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US SecoOmMMISSION OF FISH AND: FISHERIES,
GEORGE M. BOWERS, Commissioner.

REPORT

THE COMMISSIONER

FOR

THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1898.

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1899.

CLONE ENE S.

Page.
Reponwom Une OMMISSIONCEE cemese toc cs seine os/— oe a eee ioe sonia) seta cee VII-XxXIx
Report on the Propagation and Distribution of Food-Fishes. By W.deC.
US VONOl! 2 Seta jaciats se Sate Satiwis wna wie ain Sl ealal ss slape aoisioisicie Swine! wia/etni ante XXXI-CXXII
Report on Inquiry respecting Food-fishes and the Fishing-Grounds. By
Lele Gh VSR SPO 11S So eee AS Gr OCS OES SS Bont Oat bot Cae ene Ene CXXIII-CXLVI
Report of the Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries. By
ode ONGC Ree Se ceaS co see HHO sere Sse tc cE OISsSmnEcG mace CXLVII-CLXXV
APPENDICES.
Report on Mackerel Investigations in 1897. By J. Percy Moore....-......---- 1-22
Report on Fishes obtained by the Steamer Albatross in the vicinity of Santa
Catalina Island and Monterey Bay. By Charles H. Gilbert ..-...-..--.-. ---- 23-29
Notes on the Extent and Condition of the Alewife Fishefies of the United
PECs IME SOh. by Much: Mo Omnth,.o- 0... ane sons couu tessa sam oles neces 31-43
Report on the Oyster Beds of Louisiana. By H. F. Moore.....--..---...... 45-100 —-
The Shad Fisheries of the Atlantic Coast of the United States. By Charles
FimeS DOVeNSOMe ccs seteays ost Co ceyaeccs Sor see semiee aailonoe Setbesinieis Seperation 101-269
List of Fishes collected at the Revillagigedo Archipelago and Neighboring
Islands. By David Starr Jordan and R.C. McGregor......--..----.----- 271-284
Report on Investigations by the U. 8. Fish Commission in Mississippi, Louisi-
ana, and Texas in 1897. By Barton W. Evermann....-....-...---.------ 285-310
List of Publications of the U. 8. Fish Commission available for Distribution
BUNCH lee COO Soe a sme tleseie sce Cones web oele ee eee ee ccroeb ie aeceecelaacce OLL=OOe
Report on the Exhibit of the U. 8. Fish Commission at the Tennessee Centen-
fib position im. IS97. By W.deC. Ravenel -....--..--5-...:.1--.----- 329-339

IIl

, ae

ibe

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page
PLATE I. Manchester Station, Iowa, Rearing-ponds and Hatchery.......-----.--.-------- VIL
If. Bird’s-eye view of St. Johnsbury Station, Vt -......------------.20.0-000-2200-- XTI
Ill. Fishway, improved Cail System...-.....-- >“ dosseaonacodsdnensaasossmoonssossoses XXX
WAV CAPAN OSs Me SLOLION: naenisctcmiccce oe coker sacl cceebns cabs teen eiccct cedar atctaes emits XXXI
Vie Car NO sos EMterlOl concent oe mias cele cree cole ise late cic sionteycibie. o's lnieis eve oteisietbin dS siete s XXXIV
We Main Hntrance to-A quanium, | Omahalos.scecee ee aeesee aaeinn es eniceis seetaistisiaieciiet XXXVI
VII. General View of the Fish Commission Exhibit, Omaha................--------- XXXVI
VIII. Interior of the Grotto, looking from one of the Pools, Omaha .......----------- XL
IX. (1) Hatchery at St. Johnsbury, Vt. (2) Boat equipped with Jack-light for cap-
turing Trout at night on their Spawning-beds at Caspian Lake .....-.....--- XLIV
Xone wo wiewsion Lrapiati Groton, VW t-,, L897 22. 2252-222 cence eeaeiscic ow cceeeeeisee sac XLVI
XI. Hatchery at Gloucester; View from Gloucester Harbor--......-.....------------ L
XII. Interior view of Gloucester Hatchery showing Cod Boxes in operation ..-.-..-- LIt
XIII. Development of the Whitefish Embryo.—(1) Unfertilized Whitefish Egg, 24

XIV.

EXSVi.

XVI.

hours old. (2) Fertilized Whitefish Egy, 6 hours old, germinal discs forming,

no segmentation having taken place. (3) Whitefish Egg, 12 hours old, show-

ing first Cleavage; water, 38°. (4) Whitefish Egg, eighteenth hour, water 38°,

showing second Segmentation; 4 cellsformed. (5) Whitefish Egg, 24 hours

old; water, 38°. (6) Whitefish Egg, 48 hours old; water, 38°.....-...-..-.--- LXXII
Development of the Whitefish Embryo.—(7) Fertilized Whitefish Egg, 72 hours

old, showing Segmentation well advanced. (8) Whitefish Egg, seventh day,

Embryo beginning toshow. (9) Whitefish Egg, 43 days old, showing Embryo.

(10) Whitefish Egg, 90 days old, showing embryo. (11) Whitefish Egg Yolk,

ruptured by rough handling, 24 hours old. (12) Whitefish Eggs with triple

GIB CS or amie ont te ce lam a-folers seicleistele sisson as sate aloes oie eerste ie meister ecco eee as LXXII
Development of the Whitefish Embryo.—(13) Whitefish Eggs showing twin

discs, 3 days old. (14) Whitefish Egg, twin disc, sixth day. (15) Whitefish

Eggs, showing twin discs, 7 days old. (16) Whitefish Eggs, showing twin

discs, 8 days old. (17) Whitefish Egg, showing twin discs, 13 days old. (18)

Whitefish Egg, showing twin discs, 15 days old ........-...---.----.-2-s0c--- LXXII
Development of the Whitefish Embryo.—(19) Double-headed Whitefish Fry just

hatched. (20) Double-headed Whitefish Fry. (21) A Common Deformity of

Curved Spine of Whitefish Fry. (22) Whitefish Fry just hatched, three-eyed,

Curved Spine. (23) A Common Deformity of Whitefish Fry. (24) Four-eyed

WWeltiherishyMryss semer sce ac cman cieseisinicni-ia ce ieecinsiom= aloer she ae sistas oes oon aes LXXII

peeve Doliuhee ateh ery saasen mee =a cere csi er etieeeist ae oe aetaes aon ecioneeneecine LXxXxX

XVIII. Duluth Hatchery, Nursery troughs, and Storehouse.............--------------- LXXXIT

XSEX@ Bassysponds atiManchesterslow aressesceorenecscoe tee once ee eeeee eee eee LXXXIV
XX. Little White Salmon River, looking north, showing the two new Hatcheries,

OfficeandUMess-houseysscees se eecn abe cae ne eae ose sone sae cere nese ne eee Cc

XXI. Little White Salmon River, showing Hatcheries and Lumber Flume .......---- CIV

PAT reels ha dulinis; bDoleOiWdesy.ccen ae atine eee cence ce ot aac ar ee ee ene AE ee os 26

Pp PAC OLTUNCUSISberlOLUs eee eee eae see ae niet eae eee eae nL mete Sete 28

3. Chart showing Oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish, La..........-----...--------------- 100

4, Myrichthys pantostigmius .............---.---.-.- Sotele caters teas ioe cies baaceeG a cae a 284

iy YAAK ssc e ae ecnec Co ORS ORSE Ebon UE RSE Ee Sad 2 ae ee ee 284

Gy Cantherimes Caroler eee secnm sete seat Sete ee cee ae cee eee oe ened acome eseaeeees 284

(PAZ UTITashiTon d OM essays sess smece cee eee eae eee cae omeie ate Nomen we bw cw Sene 284

8. Polyodon spathula. Lepisosteus platostomus......-...-..---.------s-+eecese-seeeee- 310

DAMM a Calvan Galeichthy Ss folisnes ssaceseereeisccks ort cacaceete sete cne occ eta cbeeacer 310

HOSE elichthyeymarinnseeenssseeeense tee eee cc cece meeeee FADES LCE BO TEE COC DROP AC BEPE Ee 310

HE PL ebaluriaturcHvusi ses acen cece sete Ase eee eee a cee ee am nee meme ae sawacebees 310

LAL C LAMINA S ANS Ula se tctemaneen eee enae ee cma ecinceoe aware nace tescs cote Soecesecsoseuca 310

VI

PLATE 13.
14.
iby,
16.
te
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.

34.

35.
36.
37.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.
Tetalurus; punctatus! ~~ 6226.58 om ces sees me ceiaace eas = ockienele sce aa icles i= Ae 310
AM elurIS ME]ASis\. cs sien c\s- neice 8 so ae ie ele acetate ea Seas eee eeieeise eine oo =e eee 310
MUSPLOPS Oli VALIS is s2secincmes <5 ccc aie aeieese leew eee ee Baste a5) \<)s)x'n:n as =. 2\a/sole eee 310
Tetiobusicyprinella. - 5-5: ss 22 2s do oe nono ieee eee eee = os =. 2< aa 310
Tctiobus;bubaluss oc. sana enn es secs eoeecidwe sees hence Sete emer eee ee ciesc oes ae eee 310
Notropis:chamberlaini; 225 (2 as.. o26.c- -asenaeces ae oe aoe eee ee ee 5 310
Notropis Iomisiane i osccer cic < eno seiecsacncen coaceee ee enenes sees Cae eee ee esess> see 310
Dorosomacepedianum exile. 25.4 <es2j-n2e soe es See oe ee ee eee ee oni oie aie ae 310
Signalosaidtchatalaye ise Jc. sec m ace dele tee ome eatele eee nat hake ease acca seen 310
Brevoorbtia tyrannus Patronus)s<.. =<... <c's <2 = +2 sleeeiseaeees mesa sees an = nn eee 310
TGUGIUSEVErMICUIALUS: 25 /o10)5~iac =o ncn eae Snls aces pele sane aeeee alee eaieiele = <2, cielea else eee 310
Mu gilycep hala si j- «sas: wsinc sn iocen soecions deis seine ss slee naeae eee cect sonic eae 310
Pomoxisiannmlanis: [cs6 22052 oe saaeaiaa onsets se See ne Some ee eas en eter ee eee eee 310
POMOXASSPATOIGES < a6 «nels Scie Se oa:s «1s Bek goers cio Sate wales apcelatalstne oct hie ore Sein ieee 310
Chenobryttusigulosus2k 2. ac iclaciee ct de ate ce bead sean Oe st see eee ds See ee eee 310
Micropterus;salmoid@s 225% 220-2 selsca5j-c% sd wc -/eclteeees seaside seciet eh neeese ee eae 310
TOG CUBS CHIVISO PS ates = niet setelalatal= esa aia ao Sie aie al eter eindete atmtaliet tensa eae ats a alee etal 310
Lagodon rhomboides «...s 5-0 scees cen. sateen ss eceesesisecacs-ceeeeieee ae-Ge aE eeeeeee 310
Archosargus probatocephalus’=sasccc an. ae -a)2 seem sees ee eieien oe ie ane ele ee 310
Cynoscion nebulosus -..-....------ Sag nods Gnssone a seseecssh05 Rebate ane Scio 3 34 550=5- 310
Scisnops ocellatus. 2.222! d2cccjossaee sens selse cles = sceeeetetee ateiciehint ete aioe a ae oe eet 310
Leiostomus xanthurus'-'. $< .t: <j 2scets nme nasi 325 eee ae are eee eee tae 310
Micropogon undulatus. 4-222 see ecce ss cess Sos ice eh saci e sa eice oe eee eer epee 310
Aplodinotus, grunniens <q <i <)sscensecacisets sees a mais se ee cise ite ese eta ae eee 310
Diagram U.S. Fish Commission Exhibit at Centennial and International Exposition,
Nashville, Denn. ..ccocisecswbcistavinees €cweissiseocinvlencresietes seit ciemmawtel tase cate merits wastiee 331

a

‘AYSHOLVH GNY SGNOd ONIYVSY ‘VMO! ‘NOILVLS YSLSSHONVIN

PLATE I.

(To face page VII.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

REPORT
OF THE

UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES

FOR THE

FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1898.

I have the honor to submit a report of the work of the United States
Commission of Fish and Fisheries for the year ending June 30, 1898,
together with the reports of the assistants in charge of its divisions,
which, with the papers describing special investigations, published as
appendices to this report or in the Bulletin of the Commission, form a
complete record of its operations for this period. The Commission
was under the direction of Commissioner John J. Brice until February
16, 1898, when the present Commissioner, George M. Bowers, appointed
ir tia 1, took charge.

In view of the marked increase of the work of the Commission and the
addition of the new stations authorized each year by Congress, and
the consequent enlarged demands on its resources, it is impossible to
carry on its operations in such manner as to obtain the best results
with the present appropriation, which is small considering the impor-
tant interests at stake, representing millions of dollars invested in the
fisheries and allied interests throughout the country. It is, therefore,
earnestly recommended that the estimates submitted, embodying cer-
tain increases, be favorably acted on by Congress, particularly those
items providing for the propagation of food-fishes and for the contin-
gent expenses required for scientific and statistical investigations, the
demands for which are steadily increasing.

Special technical information is frequently desired for important
objects, such as protective legislation by the States or the extension
or establishment of fishery enterprises, and this often involves exten-
sive studies or investigations of aquatic life, which can be carried on
only under Government auspices. Appropriations are needed for the
improvement of the grounds and buildings at some of the stations, and
the efficiency of several could be materially enhanced by additions to
their water supply and enlargement of their pond systems. The sta-
tions are always places of public interest in their respective neighbor-
hoods, and while they are not designed for parks or pleasure-grounds
it appears eminently proper that they should be made attractive and

beautified to a certain degree.
VIL

VII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

While the division reports describe the work in detail, attention may
be called to the progress made in fish propagation, and to some of the
more important investigations and canvasses carried on by the Divi-
sions of Inquiry respecting Food-fishes and of Statistics.

DIVISION OF FISH-CULTURE.

The operations of this division were in many respects more important
than in any past year, owing in part to the natural growth of the work
and in part to greater efficiency in dealing with the various questions
and problems that come up for consideration.

The propagation and distribution of food-fishes during the present
fiscal year exceeded by about 40 per cent the work accomplished in any
other similar period. The number of adult and yearling fishes, fry, and
eggs distributed in public and private waters or transferred to the State
authorities was about 857,000,000, of which the largest number rep-
resented important commercial species, like the shad, cod, whitefish,
salmon, lake trout, herring, pike perch, and lobster. There were 33
hatching stations and substations in use, the one located at Erwin,
Tenn., having been completed and placed in operation in addition to
those mentioned last year. The steamer Fish Hawk was also utilized
for shad-hatching in Albemarle Sound and the Delaware River.

A comparison of the output for this year with that of last shows a
marked expansion in the hatching of shad, Pacific salmon, and cod.
The extension of the salmon-hatching work on the Pacific coast was
especially gratifying, as the enormous annual drain on the salmon
streams of that region makes it very important that the supply should
be kept up by artificial means. At the substation situated on Battle
Creek, a tributary of the Sacramento River, the largest collection of
salmon eggs (48,000,000) in the history of fish-culture was made in the
fall of 1897.

Although there are several desirable species of salmon in the Pacific
rivers, the Commission gives its principal attention to the chinook
or quinnat salmon, which is the species most desired for canning and
fresh consumption. Some light has been thrown on the results of
fish-cultural work on the west coast by the recent capture of a consid-
erable number of large salmon with the soft dorsal fin missing. These
are fish that were liberated from the Government hatcheries about three
years ago, when they were less than a year old, after having been
marked by the removal of the adipose fin. The work of the Commis-
sion is very popular in the West, and its value is generally recognized
by the salmon fishermen and canners.

The wall-eyed pike or pike perch, Stizostedion vitreum, is one of the
most valuable of the fishes of the Great Lakes. In Lake Erie, where
by far the largest part of the catch is taken, it ranks first in money
value. The fishing interests being desirous that the Government should
keep up the supply, the propagation of this species, which had been
discontinued for several years. was resumed in the spring of 1898 at

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Ix

Put-in-Bay Station, on Lake Erie, 221,062,500 eggs being collected. It
was also designed to take up this work on Lake Ontario, where formerly
there was a comparatively large catch, but after careful investigation
it was found that but few spawning fish were found on fishing-grounds
that a few years ago yielded tons of fish. This disappearance from their
usual spawning-grounds was attributed by some to the discharge of
refuse from mills and factories into the tributaries of Lake Ontario.
30,000,000 of the eggs collected at Put-in Bay were transferred to the
Lake Ontario station, and the fry resulting from them were planted in
the St. Lawrence.

The passage of laws by the State of Michigan prohibiting the capture
of whitefish and lake trout in Lakes Huron and Michigan from Novem-
ber 1 to December 15, unfortunately caused the abandonment of white-
fish work on these lakes. Efforts were made to collect eggs at Duluth,
but very few were secured.

At Put-in Bay, Lake Erie, notwithstanding the unfavorable weather
that prevailed during the fall, 112,842,000 whitefish and 27,786,000 cisco
or lake-herring eggs were collected from fish taken by the commercial
fishermen; 10,000,000 of these were sent to Alpena, Mich., to be hatched
and liberated in Lake Huron.

Further experiments were conducted on Lake Erie to determine the
practicability of holding in pens the adult whitefish taken prior to the
spawning season; 1,200 fish were secured from the fishermen in the
vicinity of Put-in Bay and impounded in floating live-boxes, and over
10,000,000 eggs were thus secured. The results of the experiment,
though not as large as anticipated, are encouraging, and will probably
lead to a considerable extension of whitefish propagation in Lake Erie,
as in this way a definite supply of spawners can be depended on.
Stormy weather has in the past often prevented the taking of sufficient
numbers of fish during the spawning season. In conducting this
experimental work great assistance was rendered by the fishermen,
who allowed the Commission to take fish from their pound nets without
charge and hold them in live-boxes until after the spawning season,
when they were returned to the fishermen.

The lake-trout work at Northville and Alpena stations in Michigan
was larger than heretofore, notwithstanding that the passage of the
act previously referred to cut short the collecting season materially and
few eggs could be obtained from grounds that had in the past yielded
large numbers. There is little doubt that under ordinary conditions
the collections for Northville, which reached 12,000,000, would have
doubled that amount.

The propagation of marine species, such as cod, flatfish, pollock, and
lobsters, was the object of attention on the Atlantic Coast, at the Woods
Hole and Gloucester stations. Profiting by the preliminary investiga-
tion made during the previous year, large numbers of cod eggs were
obtained at Plymouth, which, with those taken from the brood-fish held
at Woods Hole, made an aggregate of 153,436,000 eggs, which yielded

x REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

105,863,000 fry. Over 160,000,000 eggs were also collected at Kittery
Point, Maine, which were transferred to the Gloucester Station, from
which 96,700,000 cod fry were hatched and liberated.

During the months of November and December between 7,000,000 and
8,000,000 pollock eggs were collected from boats fishing out of Glou-
cester, and the fry resulting from them were planted in neighboring
waters. It was intended to take up the propagation of this species on
a large scale, but most of the pollock in that vicinity are now captured
with hand lines instead of gill nets, making it impossible to obtain
spawning fish in quantities.

The constant decline in the lobster fishery accentuates the necessity
for increased work in this line. The schooner Grampus was employed
during the months of April, May, and June in collecting egg lobsters
along the entire coast of Maine. The fisheries on the coasts of Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut were looked after by fishing
smacks and steam launches, and as a result of these efforts 95,000,000
fry were liberated.

During the spring of 1898 over 300,000,000 shad eggs were collected
on the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Potomac rivers, and in the Albe-
marle Sound, North Carolina; 228,000,000 of these eggs were hatched
and the fry planted—a very satisfactory increase over the previous year.
The usual shad operations on the Delaware with the Fish Hawk were
interrupted by the war, which caused the detail of that vessel for naval
service. To prevent the abandonment of the work, arrangements were
made with the Pennsylvania authorities to operate the State hatchery
at Bristol.

An important new feature of the fish-cultural work was the hatching
of 3,000,000 fry of the grayling at Bozeman Station. ‘This fine food and
game fish has a very limited distribution, and its artificial propagation
has heretofore been chiefly experimental.

The efforts to acclimatize food-fishes in waters to which they are not
indigenous have been continued by transferring quantities of eggs of
the quinnat salmon and steelhead trout to eastern stations to be hatched,
so that the fry could be planted in Atlantic coastal streams. Adult
tautog, lobsters, and blue crabs have been sent to California and planted
in the Pacific. Many of the lobsters were females with eggs, and the
plant should result in from 5,000,000 to 4,000,000 fry besides the adult
lobsters.

The steady increase in the catch of shad in the United States is con-
clusive evidence of the value of artificial propagation. In the year
1880, prior to which time but little work of this character had been
done, the catch of shad in the United States was 18,074,534 pounds;
and in the years immediately succeeding 1880 until 1885, when the
first results of artificial propagation became observable, the supply
of these fish had decreased to such an extent that it was feared they
would be exhausted for commercial purposes. In 1888 the cateh had
increased to 35,736,585 pounds, and in 1896, the last year for which

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

XI

there are accurate data, the catch was 50,866,368 pounds, or, in round
numbers, 13,Q00,000 fish as against a little over 5,000,000 in 1880, an

increase of over 150

per cent.

The value of the shad fishery to the

fishermen in 1880 was $995,790; in 1896 it amounted to $1,656,711.
The Commission expended during the fiscal year 1896-97, $15,726.36,
and in the following year $16,356.99 in the propagation and distribution

of this species.

At an average annual expenditure of $15,000 per annum

since 1880, the total expended in the propagation of this species during
sixteen years would amount to $240,000. As a consequence of the
greater abundance of the fish the cost has been materially lessened,
but even at the price actually received the increased 33,000,000 pounds
was worth $1,049,000, or $809,000 more than has been expended by the
Commission on the propagation of this species, exclusive of the cost of
the stations, in sixteen years.

Table showing the number of fish and eggs furnished for distribution by the various stations.

Source of supply. Species. Eggs figesing a Seas
Green Lake, Mo........----- Goldenitroutleccensssoeeeeere ee 10, 000 79, 144
ISPOOKSEEOU bs soe ne ae ee coe eer 25, 000 321), 721 |. .
ake proubens 5c ecectaces ss cecen 75, 000 70, 998 |.
Steelheadgtrout.-- se aeec- es eealesacise soeee 22, 966 |.
Quinnapsalmoneess ees a sleet eee 901, 066
Landlocked salmon..-......-.--. D248 eee ecclen ciccceiee 121, 830
A tlarnicysalmone sso eeeerce cecal tect os sees co saceaeee see 16, 208
Crnio Brooke... taeocee Atlanticnsalmon=-- sess 50 sace6 400, 000 1, 975, 070 203, 697
Atlantic salmon domesticated..|...........-|..<------.0--: 829
andlockedisalmonscase ase. e2-|t))) 1 00; 000) | baat e as. sanyertal- 1, 960
Quinnatsalmonees-cee sean see|peseeemecear | siesaeemccen ee 235, 935
Steelhead trout- 35, 941
Scotchiseartrout seseee soe cesses a lemaaceas See leeeeecicae cucer
Rainbow trouts: sues ne cce ces aoelpecmiscecac lines eres bie cites
St. Johnsbury, Vt.....------ Brook trout.... 561, 000 |.--
Lake trout.........- 14, 000 |.
Steelhead trout ....-............ 106, 626 |.
Landlocked salmon -..-..........- 3, 928 |..-
Gloucester, Mass ...........- Cod) esses 96, 707, 000 |.
Pollock . 4, 455, 0v0
Lobster 65, 097, 000
Woods Hole, Mass.......-.-- Codeee-- 1058637000) Ba-easecccee
Flatfish AOVSaT NOOO ease aesees
Lobster BOR92 O00) | Rea aeccaesae
Cape Vincent, N. Y ......--... Lake trout OBOP Sah | Pe mene cee as
Steelhead trout ................ SOKOGON Bema enone
Brookitrouteccenostenseceeses ene 5G 000) | Eee sans
Quinnatisalmons, eeccense-2 454 |-seeie eae AGO SOG eeee = ---- 4-5
Atlantic salmon esacsesseeeccralaorceoeaee OTRO Te eee aie) a tee-c
Pike perch yacse cae se ces eae ae | vee seen cece TOO BE VG) ae aes See
Steamer Fish Hawk......... SNAdss shes sas sonst ene aeeu ones 1, 811, 000 Hv647 O00) |b eee aces
SS TISLOMME Beccles eee eee ial thes COV Se sees see cae See een eceecnaee 5 VAGOLO0ON eee ae oo ae
IBATLORY SUAtIONS MiGente. ale AO ac coerce tee eae atere eee 68, 881, 000 1974905000 )\Sn sc cies
HShseends: DiC secstee seeacoleee GOVE a8 eee eis oak tereistey etic aera | erect eicke erates le cetetats Rae ic 3, 036, 000
Black basslarce-mouth sec cealn neecoeee sl neiceoee eect ae: 14, 222
IBISCKDASS small“ moUGheee cert tome sees ae eomee eer ee: 1, 837
Crappie serena anes lsc Saea eee smemiacces cee uetclemaoe eens 779
Central Station, D.C. ....-..- Shadeese. Sees su eebase oneewensins 5, 179, 000 Baril Oils SSasasaseses
och Leven troute-caccsscee eee leas ceceeeeee ejPeP): Wasaasepccee
Rainbow-troutesscescccceeee seme leecceneocmee 1 GSS | ees pemeosc
IBLOOKMTOU Gea ce asi sooe soot eee eeeeek Sees SxOG8i Fe nedcisccee =
ake trowtsccesc-eccestecen esac leoeseconene OVGLO) ee ceases
Mandlocked:salmon=ssseececeeea ses sce eeee BHUSD tes Paoesaeee
Bryan Point, Midis ..-22<-22-< SH aes Mee Aa ee hac ae tee tenets em mele meee IS AT SOONO00! || sajcace cere
Wey theville Viadiwioss scones ones Rainbow: troubes-sssesceee seco ne 180, 000 25, 000 169, 295
ROCK DASS sae c aeeet ein eo see cee eee eee | Seema ates 7, 898
Putin Bay WwiOsc..-222 42-0. WAKOMTOULS cee ete eee ceo nee Coen ooee eee 9085800) |E-t Seemes cee
IWihitehBshs sear acecenet er nen en. 200, 000 BOS2905 000s Peepeeen eee
Wake Herre so ecnsscscee acs sew aceus sees TS 89TON O00) hes tao sae
IK POLrChwsa sec ecwiasse ss cewincs swacbesace oe Cig) Wel A Sast access
Blackipass; large-mouths--0)-o=.|b-s--9----2-|soseesscsecce 2
Blackipassssmall-mouth socascos scenes cSecer lecetecescceces 89
ROCK ASS ese noe eee ee ea ne oat enein cleaccoaeninea ete 268
PSTISELS ates eisleleretelsinieisisienstelcls sinis'ae 69

XII

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF

FISH AND FISHERIES.

Number of fish and eggs furnished for distribution by the various stations—Continued.

Source of supply. Species. Eggs. fae fp eriete
Northville, Mich...-..----.--- akevtirobsenmatsseneesiiee meister 331543, 000) oneemeeeeae
Broo ksproubeeeettsceeaeene aaa 228, 000 1, 000
Loch Leven trout 8.000 |-22-aemneeers
Steelhead trout....-....--.- 85, 000 3, 500
Rainbow routes. 2 eee eee eee sGonncadeanalsacsooseacesine 8, 000
Alpena, Mich..-..-......-..- Makeinrouteeren sae see eet at 1445-0002 eee eeeee
Wihitetishtssccneesseueeete cess 8, 1005 000))|-< - ==
Dnluths Manns. ss ce=- =<. akertroubesee semen seater eer 1435000) ea en nant ee
Brooks trouteeseee eee seen asses Re eric c oc
Steelhead ‘trout------------.5-.- T30N000 | Seeea ee aaer
\WANTICHTEIN Bongacaboacsessceccoce 98,000) |e secenesae
Quincy. elles ee eee ee IB NO Ns [HES hacaces nanste obseendend Seecescacced|scacsecacasace 24, 808
(Oh yWEboo hos ocsoca sn asecemsedag|pusssoanc+ on lssasonnosagzoc 3, 103
Manchester, Iowa -...-------- Rain powsLLotbeseeeecee seers ee eeeeeeee 45000 |S2skencceene
IBLOOktroub sense sere eee coe oes eee eee 193000 Sl eae ae
hakebroubseeeeseeeer et erse seers leeteeene ees 437, 0005 oceseeeeee=
Neosho Moms -eeee= neil Rainbows tosses eee eee eee eee 14, 000 73, 219
Black bass 10, 101
Rock bass 13, 618
Strawberry bass 5, 912
San Marcos, Tex..---.------- IBlacksbasseesasees-e eee eee eee 30, 755
Rock Dassleecscesens secre 3, 700
Crappiesesenspeeee eae ace eeree 50
Leadville, Colo .......-...--- IBroOkstrowbseeae eee eee matter 172, 100
Black-spotted trout.--.-..-.-...|-2---------- 27080000 |Eeeseeteaeee
RAN DOWALOUUe see e meee ee neee ee eee eet 21000) 2eececas===
Wellowetim route sees =e eee eee eee Te UU beiccccemacs
och) levenitroubs--e-] 5 ssesee— IG NG) Noseessosoqscac 8, 000
Bozeman, Mont......-------- LIM) SARI geootocoosacconseccad|secsooesosaa|lseseescosoasar 6, 000
Steellheadtiroutsose eee eee sae see ee eee eee eeieneiteats 45, 000
(Graylin geese ee eee ee ees laa eee eee 100,000) |Ssaeseeeeeee
Baird Station, Cal.....-.-----| Quinnatsalmon........-...-..-- 6, 555, 000 6,'51'1, }800i)| are oe
KortiGaston; Cal-------------|--=-- GMB esseohaatoonsecesecescsed Soseshscsaas 27080003 |Seaeee eee
Rainbowabroutessse eee eee eee eee ee ee 35, 950 4, 085
F Steelhead! tromtioanes ose eeeeee 60, 000 6505000) |= 2seeeeeeoe
OlemayCalleeaseee ese eeece ea Quinnatsalmonessseeee eases ee eee eee 197050001) teeee-teee =
Battle: Creeks Cal ee seca neon-=|)- a= GO shone ees ceeee nares 24, 050, 000 YE S8bi 500i ie ameleecieerer
Clackamas; Oreg.-----.--- = =| += CO) SER ER AEE Er Sarcanaseoccs |Scedoaaacoec 10029 (OG) be nepa atte
och: Leven troulsca-seeeeeene ee Lee eee eee 5. 175) sree arm mierstance
Upper Clackamas, Oreg- ----- Quinnat salmon) 222 socsen se een eee AS390" 000) |S -eeee eee
Salmonueiviere ceca. == bee lel are oe OO sseeecacacoacs en seee ee aeeal toe ereee eer. 145 SOGE|econcemee ten
TRO SWIG) RINE sacgagaddosodeaeollaosus CO ecsasacisscen ca cinn Nee Rin seeamione cers TERE Gy eaesenaqooes
Little White Salmon...-...-..|....- GO os So roe ein acinac a calsice Bee tee eeeee Baar 7; 391) S86uleacecelen nicl
Mapleton, Oreg ......-....--.|--..- MO yase ances cone cciesee Sele eiae lorie mera AAD OTS Noceletee <2 esis
Summary of distribution.
sa Pie Fry and fin- | Adultsand
Species. Eggs. aries! yearlings. | Total.
Shader eatidascnicenascececescee sacs scscisisnelsineials 75, 871,000 | 149,155,000 | 3,036, 000 | 228, 062, 000
Quinnat salmon... 30, 605, 000 45, 548, 558 230,200 | 78,378, 758
Atlantic salmon 400, 000 2, 072, 139 220, 635 2, 692, 774
Landlocked salmon 171, 243 7, 005 121, 088 299, 336
Steelhead tromtecsecncc= cscs dace eaaiiee seeieae entrain 60, 000 1, 118, 354 53, 572 1, 226, 926
To (rely UGG TRROWIN Goocoporetesosepoceocoececoeaooos 20, 000 20, 457 8, 000 48, 457
IRANI OOM WHO N= 55 Gosbooe cece oo nodep Some ucEsoecTass 130, 000 96, 022 249, 532 475, 554
Black-spotted trout... -.----- 22... 5-2. <=. nme --o =| 2 -= === 25844004 oeec aceon 258, 400
LEO) HHO he Goede ao ceo ORO SoseassooanosoSoconost 319, 300 1, 863, 798 161, 391 2, 344, 489
ILA (ROW aoa peeooe Hone seaosoDaSSsroosSnaccsods 1, 085, 000 USO A121 ON ese ooh te 13, 606, 219
SHO OLN TGE) NRO) SERS Se BOCC BE BOBOEAOer sacEabas06 Sond Son asemacand |sapoop Sp pSodaa> 1, 589 1,589
YZ Ow etVUROU Uiere sete eianin = e/sie ere meee sie l-loiai= sloieteiaeitate (AOU! | eseaasesoasc 7,500
Goldemktrombieees mac cesses ccce wince cons see meee Ufa eS Nee sem sin 89, 144
(Gm HN® oonococotoocobapon spacSossesdoocoessscaccs OOS OOO tertereiatetaia a 1, 500, 000
RVADILGH SM ee eee ce smsiscnisce cece scissneeeisc stele mclerate 88, 488, 000 |.-----...... 88, 488, 000
IPI) PORUN osascdeoondsgnnses.bd6 eS“ sccecdoerRanacc HBS PRD) le ssadeessess 81, 153, 750
Ibm ee) Miers hey, - Sco goog gdeSosanusdsosdsqeused TERS CUO esceosesossc 18, 970, 000
Black bass, large-mouth -.....-.....-----...------ +] sence n wen eee|ecne- sa sennees 76, 064 76, 064
IBlackabassysmall-monthe. ascerccs sac sins ae else eielaieln| Saeie rsa alelate el |e elaine telat 1, 884 1, 884
(ChE UE) 5dnceoguoOSaeO a SUADEide paboerododorsbopanson oomsoSeésasallaciosagacedocies 3, 369 3, 369
Sint Sa ee ree ec rele swe arolcicintajacaielavaioie claret aretetsiare Sate slates emcteieie leis areyme| ePeiteratetenaeteetatate 69 69
TROIS NHS: Nena Hoe SO DOS CR OaO ECE ee eeecbor Becareaed pooeetaconad |Sadcoradapaca: 23, 352 23, 352
Shinya eae EIST: oacae maneiceopenoosGnooeEelaesacHes|ponsoeeonccd||sboaaoogmodacc 5, 912 5, 912
(CiivTema Re oes ee ee i ieee Tere RAE IN 202,570, 000 |........--c- 202, 570, 000
(POM OG ee rae oa cele ee iaieia cicisinters cinta lsiseisisteieya'atctale mis. oletatel lleiermetete BaAob AAS O00M cece ciate 4, 455, 000
PEC ap TIS Leeroy caicte etersiclercas clave ele oie aie cicteie eine ee eon ine eee eee aeons BY REBYE GUID) emoconccess 39, 337, 000
ILA ETS otno roe Co ROce aE Heb DOs US EUBOnGogaesacicdou|kaondacreacs PH PBL LON) Naas diseacsacs 95, 234, 000
Eo belts ter ere Sire eae EER 108, 871,543 | 744,445,346 | 4,192, 657 } 857, 309, 546

PLATE ll.

(To face page XII )

Report U.S F. C. 1898.

A a lt i Ze nm

BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF ST. JOHNSBURY STATION, VERMONT.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIII

The cars of the Commission traveled 98,964 miles and detached mes-

sengers 121,160 miles while distributing fishes during the
Commission was again the recipient of material assistance

year. The
from many

railroads, as shown by the following list of roads giving free transpor-
tation, without which the work would have been much curtailed:

Name of railroad.

ia

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Rwy
Atlantic Coast Line...................._.

Chicago and West OHI ANE RI Vic acer ames coke SOSA 2 nc nese Meath Serene
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Biwi yiewet sect s\e bide gehen nee een en
21 LOO UI, TES GEA eet ca ee ee MO na
cE TES CAGE EET A275 oe See a ck
Denver, Leadville and Gunnison LR Geic Boe cose Semie Mee een nG 1) SMG MI STIRS Sg |
Denver and Rio Grande R.R ...................,
Detroit, Grand Rapids and Western R. R
Detroit and Mackinac Rwiyrctesnerccsce ic unce acc
Detroit, Toledo and Milwaukee R. R
Duluth and Iron Range R. R........-----..........,

Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic LOA OR =e 3 ASRS, MOR nega aa maa Mae ge i
East Tennessee and Western North Carolina R. R..... CScGos gp Seon B ESRC Ei
1 SE oi cok an Jee PSs ee SUe eS creck ues og NO ASR Ra ae
ewan) Here Marquette Hil <secsJ.000-10.0. 000.400 a et seesoaues
Fort Worth and Denver LOLA REA ROS See a Me = i ON oan
Grand Rapids and Indiana PONY re cme eee er eet ries. te) io ous”
eee eye Systeta Eran re Mee cnt.) Lien ae en

Houston, East and West TESS CSI Ee rrr, Soap ae ane ei AU RNa Beal
Hunter’s Run and Slate Belt Eee nceeey Sose set eee anes 5k AS ees rae
k

Missouri, Kansas and Texas Rwy
pe NOOR B22 UN oe aa ay

Pennsylvania R. R
= SEIEU ISVs BRR SD Ss CSA ope Coe cr de
Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Rio Grande Western w.yaseeeeeraae ee ee.
211 GUO 1 Se le ee ia
Rumford Falls and Rangeley Lakes TONERS tebe neat ISL ee 4) AYE eee
San Antonio and Aransas Se ee eves re Skt TOO Be at a oe
Sioux City and Northern R.R ........

WabashR.R
Wisconsin Ce

1, 686 296
BAS Sh ves
556 70
74g eae?

cet ® 264
TEC lee ea ie os
PSAe as 34
SOs 181
3,060] 1,415
258} 1,544
Oph Mica ae

BER ee 8
19195 moeeee
342 751

ee 1, 748
beet 236

33, 346

XIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

DIVISION OF INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES.

The most valuable of the fishery resources of the country, the oyster,
has been the subject of a number of special investigations. Pursuant
to a request from the legislature, governor, and citizens of Louisiana,
Lieut. Franklin Swift, U.S. N., was directed to proceed with the steamer
Fish Hawk to make a survey of the oyster-grounds of that State, in
order to furnish accurate information on which to base a revision of the
oyster laws, with a view to putting the oyster industry on a more sub-
stantial footing. The vessel reached Mississippi Sound on January 31,
and confined her work to the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish. While
there was not sufficient time to complete the survey of all the oyster-
grounds of the State, Dr. H. F. Moore, who took part in the investiga-
tion as zoologist, made an examination of them. It was found that the
fishing methods pursued have been very injurious, in some instances
resulting in the practical destruction of the oysters, and that with the
adoption of improved methods and proper restrictions the oyster-plant-
ing industry might be greatly extended. The report of Dr. Moore has
been transmitted to the governor of Louisiana.

The prevalence of green oysters in the Chesapeake region and else-
where having -proved very serious, financially, to the oyster-growers,
has received the prompt attention of the Commission. It is the general
opinion among oyster-consumers that green oysters derive their color
from copper, with which they have been contaminated, and are there-
fore unwholesome. This belief results in large losses to oystermen,
who are prevented from marketing the crop when the greenness is
marked. It has been demonstrated repeatedly and announced by the
Commission that the green oysters owe their color to vegetable matter
which serves as food, and that no impairment in the food value of the
oyster results from this condition. The announcement in the press of
the discovery of copper in considerable quantities in English oysters
led the Commission to make a reexamination of the subject with the
result that previous tests were confirmed.

Experiments in fattening oysters for the market have been con-
ducted at Lynnhaven, Va., where the Commission has constructed
special ponds for the purpose.

The desire of the Commission to give the people of the Pacific coast
a plentiful supply of eastern oysters has resulted in the shipment of a
number of carloads to suitable points in California and Oregon, the
plants being guarded by the local authorities during the time required
for their acclimatization and propagation. In order to determine the
condition of the introduced oysters, the Commission detailed Professor
Washburn, of Oregon University, to visit and report on the beds. The
observations, extending over the years 1897 and 1898, show that all the
planted oysters have survived and grown, although there are as yet no
evidences of an increase in numbers.

A canvass of the sponge fisheries of Florida was made in 1896, and
to determine the relative conditions of this industry a second inquiry

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XV

was made by Dr. Hugh M. Smith in January, 1898. The second inves-
tigation emphasized the necessity of action on the part of the State
to prevent serious injury to the fisheries. During the past few years the
ageregate quantity of sponges taken has steadily increased, but the
increase has resulted from more extended fishing as well as from
the taking of sponges of less than the legal size. The present catch
isalso made up of comparatively large quantities of inferior varieties,
as is shown by the fact that in 1895 the output of sheepswool sponges,
the best variety and that of most commercial value, comprised 76 per
cent of the total catch, while in 1897 it had fallen to 47 per cent.
Though the sponge-grounds have been seriously affected by excessive
and illegal fishing, they may yet be renewed and become capable of
yielding large returns by the adoption of remedial measures, as sug-
gested in Dr. Smith’s report, published in the Bulletin for 1898.

From time to time during recent years reports have been received of
the capture of shad in the tributaries of the Mississippi. Beginning
with the spring of 1896, these fish had been taken each year in some
numbers at various points in the Mississippi, Ohio, and Kanawha
rivers. An opportunity was afforded of examining specimens taken
in May, 1898, and a visit was made by Dr. B. W. Evermann to the
localities where the capture of the fish was reported, and interesting
observations were made. The fish were found to be a species of true
shad, apparently resembling, though not identical with, the shad of
the Atlantic coast rivers and the species of shad found in Alabama.
They are apparently indigenous to the rivers of the Mississippi Valley,
and not the results of plants of shad formerly made in those waters.

During the summer of 1897 the biological surveys in the Northwest,
which have been in progress for several years, were carried on by field
parties, chiefly under the direction of Dr. B. W. Evermann. In con-
tinuation of the studies of the spawning habits of the redfish in the
lakes of the Northwest, a comprehensive investigation was made of
Wallowa Lake in Oregon. An examination was also begun of a series
of isolated Jakes lying along the southern border of Oregon, about
whose fauna nothing has been known. A party visited these lakes in
July and August to study their physical and biological features and to
make collections of fishes and other animals inhabiting them. With
the completion of these investigations and a study of the collections
much light will be thrown on the characteristics of the isolated fish
fauna and the origin of the fauna of these and similar lakes of Oregon,
California, and Nevada.

Explorations were made of the principal coastal streams of California,
Washington, and Oregon, and biological examinations carried on to
determine their physical characteristics, the nature of their fish fauna,
and the abundance and habits of the different species of fishes fre-
quenting them.

The studies of the movements, habits, growth, etc., of young shad
in the Potomac, and of young salmon in the Sacramento, have been

XVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

continued and are affording interesting information which will be of
value in the propagation of these fishes; and investigations in Lake
Superior, which were begun in April, 1897, having for their object the
determining of the food supply of the fishes of that lake, will, when fin-
ished, yield information of value in the planting of fish fry. Large
collections of minute animal life have been made from Lake Superior,
the study of which has not as yet been completed.

On account of the survey of the fur-seal rookeries made by the
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in the summer of 1897, and the
second visit to the seal islands of the special commissioners who were
appointed the previous year to report on the conditions of seal life, it
was not deemed necessary by the Secretary of the Treasury for this
Commission to send an agent to the islands to make the usual investiga-
tions. Arrangements were made through the courtesy of the special
commissioners to obtain for this office photographs of the rookeries
and the requisite data to continue its series of maps showing the
changes in condition of the fur-seal rookeries from year to year.

The subject of the pollution of rivers and streams by mill and factory
refuse, and the discharge of sewage from the towns and cities on their
banks, is receiving much attention from those interested both in main-
taining proper sanitary conditions and in the preservation of fish life.
A memorial prepared by the Game and Fish Protective Association of
the District of Columbia, urging the importance of action in this matter,
was presented to Congress March 17, 1898, and published as Senate
Document 194, Fifty-fifth Congress, second session. At the request of
the chairman of its committee, a letter containing extracts from publi-
cations of this Commission, showing the evil effects produced upon fish
life by the contamination of streams, was submitted by this office to
the association for incorporation in the memorial. As stated in this
letter, ‘the data are sufficient to clearly establish the point that river
pollution is both directly and indirectly most injurious to fish and
the fisheries by destroying fish and fish eggs, by driving fish away, by
interfering with the fishing apparatus, and by killing or impairing the
supply of minute animals and plants which are the basis of fish life.”
Remedial legislation is greatly to be desired in many localities.

During the summer of 1897 the Woods Hole laboratory was oceu-
pied by a small number of investigators, the attendance having been
restricted to representatives of those institutions which had furnished
financial aid in the establishment of the laboratory. The continued
scarcity of mackerel rendered it important to continue the study of
these fishes with a view to the satisfactory solution of the problem of
their artificial propagation on a large scale, and among the inquiries
carried on at Woods Hole was an investigation by Dr. J. Perey Moore
relative to the embryology, natural history, and artificial propagation
of the mackerel. The report of Dr. Moore is published as an appendix
to this report (pages 1-22).

In the spring of 1898 steps were taken to increase the opportunities
for scientific study at Woods Hole and to keep the laboratory open

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XVII

during the entire year. Dr. H. C. Bumpus, of Brown University, was
appointed director. The laboratory was opened on March 14, and by
June 1 accommodations for the summer had been assigned to investi-
gators to the full capacity of the station, and the season’s work was in
satisfactory progress.

DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES.

The principal work of this division has consisted of canvasses of
the more important fisheries of certain of the New England and Middle
Atlantic States and the Great Lakes, begun in August, 1897, and the
South Atlantic and Gulf States, carried on in the spring of 1898, The
results of the earlier field work were at once published in the form of
bulietins, which were distributed to commercial organizations, boards
of trade, and newspapers, and sent to custom-houses and _ post-offices,
where they could be posted for the benefit of those interested in the
regions to which reference was made.

At Gloucester and Boston there has been a falling off in the aggre-
gate receipts of fish at the two ports since 1896. During the calendar
year 1897 there were landed from American vessels at both places
126,685,598 pounds, worth to the fishermen $2,878,635. Each port
participated in the decrease, though owing to certain changes in the
conditions affecting the business more fares were landed at Gloucester
than during the preceding year.

The fisheries of Lake Ontario have shown a steady decrease for many
years, and the yield of the past year does not really represent the
commercial importance of the fisheries. The yield in 1897 was only
920,996 pounds of fish, valued at $34,295, though the canvass shows
more decrease in the quantity and value of the herring taken than
with those species of more importance. A slight increase in whitefish
isshown. Thenumerous resorts on this lake, frequented by anglers
and pleasure-seekers, afford better employment to the fishermen during
the season than fishing for the market. The falling-offin the supply of
important fishes is due to a variety of causes, the conditions of which
have already been discussed in the publications of this Commission.

The canvass of the South Atlantic States shows an increase as a
whole since 1890 in the product, the amount of capital invested, and
the number of persons employed. The increase was shared in by the
States of North and South Carolina and Georgia, while the fisheries of
the east coast of Florida have somewhat decreased. The total in 1897
was 80,390,465 pounds, with a value of $1,833,155, The increase was
12,674,400 pounds, valued at $252,191. The most important feature
has been the marked improvement in the yield of shad and oysters in
North Carolina and Georgia and of oysters in South Carolina.

On the Gulf coast some 2,200 more persons were employed than in
1890, but there has been a falling-off in the weight of fish taken, in the
value of the product, and the amount of capital invested. This is
undoubtedly due to unusual conditions. There have also been marked

F. R. 9S——II

XVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

changes in the relative values of the yield in different States. The
total products amounted to 65,360,623 pounds, valued at $2,271,726 to
the fishermen. The oyster fishery, valued at $748,760, was the most
important, followed by the sponge fishery, valued at $355,589.

A market is developing in the Southern States west of the Mississippi
River for the fishery products from southern California. Considerable
shipments, consisting chiefly of barracuda, bonito, mackerel, sea bass,
and spiny lobsters, have been made and have brought remunerative
prices. Though the industry is yet in its infancy,it would appear that
a hew and increasing market will be found for California fresh fish and
spiny lobsters.

Attention is called in the report of the division (page CLxv) to the
fishery resources of the Yukon River, in Alaska, which thus far have
only been utilized by the Indians for their own needs. The present
information is fragmentary and inconclusive, but there is reason to
believe that the abundance of salmon, whitefish, and other valuable
species in this river will afford a food supply to the miners and traders
located along its banks, and possibly become a factor in the fisheries
of the country at large.

Appended to the report of the division are statistical tables relating
to the fisheries of the Gulf States, the South Atlantic States, Boston
and Gloucester, Mass., San Diego, Cal., and Lake Ontario, and tables
showing the yield and value of certain fisheries of New England, the
Middle Atlantic States, and the Great Lakes.

INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS.

At the beginning of the fiscal year the steamer Albatross, under
command of Lieut. Commander Jeff. . Moser, U.S. N., was engaged
in an investigation of the fishery resources of Alaska, and this inquiry
was continued until the stormy weather of fall compelled the return of
the vessel to more southern latitudes.

Especial attention was given to the salmon fishery, and the report
of Captain Moser, to be published in the Bulletin of this Commission
for 1898, gives a full account of the expedition, and is an important
contribution to this subject, supplying much-needed and detailed
information.

Many of the waters visited had not been completely surveyed, and
in consequence existing charts were found to be defective. In addition
to the inquiries pertaining to the investigation much hydrographic
work was done by Captain Moser, his notes of which, with accompany-
ing chart corrections, have been forwarded to the Coast and Geodetic
Survey.

The investigation embraced the physical characteristics of streams
and their productive capacity, the species of salmon frequenting them,
together with observations on the habits, sizes, and abundance of these
fishes, and a comparison of their past and present abundance; the
extent and methods of fishing operations and their effect on the supply

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIX

of fish; detailed statistics of the canneries and salteries, besides a gen-
eral study of the subject.

All of the canneries in operation in Alaska outside of Bering Sea were
visited, and as many streams explored as time would permit. Owing
to the great extent of the Alaskan coast line and the character and num-
ber of its streams, it was impossible to visit them all in a single season,
and no attempt was made to explore any except where redfish are
found, as this species is of the most commercial importance. It had
been intended to continue the investigation during the following year
and carry it on until complete data are available regarding all the
waters of the Territory, whether they are now fished or not, but further
inquiries have been unavoidably postponed till another season, as, owing
to the outbreak of the war with Spain, the Albatross was, on April 13,
1898, detailed by the President to the Navy Department for use as an
auxiliary cruiser.

The examinations of streams were made with care, not only to deter-
mine what species of fish frequented them and to obtain complete
records of them as salmon-producers, but also to discover what injury
had been caused by the erection of traps and barricades, overfishing,
etc. The explorations were often carried on with difficulty, owing to
natural obstacles, and reliable information was difficult to obtain. At
the Indian villages the reports were vague and confusing, and the whites
were found to know but little of the streams, save where they themselves
fish, and even these they but rarely trace to their sources to examine
the spawning-grounds; moreover, large areas of the Territory are unin-
habited except during the fishing season.

The most important species of salmon packed in Alaska is the red-
fish (Oncorhynchus nerka), known in other localities as the blueback,
sockeye, and by various other names. The other species form but a
small percentage of the output, and of these the more important are
the humpback (0. gorbuscha) and coho (0. kisutch). The king salmon (0.
tschawytscha), the well-known and valuable quinnat or chinook salmon
of the Pacific States, is only found in small numbers, and in 1897 formed
but little over 2 per cent of the total pack. In 1897, 688,581 cases of
redfish and 157,711 cases of humpbacks were packed, 75.74 and 17.35
per cent, respectively, while the remainder of the production was made
up of king salmon, cohoes, and dog salmon. The redfish is noted for
its deep red color, and is preferred for canning for that reason, although
other species, as the humpback and coho, might prove practically as
good. The coho is more delicately flavored, has richer meat, and but
for the popular prejudice in favor of the red flesh, should rank next to
the king salmon in value.

The dates when the salmon arrive in sufficient quantities to be taken
for commercial purposes vary largely in streams in the same neighbor-
hood, the larger rivers and the streams nearer the sea usually receiving
the first fish. As a rule the “ran” from the sea to the rivers and
Streams for the purpose of spawning occupies practically the entire

XX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

season of open water, the different species following each other in
somewhat regular sequence, so that the canneries are able to operate
advantageously throughout the summer months and into the early fall.
King salmon are taken as soon as the ice disappears in the spring, as
early as May 6 at the Copper River, but the canneries usually begin
to operate in June, as the run of redfish begins during that month.
Except at Karluk, where the runs frequently extend to the first of
October, cannerymen count on the supply of redfish lasting about six
weeks, and the pack of this species is completed early in August.
There is also considerable variation in the runs of cohoes, which follow
the redfish, but which are taken in quantities from the first week in
August until the canneries close, about September 20, though in one or
two instances canneries commence packing cohoes as early as July.
Humpbacks are said to be in condition for packing only about one
month; the bulk of this species is packed in southeast Alaska, from the
middle of July to the middle of August.

The fishing is carried on in the main by fishermen in the employ of
the canneries, except in southeast Alaska, where, though the canneries
have their own fishermen, a large part of the supply of fish is purchased
from native or white fishermen. This supply is obtained under various
arrangements, and frequently certain fishing rights are recognized by
the canneries. These so-called rights have their foundation in prior
discovery or—especially with the Indians—in continuous residence on
or near the stream in question. The fisheries frequently give rise to
disputes between the rival claimants to the different streatns.

The streams of Alaska show the resuits of the enormous drains made
on them by continuous fishing, and though it can not be asserted that
the supply of salmon will fail entirely within a few years, there is no
doubt that the streams are slowly becoming depleted. Canneries have
increased in numbers, many of them have been enlarged, and the
production of canned salmon is steadily increasing, but fewer salmon
are caught now than formerly in the streams which have long been
fished, notwithstanding the use of improved gear and appliances.
Taking, for instance, a section of southeast Alaska, where, in 1889, four
canneries produced 13,000 cases, and in 1897 produced double that
pack—in 1889 the fish were nearly all redfish and taken from streams
near the canneries, while in 1897 few redfish were taken, the pack being
mainly composed of humpbacks; and yet, to obtain the supply, all the
streams within 70 or 80 miles of the canneries had been fished with all
the gear that could be used. Again, at another locality, where, from
1890 to 1896, an average of 61,400 cases annually were packed with fish
taken from one stream by one establishment, in 1896 three canneries,
putting forth great efforts to secure a large output, only packed 65,000
cases, and in 1897, with redoubled energy, 74,159 cases. Many such
instances could be pointed out, but these will serve as illustrations of
how the streams are being gradually depleted by the barricading of
streams and overfishing—in other words, illegal fishing.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXI

As the investigation progressed it was surprising to discover the
number of streams which were, or had been barricaded, notwithstand-
ing the strict laws prohibiting such obstructions. These conditions
were more observable in southeast Alaska and Prince William Sound,
as the streams there are small, easily closed, and numerous. The
extensive and indiscriminate use of barricades is fatal to the natural
maintenance of the salmon by preventing their ascent to the spawning-
grounds. At the approach of the spawning period the salmon come to
the rivers and streams, gathering in schools which grow larger and
larger as the season advances, and after they have accustomed them-
selves to the brackish water at the mouths of the streams they are
ready to ascend to the spawning-beds. If their progress is obstructed
they remain in the bay or inlet about the approaches to the stream,
endeavoring to pass the barricade, and thus are practically corralled
and easily taken in great numbers at small expense.

It is maintained by the cannerymen that salmon held in brackish
waters ripen less rapidly, and consequently by the operation of barri-
cades they can be obtained in suitable condition for canning much
later in the season.

The laws and regulations pertaining to the Alaska salmon fisheries
are not very generally observed and do not prevent the illegal capture
of fish. While in a minor degree the law may be defective, and owing
to the varying conditions found in the vast extent of territory involved
may need amending, still itis good as it stands and for the present
only needs enforcement, and there is no doubt the proprietors of the
canneries would be glad to see it enforced if it is done impartially.

Without considering the large amount of money invested in the can-
neries with their elaborate and expensive equipment, the output is
worth in round numbers $3,000,000 a year, and unless effective steps
are taken to prevent the indiscriminate and wasteful taking of salmon,
it will be only a question of time before the cannery interests will suffer
severely, and through causes for which they are in part responsible.

The canning industry in Alaska began in 1878, when two small estab-
lishments were operated at Klawak and Old Sitka, but its development
really commenced in 1888, when there were 17 canneries in operation.
The unusually large pack of that year attracted general attention to
the business, and in consequence many new plants were erected. This
resulted in an output in excess of the demand, which caused the aban-
donment of some of the enterprises, and also led to a consolidation of
many of them into an association known as the Alaska Packers’ Asso-
ciation. Of the 29 canneries of Alaska in operation in 1897, 17 belonged
to this association, with an output of 669,494 cases, or nearly 74 per
cent of the total pack.

Of the pack in 1897, southeast Alaska contributed 29.9 per cent; the
Prince William Sound and Copper River region 6.6 per cent; the Cook
Inlet region 6.5 per cent; the Kadiak and Chignik region 43.8 per cent,
and the Bering Sea region 19.9 per cent.

XXII

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following statement of the salmon pack of Alaska for 1897, shows
the daily capacity of the different canneries, the number of cases packed,
and the average number of fish contained in each case:

ls Redfish. Cohoes. Humpbacks. |King and dog.
S) SH: 2 HL: - Ho: : w :
ape ot Ho | og Ho cu Bs od Bo
Name of company and location are He = 3 alc = a He S a rad | a
of cannery. og 2s, Son 2, Se ae Si Sz Sh
b> | ga | Ba) da | $e | ge | Ba! go | Be
*3 EI ae | red ll atic Nie So |On | gis | oe
SS Ss -o a eo 3 bo tae ro
A Zo |4°2| as | qa Ao | ge one
Quadra Packing Co., Boca de
Westar eee ce esa = aaa steicte = al 500 TE EUO recone 3, 000 |.----.- 147 0005) Space =| ere eee
Metlakahtla Industrial Co., Metla-
kahtla, Annette Island-.-....-.-.-.--. 600 | 7,090 |...... S40N Pe aa 1, 2680's 222 W300) )|cseeee
Pacific Steam Whaling Co., Hunter
Bay, Prince of Wales Island-..... 800 | 13,162 | 13 5, 300 7 155,926 | 19)" \\22eseesteeeeee
Alaska Salmon Packing and Fur
Co.; Loring, Naha Bay ~-.---.----- 1,800 | 10,470 | 11.5 | 2, 306 82:5)! 49):2640 |, 23) <1) oe coer eee
Boston Fishing and Trading Co.,
Yes or McDonald Bay.......-.--.- 800 | 6,754] 9 1, 644 6 12, 806 | 15 21, 096 6
Glacier Packing Co., Point High-
field, Wrangell Island.-.-....-..--- | 1, 500 7,428 | 9.5 | 8,620 8.8 | 28, 624 | 23.1 | 31, 246 3.9
North Pacific Trading and Pack-
ing Co., Klawak, Prince of Wales
islam diasoseeaseereee ce eee . 500 | 9,520 | 13 15995) "8 tol)! 4.090) °22 See eee | eiiactare
Baranoff Packing Co., Redfish Bay, i |
Baranoi Uslandicessceeeeseo- See 500 | 4,058 | 11 1, 576 5 82436.) 23) les seen eee
Pyramid Harbor Packing Co., Pyra-
mid Harbor, Chilkat Inlet.....-... 1,600 | 31,241 | 10.3 | 1,488 WO |eeioceisealataae 34,727 3.1
Peninsula Trading and qoehnrs Ces
)Coquenhena, Copper) River Delta:| 800 |--=----2)---- 22) oe en ee en eee
Pacific Packing Co., Odiak, Prince
WalliamiSound 22-52-22 e-- -see-| TEGO | es Silby | PAY, eeosoae|iasocese 9,784 | 24.5 3202 4.8
Pacific Steam Whaling Co., Orca, |
Prince William Sound ..-.....-.--) 1,500 | 21,927 | 9.5 | 3,414 7.5 | 3,415 | 18.7 |..-..-..|.-.---
Arctic Fishing Co., Kussilof River,
(OOO ON gn goceseoodasccHmcenc 1,500 | 24,701 | 14.1 | 2,313 PEM eases cer sceec $5, 518 2.5
Hume-Aleutian Packing Co., Kar- |
lok Kadiaklsland Jsssss-s-4-6--— 2,600 | 49; 633) | 11.9) |-- =e. s00s60-jsnoceeso/seot-c |e sneecae|onsnne
Karluk Packing Co., Karluk, Ka- | |
diakilslandeesrce ea. concede oe em 2,600 | 54,777 | 11.9 |.------|.------ empeete alae eletcl| aha Sarara || sees
Alaska Improvement Co., Karluk,
Kadiak islanders secs aes eeaaee TR 5 OO} | P4985 De TEI ONS |e Stats |e ata tete l) sia en Piety ene
Arctic Packing Co., Alitak Bay, |
Kadiakilisland itn s.-cacseecs ca. We) |) B¥Re Onl | IBET( NeeeSs5 3) seoncS S52 ese serl Coss |lnbe sc-4/seec-
Pacific Steam Whaling Co., Uyak |
Anchorage, Kadiak Tsland ER aire SOON MT OOO! SR he Miers sen) seem eal eeet teers ASRSA Sec cnere apes: -
Hume Brothers & Hume, Uyak |
Anchorage, Kadiak Island ....... SOOR LSS 7a lel een ele actseits |S aaetoet-| ase eieatal eee see be Ae arere een
Uganuk Fishing Station, Uganuk
Bay; Kadiak Vsland! ~~~ 2.222. TEM) | BRIG) ID I eoeeee Hiseccta ss) nccth bed besSseseronee| sss5--
Chignik Bay Co., Chignik Lagoon,
ChisnikiBay s25.0 s65een ws be.) 2,600 | 36,834] 12.4 | 942] 11 ag%9 ||) 15) 1) |J._ 7 eee
Hume Brothers & Hume, Anchor-
age Bay, Chignik Bay ....-..---.-. 800°] 12,(000)) 12) 9 |e een io) cme nl come a me eee
Pacific Sfeam Whaling Co., Anchor-
age Bay, Chignik Bay....-....--.- 800! | 235,500) |"12"° 9} --- 5 se ne 500 | 20. |. SS 2e cece
Arctic acking Co., Nushagak
Biver, Bere Sea ..-. see | 2, 000 | |
Alaska Packing Co., ushaga a 98
eae ce Seok 2,000 |/88:791 | 14 |10,119 |... S198 |e 5,823} 3
Bristol Bay Canning Co., Nushagak |
RiveryberinCuseateea= <= eceee eras 2, 000
Point Roberts Packing Co., Kvichak
River, Bering Sea) -2----2-<- 5-0 2,000 | 55,882 | 12.4 |..-...-).......- [Seabed sachoc 126 2.7
Arctic Packing Co., Naknek River, |
Isieyalaye Sieh cago 5 samotoon= eecoee TSUN | Bee ey | eRe | Soe See ee ees Sales ce 1800) see
Naknek Packing Co., Naknek River, |
Bering Sea seesseaes: eaeeeneeocene 1,500: | 18000.) 12, je... ne enw == |e nen |e en nn | en
Bering Sea Packing Co., Ugashik |
River, Bering Sea ..---..---...-.- 1, 200 |.....-..|------|-------|-- 2-22 -|-- eee] nee ==] ene ene] e nee
Ugashik Fishing Station, Ugashik |
iver; Bering Seaia----csenseassils MSE) | BREA Ne] ERS Same [---2-n-|-nn0--=- = 1 |seseee
ALOUAIS aemeicem cee sate dae ee ats eemcntete 1688, 581 |.--.-- 435 G67 ie cose st UGY (CAO ees pal ht heh) ee
|

1Mixed. 2Dogsalmon. *King. 4Humpbacks and dog salmon. ® Includes dog salmon.

Considerable quantities of salmon are taken which for various reasons
can not be utilized in canning, and are therefore salted. The output

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII

of the salteries of Alaska for 1897 may be given as 10,658 barrels of
redfish, 660 barrels of cohoes, 292 barrels of king salmon, 5,691 half
barrels of humpback bellies, and 575 half barrels of miscellaneous.

The general importance of the salmon resources of Alaska may be
seen from the following summary of the pack of canned salmon, classi-
fied by districts, from 1878—the year in which the business began—to
1897. From the very small initial pack of 8,159 cases the output has
grown in less than twenty years to nearly 1,000,000 cases, the pack in
1896 being 966,000 cases and that in 1897 909,000 cases. In the regions
of Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, and Copper River salmon fishing
is as yet comparatively light, but in southeastern Alaska, in Bering
Sea, and at Kadiak and Chignik it is very extensive and tends to
increase each year. The quantity of fresh salmon represented by the
pack of 1897 was about 60,000,000 pounds, and the weight of the fish
as canned was nearly 44,000,000 pounds.

The total pack of canned salmon in the twenty years indicated is
seen to have been 7,508,358 cases of 48 one-pound cans. This quantity,
with the 145,000 barrels of salmon which have been salted in the same
period, represents over 600,000,000 pounds of fresh salmon taken from
the waters of Alaska. The market value of the canned and salted
product was a little over $32,000,000.

Summary, by districts, of the cases of salmon canned in Alaska from 1878 to 1897.

peinge
William ads
Year. Sow Sound and Cook Inlet. ieee ane Bering Sea.| Total.
= . Copper Si
River

Linl(Gl. - -cee saedeosoenscbondopses Sh WIG) Ne AR Aon Sea ssslbeseootuadas|iohdoephessce|lecciacosssacd 8, 159
IEG) Sap nesacsee Sen Eaoceenaorce IVA GRU). | jseoewecnood bineucodaapoolcccodeisnadco| seaposbecone 12, 530
Ot Ei aie ay eee ean (SSDs PEE daa. ee ses tenes IEE STRAYS Sauer 6, 539
PESIee ees neonate sce seo CRO Tl saoneereeed aap eoaote adel |-SaceerorEbo oanrcocedour 8, 977
UCB coer eeerases auewe a eee ee Le ONG ES Asan eens 6, 044 4200) oe aatata eters 21, 745
eho bone Se escHoueHsonsesbsaes Tee eer ecomanes 14, 818 US NALO) (eemienieitastaiae | 46, 337
Ushtls Se sep sciodseSocpooces bance TORUS OR Sere arenes 21, 141 20, 156 400 60, 586
IRD sce sbseeeeeensoeuesouseees LOS 828%) Sess mn sa 19, 217 33, 470 14, 000 77, 515
PEGGre re aaeiae oee aaanie oceans VSS LGOM sake eee 28, 433 46, 150 48, 822 141, 565
TMEV 56 Sede ceases aa OBA SaaS 314688 feeee ee seen 30, 765 71, 750 72, 700 206, 677
USSB Er aan ose sense a= ie Bl A} bea nooadans 42, 451 198, 650 89, 886 412, 115
PERO etm oe ole sine sci cs acininie 136, 760 24, 204 50, 494 386, 753 115, 985 714, 196
IMU: <epdacuon ESD esse Doeaenee 142, 901 42,194 28, 655 300, 451 118, 390 682, 591
NOON eect icine sont ne aici osc 156, 615 68, 091 58, 997 384, 279 1338, 418 801, 400
NSO 7 Ere aat <i sscecienisee es as oatece TPP Wetosiapeoasse 20, 741 274, 755 63, 499 474, 717
MOOR eee ces = so sek eet secdaoss 136, 053 76, 998 31, 665 291, 152 107, 786 643, 654
Tse! 5 CARRE aac ceeseRe sen SSeee Bee 142, 544 78, 663 34; 033 322, 356 108, 844 686, 440
ESO Dee eee eee ee a eieris= -itraine 148, 476 59, 494 36, 188 232, 237 150, 185 626, 530
PB9G ee acinca- stem owian(temseinis s mais 262, 381 92, 866 34, 767 358, 357 218, 336 966, 707
USUV (on sence ssococbascce senbes 271, 867 52, 057 32, 5382 298, 310 254, 312 909, 078

Potalt-<--s252st-05 4-2 5-1 1, 739, 832 494, 567 490,941 | 3,286,505 | 1,496,513 | 7, 508,358

During the cruise of the Albatross tishery trials were carried on
whenever opportunity offered, the efforts being especially directed
toward the location of halibut banks. Halibut trawls were set in all
localities, and every opportunity was taken to make inquiries. These
fish were obtained everywhere, but not in large numbers excepting off
Killisnoo. No great success was met with at Clarence Strait, which is
a favorite halibut-ground, and the small vessels which sometimes visit
this point for halibut have no certainty of finding a load. The Indians
take without difficulty a sufficient supply for their own use, and, while

XXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

a fishing vessel might fill up, no great banks are known which can be
relied on to supply a considerable market. South of Dixon Entrance,
in the waters of British Columbia, halibut are found in large numbers
throughout the winter, and in the spring are found in limited numbers
in the waters of southeast Alaska.

THE STEAMER FISH HAWK.

The constant service of this vessel since she was last thoroughly
overhauled in 1890 had necessitated extensive repairs, besides new
boilers to supply the place of those which had been in use since 1887.
Accordingly, on the completion of the mackerel work in July, 1897, the
vessel was dismantled and sent to East Boston to receive a new main
and auxiliary boiler. A new propeller, propeller shaft, and evaporator
were added, and such other general repairs made to the machinery and
joiner work as were essential to render the vessel perfectly seaworthy
and serviceable. The hatching outfit also was renewed and the deck
rearranged to permit an increase of the hatching capacity of about
50 per cent. Not only has the efficiency of the ship been greatly im-
proved by these alterations and repairs, but she can now maintain an
increased average speed at a considerable saving of coal and of wear
on the machinery.

During the winter of 1897-98 the Fish Hawk was in attendance on
the Fisheries Congress at Tampa, Fla., and afterwards engaged in a
survey of the oyster-grounds in Louisiana, already referred to. At the
conclusion of this duty, at the request of the United States Coast and
Geodetic Survey, a hydrographic survey of Grand Bay, Alabama, was
made in the latter part of February, 1898; and in March an investiga-
tion was conducted with reference to establishing a shad-hatchery on
the Edisto River, South Carolina, but the conditions were found to be
unfavorable.

When the shad season opened the usual fish-eultural work was taken
up in North Carolina waters and in the Delaware River and carried on
till May 4, 1898, when the vessel was, by order of the President, turned
over to the Navy Department for service with the mosquito fleet during
the war with Spain, her commander, Lieut. Franklin Swift, U.S. N.,
remaining with her. Lieutenant Swift had been in command of the
Fish Hawk since June 27, 1895, and his services have been of great

value to this Commission.
EXPOSITIONS.

The Tennessee Centennial Exposition, at Nashville, which was in
progress at the close of the last fiscal year, came to an end October 31,
1897. The exhibit of the Commission, showing the workings of its
various branches as described in the last annual report, attracted great
attention from visitors, the specially interesting feature, as in other
exhibits of the Commission, being the live fish displayed in the aqua-
rium and the practical illustration of fish-culture, which was shown by
the hatching of the eggs and the care of the fry of various species.
There were hatched at different times during the season 3,500,000 shad

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXV

eggs; 10,000 trout eggs, and 20,000 eggs of the quinnat salmon. The
resultant fry, after being placed on exhibition, were planted in suitable
waters in Tennessee.

An act of Congress approved June 10, 1896, provided for the partici-
pation of the Executive Departments of the Government, the Smithsonian
Institution, the United States Fish Commission, and the National
Museum in the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition to be
held in Omaha, Nebr., from June 1 to November 1, 1898. Mr. W.deC.
Ravenel, already in charge of the exhibit at Nashville, was appointed,
on July 27, 1897, the representative of the Fish Commission on the
Government board for the Cmaha Exposition, and at the close of the
exposition at Nashville arrangements were made to ship much of the
material there collected to Omaha, and the other work of preparation
for the latter exposition was promptly begun. The Omaha exposition
is now in progress, and the exhibit of the Fish Commission, as on former
occasions of this nature, is designed to show the character of the work
of its branches, the methods pursued, and the results obtained.

By a joint resolution approved February 17, 1898, an invitation of
the Government of Norway to take part in an international fisheries
exposition, to be held at the city of Bergen, Norway, from May 16 to
September 30, 1898, was accepted by this Government. The Commis-
sioner of Fish and Fisheries was directed, in person, or by a deputy to
be appointed by the President, to cause a suitable and proper exhibi-
tion and display to be made at this exposition of the food-fishes of the
United States, and the methods of catching, salting, curing, and pre-
serving them, and of the appliances used in carrying on the fishery
industries of the United States. He was further authorized to use,
with the consent of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, any
portion of the fisheries collection in the National Museum. In accord-
ance with this resolution Capt. J. W. Collins, of Massachusetts, was
designated to represent the United States at the exposition, and was
duly appointed by the President on March 1, 1898. The work of col-
lecting the necessary material for the exhibit was promptly begun, and
on April 20 Captain Collins sailed for Norway. The scope of the expo-
sition is designed to be very extensive in its illustration of the fishery
industries, and, in accordance with law, at its close a full report will be
submitted of the participation of the United States and of all informa-
tion and results acquired by means of the exposition touching the
fishery industries throughout the world.

FISHERIES CONGRESS.

On the invitation of the governor of Florida this Commission partici-
pated in the National Fisheries Congress, which convened in Tampa,
Fla., to consider the propagation and protection of fish in the waters
of the United States, and devise means and methods of protection for
valuable food-fishes. The governors of the various States were requested
to send delegates, and the convention, which was in session from Jan-
uary 19 to 24, was attended by many persons interested in the fisheries,

XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

in fish-cultural work, and in scientific research. A number of papers
on timely subjects were read and discussed, and it is believed that the
personal meeting and interchange of views of those present will be of
value to the fishery interests. This Commission was represented by
Dr. Hugh M. Smith, Mr. W. de C. Ravenel, Mr, C. H. Townsend, Mr.
H. F. Moore, and Lieut. Franklin Swift, of the steamer Fish Hawk.

As the Fish Hawk was on duty in neighboring waters she was directed
to remain in Tampa Bay during the sessions of the congress and was
visited by many of the delegates; the vessel was equipped with hatch-
ing apparatus and aquaria, in which some of the native fish and crus-
taceans of the region were shown, and an exhibition of the methods of
deep-sea dredging was given in Tampa Bay. The Commission further
participated by exhibiting collections of oysters, ornamental corals,
and other products of American waters, and one of its fish transporta-
tion cars was also present. The proceedings of the congress and the
papers there presented, covering a wide range of subjects, were pub-
lished in the Bulletin for 1897 and also issued as a special document.

During March, 1898, an exhibition, given under the auspices of the
New England Sportsmen’s Association, was held in Boston, Mass., and
at the request of citizens interested in the fisheries and in game, such
assistance aS was practicable in making the exhibit interesting and
instructive was rendered by the Commission.

NEW STATIONS.

A final examination of the site selected for a fish-cultural station at
Spearfish, S. Dak., was made during the summer of 1897, and as it was
found that an ample supply of water would be available at all seasons
the site described in the last annual report was decided on. The pur-
chase of the land was consummated June 30, 1898, and the construction
of the station will be prosecuted during the coming year.

During the summer and fall there was an investigation of the various
localities in New Hampshire suggested as suitable for a fish-hatchery,
and a selection was made of land near the Nashua River, about 13
miles west of the city of Nashua. This site possesses in a greater
degree than any others examined in the State the requisites for a fish- ~
hatchery. An ample supply of water is obtainable from springs and
artesian wells, and the topography of the land is such that it can be
carried by gravity to the points where it will be used. The property is
well suited for a favorable arrangement of buildings and ponds, and its
proximity to a city of considerable size, with railroad facilities and a
market for supplies, is of great advantage. ‘The property was purchased
March 28, 1898, and on May 12, 1898, the work of construction was begun.

At the new station at Erwin in Tennessee, the work has been con-
tinued, and a hatchery building, cottage for the superintendent, and
other buildings have been completed. Ponds have been excavated, the
water-supply lines and drains built, and necessary roads laid out. In
November, although the work of construction was not complete, two

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXVII

large ponds and six rearing-ponds were ready and the fish-cultural
operations had begun.

On December 20, 1897, an act passed by the Virginia legislature was
approved authorizing the transfer of the station at Wytheville from
the State of Virginia to the United States. In accordance with an act of
Congress approved June 8, 1896, the purchase was made March 5, 1898,
and the preparation of plans for permanent improvements was begun.
New buildings will be erected, the pond system enlarged, the water
supply increased, and the efficiency of the station generally improved.

An item in the deficiency bill approved July 19, 1897, called for an
investigation in the State of Georgia to select a suitable location for a
fish-cultural station. A preliminary examination was made in the
summer and fall of 1896 in the vicinity of Macon, as well as in other
parts of the State. A number of localities were visited by agents of
the Commission -and a report was made to Congress January 5, 1898,
showing that of all the sites examined, Cold Springs, near Bullochville,
Meriwether County, is best adapted for the purpose required, having
an abundant supply of clear, cold water, good railroad facilities, and
land easily available for necessary constructions. Furthermore, the
owner of the property is willing to donate the land to the Government
for a fish-cultural station, as required by the act authorizing the survey.

On account of the importance of the blueback or sockeye salmon
(Oncorhynchus nerka) in the Puget Sound region, the Commission has
had under advisement the establishment of a hatchery for the propa-
gation of that species at some point on the northwest coast. As exten-
Sive spawning-grounds of the blueback were known to exist at Baker
Lake, Oregon, and as a hatchery had been successfully operated there
by the State of Washington, a preliminary examination of the lake
was made. It was found that an ample supply of eggs of the sockeye
could be obtained and that the natural conditions of the locality were
favorable.

At the request of citizens interested, an examination was made of the
streams in the vicinity of Arkadelphia and Hot Springs, Ark., to
determine on the advisability of establishing a hatchery, but no suit-
able location was found.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The new constructions and surveys mentioned above have been under
the direction of the architect and engineer, Mr. H. von Bayer, who has
continued the supervision of the repairs and alterations at the stations
necessary to maintain their efficiency. Besides the routine work of
this office, various charts, maps, and plans, to illustrate the reports of
the Commission have been prepared there.

As there have been laws passed in many States requiring the erection
of fishways wherever a dam is constructed, this office has been fre-
quently called upon for advice, and plans and descriptions of fishways
have been asked for. In order to be prepared to readily answer those

XXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

questions in future, Mr. von Bayer was directed to prepare a set of

plans which combine the most important principles of fishways, and

which can be easily adapted to the various constructions of dams.

These plans, with directions for practical use, are completed and are

ready for distribution to any State officer or other responsible person.

A copy of this plan on a small scale is shown on plate II.

In addition to the regular duties of the naval engineer, he has pre-
pared plans for new boilers for the steamer Albatross, and for the
electrical and refrigerating apparatus at the Omaha Exhibition. Past
Assistant Engineer C. W. Dyson, U.S. N., who has efficiently filled this
position since October 21, 1895, was detached for regular naval duty
April 26, 1898.

The distributing cars Nos. 1 and 3, having been in almost constant
use fifteen years, showed the effects of continued service, and $10,000
having been appropriated, they were rebuilt and placed in thorough
repair during the fall of 1898. They were supplied with modern equip-
ment, and modifications suggested by experience were made in their
arrangement and appliances, increasing their capacity and enhancing
their strength and usefulness.

On account of the growth of the business of the Commission on the
Pacific Coast and the consequent continued presence there of field
agents and other employees, it became advisable to provide suitable
office accommodations, as well as storage room for the material, which,
in the form of collections, equipment, ete., had accumulated in consid-
erable quantities. As no quarters were available in the Government
Building in San Francisco, a room in the Academy of Sciences Building
in that city was engaged at nominal cost, and has been of value in the
convenient and prompt transaction of business in the West, especially
in the preparation and distribution of reports relating particularly to
the Pacific States.

During the year the bound reports, with appendices, for the fiscal
years 1896 and 1897 and the following pamphlets were issued:

Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, by John J.
Brice. (Report for 1897, pp. I-CLXxx1.)

A manual of fish-culture, based on the methods of the United States Commission of
Fish and Fisheries, with chapters on the cultivation of oysters and frogs, pre-
pared under the direction of John J. Brice, Commissioner. (Report for 1897,
pp. 1-340.)

Artificial propagation of the Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout.
(Report for 1897, pp. 27-101.)

Artificial propagation of the black bass, crappies, and rock bass. (Report for 1897,
pp. 159-177.)

Notes on the edible frogs of the United States and their artificial propagation, by
F.M. Chamberlain. (Report for 1897, pp. 249-261. )

Oysters and methods of oyster-culture, with notes on clam-culture, by H. F. Moore.
(Report for 1897, pp. 263-340. )

The fishes of the Klamath River Basin, by C. H. Gilbert. (Bulletin 1897, pp. 1-13.)

A report upon salmon investigations in the Columbia River Basin and elsewhere on
the Pacific coast in 1896, by Barton W. Evermann and Seth Eugene Meek.
(Bulletin 1897, pp. 15-84.)

The fishes found in the vicinity of Woods Hole, by Hugh M. Smith. (Bulletin
1897, pp. 85-111.)

Publications of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries available for
distribution on June 30, 1897. (Report for 1896, pp. 343-356. )

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIX

Report of observations made on board the United States Fish Commission steamer
Albatross during the year ending June 30, 1896. (Report for 1896, pp. 357-386. )

Observations upon the herring and herring fisheries of the Northeast coast, with
special reference to the vicinity of Passamaquoddy Bay, by H. F’. Moore, Ph. D.
(Report for 1896, pp. 887-442. )

The salmon fishery of Penobscot Bay and River in 1895 and 1896, by Hugh M. Smith.
(Bulletin 1897, pp. 113-124.)

Descriptions of new or little-known genera and species of fishes from the United
States, by Barton W. Evermann and William C. Kendall. (Bulletin 1897, pp.
125-133.

Notes on tie halibut fishery of the Northwest coast in 1896, by A. B. Alexander.
(Bulletin 1897, pp. 141-144.)

The herring industry of the Passamaquoddy region, Maine, by Ansley Hall. (Report
for 1896, pp. 443-487.)

Statistics of the fisheries of the interior waters of the United States, by Hugh M.
Smith. (Report for 1896, pp. 489-574. )

Notes on the fisheries of the Pacific coast in 1895, by William A. Wilcox. (Report
for 1896, pp. 575-659. )

There have been distributed 4,460 bound and 12,420 pamphlet copies
of the publications of this Commission.

The Museum of Comparative Zoology has continued the publication
of the series of papers based on the material collected during the inves-
tigations of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross, in
1891, and during the year has issued the following:

Memoirs, vol. xxi, No. 1—xx1, Die Medusen; by Otto Maas.

Bulletin, vol. xxx1, No. 5—xxu, The Isopoda; by H. J. Hansen.

Bulletin, vol. xxxu, No, 5—xx111, Preliminary report on the Echini, by Alex-
ander Agassiz.

Appropriations were made by Congress for the operations of the
Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, as follows:

Da LANIOS ete vaieaatetaretan Cievaai= «cis etic minis aie ee See eccree vicina. e mers Senne eieee $195, 620. 00
Miscellaneous expenses:

PACCUIMTTALS ED eb 1 OM ayy rseiete: ies el sie = a\<,ay<)a/afal aiavoe ateceiavelays\als eraierniate a eraceisaye ess 9, 000. 00

Propagation of food-fishes.-..-..---------- Tapas SRE boas BE EG 132, 500. 00

Miaimbenan ceo yesselsees eer sas serie ane te a ale eee eee 30, 500. 00

Enguiby cespecving: fo0d-fishes...... 2 2.222 os-cenc- sense tn 10, 800. 00

SUB HIC TICE) SING LD AY os aeepos aeclocos ecos aes Cou Hoduueno Deas oeeor 5, 000. 00
For new boilers and general repairs to the steamer Fish Hawk-..-.- --- - 29,640.00
For rebuilding steam launch in use on Potomac River ......-.-.--.---- 2, 000. 00
For purchase of steamer Senator for station at Green Lake, Me...-..-.---- 1, 500. 00
For purchase of steam launch for steamer Albatross......-..---.-------- 4,000. 00
For rebuilding fish-transportation cars..............--.---------------- 10, 000. 00
For establishment of fish-cultural station in New Hampshire. .-.--..----- 15, 000. 00
For establishment of fish-cultural station at Battle Creek, Cal ..-.--..--- 3, 500. 00
For construction of dwelling-house at the station at St. Johnsbury, Vt. 3, 500. 00
For additional water supply at the station at St. Johnsbury, Vt.-.....-- 3, 000. 00
For completion of stations now under construction at—

SAP NAT COS mal Ogee eet auterseyee ee cies Ue NG Derek Re ee ae ry ean ee ae 1, 800. 00

Manchester mlowarere ces a sacs cle neice mile s/ael amen cies eee eee 4, 216. 50
For investigation and selection of site for a fish-cultural station in

GOR OVA soe rare reterrleye nos Hecte ies ocsnic ses o\S ets hee sione eibeiniebes 2cestic 500. 00

A report showing in detail the expenditure of these appropriations
will be made to Congress in accordance with law.
GEO. M. BOWERS,
U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries.

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Slope of fishway should not be steeper than on a ratio of 1 vertical to 4 horizontal.
Intake, or up-stream end of fishway, should be amply large and placed not less than
1 foot lower than crest of dam.

Outlet should be below low-water level and so located or constructed that fish are
naturally led to it when ascending the stream.

‘There should be relatively deep water, with an unobstructed flow below the outlet
of the fishway. An ample discharge of water should attract the fish to the outlet.

There should be plenty of light admitted in the fishway, and its construction should
be such as to be readily inspected and cleaned of any débris lodging therein.

The floor of the compartments should be laid slightly inclined and the bulkheads
somewhat obliquely across the fishway, so that the current of water passing through
the compartments can more readily clear the same of sand, gravel, mud, and rabbish.

There should be no regulating gates or other devices at the intake which necessitate
the services of an attendant.

The apertures in the bulkheads should increase progressively from the lower to the
upper ones, to insure overflow from compartment to compartment.

‘The flow of water should be abundantg forming small waterfalls over the bulkheads,
so that the fish may either jump from Bie compartment to the next above or may dart
throngh the apertures in the bulkheads.

While the flow of water through the apertures may reach a velocity of 10 feet per
second, there will be relatively quiet water in the compartments, thus furnishing a
resting place for the ascending fish.

To maintain the operation of the fishway at an average high water tho same as at
tho ordinary stage of the stream or river, the uppermost compartment is made some-
what longer, and a central bulkhead is inserted having its crest at high-water level.

‘The fishway may be constructed of wood or masonry and iron; it may follow a straight
line or be built in angles and curves, as the local conditions may require.

The size of the fish way depends principally on the volume of water available, and can
be made larger or smaller than that shown on plan. The hydraulic head between two
successive compartments must be so chosen as to obtain a current velocity through the
apertures of not to exceed 10 feet per second. At low-water stage of the stream or river,
with the fishway flowing full, there should be a liberal discharge over the crest of thedam.

The fishwav should be built very strong and be well protected against the destructive
effects of freshets, drift ice, ete.

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(To face page XXXl

1898.

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Report U

‘YOIMSLXA—E “ON YVO

REPORT ON THE PROPAGATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF
FOOD-FISHES.

By W. DE C. RAVENEL, Assistant in Charge.

INTRODUCTION.

The operations of the Division of Fish-culture during the fiscal year
were more extensive and important than ever before. The number of
eggs, fry, and adult fish distributed was 857,509,546, the majority of
which represent the important commercial species, such as the cod,
shad, whitefish, quinnat salmon, lake trout, herring, pike perch, and
lobsters.

Following the general lines adopted the previous year, the propaga-
tion of the quinnat salmon, the most important of the Pacific coast
fishes, was conducted not only at Battle Creek and Baird, in the Sacra-
mento River Valley, and on the Clackamas, Salmon, and Little White
Salmon rivers, tributaries of the Columbia, but a temporary station
was established and operated on the Rogue River and the hatchery on
the Siuslaw River was reopened. Arrangements were also perfected to
collect salmon eggs at the headwaters of the Clackamas River, where
the spawning-beds of the early run of fish entering that stream in April
and May are found. The results at the Battle Creek and Little White
Salmon stations were even better than had been anticipated, over
62,000,000 eggs being taken at the two points. The fish resulting from
the collections made at all of the stations were liberated in streams on
the Pacific coast, with the exception of 6,000,000, which were trans-
ferred to eastern stations to continue the experiment of acclimatizing
the quinnat salmon in the coastal streams of the Atlantic Ocean.

Encouraged by reports of the capture of steelhead trout in tributa-
ries of the Great Lakes, as a result of plants made by this Commission
two years ago, 750,000 eggs of this species were sent to stations on the
lakes and in New England for deposit in suitable waters.

Some experimental work was undertaken at Put-in Bay in penning
and holding adult whitefish until ready to deposit their eggs, with
the view to increasing the collections on Lake Erie, so as to supply the
hatcheries at Duluth, Alpena, and Cape Vincent. The results, though
not large, show that by similar methods good returns may be expected,
and under favorable conditions the number of eggs collected in the
future will be limited only by the number of whitefish taken during
the fall months, whereas, under the present system, a storm occurring

during the short spawning season reduces the collections from 30 to 50
XXXI

XXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

per cent. The expansion of this work on Lake Erie is essential if the
hatcheries on the Upper Lakes are to be kept open, as the collection of
eggs on Lakes Huron and Michigan is now impracticable on account
of the recent act passed by the Michigan legislature forbidding the
capture of whitefish from November 1 to December 15, which covers
almost the entire spawning period of that species. For the reason
stated above, the whitefish and lake-herring work was confined to Put-in
Bay Station.

The collection of lake-trout eggs at Duluth and Northville was
larger than usual, notwithstanding the fact that the passage of the
act referred to above prevented the collection of eggs at many of the
most important fishing points on Lake Michigan. The field of operations
was extended into Georgian Bay, where large numbers of eggs were
secured, and to the eastern end of Lake Superior, where the fishermen
had heretofore furnished eggs to the Michigan Fish Commission.

The resumption of pike-perch work on Lake Erie, after a lapse of two
years, resulted in the collection of 221,000,000 eggs and the liberation
of 81,153,000 fry in the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario.

The propagation of marine species was commenced early in the fall
at Woods Hole and Gloucester, Mass., on the plan heretofore followed,
except that an additional field station for the collection of cod eggs
was established at Plymouth, Mass., and the number of brood-fish held
at Woods Hole Station was materially reduced. The results attained
by these changes were exceedingly satisfactory, over 300,000,000 eggs
being handled at the two stations, which resulted in the liberation of
203,000,000 fry on the spawning-grounds along the New England coast.

Considerable attention was also paid to the propagation of flatfish
during the months of February and March, but, owing to presence of
ice until after the spawning season was partially over in Waquoit Bay,
the number of eggs collected was not so large as had been anticipated.

Notwithstanding the decline in the lobster fishery and other unfavor-
able conditions, over 60,000,000 eggs were taken on the coasts of Maine
and Massachusetts north of Cape Cod. South of the cape and along
the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island, however, the results were
unsatisfactory, due not only to a decided decrease in the fishery, but to
the fact that little or no fishing was being done in the vicinity of Woods
Hole Station, where large numbers of eggs are ordinarily collected.
This was partly attributed to the passage of a law by the State of Mas-
sachusetts forbidding pound or trap-net fishing in Buzzards Bay, from
which source all of the bait used by the lobster fishermen had been
derived.

The shad work was the largest ever accomplished by the Commission,
more than 300,000,000 eggs being taken on the Susquehanna, Delaware,
and Potomac rivers and Albemarle Sound. The steamer Fish Havk,
detailed during the winter for shad work in southern waters, was used
as a floating hatchery at Avoca, N. C., on the Chowan River, at the
head of Albemarle Sound. Previous to commencing this work she

REPORT. OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIII

was employed in making an investigation of the Edisto River, South
Carolina, to determine the advisability of establishing an auxiliary
station for the propagation of shad on that stream, but the information
gained was not favorable.

Operations on the Delaware and Potomac rivers were materially
interfered with by causes pertaining to the war with Spain; on the
Delaware by the withdrawal of the Fish Hawk for naval duty at the
very height of the spawning season, and on the Potomac by the estab-
lishment of a blockade at Fort Washington and by the laying of mines
or torpedoes on the spawning-grounds.

In order that the shad work on the Delaware might not be omitted
altogether, arrangements were made with the Pennsylvania Fish Com-
mission for the use of their shad-hatchery at Bristol, which permitted
the hatching and planting of 21,000,000 fry in this stream and its tribu-
taries. At Battery Station, on the Susquehanna, the results were very
satisfactory, over 209,000,000 eggs being secured between April 13 and
June 10, about 100 per cent more than had ever been taken at any of
the stations of the Commission during a single season.

At the trout and bass stations the work was generally satisfactory,
the production of brook trout being much larger than ever before. The
number of bass distributed was small as compared with other fishes,
but it is believed, with the experience gained during the past season,
that the output from the various stations will be largely increased next
season. Considerable attention has also been paid to the propagation
of the crappie, one of the most desirable fishes for stocking the streams
and lakes. in the Mississippi and Missouri River valleys, and in the
South and Southwest.

In addition to the fishes heretofore handled, the propagation of the
Montana grayling was taken up at Bozeman Station; about 3,000,000
eggs were collected at Red Rock, Montana, at the headwaters of the
Jefferson River. Efforts have been made in past years by the United
States Fish Commission and the various State fish commissions to col-
lect eggs of this valuable gaine and food fish, but the results heretofore
attained have been very unsatisfactory.

Continuing the experiments of previous years, two consignments of
adult lobsters were sent from Woods Hole to San Francisco during the
months of July and December and liberated near the Farallone Islands.
Of these, 229 were females, carrying from 10,000 to 25,000 eggs each, so
that it is estimated that from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 young lobsters
resulted from this plant, in addition to the adults.

In July a carload of tautog and blue crabs was also sent west for
introduction into the waters of the Pacific, as it was thought they would
not only be well adapted to the waters of the Pacific Coast, but would
prove valuable additions to the fishery resources of that section. The
plants were made near the Farallone Islands during July, and consisted
of 566 fish ranging in length from 4 to 10 inches, and 162 of the common
blue crab of the Atlantic Coast.

F, R. 98——II

XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND INSPECTION.

During the month of August the assistant in charge inspected the
stations of the Commission in Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Colorado,
Missouri, and Illinois. Advantage was taken of the opportunity to
confer with the superintendents regarding the conduct of the work and
the possibilities of its extension. The general condition of affairs at
all of the stations was satisfactory, and discipline, on the whole, was
found to be well maintained. The buildings and grounds at most of
the stations were in only fair condition, and in order to maintain and
render them attractive to the public special appropriations are needed
for most of them, as indicated in recommendations submitted with
detailed report of inspection. An appropriation for improvements at
the Leadville Station is particularly important, as an additional supply
of water is needed, and in order to obtain the best results it will be
necessary to provide some system for draining the Evergreen Lakes
during the fall, so as to handle the brood-fish. The buildings at this
station are in excellent condition, but the grounds are overgrown with
brush and prairie grass, and as it is quite a popular resort for the
residents of Leadville, it should be completed. This could be done at
comparatively small expense. The general condition of the station
at Neosho, Mo., was worse than any of the others. The ponds were
much in need of repair, and the water supply is inadequate.

In December a preliminary survey of the Edisto River, South Caro-
lina, was made to determine as to the practicability of establishing an
auxiliary station for the propagation of shad, and as a result the Fish
Hawk was detailed in March to visit that stream and undertake the
collection of eggs. During April several trips were made to the shad
stations on the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers, and in May to the
Delaware River, for the purpose of conferring with Mr. W. KE. Meehan,
of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and the commanding officer of
the steamer Fish Hawk, relative to conduct of shad work at the Bristol
hatchery in the event of the Fish Hawk not being available for work in
this vicinity. Visits were also made in May to Massachusetts, to
arrange for lobster collections at Gloucester and Woods Hole.

During the spring of 1898 the superintendent of the Cape Vincent
Station investigated the sturgeon fisheries of Lakes Erie and Ontario
with the view to taking up the propagation of this species, but no
locality was found where spawning fish could be obtained in sufficient
numbers to warrant the establishment of an auxiliary station for this
purpose.

CAR AND MESSENGER SERVICE.

Owing to the necessity for rebuilding cars Nos. 1 and 2 and the
large amount of routine work necessitated by the increased output of
fish during the fiscal year, this service has been taxed to its utmost
capacity, and it was found necessary to hire baggage and express cars
from the railroads on several occasions to assist in making the distri-
bution in Virginia and Michigan. Besides the routine work, one of the

‘YOINSLNI—E “ON UV

Report U S F.C, 1898,

(To face page XXXIV.)

PLATE V.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXV

cars was used during the first four months of the fiscal year in making
collections of marine and fresh-water fishes and transporting the same
to the Tennessee Centennial Exposition at Nashville, Tenn., and again
during the months of May and June, 1898, in transferring salt-water
specimens from Woods Hole, Mass., to Omaha, and fresh-water fishes
from Quincy, Ill., and other points in the Mississippi Valley.

Car No. 3 also made two trips from Woods Hole to San Francisco
with lobsters, tautogs, and blue crabs, the first in July and the last in
December. On the return trip of the car in July 350 giant crabs were
brought from the Pacific Coast and planted in Pagan Creek, a tributary
of the Chesapeake Bay. The car left San Francisco July 31 with 1,100
crabs, 600 females and 500 males; 450 were packed in seaweed in the
refrigerator compartment under the car, 550 were placed in transporta-
tion tanks, in salt water with air circulation, and 100 in crates packed
in grass. On August1, when the crabs were overhauled, all were dead
except those in tanks of aerated water; up to this time the temperature
had been maintained at 60°; 36 were lost on August 2, 45 on the 3d,
58 on the 4th, and 61 on the Sth; the temperature had risen from 60° to
65°, the average for the period being 62°. Of 350 crabs reaching New-
port, Va., 200 were females and 150 males. These were planted, with
the cooperation of the officials of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, in
Pagan Oreek, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. The temperature of the
water in which they were liberated was 78°.

Excellent results were attained on the last trip, in December, over
90 per cent of the lobsters reaching the Pacific Coast alive. On previ-
ous trips the number reaching the destination in good condition never

‘exceeded 50 per cent, and several times it was as low as 30 per cent.
This difference in results is attributed not only to the fact that the trip
was made at a season when a low temperature could be maintained, but
also to the difference in the methods of transportation. On November
29 the car left Woods Hole with 150 egg-lobsters, packed 5 in a crate,
with seaweed. At Boston 98 egg-lobsters and 50 males were taken on
and placed in 50-gallon transportation tanks filled with filtered water
and constantly supplied with air, 30 being placed in each tank. Those
in the crates were taken out every day and dipped into the tanks of
salt water and then repacked, the seaweed being sprinkled with salt
water twice a day. The loss from December 1 to 5, when the car reached
San Francisco, was 27. The average temperature of the water en route
was 45°, maximum 50°, and minimum 36°.

The methods followed in handling the fish were practically the same
as before, except in the case of the lobsters.

The cars traveled during the year 98,964 miles, of which 63,167 miles
were free; detached messengers traveled 121,160 miles, of which 33,346
were free. Every State and Territory in the Union was visited. No
accidents of any importance occurred, and the losses of fish were about
the same as usual, less than 2 per cent of the total number handled,
including the marine species, where the losses usually vary from 40 to
70 per cent on long trips.

XXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

On the return of car No. 3 from its last trip to the Pacific Coast it
was sent to Tampa, Fla., to remain during the sessions of the Fisheries
Congress, from January 19 to 26, for the purpose of illustrating the
methods employed in hatching eggs and distributing fishes.

In July car No. 1 was placed in the shops of Jackson & Sharp, and
in August car No.3 in the shops of Harlan & Hollingsworth, Wilming-
ton, Del., and were rebuilt at an expense of about $11,000. They were
remodeled on practically the same plan, except that the center doors
of car No. 1 do not extend to the floor, as is the case in car No. 3.

The dimensions of car No.3 as rebuilt are as follows: Length of body,
60 feet; total length from end of platform to end of platform, 67 feet 10
inches; width, 94 feet; height from top of rail to top of roof, 13 feet 8
inches. The frame of the car is so braced as to permit of the two large
doors in the center extending from floor to roof, as shown in plate Iv.
This feature very materially simplifies loading and unloading. The
interior of the ear is finished in ash, and in one end is an office, an
ice-box of 14 tons capacity, and a pressure tank holding 500 gallons
of water; at the other end are the boiler room and kitchen. The boiler
room is equipped with a 5-horsepower boiler, circulating water pump,
and air and feed pump. The tanks and cans used in transporting fish
are carried in two compartments running along the sides of the car
between the office and boiler room. They are 30 feet long, 3 feet wide,
and 25 inches deep. Under the car, between the trucks, is a reservoir
tank holding 600 gallons of water, and from which water is pumped into
the pressure tank near the office; it then passes from this tank to the
fish cans and tanks, and then back to the reservoir. In the middle of
the car, over the compartments referred to, are four berths and several -
lockers for the use of the crew. The office also contains two berths, a
writing desk, and a typewriter. These cars are fully equipped with all
modern improvements in the way of brakes, couplers, signal whistles,
ete., and have Pullman trucks and 33-inch Allen paper wheels. With
the large water capacity provided, they are capable of carrying much
greater loads of fish than ever before.

EXPOSITIONS.

The Tennessee Centennial Exposition, in progress at Nashville at
the close of the fiscal year, was terminated October 31, and all mate-
rial except the aquaria was returned to Washington. During July and
August much difficulty was experienced in keeping up the-display of
fishes in the aquarium on account of the intense heat. During June
the temperature of the salt water rose rapidly, and when it reached
78° it became necessary to adopt artificial means to save the fish,
notwithstanding the fact that the specimens exhibited were all collected
in southern waters, at Morehead City, N.C., and Pensacola, Fla. This
was accomplished by passing all the water used through 300 feet of
pipe coil, packed in erushed ice and salt. This method proved very
expensive, as it required over 14 tons of ice per day to reduce the
temperature below the danger point, that is, 70°.

PLATE VI.

(To face page XXXVI.)

Report U.S. F.C. 1898.

MAIN ENTRANCE TO AQUARIUM,

OMAHA.

: ' : in
Via
A aot! 32
en

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXVII

Notwithstanding the unfavorable conditions the aquaria were kept
fully supplied with most of the commercial fishes of the Gulf and the
South Atlantic Ocean, with many of the ornamental species and all
of the fishes of the Mississippi Valley, and with a number of Salmonide
propagated by the Commission, such as the brook trout, rainbow trout,
steelhead, and quinnat salmon. In September fish-cultural work was
taken up, and two consignments of 10,000 salmon eggs shipped from
California were hatched. This feature of the exhibit was particularly
interesting to the people of that section of the country, as it was the
first time that the eggs of any of the Salmonide had been artificially
hatched in Tennessee. This was only rendered possible by the sinking
of a well near the Government building, which furnished a steady flow
of excellent water at 59° throughout the summer. At the close of the
exposition the fishes on hand were planted in suitable waters in the
vicinity or transferred to some of the stations of the Commission. ‘The
aquaria material, including the machinery, was shipped to Omaha.
During the absence of the representative from Nashville the exhibit was
at different times under the direction of L.G. Harron, W. P. Sauerhoff,
and R.J.Conway. Mr. Conway was in charge at the close of the expo-
sition and attended to the packing and shipping of the exhibit. A
report of the part taken by the U.S. Fish Commission in this exposition
will be found on pages 329-339 of the appendices to this report.

On July 27 the assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-culture was
appointed representative of the United States Fish Commission on the
government board of management for the Trans-Mississippi and Inter-
national Exposition, to be held in the city of Omaha, Nebr., in accord-
ance with act approved June 4, 1897. The board was not organized
until September, when the allotment of funds and space was made, the
Commission receiving $20,000 and 5,027 square feet of space in the north-
west corner of the Government Building. Subsequently all allotments
were changed, owing to the passage of a joint resolution by the House
and Senate on December 18, the appropriation from the Government
exhibit being reduced from $150,000 to $137,500, so that the amount
available for the Fish Commission was $18,333.

As the live-fish exhibit at previous expositions had proved the most
attractive feature, it was decided to devote $10,000 and 4,000 feet of
space to the erection of a suitable aquarium. The plans and specifica-
tions for this were prepared by Mr. George A. Schneider, who also
superintended its construction.

The aquarium is a grotto-like structure, 140 feet long by 26 feet
wide, arranged in the shape of a | | with arched entrances at the
short arms and a rotunda at the turning points. The entrances are
semi-circular archways supported on colonnades, embellished with
ornamental work, soffit and face, and flanked on each side by wings
in a rich pilaster treatment of the renaissance style. An ornamental,
semi-circular grille, with the seals of the United States and the State
of Nebraska, is inserted in the arch, the top of which terminates in

.

XXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

imitation shellwork, with a youthful Poseidon taming an aquatic mon-
ster, over the keystone.

Surmounting the entablature of the wings are two allegorical figures
representing fisher-maids catching and planting fish in the waters of
the country. The exterior portions of the entrances are finished in
imitation ivory and gold. The interior of the grotto is treated in
imitation of a roughly blasted rock tunnel, and depending from its
roof are numerous stalactites of a pale-greenish hue. The aquaria, of
which there are 23, are each 7 feet long, 3 feet high, and 5 feet wide at
the top; they extend along the sides of the interior of the grotto, and
are decorated inside with rock and aquatic plants, and arranged so that
all light entering the grotto first passes through them. Eight of them
are used for showing such salt-water fishes as can be obtained off the
New England coast near Woods Hole, Mass., and the balance are filled
with species indigenous to the Mississippi River and the various fishes
propagated by the Commission. In each of the rotundas are large, oval
pools so arranged as to be illuminated from below with electric lights.

In the rectangular space formed by the two short arms of the grotto
are exhibits of the different phases of the work of the Commission.
The methods employed by the Commission in fish-cultural work are
practically demonstrated by hatching, in a regulation trough, rainbow
and black-spotted trout eggs, shipped by express from Colorado during
the month of June. Asit is impracticable to secure semi-buoyant eggs,
such as shad, whitefish, and pike perch, and floating eggs like the cod,
pollock, and flatfish, the methods are illustrated with artificial eggs
made of rosin. In addition to practical illustrations, models of the
various forms of apparatus used are exhibited, including a model of the
trout station at Leadville, Colo. The process of egg-taking is shown
by a lay figure of a spawn-taker with a quinnat salmon in his hands in
the act of stripping the eggs. The work of distribution is illustrated
by photographs, drawings, and a working model of car No. 3, recently
reconstructed by Harlan & Hollingsworth. The results of fish-culture
and the scope of the work accomplished by the Commission during the
fiscal year 1896-97 are shown by large charts and numbers of photo-
graphs and drawings.

The scientifie functions and work of the Commission are set forth by
models and photographs of the exploring vessels Albatross and Fish
Hawk, by an assortment of seines, dredges, nets, and by the deep-
sea sounding apparatus used in making collections in fresh and salt
water. In this section there is also a full collection of oyster shells,
illustrating their sizes at different ages, peculiarities common to vari-
ous regions, materials used for the attachment of spat, various objects
to which young oysters adhere, influence of the bottom on the oyster’s
growth, and enemies and injuries caused by each. Among the objects
of the American fisheries exhibited are the following: Mounted groups
of northern fur-seals, Steller’s sea lions, casts of cetaceans, 150 casts of
food-fishes colored from living or fresh specimens, and painted casts
of edible frogs.

‘WHYINO ‘LIGIHXS NOISSININOD HSI4 3HL SO M3IA WWYSN39

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

(To face page XXXVIII.)

PLATE VII.

mt
Meet
} a 4

al

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXXIX

Through the courtesy of Messrs. Tiffany & Company, of New York, a
collection of pearls and pearl-bearing mollusks is shown, consisting
of specimens of white, pink, brown, copper-colored and fancy-colored
pearls, a set of pearl-bearing shells, instruments for opening them, also
a water-telescope for finding the mollusks, and illustrations of pearls.

In the fisheries section the various forms of nets, traps, weirs, pound
nets, seines, pots, dredges, tongs, etc., used in the capture of fresh-
water products are fully shown, also characteristic types of fishing craft
employed in the American fisheries, among them the swift New England
schooner, the Florida smacker, the Chesapeake Bay oyster pungy, the
shad boat of the North Carolina sounds, and the San Francisco market
steamer. In addition to these are numerous large photographs, por-
traying the methods adopted in the important commercial fisheries of
the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts and the Great Lakes, and a series
of crayon pictures illustrating the Alaskan fur-seal fishery. The fish-
eries of the United States are presented by States on a large chart.

At the opening of the exposition the aquarium contained a large
variety of fresh-water and salt-water fishes, together with a number of
aquatic invertebrates. The fresh-water fishes comprise brook trout,
rainbow trout, black-spotted trout, yellow-fin trout, lake trout, steel-
head trout, large-mouth and small-mouth black bass, crappie, strawberry
bass, sunfishes, and the characteristic native fishes of the Mississippi
Valley, including the largest obtainable specimens of sturgeon, catfish,
and paddlefish, several of the catfish weighing 40 pounds and over.
Aquatic reptiles are represented by living specimens of mud puppies,
terrapin, edible frogs, ete. These large specimens, with a number of
ornamental species like goldfish, tench, and golden ide, are displayed
in oval pools under the rotundas and prove a most attractive feature.
In the salt-water tanks about 50 varieties of food, game, and bait fishes
of the Atlantic coast are represented by specimens of various ages,
including dogfish, skates, sea bass, kingfish, tautog, chogset, sculpin,
scup, toadfish, sea robin, pollock, cod, hake, and flounders. Lobsters,
crayfish, crabs, and various kinds of mollusks are also exhibited.

As it was impracticable for the representative to remain in Omaha
after the opening of the exposition, the Commission is represented by _
Mr. R. J. Conway, who has charge of the aquarium, and by Mr. W. P.
Sauerhoff. Mr. L. G. Harron was detailed from Washington to assist
in the installation of the aquarium, and rendered effective service during
the opening days of the exposition.

The Commission is much indebted to the Union Tank Line Company,
of New York, for the loan of two tank cars for transporting salt water
from Woods Hole, Mass., to Omaha; also to the Michigan Central and
the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad companies for free trans-
portation, and to the Michigan Central Railroad for the transportation
of car No. 4 with salt-water fishes over its line, and to the Missouri
Pacific for transporting ail the cars of the Commission into the exposi-
tion grounds.

XL

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

STATION OPERATIONS.

The fish-cultural work of the several stations is given in detail in
the abstracts from the reports of the superintendents, and embraces

the propagation of 26 species of fish and 1 crustacean.

The following

stations and auxiliary stations were operated during the year:

Green Lake, Maine. |

Craig Brook, Maine.

Grand Lake Stream, Maine.

St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Cape Vincent, New York.

Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Steamer Fish Hawk (Albemarle Sound,
Edisto River, Delaware River).

Bristol, Pennsylvania.

Battery Station, Maryland.

Bryan Point, Maryland.

Central Station, Washington, D.C.

Fish Ponds, Washington, D. C.

Alpena, Michigan.
Duluth, Minnesota.
Manchester, Iowa.
Quincy, Illinois.
Neosho, Missouri.

San Marcos, Texas.
Leadville, Colorado.
Bozeman, Montana.
Baird, California.
Battle Creek, California.
Fort Gaston, California.
Clackamas, Oregon.
Upper Clackamas, Oregon.
Salmon River, Oregon.

Wytheville, Virginia.

Erwin, Tennessee.

Put-in Bay, Ohio.

Northville, Michigan.

Rogue River, Oregon.
Siuslaw River, Oregon.
Little White Salmon River, Washington.

GREEN LAKE STATION, MAINE (E. E. RACE, SUPERINTENDENT).

During the summer, various minor improvements and repairs to
buildings and ponds were made by the station force, including the
painting of the hatching and collecting apparatus; a nursery containing
40 troughs was built in the rear of the hatchery, arranged so that the
surplus water can be utilized for the rearing-ponds. An orchard was
set out between the superintendent’s cottage and the hatchery. At
the beginning of the fiscal year the stock on hand was as follows:

Calendar year in which fish
: were hatched.
Species.
1897. 1896. | 1891.
andlocked Salmon janie an\cls ciefaratatore 1c aclu ais baja stants seins peas eee 131, 141 434 471
IBTOOK*ULOUb seosaztesibes sosiem.c alee mw clacinee eh eed eieina conan soeceits Sete 116,122"). 2. 522e eel See
Golden ttrouts to s522c2s5 9.2. cock wc sedec eck eae ne Sa oan e EEE eee 22,.136:)| scl oe clen eee
Steelhead wrout = =i sc aicewons cs wos ceceeteccm nu aeae eon nant eaeee 97335 ||. coc sade sel meee
PA Blan tiersalm OM! szieryo cece 6 hetas 2 tide ciacls cele seek eo mma ce ee eee geen 16; 220 |..0-ccemch eae

Owing to an unprecedented rise in temperature early in July, it
became necessary to dispose of the brook and golden trout, and they
were planted in the tributaries of Green Lake. The balance of the fish
were retained until early fall and distributed as usual to applicants in
the New England States. No mortality from disease occurred during
the season, but from July 7 to 15 the losses from heat were quite heavy,
the temperature during that period reaching 81° in the troughs and 83°
in the ponds.

In August arrangements were made for collecting eggs of the land-
locked salmon, brook trout, and golden trout at Winkempaugh Brook
(Branch Pond), Patton Pond, Flood Pond, Green Lake, and its tribu-
taries. Steps were also taken to collect eggs of the lake trout (togue)
and landlocked salmon in Cold Stream Pond, near Enfield. The traps

Report U.S. F.C. 1898. (To face page XL ) PLaTe VIII.

INTERIOR OF THE GROTTO, LOOKING FROM ONE THE POOLS, OMAHA.

| Raeaieode

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLI

and pens were put in place during August and September, and the first
trout were captured in the latter month. At Cold Stream Pond the
lake trout made their appearance on the spawning-grounds October 8,
and the run continued until the 19th.

The following table shows the number of fish captured at the various
field stations and eggs secured:

Point of collection. Species. Fish. | Eggs.
Winkempaugh Brook. .-...--- TBR 8 YOULD aoa nen no 7a QO anAS CONC CAG aa obosaN0RC0CES 206 207, 000
andlookea salmone ae ee eee eee ne Se aee eae 59 182, 000
ldots LG Becessoeesens oecs IBTOOK ALOUD aoa Sot resto eae cows esecpeesceeceree 70 105, 000
Handlogked salmoneecccsscrecacanacesceeeter a. teemeees 3 3, 500
TA GyaGh Teint Eee oe soceeee na ne IBLOOKMLOMU Gem ecece meinetiee odie se Socmee ceseeicerimecene 59 28, 000
Mandlocked! Salmon. .-n\<<.cs0ns ce ciesascceiemeaasccicisiss Diss See
Goldenkinowtreascerccoecceccioseeen ce een acinc seems 146 83, 500
Green Lake..-..--.-..----.<.. Brook troulbisecanis- cs ccscaeeteeenac cs eccaeccnmeccses 21 18, 200
Bandlocked:salmon-c<cececcasemnosecs cescesseeaamen= 127 273, 000
Cold Stream Pond -.......... Gakewtrout(bOoue)sespeeccsceseccecmeccesececeeecace 75 150, 000
Mandlocked' salmonseeco.ccceccee cece ce eee cert eases 44 100, 000
|

The number of eggs secured exceeded the collections of past seasons,
558,500 landlocked salmon eggs being obtained from 235 adults, an
average of over 2,000 per fish. At the close of the spawning season
the fish were all liberated, without loss, in the waters from which they
were taken. The results attained at Enfield were particularly grati-
fying, considering that operations were undertaken at that point late
in the season. It is expected that over 1,000,000 togue eggs will be
collected there another season, as the fish are abundant and easily
captured. Of the 150,000 eggs secured, 75,000 were left at Enfield in
charge of Mr. E. J. Darling, superintendent of the State hatchery, to
be hatched and liberated in the waters from which they were derived.
The brook-trout and landlocked-salmon eggs collected at Flood Pond,
Winkempaugh Brook, and Patton Pond were hauled to the statiow by
wagon over rough country roads immediately after fertilization and
suffered a loss during incubation of from 8 to 14 per cent, whereas the
loss on the eggs collected from fish captured in Green Lake and penned
at Great Brook (about 4 mile from the hatchery) was only 34 per cent.

During the late fall and early winter 126,243 landlocked-salmon eggs,
25,000 brook-trout eggs, and 10,000 golden-trout eggs were shipped to
various State fish commissions, private applicants, and other stations of
the Commission. The balance of the eggs were held at the station to
be hatched and liberated as fry and yearlings. The fry commenced
hatching on January 4 and by April 30 were allout. In view of the
heavy mortality experienced during the previous July it was decided
to abandon all efforts to carry the brook and golden trout during the
summer; 225,000 of the former and 59,144 of the latter were distributed
during May and June.

On December 24 a consignment of 1,000,000 salmon eggs was received
from Battle Creek, Cal., in excellent condition, only 7,270 having died
en route; 50,000 of these were turned over to the State of Maine and
the balance were distributed, immediately after the absorption of the
sac, in Union River and its tributaries during the month of May.

XLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Of the 50,000 steelhead-trout eggs received from Fort Gaston, Cal.,
in March, 22,966 fry were planted in Green Lake and other waters in
the vicinity during the spring.

All the Atlantic salmon on hand at the beginning of the year were
held until March 30, when they were liberated in Green Lake, with a
loss of only 12. With the exception of 50 specimens, all of the domes-
ticated salmon hatched in 1891 were planted in Green Lake during the
fall, as the ponds occupied by them were needed for other fishes. A
few thousand eggs were collected from the 50 referred to, but they died
in less than forty-eight hours after being placed in the troughs. At
the close of the year there remained on hand the following:

Calendar year in
3 which hatched.
Species. 57 aes
1897. 1896.
Wandlockedisalmon’-*i:0.csc sownceisecolasic ce secsiscea sot sence anelancnacemeeetose 336, 936 279
IBTOOK trowbe aa Seeisjcicidsars eniceiaiercie (siete cies wens cianiele ele Suisse cise oleae no cine ee oe ee eerie 13.831 |i 2eeseeee
Steelheadtiroutic<-cics ces sciec cose se eneinc celine necator eee ten rien oeterieies 8, 830 3, 370

CRAIG BROOK STATION, MAINE (CHARLES G. ATKINS, SUPERINTENDENT).

The stock on hand July 1, 1897, consisted of 471,294 fish hatched the
previous winter, chiefly Atlantic and quinnat salmon, a few landlocked
salmon, steelhead, and Scotch sea trout; also 2,464 adults, varying in
age from 2 to 6years. All of the fry hatched the previous spring were
held during the sac and early feeding stages in the standard troughs
used at the station. They were supplied with water obtained from
Craig Brook, its temperature during June ranging from 50° to 679°,
Press of other work delayed the transfer of these fish to the ponds
until after the middle of July, and the last of them were not removed
until a month later. It was feared that this delay acted unfavorably
on their growth, as the troughs were somewhat crowded. There were
no serious losses from disease, however, as none of the epidemics
occurring in past years made their appearance. The mortality in July
amounted to 14,000, in August less than 5,000, and in September 2,300.
To reduce the stock, 100,143 of the quinnat salmon were liberated early
in September, and in October and November they were all disposed of
except 5,883, which were retained throughout the winter.

The growth of the fish during the summer, though satisfactory, was
not equal to that attained in former years, when maggots formed an
important part of the food supply. These were not available this year,
as the building erected for their production had to be transformed into
a hatchery to meet the unusual demands made upon the station by the
hatching of quinnat salmon the previous winter. The food material
was therefore limited to the carcasses of horses and other condemned
animals, beef liver, and butchers’ offal.

The distribution of the fish was made by teams to local waters and
by messengers to points at a distance from the station. As soon as it
was completed the hatchery was filled with eggs collected from the
Atlantic salmon confined in Dead Brook. The 350 female fish produced

-

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLII

3,506,642 eggs, which were much larger than those of the previous year,
and apparently of fine quality. Notwithstanding their good condition,
the actual losses from lack of impregnation and other causes, up to the
time when the division was made with the State of Maine, amounted to
304,642. The United States received 2,630,214 as its share, 500,000 of
which were assigned to State fish commissions and private applicants,
and 2,126,975 fry, or 99.86 per cent of those divided, were hatched in
March and April. Besides these, the State of Maine turned back to
the Commission 540,199 fry.
Plants aggregating 1,975,000 were made in May, as follows:

Locality. Number.
Rin rouepnueratn Van CODOlOn= ser cies ac eeicineinnn me slate comets eieimin eteints laa tatlei am a\eieleinioisinle isla Sieiets 137, 500
Penobscot River and tributaries above Oldtown...........--....--2-- 2-0-2 eee nese ce eeene 1, 482, 500
Penobscot tributaries near Craig Brook...... 2.2.0. .cecce ccc ceeces cece ccc wececcceccsccene= 355, 070

The balance of the stock was retained for rearing, and at the end of
June numbered 636,817.

In May, 1898, the usual arrangements were made for collecting and
impounding adult salmon for the next year’s brood stock; 472 fish were
obtained and impounded at Dead Brook, 400 of which belonged to the
United States Fish Commission.

The domesticated Atlantic salmon on hand at the beginning of the
year consisted of three lots, the first of which were hatched in 1892,
the second in 1893, and the third in 1897. Of the third brood 1,029
were liberated in November, 1897, reducing that lot to 454. In Novem-
ber 25,287 eggs were secured from the first two lots, but they were
defective in quality and none of them survived to the hatching period.

As arrangements had been made to carry on landlocked-salmon work
at Grand Lake Stream, no efforts were made to collect at Toddy Pond,
as heretofore. In March the surplus eggs from Grand Lake Stream,
amounting to 62,462, were transferred to Craig Brook, and of the fry
hatched from them 54,476 remain on hand at the close of the year.

All of the rainbow trout at the station were liberated in Alamoosook
Lake in August, 1897, and nothing was seen of them till the following
March, when several were observed spawning in Craig Brook just below
the hatchery. Measures were taken to secure eggs, and by the end of
April 54,408 had been collected from 199 adult trout. The fish were
undoubtedly a part of those liberated in August, and were apparently
in excellent condition. The eggs were not first-class in quality, how-
ever, and only 35,000 fry were hatched. At the close of the year 28,351
remain, which appear to be doing well.

In order to test the practicability of domesticating the steelhead
trout, the 191 specimens on hand from the hatch of 1896 were placed
in one of the large deep ponds recently constructed and held for future
service as breeders. The fish on hand from the hatching of 1897 were
liberated during the fall, except 1,400, which were retained in a small
pond until March, when it was found that only 180 of them remained.

XLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

This loss was first attributed to mink, but it appeared later that they
were destroyed by eels. In April a consignment of 100,000 eggs was
received from Fort Gaston, Cal., arriving in excellent condition. They
yielded 95,904 fry, 35,941 of which were released in local waters in
June. The remainder were held for rearing.

Of the Scotch sea trout resulting from eggs presented to the Com-
mission by the journal Shooting and Fishing in 1891, there remains
on hand a lot of 10; also two lots derived from eggs produced by these
fish. All of the third lot were distributed during the year, and a crop
of eggs is expected this fall from the second lot (hatched in 1895). In
November, 1897, the 10 referred to above yielded 10,034 eggs, from
which 2,970 young were hatched. The majority of the eggs proved
defective and the fish hatched have continued to die, so that at the
close of the year only 1,198 remain.

The stock on hand at the station on June 30, 1898, is as follows:

Fish hatched in calendar year—

Kind.
1894 or | Adult.

1898. 1897. 1896. 1895. Sanlven aie aL.

PA antIC SALMON) gala cc osc eiat- se iaisetsiaateletlate re BUH Pe apesodlSonbuacalasdcoccc 233 400
Atlantic salmon, domesticated ..........------|---------- Aba loa 2 cote seminiesatete BD eee sue
imandlocked salmon joj oes eet ialall GY SG Sraconallbeasoosdlacaacade || Soe 2 Se
(Qyribe ny ielbeiseoootosce ecm Obes Heaeescosco|cocaaso5c0 Pas} | empesoos|scnmoced |asoeseacss) soos ssoose
LO: TDW soneoouootooDoace casocgeacce Sdaseos PAG) |BSSegedd| ocoosecpooboaen|ssacsso-5)/soseaccccsc
AIM DOW ELOU tie a\sl- <= = cece noe eaala eee Pteh 8 by We Sanpete oocanigoa aeascaac|occc BOA CCEA ne = ac
Steelheadtrout:: 22. 5. fos eee oceeeeeas|| 38, 40Nleseeeeeel 188. a scc S2) Sects ae eee ee
Scouchiseasbroub: 5. icjtoacs eel ae stew eect LOS be see er | eaten =n 508 10 Ses eee
Motels ehcicticwkie siee/st osteo wince see sees 761, 700 482 188 508 279 400

GRAND LAKE STREAM.

Work was resumed at Grand Lake Stream in the fall of 1897, after a
lapse of five years, arrangements having been made with the Interna-
tional Leather Company, of Boston, who controlled the tannery prop-
erty, for the necessary land and water rights and the oceupancy of
the buildings. The work was directed by Mr. W. O. Buck, one of the
employees of Craig Brook Station, under the supervision of the super-
intendent. A few needed repairs were made to the buildings in Sep-
tember and October, and the water supply to the hatchery was increased
by the renewal of the aqueduct. Barrier nets, to prevent the salmon
running downstream, were put in place about the middle of September,
and pounds for their capture were set as heretofore. The fishing had
been excellent the two preceding springs, and as it was now time that
these waters should show the good effects of the last two years’ work
of the Commission (1892 and 1893), when several hundred thousand
yearlings were liberated, a good season’s work was expected. The
catch proved small, however, the total being only 337, of which 129
were males. The longest fish captured measured 24 inches and the
heaviest weighed 5 pounds. The average length and weight were 20,2
inches and 3.21 pounds for the males, and 19.7 inches and 3.36 pounds
for the females. The total number of eggs taken was estimated at

Report U.S. F.C 1898 (To face page XLIV.) PLATE IX.

1. HATCHERY AT ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT.

2. BOAT EQUIPPED WITH JACK LIGHTS FOR CAPTURING TROUT AT NIGHT ON THEIR SPAWNING-BEDS
AT CASPIAN LAKE.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV

313,800, but after the unfertilized ones had been picked off there
remained only 245,150. Of these, 60,000 were shipped as follows:

Consignment. Number. | Consignment. Number.

Connecticut Fish Commission ..-.....--- 10,000 || D. Vinciguerra, Rome, Italy....---.---. 5, 000
Michigan Fish Commission ....---..---| 10,000 | Wisconsin Fish Commission.-.......-.. 10, 000
New Hampshire Fish Commission. ..--. 10,000 | H. W. Poor, Wilson Mills, Me.......... 15, 000

Nearly half of the remainder were transferred to Craig Brook, and
the balance were held at the station to be reared and liberated in Grand
Lake Stream the coming fall. At the close of the year the fish seemed
to be in excellent condition. Their food consisted of beef livers, obtained
once or twice a week from Calais.

St. JOHNSBURY STATION, VERMONT (J. W. TITCOMB, SUPERINTENDENT).

On July 1 the stock of fish on hand was as follows:

Calendar year in which
; hatched.
Species.

1897. 1896. 1895.
an OOKCORS AMON = sesso a alec oeicin a olnjalete sa wleie/aainle cidisieieie Sina as bersieeeclare QE Dia ae eee ul |e 2 ee
Cin hth GIT ON es as 54 Se acisodo do Aden O SS EHO Ge SO CACOO CE UC aEORCoerers SIG 445 ees alae eee oe ©
Nice INGAUEUROUMLeRme naan os sect min scsi eis pein sii ciniene cine oi eere mes aciee cee e 1GP3T9) |Foseeecees 36
MEVsUTTU OIE UE OM Lettie oetsctate sia alee = mine crores sale aaa aia cree ale alee erleie wie Sale Mi ete Sessler AST al eeeieses

Ali of the Pacific salmon which had been held in the nursery ponds
supplied by water from Sleeper River, except 1,000 retained for experi-
mental purposes, were distributed early in July on account of the
sudden rise in the temperature, which reached 82° on July 5 at 6.30
p- m., causing the loss of 14,500 of the fry. Of the fish retained, 776
were alive at the close of the fiscal year. The landlocked salmon fry
were held until the end of July, when they were planted in Lakes
Morey and Caspian, and the steelhead trout were planted about the
same time in Lakes Morey, Willoughby, and Champlain.

During the summer preparations were made for securing a supply of
brook-trout eggs from wild trout by the establishment of auxiliary field
stations. The stations operated the previous year at Darling Pond,
Groton, and at Caspian Lake, Greensboro, were put in order, and the
superintendent visited Willoughby Lake at Westmore, Ewel’s Pond at
Peacham, Garfield Pond at Danby, Silsby’s Pond at Newbury, and a
number of others, with a view to operating experimental stations at
those points. As a result of his investigations, operations were under-
taken at Lakes Willoughby and Ansil, and at the ponds of the Wells
River Fish and Game Club. The only results secured from these were
14,525 lake-trout eggs at Willoughby Lake; and as the expense involved
in the collection of these was great, the work was abandoned.

Work at Caspian Lake was begun on October 11, and continued until
the 27th, when operations were discontinued, as only 66,022 brook and
lake trout eggs had been secured. The failure at this point was appar-

XLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

ently either because the fish did not ascend to the usual Spawning-
grounds, or spawned in the deeper water under the ice. It is believed
that a large number of lake-trout eggs may be collected at this point
in the future by the use of fyke nets. This station is well equipped for
eyeing 800,000 trout eges, and is regarded as one of the best fields in
the State for collecting brook and lake-trout eggs.

At Darling Pond, Groton, the trap was put in on J uly 20, and kept
in place until November 6. The temporary hatchery was opened on
September 1 and closed on December 31, during which time 682,248
trout eges were collected, 83 per cent of which were transferred to St.
Johnsbury when they had reached the eyed stage. The results at this
Station were very Satisfactory, for although in the previous season

961,318 eges were collected, only 23 per cent were saved—the loss
being apparently due to the improper handling of the eggs. During
the season, 5,000 trout were handled; of these, 1,734 were ripe females,
The temporary hatchery is an abandoned farmhouse, supplied with
about 45 gallons of Spring water per minute, and can be operated eco-
nomically. The experience at Darling Pond would indicate that the
eggs taken from fresh-run fish are much stronger and yield a better
percentage of fry than those taken from fish that have been confined
for several weeks before they are ripe, as is necessary here.

At Fairbanks Pond 78,547 eggs were collected by the employees of
the station, of which 70 per cent were hatched. Of the total number
collected 120,300 were Shipped to applicants in Eastern States and in
Europe. The balance and an additional 200,000 purchased were held
at the station to be hatched and distributed during the spring.

The brook-trout eggs hatched during February and M arch, with com-
paratively small loss, over 716,000 fry being produced; 561,000 of these
were planted in April, May, and June. The lake-trout eggs produced
14,000 fry, which in the spring were planted in Lake Dunmore and in
ponds at Derby.

At the request of H. F. Hurlbut, of East Freetown, Mass., and of
Charles A, Hoxsie, of Carolina, R.L, 70,000 eggs collected from wild
trout were exchanged for the Same number produced at their hatcheries,

On February 23, 10,000 landlocked-salmon eggs were received from
Green Lake Station , only 50 dead ones being picked out on their arrival.
Of this shipment 9,900 hatched, and at the close of the year 9,138 fry
were on hand, which are held for distribution in Vermont waters. Of
100,000 steelhead-trout eges received from Fort Gaston on March 23,
91,000 fry were planted during May and June.

At the close of the year the stock on hand was as follows:

Calendar year in which hatched.
Species. >
1898. 1897. 1896. 1895.

|
EO EP SEMI > str7acceseane-cdpenzaue <a ac. aoe 3 1068 ose |r Sees 35
seus it A Wer Stas ota ayo) sian nieis ai) e\sreja ta] See oe Ee | 410"). Se
BESS a occ e vaio Sona teeae oie lea eee ns A163) ate cen: Sao
Fie Ta oO ee MUR LT Ust ne Thr PE = OOD eee 2e| ec. 5 oe ea
Fe age, aan REID TES D) epi po oe eG a Reccoted pence asee.

|
eee ee ee ee eee

PLATE X.

(To face page XLVI.)

Report U.S. F, C. 1898.

TWO VIEWS OF TRAP AT GROTON, VERMONT, 1897.

ors aa
i.

ate)
heer

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLVII

The Pacifie salmon fry placed in the ponds for experimental purposes
weighed 1 pound 10 ounces to the thousand on July 1. These were
confined in a pond about 8,000 square feet in area. In January, 1898,
they weighed 41 to the pound, and in June the average weight had
increased to 12 to the pound. Great dissimilarity was noticed in the
color and shape of,lake-trout eggs taken from different waters. For
example, the eggs of the lake trout taken at Willoughby Lake closely
resemble those of the landlocked salmon, and aie much larger than
those from Caspian Lake, 600 of the Willoughby Lake eggs equaling 4
fluid ounces, while it required 800 from C*spian Lake to fill the same
measure. It was also noticed that the fry hatched from the Caspian
Lake eggs were much smaller and more active.

During April, as the troughs in the hatchery were much crowded,
some of the fry were transferred from them to the nursery ponds, 10,000
toeach pond. These ponds had not been used for six months, and were
supplied with water from Sleeper River. The fry in the ponds had the
same care as in the hatchery, except that it was impossible to clean
them as thoroughly. No unusual mortality was observed, and at a
careful examination of the outlets, to see if the fry were escaping, every-
thing appeared to be perfectly tight; but on June 6, when these fish
were taken from the ponds for shipment, only 25 per cent of the number
originally placed there were found. It is difficult to account for the
disappearance of the balance, though it was possibly due to cannibalism,
as the fish taken from the ponds were at least three times as large as
those of the same age taken from the troughs. This larger growth may
to some extent be due, however, to higher temperature of the water, and
to the presence of some natural food. It was observed that under the
same conditions—i. e., with the same number of brook trout, steelhead
trout, and landlocked salmon, in ponds of equal size—the landlocked
salmon stand a much higher temperature than any of the others.

The food used at the station has consisted principally of livers, with
the addition of insect larve obtained from the refuse of livers, crows,
woodchucks, etc. One woodchuck produced 1 quart of maggots.

Enemies of the fish have been the source of but little trouble during
the past year, except in the case of the kingfisher, many of which have
been killed. In October a colouy of muskrats made their headquarters
in one of the ponds, and before they had been discovered had made 12
holes in the banks, one of which caused a leak. These animals were
shot and trapped. All were males, indicating that the males precede
the females in the preparation of the winter homes. Mink were seen
occasionally along the river, but no trouble was experienced from them.

Several landlocked salmon from the plants made by the Commission
were caught with hook and line at Lake Morey, Fairlee, Vt., in May,
1897, and it is expected that in a few years this lake will afford a valu-
able field for the collection of this species. In May, 1898, a landlocked
salmon weighing 43 pounds was taken at Caspian Lake. In Sleeper
River, which is the source of the water supply for the St. Johnsbury
Station, rainbow and brook trout, quinnat salmon, Atlantic salmon,

XLVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and steelhead trout have been taken during the year. The plants were
made in the headwaters of the river, but the fish worked down to the
lower and deeper pools. The steelheads and Pacific salmon captured
in Sleeper River averaged about 6 inches in length, while the rainbow
trout ran from 6 to 12 inches; Atlantic salmon ranged from 5 to 7 inches.
All of these fish were taken with angleworms, though the Pacific salmon
will rise quite readily to the fly. The capture of steelhead trout and
landlocked salmon is also reported from tributaries of Lake Champlain,
but in some instances the varieties have not been thoroughly identified.

During the year the north embankment of the reservoir was rebuilt,
and a tiled drain (144 feet in length) was laid below its base. The
reservoir roof was covered with a preparation of tar and gravel, and
the filter in the reservoir was renewed. The interior of the reservoir,
containing about a foot of mud, was cleaned out, the sides washed down,
and the entire interior given a whitewash coat of cement. A pipe was
connected with the supply standpipe in the reservoir filter, and run
through the filter crib into the reservoir, giving the latter a direct
supply of water from the river in case of emergency. A ventilator was
placed in the reservoir roof to ventilate the reservoir and prevent heat-
ing under the roof, and the consequent decay of timbers. Seven new
ponds were constructed—Pond H and six small rearing-ponds. The
spring-water supply to the hatchery was connected directly with the
distributing crib, for use in the ponds when the hatching-troughs were
notin use. The arrangement of the hatching and picking troughs was
changed so as to place the latter under the windows on the east side of
the hatchery, and supply all the troughs with the water from the west
side, instead of from both sides, as formerly. This change gives more
floor space, connects all troughs with the spring-water supply, and
reduces the amount of water required in the hatchery. Its successful
operation during the season indicates a great improvement.

On September 27 ground was broken for the construction of a resi-
dence for the superintendent. The work was continued throughout
the winter and the house completed on June 30, except the interior
finishing. The residence consists ot ten rooms and is a two-story frame
house, with stone and brick foundation, heated by furnace and sup-
plied with modern plumbing.

Under authority of act of Congress, authorizing an expenditure of
$3,000 for an increased supply of water at the station, a contract was
entered into with Carpenter & Williams on April 20, 1897, for an
artesian well. Work was commenced on April 21, and at the close of
the fiscal year a well 200 feet deep had been sunk.

CAPE VINCENT STATION, NEW YORK (LIVINGSTON STONE, SUPERINTENDENT).

The hatching apparatus was thoroughly overhauled during the
summer and the first floor of the hatchery fitted up with Williamson
troughs, preparatory to hatching quinnat-salmon eggs, which were to
be transferred from the Pacific coast. The old method of securing
water by means of pumps was abandoned this year and arrangements

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLIX

were made for obtaining the amount needed from the city waterworks
company; this change has not only reduced expenses, but the quality
of the water is better and the supply more reliable.

During October 133,140 lake-trout eggs were purchased from the
fishermen operating on Charity Shoals at a rate of 15 cents per 1,000,
and the 114,481 fry resulting from them were planted in Watson Bay.
An assignment of 1,000,000 eggs of this species was also received from
Northville, and the fry hatched, amounting to 967,850, were deposited
in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

In December 5,000,000 eggs of the quinnat salmon were received from
Battle Creek, Cal. The fry hatched were carried through the winter
without material loss, and with the exception of one plant of 328,000
in the Salmon River, they were all distributed in Lake Ontario and the
St. Lawrence River within a radius of 25 miles from the station.

Consignments of 100,000 each of brook trout, steelhead trout, and
Atlantic salmon eggs were received during the year from other stations,
and were hatched and distributed as usual; 10,000 steelhead eggs
were repacked and shipped to Osnabruck, Germany, where they arrived
with the loss of only 420, after a journey of nearly 8,000 miles.

Early in the spring the superintendent made ana investigation of
various fishing-grounds on Lake Ontario to arrange for the collection of
pike-perch eggs, as there was a general desire on the part of the fisher-
men on the lake that the propagation of this species be undertaken.
The investigation showed that there are no localities in the vicinity
where eggs can be obtained in large quantities, though the spawning
fish formerly occurred in great abundance throughout this region. The
fishermen stated that where tons of fish had been captured two years
ago, there was now practically no fishing. The disappearance of fish
from their usual spawning-grounds was attributed by some persons to
the discharge of refuse from mills and factories into the tributaries of
Lake Ontario. In April 30,000,000 eggs of the pike perch were trans-
ferred from Put-in Bay, and the majority of the fry resulting from them
were planted without loss in the St. Lawrence River; one plant of 800,000
being made in the Oswegatchee River. It is reported that pike perch
are abundant in some of the inland lakes of the State, and a collecting
station, similar to the one operated by the New York Fish Commission
on Lake Oneida at Constantia, may be established in the future.

The following shows the number of eggs handled and fry hatched at
the station during the fiscal year:

. é No. of eggs Fry
Species. received. hatched.
LOOIRGING I N22 Se OC aS CESAR DE COORG oH BEE Nee Hee lee eae a a 1, 133, 140 982, 331
Oirin ate salman see sec ere amisars esas aaa ees cece Sesleri eee cece cette 5, 000, 000 4, 690, 801
BES TOO Kah tO TED eres epee a ale es = he eed ies ep pct ie hh DNase ee 100, 000 56, 000
GHETTO ELITES SEES A Se SU Ree S Oee Are cE HOGA GFGie Ea OEE eee ae a 100, 000 97, 071
SutclllnGal Tito scesboeqpoSosonEs sopeed cone saOSneueS (on eee RY tae Se BT ee 100, 000 90, 060
LEUEG [TETOL EAE Gee DAS SOO IE CS DET oS SES ER TORR re et ees a 30, 000, 000 10, 043, 750
PLES Tisy ete te Ne ee Fett a pen ne menial 21 Seed ge a NB Seer Se ed es 36, 482, 140 15, 960, 013

L REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

An investigation was made by the superintendent with the view to
undertaking the propagation of sturgeon, but no point could be found
at which a sufficiently large number of spawning sturgeon are caught
to warrant the establishment of a field station, although sturgeon nets
are fished all the way from Ogdensburg to the eastern end of Lake
Ontario.

GLOUCESTER STATION, MASSACHUSETTS (C. G. CORLISS, SUPERINTENDENT).

As soon as practicable after the lst of July preparations were made
for increasing the size of the hatchery and of the pumping plant. A
one-story addition, 18 by 32 feet, was built on the northwest side of
the hatchery and equipped with 6 new tables, containing 72 hatching-
boxes, thereby doubling the capacity of the hatchery for cod work. A
40-horsepower boiler was installed in place of the small one which had
been used for a number of years.

Immediately upon the completion of this work a force of spawn-takers
was employed, and efforts were made to collect pollock eggs from the
fisherman at Gloucester. As a result 7,791,000 eggs were collected
during November and December, which produced 4,455,000 fry. The
failure to secure the much larger results, which had been anticipated,
was due to the method of fishing, all of the pollock being captured with
hand lines instead of with gill nets, which had been formerly used. It
is claimed that ripe spawning fish seldom take the hook.

On November 15 the crew of the Grampus, under the direction of
Capt. E. E. Hahn, was stationed at Kittery Point for the purpose of
collecting cod eggs. The methods pursued were practically the same
as in past years. The eggs were collected by spawn-takers from fish
captured by vessels having headquarters near Kittery. Arrangements
were also made for purchasing eggs at $5 per 1,000,000 from fishermen
not accompanied by spawn-takers. On the first of March collections
were discontinued at Kittery, as the Grampus force was needed for the
work on the vessel, and the last of the fry were hatched on March 26.
A few eggs were purchased after that date. The total collection of the
season amounted to 160,711,000, the first being secured on November 17.
The 96,707,000 fry produced were distributed along the Massachusetts
coast from Ipswich Bay to Massachusetts Bay, off Baker Island, from
1 to 10 miles from the shore, on the natural spawning-grounds.

Record of cod-hatching at Gloucester Station, season of 1897-98.

Loss dur-

Date of
Wken ea BEA rs Eggs ore Fry Date of
received. Sourcelol Supply: received. [178 qneube: hatched. | hatching.| ne
1897. 1897. 1897.
INovapuia|) Kattery: Point. 122. 5eccenecincieneee 2, 480, 000 761,000 | 1,719,000 | Nov. 29 | Nov. 30
1135 See (fe SEES Se ena aciac 1, 272, 000 516, 000 756, 000 30 | 30
1G) Boo. QO oan. 52 Senge eae 2, 238, 000 478, 000 | 1,760,000 | Dec. 1] Dec. 1
PAY) ec (ic pep eee eee ae Onis 515, 000 176, 000 339, 000 3
Zanes. GO eos nis cicia te cin coe nee 2, 921, 000 599,000 | 2,322, 000 5 5
28) near Or ee cicinio ee dasa eee eee 2, 785, 000 692, 000 2, 093, 000 6 7
Dus |e sh OES, te eR | 1.470, 000 416, 000 | 1, 054, 000 7 7
20) | arynrae Oren wicia oe roe ee 482, 000 71, 000 41i, 000 9 9
PASSE Apc WLW es cclaciigni ee neeeneraa ote 1, 416, 000 525, 000 891, 000 13 13
20) |e wets AG eine oie ce sto mare ieeotein ae 8, 440, 000 671, 000 2, 769, 000 13 13
Deer walt |heee: dom ete gen. eee ae 3,950,000 | 1,084,000 | 2, 866, 000 15 15
| eetes QO Fares cecion olen ciccemeniecie ciate 166, 000 18, 000 148, 000 16 16

PLATE XI.

(To face page L.)

Report U. S. F.C. 1898.

HATCHERY AT GLOUCESTER, VIEW FROM GLOUCESTER HARBOR

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LI

Record of cod-hatching at Gloucester Station, season of 1897-9S—Continued.

Loss dur- Date of
When : Eggs seeing Fr Date of
received. Source of supply. Ricaiead: ie nen; hatched. hatching. Die
1897. | 1897.
2, 896, 000 958, 000 1, 938, 000 | Dec. 17 | Dee. 1s
1, 021, 000 473, 000 548, 000 17 17
1, 398, 000 562, 000 836, 000 17 17
2, 751, 000 681, OVO 2, 070, 000 20 20
2, 264, 000 775, 000 1, 489, 000 26 26
2, 460, 000 1, 285, 000 1, 175, 000 26 26
1, 924, 060 610, 000 1, 314, 000 PA 27
6,074,000 | 2,871, 000 3, 203, 000 28 28
1898 1898
Te ee GOs sack casecsskets cecdoccces 2,114,000 | 1,527,000 | 3,752,000] Jan. 2] Jan. 2
ilisecde GOs. as cacet cs tcncaancasa casei 11, 894, 000 7, 594, 000 4, 275, 000 4 4
Tiersen Chi) Re oR eee O MIE eRe 7,896,000 | 3,667,000] 4, 302, 000 fi 7
BS a atm ater OOisesacrsns secu eccecess ose su, 1, 205, 000 697, 000 508, 000 4 4
ON eee OO mesa Soe Sco sk wot eeereene 7,484,000 | 4,137,000 134, 000 10 10
710 ee COM et soe asco en oe oe 1, 069, 000 781, 000 288, 000 10 10
22 | Gloucester and Plymouth....-.-. 2,817,000 | 1,951, 000 866, 000 10 10
93; | GIOUCOSbERY =< 2/55 i62- 2c cece mic oas le 164, 000 32, 000 132, 000 10 10
QGe ass GO rash cea ee com ceemaeeee 677, 000 118, 000 559, 000 10 10
ai | Kattery Point---2-<<.<---2---6e-- 3, 176, 000 925,000 | 2, 251, 000 12 lz
Ot ere COP seen eect sob ooac Seas 1, 306, 000 316, 000 990, 000 12 12
OA are GOR aes see aie daeatec ae 1, 503, 000 623, 000 880, 000 14 14
S00 bee QO ce eres coos Peeters 316, 000 86, 000 230, 000 14 14
Bla erereie's COP ee aes aoe sooae sa cesar 2, 601, 000 1, 093, 000 1, 508, 000 17 17
1898.

ADE coe oar < CORR ane sec atinae socoee sme hincs 4, 239, 000 1, 909, 000 2, 330, 000 19 19
4 | Kittery Point and Plymouth.... 5,124,000 | 2,156,000 | 2, 968, 000 19 19
Hel pKabteny sb oint...4-.- -5--5-2-5-- 1, 372, 000 694, 000 678, 000 21 21
() \lpacea GOW ee see mee nce cle osaisicis wien oils 768, 000 257, 000 511, 000 21 21
Sale Ole ecco ecaeek ac. seccnwiclmes 1, 492, 000 820, 000 672, 000 25 725)
oe Ser COPE eats sete arose ce aie aptteicls 871, 000 363, 000 508, 000 25 25

10 | Kittery Point and Rockport-.-.-. 1, 883, 000 899, 000 | 984, 000 25 25
MS etteryhomb=.-----\c-s-56 = 2-1 571, 000 217, 000 354, 000 25 25
11%) .|| JSOCLG UMA ARR eos eeebenomeEEonaes 1, 717, 000 1, 064, 000 653, 000 27 27
13 | Rockport and Kittery Point ----. 2, 370, 000 504, 000 | 1, 866, 000 27 27
Maal PKthery Poinbe- sass. = «6-0 864, 000 283, 000 581, 000 29 29
15 | Rockport and Kittery Point..-.. 5,317,000 | 1,883,000 | 3, 484, 000 29 29
I@ileasee GO tee sae coe 58 Aaiaae nae 3,881,000 | 1,367,000 | 2,514,000 |} Feb. 3] Feb. 3
Wilice ae Gots saree eee occse ed 2, 168, 000 1, 535, 000 633, 000 3 3
18 \oSa - Om eeeeeicssoscsoeeeiscsmcs nee 7,474,000 | 2,182,000 | 5, 292, 000 4 4
AOu| es GOV ss Bee eaceks aelaie eis timaacis 4, 235, 000 2, 344, 000 1, 891, 000 3 3
POM Ktbery: POmtbtass--cea-scsccse=6 74, 000 31, 000 43, 000 7 a
21 | Rockport and Kittery Point----. 1, 468, 000 652, 000 816, 000 7 ff
72) IG ne) chal et) 0 Pe ee eee ete 1, 934, 000 987, 000 947, 000 7 7
Ou setae = GON: MEipata eerste Die sdiree sata’ 1, 489, 000 402, 000 1, 087, 000 11 11
27 | Rockport and Kittery Point--- -- 3, 868, 000 986,000 | 2,882, 000 13 14
P40) ees COME ters socatiacesbessew cee aee 1, 504, 000 347, 000 1, 157, 000 14 14
HD |) Mognigiangd kn ee ee SS eoncnaasosead 1, 920, 000 1, 062, 000 858, 000 18 18

HEDN tau |ssec = COR sea namececenweaetaniees 166, 000 74, 000 92, 000 20 23
Dilscons COR Nase peers ceecesse cee 308, 000 42, 000 266, 000 21 23
Guiphockport)2 4. 5-2-2 sees ccc ccs 400, 000 86, 000 314, 000 22 23
Wal PRaubery POIntssese- ees eaeiee= <1=\5 1, 085, 000 209, 000 876, 000 23 23
8 | Kittery Point and Plymouth .--. 2, 030, 000 472,000 | 1,558, 000 23 23
OF eesitteryeeointi=-ns-52—5 secon cs ~ 6 895, 000 299, 000 596, 000 26 26

10 Rockport Bi fa eteeeaamemcisnecanes 1, 862, 000 589, 000 1, 273, 000 26 26
MIG RECIELODY: POM: =. ssee cosas se = 616, 000 170, 000 446, 000 26 26
13 | Kittery Point and Gloucester. --. 1, 472, 000 253, 000 1, 219, 000 28 28
14 | LiGiii Gray EEN he ommasocmaaaeoarons 1, 128, 000 132, 000 996, 000 28 28
WO Setar CO aoe scene coe eee ee 532, 000 91, 000 441,000 | Mar. 7; Mar. 7
rl) eee Ow s essen sees cies ene 327, 000 63, 000 264, 000 16 17
On pGLOUCEStODS= == snaes seen eee see 1, 364, 000 190, 000 | 1,174, 000 17 17
Miron PROCKPOMt = 20s --scs cece ates s55- 760, 000 116, 000 644, 000 21 21
MOs| Sean. OOrasasooseanseecceeecmames =e 1, 600, 000 221, 000 1, 379, 000 24 24
1 a eee OO sees tcaice etee ce eeeencee 1, 418, 000 284, 000 1, 134, 000 26 26
WOball s,s ecac cewtesecescessc 160, 711, 000 | 64, 004, 000 | 96,707, 000

The eggs transferred from Kittery to Gloucester were packed in
tightly sealed jars and surrounded with crushed ice or snow, in charge of
amessenger. Asarulethey were of excellent quality,and were hatched
as heretofore in the McDonald cod-box. As the water temperature fell
it became necessary to use steam to maintain a temperature of between
38° and 40°, which has been found by experiment to be about the same
as the temperature of the water on the natural spawning-grounds.

Lil REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

At the close of the cod season arrangements were made with the
fishermen and dealers to save egg-lobsters at various points along the
Massachusetts coast, and temporary collectors were employed and
stationed at Boston and Kittery Point to look after the interests of the
Cominission in this work. The schooner Grampus was detailed to
make collections along the Maine coast from Kittery to Rockland, and
on account of the large extent of territory to be covered an additional
steam smack was chartered to work in connection with the Grampus.
As a result of operations on the coast of Maine, 22,023,000 lobster eggs
were collected and delivered at the station. The first eggs were taken
by the Grampus on April 11, and the collections were continued daily
from that time until July 15. The lobsters purchased in Gloucester and
vicinity, Kittery Point, Marblehead, and Boston were transferred to the
station by means of a steam launch. This launch was also utilized in
making the plants.

The collections made at the various points aggregated 6,445 lobsters,
which yielded 72,101,000 eggs. The eggs were all hatched at Gloucester,
and produced 65,097,000 fry, which were distributed along the New
England coast from Rockland to Boston. Severai of the shipments were
taken to Maine waters by the Grampus, and a number of shipments
were sent by rail in care of messengers to Portland, Maine, from which
point they were distributed by the schooner. Heretofore considerable
difficulty had been experienced in shipping lobster fry during warm
weather on account of losses occasioned by sudden rises in temperature,
as ice could not be used in the transportation cans, because it would
reduce the density of the water. This year, by a simple device, the
difficulty was overcome. A tin cylinder, attached to the cover of the
regular transportation can and extending to within 6 inches of the
bottom of the can, was kept constantly filled with crushed ice, and in
this way the proper temperature of the water was maintained.

The following table shows the number of eggs collected from the
various fields:

Eggs

Tiocality. collected.
Gloucester and wieinityer-ca-ee-seaeeeee asic ence senescence sence ceeene tices ee sone ean 6, 479, 000
Meamblehead eo s\22 aces cee cee eee ose ee meee ae geen ee os Soe eee: eee Reena eee 435, 000
Kottervaekoimtand vicinity, -a..s<ce-sacrccese cna aeneso eee eaeeccice eee eee Reet e eee 6, 368, 000
Maimercoast: Schooner, Grampus. osen ean naeecene coaaas sacs cece eC eee eee Sete eee ae eee 22, 023, 000
BOStOn ANd wi Cinitiy he <.cjis =.2:nicsicls bareiseemrciom wine Micmle heminoe ae melee cicce eee ee eae oe ene ees | 36, 796, 000
2 LSI SSB OBS REDO BOGOS BSc BEB eObd Sans ab ome ceodacHoSaSuncnnpacdacibhtomasnomacosonscsce 72, 101, 000

Woops HOLE STATION, MASSACHUSETTS (E. F. Lockr, SUPERINTENDENT).
? ?

During July and August various repairs were made to the residence
and other buildings, including a new floor for the lower hall of the
laboratory and repairs to the pool. The machine shop was removed
from the loft over the fire-room to the lower floor of the carpenter shop.

The station force collected in July for shipment to the Pacific coast
a carload of 2,017 small and 12 adult tautog, with 119 blue crabs.

PLATE XII.

1898. (To face page LIl.)

Report U. S. F.C.

INTERIOR VIEW OF GLOUCESTER HATCHERY, SHOWING COD BOXES IN OPERATION.

bin 4
aT ay ait
a

Pain
+ hf Aa &.-

Ata Me

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Lill

The bulk of these being lost en route, a second collection was made in
November for shipment to the same point, which comprised 1,158 tautog
and 150 lobsters. The force was also utilized during the spring in col-
lecting a carload of live fishes, including forty-five species, for the
Omaha Exposition, and two carloads of salt water were filtered and
shipped to Omaha on May 1.

Arrangements were made for gathering information in regard to
the movements, growth, spawning habits, etc., of the cod by attaching
small tags to brood-fish liberated at the close of the season.

The collection of brood codfish was made as usual by the schooner
Grampus and by purchase from fishing-smacks. The first fish were
received on October 8 and the last on November 9; in all 3,507 were
secured. The minimum weight of the fish accepted was 6 pounds;
1,920 of them were caught by the Grampus and the remainder obtained
from the fishermen. They were carefully transferred from the vessel
to live-cars moored in the pool. The loss during October was normal,
but about the middle of November the mortality became very heavy,
and specimens of the dead fish were sent to Washington for examina-
tion. It was found that in a majority of cases the primary cause of
death could be traced to hook wounds or other injuries received at the
time of capture.

From the penned brood-fish 57,034,000 eggs were secured;

Arrangements were made for collecting cod eggs at Plymouth, Mass.,
by Capt. E. E. Hahn. A force of spawn-takers was stationed there
in November under direction of F. 8S. Conley, the first officer of the
Grampus, and the launch Cygnet, with a crew, was assigned for use in
transferring the spawnu-takers from the shore to the fishing vessels,
About December 1 the force was increased to seven spawn-takers, the
collection of eggs was commenced, and although the work was fre-
quently interrupted by storms during winter, the season as a whole
was favorable, resulting in the collection of 90,760,000 eggs.

The method of handling and packing eggs did not differ from that
followed at Kittery. The eggs were usually sent by express, though
in the case of large collections a messenger was sent with them to
guard against accident. The majority of the eggs arrived at the sta-
tion in excellent condition. The work was continued until February
26, at which time, as a result of the collections made at this point and
from the fish penned at the station, 147,794,000 eggs had been collected.
Several shipments were also received from Kittery Point, amounting
in all to 5,642,000. These were sent by messenger as far as Boston, and
then shipped in care of the baggage-inaster to Woods Hole. The total
number of eggs handled at the station amounted to 153,436,000.

The eggs were hatched, as usual, in the McDonald cod box, steam
being utilized to maintain an equable temperature of water when that
in the hatchery fell below 40°. The fry were planted on the spawning-
grounds off Gayhead, with the exception of 6,340,000, which were
deposited near Provincetown, Mass,

LIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Record of cod-hatching at Woods Hole Station, 1897-98.
i Dat
Date Source of supply. Eggs taken. ae Fry hatched. h sca Tee.
INOveml oN lulvie:-CALN saree cme sami ciacaee 474, 000 147, 000 269,000 | Nov. 27 | Nov. 30
UG epee (Ok .pecaeeeoeEBesescboacss0 805, 000 108, 000 550, 000 28 30
A Tial|l Sere Ol feepeise cemcaroacdouasc0c 237, 000 26, 000 148, 000 28 30
20) sees (0) Sone choserigsescoscene ce 947, 000 131, 000 679, 000 | Dec. 11] Dec. 3
DOA ee doveccae seas See oe en ee 380, 000 42, 000 275, 000 2 3
260 |peeee (i pdesconaupmccaogusdoaues 2, 227, 000 442, 000 1, 280, 000 8 9
Odes (ey Geass SHOAb Sot ccobade 3, 649, 000 693, 000 2, 218, 000 13 14
ee edn elvan Ot beste eee eee eee 948, 000 185, 000 626, 000 14 15
Ay |) lihyGRenes) Soo achasssQaseodaccs 3, 222, 000 506, 000 2, 305, 000 14 15
74 | Ub etn Ss oasbosousssSbencer 853, 000 79, 000 737, 000 14 15
A eingeccars wees seer seseeee. 3, 511, 000 599, 000 2, 462, 000 16 17
25 || ehypreiei 056565655 medcoeoesae 853, 000 100, 000 653, 000 16 17
G3] seer GS cccaseeegnececsasess See 587, 000 215, 000 335, 000 19 20
6) | Mive-carseresces = ea ses- 2 -=- 2, 075, 000 548, 000 1, 290, 000 19 20
if | (SNM ees nooeheseoncrene> 474, 000 121, 000 332, 000 19 20
Tf || TGO GEOR) odacdooScsccoscsceas 758, 000 189, 000 485, 000 19 20
Ci Saeee GK caducosdeeseorncpqesers 3, 221, 000 900, 000 2, 084, 000 20 21
8 | Plymouth..----.------------- 806, 000 400, 000 322, 000 20 21
1 ees GW) aaaeoeresdasocneooogss 1, 232, 000 329, 000 876. 000 23 27
A) hivie-cars 2... - em --6e-- = - = 4, 122, 000 1, 003, 000 2, 690, 000 23 27
By peace GW) eceonea decom oorceeoaae 5, 331, 000 933, 000 3, 866, 000 27 29
1.) TaN cosemteassocees=a5c 2, 535, 000 633, 000 1, 555, 000 27 29
USM IG V@=CATS ie a atctets oie site atl =l= 3, 815, 000 853, 000 2, 445, 000 31 | Sant? vs
UG | aber. coscneacecesSae cece 568, 000 100, 000 394, 000 31 3
GH MEive:CaTsies- sees soe eect 1, 422, 000 404, 000 724,000 | Jan. 3 6
GH elvan On Ghee ee a= eee ee 853, 000 111, 000 605, 000 3 6
1 (aeeaees GS paso seseasaconoosdsx 1, 611, 000 429, 000 1, 045, 000 5 6
18) Muivie-carsremeseese aes =r at 4, 667, 000 1, 004, 000 3, 079, 000 7 8
208) ee ivion OU aes sieeve = 2, 180, 000 437, 000 1, 396, 000 9 10
21 | Live-cars 2,417, 000 594, 000 1, 564, 000 9 10
20 | Plymouth 568, 000 152, 000 374, 000 9 10
210 aes Gh) Secose besErE adaeoeoceRe 3, 008, 000 157, 000 2, 674, 000 9 10
PP) || USinie Ay IOI Soobsooeoessesd 1, 611, 000 515, 000 969, (00 12 15
PRY || TORN ooo seboocose sooNSe 1, 256, 000 210, 000 915, 000 12 15
28} |) JU buerorhg:) sAdagaaesoaocseauGne 2,123, 000 447, 000 1, 497, 000 13 15
28) || Thyra 402 -Sossesocogsonn 1, 090, 000 79, 000 970, 000 13 15
2B} |) Gia LEO WO aR Sogo senomoc 1, 422, 000 232, 000 1, 048, 000 13 15
PAO eee OW ic anauspeasaaeascnorases 2, 559, 000 798, 000 1, 623, 000 16 18
28h lVie-CALS eee sear ee aeacnesct 2, 440, 000 702, 000 1, 537, 000 18 22
29) Galvan OU seme were ease ela 2, 985, 000 519, 000 2, 249, 000 18 22
BOMMEIVO-CALS een sete aan 1, 374, 000 374, 000 773, 000 22 25
SON ee yan oii eee eetere ee 1, 231, 000 126, 000 989, 000 22 25
SIL | eee (iNeadontoaaconboecospascoe 616, 000 252, 000 322, 000 22 25
Aja, OF hase otc: Hee Aas 4, 264, 000 1, 037, 000 3, 055, 000 22 25
onl MUIVe-CAMS) Sas22 sees asetses === 616, 000 155, 000 398, 000 24 25
a | rerio ori pis Se ce Sacee cece cere 663, 000 136, 000 485, 000 27 31
Ga Melymontheesscer nea neeriee 1, 187, 000 236, 000 816, 000 27 31
WAM MIGLVGZCALS) See cee bose eee nen: 996, 000 242, 000 658, 000 27 31
Gh) Jehy~rOwN noocccocenosemeSase 711, 000 90, 000 593, 000 27 31
ORE cs GON sss cette ae een eee 2, 130, 000 253, 000 1, 767, 000 31 | Feb. 3
UY) JMinwGHetbds) s=sacseeeecsecosoece 1, 137, 000 242, 000 784, 000 31 3
1Q) ||| EhwaM@n to. -sooecossoossseaees 995, 000 41, 000 886, 000 31 3
ie ew ORR Re ers Pee ae 2, 464, 000 1, 048, 000 1,3%,000 | Feb. 4 7
UP} || TA DyGHMOAES| sobsodetooemescsesor 900, 000 253, 000 573, 000 4 7
12a ilo livaml Omiu heer eee ere etl 592, 000 105, 000 419, 000 4 7
WAS ISI Ve- CATS ae ecass-see = sce es 663, 000 169, 000 447, 000 7 8
Ts) || Jeikywiotoosgecesscoasecasose 2, 037, 000 221, 000 1, 722, 000 i 8
Gy | eee CO mews cate ecjeseercee aes 1, 943. 000 189, 000 1, 6138, 000 7 8
U7 PL IV.e-CATS)) tee ee = see ee eee 758, 000 205, 000 511, 000 12 14
189); oeelivam Omi hier eevee aie spareiet elas 2, 178, 000 632, 000 1, 314, 000 i? 14
LO ee CO eee Bae eee ess 7, 250, 000 1, 893, 000 4, 989, 000 12 14
NOM EiviG-CArSitasmmeceneseeee ner inn 711, 000 200, 000 511, 000 12 14
20) ely mouth eesseaaee eee eee 1, 659, 000 99, 000 1, 519, 000 15 18
Ale GI O2CANS) asc icmiafe= ors se eis eer 332, 000 42, 000 280, 000 15 18
OU |Pelymo tha eee eae 1, 659, 000 105, 000 1, 492, 000 15 18
ite ieee Oa ss\as 52S oae seeder eee 758, 000 42, 000 701, 000 15 18
24 PalVe-Cans : = snce sco secweeeseioe 711, 000 237, 000 442, 000 19 22
Of || bap Nese doeedaksoene nasa 5, 543, 000 1, 032, 000 4, 087, 000 19 22
20h || Wal VO-Cars' So2:=viecs seeecee eae 190, 000 105, 000 69, 000 19 | 22
Hep rly sa--1- GO) 32 see ee meee eee 190, 000 147, 000 33, 000 25 | 25
OW PElymouth®: seyss ee eee 4, 265, 000 1, 424, 000 2, 558, 000 28 | Mar. 2
i eames CO Ga ese eee 1, 564, 000 197, 000 1,332,000 | Mar. 2 4
Bmeeias GOl ca. he secre seeaceee cane 616, 000 97, 000 435, 000 2 | 4
Cy eee OKA See Sce oS ge caeoroos 1, 943, 000 432, 000 1, 470, 000 2 4
ae = COs eeecc cen ene eae 1, 516, 000 547, 000 929, 000 6 8
Ue eee OOD SSeS RE Oras cite cree 758, 000 131, 000 585, 000 6 | 8
Teh tae LO eee aN a en 1, 611, 000 195, 000 1, 320, 000 6 | 8
1 eee COW ho adic Gane eee eee eee 2, 284, 000 538, 000 1, 674, 000 9 11
i eae COME ct cle nese ee eee 2, 559, 000 934, 000 1, 471, 000 9 | lil
UF BS GOs. Sok sase see ee 6, 304, 000 1, 073, 000 4, 793, 000 14 | 15
LO ese. Ota cae cisdrecces ameeenenie 5, 634, 000 2,171. 000 3, 099, 000 16 17
23) \ac'biel= On ah seh) obst caste cceeees 426, 000 16, 000 889, 000 18 19
rAeSode Oteternesasceecccoas cence 1, 706, 000 570, 000 1, 074, 000 18 21
PROGR Use cicic acct ceesieiee |

~ 153, 436, 000 34, 305, 000 | 105, 863, 000

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LV

The results secured with cod this year were far better than heretofore,
and it is believed the work can be still further extended and increased
by enlarging the force at Plymouth and using a larger steamer for
transferring the spawn-takers to and from the fishing vessels.

