of the eggs prevents their rising to the surface
this can be done without loss if ordinary care is exercised. The pans
are refilled and emptied in the same manner until the pail is half or
three-fourths full, when it will contain about 75,000 eggs; other pails
or buckets are brought into use as often as necessary. To keep the
eggs from dying, the water is changed in the large pails every hour
until the eggs are taken from the boat and transferred to flannel trays or
floating-boxes. All pans, pails, and other metallic apparatus are coated
with asphaltum paint to prevent rusting, as rust is fatal to the eggs.
When the weather is so cold that there is any chance of eggs
freezing to the pan, two pans are sometimes used. The outside one is
partly filled with water, upon which floats the pan that is to receive
the eggs as they are stripped. The pan of water protects that part of
the inside pan where the eggs rest and in that way their temperature
is kept above the freezing-point.
SHIPPING EGGS TO THE HATCHERY.
When spawn-takers are operating at a distance the eggs are held at
field stations located at convenient points, whence they are sent to the
hatching-house as soon as possible, but if the stations are at isolated
points on the lakes it is often necessary to hold the eggs for several
days, and occasionally weeks, before means of transportation can be
obtained. In such a case the eggs are held in floating-boxes, which
are made 24 feet by 14 feet by 1 foot, with the ends rounded up about 6
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 107
inches; the sides and ends are 1-inch pine and the bottoms 4 inch-mesh
iron wire cloth, which is continued over the rounded ends. Cleats are
nailed on the sides, one end somewhat lower than the other, to give the
box a tilt when placed in water. Each box carries safely about 180,000
eggs, and when it is filled is anchored either in running water or in a
sheltered cove of the lake. In the fermer case a current of water is
kept passing through the box, while in the latter the eggs are given a
slight motion by the action of the waves upon the surface of the water.
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Floating-box.
When eggs held in floating-boxes are to be shipped they are dipped
into pails and taken to a place arranged for packing them, located
at no great distance away, where a table upon which to place the
trays may be improvised from any material at hand.
The trays for packing the eggs are constructed by making a frame of
?-inch square pine, 18 inches square, inside measurement, with white
canton flannel tacked on one side. A case to contain the trays is made
ot g-inch pine, large enough to hold 19 of these trays one over the other,
allowing for a surrounding air-space of half an inch. Half-inch cleats
are nailed on the bottom and at the corners of the box on the inside, so
that the trays are securely held in position. A hinged dooris at the top,
handles are at the sides, and the whole is painted and of neat appearance.
For transferring the eggs from pail to tray a graduated dipper is
used, which has a capacity of about 10,000 eggs, the number usually
placed upon each tray. Thus, in a case containing 18 trays 180,000
eggs may be stored. A dipperful is placed upon each tray. The canton
flannel holds water for some time, and if a little is poured upon the
eggs, which are at first bunched in the center, they settle and spread,
and by a slight dexterous movement, acquired by practice, are evenly
divided over the tray. Ten thousand eggs on a surface 18 inches by 18
inches are about two deep, and if kept at the proper temperature and
handled carefully they may be carried a long distance. After the eggs
108 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
are spread upon the tray it must be drained before being placed in the
case, for eggs slightly moistened will live for a longer time in open air
of the right temperature than in dead water. The tray is easily
drained by slightly tipping it, so that the water will run out at the
edges where the flannel is tacked on the frame. The trays are then
placed in the case, eighteen filled, the top one empty.
If the case is to pass through a varied air temperature, moss is
packed in the space between the trays of eggs and the sides of the
shipping-case for protection against abrupt changes in the weather.
When necessary to hold eggs on the trays for any length of time, as
is often the case, each tray must be taken out and sprinkled with water
at least every 24 hours. When they are held for a longer period than
4 or 5 days they must be taken from the trays and placed in a tub of
water and there washed in the same manner as described in taking
spawn. When adding water, care is taken that it does not strike the
eggs with such force as to injure them, the dipper either being held down
in the eggs or the water poured against the side of the tub a little above
the surface of the spawn, which gives them a steady whirling motion
and at the same time does them no injury.
The manner of transferring eggs from trays to a tub is very simple.
After filling the tub with water to about a third of its capacity, the
tray is placed in water at an angle of about 45° with its surface. Most
of the eggs will slide down this incline into the tub, and what few
remain may be washed down by pouring a little water on the uppermost
side of the tray. After the eggs have been given a good washing they
are replaced on the trays and returned to the cases, as described above.
The eggs are shipped in charge of a messenger, if possible, to see that
the cases are not roughly handled or tilted and the contents jarred or
bunched while being placed in the baggage car. While on the road
they must be kept in the coolest place on the car, providing that the
temperature is not below 28° or 30°.
It can be readily seen that the percentage of lake-trout eggs hatched
can not be so large as with other species of trout. The rolling and
pitching of the tugs and other boats upon which the spawn-taker is
operating prevents the eggs from separating naturally. The time during
which this should take place would be, approximately, within the first
30 minutes after they are taken, and as the boats are out from 5 to 24
hours or longer, when shore is reached the time is long past when
quiet is of any value. Besides, the temperature often falls far below
freezing, and all the precautions that can be taken will not prevent a
considerable percentage of the eggs becoming chilled, although there
may be no ill effects discovered until after they reach the hatchery.
Other losses often occur through accident and the carelessness of those
handling the cases while en route to the hatchery. Taking everything
into consideration, it may be considered excellent work if an average
of 70 per cent of eyed eggs and fry is turned out. In exceptional cases
as high as 90 per cent have been hatched.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 109
THE HATCHERY.
The hatching-trough or tank in use at Northville combines the prin-
ciples of both the Clark and the Williamson hatching apparatus and
is therefore called the Clark-Williamson hatching-box. It possesses
more advantages than any other in use for the development of a large
number of eggs; a thorough circulation is obtained for thousands, the
apparatus is simple, and the eggs may be readily handled for picking,
cleaning, ete. It consists of a trough of any length according to the
number of fry to be held, 18? inches wide inside and 1 foot deep, with
partitions to divide it into compartments, and is constructed as follows:
Only the best 14-inch pine is used, all planks containing knots, heavy
pitch, etc., being rejected, and the sides and ends are each made of but
one piece of lumber. The bottom is made first, the strips of different
widths plowed and tongued securely, and all joints laid in white lead.
Referring to figs. 1 and 3, page 110, three-quarters of an inch down
from the top of the sides is a 3-inch groove (A) running the entire length
ot the trough. The partitions, dividing the trough into compartments,
18? inches by 92 incnes by 12 inches, are mortised 4 inch in the sides;
the first and each alternate partition (B) is fixed $inch from the bottom
of the trough to allow the water to pass under it; the second and each
alternate partition (C) is mortised into the bottom, and at the top is cut
out so as to leave a space 14? inches long by 14 inches deep for the
water to pass over. In the bottom of the boxes thus formed a $-inch
strip (D) { inch wide is nailed to the sides; upon these the bottom trays
rest. A crossbar (E), with g-inch block (F) to hold the trays securely
in place and prevent them from rising in the water, is made to fit in the
grooves at the sides of the trough.
The capacity of the troughs may be doubled by the addition of a
second row of boxes, one side of the first tank acting as a partition
between the two rows. Each box holds eleven trays (G). Ten of these
are filled with eggs, the eleventh, or top one, acting merely as a cover
to prevent the eggs on the tenth tray from being carried off by the
current. The trays are made of +-inch mesh galvanized wire cloth,
tacked upon frames 16 inches long, 7 inches wide, and ? inch thick.
Both the trays and tanks are given three coats of asphaltum paint
before being used, and one coat at the beginning of each succeeding
season. Eleven of such trays, in the box described, will fill the com-
partment to within 2 inch of the groove in the sides of the tank; then
the crossbar with the 3-inch feet holds them securely in place. The
tanks are set upon iron standards cemented in the floor, and are given
a pitch of + of an inch to the foot. The height of the tank from the
floor is a matter of convenience to the operator, depending on the fall
of water available.
The water enters through a 1-inch pipe at the head of the tank, flow-
ing down through the first division, up through the second, and so on
to the lower end. Where water is scarce, two troughs may be made to
110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
utilize the same supply by placing one after another, the upper end of
the lower trough being from 8 to 12 inches lower than the overflow of
the upper trough; this gives a good aeration and will be found to answer
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Clark-Williamson Trough.
nearly as well as though fresh water was conducted to the tank.
Should the supply be taken from a creek, lake, or other reservoir ex-
posed to changes of weather and drainage from the surrounding land,
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 111
or if it abounds with aquatic insects, it is quite essential to have some
kind of filtration, otherwise the eggs may be injured by animalculze
or coated with sediment, the trays clogged with refuse, the circulation
stopped, and in the end a majority of the eggs lost. Many filters
have been devised, all of which are good, but a simple and effective
contrivance is nade by tacking medium-weight flannel to wooden tray
frames and placing them at the head of the tank directly beneath the
head of water, the number used at one point being governed by the
amount of sediment or other foreign matter present.
At Northville, as a convenience in caring for eggs, a Shallow “ picking-
trough” is used, 40 feet long, 10 inches wide, and 24 inches deep, with
a $-inch strip, § of an inch wide, nailed along each side of the bottom,
upon which the trays rest, to give a good circulation while the eggs are
sorted over. The trough has a fall of not more than 4 inch throughout
its entire length, and it is fed by a flow of about 2 gallons of water
per minute. A dam at its lower end raises the water 14 inches, not
entirely covering the trays. This is a point that must not be over-
looked, for if the water flows over the tops of the trays many of the
eggs and fry will be apt to escape through the waste-pipe.
CARE OF THE EGGS AND FRY.
Upon their arrival at the hatchery the eggs are taken from the
shipping-cases and turned into tubs, whence they are removed to the
hatching-troughs. In removing eggs from the flannel shipping-trays
to the tub the same method is followed as in washing eggs that have
been held in cases for several days. The transfer should take place in
a temperature not higher than 45° or 50° F., and if the eggs are held
in the tubs for any length of time they are given a change of water
every 30 minutes.
Great care is necessary in transferring eggs to the hatching-trough
in pails. To guard against any shock, the pail is partially filled with
water, and the eggs are carefully taken in the dipper, which is lowered
into the pail in such a way that the eggs will glide into the water and not
fall uponit. The pail when filled is placed upon the trough as near as
possible to the box for which the eggs are intended, and by means of a
perforated dipper with a capacity of 20 ounces, or 4,000 eggs, they are
transferred to the hatching-boxes. Wy Peerrb it ‘ . i 4 = 4)
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Report U. S. F. C. 1897. (To face page 119) PLATE 33.
COREGONUS CLUPEIFORMIS. Common W hitefish.
THE WHITEFISH.
DESCRIPTION, COMMON NAMES, ETC.
The common whitefish (Coregonus clupeiformis) is eminently a lake
fish. It exists throughout the Great Lakes region, and is especially
abundant in lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The eastern
limit of its range is Lake Champlain, and it is found in Lake Winnipeg,
and possibly farther west. It is landlocked in Otsego Lake, New York.
Efforts to introduce it into new waters in the States of the Pacific Coast
and Rocky Mountain region have not as yet been successful.
Its body is rather long and compressed, and the back, especially in
adults, is arched in front; the greatest depth is about one-fourth the
body length. The head is small and short, contained about 5 times in
the length of the body; the snout is blunt; the mouth is small and
nearly horizontal with the lower jaw included; the maxillary is short
and broad, reaching to a point under the pupil; the mandible extends
to a point under the posterior edge of eye. The eye is small, its diam-
ter being about one-fifth the length of the head. The rays in both the
dorsal and anal fins number 11. The number of rows of scales along
the side of the body varies from about 82 to 92, with about 11 above
the lateral line and 8 below. The gillrakers number about 28, of which
10 are on t’.e upper arm of the gill-arch; the longest are contained
about twice in the length of eye. The general color of this fish is a
satiny white, with a faint olive-green shade on the back. The fins are
uniformly white, except the caudal, which normally has a dark edge.
This fish has a number of common names in different parts of its range.
It is the whitefish par excellence of the United States and Canada. As
found in Otsego Lake, New York, it is inappropriately called “Otsego
bass.” In allusion to its humped back it is called “highback white-
fish,” ““bowback whitefish,” ‘‘ buffalo-back whitefish,” and other similar
names, in Lake Superior.
While more is known of the habits of this species than of any other
member of the group, many phases in its hfe are still obscure, as it
remains in deep water most of the time. Besides the regular annual
movements of the schools to the spawning-grounds, there are other
well-marked migrations in some lakes. Whether these depend on food,
temperature, enemies, or other causes, 1s not known. Owing to its
small, weak mouth, it is seldom taken with a baited hook. It subsists
on minute animal food, chiefly crustaceans, mollusks, and insect larvee.
The food of the fry and young fish is almost wholly small crustaceans.
119
120 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
COMMERCIAL AND FOOD VALUE, ETC.
The whitefishes are by far the most important group of fresh-water
fishes of North America, probably of the world. The common white-
fish is the best of the tribe, but some of the others nearly equal it in
merit, and all are more or less esteemed as food. Among the fishes of
the Great Lakes the common whitefish ranks next in value to the lake
herring, lake trout, and wall-eyed pike. In 1893 the catch in the United
States was over 8,000,000 pounds, having a value of over $330,000. If
to this is added the yield of other species (namely, about 36,000,000
pounds of lake herring, valued at $536,000, and upward of 3,000,000
pounds of other whitefish, valued at $85,000), the aggregate is over
47,000,000 pounds, having a value of $951,000. The market value of
the whitefishes taken in 1893 in the British Provinces was reported as
$1,535,000, a sum representing about 30,000,000 pounds.
The common whitefish reaches a larger size than any other species
of whitefish in the United States. Examples weighing over 20 pounds
have been taken, but the average weight is under 4 pounds.
Whitefish fishing is done chiefly with gill nets set at or near the bot-
tom in comparatively deep water, although considerable quantities of
whitefish are also taken in pound nets, trap nets, and seines.
SPAWNING.
The spawning season of the whitefish begins the latter part of Octo-
ber and continues into December. At that season there is a general
movement of the fish to shoal parts of the lakes, similar to the migra-
tion of anadromous fishes from the ocean to the rivers; some of the
the foreign whitefishes are typical anadromous species. After spawning,
the fish return at once to the deeper water.
The spawning habits of whitefish confined in pens have been observed.
The fish rise to the surface, occasionally in pairs, sometimes, but rarely,
in trios of one female and two males, the female emitting a quantity of
spawn at each rise. The males, always the smaller fish, persistently
follow the female and discharge milt at the same time the: eggs are
emitted.
Whitefish reach maturity in the third or fourth year. A full-grown
specimen deposits from 10,000 to 75,000 eggs, depending on the fish’s
size. A rule for determining the approximate spawning capacity is to
allow about 10,000 eggs for each pound of the fish’s weight. The eggs
when fully swollen are an eighth of an inch in diameter, and 36,000
make a fluid quart. They swell somewhat after impregnation.
DESTRUCTION OF WHITEFISH SPAWN IN NATURE.
In nature the eggs of the whitefish are subjected to the attacks of
many enemies for nearly five months. The mud-puppy (Necturus mae-
ulatus), commonly known as “lizard” or “water-dog” by the people
along the lakes, is especially destructive. During the month of Janu-
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. Lt
ary, 1897, many of these animals were pumped up with the water
supply of Put-in Bay station. The stomachs of a considerable number
of them contained whitefish and cisco eggs, the contents of one stomach
being 288 whitefish and 4 cisco eggs.
Another voracious destroyer of the whitefish is the common yellow
perch (Perca flavescens). The deck of a boat has been seen covered
with the eggs of the whitefish and cisco pressed out of the stomachs of
perch taken from gill nets the last of November on the reefs, where they
had gone to feed on the eggs.
The various smaller Cyprinide and some other fishes, crawfish, and
wild fowl make the eggs of fishes a considerable portion of their diet,
those which require the longest period in hatching, of course, suffering
most.
ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION.
The artificial propagation of whitefish has long since passed the
experimental stage and has attained a high degree of perfection. The
work can be carried on with great facility, and its value is especially
apparent when it is considered that under natural conditions only
a very small percentage of the eggs hatch, while through artificial
propagation from 75 to 95 per cent are productive. Practically all the
eggs taken for hatching purposes are obtained from fish caught by the
commercial fishermen, which would otherwise be lost.
The methods of culture hereafter referred to are those adopted at
the Put-in Bay (Ohio) station, but these do not differ in any essential
particular from those in general use.
In the fiscal year 1895-96 the United States Fish Commission hatched
and planted 189,690,000 whitefish fry, and in the subsequent year
95,049,000 fry were hatched and liberated in suitable waters.
HOW THE EGGS ARE TAKEN AND TREATED.
The taking, impregnating, and handling of the whitefish eggs are
simple processes, but require great care at every stage. Eggs are
often injured by undue haste in stripping, and many are lost by allowing
them to fall too great a distance into the spawning-pan. Eggs are very
delicate when first taken and before the absorption of water has made
the investing membrane tense, and if roughly treated will be seen to be
ruptured as viewed under the microscope. With care about four-fifths
of the eggs will hatch. Improper attention to the impregnating process
may also result in serious loss of eggs. While scarcity of milt may
lead to the nonfertilization of the eggs, the manner in which the milt is
brought in contact with eggs is a more common cause of failure.
The eggs supplied by each spawn-taker should be examined daily,
and if itis found that a considerable number have ruptured yolks it may
be taken for granted that the spawn-taker has handled the fish and eggs
roughly, and if many are unimpregnated it is evident that he did not
use suflicient milt or that it was not properly applied to the eggs.
122) REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
At Put-in Bay eggs are obtained from fish captured in pound nets
and gill nets, often at considerable distances from the station. The
spawn-taker, who is employed to take the eggs from the fish as they are
lifted from the nets into the boat, has with him two or three 6-quart
pans, coated with asphaltum varnish to prevent rusting, in which he
takes the spawn; a wooden keg or tin can holding from 10 to 15 gallons;
a 10-quart wooden pail, and a tin dipper. He is clothed in waterproof
garments, and his left hand is covered with a woolen mitten for con-
venience in handling the fish.
After several ripe females and some ripe males are collected, a female
is taken, and the body slime, which will interfere with impregnation if
it falls into the pan, is carefully removed. The spawn-taker then
grasps the fish firmly in his left hand, just forward of the tail, with the
back of the hand downward, the fingers outward, the thumb above and
pointing outward, the head of the fish being toward the spawn-taker’s
body. The right hand is placed under the fish just back of the pectoral
fins, with the wrist pressing the head of the fish firmly against the body,
the thumb outward, fingers inward, thus grasping the upper abdomen
firmly. The fish is now at an angle of nearly 45°, the body forming a
modified crescent, with the vent within 4 or 5 inches of the bottom of the
pan. This position of the fish’s body brings pressure on the abdomen,
facilitates the flow of the eggs through gravity and the opening of the
vent, and prevents injury to them from falling too far. (See plate 34.)
Gentle pressure being now applied, the eggs flow in a steady, liquid
stream about a quarter of an inch in diameter, and a considerable
portion of them will be procured before the hand need be moved. As
soon as the stream slackens the hand is slowly moved toward the vent,
but only fast enough to keep the eggs coming in a continual stream.
When it finally stops the hand is replaced in its former position and
the process repeated until all the good eggs are procured. If, as is
frequently the case, when nearly all the ripe eggs are emitted a consid-
erable number of white ones appear, the work should stop.
The dry process of impregnation is now universally considered to be
the better, and the pan in which the eggs are taken is only dampened
by dipping it into water before the stripping begins. After two or three
females have been manipulated the milt from one or two males is added
to the mass of eggs. This is done by grasping the fish between the
thumb and fingers 2 or 3 inches forward of the vent and moving them
toward the opening. The milt comes in a stream, an average fish pro-
ducing about a teaspoonful. If ripe males are searce the fish is laid
aside, as he may be used again in a few minutes and considerable addi-
tional milt procured.
When the pan is one-half or two-thirds full of spawn and milt, the
spawn-taker gently stirs the eggs to incorporate them thoroughly with
the milt, using for this purpose the tail of a fish, from which the
slime has been carefully removed. The pan is then partly filled with
water and the mass again very gently stirred. After standing two or
Report U. S. F.C. 1897, (To face page 122.) PLATE 34.
STRIPPING A WHITEFISH,
Wks
ees
Mia
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 123
three minutes, the water is poured off and fresh water added, and this
is repeated until the water comes away clear, when the eggs are poured
into the keg or can previously filled with water, and the work of taking
spawn is continued. Before adding another lot those previously put into
the keg are gently stirred. It is necessary to change the water on the
eggs at least once an hour, and oftener if the weather is warm, and the
eges should be gently stirred to the bottom of the keg every 30 minutes
until they are placed in running water in the hatchery.
When the spawn-taker has finished he turns over the eggs to a man
in charge of the field work, who cares for them until the collecting
steamer comes, when they are taken aboard and transported to the sta-
tion, some 2 to 5 hours having elapsed since they were taken. At the
station the eggs are kept in the kegs in which they were placed by the
spawn-taker and a stream of water of about 2 gallons per minute to
each keg is kept running on them until the next morning, and they are
stirred to the very bottom once an hour in the meantime. In this way
the eggs are given time to harden with less injury than if they were
immediately placed in the jars.
Formerly in shipping eggs long distances they were kept in running
water in kegs, under the care of a watchman, but it has been found
much better to ship them in cases on trays. After having been in water
8 or 10 hours, whitefish ova may be safely placed two or three layers
deep on trays and shipped indefinite distances. If the weather is warm
(55° or 60° F.) the cases must be surrounded with ice, or sawdust and ice.
In placing the eggs on the trays a perforated dipper is used and a
little practice soon shows about how many to dip out for each tray, and
if just enough water is left with the eggs a slight tilting of the tray
will distribute them evenly over its surface. Then by setting the tray
with one corner on the floor and the diagonally opposite corner raised
3 or 4 inches, the surplus water will soon drain off. This may be facili-
tated by slipping a thin wooden wedge between the cloth and wood at
the lower corner of the tray.
In shipping a distance of 40 or 50 miles, the trays may be placed in
the cases with no other protection from change of temperature than
the wood of which they are constructed—an inch thickness of tray and
an mech of case with an inch of air-space between—which is found to
be safe in a cool car or room in a boat, but for longer distances about
20 trays are fastened together with thin strips of wood tacked to either
side and placed in a large case with from 4 to 6 inches of pine sawdust
well packed on every side.
After the eggs are placed on trays and drained, they are covered
with a thickness of mosquito netting, well washed and left damp, and
over this is packed enough damp moss to fill the tray even with the
surface. If eggs are to go by express, unaccompanied by a messenger,
directions are fastened to the case stating that they must be kept cool
but not permitted to freeze. Whitefish eggs have been safely shipped
in this way from Northville, Michigan, to Australia. If the eggs are
124 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
to be shipped a short distance—25 to 50 miles—it is not necessary to
cover them with moss.
The trays used at the station are 16 inches square, outside, and are
made of white pine 3? by | inch, mortised together at the corners with
the widest side of the strip horizontal. On the bottom of these frames
heavy canton flannel is tacked, so that the nap will come next to the
eggs when in use. The cloth should be stretched very taut, otherwise
it will sag on being wet and dried. The tacks are put 24 to 3 inches
apart, so that in a year or so it can be retacked between the ones first
driven to take up the slack. The trays are made square, as they then
go into the cases either way and time is saved in packing; square
cases are also more convenient in storing and in handling generally.
Such a tray will hold 50,000 eggs.
If the eggs have to be retained for several days in the field, they are
sometimes kept in floating-boxes adapted for this purpose. (See descrip-
tion of this box on p. 107.) But unless the conditions are very favor-
able it is far better to place the eggs on trays, sprinkling them lightly
once in two or three days.
When taken from the kegs and trays at the hatchery the eggs are
passed through a screen (with meshes sufficiently large to permit the
passage of a single egg) in order to remove scales and other foreign
substances that may be present. The screen is floated in a washtub
partly filled with water, the wire netting being well submerged.
For handling eggs and fry wooden kegs are by some preferred to
tin eans, as they do not subject the eggs and fry to sudden changes
of temperature, their contents are easily examined, and the water is
more readily poured off without danger of losing eggs. The kegs are
much lighter, only cost a third as much as cans, and last longer. For
shipping in wagons or by rail, however, tin cans with covers are indis-
pensable. Kegs shouid be made of white pine, painted outside but
not within, and hold about 15 gallons each, and should be provided with
iron drop handles.
PENNING WILD FISH.
The uncertainty of the seasons and the liability of failure to obtain
spawning fish owing to severe storms which occur in November, make
it desirable, wherever practicable, to capture fish in favorable weather
and place them in pens until ripe. After the fish are driven off their
spawning-grounds by severe storms, they do not return in large numbers
during the spawning season, and the only way to insure a satisfactory
supply of eggs is by penning the fish.
Nets have been tried for penning, but they do not afford sufficient
facilities for sorting the fish of various degrees of ripeness and the fish
have to be handled too much, thus encouraging fungus growths on them
and causing many to abort their eggs. Penning is best done in crates
made of boards with openings sufficiently large to admit the free inter-
change of water. The pens are generally made about 16 feet long, 3 or
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 125
4 feet wide, and 4 to 8 or more feet deep. They should be placed end
to end in two rows, some 3 or 4 feet apart with a plank walk between,
for convenience in caring for them. The fish must be handled as little
and as gently as possible, otherwise the eggs will form into a hard mass
and never ripen. One cause of injury is the scoop net with which they
must be handled; the knots and the twine are so hard that they injure
the delicate scales of the whitefish, which struggles violently when
taken from the water. A net made by punching suitable-sized holes
in a sheet of thin, soft, flexible rubber would be yielding and perhaps
cause the least injury.
HATCHING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT.
At Put-in Bay the water for hatching is obtained from Lake Erie
through a pipe that extends 75 to 100 feet into the lake. Pumps
elevate the water to the loft of the hatchery, where it is received into
supply-tanks, whence it is distributed by the usual methods of piping.
The circular supply-tanks, two in number, are about 11 feet in mean
diameter, 8 feet high, and have a capacity-of 5,000 gallons each. These
tanks are necessary to give an equal pressure in the pipes and to
provide a supply of water in the event of cessation of pumping. A
gauge in the boiler room shows the height of water in the tanks.
Whitefish eggs are hatched in the McDonald jar and the Chase jar;
the former is in more general use in the United States Fish Commission,
although both give satisfactory results. The eggs are put into the
hatching-jars by means of a dipper having a perforated bottom. The
proper number to a jar is 3? quarts, as determined by a gauge; these will
swell to 44 quarts, which is about the proper quantity for the jars used.
The form of the embryo whitefish can be seen in the egg by the use
of a magnifying glass in from 10 to 15 days and the eye-specks and
color stars in from 15 to 20 days, the time depending much on the tem-
perature of the water. The fry being hatched, the food-sac is absorbed
in from 5 to 15 days, varying somewhat with the period of incubation.
If hatching 1s long retarded by low temperatures, the sac will be nearly
all absorbed when the fry hatches.
The microscope is a great aid in whitefish culture, enabling the
operator to determine the exact percentage of dead eggs and to a great
extent the cause of their loss, thus allowing him to remedy some if not
all the evils. For examining eggs in their early stages the microscope
is placed horizontally, the eggs being held in a cell filled with water.
This may be easily made by fastening two ordinary glass slides to a
strip of wood an eighth of an inch thick, with a portion cut away to
form a receptacle for the eggs. The wood is thoroughly saturated with
asphaltum varnish, and after drying the sides should receive a thin
coat, the slides being laid on and placed under pressure to dry. When
dry an additional coat to the outer joints of contact will guard against
possible leaks.
126 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
If the egg be examined 6 or 8 hours after it is fertilized, the germinal
disk will be found to have contracted to a saucer-shaped cap extending
over about a fifth of the surface of the yolk. It is smooth and even,
gradually thinning to a sharp outer rim, with a thickness in the center
of the cap of about a fifth of its diameter. At this stage—segmentation
not having commenced—the impregnated eggs can not be told from the
unimpregnated ones. At 18 hours segmentation will be well advanced
and the disk will have contracted into six or eight rounded nodules of
uneven size, with well-defined valleys between, there being no longer
a sharp rim to the disk. At 24 hours—the best time to determine
the percentage of live eggs—the disk presents a somewhat similar
appearance, except that it will be divided into 25 or more segments,
easily seen under the glass; the disk of the unimpregnated egg of
the same age forms an almost exact hemisphere, is perfectly smooth
in appearance, and is therefore easily distinguished from the live egg.
Segmentation now goes on rapidly, and at 72 hours the cells look under
a l-inch objective—a suitable power to use in this work—about the
size of a mustard seed, the disk having in the meantime assumed an
hemispherical shape.
During the entire period of incubation, but more especially during
the early stages of growth, the eggs should be worked as gently as
possible; that is, only sufficient water should be used to keep them in
slow motion and to prevent “banking.” At the commencement they
require about 6 quarts of water per minute to the jar, but later they will
run with a quart less per minute. The eggs require constant watching
for the first week or more, and although not considered an adhesive egg,
agglutination takes place occasionally when the water becomes roily.
Unless the ‘“‘banks” so formed are separated by gently stirring them
with a long feather (the long wing feathers of a turkey are suitable),
the eggs forming the pack soon die and form a mass in the jar.
In a few days, varying with the temperature of the water, the unim-
pregnated and other dead eggs begin to “fungus”—that is, a growth
makes its appearance on them and they rise to the top of the egg mass—
when they must be removed by the use of a siphon, and if live eggs are
among those drawn off, they must be set up in what are called “ hospital
jars,” where the live and dead ones are more readily separated.
The dead eggs are drawn off every day, otherwise they are liable to
become loaded with silt from the water and sink, mixing with the live
eges and making it difficult to separate them.
For the removal of dead eggs from the jars a long-distance siphon is
used at Put-in Bay station, which saves much labor. It is constructed
thus: To the short end of the ordinary siphon, which consists of a thin
quarter-inch brass tube about a foot long bent into the form of a goose
neck, is attached a piece of common rubber tubing 3 or 4 feet long with
a 23-inch interior diameter. This is connected with a rubber tube of the
same size and long enough to reach the whole row of jars or all in the
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 12%
house if desired. The connection is made by a thin brass nipple with
the same interior diameter as the piece of rubber tube to be joined by
slipping it into the longer piece and lashing it on the outside with twine,
leaving about three-quarters of an inch outside to slip into the shorter
piece after the siphon is started. The other end of the long tube is
connected with a like piece of brass tubing, bent to a quarter circle to
prevent the rubber tubing from kinking, to and through the center of
a wooden float some 12 inches in diameter and 1 or 2 inches thick.
This is placed in a tub or large pail; the short siphon is started and
connected as above described, and the long siphon is in working order.
The water runs over the rim of the tub into the sluice, over which it is
placed, and the eggs settle to the bottom. A whole hatchery can be
operated without moving the tub, although it is better to raise it 5 or 6
feet from the floor for the upper rows of the jars, as the suction
otherwise becomes a little too strong and liable to injure the good eggs
when passing too rapidly through the tube.
For convenience and for economy of space and water, the hatching
jars are arranged in tiers, constituting what is known as a “battery.”
The structure of a battery, with its complicated system of supply
and waste troughs and with the jars and their attachments, is rather
difficult to describe clearly, but may be understood by reference to
plate 35, at the end of the volume.
Each battery is divided into two sections, which have four rows of
jars on each side, setting on shelves 3 feet apart. The water is admitted
through an iron pipe to the uppermost cross-tank; from there it runs
into the uppermost supply-trough, which, like all the others, is 13 inches
wide and 9 inches deep, inside measurements. The iron pipe is provided
with a ball-cock, regulating automatically the supply of water. The
supply-troughs are from 22 to 34 feet long, the upper ones being the
shortest and the lower the longest. The first supply-trough has a row
of brass cocks on either side taking the water 1 inch from the bottom.
A half-inch rubber tube, 6 inches long and forming when adjusted a
quarter circle, is slipped over the outer end of the cock and the upper
end of the iron tube, which is inserted in the jar. The water flows from
this upper supply-trough, which may be called No, 1, in section No. 1,
through the cock, rubber tube, iron tube, and jar, from which it is dis-
charged into what may be called waste-trough No. 1, which is directly
below supply-trough No.1. This discharges its water into a cross-tank,
the second from the top, which carries the water across to supply-trough
No. 2, which is in section No. 2. This supplies the second of the eight
rows of jars, through which all the water passes, and after passing
through the jars, as before described, it empties into waste-trough No. 2, in
section No, 2, which carries it to cross-tank No. 3, which in turn carries
it across and delivers it to supply-trough No. 3, which is in section No.
1. Thus the water goes back and forth from one section to the other,
dropping a step at each passage, until it finally enters the fry-collecting
tank on the floor, which is 34 feet wide, 9 feet long, and 2 feet deep.
128 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The cross-tanks are in steps, like a flight of stairs, which accounts
for the unequal lengths of the supply-troughs. Each has an overflow
in the center, over which a small amount of water is kept running, so
that the attendant can see at a glance that all of the troughs are full.
Screens are interposed at such places in the cross-tanks that the fry
discharged into them through the waste-troughs can not enter the oppo-
site supply-troughs, but will float with the overflow successively into
the lower cross-tanks down to the fry-collecting tanks.
The fry-collecting tanks, one for each battery, are connected with the
main collecting tanks by means of 2-inch gas-pipe, fitted with valves,
passing under the floor of the hatchery. The main tanks, eight in
number, are 3 feet wide, 16 feet long, and 2 feet deep; in these the fry
are retained until dipped out for shipment or planting.
The only marked difference between the method of operating the jars
at Put-in Bay and other stations is the use of a 32-inch iron gas-pipe,
instead of a glass tube, for supplying the jars with water, and the addi-
tion of a tin cone, 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter at the lower
end, which is soldered to the end of the iron pipe and reaches within
one-eighth inch of the bottom of the jar. The tube is held in place by
an iron bracket, fastened to the supply-trough and held by a thumb-
serew. The cone has the effect of spreading the water and giving an
easier and more thorough motion to the eggs than can be obtained with
a Straight tube.
At Put-in Bay the water passes through eight rows of jars, and the
fact that the eggs in the lower rows of jars are just as good as those
in the upper rows is proof of the practicability of the plan.
The jars require 6 quarts of water per minute to each jar on the top
row, this amount again supplying the successive tiers of jars on the
shelves below. If more jars are placed on the lower shelves than on
the top one, a greater quantity of water must necessarily be added,
equal to 6 quarts of water to each jar.
The temperature of the water must, of course, with the large quan-
tities used, be what nature makes it, but if much above 50° F. good
results can not be expected with whitefish eggs. When the work
begins, early in November, the temperature of the water in Lake Erie
is from 40° to 50° F., while late in the month it is generally about 35°
to 38°. As soon as the lake freezes over, or ice in any considerable
quantity forms, the temperature of the water as it passes through the
Jars remains very uniform at 325°, When the ice goes out, which is
generally about the middle of March, it rises slowly, and when the fry
begin to hatch, the latter part of the month, it 1s generally up to about
33° or 34°,
The jars, tubes, troughs, etc., should be kept scrupulously clean.
The usual coating for the inside of troughs and tanks is asphaltum
varnish, but a mixture of coal tar and turpentine has proved an excel-
lent substitute. For the first coat on new wood equal parts of each
are employed; for the second and third coats one-third turpentine and
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE.' 129
two-thirds coal tar. The tar should be as warm as the touch will bear,
and the turpentine, which should be pure, should be added slowly while
the mass is being vigorously stirred. The mixture dries quickly and
forms a hard, durable surface, which is entirely waterproof and much
more lasting than asphaltum; it is also much cheaper, an important item
in a large station. While applying it the tin pail in which it is mixed
is kept in another and larger one partly filled with moderately hot
water. For pitching the cracks and joints the best asphaltum pitch is
used, softened with paraffin to the consistency of chewing-gum—that
is, Just so that it will not break in cold water. This pitch holds firmly
to the wood and keeps its place in warm weather. Other pitches which
have been tried will run in warm weather and get hard with use,
breaking when cold.
THE CARE AND PLANTING OF THE FRY.
When the fry hatch they immediately leave the jar and follow the
course of the running water, some going through the succeeding jars,
provided there are no screens interposed to prevent this, others through
the overflows from the cross-tanks, until all reach the fry-collecting
tank at the bottom, whence they are carried to the main collecting
tanks. It has been urged by some that it is injurious for the fry to
pass down through the lower jars with the complement or eggs, but in
practice this has not been the case.
An air-jet on the inside of the screens will prevent clogging by the
accumulation of eggshells and impurities suspended in the water. This
may be easily arranged by providing an air-pump and connecting with
it a pipe carried along the side of each tank on the inside of the screen
and thence at right angles parallel to the screen and about an inch
distant. This cross-pipe should be perforated on one side with holes
ys Inch in diameter and 3 inches apart, the holes opening toward the
screen and upward at an angle of about 45°. When the air is turned
on, an apparently solid mass of bubbles will arise along the whole sur-
face of the screen. With this arrangement the screens will run hours
or even days without any attention, whereas without the air-jet one or
more men are employed keeping the screens clean, and many fry are
unavoidably killed by being forced against the screens and by the work
of the men in keeping them free. The thorough aeration of the water
thus indirectly accomplished is very beneficial when large numbers of
fry are passing over, and double the number can be safely handled in
troughs thus equipped.
At Put-in Bay the fry are planted as soon as hatched. They are
dipped from the fry tanks into kegs, in which they are transported to
the natural spawning-grounds on the reefs; each keg containing 50,000
to 100,000 fry, according to the distance to be traveled. If they are to
be taken any considerable distance, fresh water is kept running on
them. If the facilities are such that the fry can be held in tanks until
they attain a length of an inch before being planted, they would be
F.C, R. 1897-——9
130 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES”
better able to take care of themselves than if deposited at an earlier
stage. In the spring of 1896, about 1,000 whitefish fry were held in one
of the station troughs until late in April, with no other food than the
entomostraca and other minute life which came into the troughs with
the water pumped from the lake. They grew considerably and were
remarkably active. Cannibalism was of frequent though not of general
occurrence; toward the close of the period through which the fry were
held, numbers could be seen which had seized others by the tails and
swallowed as much of the bodies as possible, which was, of course, but
little. In every case one of the larger had attacked one of the smaller,
the victim being dead and his destroyer swimming about actively with
the body of the dead fry trailing along his side. If these fry had been
regularly supplied with food, it is not probable that cannibalism would
have occurred.
REARING IN PONDS.
There have been few attempts to raise whitefish in ponds on a large
scale, but experiments lead to the belief that under favorable condi-
tions whitefish can be raised in artificial ponds to some extent. Of
course an abundance of good cold water, suitable ground for the con-
struction of deep ponds, and convenience to railroad communication
would be essential to success.
A successful experiment in this direction was begun at Northville in
1882. The fish were treated as young trout are, being fed wholly on
liver. Three-year-old whitefish, artificially reared, yielded a large num-
ber of eggs, a fair percentage of which were fertilized. Fish weighing
from 3 to 44 pounds, that had never been fed on anything but liver,
were plump and healthy. Similar successful experiments have been
made in Europe with one of the native whitefishes (Coregonus lavaretus).
The most noteworthy experiments in the rearing of whitefish in ponds
have been conducted by private enterprise at Warren, Indiana. The
following account of the work will be of interest:
In 1890, 50,000 whitefish fry, obtained from the Sandusky station of the United
States Fish Commission, were placed in a pond 20 by 40 feet, having a maximum
depth of 5 feet. In November of the same year 864 whitefish, averaging 7} or 8 inches
in length, were taken from the pond. This result was not considered satisfactory,
although the conditions were not favorable, as there was no natural food in the pond
and no artificial food was regularly supplied, the fish feeding on various kinds of
food thrown into the pond from time to time. The fish kept near the bottom, and
were never seen from the time of planting to the time the pond was drawn.
In 1891, half a million eggs obtained at Toledo were hatched with a loss of about
30 per cent, and the resulting fry, together with a small number procured from Put-in
Bay station, were planted in a pond containing the small whitefish previously men-
tioned. This pond was 65 by 65 feet and 12 feet deep. It is supposed that practi-
cally all the fry were devoured by the larger fish. Prior to the time of planting the
young whitefish the older ones were very inactive and seldom seen, but as soon as
the plant was made they became very: active, and for a period of two weeks, about
sunset, they could be seen leaping and darting up out of the water after the fashion
of black bass chasing minnows.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 131
In the following season the fry were placed in pens in a pond. Conferve formed
in the ponds, clogging the screens, and the water got so warm that the fry, which
were dying rapidly, were placed in the pond with the large fish.