Early in February steps were taken to collect the winter flounder or
flatfish. For this purpose several fyke nets were set in Woods Hole
harbor and Waquoit Bay, and the brood-fish taken were held at the
station until ripe, when they were stripped and liberated. The first
ripe fish were taken on February 11 in Woods Hole harbor, but owing
to the presence of ice in Waquoit Bay the nets could not be set there
until the 18th. The appearance of spent fish in the nets immediately
after they had been set at the latter point indicated that the fish had
commenced spawning much earlier, and that in order to do good work
there it will be necessary to commence operations in January, weather
permitting. Most of the fish taken were quite small, and the yield per
fish was lighter than in past years. In 1897, 205 females produced
84,591,000 eggs, while this year 249 females yielded only 52,799,000,
the average yield in 1897 being 456,000 per fish, and this year only
226,000. During the latter part of March efforts were made to secure
eggs at East Greenwich, R. I. While only 4,804,000 were obtained
here, it is thought that large numbers can be taken another season by
stationing a man there to collect and forward the eggs early in Febru-
ary. Work closed on April 8, with a total take of 57,603,000, which
produced 39,337,000 fry.

Following the custom of previous years, arrangements were made
with local fishermen to take care of all egg-lobsters collected during the
fall and winter, and between December 7 and January 19 about 500,000
eggs were secured. These were placed in jars, and developed fairly
well until April 1. After that time the loss became very heavy. and
only about one-third of them hatched. Active operations commenced
about April 1 and continued until June 30. The territory covered
embraced all points fished within a radius of 15 miles from the station,
and a schooner was employed to collect egg-lobsters at New London,
Noank, and Stonington, Conn., and Block Island, R.I., while an agent
was stationed at Plymouth, Mass., to collect from the fishermen located
between Green River and Ship Pond, a distance of about 20 miles.
Later in the season arrangements were made to collect eggs at Scituate,
Mass., but only a few were received from that point. It is believed,
however, that this section will yield a much larger number next year.
Although the work was pushed energetically throughout the season,
none of the territory covered yielded as many eggs as heretofore.

The following table shows the number received from the different
localities in 1897 and 1898:

Localities. 1897. 1898.
Nosh stonmeton and block Tslandn.s.s.sscenes seen eens keecastecenbeess 33, 804, 000 | 19, 343, 000
Woods Hole and vicinity, including Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay.....| 35,013,000 | 11, 620, 000

yO UL eee ae se eee ae, TONS sole es Ae aS oF 5, 335, 000 4, 428, 000

LVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The greatest difference will be noted as occurring in the vicinity of
the station. This is attributed, first, to the well-known fact that the
lobster fishery is steadily declining in this section; hence, the number
of men engaged in the work becomes fewer each year, as the income
derived from it is too small to support them. Another important fac-
tor is the legislation recently enacted prohibiting the fishing of pound
nets in Buzzards Bay, which furnished the greater part of the bait used
by the lobster fishermen operating in this territory. This caused a
number of men to abandon the business. The same general decline
has been felt in the waters south and west. It is reported that only
about half the number of pots were set in the vicinity of Marblehead,
Stonington, and Block Island, as compared with the previous year. The
only direction in which operations could be extended would be on the
north side of Cape Cod; but an additional steam launch would be
necessary, which would materially increase the expense of the work.

The following table shows the species handled at the station during
the fiscal year, eggs collected, and fry produced.

Species. No. of eggs. | No. of fry.
(ECC RUMMERER RE REL He eee ES ny eee TEL BR eed Maen 153, 436,000 | 105, 863, 000
IMG aR) oo oon Scbee oa soncn toss sD eeerideeasnacoceccnosepaguocsoLlesccepo sence 57, 603, 000 39, 337, 000
IDDWEIDE josasee sacs soeKansDonao Asoo dGUUc OOS arena nbopoHescseeosoeascessease 35, 391, 000 30, 980, 000
Ty Ld SL Ae Ree Sie rath ET STATES 246, 430,000 | 176, 180, 000

Episto River, STEAMER FISH HAWK (LIEUT. FRANKLIN SWIFT COMMANDING).

As a result of investigations made by the assistant in charge during
December, the Fish Hawk was detailed to visit the Edisto River in
March for the purpose of determining whether the fisheries are of such
character and extent as to permit of fish-cultural work on a large scale.
The vessel arrived at the mouth of the river on March 12 and pro-
ceeded upstream to a point a mile above the mouth of the Dawho,
where good anchorage was obtained. That night 8 spawn-takers were
sent out to examine the shad captured by the fishermen, and as a result
77,000 eggs were collected. These were placed in the jars and seemed
to be in good condition until the 17th, when they commenced dying
rapidly. As the temperature was favorable, averaging 66°, and the
embryo was well formed, it was thought that the water was at fault, and
it was tested for acids, but none were found. It is barely possible that
the loss was due to the use of salt water in the pipes and machinery
at Tampa; but this is not probable, as the pipes had been thoroughly
rinsed with fresh water before the eggs were placed in the jars, and
only a very slight trace of salt could be found when chemicals were
used to test the water. The spawn-takers continued attending the nets,
but no more eggs were obtained, though the fishermen reported that
ripe fish had been caught for a week or ten days prior to the arrival of
the vessel. The majority of those caught were hard and would have
required at least a week to ripen, and, as the services of the vessel were
needed on the Albemarle, work was discontinued on the 18th.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LVII

The present method of fishing on this river is such that fish-cultural
work on a large scale is not practicable. Only one small seine is used;
the balance of the fishermen use set gill nets, which are put out at low
water and not overhauled till high-water slack. They remain in water
until morning, when they are taken up and the fish removed, hence
the only opportunity for spawn-takers to obtain the fish alive would be
when they are first overhauled. The haul seine referred to is worked
by 5 men and is fished only at low water during the day. Drift nets
can not be used in this river on account of snags, shoals, and other
natural obstacles. Gill-net fishing extends from a mile above the
Savannah and Charleston Railroad crossing at Jacksonboro down to
the Dawho River. This part of the river is known locally as the Pon
Pon. There are 37 crews of 2 men each fishing in this region, each crew
using two nets. They obtain an average of 1,000 fish per crew, though
in the vicinity of the Oakhurst plantation, where the old State fish-
hatchery is located, the catch is much larger, some crews taking from
1,800 to 3,000 per season. The State operated the hatchery referred to
from 1880 to 1<84, inclusive, and collected annually from 3,000,000 to
5,000,000 eggs. This hatchery is about centrally located as regards
the fishing area, the contour of the river in that vicinity showing it to be
especially adapted for spawning-grounds. If drift nets and haul seines
were used, there would be little difficulty in collecting from 15,000,000
to 20,000,000 eggs each season.

During the stay of the vessel on the river the officers in command
were indebted to 8. Fitzsimons, Morton Simons, and T. D. Ravenel for
assistance and courtesies extended.

ALBEMARLE SOUND, STEAMER FISH HAWK.

Owing to a delay of some days at Ocracoke Inlet on account of the
extremely low tide, the vessel did not reach Avoca until March 28.
Anchorage was made at the entrance to Salmon Creek on account of
its proximity to the fishing-grounds and because of the partial shelter
which it affords to the ship’s boats. Spawn-takers were immedi-
ately sent to the fishing-grounds controlled by Dr. W. R. Capehart and
Mr. T. D. Holly, and 147,000 eggs were secured from these sources on
the first day. It was also intended to collect from the seines on the
Roanoke and from those controlled by the Wood Brothers across the
bay, but as very few fish were being taken at these points the attempt
was abandoned. Eggs continued to come in daily from the arrival
of the vessel until April 25, the total take aggregating 12,354,000. Of
these, 10,242,000 were secured from Dr. Capehart’s seines.

The results attained in this region would undoubtedly have been much
better had the weather conditions been more favorable. It was exceed-
ingly warm during March, and consequently the number of fish cap-
tured then was unusually large, the take at one fishery being four times
aS great as that of the preceding year for the same period. About the
time the vessel arrived it became much cooler, and the mean tempera-
ture from March 30 to April 19 was under 60°, This tended not only to

LVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

keep the spawning fish out in deep water, but it greatly retarded the
hatching of the eggs and caused the death of large numbers of fry.
As an experiment, artificial heat was applied to the water in the supply
tank with the view to maintaining an even temperature of 68° in the
jars; but this plan was soon abandoned, as it would have been imprac-
ticable to hold the fry in artificially heated water until that in the

sound reached the same temperature.
The distribution of the fry commenced on April 21, and at the close

of operations 5,647,000 had been planted, also 1,811,000 eggs.

remaining 2,194,000 eggs were transferred to Central Station.

The

Shad-hatching operations on steamer Fish Hawk in Albemarle Sound in 1897-98.

Mean

tempera-| Date of | Number
Date. Shad. | Eggs taken- eae of jhatching.| hatched.

water.

ANTS ho Seistalsialaielaialsjatn!a’alalala/als(a’s/o(nfa(nla/aiajeleratatel=tm(aia\siele 6 147, 000 625) hee Seee ons |e eee eet
OL Se eb Bae bcuadmts maasoag oconcoodedeaoaL 28 462, 000 62 |... vedees ees eee
US ae reins or ak TP EL Pere eh ae 22 557, 000 61 222.2 4a) eee eee
Bi epoca. ssdee Soacsost acces scenes asonsdte 14 339, 000 57 |ecccvce se alee

/AD ay epee aan eee aan en ee eee! wate eS 8 182, 000 i Re ee
DBO RC ne SEO OC EI OTOLDSOCmSEenotod 28 569, 000 56) | sceciccos-| ses eee
ees Fees Poteet eee eaee se cesesceecs s 4 77, 000 54..| 28 chee a| Soca eee eee
Gri a seicecee aise Saree nee = sclette ins sesciee! 6 129, 000 G5 ARO RR EOC POSae asc
TM ae le oe CR aie etre caneciets ate 8 123, 000 54) Apr. 8 1, 126, 000
eee Secon oe nissinie Sera ioe coc celica 4 131, 000 5D) || cise cecdinseial Se sete
Qe ase tate teen noe neice Cente eee nnrieeaicna 46 719, 000 5D loccen- aces Ceeee eee eee

6 122, 000 56 | Apr. 11 382, 000

20 398, 000 OT ||s- 2202 cee Sones eee

36 772, 000 59 | Apr. 13 71, 000

30 713, 000 59 eco. oc 2] coe eee

34 633, 000 58) | 602-468 20:|eseeseeeeeers

44 695, 000 5G) sncjrsceee||s coasters

58 991, 000 59 | Apr. 18 115, 000

30 644, 000 58 | Apr. 19 600, 000

20 415, 000 GI ead Ieee

50 995, 000 62 | Apr. 21 150, 000

12 546, 000 61 | Apr. 22 561, 000

40 932, 000 62 | Apr. 23 189, 000

Apr. 24 713, 000

Di I EE RRS a ee a ee AAA e 44 1, 043, 000 65 | Apr. 25 1, 027, 000
Apr. 26 7138, 000

eee ee) | ae eee

Mota seeeeessee ne soseeeseccrse cence 398 12, 334, 000 | nCOCEoenod pHadeaccne 5, 647, 000

On April 26, after the plants had all been made, the vessel proceeded
through the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal to Norfolk, en route for
Delaware Bay, to resume the hatching of shad at that point.

DELAWARE RIVER, STEAMER FISH Hawk.

The vessel arrived at Gloucester, N. J., on May 3, and at once com-
menced the collection of eggs from the seines fished in Howell Cove,
Riverton, and other points between Gloucester and Philadelphia, over
2,000,000 being secured the first night. Work continued uninterrupt-
edly until May 11, when operations were cut short, as the Navy Depart-
ment called for the services of the vessel in connection with the Cuban
blockade. During this short period over 12,433,000 eggs were secured,
but, owing to the unusually cold weather prevailing and the consequent
low temperature of the water, many of them died in the jars. The
5,342,000 remaining when work was discontinued on the 11th were
transferred to the Pennsylvania State hatchery at Bristol, Pa., together
with the hatching apparatus and such boats and launches belonging

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LIX

to the vessel as were needed for conducting operations at that point.
The vessel was then taken to the League Island navy-yard, Philadelphia,
and turned over to the Navy Department.
BRISTOL STATION, PENNSYLVANIA (G. H. TOLBERT IN CHARGE).

Anticipating the probable detail of the Fish Hawk to duty under the
Navy Department, tentative arrangements had been made early in the
spring with the State Fish Commission for the use of their hatchery on
the Delaware River, and as soon as it was learned definitely that the
vessel was to leave the service of the Commission, Mr. G. H. Tolbert,
fish-culturist at large, was instructed to proceed to Bristol and prepare
the hatchery for the reception of eggs. The hatchery is a two-story
frame building, and is equipped with 120 McDonald jars and a good
steam plant. Immediately upon the arrival of Mr. Tolbert the nec-
essary employees were taken on and, with the assistanee of the crew of
the Fish Hawk, everything was in readiness for the commencement of
work by May 13. A small force of spawn-takers was employed to
attend the seines between Bristol and Riverton, and work proceeded
uninterruptedly till the end of the month, 10,848,000 eggs being secured
from the seines at Riverton, 1,841,000 from North Cramer Hill, and
220,000 from Dutch Neck and Badger Island. In addition to the
5,342,000 eggs turned over by the Mish Hawk, 3,095,000 were transferred
from Battery Station, making a total of 21,346,000 handled at this point
during the spring. These yielded 15,460,000 fry, which were liberated
during May and June in the Delaware River and its tributaries. At
the close of operations on June 10 the temporary employees were dis-
charged, and the hatchery turned back to the State Fish Commission.
The results would indicate that under more favorable conditions and by
the employment of a larger force, from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 eggs
might be collected here during the spring.

BATTERY STATION, MARYLAND (ALEXANDER JONES IN CHARGE).

Anticipating an early run of shad on account of the mild weather in
March, preparatory work commenced sooner than usual, and by April
10 the station was in readiness for active fish-cultural operations. The
temporary force of 36 employees was taken on between that period and
the middle of the month. To encourage the collection of eggs by the
fishermen, two spawn-takers were stationed at Havre de Grace to
receive and care for all taken in that vicinity, and four men were
detailed on a schooner in Northeast River to obtain all that were avail-
able at that point. Spawn-takers were also stationed as usual at the
seines fished at Carpenter Point and on Osmond’s float below Havre de
Grace. The remainde: of the force worked the boats from the station
and accompanied the launches on the nightly trips to the various fields.

Eggs commenced coming in on the 13th of April, and by the end of
that month 105,364,000 had been secured; the collections during one
night amounted to 22,559,000. The largest number of shad eggs ever
collected in the Commission heretofore within twenty-four hours was a
little over 8,000,000, in the spring of 1888, at this station. The take

LX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. —

in April exceeded the total number ever secured at any of the shad
stations of the Commission in a single season, the largest heretofore
recorded being 105,125,000 at Battery during the year referred to above.
Work continued uninterruptedly until June 9, the collections in May
aggregating 95,510,000 and in June 9,118,000, making a total of
209,992,000 for the season. Of these, 140,337,000 were purchased from
fishermen at $20 per 1,000,000; the balance was taken by the regular
spawn-takers. The capacity of the hatchery was severely taxed from
the beginning of the season on account of large collections during
the first ten days, but the pressure was partly relieved by transferring
eges to Central Station, Washington. Car No. 3 was equipped as a
hatchery and stationed at Perryville. The low temperature prevailing
at this time, however, retarded development to such an extent that
the hatchery was soon filled to overflowing, and it became necessary
to plant large numbers of eggs on the spawning-grounds.

Table of shad-hatching operations at Battery Station.

; Tempera-| Tempera-
Eggs Eggs Eggs shipped] Date of Pp Pp
Date. techived! hatetied: and planted. Fry planted. hatching. ture of | ture of
air. water.
| ° °
AG Ueiobes ae FAVRE UID) easoassoncases Ideoovasdsoesca|lsoscdsodéeds 4o6 JAiprst231|||5-aseecems 53.5
Mie eae GG UUW) |lonssosccnenace pease Sesagen Soe co eect posasassod loconodssas|| ssoces +
ilenebas DBBOs COON cewinninieinleiniele's «|| slaictsmimlat= = alm l=l= | eleven ated alee le fetal | mimi =| aaa lel
Geer ZOGLO00) | sas aan 1.985, (000) :c sence owecldeneceeece | Peeee sea eae
i Gases 5, 909, 000 655, 000 2, 541, 000 655, 000- 30 56.5 54.5
Secs s 15, 230, 000 6, 244, 000 7, 233, 000 6,244,000 | May 1 62.5 51
ise ase 10, 916, 000 2, 152, 000 8, 118, 000 2, 152, 000 2 52.5 51
20 emi CBRE (MIND) PAE Sein pt oadimoonoenoanceca|sesosossecvodelincoesiesecdleacsasste-) sss22--
PA eee 8, 285, 000 70, 000 5, 891, 000 70, 000 3 52.5 51
PP hase 2 OOM OOO See eraesysiseie 2400) 000! | Posetsie ee are eal ete tiniest cee ree eee
PBS 45058 11, 631, 600 4, 227, 000 8, 219, 000 4, 227, 000 5 54.5 53
Pe eagigs 13, 747, 000 4, 212, 000 9, 395, 000 4, 212, 000 7 54.5 53
Does 22, 539, 000 4, 155, 000 18, 552, 000 4, 155, 000 9 54.5 53
26reee = 8, 432, 000 880, 000 3, 947, 000 880, 000 9 53.5 53
Milcsesde BAD ONY (BAnobadossesce ROO 0 es ac aose Sel GedoosSsos bcoboseeselfoeccos-
28 2seee arte UN paseo scecwacr |odno soe osserds|ipopepodesconod|pssassoge |letsosesesq|!ooresa-
sgn eihe C5158 110 1 PROM eel i at ead TT ae ca at ene Es I see
May t1------ 956, 000 CRY UM ae Sagacenacen 434, 000 10 55.5 53.5
Basooca 1, 407, 000 8502000) Seaer seme 850, 000 10 55. 5 53.5
cyanea 13, 674, 000 UGGS (NO) | Gseesdoe gaonee 8, 555, 000 10| 55 53.5
(eon 15, 588, 000 2, 605, 000 12, 093, 000 2, 605, 000 THE 6G) 53.5
SesaSo 18, 230, 000 1, 315, 000 16, 045, 000 1, 315, 000 12 56 56
Gace eet 3, 685, 000 1, 360, 000 | 1, 103, 000 1, 860, 000 13 56.5 57
Viseetiog 1, 056, 000 BOO R000 eee merase 360, 000 14 58 58
Weeciocs 401, 000 Zo NOU0F Hee ee eee cee 25,000 ; May 15} 59.5 58
iMeasss5 2, 066, 000 Usps Sea passe 1, 515, 000 15| 64.5 54.5
Se retar=i— 1, 892, 060 MOU NOOO) Semteereeraatametat= 1, 570, 000 16| 64.5 61.5
oecnne 1, 665, 000 Tee a in WW) cases soeccse o6 1, 335, 000 16 64.5 62.5
Tash oe 2, 374, 000 TST TAO00 Senee eee 1, 377, 000 17| 65.5 63.5
Wie Sas 1, 402, 000 59GHOOOR Pees star eee 596, 000 18 64.5 63.5
5 Pam acts 2, 066, 000 IFSC HON) lesan Sedessssee 1,318, 000 20 69.5 65.5
@escses 2, 204, 000 56370000 tenee ee -eeee 1, 563, 000 21 | 70 72
Resse 3, 451, 000 ra ikspy i) |lGoeabesissoncac 2, 185, 600 22) 70 66
TBeeees 5, 337, 000 SOZDAOOOM eran aeeiai = eat e 3, 625, 000 23 | 70 62
tO 1, 974, 000 1, (ED, GD Nodbendaces abe 1, 090, 000 241 70 62
20 eee 1 4, 950, 000 rp UU Ace ose ooo ac 4, 625, 000 26 71 67.5
1, 439, 000 1, 395, 000 1, 395, 000 26| 66 67.5
4, 214, 000 3, 691, 000 3, 691, 000 27 66 64
2, 061, 000 1, 628, 000 1, 628, 000 28 | 67 68
1, 124, 000 927, 000 927, 000 29} 66.5 66
517, 000 179, 000 |... 179, 000 31 67 | 68
90, 000 80, 000 80, 000 31 67 68
1, 687; {000 Seccckncemeccr |) alsiGso O00MS= aos eeeeres June 1! 67.5 71
June s-ce-s 1, 196, 000 1, 078, 000 1, 078, 000 5 70.5 70
ae: 2, 380, 000 2, 150, 000 2, 150, 000 Pee ral 72.5
BH: 1, 508, 000 400, 000 1, 051, 000 400, 000 Be Le 72.5
eee 1, 147, 000 100, 000 972, 000 100, 000 yy 7 74
NeemeoS 999, 000 SOOSUC0) i eereeteyetaeeetatars 900, 000 10 | 77 74
ease 968, 000 895. 000ulcoaa ascot 895, 000 11 77 73.5
icwintetays 920, 000 SOOM O00 G Sameretate ete siare 900, 000 11 77.5 76
Total ..| 209,992,000 | 73,221,000] 91,444,000 | 73, 221, 000

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXI

The weather was very cold during the early part of the season, the
temperature from April 13 to 30 varying from 48° to 58°. About the
middle of May it rose above 60° for the first time since collections
commenced. These conditions, though not unfavorable to the collection
of eggs, were unfavorable to their development. Many lots were held
from 12 to 16 days before hatching, and the fry resulting from them
were not only weak, but the percentage hatched was very small.

Particular attention was paid during the season to the spawning
habits of the shad, with the view to ascertaining the character of
river bottom most frequently resorted to in depositing their eggs. The
investigations seemed to show that at the head of the Chesapeake
Bay they prefer flats covered by débris, such as sticks and trees, and
this theory accounts to some extent for the frequent changes of the
spawning-grounds. The most successful fishermen select such places
when in search of ripe fish, the collection of eggs forming an important
part of their income late in the season, when fish sell for very little.

Attention is again called to the fact that large numbers of eggs of
excellent quality were taken in the day—that is, from 4 a. m. to 4 p. m.

In addition to the eggs hatched at Perryville on car No. 3 and those
transferred to Central Station, several shipments were made to Bristol,
Pa., and, though sent in June, when the weather was quite warm, they
hatched without material loss. Heavy losses were reported, however,
on the shipments transferred to Central Station early in the season.

Striped bass were quite abundant during the spring, and some ripe
ones were found. Two small lots of eggs were brought to the station,
but they proved defective. A number of measurements were made of
them, and in every instance they were found to be 0.125 inch in diameter.

In addition to the fish-cultural work, various repairs were made to
the buildings, boats, and dock; 45 cases of herring roe were canned as
fish food to be used at Wytheville and Craig Brook, and 3 half-barrels
were salted for the same purpose.

The mean temperatures for the months of April, May, and June were:
April, air 52°, water 50.59; May, air 63°, water 62°; June, air 72°,
water 72.8°.

BRYAN POINT STATION, MARYLAND (L. G. HARRON IN CHARGE).

During the summer and fall a hatchery with a capacity for 40,000,000
shad eggs was erected, under the direction of Mr. G. A. Schneider, at
an expense of $1,000. The building is a one-story frame structure, 61
feet by 31 feet, and is equipped with six hatching-tables 16 feet long
by 3 feet wide, and two tables 14 feet long by 3 feet wide, the larger
tables carrying 32 jars each and the smaller ones 24.

Arranged around the sides of the building are rows of shelves for
carrying eggs in open jars during the early stages of development, and
fry tanks for holding the fry until they are ready for shipment. A com- .
modious office and storeroom have been fitted up at the east end. The
erection of this hatchery necessitating an increase in the pumping
plant, a Worthington pump, of a capacity of 620 gallons per minute,

LXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

was transferred from Cape Vincent, N. Y., and the necessary water and
steam connections were made during the winter by the engineer in
charge. In addition to these improvements, a sea wall 140 feet long
was built along the north side of the hatchery to protect it against the
encroachments of the river.

In March preparations were commenced, under the direction of Mr.
L. G. Harron, for fish-cultural work. A part of the force was taken on,
and the steam launch Blue Wing, which had been rebuilt during the
year, was placed in commission and transferred to the station. Tents
were erected as usual for the accommodation of the crew, and by April
15 the station was ready for the reception of eggs. A few eggs came
in on the 15th, 16th, and 17th, but the full force was not taken on until
the 18th. The personnel, including the crew of the steam launch Petrel,
which was also utilized for this work, consisted of 20 spawn-takers, 6
assistants in hatchery, 1 clerk, 8 men for the launches, 2 firemen, and
2 cooks. Operations were much interfered with throughout the season
by severe storms and unseasonable weather. Heavy northeast gales
occurred on April 20 and 27, accompanied by snow and rain, which
stopped all work for several days. The laying of submarine mines on
some of the best spawning-grounds in the vicinity of Forts Washing-
ton and Sheridan also curtailed collections considerably, and the estab-
lishment of the blockade at Fort Washington made it impossible to
secure any eggs between there and Alexandria, as the launch was
unable to go up and down the river at the propér times. The catch of
fish was small, but the work was pushed so vigorously that by May 26
the total collections amounted to 68,724,000, nearly as many as were
ever taken on the river. Of these, 4,448,000 were sent to Central Sta-
tion; from the balance 47,366,000 fry were hatched and planted in the
Potomae River between Broad Run and Occoquan Creek.

At the close of the season the temporary force was discharged, the
station dismantled, and the launches transferred to other points.

With the experience gained this year it is believed that the collec-
tions at this station can be very materially increased and the work can
be much more economically conducted with the new hatchery.

The following table shows the maximum, minimum, and mean tem-
peratures of air and water from April 15 to May 25, inclusive:

||

|
April 15 to 30. Air. | Water. || May 1 to 25. Air. | Water.
| | |
VERITAS ee. wala qaaie aren ote 83 59 . INE SME Beseetereiesie sie eee itaiars | 88 73
AMUN UI Gere rerater =! =e = sim erereteletelste aie 84 Sb A WA Obebb hy, So nea soeSs sooo nemensCeac | 52 55
Mie amigas ciesea= cs cteisie isie eerie abt 59 iM AGC enero oaosoc mecca ser eooer ec | 69 63

CENTRAL STATION, WASHINGTON, D. C. (J. E. BROWN IN CHARGE).

As usual, all of the product of the Fish Commission ponds was dis-
tributed through this station, and consignments of lake trout, brook
trout, Loch Leven trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon eggs
were transferred from other stations and hatched here, to illustrate
the fish-cultural methods employed by the Commission.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIII

The following table shows the number of eggs received and of fry
hatched and distributed :

zy 4 Number | Lost in | Number

rect shipped. | transit. | hatched.
IDG TRS Gin UR a0 os Gace eb OSS bode - Oc oon eb etSh cheer ascspoqescoesonec 9, 950 98 7, 282
acco eee ee seis ose circa me minlninicinae cloicis) See/auisafescmuc cee cnet eccisclde 25, 000 239 22,140
ISMINS WOU |= oo Son eg seeeSe SEO RDO BOOS DU nab aadbar edopones Ooo eB pEOobonaEe 10, 000 72 8, 556
INSTI, Hoo dp Sesn5 55 SOB SOR OOOCE So OSUOD SOM Seon Cocropogsncoocd: 10, 000 38 7, 948
HOT RG ul SENT) Soe Se eco ses pe auo0e Jon desend coos sesycoucu=eEoesooas 5, 000 | 1 4,996

A larger amount of freight was handled during the year than usual,
owing to the preparation of exhibits for expositions at Omaha, Nebr.,
and Bergen, Norway, 312 packages being received and 264 shipped out
in addition to the regular freight and exclusive of the equipment belong-
ing to the car and messenger service, which is stored here.

It having been determined to discontinue the hatching of shad eggs
at this station on account of the construction of a hatchery at Bryan
Point, the apparatus was dismantled and a portion of it transferred
to Bryan Point, but the large collections necessitated the utilization of
the station to a certain extent for this work. In April 1,525,000 eggs
were received from the Fish Hawk at Avoca, N. C.; over 15,000,000 came
in from Battery Station between April 20 and May 1, and 4,044,000 were
sent up from Bryan Point. Owing to lack of facilities it became neces-
sary to deposit 5,179,000 of the eggsin the Potomac River. The balance
were hatched and the fry were planted in the Potomac except 3,537,000
which were transferred to the Fish Commission ponds.

AQUARIUM, CENTRAL STATION, WASHINGTON, D. C. (L. G. HARRON IN CHARGE).

The superintendent of the aquarium was detailed for duty at the
Nashville Exposition from July 1 to September 14, and in March was
placed in charge of the shad operations at Bryan Point, Md., where he
remained until the end of May. He was again detached from duty in
June and ordered to Omaha, where he remained until the close of the
fiscal year.

As there was considerable difficulty in keeping the marine fish in
healthy condition the salt water, which had been in use for several
years, and which had received additions of artificial salt water from time
to time, was discarded during the summer. The tanks were thoroughly
cleansed and 6,000 gallons of salt water were brought from the Chesa-
peake Bay, in the vicinity of Old Point, Va. The usual collections of
salt-water fishes were made in October at Old Point, 571 specimens,
representing 33 species, being successfully transferred to the aquarium.
The collection was further increased by consignments of sea-anemone
and lobsters from Gloucester, Mass. All of these specimens, except a
few which were bruised in transit, remained in the tanks to the close of
the fiscal year. The only salt-water fishes that spawned during the
year were two flounders, but the eggs did not hatch.

No difficulty was experienced in holding bass, goldfish, golden ide,
and other fishes common to the Potomac River during the summer, and

LXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

in November consignments of brook trout, Scotch sea trout, steelhead
trout, rainbow trout, quinnat salmon, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic salmon
domesticated, and landlocked salmon were received from Craig Brook
and Wytheville stations. These were carried until April 30 without
material loss, when a heavy mortality ensued through the use of an
excessive amount of alum in filtering the water. A few hundred of the
rainbow, steelhead, and brook trout were saved, but they succumbed
in June, when the water temperature reached 81°,

The large-mouthed black bass on hand at the close of the fiscal year
have been in the aquarium for two years. When transferred from the
Fish Commission ponds in June, 1896, they were between 2 and 3 inches
long. They now measure from 9 to 12 inches.

The exhibit this year has been much more satisfactory than for sev-
eral years previous, owing to the renewal of the salt-water supply and
the installation of a large filter, which affords an abundance of clear
water for the fresh-water specimens. The Salmonide, the basses, and
most of the salt-water species are fed principally on round beefsteak,
but their diet is varied from time to time by the use of live minnows.

The following is a list of the marine and fresh-water fishes and crus-
taceans exhibited during the year:

vs

Marine species. Marine species. Fresh-water species. Fresh-water species.
Croaker. Pinfish. Large-mouth black Goldfish.
Sea bass. Black drum. ass. Yellow perch.
Swellfish. Dog shark. Small-mouth black Sunfish.
Spadefish. Red drum. bass. English tench.
Tautog. Spotted sea-trout. Rock bass. White sucker.
Toadfish. Pigtish. Brook trout. Chub sucker.
Sea-robin. Pompano. Scotch sea trout. Channe] catfish.
Hog-choker. White perch. Steelhead trout. Yellow catfish.
Bluefish. Burfish. Rainbow trout. Leather carp.
Kingtish. Star-gazer. Quinnat salmon. Scale carp.
Blenny. Secup. Atlantic salmon. Common eel.
Lizard-fish. Lobster. Atlantic salmon, de- Paradise fish.
Spot or goody. Blue crab. mesticated. Mill roach.
Jumping mullet. Spider crab. Landlocked salmon. Tadpole.
Yellow-tail. Hermit crab. Crappie. Terrapin.
Moonfish. Shrimp. Golden ide. Snapping turtle.
Flounder. Diamond-back terrapin. || Golden tench.
Striped bass. Sea-anemone.

FisH COMMISSION PONDs (DR. R. HESSEL, SUPERINTENDENT).

As large numbers of young bass were destroyed by the Notonecta and
the Ditiscus during the spring and summer of 1896, the crop available
for distribution in the fall was smaller than that of the previous year,
though operations had been conducted on a larger scale. During Sep-
tember and October 14,222 large-mouthed bass, 1,837 small-mouthed
bass, and 779 crappie were shipped.

‘Early in April the breeding bass were transferred from the retaining-
ponds to the spawning-beds in the north and south ponds and Nos. 6
and 7, the south pond being devoted exclusively to the small-mouthed
variety. Artificial nests were placed in convenient places, and also
piles of gravel for making natural nests. The first nests with eggs
were discovered in the south pond on April 26, and on the following
day a number of nests containing eggs were noted in the north pond.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES LXV

Fry were observed within three or four days, and by the end of the
month the fish had nearly finished spawning. The temperature during
this period varied greatly, but thé results were not injurious, appar-
ently, as only four nests appeared to be affected with fungus.

The following shows the temperature of water on the spawning-beds
from April 20 to 30, inclusive, taken at 7 a. m. and 4 p. m:

North pond. South pond. : North pond. South Pond,
Date. = Date. ——
Ta.m.|4p.m.| 7a.m.| 4p.m. Ta.m.|4p.m.|7a.m.| 4p.m.
io} ° ° fo) fe} oO fe} Oo
JAW Neccoseeos 58 64 58 58 ANT 20 -rererelais ciate 59 58 59 59
Shwe ckicn < 54 61 54 60 2 eESeoan se 55 54 54 56
dabiateters sisisi 54 60 50 60 Dorset eieiete 47 48 48 49
Womcetaltem = 58 66 58 66 PA eeoueac 48 49 52 53
Dee tasiaicis 64 67 62 68 DOES csi woe 50 51 50 52
AO weemecees 63 65 62 55

As soon as the schools of young bass dispersed they were allowed to
pass from the spawning beds to the main ponds, and the adults were
again transferred to the stock ponds. The young fish were fed, as
usual, on carp and tench reared for the purpose, from 400,000 to 500,000
carp a few days old and a large number of tench being placed in the
north and south ponds during the season. At the close of the fiscal
year the indications were that the crop of bass would be large, but it
was impossible to form any definite idea of the number in the ponds on
account of the dense growth of alge.

In October the shad placed in the west pond during the previous
spring were liberated in the Potomac River as usual.. The number
released was estimated at about 3,000,000. In May, 1898, another con-
signment of 3,537,000 were put in the same pond to be reared.

Some attention was paid this season to the propagation of frogs. A
number of adults were placed in Pond 19 during the spring, and at the
close of the year there were 4,000 young ones. Their hind legs had
developed, but the fore legs were not yet visible. They were taking
food freely. The old frogs live on bumble-bees, dragon-flies, ordinary
flies, beetles, and moths that come within their reach over the grass
borders. A number of the tadpoles were transferred to the aquarium
in Central Station, and it was found that they would take cornmeal
readily. It is intended to continue these experiments in the future in
the hope that some useful information may be gained with reference to
the culture of frogs in ponds.

The pond which had been stocked with fresh-water shrimps from
North Carolina was examined during the fall of 1897 and 5,400 were
found. Twenty-five of them were removed to a tank in the greenhouse
and were carried through the winter in excellent condition. No trace
of the others could be found in the spring, and it is thought that they
were killed by the severe frosts.

Notwithstanding the efforts during the past two years to eradicate
injurious plants and insects from the ponds by drawing off the water

F. R. 98——V

LXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and exposing the bottoms to frost, the condition of the north and south
ponds was worse this year than ever before. The muddy sediment on
the bottom was removed during the fall to a depth of 5 inches, and
though a careful examination of the soil in March seemed to indicate
that every trace of the injurious material had been removed it appeared
in larger quantities than heretofore.

WYTHEVILLI: STATION, VIRGINIA (GEORGE A. SEAGLE, SUPERINTENDENT).

Operations at this station were confined chiefly to the propagation
and distribution of rainbow trout. In September the superintendent
was detailed to make an investigation in Georgia for the selection of a
suitable site for a fish-cultural station. This work, with reports, etc.,
occupied his entire time for that month. At the beginning of the fiscal
year the stock of brood-fish on hand was as follows:

| Calendar year in which fish were hatched.

Species. |
es 1893 or
1897. 1896. | 1895. 1894. arenes
FEV ATINL Osprec LOU merslateretete le eleyatefaveleleialatera(alsieta/alerelsinielniatelatate ntetelelaister= 181,000 | 2,000 870 515 2, 300
Qumnatisalmonteeeaseceeece= sae eeee = ne ematical 45200) \\n nine ome /n!| ware eter ote Seat ete atoll Sere
iBlacksbass; smallmouth); jes oie feces acias seeeincetaecicec|ecicwcece el ess atl oaeeeae WWE Ssssesse
si eyelke [ANS s) Wemyss GN NS oHaeO cere pranadSscooseoaaSoo sp aoe |ecossaasos|leaacencs 34 26) }e.oeb eee
HROCKUD ASSP cae crys cieicteis iaiein etnie raraie aio ldierase ofa wim iereilo lara (eie cleats tee | orate erevetejere | vee evere tell cictetetetaeres te eens 145
(Cryo oi) eacsds42 ses ssonuosaqsnds poouad Cues dedeecuedoconbouaal asocbauabs||bsabctdadibbooacan|ocecac: 45
|

Of the rainbow trout, 61,000 fry were distributed during July and
August, and the balance, 110,000, in November and December. These
fish were carried during the summer in the rearing troughs and ponds,
and fed on a mixture of beef liver and mush. About 12 pounds of this
food were fed daily to 1,000 adult fish, and about 2? pound to the same
number less than a year old. The adults were fed twice a day, half of
the above-stated amount being given at each feed. The small fry were
fed four times a day on liver and mush, canned herring roe, and salted
cod roe alternately. They were first trained to take the canned herring
roe, and their diet was then varied by salted cod roe and liver. If the
fry are first given the liver, it is afterwards difficult to induce them to
take the roe.

In July, 1897, small samples of a prepared food, believed to be dried
shrimp ground up, was sent to the station on trial by Mr. A. Voight,
of Brooklyn, N. Y. The material in one parcel was finely ground, that
in the other was coarser. Both samples were fed to the fingerlings, as
there were none smaller at that time. The fish took no notice of the
finely ground food, but of the coarser probably half was consumed. It
is believed that small trout could be trained to take this food, and that
it would be wholesome for them, though, perhaps, too expensive for use.

Of the total stock of adult fish, only 503 females produced eggs dur-
ing the year. The spawning season commenced earlier than usual—on
November 8—and continued until February 10. The total number of
the eggs collected was 410,000, an average of 815 per spawner; for the
fertilization of these, 320 males were used. The loss of eggs, owing to

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXVII

imperfect fertilization and to other causes, was 23 per cent of the total
number taken. Of the eyed eggs, 190,000 were shipped to foreign
applicants and transferred to other stations; the remaining 124,000
were hatched at the station.

In April and May all of the fry on hand were transferred to Erwin
Station, Tennessee, in order that the work of remodeling the ponds and
making additions to the hatchery might be commenced.

In the spring the adult black bass and rock bass were placed in the
spawning-ponds, but, owing to their poor condition, it is doubtful
whether any results will be secured.

At the close of the season the stock of fish on hand was as follows:

Calendar year in which fish were hatched.

Species.

1g98. | 1897. | 1896. | 1895, | [894 or
SALI OW RLTOU Lieitsiclciaininienlaasaisioleinin/cie aislejaleidiulclala'e/einaaielejelafa citar 6,446 | 3,450 844 700 1, 500
ACL PASS SIMA MOU Yee sacle soca a eee wscsne wh wiceels cet ce aaa Coe oes ts| on oueeee||ceeeeesalase fee 7
lack MASS laLee MOU UNG nese conan o cece eaet sew ssinee ioe -ociec|accees se 4D} eameceoe 34 20
Ane REIT «45 Sooeasncpenconaosane Jenosapecosnbsogdecse PWV Nescies s4\loqagoaeo|ossasinajlasase ses
GES G) “osccceach 50 paso eR See Ee sen Soe ee DOSS CeesSSee Seeeos esececd) econsod aecoccoe UO |aoconose
LMT EvE PETE i oosd0cindo cco baSh eS Ane Gopecboocosce copSedboobUeEddd sotodods etersos||6SaGeseis boaeeaae 85
CID > coo co oe nose oo Senco estoorcoosoceosbodeoscoSngsgussesd||as ob0cd)/sccoor.e |e--eeee-|--ee---- 20

}

In the fall the volume of water flowing from the spring decreased to
such an extent that a loss of 800 two-year-old rainbow trout was sus-
tained. As it was believed that the water escaped through subterra-
nean passages, an effort was made to stop this waste by Inaking a cut
in front of the spring and filling it with stone and cement. At some
points it was necessary to dig down 15 feet. The holes and sides were
then tightly packed with clay, and the ditch filled with stone laid in
cement. The wall thus formed was 4 feet thick at the bottom, 2 feet at
the top, and capped with a cut stone 6 inches. As a result an increase
of 100 gallons of water per minute was obtained.

The title to the station property having been satisfactorily adjusted
during the winter by the legislature of Virginia, the appropriation of
$10,000, made by Congress in 1896, became available in March. The
work of repairing and remodeling the ponds was at once commenced,
and by the end of June nineteen ponds had been constructed and the
old residence removed.

ERWIN STATION, TENNESSEE (S. G. WORTH, SUPERINTENDENT).

On August 4 Mr. 8. G. Worth, who had been appointed superintend-
ent of the station, took charge, relieving Mr. W. F. Hill, who had been
in charge of the construction. Work on the hatchery, dwelling, and
ponds was pushed vigorously during the summer, and on October 20
the hatchery building was turned over to the Commission by the
contractors. During the fall the troughs were constructed and placed
in position, and in December the water supply was turned on in the
hatchery. The large ponds at the station having been completed in
November, arrangements were immediately made for collecting wild
brook trout from streams in the vicinity for brood stock.

LXVII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

During November and December 2,989 fish, ranging from two to four
years old and from 5 to 13 inches in length, were obtained and deliy-
ered at the station without loss at an expense of $367.80. No difficulty
was experienced in making this collection, as numbers of streams
within 40 or 50 miles of the station are well stocked with trout. As
an illustration, in Higgins Creek, about 12 miles southwest of Erwin,
600 were taken in a stretch of less than 2 miles. The fish collected
were hauled across the mountains to the station in wagons, and though
many of them were en route two days but one fish was lost. They were
placed in the large ponds, and though examined frequently no eggs
were secured. It is presumed that the ripe fish spawned on the gravel
bottom around the springs boiling up in the bottom of the pond.

The exact number on hand at the close of the year is not known, but
many were lost. It is believed that the mortality was largely due to
the depredations of cats, to which the brook trout, lying during the
night in shallow water near the shore, fell an easy prey. The wounds
were usually found on the back of the neck near the gill-covers and on
the sides as far back as the first dorsal fin. The cats, when discovered
to be enemies of the fish, were killed.

In February 100,000 brook-trout eggs were received from East Free-
town, Mass., and although the loss during incubation and the early fry
stages was apparently small, when the fish were transferred to the
ponds on June 9 there remained only 11,562 by actual count.

During December 1,826 yearling rainbow trout were received from
Wytheville and placed in one of the ponds. These fish have not done
well, quite a number having died during the season; a large propor-
tion have become very dark in color, and many of them are blind. The
eyes protrude gradually, and are sometimes seen outside of the socket.
The fish are apparently in good condition otherwise, fat, and without
external wounds. No explanation of this condition can be furnished,
but there is an impression among the people in the vicinity that rain-
bow trout have a tendency to become blind when introduced into the
large springs of this section.

Two well-authenticated cases have been reported: General Wilder
placed 14 adult rainbow trout obtained from Wytheville in a large
spring near Elizabethtown, Tenn., and in a short time every one was
blind. Another lot, placed in a large spring near Erwin, suffered the
same fate. The blindness among the station fish occurred in ponds
which had springs at the bottoms. The brook trout were not affected
in this way except in a few instances where they worked their way into
the reservoir; all fish entering the reservoir showed these symptoms,
and died. The presence of minerals in the water may cause this diffi-
culty, but it more probably results from the settling of air bubbles or
grit on the mucous coating of the eyeballs. The water contains an
immense amount of air, bubbling from the springs and buoying up
the fine gravel and sediment unnaturally in the water. The reservoir
water always contains sediment in suspension.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXIXx

During the winter 50,000 rainbow-trout eggs were received from
Wytheville. These were hatched, and on April 23 there were on hand
21,200 fry. In addition to these, 81,300 rainbow-trout fry were trans-
ferred from Wytheville during the month of April and held in troughs
until June 7, when they were transferred to ponds, and were found by
actual count to have been reduced to 51,899. There remained on hand
at that time, from all sources, 73,099. At the close of the year all of
the fish were doing well, though those transferred from Wytheville
were much smaller than the station fish. It is believed that a consid-
erable number of the fry were destroyed by snakes. As soon as their
presence was suspected a temporary fence was placed around the ponds;
in a week 5 water-snakes had been killed, and over 100°were killed
during the year.

Much difficulty was experienced during the winter in procuring a
sufficient amount of suitable food. All of the beef liver available in
Erwin and Johnson City was purchased at prices varying from 5 to 8
cents per pound, but the supply was uncertain, and in April arrange-
ments were made for securing regular supplies from Armour & Co. in
Norfolk, Va. Whenever the shipments failed a mush, consisting of flour,
eggs, sorghum, water, and salt, was used.

In the coldest weather, with snow and ice on the ground, the air
was swarming with mosquito-like insects. There are also myriads of
aquatic worms on all objects in the water here, and several varieties
of Gammarus were seen in the supply ditch when the loose mud was
being thrown out, though none have been noted in the ponds. Snails
are exceedingly abundant, and the trout seem to feed on them; as they
reproduce at an enormously rapid rate, there will probably always be
plenty of food of this character.

The principal aquatic plant known in this region is the so-called branch
lettuce, which spreads its roots under the shallow water or in wet mud.
This remains green throughout the winter. During the cold season
its leaves lie flat on the water, like lily pads, but in summer the seed
Stalks rise to the height of 2 feet. The submerged leaves and branches
serve as nurseries for periwinkle and other lesser forms of animal life.
Quantities of wood or leaf mold were used for the purpose of disinfect-
ing the ponds and establishing natural conditions. In order to pro.
cure natural food for the larger fish a lantern with metal wings, to lure
beetles and moths, was placed in the pond; striking the metal walls,
the insects fall upon the water and become an easy prey for the trout.
While the supply of food thus derived has not been great, better results
are looked for during the summer and fall, when such insects will be
very plentiful. When the water was turned on in the temporary pond
built in the bed of the branch, which had been lined with mud, myriads
of jointed red worms, about half an inch in length, were seen at the
bottom, massed together here and there.

The temperature of the water in the spring is 55° throughout the
year. In the ponds there is a variation of from 55° at the bottom to

LXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

71° at the surface. During the winter, though the temperature of the
air reached zero, no ice was formed in the reservoir, ponds, or ditch.

During the spring the station grounds were overrun with stray dogs
and cats, and with a view to checking this influx all of the discarded
food was buried. This measure apparently had no effect, and it
became necessary to destroy all intruders of this character found on
the grounds. Frogs of all kinds were also abundant, and it became
necessary to destroy many of them. The food frogs were removed from
the station grounds and placed in a stream below the railroad. In
May and June tree frogs were spawning in large numbers in the ponds,
Kingfishers were often observed, although few were killed. Snapping
turtles were noticed occasionally while the ponds were being excavated,
but not in great numbers. The miller’s thumb is abundant.

While engaged in the construction of the station the superintendent
was the recipient of valuable assistance from residents in the vicinity,
officials of the Ohio River and Charleston Railroad, Mr. Dana Harmon,
attorney-general of the first Tennessee district, and Mr. P. L. Haun,
sheriff of Unicoi County, through whose cooperation the collection of
wild trout from the streams of eastern Tennessee was made possible, as
the laws of the State forbid the capture of trout during the fall months.

Put-In Bay STATION, OnI0 (J. J. STRANAHAN, SUPERINTENDENT).

With the view to increasing the collection of whitefish eggs on Lake
Erie, for restocking the waters of this lake and supplying the hatch-
eries on Lakes Ontario, Huron, and Superior, it was determined, in
addition to collecting eggs, aS heretofore, from the nets fished in the
western end of the lake, to pen large numbers of male and female fish
and hold them until ripe, as it was believed that, if this method proved
feasible, the collections of eggs would be limited only by the num-
ber of fish caught. Under the old system severe gales during the
height of the spawning season reduced the collections from 30 to 50
per cent, notwithstanding the fact that nearly as many fish were caught
over the same area as usual, and though nearly the same amount of
money was expended in the work. Arrangements were made with a
number of fishermen in the vicinity of Put-in Bay and Bass Islands
to obtain the fishes desired, holding them in crates until the close of
the season, when they were to be returned to the fishermen.

During October, when we had anticipated securing many fish, the
weather was so unfavorable that they did not arrive on the spawning-
grounds for at least two weeks later than usual, and none were secured
until November 8, and these were taken under adverse circumstances.
Collections continued until November 27, when all of the nets were
removed. The total number secured was 1,247, and 1,119 of these
were transferred to live-boxes or crates. Of the 334 females, 260 were
available as spawners and produced 10,269,000 eggs, an average of
39,496 to the fish. The balance of the females were “plugged” or died
from injuries. The disproportion of sexes was due to the fact that
farge numbers of males were penned early in the season on the suppo-

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXxXI

sition that the later run would contain more females than males. The
eggs secured from the penned fish were of fair quality, though not as
good as those collected during a favorable spawning season. With the
experience gained there is little doubt that in the future much larger
and better results will be secured. The eggs collected from the penned
fish cost $1.20 per quart, or 34 cents per 1,000; those taken directly
from the fish captured in the usual manner cost less than 2 cents per
1,000. This is exclusive of the cost of the live-boxes, pens, nets, etc.,
which are on hand and available for work in the future. It is easily
understood that ten times as many eggs could have been collected at
the same expense as the number referred to, in which event the cost
would have been less than 1 cent per 1,000.

The following is a brief description of the methods employed in col-
lecting and penning the fish and of the apparatus used: Stationary
live-boxes, supported by piling, have often been used, but as the water
at Put-in Bay becomes too warm for this, the boxes were made so that
they could be towed, like a raft, into open waters where the current is
more vigorous and the temperature more uniform; another advantage
gained by this method is that an equal depth of water is maintained in
the live-boxes, the rise and fall in this section varying from 4 to 5 feet
in a single day, according to the direction and velocity of the wind and
the atmospheric pressure. The boxes are 16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and
8 feet deep, divided into two equal compartments 8 feet square, pro-
vided with false bottoms controlled by standards running in guides at
the ends. The standards are pierced by inch holes at intervals of 6
inches, so that the false bottoms may be held at any desired place.
The lumber used was 6-inch pine boards planed on the inside and nailed
to scantling 14 inches apart, so fastened together as to make every side
interchangeable. The six boxes, divided into twelve compartments
with a capacity for 4,500 fish, were fastened at the ends to boom logs
65 feet long, with plank walks on both logs, thus permitting free access
to all parts of them.

Owing to the difficulty experienced in transferring the fish from the
pound nets to the boxes, on account of rough weather, supplemental
nets 7 feet long and 3 and 4 feet in diameter were placed at each pound
net where fish were expected; these were held open at top and bottom
by iron rings, and the bottoms were provided with puckering-strings
for closing them. By fastening one side of these nets to the down-haul
stake and the opposite one to the rim of the pot of the pound, the
upper ring is held 3 feet above the surface of the water and the lower
one 4 feet below, serving as a weight to keep the net down and also to
keep it open, so that the fish will have plenty of room and not be scaled
by chafing against the net. Thus located, the supplemental net is in
convenient position for receiving the fish when the pound is lifted. By
the use of these nets it became possible to secure many more fish than
otherwise. During the past season fish were collected from six sets of
nets with an equal number of boats, aggregating 55 pound nets. An
employee of the Commission was placed in each boat, to dip out the fish

LXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and put them in the supplemental nets, and also to collect the eggs
from ripe females. The dip nets used for taking the fish from the pounds
have long handles and hoops of spring steel, and are covered with
heavy open cloth such as is used in the cider press, as the knots and
twines of the ordinary net would injure the scales of the fish.

The steamer visited the supplemental nets daily when the weather
permitted, and removed the fish to spacious tanks on board, then
transferring them to the station, where they were counted and assorted.
It is necessary to exercise much care in this work, as success is entirely
dependent upon the fish reaching the live-boxes uninjured. Before
placing them in the boxes they are assorted into three classes—soft,
medium, and hard. The soft ones (those nearly ripe) are examined
each day; the medium every third or fourth day, and the hard ones
at the end of each week. In this way much unnecessary handling is
avoided and the fish are kept in good condition. At the close of the
season all were returned to the fishermen in excellent condition.

Spawn-taking is conducted under a temporary shelter erected on a
raft, and does not differ materially from the mode generally pursued.
The last fish were removed from the live-boxes on December 13,
when six of them were placcd in one of the fry-tanks at the station for
future experiment. One of these was what is known as a “plugged”
female; that is, her abdomen remained hard and showed a congested
condition. This specimen was killed and opened. The ovaries were
found to be congested and the eggs, when examined under the micro-
scope, all showed ruptured yolks. Two of the other fish were appar-
ently bealthy females containing spawn, and two were healthy males.
These were held in the fry tanks until December 21, when the females
were found to be ripe. In fact, one of them had cast most of her eggs
in the tank. From the other nearly a quart of spawn was taken.

The eggs were fertilized with milt from one of the males and presented
avery good appearance, though it was noticed that they were a little
undersized, running 10 to the linear inch instead of 8. The tempera-
ture of the water at the time being 32.5°, the eggs did not show dis-
tinct segmentation at the end of the first 24 hours, and they were not
therefore critically examined until they were 48 hours old, when it was
discovered that 90 per cent of them were impregnated, but over half of
them seemed abnormal, the discs being spread out more than usual and
many being segmented in patches or clusters. They were again exam-
ined on the 24th, and it was found that 10 per cent of them plainly
showed well-defined twin dises, and three triplicate discs were discov-
ered out of some 500 eggs examined. They were kept under observa-
tion from day to day, and micrographs taken. It was also observed
that there were many eggs in this lot containing insufficient yolk-saes.
This led to an examination of several other lots of eggs taken late,
which in turn revealed the fact that the late eggs contained a much
larger percentage of insufficient yolks than those taken earlier in the
season. It has been noticed each season since this station was estab-
lished that the late eggs did not turn out as well as those taken at the

Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page LXXII.) PLATE XIll,

2. Fertilized whitefish egz 6 hours old, geminal discs form-
ing, no segmentation having taken place.

OD “Sige,

™\

3. Whitefish, 12 hours, showing first cleavage. Water 38° 4. Whitefish eggs, 18th hour. Water 38°, showing second
segmentation, four cells formed

5 Whitefish egg 24 hours. Water 38°. 6. Whitefish ege 48 hours. Water 38°

DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO

Report U.S F. C. 1898. (To face page LXXII ) PLATE XIV.

7 Fertilized whitefish egg 72 hours old, snowing segmentation 8. Whitefish egg, seventh day, embryo beginning to show.
well advanced

11. Whitefish egg, yolk-sac ruptured by rough handling, 24 12. Whitefish egg with triple discs
hours old

DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO

av >

Tie ’ hig
ren ix

Report U. S.F. C. 1898. (To face page LXXIl.) PLATE XV.

mneaetegerercmssemenmtertt,

>,

13. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 3 days old 14. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 6 days old.

17. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 13 days old. 18. Whitefish egg, showing twin discs, 15 days old.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO.

Report U.S, F. C. 1898. (To face page LXXIl.) PLaTe XVI.

21. Curved spine, a common deformity of whitefish fry. 22. Whitefish fry just hatched, three-eyed, curved spine

23. A common deformity of whitefish fry. 24. Four-eyed whitefish fry,
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHITEFISH EMBRYO.

4
wT a : nae
‘ oy i A : Mh
tn ian
i ae
BA é
i

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXIII

height of the season. It may be stated that no twin dises were found
among the other lots examined, although after the above experience it
had been confidently expected to find them. Never before, however,
has a twin disc been observed in a whitefish egg, and only three were
found this season outside of the lot under consideration; neither have
twins or double-headed monstrosities been found common among the
whitefish fry, though they are common among the lake trout.

The development of this lot of eggs was watched with much interest,
but on January 10, when the embryos began to form, not a single twin
or double-headed one could be found. It was observed, however, that
20 per cent of the eggs were far behind the rest in point of develop-
ment and, though apparently alive and healthy, there was no sign of
embryotic formation. This went on until January 26, when two well-
defined double-headed embryos were discovered. From this on they
were found in numbers, though very few of them had two perfect heads,
and there were no well-marked twins—that is bodies entirely separated
except by their attachment to the yolk-sac, as is so common with trout.
Most of the monstrosities had one normal and one abnormal head. It
is worthy of note that the perfect head was, without a single exception,
on the left side, and where both were abnormal! the left one was the
better of the two, as will be noted in the accompanying micrographs.

Since writing the above Superintendent Stranahan has learned, by
consultation with Prof. Jacob Reighard, of the University of Michigan,
that in his opinion the large number of abnormalities found among
these eggs was caused by their being held long past the normal time of
deposit. His experience showed that this is likely to be the case with
amphibians held in confinement. This may furnish the reason why late
eggs show more monstrosities than those taken early in the season.

The penning of whitefish near the station this season has afforded
exceptional opportunities for experiment with the fertilization and
development of the ova, and considerable attention has been paid to
the determination of how long milt will retain its vitality after being
mixed with water. On December 4 a quantity of spawn, just as it was
taken from the fish, was brought to the station, and a small quantity
placed in each of 16 perfectly dry, clean pans, which were set in run-
ning water at a temperature of 36°. The milt of three males brought
alive to the station ina tub of wate: was taken in a dry pan, care
being exercised that no water dripped from the fishes into the pan.
Water was then added, and a portion poured into one of the pans
containing eggs, numbered 0. In a quarter of a minute ‘another
portion was poured into the pan numbered 1, and so on to the finish.
After each lot had stood one minute the eggs were washed and placed
in kegs in running water, with numbers to designate each lot. On
December 5, the eggs, being well segmented, were carefully examined
under the microscope, to determine the percentage of impregnation.
In each case those with ruptured sacs, or those destitute of germinal
disks were not taken into account, the object being to determine the
percentage of impregnation at the different periods.

LXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following table shows the percentage of impregnation in each lot:

: Per . Per . Per : Per

Time. Gone Time. cent Time. pant! Time. cone
Ominute.......... 99 || 1 minute ........ 93 || 2 minutes ....... 14 || 3 minutes ....... 7
AAIMIN TW LO sic cielsiciatel= 98 || 13 minutes -..--- 77 || 24 minutes ...-... 18 || 34 minutes -..--- 3
4minute.......... 99 || 14 minutes .-.--.-- 47 || 24 minutes ....-.. 8 || 34 minutes ...... 2
} minute........-- 96 | 12 minutes ....-.- 19 || 2? minutes ...... 6 || 32 minutes ..... lien’

On December 8 the experiment was repeated with, if possible, more
care than on the previous occasion. It was carried further, to deter-
mine the point at which absolute loss of vitality would take place.
The following table shows the result, the temperature of the water
being 35.5°:

. Per . Per . Per . Per

Time. Rare Time. cont Time. cenit Time. Gant
0 minute.......... 98 || 13 minutes ...... 49 || 24 minutes ...... 14 || 33 minutes ...... 1
4 minute.....-.--. 97 || 14 minutes ...... 2 || 22 minutes ...... 15 || 4 minutes ....... 0
4 minute.......--. 83 || 12 minutes ..-..- 42 || 3 minutes ....... 1 || 5 minutes ....... 0
2 minute.......... 82 || 2 minutes ....... 11 || 34 minutes ...... 0 || 6 minutes ....... 0
Jminute. <<... --- 83 || 24 minutes ...... 14 || 33 minutes ...... 1 || 7 minutes ....... 0

| |

It will be seen that the eggs fertilized 14 minutes after water was added to the milt showed but 2
per cent alive, while those affected by the next period, a quarter of a minute later, showed 42 per cent.
Although great care was taken to avoid mistakes, it is evident that there was one in this case, or that
something in the pan caused the death of a great number of these eggs.

It frequently occurs that large numbers of eggs are lost during the
latter part of the season, owing to the scarcity or entire absence of
males when large numbers of ripe females are taken. ‘To overcome this
difficulty, experiments were conducted to determine how long milt and
egos could be carried alive separately and then fertilized. The milt of
5 males was taken in a vial which had been rendered chemically clean
and dry. Great care was exercised in taking the milt, and to avoid
the mixture of water, excrement, or other foreign substances, the
mouth of the vial being held up close to the vent of the fish, and only
such portion taken as came in a stream. The vial was then tightly
corked and placed in running water in a pan, so as to secure a tempera-
ture as nearly that of the fish as possible. This milt was taken at
10.45 a. m. on December 4. On the following day, at the same hour, a
small amount of eggs was fertilized with this milt. An examination
showed that the percentage of impregnation was as complete as would
naturally be the case with fresh-taken milt. A series of experiments
of the same character was continued for several days, the eggs being
kept in clean pans in running water, light being excluded. All the
milt was treated as the first lot, precautions being taken not to let
water enter the vials when the corks were removed.

The following table is self-explanatory. In making the counts, all
eggs with ruptured yolk-sacs or those destitute of germinal discs were
disregarded, the object being to determine the percentage of impreg-
nation. The examinations were as carefully made as practicable, 100
eggs impregnated and unimpregnated being counted for each lot below
referred to.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXV

On December 8 six lots were examined, as follows:

ate < of taking.

Date of Lot ‘ Bete eco raae Date and hour of | Per
Be elon: ot Spawn Milt impregnation. | cent.
Dec. 8 .7, 9.20 a.m ...| Dec. 4, 10.45 a.m ..| Dec. 7,9.25 a.m ... 95
HOM basen! Dec. 6, 11.25 a.m ..| Dec.7,9 a.m ...... 97

5c. 6,11 a.m..... Dec. 4, 10.45 a.m ..| Dec.7,9a.m...... 98

2.7, 8.45 a.m ..-| Dec. 7, 8.45 a.m -..| Dec.7,9.10 a.m -.. 98

shih eh Aim oaae Dec. 7, 8.45 a.m ...| Dec. 7,9.10 a.m ..- 93

.7,8.45 a.m ..-| Dec. 6, 11.25 a.m ..| Dec. 7,9.25.a.m ... 85

Dec. 9 pe Gaulle est ifere, ster Dee. 4, 10.45 a.m ..| Dec. 8,1.15 p.m... 3
GMT eee Dec. 6,11 a.m...-- Dec. 8, 1.15 p.m... 91

. 8,1.20 p.m -..| Dec. 4, 10.45 a.m ..| Dec. 8,1.25 p.m... 6

Dec. 12 ey arses tsi Dec. 6, 11.25 a.m ..| Dec. 11, 2.10 p.m.. 3
6, 21a, mM <<. Dee: 11,2 p.m-- -..- Dec. 11, 2.20 p.m.. 0

RIA peaininass= Dec. 9,9 a.m...... Dee. 11, 2.05 p.m.. 0

sal opinsacae Dec. 4, 10.45 a.m ..| Dec. 11, 2.15 p.m.. 0

pibleP) pep nos ose Dec. 7, 8.45 a.m....| Dec, 11, 2.10 p.m.. 0

From these experiments it would seem that neither spawn nor milt
retain their fertility after the third day; but this is not necessarily the
case, as the milt used in all of these long-time experiments, with one
exception, was from the lot of December 4, which had been repeatedly
uncorked and possibly injured by the admixture of a small amount
of water, while the spawn was held in small lots of a half pint or less,
which were more liable to dry out than alarge mass. All of the eggs
used in this experiment, except one lot, were placed in a jar marked
“miscellaneous,” and examined from time to time, showing a good per-
centage of impregnation. Before being placed in the jars they were
held separately in kegs for two or three days with running water and
reexamined to observe if the development seemed natural, and no dif-
ference could be seen between these and eggs of the same age taken
at the same time in the usual manner. It is a matter of regret that
there were not enough taken at one time to fill a jar, so that they could
have been carried separately up to the hatching period.

An experiment was also tried with a view to hatching whitefish eggs
with closed circulation—that is, using the water over and over. The
water was pumped into a 12-gallon keg, whence it descended by gravity
to the jar, thence to a large tin vessel, which was partially submerged
in running water in order to maintain a low temperature. From this
it was again pumped back to the keg. This experiment was continued
for 15 days without damage to the eggs, although, owing to the fact
that the temperature of the water was 7° warmer than that taken from
overboard, the development was much more rapid. It may also be
stated that so much oil was carried over from the pump that it formed
a considerable coating on the surface of the water in the receiving
vessel, also on the inside of the jar. Theeggs, however, were apparently
not injuriously affected by this circumstance. These eggs hatched
before any others in the house, and the fry were apparently as healthy.

Collections of eggs were made, as heretofore, from the commercial
fishermen, but owing to the unfavorable conditions prevailing during
November, the total collections amounted to only 112,842,000 whitefish
and 27,786,000 cisco or lake herring. From the nets fished in the
vicinity of Port Clinton, 40,653,000 whitefish eggs were obtained; from

LXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

those in the vicinity of Toledo, 21,348,000; North Bass Island, 21,762,000;
Middle Bass field, 2,331,000; Kelly Island, 7,866,000; Catawba Island,
720,000; from Put-in Bay, 18,000,000 whitefish eggs and 27,786,000 of
the eggs of the cisco; from other points, 162,000 whitefish eggs. Of
these eggs, 10,000,000 were transferred to Alpena Station; the balance
were hatched and distributed during March and April on the spawning-
grounds from which the eggs were collected, the cisco fry being planted
in the vicinity of Put-in Bay.

During the winter 1,000,000 lake-trout eggs were received from North-
ville, which were hatched and planted in the vicinity of the station.

It having been determined to resume the propagation of pike perch,
steps were taken to secure a force of spawn-takers and arrangements
made with the fishermen for attending the pound nets in the vicinity
of Put-in Bay, Toledo, and Port Clinton. The warm weather in March
raised the temperature of the water to 42.5°, which.advanced the spawn-
ing season a week. The first eggs were taken on March 31, earlier than
ever before in the history of the station. A small lot was brought in
by the fishermen in this neighborhood. The regular spawn-takers were
not put on until April 4. On April 5 a severe northeast gale set in,
accompanied by snow, the temperature falling from 42.5° to 38°. This
not only interfered materially with the work, but the eggs taken were
poor. The weather continued unfavorable throughout the spawning
season, gale following gale in rapid succession, which not only seriously
reduced the collections, but affected unfavorably the work in the hatch-
ery. The water pumped at the station was loaded with dirt, causing
much extra labor and continual handling of the eggs. Dead eggs,
which ordinarily fungus in a few days and are drawn off, were coated
with dirt so that they were of the same weight with the others, and
failed to rise to the top, necessitating not only constant handling, but
the passing of the eggs through fine screens, in order to remove those
which were fungussed.

As a result of the season’s work, 221,062,500 eggs of poor quality
were collected; 87,112,000 from the Toledo field, 111,900,000 from the
Port Clinton field, and 22,050,000 from the vicinity of Put-in Bay.

In the beginning of the season starch was used to prevent adhesion of
the eggs; but complaints were received from every section that this
material was not satisfactory, as was proved by the fact that all of the
eggs came to the station more or less adherent. Swamp muck, which
had been used with success three years before, was substituted and
sent out at once but, owing to delays en route the season was nearly
over at Toledo before it could be used. Not more than 2 tablespoon-
fuls of the muck solution to 5 gallons of water was needed to prevent
adhesion. Experience has also shown that it is advisable to put
the muck in the water in the keg in which the eggs are poured after
impregnation, rather than to mix it with the eggs in the pan prior to
fertilization. If a small amount of water is added to the eggs imme-
diately after fertilization and the milt washed out quickly, adhesion
does not take place for a minute or two.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXVII

On April 16, near the close of the season, one of the spawn-takers,
Mr. Carl Rotert, was directed to remilt the eggs taken on that date;
that is, to add fresh milt one minute after first applying it to the eggs,
and to add a third lot a minute later. In all, 450,000 eggs were treated
in this way, and after careful examination under the microscope, at the
expiration of twenty-four hours, out of the three lots of 150,000 each not
an unimpregnated egg could be discovered. They were then putin a
jar and kept thus to the close of the season. After the ruptured eggs
had worked off (ruptured eggs fungus and separate from the good ones
much sooner than the unimpregnated ones) the jar stood in striking
contrast to the balance of the eggs in the house, a solid mass of living
eggs. For some unaccountable reason they hatched before any of the
others, though taken last. Instead of requiring several days to hatch,
they all came out together, and the fry were apparently healthy, as seen
under the microscope or with the naked eye. It is a matter of regret
that this experiment was not tried earlier in the season, as it appeared
from the results attained in this instance that previous heavy losses on
pike-perch eggs may have been largely due to imperfect fertilization.
This matter will receive attention next season, and experiments will be
tried in remilting whitefish eggs also. ,

The eggs collected at Toledo were shipped on trays by the steamers
running from Cleveland to Toledo three times a week, and although the
eggs were held at least two days on the trays, they were apparently not
injured by the shipment; 30,000,000 of the pike-perch eggs were trans-
ferred to Cape Vincent hatchery, and in order to decide as to the best
method for long-distance shipments, a part of them were transferred on
trays, and the balance in the ordinary transportation cans filled with
water. Of those transferred on trays, only 30 per cent hatched, while
of those shipped in water 75 per cent hatched. As eggs were success-
fully shipped on trays from Toledo to Sandusky, it appears that the
loss must lave been due to concussion, caused by the jolting of the cars,
the eggs on trays being much more subject to this than those in water.

On May 2 it was observed that the eggs seemed unusually buoyant,
and that they rose higher in the jars than usual with the same amount
of water. Examination under the microscope revealed the existence
of numerous colonies of infusoria, nearly every egg having one or more
colonies. They were in the main a species of Carchesium, with a few
Vorticella. These being lighter than the water, and offering consider-
able resistance to the current, floated the eggs. On the 3d they had
increased to such an extent that it was necessary to put the eggs into
tubs and thoroughly wash them. This process broke the slender
threads which connect the individual infusoria to their main stem on
the egg, and remedied the evil. Later it was found that by thoroughly
feathering the eggs in the jar the same results could be secured. These
animals were found in all the jars, there being no difference whether
muck or starch had been used. Thorough investigation did not show
that the eggs were damaged, directly or indirectly, by these infusoria.

LXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Owing tothe unfavorable conditions above enumerated, only 71,110,000
fry were hatched. These were planted in the waters of Lake Erie at
the following points:

Point of deposit. Number. Point of deposit. Number,

Peach sland reer: a. aece ce c= ste si 13,500, 000) |) Niagara reef._.-..~.-.--..--..------ 10, 320, 000
North Bass Island reef ...........-.-. 7, 320, 000 || West Sister Island reef............. 10, 320, 000
Ballast ilslandireefes.s=--- ese ae ee 6,000, 000 || Rattlesnake Island reef..........--- 12, 900, 000
Middle Bass Island reef ........----- 10, 750, 000 |

It is believed that the daily examination of eggs under the micro-
scope will prove to be an important factor in the future operations of
the station, as it is thus possible to keep track of the work of individual
spawn-takers, poor results being very frequently due to carelessness
in handling the eggs. The superintendent made photomicrographs of
the normal impregnated egg showing segmentation, of the unimpreg-
nated egg showing the germinal discs with no nodules of segmentation,
and of an egg with ruptured yolk-sac, destroyed by rough handling.
These were sent to the spawn-takers, so that they could understand
how easily the three classes of eggs are distinguished one from the other
under the microscope.

During the year a number of improvements were made to the grounds
and in the adjacent harbor. A sea wall, 115 feet long and from 4 to 6
feet high, was constructed on the south side of the hatchery parallel
with the shore line, and the space back of it filled in with dredgings
from the lake bottom in front. The ground was graded and seeded
and beds of plants set out, improving greatly the appearance of the
station. The space adjacent to the docks was also dredged out, so that
the steamer could come in and out at low water, and also to provide
sufficient space for wintering the vessel.

The following table gives the maximum, minimum, and mean tem-
peratures of air and water in the hatchery during the year:

Air Water. Air Water
Month. | Month.
Max. | Min. | Mean. | Max. | Min. | Mean. Max.| Min. Mean. |Max. | Min. |Mean.
| | |
|
1897. | | 1898. |
Afitlby sees 98 | 65 | 78.44 | 82 71 76.90 || January.| 55 11 | 30.87 | 33.25] 32.5] 32.58
August ..}| 8&2 | 62 | 70.2 | 81 68 72.8 || February] 58 | — 4 | 28.45 | 32.5 | 32.5 | 32.5
September 84 51 | 62.6 73.5 | 62 68.2 March... 64 20 | 40.30 | 42.5 | 32.5 35. 57
October ..- 76 44 | 56.93 | 65 54 55.7 ANH 63 23 | 45.53 | 49 38 43.95
November 55 22 | 37. 71 | 54 36 41.5 May cscs: 75 44 | 60.74 | 66 48.5 56. 90
December 54 WIE || OECD BY Eby | BRAGS BB eEVANIMG fit) acs 89} 60) 72.15 | 75 64 70. 23

NORTHVILLE STATION, MICHIGAN (F. N. CLARK, SUPERINTENDENT).

During the summer the station employees were occupied in improving
the grounds, painting and repairing the fish-cultural apparatus, and
caring for the fish on hand, Early in September the lake trout carried
through the summer were distributed in Lakes Huron, Michigan,
Superior, and interior lakes. As thecars of the Commission were occu-
pied at other points at this time, the distribution was made by means
of a baggage car, obtained through the courtesy of the officials of the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXIX

Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad. Although the fish were planted
without loss, the use of baggage cars for this purpose under ordinary
circumstances is not deemed advisable, as they are not equipped for
transportation on fast trains.

Early in August the superintendent visited the important fishing
centers on Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan to make arrange-
ments for the fall work. As a law had recently been passed by the
State legislature prohibiting all fishing for lake trout and whitefish
between November 1 and December 15, no efforts were made to secure
eggs of the latter species. Messrs. H. H. Marks and George Platts were
put in charge of the field operations, as the regular foreman, Mr. 8. W.
Downing, had been detailed to assist in the salmon work on the Pacific
coast.

The first lake-trout eggs collected were received at Northville on Sep-
tember 16, but as the temperature was unusually high at the time of
shipment they proved a total loss. Eggs continued to arrive all
through October and until November 8, most of them being in excellent
condition. The shipments aggregated 12,014,000, over 5,000,000 of
which were taken in the Georgian Bay. Of the balance, 4,938,000 were
obtained from the fisheries on the north shore of Lake Michigan near
Manistique, within a period of ten days, 500,000 from the southern and
992,000 from the northern shore of Lake Superior.

The results from Lake Superior were disappointing, as large collec-
tions had been expected from that section. No efforts were made to
attend the fisheries at Beaver Island, one of the most productive sec-
tions in past years, as the trout in that vicinity do not spawn usually
before November 1. Letters received from fishermen during the latter
part of October, however, indicated that large numbers of spawning
fish had made their appearance, and it is possible that many eggs can
be secured there in the future during the closing days of that month.
The eggs were packed in cases and forwarded from the field stations
direct to Northville by freight, as usual, one of the employees meeting
the boat on its arrival at Detroit. Shipments of eyed eggs, aggregating
4,535,000, were made between October 9 and December 28 to other sta-
tions of the Commission, State fish commissions, and foreign applicants,
1,500,000 of this number being sent to the Alpena hatchery. The eggs
commenced hatching early in December, and on January 1 a carload
of fry was deposited in the Straits of Mackinac. No other shipments
were made until February, when 3,492,000 were disposed of. A few of
these were given to private applicants and the remainder deposited at
various points in the Great Lakes, on the natural spawning-grounds.

It was intended to carry the balance of the fry (250,000) until fall,
but the tanks became so overcrowded in May that it became necessary
to distribute 50,000 of them. These had made a remarkable growth
during the three months they were retained in the troughs, and when
planted they were 3 inches in length. At the close of the year there
remained on hand 160,244 fingerlings, the average weight of which was
4¢ pounds per 1,000.

LXXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

As the stock of brood-fish of the brook trout at the station was very
small, arrangements were made with the Michigan Fish Commission to —
make collections on the Au Sable River. A field station was opened on
that stream late in September, and under the direction of Mr. A. T.
Stewart 10,000 fish were captured, chiefly by means of seines, hook and >
line being used only where they were scattered. ‘They were confined in
two ponds, and during the fall 516,400 eggs were obtained from them
and transferred to Northville, the shipments being so arranged as not |
to hold the eggs longer than the eighth day, as experiments in 1895
demonstrated that they could be moved with safety up to that time.
The eggs collected at this point were not so good as those taken from
the brood-fish at Northville, and cost about $1 per 1,000 delivered at
the station.

From the two-year-old brood-fish 128,350 eggs were obtained, 304
females yielding an average of 422 each. The fry commenced hatching
early in December, and on February 3 a shipment of 100,000 was sent
tothe Au Sable. Various other plants were made from time to time
until March 23, the total distribution aggregating 228,000. At the
close of the year there remained on hand 15,000 fingerlings, their aver-
age weight being 64 pounds per 1,000.

The Loch Leven trout commenced spawning October 15, and from
that time until the 27th of November 74,525 eggs were collected from }
75 females. The eggs were of poor quality, due, it is thought, to the
advanced age of the fish. Shipments aggregating 25,000 were made
to private applicants; the balance were hatched, and at the close of
the year there were 4,715, of an average elelet of 2.8; pounds per
1,000. There are also 2.969 two-year-old fish in stock, which will spawn
during the coming season.

The steelhead fingerlings on hand at the commencement of the year
were retained at the station until March, 1898, when 3,500 were planted
in the Pere Marquette River and Cold Creek, and 200 of them were
transferred to the Omaha Exposition. It is intended to rear the bal-
ance for breeders, aS an experiment. These fish did not attain as
great a growth as the rainbow, Loch Leven, or brook trout raised under
the same conditions, but reports from various sections in which plants
have been made indicate the capture of quite a number of specimens
measuring from 10 to 12 inches, especially in the Pere Marquette River.
None of these specimens have so far been identified, however. On
April 19 a shipment of 95,880 eggs was received from Fort Gaston,
Cal. These were hatched, and the 75,000 fry resulting from them were
planted during the month of May in Little Manistee River, Manistee
County, near Grand Rapids, Mich., and various streams tributary to
Lakes Huron and Michigan.

A few breeding black bass transferred to this station two years ago
are still in stock. They spawned early in June, but as there were no
suitable ponds for the reception of the fry, no efforts were made to
rear them.

PLATE XVII.

(To face page LXXX.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

DULUTH HATCHERY.

bet,
eg a
aim Ve

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXI

The following table shows the number of fish on hand at the close of
the year:

Calendar year in which fish were hatched.

Species. 1894 or

1898. 1897. 1896. 1895. ator

Ta hn) < (Tl nae SS ROSA OR SS EEE OOR TOC DE DOOUDOCODOCOORBO RSC rco tc T5AGOO)| ele 2i'| s TOO 8 Re ceeteiee lperten mee
TPO HUUIOVOMILOUGs 5 -- sc n\cccocclsce cae teceercucesensansscuse 4,715 24 VY A ecoasas 293 16
[LSA mA soak CSS SSS OOUORED DEOUCD EDO DOP SOS REDE Se Sorereocoo UGS eee oS ooedlloeoancas |---+2-0-|--------
ERB IHUERHSET OW Unease o acio sels ee ewiclsicleieeiciae rlciciaiw'e(-acviai=nl=i=i= 7, 000 OI Beseese Beneeeae Seances
PRTIRURL EOI hanes secs aia cree nee eine cis cieeinnioie mom's sista = = alam iaral| = = elnino erate SOO be Scrat] £12 <\stotetecfarerecsateres
PESOS eee ciate e cae cists ci cinins oie eels nin se iveaivinwloewiels is wiiclein' | oaiat='n10)eleinle 124 SON oc cetace| maase ssc
TUPI Ss Sages donnccoc beac ceo Ueoo ses odsonU ppsocossoone 187, 559 6, 213 1, 280 293 16

ALPENA STATION, MICHIGAN (FRANK N. CLARK, SUPERINTENDENT).

In addition to.a number of minor repairs made during the summer,
anew floor was laid in the hatchery, the batteries were rebuilt, and
new tanks were purchased and installed. This work was directed by
Mr. W. W. Thayer, in the absence of Mr. S. W. Downing, the foreman.
No speciai efforts were made to collect whitefish eggs, owing to the
passage of a law prohibiting fishing from November 1 to December 15,
but 480,000 were obtained from fishermen in the vicinity; 10,000,000
were also transferred from Put-in Bay during the month of December.
The fry commenced hatching on April 7 and finished April 16. The
entire lot was planted in Lake Huron with the exception of 500,000
deposited in Clear Lake.

Attention is called to the following instance, as indicating to what
extent whitefish eggs may increase in bulk after having been placed in
the hatching-jars. On November 15 a spawn-taker secured 56 ounces
of eggs from one whitefish, as measured 10 hours afterward. They
were placed in a jar by themselves and left undisturbed until March 7
except to clean off the dead ones, when they were again measured and
found to contain 64 ounces.

In addition to the whitefish hatched at the station 1,500,000 lake-
trout eggs were transferred from Northville. These were hatched in
February and the fry resulting from them were planted in March at
various points on Lakes Huron and Michigan.

Mr. Downing returned to the station on October 26 and remained in
charge until the close of the year, when the hatchery was dismantled
and the hatching apparatus cleaned, painted, and put away for the
season.

DuLuTH STATION, MINNESOTA (S. P. WIRES, SUPERINTENDENT).

During the summer 240 fry troughs, 7 feet 5 inches long, 11 inches
wide, by 7? inches deep, were constructed for the lake-trout work; the
grounds in front of the hatchery were plowed, partially graded, and
the old carp ponds filled in; repairs were made to the supply tank and
hatching-room, and the flume leading from Leslie River, which had been
damaged by freshet during the past summer, was rebuilt.

0, in, Cea

LXXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The lake-trout season opened the middle of September and closed
the 9th of November, 7,007,000 eggs of excellent quality being secured
from the following points:

Locality. Number. Locality. Number.
Port Caldwell, Ontario. .-...-..-.-.---- 800, 000 || Long Point, Isle Royale, Mich ......-. 740, 000
Port ArthurrOntario: --ceceas=e ene 2,346, 000 || Grand Portage, Minn -..-..-.......... 260, 000
Little Todds Harbor, Isle Royale, Mich.| 460,000 || Washington Harbor, Isle Royale, Mich. 800, 000
Fishermen’s Home, Isle Royale, Mich.. 475,000 || Ontonagon, Mich . .........s-eeceece- 1, 000, 000
Siscowet Bay, Isle Royale, Mich ..-....- 126, 000

A shipment of 480,000 eyed eggs was transferred to the Manchester
Station; the balance were hatched and deposited on the spawning-
grounds where the fish were captured, the distribution extending from
early in April to June 22.. The output amounted to 5,143,000 and the
total loss of eggs and fry to 1,384,000.

An effort was made to collect whitefish eggs in the neighborhood
of Port Arthur, but only 200,000 could be secured prior to the close
of the fishing season on November 1. Spawn-takers were also sent to
Basswood and Crooked lakes, Minnesota, but no eggs were obtained.
Many fish were captured at these points, but no ripe ones were found,
which indicated that the fishing in the vicinity is not on the spawning-
grounds. The eggs obtained at Port Arthur were of poor quality and
yielded only 98,000 fry; these were planted near Isle Royale.

During January 100,000 brook-trout eggs were received from Lead-
ville, from which 92,550 fry were hatched and planted in the waters
of Minnesota and South Dakota. Consignments of steelhead eggs,
amounting to 150,000, arrived from Fort Gaston in April. They were of
good quality and produced 130,000 fry, which were liberated in suitable
streams emptying into Lake Superior.

MANCHESTER STATION, Iowa (R. 8S. JOHNSON, SUPERINTENDENT).

As soon as the appropriation of $4,216 became available, work on
the buildings and grounds was resumed, under the direction of the
superintendent. During the summer and fall of 1897 and the spring
of 1898 three large stock-ponds were excavated and graded, the ponds
being connected with wooden flumes to get a circulation of water from
one to the other. Owing to the large amount of sand in the soil, it was
afterwards found necessary to line the bottom of one of the ponds
with clay; but the results were not satisfactory. Seven large rearing-
ponds, 80 by 20 feet, were graded and the sides lined with 2-inch
hemlock plank. The bottoms were covered with clay, and on this was
spread 4 inches of muck. They were arranged in tiers, so that the
water could pass from the upper ones into the lower. Twenty-four
small rearing-ponds,7 by 22 feet, were constructed in a similar manner,
and twelve existing ponds of the same kind, previously lined with
stone, were remodeled and wood lining substituted. Connections were
also made from the lower reservoir for supplying the large and small
rearing-ponds. In order to avoid a recurrence of damage from freshets,

PLATE XVIII.

(To face page LXXXII.)

Report U.S. F. C. 1898.

DULUTH HATCHERY, NURSERY

TROUGHS, AND STOREHOUSE.

a ay

ae i |

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIII

the wagon-bridge was raised 14 feet and extended 20 feet, a new stone
abutment being built on the west side of the branch; the roadway was
raised to the same height and a dry stone wall built along the road to
prevent washouts.

For the protection of the 14-inch water-supply pipe and ponds a dry
stone wall was also built along the spring branch. All of the grounds
around the buildings and ponds were graded and terraced, and road-
ways were built from the main entrance to all the buildings and ponds.
These roadways were graded and bedded with gravel, and surface
gutters of stone were provided. Thenecessary fences were also erected
alongside the country road from the Fish Commission reservation to
the main highway, and all of the lands were sown with blue grass and
white clover. Anhydraulic ram, for forcing water to the dwelling, mess-
house, and barn, was placed in the hatchery. All of the dead timber
on the reservation was cleared up and converted into stove wood. An
orchard, consisting of assorted apple, cherry, plum, and pear trees,
blackberry, raspberry, currant, and gooseberry bushes, strawberry
plants, and grapevines, was set out south of the dwelling-house.

As soon as the ponds had been completed, in the latter part of
October, arrangements were made to collect brood-fish from open waters
in the State. Supplies of large-mouth and small-mouth black bass, rock
bass, crappie, and rainbow trout were obtained from the rivers in the
eastern part of Iowa. All of the breeding-ponds were planted with
Ceratophyllum, Elodea, Ranunculus, water lily, and other aquatic plants,
and artificial nests and piles of gravel were located at suitable points
in the three large stock ponds and in the 80-foot rearing-ponds. The
spawning: beds were partitioned off with inch-mesh wire netting, so that
the young fish, by passing out into the main ponds, might escape the
depredations of the adults.

The small-mouth bass placed in Pond Z began nesting on the gravel
beds on May 2, and a number of nests were observed between that
time and June 1. The first fry appeared on May 24, and though quite
a large number of nests were seen the indications are that the crop
will be small, owing to the difficulty of keeping the ponds full of water
and to the absence of the natural food necessary for very young fry.

The large-mouth black bass collected from the Maquoketa River and
in the vicinity of Quincy, IIl., suffered severe losses during the winter,
owing to injuries received in transportation. In the spring 180 remained
on hand, which were placed in Ponds X and Y. The majority of these
fish spawned on mud bottoms, only a few of them using the gravel, and
in no instance were the artificial nests occupied. The first eggs were
noted on May 11, but no fry were observed until June 1. At the close
of the spawning season the adult fish were removed from the breeding-
ponds, so as to give full range to the fry. No effort was made to deter-
mine the exact number on hand at the close of the year, but it is believed
that the results will be good, notwithstanding the fact that owing to
the very scanty growth of aquatic vegetation natural food is not as

LXXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

abundant as it should be. The maximum temperature of the water in
these ponds between April 1 and June 1 was 78°; minimum, 48°.

In the spring the 180 adult crappie remaining were placed in three
of the 80-foot ponds. They were observed nesting on May 11, and
though a number of nests were noticed between that time and June 4
no young fish were discovered.

A supply of rock bass was also placed in one of the 80-foot ponds.
They commenced te spawn about the middle of May, and at the close of
the year several schools of young fish were seen in this pond.

In addition to the rainbow trout on hand at the beginning of the
year, 1,000 yearlings were received from Neosho in November. These
arrived in excellent condition and were placed in the ponds with the
others to be reared. In January and February two consignments of
eges, amounting to 44,720, were received from Neosho, which produced
30,364 fry. Of these, 4,000 were distributed to applicants in Iowa and
26,363 remained on hand at the close of the year. During the fall 85
2-year-olds and 74 yearling rainbow trout were collected from one of
the streams in the vicinity of the station and added to the brood stock.

All of the brook-trout streams in the eastern and northern parts of
the State were examined during the summer, with a view to making col-
lections of eggs and brood-fish, but at no point could sufficient numbers
be found to justify the expense of establishing a field station for the
collection of eggs. 513 adult trout were secured, which yielded 38,592
eggs during October. In addition to these, 100,000 brook-trout eggs
were purchased in Massachusetts, which arrived in excellent condition
in January and produced 83,700 fry. During the spring 19,000 brook-
trout fry were distributed, and at the close of the year there remained
at the station 79,595 fry. Consignments of 480,000 lake-trout eggs
from Duluth and 50,000 grayling from Bozeman were transferred to
this station. The lake trout arrived with a loss of only 723; subsequent
losses, amounting to 42,600, occurred, however, during incubation.

The fry which resulted from these eggs, amounting to 437,000, were
planted in public waters during the spring, with the exception of 400
which were held for experimental purposes. The grayling eggs, which
arrived in fair condition, hatched in June with a loss of 8,710. They
appeared to be strong and healthy. though it is difficult to induce them
to take artificial food.

The stock on hand at the close of the year was as follows:

Calendar year in which hatched.
Species. SSE
1898. 1897. 1895. 1894.

BLOOKSPLO tise cic aie canner neiociee Samiace ace eamineer ae [-1- inialsicteniaineetee 79.595: )\Seenenae 288 198
aT DO WaUrOlUb o2 ote sin cinta cietele late eicee onto en neice ee nlein(ele wim n'a ee eee ete 26, 865 BPO Ol acoA hosciose
Meat KR OUGLO MU seo oa cnc siwcicine ceteie eels sale mae nee See eninem cence <eiteea at PL RS asa lscoomciaa| be sess:
(Gra th htne -< So eon ORO ER Ee Bean nia ae ne ear ercee Stnccocboaabeerbossasce EUECTIE Beeiysciae| neaccoae Peeepooc
TochwvaveneurOit sc). «cc <a:ccioe coin al obo ciee ee ebtinee ssa icin ec eleieal | Bete rete Seen 419). cee
Mar gze-mMOutolDlaACkK DASS ooacek nema cto eee oe ceeee lela eines ate tatnts iets ol melita tml Fis beet cacaneee 175
rtd Garvoyag debe keV 24] bf: tl: RRP e eta eB OSE See os Cac Cen HORS COSSBe Scene eccococcoe edoceos- lsashsose 38
N F(a (eo) fe) of sts ihe a eee ee ee Sean om ea abmca) bhccooor od odccco 5 peccGo53 24
Crappicseccmelscin ac eeodels s <ccsseianiaiane saaeiegite saiainsimstam aiminlmiedlare = stent | eet eit | 2 aeteeiets | ienceea i79

‘VMO! “YSLSSHONVA LY SGNOd Ssva

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

(To face page LXXXIV )

PLATE XIX.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXV

It is believed that large numbers of young black bass and crappie
could be collected from the overflowed lands along the Mississippi
River in the vicinity of Bellevue, Iowa, and it is recommended that
investigations be made with the view to establishing a collecting sta-
tion at that point.

QuINCY STATION, ILLINOIS (S. P. BARTLETT, SUPERINTENDENT).

The spring of 1897 opened with cold rains, which continued at fre-
quent intervals until July, and apparently affected the spawning of
black bass in the vicinity of Meredosia, as very few fry were observed.
Great difficulty was consequently experienced in making the usual col-
lections; even at the commencement of operations the fish captured
from the overflowed ponds and lakes measured from 5 to 7 inches in
length, showing they had hatched the previous year. As the season
advanced the weather became extremely hot and dry, and continued so
until late in October, making it difficult to transfer fish from the ponds
to the station.

As a result of the operations for the season 25,139 black bass and
3,468 crappie were delivered to the cars for distribution.

The weather conditions during the spring of 1898 were much more
favorable, the rivers being high early in the spring and remaining in
that condition long enough for the bass and other fish to deposit their
eggs in the interior lakes and sloughs. While engaged in collecting
two carloads of fishes in Meredosia Bay in May and June for the Omaha
exposition, large numbers of young bass were observed, and 5,000 were
easily caught and transferred to the ponds at the station.

The property at Meredosia is in good condition. The buildings were
painted during the year, the grounds seeded, and other steps taken to
improve the appearance of the station.

NEOSHO STATION, Missouri (H. D. DEAN, SUPERINTENDENT).

At the beginning of the year 90,725 rainbow-trout fry were on hand,
but losses occurred during the summer and fall, which reduced the
number for distribution in October to 75,850. Of these, 72,850 were
deposited in public and private waters, 2,000 were retained for brood
stock, and 1,000 were transferred to Manchester Station. The brood
stock on hand consisted of 1,580 three-year-olds, 311 four-year-olds, and
209 from five to ten years old. From 321 ripe females three years of age
a total of 188,320 eggs was secured, an average of 586 each; 154 of the
old fish produced a total of 216,815, an average of 1,400 per fish. Of
the former, only 43 per cent were good; of the latter 58 per cent.

The first eggs were secured in December, and collections continued
from that time until March 1, the total take amounting to 405,435. Of
these, 207,814, or 51 per cent, were eyed. At the close of the year there
remained on hand 92,200 fry, 14,000 having been distributed in April
and May.

The poor quality of the eggs may be attributed to some extent to the
fact that the fish were kept during the spawning season in ponds with-

LXXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

out raceways; consequently it was necessary to handle them daily in
order to select the ripe ones.

Of the 11,326 black bass on hand in July, 10,151 were distributed
during the fall. The distribution was very successfully accomplished,
the loss amounting to almost nothing. During the summer it was
noticed that one trough of fish in the hatchery were not doing well.
They were transferred to another trough in the spring branch which
was supplied with warm water, and in a few days they were thriving.
In October 100 of the adult bass collected from Meredosia Bay were
transferred to the station. They were placed in the ponds, and were
taught in a few days to take artificial food: At first lish cut in large
pieces was fed to them along with minnows; after a short time the
minnows were omitted, liver being mixed with the cut fish, and a few
days later they were taking liver and beef without trouble. When
the pond was drawn in March, 98 of this lot remained.

Owing to the roily condition of the water during the spring, spawn-
ing was observed in only one instance. Large numbers of fry were seen
in the ponds later, but no attempt was made to transfer them, as the
water contained an abundance of natural food. Contrary to the usual
practice, the ponds were kept full of water during the winter, and at
the spawning time they were abundantly supplied with vegetation and
insect life. A few young fish were transferred to the hatchery for
experimental feeding, and no difficulty was experienced in teaching
those over half an inch in length to take food.

When the distribution of rock bass was made in the fall, 13,618 fish
remained of the 14,850 on hand in July. In the spring, when the pond
was drawn to prepare it for the breeders, 1,950 young bass were taken
out which must have hatched there late in the fall. Spawning occurred
at the usual time and numbers of young fry appeared later.

The results of last season’s work with strawberry bass and crappie,
though not so large-as had been hoped for, were the most successful
so far attained at the station. Of the 10,630 fry on hand from the
hatch of the previous spring, 56 per cent, or 5,962, were distributed in
the fall. It is very difficult to handle these fish in warm weather, and
it is also hard to teach them to take food. In the spring 62 strawberry
bass were placed in pond 14 and 11 crappie in another pond.

The following table shows the number of fish on hand at the close of
the year, and the maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures to which
the various species were subjected:

Calendar year in which] Temperature to which
A subjected.
Species. as : a aD E
1898. 1897. 1895. Max. Min. | Mean.
oF Oe Pobs
Rain DOW son vcacccncsncncennaneccnspansccsscsantcanene 92,200 |} 1,974) 1,200 75 46 | 58.34
ISO TEE GL Hose anoconuacbododocaEncoscedaoccsaccos|koocssoe 95 198 91 32 =| 60.79
PROG Ka DSS Speer tetatsiniolate otic ote nie elemento tte te iateteiete eictetate| erin 1, 950 92 89 36 =| 58.25
OnE. 455-6 daa ODDO OOEOOOnE rE eee cOpderononcaasocuEl|scocneodl|ssocdaae 11 87 32 59. 10
SEA OA LIT SaGogcanpcoddooucioncobeLacenouagdude| accuser 71 60 90 33 58. 22

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXVII

The following table shows the air and water temperatures and the
amounts of rain and snow as recorded by months:

Ake Saintes
Month. Max.) Min.) Mean. precint: Snow. Month. Max.) Min.| Mean. EroeiD yy Snow.
1897. 1898.
Inches.| Inches. Inches. | Inches.
July ........- 95 49 77.75 800 Remarc January ...-| 70 14 39.47 Bye eu leemere
August...-.-. 96.5 | 49 74. 28 Ata? (Di seeee February 68 6 41, 23 47 31
September ...| 96.5 | 34 (era RaApemsdpocceias March ...... 76 16 47. 90 7.46 1
October ..---- 91 28 63.71 SUNN lgneGadc LASPTAN eecle ois 84 23 54. 60 2297 eetowe
November..-..| 75 14 48. 55 Si llomeeiatals WEN iss sooner 88 38 C7eLON LO FAS) |S cters
December. ...| 70 12 34, 66 2.71 3 JUNG sevics ce 91 59 75.70 A738) see's

During the summer many needed repairs and improvements were
made in the hatchery and annex, including the construction of lockers
in the carpenter shop fer the storage of tools and as receptacles for
fish food. It was found necessary to reline many of the ponds, nothing
having been done to them since they were constructed in 1889. The
material used was 14-inch matched pine dipped in boiling tar. New
standpipes of the same material were constructed where needed, an
additional 6-inch supply pipe was laid from the spring to the hatchery,
and a pool 5 feet by 40 feet was built at the head of pond 5. Two new
plank pools were also built—one at the head of No. 5 for storage and
the other between Nos. 15 and 16—and a small egg-shaped pond was
constructed at the head of No. 16.

San Marcos Station, Texas (J. L. Leary, SUPERINTENDENT).

In July the employees of the station resumed the distribution of fish
to applicants in the State, and disposed of 14,500 black bass and 3,700
rock bass. The distribution was again taken up April 25, 1898, and
continued until June 3, during which period 17,100 black bass were
handled, making a total distribution during the year of 31,600 black
bass, 3,700 rock bass, and 50 crappie.

In making these plants the employees traveled 15,549 miles, 11,549 of
which were free. The distribution was very successfully accomplished,
but few fish being lost.

During the winter collections were made from the San Marcos and
Blanco rivers to increase the stock of brood-fish. The bass com-
menced nesting on February 10 and were still spawning at the close of
the fiscal year. Most of the eggs were deposited on clay bottom,
though a few of the fish used the piles of gravel which had been placed
in the pond. The fry commenced to hatch in February, and by April
many were 24 inches long. Their food was similar to that used during
the past year, consisting largely of young mud shad, minnows, salted
fish roe, and such natural food as the ponds contained.

The crappie and rock bass commenced nesting during the latter part
of March and many of them had not finished spawning at the close of
the year. Young rock bass about an inch in length appeared in large
numbers in the ponds, but no crappie have been seen. Once or twice

LXXXVIII_ REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

during the season the crappie seemed to suffer from an affection of the
eyes. This was attributed to the clear, shallow water, and was partly
overcome by partitioning off a part of the pond and placing in this space
a lot of carp, which stirred up the mud and kept the water cloudy.

In order to increase the food supply at the station a pond, 14 acres in
area, was constructed during the summer, so arranged as to have a
very large area of shallow water; it was nearly oval in shape, and varied
in depth from nothing to 9 feet at the stand-pipe. It was supplied with
water by means of a hydraulic ram placed at the lower end of the grounds
near the river and operated by the overflow of the upper ponds, the fall
being 33 feet. By this means an average of 50,000 gallons of water per
day enters the pend, and so far it has been kept full constantly, though
the weather was very dry for six months of the time and the evapora-
tion and absorption great. The ram has been running steadily since
October 7, and has required very little attention except to keep the
screen clean. This pond has proved a great success, both for the pro-
duction of food and for rearing bass. The large area of shallow water
provides a great quantity of insect life and a safe retreat for young
fish. When sudden changes of temperature occur, the fish seek the
deep water.

The construction of four additional ponds was commenced during
the spring near the southwest end of the grounds; each of them will be
4 acre in area and similar in character to the one built during the pre-
vious summer. A water-wheel was also built on the river to supply
water to this new system. The water will be pumped into a distributing
reservoir and conducted from there to the ponds by gravity. The
grounds have been improved by planting Bermuda grass and shade
trees, and a small orchard of pear, apple, plum, and other fruit trees
was set out in the fall. These are doing well, only four having died
during the year.

At the close of the year the stock on hand was as follows:

Calendar year in which hatched.
Species. =
1897. | 1896. 1894. 1893.
Blacks bass: case cionceisea cc fe cais' niece a/nclaiailae eia’s acraipmnieisielninias ejsisiometers 9, 000 | 50 67 99
JRC ME Chetan coomSconnaaacn coon oO cboCEadeaonclepaceosanosascuoosaned poodnage |becooose 2.009 Seer
Cra plete ccisite erste mee cet emimlste ticle are stains are ors Oe winreie aratnteteiste seteys bP Alepaoacsc 100 100
WHEGL itp eaeacochsaccoUeddecone bodoLO Gancboacadabcucootgancooccdasd|losoScccd|lssoopase 2000 | Serer

LEADVILLE STATION, CoLoRADO (E. A. TULIAN, SUPERINTENDENT).

The usual arrangements were made with the owners of Wellington,
Decker, Oneva, and Musgrove lakes, and Gale, Smith, and Ridgway
ponds for collecting brook-trout eggs, the owners to receive half of
those obtained. Early in October the first eggs were secured from the
stock-fish at the station, and from that time to the close of the season,
or until work was stopped by ice, operations were actively pushed at
all the points mentioned.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. LXXXIX

The results are shown in the following table:

=, Eggs Ta Brook-trout

Bource, collected. Eggs lost. fry hatched.
He nia WIE CURT) ns coon OOO Se OB TONDO Copmocdooercbrepasee seseace se *428, 000 108, 920 22, 080
Ol eNgr LUST ea Sece 6 Ge DOG Ee ROO EnbnOe BOUS RSo babs Coe SDOCaaCrHeno 256, 780 8, 830 247, 950
GID SISHigM ee sh eee eee ele cee cet mls Seale ice coc\s cleo mueleicis=—einm wicnime= 109, 600 7, 660 109, 940
SRD ntl Errante teria (alot a inta clei inie ciaeeie)a(ela/e aiale/a(serein (einen ciaic\ciaie/aim\s 262, 900 10, 650 252, 250
Ridgway’'s fish ............-----.-..------ +--+ 2-2-2202 nese ene 202, 400 82, 400 120, 000
Wellington IL@1ERG) = ceicpgderguesconaloornnadosanceseasneese sondec¢ 854, 100 137, 130 716, 970
Wanye STEIN cae Seen otbsedoeccoecesbocssenoscedgacesrececoce 88, 100 34, 520 53, 580
MNS Pre aicles Sate le a. ote cinivis ciaieiele elejo'a Gin eininiri= sicieiwisiei= em me inle melee 96, 900 53, 140 43, 760
RUT oO WEIN ete Seacoen godQn ocaeApeosabob seca poscubeddssce 801, 520 349, 870 451, 650
2 Rte Sean OeOB COREE OnE Ooo Colona aStedanbobooesepoosesoes 3, 100, 300 793, 120 2,010, 180

*297,000 eggs of this lot shipped from station.

The total collection exceeded that of the previous year by nearly
1,000,000. The superintendent and foremen performed all the work of
taking and fertilizing the eggs, and, except those from Musgrove and
Decker lakes, they were of excellent quality, considering the conditions
under which they were taken. The large loss on those from Musgrove
Lake was undoubtedly due to the necessity of crowding the fish into a
very small pond and holding them there for several weeks to ripen.
The poorest eggs were obtained from fish that had been held a consid-
erable time before spawning. All of the eggs were transferred to the
Leadville Station to be hatched, and during the spring 581,000 of the
fry were distributed in public waters and supplied to applicants in
Colorado and Utah; 930,900 were turned over to the owners of the
various lakes from which collections were made, and 340,000 were held
for distribution in the fall. Shipments of the eyed eggs, aggregating
172,000, were made in January and February to private hatcheries in
Utah, Montana, Washington, and California, and 150,000 were trans-
ferred to other stations of the Commission. The capacity of the hatch-
ery was severely tested by the large collections, and in April it was
found necessary to erect a number of temporary troughs. The finger-
lings on hand at the beginning of the year (241,465) were carried in
troughs and ponds until September, with a loss of 69,365, when they
were distributed in public waters in the Northwestern States.

Of the Loch Leven trout fry on hand in July, 8,000 were distributed
in October, leaving 2,000 on hand January 1; these will be held for
brood stock. There were also 4,170 two-year olds on hand in July, but
severe losses during the summer reduced the number to 1,870 at the
close of the year. The brood-fish commenced spawning October 14,
and during the fall produced 53,100 eggs, which hatched with a loss of
9,720, or about 18 per cent. When the eye-spots developed 15,000 of
the eggs were shipped, and at the close of the year there were 25,100 fry.

On September 1 the 21,695 fry remaining from rainbow-trout eggs
hatched during the summer were distributed with little loss. In April
26,800 eggs were collected from Loveland Lake, but the majority of
them were lost in incubation. This was undoubtedly because the
fish were’ held in a small crate for some time before they were ready to

XC REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

spawn; they weighed from 5 to 8 pounds, and many of them became badly
bruised. Arrangements have been made to construct a large pond for
this purpose in future. There are a large number of fish in the lake,
and as they are apparently in good condition, there is no doubt that

it will prove a good field for collecting eggs of this species.

The brood-fish at the station yielded 15,300 eggs in May, 9,000 of
which were shipped in June.

No effort was made to collect eggs at Uneva, as ice remained on the
lake much later than usual, and when it finally disappeared it was found
that the majority of the fish had spawned.

No collections of yellow-fin trout eggs were made this season, and all
of the fry on hand at the beginning of the year were planted during
the fall. There were also at the station 289,600 black-spotted trout
eggs and 164,680 fry. Of these, 124,900 fry and 29,500 eggs were the
result of collections made at Freeman Lake. In the fall 270,000 of
the 273,000 fingerlings available for distribution were planted in the
waters of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, South Dakota, and
Nebraska. The remainder were placed in one of the small ponds at
the station, but all except 400 escaped into Rock Creek.

On account of the uncertain results attending the work at Twin
Lakes during the past five or six years, and the expense connected
therewith, it has been determined to discontinue operations at that
point. The usual collections were made at Freeman Lake in June,
158,800 eggs being obtained. These were transferred with little loss to
the Leadville Station and were in the troughs on June 30.

The steck of fish and eggs on hand at the close of the year is shown
by the following table:

Calendar year in which fish were hatched.
Species. 1898.
1897. 1896. 1894.
Eggs. Fry.
IBTOORAULO UU Emtec ence warts sie ayatalnfarsleiaialeriateinclajelstsiatale eielaie||lejaisiatersteimtels 340/000) | 2 sae c= eimietellereaison eaters 195
Loch Leven trout .--.-..- te See Eee ee Bete semen saemeecctes 25, 100 1, 700 2, 300 40
iBlack-spotted\trout:. sc -secer csese eee ecaeecceeres 1631600) Be eeeese CRT pepooeciaed loosaccec
VAINDOW, CNOUWG <= seca caeeincleeots wiedinic catecmlers ctsieatets 4, 900 SNOOON Re eeeeenes lp avecactane| soneeeern
Grayling cccccens Sono aceoemoanoes buSabodeanoonedallsacoasouec 41500) 2e Scacsiestci|ials Sietsteloletaes mete

During the summer many repairs and improvements were made:
The superintendent’s cottage was painted and the 2-story frame-house
occupied by the station employees was painted, shingled, and weather-
boarded. The kitchen and mess-house were repainted and repapered
and new floors laid; material was gotten out for the building of a log
stable near the mess-house, and posts were set preparatory to fencing
in a piece of land for pasture. A 6-inch galvanized-iron pipe, 140 feet
long, for drawing water from the upper Evergreen Lake, was placed in
position in August, and the stumps and rubbish on the seining-grounds
were removed. All of the adult trout were removed from the middle
lake, which was set aside as a nursery for yearling brook and rainbow
trout.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCl

BOZEMAN STATION, MONTANA (JAMES A. HENSHALL, SUPERINTENDENT),

For the purpose of increasing the water supply during the summer,
a ditch 1,500 feet long, with the necessary head-gates, etc., was con-
structed from a point in Bridger Creek, in the canyon, to a tree supply
and settling pond located southwest of the hatchery at the head of
the large rearing-ponds, in order that the water might be used during
the summer and fall. This pond will also be supplied with water from
warm springs on the opposite side of the creek, which has a regular
temperature of 77° throughout the year.

The brook-trout and steelhead fry on hand at the beginning of the
year were distributed in August in suitable streams and lakes through-
out the State, except 3,000 brook and 10,000 steelheads reserved for
brood stock.

It having been decided not to attempt the collection of eggs at Soda
Butte Lake, Yellowstone Park, and Mystic Lake, which had been exam-
ined during the previous spring, arrangements were made to establish
auxiliary stations for the collection of black-spotted trout and grayling
eggs in the Upper Madison River, Montana, and at Henry Lake, across
the Continental Divide, inIdaho. An investigation of the streams in
the vicinity of Deer Lodge, in the Big Blackfoot Valley, was also made,
and an abundance of trout was found.

Early in March the equipment for the auxiliary stations, consisting
of 14 hatching-troughs, 600 trays, 300 screens, and 24 egg-cases, which
had been constructed by the employees of the station, was sent to
Monida by rail, thence by sleighs and dog-sleds to the points selected.
Operations were commenced at Henry Lake under the direction of
Fish-culturist Jarvis. A temporary hatchery was established in a log
cabin 15 by 15 feet, equipped with 6 hatching-troughs 8 feet long, the
water supply being taken from a spring pond in the vicinity with a
temperature of from 42° to 50°. About 6,000 trout were collected and
placed in the ponds during the early spring, but only 186,000 eggs were
obtained. Of these, 11,000 were lost in incubation, 20,000 were hatched
and planted in a tributary of the lake, and the balance (155,000) were
transferred to Bozeman.

The spawning season opened on April 6 and continued until May 30,
though the greater part of the eggs were taken between April 15 aid
May 15.

Operations at Horse-thief Springs were undertaken at the same time
under direction of Mr. A. J. Sprague, but early in April this site was
abandoned and the equipment transferred to Red Rock, Mont., 40 miles
nearer Monida and 20 miles west of Henry Lake. These stations are
on opposite sides of the Continental Divide, Henry Lake being on the
headwaters of the Snake River and Red Rock at the head of the Jef-
ferson River. The equipment here consisted of 6 hatching-troughs 8
feet long, with the ordinary trays of woven wire, mesh } inch by inch.
The water supply was from a spring about 75 yards distant, of a tem-
perature varying from 46° to 55°, As there was no building in the

»

XCII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

vicinity that could be used, an awning of canvas was erected over the
troughs.

The work was successful, over 3,000,000 grayling eggs being collected
between May 7 and June 20, Of fese 1,500,000 were hatched at the
substation and deposited in Elk Creek, an imlen of Red Rock Lake. Of
the balance, 1,000,000 were oe to Bozeman and 110,000 were
shipped to other stations.

The eggs of the grayling are much smaller than those of the trout
and measure one-seventh of an inch in diameter after fertilization.
They are very light-colored, almost crystal-clear, and are slightly adhe-
sive after fertilization, forming bunches and quickly developing fungus.
Their specific gravity was found to be less than that of trout eggs, and
from the experience gained it appears that they might be hatched or at
least eyed under pressure of water, by methods similar tothose employed
in hatching eggs of the shad and whitefish, rather than on trays. The
embryo began to show life and movement before the appearance of the
eye-spot, which occurs in from 3 to 5 days. They hatch in from 10 to
12 days at a temperature of 50°. The try are quite small, about half
an inch long, and after the absorption of the yolk-sac, which requires
about a week, they rise to the surface and swim freely. Considerable
difficulty was experienced in providing acceptable food for them, and
the loss before they commenced feeding was estimated at 50 per cent.
Those hatched at the substation and planted in the creek from which
the eggs were taken seemed to grow much faster than those in the
hatchery.

Notwithstanding the short period of incubation, little difficulty was
experienced in the transportation of eyed eggs. The consignments sent
to Manchester, Leadville, and Omaha arrived in good condition. They
were packed in the manner usual with trout eggs, except that no moss
was placed between the trays, as the least pressure on the eggs kills
the embryo. Most of the loss in shipments to Bozeman was caused by
the scarcity of ice at the auxiliary station. One shipment of green eggs
was made, butallof them died eventually, though they were apparently
in good condition on arrival.

During the spring 100,000 brook-trout eggs and 50,000 steelhead eggs
were received from the Leadville and Fort Gaston stations, and from a
private hatchery at Hudson, Wis. These were hatched as usual and
held at the station until the close of the year, when there remained on
hand the following stock of fish:

Calendar year in
which fish

Species. were hatched.

1898. 1897.
GrayMin oe A inmates cise nis Feces eee eee clclee mic rele meal moe elaieta ale Inlay chro tatararete ten a eteternee 5005000" | .s2. cee
Black-spottedtrowb. «jos craic) aioe a ajeiciowinle siaja cule icine sia@isiaicioaiccjsjein ce eviaiaine cee commmiasice 150, 000 250
IBIOOKULOMGSS = pecs scwinsade ccc coc Onces wcleo oes oie Cee eae aioe Sra als le ten aea aerate 55, 000 2, 800
Steeglhends ees seiec os < howe Se seas eee ae oe nee ee eect ee a i a Oe eee 32, 000 9, 700

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCIII

BAIRD STATION, CALIFORNIA (G. H. LAMBSON, SUPERINTENDENT).

On July 10 Mr. Livingston Stone, who had been in charge of Baird
Station almost continually since its establishment, was transferred to
Cape Vincent, N. Y., and Mr. G. H. Lambson was appointed superin-
tendent. In addition to his duties at Baird the superintendent was
detailed to assist Mr. J. P. Babcock, of the California Fish Commission,
in the management of the Battle Creek Station, having charge of all
the accounts of the latter station.

In order that the station might be in readiness for eggs from the first
run of salmon, the fishing apparatus was overhauled and repaired in
July, the filtering-tanks, corrals, seining-reel, and whim rebuilt, and
log-cabins erected for the use of the seining crew. When fishing com-
menced, on August 14, a great many salmon were noticed below the
rack which had been placed across the McCloud River at the beginning
of the year. At the first haul 15 ripe females were captured. fishing
continued without interruption until September 20, when the first run
was over. During this period 6,327 females were handled, of which
1,555 were ripe, yielding 7,000,000 eggs, an average of 4,501 per fish.

The second run commenced in October (the first haul of the seine
being made on the 7th) and continued at intervals until December 8,
2,065 females being captured, of which 506 were ripe. From this run
2,194,000 eggs were collected, a total of 9,194,400 for the season.

The following table shows the daily catch of fish, ripe females, and
eggs collected, with mean temperatures of water on fishing-grounds:

i ken. i cen,
at shike No. of | No.of pen ee No.of | No.of fae
Date. females} eggs Sua Date. females| eggs Ho
Males. | Fem. |stripped| taken. ae Males.| Fem. |stripped) taken. | ao
1897. 2 1897. ©
Aug. 15 520 351 21 | 101,120 | 56.0 || Oct. 28 67 49 1 2,000 | 46.7
17 532 311 20 97, 600 | 56.0 29 59 60 3 14,000 | 45.7
20 425 342 28 | 132,800 | 56.0 30 53 32 1 3,000 | 45.7
22 518 480 59 | 265,600 | 57.0 31 71 43 4 15,600 | 46.3
23 329 216 24 | 107,200 | 56.5 || Nov. 2 63 25 2 6,400 | 46.0
24 543 462 50 | 221,680 | 56.0 | 3 80 67 16 65,600 | 45.0
25 410 240 36 | 169,600 | 55.4 | 4 51 39 4 17,000 | 45.0
26 390 216 30 | 142,000 | 55.0 | 5 19 22 4 15,000 | 45.0
27 651 402 61 268, 400 | 55.0 | 6 40 28 4 16,000 | 43.7
28 663 405 62 | 273,000 | 54.3 | 7 76 41 3 14,400 | 43.3
29 306 | 288 35 | 163,000 | 53.6 8 21 15 2 7,500 | 42.7
30 337 | 357 62 | 278,000 | 52.7 9 29 18 2 9,000 | 42.7
31 369 | 374 76 | 350,000 | 52.7 10 22 27 3 14,000 | 44.7
Sept. 1 209 | 261 91 | 413,000 | 52.8 11 64 41 6 27,600 | 46.3
2 216 197 83 | 3869, 000 | 54.0 12 153 89 36 | 155,600 | 45.7
3 204 201 96 | 426,000 | 53.7 13 59 48 10 45,000 | 45.0
4 197 204 114 | 504,000 | 54.0 14 25 16 2 8, 000 3.7
5 119 161 91 | 411,000 | 53.0 15 27 19 3 11,200 | 41.3
6 194 203 119 | 529,000 | 54.0 | 17 43 27 5 19,600 | 42.0
7 126 128 73 | 329,000 | 53.6 | 18 28 33 6 25,000 | 43.3
8 99 | 112 66 | 291, 000 | 52.6 | 19 80 116 80 | 359,000 | 43.2
9 68 47 28 ; 126,000 | 51.6 20 131 120 39 | 177,800; 43.5
10 73 62 38 | 168,000 | 51.3 | 21 195 217 51 | 222,000 | 45.5
11 57 66 40 | 184,000 | 51.0 | 22 41 27 16 70,400 | 44.7
12 40 44 26 | 120,000 | 51.6 23 36 30 12 54,400 | 43.3
13 38 57 34 | 152,000 | 51.6 24 54 67 22 96,800 | 44.3
14 33 52 31 | 135,000 | 52.0 | 25 14 8 5 24,500 | 43.7
15 17 39 27 | 124,000 | 52.2 29 32 22 6 25,000 | 43.0
16 12 27 19 84,000 | 52.3 | 30 41 39 3 34,000 | 44.7
18 7 16 12 53, 000 | 53.2 || Dec. 1 93 91 37 | 160,000 | 44.7
20 4 6 3 12, 000 | 52.6 2 38 33 6 24,000 | 41.7
Oct. 8 62 40 1 3,000 | 51.7 3 11 8 2 6,000 | 40.7
15 83 48 il 2,000 | 47.7 4 24 15 3 10,400 | 40.7
20 67 45 1 5,000 | 47.3 6 21 16 8 33,000 | 43.0
21 54 67 2 5, 000 | 47.3 7 99 95 76 | 325,000 | 44.0
22 70 44 1 4,000 | 46.3 8 15 12 5 23,000 | 43.7
23 142 78 4 18, 000 | 46.7 SS | SS SS =
24 77 46 2 7,600 | 45.7 Total.| 10,315 | 8,392 | 2,061 |9, 194, 400
26 79 42 1 3,000 | 46.0

XCIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES,

Of the eggs collected at Baird, 6,255,000 were transferred to the Cali-
fornia State Fish Commission hatchery at Sisson, Cal., 250,000 were
shipped to France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, and 20,000 were sent to
the Tennessee Centennial Exposition at Nashville, Tenn. The remain-
ing eggs, together with 4,247,000 transferred from Battle Creek, were
hatched and planted in McCloud River with a loss of 354,600 during
incubation.

The eggs and milt were taken simultaneously in a dry pan and at once
stirred with a feather until the milt was completely mixed with the eggs,
when a small quantity of water was added and the eggs again stirred,
after which the pan was filled with water and allowed to stand until
the eggs separated. As soon as they were washed they were carried
to the hatchery and placed in baskets, 30,000 to the basket. The dead
ones were kept picked off until the critical stage arrived—that is, the
time of the formation of the spinal column, which requires from 4 to 8
days, according to the temperature of the water. During this period
the covers were kept on the troughs, and the eggs were not touched
until the young fish could be plainly seen, after which the picking was
continued until they were either shipped or hatched. When the covers
are first removed from the troughs the eggs are very dirty, being cov-
ered 4 inch deep with sediment and some little fungus. The loss is
small, however, as the under part of the egg, kept clean by the action
of the water, is plentifully supplied with air. Some fungus appears in
all baskets at this station, though the losses from this source are never
large. The picking of the eggs is done by Indian women, some of whom
become very expert. In packing eggs for local and foreign shipments
the same method was followed as heretofore.

In December a heavy rain set in, which lasted several days, and the
river became so high that the racks and wheels had to be removed,
which left the station dependent for its supply of water upon the ditch
conveying water from Wiley Creek. At the end of two weeks this
supply failed and it became necessary to resort to the steam pump for
water for the hatchery.

As the number of fish hatched at this station was larger than ever
before, it became necessary, owing to lack of trough-room, to plant a
majority of the fry before the sac was sufficiently absorbed to permit
of their swimming freely in the water. Those planted immediately
after hatching collected in large banks or schools in the shallow water
away from the swift currents, making no effort to hide or burrow under
the stones, and were observed always heading upstream. It is feared
that large numbers of them were destroyed by fish; one trout captured
at the time was found to have 43 young salmon in its stomach. Those
liberated with the sac nearly absorbed disappeared at once under the
gravel and stones and remained there until the sac was completely
absorbed, when they were observed to go out in search of food in small
schools. They then gradually worked their way out into deeper and
swifter water until they disappeared. Half a million were held in the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCV

troughs until they were ready to take food, when they were liberated
and immediately sought deep and swift water. Six months later num-
bers were caught with the fly, like trout. InJune, 1898, young salmon
of two sizes appeared in the river in large numbers, one about 14
inches long and the other from 3 to 4 inches. The first were supposed
to be the result of the last plants and the larger ones of the plant of
1896, though this is only surmise.

In hauling the seine for salmon many large rainbow trout were taken,
one weighing 10 pounds and a number from 5 to 7 pounds. These
were all returned to the water. Several Dolly Varden trout were also
captured. A number of Von Behr trout, the result of a plant of 1,500
of this species in the Upper McCloud River from the Sisson hatchery,
were caught with a fly and returned to the water.

During the spring an orchard, covering about 24 acres, and consist-
ing of apples, pears, peaches, etc., was set out and repairs made to the
foreman’s cottage and the building occupied as post-office.

The following table gives the maximum, minimum, and mean tem-
peratures of air and water at the station for the fiscal year:

Maximum.) Minimum. Mean. Maximum.} Minimum. Mean.
Month. ; Month.
ir. | Water.) Air. |Water.|Air.| Water. Air. Water.|/Air.|Water.) Air. | Water.
1897. 1898.

Stir Saanses 97 59) 73 56 | 85 57.5 || January ..| 56 43 | 35 38 | 45.5 40.5
August -..-.-.| 100 58 | 72 54 | 86 56 February -| 60 53 | 39 40 | 49.5 46.5
September .| 97 56 59 50 | 78 53 March ....| 69 59 | 43 45 | 56 52
October -...| 84 53 | 46 46 | 65 49550 PAtprilies sree 86 56 | 49 48 | 67.5 52
November..| 70 47 | 42 41 | 56 44 Maye -sc=n- 90 BOulp 2 48 | 71 52
December..| 65 45) 41 39 | 53 42 JUNereee ss 92 61 | 60 50 | 76 55.5

BATTLE CREEK STATION, CALIFORNIA (J. P. BABCOCK IN CHARGE).

During the summer the ditch used for conducting water from Battle
Creek to the hatchery was repaired, the buildings put in order, and a
contract made for the erection of a substantial retaining-rack in Battle
Creek on the site of the old temporary one operated in the past. This
work was much delayed, and, fearing that the first run of fish would
pass up the creek before the rack could be completed, a small weir was
placed at a riffle half a mile below, the material of the old 1896 rack
being used in its construction. This weir proved of great value and
remained in place throughout the season, as there were no heavy rains
to raise the creek. Trap weirs were also placed at the mouth of Battle
Creek to prevent salmon which entered it from returning to the Sacra-
mento River. The failure to provide for this in past years tended to
reduce the catch of fish very materially. The seining-grounds below
the riffle rack were cleared of snags and brush and the live-boxes placed
in the deep water below the weir.

The force engaged was about the same as that employed the year
before, consisting principally of residents in the vicinity. Mr. W. H,
Shebley had charge of the spawning and seining crews and Mr. E. W.
Hunt directed the work in the hatchery.

Seining commenced October 20 and two crews were kept busy night

XCVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and day from November 7 until the middle of December, at which time
there were still a few fish left in the creek. Only the ripe females and
such males as were necessary to accomplish fertilization were transferred
from the seines to the crates, the green fish being returned to the creek.
No record was kept of the ripe males used, as they were always in
excess of the demand. The females were thrown on the banks to die
after the eggs had been expressed from them, but the males were
returned to the live-boxes and manipulated each day until exhausted.
Such of the dead fish as were fit for food were given to those applying
for them, and over 600 wagons received fish during the season, some
of them coming from points 100 miles away.

The first eggs were secured October 22, the collections to the close
of the season being 48,527,500. The smallest take in one day was
85,000, the largest 2,220,000; the average was 1,250,000 per day. The
total number of fish spawned was 8,764. The total loss of eggs in the
hatchery was 3,395,000. The salmon handled weighed from 25 to 40
pounds, but the average weight was about 22 pounds.

The following table shows the daily catch of ripe females, eggs col-
lected, daily loss in the hatchery, and temperature of water:

Number!

Number, n Zi Ay | sl. z a o wa.
of fish | # eo Se 8|.4 of fish | 4 50 ED 8) g
taken. | = o ie (Seles taken. | & cay ee | eg eles
g Sa Oey Easel A 3 Crs Wiel Sele
Date. |e |o 2 Pia mo |S PI Fl Date. |o |o a rare a's |B) Pa 2) Ps
Re Aipe? -c EI O's os oO oO Pep. H Qa On oO o
Sell 5S a ae es Holds ;Als8 a) oer aes |
Aa s =| ca oo9\co8 =| Bile S| a G22/\o9
elses ah Le aa EES pels | Ball ye aa Saas

sf v=) y | i os] co S
eels A A A Eaies o. |S 4A A A BABS

(0) {e) ie) O°
Ove ED I PB oon coded ssaconsqadbadccacd .---|----|| Nov.30 |136 | 96 | 150 | 880,000 | 50,000 | 50} 53
PAIL IH aocaleoooelecseccoocu|leosconos .---|.---|| Dec. 1 | 85 | 55 | 228 |1, 360, 000 | 52,500 | 51 52
PPM Vel soeall) teil 455/000 5. s2 55: | 56 | 55 2 | 41 | 36 | 143 800, 000 | 57,500 | 46 50
23 | 29 |.---| 96 | 560,000 | 12,500 | 53 | 54 3 | 26 | 20 | 78} 400,000 | 55,000 | 44) 48
24 | 86 |.-..| 124 805, 000 | 17,500 | 52 | 56 4| 44 |....| 45 | 240,000 | 62,500 | 44 | 48
PA NTA |losealfi tek!) 560, 000 | 17,500 | 52 | 56 Beall (Eek an |lanasemeiooc 67,500 | 48 | 49
26 |157 |---.| 157 | 910,000 | 15,000 | 52 | 58 6 | 90 | 30 | 118 720, 000 | 62,500 | 50} 52
21198) a=-|, 00 385, 000 | 25,000 | 52 | 58 ON tts loca) 127 760, 000 | 55,000 | 50 | 51
28 |298 |..-.| 191 |1, 050, 000 | 20,000 | 53 | 58 8 | 40 | 28 | 58] 860,000 | 65,000 | 50| 51
29 |239 |.--..| 300 |1, 680,000 | 40,000 | 54 | 58 9 5 |----| 67 | 360,000 | 62,500 | 48} 49
30 |252 |- 239 |1, 400, 000 | 37,500 | 54 | 58 LONE Sae eee eal 85, 000 | 57, 500 | 50 51
31 |170 |----| 252 |1, 435, 000 | 47,500 | 53 | 58 AD) |e ars ts -| Jen cal eccee eee 67,500 | 51 51
Nov. 1 |266 |---.| 170 | 945,000 | 30,000 | 54 | 58 UP alle col eaoos loaeeceDoad 50,000 | 50 | 52
2 1174 |.--..| 256 |1, 520, 000 | 40,000 | 54 | 56 By Ok eeclleo sec NaeSsse0are 62,500 49] 50
3 |198 |.---| 182 |1, 040,000 | 37,500 | 52 | 56 | ee eeellararell All 247,500 | 70,000 | 48} 50
4 }170 |----| 200 |1, 120, 000 | 27,500 | 51 | 54 Ub iesaciteacloesed|benes=cboc 55,000 | 47 | 48
5 |176 |.---| 170 | 920,000 | 35,000 | 50 | 54 Gl Bestars | etetatel| astetete linear erates 65,000 | 45 | 48
6 |159 |..-.| 175 |1, 000, 000 | 35,000 | 50 | 52 INE lobas\lbosélpocosiocosSss5650 70,000 | 44 | 47
7 | 97 | 95 | 160 880, 000 | 87,500 | 48 | 51 US SGeqesan|soddellsecncancce 52,500 | 45 47
8 |106 |106 | 191 |1,000, 000 | 27,500 | 47 | 50 IG) ooenllocadlosobe|locccuscace 65,000 | 43 | 46
9 }110 |139 | 212 |1, 120,000 | 32,500 | 48 | 53 PAD coalleacalbocss||sadecsse st 60,000 | 43 46
10 |197 | 99 | 247 |1, 280,000 | 27,500 | 50 | 55 PAL GB aceligcccllocsocllechscdacce 65,000 | 48 | 46
11 '259 |188 | 295 /1, 487, 500 | 37,500 | 53 | 56 274 laceslonactacheallnecaseesc- 60,000 | 43 | 46
12 |143 |162 | 397 /2, 137, 500 | 62,500 | 52 | 56 2B} |ancliancd|lasaas|looacioocas: 62,500 | 44 46
13 /214 /225 | 297 |1, 560, 000 | 52,500 | 52 | 53 74:4 |e oS e\|odellbaeea||sosoncdase 65,000 | 45 | 48
14 | 67 |170 | 4389 |2, 220, 000 | 52,500 | 50 | 53 20) I. s-|n-1=] = = = Joooecasas «| 25,000 | 46 | 49
15 |107 |140 | 242 |1,170, 000 | 47,500 | 46 | 50 OX ats Seen Beeeel Bebeee seca aca (niyin|| 28.) ap
16 | 64 |154 | 250 |1, 290, 000 | 37,500 | 48 | 51 PAE | 305) oSocioermas Sa@aboceae 20,000 | 49 | 51
17 | 72 |167 | 215 /1, 142, 000 | 67,500 | 48 | 50 PAY |boocicohposaa|Shoscossse 15,000 | 48 | 50
18 /127 |110 | 242 |1, 317,500 | 37,500 | 50 | 54 PE) WWeeael|sos5)Késoe Se raicte ea = ela lity OUD) RAC eee
19 | 67 |104 | 234 /1, 275, 000 | 62,500 | 50 | 54 BD ees bod eoeee nereeseece 12,500 | 48 | 51
20 | 24 194 | 170 | 892,500 | 82,500 | 53 | 54 Fy pe Se | cae 2 a ss 7,500 | 46 50
21) 64) || 93) || 213) |1, 190, 000)))| 70; 000) | 50!) 52 \idian. TW |hscc|oenc}eeee oleae = ...-| 12,500 | 46 | 50
22 /116 |106 | 162 | 935, 000 | 72,500 | 50 | 50 Fl eRe | itee 2 eee Reem 17,500 | 47} 50
23 | 33 |172 | 221 |1, 232, 500 | 70,000 | 50 | 52 Bal Bec ae ca) cao lacsoce son5 7,500 | 47 | 50
24 |105 | 69 | 207 |1, 120,000 | 62,500 | 49 | 51 Ces eto ete esp oucc ce 5,000 | 47 | 51
25 | 33 | 40 | 170 |1,040, 000 | 65,000 | 46 | 49 pPligera Sceclaciccrs|lsoqconedios 10,000 | 48 | 50
26 | 65 | 36 78 400, 000 | 57,500 | 45 | 49 (Jil Rese Beellootdisacacocaa 15, 000 | 50 51
27 | 55.| 47 | 102 | 560,000 | 52,500 | 46 | 49 7 ee Be mal cet ot on 12,500 | 46 | 48
28 | 50 | 71 | 100 | 600,000 | 67,500 | 46 | 49 == —— |_—|_——
29 | 71 | 78 | 121 | 680,000 | 65,000 | 48 | 50 || ‘Total.'5,719)3,065 8, 784/48, 527,000 |3,395,000|....|-...
| |

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCVII

As soon as the eggs had been fertilized they were hauled in wagons
from the fishing-grounds to the hatchery (about two-thirds of a mile),
where they were placed in baskets until eyed and ready for shipment.
The first consignment was forwarded to Sisson on November 16, and
shipments continued from that time until January. Of the total num-
ber collected 24,000,000 were turned over to the California Commission,
to be hatched on the Sacramento and Eel rivers; 4,000,000 were sent to
Baird; 6,000,000 were sent east on car No. 3; 2,000,000 were transferred
to Bear Valley Station and 3,000,000 to Clackamas, Oreg.

The remaining 6,000,000 yielded 5,885,500 fry, which were liberated
in Battle Creek between December 16 and February 28, on which date
the station was closed and placed in charge of a watchman. The total
loss of eggs during incubation was 3,395,000.

In December Mr. Cloudsley Rutter was detached from Battle Creek
and ordered to Olema, Bear Valley, Cal., to hatch and liberate the
2,000,000 eggs transferred to that point. The loss during incubation
was small, 1,970,000 fry being hatched, but owing to limited facilities
for holding them in the hatchery it was found necessary to liberate them
a few days after the bursting of the shell, in Olema Creek, Papermill
Creek, Hatchery Pond, Hatchery Creek, and a brook near Inverness.

In depositing the fry, shoals or riffles were selected as the most suit-
able places. When the fry were first planted the creeks were very low,
which enabled Mr. Rutter and his assistant to observe their movements
closely. During the first nine days they moved neither up nor down
stream, but collected in groups in shallow places. At one spot from
4,000 to 5,000 were found in an eddy behind a rock. After the heavy
rain of February 1, however, no further traces of them could be seen.
On February 26 the station was closed and observations were discon-
tinued, owing to lack of funds. The grounds upon which the plants
had been made were examined again on April 10 and very few fry were
found in the creek, though enough had been planted to give 2 to every
square foot of surface from the mouth to the highest point at which
deposits were made.

Fort GASTON STATION, CALIFORNIA (W. E. DOUGHERTY IN CHARGE).

Owing to lack of rains during the summer and fall, very few salmon
and no steelheads reached the traps in the spring; consequently no
work was done at Fort Gaston. At Redwood large numbers of salinon
were taken below the rack, but owing to lack of facilities only about half
of them were used. During the year 1,410,000 steelhead eggs, 1,283,450
eggs of the chinook and nerka salmon, and 41,000 rainbow-trout eggs
were collected; 710,000 steelhead eggs were shipped to eastern stations;
the balance were hatched, and the fry resulting from the steelheads and
the salmon were liberated in Redwood Creek. The rainbow-trout fry
(35,950) were deposited in Mill, Pine, and Fish Tangatang creeks.

As these stations are practically inaccessible, it being necessary to
pack on mules all material carried in and out, and as better results can

F. R. 98——VII

XCVTII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

be secured more economically at other points, they were abandoned at
the close of the vear.

CLACKAMAS STATION, OREGON (W. F. HUBBARD, SUPERINTENDENT).

Arrangements were made to operate (in connection with Clackamas
Station) substations on the Salmon and Little White Salmon rivers;
also a hatchery belonging to the Columbia River Packers’ Propagating
Company on the headwaters of Clackamas River; and with Mr. R. D.
Hume on Rogue River.

The rack across the Clackamas was finished early in July. Hereto-
fore it had been constructed on a shallow riffle a short distance above
the station, but this season the property-owners controlling the shores
objected, and it became necessary to locate it directly opposite the
station in much deeper water. During the summer the hatchery was
overhauled and placed in thorough repair, new foundations, sills, and
flooring being laid; many old troughs, which had been used since the
establishment of the station, were replaced by new ones. The hatchery
was further improved by putting in new skylights. The water supply,
which had been very unsatisfactory in the past, was increased.

Early in September, all repairs and preparatory work having been
completed, operations were commenced, but no ripe fish were taken until
September 15. The fishing below the rack was continued every night,
but very few fish were taken and only 386,650 eggs were collected in
September. As the prospects for large collections in the vicinity of the
station were poor, arrangements were made early in October, with Mr.
G. H. Oldenburg, for collecting eggs at a point about 4 miles below the
Station, at the rate of 40 cents per 1,000,eyed; aud 824,800 were secured
from this source between October 20 and December 3, the eggs being
delivered in good condition.

Fishing operations continued until October 24, when the water in the
river rose so high that the men were compelled to stop work. They
resumed on November 7, but by this time ail the salmon in the vicinity
of the rack had spawned. Asa result of the season’s work, 1,672,275
eggs were taken from the Clackamas River.

During September 1,066,600 eggs were received from Salmon River,
and commenced hatching on the 16th. The fry from the first lot were
not as strong as usual, which was attributed to the fact that the water
at Clackamas Station, taken from Clear Creek, is between 10° and 15°
warmer than that of Salmon River. As soon as the temperature fell
there was no difference between the fry hatched from eggs collected on
the Salmon and those on the Clackamas. Between October 19th and
November 16th, 4,000,000 eggs were transferred from the Little White
Salmon in four shipments, and on January 18 another consignment of
3,000,000 arrived from Battle Creek. These were in excellent condition,
only 2,200 being lost in transit. Plants of fry were made from time to
time, commencing October 7, in Clackamas River and Clear Creek, the
last plant being made on April 28. As a result of the eggs collected at

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XCIX

the various substations and transferred to Clackamas, 10,029,796 fry
and fingerling fish were liberated in tributaries of Clackamas River.

A noteworthy experiment was tried during the season with one basket
of eggs. A lotof 20,009, collected October 30, were placed in a basket,
and on the following day 208 dead ones were taken off. The basket
was then covered so as to exclude light, and left undisturbed until the
twenty-first day, when the eggs were picked over again and 365 dead
ones removed. During the undisturbed period the top layer became
covered with sediment so thick that the eggs were not visible beneath,
but the lower side, owing to the current of water through the basket,
was perfectly clean. A larger percentage than usual of these eggs
hatched, and the fry were apparently good. This method, if it proves
practicable on a large scale, will effect not only an economy of time and
labor, but probably the saving of many eggs, as these are often killed
by picking over during the critical stage, between the ages of 9 and
15 days. In November, owing to the overcrowded condition of the
hatchery, it became necessary to provide additional room for the fry,
which were hatching rapidly. Fifty new troughs, 24 feet long, were
constructed and placed out of doors near the flume leading from the
spring. This afforded ample room for holding the fry until they had
arrived at the proper stage for planting. Two hundred thousand fry were
held until April, and when liberated in Clear Creek they were between
2 and 3 inches in length.

In December 10,000 Loch Leven trout eggs were received from North-
ville, Mich., for the Oregon Fish Commission. These were hatched and
planted at the request of Hon. H. D. McGuire during the months of
March and April in Sucker Lake, Crystal Lake, and Clackamas River.

UPPER CLACKAMAS.

This hatchery was built in the spring of 1895 by the Columbia River
Packers’ Propagating Company of Oregon, at the headwaters of the
Clackamas River, in the Cascade Mountains, about 50 miles from
Clackamas, and operated by them for two years. At the suggestion
of Hon. H. D. McGuire, fish commissioner of the State, it was turned
over to the United States Fish Commission with the understanding
that it would. be operated to its full capacity during the fall. The
hatchery is very inaccessible, and all supplies needed for the work
have to be carried in on the backs of mules or men, aS wagons can be
used only over the first 20 miles, the last 50 being only a rough moun-
tain trail. A trip to the station is difficult, requiring from two to
three days, and as the country is entirely uninhabited it is necessary
to camp en route. But the site is especially valuable from the fact
that it is the spawning-ground of the earliest run of chinook salmon in
the Clackamas River, and, except Salmon River, is the only place in
the Columbia River Basin where eggs from this run can be secured as
early as July. The station was first visited by the superintendent on
June 16, and arrangements made to commence work under direction

C REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

of Mr. King Spurgeon. The property at the station consists of two
sheds, 20 by 80 feet, which are used as hatcheries. These are cheap
structures set upon posts, without sides or floors. There is also a log
cabin 15 by 16 feet and a shanty 16 by 24 feet, made of cedar bark,
for the accommodation of the men and storage of the necessary equip-
ment for operating the station. The water supply is taken by gravity
from a small spring brook.

In order to stop the ascent of the salmon, a contract was made at
once to build a rack across the river. This was finished late in
June, and another rack was constructed over Oak Grove Creek, a large
tributary flowing into the Clackamas River below the station, where
many salmon ascend to spawn. The fish commenced collecting below
the racks before their completion, indicating that some had already
passed up. On July 1 a crew of men was employed, the station was
put in order, the troughs and baskets repaired and asphalted, the
seining-grounds cleared, and a bridge built over Oak Grove Creek.
The first collections were made on July 17, and operations continued
daily from that time to the end of the season, the fish being caught
with a seine hauled just below the rack. It was found necessary to
build a second rack a short distance below the first, to prevent the fish
from going down the river while fishing operations were in progress.
This lower rack was constructed with a trap in the center, so that the
fish might pass up, but could not return.

As the season advanced and the egg collections increased it became
apparent that the water supply from the small brook would not be
sufficient, and, as there was no way of increasing it, troughs were placed
on a gravel bar near a riffle in the river, where there was fall enough
to supply them with water from the river above; 12 hatching-troughs,
16 feet long, were placed on this riffle, and a rough shed was con-
structed over them. These troughs gave very good results, though
they were in danger of being carried away by a sudden rise in the
river; but this, fortunately, did not occur until the eggs had been
removed. It also became necessary to rearrange the troughs in the
sheds so that the water could be used over and over again, care being
taken to aerate it as thoroughly as possible, and although the results
were satisfactory, it is strongly urged that a better supply be secured
for the next season. Between July 17 and August 26, there were taken
and placed in the hatching-troughs 5,045,000 eggs. Those collected in
July commenced hatching about the middle of August, and owing to
the crowded condition of the troughs it became necessary to plant
many of them a few days after hatching. The last fry hatched on
October 15, the average period of incubation being from 34 to 35 days
for the earlier lots and 50 days for the last. As soon as trough room
permitted, the fry were held until the yolk-sac was nearly absorbed,
when they were deposited on the spawning-grounds in Clackamas River.
The station was closed when the last plant of fry was made on Decem-
ber 14, the property stored, and buildings left in charge of a watchman.

PLATE XX.

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Report U. S. F.C. 1898,

LITTLE WHITE SALMON RIVER LOOKING NORTH, SHOWING THE TWO NEW HATCHERIES, OFFICE, AND MESS-HOUSE.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. ol

SALMON RIVER.

Early in the spring of 1897 arrangements were made with Mr. Thomas
Brown for collecting quinnat-salmon eggs on the Salmon River on the
same terms as heretofore, viz: 40 cents per 1,000 for eyed eggs, the con-
struction of the rack, capture of the fish and care of the eggs until they
reached that stage to be undertaken by him, and the Commission to
furnish the necessary troughs and other hatching apparatus. The rack
was placed across the Salmon River in May, at the same point where
operations had been conducted the previous season, and another rack
was built across the Sandy River later in the season for the purpose of
turning the salmon from that stream into the Salmon River. At the
beginning of the year, wheu the racks were completed, numbers of
fish appeared below them, and indications pointed to a large collection
of eggs; but many fish were captured before the spawning season by
fishermen and others living in the vicinity, which materially reduced
the available supply.

The first eggs were taken on July 22 and the last during the latter
part of August. During this period 1,216,600 eggs were secured from
the 389 females; of these, 1,066,600 were shipped to Clackamas in four
consignments during September, and the balance were hatched and
liberated in the river near the rack.

ROGUE RIVER.

During the early spring an investigation of various sites on the
Rogue River was made by the superintendent, with a view to establish-
ing an auxiliary station for collecting quinnat-salmon eggs. A number
of sites were examined in the vicinity of Gold Hill, and a point was
selected about 12 miles above that place, the water to be secured from
an irrigation ditch connected with Rogue River; but before the arrange-
ments could be completed with the parties owning the land, who lived
at Jacksonville, Oreg., Mr. R. D. Hume, of Wedderburn, Oreg., agreed
to erect a hatchery on Rogue River and equip it, provided the United
States Fish Commission would operate it. This offer was accepted and
the site near Gold Hill abandoned. The point selected by Mr. Hume is
at the mouth of Elk Creek, about 26 miles from Central Point. Arrange-
ments were made with J.J. Pankey to build a rack across the river,
capture the fish, and furnish eyed eggs to the Commission at the rate of
40 cents per 1,000. In August a hatching-house, 24 by 50 feet, was built
on the banks of the river above, equipped with 8 hatching-troughs, 35
feet long, 12 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and with a filtering-tank 12
feet long, 4 feet wide, and 3 feet deep in oneend. The water supply was
taken from Elk Creek, its temperature being from 12° to 14° warmer
than that of Rogue River. In order to raise the water in the creek to
a sufficient height, a dam 10 feet high and 100 feet long was built about
1,800 feet from the hatchery, the water being conveyed in a 2-foot flume.

In September Mr. G. H. Tolbert, fish-culturist, was detached from
Fort Gaston Station and placed in charge of the work. The building

CII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

was completed shortly afterwards, and the presence of many salmon
below the rack atforded a fair prospect for good collections. A few
eges were taken in September, but the bulk was collected in October.
During October and November 2,027,000 eyed eggs were delivered by
Mr. Pankey. The resuits were not satisfactory, as it is believed that
there was a sufficient number of salmon in the river to have yielded
at least 5,000,000 moreif the fishing had been properly managed. One
of the principal objections to this site is that there is no deep water
below the rack in which fish can collect, and as soon as they become
frightened by the seining operations they descend the river for several
miles. The hatchery was not large enough to accommodate the num-
ber of eggs taken, and it became necessary to provide additional troughs
outside the building. Quite a heavy loss occurred during incubation;
the shells of the eggs appeared to be so tough that the fry could not
burst through. It was noticed that those obtained from the Rogue
River salmon were much larger than those collected on the tributaries
of the Clackamas, three of them laid side by side measuring 1} inches.

A great deal of rain fell during November, raising the water in Elk
Creek and carrying away about 30 feet of the top of the dam; fortu-
nately no damage resulted. On December 8 Mr. Tolbert was relieved
and Mr. J. W. Berrian put in charge. As the weather became colder, ice
and slush formed in the flume to such an extent that it was decided to
liberate all of the fry and not run the risk of losing them in the troughs.
The last plant was made on February 10, when the station was closed
and left in charge of a watchman. The total number liberated was
1,910,045; they were deposited on the spawning-grounds in Rogue River,
near Trail, Oregon. 7
LITTLE WHITE SALMON.

As the results secured the previous year indicated that large numbers
of eggs could be obtained on the Little White Salmon River, arrange-
ments were made to operate at that point on an extended scale. Mr.
S. W. Downing, foreman of Alpena Station, was detailed to assist the
superintendent, and reported for duty on July 20. The old hatchery,
which had been floated from its foundations the previous winter by the
rising of the Columbia River, was repaired and the hatching-troughs
made ready for the reception of eggs. The mess-house was rebuilt and
enlarged, and a rack was placed across the river. A new hatchery was
also commenced and completed during the month of August. This
building is a substantial structure of wood, 42 feet by 80 feet, and is
so arranged that the roof is supported by the sides of the building,
thereby leaving the entire floor space free of posts and giving more
room for hatching operations. The floor is terraced uniformly from one
end of the building in four sections, with a difference of 8 inches in
elevation from one section to the next. On each of these a row of
troughs runs lengthwise of the building, the troughs in each maintain-
ing an elevation of 8 inches above those in the next, in conformity with
the plan of the floor. They are fed with water conducted by a flume to

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CIII

a supply-trough placed against the end wall. By this arrangement all
of the troughs are at a uniform height from the floor, and the manipu-
lation of eggs is much easier than where troughs of different heights
are set upon a level. The building is lighted by skylights in the roof
and by windows in the sides and ends.

Very few fish were seen during August, but in September they began
to make their way up the river in considerable numbers. The first
spawning salmon were noticed on September 12, when fishing was reg-
ularly undertaken. Within three days afterwards over 1,000,000 eggs
had been collected. Various methods were employed in catching the
fish, some being taken with traps and others with seines. One trap
was built in the upper side of the rack, but very few fish were captured
init. The seining was done in a pool below the rack and at various
points along the lagoon. The greater number of fish, however, were
caught in traps built on the riffles some distance below the rack, into
which the fish were driven by hauling a seine downstream and forcing
them into the trap. As soon as the spawning season commenced a
large force was employed and work continued night and day. By Sep-
tember 28 all of the hatching-baskets at the station were filled with
eggs, 11,286,000 having been collected; and as there were many spawn-
ing salmon still in the river, it became necessary to provide additional
apparatus. Hatching-baskets were transferred from Clackamas Station,
and work was resumed on October 2; by the 6th these baskets had also
been filled, bringing the collections up to 12,649,000. The actual num-
ber of days on which eggs were taken was 22, making the daily average
575,000. The greatest number taken on one day was on September 22,
when 1,155,000 were collected.

In order to simplify the handling of large females, they were knocked
on the head with a club before any effort was made to strip them. This
blow stunned the fish, and it was possible to express the eggs without
any struggling or muscular contractions on the part of the fish, thereby
saving much time and labor. The eggs were fertilized in the usual way,
four men being detailed to take the fish from the corrals, strip them,
impregnate, wash, and transfer the eggs to the hatchery. Asarule, the
eggs were allowed to remain in the pan about an hour before being
washed, but with the last million obtained this period was reduced to
afew minutes. These eggs were transferred to the hatchery, and proved
to be better than any of the earlier collections.

The spawning season here lasts only a month, but during that period
the river is alive with fish, and it is believed that former collections
could be largely exceeded, as at no time was it necessary for the men
to fish more than a few hours a day. Fortunately the weather during
the hatching season was pleasant; otherwise the fish in the troughs on
the outside would have undoubtedly been killed by ice. Several severe
snowstorms occurred, but no damage was done.

On October 18 Mr. Downing was detached from the station, and Mr.
J. A. Tolbert was placed in charge as foreman. As soon as the spawn-

CIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

ing season was completed additional troughs were constructed and
placed out of doors for the accommodation of the fry. The eggs com-
menced hatching in November, and the first plant of fry was made on
December 18. Plants continued from this time until January 29, when
the last were liberated in Little White Salmon River, which is one of
the best natural spawning-grounds of the quinnat salmon. The total
number of fry planted was 7,391,000. After all had been disposed of
the station was closed, and the watchman was employed for the balance
of the year in constructing a road from the station to the county road.

SrusLtaw RIVER STATION, OREGON (L. E. BEAN IN CHARGE).

At the urgent request of the Representatives of the State of Oregon,
and with the understanding that the canners and fishermen on Siuslaw
‘River would cooperate with the U. 8. Fish Commission, arrangements
were again made to open the hatchery near Mapleton, Oreg., the owner
having tendered its use free of cost.

In August Mr. L. E. Bean was placed in charge, and arrangements
were made for collecting salmon down the river and transferring them
in live-boxes to the hatchery, to be held until ready to spawn. A rack
was placed across the north fork and another on the main river, 15
miles above the station, at the head of tide water. Crates were also
constructed for transferring the fish; they were 18 feet long, 9 feet wide,
and 6 feet deep, and so made as to exclude light, sufficient space being
left between the planks below the surface of the water to admit of the
free circulation of water.

A collection of 100 salmon obtained from the seine of Capt. William
Kyle were transferred to the boxes, but half of them were lost imme-
diately after being placed in the live-boxes, and the balance died in
transit, though the utmost care was exercised in handling them. This
method was then abandoned and collections were made by means of
gill nets and a trap fished below the rack, the trap being made of two
old seines. A few fish were caught in this way while the water was
muddy, but as soon as it became clear they avoided the traps. The
majority were taken in gill nets set in the evening and fished from time
to time during the night in the deep holes below the rack. Two nets
were used, one of which was 30 fathoms long, 7-inch mesh, and the
other 20 fathoms long, %inch mesh. On the night of October 21, 63
chinooks were taken in the two nets. The majority of those taken in
the 9-inch mesh were injured and died in a short time; the others were
held until the close of the season with comparatively small loss.

At the close of operations there were 117 ripe females and 97 males
in the live-boxes. These yielded 544,275 eggs, of which 104,000 died
in incubation, They were placed in the hatchery as soon as fertilized,
and hatched during the month of January. The 440,275 fry resulting
from them were liberated at suitable points in Spring Creek and the
Siuslaw River during the latter part of February and the first of
March.

PLATE XXI.

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Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

LITTLE WHITE SALMON RIVER, SHOWING HATCHERIES AND LUMBER FLUME.

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REPORT

OF

COMMISSIONER OF

FISH AND

DISTRIBUTION TABLES.

The following tables show the distribution of fishes by States and
Territories, and the distribution in detail by species:

FISHERIES.

CV

Résumé, by States and Territories, of the distribution and assignment of Jish and eggs.

State or Territory.

_

Species.

Eggs.

Alabama

SAONIZONG) cea ainiais pia 'eieiwi~e wla'e'je.n:s

Arkansas...---

California

Colorado.-----

Connecticut

Kansas ..--...-

Kentucky

Maryland......

Massachusetts

WdahGsesn ae ses

Rain Dow crOubs ses e<|sice anion a
Ram DOW, GLOWG. os eer a eters eel ei=)=1>
Black bass, large-mouth. ...-.--.
ROCK DASA acc sae wine miisteinc acts
Strawberry bass.-......-..------
RAND OW, CLOW sec eae aon
Black bass, large-mouth...-..--.
Rock bass
Strawberry bass..-.-......-----

uinnat salmon
Steelhead trout...-......------
Loch Leven trout.........------
RAM DOWatlOUtsa seine cesses

Black-spotted trout......-. feciats
BROOKSURO Ube som -eemeri ieee
Wellow-fini tromt!tee..s4cee 21-1
IB ache DaASsa=..6=sc cess aes
Shad
Atlantic salmon
Landlocked salmon...-.-....-----
RaiM Ow, oO Mbes sees eeeee eee eee
BrookGroube ssc. eee ee ae
WialceyGnOWtss =~ ce =e se esineeeseeenis
Black bass, large-mouth. --.----
Shad

Biack-spotted trout.-......---..
Brooktrowbs =e. -eeece eee
ake trowtscasseeeee cece eases
Black bass, large-mouth. --...--
Crappieressee oneness eeee
ochieven troutss-.--5-5-42see
IBTOOK br OM Use mma seeneiscrenneees
Wake troubs-ceecer aoc ae seco
Black bass, large-mouth .....---
@rappiesssane cece oaceeee nese
Rai Ow: LOU bs ac.22. 4-5 sacee ete
Black bass, large-mouth .-..----
Rock bass
Strawberry bass
IRAN pOWebLOUtsas-ise ee cee sae

Brook trout
Make troubeesomcccmec ccecest eee
Black bass, large-mouth .--.---.
Crappleteassc.ccancs nes ceneoeees
Strawberry bass.-....-.----- aistais
Rainbow trouts--s-eeeeeeer ners
Black bass, large-mouth ..-..---
@rappiers so eema-ceeccctsoes sees:
IROCKIDASS eee nectasceteoeeeeee

Black bass, large-mouth.....--..
Crap P16 ser = sees sana eee
Rock bass
Strawberry bass.-..-.---...-----
Quinnat salmen
Atlantic salmon

Migketroutc- = sccceaeeeee.
Scotch sea trout
Goldonhtronte- see seen ecco nee
WGUStOl eet aakacmaccar clas cee
Shad Poteet ce sates senisccacoaee

Black bass, large-mouth
Black bass, small-mouth ......--
ROCK DASE: =2-c.sarhot race oe ee ciao
Shad ests 2 sjem shania scieiaee ciew een’

68, 881, 000
25, 000

gerlings.

15, 643, 300
650, 000

1, 000

901, 066
1, 975, 068

are 356, 721.
55, 998
"99, 144
21, 500, 000
65, 867, 000

| Fry and fin- |

Adults and
yearlings.

1, 000
2,00
650
400

223, 800
220, ¢

CVI

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Résumé of the distribution and assignment of fish and eggs—Continued.