In 1893 the experiments were more encouraging. About 120,000 fry were placed in
a new pond, 200 feet square and from 2} to 14 feet deep, supplied with 25 gallons of
running water per minute at the lowest stage. Fifty thousand fry were held in a
small tank at the hatchery, so that their habits, food, etc., could be studied. This
afforded more instruction than all former experiments combined. Before the umbili-
cal sac was absorbed the fry began to take the prepared food, and as soon as the sac
was entirely gone they ate freely. They grew rapidly and did well until the middle
of May, when, the weather being very warm, the temperature of the tank rose to
63° F., resulting in the death of some of the fry and necessitating a removal of the
remaining fry to the pond containing the other fry of the same age. These fry were
from 1 to 14 inches long when put in the pond. They had been fed on nothing but
very finely divided glutin, a product of wheat, of a yellowish-white color, very even
in size and semi-buoyant. The floating property of this food is supposed to be very
important, as the whitefish when young do not feed on the bottom, which is their
habit when older. Any part of this food which settles on the bottom must be removed,
as it is liable to ferment and rise to the surface, when, if the fry eat it, they will die.
For the purpose of removing the fry to another pond the large pond was drawn in
November of the same year in which they were hatched. A large seine was com-
pletely filled with fish at the first haul. Being very delicate, a great many were
killed before efforts could be made to move them. It is estimated that nearly 50,000
of these young whitefish were lost. They were from 7 to 9 inches long, being about
8 months old. Several thousand were saved which are now (1895) 24 years old.
When 2 years old 70 were caught, which measured from 16 to 18 inches long.
When the fry are about an inch long they are fed on a stiff dough made of fine
middlings. This food is placed on the bottom of the tank and all that is not
consumed is removed. This is also the sole food of the adult whitefish. It is
placed in water shallow enough so that the fish-culturist may seeif it is all consumed
during the night, the fish feeding exclusively at that time. If all is not eaten, a
less quantity is given for the next day, as a matter of economy and to prevent the
pollution of the water.
lt has been found that in the raising of fry the temperature of the water should
not go above 55° F., and that 65° is fatal, while fish three or four months old will
stand a much higher temperature.
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PLATE 36.
(To face page 133.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
“‘poyg Wowmog 'WINISSIGIdVS VWSO1V
THE SHAD.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SHAD.
The shad (Alosa sapidissima) is the largest, best-known, and most
valuable member of the herring family in the United States. The body
is deep and compressed, the depth varying with the sex and spawning
condition, but averaging about one-third the body length. The head,
contained about 44 times in the body length, is quite deep; the cheek
is deeper than long. The jaws are about equal, the lower jaw fitting
into a deep notch on the tip of the upper. Teeth are present in the
young, but are not found on the jaws in the adult. The eye is contained
52 to 6 times in the length of head. The gillrakers are long, slender,
and numerous, there being from 95 to 120 on the first arch. The fins
are small and weak, the dorsal containing 15 rays and the anal 21.
The lower edge of the body is strongly serrated, the plate-like scales
numbering 21 before the ventral fin and 16 behind it. The seales in
the lateral line number 60. The body is dark-bluish or greenish above,
silvery on the sides, and white beneath. There is a dark spot behind
the gill-opening and sometimes a row of smaller spots along the side.
The vertical fins often have black or dusky edges. The peritoneum
is white. Supposed structural and color peculiarities in shad from
different regions or basins have not been verified.
From the other clupeoids with which the shad is frequently asso-
ciated in the rivers, it may be readily distinguished. In allof them the
cheek is longer than deep. The hickory shad or hickory jack (Pomolobus
mediocris) has a projecting lower jaw and a very straight profile. The
river herrings or alewives are much smaller than the shad, have fewer
and shorter gillrakers, and a larger eye (34 in head). In the branch
herring (P. pseudoharengus) the peritoneum is pale, while in the glut
herring (P. estivalis) it is black.
The female shad is larger than the male, the average difference in
weight being more than a pound. The mature males taken in the
fisheries of the Atlantic coast weigh from 14 to 6 pounds, the average
being about 3 pounds; the females usually weigh from 3 to 6 pounds,
the average being 4? pounds. The general average for both sexes is
between 33 and 4 pounds. In the early history of the fisheries, shad
weighing 11, 12, and even 14 pounds were reported, but 9-pound shad
are very rare on the Atlantic coast, and 10 pounds seems to be the
maximum, Some seasons an unusual number of large shad (7 to 9
pounds) appear in certain streams. On the Pacific coast shad average
a pound or more heavier than on the Atlantic, occasionally attaining a
weight of 14 pounds; many have been reported weighing 9 to 12 pounds.
133
134 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE.
The shad is distributed along the entire east coast of the United
States, and northward and eastward to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It
has gradually spread from the Sacramento River, California, where it
was introduced by the California Fish Commission, and is now taken
from southern California (Los Angeles County) to southeast Alaska.
In the early history of the country its abundance excited unbounded
astonishment. Nearly everyriver on the Atlantic coast was invaded in
the spring by immense schools, which, in their upward course, furnished
anample supply of good food. Notwithstanding greatly increased fish-
ing operations and the curtailment of the spawning-grounds, the supply
in recent years has not only been generally maintained, but owing to
fish-cultural efforts has been largely augmented in certain streams,
notably in the Kennebec, Hudson, Delaware, Susquehanna, Choptank,
Potomac, Nanticoke, Rappahannock, York, James, Chowan, Roanoke,
Neuse, and St. Johns rivers, and in Chesapeake Bay, Albemarle Sound,
Croatan Sound, and Pamlico Sound, and the Sacramento and Columbia
rivers.
SHAD IN THE OCEAN.
The shad passes most of its existence at sea, and little is known of
its habits and movements when out of the rivers. The ocean areas to
which it resorts are unknown, and what its salt-water food consists
of has not been determined. In the Gulf of Maine it is known to
associate in large numbers with mackerel and herring during the
months of June, September, and October, being most numerous in June.
It has been taken at North Truro, Massachusetts, in the fall, when the
ocean temperature was from 45° to 49°. In the month of November,
one year after another, it has been found on the west side of Sakonnet
River, Rhode Island. In May and June it has been captured with
mackerel a few miles northeast of Cape Cod Light. Some instances
of capture indicate that under certain conditions the adults may
remain in the fresh-water rivers a whole year. In November, 1890, 600
were taken in the Chesapeake Bay. It has been found in the Potomac
in considerable abundance in August and September, and even during
the last week in December. Its movements are largely controlled by
the water temperature. It is believed that it aims to occupy a hydro-
thermal area of certain temperature; that its migrations are determined
by the shifting of this area, and that this temperature is between 60°
and 70°,
SHAD IN THE RIVERS.
The annual migration of the shad from the ocean to the rivers is
for the sole purpose of reproduction. It ascends to suitable spawning-
grounds, which are invariably in fresh water, occupying several weeks
in depositing and fertilizing its eggs in any given stream.
Its migrations from the sea are in quite a regular succession of
time with relation to latitude. It first appears in the St. Johns River,
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 135
Florida, about November 15, the season of greatest abundance being
February and March. In the Savannah River, Georgia, and the Edisto,
South Carolina, the run begins early in January and ends the last of
March. In the North Carolina rivers these stages of the migration are
a little later. In the Potomac River advance individuals appear late
in February, but the fish is most numerous in April. In the Delaware
River the maximum run is about the Ist of May. It reaches the Hud-
son River the last of March, and is found in the Connecticut toward
the end of April, is most abundant the last of May, and leaves the
stream late in July. In the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers, Maine,
it is first taken in April and has left by the middle of July. In the St.
John River, New Brunswick, it appears about the middle of May, and
in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick, late in May.
The main body of shad ascends the rivers when the temperature of
the water is from 56° to 66°, the numbers diminishing when the tem-
perature is over 66°. Successive schools enter the Potomac from
February to July, the males preceding the females. Of 61,000 shad
comprising the first of the run received at Washington, D. C., from
March 19 to 24, 1897, 90 per cent were males. Toward the close of the
season males are extremely scarce.
The movement of the shad up the rivers is not constant, but in
waves, causing a rise and fall in the catch. In some of the rivers the
fishermen claim that a fairly well-defined run occurs late in the season,
consisting of a somewhat different fish, known as ‘ May shad.”
The erection of impassable dams along the rivers and streams was
probably the first thing to curtail the natural spawning-grounds of
these fish and to seriously check their natural increase.
As shad enter the rivers only for the purpose of spawning, the
fisheries are necessarily prosecuted during the spawning season, and
often upon the favorite spawning-grounds. The increase of population
necessitates a larger supply of fish and requires the use of more
apparatus, and the number of shad that reach fresh water is therefore
greatly curtailed by assiduous fishing with all kinds of contrivances in
the estuaries and in the mouths and lower parts of rivers. Under these
conditions of a restricted spawning area and increased netting shad
would soon be exterminated without artificial propagation; or the fish-
ery, at least, would greatly diminish and become unprofitable. Such a
crisis was fast approaching in 1879, when the Fish Commission entered
upon systematic work in shad propagation.
From their birth until their return to the rivers shad are preyed
upon incessantly by other fish, so that the larger portion of the young
do not survive their few months’ sojourn in fresh water, and of those
which leave the rivers each season probably not one in one hundred
reaches maturity to deposit its eggs and contribute to the perpetuation
of its species. In the rivers striped bass, white perch, black bass, and
other predaceous fishes devour the young, and when they reach salt
water, sharks, horse-mackerel, kingfish, etc., undoubtedly destroy many
136 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
adults. It has been observed by North Carolina porpoise fishermen
that as the shad swim close along the shore the porpoises follow and
feed on them till they pass into fresh water. In the rivers the cole
shad is comparatively free from enemies.
To what extent the pollution of the waters has reduced the auiBers
of shad is not known, but acids, sawdust, garbage, oils, gas tar, and
refuse from dye-works all tend to make the water of rivers unsuitable
for them.
FOOD.
After entering the rivers, the shad takes but little, if any, food
previous to spawning, but after casting its eggs it bites at flies or any
small shining object, and has been known to take the artificial fly.
The mouth of the adult is practically toothless, and its throat contains
no functionally active teeth. The water which passes through the
branchial filter—the gillrakers—is deprived of the small animals which
are too large to pass through its meshes. It is a common remark with
fishermen and others that food is rarely found in the stomach of the
adult shad in fresh water, but examinations have shown that the shad
does, in some instances, eat small crustacea, insects, etc. The only
substance commonly found in its stomach in fresh water has the
appearance of black mud. It is held by some that the shad swims
with its mouth open and may unintentionally swallow the small organ-
isms found in its stomach under such circumstances, but as far as
observation of fish in aquaria and experienees of net fishermen go, the
shad does not swim with its mouth open.
NATURAL SPAWNING.
Shad are liable to be ripe anywhere above brackish water, and under
favorable temperature conditions spawn wherever they happen to be,
but in some river basins they exhibit a well-defined choice of spawning-
places, preferring localities below the mouths of creeks, where the
warmer water of creeks mingles with the colder channel water. The
shad lays its eggs during the highest daily average temperature, a con-
dition realized about sunset, when the warmer shoal water commingles
with the colder channel water, establishing a balance. The principal
spawning occurs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Observations on the Potomac
River show that of the eggs from shad caught in a seine only 11 per
cent were taken between midnight and noon, the percentage in the
morning being 14 one year and 8 another.
The eggs in the ovaries remain in a compact mass until they ripen, -
at first occupying but a small space, but gradually increasing until
they distend the whole abdomen, the average weight of the ovaries being
about 13 ounces. Close examination at the approach of the spawning
time will disclose large maturing eggs of rather uniform size and others
smaller and of variable size. Whether the latter are the forming eggs
for the next year, for two or three succeding years, or for the lifetime of
the fish has not been determined, nor is it know. whether shad spawn
every year. The small and shrunken ovaries of a spent fish are still
Report U. S. F. C. 1897. (To face page 136.) PLATE 37.
asce5 | 25s ||«4 2OR Messe etre seeta- 15 |
Moderately clear water is essential to the healthy development of
the fry. If much sediment is present it collects on the eggs and acts
very injuriously, often killing them. Sometimes eggs become so coated
with sediment that the fry appear to be unable to burst the shell;
some lots of eggs thus affected have been known to retain fry fully two
weeks beyond the normal period of incubation.
With eggs carefully taken and fertilized, and clear water of a
temperature from 41° to 47° F., it is possible te hatch from 70 to 85
per cent of the eggs, but when the temperature gets below 38° the
percentage of fry hatched is only from 25 to 50, and the average for the
season is thus greatly reduced. The number of fry hatched is deter-
mined by deducting the losses shown on the hatching-cards from the
number of eggs originally in the box. One liquid ounce is estimated
to contain 10,524 eggs.
CLEANING THE EGGS.
Owing to the accumulation of sediment and other foreign matters in
the hatching-boxes, it is necessary to clean the eggs daily, running the
sound eggs from one box to another through a slot, the dead eggs
being left behind. The slots in the partitions dividing the hatching
compartments correspond with similar slots in the boxes; they are 3
to 34 inches long and 14 inches deep, and are placed 3 inches from the
front of the compartments. To begin the cleaning of a given row of
boxes, a glass slip is fitted into the slot between the second and third
boxes, the first box being left empty for the purpose of receiving the
cleaned eggs from the second box. A wooden plug is then put in the
current hole at the back of the second box, and the siphon cap is
removed from the waste-pipe; this allows the box to fill with water,
and the eggs, undisturbed by the current, rise to the surface. The
water is allowed to enter the first box and to gradually fill it to the
level of the waste-pipe, and is then turned off.
oS
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MISCELLANEOUS MARINE FISHES.
In addition to the salt-water fishes previously considered, a number of
others have been artificially propagated by the U.S. Fish Commission.
With some of these the fish-cultural work has been rather extensive;
with others, hardly more than experimental. Among those to which
most attention has been given are tautog, Spanish mackerel, pollock,
and haddock. Others that have come in for a share of either practical
or experimental work are sea herring, scup, sea bass, squeteague,
cunner, sheepshead, and several flounders.
The same methods of culture mentioned hereafter in connection with
tautog are applicable in general to scup, sea bass, squeteague, and other
species having floating eggs.
THE TAUTOG.
The tautog ( Tautoga onitis) is a strongly marked species. It belongs
to a family (Labride, or the wrasses) characterized in part by one
dorsal fin, thoracic ventral fins, double nostrils, thick lips, and strong
teeth in the jaws. The tautog has an elongated body and a large head
with a convex profile. The rather small mouth is armed with strong
conical teeth in two series. The eye is small and placed high on the
side of the head. The body is covered with small scales, in about 60
transverse rows and 40 longitudinal series. The head is destitute of
scales, with the exception of a small patch behind theeye. The dorsal
fin is long and low, with 16 strong spines and 10 soft rays. The anal fin
contains 3 spines and 8 rays. The body length is 3{ or 34 times that of
head and 22 or 3 times the depth. The gillrakers are short, feeble, and
number only 9. The color of adults is almost uniformly blackish or
greenish; the young are marked by dark irregular crossbars on a pale
brownish background; chin, white; iris, bright green.
The tautog is of considerable importance in certain parts of its range.
It is found from Maine to South Carolina, but is most abundant in
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. It is one of the best-
known shore fishes of the east coast, and goes by a variety of names,
among which are blackfish, chub, oyster-fish, and moll, besides the
most generally used name of tautog.
The tautog inhabits principally rocky bottom, where it hides in crey-
ices, often with its body in an apparently very unnatural position. It
is quite susceptible to changes in temperature, and during winter enters
into a state of hibernation in the more northern parts of its range.
Its coastwise movements are very limited. Its sharp strong teeth
enable it to consume mollusks and crustaceans, which are its chief
food; it also eats sand-dollars, worms, and other animals.
219
220 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The tautog is taken for market in considerable numbers by means of
lines and traps. It bites quite readily and is a favorite with anglers.
Its average weight as caught for sale is not more than 2 or 3 pounds,
but tautog weighing from 6 to 15 pounds are not rare. The maximum
weight is about 224 pounds; such a specimen from New York, 364 inches
long, is preserved in the U.S. National Museum. The annual commer-
cial catch of tautog is about 1,500,000 pounds, valued at $60,000; nearly
half the yield is from Massachusetts.
The spawning season on the southern New England coast extends
from April to August, although June appears to be the principal month.
The young are very abundant along the shores in the fall.
The artificial propagation of tautog was experimentally undertaken
at Woods Hole in 1886, In 1896, 31,431,000 eggs were taken in June;
from these 17,575,000 fry were hatched and planted in neighboring
waters.
Tautog from which eggs for hatching are taken are obtained from
nets or from line fishermen near the station and transferred to live-cars.
When first brought in they seldom yield any eggs, but in 2 to 6 hours
they may be stripped of a part of their eggs. The eggs taken after fish
are held more than 6 hours are usually of no value, and those obtained
from fish retained one night are invariably worthless,
The tautog is very prolific. In 1896 a 93-pound fish yielded 1,142,600
eggs, and it was estimated that the ovaries contained fully as many
more eggs that were not yet mature. The average number of eggs per
fish is from 150,000 to 200,000.
The eggs of the tautog are about ;; inch in diameter. They are
buoyant, like those of the mackerel, and are susceptible of the same
method of hatching. When placed in the automatic tidal box, they
hatch in about 5 days, with the water temperature at 69° F., and in 2
or 3 days with the temperature at 71°.
The newly hatched fry are transparent and exceedingly small, the
length being only 4; inch. They are quite hardy and stand transpor-
tation well. They are planted shortly after hatching.
THE SPANISH MACKEREL.
The Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is the best-known
fish of the genus and the only one that has received the attention of
fish-culturists. From the other species of Scomberomorus found on the
eastern United States coast (S. regalis, the kingfish, and 8S. cavaila,
the cero) this fish is, in part, distinguished by its smaller size and by
the insertion of the soft dorsal fin in advance of the anal. The body
is long, the head small and pointed, the mouth large and armed with
prominent teeth. The anterior dorsal fin has 17 spines, the soft dorsal
has 18 rays. The anal fin has 2 spines and 17 rays. Behind both the
dorsal and anal fins are 9 small finlets. The lateral line is wavy and
has about 175 pores. The general color is silvery, dark-bluish above
and whitish below. The sides have numerous rounded yellowish spots.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 22
This fish is widely distributed, being found on both coasts of North
America. On the west coast it does not enter United States waters,
but on the Atlantic seaboard it ranges from Texas to Massachusetts.
It is especially abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, among the Florida keys,
in Chesapeake Bay, and on the coast of the Middle Altantic States.
Its maximum weight is about { pounds. Many weighing only 1 or
14 pounds are caught for market, and the average is less than 3 pounds.
The Spanish mackerel is one of the choicest food-fishes of American
waters; in popular estimation it is scarcely surpassed by any marine
species except the pompano. It is caught throughout its range on the
east’ coast with gill nets, seines, pound nets, and lines. The principal
fishing is on the west coast of Florida, on the Louisiana coast, in the
lower part of Chesapeake Bay, and on the coasts of New Jersey and New
York. Theapproximate annual value of the catch at present is $150,000,
which represents 1,700,000 pounds. In 1880 the output was 1,887,000
pounds, having a value of $132,000. The yield in the Middle States is
much Jess than formerly, while in the Gulf States it has increased.
The fish spawns throughout its entire range on the United States
coast. The spawning season is quite prolonged, extending from April
in the Carolinas to September in New York, and in a given locality
continues from six to ten weeks. All of the eggs in the ovaries of a
given fish do not mature at one time; eggs in all stages of development
may be found, suggesting a comparatively long spawning season for
individual fish as well as for the species as a whole. ‘The eggs, when
laid, float at the surface, where they are driven about by wind and tide.
Doubtless a large percentage of the eggs do not hatch, through failure
of fertilization and by being stranded. The eggs are very small, their
diameter being only =; to 34; of an inch.
The artificial impregnation and hatching of Spanish mackerel eggs
were first accomplished in 1880, since which time the propagation of
the fish has been taken up on a number of occasions, although the
work in any one season has been comparatively limited.
The serious diminution in the supply of this species in certain sec-
tions seems to call for its artificial cultivation whenever it can be taken
up without detriment to the propagation of other more or equally
important fish.
In the work of artificially propagating this fish recourse has been
had to the nets of commercial fishermen for the supply of spawn and
milt. Chesapeake Bay has been the seat of the principal operations,
which have been conducted by the steamer Fish Hawk. The catch of
Spanish mackerel in this bay in pound nets and other appliances is
very large, and the facilities for fish-cultural work of this character
are doubtless superior to those of any other section, with the possible
exception of the west coast of Florida.
The necessity for depending on the fishermen for the supply of eggs
is somewhat detrimental to the best results and prevents extensive
work, although the owners of fishing apparatus heartily cooperate.
992 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Owing to the fact that the fish appear to spawn mostly at night,
when the pound nets are lifted in the morning the ripe eggs have in
many cases been extruded before the spawn-taker could secure them.
The injuries which the fish sustain while in the pound nets and during
the hauling of the nets appear to seriously affect the eggs and cause
the non-hatching of a comparatively large percentage. Undoubtedly
better results may be obtained if a number of nets are fished exclu-
sively for this purpose, insuring the careful removal of fish at the best
times for taking and fertilizing the eggs.
The eggs are very delicate and susceptible to meteorological influ-
ences. Their development is markedly affected by water temperature
and atmospheric conditions; electrical disturbances, as with other fish
eges, areinjurious, but to what extent and in what way are not known.
The largest number of ripe eggs thus far taken from a single specimen
is 60,000, but the average is only 20,000.
The Chester jar, such as is used in hatching flatfish eggs, has been
found the best apparatus for Spanish mackerel eggs. If the jars are
kept clean and not overcrowded, a constant current of water does not
seem to be essential; of a lot of 60,000 eggs in a jar of quiet water, 90
per cent hatched. The cod tidal-box is also adapted to this work.
In ordinary bay water having a density of 1.014 to 1.019, the eggs
are buoyant and remain at the surface until hatching ensues; but in
water of low specific gravity they sink and give unsatisfactory results.
The period of incubation is very short. Under normal conditions eggs
hatch in 20 to 30 hours, averaging 25 hours, at a temperature of 77°
or 78°. The fry are planted soon after hatching.
HADDOCK, POLLOCK, AND OTHER GADIDZ.
The methods of culture employed with the cod are applicable to other
members of the cod family having buoyant eggs. The United States
Fish Commission have frequently taken and hatched eggs of the pollock
(Pollachius virens) and the haddock (Melanogrammus ceglifinus). Both
are important food-fishes, but much less valuable than the cod, and the
collection of eggs has generally been only supplemental to cod work.
The pollock is found from New Jersey northward. It goes in large
schools, which are often found at the surface, thus differing from the
cod and haddock. The average weight is 9 or 10 pounds, and the
maximum about 30 pounds. Fishing is chiefly done from small vessels
and boats, and is most important in Massachusetts. The value of the
annual catch is about $100,000. The pollock is an excellent food-fish
in both a fresh and a salted condition.
The eggs of the pollock have at times been gathered in large num-
bers in the vicinity of Gloucester; during some seasons about 40,000,000
eggs have been taken. The eggs measure about =; inch in diameter.
The pollock spawning season includes the months of October, Novem-
ber, and December. The fish from which eggs are obtained are taken
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 223
with nets and lines by commercial fishermen; the average number of
eggs to a fish is from 200,000 to 250,000. The period of inenbation is
somewhat shorter than that of the cod, being 9 days at 43° and 6 days
at 49°. About 5 days are required for the absorption of the yolk-sac.
The haddock ranges from Delaware northward, and is, as a rule, very
abundant on the “banks” lying off the New England shore. In its
habits it is similar to the cod, frequenting the same grounds and being
caught at the same time. Its average weight is about 4 pounds and
the maximum under 20 pounds. The fishery is very extensive in Mas-
sachusetts, most of the catch being landed fresh in Boston. The
annual yield is about 50,000,000 pounds, worth $1,115,000.
The artificial propagation of haddock has been conducted chiefly at
Gloucester, where as many as 30,000,000 eggs have been collected in a
single season. The eggs are about =}; inch in diameter, and are quite
delicate and tender. The spawning time extends from January to
June. The average production of eggs per fish is about 100,000.
The eggs are slightly glutinous and have a tendency to form into
small lumps during hatching. At a mean temperature of 37° they
hatch in 15 days, and at 41° in 13 days. The yolk-sac is absorbed in
10 days at a temperature of 41°.
The tomcod or frostfish (Microgadus tomcod) has been extensively
propagated by the New York Fish Commission. It is a small but
excellent food-fish, found along the Atlantic coast from New York to
the Bay of Fundy. It is most abundant in early winter, when it
approaches the shores and ascends streams for the purpose of spawn-
ing. It rarely exceeds 10 or 12 inches in length.
THE CUNNER.
The eggs of the cunner or chogset (Ctenolabrus adspersus) are of the
same size and character as those of its near relation, the tautog, and
are deposited during the same season. In water having a mean tem-
perature of 56° F. they have been hatched in 5 days, in the tidal cod-jar.
On account of the small size, great abundance, and comparatively
little commercial value, the propagation of the cunner has not been
regularly undertaken.
THE SCUP.
The seup (Stenotomus chrysops) is a rather important small food-fish
found along the Atlantic coast from Cape Ann to South Carolina; it is
most abundant in southern New England. It spawns in June. The
eggs are 3; inch in diameter and hatch in 4 days at a mean tem-
perature of 62° F.
THE SEA BASS.
The eggs of the sea bass (Centropristes striatus) are of the same size
as scup eggs, are deposited in June, and hatch in 5 days with the
water temperature 59° or 60°. The sea bass is an important food-fish,
224 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
found from Massachusetts to Florida; it is taken in large quantities
from New Jersey northward with lines and traps. It attains a weight
of 5 pounds, but the average weight is only 1 or 14 pounds.
THE SQUETEAGUES.
The squeteague or weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is a prominent food-
fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the northern limit of its range
being in the vicinity of Cape Cod. It goes in immense schools and is
taken in large quantities for market, in North Carolina, Chesapeake
Bay, Delaware Bay, on the New Jersey and New York coasts, and in
southern New England. It varies greatly in size; the average weight
is under 5 pounds, but it has been known to attain a weight of 30
pounds. In the vicinity of Woods Hole this fish spawns in June. Its
eggs are =, inch in diameter, and at an average temperature of 60° F.
hatch in 2 days.
The spotted squeteague or ‘“‘sea trout” (Cynoscion nebulosum) has
also been propagated on a small seale. It is a valuable food-fish from
Chesapeake Bay southward, being taken in largest quantities in Vir-
ginia, North Carolina, Florida, and the Gulf States. Its average weight
is 2 pounds and its maximum 10 pounds. It spawns in bays and sounds
in spring and summer, the time varying with the latitude. The eggs
are buoyant, 34; inch in diameter, and hatch in about 40 hours at a
temperature of 77° F. This species has been artificially hatched on
the southwest coast of Florida by the steamer Fish Hawk.
THE SHEEPSHEAD.
The sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is generally regarded
as one of the best food fishes of American waters. Its deep body, of a
grayish color, marked by 8 transverse black bands, and its peculiarly
shaped head, with mouth armed with prominent incisor teeth, make it
readily recognized. It ranges from Cape Cod to Texas, but is most
abundant from Chesapeake Bay southward. It attains a weight of
over 20 pounds, but the average weight on the Atlantic coast is not
over 7 or 8 pounds, and in the Gulf of Mexico scarcely exceeds 3 pounds.
In southern waters the fish is a permanent resident, but in the northern
part of its range it is found only during spring, summer, and autumn.
The spawning season is from March to June, according to the locality.
The artificial hatching of the sheepshead has been undertaken on
several occasions, but is not regularly prosecmuted. The most extensive
work was conducted by the Fish Hawk in March and April, 1889, when
23,400,000 eggs were taken in the vicinity of San Carlos Bay, on the
southwest coast of Florida. These yielded 16,500,000 healthy fry, most
of which were planted in local waters.
In capturing spawning fish on the Florida coast it was found that
the best time to use the seine was just before sundown, as the flood tide
was about to ‘‘make.” The fish were then easily taken in large numbers.
Seine hauls in the morning consisted only of male fish. Spawning
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 225
sheepshead swim in schools, and seem to prefer sandy beaches, along
which they resort at a depth of 6 or 8 feet.
The sheepshead egg is very small, transparent, and of less specific
gravity than sea water. The diameter is 3}; of an inch, and the number
in a fluid ounce is about 50,000, or 1,600,000 in a quart.
The eggs are satisfactorily incubated in the tidal cod-jar, about
300,000 eggs being placed in each jar. The development is very rapid,
and in the warm water of the Gulf (76° or 77° F.) the eggs hatch in 40
hours. The newly hatched fry are very small, but active and strong,
and withstand considerable rough handling. They are planted when
72 to 80 hours old.
It is probably not practicable to carry on extensive sheepshead
hatching north of Florida, although small quantities of eggs could
doubtless be taken in North Carolina and Virginia.
THE SEA HERRING.
The sea herring (Clupea harengus) may be distinguished from other
clupeoid fishes found in United States waters by the following char-
acters: Body elongate and laterally compressed, the. depth contained
4$ times in length; mouth at end of snout; lower jaw projecting,
extending to beneath the middle of eye; roof of mouth with an ovate
patch of small teeth; gillrakers long and slender, about 40 below
the angle in adults, fewer in young; dorsal fin with 18 rays, inserted
slightly behind middle of body; ventral fins beginning beneath middle
of dorsal; anal fin with 17 rays; median line of belly with 28 weak
spines or scutes in front of ventral fins and 13 behind fins; scales thin,
easily detached, posterior edges rounded, 57 in lateral series; color
bluish or bluish-green above, light-silvery below.
The sea herring exists in great abundance on both shores of the
Atlantic Ocean north of the latitude of about 37° north. On the coast
of North America it is not regularly abundant south of Cape Cod, but
it is occasionally found as far south as Chesapeake Bay. In number of
individuals this species is probably exceeded by no other fish. On the
Pacific Coast a similar and almost equally abundant species (Olwpea
pallasit) is found from Alaska to Mexico.
There are no well-defined movements of the herring on the west
shore of the Atlantic, if those induced by the spawning instinct are
excepted. There was formerly a distinct shoreward migration, during
the winter months, in the Bay of Fundy, but this run has not occurred
for a number of years. In many places the herring, especially the
smaller individuals, appear to be resident in the shore waters. The
maximum length of this fish is about 17 inches, and the usual length of
spawning fish on the United States coast is from 11 to 14 inches.
The herring subsists on minute invertebrates, chief among which are
copepods, larval worms, and larval mollusks. In turn it is consumed
in enormous quantities by cod, haddock, sharks, and many other fishes.
F. C. R. 1897 —15
226 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
With respect to the time of spawning, the herring may be divided
into two groups, one spawning in the spring, in April, May, and June,
and the other between July and December. The spring spawning
oceurs entirely east of Eastport, Maine, and the fall spawning prinei-
pally, but not altogether, west of that place. Probably the greatest
spawning grounds south of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are at Grand
Manan, where the eggs are deposited principally in July, August, and
September. Thence the season becomes progressively later westward,
on the coast of Maine occurring between September 1 and October 15;
on the eastern coast of Massachusetts, between October 1 and Novem-
ber 1, and south of Cape Cod from October 15 to December 1.
The female herring of average size deposits between 20,000 and 47,000
ege’s at a spawning, the usual number being not far from 30,000. The
eggs are deposited upon the bottom, and, being covered with a glutinous
material which soon hardens in contact with the water, they become
firmly attached to extraneous materials, to which they often adhere in
masses as large aS a walnut. The egg measures about 4 inch in
diameter, and is usually polyhedral from mutual pressure exerted by the
eggs in masses.
The commercial value of the sea herring is almost incaleulable. Itis
undoubtedly the most important of food-fishes, although in the United
States it is exceeded in economic value by many marine and fresh-water
species. Some time ago the annual yield of the world was estimated
at 3,000,000,000 herring, weighing 1,500,000,000 pounds, the principal
part of which was taken in Norway. In the New England States the
annual catch is about 55,000,000 pounds, with a first value of $350,000,
The fish is taken chiefly with seines and weirs, and about five-sevenths
of the yield is obtained on the coast of Maine. The market value of
the output is greatly enhanced by the salting, smoking, and canning
processes to which a large part of the catch is subjected. In Maine the
canning of young herring as sardines is a very important industry.
Fresh herring are used chiefly for bait in the line fisheries for cod and
other “ground fish.”
Experiments in the artificial propagation of the herring have been
conducted both in this country and in Europe, but owing to the great
abundance of the species the work has not been carried beyond this
experimental stage. In the United States there has as yet been no
permanent diminution of the supply that renders the cultivation of the
species necessary, notwithstanding an extremely large fishery and the
sacrifice of enormous quantities of very small fish.
The first successful attempt to propagate this fish was in 1878, in
Germany, when elaborate experiments were made. In the same year
the artificial hatching of the species was accomplished by the United
States Fish Commission. Theeggs, owing to their cohesion into masses,
showed a tendency to molding, but this difficulty could doubtless be
obviated by the use of starch, as with other cohesive eggs.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 220
Development takes place in water ranging in temperature between
33° and 55° F., the time of incubation varying from about 40 days at the
former temperature to 11 or 12 days at the latter. Sudden and extreme
variation between the temperature limits mentioned had little or no
effect except to retard or accelerate the hatching in accordance with
the rule just mentioned. When water of a temperature lower than
33° I’. was used many of the embryos were deformed. The degree of
salinity of the water does not appear to exert much influence upon the
hatching of the eggs.
THE SAND-DAB AND FOUR-SPOTTED FLOUNDER.
Besides the flatfish or winter flounder, two other flounders have been
artificially hatched, on a small scale, at Woods Hole; these are the
sand-dab (Lothus maculatus) and the four-spotted flounder (Paralichthys
oblongus). The eggs of both fish are buoyant, and deposited in May.
Those of the former are 31, inch in diameter, and of the latter s'; inch.
The period of incubation at a temperature varying from 51° to 54° F,
is about 8 days.
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PLATE 61.
(To face page 229.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
ican Lobster.
Amer
HOMARUS AMERICANUS.
THE AMERICAN LOBSTER.
DESCRIPTION.
The lobster (Homarus americanus) belongs to that group of the crus-
tacea called the Decapoda, because all of its members are provided with
ten feet, more or less adapted for walking. To the Decapoda also belong
the crabs and the shrimps, prawns, and crayfish. The crabs are less
related to the lobster than the other forms mentioned, and may be
readily distinguished from them by the relatively great breadth of the
body and the small size of the abdomen or tail, which is doubled under
the thorax to form the “apron.” The lobsters, crayfish, shrimps, ete.,
are elongate forms with the tail or abdomen very large and extended
more or less in the same horizontal plane with the anterior part of the
body. The lobster and the crayfishes are somewhat closely related, but
differ, among other characters, in the number and structure of the gills
and in the relative size of the flat plate or scale which is attached at
the base of the antenne or long feelers. The Pacific Coast crayfishes
have 18 gills, those east of the Rocky Mountains have 17, while the
lobster has 20. The appendage of the antenna is large in the cray-
fishes, but very small in the lobster. Moreover, the crayfishes rarely
exceed 5 or 6 inches in length, while the adult lobster is much larger,
as seen in the markets, seldom measuring less than 9 or 10 inches.
The spiny lobster, the “lobster” of the Pacific Coast, is readily distin-
guished from the crayfish and the common lobster by the total absence
of great claws, by the greater length and stoutness of the antenne, and
by the presence of large, broad-based, spinous processes on the back.
The body of the lobster is divided into two distinct regions, the
cephalothorax and abdomen. The former consists of the head and
thorax fused into one united whole. That portion which would consti-
tute the head, were it separate, bears the eyes, the two pairs of feelers,
and the mouth, with the several pairs of modified limbs which surround
that organ and aid in tearing up the food and passing it between the
lips. The thoracic portion of the cephalothorax is furnished with five
pairs of stout limbs, the first pair bearing the great claws, which are
rarely of the same size on the two sides, and the last four pairs being used
in walking. From the fact that this portion of the body bears five pairs
of appendages, it is assumed that it represents five fused segments.
The abdomen is narrower than the cephalothorax and is composed
of six separate segments movable on one another. In the female the
229
2930 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
first five pairs of abdominal appendages, known as swimmerets, are all
similar and consist of a short basal piece and two terminal pieces side
by side. The appendages of the sixth segment consist of the same
arrangement of parts, but the pieces are broad and paddle-lke, and,
with the terminal plate attached to the last segment, constitute a
powerful caudal paddle or tail. In the male the abdomen is narrower
than in the female, and the first two pairs of swimmerets differ much
from those which follow.
The color of the lobster is subject to great variation, but most fre-
quently is dark bluish-green above, mottled with dark-green blotches;
there is usually more or less red or vermilion on the appendages,
especially on the tubercles, tips, and under side of the great claws
and on the antenne; the walking legs are light blue with reddish tips
and tufts of hair. Occasionally specimens are found which are almost
entirely red, and more frequently they are blue or bluish in general tone.
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE.
The lobster is found from Labrador to Delaware, its range covering
about 1,300 miles of coast line. Stragglers have been taken on the
coasts of Virginia and North Carolina. While the bathic range is prac-
tically limited by the 100-fathom line, it is occasionally found long
distances from land on the fishing-banks off the New England coast.
The lobster is most abundant in the northern part of its habitat.
On the United States coast it is most numerous in Maine. In the
provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, and also in
Newfoundland it is extremely abundant.
MOVEMENTS.
The movements of the lobster are chiefly on and off shore. Such
coastwise movements as characterize the mackerel, bluefish, and men-
haden are never undertaken by the lobster. This fact makes possible
the rapid depletion of fishing-grounds, and even the practical exter-
mination of the lobster in given areas; it also affords basis for the
belief in the efficacy of artificial means for maintaining and increasing
the supply.
There are well-marked movements of the lobster induced by various
influences, among which are the abundance or scarcity of food, the
water temperature, and the spawning instinct. On the United States
coast there is in the spring months a shoreward movement of large
bodies of lobsters; -on the approach of winter the lobsters move out
into deep water.
FOOD.
The principal food of the lobster is fish, either dead or alive. Such
bottom species as the sculpin, flounder, and sea-robin can doubtless be
readily caught by the lobster, and they also consume a large number
of invertebrates, among them being crabs and other crustaceans, clams,
conchs, and other mollusks, starfish, sea-urchins, etc. Lobster eggs
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 231
have been found in a lobster’s stomach, and alge sometimes serve as
food. Fish is the bait most extensively employed in the lobster fishery.
.
REPRODUCTION.
The reproductive function of the lobster is not generally understood,
and until a comparatively recent date a number of important questions
in relation thereto were undecided. From the standpoints of the com-
mercial fishermen, fish-culturist, and legislator, it is necessary that the
principal phases of this subject be clearly appreciated, in order that
the supply may be maintained.
The principal spawning season for lobsters on the United States coast
is Summer, especially July and August, when probably three-fourths of
the lobsters deposit theireggs. The remaining egg-producing lobsters
lay during the fall and winter. A given lobster does not spawn oftener
than every second year, as has been shown by recent studies conducted
by the Commission.
The eggs are fertilized outside the body of the female. The sper-
matic fluid is deposited in a receptacle at the base of the third pair of
walking legs, and retains its vitality for along time. When the eggs
are being extruded, the female lobster lies on her back and folds the
tail so as to form a kind of chamber to retain the eggs. After their
discharge from the body, the eggs become coated witha cement substance
secreted by glands in the swimmerets; this substance hardens after
being in contact with the water and firmly unites the eggs to the hair-
like filaments on the swimmerets. The exact method by which the
fertilizing principle is conveyed to the eggs from the pouch in which it
is contained is not known.
The incubative period is much prolonged. After the eggs are
extruded and become attached externally, they are carried 10 or 11
months before hatching ensues; during this time they are carefully
protected, and are perfectly aerated by the active motion of the swim-
merets. On the United States coast most of the lobsters emerge from
the egg in June, although some of the hatching is completed in May
and some in July or even later. A few eggs are now known to hatch
in winter. All of the embryos do not come from the eges at the same
time, the hatching occupying a week or more. The young receive no
attention from the adults, but lead an independent existence immedi-
ately after escaping from the egg.
The lobster egg is about ;'; inch in diameter. When newly laid it is
usually of a dark-green color, but is sometimes light-grayish or yellow-
ish-green.
The known maximum number of eggs produced at one time by a
lobster is 97,440; the average from lobsters taken for market is 10,000
to 12,000. The number depends largely on the size of the lobster,
apparently in conformity to the following rule: The numbers of eggs
laid by given lobsters vary in a geometric scale, while the lengths of
the lobsters vary in an arithmetic scale.
232 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The following table illustrates, with approximate accuracy, the egg-
producing capacities of lobsters of the lengths indicated under normal
conditions: :
Length of lobster. | Sr |
IG trchesteees ee fea hyt 5,000 |
L'inches 2-222. 22-22. 4--5 10, 000
| Jd 2anchess2.sss-5- 35-55-25 20,000 |
idanches- est acs sce eee. woe 40, 000
| WG inches ste ee ee 80, 000
MOLTING AND GROWTH.
The act of shedding the shell, or molting, is important and critical.
It is only after shedding that growth takes place; during the early
stages of the lobster’s existence this function is often exercised in a
comparatively short time, while later it occurs only at long intervals.