< a) St . Fry and fin- E

State or Territory. Species. Eggs Bees eres
Massachusetts..-.--.---.---- Quinnatisalmon. -~-sccescm seen |eaereleea cece |ci--caeee seas 200
Atlantic salmion sss s ac ce ease econ dewet- <a ese seme eee eee 100

Landlocked salmon ..-----.--.-- 100008) |C acc emcees 5, 548

Sidolheaditroutie: sa san com emeee Saeeee eee PERRI Foc 5 200

aim DOW CLOW... -/asee see ae 10,000) |... see seeees 2, 680

Brook trout. -22ssacc sac cece ean teeeelneeence = 80,000! 2-225 >=se—ee

akeitrowbsncsos 2 secs seeseeenee 00:'000) |.....2 20020. s24)-eeeceneeeee
Scotchiseatrouti-ssta-pesese seer eee mec ces [ss deseee sence 100

‘Black bass, large-mowth 222245.) seecce tec ascl scene esse G2 640

Blacks bassxsmall-montheesee seep ereeere se se loose sees eee 30

Codifish(: <2) -c22te sesh soit eee eee aes 20225702 000"| pees eee

Pollock =:=s522-2cccsteccerececwa|soene nce sess 4° 450,000) |5ao ee eee

Mlathigh=ss<8e2 226s eases eee | See ee eae 39): 337;,000"|-ceaeeeeeeee

TODS Ger. Cosas Settee ania aL a ED EO St 7193349000) soe

MG Chiipam = seateistesctlotl eae Landlocked salmon..-...----.---- 10;000 | 25... jose cee see eee
Steelheaditroubs: ss asa sececee celina eee ecene 91, 000 3, 500

HochtLeven trout: 2255552 2455-28 eae eee ea nas 35:000')). eee

Rainbow trout: =2222- 22-2552 se 56 ||se see ce aoe se seeeeeeeaeee 8, 000

Brook troub=ss-s-csecasee esses | pe eeaees eee 170, 000 24

hake jtroutic=2-222:52-ceeeeoe- close see eceees 6; 268) 400"|baee=- sees

Wihito hs hee ese e eens eal eared 171 8) 198"000!| sansa
Black bass, large-mouth' 22.22 |ke seoses = eels a5 sels clee ee 1, 550

Minnesota ecaescceascecsses2 Steelhead troat: 222-222-2504 SU eee 1155000) | Sees eeeeaeee
Brook troutictestecssesos-ce ee leanne eee 66;550)||5<55--2eee—e

ake tromubis--ce 22525542522 aeee cece 10713; 0004) seeeen Enea
Black bass; large-mouth /.-..222|--2--2.-----|-----.---5---- 750
Grappies.nestasss2ees asses Leto ecee esses oleae cee ceseneete 300

IMG SSOULI* Sats eee stenism aces Rainbow: trout: sh2.2-42225,- 20262 aeee esses 14, 000 25, 205
Blackibassjlarge-mouthvs- coset sleeseeeae eee lee eee sees 2, 635
Crappie=cosetacesnesnce sce eee eee tere ttossc as lcaeteece eee 25

ROCK DASE cease cence eset eee seed eer pees oe ela coecomemeeeas 800

Strawberry bass: .2222-caso-e--|paccee occ se eee cece 1, 300

Mionitan af 2 ai)<)tae acieret'oice asta Steclheaditrout es esece cee oe ce a lesen eae leesee cee etree 43, 500
IRainbowstroubsssseees cee: ose eae eee 3.000222 eee

Black-spotted trout: <--2--2-2-sc|ecneoeee eens | 24,000) )|:-2eseeaeee

Brook trombt--2--6.cnecccssine ee 2:'000! |\:.c222 se nsceee= 15, 967

Grayling? 2-222 ale cee ok ose eeeee ce oosee 15002000 Neen eee

Nebraskans nes ssucentaasaass ee Rainbow troulbeseececscen scenes alee ee eee 4, 000 14, 000
Brook trowten <5. si-ets consi es ||as soe anes | peel ee eee eee 5, 000

Black bass; large-mouth’ "saeco seeeses- cc |o-- 222 sees 130

Rockbass2-2 t2ckenencesccse coe eee tan fee one eee eee 200

Strawberry bass. <-cscc cance ss ee case eee ace a laeeeeee secre vii)

New Hampshire..-....------ Atlantic salmon. 2202 555-22 -o20 100, (000') -22-2.c02s523| esse eee
Landlocked salmon ............- TORU Seascasesces a. 10, 000

Steelhead itroutitcceseuces oe ceee eee eeee 30; 000) 2-2 =-—-eeee

Rainbowbrout. ost se sea en Jace bee eee eeses 4.300) | 22 nee eee
Brooktroute.2-22-tchceee-cesc07 25, 000 54.9775) || Eas eee

Whitefish)... .ceceececueeseseess 200,000) ss22.222555-5¢) eee eee ats:

WODStCR: Hekeeceeeseke te kere cee eee oes 1,200, 000). 222aceeeeee

ING Wier Seyiesesasteereccesaee Shad@atecdscenacwenterece soe eee | eeernan nee AAP TO. 000) ee eee eee
Landlocked salmon -.-..-------- 110} 000") 325.2 -.jac.cce 4] nee eee eee

Steelhead trout.............. LeaieAateee. sce 12; 800! sce ehoeeeee

Rain bowrtrowtes. ceca. Soe cosas al eee eae ca| eaters ee eee 2, 000

IBroolstrout. sei sea eaeece see ee 20300 ||). = -.cosese ese Eee eee

Black bass; larre-mouthi-=22esee Wee seeceaee | eeaeeeer ec eees 2, 350

New: Mexico ss. s2s-daccwceses Rainbowrtroute 2522222 5stes-. epee eeeeencselessacesn seers 2, 100
Black bass, large-mouth)-<2as5-clssssee a= oe |eesaias 22 ae eaee 500

Rockibass: (die. = tecsSen Sean tec se emaeecese dlesscceeecnceee 200

Strawberry iPass- nessa eee cee ee lee eeeesecse 4 (tcsieeee eee 800

INGW? MOTI Goooc Soccer ese ane Shadisats en tcccc sete eee ee Sees ene 5, 8005000) |22eceeeeeeee
Qninnat'salmon!.¢- 2-22 css cneees| seee eee aeee 4, 691, 800 260

Atlantic salmon 100, 000 97, O71 200

Landlocked salmon 15; 0000/2 253528eaoe3 16, 000

Steelheadtroutse.- cedar seat ea lteter eeeeaae 90, 060 200

HochwLevenitrouti so. s---ee ese eal eeeee ace ace 6;282))||se22eeeeeees

Rainbowrtout:= 2.2 25-c.cn- sete eee eons. oe 19, 012 500

IBTOOK GOUGH. elelseme haute ce noel seaoetaecisia= 84, 152) 2--eeeeeenee

Make trowby citer ice pc lsesmenis sate 200, 000 100039710 ieee see

Pikewperchns.<- 224225 ccccs tac elemececw= sone 1.0;(043 750) eae een

Blackibass;larce-mouth ---e2ss5|--cee osssc-| = =< - =e seca } 800

North Caroling <s2c2ce2s2. <2 Shades soos Sse oe ee eee 1, 811, 000 6,932, 0007 |2 sce eaeeeee
Rainbow: trou. < cos see segee tens lemasineles ates |encccecaseiees 11, 500

Blacks bass Warce-mouthiee esses pate mstes= eso eee eee 600

Crapple.asasactcere tenet tens | eee eeroe aces | asin <ae eens 100

ROCK DaASS:c eee cie dn cts ce Se see Salles setoraloi.c] smicmctenatetistetetets LS

North Dakota .-............- Black bass; large-mouth). 22 20e-4|-eese.tacees|= eee s-eaeeeene 3, 010
Crap piger ci ceeeae success one ecm e anes | rece eeaetee 160

Otley no ho¢ oc oedecodeSbaBoac Hoch Levenitromtu.c..- «eee 6000) ceentem nena Noeeatisteso-
Rainbowitrowtsic.cccs cs koe k feel Se aS ws lemmicitiereletemicem me 300
IBrookvtroubeencecete cence meses 2, 0V0 295000)! Se acseteeies
Makevwtroutceatecesce eeenee on see sence setae 908;'800 ||'s=-.--ceeneers

Wihitetsh. cic. <cancccucceccacsen|acenneteaenrs 80;:290:000 |< See eens

Pike perch ceescccececanucceoest| tee soeeaeee WL 1105000: |<. ceases

Take herving 2. sno eeeeeaes eee eae eenoeen 18/97 0;\000)|oo= een

Black bass, large-mouth 2, 236

Black bass, small-iouth 20

Sunhlshicecceetane cen ctcewe ee cee tl cameras staete kere ctetatente everett 69

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CVII

Résumé of the distribution and assignment of fish and eggs—Continued.

oe F i n Fry in- iS
State or Verritory. Species. Eggs. erie Saeibaree
(01.0) GRRE een Bey ae Ie SNe ache gecseepoeode /oonu) Sosonoeeec ac esenceconooon 910
DUNAW DOLE Va ASS ie een ine ena wieieie| Senin cco ell ac emmcielsiecin nie 100
Oklahoma Territory. -...-.--- JS ea Dy LN ie or O56 oRem Ee Se HSCS 00esaEbo| haneposcqussace 4,100
Bl wekwpass, large-mOwtk 2s |S e ete ete [ome mer elem ee 2, 500
GRIEG BebesSknce pyowosommaoad locooueeseeco sane ccrasncdede 4, 800
Simei ASA AES oo cor Sele cseeealleasbacenoc S| paHbssahdsare 400
OG Sie soc ons ae ccnotoce SeBeEe Ouinnat salmon sss ceeccce sca |ec oem aimine OME WAN or /SHacostas soc
Taghmevom protons esecre see seit ae aeaelae BulTlearemeeeee ee
STO) 2 OSes ene See asesteass lacocdsecsodal 6 ~sonSasaedestt 6, 300
Pennsylvania 2. -=~.-.- 2... Sia eee teas Sere eat soos lueiwincteseaals BIDS OOO seca = eee ee
Atlantic’salmon .----.....-..--. LOOSOUONBemen ae oseee eases ae an
Vandlocked Salmons sseeerete ser cme acerca Se 08bul scene se sees
Rainn OwAurO Ueno seats tea lsme ee aceite resi mister ciera tale 23, 000
Brookstnoutiesa sceariac tone nemaee leeeee eee 5, 000 1, 000
Rock bass 2, 310
NOU OSES AN we re ec cen ni ie Landlocked salmon 1, 550
Brook trout
Lake trout
TA Oe NSHP reemna i i Ae beh eeellococonceorior ||bogarescass ae 1, 300
Backs bassusmalL-mron tbls s cence seater ae | eect eels 460
HObSber ae se ee ee ae eee |e eee ele TTOCONOOON neeeeeeaat ee
Mondo Carolingses sc 72- ses ~<- SE AEA. CoCepAeme SERe Dar Oodacee EEnechouGaae 20008000! Pasa esesese=
Blacks pass; arp e-mou unless eee ce seem aie eee Pee eee 500
Grappiew ese -- ese sotto eee less eeeieetene | sae see peers 250
ROCK Dasa ssa eo es he ee sleet all ee terete pene as 500
MOC tn WakKOta.. os cscs =o Black-spouted) trout ses. .2 ooo |= aes ED) Namesse Season
IBTOOK GLOUbs eae tee coos | Peeeea ee os 21, 000 6, 500
LEO p On eS eemeSeoMeeAbac Ss seal Sens qceecsde OS" O00N paceceeree cs
sPEMNOSSOG mn eaacamentsas r'1=1- RIN DOWAULOM Gea oscee see enon enemeninseet 225 9, 631
Blnck= spotted trout saeccasces nee nem eee eee SOOO Seer ermece ce
Black! bass; lacee-mowth, 222 -- 2 |= <-6 meena wale mnie 2, 766
Blacks pass ysmal -moutheerseses |eeeemesee see eer seas aaa 65
Crappid.-v---\-2s22 see saoe eee eee. 172
IROGISDASAT ce ease ce sehen 1, 436
PROXEN oe aissne cc cecscce cess Rain DOwiuLolbee oe eee cece sone nee 3, 975
Black bass, large-mouth 30, 405
(Giga MOasecoesosoeepSAoHeoeeTses oaboodorooTs|bsadoucesoesac 50
IROCESDSSRIE Roo sae e cee eeeeee oe eee lseeeen ceeme lens qeeis ems 3, 700
(Clie 2268532 Rese bonannocetans RatinhowstLoutsesececucccee comatose ene nee se 4°000b sc -a- sce os
IBTOOKtnOULse en oene tee ee eee 60, 000 20, 000 12, 000
WIGEMONGAoe sccm onesie cs ce Landlocked salmon 10, 000 3, 920 8, 000
Steelhbeadstromt ese seers las= sete eae (0s GSW) ||Saseeoonocke
Ran bo wabroltaces meee cee eee tieeiae 700 2, 250
IBTOOK trOU Usa eee ae eeee tee 20, 000 BEY GYAN) les seecemasce
bake trowteocse eee cece 300, 000 TEE SO) I Se assonsoqdc
Black bass; larre-moubhis) soo ce. |s-2sese seems eaeaait el aes 450
Weir panier iartetn sais alssi2\< = = Shad eee eeeeeasc ce cers oes loner ee eeeer 2 O80 10008 pesmi ate
RaAIMbOWMOLOUlbee sees coe ea lo seeat ace ome leer ae 91, 976
Bigcksbasswarce-mo theses sees. | ae ee eee pee eenea see 1, 200
Black bassysmall-mowt hes sees es seene sees | ese eee 1, 000
Crappie: itiia: cope = co occc meee ae [esses cece liScmoesaacmee 72
ROCK DABS ae see see See ee cess | sine setae eal aie ects Scena ee 1, 350
WSS HIN OOM, < caine) == 5 see Orin ati salmon sess eee eee ee eit TBO SBOM cee
Black-spotted trout.. 2... cc s0. lleccseee sens 5 000ubeeascsee =
(Brookstrowusecse seca eee ee esse. 25,000 Honea ay wimoine 11, 000
Wrest Virginia. ..25.2...2.-:. IRIN DOW? CLOUDS cee eee eee ee sia ciciabn on [ees eeiaieeemce ee 3, 400
Black bass, larce-moubh)esese en aes se see ae eee ie an 300
MRO CISD ASB eros seme ate ores oe ee eee | eaten reie eel | elses ree ater 300
SWHBCOTIS IM arcs -tesejee stems catae's Landlocked salmon..-.....-..-. TOP 000) | pete ceceneece |seeerseiepsemcl=
ptechead* trout: Vee saee ee ec eee se eemeeice os Fe OU0M a ciseteis wele-cre
Brook troutes=-o-2~ oe se sec ene saeco ese er TT O00. pe =n ateenca c=
IPE VIC RON oe eee a Ge eee ae al lsaceeeoccee TSO OOM) seeerieteme
Black bass; large-mouthi.- 2-2 o|->ssoneesees Jean eee ease sae 1, 800
RWAY ONIN rs = eae eset cece Black-spoutedtrout--2-2--2. + no\eceae see Beh He seseceekae
IB TOOKsTOUlin ccm eee oe ae es eco bas aeeeoe oa SHS eeeeeeoeee 5, 000
Foreign countries:
Mialive eee meeies ae te Quinnat salmon. -----22----5--- 50000! ssc saecieascnallseenee eee
Landlocked salmon..--..--..--. 5UOOOL Po ecveacrecesloscserenact
Rain VOW, GLOW. vane eae seco CUR ae Ss heebe ata aS Sebo speece
German yerccinsn seis <a Quinnat salmon............----- BONG00] | Seen eeeee a esen eee eet aeta
Steelhead trout. -.-...-....---2-. TSU esas soeallSpasssssecse
OAPAN esc neasececee ee Ouimmatisalmoneesseeseece eee TOOMO00F eee ee pres nce foe's
WTANCOS nas scese sac aese Oninmat salmonss scree eee MOOS 000K | ES ectcmcceeee isso eeseeccer
Rainbow trouteos-5- sea. see e- NOOO OU Beer tet ye cece loseaac caecise
Bel oumM soso sass eee Landlocked salmon..........---. OO OR eee tere eee (Cosco e acaetas
MANPOWAEOUtas=acae sec ns cee oc NT OAOD ON acetate rel |e accien ss
Portugal ee. canyess-cce es RaMDOW LOUleseooe seeeeee eee MGS OOON |B eters eevee sce
NI CLANG mane ciee oe oe Rainbow lroutass-ceeecs cee see Ab) ON etdenst atashallSseecaeae eee
BrOOkKPULOUlsecaee reese coer TT) OU sete EASA A eee ee
PARENT A an oc oan Sasa a ee IBTOOGOROUt ee ee eee eee TO WUD saesas ASeaSgo Naaeee eee
Switzerland..........:..- IBTOOKs trombones corcc lone ensee PBS Yl eels” 2 See eee oc
MAKTOUM es ne cone crc cen MOOROOO? | ees ee ses oe oral len ce mele ntctace
Waxtadaleee=ereeces == 2-22 Ma Oyteomtos et cet ee eos tent lemon aets Oa Mai)! || seeeaeas-cec
Gx COM men eate ace saa oe Bisckipasspearse-smoOuthiseeese er ase eer tear eaees 300
otals) ees shecessos-s

108, 871,543 | 744,445,346 | 4, 192, 657
it

CVIIIT REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Details of distribution.
3 c arte and | Adults
Species and disposition. Eggs bes ae ee
Shad:
Connecticut State Fish Commission, Lime, Conn.......-.--.---.|.----------- PUES WN Neseeoe secs:
Brandywine River) Wilmington; Dele eee oe nine clene eee |naenn===—== 9,479; N00) cesses eee
Saban (Pictele, (Clenaray, JOG 33 ooocsos acoccoresenessoeosuecsso54|ssseceosesee 780: 000))/22= ses ceenee
IBA sO Chee (Olney Osh, IW) ss sos cme seodossooce oan soessscSmedlecsasescecar 78020004). nemo
St. siohni@xreek+Dover) Delle eecacssce ase aeeeea ene Cee cetera sees iors 840) 000)|22seeecemeee
Murderkuli@reek. Helton Deletes es eeseeeser bere ee eeere| cease teinisia = 960.(0008 | Raeoee eee
MGs pillions@ree le eal fon Col leet tate tee ete ee ee ie re 780; 000!)|2-2-2eeeeeee
iplackbirdi Creek pa MliddletownDeleet- pease ecean seen esate ee seeeeeeee = 420, 0009|\s22 eee eee
indians Rivers Moll Soro. Ol essere et latatel sate aera eee irate oe | settee ite = 1/440: (000! |ns22eeeeeene
Potomac River, near Aqueduct Bridge, D.C..-.......----------- 5.179; 000 || s-2b ee ce|eeeeee eres
Potomac River, near Bathing Beach DiC aoe ee ae. eerie eel |eisimniniere ain= =l= 503000) ase eeeeeeee
Rotomacwiversorn wushela kes ONC hoa esas es enieee eee mates all steaeteiaeee rs See 3, 036, 000
JAnacostiashiver near Gwinin oi Citys). Oper acca. sess saee |seeeee eee sm THBHOUWWY eeeonsesc cs:
AMACOSstiapRiver mean > ODL OD NC eleemtene a ieelciae aye eee sete ieeeiseeteniciee 894-000, | .2-'Sseeneeee
Chesapeake Bay, Battery Haul, Md..........................--- 32, 343, 000 | 19, 829, 000 |-.--..-----.
Chesapeake Bay, off Battery Station, Md.........-.-..---.------ 13;1552:1000))) “4,489 000N Sameera
Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace, Md..........--...-...-.------ By GOGO |\esshossecsce|bossssocses2
Chesapeake Bay, Back Channel, Md_-.-...........-..-------.----- 358, 000
Chesapeake Bay, Western Shoals, Md.......-.-.-.--------..-.- 6, 923, 000
Chesapeake Bay, Oakington Channel, Md....-.....--..--.------ 300, 000
Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Channel, Md................---..---- 6, 368, 000
Chesapeake Bay, Wild Duck, Md......................---..---- 900, 000
Chesapeake Bays berryavillley MG hema smear lcineice cams mises eal alelatiainelcieres 210,000) see eeneeeee
Chesapeake Bay, Spesutia Narrows, Md.............-----.--2--|------+----- 8245000) pee aee eet
iNortheastiriversveds Bank. Mdeeccectseene see acenem ce = eiaseee 2,526,000 | -.0.--<2205| see eee
BushtRiver ab Sushehiver station, Wd seer. see cece a Meee eel lemieial=iiacet=le 2: 500)000) |beeeeseeeees
Gunpowder River, Gunpowder Station, Md................--.--|.-------.--- 32075000) | Serreeseeee
INOGUHeAStPRuiVvelwNOLUNeAs tain Certs mmateeerciciscmcincicmmaccrictes series cer icee 192008000) |Peeeeee seer
WA COMICOPR LV OL SAlIS DUT e VLG eee stele pe ae letetetere tee tote tee telelerel initiate | eayatele (areola 625; 000) Semsneeeeete
ChestemRiver, Chestertown; sd sssecceccecs cores cease casas ceeceeeeecee 625,000 |22--cneeeeee
hickahoelGrecks Queen AMMEN semen see elena sale eee eee |= amisel= rae 625,,000)|2=es essences
Swan@reek- swan Creek Md hoc acccsmmeeseciciecrece soos ceiereee| seieeinereesee 450/000) |Eeeeeeeeeeee
Susquehanna River, off Watson Island, Md-....................|--..--..---- 15000000) |E2=sseeeeees
Susquehanna Riverseort Deposit, Mdeiesscssesenien eines ees eae ease eee 800° 000)|c2-s=seeeeee
mikiGreek Mik tonsMa@yy. «css sseessssceaccn cease teaus cea cacaces lsenesee sec 800! 000) |S2eceneeeeee
Mall Creek Mall @ reeks Md eects mice scleral sem ale ates eee relarall ee ainiesiaee ai 1.1000;000)|32-e-eeeeeee
PotomacRiver ;oby an eel OMt ed eeeren ee serieeeeeene ee eee eee seel seemntetss= ae 115781000) Soe
Potomac River) oth Chapman Bar; Mid) s22cp---4-csecesee se =e -e es 40015000) |Ga=-aeeeeee
Potomac Rivero swan Creek, Mdieese. cess ceece= essere scenes 1,717,000) nee eee
Potomac sRiversott, Bar wuandin oe: Mids e ae eaten ee = eee be 1796000) fen eaceeeeee
Rotomacm iver, of, Moxley) Point Md) eaecec nee sees se seer eee 352870008 |Eaeeeeeeeeee
PotomaceRiveriol BroadiCreeky Meese sree ees secre ee =seeaees 2) 1:02" (000) S-- eee
Potomac River, off Piscataway Creek, Md.....-..---...-:.----- 1 71:2:000)| sees eeeeeee
Parker Mill Ponds, Wareham, Mass.............--.--c----.---- 270.000) |taeseeee eee
SHipatnib ond Middleboro; Masssoss-—= sess. seer eee eee are = 270;000) |SSee eee
Salem(Creek;SalemiiNidiesos 52 ce ecise sae = viccic cles cicicecesscects 600;000) | Seance eeeee
Manasquan River, Harming dale uN Wisecceses- sons n eee seeee ose 800;'000) |-=seseeeneee
Metedeconk River, Lakewood, N. J -.......-----------.---2ecee- 8005000) | Sseenereeetes
MomsyRiVviersW Bites UN) Wicca saciseen eee occe tacos ceccese ee eeee 800:(000 ies eee
Delawanreswwiver NlfOrdsINidiseeiwoce ceases comet e occ aie ere ee ceellsneeieeeeaies 3. 51505000)| saceeceeneee
IDelawarepiveryuampertvallayNivkeaeceetceetacece cemcrcae cecing termes 450010001) se eeeeeeeene
Melawarewivercburlin oboneNNecaseerancsecese os eceeceseraceerl lass eereeaee 4605000) |eeeeeeeeee
Melawareuwivier Peortid OLvaS Ne Vics =cscicceciescece sree Seite esmalmencine meets 300:000. |Sseneceeeeee
Hindsonmiver: New Duro WN. Woscaccescomstscecacc secietccecsssci(pemsheieeecee 2:/500}.000))| see a= ese
Hudson River, New York State Fish Commission, N. Y......-.]-----..----- 33000;000))|Se-eee=eeee
Mibemarleisound, HdentonwNe Caceeesee seen cone see eee sae sees 11'51),0000)|) 2353195000) Se a——e eee
Allbemarlesound) Mackey Merny. (Ni@iseseossee seen cas sse seeeae 1, 700, 000 713:,000)|-2seeeeeeeee
PerquimanspRivertelonhtond WN Ol see neeieerios seeisiee see eee ee selene eee 9005000" 2 ae-eeeee
INGUSO PRU OL OLASHOTOUNG Cowes seroce cous nes Saising ouisia Sa ceeal lmeeiasiitecistets 666;,000 ||)222ceeeeeeee
TaTwRiVeL: “LAT DOLOss Nei neste ste cae csela sae cinieiseinieis nine malaise = esiamiall stein ciseeterees 400:,000) |= -eeeeeeaee
Sixskumns) Creeks, lliotta Ne soe mice se eioe area ste ela ae eee ai ore tee oiwie seis einteinicte 534)/0000)|2 seeeeeeeeae
Northeast Branch of Cape Fear River, Wallace, N.C. ....-..--.|------------ 4005000: 2es2eeeeceee
Susquehanna, Rivers Peach Bottom eaves seseeten ce te seeee see |saee ee eee 900:(000!)| Sos emer
SHON O UMS V Oe OMAGH Teoh yer Mies) Ny TEE Sem ccocheoanotooce asroaEdaes|paoseooono se 450:,000)||peseseeeeeer
IDelawane River Bristol. jeakecmere ae oe meses ec laowc isan cetaceans seceew cet see 6,000,000) |keeaeeeaeeee
Delaware River, Delaware Water Gap, Pa..--------------------|---=-+------ 5000008 Saas eo
Pee DeerRiver, Pee Dee SiC. Sesascaeene ow ciseisesnsicnesianeceeeeen seeeeecessce 3755000) lence
_ Santee River, crossing Atlantic Coast Line R. R.,S.C ......--.|.----------- 3881000) |Saeemneeeee
Santee Canal, crossing Atlantic Coast Line R. R., S.C .--....-.-|------------ 387;000! |Saeseseeaees
Mdistorkiver; ColletoniCountye1 Casccs tetas ce oeecea teases eee eaee eee er 3091000) Soeeeeeeeeee
AShepoomniver, Colleton CountiyaS: Cassese cacisenet =e ae aelai= piel aise erste aie 1000) ame
Combaheemhiver, Colleton County, 8.0. csc. sone eee see ea eel eae ie me 210 O00) ema meeene
KoneiC@apsicovRiver, Mountieolliy, Wiaieeecacros asec sae ee see eeeeseesae =e S00 000n te-eneeeeetate
NSTISOMON MeV ET) SULOlIC Widen eek cae eree ae neem eee sea este ioe | Cee eeeeeiae 50007 Saaemaeeee
EOUOINENG Ievhyergeorig MAephisy elOyt ey Wiloceaooomecaneceadaadscsceaclosncusacesar 7811000) (eaceeeeeces
otomMaAceiveL Ol Mount aVermnon. Vienne setae anes e ane ae oe eee eto Be L683 000 Reece
peotomacrniver Occoquan Bayz iViaieesenenceescrecce cess sa ne ser leeeeeeeeees R552 000 -ctarcos eaters
Potomacwwiver, oth Craneysls land pavidercecinetei senna sre ata tel | eraieie teeta 32435000) |Raoan aeeeeiees
Potomac River, off mouth of Pohick @reek, Va-..2-).---+-2----«|eceaese----- 25465000) lecnseeeeee
RotomaAceniver Ol Huntin p Oreck mVides seceeeneten entre cee Seeeeeeeee= A OU 000) [creer
PoLOMAe River Ol Col wO0d Mia mee oneerene eee nese eee e eee tea eee 978000)! 222s
Potomac River, off Ferry Landing, Va.........- eee aot eee Gee 451.000 ||). cnesneeee
AT Ot all emer ate atcha ere ec oe ae a eae ey ee 75, 871, 000 | 149,155,000 | 3, 036, 000

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF

Details of distribution—Continued.

FISH AND FISHERIES.

CIX

Species and disposition. Eggs. dagadings:
Quinnat salmon:
California Fish Commission, Sisson hatchery, Cal........-..--- 22200000 aaa8 ayes
California Fish Commission, Eel River hatchery, Cal. .-----.-.. 83000000) thane eee
(Clore (Cine (Olt, (Casas a Sopneseaseee doses Se cose sre see no eee|lcocoos So Soe 850, 000
asyrapereyulll (Onayalis, OI Gey ORE os oe Serpe scr er eee oe ase so sea aab ene 250, 000
Papermill Creek,.Tocaloma, Cal --~.- -- -- - --- 2 -eeeeminwnnnn--=-|-<s-~s=--5- 570, 000
Bear Valley, Creek, Olema, Cal---------------- | ee 250, 000
Rimoll@rookeinverness: Gales: <-555 Joe ce seco doses sae ces ase |sdeseueesee 50, 000
Red wood.Creek,.Red wood Station, Cale. - ..<- <<. cn. cee ncn ce 50) ecw emieces op 1, 060, 000
Wimor Creek, near Redwood Station, Cal_......-. <<. ~~. 562... -4||--cses2- ==. 200, 000
Supply Creek, near Fort Gaston, Cal......-----...----------.-.~ |----.---.--.| 16, 000
McCloud ietarain, pi (Opis e co ek beese ee ppocceececconc sense ed|coreneeee eee 6, 511, 800
Rattle Creek, Battle Creek Station, (Cal {2 -452-<..2s22--sess(s24-c|so-cetesenc- 5, 885, 500
Tugun Teter hy Biel sy precy NIG) oe Reo coer pope me sence eR errr ced) |soost cereenc Ipeciereccacce
Leama os(eatn nike, Oni, WG) 95 eee spor enone ecossbeeEcernced lesecocone sbc| secs 5csrone
Penohscotihivertribuiasy Prospect, Moi s-<- <6 <ssqs-ees snes [sce gee b ences eee eee
Ibps\yiare LEN TIL no Wiisye So Sooo sao eeensaccobe cocpenccrseemo||sestoccsoeso|sescae se baee
TRa@ insta 7 Uraere, NY BU 6G ees Ae ce oesome Serbcou cece pep=ise| sen aeaeona ce ese eeosocec
Lear oseo Taine Teena lleh NG ae eee ecb cce seme anae sppeEreco pease scosenc|S-osreenace
Sica ena) Oram WMGe hos oa ee cons senoe cop eeosressouessae |e acmeleeeen sonnei
Penobscot River, Eddington, Me .-..-.......-..--.------------- Jostonsedecad|Sesasenebe/s-
PPEnODSCOMRI VOL. DLOWOlPMLO san oa 5 \- gaae aa ae sng) in ase laeinscintoial| sing tearoom Sere oie
Penopscot iver, NOLto Milford, Mesa. << 22-5 <o26 <5 sles sone =s||s 22 e/ telecine isis ates Ses
Mamansook Maken Orland: Mes ..0s-% s2=54s5-4555<-6-s55s= 25 ee eee ee al i ei ya
flags; anal Sia MG) so sce seen] coeee Coe ee ber Heer pee nedssad esodeconssar) |Geeseets=scs
Hancock Pond sbuckspory, Me. -— 22 asc sae == asa a= me WEES ctf aera eee eee
Lain oral, Or bing ba ea ese oaeeerer Che CCDrPOCOMEOE aGeeenel | sedcecde arisdlseossecicsecs
ihoditny Teterrd) Ome mil NG 5 sGecscoecbesee secseenne cf eee Ese oepeeed loacsodscescd|leenepecsacce
(Conte: ROG OME TGR WIG) cone abgoSebnosbe seeerrcrengsepecrraesce|seocossegnce Seis rarcetaseil
Maine Fish Commission, Monmouth, Me..-.--.-..---------.----- SDN O00) |Peseraeea= ee
Ghartesth Oaks Caribou Meh s-s2-6- ns ccssosc-l-issesessscess 15000) beeen cess
(inionen very Mls woruh Mes co .aniat3= nisig. 5 <5 eect ala sos mina sino fe eo nielnietae ia 901, 066
New England Sportsmen’s Association, Boston, Mass....-..--..|------.-----|------------|
ako Ontario; hip pourk Ont \ies- 2. a= lesan seen meee ital 1, 000
St. Lawrence River, Cape Vincent, N. Y.-........---.----- BR Seen|lsaceSces see 2, 033, 000
Selmore LAE PIESIS LING M6 so oeonoeneneeec co cesseseacecsecees|esceesescoc- 328, 000
Hake Ontariovor Grenadier (sland Nie Ve 2s. seme sem anon aise 2 se | alae 2, 329, 800
abtonye banked rari NO ws MOLK Clty. iN Wea seinise accia= cameos cee =| ate
Clackamas River and Clear Creek, Stone, Oreg.--........---.---.]------------ 7, 933, 770
(Clavel eerrrng| Binnie Signals) Ome oo sono sons aob0e oan pe ce na coeaTennd scoboseocssc 2, 076, 026
Clhickamasrhivert Garheldn Ore isa sciscse == scons sme) a ace seem ane sie ae 4, 390, 000
inline ivi Smibiih igi 6 Bao sanceousHene SAO DOOOS OC ConeSe ol Sononopoocos 145, 396
TED Leer Worl Ones Sess coo oc csonnoqeg ene onne sass -cunos paononmogegs 1, 910, 045
Sin ome reGka Mian elon OLE 2 aan e amie o = eri= anemia nee sala cele aie eine 85, 000
mluslaw River, Mapleton, Oreg --.----. 6. - oe oe nn en enn ee wenn 280, 000
Seen Chere Mlb) Erm OMG 28 = oo peoe sep eo n= Sees cconeaesepsns| Senseoss=oe= 75, 275
Wolg@rn Leiner, WailsG@iy ORS BS 8s Goose sopeeon cas qonspecnosoberd|Sacosussseas 19, 994
Little White Salmon River, Chenowith, Wash ...........--.--.|---.-------- 7, 391, 586 |
Prof. D. Vinciguerra, Rome, Italy 50! 000) |xcemertncecrae
S. Jaffe, Sandfort, Germany ...-.--.-.------ EDA sl SR Be Seeaa se
M. Funohoshi, Niigatakeu, Japan MOOV O00. |e ese
Director Zoologique d’Acclimatation, Paris, France .--..--.---- TOO 0008 | Peeaeeeeesa-
ERG tn em ree nae her Shia ia ae wie aiela/ faces serch Ga cstee- 30, 605, 000 | 45, 543, 558
Atlantie salmon:
Connecficut Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn......---- 1005000) 52-2 -2-2---ce2
MVamoosookeuake Orland + Mee esses soe camara cae ccise cess =n tance ecoeu|eecaeeeeeee
dhadhy Wtomol GmenGh IW) ose annacasaes sone ee pseole coe asco oesase |eeascecoccnc| locedebesesce
Abai hy Tein Shi WIG) S46 Gonoenes codes seech sos noccoece eect see [escoee ssnece 196, 736
Chane Gh Omen GC WIG 8 oe aee pp oeone caebe yao sdoqduULeeadrancedleranonrecece| oe aearasecc
IRENODSCOLPREVEI DANS Ol EC estes eee ee ee oem elele atte tats arse arate eine oe leis atte
IROL Cord ea hehe Cored om CUNO i bn ey Beene Se ncee Gee eaoSeemacees Serres conocd Secrios asnace
Renobscot River, Passadumkeao Me oa ec oer ww sates emnyainnlll iaerie melee ime 220, 000
Tear LOU VOrAN Gd Wet c/s ee tee =e msiacis oermorte asctt oeeecnial befetc Seg Sell ecemeees eee
AG MOSHE aE) Gist Ose eae) sae oe mae aoe oc eieis cistcts ota eiScidl| Monin bis eieimjatral| meenreieee setae
IPaTiGbScotpivereVillford. MOS sone cc secede oe anicco ac ewnacs oss leeeseeoow sie 150, 000
ecm eon linker, COs iu Wee senor a= Seaeous on ee ee nesses pondccecsoce 160, 000
IPeTGUSCOLPALY.OL ein COM Oonter We Seema ainjae ee oat tial | eterno rae 220, 000
Penobscot River, Mattawamkeag, Me ......-.........-----------|------------ 222, 500
IRGTODSCOLPY. OF VW EINITL OM Glas ose sas ree a te einne cjaisiewiniern teat ei retomcrorcieet nate 170, 000
ionp Pond Bucks pont Mes 25-2 verse missles nisi ieieieer nine 15 | eile erain lee are 119, 051
SECrore River svVance Doro; Mie. = sees ersise ree oe eisai seeineieleni= i=l] ste migiasaiaie trial 137, 500
ANGI bb yans\ eth Lye el thera, WIG) SS Sen nos cob eae ene so oc oes ocoEend| pace se .ccaos 39, 281
IPleasantewiver el WalVIlle, MO ee aes sara etie este eae ieisi=-i=7=14 | se mets tereietele 340, 000
New England Sportsmen’s Association, Boston, Mass. .-..-----|.-.---------|------------
State Fish Commission, Laconia, N. H -..--. ..-..------------ ICY sbesaseeesee
Heury M. Davidson, Old Forge, N. Y.--.---..--.--------------- WAU pe ececosess
Battery bark Aquarium, NGw MOnK Gilby, Ni. Ma - ee a elmin=/-lniae =| ein ale i= cinema) wl elelale = wieiaicl=
Siekawrence luiver, Cape Vancent, Ne Wo 52S. 2 er a nac cninicm oa mn ee aleieie ain 97, 071
State Fish Commission, Allentown, Pa..-........---..---------- 1003000) |= -=2-=55---
{Tio ball Seer es = ocie aan Sess we eae ere oes cee aieeeceesesnes ss ae 400, 000

Adults and
| yearlings.

forsee scoe = 5
eses aoe soccer
|--- 2-2 ween ee

|-------- eee
|

2, 072, 139

220, 635

Cx

Details of distribution—Continued.

Species and disposition.

Eggs.

Fry and

fingerlings.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Adults and
yearlings.

Landlocked salmon:
Connecticut Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn
Duck Lake, Winn, Me
Sebec Lake, Dover, Me
Pearl Mill Stream, Brewer Junction, Me
Green Lake, Dedham, Me
Donnell Lond) braniklinwkoad Mes teeee eee pete s-eereeeeeneeee-
Field Pond, Brewer Junction, Me
King and Bartlett lakes, Farmington, Me
Lake George, Skowhegan, Me
Lake George, Thorndike, Me
Bemis Crecky Bennis Mess == ssc ae clea ia olele re eraeteleteleye are aa ielecloiolea ioe
Alligator Lake, Great Pond, Me
Tunk Pond, Franklin Road, Me
Embden Lake, Oakland, Me
Brewer Pond, Brewer Junction, Me
Green Walker Otisn Wiese es sen cates alate ele eteioiee toto rotstoraraistewinl feeterere
Toddy Pond, Orland, Me

Varnum Pond, Farmington, Me.....--.--...------.-------------

Alford Lake, Rockland, Me
Half-mile Pond, Great Pond, Me
Lead Mountain Pond, Ellsworth Falls, Me..........-..--..----
Hayden Lake, Skowhegan, Me
Moose Pond, Hartland, Me
Old Meadow Stream, Franklin Road, Me
Swan Lake, Belfast, Me :
Richardson Lake, Rumford Falls, Me.....---....---.-----------
Gommodore! Club Marti amd ee See aerator cte ats ateymte alates otale/ erersietarol=rs
Wild Goose Club, Wilson’s Mills, Me..........---.-----.--.----
Maine Fish Commission, Enfield, Me......-.-----.---.---------
Podunk Pond, Brookfield, Mass
Pratt Pond, Upton, Mass
State Fish Commission, Winchester, Mass
State Kish’ Commission; Detroit, Mich.2-.--.--5-.-5...--55.-4--
State Fish Commission, Laconia, N. H
East Lake, Wakefield, N. 1
Penacock Lake, Concord, N. H
A. M. Bigelow, Branchville, N. J
J.D. Moreley, Lake Pleasant, N. Y
Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, N. Y
Catskill Creek, Catskill, N. Y
Lake George, Caldwell, N. Y

take Champlaine PortiHenry, (Ne Wes ales ses cie sa tals sels asia

Battery Park Aquarium, New York City, N. Y
Eaglemere Lake, Eaglemere, Pa.- --- E

State Fish Commission, Westerly, R. I
Easton Pond, Newport, R. L
State Fish Commission, Roxbury, Vt..-.-...-------------------
Caspian Lake, Greensboro, Vt....----------++.------s-0---0----
ake Money, eH dir] Cen Vibeme sete ai metsialetaerceinisiote cient lial ais tehe(a atmo
Lake Willoughby, West Burke, Vt
Derby Pond, Newport, Vt
Salem Pond, Newport, Vt
State Fish Commission, Bayfield, Wis
Prof. D. Vinciguerra, Rome, Italy........-.---- ScnbeTeeesaaecoess
Dr. R. Vandenhenden, Belgium

Steelhead trout:
Redwood Creek, Bair’s Ranch, Cal
Commodore Club, Hartland, Me
Alamoosook Lake, Orland, Me
Tributaries of Great Brook, Otis, Me..-.-.-.--- @isecnrseeecasseee
Abraham and Molasses ponds, Eastbrook, Me
die etonGh Simm aya IU aasos chqsocs0co Seen oSSaaboSsoeudoodon.
Craig Pond, Orland, Me
Heart Pond, Orland, Me
New England Sportsmen’s Association, Boston, Mass.--...--..--
Boardman River, Traverse City, Mich
Hale Creek, Rose City, Mich
Silver Creek, East Tawas, Mich
Baldwin Creek, Baldwin, Mich
Pere Marquette River, Baldwin, Mich.............-............
Bear Creek, Thompsonville, Mich
Cannon Creek, Williamsburg, Mich
Little Manistee River, Manistee Crossing, Mich
Washington River, Isle Royale, Mich
South Fork of Pere Marquette River, Baldwin, Mich. -.-.-.-....-
Middle Fork of Pere Marquette River, Wingleston, Mich
Cold'Creek) Hast-TVawas; Michii-25-2-sasccc cee anck ee encsceeeme
Pickwick Spring Lake, Lamoille, Minn
Rolling Stone Creek, Winona, Minn
Big and Little Trout brooks, Lamoille, Minn

10,(000 :|- «<del lee cee
Big hhae el 1,420) |2. #2 ee
Cheat Teo 2. 500;\\i22 ae eee
-cpatieee SUR oe 2, 000
cushion tel LL eee 4, 000
EVENS Meo? Se 1 Ua ° 2, 000

TONOO0) Gueeeeeeenee me ip eee

5,000 | voce eccese 2 |e

10,000 | s<22as-.ecclseeee eee

171, 243 7, 005 121, 088

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXI
Details of distribution—Continued,
Species and disposition. Eggs. epee: eae an
Steclhead trout—Continued.
PANS sa Key LLU EVEN Wierelatelerclaieia ain Said aon ow .aleld watdais ww socslenieis | Aucin ae Gaia 5 O00 |See see see
baxlake; Beaver Day MINN oo aane acts cae sc teasccrssasce secs oclecoseneebacs S<O0On es eese ees
Temperance River, Temperance River, Minn..............---..|--.--------- DH OGONIEEy anes
Devil’s Track River, Cook County, Minn 5s OOOK | Zaseerieaes.
Stewart River, Lake County, Minn...........-.----------..-.-- 104000) S25 hemes
Hrenchykiver, Duluth: Minn. .cocsssscnckscncccsassenescsnsuee 10; 000!) E 2S 5 eases te
DUCKereniVer AD Wlabn MANN oa. cossssceeccc ae scstscseocccecces 15 O00) se aaeeeeee
MERLE RORT VOM Oba MINN ctetew see sce atcce ces les. Seecemeces Dy OOOLE Mer settee
State Fish Commission, St. Paul, Minn...............-.-..---- 293/000) |p ee ete ee.
Mysticeuake, Mystic: Make; Mont: .cssso<s-cccccns sa. doesccsnts)sesccoseeerlccewctecctice 24, 500
Wallowa Oreekslake: “Pony Montne=2scacentn cece osete ne Ato em se lece tebe sues |ded atk needs 9, 000
PADD LECAUS He MONUAN Aveee meh eee ds eases mesa scasteiemee -ss aed ees scccce cesigeal een seeds oe 10, 000
Cocheco River, Dover, N. H LONO00) | Bea eesse..
mMishine Waakes stark Ni dleecec ote pcesascetccssccescetseoee LON OOOH Sei eses,
iRleasant Pond,. Manchester, NiHcc<se.escsesceesdeccaseccas=s LONOOON|E eee aeeadano
Big and Little Flat brooks, Branchville, N.J.............---.-|-------s---- T25ROON| Seceeetsostenc
Si. lawrence: River, Cape) Vincent, IN: Wo. s2sscd-5 chee cee cre calbosceee eae OOF OG0 sheet ese
Battonyehank Aquarium New Work City Ns <.scsccoens cs cacel|seossoasteon| becomes: 200
Nalouchby Wake pW estMore, Wils-< =<. ccc cnscen ase cceneeeues 4 DON | peak ee eee
Maken Morey, Hairlee: Wtoc.ctceniecsseosscscccctesccscccceccunc DAOSS || se Heiseiseeess
MARSIgUOIURIKer: SWANLONNV bop ecns ees oe ss acce dane desc osccncee PETURy eesogonee ae
Lake Champlain, Isle La Motte, N. Y 24; All) (oe ks seeeees
(Cnrystalelake. Bartons, Vila 2-a-ctotedseacs ascseecene cos acasace T5000) Eeaee ee eee
ake, Champlain: Burlington, Vt---2:--2.-23--.---2cc2ssecesccs NOVOOD M2 se = Meee ae
Dlepperehivenvou ds OUNSDULY,) Vito-2=s2s<.5s2c5 sce-cccecssésecc: 1 GOOn| Ree Seteese. =
BEMePRILVOMyBEUIOm Waser c ee esetcae = occ s oboe nasa secos Saeed scan hacen eeows SxOCOR ys sesas oe
Dsdiatio, Osnabruck, Germany ss--cs-cscss-s0encestcesscsusetes LONO0O) eee eee | pe eee.
otalee teen tate ere he aes cece uel eeu Lc coe. 60,000 | 1,113, 354 58, 572
Loch Leven trout:
Maptsen PROSSES' SISSON, | Callsiie.jcase se/cebe sce esabesocesanade 15, 000
WUpperiiwaninakes' bake County, Colos <2: sss2222s4-cccaaccde as lorooeendeccclsenseass aces 8, 000
npr Lond waniertHeights,.D; Co: sei 5s.c2 oe !sssadeac sek ceis sil ncmerisisacaee O00) | Layee =
St) Mary: Hake, south Bond, End... 2225552. scc.ccc-sdecececce locate coe DHOOOU EC Se eee
Cleveland) Greeks Muskegon Michic.< sco. 54sseceeheceseeccscee|smocuemenaee Sh WUD ese aessaose
FAD DMCANLS a nEN © Wat ON erica eiveeeissiase asses = acs ass cee cis ee lqooereneseee| C7282) Ree eeeee ee
Stranahan Bros., Hiram Station, Ohio. .........-..--.........-- 5 O00R jets cea eee sacese ae
NUCker Wig key OSW E20, OLS Mecsas 22055252 neacecissighes Soden se telaoseenesesee SUM eee ee peecoae
Clackamas River; Stone; Ores: .cssssiechesee-50sssneacensteosceeecnce Cys (ee, ST ee
adds Pond ehortland: Oregi cece = 22o5sase acs seensssse sme tsecslesceemacsne COOK aes Aes:
ARO talento sons Oo eetek Mises saekic sR Shes tacsasecaiecuess se 20, 000 | 20, 457 8, 000
Rainbow trout: = = ——
Henkoniuake Gadsden Alar natccesssctsscccecscesces -3422lee|-soesemea see fomete see se ae 500
primes taker Spring ville; Alan oo.ncosstessceacce se nasc cnet ecn|tomacteeeems cilaseceseceeee 300
Applicanitstne Al aDAM a ace paniosossss asses snes adams sceacessseen el ceccseenene [sees eecee tee 200
Silver Creek, Holbrook, Anigie-- 3-02-20) Ssseesc8 cc's 2 a8essc|oncuceke ene [odeeen S2aos- 1, 000
itive Oaki@reek, Mlagstait, Aviz/ces:s222c252s2008-snesceeces ses|eses weeeee nelaseeneceseee 1, 000
iNorih Worlcor WhiterRiver West Mork, Ark .-<.22ac--.ce-css5.|ce- na desterell-eee cakes noe 3, 000
North Fork of White River, Lilley, Ark
ros Bayou, Mountainburg, ATK. <2c0sec.s-osees-ceescecce nose
RHE LVELy DONLORs AT Ketla=clewcccisisic osc ces Sead asccecascescce
AP BU CANTSANPAT KAN SASH (seme Seas 2 = aes eeesesesceceese eens
papply CreekwHoopa Valley, Cal =. sescassececews daerace sess
MolLECreek sHoopat Valley, Calc. cescescecseasosiises sss auon ean |tene aoe Seas
(ein Cialis, WWichhol nee, (Cril Gases ie eee ete | 11, 950
Fish Tangatang Creek, Trinity Summit, Cal.......-...........|.---.-..---- AONOOO) ea aeeeeeee =
Hennessey; Creek, burnt kaneh. Cales2 a2 <- 6. sakccdecccmee cz eceleeeeeeeneee | 3, 950 100
Middle Evergreen Lake, near Leadville, Colo..........-...-....|------.----- SHOOO) |S assteeaee =:
ASD PAGAN USI COlOLAMG seen ciate eins wo sees mesa ae seaie ieee mace lsateiceeeetes 21000)|beneeaese =.
State Fish Commission, for streams in State of Connecticut....|............ -....------- 800
State Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn............-...-. 25; (OOO ececios aes | see eee - 5
Tributaries of Delaware River, Wilmington, Del.---............|.----..-2-+-!se-0essee-0- 570
Hermitage Heights Pond, Atlanta, Ga.........--...-.----.--.-- 500
Underyoodsbond; Atlanta, Gains... oc sccse ses ceccccmee ose neon 300
alinighi Rivers balOCkGa mw nweee fccecanceoacsssacccanh cneeee 1, 000
Kouches Pond, Rome; Gals. 3.2. ossss2 sosctesssccesesescccsese 500
Hiawassee River, Hiawassee, Ga!..-......--.ceseescccceceeses 1, 000
Head of Nottely River, Union County, Ga 1, 000
opligants Ait, GeOrgiarisas ote occ cciesesoaes seas ceeeneecees 500
Ballard Cresk, Ballard Station: Indsch2=-2 22secces ose senescence 1, 800
Barren Fork Creek, Barren Fork Station, Ind. T..-.............|..-.-------- Went eeonccer | 1, 750
Sallisawoniversallisaws lnds Dyessceecne conn seesccccs Sac cnseeatenconer doeleea sameness 1, 700
gene AYN LOW Ose eee tS soc aae eee eee Resse cl cosiscsacnse ici sedoensoanne 3, 900 800
Mulherry: Creek, Dodge City: Kans 25 2s2t-csoscnsossceecasteceluscecnceanea| tec -eneoee 950
Mill Pond in Buckner Creek, Jetmore, Kans........----.------- 1, 000
Manne lo ivexry COrbin weyers tase eh eee ae aece las eeec As eces cus 1, 100
Balespe ond tines Kyere ooh seseat ase debe daticcecaccsaesnes 509
PM EOOROO Kelas Orang iMiGl sass kermee = eens = oka 5c 352). 0 aloe oueee | baltwe a aeke 355
ByNNMsN Un Bell airy M da sccnosomesse edeeecete case sceewececes 500
GunpowdertRivoer Wiiklo Md ic velccssaeescosesaconscscscccenioe| eer 500

CXII REPORT OF

Details of distribution—Continued.

COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Species and disposition.

Eggs.

Fry and
fingerlings.

Adults and
yearlings.

Rainbow trout—Continued.
Spriug Brooks, northwestern Maryland
Witt Creek, Cumberland, Md
Spring brook, Finksburg, Md
Mountain Brook, Hagerstown, Md
Grave Run, Beckleysville, Md
Cherry Creek, in Garrett County, Md
Stony Run, Port Deposit, Md
Cabin Branch, Morgan, Md
Monocacy River, Dickerson, Md
Cabin Grant Creek, Florence, Md
Patuxent River, in Carrolland Montgomery counties, Md
Applicants in Maryland
State Fish Commission, Baltimore, Md
Hamlin Pond, West Barnstable, Mass
Hadway Pond, Hyannis, Mass
Hinckley Pond, West Barnstable, Mass
New England Sportsmen’s Association, Boston, Mass
S. R. Bennett, New Bedford, Mass
Bear Creek and Miller Creek, Allegan, Mich
Sturgeon River, Rondo, Mich
Pere Marquette River, Baldwin, Mich
Pere Marquette River, Wingleton, Mich
Pere Marquette River, Stearns, Mich
Elm Springs, Fanning, Mo
Montgomery Lake, Osceola, Mo
Ash Cave Lake, Dixon, Mo
Five-mile Creek, Joplin, Mo
Shoal Creek, Neosho, Mo
Beaver Creek, Arlington, Mo
Spring Creek, Arlington, Mo
Hazleton Creek, Arlington, Mo
Indian Creek, Lanigan, Mo
Cowskin Creek, Noel, Mo
Minsey Lake, Forsyth, Mo
James River, Turner, Mo
iBiney, Creek1@aboolwMlors san. oe ate seiseeceeiscenaaasseeee
Potter Creek, Cabool, Mo
Jack Fork of Current River, Mountain View, Mo
Bryan Fork of White River, Mansfield, Mo ...........--..-----
FAD plicantswMeMSsSOUTI2 s.r em ehesecisismcis-cieiass sine siaiesine
Sac River and James River, Springfield, Mo
Warm Spring Lake, Dillon, Mont
Applicants in Montana
Spring Brook and Lakes, Omaha, Nebr
State Fish Commission, South Bend, Nebr
isinglass River, Dover, N. H
Pequest River, Belvidere, N. J
Pequest River, Tranquillity, N. J
Frisa Pond, Williamstown, N.J
Applicants in New Jersey
IBScoseniveriGloriota sNeviGxaem sce 96 meann nnn nee nn ee Gennes

Pep wenn tee en wm nn ens ene sancce

ChamarpRiversOhama tNewlex ease tome eae cen. ane een eee |

Lake Avalon, Eddy, N. Mex
IRGSOLVOIE Wi aONe EN eee me ner See ee ee ee een ea ee nena
Peekskill Hollow Creek, Peekskill, N. Y
Applicants in New York
Olympia Brook, Hunter, N. Y
Mountain Stream, Peekskill, N. ¥
Brundage Creek, Johnsonville, N. Y
Toe River, Cranberry, N.C
ManureliCreekwApshevallesiNa Cees msem oe eee eee coe foe or eee
Roaring Fork Creek, English, N.C
Briery Fork Creek, Calhoun, N.C
Shoal Creek, Calhoun, N.C
Allison Creek, Calhoun, N.C
Savannah Creek, Dillsboro, N.C
Dick Creek, Dillsboro N.C
Catawba Creek, Marion, N.C
Armstrong Creek, Marion, N.C
Gittle-Buck Creek Marions Ne Ceoseeneencecoee oss 5. Seis ceeeee
Watauga River, Lenoir, N.C
Valley ‘River, Murphy, N.C

PlumiEree Creek Oranbercy, Ne Oseene scan en aan nee seeeee seek

ComeyahorkiCreok Sylva, NeiGsre tones aneeeeerenen te eeaccecere
Junaluska Creek, Andrews, N.C
ROCKY ERIV.eL ALIDOLL VN lO cerce cece cect aco ee nce cece ane ee aoe
Rocky Creek, Wilkesboro, N.C
kai erwin kp anlowNe Gree scene a oe eee eee ean a eens
Applicants in North Carolina
Lake Erie, Toledo, Ohio

1, 000
750
500

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXIII

Details of distribution—Continued,

= 7 : Aes | “ Wry ¢ f 4
Species and disposition. Eggs. eon | ede ea
|
Rainbow trout—Continued.

Applicants in Oklahoma ........--.-...-0.0- 2 ee ene cee e ance esas 143 aaqechace AAcooA Sseaes 3, 100
aN HOR LOG mNOLMISTOW Mb ae ania \aasicsecanl nase sai ceasce sacl teen e ce eeen|oosoes cece. 500
Kelkoin Run, Bedford, Pa......- 301)
Clover Creek, Henrietta, Pa 760
Monin CrcokveIne Prove MUINaCe, Lai. 2... 065.2. s hoon cesses | Sone dae eses|-cabecece sec 1, 000
WHEHie mon Oreck. -ANGOrsON. © an! okiacm cccc> eiciszecinclaadosccncuse|tacoadteosas [SSeS Se 500
inindulsy (CRGGVS, Wai Gl BF See se noo SS ACCOR MSA Genny einen re | aaah ee ted sisi ae tee 300
West Branch of Slickshinny Creokcashickshinny Wa sasesen = sepa tee eee aoe kk eee Loe 500
EMER UUs ep ANCOON ROR ae cea sc secession] srinesacaeeecasoeoe tech chen mace ean ee oneboee 300
Mosreaironiyg Urook Penulyn han os sa coic cc tesiseasa sone an sec oee | seeeee we eee loomwnce mena. 300
WNescopec Creek, Upper Lehigh; Pa. 22202 .J25.5eh22 26 scene ae leoece SAS AAA EI cet errs ates 500
WHeInsRIn OR Tver ROME, ban. -2 3s cme sence asensd scans secs ee ioe, eeu tea | See ee eee Oo 400
BronyoHoria Creek, Cresson} Pate a.ccesetec ate caasetcteccces as [eons hI Sees or eee nee 300
Malye Brooks SMeUNpON kde enema ee anaes eseta sire petoosneesus sob acdehoos 250
IBOVeOreS ly SMeUNP GLU we Waa ee sieine eae ae a eae oe RSPR ee ceseee aateananerce 250
Cold Grove Brook, Smethport, Pa .-..-..-....--...-..---.----:- Weer SscHSolloseadassoase 250
Wetontioprimney Carlisle be. cieiemi= sae saceraean = sae aeone ce |Sosee eset He eee ease 200
Beaver Run, Outlet Station, Pa..-.--.---..-------.-4-----4. SEY re Maso LAS Sea Se Bie, tard | 500
Patatio OneGks ome Up Olbgke ae msleni- olan seals el rae Iseedoedsecc dfoecsocescase 250
Indian Run, Smethport, Pa.....-.--.---.--..-... Bene sapbebuees (eastes seemed uatoemasoase 250
Beka oir Brooks SMOvLPOLL La saws sriacicie iceleac soca cis een Wee ace cee eel ae see menos 250
Roppmsbrook. SMoeulpolrtwe Ay sso sso Joe a aemsiass aaceicwe dose |eaes eee eee oleae oe em eenee 250
Branch of Gunpowder Falls, New Freedom, Pa..-...-........-. ett en seers etal |exeaes ae 54 300
Blueroci: Creeks Hambare, Pan: = 25-25-22 o5520225542 hon. ese [eerie es | Sede og REE 600
ailesnake Orecks be luustODs bak or asso Sac scadcee ess acecal >Sent seecn en ae Sarat | 400
North Fork of Solomon Run, Johnstown, Pa ....-...-...-...-.. SS ele Rr atin cats AE 300
South Fork of Solomon Run, Johnstown, Pa-.........--..--..--. l saeeeeecense aS AC SAP 300
Hobliston Branch, Turnpike, Pa ..---. LOSER PERL Dee Ree oeee Se aepaneteral seed ne) | 300
Cobey swamp Creek; Moosic, Pa. 222 ccc0c- cseceiee sora | Sao soe hen EG Ae ae abd KE 400
IMOEpsLemEn pMercersbure, Payesce- isos ee so ee os on ee eee enicEen se letesteeakate 1 300
Spence broo kan GoMyUnIVersity wea a-cc <2 e ete seine aie se eee ace oe) woeen stamens 600
Mickans and ose creeks Mimlintowny Pasco ce cen seoee seen colon tse coe eee eee 300
PAPE TOOK VCO S Vil Openers oiincos/ais Seis seas sie nia ajoe elie siecleee nate ee er ee dl mob set ae eet 300
Coudersport Reservoir, Coudersport, Pa...........--.------.--- Ee pe ere loge at eae oe the 800
ReaD OS LAG WENO Cl EEC Abe Sb onege So SUSsEEbatoe tanBEeeocaes| Aen seescaue SamasemoaceE 300
NWorneoeree ks eibistOMN pei osa caso a cee sem ace aa cee mee er loom ae ee ae eee ae cee 600
HIS HIH OATES Ka sOCKs MLAVONy Eto cselss -aamis a/eln- Secs associa ieeele|eaaseeecesjse|sss see Heenan 2, 500
sali) CHHSGLS Ibs Ode) ee) SogedocunooosseTmocsouSee sans ssceweseclseosa2ensoad eadocscsesce 300
DANG CLOCK ManNSHOld Eda scosc cscs ciescceces sccesse--eess-c- Sones eee ee ce eas yee 300
Tita: Tire Gn eG Ld ee Ve See poore cod =eetc ae Ban AemE Srace ase seescesesaae la Siotors erect 200
Si CHES 15 (oO) toe Son cons DOObE Be SCS moO Teen BEE Seneca eSecasasomos| lesecerocose | 300
Gloxer CreeleeAll toonan Pass c22 2c \sace ce lac's- et side oe cack o cellec sie oe e nce be ose eaeeae | 300
Mahantong Creek, Shamokin, Pa..--.-------.-- 22. --2--20-22--- ae ere Nee ll Ses bet oe a te 500
RSE NOUNS CONAN aorta ce amie 2 ais ome ocala me cee ene ace |e acy eae eee eee eee 350
Kersey and Burns runs, Driftwood, Pa.-..-.-.........-.....--- ethereenee ee (onl a ae Se 500
iBearevalley Creek. Chambersburg, Pale - 25sec] sce w= sec.c ce] se cctoscenec|esece cone nee 300
Hallingispring| Creek, Chambersburg, Pa cs. secs. ciic- os aie sseleanecesen o|-once ese seee 400
Broadhead Creeks Cresco mw baeescmas eas ase etna sce cescee einen ee |sesercesn ome foods sosisacic 1, 500
EGunlinoi reek rlonnline teas os sc- 2 cis cea aeseenaes ke bosce s [Sane once teens aneee 300
EnESLOL a CrookawhROAdIn lw anee cca ae ence k Sekeen ose en ee eee ceo aeee eco ae 200
JNO aS) Tin Hea AWE 25.357. aeot ce sooBU BEB eSsaeaesrEeewa besane suces lleesosaceccce 1, 140
MMO Creek hlOnsanl Springs: Lenn oo) cis sso ea ac ect esa wes (soccer sat oon|l saeaeceeemee 500
SHinCruIneL mv luT COos POLO w Len cee. coos ce ne hio noe sce ene pac oe ata etl aoe eee wee 500
Ca illerihiver, SPalta, LON >\.c ces \-csins=-'e cies see cee cesicas|bs- eae cocce clase soeeeceee 500
Himipiver nH wyeubeville len sscs suiias ce as cise sone ech cce tones dene lec |eteae eee 500
PP TOKeIVOr NOTMaANdys WENN. cos << =e cise = se easioee cect e coe Weed aerate anal eeaes eae eine 1, 000
Tithe rwlVer sano xVvallesennbes sos. eee Le ee eerie ciebeed| [BBE AY 500
MinMeMRnvGLPNOLIMEC, Chen sen. ccscccssss cs cecticcece ss eseecoae |Saseweee mien Sasso eee 500
CaneysHork River) Walling Tenn ==. - so. =. <--ceecsess cece ceeee a Soe ad oes | eee ae ene 500
RiperiCreek, scam pton, Tenn) 2224 5 <sis os ote eecins en acs cece me: Seeee le oetseel ereneenes = 500
Green Brier Lake, Lebanon, Tenn............-..---.----- posaee Sse er maeeel Poae aclreeie 500
Prva or kaCreek=, Greenville shenmenssescme cee eee tee be cael cae ae cee eee ee 500
Roan Creek, Mountain City, Tenn.--..<........--.---.-<------- JScnesesnoeoe oeceesueen 1, 000
ShellliCreek= Elizabethton enn: - 2 o-55=s5-ce-cos eos heen cce =e | Sa5n)aS com motel bibs o cee oeee 500
WaureltorikaCreek, Hampton Lenn: .-<> oo s-sce—-. cee eceso<e Ve cee eel ane eee 500
Applicanis ily Renn eseGeecssse asics ss sess seo sae Sconce ee cocrlsocceceeen ee 225 1, 631
IBrainio OLeokag Ent ChIMS LOxe = see eis see cos on oe Sobleb cae slecbe cane ene oloee eee ero 800
Sprine Creeks Dallas Le@xs sae sas sccm = sa'seiss ce a2 see sce s sce eonleeoee feast aA Ss ah 1, 500
EAS PUI CAUTIUS MeL OXAS Ware apie es eile eee aloe Sela eee [eeeacecseheo|seeccoetecce 1, 675
Siverislet Lake, Park City, Wtah=s2...-..0-22.s2s-+%s----<%- [SeaeasesoSe 4000 Paemerre sees
Morrie LOng a MOnEpOler yWibsen sce aeitsen.s acaice =e cee cte ene keene laos ecenenaeeleeenae weed 500
Bes vor Onds:Eroctory Vitae. secesac s<c6 iecc sc ccesaces Sears Soe a Cane. eee eee ee 1, 750
Clydeshivertllorbyqvvurcererereeaectehiesone ss seeks concen ees oh Ecce aan eee WOON eseeeee ces
PaO LEO Ke MVWINCHOSLED, Wales secs cote e sone eee cclbce cn eeeeee mete cetctre 500
Brnalondke Rin Wraeheaster Vass Sessee un crinn neo lee oe seca ce lence ee ae |e aaa sees 500
Hohigae reeks Side DUM Vidoes. o/s ee de nce Sco ccae bos vec |Soncccee ene eb ooce Sater 500
ham psone Malkin Mall boro! Viasooo.~ os ser si] scene cec eects socio eeeeeae eae ewemcneer 500
WoniiplyivoryarrisOnourg) Waiess coascichnc-sneccesccseccesceleceratetecurlecccscescose 500
VERRIER HILO Wil Oni Vickeie semis sae ee ak ein at ae etme nee eee ete ne oeaere ee et EE a aed 2, 200
MGOMAMREBEANGH ¢ Sal Oly Vase seen css eee eceeins esnicescckclese cetslvetmeeecwceclseeeceeacces 4, 972

F. R. 98 VIII

CXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES,

Details of distribution—Conti

nued.

Species and distribution.

Eggs.

Fry and
fingerlings.

Adults and
yearlings.

Rainbow trout—Continued.
Reed Creek, Rural Retreat, Va.......
South Fork of Holstein River, Marion, Va
Mill Pond, Gate City, Va
Cascade and Dums Creek, Hot Springs, Va
Coldspring Branch, Glasgow, Va
Brush Creek, Christiansburg, Va
Reed Creek, Wytheville, Va
Cove Creek, Wytheville, Va
Cripple Creek, Beverly Furnace, Va
Back Creek, New River, Va
Back Creek, Dublin, Va
Walker's Little Creek, Pulaski City, Va
Big Moccasin Creck, Gate City, Va
Perrow Mill Pond, Lynchburg, Va
Indian Camp Creek, Coleman Falls, Va
Branch of North Anna River, Hewlett, Va
Walker Creek, New River, Va
Gunstock Creek, Big Island, Va
Black Creek, Radford, Va
Tate Run, Wytheville, Va
South Fork of Reed Creek, Crocketts, Va
South Fork of Reed Creek, Wytheville, Va
Stony Fork of Reed Creek, Wytheville, Va
South Fork of Reed Creek, Browning’s Dam, Va...--..-.-------
Applicants in Virginia
Meadow Branch, Cherry Run, W. Va
Trout and Meadow Runs, Romney, W. Va
Laurel Run, Caldwell, W. Va
Willow Grove Lake, Shenandoah Junction, W. Va
Elk Creek, Clarksburg, W. Va
Applicants in West Virginia
Augusto Nobre, Villa Daconde, Portugal
William Burgess & Co., Malvern Wells, England
Prof. D. Vinciguerra, Rome, Italy
Dr. R. Vandenhenden, Belgium
M. Raveret-Wattel, Fecamp, France

TUNiplssaoco cence oc ate nocd stesconsaseananouncEescuSsocbannS
Biack-spotted trout:
‘Vomichi Creek, Parlin, Colo
St. Mary Lake, Idaho Springs, Colo
Fall River, Idaho Springs, Colo
Naylor Lake, Georgetown, Colo
Fryingpan Creek, on line of Colorado Midland Railway, Colo.
Silver Lake, Dillon, Colo
3ledsoe Lake, Leadville, Colo
Mammoth Lake and Creek and Middle and South Boulder
ereeks, Central City, Colo
Platte River, Grant, Colo
Platte River, Slaght, Colo
Platte River, Bailey, Colo
Platte River, Crosson, Colo
Platte River, Pine Grove, Colo
Platte River, Buffalo, Colo
Platte River, Dome Rock, Colo
Rio Grande River, Wagonwheel Gap, Colo
Eagle River, Berry Station, Colo
Tomichi Creek, Elko, Colo
Twin Lakes, in Lake County, Colo
Headwaters of Eagle River, McAllister Switch, Colo
Applicants in Colorado
Spirit Lake, Rathdrum, Idaho
Applicants in Idaho
Agnes Lake, Brown, Mont
Middle Creek, Bozeman, Mont
Bridger Creek, Bozeman, Mont
Rocky Canyon Creek, Bozeman, Mont
Bitter Root River, Missoula, Mont
Applicants in Montana
Polo Creek, Deadwood, 8S. Dak
Castle Creek, Hill City, 8S. Dak
Harney Peak Fish Lakes, Hill City, S. Dak
Woods Lake, Rapid City, 5. Dak
Collins Springs, Dell Rapids, 8. Dak
Applicants amisouth Dak0 baa... crime eeesee since seme ciel
Applicants at Nashville, Tenn
Ss ae liver, Spokane, Wash
eart Lake, Sheridan, Wyo

ee ee eee tw ewe ee eee eee ee ee ee eee

Total

10, 000

130, 000

1, 000
5, 000
4, 980
6, 800 -
4, 980
5, 000

10, 000
6, 969
5, 000

20, 000
4, 000
4, 000
4, 000
4, 000
4, 000
4, 000
6, 000

15, 000

20, 000
8, 000

35, 000
7, 000
6, 000
4, 000
4, 000
4, 000
3, 000
7, 000
3, 600
4, 000
3, 000
3, 000
3, 000
2, 000
3, 000
2, 400
1, 000
3, 000
5, 000
5, 000

258, 400

REPORT OF

Details of distribution—Continued.,

COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CXV

Species and disposition.

Eggs. |

Fry and
fingerlings.

Adults and
yearlings.

Brook trout:
W. EF. Whittier, Sisson, Cal
E. C. Tallant, Sisson, Cal.
Capt. A. Rogers, Sisson, Cal
Clohesey Lake, Granite, Colo
Quartz Creek, Pitkin, Colo
Little Ohio Creek, Ohio City, Colo
North Fork of Cache Lapoudre Creek, Tie Siding, Colo
South Boulder and Mammoth creeks, Central City, Colo
Rio Grande River, Wagonwheel Gap, Colo
Tomichi Creek, Buxton, Colo
East River, Crested Butte, Colo
Mill Creek Lakes, Wolcott, Colo
Eagle River, Red Cliff, Colo
Middle Evergreen Lake, near Leadville, Colo

Jvnysihigemigvin Chenin. Sonsebsncqceccac seonee base se obs posesne ds |

Lake San Cristoval, Lake City, Colo
Crystal River, Carbondale, Colo
ANGSTSOnUaAkewMOnbe! Vista, COLO: 22am .cceseccescsee seme cae
Snake River, Dillon, Colo

Molas Lake, Silverton, Colo
Horn and Mera creeks, Cotopaxi, Colo
Cache Lapoudre Creek, Fort Collins, Colo
White River, Rifle, Colo
Sarles Lake, Rockwood, Colo
Park Lake, Monte Vista, Colo
Eagle River, Barry Station, Colo
Dallas River and Cow Creek, Ridgway, Colo
Spring Creek, Montrose, Colo
South Arkansas River, Salida, Colo
Fryingpan River, Norrie, Colo
North Fork of Platte River, Estebrook, Colo
Platte River, Estebrook, Colo
Platte River, Deansbury, Coio
Platte River, Bailey, Colo
Platte River, Cassell, Colo
South Platte River, Ferndale, Colo
Butfalo Creek, Buffalo, Colo
Rainbow Lake and Starbend Creek, Gunnison, Colo
Bika Ores in eG Lovie, OOlOnss-se/aeiis sec 8 was sa eee saldersiee ceil
Conevarcrecks Cassell Colo .. sscccecacaco--cceccesace ccs ceicmne |
Bloodekiversbreckenridge, Colo... 4-a----5=42e-ee eee eee }
North Fork of South Platte River, Slaghts, Colo........-------- |
North Fork of South Platte River, Estebrook, Colo
North Fork of South Platte River, Webster, Colo........-.----
North Fork of South Platte River, Chaseville, Colo
North Fork of South Platte River, Meadows, Colo

North Fork of South Platte River, Brookside, Colo
North Fork of South Platte River, Crosson, Colo
North Fork of South Platte River, Cliff, Colo
North Fork of South Platte River, Dawson, Colo
Mountain stream at Bailey, Colo
North Fork of Geneva Creek, Cassell, Colo
(naire rook. sEstevrooks ColOkcaasee acicceouccaeeisseeclinsisreeacriee |
Lake and stream at Monument, Colo
RIGSEEVOMyainOROTSONTOOlOn saa se msl aa eciatns see Naaseaergenaee
Beaver Creek, Aberdeen Junction, Colo
Clear Creek, Silver Plume, Colo

Half-moon Lake, Leadville, Colo
Ween Creek walle 4@ OlOsssscmne sc os nsec ake] sacs are cemlclce ces
HAstERIVer, GqnMiIsOns COLO: as. 22<0s sacscee oe Hee pee nee once
West Marshail Creek, Gunnison, Colo
Silver Creek, Salida, Colo
HALG ETP ORE eee AIG aN OO) See nein Sos ee one Bone Dene eee tosses
Kerby Creek, Villa Grove, Colo
Union Creek, Malta, Colo
North Clear Creek, Central City, Colo ......---=---=2-----------
South Boulder Creek, Central City, Colo........----..----------
Middle Boulder Creek, Central City, Colo
Jenny Lind Creek, Central City, Colo
Mammoth Creek, Central City, Colo
Mammoth Lakes, Central City, Colo..---.-.-2.-.--------2-s5----
Tennessee Fork Creek, Leadville, Colo .........-.--------------
West Aspetuck River, New Milford, Conn
ive Mile River, South Norwalk, Conn...?............-.-.-----
State Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn
Blue Lakes, Shoshone, Idaho
Hawkes Creek, Westville, Ind
BEL rane Waporuenln G qc nwa gece ecmier psec cimceleciee a oes
Spring Branch, South Bend, Ind
Spumee reeks Onchand wlOwieaee sce sence ce cloictee ce eiewnioisecic cceies
SilvenlbakewMount Veron, Lowai-sa-csccssso-ecereeecaeeseceee

Baker, Baldwin, and Bigall brooks, Cresco, lowa

50, 000 |
10, 000
25,000 |

10, 000 |
40, 000
10, 000
5, 000
10, 000 |
5, 000
5, 000
10, 000
10, 000
10, 000
10, 000
5, 000
10, 000
10, 000
5, 000
5, 000
5, 000
10, 000
10, 000
5, 000
2, 500

10, 000
10, 000
10, 000
10, 000
5, 000
5, 000
5, 000
5, 000
10, 000
3, 335
3, 335
3, 333
3, 333

CXVI

Details of distribution—Continued.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

ss Ala : a Fry and Adults a
Species and disposition. Eggs. fn ponies! eines
Brook trout—Continued. :
Applicants in LoWa....sscsccnessseasasecsasnwnseces APConDoOnADceacooeseciess 1, 700 2, 000
Lake Anasagunticook, Canton, Me....-------.----+-2+-++ +--+ +++ [sere ce rere ee LU; 0005) 222 eee
Varnum and Clearwater ponds, Farmington, Me..-----.--------|------------ IG OOON een eeeeeers
Water Company Reservoir, Belfast, Me..-...------------+++-----|----+------- 5,000: |. Jo ee eee
Old Meadow Brook, Franklin Road, Me ..---..--..-------------|-----+------ 10}0007| 2 2 Sone
Sandy and Half-moon brooks, Thorndike, Me .-.---.------------|-----+-+----- 10/000 ||22 2 eee
Brewer Pond, Brewer Junction, Me .-.------------------------ va |eeeeee cesses 10, 000 |.....-......
Tributaries of Great Brook, Otis, Me. --..---------------------- 50, 000
Green Lake, Green Lake, Me .....------------------------------ GE
Oxford Lake, Rockland, Me ---.--------------------------------
Field Pond, Brewer Junction, Me.-.------.---------------------
Lake George, Skowhegan, Me .--.---.-------------------+-------
Narragaugus Pond, Franklin TROAGL WIG ~ce cee eemeccodencausseacs
Thompson Pond, Oxford, Me .--..--------------------+---------
Tunk Lake, Franklin Road, Me......-...-----------------------
Surry Pond, Ellsworth, Me .-----.-------------------+---+--------
Branch Pond, Dedham, Me ......--..---------------------------
Flood Pond) Otis, Me - 2-22 -- = o.oo. = = ee a wie teenie neem
Patten Pond, Ellsworth, Me
Bangor and Aroostook R. R. Pond, Shirley, Me
Parmacheenee Club, Camp Caribou, Me..-.....-----------------
Punchbowl] Pond, Falmouth, Mass..-....-.-..--.---.------------|~----------- 5;'0007|t222ceeeeeee
Hicks and Purgatory ponds, Millbury, Mass-..-......-----.-----|------------ 100002|/E2 => seeeeeee
Mountain Rock Brook, Lowell, Mass .....-.........------------|------------ 10,0004 eeeceeroeeee
Dunklin Hole, Dedham, Mass..-...------------------------------|------------ 10/000) S20eeeeeeees
Wilson Creek, Dedham, Mass.....-.-.---------------------------|------------ 10;:000)| 2325s
Pawessett Pond, Dedham, Mass .--.....-------------------------|--+----+----- 200003). o2eeeeeeein
Trule Brook, Lowell, Mass ..---.-----------.-------+------------|------------ 5: 0007/23 oaeeeeeee
Applicants in Massachusetts. .-.-------------------------------|------------ 105000) | Seseeeeeeere
Allen Creek, Bronson, Mich ..-........-------5.------------+-0--|------------ 10:'000) Ea 2teeeeneee
Paint Creek, Ypsilanti, Mich .........-...-----.----------------|------------ 5.00022 -eeee eee
Spring Brook, Chesaning, Mich.-..-.-.--------------------------|--------+--- 5) 0004|.2eecieeereme
Sturgeon River, Gaylord, Mich -..-.----.---.---------------------|------------ 550005 |Seaeeeieeemer
Au Sable River, Grayling, Mich...--..--..--------------------.|--------+--- LOOM COO) 2eeeeee nee
McMaster Creek, Onaway, Mich.-....---.-.---.-----------------|------------ 100000) 22seeseeeeee
Hays Creek, Grass Lake, Mich .-...-.-.--.----------------+-----|----------++ 5, 0009) 22 eee
Brule River, Iron County, Mich... .--.-..-----.+--------------|--------2-=- 10; 0000 | saceceeeeere
Iron and Brule rivers, Iron County, Mich ...--..--..--..--.---.)...2.------. 15, 000 |
Washington River, Isle Royale, Mich .--.....---.--.--.---+----|------------ 5, 000 |
Applicants in Michigan.........--------------+2---- 220-2220 eee |----- + 22-2 ee] eee eee
North Branch of Sunrise River, North Branch, Minn.....--.---|.....--..-.- 5, 000
Teta ene Ruby) IONE) Mh Gas ooo 6 s5eso sooee op soce ma snencorass||scaccosssccc 5, 000 |
Money Creek, Lamoille, Minn ...--..--.------------+--+--2++-+-|----- 2-20: 5, 000
Pleasant Valley Creek, Lamoille, Minn....-......-.-..---.-----|.----------- 5, 000
INI) iNOW Obie Ae aoe dose Sap soso aden se Secor some aa\eooeonaeans= 5, 000
Spring Brook, Northfield, Minn......-.----------------------+---|------------ 10, 000
Colquet River, Duluth, Minn.-.-..--.--.--...-.----------------|------------ 5, 000
Five Springs, Lamoille, Minn ......-......---------------------|------------ 10, 000
Little Knife River and Silver Creek, Two Harbors, Minn......|.....------- 6,550 |
Knife River, in St. Louis County, Minn .--..--.----- 2... =| ee ‘10000 | Se eeeeeeeee
Wiarmbesr maken e@T blot MOmtere semmc cine seisa= =e eee ee ce meee aetna | eee tee 995
OdelliCreeksRedeblut Won tesacereesee eee mel sae neal mt ee eee eat eee eet 1, 980
Wottonwood!Creek Bozeman, MONG oa ee ariei = an see lele eee tel ete te eta eee 5, 000
TralicreskwbozemMan Onbese se sence er ce see cece lea mmiemace eee | pe eae eee | See eee 5, 000
Applicants in Montana ..----.--..--------- ~~ 22 en nn [nee == | eet ee 2, 992
JME Comec Vussoula eWOnteas sae eeecreseer eee ceeacier = see eae 20000) e20 st. cee ieee eee
Spring Brook and Lakes, Omaha, Nebr------------------- 2<--<< |seem =e == 22 >|\-secene eres 5, 000
Sprinp Brooks Hast Gratton Neeser ner ere eae ee eer 20, 000"'|<0 Sas seeees
@hiristine mi ailce ngs tar ks N peeve eters ce tate eters ay atclo ace foleee nrmie ste lne cee Seattle | 9; 9754 2a sneceereee
Merrimac County Fish and Game League, Concord, N.H .--.--.].....-..---. 25.000) ||). .Seeeeeeee
State Fish Commission, Ashland, N. H. ....-.------------------- 25:000: 22225 oe enero
AS Mei elowsabranchvallOeN Ol sa cee= cme ee Re eres iaetale 20; 000!Ns =. Soo Ss ee eee
Wanslaipbey.cbrincetonm Ned yseseenescsemerrs\seieise a= eeeen occ $00)... 28. ee eee
Charlotte Creel Ome omer New ve ale tee tate ao a el ele erate fel fe re tea att ree 4. 56. oe eee
Otego Creek, Oneonta, N. Y........---------------------0---2-0-/------------ 4,516) |S es eee
CrandapBrookiGreones Nes Verescae aces aee eae emir near meters [erent rats 4:'516 Ses caeeeeee
ETO USHNIO DS avy OL HO EV OyibO Lay Ney aes ele te al tem lela mettle oleae ol tele er 4, 516)|¢-2-eeeeeees
Big Brook, Adams Center, IEA ee el ee ee ee ee Se PR oe ee 4.516) ||2s See eee
Montfreddy Brook, Syracuse, N. ¥ ..--.-------.-.-----------0--|--------.--- 4-516) eae eet
Sparinyed Fela Ohyetes 8 (OE bi INI MSc oe ansendsnichoncocadsensoco co0wad)|Soconoqandas 6.016) 222s
SPLINP DLook, Mleartsd ale; oN wWecme sae e cle eeielersle alee = aie minim = intempo elem G; 016y\"22 eee eee
Cooper Brook weeek skull IN vicar ais setae mee le ote lal aae = alee | alte ate ma 86884). teehee:
Movern@ reek yh ranktort, Neo arses nim eee nate ello lala a ee lormce ies atte ela iaielelei eters 4,516 be x ee ae
Trout Brook, Dexter, N. Y....-.--.--.-- OE Sista ioc miele ow aleve Secreta nrtateretets ee ee ASO 1G tae ee
Horseshoe Pond. Horseshoe Lond yans Wisc aces oe se een icelerceael eect se B.S 165-2) a. eee
ttle Moose River, Malone: Ns Mee ss cnccic-nciee nie eee mlceneete Se semen ara 25 000):|: fees See
AC plicants mmeNew MOLk.-.asssceccisitee cee eeeckescecees cee Meeeenieeeatae 2; 808i (52 eon aes
Brushy Fork of Licking River, Newark, Ohio............----.|.--..------- 500022 eeeee eee
MaoanRiver, mVWestubiberty, Ohio jences-esneeoe soem ee semee oem sell eerie eretetete 4) 000\'|- co eee
IMiaG-a-CHeOMNiEN,) WOR Ll Delt, OlTO ne etseie mieietciai=leletelateteieinisreieisre oie! eiatetatatetaeiraees 4 *'000))| Sataemeeerete
North Branch of Owl Creek, Fredericktown, Ohio.............1........---- 5,000 '..... ccvnewe

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Details of distribution—Continued.

CXVII

Fry and

Adults and

Species and disposition. Eggs. fingerlings.| yearlings.
Brook trout-—Continued. |
Applicants: in (OMIO+ <. co... cnc seiane nie alajala/nra{nlalajnia/min(oidjaia/ajajataye| ie (aielareieteisel=ie TT OOOH Ree eae es.
Stranahan Brothers, Hiram Station, Ohio........--...-.-.-.--- OOO! | orateiae, acess \eSecbonescie
Peihir Chtarle WIGhi@ne) (One baer ose poeceoaceroeapsoe CooscE|oscoboce=ce:|lbonmesere che 2, 300
eirigg CHECKS EGON sTULGEr | ONG Oe noce tne saan ato ea aaaeiscigne | (emma ee oe ertellisetcicien t ociaias 29000
HrmiiiGr Checic, (Cirle Oe TS See ser Boo ee gore pponmroeretn cose |[po-ecogsacco| Hae. soaecone 2, 000
Jp eih@nns| Tih TEENS hel yeh We Sooo gon sos ceepaceingooscecosncco|ScooC post Cro boos baBoane 1, 000
Pine, Spruce, and Baker runs, near Snowshoe, Pa............|.-.--.------ BY O00Y |. hes =
Cockampany Brook, Wood River Junction, R. I..-.....-......-|------------ HO T000 licen at cigte aes
Wondsteakewhapid: City, So Dak <ac-o. sc.cs00scscnse soonest ceelecieme ve le sesleseeebohacae | 3, 000
Applicantsumisonth Dakotar--<0c -sacsccecnssinccescseecsncce 21, 000 | 3, 500
iPacleyaCanyonr salt uakey City. Wtahts. occ) escs cot semsiscislomns alse: smeise sacle sin acs alocle 5, 000
Diver wsleutoakes: Park City, Utah. ss. cie.s.cce fensecascesiecielsselccimeerice|oe seer == | 5, 000
JAG en Ti LOT Nee Ae apananeenasnene nee See sccoceOREeOnen ace 5, 000 | 2, 000
State Fish Commission, Salt Lake City, Utah LSP O00 seeseeemeeee
Grant Hampton, Saltilake City, Wtabe.----45--<s-<cceoe-ns--|) LOKO000) Seemann mt | sk micteelsesett-ie
Jee 1h Abie < SEMind PENG) Oring OA Nee ceeadaSsaseecdssceccood|. | 1 ea AUNO" Secssoresonollssnocuseceod
eaCaMillers Salt lake Gity, Witalssse-ceesacenscceesceemeces|( ll ONOOOP | Shes pecaec. lewscteeqeaes
Diwan MeaGunrring Saln aces Oliv nU bales can anaes sae |\ anny nkOs OOO siarerste etal (ole eter tierce ate
ACE aGodbossaltwnakewcity, Uta i 25-s-ccaes Seaceceeceeeesele MP eONOOOHM Ge pecer msciets lactose acer
Wet voillery Salo Make City. (Uitahi casos cncsasnceecnemseces|s) os ON000)|Sance to cacthsllaocde eascceee
Cee Mundy es Sale Lake: City Wtahine. cei sac cates igsssse-<i| 1p pLOHO00 sl i riscmislsicie tlle ee Se eee =
Georce, Manning,” Salt Laker City, Uta 2 35ss4--5<cssccfees|) Oh DOU000 ieee ae calllnces eeeeeer
Gaopeboondwsucar oat Utal-sitiaacsc5 oe ccceasscceaicesscwc| he Ox Q00K| terete ceaalllassee qececee
Caledonia Club Pond, St. Johnsbury, -Vt-...................--- 25; O00 ates wees
Tnekers brook. -WOOGSLOCK: Wibis =o. 5=2a(si<6 ccscas Saneclsscicqaencie MONQUOWIES Sat ereeeer -
IRicoreond Shoebuy Tn On Vibe ase ctececlss soo noc cewemecueaeaue fceSecls AS S5ONl aac Seeks
Halandecondestasuttoland. Wit. 5. cssccucrec cients eccceeces 0! OOO ae staat
Grinniheeondee Wan Dyn. Vibe ences cl aaie.cceacrels snl = aaiaine aaisinwsnei COUT UE ene sense ee
Harmrbanks Fonds ob OhNS bury, Vib= st occ <n-ccenscsrcs cine os LOOOOH |S eee
AAU KOs ox TeONS VOLO IV baciekie ricci sci acen< ce Scie s a ec acieee| eee cieeeetioe AQUSION Rae 5 eee
Manse LOnUtCLOLOM AV bce asis.cect am nccise dela ase coe tnonee See olemidnaeee ee TOOSOCON|A D2 Seat ee
NOPE LOO key MOLCIS VIO pV bem spsca amines aa clscisa saat aps sing sia no eiewe oeeeee | 10, 000
Make Marche sShanOns \Vibserer aoc chic ceca cinecncencmnasea ote seen|lseteeecaaees 9, 970
MIeBVecUVeraistye OUNS DUTY Vite sae meee isicseicta veeiccten Sersieiis ase Seciseomeeee 36, 000
PAG DUCAN GSH WOLMON DE aecaieie= o> nelaiaine co Se qaleicem aa ace saccisieieiclalle siacieistesieretels 15, 000
One Dall sey Nd oOnWwalle, Vibo= seasacceicoasianveciesiie eae TOMOOO! |Eeence caer
State Fish Commission, Colebrook, N. H..............----.----- HON0008|saeeeeeeeres
Caldwell and Little Spokane creeks, Spokane, Wash ..-...-....|.-----------|------------
Make we wan suCOMa NaS lascccc ina cicleismintesiasiaisieis ee siciai=siael|f ace cieeiela or Soave er er
PA DILcAN tay Orillas Wash saccec tic eae Ncsonce somes “welaalsneeoaleree cee seen eeeeeeaeee
HE COOks SPOKAIIO; WAS Moe ac ces clsicte niisiain claeisiaw enieswaeieicaieme.nias 25 000H stein aeee
North Branch of Oconto River, Lakewood, Wis....-.---.-<.-..|:----<------ 5, 000
iblacka@akelakess tatevlWin OmW Ss ssn s.ccsiae meist- one cones sees lpeseaeeeeees 5, 000
IGMOIEULY OM VWSALIS SSL Wil Siseree oie nina ae nace marist tere oe cieinee ieieraiai| ia ete earns 5, 000
PAUP PLICAMESMIM\VAISCOMBIN: sa)52/-)siswie saiciaciancieicies asics ncsesieeaacis||Seseeeecieser 2, 000
Wamerwsaker sheridan Wey Onssecer- eons ceianicaacaciss since tle Secels| nete aeeateeee| sees ccs
HAs SChTOder Silesia: PAUSbIIG eee e os oc coca tok ooerse ee odesek 1LONOOVE eeaset cen:
Wm. Burgess & Co., Malvern Wells, England ........-.-..----- TOSO00H eenaeee eee
Swiss Goverment, Switzerland. <a -cscscccsoscencssescoceces AUD sass sedaccee
Oba Meee aaa cas ceca siaisicieea sac osc os Saeneanieseeseeene ute 319,300 | 1,863, 798
Lake trout: ===
State Fish Commission, Windsor Locks, Conn...........--.--. AYN, O00) |Seeeooosee <
SpEne Ronde Lanter Here hts ah Csasscoansoniessine ae naes sees o28| Geaceecemsc 1, 060
Geo. W. Rea, Arangee, Idaho ..-.. TLOAOOO Ea eectioseees
Hmdsonrbakessouth pend inde. sess saan aenise easel cine eines baste ees 30, 0UO
Cleamihake Clearlake: Towa: ccc scses= cose eames cee op eee el | beemcem noses 100, 000
Slarme maces vonniela Kee lO cee cece cee mecianenacceioa ee cet etealoee eee 100, 000
Spinivbaker Spine Mako Ow asc as cteee-ci-ascinecdeceoncaesocsster|aeseneeneoes 96, 652
Tako OkoOHojlyis pirib Ake lo wasaaconsaoace sa ces\ecieosiemie ace ccc |eeeeocccaes 92, 652
Silyel lake lua korbarkelowamcoe se conse ca cen see c neocon os caasaall oacmea cee ore 41, 696
Ap plicantswnMllowae seen ab acs sane che acc oe seem an pease eee ee betsn a ona 10, 000
State Mish Commission, Enfield, Me .............-<.--2cc--s00c2 fies (NOW Iaaassocsoses
ReckyeP ond tise wieverepese st ete er se eke Sa aane een eeee naan lessee einiseania 15, vd
Bhlinsseonds Median Mere. oee ce, maeecae ot alae seas oe eed lene eee tae 30, 000
RP DICANUS MOB BING eee MES een nce wea e Lasars de dsicrae serie tell moet cee a 10, 000
Gucenbiakerrnlis worth Memes s sen cae ve sec mee ohne seve ecto caleeene cee 998
State Fish Commission, Winchester, Mass.........------------- 100, 000 |...... Se
Rondel ak OmHangy Or Macher ce secs coi soto cys diam a aisle snacela laisewinac ears | 10, 000
MakeuHinronea pena Mic bent. aot e acces coset acon sos ens eerste eee 29, 800
Bake tnronyot -Chunder bay Island) Michi oose<a55-cs-cnsce- (beatae dee 740, 000
akeyHuronjot, SugariislandyNtioh cose es asec se. sass es 2 sn ec[pacacecneeee 350, 000
EakeMa chivan © harle vous excise ncn cetecicws ci necelsteseacicts Sane epee ase 738, 875
hake Michi cane Manishianesx Miche: 5225 sces sncuie sono scecsee se sbsenusmensce 400, 000
inepuaken @harloyvoixd MaiGhHe. ao oe: mer meae ste e ean. aac eee lee eee cen 408, 875
‘Lwanoakes, Wiesb Harrisonville, Mich --.o.2sseecec2sscicces sc nfe cn odaecee oe 8, 890
Meonblbaeveial eva kes Mucho. s et sncce atau a ee Ue scst ccm ete ceece es meee Ei) eae eee le
Crookedi Wake, WakelGeorge, Mich® -ssec seas. casinos noose l-cnecn\eoeeeeoeeeee TOHOO ON RAEEE cena aoe
ibe scar bake yb al dyin Maichs 22 sceese. eres cs + idence sonlcoeuceecenne OM OON eens see
Rupa skews al dwans Mich) aac co soe sae doce u eicceeeees dnculet ener oes ROOM Ree ee Seka
Bren va ley em esate VLC Ee se eee ere isi erent ea (une, borciceee A/ GEO ees be ORGUOM Meee a oeeeee

Straits of Mackinac, Mackinaw City, Mich

600, 000

CXVHI

Details of distribution—Continued.

Species and disposition.

Eggs.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Lake trout—Continued.
Straits of Mackinac, Cheboygan, Mich. assess. seeeeensene 400
Long Lake, near Alpena, Mich
Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Mich
Lake Superior, Long Point, Mich
Lake Superior, Washington Harbor, Mich
Lake Superior, Fisherman’s Home, Mich
Lake Superior, off Wright Island, Mich
akesupenor hock Harbor, Mich-ess--e-ee= = Eeeeseeeen ener
Lake Superior, Chippewa Harbor, Mich
Lake Superior, off Fish Island, Mich
Lake Superior, Tobin Harbor, Mich
Lake Superior, Todds Harbor, Mich
Lake Superior, Ontonagon, Mich
Crooked Lake, Lake Station, Mich
Hamlin Lake, Baldwin, Mich
Townsend Lake, Baldwin, Mich
Mench Lake, Baldwin, Mich
Cashren Lake, Baldwin, Mich
St. Mary Lake, Sault Ste. Maric, Mich
Black Bear Lake, Carlton, Minu
Lake Superior, Chicago Bay, Minn
Lake Superior, Grand Portage, Minn
Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minn
Lake Superior, Poplar River, Minn
Lake Superior, Beaver Bay, Minn
Lake Superior, Two Harbors, Minn
Lake Superior, French River, Minn
Lake Superior, Duluth, Minn.....--. Bree Rie fetee Diao eae eee
Wilson Bay, near Cape Vincent, N. Y
Lake Ontario, off Cape Vincent, N. Y
Lake Ontario, off Grenadier Island, N. Y
Lake Oneida, Sylvan Beach, N. Y
Henry Davidson, Old Forge, N. Y
ILENRG) IAG leh beh, Olin eeegon sabacecasaecacosscuoagecosbes
Queens River, Kingston, R. I
Lake Hendrick, White, S$. Dak
Applicants at Kimball, 5. Dak
Derby Pond, Derby, Vt
Derby Pond, Newport, Vt
Salem Pond, Derby, Vt
Lake Dunmore, Salisbury, Vt
State Fish Commission, Roxbury, Vt
State Fish Commission, Colebrook, N. H
Lake Michigan, Sheboygan, Wis
LakeSuperior Bark Point mWasieseeeeeeess coer eceebeee tenner
Lake Superior, Sand Island, Wis
Lake Superior, Raspberry Bay, Wis
ake) Superiory Oakslslandsawiseescsescroceeeenee nies eee ereeee
Lake Superior, Magdelena Island, Wis ....-........-----.-----
Lake Superior, near Lizard Island, Canada
Lake Superior, Port Arthur, Canada
Swiss Government, Switzerland

ewe ee eee eee ee ee ee eee -e

Scotch sea trout:
Alamoosook Lake, Orland, Me
New England Sportmen’s Association, Boston, Mass .....--.-.

Yellow-jin trout :
Lower Twin Lakes, in Lake County, Colo .......-..--.---.-.-.
Golden trout:
Tributaries of Great Brook, Otis, Me........ atafeleferarninve pacanascs4
Alligator Lake, Ellsworth Falls, Me
Holbrook Pond, Holden, Me
Branch Pond, Dedham, Me

State Fish Commission, Monmouth, Me
State Fish Commission, Auburn, Me

Total
Grayling:
Elk Creek, near Red Rock Lake, Mont

Whitefish:
Lake Huron, near Can Buoy, Mich
Clear Wale) Valentine, Mich. -2).0. 6... scence ne Jones Beh aah ake
Lake Huron, near Thunder Bay Island, Mich
Lake Huron, near Scarecrow Island, Mich
Lake Huron, near Sugar Island, Mich

saessacnnace

200, 000 |
100, 000

120, 000 |

120, 000
240, 000

500, 000 |

400, 000

25, 000

240, 000
240, 000
240, 000
240, 000
240, 000
240, 000
240, 000

8, 000

350, 000
240, 000
240, 00

2) a he 2405000 eee
RE RR eta hs 2405000) 2a see
ta, Nes ER 4805000 sae
peer een em | 1°7;250!)\| See
Ledeen a ee |. .:240:.000)|- Sa aeaeee

100: 000) | o2c2.o..0 25) c

1,(085;1000) ||'124\521 219) |e eee
sic dee e ea eee 1, 489
ois os MR URES eee 100
2 aoe DOES Bh eee 1, 589

20, 000
18, 144

1, 500, 000

2, 000, 000

500, 000 |

1, 600, 000
2, 000, 000
2, 000, 000

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Details of distribution—Continued.,

CXIX

‘ hice Try < 8 é
Species and disposition. Eggs. fo oontirs. eter leag
Whitefish—Continued.
Lake Superior, Grace Harbor, Mich ............----------------|------+----: 935 0005| easement
Cfate ish OOMmIssiOny A SHland oN El mise cen. cee cd eens weenie DOOK 0008 | Pee. cee moe|emasemae ee
pkecHinic mean emt-iner ays ONIO: os. elem cc ecin noite < teiem em mm ee = eminem oie ne 56-990! 000ulE = =e eee S
Mako b nese OLn Glin COs OHIO) stereo = ects elnino l= fale (oie mle ee tete eta | em mnt oem bo Me SPPALUU) | eee ama
ake Brie, Ottawa City, Ohio~ <- i. oe ones se ce en ween =|] sna wen =e 5LBS0 100 0ilee sa sae
SOM lees eects ecto erneetete ernment ce Siem a sini= wa bic msis/aie myenainie 200, 000 | 88, 488, 000 |.......---.-
Pike perch: : = Sess
St. Lawrence River, near Cape Vincent, N. Y¥ ...-...-........-.|------------ Oy 2435 750)||aeneeeets
Raquette River, Potsdam, N. Y ---.-.-.-.-.--..-.---------------|------------ SOOKO00R | Paere eater
Makertinie iat-imoay, O10. =o. 2=q m= sein elem nla olelmce) = = aie emim emi Soe iele emia ii—= OEM We ee
a kopnrieseoLtOlintom Ohio meee meee see eer = tetera ae nl eee eter | A BRAD eee BE Ac
0) if) I SER Sense ser Gc onoa OOS ROnODOs Ce Acorn SoCs poDocTOcooarc SUL SS s(00) |e ts esos ace
Lake herring: = =
IL ie) Whats, Terie ae OMI). 25 oe Sa odeae sonmacopeoSscnoseboseseo|besoonsesccs 1 5HOSOROCONSaee eee eee
Makesurie, Port:Clinton, Ohio. 2: = ss-.<.<cse5.0e0-s2-cesssse5-5- = | ey ee ete cre eos 9205000) |e Renae ==
TUCO" sn Seley See, eee eae Se a Te BE Re eee ae eee eecre lel Ss970s 000 pecesaeasee=
Adults _ Adults
Species and disposition. and Species and disposition. and
yearlings, yearlings.
Black bass, large-mouth : Black bass, large-mouti—Continued.
Clear Creek, Winslow, Ariz......---- 200 Applicants at Vinton, Ilowa.-.------- 100
RESCLVOIELUGSON) ATIZ-.c225-c5ccn-- 100 Arkansas River, Great Bend, Kans... 100
Woodruff Fish Lake, Holbrook, Ariz. 100 Eureka Lake, Manhattan, Kans-...--- 82
Applicants in Arizona ....-...-.------ 250 Carmichal Lake, Dodge City, Kans... 100
Ouachita River, Lawrence, Ark....-. 200 Crystal Lake, Leavenworth, Kans- --. 50
Ouachita River, Arkadelphia, Ark. .- 200 Forest Park Lake, Atchison, Kans... 60
Clear Lake, Mayflower, Ark-..--..--. 200 || Valley View Lake, Lawrence, Kans. . 49
Silver Springs Mill Pond, Rogers, Ark 200 || McDowell Creek, Manhattan, Kans... 70
Potash Sulphur Springs, Lawrence, | Forest Lake, Bonner Springs, Kans-- 35
/\TA 98 32 Geen E SOO S eSB Dee son aee 100 || Elmwood Lake, Bonner Springs, Kans 35
Saline River, Benton, Ark..-.--------. 200 || Buckner Creek, Jetmore, Kans------- 700
Applicants in Arkansas..-....-.--.--- 1,150 || Pawnee Creek, Burdett, Kans .-.-..... 150
Lake Maria, Cuchara Junction, Colo- 300 || Lake Chanute, Olathe, Kans.....----- 25
Applicants in Las Animas, Colo-..--- 100 || Deer Creek, Atchison, Kans..-..----- 30
Little River, Seymour, Conn...-..-.--- 200 || Applicants in Kansas.--...-...--..--- 1,555
Brandywine Lake, Wilmington, Del. 400 || Lake Gabriel, Holt, Ky...---..------- 50
Fish Club Lake, Carlyle, Ili-...--.--- 100 || Little River, Hopkinsville, Ky ------- 300
Lake Zurich, Barrington, I]..--.-.--. 250 || Dick River, Danville, Ky..-.-...----- 50
Mill Pond, Charleston, Ill.--..---..--- 100 || Natural Bridge Lake, Natural Bridge,
Vermilion River, Danville, Ill_-.-.--- 450 || Key oe enon seen ep ceeeeree same eec 80
Crystal Springs Lake, Jacksonville, | Nolin Creek, Hodgensville, Ky..----- 50
beeen cee seine nae see ne eerie. le 100 Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky- ------- 100
Illinois Central R. R. Co.’s Pond, Lover’s Lake, Hardenburg, Ky.------ 50
WiGiTGG). 4 Ol ese caweEseessees seeeesere 150 Waterworks Reservoir, Junction
Le Claire Lake, Edwardsville, Il .-..- 100 City Kye ae eee eee eee ee 50
Channel Lake, Antioch, Ill.--..-----. 50 Stonya@reeks Paris, Koyeeese aaa | 50
Kishwaukee River, Belvedere, Ill. --.- | 100 Rockbridge Lake, Lawrenceburg, Ky -' 50
Des Plaines River, Des Plaines, Ill-.- - 100 Crystal Lake, Ryland Station, Ky. --. 50
Woodley Lake, Woodbury, Il....--- 50 Tilinois Lake, Paducah, Ky..--------- 109
Applicants in Illinois .-........-.-.--. 475 Fennessy Lake, Culvertson Station,
Eagle Lake, Warsaw, Ind ...-..-.---- 50 Nie aE aaeeaaanariceee SoaeBeeoode 75
Kent Pond, Kentland, Ind...-.-.-..-. 250 Applicants in Kentucky .-....-------- 480
Mill Pond, Kingsbury, Ind ..-.-..-..- 300 Duck Pond, Crownsville, Md....----- 100
Indian Creek, Bossert, Ind-.---..---.- 25 Gunpowder River, Parkton, Md.....- 200
Mill Pond, Kingsland, Ind.-....---.-.-. 195 Gunpowder River, Alesia, Md..--.--- 200
SaltiCreek. Bedford, Ind... .=----.---< 75 Patuxent River, Laurel, 4d..--.----- 200
White River, Tunnelton, Ind....--.--. 25 George Run, Parkton, Md .----.--.---- 200
White River, Bedford, Ind_....-..... 25 Keeney’s Mill Pond, Freeland, Md -.-. 200
Guthrie Creek. Bedford, Ind-..-.--..- 25 Little and Big Youghiogheny River,
Leatherwood Creek, Bedford, Ind-.... 50 Oakland, Md Sri ES Ppa tien eta ee Nags ood 500
Back Creek, Forvu Ritner, Ind-.--..---.-. 25 Potomac River, Woodmont, Md ------ 1, 200
Waterworks Lake, Booneville, Ind ... 25 Rock Creek, Kensington, Md..------- G70
Pine Creek, Walkerton, Ind .......--- 300 State Fish Commission, Baltimore,
Pretty Lake, Plymouth, Ind..--...-.-. 300 (5 lee ogee tiie phate Meet ae Ana Sah hae et ATI 6
Eagle Lake, Eagle Lake, Ind ......... 295 Applicants in Maryland -...-...----- 250
Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, Ind..-.....-.- 300 Scargo Lake, Yarmouth, Mass. -.----- 200
Lake James, Angola, Ind.-.--.--...-.-- 480 Elbow Pond, Buzzards Bay, Mass ..-.-. 430
Upper Salt Creek, Bedford, Ind--.-.--.- 25 New England Sportsmen’s Associa-
Falling RunCreek, New Albany, Ind. 50 tionbostonw Masse ess ere eee: 10
Furgason Lake, Knightstown, Ind... 200 Black River, Cheboygan, Mich -.----- 100
Sackritter, Kendallville, Ind.....----- 300 Big Lake, Evart, Mich ......--------- 100
‘Applicants in Indiana ..--..--------- 1, 095 Pine Lake, Detroit, Mich....--.------ 100
Applicants in Indian Territory --.-.-- 400 Hamlin Lake, Luddington, Mich -.--.-| 50
Lowa River, IowaCity, Iowa...--..--. 100 Pleasant Lake, Leslie, Mich..-.-..---- 400
Applicants ii dlowalscccccesesecess-o- I 100 Round Lake, Hanover, Mich .-......- 400

CXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Details of distribution— Continued.

Adults Adults
Species and disposition. and Species and disposition. and
yearlings.| yearlings,
Black bass, large-mouth—Continued. Black bass, large-mouth—Continued.
Cass River, Marlette, Mich....-....-.. 100 Yellow Creek, Cave Mills, Tenn....-- 100
Base Lake, Dexter, Mich. -------.-. 150 Big Pigeon River, Newport, Tenn. -.. 100
Applicants at Ypsilanti, Mich ..-..-- 150 Hill’s pee McMinnville, Tenn ..... 100
Clear Lake, Waseca, Minn ........-.- 300 Elk River, Fayetteville, Tenn.-.-...... 100
Silver Lake, Battle Lake, Minn --.--- 100 Little Pigeon River, Knoxville, Tenn. 200
Lake Tetonka, Waterville, Minn ---.. 300 Cane Creek, Fayetteville, Tenn .----- 100
Caribou Lake, Duluth, Minn..-..----- 50 Corley Creek, Mae, Tenu..-----.-.--- 100
Twin Lakes, Kansas City, Mo.-.--.--- 50 Mill Pond, Attna. Renne-- see sees ae 100
Branch of Wilson Creek, Springfield, Spring Brook, Doyal, Tenn..-.----..-. 70
IMiOvaeh aceite cess ==s si Sedinddesoe 300 Chickamauga Lake, Chattanooga,
Sac and James rivers, Springfield, MonMy. Seas Socc soe eee eee 100
160) ssa can aos CBOE OEE OOS aad poor 300 Green Lake, Chattanooga, Tenn... --- 100
Silver Lake, Cedar Gap, Mo ..-----.--. 100 Short Creek and Pigeon Roost Creek,
Reservoir, Moberly, Mo.-......--.---- 200 Cookeville) Rennie. eee 200
Five Mile Creek, Joplin, Mo, ..------- 100 Clear Fork River, Rugby Road,
Valle Lake, Ste. Genevieve, Mo....--- 500 Penninsvevss eset eeepc eee eee 100
Dry Fork Creek, Carthage, Mo..-.---- 200 Big Spring Creek, Church Grove,
White River, Forsyth, Mo.......----- 185 Renn ses ees seeesceae eerie 100
Applicants in Missouri......-.--.---- 700 Little Sequachee River, Sequachee,
Applicants in Nebraska.........-.--- 130 MON emcee eis saree eee re aeweeeeeeeet 100
Lake Hepatcong, Mount Arlington, Applicants in Tennessee. .---.------- 396
IN itmec ssc ecminigs maa sean kcieiiocios 200 Sweetwater Creek, Miami, Tex-.-....- 500
C.A.Shriver, State fish commissioner, Timber Lakes, Clarendon, Tex -....--- 100
dierseny Ohiny, We dU oseessegseccs6qseue 2, 000 Paloduro Creek, Amarillo, Tex..-...-. 200
Applicants in New Jersey --.-------- 150 Comal Springand River, New Braun-
Paloduro Canyon Creek, Salt Lake, fels) Tex ocsao2sesese saeco eee eee 450
INE Mie xc2e alee See nie cmaie cin soci sieteieniziale]= 200 Groesbeck Creek, Quannah, Tex ..-.- 50
Applicants in New Mexico........-.- 300 || Lee Creek, Miami, Tex ..........--...- 300
Greenwood Lake, Grange Co., N.Y... 809 Ranner Springs, Buffalo, Tex.....---- 100
Summit A ve.Lake, Greensboro, N.C.. 150 Lampasas River, Lampasas, Tex. .-.- 400
Chockoyotte Creek, Weldon, N.C..-. 100 || Catfish Lake, Tyler, Tex ----..-..---- 200
Poplar Lake, Reidsville, N.C .......-. 150 | Chapman Lake, Fort Worth, Tex .-.. 150
Rocky Creek, Statesville, N.C.....--. 100 || Oakland Lake, Denton, Tex.......-.- 200
Applicants at Asheville, N.C ......-. 100) |) Duecker Lake, Tyler) Mex. --vess--—e- 200
Square Butte Creek, Mandan, N. Dak. 250 || Lake Park Lake, Tyler, Tex ..-..-.-.- 200
Devil Lake, Devil Lake, N. Dak -..-..-- 260 Sulphur Branch, Rockland, Tex..---- 400
Spirit Wood Lake,Jamestown, N. Dak S00) |||=o Reservoin Mioca Roxas ae eseee 150
Park Lake, Mayville, N. Dak.........- 100 Houston and Texas Central R. R.
Lake Metigoshe, Bottineau, N. Dak.... 180 Pond Bremond) Lexssss =.= ee 367
Willow Lake, Rolla, N. Dak.-..-.------ 75 Walton Lake, Granger, Tex..-..----- 75
Lake Irvine, Church Ferry, N. Dak... 185 Concho River, San Angelo, Tex .----- 250
Rise Lake, Minot, N. Dak..........--- 100 Santa Clare Creek, Marion, Tex.---.. 200
Minnehaha Lake, Rolla, N. Dak .--.- 100 Menger Creek, Boerne, Tex -..----.-- 100
Mineral Springs, Rolla, N. Dak....---. 50 Fossil Creek, Fort Worth, Tex..----- 150
Sheyenne River, Valley City, N. Dak.. 200 Hurst Lake, Fort Worth, Tex..------ 250
Long Lake, Bismarck, N. Dak -.-.-.--- 100 Russell Creek, Miami, Tex.....------ 200
Church Spring, Inkster, N. Dak......- 50 Spring Creek, San Angelo, Tex.-..-.-- 200
Stump Lake, Lakota, N. Dak.-.....-.-- 260 Lake Como, Fort Worth, Tex.-.-..--. 300
Applicants at Davenport, N. Dak... -. 200 Trinity River, Fort Worth, Tex...-.-- 550
Cliff Lake, Springfield, Ohio.-........ 100 || Clear Creek, Fort Worth, Tex........ 100
Lake Idlewild, Kenton, Ohio .....--.-. 100 | Turkey Creek, Cline, Tex .-......-.-- 100
Tuscarawas River, Zoar, Ohio .-...--. 150 || Sabinal River, Sabinal, Tex........-. 200
Rosemoor Lake, Oxford, Ohio -..-.--- 50 Chaptico Lake, Marshall, Tex. -.-...--. 150
Stillwater Creek, Troy, Ohio....-..--- 00), Sue Belle Lake, Marshall, Tex....-.- 150
Crystal Lake, Ravenna, )hio®.....-.- 100 Elmendorf Lake, San Antonio, Tex. . 150
» Olantangy River, Mt. Gilead, )hio.... 150 Spivey Lake, Kerens, Tex.-.-.-...... 200
Lake Epworth, Bethesda, Ohio .---.-- 50 Fin and Feather Club’s Lake, Dallas,
Hocking River, Athens, Ohio. .....-.- 100 Tex Loy ae see nine Sas e Seeee eee eee 150
Clear Fork Creek, Bellville, Ohio--.-.- 100 San Felipe Creek, Del Rio, Tex-..-..--- 100
Congress Lake, Congress Lake, Ohio. - 150 San Antonio River, Floresville, Tex-. 800
Wyoga Lake, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. . 100 Lake Louise, Brenham, Tex..-.-.--.--- 100
A plicants) in) OhiOsseeea\sac wie aii 986 Leona and Nueces rivers, Uvalde,
Spring Branch, North Enid, Okla. --.. 100 Tex: soccer eee 200
Cheadle Creek, Guthrie, Okla.-.......- 100 Bow Spring Lake, West, Tex........- 175
Mosquito Creek, Higgins, Okla...-.-.- 100 Lake McDonald, Austin, Tex.....--. 600
Canadian River, Shawnee, Okla --.-.--- 100 Richland Creek, Brownwood, Tex--.. 200
Spring Lake, Woodward, Okla ..-.-.-- 100 Tidoroni Creek, Alice, Tex:-----.--.- 150
Applicants in Oklahoma. ....--..--.- 2, 000 Moll Pond, Dallas, Tex--------------=- 100
Workiond, bauneston) Role. ce-sces--- 500 San Antonio River, San Antonio, Tex. 225
Charles W. Willard, State fish com- Houston and Texas Central R. R. Co.
missioner, Westerly, R.I.....-...-- 500 Pond, Allen; Rex... .t5.- cee eee 166
Maschang Pond, Westerly, R. I.---.-- 300 Houston and Texas Central IR. R. Co.
Sheldon Reserve Pond, Sheldon, §. C.. 100 Ponds Richland e€exees- seco eee 167
Castle Hill Reserve Pond, Yemassee, San Miguel Creek, Pearsall, Tex.----- 1@
SELON eetee Giclnisinjuiv eleleysiwicio mest cemvaciareer 100 | Reservoir, Banquette, Tex..-......---. 150
Applicants in South Carolina..-...-. 800 Guadaloupe River, Kerrville, Tex .... 150
W autauga River, Johnson City, Tenn 100 | Hines Springs, Buifalo, Tex ..-..----- 100
French Broad River, Del Rio, Tenn... 100 | Llano River) Llano; Lex ----2----. 2... 150
Spring Lake, Templeton, Tenn ..-.-.-. 50 || Cleveland Lake, Sugarland, ‘Tex. ..-.-- 75
Sulphur Fork Creek, Cedar Hill, | Comanche Creek, Marathon, Tex ....- 100
REND ertetariete sie nistelete la cela eieioieiaiaialiie(eleiste 450 3arton Creek, Clarendon, Tex .....--- 350

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXI
; Details of distribution—Continued.
| Adults || | Adults
Species and disposition. | and Species and disposition. | and
‘yearlings. ive earlings.
‘ |
Black bass, large-mouth—Continued. | Crappie—Continued. |
Medina River, Medina, Tex. ......--.-| 150 Lake Chanute, Olathe, Kans.......--- 25
Terra Blanco Creek, Amarillo, Tex . - -| 100 Applicantsin Kansas ---5-...2------5 70
Amarillo Creek, Amarillo, Tex ......- 150 Fennessey Lake, Culvertson Station,
Spring Creek, Amarillo, Tex...---..-. | 100 Gy concatsrsmianseonastorebsadsnsenee 100
Alamositas Creek, Channing, Tex .-...| 150 Applicants in Kentucky ....-..-.-..- 450
Trinity River Lakes, Palestine, Tex. - 300 Amity Lake, Duluth, Minn ...--..--. 300
Cheyenne Creek, Channing, exes | 100 Applicant at Kansas City, Mo -..---- | 25
Rita Blanco Creek, Channing, Tex. --.| 150 Poplar Lake, Reidsville, N.C .-.-...--. 100
Clear Creek, Hempstead, OSs eos 150 Square Butte Creek, Mandan, N. Dak 45
Cedar Lake, Palestine; Lex econ 150 Willow Lake, Rolla, N. Dak ......... 25
Butfalo Springs Creek, Texline, Tex - 150 Lake Irvine, Church Ferry, N. Dak..- 40
Dripping Springs Creek, Channing, Applicant at Davenport, N. Dak ..--.. 50
BO Ree ei acs cae e ate saeco cc cece 150 Sheldon Reserve Pond, Sheldon, S.C. 100
Ghindalonne Riv er, Comfort, Tex ....- 300 Applicant at Bennettsville, S.C-.-..--. 150
Majores Creek, Channing, Nexens Saace- 150 || Duteh River, Columbus, Tenn ..----- 100
Truxillo Creek, Channing, Tex....... 150 Applicants in Tennessee..----.---.--- 72
MalePond lanowlex. 26 coe cncecees 150 || San Marcos River, San Marcos, Tex - 50
Turkey Creek, Tay A Koy oyid Nbc eee ere 300 || Meadowbrook Creek, Charlottesviile,
Groesbeck Creek, Quannah, Mexmaces 100 | Wiel Sasa coceeeece a ceamee teers aee 72
Old River Lake, Chapel Hill, Tex .-... 200 —_—
Pridham Lake, Cuero, Tex ...-..-..-.. 100 Notaleoaaeecene ache soucetae seater 3, 369
Little Rove Creek, Higgins, Tex..... 150 ———
Ocean Lake, Wills Point, Tex .......- 100 || Sunjish:
Goose Lake, Wills Point, Tex ......-.. 100 Shaker Lake, Cleveland, Ohio..-..... 69
Kelley Creek, Yoakum, exten 4a) 200 ——————
Palestine Club’s Lake, Palestine, Tex. 100 Rock bass:
Fort Worth and Denver City R. R. Clear Creek, Winslow, Ariz......... 200
Co. Pond, Bellevue, Tex ............ 200 | Reservoir, Tucson, Ariz ....-....---- 200
Fort Worth and Denver City R. R. Applieants in Arkansas ..-.--....--- 1, 600
Go: Pond, Quannah, Tex -...-..--..- 200 Vanno Lake, Wagoner, Ind. T .....- 200
Fort Worth and Denver City R. R. Applicants in Indian ‘Ter FiO} Ay coasec 480
Co. Pond, Wichita Falls, 'Tex..-.... 200 Pawnee River, Larned, Kans......... 159
Elm Creek, Gainesville, Tex. ....-...- 160 Applicants in Kangase See eee 1, 841
Applicants In Vexas. 55-2 s0c- oe see - 14, 730 Lake Ellerslie, Lexington, Ky.....-. 221
Sabin Lake, East Calais, Vt -.......-- 450 Applicantin Maryland 22---45-.----. 200
Rappahannock River, Fredericks- White River, Forsythe, Mo......!... 500
[Nunes AVE aenboeoehen ee So BeUsoUbS ee een 300 Applicants in IMUSSOUET seaseseesainee 300
Linnwood Lake, Pulaski City, Va.... 100 Reservoir, Hsia) Nebr --eee-eeeeeee ee 200
PAMppLicants; IM eVAL LUNIA <6 sie nie ceo: 800 Lake Avalon, Eddy, N.Mex......... 200
West Fork of Monongahela River, Chockoyotte Creek, Weldon, N.C... 115
ClaRKS DUT OA. 4 ViQiaemeiclee tote wcis.s 200 Cross Creek, Fayetteville, N. C..-..- 100
Severus Lake, Minong, Wis.-...-.---.- 250 Beaver Creek, Fayetteville, N.C ..- 100
Pewaukee Lake, Waukesha, Wis..--. 300 | Applicants in North Carolina.....-.-. 1, 400
Elbow Lake, Amberg, Wis ........... 250 || ChippewaLake, Chippewa Lake, Ohio.| 300
Wisconsin Central R. R. Co. Pond, Olantangy River, Mount Gilead, Ohio. 125
SWiSH ACA WAS 26 setae oe wicrwialei ace Se 1, 000 Shaker Lake, Cleveland, Ohio. .-.-..- 208
@. Grilsenbeck, Monterey, Mexico.... 300 Waterworks Reserv'r, Norwalk, Ohio. 57
Applicants in) Ohio ---.--2-<.------=- 250
PROUA Scien os ge sroeh acute asset 76, 064 Spring Branch, North Enid, Okla .... 200
ol Divers Lake, North Enid, Okla....--- 200
Black bass, smaltl-mouth: || Ivanhoe Lake, Shattuck, Okla.......- 200
Potomac River, Woodmont, Md ...--- 309 Spring Creek, Sand Creek, Okla ...-.-. 200
Elbow Lake, Buzzard Bay, Mass ..--. 30 || Meers Creek, Mangum, Okla ...---..-.- 200
Waterworks Reservoir, Norwalk, | Applicants in Oklahoma.......--..--- | 3,800
OT) 2 Sana See Bee eae eas yee eee 20 || Conestoga Creek, Reading, Pa....-... 100
C. W. Willard, State fish commis- | Lake Popononing, Bethlehem, Pa.--.- | 100
sioner. Westerly, Ue seeise seesees 460 || Jacobs Creek, Connellsville, Pa ...--- 100
Applicants in Teniessee ...-..-...--. 65 || Conococheague Creek, Mercersburg,
Shenandoah River, Overall, Va.....-- 1, 000 | Passe els smote shoe eos eestor wee 100
—_—— Middle Creek, Selinsgrove, Pa........ | 100
BRopalee eee cn cee saci eee cee 1, 884 | Middle Creek, Middleburg, Pa..-...-. | 100
——-———| | Ma dove Creeke Nin dual aemaeet eee | 100
Crappie: | Conococheague Creek, Chambersburg, ,
Applicant at Wilmington, 101) Aaa 100 || Page ieee inca as sivas sateen aoa howe 400
Applicants in Wlinaine ey Seen 37 Schuylkill River, Norristown, Pa.---- | 200
hakeeMarie: Amtioch. Wl soo. cesses 100 Perkiomen Creek, Norristown, Pa..-. 100
Indian Creek, Bossert, Ind..-...-.--..- 50 Lake Rowena, Cresson, Pa ...-...---- 100
Salt Creek, Bedford, Ind.-..-......... 100 Witmer Run, Berwindale, Pa...-..-.-- 100
White River, Tunnelton, Ind........- 50 Clover Creek, Johnstown, Pa -..-.--..-| 60
Guthrie Creek, Bedford, Ind ......... 50 Penn Line Creek, Penn Line, Pa ..-.. 100
Leatherwood Creek, Bedford, Ind.... 125 Applicants in Pennsylvania ....-.--- 550
Back Creek, Fort Ritner, Ind......-.-. 50 Brook Pond, Rockhill, S.C .........-. 100
Waterworks Lake, Booneville, Ind... 50 Applicants in South Carolina ..-..---.. 400
White River, Bedford, Ind........---- 50 Shell Creek, Elizabethton, Tenn-.--- 100
Upper Salt Creek, Bedford, Ind .---.- 50 Yellow Creek, Cave Mills, Tenn. .-.--} 100
Applicants in Indiana............--.- 125 Little River, Knoxville, Tenn...---- 150
Towa River, Iowa City, Iowa.-.-..-..- 100 Crooked Creek, Notime, Tenn-...---- 200
Applicant at Vinton, Iowa......-.--- 100 Applicants in Tennesses.... 886
Crystal Lake, Leavenworth, Kans.... 25 Guadaloupe River, New Braunfels,
Eureka Lake, Manhattan, Kans...... 30 ex cit Sea ee eet ee ne sees ee 200
Alfalfa Lake, Wichita, Kans ......... 65 Elmendorf Lake, San Antonio, Tex- 350

CXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Details of distribution—Continued.

Adults Adults
Species and disposition. and Species and disposition. and
YemEEe gs.) yearlings.,
Rock bass—Continued. Strawberry bass—Continued.

Baleomes Creek, Sun Antonio, Tex . 200 Saline River, Benton, Ark.........-.- 400

TlanowUiver) wulano exe. s2—- <= -\= 200 ApplicantialiOzark, Ark <22---sseee- 200

Guadalupe River, Ganahl, Tex.-..-. 200 Buckhorn Lake, Wynnewood, Ind. T. 500

Lake Julia, Houston, ex.-...-...-.. 200 Applicant at Ardmore, Ind. 'T...-..-.-- 200

Applicamtssinclexasee oo - sete = <1 2, 350 Applicants at Sewell, lowa.-.-.......- 100

Butfalo Lick Run, Winchester, Va..- 100 Applicant at Upton, Ky.....--.....-- 242

Carter Run, Warrenton, Va.--...--. 100 Sacand James rivers, Springfield, Mo. 300

Applicants) in) Virginia.=5----------- 1, 150 Five-mile Creek, Joplin, Mo..-....--. 100

Applicants in West Virginia......-- 300 Valle Lake, Ste. Genevieve, Mo ...-... 400

White River, Forsythe, Mo..--.....--. 500
Motalkencosc ose ees coee eeeeceessce 23% 352 Applicants in Nebraska...------.----- 70
== Lake Avalon, Eddy, N. Mex..-..----- 500
Strawberry bass: Paloduro Canyon Creek, Salt Lake,

Clear Creek, Winslow, Ariz .-.....--- 100 ON MO xe eno ee ee ae eee 300

Woodrutt Fish Lake, Holbrook, Ariz. 200 Cliff Lake, Springfield, Ohio.-..--.--.- 25

Applicantat Wilcox, Ariz.......----- 100 Crystal Lake, Ravenna, Ohio -.------- 50

Ouachita River, Lawrence, Ark ..---- 200 Applicant at Cincinnati, Ohio .....--- 25

Ouachita River, Arkadelphia, Ark. .-- 500 Canadian River, Shawnee, Okla .-.---- 200

Clear Lake, Mayflower, Ark.........-| 300 Applicant at Woodward, Okla...-..-- 200

Potash Sulphur Springs, Lawrence, |

VASP ote coc sbamiseaitan cas sisieeemnnce oe 200 Total. ejects aera were seen 5, 912
== —— = ; —— a == —
Species and disposition. Fry Species and disposition. Fry
Codjish: Lobster—Continued.

Massachusetts Bay, Gloucester - .- ./59, 278, 000 Gulf of Maine near—

Vineyard Sound, near Robinson Southeast shore, Andrews Is-

13 (6) (Wa (EY) ee oes eet me eo a 2, 607, 000 land SMe sca scn2 cee came eee 1, 000, 000

Vineyard Sound off— Greens Landing, Me.-.-...------- 1, 000, 000
Cuttyhunk Island, Mass ..--.--. 8, 961, 000 Gulf of Maine ofi— |
Quicks Hole; Mass.-:.-2-=-2--- 13, 760, 000 Swan Island, Me ............... 200, 060
GavetleadiMasspesareeeesee ae 32, 575, 000 Cranberry Isl: amd Meare ener 200, 000
Tarpaulin Cove, Mass.......--. 8, 376, 000 Gulf of Maine, north point of Mati-

Atlantic coast waters— nid Island, Man get: 2 accenakie 1, 000, 000
Gloucester) Massireee a= --=-coe 15, 245, 000 Kittery Harbor, Kittery Point, Me -| 3, 000, 000
ROCK pOLi Wass aeeer emacs sae 17, 035, 000 Casco Bay, between Hopeand Crotch

Atlantic Ocean off— Tslands, Me.--. S232 Sace ce eeeeees 1, 200, 000
Vineyard light-ship, Mass....-- 3, 654, 000 Jobns Bay, near Johns Island, Me --| 1,500, 000
Gay Head, Mass.-7------------- 20, 360, 000 Rockland Bay, near Seal Ledge, Me. 500, 000
Vineyard Sound, off Cuttyhunk Maine coast waters, York Beach ---| 1,200, 000
lighteMass-ecerssc-ciece nose cer 3, 566, 000 Casco Bay, off Bailey Island, Me. --.} 1,200, 000
Buzzards Bay, near Robinson Hole, RrospectiHarbor) Melee --eeeeeeeees 200, 000
IMPS SS ee rctatiictevaare te cisiaiaue nice ae cies 5,631,000 || Jonesport Harbor, Jonesport, Me~..| 200, 000
Cape Cod Bay, off Race Point Cutler Harbor, Cutler, Me.......... 200, 008
Moh t Mags sec cc iaeesece onto 3, 782, 000 Casco Bay, Small Point Harbor, Me-! 3, 000, 000

Ipswich Bay, Rockport, Mass ...-.-- 5, 149, 000 Massachusetts Bay—

Vineyard Sound, mouth of Woods || Gloucester, Mass --2-.--..---.-- 12, 356, 000

Hole Harbor, Mass ena SaaaEee 83, 000 Marblehead, Mass ...-.......... 950, 000

Cape Cod Bay, ’Provincetow n, Mass | 2, 558, 000 Beverly Masseeeeras sete eee eeee | 595, 000

——| Maonolia Mass eeecnscesaereeae | 4, 125, 000

MOM seee eee eee eee eee 202,570,000 Manchester, Massto.--scs-eseee | 6,515, 000
Pollock: ———-——|_ Massachusetts coast waters— |

Atlantic coast waters, Gloucester, Rockport wlassveereeeeeeeeeeeeet 7, 800, 000

Miass\- ons sos ens sem eeseee tec ees 978, 000 Gloucester Wlassena-e eee eee eee ' 8, 325, 000

Massachusetts Bay, Gloucester, Woods Hole Harbor, Magsg?. ino. oe5 2, 095, 000

Mass! tec. Sa coacm oe csceeeniececnee 38, 477, 000 Vinevard Sound, Gosnold, Mass... 8, 627, 000

Vineyard Sound, Woods Hole, Mass. 8, 459, 000

otal cece crass assee see 4, 455, 000 Vineyard Sound, Gay Head, Mass.. 415, 000

Flatfish: ===, Waquoit Bay, Waquoit, Mass eeeece 208, 000

Woods Hole Harbor, Mass .....--+- 88,364,000 || Gloucester Harbor, Gloucester, Mass eae

Waquoit Bay, Waquoit, Mass ...... 5/073. 000) | Beeeet eS Say, COSI, Mae eave ee

‘ ’ y || Buzzards Bay, Woods Hole, Mass....| 612, 000

pee ; | Buzzards Bay, New Bedford, Mass... 512, 000

Total. ..---------+scsssseees-- 39, 337, 000 | Bugzanes, Bay, Quissett, Mass........ | 1, 672, 000

Lobster: Ipswich Bay, Lanesv ille, M Maggies ne \ 1, 080, 000

Gulf of Maine near— } Boston Harbor, Boston, Mass..-..-.... 900, 000
Damascove Island, Me.......-.- 500, 000 Atlantic Ocean, off Vineyard Sound
George Island, Me...-........- 500, 000 light-ship, Mass. . Sens | 1 e2obnuun
Wheeler Bay, ‘Me ee es ere 500, 000 |) Portsmouth Harbor, Ne ww “Castle, N. H' 1, 200, 000
Western Point, Richmond Is- | Block Island Sound, near Block Is- |

levee WiC RE Seppo psacosoAeds 600, 000 land) Rite eee seen eeeeel| 1, 200, 000
Cape Elizabeth, Me......-.....- 4, 000, 000 —
Northwestshore of Wood Island 600, 000 TO tall. .2 22ers ee ccee seer. | 95,234,000

Notr. eee the fise ef year 1898, 566 tantees 271 ietsien and 162 blue crab were planted in the
Pacitic Ocean, near Farallone Islands, in the State of California.

REPORT ON THE INQUIRY RESPECTING FOOD-FISHES AND
THE FISHING-GROUNDS.

By Huaeu M. Smita, Assistant in Charge.

OYSTER INVESTIGATIONS.
LOUISIANA.

In May, 1897, a communication was received from Hon. Adolph
Meyer, member of Congress from Louisiana, transmitting a resolution
of the general assembly of that State requesting the Commission to
make an investigation of the oyster-grounds of Louisiana. The special
object of the desired investigation was to obtain information on which
to base a revision of the oyster laws, with a view to place the oyster
industry on a more substantial basis. The legislature was informed
that the Commission would undertake the investigation at the earliest
practicable date.

In August, 1897, Dr. H. F. Moore went to Louisiana to make some
preliminary inquiries that could not be satisfactorily undertaken at
any other season. It had been determined to detail the steamer Fish
Hawk (Lieut. Franklin Swift, U.S. N., commanding) early in the winter
for the proposed investigation, but the vessel could not reach the field
of operations before February 2, 1898, and the time available for this
work was curtailed by the exigencies of the annual shad-hatching
operations of the Fish Hawk on the Atlantic coast, so that only 21 days
could be devoted to the examination of the oyster-grounds, which time
was somewhat further reduced by stormy weather.

It being apparent that only a limited area could be surveyed in the
time available, the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish were selected as
presenting the most satisfactory features for examination. This parish
comprises the extreme eastern part of Louisiana and contains some of
the most important oyster-beds of the State. Owing to the shallowness
of the water over the greater part of the region it was impossible to
make use of the steamer for the active work of the survey, and this
duty was therefore performed entirely by the two launches, the ship
being used as a base. The limited time at the disposal of the party
made it impossible to erect signals and make a regular survey, such as
was originally contemplated, but by engaging pilots and running lines
of soundings from point to point it was possible to make a reconnais-
sance showing the main hydrographic features and the general location
and extent of the oyster-beds. The work was carried on over an area

of about 200 square miles, and as it was sometimes necessary to run
CxXXIII

CXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

long distances from the ship much time was lost. Should the work be
again taken up, with a view to making a finished survey, it would be
desirable to obtain one or two light-draft sailing vessels, which could
be taken into the interior waters to serve as bases of operation and
living quarters for the field parties using the launches.

The survey was under the direction of Lieutenant Swift, who was
assisted by Dr. Moore as zoologist. After the Fish Hawk left Louisiana
waters, on February 26, Dr. Moore remained and made a rapid exam-
ination of the remaining oyster-grounds of the State.

The oyster-beds of Louisiana lie principally between Mississippi
Sound and the mouth of the Atchafalaya, the only beds to the west-
ward of the latter place being comparatively unimportant ones in the
vicinity of Vermilion Bay and Calcasieu River. The most productive
natural beds at present are in St. Bernard and Terrebonne parishes,
the latter being the most important oyster region in the State.

There is ample evidence that some of the practices now and formerly
in vogue are detrimental to the best interests of the State and have
resulted in the practical extermination of the oyster in certain regions
in which it was formerly abundant. Dr. Moore’s report upon this inves-
tigation, which will be transmitted to the Louisiana authorities, contains
suggestions concerning the laws and methods necessary to secure the
growth and welfare of the industry, and also deals with the history,
condition, and prospects of the oyster-grounds. It will be found in the
appendix to this volume (pp. 45-100), accompanied by a chart showing
the location of the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish.

The oyster-planting industry is capable of great expansion within
the limits of Louisiana. At present planting is practically confined to
Plaquemines Parish, where a rather crude method of oyster-culture has
been found to yield satisfactory profits and is now engaged in by a con-
siderable number of persons. Practically all of the oysters sold from
this parish, most of which are put on the market as ‘‘ Bayou Cooks,”
are planted—generally as seed obtained from the natural beds, but
sometimes as spat caught on artificially distributed shells.

The rather limited biological investigation of the Louisiana oyster
which it has been possible to make indicates that it spawns during
nearly all the year, but most of the spawn is undoubtedly expelled
between April 1 and September 15. The rate of growth is rapid and
there are doubtless few places in the State in which oysters will not reach
a good marketable size within three years from the time of spawning.

The principal enemies of the oyster in Louisiana are the drumfish
(Pogonias cromis) and a snail (Melongena?). Other foes do a limited
amount of damage, but the starfish and drill ( Urosalpinx), which create
such havoe on the beds of the North, are here practically unknown
as destructive agents. Storms and crevasses occasionally prove very
injurious to the oyster-beds of the State, but crevasses are often fol-
lowed by a peculiar process of regeneration (not satisfactorily explained)
which soon renders the beds more productive than before. This phe-

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXV

nomenon, concerning which there can be no doubt, seems to occur with
sufiicient frequency to convince the oystermen that a crevasse is a
desirable thing in the case of semidepleted beds.

The density of the water on the coast of Louisiana undergoes great
fluctuation, being largely conditioned by the direction of the prevailing
wind and the amount of precipitation. In general it is lower in winter
than in summer. In the bays, bayous, and lagoons it is increased by
southerly or (east of the Mississippi) easterly winds, and lowered by
northerly winds and rains.

LYNNHAVEN BAY, VIRGINIA.

The experiments, in charge of Dr. H. F. Moore, begun during the
last fiscal year at Lynnhaven, Va., looking toward a practical solution
of the difficulties encountered in fattening oysters for market, have
been continued without as yet having reached definite results. ‘The
claire established there has now been in operation about a year, during
which time it has been cut off from accessions of sea water excepting
during high tide, such as occurs several times during each month. On
two oceasions the claire has been flooded to a depth of several feet
above the dam crest by extraordinary storm tides. Oysters have been
kept in the claire during the entire period of the experiment, and from
time to time others have been placed in several parts of the pond, but
none of them has developed a condition superior to those in the open
waters of Lynnhaven Bay, and most of them are decidedly inferior.
It appears that in this particular case there is no advantage to be
gained by simply inclosing a cove or pond after the method which has
been attended with marked success in Europe. The conditions in this
pond, therefore, can not be held to favor the experiment, and if it
can be demonstrated that the food-producing powers of this claire can
be materially increased by artificial means an important advance in
oyster-culture will have been made.

Laboratory experiments appear to indicate that artificial conditions
can be established which will tend to increase the rapidity of multipli-
cation of the diatoms upon which the oyster mainly subsists, and it
now remains to adapt the same experiments to the larger body of water
contained in the claire. That this can be done is by no means clear, as
certain intermediate attempts during the past year have yielded con-
tradictory and unsatisfactory results, and it may take a long time to
perfect the proper methods. Itis proposed to continue the experiments
during the coming year.

PACIFIC COAST.

The acclimatization of the eastern oyster (Ostrea virginica) on the
Pacific coast and its subsequent increase by natural propagation would
prove a great boon to an extensive section; and the Commission has
made a number of experiments to test the adaptability of the shores of
the Pacific States to the growth of this mollusk.

CXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Asis well known, transplanted eastern oysters have been successfully
grown in San Francisco Bay for many years.* In October, 1894, 80
barrels of oysters, from New York, New Jersey, and Chesapeake Bay,
were planted by the Commission in Willapa Bay, Washington;t and in
November, 1896, 25 barrels of 5-year-old and 4-year-old oysters from
Princess Ban and Hast River, New York, were deposited in Humboldt
Bay, California, and an equal quantity in Yaquina Bay, Oregon.

In Yaquina Bay the oysters were deposited on Oysterville Flat, 2
miles above Yaquina City and about 7 miles from the ocean, and were
spread over an area of about half an acre, the bottom consisting of mud
and shells. The flat isa natural bed of the native oyster ( Ostrea lurida)
but has been so closely worked that oystering is no longer profitable;
at low tide it is covered with 10 feet of water and at high tide with 18
to 20 feet. During the spring and summer of 1897 Prof. F. L. Wash-
burn of the State University at Kugene, Oreg., was engaged by the
Commission to examine the beds of eastern oysters that had been
planted in Yaquina Bay in the previous year, and also to study the
physical conditions of other bodies of water on the Oregon coast with
reference to the introduction of the Atlantic oyster. His observations
showed that the transplanted oysters exhibited considerable growth,
and were in a spawning state. Many million eggs were artificially fer-
tilized and the embryos released in the waters of the bay.

No spat of the eastern oyster was discovered up to the close of the
season’s inquiries on September 12, but an abundant “set” of the native
oyster was observed on the shells of the introduced species. Sufficient
time has not yet elapsed to demonstrate whether the waters are adapted
to the multiplication of the Atlantic oyster, and three or four-years
might be required in order to definitely settle the matter. The most
serious condition to which the spat would be subjected seems to be the
sudden and marked variation in the salinity of the water, owing to
changes in the tide, strong winds from the ocean, and heavy rainfall.

Examinations of some other bays on the Oregon coast with reference
to their suitability for eastern oysters showed that Coos Bay was tvo
salty for successful growth except near Marshfield, where the oysters
might suffer from freshets and sewage; that Tillamook Bay was very
salt and cold except at its extreme head, where mud and fresh water
would kill the oysters during winter; and that the water of Netarts
Bay was too dense.

An examination of the waters at Gearhart Park, on the ocean adjacent
to Astoria, at the request of Mr. M. J. Kinney, the well-known salmon-
canner, disclosed no localities in which oyster-culture is feasible.

It is proposed to have Professor Washburn continue his observations
on the planted oysters in Yaquina Bay during the fiscal year 1898-99.

*See “Report of observations respecting the oyster resources and oyster fishery
of the Pacific coast of the United States.” By C.H. Townsend. Report U. 8. Fish
Commission, 1889-91.

tf) Lhe transplanting of Eastern oysters to Willapa Bay, with notes on the native
oyster industry.” By C.H.Townsend. Report U.S. Fish Commission, 1895.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXVII

The physical features of Humboldt Bay, California, seem unfavorable
for oysters, the salinity of the water being almost as great as in the
ocean, and the summer temperature being too low to warrant the free
development of eggs. Furthermore, starfish and stingrays are reported
as destructive, and Professor Washburn found one starfish with an
eastern oyster in its grasp. The plants were in only fair condition in
August, and but few showed spawn, thus contrasting strongly with
the Yaquina Bay oysters.

GREEN OYSTERS.

During the season of 1897-98, the oysters in the lower Chesapeake
basin, notably at Lynnhaven Bay, Va., were affected with green gills,
which condition, by rendering the crop unmarketable for the time
being, was financially very serious to the oystermen. At Lynnhaven
the first indications of this affection were noticed in June, 1897. The
color at that time was quite faint, and had completely escaped the
notice of the oystermen, but it gradually grew in intensity, until by
the first of September it had become extremely pronounced. At the
opening of the season (in September) a few oysters were shipped, but
the greenness proved so repugnant to the consumers that the demand
soon entirely ceased, and practically no oysters were shipped from
Lyunhaven during the remainder of the season.

The Commission received a large number of inquiries from boards of
health, boards of trade, oyster-dealers, and oyster-fishermen regarding
the wholesomeness of green oysters. It is the popular opinion that
green-gilled oysters owe their viridity to the presence of copper, and are
therefore unwholesome; and this view has been recently strengthened by
newspaper references to a paper by two eminent English investigators,
Prof. Rupert Boyce and Dr. W. A. Herdman, in which they record the
discovery of copper in unusual quantities in certain green American
oysters in England. Stimulated by this discovery, a reexamination of
the question was begun by Dr. H. F. Moore, but has not yet been com-
pleted, owing to the intervention of other duties. HKnough has been
accomplished, however, to show conclusively that the green color of
the oysters at Lynnhaven was not produced by copper. All of the
customary tests were applied without securing a copper reaction, and
specimens of the green oysters were submitted for quantitative tests to
Prof. J. D. Hird, of the Medical Department of Georgetown Univer-
sity, who found mere traces of copper, and reported that “the green
color was due to a hydrated ferrous compound.” The exact source of
the green color has not been satisfactorily determined, but in no case
is it injurious.

All attempts to obtain the pigment in solution have failed, and, like
““marennin,” as Lankester has named the substance which produces
the characteristic green color of the oysters of Marennes, it is insoluble
in alcohol, ether, benzole, benzine, glycerin, water, dilute alkalies, and
dilute acids,

CXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The diatom Navicula ostrearia, which produces the green pigment
investigated by Lankester and others, was not found in the Lynnhaven
oysters, and the stomach contents presented the same golden-brown
coloration commonly found in normal oysters. It is evident that this
greenness is quite different from that investigated by Boyce and Herd-
man,* and before them by Ryder. The green color was confined to the
gills and palps, and no pigment whatever was found in the heart, peri-
eardium, or blood cells. Practical tests have shown that these oysters
may be safely eaten in large quantities.

RED OR “BLOODY” OYSTERS.

During the oyster season of 1896-97, the oysters on certain parts of
the Virginia coast were affected with a peculiar condition which has
heretofore been very rarely observed in this section. In making a
canvass of the oyster industry of the State in the spring of 1898, Mr.
W. A. Wilcox, agent of the Fish Commission, secured the following
information regarding the extent and appearance of the affection: It
seems to have been first noticed in the season of 1895-96, when a few
oysters from the upper oyster-grounds in the Rappahannock River were
found to have a reddish color, and received the local name of ‘ bloody
oysters.” At the outset the grounds involved were not extensive, but
by the next season most of the beds down the river were affected, as
well as numerous adjacent smaller-water courses in Laneaster and Mid-
dlesex counties and a limited area in Chesapeake Bay off the mouth of
the river.

It is reported that there were “bloody” oysters also on the shores
of Chesapeake Bay north of the mouth of the Potomac. Information
has been received indicating the occurrence of a similar condition in
parts of Chesapeake Bay about ten years ago.

When these oysters were examined in October, 1896, the red discol-
oration involved only the region of the gills, but a little later it extended
throughout the oyster and its liquor. During the early spring of 1897
the color gradually disappeared; by the close of the season few, if any,
red oysters were to be found, and none has since been reported.

The existence of red oysters in the Rappahannock region resulted in
a serious disturbance of the oyster fishery and trade. The greatest
pecuniary loss was due to the prejudice which arose against the oysters
from the affected districts, the fear being generally entertained that
those which seemed normal when first gathered might develop the red
color before reaching the consumer. In some instances cargoes of
oysters that on close inspection were entirely normal would, on arriving
at Norfolk or other markets, show the reddish color, which gradually
involved the entire cargo, necessitating the return and replanting or
the throwing away of the oysters.

In conversation with Norfolk oyster-dealers, the writer was informed

*On a green leucocytosis in oysters, associated with the presence of copper in the
leucocytes.—Proceedings of the Royal Society, vol. 62.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXIX

that about 50,000 bushels of such oysters were brought to that city
during the season of 1896-97.

The red oysters seemed to be fat and well flavored, the few persons
who ventured to eat them reporting no ill effects.

The nature of this affection could not be determined, as no oppor-
tunity to examine the oysters was afforded the Commission, nor does
the condition seem to have been previously described. Possibly the
infusorian Peridiniwm, which gives a reddish color to sea water and is
occasionally reported on the Atlantic coast, may be the cause.

SPONGE FISHERY OF FLORIDA.

In January, 1898, the writer visited Key West, Florida, in order to
obtain information concerning the present condition and recent changes
in the Florida sponge fishery and trade which center at this place.
Data were furnished by the purchasing firms showing the quantities of
sponges landed by the fishing vessels in the years 1896 and 1897. By
correspondence and other means, similar figures were secured from
dealers at the other sponge centers of the State. The Commission
having in 1896 canvassed: the sponge industry for the preceding year,
a continuous record was thus acquired giving: the sponge catch for
the three years ending 1897, during which some marked changes ia
production were manifested. The results of the inquiries were incor-
porated in a report* by the writer presented at the National Fishery
Congress, held at Tampa, Fla., in January, 1898.

The investigation shows that in 1897 the Florida sponge fishery
yielded 331,546 pounds of sponges, having a first value of $284,640; in
the previous year 234,111 pounds, worth $273,012, and in 1895 306,120
pounds, valued at $386,871. The condition of the fishery can not be
accurately gauged from *he foregoing bare figures, which show a larger
yield in 1897 than in 1895 or 1896, although it is known that the industry,
as a whole, was in a declining state. The explanation is that the catch
in 1897 consisted of a much larger percentage of the lower grades of —
sponges. Thus, the output of the comparatively cheap grass sponges
(having an average value of only 23 cents a pound) increased from 7
per cent of the aggregate catch in 1895 to 19 per cent in 1896 and 39 per
cent in 1897; while the yield of the most valuable sponge, the sheeps-
wool (average value $1.53 per pound), declined from 76 per cent in 1895
to 64 per cent in 1896 and 47 per cent in 1897.

It is the almost unanimous opinion of those who have given the
matter careful attention that the sponge-grounds of Florida, while still
very productive, are being seriously depleted; and the fact is generally
recognized that a continuance of the present conditions will in a short
time result in great loss to those having capital invested in vessels,
equipment, and warehouses.

*The Florida Commercial Sponges. By Hugh M, Smith. Bull. U. S, Fish Com-
mission 1897, pp. 225-240, 20 plates,

F, RB. 98 TX

*

CXXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following facts may be cited in evidence of a decline in the
abundance of sponges: Grounds along the Florida coast that were
formerly very productive (and in fact yielded most of the supply) have
been completely abandoned, although the industry is not 50 years old.
The spongers have had to resort to deeper and deeper waters, as the
shoaler grounds have become depleted, until it is impracticable, with
the present methods, to extend their operations further.

The average catch per vessel and per man is now much less than
formerly; and what in the past was considered an average yield for a
vessel is now an exceptionally good catch. The history of the sponge
fishery during the past few years records an extraordinary number of
trips that resulted in loss to the owners or equippers of sponge vessels.
Furthermore, the catch now consists of a large proportion of small
sponges, many being under the size sanctioned by law.

The reason for the decline of the fishery is not obscure and may be
comprehended under a single head—indiscriminate fishing. Chief
among the causes contributing to a decrease is the gathering of small
sponges. While an excellent State law of fifteen years’ standing pro-
hibits the taking of sponges less than 4 inches in diameter across the
top, the law has always been practically a dead letter. Excessive
fishing has given the grounds no opportunity to recuperate from one
season to another, and has made the collection of undersized sponges a
necessity in order to fill out the cargoes. Almost from the beginning
of the fishery there has been a total disregard for the preservation of
the supply, and the present unsatisfactory conditions are the natural
consequence.

Under proper restrictions there seems no reason to doubt that the
Florida sponge-grounds are capable of regularly yielding a large annual
catch without any danger of jeopardizing the supply. The area of the
grounds is so large (estimated at over 3,000 miles) and the growth of ©
sponges thereon is so rapid that the most ordinary precautions would
probably insure a permanent crop. The remedial measures suggested
for existing conditions are (1) the strict enforcement of the law as to
taking small sponges, and (2) the suspension of sponging on given
grounds during every second or third season. <A careful survey of the
productive and depleted grounds is a great desideratum, and the Com-
mission has engaged to make such a survey as soon as practicable,
employing the steamer Fish Hawk for the purpose.

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS.

Among the appendices to the present report of the Commissioner is
a paper by Dr. J. Perey Moore upon the results of the investigations
and experiments conducted by him for this division in the summer of
1897 relative to the embryology, natural spawning, and artificial propa-
gation of the mackerel (Scomber scombrus). The investigations, which
were begun in June of the last fiscal year, were conducted at Woods
Hole, Massachusetts, and on board the Fish Hawk in Casco Bay, Maine,
and were completed in the latter part of August,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXT

These inquiries were prompted by the great scarcity of mackerel,
which has now extended over a longer period than ever before in the
history of the fishery, and by the large mortality among the artificially-
hatched mackerel fry, to which reference has been made in earlier
reports of the Commission. The supply of mackerel, as gauged by the
catch, decreased markedly after 1885, and for the succeeding 13 years
remained at a very low ebb, the average annual output being probably
only one-seventh that of the 10 preceding years. After referring to the
fact that short periods of scarcity have in the past been followed by
seasons of abundance, Dr. Moore states in his report:

Why the mackerel supply is thus subject to periodical wax and wane is unknown.
There are no certain data upon which to venture a solution of the problem. Are
their numbers depleted by disease? There is no evidence that the mackerel is
subject to any serious infectious disease. Is the decrease due to a period of lowered
fertility, of less or greater duration? Here again we lack facts. We know but
little to what extent the biological and physical conditions of the sea have varied,
nor yet how variations in these factors affect the vitality and habits of the mackerel.
There may have been no actual diminution in the propagating capacity of the fish,
but some condition peculiarly detrimental to the development of the eggs and
embryos may have existed, causing their consequent destruction on a large scale.
Has there been a real or only an apparent decrease due to migrations of the fish
from our waters to other parts of the ocean? This view, most frequently accepted
as explaining the fact, has little to support it, and is a mere guess founded on the
known wandering habits of the mackerel.

The report cited first gives the results of studies relating to the
spawning time of the mackerel, the development of eggs in the ovary,
the characters of the ova, the process of fertilization, the vitality of the
milt, the changes in the egg after fertilization, and the hatching and
growth of the fry. The results of surface towings and the outcome
of hatching experiments are then given, followed by a summary of
conclusions and recommendations.

A point of practical importance in the artificial hatching of the fish
is that during development the specific gravity of the egg gradually
increases, so that, while the egg floats at the surface of the inshore
waters during the early stages, it sinks to a considerable depth before
hatching ensues. This fact was emphasized by the failure to obtain in
surface towings any eggs in the more advanced stages of development;
very few mackerel, however, were spawning in Casco Bay during the
progress of the work, although the region is ordinarily one of the best
spawning-grounds on our coast.

As bearing on the relatively poor results attending the artificial
hatching of mackerel eggs, Dr. Moore conducted a number of experi-
ments with different hatching methods and apparatus. These indicated
that for the first two days of development no apparatus is superior to
the ordinary tidal boxes, provided their sides are smooth and the
screens are kept clean. Subsequently the requirements are pure water
of higher density, and a hatching vessel that affords better circulation
and keeps the eggs in suspension instead of permitting them to settle
on the bottom among decaying organic matter,

CXXXII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Under the most favorable conditions it seems that the number of
ego's obtainable under present methods is so insignificant, when com-
pared with those which must be naturally hatched, that no effect on
the mackerel supply is to be expected. The necessity for extensive
operations suggests the possibility of securing the cooperation of the
mackerel purse-seine fishermen in utilizing the eggs of the ripe fish
caught by them. As is well known, the mackerel vessels frequently
meet with schools of spawning fish, all of whose eggs are lost. As the
artificial fertilization of mackerel eggs is very easily and quickly accom-
plished, and as the stripping of the fish might be carried on without
interfering with the vessel’s fishing operations, it is thought that the
cooperation of the mackerel fishermen may be readily secured by provid-
ing each vessel with instructions as to processes, together with proper
pans for mixing the spawn and milt, the eggs after fertilization being
poured overboard. In this way many more eggs might be obtained
from a single school of fish than would be possible in years of ordinary
collecting operations.

INVESTIGATIONS OF WESTERN LAKES AND STREAMS.
WALLOWA LAKE, OREGON.

The importance of Wallowa Lake and vicinity as spawning-grounds
of several species of Salmonide, and the great decrease in numbers of
these fish in late years, especially of redfish, made an investigation of
these waters desirable. The lake is in the extreme northwest corner
of the State, at the head of Wallowa River, one of the tributaries of
Snake River, the principal branch of the Columbia. Reference to a
preliminary examination of this region was made in the last report of
the division. In the present year the lake was visited and an extensive
investigation was carried on. A party from the Commission, consisting
of Dr. W.C. Kendall,in charge; Mr. Barton A. Bean, Mr. Hoffman Philip,
and Mr. C. M. Rowe, reached the lake on July 13, and remained until
November 14, two or three persons always being on the ground.

As was ascertained to be the case in the Idaho lakes, two forms of
the redfish (Oncorhynchus nerka) inhabit Wallowa Lake and breed in
the inlets; but the Oregon fish differ in size and other respects from the
Idaho fish. The smaller fish, having a maximum length of 945 inches,
were abundant, and valuable observations on their habits were made.
No important observations on the large redfish were possible, as they
were almost entirely absent from these waters, only four being seen.

While the question of the migrations of the small redfish was not
absolutely settled, the evidence obtained is almost conclusive that these
fish have their permanent residence in the lake.

In former years a seine was operated at the head of Wallowa Lake
for trout and the large redfish, considerable quantities being taken
and salted annually. This fishery had to be abandoned, owing to the
scarcity of fish and the enactment of a law prohibiting seining. The
great diminution in the abundance of large redfish and other migratory

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXIII

salmon was doubtless due to excessive fishing and the destruction
of young salmon by irrigating ditches.

Other salmonoids found in these waters permanently or periodically
are the chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), which appears
during the summer and early fall; the silver salmon (0. kisutch), known
here as dog salmon, which comes in October and November; the steel-
head trout (Salmo gairdneri), locally known as salmon tfout and not
always distinguished from the black-spotted trout, which appears in
March and April, and is caught in the lake by trolling and gigging;
the black-spotted trout (Salmo clarkii) and the bull trout (Salvelinus
malma), which are permanent residents of the region; and the whitefish
(Coregonus williamsoni), which is not uncommon, but not much fished
for. Other fishes inhabiting the lake and its tributaries are lampreys,
small dace, several suckers, and two or three blobs.

The most feasible method of replenishing these waters seems to be the
enactment of suitable protective laws and their impartial enforcement.
The remoteness of the lake from the railroad makes the introduction of
fish very difficult.

BAKER LAKE, WASHINGTON.

The establishment of a hatchery for the blueback salmon or sockeye
(Oncorhynchus nerka) at some point on the northwest coast has been
under consideration by the Commission for several years. This is by
far the most important species of salmon inhabiting the Puget Sound
region, and the call for its artificial propagation has come chiefly from
people of that section, although in the Columbia River it is taken in
large quantities, ranking next to the chinook in importance.

Information having been received showing the existence of extensive
spawning-grounds in Baker Lake and its tributaries, in Washington,
Prof. B. W. Evermann, in August, 1898, made an examination of it
with reference to its adaptability for a hatchery site.

This body of water is located in Whatcom County, in the north-
western corner of the State, near the international boundary. The
nearest railroad station is Hamilton, a village on the Skagit River, 36
miles distant, whence the lake is reached by wagon road and trail, more
than half the distance being a trail crossing several creeks which are
at times difficult of passage; one of them, Boulder Creek, is fed by melt-
ing glaciers on Mount Baker, and for a few weeks each summer is a
raging torrent in the afternoon and early evening, fording being very
dangerous. The lake is about 1 mile wide and 14 miles long, and is
little more than an expansion of Baker River, the principal northern
tributary of the Skagit. It is well surrounded by high mountains,
among them Mounts Baker, Shuksan, and Cleveland, on whose slopes
are glaciers and large snow fields which feed the headwaters of the

Skagit basin. Dense forests of cedar, spruce, hemlock, and other trees
exist on all sides. Two streams, Noisy Creek and Sutter River, flow
into the head of this lake, in addition to several smaller streams carry-
ing sufficient water for hatching purposes,

CXXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In 1896 the State of Washington established a hatchery on the lake
and took 6,500,000 eggs of the sockeye salmon. It is reported that
many more eggs could have been secured if the facilities for handling
them had warranted it. In 1897, the capacity of the hatchery having
been increased to 14,000,000, the indications were that there would be
no difficulty in obtaining the full quota. It seems certain that the most
extensive spawning-beds of the sockeye to be found in the United
States are here, and this fact, together with the excellent water-supply
to be obtained by gravity, makes the lake the best-known hatchery-site
for this species of salmon.

YOUNG SALMON IN THE SACRAMENTO BASIN.

The systematic studies of the movements, habits, growth, food, and
enemies of young chinook salmon in the Sacramento River, referred to
in the last report, were continued during this year under the charge of
Mr. Cloudsley Rutter, in association with Mr. F. M. Chamberlain, who
was detailed from the Albatross, and Mr. N. B. Scofield, who was
engaged in making inquiries for the California Fish Commission.

As a preliminary measure, in order to make a general survey of the
river, Mr. Rutter, in April, 1898, went by steamer from San Francisco
to Redbluff, situated about 300 miles above the mouth of the Sacra-
mento, and then extended his reconnaissance to Redding, 40 miles
beyond. The river for the whole distance has a strong current and is
very crooked; the lower half is comparatively narrow and deep, while
the upper part is wider, with many shoals, sand-bars, and gravel-banks.
Brief trials for young salmon were made near Sacramento and Redbluff;
at Tehama, afew miles above Redbluff; at Battle Creek, 20 miles above,
and at Redding—at each of which places, except Sacramento, salmon
were abundant. On returning to the mouth of the river, salmon were
found in only limited numbers, suggesting that the main body of young
fish was still in the upper river.

Mr. Chamberlain was then detailed to pursue his inquiries in the
lower part of the river and in the bays at its mouth, while Mr. Rutter
went to the headwaters near Sisson and, in conjunction with Mr. Sco-
field, began a careful examination of the entire stream above Sacra-
mento. On reaching Redbluff, May 20, on the downward trip, the
further study of the river was made by means of a skiff, in which, during
the following 10 days, the party rowed from Redbluff to Sacramento,
a distance of 250 miles, numerous observation stations being made at
suitable points.

The remainder of the fiscal year was occupied in studies adjacent
to the mouth of the river. The California Fish Commission tendered
the use of its steam launch, which permitted the examination of parts
of San Pablo Bay that could not otherwise have been visited.

The results of the work, so far as it has been carried, are quite satis-
factory and interesting. It seems that by May a large majority of the
young salmon had left the smaller streams where they were hatched
and had become scattered throughout the upper part of the river as far

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXV

down as Chico, about 225 miles from its mouth. Below Chico they
became fewer and fewer toward Princeton, about 50 miles farther
downstream, below which place they were scarce. In the latter part
of May, 12 were taken in brackish water about the mouth of the river,
and two weeks’ work in June in the lower river and bays yielded only 5,
while in the upper river from 20 to 70 were taken at each haul of a short
collecting seine.

After reaching the main river the young salmon prefer to keep in the
current, never being found in shallow, quiet water. A large series of
specimens has been kept to show the rate of growth and the food, which
will be noted in the final report. Young of the year, varying in length
from 1.4 inches to 3.9 inches, have been found. ‘The smallest—those less
than 2 inches long—have been observed only in the upper river and
small streams, practically none below Tehama. Those above 2 inches
were about evenly distributed throughout the river.

Itis thought that by the continuation of these studies for a short time
sufficient information may be obtained on which to base a report giving
the complete history of the quinnat salmon from the time of hatching
until it runs to sea.

SOUTHERN OREGON LAKES.

Along the southern border of Oregon is a series of large isolated
lakes about whose fauna nothing was known until July and August,
1897, when an examination of some of them was made by a party from
the Commission, consisting of Prof. B. W. Evermann in charge, Mr.
W. P. Hay, and Mr. Charles M. Rowe. The party outfitted at Ashland,
Oreg., and traveled by wagon more than 600 miles. The objectwas to
ascertain the physical and biological features of the lakes, and to make
collections of the fishes and other animals found therein.

The waters examined were Goose Lake and New Pine Creek, near
Lakeview; the Warner Lakes, near Plush; Abert Lake and Chewan-
can River, near Paisley; Summer Lake and Summer Lake River; Silver
Lake and Silver Lake Creek. These lakes are unconnected with each
other, have no outlets, are quite shallow, and are more or less alkaline.

Goose Lake, the Warner Lakes, and Silver Lake are very slightly
brackish and contain fish, while Abert and Summer lakes are strongly
alkaline and entirely destitute of fish, although containing several
kinds of small crustaceans. In Goose and Warner lakes black-speckled
trout of very large size and excellent food qualities were abundant.

A study of the collections made in this region will throw much light
on the characteristics of isolated fish faunas and on the origin of the
faunas of these and other similar lakes in Oregon, California, and
Nevada. Before a full understanding of all the questions presented is
possible, it will be necessary to extend the investigations to lakes
Harney and Malheur, located farther to the eastward in Oregon, and
also to explore the isolated lakes in the northern part of the adjoining
State of Nevada.

CXXXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The Klamath Lakes, on the Oregon-California border, have already
been examined by the Commission.* The relations of the faunas of
these lakes to each other and to those of the Snake River Basin and
the Great Salt Lake Basin present a very interesting problem in geo-
graphical distribution; and it is the purpose of the Commission to con-
tinue these investigations until a full knowledge of the fish life of these
waters is obtained.

COASTAL STREAMS OF WASHINGTON, OREGON, AND CALIFORNIA.

In the summer and fall of 1898 a systematic examination of the salmon
streams of the coast of Washington was taken up. Mr. Cloudsley
Rutter was in charge of the investigations, and was assisted at times
by Mr. GC. F. Foote and Mr. E.R. Brady. The inquiry was begun about
July 25, inmediately north of the Columbia River, and was concluded
- on October 1, by which time the streams on the south side of the Strait
of Fuca were reached.

The investigations had for their object the determination of the
physical character of the principal streams, the nature of the general
fish fauna, and the distribution, abundance, habits, spawning, ete., of
the different species of salmon.

Among the numerous waters visited were the following: Nasel, Wil-
lapa, and North rivers, tributary to Willapa Bay; Chehalis River,
which empties into Grays Harbor, with its more important branches,
including Black River and Black Lake, Satsop River, Wynooche River,
the east and west forks of Wishkab River, and a number of smaller
streams; east and west forks of Humptulips River, which enters Grays
Harbor; Lake Quinault and its tributaries; Elk Creek, a branch of
Quinault River; Raft River; Queets River with its tributaries, Salmon
River, Tacoma Creek, Mud Creek, Clearwater River, and Hurst Creek;
Hoh or Ohalot River; Bogachiel River, tributary of the Quillayute
River; Ozette Lake and tributaries; Pleasant Lake, Beaver Lake,
Beaver Creek, and Soleduc River, in the Quillayute Basin; Crescent
Lake and Sutherland Lake, with their feeders and outlets.

Many of the foregoing waters are very remote from regular lines of
communication and had never before been examined with reference to
their fish life. Large collections of the fishes and other water animals
were made for future study.

The investigation showed that both the quinnat salmon and the
silver salmon are found in all the principal streams, and that the dog
salmon is distributed throughout the region and ascends even the
smallest streams. The blueback salmon, or redfish, enters the Quinault

tiver and Lake, and also Ozette Lake. The dwarted redfish exists in
Ozette Lake, and probably in Quinault Lake. Ozette Lake affords good
facilities for a conclusive study of the question as to whether the small
redfish are migratory or permanent residents of lakes.

*The Fishes of the Klamath Basin, By Charles H. Gilbert. Bull. U. 8, Fish
Commission, 1897,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXVII

The examination of the coast streams of California begun in May,
1897, and referred to in the last annual report, was continued until
August 15, 1897, by which time all the rivers of California north of San
Francisco and some of those of southern Oregon had been visited.
The inquiries were in charge of Dr. C. H. Gilbert, of Leland Stanford
Junior University, assisted by four students of that institution. The
streams were very thoroughly examined with reference to their fish life,
large collections of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, etc., being made.

OTHER INVESTIGATIONS.
SHAD OF THE OHIO RIVER BASIN.

From time to time the capture of shad in the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers and their tributaries has been reported. The fish have locally
been regarded as identical with the shad of the Atlantic coast (Alosa
sapidissima), and have been called ‘‘ Potomac shad,” ‘“‘ white shad,” ete.
In view of the large numbers of shad fry planted in the Mississippi
Valley, it has been thought that their attempted acclimatization may
have proved successful. Ichthyologists have had little opportunity to
examine these shad from the Ohio basin, but the Commission has
recently been able to make some interesting observations thereon. In
the spring of 1896 it was reported from Montgomery, W. Va., that shad
were being taken in some numbers in the Kanawha River at that place.
In May, 1897, a fish-dealer in Louisville, Ky., stated that considerable
quantities of shad were being caught at the Falls of the Ohio, and four
fresh specimens were sent for identification. The same dealer, in May,
1898, wrote that the shad had again appeared, and forwarded six
specimens. An examination showed that these represented a species
of true shad (Alosa), and not a hickory shad or skipjack (Pomolobus),
gizzard shad (Dorosoma), or mooneye (Hiodon), which are popularly
known as shad in various parts of the interior. It was also seen that
they were closely related to the shad of the rivers of the Atlantic slope,
but had certain characters which were apparently sufficiently marked
to render the fish specifically distinct from the common shad, and also
from the shad (Alosa alabame) recently described from the Black
Warrior River, Alabama.

In order to secure more definite information regarding the nature,
movements, and abundance of this fish, Prof. B. W. Evermann, in May,
1898, was instructed to proceed to suitable points on the Ohio River
and tributaries.

Montgomery, W. Va., was first visited. No shad had yet arrived, but
additional information concerning the runs in 1896 and 1897 was
obtained. In 1896 the fish appeared during the third week in May,
the largest number being caught on May 20. Several hundreds were
taken for home use by the people of the town, and the run was reported
to consist of thousands of fish. In the following year the shad came
about the same time and were reported to be quite as numerous.

CXXXVIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

When Louisville was visited, May 16-19, the shad were running and
good opportunities were afforded for studying them. They were being
caught in seines at the Falls of the Ohio, chiefly on the Indiana side,
together with spoonbill catfish, shovel-nose sturgeon, and drum. It is
said that the shad from the Ohio first came under the observation of
the Louisville dealers in about 1876; the fish were at once identified
as “Potomac shad” by those dealers familiar with the shad of the
Atlantic coast. A good many were caught at the Falls of the Ohio
that year and met with a ready sale. A few were taken in some of the
succeeding years, but no large catch occurred until 1897, when a change
in the method of rigging the seines may have had some effect on the
number taken. In 1897 the run was large, and several thousand were
secured, the daily catch during the first three weeks in May being from
about 125 to 740. In 1898 the first shad was caught April 28; from that
time the number increased until about May 17, when the run began to
decline. The total yield in 1898 was about the same as in 1897.

This species of shad has not, so far as known, been taken in large
numbers, except at Louisville, but it has been reported from various
places on the Mississippi, and at a number of places below Louisville
on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In March, 1898, a Louisville fish-
dealer saw 25 or 30 captured at Cahoma, Miss., where the fishermen
stated that a good many were taken, and thought they were a species
of skipjack. The same dealer has seen the shad in the Ohio River
at Concordia, Ky., 90 miles below Louisville, and at Brandenberg, Ky.,
40 miles below Louisville. About fifteen years ago they were reported
at Vicksburg, Miss., in 1884 at Hickman, Ky., and in 1886 and since
at Aurora, Ind. A fish-dealer at Evansville, Ind., reports that some
years ago he caught shad in the Wabash River near its mouth, and
that about twenty years ago, and also in 1897, he saw a few that had
been taken in the Ohio River.

None of the dealers at Vincennes has ever seen any shad from the
Ohio or the Wabash, but one states that in the spring of 1898 he
received a few from St. Louis. None of the dealers and fishermen inter-
viewed at '!'erre Haute had ever seen shad from the Wabash River.
That shad have not been taken in this stream may be due to the legal
restrictions on all methods of fishing which would be likely to result in
the capture of such a fish.

STUDIES OF YOUNG SHAD IN POTOMAC RIVER.

The studies of young shad in the Potomac River, referred to in the
previous report, were continued throughout the fiscal year 1897-98.
The inquiries, which were in charge of Mr. M. C. Marsh, related mainly
to the movements, food, and rate of growth. While much has been
definitely established, further inquiries will be necessary before the
full history of the young shad is known.

The observations have shown that shad hatched in the spring of one
year are abundant during the ensuing summer months throughout the
fresh portion of the river below Little Falls. They feed in the shore

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXXXIX

waters all summer, with practically no downward migration. At this
season, also, near the surface in the open water of the river, they seem
to be present in moderate numbers and are perhaps abundant, but the
means available for collecting in the offshore waters have not been
satisfactory. With the approach of cold weather the young shad do
not descend the river along the shores in order to reach warmer water,
but withdraw tothe river channel. When the temperature of the water
falls to a point between 46° and 56°, which happens in November,
they leave the places they have frequented during the summer. This
movement is perfectly well marked throughout the section above brack-
ish water. Observations in winter and spring indicate that there is
some downward movement after the fish leave the shores, and this
must necessarily take place in the deeper water. Seining in the Lower
Potomac and along the western shore of Chesapeake Bay in the latter
half of February showed that no young shad were there, but about the
end of March numbers were noticed in the pound nets set along the
shores of the Lower Chesapeake near Old Point Comfort and the Vir-
ginia capes. These were the previous spring’s hatch, and such fish
have also been noted in the Lower Potomac. Shad of apparently two
years’ growth have been taken in both the bay and lower river, but
the young do not reappear on the shores in spring in the fresh water
of the river.

It seems probable that at least some of the young shad of a particu-
lar season’s Spawning do not reach the ocean during the ensuing year,
and it is possible that some reach maturity (in three or four years)
without visiting the ocean. Deep-water collecting in Chesapeake Bay
in midwinter will do much to fill the present hiatus in our knowledge
of the shad during that season.

Insects and entomostracans are the most important food of the young
shad in fresh water. Of entomostracans, the genera Daphnia, Cyclops,
Cypris, and Bosmina are largely represented in the stomach contents.
Rhizopods, nematodes, amphipods. and gastropods are eaten; vege-
table food is rarely taken. In a few cases small fish had been ingested
and shad fry have been found in the stomach, but this is unusual.