Molting in the lobster consists in throwing off the entire external skele-
ton, together with the lining of the digestive tract.
The first molt takes place about the time the young emerges from
the egg, when it is about a third of an inch long, and many lobsters
do not survive this. During this first stage the larval lobster swims
at or near the surface. A second molt ensues in from 1 to 5 days, and
the lobster enters on its second stage, its average length being about
two-fifths of an inch and its habits similar to the first stage. In 2 to
5 days another molt takes place, and the length of the larva increases
to about half an inch. This is followed in 2 to 8 days by another molt,
and the lobster enters on the fourth stage, when its length becomes
slightly greater. From 10 to 20 days later the fifth molt ushers in the
fifth stage, after which the surface-swimming habit is discarded and the
larva goes to the bottom and begins to assume the characteristics of the
adult. This stage lasts 11 to 18 days, and in it the young lobster has
attained a length of about three-fifths of aninch. From this time on the
molts are at longer and longer intervals until the fully mature condition
is reached, when shedding takes place only once in one or two years.
The food of lobsters during the larval stages consists chiefly of small
crustaceans. A.very pugnacious instinct then characterizes them, and
active cannibalism prevents their artificial rearing for lack of abundant
natural food.
Larval lobsters are very susceptible to the influence of the sun (helio-
tropic) while in the first three stages, being attracted by bright rays
to the surface of the ocean or to the side of a vessel. This peculiarity
is lost during the fourth stage.
During the first year the young lobster, which since the fourth stage
has become more and more like the adult in form and habits with each
molt, attains a length of about 2 or3inches. At the end of the second
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 233
year the length is 5 to 7 inches. By the end of 43 or 5 years a length
of about 10 inches is reached. The rate of growth, however, depends
greatly on the environment, the abundance of food being a very impor-
tant factor.
The adult lobster usually molts in summer, and in the case of the
female, shortly after the hatching of the eggs, As several months are
required for the new shell to acquire the hardness of the old; as newly-
laid eggs are rarely found on a soft-shell lobster; as molting does not
ensue while the eggs are on the swimmerets; and, furthermore, as
dissection has shown that the ovaries of a lobster whose eggs have
recently hatched are in an immature condition and wiil not yield eggs
until the succeeding year, it follows that the mature lobster deposits
eggs not oftener than once in two years, with an alternating molt.
SIZE AND WEIGHT.
The average size of lobsters caught for market is now much less than
it was in the earlier days of the fishery, and their average weight is
probably not over 2 pounds. A lobster 9 inches long weighs, on an
average, 14 pounds; a 104-inch lobster, 1? pounds; a 12-inch lobster, 3
pounds; and a 15-inch lobster, 4 to 5 pounds; while a lobster 20 inches
long weighs 20 pounds or more. Lobsters weighing as much as 15 or
20 pounds are uncommon, and those weighing over 20 pounds are very
rare. Up toa recent date, the largest lobster of authenticated weight
wa: about 25 pounds. In 1897, however, 3 lobsters, each weighing over
30 pounds, were taken off Sandy Hook, N.J., the weight of the largest
being 35 pounds.
The male lobster weighs more than the female of the same length,
the difference in 11-inch lobsters, for instance, being about a quarter
of a pound.
The size at which the lobster attains sexual maturity is a very
important question. In the New England and Middle States and the
Canadian Provinces the laws relating to the minimum size of market-
able lobsters are quite various and illustrate the absence of definite
information on this subject. In Maine, Massachusetts, New Hamp-
shire, and New York the minimum limit of size of lobsters that may be
sold is now 104 inches; in Rhode Island it is 10 inches, and in Con-
necticut it is 9 inches. In the British Provinces the limit is much
lower than in Maine.
Investigations conducted by the Fish Commission on the New England
coast show that the female lobster attains maturity when from 8 to 12
inches long. Comparatively few lobsters under 9 inches in length
lay eggs. -Of over 1,000 egg-bearing lobsters collected at Woods Hole
during a period of years, less than 2 per cent were under 9 inches long.
On the other hand, by the time they have reached the length of 104
inches most lobsters will have produced eggs, and this should be the
minimum size permitted in the markets.
234 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
COMMERCIAL VALUE.
The lobster is the most important crustacean of the United States.
It is the object of a special fishery, carried on with pots or traps, in all
the coastal States from Delaware northward, and also in Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Newfoundland.
In Maine, where the fishery is more important than in any other State,
the lobster is the principal fishery product. In 1892 over 3,500 persons
were engaged in this fishery in the United States: the capital invested
was about $650,000, and the catch amounted to 23,725,000 pounds,
valued at $1,062,000. In 1880 the yield was but little smaller (20,240,000
pounds), but the market value was much less, being only $488,000.
Between 1889 and 1892 the New England lobster catch decreased
over 7,000,000 pounds, or 23 per cent, while the value increased over
$200,000, or 25 per cent. Fora number of years this fishery presented
the anomaly of a diminishing supply and an augmented catch, owing
to the more active prosecution of the business; but the decline in the
yield has for some time been unchecked, notwithstanding the employ-
ment of more apparatus and the prolongation of the fishing season.
With a singular disregard for their own welfare, many fishermen have
continually violated the State laws for the protection of small, imma-
ture lobsters and females bearing eggs. Only the rigid enforcement of
restrictive measures by the States and the extensive artificial propaga-
tion of the lobster can ward off the destruction which threatens this
valuable fishery.
INCEPTION AND PROGRESS OF LOBSTER-CULTURE.
If egg-bearing lobsters were not liable to destruction by man, arti-
ficial propagation would hardly be necessary. Notwithstanding the
enactment of stringent laws prohibiting the sale of ‘ berried ” lobsters,
the frequent sacrifice of such lobsters, with their eggs, and of many
immature lobsters, has seriously reduced the lobster output and rendered
active and stringent measures imperative. By the present methods
millions of lobster eggs are annually taken and hatched that would be
lost, and the females producing them, amounting to several thousands,
are liberated.
Prior to 1885 experiments had been conducted at various points look-
ing to the artificial propagation of the lobster. The only practical
attempts of this nature previous to those made by the Fish Commission
were by means of “‘ parking,” that is, holding in large naturally inclosed
basins lobsters that had been injured, soft-shelled ones, and those below
marketable size. Occasionally female lobsters with spawn were placed
in the same inclosures. One of these parks was established in Massa-
chusetts in 1872, but was afterward abandoned ; another was established
on the coast of Maine about 1880. It was soon demonstrated, however,
that the results from inclosures of this character, so far as the rearing
of the lobsters from the young were concerned, would not be sufficient
to materially affect the general supply.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 235
The completion of the new marine laboratory and hatchery at Woods
Hole in 1885, with its complete system of salt-water circulation, per-
mitted the commencement of experiments in artificial hatching on a
large scale, which had not been practicable theretofore, although small
quantities of lobster eggs, as well as those of other crustaceans, had
been successfully hatched. In 1886 the experiments had progressed so
successfully that several million eggs were collected and hatched at
Woods Hole, the fry being deposited in Vineyard Sound and adjacent
waters. I*rom 1887 to 1890, inclusive, the number of eggs collected
was 17,821,000.
From the eggs collected up to 1889 the average production of fry was
about 54 per cent. During these years experiments were conducted as
to the best method of hatching the eggs. The various forms of appa-
ratus used were the Chester jar, the McDonald tidal box, and the
McDonald automatic hatching-jar. In 1889 the results secured in the
latter form of apparatus were so much better than with the others that
it was adopted, and in 1890, from the 4,353,000 eggs collected, over 81
per cent yielded fry. Work was continued at Woods Hole on about
the same scale until 1894, when the collections aggregated 97,000,000
eggs. In thesame year iobster propagation was undertaken at Glouces-
ter and a collection of 10,000,000 eggs was made there.
During the fiscal year 189) the number of eggs taken by the Fish
Commission was 105,188,000, the resulting fry liberated numbering
97,579,000, or about 93 per cent; and in 1897 the collections amounted
to 150,000,000 eggs, of which 135,000,000, or 90 per cent, were hatched.
COLLECTION OF EGG-BEARING LOBSTERS.
Although the new eggs appear on the lobsters during the months of
July and August, no special effort is made to secure egg-bearing
lobsters until the following spring. The collections usually commence
in April and continue until the middle of July. At Woods Hole it
has been the recent practice to receive at the station and place in the
hatching-jars during the fall and winter any lobsters having external
eges that may be captured by local fisherman. The collecting-grounds
extend from New London, Connecticut, to Rockland, Maine. For Woods
Hole station eggs are secured from fishermen operating between New
London, Connecticut, and Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The most important grounds in Connecticut are in the vicinity of New
London and Noank; in Massachusetts, New Bedford, Sonth Dartmouth,
Plymouth, Woods Hole, and numerous localities in Buzzards Bay and
Vineyard Sound. Eggs for the Gloucester station are secured from the
fishermen operating between Boston and Rockland, which territory
comprises the most important lobster fishery in the United States. The
schooner Grampus is used in making the collections between Portland
and Rockland, the lobsters being delivered at Gloucester early in the
season and later on to the steamer Fish Hawk, which is stationed at a
suitable point in Casco Bay.
236 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
As the laws of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine prohibit
the holding of the “ berried” lobsters by the fishermen, arrangements
are made with the State authorities by which certain officials of the Fish
Commission are appointed deputy wardens and authorized to hold egg-
bearing lobsters for fish-cultural purposes in live-boxes. Early in the
spring all of the lobster fishermen in the territory referred to above are
visited by agents of the Commission, who arrange with them to hold
all of their egg lobsters in live-cars until called for, at a price agreed on.
Collections are made from Woods Hole and Gloucester by steam
launches and sailing vessels. The steam launches visit the near points
three to four times a week to obtain egg-bearing lobsters. The vessels
collect at more distant points in Connecticut and Maine. Local agents
at Boston and Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Kittery Point, Maine,
also collect egg-bearing lobsters, which are held in live-boxes until the
agent has a sufficient number to make a trip. On the arrival of the
vessel or launch at the station the lobsters are transferred to tanks
supplied with running water and held until the spawn-taker is ready to
strip the eggs.
TAKING AND MEASURING THE EGGS.
The receptacle into which the spawn-taker strips the eggs from a
lobster is either a glass jar (9 inches in diameter) or a water-bucket,
which, after thorough cleaning, is partly filled with water.
The operator, with his left hand, grasps the lobster from above and
turns it on its back, lowering it into the spawning-vessel head down-
ward. By pressing it firmly against the sides of the jar it is prevented
from using the anterior part of its body or its mandibles. The hand is
then slipped farther back toward the tail and the segmented portion of
the body is held firmly to prevent its closing. The lobster is then ready
for stripping. A rather dull, short-bladed knife is used to separate
the eggs from the swimmerets, to which they are attached by hair-like
fibers; stripping begins at the last pair of swimmerets and gradually
proceeds toward the body. As the eggs are scraped off they fall into
the water in the jar. Some which adhere to the claws of the lobster
are washed off by means of a small stream of water. The lobster is
then put back into a tank, where it remains until liberated.
Lobsters received by the local agents at Boston and Kittery Point
are held until a suitable quantity is on hand and are then stripped, the
eges being taken to the station in transportation cans and the adults
released. Early in the spring the eggs stand transportation well, but
late in the season, as incubation becomes more advanced, they are very
delicate and are quickly affected by rough handling or sudden changes
in temperature.
Before being transferred to the hatching-vessels the eggs are accu-
rately measured, generally with a glass graduate, into which they are
poured, the water being drawn off. The basis of measure is an ounce,
which contains about 6,090 eggs.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. Dot
HATCHING APPARATUS AND OPERATIONS.
Experiments conducted during a series of years having demonstrated
that the automatic hatching-jar was the best form of apparatus for
hatching lobster eggs, it has been adopted at the stations of the Com-
mission since 1889. A full description of this jar is given in the article
on shad-culture, pp. 150-152, The manipulation and operation of the jar
is practically the same as with shad eggs, except that frequently, where
the water supply is inadequate, three jars are connected by means of
rubber tubing and the water used over and over. This is accomplished
by connecting the overflow from the first jar with the supply to the
second and so on, but can only be done during the early stages before
the fry commence to hatch. When first placed in the jar the eggs are
matted together by the fine hair-like fibers, but after a few days they
separate and work very much like shad eggs.
From 400,000 to 500,000 eggs (equivalent to about 2 to 24 quarts) are
usually placed in each jar, although at times when the hatchery is
crowded a few more may be successfully cared for.
The fry pass voluntarily from these jars to cylindrical glass jars, 9
inches in diameter and either 9 or 18 inches high, placed in the center
of the table and covered with cheese-cloth at the top to prevent their
escape.
The period of incubation depends entirely upon the age of the egg
when collected. For example, eggs taken in October do not hatch until
the following May, whereas eggs collected in June frequently hatch
in 24 hours after being placed in the jars. During one season eggs
collected from December 12 to January 25, numbering 1,717,000, at a
temperature of 45°, commenced hatching May 25 at a temperature of
54°. ‘To determine how soon the new-laid eggs can be taken from the
parent and hatched artificially, collections were begun early in July
and continued until fall, for several seasons, the eggs being placed in
hatching-jars at the Woods Hole Station; all those collected prior to
October 15 died. In November, 1895, 15,000,000 were placed in jars
and carried through the winter under very unfavorable conditions, but
hatched with a loss of only 50 per cent. The density of the water at
Woods Hole varies from 1.025 to 1.025, its average temperature being
from 49° to 64° during the months of April, May, and June.
THE LOBSTER FRY.
Owing to the cannibalistic habits of young lobsters when closely
crowded, it has been the policy of the Commission to liberate the fry
aS soon after hatching as possible. They are taken out in ordinary
10-gallon transportation cans, about 200,000 being placed in a can for
short shipments and 125,000 for long shipments, and liberated in the
vicinity of the grounds from which the adult lobsters were taken.
When this is impracticable, they are liberated in Vineyard Sound and
Buzzards Bay with an outgoing tide, so as to insure their wide distri-
238 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
bution. The question of the transportation of lobster fry any great
distance is still an unsettled one, as in but few instances has it been
attempted to ship them by rail, and then the trips were comparatively
short—namely, from Woods Hole to Cold Spring Harbor, New York;
from Woods Hole to Provincetown and Plymouth, and from Gloucester
- to Kittery Point. The shipments from Woods Hole have all been very
successful, and there seems little doubt that the young lobster will
stand transportation for 24 hours with excellent results.
a The
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ore bal
‘
Report U S. F.C. 1897.
‘To face page 239 )
PLATE 62.
ene |
vt ffs
saat 4
a Ly 4
, INTERIOR OF TRANSPORTATION CAR, SHOWING BERTHS CLOSED AND CHAIRS HUNG UP SO THAT COMPARTMENTS FOR FISH CAN BE OPENED
THE TRANSPORTATION OF FISH AND FISH EGGS.
During the earlier years of the Commission young fish were carried
by messengers in baggage cars on regular passenger trains, but as the
work increased it was found that this method was inadequate and that
other arrangements must be made to transport the large numbers of
fish which were being hatched. Accordingly, in 1879 and 1880, experi-
ments were successfully made in moving shad fry in specially equipped
baggage cars, and it was found that large numbers of fish could be
economically moved with little loss. A car was therefore constructed
specially adapted for the distribution of live fishes, the requirements -
of such a car being a compartment for carrying the fish in which an
even temperature could be maintained, proper circulation of water and
air in the vessels containing the fish, and sleeping and living accom-
modations for the messengers attending them.
A baggage car, the body of which was 51 feet long, 9 feet 10 inches
wide, 15 feet 8 inches high, was purchased. At one end of the car was
a room containing a stove, sink, and berth for the use of the cook,
besides a boiler, pump, etc.; and at the other were two sections of
berths, like those in a Pullman ear, which would accommodate two men
on each side. Each compartment was about 7 feet long. In its center
was a refrigerator compartment 30 feet 3 inches long by the full width
of the car, and extending up to the clear story. The ice was carried in
two racks, holding 1 ton each, which were located in the corners of the
refrigerator, diagonally opposite each other. Cylinder cans, placed on
galvanized iron tanks 9 feet 4 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 8 inches
high, were provided in which to carry the fish. The tanks were placed
on opposite sides of the car, with a passageway between them.
An apparatus for circulating water was arranged in the following
manner: In the top of the car, extending the full length of the clear
story, was a long, semicircular iron tank 12 inches in diameter, which
was filled through the top of the car. From this the water was brought
into a 6-inch pipe extending all around the top of the refrigerator
compartment. The pipe contained a sufficient number of pet-cocks to
supply the number of cans carried, the water being conveyed to the
cans through rubber tubing. From the cans it passed into the tanks
through the same-sized tubing, whence it was drained into 2-inch pipes
underneath the car, and from these pipes was pumped up to the tank
in the elear story.
While this circulating apparatus worked well, its arrangement neces-
sitated the carrying of a large amount of water in the top of the car,
239
24() REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
thus causing it to roll from side to side in such a manner as to make it
unsafe. It was also found that while the refrigerator compartment
carried the fish safely, the health of the messengers was injuriously
atfected owing to the sudden changes of temperature experienced in
going to and from the compartment. Accordingly, another car was
built in which these defects were remedied, and the original car was
altered to conform to the improved plan.
The Commission now has four transportation cars in use. While
they differ somewhat in construction and arrangement, three of them
are essentially alike; the fourth is simply a baggage car with living
quarters and circulating apparatus. The car known as No. 2 is
regarded as the best type. Its body is 52 feet 7 inches long; from
buffer to buffer, 59 feet 9 inches; width, 10 feet; height, from top of
rail to top of car, 14 feet 3inches. It is equipped with 6-wheel Pull-
man trucks, paper wheels, combination couplers, etc., so that it can be
hauled on passenger trains. Underneath, between the trucks, are boxes
for carrying provisions, tools, extra couplers, and a water-tank. Inside
the car is finished in white ash, and due arrangements are made for the
comfort and convenience of the crew. In one end is an office for the use
of the captain, containing a sleeping-berth, desk, and toilet facilities ;
at the other end is the kitchen, with lockers for dishes, also the air-
pump, steam-pump, and a 5-horsepower boiler for furnishing necessary
power.
The fish are carried in tanks or cans arranged in two refrigerator
compartments on each side of the passageway. Over these compart-
ments are two upper berths on each side for the accommodation of the
crew, whose meals are served on a large table, placed when in use in
the passageway in the center of the car. . Chairs without legs are pro-
vided, so that they can be placed on top of the refrigerators.
The refrigerator-chambers are 26 inches high and 34 inches wide, and
provided with lids; the partitions are filled with cork, which is used on
account of its nonconducting properties. At one end of the chambers
is an ice-box, which holds about three-fourths of a ton of ice.
The transportation-tanks used in carrying yearling and adult fishes
are made of heavy galvanized iron, and are 27 inches long, 27 inches
wide, and 24 inches deep, holding 52 gallons each. They are heavily
coated with asphalt before being used.
For the transportation of fry ordinary 10-gallon iron cans, tinned,
are used. These cans are 24 inches high, 12 inches in diameter on the
outside, with sloping shoulders and cover, and two handles on the
sides for convenience in moving. The water is introduced by means of
a rubber hose connected with the pressure tank, or simply with a dipper
or bucket.
The supply of water is carried in an iron pressure-tank of 500-gallon
capacity, which is located in the body of the car next to the office. The
water is circulated by means of a steam-pump through galvanized-iron
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 2AL
piping, which runs from the pump to the pressure-tank, thence along
the sides of the refrigerator to the transportation-tanks, whence it flows
by gravity to a tank below the floor. Irom here it is pumped into the
supply tank for redistribution.
In order to provide sufficient air circulation, the air is driven by a
pump to a 30-gallon reservoir in the top of the car over the boiler-room,
from which it is taken to the transportation-tanks or cans through two
lines of iron piping running along the sides and top of the car. One
pet-cock is placed in the pipe for each tank to be supplied with air,
which comes to it through a hole .}, inchin diameter. From the pet-cock
the air is carried into the tank with rubber hose and released in the
water through liberators made of American linden, placed in hard-
rubber holders.
Before the present system of water circulation was adopted the water
was taken from four 40-gallon tanks located in the bottom of the refrig-
erator compartments, pumped into four 60-gallon supply-tanks, from
which it flowed through the transportation-boxes and was returned
thence to the lower tanks. The water supply was at first connected with
a rotary hand-pump, and afterwards an arrangement was adopted to fur-
nish power for the pump and an air-blower, by means of a friction wheel
placed on the truck at one end of the car. This wheel was attached
near one end to the top of the truck, so that it rested on the tread of
the car wheel and was held there by two spiral springs. When not in
use, it could be elevated above the car wheel by a lever operated from
inside thecar. Power was transmitted from the friction wheel by means
of a countershaft and rubber belting. The friction wheel gave a great
deal of trouble, however, as it was impossible to make it strong enough
to stand the wear to which it was subjected. As the action of the truck
springs, while the car was in motion, moved the truck frame up and
down—sometimes 3 to 5 inches—the friction wheel would be jolted out
of position, and so uncertain was its operation that it could not be relied
upon and the pump and blower had to be worked by hand.