When 2 months old, shad are about 2 inches long; having attained
this size, they add about an inch to their length in from 24 to 34 months,
so that when they leave the fresh water in the fall‘they are from 34 to
4 inches long. They grow slower in the river than in ponds (such as
the Government fish-ponds at Washington). Fish from the upper part
of the river are distinctly smaller than those from the lower, having
been hatched later.

FISHES AND FISHING-GROUNDS OFF SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

In March and April, 1898, Messrs. C. Rutter and F. M. Chamberlain
were assigned to an examination of the fishery resources and fishing-
grounds of the southern California coast. The steamer Albatross, which
was then lying off San Diego, was made the headquarters of these
assistants while working in the vicinity. It was the intention to have

CXL REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

shore inquiries conducted in conjunction with the dredging, collecting,
and hydrographic work on the vessel, but the Albatross was transferred
to the Navy Department shortly after the investigations were begun,
and the only studies made were those relating to the fish, fishing, and
fishing-grounds of San Diego County. Therecent marked development
of the fishing industry of the southern counties of California makes it
very desirable that a thorough examination of the outlying fishing-
grounds should be carried on with reference to the habits, migrations,
abundance, food, spawning, etc., of the fishes found thereon. This
work should be taken up by the Albatross as soon as practicable.

The barracuda (Sphyrena argentea) is by far the most important food-
fish taken in this section. It makes its appearance in February or
March and remains until November, rarely until December, being most
abundant from April to August. It is found off the shores of Lower
California in January, which leads the fishermen to believe that it
travels northward along the coast; but the fact that in one season
recently the barracuda was caught at San Pedro, Los Angeles County,
a few weeks earlier than at San Diego, would indicate that its move-
ments toward the coast are chiefly from deep water offshore.

Other important fishes of the San Diego region are bonito (Sarda
chilensis), yellow-tail (Seriola dorsalis), several species of bass (Parala-
brax), flounder (Paralichthys californicus), and rockfishes (Sebastodes) of
many species.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SALMON OVA.

In October and November, 1897, during the prosecution of salmon-
hatching work at Battle Creek Station, Cal., Mr. Cloudsley Rutter,
scientific assistant, conducted some experiments having a practical
bearing on fish-cultural work, and chiefly directed to questions relating
to the fertilization and development of the eggs of the quinnat salmon
(Oncorhynchus tschawytscha). Among the subjects specially considered
were the influence on fertilization of the exposure of the eggs to water,
the vitality of the milt, the fertilizing of eggs from dead fish, the fertil-
ization of bloody, slimy, and foamy eggs, the effects of handling eggs at
supposed critical periods, and the percentage of eggs fertilized under
natural and artificial conditions. The studies were not completed and
they will probably be resumed next season. An outline of the general
results is here givén.

Numerous experiments were tried to determine how long salmon
eggs might remain in water and still be capable of fertilization. This
subject has a very important bearing on fish-cultural operations as well
as on natural reproduction. No eggs were fertilizable after they had
been in water more than 5 minutes, and only 2 per cent on 5 minutes’
immersion. After being in water 24 minutes, 16 per cent were fer-
tilized. After rapidly washing the blood from eggs taken from fish
already stripped, only 11 per cent were fertilized.

Spermatozoa were found to live for more than 10 minutes after the
milt was mixed with water, but their fertilizing powers rapidly dete-

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLI

riorate. Thus, the experiments showed that after milt had been in
water 1 minute it fertilized 19 per cent of the eggs treated; after a
lapse of 34 minutes, only 9 per cent were fertilized; after 6 minutes, 8
percent; after 85 minutes, 2 per cent; and after 11 minutes, 2 per cent,
no fertilization occurring after a longer interval.

It occasionally happens that a fish is injured before spawning, and
when the eggs are pressed out they are mixed with more or less
blood. Eggs from three such fishes were selected, in order to ascer-
tain the percentage of fertilization. About 8 per cent of them died
within 5 days, and of the remainder, 2 per cent were unfertilized.
This is not very different from the average results under normal con-
ditions. Of several lots of bloody eggs taken from stripped fish, 89 per
cent were fertilized. In the passage of eggs through the oviduct the
natural liquids of the part often become foamy. It was not known
whether such eggs were fertilizable, but tests showed that this con-
dition did not impair the susceptibility of the egg to the action of the
milt. The slime from fishes is thought by some fish-culturists to be
fatal to spermatozoa; some eggs were thoroughly mixed with slime
and then treated with milt in the usual way; less than 2 per cent
were unfertilized.

The question of killing the female salmon before attempting to take
the eggs received some consideration. Stripping the female is very
hard work, requiring the services of three men, one to hold the head
and one the tail, while the third expresses the eggs. Even when the fish
is ripe, a man’s entire strength is often required to force the eggs
through the oviduct. Many good eggs are necessarily left in the fish
and thus lost. In 21 stripped salmon examined with this point in view,
there were found on an average 700 ripe eggs, or about 14 per cent of
the total average production per fish. It had been claimed by some fish-
culturists that eggs from fish killed before spawning would produce
deformed fry, but this was shown by experiments to be erroneous. In
view of the foregoing experiments and the additional fact that these
fish die after spawning, there would seem to be good reasons for killing
or stunning them by a blow on the head and for removing the eggs
through an artificial opening in the abdominal wall.

It is well known that at certain ages eggs are much more delicate
than at other times. These critical periods are when the eye-spots first
appear (ninth to fifteenth day) and just before hatching. When first
taken, eggs may be handled comparatively roughly with impunity. The
spawning-place at Battle Creek is 14 miles from the hatchery, the eggs
being hauled that distance in wagons over a rather uneven road without
any injury. Nearly 700,000 eggs 43 days old were sent from Battle
Creek to Olema; they were first taken 10 miles in a heavy wagon, and
were then carried on a railroad train 15 hours, being out of the water
48 hours; the loss in transit was only 300 eggs. At other times such
treatment would kill almost every egg, the simple turning of the eggs
with a feather often causing a large loss. In one experiment 120,000

CXLII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

eggs, in four equal lots, were employed to demonstrate the critical
periods; two lots were picked daily to remove dead eggs; the other two
lots were picked only on the first, third, twenty-second, twenty-fourth,
and forty-first days, so as to avoid the critical times. The percentages
of loss in the first two lots were 56 and 32, respectively, and in the
second two 11 and 9, respectively.

A number of tests indicated that even after a fish has been dead in
the water for a comparatively long time the contained eggs remain in
good condition. On November 25a female salmon that had died below
the spawning rack was selected for experimentation. Eggs were taken
and fertilized at periods of 2. 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after its death. In
the case of the first four lots the percentages fertilized were 99, 98, 92,
and 92, respectively, and’ at the end of 26 days the eggs were healthy.
The eggs taken after a lapse of 24 hours were not sound, and although
most of them were fertilized, the entire lot died within 2 weeks. On
the 13th of November eggs were obtained from 2 fish that had died in
the water, one having been dead 2 hours and the other over 6 hours;
of the former, 97 per cent and of the latter 85 per cent hatched and
produced healthy fry.

LAKE SUPERIOR.

The investigations of Mr. A. J. Woolman in Lake Superior begun in
April, 1897, and referred to in the last report, were continued until the
latter part of August, 1897. They had for their object the determina-
tion of the food-supply of the fishes of the lake and its relation to the
abundance and movements of the commercial fishes. Large collections
of the minute animal life, which directly or indirectly constitutes the
principal food of the fishes, were made with fine-meshed nets used at
the surface, bottom, and intermediate depths on the fishing-grounds
along the south shore. The study of the collections has not yet been
completed.

Different regions were found to differ very materially in the variety
of small aquatic animal forms inhabiting them and in the abundance of
those forms. Some extensive areas were shown to be abundantly sup-
plied with minute animals in great variety, which in other areas were
almost completely absent. If further observations show that the dis-
tribution of the minute animals is in any way constant ip given areas,
information of value in the planting of fish fry will have been obtained.

One noteworthy feature of the inquiries was the discovery of small
crustaceans (Diaptomus) in large numbers in certain very deep waters
where there has recently been a remarkable increase in the abundance
of the bluefin whitefish (Argyrosomus nigripinnis).* These crustaceans
occur in large quantities only in deep water (100 to 130 fathoms), where
they are the predominating animals of this class. Another observation
was that apparently well-defined areas are occupied by cladocera, as

*See Report U. 8. Fish Commission for 1897, pp. CXXI, CXXII,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLIII

distinct from regions occupied by certain copepoda and the still more
localized areas inhabited by ostracoda.

FISH PATHOLOGY.

Assistants of the division have made a number of examinations of
fishes that have died at various stations of the Commission, but usually
the results of the studies have been unsatisfactory. Lesions have
sometimes been found which would result in death, but the causes of
the morbid processes or conditions have not been apparent. In other
cases no clew to the disease has been detected.

One of the most important subjects now connected with fish-culture
is fish pathology. With the exception of the effects produced by a few
animal and vegetable parasites, practically nothing is known of the
diseases of fishes. This is a very inviting field for study from the scien-
tific standpoint and from the practical standpoint of fish-culture. A
very large mortality not infrequently prevails among young and mature
fish at hatching stations, in stocked waters, and among wild fish, for
which there is no known cause or remedy. The annual unavoidable
losses in the Commission, while not excessive, are yet sufficiently serious
to demonstrate the necessity, which has long been appreciated, for an
assistant who could devote his whole time to the consideration of fish
diseases, and who is fitted by previous training in human pathology to
fully comprehend the nature, cause, and possible remedies for the now
obscure affections prevailing among the food and game fishes. It is
strongly urged that the Commission be provided with a permanent
expert in fish pathology.

WOODS HOLE, MASSACHUSETTS.
WORK IN THE LABORATORY.

During the summer of 1897 the Woods Hole laboratory was occupied
by a small number of investigators, the Commission having restricted
the attendance to representatives of those institutions which had fur-
nished financial aid in the construction and equipment of the laboratory.
Among those at the station were Dr. John Y. Graham, of the University
of Alabama, and formerly of Princeton University; Mr. F. N. Balch, of
Harvard University; Mr. Charles W. Greene, of Johns Hopkins Univer-
sity; Dr. J. Percy Moore, of the University of Pennsylvania, who was
engaged in studies on the embryology of the mackerel in the interest of
the Commission. At the request of the Smithsonian Institution, Prof.
C. C. Nutting, of the University of lowa, was granted laboratory priv-
ileges to enable him to complete his work on American hydroids for
the institution.

In the spring of 1898 it was determined to take steps to increase the
opportunities for scientific study at Woods Hole, by providing for the
prosecution of inquiries throughout the year instead of only during
the summer months, as heretofore. It was also decided to place the
laboratory in the charge of some competent biologist, who would be in

CXLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

attendance during most of the year and give personal direction to
the investigations. The laboratory was opened on March 14, and Dr.
H. C. Bumpus, professor of comparative anatomy in Brown University,
was appointed director. Correspondence was entered into with the
principal universities and colleges, notifying them of the opening of
the laboratory and stating that nominations of a limited number of
persons to represent them would be received. During April fourteen
investigators availed themselves of the privileges of the laboratory,
and by the 1st of June accommodations for the ensuing summer had
been assigned to the full capacity of the station.

During a period of six weeks in May and June the work of the labo-
ratory was facilitated by the courteous action of the trustees of the
Marine Biological Laboratory in placing their steam launch at the dis-
posal of the Commission.

Reports on the aquatic life present in the vicinity of the station
during March, April, and May were published in the current issues of
“Science,” by Dr. Bumpus and Dr. A. D. Mead, for the guidance of
those who may desire to pursue studies at the laboratory in the spring
months. In an article on “The breeding of animals at Woods Hole
during the month of March, 1898,” Dr. Bumpus stated:

The water has swarmed with animal life, and many forms rarely or never cap-
tured during the warmer months have been found in abundance. Breeding animals

have yielded rare embryological material, and all forms of life have had great vitality,
due probably to the low temperature of the water (38° to 43° F.).

MORTALITY AMONG BROOD COD AT WOODS HOLE.

During the cod-hatching season of 1897-98 at Woods Hole there
was a very large death rate among the adult cod retained in live-cars.
In previous seasons numbers of the brood cod had died, but the mor-
tality during the present year was greater than heretofore. These fish
were caught with hand-lines on Nantucket Shoals and brought to the
station in welled-smacks. Between October and February 3,507 were
received, of which 2,696 died, or more than 76 per cent; 1,977 dying in
November, 315 in December, 203 in October, 143 in February, and
58 in January.

In November 14 cod, each weighing 5 or 6 pounds, that had died
in the live-cars, were sent to Washington in ice and there carefully
examined. In 11 cases there was no doubt of the cause of death, in 2
the cause was not positively made out, and in 1 it could not be deter-
mined. Cerebral meningitis, due to hook wounds, was responsible for
the death of 5 fish; the same condition, resulting from injuries to the eye,
led to the death of 2 others; cerebro-spinal meningitis, induced by a
blow on the side, caused the death of 1 fish; marked degeneration of the
heart muscle was found in two cases, and inflammation of the heart or
pericardium existed in 2 fish, being complicated with meningitis, due
to hook wound in one of them. In one of the doubtful cases there was
slight meningitis traceable to a hook wound, and in the other there
seemed to be a rupture of the abdominal aorta.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLV

The inflammation resulting from the hook wounds could easily be
traced to the membranes of the brain, which were in most instances
highly congested and surrounded by considerable bloody serum.
While such injuries are often unavoidable, it is probable that some
might have been less severe had more care been exercised in extracting
the hooks. In the cases of meningitis due to injuries to the eyes, there
is ground for suspicion of rough handling. Fishermen have a practice
of thrusting the forefinger and thumb into the eyes of cod and other
fish in order to secure a firm hold in removing the hook, and in this
way displacement of the lens, rupture of the eyeball, and other injuries
may result. The cases of degeneration and inflammation of the cardiac
muscle and of rupture of the aorta might be occasioned by heavy
pressure on the ventral region between the gills. . Fishermen, while
removing the hook, often grasp fish in the place stated, squeezing the
heart and related structures with sufficient foree to produce serious
lesions. The fish whose death depended on cerebro-spinal meningitis
was clearly the victim of rough handling; the wound in the side was
such as might be produced by a swinging blow on the thwarts or gun-
wale of a boat.

Subsequent examinations of many cod at the station showed con-
ditions similar to those mentioned. There seems no reason to believe
that the fish received rougher treatment this season than formerly. The
high mortality may have depended on special physical surroundings,
such as high-water temperature, which promoted inflammation, perhaps
septic, that under other conditions would not have ensued. The expe-
rience, however, demonstrates the necessity for great care in handling
cod that are to be kept in confinement for several months.

TAGGING COD AT WOODS HOLE.

During December, January and February 560 cod, weighing from 3
to 17 pounds, were tagged at Woods Hole and released in adjacent
waters. These fish had been caught with hand-lines on the southern
Massachusetts coast and retained at Woods Hole for brood purposes.
After their use in the fish-cultural work, they were liberated with a
small tin or copper tag attached to one fin by silver or copper wire.
Complete data were kept for each fish tagged, including its weight,
length, sex, and when and where released. A printed circular calling
attention to the experiment and soliciting certain information regard-
ing the fish was extensively circulated in the coast towns of Massa-
chusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and also in New York and
New Jersey. Within a few weeks after the fish were released tagged
fish began to be caught, and by the close of the fiscal year about 25
tags had been received, while the taking of other fish was reported;
these were mostly from southern Massachusetts, but some came from
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York, and one from a point on the
middle New Jersey coast. It is expected that the experiment may
throw some light on the rate of growth of the cod, the frequency of its
spawning, the extent to which individual fish migrate, etc.

RS 9S x

CXLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
COLLECTIONS AND REPORTS.

A small collection’ of fishes obtained by the Albatross on the coast
of southern California in April, 1897, was transferred to Dr. Charles
H. Gilbert, of Stanford University, for examination and report. The
collecting was done in the neighborhood of Santa Catalina Island and
Monterey Bay, with dredge, gill net, trawl line, hand line, and shore
seine. The greatest depth at which trials for fish were made was 581
fathoms off Monterey Bay with gill net and beam-trawl; another trial
with these appliances in the same region was in 278 fathoms; all the
other collecting was in water less than 100 fathoms deep. Dr. Gilbert’s
report, which appears in the appendix to this report (pp. 23-29), shows
that 62 species of fish were secured, one-third of which are rockfishes
(Scorpenidce), while most of the others are the common shore species.
Off Santa Catalina Island, at depths of 47 fathoms and 80 fathoms,
respectively, two undescribed species were obtained, one an agonoid
(Averruncus sterletus), the other a cottoid (Radulinus boleoides).

The interest of late manifested in the fish and fisheries of Florida
has suggested the need of a comprehensive report on the fish fauna of
that State. The preparation of such a report has been begun by Drs.
Evermann and Kendall, based on extensive collections made by the
Commission, and on previously published lists of Florida fishes. About
600 species are now known from Florida waters, and the fish fauna is
consequently more varied than that of any other State. Some addi-
tional field investigations in certain sections are desirable; these will
doubtiess considerably augment the list.

In conformity with the established custom, natural-history objects
obtained by the field parties and vessels of the Commission have been
transferred to the United States National Museum. The large collec-
tions of aquatic animals sent to the Museum during the year included
reptiles, batrachians, mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates,
besides rare fishes and types. ‘These collections are studied and
reported on by specialists connected with the National Museum and
Smithsonian Institution.

Arrangements have been made to supply to the leading educational
institutions of the country sets of named marine and fresh-water fishes
in alcohol. After collections have been reported on, and complete
series of specimens have been reserved for the Government, the best
use to which they can be put is to donate them to universities, colleges,
and schools having biological courses, and to State museums.

The various papers pertaining to the functions of this division which
have appeared during the year have been mentioned in the foregoing
report of the Commissioner.

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS
OF THE FISHERIES.

By C. H. TOWNSEND, Assistant in Charge.

The work of this division for the year ending June 30, 1897, was
reported upon by Dr. Hugh M. Smith, whom the writer succeeded as
assistant in charge on April 7, 1897, having been detached as naturalist
of the steamer Albatross. By direction of the Commissioner a canvass
of the principal fisheries of certain New England and Middle Atlantic
States and the Great Lakes for the fiscal year 1897 was commenced on
August 1. The statistical field agents of the division were detailed as
follows: To Maine and New Hampshire, Mr. Ansley Hall; to Massa-
chusetts, Mr. W. A. Wilcox; to New York, New Jersey, and Delaware,
Mr. C. H. Stevenson; to Lake Superior, Mr. T. M. Cogswell; to Lakes
Michigan, Huron, St. Clair, and Erie, Mr. H. O. Weaver; to Lake
Ontario, Mr. John N. Cobb. The fisheries of Lake Ontario were can-
vassed in full, the data collected relating to the calendar year 1897.

With a view to securing information for the use of the National
Fishery Congress at Tampa, in January, 1898, Mr. Cobb was sent to
Florida in September and October to canvass the fisheries. The results
of the fieldwork conducted in the above-mentioned regions were at once
made public in a series of single sheet bulletins, each of which was dis-
tributed throughout the region to which it referred. The bulletins
were sent to post-offices, custom-houses, commercial organizations, fishing
firms, fishermen, and representative newspapers. Tbe conditions of the
fishery industries were thus presented in condensed form in advance of
~ the regular report of the Commissioner. It is proposed to continue,
from time to time, the issuing of such bulletins respecting the commercial
fisheries whenever the information obtained proves of special interest.
The titles of bulletins which have already appeared are as follows:

Sponge Fisheries of Florida.

Statistics of Certain Fisheries of Lake Superior.

Statistics of Certain Fisheries of Florida.

Statistics of Certain Fisheries of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Statistics of Certain Fisheries of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Statistics of Certain Fisheries of The Great Lakes.

The information collected regularly by local agents of the division,
respecting the important fisheries of Boston and Gloucester, has, since
August, 1897, been presented monthly in the form of single sheet
bulletins and distributed to persons directly engaged in those fisheries.
These bulletins are also posted in public buildings, while several trade

journals give them further circulation in their columns.
CXLVII

CXLVII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Mr. W. A. Roberts, field agent, was employed at Nashville during
the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, in connection with the Fish Com-
mission exhibit.. In November the writer was detailed there by the
Commissioner for a short time to take charge of the exhibit, and in
January was detailed as a delegate to the Tampa Fishery Congress.

During the spring of 1898 a canvass was made of all the fisheries of
the South Atlantic and Gulf States, Messrs. Stevenson, Wilcox, Hall,
Cobb, and Cogswell engaging in the field inquiries. Upon the com-
pletion of this work the canvass was extended into the Middle Atlantic
States, and continued during the summer, with the assistance of Messrs.
W. A. Roberts and E. 8. King.

During the year an office was established at San Francisco as head-
quarters for the Commission on the Pacific coast and especially to make
available for general shore work the civilian force connected with the
steamer Albatross. It has proved very useful during the recent trans-
fer of the vessel to the Navy Department, Mr. A. B. Alexander, F. M.
Chamberlain, and C. Rutter having been ordered there to conduct
inquiries respecting the important fisheries of that locality. As the
vessel is periodically laid up for repairs or during seasons unfavorable
for sea work, the local office at once becomes a point from which men
may be distributed for statistical, fish-cultural, or scientific work.

The statistical work at San Francisco will, when finished, show the
condition of the commercial fisheries from month to month during the
year, both as to the quantity and value of the different food species on
which the market depends. The seasonal supply of shad and striped
bass, which have been introduced on the Pacific coast by the Fish
Commission and are now abundant, is especially interesting in this
connection.

FISHERIES OF GLOUCESTER AND BOSTON.

The reports of the agents of the Commission, located at Gloucester
and Boston, Mass., show that there has been a slight decrease in the
fisheries of those places since 1896, The fish landed by American ves-
sels amounted to 126,865,598 pounds, having a first value of $2,878,635,
The total number of fares was 6,476. Compared with 1896 the figures
for 1897 show a decrease of 3,808,168 pounds, and a decrease in value
of $408,263. The fish landed at Gloucester amounted to 63,962,040
pounds, of which 32,960,261 pounds were fresh, and 31,001,779 pounds
were salted. The total value was $1,648,591. The increase in the fresh
fish landed at Gloucester since 1896 amounted to 11,035,560 pounds. A
decrease is Shown in the total catch for Gloucester of 3,635,374 pounds.
There were 2,391 fares landed at Gloucester, of which 1,688 were from
grounds off the New England coast, and 703 from the eastern banks
and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. There is an increase in the number of
fares since 1896 of 171.

In December, 1897, the facilities for handling and shipping fresh fish
at Gloucester were largely increased, with the result that many vessels
now land their entire catch of fresh fish at that port. This result was

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CXLIX

brought about by a desire on the part of the owners of Gloucester
vessels to keep them more directly under their own supervision, to
make Gloucester more important as a shipping point for fresh fish, and
to increase the general volume of trade at that point. This arrange-
ment, diverting a portion of the catch of fresh fish from Boston, where
it had previously been landed, has created a spirit of rivalry between
the fishery interests of the two places.
The following tables show the receipts from each ground:

Summary by fishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Gloucester, Mass., in
1897 by American fishing vessels.

Cod. Cusk.
AS) | SS SS
Fishing-grounds. of Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
trips. =
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. |Value.
East of 66° W. lon-
gitude: 3
La Have Bank ...| 193 |1,979, 040 $36,046 | 1,480,463 | $42,929 | 814,500 | $9, 656 4, 000 $100
Western Bank --. 38 693,520 | 10,879 420, 478 13, 291 32, 000 393 3, 600 81
Saag Bank... -- 96 18, 000 260 169, 500 By SOB tse ees ey lore cham. | aoe eee aren Le een
reen Bank..---- ee eeec6ed kaadaee d 18, 000 En Ree aaa Rep coclae amen mets oes
Grand Bank...-.-. Iii She aeas ae Feesesae PT 946" 154? (2537 0915 |See Sas ee ~ S| sees lsoeeren esl eee eee
Canso Bank..---- Oye Bee acces Hendacae 418, 435 QUS90) | Peete ce wets eee | poeta eee cones
St. Peters Bank -. Bh lad stsiscieee's| = Seicicle we seis Meee wenn aaae eae 3.3] ante sama Settles nd smeceeaa| secceee
Burgeo Bank..... 2 Wears aeons edo ae 10, 000 PANSY | eonasoeses|baecododpacctason|seeeese
Bacalieu Bank -.-. hl RES Scr acral SEmeecneceecl Mec ee ceed atric or ncrae Reese nts eee 6A ieee a
Off Newfoundland BSh lenient as cc le micets na aeecerets oe We |Peccecer s|saesesescelecaececolattees eeclcetenes
Cape Shore..-..--- 52 50, 000 750 5, 000 PW BREE so Ceeecee 5, 000 113
Gulf of St. Law-
PONCOR cases arene 2 EUS ee el tee Demons BoB ae cee eal Me eteeeed Eeec eae be ceaaa ere eco eee
Potala a= s 703 |2, 740, 560 | 47,935 | 14,468, 030 | 325, 919 846, 500 | 10, 049 12, 600 294
West of 66° W. lon- ;
gitude: ; f
Browns Bank ..--- 47 397,159 | 4,843 382,696 | 10,382 | 132,000 1,400 | 17,000 380
Georges Bank....| 641 |1, 386, 695 | 17, 863 9, 345, 260 | 262, 420 54, 140 734 | 109, 350 2, 372
Cashes Bank ..... 109 364, 880 5, 028 10, 000 325 614, 970 63633) Sasce == -|zomm a=
Jeffreys Ledge --- A) aT ART) 0) PAE) | Sescopecaeco| bendeceoc 74, 120 855 eas22ess-|Secsee5
Ipswich Bay ...-.. 2 1, 500 1 hoeeerebeenn SEP deeees |coqsbaaone|lbbende na Sonpeonce encase
South Channel --. DGi | en aed 400) 61548, lees. aso ae = |oe cee nee 65, 800 720i, ae teeoeieee oetes
Nantucket Shoals PAN el Aertel ethene 5oTe O53: ssl 2 38812 te peer coe stesso ene eel eee
Shore, general....| 173 | 662,332 | 13, 839 |.-....------|.-------- 62, 600 761 5, 000 113
openers scs . /1, 688 |3, 268,166 | 51,108 | 10,289,099 | 285, 515 |1, 003, 63u | 11,103 | 131, 350 2, 865
Grand total --|2, 391 |6,008, 726 | 99,043 | 24,757,039 | 611,484 |1, 850,130 | 21,152 | 143, 950 3, 159

Haddock. Hake. Pollock.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Fresh. Salted. | Fresh.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. longitude: |
ia Have Bank.--.--.2..- 742,000 $12, 052 |4, 217, 300 |$33, 588
Western Bank..-.......-. 57,000 | 1,026 | 182,000 1, 489
Quereau Bank ........--- 50, 000 DUO ees Ss racaree| ses ete
Cape rmshOrels osism okie ak | aaa aims | lees sete | a amratei=|| nie a
oh ee
NG Gal oe 2 at eee 849, 000 | 13, 278 |4, 399, 300 | 35, 027
West of 66° W. longitude:
Browns bank. 2525-44- 147, 000 635 | 141, 000 979
BE eorgessbankk 2.2.2 ..//.- 1,705,500 |} 9, 453 31, 000 198
(ashes: Bank: ~...-5-+--56 59, 000 771 |1, 972, 400 | 14,189
Jetireys Ledge ...-.-...--. 136, 550 3, 115 161, 700 1, 291
South Channel........... 325, 600 7,152 167, 100 1, 332
Shore, general .........-. 140, 223 3, 004 |1, 216, 300 | 10, 254 10, 000 125 918, 155 5, 673
PRO bases eed aosc5)2 2, 513, 873 | 24,130 |3, 689, 500 | 28, 243 Pa 000 182 918, 955 5, 677
Grand total.......... 3, 362, 873 | 37,408 |8, 088, 800 | 63,270 | 18,000 182 | 948,955 | 5,957
|

CL

REPORT OF

COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Summary by fishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Gloucester, Mass., in
1897 by American vessels—Continued.

Halibut. | Mackerel.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. | Value.} Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. lon-
gitude:
La Have Bank...- 84) 488 G7 O51 Gece ere os hall se mtee satel eens Shee Pere eee ncl cae ane Seen
Western Bank... 217, 835 | 15, 750 2, 000 SOO ae ee Te cae |S See ce ate ee eee
QuereaneB amines |) mls 22n209 15010825) becreteetereteltr | er tatra ere tee otetel ate fetes | eee ee ere
Green Bank....- 80032440) 21,585 | tp eoee ete meling Beek PISA eno ck eel ee set ae ae oe ee a eee
Grand Bank..... 955,188 | 65, 392 7, 440 B40) | oe Saete Sco e| Ee a ee eo rene
Canso Bank.....- 7, 000 BY (UN Be scoeecaess| Seeeseee ne wate <520- sexes eee soso eeemee S| eee
St. Peters Bank. .- 155,578 | 27,6004 |22.- ses eeece| Sonne ce cletsccee seen esac el a-see eee eee Beene
Burgeo Bank.... 347, 577 | 28, 944 8, 000 400 Voto Sowececed| Ok tc cen eee oeee eee eee
Bacaliew Bank...| 2,598, 169 |136, 669 |’ 1,449,000 || 56,849 |... .-.----2).-2 == -|b eno oe lee
Off Newfoundland Ad AGS |" 8984. || Sent ects to sciell tise ee lee cece eee | stots See || ee eee | eee
Cape Shore ....-- 8, 128 | DAB se San eo dacs panoncee 500 $45 420, 800 | $21, 182
Gulf of St. Law-
TONCO see ceed lees oie ee cella e ek Ben seceeeee ees Cee cljeme lee esse eee eee meee eer 332,400 | 36,618
Total eesiaec = 45 753, 200 | 57,800
Westof 66° W. lon-
gitude:
IBrOWMS Bales. . 180,209) |) 2 OOo Nee. a ece scale ee cae) saree ee le ste |ecte cerel el ie eee ee rr
Georges Bank.... 16 7763 456,600 | 34, 985
Cashes: Bankee=s4|) eae) 206M emcee eels mie ole scale oie ice seein el see mealies 7, 000 | 385
Ipswich Bay... --.- 200) See ee eee | ee
South Channel... 1, 710 58, 000 3, 190
NanticketShoals|vee »as4003)" W7OM ees oseccs| se eeeee leet ecinee aoe = a= een es seme eee eee
Shore, general -.. 7, 216 434,300 | 33, 036
Notaleassee ae By 1h 16, 899 955,900 | 71,546
Grand total..| 7,286,288 |5038, 064 1, 466, 440 | 57, 679 257, 654 | 16, 944 ue 709, 100 | 129, 346
Other fish. Total.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. Pounds. | Value.
4 L A i
East of 66° W. lon-
gitude:
attarovBan bess: say sasce eee Mew eee cence eas aaa erences 7, 837, 328 |$98, 593 | 1, 484,463 | $43, 029
AW GEG ISB losses ceedcs|lpenescps pace se acdecallossstose 1, 182, 355 | 29, 487 426, 078 13, 462
(QR AMM. 66S 56 cosets boododse|pasaneocsonn aactemec 1, 790, 209 |150, 492 169, 500 5, 825
(GreeGn JEM aS obsee ood oSo00s|btodesad|éasadedoneon|lbeqoso5= 300, 244 | 21, 535 18, 000 560
Grande bankgees 2a see eecee cee see cseen| eacee cone mel eeice een 955, 188 | 65,392 | 11,953, 594 | 258, 431
(Cemngyay ERA Go keollacsabeqasaddlaendadadlsocsod conada|aocdase 7, 000 370 418, 435 9, 890
Sty Peters Banca) --6.seccessapetescmnileseseccenseelleccneass 55,578 |) 17,600" |\22. = ee | ee
[Bin Ree. SAWN § 2s lloee sco oseSSo||soecgaodlosssaascoono|lacaos000 347, 577 | 28, 944 18, 000 608
IRCA ey ee, lleogencoooaeallasoesicod caso senssegallasauaeac 2,598, 169 |136,669 | 1,449,000 | 56,849
OffNewfoundland| 5, 141, 800 |$57, 790 2, 526, 250 |$35, 100 5, 186, 265 | 61,774 2, 526, 250 35, 100
CHMOD SOR 5 s6ccollasoasscscead ooooscadfass2Socacsos|lasssassc 88, 628 | 1,500 430,800 | 21, 420
Gulf of St. Law-
THENCE) oS5nanaada|GosocbssenoS||boosoSc¢| senscodosnSelscuaeséq|Sanoososseda|[boroscsn 332,400 | 36, 618
Motalles 2.2: 5, 141, 800 | 57,790 | 2,526, 250 | 35,100 | 20, 448, 541 |602, 356 | 19, 226,520 | 476, 792
West of 66° W. lon- , . il
gitude:
IBrOWOSi oak... a2 ose seeeecoe ne lhens Sera seememncer os |leccwaeiet 857,198 | 10, 853 407,696 | 10,819
(Cree Gs Beal Reo ssg4555s4llboncecoaiisogaceocaass |aaocsaas 4, 103, 828 | 97, 77 9, 911, 210 | 299, 727
(CREME) 80) Sa Sopp oassbososs||s5oeeo> lp SsoqceKsS4o)losaqsoos 3, 012, 965 | 26, 827 17, 000 710
UGS UCC Rae lSeepeeseo5cd) snasbo4osnsqeécosecql|Sagesnc 503, 570 8; 231 | ...-42 2 eos ee
IG ve heatelol 1S Chae aaa peeRencosasc|lomocesdol loose colsT 390 sooseaac 4, 000 QT) esases cee see eee
BOuG MC hannel ele a eee alate pees eee eee eintetnete ras ota 914, 480 | 17, 548 58, 000 3, 190
INentneket Shoalsiiccockecceenlnee once heccmeeeeocelscaceece 1, 400 70 551, 053 12, 388
Shore, gereral ... 15, 085 808 381, 000 6, 255 3, 114, 279 | 41, 555 830, 300 39, 529
ENOCA eaten is: 15, 0385 808 381, 000 6,255 |) 12) oar 203, 080 | 11, 775, 259 | 366, 363
Grand total ..| 5,156, 835 | 58,598 | 2, 907, 250 | 41,355 | 32, 960, 261 /805, 436 | 31, 001,779 | 843, 155

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLI

The fishery products landed at Boston by American vessels in 1897
amounted to 62,903,558 pounds, valued at $1,230,044. There has been
a decrease since 1896 of 172,794 pounds, worth $54,950. 4,085 fares in
all were landed, or 102 less than in the previous year; 3,874 fares were
from grounds off the New England coast.

Summary by jishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Boston, Mass., in 1897
by American fishing vessels.

Cod. Cusk. Haddock.
Fishing-grounds. ee Fresh. Fresh. Fresh.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
ai Mave Bank 2-22 .--------<' 102 923, 000 |$21, 969 172, 000 | $1,924 | 1,152,300 | $20, 064
Wester Banks 2255-5 --22-s- 43 401, 500 7, 588 139, 500 1, 352 122, 200 1, 906
Grandibank- 22sec seo ~ sees. We load atajqmciq eral la keys | staat select winll s svn sieeelle ane cate meld | eetalie nia
Off Newfoundland ......----- 1a BPRS Se oocesn) Getcosee aecteee conn Scorers SHeeeorcetea seeccascc
@hpelShoresaasees eat =o anime 45 493, 500 | 12, 648 50, 000 557 601,700 | 10, 688
Matal eee sea sean tt ae 211 | 1,818,000 | 42, 200 361,500 | 3,833 | 1,876,200 | 32,658
West of 66° W. longitude:
Sr nis) sal Ke wane clea aa ala) 2 o\= 27 229,000 | 3,075 69, 300 931 323, 000 3, 248
Georges Bank....-.-.---.--.--- 466 | 4,162,200 | 69,314 308, 500 3,778 9, 790, 000 | 120, 661
G@ashesibank 25+. =2--- 262 -5- 38 223,000} 4,700 127,000 | 1,388 212, 000 3, 907
@larke Banke 525522 232 252-2%3 4 46, 000 628) eee ed ore eesr 55, 000 858
Fippenies Bank .......--..--- 6 17, 000 270 4, 000 60 19, 000 280
PRA MIG Sp ran Kars teietee salem erate 6 10, 500 315 600 6 21, 500 645
Niiddle; Bankeass a. ss5c oc oc 213 380,600 | 9, 381 11, 100 129 914,000 | 21,592
Jeffreys Ledge .--...-.--.---- 224 440, 700 | 11, 296 33, 800 391 | 1,069,700 | 26,812
ipswich Bayres <= <<< 5-522 = 2 7, 100 D135 jst aere,site 25s ||soeietere isc 1, 000 30
mami Ghanneli-scacas- = = 405 | 2,678, 600 | 63, 868 120,300 | 1,327] 5,624,600 | 119, 139
Nantucket Shoals ...---..---- 310 | 5,114,600 | 64, 486 2, 500 21 | « 200,000 7, 768
Off Highland Light -..--...--. 135 398, 200 9, 550 7, 200 32 772, 500 16, 062
Off Chatham) .s.25- 0222s. 120 531, 200 | 10, 517 11, 000 129} 1,122,100 | 23,220
Shore, general .....-.------.-- 1,918 | 5,178, 000 106, 684 142,400 | 1,620] 5,514,150 | 110, 149
Motalessosssssciscse sess =5 3, 874 | 19, 411, 700 |354, 297 837, 700 | 9,812 | 25,738,550 | 454, 371
Grand total ....---.--.--- 4,085 | 21,229,700 |396, 497 | 1, 199,200 | 13, 645 | 27, 614, 750 | 487, 029
Hake Pollock. Halibut.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh Fresh. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
La Have Bank....----- 385, 500 | $3, 999 37, 200 $415 PANEER) IE PPA ay Wee Rcisedendloacasone
Western Bank....----- 198,000 | 1,471 5, 000 66> 338),300i|) 28) 486n ee were nes eine aaa
(Sippind Neen eee Pome RUNEL Bee oll ia al) Rees ale ee eee ete aie a ao 2 106,000 | $3, 710
Cape Shore ...........- 132,500 | 1,372 13, 000 139 21250) ||) 2458s |Sesse mee lees an
Motaltsss2ss 255222 = 716, 000 6, 842 55, 200 620 578, 450 | 53, 411 106, 000 3, 710
West of 66° W. longitude: aan : :
Browns Bank..--.-.----- 35, 500 393 12, 000 100 63,900) | + 55. 787) |Sosa-elseer| 2 aasesae
Georges Bank --.-....... 589,500 | 6,081 55, 700 6425)|) 28251950) 265 08bul| Sass ameteeelna a eins
Cashes Bank.....--.--- 258,200 | 2,602 11, 500 122 5, 800 WG) ESSA see ESee ees
@larkeBanikys coco occ sans | ee gaps cee ae] |sismeeistss |e sae sete siciea ae 7, 500 UUM) |bacosascos||sencsReo
Fippenies Bank.-...-.-- 29, 000 450 1, 000 9 500 BO! hegoge ster laccie = sere
Tillies Bank -.........- 11, 500 115 3, 000 Boy | isa ia eiatate | arojaitetaiere elt ters seta are teteaste aiata,
Middle Bank .....----- 242, 600 2, 683 33, 100 331 1, 800 OS) |FE aoe Soe tas= i=
Jeffreys Ledge.--.-..--... 508, 900 5, 420 126, 100 1,170 650 Cy a eAeemoeeer WAeaeopen
ipswich. Bay=--.-25--5- 1, 000 10 8, 000 GO) ade acts ace See scale sec ttec |p tice ae
South Channel.-_..----- 2,341,000 | 24, 191 79, 800 743 56, 120 (ai) ee ee baealeeasoeeao
NantucketShoals.-.---- 23, 400 191 109, 600 1, 244 3, 300 BRULEE Conoco bemmetiae
Off Highland Light--.- 298, 600 3, 287 22, 600 213 1, 100 PAS ees teiieciailo.< earns
Off Chatham: --..---2-- 260, 600 2, 597 36, 200 308 7, 000 GIG: pass ae eee oe. 5
Shore general.--...--.- 1, 274, 700 | 13, 230 388, 350 38, 019 33, 250 Beet IG eaSn eee eerpoes
Motales = ..5-15= 1st = 5, 874, 500 | 61, 250 886, 950 75.999) ||. 4635 870))| 44200 eo 2 = on Bre Ab ace
Grand total.......- 6, 590,500 | 68,092 | 942,150 | 8,619 |1, 042,320 | 97,612 | 106,000| 3, 710

CLII

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Summary by jfishing-grounds of certain fishery products landed at Boston, Mass., in 1897,
by American fishing vessels—Continued.

Mackerel. Other fish.
Fishing-grounds. Fresh. Salted. Fresh. Salted.
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds.| Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds.| Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
ap avie Bam sc Has |b mics nccesce sel eciace cine «a aon ence epee. 800 $96 |. -..-<--c| nesses
IWieSternwBaMke eee seinl|soseeeeeccee| beeen = allcctis mestee cies + |p mceisetece siesta sla 18, 000 $255
(Geminis sii kel 8 a5 ees ee Ssaonaesoo sebcusessaacte caallen soso su|lbebocuteecdeslssaacSke 1, 000 30
Of Newtoundland) 3-22) eens elanee ane eae eeree seen see 1897600) | 16;'344 |) 2oo 2 eee
Cape shore .----------- 18;/000 }5$2) LOOM Velen Sloe Ses Sele acta tee allele. ceeeeleeeeee tes See
cristal ech ce {8 OOMMSD MOO ot ete-c[paeee 1, 898, 400 | 16,440 | 19, 000 285
West of 66° W. longitude: f é =
Georges Bank.....----- 410, 835 | 31,268 | 23, 400 | $1, 690 264, 600
Middle Bank...-.-.----- ia Ps TAS cc aeeceeel = eeseee 4, 200
Uae ys UEC) Seo otel lb Sots s-s5s5|lossessuleosbosona|bcseece. 6, 600
South Channel.......-- 24670001 19 (840s osc & Sebe cellet ere crs oee 7, 800
NantucketShoals-.--.-- 146457) sel, SOO Masecee ee | saesee ae 31, 600
Shore general........-- 196, 433 | 13,482 | 51,200 | 3,700 984, 350
peal eee eee cota 869, 788 | 66,003 | 74,600 | 5,390 | 1,299, 150
Grand total,.....-- 887, 788 | 68,103 | 74,600 | 5,390 | 3,197,550 | 81,062] 19,000 285
SUMMARY. j
Fresh. Salted.
Fishing-grounds.
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
East of 66° W. longitude:
ag VHiavyerBanecs= sae oceogat a aes seccceee eae. 2, 889, 700 $70, 984. |esasntcictst es | pose eeeeeeee
WosterntBank cactccs. men Teo eb gain 1, 204, 500 40, 869 18, 000 $255
Grand Bank -..-.-- re alc ete k Eyes c Se Aer eetei al Satenejatere ew ote te ell leiwie@ aetalelerete 107, 000 3, 740
Off Newfoundland! 42 uy esecee oeeeehioeereee 1, 897, 600 16,344 oc cielewinic eee Dae See
CapeiShore a2 s-sascee ese eee oes 1, 329, 950 29.957 |||. 222 2h 2. 36.4 eee
TNotaltesacssaces-shate see css se sesce Seek: 7, 321, 750 158, 104 125, 000 3,995
West of 66° W. longitude: ;
BLOW Ma banicereer essere ce te eee epee ce eere sees 732, 700 13; 584°) s.ccs<ccecs oe] eee nee
GeorpestBbankiers. nei est eee ce cee 2 aes 5, 864, 285 282, 473 23, 400 1, 690
Cashes Bankes nacetee a eee eee eee eeren ener 837, 500 13; 488] sseecs os oooe 4 Seen ee eee
Clark Bank) sco seceeeeee cscs seesere ce seeee 108, 500
Hippenieswbanks «oe acces sisis-cieicae sce cise 70, 500
CBilliesiBamky se cee occ emacs ate siaacee rsa as 47, 100
Middle Bank. 1, 588, 525
Jefireys Ledge. 2, 186, 450
pS WACHUBAW 2s mee caciccsa cc cseceecel= aC 17, 100
NOUtIC Hanne) Sha. eee sess eee cee oe eine sone 11, 154, 970
Nantieket!Shoalst. c= bess 4 Ris. 8 Binal oe Sb ee 5, 599, 645
Otshighiand Whightss' cease a See eee 1, 500, 200
OmiChatham:-r S33 cee 6 bee ee aoe ae ee Fee 1, 968, 100
Shore penerallscs cache ose s ce aes ose ese ae eeee 13, 706, 633
AU ee eee ehUr ta ame Re woo 55, 382,208 | 1, 062, 555 74, 600 5, 390
Grand ‘totale esas: =f eee ese ate Salome = eee 62, 703, 958 1, 220, 659 199, 600 9, 385
FISHERIES OF LAKE ONTARIO.
The fisheries of this lake have been declining for many years. The
yield in 1897 was 920,996 pounds of fish, valued at $34,295. These

figures, when compared with those for 1895, show that there has been a
decrease of 7,019 pounds in products and an increase in value of $2,785,
An increase of 136,588 pounds is Shown in the catch of whitefish during
the same period, the total catch of whitefish for 1897 amounting to
181,968 pounds, valued at $8,936. In 1890, 598,978 pounds of herring
were taken, and in 1893 164,998 pounds, whereas the catch for 1897

4

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLIII

amounts to only 25,074 pounds. The catch of sturgeon is 101,635
pounds, a decrease of 23,658 pounds since 1893. The total number of
persons employed was 248, the capital invested being $35,998. The
number of persons engaged has remained nearly stationary, there being
a decrease of only 7 since 1893, while the decrease in capital invested
amounts to $20,133.

In Lake Ontario no netting is allowed within 1 mile of the shore,
except in the waters of Jefferson County and in Mexico Bay, Oswego
County. Asa result of this law the fishing is practically restricted to
gill nets outside of the counties mentioned.

Table showing by counties the number of persons employed in the fisheries of Lake Ontario
in 1897.

- In vessel} In shore Total.

Counties. tisheries. | fisheries.

Jefferson 103 103
Oswego 31 36
Cayuga 9 9
\WWE Wit Oannidoncadaciacoeane6 oc Sano S dee cae Ge HS oncoSe pacos decrne Sceacasnee 25 30
Monroe 6 6
Orleans 13 13
Niagara 51 51

Total 238 248

Comparative table showing in pounds the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1880,
1885, 1890, 1898, and 1897.

Species. 1880. 1885. 1890. | 1893. 1897.

Herring (including longjaws)....------- 611, 219 403, 585 598, 978 164, 998 46, 222
START 2 a ee 545, 283 386, 974 541, 752 56, 863 101, 635
pee ee 569, 700 20, 510 41, 010 6, 204 2) 349
“TAS PyiT Sy Pie ee 1, 064, 000 90,711 148, 71 45, 380 181, 968
Prise tiki en 2 ns. lend ....| | 849,800 | 1,496,686 | 2, 115, 937 586, 140 586, 722

Titi +i ee Re Re 3, 640,000 | 2,398,466 | 3, 446, 448 859, 585 920, 896

Matalkyalue@c.. 222 .-ch2-dest'iont $159, 700 $95,869 | $124, 786 $29, 260 $34, 295

Table showing by counties and species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897.

Jefferson. ' Oswego. Cayuga. Wayne.
Species. ;
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.| Pounds.| Value. | Pounds. | Value.

TH belie) oR Wo nSnanDRananence 2204 STS AGU Es ee ccicpetee| Soma atere 2, 600 $260 5, 000 $350
IE OU Ge cesses seas gocS 13, 675 620 125 SO le cas seyileal secre 6, 946 278
Bloater or longjaw ----.--- 1, 048 33 12, 000 420 1, 300 104 4, 050 210
[Birllh6ads-.2sscseee ee eee ee 103. 654 | 2,307 16, 000 400 1, 600 80 1, 840 74
@atiish: 2. ...25..5.-5-0=---< 1, 750 Ba) (see eo neine lone ronan lanee oe nal nom omits onte oes altsegsiate
Hels t-te <c a aseae eee nme 65, 419 1, 677 500 7.1) Wee CO ISS SeGerG BSSebre Sas bape apaS
Herring, fresh) << ------se56 10, 324 369 2, 500 Ds ere were ole eas 5, 990 240
Herring, salted ..---------- 2, 860 261 cons artes Rates cope ae Hees toed SAteeeEaar booase a
MN Gti nccisce sis eme cee 7, 947 81 5, 405 OST Sees encase es ces ieee Sains we
Perch 82, 812 O4Gh ae seb cen e cease 10, 150 507 35, 845 1, 434
Pickerel 39) 9645| 1 840) eae eee ccc=|a=sc ccc. 5, 990 299 17, 144 686
Rock bass 6, 376 (5) Pe RS hes SESEOE 65 Betc cere ne lseooaseel Paerp ado Seepcees
Sturgeon 42, 593 2, 165 14, 706 BSS lace eeretes lees 10, 653 799
Suckers 26, 558 269 10, 500 PAY eee ome bsoeaned 520 5
Sunfish 17, 723 7653 aS ee ee ee Be A SS os ee Gaerne eames
Trout 2, 475 1) Ces peeee Bas aSe aN Sats soo ad SoCs toe Bape raise seetsr ai
Whitefish ~. 10, 617 471 18, 500 BAO citeeiecta elas sm inis 5, 477 449
Wall-eyed pike 4, 594 Dla al | ea ay eal MeReaeiars Delle Bee. a tee ae 22 1

93, 487 | 4,526

462, 493 | 12, 390 75, 236 | 2,655 21, 640 1, 250

CLIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897—Continued.

Monroe. Orleans. Niagara. Total.
Species.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.

TRIO Sah bodes ds tamosdecd jsSeccsseSe|>sSspnSoleosoSseacd)seacsaq5 Seat 21a aerate 29,704 | $1, 80]
THE) TH eso goeeSabonooso|>asogsseRc| hse 20ece 880 $44 27, 368 | $1, 031 48, 994 1, 978
Bloater or longjaw-.-------- 2, 600 SHES |e caeesssaljaocosceq 350 11 21, 348 882
TENN EV ee SoS a- 3 easel boeasnoosdlbearoasoaceacedesdsoascse: 100 4 123, 194 2, 865
(OFTEN Whe aeancccsoseqpeso| paeSeoebed Bosmpsaclesoore seecdlocsca0n4 |p aencosc4 Poacodcr 1, 750 53
TONEY ob de tab cbsina Deb ood bdodsoeond boneeana lssouee sorsc|lb oncutoedlosebosogae|scocnegc 65, 919 1, 697
Herring, fresh ....--------- 3, 350 a LE See a oral tote atays 50 2 22, 214 830
1a WGisefed ePbel | gangeeoae ood peodespsee| bos cess Pass seos cd jocce sees oebo shen | eacoooe 2, 860 261
Lh ood cudeculassaSReen04) paesso used pdsasaqa|essscccad| boaosaee 1, 892 46 1, 892 46
a SUES lsc an an ee SES a Bae sae Co teemme tasen cae eames ssc 13, 352 189
IPencheeeee eee eaten sce ase 8, 000 293 2, 250 113 30,192 | 1,484 | 169, 254 4, 777
Rigkereleree sess. soe = eee 1, 160 CF oan e sees pacuaeas posmed onod||psocc5a> 64, 258 2,381
TRG [TAG ted Gun aee ooGoo se] Bosbeccdan baatbont|secscucosd so 2hoen tsebeas5oso-Bosss- 6, 376 65
Soma Tow hk), Seo coseaocaseesa4 |poonecoons|beausenelsasosoegeeriadoosoas 233 12 233 12
SHUEROI Geangoacscosecsss0 9, 853 740 20,130 | 1,517 | 101, 635 6, 382
SmORGisjcbcsescosscchooao.|| IL OHON a esscsesscdlossosesd 1, 500 51 40, 118 539
SMa. 6 soos5oqneadéesacso0o| becaedecod| |senndonc|lboopoca5ed booncaca dosonsasc|lbacasacs 17, 723 178
TURD a neeSonucs coSoeesS5ecos|soacoansed ysoccood |scosseccedlsopaocec 374 29 2, 849 130
VIwiinied REG coseeaseocoKsscs|-oosposesd Ronckond beceecooud |conpanor 739 38 739 38
Wihitefish 2eestasce--ss- == 11, 825 706 138,549 | 6,610 181, 968 8, 936
Wall-eyed pike .--..-------|---=------|---0- = 22) --- =e ene|o noe wn ee nena 4, 616 255

Total 24, 813 1, 603 221, 477 | 10, 835 920,996 | 34, 295

Table showing by counties the vessels, boats, apparatus, and shore property employed in the
jisheries of Lake Ontario in 1897.

Jefferson. Oswego. Cayuga Wayne
Designation. TE
No. Value. | No. Value. | No. Value No. Value.
Vessels fishing .........-..|--------|-- ne ene enol nnn ele wenn nnn | nn cena n nena n ae 1 $3, 750
MUGS oes (Sooo SS5d soc beeed baceotabos baccostnl|Ssscqneesd loon6obed|lbeccsoccse 424) | eeeeeeee
(OVI ogoncosSsSooagq54)| Kosonacalscanuc dare boséddod bocapsbocopssedaod |cesesnedag|acosdaac 70
Vessels transporting ...-..|.-------|---------- SPA OUD lsceccaoellecosscoacd|Soostacdioscoscoss =
TAN oS icasseessoclleacesead|ooaseccons IBLE NesSo5cncd booosacd bSa5oecnedlsecessec|aso>cee--<
Outfit rede tees onc se cce|sswee ss |eeeeecees -|-2 seme PY Weg asced Socrecaaes|lsGossaac|lonosna+ss<
Boats sees ree ost eee ee ees 77 $4, 551 13 655 9 $560 22 650
Apparatus of capture:
Gill netse==.---- feet..| 66, 104 1, 932 | 38, 877 908 30 2 | 53, 640 1,165
Trap nets....----.---.- aoe BEBO |lsnossacd||bagacs cand bossocee|Sesasogsagsaossssqlecsoce sos.
iyice mets eceeasicme eae 115 Tali) |e ceedessasesqnesed|Sopsdocd|bssa5c5nc¢ 14 70
Seines ieee ooecet ce nsenes 8 205 5 1280 eee o2liccocc= = | > cose eee pene
Hand dineste-seee eee 40 GO eeeece aeleeee amine 33 30 20 8
Set lines .-...--.- IQs soRccagd|sooesessoc 90, 400 Ce esos Secllbaeaccenee 39, 600 105
Seeks} soqcsososescdSase 4 8 \Goceened eeooads seq podbesse paceesseod psmomonc||asosooooac
Shore property ....-.------|-------- PAUSE) lasenaooc Pte) oso ace| SSusecosee||esocc0ss 435
Petals ate altos noe isnei5 | |S 8, 112 | yeaa Bop || Seeneeae 6, 253
Monree. Orleans. Niagara. Total
Designation.
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No Value
WiGEISO SVS) thee Sop cpeaouicn oor eceodind sosose se soacosoacs| saqcouce||Sancoooned pseanacc 1} $3,750
MUO TNEK SS aR Bea 6 Ss ode cd [Go soooonod Sac0ogee||eSscaseeqoo|Soscsose|looeosesads |sosscne- 42.41 |-.......
Qwihi eS sgcctebaeacesocse| aoa boooond boadodoo laocochaccd|losecoces||ooocsnoacs|janoccana -aasos35a5- 70
UGGS) ThA Gh Nb Bees |coosnoasas Seesceaa Sossoteosd lconcoose |aceaanase bocsorcc il 2, 000
AUN 5 oo Seek ococ mon |o seanncoed|>SonorSsylsceooasasdeseroned lsncotasasa|secqce.s- 13569) 2oeeeee
QuitihiP osadosocaconspsocsd oSoSsmadosllsonceascskeecocacsloooesosdloosoucsesd| lsosssoes|Sssscce- + 240
IBOats sn eeeree eee esse ce 4 $300 7 $380 30 | $1,475 162 8, 571
Apparatus of capture:
Gill’netseeeeese-5-: feet..| 31, 432 670 15, 055 597 84,282} 2,080 | 289, 420 7, 354
GEIS) MCE) 355s pedoncescRso ocesessest|srasedas bhoonnodsd loadacoad|snccissaasd|aogsecs- 111 38, 850
Hyke Nets cose son ecane 15 AD Ns ccic nese /4| See sca wa Gee eee ws eealteonames 144 1, 295
OINES toot ses os dene soo be Socee coe Ra emom oni dea toccsaallecacae oe |eenmeectl cncinieeee 13 1, 485
Hand Vines - a. 82s hase ssl sec aa eae ce Ot eeeea ae eae a's [eres eases [tere eetoe neice erates 93 98
Set lines ..... .....- feet 10, 560 20 23, 760 70 33, 000 67 197, 320 706
SCE Tepe ae eee OseEnaee 455) Heaoue pense paadobeacsoseseodoq terosend teocnsaced |-ascceac 4 4

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by counties, apparatus, an

in 1897.

CLV

d species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario

Jefferson. Oswego. Cayuga. Wayne.
Apparatus and species. ——— ——
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.} Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
Gill nets:
BOO MIURGeas «acieteatesacic- 10, 085 $481 75 By | Seea as sane aaec roe 6, 946 $278
iSnheadse. 22 sss 5 on 4s 1,910 Be | Sine atera| ¢ 2 a1 55.5 1, 600 $80 1, 840 74
Bloater or longjaw-..-.-.-- 1, 048 33 12, 000 420 1, 300 104 4, 050 210
Herring ireshis---.-.---- 9, 324 339 2, 500 (1) BEB ores ros Cenee oe 5, 990 240
Herring, salted ......:... 2, 860 PU eer cet 6c 2 Sopdccca|oce rt oorecal har meee bpaoee ceed oacrcece
Minletseee ccs scceceee ste 558 AN cee der atate |e Sa Pre aalltn 8 Sreretettwialllcs = aS 2S |e sine penal See
Pero hese eassassssa2c5cee5 12, 858 LOT | Saeeeaneee|scacs sae 2, 200 110 29, 845 1, 194
ipiekorel sw eee. 8, 009 PESO || ah as = el (ese ae Me) Os Dl ge 10, 604 424
MOCK DaSS)—..cccs25-s66 5-4 val ie secs emma his Sea [dm cinerea lo weiss ea ccna tres aera =
SULEC ONE otis So dSeobee 32,906 | 1, 767 6, 906 AV Besos acer re caer 7, 853 589
MOOMOUSHeces secs ccn cae % 4, 883 49 600 ig Berenngend Seon Bed Retr aod heocceee
Wrouticescc ss ccssbetseense 2,475 LOM Re oa oe sa Si seen ete es « Sedo ewen ses |ncnmn a couelsonuen as
RVMNILOHS DS eo scala s< = alate 4, 992 221 7, 500 BOD Bess ca enalocceece. 5, 477 449
Wall-eyed pike .........- 356 13) ieecooem=-|Serecocdloceceacisos||aconcear 22 1
Totals. = S12. 22% 92,935 | 3,719 29,581 | 1,218 5, 100 294 72, 627 3, 459
Trap nets:
Binok bass!=<--.2-<2--2~5 6, 890 Gt BBaoopoder iSCUCraE One ccoao ne RecHacod bere cos anal Ksecaooc
IGS SSG) Rapseorpenuges 3, 590 16) peeadeceSo| sesceeod |cacccosa5H Senconae| kceeeteeed|seectoas
Bullheadsy- 22 222555. -<c.-- 41n SON | Pt 043) | ese 3-25.26 las aslo) Sancee ts] 2 ace ems be ate ene eee
Garis hweneeses see 1, 150
el Sa asi caa's's = secs msis 47, 204
1SGipu bry) Se qecgdeameeEeon 1, 000
uligneeee st ea 2 See eee? 5, 924
LHGIN elt ohce popeeEenoeenbee 46, 311
1a) :) | Be ee 15, 722
Rock@Dassie ---55-2-<54- 5, 025
SUTIR EE Nie Beene 9, 487
SNCKCrSiem a acet oe oao= = see 12, 820
Sill GUTS soe cn SeSenaanes 12, 499
Nubitefishy= 2= =< sccces50s 5, 625
Wall-eyed pike -........-. 3, 758 EAD) cextasee kale eee ion acne Sate tee Saaeeed pee eeo ene neete ae
Motalla rele asses. sos BLS e SOO} (F495 28 lies satlaate| os secant | ectece ane easel Bee cee nee aes
Fyke nets:
IS bYel-e SER @oconcocsboeees 1, 000 G1) Geccobosbe Poscanas| SEAcecrera lHeGonod leans. cond eaaceone
SUN ead as yan s cle es res 50, 700 998 tea acmnisaes|Saritacalte sce coe ce ioeee meses 19, 400 679
LOGE) 8 Gaapee eee eee ere 15, 215 SOO} | seers ats ais sis a averaiet| ratecat a cya S| Ee ee ah Se yer eS
Marlletas<s2.s<sssse0s wctaes 625 ii Sas ctr siqinto| eorcloteian nal aette,o sraseetel| gee ates ey al ree yore | er
IRercheeese: s-sssaace205e¢ 13, 100 BAGH ee Sa sa0| seaeeise ae eacceace sso aas | Gace eas | eee
WICKERG oon asosca5585255 6, 260 QOD Recess ala se asco aces See Oe aes 2,540 102
NUCKGES tees sa niseeacacces 3, 665 Sle ra Sree cer sical eae ara aie | Sanaa Seva sarel eee ee 520 5
PUMNSM ese se seas teas cos 1, 924 20S sas sa scoe soee nes: | Sasso aes naceease 5, 800 116
Motalls = 2323 2525554. 92, 739 I S60) | ssoe oes ale suse eet Sell ee ee 28, 260 902
Seines:
Black Dass: <2. 5202522 222 75 Ah eee cana ostecomelo osetia nlc easen
Blue pike
Bullheads
@atiisht. 2322-2. 222-2
dS ves Sab Seees Gace aoreee
Me tpeeet mee oa See
IBerGhta-cescsscccc scence:
IRIGKOLelS-Sasesisane sao ae
Rock bass
Sturgeon! 22353-5652:
SUGMOPS! == osc paecisese me
Suntishi- ses sees eee ee se
Whitefish
Wall-eyed pike

otal eee ee ten ADOT Sule 18 Goal sTeangl ln LoEss|L aims cee Se Cou ee
Hand lines: = mY: l a
Black bassse-sessooos eo 14, 139 PA ABP ene seed al ea 2, 600 260 5, 000 350
120) 7) ee a ee oe 2,118 DE ae ET aa 7, 950 397 6,000 | 240
PACK OMG lites stance tees 95 ‘Sill aararcs as | ns wera 5, 990 299 4, 000 160
Mptalysessss2sce= “..-.{ 16,352 Gh hee ae eee! 16, 540 956 15, 000 750
Set lines: idea wa 2 aa
STILTEG Tc pogue pe AE Bee ee ees Be eee 7, 800 ABN eae ee ete |® cere Se 2, 800 210
pears: }
1S Co eee 650 17st Peer aw || Saeko ee SOAR EASE Eee Jenustese
Grand total.......-.-.

CLVI

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by counties, apparatus, and species the yield of the fisheries of Lake Ontario
in 1897—Continued.

Monroe. Orleans. | Niagara. Total.
Apparatus and species. ~
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Valne.
Gill nets:
[ine pike scab ences ere oees: pees 880 $44 | 27,368 | $1,031 | 45,354 | $1,837
Iori UWAVe Gye be see nt Alasosoosed|sascesec|soacedcondlessoosne 100 4 5, 450 200
Bloater or longjaw-.--.--. 2, 600 PLOD eee cet '= seers ae 350 inl 21, 348 882
Herring, fresh..-.-...-.-- 3, 350 AT Ne ae aaa ale eer tae 50 2 21, 214 800
13 yauneted pi GG he Be ee ee eee es amo] See o> cnn aeeseg ered |: sccorg) pode ccoon4 Saeco e 2, 860 261
TOT ioc SioccOs ae Bee ool Bees Sacred bamee ane Geeere r= al = asoc ee 1, 892 46 1, 892 46
RIG Sas ae © See fees ened bere eres COC tae Said lac Hees aoe. 2S) BSS. 558 He
Perret ee. Sccrar sos 8, 000 293 2, 255 113 | 30,192 | 1,484| 85,350] 3,351
IPIGKELO = ps secc omen aae 50 Bhi leecosees nalloaeaccnd btssocscndltccssosc 18, 663 666
Leyes |p Seeger eeerc te Cees ot socs| He scetal lob soseneeg eee cood podesaordqlsendcoc- 671 7
ohn! Reeser cee ch leeckoc 2 ohn) sdaepode So sceneoc oes a0p= 233 12 233 12
SUULSCOM scares aaesemee 167 13 3, 204 240 14, 050 1, 061 65, 086 4, 084
WUCKOLS 2 cacee cada eee 1, 040 TE ssee ee a codseoee 1, 500 51 8, 023 116
BO a eee BOSE ec. pd CEner Cones Honce os Cente. mete t areersce 374 29 2,849 130
White DaSsicees seeeeeeee - a el rateer nial | wreioyatoter atoll miei totete t= fel etel| tetatoto mre mes 739 38 739 38
Wehitefish- 22. -aeeccese. 2, 000 160 11, 825 706 138,549 | 6,610 170, 343 8, 446
\Weilee eo broke) oa ease ceee seoecopse:|eee: ceaclle-e—g5corc Pe eo oe 378 16
ry ROLALS sepeca nace oe oer 17, 207 727 18, 164 1, 103 215, 397 | 10,379 451, 011 20, 899
Trap nets: — ae Tiga | eee pa no a mae os tale an "7 an
IB ACKADASS aiaacte nie seetee el mace eee eae meee aie aieteeee oleae onal een eee ae a tere 6, 890 346
isalorep poll ve a See Se Ee oso) Besos ose Eobcanecee lacackastelbecteceadalpsbnay se 3, 590 139
IBOINGAIS esc eemeccmece ce leans aoe eal eeees cee ieee conn laemect =e teea eee ee lee semtes 41, 894 1, 043
COP I) Cetin A SS - eseicis-| BAe Sesion ER er ease Memes sa ose ccc gc leneeee ee 1, 150 35
[RST AERC Se SEU SEMLD EE SPAS AMT ileh es Peles ba see ceeds Eile ia ler aloe awe te 47,204 | 1,201
SIG BinlE aa oapcesoonSeboa|izsonot0 cca sooedeclosecobnelsd|=scen 4 Sellesanceosce Peseste 1, 000 30
Mullet 5, 924 60
Rene livceccevsaceesceeeee 46, 311 468
Pick 6relencctacdcmcineceee 15, 722 475
ROCKIPASS< see eee les ore Cel leseccccee el beeches totes wemaleeeee eels ee mici|eceneeen 5, 025 ail
SLUr eolweweacseise = eierlsti-| eine teri meee er |p eeee nena pecan cera eemee eaee een eee 9, 487 384
SUCKOPS= cee oe eee ns nel seeceee weal nent iesetael| Clete mete a ote! erred ol eae ae tn eee eee 12, 820 131
DUMNS ieee sarees pee eeal eee ee eae eessiecinc lee seein | ater ee ee eee ee eter | see eeee 12, 499 125
WWaltittetishieees cone sec cee mel cece cn ete olsen epee |chetse mee heal lt hee eee een teee eee 5, 625 250
Wrall-evedipikeyes. =. -2- (osc scclan| noc eses| ances sore |smeeetee eee reeetn tmee sees 3, 758 214
ROT acu eee eee al Ciseo cannes cies ese| tot ose oe aemiscees leone s hoes peer eiee 218, 899 4, 952
=< _— a |) — ——
Fyke nets: iz wiasei GT i a
IBIGCE DASBUusot eR eee sc ulbet cere eal peeesier |b Saree ellen te aE Be see | or 1, 000 50
IBWnGads sao ssee cer cee eee 7, 280 205 oc ene ane ole cate else cewe aoules pee eee 77, 380 1, 932
LG Stee ars SI Ie a ee Spec ciara yee SE ranks) Stoseaye orale cac els ete le ee cree Ol Br Sees cere ato a 15, 215 390
1 GUL) ee ae ene eee a) ee ey ee ee 625 6
IP GTC Sete oer ee ee a cee Ree o heciticnioe aleearemine oie reece ae 2 [ie ee ee 13, 100 146
IPI CKEKelE fe 2-2 ech ein mens 1,110 CANS eee eset | ee alana ae 9, 910 351
SUCKONSsfassas csene hee alos eeb eee ance es lecareen Ona lnc ee Sere cesar mean eee se 4, 185 42
Sunishisssnereas enemies 1, 400 SL AH gee ese crn) Cee orl Siero ees | ete ee | 9, 124 150
Will-eyed spike ticnccer os eleceeee ss omm-ce salhepereecc tlhe po elee aeeeeoeibeereree 250 13
Pebtall tee sce ea. Yeon 9, 790 Fl emg Re ac 2 Pa RPS ey | 130,789 | 3, 080
Seines: | = = == ae aa ae
“TIER CERT epee ESA © Ol RRR A Se een el ee AR Ale Ae ee ee eA 75 4
IBlmempiker cect e swecke Jee aa acta om fers ecieratale | cleo te Coe ree ieee ret ee eee On ee oe 50 2
LO TOU GGVES: Ce ISS Se ee Se Sle) (Se a OA AA | EAA 8 | eee Ba boee ot SAPS PE Ek 25, 150 624
SACHS icra cisere stores ee aN ore Sraeere hed eee eee eer aeic o See nee nae e ete ee eee eee eee 600 18
OE Fp ty Da eel er ee Ns Amana Hd AS ey mom Te eas Oe RE See 2, 850 89
ADU WEES ries ees Ak oe mel ENN (A ra eal a Rd he Re aE AT hat le teed nl Se A 8 6, 245 116
Perey see ence a ae ee as |e IEE | EEN RISE Se BM Lae eee ee eee 8, 425 154
IBIGKGRE east cea es oe ce te eee ie Re A RAE Real AEE tale INS Saree ae Res 9, 87 427
ROCK DASSsouetc cece ee noe SRE SS cs be IGE ees ee Re Sd Se ali eee ey ad Re 680 7
LET PCON! sho se Acre ose ee ece ee cue cl Amen omer cere cecil Ce eee eevee cca eee eae 200 14
SELCHOPS 25.5.5 Screens maar oe eT oe een | et on ne | Meets ee ees oes ee 15, 090 250
L001 ee nt es et Ae 2 el A eI SO LIER EE DoS URC Re PRA EES OW 3, 300 33
\WATIGET 0) (ee a EEL ASL PS Aled Ree, aA aoe tl ah ee eee Were Ft 6, 000 240
NWialiceved pike io ors chedleceso ce meelec teeta ae occas Sb oles seater | eee ene [eee eee 230 12
2110) 6621 Pte eae OR i I ad el an br A ee 78, 773 1, 990
Hand lines: ==> ae a olan ala
LAC EMUASR == eins Sbccisce 2 ules Suerte eel ease eee ce eS See ee eee 21, 739 1, 401
IRON CHPEEE «=< o% bicthia ane & S| Sa eeices Det | ee eee lees Tele e ss, Sie one mine a eae 16, 068 658
Pickerel -.-.-.-------.-.-).-0ceeseee[e once eee|enac owen ne|e eee eee[eeeeeeeeee leg. aeeer 10, 085 462
MMOTaliseestcss-- 56. n|idchseoost| sees eee ee teers aos | Sea eee 47, 892 2,521
Set lines: =o aa = a | ee SS =a
DUOES CON cece. css cece = 3, 533 265 6, 649 500 6, 080 456 26, 862 1, 900
pears:
eS eee SO nao O CEE ABU AEE) CEB BE Arr] Bees sen beeeroc sd) praca a laces than tee 650 17
Grand total.-........ 30, 530 1, 805 24,813 | 1,603 221, 477 | 10, 835 954, 876 35, 359

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLVII

FISHERIES OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC STATES IN 1897.

Investigations of the fisheries of these States were carried on during
March, April, and May, 1898, Mr. Wilcox canvassing Georgia and South
Carolina, and Messrs. Cogswell and Cobb North Carolina. The east
coast of Florida was covered by Mr. Cobb during the preceding autumn,
and data collected for the fiscal year 1897. The general results of the
work, as set forth in the following tables, show an increase in the fish-
eries since the last canvass, which was made in 1890,

The number of persons engaged was 17,185, of whom 14,449 were
fishermen and 2,756 shoresmen.

The capital invested ($1,828,832) is apportioned as follows: Vessels
and their outfits, $200,280; boats, $276,866; apparatus of capture,
$492,597; shore property and cash capital, $859,090.

The products of the fisheries amounted to 80,390,465 pounds, with a
first value of $1,833,155. There has been an increase in the number of
persons employed of 1,184; in capital invested of $140,546; in products
of 13,205,847 pounds; and in value of products of $259,451. The shad
and oyster fisheries lead in the list of products, the former being valued
at $478,784 and the latter at $384,934. The fisheries of North and South
Carolina and Georgia have increased to some extent, while those of the
east coast of Florida have decreased. The decrease in Florida has
been chiefly in the shad fishery, which has less than half the impor-
tance in yield and value which it had in 1890. This is said to be due
to the great spread of the water hyacinth in the St. Johns River, which
prevents the use of seines. There has been an important increase in
the yield and value of shad and oysters in North Carolina and Georgia,
and of oysters in South Carolina.

Number of persons employed in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in 1897.

States. Fishermen. |Shoresmen.| Total.

IWant Ching th REAR aaa oee See Cee ee sare Prine S saatoee a silas aeiteeaas ste 10, 126 1, 925 11, 045
South Carolina 1, 934 205 2,139
Georgia.....-.- 1, 404 465 1, 869
TULLES G2 ert ees Be ei Ne ORS Oe MC SLO oe eee 991 fait a a2

opal at oe eR een erage Aves Ne Vat ey TARE Roe is | | 14, 449 2,736 | 17,185

Table showing the number and value of vessels, boats, apparatus, and shore property
employed in the fisheries of the South Atlantic States in 1897.

South

North Carolina. Gnrclate Georgia. Florida. Total.
Items. Sy
No. Value. No. | Value. | No. | Value. | No. | Value.| No. | Value.
Vessels.... 174| $122, 625 16} $12, 000 51] $21, 425 2} $2, 400 243 $158, 450

Tonnage =| L 879523) =. cece ZOOS |e twee os \641. 80) eee LO. Bie esse 2n1 90! Sal emn aoa 3

Outfit. -.-. A\scociesee 28, 750)---..- Ohecesset= 7, 408)...--.| Et baeeeoee 41, 880
Boats.--.=.-.. 2 4,428} 202,709} 1,056) 34,080; 680) 20,277; 527) 19,800} 6,691) 276,866
Apparatus of cap- |

UD) coosc ee SSReee |Banesocos STON GT ean 30, 677)...-.- | ei ctettts) ocr Bo) Beetle ate 492. 597
Shore and accessory |

PLM MOUN Ger oe ae | a2 masa a> 315, 164/...... 45, 055).-.--- 106, 356}. .-... GANT LG enter 531, 290
Cash capital........|..--..-.. 138, 400|...-.. 48, 800|...... fects 500) eeeee SOP OOse sae 327, 800

Se —

ioe
°
oe
2
i=
’

,

.
=

, 218, 459).-.... | 174, 354).....- | 284, | SSo0e6 151, 155]........ 1, 828, 832

CLVIII

,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH ‘AND FISHERIES.

Table showing the quantity and value of products taken in the fisheries of the South Atlantic
States in 1897.

North Carolina. South Carolina. Georgia. Florida.
Species.
Pounds.| Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.

Alewives, fresh....------ 5, 694, 201 $48, 756 2, 000 $40 25, 000 $500 33, 913 $404
Alewives, salted ......--. 10, 096, 236 Cee) eecpoaacs sles 2¢e0c|(bastoadss4lledsogse. 5, 000) 125
Black(passtmshessese + ease 535, 342 23, 611 1, 000 30 4, 600 B22 52, 516 2,184
Bluefish, fresh --------.--. 1, 482, 375 41, 608 40, 000 GOO test Ree re oe) 25.2 aS 46, 421 1,221
Bluefish, salted -..---.--. 213, 800 5 diddls 2 eater Beeee tee See oe eemen aeee aces eeoseacce|aso--2--
BONO a-eceanecceessee = 2, 350 BD sesh 2e= cee fees see eee eee eer| serene | ecw enc cuns|=oeeeeee
Bream and sunfish.------ 38, 210 1,000) 22-2. 222|fes-35 55 3, 900 195| 248,989) 6, 827
iBuattentishiecese-.aee eee 94, 750 1758) bs8 cc tee on |e cose wo pl Doeaeeeeeloeere ocr eee eee leer
Gathisheesescceacce cia. = se 192, 211 4, 646 28, 500 535 157, 600 2,734 124,000) 3,720
Channel bass or redfish,

freshers sascciaseeste 64, 550 830, 110,000; 2,500 23,800) 1,190) 285,782) 3,542
Channel bass or redfish,

Balted mere aos ccs eee 40, 200 804) 2 osccc5s] ost sscselScemicce -el soci se cic] sso ls epee eee
DIMM EE sae ste scceetioe ae 51, 400 1, 0738 215, 000 1, 875 14, 300 592 17, 000 175
Mel sereaeees sock ech nese 96, 700 ASOT cat tena hee yet 5, 000 100). 22222 -3/222 eee
Hloundersieces--+- osc 173, 975 8) 199 Saosccemelos eases 6, 500 290)... cseee2 5 |e Seco
Groupers's. 652 =--heeece | Psesence me leeseeeeeee 333000). Ds VIO! Sante ooh see oot ee
Hickory shad\--2----22--- 230, 975 7, 583} 36,800) 1,516) 7, 775 262). 22222 S2|Seeeeeee
Keine fisheass. peeease emer 358, 070 4628 cess Seber |Nenasck ssecinssc-4leeet ce ct cee eae eee
Menhadeness-seee see enee 11, 310, 000 19: 100) <2 soniese| tcc aie enllene sea ssl S-2e es -|ssemee ees ees
Mollet; fresh==-----=:- 4.) 797, 425 16, 797 46, 000 885 56,000 1,310) 2,341,957, 21, 156
Mullet, salted........-...- 2, 612, 160 73, 541 10, 000 200) siccci sae mins’ serete 71,400} 1,576
RGEC ease eee =e eee 806, 379 24, 044 2, 000 40 3, 600 140). 5550 53/2 eee
Pishish one secste ue eescae 412, 807 10,286). oo c2~ -cjo|c ses cmc 'seescsccce|- secs] cose ee tes =e
Silk @ne st sees son see eos 100, 420 2655 |.\e eae och keelelo coe Ae ecee nels Soames eee ee eee
‘Pimtishgyecasosccmaceecoss 61, 600 A064 | eeccyeemee peices wo sieeiosie=/s'|simccic aes \sie ciao eee Cee
(Rompano)sen-ee cesses ee 53, 175 1, 728 5, 000 B00|s2 Fe deeses| teers 196, 344) 13,093
ROG Sy Reece cctecwosceee 39, 910 COP) Repeats Beene Saaeee neal aceeeed eercacosSc|cossco--
Sailorstchoices-----e- sec. 39, 000 975 8, 800 440 600 30) 525522 ace ele ee
Scad or round robin...--. 8, 100 7] Ree eeee ol eeeea a SaSerereed semciscod Remedae cscsceca—.<
Seabassies! 2525.2 Jce secs 189, 225 5, 564 6822400) 262356) s4--- Zl oes Se 5, 570 210
Shaders sessceseceeeesece 8, 963, 488 362,811) 506,125) 27,696 787,550| 46,705] 1,011,180) 41,572
Sharksesccsecccecee case « clseereecer sseccemcess 380, 000 B00) cmecmse = |: asic cee cece = een eee
Sheepshead ea. --m-seces- 271, 206 9, 243 36, 200} 1, 460 25,000) 1,250) 390,164) 5,908
SNAPPELs\ a. 2) e.c2s essere ce 34, 400 860) 54,000) 1,660 .......... [== Sao sot) ooo eee
Spanish mackerel..------ 330, 840 18, 017 10, 000 1, 000 18, 100, 655 3, 450 160
Spots and croakers, tresh.| 1, 963, 756 28, 384 49, 000 UXOodaacdones|boscesss 238, 133} 772
Spots and croakers, salted 165, 246 4749) cre ot ode 2 se sere Sec eens = -| ee eesieeel peace EEE
Squeteague, fresh ......-- 3, 006, 758 92, 993 80, 000 2, 030 54, 650 2, 512 516,370; 12,817
Squeteague, salted .-.--.- 83, 496 2226 escort oc|desccns geste saa os en eee ele Lee ee ears |e
Strawberry bass.-.--.----.- 21, 725 Gi locsecs 5 Sec|boaceascleaceponbos|bo sno scdlsooodescod|lescnsen
Striped bass ---.------.-- 845, 123 58, 035) 10, 100 556 9, 000 530| << 322242 .|Seeeeeees
SITLTEHGOMN cencsoacopssege- 371, 625 13; 525 411, 100 7, 325 147, 700 4,060|......06. dleneeenete
Suckers=.eoceoe.scereecke 135, 230 B OBA is siais se ciae| erareihercienille eteysiclere wlayelll=jereretoisers| idee Se eae Oe
RAO GOREN A. See sepeeeneee 14, 125 283| Sressccker] = Soca desl Pee ees eectdlcGace ee os ance lepesooos
Warmouth bass.....-.--- 6, 950 34.8) 5 oeiscra: ais cid] seieieesaynte) bist e eso) | Peewee Eeoteesose eee
\yAenh hye ee Sea eseensooeec 45, 200 1, 133 638, 506) 28, 405 45,700} 2,100, 8, 000) 365
(QW ATT Noeassoaugscutea ledsaseaucd Uadeceaeool aoressansal oeacenellboonmo noon aqsac oes 103, 340, 3, 356
SHrim pices ee ease eee oes 146, 496 5, 885 374, 500) 18,395 67, 600 2, 535 38, 625 1, 497
@rabstsOttiececsceescctee 986, 720 BH) Reese nese) ReSceeetse IS seee see sccce sal loemSooaaaclsosc--<-
Crapsyhard easecesceoss ae 40, 000 1,000) 110,000) 2, 240 74, 660} 1, 864 3, 700 175
Grawiishieecre sce cen tae ect cine ce (ee war ccepel cece cameltoe neces seer eee 4, 000 80
PRerrapins--sccecccccee seis 17,179 2, 815 40, 916 9, 635 34,785] 11, 254 10, 350 1, 425
Murtlosme. tec ee cece 24, 000 TR CPi) i OOS al 1, 000 20] 23,856, «1, 751
INNS sisccooosdeosouogsesae 1, 800 AGN oo osectqsd|sceesenallasnacaucc- Bsppeeeclscnsereeec|-soc-5: -
Oysters eee ee 6,011,726} 241,099] 1,504, 300] 45, 360/ 3,406,440) 86,709] 362,802) 11, 766
Clams comes e ken 937, 808; 53,703] 185,400] 8, 652 2, 640) 165 4, 800 300
Scallopsica.ccesseso-sten 118, 323 5658 |sidiciacocdcralllngmreciee alleen mceteecl as encee | skye eaten | Eee
Cawilar as sae tee ccscecmaee 32, 500 11, 162 69, 805) 17,525 9, 600 2, 081) «00% =ccs ol eaeeaeee
ERrout SOUNGS a=, cease 691 104) eteete oo Paces Se8) eee. eel ace so ea] bo eee
FRIGLUSO= occcccsmarcuieene cc 3, 862, 200 4: 828) c8c cocks bem doe os ccmace oeulacceceerl hes. eee ee

Motels .scceesescs 64, 234, 257) 1, 316, 017] 5, 280, 446) 210, 456) 4, 993, 100) 170, 605) 5, 882, 662) 136, 077

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLIX

Table showing the quantity and value of products taken in the fisheries of the South Atlantic
States in 1897—Continued,

Total. Total.
Species. - Species. aS
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
|

Alewives, fresh ..-..---.--- 5, 759, 114 SA95 700 | WALKS! scene anole cae we oie 30, 000 $300
Alewives, salted ......--. lu, 101, 236 78, 424 || Sheepshead ......--..--. 722, 570 17, 861
PIO DASH aa aleoalstssaiaia'< oral 593, 458 26,147 || Snappers ..---...-.---... 88, 400 2, 520
Bluefish, fresh ........... 1, 568, 796 44,329 || Spanish mackerel -....-. 362, 390 19, 832
Bluefish, salfed .....-.--- 213, 800 5, 144 || Spotsand croakers, fresh| 2, 035, 889 29, 886
POI Saet oes ainrcicus owes 2, 350 35 || Spots and croakers,
Bream and suntish --.---- 291, 099 8, 022 SENG Peo oc Se eeeo6 ose 165, 246 4,749
Butter-fish ............... 94, 750 1,758 || Squeteague, fresh.-.-.--- 38, 657, 778 110, 352
CRUE eS Sb rr aseempene 502, 311 11, 635 || Squeteague, salted ....--. 83, 496 2, 226
Channel bass or redfish, Strawberry bass ..-.---. 21, 725 866

ANOS ess sssesc s Soe eS a 434, 132 8; 062 || Striped bass....--.-.-.-- 864, 223 59,121
Channel bass or redfish, Stowe eon. am ace teenie 930, 425 24, 910

ier ESE oe Ree eee 40, 200 804 |) Suckers -----.-..-....... 135, 230 3, 037
10 VOM CRS Rea ecceeE pe eennec 297, 700 ay tills () Ml eiaye a oe esos osncoad 14, 125 283
10 hia SSeS eee eee 101, 700 4,151 || Warmouth bass..-.-...... 6, 950 348
Blounders..--......-..<-. 180, 475 3,489 || Whiting ................ 737, 500 32, 003
(Grompers=------<--522-.05 33, 000 Te T7ON | Obhertishe-o--2--- veces 103, 340 3, 356
Hickory shad’-.=<. = ..-.<< 275, 550 9 3610 SPRL Le stem taae etein ois 627, 221 28, 312
LSC Te oeSoSeSeeoonocee 358, 070 7628) |p Crabs ssottesoscsceese see 986, 720 3, 992
Menhaden saccueces saisase 11, 310, 000 199700 || Crabs, hard <25- Soeeoce-r 228, 360 5, 279
Veallet. freshs:=...+-<--<. 3, 241, 382 405 143;)|| Crawhsh's-ssae---25 05555 4,000 80
Mallet; salted 2-----25---- 2, 693, 560 40s D074) SROnra pin Sise=e= se aicl eat 103, 230 25, 129
LED oe Soecoeeoeopeeese 811, 979 Pere N) Abb DSi eo sen oneeeecocce _ 48, 856 3, 691
IBigfighisccscsssascesces=s 0 412, 807 HON 285m | ETO PSias cece sale cioceetiser 1, 800 450
The oe 2 100, 420 Onis |l| Onions) exaeebacsoce obese 11, 285, 268 384, 934
BPAINHSY s 22 aceasta ca sjs 5-555 61, 600 1,064 || Clams). <2 55.2 cei)055 05/20 i, 130, 648 62, 820
ompanose es a2vs se. 4232 254, 519 52 Scallopsssas-icretaea-t = 118, 323 5, 653
LLP 6 Semone GESeeeaoer 39, 910 A all Cav alk sets se icarctarstetelere crore 111, 905 $1, 268
Sailor’s choice.......-...- 48, 400 1,445 || Trout sounds..........-. 691 104
Sead or round robin ------ 8,100 46)|| RELUSCl>-cisc ccc sees cence 3, 862, 200 4, 828
NORIDHSS sees cas s25s 4665 827, 195 32, 130 ——
Same se eae eos eee 11, 268, 348 478, 784 Totals cease 80, 390, 465 1, 833, 155

FISHERIES OF THE GULF STATES IN 1897.

The canvass of the commercial fisheries of this region was conducted
chiefly during March, April, and May, 1898, by Messrs. Stevenson and
Hall, the former working in Louisiana and Texas and the latter in
Mississippi and Alabama.

The statistics of the west coast of Florida were collected in the
autumn of 1897 by Mr Cobb, and refer to the preceding fiscal year.

From the information collected it is shown that there were employed
in fisheries of the Gulf States 13,967 persons, 11,180 of whom were
fishermen and 2,787 shoresmen. The capital invested in the fisheries
amounted to $2,584,061, of which $717,076 represented vessels and
their outfits, $436,041 boats, $137,216 apparatus of capture, and
$1,293,728 shore property and cash capital.

The products of the fisheries amounted to 65,660,623 pounds, having
a first value of $2,271,726. The oyster fishery was valued at $748,760,
or more than twice the value of any other single fishery. Next in
importance is the sponge fishery, valued at $305,589. The catch of
red snappers was valued at $200,412, and that of mullet at $213,988,
all other fisheries being represented by smaller sums.

A comparison of the results of the present canvass with those of the
canvass in 1890 shows that 2,215 more persons were employed. There
has been a slight decrease in other respects, as follows: $394,231 less
capital invested, 3,714,911 less pounds of products, and a reduction in
value of products of $166,949,

CLK REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In the different States there are numerous changes to be noted in
the yield of the various fisheries. The oyster fishery shows a great
reduction in products and value in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and
Texas, and an important increase in Louisiana. The red-snapper
fishery has greatly increased in Florida, Alabama, and Texas, while in
Louisiana it has been abandoned or transferred elsewhere. The mullet
fishery has increased in yield and value in Florida; in yield but not in
value in Alabama, and has decreased in both respects in the other
three States. A decrease is to be noticed in the sponge fishery of
Florida. There has been an increase in the shrimp fishery in Ala-
bama, Mississippi, and Texas, and a decrease in Louisiana.

The important increase in the number of persons engaged in the
fisheries warrants the assumption that an increase would have been
found in the general yield and value of the fisheries of the Gulf region
had they not been affected by outside agencies. There can be little
doubt that the decrease is due largely to the restrictions placed on the
various means of transportation during the yellow-fever outbreak of
1897. :

Table showing by States the number of persons engaged in the fisheries of the Gulf States
in 1897.

States. Fishermen. Shoresmen.| Total.
INO aaasee S54 Son gocs soaribonac gases oopssocoN mo edoSossasgoersesacs 4, 667 344 5, 011
IN ehene Soo 5o death Ssh sbaphoen Sada oobSeosopereEmosodassnapasos0IeaoS 593 196 789
INDIES O Oo oo Sone sadedoasSeoneadeomase cossoadopoonodedscescdacdas 1, 061 1, 504 2, 565
TOMA Soon ae hood oossod boo goundsen sb sobeendoeeshasodsosrascopsoe 3, 719 684 4, 403
Weed Sa Sjbadeaandacsdaassccaopbocasbenpoosconasdae saSpaonesecosede 1, 140 59 1,199
MCE oa daahscdaaaaGseecH Send dds ses oS pbs EDnChSdondese 11,180 2, 787 13, 967

Table showing by States the investment in the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897.

Florida. Alabama. | Mississippi:
Designation.
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.
L | |
AVESSOIShlels sisleisinice -iiiciae cree eee ac 183 | $274,177 53 | $40,375 83 $81, 125
Thor eo sdecbScenbocdecunsocsous PM ClaO20 ltaeee aie) S220 RIFE SE Sse 854.88 22h oases
Onnthibipre cee tee accie eins sen nocieees elec ae ee Soe TOT561 || eee se O55 TO Sean ae 25, 938
TSOP IICL AEA SUS CBO S OSA CHEE pon ep cous aaoeeIaG 1,621 | 130,548 254 12, 939 439 17, 039
Ath parabus OUCaDUUNG =a -meaneemmenne snes seeer cama oo BEEN 5 adesoses 920502. asseacs 19, 255
SINGS THO eS Any Conese cbsaasssoopscondoslesosSaosgst leeliZo O20. ae eeeatretre VBE |oosooco scr 125, 644
@ashicapitalieesemasre rece eee em eee = are) eereeia ae [eo2o LOOR eee 42: 750) |eosan saee 249, 300
Motalivae ee acemse-ceence see ees eral ne see sere | 14982620 heme sees G5 SSO N | See eee 518, 301
Louisiana. Texas. | Total.
Designation.
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.

WGERGE ads ccAcnndecsnnbhddsorte aedasco 61 | $32, 101 45 | $36, 565 425 | $464, 343
AUD NEE Ya Bob atedsacdussaSnonasdeSdéouse See oecacoson DOSS Sls Sees eeeee | 5,052.69 |.....--...
Outht oo. secieeccicecescn nls seseseoe in| Meee arom ay bo eae 15; VION SSetee see 252, 733
IB OAILS Se ere ee poco cin oe eee canione one 3,025 | 197, 604 686 77, 911 6, 025 436, 041
Apparatus of capture.” <5. 2o20. 222. 0en.|scnnne acme BL OO0R sans eea de 22IN AG | treeaaaem 137, 216
SHOLOPPLODELUY wat sincere seem en eiareeiaieiene eee ate 73. Q033| cise nares aR esy oss eesa5 579, 578
Cashicapitalye.: foe ca tlhee cede s cesealocmess eee 697000) see eee SOSOCO Sack e cee 714, 150
Motel tcf o.o fk ee Steet. ER Ree lPmoTSvele |e. Steele Dorrdget | cisee me. tt 2, 584, 061

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXI

Table showing by States the products of the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897.

Florida. Alabama. Mississippi.
Species. Fan > =
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. | Value.
PATNNOR-ANAD ess ecsees eee cen eee « 18, 600 BOS0s | Reeren create all ainsximpmialecee| sm sect etaniere | ~ ame ae
Angel-fish . . 59, 186 1, 696 6, 000 S115) |S ot ee eases Nae ie
PBATTAQUC Giles cate eae micerainrs sim on oc 31, 000 PO | eer ce ara eins a ciswiciaell Sine este nie Sete Eee & ee
THR GRE Segundo sock nee ones Bee eee (re aes 41, 000 2, 870 27, 000 $1, 350
TITER Bea cecee scene ccs Seeoneeae 264, 971 6, 057 204, 500 4, 094 33, 300 1, 105
Bream and sunfish..-.-....-.....--- 7, 909 238 79, 509 2, 783 24, 800 508
JAA AIGS LD ~ occa te Cason Se nsec S59 So nc See ESA ecosacchdJictospcnsecdec|lcsaersnene 21, 500 215
AURA ee = oe cc wia.cicciseintn se nnx/s'e 5, 000 100 188, 000 2, 872 31, 200 720
Channel bass or redfish..-......-. 236, 368 3, 597 213, 000 7, 425 199, 000 8, 303
UDRP VOUS Sea 6S Ses SSS Soe SRESeee 38, 140 494 12, 000 WSO) ||5 ca stom oleens ane ne
Drum, salt-water ...-......0...2<. 37, 855 622 6, 000 91 5, 000 250
LOLA GWE Acco Bnes eR CEeDenOEoeEe 32, 561 549 47, 000 1, 602 28, 200 1, 002
CARITAS oo boSeCS Sn RO DERDe OONOUDE 781, 155 9, 349 69, 000 P1080) || Sau ciiocees| nese eee
RNS aces eae aces cca ccscaecicce's 671, 876 UGEERE? | Goccooceceon| lsmecacoeAd bacmaecunadal meaacocc a5
LEQ 2IIRL soc oensooesaccsepsosessas- 81, 600 Abe ED Posen mocouaal Raneaeoese lsasueesactee lsrococsoae
SRPERR eos aces = wala o aiclerals'= wes cele 7, 500 {14 Bosc eaeeaoos pace coboce beroemaeee ne (tease cme
angus hemes aeeaeseanceesa daca se 440, 000 6; GOOF |e ei<iesisie'sletei lS niwininseicie| sa amani coe cement ces
TOTO Seto See RE ECE Eee 123, 223 DN GSSb laters osie tears ci | wratacigetee eel lee ac nee Seen ae ee eee
Mere teeiROd Mice t or cmc celica cee = = 11, 711, 041 126, 124 591, 300 8, 487 240, 600 2, 881
IMimletesalted! nce. =. secre 6 came | 2,432, 277 54, 928 6, 000 BORG ace sles ieee =
Mullet roe, salted................. 148, 999 LS; SLOW Sei occ sere temic | Sates wi ctere St NGS eee eae | ie ope
TRG YR T aces ee Oe IE ee nr Pan RO Sd eens 5, 000 200 5, 000 150
II GUL ooo sopososeede co bessescess s5|pocosscoss 4, 000 GLE Sees Ae eater
PRIMA Shige eens Sane fae seas ccc scielse eee ceases simecs exces 4, 000 61 38, 880 1, 314
in paAno, Tesh cccer seen cw cess ea 359, 151 17, 964 60, 300 4, 212 24, 800 1, 5380
iPonipanorsalted = 22.42 - 222 23, 225 1 BPBUT | icoosapeosoe| pcouseededledssooteccemiccancsosne
IRONPICR seme wee = amc 2s 55-55 98, 200 22 ERY | Becnco sosees|beamesosng beeseeeeaos-lseonnos—8e
PPGRRAIS Wome ee se cc cee cece 11, 962 OG) | Saacecaeee call teesisacects | eee eceren eee mee
Sarlors? ChOlCG)-~- ..---2=5--625-—0 89, 381 BF Ue lesogaansacdos| |lpaoaboatod Gesaebecoos al bonoerSsoe
PESO NOS tittle wninie coe oe Sawer aes 150, 000 ShOGOH| Sees aes eeeailneleectsees ees saeeee [az cork
SIRE GOEL Sco soneasecpeconeeeee 663, 347 9, 793 86, 800 2,949 110, 150 | 4, 103
Snappers Ted anceat -\s see orcs eet 5, 314,487 | 171, 234 335, 000 1 7253 |secsensnans| Seasoeee ee
SuapMers OUNCE. ce .i-5-s-=---2- oe 110, 631 Bh aaposeoo~ cod Gaareoeaed bconosee se callsereosse ce
Spanish mackerel, fresh........-.. 456, 322 21 fou 85, 500 3, 960 64, 760 5, 076
Spanish mackerel, salted ......... 23, 579 tot eC Bee see Boosecamod ecoorpeceoas loecoce shee
Spots:and croakers -.......--...-- 26,1138 495 504, 000 8, 099 51, 900 1,914
STU TEGWI o cosecoccdoonsseeporeese 9, 254 BSI eee se ccclieaaias cactes an |Samiancaeatle acecetinns
traits those e oscsss sc cnscisscaee 703, 830 15, 148 296, 100 9, 711 452, 800 15, 570
PEO Aa bed: 2.6 scce'- soma lcsc. 2s 63, 105 2D 24a | Beet = gsseinsl seine seer | se aecicis aces eee ae
Whitt et esesae-cescsssscsseecc 9, 589 109 2, 000 LO) coarse i=/c,2:3 | See oes oe
RWellowtallso2s--'-ssss022222cc2-2%% 73, 440 6,594. || Bees = sist stelle ancien ane oose ee eee SIneee eee
Otheriish’s- 222.752 --2522ssse50u- 537, 138 DA Olin poe eeeceee [seh s camista] tee caceecraet ee emis ae
STOMGGS ss ccpsnceersbooesepepeesce 332, 856 | 305,589 |...---.--=-- Coen aes ||| eee a eae
ORE SeobdoHeeee Se SSe se Seeeree 1, 258, 008 50, 258 | 1, 785, 488 60,267 | 4,407, 992 110, 964
PAINS Perret en = eta ss PAs boat 7, 084 1 Se Seacmecero ecoedae na |esosee toes sa rpesoatsae
RNC ene accel cao ese ce Ser sesso semis! socelcleceos 40, 600 609 | 1,903, 165 28, 804
Wrawilishyss8-25- ce nessee2sss-nee% 157, 500 SHON es poses eallsaeet gests Pocecice obemalbeee ene
Wraps hard -- = joss ttecsasscssed- 6, 240 208 24, 400 | 505 131, 640 3, 494
GiTIDS, SDs se se pe GGSSS SU Se EEO ESE Saaee Hees ISSEROSR ASA eB eeas ns ane ra 21, 200 1, 720
PRUTUICS pono sa boc secs sacs secede 634, 616 Pal CAT SE cl | eer = ner eines ee
Rerraninveyens © 9-2 24seele = 228; 11, 400 1, 250 2, 934 320 6, 798 1,275
CITING) Sones Sa aRSneSee so eee ene 500 Bul EE cerecoscro besseecerel Hcceecesaesel MaRS src
Pip AbOM id Ose cs sncnhe- asses elses ccs ceioce TPC cre poseess looses aris | kaeceo scasscllocebocaoae
Otel SKINS 3-2) sce ses sac es eie Joe s|ensesecusss gt Ee eeeSeer Cease pesaa Smercrocsnac Seseee ares
Ot leemec so sae nee aces ce 28, 255, 219 944, 793 4,699,381 | 134, 438 7, 829, 685 192, 298
Louisiana. Texas. Total.
Species.
Pounds. Value Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
ANSTRNGTAICL Wee demesonse Cone ae eee bee See eee eeod CSn He SrelS Cone e nares Se aaeee mers 18, 600 $620
PAM Pel fish ~-5- scence ccsscsveenees Ceres oe| ee ee oes Caan en oy es RA Se Pe 65, 186 1, 811
AMER CI dics se ae se eee eee eee oe ieee ae Soece oeccclascceceedtealbcewncea se 31, 000 1, 240
IRGIIDASS 225 2 te aes coceneee see 320 $26) |e ee ect ace sescceeace 68, 320 4, 246
IBlnetish ce. << s2s sais 'ss- cess 3, 960 132 29, 540 $1, 281 536, 271 12, 669
Bream and sunfish..-..............| 119, 780 Pan at Ja | AS ER ps ol Ee 231, 998 7, 318
St aO-IS Ns <2 6 oo aon aren eer 311, 093 4, 768 12, 200 470 344, 793 5, 453
Catia — =.= Jesbo SSS sansosssecass | 2, 1538, 134 51, 420 71, 230 3, 035 2, 448, 564 58, 147
Channel bass or redfish........... 465, 200 20, 529 1, 144, 376 51, 922 2, 257, 944 91,776
CORE ELIG Saat 18, 000 690 18, 000 743 86, 140 2,107
ram) fresh-water. =- 2... 0.022.225 | 7, 250 Wa | eeiae eee | eee ae 7, 250 74
Dri Salt water sac ccm ssceccce ch 18, 570 540 50, 400 2, 046 117, 825 3, 549
MGITICBLS Ao esses cet bon ckes sens 9, 625 654 218, 025 9, 819 335, 411 13, 626
HIMIOU A eee oe sea locin ore sos 2a | Seaeteice ee cllsgs cee een 3, 463 84 853, 618 10, 468
HELEN Deter inie nlele cea Sieinvaile sieves afe|liate® atte mele anciee = otstellasctemeidce Salome cette 671, 876 16, 833
Ha pfighteceee access steweeeh ese. 125 5 15, 995 784 97, 720 4, 269
OWA ee eee os so ale Saree) se clomereiecs 33, 281 1, 083 33, 281 1, 083

1015 Te, hs GE

CLXII

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by States the products of the fisheries of the Gulf States in 1897—Cont’d.

Louisiana. Texas. Total.
Species. =
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.

WUVOL: 1. i5 wiersio pear seeae he Rh se eee sed| sei maces eel Meine cielo ce seme cmisttoms al cies eo teeee 7, 500 $75
Ein pS h saypttoe tart vacis ~loe ee ence MONE sbomavec afm stelle erate aloiatall eres eteicel| saa'cs pete ee 440, 000 6, 600
Madyhishis tase cecavcleserctc usc semicne|cucdesseemsclpesae scp el eckemetepe em (ons <csccine 123, 223 2, 633
Mallet, fresh Saccso ne leek seiiace 165, 819 $5, 871 60, 350 $2,167 | 12,769, 110 145, 530
Mullet, saltediet ac bes isis eta ee seed S eeadocnias 500 25 | 2,438, 777 55, 148
Mnulletiroersalted’... 5 Jatt ha. 55250) cc seccecmosale oacuneminel Pepsemerctiee |aececceces 143, 999 13, 310
POPC hiss cis, Settcacme acsek ye eee cede 11, 050 500 32, 150 1, 506 53, 200 2, 356
Mikeand prokerel sap se ee te <oacl- cot esac ccammeel aoe emeeette 22, 730 989 26, 730 1, 050
BINA S Se Seta das sas fenie oh -Me ace |b se tec sence sweater Gale one eats see peo on ie 42, 880 1,375
Pompano; treshes.ss- secon emacs 17, 665 1, 891 17, 850 812 479, 766 26, 459
LOO Nas EU ESE Cee bone 660) sanecricecotc nseasoedec|laaconosoeceullacascaesac 23, 225 1, 236
MPOT DIOS Hee eiiersratsie aicra's eis beim emit Wet EL ttais wicia sie felele cw loan cal [e wee cea naecemnee seems 98, 200 2, 450
PPOTKAS Diss sis bieics mers b dae adios dame (Pees aman s MeN amine dere auc \cice te mteyate lars clemterares 11, 962 1, 196
Sew fy eoocracasss o5a0cc dod beste seccscc lasecsoeaeal|soscaceseacd soeoascecs 89, 381 3, 198
SAIL CIN CB) s ale ain ciaialejaentamvaleeiatsiren sll teticismment SoC eas seme eee eemnaee | pecee citer 150, 000 3, 090
NHeepshCadsncseetecmemicemceeees 238, 010 12, 506 467, 504 21,723 | 1,565, 811 51, 074
Shoemakers assess scsecuiswieccicee 9, 600 SAB it Sete batch el [eee eet 9, 600 346
Silver perdhiecsececccres-eaOrciscs 3 3, 615 L2St lt Fee ecommerce 3,015 128
DNAPPELS ALOG Ss ox ne tovises oe ule eee a emcee lesen scene 464, 791 17, 453 6, 114, 278 200, 412
SNAP Pers) Ober as acens cise recesses ee wewinicoeee Ib aweecne eel nse tee a ae semen 110, 631 3, 296
Spanish mackerel, fresh -...-..--. 55, 805 5, 132 40, 710 1, 939 703, 097 37, 864
MpaninhsmMac kere). Salved a-c5 4-1 linsees tee warns! ccintene sate meine cowelee stall ames 23, 579 1, 193
Spotsand croakers.-.....--.....-. 328, 775 16, 980 136, 700 6,007 | 1, 047, 488 33, 495
tri PedwPAssieea nsec clseccocecee 22, 880 1, 449 8, 950 384 31, 830 1, 833
SUOTLCOM PoE ecm c rsiclte seme a steel lenleeas cas eclleatemcce ke 22, 400 984 31, 654 1,315
Troutireshis seep eo iacsteeees 566,648 | 26,500 | 1,011,620] 45,525 | 3,030,998 | 112, 454
PEPOUt Salted sce ccs osusesoce sss [sbescsecccselleteootesculsecsoscaodas|lescseasscc 63, 105 2, 524
Wandin Oss e cc comm emsciscedceesss |wesmeabcecter | cosccc a analisasen aces es lnauneeeaee 11, 589 179
ONG NEUEN e Saar ee ecto aae ee cece carr [e see se aR Peet cesta Scenes 73, 440 6, 594
Othenifish: cesar eceecesuces sc uecane 66, 550 3, 583 60, 500 2, 646 664, 188 30, 546
POM BOS) tee sek hrs crisp Sates winie Stata abate tc we Sinie cle [loa wie e cic ehll eis ttinie a sinless] oem Bemictee 332, 856 305, 589
Oysters). sted Scccsent cedosdwe seas 6, 714, 330 432, 668 2,491, 370 94, 663 | 16, 657, 138 748, 760
(0) ESTEVE UE ATR RAS IRN TL Ciel rg 8 el 7, 084 171
Shrimp s-hAe is j.0cisb esse ae oes 4, 486, 726 80, 576 360, 580 7, 464 6, 791, 021 117, 453
Crawhsh<eeceuchcbstascaceeeneeeee 84, 950 BTS eee einen 3 cco steeets 242, 450 6, 263
Grabs hard 0... Sse ees 1,458, 833 | 12, 891 138, 120 3,689 | 1, 759, 233 20, 787
Orabs\solticcccancemocc denn aust Se clet ssoeae etal ese aoe eee eae ae hoes bao eeeree 21, 200 1, 720
PRUGUIOS a ceie scene ce neo acm cele 22, 395 581 237, 385 6, 860 894, 396 30, 177
Moerranin: isasuymoccigaciennc oeceeaes| 41, 680 4,149 3, 880 507 66, 692 7, 501
Conchs ...... Mra popanatatar tam wreleia ated ete Yai Sis winte reins old incite a ms Ae sieiels wieise emai lemmeeinres eee 500 30
Alligator hides 2.ceccseo-=- sense otncyeraie eee PPS BE eee eer See errr lei Sais =~ 34, 546
Otterskingiccceccsedescus Sascees [tistwerees Cem aeons Chee le oe ates cee celica eeeenel ees eee 14, 481

Motaltes meta hic da sateen awees | 17, 401, 788 713, 587 7,174, 650 286, 610 | 65, 660, 623 | 2, 271, 726

FISHERIES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

Recently a market has been found in Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and
other States west of the Mississippi for fresh fish and spiny lobsters
from southern California. Important shipments have been made,
chiefly from San Pedro and San Diego, the principal species shipped
being barracuda, bonito, mackerel, sea bass, red rockfish and spiny
lobsters. Good prices were received, and it is probable that a per-
manent market for southern California fresh fish will be found. The
spiny lobster proved especially desirable; it was shipped chiefly to
Kansas City, where it is known as the Bermuda lobster. The scarcity
of suitable fishing boats proved a considerable drawback in filling
orders for fish from eastern points. In Mareh and April, 1898, Mr.
Cloudsley Rutter made inquiries respecting the fisheries of San Diego.
Several dealers kept no records, and it is probable that the quantity of
fish taken was greater than that accounted for in the following table.
More than 800,000 pounds were handled, of which 283,658 pounds were
shipped by rail to eastern points.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXIII

Statement of the pounds of fish and lobsters handled by San Diego dealers in 1897.

Species. January.

February| March.

April.

May. June.

July.

Barracuda
Bonito ‘‘mackerel”’
Yellow-tail
Albacore
Bullseye mackerel
“Smelt”
ISDC{ NGS Sa oes coer e Dope eeaerae
Jewiish
Monterey halibut
Rocktishes

Sea trout-.
Scorbina
Fat-head redfish
Whitefish

Total fresh
Salted fish:

Barracuda, bonito, yellow-

tail, albacore, and rock-

(GIN Se sSeecneeeeedne coadoullséasqn sess 25, 854 30, 782 9, 436 27, 716 29, 481 52, 53.
Grand total of fish..--..- 17, 731 42, 647 70, 059° 65, 853 62, 522 70, 325 93, 518
Spiny lobsters......--.------- 6 25 TGA p16 BO ames te Oly sees | 3, 229
Shipment of fresh fish and
lobsters by rail..--...-...--- 16, 122 8, 381 19, 245 28, 230 25, 675 26, 414 29, 093
: Septem Novem. | Meco Daten Tome
Species. August hoe October. eave. bor | Eenoava. Total.
ISP RY Soosencosebeo 3anee 32, 535 18, 895 3, 520 80 40 | gies uene 184, 620
‘Bonito “mackerel”. ..-.-.---- 1, 188 4, 077 8, 217 1, 3382 B24.) oe cence See 22,109
BaeMlow-tailc 2.4. 6.22.21.2---- 4, 820 5, 530 9, 070 1, 700 LOOM Mee eewe ss 43, 350
JAISEKCOnR@Ganaec oes Cocco ODED AS |poceenanae 90 690 42.0 See oh tacis ae) kee eee ae 1, 340
Bullseye mackerel -.--..----. 43 Qld iors oe Jae scat ess l Seicreremtesieth eeioetatrsaee 384
LSniGlit” -sodeacocemmenbocdete|seeaeucsce 20 58 905 (Nay Hee Sonesta 1, 849
IEG) cocasss-qeemseressg0ccboE 4,474 8, 843 5, 193 509 Pee Woo Soperetoc 35, 600
VG W iti) 32264 Seen aaeeSe econ lseceHegnec 200 60 55 300 | aee= seoele 980
Monterey halibut ...........- 6, 042 6, 555 8, 296 5, 595 BMAD Si. aoees 75, 228
IRVel SSG -ooecc ese ase asoEbes Podeeeedee 1, 666 6, 525 20, 552 15;/965)|- Ss-25--=5 58, 087
Yellow-fin--..--.- 843
Sah WIM se sso Reeseoeroseeese 875
NCOUDING ase coos saeco sas ses 5, 760
Mat neadsredgnanyss-m—— = oe eeo-| coms anime = © 180 655 2, 748 532 sso 4, 569
WANDA See oe ceca acne sccm emcee - 56 543 1, 950 te ee eee 5, 859
NITIES So Soe eee ERE De Sn eee ae earns bee eaten 1, 286 152, ee heed ae 1, 438
MOREE ooclboenaooseceyeaoesd) booeshoued leaseboedae 123 281 WD ete semcicise 826
TPA aap cose cone GOSCOBE CGE Eos Sean nsoonbs .oH cauoeadone 310 3966) beatae 5, 327
(CULIGHIGIN + secbdeaceesacassees 1, 267 936 280 1, 551 1,565 | +14, 000 35, 377
Total fresh....-.------- 55,206 | 47,531 | 43,331 | 39,948] 37,504 | 14,000| 484,371
Salted fish:
Barracuda, bonito, yellow-
tail, albacore, and rock-
HSM eae oeisieciecine sceaisce 40, 160 50, 859 15, 776 48, 199 22,919 | 11,000 364, 717
Grand total of fish... -. 95, 366 98, 390 59, 107 88, 147 60, 423 25, 000 849, 088
Spiny lobsters .. -.....-..--- 8,640| 8,506| 7,412| 10,955| 4,934 |.........- 47, 545
Shipment of fresh fish and
lobsters by rail..----------- 32, 758 30, 118 23, 645 21, 412 22000 |iesoncomase 283, 658

* Not sure that the figures were for this species.

+ Estimated.

The following notes on the fishing apparatus employed at San Diego
have been furnished by Mr. Rutter:

Trolling is the method used in catching barracuda, bonito, yellow-tail, and

albacore.
for yellow-tail and albacore.

A No. 4 I. P. cod hook is used for barracuda, No. 3 for bonito, and No. 2
But nearly all of these fishes are caught when trolling

for barracuda, as there are usually not enough of the others to pay for special fish-
ing. When the fish are abundant, and there is a man for each line, the barb is

‘

CLXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

usually filed off or bent down. This is to facilitate removing the fish from the hook.
Six to 10 fathoms of No. 48 line is used. The gig is fastened to the line by a wire
about 3 feet long.

In fishing for halibut, bass, and other bottom fishes, the trawl is used almost
exclusively. A trawl is made with No. 120 to 140 line, with 160 hooks hung 7 feet
apart on ganging of No. 27 line 3 feet long. Any number of trawls may be fastened
end to end. No. 7/0 Kirby hooks are generally used, but No. 8/0 are better for
halibut, and No. 5/0 or 6/0 for bass, whitefish, or yellow-fin. The trawl is lifted
about every half hour.

In fishing for rockfish, a No. 48 line is used, with about thirty or forty No. 7/0
Kirby hooks fastened near one end. This is fished from the boat, never set like a
trawl. Sometimes an ordinary trawl is used for rockfish, but the ground is usually
rocky, and a part of the line is often lost. When the line is caught, it is often loos-
ened by sliding a 20 to 25 pound iron ring down over it. The ring is about 7 inches
inside diameter and is lowered by a smallrope. A trawl] for rockfish is lifted within
about five minutes after setting. For all kinds of bottom fishing the sardine is the
principal bait used. Shallow baskets with cork rims are used for coiling the trawls,
the hooks being stuck into the rim.

Barracuda are sometimes caught in gill-nets. These are of 34-inch mesh, 16 to 20
feet deep, and about 200 fathoms long, made of No. 9 thread. Silversides are caught
in gill-nets of 2-inch mesh, 16 feet deep, length variable. Sardine gill-nets are of
1}-inch mesh and 12 feet deep. All gill-nets drift. They are used chiefly for silver-
sides (smelt) and sardines, but not much for barracuda.

Drag seines are used only in the bay. The common size is about 10 feet deep and
200 fathoms long. The mesh at the ends is about 34 inches; about 30 fathoms from
the end it is 2 inches; in the middle about 1 inch, The bag is about 15 feet across
and 10 feet long, the mesh about ? inch.

Trammel nets are sometimes used for bottom fishes. The outer nets are of 16-inch
mesh of about No. 15 twine, the inner net of 34 or 4 inch mesh of about No. 8 twine.
The net is 6 to 9 feet deep; length variable.

THE AMERICAN SEAL HERD AND PELAGIC SEALING.

‘In compliance with an act of Congress, an investigation of the con-
dition of the Pribilof fur-seal rookeries has been made by the Fish
Commission each year since 1893. This work has usually been per-
formed by the writer in connection with former duties on the steamer
Albatross. In 1896-97 the existence of a special fur-seal investigation
commission, with which the writer was connected, made it unnecessary
for the Fish Commission to make separate reports on the subject.
During the past season he resumed the fur-seal investigations in con-
nection with the work of the division of fisheries, leaving Washington
for the Pribilof Islands in June. This was authorized by the Commis-
sioner upon the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, in accordance
with the direction of the President, that a systematic study of the
Pribilof seal herd be maintained from year to year.

Pelagic sealing is no longer engaged in by citizens of the United
States, Congress having passed a law in December, 1897, prohibiting
the killing of fur-seals in the waters of the North Pacific Ocean, and
the importation of skins so taken, whether raw or manufactured.

The business, so far as the American seal herd is concerned, is now
engaged in by Canadians only. The catch by the Canadian fleet off the
northwest coast during the winter of 1897 amounted to 10,055 seals.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. CLXV

The pelagic sealing industry declines steadily from year to year, as
well as the sealing industry conducted on the Pribilof Islands under
the direction of the United States Government. The continuation of
the former, with its indiscriminate methods of seal killing, is directly
responsible for the reduced condition of the latter. Since 1896 the
catch of superfluous male seals on the Pribilof Islands has been: 1896,
28,964; 1897, 20,890; 1898, 18,032. From 1871 to 1889 the islands
yielded an average of 100,000 surplus males a year. The pelagic catch
from the American herd has of late years decreased as follows: 1894,
61,838; 1895, 56,291; 1896, 43,917; 1897, 24,322.

Pelagic sealing off the Asiatic coast has been practically abandoned
by the Canadian fleet, the Asiatic herd having become so reduced that
good catches can no longer be made.

SALMON FISHING IN THE YUKON RIVER.

The fishery resources of the great Yukon River, hitherto never drawn
upon except by native tribes, now give promise of some development.
It has long been known that there was an important run of salmon in
this river, but little information existed as to the range and abundance
of the different species in the region of the boundary between Alaska
and the Northwest Territory. The information at hand respecting
the fishing operations now conducted by whites is fragmentary, but it
appears that salmon are sufficiently abundant along the middle Yukon
to be considered available as part of the food supply of the country.

Late in July king or quinnat salmon are common in the upper river
beyond the boundary, being found in the middle and lower waters a
month earlier. During the past summer a number of fishermen
employed gill nets at Dawson, Northwest Territory, readily taking king
salmon of large size. Many fish were found weighing 40 pounds and
over, while the prices received for them were so high as to make the
business quite profitable. This point is 1,300 miles from the sea. A
letter received from Mr. Bernhard Thiele, formerly a seaman on the
Fish Commission steamer Albatross, and now engaged in salmon fish-
ing on the American side of the boundary, gives the average weight and
length of salmon taken by him as follows: Silver salmon, 84 pounds, 27
inches; dog salmon, 10 pounds, 29 inches. These species were taken in
the vicinity of Fort Yukon in August and September. They were more
abundant and remained longer than the king salmon. Red salmon and
humpbacks are also found during July and August.

Other food-fishes common in the Yukon are whitefish, pike, grayling,
trout, suckers, and the ling or lake lawyer (Lota maculosa). The last-
named reaches a length of 4 or 5 feet. Some of the whitefishes also
grow very large, and with the ling are taken chiefly during the winter
in traps set under the ice by the natives.

The fish supply of the Yukon is destined to prove of great value to
the large mining and trading population now in the middle and upper
sections of the valley, especially as there is abundant means of trans-
portation by steamboats during the summer months.

CLXVI

STATISTICS OF

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF

FISH AND FISHERIES.

CERTAIN FISHERIES OF THE NEW ENGLAND

AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES AND THE GREAT LAKES.

The following tables show the yield and value of certain fisheries of
Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Dela-
ware, and the Great Lakes.

The figures relate to the fiscal year 1897.

In comparing these data with those of other years it should be borne
in mind that they relate only to the fisheries specified.

Yield by counties of certain fisheries of Maine during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 5,497; capital invested, $1,173,237.]

Washington. Hancock. Waldo. Knox.
Species. ,
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
| | aE
Alewives, fresh ...... 130, 000 $588 24, 625 S14 Ia linssack ae se|onaceses 218,600 | $2,679
God! “fresh --2---...-- 83,700 | 1,236 260):9600i ira SL GON leet tercareis | teeterersiare 650, 970 9, 664
Cod; salted=s2-----2-- 199, 132 3) 718 | 2; 1945663 || 47,398 |o- 222-2. 3s a 73, 000 2,149
Cusk,fresh,-----.-..- 4, 000 56 58, 615 (i Geodaoosad baeacadc 238, 700 2, 631
Cusk, salted ----.-..- 3, 912 58 21, 795 219) S22 ee stess\e = saesee 32, 500 590
Haddock, fresh --.-.-- 445, 900 3, 615 327, 790 A339) basse acceclgeeacece 543, 365 6, 212
Haddock, salted..-.---. 75,180 | 1,009 AGS 5468) 2 Tee secs leer ose 34, 200 520
Hake; fresh’... =------ 82, 500 648 Bo QOM aa 44as ee cee cece 1, 291,148 | 10,176
Hake, salted ..-.-..--- 175, 185 | 2,147 SIO SLT 63862" ae see cer aes 328, 000 3, 394
Halibut, fresh ...---.- 28,500 | 1,852 455/718) 62689) sce ce se sel escecsae 27, 900 1, 733
Herring, fresh -..-.-..- 25,996; 740) |\'43)'526) || 105198) '220) 154 164) oe ajee see aie 3,342,000 | 15, 660
Herring ysaltedeser ea |-eaeenieet mci |llvelehciataters 70, 000 STOulssecceven-|-cameees 827, 400 9, 499
Mackerel tres Wess se seme <lleelseltetare 14, 000 8508 Pee cerceceile cite cee 33, 000 2,344
Mackerel, salted ..--.|...--- UI Ret et orate Sey 29, 000 965i peace ses ee leeaseeee 300 18
Pollock, fresb.-.....-. 239,000} 1,471 81,110 484 Cite concesleorsee 148, 400 882
Pollock, salted....--.- 128,968 | 1,608 BGO S84a 245d) | passe eces |e 24, 100 377
Snad reshecece ees 66,000 | 1,500 |......---.-.|---.----|----- 2-2 --[--e-- = |e oe = 2 [2 ene nes
Shad, salted....-..... 20, 000 900 Win % wp aiclateseiolleetaes Sse et oe octet hid gaedelsa5 a ceeeeae eeees
Tobstersh----caass. 1, 651, 900 |107, 198 | 2, 677, 217 |178, 377 28, 200 | $2,256 | 2, 286, 750 | 162, 225
Total emere-ace 29, 330, 567 |171, 130 | 18, 000, 440 |311, 119 28, 200 2, 256 | 10, 100, 383 | 230, 753
Lincoln. Sagadahoc. Kennebec.
Species.
Pounds. | Value. Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
PAT OWAVIER EROS late clstataiate steer tniee ie 544, 140 $5, 122 119, 200
(Cintas ease seeaseandseocddesad 541, 750 9, 630 94, 065
Wodssaltediies cee. ase ease pease Hs G0! 200 PA ES BW llpsie da cecoes
Waosk- aires Deeeas sce eae 131, 900 V90"| fo Saneiee est
@uskesaltedisteassco-cseaca-ceoes 17, 400 44d so aacten se
iHiaddock, freshec-ceres += ciaeanina 643, 550 10, 101 20, 000
Haddock: salted! sa2ces-ceee sees oe 22, 000 401s eeaeees ee
Hake frashe sees: sacecccwes aaiece 1, 186, 500 7, 883 168, 500
Hake salted) joss sno eas Ss 155, 400 Pola seeeeeeee
Malibutfreshycascsccseoseee=-ac-- 14, 463 1 S104|seonet aeeces
Herring Ares bese = crease ae 2, 924, 780 15, 269 44, 400
Herrin & iSalted.~asssaeeeeeceeeaa= 4 70, 000 350) |e copeeeccen
Mackerel, fresh.= cee cccaset eeces 632, 100 22, 804 36, 250
Mackerel, salted. ....<-...-.------- 473, 950 235: O44) ls creiaje ore nisareys
Mennaden Salted ecenmetase sts attra) ee cieele etl aetet-to sclera 50, 000
Pollock tres hi-ca-emeseeceemoe ate es 102, 036 783 24, 300
Rovock salted2. tes saaseees soa 75, 500 15970) || S5ae3ceeetas
Shad atresh) te 2 Jc- Joe sect weeecenes 329, 820 5, 284 1, 051, 160
Ship Gl Weebl Ms easecoadesened) |lossocdecacce
Stunceon sires hye <2 = sncineja ea ser eee eter
SwOldushwtresh’ = s--ceeeee eee 24, 000
MWODSLOLSts caine on osisc seeritefose eects 1, 478, 250 98, 106 81, 069
Whotaleseeneen = <sacpeacee= os 10, 548, 239 238, 248 1, 719, 294

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXVII

Yield of certain fisheries of Maine during the year ending June 30, 1897—Continued.

Cumberland. York. Total.
Species.
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.

Alewives, fresh...........-.---0-- 168,000 | $1, 120 41, 520 $322 | 1,249,085] $11,088
IBTOSESb reshtse snes ceecsata ccm 600 24 240 11 840 35
@od*tresh) -vesaci--ceecne ccs cae. 1, 728, 884 28, 043 725, 800 13, 731 4, 086, 129 67, 875
Wodisalted) soot < ca s50ccccees sa. 44, 701 885 8, 200 418 3, 700, 396 84, 161
Gusksiresht an ce-ssse0-0--556555~ 459, 851 5, 868 97, 500 1, 065 990, 566 12, 059
@osk salted’. <2 52.26. 2s5- cScccces 13, 000 22h (eine emasiseanid|sSaeeeeses 88, 607 1, 698
addook fresh’. )5./-s5.565c655506 2, 627, 846 41,177 879, 900 14, 888 5, 488, 351 80, 476
Haddock, salted .............----- 17, 000 UZOp pees eeietolkeasecese 311, 926 4, 271
IRARIRGMITOS eres esc occlcc ee ducces 1, 723, 440 11, 644 1, 199, 700 9, 401 6, 304, 908 45, 581
Hiketsalted ccc nee. 2.5 .ccee ct se 13, 000 140 2, 000 120 | 1,492, 712 15, 414
Halibut, tresh-< Sos .ccce cece 146, 752 9, 953 9, 049 663 272, 382 18, 200
ifernin metres hens. le cciccmccscs oe 296, 880 2, 021 423, 000 3, 665 | 43, 226, 020 134, 675
EMEnrinos al Lad acs cine cc ches ese ssl aga neneneee pence ace 659, 800 7, 920 1, 627, 200 18, 639
NMAOKErelstresiies c.cccicscsceescce 429, 616 18, 671 70, 475 5, 051 1, 215, 441 52, 619
Mackerel, salted.................- 577, 405 2b% 49 leat casa al bee sescee 1, 080, 655 50, 024
MMenhadenstreshie =... «sess =-25 5 3, 000 19 66, 000 490 69, 000 509
Menhaden, salted................- 30, 000 300) lees hoot cas scees see 80, 000 800
Rollock aresae s.c-42 <5 cianecceeee 417, 350 2, 626 113, 900 1, 038 1, 126, 096 7, 459
Pollock saltedns-.csccsccetce-.oo- 12, 500 | 94 24, 100 T717 626, 052 7, 409
WEG STROSS oo wre oe cee a acateisee 39, 950 659 3, 550 68 1, 516, 880 24, 894
SAG Sal LOM saectas < sacar Geincececees 300 De SanSoeepeoeclecceacscda 20, 300 914
PUMIPea DASs Areshi=.- oe mee jemetane | scneawiscscie lke neeiccistelacaamciscen ciilciesise meee = 16, 350 1, 308
SUMED RSH Neecmogepocoseseros lscoost coLeog| dodnooseee 1, 400 20 15, 700 744
Sworduashtreshpoo. assets ese 806, 230 33, 000 154, 696 8, 371 984, 926 42,384
MGQUSLCISe ace cer oe awecceeetiecsssis 975, 370 65, 025 1, 122, 124 64, 290 | 10, 300, 880 683, 082

ER OUR eae tere eee ase 10, 581, 675 247,177 5, 602, 954 132, 259 | 85, 891, 402 | 1, 366, 318

Yield of certain fisheries of New Hampshire during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 111; capital invested, $25,600. ]

Species. Pounds. Value. Species.
Alewives, fresh ......-..--. 238, 900 $2,947 || Mackerel, salted.........--.
@adtires irc. o-cccaccic-s05- 487, 650 8, 206 || Menhaden, fresh .......-...
Codhaalted\e-c = is .2-0osees 1, 100 50) ||pEOMoek, tres hy... =e ee
Won Ket Tesh een )e8 we care’ =o 63, 000 728 || Pollock, salted............-
Ianddoeck. fresh. 2% 2222-5 =: 302, 000 Deo Oh (WS MAMe eae eereeie
Hakesdtreshiscssace- oc ssecrs 314, 000 2, 280 || Striped bass......---.-....
I RKersaltede ss {sec -- ssl 1, 000 SON SWOLGSis see ements eee
Halibut, fresh. - 2 <..25-.=.2 4,550 B64: ||| MUONStONStsasesiscice cess eee
Herring fresh: 3. 5.-5-5-- 220, 000 2, 450
Mackerel, fresh .....-..---. NOROTD: 4, 509 Motaleecesncoens eee

Pounds.

11, 700
20, 000
156, 500
1, 000
4, 000
1, 100
6, 250
90, 300

1, 998, 625

Yield by counties of certain fisheries of Massachusetts during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 9,926; capital invested, $4,572,806. |

Essex. Nantucket. Norfolk.
Species. =
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.

IAOWAVES; TROSD.\.-'<01cccinicee same 624, 400 $5, 886 12, 000

MS IMONA Niessen te eae hos See tise ees oe 5, 100 160 392, 000

(Cia Tv Rate ep sesereccceceraaes 23, 132,496 | 391, 835 20, 000
Codtsaltedo sa 52225 See 32, 596, 965 721, 410 450, 000

Gosk freshest eee ches HOLS S STON || m LoT BD essai oops es eee canaes
@npkesalted\cnsssaccssesecee eee 315, 250 6::950)) | Beeetp acetal braless
Haddock, freshies--csank see cieee eas 23, 362,611 | 352, 826 112, 500
Hakestroshe ssi 8) sicko eect PRS0GURLEN Ie PAG OTE! | at seento a beetle
IA OWSAltOd eon cos. ca2= scenes cee 13, 000 DZD |e Seisesinces letras
Halibut; frosts. ----scsese cece nee SH As 20) OOOs En | aeenleters se /=iatel| ees etatstatere
Halibut, salted’: .:--..2 2222-22. 2 PEGA TOB:| AG: TOL: | ras coves sesal erences
Fraliputiins':-2--.s2asczee ees sete 108, 200 Sa ao Recaro toecenooas
ernin ps fresiti.- + = a= 2 se assess 5, 448, 260 38) 26M ere toca ences ete
Herring salted)... -<-2--2--.<. 67, 000 G29) sete ee os feasts
Mackerel, fresh\..25--2-2--.--2-s- 1, 677,794 | 110,108 11, 200

Mackerel, salted G}. Gab Bt) I) BERAIBES leocoeabeocen
MWombad GNisae ers cece ccccn coece ces 139, 000 930i) tesceoe conse
PROUOURTETOS Nicaea asec cle oee 1, 962, 334 11, 409 10, 000
IRBUGCERRALGOO so sac ce scs-ce ccc sese 10, 200 ZOU cca ne a cocsels

SHOT |i a ae ee 700 AT | Seances es

DUONG lmeeresy ee an caeccccues 279, 000 9, 949 6, 300

GOW SLOT ANG erent sia. cciwinecce oe 416,986 | 38, 046 54, 800

LOS eS) Sae e 115, 915, 331 710, 069 1, 068, 800

CLXVIII

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER

OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Yield of certain fisheries of Massachusetts during the year ending June 50, 1897—Cont’d.

Barnstable. Bristol. Dukes.
Species.
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.

Alewives; fresh: -c's-7- 2 seecee cece 828, 369 $9, 860 681, 500 $7, 549 579, 310 $5, 979
Alewives, Saltedicss..2 5. saceescccs 918, 325 13, 697 394, 000 lel) An epecemeecac||ecssestec
Blnefishy eiiercceese a alee eee eee 139, 987 6, 880 5, 600 256 20, 948 884
Cod) freshisceeeacsecsises asaeiss mee 6, 922, 212 87, 241 58, 400 1, 698 61, 925 1, 306
God: salitediosies sac. sccecceosces se 2.904, 116 50, 513 470, 110 11, 603 45, 000 1, 500
Cusle Mreshaeeecee oe see ae = 345, 600 35191 reac wads seced|sanees seo c|eem ace sone es] eae
Haddock treshees see 2s.) --)5- = 1, 376, 300 VE eacoorcaerd lbSascebeAcloseaeonbnonaollsocaa27 acc
Haddockysalted 2-5. -4-455----=-- 1, 120 18 43, 000 430.)|).o02252s5-05|naseeoeeee
Hiakomtres hea sacaae se 23 see secs 2 1, 366, 200 9804: |janncseteccc\ banc ceecco| sees eskee-es|
TKR, Giller Soesoosppecodea SE aees||paoaeodssocd| |secoasauer 53, 000 530.2 stesso sen
Malibute fresh = see <-siss=- s=-= = 521, 150 49) 702) | ccc semecace|eswesc con dlsece onesie eee See eeeeeee
Horning eines hye as an i)-\- a= = ee 4, 299, 417 23, 485 30, 000 300° |\sccmiscec a nc's|aeeremteeels
Mackere), freshsces == 6-240se25--5 1, 683, 066 64, 256 63, 200 3,175 300, 250 15, 800
Mackerel (saltedsa- -eem cia so -)=-1- 837, 800 39, 235 125, 000 4,355 2, 000 100
IMienhad en Saccscs<. 2256 -eeeaseccisle 2, 487 140, 000 700 144, 750 663
Pollock, fresh 16,489) |ewscacjsce sae |so-s ssc cc scss See eene eee
Rolloeks saltedi 2h <hesesaeae)2 102, 900 1, 078" |esse ceccivcecl|accceciecisa)s Cocecloeem ee Eee eens
Shade ness sceceeecectctecececees 15, 534 507 13, 010 730 2,575 182
Spanishimackereleseers-seseeecene cesebeiece ee teeeeeeeee 220 66" | -csecs cs accel eee ener
PCMAG). cedocooesconedosonass 58, 334 1, 343 392, 000 11, 760 647, 612 17, 607
Striped bassiesee-—---essee sce a-e 4, 606 507 5, 100 562 2, 630 291
Suorgeoneneresoria-seecee aes ser 12, 632 OAL Aas Sar Sse i aosaDe 5, 100 280
Swordiish eens ses -27e.e Sees ate 17, 060 5388) | seee leases cilleinsemeece 8, 750 306
AGODSECIS velo tise == se ee si-Risla aeons 227, 450 15, 821 120, 364 9, 740 295,179 16, 742
OVWAGisls Santibpasceocooooonoscqaous 303, 604 68, 446 35, 000 2, 500 | 220052 -Sccen| peeeeneeee
Syoee0n Olle so Asaccacomaosacooncas 547, 388 30, 290 1, 588, 890 955336) |S once c= =| eee
sWalraleyor lore eae cane ee ee eee Some a 96, 083 4, 484 |S ccon 2 cee eel eee
Blac khsh Ollie. cs: <msecemectecieree 390 18 75 30! | 7-2 --52ssece|beeee een
IBONG), Go cctico ooubooHdo sab sonbob bs cnloodRoecogaodl|sqcosaosed 9, 800 34,300 ||. ctecsccee ee ae eeeeeeee
IMMID CABS = 5 scedcadceo sanaun0oTea||bnosobonoSoullosudoccese 2 400: |.0 55 s2tecn| Seeeeeeeee

MoOtalincc acc cece am snes sees 28, 187, 520 517, 735 4, 324, 354 195,429 | 2,116, 029 61, 640

Plymouth. Suffolk. Total.
Species. > SSS
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value Pounds. Value.

Alewives, treshiz.-coaeses seemecene 84, 800 bo) el eee dcdacad |demacccaae 2, 810, 379 $30, 338
ING phe NGS hoo a ocooseoateul booede aeiseaal ssoSsacn5o becnesaroosulsoopsaccas 1, 312, 325 18, 622
iPefras Ale hina Mes ss os ARR Be cep os asi AO [eRe Dee 2 bane al eager 563, 635 20, 480
Cod. freshs 2osses----ocee che ose 213, 600 4, 236 3, 772, 051 $69, 429 | 34, 180, 684 556, 245
Cod) salted): 222k eres ence scccckte 19, 200 700 146, 172 3, 043 | 35,731, 563 800, 269
Gols Ii oconeeasoooossoon oeeone nosoooascepallGousododas 200, 500 2,345 | 2,561,970 29, 921
Cuslksisalted sees eer ae semis eee oe eseee tees eiscae ter 1, 000 13 316, 250 6, 963
Maddockifreshieseeeasace ose eeeta= 142, 800 2, 685 8, 061, 700 149, 842 | 33, 055, 911 531, 418
Israels CemhiGnl sseqscoc open acciem-||saqococHahora|Sescooceds 6, 000 90 50, 120 538
iHakesfreshee] ss assess Doce ee cee 12, 400 76 2, 256, 900 15, 540 | 10, 942, 344 68, 996
TAG) salt le seco gms ce sseeeeserese lppooooqouSedal lbescescdacr 9, 435 109 75, 435 760
TRAM OD TIRES Sabena oe docesasunbs|locoooomcaaes| doscsne sae 120, 824 13,577 | 9,395, 200 630, 073
lst nee cMigilassaekesnosbodosacon|laaeseonccoculbossoobusdlodorensascod|eenebe dose 1, 178, 795 46, 701
TE NOE Ose peeaeseeeeocondaeslsbooce samag2lpooucdeasc|laoondeesacen||>ooosccces 108, 200 5,510
Herrin gates Wieser ee eeciee eee 44, 000 328 560, 000 3,900 | 10, 381, 677 61, 274
ekyanhyey thie heen Ss eoaanee oaaeadllosoosoedacca|ssospeeaes||poccsposdpacd|oonoscoQcc 67, 000 929
Mackerel ireshis sesso seccecescech 19, 200 1, 180 47, 368 3,433 | 3, 802, 078 198, 724
IMiackerelW sal tedieccctactacreet ect ei ertae aeiteseiee Jn oceereeee 363, 200 16, 345 7, 839, 300 397, 170
NGAI GCN GASecoscpandsacesc aoenes| cena ncedgces| bearaadasdlbasbdacssood|sseeecusee 1, 105, 710 4, 780
IPollockstresie. aacee ser eee occ 1, 000 5 158, 500 1,135 | 7, 108, 834 29, 231
IE MIG RATS es seo sadsososned joossociadaono|lsonoccoauo|aasecc Lseeesi| (sae cskiclece 113, 100 1, 279
Shad eee ee seer cae wecise eee hoes cts | Sete minseee leeecisnretssets lata ctetemerercl=c lls ilecsincintes 31, 819 1, 466
Som EVO Gl Aa R ebb asecaqobs|laemobocaocan|esscdosoqad socosacdadod|osodeacese 220 66
SO MENZETRNO)5 asbcqous ones oodsSnbeon pSDeecesaoes||>opdsconcoposseesosaos Bere 1, 097, 946 30, 710
Striped bass <- <2. 52. oo= 2-1 = =1- [peapascsiosod|Sccococdad] hosadocasosd|[poaanenoas 12, 336 1, 360
SLIME YE GodadcnasnsoubEcscouenes lecadousannaa|SGadsoancallbonrccceseculoasosedsec 17, 732 701
Swordfish ease << cj0< sence on <1 | 134, 800 12, 804 43, 725 2, 086 489, 635 25, 935
WODStCLS eae eee eee een eee ate 491, 188 35, 338 389, 475 30, 282 2, 089, 502 157, 330
OW iGurbeeonsecdess Sdcanenaqhassud||conéeconeseellasacasaccs|scandssoaned|acagcsceac 338, 604 70, 946
Sis ollle Bape aan bonodsasonoeneuldaocoa=seaeusococeeads 552, 780 31, 352 2, 689, 058 156, 978
LC EO Sa on cis oAdcesqesecasel|booasoacenhe|soscccaees 18, 455 592 109, 538 5, 076
IBAA NO Loossdaeeaneeosoneacns coaesSo dn ocd Seaduoscas|boeaolocedacisecceabscne 465 48
BONG i eisnis te oe sis snie smc eichelsleinie insta ate Ciotsl= mie cele ote rom iefereeiafale 600 1, 380 10, 400 35, 680
AM DSLOTIS sericea ne aceeeoreeeelseeeeeeeeere | hee era 123 2, 285 143 2, 685

Totalisiccioss osncsacmilsesce= se 1, 162, 988 58, 216 | 16, 713, 697%, 346,778 |169, 582, 7793| 3, 929, 202

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXIX

Yield of certain fisheries of New York during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 5,790; capital invested, $1,452,451. ]

Alewives. Bluefish. Cod. Haddock.
Counties. =
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. Pounds. | Value Pounds. | Value.
ATPANV sacs. acceass 61, 600 fF Biel SSC ODO OO7| CCOORCISC ICBAASOCAOOS| BDODEO Ee Smeeacreorcn oacunen
Columbia s.-s.caces 84, 640 TA L6G4 ceeamemaerts semecm est ¢hosn aceeices| sci ncises bas ceee lene eee
Dutchess ....----.- AST AGF | ee S20) | eemenmeeratans |e se me sca ce sees ol sc aaocaa|tu sone atee | See
Greene! sa ss <<se5 =. 232, 640 BOLOU KES eee noma me eme ise seen me cetter|| cases Ace Uke ones |e
Rimes sss cea: ~~ 2, 000 205|eeeenr Sond0 lodSgacpab| puenao ese es) PaobeEnea ecocseceeaos| SoSsoceE
ING WEMORKE pono ns «ic |as2ecscseceal Cece eeee 6, 669, 467 |$233, 464 | 1,091,520 |$32, 795 |............].. ssesue
OTANI EO so. <<< <3 13, 600 IB) | An Soo 50004 Saccceoee| pceoGNCesenollaopoeSdelseocoocaeoed) Aoansnoe
GeeNSye- 2-5... 2 5, 144 115 799, 915 34, 251 L7OE SOOM GAL SOT ee ee ae eee ee
Rensselaer.......-. SONGOON lS OS OR ierererececararatsts | eteteratate terse | meee eteerctetet | Sere merase ear | pL
Sits) See 54, 210 840 | 2,911, 259 | 106, 024 355, 190 9, 206 21, 050 $611
LOR TA See ae 227, 200 QAO Te lll Sactaraetscisieis acest cere seman ee toa ee are elo ae ee ce ea (eens
Westchester....... 2, 320 BON Ree a aescrecc | eee eae | ane erecta |e oe be octane miel oe eed teare
Moballeee a -28 904, 280 | 16, 865 10, 380, 641 | 373, 739 1, 626,510 | 48,183 21, 050 611
Hake. Mackerel. Menhaden. Shad.
Counties. ; oS
Pounds. | Value Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
{AU DET sosodiogecntaleoosbotensd| boeeonod|sosseoe ceo] bohoonde|ledbdcoodesedsddogeec 238 $13
COlaMPIa saeco 4 esas acess eset sells Sama tcecnselledaneceeliosedaceunesnl| seetecee 43, 275 2, 007
UUONOSS ee eee oe cece oe seas casera ceelsseae a aee ces |acacuren aise cece see) oe seme 321, 767 11, 068
NGRGONO ease secs s ol oem se dance [setocmiccle seclemace tain| Noo oome neice seen ae |Uaek mee 45, 731 2, 221
USTED) eeee eens 15, 669, 600 |$39, 174 169, 919 6, 290
CRP osbacadocoey ssectosasbod beso esas |pesscetogocd | bSonoaas| assecoeastedlooecdsos 76, 020 3, 043
12 WTO teas Sobe ea CECose BESCod REGO. 4 RORCEaCaceae Pon aeae eC C cere se | ersceree 14, 210 554
OMENS Rees ates cal sssonasestes | aeccescle wma + ADON I PSe eS SBIR ee Ses 8 7 ee eae 7, 126 742
TSG IN TAGES Re ote ie Be mec Rint mee ACEC reece rcitaal Ppe reyes pera EORe Sa Sm 168 10
ING TO nd) Aes Shoes [SSearSuecoa PRSSssee GAeHes canal Becsaass Bsaseeessaer| aerecae 144, 480 5, 148
EOC ala ers seater eine ite ee cne [Smee nhac eeeinte ialne Mtanll atmortars leet ete one | ons welts 201,583 | 10, 750
Sit ees saasseee 55, 371, 990 |141, 318 15, 750 930
TEL MIB. ao rao OSS ae Le i ae lL ee ela 4 A ig a ear (a 502,992 | 16, 367
\RV CSIC RR onc onal lesaoaseonden|jacopeeodloadnoocsescelhecedgcullonbasauseoud||hoacopbe 198, 907 9, 918
Total 145; 804 6, 388 | 71, 041, 590 |180, 492 1,742,166 | 69, 061
Spanish mackerel. Squeteague. Striped bass. Sturgeon.
Counties.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
Albany 380 $04 |. cscs oeeeselesasmeae
ID GRO RGSS dock Sead] Beeeeedaceed ocboee eat Sepeae Pate ete oeeteel netsecc aeerere| tents sae 29, 767 | $1,710
GREENER. 22 = ea aaee ca sone al arcteSeel|s cores cbeissclins cosesel ncccce ete eek bacncace 3, 320 223
Kings 1, 600 1 ep Seaenoosd|neneses
CRED aos besansellsoonaodedoss| tose cace jpaacoscosnbal be aonaae bse -Sdesaass|lsdansece 21, 050 1, 180
Pegrataresi ets a =e otets |e acne 2b. | anceite ass S eect tencl te aase cc iceeescemcee las saaces 2,470 132
Queens 0-5... SONTO Tsu STO es eee eee een
Rensselaer 300 CO as ae eel ieee
Suffolk 57, 200 6, 869 315, 510 lay Tele
TRRSIGE 2 BSD RS AR eae ASIN eee eas CEE ae eRe | Ae be 2, 870 154
Westchester 5, 520 655 18, 150 910
Motale asc; 14, 965 2, 036 2,448, 768 | 64, 535 104, 797 | 12, 643 393, 137 19, 486
Lobsters. Oysters. Total.
Counties. = : _—
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
FNL UNV = serps eee ts roe ose seen aoe tee seats ie seem acecice all ctieninek lane 62, 218 $920
Gilentpint fais ee en eed oo eee eae fe eee No 127, 915 3, 163
TECH OSS sarees ee eee eee ee eer em |e eeniecncer| Gaotenciaciicaliece coches o. 482, 860 14, 098
GREGE® ceceoéseseceantocsco| tenes senadollab ae soaged Bc oeeesonuel|Seona ree ede | 281, 691 5, 4€3
LCT ie eh ot a eae ea eee 9, 860 $1, 130 2, 675, 078 $393, 850 18, 534, 057 440, 788
NoweViorks.c02.c88.c2.0 28a 102, 355 7, 973 428, 400 66, 150 8, 291, 742 340, 382
Oran ee ace wer poe esse Be ae eee eee ss aclu ataareeiae otesisl weeemitemee mal 110, 670 4, 359
ELIAS aoe fees cscm neces seem reece | saea eco cice | sbeebs osewealcemmonce cece 16, 680 686
ONESELF RE 4, 184, 047 580,723 | 5, 735, 919 642, 298
NGHIBSCIAOR Bee esi ose 2 was ain pall ois cee eee ees ne ose ease eds deee| eetcccsenee 90, 068 1, 132
PULL GUT ES a Fe ORE 2, 706, 375 349, 655 2, 850, 855 354, 803
sees Pees Mee lle a col amen aes 201, 583 10, 750
13, 280 1, 264 5, 217, 625 743, 940 66, 417, 631 1, 083, 574
SSUES FSGHEE | SSc oe CEH oc peSaee anal BaScroSoenes 733, 062 18, 818
5, 115 546 305, 585 33, 145 535, 597 45, 203
130, 610 | 10, 913 | 15,517,110 2, 167, 463 104, 472, 548 2, 966, 437

CLXX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Yield by counties of certain fisheries of New Jersey during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 9,726; capital invested, $1,454,022,]

Atlantic. Bergen. Burlington. Camden.
Species.
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
HMIOWAVOS! se0ssecieseciteceine 30, 600 62 UN Bepaeetgece ooscacce 348, 800 | $2,170 | 112,400 $544
Bluefish 2ogeencse see s52ecm 17, 900 Q5T. Wosenakceic2|beos ce ard loa aeter cea > acieeeier In aie oe ees | Gee
Shadesct saci cee seecccice 1, 085 64 | 454, 391 [$17,103 /|1, 095, 549 | 31,555 |1, 393,385 | 35, 760
Sqimeterrtersease. cass a- (AES PE |Penl6 EY) GS ae be Se oaseccr BO S30] 200s orcrci-)= ail ere eee
Striped basses. ses PCE DE Ie SEy lla seer con [sacenase 48,400 | 6,433 2, 900 321
Oysters, market......-..--- 9825520) |154, O27 ie seme ental 233, 800 | 26,052 | 409,626} 71,958
Oysters, seed and shells....| 283,500 | 10,509 |......--..|..--.... 44,800 | 1,920] 777,700 | 11,346
otal ements ceceiesaa 2,135,130 |202,390 | 454,391 | 17, 103 |1, 810, 684 | 69, 330 |2, 696, 011 | 119, 929
|
Cape May. Cumberland. Gloucester. Hudson. Hunterdon.
Species. SS
Pouuds.|Value.| Pounds. |Value.| Pounds. |Value.|Pounds| Value.) Pounds! Value.
ATG WiVieSlen 20): ---1-\- 18,500) $182 TS (000) iS146| 5 964-200 S518 eee ects pectseiets aes wdaodleateeee
INI soooosoessS AGED MEReBW Leaaaaasoo||saanoe 5 | nalcratciele:re|| stearate Sie ys'| are aictalatere [lee steamers rs eens | ee
Codeesss eee ee css: 38, 000 S812 ec adsl sew dare mooeecie sia eoasacs| bess oad mace ec bee eee eee A
Mackerel .------..- 200 TG) Ge Ses Reef cpaparte |S Stators acareiel | mrespereyall Sleitrere tae | sees <a] | rete eee | eet
Menhaden. 2.2.---- 65, 000 Bi) Aa Sad lsaerias ral acura teie-d areca eveyereve mie Neste le eeaieie [ete eieie sad | Oe etererea | eee
Shadeeee ghee cas 1,127 65| 784, 714| 25, 620/1, 228, 360) 31, 983] 393, 669 $13, 203] 160, 202) $8, 137
Spanish mackerel - 465 IPA DG eaccancc||loaoaras |Seensdaas Secaeos aaaaaknalsdasaey)Racson ac Hae
Squeteague ..--.---. O25 5 850264084 | aectete ete late ate stersnte fetarnete evar meters 1, 600 110): 0% os oes eee
Striped bass ..-.-.- 46,120! 5, 308 14, 200; 1,420 3, 400 340} 1, 200 72| 1,910) 232
Sturseon).s22------ 94;.495|_ 33629], 888)'200))32):705|- ccc =< elcoc ec emcee mellem cciie | caee see eee
Oysters, market ...| 471, 842 68, 330} 4, 084, 066 704, 361|.........|------- 18,480) (3; 025)0 osc eee eeeeee
Oysters, seed and
shelle2 sesh oes). 285, 390) 6,879] 9, 663, 080 155, 869).........|------. 157,,000})210) 650 |eeeeeeee le aeeeee
IWIN Sonisescas||bosesodus| sodesaa|ocsoseaée ISopoasel|secs6aana\s0acc06 8, 500 595 | eee eee)
Totaliessae-e 2, 315, 639/120, 086/15, 452, 260 920, 121)1, 327, 960) 32, 841) 580,949) 27, 655) 162,112) 8, 369
|
Mercer. Middlesex. Monmouth. Ocean. Salem.
Species. -
Pounds|Value| Pounds. | Value.} Pounds. |Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
Alewives .-.--- 29, 600) $184 1, 800 $20 46,600} $705} 338,600) $2,990; 28,200) $124
IHRATA ee opeeae lacoocans |bocese 1, 000 52|" (>, 240,955 117, 530|- SlON6L0) 9 27 287| sae setae eee
(Oly Baa. ca ooeena ssnccess soscas eoosteceralsseccas 1, 708, 055) 24, 534 845450], 2376) soaeeee ee eee
IEGOOAR sRocddllesssccos|tenesolathtoooosclbaonase 2, 600 30 1, 000 26) 2 2)..2. Se eee
IMackereleeee asc ose a lcoecesclememsicce ae eas 13, 210) 1, 228 1, 000 116). condos | eee
Menhaden eennl as sacctsslaescee 800,000) 1, 400) 15, 954, 600} 52, 484 33, 200 214). 35. caren eee
Shadikssce co ee 195, 440} 8, 906 22,510) 1,385 215, 737} 11, 048 9, 030 403'4, 648, 056/132, 335
Spanish maeke di) |S 25-15-2222) = -nselnia=||(= = elim 66, 660} 7, 329 12:;300|). 0; 452) tees | eee
Squeteague|--.|-------.|------ 2, 920 146] 13, 002, 425/179, 921! ~ 896,150] 23, 761).........|..-----
Striped bass -..| 2,450) 279 2, 980 406 33, 260} 3, 776 58,680) 9, 656 4, 700 470
Sy eeO. A5eb 54) beereaos|>one od) |lboousas eee ||cosneas 37, 155) 1,377 4, 200 170) 732, 735) 25, 305
Oysters, market}.....-..|------ 412,300 61,780) 1, 084, 636/164, 493) 1, 141, 035) 131, 300).........|--.....
Oysters, seed
andshells sere as cece teases 112,000) 5, 600 60; 200}; 3,240], 466;970| 19, 796).....-5--4)aeeeeee
JOM SS shhoalecesaos [hoecasi|bobacooebolladcesns 65, 480) 5, 182 5, 250 420) ccccccten'| Soe
Total ....| 227,490) 9,369) 1,355,540 70, 789) 37, 531, 573/572, 884| 3, 862, 475) 219, 966)5, 408, 691/158, 234
Sussex. Union. Warren. Total.
Species. = =
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. Value.
INE PRIS ma sacnnnoo0b bd laoocdOnOaealoacodaon CoobpoudGS lboDbo Sod riaateboucd Séc0ntoc 1, 063. 700 $8, 063
Bleresis his sae ee na Pepa ua G Ee giles TET Sus | a a ke sharks ae 6,339,115 | 154, 163
Comes 5 ce ee este sis See aamns pencdac a lraetictcocin IGesbsnSo nacbecorer Aaasccitc 1, 830, 505 27, 741
Ha ddock#ss se ncncecee. cdecubie ad see sie ellicmaisn.cisctd|ine west a lisse eels ac teen ame 3, 600 55
WIR ORGAN OS hGesqabsoo oq lsnobosd so4llascoSSealleaccoocedd|loanosusalbacnascccolleanasaac 14, 410 1, 360
WIGMNIGN, Jao eobgoeopdallsabsaocosbleconesos|lsneqondbas||S4occsed beodatatoalscoonss: 16, 852, 800 54, 458
Sindee eee es GAGHON PENssOG ees eee ealaee se ooec 43,470 | $2,222 | 10,653,405 | 320, 194
Spanishimackere) i 2-2 |cmciec eae |=mineelatale| = meme =) aim elalate = eel ets esl oe 79, 425 8, 853
Squcteague <n) en ee see oteddsecccschleccseecmnctaseue eles 15, 762, 565 262, 402
Striped bassieca. se emcee aesamia | anne ooo [semen ieeital eee =| me alin cee 246, 040 32, 986
Sturgeon.........-..-../----------|--- + -e elec een eee efe en ee eee |e eee n eee es le nee e nee 1, 756, 785 63, 186
Oysters, market......-..|- esate cial sme eter QeSbo NURI 280)||Sceaaeceeellaceeeeee 8, 847, 860 | 1, 387, 506
Oysters, seed and shell.|..........|.--.---- 299: G00 INZ30 41514) Ssemaceeis|eseeeees 12, 150, 740 249, 524
Lobsters ....-... ASABE obo SoooSOA ade gos] donongacd | boogsded\aaactaodon [eseeeeee 79, 230 6, 197
GY EA Ne aemonaceede 6, 650 405 | 309,155 | 24, 995 43,470 | 2,222 | 75, 680,180 | 2, 576, 688

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXXI

Yield by counties of certain fisheries of Delaware during the year ending June 30, 1897,

{Persons employed, 1,464; capital invested, $121,020.]

Kent. Newcastle. Sussex. Total.
Species. : ==
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds.) Value.
PANG WIVES s cnccmochetmaccacc 14, 520 $174 235, 200 $973 494,540 | $4,177 | 744,260 | $5,324
Wh adee 2 rate Sec tack satemicte- 198,594 | 8,051 /1, 162,707 | 38, 002 111, 689 5, 702 |1, 472, 990 51, 755
MOUMOLCRLUC = .7.22---55=c- 55% 9005050.) T2250 05 came e tess as sel 45, 400 1,092 | 945,450 | 13, 687
Siriped)bass:-..-.- 2-2-0 8, 557 1, 032 5, 340 650 16,205 | 2,576 30, 102 4, 258
MUURPSON sens. ean oe a= - 1945180) |) AGN 28n ABB N70) LOS | oteawecicin asec a =< 680,950 | 22,915
Oysters, market.-....-.---- 872, 232 | 24, 635 |..........|..-..--. 70,840 | 4,227 | 443,072 | 28, 862
Oysters Reed... occ. oo 26074005 RAT Oe heen ale ctsece etal toaiet cael sino ciate 260, 400 4, 707
gales ee hoe. oe 1, 948, 533 | 57,322 /1,890,017 | 56,412 | 738,674 | 17,774 4,577, 224 | 131, 508

Yield of certain fisheries of Lake Superior during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 658; capital invested, $329,303. ]

Herring. Pike. Sturgeon.
States and counties. >
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
Michigan:
(GIN PEE onoeenedsennsosoosored|sesssescenoc qsndeese 4, 025 $166 6, 292 $252
Hone hitonss-o-s. oases seo os 63, 815 BY | oso dhdcsas colleas6abe0 Se 1, 500 45
PKOWCODEW =o -- cece acis'a.c macedonia 54, 792 DRM cop eo Gobo a] PEOSAebo sd Ss5qamodsons Watseaeeck
Marquette -.---..-cn< scenes 44, 050 Ott) | ae aSecasaos6||Ssucepocsd|oooncseascen||ssessads:
Ontonagon .......... s]e/sisieis aisle oia| sw == =lniem am ~inll wieinim aininin = =| e = sewinmanine|m mame e ace 250 9
MMotaltac conchae cctsess se seeaise 162, 657 2, 149 4, 025 166 8, 042 306
Minnesota: ;
COO kee rech ee. jacceeaseciae aes 29, 420 Aull a eataisiaicineisie|| come Sera saiel ten sie ioe Rete ne oie nee
Wrak@eette meet csc caGascccicstcemsac 153, 111 DAG Zire eecre ce ata lore mre eee le oe eee een ee eee eee
SU mb OUS ta ceccie's sacincels celceceae 37, 687 DOD sere iainets stories terse eae eet cies Sere e lentes aeceioe
JUTE) SSeS ae aes 220, 218 SHOOT Be cere eta tatei|| pvc ye iste eae eeeaSice eae ceeeee
Wisconsin: rr itl ans akc? sis (aa hd eae
BBV HOIM Geeaa aes oie aterm aie 94, 160 565 260 BDO R couche nce eee
iraudibotal +2. selec eos 477,035 | 5,723 4, 285 179 | 8, 042 “306
Trout Whitefish. Total
States and counties.
Pounds Value Pounds. Value. Pounds. | Value
Michigan
PASO Tees stalaiciavaiaia'sistsinsiniats ees se 48, 048 $1, 922 32, 925 $1, 315 80, 973 $3, 237
BATA Bere crerae c/s oisisimiestetcioawere ae 67, 875 2,715 46, 953 1, 878 114, 828 4, 593
Chippewa =. o.n2 seca esis ee Semee 592, 142 20, 329 482, 370 16,874 | 1,084, 829 37, 621
Howghton nee ses enea a se eee 147, 100 5, 884 131, 000 5, 240 343, 415 12, 126
Keweenaw. sc<sisssose=,-6sencee 697, 662 18, 974 124, 206 3, 946 876, 660 23, 433
LTC ES BREE Peeoenemer conser 4, 746 185 12, 340 618 17, 086 $03
Manquettes=osscenecasincseemen ce 426, 239 16, 470 147, 117 5, 894 617, 406 23, 043
Ontonagony cas ecice sisisteis'<ctaserele 2 157, 155 6, 287 267, 830 8,413 425, 235 14, 709
Total ce- meee sees hee eee 2,140,967 | 72,766 | 1,244,741 | 44,178 | 3,560,432] 119,565
Minnesota:
@oOKseh aseseaeie geben s cckineeees 211, 715 5, 759 14, 323 446 255, 458 6, 487
Wake ios 2 sao-cic aa aemeeenen see ae 160, 387 4, 883 8, 229 250 321, 727 qT, 295
WU LOUIS so. sce cles geieboe eb oesaaeee 22, 134 719 8, 284 208 68, 105 1, 492
Ota acc ss-emen ona aseeee 394, 236 11, 361 | 30, 836 904 645, 290 15, 274
Wisconsin: Sh Babe ay
PALS IVD ANI Cl patercteya 21m 1s'= apupeje'seye ce eeiemare 256, 466 9, 350 58, 908 2, 000 315, 374 11, 350
IBAVHOIG’ -.s[tspeccicisine Soa cetacci 523, 747 17, 270 102, 940 2. 707 721, 107 20, 555
TRO a ee LNs 780,213 | 26, 620 161, 848 4,707 | 1,036, 481 31, 905
Grand tetal.c-4s..-5.<.cen. "3,315,416 | 110,747} 1,437,425 | 49,789 | 5,242,203 | 166, 744

CLXXII

REPORT .OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Yield of certain fisheries of Lake Michigan during the year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 2,289; capital invested, $915,381.]

Pike and pike

Bass. Herring. Perch. perch.
States and counties. ;
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
Michigan:
Allegan 1, 000 $50 61-600 "$2156 |. 225-2 sseleeee eee
Berrien..----.---------|----------|--------| 199,642 | $d, /40 |.....---.-|.-------|----------|--------
Delttersscss 20, 840 313 | 288,789 | $9, 297
Mackinac 3, 200 49 8, 460 285
IWEPSYI = ecaoesencssesase 9480 | do |...-------|--------|----------|ee------
Menominee ....-------- 5, 000 300 | 4,714, 390 | 27,767 | 120,000 | 1,800 60,000 | 1,500
Muskegon ...---------- 290 23 87, 180 1, 453 272 Vo. sescacicd| Seen
Occandtenns oo. seehoeeee 150 10 24, 600 450 500 8 ls sccccseeeeeeeeeee
Ottawa ces. soon tere 868 34 | 1,109,763 | 19, 314 19, 076 627 244 12
Motalisce--- cesses 8, 872 503 | 6,240,049 | 54,125 | 225,488 | 4, 964 357, 493] 11,094
Indiana
TBO) Bane Ge beerdonceoca lsaeasoscesldeugan. 155,650 | 2,065 52,900) | “i;558"|soosccestee| Seeeeeee
IbE WIA acopddoossbops ocljosceoocad s||ssenc00r 234,655 | 4,507 9, 300 219) | cascaseecleee eee
otaltseses ee ace ewa tesa cciccee lnectereere 390,305 | 6,572 62,200: |) 5{837" |. So22 eee pecans
Illinois:
(Chyna aes ace eon peseencaas |eapoadar 15, 000 240) °865;:000) |°26080)|b22 a-2e=as| eee
TOPAIG) poesgenaascanpseanlbadoodeowd oscs0dd 103, 266 1, 921 26, 470 529 |) -5 cctem oo | Sete
ROG eles a sere aoe ee ce eees lec eeeset 118,266 | 2) 161 | 891; 470) || 26; 609 |=" = 222 en| eee
Wisconsin:
IBTOW Ios nec cis ceca acces 25,564] 1,278 892,373 | 4,895 |1, 422,136 | 19,099 | 300, 844 9, 339
WDOOT=te sasccetsc cake ere 2, 156 107 | 4,372,766 | 27,496 | 155,419} 1,942 21, 972 760
Tit eG asosacooonne| |lsecaccencelsoocdrod 515,139 | 8, 585 20, 247 608: |):3s.252555|0eeoseee
LIGNE) Soncdsaccscen||bssecdoso0 psasdsas 102, 000 hh Rese oeoses esecscn FseeescSoo|secic sc
WENA pooebosecaan|podessoded pseconde 1, 392, 643 | 21,703 2, 200 (i 3 ee ooo
Marine ttemncncnencceme saecen sees cemmerecs 357,000 | 2, 165 15, 500 310 16, 000 450
IML WaAlKCOn en nee sen ems beesassiece clear accme AS 30386321) 2250695 noose cio nels noes oes | Seco eee | eee
OCONTOM sere nre eee | paar bee eceies 4,136, 600 | 25,181 | 241,000 | 8,082 | 130,000 3, 885
Oza Gare aet cece oe aes | Seed oe Sere Saisie cals: 706, 381 | 9, 702 4,300 iby EEeeee eee Haccdicacic
IRV OT eC eOe Sob ose onal BosnaSacaa ecanesrss 21, 600 860i 08 Se she8] fc laced tL eee eee
Sheboycanteenesse sees seceeeeens|poeeaaae 1, 564, 338 | 25, 239 12, 900 405: | -3-20 <2 es| seen
Motalieeers ccec es sac 27,720 | 1,385 | 15, 364,472 |148, 085 |1, 873, 702 | 25,657 | 468,816 | 14, 434
Grand total........ 36,592 | 1,888 | 22,113, 092 |210, 943 |3, 052, 860 | 59,067 | 826,309 | 25, 528
Whitefish, Whitefish,
; Sturgeon. Trout. common. bluefin.
States and counties.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds.| Value. | Pounds. | Value.} Pounds. | Value.
Michigan:
Allegan... .......--..-- 6, 250 $3500 |S ceiedieceel|(se(eisie eres 38, 500 $210) |. i. 3st | Gees
PACITETSNINN eee ee ene ale ete ele aie sicreiotatel| Sreimeeisate 21, 425 $600 Aa AS) 750) | access | sete
IRNWAG Sco co eRncooo snes Soondoaece| daacased 225, 742 7, 482 114, 100 5) 495)" cnc ceo ctecl eee
BOLTON cre aceon ose 753 Bye |) Bibl Biri 14, 718 8, 565 361-552 3 eee
Charlevoixsea-ee---e-t- ROnCAoaoar sancateec 1, 504, 630 38, 514 |1, 100, 237 | 39,094 | 150,137 | $3,229
Delta seateeeocenecsece 20, 277 752 | 207,011 (Rally eal H Pals lestHy Pees sea clbScicccinc
1 Ore) EE BanBdsaoenSuae lesscnede ss lasauasas 401, 174 10,871 | 153,382 | 5,535 680 14
Grand DPrav.erses. =o. a\lsoseees cena saeecte 10, 750 265 33, 760 1200: cc. ccocte acl neneeeee
TEES Py PERSE BSR ERS SE Nal NaebeGawod ieedesay 378, 521 8,326 | 166,886 | 5,579 8, 412 129
MackinaGeeccssceceosee 8, 230 264 | 261, 852 8.2195} 481,046") 14:\687 |-22 25 acl sneer
WEMYERUIGG) Gheac Jacosses-|Sqsseasees bacoedec 152, 868 Ce ee ec ocenad boccacer 80, 862 2, 092
WIESE na encsossaabone |sosdeocoas| asaaoose 116, 946 4,391 4, 354 190 18, 986 316
IM Gait GY) pooccoonoces banaoron 56 |lsogodaes 50, 000 1, 200 12, 000 4007) eee levescsse
Muskegon ......--..--- 3. 410 154 24, 731 719 3,570 120) | San mare eee eee
WCOAN Bs. susetwacseanes 4, 200 221 17, 875 550 5, 350 230)|o okc ees eee
Ottawa: connceanncenees 3, 464 160 186, 129 6, 350 900 B38: |\ncs eer ee | aes
Schoolcrattiecesccecece= 1, 200 45 479, 101 13, 760 3170957) aS O7Ss | haeeeee eee [Ferre sac
Motel es sasecadas 47, 784 1, 983 |4, 350, 132 126, 511 |2, 602, 900 | 91, 880 259, 077 5, 780

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

CLXXIII

Yield of certain fisheries of Lake Michigan during the year ending June 30, 1897—Cont’d.

Whitefish, Whitefish,
Sturgeon. Trout. common. bluetin.
States and counties.
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
Indiana:
3, 860 SLO" | coos oe ono: lecae nee
25, 200 GY (a Beemer ier er ero cae
2825600) 17453. 25 a. casa noes es
Hoskcetee cee cic: mame ce < alent sew ose pgaeen 219, 266 9, 227 11, 200 S840 |Gescn 5 pat te eee
Wisconsin: mea ae heats aie
Brown..... alas alaiseti= 26,848 | 1,075 87, 668 2, 467 12, 032 te Bereroseca Betecree
S 2 |1, 140, 045 32, 851 S5EAO85 ol 12280 sl beer seeds leon cece
235, 536 Be OZ DN ema ae ee Mae ae al ceel= Sere ate eeetnerarae
382, 155 PS5073) 295,516) |- 45,862) |2--245--5- PBS ce ee
778, 955 23, 709 4,475 181 228,902 | $3, 582
Marinette:----.---.---- 625 26 15, 000 ASQ Ul Pe cecteoe |Cnen mens manatee as lasic tamer
IMG Wattke@@s<5<s2-cscaee| ean onosoec|accte oe 952, 672 BE ACPA BASeeee occ] Bee ereed Semen aonod locceso
WGOntOn. -<-< --2-~ sssces 5, 250 210 5, 000 140 250 1 pees aso arora Serene
Wzaukee.. seca ee 1, 406 90 | 303, 741 9, 232 4, 500 225 || sence leo [stororemetas
IRMOINGes aes noes sees cee tees cca alee matiar 281, 250 AT; 250! asec woe Seilsa see es: laos ete ees
Sheboygan ..........-- 4, 219 270 | 529, 206 20, 611 13, 500 660 | 157, 812 2, 625
Wotalivaescen.cccces: 57, 660 2, 443 4,711,228 | 160,464 | 886,358 | 18,404 | 386,714 6, 207
Grand total ........ 128,492 | 5,652 |9, 301,450 | 297, 118 * 529, 018 |112,413 | 645,791 | 11,987
SUMMARY.
SSS
States and counties. Pounds. Value. States and counties. Pounds. Value.
Michigan: Illinois
JAGR soongpeocndsedesse 72, 350 $2, 766 Cook: = s2c02-cnsccostsces= 880, 000 $26, 320
ATT me ecessassan Besse 65, 859 2, 350 1G Sec CORBA RB EER CSHREES 360, 202 12, 061
BeEnwOr. ....<0----=c0 se a 339, 842 12, 927 —- —s
LAD RH = Se o5 ceeooneeee 520, 337 18, 862 Lotal Sse cio = =o 1, 240, 202 38, 381
(Gharleveuxyes: 4. sasce0 = 2, 755, 004 80, 837 ———] ———-——
TDC 2a see Saas eee ees 722, 385 22,771 || Wisconsin:
HmMMObeos=c. sess seein s ns 555, 236 16, 420 TOW fecincis v/eisisleise= seas 2, 767, 465 38, 339
Grand Traverse .--------- 44,510 1, 465 DORs S266 cteeeesceessec 6, 267, 755 76, 208
Weelanawe. .s 2225 s2s6s 2522 553, 819 14, 034 Kenoshai ccc = ssctssiterate 770, 922 17, 718
Machimde\-cosssace=-se5~ 830, 599 24, 471 Kewaunee ;-..---.----=- 779, 671 18, 725
Manistee: oa Ssc-0a2- <2 <- 233, 730 6, 576 Manitow oo) 2 322==-0--26 2, 407, 175 49, 251
BARONE aeeaasan feeds cae 146, 766 5, 032 Marinette: 25-c,252-2~ sai 404, 125 3, 431
INMonomInce:<- 2-652) 25552 4, 961, 390 32, 967 Milwaukee: :=------. <<<. 2, 256, 304 60, 095
MMS KOR ONE. 5 asc6 sicsa na 119, 453 2, 480 Oconto cic 2st esse See 4, 518, 100 32, 508
Ocean gee 252-5 -s52-5-0422 52, 675 1, 469 Ozankeesesss-2-- eee ese 1, 020, 328 19, 384
Ottawa. =22 52258 355.0522 1, 320, 444 26, 535 Racineei=sts-os2eco=eeee 302, 850 11, 610
Schoolerait: so5se2.<s-c52¢ 797, 396 24, 878 Sheboyeansscecccesesccs 2, 281, 975 49, 810
Wotalsscsesesseseeee 14,091,795 | 296, 840 Totalsse2ss2vecess=.2 23, 776, 670 377, 079
Indiana Grand! totaljas.>.25-eese2 39, 633, 604 724, 596
Makerere o s-cthosonseesa=c 226, 670 | 4, 459
Maporte)-s-2-- 422: sSesese 298, 267 7, 837
Matalee elder) ot 524,937 | 12,296

CLXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Yield of certain fisheries of Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River, and Detroit River during the
year ending June 30, 1897.

[Persons employed, 218; capital invested, $4,546.]

Herring. Sturgeon. Perch.
State and counties. Apparatus. 7
Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.| Pounds. | Value.
Michigan:
Witni@a=cancasrguccocs0s00 Pound nets -.--. 1,773 $44 1, 440 $16 | o.ccccceenleeeeenee
StiClairscernssceseseese ss Seines) Ji. 1.6 24|asecee vacnlseeeseer 5, 600 210! 4,200 $106
SiiGlatrs eos. ret fc. Tinea) osced-4l meene oe ae ee eo 0 | 25
\WWEN Ge se ccnecduncheosees bes (Wtesasecececide locootnoace|lacaconac 28:000') 2,000 | 222255252 4}ooeeeeee
PE ERINPED ete t i ot cl St Slt een eae ida eee ae 32,830 | 2,130, 1,000; 25
Granditotal (2.24 ...&|See ct ees ~4,9773| +44 | 39,870| 2,416| 5,200; 131
Wall-eyed pike. Whitefish. Total.
State and counties. Apparatus
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. |} Value. | Pounds. | Value.
Michigan:
Wanless caseenascesccrcce Pound nets ..--. 6, 710 $335 527 $32 10, 450 $487
Sti Clair tioscsccoess ceca Seines=>-------: 88, 000 SOGON | Paserlseetes| emis 97, 800 3, 976
GhEGHAI aM otme ce eaten noe Tinga se. stece see 217,750 | 7,494 |.......-..|.....-..| 223,580] 7, 649
VER iG aecocbecencoeoucbes|acc (ad oo 55460 psopoasaDH asSesaaalsosoeacued|sadeoocde 28, 000 2, 000
WYN Ep oSrecocosedecse||SHSsocseiseses5qcq PALS GD) rth Bee SSE aos jotectte: 251, 580 9, 649
Granditotal: eos lere eee sence 312, 460 11, 489 527| 32 359,830| 14,112
ae {
Yield of certain fisheries of Lake Huron during the year ending Juue 30, 1897.
[Persons employed, 908; capital invested, $238,038. ]
Bass. Herring. Sturgeon. Perch.
State and counties. F z
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds. | Value.
Michigan:
@hippewaie-ss-s-ssece eee | 721 $40 9, 450 $94 3, 655 $97 2, 692 $30
MackinaG!) geen ss ncceosse | esac ciemnal| setae 4, 420 AG |e. wee Sean see 400 6
Cheboygan and Presque
sles sass asc cst ceccece 46, 487 703 7, 725 234 2, 738 41
Alpena 92, 056 681 1, 642 49 1,019 14
MOSCOMe See eee oie as eeinineieielar= 23, 800 1, 400 3, 200 120 12, 000 120
Arenac, Bay, and Tuscola. 14,191, 039 | 24,775 2,785 104 | 920, 587 9, 206
1EWdbOs Good CocEoOEE En eers ee lbeopcacone 2,377, 810 | 20, 411 12, 069 464 | 280, 794 3,500
Sanilac 279, 784 1, 824 1, 810 88 2, 500 70
Sie, (bite as coupareobannod eSseooacdha brocade 157, 683 946 8, 478 261 764 14
Mbfaleces eee 6,893 | 207 7,182,529 | 50,880} 41,364 | 1,417 |1,223,494| 13,001
Wall-eyed pike. Trout. Whitefish. Total.
State and counties.
Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.} Pounds. | Value.) Pounds. | Val.
Michigan:
Chippewa.......-.+..----- 69, 031 | $2, 161 135, 757 | $3, 700 273,438 |$8, 104 494, 744 |$14, 226
IBY SIMO O eon cokonécesonon|lsaqccoDcdd paocosae 39, 608 1, 574 37, 700 | 1,212 82, 128 2, 888
Cheboygan and Presque
UslekeAeccewess asec 9, 840 380 288, 242 9, 523 360, 240 |12, 232 716, 504 | 23,181
Alpgna 8, 736 349 632, 527 | 20, 156 316, 481 |10, 852 | 1,052, 461 | 32,191
MOSCO)s acisisieeis ctecereeinc ieee 16, 000 640 66, 250 2, 060 47, 830 | 1, 640 169, 080 5, 980
Arenac, Bay, and Tuscola.| . 760,706 | 26, 625 27, 137 934 | 198,261 | 7,210 | 6,105, 455 | 68, 953
IEUMINON a s/s\sicte cis laisse cieiesie ete 318, 250 | 11, 832 106, 979 3, 649 125, 341 | 5, 298 | 3, 221, 243 45, 154
SaMilaes one cccee seems 5, 450 258 7, 822 235 29, 946 | 1,125 327, 312 | 3,600
StClaine-coccceaneswenere 42, 864 1, 310 3, 190 102 2,330} 100 215,309 | 2,733
Potaliee a -ccecclecee ee 1, 230, 877° 43, 555 /1, 307, 512 | 41, 933 lJ, 391, 567 (47, 773° 12, 384, 236 198, 766
|

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

‘

CLXXV

Yield of certain fisheries of Lake Erie during the year ending June 30, 1897.

{Number of persons employed, 1,458; investment in vessels and other property, $964,430. ]

Herring. Perch.
States and counties. =o —
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
New York
TERI ee ee oR ee 130,000 | $1, 525 55, 000 $625
@hantaudua ss... <.-------.---- 768,010 | 7,585 40, 172 424
Aint a leemecacesciciscissisieisie coe 898,010 | 9, 060 | 95, 172 1, 049
Pennsylvania: B Wah
JORG pongosesc Stn sSeC OU nD SEeBSBEe _ 6,940,932 | 63,547 | 407,278 | 4, 888
Ohio: |
ahtabularetcsscecs-ocoeeenece 1, 238,760 | 10,388 170, 600 1, 716
JUPIRG) St6.6se eae pp COOwonocrace. 500, 000 5, 000 37, 000 370
Coyahopann. .-- 2.26... --ce---- = £, 001, 396 60, 643 715, 277 7, 600
LOTT AC Ae Ss Sop SeSeobEeoeeoneo ss 579, 106 6, 508 178, 030 2, 020
lO I@\4 Japs eesesonpoercnonneecpess 3, 280, 269 38, 859 925, 331 11, 332
Dew dineisers cae ecm @lecte ee inierl— i= 422, 981 5, 304 477, 908 4,779
122 Rd oR || 698,199 | 6,982 | 99, 531 995
M@talicsccs cw cscs se casincimie 11, 720, 711 d 133, 684 2, 603, 677 28, 812
Michigan: i.
IW (aytg hes Seaceaascoosdas aaedodc __78, 636 | 820 99, 265 992
(Gnanditotalecss-seeese-=- ace 19, 638,289 | 207,111 | 3,205,392 | 35, 741
| Wall-eyed pike. Saugers. Sturgeon.
States and counties.
Pounds. Value. | Pounds. | Value. | Pounds. | Value.
New York
Mimlomsee oesk acsecm ace see 6, 600 $2; B00) Ile sistelstaie/nisic|mieleiccresis 80,000 | $2,075
Chautauqua ------------- __ 12, 000° F810 || socsasose|lssoossce 52, 644 1,721
otalieesesa-sso-ee == 18, 600 OOO! Foecesesee laoeeneee 132, 644 3, 796
Pennsylvania:
JONG, Soo eeéoose scodeceesoE 27, 032 a PA |looosseqcad) Meneses 35, 414 1, 075
Ohio: 2 es
PNightalbalancctcessscesaes |ccstecne ac AUSGIN Bx sees ocr etre ses 30, 800 1, 078
TD ATRGy 2c She Sie nn nee ASOT Os Poe ee eed eee 8, 290 249
Cnyahopare-.------------ 30, 821 16,635 | 237, 266 | $3, 335 5, 192 176
Goran ese ee eee en ae enie 22, 045 6, 444 244, 888 4, 747 19, 594 784
rie ceerceetesescsssses 271, 943 1, 653 |2, 365, 180 | 36, 882 11, 060 531
COCR at ieee os eae 7s, “9P} || Oh TRG ||Gsesoodeosaebouoce 1, 218, 417 | 15, 332 8, 540 42
PRIGHAE Seem snc soem 2 - <i | 444, 802 | 14, 925 |----02 2-2 -|----0ee 740, 036 | 9, 186 210 13
Rotaleecsaes cs. os <as 1, 065, 083 33, 963 4, 805, 787 | 69, 482 83, 686 2, 873
Michigan:
MVGIROB CF eons =n 20 2 CU COM a C2) oe eeneecd BBPPae ee 122,433 | 1,582| 7,628 | 469
Grand total. ...--.-.- 1, 475, 483 98, 550 |4, 928, 220 | 71,064 | 259, 372 8, 213

Whitefish. Total.
States and counties.
Pounds. Value. Pounds. Value.
New York |
PROM ee aia ce ecisicinisiacies siaisains aie 18, 000 $1, 000 | 384, 600 $7, 775
Gbaniaugqnacsssssn. see eeeeena = 39,825 | 2,390 |_ 1,258,139 | 19, 758
Rotel re te ationee se nesen 57,825 | 3,890 | 1,642,739 | 27,538
Pennsylvania: 7 i
Ih) sone seen cecdaaudsecSoonosesas 169, 124 9, 966 | 10, 258, 794 138 031
Ohio: oz
Mahitabulase eee ner ae dese e [edaosteeers 2 8, 300 498 | 1,725, 360 18, 041
j VSG) be Cee Sere epeeeccoceesos 61, 000 3, 350 852, 290 13, 839
uy ahopalres-e anes seer eeaee a= 62, 320 3, 811 6, 942, 12) 94, 441
prac oe eee eee co eee a 51, 926 3,515 | 1,439,771 25, 598
VIG eee sense aye seca eee 185, 035 10, 987 7, 132, 783 112, 170
Ottawa scss---- cs sc emcee ors 32, 020 2, 017 2, 530, 358 40, 669
Seuas 5 225--.2022-cccocn need eee 8, 349 501 | 1,992,223 | _32, 635
Rofl oooh che ean ecco 408,950 | 24,679 | 22,614,906 | 337, 393
Michigan: i are
Monroe = -e- == o< ccc 54,007 | 2, 680 731, 509 18, 847
Granditotalessss 5 -=aee ee 689,906 | 40,715 | 35,247,948 | 521, 804

This table includes 30,000 pounds of trout, worth $750, and 9,300

caught in Lake Huron by a vessel owned at Cleveland, Ohio.

pounds of whitefish, worth 3400,

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MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897.

J. PERCY MOORKE.

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REPORT ON MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897.

By J. Percy Moore.

INTRODUCTION.

The almost unparalleled scarcity of mackerel in our waters during
the last decade, and the consequent loss to our fishermen, having given
rise to the fear of a permanent decrease in numbers of this excellent
fish, it has become incumbent upon the United States Fish Commission
to determine the cause of the decrease and, if possible, to augment
the supply. Similar periods of scarcity, but of shorter duration, are
recorded from time to time in the history of the mackerel fishery, and
have hitherto been followed by times of greater plenty. This well-
known fact should lead us to hope that the present conditions are only
temporary, but it is none the less important to determine, and if pos-
sible to overcome, the disturbing cause, to the end that a constant and
certain supply of this capricious wanderer may be had.

Why the mackerel supply is thus subject to periodical wax and wane
is unknown. There are no certain data upon which to venture a solu-
tion of the problem. Are their numbers depleted by disease? There
is no evidence that the mackerel is subject to any serious infectious
disease. Is the decrease due to a period of lowered fertility, of less or
greater duration? Here again we lack facts. We know but little to
what extent the biological and physical conditions of the sea have
varied, nor yet how variations in these factors affect the vitality and
habits of the mackerel. There may have been no actual diminution in
the propagating capacity of the fish, but some condition peculiarly
detrimental to the development of the eggs and embryos may have
existed, causing their consequent destruction on a large scale. Has
there been a real or only an apparent decrease due to migrations of the
fish from our waters to other parts of the ocean? This view, most fre-
quently accepted as explaining the fact, has little to support it, and is a
mere guess founded on the known wandering habits of the mackerel.

For several years past the Fish Commission has attempted to over-
come the deficiency by propagating the mackerel artificially. So far as
any practical results are concerned, the attempt has been unsuccessful.
Briefly stated, the difficulties have been two, namely, the number of
eggs obtained has been entirely inadequate, and the proportion hatched
in most cases has been low.

The present report contains a statement of the results attained in the
course of a brief study of this work of mackerel propagation during
the season of 1897. The investigation was begun in early June at

3

4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Woods Hole, and was continued from June 25 to July 27 on board the
steamer Fish Hawk, in Casco Bay, Maine. During August the mate-
rial and data gathered were worked over at Woods Hole. At Woods
Hole the local fisheries were watched closely in order to determine the
advent of spawning schools, and numerous samples of male and female
fish were examined in order to secure material for a study of the matur-
ing ova and spermatozoa. Two small lots of eggs, aggregating 110,000,
were brought to the station and kept under observation during their
whole period of development.

At Casco Bay the season proved peculiarly unfavorable for the
investigation, which could not be brought to completion with the lim-
ited time and facilities at our disposal. Only a few over 1,000,000 eggs
were taken, the first on June 25, the last on July 8. Although this
number was sufficient to permit a study of the general history of devel-
opment and the preservation of material for a more complete review of
the embryology, it proved to be entirely inadequate for purposes of
experimentation, which, in order to yield conclusive results and elimi-
nate all doubtful factors, requires extensive checks. The impossibility
of applying these, and the necessity of limiting the experiments to but
one series of those proposed, render this part of the work less valuable
than it otherwise might have proved.

For a discussion of the sources of supply of eggs and the conditions
under which they were taken, I refer to the reports of Mr. Locke for
Woods Hole, and Lieutenant Swift for operations of the Fish Hawk.

The results of the investigations may best be considered under
the three heads or groups into which they were organized, namely,
(1) embryology, (2) surface towings, and (3) experiments.

1. RESULTS OF EMBRYOLOGICAL STUDIES.

Under this head will be considered the morphology of the reproduc-
tive organs, the general history of development, and observations on
the conditions which affect it. In the present connection only a general
account showing the similarity in development of the mackerel to other
fishes producing similar pelagic eggs (the cod, Spanish mackerel, sea
bass, ete.) need be given, prominence being given to only those features
which are of most interest to fish-culturists.

A careful study of the rate of growth of the mackerel leads to the
conclusion that maturity is reached at the age of three years, at which
time the female is 12 to 14 inches long and the male somewhat smaller.
In the region included between Cape Cod and Block Island the spawn-
ing season extends from the middle of May to about the Ist of July;
but few spawning fish are taken after June 15. At Casco Bay the
season probably begins and ends, respectively, about two weeks later,
the majority of the fish spawning before the 25th of June. From the
time of our arrival a systematic record was kept of the condition of
ovaries and testes of as many fish as could be obtained for examina- .
tion. Very nearly all were partly or entirely spent, and the proportion
of fully spent fish increased toward the end of the season, though

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 5

occasionally a spawning or even immature ovary was met with. It is
worthy of remark that, even in the same run, fish in very different con-
ditions of maturity were found. Most of them were nearly or quite
through spawning; a smaller number might be immature, and for some
unknown reason would probably fail to ripen their eggs this season,
while a still smaller number would be spawning fish. In nearly all
eases the number of males was greater than the number of females.
The fishermen were almost unanimous in stating that a run of spawn-
ing fish much more productive than any which we encountered had
passed into Casco Bay about two weeks previous to our arrival.

If an ovary of a mackerel be examined just previous to the spawning
season, it will be found to contain ova of three sizes or generations.
Constituting the bulk of its lamellz are large, opaque ova measuring
from 0.35 mm. to 0.55 mm. (say about 0.02 inch) in diameter. These
have large, ill-defined nuclei, well-developed egg-membranes and egg-
follicles, protoplasm filled with yolk-spherules and a number of minute
oil-droplets, which latter are scattered in the smaller, but more or less
closely aggregated in the larger of these ova. The opaque ova just
described are destined to produce the mature eggs of the approaching
spawning season. Packed between them are smaller ova of two sizes.
The larger ones measure about 0.12 mm. in diameter, are about as
numerous as the large, opaque ova, and are destined to produce a crop
of eggs a year hence. The smallest measure about 0.04 mm. in diame-
ter, are very numerous, aggregated in clusters, have large and distinct
nuclei, no follicles, and retain the character of simple cells. From
these future crops of ova will arise.

As the spawning season approaches, part of the opaque ova increase
rapidly in size. The yolk-corpuscles, to which the opacity was due,
pass into solution, and as a consequence the yolk becomes more and
more transparent and of a pale amber color. The oil-droplets coalesce
into two or three larger drops and finally into a single sphere, which is
free to move about in the now fluid yolk. The nucleus has, meantime,
become invisible. Such ova are ready for extrusion and the final pro-
cesses of maturation. Owing to these changes the ovary as a whole
has increased greatly in bulk, and becomes spotted all over, both
externally and on the internal lamine, with translucent spots, due to
ageregations of the clear eggs. Unlike some fishes (those generally of
sluggish habit or bottom-livers) the mackerel matures only a portion
of the generation of eggs at one time. Thus is obviated any undue
enlargement of the ovary, which would cause the body walls to pro-
trude and doubtless obstruct the movements of the fish, a result which
mnight be particularly serious to an active pelagic species like the mack-
erel. The number of ova produced at one time is seldom more than
50,000 and is frequently much less, but the aggregate number matured
in one season by a female of average size is several hundred thousands.

All of the evidence which could be gathered from examinations of
the ovaries of numerous fishes captured at different hours of the day
seems to indicate that the common mackerel, like the Spanish mackerel

6 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and many other fishes, is a night spawner. Although development of
the ova proceeds in all parts of the ovary at once, the process is at
first more rapid in the posterior (external) end, which consequently
becomes spent while the ova production is still active at the anterior
(internal) end. The transparent eggs, or more correctly “egg mother-
cells,” now rupture the follicular membranes which envelop them and
are dehisced into the ovarian cavity, where they lie among the ova-
bearing laminz bathed in a small quantity of serous fluid. They are
slightly smaller and more irregular in shape than the fertilized ova,
owing to the somewhat flaccid, wrinkled state of the egg membrane
and the mutual pressure to which they are subjected. When first
dehisced into the ovarian cavity they are rather opaque, owing to the
presence of numerous minute spherules in and beneath the proto-
plasmic layer which envelops the fluid yolk. As these spherules are
eradually absorbed, the egg mother-cells become more and more trans-
parent; but the last granules do not finally disappear until the egg is
extruded from the oviduct and feels the stimulus of contact with sea
water. Under these circumstances the least opaque eggs immediately
assume a crystalline transparency; the more opaque and less mature
ones clear up more slowly, but usually as completely, and the process
is probably facilitated in this, as in the case of the Spanish mackerel,
by the presence of spermatozoa. Immediately upon contact with the
sea water, whether or not spermatozoa be present, the egg mother-ceil
absorbs water and assumes a perfectly spherical shape, the egg mem-
brane becomes tense, while the processes attending maturation ensue.

The egg now resembles the well-known pelagie ova of the Spanish
mackerel, sea bass, and other fishes. It is at first perfectly spherical
and varies considerably in size. The average diameter of a large
number of eggs from all sources procurable is 1.25 mm., but even from
the same female they have varied from 1.16 to 1.29 mm., and it was
also found that all of the eggs produced by a particular female were
sometimes larger, sometimes smaller, than the average. Thus, all the
eggs of the two lots studied at Woods Hole which were measured
averaged 1.15 mm., and the individual eggs varied but slightly from
this average. On the other hand, all of the Casco Bay females pro-
duced eggs of larger size, at the same time presenting a greater range
of variation. The horny, transparent, vitelline membrane which sur-
rounds the egg is of uniform thinness except at a small circular area
which, perhaps owing to its greater weight, always gravitates to the
lowermost pole of the floating egg. This is a micropylar thickening,
a crater-like elevation projecting inward in contact with the vitellus.
A funnel shaped depression exists in its outer surface and extends
about half way through, from which point it is continued to the inner
surface by an exceedingly narrow and perfectly straight canal, the
micropyle, through which the spermatozoan finds its way to fertilize
the ovum. Exceedingly delicate canals perforate the whole region of
the micropylar thickening and doubtless afford a means of interchange
of water bearing the respiratory gases. Similar but much smaller and

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. r

less numerous perforations exist in all parts of the vitelline membrane,
but are difficult to demonstrate until during the later stages of devel-
opment, when the membrane becomes more brittle and the perforations
perhaps larger.

The egg proper, or vitellus, consists of a vesicle-like skin of proto-
plasm, faintly granular, of a pale brown color and of uniform thickness
throughout, distended by a perfectly fluid transparent yolk, in which
there are no structural elements observable, except occasionaily a few
aggregations of spherical bodies attached here and there to the inner
surface of the protoplasmic pellicle. Floating freely about within the
protoplasmic skin and, because of its lower specific gravity, always
rising to the highest point in the egg, is a beautifully clear and per-
fectly spherical oil-drop, by virtue of the presence of which the egg is
buoyant. The oil-drop also is enveloped by a delicate protoplasmic
sheath, which is at first of uniform thickness and always quite distinct
from the protoplasm enveloping the yolk. The oil-drop is of unusually
large size, but varies both absolutely and relatively to the size of the
egg to a considerable degree. Its average size is 0.28 mm. Its color
also varies. Sometimes it is perfectly colorless; sometimes, and more
frequently, of a pale amber, or even of a pinkish tint. And this varia-
tion may be observed in eggs taken from the same female. The reason
for this is not apparent, but it was noticed that colorless oil-drops occur
most frequently in eggs of the smaller sizes. Perhaps both may indi-
cate a condition of impaired vitality, though this could not be proved
by the results of the further course of development.

Owing to the unfavorable circumstances under which the mackerel
eggs were taken, I was unable to study the maturation processes in
the living egg, but material was preserved for a future study of this
phase of development. There is no reason to doubt, however, that the
process is essentially similar in this and other pelagic eggs, and I refer
to my report on the Spanish mackerel and to the papers of Agassiz
and Whitman on the cunner, and of Ryder on the cod, for some obser-
vations on these phenomena. The process consists essentially in the
elimination from the egg mother-cell of a part of its nuclear substance,
without which it seems incapable of fertilization. Accomplishing this
by two successive nuclear divisions, the surplus material is cast out
within two minute cells, the so-called polar bodies, which appear at the
micropylar pole of the egg within a few moments after it reaches the
water, pass into the perivitelline space, and lose further significance in
development. The maturation processes appear to be hastened by
copulation (the contact of a spermatozoan, after entrance through the
micropyle, with the vitellus), and indeed are largely coincident with
this, but may take place quite independently of it, in which case the
time required for the completion of the process is longer. Not until
after the extrusion of the polar bodies is the egg mature and ready for
the union of the egg, or female pronucleus, and the sperm, or male
pronucleus, which constitutes the essential act of impregnation. When
this union takes place there is constituted a cell fundamentally different

8 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

in its properties from the egg mother-cell which left the ovary, in that
it is now a germ capable of further development into a complete organ-
ism. This process also could not be studied in the living mackerel egg,
but probably does not there differ from what has been observed in the
Spanish mackerel egg.

The spermatozoan of the mackerel consists of a pear-shaped head
about 0.002 mm. in length, with a short rod-like middle piece attached
like a stem to the narrow end of the pear, and bearing an exceedingly
delicate flagellum or tail which is about 20 to 25 times the length of
the head. When fully ripe, the sperm is quite fluid and mixes readily
with sea water, through which the spermatozoa, by their very active
lashing, quickly become disseminated. Under such circumstances, a
very small quantity of sperm will serve to impregnate a great many
eggs, and it is of practical importance to use as small a quantity as
will effect the purpose, to the end that the eggs do not become clogged
with great numbers of spermatozoa, which will adhere to their mem-
branes and interfere with free respiration. With fresh and perfectly
ripe sperm, the egg of the mackerel is very easily fertilized, even those
eges which exhibit a considerable degree of opacity, and are hence
supposed to be less mature, responding at once to the presence of
spermatozoa. In fact, even when considerable numbers of eggs, sev-
eral hundreds of thousands, were handled, scarcely any would be
found to be unfertilized, and in no case, except when the sperm or ova
were obviously immature, did as many as 1 per cent fail of impregna-
tion. This ease of fertilization and the almost perfectly uniform way
in which the eggs would subsequently develop, all of them passing
into the same stage at nearly the same moment, seem to me to indicate
their healthful state and the necessity of seeking the cause of the
failure of the hatching operations in some condition subsequent to this.

It is, of course, impossible, from the study of a relatively small lot
of material obtained under only one set of conditions, and with no
means of checking results by making comparisons, to state positively
that the eggs were in the best vital condition, but the uniformity and
regularity of results and the comparative scarcity of abnormalities,
except those mentioned later on, seem to lead to this conclusion. My
experiments to test the length of time during which the spermatozoa
retained their fertilizing powers failed, owing to the accidental impreg-
nation of the entire lot of eggs reserved for this purpose, and sub-
sequently no opportunity for repeating the experiment was found.
Direct observation, however, on sperm placed in pails or jars of water
showed that the spermatozoa lost their activity completely in 45 to 60
minutes, and this period must consequently be admitted to be the
extreme limit of their vitality under the conditions of the experiment.

I would here point out the futility of hoping for any better results
through the substitution of the so-called dry method for the wet method
of fertilization. The former was invented to meet certain peculiar
conditions, and is indicated in cases where the contact of water with
unfertilized eggs causes either the formation of a coat impervious to

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 4)

the spermatozoa or the development around the vitellus of a water
space which the spermatozoa can not traverse. Impregnation in the case
of the mackerel is naturally and easily accomplished by the intimate
mixture, in a small quantity of sea water, of the freshly stripped
ova with a small amount of perfectly ripe ‘sperm from a previously
selected male. The objection to the adoption of the dry method lies in
this: Owing to its greater weight the micropyle, which is the only
point through which a spermatozoan can enter the egg, lies always at
its lowermost pole. Now, when the eggs are only moist and the sperm
is poured over them, a much greater quantity is needed, and more of it
will adhere to the membranes than when the eggs are freely suspended
and the micropyle exposed to the active swimming spermatozoa. The
dry method may be just as effective as the wet, but it can not be more
so, and has the slight disadvantage just mentioned.

Simultaneously with the progress of the internal act of fusion of the
male and female pronuclei, other and more obvious external changes in
the egg are taking place. The protoplasmic pellicle, which at first
forms a layer of uniform thickness, begins to accumulate with a peculiar
wave like streaming at the lower or micropylar pole of the egg. At
first the thickening thus produced is in the form of a scarcely evident
meniscus, which passes off on all sides into the thin pellicle. Gradually
it increases in thickness until nearly all of the protoplasm has accu-
mulated in a sharply defined disc, the blastodisc, which, when com-
pleted, has a circular outline. Its outer surface is in contact with the
egg-membrane and conforms very nearly to its curvature. The inner
surface of the blastodise has a strongly convex, almost conical, form
and projects into the yolk. At its margins, which rise abruptly from
the yolk, the blastodise passes into continuity on all sides with the
protoplasmic pellicle, which has now become reduced to an excessively
thin and delicate, but perfectly intact, layer. The completed blasto-
disc becomes the seat of future developmental processes. The remain-
der of the protoplasmic pellicle takes but little part in these processes,
and is known as the periblast layer. Oriented with reference to the
micropyle, the blastodise seems always to be a little eccentric, and the
micropylar thickening is readily found just outside of its center. The
perivitelline space, which is described above as an exceedingly shallow
space between the egg-membrane and the mature vitellus, has now,
owing to the change in form of the latter, altered its character. Owing
to the contact of the greater part of the external surface of the yolk
and of the blastodisc with the egg membrane, it is in these regions
obliterated or so exceedingly shallow as to escape detection. But
there is a deep ring-like space running all around the margin of the
blastodisc and corresponding with a circular groove which forms the
boundary between the yolk and disc.

The pellicle of protoplasm enveloping the oil-drop has, like that sur-
rounding the yolk, collected in a bleb-like mass on the under surface of
the oil. Its shape is similar to the blastodise except that it is not con-
strained within a limiting membrane and has conformed to the charac-

10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. —

ter of the fluids between which it lies, like the drop of water which
gravitates to the under side of a soap bubble. This smaller disc takes
no important part in development and undergoes no change until it
becomes fused with the surrounding blastodise. It will not be further
considered. /

Although just described as accompanying and succeeding fertiliza-
tion, these processes must not be considered wholly as a consequence
and therefore as a test of fertilization, for even in the absence of sper-
matozoa, changes almost precisely similar and likewise resulting in the
formation of a blastodisc ensue, but are much later in reaching their
fulfillment. In this case development never, so far as I have observed,
proceeds any further, and in the course of a day or two the vitellus
contracts, turns opaque, and rapidly disintegrates, the egg usually
sinking to the bottom soon after the contraction becomes evident.

The brief chronological index to the stages of embryological develop-
ment which follows is founded upon the time record of a series of
embryos which developed at a mean temperature of 12.9° C. After
the blastodise has attained its greatest thickness and internal convexity,
which occurs 1 hour and 20 minutes after impregnation, the heaped-up
protoplasm slowly subsides, flattens a little, becomes slightly elongated
along one axis, and remains quiescent for a time in this condition.

At 1 hour and 40 minutes after impregnation, the first segmentation
furrow begins to appear as a narrow transverse depression across the
middle of the outer surface of the disc, while on the inner surface
appears a button-like elevation which is quickly subdivided by an
internal depression placed exactly opposite to the external one. The
halves of the button then subside and diverge, and, moving with a
wave-like motion outward on each side of the internal furrow, causea
pair of prominent elevations to appear on this surface of the blastodise.
The external furrow rapidly extends to the margins of the blastodise
and cuts deeper into the protoplasm, which thus becomes almost sepa-
rated into two equal halves or blastomeres, in each of which the proto-
plasm becomes actively heaped up. At the same time each blastomere
tends to become circular, so that the blastodise elongates in the axis
at right angles to the first furrow. The segmentation furrow never
cuts quite through the disc, but spares a thin layer of protoplasm on
its deeper surface, so that the otherwise separate blastomeres remain
connected by a protoplasmic web in contact with the yolk. The active
process of division is completed very quickly. The heaped-up blasto-
meres then subside and pass into a resting state, during which the
segmentation furrow becomes much less conspicuous. This condition
is of relatively long duration, and it is interesting to note here that
the slower development of this species as compared with the Spanish
mackerel is due almost entirely to the greater duration of the resting
periods, the periods of activity in each being of almost equal duration.

The second furrow, formed at right angles to the first, is completed
in 2 hours and 35 minutes after the mixing of the ova and the sperm,

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 11

and the four blastomeres resulting will soon be found to have shifted
around the polar axis of the egg from left to right, supposing one to be
facing the external surface of the segmenting disk. Protoplasmic
movements, followed by a long resting stage, characterize this as well
as succeeding periods of development.

The third and fourth furrows, parallel respectively to the first and
second, and resulting in the formation of 8 and 16 blastomeres, are
completed in 4 hours. Already, at this stage, irregularities in seg-
mentation begin to appear, and their frequency makes the mackerel
somewhat remarkable among fishes having similar eggs and modes of
development. Even in the 8-cell stage one of the blastomeres may be
much smaller than the others, or pushed from its place to a deeper
plane than its fellows. In the formation of the fourth cleavage one or
two of the cells may fail to divide with the others, producing a stage
with 15 or 14 cells, or the division may be unequal, and in nearly all
cases it is unsymmetrical. In most teleostomous fishes such irregulari-
ties occur much less frequently and not so early in the developmental
process. The Spanish mackerel, however, presents a similar case.
Such irregularities may possibly indicate impaired vitality in the eggs
studied, but, as they occur with such frequency in every lot of material
examined, I am inclined to doubt this. In no case in which the future
development of such eges was followed did the normal growth of the
blastodise or embryo appear to be modified. The typical 16-cell stage
forms a nearly square figure consisting of 12 marginal and 4 central
cells, which latter have shifted spirally around the polar axis of the
egg as mentioned above. Up to this time the segmentation has been
perfectly rhythmical, occurring in all of the blastomeres at the saine
time, but, from now on, the central and marginal cells have a different
history, which, however, soon becomes confused.

Following the 16-cell stage is one of 28 cells, resulting from the
nearly simultaneous division of the 12 marginal cells; those at the
angles of the square blastoderm dividing along planes approximately
diagonal; those at the middle of the sides along planes parallel with
the diameters. The central cells do not divide at this time, but soon
follow with a horizontal division, thus making two layers of cells in the
central part of the disk, while but one continues at its margin. Between
5 and 6 hours after the beginning of development the marginal cells
divide again, resulting in a disk containing about 56 cells. From this
time on the divisions occur in a more irregular way, though their rhyth-
mic character is still apparent. The marginal cells are for a time
smaller than the central ones, and begin to give rise to buds, in which
lie the outer ends of the division spindles, which give rise to the peri-
blastic nuclei. Succeeding the next division the cells of the entire
blastoderm become of very irregular shape, horizontal as well as verti-
cal cleavages are formed in all parts of the disk, and the marginal cells
have their longer axes placed in radial directions preparatory to the
rapid formation of the periblast nuclei and the superficial spread of the
blastoderm which now begins.

12 °REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

After 12 hours of development the are of the blastoderm occupies
about one-fifth of the meridional circumference of the egg. Its inner |
surface is nearly flat, the outer slightly convex and the margins thin.
In its central part the cells are 3 to 4 layers deep and, owing to the
repeated horizontal divisions, now smaller than the marginal. The
latter are surrounded by a wide periblastic wreath containing numerous
nuclei.

At 16 hours the blastodermic rim is inflected and the embryonic
thickening begins to appear.

At 20 hours the blastoderm occupies about 35 per cent of the surface
of the ovum, and the embryonic shield has extended to its vertex.

At 30 hours the blastoderm has covered about 50 per cent of the
surface of the ovum and the body of the embryo is distinctly outlined.

At 40 hours the blastopore is still about 0.5 mm. in diameter, and the
embryo extends around about 35 per cent of the egg circumference.
The notochord is distinctly differentiated. The eyes are just becoming
defined as out-pushings. The embryonic body is deep and compressed
below, but no myotomes are visible. No pigment has yet developed.

At 45 hours the blastopore has decreased in diameter to an average of
0.4mm. The embryo extends nearly halfway around the egg. The eyes
stand out from the head quite prominently as rounded masses. The first
myotome is formed.

At 52 hours the embryo measures in total length 1.7 mm.; 5 myo-
tomes, of which the first 2 are very distinct, may be counted in the
middle region of the trunk. The head is clearly marked off. Pigment
begins to appear and the chromatophores are arranged along the mar-
gins of the trunk of the embryo for its entire length. The nervous
axis iS very conspicuous.

At 60 hours the length of the embryo has increased to 1.9mm. Pig-
ment has become much more abundant and is aggregating on the
head. There are 11 distinct myotomes. The crystalline lens is
appearing as a thickened in-pushing of the epiblast. The blastopore
is nearly closed.

At 70 hours the length of the extended embryo is 2mm. The epi-
blastic involutions for the crystalline lens and the ear-sac are distinctly
marked. The nasal involution is beginning to appear. The fourth
ventricle of the brain is differentiated and the cerebellum is folding off.
The lateial-line sense organs are apparent as epiblastic thickenings.
There are 19 myotomes. The pigment cells have become more con-
spicuous and branching. No pigment is present anterior to the eyes.
A small pointed caudal tubercle is forming as a preliminary to the
outgrowth of the tail.

At 78 hours the embryo measures 2.1 mm.; 20 or 21 myotomes are
present. The ear-sacs are now closed vesicles, just anterior to which
appear the beginnings of a large sense-organ. The lens has sunken
deep into the optic cup, its inner wall is thickened, and its orifice is
closing. The olfactory vesicles also have their orifices much constricted.

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. i

At 88 hours after the beginning of development the embryo measures
2.3 mm. in length, and the tail has grown out free of the yolk toa
length of 0.2mm. The head has become broad and conspicuous, and
measures 0.4 mm. across the eyes. The ear-sacs are still thick-walled,
simple vesicles, measuring 0.1 mm. in length. The branchial sense
organs are conspicuous. The pigment is now arranged principally in
two lines along the margins of the body, a very few scattered cells
appearing on its dorsal surface. Yellow pigment makes its first appear-
ance behind the forming eyes.

At 102 hours the embryo measures 2.4 mm., the free tail0.3mm. The
median fin ridge has begun to develop on the tail, which has now been
deflected to the left side of the embryonic axis. The alimentary canal
(mesenteron) is still an open groove for most, if not all, of its length.
The mouth depression is appearing, with slightly marked maxillary
and mandibular processes inclosing it. The branchial clefts appear as
faintly defined furrows. The head is still very broad and flat. The
heart pulsates actively, but somewhat spasmodically. The oil-sphere
is closely applied against the base of the tail and is undergoing rapid
absorption. Its protoplasmic sheath has fused with the blastoderm, and
the pigment cells, which have now developed on its internal surface,
have united by anastomosing processes to constitute a reticulum.

At114 hours the embryo is 2.6 mm. in entire length; the free tail is 0.3
mm. The caudal fin-fold is quite prominent. The tail has now turned
with its flat side toward the yolk. There are about 73 myotomes. The
head has not yet begun to rise freely from the yolk-sac. <A thickening
near the anterior end of the alimentary canal indicates the outgrowth
of the liver. The alimentary groove seems to be entirely closed.

Hatching usually takes place at 120 hours after impregnation. The
newly hatched larva measures 3.3 mm. in length; the yolk-sac 1.3 mm.
in length and 0.8 mm. indepth. ‘The oil-drop has become much reduced
and its inner surface flattened. It measures 0.28 by 0.15 mm. The
head projects slightly beyond the yolk-sac. The mouth and gill slits
are not yet opened, but there is a peculiar cleft beneath the edge of
the yolk-sac, just over the branchial region. The cephalic sinus is
small. Pigment is just beginning to appear in the retina. ‘The yolk-
sac is ovoid, and deepest toward its posterior end. The oil-drop is
embedded in the posterior ventral part of the yolk-sac, having been
pushed forward a short distance from the base of the tail, and at the
same time has rotated so that the flattened pigmented surface is now
outermost. Considerable individual variation was observed in the
exact position of the oil-drop. There is no black pigment on the sur-
face of the yolk-sac, of the median fin-fold, or on the ventral surface of
the embryo, except where a few chromatophores sometimes migrate
downward over the base of the tail. On the head the black pigment
has now formed a conspicuous reticulum extending to the extremity of
the snout. On the body and tail the pigment is more scattered, but is
chiefly confined to two series of chromatophores located along the base
of the dorsal fin and the lateral aspects of the tail. The individual

14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES,

pigment cells tend to arrange themselves along the lines of the inter-
muscular septa, along which they are produced in slender, branching
processes. Pale, greenish-yellow pigment appears in heavy masses, of
which there is one on each side of the head behind the eye, another
behind the oil-drop, and another on each side of the tail. This latter
tends to be produced from the muscular trunk of the tail onto the
dorsal and ventral fin-fo'ds. On the third day after hatching the
fry measure 3.75 mm., the yolk-sac is almost entirely absorbed, the
mouth and the opercular slits are open and functional, the eyes are
fully pigmented, and the pectoral fins have assumed their vertical
position and adult proportions. By the fifth day after hatching the
yolk-sac is entirely gone, the mouth is large and conspicuous, and the
skeletal cartilaginous arches of the head are fully formed.

CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF VARIATIONS AND ALTERATIONS IN THE SPECIFIC
GRAVITY OF THE EGGS.

The eggs, when received at the ship, between 2 and 3 hours after
mixing of the ova and sperm, were in the 2-cell to the 4-cell stage of
development. At this time all of those which were mature and intact
floated in a compact layer at the surface of water of a density which
varied from 1.021 to 1.0226. One entire lot of 425,000, however, of
what seemed to be particularly fine eggs of large size, and all fertilized,
sunk at once in a density of 1.0216. When the density was raised to
1.0225 they slowly rose and just floated at the surface. To determine
the variations in this respect among individual eggs, 100 living eggs
were taken, all in the same condition and stage of development, and
placed successively in water of different densities, with the following
result:

Number | Number
Density.| of eggs

Temper-
sus- :
sunken. | pended. | #9@ting.

ature.

19°C. | 1.022 99 0 1 |

199: C-. 1. 024 66 10 24
19° €. 1. 025 14 8 78
19° C. 1. 0252 0 0 100

A careful comparison of the lightest and the heaviest eggs in the
foregoing experiment showed that, excluding from consideration those
which were immature or otherwise imperfect, the sunken eggs were
more variable in size than the floating. The smallest were, in all prob-
ability, the not fully mature and more opaque eggs mentioned above.
The larger sank because the oil-drop was relatively of a smaller size
than in the eggs of intermediate size.

For the first 48 hours, at a temperature of 12.9° C., at which most of
our observations were made, the eggs undergo no marked change in
specific gravity. Those which sink during this period, unless a marked
fallin the density of the water occurs, are either structurally imperfect
or have, for some reason, died during the course of development. A
very serious mortality occurred in many of our lots of eggs at about 18

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 15

to 24 hours after impregnation, when embryological development had
reached the late blastula and early gastrula stage. When, during the
early part of the third day of development, the body of the embryo is
well formed, with from 3 to 8 myotomes differentiated, there is amarked
increase in the specific gravity of the eggs. They then begin to sink
slowly toward the bottom, most of them remaining for a long time in
suspension, and a few (the number of which varies with the batch of
eggs and the density of the water) retain their position at the surface.
The cause of this increase in weight becomes more apparent as develop-
ment proceeds. In the first place, it is to be noted that at about this
time the oil-drop has been inclosed by the spreading blastoderm, and
already on the third day shows signs of absorption in a flattening of the
inner surface of. the sphere and a diminution in size, shown by careful
measurements. The oil-sphere, which at first measures about 0.29 mm.
in diameter, has by the time of hatching decreased in one diameter to
0.16 mni., the other remaining at aboutits original size. The absorption
of the yolk and oil-drop and the building-up of the more compact
body of the embryo has, in the meantime, resulted in a contraction
of the vitellus and an increase in the size of the perivitelline water
space. The egg-sphere, therefore, while undergoing no increase in
size, has come to include relatively more solid matter, and is therefore
heavier.

I have gone somewhat fully into this matter, as I desire to show that
the increase in specific gravity at this time and subsequently is a
perfectly normal process. Probably any egg, the specific gravity of
which is so nearly that of the density of the water in which it is
developed—as was the case with these mackerel eggs—would undergo
a similar submergence during the later phases of development. The
eggs are not dead when they sink to the bottom (though of course
those which have died will also sink), but lie among the mass of débris
and sooner or later succumb to the influence of the decaying organic
matter. This subject, with its probable significance and practical
bearings, is considered in a later part of this report.

2, RESULTS OF SURFACE TOWINGS.

It was early in the course of the investigation considered that
important aid might be rendered toward the practical ends of the work
if the distribution of mackerel eggs deposited naturally in these waters
could be determined, together with the environmental conditions under
which they were obtained. To secure this information, surface towings
were begun on June 26 and continued daily, except during the progress
of two heavy storms, until July 27. After the arrival of Mr. Brett on
July 1, the collection of this material and full physical and meteorological
data bearing upon it were placed in his charge, Extensive and sys-
tematic examinations were made of the waters, especially about the
eastern entrance of the bay, and less fully elsewhere. The material
was fully examined by me, with special regard to the number and
condition of the mackerel eggs present. The results were in part

16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

quite unexpected, and in part probably confirmatory of conclusions
stated in a previous part of this report.

The inshore waters of Casco Bay have been generally supposed to be
one of the most important spawning-grounds of the mackerel on our
coast. If this opinion be well grounded, one would expect to find large
numbers of mackerel eggs on the surface, and I was consequently much
surprised at the almost utter barrenness of the collections in this
respect. Although other pelagic eggs of at least twelve species were
found, some of them in very great abundance, most of the surface speci-
mens yielded no mackerel eggs at all, or but two or three were detected
among thousands of the eggs of other species. An unidentified species
of egg, which in its early stages, could scarcely be distinguished from
the mackerel, was found in some abundance, but, when developed, pro-
duced a larva having very different characteristics. The only occasions
on which any considerable number of mackerel eggs were obtained was
during the prevalence of south and southeast winds, which blew within
the scope of our observations the offshore surface waters, a fact indi-
cated by an increased density. One is, therefore, probably justified in
concluding that during the season of 1897 only a very few mackerel
spawned inshore in the vicinity of Casco Bay, and that spawning for
the most part was accomplished at a greater or less distance out at
sea. This conclusion, of course, does not necessarily invalidate former
conclusions that the waters of Casco Bay constitute an important
breeding-ground for this species, but simply establishes the fact that
certain conditions, not at present definitely known, sometimes cause
most of the mackerel to spawn farther off shore. It may be added
that the literature of the mackerel contains much evidence confirmatory
of this opinion.

Of the mackerel eggs obtained by surface towings, all were in early
stages of development, the oldest containing embryos having 12 or 13
myotomes and extending about halfway around the egg; that is, they
were in stages that are reached under the artificial conditions of propa-
gation during the third day of development. Now, of the eggs of
various other species of fishes, as of the cunner, sea bass, and scup,
which habitually spawn inshore, those obtained under similar condi-
tions exhibited many examples in later stages of development, and
one would expect, if the mackerel egg remained similarly afloat until
hatched, that among the 200 or 300 eggs collected at the surface some
of the later stages would be sure to occur. The absence of such stages
seems to confirm the observation that in water of the comparatively
low density obtained here the eggs of this species will not float during
the later stages of development. It is possible that the eggs of the
mackerel are usually deposited so far out at sea that the density of
the water to which they are subjected is suflicient to float them during
the entire period of development. It may also be suggested that large
numbers of them may be carried by winds or currents to the open
ocean, and there find the conditions best suited to their welfare.

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 7

But suppose they do normally sink in the 20 or 30 fathoms of water
found where they were collected, or in the still deeper water whence
most of them in all probability came, what conditions do they meet?

First, a column of water many (several hundred) times as high as
that in the boxes and jars in which artificial propagation has been
attempted. For a body of but little lower specific gravity to pass
through such a stratum of water would require, even were the water in
a perfectly quiescent state, a very considerable length of time—per-
haps quite sufficient to permit hatching before the bottom is reached.
But the constant slight movement to which these waters are subject
owing to their agitation by tide, winds, and constant currents would
greatly prolong the time of descent.

Secondly, the density undergoes a constant and in deep water a
frequently considerable increase toward the bottom, so that the egg in
its progress downward would aiways pass through water of a density
corresponding to its own increasing specific gravity, and would thus
be constantly buoyed up by a nicely adjusted force, the result of which
would be to further delay it. ~

It is probably safe to conclude, then, that under natural conditions
the egg of the mackerel is always suspended in water of a density
very nearly equal to or greater than its own, and that it does not
normally settle to the bottom and rest there in a mass of filth, and sub-
jected to conditions of imperfect oxygenation, ete., which is the case
in the forms of artificial hatching apparatus, namely, the Chester and
MeDonald systems of tidal boxes which have hitherto been chiefly
employed. Another consideration to be noted is that the parallel
increase in density of the water and the specific gravity of the egg will
result in the maintenance of a nice balance of osmotic pressure which
may possibly be a requisite to a healthful development. Three other
conditions of change relate to light, oxygenation, and temperature, all
of which decrease toward the bottom.

3. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS.

When the results of biological investigations of the conditions of
development were sufficiently advanced to have led to the conclusion
just briefly outlined, several important lines of experimentation seemed
to be indicated. Direct observation of the changes in the living egg
and of the conditions affecting the distribution of the egg in nature
having. suggested the importance of an increasing water density, a
series of experiments designed to test the influence of this condition
was first planned. Indeed, owing to the paucity of material and the
limited time in which to work, this series was the only one which was
conducted in anything like a systematic manner, and even here the
results of individual experiments, which could not be repeated and
verified, are too meager to be conclusive.

A description of one or two of these experiments, with their results,
will suffice to indicate the general character and bearing of all.

F, R. 98——2

18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Lot D consisted of 109,000 eggs, yielded by two females taken in the
trap net of Mr. Sennett, June 26. Sperm and ova mixed at 5.15 p. m.
All of the eggs were fertilized and in the 4-cell stage when examined
on board the ship shortly after 7 p.m. All were placed in a McDonald
cod-box, in which they floated buoyantly in water of a density of
1.0221. The eggs were allowed to remain without change all through
the next day and until the morning of June 28, when, at the age of 40
hours, they were approaching the period of development when, accord-
ing to previous observations, they might be expected to pass into sus-
pension. Up to this time the mortality had been very small, and was
chiefly the result of eggs having adhered to the somewhat rough
wooden sides or the corners of the McDonald boxes, when they were
left high and dry by the receding water and killed.

At 11 a.m. on June 28, at which time the blastopore had just closed,
three lots of eggs, estimated to contain 25,000 each, were removed from
the McDonald box and subjected to the following conditions: One lot,
designated as sublot DA, was placed in a second McDonald box under
conditions precisely similar to the first, and was retained as a check on
the other sublots.

A second sublot, designated as DB, was placed in an apparatus
designed to imitate the Chester tidal boxes and jar, arranged by cutting
the bottom out of a 2-quart Mason butter jar, tying cheesecloth over both
ends, and placing this upright in a pail provided with a siphon hose.
The eggs were placed within the glass cylinder in water which had been
gradually increased in density, and the apparatus then supplied with
water, the density of which had been raised by adding a solution of
rock ah to 1.0252, this having been previously determined to be the
density in which the eggs would just float at this period of their devel-
opment. About 500 gallons of this density of water, sufficient to fll
one of the large deck boxes, was made up to supply the apparatus.
After the height and rate of the tidal flow had been adjusted to that
customarily adopted for the McDonald boxes, the apparatus was left
to itself, except that it was necessary to replace the water in the supply
tank and aerate it about every 12 hours.

The third sublot, designated DO, was also passed gradually into the
water of 1.0252 dante and then placed in a box provided with cheese-
cloth bottom, which was floated in the supply box of high-density water
on deck.

The history of these three subl6éts briefly told is as follows: During
the next 24 hours, those comprising DA had gradually settled, becom-
ing distributed all through the water and on the bottom, although the
density had increased to 1.0226. The eggs were alive and the oil-
sphere had begun to be absorbed. In sublot DB the eggs all floated
in a compact layer at the surface of the water. They were slightly
more advanced in C velopment than DA and the oil-drop was smaller.
Of sublot DC many of the eggs had been killed by rupture of the mem-
brane or other injury caused by striking or sticking to the sides of the
box while washing to and fro in the tank.

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 19

During the fourth and fifth days of development, most of the eggs of
sublot DA lay on the cheesecloth at the bottom of the box and the
embryos gradually grew weaker until they finally succumbed. A very
few, about several hundred, hatched, but all died within 24 hours. The
eggs of DC were almost all destroyed by being injured or stranded on
the side of the floating box. Those of DB continued to develop beau-
tifully until the close of the fourth and beginning of the fifth day, up
to which time they had continued to float with only a very small per-
centage of loss. At this time they were nearly ready to hatch, having
developed at a higher temperature and more rapidly than DA, but
now they began to die rapidly and within a few hours the entire lot
succumbed. A heavy rain-storm occurred about this time, and the den- -
sity of the supply of salter water was found to have dropped to 1.024.
But I do not attribute the mortality to this, because many of the
embryos were observed to die while floating at the surface, to contract,
turn opaque, and sink just as they do when affected by some deleteri-
ous substance.

Results practically similar to these were obtained in all experiments
with higher densities, the encouraging feature being that, by this
means, a much larger proportion usually remained alive until late -
stages of,development than when low-density waters were employed.
In no case was a greater number hatched, and in no case did the fry
thus reared appear to be more vigorous.

Another rather interesting result was obtained by taking eggs which
had sunken to the bottom of the usual apparatus and placing them in
a circulating current in the McDonald shad jar, the outflow being pro-
tected by cheesecloth cage. Under such circumstances the numbers
hatched were always larger than in samples of the same eggs which
were left undisturbed, and fry already hatched could be kept alive and
vigorous for a much longer time. Some were thus kept for 5 days,
when the yolk-sac was absorbed, and they were ready to begin feeding.
Half of one lot (lot G) of over 400,000 eggs, all of which sunk at once
after fertilization, were thus treated. The remaining half being placed
in a McDonald cod-box, every one of the eggs which had lain at the
bottom of the box was dead before 36 hours had passed. The eggs
placed in the closed current jar continued to develop up to the last day
and some of them hatched. Probably the proportion hatched would
have been much greater could the eggs have been prevented from
piling up on the outlet screen and injuring one another by the pressure.
Numerous other experiments were carried out, but none were more
conclusive or satisfactory than those just indicated. It was found
impossible, with the limited facilities, to be sure that only one condition
had been varied, and that some other factor had not arisen to vitiate
the results. In view of the fact that in no case was a greater. per cent
than 50 hatched, and that only once attained, it seems useless to
describe the results with further detail. It seems proper to add that
Mr. Corliss, superintendent of Gloucester station, advises me that he

20 - REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

has this year attained much more encouraging results, having hatched
in some cases over 80 per cent of the eggs placed in the McDonald
cod apparatus.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

Following is a brief summary of what seem to be the most important
results of the summer’s work, but I wish particularly to point out that
the statements contained in this report, based upon the limited data of
but one season’s experience, have not the force of final conclusions, but
are offered as suggestions only, which I hope may be useful to the next
student who takes up the problem of mackerel propagation :

During the season of 1897 the common mackerel spawned only very
sparingly within the limits of Casco Bay, but in greater numbers at
some unknown distance off the coast. Those fish which entered Casco
Bay after July 1 were in mixed schools, but most of the females were
already spent, or partly so. The best run of spawning fish occurred in
this region, according to the united testimony of the fishermen, during
the first half of June.

For each individual mackerel the season of productiveness extends
over several weeks, the eggs being produced in several batches, which
mature in succession. Night spawning is probably the rule with the
mackerel, but the eggs probably continue to be dehisced into the ovarian
cavity during most of the day. I have collected an abundance of
evidence bearing on this point.

There are indications that eggs produced by mackerel in different
regions differ in size. This may result from the existence of quite dif-
ferent schools or races. During the course of its development the egg
increases in specific gravity, owing to absorption of the oil-drop, and
sinks beneath the surface, where it encounters higher densities and
other changed conditions.

The morphology of development does not differ in essentials from
that of the cod, Spanish mackerel, and sea bass, which has been well
described in publications of the United States Fish Commission. Irreg-
ularities of segmentation occur with unusual frequency and at unusu-
ally early stages.

The eggs collected from trap nets in the latter part of the afternoon,
though sometimes presenting evidence of being not quite mature, were
very easily fertilized and seemed to be healthy.

Fertilization should be effected by the wet method and immediately,
as the sperm retains its vitality for a short time only.

The fertilized eggs are best transported in vessels of water; cheese-
cloth and muslin trays have proved unsatisfactory. The eggs should
be freed of surplus sperm and be prevented from overheating.

The indications are that the poor results attained on the Fish Hawk
are due not so much to the poor quality of the eggs as to some defect
in the apparatus, possibly to some deleterious substance introduced
somewhere in the hydraulic system.

MACKEREL INVESTIGATIONS IN 1897. 21

The results of experiments indicate no form of apparatus better for
the first two days of development than the usual tidal boxes, provided
the sides are smooth, preferably of glass or enamel, and provided that
the screens are kept free of any deleterious substances. For the later
days of development and for the fry after hatching a higher density
and greater purity of water and a form of apparatus that insures a
better circulation and keeps the ovum in suspension without undue
agitation is indicated.

Being very delicate and sensitive to physical injury and the presence
of deleterious substances, the eggs should be handled as little as possi-
ble. A relatively small number should be placed in one receptacle, not
more than would form a single layer on the surface (Mr. Corliss’s epinion
on this point differs from mine, he claiming to have had equal success
with large and small numbers), and especially the hatching apparatus
should be kept as free as possible from decaying organic matter or
other contaminating substances.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

The experience of the past few years seems to render it sufficiently
obvious that unless some very different conditions obtain in future there
is little to be hoped for from the methods of propagating the mackerel
now in vogue. The few millions of eggs annually secured are so insig-
nificant in comparison with the vast numbers which must be produced
naturally that even if all were hatched the fry resulting would be a
mere drop in the ocean.

It is well known that the purse-seine fishermen operating some miles
offshore frequently secure whole schools of spawning mackerel, from
which the eggs run so freely that decks of fishing vessels become
literally covered with those which have accidentally escaped. This
circumstance, coupled with the before-mentioned fact of the readiness
with which fertilization can be accomplished, leads to the following
suggestion, which I recommend as a guide toward a tentative policy of
the Fish Commission during the progress of further investigations:

The captains of the fishing schooners should be asked to cooperate
npon such terms as may be agreed upon, to the end that when such
spawning schools of mackerel are met with the fish should be immedi-
ately stripped, the ova and sperm mixed, and, after permitting a few
minutes to insure fertilization, turned overboard to undergo their devel-
opment amid the natural surroundings from which they were taken. In
this way, especially when such schools were taken in the late afternoon
or at night, vast numbers of fertilized and healthy eggs could be liber-
ated under conditions which have been previously indicated as those
most favorable to their growth.

The work of stripping and impregnation can be accomplished so
simply and quickly that it would not materially interfere with the regular
duties of fishing, and I have no doubt that the more intelligent fisher-
men, particularly in view of some small consideration, could accomplish

22 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

it successfully. Each schooner could be provided with a circular of
instructions and such vessels (large, shallow pans) as would be needed
to insure the intimate contact of spawn and sperm when mixed. IJtmay
even be deemed advisable, though this seems hardly necessary, to place
experienced spawners on vessels which would make favorable terms, to
conduct the operations.

In presenting this suggestion one additional factor needs to be
emphasized. While the exact spawning habits of the mackerel are
unknown, the probability is that this function is accomplished while
the males and females are actively swimming about together at a
greater or less depth below the surface. The spermatozoa are probably
more or less widely disseminated through the water. The ova are
squirted out in a stream, and, being at this time highly buoyant, imme-
diately begin to rise toward the surface, the micropyle, through which
alone the spermatozoan may enter, being downward. Under such cir-
cumstances many ova must escape fertilization. That such is the case

is shown by the very considerable number of unfertilized eggs which
were observed among those of the mackerel collected in the surface
towings this summer, and still better by my observations on the eggs of
the cunner, of which fully 30 per cent of those examined had failed of
fertilization. This shows that one very considerable advantage of arti-
ficial over natural propagation of pelagic fish ova is derived from an
increased effectiveness of the means of bringing the sexual elements .
into contact. No doubt much may be gained by continuing the care of
the developing ova to a later stage, when the means for so doing, as in
the case of the shad, is effective: but when, as is at present the case
with the mackerel, there are lacking facilities for prosecuting the work
further under such circumstances as will insure a profitable scope of
operations, it seems best to adopt the merchant’s dictum of “ smail
profits and large sales.” No doubt the time will come when the means
will be provided for carrying the eggs collected in this way up to the
time of hatching.

It needs also to be pointed out that most of the eggs which would
be produced by spawning schools thus captured are now entirely lost,
and that this fact alone, in the case of the lobster, has been regarded
as sufficient to commend the present mode of propagating that species;
although here what was said above of the advantage to be gained by
artificial fertilization is not applicable.

The advantages of this plan are economy and the possibilities of
extensive operations; the disadvantage is its probable uncertainty
from year to year.

et Ork

FISHES OBTAINED BY vi STEAMER ALBATROSS

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND AND
MONTEREY BAY.

REPORT ON FISHES OBTAINED BY THE STEAMER ALBATROSS
IN THE VICINITY OF SANTA CATALINA ISLAND AND MONTE-
REY BAY.

By CHARLES H. GILBERT, Pu. D.,
Professor of Zoology, Leland Stanford Junior University.

The fishes here reported on were collected by the United States Fish
Commission steamer Albatross in April, 1897, during the progress of
investigations conducted in the vicinity of Santa Catalina Island and
of Monterey Bay in southern California. They were obtained by the
use of the seine and of the hanu line, trawl line, gill net, and dredge,
usually at inconsiderable depths, and are therefore for the most part
the common shore and market fishes of this region. Two dredge hauls
and two sets of the gill net were at greater depths than 200 fathoms.
The discovery of an undescribed species of Averruncus and one of
Radulinus emphasizes again the great development of Agonoid and
Cottoid fishes in the North Pacific.

LIST OF FISHES.

Polistotrema stouti (Lockington). Santa Cruz; Station 3669.

Raja inornata Jordan & Gilbert. Station 3665.

Hydrolagus colliei (Lay & Bennett). Station 3666.

Clupea pallasii Cuvier & Valenciennes. Santa Cruz.

Clupanodon ceruleus (Girard). Santa Catalina Island.

Enegraulis mordax Girard. Santa Cruz; Santa Catalina Island.

Mesopus pretiosus (Girard). Santa Cruz.

Chauliodus macouni Bean. Station 3669.

Gasterosteus cataphractus microcephalus Girard. Santa Cruz.

Siphostoma griseolineatum (Girard). Santa Cruz.

Atherinopsis californiensis Girard. Santa Cruz; Santa Catalina Island.

Atherinops affinis (Ayres). Monterey; Santa Catalina Island.

Roccus lineatus (Bloch). Monterey; Santa Cruz. Introduced species.

Paralabrax clathratus (Girard). Santa Catalina Island.

Umbrina roncador Jordan & Gilbert. Santa Catalina Island.

Abeona minima (Gibbons). Santa Cruz.

Amphistichus argenteus Agassiz. Santa Cruz.

Pimelometopon pulcher (Ayres). Santa Catalina Island.

Oxyjulis modestus (Girard). Santa Catalina Island. s

Sebastolobus alascanus Bean. Stations 3666, 3667, 3669, and on trawl line set in
10 to 15 fathoms at entrance to Dakin Cove, Santa Catalina Island.

This fine species of red rockfish occurs outside the zone of profitable fishing
for the market, and is unknown to the fishermen. An individual occasionally
strays into shallower water, as seen by the above record. More recently, a
specimen was taken by fishermen in Monterey Bay, and found its way to the
San Francisco market.

25

26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Sebastolobus altivelis Gilbert. Station 3670. Ten specimens were preserved,
of which 9 have 15 dorsal spines, while 1 has exceptionally 16 spines as in
S. alascanus.

Sebastodes goodei Eigenmann & Eigenmann. Station 3671. Hand line near
Monterey, 69 fathoms.

Sebastodes paucispinis (Ayres). Santa Catalina Island; Monterey Bay.

Sebastodes serranoides Eigenmann & Eigenmann. Santa Catalina Island.

Sebastodes flavidus (Ayres). Monterey Bay.

Sebastodes mystinus Jordan & Gilbert. Monterey Bay.

Sebastodes pinniger (Gill). Monterey Bay.

Sebastodes miniatus (Jordan & Gilbert). Monterey Bay; Santa Catalina Island.

Sebastodes saxicola (Gilbert). Stations 3665, 3667, 3671.

Sebastodes introniger Gilbert. One specimen 44 cm. long; locality unknown.

This species has been identified with S. melanostomus Eigenmann, by Cra-
mer and by Jordan & Evermann. The types of the two have not been compared,
and the description of S. melanostomus fails to agree in so many details with
specimens of S. introniger that it seems best to keep the two apart. S. introni-
ger has the head larger, 2% in total length. The interorbital space is narrower,
51 in length of head. The scales are larger, 34 in the course of the lateral line.
The accessory scales are very numerous. The gillrakers are much longer, the
longest contained 24 to 24 times in the diameter of the orbit. The second and
third anal spines are equal, or the second slightly the longer, contained 1} times
in longest anal ray. In S. melanostomus the head is 3} in total length, there
are 43 scales in the lateral line, and but few accessory scales. The gillrakers
are contained 3} times in the diameter of orbit. The analspines are graduated,
the second ‘‘not much more than half the length of the soft rays.” Two speci-
mens of S. introniger, 30 cm. and 44 cm. long, entirely agree with each other in
the respects above mentioned. The differences alleged to separate the two
species can not, therefore, be due to age.

Sebastodes ruberrimus Cramer. Monterey.

Sebastodes constellatus (Jordan & Gilbert». Santa Catalina Island.

Sebastodes chlorostictus (Jordan & Gilbert). Station 3666.

Sebastodes elongatus (Ayres). Stations 3664, 3665, 3666, 3671, 3672.

Sebastodes vexillaris (Jordan & Gilbert). Monterey; Santa Catalina Island.

Sebastodes maliger (Jordan & Gilbert). Monterey.

Sebastodes carnatus (Jordan & Gilbert). Monterey.

Sebastodes serriceps (Jordan & Gilbert). Santa Catalina Island.

Scorpeena guttata Girard. Stations 3664, 3665; Santa Catalina Island.

Ophiodon elongatus Girard. Santa Cruz.

Zaniolepis latipinnis Girard. Stations 3662, 3663.

Zaniolepis frenatus Eigenmann. Station 3663.

Chitonotus pugetensis (Steindachner). Station 3663.

Tarandichthys tenuis (Gilbert). Stations 3662, 3663, 3664.

Icelinus quadriseriatus (Lockington). Station 3663.

Radulinus boleoides, new species. Plate 1. Type, a young female specimen, 72
mm. long, from Albatross Station 3664. Differing from R. asprellus in the much
smaller eye, the scaled interorbital space, the presence of supraocular and occip-
ital filaments, the smaller size and weaker spines of plates of the dorsal series,
and the different coloration.

Head 4 in length; depth 9. Eye 33 in head (23 in R&. asprellus of the same
size); snout 34; maxillary 23. Dorsal x1-22. Anal 23. Pectoral 18. Ventrals
1,3. 42 plates in the dorsal series.

Head and body very elongate, depressed anteriorly, the occiput wider and
flatter than in Rf. asgrellus. Snout long, depressed, and tapering, much as in the
darters. Interorbital space very narrow, about half diameter of pupil. Mouth
horizontal at lower side of snout, the maxillary reaching a vertical which tray-

PLATE 1.

(To face page 26.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

RADULINUS BOLEOIDES. New species.

Lower figure is an enlarged view of dorsal spinous plates.

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FISHES FROM COAST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. 27

erses eye midway between its front and front of pupil. Fine teeth in bands in
jaws and on vomer; none on palatines. In R. asprellus, also, the vomerine teeth
are in a band, not in a single series, as stated in the original description.
Branchiostegal membranes broadly united, wholly free from the isthmus in the
type. In R. asprellus the gill-membranes vary in this respect, being sometimes
wholly free from the isthmus, sometimes attached for half or more than half
their width. Preopercle with two short, simple spines, the upper slender and
sharp, directed backward and slightly upward, the lower broader and shorter,
directed backward and downward. Below and in front of these are two rounded
prominences which bear no spines. Opercle ending in a triangular process,
which is scarcely spine-like. Nasal spines rather small, a depression between
and behind them. No spines on orbital rim, which is not at all raised. The
narrow interorbital space is not grooved. Occiput broad and flat, without
ridges or spines. <A slender filament on upper posterior border of orbit. A
similar filament on each side of occiput on its posterior line.

Body with a dorsal series of imbricated spinous plates, similar to those in
R. asprellus. But the plates are smaller, with less evident keels and shorter
spines. Along its anterior third the series is accompanied above by a narrow
band of smaller plates, which are continued anteriorly on sides of occiput, and
merge anteriorly into the patch behind and between the eyes. Posterior portion
of snout, the opercles, and the posterior line of occiput with spinous scales;
head otherwise naked.

The vertical fins have long, slender rays as in Rf. asprellus. The dorsal fins
are separate, but the interspace is less than the diameter of the pupil. The
distance from front of anal to vent equals two-thirds diameter of orbit. Ven-
trals short, reaching half way to front of anal. Pectorals reaching slightly
beyond front of anal, seven-eighths length of head.

Color light olive or grayish, the lower parts unmarked, the breast and belly
silvery. Back crossed by four wide brownish-olive crossbars, the anterior of
which, under spinous dorsal, becomes merged into the general brownish-olive
coloration of upper portion of head and nape. The edges of the bands are
sharply defined, and are marked with concave indentations where encroached
upon by roundish light-colored areas. The spaces between the bands are
slightly dusky and are marked with some irregular, small, dark blotches along
middle of sides. Anteriorly on the back are pairs of round, light-colored spots
with darker edges, some of them showing silvery pigment. A small silvery
spot above the base of each pectoral fin. A narrow dark line across occiput
behind the eyes. Dusky blotches on cheeks. A dark bar across the maxillary
and lip; a pair on premaxillaries. Two faint dark bars on the caudal fin, the
fins otherwise translucent or whitish, unmarked.

Clinocotius analis (Girard). Santa Catalina Island.
Averruncus sterletus, new species. Plate 2. Type, 103 mm. long, from Albatross
Station 3662.

Very closely related to A. emmelane, with which it agrees in coloration and
general appearance, as well as in most details of structure. It differs in the follow-
ing respects: The snout is shorter,the rostral spines scarcely protruding beyond
the premaxillaries; no barbels on snout below rostral spines or on margin of
preorbital, or at mandibular joint; region between rostral spine and front of
premaxillaries wholly occupied by a triangular movable plate, with rough,
granular surface; breast with three parallel series of sharply keeled plates; no
spine at posterior end of premaxillary fossa; ventrals very long and slender,
wholly white; spinous dorsal, anal and pectorals with fewer rays.

Head 43 in length; width at base of pectorals, 7; depth 8}. Dorsal vu1-8.
Anal 9. Pectoral, 12 on each side. Thirty-nine plates in dorso-lateral series.

Rostral projection shorter than in A. emmelane, with two short, forwardly
directed spines, behind which is a pair more widely separated, directed upward

28

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and backward. Supraocular ridge elevated, not sharp, finely granular, with
preocular and postocular spines. Ridges and spines on head as in A. emmelane,
but none of the former rough-serrate. Eye large, 3} in head, longer than snout
and more than twice the interorbital width. Mouth little overpassed by the
rostral spines, the maxillary reaching slightly behind front of orbit, 34 in
head. Teeth present on jaws, vomer and palatine. Barbels fewer than in A,
emmelane. Three are present on maxillary, two of which are at its posterior
end, the upper much the longer. The third is inserted more anteriorly, behind
the middle of the maxillary. Eight shorter barbels are present on each man-
dibular ramus, the posterior only near the joint. Several short barbels on gular
region, and across series on branchiostegal membranes, usually one barbel for
each ray. Plates onthe body as in 4. emmelane, all with sharp spines, which
are present, though small in the ventral series. Middle of breast with one
median and two lateral series of plates, all of which bear distinct longitudinal
keels. The two lateral ridges on breast are the anterior continuation of the
ventral ridges of the trunk.

The spinous dorsal begins at the seventh dorsal plate, the last dorsal spine
articulating with the thirteenth plate. The first and last rays of the second
dorsal articulate, respectively, with the eighteenth and twenty-fourth plates-
The dorsal series unite at the thirtieth plates, the median series of nine plates
thus formed bearing double or bifid spines throughout. The first and the last
anal rays articulate, respectively, with the sixteenth and twenty-third plates
of ventral series (excluding the anterior three on breast). The ventral series
coalesce immediately opposite the union of dorsal series. The anus is opposite
the interspace between the third and fourth plates. Ventral spines long and
slender, equaling length of snout and eye. Pectorals equaling length of head in
advance of opercular joint. Five lower pectoral rays with incised membranes,
the tips projecting.

Color similar to A. emmelane, the back and sides with 7 or 8 narrow black
crossbars, the posterior of which extend faintly on the under surface. The inter-
spaces on back are somewhat dusky, with lighter vermiculating lines and spots,
a few of which extend on the bars. The dorsals have a speckled appearance,
and are darker above the black dorsal bars. Head blackish above, the head and
body light or slightly dusky below. Ventrals white. Anal white, with some
black markings along the base of the rays. Pectorals with a wide black bar at
base, succeeded by a wide white bar, followed by a narrower black bar and
a narrow terminal white bar. Caudal with a narrow basal bar of black, then a
narrow white bar followed by a broad black bar, and edged with white.

Xenochirus latifrons Gilbert. Stations 5665, 3671, 3672.

Xenochirus triacanthus Gilbert. Station 3664.

Furcella diaptera (Gilbert). Station 3667.

Macrourus acrolepis Bean. Station 3670. One taken in a gill net set in 581

fathoms, vicinity of Monterey Bay.

Lyopsetta exilis (Jordan & Gilbert). Stations 3664, 3665, 3666, 3667, 3671.
Hopsetita jordani (Lockington). Monterey; Santa Catalina Island.

Psettichthys melanostictus Girard. Santa Cruz; Monterey.

Hippoglossina stomata Kigenmann & Kigenmann. Stations 3662, 3663.
Citharichthys sordidus (Girard), Stations 3662, 3663, 3664, 3665, 3668, 3671.
Parophrys vetulus Girard. Monterey; Santa Catalina Island.

Lepidopsetta bilineata (Ayres). Station 5664.

Platichthys stellatus (Pallas). Santa Cruz.

Embassichthys bathybius (Gilbert). Stations 3669, 3670. One specimen taken in

a gill net in 278 fathoms, Monterey Bay.

Microstomus pacificus (Lockington). Stations 3669, 3672.
Glyptocephalus zachirus Lockington. Stations 3669, 3671, 3672.

PLATE 2,

(To face page 28.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898

AVERRUNCUS STERLETUS, New species,

Lower figure is a ventral view,

FISHES FROM COAST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

29

LIST OF DREDGING STATIONS AND THE FISHES TAKEN AT EACH STATION.

Station 3662, off Santa Catalina Island;
47 fathoms.
Zaniolepis latipinnis.
Tarandichthys tenuis.
Averruncus sterletus.
Hippoglossina stomata.
Citharichthys sordidus.

Station 3663, off Santa Catalina Island;
47 fathoms.

Zaniolepis latipinnis.

Zaniolepis frenatus.

Chitonotus pugetensis.
Tarandichthys tenuis.

Icelinus quadriseriatus.
Hippoglossina stomata.
Citharichthys sordidus.

Station 3664, off Santa Catalina Island;
80 fathoms.
Sebastodes elongatus.
Scorpena guttata.
Tarandichthys tenuis.
Radulinus boleoides.
Xenochirus triacanthus.
Lyopsetta exilis.
Lepidopsetta bilineata.

Station 3665, off Santa Catalina Island;
59 fathoms.
Raja inornata.
Sebastodes elongatus.
Sebastodes saxicola.
Scorp:ena guttata.
Xenochirus latifrons.
Lyopsetta exilis.
Citharichthys sordidus.

Station 3666, off Monterey Bay; 68 fath-
oms.
Hydrolagus colliei.
Sebastolobus alascanus.
Sebastodes elongatus.

Station 3666, ete.—Continued.
Sebastodes chlorostictus.
Lyopsetta exilis.

Station 3667, off Monterey Bay; 90 fath-
oms.
Sebastolobus alascanus.
Sebastodes saxicola.
Furcella diaptera.
Lyopsetta exilis.

Station 3668, off Monterey Bay; 39 fath-
oms.
Citharichthys sordidus.

Station 3669, off Monterey Bay; 278 fath-
oms.

Polistotrema stouti.
Chauliodus macouni.
Sebastolobus alascanus,
Embassichthys bathybius.
Microstomus pacificus.
Glyptocephalus zachirus.

Station 3670, off Monterey Bay; 581 fath-
oms.
Sebastolobus altivelis.
Macrourus acrolepis.
Embassichthys bathybius.

Station 3671, off Monterey Bay; 56 fath-
oms.
Sebastodes goodei.
Sebastodes elongatus.
Sebastodes saxicola.
Xenochirus latifrons.
Lyopsetta exilis.
Citharichthys sordidus.
Glyptocephalus zachirus.

Station 3672, off Monterey Bay; 68 fath-
oms.
Sebastodes elongatus.
Xenochirus latifrons.
Microstomus pacificus.
Glyptocephalus zachirus.

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NOTEHS

ON THE

EXTENT AND CONDITION OF THE ALEWIFE FISHERIES
OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1896,

BY

ELUG EY OM. SIMIIPET.

31

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NOTES ON THE EXTENT AND CONDITION OF THE ALEWIFE
FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1896,

By Huau M. SMITH.

THE ALEWIVES OR RIVER HERRINGS.

Alewives are the most abundant food-fishes inhabiting the rivers
of the eastern coast of the United States, and, next to the shad, are
commercially the most valuable fishes of those waters. Although their
range is similar to that of the shad—namely, from Maine to Florida—
they are somewhat more generally distributed; they enter all the rivers
frequented by sbad and also annually visit in large numbers many
other streams.

The two species of alewives are very similar in appearance and
habits, and may easily be mistaken for each other on casual observa-
tion. ''hey are usually distinguished by fishermen and dealers and
receive different names, but the identification of individual specimens
by fishermen is often faulty, as they depend more on the time of the
run and the denseness of the schools than upon any reliable structural
or color characteristics,

The branch herring (Pomolobus pseudoharengus) is found from North
Carolina northward along the entire coast; if it exists at all in the rivers
of South Carolina and Georgia it is very rare, and extensive collections
of fishes in the St. Johns River, in Florida, have failed to disclose its
presence. It is extremely abundant in Albemarle Sound, Chesapeake
Bay, Delaware Bay, New York Bay, and their tributaries, and in the
rivers, ponds, and bays of New England. It appears earlier than the
other alewife, usually preceding the first run of shad, and ascends to
the headwaters of streams to spawn.

The glut herring (Pomolobus cestivalis) is common in the St. Johns
River, Florida, and is found thence northward along the entire coast
of the United States, being most abundant in Albemarle Sound and
Chesapeake Bay. It usually appears, suddenly, about the middle of
the shad season, coming in enormous schools. It does not, as a rule,
ascend the streams far above tide water, and spawning takes place at
a shorter distance from the sea than in the case of the branch herring.

The branch herring may be readily distinguished from the glut herring
by the pale lining (peritoneum) of the abdominal cavity, this structure
being black in the glut herring. Other features by which the two tishes
may be identified are the deeper body, more elevated fins, and larger eye
of P. pseudoharengus.

F. R, 98 3 33

34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The size of alewives taken for the market is quite uniform. The
average weight is two-fifths or one-third of a pound, the two species
being similar in this respect. Examples weighing as much as half a
pound are rare.

As food-fishes, the alewives are generally regarded as superior to the
sea herring, being larger and of better flavor, but they are decidedly
inferior to the shad in food value. There is very little difference in the
edible qualities of the two species, although the branch herring has
the reputation of being somewhat better. Many reach the market in
a fresh condition, but perhaps the largest quantities are salted or
smoked, smoking being a favorite method of preparation in New Eng-
land. For use as bait in the line fisheries for cod, haddock, and other
ground fish, alewives are considered highly satisfactory, and large
numbers are thus utilized in Maine and Massachusetts. The abund-
ance and cheapness of these fish make them of almost incalculable
importance in the coast sections, and in 1896 nearly 150,000,000 were
sold by fishermen of 14 States for food and bait, besides which large
quantities were given away at the fishing shores. The average price
received by the fishermen was one-third of a cent per fish.

These fishes are known by a large number of names along different
parts of the coast. In the New England States the name alewife is in
general use, while in the Middle and South Atlantic States “herring”
is the name most frequently heard. The branch herring is known as
spring herring, branch alewife, gaspereau, wall-eyed herring, hardhead,
alewife, ellwife, and ellwhop.. Among the names for the glut herring are
blueback, May herring, school herring, summer herring, blackbelly,
English herring, kyack, cat-thrasher, and sawbelly.

THE ALEWIFE FISHERIES CONSIDERED BY STATES.

Alewives are caught in much larger numbers than any other fishes
entering the fresh waters of the United States, and among all the fishes
of American waters are surpassed in this respect only by two species, the
sea herring (Clupea harengus) and the menhaden (Bbrevoortia tyrannus).
They are taken for commercial purposes in every seaboard State from
Maine to Florida, except Georgia, in which an alewife fishery was
formerly carried on. Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia are the
leading alewife States, although important fisheries also exist in Maine,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.

The fishing is prosecuted with pound nets, trap nets, weirs, seines, gill
nets, fykes, and dip nets; the largest catch is with pound nets and seines.
In most States special apparatus is employed, but far the larger part
of the yield is obtained with apparatus set primarily for other fishes.

In 1896, according to the investigations of the United States Fish
Commission,* over 2,500 persons were engaged in the alewife fisheries,
besides many thousand people who operated apparatus in which ale-
wives constituted an important part of the catch. Over 800 people used

*See Report U. 8. Fish Commission 1897, pp. CXXV—CXXX.

ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF UNITED STATES IN 1896. 35

seines, 930 set gill nets, and nearly 500 fished weirs and pound nets.
In the preparation of the catch by smoking and salting 134 persons
were engaged. In Maryland there were 616 alewife fishermen, and in
Massachusetts 388, while in Maine, Delaware, New Jersey, and North
Carolina there were more than 200. The following table exhibits in
detail the distribution of the fishermen:

Table showing by States the number of persons employed in the alewife fisheries of the
United States in 1896.

Fisheries in which engaged.
Pound-
: Shores-|,,
States. net, : 7 : Total.
trap- | Seine. oa Eyes aes Motalls*|\ tenes
met, and 2 : is
weir.

Mommectee wba sete es inosine sence Reese 110 Eh Meereel naneeie IDB aseemesc||) | hk}
AAT reienan cis cicietseisicelcicios ooaee see scee 2 126 92 PAN eee DIS) |Becce a 218
IS) Bt ee oe ae eres Seer Eoeey 1438 TOs 522555 4/2 ee sce 88 237 10 247
Man ylan dca seina) les sonic Scio mclaceise sce ee Se 114 18 478 (a eee GIG ase ee 616
Massachusetts. 2-28 th a-0 se ae Stee 5 223 Wsee cons 12 342 46 388
ewe bliampshine sno: oe asic mses ceetes 10 Spleseete leesereell amsisteres AO) | Seyarctere si 10
ANG WiIOLSO Vesa ac seu titnos cee come eo nace eraiekis aise 193 (le be Bee hsllbecesoe 22GA|E cites e 226
IND MO el 6 oS SS Be Cte See cette 4 71 PM ESscoodllaeosoce 99) [Pes ceiaer 99
INO Gti Caroling) ae 0 eee ese saseses ce 145 10 HON 2 5.55 52%) sete eee 165 60 225
[ERTS AVON 255 sondsant bose deserdas sens pose soed|sesecer 1p), Beers BESacee 13] BSE 12
Rinadevisland sz es. css- ssc ee kee estan 28 CP 4d eee eee loppeobe |sncons5 60 18 78
WISE) wo sono oncuosscdasoreesnsdscesnces 20 13 PS) ocoproc|leesssoe fe O24 epentsee 288
SEPT is Be ee ea 471 811 | 930 8 209 | 2, 386 134 2,520

* Exclusive of duplication of those in more than one fishery.

The boats, apparatus, and other property which may be credited to
the alewife fishery had a value of $111,000 in 1896. This sum repre-
sents 1,232 boats, 542 pound nets, trap nets, and weirs, 223 seines,
1,469 gill nets, 70 fyke nets, and 215 dip nets, together with nearly
$27,000 worth of shore and accessory property. As may be seen from
the following table, the largest investment was in Maryland, where
$26,000 were devoted to this fishery, and where more boats, traps, and
gill nets were used than in any other State. Massachusetts, Maine,
and North Carolina rank next to Maryland in the value of the property
connected with the alewite fisheries.

Table showing by States the boats, apparatus, and property employed in the alewife fisheries
of the United States in 1896

: /Pound nets, tra’ <¢
Boats. , | nets, and woiee Seines

States. ine He:

No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. |Length.| Value.
| Feet

CONNEC CH CIE 2 =o :<:0(a)35,seeesibins sae oes s mers © 31 BOSS |eiaretatrata tera siate 30 9, 987 $2,475
LUMEN he Ao eae ppp oer cdbocns 6 dosequcdacat 101 | 3,290 5 $150 34} 7,933 1,314
VUNG oe foe acc ois veers ee a tele 223 | 3,495 152 | 8, 240 5 | 1,932 257
Maryland ie aan 2555 nccmamctienice soceeceic ce = 355 8, 683 172 | 10, 160 4 1, 920 256
Massachusetts) - = -.---eseceeu eecctsccesaccs 88 | 2,974 1 150 45 | 17,739 3, 075
INewablampshire:...--25)-55-6 5. .ssneeececsn: 12 | 155 12 480 2 360 50
ING WaHUOLSOV rcs ss cic boo se chorea a serisce Ce be G49 sets ere | seats 57 | 30, 642 3, 025
ING WpMCOL Kae seis e sc.c shine cote eee neeeee 71 | 1,488 4 260 26 6, 630 1, 380
Nort Carolina sica--0--5--cesssseeseseces 84 | 2,025 130 6, 505 2 2,775 410
Lenni AWE) Soe ececoueaee seer Lobodsassec 6) 50a |eaatteee | Salsierectalivias ese sisastaciet |bietemices
Riedeslande: 225.52. -cct seco asseeeaceeces 33 610 18 990 16 | 9,600 840
Ve PM ayers 32h aia. nice Sie sie ages seicjeciass ete 151 2,139 48 | 1,435 2 2, 100 225
Mobaleeseacte maa lets aa sess same eer 1, 232 | 28, 207 542 | 28, 370 223 | 91,618 13, 307

36

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by States the boats, apparatus, and property employed in the alewife fisheries

of the United States in 1896—Continued.

Gill nets. Fyke nets. | Dip nets. | Valueof|! Total
Staten: shore and| value of

No. |Length.| Value. | No.| Value. | No.) Value. a roRerte we

Feet.

Connecticut ..... Sn obo5acc0RnSbe. 3 125 $203 serail eee (se eles ones $470 $3, 648
IO EM eho cacoonasdoonsacoss0o56 | 141 | 41, 055 1, 346 | 60 ESO Meee aaa aa 1, 795 8, 075
IMiaING = ape ac cede cntise eee cent since ocllocciseeee| tocece te Ard Beeeaars 94 $222 5, 369 17, 583
Maryland scece eck eae 202 <.| 860 |141,482 | 5,561 | 10 532] ae eee 1, 215 26, 000
Massachusetts ...........--.-... | 10] 2,250 iT a Pa ee re: 121 193 | 12,958 19, 470
New Hampshire =s2---2--------- | sintcelleecilemeel bias ebices else leo eeeee eee «|aeiecs see 355 1, 040
New Jiersey --------------.---.-- 183 | 34,470 Tht! | ssc||Scnses 54) ocad\basces4- 800 6, 773
INO Wal Kanon ee evo eie ein icleretai= 20 | 12,780 660 |.. eee Saal Heeees se 300 4, 088
North Carolina. ....-.--.-------- 70 | 2,100 GD seeeleoosscsd||Scnd|ssoa5cas 3, 350 12, 355
Pennsylvania ...-----.----------- 6 | 5,460 UGS bales cece loss) cocooen|korcccotac 1, 441
TRIE MG! eabscusadsecoosacad| |ngsee|bensecgs|looooccdl scos|scoesucs|jedagllesasodac 1, 050 3, 490
VApIiA Jods kocsk bees voceee | A708 10176086) <STRMM seh 5625 SNC aa erases 300 7. 283
TEMS Secon aco Sooo oases 1,469 331, 525 | 12, 680 | 70 305 |215 415 27, 962 111, 246

The alewives taken and sold in 1896 numbered nearly 148,000,000,
weighing 62,000,000 pounds and valued at $459,600. The catch in the
foregoing apparatus set especially for these fish was much less than in
the appliances operated primarily for shad. Thus the alewife fisheries
proper yielded upward of 32,900,000 fish, while in the shad fisheries
there were over 108,000,000 alewives taken and in other fisheries about
6,490,000. The participation of the different States in the yield of these

fish is shown in the table.

Table showing by States the catch of alewives in 1896.

In alewife fisheries. In shad fisheries.
States. =
No. Pounds. Value. No. Pounds. | Value.

Conneetiembisemnaeiseeeetsaeee aero 2, 084, 406 742, 762 $9, 918 173, 392 69, 357 $580
IDEN Ene codognooosbSnedencoceonS| 1, 484, 850 573, 940 5, 058 622, 540 249, 016 2, 698
1 iat Gas speenocoeeo ee sooCCDO aa | pecbeapeecae Iccccodescsccl-cosacesae 40, 000 16, 000 400
WIEMIOGY Ca onscegoosetosuasccconsades 4, 871, 958 2, 674, 505 20, 196 404, 781 227,101 2,439
Wer Ayibmvili ooo Son cbecsencssoddsese 4, 350, 696 1, 740, 278 11, 381 | 39,752,610 | 15, 901, 044 | 114, 489
Massaehusettaeascmee sees eases 7,370, 689 | 3,970, 274 35, 050'|sc 12 -- ee | eck 2S ee
iNew, Hampshine= =< sino2--ceemi- 479, 500 269, 734 2, 195 | sa coaneccesaloe eae te | tee ae
IWOOT Chee cecospobacaseceacuess 3,410,640 | 1,915, 572 8,170 | 2,200, 350 943, 727 5, 987
INie@we VOT Keene miacie seem = ers 895, 070 358, 028 4,892 | 1,422, 000 568, 800 6, 333
Northi@arolingsea.sscee= lee eee a 1, 098, 200 439, 280 3, 062 | 34, 791, 598 | 13,916, 640 | 112, 883
Pennsylvania. ---...2-----------5 97, 000 48, 500 257 1, 475, 000 590, 000 4,115
RHVOd eMSlANG masons eresesciocieciae 3, 960, 920 | 1, 584, 368 23, 641 | 403, 200 161, 280 692
Stone Chinn tine 6556 5dosdocseS pc loccenagansas|lobapmotoseediscnacasor. 30, 500 12, 200 463
AVAL PUTT Ae tetele a alstolelwlelslel~iwlelsleleleisi=eieler= 2, 907, 070 1, 162, 828 7,189 | 27, 178, 547 | 10, 871, 419 55, 264

AYO ce psaponceesaaeeesoooS 32, 960,999 | 15,480,069 | 131,609 108,494,518 | 48, 526,584 | 306, 343

In other fisheries. Total
States. —= SSS |e
No Pounds. | Value. No. Pounds. | Value.

Gonnectioutiee s-steeo- hese o eee 472, 625 189,069} $1,532] 2,730,423 | 1,001,188 | $12, 031
LOE ERS) S550 s9edroob ose doesccose||poocesoseecelongcoocosocdllscposscse|| AUR ei 822, 956 7, 756
ANWR ce onsnodoosssqgb bc decoded coogeasoocdd beacons soescd|bonoonsccs 40, 000 16, 000 400
AML) Gono KHs oor ome eode coseaceD 961, 100 486, 720 2,701 6, 237, 839 3, 388, 326 25, 336
WirhravibmGl ose ch sheesenccascosss 64, 980 25, 993 180 | 44, 168, 286 | 17, 667,315 | 126, 050
Miassachiise@tts) ae caries === iceee= 1 2, 675, 237 | 1,386, 215 10, 074 | 10,045,926 | 5,356,489 | 45, 124
ING WH aMmpPSDINE | socio ale stelle cela 47,000 | 23, 9387 250 526, 500 293, 671 3, 045
INE UGH oop ccochogcdss sasnssec 733, 050 368, 775 1, 408 6, 344, 040 3, 228, 074 15, 565
ENTGNPOY OF iat erate els os eis ectetiae = cists 211, 470 84, 588 1, 378 2, 528, 540 1, 011, 416 12, 603
Worthi Carolina): ae << <5 .<:rccctertee =e lla Sre's alefetete as) emiste slelnitie aicis ara oe ese chee 35, 889, 798 | 14, 355, 920 | 115, 945
Letra la scodtosness snS5nsnbe)>so0rssc6¢c0d [49500 sSeanadboodees soc | 1,572, 000 638, 500 4, 372
MNOGOMASlAN ees soc~ enclose poet 828, 280 831, 312 8, 551 5, 192, 400 2, 076, 960 27, 884
SOK (OPM bME RCA Gaeopae ecoceiadeds 960560 ¢cd|oonc Seago baabeeses- 30, 500 12, 200 463
Walt bnis aneocdonodguoaadoredodc 408, 400 163, 360 571 | 30,494, 017 | 12, 197, 607 63, 024

DOUE A Bice es ce mwce cece 6, 402, 142 3,059,969 | 21, 646 147, 857, 659 | 62, 066, 622 | 459, 598

ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF UNITED STATES IN 1896.

37

In Massachusetts 7,370,000 were taken—more than in any other State;
in the shad fishery of Maryland nearly 40,000,000 alewives were caught;
in that of North Carolina nearly 35,000.000, and in that of Virginia

about 27,000,000.

The table which follows shows by States the number, pounds, and
value of alewives caught with each kind of apparatus.
the yield was taken in pound nets, traps, and weirs, and about two-fifths

in seines.

fyke nets, dip nets, and other minor apparatus.
eatch, amounting to 25,000,000 fish, was made in Virginia; the largest
seine catch, aggregating 21,000,000 fish, was in Maryland.

Nearly half of

Only relatively small quantities are obtained with gill nets,

The largeso pound-net

Table showing by States and apparatus of capture the quantity and value of alewives taken

in the United States in 1896.

|Pound nets, trap nets, and weirs. Seines.
States.
No. | Pounds. Value. No. Pounds. Value.
Connecticut. 3: <.<<c se cethcies 506, 580 202, 651 $1,635 | 2,204, 998 790, 999 $10, 276
Welaware eee ss sos season 71, 600 28, 640 373 | 1,732, 290 692, 916 6, 223
TORI EN oe Gee a | es eee oe a La 2 a Rah 40, 000 16, 000 400
IVERIN Ohicto aaie-ciate sic:a'= <\a-n:a/21s amie; orsisine 2, 846, 739 1, 507, 872 14, 380 433, 500 216, 750 1, 156
AVE in yan eee eae emi eine eae 21, 320, 744 8, 528, 298 45, 542 | 21,178, 346 8, 471, 339 73, 185
Massachusetts: <-(- = <=-<052--52< 2, 564, 587 1, 331, 202 9, 842 4, 949, 106 2, 629, 525 23, 440
Wewstampshires 2.2. - 3.22.55. 481, 500 268, 359 2, 786 45, 000 25, 312 259
ING UIGIE GS aga: ae Se ene te OSeeers 149, 550 74, 775 505 6, 066, 540 3, 081, 974 14, 253
INGhy 2nd ke ae see ce eee 254, 990 101, 996 1,998 | 1,913,550 765, 420 8, 925
BADEN APOMN AEM. << noe. -cicccine 18, 080, 214 | 7, 232, 086 55, 542 | 16, 660,384 | 6, 664, 154 54, 425
JPRS VN Es oso oaseee adassseo| bpseeqaccead| ecbeacmancd| Seasasgcoc 1, 475, 000 590, 000 4,115
Hhodopislandlaves ss o2s28 asses 1, 823, 330 729, 332 8,771 | 3,369,070 | 1,347,628 19, 113
Sumi. (CARN IETS 32565 ao oeENe aes! pec seeosonec Secenoptanec SeeeabEcoc 2, 800 1, 120 34
Marrsiminioca si Soicise <= =n + am 25, 159, 790 | 10, 063, 916 49,724 | 3, 208,357 | 1,283, 343 8, 039
pL Ofalieeeern de cenaccees. ose 73, 259, 624 | 30,069,127 | 191,048 | 63,278,941 | 26, 576, 480 223, 843
Gill nets. Fyke nets.
States.
No. Pounds. Value No. Pounds. Value.
Wonneemed teases sss 5% => 18, 845 7, 538 $120) | 2. acecsas sel ee mae ceceenaltees seme
GEE WAN Chace os Seen. ccce = sis one 247, 500 99, 000 1, 130 6, 000 2, 400
Maryland )jo22 csi sa-cecccns cn 1, 254, 336 “501, 734 5, 564 305, 860 122, 344
MMassachusetts=csac=-<5-55<-5- << 18, 000 10, 125 ne Bee te cedabed pobenacep sas boqdcescce
New Jersey 107, 200 60, 200 §46 20, 750 125
INGWAMOLK Et saa oniaiciaan cai wine se 360, 000 144, 000 pT ts) Un Bese see oon Seance Cesoen Sanccecrcs
WorthiCarolina= 22s... 2.255 s6—5- 8, 200 3, 280 to ESSE ESE scl Sameer ere
IRenMaylVaniaessssc=s-2.5- =< <4 97, 000 48, 500 PAY NGeecronocenolloaboncacessn|Gacono sons
SIN 0 GRIT) Hin) oc Se eR AOS ee SSeS escictl SAee Onan eens 27, 700 11, 080
WAT PRIMI Dea assess ocs'stc sarc c= 2 2, 119, 070 847, 628 | 5, 233 6, 800 2, 720
ROG ASS ee eres Os See 4, 230, 151 1,722,005 | 14,878 367, 110 149, 669
|
All other apparatus. Total.
States.
No. Pounds. Value. No. Pounds. Value.
Connecticut 2,730,423 | 1,001, 188 $12, 031
WElAWALE oss = 22,5000 semnantass 2, 057, 390 822, 956 7, 756
LTC Oe ee ee 40, 000 16, 000 400
IMGRING |S sic neiajce's == ones = tae aes 2, 967, 600 1, 663, 704 $9, 850 6, 237, 839 3, 388, 326 25, 336
Wanyland 022525. <ccnensceo-=% 109, 000 43, 600 429 | 44, 168, 286 | 17, 667,315 126, 050
Massachusetts: -----<-<----5--00 2, 514, 233 1, 385, 637 11, 662 | 10, 045, 926 5, 356, 489 45, 124
NeW SLAM PSHILO!o4=.-5- eae ae tate miele narnia isa) sae eee o'ain)= 526, 500 293, 671 3, 045
MGW? UG PEER eee eens ae PSScsS sec es| Gaaranee nee RSMaeeanee 6, 344,040 | 3, 228, 074 15, 565
DMewee OTe sons. oc cos cee ca sce neeeesboelleoz wetter csc) contiease 2, 528, 540 1, 011, 416 12, 603
INGrpn@arolinas...-26ss---csser~ 1, 141, 000 456, 400 5, 910 | 35, 889, 798 | 14, 355, 920 115, 945
Zhe ye ee Bae _ 1, 572, 000 638, 500 4, 372
aH ORES AN eee Ne aicans & oso | eee ee acme a sincscelsieiee cares 5,192,400 | 2,076, 960 27, 884
Saud CONG) So oe SBeeSBeee eral Ree SSe en Koes] Caer Oe een ie (er emeeretesaes 30, 500 12, 200 463
VET OU eet -RE8 8 Seba camel coseaeece sell Ae cs eee secs |saevexen-e 30,494, 017 | 12, 197, 607 63, 024
Gta eee Se iscs osc aes 6,721, 833 | 3,549,341 | 27, 851 |147, 857, 659 | 62,066,622 | 459, 598

38

THE FISHERIES CONSIDERED BY WATERS.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In the following series of four tables, the extent of the alewife fish-
eries in 1896 is exhibited by waters; the first table shows persons
employed, the second the boats, apparatus, ete., used, the third the
aggregate catch in all kinds of appliances, and the fourth the catch in
the apparatus set especially for alewives.

The alewife fisheries of the Chesapeake Basin are seen to have been
engaged in by over 900 persons, or more than two-fifths the total num-
ber of alewife fishermen, the Chester, Potomac, and York rivers being
most prominent in this respect.

Table showing by waters the nwmber of persons engaged in the alewife fisheries.

| Visheries in which engaged.
|
Pound.
Shores-
Waters. States. net, e717 | . Total.
trap- |Seine.) ot jEyke-) Dip: Ipotai.*| men.
net, and net. | net. | net.
weir.
Dennys River.......--.--- IWEHBE) song oboe. Oeaceacllossoud|loscoce 8 12) agentes 12
IMachins iRLVOl!s==-sce-scise|| cee 5 GW Jocg6hsbec YD) lecescalldasaed|issoses 34 39) | Saas } 39
Penobscot River s--2-.5---|2--2- OG isc n-besse 783 lneeacc|losocmallsaacus|iaossas] 73S see 73
Medomakehivertsss.c-c0s|seee! (le) Sons hesacalSoubeaso losddsclloapocu|booscs 4 4 | 2 | 6
St. George River -.-....---|..-.- OO Apa soase Ny beseS5|o4oc0q||secoo5 7 23 3 26
Pemaquid River --s-<--ss.|55-5 CPE Rae eal eaeeenne Hesece eencee (teeecte 3 3 2 5
Damariscotta River .....-.|.--.- CO Oss aes Be ees es) etre seecee 4 43 | 3 46
Iennebec Rivers-s2-co-es-| =. 6 Ge Sea a aes BSsnoS sae sees abl stosadlsoaso it) DD ees oe 1
Casco:Bayre--eteco-e e ce Sd Otst cae ee 2 ID) leeagad|seeoog anon 12) \S8252 12
Shores of Maine. .....-.-.-|....- On peace eres (Secbesaelpssesol\ssoeda|sssnse 27 PAN eee na 27
Newmarket River..-...--- New Hampshire PAN bees ened baceeo| Mosse 2S eeeeees 2
HXGLOLPEVIVeL aE oeeee ee eee leeeee (i) See ese 8 OM aascce|seeses|eeemes 8. s5-3ee 3
MerrimaceRiver se. sess. Massachusetts..|.--..-.. yl A Fea lsc sal le seaier 49" |o.p aoe 4S
HvarimMtOn LuVviOts sen emeieee learns GO fsa asec men eneee idl eee eoser lssesee 87 22 109
Ponds, small rivers, and |..... OO hegaacoses 5 87 | Suleeeiaee | 121 | 206 24 ' 230
creeks. |
Ponds and small rivers..-.) Rhode Island -.. 28 82) ataseelecscecleseaee 60 | ASH 78
Connecticut River ..-..--- | Connecticut ..-.|.--.-.-- 110 | Bhi [cence escieree |. “LTS 3) scaeeeee 113
Shores of Long Island ....; New York..---- 4 BOA Heese Seana Gesees 36,2. csoee 36
HindsonuRiverseeeeeeessss|eee- Ci pee te oe Mee Cg |p eye eee a ee i 26351a5 2 ee HGS
Shores of New Jersey. .--.| New Jersey..-.. Beoneeeelf TB) El eeectodl pat cne| 226 |22-2s28 | 226
Delaware River.-.....---- Pasand Meese |eeenes-c 8 CS ee eee 92") 3525202) BE emoe
Delaware Bay..-.----.---- Melawares-see jose ea Due sale soseeiae soe 18 )|seseeees 18
Hrndianehi Verses ee sesso |= ene GOj.-seeesene 2 113 7 erie cists } 120: }5225 3582 120
Chesapeake Bay and tribu- |
taries:
Bay SNOLES\ =~ - =n 5-11-16 Marylana....... PPA saceiac PAB (| Boonao| ecceoe 309) |. 25° seer 309
Susquehanna River..--.|.--.. (Reto scgeea mocoeoas 10 WO nepocelbsecise 20 |s-22n5ee 20
FHUKIRIVOlemac sinc ses ceeed | tesa COireeces see GE Sse sal ewe Sedl ascte PSeaee 63))|2- aces 63
ChestertRivers:---02-224|s2 <6. UKipoeeasdosscitoossae: 8 Ue este see 107 }o22= Jee 107
Choptank River...-...--.|--..- Oks eee aed Monesesalescoce 1 eee ace ce 121 eo eeeee 12
Nanticoke River ?.....-..|....- GOy:seeeisceed| sec ecclsoecie= 25 | Cl eee ae PEARS 5 « 29
WVWACOMICOPRiversaeecseeaiee see O10) Sete aa saslodusceee Necaciers Dalleseeealeancee 22. |aecemaee 22
Pocomoke River .....-..|--..- CR Serarecacs! Bearer seisace Sia hacne comes Bil euee ar 8
Patuxent River=-..2.--.|2--.- C0) Ses hace PANE SSR e 7 | Diipeanee Til | oaeaeee 11
Potomac River...---.--. Md. and Va..-... 26 13 BOMsec melee eee 91 RSS 91
Rappahannock River-.--|) VALOIS. sess: eeeeccelseeee C lbedescleeaees | fl ence ac 7
York River and tribu- |..... CN ORR pHea peated acc 0 PD easy aces 128 4); == 25288 128
taries.
James River and tribu- |..... Casha aeal Maras ite isacioce 16.)ee22 cel baesce 76°)\..2 25 ces 76
taries.
Sassafras River.-.-..... Maryland.....-- PAL | pesesollodoocelsceso5)nos ace PA Re Ga5o- 21
Total ec occa ee ee ses anaes 1340 (2619101 0736 )|) eee See 9043 ae 904
Albemarle Sound and trib- | North Carolina. . 145 10> Sao - ls below eee 155 | 60 | 215
utaries. |
Neuse River and tribu- |..... dO) SEAS ete eerie eee eee owns 104): a eee | 7H [stereo e 10
taries. | |
Grand totalassecheteeleseceae see nen ee eee 471 | 811] 930 8 | 209 | 2,386 | 134 | 2,520
| |

* Exclusive of duplication of those engaged in two or more branches,

ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF UNITED STATES IN 1896.

39

The alewife fisheries of the Chesapeake Basin represented an invest-
ment of $33,283, of Albemarle Sound $12,270, of Taunton River $12,068,
and of Penobscot River $9,888, The use of traps and weirs for alewives
was most extensive in the Penobscot and Elk rivers, in each of which

107 of such appliances were in operation.
in the Taunton, Connecticut, and Indian rivers.

Seines were most numerous

Gill nets were used

in largest numbers in the Delaware, Indian, Chester, York, and Neuse

rivers. The employment of dip nets is restricted to the New England
States.
Table showing by waters the boats, apparatus, and other property employed in the alewife
fisheries.
Pound
Boats ae ty Seines. Gill nets.
Waters. States. weirs.
No. | Value.| No.| Value. No.| Value.) No. | Value
Dennys River...--.....--....--- Maines. =. =<5 ==! % $IOu || 2 | P2E5al sos. Sas. | eee aa |e
IMMGHIAN RIOD psec ass ose e=s- |S aenste Glimg@ae Seaene 22 LOR esd a Wl ero ce aoe She sees loeecee
IRGHGDSCOU HUNGER o-4-o=S5. aeaens.-|sincsc GOys saan 2AM SOLON OW Gs 20 aha scan amos lemme
Sis GR UR Gie se eoeeesees |eance GI) sosdocesc5 16 160) 8 ESD ooadseeane | seaoac||Hosasac
Damariscotta, River.....---.----|----- GOs 22ers 43 439 | 26 855) |2 == lessee oleae ce eee
aRCOPBAV eee nscse sc sescc:|25c- G0 seats cowes 10 131 2 140) |" (5) |e Seo Ts ese eee
DNOLOS ON MAING: sc.cc0-'c2<eicc-225|s0-5 Gees sasaece 1 | IW lescdleearead GbodlsondadaeSeSs8lidecccde
Newmarket River.........-..---- New Hampshire 2 10} 3 11) eos beeosos) GoseeelleScacac
HEXOLOD RLVOES os ot cccssmete cnc) sinc -s Gye Baeeecaec 10 145 | 9 330 | 2 DOH SSee aes haeoc
INNGETIMRG RIVOE? 2.2. -cccn ocean: Massachusetts. - F401 440) fesse eoco ses 6 8300 Ue sacalhasee ne
PIMA LONURLVOL 5-= S45 Ae esas eo seee|aoe2 (ti) ease eSece 38 ETAT cer |ecaas oe aS oa at ge foe al ee
Ponds, small rivers, and creeks..|.-.-.- OO) 2222055 36 387 | 1 150 | 26 767 10 $120
Ponds and small rivers.-....----- Rhode Island --- 33 610 | 18 990 | 16 S40 Pee a| seen
Connecticut River.--....--..----- Connecticut .---| 31 G83) ema |eeeemee 30 | 2,475 | 3 20
Shores of Long Island. .-....-.---- New York.....- 20 520 | 4 260 | 20 CHL ee 6qse| Sasscse
IIMASONP RAVES == = 22525-05252 052-\o050% Cowie eee 51 968 |; -<-/Se- 2. 6 390 20 660
Shores of New Jersey ..-.-.----- New Jersey-.--. Tita eon sLOS | erate laine 57 | 3,025 | 183 784
Welaware River, <=. ...+--.-=---- Pa, and Del.-..- Bish] Ae AG! Wome icncdosé 2 20 56 | 1,940
MPGMAWANG (BAY 5 toc <5 cini<icnne- 2c Delaware ..-...-. 11 1G) bowel acces tie 2 40 9 70
STARTED EV OMI a = inc s soe <m:ai0is,o,0'5)41-] = te er OOesaesscsee 38 | 1,415 5 150 | 30 | 1,254 82 276
Chesapeake Bay and tributaries: |
IBA yiSHOLES) = 2o%- seo. ---4- 255 Maryland....... NTS | 45748) 2387p 2, 2000 | emer | eemereere 633 | 3, 257
Susquehanna River ..-.........|.-.-- GG nacssedase 9 200) |S |eeeaae 2 180 27 675
PKR VOU Staten ateis cas wie ainreerev ara | ater €O)sssses5 558 28) || 15690) 1107) 528300 |Sac:|eaaecee| eee aeeee
CON OSTOM MR LVOT sci owiaw Seimioase (sc |oicrecace GO Seeaose ox 70 864 |o22 Eee see 2 76 81 712
Choptank River. .-..-7.--..-..|.---- G0: Ssessssce 6 AU ese ecco k= Bs Ceecooe 18 195
NanticOkGuRIVGl.<-2<5 so2-2502| sean dortass--ee 16 143} | -32,.|sseccae Spee Serene 16 150
MACOMICOURIVED=-= =~ absisc case) ss cae C0) Se eee 19 N23 ee aera ec Seer peeccac 38 197
FOCOMOKOIRLVOL ao eee eens lee se GOs scence 7 Ci leetel lesacoaa) Saeed ostcacor 13 40
PatrXent River =-s-<sissec occ Bemee Ores 4-)-c532s 8 195} 1 1) aS epee 30 175
POhOMAC VEL <.-- 5-206) scence Md. and Va..... 45 | 1,385 | 53] 1,660] 2 225 30} 1,634
Rappahannock River.-.-...---. Wabventy Pek Ae 6 ae eR ed Sobbiens| aba inacoerc 29 62
York River and tributaries _..|....- COs e=eadene 69 G06. |on:-|beecten| sciences 70 954
James River and tributaries-.|_.-.. dot s-* 2225025 38 300) |Z oaclase eats |esss|soaeeee 51 694
PASSA CASe INO <6 oe ace aes Maryland....--.. 14 340) [310 P1810) |5-..}eeeee Gals se oa | bec
PP OLA ae ee ee ees | ese Sa ae 506 10, 822 |220 |11,595| 6 481 |1,036 } 8, 745
Albemark Sonnd and tributaries | North Carolina.| 77 | 2,005 |130 | 6,505] 2 41025 222s) eeecee
Neuse River and tributaries ..-.|....- GOs seicperate = a 20 |LEE Slee ccisa] ot Alizee cee 70 65
Grand total coche acosee- =| sone ees seats 1, 232 /28, 207 |542 |28, 370 |223 |13, 307 |1, 469 | 12, 680

4()

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by waters the boats, apparatus, and other property employed in the alewife
jisheries—Continued.

| Fyke nets. | Dip nets. | Value of! Total
hore and| value of
Waters. States. | ng S
r accessory| invest-
| No. | Value. | No. | Value. property. ace
MGNTIY SPRUNG Wate ale eetatelelelee aaa Maine ..........|.---- $53 $373
IMachiasJRivenesssssceeesseemeee sre [se GW) pasongocea aAace 365 735
IPenODSCOLMIVON se seu eetecntee es 2c alneece (1M spsnocuese| Sac 953 9, 888
MedomakiRivenseceeece cess see. . sae ||aere a GW) Sebeanaoss|beecal- 220 228
Sts George wRiver soar tels ae =e iar GIO ssasves se|bece'= 1, 361 2, 015
Rema quidshiver eecseee eel = 2 Go) seoeasccos||essd< 250 | 256
DamariscottayRiver:--se--> reese (ea Gla) sacssssosolesscc 1, 980 | 3, 294
Kennebec River nc seins ne awe incline GO scssewoces|acces|ssese sacl) Ul aul emer 2
(CER(GO ISR face sc poe ese oudeanad-Saslone GO) ssmsonogss 35076 17 | 605
DHOLES OLENA eee eee e erie eer COR sesnsee sepa 110 | 187
Newmarket River .......---------- New Hampshire) sss |ssss2ee4| sees lee eeeeee 15 | 175
SHY KOUOE MTV eo oe cere seit eee <(e cieinjo'<inis||(aie tore BI, Sauscecasiesaced eccacacd lnons|>accpcac 340 865
WGA ATMEKO ARH e105 | sogeeouanceeoseeae Massachusebtseela=-2ele= seme) aes |r eee 96 2, 366
Panntonm Rivers ce eels eee eens | See ae SAECO cael eeara pempoces| tenes accross 9, 443 12, 068
Ponds smallinivers,andicreeks!s.--|se--- OG Oleee cess ae see | eae eel 121 193 3, 419 5, 036
Ponds and small rivers .---.-.-.----- mhade island sso hesse eneeees| sce | see sear 1, 050 3, 490
Connecticubmiveree--cetesees ooo ee Connecticutises.|pssce ese nee see eee ese 470 3, 648
Shores of Long Island ..........--. ING ee 40d ese eas aaeee sees booed peace teaocode lesaconauce 1,770
FIN GSOnVRIVeLSee ee see eee eee ces ae alee Cineaened. eeabe||poabocao |aoaea||posce soe 300 2,318
Shores of New Jersey...----------- IN IGEN San dodeas||so5ds5 59 |b a005 psoas acs 800 6, 773
Delawaroewivereces -eeceeceeeocsane ‘Rasand Delis. saleceos semen ae alee e ee | eels eee eee 4,171
DelawanreuBayjonceeccs sae =e eee ee ae Delaware .......|.- Saa|boscgeodldqncd|sossesmellesecooaas: 275
AndianRiverscocec stot secmencstecelaeece dopecicese 60 PISON Psat | passes 1, 795 5, 070
Chesapeake Bay and tributaries:
Baysshores cases saecoe cece Wiha biGlangocos|lassscllascosscellescno|hacnsoac 385 10, 670
Pusquehanma Ry bee etee cee s5| eee GIy Saeenascoo|\sSee) econo se|osascllacascace 100 1, 205
Elk River..... 375 7, 895
Chester River 40 1, 692
Olngyithalic LUNAS GeassdosaoSasoscclosas-CO) osoccappusl|issonelicoseon sq|lcagdoocoocomallocaccoscce 255
iNjanticokethiveres soe cose eee sees Gi roasceepoocda-) sls EN eanalbaesoosallaadaconsae 388
SWACOMIGOMRIVer! =. c= Eee eis sees Tifpessecocasd losses saeeciaa sess |pboooecd ladaacncace 305
PocomokeyRiverssseccseee ens sens soeee CR Se A esn| Geses Goeeconc Seo Senoenine bSaencass 80
Patuxentiiveres poses sees eee OUD seesoqcson|s= i) 9 ice aa-asoogodlosasaceso: 415
otomacshiver-eeeeseseeee eases Md. and Va..... 300 5, 204
Rappahannock River .-.-..-..---- NAT ONS sqnoond|ooonslloocorass||becbollsosccuesllacaosos56+ 103
York River and tributaries -.----|.-..- FLO see coe [rea eles Ove cel(c ie na eee 1, 560
James River and tributaries -.-..).--.- GO) = S5-c2e asi) SSoce aos ce sc ae See | Seerceirll See eee 1, 046
Sassafras River 2---o- osc. ccc seee WEI ETG Gee Gdo|oonod lecdecrcallecosa|lenacocct: 315 2, 465
Motal 2c 2s s sie caeles csiass ca) sect cocci asics ae 10 1 Pal esac Seite 1, 515 33, 283
Albemarle Sound and tributaries ..) North Carolina -|.--..|.....--.|.--..|..-..--- 3, 350 12, 270
Neuse River and tributaries -..---.|.--.-. Gk AR eseernccd soon. jsaotiedsd lsomcallodmemass||Gosscdscqc 85
Grand *totall Sacsscic.cee ses ssceeses acess scer| | 10) 305 | 215 415 27, 962 111, 246

Among the streams of New England in which alewives are taken
Damariscotta River in Maine had the largest catch in 1896, followed

by the Connecticut, Taunton, Merrimac, St. George, and Penobscot.

In

the middle Atlantic region the basin of Chesapeake Bay (in Maryland,
Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and District of Columbia) yielded

more than half of the entire catch of the United States.

Upwards of

one-third of the output in this area was taken in the Potomac, which is

now the leading

alewife stream of the country. Second in importance

is the Susquehanna, after which come the Delaware, Rappahannock,
Aibemanie Sound with its
tributaries ranks next to the Chesapeake in the production of alewives.
More than one-fifth of the aggregate catch of the country is obtained

Elk, Hudson, Choptank, and Nanticoke.

in this section.

The Chowan, the principal affluent of the sound, has a

very large alewife fishery, ranking next to that of the Potomac in

extent.

ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF UNITED STATES IN 1896.

Table showing by waters the aggregate catch of alewives.

41

Waters. State. No. Pounds. | Value.
Se CANO LESH EILG Olt a siaia(niaie’a\a a (a (c\c cla's‘era a:slmelateratats WEN) SaOSnee are 11, 100 6, 243 $93
IO TRAAW LSI! SAS conee ce coc OO RROnOOeEoabaacrd| socce CON ais'semceias 160, 500 90, 280 470
WUE EG SNe BS = SOR RRO GROCER SEIECE OSC DOwseseeccse 91, 700 51, 581 570
MENGHSCOURLV OR: «22 -s cnn ce o<-~ cnn een Gn Gegeacnern 617, 608 308, 844 3, 028
ING OMS EVO one cco! slaiacte ones emien GOs 25-222 73, 800 41,512 417
St. George River-.--...-.---.---.------------ dOW sess sees: 686, 000 385, 804 3, 014
LET PETG | ANG ee nen Se eposopecebeeeeeeesoced| Gaoer (ie ashe osane 206, 000 115, 875 1,100
MAM AMISCOUARNVOL= sess sco 5 oo. coceceece | aeare dortcececers 2, 472, 100 1, 390, 612 9, 811
ICENNPMOORRULWOD oie J 25 cia, cfnm oom mia ajcYerosnin'e erase inl siesta COM c sence acc 494, 781 277, 726 2, 739
(Dea oD SENT ie ee a ai eR ee ees a COvsrete emcee 1, 391, 250 701, 287 Bere
SENET OS OL UVERUD Os ors cares 2s &.0 ais. otniaio eosroecreeeere | paeer COR Suieescc 33, 000 18, 562 323
LET RGD LRAT DL S81) Ree ne a New Hampshire 47, 000 23, 937 250
INGRUNIAE KOGIENINOI 2 oc «con cocuvncacc cece neeeeelenaen OGOtss.2 sess 46, 350 26, 088 270
EMOTE NRO OL Neto cic cicocicine oc tosis tigen eee QO sedcaetxe 433, 150 243, 646 2,525
GHEE ONG) oo Ee me Massachusetts. - 945, 000 472, 500 4, 200
MANE COMIB SVs dae acest cicct os cst cinn sc ce wee ssoet memes OOss2ss5 2285 1, 732, 972 884, 255 5,479
SPIN LONI VEL ee peck nsloncc cas caw ecestteecleeees GoVssss- eke 1, 897, 478 1, 067, 324 9, 478
Ponds, small rivers, and creeks.........-.---|----- CO) fsoe22 ese 4, 528, 211 2, 430, 450 21, 372
Shores of Massachusetts..............---..-- 942, 265 501, 960 4,595
CC STAREST Da Se ps ee ae 403, 200 161, 280 692
HONS and AMaT Vers .-so sass sccse ses ee ee 3, 960, 920 1, 584, 368 23, 641
NHOTEsIOL Nhode Lsland\.5>.sccc0 secees see eee 828, 280 331, 312 3,551
Connecticut River...........- 2, 216, 243 795, 497 10, 350
[ELTA TOTO) Cee SOO E SBOP ESE eeera se ree al 4, 200 1, 680 28
MHOLES GhOoOnnecuiCltis ccs oe tee ascss Deets occ O0ies2scn-c- 509, 980 204, O11 1, 653
HOLES OL ONL VIslan Gd o.jsscscaccstnessssecee ee New York...--- 336, 540 134, 616 2, 840
HIGTASONH RAV ODE eect oak cee ects Snchon eae N.Y.and N.J.. 2, 192, 000 876, 800 9, 763
New York, Sandy Hook, and Raritan bays..|---.- Cie es ac 930, 800 465, 400 1, 374
mivores Of NGw wlOrsey:. -..s- 2. ssnac--s--2-2ee- New Jersey..--- 3, 482, 140 1, 955, 234 8, 873
LOGIE THADIRE L ENA 2) Os SS er ey INE aes anid 4, 420, 700 1, 812, 980 11, 044
Del.
Molawarevbayie sa seciesscsa cca Se sesetlscee ss N. J. and Del.... 221, 490 88, 596 1, 589
MiVeliaMerULVEDie aes tecawe soe cee as ceecaeewenss Delaware -.-.-.--- 550, 700 220, 280 3, 823
Chesapeake Bay and tributaries:
IBayASHOLOS 4 = = = eregie oe erie cies prlelaeteares| Mid and Vidic ee a1 24, 112, 084 9, 644, 835 61, 709
PFS OUSN ANIA RLVel: ose se eemesicse sec aitees Midsandee a ase se 10, 864, 000 4, 345, 600 48, 983
INOERUNCAS UM Ly Ole ceca eee eee eee cee Maryland....... 587, 400 234, 960 929
IOS TRIS es 3k SRS eee ee een ne SB om pe aan Ome trees 2, 327, 000 930, 800 3, 834
(CLIGSVIDIe 1B iO a Setar See BOL a aoerec ade lees dorseteeree: 1, 219, 160 487, 664 4, 625
Choptank River and tributaries -........-.].-.-- OWiseebeossac 1, 993, 560 797, 424 5, 598
DvamurCOkOPRIVeLo jee. soe ee eas cesiess bekiseoe Md. and Del ..-. 1, 527, 000 610, 800 4, 339
MAICOMICOIMRIVOl- once eniocidecenoeemee Maryland....-.. 173, 300 69, 320 628
RACOMOKOLRI VOD sat fae to ne ne bensaeeee oalknsee “i jeemadaeace 32, 730 13, 092 223
TEP TTT th) RW) Poe BOE eS eae ne ee Bee Bene eee Ow ee ene » 1, 474, 330 589, 732 4,008
IRGtOMmBCriVoneets soon ete noe eee eee. Md. and Va..... 24, 437, 885 9, 775, 154 39, 003
RappahannocksRivel so .ccllsscetcee sooo. Warginiaeess-2- 2, 798, 826 1, 119, 530 6, 411
Work Riverand tributaries..--...-..---2--|--<+- Ore tee 632, 798 253, 119 Be aut
James River and tributaries.....-.......-.].--.- dorsss.fsnece 528, 230 211, 292 2,539
Sassafras, Transquaking, and Blackwater | Maryland....--- 2, 321, 600 928, 640 4,124
rivers.
MNS CM ae see Bare ee i ae wee ee eel moet a eee 75, 029, 903 30, 011, 962 190, 064
Albemarle Sound and tributaries:
DOUNGISHOLES hinacce oo ee oe ereciscwlaciasielate’sie’s North Carolina - 11, 447, 204 4, 578, 882 34, 671
AN UOUAM KS RLV OLS san a sci eet ances sl sence orcas 829, 000 331, 600 4, 167
IRErguimansihiverscsccrsss cote eeces ooo lee saaee d0lns 2 662, 500 265, 000 2,126
ChHowanbRiverne cea sese aan care eeeeeeeeeelteece (ieee eerie 13, 559, 600 5, 423, 840 36, 715
ROANOKE UL Mel eeas cere coool nsoone eeaee OO seo a eee 4, 177, 000 1, 670, 800 19, 962
OUR ee sae SSE ee ein clea oe Coals aed wincloae tine bee 30, 675, 304 12, 270, 122 97, 641
@roatan Sound: «=. cess saemencclnaieis a aicisie temic North Carolina - 1, 471, 500 588, 600 6, 565
ROaNOKS SOUNGse see ae eens eee ek ona ee sattets Osco as eee 19, 400 7, 760 81
Pamlico Sounds acc masa meee ee aoe isni= see 10) oo cee G0 vesee eee 1, 187, 334 454, 934 4,112
Pamlico River and tributaries.............--|---.- GOlescecensas 501, 204 200, 482 2, 374
Neuse River and tributaries.......=---.-..-.-|----- Gt Sane te ae 2, 085, 056 834, 022 55172
Pee Dee River and tributaries. ..........-.... South Carolina .- 10, 100 4, 040 167
ahs iV Ones Seam sae eee oe eee athe acess dOeutcsar-ce 17, 600 7, 040 264
PGES TOPRLV OG swiss s oan scemalee ocet ee ecisceaeemhec||s sacs OO cece etece 1, 800 720 22
Cooper River and Sampit Creek ..-..........|.---- Gove sseesesee 1, 000 400 10
Si OOUIIS EL VOY 2.< «ccs aowse seca a uOoeeiem ceseoe loridajjease soe: 40, 000 16, 000 400
GEANG tO Gali 2 a enrae sino ele elctelerarerctetaia eleyeieinll sw wisieioic.einie.aiatm\ejeiciars 147, 857, 659 62, 066, 622 459, 598

42

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The alewife catch in different waters with apparatus set especially
for these fishes is shown in the next table.
to have the largest yield, closely followed by the Damariscotta, after
which come the Connecticut, Taunten, Sassafras, Delaware, Merrimac,

Elk, and Hudson.

The Potomae River is seen

Table showing by waters the number, weight, and value of the alewives taken in the special

alewife fisheries.
Waters. State No. Pounds. Value.

DENYS ly Glee Seana eens losin een salle eee Maine << 222 25- == 160, 500 90, 280 $470
INT CHISS PROM emer aisle ee nie eeeinteteteieiaratateierat tte lefties OWeacocdaeise 91, 700 51, 581 570
Penobscot River -....-.------ aC Ya Cape series 606, 158 303, 079 2, 971
Medomak River BOO woemieneier 73, 800 41, 512 417
SCAG COrPe Iver sees ees-eheaae eee emeeae| ees ikiieseosacoad 686, 000 385, 804 3, 014
Remaquid River<s-S.2-,22ems sea sis ccd wee se mace (ised soacar 206, 000 115, 875 1, 100
Mamariscottawwiversa=-- esse sores sneer sce esl ee cee Goin asec sesso 2, 472, 100 1, 390, 612 9, 811
Ienne pec Riven ssc. casas semen aes so net aereiee do Beiseoe cee 90, 000 50, 625 300
Casco Bay bare a Se orciefe aie eee mara retell coe s (Ome paesece 452, 700 226, 575 1, 220
Shoresiofi Maine teecec. --auee caatse cusses asseeleeeee Ole saeemece 33, 000 18, 562 323
Newmarket Rivers: oss au cese setews poets ace New Hampshire. 46, 350 26, 088 270
INKOLELIRAVOR es Saecre cea e sees ceca meeaeiesae selec eee dowa-soossee 433, 150 243, 646 2, 525
Mermimacihiveratccsnc ee sectors eae eee Massachusetts. . 945, 000 472, 500 4, 200
AN ribiifeyotd Ride) ee A ee, oo etl Teen meee Ee tf (Mipenseeeeaee 1, 897, 478 1, 067, 324 9, 478
Ponds, small rivers, and creeks.-.......------ Se Ot tae eccle 4, 528, 211 2, 430, 450 21, 372
Pond siandismallitrivenrs)sseecees ssc cee een Rhode Island -.- 3, 960, 920 1, 584, 368 23, 641
Connecticut Rivers ---s2-ceeeeee chee teae Connecticut ---. 2, 084, 406 742, 762 9, 918
Nhoresof lone slandess secs eee ee eaeee New York .....- 125, 070 50, 028 1, 462
Pind SOM Ventes eer nci cece sent oceieeee eee Goren eeeee 770, 000 308, 000 3, 430
Shores\or, New, Jersey .--seeceaseccses se siee ce New Jersey...-- 3, 410, 640 1, 915, 572 8,170
Delawareskiversessensee con eee eee eee ee mbasndsloe items: 972, 000 398, 500 1, 457
Wel wanels vy -eeseehae= serene aetna aaa Delaware ....--- 9, 150 3, 660 35
PNGTAMIRIVELR Hs wie ao -focn wis bara(aeters a eiclateicivaicisiciereic eereer Oorssstesccce 550, 700 220, 280 3, 823

Chesapeake Bay and tributaries:
BAIS HOLES ean ees oecice oe serene ae wie la cicjayoe ere Maryland.....-. 1, 387, 816 555, 126 4,549
Susquehanna River WN Sria saan se 125, 000 50, 000 430
SRA verse eeees come nee ceee es. edOmacsccseee 900, 000 360, 000 1, 413
ChestemRiversoncces- ce saee cess oe 2 CRA Ne Sas 185, 460 74, 184 1, 239
Choptank River ..----- BOSE AGO HOS BE SOMes Coser eee 18, 000 7, 200 134
WNaniticokethivenr=s-osce sces eo es aoc sae oes sees Gomes ioesee: 112, 600 45, 040 474
Wii Comicomiver= = oc es nee cee ase cineeeicaee latece CC Nee eee 40, 140 16, 056 182
IRocomokesRiver ss -s-5 shee sense eee eine |e oe dO sete eee 7, 180 2, 872 62
IB AGUXENE LVRS eee eraser cee ae cee eee onl ee cae doyssetcas-ee 60, 500 24, 200 159
PPOLOMAC RAV Ole eas oot Renee Geet coe cae eee Mad. and Va..... 2, 713, 000 1, 085, 200 4, 989
Rappahannock River ----- asses. 5 -ces ieee Virginia ........ 33, 000 13, 200 143
Work Riverian dibrloubanlesseer sea seeeceeelleeere dOstemsssects 236, 690 94, 676 1, 534
James River and tributaries...............|.--.- OOtsse eee 217, 380 86, 952 } 1, 036
Sass atlas elVierencinlsimeiai=|-se)-oe elec seloelise a Maryland......-. 1, 221, 000 488, 400 2, 226
4 OTT a Ss ae eR Eke Se a ae nn Ae 7, 257, 766 | 2, 903, 106 18, 570

== = |

Albemarle Sound and tributaries..........-. North Carolina. 1, 090, 000 436, 000 2,994
Neuse River and tributaries..-.-.............|---.- dOmsseceee nee 8, 200 3, 280 68

Granditotaltes-nece seen sees ccc teaeece ss

32, 960, 999 | 15, 480,069 | 131, 609

COMPARATIVE STATISTICS OF THE CATCH.

In the following table the quantity and value of the alewife catch are

exhibited for three seasons separated by intervals of eight years.

Some

of the States show a larger yield in 1896 than in either 1888 or 1880,
and the total output in 1896 is considerably in excess of that for the

previous years.

In the New England and Middle Atlantic States the

increase since 1880 was constant and marked, but in the South Atlantic
region there was a smaller catch in 1896 than in the earlier years.
Especially noteworthy changes were the increase in Maryland from

ALEWIFE FISHERIES OF UNITED STATES IN 1896. 43

9,000,000 pounds in 1880 to over 17,600,000 pounds in 1896, and in Vir-
ginia from 6,900,000 pounds in 1880 to 12,197,000 pounds in 1896, and
the decrease in North Carolina from 15,500,000 pounds in 1880 and
20,000,000 pounds in 1888 to 14,355,000 pounds in 1896,

Notwithstanding a general increase in 1896 amounting to 16,382,000
pounds over 1880 and 5,908,000 pounds over 1888, the value of catch
was less than in either of the earlier years. The average price of ale-
wives per pound in 1896 was 0.7 cent, while in 1888 it was nearly 0.9
cent and in 1880 1.1 cents.

Comparative statement of the catch of alewives in 1880, 1888, and 1896.

1880. 1888. 1896.
States. -
Pounds. | Value. Pounds. Value. | Pounds. Value.

New England: | | |
INDIN GM ise Sais laroaea mass Se caes 1, 804, 202 $35, 823 3, 079, 994 $30, 103 3, 388, 326 $25, 336
New Hampshire..-.........-..-- 425, 000 8, 500 146, 750 3, 080 293, 671 3,045
Massachusetts .....-.....------- 3, 751, 059 35, 802 | 6, 291, 937 83, 5380 , 206, 489 45, 124
Rhode Asland:.= =<. .222--<<%s5 2, 978, 000 14, 460 1, 739, 300 21,165 | 2,076, 960 27, 884
Gonnecticuts: +5452: ...esce5===- 770, 000 8, 700 125, 200 1,253 | 1,001, 188 12, 031
Gta Ee acs anisescnteceeccss 9, 728,261 | 103, 285 | 11,383,181 | 189,131 | 12,116, 634 113, 420
Middle Atlantic: ee i <a
ING we OLr Kees -c.cc<ssm-ceecoctale 250, 000 3, 750 223, 000 2,670 | 1,011, 416 | 12, 603
INOW Jersey -=-\2-25--22-2--- 1, 200, 000 17,335 | 2; 717,520 26,924 | 3, 228, 074 15, 565
[EGR LAWE oe oe oemon ke sn5ese) Saco scossoso|lspeeseo sae 811, 657 8, 365 638, 500 4,372
Welawaresees ace ohe sn sescn xs 2, 396, 700 30, 475 941, 986 10, 925 822, 956 7, 756
“CL a 0G ae 9, 128,959 | 139, 667 | 12,835,524 | 110,291 | 17,667,315 | 126,050
Wig Toe oo coe sep RSaESSOoes 6, 925, 413 76, 300 6, 757, 105 40, 369 | 12,197,607 |. 63,024
Motels ates -c sess seeecssncs 19, 901,072 | 267,527 | 24, 286,792 | 199,544 | 35,565,868 | 229,370

South Atlantic: |
North Carolina 5. s2<j06s45-+c.<<% 15, 520,000 | 142,784 | 20,463,340 | 161,673 | 14, 355, 920 | 115, 945
HOnbh Caroluna) 222 -c=cess-5-0c 2 400, 000 D000} Satanic s- = |comene ose. 12, 200 | 463
Genrria meen ceosccecctcereceniase 125, 000 3, 750 24, 360 SGD: Ses cheasecins'| seeet eras
iT ES cokes ORE eee seer 10, 000 200). eo seecssicsltc.sceese: 16, 000 | 400
Oba eeemac resem ace 2 ase 16, 055,000 | 155,734 | 20,487,700 | 162,038 | 14, 384, 120 | 116, 808
Gmrandstotaliesses.- sesame ce: 45, 684, 333 i 526, 546 | 56, 157, 673 500, 713 | 62, 066, 622 459, 598

nk en a
alt jh nk ; IIE a al

i
5 =

REPORT ON THE OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA.

H. F. MOORE,

ASSISTANT, U. S. FISH COMMISSION.

ee Gace) TERE EY)
v4

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a ae

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rig

INTRODUCTION.

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 29, 1898.

On May 6, 1897, the United States Fish Commission received a com-
munication from Hon. Adolph Meyer, M. C., inclosing the following
concurrent resolution of the legislature of Louisiana:

Be it resolved by the house of representatives of the State of Louisiana, and the senate
concurring, That the United States Fish Commission be requested to investigate
in the oyster-spawning season and report to this general assembly before its next
session the exact season of the oyster spawning in this State and all other facts
respecting the same, and whether or not the present existing laws are not injurious

to the oyster industry of this State.
5S: By HENRY,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.
R. H. SNypEr,
Lieutenant-Governor and President of the Senate.
Mourpuy J. Foster,
Governor of the State of Louisiana.
JOHN T. MICHEL,
Secretary of State.

Pursuant to this request, and in view of the importance of the Louisi-
ana oyster industry, it was decided to undertake an investigation of
the subject, and Dr. H. F’. Moore, of this Commission, was directed to
visit Louisiana in August and September, 1897, for the purpose of
making some preliminary inquiries, and the steamer Fish Hawk, Lieut.
Franklin Swift, U. S. N., commanding, was dispatched to the State in
February, 1898, to conduct a more extensive examination of certain
oyster-grounds. The accompanying report, based on the investigations
thus made, has been prepared by Dr. Moore, who accompanied the ves-
sel and was charged with the consideration of the biological aspects of
the work. It was the intention of Lieutenant Swift to write the report
on the reconnaissance made by the Fish Hawk, but before he could do
so he was detached from the Commission and assigned to naval duty.

GEORGE M. BOWERS,
U. 8. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries.
47

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rth oy hens ye Ve EVRA tH) : ‘

REPORT ON THE OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA,

By H. F. Moore,
Assistant, United States Fish Commission.

Within recent years several investigations of Gulf coast oyster-
grounds have been made by the United States Fish Commission, but
none of these related to the waters of Louisiana. Upon the receipt of
the request from the general assembly for information concerning the
oyster-beds of that State, the writer was ordered to Louisiana for the
purpose of determining certain facts relating to the question of close
seasons, and to make an examination preliminary to a more careful and
extended investigation by the steamer Fish Hawk later in the season.
A period of about fifteen days in August and September was spent in
the oyster regions of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, and Terrebonne parishes,
and as a result it was decided to confine the contemplated survey to
the St. Bernard region as offering better facilities for the character of
work which it was desired to undertake. The Fish Hawk was not avail-
able until February 1, from which time until February 24, when she
left in order to begin her regular work of shad-hatching, the field work
‘was prosecuted vigorously and continuously, except when interrupted
by stormy weather.

Owing to the shallowness of the water the Fish Hawk could not be
used for active duty in the survey, and she was therefore anchored as
close as possible to the oyster-beds and used as a base of operation
for the launches, at first off the northern entrance to Grand Pass, and
afterwards, during the greater part of the work, off the mouth of
Three-mile Bayou. The work was often performed at a distance from
the ship, and much time was unavoidably lost in running to and from
the scene of the day’s operations. Should a complete oyster survey of
the region be attempted in the future, it could be much facilitated by
employing several light-draft vessels, which could be worked into the
marshes and used as quarters for the field parties on the launches.

It was originally intended to make a thorough and complete survey
of the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish similar to that which was
made by the Fish Hawk in Apalachicola Bay, but this plan was aban-
doned when it was found that the time at the disposal of the party was
to be solimited. Many of the stations established by the Coast Survey
have been obliterated or washed away by the storms, and it would
have required more time than was available for the entire work to
erect and cut in the signals necessary to a proper survey. Contrary to

F, R. 98——4 49

50 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

expectations, it was found that the topography in general had not
undergone many important changes since the survey upon which the
Coast Survey charts were based, and the several points could be iden-
tified and located with sufficient accuracy to suit the purposes of a
reconnaissance.

The plan finally adopted was to run lines of timed soundings from point
to point, so as to cover the intervening waters by series of intersecting
zigzags. As the lines were rarely over 2 miles in length, the position
of any given sounding could be approximately determined by its time,
the time of beginning and ending the line being noted, arfd the speed
of the launch being nearly uniform on each series of soundings. Most
of the important beds were also located by compass bearings from
charted points. The charted areas of the beds, as well as their posi-
tions, are but approximate; but it is believed that the aggregate is
measurably near the truth, although individual beds might prove some-
what greater or less in extent than appeared from the hurried exami-
nation which it was possible to make. The soundings were made by
means of the sounding pole devised and used by Lieutenant Swift in
the survey of Apalachicoia Bay, and described in his report upon the
oyster-beds of that vicinity. Owing to lack of time no effort was
made to determine with exactness the number of oysters to the square
yard, as is done in a regular survey, and the terms “dense,” “scatter-
ing,” and “very scattering” are relative in their application to this field
only. Dense and scattering beds are such as can be worked with profit
by means of tongs. ‘ Very scattering” beds are shown on the chart with
some ambiguity—in a few places, especially in the lagoons, denoting
a growth, which it hardly pays to work, sparsely distributed over the
entire bottom; in other places, as in the northern part of West Karako
Bay, representing small beds more or less dense, distributed at irregu-
lar intervals, aud in the text described as “scattered in patches,” or in
somewhat similar terms. Such beds can be worked with profit.

The investigation in St. Bernard Parish was under the direction of
Lieut. Franklin Swift, U. S. N., commanding the Fish Hawk. The
hydrographic field work and the location of the oyster-beds was carried
on by Mate J. A. Smith, U.S. N., and by Mr. Eugene Veith, of the
steamer Fish Hawk.

After the Fish Hawk concluded the reconnaissance in St. Bernard
Parish, the writer was instructed to make an examination of the oyster-
grounds of Louisiana west of that region. In pursuance of the latter
purpose, he left the ship at Bay St. Louis upon its departure for the
north on February 25, and proceeded to several places in Plaquemines
Parish, where boats were hired, and all the principal natural beds and
planting-grounds were examined. At Grand Isle, on Barataria Bay, a
lugger was secured and an examination made of all the oyster-grounds
in the vicinity, after which a cruise was inade to the westward, under
the guidance of men familiar with the region, as far as Morgan City, all
of the oyster regions, with the exception of the upper waters of Terre-

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 51

bonne Bay, bemg visited en route. No attempt was made to chart or
locate even approximately the individual beds examined on this brief
tour, but their general character, present condition, and future pros-
pects are reported upon in the following pages.

The writer acknowledges his indebtedness to Col. F. C. Zacharie,
Hon. E. McCullom, Hon. Adolph Meyer, and Hon. S. P. Henry for
valuable assistance and information, and to Mr. I’. FE, Hansell for the
use of his yacht in visiting the St. Bernard beds in August, 1897.

THE NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS OF ST. BERNARD PARISH.

General description of the region.—The area embraced within the limits
of the reconnaissance made by the Mish Hawk, and shown upon the chart
accompanying this report, does not include all of the oyster-grounds
within the parish of St. Bernard. Field work was pushed into the inte-
rior waters lying southwest of Indian Mound Bay and Southwest Pass,
and known to the oystermen as Treasure Bayou, Mussel Bayou, Flat
Bay, etc., but the lack of a chart of this region approaching even
approximate correctness has made it seem inadvisable to attempt to
plot the oyster-beds found there, though they are described in general
terms in the text. South of Drum Bay, in which lie the southernmost
of the charted beds, are extensive areas of good oysters stretching
to the parish line at Mozambique Point, but these were not examined,
owing to lack of time. We were informed that notwithstanding their
extent and the good quality of the oysters they were not extensively
worked, on account of their inaccessibility as compared with other beds
of St. Bernard Parish, and for this reason it was considered that, for
the purposes of the investigation, it was not advisable to devote to
their examination time which could be more profitably spent in the
study of those beds which were in active use and which therefore pre-
sented problems of more immediate importance. In this connection
incidental mention may be made of the gregariousness and the general
lack of enterprise of the oystermen of this district, who, in the latter
part of the season, often spend upward of two weeks in loading their
boats in Three-mile Bay, rather than leave their fellows and familiar
ground to sail 20 or 30 miles to the southward, where they claim they
could secure their fares in three or four days.

The district covered by the field work extends from Mississippi
Sound on the north as far as Morgan Harbor on the south, and from
Chandeleur Sound to the zone where the water becomes of such slight
salinity as to be fatal to oyster life. Within the limits of the reconnais-
sance this zone accords approximately with the meridian passing through
Lake Borgne light-house, in Mississippi Sound the oysters extending a
mile or two west of that limit, while in the marshes they are all east of
the line. The area covered by the reconnaissance was about 200 square
miles, comprising a large part of the “Louisiana Marsh.” The land
is low, rarely rising more than 18 inches above the level of ordinary
high water, but in a few cases shell-banks have been thrown up by

52 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

wave-action, thus producing the maximum land elevations, in no ease,
perhaps, more than 3 or 4 feet above tide. During storms the entire
land area may be flooded, and in the disastrous hurricane of 1893 it
was covered by from 8 to 12 feet of water. The soil is a stiff mud or
blue clay, covered with a sparse growth of coarse grasses and scattered
tufts of Salicornia. Along the bayous there are clumps of mangrove
bushes, but with the exception of several crab trees on Mudgrass
Island, there is probably not in the whole dreary expanse a plant
reaching a height of 10 feet, nor is there a single human habitation.

The land constitutes a low-lying archipelago of irregular islands
separated from one another by shallow bays, muddy lagoons, and _ tor-
tuous bayous, the area of the water being somewhat greater than that
of the land. The bayous are of two classes, rather broad, short, deep
passes, like Nine-mile Bayou, Three-mile Bayou, and Deep Pass, which
serve as the main avenues of tidal flow to and from the interior bays,
and long, narrow water-courses which characteristically run lengthwise
of the islands, as is seen in the cases of Door Point Bayou, Dead Man
Bayou, etc. The bayous of the first class have generally a depth of
from 18 to 42 feet, those of the second class from 5 to 12 feet, and all are
more or less obstructed by bars across their mouths. The bottoms of
the bayous are almost invariably composed of soft mud.

The bays, with the exception of several of those opening into Chan-
deleur Sound, communicate with the outer waters by narrow mouths.
Their floors are comparatively level and, with one or two exceptions,
are composed principally of soft mud, with scattered patches of hard
mud and sand, usually so small in area as to be negligible in plotting
the soundings. The depth of water is generally from 3 to 6 feet,
although in some of the bays, particularly those to the eastward, there
are channels through which a considerably greater depth can be carried.

The lagoons are very shallow, small-mouthed, blind bays, like Blind
Pass and Grecque Bayou, with soft bottoms largely exposed as mud
flats at low water.

Blind Pass, Nine-mile Bayou, and False-mouth Bay.—Blind Pass
marks the western extension of the oyster in the marshes on the south
side of Mississippi Sound. It is a shallow lagoon communicating on
the north with Mississippi Sound, on the east, by a narrow but deep
cut, with Nine-mile Bayou, while to the southward a tortuous bayou
establishes communication with False-mouth Bay. It consists largely
of a mud-flat, exposed at low water, with oysters of rather inferior
quality sparingly scattered over the bottom.

Nine-mile Bayou is about 24 miles long to its main entrance into
False-mouth Bay and has a width of from 100 to 300 yards. At its
mouth there is a depth of about 18 feet, which rapidly shoals outwardly
to 64 or 7 feet. In the bayou the depth ranges from 17 to 39 feet, the
average being about 24 feet. The bottom is soft, excepting that portion
lying opposite the sinall island at the southern end, where hard mud
was found. There are no oysters in this bayou.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 53

False-mouth Bay covers about 11.3 square miles. It connects with
Mississippi Sound by means of Nine-mile Bayou, and to the eastward
opens by a wide mouth into the passage between Raccoon and Mud-
grass islands. The bottom is composed of hard mud of a somewhat
clayey character, resembling that on the surrounding islands. ‘The
depth is almost uniform, in the northeastern part being from 3 to 33
feet and elsewhere from 4 to 5 feet. The density in the middle of Feb-
ruary varied from 1.0048 to 1.0066 in the several parts of the bay, the
temperature at the same time ranging between 16.5° C. (61.7° F.) and
19° ©. (66.2° F,.). The water is less saline than elsewhere in the marsh,
owing to its proximity to the main sources of fresh water, the Pearl
River and the discharge from Lake Pontchartrain.

There are very few oysters in False-mouth Bay, and those disecvered
by the reconnaissance were found fringing the three islands shown on
the chart, as a scattering growth of single oysters of fine shape, round,
deep, and about 6 inches long. The amount of young growth was
small, a few oysters about 2 to 25 inches long being found attached to
the old ones, to clam shells, and lying singly on the mud. <A very small
amount of spat was attached to the clam shells which fringe the north-
east shore of the southernmost island. All of these oysters, both large
and small, were extremely fat, but their flavor was insipid owing to the
low salinity of the water. The oystermen state that the oysters are
- always fatter here than on the beds to the eastward, and that they are
kept ‘cleaned up” by the boats which aim to carry the best oysters to
the New Orleans markets. It is the custom of the oystermen to paddle
around the shores when the water is clear and smooth and pick up with
nippers the oysters which can be clearly seen. In December, 1897, a
small bed was found in the northern part of the bay, but a number of
boats went to work upon it and within a few days it was reduced to a
state of practical extinction and we were unable to find any remnant
of it.

An examination of the bottom by means of the dredge and tangles
showed it to be remarkably clean and free from débris of all kinds. A
few crabs of small size, several species of lamellibranchs, and numerous
worms were the only living forms found on the hard bottom. Enemies
are probably extremely rare, although it is possible that the drumfish
might cause damage upon beds of planted oysters. The conch was not
found at all, although it is not uncommon in the neighboring waters
of Three-mile and Nine-mile bays. The boring-clam (JMJartesia) is com-
mon, but it is less abundant than in the more saline waters, and in any
case if would not prove detrimental to the oyster.

It seems probable that the scarcity of oysters in False mouth Bay is
due in a large part to the lack of suitable places of attachment for the
spat, and if this be so there is but little doubt that productive beds
might be established by planting shells, together with a sufficient
number of brood oysters to furnish fry. We found here the largest
area of firm bottom discovered anywhere within the limits of the recon-

54 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

naissance. In most other parts of the district the hard bottom is dis-
tributed in small patches, lying like islands in the midst of soft mud,
but in False-mouth Bay the shells and seed could be deposited almost
anywhere without danger of becoming engulfed. The amount of oyster
food is larger than almost anywhere else in the district, the average
number of diatoms in each liter of water 1 foot above the bottom being
about 22,000. The extreme fatness of the oysters is also ample evidence
of the abundance of food, although, of course, the amount available
for each individual would become less if planting were extensively
undertaken. The chief drawback to planting lies in the low salinity,
which, as before stated, detracts from the flavor of the oyster, and if
not corrected during the spawning season would also militate against
the production of young. Without doubt, however, there is an increase
in the density during the late spring and summer, when fry abound.
Material to serve as cultch or collectors for the attachment of the young
oysters might be obtained from the island in the extreme southern part
of the bay, where the shore is covered by a mass of clam shells more
or less finely broken up. The smaller particles of shells are too small
for use, as the action of the storm waves in the shoal waters of the
bay would tend to carry them away; but many of the shells are entire,
and these, together with the larger fragments, should make excellent
cultch.

Nine-mile Bay.—This body of water lies east of Pirate Point and
west and northwest of Raccoon Island. It is continuous with Three-
mile Bay to the eastward, and in its northwest corner it communicates
with Nine-mile Bayou by a channel in which the depth varies from 10
to 21 feet.

North of Nine-mile Bay and in communication with it lies South
Bayou, a lagoon-like body of water, very shoal and with no oyster-beds.
The depth of water in the bay is between 4 and 5 feet, and the bottom
is composed principally of soft mud. The density on February 14 was
about 1.0060, and the temperature at the same time was about 17° C.
(62.69 F.). The oysters are obtained principally in the eastern part,
between Raccoon Island and the opening to South Bayou, being gen-
erally single, much scattered, and of rather good shapes. These beds,
like those in Three-mile Bay, are much worked, and late in the season
are composed principally of cullings. There is a small bed of scat-
tered oysters just off the southeast point of Pirate Point, which appears
to have been established, or at least largely sustained, by artificial
means as a result of bedding oysters for ‘‘ fattening” purposes, the
culled young growth and shells being carefully returned to the water to
serve as seed and cultch, the product of which becomes available for
market in subsequent seasons. This place is claimed by oystermen to
possess remarkable properties as a fattening- ground, but as the oysters
are brought from the denser waters to the eastward and exhibit their
improvement within 24 hours from the time of bedding it is probable
that the process is one of bloating rather than of fattening.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 55

small bed of oysters is found in the southeastern branch of Nine-
mile Bayou, about the middle of the second reach from Nine-mile Bay,
on the west side of the channel. It is from 30 to 50 yards long, and
extends to about the middle of the bayou. It contains some single
oysters of good shape and quality and many dead shells.

Three-mile Bay.—Three-mile Bay is the most important oyster region
in St. Bernard Parish, not because its beds are more extensive than
those of other parts of the Louisiana Marsh, but because of its accessi-
bility from New Orleans and the cities on Mississippi Sound. Nearly
all of the boats enter the marsh at Three mile Bayou, whatever may
be their ultimate destination, and it is to this place also that oyster-
freighters resort to secure their fares from the luggers and other craft
engaged in the active work of oystering.

Three-mile Bay lies between Three-mile Bayou (by which it commu-
nicates with Mississippi Sound) on the north and Raccoon Island on the
south, its eastern and western limits being Nigger Point and Shell Point,
respectively. It covers an area of about 7.3 square miles. In Three-
mile Bayou the depth of water reaches a maximum of about 40 feet,
the channel gradually shoaling as it enters the bay, over the greater
part of which the depth ranges from 4 to 6 feet. In some places a
depth of 3 feet or less is to be found, but in general such shoal spots
are less common than in West Karako Bay. The average density of
water during February was about 1.0065, and the temperature was about
17° ©. (62.69 F.).

The bottom is composed of mud of varying degrees of softness.
There are a few small areas of hard bottom, but these are principally
upon old oyster-reefs, and are now used by the oystermen as beds on
which to deposit their catch pending the completion of their cargoes.
The softest bottom is found in the southern part of the bay near Rae-
coon Island, where the mud is entirely too soft to utilize for planting,
but places in the center of the bay might be used, although on account
of the danger of suffocation in the mud the oysters could not be planted
very thickly. The amount of oyster food contained in the water is
large, and, especially in the northern part of the bay near the inlet, the
currents are comparatively strong. Originally, we were informed, the
natural oyster-beds in this bay were dense and extensive, but as a
result of the persistent ‘ working” to which they have been subjected
during the past few years the dense, well-defined reefs have entirely
disappeared, and have been replaced by a scattering growth of more
general distribution. The clusters are kept broken up by the process
of culling, with the result that the separated oysters show considerable
improvement in shape, condition, and flavor over their original state.
They are usually either single or in clusters of from two to four; they
are rather elongate, moderately fat, of fair flavor, and comparatively
free from extraneous growths, such as mussels and alge. On the very
soft mud near Raccoon Island, in the southern part of the bay, the
oysters are extremely long and in clusters overgrown with mussels.

56 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Early in the season and until about January or February there is a
rather large proportion of marketable oysters, but later these become
caught up, leaving practically nothing except dead shells, spat, and
young growth. This was essentially the condition of the beds at the
time of our examination, and after the middle of February it took about
three times as long to catch a barrel of oysters as it did early in the
season, and in the latter part of the month most of the fleet which had
been oystering there were forced to move farther into the interior. By
the time the next season opens many of the young oysters which have
been culled off will have reached a suitable size for market, and the
providence of one year thus insures the plenitude of the next. Were
it not for the moderate care with which the oysters are culled and the
young ones and the dead shells returned to the beds whence they were
taken, it is impossible that these beds should have so long sustained
the demands made upon them. Were it the custom here, as it is in
certain other parts of the State, to carry off the young for seed, the
phenomenon of the annual recuperation of beds previously exhausted
of their marketable stock would not be witnessed.

Not all of the boats cull their catch as carefully as they should.
Those which carry their oysters to New Orleans and other markets for
sale as “shell stock,” from motives of self-interest exercise due care,
for imperfectly cleaned and separated oysters bring a lower price than
those which are well culled and free from extraneous growths of bar-
nacles, mussels, and young oysters. The chief difficulty is with those
boats which catch oysters for the canneries, located principally without
the State, where the presence of small oysters is not objectionable.

It is reported that dredges have worked in Three-mile Bay, but the
conditions are such that it is probable that this practice was never
extensive.

West Karako Bay.—West Karako Bay embraces about 9 square
miles, included between Crooked Island and the land masses embracing
Johnson Bay and its connections, and between the Raccoon Islands
and Shell Island. Its greatest extent is east and west. The bottom
resembles that of Three-mile Bay, being composed principally of soft
mud with patches of hard mud at wide intervals. The depth over most
of the bay ranges from 4 to 6 feet, but there is a maximum depth of
84 feet in the channel running from Dead Man Island to the cut north
of Shell Island, and there are also a number of shoal spots upon which
the depth is less than 3 feet, these shoals usually being covered with
oysters. The average density of the water is about 1.0065.

The oyster-beds in this bay are more extensive than in Three-mile
Bay, and there are also several well-defined reefs which can be charac-
terized as dense. One of these lies south of Dead Man Island and two
others lie west of Shell Island, about opposite its northern and south-
ern points, respectively. The oysters on these reefs are of moderate
size and in clusters of from 6 to 20, North, northeast, and east of Dead

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 57

Man Island, as far as the mouth of Picnic Bayou, are patches of scat-
tered oysters in clusters. No attempt is made to indicate either
their size or location on the chart, although they are shown in toto
over the area mentioned. There are other beds of scattering growth,
the limits of which are better defined, and these are plotted with some
approximation to correctness. All of these oysters are of the same
general character, being in clusters of from 6 to 20, rather thin-shelled
and elongate, approaching in general the raccoon type, and in some
parts of the bay they appear to be more or less imbedded in the mud.
They are to some extent clothed with brown alga, especially in that
part of the bay lying east of Dead Man Island, and many of the clus-
ters bear a few mussels and barnacles. The amount of young growth
is large. At the time of the examination most of these oysters were
but moderately fat, and some of them were quite poor. They show
many of the features exhibited by virgin beds, and their quality would
doubtless be improved by more extensive working, provided that proper
culling methods were practiced. West Karako Bay is resorted to by a
number of boats, especially by those engaged in taking oysters for the
canneries, and late in the season, after the beds of Three-mile Bay
become depleted of their more desirable oysters, some of the oystermen
engaged in the “shell trade” also work there.

Johnson Bay and Johnson Bayou.—Johnson Bayou is about 2 miles
long, communicating at its southern end with an intricate series of
bays and lagoons lying north of West Karako Bay. At the entrance
from Mississippi Sound the Gepth of water is about 6 feet, but inside
it deepens to 12 or 14 feet toward the west bank. The bottom is
composed of very soft mud. It contains a very scattered growth of
oysters throughout its length.

Johnson Bay is the easternmost and largest of the several bodies of
water communicating with the bayou. It contains about 1.3 square
miles. The bottom is principally soft mud, and the density was about
1.0062 during the first week in February.

There is a scattering growth of good oysters all around the shores,
and a few also occur in the middle, where there is also an old, exhausted
reef, the crest of which is dry at low water. It is about 150 yards long
and 100 yards wide, and it constitutes the most extensive area of hard
bottom in the bay. It could be utilized to advantage for planting. At
the time when this bay was examined there were seven schooners
oystering there, the captain of one of which stated that the oysters
were much searcer than formerly and that it took him from 10 to 17 days
to get a load of 120 barrels. The oysters are gathered by small boats,
of which each schooner has several, which go into the small bayous and
alongshore, where they pick them up in the shoal water.

In the southern part of the irregular bays west of Johnson Bay
there is a bed of scattered oysters on the soft mud in a depth of from
1 to 3 feet. They are generally in clusters of from 3 to 15, mostly of
medium size, with a good growth of young oysters and some spat,

58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and more or less overgrown with mussels. It is stated that there is a

seattering growth all over the irregular lagoons to the northward.

The density on the bed examined was 1.0066.