This car is also fitted up with a hatching outfit, consisting of eight
Jead-lined boxes about 6 inches high, which may be placed on top of
the refrigerators and made to fit in place of the lids, which can be
removed. These boxes each hold six McDonald jars. An aquarium,
specially made for the work, is placed in the center of each box, with
three jars on each side of it. The jars and aquarium are securely
wedged in the box, so that they can not move. The supply of water for
the jars comes from the supply-pipes in the refrigerator compartments,
the pipe coming up through the top of the refrigerator near the center,
then branching out on each side with pet-cocks in it, to which is
attached the rubber tubing to supply the jars. The overflow is through
a pipe leading out of the bottom of the boxes into the tank under the
car.
Fry are carried in cans, and yearlings and adults in the transporta-
tion tanks, Great care is taken not to make a sudden change in the
F.C. R, 1897 —16
242 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
temperature. If the air and water circulations are not used it is neces-
sary to aerate the water with a dipper, that is, to take a dipperful of
water from the can and, holding it up about 2 feet, pour it back, thus
taking air with the water to the bottom of the can. This is done as
often as is necessary to keep the water fresh.
Whitefish fry are carried in water at a temperature from 33° to 45° F,
If necessary to reduce the temperature, ice can be placed in the water
with the fry. If the air and water circulations are used, about 40,000
fry can be carried in each can. Without the circulation 20,000 are
carried, and in order to aerate them it is necessary to draw off in a pail,
through a screened siphon, about one-half the water in the can. This
is then thoroughly aerated in the pail with a dipper and returned to
the can, with a small amount of fresh water added. When a car arrives
at its destination, the cans are taken to a tugboat or steamer and
carried to the spawning-grounds where the whitefish are to be planted,
by carefully lowering the cans into the water and allowing the fry to
escape. On board the boat they are given fresh water as fast as is
required to keep them alive.
Shad fry are carried in water at a temperature of from 55° to 65°,
depending on the temperature of the water in which they were
hatched. These fry can not be carried successfully with the circu-
lating system of water or air, and aeration, by the use of the dipper, is
therefore necessary. From 20,000 to 30,000 are carried in each can.
When the water is to be changed, it is drawn off through a siphon into
a pail, the head of the siphon being in a wire cage, covered with
cheese-cloth to prevent the fry from escaping. After the water in
the pail has been thoroughly aerated and ice added to bring the tem-
perature down to what is required, it is poured back through a large
funnel which reaches nearly to the bottom of the can. To prevent the
force of the water from injuring the delicate fry, the lower part of the
funnel for about 6 inches is made of perforated tin. When long trips
are made, the sediment which collects on the bottom of the cans is
removed, as soon as it is noticed, by drawing it off through a siphon into
a pail. Should any fry come out with it, they are carefully returned
to the can by dipping them out after the sediment has settled to the
bottom of the pail. If a trip lasts five or six days, the cans are cleaned
every other day by transferring the fry with a dipper from one can to
the other and cleaning the empty one before the fry are returned to it.
Shad fry are more tender than any other young fish moved on the cars,
and the greatest care is necessary in handling them.
Trout and salmon fry are carried in water at a temperature of 36° to
46°, though rainbow trout are sometimes transported in water 10° or
15° warmer. If it is necessary to reduce the temperature, ice is placed
in the cans with the fish. Each can contains 5,000 trout fry, and 2,000
to 3,000 salmon fry, when the air and water circulations are used;
without air circulation, 3,000 or 4,000 trout, and 1,200 to 1,500 salmon
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 243
fry are auiowed to each can—the number depending on the length of
the trip and age of the fry. These fish are moved as soon as the sacs
are absorbed, or when they first begin to swim up from the bottom. If
shipped before this period of life, they are liable to collect on the center
of the can in the bottom and smother. If the fry will keep away from
the mouth of the can, the water is aerated by dipping it directly from
the can and letting it fall back; but if the fish do not go down when
the dipper is introduced, the water is siphoned into a pail, aerated, and
then poured back.
Small yearling trout are sometimes carried in cans, but usually in
the galvanized-iron tanks; 100 to 200 are put in each ean if the air
circulation is used, and the water is kept cool by introducing ice. As
salmon and lake trout are more delicate than the others, the number
placed in each can is reduced. When shipping adult trout but few can
be taken in each tank, only from 20 to 50 if they are of large size.
They are given all the air and water circulation possible and carried at
a low temperature. Incessant watchfulness is necessary in moving
these fish. When the fish are in distress they come to the surface of
the water, and if the water is then vigorously aerated they will return
to the bottom of the tank.
When black bass are distributed in the fry stage they should be
shipped in water from 40° to 60° F., according to the temperaturesof
the water from which they are taken; but it is considered preferable
to hold these fish in the ponds or feeding-troughs until they are from
three to six months old, when they will have attained a length of from
14 to 3 or 4 inches, fish hatched at the same time often varying consid-
erably in length. These older fish also require a temperajure of from
40° to 60°, according to circumstances, when they are transported.
Young black bass are very voracious, and begin to eat each other as
soon as they are confined in cans or tanks for transportation. The
number of bass carried in each tank is approximately as follows: Fifty
8 to 12 inches long; one hundred and twenty 5 to 8 inches long; two
hundred and fifty 2 to 5 inches long.
Crappie are carried in the same manner as black bass, although it
is more difficult to handle them. Rock bass are commonly carried in
cans, about 500 to 700 in each if the fish are about an inch long. The
temperature of the water is from 40° to 60°.
Codfish fry are moved in cans with water of a temperature of 33° to
38°. The trips are usually of short duration. The water is aerated
by drawing it from the can through a screen siphon into a pail and
returning it after it has been thoroughly aerated.
Large lobsters, on long trips, are packed in seaweed in wooden trays
about 6 inches high and of a size convenient for handling. Strips of
wood attached to the bottom of trays have open spaces between them
to allow air circulation. About 2 inches of seaweed are spread on the
bottom of the tray and the lobsters placed on it with their claws
244 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
toward the outer ends, so that they can not injure each other, and the
trays are then filled with seaweed. They are packed in the refriger-
ator compartments, and the temperature of the air is kept, if possible,
at from 40° to 48° F. A supply of salt water, filtered through cotton,
is taken along, and the lobsters are sprinkled with it three or four
times a day, and they are also daily overhauled and repacked. If the
desired temperature is maintained, 50 to 60 per cent can be carried
for five or six days. Lobster fry are moved in the same manner as
codfish fry.
In transporting adult salt-water fishes, as many as possible are
placed in the tanks without overcrowding them. The water is kept
fresh by air circulation only. Ice is packed around the galvanized iron
tanks to keep them cool, and if necessary to reduce the temperature a
can filled with ice is placed in the water. Marine fishes have been
transported successfully for 6 days or more.
A large number of fish are distributed yearly by messengers, acting
independently of the cars. Each messenger is supplied with a sufficient
number of 10-gallon cans, and is equipped with a dipper, a 5-gallon
iron pail,a large tin funnel with a perforated bottom, a thermometer,
and a piece of 32-inch rubber hose, about 4 feet long, for use as a siphon,
besides a supply of ice. .
When it is necessary to renew the supply of water, the messenger
sees that it is clean, fresh, free from lime, iron, and other deleterious
substances. Especial attention must be given to this in passing
through limestone regions, and fresh water must be tested before the
supply on hand is thrown away. The fry are cared for and aerated in
the same manner as has been already described for transporting them
in cans.
SPAWNING SEASONS OF FISHES PROPAGATED, CHARACTER
OF FISH EGGS, PERIOD OF INCUBATION, ETC.
In the following table there are presented, in a form convenient for
reference, some of the more important facts connected with eggs of the
fishes artificially cultivated in the United States. It should be under-
stood that there is considerable variation in many of the items, depend-
ing on climatic conditions, size and age of fish, etc.; the information for
such can therefore be only approximately correct. For certain of the
less important fishes, it is possible, from the data available, to supply
only a part of the information indicated by the column headings. The
spawning season given is generally that of wild fish in the regions where
fish-cultural work is prosecuted; this varies much with latitude and
local conditions.
Fish eggs, as regards their physical characters, naturally fall into
four classes, as follows:
(1) Buoyant or floating, as the eggs of the cod, mackerel, and most
pelagic fishes, which come to the surface when first deposited and
remain there during at least the early stages of incubation.
(2) Semi-buoyant, as the eggs of the shad and whitefish, whose spe-
cific gravity is but slightly greater than that of water.
(3) Heavy, non-adhesive, as the eggs of salmon and trout.
(4) Heavy, adhesive or glutinous, as the eggs of the flatfish, sea her-
ring, yellow perch, and most pond fishes.
The differences in the types of hatching apparatus depend primarily
on the foregoing characters of the eggs.
At the hatching stations the size of eggs is determined by placing a
number of moist eggs, shortly after taking, on a flat surface, side by
side, and noting how many are required to cover a linear inch. Owing
to capillary attraction between adjoining eggs leading to compression
or flattening of the contiguous sides, this method is liable to slight
error, the extent of which is in inverse proportion to the size of the
eggs.
By means of the microscope, accurate measurements of small eggs may
be made. The size of eggs of a given species often varies considerably,
Sometimes amounting to 25 per cent.
245
SHERIES.
REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FI
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MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE.
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NOTES ON THE EDIBLE FROGS OF THE UNITED STATES
AND THEIR ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION,
BY
FEF. M. CHAMBERLAIN,
Assistant, U. S. Fish Commission.
NOTES ON THE EDIBLE FROGS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
THEIR ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION.
The frogs are familiar representatives of the great class of cold-
blooded vertebrates known as the Batrachia. The batrachians are
intermediate anatomically and physiologically between the fishes and
the reptiles (snakes, turtles, terrapins, alligators, etc.); they are chiefly
characterized by the metamorphosis which the young undergo before
assuming the functions and habits of the adults. The young are mostly
aquatic and breathe by means of gills, which absorb oxygen from the
water. Later the gills disappear and are replaced by lungs.
The frogs are included in the order Salientia (the leapers), distin-
guished by having a short, depressed body and four limbs, the hind
pair being much enlarged and adapted to leaping and swimming; the
tail, present in the young, disappears with age. In the related orders
(Urodela, containing the salamanders and newts; Proteida, the mud-
puppies or water-dogs, and Trachystomata, the sirens or mud-eels) the
tail persists in adult life and the hind limbs are small, but the metamor-
phoses and habits otherwise more or less closely resemble the Salientia.
Associated with the frogs (Ranide), in the order Salientia, are the
families (Bufonide and Hylidw) to which the toads and tree frogs
belong. The toads are very closely related to the frogs, but differ in
having more terrestrial habits and, among other structural features, in
the absence of teeth and the possession of an expansible thorax; their
uncouth form and the pungent secretions which have brought them
immunity from the attacks of other animals have added to the preju-
dice against their relatives, the frogs. The tree frogs are characterized
by arboreal habits and corresponding changes in structure. More than
250 species of true frogs (Ranide) are known. They are most numer-
ous in Africa and the East Indies.
The edible frogs of the United States belong to the genus Rana
(Latin, a frog). Of these, Professor Cope in his Batrachia of North
America (1889) lists 13 species and 6 subspecies or varieties, to which
there have since been some additions.
FOOD VALUE OF FROGS.
The value of frogs as food is now thoroughly recognized. The meat
is white, delicate, and very wholesome and palatable. Although eaten
at all times, it is in best condition in fall and winter; in spring it is of
251
252 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
relatively inferior quality. Only the hind legs are commonly utilized,
the meat on the other parts of the body being edible, but in very small
quantity. In some localities, however, the entire body, after the removal
of the viscera, is fried with eggs and bread crumbs. The legs are pre-
pared for the table by broiling, frying, or stewing.
A prejudice formerly existed against frogs as an article of food, per-
haps based on their uncanny appearance and heightened through their
appropriation by witches and empivics for spells in love affairs and the
cure of various diseases. For a long time the French people alone
availed themselves of this delicacy, though it was known to the Romans.
From France the use of this food passed into Germany, England, and
other parts of Europe, and later into the United States, where frogs
are now more generally consumed than in any other country, and
where, during the proper seasons, they may be found in the markets
of any of the larger cities.*
FROG-HUNTING.
The business of taking frogs for market has greatly increased in
recent years. It is now carried on in all sections of the United States,
and is of economic importance in about fifteen States, while in nearly
all the remaining States and Territories frogs are taken for local or
home consumption, of which it is impossible to get a statistical account.
The States supplying the largest quantities for the markets are Cali-
fornia, Missouri, New York, Arkansas, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and
Indiana. More frogs are taken in New York than in any other State,
but on account of their comparatively small size their value is less than
in Missouri and California. The Canadian Province of Ontario also
yields a comparatively large supply of market frogs. According to
inquiries of the United States Fish Commission, the annual catch in
the United States is but little less than 1,000,000, with a gross value to
the hunters of about $50,000. The yearly cost of frogs and frog legs
to the consumers is not less than $150,000.
The localities in which especially important frog hunting is done are
the marshes of the western end of Lake Erie, and Lewis and Grand
reservoirs, in Ohio; the marshes of the Sacramento and San Joaquin
rivers, California; the valley of the Kankakee River, Indiana; Oneida
Lake, Seneca River, and other waters of northern New York, and the
St. Francis River and the sunken lands of the Mississippi River, in
Arkansas and Missouri.
In taking frogs for market, lines baited with red cloth, worms, or
insects are extensively used; guns, small-bore rifles, and spears are
also employed, and cross-bows are adopted for this purpose in Canada.
They are often hunted at night, a lantern furnishing light for the
* While it is popularly supposed that the consumption of frogs in France is much
larger than elsewhere, this is not the case, and, on the authority of the Revue des
Sciences Naturelles Appliquées (1889), it may be stated that the annual consumption
of frogs in the United States is ten times that in France.
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 253
hunter’s aim, and at the same time blinding or dazing the frogs. After
entering on their hibernation, many are dug out of the mud, large
numbers often being found together at this time.
In the basin of the St. Francis River, in Missouri and Arkansas, where
the business is important, frogs are captured by means of spears, with
lines at the end of long rods, and with firearms. In the early part of
the season, when the frogs retire to the mud during the cool nights, and
only appear on warm, bright days, they are taken on hooks baited with
red cloth and by guns and rifles. Later the bulk of the catch is made
at night by means of spears with one to three barbed prongs. Two men
usually hunt together in a boat, one rowing, the other standing in the bow
with spear and a large reflector made especially for the purpose. The
season in thisregion is principally from Marchto June. Only the hind
legs are preserved; a pair of these weighs about half a pound.
The prices received for frogs varies greatly, and depends on the con-
dition of the market, the size of the frogs, and the locality. Dressed
legs yield the hunters from 124 to 50 cents a pound, and iive frogs
from 5 cents to $4 a dozen. In the Kankakee Valley, Indiana, for
example, the prices received by the hunters are 75 cents a dozen for
large frogs, 10 cents a dozen for medium-sized frogs, and 5 cents a
dozen for small frogs, while in San Francisco the market price is $3 to
$4 a dozen.
The unrestricted hunting of frogs threatens their practical extinction
in all places where their abundance and shipping facilities or proximity
to market render the business profitable. Already a marked decrease
in the supply is manifest in Lake Erie, in northern New York, and
other places, and in order to meet the increasing demand hundreds of
people are experimenting or preparing to engage in frog-culture.
The need of definite information as to the methods of procedure has
been generally felt and frequent inquiries concerning frog-culture are
received by the United States Fish Commission. While the practica-
bility of artificial propagation has not been demonstrated, it is evident
that the number of salable frogs from a given area may be largely
increased by artificial means. To undertake intelligent work in this
line a knowledge of the natural history of the frog is essential.
HABITS AND DEVELOPMENT OF FROGS.
All frogs undergo a tadpole stage, though in some species this is so
rapid as to lead the casual observer to think it omitted.
Upon the disappearance of frosts at the close of winter the hibernating
frogs return to active life, and as the waters become warmer in the spring
sun their notes are heard in suitable localities all over the country.
In some species the song is distinctly a chant @amour; in others it is
continued long after the breeding season is over. During the breeding
season the social instinct prevails, and species of usually solitary habits
congregate in large numbers, thus becoming ready prey for the hunter,
254 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The eggs are extruded by the female and are fertilized by the male
as they pass out, very few failing to be impregnated. The process of
oviposition or laying continues through several days, and during this
period several hundred eggs may be deposited. ‘The size of the ova
varies with the species, but averages about 1.75 millimeters (.07 inch)
in diameter. In passing down the oviduct the egg receives a thin
coating of albuminous material; this rapidly swells when the egg enters
the water and forms the well-known gelatinous mass in which the frog
eggs are always found imbedded. The toad’s eggs are laid in long
strings and are readily distinguishable. The salamander’s eggs are also
placed in the water, but the gelatinous mass is somewhat firmer and
the eggs are slightly larger than the frog’s, and they are usually
deposited somewhat earlier.
The eggs begin development, under favorable circumstances, as soon
as fertilized, the rapidity depending mainly on the temperature of the
water; incubation is much retarded by cold, and some seasons many
eggs are killed by late frosts. At first the upper part of the eggs is
black and the lower white, but the rapid growth of the black embryo
makes the entire egg dark. The egg, which is at first spherical, soon
becomes ovoid. In from 4 to 30 days the tadpole is able to wriggle
out of its gelatinous envelope and shortly attaches itself to some plant
or other support by means of a sort of adhesive organ in front of the
mouth. At first the mouth and anus are closed, and food can only be
obtained by absorption, the first food consisting of the gelatinous egg-
envelope. In a short time the mouth and anus become functional, the
alimentary canal lengthens, and macerated animal and vegetable matter
becomes the food. The prevalent idea that the tadpole is exclusively
vegetarian, based on its anatomical structure, horny jaws, and long
intestine, is incorrect. Recent observations have shown that animal
matter is preferred to vegetable; all food must be in a state of macera-
tion, especial fondness for dead animals being shown.
Respiration is at first carried on by means of external gills. They
are soon replaced by internal structures covered by opercula.
Rapidity of development depends upon the abundance of food and
the temperature of water. The most favorable conditions are a shallow
pool, readily warmed by the sun and well stocked with organic matter,
that is, an old pond. In this stage the frogs may reach a length of
several inches, the bullfrog tadpole being largest. ‘The various species
closely resemble each other, but can be distinguished after some expe-
rience by certain points of mouth structure, size, and coloration.
In a period varying from two months to two years the first indication
of the adult form appears in the protrusion of the two hind legs. The
forelegs or arms, owing to their being concealed by the gill membranes,
are much later in coming out.
As the legs become functional the tail is absorbed and furnishes
material for growth, so that little food is taken. In the case of the
second-year tadpole the capture of insects is begun before the tail is
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 255
lost. As the gills are replaced by lun Patina this period, 1t is essen-
tial that the tadpoles have access to land or resting-places, and it is a
time of peculiar difficulty in the creature’s existence. When the tail
is almost fully resorbed, the purely aquatic life is forsaken for the
amphibious and the food is changed from dead to living matter, which
must demonstrate its living condition by motion. The peculiarly formed
tongue—loose behind, so that it may be thrown out to quite a distance—
is covered with a viscid secretion so that the frog readily captures
any insects or small animals that approach it closely. Tadpoles are
commonly satisfied to wait patiently for their food, and even the adults
do not often search actively for food. Sexual maturity is reached in
about three or four years, being latest for those varieties that pass the
first winter in the tadpole stage. It is generally believed that frogs
live for 12, 15, or even 20 years.
During the tadpole stage they furnish tempting morsels for fish, rep-
tiles, some mammals, and other frogs, and especially for wading birds,
like herons and cranes. Their defenseless condition and the shallow-
ness of their natural habitats at this period make them ready prey,
Spring Frog or Leopard Frog (ana virescens).
and it is in the prevention of this wholesale destruction that man may
profitably intervene. In the adult frog stage the relentless pursuit by
birds and reptiles is continued until of the hundreds of eggs deposited
few become reproducing individuals. Only slight revenge for all this
slaughter can be taken. They may occasionally capture disabled fish
or small fish of sluggish habits found in the mud or on the bottom, and
instances are recorded of their eating snakes, toads, and young birds,
but insects and lower forms are their staple diet.
DESCRIPTIONS OF MARKETABLE FROGS OF THE UNITED STATES.
The species of frogs commonly eaten are the bullfrog (Rana cates-
biana), the green frog (Rana clamata), the spring frog (Rana virescens),
and the western bullfrogs (Rana pretiosa and Rana aurora).
The following references to their geographical distribution and brief
descriptions of their color and form have mainly been extracted from
Professor Cope’s work on The Batrachia of North America (Bulletin
No. 34, U.S. National Museum, 1889).
256 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The most widely distributed species is the common frog, spring frog,
shad frog, or leopard frog (Rana virescens). It is found from the
Atlantic Coast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and from Lake Atha-
basca, in Canada, to Guatemala, Central Ameriea, but is most abundant
in the Eastern States. It reaches a length of about 34 inches, exclusive
of legs. The toes are well webbed, but the web does not reach the
tips of the fourth toe, as in the common bullfrog. The head is moderate
in size, the snout being rather pointed; the tympanum (ear) is distinct
and nearly as large as the eye. The hind limb being carried forward
along the body, the tibio-tarsal articulation reaches nearly the tip of
the snout. The color is usually bright green, marked by irregular black,
dark-brown, or olive blotches edged with whitish or yellowish. These
spots form two irregular rows on the back and one or two more or less
Green Frog or Spring Frog (Rana clamata).
indefinite rows on the sides. The blotching is continued as spots or bars
on the posterior extremities. These spots are frequently smaller and
more numerous than shown in the specimen figured. The glandular
fold which runs from the orbit to the posterior part of the body is
yellow. The under surface is whitish or light yellow and unspotted.
The leopard frog passes the tadpole stage the first season, and is more
gregarious than the bullfrog or green frog. These considerations are
of importance from a culturist’s standpoint.
The green frog or spring frog (Rana clamata) is found throughout the
Eastern and Central States and neighboring parts of Canada. The
body and limbs are stout and massive, the legs are short, and the head
is more rounded than in R. virescens. The tympanum is very large,
though this differs in the sexes, as a rule being larger than the eye in
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 257
males and smaller in females. A fold of skin runs from the eye back-
ward, with a short branch from the tympanum to the shoulder. The
femur and tibia are equal in length, the web of toes not reaching end
of fourth toe.
The color above is dark olive posteriorly, passing into brilliant green
anteriorly. It is sometimes greenish-brown above and on sides, with
small round brown spots. The buttocks are usually mottled with brown
and yellowish white, but are almost uniformly black in some specimens.
Below, this species, white or greenish white, sometimes more or less
mottled and blotched. The throat is citron yellow.
This frog is especially aquatic in habits, not hunting on land; it fre-
quents all kinds of fresh waters. It is more solitary in its habits than
Rh. virescens, living singly, in pairs, or in small companies. It is active
on land and in water, but not noisy. A nasal “chung” is occasionally
uttered. When disturbed it often emits a shrill cry as it leaps into
Rana catesbiana. Upper fig- Rana clamata. Upper figure fe-
ure female. lower figure male. male, lower figure male.
Figures illustrating relative size of the tympanum in the two sexes,
the water. It is preeminently an inhabitant of swamps and marshes,
especially those connected with rivers or large creeks. ‘It is the first
species heard in spring, and although its voice is not loud, the noise
produced by thousands of them is deafening when heard close at hand,
and is transmitted through the atmosphere for many miles. It may be
imitated by the syllables chock, chock, chock.”
The pickerel frog, marsh frog, or tiger frog (Rana palustris) closely
resembles the leopard frog, but may be readily distinguished from it by
the bright yellow on the thighs and legs. It is solitary in its habits
and is often found in the grass, although preferring cold spring streams.
In the Alleghany Mountains it is the most abundant frog. Itis avery
active species, taking longer leaps than any of the others here mentioned.
The note is a prolonged, low, grating croak. Owing to its disagreeable
odor it is but rarely eaten.
F.C. R. 1897-——17
258 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
The bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) is the largest of North American
frogs, reaching a body length of over 8 inches. It has much the same
geographical range as the spring frog. The body is very bulky and
clumsy, the legs are thick, and the head is broader than in KR. clamata.
A fold of skin extends from the eyes over the tympanum, around the
insertion of forearm, and disappears on the breast. There are no folds
on the sides of back, as in FR. clamata and R. virescens. The skin is
slightly rough above. The tympanum is larger than eye, with the same
sexual differences as in Rk. clamata. The tibia is slightly shorter than
the femur. The hind toes are fully webbed. The complete webbing of
the fourth toe, with the absence of dorsal folds of skin, furnishes means
of distinguishing this from the spring frog.
Common Bullfrog (Rana catesbiana). Male.
The color above is olivaceous, brown, or ferruginous, with darker
blotches half the diameter of the eye, more or less uniformly distributed.
The color is sometimes yellowish green without blotches or other mark-
ings. The hind legs are barred above and the buttocks blotched with
nearly black markings. The lower parts are white, with obscure
mottlings of brown, the throat sometimes being bright yellow. In the
young the blotches above are reduced to distinct black dots, and the
under parts are yellowish anteriorly. The habits are much the same as
those of fk. clamata. Both species pass the first winter in the tadpole
stage and are said under unfavorable circumstances to pass even the
second winter so. This fact, with the solitary habits of the adult, is of
importance to the culturist.
‘The Western frogs are not well known. The range of Rana pretiosa
is from Montana west to Puget Sound, thence south to southern Cali-
fornia. It is the common frog of the Northwestern States. The body
is stout and depressed like R. catesbiana. The head is obtuse, rounded,
subtruncate, and broader than long. The eyes are small and the
MANUAL OF FISH-CULTURE. 259
tympanum, which is sometimes indistinct in some small specimens, is
smaller than the eye. Skinthick. The femur is sborter than the tibia
and not quite half length of body. The toes are fully webbed. A
depressed ridge extends from eye to flank. The color is dull yellowish-
Western Frog (Rana pretiosa).
brown (dead leaf) above, darker on sides, with circular brown blotches
between the ridges. The outer surface of the limbs is blotched trans-
versely. The body spots are often less numerous and smaller than in
the specimen figured. The under parts are yellowish white, with obscure
brown marbling, posteriorly salmon color.
Western Bullfrog (Rana aurora).
Rana aurora is found in the western coast region of the United States.
The body is depressed and elongated; limbs slender, well developed;
head broad, acute, rounded anteriorly; eye moderate; tympanum
smaller than eye, but not so small as in preceding species. - ae * J
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OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 325
more successful years, and the irregularity of his crop may cost the
planter his market. :
It is obvious that in order to obtain more certain results the con-
ditions upon which the spatting depends should be subject to some
control. It is useless to expect such control in any adaptation of the
ordinary method of planting shells, and the only direction which prom-
ises success in such an attempt is some modification or form of pond
culture. The culturists of Europe have shown that a very considerable
control can be exercised over the conditions in parks used for growing
oysters from seed, and with proper modifications the same success
could doubtless be attained with breeding ponds for raising seed.
“To actually come into competition with the system of shell sowing in
deep water we must proceed to abandon all old methods, condense our
cultch so as to have the greatest possible quantity over the smallest
possible area, and finally have that so arranged that the currents devel-
oped by the tides, in consequence of the peculiar construction of a system
of spawning ponds and canals, will keep the cultch washed clean auto-
matically. Unless this can be done, all systems of pond or cove culture
for the purpose of obtaining spat must unhesitatingly be pronounced
failures.” *
Impressed by these facts, Dr. Ryder, in 1885, devised a very ingenious
method of spat-culture, which he described as follows:
(A) The method as adapted to canals or sluices in which the cultch is placed in masses,
with jetties at intervals.
The first form in which I propose to inaugurate the new system of spat-culture
which has grown out of the principles already developed consists, essentially, in
condensing the eultch or collecting apparatus in such a way as to expose the maxi-
mum amount of collecting surface for the spat to adhere to within the least possible
area. This may be achieved in the following manner: A pond, X, as shown in plan
and elevation in plate 11, is constructed with a long zigzag channel, s, connecting it
with the open water. The pond ought to be, say, 40 to 60 feet square; the channel,
8, may be, say, 3 feet 3 inches wide, as shown in the diagram. The vertical banks,
z, between the zigzag canals running to the open water might be 3 feet in width.
The sides of the canals ought to be nearly or quite vertical, and the earth held in
place with piles and rough slabs or planks. The direct inlet to the pond at J might
be provided with a gate, and the outlet of the canal, where the latter connects with
the open water at 0, might be provided with a filter of moderately fine galvanized
wire netting and a gate; the first answering to keep out large fish and débris and
the latter to close under certain circumstances, or when violent storms develop
strong breakers. The accompanying plan and sectional elevation, as shown in plate
111, will render the construction of such a pond and system of collecting canals clear.
Into the pond, X, I would put an abundance of spawning oysters, say 100 bushels,
if the pond were 40 feet square, and 200 bushels if it were 60 feet square. But
instead of throwing the oysters directly upon the bottom, I would suggest that a
platform, of strong slats be placed over the bottom of the pond at a distance of
8 to 10 inches from the earth below, upon which the oysters should be evenly dis-
tributed. This arrangement will prevent the adult oysters from being killed by
sediment, and also afford a collector, in the form of a layer of shells, to be spread
* Rept. U.S. F. C. 1885, p. 392.
324 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
over the platform, and give the fry a better chance to escape without immediately
sinking into the ooze below.
The mean depth of water in the pond and canals ought not to be less than 34 feet
and the bottom of the pond and canals should be cut to the same level, with a view
to get the full benefit of the tides.
The method of operating such a system will now be explained. The pond, X, is
supplied with the above specified quantity of good spawning oysters, which at a low
estimate ought, at the rate of 50 females per bushel, to yield from 100,000,000,000 to
200,000,000,000 of fry during the time the cultch may be in position in the canals.
If, however, the oysters were very large selected ones, fully twice as much fry ought
to be thrown out by them, or fully 200,000,000,000 to 400,000,000,000.
This enormous quantity of embryos must, unless it finds some objects to which to
attach itself, be irrevocably lost. In order, therefore, to provide it with a nidus for
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the purpose of fixation, an extensive system of collectors is provided in the chan-
nel, s. These are figured in detail above, the first being an end and the second a
side view and the third a plan. These are essentially flat baskets, with wooden
ends, and with the bottoms and sides formed of a very coarse kind of galvanized
iron wire netting with 1 to14 inch mesh. At the top they are open, and on either
side a strong strip or scantling is secured and projects out past the ends of the box
or receptacle, to afford a means of supporting the whole upon scantling or ledges
secured near the'tops of the sides of the canals, s. These projections of the strips
are also intended to afford handles by which two men may lift and move the
apparatus about. The uprights at the ends and the horizontal crossbars are intended
to enable the culturist to vibrate the box and its contents in the water of the
canal without lifting it out, and in such a way as to wash off any injurious accu-
mulation of sediment not swept away by the action of the jetties presently to be
described.
OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 325
These baskets or receptacles are open at the top and are intended to be filled with
clean oyster or clam shells as cultch for the spat. They are each to hold about 3
bushels of shells, a quantity as large as can be conveniently handled by two men.
One hundred of these will therefore contain 300 bushels of cultch, though I actually
believe that 400 such boxes, or 1,200 bushels of cultch, through which sea water
charged with fry thrown off by 100 bushels of spawning oysters would pass, would
not afford too great an amount of spatting surface, because we have shown on the
basis of actual observation that a body of water adapted to oyster-culture is capable
of yielding spat throughout all of its three dimensions.
These boxes.or frames, after they are filled with the cultch, are suspended in the
canals, the cross section of which they should nearly fill at low tide. They are placed
with their widest dimension across the canal, so that during the rise and fall of the
tide the water has to rush through them no less than four times daily, and as the
water is thoroughly charged with embryos, the greatest possible opportunity is
afforded the young fry to affix itself.
In order to still further guard against the accumulation of sediment it is proposed
to place jetties across the canals. These may consist of boards, forming a frame,
which may slide into or be secured by vertical ledges fastened to the sides of the
canal. These jetties may have one or two wide vertical slots in them, through
which the tide will be compelled to flow with augmented velocity, and thus scour
the sediment off of the cultch contained in the suspended boxes or frames on either
side of them. Such jetties may be placed at intervals along the canal, and they
might be made movable, so as to be changed in order to affect other sets of boxes of
cultch at other points along the sluice.
The system of canals, as shown in the plans, should hold about 400 receptacles filled
with shells, or at least 1,200 bushels of cultch. In practice I think it probable that
even a longer system of canals will be found available; but it must always be borne
in mind that the area of the pond must not very greatly exceed the total area of the
system of canals, or else so much more water will run out of the pond at every ebb
of the tide that a great many embryos will be carried past the system of collectors
in the canals into the open water and be entirely lost. There is, consequently, a
very good reason for having the areas of the two nearly equal.
The preceding system of culture, it will be obvious, is only an application of
principles well established and based upon the observation of the actual behavior of
oysters under natural conditions, as observed at Fortress Monroe, St. Jerome Creek,
Woods Hole, Cohasset, and Long Island Sound.
The spawning ponds, after the season is over, may be used for fattening choice
oysters for market, as they will actually hold about the quantity stated at the outset
of this chapter. They may also be used in connection with another modification of
the method of using cultch much crowded together or condensed, to be described
later on.
The cultch may, without harm to the spat, be allowed to remain in the suspended
receptacles in the canals until the first or middle of October, when it should be taken
out and spread upon the bottom on the open beds where it is to grow larger. The
reason for allowing the culfch to remain so long in the boxes is because spatting
under favorable conditions continues for not less than ninety days, or from July 1 to
October 1, so that all of this plant should be in working order by the 1st of July.
* * * * * * *
What we must do to-day is to adapt such means to the solution of the oyster prob-
lem as will render them applicable in practice. The American cultivator does not
get the price obtained by the French or Dutch oyster-farmer, nor can he for a long
time to come expect to, for the reason that the aggregate area upon which the Ameri-
can oyster is cultivated or indigenous exceeds by many times that upon which the
European species is either native or cultivated. The European methods of using
cultch, such as tiles, slates, brush, fagots, etc., are too expensive, too elaborate, for
our practical people. We must reap in quantity what they reap out of the high
326 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
price of their product. Under the circumstances there is no possible way of solving
the greatest question which now exercises the oyster-growers of this country but
to put into their hands a method by the aid of which they can get all the spat they
want on their own lands and from the spawn of their own oysters.
* + ¥ * * * *
The advantages of the method of using the cultch in concentrated bodies, giving
an enormous amount of surface for the spat to adhere to, are that it can be
conducted on the land owned by the culturist himself and with the spawn thrown
off by the oysters belonging to him. He is, therefore, not bound by any arbitrary
oyster laws now existing to conform to what are, generally speaking, very inefficient
and often absurd conditions. The new method puts it in the power of the culturist
to rear his own seed for planting, and if he is so disposed he may put down an
excess of cultch, which he ean sell after it is covered with spat to the owners of the
open beds in his vicinity. It involves comparatively little outlay to put down a
plant which will accommodate 5,000 bushels of cultch, or enough to seed from 20 to
30 acres for the first year. Such a system would be of great practical utility in the
region of the Chesapeake Bay, where there are very extensive areas upon which,
with very inexpensive excavation, the plant for conducting this method of culture
could be organized.
% * x * 7 * *
The plan of the small establishment given in the preceding pages is to be regarded
as typical. In the use of the system with crowded or condensed cultch in different
localities, modifications of the typical plan may often be advantageously employed.
For example, an oyster-planter may have a large pond of -2 or 3 acres. thickly
planted with spawning oysters and connected with the open water by way of a
narrow canal. The pond, if it has a firm bottom over its whole extent, may, if not
already used for the purpose, be planted throughout with good seed or ‘‘plants,”
which, in the course of two years, will be mostly well-grown, marketable oysters.
In such a case, several systems of canals could be fed from the single large inclosure ;
that is to say, instead of having only a single canal, several zigzag canal systems,
each 3 feet in width, might be made to carry the water flowing in and out of the
large inclosure, instead of the original channel, which might then be filled up and
elosed. Or, if it were practicable, the channel connecting the natural pond with
the open water might be utilized for the same purpose as artificially constructed
canals, provided the cost of modifying it for the purpose were not too great. In
some cases, by digging, filling, and dredging, as might be indicated in the course
of such a natural channel, it could be prepared for the reception of cultch. Were
such a channel wide enough, a system of parallel rows of light piles, the rows
being 3 feet 3 inches apart and running lengthwise throughout the course of the
channel, might be used to support the receptacles for the cultch, the latter being of
the form used in the design of the typical system and supported, as in the latter,
upon ledges or scantling spiked horizontally to the rows of piles just below the
level of low tide.
In other cases where there existed narrow points in the course of such a canal
these might be used as jetties, still further narrowed in some cases, perhaps, by fill-
ing in the sides, after which a system of parallel rows of piles with their horizontal
supports of scantling might be constructed between the jetties, and upon which the
receptacles filled with cultch could be supported. In this way the fry now dis-
charged by spawning oysters from coves through their outlets, sometimes by the
thousands of billions annually, can be caught upon cultch and permitted to develop
into available spat.
In many cases the cost of digging out the proper channels or canals to be used in
the system of applying the cultch in concentrated form would be greatly diminished
by the nature of the ground upon which the canals were dug out. If the level of
the earth is not much above that of high water, so much the better, for then the
OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. a2
labor to be expended in making the necessary excavations will be proportionally
diminished, and no assistance from a skilled engineer will be required.
Whether the spawning pond is excavated or not, the principle upon which the
system is constructed and operated remains the same, namely, that the area of the
canal systems and the ponds be about the same. In order that the fry be not car-
ried past the collectors, the area of the pond should not much exceed the total area
ofthe canals. In order that the fry may be wafted to the outermost collectors, the
area of the canal system ought not to greatly exceed that of the pond or ponds.
Canals constructed between a series of spawning ponds may also be utilized; in
fact, a great many other modifications of the system are available, which would
become apparent only after a study of a given location. The plans for carrying out
this system would, in fact, have to conform to the demands of the location, so that it
may be said that each establishment would have to be designed in conformity with
local conditions.
* * * * * * *
If cultch in the form of shells is the best (for which conclusion we have assigned
reasons), it follows that such material should be so utilized as to obtain the largest
possible return for the least possible outlay. In other words, if shell cultch is to be
used at all, let it be expeditiously and economically, and not wastefully and
unscientifically, employed. It has been found that even the sowing of shells is
protitable, as has been conclusively demonstrated, and in one type of culture,
namely, that which is practiced in deep water, it is probable that it is the only
practicable method which will be devised for a long time to come. While it is toa
great extent wasteful and at times uncertain, for the present, at least, there seems
to be no other which can be so economically and successfully operated over large,
open, navigable areas. Large areas operated by one individual or corporation can
not always be commanded, or only exceptionally, under the existing laws of the
States of Maryland and Virginia. In those States, however, where it is possible to
command the right to natural areas of water which are more or less nearly land-
locked, the system of merely sowing shells would be positively wasteful and not in
conformity with the results attainable under the guidance of the proper knowledge.
It is found in the practice of shell sowing that extensive areas will sometimes fail
to produce any spat. This is apparently due to the presence of currents which have
swept the fry off the beds, or to the presence of sediment, which has put an end to
the first stages of its fixed career. Even after the spat is caught, great destruction
may occur through the inroads of starfishes, or a too rapid multiplication of worm
tubes over the cultch and spat. The latter is sometimes smothered in vast numbers
from the last-mentioned cause, as has been recently discovered by Mr. Rowe. Such
casualties are rendered either impossible or readily observable during their early
stages by the method of inclosing the cultch in suspended receptacles, as suggested
in thispaper. The netting will effectually protect the young spat against the attacks
of large starfishes, and no growth of barnacles or tunicates, worm tubes or sponges,
would be rapid enough during the spatting period, judging from an experience
extending through several seasons, to seriously impair the spatting capacity of the
cultch used in the suspended receptacles. Any of the larger carnivorous mollusks,
fishes, or crustaceans which could prey on the young oysters can also be barred out
and kept from committing serious depredations by means of the netting around the
cultch, as well as by means of screens placed at the mouth of the canal.