Hast Karako Bay, Northwest Jack Williams Bay, and Pienie Bay.—
East Karako Bay lies between Shell Island and Deep Pass, the-former
separating it from West Karako Bay and the latter placing it in com-
munication with the waters of Chandeleur Sound. It embraces about
7.4 square miles, its greatest extent being in a north-and-south direc-
tion. Inthe northern half of the bay the depth varies from 25 to 4
feet, the bottom being composed principally of soft mud, often mixed with
sand. Along the southern side of the island in the northern part,
there is considerable hard mud and sand interspersed with soft mud, and
also a few patches, more or less limited in extent, in other places. In
the southern half of the bay the water averages somewhat greater in
depth, being from 4 to 7 feet. A channel runs from the northern point
of Shell Island toward the mouth of Deep Pass, the water reaching a
maximum depth of 16 feet near the point projecting into the southern
end of the bay, and there is also some deep water near the upper
entrance to Deep Pass. In this part of the bay the bottom is composed
of soft mud almost exclusively. The amount of oyster food is very
great.

In East Karako Bay there are about eight oyster reefs which are
either awash or exposed on their crests at low water. On and near
these crests the bottom is invariably hard, being composed of a mac-
adam of sand and ground-up clam and oyster shells closely compacted,
with entire shells lying upon the surface. As a rule these ridges are
long and narrow in their exposed portions.

Near the crests of the reefs there is usually a scattering growth of
young oysters about 2 to 24 inches long, together with afew large ones,
and considerable quantities of spat are attached to the dead shells,
which, from the combined action of the sun and waves, are usually bright
and clean and admirably suited to serve as cultch. The young-growth
oysters are usually single or in small clusters, and are well-shaped and
flinty-shelled. Away from the crests of the reefs the bottom becomes
gradually softer, finally merging with the surrounding mud, and as the
bottom changes there is also seen a modification in the characters of the
oysters. They occur in larger clusters, usually containing from 6 to
10 adult individuals; the shells lose their flintlike appearance and
become dark brown and more or less overgrown by a dark-brown sea-
weed, which appears to be especially abundant in the southern part of
the bay. These oysters are invariably flat, thin-shelled, and the largest
of them are usually not more than 5 inches long. Excepting a bed off
the long point on the eastern side, all of the oysters in East Karako Bay
are inferior in fatness and flavor and are rarely taken by the oyster-
men. They mark the extreme condition toward which those in West
Karako Bay indicate a tendency, and no doubt represent the primitive
state of most of the oyster-beds of this region. If these beds were

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 59

worked, there would doubtless result an improvement in the quality of
the oysters, due to the breaking up of the clusters and the thinning out
and better distribution of the individuals. It would be distinctly
advantageous if many of these oysters could be gathered as seed and
planted elsewhere, under restrictions advocated in the recommenda.
tions attached to this report, thus producing not only an improvement
in the character of the plants, but also in the environment of those left
upon the natural beds.

There are several places in the bay where the growth is quite dense,
and over considerable areas there is an average of from 6 to 8 clusters
of from 3 to 8 adult oysters each per square yard. Surrounding these,
and more or less connecting one dense area with another, there are
scattered clusters lying on the soft mud. The comparatively few oysters
taken from the beds in this region are used exclusively for steaming,
and the alga, which often grows in luxuriant tufts on the shells, detracts
from the value of the oysters for this purpose, as it is extremely difficult
to prevent its filaments from becoming mingled with the “meats.”

Northwest Jack Williams Bay is a northern extension of Kast Karako
Bay, and it bears the same general characteristics as are found in the
northern part of the latter. Its density is about 1.0110, the depth of
water is from 24 to 34 feet, and the bottom is largely composed of soft
mud. Two beds of oysters were found—one in the center of the bay,
where there are scattered clusters on the soft mud, and another around
a Shell island in the eastern part, the latter resembling the exposed
reefs described above. There is also a scattered growth along the
southwest shore.

Picnic Bay extends westward from the bay just described, and at the
strait connecting the two is a small bed of oysters which extends for
some distance into the southern part of Drum Bayou. There are also
a few oysters scattered all over the bay, the mud there being very soft,
with a number of dead shells imbedded beneath the surface. They are
long, narrow, and sharp-edged, and grow in clusters, bearing mussels,
barnacles, and tunicates. The shells frequently contain dark vesicles
filled with black mud. The density in this bay was several degrees
lower than in the neighboring water, being but 1.0070. The depth
rarely exceeds 24 feet.

Drum Bayou and Turkey Bayou.u—Drum Bayou is a long, narrow
channel leading from Mississippi Sound southward to Pienie and North-
west Jack Williams bays, and giving off a branch westward to Turkey
Bay. The depth of water ranges from 5 to 10 feet, with about 3 feet
on the bar across the mouth. The density is about 1.0105 and the bot-
tom is mostly soft mud. There are some large single oysters in the
channel, together with many dead shells and some young growth, and
at low water occasional large clusters of raccoon oysters are exposed
along the banks. The oysters in the channel are rather long and nar-
row, but at the time of examination were in fair condition and of good
flavor. The creek leading into Turkey Bayou possesses the same gen-

60 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

eral features as the main stream, but has a depth of from 1 to 3 feet.
It contains oysters of fair quality, both single and in clusters of from 3
to 10, some of them being very large.

In Turkey Bay, the large lagoon discharging through Turkey Bayou,
the depth of water varies from 2 to 6 feet, the bottom being generally
soft and muddy and the density about 1.0076. There are three areas
of scattered oysters, one lying in the channel between the eastern shore
and a small island, another being about a quarter of a mile from the
entrance to Turkey Bayou, and the third beginning opposite the chan-
nel opening to the westward and extending southward for about three-
eighths of a mile. The latter bed is the largest of the three, and near
the mouth of the creek there are some oysters, of good size and quality.
This creek also contains a scattered growth of oysters, which becomes
dense in the branch running to the northward, where the oysters are
large and fine.

Grand Pass, Bayou Grecque, and Shrimp Bay.—Grand Pass (Oyster
Bay) has an area of about 1.8 square miles. It opens on the north
into Mississippi Sound and on the southeast toward Chandeleur Sound.
The depth is generally between 25 and 5 feet, but deeper water occurs
on the west side of the small island in the northern part of the bay,
where soundings of from 12 to 16 feet were found. Excepting in the
vicinity of the oyster-reefs and in places along the shore, the bottom is
composed of deep soft mud. The density during the first week in
February averaged about 1.0100 and the temperature was about 10.5°
Cr(a0i9° E's).

There are eight oyster-reefs in the eastern part of this bay, several of
them being partially exposed at low water. <A scattering growth of
marketable oysters also occurs in the shoal water along the eastern
shore, and on the middle third of the western shore we found a corre-
sponding development of young growth. In the latter locality every
shell or other hard body in the water has young oysters attached to it
in clusters, and there is no doubt but that by exposing suitable cultch
around the edge of the marshes, as is done at Bayou Cook and Whale
Bay, important and productive spatting-grounds could be established
and a supply of seed thereby secured which would be independent of
the natural beds. It is stated that considerable quantities of oysters
were to be found formerly in the center of the bay, but that they had
been exterminated by the dredges which operated there. At present
there are practically no oysters and very few shells to be found away
from the shores and reefs, but there is, of course, no indication of the
means by which they were caught up if they ever existed in other parts.

Oystering here appears to be confined to the vicinity of the exposed
reefs and the shoal water along the eastern shore. ‘The oysters at the
time of our examination were rather poor in shape, of moderate size,
and inferior in flavor and fatness. They are usually found in small
clusters. The conch is the most troublesome enemy with which the
oysters have to contend in this vicinity. It is rather more common

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 61

and destructive here than in the waters farther removed from Missis-
sippi and Chandeleur sounds.

In the extreme southern part of the bay there is a very scattering
growth and in the mouth of Jack Williams Bayou there occurs a bar of
raccoon oysters, partially exposed at low water. Raccoon oysters also
occur along the shores between tide marks throughout the length of
the bayou and in the small, muddy ditches opening into it, and in the
channel are scattered clusters of oysters which are fairly fat and
superior in flavor to those which are found on the beds of Grand Pass.

From the southwest part of Grand Pass a tortuous, narrow, and in
some places deep, bayou leads south to a series of shoal lagoons, the
entire chain constituting Grecque Bayou. The lagoons have an aver-
age depth of about a foot, with a few holes 2 to 3 feet deep in places,
and extensive mud-flats around the margins. The bottom is usually
very soft. The density varies from 1.0107 in the ponds near the
entrance to 1.0119 in those at the end of the chain, the flow of water
through the long, narrow communication with Grand Pass being
apparently insufficient to compensate for the increased evaporation on
the shallow mud-flats. Over the greater part of these lagoons there
isa very scattering growth of large and rather good oysters on the
mud, and there is also a scattering fringe of raccoon oysters on the
edge of the marsh. The oysters in Bayou Grecque are taken by small
boats and carried to the schooners in Grand Pass.

Shrimp Bay and Southeast Jack Williams Bay.—Shrimp Bay lies
southeast of Grand Pass, with which it has direct communication by
means of the upper part of Jack Williams Bayou. Its depth varies
from 1 foot in the northern and eastern parts to about 4 feet at the
southern end, where it opens into Southeast Jack Williams Bay, together
with which it has an area of 1.7 square miles. Its density on February
3 was 1.0096. This bay contains five oyster-reefs, exposed at low water,
with a scattered growth of oysters surrounding each. Near the reefs
the bottom is hard from the accumulation of ground-up shells and sand,
but elsewhere it is soft, and in the northern half of the bay with a hard
substratum of dead shells about a foot beneath the surface. This por-
tion of the bay appears to have been at one time an extensive oyster-
bed, which has been largely destroyed: by an accumulation of mud
thrown down, some of the oystermen claim, by the great storm of 1893,
and the reefs, which have been already mentioned, and several patches
of oysters along the northeast shore, are now all that remain. There
are also oysters in the bight on the eastern side of the bay, scattered
more or less sparsely over the mud-flats and near the small islands
forming an exposed bar.

Upon the reefs the oysters are small and of the clustered raccoon
type, but in the slightly deeper waters surrounding them there are
some single oysters of good shape, but not very fat. In Southeast
Jack Williams Bay, which consists of a larger western and a smaller
eastern arm, there are very few oysters, although the presence of shells

62 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

beneath the surface of the mud indicates the submergence of beds
formerly existing there. In the eastern branch there are a few shells
lying on the surface of the mud, and in the lagoon at its southern end
there are raccoon oysters along the banks and a few clusters in the
channel in about 5 feet of water,

In the bay the depth is from 2 to 3 feet, the bottom being composed
of soft mud. The density in the eastern arm was 1.0107 and in the
western 1.0094,

Cranetown Bay.—This bay, which lies between West Karako Bay
and Southwest Pass, has an area of 2.7 square miles and a depth of
between 3 to 6 feet, except near the mouth of Elephant Pass, a
broad bayou having a maximum depth of 30 feet, by which it com-
municates with Chandeleur Sound. The bottom over most of the
northern and eastern parts of the bay consists of soft mud, except upon
and near the exposed crests of the reefs, but toward the middle of the
west shore there is a considerable area of hard mud and sand. Being
in such intimate connection with the outer waters via Deep Pass and
Elephant Pass, it is not surprising to find that the water here is denser
than on most of the other oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish, ranging
from 1.0139 to 1.0163. The amount of oyster food, as measured by the
number of diatoms, is small. The currents are rather strong.

In the northern part there are several dense beds of oysters, which
have their crests bare or awash at low water. Surrounding these, as
well as on the west side, there is a scattering growth of oysters in
clusters. In general character these beds resemble those of Hast
Karako Bay, the oysters beiig inferior both in shape and flavor. Near
the crests of the reefs there is a considerable quantity of young oysters
in small clusters attached to dead claim and oyster shells.

On the northeast shore, in the small bay between Deep Pass and
Elephant Pass, there is a bed of scattering oysters in small clusters.
These are of fair size and fatness, and in general somewhat superior to
the other oysters in the vicinity. A scattering growth of rather large
oysters and many dead shells are found in the mouth of the bayou
opening into the southwestern part of the bay. These are the fattest
and best oysters in the vicinity.

Kerchimbo Bay lies west of Cranetown Bay, with which it communi-
cates by the bayou just mentioned. It opens southward into South-
west Pass, westward by an artificial cut into Hast Karako Bay, and
northward into the same bay by a bayou containing a few good-sized
oysters and many dead shells. The depth of water is about 3} feet,
excepting near its upper end, where there are barely 24 feet in the
channel. It contains several old reefs composed of dead shells and a
scattering growth of rather poor oysters of medium size. According
to the testimony of the oystermen there are good oysters scattered all
over Kerchimbo Bay, but the reconnaissance did not discover them.

Southwest Pass.—This is a long, narrow body of water stretching
from Cranetown and Kerchimbo bays on the northeast to the entrance

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 63

to Drum Bay on the southwest. It is about 9 miles long and its width
varies from 4 to 14 miles, the average being about ? mile. The area
is about 7.9 square miles and the depth is generally between 3 and 4
feet, although deeper water is found near the island in the center and
some of the oyster-beds are in a depth of less than 23 feet. There is
considerable hard bottom, and in the southern two-thirds hard mud
is the predominating characteristic. The density is somewhat greater
in the northern part of the bay, where it averages about 1.0120 as com-
pared with an average of 1.0084 in the southern part, this difference
appearing to be due to the closer communication with the exterior
waters in the north and with the interior bays and bayous, by way of
Catfish Pass, in the south. The water contains a fair amount of oyster
food, more than Drum Bay but less than either East Karako or Indian
Mound bays, which lie to the north and west, respectively. There are
good marketable oysters distributed throughout practically the entire
length of Southwest Pass. In most cases the growth is scattering, but
north of the island, near the center of the bay, is a reef, on which there
is a dense growth of small oysters in clusters, together with a few good
ones of medium size and some dead shells. This appears to bean old
reef, from which the marketable oysters have been nearly all removed,
but its condition is such that it will again be productive within a year
or two. There is a scattering growth of oysters, in clusters of from 3
to 5, extending eastward from the denser portions of the bed.

A scattering growth also occurs near the shores of the island, and
just south of it there are small patches distributed over the bottom,
none of them being extensive enough to be called a bed, but constitut-
ing in the aggregate quite a large body of oysters. In the southern
half of the pass there is a growth along shore on both sides of the
channel, where the oysters are in clusters, much scattered, and all of
fair quality. These beds appear to be rather extensively worked, and
it is said that large quantities of oysters have been taken from there
to the markets and that prior to the Nita crevasse in 1890 they had
been almost exterminated by excessive tonging.

Drum Bay.—Drum Bay lies southeast of Southwest Pass, with which
it communicates by a broad pass at the western end. Including the
waters as far east as Keelboat Pass, the bay embraces about 12 square
miles. North cf Drum Bay, and separated from it by a long, irregular
island, there are two shallow bays having together an area of about 1.7
square miles. The water in Drum Bay is from 34 to 6 feet deep, the
general depth being greater to the eastward, where, between the two
islands lying northwest of Keelboat Pass, there are 19 feet of water in
one place. In the composition of the bottom hard mud predominates,
but it is interspersed with areas of soft mud. The density varies from
1.0101 near the western pass to about 1.0150 in the eastern part, near
Keelboat Pass. The amount of oyster food, as determined by an
examination of the water, appears to be small.

64 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

There are oysters scattered all over this bay as far as the entrance
to Chimney Bay. There is one very dense bed about 4 mile long and
4 mile wide lying near the center of the bay, and northwest of it lies a
smaller reef, where the oysters are equally dense. Upon these beds
the oysters are in clusters of from 3 to 10, of the raccoon type, poor in
shape, condition, and flavor. These beds are not worked and there are
about 18 inches of water on their crests at low tide. There is a scat-
tering growth of oysters over a large part of the bay to the westward
of the reefs just described, especially along the shores, and lying across
the narrowest part is a bed of clustered oysters of fair quality. The
best oysters, so far as flavor and condition are concerned, are found on
a small bed northeast of the entrance to Chimney Bay, but the growth
there is very scattered and the bed is apparently nearly exhausted.

A dry shell-reef lying north of this bed is now extinct as an oyster-
ground, being composed entirely of dead shells, and it is stated that a
‘bed of excellent oysters formerly existed between the two islands to
the eastward, but that it was exterminated a number of years ago by
tonging. No indication of it now remains.

In Julius Pass, in some parts of Scow Pass, and in Chimney Bay
there are, according to the statements of the oystermen, a few scatter-
ing oysters, but except the former these waters were not examined.
There is a scattering growth in the two bays north of Drum Bay, where
the water is very shoal and the bottom muddy. The amount of young
growth in Drum Bay is fair. The clusters are overgrown to a slight
extent with alge, barnacles, and mussels.

California Bay.—In the head of California Bay the depth varies from
3 to 5 feet and the bottom is composed almost entirely of hard mud.
Excepting at the mouth of Dead Man Bayou, there are no oysters, but
several beds of dead shells were found. At the mouth of the bayou
there is a scattering growth of fine, large, single oysters of excellent
flavor and fatness. Formerly such oysters were found throughout
the bayou, and we were informed that in the winter of 1896-97 about
2,000 barrels were carried away from this place, and our soundings and
examination showed that practically none are left.

Fox Bay contains a few scattering oysters near its eastern end, and
there is a small bed in Redfish Bend near Elephant Pass.

Indian Mound Bay.—This is the largest body of water in the Louisiana
Marsh and it contains more good, marketable oysters than any other
of the bays within the limits of this reconnaissance. It lies between
Crooked Island and Catfish Pass and between Mudgrass Island and
the long island forming the western side of Southwest Pass. Its area
is about 21 square miles and its depth averages about 4 feet and ranges
between 3 and 5 feet. Its density is least in the northwestern part
and greatest in its southern part, as may be seen from an inspection of
the chart; the average for the entire bay was about 1.0070, somewhat
greater than in West Karako Bay and less than in either East Karako
Bay or Southwest Pass, with all of which it is in communication. The
amount of oyster food in the water is large.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA, 65

Practically the entire shore of this bay is fringed with oyster-beds,
and there is besides a scattering growth around the islands in the
middle. In the northeastern part, between Crooked Island and Mud-
grass Island, there is a dense bed about ? mile long by 2 mile wide.
The oysters on this bed are of good size, single and in clusters, and
quite fat, although the flavor at the time of examination was poor,
owing to the low salinity of the water. In the northeast corner of
Indian Mound Bay, there is another bed of dense growth extending in
a northeast and southwest direction for about 14 miles, with a maxi-
mum width of about 3 mile, and running off westward into a scattered
growth of considerable extent. This bed constitutes the largest single
body of good oysters in the region covered by the reconnaissance.
They grow principally on the mud bottom, in clusters of from 3 to 10,
their upper valves being dark with broad coriaceous edges, which
usually indicate rapid growth, the lower valves being flinty and sharp-
edged. Notwithstanding the denseness of this bed, the oysters are
generally fat and in good order, and the flavor is excellent. There is
some growth of alga on the clusters here, but it is much less luxuri-
ant than on the beds of Karako Bay. Taking into consideration the
abundance and character of the oysters on this bed, it is but little
frequented by the oystermen, not more than two or three vessels being
seen upon it at any time during our visit. South of this bed is another
dense body of oysters of somewhat similar character, but smaller in
extent. On both beds there is an abundance of young growth and spat.

Near the middle of the northern part of the bay lies another dense
bed, fringing a long, narrow reef exposed at low water. The oysters
here are mostly in clusters and covered with a considerable growth of
alga, mussels, and barnacles. Most of the other oysters in this bay are
more or less scattering, but in the extreme southern part, just north
of Catfish Pass, there is a dense bed of good oysters surrounded by a
considerable area of more scattered growth. Several vessels were
oystering here, and a considerable quantity of oysters is caught late
in the season, after the beds of Three-mile Bay and vicinity have
become somewhat exhausted.

North and west sides of Mudgrass Istand.—These shores are largely
composed of very soft, deep mud, a condition which has a very palpa-
ble effect upon the character of many of the oysters, which assume an
extremely narrow, elongated form, and grow in inverted pyramidal
bunches, the lower members of which are immersed in the mud. On the
north shore there are three areas of dense growth. Two of them are
situated near the northwestern point of the island, on moderately hard
mud, the oysters being large and single or in small clusters, with an
abundance of spat attached. The third bed lies in a deep bay near the
western end of the north shore, close to the point the oysters being of
fair shape and quality, but on the soft bottom which constitutes by far
the greater part of the bed they are long, narrow, and sharp-edged as
described above.

F. R. 98——5

66 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Near the middle of the west side of the island, lying in a cove, is a
dense bed of rather good, large oysters on hard bottom. There are few
barnacles here, but mussels are abundant. The rest of the oysters on
the west side of the island are of the kind described as characteristic
of the soft bottom.

Treasure Bay, Mussel Bayou, and vicinity.—The waters included under
this heading, except a portion of Treasure Bay, are not shown upon the
accompanying chart, inasmuch as a proper survey has never been made.
They embrace an intricate system of shallow bays and bayous lying
southwest of Indian Mound Bay. The bottom is almost everywhere
composed of a very soft, deep mud, and the density of the water is low.
The oysters are usually long, narrow, clustered, and rather poor in
condition and flavor. The shells are covered with great clusters of
large mussels and some barnacles, the growth of the former being
more luxuriant than at any otber place in the Parish of St. Bernard.
Immediately south of Dutchman Pass there is a rather dense bed of
oysters lying in a bight behind a small island. Upon the denser parts
of this bed the oysters are rather small and are in clusters, but near
the edges, in the deeper water, there is a scattering growth of single
oysters of excellent shape and flavor and very fat. A limited amount
of young growth is found upon these single oysters, but the denser
growth near shore is well covered with spat. The bottom in the vicinity
of this bed is composed of hard mud.

Mississippi Sound.—There are probably beds of oysters scattered
here and there on the shoals throughout such parts of Mississippi
Sound as fall within the limits of St. Bernard Parish, but with the
exception of those near the entrance to Lake Borgne and in the vicinity
of Isle 4 Pitre they are rarely or never worked by the oystermen and
were not investigated by the Fish Hawk. Scattered oysters cover the
whole stretch between Lake Borgne Light and St. Joseph Island, but
as they lie within the limits of the State of Mississippi they are not
represented on the chart. In the deep waters lying between Lake
Borgne Light and Half-moon Island many small beds of oysters are
found in depths of from 7 to 25 feet, most of them being in less than
15 feet. These beds, being small and numerous, could not be definitely
located without the consumption of more time than was at our disposal,
and they are therefore indicated only in the most general way on the
accompanying chart. Upon most of these the growth was a scattering
one, but there was one bed lying in 8 to 10 feet of water which was
quite dense. There is another dense bed lying on the northeast side of
Half-moon Island, close inshore and in a depth of from 3 to 7 feet,
where all of the oysters were small, apparently the result of last year’s _
spatting, and in dense clusters. They will probably be tit for use in the
canneries next season, but unless broken up and transplanted they will
never be suitable for the ‘“‘shell trade.” This is evidently an old bed
recently rejuvenated.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 67

About 2 miles east of Half-moon Island lies a bed known as Grand
Bank. It is in from 9 to 13 feet of water and extends about north and
south for about 14 miles, with an average width of about 3 mile. The
oysters here are in bunches, rather scattering, and of small size. It is
stated that this bed was formerly very productive, but that it has been
ruined by steam-dredges.

On the south side of Half-moon Island there is a scattering growth
beginning near shore and extending out for a distance of about a mile.
The oysters here are not uniformly distributed, but occur in patches
usually of small size, although there is one large bed, triangular in shape
and measuring about 4 mile in base and altitude.

South of Grassy Island is a circular patch of scattering growth about
4 mile in diameter. About ? mile southwest of the same island lies a
smaller but somewhat denser bed.

A dense bed, circular in shape and about $ mile in diameter, occurs
southwest of Round Island, in about 64 to 7 feet of water, and from the
southwest side of the island a very scattering growth extends for about
4 mile, where it merges with a well-defined bed.

Off the north point of Le Petit Pass Island is a bed of scattering
oysters, and on the east side there is another bed, a portion of which
is covered by a dense growth. About midway between Le Petit Pass
and Nine-mile Bayou there lies a crescentic bed, beginning ? mile from
shore and stretching in a general northeast direction for about 14 miles.
Upon all of these beds the oysters are poor in size, shape, and flavor,
being in clusters of the raccoon type, and fit only for use in the can-
neries. At the time that these beds were visited there were a number
of vessels working upon them with tongs, and between Half-moon
Island and Lake Borgne a steam-dredge was engaged in scraping the
bottom. The oystermen claim that the dredges have caused much
harm in this vicinity. The water here is always comparatively fresh,
owing to the discharge from the Pearl River and Lake Pontchartrain,
and apparently the oysters are sometimes killed by the low salinity, an
explanation which would account for the existence of beds composed
entirely of young growth on old, dead shells. In the latter part of
February the average density of the water north of Half-moon Island
was 1.0012, and south of the island it was 1.0028. This was without
doubt lower than normal, as the readings were taken immediately after
a period of heavy rainfall. It is doubtful if the oysters could with-
stand such a low density for any considerable period, and they probably
do so for a limited time only by tightly closing their shells against the
admission of the objectionably fresh water. It was noticed that certain
marine animals, notably species of worms, were either dead or dying
on the beds north of Halfmoon Island.

There is a small bed of oysters just at the mouth of Turkey Bayou,
and a considerably larger bed, now almost exhausted, lies about 3 mile
offshore, midway between Drum Bayou and Grand Pass.

68 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Lying south and southwest of South Shell Bank and stretching as
far as the north of Grand Pass there is an extensive oyster-bed known
as Cabbage Reef. It receives its name from the abundance of the
seaweed ulva, known to fishermen as ‘sea cabbage.” The growth on
this bed is very scattering and it appears to be rarely worked by the
oystermen, although formerly it was an important oyster-ground. | It
is stated that the oysters here were nearly exterminated by the conchs,
and that most of those not so destroyed were covered with mud and
sand during the great storm of 1893. Practically continuous with this
bed there is a moderately dense growth skirting the north shore of Isle
a Pitre and extending more or less into the bayous, as far as the edge
of the deep water lying to the westward of Deep-water Point. Most
of these oysters, both along shore and on Cabbage Reef, are of mod-
erate size and in clusters of from 5 to 15. There are but few mussels
or barnacles, but there was in February a moderate growth of seaweed,
which is said to become more extensive later in the season. Young
growth and spat are abundant. East of Deep-water Point there are
no oysters excepting a scattering growth in a salt pond, now closed
but formerly an open lagoon.

Chandeleur Sound.—There are now, according to the testimony of the
fishermen, very few oysters to be found in Chandeleur Sound, although
there were formerly beds of considerable extent in several localities.
No detailed examination of this region was made, although the shores
were explored in a few places.

There appear to be very few, if any, oysters on the outer shore
between Isle 4 Pitre and Door Point, but there were formerly some
more or less extensive beds between Door Point and Pelican Point, as
well as in the neighborhood of Brush Island and outside of Deep Pass.
In Live Oak and California bays, around the shores of Martin, Sam
Holmes, and Mitchell Islands, there are beds of old shells where there
were formerly productive oyster-reefs frequented by oystermen. The
general opinion of oystermen is that these beds have been exterminated
by the conchs.

THE NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS OF PLAQUEMINES PARISH.

Hast of the Mississippi the oyster-beds of Plaquemines Parish stretch
from Mozambique Point to Bird Island Sound. Formerly the oysters
in this region, especially near Mozambique Point, were large and rather
desirable in quality, but in 1897 most of them were killed by the Bohe-
mia crevasse, and at the time that the beds were examined it was found
that Quarantine and California bays contained practically no adult
oysters, although there were a number of dense reefs of young growth,
many of which had their crests exposed at low water. The fishermen
state that the beds are now numerically far richer than before the
crevasse—a statement which an examination shows to be extremely

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 69

probable. Nearly every old shell on these reefs bore young, and many
of them were completely covered by oysters from 1 to 3 inches long.

In their present crowded state it is not likely that these will develop
into good oysters, either as regards shape or condition, for as they
increase in size many of them will be killed by the growth and crowd-
ing of their fellows, and the remainder will show in their poorness and
irregularity the bad effects of their severe struggle for existence.

It would be of great advantage to have some of the superfluous
oysters remeved. If half of those now on the beds were taken up, the
clusters broken, and the single oysters planted on suitable bottom,
there would result not only an improvement in those planted, but also
in those left upon the beds. This is one of the instances where it
would be advisable to depart from a general policy of prohibition of
the removal of small oysters from the natural reefs. Some of these
oysters were taken to the planting-grounds west of the river while the
canal was still open, subsequently to the crevasse; but that avenue is
now cut off, and the voyage around the Delta is so long as to make it
more advantageous for the planters to go to Timbalier for their seed.
It is not at all unlikely, however, that planting could be carried on
with some advantage on the east side of the river, where it is now
extremely limited in extent.

South of Bird Island the heavy discharge of fresh water from Cubits
Gap so reduces the normal salinity as to prevent the growth of oysters,
and in Garden Island Bay, where natural reefs formerly existed, the
oysters were exterminated by the Pass 4 Loutre crevasse. The only
natural reefs now existing in ‘the vicinity of the Delta are a small one
in Kast Bay and another in West Bay, near Southwest Pass.

West of the Mississippi River the natural reefs of Plaquemines Par-
ish are limited in extent and of but little importance as compared with
the planting interests. There are a few oysters of volunteer growth in
August Bayou and in Cyprian Bay. In ChiCharas Bay there are said
to be several reefs, which give employment for a term each season
to from 30 to 40 boats. These beds are overfished, and are said to have
decreased greatly during recent years, although it is probable that they
were never very extensive.

In Bayou Cook the natural beds were long ago exhausted, and in
Bay Adam, where there were originally a number of reefs, practically
no oysters are now taken from them, although occasionally some are
caught. In Bastian Bay there are still some natural reefs from which
oysters are taken each season, but these also are said to be much less
productive than formerly, and doubtless will before long become
extinct.

In that part of Barataria Bay lying within the limits of Plaquemines
Parish there are now no productive natural reefs, and even the rem-
nants of those previously existing are fast disappearing through the
destruction and dissolution of the dead shells.

70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

THE NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS OF JEFFERSON PARISH.

This parish includes within its limits the major part of Barataria
Bay, formerly a productive oyster region, but now exhausted. Several
days were spent in examining these waters, but with one exception not
a reef was found which was not extinct from an economic point of view
and fast approaching that condition biologically. The exception noted
is in Rayou des Islettes, where there are a few fine large oysters in a
hole 25 feet deep, where they can not be reached by the tongs of the
oystermen. ‘The reefs are all in the southern half of the bay, the
northern half having never produced oysters within the recollection of
the inhabitants, probably owing to its low normal salinity. A large
area of marsh and swamp land drains into this bay and as its mouth is
almost closed by islands the influence of salt water from the Gulf of
Mexico is not sufficient to counteract the influx of fresh water in the
north.

That this region was at one time an important one is evidenced by the
number of extinct reefs which are to be found, as well as by the testi-
mony of the inhabitants. None of these beds appear to have been very
extensive, and in this feature they resemble, in general, those in other
parts of the State, but their number makes the total area not incon-
siderable. It is not necessary to indicate the location of these reefs
other than to say that they are scattered through Caminada Bay, Bay
Coquette, Tambour Bay, Bay Joyeuse, Bay des Islettes, Champagne
Bay, along the shores and islands of Grand Lake, which is the main
body of Barataria Bay, and in Cat Bay, or Bay Devise, as it is called
locally. All of these reefs are of the same character. They are for
the most part composed of dead oyster-shells, with occasionally a large
single oyster of fine flavor and shape. There is practically no young
growth, for which there appear two probable reasons—the dearth of
adult individuals to furnish the spawn and the absence of suitable
cultch for the attachment of the young.

The dead shells are worm-eaten and corroded by the boring-sponge
and the clam-like Martesias. They are fast disappearing and passing
into solution, and with their disappearance there will pass practically
all that distinguishes the reefs from the surrounding bottom, thus
making more and more remote the possibility of the recuperation of
Barataria Bay as a natural oyster-ground. It took nature many years
to erect these reefs upon the soft and muddy bottoms of the bay, but
a few years suffice for their destruction. Already, in Champagne Bay
and elsewhere, the shells upon the surface of the mud have disappeared,
and the location of the old reef is marked only by the shells which have
sunk into the ooze or have been buried beneath the sediment deposited
by the water. In the section of the report dealing with matters relat-
ing to oyster-planting there is pointed out a method of utilizing these
extinct reefs.

The cause of the destruction of these reefs appears to have been
overfishing in some form or other, more probably that species of improvi-

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. ral

dence which results from lax enforcement of the culling laws. There
is no reason for believing that the beds were exterminated by oyster
enemies, although there is no doubt they did some harm, and no cre-
vasse has occurred during a period which would allow it to be offered
in explanation of the facts observed. Crevasses, and enemies, with
few exceptions, leave the shells upon the beds to serve as cultch and
assist nature in her efforts at recuperation; but the overzealous oyster-
man, raking seed from the natural beds, sometimes leaves not even the
shells. It is stated that for six or seven years oystering was here car-
ried on in a destructive way by men engaged in planting on other parts
of the coast. It is claimed that not only the small oysters but even
the shells were carried off, and the present condition of the beds lends
color to the belief that the statement is true, at least in part.

What has already occurred here is now taking place elsewhere, and
it behooves those interested in the oyster business of the State to cor-
rect a condition which will before long result in irremediable damage.

THE NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS OF LA FOURCHE PARISH.

The oyster regions of La Fourche include portions of Caminada and
Timbalier bays. ‘The few oyster-beds at one time existing in the former
are now extinct and in the same condition as those in Jetferson Parish.
The two bays are connected by a canal, which furnishes the main avenue
of communication between Timbalier and the planting-grounds of
Plaquemines and the markets of New Orleans.

At its western end the canal opens into Little Lake, in which there
is an extinct reef of small size, now utilized as a bedding-ground when
the oysters in Timbalier Bay are too salt. It is not improbable that
this reef was destroyed by the fresh water discharged into the lake by
the canal leading from Bayou La Fourche, the density here being but
1,0044.

The most important oyster region in the parish is on the northeast
side of Timbalier Bay, in the vicinity of Jacks Camp, Camp Malnommé,
and Bayou Landry. At each of these places, but especially at the
first, there are considerable villages composed of the rude camps of
the oystermen built upon piles on the sea marsh. In the immediate
neighborhood of the camps the oystermen have their bedding-grounds,
upon which the oysters are stored until the cargo of the boat has been
completed.

There are reefs all over this part of the bay, the oysters being of
moderate size and good flavor. The density is about 1.0160, Upon all
of these reefs there is a good growtb of young oysters, from 1 to 3 inches
long, about 50 per cent of the old oysters and dead shells having young
growth attached. A hurried examination of these beds indicates that
they are in a fairly satisfactory condition and not in danger of extermi-
nation unless through neglect of proper culling. There appears to be
no doubt that their productiveness has decreased during the past
four or five years, and from the estimates of a number of the oystermen

14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

it seems that the average daily catch per man has fallen off at least 60
per cent, and probably more. One important factor in producing this
diminution is that large numbers of young oysters are taken from the
natural reefs and planted in other parts of the State. During certain
months of the year this business is quite extensive, and the drain on
the natural reefs is very considerable.

It is immaterial for what purpose these young oysters are taken—
whether for transplanting to distant beds or to be thrown upon the
shell pile, the effect upon the reef is the same. In one case, of course,
they are wasted, and in the other they serve a useful purpose, but in
either case the natural beds are rendered less productive and placed
one stage nearer extinction. It can be readily seen that if this removal
of the young continues, whatever may be the reason or pretext, the
time must soon arrive when there will be neither young nor old, neither
marketable oysters nor seed, upon the natural reefs. It was in all
probability some such cause as this which led to the extinction of the
reefs in Barataria Bay. There are said to be 200 boats licensed to fish
on the natural reefs of La Fourche Parish, but many of them have
lately moved into Terrebonne Parish on account of the partial deple-
tion of the beds near Jack’s Camp. There are no oysters excepting
raccoons south of Grand Point, although there are some young oysters
of good shape in Champagne Bay just eastward of the mouth of Bayou
La Fourche.

THE NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS OF TERREBONNE PARISH.

Terrebonne Parish contains the most important oyster-grounds of
the State, and there are 600 boats of all kinds licensed to fish within
its borders. The oyster-producing waters extend from the eastern
part of Timbalier Bay almost to Atchafalaya Bay, where the influx of
fresh water places a limit upon the growth of the oyster-beds.

In the northern part of Timbalier Bay there is a newly discovered
oyster-bed lying in a small bay. These oysters are of rather inferior
shape, being somewhat of the raccoon type, as is often seen on beds
which have not been worked. There were 9 or 10 boats fishing here.
In Pass Felicity there are a number of beds of oysters somewhat like
those found in the vicinity of Jack’s Camp. In the southern part of
Lake Felicity there are beds of long, thin-shelled oysters growing on
the soft mud along the shores. The young growth here is but moder-
ate in quantity. It is stated that the oyster-planters to the eastward
carry away shells and oysters, large and small, from these waters.
Along the northwest shore of Lake Felicity there is a reef, upon which
the oysters are in small clusters, of good size and shape, and with an
abundance of young growth. In this lake mussels are often quite
troublesome, overgrowing and crowding the oysters, and making it
difficult to cull them. The density is 1.0100.

There are oysters on the northwest shore of Lake Barré, especially
in the places known to the oystermen as Mud Bayou, Hatchet Bayou

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. io

(Bayou la Hache), and Muddy Bayou. There are a good many reefs,
but very few oysters, in Bay Jocko, which lies between Timbalier Bay,
Terrebonne Bay, and Lake Barré. No very definite information in
regard to this region was obtained. The northern part of Terrebonne
Bay was not visited, but the following general information concerning
it was derived from reliable sources. Oyster-reefs are scattered over
the northern two-thirds of the bay, both along the shore and out in the
middle, but there are not many as far south as Point-of-Marsh. The
water varies from 2 feet to 22 feet in depth over the oyster-beds, but
the latter depth is unusual. The water is said to be fresher than in
Timbalier Bay, a statement which seems probable in view of the dis-
charge of Bayou Terrebonne and Little Caillou Bayou into the bay,
and which is confirmed by the readings taken in corresponding parts
of the two bodies of water. In the western part of Timbalier Bay the
density was 1.0179, while at Point-of-Marsh, the corresponding part of
Terrebonne Bay, it was but 1.0128.

It is stated that fifteen years ago there were no oysters above Bayou
Lagraisse, nor in some of the small bayous of Lake Barré, and their
presence there now is supposed to be owing to changes in the drainage ~
due to the cutting of timber along the bayous and the washing of the
islands. The topographical changes in the region between Timbalier
and Terrebonne bays are quite extensive and rapid, and islands were
observed there in all stages of destruction, some of them cut into
pieces, others barely showing above the water, and still others whose
former positions were marked merely by shoals or by dead brush project-
ing above the surface. It appears probable that these changes might
have produced considerable alteration in the hydrographic characters,
and thus have changed the adaptability of the waters for oysters.

Some of the oysters from this bay were examined and found to be of
fair size and shape and good quality and condition. In general they
somewhat resemble those from Jack’s Camp, in Timbalier Bay.

The drumfish is the principal enemy of the oyster in Terrebonne Bay,
the waters being too fresh to be very suitable for the snail (Purpura).
Mussels are sometimes troublesome in the fresher waters.

The testimony in regard to the relative abundance now and in the
past is contradictory, but it seems probable that while there may have
been an extension of the area over which the oyster is found, there
has been at the same time a diminution in numbers upon the beds which
have been worked. Young oysters for planting purposes are now taken
extensively from Terrebonne Bay to Bayou Cook and vicinity, and the
beds in Terrebonne Bay are being worked more extensively than for-
merly, owing to the partial depletion of the beds in Timbalier. In the
vicinity of Point-of-Marsh are some extinct oyster-reefs with a few dead
shells, sponges, and other forms commonly abounding in such places.

In Pelican Lake, lying immediately west of Terrebonne Bay, there
~ are considerable quantities of raccoon oysters on the flats. These are
not fit for the markets, but could be utilized with profit in planting.
Some of the natural reefs here appear to be approaching exhaustion,

74 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

although there still remain on them some rather good oysters of elon-
gated form. The old shells are much sponge-eaten, and badly suited
to catch young spat.

In Wilson Bay there were formerly several very good beds upon
which the oysters fattened early in the season, but these have now
been exhausted by overfishing. A few men fished here early during
the past season, but they soon found the work unprofitable and aban-
doned the grounds for more favorable fields.

In Pass des Isles there are a few reefs of good oysters, and in the
small bayous leading off from it raccoon oysters abound. The reefs in
Lake Chien, which were productive eight or ten years ago, are now
practically exhausted, and many of the men who fished there have gone
to Sister Lake. Here also there is no doubt that the extinction of the
beds was due to overfishing, coupled, perhaps, with laxness in culling,
especially on the part of those engaged in planting. There are still
many raccoon oysters in the bayous opening into the lake, and these
are now used as seed by the planters.

In Grand Bayou de Large there are about twenty camps between the
’ Gulf and Sister Lake (Lake Caillou, in part), and there are oysters all
along this stretch, in water varying in depth from 8 to 22 feet. Several
men are engaged in planting. This bayou appears to be the Bayou
Grand Caillou of the published charts and maps, but, if so, it is very
incorrectly laid down. It is difficult to identify many of the bodies'of
water between Timbalier Bay and Oyster Bayou or Four League Bayou,
as the mapping of this region was either extremely faulty in theitirst
instance or else the topography has undergone most remarkable
changes. On some maps lakes are shown where none exist; on all of
them important bodies of water are not shown at all, and many of those
indicated are incorrect, both in position and topography.

Lake Barré, which is about 8 miles long and 3 or 4 miles broad, is
not shown at all on some of the maps published under both United
States and State authority; there is no lake east of Lake Felicity;
Lake Chien (southeast of Sister Lake) is not shown on any map which
I have seen; Sister Lake (Lake Caillou) is entirely wrong in both out-
line and position, and King Lake, which is practically a bay of Sister
Lake, is, with its connections to the westward, not shown at all. It
will therefore be impossible to indicate very definitely the positions of
the places mentioned, and they will be called by the names used by the
oystermen rather than those used on the maps.

In Sister Lake there are oyster-reefs at intervals along the shores, in
addition to those in the center of the lake, the oysters being generally
of good quality, the best coming from a reef near the discharge of the
lake into Bayou de Large. When first discovered they were rather
inferior in shape and condition, but, as is usually the case, the oysters
have improved in both respects, owing to the breaking up of the
clusters and the thinning out of the dense growth. It is stated that a
man can take from 4 to 8 barrels of oysters per day in these waters,

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 15

and there appear to be no immediate grounds for apprehension of
failure. Several of the oyster-reefs in Sister Lake are sometimes over-
grown with mussels to an extent that renders tonging upon them
unprofitable. The density is about 1.0120.

Bay Voisin leads from the southeast corner of Sister Lake to King
Lake, an L-shaped body of water, with one limb running east and west
and the other approximately north and south. There is one bed of
raccoon oysters in King Lake, and there are also some very fine oysters
there and in Bay Voisin, but they are getting somewhat less abundant
than they have been. Some of the oystermen predict a rapid depletion
of the beds, owing to the attacks of snails, which are said to be becom-
ing more common than formerly.

In Lake Washa there are numerous reefs of rather inferior ‘‘coony”
oysters, covered with barnacles and bearing evidence of having for-
merly borne large numbers of mussels, of which only the byssi now
remain. These reefS have not been extensively worked heretofore, but
during the present spring (1898) a number of boats were fishing for
Morgan City canneries, and several of the men engaged indicated their
intention of getting seed from this lake for the purpose of planting in
Jack Stout Bay and Bayou. If this be done and the young oysters be
taken promiscuously in the usual manner, we may expect the usual
results. The density here is about 1.0092.

In Banana Bayou, which is that part of Bayou de Large of the maps
lying between Sister Lake and Lake Washa, there are young oysters
growing over practically the entire bottom, and they are frequently
found attached to branches of trees and brush along the banks. This
bayou is said to have derived its name from the fact that the oysters
found here when the bed was first worked were elongate and in clusters
like bananas. The lower end of Bayou de Large, together with the
branch which discharges King Lake, is known to the oystermen as
Taylor Bayou. It contains some oyster-beds, but none of importance.

Big and Little Bays Genope (or Genoble?) lie immediately to the
westward of Bayou Taylor and have an independent communication
with the:sea. They are both very shallow and have a narrow channel
running through them. Here are found dense reefs of raccoon oysters,
exposed at low water, when they are gathered into piles to be loaded
on the boats when the tide rises. These raccoon oysters are used
principally for planting in Bayou Jack Stout, Bayou Provengal, and
Indian Bay, all of which lie on the east side of Bayou Taylor.

In Oyster Bayou there are a number of natural reefs of raccoon
oysters, both along the banks and in the middle of the bayou. The
number of good round oysters is small.

There are a few beds of inferior oysters near the southern end of
Four League Bay and near the mouth of Blue Hammock Bayou. Last
year (1897) there was a set of spat in Blue Hammock and the young
ones are now being secured for planting purposes. Oysters have
existed here before, but were killed off by fresh water.

76 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

West of Atchafalaya Bay the oyster-beds are few and unimportant.
The set of the currents of fresh water discharged from the Atchafalaya
is westward and their volume is such that the water of Atchafalaya
Bay, East Cote Blanche Bay, West Cote Blanche Bay, and some parts
of Vermilion Bay is too fresh to support oyster life. In some parts of
Vermilion Bay and Marsh Island there are a few inferior oysters and it
is reported that there is a bed of considerable size in the open waters of
the Gulf off Southwest Pass. There are said to be a few insignificant
beds in Caleasieu Pass and perhaps some at other inlets west of Ver-
milion Bay, but in general the character of the coast line is not such as
to favor the growth of oysters, as the sounds, bays, and bayous which
are the favored home of the oysters are lacking.

NATURAL OYSTER-BEDS—SUMMARY.

There are no oyster-beds in Lake Borgne, owing to the low salinity
of the water. Beginning at the islands at the western end of Missis-
sippi Sound, there are scattered beds as far as Isle a Pitre. There are
now few, if any, oysters in Chandeleur Sound, although they formerly
existed there. The cause of their extermination was not fully deter-
mined. In nearly all of the interior bays and bayous intimately con-
nected with Mississippi and Chandeleur sounds there are more or
less extensive beds, most of which have not yet been worked to their
full capacity, and some of which contain virgin beds of great produc-
tiveness, although the oysters are usually rather inferior in quality.
In several places the productiveness of the beds has been considerably
reduced and in others, e. g., Three-mile Bay, the present supply is
entirely dependent upon the care with which the oysters are culled.
There is no immediate prospect of the extermination of these beds,
owing to their great extent, the chief danger being that the concentra-
tion of effort upon a comparatively limited area and the taking away
of large numbers of young oysters to the canneries may in time prove
destructive. The safeguard is to enforce proper culling laws.

In Plaquemines Parish, east of the Mississippi, there are extensive
beds of young oysters, practically untouched by the hand of man,
stretching from Mozambique Point to Bird Island Sound. From Bird
Island Sound around the Delta to Barataria Bay there are no natural
reefs of importance, those formerly existing there having become nearly
or entirely extinct, some by reason of overfishing and breach of the
culling law and others as the result of crevasses.

In Barataria Bay and its contiguous waters the reefs are commer-
cially extinct and apparently beyond hope of redemption by natural
means, principally, if not entirely, as a result of destructive methods of
fishing. These reefs have probably no future value except for plant-
ing, and unless soon utilized will eventually become of no greater value
than the surrounding bottom.

In Timbalier Bay and Lake Felicity the beds are still quite produc-
tive, but are already showing signs of approaching depletion to an

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. fi

extent that has induced some of the oystermen to resort to other
waters. In Terrebonne Bay there is probably as yet no great decrease,
but between Terrebonne Bay and Atchafalaya Bay many of the more
limited beds have been exterminated or reduced to a condition where
it is unprofitable to work them; other places are still productive, but
not to the same extent as formerly.

OYSTER-PLANTING IN ST. BERNARD PARISH.

Notwithstanding the extent of the oyster business in the parish of
St. Bernard, no oyster-planting is carried on there, nor, apparently, has
any effort been made in that direction. The oystermen working on the
natural reefs habitually set apart certain circumscribed areas of hard
bottom upon which they bed their oysters until they have caught
enough to make a cargo. Toward the end of the season, when many
of the beds become more or less depleted by the drain which the steady
prosecution of the industry entails, it frequently requires as long as
fifteen days for the crew of a vessel to catch a full load. Under such
circumstances oysters taken during the earlier part of the trip would
spoil before the boat was ready to sail, and to avoid this itis customary
to “bed” the culled oysters every few days in a place whence they can
be conveniently removed when the cargo is completed. The oysters
are bedded very thickly on these grounds—often, it is said, to a depth
of a foot—so as to allow of their recovery with a minimum expenditure
of labor when the load is completed, and were this done on soft bottom
the oysters beneath would be driven into the mud and suffocated; and
for this reason the beds are almost invariably placed upon the reefs,
which often afford*the only hard bottom to be had. The beds are
smali—averaging, perhaps, about 50 feet square—and are usually
marked and sometimes inclosed by stakes to keep off the drumfish,
which often prove destructive. For the same purpose many of the
beds are surrounded with old seines, which prove effectual barriers, or
by lines with pieces of rag attached, which scare the fish away.

A few of the oystermen fishing in the salter water at the eastern end
of the parish sometimes set down their catch in the fresher water near
Three-mile Bayou to “ fatten,” as they say, but in reality to undergo a
process of bloating, due to the osmotic interchange of fluids within
and without the tissues. The reverse process has been occasionally
practiced at times when the discharge of fresh water through Lake
Pontchartrain and the Pearl River has been of sufficient volume to
reduce the salinity over the oyster-beds and render the oysters too
insipid for market. By transplanting the oysters for a short period to
the denser water of Chandeleur Sound it was found possible to improve
the flavor to an extent which rendered the oysters salable. Certain
of the oystermen residing on the shores of Mississippi Sound some-
times find no immediate market for their catch, and by bedding the
oysters temporarily near their residences where they can not be stolen,
are able to wait until the market improves and better prices prevail.

78 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The nearest approach to planting as it is practiced elsewhere in the
State—at Bayou Cook, for instance—is done by a man who has been
bringing oysters from Grand Pass (Oyster Bay) and bedding them
near Pirate Point for a few days. The culls and shells are thrown
down on the bottom adjoining, and this has resulted in the formation
of beds which he reserves for his private use.

Such is the present extent of planting, if it may be so called, in the
parish of St. Bernard. A very large part of the bottom in this region
is probably unsuitable in its natural state for oyster-culture, but were
the profits sufficient to warrant it there is no doubt that much of it
could be improved in a manner to make it available, as will be pointed
out hereafter.

There is some bottom, not on the natural reefs, which is suitable in
its natural or unimproved condition, but the patches of hard bottom
are usually small and scattered, and, in the absence of anything more
than a mere reconnaissance, such as the time at the disposal of the
party made possible, the exact locations of these places can not be
indicated. There are a number of such places in East Karako Bay,
however, where both the bottom and density are favorable, and other
localities are indicated in a general way on the chart.

In False-mouth Bay the bottom consists of a firm clay mud similar
to the soil of the surrounding marshes and apparently well adapted to
oyster-culture. There are no natural-bed oysters in this region except-
ing a few near Shell Signal and around some of the islands at the
southern end of Nine-mile Bayou.

It is stated by the oystermen that but few oysters have ever existed
here, a condition brought about apparently by the absence of suitable
places of attachment, as practically no shells or other hard bodies
were found on the bottom. It seems probable that, by sowing shells
with some brood oysters to furnish spat, Successful culture might be
here carried on, the only drawback being the low salinity of the water,
which, at the time of our visit, February 12 and 14, 1898, ranged be-
tween 1.00514 and 1.00664, and rendered the oysters insipid, notwith-
standing their fatness. This density was probably nearly normal for
the season, but, as elsewhere in the region, it is subject to great fluctu-
ation according to the rainfall and the prevailing winds, and in summer,
between April 1 and September 15, it is considerably higher than at
the time our observations were made.

OYSTER-PLANTING IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH.

East side of river.—iIn that portion of the Parish of Plaquemines
east of the Mississippi River, oyster-culture is not extensively carried
on, but in the vicinity of Quarantine Bay, in Bayou Tortillon, and in the
northern part of Bird Island Sound near the Salt Works Canal, there
are a few men engaged in the industry. Oysters are taken from the
natural beds, separated from the clusters, and replanted on private
beds. The principal advantage which this region possesses appears to

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 79

lie in the fact that the oysters here become fat earlier tnan those on the
west side of the river, and they are, therefore, more in demand in the
markets of New Orleans upon the opening of the season in September.
In 1897 the oysters at Salt Works were found to be through spawning
and quite fat during the last week of August, while many of those
examined at Bayou Cook the day before were still spawning and inferior
as to condition.

The oysters now (March, 1898) on the private beds in Quarantine
Bay were obtained from the vicinity of Mozambique Point and Riviére
aux Chénes, and were planted during the.summer of 1897. During the
spring of that year all of the private and natural beds in California
Bay and Quarantine Bay were destroyed by the fresh water discharged
from the Mississippi River by the crevasses occurring at Bohemia and
at the several canals opening into the bays under discussion.

The principal enemy with which the planters here have to contend is
the drumfish, which has become so troublesome as to compel the erec-
tion of close and rather expensive stockades for the protection of the
bedding-grounds. Formerly these protections were built with rails
about 6 inches apart, but they are now constructed of pickets close
together, entering the mud at the bottom and nailed to stringpieces
at the top.

Whale Bay and Grand Pass.—Oyster-planting began here about
1885, the pioneer and most successful operator being Louis Espongar,
who in that year began to transplant oysters from the natural beds in
Garden Island Bay, between South Pass and Southeast Pass. He
appears to have been the first man to appreciate the importance of
planting cultch to catch the spat, and carefully collected oyster shells
and other suitable materials for that purpose, even, it is stated, stipu-
lating the return of shells when he sold his oysters unopened to the
residents of Port Eads.

After some years others began to establish private beds in Whale
Bay, until 1892 depending for their seed oysters upon the natural beds
existing in Garden Island Bay. In 1892, however, the water from the
Mississippi River broke into the head of Garden Island Bay at what
is known as the Pass a Loutre crevasse, flooding the bay with fresh
water and killing the oysters. This gap has until the present time
resisted all attempts at its closure, and the oysters have never reestab-
lished themselves. Deprived thus of the only extensive near-by source
from which to obtain their seed oysters, the planters had to choose
between establishing spatting-grounds and depending upon the young
oysters attaching to the cultch, or making the long and sometimes
stormy trip to Timbalier or the coast north of Bird Island Sound, the
nearest places in which seed oysters could be obtained in sufficient
quantities for their purpose.

It was found that the destruction of the oysters in Garden Island
Bay had left large quantities of shells available for use as cultch, and
the experience of Mr. Espongar dictated the use of these as the easiest

80 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

and most economical way out of the difficulty, and large quantities
were therefore carried to Whale Cove and laid down on the spatting-
beds. In this way was established the methods of oyster-culture now
in vogue.

Since the preparation of the Coast Survey charts of this region the
topography has greatly changed, the marshes formerly existing in the
northern and western part of the bay being now cut up into numerous
small islands and channels. The dam built across the head of Grand
Bayou has resulted in the complete closure of the mouth of the bayou,
which is now in its southern half, separated from Whale Bay merely by
a chain of narrow islands with passes between. Itis upon these islands,
both in the bay and along the shores of Grand Bayou, that most of the
planting is done.

The area of bottom naturally available for oyster-culture appears to
be extremely limited, being confined to narrow strips along shore and
varying in width in different localities, in Grand Bayou extending
from shore to a distance of from 25 to 50 feet. Outside of this zone the
bottom is generally soft—often extremely so—and it is never utilized
for planting. Under the laws of the State each planter is entitled to
hold 10 acres in his own right, but for the reasons stated it usually
happens that a large proportion of his holding is useless for his pur-
poses. There are about six men planting here, and their holdings
probably amount to between 100 and 125 acres, some of them occupy-
ing bottom in the names of friends or members of their families. Most
of them appear to be anxious to increase their acreage, but they claim
that the entire available area is now occupied. Notwithstanding this
demand for extension, no effort has been made to improve the bottom
in such a manner as to render it suitable for planting. It seems prob-
able that this might be done by covering the mud with a thin layer of
sand, such as can be readily obtained at the mouth of Grand Bayou
and at other places in the vicinity. As is well known, this method has
been employed with great success elsewhere, and a large amount of
valuable oyster-land in Connecticut was useless until similar measures
were adopted. ‘The problem is an economic one and hinges upon the
question whether or not the price obtained for oysters from this region
is sufficient to warrant the expenditure. As the sand costs nothing,
the only expense would be for labor and transportation, neither of
which would be a large item under the conditions here prevailing.

At the present time all shells and other available materials—tin cans,
stones, bones, etc.—are strewn along the shores of the marsh below the
level of high water and out from the shores to the depth of a foot or
18 inches. Much of this material is thrown among the grasses and
sedges, where it is never covered by more than a few inches of water,
even at high tide. It is stated, and undoubtedly upon good grounds,
that in this extremely shoal water the young oysters are less suscepti-
ble to the attacks of enemies, and it is also claimed that they grow more
rapidly than when they are in deeper water.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 81

In shoal water, and especially when they are in clusters, the oysters
grow in poor shapes; and for this reason the planter, as soon as the
oysters are of sufficient size, usually at the end of the first year, breaks
up the clusters into single oysters, which are then planted in the
deeper water. They reach a marketable size—from 5 to 6 inches—in
from 2 to 24 years from the time of planting the shells, and are very
fat and of remarkably fine flavor. It is estimated that about 100 bank
barrels, or 300 bushels, of oysters can be produced annually from each
acre of bottom; that is to say, the usual crop is 300 barrels every three
years.

Cultch and seed oysters being greatly in demand, the culling is done
with extreme care, all shells and young oysters being carefully saved
and returned to the natural bed.

It is rather surprising to find oysters of such fine quality in such
close proximity to the mouth of the Mississippi River, where it might
be supposed that the water would be entirely too fresh for their welfare.
- The density fluctuates with the direction of the winds, but is usually
conditioned by the stage of water in the river, being lowest during the
freshets of winter and spring and highest during the low water of the
summer months. March 4, 1898, when the river was at a moderate level
after a period of high water, the density on the oyster-beds was between
1.0109 and 1.0116, corrected to a temperature of 15° C., or 60° F. The
temperature was between 11.5° C. and 13° C., or 52.6° and 55.6° of the
Fahrenheit scale, a temperature lower by several degrees than was
found elsewhere upon the oyster-beds at that time, a condition probably
due to the influence of the cold water from the Mississippi River.

The principal enemies of the planted oyster in this vicinity are the
conch (Purpura), the drumfish, and the stone-cracker, a species of ray.
The conch is very troublesome at times and the drumfish causes damage
during the summer months, but is much less destructive than at Bayou
Cook. The stone-cracker appears here but occasionally, but its visits
are very disastrous in proportion to its numbers. It seems to be
unknown to the oystermen elsewhere.

The oystermen at Balize have planted oysters in the small bay
immediately west of the mouth of Southeast Pass. This place was
not visited, but the conditions doubtless resemble those obtaining in
Whale Bay.

Bayou Cook and vicinity—The most extensive planting-grounds in
Louisiana are the series of lakes, bays, and bayous lying between Bay
Jaque and Bastian Bay, a large part of the best oysters found in the
markets of New Orleans coming from this region. It is estimated that
there are upward of 500 men engaged in the several branches of the
business in this region.

In Bay Pompadour, the farthest inland of the chain of lakes con-
nected with Bay Jaque, there are neither planted oysters nor natural
reefs, owing principally to the low salinity of the water. There are a
few natural-bed oysters, but no planted ones in August Bayou, which

F. R. 98——6

82 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

leads from Bay Pompadour to Cyprien Bay, but in Cyprien Bay itself,
and in Schofield Bay and Skipjack Bay, which open into it from the
south and southwest, there are a number of planted beds on which are
raised oysters of excellent quality. There are apparently no planted
beds in Chi Charas Bay, but in Bayou Coquette, Bay Coquette, and
Bay Jaque the industry is of some importance, although of but com-
paratively recent growth.

Both young oysters and shells are planted, the former being at pres-
ent the more important branch of the work. Most of the seed oysters
now on the beds were obtained in the vicinity of Quarantine Bay
during the period when the open canals after the crevasse of 1897
permitted direct communication with the river. It is probable that
hereafter the planters will use shells more extensively, rather than
make the long journey to Timbalier or Terrebonne for seed, these being
now the nearest natural beds having direct communication by water.

It is estimated that about 300 bank barrels (900 bushels) of seed
oysters are planted per acre of bottom, and under good conditions these
are said to increase about 100 per cent in 145 to 2 years. Iwas informed
that in one instance, where 475 barrels had been planted on a certain
piece of bottom, 480 barrels were taken up in the following year, and it
was estimated that an equal quantity still remained.

The quantity of shells planted per acre could not be ascertained,
owing to the practice of spreading them along the shores in the shoal
water, as has been described in connection with the subject of planting
at Port Eads. The bottom suitable for planting occurs in patches here
and there, and there is apparently no large area of hard bottom not
interspersed with soft mud.

The principal enemy of the oyster here 1s the drumfish, and the
bedding-grounds are inclosed by rude rail fences to prevent its inroads.

In the markets of New Orleans the oysters from Bayou Cook have
the best reputation of any grown in the State, and a large number of
oysters grown elsewhere, many of them equal to the genuine, are put
upon the markets and sold as Bayou Cooks.

Bayou Cook itself connects Bay Adam with Bastian Bay, and is about
3 miles long, broad at the two ends, but narrowing in the middle third
of its length. The currents flowing through the bayou are moderately
strong, it being the main channel for the ebb and flow of the tides
affecting Bay Adam. It covers a bottom of considerable area, only a
small portion of which is utilized in the methods of oyster-culture in
vogue, although the oystermen state that all bottom naturally snited
to the purpose is now in use. The bottom on the planting-grounds is
usually, if not invariably, a hard mud, soft mud being avoided because
the oysters sink in it and are lost, and the sand in the bayou being of
a shifting character and liable to bury the beds during storms.

It is stated that in 1893 many hundreds of barrels of oysters were
destroyed in this way, some of the oystermen prior to that time not
appreciating the unstable character of the bottom. The hard mud, as

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 83

a rule, occurs in patches near the shores, the channel generally having
a soft bottom, and in places being too deep for the tongs used in catch-
ing the oysters.

Although it is claimed that all of the suitable bottom in the bayou
has been taken up and is now in use for planting, no attempt has been
made to improve the soft bottom by covering it with a stratum capable
of furnishing a support for the oysters. A few shells are planted along
the shores in the manner practiced at Port Eads, but seed oysters
from the natural beds are much more extensively used. The seed is
brought principally from Timbalier and Terrebonne bays, which entails
a voyage of about 50 miles at least, the payment of tolls in the canal,
and the payment of a license fee in the parish in which the oysters
are taken from the reefs. During the autumn of 1897 much séed was
brought from Quarantine Bay, but as soon as the breaks in the levee
were closed this source of supply was cut off. The taking of seed
oysters from the natural beds is a source of much complaint among the
oystermen fishing for the markets, who claim that the boats engaged
in the business pay but little attention to the requirements of the ecull-
ing law and that large and small oysters alike are removed from the
beds.

From 300 to 400 bank barrels (900 to 1,200 bushels) are planted on
each acre of bottom, the oysters being spread as closely as possible
without being in actual contact. They are planted in the usual man-
ner, by being thrown broadcast from the boat with shovels or scoops.
It is stated that oysters here reach a marketable size in about two years
from the time at which they fix themselves to the shells, and that seed
3 inches long is ready for the market in one year from the time of
planting.

The principal enemy of the oyster in Bayou Cook is the drumfish,
which causes some damage during the summer, but is especially
destructive during the months of September and October. Oysters
which have been long bedded are not much damaged by the drumfish,
but those which have been cleaned and laid down in preparation for
market are especially liable to attack during the first few days. After
that, probably either because they settle down slightly in the mud, or
because they become coated with sediment and are therefore less con-
spicuous, they are not much molested. The oystermen all erect barriers
around the bedding-grounds where the cleaned oysters are deposited.

The conch or snail is not very destructive in Bayou Cook, excepting
near the entrance to Bastian Bay. Stone-crabs sometimes kill the
oysters, especially those less than 3 inches long.

In Bay Adam the conditions are practically as in Bayou Cook, except
that there is less current flowing over the beds and they are more
exposed to storms. The planting-grounds are around the shores of
the lake, especially in its southern half, and, as nearly everywhere on
the coast of Louisiana, the area of naturally suitable bottom is compar-
atively small and much scattered. In Bayou Chute, which establishes

84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

communication between Bastian Bay and the extreme southern part of
Bay Adam, oyster-planting is also carried on to a considerable extent.
In these places the drumfish is less troublesome than in Bayou Cook,
but great damage is done to the beds by the conch or snail.

It is estimated that about 500 men are employed in oystering in the
Bayou Cook region, practically all of whom are engaged in operations
pertaining to planting and the transportation of the planted oysters to
market. Most of these are alien-born, being principally natives of the
Slavonic provinces of Austria, but there are also some native-born
planters, usually creoles. In Cyprian Bay, Bay Coquette, and vicinity,
most of the planters are creoles or other natives.

* OYSTER-PLANTING IN JEFFERSON PARISH.

In Barataria Bay the oyster industry amounts to practically nothing,
owing to the extermination of the natural beds and the almost com-
plete neglect of oyster-culture. A few oysters are planted for home
consumption near Grand Isle, and one or two men at that place plant a
few for the markets, but the entire production for all purposes is very
small. A few oysters from Timbalier are planted on a small bed in
Bay Coquette, near the mouth of the canal, in La Fourche Parish. In
Bay Devise, shown on the Coast Survey Charts as Cat Bay, one, or
perhaps two, persons have planted oysters on what appears to have
been formerly a natural reef, although it has not been productive for
several years. In the few cases cited seed oysters are brought from
Timbalier Bay, and it is stated that except at Grand Isle it is impose
sible to secure a set of oyster spat upon shell or upon cultch. The
oystermen think that it is possible to do so at Grand Isle for some
mysterious reason connected with the drainage of fresh water from the
island, but it is probable that a set could be obtained anywhere in the
southern half of Barataria Bay and its connected waters if there were
but enough adult oysters to furnish the young. As there are practi-
cally no adult oysters, except those on the few planted beds mentioned,
over the greater part of this region, it is useless to expect young oysters
to grow. The belief of some of the oystermen that young oysters are
generated spontaneously under certain peculiar conditions of admixture
of fresh and salt water is a biological absurdity.

The general conditions for oyster-culture appear to be good, and it is
quite probable, indeed almost a certainty, that self-perpetuating beds
might be readily established by bringing adult oysters from the Tim-
balier or other natural beds and planting them upon suitable bottom
in any part of Barataria Bay south of the mouth of Champaign Bay,
and probably for some distance north of that point. In the upper
parts of the main bay, which is locally known as Grand Lake, and in
Hackberry Bay, Creole Bay, Bay Batiste, and their connections, it is
probable that the water will prove too fresh in which to raise oysters
of good quality, if, indeed, they could be grown at all.

After establishing the planted beds of brood oysters there should

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 85

be no difficulty in securing a set of spat on shells or other cultch laid
down in the vicinity, or the shell-beds might be first established and
the brood oysters scattered over them in the proportion of 25 to 40
barrels per acre. There are perhaps several hundred thousand bar-
rels of shells on and around the small islands on the western side of
Grand Lake. These are clean and bright and in excellent condition
for planting, and moreover may be obtained for the labor of loading
them on the boats, which may be run close against the bank, so that
the labor of loading may be reduced to a minimum. These shells are
small, averaging 1 or 2 inches in diameter, and as comparatively few
spat would probably attach to each, the labor of culling would be
much less than if large oyster shells are used, when often a hundred
young attach to a single shell and the oysters grow in large clusters.

The amount of bottom suitable for oyster-culture is comparatively
limited, especially if we except from consideration the extinct oyster
reefs. What should be done with the latter is a matter worthy of con-
sideration. As they now are, they are worthless te everybody. It is
only here and there that an adult oyster can be found, and even the few
old shells remaining upon them are fast disappearing, owing to the
attacks of boring organisms, worms, sponges, and lamellibranchs, which
are rapidly bringing about their disintegration and decay. In the course
of time the shells will become dissolved and entirely disappear, and
eventually, with the deposit of sediment, the bottom will become almost,
if not quite, as softas the surrounding mud. The young oyster, as has
been frequently pointed out in the publications of the Fish Commission
and elsewhere, is extremely minute at the time it settles down from its
free-swimming existence, and a very slight deposit of silt or slime is
often sufficient to prevent its attachment to the hard bodies which are
its only salvation. The shells upon these old reefs are now more or
less completely covered with slime and sediment, whereas upon a
thrifty reef there are always many comparatively clean shells to be
found.

Each year that passes makes it more and more improbable that these
reefs will ever become rehabilitated, and even now the condition of the
shells is such that it is doubtful if oyster fry would find them suitable
places for attachment, and the time will certainly come when all hope
of nature again establishing beds must be utterly abandoned. In their
present condition, however, they appear to be very well adapted to
planting purposes, and it appears to be good economics to permit their
use for this purpose rather than to still hug the almost certainly vain
hope that nature will agin step in and renew her bounties, and, waiting
thus too long, lose the opportunity to make some salvage from the
wreck which wasteful and improvident methods have already wrought.

Under a proper system of private culture these same reefs, now
worthless, could probably be made to yield a product far greater than
they ever did under the joint administration of nature and the natural-
bed oystermen. It is a just and proper regulation that prohibits plant-

86 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

ing on the natural reefs or that forbids their alienation from the use of
the public, but a law which practically says “once an oyster-reef always
an oyster-reef” is contrary to the best interests of a State and her citi-
zens.

OYSTER-PLANTING IN LA FOURCHE PARISH.

In Timbalier Bay most of the planting is done in the northeastern
side, in the vicinity of Jack’s Camp and at Camp Malnommé. In Little
Lake no oysters are planted, but an extinct oyster-reef there is some-
times used as a temporary bedding-ground where oysters are freshened
during periods of excessive salinity in the more open waters. In Bayou
Landry and in Jack’s Camp Bay one association of individuals is said to
hold 120 acres of planting-ground, ef which 60 acres are affirmed by
the oystermen to be upon productive natural reefs which were regularly
worked up to the time that the grounds were staked off as a private
reservation under the laws relating to planting. It is impossible to
form an opinion as to the merits of a controversy of this character with-
out a careful investigation, as the decision hinges largely upon a
question of veracity between the contending parties. This incident
emphasizes the necessity for more definite laws regarding the occupa-
tion of the natural reefs for planting purposes.

Just what constitutes a natural reef is a matter which will receive a
variety of interpretations, and some authoritative definition, even
although it may be somewhat arbitrary, should be promulgated for the
guidance of those intrusted with the enforcement of oyster reguia-
tions. The importance of making legal recognition of the fact that
oyster-reefs may, under certain conditions, cease to be such, beyond
reasonable hope of redemption, is pointed out in the discussion of
the prevailing conditions in Barataria Bay. On the other hand, the
contention and dissatisfaction among the oystermen at Jack’s Camp
shows there is danger in a too lax interpretation of laws prohibiting
the individual occupation of natural beds to the exclusion of the
public. Without expressing any opinion as to the merits of the special
case cited, it may be emphatically pointed out that the State should
safeguard from invasion those beds which it holds in common for the
use of its citizens, as otherwise the favored few are permitted to reap
the benefits which justly belong to the many.

A number of persons in addition to those associated in the case above
cited are also engaged in oyster-culture on a small scale at Jack’s Camp
and Camp Malnommé. The practice is confined almost exclusively to
the planting of seed from the natural beds, but some of the men spread
a few shells along shore in the vicinity of their camps and afterwards
transfer the young oysters to their beds in deeper water. The set of
spat so obtained appears to be sufficiently abundant to amply warrant
the further development of this practice, especially as the natural reefs
are less productive than heretofore.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 87

OYSTER-PLANTING IN TERREBONNE PARISH.

In Terrebonne Bay there are but few men planting oysters as com-
pared with the large numbers engaged in fishing on the natural reefs.
In the parish of Terrebonne, which includes the greatest and most
productive oyster region in the State, there were but 32 oyster-planters
to whom licenses had been granted in 1898, although it is stated that
next season there will be a very material increase in the number, there
being about 50 applicants now waiting for the survey of their beds.
Of the 32 planters whose claims are registered there are not over 15 in
Terrebonne Bay, the rest of them being in the bays and lakes lying to
the westward. Most of the planting consists in the bedding of seed
obtained from the many natural reefs in the bay. Comparatively few
shells are planted, notwithstanding that at least 100,000 barrels are
piled around the oyster-canneries at Houma, where they could be
obtained for little or nothing and carried on the boats returning from
that place to the oyster-beds. Most of the planted oysters are in the
bayous and coves in the northern part of the bay. They are said to
reach marketable dimensions when about 3 years old.

In Pelican Lake, a branch of Pelto Bay, there are several camps
with bedding-grounds protected by stockades or fences. On the flats
there are a great many raccoon oysters which are worthless in their
present condition, but which might be utilized with profit for planting
purposes. Such oysters when culled and planted upon good bottom
undergo great improvement both in shape and condition, and in a year
should be fit for market and hardly distinguishable from those which
grew under good conditions from the start.

In Wilson Bay the oysters are said to get fat early in the season, and
as the natural beds there are nearly exhausted it is quite probe ble that
this would prove a good field for an attempt at planting.

In Lake Chien planting began about five years ago, when the natural
reefs were approaching depletion, and there are now three or four pri-
vate oyster-beds. Most of these are on the original natural reefs, which
afford about the only hard bottom in the lake. A few shells are planted,
but most of the seed is obtained from the raccoon oyster-beds in the
surrounding bayous. When placed in deeper water, these inferior
oysters improve very much in shape and flavor and are ready for market
in about a year from the time of planting. They are said to get fat in
September, but at the time the lake was visited (March, 1898) they
were but moderately fat, although of very fair flavor. Both drumfish
and snails are here very troublesome at times.

At Bayou de Large there are several men engaged in oyster-planting,
small oysters being planted one year and marketed the next; and in
Sister Lake and King Lake, both included in Lake Caillou as shown on
the charts, some of the men engaged in oystering on the natural reefs
have small planting-grounds.

Jack Stout Bayou and Bayou Provencal are considered the best

~

88 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

planting-grounds in this vicinity, as the oysters get very fat there
early in the season. These bayous lie to the eastward of Bayou Taylor,
which leads to the sea from the southwestern end of King Lake.

The maps of this part of the coast are extremely imperfect, and it is
impossible to say which of the charted bayous are those now under
discussion.

Seed oysters are obtained from Big and Little Bays Genope (or Geno-
ble?) and from Lake Washa (Mauchas) and planted on the old reefs or
on hard mud, the former being considered best for the purpose. When
ready for market they are taken up, cleaned, and rebedded upon hard,
clean bottom for from 3 to 7 days to wash and purge of dirt before being
sent to market. Oysters are planted on a small scale in other bayous
in the vicinity. Very little use of cultch is made by the planters in this
region. They depend almost entirely upon the natural reefs for their
seed, and instead of assisting the perpetuation of the natural oyster
supply they aid in its destruction. At the mouth of Taylor Bayou
there are great banks of shells on the outer coast readily accessible and
well adapted for use as cultch. If this material were utilized properly,
it would soon become unnecessary to obtain seed from the natural beds,
and the problem of perpetuating the reefs would present a much more
hopeful aspect.

SPAWNING OF THE LOUISIANA OYSTER.

If we may judge from the size of the spat which is found adhering to
hard bodies on the oyster-beds, a set occurs during almost every month
of the year, but the principal spawning season is between April 1 and
September 15, although, for reasons which are not explicable by the
facts at command, there appears to be considerable local variation in
the time at which the climax is reached. The investigations made,
although they are not entirely conclusive, point to the fact that the
oysters west of the river in general ripen before those on the east side.
During the last week in February the oysters of St. Bernard Parish
showed no indications of the near approach of the spawning season,
only an occasional individual emitting a few ripe eggs, while a week or
ten days later a considerable proportion of those west of the river, jn
Plaquemines Parish, were decidedly “ milky.”

The same variation in the time of cessation of spawning was noticed.
During the last week in August the oysters in Bayou Cook were still
spawning rather copiously, those in Bay Adam had evidently just con-
cluded, while those at Salt Works Canal were found to be fat and well
conditioned, indicating that spawning had been over for several weeks,
as itis not until the bulk of the spawn has been discharged that the
oysters begin to fatten. In St. Bernard Parish they were found to be
spawning freely at Three-mile Bayou and at Grand Pass on the 51st of
August.

The oystermen say that spawning begins, or as they state it ‘“‘ the
oysters become milky,” when the water begins to decrease in salinity

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 89

under the influence of the spring freshets, and that it ceases with the
influx of salter water in the fall. A change in the salinity of the water
may perhaps stimulate reproduction, but it happens that the water is
more and not less dense during the summer, when the oyster is spawn-
ing copiously, than it is in winter when only sporadic cases of sexual
activity prevail.

The following table shows in condensed form the conditions prevail-
ing at several places during the latter part of August, 1897:

Locality. Date. | Density. Remarks.
Grand Pass, St. Bernard Parish......... 50. ..-... <s<-<.------ Aug. 31 1.0176 | Spawning freely.
Three-mile Bayou, St. Bernard Parish.............--.---.----]--- Gomes L023 Do.
Salt Works, Plaquemines Parish .......-.-.--.--.----------- Aug. 25 1.0151 | Not spawning.
Bay Adam, Plaquemines Parish ........---.-.--------------- Aug. 24 1. 0076 Do.
Bayou Cook, Plaquemines Parish............-.--------------|--- do....| 1.0106 | Spawning.

Tt will be seen that there is no relation shown between the density
of the water and the cessation of spawning, and that the relative as
well as the absolute densities at the different seasons are not deter-
mining factors is seen when we consider the geographical relations of
Bayou Cook and Bay Adam. No increase in salinity could take place
in the latter, where spawning had ceased, without having a prior effect
upon the former, where spawning still continued. At the same time it
is apparently a well-established fact that in certain places, e. g., Salt
Works, Wilson Bay, Bayou Provengal, and others, the oysters cease
spawning and become fat very early in the season. Closer investiga-
tion would doubtless show that this was not due to one, but to a variety
of causes, embracing density, temperature, and amount of food matter
available.

The young fry of the oyster, which freely swims in the water, is often
wafted long distances and widely distributed by the currents, a fact
which accounts for the establishment of new beds and the frequent
rejuvenation of old ones which have been destroyed. An instance of
the latter, in Quarantine Bay, is noted in another connection in this
report. In order that these minute fry may succeed in establishing
themselves, it is necessary that they should find some clean, solid body
to which to fasten, a fact that must be borne in mind when considering
the question of oyster-culture and the use to be made of exhausted
beds, such as are found in Barataria Bay.

RATE OF GROWTH OF LOUISIANA OYSTERS.

In the waters of Louisiana the oyster reaches a good marketable size
within three years of the time of its fixation, this fact being estab-
lished not as the result of more or less loose estimates, but from
authentic data established by experience. It is rarely possible to
determine with accuracy the age of oysters upon the natural beds,
but occasionally circumstances arise which make such determinations

90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

nearly accurate. A case of this kind occurred in Plaquemines Parish
in 1897, when the oysters in Quarantine Bay and its vicinity were
killed by a crevasse, which occurred about March 15 and lasted until
July, when the water again became salt enough to support oyster life,
and a heavy set of spat fell upon the dead shells. On March 2, 1898,
when these beds were examined, much of this spat had grown to a
length of from 24 to 3 inches, and, assuming that the water became
suitable for oysters as early as July 1, these oysters could not have
been older than 8 months.

In Bayou Schofield some oyster shells, put down about July 1, were
taken up about August 15, and were found to bear spat, some of
which was an inch in length. Shells planted in Bay Coquette in Sep-
tember, 1897, were taken up March 5 and found covered with young
oysters, most of which were from 2 to 24 inches in length, although
there were a few as small as 2 inch.

At the same place, oysters grown on shells planted September, 1896,
and culled and rebedded when about 1 year old, had grown to a
length of about 34 inches by the 5th of March, 1898, when they could
not have been more than 18 months old. They were of excellent shape
and fine flavor. In July or August, 1895, a piece of rock about 6 or 8
inches in diameter was thrown upon the planting-ground in Bayou
Schofield, being removed 23 months later. It is now in the possession
of the United States Fish Commission and is covered with a growth of
40 or 50 oysters, all of which are over 4 inches, some of them being as
much as 6 inches in length, but all rather inferior in shape owing to
the crowding to which they were subjected. Tabulating these results
we have the following as illustrating the normal rate of growth of
oysters on favorable bottom in Louisiana:

|
Locality. | Age. | Length.

|
iBayOuENChonel dicen seams aseeseemecisee Not over 6 weeks... 0. cc. -00<cesncecs=- $ tol inch.
Bay Coquetté-s..22o:-2 c-hcescseceecceee mss INO tIOVerG monthstess- sere ses e eee 2 to 23 inches.
Quarantine Bay (natural reef) ...--..---.- | NotioverS;monthssa.cceeessecee eerie oe | 24 to 3 inches.
Bava C oquette sacs aces seas asset Soca = | Not over 18 months.----...-...-.<- 2-2. <- 34 inches.
Bay Oulschonelducesases--eeetosseee-er ese | PNotiover:23:month Secs cecemsctee le ctelsieeie- 4 to 6 inches.

It will be noticed that the length of some of the oysters 8 months old
was but 4 inch less than those 18 months old, but owing to the im-
provement in shape, due to the broadening and deepening of the shells,
the animals in the latter were from 4 to 6 times as voluminous as the
former. Had they not been culled from the shells and separated from
one another the improvement would not have been so great, a state-
ment illustrated by the 23-months-old specimens from Bayou Schofield.
There are very few places in the North where the rapidity of oyster
growth rivals that attained in Louisiana, a condition brought about by
the abundance of oyster food induced by the favorable temperature and
the richness of the waters in the chemical elements necessary for the
production of vegetation.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 91

DESTRUCTIVE AGENCIES.

Conch, Snail, Borer.—The mollusk which is known by these names
on the coast of Louisiana is the Purpura floridana of naturalists. It
causes considerable damage at times to both the planted and the nat-
ural beds, especially those located nearer the sea where the prevailing
density of the water is higher, as it appears to be much more suscep-
tible to the effects of fresh water than the oyster itself. There is a
difference of opinion among the oystermen concerning the manner in
which this mollusk destroys the oyster, some contending that it bores
a hole in the shell like the northern drill, and others that it injects
between the lips of the shell a substance which possesses the power of
paralyzing the oyster and causing the shell to gape so as to permit
access to the interior. Some of the oystermen pointed out what they
considered to be the borings of this snail, but they were merely the
bottoms of the chambers made by Martesias, the upper portions having
disappeared by the delamination of the shells.

During the entire period of the investigations, although many bush-
els of oysters and dead shells were examined, not a single drilled oyster
shell was noted, although several Polinices shells Showed the handiwork
of some boring gasteropod.

A number of specimens of Purpura were kept in aquaria with oysters,
but in no instance did they molest them in any way. The theory that.
they inject a poisonous fluid into the oyster can be set aside as improb-
able, and there can be little doubt that they destroy their prey after
the manner of their relatives, among which can be numbered the de-
structive drill, Urosalpinx, of Chesapeake Bay. This form, by means of
its rasp-like tongue, bores a small hole in the shell of the oyster,
through which it introduces its proboscis and extracts the soft parts.
Urosalpinxe feeds upon small oysters only, but the conch of the Louisi-
ana oyster-bed, owing to its greater size and strength, could doubtless
attack much larger individuals with success. It is said that extensive
beds are sometimes practically depopulated by this animal, and the
oystermen of St. Bernard Parish hold it responsible for the destruction
of the oysters of Chandeleur Sound and for the present rather sparse
population of Cabbage Reef. It is found everywhere on the oyster-
beds of Louisiana excepting the less saline waters. It breeds in spring,
its eggs being inclosed in vase-shaped capsules, attached to hard bodies
in the water. Its numbers could doubtless be materially reduced were
the oystermen to carefully destroy all animals and their eggs which
they may take in the course of their work. Apparently little attention
is paid to this matter, and most of the snails caught are thrown back
on the beds with the culls and dead shells, to continue their destruction
and to perpetuate their kind.

Drumfish.—The drumfish is one of the most destructive enemies of
the oyster, and in Louisiana its depredations are especially annoying,
inasmuch as they are largely confined to planted beds of single oysters.

92 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

On the natural reefs, where the oysters grow in clusters, the denseness
of the growth and the sharp edges of the shells make it difficult for the
fish to wreak much destruction, although the smaller clusters of young
oysters are frequently eaten, being crushed and swallowed, shell and
soft parts alike. The lips of drumfish caught on and near the oyster-
beds are lacerated from contact with the knife-like edges of the young
oysters. The oystermen working on the natural reefs often suffer con-
siderable loss by having eaten the culled and cleaned oysters which are
temporarily bedded, and frequent cases are reported of the loss of 30
or 40 barrels of bedded oysters within a single day. To prevent these
inroads on the bedding-grounds the oystermen encircle them with old
seines supported on pickets, or lines to which rags are attached are
used to frighten the fish away, and in some places substantial stockades
are constructed.

The drumfish is troublesome on nearly all of the planting-grounds
in the State, but it appears to be especially so at Bayou Cook. The
damage done to planted beds is usually wrought very soon after the
separated and culled oysters are laid down. After several days have
elapsed the oysters seem to be immune, probably either because they
have sunk slightly in the mud on which they are planted or because
they become more or less covered with sediment, which makes them
less conspicuous. If the drumfish can be kept off for a week or two
there appears to be but little danger of an attack thereafter, but if for
any reason the oysters are rebedded the same difficulty is encountered
as before.

To prevent depredations on the beds fences and stockades are erected,
differing in dimensions only from the more substantial structures on
the bedding-grounds. The drumfish operates in water of all densities,
often occurring in that which is almost fresh and where the conch
would never occur. It is most abundant and destructive during the
months of September and October, but does some damage during every
season except winter.

Stone-cracker.—The oystermen of Port Eads complain of the depre-
dations of a large ray, known as the stone-cracker. Judging from the
description of its general appearance and the large size which it is said
to attain (“about 25 feet across”) this appears to be the devil ray or
devil-fish, Manta birostris, which is not uncommon on the coast of
Louisiana. A planter at Port Eads states that he lost 300 barrels of
oysters in two weeks through the depredations of this fish, and that he
was at first unaware of the agent which caused this destruction, but
finally saw 5 or 6 of them in the act. This species is not reported as an
oyster enemy at any other place on the coast of Louisiana.

Stone-crab.—The stone-crab, Menippe mercenaria, is said to some-
times kill a good many oysters, especially the young ones under 3 inches
long, breaking off the edges of the shells and extracting the contents.
This enemy was reported from Quarantine Bay, Bayou Cook, and
Bayou Coquette, and their connected waters. As arule, it does not

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 93

occur in sufficient numbers to cause very great damage, but one man
stated that he had had almost an entire lugger-load of oysters, from 2
to 3 inches long, destroyed by an unknown enemy, which had crushed
the thin edges of the shells. The appearance of specimens of shells
taken in Quarantine Bay and said to resemble those just mentioned
leads to the suspicion that the destruction was wrought by the crab
under discussion, the entire distal halves of the shells being wrenched
and crushed.

Boring-sponge.—Upon the oyster-beds of Louisiana occurs a boring-
sponge closely related to, if not identical with, the Cliona sulphurea
found on the oyster-beds of the North. Cliona sulphurea in its mature
stage forms large yellow masses sometimes more than 6 inches in diam-
eter. During the investigations in Louisiana waters none of these
massive forms were found, but many of the dead shells and some of the
living ones were honeycombed by the galleries of the young sponges,
which sometimes projected, as mushroom-shaped papille, nearly a
quarter of an inch above the surface of the shells. This was particu-
larly the case on the extinct reefs of Barataria Bay and other places
west of the Mississippi River, where it occurs usually associated with
the coral, Astrangia dane, exactly as it does in places on the Atlantic
coast. It is thought that this sponge does little harm to the oysters of
Louisiana, but, in connection with the boring mollusk Martesia, it per-
forms an important function in cleaning the reefs of old shells, which it
corrodes and dissolves as its galleries extend. By the combined action
of these forms the old reefs are practically eradicated in the course of a
short time, and unless they become restocked with spat within 3 or 4
years they are placed beyond the possibility of natural rejuvenescence
by the destruction of the cultch. It is rather remarkable that this
sponge does not attack the shells on the shell-banks, such as are found
in Barataria Bay.

Martesia cuneiformis.—This form is extremely abundant on the coast
of Louisiana, especially upon the oyster-beds of St. Bernard Parish.
It is a small species of boring-clam, which, during infancy, bores into
the oyster shells, excavating a tiny cell from which it does not again
emerge. As the clam increases in size the cell is enlarged, eventually
becoming an egg-shaped cavity half an inch in its major axis and com-
municating with the exterior by a small pore about =; inch across.
Often these are so closely arranged as to be almost in contact, and the
oyster shell is so weakened that the outer part will scale off with a
slight blow. This delamination appears to often take place naturally,
the bases of the ovate chambers showing on the remaining parts of the
shell as a collection of rounded pits, often mistaken by the oystermen
for either incipient or abortive borings of the snail, Purpura. These
animals can not be classed as true enemies of the oyster, and, in fact,
they do it practically no injury, as the chambers rarely penetrate the
shell, and even then are readily closed, and the delamination spoken ~
of is not sufficiently profound to seriously injure the shell. The oyster

94 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

shell is used solely as a protection and a place of abode and without
design upon the fleshy parts of the oyster, the food of the Martesia
being found in the incurrent streams of water passing through the
external orifice of the chambers.

Algw.—Two species of alge, which have not been identified, are
found upon the oyster-beds of Louisiana. One of theseis a species of
Ulwa, a green form with expansive fronds, its appearance well meriting
its popular names of “sea lettuce” and ‘‘sea cabbage.” This is quite
abundant in some places during the summer, but seems to die down
in winter. It appears to cause no serious annoyance to the oystermen
as it is readily removed from the shells. The second is a species of
Floridee, which maintains a luxuriant growth throughout the winter.
It consists of purplish-brown, slender-branching filaments, growing in
dense tufts upon the shells. While it inno manner injures the oysters,
except so far as it serves as a basis for the collection of mud and silt,
it is a source of great annoyance to oystermen on account of the diffi-
culty of its removal, and it not infrequently happens that fishing on a
bed is temporarily abandoned because of its abundance. If oysters
are sent to the markets or canneries with this seaweed attached the
filaments almost certainly become mixed with the meats and fluids and
render the opened product almost worthless.

Crevasses.—Practically the entire oyster region of Louisiana is so
situated with respect to the Mississippi River as to be subject to the
influence of crevasses occurring at almost any part of its course south
of the mouth of the Red River. In 1890 great damage was caused by
the Nita crevasse, which discharged through Blind River into Lake
Maurepas, and thence via Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne into
Mississippi Sound. This affected the oysters in St. Bernard Parish
and Mississippi Sound as far as Biloxi.

In the spring of 1897 the river broke through the levee at Bohemia,
and, in a minor degree, at other places on the east bank of the river,
and killed all the oysters in the vicinity of Quarantine and California
bays; and several years ago the Pass a Loutre crevasse, which has not
yet been closed, produced a similarly disastrous effect in Garden Island
Bay. Instances might be multiplied, but those noted are probably the
most striking ones occurring within the last few years.

The effects of a crevasse are twofold; it deposits mud and freshens
the water, both of which are more or less disastrous to the oysters.
Crevasses occur during periods of high water, when the river is carry-
ing large quantities of materials scoured from its watershed, and when
this sediment-laden stream strikes the salt water, either at its mouth or
through a temporary discharge resulting from a crevasse, its velocity
is checked and the mud in suspension is deposited, while at the same
time the salt water precipitates certain materials which have entered
into actual solution. When these materials are thrown down upon the
oyster-beds the oysters are smothered and the shells buried.

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 95

In some cases the deposit of mud may be slight or the swiftness of
the currents of fresh water pouring out to sea may actually exert a
scouring action, carrying off the deposit of sediment which is normally
thrown down in the comparatively still waters of the bays and bayous,
and leaving the shells exposed and clean, even though the animals be
killed by the abnormal freshness of the water.

When the deposit of mud is excessive the prospects for recuperation
are poor, as the young oysters, even though they be wafted on the cur-
rents into the devastated region, can find no place for attachment. On
the other hand, when the oysters are killed by the fresh water the shells
are often left in excellent condition to serve as cultch, and oyster fry
carried in from afar finds abundant facilities for fixation. This appears
to have been the case in St. Bernard Parish after the Nita crevasse,
and was certainly so in Plaquemines Parish after the breakage in the
levees at Bohemia. In the latter instance, soon after the subsidence
of the water, the spat began to set thickly upon the shells, and at the
time of our investigation there was a very dense growth of young on
all of the beds examined, although hardly an old one was to be found.

As was found by conversation with oystermen at many places, there
is a general belief among them that a crevasse will always rehabilitate
an exhausted oyster region, owing to the production of oyster spawn by
the interaction of the fresh and salt waters. This idea is based upon
false reasoning from the facts just set forth. It is extremely improba-
ble, for instance, that the beds of Barataria Bay would be again ren-
dered productive by a crevasse, because there are but few oysters in the
vicinity to furnish the spawn, and the cultch, or material to which the
young could attach, has been almost destroyed by boring organisms of
several kinds. Without these the influence of the crevasse is of no
avail, as its benefits are in all probability due entirely to the mechan-
ical effects of the currents to which it gives rise.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

In consideration of the observations and conclusions set forth in the
ioregoing report the following recommendations are made:

1. That no oysters be permitted to be removed from the natural beds
for any purpose whatever during the period from April 15 to October 1.

This regulation is intended not so much to protect the spawning
oysters, which would, of course, result incidentally, as to protect at
least some of the young oysters from injury at a time when they are
exceedingly delicate and when, owing to their small size and fragility,
it is almost impossible to cull them from the marketable oysters as
defined by the culling laws. By allowing them an additional month’s
growth, under the favorable conditions obtaining in Louisiana, a larger
number should have reached a size permitting of their detachment from
their places of fixation.

2. No oysters, wheresoever caught, should be sold or exposed to sale
within the close season as fixed in the preceding section.

96 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

This prohibition is regarded as the most feasible method of enforcing
the close season in the absence of a large and expensive oyster police.
If all States should adopt legislation along this line it would solve the
question of the enforcement of close seasons. It is similar to the regu-
lation which has been found most efficient in protecting game and fish.
It would doubtless cause some inconvenience and loss to dealers and
restaurateurs who now Sell oysters, presumably from without the State,
during the close season, but it is doubtful if they would suffer to a
greater extent than they would under a strict enforcement of section 7,
Act No. 121, General Assembly, 1896.

3. It should be illegal to remove from the natural beds, for any pur-
pose whatever, shells or oysters under 3 inches in length. All oysters
caught on the natural beds should be culled upon the beds whence
they are taken and all shells and oysters less than 3 inches long, as
measured from hinge to tip or nip of shell, should be promptly returned
to the beds.

Regulations in regard to culling oysters are considered the most
important and efficient measures which can be adopted for protecting
the natural beds, as close seasons can not be relied upon to prevent
their extinction. It has often been demonstrated that it is quite pos-
sible to utterly ‘“‘clean up” a bed within the limits of a short close
season, and the writer knows of cases in Louisiana in which beds of
limited extent were practically bared of oysters within two or three
days by a small fleet of boats, each anxious to get the largest possible
share of desirable oysters recently discovered. If all the oysters be
caught up in two days, two weeks, or two months, it is useless to close
the beds during the rest of the season. If, however, the culling law
be strictly enforced there will always be a crop of young oysters grow-
ing up to take the place of the old ones carried to the markets, and if the
minimum limit be placed at 3 inches, as recommended, there will always
be some of these capable of spawning. In August, 1897, oysters of that
size were found to be sexually active on the beds of St. Bernard and
Plaquemines parishes.

The minimum limit here recommended is one-half inch greater than
that provided for in the present laws of Louisiana and most other
States. It is believed that this increase is highly essential to the
welfare of the natural reefs, and as oysters less than 3 inches long
bring but a small price in the markets, it is regarded as unjustifiable
to sacrifice the future for an insignificant gain in the present. As a
matter of fact, many of the oystermen voluntarily reject all the oysters
under the size recommended, and thereis no good reason why all should
not be compelled to do so. By increasing the cull limit two ends are
gained—a larger number of oysters must be left on the reefs and a
larger proportion of these will be capable of spawning during the fol-
lowing period of reproductive activity. The law would be incomplete
and unsatisfactory, however, were it to prevent the taking of young
oysters for the market and yet allow them to be taken for use as seed,

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 97

The provision of section 8 of the oyster act of 1896, “that nothing
in this section shall deprive the police juries of the parishes in which
natural oyster beds or bars are situated of the privilege of granting
permission for the removal of shells or small oysters to other parishes
in the State for planting purposes,” is one which would allow the utter
destruction of the natural beds, however wise and stringent the rest of
the law might be. The culling law as it stands defeats its own ends.
Whatever the purpose to which young oysters may be devoted, their
removal must be injurious to the parent beds. Nature takes cognizance
of immediate rather than mediate results, and does not inquire into
motives when her laws are infringed upon. It is an interesting fact,
and one not without significance, that the natural beds first exhausted
in Louisiana are those nearest the most extensive planting-grounds.

Doubtless the curtailment of the present privilege possessed by
planters of taking young oysters from the natural beds would bring
forth a protest, but this should not stand in the way of a rational
administration of the oyster laws. The regulation here suggested does
not prevent the taking of oysters for seed, but only prescribes the size
of seed which it shall be legal to take from the natural reefs, and there
is still a reasonable profit to be derived by bedding oysters not less
than 3 inches long. The planter’s profit arises not only from an increase
in quantity due to growth, but also from a great increase in the value
bulk for bulk—the larger oysters are more valuable than the seed,
while the planted oysters, owing to their generally superior shape and
condition, are more highly valued than the natural growth.

It is, moreover, much to the planter’s interest to have the natural
beds preserved, and any reasonable measure, such as is here suggested,
‘should receive his support. The extermination of natural beds means
increasing difficulty in procuring seed, either large or small, a point
well illustrated by the experience of Bayou Cook planters, who since
the destruction of the Barataria Bay beds have been compelled to go
to Timbalier Bay, involving the payment of canal tolls and increasing
the distance by about 20 miles.

Even should the proposed regulation practically prohibit oyster-
planting as now carried on, it would be preferable to enforce it rather
than to permit the extermination of the natural beds, for that in itself
would result in the destruction of both. This conclusion is justified
when it is remembered that there is another and more valuable method
of oyster-culture open to the planters, the system of planting cultch,
which will be described hereafter. The planting of seed oysters does
not greatly increase the productiveness of the oyster lands. It improves
the size, shape, and flavor of the plants, and to a limited extent
increases the oyster output by saving some which would perhaps fall
victims to the vicissitudes of life on the natural beds, but in the main
it merely transfers the immediate source of the product from the public
to private beds without lessening the drain upon the former.

F, R. 98——7

98 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

4, All boats or vessels engaged in culling should be at anchor on the
natural beds.

This proviso is intended to aid in the enforcement of the preceding
one requiring culling upon the reefs. It will prevent the practice,
more or less common, of saving time by culling the oysters while under
way to market, with the result that the culls often fall upon unsuitable
bottom and are destroyed, whereas they would have been saved had
they been culled on the reefs.

5. Every effort should be made to induce the oystermen to adopt the
practice of exposing shells or other cultch for the purpose of catching
the spat or young oysters. This method of culture is now carried on
to a limited extent in some parts of Plaquemines Parish, as may be
seen by reference to that section of this report which deals with the
subject of oyster-planting. It not only results in an improvement in
the quality of the oysters, as in seed-planting, but also in a very impor-
tant increase in the quantity. If generally adopted it would result in
saving millions of oysters which now perish in the soft mud and ooze
for lack of places for attachment, and every oyster so saved is an oyster
added to the product of the State.

By this method of oyster-culture the planter makes himself inde-
pendent of the natural reefs; he raises his own seed oysters and there
is no necessity or supposititious necessity of carrying away the young
growth from the public beds. At the same time there is a reduction in
the quantity of natural-reef oysters needed for the markets, part of this
demand being satisfied by the oysters from the planted beds, and finally
these planted beds would directly benefit neighboring natural beds,
especially if these be somewhat exhausted, by furnishing large quanti-
ties of fry to aid in their recuperation. From every point of view,
therefore, it is advantageous to encourage the planting of cultch, but
unless private enterprise be sufficiently keen to appreciate its opportu-
nities it is difficult to see how Louisiana planters can be induced to
undertake it. Probably the best means for bringing this about would
result naturally from the curtailment, as heretofore recommended, of
the present too liberal policy in regard to the taking of seed from the
natural reefs. If the men be not allowed to take small oysters and
shells promiscuously, and if they be compelled to cull off the oysters
less than 3 inches long, precisely as if they were taking them for the
markets, it will doubtless make them more alive to the advantages of
planting shells. It is hoped that this, with the aid of more liberal
regulations in regard to planting recommended hereafter, will induce
an increase in the acreage of planting beds and promote the use of
cultch rather than seed from the natural beds. It is believed that after
one or two men have demonstrated the advantages of the method sug-
gested the others will not be slow to follow. In many places, as has
been pointed out in the section dealing with oyster-planting, there are
large quantities of shells available on the spot, and when this is not
the case shells, broken tiles, or other suitable materials may be brought,

OYSTER-BEDS OF LOUISIANA. 99

with but little labor or expense, by the boats returning from the
markets.*

The recommendations which follow are mainly aimed to offer all
reasonable facilities and inducements for the extension of the system
of oyster-culture advocated above.

6. It is suggested that provision be made for granting to the oyster-
grower permanent tenure of his beds. He should be permitted to
hold them, subject to the rights of navigation, under provisions similar
to those under which he might hold lands above tide. The first
cost should be nominal, say $1 per acré and the cost of making the sur-
vey; and the tax thereafter should not be more than a fraction of the
anaual rental now levied on the leased lands. It would, perhaps, be
advantageous to allow the planter the option of purchasing under the
above conditions or of leasing on liberal terms. The end to be kept
in view is to induce persons to undertake oyster-culture, and not the
immediate production of a large revenue for the State or parish. It is
believed, however, that under more liberal provisions a larger number
of persons would engage in the industry, and that both directly and
indirectly this would result in an increase in the revenue derived from
the oyster industry, besides adding to the individual prosperity of the
citizens of the State. In March, 1898, there were but 32 grants of
oyster-lands in the parish of Terrebonne—which has the most extensive
oyster-lands of any parish in the State—yielding not over $80 yearly
each to State and parish under present laws. This is a small matter,
indeed, to stand in the way of regulations fostering what is likely to
prove a great industry, and which at the same time would do much
to perpetuate the value of the public oyster-lands.

7. The area which may be purchased or leased by each applicant
should be increased from 10 to at least 25 acres, and doubtless it would
be good policy to remove the limit entirely. The policy of restriction
is unreasonable and illogical, and few would advocate it with reference
to lands above tide, its consequences there being obvious. If it be
considered, however, that a limit to individual holdings be desirable,
it should be remembered that when the shells are planted it will take
about a year longer for the oysters to reach a marketable size than if
yearling seed from the natural beds be used, and that the planter there-
fore requires a larger area upon which to produce a given annual crop.

8. It is recommended that a definition be made of the meaning of the
term ‘‘natural oyster reef or bed” as used in the oyster laws, and that
this definition be drawn with due regard to the fact that a reef may
cease to be such, either as a result of oystering or in consequence of the
operation of purely natural causes. The reasons for this recommen-
dation are set forth on pp. 85 and 86 of this report, where they are
considered in connection with certain concrete cases which fell under
the observation of the writer. It is recognized that a definition of

»
a

-
, 2

100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

what constitutes an oyster-reef must be to a certain extent arbitrary
in character, and the following is offered as tentative and is designed
especially for the conditions prevailing in Louisiana:

A natural oyster reef, bar, or bed is an area of not less than 500 square yards of
the bottom of any body of water upon which oysters are found or have been found
within a term of five years immediately preceding the time at which the questions
concerning said bottom are decided, in quantities which would warrant taking
them for profit by means of tongs.

The reasons for the several provisions of the definition are as follows:
The minimum limit of 500 square yards is placed in order that small or
insignificant patches of oysters within the limits of otherwise available
planting-grounds shail not, under the provisions of the oyster law, debar
an applicant from having such bottom assigned to him as a private plant-
ing-ground. The term of five years is established because it is believed
that within that time, under the conditions existing in Louisiana, a
depleted oyster-reef will either have become regenerated or else be
beyond hope of redemption by natural agencies, and there will be no
reason for further exempting it from occupation as planting-ground.
The final provision is to prevent an extinct reef from being regarded
as a natural bed for the purposes of the oyster act, merely because
it contains a few scattered oysters which could not be taken for the
markets with profit.

9. It is suggested that the oyster laws might in some places be
enforced better, as they certainly would be, throughout the State,
more uniformly, if their administration were placed in the hands of a
State fish commission appointed for that purpose. There are some
parts of the State in which the oyster fishery is apparently subject to
no supervision whatever, except that now and then the vessels engaged
in it are called upon to pay a tax.

APPROXIMATE LOCATION

of the
OYSTER BEDS. ———

OF ST. BERNARD PARISH
LOUISIANA,

From a recormpisrance
anade by the V.S.Fish Commission Steamer Tish Hawke
Lieut Franklin Swift U.S.N., Commanding
Feb. 1898.

Scale

ttre

Note.
Tre Sounsdings are shown, in black wml give depths i fork
Densities are aborts Ble figures,
jense gromths oPvystars are thanre thie FERS
ae ae ee = ape

ey 5 ; “4
“162 <R SX

THE SHAD FISHERIES

ATLANTIO COAST QF THE UNITED STATES.

CHARLES H. STEVENSON.

SYNOPSIS.
Page. | Page.
EO CON soa aaQ000a00 danooqadcnsooosshe 403 | The sad felonies of Maryland—Continued.

LO TATION SOLES DAM estate sisi '2 nia sie ae ese aaa 10 Choptankhiniencer..2- en esse er eee 212
Range of shad in the rivers.-..---.---.------- 110 a. Tuckahoe Creeks. 3-2 e222 eee eee 214
Extent of the fisheries in 1896........----.--- 114 St..Michael’River:. v.24. 2s nee eee teen 215
Comparisons with previous years-----.------ 123 Chester River-csse eta. a5 osc ce en ete 216
The shad fisheries of Florida ...-......-..-..- 127 Sassafras and Blk rivers.---.-...--...----- 217

Sind iO MG Mh Ae ossoceonssasccassdosecacecs 128 | The shad fisheries of Delaware ..-........-.- 218

Stin Wi Enea as) INNER 8 So son soaeneedoan osc o5o5RSr 182 Nanticoke River)---2---/- ==. 5-6 219
The shad fisheries of Georgia.......--.-.---- 133 @.. Broad Creek: .<. <.<25222-2cee see renee 220

SMuillle shy Ges wanes aan sosbeoaeeraceesecosee 134 Delaware Bay and River-.-.----.-------+-- 220

PA GamMaha iRIVEDS 6 sc ects soonest sos ssjes ee 135 a. Broadkiln Creek ---=---:--ssseeeeeeee 221

qr OemnulpeewRiviers.---entees leer 135 }. Mispillion @reek:s2= 22s 32ers eee 221

“ b. Drones IGiYGIPo s boqpaabasocpeasaderessoe 1 es Muster Capek: PEE OSESanoaceacscc 221

POCCHCCPRIVOD ee. cis asae seinen ease 13 » Sb.dones Creek <.2<cc. 5-2. see eee 222

Saaninah divers segay cot Lc ce cece ence 137 é. Leipsic Creek |. .-25.=.- 4e2=-2-06 = eee 222
The shad fisheries of South Carolina ..-..-.-. 140 f. Duck Creek....-- 2 ea ee 222

Combahee and Ashepoo rivers ....--------- 141 g. CEO Creek: see eee e reece eee zee

TOG UIRM)d \ohi >) JUROR eSB eee eee aa eocee Some eer 142 e ristiana Creek. ..-.-..-- pret eteteeee 2

Charleston Harbor and tributaries-.-....-.- 144 | The shad fisheries of Pennsylvania ...-..--.- 223

SanteerRivier cess. soe oareseceeee eae nae 144 Susiuslanne River ..--.-..---------------- ze

Qs NV ALeLGO RIND <2 22s see cle sae Jeet eee eas 145 elaware Wiver......-------------+--------
b. Congaree Rice RG ALS ei ive Cente Baas Se 145 The shad fisheries of New Jersey....-..----- 228
inv rand tributaries ........------- 146 Delaware Bay and River.......-.--..------ 230
ave Bay ued & butaries 4 FF GHEGTRRE CEG: 239
do aWiaccamawaRiverae = te ersnice- estes seee 147 . CO on on anne ae nme == :
b. Pee Dee River and tributaries -..----- 147 Bs Salem Wes ror c rec ccc enee ee ease enae an
. : . ates F . Raccoon) Rivers. ---- -s+--22 sees eae
The shad fisheries of North Car ONT Aen eerste 155 | d. Mantua Greck ool. ee 240
Cape Fear River and tributaries -.......--. 157 *orns : F
aplacko River 159 en Bic Mimber. Creel aoe 4-2 ease eee 240
fae Be ee eo a mk ge eS Ocean shore of New Jersey ...---.----.---- 240
DeeNoOruh: MastlRVvensesc--s- cee sce aso e- 160 Saadniridok Bay 240
Pamitco; Sound eeee sere ee ae near eee 161 oD Wy aehcce "C5 ogee eae
Neuse River and tributaries 163 Karitan Bay and River -.....-.--.-.------- aa
: S e niet. ORD nL Rist ~ | The shad fisheries of New York..-.. .....--. 242
aC@ontentnea Riviete-se-eresseeeeeeaere 167 New WorkBay 243

Pamlico-Tar rivers... 020005 -s.ssescesesess 168 |“ Tindeon River... 0. ne

Croatan and Roanoke sounds -.-..-.-.----- 169 Great South Bay and Gardiner Bay.....--. 248

Albemarle; sounder ss-eeeee sane see st een ee 170 Ponoilsland Sanna 7 248

Roan OKOuRinver® 2) scanjas saose wwe ootee eases 173 SSO EL eonmeacceacmpsocsasarcc:

Ghomanthives 175 a. Nissequague River. .-.-----cs---sesaee 249

ere Pee orig a er ge Tee ae aay aig Re ee a 6. LittletNeck Bay -2-25---.-2-esc-se5ee 249

The shad fisheries of Virginia -.......--..--. 176 | The shad fisheries of Connecticut........---. 250

Cherepcake Bay in Virginia -.......--.---- tee ong island’Soundie--.----0-- == -See eee 250

JACK DAY -.------22--------------------- ThamesURiver: tac. sos sss 22 ccc ees 252

URMIGE OE 55 oc ccancsosmsescoassacennseens 181 Connecticut River 2222602255 302 oc ao eee 253

a. Chickahominy River...-.-.----..----- 184 a. Farmington River....-----eccececceeee 257

b. Appomattox River....-...-.-.-------- 185 Housatonic River .......-..--+-.+-ssaceleee 257

Was IRIN G10 oo seeoaggogancaonas sccccwsaease 185 | The shad fisheries of Rhode Island -..---.--- 258

a. Pamunkey River ..--..---------.--.-- 187 Ocean shore of Rhode Island .......--..--- 259

b. Mattaponi River............-..--.---- 188 Narragansett Bay and tributaries. ........- 259

ee eae -- : voter e creer eee eee 189 | The shad fisheries of Massachusetts -_..-.--- an
e shad fisheries of Maryland.-.......-.---- 192 Taunton River: 2... .2=-=- => 25 es=- eee =

Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.............. 194 Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound ....-.--. 261

Vi J

IP OLOMACIRAV OL: ces aa/cesaeic toe eicies eceec nee 199 Cape Cod and Massachusetts bays..--..--- a

iPatmxenbMeivelesecercssere see eee eee ees ecs 204 MerrimacyRivers.---s-22=-0- ses see 2

Susqnehanns IRIN OD pcs nen aeeecannec neces 204 | Theshad fisheries of Maine.............--..- 263

ocomokemRiver: ~nscconsecccassesseae saasee 206 Saco River

Wicomico Rivers cececeece us a eecereeee =. 208 Casco Baypecn csic- = ace cee <a ae eee ene

NanticokemRivelcssusceace semen eeneee rene ne 209 Kennebec River and tributaries.-........--- 265

a. Marshyhope Creek...........--------- 211 a. Androscoggin River .............----- 267

WISHING IBA <8 -cis sco eos cence seme ee eeeee be bl b. astern River. .\.2.:.-s.ss5-ceeeeneines

ae lransquakino River -cssoes-s--eeeee = 212 Penobscot River and Bay ..........-.------ 268
Deb lackiwaber RIVeL sccescclcslenciccineccte 212 Pleasant and Harrington rivers.........--- 269

102

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST: OF THE
UNITED STATES.

By CHARLES H. STEVENSON.

INTRODUCTION.

According to the returns of the United States Fish Commission there
were 24,768 men employed in the shad fisheries of the Atlantic coast of
the United States in 1896; the boats, apparatus, etc., employed were
worth $2,040,542, and the yield of shad numbered 13,053,429, valued
at $1,651,443. These figures include only the common shad (Alosa sap-
idissima), and not the several related species known as hickory shad
winter shad, mud shad, jack, ete.

The capture of shad is occasionally reported from certain of the trib-
utaries of the Gulf of Mexico, but it does not exist in those waters in
sufficient abundance to maintain important fisheries. The several
plantings made from time to time have resulted in colonizing shad in
nearly all the rivers of the Pacific slope from San Pedro to Puget
Sound, and the annual yield on that coast approximates 200,000. In
addition to the United States coast, the species is also caught on the
eastern coast of the British North American provinces as far north as
the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the yield approximating 600,000 annually.

There is no species of fish more important to the residents of the
entire Atlantic seaboard than the shad, and none whose preservation
so immediately concerns a larger number of persons. The yield of
codfish is larger and of greater value, but the fishery for that species
is confined to one section of the coast, gives employment to less than
half as many men, and its prosecution requires costly vessels and appli-
ances, necessitating lengthy trips from port and much exposure and
loss; whereas shad occur more or less abundantly along the entire
coast, ascending the rivers as far as they permit, almost to the very
doors of fishermen and consumers several hundred miles from the sea,
and are caught by all forms of apparatus, from the costly seines and
pound nets near the coast to the roughly constructed bow nets and fall
traps in the headwaters of the rivers.

However, there are few fishes whose geographical range and local
abundance are more easily affected by agencies of man, and during
the last fifty years the shad fisheries have undergone great changes.
In the early part of the present century these fish ascended the numer-
ous streams until they reached the headwaters or met with impassable
falls, and they were caught all along the river course, every point yield-

103

104 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

ing its quota for local use. Not only did this method of reaching the
consumers have many advantages over the present, but it also gave
opportunity for a large percentage of the shad to spawn in suitable
places and thus keep up the supply. There was no concentration at
any particular point, and the limited local demand did not warrant
the prosecution of the fisheries so vigorously as to cut off the run at
points above.

Dams were gradually constructed along the streams, completely
blocking the passage to the spawning-grounds in the upper reaches.
Then the concentration of the fisheries near the mouths of the rivers
resulted, in certain narrow streams, in excluding shad almost entirely
from the middle and upper parts, restricting or entirely preventing the
reproduction of the species in those rivers. The excessive fisheries
and the destruction of spawn by sewage and by washings from culti-
vated fields, and of young shad by improper modes of capture, make
heavy drains upon the natural abundance of these fish. In a number
of streams on the Atlantic seaboard the fisheries have been entirely
destroyed by these combined agencies, and in most of the others the
number of shad that reach the spawning areas has been so far reduced
that natural reproduction is yearly becoming less effective in keeping
up the supply, and the necessity for artificial hatching becomes propor-
tionately greater.

The history of the shad fisheries shows that there was a decrease in
the yield in nearly every river on the coast until 1880, when the results
of artificial propagation became apparent, not only maintaining an
equilibrium, but increasing the abundance. Since 1880 the aggregate
yield has greatly increased, the product in 1896 being 28 per cent
ereater than in 1888 and nearly three times as great as in 1880. And
yet 1896 was what is commonly termed an ‘“‘off” year for shad, the
catch being smaller than in 1895 or in 1897. It should be noted, how-
ever, that this largely increased yield has been accompanied and even
surpassed by an increase in quantity and effectiveness of the apparatus
of capture, but it was made possible by the results of artificial propa-
gation. Comparing 1880 with 1896, it is observed that the increase in
the yield numbered 7,905,154. At 25 cents each, the average price
paid by consumers, this represents an increase of $1,976,288 in the value,
over 60 times the expenditure for shad propagation, a result probably
unsurpassed in any other line of fish-culture.

The supporting of profitable shad fisheries is not the only object to
be gained in maintaining the supply of shad on the coast. The rela-
tion between the different species of fish in the economy of nature is
not very well understood, but sufficient is known to indicate that the
valuable shore fisheries on the New England coast are intimately asso-
ciated with the run of shad and similar species up the rivers of that
section. Seventy years ago the run of fish up the rivers of the New
England States was very much greater than at present, and after the
parent fish had disappeared the waters swarmed with the young, which

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 105

later in the year descended to the sea in enormous schools, attracting
the cod, haddock, and other offshore species, which were caught in great
abundance within a short distance of the coast, rendering unnecessary
the expensive and hazardous trips to distant banks. But with the
depletion of shad, alewives, salmon, and kindred species came a corre-
sponding diminution in the number of cod, haddock, ete., near the coast.
And it appears that any measures tending to restore the anadromous
fishes to their former abundance will also improve the coast fisheries.

Another subject requiring attention is the conflicting laws regulat-
ing the shad fisheries in contiguous waters, and frequently in the same
waters when under the jurisdiction of more than one State. Many of
the most important shad streams either form the boundary line
between two States or they traverse more than one State, thereby sub-
jecting them to more than one system of regulations. Thus in the
Delaware River there are three systems of regulations operative, viz,
those of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. In the Potomac
there are likewise three jurisdictions, viz, Maryland, Virginia, and the
District of Columbia. The regulations of the shad fisheries on the
New Jersey side of the Hudson River conflict with those on the New
York side of that stream. Also in such rivers as the Pee Dee, Susque-
hanna, and Connecticut, which traverse more than one State, there is
usually considerable friction between citizens of the two States because
of alleged injurious methods of fishery being permitted in each end of
the river.

The main object of this report is to attract more attention to the
shad fisheries, to the necessity for improvements in the passage of shad
to the headwaters of the rivers, for continued and increased efforts in
the line of artificial propagation, and to the desirability of having
uniform regulations in the various waters possessing similar physical
conditions. It relates exclusively to the fisheries on the Atlantie coast
of the United States and contains no reference to the important results
accomplished in introducing shad into the waters of the Pacific coast,
nor the even more interesting subject of the possibilities of stocking
the Mississippi River and tributaries. The general condition of the
fisheries and kindred subjects are first discussed, and these are followed
by a description of the fisheries of each water area.

In the preparation of this report use has been made of all available
material, acknowledgment being given in cases where other reports or
publications have been extensively quoted. From the reports of the
United States Fish Commission and the State commissions, as weil as
those of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, so many data
have been obtained that it would be useless to attempt to refer in detail
to the authority for each statement therefrom when not of particular
importance. The writer has personally visited and investigated the
shad fisheries of most of the water areas of the Atlantic coast at
some time during the past nine years, and the result of those observa-
tions is embodied in this report.

106 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The statistics herein given, showing the extent of the shad fisheries
in 1896, which is the year referred to in this report when not otherwise
mentioned, were obtained by agents of the United States Fish Com-
mission. Valuable assistance has been received from Messrs. Ansley
Hall, John N. Cobb, and H. O. Weaver, of the Commission.

MIGRATIONS OF SHAD.

The shad belongs to the migratory class of fishes, being found in the
coastal waters during only a portion of each year. In their annual
migration mature shad appear in the southern rivers of the United
States in December and January, and as the season advances they
appear successively in the various streams, reaching the New England
waters about May 1. After remaining in the rivers several months
they disappear, renewing the performance the following season.

The young fry, hatched out in the rivers in spring and early summer,
remain there until the following fall, when they leave for the ocean,
and nothing more is seen of them until they return to the estuaries as
mature or nearly mature fish, supposed to be two or three years old.
Their habitat from their disappearance on the coast in the summer and
fall to their reappearance in the following winter or spring is unknown.
It is likewise unknown whether, as they disappear from the estuaries,
they remain nearby or go far off from the shore, or whether they retreat
in a direction parallel with the coast to the warmer waters of the South.
Neither has it been established whether individual shad visit the rivers
every year or every two years, but the depletion by casualty and capture
is so great that probably only a small proportion ever ascend the rivers
a second time.

In accordance with the old-time theory that all seasonal migrations
were directed toward and from the equator, it was formerly considered
that the entire body of shad wintered in the South and started north-
ward in a vast school at the beginning of the year, advancing along the
coast iu almost military array, sending a detachment up each succes-
sive stream, this division, by a singular method of selection, being the
individuals that were bred in those respective streams, the last portion
of the great school entering the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

But zoologists now recognize a second kind of seasonal movement,
termed “bathic migration,” by which uniformity of temperature is
secured far more readily than by moving toward or from the equator;
and the present theory is that the young shad hatched out in any par-
ticular river remain within a moderate distance off the mouth of that
stream until the period occurs for their inland migration, and that the
schools of fish are generally distributed off the coast at all times, enter-
ing the rivers as soon as the temperature of the water is suitable.
Their appearance first in the extreme southern river of the coast, the
St. Johns, and at later dates successively in the more northern rivers,
seems to confirm this view. There are exceptions to this order of

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 107

appearance. For instance, the Ashepoo and Edisto rivers are many
miles north of the Altamaha or the Savannah, and yet the run of shad
in the former is usually coincident with the run in the two latter.
Explanation of this is found in the fact that the Ashepoo and the
Edisto rise in the sand hills and swamps, while the two latter streams
have their sources in the mountains of northern Georgia and South
Carolina; consequently at a given date the waters of the two former
are warmer than those of the Altamaha or Savannah. Hence it
appears that the season of migration is determined by the temperature
of the water rather than by geographical location.

The following summary shows for the principal water areas of the
Atlantic coast the approximate dates at which shad fishing began in
1896:

Waters. Date. | Waters. Date.
Db. WOHNS RIVE? <2 6.6 acccn cesisne a cecn-- Dec, 1 || Chesapeake Bay—continued.
PAILAMAH ARRAY OL! «26. Cosmin sc cdeai-! | Jan. 10 || Rappahannock River ...-.-.-.......--- Mar. 18
Ogeechee Rivers sR - sah ado -~ siaflscinon = 4 LEO OPNEKE ADVE Ken onconoaarcbeetbcoc- 7
SEAT Gis Se Se abe cegeCenceeenepe 6 Nan TeOKGsRIMele = mmsst loaner 13
GISHOPRIV Doe re sca iseiniea nics See ses. 7 ChoptanlcsPRivern--ees-ee 4-2 ose 14
MANTLCOPRAM OM: ere Seema ota emcee salen a -i- 15 Susquehanna River---°..-----------. Apr. 14
Win yah Baye. ts2= so ee ccs seo es cees NF | Delaware Banz cts <a eee eee Mar. 138
@apepllesnbivers 264. -mmcc += <ioscisc el 215 | See Olanwanegrul yeas aclelstetseiateeeet sprawl
12 EO SOWING ie SaaRon pee soe eesoeneene Heb (3h |New More Bay esos sce ao eis seer Mar. 30
INCUNEG) IMTRNGIhs BS a neE BOD RSE CDOOROCGECrOr bo eer SOn wha Olt ee see seat YNying, Val
PIPITC OM OL ea eo cos ke = sage f- so = e's G:]\ Gone stslandy Sound! see ses-sceian ae slo 10
AU pemarie: SOUNG 7-6 = $32) 5. 25+ snc | 4 Connecticut Rivierss. --6-45.-eccese se 13
ROAM OL CHRUIN OL mee atecin se rerela rete sincera | Mar. 14 |} Narragansett Bay.......--- aa’seersiecstsie}ae 2
WhowanweRi vena. sen oer sen sense | 87 ||| Casco) Baya. cc022 ene see Saas see eee 25
Chesapeake Bay, lower end_.-.-----.---- Hebs20s||ekeonnehbecphlyverercc ccc. eect -e Ieee May 1
INES, RIVOls = ac ec eases kat ae nance | Mar. 6
@hickahominy River--..--------c-4-| 10

While the principal motive for, or rather the chief result accomplished
by, the migration of shad into the rivers is the reproduction of the
species, yet it appears that their movements are more immediately
governed by the comparative temperature of the waters than by the
approaching ripeness of the spawn. For instance, although they enter
the St. Johns about December 1, spawning does not take place there
until some time in March or April. In the sounds of North Carolina,
and in Chesapeake and Delaware bays, shad enter a month or two
before they begin to spawn. But in more northerly streams, as the
Connecticut and Kennebec, where the entrance of the fish 1s delayed
by low temperature caused by melting ice flowing down the river,
spawning occurs shortly after the shad enter.

An interesting fact in connection with the migratory movements of
shad is the arrival of the males several days before the females. This
appears common to all the waters of the coast, the bucks constituting
nearly two-thirds of the catch during the first third of the season and
the roes being equally predominant during the last third.

The great bulk of shad appearing in the rivers are mature fish,
weighing 2 pounds and upwards, and averaging about 3 pounds for
the males and 42 pounds for the females. But in the lower portion of
the estuaries and along the coast there are numerous schools of smaller

108 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

fish, commonly known on the New England coast as “sea shad,” which
usually appear somewhat later than the grown fish. Excepting in
the St. Johns River, Delaware River, and on the New England coast,
comparatively few of the small fish are caught unless unusually low
temperature prevails in the rivers during the fishing season.

A subject about which there is much disagreement is whether shad
spawned in a certain river return or endeavor to return to the same
stream on their reappearance from the sea as mature fish. This idea has
been quite generally accepted, and has to some extent furnished argu-
ments for the prosecution of the work of artificial propagation. Not
only has it been contended that shad return to the river basin in which
they were spawned, but that they endeavor to return to the same local-
ity in that river basin. In a letter written by Professor Baird in 1873
to the Hon. Hamilton Fish, then Secretary of State, the following
statement is made:

Anadromous fish, or such as run up the rivers from the sea to spawn, will return,
if possible, to the river in which they first saw the light. So true is this that where
there may be two or three rivers entering the sea in close proximity, which have
become destitute of shad or herring in consequence of long-continued obstructions,
and the central one only has been stocked by artificial means, the fish, year by year,
will enter that stream, while those adjacent on either side will continue as barren of
fish as before.

While this may be true to a certain extent, yet, as Professor Baird
Says in the same letter:

It is difficult to imagine how a shad spawned in any northern stream could ayoid
entering a more southern river if in its vicinity.

It seems that fish spawned in Kennebee River are more likely to
return to that stream than they are to Delaware River, and that shad
fry planted in the latter stream will tend to improve the fisheries of
that section rather than those of the waters of Georgia. But how is
it in case of two rivers in close proximity, like the Ogeechee and Savan-
nah, whose entrances into the sea are only 17 miles apart? The young
shad leaving those rivers and remaining in the deep water off the
mouths thereof for a period of two or three years must surely com-
mingle as a result of currents, variations of temperature, search for
food, etc. Again, in the instance of two or more streams which com-
municate with the sea through the same outlet, as the Neuse, Chowan,
and Roanoke rivers, all of which are tributaries of Pamlico Sound, or
the various tributaries of Chesapeake Bay, does the peculiar instinet
common to shad cause them to pass by the mouth of one stream and
enter another merely because, three years before, they were spawned in
that other river? It appears more reasonable to suppose that shad
remain in the hydrographic area in which they are spawned, this area
including the rivers entering the sea and the submerged areas between
the coast line and the Gulf Stream, and that they seek any suitable
spawning-grounds within that area and do not necessarily return to the
identical river in which they were bred. When shad were introduced

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 109

in the Sacramento River it was supposed that they would return only
to that stream, but they have since appeared in many of the Pacific
coast waters in which they had not been indigenous and had never
been planted.

Those who believe that shad return to the identical river in which
they were spawned refer to the numerous instances in which the fish-
eries of a certain river have decreased after the shad have been
excluded, by means of dams, from the spawning areas in that stream.
But those decreases appear to be due rather to the general depletion of
shad in that coastal area. For instance, the Merrimac River was
obstructed in 1848 by a dam at Lawrence, 25 miles from the sea, yet shad
were caught in considerable abundance below that dam for a period
of thirty years thereafter, and the decrease in the Merrimac appears
to be merely an incident of the decrease on the New Kngland coast.
This decrease is apparent in Casco Bay, where neither obstructions nor
spawning-grounds have ever existed. Comparatively few shad ascend
the Savannah or the Pee Dee as far as the spawning-grounds, yet the
fisheries of those streams appear to be holding their own among the
rivers of the South Atlantic States.

It is well known that in their passage through the coastal waters
shad pursue certain well-defined paths, which, however, may be varied
by unusual conditions of temperature or currents. Thus, in passing up
the lower end of Chesapeake Bay shad usually crowd the western shore,
and are caught in immense numbers in the pound nets set there, while
the nets on the opposite shore take very few, this being due to their
following the thread of fresh water entering from the western side of
the bay. Yet during certain seasons, when quantities of cold water are
flowing down the Virginia rivers, or during the prevalence of northwest
winds, shad are caught in considerable abundance on the eastern shore
of Virginia and those nets on the western shore take comparatively
few. In entering Connecticut River, shad appear to follow the shore
west of the mouth of that stream, where they are caught in consider-
able numbers for a distance of 10 or 15 miles, yet they are rarely caught
on the shore immediately east of the river. In this instance they are
attracted by fresh water flowing from the Connecticut, which appears
to pursue a southwesterly course immediately on leaving that river.

After entering the estuaries the rate and course of the shad move-
ment up the rivers are influenced by various causes, which are thus
described by the late Commissioner McDonald:

if, in consequence of warm rains at the river source, the temperature of the water
becomes suitable to the shad at an earlier date than usual, then their upward move-
ment takes place very rapidly, and, we may say, tumultuously, the great schools of
fish crowding in and moying up all at once, so as to produce what is termed a “glut.”
If, however, the temperature of the water rises by insensible degrees with the
advance of the season, then the upward movement begins when the water temper-
ature of the river has passed above that of the sea, and takes place gradually, the

rate of movement in such cases being slow and the period prolonged, Again, when
the shad have entered the rivers, the temperature conditions being such as to deter-

110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

mine a rapid upward movement, yet should the fish encounter floods and consequent
muddy waters, their upward movement is arrested, the schools back down before
the flood, and, if this condition is prolonged, may be driven entirely out of the
river. In short, fluctuations in the river temperature have corresponding influences
upon the shad movements; any sudden change, whether to a higher or lower tem-
perature, apparently arrests their upward course for a time, and sometimes even
determines a retrograde movement. Many of the anomalies which perplex fisher-
men in the course of their work may be explained by the varying movements of the
fish as controlled by the water temperature in the rivers. We find, for example, that
while at a particular seine shore during one season a very large catch is made, yet
in the following season the fishery in the same locality may prove a failure, although
the general run of fish in the river has not diminished. If we suppose a seine to
sweep the flats at the mouth of such a stream as the Occoquan Creek (a tributary
of the Potomac River), and if we further suppose that the river waters in the
channel are colder than, or as cold as, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the shad
in their movement up the river would avoid the main current and would slowly
work their way up the shores and over the flats, where the temperature of the
waters will be found to be, under such circumstances, several degrees warmer than
in the channel. Such a season would be profitable to a seine sweeping the flats.
Again, if the waters in the main channel of the river were of suitable temperature,
then the upward movement of the shad would take place in the channel and not
along the flats. Under such circumstances a channel seine would make a very large
catch, while a seine hauled over the flats would probably find very indifferent
fishing.

In their migrations up the rivers shad ascend the stream until the
volume of the water forming the channel of the river becomes quite
inconsiderable, or, as is more frequently the case, until their move-
ments are arrested by impassable falls, dams, or other obstructions.
However, a discussion of the limit of their range in the rivers is
reserved for a special chapter.

RANGE OF SHAD IN THE RIVERS.

In considering the limit of shad range in the rivers the principal
points to be kept in view are the size of the streain, uniformity of slope,
and its freedom from dams and other obstructions. No river on the
Atlantic seaboard appears too long for shad to ascend to its head-
waters, provided they meet with nothing to bar their progress. At
present they ascend the St. Johns, in Florida, a distance approximating
375 niles; the Altamaha 300 miles; the Santee 272 miles; the Neuse
270 miles, and the Delaware River a distance of 240 miles from the
sea. However, these distances do not equal the extreme ranges in the
early part of the present century. Then shad ascended the Savannah
to Tallulah Falls, a distance of 384 miles, instead of 209 miles as at
present. They ran up the Pee Dee to Wilkesboro, a range of 451
miles, whereas the present limit on that river is Grassy Island, 242
miles from the sea, and only one shad was reported from that point in
1896. On James River the former run was 350 miles in length, while
the present limit is at Bosher’s Dam, 120 miles. But the greatest
decrease exists in Susquehanna River, in which shad formerly ascended
to Binghamton, 318 miles from the mouth and 513 miles by water-
course from the sea, whereas at present they do not appear to pass
beyond Clark’s Ferry, 84 miles from the mouth of the river.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. gf

The following summary shows, in comparative form, the original and
the present limit of the shad range in 25 of the principal rivers of the
Atlantic seaboard:

p Original limit of shad rua. Present limit of shad run.
Distance | 3 r st = | SA
of sources Caeene | aah
Rivers. above : By Sten THetaRc

ey Locality. Sanat Locality. oonkt

| line. line.

Miles. | Miles. Miles.
SLC IGIINE) isn deadacoaboogeecec 375 SOUNGCES cae amaee c= 375 Sources... 26.065: 375
PANTAMERS Joeeee hese cee s455. 450 Macon 224252 525-.- 370 Hawkinsville..... 300
WBGEOHEGs sace cen assess cree 350 Ogeechee Shoals -. 200 Moen ee cee ee 100
SURE ao sae a poe cea gen oae 425 Tallulah Falls .-.. 384 Augusta Dam .... 209
ISLONS asecice mac asec ec hocs.s 300 SOUICOS aeeiecen sce 300 Jones Bridge ..--. 281
Gantee jWateree... 350 Great Falls -...--- 272 Great Falls ....... 272
a ee \Congaree. . 410 Green River ..-.-.-.. 374 Cohumibiasie- =... 233
IPbOHD OS ei 52855 ce lie esis fae 497 Wilkesboro......- 451 Grassy Island .... 242
CAnOIRGST race = 50-5 ames, ccts 290 Haywood ......... 210 Smiley Falls.-..... 181
INGUSE Sinem ciccccsciecotete ss lee 340 Sources|------.---- 340 HShw ame. oeeeeee 300
IPAMLICOM EAR As o> sos ees asin s 252 Rocky Mount..... 157 Rocky Mount..... 157
OANOKO tances eee aces woese es 457 Wreldomsss2eses2c5 249 iWieldoneares - 2-5 249
MAMOR ess eto ccc caaecec<mek 420, Asst ces ceicme eee aceite 370 Bosher’s Dam.... 140
Rappahannock ......------.--- 248 Falmouth Falls... 155 Falmouth Falls -.. 155
POUOMIS Gwe Ase fac tecmoasias aot 400 Great Falls ....... 190 Great Falls ..--... 190
pusquehanna .--- 2-22. .c--6 617 Binghamton ...-.-. 513 Clark’s Ferry..-... 279
Delaware) <2 64< 552 ei4-2 <= se0 457 Deposit: ---=-- === 2 256 Burrows Dam...--. 196
MATA HON Ne soe ee onan sen eseine « 314 Glens Halls ....... 209 (roy s--eses<se es" 164
Housatonic -....---.....------ 202 Falls Village...... 150 Birmingham ..--.. 92
Connecheatq-..5--=-- -o+o----- 409 Bellows Falls-..-. 204 Windsor Locks... 89
IMGriinia Gy -e2 et = 852) ah aS sie} 140 Winnepesaukee -. 125 Lawrence. .-----.- 20
INENnOUOC a -<5-5--—---2-=+5-- 155 Carritunk Falls -. 108 AMP USUAy ee eee 44
IRGNODSCGOGtees 6 ac 2 cceisiesncc sls PBEY WileesedacogsoseetEnees 90 WWierond cs acce 35

It appears that in 23 of the principal rivers, aggregating 8,113 miles
in length from the coast line, shad formerly existed throughout 6,052
miles, or 72 per cent of the length, whereas at present they are to be found
in only 4,203 miles, a decrease of 1,849 miles. This summary comprises
only the principal rivers, and if the minor streams and tributaries were
included, the total length from which shad have been excluded would
doubtless appear more than twice as great. In much of that length
shad were quite numerous, the catch in many instances exceeding the
yield in the part to which the fisheries are now confined. The upper sec-
tion of the Pee Dee is supposed to have yielded over 100,000 annually.
In James River, according to the late Commissioner McDonald, the
annual catch of shad in the 230 miles from which they are now excluded
“was at one time far in excess of the now (1880) entire catch for the
whole river.” The present excluded length of the Susquehanna for-
merly yielded several hundred thousand annually. In a report of
special commissioners of Massachusetts, appointed in 1865 to investi-
gate the fisheries of that State, it was estimated that at the beginning
of the present century the annual shad yield in Merrimac River ranged
from 500,000 to 1,000,000 in number, whereas none ascend that river at
present.

The limitation in the range of shad in the rivers is the result of sev-
eral agencies in addition to the size of the stream, the most important
of which are (1) natural falls, (2) insurmountable dams, (3) pollution of
the water, (4) agricultural operations, and (5) extensive fisheries.

112 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Natural falls exist at the escarpment line in all of the rivers having
their sources above the coastal plane, but in only a few instances are
they of sufficient height to form insurmountable obstacles to the range
of shad, among these being Weldon Falls on the Roanoke River, Great
Falls on the Potomac, and Bellows Falls on the Connecticut, all of
which form absolute barriers to the further progress of shad that may
reach those points, excluding them from the whole of the river above.
Most of the other Atlantic coast streams having their sources above
the coastal plane have been made impassable at or a short distance
above the escarpment line by means of artificial dams for developing
water-power or for navigation improvements. In this class are the
Savannah, the Santee, the James, the Susquehanna, the Housatonic, the
Connecticut, the Merrimac, the Kennebec, and the Penobscot, the lengths
from which shad are excluded appearing in the aforegoing table.

Numerous attempts have been made by the erection of fishways
to enable shad to pass above these obstructions, among the costly
contrivances of this nature being those in the Savannah at Augusta,
the Santee at Columbia, the Potomac at Great Falls, the Susquehanna
at Clark’s Ferry, the Housatonic at Birmingham, the Connecticut at
Holyoke, the Merrimac at Lawrence, and the Kennebec at Augusta.
And although these are modern constructions, designed by engineers
of ability, familiar with the principles of hydraulics and the habits of
fish, none of them appears to be successful for shad, this fish being se
timid that it will not enter fishways readily used by salmon, alewives,
and other species. True, a few individuals may pass through some of
them, but the number is not sufficiently large to be of any practical
value, and in a majority of instances where shad are reported above a
dam they have swum over the crest during freshets or they have passed
through breaks in the obstruction.

Access to suitable spawning areas being necessary for the mainte-
nance of the fisheries if natural reproduction is depended on, and as
many of the spawning-grounds are located in the headwaters of the
rivers, it follows that while the exclusion of shad from the upper sece-
tions is the immediate it is not the most important effect of those
obstructions. It has been the common experience in all the shad rivers
that whenever a high dam or other obstruction has been erected across
the stream the fisheries above that point have at once ceased, and those
immediately below have for a year or two flourished on the large num-
ber whose ascent has been stopped by the barrier, and then they too
have declined. It also appears that the extent of this decrease below
the dam is largely dependent on the nearness of the obstruction to
the mouth of the river and the proportion of the spawning-grounds to
which they are denied access, and if all the breeding-grounds have
been cut off in a definite coastal region the shad have almost entirely
disappeared.

This is clearly illustrated by the conditions in Connecticut River.
The erection of the Holyoke dam in 1849 prevented the fish from

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 113

ascending above that point, and as they strayed about in the river
below the obstruction they were taken in greater abundance than
formerly. At the Parsonage fishery, near the mouth of the river and
40 miles below the dam, the shad yield during the twenty years pre-
ceding the erection of the obstruction averaged 9,854 annually; during
the five years following 1849 the annual catch averaged 19,490; during
the next ten years it was but 8,364, and for the following six years,
1865-1870, the annual average was but 4,482 shad, less than one-half
the former yield. The record of the catch on the Connecticut from
1853 to 1896 shows that the total yield below the dam decreased from
nearly 500,000 annually to an average of less than one-tenth of that
number. In a few rivers the development of water-power bas resulted
in completely exterminating the anadromous fishes, this being the case
in the Thames, the Blackstone, the Merrimac, the Saco, and other
rivers. However, instead of the employment of afew hundred persons
in taking fish each spring, the water-power on those streams affords
employment to thousands of mill operatives. ;

The utility of the spawning areas below the dams has also been
impaired by chemicals, sawdust, and other refuse from mills and towns
on the river banks. In a number of small streams these have almost
completely destroyed the spawning and breeding areas, but regulations
against this practice now exist in many States.

Another factor having some effect on limiting the range of shad up
the rivers is the increased agricultural operations. At the time of the
settlement of the river valleys most of those areas were covered with
forests, and the ground was carpeted with leaves and moss, which
checked the surface flow of water and restricted its evaporation, thus
tending to constancy in the flow of rivers, and freshets were rare and
of insignificant proportions. With increase of population the forests
were cleared away and large areas of land brought under cultivation,
causing injurious meteorological changes and more numerous and
destructive floods. During heavy rains the plowed soil upon the hillsides
is easily washed into gullies through which the cold water is quickly
conveyed to the rivers, filling them beyond their capacity and bringing
into them masses of earth and other débris, thus covering the spawning-
grounds. The freshets are soon over, and the flow of water in the
streams becomes so small that shad are not induced to proceed so far
up as formerly.

On some of the Southern streams decreased navigation has resulted
in reducing the length of shad range. This is especially true of the
Combahee, the Ashepoo, the Edisto, the Chickahominy, the Matta-
poni, and the Pamunkey, the channels of which are now encumbered
with drifting logs, overhanging trees, brushwood, and shoals of loose,
shifting sand, through which a passageway for the ascent of fish was
formerly maintained by navigation and the rafting of timber.

The most important factor in reducing the inland range is the exten-
sive fisheries near the coast. In the first half of the present century

F. Rk. 98——8

114 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

shad were caught all along the river course, every point yielding its
quota for local use and the limited demand not warranting the prosecu-
tion of the fisheries so vigorously as to cut off the “run” at points
above. But the profit derived from shipping shad to distant markets
has caused a concentration of the fisheries at points near the mouths
of the rivers where convenient shipping facilities exist, resulting, in
certain narrow streams, in practically excluding shad from the middle
and upper sections where the spawning-grounds are located. The effect
is not so apparent as in the case of impassable dams and natural falls,
for the latter form absolute barriers, whereas extensive fisheries merely
limit the number of fish ascending to the extreme range of the river
and not the length of that range. Yet, in many cases they affect the
future abundance of the species even more than the dams and natural
falls. This is especially noticeable in those narrow streams whose
fluvial characteristics extend nearly or quite to the sea, as in most of
the rivers between the St. Johns and the Neuse, and to some extent in
the Susquehanna, the Hudson, the Connecticut, ete. In the Ogeechee,
Savannah, Edisto, Pee Dee, and Cape Fear, the great bulk of the catch
is obtained in the extreme lower end, within 30 or 40 miles of the sea,
and comparatively few shad ascend as far as the spawning-grounds.
In the Connecticut nearly all the shad are caught within 20 miles of the
mouth. In those rivers the dams perform a very unimportant part in
limiting the run of fish, for few shad ever reach those obstructions. In
the broad estuaries tributary to the sounds of North Carolina and to
the Chesapeake and Delaware bays the effect of the large quantities of
twine is not so apparent; yet, even in those waters only a small per-
centage of the shad reach the spawning-grounds.

EXTENT OF THE SHAD FISHERIES IN 1896.

The extent by States.-—The following tables show the extent of the
shad fisheries of the Atlantic coast of the United States during the
season of 1896. First is presented a series of three tables showing, by
States, (1) the number of persons employed; (2) the boats, apparatus,
etc., used, and (3) the number and value of shad taken, and these are
followed by three other tables showing similar data for each water-
course. From these it appears that of the 23,128 shad fishermen in
1896, 8,793 operated drift nets; 2,703, stake nets; 4,840, seines; 3,076,
pound nets and weirs; 3,926, bow nets, and 253 operated fyke nets and
miscellaneous apparatus, In addition there were 1,445 shoresmen, 195
transporters, and also many persons operating apparatus in which shad
were taken incidentally. The boats, apparatus, etc., employed aggre-
gated $2,040,342 in value, and the catch of shad numbered 13,053,429,
of which 5,998,143 were taken in drift nets, 1,703,099 in stake nets,
1,999,942 in seines, 3,139,830 in pound nets and weirs, 125,803 in bow
nets, 73,440 in fyke nets, and the remaining 15,172 were taken by spears,
fall traps, ete.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

115

Statement of the number of persons employed in the shad jisheries of the Atlantic coast of
the United States in 1896.

Fishermen.
Total, |«
: ? |Shores-| Trans- | 7,
States. F Pound-} y Mis- | exclu- Total.
Delt Shake: Seine. | net and| = ae Puy: cella- | sive of | ™2- porters.
Bete ||f BOks weite,| Fo * |neous.| dupli-
cation.

Mionidacsco.<.--- 357 20 DLN | 2 ees Sees | eect cetee 487 31 5 523
Georgia ......-.- 504 PANY) eee BS. ||aseacdse 2P AO | Seas Shte) |ldrigcdcisdlonahSoos 888
South Carolina. . bol: 145 Obi a eee 863 al4 Li G&Gp eA eses sel ee nee 1, 646
North Carolina. - 566 999 | 1, 357 690M Ae aces 2, 514 b17 5, 957 930 60 6, 947
Wanginigvesics=-= =< 1, 609 443 444 1, 497 2 | SRS eet co 3, 946 42 73 4, 061
Maryland -...... 1, 663 474 | 1,009 689 93 256 ads 4,116 381 17 4,514
Delaware...--... 415 14 252 Oiloeee cers 16) | aaah. CORT ae eter |e a 699
Pennsylvania ...| 353 |....... 681 | catetafals,2 a Nataretetent 51 e30} 1,115 16 Pai) “aleile53
New Jersey....- 1, 784 311 Tas | aceecate BO: | Sosa rat-?- wae re Ol 35 38 | 2,774
New York: .:.... 729 87 250 34. 1S Ae e20|] 1,106 1O¥ (Me eeeee 1, 116
Connecticut... -.-. L380 Sateen 53 BW ll perate late ai) staetocie = [bsttaiee LOOM 2553 2c Ss oe eee 190
inode sland sea: |-ascectalecc sccclacees ee Cd Reepden) eens REEscos Bile Sawecss| tense nee 6
IMISING cassette ees a Ee ace 15 L4G ai Tee cel es eee wales QT SAS Ae Se eee 271

otal ==: .- 8,793 | 2,703 | 4,840 | 3,076 155 | 3, 926 98 | 23,128 | 1, 445 195 | 24, 768

a8 wheel, 6 cast-net. b Wheel. c3 hedge, 6 fall-trap. d¥Fall-trap. e Spear.

Statement of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of the Atlantic coast
of the United States in 1896.

Boats Drift nets. Stake nets. Seines.
States.
Length Len th : Length
No. | Value.| No (yards). Value.| No. (yards). Value.| No (aa: Value.
Noridas.-t.e< aeeerste 251) $9,384) 191] 91, 550)$17, 350 10 850| $200} 24! 7,150) $2,175
(CGO) & Gecononereoase 495} 7,023) 280! 36,994) 11,788} 148 By 25S) qt 2OD|s ees ee eee
South Carolina........ 799) 14,603} 271 85, 947| 15, 490 128 8,390) 3,346 22) 1, 685} 931
North Carolina........ 2, 831} 80,388) 377 34, 682) 6, 063/57, 787)1, 103, 872) 73, 874) 230) 76,658) 56, 561
Wir pininvees. safe: 2, 028] 77, 058]1,370| 298, 043) 25, 998| 9,378} 90,214) 10,949] 42] 24, 361| 19, 005
Warylandiesemecceno- - 1, 976|104, 492)2, 638) 472, 138] 44,464) 3,955) 84,588) 9,532) 90) 33,349) 25, 816
MGIwArOws ccs ose ee Se 350} 15, 645) 309) 107,361) 12,971 a 2, 700 240} 68) 8,307) 3,187
Pennsylvania ..-....... 468) 21,340) 173 TO TAO) 2b UP eae oallesoocgesalbooceas 96| 19, 305) 12, 285
New Jersey .----- ----.-| 1, 180/101, 908) 848) 546,807) 94, 518) 2, 627 56, 826, 16, 131 87| 19,190) 14, 663
New York ...... 547! 26,165) 456) 624, 265) 30,189} 1, 403 33, 895) 3, 878 41) 28,820) 5,840
Connecticut 1O2|) s28306i) B86) 9 205193 ede O65 eee es |e ee eee || eee 17| 3,048) 1,243
Rhode Island ......... 3 bt RSS GeO S neon nor eeerd asceee Eeoapepeod aecbeca bocod scersae saoaase
MainGrsoscaccssece sas 281) 11,642) 228) 56,298) 2, 870).---.-).-....-..|....... a2) 1,230 370
Motaleees see asa. 11, 311/472, 0447, 227\2, 445, 048 276, 994/75, 443|1, 384, 623 119, 442. 719|223, 053 142, 076
Pound nets Miscellane-
ae ral eaGHiesy Fyke nets. Bow nets. ae, Shore |'"Total in-
eee *———— | property.|vestment.
No. | Value. | No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value. |
CML One aijersstatereralele sciee |stsetecrrall eset e atel| nwoete ail c.cratentorns toate | BAe. reallly a here eee ee $4, 349 $33, 458
Georeiaess. seas 26 S208i ses tet eesene 113 $2591 he oe eae ee 2, 817 23, 387
Sauthiarotaiaves lseeeiale mew > cull Pera, 447 | 1,155 | 083 |$2,185 3, 328 41, 038
North Carolina ..... Sow MlaasO8a) |tcceac|s ose esee 1, 278 SehOL | Cucorly hae 243, 882 597, 757
Wanpini essa cae 1,156 | 236, 680 T2VElNOs2,| cesses |s. aes 2 a22 805 61, 953 433, 480
Maryvland=22ss<--oe 901 66, 816 335 5, 222 128 | 625 | ¢€15 600 53, 524 311, 092
Welawanersecss.. see 4 58b)|-s2s-a|ssace ose 10 ADM Haase a| case cos 11, 672 44, 140
Rennsylvania=.< cere oo ceene|aaeact res | ecco olen ecesee 51 185 | (30 23 36, 451 81, 312
New Jiersey:-4-\2-=25|5=-225-|2-ssceee- 77 a enero S| Gene peed aoedecl sprcicee 112, 728 341, 912
NEw awOnkKkC.s--sael = 12 3, 630 54 GOD etersicrecc llozsiesracs sie Ff 20 20 7, 130 | 77, 807
Connecticut .--.--- a Saemtaeas | ere a aaralord= (cna ects Mad aeaetl che ce ele Woes 3 Alea es See ee ae 955 | 8, 769
Rhode Island -...... 3 LPAI | eee (res ce fe | Srey | eee ey Nee 120 1, 130
Maine). 22. 65.cceeces TSS RT20,1040))| eis 2 os ace. oe eee ere Seen Beene Renee 6, 838 45, 060
Total) -ss25e2 3,810 | 464, 062 706 9,174 | 2, 027 6, 045 245 | 4, 758 545, 747 | 2, 040, 342
if

a1 purse seine, 960 yards tee ae $350.
63 cast nets and 80 wheels and fall traps.

c Wheels.

a3 hedges and 19
e Fall traps or fist
J Spears.

fall traps.
1 pots.

116 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement of the number and value of shad caught on the Atlantic coast of the United
States in 1896, :

Pound nets and

Drift nets. Stake nets. Seines. ee
States. it £

No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.

IW eb Ysqnocadscansoceénanes 333, 277 |$53, 677 1, 689 $285 | 125,248 | $8) 627 |oeeeon oe ee eee
Goorciatoe s-neeeeeciesee i 130, 925 | 44, 808 10, 134 DROBO) [ee oe ee oss | = = «i= =)~'0l| = = ln oinieiw ino mnie
South Carolina’ ------.--.--- 83, 233 | 19, 405 33,602 | 6,615 4,262 | 1,107 |--. 25-2 oe |e
North (Carolina 2---2-.----- 83, 015 | 18, 910 944, 582 |204, 080 532, 966 | 90, 899 478, 531 | $90, 690
AVANT OUI Be eee eine ceia(- 872, 823 | 74,178 | 304, 808 | 39,663 | 151,335 | 12, 740 |1, 871, 074 | 180, 197
WiEebyGl Ss sacasenbe SopEEae 695, 651 | 68,875 | 129,034 | 14,959 | 223,351 | 24,499 | 449,567 | 52, 658
WMolawarewerent cece accies ose 407, 542 | 60, 936 4, 200 672 58,922 7, 154 380 53
Pennsylvania....-.-....--- 2970045 (8625200 eee nese salem me siscts 3087335,)|'-40) 487) |toa nese ae
INO ACIGHETS: pesee EeoEenoeeee 2,586, 381 |249, 763 | 191,275 | 29,095 | 466,439 | 45, 790 40, 377 6, 720
iNew) Work... -sc< aie =e Malet acts 362, 062 | 50, 938 83,775 | 10, 449 68,345 | 8,991 22, 550 3, 641
WonnechiGutcer eoetoeeeec eee 6 ooms2o 8 ELON A0W | Peman = toee eters 7,472 | 1,678 7, 093 1, 659
Reileha and sace Siete colin Saeeu ee bela: (Leon aay aN ne ata leat 12472 | 3,284
Massachusetts.....-..-..--- 22, 080 69D. | ee eee ace tee 12, 442 | 1, 390 5, 300 1 155
WEY One a5aqa aneceepoabeods Gi Bail SCO ep aaeeeoessallercoeore 45,825 | 2,512 | 252,486 | 21,565
Total actos cose cee 5, 998, 143 |696, 147 I1, 703, 099 |309, 156 1,999, 942 |245, 869 |3, 139, 830 | 361, 632

| |
Fyke nets. Bow nets. Miscellaneous. Total.
State.
No. | Value. No. Value.| No. | Value. No. Value.

IMG GSAeSoedncqnebodse sd |b Sacéeue boson edsllosodees coa|ssase6ds labiatee erste liane 460, 214 $62, 589
(CUI, cognde ppasaodsenssellAosonadleaaceoce 2,865 | $1, 125 50 $18 | 143, 974 49, 289
Souphsy Caroling haccemssees| Succes sae deere, 24,816 | 6,089 714 220 146, 627 33, 436
North Carolinaier acces ces se|-lesnee calles ceric 55, 710 | 12,284 | 2,000 380 | 2,096, 804 417, 243
Witt liitied ano qsauaaorecosad buenaccdlaasocrod odsadeseicd|soqnecor 3, 463 2u7 | 3,203; 503 307, 055
Mihaybintl a caupocopoaongoce 13, 832 | $1, 361 27,612 | 3,940} 2,003 259 | 1,541, 050 166, 551
IDEN nO GONE SRC OOD COSC ona Ge onemns Senancan 2, 300 1 ve rs Se) eo See | 468, 344 69, 260
leaning AK AINE Gocseoocenced|loccosend|s>s00a5¢ 10, 500 1, 893 5, 400 540 | 621, 239 | 79,445
New Jersey...----------.--- 54, 008 ts} Betsy, eiomapeesed|lecsosmodlta<cogde|kAoasasc 3, 338,480 | 340, 056
New sWork: . 2222-5 ssc255c5- 5, 600 GEM béiscepoaod adeceass 482 115 542, 814 | 74, 833
WonMechiCUabie see aco eteeia ee [cere Ba seas clecievell Seals ote | se ieicialeccel ersieiae erate | 70, 288 14, 082
MHOdeMslaNGd soca cee seca Sace ns ce eeeicmicn|lsemacice ce oleieisesinets 1, 060 306 13, 532 3, 590
Massachusetos se qaseees ces |ee seem tiereccie ate aeooboscasoocddsadisccobacdleacandse 39, 822 3, 236
TNE a elope ees eyo a ys Pe et le eam ACER A edie a ee ee | 366, 738 30, 778
Totallies etie cies esas. 73, 440 | 10,748 | 123,803 | 25,776 | 15,172 | 2,115 | 18, 053, 429 | 1, 651, 443

It appears that in the number of persons employed, North Carolina
ranks first among the Atlantic coast States, this position being due to
the large number of bow-net fishermen in the State. Next in order are
Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and South Carolina. In the number
of shad caught New Jersey stands first, with a yield of 3,338,480, and
Virginia comes second, with 3,203,503 shad. Virginia usually ranks
first, with North Carolina second, but the catch in those two States in
1896 was unusually small, while it was considerably above the normal
in New Jersey.

The extent by water areas.—No regular shad fisheries are prosecuted
along the ocean shore of the United States, and the great bulk of this
species is taken within the general coast line. With the exception of
a few individuals caught incidentally in the several pound nets along
Virginia Beach, no shad are reported as obtained along the ocean shore
south of Barnegat, N. J. Between Barnegat Inlet and Sandy Hook
Point there are a hundred or so pound nets set for menhaden, flounders,
bluefish, ete., which catch 10,000 or 15,000 shad annually. The next
point at which shad are taken outside the general coast line is between
the eastern end of Long Island and Cape Cod, where 3,000 or 4,000 are

SHAD FISHERIES

caught each year in pound nets.

OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

117

Between Cape Cod and the eastern

part of Maine mackerel boats catch several thousand shad, and a few
are taken in pound nets set on the coast, 97,565, being thus taken in
1896, making a total of 115,676 shad taken in 1896 along the ocean
shore, against a total of 12,957,753 taken within the coast line.

The following table shows by water-courses the number of persons
employed in the shad fisheries in 1896:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of men employed in each branch of the shad
Jisheries of the Atlantic coast in 1896.

Water areas.

St. Johns River
St. Marys River
Satilla River
Altamaha River ----
Ogeechee River
Savannah River
Combahee River
Ashepoo River
Edisto River
Cooper River..------ |
Santee River
Winyah Bay and |
_ tributaries -...
Cape Fear River ---.|
Pamlico Sound
Neuse River
Pamlico Tar River.
Croatan and Roa-
; noke sounds...
Albemarle Sound. .
: Roanoke River-.
{ Chowan River...
Pasquotank and
Perquimans
rivers
Chesapeake Bay
James River and
tributaries -.-.
York River and
tributaries .-..
Mobjack Bay
Rappahannock |
River
Potomac River - ---
Nanticoke River
and tributaries
Choptank River
and tributaries
Susquehanna
River
Miscellaneous
Delaware Bay
Delaware River ..-.
Miscellaneous
rivers
Ocean shore of New
Jersey
New York Bay
Hudson River
Long Island Sound...
Connecticut River.
Miscellaneous
ELVOLS sp scie sates
Narragansett Bay
and tributaries
Casco Bay
Kennebec River and
tributaries .-...
Other Maine rivers...

Shores:
men.

Total.

Fishermen.
| r
Total
| Pouud- : ’
Drift- | Stake- . net Fyke-| Bow Mis- exclu-
net. net. | Seine. and net. | net. cella- |sive of
eres neous.| dupli-
cation.
ase 86 30 CAG AE Sel oe etna A peer aa te
Aine SS Hest 10 |e. eee ee eee Mme TE GSD
36 Of lee 160}: aaa | ema e 870 17 | 1,094 |
Tay | ateee TD} Pei 14 eee eR aaa 395 |
| |
Brae he | sR Tetilla ace ease AN |ssaseselh ae
IGM eeTO4W 31 Gell 875A |e serge |e oleae eee 1, 891
678 | 166:| 108 LORI SEN Bes. Race er 3] 967
BOON 113" |(4-71690\s egal aT TON [aes eee 870
Spoboss lease see Bseeee 965 365sc Sees osibeaeene 96 |
|
96} 114| 27] 260 Dl eee 6| 453
477 Pill Bayle. cpy tee so Fj ase 1, 273 |
316 32} 100 31 96:52 50 2¢ lear oe 487
311 68 115 143 nO} eS ef eee | 617
Og) |e ee (PH kesta- 9 51 8| 834
275 | 209| 156] 253 46| 231 | 1,154
622| 14 g j
THG630|Besoeee
Ie kee eke
PAS Bass 135 SE ee TL Wleten olle ees all mma
TOO Rea re sense oe 26 COS Ken ae Sal) acta 192
583 242 DAN aes ae Guiei eee ace asae 1, 077
Data ge ee iT} ts | a RN 15
OM eshyh. BG es aie ren erea | INPaeN Rife a ees 130
6S Le 7) poe eh | ere ee (ete 20 83
Ree Le gate 4 eae Ciel eg lee aD el 6
20) | sso AA pet | ERE | ea sll ed 31
Bay eee ee ed | SAA BH emctcee eel Uee near a LO deus 219
Dip Meet he cee aL. (Rabe tag (he mary Seceeee 21
8,793 2, 703 155 | 3,926| 98 (23, 128

118

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following table shows, by water areas, the boats, apparatus, ete.,
employed in the Atlantic coast shad fisheries in 1896:

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of
the Atlantic coast of the United States in 1896.