The maximum efficiency of the cultch is not realized in any of the old forms of
collectors, for the reason that the cultch can not be kept clean; secondly, because
both sides of the cultch can not be exposed to the passing fry; thirdly, because the
fry can not be compelled to pass over and amongst the cultch repeatedly; fourthly,
because the cultch is scattered over too great an area and throughout only two
dimensions of a body of water, namely, its horizontal extent, where itis possible, as
I have shown above, to do all this and more—that is, to avail ourselves of the possi-
328 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
bility of obtaining spat through the three dimensions of a body of water charged
with embryo oysters in their veliger condition. These are good and sufficient
reasons for my assertion that cultch has hitherto been wastefully and unscientifically
applied. With this I must conclude this exposition of the principles of a rational
theory of oyster-culture, a subject which has received the attention of many investi-
gators, none of whom have, however, struck at the root of the question and allowed
themselves to be guided by readily verifiable facts. In the hope that I have made
both the theory and the practice of my new method clear to the reader, who, if he
should happen to be an oysterman, will, I hope, at least give me the credit of being
honest and sincere in my intentions, and, whether he feels inclined to ridicule or to
adopt my conclusions, I feel very certain that what I have formulated in the preced-
ing pages will become the recognized doctrine of the future. *
A trial of this method was made by the Fish Commission at St.
Jerome Creek, Maryland, but it was found that Dr. Ryder’s expecta-
tions regarding the freedom of his apparatus from sedimentation were
unfounded. St. Jerome Creek is admirably adapted, from its rich food
supply, to growing oysters from seed, but its very advantages in this
respect militated against the success of the experiment of spat-raising.
A small set was obtained upon some of the cultch exposed, but the
deposit of sediment was so rapid that the young oysters were unable
to fix in quantities sufficient to make the experiment a commercial
success.
It seems probable that under more favorable conditions with respect
to sedimentation the apparatus would prove a useful one, and it is to
be hoped that it will be given a further trial. The writer witnessed
Dr. Ryder’s experiment at Sea Isle City, N. J., with a modification of
this arrangement, and, although the trial was made on a scale too
small, the results were such as to impress him with the feasibility of
the device under more favorable conditions than existed at St. Jerome
Creek.
One of the principal defects in Dr. Ryder’s apparatus appears to be
the lack of suitable arrangements for flushing the cultch with currents
of water sufficiently strong to scour away any sediment which may accu-
mulate. It was supposed that this could be accomplished by means of
jetties, but the current induced in the long canal by the ebb and flow
of the tide is apparently tuo gentle to have the effect sought. This end
might be gained by providing the inner loops of the canal with gates
communicating with the pond, the outer loops having similar means
of communication with the exterior waters, as shown in plate II,
which is adapted from Dr. Ryder’s plans. If the water in the pond at
high tide be held back until the canal has nearly emptied, a strong cur-
rent could be directed into any loop by opening the appropriate gates.
On the other hand, if the gates at the outer end of the loops be closed at
low water, a strong current could be thrown into the canals by opening
them at high water. By thus occasionally flushing each pair of loops
in succession it is believed that the injurious collection of sediment
can be prevented in even quite muddy water. The end is-accomplished,
* Rept. U.S. F.C. 1885, pp. 381-423, pls. I-IV.
OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULITURE. 329
however, by some loss in simplicity of construction and operation of
the apparatus and at the expense of the escape of some of the embryos.
Plate 11 shows the original plans modified by the addition of sluice-
gates.
It is thought that this method of utilizing cultch may solve the
problem of the culture of the eastern oyster upon the Pacific coast.
Two chief difficulties there interfere with the obtaining of a strong set:
the temperature of the water is in most places too low to insure active
spawning, and, secoudly, the young of the imported species is crowded
out by the rank growth of the native oyster. It is probable that both
of these difficulties might be overcome by the use of Dr. Ryder’s method
or some modification thereof. There is little doubt but that the ebb
and flow of the tides through the channels could be so regulated that
a sufficient quantity of water would remain at low tide to temper that
which would flow in at flood tide. The shallowness of the pond should
render it so susceptible to the effect of the sun’s rays that a tem-
perature several degrees higher than that of the neighboring water
could be maintained, and in some places these two or three degrees
are perhaps the measure between success and failure in obtaining a set
of spat.
The eastern oyster spawns at 67° or 68° F., but does better at 70°.
Ponds such as that described might be located in connection with the
sloughs communicating with the bays, and, as Mr. C. H. Townsend
says that the native Pacific coast oyster does not flourish in such
places, the imported species would doubtless have a better opportunity
of survival during its early career, the period when it is especially
liable to suffocation by foreign organisms. If necessary, a filter, such
as is described on pp. 330-332 of this paper, might be introduced into
the mouth of the canal. This would to some extent interfere with
the ebb and flow of the tides between the pond and the slough or bay,
but it might be the very thing necessary to retard the interchange
sufficiently to allow the water in the pond to become warmed by the
sun.
The experiment is at least worthy of a trial, and it may be the means
of saving to the planters of the Pacific coast the large sums of money
which are now annually expended in transporting seed oysters across the
continent. The experimenter, if successful, would reap the benefit of
his own success. The brood oysters used in stocking the pond should
preferably be plants of several years’ standing, as such would be more
likely to be acclimated than those brought from the East but a short
time prior to the experiment.
330 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION.
Artificial propagation in the fish-culturist’s sense, the raising of
oyster fry from artificially fertilized eggs, has, at the present time, no
place in practical oyster-culture. It may perhaps sometime demon-
strate its applicability to a system of spat production in small closed
ponds, but it can have absolutely no use in the present methods of
oyster-growing. It is futile to expect any results from deposits of the
swimming fry upon beds planted in the open waters of the bays and
sounds where the conditions are usually such as would bring about a
wide distribution. Fry so deposited would be, no doubt, largely carried
to other beds, and be lost to the man who planted them, or else would
fall upon unsuitable bottom. Their fate after being deposited in the
water is so uncertain that, in our present state of knowledge, it
would be a waste of effort for either Government hatcheries or private
individuals to attempt to increase the oyster by such means.
If, however, there can be devised some successful method of closed-
pond production, then artificial propagation may find a field of useful-
ness. Dr. Ryder suggested that the available amount. of fry in his
method of spat-culture might be increased by adding embryonized
water to the inlet to the sluice at the beginning of flood tide, the
embryos being carried up through the cultch upon the flood and back
again upon the ebb, thus giving a double chance for fixation. There
is no doubt but that the proportion of eggs successfully fertilized can
be increased by the artificial mixture of the ova and spermatozoa
according to methods which science has demonstrated.
Another experiment by the same investigator showed that spat could
be raised in a practically closed pond from artificially fertilized eggs.
The experiment was briefly as follows: The pond was excavated in the
salt marsh on the shore of Chincoteague Bay. It was about 20 feet
square and 34 feet deep, and communicated with the bay by a canal 10
feet long, 2 feet wide, and the same depth as the pond. The mouth of
the canal was closed with a filter composed of boards perforated with
auger-holes and lined inside with gunny-cloth or bagging. The boards
constituted two diaphragms, an inner and outer, the interval of 2 inches
between being filled with clean sharp sand. Through this the tide
ebbed and flowed, giving a rise and fall of from 4 to 6 inches during
the interval between successive tides.
This filter, like most structures of its class, showed a tendency to
clog after it had been in use for some time, and as, from its shape, it
was difficult to cleanse, Dr. Ryder devised the following arrangement,
which is accessible at all times and in which the sand may be renewed
at will:
My improved permeable diaphragm is placed horizontally within an oblong
trunk or box, A, fig. 1, of platerv. The box is made of inch planks, to which strong
horizontal sidepieces, a, figs. 2 and 3, are secured, and to which are fastened the
PLATE IV,
(To face page 330.)
Report U. S. F. C. 1897.
HUT
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FILTER FOR PONDS USED FOR OYSTER-CULTURE.
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OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 331
transverse crossbars b ), of figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, upon which the permeable diaphragm
rests. Fig. 1 represents the trunk A secured within a pair of quadrangular frames,
F F, and partially in sectional elevation in place in the trench or canal leading from
the pond to the open water; fig. 2 represents the construction of the end of the trunk
next the open water, and fig. 3 that of the end next the pond, while fig. 4 shows the
trunk as viewed from above.
On the crossbars } b asingle screen of galvanized wire cloth, W, fig. 1 (galvan-
ized after it is woven), is superimposed, having meshes, say, one-half inch in diameter ;
upon the wire sereen a layer of gunny-cloth, C, figs. 1 and 4, is laid, upon which a
layer of fine, clean sand, S, is spread evenly from one end of the trunk to the other.
The end board e, extending halfway up at the outer end of the box, runs up past
the level of the wire and cloth to confine the sand at that extremity, as shown in
fig. 2, while the sand is confined by the board i at the other end of the trunk next
the pond, as shown in fig. 3. The wire cloth and bars bb constitute the support
for the sand as it lies upon the gunny-cloth, which is supported in turn by the wire
cloth or screen JV, This is essentially the construction of the filtering apparatus in
which the layer of sand, S, is at all times accessible, so that it can be removed if it
becomes clogged with ooze carried in by successive tides under the gate G, figs. 1,
2,and4. This layer of sand can also be increased or diminished in thickness so as
to strain the inflowing and outflowing water more or less effectually, as may be
desired, or in order to more or less effectually prevent the escape of any eggs or
embryos of oyster which may be developing within the pond and wafted to and fro
by the ebbing and flowing currents which are carried in and out of the pond through
the diaphragm by tidal action. The gunny-cloth, C, fig. 4, may possibly be replaced
by, first, a layer of coarse gravel, then a layer of finer gravel superimposed upon
that, which would prevent the fine sand from sifting through the supporting wire
screen JV. Gravel would be more durable than gunny-cloth or sacking, which, like
all other textile fabrics, will rot if immersed in salt water for a few weeks. In
practice, however, a mode of getting over all such difficulties would soon be devised.
A coarse sacking to be used for the purpose might be saturated with a drying oil or
with tar diluted with oil of turpentine, which when dry would act as a preservative
of the material, but not cause it to become impervious.
* * * * * > *
When the trunk 4 is put in place (which should be done before the water is let
into a freshly excavated pond, and also before the water is let into the trench from
the sea end), it should be securely placed in position and the earth tightly rammed
in along the sides so as to prevent any sea water from finding its way into the pond,
except such as passes through the filtering diaphragm. It is also unnecessary to
insist that the trunk be constructed in such a way that it will be practically water-
tight, and not liable to leak between the planks or at the corners. The wire cloth,
sacking, or gravel, and sand having been got into place, and when complete forming
a stratum having a total thickness of 5 or 6 inches, the operator is ready to cut
away the barrier at the sea end of the trench and let in the water.
If then the trunk 4 has been let down into the trench deep enough the sea level
at low tide ought to be somewhat above the upper edge of the board e. The water
will then, as the tide rises, flow back over the sand as far as the board i, and will per-
colate through the diaphragm into the space J, under the latter, and so find its way
into the pond. After a day or so the pond will be filled with sea water which has
practically been filtered, and filtered more or less effectually in proportion to the
thickness of the stratum of sand constituting the diaphragm. After the pond has
once been filled with the rise and fall of the tide in the open water the level of the
latter and that in the pond will be constantly changing; in other words, when the tide
is ebbing the water level in the pond will be higher than that of the water outside,
as in fact represented at wl and ?¢l in fig. 1. Under these circumstances there will
be a supply of water flowing out through the under division J of the trunk A, up
through the sand and out over its surface through the outlet O under the gate G.
After the ebb tide is over and flood tide begins these levels will be reversed and wi
332 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
in the pond will be lower than ¢/ in the open water, and under those circumstances
there will be an inflow of sea water into the pond through the diaphragm instead of
an outflow, as is the condition of the water level during ebb tide. Under such condi-
tions there will be four alternating periods during every twenty-four hours of inflow
and outflow, lasting, we will say, four hours each, not reckoning the nearly stationary
intervals between tides or during slack water. This almost constant partial renewal
of the water will unquestionably maintain the water inclosed in the pond or ponds
by means of diaphragms in a condition fitted to support oysters colonized therein,
provided its density is not too great or too slight, and if there is also some micro-
scopic vegetation present.
It will be readily understood from the preceding description how it is intended
that the apparatus is to be operated. The figures also give a very good idea of how
the diaphragm and trunk are to be constructed, the first four figures being drawn
to a common scale of 1 inch to 3 feet.*
The water in the pond remained at about the same density and tem-
perature as that in the open bay and soon developed a greater abun-
dance of food organisms, both plants and animals. Artificially fertilized
ova were placed in the pond at intervals during the spawning season,
and forty-six days after the beginning of the experiment young spat
from one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long were found attached
to the bunches of shells which had been hung upon stakes to serve as
collectors. Great difficulty was experienced from sedimentation. The
experiment demonstrated that spat could be raised in ponds from
artificially fertilized eggs and that it would grow as rapidly as the spat
reared in the open bay. As the conditions are stated by Dr. Ryder, it
appears probable that equally good or better results might have been
attained with less labor by placing a quantity of spawning oysters in
the pond.
Not only would there be a saving of labor in the direct use of the
Spawning oysters, but there would also be no necessity for the sacrifice
of the parents, as must be done under the method of artificial fertiliza-
tion. The increase in the size of the spawners under the favorable
conditions of growth would probably go far toward the payment of
expenses,
The method which promises the best results is that in which the eggs
are deposited in the pond within from three to five hours after fertili-
zation. There is apparently nothing to be gained in holding the eggs
a longer time, the chief gain of the culturist being not in the protection
of the embryo, but in the increase of the proportion of eggs fertilized.
The method of fertilization used by Dr. Ryder was as follows:
The method formerly used was to first learn the sex of a number of adult oysters
with the microscope, then cut out the generative glands with their products and
chop up those of different sexes separately in small dishes with sea water. This
system we may now say is barbarous, because it is crude. Large numbers of eggs are
destroyed by crushing, or are injured by the rough usage to which they are subjected,
and, besides, there is no assurance that the eggs or milt operated with are quite
mature. It is also troublesome to free the generative gland from fragments of the
liver, which help to pollute the water in the incubating vessels with putrescible
*Bull. U.S. F.C. 1884, pp. 19, 21, 22, 23.
OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 333
organic matter, and thus interfere greatly with the life and healthy development of
the embryos. ;
By our method the objectionable features of the old plan, as stated above, are
overcome. If possible select good-sized oysters; open them with the greatest possi-
ble care so as not to mutilate the mantle and soft parts. Carefully insert an oyster
knife between the edges of the valves and cut the great adductor muscle as close as
possible to the valve which you intend to remove, leaving the animal attached to
the other valve, which, if possible, should be the left or deepest one. The soft parts
being firmly fixed or held fast by the great adductor muscle to the left valve pre-
vents the animal from slipping under the end of the pipette, held flatwise, as it is
gently and firmly stroked over the generative gland and ducts to force out the
generative products.
To prepare the animals to take the spawn from them after opening, the following
precautions are to be observed: Note that the reproductive gland in great part
envelops the visceral mass and extends from the heart space, just in front of the
great adductor, to within a half inch or so of the head or mouth end of the animal,
which lies next to the hinge. Note also that both sides of the visceral mass which
incloses the stomach, liver, and intestine are enveloped on either side by a membrane
which also lies just next the shell and is garnished by a fringe of purplish, sensitive
tentacles along its entire border except at the head end, where the mantle of the left
side passes into and is continuous with that of the right side of the animal. The
ventral or lowermost side of the animal, anatomically speaking, is marked by the
four closely corrugated gill plates or pouches, which are preceded in front by the
four palps or lips, but both the gills and palps depend downward between the lower
borders of the mantle of the right and left sides. Note, too, that if the mantle is
carefully cut and thrown back on the exposed side of the animal between the upper
edges of the gills and the lower edge of the cut or exposed end of the great adductor
muscle, the lower and hinder blunted end of the visceral mass will be exposed to
view. It is on either side of this blunted end of the visceral mass between the upper
edge of the gills and lower side of the great muscle that the reproductive glands
open almost exactly below the great adductor. From these openings we will after-
wards find, if the animal is sexually mature and the operation is properly conducted,
that the spawn will be forced out in a vermicular, creamy white stream. But in
order to fully expose the reproductive organ we should carefully continue to sever
the mantle of one side with a sharp penknife or small scissors some distance forward
of the great muscle toward the head, cutting through the mantle just above the
upper borders of the gills and following a cavity which lies between the latter and
the lower border of the visceral mass.
A little experience will teach one how far it is necessary to carry this incision of
the mantle. For some distance in front of the heart space the mantle is free or
detached from the visceral mass and reproductive organ, which lies immediately
beneath, and this enables one, if the last-described incision has been properly made,
to almost completely expose the one side of the visceral mass and the richly tinted,
yellowish-white reproductive gland which constitutes its superficial portion. The
opening of the gland and its superficial ramifying ducts being laid bare on the
exposed side of the animal, we are ready to press out the spawn on thatside. Before
beginning this, however, it is important to observe that the principal duct passes
down just along the edge of the visceral mass where the latter bounds the heart
space, in which the heart may be observed to slowly pulsate, and that this great duct
ends somewhere on the surface of the ventral blunted end of the visceral mass (plate I,
fig. 2d). To expose the great or main generative duct it may be necessary to cut
through or remove the pericardial membrane which incloses or covers the heart space
on the exposed side. If the oyster issexually mature, the main duct will be observed
to be distended with spawn, and that, originating from it and branching out over
almost the entire surface of the visceral mass, there are minor ducts given off, which
334 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
again and again subdivide. If these are noted and it is observed that they are
engorged, giving them the appearance of a simple series of much-branched great
veins filled with creamy white contents, it may be certainly presumed that your
specimen is mature and that spawn may be readily pressed from it.
The operation of pressing the spawn out of the ducts requires care. The side of
the end of the pipette may be used, being careful not to crush or break open the
ducts as you gently and firmly stroke the pipette flatwise over the side of the
visceral mass backward from the hinge toward the heart space and over the great
duct at the border of the latter diagonally downward and backward to the opening
of the reproductive organ. If this has been properly done it wiil be found that the
generative products are being *pushed forward by‘the pipette through the ducts, as
the pressure will be seen to distend the latter, the contents of the branches flowing
into the larger and larger trunks until they are forced outward through the main
duct and opening below the great adductor, where they will pour out in a stream
one-sixteenth of an inch or more in diameter if the products are perfectly ripe. The
sexes may be discriminated as described at the outset, and it is well to first find a
male by the method already given and proceed to express the milt as described
above into, say, a gill of sea water, adding pipetteful after pipetteful until it acquires
a milky or opalescent white color. As the milt or eggs are pressed out of the open-
ing of the ducts, they are to be sucked up by the pipette and dropped into the water,
the mixture of milt being first prepared, to which the eggs may be added as they
are expressed from the females. The judgment of the operator is to be used in mix-
ing the liquids; in practice I find that one male will supply enough milt to fertilize
the eggs obtained from three or four females, and it does not matter if the operation
takes from twenty to thirty minutes’ time, as the male fluid, which it is best to
prepare first, will retain its vitality for that period.
It is always desirable to be as careful as possible not to get fragments of other
tissues mixed with the eggs and milt, and the admixture of dirt of any kind is to be
avoided. To separate any such fragments nicely, I find a small strainer of coarse
bolting or cheese cloth to be very convenient.
In the foregoing description we have described the method of obtaining the spawn
only from the side of the animal exposed in opening the shell. A little experience
will enable one to lift up the head end of the animal and throw it back over the great
adductor muscle, expose the opening of the reproductive organ on the left side,
or whatever the case may be, and also express the spawn from that side, thus as
effectually obtaining all of the ripe eggs or milt as is possible in the process of
taking the same from fishes.
It is remarkable to note the success attending this method, since almost every egg
is perfect and uninjured, the percentage of ova, which are impregnated, is much larger
than by the old method, reaching, I should say, quite 90 per cent of all that are taken
when the products are perfectly ripe. It is also found that the products are not so
readily removed by my process if they are not perfectly mature, which is also to
a certain extent a safeguard against poor or immature spawn. In the course of
an hour after the products of the two sexes have been mingled together it will
be found that nearly every egg has assumed a globular form, has extruded a polar
cell, lost the distinct germinative vesicle and spot in the center, and begun to develop.
It is noteworthy that our practice as herein described has completely vindicated
the statement made by the distinguished French anatomist and embryologist, M.
Lacaze-Duthiers, that there is but a single generative opening on each side of the
visceral mass of the oyster, and that, as we havestated, it is found to open just below
the great adductor muscle.
We have also discovered, since the foregoing was written, that the use of an
excessive amount of milt is of no advantage. The water in which the eggs are to be
impregnated only requires to be rendered slightly milky; a very few drops of good
milt is sufficient to make the impregnation asuccess. Too much milt causes the eggs
en ee
OYSTERS AND METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 335
to be covered by too large a number of spermatozoa; thousands more than are
required if too much is used. These superfluous spermatozoa simply become the
cause of a putrescent action, which is injurious to the healthy development of the
eggs.
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