Pound nets

t |
Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets. Seines. | Pail eos.
Water areas. 4
No. | Value. | No. | Value.| No. | Value. | No.| Value. | No. |Value.
|
StrlobnsRiviereersecsss--=-< PRAISE Al SUG UR) || oassmoolacosesce 24 | $2,175 [2s es
St. Marys River ?-----.------ 95 665 80 1, 200 15 $300" |..=-2|:25-> 20 |\sseees| eee
Saiillavhivierseeese css eacasa. 6 | 30 3 60) |-s2-See|pessee-|-- nel el acess 2 Senos eee
Mitamahaeiver=-ss-cs2s--=- 274 1, 500 80 | 2,000 118 | 1,124 BF Pes essa lsccecc
Ogeechee River .....--------- 84 | 3,200 St) |) BAUUD an caaoslleecbosse||55 2] pence s os| senna pee
Savannah River -..-.-.-------- 83 | 1,953 70 | 4, 066 25 68 |-522|-bastee 26 $208
Combahee River. .-----.----- 7 Al) \loosasa||o39e05 6c 14 CHU SSSallssnace olosos=o)|sossc5-
Ashepoo River ....------.--- 15 483 |...--.|.------- 17 590 Ne 2s wees sisal ee
Mdistovkiviene.cces.s sce cene NA |) PECNO bce eoaliSeasa5be 62 | 2,184 | 12 48555 Soe. ee eee
WoopertRiveras--nen assess 5 25) |lsesersy||bosesase 3 35 | 1 70) |/22 322s
Santee Rivierssss-sesc-tiecneii= 75 BPA | pesrral\snsea0 a5 32 127 scleceeeccclecsecs|aeeeeee
Winyah Bay and tributaries.) 553 | 10,985 | 258 | 15, 252 |......-|....---- 9 316) eon es aaa
Cape Fear Kiver...--..--.---- AST lp p2O44el| 3224 5|) Kae abN | emcee memes 43 ||" 1: 239°) 22s |eeeeeee
Pamlico sounds ose ee see eee PBB | ZA GY |lGaoasallcanacoe 247808: 30,001 Seema 171 | 13, 885
INGuse Rivets ees sseeceeeee 838 | 12, 240 38 676 | 3,424 | 3,945 (110 | 7,153 87 | 10, 378
Pamlico-Tar River. .----- e|| 12425)" 45392 23 197 840 985 | 50 | 7,739 27 || (3320
Croatan and Roanoke
BOUNCSas3..sas-2 ee eee TEEN OsEAD eee sballobonca es: 5,850 | 7,797 | 1] 3,000} 148 | 11,125
Albemarle Sound.....----- BLO) |'23,\622)|oo- cecleeciccien = 21,985 | 29,944 | 4 | 12,500} 612 | 56,215
Roanoke River ..-.-..---. 501 | 3,505 18 270 15 45: 8 | (6,100! |252-2 4] pene
GhowanvRiverss seco. o-- 120 | 3,375 74 10°63 (le eoeboc losceco se | 8 | 12,600 | 447 | 29,530
Pasquotank and Perqui- |
MANS TUVOLS: see ce see 60 | 2,390 |...... laoeasecs | 865} 1,157) 61} 6,230 88 | 7, 625
Chesapeake Bay..--..------- 897 | 84, 948 |1, 087 | 21,079 | 2,286 | 5,701 | 7 | 10,400 | 631 |151, 242
James River and tribs a sk 540 | 6,917 559 | 9,918 | 3,733 | 3,905 | 19) 3,385 6 585
York Riverand tributaries - 431 8, 229 592 8,145 | 1, 043 802 | 10 1,110 90 | 16,375
IMObjaCkK Bay .-s22 2-2 4a to OLOm eect loseodost|lossoso4|bosoncca|b- os\|tecnetoe | 76 | 15,570
Rappahannock River -..-.--. 272 | 9,847 | 101 1,780 | 3,263 | 3,859] 5 810 | 231 | 37, 957
Potomac River ...--...---- 520 | 24, 895 236 | 12,385 529 1,043 | 13 | 17, 700 430 | 43,350
Nanticoke Riverand tribs- - 220 | 3,644 333 | 5, 808 232 684 | 20 | 1,386 40 | 3,075
Choptank River and tribs--| 301 | 4,640 | 571 | 5,844 | 1,469 | 2,500 | 22 | 2,360) 194 | 12,141
Susquehanna River. -.----- 331 | 29,011 | 223 | 3,403 |.......)...----- 63.7) 8) 610) =s- =| aeeeeee
IVMAISCellaneOUs e<.=2)oseei 6 701 | 11,025 | 413) 38,620 728 1,987 | 36 | 3,646 | 361 “23, 261
Delaware Bay---------------- 278 | 31,335 | 259 | 44, 930 uf 240 | 2 425 2 825
Delaware River......------ TOTO OI AG a eS2 7a O sO eemetees|| ameretetrse= 104) | 22: 768 oes eee
Miscellaneous rivers.-.--..- 231 Sh 2010) | By) LCR [hs-sescllbsossous 70. | ‘200420. oc as] eee
Ocean shore of New Jersey.. 85 2) OH eSesadilsacaccac 1,097 | 8,196 | 12 260 |=-2=52)sepeeee
ING Wa OLKe Baer n= seeecese 94 | 7,605} 106 | 6,560 3027 LON ees eee eee 6 | 2,200
Hudson River -=----+------ 516) | 23,679) || «387 |)-23,425, |) 2.630 | 20) 303) | el |) 25,840) ) Seeman eee
Long Island Sound ..----.--. 7 401 1 G0) Neoeeoe a||bodonosa||- snellbooncose 6 | 1,480
Connecticut River........-. 59 | 1,200 CC che Pal liSasecor| Pasesaoc 12 863 ||. -c 20] Soeee—e
Miscellaneous rivers.-.---- 55 | 1,346 BO a1 0683 esac | eestor 5 380! '|.-5-ce]oeeeeee
Narragansett Bay and tribs-- 3 CU loaasioe MEeademn|ltasocon|booadess seis sine 2 sie 3 920
CascorBayern--escececeeeotes 19 | 4,224 64 BSH a Seeeac le soca 1 3500] Daos ee eee
Kennebec River and tribs...| 242] 7,210) 124) 1,745 |.......].......- 1 2u | 183 | 23,340
Other Maine rivers ........-.. 20 208 40 240 ..-.--- Sat eeallsece | ce aecee Ipeeead! eseece
Motalsee Cases eee ese 111, 311 |472, 044 |7, 227 |276, 994 1%, 443 |119, 442 |719 142,076 3, 810 |464, 062
Fyke mete Bow nets. |Miscellaneous.) Shore | Total
Water areas. == —— || PLOp 5) ence
No. Value. No. o. | Value. | No. o. | Value.| erty. | ment.
SuECOlmbs) 1eihyG) WS eoRpcecSce Sc soneeHeen oo] bopobd|lbspootoo |jsooscd| tooscqoce $4, 349 $32, 748
Siig ICR YCH EDN? caoosaasacsbaracsboncce||Senond||boobb aad pobocc| beotoacd seauad| beccnsoc|looscces- 2,165
Satilla River. ..-.- ay See ee Oe eae bee | ea Al a Weceneees |jnoreslaeaseoee oeaeeeee 90
Miami ahauiveles desiaccenricr aoss2> scr lteeean | cosen es 113 | $259 47 4,930
(ORR EDI MNO Sabo Seep eoeesaeEoesaecE ooneD| boooanod|sonean|scaccese 1, 735 9,93
Savannah iver sansseceeces seles- see eel amen | hemes seine Poseadee 1, 718 8, 020
CWompbaheerRiven’ssncs5 asa < force slestaysta | steve sieiel | ieleiereioe ol ele erate sees cb 50 740
AASIUGTIONY NWR sconccoeagac dap neoceDObdoccbdd|acecoote 6 IDS ee Secclaooascollbecntion: 1, 088
WNGISTOURIVOLE aoe ease ee See misns sae sel etdciae la sdaeco ne 83 QS 1h 2 ataag| seaaenees 350 5, 740
(Cian ee IRWGe 5 -- concn snoasaoocosoccnBualabsopdlpcopcosn 24 G88 ee cecel eee 100 298
SMES) IIA oo ssoonpo odo Sobe Sapp o race se sal loooeaeas 55 | IBY Gob acdo|beocasoc 20 510
Winyah Bay and tributaries........-..].-.---|.--....-. 279 | 703 80 | 2,178} 2,125 31, 619
Caporboariyiven: oc as. sscoacs cr emeacn sl sae cise! Sewic ates 184 480 |}. -ceinclla cea Se 7,710 16, 808
PAMITCOISOUN Goo sets eee aie ae Oe | eeaeola el tote ctavemvall (Gate Saray aetete oteto ns licieeectots l neereeers 4,505 70, O41
INGUSCPEUUV OL cis cara) tao ak seas co tava cota | sateen] mealachete 529 1462 Sse loe icra 45, 125 80, 978
Ieanble EIEN hyn oop ooeeosoenSsod|bessoullboooscae 120 SVG) ssesooilecescocc 7, 200 24,143
Croatan and Roanoke SOUNGS sarsaets = lis ctetetere||latelaterett aval Gieteistebs)| ereyeretcte tate ke o 5 i cerete eke 15, 448 43, 940
PNIDOIM ATO SOUNG sae mak coe cok we recince | eotciela|lehecternsie | tices ea | sae eee [ena ee | See 82, 495 204, 776
Roanoke RIVePr ase oes se osan cee ces Coeecs | (sbmetene ASH) MSL: 75 | 1,125 | 34, 267 46, 827
Chowan Rivers soak zee ee ee rac | eee al Sete ae | eee nee ee ae Weloaicieat araeiatecans 36, 002 81, 692
Pasquotank and Perquimansrivers.|.-.---|---.---. 10 AW oe oone|boasasce 11, 180 28, 552

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 119

Boats, apparatus, etc., employed in Atlantic coast shad fisheries in 1896—Continued.

Fyke nets. Bow nets. |Miscellaneous) shore Total

Water areas. ————s a = prop- | invest-

No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value.| erty. ment.
Ghesapeskeisay -e-seateeee ees anna cele Soreine|lecoccods)ieoooed| 4460 A4se osdéscolidaobe -- -/$51,055 | $824, 425
James River and tributaries.........)...... Wesco 3 Kpaceel Ore aes 3 $45 | 8, 042 32, 797
York River and tributaries.......... 64°\" S847" esse. looacedsallsscsgng) conasoctic | 4,480 39, 933
A OE BN Gad SE CoO ROOD ODOSEE gE HaoSes a smrere meraliee terete a gacocnd lec colloccadeas 1, 640 20, 825
Rappahannock River.............-.. 8} OU eerie | stasis iss: 19 760 | 3,851 59, 054
PO TOMO OMIM OV tas a coats =. ers =< oh<'c 3b) noms cin |e eee 3 Oy lateral tera eteeere 21,525 120, 904
Nanticoke River and tributaries-.-.-. 1430) 2049be eae Sao wered abceoc peeeaeae 7, 185 24, 271
Choptank River and tributaries. ..-.. 57 | BRN conde escapee laocadelloseneaas 11, 088 39, 123
SOS RENANN A RLV Oi 0 c/<iciosia as snes =| Sc oe | seseetenas 59 209 15 600 | 6,723 48, 616
MENSGBI ANCOUS) janis<in\0 20 nicne 2occs een i Be ays |) Sul? Al ->Aamoollaseascee 5, 818 52, 130
IOI WONG) ERY eee abessoncdepssencoSsece 103, 495
PALIT ARO ULV OL siaics1s apeyo nies = ros cic wie aie 305, 789
Miscellaneous rivers ..--.-.----.------ 12, 943
Ocean shore of New Jersey..-.-.--..-.- 11, 172
IN GWE MODES DOM fe cons cocincscmsccmemcees 22, 464
MON ONS MMOL S515 - a sxecnie acca snc 69, 407
Long Island Sound .:.........-----.--- 2, 011

Connechicuiihiver--csec.scecasecsccalecoces ; a : 5, 849

Miscellaneous rivers ..........------ 3, 304
Narragansett Bay and tributaries -.--. 1,130
CascopBayie ss sasos dene ce ses eco cece ccs 5, 459
Kennebec River and tributaries. ....-- 39,153
Other Maine TIVErsS' <6... scenes ceterece'cl- < 448

MNO Gallia ctatePrarc ateiate, aalaeeyeiere tel oeee | 706 9,174 |2, 027 6, 045 245 4,758 |545, 747 | 2, 040, 342

It will be seen that from St. Johns River to Cape Fear River, inclu-
sive, Shad are taken principally in drift nets, with smaller catches in set
nets, bow nets, haul seines, and fall traps. Of 826,130 shad caught in
that region in 1896, 602,244, or 73 per cent, were taken in drift nets;
140,912 by seines; 45,425 by set nets; 36,785 by bow nets; and 764 by
fall traps and cast nets. The principal shad streams are St. Johns,
Altamaha, Ogeechee, Savannah, Edisto, Pee Dee, and Cape Fear. The
rivers of this section empty directly into the ocean, maintaining their
fluvial characteristics almost if not quite to their outlets.

Next come Pamlico Sound and its important tributaries, Albemarle
and Croatan sounds, and the Neuse, Pamlico, Roanoke, and Chowan
rivers, etc. There the bulk of the catch is by stake nets, pound nets,
and seines, the drift-net yield being of very small extent. In 1896,
944,582 were taken in stake nets, 521,564 by seines, 478,531 by pound
nets, 46,606 by bow nets, 28,206 by drift nets, and 2,000 by fall traps.

The shad fisheries of Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are the
most extensive and valuable on the coast, the yield during an ordinary
year approximating nearly half the total product of the United States.
Although 1896 was an ‘“‘off year” in the Chesapeake, the catch aggre-
gated 4,867,619, nearly 33 per cent of the total yield on the coast. Of
this product 2,320,921 were obtained by means of pound nets, 1,597,944
by drift nets, 433,842 by stake nets, 457,502 by seines, and the remain-
ing 57,410 by means of fyke nets, bow nets, and fall traps.

Next comes the important estuary of the Delaware, the yield in
which, including its tributaries, is usually about one-half that of the
Chesapeake and tributaries. In 1896, however, the yield was some-
what greater than usual, 4,017,462 shad being taken, of which 3,261,457
were secured by drift nets, 744,005 by seines, and the remaining 12,000
by spears, stake nets, fyke nets, and pound nets.

120 REPORT OF

COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Northward from the Delaware there are only three important shad
streams, viz, the Hudson, Connecticut, and Kennebec, the yield in
which, in 1896, numbered 588,898, 51,690, and 290,122, respectively. In
the Hudson, the most important apparatus are drift nets, stake nets,
and seines; in the Connecticut, drift nets and seines only are used; and
the entire yield of shad in the Kennebec is obtained in weirs and drift

nets.

Besides these three rivers there are numerous small streams and

coastal indentations in which more or less shad are caught each year.
The following statement shows the number and value of shad caught
on the Atlantic coast in 1896:

Statement, by water areas, of the number and value of shad caught in each form of appa-
ratus employed on the Atlantic coast in 1896.

Drift nets.
Water areas.
No. Value.
St. Johns) River: ------sa=--| 331, 033 $53, 297
St. Marys River -..--.--..- 7,609 | 1,313
Sapulla iver sn-- cscs 1, 500 240
Altamaha River ...--.-..-.- 17,310 | 5,803
Ogeechee River ...---.----- 55, 425 | 19,514
Savannah River ...-....-- i -| 54, 299 | 19, 196
Combahee River jee reas ere ereeres
Ashepoo River ....-------- lore nace lsetmcios oc
MdIStONRIVON: cece cs Se eo es | codine sas clleaeteeies
CoopemRiverscccesseme=cee| secs ceaas|aeeceicts
Santee RIVE seceee er scee cee coeec eae Sener istes
Winyah Bay and tribu-
PIO EN Ss soRonacssocoad 80, 259 | 18, 527
Cape Fear River.-.-...--.--.. ~ 54,809 | 13,950
IPAMIICOISOUNG sen aac oes sss |e sees ae ae| a saceees
INGusevRIivercq-<ccioecos 2 18,485 | 3,244
Pamlico-Tar River. .------ 5,221 | 1,139
Croatan and Roanoke
BOUMNOS eee scree teres = siaciareiaeerel| ene wes
Albemarle; Sound: 24.024 cee ceeee ee seas ae
Roanoke River. ....---- 4, 000 480
Chowan River .----- ns 500 97
Pasquotank and Per-
QUIMANS IVES We saeco ae etelas | (-micletamiaie
Chesapeake Bay..---..-.--- 242, 903 | 23, 971
James River and tribs_.-; 339,628 | 28,091
York River and tribs.--.| 350,441 | 31, 201
Mob] ack Bay, sss. 2-2 oe |eee eee [eines
Rappahannock River. 40,354 | 3, 157 |
Potomac River. ....------ 279, 280 | 23,188
Nanticoke River and trib-
UATICS So 00 see cee sl 117, 266 | 11,107 |
Choptank River and trib- |
CECA OSG aa see aera at 120, 261 | 12, 625
Susquehanna River...--- 35,540 | 3,949
Miscellaneous rivers... --. 72,271 | 8, 689
MelawareiBaye:--=-++--2<- 1, 098, 821 |103, 996
Delaware River.......--- 2, 086, 791 |226, 795
Miscellaneous rivers..... 75, 845 | 13, 508
Ocean shore of New Jersey .|..--------|--------
NoewivorkiBay-ee ice a-cese = | 63,500 | 7,620
FudsoniRiver-sceee cael | 297,178 | 42, 958
Great South Bay and Gardi- |
invsne) 3} a peuepoat ssw see Veen c me eae amen mer
Long Island Sound.....-...- 128 46
Connecticut River...----. 45, 851 8, 244
Miscellaneous rivers.....; 11,128 | 2,810
Ocean shore of Rhode Is-
lanes en. Seek ck seeleewocass SA wolSek
Narragansett Bay and trib-
MIGATIOS == <'s's-,c teeters cee clcnis oars |{nie aim min ois
Buzzards Bay and Vine- |
Vandisoundeee sees Beeashecss| Feodopse
Cape Cod and Massachn- |
setis bays...---..-... | 22,080 691
Casco Bay cas-as-escee eee. 6,110 | 355
Kennebec River and tribs- | 50,317 | 5,434
Penobscot and other Maine |
Diverse ce escsciemtaees | 12,000 912
Total esose sscobaicsiaceslt 5, 998, 143 |696, 147

Stake
No.

nets.

| Value. |

Seines.

Pound nets and
weirs.

No.

Value.

387, 236
26, 483
8, 114

1, 703, 099

309, 156

a No. 7 | Value.

9, 740
123, 445

29, 897

67, 245
90, 444
40, 899
700
686, 612
56, 693

1, 999, 942

45, 869 |3,

$13, 478
3.902

1, 538

75,915 | 14,311
173,380 | 32,094
“"]99" 595 | 22, 490
15,558 | 2,877

1, 277,367 | 129) 904
3119 361

| 138,895 | 12, 890
| 140,777 | 33,874
| 962/504 | 22; 916
269,228 | 28) 801
42,143 | 3, 732

| 115,041 | 11,838
"71" 847 | 181578
100 19

| "43,675 | 2,715
| 49'332 | 5, 880
4,755 | 1,092
91958 | 2°343

1, 051 287
11,421 | 2,997

3, 385 834
1,915 | 321
18,055 | 1,208
234.305 | 20,328
126 29

139, 830 | 361, 632

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 1 |

Statement, by water areas, of the number and value of shad caught in each form of appa-
ratus employed on the Atlantic coast in 1896—Continued.

Fyke nets. Bow nets. Miscellaneous. Total.
Water areas. aes aa = Eis aaa acid
No. | Value.| No. | Value.) No. Value. | No. Value.
Sie PG TINA MITE Hace ee tectaieia'c’n 2)2\| oc nj0's.nlafelle caela niciel eens lemieatnts | sige sidiatate len ciactalete 456,281 | $61, 924
St. Marys River... --. 22.0002. 52} ence ee clones cnnclommee nnn] nna 2e|-- ese nealeccennn- 10, 193 1, 754
SAS Layee 32 BS aenbenedol bapdeebs [fs wiciste pte cents eaters afters oGioe atts da atoms 1, 500 240
PAY Gea ANE GD 5 = aetate nie cle alm ml] sin craw mini> eos. 5.50 AVEC | Eo Pa ee ee acne 29, 377 10, 096
Opecchee River-- --.. 0.65... =|. enn cele nena nen |eme ew nns [enone n= e|ncer----|-n=- 0 ane 55, 425 19, 514
SCART ALS Ee ee (|e oI | 70 $26 54, 406 19, 236
RATT DWE OE Ra Viel a Caen «ese cae xis stain) alc = a ctecs ore | eee te cee ere tera cfoele mia re 3, 090 622
ENE TRO ARIN GRAS sae 586 So 00go4 soeggoed|aeesse5- 480 AN | ratte: sere meena ters 6, 880 1, 381
LOTS GC hk ee SRR Se essa) poneacon becc-sc- 3, 672 Op ee here Ge apepein 28, 273 5, 843
REGOPED ELV Ol: sem scomme ciomisiois as [oe ele= = <= \ancsoose 296 Qa Ne Salhi ata oe 396 126
SMG GU oth Gea ne Hoan eoRnaoOoeG Secaeeor lc hie alates BEOAAy indeed | eevee etn crete ieee 7, 309 1, 547
Winyah Bay and tributaries. .-.|--...-.-.|--- -----| 15,124 | 3,832 694 212 97, 685 23, 031
CES Ghire ININGTE So Spago2 dgeogs| Gancsobulaescsoae PR) PART ees apar||seooe sce 75, 315 18, 964
laninico Snir ee eae ee Cee te ee el Pee oo Scenes cellteadacoclueecopoc soooncac 448,089 | 109, 727
INGUSORRLV OR acest aicine cee clcincckicee Heseiteck: 959586) On O02h|wenee cen lemeenea 207, 052 | _39, 067
Tel ead Read Myerson ceases seeeeeed|ocoedses Teel) Teese nad ibcceécoar 67, 082 13, 316
Cromanland Roanoke SOUNGS= les eo cmcie els ee ee cs | smear eters | ere essa liclets etet=taral etal state lot 169, 541 | 33, 201
Jar Bart Peake Ss Sead) Mase peor GSB Boe sce ccese Sosceocn Meer Ger tonoaace 735, 192 | ~ 140, 159
IEC EMT AG IM AW nas pesisecocaaa eococacd acepooer 13,500 | 2,391 | 2,000 380 169,409 | 20, 489
@howanwRiver-ce.c: -ssecsclbennsesls 1 Ro el ayes artes coal race oe eestor ho oiccie ac 183,545 34, 422
Pasquotank and Perquim- { |
ANBEUI MOUS team oy oiaa ws 2 all sic areraietars | wiminis(clolaie 275 5G) az acroeraic [ase cee 41,579 7, 898
@hesapeske Bayse- cece cscsseeleecseecc| ssn scls secs sns eect Deets 9m) eRe 1, 638, 844 | 167, 929
James River and tributaries.|.--..-..}..-...--|-------- eeaee 1, 800 130 | 495, 762 51, 247
WOreRiverand bributariese. -|sascsses||eonase oeleireismcee| sincere 590 64 546, 548 50, 361
IV IG AE CUM 3 hy aecesp oes ooo, 4 SSCs bolee tess lscoderee eRe Bh Gd baeeeeed ase bec 140, 777 13, 874
Rappahannocks hiveleceseses|sseroscelseenecadleeseaces ee 1, 073 83 417, 789 35, 371
IBOLOMACGRWVeL sec see oe Sccldeeie|emionecer 600 OM ee hea etter oe 684, 063 63, 608
Nanticoke River and tribu- | |
ERMIER ees ee cae eect tel 94337) Pes Ooh seme sae RECESS oH beneneaal teases | 216, 308 20, 668
Choptank River and tribu- |
HAI GR eer leas ccteen eeicaien ee 598 5Galtaeteeee joey Aa Savy hsb eet eS a ee 338,420 | 35,810
STEM MGDETTO ARNG oanoses bel besoopee oecacsee 12,100 | 2,113} 2,008 259 140, 087 20, 153
Miscellaneous rivers.....---. 3, 897 EN) PiU WV" BRE eee ee dad eeccecac 249, 021 31, 736
Die REO cosa opacsacasboosd boabaqde laatepecs boSseccslauarnacn Sassnene |bcacsoos 1,103,821 | 104, 761
Melani arOliVOGe ste esa tices celles eee dele vactesiehlle satis aciaele aes 5, 400 540 | 2,778,803 | 300,598
Mascellaneousmivers.sscs---elcee anes |seee oe <2 2, 300 CL oS Sead BSE Soaar 134, 838 21, 147
Ocean shore of New Jersey.--.| 1,500 Bit Geaotcs enccoc Seboorod MECseeee 16, 240 3,518
INGWAVOTEGB OY. << 2m 22 <i <1 WTA BOSU eT aSOMlsaeremee lease arses teers lesise Joa) AG, 22s 30, 941
nrdsonRiver)-:\s.25-5--.-5- 800 POSE || rele tee ae Eek Dee a Sa ae a 588, 898 83, 237
Great South Bay and Gardiner
Cen) Ud Ss wee ed EE ae ean eee Vik SeASPS SHPO ee CEA Rel 4, 755 1, 092
Iban Tig bro lisa 335 se5essase be doe ced baosbeen eaase= se seocn sed bondeace bcedoece 9, 427 2,399
(CHAS TNE J INGiesedcces sane Heese bbadesed weeoeced exescoss sesesasellecnaacs 51, 690 9, 508
MiIscollancous Tiviersecce - a a|s 5 -ceascledences=|seciiacce eee ss | 482 115 13, 202 3, 324
Ocean shore of Rhode Island..|........|....----|----++--|----+--- reer: BABesece 1,051 | 287
Narragansett Bay and tribu- |
BAPLES Ramee aise (cit oes cia /siejatet oraia Saas sls aeiesacileelatercaie | 1,060 | 306 15, 836 | 4, 237
Buzzards Bay and Vineyard |
SGT Sebo ce Bae eR Ocoe es SSSnee se Sapa eel |orcectee SEaercad bcecshar eeeecsoe 3, 385 | 834
Cape Cod and Massachusetts P |
DAS acres eect tie sare cle sists ber ara, covets BES SS eee beShecad bans pode boaoccclanospadd 33, 082 | 1,468
GaScouR augers eae ra aes 5 Rae tk Landaa ecatenelebeeme sn meee cealeaaaenee 64,490 | 3, 580
Kennebec River and tributa- |
TIC REM Mines Saag f 7» Tell PL ly SAN eat 9 Us SOC TRA Ree EN ASR AE 290,122 | 26, 257
Penobscot and other Maine |
DLVOLSeeaaete enteral ae states IS oascaoulooogeres Ja-eseeee Ie ease lnosnbodoobcboper 12, 126 | 941
Total eens see ee 73, 440 | 10,748 |123, 803 | 25,776 | 15,172 | 2,115 |13, 053, 429 1, 651, 443
| | | |

It has been customary heretofore to report the yield of shad in
pounds, but various causes have combined to render it advisable to
report the yield according to the number. It is hoped that this sacri-
fice of custom will not involve any loss of clearness. The weight of
these fish ranges from 1 to 10 pounds, averaging about 3? pounds. For
convenience of those who prefer reckoning shad according to their
weight, the following summary is presented, showing, by States and by
sexes, the number and weight of the shad yield in 1896,

‘

122 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement of the number, weight, and value of roe and buck shad caught on the Atlantic
coast of the United States in 1896.

Roe. ~ Buck. Total.
States.
No. Pounds. | Value. No. Pounds. | Value. No. Pounds. | Value.
Mlorida: =... = 171, 752 677, 954| $26,417) 288, 462 620, 651|/$36, 172 460, 214) 1, 298,605) $62,589
Georgia..-.---. 62, 604 294, 641 23, 953 81, 370 241, 986| 25, 336 143, 974 536, 627 49, 289
South Carolina. 70, 376 405, 471 19, 160 76, 251) 266, 042) 14, 276 146, 627 671, 513 33, 436
North Carolina.| 942, , 843 4,804,508) 246, 676) 1, 153, 961) 4, 038, 200|170, 567) 2, 096, 804) 8, 842,708, 417, 242
Virginia ....--- 1, 574, 274 6, 700, 890} 198, 758) 1, 629, 229) 4, 469, 629/108, 297) 3, 203, 503)11, 170,519) 307. 055
Maryland’. -.--- TAs 523} 3, 295, 102) 101, 831) 823, 527| 2, 246, 397) 64, 720) 1,541, 050) 5,541,499) 166, 551
Delaware .----- 282, 598| 1, 442, 318 51,194) 185,746) 550,976) 18,066) 468,344) 1, 993, 294 69, 260
Benusy vanes 372,199 1, 839, 602 57, 019) 249, 040} 661,541) 22,426) 621, 239} 2, 501, 143) 79,445
New Jersey. -- -|2, 1oe 031 10, 281,510) 268, 454/1, 206, 449) 3, 628, 316) 71, 602) 3, 338, 480 13, 909, 826) 340, 056
New York ...-. | 324, 713 1, 563, 783) oe 354, 218, 101 636, 763) 19, 479 542, 814) 2 , 200,546) 74, 833
Connecticut. - -. "33, 495) 150, 811 8, 623| 36, 793, 110,379) 5, 459) 70, 288) "261, 190 14, 082
Rhode Island .. 7, 921 35, 646 2. 477) 5: 611. 17,115) 4, 113 13, 532 52, 761 3, 590
Massachusetts - 19, 035, 64, 718 1, 988 20, 787| 49,434) 1,248) 39, 822 114, 152 3,230 -
IVERING Beets citaters iP 920) 820, 140 19, 238 193, 818 584, 337) ible 330) 366, 738) 1, 404, 477 30, 778

Total... ../6, 884, Bete, 377, 0941, 081, 3826 169, 145 18, 121, 766/570, oon 053, £2050, 498, 860 1, 651, 443

The values set forth in the aforegoing table fail in doing justice to the
importance of this fishery, those figures representing merely the net price
which the fishermen received, this amount being greatly increased by
the time they reached the consumer. Thus the value of the 456,281
shad taken on the St. Johns River in Florida is reported at $61,924, an
average of $13.57 per 100 fish. The cost of packing and expressage to
New York City, for instance, approximates $10 per 100. Then comes
the expenses and profit of the wholesale dealer or commission merchant
and that of the retailer, which may approximate $5 and $12, respec-
tively, per 100. This makes the cost of the fish to the consumer about
$40.57 per 100. Estimated at this rate, the yield on the St. Johns in
1896 was worth $185,113, instead of the reported value, $61,924. The
average value to the fishermen for the entire yield of the Atlantic coast
was $12.64 per 100 fish, while the consumers probably paid $25 per 100.
Assuming this basis as correct, the consumers paid $3,263,357 for the
13,053,429 shad caught in 1896.

The prices in 1896 were unusually small, and this limited the total
eatch considerably. During April and May the markets were glutted,
and prices fell so low that many fishermen ceased operations.

The following table shows the wholesale prices of shad prevailing in
New York and Philadeiphia on Friday of each week during the first six
months of 1896:

New York. Philadelphia. | New von | Philadelphia.
Week ending— | 7 : ==ss | Week ending— ———
Roe. | Buck. toe. | Buck. || Roe. Se Roe. | Boeke
Vane occiece cee $1.10 | $0.50 | $1.00 $0. 50 | I =onasssoe $0.28 | $0. 15 | $0. 25 $0. 14
UY neoriess } 1.00 - 40 | 1.00 50 | Ns asSteces .23 -ll . 25 | .13
Wlosoosccse . 90 POOR S100 -45 | I (se asoeue . 25 15 107
ON teas: S13 Seu SSS eee 4arall Do A AbOnee 28 SC eae ils: 08
Ses cbenas: Pe 8 s88.1)9 ()ee:30 SOF be ARON Iie) Ms eho seoe 520°) AST s S6y] - 08
IG _ensconeds | Self | .23 .75 . 32 || Mes cponeac .23 -11 - 20 | -10
VL aeecoand ots | . 30 . 80 - 35 || Lopes eecicmi .23 Sa al .14 | . 07
Diet ene: . 80 AS | 75 . 38 || PARR a ee 20 . 09 .18 .09
Ce esisscest . 80 | - 38 . 90 42 || Pe sooo 25 | sil 20 | -10
Weiey scaaéqqnc 45 | 23 - 70 .3) ||. June 5......... 22 10 20 10
Se neaeeictet 50 | . 23 40 20 | 14. Sopa Soe . 25 | 12 | 25 12
Oona Poulet 40 20 || 1G eee eee 22 | LOU sect ees |: eee
Deane nae 35 17 35 18 || Pee eae . 20 09 | scsgeess|i ate
i} |

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 123

COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS.

In considering the comparative abundance of shad it is not safe to
be guided by the results of the fisheries in a single locality or even in
an individual river basin. The catch in each locality fluctuates under
loeal conditions, and it is only by comparing the returns for a large area
of the coast that it can be determined whether there has been an actual
increase or decrease.

The season of 1880 is the earliest one for which we have accurate or
even fairly reliable data relative to the yield of shad along the entire
Atlantic coast or even a considerable portion of that coast. The
adverse agencies tending to deplete the species had then reduced the
yield to a very low point and the effect of artificial propagation had not
become generally apparent. During that year the total yield of shad
on the Atlantic coast approximated 5,162,315 in number,.worth $995,465,
The use of improved apparatus of capture and the more vigorous prose-
cution of the fisheries has resulted in a considerable increase in the
aggregate yield since that season. The yield in 1888 was reported at
10,181,605, for which the fishermen received $1,665,176; in 1892 it was
11,094,565, valued at $1,879,688, and in 1896 it numbered 13,053,429,
worth $1,651,443 at first hands.

While the yield in 1896 was by far the largest of any of the four years
above noted, yet that season was scarcely representative of the last
three or four years. Not only were shad less abundant than usual, but
the prices were so low that many fisheries were abandoned before the
season was at an end. However, in the rivers of Florida and Georgia,
in Delaware River, and Connecticut River the catch in 1896 was the
largest for many years. From Savannah River to the Chesapeake Bay,
inclusive, the yield in 1895 and in 1897 was far in excess of that in 1896.

The following summary shows by States the yield of shad in 1880,
1888, and 1896. The returns for 1880 and 1888 were published in pounds,
and in reducing them to number the average weight has been assumed
to be 34 pounds each.

1880. 1888. 1896,
State. | 7 :
| Number. Value. Number. | Value. Number. | Value.

WMlorida jo. -2s5452.,-82 ese & 71,914 $20, 136 413,714 | $89, 630 460, 214 | $62, 589
Geongiatees-nee a aaeame eee 72, 000 17, 941 75, 200 | 19, 000 143, 974 | 49, 289
South Carolina .........-..- | 59, 314 12, 432 123, 657 | 27, 050 146, 627 33, 436
North Carolina ..... Pear 920, 360 329, 569 1, 608, 774 292, 409 2, 096, 804 417, 243
Warpiniaerss: ssh. te seeeek 906, 272 134, 496 2, 316, 235 | 376, 944 3, 208, 503 307, 055
Maryland) 50 2/isa.2 cesses 1, 074, 121 140, 326 1, 598, 781 | 218, 230 1, 541, 050 166, 551
Welaware= o>. 2s 4ses ese 300, 000 52, 500 396, 919 51, 999 468, 344 69, 260
Pennsylvania.-..------.--.- 159, 885 27, 980 396, 340 76, 942 621, 239 79, 445
INewidiersey 2252 4. as25- 582 =-- 214, 285 35, 000 1, 863, 842 | 307, 411 3, 338, 480 340, 056
NG WRMODK yo = ose eee 781, 028 | 136, 680 984, 468 | 150, 882 542, 814 74, 833
Connecticut: 2-. 22-25-5522 376, 581 | 65, 902 104, 553 | 23.786 70, 288 14, 082
RhodeNslond).252--.--2---| 13, 743 | 2,405 4,971 1, 213 13, 532 | 3, 590
Massachusetistis-c cess. =. 47, 007 | 8, 226 51, 316 | 5,312 | * 39,822 | 3, 236
Miaim@taos see eee a nee 165, 805 11, 876 242, 835 24, 368 | 366, 738 30, 778

ROUS) es attecen nAws Bate | 5, 162, 315 995, 465 | 10, 181, 605 1, 665,176 | 13, 053, 429 | 1, 651, 443

124 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

It appears that since 1880 there has been an increase in the yield in
every State south of New York, and from that point northward there
has been a decrease in each State except Maine. The greatest increase
has occurred in New Jersey, the yield of shad in that State in 1880
numbering 214,285, which was increased in 1888 to 1,863,842, and in
1896 to 3,338,480. Virginia ranks next with an increase from 906,272
in 1880, to 2,096,804 in 1896. The largest decrease has occurred in Con-
necticut, where the catch in 1880 numbered 376,581, and in 1896 only
70,288.

The yield for the entire coast shows an increase of 97 per cent in the
eight years from 1880 to 1888, and from 1888 to 1896 the increase was
28 per cent. The value of the shad, however, does not show so great
an increase. Indeed, comparing the returns for 1888 with those of 1896,
we find that while the total number of shad increased 2,871,824, the
value decreased $13,733. The average price received by the fishermen
for shad in 1880 was $19.28 per hundred; in 1888, $16.35, and in 1896,
$12.65 per hundred.

In considering the recent yield of shad with that prior to 1880, few
data exist on which to base satisfactory conclusions. It is well to guard
against placing too great confidence in estimates as to the early abun-
dance of these fish. In the report of the Maine Fish Commission for
1867, the yield of shad on the Penobscot during the preceding season
was estimated at 2,500,000 in number, but a careful survey of the
fisheries of that river during the following season, made by the same
commissioners, Showed that the number of shad caught approximated
only 5,000. If this correction had not been made, the former number
would doubtless have prevailed as the basis for comparisons of the former
and present abundance of shad in Penobscot River. In the Gazetteer
of Virginia, published in 1835, is an account of the fishery resources
of Potomac River, which includes the remarkable statement that in a
good season of six weeks the catch of shad on that river numbered
22,500,000, while the alewives caught annually reached the remarkable
number of 750,000,000. And this estimate has been used by many
writers as a basis for lengthy discussions of the decrease of shad in the
Potomac.

True, there are numerous records, kept with great accuracy, showing
the yield of shad at individual fisheries, and even for entire river basins,
for periods of 20,40, and even 60 or more years prior to 1880, but they ean
not be taken as a basis for determining the abundance or comparative
yield of this species all along the coast. Great changes have occurred
in manner of prosecuting the fisheries and even in the fishing-grounds
during the past half century. Formerly the great bulk of shad were
‘aught by means of seines, while at present the large catches made by
drift nets, stake nets, pound nets, etc., leave a comparatively small
number to be caught in the original form of apparatus. Also the large
inerease in the amount of apparatus employed results in a much smaller
average catch for each individual apparatus. If only 20 seines or pound

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 125

nets are used in a certain water-course, it is to be expected that the aver-
age catch per net will be greater than if that number be increased to
100. And while probably in many of the water areas along the coast
the average catch of shad per net is less at present than formerly, yet
it is equally probable that the present aggregate yield of shad is much
greater than ever before.

An account of the comparative abundance of shad in each water area
will be found in the latter half of this report, containing a discussion
of the fisheries of each separate locality.

We must not overlook the great length of water-courses formerly
abounding in shad from which these fish are now excluded by means of
dams and other obstructions. But to offset this there has been a great
extension of the fisheries into water areas in which no shad whatever
were caught half a century ago. Formerly the great bulk of the yield
was obtained from the middle and upper sections of the rivers, while
at present nearly all the catch is obtained in the lower section and in
the salt water of the estuaries. The extension of the fisheries into the
estuaries is of recent origin, dating only from the middle of the present
century, and their development has been principally during the past
twenty years. It requires large and costly apparatus to prosecute the
fisheries there, and forms suitable have come into use only quite
recently.

With the exception of drift nets in Delaware Bay, New York Bay, and
one or two less important places, and the mackerel purse seines, which
take a few shad on the New England coast, pound nets and stake nets
are the only forms of apparatus employed in catching shad in salt
water.

Over 90 per cent of the shad caught in salt water of the Chesapeake
region are taken in pound nets, yet the use of that apparatus there
dates only from 1865, and not until 1875 were they extensively employed.
Stake nets and pound nets, which catch practically all the shad taken
in the salt water of North Carolina, have been used in that region only
since 1865. It thus appears that, while the up-river fisheries are
decreasing, a very large area is being added to the fishing-grounds.
At present nearly half of the total shad yield on the Atlantic sea-
board is obtained in salt water, and those fisheries are becoming more
extensive each year.

The following summary shows, approximately and in comparative
form for each water area, the number and value of the shad caught in
1896 and the number and percentage of those taken in salt water.
The line of demarcation between the salt and fresh water of the estu-
aries being indefinite and variable, this table is only approximately
correct for certain regions, but the percentage of error is too small to
materially affect the general result.

126

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing the number and value of shad taken in 1896, and the number and percentage
of those taken in salt water.

Yield in salt water.

Total yield.
Water areas.
Number. Value. Number.
STs GIG) ste lVI25 (G12 Ge ag antic gaccooassecgdoNEaEdadaodeoosaa6 456, 281 $61'924) | Soe eeeteicamns
St. Marys River.-o-2- co... eno en nnn nn een ent 10, 193 iy Ol esaradcoss<
Satilla WRiviers2- 2-256 (jc lense een inna nee =e = === 1, 500 240 ||Sod 2552 sock
INERT NN AYE 5 e5- gn ogee dao aeo ease aaeaoonpoonoearoe 29, 377 0096s) 2eeeee eee
Ogeechee River.....------- .----------------- sosemeacic 55, 425 Te Gos hse ee soc5nGe
Savannah River ...-...-.-.---------------------------- 54, 406 195236) |i eisseie sere
CWompahee RIV jer == licn cma alone one elm = em elt eeret 3, 090 6223) esses seers
Ashepoo River. ..---..-------------+---2-------+--+---+-- 6, 880 Mies tell el Saeed ecacs=
Mdisto River-..-.------------------------------++------- 28, 273 5843! | hoeee teeters
Cooper River 396 126) |e socee eters
Shonragy Ry Gib so soon codon seen eesebosSssorondasSsqsosgs6e 7, 309 M5 47522 eee
Winyah Bay and tributaries..--..----.-.-.---.-------- 97, 685 231031) |: See ee
Cape Fear River...-.-----------+--+-------------------- 75, 315 1S!O64) |oaoeeeeneee
Pamlico Sound......-.-.-.-.--. sorcotedosnocosseussnees 448, 089 109, 727 448, 089
Neuse River ..--.-.------------+--------------------- 207, 052 39, 067 82, 238
Pamlico-Tar River......----------------------------- 67, 082 13, 316 18, 873
Croatan and Roanoke sounds.....-----..------.----- 169, 541 33, 201 169, 541
Woe endlS SOT h5 coGemoopoeserg CngddescasgaS 500006 735, 192 140, 159 186, 290
TROANOK ORV Cie oe «acto oo oat = ella mile le = = 169, 409 20)489\o-ssteee eee
(Chih fu TREE So hn coco S phones nseass=nqpecdedsope 183, 545 34,422) |esseececece
Pasquotank and Perquimans rivers.-.------....-.- 41, 579 S08" setae sone
Chesapeake Bay .-.-..---------------------------------- 1, 638, 844 167, 929 | 1,428, 327
James River and tributaries.....--.--...-.------.... 495, 762 51, 247 100, 379
York River and tributaries 546, 548 50, 361 182, 375
Mobjack Bay ..-..-----.-----------------++----------- 140, 777 18, 874 140, 777
Rappahannock River.......--------------------+---- 417, 789 35, 37 194, 067
IPotomacrivelensee pete ee pee eee seller tear 684, 063 63, 608 210, 480
Nanticoke River and tributaries. .-..-..--..----..---. 216, 308 20, 668 42, 405
Choptank River and tributaries -....--..---..---.--. 338, 420 35, 810 136, 972
Susquehanna River.......-.-.------------------------ 140, 087 20) 153") eos eeee te
IMaS Cell ameCOUS tee atom - ote alele =)= l=) ete ialam inm lm eis era 249, 021 31, 736 29, 851
Delaware Bay.--.....---------------------+------------ 1, 103, 821 104, 761 1, 103, 821
ID SIP MAIO MNT) adc ose aods asa sHSouseadesoEns soodoa0 2, 778, 803 300, 598 976, 669
IMuscellameousiivierses - se escmesecece el -le oe wee eo lalelalerelel= 134, 838 Po a Yl eer soo
Ocean shore of New Jersey ---.------------------------ 16, 240 3, 518 13, 765
New York Bay ---------..----------------------------- 216, 425 30, 941 213, 925
Hudson River 588, 898 83987 seeeencmeee
Great South Bay and Gardiner Bay..--.--------------- 4,755 1, 092 4, 755
Long Island Sound .----.------------------------------ 9, 427 2, 399 9, 427
Connecticut River..---...-.--.---.--.---------------- 51, 690 9.508) | hance aoe
Muscellaneous rivers). <==. ae ene en eee eee see = = 13, 202 3) B24 ee ame neeeer
Ocean shore of Rhode Island..-.-..-.--......----------- 1, 051 287 1, 051
Narragansett Bay and tributaries ..-.-.-----------.--- 15, 836 4, 237 2, 163
Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.......-..----.----- 3, 385 834 3, 385
Cape Cod and Massachusetts bays...---.---.---------. 33, 082 1, 468 33, 082
Che OON BEN? cascaoscadsosceus copsesocsoecuOcsCuccgseceame 64, 490 3, 580 64, 490
Kennebec River and tributaries .........--.....--..-.. 290, 122 26, 257 55, 987
Penobscot and other Maine rivers ...............------ 12, 126 6, 941 6, 000
Irtfay vn Ue a ara ees eps Sree eth RE mm ea Dy 13, 053, 429 | 1,651,443 | 5, 859, 184

Per cent.

45.26

The preceding summary shows that in 1896 45 per cent of the total
shad yield was caught in regions which half a century ago yielded
none whatever, this in some measure compensating for the 3,700 miles
of river course from which they are now wholly excluded and the lengths

from which the exclusion is partial.

Tt thus appears that the prin-

cipal change in the fisheries during the past fifty years has been one
of location rather than extent of the total yield, the great increase in

the estuaries compensating for the decrease in the headwaters.

This

change in the fishing-grounds results in a large portion of the fish being
taken before they reach the spawning areas in fresh water, thereby
preventing them from adding their quota to future supply almost as
effectually as though they were excluded therefrom by means of dams

or otherwise.

3ut the same result is accomplished when the fish are

aught after reaching those areas, and before spawning. Furthermore,

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 12%

moving the seines and other apparatus of capture over the spawning-
grounds disturbs and drives away the fish from those areas and destroys
many of the eggs and young shad already there.

The construction of dams has excluded shad from a large portion of
the spawning-grounds, notwithstanding the erection of fishways in
those obstructions. Sawdust, chemicals, and other refuse, and agricul-
tural operations, have greatly impaired the utility of the spawning
areas even now available, and the extensive fisheries have very largely
decreased the number of shad reaching those areas. These adverse
agencies have reduced natural reproduction to almost an insignificant
factor in keeping up a supply ample to maintain the present fisheries,
rendering artificial propagation essential to their prosperity. They so
affected the abundance of shad that during the Seventies the returns
of the fisheries reached a minimum. Then the results of artificial
propagation began to appear, notonly maintaining an equilibrium, but
greatly increasing the abundance. While the increased yield was pre-
ceded by an increase in the quantity of apparatus used, yet it was made
possible by the greater abundance of shad due to artificial propaga-
tion. Comparing 1880 with 1896, it is observed that the increase in
the yield numbered 7,891,114. At 25 cents each (the average paid by
consumers), this represents an increase of $1,972,778 in the value, over
Sixty times the expenditure for shad propagation, a result probably
unsurpassed in any other line of fish-culture.

The general condition of the shad fisheries along the entire coast
having been noted we now proceed to a description of the fisheries of
each individual water area, those areas being grouped according to
States, beginning with the southernmost and proceeding northward.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF FLORIDA.

The extent by water areas of each branch of the shad fisheries of
Florida in 1896 is presented in the following series of three tables,
showing (1) the number of persons employed, (2) the boats, apparatus,
etc., used, and (3) the number and value of shad taken. There are but
two rivers in this State which support commercial shad fisheries, viz,
the St. Johns and the St. Marys.

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
jisheries of Florida in 1896.

Fishermen.

Waters! pea Fp ape Trans- Total.
Det, Set-nets|| Semmes Votalailpows |b ore cee

St. Johns River:
From sea to Jacksonville...........----. QOD) cee wlcksetsll's = aaa 292 16 2 310
Palatka SOC WOM sae ee sae ees a2 soins BB ee sree ssa] onis.ce one 38 Ula Bocanoee| 45
pper str JObnsssoaceaseassetas saecel sce Vt beeiaker 110 117 8 3 128
SO, MAE VSURIV GIDE goss meee nn seeps aa so cicts | 20 20 [cteee ee AO cfa= 352 ei|2Secceres 40
PROG Eases anes ea ta aetna sass aie 357 20 110 487 31 5 523

128 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, ete., employed in the shad fisheries of
Florida in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets Set nets.
Waters. = S| pa ST = Seana
No. | Value. | No. |Length. Value. | No. Length. Value.
feat pa oe a ay] ut | ee ae
| |
St. Jobns River: Yards. | | Yards |
From sea to Jacksonville -..-...--..--. 146 | $7,720 | 146 | 83,500
‘Palatkajsectlonees tee esccc sec ves- Sec be 21 | 394 22 | 5,250
Wha tee SisTO Nt Goad adeeasssensecnesees 54 | 1,060 3 | 1,400
Dboys haiye tae sees esee ani ise cistce dele | 30, 210 20 | 1,400
TiN Riles ee ene Boeri ml sists | cream
H
Seines. b Total
Waters. SS SS 8 ot invest-
No. | Length. | Value. | PTOPErY-| ment.
St. Johns River: Yards.

HTOMIs6a LOM ACK SOMyll lOve scene soleameeeine seem eect teem eee eestalots $3, 614 $26, 959

IERIE ESD, ROO, Se 46 se cob et eso ebosessese cueadsan|sedsqcilsoseysocce - 400 2, 054
(OPIS JOM so Sess s s ees Soe baasne cooccetogsocs = 24 7,150 | 335 3, 735
Sli WEIS} J SNIP Gone os conbodssasedsouosSHbSoasus6 ceerac||Sssess|)sensoscssollossndaserals s-iscsoncc 710

Statement by apparatus of the yield of shad in the waters of Florida in 1896.

Drift nets. Set nets. Seines. Total.

Waters. SSS |e
No. Value. | No. | Value. No. Value. No. Value.

St Johns River:

From sea to Jacksonville. .--. 291,116 | $47, 720 291,116 $47, 720
Palatka section:-2)-5-= =e er 37,300 | 5,222 37,300 | 5,222
Upper St. Johns.-.---....-.-. 2,617 | 355 127,865 | 8, 982
Sie Miarys Rivereee -cemeice-ceieer 2,244 | 380 3, 933 | 665

|
Mo tale avers a ee se 883,277 53,677 | 1,689 | 285 | 125,248 | 8, 62
|

=I

460,214 | 62,589
l

ST. JOHNS RIVER.

St. Johns River has its sources in the swamps and marshes of eastern
Florida, flows nearly parallel with the coast a distance of 375 miles,
and enters the ocean near the northeastern corner of the State. It is
navigable to a point about 500 miles from the mouth, and steamers
ascend regularly as far as Sanford, 230 miles by the river course from
the sea. It is very broad, the width in the lower 100 miles being from
1 to 5 miles, and for two-thirds of its length it is over a mile wide,
often expanding into spacious lakes. There are no permanent obstruc-
tions to the passage of fish, and shad ascend nearly to the sources of
the river. The St. Johns differs from all other streams on the Atlantic
coast of the United States in that its sources are in warmer latitudes
than its entrance into the ocean. All the other streams run south and
east, and the water flowing therein is much cooler during the winter
and spring than the sea water. The effect of this peculiar condition is
thus described by the late Marshall McDonald:

In the St. Johns River, Florida, shad appear several months before the spawning
time, and although this is not largely in advance of the same season in rivers as far
north as certain tributaries of the Chesapeake, yet by reason of their early presence
in the St. Johns the fisheries are prosecuted during the entire winter. They do not
enter the river at this time for the purpose of spawning. By reference to tables giving

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 129

the temperature of the St. Johns River at Jacksonville, it is seen that the tempera-
ture of the water gradually descends, reaching 60° I. at Jacksonville about the last
of November. This date is coincident with the first appearance of shad in the St.
Johns. * * * Inallotherstreams on the Atlantic coast the fish appear to wait unti-
the temperature of the river has risen above that of the salt-water area into which
the river empties before they ascend in the spring. The migration of shad into the
St. Johns River is clearly not for the immediate purpose of spawning, as that opera-
tion is not performed for months, but in order that they may keep within the limit of
the hydro-isothermal area appropriate to them. We must suppose that the temperal
ture of the ocean waters, on the continental plateau outside the coast line, is higher
than 60° F., and although uncongenial to the fish, yet they must necessarily remain
in that temperature until the waters of the St. Johns, cooling as the winter advances,
have fallen below the temperature of the outside waters. As soon, therefore, as water
of a lower temperature than that in which they are commingles with the ocean water
it serves as an incentive—as it were, the signal—for their migration into the estuary
of the St. Johns.—(Natural History of Aquatic Animals, pp. 599-602. )

Shad fishing on the St. Johns is of recent origin. Indeed, it is
claimed by some persons that shad have run up this river during the
last forty years only, but this is doubtless erroneous, the absence of
extensive fisheries before the Sixties being due to inadequate shipping
facilities and insufficient local enterprise. Drift nets were introduced
here about 1860, and their use increased quite rapidly, most of them
being operated by fishermen trom Connecticut and New Jersey. The
war interrupted all fishing except for local use, but at the close of hos-
tilities the operation of drift nets was renewed and greatly increased.
It is reported that, in- 1873, 94,000 shad were caught with 30 nets oper-
ated from New Berlin, about 10 miles from the mouth of the river, and
that in 1876, when shad were unusually abundant, the average catch
at New Berlin was 5,000 per net. At Palatka, 100 miles from the mouth
of the river, drift nets were first used in 1872, and 7 nets in 1876 caught
66,000 shad, the largest yield in any one net numbering 11,000.

In a letter from Jacksonville, dated in January, 1874, Dr. Charles
Koch says:

From the bar at the mouth of the St. Johns River up to Palatka 75 to 80 nets are
fished during the shad season. These nets are 200 yards long and 10 feet deep and are
set in from 10 to 12 feet of water. In 1873 the product of the shad fisheries amounted
to 250,000 shipped or consumed. The average price at Jacksonville was 15 cents
apiece.

Mr. Rk. E. Earll estimated that in 1877-78 there were 80 drift nets on
the river and that the average catch was 2,500 each, making a total of
200,000 shad for that season. He further states that the yield for the
previous season approximated 280,000, and for 1875-76 the yield was
about 160,000 or less. The Tenth Census reports the yield in 1879-80
~ at 251,700 pounds, but it does not appear what basis has been used in
reducing the number to pounds. No mention is made in those esti-
mates of the use of seines.

The yield of shad on the St. Johns in 1890 was the largest for many
years, numbering 872,074. During the four years following the catch
gradually decreased; but in 1895 it was somewhat better, and this

F. R. 98 9

130 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

increase was continued in 1896. In the last-named year the entire
yield was 170,252 roes and 286,029 bucks, a total of 456,281, of which
331,033 were taken in drift nets and 125,248 in seines. Comparing the
number of fishermen in 1890 and 1896, it appears that the yield of
872,074 shad in the former year was obtained by 442 men, whereas the
456,281 shad in 1896 were secured by 447 fishermen, an increase of 1
per cent in the number of fishermen and a decrease of nearly 50 per
cent in the number of shad secured. The catch in 1890 was made with
191 gill nets and 10 seines, while in 1896 there were used 171 gill nets
and 24 seines.

From the foregoing it appears that the yield of shad on the St. Johns
during the years noted has been as follows:

No. of

No. of

Year. mnevale Year. shad.
S64 een ccacesaaceceseccsne tee esaeccere None me= ||| 18785 <0. <mincccceeeecmincecescs sete nets 200, 000
joo reUeLOls II} TRI. = asec osasooosnecocdsogpeceonacson 71, 914
i RSG Van RR cg 3 rant mB ce kai, SRE 950000:|| 18000. whem ot cet tees eee eee ae 872, 074
NSIOsteeceee es eceee eee aoe tists a Seimei T1G60}000)||! W896 Rta Aoaccosece cuctec eect Oneceeeseee 456, 281

TOU eee nae sis iene se elses nica wie Seas eis elec ee 280, 000
|

Shad enter this river late in November and remain till the following
May or June. The legal season extends from December 1 to the end
of the following March, with close time “between sundown on Saturday
afternoon and sunrise on Monday morning of each week.” Actual
fishing operations begin at the opening of the legal season, fully a month
before shad are caught in any other water on the coast, and end about
the second or third week of March. According to Dr. Goode:

The spawning time is apparently from the middle of March to the latter part of
April. * * * The fishermen say that the shad spawn at the very head of the
river, but I have no doubt that many deposit their eggs on convenient grounds
nearer the sea. The fishermen also have a notion that shad that have well ascended
the river never return, for they say they have never known a spent fish. This they
account for by the theory that they are devoured by the alligators and catfish, the
shad being weak and helpless after spawning.

An interdiction exists against the use in this State of ‘‘any gill nets
for the capture of shad with a mesh less than 5 inches from knot to
knot measured lengthwise, that is to say, a mesh when brought to a
square, the sides of which are not less than 24 inches” or any seine
with a mesh less than 3 inches.

There are three distinct geographical sections in the shad fisheries
of the St. Johns, viz, (1) from the mouth of the river to Jacksonville;
(2) the Palatka region from Bridgeport to Welaka, and (3) from Lake
George to Lake Harney. Of the 456,281 shad taken on the river in
1896, 291,116, valued locally at $47,720, were caught in the first section;
37,300, worth $5,222, in the second, and 127,865, worth $8,982, in the
third section. The fisheries of each of these regions will be described
in succession.

From the sea to Jacksonville—In the lower section of the river, from
the sea to Jacksonville, a distance of 28 miles, situated wholly within
Duval County, the drift net is the only form of apparatus used in

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 131

taking shad. These range in length from 500 to 600 yards, averag-
ing about 575 yards, with 5-inch mesh and from 40 to 50 meshes
deep. They are heavily leaded, the leads weighing 2 ounces each and
placed 2 or 3 feet apart. The average cost of the nets approximates
$125, and 2 men are required foreach. They are set directly across the
current, one end being buoyed and the other attached to the boat, and
are allowed to drift with the current. They are operated during both
ebb and flood tides, but usually the flood tides yield larger returns.

The number of drift nets operated in this section in 1896 was 146,
aggregating 83,500 yards in length and $15,625 in value, and requiring
the services of 292 men. Comparatively few of these men are natives
of Florida, many of them coming from Connecticut and New Jersey
and residing in Florida only during the shad season. The catch, which
was unusually large, consisted of 125,546 roe shad and 165,770 bucks,
valued locally at $47,720. Nearly all of these fish were shipped to New
York City and other distant markets.

From Jacksonville to Bridgeport, a distance of 46 miles, the river is
from 2 to 5 miles in width and quite sluggish, so as to preclude the use
of drift nets, and no fisheries are operated.

The Palatka section.—The second division of St. Johns River extends
from Bridgeport to Welaka, a distance of 35 miles, located wholly
within Putnam County. Drift nets exclusively are used in this stretch
of the river, and the fishery is centered at Palatka, a town of 3,000
inhabitants. These nets are much shorter than those used below Jack-
sonville, averaging in length about 240 yards each, with a scant 5-inch
mesh, and costing about $60, The number used in 1896 was 22, each net
requiring the services of one boat and usually of two men, although in a
few instances a single man operated one net. The water was unusually
low, retarding the ascent of fish beyond Welaka, and the yield in this
portion of the river was the largest since 1890, the total catch in the 22
drift nets numbering 9,550 roe shad and 27,750 bucks, valued locally at
$5,222.

The Palatka fishermen complain considerably of the injury caused by
the presence of a species of water hyacinth (Piaropus crassipes) in the
river. This plant was introduced into the St. Johns in 1890 from a small
pond at Edgewater, near Palatka. It becoming desirable to clean the
pond, the plants were thrown into the river, where they flourished
luxuriantly, producing masses of flowers and adding an attractive
feature to the river scenery. It does not become fixed to the soil, and
its movements are governed by the wind and current. During the past
three or four years it has increased so abundantly and its range has
been so extended as to seriously impede the operations of the fisher-
men, being distributed quite generally from Bridgeport to Lake George
and existing to some extent as far down the river as Jacksonville.
Several of the drift-net reaches in the vicinity of Palatka have been
seriously injured by the plant, which gets entangled in the nets and
causes much trouble and loss of twine. Occasionally, under favorable

132 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

conditions of wind and tide, the fishermen of certain reaches are pre-
vented from operating their nets for several days at a time by reason
of the mass of vegetation covering the water. Should the plant spread
during the next few years as it has during the past six, drift-net fishing
in the Palatka section will necessarily be abandoned.

From Lake George to Lake Harney.—This portion of the river, known
as the Upper St. Johns, consists of a series of connected lakes, the
most important being’ Lakes George, Dexter, Monroe, and Harney.
Sanford, a town of 3,000 inhabitants, on the shore of Lake Monroe, is
the center of the shad fisheries. This town is practically the head of
navigation on the river, daily steamers connecting it with Jacksonville,
over 200 miles distant.

Seines are the principal apparatus used in this section, the only
other apparatus employed being a very few drift nets. Of the 127,865
shad taken in 1896, 125,248 were obtained in seines and 2,617 by drift
nets. An interdiction exists against the use of seines in the lakes
forming part of the St. Johns; consequently most of the seine fishing is
confined to the channels connecting the lakes. Drift nets can, of
course, be used only in the channels, and the extent of the seine fishery
there restricts the use of drift nets.

There were only three drift nets reported from the Upper St. Johns
in 1896. Two of these were each 600 yards in length and the third was
200 yards long, the mesh in all being 5-inch. The catch numbered
1,445 roe shad and 1,172 bucks, valued locally at $355,

The seines range in length from 200 to 700 yards, 50 to 100 meshes
deep, with 3 or 4inch mesh. They cost from $60 to $300, and require
from 4 to 10 men each, according to the length of the seine and the
strength of the current. The 24 seines used in 1896 aggregated 7,150
yards in length and $2,175 in value, and required the services of 116
fishermen and 50 small boats, worth $1,000, in addition to which 1
steam launch, worth $2,000, was used in transporting the fish to San-
ford. The catch numbered 33,911 roe shad and 91,337 bucks, valued
locaily at $8,627. Among the bucks are included 53,807 “skips,” which
average in weight about 1 pound each. In the early part of the season
shad are sold to the Palatka shippers as high as 50 cents each, but the
price falls rapidly, and when the season is at its height the price is
frequently less than $7.50 per 100.

ST. MARYS RIVER.

St. Marys River has its source in the Okefenokee Swamp, whence it
forms the boundary line between Florida and Georgia for a distance of
175 miles to its entrance into the Atlantic. It is narrow, but deep and
tidal nearly the whole length, and is navigable for steamboats as far as
Traders Hill, 45 miles from the ocean. There are several small steamer
landings on the river, but the only settlement of considerable size is
St. Marys, a town of 700 inhabitants on the Georgia side of the river
near the mouth. Owing to its proximity to the St. Johns, and the

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 133

greater abundance of fish in that stream, as well as to the meager ship-
ping facilities on the St. Marys, very little attention has been given to
catching shad in the latter river. The fisheries are confined to the use
of a few drift nets and stake nets by men living between Crandall and
Kings Ferry, most of the catch being landed at Oakwell, Ga., and
Kings Ferry, Fla., whence it is carted to the nearest railroad station
and shipped to distant markets. Some few shad are also taken for
home use by means of bow nets, but this fishery is of little consequence
and no data are at hand to show its actual extent. Seine fishing is
searcely practicable on the St. Marys, as the stream is so narrow and
the tidal current so strong that seines could be hauled only during slack
water. F

The number of men employed in the shad fisheries of the St. Marys
in 1896 was 110, 40 of whom lived on the Florida side of the river
and 70 on the Georgia side. They commenced fishing about the 1st
of January and continued until some time in April, 80 using drift
nets and 30 using set nets. The drift nets numbered 80, with an
aggregate length of 5,600 yards and valuation of $1,200. On account
of the numerous snags and the narrowness of the river, the longest
nets used are only 90 yards, and some are only 40 yards in length.
The mesh is generally 5 inches and the depth about 14 feet. The stake
nets numbered 15, with a length of 1,275 vards and valued at $300.
By the drift nets 3,363 roe shad and 4,246 bucks, worth $1,313, were
taken, while the set nets caught 1,062 roe shad and 1,522 bucks, valued
locally at $441, making a total of 10,193 shad, worth $1,754, caught on
St. Marys River, of which 3,933 were taken by men living on the
Florida side and 6,260 by residents of Georgia.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF GEORGIA.

Although requiring a greater number of fishermen the shad fisheries
of Georgia are not so extensive as those of Florida as regards the
value of boats, apparatus, ete., and the quantity and value of shad
taken, as appears from the following series of tables showing the extent
of the fisheries of Georgia by water-courses: |

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
jisheries of Georgia in 1896.

Fishermen. Total,

exclu

Waters. ; sive of

Drift- Set-gill-/ Bow- | Fall- | dupli-

net. | net. net. trap. | cation.
Sip Mary suRivencs an scseesteeree: ee vecis santa cones neecees see 60 WOslse eee los ratiere ate 70
SATU EA ING) eo eboaacac <orobo Sep SEConen eRe Sea eUe Osea creane UM eodosepaloatecae Alseceaaes 7
AlltamalaRiverm sos ete aae eee asicees = Sasecciesseceedaces 162 | 128 BO serrereae 320
Ocmullese Rivers. seco see- seteeb at coe bcaciaaseea -eteceas celles beer 14 Bi) |Saasabes 36
OCONGGARIVEN >< se seceu jose tesais See seis + a actie ea aacsaceeelu se chase 50 1600) 5 22.2s0% 170
(OaRre) 1 1 eo age Aabosionso sdendoonseseos sdonnessececacce AGO Sete ee | erelate iste = | tate ane 160
SAVANNA RAV ORs scmec sacccs Saisie tes waciececise ase sccassccaus 115 fh |Ecoaaone 3 125
Mota acoeteccte cis tac ies sae ces esas onuuiw eens sels Vase se satel 504 210 226 3 888

134 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of

Georgia in 1896.
Drift nets Set nets Bow nets,
: s etc. Shore
Waters. prop- | Total.
.|No.|Length.| Value. |No. |Length.|Value. |No. |Value.| TY:
Yards. Yards.
St. Marys River ....... 60 | 4,200} $900} 5 425 |) “$100 22. | cceaeee ee eee $1, 455
Satilla River..-...-.-.- i 3 450 CE Sad obese lessee Roe Rescacoscccc 90
Altamaha River ....--.- 80 | 4,000 | 2,000 | 60 | 2,000 900 | 15 $45 $47 | 3,947
Ocmulgee River BLN $5) iesadlesrossed|litcsst< 8 80 24 | 18 DAF emcee 173
OconeerRiver=------| 90)|) (400) efel ee ete a 50 500 200 | 80 160%. eeceee 810
Ogeechee River.....--- SO) M0667 90; 000) Pere hemes eee) eee eee|= 1,735 | 9,935
Savannah River......- 57 | 17,677 | 3,828 | 25 283 68 |a26 "208° 1,035 | 6,977
— ——— oe — — — —
a26 208
Sty esasescneses 280 | 36,994 |11, 788 |148 | 3,288 | 1,292 |113 259 | 2,817 | 23, 387
a Fall traps.

Statement of the number and value of shad caught by each form of apparatus in the
fisheries of Georgia in 1896.

Drift nets. Set nets. Bow nets. Total.
Waters.

No. Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. Value.
St. Marys River ---------ceesseome 5, 365 $933 895 Cy el Bae eee 6,260 | $1,089
Satillaiktivensss.c. cowseeee ce cece 1, 500 240 bce Sasol eeerines| cee eee seat 1, 500 240
Altamaha River .........---.----- 17,310 | 5,803} 7,010] 2,270] 710] $229] 25,030] 8,302
Ocninl seoyRivertnrresceeem= sees | =r enti eteenae 892 368 610 264 1, 502 632
OCOuseURiVvieMy ase Lissa canes enelese| reek cscs | atepacre 1, 300 530 | 1,545 632 2, 845 1,162
Ogeechee River: .--------.-------- Ligiyy: PAs || AM aye Slits 55ocd lboqacdedllostsascllaarsS06 55,425 | 19, 514
Savannahthiby ener nanecccrecicle sess 51, 325 | 18, 318 37 14; @50 18 51, 412 | 18,350

a 50 18

Potaleeteoasccscwsewccce ees 130, 925 | 44,808 | 10,134 3, 338 | 2, 865 1,125 | 1438, 974 49, 289

a Fall traps.
SATILLA RIVER.

The shad fisheries of St. Marys River, between Florida and Georgia,
have been described in the chapter on the fisheries of Florida. The
most southerly river in Georgia is the Satilla, which rises in Irwin
County, flows 200 miles through a level sandy region, and enters the
ocean 18 miles north of the outlet of St. Marys River. It is navigable
for 100 miles from the mouth, a small steamer plying between the river
landings and Brunswick.

The commercial shad fisheries of the Satilla are of very recent origin,
dating only from 1894, although prior to that year many shad were
taken by the river men for their home use. Between Woodbine, 35
miles from the mouth of the river, and Baily Mills, 30 miles above, 3
drift nets were operated in 1896, each 150 yards long, with 5-inch mesh,
and the catch approximated 650 roe shad and 850 bucks, valued locally
at $240.

The catch in 1895 was about equal to that of 1896, while the yield in
1894 was only about one-half as much as in 1895 or 1896. Except
sufficient for local use, all of the shad taken on this stream are sent by
boat to Brunswick, Ga.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 135

_ ALTAMAHA RIVER.

This river is formed by the junction of the Ocmulgee and Oconee
rivers,on the line between Appling and Montgomery counties, and, after
flowing a distance of 150 miles, empties into the ocean a few miles
below the town of Darien, the river, with its many tributaries, being
situated entirely within Georgia. The Altamaha is the most southerly
stream flowing into the Atlantic whose sources are above the escarp-
ment line, its two principal tributaries rising in the hills of northern
Georgia. The total fall of the river from the junction of its head
tributaries to Darien approximates 83 feet, an average of 7.6 inches
per mile, this slope being nearly uniform. Its width varies from 150 to
800 feet, averaging about 300. It is navigable for vessels of 5 feet
draft from the mouth to the junction of its two principal tributaries.

Although shad are quite abundant in the Altamaha, yet the shipping
facilities are so unsatisfactory that the fisheries have never been devel-
oped, only enough for local use being obtained. These local fisheries
extend from the mouth of the river to the junction of its two principal
tributaries, but are most extensive in the vicinity of Darien and Doctor
Town. The season is much later in the Altamaha than in the rivers
south thereof, since the temperature of the water is generally lower, the
Altamaha having its sources in the mountains, whereas the other
streams rise in the sand hills and swamps near the coast. The forms
of apparatus used are drift nets, set nets, and bow nets, named in the
order of their importance as determined by the number of shad taken
in 1896. Of 25,030 shad caught during that year, 17,310 were obtained
in drift nets, 7,010 in set nets, and the remaining 710 in bow nets.

Drift nets are operated principally in the lower part of the river below
Doctor Town, although a few are used above that settlement. Most of
these are owned by Darien and Brunswick fishermen. In 1896 there
were 162 drift-net fishermen on the river, using 80 nets, with a total
length of 4,000 yards and valuation of $2,000, and the catch numbered
7,835 roe shad and 9,475 bucks, valued locally at $5,803.

The set nets on the Altamaha are used between Doctor Town and
Seward, near the junction of the two tributary streams. These nets
are each from 30 to 35 yards in length, with 54-inch mesh, cost about
$15, and require one boat, worth about $5, and 2 men. ‘The total
number of nets used in 1896 was 60, and the number of shad taken by
them was 3,335 roes and 3,675 bucks, valued locally at $2,270.

Bow nets or skim nets are used in the upper reaches of the river above
Doctor Town. Fifteen of these were operated by 30 men in 1896, the
catch of shad numbering 310 roes and 400 bucks, worth $229, making
the total yield on the Altamaha River in 1896 11,480 roes and 13,550
bucks, valued locally at $8,302.

Ocmulgee River.—This river is formed by the union of South and
Yellow rivers about 20 miles below Covington, and thence flows about
300 miles to its union with the Oconee. The head of navigation was
formerly at Macon, but at present navigation by steamboats with a draft

136 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

of 5 feet or more is confined to that portion below Hawkinsville, a
length of about 150 miles. The descent of the river from Macon to its
union with the Oconee is nearly 200 feet. At Macon it crosses the fall
line in a shoal several miles in length, and above that city there are
numerous Shoals but no falls of great height until the extreme upper
section of the river is reached. Shad ascend the Ocmulgee as far as
Macon, but few are taken above Hawkinsville, and nearly all those
caught on the rivers are obtained below Abbeville. The catch in 1896
is reported at 1,502, valued at $632, of which 892, worth $368, were
taken in set nets, and 610, worth $264, in bow nets.

Oconee River.—This river rises among the hills of northeastern Geor-
gia, the main stream being formed by the union of North and Middle
forks, which unite below the town of Athens, at a height of 500 feet
above sea level, whence it flows 280 miles to its union with the Oemul-
gee. At present steamboats ascend to the crossing of the Oconee and
Western Railroad, a distance of 108 miles; but the stream is naviga-
ble as far up as Milledgeville, 180 miles from the mouth, where it crosses
the escarpment line at a height of 221 feet above sea level. On the
Oconee shad are occasionally seen as far up as Milledgeville, but very
few are caught above the town of Dublin, 108 miles above the mouth.
Below Dublin they are obtained by means of set nets and bow nets, the
reported catch in 1896 by the former being 600 roe shad and 700 bucks,
worth $530, and by the latter form of apparatus 620 roe shad and 925
bucks, worth $632, a total of 2,845 shad, valued locally at $1,162.

OGEECHEE RIVER.

This river, the only one of importance between the Altamaha and
Savannah, is located entirely in Georgia, rising in Greene County, and,
after flowing a distance of 350 miles, empties inte the Atlantic 38 miles
above the entrance of the Altamaha and 16 miles below the mouth of
the Savannah. It is navigable for vessels of 16 feet draft for a dis-
tance of 25 miles from the mouth, and 10 miles farther for vessels
drawing 5 feet. Nearly the whole of the Ogeechee is located below
the escarpment line, and it drains extensive swamps. Consequently it
is not subject to sudden freshets, and the temperature of the water is
generally much higher for corresponding dates than in the two adja-
cent streams, the Altamaha and the Savannah, which have their sources
in the mountains. At the Shoals of Ogeechee, 200 miles from the ocean,
where the river crosses the escarpment line, there is a wooden dam 225
feet long and 8 or 9 feet high, used in connection with a gristmill, and
4 miles above is a second wooden dam 280 feet long and 15 feet high,
developing 150 horse-power for running a cotton factory. The foot of
these shoals is the uppermost limit of the shad range, and very few
pass above Millen, 100 miles from the sea.

The Ogeechee ranks first among the shad streams of Georgia, sur-
passing even the Savannah in the number and value of shad taken and
yielding nearly twice as many as the Altamaha and tributaries. Owing

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 137

to the higher temperature of the water, shad run up the Ogeechee
somewhat earlier than in case of the Altamaha or Savannah, but later
than in the St. Johns, the fishing season beginning about the first week
in January and continuing until the end of March. Practically all the
commercial fishing is carried on with drift nets in the lower 22 miles of
the river, the best fishing being near Harvey’s Cut, about 10 miles from
the sea. Most of the fishermen are non-residents of the river basin,
many coming from Savannah and New England and living in house
boats during the shad season. Savannah is the headquarters for the
fishermen and the principal market for the catch.

The drift nets used on this river range from 200. to 600 feet in length,
with 5 to 54 inch mesh, and cost from $40 to $135 each. Occasionally
they are operated as set nets, being fastened across the current during a
flood tide. The number in use in 1896 was 80, aggregating 10,667 yards
in length and $5,000 in value. Highty fishing boats, worth $2,800, and
4 house boats, worth $400, were used, and the catch numbered 22,225
roe shad and 53,200 bucks, valued locally at $19,514.

Several small set nets and bow nets are operated in the middle sec-
tions of the river in taking shad for local consumption, but no data are
available with which to show the extent of the product.

SAVANNAH RIVER.

The Savannah has its sources in the mountains of western North
Carolina, but the river proper is formed by the union of the Tugaloo
and the Seneca rivers at Andersonville, 8. C., and for a distance of
325 miles it forms the boundary line between Georgia and South Caro-
lina, emptying into the sea a short distance below the city of Savannah.
It is navigable for steamboats as far as Augusta, where it crosses the
escarpment line. The difference in elevation at this point and at the
city of Savannah is 108 feet and the distance 202 miles, giving a mean
slope of 0.53 foot per mile. Between Savannah and Augusta there are
no villages or considerable collections of houses, except at Pureysburg,
8. C., about 23 miles above Savannah. The river averages about 300
feet in width in the lower 170 miles; thence to Augusta the width
ranges from 500 to 900 feet. The bed of the stream is of sand, with
coarse gravel and rock in limited quantities.

Seven miles above Augusta, where the river crosses the fall line,
there is a large dam, developing one of the most important water-
powers in the South. When originally constructed, in 1847, the dam
was 5 feet high. In 1875 it was enlarged, the height varying from 6 to
15 feet, averaging 10.63, built of stone on a foundation of rock. It
extends diagonally up stream for 1,000 feet, thence 720 feet directly
across, and is provided with 4 waste weirs, 3 of them 20 feet wide and
the other one 15 feet, which may be closed by needles. The dam is
overtlooded during freshets, the water sometimes standing 7 or 8 feet
above its crest. Between the base of this obstruction and Augusta the
river descends by a series of falls or rapids a vertical distance of 45 or

138 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

50 feet in 4 miles. Because of its injurious effect on the fisheries, this
dam has caused much complaint from the residents of the river basin
above Augusta. In 1883 a fishway was constructed in the South
Carolina end of the obstruction, but its efficiency has never been
apparent.

Shad enter Savannah River about the first week of January, and by
January 20 the fishing season is well opened and continues until the
middle of April, when shad become scarce and garfish so numerous and
destructive to the nets that the fishery is abandoned. The commercial
‘ fisheries are prosecuted almost wholly by means of drift nets, the only
additional apparatus being a few set nets, fall traps, and cast nets,
which are operated mainly for other species of fish. Of the 51,412 shad
taken by fishermen from the Georgia side of the river in 1896, 51,325
were caught in drift nets, 37 in set nets, and 50 in fall traps. In addi-
tion to the above, residents of South Carolina caught 2,974 shad by
drift nets and 20 by cast nets, making a total catch in Savannah River
of 54,406 shad, worth $19,236.

The principal fishery is in the lower portion of the river along the
Georgia shore, and tributary to the city of Savannah, where there
were 50 drift nets operated in 1896. These averaged 350 yards in
length and 30 feet in depth, with 54-inch mesh, and cost about $75
each, requiring one boat, worth $35, and two men for each net. The
catch averaged 1,000 shad to the net, this being greater than in any
previous season during the past twenty years. The yield in 1895 was
an increase over previous years, but the returns for 1896 were much
greater than for 1895. Some fishermen attribute this increase to the
building of the Government jetty at the mouth of the river, contend-
ing that the jetty breaks the force of the freshets and also, to some
extent, prevents the fish from passing by the mouth of the Savannah
and on to the streams further north. The channel over the bar has also
been deepened considerably, and this may have had some beneficial
effect. However, it should be noted that in all the streams of Georgia
and Florida the catch in 1895 was somewhat larger than during the
two or three years immediately preceding, and that the yield in 1896
was also greater than in 1895,

From the northern limit of the Savannah fisheries to the Augusta
dam, a distance of 175 miles, the fisheries are prosecuted mainly for
local consumption. Very few shad are taken in this length by residents
of Georgia, only 23 fishermen being reported for 1896, using 7 drift nets,
25 stake nets, and 26 fall traps, and catching 1,412 shad. From the
South Carolina side of the river 13 small drift nets were operated in
1896, yielding 2,974 shad, valued locally at $878. An interdiction
exists against fishing with drift nets “from the rising of the sun each
Thursday until the rising of the sun on each Monday,” but no special
effort is made to enforce this regulation.

A few cast nets, of the type common along the southern coast, are
used immediately below the Augusta dam. They are operated only in
comparatively shallow water where the bottom is free from snags and

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 139

bowlders, for if there be rocks or snags the net will “ hang,” permitting
the fish to escape. The use of these nets has considerably decreased ;
in 1880 12 were reported, whereas in 1896 there were only 3, yielding
but 20 shad.

The fall traps used in the rapids immediately below the Augusta
dam are made by placing stones in two straight converging lines in
the form of a V, but not meeting by 6 or 8 feet, thus constituting
breakwaters and preventing the fish from passing except through the
opening therein. Within this opening there is constructed a framework
of wooden slats with high sides, the up-river end of which rests on the
bottom, while the lower end is raised 5 or 6 feet. When the fish come
within the influence of the current passing through this apparatus
they are forced up on the slatwork and kept there by the strength of
the current, the high sides preventing them from flopping over. The
space between the slats is about 1 inch wide, permitting small fish to
pass through. When the river is low it is difficult for shad to pass
these obstructions, but during freshets, which are frequent in the shad
season, the traps are submerged and the fish readily pass over them.
The searcity of shad during recent years has resulted in a decrease in
the use of this form of apparatus and the profitableness of those now
in the river results principally from the capture of catfish. In 1879
there were 110 fall traps, whereas in 1896 only 26 were reported, with
an aggregate yield of 50 shad. In 1873 the average catch for each
trap was reported at about 10 per day, and it was then stated to be
very much less than several years before.

Several valuable seine fisheries formerly existed on the Savannah
below Augusta, but none have been operated during the past twenty
years. Compared with twenty or more years ago, the yield of shad in
the Savannah is small, except in the extreme lower end of theriver. A
part of this decrease may be ascribed to the large amount of drift-net
fishing in the vicinity of Savannah, where the stream is quite narrow
and the amount of twine used therein almost completely obstructs
the passage of fish. A second cause for the decrease is found in the
limitation of the available spawning areas. The quantities of muddy
water render the lower length of the stream unfavorable for spawning
purposes, and the dam near Augusta prevents utilization of the area
above that point, thus limiting the spawning-grounds to a few miles
just below the Augusta dam, and within this restricted area the eggs
are quickly eaten by the predaceous fish attracted thither.

The Savannah above the Augusta dam.—Above the Augusta dam there
are several shoals, but the ascent is slight, being 109 feet in the 51
miles to Petersburg, Ga., an average of 2.1 feet per mile. Omitting
Long Shoals Fall, where the river descends 53 feet in 104 miles, the
average for the remaining 404 miles is less than 18 inches per mile.
From Petersburg to Andersonville, 8. C., a distance of 55 miles, the
current is very swift, the total ascent between the two points being 288
feet. At Trotters Shoals there is a fall of 74.88 feet in 7 miles, and at

140 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

several other places falls of over 10 feet per mile occur, with very great
velocity of current. In the early part of the present century shad
annually migrated in quantities to the headwaters of the Savannah and
throughout the Tugaloo, 49 miles in length, and for a distance of 10
miles up the Tallulah, an important tributary of that stream, where
their farther progress was barred by Tallulah Falls, 384 miles by the
river course from the sea. Since 1846 the dam above Augusta has
acted as a barrier to the farther ascent of most of the shad that find
their way to that point. The few that pass through the sluices are not
sufficiently numerous to warrant commercial fisheries, but they are
occasionally taken in apparatus set primarily for other species a dis-
tance of 80 or more miles above Augusta.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

The following tables show, by water-courses, the extent of each
branch of the shad fisheries of South Carolina in 1896. The unusually
large number of persons employed for the small number of shad caught
is very noticeable, the average yield per man being less than 100 shad:

Statement of the number of men employed in the shad fisheries of South Carolina in 1896.

Fishermen.
Tee

. exclusive

Waters. Drift- | Stake- ann Bow- pee of dupli-

net. net. | ° "| net. | veous. | Cation.
Savann she yere mam cslersn= nicl’ = a1aninieelalaleisioininiesiaisi='= yAUE | Aaoeecad spdcrorelloacecoenc a6 35
Compaheettulyer neers sens aes aciasce <nleelaleine emia (ctalearcrania ee Son hicg) Soeopass| soo adce- 14
LNA ET NOD) MBs 5 sa anecodonecoSsecsHeonosnosqgpssd |sncoogec 1} soooe Sse PP oascces- 29
HIGIStOPEI VOL fees eens selena caine sesineleteine aimiaeiaintall sisieremt iste 84 35 et Bega sec 265
Ched nee ISiare = Sabb hondeansedossatncoscnasasosacoHa Ssogsasd 4 4 240 ae eeee rye
SERIE) ) 29178) 8S Secondo Seca ooSnsEEaIeoSCbOoDD Sac seed pacucsss 24) |ssousace THO? | Seerecee 132

Winyah Bay and tributaries:
Winyah Bay and Waccamaw River.....-------- BE nesnodas|lodcatedd ssoccsse|eece2ccc 518
JEG) IDES LRT cos coo go aodecussScERBDI Sood SaIGnc EE le scsanae 56 336 68 404
JUN ANE) NI Ke Ps SHoone so Sonos a censor escosessoe4¢||seaccecs|ssccssedlaceasse= DO} Semen Pa 8)
ISO) ahr. cecno Scene tonccesenoLnonodcousoncecd sodsaccollsacescodosocacce MBN gaBoocor 130
Samer) Oma 25 An saaseadsooudenoonos goondMbESEsal | bbooddod|lacoogasglscbesscc oY | eases 42
ARONA SoaoccaneSdonasoaoanooSeooUSudooEesodedic 551 145 95 863 14 1, 646
a Cast-net fishermen. b Wheel and fall-trap fishermen.

Statement of the apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of South Carolina in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets.

Waters. :
No. } Value. | No. |Length. . |Length.| Value.
Yards.

Savannah River ....sccocaccsscccccnccne- 17 $115 13) 475". $238") 225522 |22ns- see ne eee
Companeernivetecases seece cece cnceee cise 7 280) emcee |e ceicie = 3 cielo cane 14 907 $410
ASHE DOOM GLa cintasistelsiseininaleism'sie sleinaie sia's 15 483 |...... : - 17} 1,297 590
Midis tomulVetsceneces caeecees eee scene 127 | 2,490 |.....- > 62 | 4, 253 2, 184
CooperRiver=scccestseeesceseeceeeierecms 5 20) |seeeee soqdcS5¢I|C 3 200 35
Santee Rivers.-stee 2. -msoscscsebe secs seme 75 PPA) ee naeclocccecee|cooscac 32 | 1,733 127

Winyah Bay and tributaries:
Winyah Bay and Waccamaw River..-.| 254 | 9,906 | 254 | 85,344 | 15, 240 |......)........|.....--.
PES MEG RIVOr. s-scusccno nes se cemocccine 188 746 4 128 a een semeecse Saco ~~
iynchy Rivers sc--stecesticccte screenees 25 (ET Bees peasants Se oosobe bere backs sac |. sees
IEMA el Shy Cyaan a goosoodasecucsnacanecac 65 ICES) BSaqeo seacnsos| pateoead Saccaa|Bescosce|sea-----
Sampit\Creekiesasesse- ee et eocdaceee ees 21 CE J ae re eget oe | a faye |. « eee
POLS tee dene cece cane sea ceie sens <cie es | 799 | 14,603 | 271 | 85,947 | 15,490 | 128] 8,390 3, 346

} |

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 141

Statement of apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of South Carolina—Cont’d.

. 4 Miscella-
Seines. Bow nets. OD TRMEE SUOXS Total
Waters. z ese ES | DLOD Ee oars
No.|Length.) Value.) No. | Value.) No.| Value. ery.
Yards

Savannah River. .....2.0..sscceeneecceee- Beer Fionn sod jndade a4||5-hr4 beonooe a3 $7 | $683 | $1,043
@Wombanee iV Oleesa= eens oo -- nae wenn FB A oe a as) 5565584| Heese Beeoore! Gna beatae 50 740
HAST yor) LAG aoe sce CS Sse OSS SOE EEOe SLE i boeeeee alas seece 6 DUO TIE ccflt ccieeart | hoeaeess 1, 088
LOGE IN Jenne Se 5 ee pees 2, 973 | $485 | 83 72 lel a 350 5, 740
CSR Teh s 850555 See Bree nee orec 1 42 70 | 24 P| Seed|sogssa- 100 298
DHMUOGMRO MOG oct ee Ae me oe oe cine e sews eee Nemes 3 | (ee 55 GYD Seed Boas 20 510

Winyah Bay and tributaries:
Winyah Bay and Waccamaw River....|..-.|.-..----|-------]-----|-------]----|------- 1, 200 26, 346
ESM Sep Riverte se Chk sasecescelsele 9 800} 376 | 168 422 b80 | 2,178 925 4, 659
IER 1STQ Gree ann See oe esac OS SeaIeae Seica|focesscel|-srsece 25 (iB) ||seenllasoseeq|sonsee 138
MIR CKMRIVORe c= 2 <itcie se ssc oe wae en oe SS /aisl|sterstevetets | eteneiniate 65 AGAVE S Sollscman selene o 359
Sanh (GORGE ssecpo0 ano osononed beeeuE Peer lscocace|sosace 21 Re eaeel|sooatadlaconsa6 117
————— —————
Mba ee eer aise e /s,sicie.e sisi n.sjolavisice aint 22 1,635} 931 | 447 | 1,155 |....| 2,185 | 3,328 | 41,038

|
aCast nets. b Wheel and fall traps.

Statement of the yield of shad in each form of apparatus employed in the fisheries of
South Carolina in 1896.

Drift nets. | Stake nets. Seines. Bow nets. Miscella: Total.
Waters. ,
No. |Value.| No. | Val.| No. | Val.| No. | Val.| No.}Val.| No. | Val.
Savannah River ..--. 2IOTAs MGS Shee -mcek lone ae see 2h BSE ACG SES EOes Iaean |a20 | $8] 2,994 | $886
Combahee River ..-.-.|.------ leateseee 30901! $622) Sn e)e bcc eledecies else joo olsevees 3, 090 22
Ashepoo River--..---|-------|..-.-.- G4.00) 12254. o 2 ce clee ecm ASO) | iplcd a seers) eetetare 6, 880 | 1,381
Sto EVeL.. 322-55 ete. eu|- +56 = 121, 967 |4, 281 |2,634 | $640 | 3,672 | 922 |...../..--. 28, 273 | 5, 843
(City Daie INA Ses c5eod ladecose looacere 80 25 20 7 296 Oe ead) |ooce 396 126
SHC) ROA) Se SSBB See peresaa 4 eaccies 2HOGDN| Id4eou|eeecee cesses Se 2ea Oe ws |e sisal recto 7, 309 | 1,547
Winyah Bay and
tributaries:
Winyah Bay and
WiC CANA WaluhV.er|S0), 009) 16) 404) na )a\a/eimin| setae nell lame eri ae eee laa seit | aa sietm =| letatelal=|(am ial 80, 069 18, 454
Pee Dee River..--. 190 73 \lseecoas lassone 1, 608 460 | 7,759 1,984 |b694 | 212 | 10,251 | 2,729
ltmiGln LON eo seme Eecooes |psanmed poecod4|Saceod|posesc||asa0se | GYD PRONE Se sae odse 820 236
inde Mitek escqcd bes sees ESSneee Geacee PAGemn Beaune | Seoaee 5. R25) lle dsQ alee cca|e cece 5, 825 | 1,439
Sampit Creek.-.....|...---- leossece|peesens|ocsoceseadaq|\oaeecc UPAUN) Caley tees Saee 720 173
Rotal’ 2-2 -- <<< 83, 233 19, 405 |33, 602 (6,615 |4, 262 |1, 107 |24, 816 |6, 089 | 714 | 220 |146, 627 |33, 436

a Cast nets. b Wheels and fall traps.

COMBAHEE AND ASHEPOO RIVERS.

The small shad fisheries operated from the South Carolina side of
Savannah River have been described in the chapter on the fisheries
of Georgia.

Between the Savannah and Edisto rivers there are several small
streams, of which only two are entitled to extended notice in connection
with the shad fisheries—the Combahee or Salkiehatchie and the
Ashepoo. The former rises in Aiken County and is navigable for rafts
and light flatboats from the sea to Tobys Creek, near Barnwell, a
distance of 110 miles. The second of these streams, the Ashepoo, is
situated entirely within Colleton County and has a length of about 60
miles. It was formerly navigable for rafts as far as Walterboro,
but the exhaustion of the turpentine forests and the completion of
the railroad have reduced navigation to a minimum, resulting in the
channel being badly obstructed by brush and driftwood.

142 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Shad ascend Combahee River to Walker and Ashepoo River as far
as Walterboro, a distance of 85 and 50 miles, respectively, but the
fisheries are centered at the crossings of the Charleston and Savannah
Railroad. The shad season in these two streams corresponds with that
on the Edisto, running from January 15 to March 31, and the forms of
apparatus are similar. The number of set gill nets and stake nets on
the Combahee in 1896 was 14, and on the Ashepoo 17 nets were used.
The catch by the former was 3,090 shad and by the latter 6,400.

The following shows, for a series of years, the number of shad taken
by an average gill-net boat on the Combahee and the Ashepoo rivers,
respectively :

Combahee| Ashepoo Combahee| Ashepoo

Years. River. River. - River. River.
ISSO eee Stiac ma itiaSrie nepisie|Seniawmeowies 190 bl el Sod eeee asians sine eminieeres 356 97
DSOV Basse set ecincrercen hs cian eelelaeieies SOG MSO 4 asa aie asitecloietee intestate 552 1, 006
SOR es aaahin nc co neisetioeeeece 538 1 4045/1895. 2 a sccsc comics clcicsls ices 462 1,133
802 Posceneoacces Nec cette cs 368 1044 cI 1896) cccmemscce seeeeceneeaee 531 936

In addition to the foregoing 480 shad are reported as having been
taken by means of bow nets in the upper reaches of Ashepoo River,
where the narrowness of the channel causes the fish to ascend almost
in single file. Some shad are taken by the same form of apparatus in
the upper portion of the Combahee, but the difficulties of ascending
that stream, at the time of my visit to the lower portion, precludes a
statement of the extent of that small fishery. The bow net used on these
rivers consists of a frame of light but tough wood, bent and secured
in a long oval shape, the longest diameter of which is 10 to 14 feet.
Within this frame is loosely fitted a shallow bag of hemp twine, the
entire cost of the frame and twine being about $2.50. Two men are
required for each net, one of whom propels the boat, while the other,
stationed in the bow, manipulates the net.

A few shad are taken on New, Colleton, and Coosawhatchie rivers by
the resident planters and timbermen, using bow nets and an occasional
gill net, the catch being small and consumed locally. The small extent
of the shad fisheries of those streams (the total yield probably not
exceeding 1,000 shad) did not warrant a personal investigation.

EDISTO RIVER.

Edisto River, the second in rank among the shad streams of South
Carolina, lies wholly within the limits of that State. It is formed by
the junction of North and South Forks in the southern part 6f Orange-
burg County, and thence to the ocean it measures 183 miles, although
in a straight line this distance is not over 75 miles. The channel is
encumbered with drift logs, overhanging trees, and shoals of loose, shift-
ing sand, occasionally varied by hard clay. There are no falls of note
on the Edisto, and aside from the trees and shoals there are no obstruc-
tions to the ascent of fish from the mouth of the stream to Davis Bridge
on the South Fork, and on the North Fork to Jones Bridge, a distance

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 143

of 49 miles above Orangeburg and 98 miles from the junction of the
two streams. The rafting of timber on this stream, as on many other
Southern rivers, exerts a beneficial influence by tending to keep an open
passageway for the ascent of fish through the driftwood, overhanging
brush, ete.

The commercial shad fisheries on the Edisto extend from near the
mouth of the river to Orangeburg on the North Fork, yet they are
most extensive near Jacksonboro, at the crossing of the Charleston and
Savannah Railroad. They are prosecuted largely by negroes from
Charleston, but the number of natives engaged has increased during
recent years. The set-gill net is the principal apparatus used, and a
few bow nets and seines are employed, especially in the upper reaches
of the river, the latter forms of apparatus being used mainly by the
natives. The principal gill-net grounds extend from 12 miles below
Jacksonboro to 2 miles above that station.

The gill nets are made of No. 40 twine, with 54 to 54 inch mesh, and
cost about $35 each. At each end of the net is a rod several feet in
length, anchored at one end to keep it upright, and attached by means
of a rope bridle to a fixed stake or tree trunk on the shore. The size
of the nets varies, but averages about 35 fathoms long “in gear,” and
40 meshes deep. They are made, however, to fit the channel of the
river, stretching almost from bank to bank and reaching to the bottom,
forming a serious impediment to the passage of fish. On account of
the clearness of the water fishing can be carried on only at night, thus
leaving a free passage for shad during the daytime. The nets are
usually not less than 300 yards from each other. In the lower part of
the river, where the tide-current is strong, they are put out at three-
fourths flood and taken in at one-fourth ebb. The season opens about
January 10 and closes the end of March, the greater portion of the
catch being made in February. By a State law the time for fishing
with gill nets is further restricted to four days of the week, from the
rising of the sun each Monday to the setting of the sun each Thursday.

In 1896, 84 men engaged in the gill-net fishery on the lower portion
of the Edisto, using 42 boats, worth $2,130, and 62 nets, worth $2,184.
The catch amounted to 11,132 bucks and 10,835 roe shad, with a local
valuation of $4,281, and in addition thereto 5,258 hickory shad were
taken. In 1880 the number of net fishermen was reported at 150 and
the catch of shad at 90,000 pounds. In 1890, 48 nets took 30,100 shad.
The following record of the catch of one gill-net boat on the Edisto
River, from 1885 to 1896, inclusive, is presented as a fair showing of
the relative abundance of shad during that period:

No. of | No. of
Year. ahade Year. EST

1ST Seon coc BaD CBO SEC HAEOURODOSOCORIEBOCE LTT Wa BA CA Srinacio pod ODOC OOECOCOIERCoOS sre acOe0 1, 981
DSSS K cciccieccleraniscciscum sic cieiss sees te neces TUSOF || PlSG2recuccsonescav ee osemse scene acmeaeee 1, 376
POS Nama stem tas cocina ne cas eens aera (stad meicis TRS DOS LSOS= Seo worse cts cead ste aitciamie aie w aleve emia wate ats 1, 095
ERS sc ce eae es sacs eae Couana Gos Scineia ele Sey Wh BOL ease scot aac ce teks ans atec tn maatees 1, 133
SSO Sa aatioea a ceers cals ciais silo chines Siciem aad PRO ZH SOD MSs eS ekee do Joa eacioecdecmicwociesmcseaciss 740
NEDO era cerees wc cree er amsae Sa cce cacsetae 25 (036i 189622 St sees cen nce osoeneeucsseaceceeccoes 1, 150

144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In addition to the gill-net fishery, a number of shad are taken on the
Edisto by means of small seines and bow nets. In 1896 there was 1
seine operated about 10 miles below Jacksonboro and 8 between that
station and Branchville. These seines are 35 to 70 yards long, 3-inch
mesh, of No. 9 cotton, and worth on an average from $30 to $45 each.
Their catch of shad numbered 2,040, of which 1,080 were bucks. In
addition to these, a quantity of hickory shad, striped bass, bream,
perch, herring, etc., were taken. Above Branchville 3 seines were used,
taking 594 shad in 1896. Hickory shad are caught in considerable
numbers at Gibham Ferry and at other points below Branchville, but
above that village none are reported.

Bow nets are used by the native planters and woodsmen all along the
river from the mouth to the upper limits of Orangeburg County. In
1896 83 were used, by means of which 3,672 shad and 500 hickories were
taken, the shad selling at 20 to 40 cents each and the hickories at 5
and 10 cents each. This fishery is carried on generally at night, begin-
ning between 7 and 10 o’clock. Some of the catch is sent to Columbia,
but the greater proportion is sold for local use.

CHARLESTON HARBOR AND TRIBUTARIES.

Between the Edisto and Santee rivers are several streams having
a common outlet at Charleston, the most important being Cooper,
Ashley, and Wando, each of which is small and navigable only tor
short distances from Charleston. A few shad ascend each of these
rivers, but the fisheries are extremely local and limited in extent. Near
Monks Corner, at the entrance of the Santee Canal into the west branch
of Cooper River, and at several other places on the same river a few
shad are taken each year by bow nets, pump nets, gill nets, and seines.
In 1896 the total number of shad taken on that stream was 396, of
which 216 were caught by pump nets, 80 by bow nets, and the remain-
der by means of gill nets and seines.

The pump net resembles the bow net somewhat in the principle of
its operation, and it is also similar to the contrivances operated from
the piers at Chicago. A pole 20 feet long, having suspended from its
outer end a pair of cross-sticks, to which is fastened a net 10 feet
Square and with 24-inch mesh, is ‘‘pumped,” like a well sweep, on a
forked post fixed on the bank of the river.

A few shad are taken in the East Branch of Cooper River and in the
lower section of the Wando and Ashley, but the catch is so small as
to not warrant an extended investigation in those streams.

SANTEE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES.

The Santee is formed by the junction of the Congaree and Wateree
at a distance from the ocean of 90 miles in a straight line, but, follow-
ing the sinuosities of the stream, a distance of 184 miles. The river is
navigable its entire length, the width at low water varying from 200
to 500 feet, and the fall being less than half a foot per mile. There are

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 145

‘
no villages nor considerable collections of houses along the river, the
banks being lined with extensive swamps and forests.

On account of the lack of transportation facilities and the limited
population in the vicinity, the fishery resources of the Santee have
never been developed. The planters and woodsmen along the banks of
the stream catch a few shad with bow nets and set gill nets for local use,
and near the crossing of the Northeastern Railroad at St. Stephen there
is some fishing for distant markets, but the business is inconsiderable.
During the year 1896 the shad taken on the river below Wright Bluff,
120 miles from the ocean, numbered 7,309, of which 5,244 were taken
by bow nets and 2,065 by gill nets. The small extent of the fisheries
did not warrant ascending the river above Wright Bluff, and no
reliable account exists of the small catch between that point and the
junction of Congaree and Wateree rivers.

Wateree or Catawba.-—This river, the principal tributary of tne
Santee, rises among the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and
follows a winding course of over 400 miles before its union with the
Congaree. Shad ascend the Wateree in some numbers as far as Cam-
den, 252 miles from the ocean, and a few are at times taken at the foot
of Great Falls, 20 miles farther up, where, in a distance of 8 miles, the
fall of the river aggregates L75 feet. It does not appear that shad ever
passed above Great Falls in large numbers, if at all. The steep slope
of the Wateree above that point, its comparatively small volume of
water, and its numerous falls and shoals would seriously impede the
progress of shad even if provision were made for their passage above
that obstruction.

Congaree River.—The Congaree is formed by the junction of Broad
and Saluda rivers, 49 miles above its union with the Wateree. Shad
were formerly taken on this river in considerable numbers in the shoals
near Columbia, and some ascended each of the main tributaries many
miles farther. On Broad River a few stragglers ascended as far as
Green River, 141 miles above Columbia and 23 miles above the boundary
line between North and South Carolina, or 374 miles from the ocean.
The elevation of the mouth of Green River is about 758 feet above sea
level, and of the Congaree at Columbia about 135 feet. At present the
dam at Columbia appears to be the upper limit of the shad run. No
reliable data exists as to the number of shad taken on Wateree and
Congaree rivers in 1896, but it was probably less than 2,000.

In 1883 a fishway was constructed over the Columbia dam, consist-
ing of 34 sections, 36 feet long, with a total rise of 9 feet. It is sub-
stantially built and is of the type known as the McDonald Fishway,
consisting of two sets of buckets, straight-wooden buckets to receive
the water in its downward flow and curved-iron buckets to direct this
water back up stream, thus affording a comparatively quiet waterway.
It is fairly efficient for certain species when kept free of trash, but
shad do not appear to use it.

F, R. 98——10

146 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

WINYAH BAY AND TRIBUTARIES.

Winyah Bay, the confluence of Waccamaw, Pee Dee, Black, and
Sampit rivers, is one of the principal shad-producing regions of the
Southern States. This bay possesses characteristics to be found at
the mouths of many of the large streams in the South. The length
approximates 12 miles, the width ranging from ? to 4 miles, and the
bottom is of shifting sand, in which numerous channels have been
washed by the tide.

From the outer entrance of the harbor to Georgetown, a distance of
14 miles, also for 30 miles up the Waccamaw and at the mouths of
Sampit and Black rivers, the water is well filled with drift nets from
the middle of January to the end of March, this being the only appa-
ratus used for taking shad. In 1896, 254 drift nets were used in the
waters tributary to Georgetown, the length ranging from 200 to 600
yards, with mesh from 5} to 53 inches, and depth from 40 to 60 meshes.
Two men are required for each boat, the men being mainly negroes,
many of whom find employment during the rest of the year in the rice
fields or the turpentine woods.

The season begins usually during the second week in January and
continues until some time in April, with the weekly close times operative
in this State.

The catch in 1896 numbered 40,411 roe shad and 39,658 bucks, the
local value being $18,454. In addition, 14,246 hickory shad were taken,
worth $1,068. Most of the latter were females, the large mesh of the
nets permitting the buck hickories toescape. This fishery has not been
profitable for several years, the total receipts barely paying for the twine
used.

The season in 1896 closed earlier than usual, the low prices in the
Northern markets not warranting shipments after the first week of
April. In the first part of the season the buck shad largely outnumber
the roes, but later the proportion is reversed, resulting in about an
equal division between the two. The following shows the number of
each sex handled monthly by one Georgetown firm in 1896:

ae > : Per cent of | Per centof
Month. Buck shad.) Roe shad. Backs saree
Ajamtneh ay WANE S34 sh oo edosbosoeD Sado ocopenSsesoda0nNS 2, 939 452 86. 67 13. 33
IU NAH ooasas patos uedno2ee Sod Beene neo MDosangagoSsado 12, 603 6,282 70. 66 29. 34
Aare hie aweeante cera csnscicckiter cece aetecers tine sascc 38, 1383 17, 845 31. 92 68. 08
PA rie B enc ua ce Senciscsues Seecte Suest eet ace seeee eames 30 | 152 16. 48 83.52
PROtall 5. 2==-eeane= saan Sp peSacn Cac asdancasaaao 23, 705 | 23, 181

The shad fisheries of Winyah Bay are of comparatively recent
development, being the result of the tendency in the fisheries on all
of the Atlantic coast streams toward concentration at points nearest
the mouth possessing the most convenient shipping facilities, and yet
where the river is sufficiently narrow to render very costly apparatus
unnecessary.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 147

The following summary shows, for certain years, the number of drift
nets and the total and average catch of shad per net in the vicinity of
Georgetown:

ae Number | Number of | Average

Year. of nets. |shad eee per net.
IEE) poe san St COE ORe Rn SoBe SAO SSO SSBB BER SECDGS Go coca 50 DHEBOBeCeOoC 30 26, 000 867
1 8 Seis ae SEB SSO. COREE COS SRODEICERIRSOTOgE Ce SO SEC Soo BSS AOroeae 220 90, 000 409
IMM) Sos soned dete He phe asecodsne Hosters soocenogadecetsrnsaddsodsechéodade 150 86 719 578
LS ee eine Retain ste aia marae pee ele) -ielelcieie n= sials sma se eine ere mesinac were ce 254 80, 069 315

The tributaries of Winyah Bay are Waccamaw, Pee Dee, Black, and
Sampit rivers, all having shad fisheries of more or less importance,
and which will be described successively.

Waccamaw River.—Waccamaw River has a total length of 149 miles,
the lowest 26 of which forms the main channel of Pee Dee River, and
is of considerable size. For the succeeding 24 miles, to Conway, it is
navigable for vessels of 7 feet draft, while steam navigation with 3 feet
draft is carried on 68 miles farther, to Reeves Ferry, N. C., 31 miles
from Lake Waccamaw, the head of the river.

In its lower portion, below Brook Green, the shad fisheries of the
Waccamaw are of much importance, a large number of drift nets being
used. These are tributary to Georgetown, and have already been noted
in the description of the fisheries of Winyah Bay. The nets are from
200 to 300 yards long, 16 to 20 feet deep, with 54 to 54 inch mesh. In
1896 the season began January 18 and ended somewhat later than in
Winyah Bay. It was noticed during that season that the greater part
of the shad were taken near the ends of the nets, the fish crowding the
river banks rather than following the channel.

Above Brook Green shad are taken by means of bow nets by the
planters and woodsmen living along the stream as far up as Conway,
and occasionally at Red Bluff, 30 miles farther; and a few are some-
times taken even beyond the North Carolina line, over 100 miles from
Georgetown by the river course. Other than that tributary to George-
town, the shad fisheries of Waccamaw River are of small importance,
and the inconvenience of ascending the river at the time of my visit
renders it impracticable to present an exact statement of their extent.
It is probable, however, that not exceeding 500 shad annually are taken
on this stream above Brook Green.

PEE DEE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES.

This is ariver of many names. The lower 26 miles is known as Wac-
camaw River; next comes a length of 25 miles known as Bull Creek,
the name Pee Dee being given to a series of small creeks and ponds
from the head of Bull Creek to Winyah Bay. Thesucceeding 250 miles,
from Bull Creek to the Narrows, is known as Pee Dee River, or the
Great Pee Dee, to distinguish it from one of its tributaries called the
Little Pee Dee. The name Yadkin River is applied to the 210 miles of

148 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. °

length above the Narrows. In this report the name Pee Dee is applied
to the entire stream above Waccamaw River.

The Pee Dee is one of the principal streams on the southern coast. It
rises on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge in Watauga County, N.C.,
and before its entrance into Waccamaw ltiver flows a distance of about
485 miles, of which 213 miles are in South Carolina and 272 miles in North
Carolina. It is navigable for steamers of 34 feet draft for a distance
of 230 miles above Georgetown, two steamers running regularly and
going as high as Cheraw when practicable. In discussing the fisheries
of this stream it is natural to divide it into three sections—(1) the
lower 204 miles of the river, being from the Waccamaw to the lowest
dam near Cheraw, covering the navigable portion; (2) from Cheraw to
the Narrows, a distance of 71 miles, containing numerous dams and
other obstructions to the passage of fish; and (3) the 210 miles above
the Narrows, known as the Yadkin.

From the Waccamaw to Cheraw.—The lower portion of the Pee Dee
possesses the usual characteristics of South Carolina streams. The
banks are low and swampy, occasionally varied by bluffs; the width
varies from 150 to 300 feet at low water, and the slope averages 0.279
foot per mile. The course is extremely winding, being almost a con-
tinuous series of semicircular curves, requiring 203 miles to traverse
from the Waccamaw to Cheraw, whereas in a straight line the distance
is less than 100 miles.

Shad are obtained throughout this length of the Pee Dee, but in no
great abundance at any point. From the Waccamaw to Mars Bluff
they are at present taken only by means of bow nets; drift nets have
been used to some extent, but the numerous logs and snags in the river
prevent the successful prosecution of that form of fishery. From Hunt
Bluff to Cheraw, a distance of 50 miles, seines and drift nets areemployed.
During 1896 the total number of shad taken on this length of the river
was 8,967, of which 7,759 were taken by bow nets, 1,018 by seines, and
190 by drift nets.

The bow nets are employed most extensively at Smith Mills, Dunham
Bluff, Savage Landing, Stone Landing, Drewit Bluff, Birch Ferry, and
Crawford Landing. The season begins about February 10 and lasts
generally 24 months, the catch ranging from 20 to 200 shad per boat.
It is said that twenty years ago the boats usually caught 20 to 40
shad each per night. In 1890 the average catch per boat for the entire
season approximated 114, and during 1896 the average for the 168 bow
nets used between the Waccamaw and Mars Bluff was 46 for the sea-
son. The catch in 1895 was considerably more than in 1896, but in 1894
it was somewhat less than in 1895 on account of the prevalence of low
water in this portion of the river.

Between Hunt Bluff and Cheraw there were formerly numerous
Seine fisheries, but on account of the increased scarcity of shad these
have been greatly reduced, both in number and in size. The lowest is
at Hunt Bluff, 15 miles below Society Hill, where two small seines

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. - 149

were used in 1896, yielding 152 shad. About 10 miles above Hunt
Bluff is another seine bar, where two short seines were used in 1896,
the catch approximating 56 shad and 1,000 hickories. Just above
Douglass Falls and about 3 miles below Society Hill a small seine
was used, catching 22 shad and 280 hickories. About 44 miles above
Society Hill and 17 miles below the lowest fishing dam a double-seine
fishery was operated, the catch numbering 790 shad, of which 470 were
bucks. The season was quite short, extending only from March 1 to
April 5. It thus appears that in 1896 there were but 4 seine fisheries
operated below Cheraw, yielding 1,018 shad, of which 594 were bucks.
If the present scarcity of shad continues, even these fisheries will
doubtless soon be abandoned.

In the neighborhood of Society Hill there are 4 drift nets, used by
as many negroes, in the capture of shad. These nets are 32 yards
long and have 53-inch mesh. On account of the clearness of the water
it is necessary that the fishery be carried on at night instead of during
the daytime. The season begins March 1 and lasts about six weeks,
the men fishing about four nights each week. In 1896 190 shad were
taken, of which 103 were bucks. Between Society Hill and Cheraw
shad are first taken by both seines and drift nets about six weeks later
than in the vicinity of Georgetown, and as the distance is 230 miles, it
appears that they travel about 54 miles per day.

From Cheraw to the Narrows.—The second of the three sections into
which it has been found convenient to divide Pee Dee River extends
from Cheraw to the Narrows, a distance of 71 miles.

Throughout this length of the river the current is quite swift, the
descent being about 355 feet, an average of 5 feet to the mile, but in
places exceeding 20 feet to the mile. There are numerous fishing-dams
along this stretch of the river, with from 1 to 2 feet fall. The dams are
constructed of rough stone masonry, or by filling a jog cribbing with
rocks, at convenient points where the river is narrow and shoal, the
cost ranging from $100 to $1,500 each. While these dams frequently
extend across the stream, there are generally thoroughfares around
them, and at high water, which usually prevails during the shad sea-
son, they are partly submerged, permitting many fish to pass over.
Numerous sluices are left for the passage of water, in which are placed
the fall traps and wheels for catching the fish.

The fall traps differ little from those in use in many of the Atlantic
coast streams, and, being placed so as to catch the fish going down the
river, take very few shad during the upward run. They are 25 to 30
feet long, 6 to 8 feet wide, with a descent of about 5 feet, and cost from
$20 to $60 each.

The wheels, which are intended especially for shad, are somewhat
similar to those used in the Columbia River salmon fisheries, They
are said to have been introduced in the Pee Dee about 1846, antedating
by over thirty years those used on Columbia River. They consist of
two or more curved wings, 5 to 7 feet long, attached to a rotary shaft

150 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

fixed in the sluiceway. The wings consist of wooden frames covered
with small slats or twine and so arranged that, the wheel being fixed
in the sluice and rotated by the downward current of water, the fish
ascending the stream are caught and carried up by the wings and
shunted into a box or barrel placed at the side of the wheel, whence
they may be removed at Jeisure. The entire apparatus is constructed
quite cheaply, costing about $6. In addition to shad these wheels take
‘suckers, catfish, redhorse, white perch, carp, etc., the value of the
annual catch being from $50 to $300 at each fishery.

The lowest of the fishing-dams on Pee Dee River is about 1 mile
above Cheraw and consists of 1 wheel and 3 fall traps, the length of the
dam being 280 yards. The catch at this fishery in 1896 was 100 shad.
About 2 miles farther up is a dam 100 yards long containing 2 wheels
and 2 fall traps, yielding 96 shad in 1896. Each of these fisheries is
small and only imperfectly obstructs the passage of fish.

About 4 niles above the lowest dam is a seine fishery, at which two
seines, each 100 yards in length and with 2-inch mesh, are operated in
the spring. In 1896 they were hauled from March 15 to April 30, .
about 18 times each per day during five days of each week, catching
shad, redhorse, carp, fat-backs, suckers, ete. The yield of shad was
280 roe and 3510 buck, against a total of 300 in 1895.

Three miles above this seine bar is a fishery, which yielded 120 roe
and 136 buck shad in 1896. In 1895 it consisted of 14 wheels only, but
in 1896 it had 23 wheels and 3 fall traps. A mile or so above the preced-
ing, is the Pollock fishery, containing 23 wheels and 7 fall traps. In
1896 it yielded 102 roe and 108 buck shad. Less than 2 miles above is
the Pegues fishery, a half mile below the North Carolina State line,
and containing 13 wheels and 3 fall traps which yielded in 1896 18 roe
and 14 buek shad. These fish-dams make pools above them 2 feet
deep, and back the water up about half a mile.

One mile above the North Carolina line is the Manship fishery,
entirely crossing the river, containing 22 wheels and 7 fall traps, and
yielding 5 roe and 7 buck shad in 1896, and about 95 shad in 1895.
The Dockery fishery, containing 14 dippers and 2 fall traps and yield-
ing 1 roe and 1 buck shad in 1896, and about 60 shad in 1895, is located
a short distance below the Carolina Central Railroad bridge, 8 miles
above the South Carolina line.

Six miles above the railroad bridge comes the Ingram fishery, con-
sisting of 10 wheels and 3 fall traps. The dam at this fishery entirely
crosses the river proper, but fish may ascend by a small thoroughfare
which passes around an island at this point. No shad were taken here
in 1896; in 1895 the catch approximated 125, of which about 40 per
cent were roe. This fishery was established about 1865, it originally
containing but 8 dippers, the catch at that time averaging about 5,000
shad annually, selling at from 5 to 6 cents each. From 1890 to 1894
the annual yield was about 300 shad.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 151

Next comes the Grassy Island fishery, 17 miles above the South
Carolina line and 25 miles above the lowest dam near Cheraw. This
contains 25 wheels and 2 fall traps, the yield in 1895 being 305 shad,
but only 2 in 1896, both of which were bucks. This appears to be the
highest point to which shad ascended the Pee Dee in 1896. The catch
during the first season following the establishment of this fishery,
about 1875, approximated 17,000 shad. A short distance above the
Grassy Island fishery is the Upper fishery or the Grassy Island Upper
fishery, consisting of 14 dippers and 3 fall traps. There is a small
island in the river at this point and 12 of the dippers and 2 traps are
located in the main channel of the stream, and 2 dippers and 1 trap in
the side channel. These caught 192 shad in 1895, but none whatever
in 1896,

Joseph Aldman’s fishery, 50 miles above Cheraw and 21 miles below
the Narrows, containing 2 wheels and 2 fall traps, has yielded no
shad since 1894, when it caught 1 buck. Ten to twelve years ago
this fishery yielded about 100 shad each season. A number of fishing-
dams in this vicinity have been permitted to go to waste on account of
the scarcity of fish. Sampson Parker has a fishery 15 miles below the
Narrows and 58 miles above Cheraw which contains 3 wheels and 1 fall
trap, the dam entirely blocking the river. This fishery took no shad
in 1896 and only 2 buck shad in 1895. This is the highest point on the
river at which shad have been taken since 1892. Six miles below the
Narrows is Kirk’s fishery, consisting of a dam partly blocking the river,
containing 2 fall traps, which have taken no shad during the last five
years.

At the Great Falls or the Yadkin Falls, 2 miles below the Narrows,
there are 3 dippers, which have yielded no shad since 1892. A fishery
of 2 or 3 dippers, about 1 mile below the Narrows, has taken no shad
since 1891. In the case of the two latter there are no artificial dams,
the dippers or wheels being located in the favorable sluices in the rocky
course of the river, and in no case do they entirely block the channel.
Numerous other dams formerly existed in this length of the river,
especially between Grassy Island and Great Falls, but the unprofit-
ableness of the fishery has led to their abandonment.

It thus appears that from Cheraw to the Narrows, a distance of 71
miles, there are at present 16 wheel and fall-trap fisheries, which more
or less effectually obstruct the free passage of fish. All of these were
originally constructed for catching shad, but in 1896 not a single shad
was taken in the upper six fisheries, only 4 in the next three, and
the total yield of shad in the 16 was but 710, of which 342 were
females. In 1895 the catch in the same apparatus was 2,229 shad. The
decrease was especially apparent above the Broach and Quick dam,
the catch above that point being 258 in 1896 against 1,469 in 1895. The
catch from the Broach and Quick dam to the lowest dam, ineluding
Sherrel’s seine bar, was 1,042 shad in 1896 and 1,060in 1895, It should
be noted that the Broach and Quick dam was enlarged in 1895 so as to

/

152 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

extend quite across the stream. and that the lowest dam was not com-
pleted until 1896.

The Narrows is a remarkably picturesque series of rapids confined
between high cliffs, with a length of about 4 miles and a total descent
of 105 feet. Forty years ago Judge Locke had six or eight fishing
“stands” in the Narrows each year, which are reported as having
yielded on certain days as high as 300 shad each. Many of these were
sold fresh to hucksters, who disposed of them in the neighboring set-
tlements, and the rest were salted for use on the plantations.

Mr. Wesley K. Littleton has maintained a fishery there since 1880,
having in that year 2 dippers or wheels, which caught about 300 shad
in the season, lasting during March, April, and May. The catch has
decreased constantly since 1880. In 1892 only 2 shad were taken, and
none whatever since then, although the fishery has been increased to
7 dippers.

From the Narrows to the headwaters.—From the head of the Narrows
to the Richmond and Danville Railroad bridge near Salisbury, a dis-
tance of 43 miles, the Pee Dee has a width of 500 to 1,800 feet, a depth
usually of less than 3 feet, and an average slope of over 5 feet per
mile, and contains a dozen or more shoals with plunges from 1 to 6
feet. Prior to 1890 shad were occasionally taken in the numerous fish-
dams located in this length of the river, but I have learned of none
whatever being taken since that date. The catch consists principally
of redhorse, suckers, carp, fatbacks, ete.

From the Richmond and Danville Railroad bridge to the foot of Bean
Shoals, a distance of 64 miles, the river has an average slope of a little
over 2 feet per mile, the elevation at the foot of Bean Shoals being 725
feet above sea level. In this stretch there are numerous fish-dams,
several occupying the full width of the river, and a number of shoals,
none of which have a vertical fall of more than 24 feet. From the foot
of Bean Shoals to Wilkesboro, a distance of 57 miles, the slope approxi-
mates 3 feet per mile. This stretch of the river contains 25 or more
old fish-dams, and but few vertical falls of more than 1 foot. The
elevation of the river at Wilkesboro is about 931 feet above sea Jevel.
Col. John A. Holt, of Salisbury, N. C., reports that thirty or forty years
ago shad were caught in considerable numbers at the various fisheries
between Salisbury and Bean Shoals, occasionally at Bean Shoals, and
rarely at Wilkesboro. Needless to state, they have not been seen in
these waters for many years, the extensive fisheries and the numerous
dams below preventing their ascent.

Lynch River.—Of the numerous tributaries of the Pee Dee, Lynch
River affords the longest run for shad. This river rises in Union
County, N. C., and after flowing a distance of 200 miles enters the Pee
Dee about 86 miles above Georgetown. The stream is quite shallow
and narrow and its drainage small; at one point near its mouth it is
but 20 feet in width, and at numerous other points the water is not
over 1 foot deep. A small skiff can not navigate the river without

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 153

frequently stopping to haul over obstructions. Notwithstanding the
adverse physical conditions, Lynch River is well adapted to shad, and
those fish ascend as far up as Tilley Ferry, 125 miles above the mouth,
and are taken in considerable numbers at Cartersville and lower points.
Bow nets only are used, and as there are no important settlements on
the river the fisheries are of small extent, the number of shad obtained
below Cartersville in 1896 being 520, the nets used numbering 25.

Tittle Pee Dee River.—Little Pee Dee River, one of the principal
tributaries of Pee Dee River, rises in the southern part of North
Carolina, and after flowing 75 miles enters the Pee Dee about 56 miles
above Georgetown. So far as could be learned, no shad whatever are
caught on this stream, nor have they ever been obtained there in large
numbers, due, probably, to the fact that the Little Pee Dee is sluggish,
with abundant seepage, the river course broadening in many places
into small lakes.

Black River.—Black River has its sources in Kershaw and Sumter
counties, flows over 150 miles, and enters Winyah Bay near Georgetown.
From the mouth to Pine Tree Landing, a distance of 45 miles, the river
is deep and navigable for vessels of 10 feet draft. Thence to Potato
Ferry, 11 miles distant, it is shoal, averaging not over 3 feet in depth,
and the bottum rocky. Above Potato Ferry the water is less than 1
foot in depth at low stages.

Shad are taken on this stream as far up as Mouzans, over 130 miles
from Georgetown, and considerable fisheries exist below Harpers,
especially in the neighborhood of Pine Tree and Pitchkettle. Except
in the extreme lower end, bow nets only are used, the number employed
in- 1896 being 65 and the catch amounting to 5,825 shad, of which 3,545
were roes. The yield on the Black River has very much decreased in
recent years, aS is also the case with most of the rivers tributary to
Winyah Bay. Twenty years ago 25 to 30 shad were nightly taken by
each bow net, whereas in 1896 the average catch was but 2 to 4 per
night. The catch in 1896 was much less than in 1895.

The shad season on the Black River begins about February 10, one
month later than in Winyah Bay. Several drift nets are used near the
mouth of the Black River, but these have been included with the fish-
eries of Winyah Bay.

Sampit River.—The Sampit is a small stream rising in Sampit Swamp
and entering Winyah Bay just below Georgetown. In the lower part
a few drift nets are used by Georgetown fishermen, but these have been
listed with the Winyah Bay fisheries. The planters and woodsmen for
a distance of 20 miles up the river use bow nets, taking sufficient shad
for local use, the catch in 1896 numbering 720, of which 60 per cent were
bucks. Mr. D. B. Bourne, of Sampit, reports that shad are as abundant
in this stream at present as they ever were.

The fisheries of Winyah Bay and tributaries have been described
with much detail, as they represent the modified conditions that are
more or less in evidence in most of the Atlantic coast streams, the cor-

154 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

rect understanding of which is quite important. Formerly the shad
fisheries of these waters extended as far up as Bean Shoals, on the
Upper Pee Dee, a distance of 382 miles from the ocean. There was no
concentration at any particular point, and the local demand that existed
in any section did not warrant the prosecution of the fisheries so vigor-
ously as to cut off the run of shad at points above. About 1846 the
use of dams for catching shad was introduced in this river, and during
the first few years following the adoption of this form of apparatus
large catches were made. It is reported that 17,000 shad were taken
at one dam during the season immediately following its construc-
tion, and it is probable that prior to 1860 the catch in that portion
of the Pee Dee located above the North Carolina line numbered over
100,000 annually. The multiplication of dams resulted in shutting off
the fish from the upper reaches of the river, where the best spawning-
grounds are located, and the run so decreased that in 1896, as already
shown, only 16 shad were taken in that section.

A no less important change has occurred in the lower half of the
river. The profits derived from shipping fish to northern markets have
resulted in a concentration of the fisheries at the point nearest the
mouth of the river where the most convenient shipping facilities exist.
This not only secures the shad much earlier than if the fisheries were
prosecuted at a distance from the mouth, but it affords an unobstructed ,
passage from the ocean, the run not being cut off by other fisheries.
Of the 97,685 shad taken in Winyah Bay and tributaries in 1896, 82,500,
or 85 per cent, were caught within 30 miles of the ocean, practically
none of which had spawned. Of the remaining 15,185 taken at a greater
distance from the ocean, the percentage that had spawned is, indeed,
very small. This has so reduced natural reproduction as to make it
almost an insignificant factor in keeping up the supply, and renders
artificial propagation essential to the prosperity of the fisheries.

The inquiry on the Pee Dee was begun at Salisbury, N. C., the writer
traveling the banks of the river to the ocean. Many of the fisher-
men living between Salisbury and the Narrows were strongly of the
opinion that a wire net was stretched across the river near Grassy
Island, so as to prevent the further ascent of shad. The fishermen of
Grassy Island were no less emphatic in their assertion as to the exist-
ence of the wire net, but its alleged location was near Cheraw. At
Cheraw and for many miles below that city statements as to the wire
net were heard, but the location was fixed near the mouth of the river.
When that point was reached it was found that the much-talked-of
obstruction had no existence except in the imagination of the fishermen.
Although the wire net does not exist, yet the stream is so narrow that
it is almost completely obstructed by an amount of twine which would
have little appreciable effect in retarding the run of shad up the broad
tributaries of the Chesapeake or up the Delaware.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 155

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA.

As determined by the number of persons employed, the amount of
capital invested, and the value of the catch the shad fisheries of North
Carolina are the most important on the Atlantic coast. The following
tables show the extent of the fisheries by water-courses:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
jisheries of North Carolina in 1896.

Number of fishermen. Atal,
Waters. - z Jane SHOR» sive of
Drift- | Stake-) ..:,,,|Pound-| Bow-| woe) Po | | dupli-
net. net. “| net. net. 5 cation.

Cape Fear River and tributa-

ries:

Below Black River....---..-. DOD chi cio |'Sm Sele nln) oateide wiaalasa sell Samoa cmralloctowaaaaemteeeee 222
Above Black River.....-..--. 148) ||)Sa- 2-5 ~ PAU Apo cree 2 SSheseos oseceeee Peesccos 399
iBlaCkK RIVeten os s4 onc face sk cis|oeseemells secs B25 | She wea ae NP Url Seca es Seeenbes | eaeEaee 148
North East River ...........-. D4, azarae ff a S| | y= i ete eee ol lsacocece 94
ALI CORSON Oe some eae ovars| minietete ae 308s |Ssenaec SON ese |e Seeewes 20 13 483

Neuse River and tributaries:
Below Contentnea River. ... 76 86 315 Shit “BEO) Pam tsorelleem steers 28 911
Above Contentnea River --..|------- 2 25 Samer 490) | Peaato.allloa. cco eset a ee 517
Contentnea River... .--.---|\sas===- 68 AQK Esmee] TBSP Sessa e as alee cee ce 209
WithlepRiveria.- soss6 a5 52a e terse |eeee ees Cileceoacce BBS pes es awislemacwase|eaesceme 44
PAMNGO RIVen 45-2262 «si 05- 46 24 149 16 4G 3585552 BalPeece ays 260
JR Pa G1 San Be cee Seeces er cece) |aosere AQ" ero siseee 186) |Sas<56 |eeeeer | Sates) 208
Groatanoound) 4-2 cr. cn. oko se -|scem=<e 82 30 Tai es20 52 |Sencas as 5 29 218
RoOANOKOISOUNG so.--. 5-6 =-|sos= cs = AW Nee aribae Qe aie as | sinoi= sco ai|laiajaierefe ays | ete 8
Aiborniatie SOuUnG! a2: sess a: <c|o2oe =m, 381 121 2290 255-2 2|/Seeece- 2 30 519 1, 229
Pasquotank River! -222-----=|-----—- 2 47 9 201 |paes oclccseee se 20 98
Perqnimans River-s-22----.|5-.---- 30 30 PAD aeeaSol|lvesacoelleadocdac 15 104
Roanoke. River..----.------ 36 2 UG al Geese 870 ny fal eee te 67 1,161
Chowan River. ..........--- BA | Seerieon 190 LOTS PSEeee | tenssace| settee 239 634
PRObama st aacemae cinsacs 566 999 | 1,357 690 |2, 514 17 60 930 6, 947

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of
North Carolina in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets. Pound nets.
Waters. a asl =
No. | Value.|No. |Length.! Value.) No. | Length.| Value.| No. |Value.
Cape Fear River and tribu-

taries: Yards. Yards.
Below Black River ...-...-- DSI A038 Sa 21 O10) Sd) CSAs | atereis (ol morte aj aes | este rscere tate feta tes i= fees
Above Black River. -.-..--. 218 732 | 99 2, 692 GE) faeee MS aa cle on sa ||e7tatomaiass| spon stele | ose ee
Black#Riveni.<-=<- 5-452 79 BOB} leo oe a spoinie sees ae a eames | seis don|Saaeectealaccsenameeas
North East River..........| 29 151 | 12 1, 520 ENON te oes Sawa ce oes nee ce sl tons aelltecaene
Pamlico Sound ..-.....-..... |b PRE Pile GE) lemmas aesono)|lscceroe! 24, 808 | 458, 524 |$80,001 | 171 |$13, 885

Neuse River and tributa-
ries: |

Below Contentnea River-| 423 10,983 | 38} 4, 280 676 | 3, 240 | 64,809 | 3, 686 87 | 10, 378
Above Contentnea River.| 269 858 |.-..|.--.--..|.-.---- 6 132 1S Se es
Contenthea Rivers s--ser) elle) 9 Oo ke|e msc |emerice sa 5|/t-- 178 1, 804 ALIA | Serene a aes =
Little River 19 Ae} esd eee Otis eae ee Gem Oseal Ge tonecoe Conor oo lee nec race
Pamlico River 134 | 4,050 | 23 | 2,300 197 840 16, 800 985 PAN BRAD
Tar River 225. 455725s +8 | 108 SA Da tate 3 | laere)= eaeerall ea sersitoa lteter cael Rear iee ee | e ae eo leetinta le ecte cise
Croatan Sound \ FG G2 Tesadlosoonecelsocooue 5, 625 | 108,420 | 7,516} 140 | 10, 825
Roanoke Sound..-..-.-.-.----- | 4 GO ener Sener te lassen 225 4,500 281 3 300
Allbemarle'Sounds issens=s) 51919 120,022) |= el enciacea| ee =e = \21, 985 | 432,488 | 29,944 | 612 | 56, 215
Pasquotank River....-.. 24 590) (Sa Sa eee. Seb 100 1, 800 125 LT) 1,550
Perquimans River.....--. PeaSOUlls SOO) leat cinerea els ae 765 | 14,295 |) 1,032 71 | 6) 075
Roanoke River -.-.-...-.-.- | 501 | 3,505) 18; 1,440 270 15 300 AD MISES. Se aoce br.
Ghowant River... -242-.2+- | 120 | 3,375 | 74] 1,440 ASDa ee ale ee eeeeeh | aaeaome 447 | 29,530

otal Gees. sce cee ee 2, 831 |80, 388 |377 | 34, 682 | 6,063 (57, 787. 11,103,872 |. 73, 874 |1, 575 |132, 083

156 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Boats, apparatus, etc., employed in North Carolina shad fisheries—Continued.

Seines. Bow nets. | Wheels. | Shoreand
Waters. ooo accessory boi
No. Length. Value. | No. | Value.| No.| Value. | property. barb
Cape Fear River and tributaries: Yards

Below black#hiverss=nas-ersceeet||-- ara erets iets taeel| Seeteerae | ete Cees Bai! Cee $1,960 | $6,997
Abovelblack Riverseeeeseersns-e- 5 346 $3224) 249 S850 eee) eee eee 1,450 | 3,525
Black River ee senuaeccc a. ena /=-< 21 630 436 | 60 G10) Bee nese: 2,100} 3,044
INorthphasbyiver recesses ses sce 17 902 AST Lees oe 252 |SeSeaee 2,200 | 3,242
Ramlicoisound|eseesee sy aes 22 see Bee Berea lc amacers) soe) ee oases P| ees 4,505 | 70, 041

Neuse River and tributaries:
Below Contentnea River ..-.-.--- 86 | 18, 880 6, 3861 | 185 BSMlleoodlsaasne ¢ 39, 300 | 71,914
Above Contentnea River..-..---- 12 826 331 | 257 105) lesen lacasaes 3,000 | 4,912
Contentnea River .---.----------. 10 623 383 70 UTM chelsea cs 2,375 | 3,514
TttHOWRAVODse op saer se merece ss 2 130 78 | 17 AS cele tees 450 638
PamlicopRiver ea--.<are secession 40 | 18,035 | 6,933 | 22 66) 5 2-).<2eee5 4,900 | 20, 456
RAYARIVOM sa) sales =< cme -e ate 10 | 1, 246 806 | 98 239 Waals nnn cee 2,300 | 3, 687
Croatan|Sound toss. cee aecense cee UW PZSeUD he BROMO Nee sallsoss acute aad|icce eee 15, 378 | 42,929
RGANOKO SOUNM =seccccceseereeceeele A otG | aptcteteieral= se eteetas lettre oll Seamer irate ereehesine TO) oer
Albemarle sound e. oes vaceseceee ANT OS0005 Mil 24500 sl aeeee nee cee ee Be (Bees 82,495 204, 776
Pasquotank RIver>.----- 2-<-- = 4| 4,650 |) 3,630} 10 2022 2s \cese ee 5, 880 | 11, 795
Perquimans River -.---2---.---- 2) ||eeo00) 9A 2,\GO08| Pee ee mea Bee poses 5, 250 | 16, 757
Roanoke Rivers. sees. 2se2 25 8 | 6,059 | 6,100 | 435 | 1,515 | 75 |$1, 125 34, 267 | 46, 827
ChowantRiver-eneceerereecnee soe Sine O40) | TAN600 Ree ese eceleen leeacee 36, 002 | 81, 692
TWOtALAS Sehr tte eke ee cae Oe 230 | 76,658 | 56, 561 |1, 278) 3,781 | 75 | 1,125 243, 882 |597, 757

Statement, by water areas and apparatus, of the number of shad taken in North Carolina
in 1896.

Drift nets. Stake nets. Seines.
Waters. =
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.
Cape Fear River and tributaries:
iBelows black RiVel==--.2 -ascesaceetee es ceeccses 45.372) | $11, 833" |< <-12=)=| 210 -necle ee ee ees See
Mboverblack Rivers sae enee cee nee Lee eee een 5, 875 D841) | Bera seraers|siseie ese 668 $200
TEST AC KPC VOT ee eee oe Ee ea ane nee erect ee peiaieinis |= sliereeelesmcis aie - fe mie eet 3, 745 958
INGAAS TMRLVOL ee aes cette cn aete rece eee eene 4, 062 10338) )|se=- == - {ees cae meyers 6, 989 1, 589
lEnmallteo Sonal 2 Ssse. esscosoaooso ole oseeeeacoclocnessneslboosounes 387,206: | $962249 lo. ane ae eee
Neuse River and tributaries:
ipelows ContentnearvRiverss-s- scese.seusece. 18, 485 3, 244 | 23,118 3, 811 | 105,210 | 19, 222
Above Contentnea RiVOrss esses e ote ome cee sen oriee ee eaee ene 824 208 6, 108 1,340
Wontentneaphonver en een eee ee ete ea eeeeioe eee 2, 541 661 25s 633
IbniMe Rhee a cboS sas poo eeee bo donbononoesedlseabescrc|esossssadllesesoonalbeceache? 186 44
Pamlicoy River cya ne eh re an tee peel ae 5, 221 1,139 | 8,114 1,632 | 32,178 6,161
Dey ed 8 hs) OS ys SE 5o OO eee te eeeo dee aa bootoaaca |Ohists sect bea seAodleoceseace 6,515 1, 278
@roatantSoundeee ss see eee ease Oe eno | Saeees ee See rere oe 68, 626 14, 006 20, 000 3, 800
Roanoke Wounds erent sa- see acer nacee teers celeeeeerccsleemaeerce 5, 000 1, 084).\|..-..<)-. 2c) Seeeeeee
Al bemarleySoundseemac sees soa e oe eee oid] soaeceseel see ace cre 429,599 | 82,664 | 132,213 | 25,401
Rasquotanikqivyenee seer erect eee te eee se |e eee =e Seems 1, 000 190 4, 642 893
Jong UROGHNE) IMhVehes Gogcnoe as ecas se poosecasoe|2oe5G0d4|s snocene = 12, 424 2, 380 7, 680 1, 502
ROAM OKOuRAVeL) seemee eee ot eee melee aia 4, 000 480 6, 100 1,195 | 143, 809 16, 043
ChowantRiversnen ee eee eres. 500 OTE otc lene eoceels 60, 450 11, 835
Mota ess seis eee cee eneeneceeseee 83, 015 18,910 |944, 582 | 204,080 | 532, 966 90, 899
Pound nets. Bow nets. Wheels. Total.
Waters.
No. Value. No. | Value.| No. |Value. No. Value.
Cape Fear River and tributaries:
Belowsblack Rivers: aa-cs.2ssels= seen <5 |sse cet ae = se caeie eee meee lisse ects aeeieme 45, 372 | $11,333
Above blacks RiVer: tence crane ce (sieece ce tollocn emcee 6) OSI G58" 22 ---e|eeeeeee 12, 762 3, 442
Black MRivierqcesse ae « seme Seem al ae ocisteieelttee ee ae 2,385 609) |Seieteleeeeees 6, 130 1, 567
NorthshastaRIVvier- - 2 -e6caonlac lee Socictocl sae cecil cectisas| aoe ene el Setcacise leeoeeee 11, 051 2, 622
Pamlico sounGseee cas ssaseesenees 60L853! | iS13!478) |S cases | Seewce sclneee co slectece mts 448, 089 | 109, 727
Neuse River and tributaries:
Below Contentnea River-..... 22,471 35902) M2250 2/901 San a aclea cee ee 181,534 | 33,080
AMhoveiContentnes) Rivers... |= - =e) =---l=<10 PIS OG T2599) |ea nes =e eae eee 17, 999 4,147
ContentnearRivertapercrener tee cee | somes nate 1,919 GS ence seo eee 7, 033 1,731
IO hey Oo oe sonenagtacced Poacoeed aerate ee 300 (tM emer Naa are 486 109
Pamlico MRiverseeesccceiae: ses. 7, 759 1,538 | 1,010 209 se eae Benes 54,282 | 10,679
Mar River.© 2ccch coe cee oan te eeecn ec Ses at cine 65,285) ele 359) aa sense eee 12; 800 2, 637
Croatanisounds.ssc-seeeserenee TGiteby or Wen BELPG i bese Ac sairred [Bec seta bcassce 162,460 | 31,731
Roanokeimound..-- >a. sceacece 2, 081 BSG ela ots] Bmore aetel baoabic ae [saan ae 7, 081 1, 470
Albemarle Sound...........-.. 17S::880"|" (82094 le SSeoe nel oe mecc| saceities |poceeee 735, 192 | 140, 159
Pasquotank River--..-..---- 2, 840 460 275 RO -cacaq deagso- 8, 757 1, 599
Perquimans River...-.--..--- 12, 718 CUCU 6 le redo ooacssneleesornos| lsdasGac 32, 822 6, 299
ROaANOKS Rivets 2. ceseesnce. (se eeencalsetec aos 13,500 | 2,391 | 2,000 | $380 | 169,409 | 20, 489
Chowan Riversesciceceoelene 122595 4 Peo A900 eer ciel wie ce ane re note maemo 183, 545 | 34, 422
SUN sehen ABER eneee | 478, 531 | 90,690 55,710 | 12,284 | 2,000 | 380 (2,096, 804 | 417, 243

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 157
CAPE FEAR RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES.

The Cape Fear River is formed by the confluence of Haw and Deep
rivers, in Chatham County, North Carolina, at a distance, following the
river course, of over 200 miles from the sea. It is navigable for light-
draft steamers as far as Fayetteville, 145 miles from the ocean. By
means of locks and dams it was formerly navigable to the junction of
Haw and Deep rivers, but these aids have long since been abandoned.
From the sea to Fayetteville the slope is about 10 feet, whereas from
Fayetteville to the foot of Smiley Falls, a distance of 42 miles, the slope
is 35 feet. Below Smiley Falls there were formerly four dams, ranging
in height from 5 to 15 feet, but these have not been in existence for
many years. The lowest obstruction at present is Battle Dam, about
12 miles above Smiley Falls, built of wood, 11 feet high and 500 feet
long, extending directly across the river. Two miles farther up is
Buckhorn Dam, 3 or 4 feet high and about 1,000 feet long, which for-
merly backed the water up to the junction of Haw and Deep rivers, a
distance of 8 miles. Each of these dams is now in bad condition, being
broken down in several places. Haw and Deep rivers, which form the
Cape Fear, rise in Guilford County, 80 miles above their confluence.
They are small streams, with considerable descent, averaging about 7
feet per mile each, and with numerous shoals and falls, which present
absolute barriers to the upward passage of shad.

There are two distinct geographical sections in the Cape Fear shad
fisheries: (1) The Wilmington section, from the mouth of the river to
the entrance of Black River, 15 miles above Wilmington, in which drift
nets exclusively are used; (2) thence to Smiley Falls, 42 miles above
Fayetteville, in which bow nets, drift nets, and seines are employed.
Each of these will be described separately.

The Wilmington section.—The drift nets in the Wilmington section
are operated from Deep Water Point to Dollison, 145 miles below the
mouth of Black River. ‘The length of those in the lower reaches ranges
from 150 to 425 yards each, the depth averaging 50 meshes, and the
size of mesh being 54 and 54 inches. The nets between Wilmington
and Dollison vary in length from 100 to 135 yards each; otherwise they
are similar to those operated below Wilmington. Occasionally a net is
used in one of the lower reaches during the early part of the season and
then cut in half and used as two nets in the upper reaches during the rest
of the season. About 20 short nets were drifted in Brunswick River in
1896. This river or thoroughfare is about 12 miles long, leaving the
Cape Fear River 4 miles above Wilmington and reentering it 4 or 5
miles below that city. The Brunswick nets are from 100 to 120 yards
in length, with a valuation of about $21 each. In North East River, a
tributary entering the Cape Fear at Wilmington, there are several nets
operated between the mouth and Three Cypresses, the men living
between Wilmington and Castle Hayne. These nets range in length
from 120 to 150 yards, the depth and mesh conforming to those on the
Cape Fear between Wilmington and Dollison.

158 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The total catch of shad in 1896 in the Cape Fear below Doilison, in
Brunswick River, and in Northeast River below Three Cypresses, num-
bered 49,434, of which 21,316 were roes. The legal season extends
from January 1 to May 15, but actual fishing began January 21 and
ceased April 18, a close time operating from 6 p. m. Saturday to 6
p.m. Monday and from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 p.m. Wednesday of each
week. The length of the season is determined largely by the tempera-
ture and flow of the waters. A warm March and April shortens the
season and low water has the same effect, each causing the fish to pass
rapidly upstream. There were more shad caught in 1896 than in 1895,
the season being longer. There have not been so many shad taken in
this vicinity during recent years as formerly. The catch in 1891 was
55,976; in 1890, 60,695, and in 1889, about 70,000. In 1890 108 nets
were employed; 115 in 1891, and 125 in 1896. This gives an average
per net of 562 shad in 1890; 487 in 1891, and 363 in 1896.

During the early portion of the season three-fourths or more of the
catch consists of buck shad. As the season progresses the proportion
is more evenly divided, and toward the end the roes greatly outnum-
ber the buck shad. During the season of 1896 roe shad constituted 43
per cent of the total catch. Ripe shad are not found until near the end
of March, and they are most numerous about May 1; consequently, the
fisheries yield few eggs suitable for fertilization, as they cease before
the end of April. One Wilmington dealer, who handled 15,007 shad in
1896, reports that not over 12 of them had spawned.

From Black River to Smiley Falls—In the second section of Cape
Fear River the bow net is the principal form of apparatus employed.
Indeed, this is the only apparatus used in the lower 35 miles, except
two 30-yard drift nets at Indian Wells, which took 200 shad during the
past season. Bow nets are used all along this stretch of the river, the
number operated in 1896 being 124, which yielded 6,719 shad, valued at
$1,658. This is said to have been the smallest yield ever known. The
catch during 1895 was also extremely poor, the yield previous to that
time running from 100 to 400 to the net. A number of hickories are also
caught in the bow nets, the total yield in 1896 being 2,920.

From Kelley Cove to Elizabethtown, a distance of 35 miles, drift
nets are used almost exclusively, the only exceptions being the two
bow nets at Browns Creek and one bow net at Elizabethtown. There
are also two drift nets at Indian Wells, and 61 between Harrison Creek
and Fayetteville. These nets are 20 to 45 yards long, 7 feet deep, 54
to 53 inch mesh, and cost about $5 each. The season begins a week or
more earlier than in the bow-net fishery and closes about the end of
April. The catch in 1896 was very small, only 5,375 shad being taken
by the 99 boats. The conditions of the water and river were favorable
for a good run, but the fish did not make an appearance. Drift nets
have been used in this levgth of the river only during the last ten
years, bow nets being employed exclusively prior to that time. The
change in form of apparatus is due largely to the removal of snags and

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 159

brush from the channel of the river, and also to the decreased run of
shad, rendering improved forms of apparatus necessary.

The lowest seine beach on Cape Fear River in 1896 was operated at
Prospect Hall, 22 miles below Fayetteville, by Mr. William Whitedge,
using two seines 50 yards long, 6 to 11 feet deep, and with 3-inch mesh.
The season extended from March 29 to May 14, and 125 shad were
caught, the highest catch in one day by the two seines being 16.
Near Fayetteville three seines were operated in 1896, catching 545 shad
and 3,065 hickories. The seines are from 75 to 90 yards in length, 12
to 15 feet deep, with 3-inch mesh, and require the services of 4 men
each. The lowest is located about 9 miles below Fayetteville, and 5
miles above comes William Field’s seine beach, new in 1896. A short
distance above Fayetteville is KE. P. Power’s beach, established thirty
years ago, and catching 5,500 shad during the first season. In 1867,
according to Mr. Powers, the catch of shad in the vicinity of Fayette-
ville amounted to about 22,000. The season at Fayetteville begins the
last week in February, about one month later than at the mouth of the
river. The distance between the two points being 145 miles, it appears
that shad move up the river at the rate of about 5 miles per day.

Smiley Falls is practically the limit of the shad run on Cape Fear
River, and the few fish that pass those falls find an impassable barrier
12 and 14 miles above at Battle and Buckhorn dams. The fisheries on
this river are prosecuted so vigorously, however, that few shad now
pass above Kyle Landing, 12 miles above Fayetteville. In Smiley
Falls several finger traps take some shad each season, but fish are
becoming so scarce as to render their use unprofitable.

Black River.—Black River, which flows into the Cape Fear about 15
miles above Wilmington, is of considerable importance as a shad
stream. It is quite narrow, ranging in width from 350 feet near the
lower end to 100 feet 50 miles above. About 56 miles from its mouth
it receives a tributary somewhat larger than itself, the South or South
Black River. This branch is slightly deeper and longer than the main
river above this point, but it is reported that few shad ascend it.
About 30 miles above the mouth of South River, Black River receives
the Six Runs, a somewhat important shad stream. This is the head
of navigation during high water, and ordinarily very little navigation
exists above Point Caswell, 36 miles from the Cape Fear. There are
no falls whatever on Black River, and shad may ascend to the upper-
most limits. Most of the fish are taken between Point Caswell and
Clinton, and on the Six Runs below the Clinton and Warsaw Railroad
bridge, seines and bow nets being employed.

It is unlawful to fish with seines in Black River “from Cape Fear
River to the mouth of Great Coharie, also in the Six Runs to where
the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad crosses said stream, except on Tues-
days, Wednesdays, and Saturdays of each week from 1 o’clock a. m. to
11.45 o’clock p.m. on each of the days above mentioned, * * * from
the 1st day of March to the 15th day of June in each and every year,”

160 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The seines are 20 to 55 yards long, 14-inch mesh, and with depth
from 10 to 12 feet. They are frequently hired out by the day to farmers
or timbermen desirous of securing a supply of shad for home use, the
usual compensation being $2 per day and the same amount per night.
Because of the distance from markets and the desultory manner in
which the fishery is carried on, the catch is not large for the number of
seinesemployed. In 1896, 21 seines were used, of which 12 were located
on the Six Runs and 9 on Black River. On the Six Runs the seine
shores are between the mouth of the river and the crossing of the
Clinton and Warsaw Railroad. Very few shad, however, are taken
above Taylor’s Bridge, not a single shad being reported above that
point in 1890. The catch in the 21 seines in 1896 numbered 3,745, of
which 1,985 were bucks. Sixty bow nets were reported in 1896, mostly
on the Six Runs, below 'Taylor’s Bridge, the total yield amounting
to 2,385 shad. Very few shad from Black River and tributaries are
sent to distant markets, most of them being used in the homes of the
fishermen.

North Hast River.—This river rises in the northeast portion of Duplin
County, and after flowing 120 miles through a swampy section empties
into the Cape Fear at Wilmington. It is navigable for small steam-
boats a distance of 75 miles, to Hallsville. From that point to Korne-
gay, 15 miles, it is shallow and narrow—20 to 100 feet in width—with
low banks. . In the extreme lower portion of North East River some
shad are taken by Wilmington drift-net fishermen, as already noted.
In addition thereto, a number of men living about Castle Hayne use
drift nets, sending their catch to Wilmington. ‘Twelve boats were used
in this fishery in 1896, the catch being 1,942 roes and 2,120 bucks.

The principal shad fishery of North East River is the seine fishery,
which is prosecuted from Sandy Hill, 30 miles above the mouth of the
river, to Kornegay, a distance of 85 miles. In this section there are
about 30 seine beaches, but a decrease in the abundance of shad has
caused the abandonment of many of them. The seines range in length
from 30 to 100 yards, the depth from 8 to 20 feet, the mesh from 2 to 3
inches, and 3 to 5 men are required to each fishery. In 1896, 17 seines
were operated, the total catch by which approximated 6,989 shad, of
which 3,320 were roes. In 1890, an unusually good season for recent
years, 27 seines were used and 18,135 shad were taken. In 1891, 29
seines were used and the catch amounted to 13,455. The reduced catch
in 1891 and in 1896 was due to heavy freshets, causing a short season all
along the middle and lower end of the river, and this also explains why
the catch above Hallsville was larger in 1891 than in 1890. An inter-
diction exists against fishing for shad in North East River “from the
28d day of February to the 1st day of July each year, between the hour
of 12 o’clock midnight on Saturday nights and 6 a. m. on Wednesdays
of each week.” The shad on this stream are very large, individuals of
7 or 8 pounds being occasionally taken, and the average weight of the
females probably exceeds 5 pounds. Formerly most of the North East

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 161

River shad were shipped by rail to distant markets, but the small catch
of recent years has not furnished a surplus above the local demand.

In New River, Stone Bay, and other estuaries between Cape Fear
River and Cape Lookout no especial attention is given to shad, but
several hundred are taken annually in the mullet fisheries. The num-
ber thus caught is increasing, and doubtless profitable fisheries could
be established.

Cape Lookout marks a distinctive change in the physical characteris-
tics of the Atlantic coast streams. Below that cape all the rivers
empty directly into the ocean, maintaining their fluvial characteristics
almost, if not quite, to the mouth. From Cape Lookout to Cape Cod
the streams empty into large sounds or bays, as Pamlico, Albemarle,
and Long Island sounds, and Chesapeake, Delaware, New York, and
Narragansett bays. The river mouths are usually broad esiuaries,
resembling arms of sounds and bays rather than rivers. The Neuse and
the Pamlico rivers, in North Carolina, and the James, Rappahannock,
Potomac, and Choptank, of Chesapeake Bay, are examples of this type.
Other streams north of Cape Lookout possess this characteristic to a
greater or less extent. This physical change affects the shad fisheries
in three important particulars, viz: (1) The use of fixed apparatus of
capture, as stake nets and pound nets, is made practicable; (2) the
excessive concentration of the fisheries near the mouth is restricted;
and (3) the beginning of the season is delayed several days.

PAMLICO SOUND.

Pamlico Sound is an irregular body of water, covering about 1,660
Square miles and separated from the sea by a long, narrow sand beach
known as “The Banks.” At the north end it communicates with Albe-
marle Sound through Roanoke and Croatan sounds, and on the south it
joins Core Sound, much of the waters of those sounds passing through
Pamlico Sound, and two large rivers, the Neuse and Pamlico, enter
from the west. The waters of Pamlico Sound and its tributaries com-
municate with the sea through Ocracoke, Hatteras, New, and Oregon
inlets, each less than half a mile across.

The shad fisheries of this sound, like those of most of the salt-water
estuaries of the Atlantic coast, are of comparatively recent development,
originating about 1873 and receiving their greatest development
during the past ten years. They are located in the northeast third of
the sound, east of a line drawn from Hatteras Inlet to Sandy Point,
and nearly 90 per cent are above a line drawn from Sandy Point to
New Inlet. The principal fishing stations are the marsh islands and
points at the extreme upper end of Pamlico Sound, the most important
of which are Roanoke Marshes, Hog Island, Buck Island, Stumpy
Point, Sandy Point, and Old Point. Most of these stations are inhab-
ited only during the fishing season, the men returning to their homes on
the uplands at the end of the season. Inaddition to the above-named

F. R. 98——11

162 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

stations, shad fishing is carried on by men living at Chicamicomico
or Rodanthe, Clarks, and Hatteras, on the banks. Stake nets and
pound nets are used, set in the same general vicinity, but the latter
usually inshore of the former. At present the stake nets greatly out-
number the pound nets, but the latter form of apparatus is rapidly
increasing in popularity.

The stake nets measure 16 to 18 yards in length, 6 to 16 feet deep,
with 54 to 54 inch mesh, and from 50 to 500 are set in a string. They
are made of cotton twine and cost, with necessary appliances, about
$125 per 100 nets, the twine being renewed each season. Some of the
nets are placed in very shoal water, as on Duck Island Flats, where the
depth averages about 3 feet, and in many places so shoal that the fish-
ermen are compelled to jump overboard and shove the boat along while
overhauling the nets. The nets frequently remain in the water from
the beginning of the season to the close, whereas when set in fresh
water they must be taken up and cleaned every week. The 24,808 stake
nets set in Pamlico Sound in 1896 required the services of 184 boats,
worth $18,785, and of 368 men. The season began the first week in
February and continued until about the middle of April. The total
catch numbered 387,236, of which 267,736 were roes and 179,500 bucks,
the total valuation being $96,249.

The stake-net catch at the various stations is affected largely by the
prevailing winds both preceding and during the fishing season, the
former determining to a certain extent the salinity of the water.
The temperature of the water and of the atmosphere also influences
the yield on the various reefs. On the Duck Island Flats in 1896 the
water was low and quite salty, causing many fishermen who usually
occupy those grounds to set their nets in Croatan and Albemarle
sounds. Contrary to expectations, shad were more numerous on the
Duck Island Flats than for many years previous, and the few fishermen
operating there obtained large results. At Hog Island, one of the
most important fishing stations, and which is separated from Roanoke
Island only by small creeks, the yield of shad was exceptionally large,
over 90,000 being taken. The catch in 1895 was nearly as good; but
1894 and 1893 were poor seasons, the former being the worst during
recent years. On Long, Pingleton, and Gibbs shoals the catch was
only about two-thirds as great as in 1895, and the yield in the nets set
by the ‘‘ Bank” fishermen from Chickamicomico to Hatteras was also
unusually small.

The pound nets operated in Pamlico Sound are of the type known
as ‘Dutch nets,” costing from $80 to $1,100-each. The ‘“ pound” is
generally 10 yards square, the “heart” 45 yards on each side, and the
‘‘Jeader” from 100 to 350 yards long. The mesh in the “pound” is 24
inches, in the “heart” 3 inches, and in the “leader” 4 inches. They are
set along the shore across the current in strings containing from 1 to 11
netseach. The number used in Pamlico Sound is constantly increasing
and they are gradually superseding the stake nets. They are set

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 163

about the Ist of February and remain in the water until late in the
spring, the bulk of the catch being obtained from February 15 to
March 15. In 1896 there were 171 pound nets, with an aggregate value
of $13,885. Of these, 11 were near Hatteras Inlet and the others in
the upper portion of the sound. The yield consisted of 30,812 roe and
30,041 buck shad, with a local valuation of $13,478.

There are several interesting features in connection with the shad
resources of this body of water in addition to the fisheries at present
operated. It will be seen that the only communication between the sea
on one side and Neuse and Pamlico rivers and Albemarle Sound and
its numerous tributaries on the other, is through Pamlico Sound, the
outlets of which are Ocracoke, Hatteras, New, and Oregon inlets, whose
total cross-section does not exceed 14 miles. Through these narrow
inlets the entire yield of shad taken in Pamlico Sound and tributaries,
exceeding 2,000,000 annually, must pass. An impression exists that
shad winter in these sounds, and in substantiation of this theory it is
contended that if they passed into the sound from the sea through any
one or all of the four inlets they would be taken in the seines which
have at times been operated in those narrow passageways. This result
would not necessarily follow, however, for when the shad enter from the
sea they are not schooling, but moving as individuals, and avoid the
fishing apparatus. In comparatively few of the coast waters are shad
taken as easily near the sea as farther inland. It will be observed that
the large quantities of fish taken in Albemarle Sound and tributaries
must pass through Croatan and Roanoke sounds, and yet only a small
percentage are taken in the numerous pound nets and stake nets located
in those bodies of water. If the fish remained in the sound during the
winter they would doubtless be discovered, even if they kept near the
bottom; furthermore, those nets set on the shoals near Hatteras Inlet
catch shad several days sooner than those in the upper portion of the
sound, indicating that the fish are traveling from the direction of the
inlet.

NEUSE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES.

The Neuse, the most important shad stream between the St. Johns
and the James rivers, is formed in Durham County, N. C., by the
junction of the Eno, Flat, and Little rivers, and from that point to New
Berne it measures in its sinuosities a distance of 260 miles. Below
New Berne its fluvial characteristics disappear and it becomes a broad
arm of Pamlico Sound, 40 miles long. The head of navigation is at
Smithfield, 150 miles above New Berne, at an elevation of about 100
feet above sea level. In addition to the tributaries forming its source,
the Neuse receives the waters of Trent, Contentnea, and Little rivers,
and some minor streams. Shad formerly ascended Neuse River to its
uppermost limits, and extensive fisheries are said to have existed near
Raleigh, 190 miles from New Berne. At present they ascend in small
numbers some distance above Raleigh, probably as far as Fishdam, in
Durham County, and local fisheries exist above Smithfield. The bulk

164 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

of the catch, however, is obtained within 22 miles below and above New
Berne. For convenience of description, the shad fisheries of the Neuse
are divided into two geographical sections, viz: (1) the lower 72 miles,
from Pamlico Sound to Contentnea River, and (2) from Contentnea River
to the headwaters.

From the mouth to Contentnea River.—Below Contentnea River the
Neuse flows through a low, swampy, timbered section, the banks rising
from a few inches to 4 or 5 feet above low water, and large areas adjacent
being covered during slight freshets, which, however, are rarely sudden
or violent. The width of the stream from Pamlico Sound to New Berne
ranges from 6 to 14 miles, and from New Berne to the Contentnea it is
from 250 to 80 feet at low water.

The forms of apparatus used in the shad fisheries of this section of
Neuse River are seines, drift nets, bow nets, stake and pound nets, the
first-named being the most important. There are three branches of
this fishery, viz.: (a) the large seines below New Berne, requiring the
use of horses; (b) the seine beaches above New Berne, and (c) the so-called
drag nets, which are small seines without permanent beaches, hauled
in such places as, from time to time, present favorable inducements.

(a) The large seines below New Berne, 5 in number, are located on
the south side of the river from 3 to 6 miles below the city. It is
reported that the first haul seine was operated here in 1846 by Richard
Felton, a fisherman from Albemarle Sound. These seines are from 800
to 1,200 yards in length, 15 to 18 feet in depth, with mesh from 24 to 2g
inches, the value ranging from $300 to $450 each. Six men, two horses,
and two boats are usually required, and the rental of the shores is from
$50 to $100 each annually. Seining begins about the first week in
February and continues until the second or third week in April. The
total catch by the five seines in 1896 was 5,688 roe shad and 5,954 bucks,
with a local valuation of $2,192. In addition to shad, these seines
catch quantities of alewives and striped bass.

(b) The seines used at the beaches between New Berne and Contentnea
River are from 80 to 240 yards long, with 24 to 3 inch mesh, 50 to 70
meshes deep, and cost from $30 to $75 each. An average of 3 men and
1 boat is required for each seine. At New Berne the season begins about
February 10, but near the Contentnea it is from two to three weeks
later. In 1896 there were 28 seine beaches, which yielded 82,512 shad,
of which 49,987, or 60 per cent, were bucks. Fishing is carried on
every day except Sunday, and even on that day when shad are run-
ning plentifully. The catch varies considerably from year to year, the
height of the water being the most important factor. The banks are
so low that during freshets many of the beaches are overflooded and
fishing is suspended for several days or even weeks. Since the above
cause permits the shad to pass the seines down the river, it naturally
follows that the best seasons in the upper reaches are coincident with
high water in the lower part of the river. A few beaches, however,
are so situated as to make their best hauls during high water.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 165

(c) The third class of seines, known as drag nets, are used at such
places on the river as may appear most desirable from day to day,
no specially prepared seining beach being necessary, the nets being
‘footed up” in the water. They are used from the mouth of the river
up to Pitchkettle Creek, 22 miles above New Berne, and also to some
extent in Trent River, near its mouth. The maximum depth of water
suitable for operating them is 12 feet for beginning the haul and 4 feet
for “footing up” the net. They average in length about 225 yards, and
50 meshes deep, the mesh being about 25 inches. Three men and one
boat are required for each, the value of the net averaging about $75
and the boat $45. It is stated that this form of apparatus was intro-
duced here about 1840 by Capt. Isaac Lewis. Their success does not
depend entirely on the catch of shad; indeed, that species constitutes
but a small portion of the yield, the aggregate yield in 1896 being 4,951
roes and 5,095 bucks. The other fish taken are herring, white perch,
‘ suckers, pickerel, striped bass. black bass. ete. The use of these nets
is increasing.

The stake nets in Neuse River are set in 8 to 10 feet of water and
in strings of from 30 to 60 nets each on the sides of the channel of
the river from Northwest Creek, 5 miles below New Berne, to Great
Island, 11 miles above that town. They are about 20 yards long, 10 feet
deep, with 54-inch mesh, and, with the necessary stakes, ete., cost about
$115 per hundred. Generally 70 nets are used by each boat, the latter
costing about $50 and requiring the services of two men. This is the
earliest branch of the shad fishery on the river, the season beginning
each year about January 25 and ending about the first week in April.
The stake-net fishery is most profitable during periods of high water.
In 1896 47 boats engaged in this fishery, using 3,240 nets, and the catch
numbered 10,262 roe shad and 12,856 bucks, the local valuation being
$3,811. An interdiction exists against this form of fishery, but it is not
enforced. Most of the men using stake nets are residents of Carteret
and Pamlico counties, hailing from Cedar Island and Hunting Quarter
in the former, and from Goose Creek to Bay River in the latter county.

Drift nets are operated from a short distance above the New Berne
wharves to 12 miles down the river. These nets are from 100 to 120
yards long, 54-inch mesh, and cost about $18 each. The season begins
about the second or third week of February and closes the first week
in May. In 1896 38 drift nets were used, the yield being 8,360 roe shad
and 10,125 bucks, with a local valuation of $3,244.

Notwithstanding an interdiction against pound nets in the Neuse,
the employment of this form of apparatus is increasing each year. It
was introduced here about 1878, and in 1880 6 were reported. In 1889
and in 1890 the regulation against their use appears to have been
enforced, no pound nets being reported in the returns for those years.
But a few were introduced into the lower part of the river, where local
sentiment was favorable, and the evasion of the law gradually extended.
In 1896 87 pound nets were set between Trent River and Adams Creek,

166 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

34 on the north side of the river and 53 on the south side, in depths of
water ranging from 6 to 12 feet. The leaders average 200 yards in
length, and the mesh in the trap is from 2 to 14 inches. The average
value of the pound nets is about $120, many of them being constructed
of twine used previously in seines. The season begins about August 15
and continues until early in May. Shad constitute only about 20 per
cent in value of the total pound-net catch, the other species taken being
herring, striped bass, sea trout, croakers, white perch, drum, pickerel,
etc. The catch of shad in 1896 was 22,471, of which 12,972 were bucks,
and of herring 1,146,280 were obtained.

While comparatively few shad caught by means of bow nets reach
New Berne, yet the use of that form of apparatus between New Berne
and Contentnea River is quite extensive, especially in the vicinity of
Spring Garden, Cowpens, and Pitchkettle. They are used to the best
advantage during high water, as then most of the seining operations
are suspended by reason of the beaches being overflooded, leaving a °
greater number of shad to be taken in other apparatus, and for the
further reason that the shad are less cautious during the muddy-water
period and are more easily netted. “The number of bow nets in use
between New Berne and the Contentnea in 1896 approximated 185,
requiring 180 boats, worth $620, and 360 men, and the yield approxi-
mated 5,800 roe shad and 6,450 bucks, valued at $2,901.

From Contentnea River to headwaters.—The apparatus used in the
shad fisheries of Neuse River from the entrance of Contentnea River to
Smith Mills, a distance of 125 miles, consists of bow nets, seines, and
stake nets. Bow nets are used throughout the length of the river;
seines are operated between the entrance of Contentnea River and Bear
Creek, 37 miles, and stake nets are operated at the railroad bridge, a
short distance below Kinston, 17 miles above the Contentnea.

The seines range in length from 50 to 80 yards, the depth averages
12 feet, and the mesh about 24 inches. The season begins usually the
first week of February and ends the second or third week of May, the
annual rental being about $20 for each beach. The catch of shad by
each seine in 1896 ranged from 25 to 1,350 in number. It is stated that
the present catch in these seines is not one-fourth of the yield twenty
years ago. The Bear Creek seine-hole, the uppermost beach operated
at present, caught only 200 shad in 1896, whereas from 1880 to 1890 the
average catch was about 1,000 each season. Until quite recently there
were several seines on the Neuse between Bear Creek seine-hole and
Smithfield, but unprofitable fishing led to their abandonment. In 1896
two seines were operated 50 miles above Bear Creek seine-hole, but on
Little River, a tributary entering Neuse River near Goldsboro.

Bow nets are operated from the entrance of the Contentnea to Wilson
Mills, the total number employed in 1896 being 257 and the yield of
shad numbering 11,067. The distance from Wilson Mills to New. Berne
is 156 miles, and as New Berne is 80 miles distant from the ocean it fol-
lows that the shad taken at Wilson Mills have traversed at least 236

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 167

miles since leaving the sea. This is one of the most distant points from
the ocean at which commercial shad fisheries are now prosecuted. It
appears that the season in the upper portion of the river does not begin
until the end of February, four weeks later than at the lower end of the
river. The distance being about 135 miles, the progress of the shad up
the river shows an average of 4 or 5 miles per day. There are probably
a few bow nets operated above Wilson Mills, but the small extent of the
fishery did not warrant an extension of the inquiry above that point.

The six stake nets operated on Neuse River above the Contentnea
were set near the Kinston railroad bridge. The length of the nets was
22 yards each, the depth 35 meshes, and the size of mesh 52 inches,
Two men and two boats were engaged; the catch by one boat was 774
shad and 7 rockfish, and by the other boat 50 shad were taken.

Trent River.—The Trent, the largest tributary of the Neuse, is of
considerable width and depth, but draining only a small area of terri-
tory the current is sluggish. The drag-net and drift-net fishermen of
New Berne operate in the lower end, but with this exception few shad are
taken in this stream. It appears that they do not run far up the Trent
in large numbers, probably on account of the sluggishness of the water
and the consequent accumulation of drift and other refuse matter.

Contentnea River—About 32 miles above New Berne the Neuse
receives the waters of Contentnea River, sometimes called Moccasin
River, the shad fisheries of which are almost as important as those of
the Neuse above this point. This river flows about halfway between
Neuse and Tar rivers. It is about 140 miles long and it is navigable as
far as Stantonsburg, 63 miles above the mouth. Above Stantonsburg
it is full of narrow rapids and abrupt falls, forming a barrier to the
further ascent of fish as well as to navigation. The apparatus used
in taking shad consists of seines, stake nets, and bow nets, the total
yield on the river in 1896 being 7,033, of which 3,222 were roes. Of
this catch, 2,573 were taken in seines, 2,541 in stake nets, and 1,919
in bow nets.

The length of the seines ranges from 30 to 80 yards, the mesh 2 to
34 inches, and the number of men required four to each seine. The
beaches rent for $20 to $40 annually. In the lower part of the river
the season begins about the last of February, but it is a week or more
later above Snow Hill. During 1896 the catch was unusually small,
owing to low water permitting the shad to be taken on the lower
Neuse, the total yield in the 10 seines on the Contentnea being 2,573
in number. The Tingle Beach, 3 miles above the mouth of the Con-
tentnea, caught 2,400 shad in 1895 and only 410 in 1896. The number
of seines on this river is much less than formerly, there being 25 or
more ten years ago. In addition to shad, the seines take herring,
hickories, perch, bream, etc.

The stake gill nets used on Contentnea River are from 18 to 40 feet
in length, with 54-inch mesh, and cost on an average about $1.50 each.
From two to five nets are used by each boat. The season begins

168 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

about the end of February and closes the second week of May. The
catch in the 178 stake nets set in 1896 was 1,499 roe shad and 1,042
bucks. Seventy bow nets were used on the Contentnea between the
mouth and Stantonsburg, yielding 609 roe shad and 1,310 bucks.
These bow nets differ in no particular from those used in taking shad
in other Atlantic coast streams.

Little River.—About 2 miles above Goldsboro the Neuse receives the
waters of Little River, which is nearly 100 miles in length. Shad
ascend as far as Whitley Mills, about 15 miles from the mouth, the
numerous milldams obstructing their further passage. In the length
below Whitley Mills a few shad are taken by means of seines and bow
nets, the season beginning about the end of February and ending
during the second or third week of May. In 1896 two 65-yard seines
were used on Little River, one 6 miles and the other 11 miles above
the Neuse, the yield of shad being 186, of which 60 per cent were bucks.
Bow nets are used at various points below Whitley Mills, the total
number reported in 1896 being 17, with a catch of 300 shad.

PAMLICO-TAR RIVER.

Pamlico and Tar rivers are different sections of a single stream, the
name changing near the town of Washington, N.C. The lower portion,
Pamlico River, has a length of 37 miles, and the upper portion, Tar
River, is 180 miles long, giving a total length of 217 miles. The
Pamlico length is really an arm of Pamlico Sound, whereas Tar River
has all the usual fluvial characteristics. Tarboro, 49 miles above Wash-
ington, 1s the present head of navigation. Above that town the river
is 90 to 200 feet in width with a gentle slope, affording ample passage
for the ascent of shad 36 miles to Rocky Mount, where further progress
is barred by a natural fall of about 20 feet, utilized for mill purposes,
the site of the first cotton mill in North Carolina, erected in 1817. The
shad fisheries of Pamlico-Tar River extend from the mouth to a short
distance below Rocky Mount, the yield in 1896 being 32,601 roe shad
and 34,481 bucks. The apparatus used consists of seines, stake nets,
drift nets, pound nets, and bow nets, the first named yielding nearly
60 per cent of the total product

Seines are operated from Core Point, 16 miles below Washington, to
Pillsboro Landing, 33 miles above thattown. ‘Those below Washington
range in length from 450 to 1,000 yards, and above that¢own the length
of the seines is from 50 to 200 yards, one or two seines being used at
each beach. The mesh is from 2 to 24 inches in the bunt, and from 4
to 9 men are required for each seine. The season begins usually during
the first week of February below Washington, and about two weeks
later in the upper portions of the river. The catch in 1896 was the
smallest for several years, the yield at the 32 beaches on the river being
only 38,693 shad, while 30 seines are reported as taking 108,728 shad
in 1890. The weather was unfavorable for an early start and high
water limited the operations at many of the beaches. Of the yield

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 169

in 1896, 32,178 shad were obtained in Pamlico River and 6,515 in the
Tar.

Stake nets are set along both sides of the channel of this stream from
the mouth to the town of Washington. They average 20 yards in
length, 10 to 12 feet deep, with 53 to 54 inch mesh, and are made of
cotton twine, which must be renewed annually. In 1896 840 nets were
used, set in strings of from 10 to 40 nets each. The season began the
second week of February and closed about the end of April, yielding
4,260 roe shad and 3,854 bucks, with an aggregate value of $1,632.

During heavy freshets a number of drift nets are used in the river
from 1 mile below Washington to the same distance above that town.
These nets are about 100 yards in length, with 53-inch to 54-inch mesh,
and cost $10 or $12 each. Two men are required for each net, and the
boats used are worth $10 to $15 each. The catch is small, as these
nets are used only when the water is high. In the 23 nets operated
at times in 1896 the yield of shad was 5,221, of which 2,867, or 55 per
cent, were roes.

The bow-net fisheries are operated at various points from Washing-
ton to 25 miles above Tarboro, the total number of nets in 1896 being
120, of which 22 were operated in Pamlico River and 98 in the Tar. In
the lower part of the river two men are required for each net, but in the
upper portion a few of the nets are operated by one man each. The
catch in 1896 by those in the Pamlico end was 1,010 shad and in Tar
River 6,285. Most of these shad are consumed by the families of the
fishermen and their neighbors.

The few pound nets or Dutch nets in Pamlico River are set near the
mouth of Pungo River, a short tributary of the former, from September
until the following May, and in these some shad are taken. An inter-
diction exists against the use of this form of apparatus, resulting in
restricting but not entirely prohibiting the fishery. In 1896 27 of these
nets were used, aggregating in value $3,325, being set in strings with
from two to four nets each. The catch of shad numbered 7,759, of
which 3,926 were roes.

CROATAN AND ROANOKE SOUNDS.

These sounds, separated from each other by Roanoke Island, form the
channel of communication between Pamlico Sound and Albemarle
Sound, all the waters of the latter, including its numerous tributaries,
passing through them. Croatan Sound is 10 miles long, 25 to 4 miles
wide, and averages 8 to 10 feet deep, the bottom being very uneven
and broken. Roanoke Sound has the same length as Croatan Sound
and is 1 to 2 miles wide and very shoal except in a narrow channel
skirting the shore of Roanoke Island, where the depth averages from 8
to 12 feet. The bulk of the shad passing from Pamlico Sound traverse
Croatan Sound, in which there are consequently important fisheries.
In Roanoke Sound very little twine is set, and the experience of the
fishermen indicates that few shad pass through that body of water.

170 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Except one seine in the extreme upper end of Croatan Sound, stake
nets and pound nets are the only apparatus used in these two water
areas, and these catch almost an equal number of shad each.

The stake nets differ in no particular from those in use in the extreme
northern part of Pamlico Sound. From 75 to 600 nets are set ina
string, the nets averaging in length nearly 20 yards each. The strings
are placed generally north and south, so as to present the least surface
of resistance to the strong currents caused by prevailing winds. In
Roanoke Sound there was but one string in 1896, containing 225 nets and
set in the northern part above Dalby Point. In the Croatan 16 strings
containing 3,220 nets were set in the eastern half, and 14 strings con-
taining 2,405 nets in the western half. The number of men and value
of boats and apparatus employed in each sound are shown in the tables.
The catch of shad by 225 nets in Roanoke Sound was 5,000, of which
about two-thirds were roes, and in Croatan Sound the stake-net yield
was 37,598 roe shad and 31,028 bucks, with a local valuation of $14,006.

- The pound nets average in value from $75 to $100 each and are set
near the shores. In Roanoke Sound there were but 3 pound nets in
1896, while 140 nets were in Croatan Sound. Four men and a boat
worth $150 were used to operate the former, and 72 men, with 34 boats
valued at $1,530, were required in Croatan Sound. The catch by the
former approximated 1,350 bucks and 731 roes, and by the latter the
yield was 44,769 buck and 29,065 roe shad. The pound nets also
caught 866,500 alewives and quantities of striped bass, squeteague,
bluefish, mullet, ete.

In the extreme northern end and on the western shore of Croatan
Sound a 2,300-yard seine was operated in 1896, requiring the services of
30 fishermen, 29 shoresmen and preparators, 1 open flatboat, and 2
steam scows. The size of mesh was from 2 to 34 inches, the depth of
water from 4 to 12 feet, and the yield of shad approximated 20,000, of
which two-thirds were bucks.

It appears that the total catch of shad in these two sounds in 1896
by means of stake nets was 73,626, of which 56 per cent were roes;
whereas the catch by pound nets and seines aggregate 95,915 shad, of
which only 38 per cent were roe shad. This difference is due in a
large measure to the size of the mesh in the gill nets, failing to hold
many of the small buck shad, leaving a greater prcportion to be taken
in the pound nets. Except sufficient for local use, the fish are delivered
by boat at the Old Dominion Wharf on Roanoke Island, and thence
sent to Norfolk, where they are distributed to northern markets.

ALBEMARLE SOUND.

Albemarle Sound is formed at the confluence of Roanoke and Chowan
rivers, extends eastward a distance of 60 miles, and connects with the
northern end of Pamlico Sound through Croatan and Roanoke sounds.
The characteristics of this sound differ little from those of the broad
estuaries forming the lower end of Neuse, Pamlico, James, Rappahan-

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 171i

nock, and Potomac rivers. It is a bay rather than a sound, receiving
the latter designation from its association with other waters of this
portion of the coast. The water is fresh except during periods of
excessively dry weather or of prevailing southerly winds, when it
becomes somewhat brackish at the eastern end near Croatan Sound.
It is considered the largest coastal body of fresh water in the world,
the width averaging 7 or 8 miles and the area approximating 450 square
miles. It is remarkably free from strong currents and tides, except
those of infrequent occurrence resulting from gales, and the depth of
the bottom is quite uniform, averaging from 16 to 20 feet.

The shad fisheries of Albemarle Sound are among the most important
on the Atlantic coast, stake nets, pound nets, and seines being exten-
sively employed. Of the 735,192 shad caught in this body of water in
1896, 429,599 were taken by means of stake nets, 173,380 by pound
nets, and 152,213 by seines. The,principal fishing centers are Edenton,
with 197 fishermen; Peter Mashew’s Creek, 90 fishermen; Mackey
Ferry and vicinity, 70 fishermen, and Pear Tree Point, 36 fishermen.
Numerous other stations employ from 5 to 20 fishermen and a number
of shoresmen and preparators. Elizabeth City and Edenton are the
principal shipping centers.

The stake-net fishery is by far the most important, the yield exceed-
ing by 40 per cent the aggregate catch in all other forms of apparatus.
The nets average about 20 yards each in length and from 10 to 14 feet
in depth, with from 54 to 54 inch mesh. The total value of the 21,985
used in 1896, including stakes, ropes, etc., was $29,944, and 331 men
were required to operate them. From 50 to 500 nets are set in each
string, the general direction of the strings being at right angles to the
current. They are located at various points throughout the sound, but
are most numerous at the extreme eastern end, near the entrance into
Croatan Sound. In an area of 25 square miles in that region there
were 46 strings in 1896, containing 7,785 nets, 35 per cent of the total
number in the sound. From this section to the mouth of the Roanoke
River stake nets are set less numerously and at irregular intervals, but
the number in the western end of the sound has greatly increased
during the last two years. The catch in 1896 aggregated 185,701 roe
shad and 243,898 bucks, valued at $82,664. The season began about
the firstof February and lasted until the middle of April. Most of the
catch is carried to some station on the Norfolk and Southern Railroad
and thence shipped to northern markets, Elizabeth City receiving the
bulk of the catch, with Edenton a close second.

The pound nets in Albemarle Sound differ in no particular from those
in the neighboring waters on the south. A few are located near Peter
Mashew’s Creek in the extreme lower end of the sound, but the greater
portion are in the upper half, within the limits of Chowan and Wash-
ington counties. They are set along the shores with from 1 to 25 nets
on each string. This fishery is of comparatively recent development,
originating about 1870.

172 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following summary shows by counties its location and extent
in 1896:

Pound nets. Boats. Shad caught.
. No. of
Counties 5
; men. No. of No. of
No. | Value. | No. | Value. mace Bankct Value.
DAT oe hea ee aes 28 | a48| $4,890 | 15 | $2,200] 11,490! 17,220] $5,236
Myrrelle so oe settee sess c ee sees 16 | b33 2, 625 8 510 2,947 4,730 1, 447
Wiashin otonWeee een sec alc sae at: 61 163 15, 230 62 1, 558 10, 668 19, 046 5, 484
BOLtlOsere ste t ae eee ceeeae cane ne ss 9 30 3, 000 6 370 4, 372 6, 105 2, 009
Currittcks seests ee ceneces costae 4 2 200 2 100 200 253 88
Gamden ere n or cae o- sts aecio’ 2 c8 800 1 40 1, 050 2, 000 550
Pasquotamkes-ess- sees see sae 2 2 200 1 75 50 250 51
Perquimans secretes sicio= =: 27 72 6,300 | 16 620 5, 657 7, 845 2, 592
Chawanssn ver hoes cetiese ees Sect 80 | 254 23,060 | 64) 3,729 28, 101 51, 396 14, 637
Totaly Sassen: sss seen ct tee 229 612 56, 215 175° 9,202 | 64,535 | 108, 845 32, 094
a Includes six nets in Alligator River. b Includes four nets in Little Alligator River.

ec Located in North River.

Haul seines were the only apparatus of capture employed in the shad
fisheries of Albemarle Sound until about 1860, and until quite recently
they have been the principal apparatus. At the present time, however,
they play a minor part in the shad fisheries of this region, only 4 being
operated—3 on the shore of Chowan County and 1 in Bertie County.
They average in length about 2,500 yards each and in depth 12 to 16
feet, with 2-inch mesh in the bunt and 3-inch in the wings. From 25 to
35 men are required at each fishery, and steamers or steam flats are
used in hauling each seine. The catch of these four seines in 1896 was
69,857 roe shad and 62,356 bucks, with a local valuation of $25,401. In
addition to shad, 4,235,324 alewives were taken, the value being $11,655.
A very small quantity of striped bass, perch, and sturgeon are also
caught in the seines.

To illustrate the comparative abundance of shad during the last half
century, the following statement is presented, showing for a series of
years the yield of shad at the Greenfield seine fishery on Albemarle
Sound:

Average | - » | Average
Year. Monee for5 || Year. oe | for 3
P years. || “peore) | alt B¥@SIERE
CGP) mesic aSbdonodosedsscasece 13, 849 | IESG SoaseetcaasoScceodeesesc 17, 919
GURY seecnowiacgbcestisooseseac 25, 552 BRI S+ Coto. g2 see hocaconeeocn 14, 603
MOBY» ccaatanse sasesececasoe: 36, 979 SECA) | Ui aap oacsoneansoscccudac- 10, 485 17, 185
II) Pe SeosasSoeesobnces se 54, 910 eo oo bod pase sebesseosnesc | 17, 225 |
WIND .steccnedostaapessebdesc 35, 806 GES satececeos des osebasse 25, 692 |
WEY) ele sesieebcoseesbeckbe se 26, 344 | SY eee oak ba gee ta SoS obec 19, 777
heats} SoamapacmocdronaaesegEce 36, 242 Iks}eP4 cosmo n.Pansescosmooseqss¢ 21, 000
13h) eke roteosdeoaesouaeasse: | 37, 818 SONGOOON LSS oteetete lets tetera = aint mttaer 16, 804 19, 091
IR Gheseach eos agseaneeenabe|| 49, 427 VUE sao6 -edecoces soascso= 17, 011
LEG? sasdsosabadsocnosousse | 33, 218 | EE coop dticobasdeesedsae once 20, 774
Ii cocgnesceasaseesesercona|) CB RELY WEED casosncssoesass0904355°= 21, 038
IRA Geciasosasrrascoscosssoc 49, 249 WY Soc nals cose ooesauaaSeeoe 22, 600
UTS Gos decndeec Bean aon fasoae 37, 566 POE WIRE) 2 oo conseeeecasesasesc 29, 484 22, 514
I ossads daobsccssenscdnéec 44, 695 | IRR Go seca dboces sooood oe sOe 22, 791
USO mo ace ops cupassenupcess 33, 358 PUR) ec es aceaeseccossccess= 16, 655
IS cmeSo5 tehnebseeerdsoSsor 31, 991 Wetko casi nob ees cescommacase 15, 861 |
Ie Pisce noc pasocbonseoedase 42, 694 | 1892 .......-.-...----------- 26, 163 |
NSS Serencesat daennctSsose 40, 245 40, 639 || 1893 .........-...-.--------- 26, 352 23, 805
VCS ae sanasaccegeoncseedecs 54, 870 | Mey ee Roo eseonds so sco 2055h¢ 23, 245
AST roo nia oo cle minininiwiniainin|~(nlainim == 33, 394 | ERY casonscsaansoss secon so% 27, 403 |
| LEIS Soe ooo sce= Goose cosese 46, 522
|

a Fishing interrupted during 1862-65 on account of war.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 173

The John Wood seine has made the following catches of shad and
alewives each year since 1891:

No. of No. of
Year shad. alewives.
TOO eee ae Sos sine eenriaine ee mivis mnie eyeelaeis ciaeniseis eae we tiela nae <claie isis else's ciinlay 25, 521 1, 518, 873
LEGS ARNT A AP SNP ERIAMA SPEED ACSI AE Oe ORE RRS OU RTE EN! 9 COR ce 30,479 | 1,417, 254
Gig aerate mee ga 1). 5 -< Site: en ene 5 Se 8 16,630 | 1, 404, 596
TESUVR 2 es leat a Reig and a aN ARM A 2 a Op eg ae 25,853 | 2, 007,992
OG eee dee ettti se wie ese ab wie Siwinjcresjelo ata «cing d Auemate rem ele~Els\a hate ictwia s Gelwitiats ot ajes 38, 000 1, 300, 000

The yield of shad in Albemarle Sound depends largely on the cur-
rents, especially on those flowing from the mouth of the Roanoke. That
river brings down large quantities of muddy water, forming a decided
contrast to the otherwise comparatively clear water of the sound. The
strong winds sometimes drive this muddy water back and forth, seri-
ously injuring the pound-net and seine fisheries covered by it. This
was especially true in 1896, and to some extent in 1895. It is claimed
that this muddy water is rather beneficial to the stake-net fishery, and
it appears that in certain localities covered by it in 1896 the stake nets
made good catches while few shad were taken in the pound nets in the
same section. This is tending to increase the popularity of stake nets,
and that form of apparatus is superseding the pound nets and seines.

Pasquotank River.—This is really an arm of Albemarle Sound, extend-
ing 15 miles inland, with an average width of 2 miles and depth of 10
or 12 feet. In 1896 8,757 shad were obtained in this river, of which
4,642 were caught by 4 seines, 2,840 by 17 pound nets, 1,000 by 100
stake nets, and 275 by 10 bow nets.

Perquimans River.—This is also an arm of Albemarle Sound, 12
miles long, and averaging over a mile in width, with 10 or 12 feet of
water. The apparatus used consisted of stake nets, seines, and pound
nets. Of the 12,424 shad taken in the stake nets, 60 per cent were
bucks; of the 7,680 caught in seines, 53 per cent were bucks, and 60
per cent of the 12,718 taken in pound nets were of the same sex. The
shad season in the Perquimans, as in the Pasquotank, is from the
middle of February to the second week of May.

ROANOKE RIVER.

The Roanoke, the principal tributary of Albemarle Sound, is a narrow,
rapid stream, formed by the confluence of the Dan and Staunton in
Mecklenburg County, Va., whence it flows through a winding course, a
distance of 198 miles, to its outlet. It is navigable for vessels of 10 feet
draft from the mouth to Hamilton, 62 miles, thence for 5 feet draft 67
miles further to Weldon. The Roanoke differs from other large rivers
emptying into the North Carolina sounds in that the fluvial character-
istics continue quite to the mouth, the width below Weldon being only
100 to 200 yards. Excepting a few rocky places, the bed of the river is
of sand, with generally an alluvial deposit over the sand near the banks.
At Eton Falls, near Weldon, the river crosses the escarpment line,
descending over 100 feet in a distance of 13 miles above that town, the

174 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

channel being very tortuous and the bed of the river interspersed with
rocks and islands, most of which are submerged at high water. Above
Eton Falls to the head of the river, a distance of 56 miles, the depth of
water varies from 2 to 10 feet at low water, and the fall aggregates 146
feet, an average of 2.6 feet per mile. This portion of the river is navi-
gated only by pole boats, and, while a few fish are found in it, there are
no established shad fisheries.

The commercial shad fisheries of the Roanoke are confined to the
extreme lower end, from the mouth to Williamston. The forms of
apparatus employed are seines, bow nets, stake nets, drift nets, and
wheels, named in the order of their importance; 80 percent of the total
yield being obtained by seines. The fisheries are centered principally
at Plymouth, Jamesville, and Williamston, in addition to which there
are numerous minor fishing stations.

Eight seines were employed in 1896, with an aggregate length of
6,050 yards and valuation of $6,100. Four of these were operated
between Plymouth and the mouth of Cashie River, two a short distance
above Plymouth, and two at Jamesville, 17 miles from the mouth of the
river. The men required to operate these seines numbered 169; 30
boats, worth $1,815, were used, and the value of the shore property
utilized aggregated $33,247. During the season herein reported the
fish were late in coming up the river, resulting in a small catch and
low prices. In 1895 one seine caught 11,000 shad in one week, three
times aS many as were taken in any one seine during the best week in
1896. The yield in 8 seines in 1896 was 95,359 bucks and 47,440 roes,
with a local valuation of $16,043. This large proportion of bucks was
due chiefly to the large size of mesh used in stake nets between the
mouth of the river and the sea, permitting small fish to pass through.

The gill-net fisheries of Roanoke River are of little importance, owing
to the rapidity of the current and the crookedness of the stream. A
string of stake nets is set at the junction of the Cashie River with
the Roanoke, near the mouth of the latter. Fifteen 20-yard nets, with
53-inch mesh, were used there in 1896, the catch aggregating 6,100 shad.
For a distance of 2 miles above and the same distance below Plymouth
18 80-yard drift nets, with 5-inch mesh, were operated in 1896. These
required two men each, only one net being used to each boat. The catch
was small, approximating 4,000 shad, most of which were consumed in
the homes of the fishermen and their neighbors.

The bow nets used on the Roanoke below Palmyra numbered 435,
requiring the services of twice that number of men. These nets are
about 20 feet long, 5 feet wide, the bag having about a 5-foot hang. They
had a poor season, taking only 13,500 shad, an average of 31 per net.
Most of the catch by these nets is used locally.

In the lower end of Roanoke River a number of wheels are used,
their form of construction (for a description of which I am indebted to
Mr. John N. Cobb) being somewhat similar to those on Pee Dee River.
The principal difference is that on the Pee Dee the wheels are fixed in

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. Ma

sluice-openings in dams, whereas navigation on the Roanoke prevents
the construction of dams, and the fishermen secure two flat-bottomed,
square-sided boats parallel to each other and about 6 or 8 feet apart,
the boats being held in the current by means of a long sapling project-
ing from the bank. A strong axle is placed in a bearing on each boat,
the ends of the axle projecting about 2 feet beyond the farther side.
To one end of this axle, and sometimes to both, is attached a paddle
wheel of rough boards, and in the middle of the axle and occupying the
full space between the boats is fixed a large curved scoop of twine or
latticed strips of wood, the scoop being so constructed as to shunt
the fish into one or both of the boats when they are dipped up by the
current acting upon the paddle wheels, whence they are removed at the
leisure of the fishermen. The cost of each apparatus is about $15, In
1896 there were 75 of these wheels in the lower Roanoke, which were
owned and operated principally by farmers living near the river banks.
The catch aggregated 2,000 shad and also large quantities of hickories
and alewives.
CHOWAN RIVER.

The Chowan is formed by the junction of the Blackwater and Notto-
way rivers nearly on the line between North Carolina and Virginia,
whence it flows with a sluggish current a distance of 55 miles to its
entrance into Albemarle Sound. For the lower 20 miles the river
averages 14 miles in width and 15 to 20 feet in depth. Above Holiday
Island the width gradually contracts to about 500 feet near the head of
the river. The water is dark and clear, in marked contrast to the muddy
water from Roanoke River. The shad fisheries of Chowan River are
somewhat greater in extent than those of the Roanoke, and there is
a remarkable difference in the forms of the apparatus used. Bow nets,
stake nets, and wheels are not reported, and two-thirds of the catch
is obtained by means of pound nets, in addition to which seines are the
only important apparatus used. Most of the fisheries are prosecuted
between the mouth of the river and Harrellsville.

There were formerly a large number of seines on Chowan River, but
the unprofitableness of the fishery has led to the abandonment of many
of them. In 1896 only eight were used, with an aggregate length of
9,740 yards and valuation of $12,600, requiring the services of 190 fisher-
men. Seven of the seines were hauled on the west side of the river and
one on the east. The most important is the one used at the Willow
Branch fishery, situated just above the mouth, on the west side, the
annual catch by which frequently exceeds 35,000 shad and 1,500,000
alewives. The services of 23 fishermen and two steam flats are required
to operate it, and 25 shoresmen take care of the catch. The yield of this
seine in 1896 was 34,300 shad and 1,500,000 alewives. Of the remain-
ing seven seines, two were operated at Coleraine in Bertie County, one
below Canons Ferry in Chowan County, and two above Harrellsville,
one at Winton and one at Mount Gallon, in Hertford County. The two
last-named seines are short, averaging 200 yards each; the others range
in length from 2,300 to 750 yards each. The catch in 1896, by the eight

176 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

seines above noted, was 60,450 shad, valued at $11,835, of which 28,150
were roes and 32,300 bucks. The catch of alewives during the same
season amounted to 6,772,000. The season begins usually about March
12 and ends the second week of May, the maximum run being about the
first half of April.

Chowan River has the most important pound-net fishery of the rivers
south of Virginia, the number of those nets in 1896 being 447. They
are small, averaging in value about $70 each. Several of them are
constructed with a small heart inside of the usual one, but the value of
this addition is not generally recognized. The pound nets are located
from the mouth of the river to Mount Gallon and mostly on the east
side, 311 being on that side in 1896, while 136 were on the west side of
the river. They are set usually in strings containing from 2 to 20 nets,
only 5 nets being set singly during the last season. The depth of the
water ranges from 6 to 20 feet, and the season runs from about the sec-
ond week of March to the middle of May. The yield of shad in 1896
numbered 122,595, valued locally at $22,490, of which 47,576 were roes
and 75,019 bucks.

Above the railroad bridge at Tunis there were 15 rowboats engaged
in drifting gill nets, 1,440 yards of twine with 54-inch mesh being used.
The catch was small, amounting to only 500 shad, which were used
principally in the families of the fishermen. The water of the Chowan
appears to be too clear for the profitable employment of gill nets.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF VIRGINIA.

The following series of three tables shows by water areas the extent
of each branch of the shad fisheries of Virginia during the season
covered by the present report:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
Jisheries of Virginia in 1896.

Number of fishermen. Total,
= T = exclu- la
! | : -— »| Trans- |Shores-| ,,
WEES Stake-| Drift-| .,; Pound-| a | SVP oF porters.) men. tot
Oy | neat eine. | cella- | dupli- |
| neous.| cation.
Chesapeake Bay: |
JOR REAM 6 aspaciancoaag pan bodes asb0s0dG5 scone TOE assacbe 109 BP Gecoos 5 117
Wes ternisnOne ra aes=- essere 741) pAcnoaallacascas (OPE Sacaace 647 48 11 | 706
Mobjack¢bayen-ser seen eee eine) eee tee sae et cite OGrl ae ee 96 jllnssce cee liscaeaue 96
James River and tributaries:
Below Chickahominy River...| 152 |.-.-.-. 18 DDH ache cists ey Se cbcesec liens 184
Between Chickahominy and |
Appomattox rivers. .....--- 14 340 | Hellas SocedlossebsS 379
Above Appomattox River..-.|.------ WAY |Eosesc = Nanosacca| scape oe 128
Chickahominy River.........|------- 160 RW ie Ss gee | a3 206
Appomattox River-....---....)------- 50 | 740) GS onnoncloooenac 70
York River and tributaries:
MOLKARIVeL ae ciesaeieicececemtsys TU Weeooee 6 94 b10 211
Pamunkey River. -...-.-.-..-- 6 293 | Wi \lSasosd24ieconons 314
Mattaponi ‘River. -.-.--.-..--|------- 306 | ah EES aod mercode 345
Rappahannock River: |
IBelOWAW eepIC ree kee ceo feces | ose eee cieeteteiate TGS) esc 2 116
Deep Creek to Leedstown. ... 114 18 13 112 b2 215
Leedstown and above ........|------- 78 14 32 cé 122
Potomac River:
3elow Mattox Creek......... Aa Sere eect = 207s es ahe se 209 | SPIRE AS nc 217
Above Mattox Creek......... 19 236 247 101 |..----- 595 9! 31 635
Motalesss sees eee eee 443 | 1,609 | 444] 1,497 | 21 | 3,946 | 73 | 42 4,061
|

a Hedge, bFyke-net. _ ¢ Fall-trap.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

177

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of
Virginia in 1896.

Boats Stake nets.
Waters. SS a
No. | Value.| No. |Length.| Value.
Chesapeake Bay: Yards
Wostenn RHOTemee nea ere haces ane e ckais <u a eee 369 |$26,505 | 810 | 12,740 | $1,340
IAN TALIS HOLGER oiae rd cn eotcin.c = Sicioc win 0's 20 Sate lee Seiten cove caas Gy SE dl Seance Ber aeel sane on
James River and tributaries:
IB G1 ON C HIGE ROMINA VOD er cinta .acin mn no1- w/o we oteieaiereiete mains n'=/aieie 93 | 2,311 | 3,498 | 34,898 | 3,681
Between Chickahominy and Appomattox rivers..-.....--..--. 181 | 2,225 235 | 2,440 224
AHOVe -Appomattos: RIVED << cet <0. - cew cc Semen geese s ss 64 COD asesota loko dese a adede
CIIGKAHOMMINY RL VOls sae sate ae coe oe = -1-.,0 5 alee arneelentte teenies clare LDEW 1s 406) eee cas leeee enon bee aee
IAM ROM AULORRLGOR Sto tee nee cee cana sccne See nee 30 365) lino eosee| eas oeemaletee sec
York River and tributaries:
Vind nee ee See” AA eet De Ty A os a 110} 5,157} 990) 6,461 764.
IPAMDG ROY LV OLs a one 1s ctetstelalaiscintad wicie ve sae elelelactaisleninsn soe ce is 159 | 1,530 53 378 38
Mathaponl River, sos .ssssncescc ~cns sses = 5 enicemennnemnecemas.ss MG Dia a TS FAD le Sto Seyler arava | wrecera crete
WR DEAR IEE tea ane COORD aC OCOD SC ODEHEREE Een oot CoC COOLOAG Rae ese BEA By GG) WeseSSsclocscooresonsocs
Rappahannock River:
Raley AUER PAC RIGIE Sec e ncoS0S5 oo Sr eSEOne de obbeoT eS cacao Sec0nce TAN ROU ee oma ae ect aera
rom Deep Creek to Leedstown: .-...--.2--essces05sse+0cescce | 142 | 2,218 | 3,268 | 27,164 | 3,859
NGAGOBLOWANANGC RDO VO: 32 - css cece cccmac caccloniseicesioss sew coenaas iaeeoG GIS) | Sees Sees eee
Potomac River:
Below autos Onreeksee fa sacs en es. ase cect esceeecesnccceune | 84) 6,455 8 400 28
PRBOVEU NM ALLO Xa OLCOK se ccs s/o ca saeco esse cissiaceine eaiaeie Melee Serene | 241 | 11,495 PAT) See Ese| ASC
——— | ea
TMGUAI censor ees SepSogo0 0 dont npaao anno dostssassoocnacsagas: (2 028 | 77,058 | 9,378 | 90,214 | 10, 949
Drift nets Seines
Waters. > =
No. |Length.| Value. | No. Length.| Value.
James River and tributaries: Yards Yards.
Below Chickahominy River ..-....---.----.-------------|------|--------|-.------ Ade 1, 400 $730
Between Chickahominy and Appomattox rivers ..-..... 225 | 09,727 | $6,220 | 4] 1,450] 1,025
FAOVerA ppomMattOx NIVCM=.-2== 2 cen = ane - se eac= === IPA OOD AGB Ne Sealine Aaeeselanademe
Misiokah Onin ye nly Olvees sate ae serlon eae ase cee ele es eee 160 | 28,842) 1,775 | 8 | 2,425) 1,155
AAT POM Te SVT oo eo oo0e sass SeoncoConee 5 sceeSobeceE = 46 | 6,720 388 | 5 | 1,225 475
York River and tributaries:
Wve LER o as anaes ange ccaeachune Sh donO sd abiGoToceEoEnbS dlassaeellse. 50580 |ooedoncs 1 475 220
[Ep nT ay? LE AVGIP cooe bose osoosobnccatostoondssccosaapene 330 | 51,341 | 4,209 | 2 780 500
IED NITE Jeoh OS eeae as tess ooB eee TESS eEEEBe BuBtoadactocs 262 | 46,601 | 3,936) 7 986 390
Rappahannock River:
From Deep Creek to Leedstown..-.....-..---.--+------- LS sake BBY || Psa) alyP Ai) 515
HEGUNLOW MEMO A DOV Ose scmccn cee ecics oe iciatnisielesic eels =itersrele 83 | 13,080 | 1,445 3 770 295
Potomac River:
IN TING. WUT LORE) ae eR Ie OUP A Be oonddsenopayeenasnonc 118 | 67,000 | 6,155 | 8 | 13,600 | 13,700
MOL altem ae ese sees nae eae ees coecccne-eseeceemsere 1,370 |298, 043 | 25,998 | 42 | 24,361 | 19, 005
dst Pound nets. Miscellaneous. | Shore | -potal
ers. DEOD= | ete
No. | Value. | No. | Value. | erty. i
Chesapeake Bay:
iWiestornishorostros. sees eee ee name eee come ese AQAGISTAGH IIS; [oc jeecleseaes oat $26, 915 |$170, 878
TOEYRIGHNS| OTD Saco aecec conosdeas due ucaddorcsenes EY) |e GeO) Bees ae occcecoe 650 | 19, 545
James River and tributaries:
Below Chickahominy River ..........-...-------.--- 6 by eee bereecoec 1, 945 9, 252
Between Chickahominy and Appomattox rivers....|......|......--.!...--.|...0.---- 2,560 | 12, 254
FADOVE-AtD DOM ULOXE RV OL ene = nee also an la ne omen oe aimialee eine leases) oe tial nem neice 700 2, 845
Chickahominwye Rivets: aon ct ak possesses son oo seitoecc seas oeleasascaan a3 $45 | 2, 187 6, 568
AP POMAtlOxewiVe rn] e cise e tere siete a aerne= ell ein ctere |e aoe ieee see ea saneemeee 650 1, 878
York River and tributaries:
Workc Riven eas ten ese ee see areca cre iaeinis/sieie ease se< 90 | 16,375 | b64 842 | 2,015 | 25,373
Pamunkey River teers steerer sean esses ose ee eceellcanee clermcee sacleagaeclante seek ot 1, 220 7, 497
MattaponiiRiver-a--asassen oe fat ecniec saeeise sien cise |S. seme lomecaeoee PSS ale atts er arly Oo 7, 063
IMobjack Bayles 20k ears seins poe n cee neeee TC ||) Cals s 57K) |e Beale ee gue 1,640 | 20,825
Rappahannock River:
Below: Deep Creeks. saaessnecten = sate wale asacee cae LOOR|) S255 4624 hae a elke 1,950 | 32, 423
From Deep Creek to Leedstown .....----.--.------- 100 | 12,500 b8 190 | 1,305] 20,922
ecdstown and avovesssseek ace. oe oath eee eeeee se. 31 1,995 |} cl9 760 596 5, 709
Potomac River:
Below? Mattox: Creeke se st ee tee ees edo dem scene 157 24, 925) | sesa alae emcee er 900 | 32, 308
HA\pove: Mattox Creeks per aesc snc cae since oelesionaaes AOU LOR 250 ere ase aes 15,525 | 58,140
Do tall extaais qos Sorc ees Sak wee oe sabia nailer 1,156 | 236, 680 94} 1,837 | 61,953 | 433, 480
a Hedges. b Fyke nets. ce Fall traps.

F. RB. 98

178 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement, by water areas, of the yield of shad in each form of apparatus employed mm the
fisheries of Virginia in 1896.

Stake nets. Drift nets. Seines.
Waters. SS ne
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.
Chesapeake Bay:
Wiestern Shoretsanacee estes cass + csces cece 43,503" | '$6,230 {es soe cen] secre sees ee esee es eee
James River and tributaries:
Below Chickahominy River .....-...--------- OT 778 |} V6N6800| Ce seas e laces eee 5, 482 $480
Between Chickahominy and Appomattoxrivers) 9,928 | 1, 644 | 162,655 | $14,706 | 18, 208 1,770
AONE PA DOMAtbOxX) RLVOL =~ 622. nae a2 ee |e tee er 33, 385 2, 109" SS eee joubtiees
@hickahominy Rivers. s-:-ciccn ao eee oan oli eee ml 131, 643 9,589 | 17,510 1, 297
PA POM AHO XPM ln s <eiete eale =ia/sioie sinlein’e/a/sieie'= sim ects oa ow eel severe 11, 945 1, 087 8, 309 794
York River and tributaries:
Wade RityGre soseesseeoseerde sods seued obasonoead ADNG40)| PD loanleeaserenelas sae ee 250 25
Pamunkey River ..--.-..------.-------------- 1, 281 119 | 180,642 | 14,911 2, 334 175
WRG one e soc eoseoon Sogeosoaomestoed ScooddosrsScceaee 169,799 | 16,290! 10,117 755
Rappahannock River:
From Deep Creek to Leedstown -..---.....---- 104,118 | 8,242 7, 580 571 6, 792 678
WesdstowmManGabOViecss ss ces cate cecee eenione nelle moenis erate reais 32, 774 2, 586 2, 948 295
Potomac River:
BelowaMathoxiCreeker asea a 2 ace ere mice sesictele aie 600 5B. eck ae el. sec see all ees eee eee
Above mMlattox Creeks essere sae paceeeienemeees 10, 910 1,558 | 142, 400 11, 729 79, 385 6,471
WN i hse Sebodeececcorecod senomaSeaeeseas 304, 808 | 39,663 | 872,823 74,178 | 151,335 | 12,740
Pound nets. Miscellaneous. Total.
Waters. ;
No. Value. | No. | Value. No. Value.
Chesapeake Bay:
WiGSEOLNISHOLO mae ccmcteleser cisteicisinis cteial ose 1072841 | $10258030|Pa2---5|oeeene es 1,115, 394 | $109, 033
ISBISIGIHA SOON) Soso5oocegobastcossensenconSy 36, 408 SEO |bscocee|loosedcas 36, 408 4, 085
James River and tributaries: |
Below Chickahominy River ........--.--- 3, 119 SOL a) te 58 Sale e aes 100, 379 17, 521
Between Chickahominy and Appomattox
TENGE oa oqsearsoacesesccodasesseauecosallsanosesaooe [pose o5aese|se05s5o|5o05905- 190, 791 18, 120
Above Appomattox River ............---.|------ SENG aeaesorsae Gosscon Meaesose 33, 385 2, 709
Chickahominye Rivers. aces seek esos see aera eee eae eeesce ‘a1, 800 $130 150, 953 11, 016
PAT POM AtLOX RAVE ee cee neon cnn a cere loco et eieeeee BE ek a Fae esa see ree 20, 254 1, 881
York River and tributaries:
SViork(River-cc cmos sence ser eineain see seeicaes 138, 895 12,890 | b590 64 182, 375 18,111
Pamunkey River - ao|\eoceasenoce|iSceusesane lenésesellosnssce¢ 184, 257 15, 208
Mattaponi River. . US Se cea a| eee eRe eee 1 ee 179, 916 17, 045
Mobjack Bay .....-.- -| 140,777 WBUOTE Weces ee |eccieseciel 140, 777 13, 874
Rappahannock River: |
Below Deep Creek ...-.-.....--.---------- 194, 067 UV Pah) \ls552055|soocae = | 194, 067 17, 579
From Deep Creek to Leedstown | 51,575 3, 923 |b1, 015 75 171, 080 13, 489
Leedstown and above............---.----- 16, 862 1, 414 c 58 8 52, 642 4, 303
Potomac River:
Below Mattox @reek.----.-c--+---+----4-- IO | TENGEYE onceas— ees sce: 168,470 | 18,295
AtboveiMattox Creeks oe ecacjec eewinei sien. | 49, 660 BiOa1e pees | seeaeiose 282, 355 24, 789
Oval sacoceaeete rine meee nae senate | 1, 871, 074 180, 197 | 3, 463 277 | 3, 203, 503 307, 055
a Hedges. b Fyke nets. c Fall traps.

CHESAPEAKE BAY IN VIRGINIA.

In Chesapeake Bay and tributaries are located the principal shad
fisheries of America, the annual yield approximating 5,000,000 in num-
ber, 40 per cent of the product on the entire Atlantic coast. This large
ageregation of shad, as well as many more of which we have no evi-
dence, annually passes through the 12-mile entrance between Capes
Charles and Henry, sending a detachment of 500,000 or more up James
River, an equal quantity up the York, nearly as many up the Rappa-
hannock, 1,250,000 in the meantime being caught on the shores of the
bay below Smith Point, thus reducing the number to 2,250,000 by the
time the mouth of the Potomac is reached. That river attracts about
750,000, leaving 1,500,000 to pass into the middle and upper waters of
Chesapeake Bay and tributaries. Each of these water areas or river

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. ii

basins and its fisheries will be separately described, leaving for the
present a notice of that portion of the bay proper located in Virginia.

Shad appear to pass up this water-course mainly along the western
shore, attracted, doubtless, by the fresh water from.the large tributaries
entering on that side, over 90 per cent of the total catch being obtained
on that shore. If conditions are such that during the early season the
waters of the rivers are warmer than those of the Chesapeake, large
runs of shad occur up the rivers. But if rains and melting snows send
down cold waters during April and May, then the shad remain longer
in the bay and large catches are made there. In this section of the
Chesapeake shad are taken almost exclusively by means of pound nets,
this being the location of the most extensive pound-net fishery on the
Atlantic coast. Within an area 70 miles long and 10 miles wide, cov-
ering the western side of the bay and the mouths of the tributaries
from the James to the Potomac rivers, there were set in the spring of
1896 738 pound nets, worth $185,025, taking 1,638,593 shad, worth
$156,950 at local prices. Of the above, 334 nets, taking 566,752 shad,
were located in the mouths of the various rivers, leaving 404 nets, with
a yield of 1,071,841 shad, as the number on the western shore of the
bay proper.

In the limits of Princess Anne County two pound nets were set in Lynn
Haven Roads, in 3 or 4 fathoms of water, one net being set off the head
of the other. They were very large, the leaders being 327 fathoms in
length, with 33-inch mesh, and the crib 50 by 60 feet with 24-inch mesh.
Fishermen from Norfolk County set two small nets on Craney Island
Flats, in Hampton Roads, a short distance west of Elizabeth River.
Of the pound nets in Elizabeth City County, 11 were located between
Newport News Point and Fort Monroe, and 62 between Fort Monroe
and Black River, in from 10 to 18 feet of water. Although not strictly
within the legal limits of those waters, it is advisable to list the pound
nets between Poquosin Flats and York Spit as in York River, since
shad taken in those nets have left the main body and are proceeding up
the York. For the same reason those nets between York Spit and New
Point are listed as in Mobjack Bay, and the 36 nets on the south side
of Rappahannock Spit outside of a line drawn from Windmill Point to
Stingray Point, the legal limit of Rappahannock River, are listed as
within that stream.

On the shore of Mathews County, from New Point to Stingray Point,
there were 93 nets set in from 10 to 24 feet of water. The remaining
234 pound nets on the west shore are located between Rappahannock
Spit and Smith Point on the shores of Lancaster and Northumberland
counties, in depths of water ranging from 12 to 40 feet. Pound nets
are more numerous in this section than on any other portion of the
Atlantic coast, there being 87 in 1896, in an area 6 miles long and 3
miles wide immediately below Smith Point. These nets were set mostly
in strings of 6 or 7 each, but sometimes many more, one string having
16 nets. The mesh is generally 44-inch, but a few nets are constructed

180 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

with 24-inch mesh for retaining alewives. The season extends from the
first or second week of March to the end of May. The largest catch of
shad in any one net was 12,130, obtained in the outer one of five set off
Taskmaker Creek; while the smallest catch was 200 shad taken in a
net set especially for alewives on the south side of Fleet Point.

On the eastern side of the Chesapeake 18 large pound nets situated
on the shore of Northampton County and 32 on the shore of Accomack
County, during the spring of 1896, caught a few shad. The catch by
those nets in Northampton County is usually very small, and especially
so in 1896, owing to the strong winds causing the fish to avoid that
shore more than usual. The nets in Northampton County are set quite
late, generally after the first week of April, when most of the shad have
passed by. During some seasons shad are taken on this shore in con-
siderable abundance. In 1885 2,600 were taken in one lift of a pound
net, whereas in 1896 the same net yielded only 780 shad during the
whole season. Of the 32 pound nets on the shore of Accomack County,
23 were set on Tangier Island and the remaining 9 on the east side of
Pocomoke Sound. The season begins about March 20, and the last
shad are taken about the end of June, the nets remaining in the waters
until the end of September, catching quantities of bluefish, squeteague,
Spanish mackerel, etc.

The following summary shows by counties the location and extent in
1896 of the pound-net fishery of that portion of the Chesapeake Bay
located in Virginia, not including the nets operated in Mobjack Bay or
at the mouths of York or Rappahannock rivers:

Pound nets. Boats. Men. Shad caught.
Counties. 4
No. | Value. | No. | Value. | No. No. Value.
| |
Western shore:
IPrinCessvAMNG) ye aciassiel-nicote sie neeie 2 $2, 500 1 $75 8 15, 000 $2, 300
INorfoliis Sascecccneneeessee ccksc see 2 500 2 75 2 7, 500 800
Mlizabeth (Cityeensce--- sce sso ees 73 20,975 | 101 2,525 | 105 163, 722 17, 541
MathewStancccseseceses scree oetsces 93 26, 270 60 6, 315 152 275, 452 26, 475
IGANCASTOM Mono erie ccm ee hem eect es 61 17, 543 41 4,490 66 149, 117 13, 253
Norohumberland secre ce cisemeleseeeiae 173 48,330 | 151 12,690 | 285 461, 059 42, 434
Eastern shore:
Northamptonvace-<erascceeace seen 18 11,100 24 1, 640 63 6, 831 716
PAICCOMACK cn ven isiemininsielcteie wislesclenicinc 32 3, 800 33 2, 355 46 29, 577 3, 369
MOA sss ajetere we eisisve mele rclevs sletaiajereiciels 454 131, 018 413 30, 165 727 1, 108, 249 106, 888

Nore.—The Gloucester County pound nets located in York River and Mobjack Bay, and the
Mathews County nets in Mobjack Bay, and the Lancaster County nets in Rappahannock River are
not included in the foregoing.

MOBJACK BAY.

On the western side of the Virginia section of Chesapeake Bay there
are 4 large coastal indentations which support important shad fisheries.
Of these, 3 are estuaries of rivers, viz, James, York, and Potomac.
The fourth, Mobjack Bay, receives the waters of a number of small
streams, as Severn, Ware, North, and East rivers, yet it is a side elon-
gation of Chesapeake Bay, 12 miles in length and 3 or 4 miles wide,
with depth of water ranging from 18 to 25 feet.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 181

Pound nets are the only apparatus used for taking shad, the number
in 1896 being 76. Of these, 27 were located on the northeast side of
the bay from New Point to the mouth of East River, and 49 on the
southwest side between York Spit light and the mouth of Severn River,
the nets on the north side of York Spit being listed as within this bay.
These pound nets differed in no particular from those used in the Uhes-
apeake, except that they were generally somewhat smaller, costing
about $200 each. Shad were fairly abundant, but about the middle of
March the fishing was injured by high winds, and the total catch for
the year was less than usual, numbering 72,852 roe shad and 67,925
bucks. The fishermen of Mobjack Bay, as well as those of the Chesa-
peake, complain of the extremely low prices received, the local value
of the 140,777 shad taken in this bay being only $13,874.

JAMES RIVER.

James River is formed by the junction of Jackson and Cowpasture
rivers in Botetourt County and empties into Chesapeake Bay about 20
miles from the ocean, the entire river and all its tributaries lying wholly
in Virginia. The total length, following its sinuosities, is about 335
miles, but in a straight line it is only 200 miles from the headwaters to
the mouth. In the lower portion the width ranges from 2 to 6 miles,
while from the entrance of the Chickahominy, 50 miles from the mouth,
to the entrance of the Appomattox the average width of the river is less
than 1 mile. At the entrance of the Appomattox the fluvial character-
istics begin, and thence to Richmond the banks are quite steep and the
course narrow and tortuous. The river is navigable for vessels drawing
16 feet to the head of tide water at Richmond, 111 miles distant from
the mouth. .

At Richmond there are numerous falls and rapids extending through
a rocky bed a distance of 3 miles, in which the total descent is about
84 feet, and in these rapids there are several dams, supplying power
to mills in Richmond and Manchester. These obstructions, however,
do not entirely block the upward passage of shad, being low and
extending only partly across the stream. Nine miles above Richmond
is Bosher’s dam, from 9 to 12 feet in height and 900 feet in length,
entirely crossing the channel, forming a barrier to the further ascent of
shad. If this dam were made passable, little benefit would be accom-
plished unless numerous other obstructions were similarly improved,
there being 14 dams from 9 to 16 feet high within the 200 miles above
Bosher’s dam.

Prior to the erection of these obstructions large numbers of shad
ascended as far as the junction of Jackson and Cowpasture rivers, and
were taken in considerable quantities in those two tributaries over 335
miles from Chesapeake Bay. According to Marshall McDonald, the
annual catch of shad between Richmond and Lynchburg was at one
time far in excess of the present yield for the entire river, and even in
the Valley of Virginia, west of the Blue Ridge, seine fisheries were

182 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

operated with profit. From April 1 to April 10, 1779, 2,200 shad were
taken in one seine located at Wood Island, 100 miles above Richmond.
At present few shad pass above the falls at Richmond, and practically
none go higher than Bosher’s dam.

The shad fish2ries of James River are naturally divisible into three
geographical sections, viz: (1) from the mouth of the river to the
entrance of Chickahominy River, this portion being strictly an arm of
the Chesapeake Bay; (2) from the Chickahominy to the entrance of
Appomattox River at City Point, and (3) from the Appomattox to the
foot of Bosher’s dam, 9 miles above Richmond. Of the 324,555 shad
taken in 1896, 100,379 were caught in the lower section, 190,791
between Chickahominy and the Appomattox, and 33,385 above the
Appomattox.

The principal form of apparatus below the Chickahominy is the stake
net, with an occasional pound net and seine. Between the Chicka-
hominy and the Appomattox drift nets and seines are used, and thence
to Richmond Falls the drift net is the only form of apparatus. In the
falls there are a number of traps which take a few shad.

From Chesapeake Bay to Chickahominy River.—On the lower section
of the James there were 84 strings of stake nets in 1896, each contain-
ing from 20 to 90 nets. The nets were each 30 feet long, from 40 to 70
meshes deep, with 5-inch mesh. The cost of the nets varies according
to the depth of water in which set. but averages about $60 for a string
of 50 nets, divided as follows:

Twinessol Ps apr1 DICONESVGACH « aislefotatale a lelelalainie a/a feral aatalel claletsiaayetoletamtclela oieitehetsiee $22. 50
Roles jolgatloicentseaeht ances eyo nse ses eerie ene eee eee meee 7. 65
Skinnineplepolesiatanconvs| CACH ee eee mace ce eee see noeee a eeaate deseo eee 3. 57
Sticking 5] polesiat20;centsieach'45- 6. ste = mene eee see eee een ee 10. 20
Hanping o0 nets|atill cents each! ssa. ase- sees eee eee eee ee eee 5. 50
Rings M00 atiGicents!each: jaccseto-cie ssbetemaee seek eee eee een eee ee 6. 00
Rope, 50 lbsat: 10 cents each) 2o=--- 22cm sons aoe ewaciee ceeciesiecwissececimenees 5. 00

MT Otal ccc atecee ses sje se ae Se cine Ses coerce ne eae oeeiacis Meee ee meee 60. 42

The strings of nets are set across the current on the sides of the
channel in depths ranging from 8 to 18 feet. The season begins during
the first week of March and ends about the last week of April. Fish-
ing could be extended several weeks later, but on account of the low
prices of shad and the deleterious effect of the warm water on the nets
it is not generally profitable. Even with less than two months’ fishing
it is usually necessary to replace the nets at least once. In the 84
strings operated in 1896, containing 3,898 stations, there were used in
all about 8,719 nets. The catch numbered 91,778 shad, of which 31,026,
or 33.8 per cent, were bucks, the small proportion being due to the large
mesh of the nets permitting them to pass through.

Just opposite Newport News, on either side of the channel, there were
three small pound nets, worth about $100 each, which caught a few
shad, the total yield being 3,119. These are the only pound nets used
on the James, there being an interdiction against their use in this
stream above Newport News.

Two seines were operated in 1896, one at Piney Grove in James City
County, ana the other at Swan Point in Surry County. These were

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 183

about 700 yards long, with 3-inch mesh in the bunt, and required the
services of 9 men each. The season began May 12 and ended about
the last of April, the catch of shad aggregating 5.482 in number, of
which 4,355 were bucks.

From Chickahominy to Appomattox.—On the middle section of James
River drift nets constitute the principal form of apparatus, yet a few
seines are used, and in the extreme lower end there were 8 strings of
stake nets in 1896. These strings, containing 235 nets, were operated
by men living at Claremont and Sandy Point, taking 9,928 shad. The
drift nets measure about 350 yards in length and 65 to 80 meshes deep,
with 5-inch mesh. Where the channel is narrow, as from Coggins
Point to City Point, this length is divided into two or three sections.
On the shoal grounds between Coggins Point and City Point a number
of shallow nets, 30 meshes deep, are used. These contain from 4 to 6
pounds of twine and are usually operated in two sections. Other than
in depth they resemble in every particular the nets used in the channel.
The total number of drift-net boats in the middle section of James
River in 1896 was 182, using 69,727 yards of twine, and the catch of
‘shad numbered 162,655, valued locally at $14,706.

Between the Chickahominy and the Appomattox there were formerly
many seine beaches, most of which are now abandoned on account of
the unprofitableness of the fishery and, in one or two cases, destruction
of the beaches by engineering operations tending to improve the navi-
gation of the river. In 1896 only four seine shores were operated, viz:
Harrison Landing, Beechwood, Coggins Point, and Flowerdew Hun-
dred. The seines were from 250 to 500 yards in length, with 24 and 22
inch mesh, and the yield of shad was 18,208, valued locally at $1,770.
The large proportion of bucks in the catch of these seines is somewhat
noticeable, numbering 13,385, or 73 per cent of the total yield, this
being due doubtless to the large quantity of roes caught in gill nets in
the lower part of the river.

From Appomattox to Bosher’s Dam.—Above the entrance of Appo-
mattox River drift nets are the only apparatus used in the James
River shad fisheries. The principal fishing centers are Bermuda Hun-
dred, Turkey Creek, and Deep Bottom, while a few nets are used above
Dutch Gap, in Cox and Graveyard reaches. Formerly drift nets were
used in Trent and Coal Yard reaches, situated in the loop of James
River around Farrors Island, but since the opening of Dutch Gap that
portion of the river has shoaled to such an extent that it is impracti-
cable to drift in it. On account of the narrowness of the channel the
nets above City Point are much shorter than those below, the length
ranging from 40 to 100 yards. Usually two nets are operated by each
boat, requiring the services of two men. The mesh is from 4 to 54
inches and the depth from 50 to 110 meshes. The season begins about
the last week of March, three or four weeks later than at the mouth of
the river, and closes about the end of May or firstof June. In 1896128
drift nets were used, the catch amounting to 33,385 shad, worth $2,709
at local valuation. Of this yield, 23,387, or 70 per cent, were bucks.

184 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In the falls at Richmond there are numerous finger or fall traps, in
which several hundred shad are taken annually while endeavoring to
pass above the rapids. At one time the number of these fall traps
exceeded 150, but the catch has been so small during recent years that
the worn-out traps have not been replaced.

Chickahominy River.—The Chickahominy, one of the finest shad
streams of the United States for its size, rises in Henrico County,
12 miles northwest of Richmond, and after flowing a distance of 60
miles empties into James River 50 miles from the Chesapeake Bay.
Windsor Shades bar, 27 miles from its mouth, is the present head
of navigation, a minimum depth of 8 feet existing to that point,
the width of the channel ranging from 100 to 250 yards. Thence to
Providence Forge, a distance of 5 miles, the channel is tortuous, 20 to
80 feet in width, flowing between low swampy banks, which open into
lagoons or bays of wide water. From Providence Forge to Long
Bridge, about 10 miles, the Chickahominy is a cypress swamp of from
one-half to 1 mile in width, intersected by a channel 20 to 50 feet wide.
Shad fisheries extend throughout the length of the Chickahominy, yet
they are most extensive in the vicinity of Lanexa. The total catch of
shad on this river in 1896 was 150,953, of which 131,643 were taken by
means of drift nets, 17,510 by seines, and 1,800 by “‘hedgings.” Of the
total yield 103,748, or 68 per cent, were bucks.

In the lower portion of the Chickahominy and in the vicinity of
Lanexa the drift nets contain each about 55 pounds of No. 50 twine,
55 to 60 meshes deep, with 5-inch mesh. From Winns Landing to
Providence Forge the nets contain from 14 to 2 pounds of twine, 45
meshes deep, with 42-inch mesh. The length of the 54-pound net aver-
ages 200 yards, and of the 13-pound net 70 yards. The length of twine
used by the 160 boats in 1896 measured 28,842 yards, one man being
required for each boat. The season began about March 10 and closed
some time near the middle of May. The yield was an average of recent
years, aggregating 131,643 in number, of which 40,777 were roes and
90,866 were bucks. Eight seines were used in the Chickahominy during
the same year, of which the largest, about 1,000 yards in length, was
operated at Ferry Point, near the mouth of the river. This seine, how-
ever, is not used especially for taking shad, that species forming only
a small proportion of the total catch. The lengths of the other seven
seines range from 260 to 175 yards and the mesh from 1? to 24 inches.
The aggregate value of the 8 seines was $1,155, the number of men
employed 43, while the total catch of shad numbered 17,510, worth
$1,297 at the local valuation.

A short distanee above Providence Forge, where the river is only a few
feet in width, there are three or four hedges or pockets, each consisting
of a crude dam, 2 or 3 feet high, permitting the passage of shad only
through the current passing through an opening therein. A fisherman
stands at this opening with a net in hand ready to lift out such fish as
may attempt the passage. At the hedges operated in 1896 1,800 shad

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 185

were taken. The greater proportion of the fish caught by this method
are either ripe or have already spawned.

Chickahominy River in the vicinity of Lanexa presents favorable
conditions for the establishment of an auxiliary shad hatchery. Within
a distance of 10 miles on either side of that station over 130,000 shad
are taken annually, of which about 45,000 are roes. If 3 per cent of
them are suitable for hatching purposes sufficient fertilized eggs would
be secured to support an extensive hatchery. Large supplies could
also be drawn from the James and the Pamunkey, each about 15 miles
distant from Lanexa. The ripe fish could be obtained very cheaply
and the shipping facilities are good, the main branch of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad passing along the river bank.

Appomattox River.—This river, the longest affluent of the James, rises
in Appomattox County, Va., and after flowing about 140 miles empties
into the James at City Point. Shad ascend only 13 miles to Petersburg,
their progress above that city being barred by numerous rapids and
dams. In a distance of 64 miles above the city there are 5 dams, each
from 24 to 8 feet high, and numerous falls and rapids, giving a total
descent of 110 feet. Shad are taken in the Appomattox by means of
drift nets and seines. The former are operated at Broadway, in Prince
George County, and at Covington Beach or Cat Hole, in Chesterfield
County, the total number of nets in 1896 being 46. These nets are
from 100 to 200 yards in length, 45 to 70 meshes deep, with 5-inch mesh,
and two men and one boat are required for each. The men live mostly
in Petersburg, camping on the shores during the season, paying the
owners for the privilege at the rate of one shad per week for each fish-
erman. The season begins the second week in March and continues
about two months. The catch during 1896 was 3,835 roe shad, 8,110
bucks, with‘a local valuation of $1,087.

The seines used in Appomattox River were located as follows: One
at City Point, one at Gatlin Beach, two at Covington Beach, and one
at the mouth of Swift Creek. They measure from 200 to 275 yards each
in length, about 80 meshes deep, with 24-inch mesh. The shore rental
paid for the five seines aggregates $225 annually. The season 1s coin-
cident with that of the drift nets in the same locality, and the aggregate
eatch of shad in 1896 was 8,309, valued locally at $794.

Tn the falls of the Appomattox just above Petersburg there are about
20 fall or finger traps, in which a few shad are taken with herring and
other species. The catch of shad is at present very much less than
it was twenty years ago, probably not exceeding 50 in 1896.

YORK RIVER.

York River is formed by the junction of Pamunkey and Mattaponi
rivers at West Point, and, following a southeasterly course for a dis-
tance of 41 miles, it unites with Chesapeake Bay about 16 miles north
of Fort Monroe. It is really an arm of Chesapeake Bay, with an
average width of about 14 miles, possessing no fluvial characteristics

186 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

whatever. The water of York River is brackish nearly to West Point,
oysters being planted within 6 miles of that town. Pound nets and
stake nets represent the principal forms of apparatus used in the shad
fisheries, and a few shad are taken incidentally in fyke nets and seines.
The catch of shad in 1896 was 182,375, of which the pound nets yielded
138,895, stake nets 42,640, fyke nets 590, and seines 250.

Of the pound nets 53 were set on the north side of the river, between
York Spit Light and Gloucester Point; 34 on the south side, near 'Toos
Point and Poquosin Flats, and 3 near Plum Point, at the head of the
river, making a total of 90 nets. Excepting the 3 near Plum Point and
23 on the shore of York County, all of these nets are owned in the south-
eastern portion of Gloucester County, mostly in the settlement known
as Guinea. They range in value from $50 to $500, averaging about $200
each, and with some repairs will last for several seasons. The depth of
water ranges from 10 to 20 feet, the leaders being set across the cur-
rent. Each fishing company has from 1 to 7 nets, and uses sailboats
averaging $100 in value, the total number of sailboats being about one-
half the number of pound nets used. The season begins the first week
in March and closes about the end of May, the greater part of the catch
being obtained during April. Of 5,243 shad taken in 4 pound nets in
1896 1,262 were obtained in March, 3,170 in April, and 811 in May.
The catch in 1896 was unusually small, the total yield of shad in the
90 pound nets being only 138,895, an average of 1,543 per net. The
largest yield for any one net was 4,380. In addition to this species, the
pound nets take alewives, Spanish mackerel, squeteague or sea trout,
bluefish, croakers, pompano, ete.

The stake nets in York River are located on both sides of the chan-
nel from Cappahosack to West Point, but most abundantly between
Potopotank Creek and Plum Point, being set in rows of from 10 to 20
nets in from 11 to 14 feet of water. The nets are 6 to 9 yards long, 35
meshes deep, with 5-inch mesh. They last only about three weeks, two
settings being required for each season. The season begins about
March 1, although most of the nets are not out until the middle of that
month, and closes the third or fourth week of April. Nearly all of the
fishermen are also farmers, and agricultural operations shorten the fish-
ing season. In 1896 58 boats engaged in this fishery, using 990 stake
nets, 6,461 yards in length, and the catch aggregated 28,232 roe shad,
worth $3,949, and 14,408 bucks, worth $1,185. Except sufficient for
local use, all the catch was sent to Baltimore by the steamers running
between that port and West Point.

During the past season two fishermen from Indiantown, on the
Pamunkey River, attempted to take shad with drift nets in the narrow
portion of York River between Gloucester Point and Yorktown, where
the width is a trifle over a half mile. Their nets were 200 yards long,
65 meshes deep, with 5-inch mesh. After working about ten days with-
out success they abandoned their attempt. It should be noted that the
depth of water in this portion of York River is 80 feet or more, whereas
the nets used were only about 15 feet deep.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 187

Pamunkey River.—This river, which takes its name from a tribe of
Indians, the remnant of which is yet engaged in shad fishing in its
waters, is formed by the junction of the North Anna and South Anna
rivers a short distance above Hanover Court-House, whence it flows
a distance of 100 miles to its union with the Mattaponi at West Point.
It is navigable, during eight or nine months of the year, for vessels
drawing 5 or 6 feet of water, as far as Wormley Landing, 54 miles above
West Point. Above Wormley Landing the river is tortuous, much
obstructed by logs and brush, and from 40 to 120 feet wide. Shad
ascend the Pamunkey in considerable numbers throughout its length,
but are taken in greatest abundance in the lower 30 miles. Of the
184,257 shad caught in 1896 180,642 were taken by means of drift nets,
2,334 by seines, and 1,281 in stake nets.

The drift nets are operated throughout a distance of 43 miles from
the mouth of the river, and principally for a distance of 10 miles below
and the same distance above Lester Manor, 24 miles from York River.
The drift nets below Williams Ferry average 150 yards in length, 55
to 70 meshes deep, with 47 or 5 inch mesh. Above Williams Ferry the
length ranges from 130 to 75 yards andthe depth from 50 to 355 meshes.
Below Williams Ferry. two or three nets are carried by each boat,
requiring the services of two men. Above that point, where the fishing
is for local use exclusively, each boat has but one net, and in some
instances but one man. When more than two nets are used the extra
nets are old ones, which can be used only during weak tide or slack
water. A total of 330 nets, 51,341 yards in length, were used by the
153 boats in 1896, the catch numbering 180,642 shad, for which the
fishermen received $14,911. Below White House the season begins
during the first week of March and closes some time in May, depending
on the run of fish and the market price. At some landings the stur-
geon fishery or agricultural operations shorten the season. Above
Williams Ferry the season begins during the third and fourth week of
March and closes about the 10th or 15th of May.

Several rows of stake nets are set in the extreme lower end of the
Pamunkey during March and April. These are similar to the nets in
the upper portion of York River, and their catch in 1896 was only 1,281
shad. There were two seines operating in this river during the past
year, one at Smith Ferry and the other at Sweet Hall, distant 21 and
244 miles respectively from the mouth of the river. The former was
distinctively a shad seine, while the latter was used also for alewives,
striped bass, etc. The yield of shad by the two seines was 2,334, of
which 1,490 were bucks. Very few were taken in the upper one of these
seines, it being shoal, and during the work of deepening it the shad
passed by. In the narrows of the Pamunkey, near Hanover Court-
House, there are several “ hedgings,” which take a few shad each year,
probably not exceeding 500. It does not appear that shad pass above
Hanover Court-House in any considerable numbers, and probably none
are taken in South Anna and North Anna rivers.

188 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

There are few places south of Potomae River better adapted to
shad-hatching operations than the Pamunkey between Hill’s Landing
and White House Station. Within a river length of 16 miles, the dis-
tance in a straight line approximating 6 miles, there were in 1896 109
drift-net boats, taking 154,072 shad, and two seines taking 2,334 shad,
a total of 156,406. Of these 70,383, or 45 per cent, were roe shad, of
which about 14,000 were taken after April 20. It is reported that 10
per cent of -the roe shad taken after April 20 are suitable for fertiliza-
tion, making a total of 1,400 that may be used for this purpose. This
does not include the ripe fish that may be obtained prior to April 20,
nor the number that may be drawn from the Mattaponi, 6 to 8 miles
distant, or the Chickahominy, within 15 miles, each of which would
yield nearly, if not quite, as many as the Pamunkey. ‘This section of
the stream is bordered by the West Point branch of the Southern Rail-
way, giving convenient shipping facilities.

Mattaponi River.—The Mattaponi rises in Spottsylvania County,
and after flowing a distance of over 120 miles unites with Pamunkey
River at the head of York River. The lower 60 miles from the mouth
to Aylett is navigable and has considerable traffic. From Aylett to
Mundy’s Bridge, a distance of 26 miles, the channel is obstructed by
logs, drift, and overhanging trees, yet it is navigated by rafts and
small boats. The Mattaponi is not quite so large or so deep as the
Pamunkey, but is otherwise quite similar, and there is even less differ-
ence in the extent and characteristics of the shad fisheries of the two
streams. As on the Pamunkey, drift nets and haul seines are the
means of capture, the yield by the former apparatus being by far the
greater.

The drift nets are similar in every particular to those used on
Pamunkey River, except that they are somewhat longer, with a smaller
number to each boat, the length of the 262 nets on this stream in 1896
ageregating 46,601 yards. The total catch by the 153 boats num-
bered 169,799, valued locally at $16,290. While a large portion of this
catch is sold locally, most of it is sent by boat or hauled across land to
the West Point branch of the Southern Railway, and thence shipped
to Richmond and other distant markets.

The seven haul seines on the Mattaponi were used at the following
points: Savage’s, Walkerton (2 seines), Gathney’s, Bugley’s, and Jones
Landing in King and Queen County, and at Pointer Landing in King
William County. They range in length from 280 yards to 50 yards, the
mesh being 24 inches. The season begins generally during the first
week of April and extends to about the end of May; but at Savage,
16 miles above West Point, the season is somewhat earlier than this.
The total catch by the above seven seines was 10,117 shad, the smallest
for anumber of years. There were formerly several small seines above
Pointer Landing, as well as at other places on the Mattaponi, but they
have given way to the cheaper and more effective drift nets.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 189

RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER.

This river rises on the eastern slope of Blue Ridge Mountains, in
Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, and crosses the fall line at Fred-
ericksburg, the head of navigation, 106 miles from its mouth, following
the course of the river. The fluvial characteristics extend only about
40 miles below the fall line and the lower 50 miles is really an arm of
Chesapeake Bay. About 2 miles above Fredericksburg there is a dam
900 feet long and 18 feet high, built in 1860 and used for developing
water-power, which completely blocks the upward passage of fish.

In describing the shad fisheries of the Rappahannock, the river is
naturally divisible into three sections: (1) from the mouth to Deep
Creek, the boundary line between Lancaster and Richmond counties, 26
mniles; (2) from Deep Creek to the boundary line between Westmore-
land and King George counties, 45 miles; (3) thence to Fredericksburg,
36 miles.

From Chesapeake Bay to Deep Creek.—The lowest of these three sec-
tions is purely an arm of the Chesapeake, the width ranging from 4 to
24 miles. Pound nets, which constitute the only form of apparatus
used for taking shad, were introduced in this locality in 1872, and their
use has increased each year, the number employed in 1896 being an
even 100, valued at $23,462. Fifty-seven of these were located at the
extreme end of the north side of the river between Windmill Point
Light and Windmill Point Creek, the depth of water ranging from
10 to 25 feet. The remaining 43 nets were located as follows: Twelve
between Mosquito Point and the mouth of Corrotoman River, and 12
between the Corrotoman and Deep Creek on the north side; and on
the south side, 8 near the mouth of the river and 11 between Urbanna
Créek and Parrott Creek. The difference in the number of nets set on
the north and south side of the river—81 and 19 respectively—is quite
remarkable, due to the rough water and fewer fish on the south side.

The mesh in the heart of the pound nets is generally 44 inches, but a
few of the nets have 24-inch mesh, for retaining alewives also. The
latter species are so cheap, however, that very few fishermen in this
region bother with them. Each pound-net company has from 2 to 7
nets, requiring the services of an equal or greater number of men, and
one or two sailboats, worth from $50 to $400 each, and one or two row-
boats. The total number of men engaged in operating the 100 pound
nets was 116, using 43 sailboats, valued at $6,321, and 31 rowboats,
worth $690.

The season began during the last week of March and closed about
the first of June, the greater portion of the catch being obtained from
April 10 to May 10. The total catch was 194,067 shad, valued locally
at $17,579. Of these, 46 per cent were roe shad and 54 per cent bucks.
The pound nets also caught about 500,000 alewives and quantities of
squeteague, bluefish, sturgeon, etc.

Hxcept such as are sold locally the yield of shad in the pound nets,

190 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

as well as in other apparatus set in the Rappahannock, is sent to Balti-
more by the daily steamers serving that river.

From Deep Creek to Layton.—In the second of the three sections of
Rappahannock River, covering Essex, Richmond, and Westmoreland
counties, the forms of apparatus used are stake nets, pound nets, drift
nets, seines, and fyke nets. The total catch of shad in 1896 was 171,080,
valued locally at $13,489, of which 104,118 were taken in stake nets,
51,575 in pound nets, 7,580 in drift nets, 6,792 in seines, and 1,015 in
fyke nets.

The pound nets in this section are much smaller than those near the
mouth of the river, averaging in value $125 each against $235 near the
mouth. They are usually set singly, but occasionally two and even
three are set in one string, especially between Sharp’s wharf and Tap-
pahannock. Along the northeast side of the river there were 63 pound
nets, 52 on the shore of Richmond County and 11 on the Westmoreland
shore. On the opposite side—the Essex County shore—there were 37
pound nets, making an even 100 nets for this section of the Rappahan-
nock. The catch was smaller than for several years preceding. Three
pound nets set near Sharp’s wharf caught 4,442 shad in 1895 and 3,872
in 1896, 764 of the latter being obtained in one day. The total yield in
1896 was 51,575, valued at $3,923, 38 per cent of these being roes.

All the stake nets on Rappahannock River are located in this section,
and they extend throughout the 38 miles from Deep Creek to Leeds-
town. They are 8 or 9 yards long, 10 to 20 feet deep, with 43 to 5 inch
mesh, of linen twine, and must be renewed each season, if not more
frequently. They are set in strings of 10 to 30 nets on the sides of the
channel at intervals of a few hundred feet. The total number in use in
1896 was 3,263, aggregating 27,164 yards in length, the yield of shad
numbering 104,118, valued locally at $8,242. The stake-net season
began about March 20 and ended the last of April, the greater portion
of the yield being obtained during the first two weeks of April. Com-
paring the stake-net fishery of the Rappahannock with that of James
River, it appears that the yield in the latter stream was 101,706 shad,
or 2,412 less than in the former. But the value of the catch in the
James was $18,524, over twice that of the Rappahannock, the difference
being due principally to the season in the James being nearly three
weeks earlier than in the latter stream.

The drift nets in the middle section of Rappahannock River are oper-
ated in the extreme upper end thereof above Leedstown. They average
over 200 yards in length, 5-inch mesh, 60 meshes deep, and cost about
$20 each, 2 nets being used by each boat, which requires the services
of 2men. The season extends from the last week in March to the first
of May. The catch of the 9 drift-net boats in 1896 was 7,580 shad,
worth locally $571, of which 40 per cent were roes, the percentage being
greater than for several years preceding.

Two shad seines were used on the shore of Essex County, one at Mal-
lory Point and the other at Port Tobacco, at distances of 46 and 71

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 191

miles, respectively, from the mouth of the river. These seines were 450
and 800 yards long, respectively, with 2 and 24 inch mesh, and required
the services of 6 or 7 men each. The season extended from the last
week of March to the end of May, and at the lower beach 815 shad were
taken, of which 585 were bucks, while at the upper one the yield of shad
was 5,977, of which 3,791 were bucks. Both of these seines are also
used throughout the year for taking other fish. Prior to 1885 a hatch-
ery was operated on the opposite side of the river from the Port Tobacco
seine, utilizing the eggs therefrom.

A few shad are taken during March and April in the fyke nets set
near Tappahannock. Hight nets were used in 1896 worth $190, and the
yield of shad numbered 1,015, of which 460 were roes and 555 bucks.

From Tobago Bay to Fredericksburg.—The upper end of the navigable
portion of Rappahannock River consists of a tortuous stream, 36 miles
in length, 50 to 250 yards wide in its upper 28 miles, broadening out at
its lower end, and terminating in two small bays—Nanzatico and
Tobago—a mile or more across. The counties bordering this section
are King George, Caroline, Stafford, and Spottsylvania. Drift nets,
pound nets, and seines are used for taking shad, and at the extreme
upper limit, in Falmouth Falls above Fredericksburg, there are several
fall or finger traps. The drift nets and pound nets are used from
Tobago Bay to Hop Yard, the lower 17 miles, and the seines are used
at the two extremities. Of the 52,642 shad obtained in 1896, 32,774
were caught by drift nets, 16,862 by pound nets, 2,948 by seines, and
58 by fall traps.

The drift nets measure from 75 to 100 yards in length, 30 to 52 meshes
deep, with 5-inch mesh, and cost from $12 to $20 each. Near Port
Royal the season begins about the second or third week of March and
lasts about two months. In the short drifts, fishing is prosecuted only
during slack water. When the water is clear fishing is restricted to
the night time, but when it is muddy the fishermen operate mostly
during theday. Of the 32,774 shad taken by these nets in 1896, 19,941,
or 61 per cent, were bucks.

The pound nets in the upper section are very small, averaging about
$65 in value each. Excepting two strings just below Oaken Brow, one
containing 4 and the other 3 nets, all of the pound nets are set singly.
An average of $10 is paid for shore rental for each net. The season
extends throughout the months of April and May, and about 5 per cent
cf the catch is reported as being ripe roe shad. The total catch of shad
by the 31 pound nets numbered 16,862, valued locally at $1,414, of which
6,285 were roes.

A 500-yard seine, with 24-inch mesh and 8 feet deep, was operated on
the upper side of Tobago Bay in 1896, taking 2,892 shad from March 20
to May 20. In addition to this seine there were two others, 150 yards
in length each, with 24-inch mesh and 6 feet deep, operated on the Staf-
ford County shore, opposite Fredericksburg. Very few shad were taken
in these two seines, the total number being 56, of which 49 were bucks.

192 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

In the falls of the Rappahannock above Fredericksburg and adjacent
to Falmouth there are 19 fall or finger traps, which take many alewives
and a few shad, the number of the latter in 1896 approximating 58, of
which 38 were bucks. There are no shad whatever reported from this
stream above Falmouth Falls.

POTOMAC RIVER.

Although the Potomac River forms the boundary line between Vir-
ginia and Maryland, it is located wholly within the limits of the latter
State. By acompact made in 1785 a right of fishery in this river exists
in common between citizens of the two States, citizens of Virginia enjoy-
ing equal privileges with those of Maryland. This makes it convenient
to describe the shad fisheries of both sides of the river at the same
time, and as the river is situated wholly in the limits of Maryland, this
discussion is placed in the chapter on the shad fisheries of that State
(page 199). It will suffice to note in this place that the yield of shad
on the Potomac during 1896 numbered 684,063, of which 450,825, worth
$45,084, were taken by residents of Virginia.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF MARYLAND.

The extent, by water areas, of each branch of the shad fisheries of
Maryland in 1896 is presented in the following series of three tables,
showing (1) the number of persons employed, (2) the boats, apparatus,
etc., used, and (3) the number and value of shad taken.

Statement, by water areas, of the number of men employed in each branch of the shad
fisheries of Maryland wn 1896.

Number of fishermen. Total,
= exclu-
a a .| Shores-) Trans-
Waters. ill-net. | sive of lel :
Gil Reine: Pound-| Fyke- leat. dupli- men. |porters. otal
Drift.| Stake. nets | net. | net, | cation.
Chesapeake Bay:
Below Swan Point—
Eastern Shore ..--..-..|.....- G45 Seen Pa Beene |boaoce ( Eeseeescs seods o6- 91
AVERSA Cisse 554) bases) Geresos asceeoe TOuliscesome lacomen 76) '|asce cece eeeeceee 76
Above Swan Point—
Eastern Shore ..-.-..-.. 310 101 110 STAC eet ce loaeac 548 24: |S aeeee | 572
Western Shore.....--. DOUGH Feeeeae 206 Ci lgasoeee Waesec 420 247 13 | 680
Potomac Riven] ...-4. ss. 241 | Semaine 87 GH eercters 25 469 39 | 4 512
Patuxent River..--..-..... 1 ea 47 Dao E ne eclene nies CUES cece I paberpetchene 90
Pocomoke River ......-.-. 36 Iecmecte 77 Reese 4 191 258) laacicmiaclen eee 253
Wicomico River .......... 180 19 20 6 CT eee 230) 2. bi 5 Sa eee 230
Nanticoke River-.......... 146 BP Beanoes 20 DAS AS a Pa SEES eeisc oo | 210
Marshyhope Creek ...-- (OM eee nee 40 eae onS secece Was A ee Ihtealane ate 125
HIS DIN PED Age een an)-einenloie Needose PL NSoacco0c 8) og nodad|leaaace 23 |..-.---- }eoussisis 23
TransquakanoyRivercer|--\- os |anc- ee -feemcie sl DAN ase 40 G4) 220 Se ee 64
Blackwater River ...... | BOUeacetecieseeeee QT, lisewesecl| =eaams PM Geapoese seeoces: 62
Choptank River ..-..-.--. | 236 68 71 135 CG] beeee 490) |-RoWsaoe Jes ese2e- 490
Tuckahoe Creek......-. le eer Dig eee cry 44 8 (Sanco 197 oc sock kee 127
St. Michael River......... eee (ii) Pee es Pats 3 0 eae Ol sce ee. ee? 60
Chester River............- | 4 109 65 61 BS leeee se 9663): 2.26.5 cone 266
Sassatras"Riversccaceaccos |ewce celle ceacellcss cre 4 ZL bos carslesense 7) I RPE ES cre 21
UK GRIVOE tot temas ot cu ltesisien (semiecs cll estas TW esse leeaeee 85 |. eek ana] eee ere 85
Susquehanna River....--. 1) “Og /Ser sees CL eSecB eee a9 8} 406 71 |-caenees | 477
Nota esse. scaseseae 1, 663 474 | 1,009 | 689 93 264 4,116 881 | 17 4,514
|

a@ Fall-trap.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

193

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of

Maryland in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets. Pound nets.
Waters. = —_-———-
No Value.| No. |Length.| Value. | No. Length.| Value.| No. | Value.
Chesapeake Bay:
Below Swan Point— Yards Yards.
Eastern Shore .....-.-..- 58) |) $5 030) cetera [eeeeeerats | o='siclale are 154 | 5,580) $616 | 22 | $4,215
Western Shore ..........! FOR SE snes2.c) 2cccotudAOEedLod ecened boneoops eepane. 86 | 11, 224
Above Swan Point—
Eastern Shore .....-... -; 191 | 10,988 | 433 |138, 680 |$11, 154 |1, 322 | 32,900 | 3,745 | 63] 3,885
Western Shore ..-.-.---- 186 | 38, 410 654 |110, 350 eR aa eea| |\Sopeceas eboeoS 6 900
Potomac River .----20-...--- TOS M i> GOs 5s Se ose Ce im Osea On |foretaseta(ai|felaiataletetetell esieaterete 131 | 8,175
Patuxent River....---..--..-. 43 975 18 | 1,205 SGe| Retetore =| testes siete ieaeie ae 33 | 4,116
Pocomoke River. .-..-.--.----- 126 729 40 | 2,180 BPP4 Nem eclanonconol ostacs|boaee||tioscons
Wicomico River .<..--..-... 194} 1,470) 307 | 20,040} 2,884 70 | 1,400 290 5 470
Nanticoke River.............- 109 | 2,459] 151 | 22,429 3,376) 282) 3,788 684 | 26) 2,635
Marshyhope Creek.....--.- 51 485 75 | 7,160 G12 See erse| aries] weno 12 380
BNshing Bayi.---2-c.-ceeee- 16 S00 Leeeeeloereee sit. oc oes 388 | 6,930| 459] 4 260
Transquaking River. .-.--.-. 42 GYD scm ecialleoeeciicd soodascdleonecc|iosonedad| benonss a29 | 1,495
Blackwater River:...--...- 53. 490 46 | 1,840 MBAR |. ceed oll Sateteinre cialis = crete 39} 1,575
Choptank River ....--.-....- 244 | 3,981 | 454 | 35,990 | 4,704 |1,469 | 23,280 | 2,500 | 185 | 11, 851
Tuckahoe Creek.-.........- 57 659 LTE Sele et 40 |e cremalln. accel creme elec 9 290
St. Michael River......:.--.- 31 Git Bestest bet coee laeeaones 92 | 3,690 275) Vtocciiseetaare
ChestereRivenys ..sse00-5-> 55 141 | 2,718 2 290 45 | 178] 7,020 963 | 081 | 5,515
ASSAM TABU RIVOD Sse -< cc s<0.0 = 14 GU) eSsccd Pe desdod oensdeed laesecd) Hedockad badaace 631} 1,810
IRSA OD re oniatsieicis eimicisie <a'eleie.2 AU RA 268N hese e anak anal aeiceeh el saacec|ssciiceaa | taremee 6139 | 8,020
Susquehanna River...-.....-. NASW 24 490s 223) 1328:/672) 1 (3.403) |e ce oocle cece cmeleeeemee came eee see
PO tates cis oss -eiee sce 11,976 |104, 492 |2, 638 |472,138 | 44, 464 |3,955 | 84,588 | 9,532 | 901 | 66, 816
Seines. Fyke nets. | Bow nets.
Waters. mee Total
No.|Length.| Value. | No.) Value. | No.| Value. | erty. wate
Chesapeake Bay:
Below Swan Point— Yards
HAS LELMN SHOT On ee sere (s a 'cinic« aiera='aici-va'slle aisle sietetoine eta | aa aypeatereceioe[eeecere cell gaclscecesesl! — Eta) HYG 274 |
Wiesterm SHOLG.s.5-ssce cence =ae|= BES posed eacaeoed ord teaceccs| Ir bed doccecoc 925 | 15, 71%
Above Swan Point—
PMASTOPNS ROTEOScceccclcecaecieisaeen a 2 AOON | PS3, S00) eerie oaielasie ere |= saglscsedoac 4,130 | 37,152
IWieSTeRMU SOLO. 2.20 ncn. <cienie- = 3: Oye OUON eee nO Om leerca|ertatstettte bie cfictteieiereters 17,575 | 73,910
IPOLOMACHRAVER sap ec a sens -2 cciccmsosa ss Bnle Mavs |b. sad] seopae na 3 $6 | 5,100 | 30, 456
Patuxent River 1,700 } 1,815 Sab eASbaralls aod|seoaéb aS 653 7, 744
Pocomoke River 462 194 | 16 $204 | 97 505 871 2, 825
Wicomico River 630 330 | 36 SHY) Seal ibocaeaas 1, 844 7, 687
INEMMDICOKOMN VODs mecca nteies semis eee ars)|= Bae Cnet ee serie ae 143 | 2,495 Ses llatSiarercteree 1,105 } 12,754
Marshyhope Creek...........-.....- 8 545 ZO) aes lbasorese|busclicacgodes 2, 970 5, 157
LETH Eye oe oetooe aes BES OCpencongss Ae dlooettsc5||acno6rellscor|beaq4scslle SodleobocncS 85 1, 694
(nA RG Wel chy o ithe) e 3-Be S53 coceceocos|oseoleceseoes|bocesoce|ac dcllossaqoos 20 90 80 2, 255
Blac kewabePRiVer. 2 soese cise sce acien|lszis) ciseclemice see osc = aaasebokel!5 iayl| wisiteeicles 130 2, 379
Ghoptaniceivensas seca saa sce 1, 460 /°23 PBN ede |sseoncoe 7,148 | 31,880
pinekahoo Creekisc- ss. 52sec sale 900 | 34 GIS | eediceoscece 3, 940 7, 243
Sins MOO RY LING Banssermonceeereseasa peac |Gpsacaed aeondbosls CR Ege ee apd bates 80 910
WHESGERMRIV eR ae sess Jace cece nee ecine BO |e) Geb) eas ioesaa\ ee 1,050 | 13,173
RESP RH MIGl Gupoaeanoo nora CHOSSE ce BEE clnaocasea coGeorbals EO Ne Secs eters Tacseees 315 2, 465
BURWRIVOR tree tence ce os cece tiece ae cee sama emleceere le leiaigatecrs US mmtle ec cee cee eer es cide cas 710 | 10,998
Susquehanna River.......-..-. 5, 000 |e15 600 | 8 24} 38,953 | 37,470
RO Dale eaiseciieteccicn-ieesisiasieecss 25, 816 |c15 600 |128 625 | 53,524 | 311, 092
335 | 5,223 :

aIncludes 12 ‘stick weirs.’’ b Not set specially for shad, and some catch very few of that species.

F. R. 98——138

ce Fall traps or pots.

194 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement, by water areas, of the yield of shad in each form of apparatus employed in the
Jisheries of Maryland in 1896.

Drift nets. | Stake nets. Seines Pound nets.
Waters.
No. Value. No. |Value.| No. | Value No. | Value.
Chesapeake Bay:
Below Swan Point—
MASternl ShOTO/ssse cele sc o-)|202c2s0c:-| 00sec nice 4, 620 EarskO ae Snaooe Senanane 25,160 | $3,570
IWiOSTOMMISHOLG renee al casicaw ince |c ana Seemclsseseecinaleeomeore teen ees near oa ee 134,119 | 18,347
Above Swan Point—
Eastern Shore ........---- 132, 480 | $12,210 | 36,779 | 2,974 | 16,480 | $1,895 7, 595 825
Western Shore ......----- 109 4230 |! TOUS |e sce ile eee 17,142 | 2,169 2,244 274
IROUOTHACHRIV OL. -saeiae ee ine = -i- 136,880); D;459) |Pe oso eee meme ae 44,060 | 3,382 | 51,698 5, 533
PatixXenbRLVCL = s-s222 5-2 ei 19, 700 DOT Nateo eae sel sete 24,375 | 2,680 8, 279 910
Pocomoke River ..---.-..------ 3, 198 AOD lace, </2Ss\eie12\| meee ate 2, Dat Bi il Beemer aso pcoess.s 2
Wicomico River -..---.------- 45, 398 5, 442 4, 725 734 4, 054 452 | 12,536 1, 667
Nanticoke River ..--.-..-.-.--.- 62, 876 BSG a 7s 660s ac nOllia pete ae -taal| reece 35, 303 3, 022
+» Marshyhope Creek ...-.....- 24, 920 7 \isaosopoon||SH-Qsme- 7, 180 823 6, 550 676
OG hys IE yrCe Ae Sa eae nereaoocel Sqeosaeee sear ecaes 8, 165 OOM Ws Sija cee =| eleem ater 1, 625 183
TransqmakinGARIVelsecsce:--|--~\s-eses| assess ae|le ooen nea leecesaee|e se eee es |oecee eee 12, 094 1, 133
Blackwater River -..-.------- 3, 700 429 asec ea|oscee aes feonsie cee leeesaais 4 9, 460 1, 051
Choptank River .......-----. 80, 591 8,541 | 35,275 | 3,813} 45,050 | 5,183 | 114,758 | 11,811
Tuckahoe Creek... --:-5- 39, 670 Cee aS ecalloooncous 22,195 | 2,295 283 27
StilichaelRiver <2 sces sect: [Been aees-| fers cece 2, 215 423. |sssee02e02) 2220202. | Soc oddone eee
@hestersRiver =< ----5-2 -- 275 50 | 19,590 | 3,223 9,933 | 1,526 | 21,319 2, 826
NASSAIPASHRIVED soo ese ome neelese cises sella naw ciel ie caters cate Semele sete lk care eects | mermiaineres 1, 290 166
BURN OR a siencees Geiee acicceslaesalscbea| ceo se atin ess eettenl Sees seet boa cccewclber sae 5, 244 637
Susquehanna River........... 35, 540 Cty A al ete el ates Tee 30,345: | (3; 729" |. case e al eee
Potallate.ceuceecee sees 695,651 | 68,875 | 129,034 | 14,959 | 223,351 | 24,499 | 449,567 | 52, 658
Fyke nets. Bow nets. Total.
Waters.
No. | Value.| No. |Value.| No. Value.
iv oak De Geet a |
Chesapeake Bay:
Below Swan Point—
MAStOEINS NOLO cece Sate = Gate laterals nites corse temas coats | ee ee eee saree ene 29, 780 $4, 356
NWiestermiShoreven asc smes cose sce ctaeeh cine oe lee m ctorce el Nees einai lene ee | mean noes 134, 119 18, 347
Above Swan Point—
ASSN S MOTO > sence cere c/<sels alelsieje seinias sete [eee mepeeecllicra cio lora lesen el oe mreeree | 194, 334 17, 904
NVOS Tern SHOTreys sc sc caine ce neck mae ones ote |simee eee ole ence co See eee | aeemee 128, 809 14, 204
IROCOMACH RIV OR. Samm acme ae eecieteece sae ee Hee es) | Se eens aimee eee 600 $150 233, 238 20, 524
Patuxent Rivers setts sone. ssa oe ae aes yee] see Sera Senaias crema lemme 52, 354. 5, 867
OcomokepRiverseccss cc sotoe | Saisteciee teste peace 205 $32 | 23,812 3, 416 29, 752 4, 304
WWilcomiCOBRiVvelcceecst acta oe eee ewe aaeoae 1, 302 TS5p | Remecae saree 68, 015 8, 480
Nanticoke iver! -jcsce somes nes soclnd se cine eee 9, 337 | AS Resets sed ice tescie 125, 181 11, 648
Marshyhope\ Creeks caaoss5 22 secs nese bee aa eesee Josescosa|Essscpco||sacses 38, 660 3, 865
Mis bin GuB aye te eens = tae cee eee Sees see si] Nmene ccs senate Meine oe | memeeeer 9, 790 1, 174
MPransquakanewRiver: sacccetseecnscecs secs | once stems cee cineee 1, 600 154 13, 694 1, 287
JE Yel ange hisiel BOK) Mem EEe eater ntinn Soe be al [eet reae SearGoad be aaaoee lasoacses 13, 160 1, 480
ChoptankwRiver <2. = sesse sees cieites aoe see 402 Boil Gee bel oroosee 276, 076 29, 386
Tuckahoe River 62, 344 6, 424
St. Michael River OPAL 423
Chester River .--......... 53, 507 7,918
Sassatras vere -ccece- os. - ose 1, 290 166
HT ORAV Obie ae oe aaa aian ole Sans ease Sates See | 5, 244 637
Susquehanna River 5 69, 488 8, 157
TUN EA sae ae eee RL ee eae ees ame 15,835 | 1,620 | 27,612 | 3,940 | 1,541,050 | 166,551

a Fall traps or pots.

CHESAPEAKE BAY IN MARYLAND.

Chesapeake Bay extends northward into the State of Maryland a
distance of 120 miles, running to within 12 miles of the northern bound-
ary, dividing the State into two large portions, the Eastern Shore and
Western Shore. It is from 4 to 20 miles wide and covers an area of
976 square miles, but, including its numerous tributaries up to the limit
of tide water, it covers an area of 2,359 square miles within Maryland

limits.

The depth is from 3 to 18 fathoms, and the water is salty,

except in the northern portion above Swan Point, where it becomes

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 195

somewhat brackish. A number of important rivers enter this bay from
either side, and Susquehanna River enters at the northern end, con-
tinuing the separation of the two shores of Maryland and draining a
large area of Pennsylvania.

At its entrance into Maryland, Chesapeake Bay receives each year
2,250,000 or more shad, of which about 750,000 pass up the Potomac,
330,000 proceed up the Pocomoke and Tangier Sound tributaries, 50,000
up the Patuxent, 350,000 up the Choptank and tributaries, 50,000 up
the Chester, 650,000 in the meantime being taken on the shore of the
Chesapeake and its smaller tributaries, leaving 70,000 or more to pass
up into the Susquehanna. These figures include only the shad that are
taken by the fishermen, and not those otherwise destroyed or that
escape these fatalities and return to the sea, as to the number of which
no estimate can be formed. The shad fisheries of each of the several
. tributaries of the Chesapeake will be separately described, leaving for
the present chapter a notice of the fisheries of the bay proper. Many
of the shad obtained in the bay are taken in the lower and middle por-
tions, but the great bulk of the catch is taken in the extreme upper
end.

Because of the differences in the physical characteristics, in the forms
of apparatus used, and also in the seasons at which shad are taken
_ therein, it is desirable in treating of the Chesapeake fisheries to sepa-
rate them into two geographical sections, the first covering the lower
three-fourths or more of the bay, from the Virginia line to Swan Point,
and the second including that part above Swan Point, which is at
the north side of the mouth of Chester River and opposite Patapsco
River.

From the Virginia line to Swan Point.—This portion of Chesapeake
Bay is 90 miles long and from 4 to 20 miles wide. From the western
side it receives the waters of the Potomac and Patuxent rivers, while
from the east it receives the Pocomoke, Wicomico, Nanticoke, Chop-
tank, and Chester rivers, and some smaller streams.

The shad fisheries outside of the rivers are of comparatively small
extent and confined to the use of pound nets and a few stake nets,
yielding 159,279 and 4,620, respectively, in 1896, of which 29,780 were
obtained by men living on the Eastern Shore and 134,119 by fishermen
from the Western Shore.

The location of pound nets on the Eastern Shore was as follows: Poco-
moke Sound, 8 nets, taking 7,149 shad; below Little Annemessex River,
5 nets, yielding 1,416 shad; Smith’s Island, 1 net taking 4,875 shad;
Tilghman Island and Wittman, 4 nets, with 2,640 shad; and Kent Island,
4 pound nets, yielding 9,080 shad. On the Western Shore 4 nets were
located at Point No Point, 29 near the mouth of the Patuxent, 5 at
Governor Run, and 48 between Holland Point and Gibson Island,
making a total of 86 nets, worth $11,224, which yielded 53,167 roe and
80,952 buck shad, worth $18,347. Most of the pound nets are of the
“single heart” variety, and the mesh in the bowl is generally 4 inches,

196 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

but some have 24-inch mesh for retaining alewives. The season for
shad begins the second or third week of March and continues for
nearly two months. The yield at the various stations was much less in
1896 than in 1895 and several previous years. In the 5 nets set just
below the mouth of Little Annemessex River only 1,416 shad were
taken in 1896, whereas in 1893 2,100 shad were obtained in one lift of
the same nets. The decrease was not confined to shad, but shared in
by nearly all the species usually taken. In the spring of 1895 the 5
nets above referred to yielded $3,400 worth of fish, while the local
value of the catch in the spring of 1896 did not exceed $600.

The stake nets are located along the shore from Tilghman Island to
Kent Island. In 1896, 96 nets were set on the shore of Tilghman Island,
27 off Sherwood and Wittman, and 51 along the shore of Kent Island,
making a total of 154 nets. The number of men employed was 64, and
the catch numbered 3,300 roe and 1,320 buck shad, valued locally at
$786. This fishery is almost entirely for local use, and comparatively
few of the shad thus taken find their way into distant markets.

From Swan Point to head of Chesapeake Bay.—This section of the
Chesapeake, comprising less than one-fourth of the area of the bay
proper, is bordered on the east by Kent and Cecil counties and on the
west by Baltimore and Harford counties. The depth of water in the
channel ranges from 3 to 5 fathoms, yet there are numerous shoals and
flats where the depth is from 2 fathoms to a few inches. The water is
normally brackish, but during heavy freshets it becomes almost fresh
above Spesutie Island. Susquehanna River enters the extreme north-
ern end, and on the northeast three arms extend several miles inland,
forming the estuaries of Northeast, Elk, and Sassafras rivers. The
principal fishing centers are Havre de Grace on the Western Shore, and
Charlestown, Northeast, Betterton, Tolchester, and Rock Hall on the
Eastern Shore. This is the principal shad region of Chesapeake Bay,
as determined by both the quantity and quality of the product. The
yield in 1896, although smaller than usual, numbered 130,011 roes and
193,152 bucks, of which 87,875 roes and 155,028 bucks were taken by
drift nets, 23,524 roes and 13,255 bucks by stake nets, 15,040 roes and
18,582 bucks by seines, and 3,572 roes and 6,267 bucks by pound nets,
the total local value of the whoie being $32,108.

This is the location of the most valuable drift-net fishery of the
Atlantic coast south of Delaware Bay. The nets are operated from
the mouth of the Susquehanna down to Poole Island, a distance of 25
miles, and at times even below that point. They are also operated in -
that arm of the Chesapeake known as North East River and in the
extreme lower ends of Elk and Sassafras rivers. The depth of water in
which they are drifted ranges all the way from 3 or 4 to 30 feet, but
most of the nets are designed for use in 14 to 18 feet of water. From
400 to 2,000 yards of twine are carried by each boat, the total for the
191 boats operating in 1896 being 249,030 yards. ‘This is usually cut

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 197

into lengths containing from 150 to 400 yards each. The size of the
mesh is mostly 54 inches, but some fishermen use 5}, 53, and 54 inch.
The cost of 1,000 yards medium-width twine is about $85. Two or
three men are required for each boat, the value of the latter averaging
nearly $100 each. The nets are used principally at night, a lantern
mounted on a float being attached to each end. While the nets are
drifting the fishermen “run” the net from end to end, discovering the
presence of fish by the “ feel” of the upper line. That portion of the net
containing the fish is then raised and the shad removed, when the net
is dropped to drift as before.

It is essential that the fish be removed very soon after they are
enmeshed, otherwise they are likely to be mutilated by eels, which are
very annoying during the shad season. Sometimes a large part of the
catch is found to consist of heads and backbones of shad, from which
the flesh has been stripped by eels.

The season begins about the 1st of April and extends to the last of
May or Ist of June. The catch in 1896 was unusually small, the total
yield for the 191 boats being only 242,903, an average of 1,272 per boat.
Some boats have caught over 8,000 shad in one season. The catch by
drift nets has been decreasing for several years, attributed by the
fishermen to the increased number of pound nets in the Virginia section
of Chesapeake Bay. The following summary shows the location and
extent of the drift-net fishery in this part of the Chesapeake in 1896:

Men. Boats. Drift nets. Shad caught.
Residence of fishermen.
No. | No. | Value. | Length. | Value. o.ct Hie oF Value.
Kent County: Yards.
Inti 1S ee enc ceanonnenicativcusancos 44} 17 $440 | 18,720 | $1,720 | 9,860] 10,310 | $1,775
PE oni Sw WADA Ny ae ee arise ain telape cise min'm oes 38 | 13] 1,290] 15,680 | 1,470| 5,690 8, 325 984
Beterbon.-.4s4= 225 52 senless)sscnce'se o | 44] 16 1,545 | 21,760 1,924 | 8,340) 12,535 1, 597
Cecil County:
Chesapeake City ................-.-- 15 5 305 6, 420 565 | 3, 250 5, 670 842
FEV hon eee eee Sena ce os 12 4 210 | 5,430 510 | 3,120| 5,760 630
Northeast and Elk Neck ...........- 106 | 36 1,460] 46,800) 2,980 | 14,880) 25,310] 4,355
ChaclestowMles sence sect sloinemina(s -'5 51 | 17 690 | 23,870] 1,985 | 5,620) 14,810 2, 027
Harford County: |
Havcerde Grace. ssreecects eists\<(eisia/a< <1 175 | 70) 10,170 | 94,950} 8, 400 | 32,523 65,049] 10,328
Aberdeen and Perryman............. 10 4 600 4,800 480 | 1,374 2, 139 446
Michselswalle see a-e—cseicrseiaseie-= <2 - 10 4 600 4, 800 | 480 | 1,226 1, 842 392
Abingdon and Edgewood ............ 8 4 400 4, 400 | 440 | 1,542 2, 828 514
Baltimore County:
CHasOtemecesee asiee seer eaeiare a cist 3 il 140 1, 400 | 125 450 450 81
rl ef ee ee See ee eee eee diees
MOvalteeenateme see a= see 516 | 191 | 17, 850 | 249,030 | 21,079 | 87,875 | 155,028 | 23,971

Twenty-five years ago stake nets were extensively operated in this
portion of Chesapeake Bay, but they have gradually given way to the
more effective and less costly drift nets. They are yet operated along
the shore of Kent County between Swan Point and Worton Point, and
especially on the flats off Tolchester Beach, the fishermen living on
Kent County shore. The nets are about 25 yards in length and 45
meshes deep, with 54 or 54 inch mesh, and are set in rows in from 10 to
18 feet of water, 20 to 40 nets being used by each boat. In 1896 there
were 101 men engaged in the stake-net fishery, using 1,322 nets, 32,900

198 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

yards long, worth $3,745. The nets were set about February 1 for
striped bass, and the season for taking shad extended from March 20
to the beginning of May, the yield numbering 23,524 roes and 13,255
bucks, valued locally at $2,974. The price during that season was
unusually small, the lowest certainly within the last ten years.

Six seines were used in the extreme northern end of Chesapeake
Bay in 1896, their location being as follows: Carrot Cove (1 seine), Car-
penter Point (1 seine), Fishing Battery Light (2 seines), and Spesutie
Island (2 seines). The length ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 yards, the
aggregate of the 6 seines being 11,600 yards, with 2 to 3 inch mesh.
The value of the 6 seines was $10,200, and the number of fishermen
employed 306, with 268 shoresmen. The season began the second week
of April and lasted six or seven weeks, the catch numbering 14,560
roes and 18,052 bucks, worth $3,902. The yield of alewives numbered
6,516,000. In addition to the above, there was one seine on Miller
Island used for taking striped bass and perch, in which some shad were
caught. This seine was 600 yards in length, required 10 men to operate
it, and the catch of shad numbered 480 roes and 530 bucks. Large
quantities of alewives were obtained, but on account of the low prices
ruling for these fish very few of them were marketed.

The two seines at the Fishing Battery Light are operated from large
floats or batteries, containing stables, storehouses, salting sheds, quar-
ters for the men, etc. An average float is simply a large raft, 60 by 80
feet, of sufficient buoyancy to be removed to any desirable point on the
flats, where it is secured into position by piles passing through wells in
the raft. Each of three sides of the float is provided with an apron 45
feet wide, held in position by stout chains, and which can be raised or
lowered at will. This apron provides an inclined plane, on which the
Seine is hauled in the same manner as at shore seines. The selection
of the side on which the hauling is made is determined by the direction
of the current, the wind, ete. The fourth side is used asa wharf. When
practicable three hauls are usually made each day, two on the ebb tides
and one on a flood tide, the yield of shad on the former being five or
Six times as great as the latter.

Of the 69 pound nets operated in the upper portion of Chesapeake
Bay in 1896, 46 were located between Turkey Point and Northeast, 7
between Charlestown and Carpenter Point, 6 off Betterton near the
mouth of the Sassafras River, and 6 on the western shore from Miller
Island to North Point. These nets cost from $50 to $150 each. They
are usually set in strings containing from 2 to 4 nets each. They are
not operated especially for shad, and that species represents only a
small proportion of the total catch, the shad yield in 1896 numbering
only 9,839, worth $1,099.

The use of pound nets or stake nets is prohibited ‘in Chesapeake
Bay, north of a line 1 mile south of Pool Island, except the bay shore
of Kent County up to Howell Point at the mouth of Sassafras River.”

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 199

POTOMAC RIVER.

This river, the largest and most important tributary of Chesapeake
Bay, is formed by the union of the north and south branches on the
line between Maryland and West Virginia, whence, forming the bound-
ary line between Maryland and the Virginias, it flows a distance of 290
miles to its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, 75 miles above Cape Henry.
Below Washington it is broad and sluggish, forming one of the largest
estuaries on the Atlantic coast, covering 370 square miles, not includ-
ing its tributaries. This estuary is 100 miles in length and varies in
width from 2 to 7 miles, with a navigable depth of 16 feet or more at
low water, the depth in some places exceeding 100 feet. At Wash-
ington, the head of navigation, the fluvial characteristics appear, and
from that point to Great Falls, 15 miles above, there are numerous
Shoals, with several small falls, the most important being Little Falls,
at a distance of 5 miles above Georgetown, where the descent is several
feet. At Great Falls, where the Potomac crosses the escarpment line,
the water passes over a mass of rock, descending 35 or 40 feet, the
total fall in a distance of 14 miles being 80 or 90 feet. Great Fallshave
always presented a barrier to the upward movement of shad. If they
could be passed no serious obstruction would be met with until where
the river breaks through the Blue Ridge, just below Harpers Ferry, 60
miles above Georgetown. In 1882 an appropriation of $50,000 was
made by Congress for the erection of suitable fishways at Great Falls,
and in 1885 the work of construction was begun, the plans providing
for a fishway in six sections in the Maryland channel. A high freshet
during the night of October 29-30 considerably damaged the partly
compieted sections, and after examination it was decided that “the
fishways were not planned sufficiently strong to withstand the effects
of the violent floods of the locality in which they were placed,” and the
project was abandoned.

That portion of the river below the District of Columbia is entirely
within the limits of the State of Maryland, the boundary line between
Maryland and Virginia following the extreme low-water mark on the
Virginia side of the main body of the river and from headland to head-
land at the mouths of creeks along the same shore. In 1785, while the
boundary line was in dispute and before the adoption of the Constitu-
tion of the United States, Maryland and Virginia entered into articles
ot agreement for the regulation of commerce, navigation, and other
industries of mutual interest, and one of the articles provided for a
right of fishery in Potomac River in common to the citizens of the two
States, and that in the regulation thereof neither State should enforce
any law not approved by the other. The effect of this compact has been
to prevent any regulation of shad fisheries by either of the two States,
and the citizens of both States enjoy equal fishing privileges in the river,

Prior to 1830 shad fishing was prosecuted almost exclusively by means
of seines, the fisheries being controlled by the well-to-do riparian pro-
prietors. Nearly every large plantation on the river had its fishing

200 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

shore, the returns from which were large, some of them renting for
several thousand dollars. Some time during the Thirties drift nets were
introduced by fishermen from Delaware River, and by 1835 they had
increased to such an extent as to embarrass the seining operations and
to materially lessen the profits. A convention of fishermen was held
at Alexandria, Va., to protest against the use of drift nets and to take
measures to secure legal prohibition of them. This was the beginning
of the contest which was waged for years between the riparian owners
and the wandering fishermen who have successfully contested the right
to equal fishing privileges with the former.

In 1871 it was reported that 24 seines were then used on the Mary-
land shore of the Potomac, requiring the services of 619 men, 74 boats,
and 51 horses, and catching in the spring of that year 110,400 shad,
worth $14,353. During the same year 243 drift nets were reported on
the same side of the river, with 161,446 square fathoms of twine,
requiring 456 fishermen and 213 shoresmen, catching 351,800 shad,
valued at $38,698, making a total of 462,200 shad, worth $53,051, taken
by residents of Maryland. No reliable estimates or records showing
the extent of the fisheries of the Virginia shore during that year are
available, but they have generally been more extensive than on the
Maryland shore.

A fair idea of the comparative yield of shad in the Potomac during
the past quarter of a century may be obtained from an examination of
the following table showing the number of shad inspected in the Dis-
trict of Columbia from 1873 to 1896, inclusive, which represents from
50 to 75 per cent of the total yield in the river:

Year. Jan. Feb. March. April. May. June. Total.
Saale elomtae allison cclors lee eres Sa iste Meena eee 852, 900
pilates See Se eteeetete rs lic deis Setinle| mee eee 628, 637

wini||staioia(w atetarsyel| oie einveieteintele Ste a'a{o'l alate tetera 464, 215
| ..| 319,079

131, 199

sieiererell see . aeG2 ae 121, 785
116, 938 168, 515 2, 218 311, 241

10, 110 165, 071 139, 441 6, 145 320, 799
16,074 | 233,716 | 200, 723 7,855 | 458,368
18, 895 226, 164 101, 175 3, 989 350, 237
11, 254 171, 641 76, 127 2, 452 261, 478
32, 312 147, 503 50, 802 494 231, 111
6| 55,155 | 68, 450 1,847 | 125, 458
6,544 | 183, 733 38, 526 2, 274 181, 077

7,141 | 151,694 | 106, 475 3,796 | 269, 110

145 | 186,273 | 117,316 4,710] 308,444
6,902 | 277,956 | 160, 891 2,828 | 448,577
26,109 | 337,152 | 54,509 1,582] 419,391
5,012 | 246,791 | 63, 653 2,319] 317,789
7,741 | 204,657 | 44, 298 4,182 | 260, 882
| 229,250 | 60, 460 1,459] 307,978
12,125 | 297,554} 74,301] 11,627| 395,638
27,256 | 459,165 | 131, 321 5,568 | 623, 310
10,254 | 272,038 | 55,923 4,938 | 343, 160

_
—
oo
So
©

The average annual yield of shad in the Potomac during recent years
has been about 750,000. The catch in 1896 was smaller than usual,
numbering 684,063, of which 450,825 were obtained by the residents of
Virginia and 233,238 by Maryland fishermen. An interdiction exists
against shad fishing within the limits of the District of Columbia.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 201

The following summary shows, by States, the number of people
employed in each branch of the shad fisheries of the Potomae River in
1896:

a : Virginia | Maryland} ,,
Designation. Bhore: eitores Total.

Fishermen:
PLU KG- 210 Une atutn'a alni=leiniarafaie(sta'n/a\niQine a/ala'd wlaleie c's aje(o s/alalu/nvatalatnietnieteresverstnlc > 7 ae ee a Sel 21
TC Obs ae seateina ai ieia tel sinte 36 e)a/atelminimiclets cin ciel alelaieiae oeteeeetetemierataiel 231 241 472
SGD So obo ceocbodos Gab oCOS DUR OCU Ooe SES AmEE be aaa toccedacesaeud 247 87 334
LEG RUE > SoG Roan cn J OnIC DE ADO ORO En EE nao Sc opocbol .SSAaconp 308 116 424
1B} EEG Liclsone SOD PRCUDEIDODEOCO ODOC One EEeEuor cH asticacccocncsobadllbppeedacsnes 25 25
SRST GIN An Sen Sona C SBE ne E OC ORS COC ORE PrORCLGso—- Eos caccd shane 31 39 | 70
JOSE A ETIGINS) oo ooeeeocecoschs Sees dappesusmopepoorodtnaccoctoscdese 17 4 21
Mowlsexclusiverot duplication... ..-c-<ceseseeeeeeeeen esos 855 512 1, 367

The following statement shows the boats, apparatus, etc., employed
in the shad fisheries of the Potomac River in 1896:

Virginia shore. Maryland shore. | Total.
Designation. j d Riv. ilies
Length |Length >. | Length
No (yds.). Value. | No. (yds.). Value. | No (yds.). Value.
|

IBORDStsosisae -ltsias SLT SOO ESSN IE Sera $6, 945 | S200 cAco $24, 895
Stake nets M04 3u le stiee [eemeersel oaeeiaciaes | 529 6, 133 , 043
Drift nets. 6,155 | 118 | 94,500 6, 230 | 236 | 161, 500 12, 385
Seines .... 13, 700 5 3, 640 4,000 | 13 17, 240 17, 700
Pound nets 35, 175 | 43, 350
TINGS oe SSC Boo Eee COLE Cane Meee Ch aee mee | yemmemer 6 |
Shore property 16, 425 21, 525

Total value 90, 448 | 120, 904

The following statement shows the product of each branch of the
shad fisheries of the Potomac River in 1896:

Virginia shore. Maryland shore. Total.

Fishery. | 7
Roes. | Bucks. | Value.| Roes. | Bucks.} Value. | Roes. | Bucks. | Value.

, |- [-
Dliake-neti-<-..--.- == 6, 746 A S764) C1 (GIG keene cee cle sieeiel tee eece eel 6, 746 4, 764 | $1, 616
Dritt-net 22-2. <.cc0552 | 85, 440 56, 960 | 11,729 | 82,128 | 54,752 | $11,459 | 167,568 | 111, 712 23, 188
SOINCSasn- scm eco sec 47, 631 31, 754 6,471 | 25, 386 | 18, 674 3, 382 73, 017 50, 428 | 9, 853
Pound-net.........-.. 114, 999 | 102,531 | 23, 268 | 31, 163 | 20,535 5, 533 | 146, 162 | 123, 066 28, 801
Bow-net.....-.-..- ea eae oN Sees ssoreiere Wise ais ee 36 240 150 360 240 150
Gt he a 254, 816 | 196,009 | 43,084 |139,037 | 94,201 | 20,524 | 393, 853 | 290,210 63, 608

The drift-net grounds extend from Mathias Point to Alexandria, a
distance of 60 miles, but those nets are operated most extensively from
Indian Head to River View. Below Mathias Point the water is salty
and too clear and sluggish to permit the successful use of this form of
apparatus, except when heavy rains have swollen the river. The nets
range in length from 300 to 1,000 yards, averaging above 700 yards,
and in depth from 30 to 90 meshes, depending respectively on the width
and depth of the reach in which they are operated. They are usually
so rigged as to float several feet below the surface of the water, being
suspended by buoy lines at intervals of 15 or 18 feet. Those nets 60
to 90 meshes deep, when operated in the main channel, are buoyed
with the upper line from 8 to 10 feet below the surface, permitting all
boats, except the largest steamers, to pass over them without injury.

902 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

There are two general methods of hanging the drift nets, viz, the
“single line” and the “double line.” In the former the lower portion
of the net is permitted to swing freely, having no bottom line and not
being weighted. The mesh in these is generally 51 or 54inch. The
second form of nets, known as ‘“donble line,” is operated mostly on the
shoals, and consequently is usually longer and shallower. In these nets
a line extends the entire length of the bottom, to which leaden weights
are attached, serving to hold the net in a somewhat rigid position, and
the mesh is usually 5-inch. The reason for the difference in the size of
the mesh in the “single-line” and ‘‘double-line” nets is that the bottom
of the former, swinging clear and free, readily yields to every motion of
the fish enmeshed therein and the fish soon becomes wound up and
entangled in the meshes, being unable to either withdraw or force its
way through the net; while the latter, being in a somewhat unyield-
ing position in the water, due to the weighted bottom line, is not easily
entangled, and the mesh must be sufficiently small to hold the fish
firmly. The “single-line” nets are usually from 50 to 90 meshes deep
and the “double-line” nets from 30 to 60 meshes in depth. The former
are drifted mostly during slack water, and consequently remain in the
water usually only two or three hours at a time. The latter are oper-
ated on both tides, and may remain in the water a half day or longer.
An ordinary gill net, full- rigged, costs $100 to $125; after being used
one season its value is reduced one-half, and three seasons’ work usually
renders it unfit for further use. The season begins about the last week
in March and ends about the middle of June. The yield in 1896 was
unusually small, only 50 or 60 per cent of that obtained in 1895, The
yield by the 118 boats from the Virginia shore numbered 85,440 roes
and 56,960 bucks, a total of 142,400, while the Maryland fishermen
obtained 136,880, of which 82,128 were roes and 54,752 buck shad. The
price received by the fishermen was also low, averaging between $8 and
$8.50 per hundred.

The stake-net fishery of Potomac River is of little importance, con-
sisting of a few strings of nets operated in the lower half of the river
by residents of Virginia. The total number used in 1896 was 529, set
in 9 strings, requiring the services of 21 men who employed 12 boats,
worth $935. The catch was quite small, numbering only 6,746 roe shad
and 4,764 bucks, worth $1,616.

The pound-net fishery is confined almost entirely to the lower half of
the river, the nets set for shad above Maryland Point being few in
number and cheaply constructed. Pound nets were introduced about
1875, and since then they have constantly increased in favor. In 1889
there were 330 pound nets; in 1890, 376; in 1891, 411, and in 1896, 430.
Of those used in 1896, 299 were operated by Virginians and 131 by
residents of Maryland. The former, however, are much larger and
catch many more shad than those on the Maryland side of the river,
the Virginia nets being most numerous near the mouth, while most of
the Maryland nets are between Nanjemoy Point and Blakistone Island.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 203

The mesh in most of the shad pound nets has the following dimen-
sions: Leader, 7 inches; first “pound,” 6; second ‘ pound,” 4 or 5, and
main “pound,” 4 or 44 inches. Some of the nets have 24-inch mesh, in
order to retain the alewives; while a few of the regular shad nets have
a backing of 24-inch mesh, against which the fish are bunted when the
net is lifted, the alewives not escaping readily through the large mesh
except when the net is being lifted. There is a tendency to increase
the size of the mesh, and during the last year it was 12 inches in some
of the leaders, and this will probably be exceeded, as the tide runs
strong and a small mesh trap is more likely to be swept away than one
of larger mesh, and it also accumulates more seaweed and other floatage.
The “pounds” are usually from 40 to 60 feet square and the leaders
from 200 to 250 yards in length, the average cost of the nets approxi-
mating $100. The total catch of shad by the pound nets in 1896 num-
bered 269,228, of which 114,999 roes and 102,531 bucks were obtained by
Virginia fishermen, and 31,163 roes and 20,535 bucks by residents of
Maryland. This yield was not so large as usual, nor were the prices so
high as in former years. Unusually warm weather in April resulted in
glutting the market, and prices did not recover during the season. The
lowest prices received were 6 cents for roes and 3 cents for bucks, but
from two to three times that amount represented the average prices.
The total value of the above yield was $28,801, of which $23,268 repre-
sented the Virginia and $5,533 the Maryland catch.

Seining was formerly the most extensive branch of the Potomac
River shad fisheries, but its importance as compared with the drift-net
and pound-net fisheries is becoming less each year.

The following shows the location and extent of this fishery in 1896:

Dis- Number} Number of shad
tance | Num- of wed caught.
Localities. above | ber of | Length. ipelug ; Value.
Smith | seines. ce
Point. atin Roes. Bucks.
Virginia: Miles. | Yards.
Stittts Wihativesccccemacccses: 70 | 1 800 17 1, 200 800 $172
Marlboro-Points: =. 2252 ce<-=< 74 1 1, 800 37 4, 200 2, 800 560
Gumms Point .-.--..---- se 77 1 1, 200 20 450 300 120
Wide Water-..--.--.- mote 82 1 2, 200 50 4, 800 3, 200 688
Freestone Point aise 91 1 2, 400 47 14, 181 9, 454 1, 891
Occoquan Creek a 93 2 2, 000 32 4, 800 3, 200 640
Siniye LEM Sone seecesonnagde 96 1 3, 200 75 18, 000 12, 000 2, 400
Maryland:
Chapman Pomt)2-----.--2---. 99 2 1, 200 80 11, 250 9, 250 1, 550
Lip Seg bohnG le eee cococectoccos 102 1 1, 600 18 4, 536 3, 024 552
Moxley Point... ---- 2-2-5... 107 1 440 16 2, 400 1, 600 320
Thiet hye) eM ss ec saSccaceane 109 1 400 12 7, 200 4, 800 960
Total. .:s<ssssesceesacoeloeeetsss 1 17, 240 404 73, 017 50, 428 9, 853

At Great Falls, 14 miles above Georgetown, there are a few bow nets
used each spring from the last week in April to the first or second week
of June. These nets are operated from a point known as “Shad Rock,”
which projects into the water on the Virginia shore just below the
principal falls. Three bow nets were reported from that locality in
1896, the yield numbering 360 roe shad and 240 bucks.

204 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

PATUXENT RIVER.

The Patuxent, the most important shad stream between the Potomac
and the Susquehanna, is situated wholly in Maryland, rising in Howard
and Montgomery counties, and flows a distance of 110 miles to its
entrance into the Chesapeake, 20 miles above the mouth of the Poto- ©
mac. Itis navigable for steamers of 7 or 8 feet draft to Bristol, 46 miles
from the mouth. Aside from the numerous apparatus of capture, fish
meet with no serious obstruction to their ascent of the river until near
Laurel, 95 miles from the mouth, where the river is crossed by two
dams for developing water-power. Because of the numerous fisheries
in the lower half of the river and the narrowness of the stream very
few shad ever reach Laurel and none ever pass above the dams at that
town. Of the 52,354 shad taken in 1896, 24,375 were obtained by means
of seines, 19,700 by drift nets, and 8,279 by pound nets. As the fish
enter the river they encounter first the pound nets near the mouth;
after proceeding about 35 miles they reach the lowest seine beach, and |
a short distance farther up, between Dunkirk and Leon, they reach the
drift-net grounds.

The pound nets operated in the lower end of the river are mostly
between Point Patience and Drum Point. They are small, averaging
in value only $125 each, and have small mesh, depending more on taking
alewives than shad. The catch of shad by the 33 nets in 1896 numbered
3,305 roes and 4,974 bucks, worth $910 at local values. The yield of
alewives in the same nets numbered 795,830, valued locally at $2,152.

The seine beaches are located entirely in the upper reaches in Prince
George and Anne Arundel counties, from Hill’s Landing to Leon where
the river is 500 or 600 feet wide. The seines range from 100 to 200 yards
in length, with 24 or 2? inch mesh, and are worth from $80 to $300 each.
Ten shad seines were used in 1896, aggregating 1,700 yards in length
and $1,815 in value. The catch numbered only 9,244 roe shad and
15,131 bucks, valued locally at $2,680.

Drift nets are operated only in a reach 5 or 6 miles in length, in the
vicinity of Dunkirk and- Leon. The nets are each about 200 feet in
length, with from 5 to 52 inch mesh, and cost $10 or $12. Of the 18 drift
nets used in 1896, aggregating 1,205 yards in length, 10 hailed from Leon,
Anne Arundel County; 7 from Dunkirk, Calvert County, and 1 from
Nottingham, Prince George County. The catch numbered 19,700 shad,
of which 8,520 were roes and 11,180 bucks, the aggregate value being
$2,277.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER.

While the Susquehanna is one of the longest rivers of the Atlantic
coast, only 12 miles of its length is within the limits of Maryland.
Since most of this river is situated in Pennsylvania, its general physi-
cal characteristics will be noted in the description of the shad fisheries
of that State. The Maryland section ranges from a half to nearly 1
mile in width, but as the water is very shoal it is navigable only a few
miles above the mouth. The fallin the 12 miles from the Pennsylvania

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 205

line to the entrance of the river into Chesapeake Bay is 69 feet, an aver-
age of 5.75 feet per mile, the greatest within a short distance of the
mouth that exists on any large river of the Atlantic coast. The impor-
tance of the Susquehanna River shad fisheries suffers somewhat in com-
parison with those of the Susquehanna Flats. The latter fishing-grounds
are usually more profitable, but as a rule, they also require larger and
more costly apparatus of capture than the river fisheries. The appara-
tus used in the river consists of drift nets and seines near the mouth, °
and fall traps and bow nets in the rapids above Port Deposit.

The gill nets are drifted between the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
bridge and Port Deposit. They are similar to the nets used at the
head of Chesapeake Bay, differing only in length, as the reach is not
very wide. Of the 49 boats engaged in this fishery in 1896, 33 hailed
from Port Deposit, 9 from Frenchtown, 5 from Perryville in Cecil
County, and 2 from Lapidum in Harford County. They carried 28,672
yards of twine in lengths averaging from 125 to 130 yards each, the
size of the mesh being mostly 54 inches. The yield was much smaller
than usual, the catch numbering only 14,060 roe shad and 21,480 bucks,
the total local value being $3,949.

The seines are of two general sizes, the larger being from 600 to 800
yards in length, while the smaller ones are from 100 to 150 yards long.
Of the former size there were 7 used in 1896, with an aggregate length
of 5,200 yards and valuation of $4,700, requiring the services of 265
fishermen and 71 shoresmen. The catch was scarcely up to that of an
average season, numbering 16,331 roe shad and 9,171 bueks, valued
locally at $3,222. One of the seines caught 24,000 shad during the
season of 1883. The small seines numbered 5, with 24-inch to 44-inch
mesh. Thirty men were required, and the catch numbered 1,759 roe
shad and 2,584 bucks, worth $507, making a total of 50,345 shad, worth
$3,729, taken in seines.

At various points in the rapids of the river below the Pennsylvania line
there are several ‘fish pots” or fall traps, consisting of a small break-
water of rocks forming a triangle with the apex pointing downstream.
At the apex is placed a slat-work wooden frame with the rear. end
raised a foot or two above the surface of the water and the front or
up-river end resting on the bottom. In passing along the stream the
fish meet these stone breakwaters, and following them reach the traps,
upon and over which they are washed by the current, falling into a box
placed under the raised or downstream end of the trap. These traps
have engendered considerable bad feeling among the fishermen on the
river. An interdiction exists against their use in Pennsylvania, but
they are unrestricted in the Maryland section of Susquehanna River,
The number reported in 1896 was 15, and the catch of mature shad
numbered 778 roes and 1,225 bucks, worth $259.

On account of the increasing scarcity of fish, bow nets are not used
So extensively as was formerly the case. They are operated from boats
and also from rocks situated in favorable places in the channel, one

206 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

man being required for each net. The number of nets reported in 1896
was 8, with a yield of 1,600 shad, worth $220, making a total of 69,488
shad, worth $8,157, taken in the Maryland section of the Susquehanna.

Considerable complaint is made in this portion of the river regarding
the refuse from a sulphide paper mill established in 1891 at Conowingo,
about 10 miles from the mouth of the river. When the water is low
this refuse moves back and forth with the tide, doing considerable

‘injury to the fisheries, but during high water the refuse is carried out
into the bay, where it does little damage.

The rivers entering Chesapeake Bay from the east are quite different
from those on the western side of the bay. The eastern tributaries are
more numerous, and, draining a low, flat region, their declivity is nearly
uniform and without falls. Excepting two or three of the smaller ones,
they rise in the somewhat elevated area forming the western portion of
Delaware and flow in a general southwesterly direction, expanding at
their mouths into broad estuaries. They are tidal nearly to the upper
limits, and are navigable for vessels of 5 or 6 feet draft for three-
fourths or more of their length. Beginning at the southern boundary,
the most important are the Pocomoke, Wicomico, Nanticoke, Choptank,
and Chester rivers, yet the tributaries of these and the smaller streams
are SO numerous that there is probably no point on the Eastern Shore
of Maryland over 8 miles distant from tide water. The shad fisheries
of each of these estuaries and their tributaries will be described in
succession.

POCOMOKE RIVER.

Pocomoke River rises in Great Cypress Swamp, on the line of Mary-
land and Delaware, whence it flows between narrow banks a distance
of 115 miles to its entrance in Pocomoke Sound. It is navigable for
vessels of 9 feet draft to Snow Hill, about 50 miles from the mouth.
The water is quite muddy, due to the suspension of the black alluvial
soil from its source. Much of this earthy matter is deposited at the
mouth of the river, where the accumulations of years extend for an
average depth of 20 feet over 16 square miles, forming the “muds,”
over which at low tide there is a depth of 4 or 5 feet of water. The
shad fisheries of the Pocomoke are of considerable local importance,
and extend from the mouth of the river to several miles above Snow
Hill, the principal fisheries existing at Pocomoke, Mattaponi Ferry,
and Snow Hill. The yield in 1896 was less than usual, numbering
29,752, of which 23,713 were taken by men living in Worcester County
and 6,039 by Somerset County fishermen. Of the total yield, 17,692 or
60 per cent were buck shad. The forms of apparatus are bow nets,
drift nets, seines, and fyke nets. :

The bow-net or dip-net fishery yields 80 per cent of the total number
of shad taken on the Pocomoke. ‘The bow nets are similar to those
used in the Carolinas, except that they are of more costly material. The
frame is of tough but light wood, bent in a long, oval shape, with the
longest diameter from 14 to 16 feet. Within this frame is a loose net

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 207

of the best hemp twine, No. 35 or 40, with a “hang” of 5 or 6 feet,
the twine measuring 200 meshes around the frame, the mesh being 44
inches. Usually two men are required for each net, one of whom
operates the net while the other propels the boat; but in some instances
the net is operated from a stationary point or the boat is permitted to
drift with the current, requiring the services of only one man, The
catch by the 97 bow nets used on this river in 1896 numbered 23,812,
of which 14,052, or 60 per cent, were bucks. The season begins during
the third week of March and lasts about two months, the fish being
most numerous the second or third week of April. The season in 1896
was unusually short, and consequently the catch was small, averaging
only 235 shad per net. Yet this average was far in excess of that for
any other river in the United States, the nearest approach being an
average of 95 shad per net on Santee River, in South Carolina. During
certain years as many as 1,000 shad have been taken in a single bow
net on the Pocomoke. The catch is practically all marketed in the
towns and settlements adjacent to the river, the price received ranging
from 10 to 30 cents each.

Drift nets are used in the lower end of the Pocomoke, from Shelltown
to Rehobeth, and near Snow Hill, the head of navigation. They are
from 40 to 60 yards long “in gear,” and from 44 to 52 meshes deep, with
43 to 54 inch mesh, the cost ranging from $6 to $9 each. Two nets are
usually carried by each boat, and generally two men are required, but in
the headwaters one fisherman operates each boat. The boats in 1896
numbered 21, using 2,180 yards of twine and catching 1,293 roe shad
and 1,905 bucks, valued locally at $491. The catch was the smallest for
several years, the average being only 152 shad per boat.

There were 6 seines used on the Pocomoke River in 1896, 1 at Cedar
Hall, 4 near the mouth of Nassawango Creek, and 1 at McKee Island,
above Snow Hill. They were from 70 to 100 yards in length, 8 to 12
feet deep, with 24 to 24inch mesh. The shad season extended from the
last week in March to the first week in June, and the catch numbered
2,537, of which 63 per cent were bucks. In addition to this species,
quantities of alewives, perch, catfish, etc., were secured in the seines.

I'yke nets complete the enumeration of the apparatus in which shad
are taken in the Pocomoke River, these nets being used by residents
of Rehobeth and Shelltown, near the mouth of the river. They are
not operated especially for shad, and secure also many eels, perch,
alewives, catfish, pike, etc. They are set from the middle of September
to near the last of April, and the catch of shad in the 16 nets in 1896
numbered 115 bucks and 90 roes, making a total of 29,752 shad secured
in Pocomoke River.

Between Pocomoke and Wicomico rivers there are three small streams
entering Tangier Sound, viz: Annemessex, Big Annemessex, and Mano.
kin, in which a very few shad are to be found each year, especially in
the last named; but there are no established fisheries, and the shad
taken incidentally are used in the homes of the fishermen. f)

208 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

WICOMICO RIVER.

Wicomico River rises near the elevated rim which encircles Great
Cypress Swamp, in which Pocomoke River has its origin, and after flow-
ing a distance of 35 miles enters the head of Tangier Sound. Near its
mouth it expands into a broad, shallow sheet of water, called Monie
Bay, characteristic of nearly all tributaries of Chesapeake Bay. It
is navigable for vessels of 7 feet draft from the bay to Salisbury, 23
miles above the mouth, where the lowest milldam crosses the stream.
For many years the river was made a receptacle for refuse matter from
the numerous sawmills on its banks, to the great injury of the spawning-
grounds; but during recent years this refuse has been burned in the
mill yards. Considering its small size, the yield of shad on the Wicom-
icois remarkable, with a navigable length of only 23 miles the product
averaging about 75,000 shad annually. In actual yield it ranks third
among Hastern Shore rivers, being surpassed by the Choptank and the
Nanticoke. The apparatus employed consists of drift nets, stake nets,
Seines, pound nets, and fyke nets, the catch by the first named in 1896
being 67 per cent of the total yield on the river.

Drift nets are operated from White Haven to Williams Point, 1 mile
below Salisbury, a distance of 12 miles. The length of the nets varies
from 100 yards at White Haven to 40 yards at Williams Point, and the
depth from 53 to 31 meshes, with from 4% to 54 inch mesh. The season
begins about the middle of March and lasts six weeks, the catch rang-
ing from 100 to 990 shad to each boat. The yield in 1896 was unusually
small, averaging only 274 shad per boat, the catch by the 166 boats,
using 307 nets, numbering 21,275 roes and 24,123 bucks, valued locally
at $5,442.

There are usually several rows of stake nets operated each year near
the nouth of the Wicomico River by men living at Victor and Mount
Vernon, in Somerset County. The nets are 20 yards long, 40 meshes
deep, with 5 to 54 inch mesh, and are worth about $4 each. Theseason
begins about the third week of March and lasts four or five weeks, the
yield averaging about 250 shad per boat. In 1896 there were 19 boats,
using 70 stake nets, taking 2,320 roe shad and 2,405 bucks. The num-
ber of stake nets in this portion of the river is increasing and the yield
during recent years has been good, although somewhat less than usual
last year.

During the season covered by this report there were 5 “‘ double-heart”
pound nets located on the north side of Wicomico River 4 miles below
White Haven, being set across the current on the side of the channel,
with one net on each string. They cost about $100 each, and the 5 nets
required the services of 6 men and 3 skiffs. The season began March 14
and ended the first week in May, thé catch numbering 7,064 roe and
5,472 buck shad, worth $1,667 at local valuation, and in addition thereto
57,860 alewives and also numerous striped bass, perch, catfish, spots,
suckers, Squeteague, etc., were taken.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 209

Three small seines were operated in 1896 near the headwaters of the
river within 4 miles of Salisbury, the length ranging from 145 to 340
yards each, with 24-inch mesh in the bunt. The season for shad began
the second week in March and ended the latter part of May, the catch
numbering 1,544 roes and 2,510 bucks, worth $452, the seines also taking
alewives, striped bass, perch, catfish, ete.

The fyke nets are not set especially for shad. They are located in the
lower portion of the river, 18 sets, or 36 nets, being used in the spring
of 1896, requiring 9 men and 5 boats to fish them. The season for shad
extended from the middle of March to the middle of May. The yield
numbered 635 roes and 667 bucks, making a total catch in the Wicomico
of 32,838 roe shad and 35,177 bucks, valued locally at $8,480. Except
such as are sold in the immediate locality, most of the shad from this
river are sent to Baltimore.

For several years the State of Maryland has maintained a small shad
hatchery at Salisbury, on the Wicomico River, from which several mil-
lion fry are annually distributed, not only in the Wicomico but in other
streams of the peninsula.

NANTICOKE RIVER.

The headwaters of Nanticoke River are in Kent and Sussex counties,
Del., uniting in a navigable stream at Seaford and 11 miles lower
down crossing into Maryland. About 5 miles from the Delaware line
it receives the waters of Marshyhope Creek, and from this junction
flows 30 miles to its entrance into the head of Tangier Sound. In the
lower 10 miles the river is a mile or more in width and the channel 12
to 30 feet deep; thence to Vienna, 25 miles from the mouth, the width
is from 500 to 150 yards and the depth about the same as in the lower
portion. From Vienna to the entrance of Marshyhope Creek the width is
from 200 to 250 yards and the depth generally more than 20 feet. Above
that creek the width and depth gradually diminish to 100 yards and
8 feet, respectively, at Seaford, where navigation ceases. Nanticoke
River ranks third in the extent of its shad fisheries among the Mary-
land rivers, being surpassed only by the Choptank and Potomac. The
fisheries extend from the mouth to several miles above Seaford, the
total yield in 1896 being 216,308 shad, of which 52,467 were obtained in
Delaware and 38,660 in Marshyhope Creek, leaving 125,181 as the
number taken in the Maryland portion of the main river. The present
chapter deals only with the latter section, notes on the portion located
in Delaware being reserved for the description of the fisheries of that
State. Drift nets, stake nets, pound nets, and fykes are the only forms
of apparatus used in the shad fisheries of the Maryland section of the
Nanticoke, and over 50 per cent of the yield is obtained by means of
the first named.

Drift nets are operated from Quantico Creek to the Delaware line,
and are most numerous from Vienna to Sharptown. They measure
from 175 yards in length below Vienna to 115 yards at Galestown, and

F. R. $88——14

210 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

from 65 to 51 meshes deep, with 4% to54inch mesh. Each boat usually
carries two nets and requires the services of two men. The season
begins about the middle of March and lasts seven or eight weeks.
The drifting begins usually at 1 o’clock on Monday morning of each
week and on other secular days at 3 o’clock a. m., continuing until day-
light. The largest catch in one day by any one boat in 1896 was 316
shad, taken on Monday, March 23, near Vienna. In one drift of a mile
in length, with a net 165 yards long, 115 shad were taken. The total
cateh by the 73 drift-net boats numbered 62,876 shad, of which 36,566,
_ or 58 per cent, were bucks. This catch was smaller than usual, the
prices being so low that many of the men ceased fishing by the middle
of April.

Stake nets are used in the extreme lower end of the Nanticoke from
Roaring Point to Sandy Hill. The total catch in the 282 nets numbered
11,930 roes and 5,735 bucks, valued at $2,015. A very noticeable dif-
erence is observed in the proportion of roe and buck shad reported from
Sandy Hill and those reported from fishing stations farther down the
river. Of thetotal catch at Roaring Point, Jesterville, and Walterville
over 80 per cent were roe shad, whereas at Sandy Hill the proportion
that the roe bore to the total yield was less than 60 per cent. This is
due to the fact that the mesh of most of the nets at Sandy Hill was 5
inches, whereas at the former places it was mostly 52 inches. One boat
at Jesterville using 25 nets, with 53-inch mesh, caught 1,083 roes and
165 bucks in 1896,

While the pound nets in Nanticoke River are not set especially for
shad, yet numbers of this species are taken therein. Of the 26 pound
nets in 1896, 4 were set between Nanticoke Point and Roaring Point
and the remaining 22 above Quantico Creek. The 4 at the mouth
of the river were large nets, worth over $300 each, while the others
cost from $50 to $80 each. The mesh in the bowl of the nets was from
24 inches to 3 inches, small enough to retain alewives, of which large
quantities were obtained.

The yield of shad was somewhat larger than usual, the 4 nets at the
mouth of the river taking 8,596 bucks and 6,827 roes, the proportion
of the roe shad being greater than for several years preceding. The
remaining 22 nets took 8,680 roe shad and 11,200 buck shad, making
a total of 35,303 shad taken in the pound nets, worth $3,022 at local
values.

The fyke nets set in the lower part of the river, below Quantico
Creek, catch a few shad with other fish. They are operated generally
in sets of 2 nets each, in from 4 to 8 feet of water. In 1896, 143 fyke
nets were used in the Nanticoke, of which 82 were owned at Wetip-
quin and 56 at Sandy Hill. The yield of shad was 5,897 bucks and
3,440 roes, with a valuation of $795, the price being unusually low.
The Nanticoke River fyke nets produce over 50 per cent of the entire
yield of shad in all the fyke nets operated in the Chesapeake Bay and
tributaries, including both Maryland and Virginia.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 2p

Marshyhope Creek—The northwest branch of Nanticoke River
diverges from the main stream at Riverton, a small village in Wicomico
County, and extends about 34 miles to the swamps of Kent County,
Del. It has an average depth of 5 or 6 feet up to Federalsburg,
20 miles from the mouth, where it is crossed by a milldam. Consider-
ing its size, the shad fisheries of Marshyhope Creek are quite extensive.
They are prosecuted from the mouth to Federalsburg, but are most
extensive about Brookview, known until recently as Crotcher Ferry.
The catch in 1896 numbered 38,660 shad, of which 24,920 were taken
in drift nets, 7,180 in seines, and 6,560 in small pound nets.

The drift nets average nearly 100 yards in length, from 49 to 53 meshes
deep, with 5 to 54inch mesh. The season begins usually the last week
in March and extends to about May 20. The total catch by the 38 drift-
net boats in 1896 was 14,140 roes and 10,780 bucks, valued locality at
$2,306. Between Brookview and Federalsburg, on the Marshyhope
Creek, there were 8 seines operated. These ranged in length from 40
to 150 yards, aggregating 545 yards, with 24-inch mesh. Forty men
were employed in hauling them, the catch being 3,400 roes and 3,780
bucks, worth $823. The popular local opinion is adverse to the use of
pound nets, yet 12 small nets were used above Brookview in 1896, with
a total shad yield of 6,560, almost equally divided between roes and
bucks. Several of the pound nets in Marshyhope Creek and a number
in the Nanticoke are of an improved pattern, invented and patented
by Capt. M. B. Marshall, of Vienna, Md.

FISHING BAY.

‘This bay is a broad estuary, 11 miles in length and 2 or 3 in width,
- connecting Transquaking and Blackwater rivers with the head of Tan-
gier Sound. The depth of water in the channel approximates 20 feet,
but in the extreme upper end and on the sides of the channel the
depth of water averages about 5 feet. During some seasons the shad
yield of Fishing Bay is of much local value, but in 1896 it was extremely
small, the total catch in that year being about 9,790, whereas the aver-
age catch is three or four times that amount, stake nets and pound nets
being the apparatus used.

The stake nets measure 16 or 18 yards in length, with from 5 to
5$ inch mesh. Being set on the flats at the sides of the channel, they
are very Shoal, averaging 16 meshes in depth. The last season was
short, extending from March 16 to the middle of April, when crabs
and eels became so numerous that fishing was abandoned. The catch
in the 388 stake nets amounted to 4,300 roe shad and 3,865 bucks,
valued locally at $991. Of the four small pound nets used, two were
located near the entrance of Blackwater River at the head of the bay,
and two off Fishing Point, about 6 miles above the mouth of the bay,
the yield of shad numbering 660 roes and 965 bucks. The value of
these nets and the men, boats, ete., employed are set forth in the tables
showing the extent of the Maryland shad fisheries,

212 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Transquaking River.—This is a small stream situated wholly in Dor-
chester County and entering Fishing Bay at the extreme northern part.
Shad are taken by near-by residents, principally for local use. There
‘are three forms of apparatus used, viz, pound nets, ‘“ stick weirs,” and
bow nets, the catch by the first named being over twice as great as by
the other two combined. - The pound nets are small, costing probably
$70 each, and are operated from the 1st of March to the end of April,
and also in the fall. The number used in 1896 was 17, catching 3,846
roe and 6,378 buck shad, valued locally at $920. The “stick weirs”
are constructed by fixing sticks and brush in the bed of the river so as
to form a weir. They are rude contrivances, costing possibly $15 each,
and the catch is entirely for local use, the yield in the 12 weirs last
season approximating 850 roe shad and 1,020 bucks. In addition to
shad, many alewives and other species are taken in both pound nets
and weirs.

A few bow nets are used on the Transquaking and its principal tribu-
tary, the number in 1896 being 20, yielding 1,600 shad, about equally
divided between roes and bucks.

Blackwater River.—This stream is situated wholly in Dorchester
County and empties into Fishing Bay, not far from the Transquaking.
About 8 miles above its mouth it separates into two branches, known,
respectively, as Little Blackwater and Big Blackwater. Shad ascend
this river and its branches to the uppermost limits, and are taken at
numerous points in drift nets and pound nets. The drift nets average
40 yards in length, 7 feet in depth, with 5-inch mesh. The 34 drift-net
boats in 1896 required 36 men and used 46 nets, 1,840 yards in length,
worth $184. The season began about the third week of March and
lasted four or five weeks. The catch approximated 3,700, about evenly
divided between roes and bucks. The pound nets and “stick weirs”
used in the Blackwater and tributaries are similar to those in the
Transquaking, except that they are somewhat smaller. Of the 39 used
in these waters, 24 were in the main river, 9 in Little Blackwater, and 6
in Big Blackwater. The catch was 5,645 roe shad and 3,815 bucks,
valued at $1,051, making the total yield of shad on the Blackwater
River and tributaries 13,160, worth $1,480. Very few of these shad are
shipped to distant markets.

CHOPTANK RIVER.

The Choptank is the largest and most important of the Eastern
Shore rivers. From the Chesapeake to Hunting Creek, a distance of
30 miles, it is a tidal estuary, the width ranging from 5 miles to 500
yards and the depth in the channel from 70 to 20 feet, the water being
nearly as salty as in Chesapeake Bay. About 18 miles above Hunting
Creek it receives the waters of Tuckahoe Creek, a tributary nearly as
long as the main stream above this point. The river is navigable for
vessels of 9 feet draft to Denton, 7 miles above Tuckahoe Creek, and
small-boat navigation extends to Greensboro, 8 miles further. The yield

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 213

of shad 1n 1896 was nearly one-half of the total product on all the Eastern
Shore streams and nearly five times aS many as were taken on Sus-
quehanna River, numbering 276,076 on the main stream and 62,344
on Tuckahoe Creek, a total of 338,420, valued locally at $35,810. Of
the total yield 183,730, or 54 per cent, were bucks. The forms of appa-
ratus used are pound nets, drift nets, seines, and stake nets, with a few
shad taken in fyke nets.

The location of pound nets extends from Nelson Point, near the mouth
of the river, to 2 or 3 miles above the entrance of Tuckahoe Creek, but
the nets are most numerous between Oxford and Windy Hill, a distance
of 25 miles. In 1896 there were 24 strings with 2 pound nets each, 2
with 3 nets in a row, one string of 4 nets in a row, and 127 nets set indi-
vidually, making a total of 185. Those near the mouth of the river
average in value about $120, while the nets in the upper portion cost
less than $40 each. The former are set more particularly for striped
bass, bluefish, squeteague, perch, catfish, etc., and take comparatively
few shad, while the catch by the latter consists largely of shad and ale-
wives. The season begins in the lower part of the river during the
second week of March, in the upper portion about ten days later, and
lasts about two months, the bulk of the shad being taken from April
10 to May 10. Shad were somewhat scarce last year, and about the
middle of April the weather became warm and prices fell so low that
they did not even cover the expense of shipment, resulting in many of
the nets being taken up. One net set near Oxford yielded 2,260 in one
lift in 1895, whereas the yield during the entire season of 1896 did not
equal that amount. The catch in the 185 nets numbered 52,226 roe and
62,532 buck shad, valued locally at $11,811.

The drift-net fishery is most extensive from the mouth of Tuckahoe
Creek to Denton, but this branch of the shad fisheries is prosecuted
from Windy Hill to the head of theriver. Thelength of the nets ranges
from 60 to 200 yards each and-the depth from 40 to 60 meshes, according
to the width and depth of the reach in which operated. From 2 to5 nets
are carried by each boat, the latter worth from $6 to $20 and having
almost invariably a crew of twomen. The season begins about the end
of March and continues until nearly the middle of May. In 1896, on
account of the low prices of shad, many fishermen ceased fishing earlier
than usual, and the total catch by the 118 drift-net boats numbered
only 33,281 roe and 47,310 buck shad, valued locally at $8,541.

The upper limit of the stake-net fishery on the Choptank is in the
vicinity of Hunting Creek, near the lower limit of the drift-net fishery,
and from this point to Castle Haven, a distance of 18 miles, these nets
are quite numerous. They are set on the sides of the channel where
the water is from 10 to 16 feet deep. The length of nets ranges from
12 to 25 yards each and the depth from 25 to 45 meshes, dependent
respectively on the strength of current and the depth of water where
they are located. The size of mesh is mostly 5 inches, a few nets of
54-inch mesh being employed also. From 10 to 100 nets are used by

914 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

each boat, the average number being about 40 or 45. The last season
began about March 20 and lasted six or seven weeks, the yield by the 34
boats numbering 18,925 roe shad and 16,350 bucks, worth $3,813.

All the shad seines on Choptank River are operated within 8 miles
of Denton, from Williston to Greensboro, in Caroline County. The
length ranges from 120 to 325 yards each, and the depth from 10 to 30
feet. The seine shores are not so valuable as twenty or more years
ago, but at present are worth from $50 to $500 each. In 1896 there
were 14 seines operated on this river, with an aggregate length of ©
3,293 yards, and valuation of $1,460, requiring the services of 71 men,
14 boats worth $189, and $1,200 of shore property. The season began
the third week of March and ended on May 15, as required by a State
law. The large seines inake about 12 hauls each day during the run
of fish, the smaller ones being hauled somewhat more frequently. The
most important of the seine fisheries is the Cedar Island fishery, owned
by Mr. B. G. Stevens, which in some seasons takes 10,000 or 12,000
shad. The total shad yield in the 14 seines was 45,050, of which 24,110
were bucks, the local value being $5,185.

Between Dover Bridge and the entrance of Tuckahoe Creek there
are usually a score or more fyke nets, in which a few shad are taken,
the yield in 1896 numbering 402, of which over 70 per cent were bucks.
Until recently there were several ‘“ pound weirs,” or ‘‘stick weirs,” in
the headwaters of the Choptank, but legislation adverse to their use
resulted in this branch of shad fishery being abandoned in 1895. Nearly
all the shad taken in the Choptank River are shipped by steamer to
Baltimore, and as most of them reach market after April 10, when large
supplies are being received from Virginia waters and Delaware Bay,
the price at which they are sold is necessarily quite low. This was
especially true during the season herein reported, when the market
was so glutted about the middle of April that many Choptank River
shad were thrown away, and other shipments did not bring enough to
pay expenses of marketing them.

Tuckahoe Creek.—This is the only tributary of Choptank River that
has shad fisheries of any importance. Branching off about 8 miles
below Denton, it is navigable for vessels of 8 feet draft for a distance
of 10 miles. A small shad hatchery has been maintained for many
years by the State of Maryland at Cowarts Point, a few miles above
the mouth, from which five or ten million young shad are annually
distributed. The shad fisheries of Tuckahoe Creek extend from the
Choptank to Hillsboro, the yield in 1896 being 62,344, rendering it one
of the most important shad streams on the Atlantic coast for its size.
The forms of apparatus used are drift nets and seines, with a few pound
nets and weirs.

The drift-net stations on Tuckahoe Creek are Cowarts Point (14
boats) and New Bridge (2 boats) in Caroline County, and Rees Landing
and New Bridge (13 boats), Covey Landing (5 boats), Frank Landing
(2 boats) and Todd Landing (2 boats) in Talbot County.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 215

The nets are from 60 to 90 yards in length and are about 55 meshes
deep, with 5 to5finch mesh. The 38 boats in 1896 used 117 drift nets,
with an aggregate length of 8,802 yards and valuation of $1,140. The
season began about the Ist of April and closed, according to law, on
May 15, ‘The catch per boat ranged from 200 to 2,000 shad, and aver-
aged something over 1,000, the total catch of the 38 boats being 39,670,
almost equally divided between roes and bucks, the number of the
former being 20,040 and the latter 19,630.

The seine beaches on Tuckahoe Creek extend from Hillsboro to
within 8 miles of the mouth of the river. Hight beaches were occu-
pied last year, of which 2 were new ones. The seines range in length
from 110 to 300 yards and from 9 to 37 feet in depth, with 24-inch
mesh generally. The catch of shad numbered 9,001 roes and 13,194
bucks, the proportion of the roes being smaller than usual.

Several pound nets and fyke nets are operated from the Talbot side
of Tuckahoe Creek, taking a few shad, as well as alewives, perch, cat-
fish, etc. Nine pound nets and 34 fykes were used in 1896, the former
taking 283 and the latter 196 shad, as appears from the table showing
the extent of the Maryland shad fisheries. Except sufficient for local
consumption and for sale in the neighboring settlements and towns,
all the shad taken on Tuckahoe Creek, as well as on Choptank River,
are shipped to Baltimore by the daily steamers connecting that port
with the river.

The local effect of close seasons is well illustrated by the condition
on Choptank River and Tuckahoe Creek. In the lower half of the
Choptank the shad season begins about the middle of March and ends
about the 10th of May, whereas in Tuckahoe Creek and the upper por-
tion of the Choptank the season begins about the 1st of April and
closes by law on May 15, giving those sections nearly two weeks less of
fishing than is enjoyed in the Lower Choptank. As a matter of fact,
taking 1,000 shad after May 15 is generally less injurious to the future
prosperity of the fishery than taking an equal number before that date,
since the percentage of spawned shad in the former lot is greater than
in the latter, thus yielding many more young shad when the fish are
caught after May 15 than when taken before that date. Catching a
shad immediately before it has spawned certainly prevents it from add-
ing its quota to the supply of young fish; but this is also prevented if
the shad be caught near the mouth of the river a month or more before
its spawning period. It can not be denied, however, that many eggs
are destroyed when seines are dragged over the spawning-beds.

ST. MICHAEL RIVER.

Eastern Bay is a side elongation of Chesapeake Bay, covering about
100 square miles and receiving the waters of the St. Michael, Wye, and
smaller rivers. There are few fish in this bay, and the only one of its
tributaries in which the shad fishery is of any consequence is St.
Michael River. This small estuary, lying wholly in Talbot County,

216 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

is 16 miles long and varies in depth from 12 fathoms to 8 feet or less.
Shad fishing is confined to the operation of several strings of stake
nets, the yield finding a market in the near-by settlements. Sixty men
engaged at intervals in this fishery in 1896, using 31 boats and 92 nets,
3,690 yards in length. The season began March 25 and closed the
beginning of May, the catch numbering 1,212 roe shad and 1,003 bucks,
valued locally at $423. That season was unusually backward and
short and the fish remarkably scarce.

CHESTER RIVER.

Chester River is the second largest stream entering the Chesapeake
Bay on the east, being surpassed in size only by the Choptank. It is
navigable for vessels of 10 feet draft to Chestertown, 26 miles from its
mouth, and for 3 or 4 feet draft about 10 miles farther. The width
ranges from 2 or 3 miles near the mouth to 150 feet near Millington, at
the head of navigation. The shad fisheries are prosecuted from the
mouth of the river to the headwaters, but the catch is most numerous
in the pound nets set near the mouth and in the stake nets from
Chestertown to Millington. Of the total yield in 1896, 19,584 were
taken by fishermen living in Kent County and 33,923 by fishermen
from Queen Anne County.

The stake nets are set from Quaker Neck to Millington, the number
of boats engaged in this fishery being 63, requiring 109 men to operate
them. The nets measure from 20 to 50 yards in length and 30 to 45
meshes deep, with 5 to 54 inch mesh, the aggregate length of the 178 nets
used in 1896 being 7,020 yards. The season began April 6 and closed
about May 25, the total yield being 13,440 roes and 6,150 buck shad,
worth $3,223 at local valuation. A number of drift nets were formerly
operated in Chester River, but they have gradually been superseded by
stake nets, only 2 being reported for 1896. both operating at Chester-
town.

Shad seines are used on the Chester River between Island Creek and
Crumpton, 14 being employed in 1896, of which 5 were operated on the
Queen Anne shore below Chestertown, the same number by men living
at Chestertown, and 4 in the vicinity of Crumpton. There were also 3
seines at Queenstown, which took a very few shad. These seines
measure from 400 to 150 yards in length, with 2 to 3 inch mesh, the
aggregate length of the 17 being 3,835 yards. They were operated by
65 men, and in the season lasting from the middle of March to the end
of May caught 3,874 roe and 6,059 buck shad, with a local valuation of
$1,526.

The principal pound-net fishery of Chester River is located near the
mouth of the river on both sides of the channel. On the southern
shore, between Love Point and the Narrows, there were 11 pound nets
in 1896, the value approximating $1,570, The mesh was 24 inches, and
the season for shad extended from the last week of March to the Ist

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 217

of June. The yield numbered 5,080 roes and 8,610 bucks, and was
worth $1,943.

On the north shore of the river, between Eastern Neck Island and
Swan Point, there were 51 nets set in 20 strings, the largest string con-
taining 9 nets, but most of them with only 1 net each. These nets were
much smaller than those on the Kent Island shore, the value of the 51
being only $3,240, and the catch of shad numbered 2,314 roes and
2,500 bucks, valued locally at $470. The yield of alewives during the
same year was 768,000, worth $1,530. There were pound nets also at
Chestertown, Quaker Neck, and Crumpton, the total numbering 19,
worth $705. The catch of shad was 1,165 roes and 1,660 bucks, worth
$413, making a total of 21,319 shad, valued at $2,826, taken in Chester
River pound nets. In addition to shad, these nets take large quantities
of alewives, perch, striped bass, catfish, ete.

The numerous fyke nets below Chestertown take many alewives and
a few shad, the latter species being*merely an incidental catch. The
83 fyke nets on the river in 1896 caught 2,390 shad, of which 1,440 were
bucks and 950 were roes. This river ranks second among Maryland
rivers in the number of shad taken in fyke nets, being surpassed only
by the Nanticoke. The surplus of Chester River shad, after supplying
the local demand, is sent to Baltimore and Philadelphia, good shipping
facilities existing to those points by both steamer and rail.

SASSAFRAS AND ELK RIVERS.

Sassafras River.—In this tidal stream, 18 miles long, there are com-
paratively few shad, the great abundance of fresh water coming down
from the Susquehanna attracting them past the mouth of this river.
A few are obtained each year in pound nets set for alewives, perch,
striped bass, etc. In 1896 there were 31 pound nets, worth $1,810, and
the shad taken numbered 230 roes and 1,060 bucks, worth $166.

Hlk River.—Elk River rises in Chester County, Pa., and enters
Chesapeake Bay near the northern extremity, having a total length of
35 miles. From Chesapeake Bay to Elkton, the head of navigation, the
river is a broad estuary three-fourths of a mile wide aud 16 miles in
length. There are no professional shad fisheries in Elk River, but a
few shad are taken in the large number of pound nets set for alewives
and other species. These nets are set on both sides of the channel from
the mouth to Plum Point, near the head of the river. Those near the
mouth take the largest quantity of shad, 100 or more being taken in
each net, whereas few of the individual nets in the upper half take over
25shad. The pound nets in 1896 numbered 139, worth $8,020, requiring
41 boats and 85 men to operate them. Shad were taken from March 20
to the end of May, the yield of this species being 1,629 roes and 3,615
bucks, valued locally at $637. The yield of alewives was 2,327,000 in
number, but this represented only a portion of the quantity that could
have been secured had there been a satisfactory market for them.

918 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF DELAWARE.

The shad fisheries of Delaware are prosecuted from Nanticoke River,
Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and small tributaries entering them,
as appears from the following series of tables:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
jisheries of Delaware in 1896.

Fishermen.
otal ex-
5 clusive of
Waters. Drift- | Stake- Caine Pound-| Bow- | duplica-
net. net. net. net. tion.
ISNA) Oe RIN EP Gs aribas esses abaSansodcogbassEsce (2 \psscosine 50 2 | Sane 120
IBTOBELC Tee Kees ese cite ei se er nettle PAN ee eha NA esee ces oerccoc - 32
Delaware Bay ..----- 46 14a eee 7 a eae 64
Broadkiln Creek D2 Sofas oe 40 \te cco xs2| Sees 64
Mispillion Creek GYi\eeo055a¢ 16 ce secic oe | anemia 76
Murderlsilli@nreelk:s e222. scenes sa clatter cote eae PAY lResneca: 20) || <teetsaise 16 56
Sirs A ioriGys\ Creeysl ein wes a banaae sae SnaCoeeona season laeaaarisa|assaqaSe 243) Sas scree ee eee 24
MeipsiciCreek seenek aero eee cease eee KY |lesuysdocc aby 5Sscgabs4|>55o55—2 25
DDO) re Oh (3) eA See Ae ae eee cee ee aceoincseouse Sraaqeise ot P22 ho ccciaue eee 22
Dela wanreURivery. sa. cee] Seas aisle Receiee cee mise AG4N Secs Scie Pa ae A Re Se 186
Ap pogiuiniminike Cree kien enema cere ee eee seal eet t= |eeetateaia Wi lleacoseeellocoessce 6
Christiana Oreekitseesce- pen en cetsitcesiicesescces Guleeeetiaee 18/4). Se) foee| sleet 24
MO taly ee Lest meres aeeinae heck sash at Sete eee 415 14 252 6 16 699

Statement of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of Delaware in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets.
Waters. 1
No. | Value. | No. | Length. | Value. |No.| Length. | Value.
| |
Yards. Yards
Nanticoke River 47 $546 | 85 Cakes Peasy Roe e|5 55 2555--||5---=3-
Broad Creek -.----.-- 13 154) 22 1, 540 320) |\niseclooes (eee eee
Delaware Bay ..--..--- 32 1, 505 24 13, 540 1, 430 7 2, 700 $240
Broadikiln’ Creeksé 2. a-.2 dace ce'aelesieis cer 32 335] 13 600 SAMS BAenoescesacsas =
Maspillioni@reeks see ose ee cree rinaee 58 1,280 | 50 2, 500 4.00) Oey) cates eee
Mun derknlli@neeks ser. se eeensece ese 34 340 | 20 500 CLO ee eee leocea sss
St: wones Creelkisa- 4. e-ce ee eae ene Ss 6 UO) see l-sogccaaricussscaes: |. acl cielo stool eee
TEOIPSiCiOreeks = 325-5. 0s = Sefaiettseieistets 14 140 | 10 250 30 kc. | occ cette Sarees
IDEA Cie ie Se oe ses osdooocna aqo0onAeeDoC 6 IAW Gs acc|lcogecescgsa56a- on Badlecacessodiecesscc-
Delaware inivereccncrceecccasececee eames 97 | 11,,005.\) ‘Si |) 380) 767)|). 9) 460) hee 2) hose eee
Appoquinimink Creek.........----.--- 2 3) roc baleastecooscdisocsscome Jalecie aaa oe
Christiana Creek <<. saes.c-esoscedencs 9 90 4 480 28 | 225-| aacitee ee eee
otal Seeecc sess eae atin tee aeoue see 350 | 15,645 | 309 | 107,361 | 12,971 | 7 2, 700 240
Seines. Pound nets.| Bow nets. Bee Total
: rop- a
Waters. = a value.
No. Length. Value. | No.| Value. |No.| Value. | value.
| |
Yards.
NSIT ICOKEWRIVED sis icleteto alcioialeVatalsialayalfestoe 10 | 1,674 $825 $2,830 | $5, 456
IBrORdICTOGK Ber ccm asesiccnececseeei 2 296 HAD Rees 280 904
MelawarerBayecsasc. ecieincceencsa see Beiellictaeinintele = |etctoe eeree 2, 200 5, 700
Broadkiln Creek .-..--- Sed aaeeces ase 18 | 1,580 SRO eee 1, 630 2, 378
Mispilliom Oreekes-ceeeeeescessceesee 4 320 TOON eee 1, 500 3, 280
Marg eriill(@ne glee emeeaieiniseecetate te 6 480 | 1507 )2-=. 1, 350 1, 940
Stdiones:Onreelsience ie cssteeecrieiee se 6 500 | 1509/22 400 650
Meipsie) Creeks a= <\<icininjancisis ese she sis 4 320 ZI Craters 300 595
TCkiCneekeschine => tciee ne ences ecene 6 427 Msi) | Sece 225 495
Delaware River ..-..-....-. Ay) 225250) 1050) \e5 857 | 22,372
Appoquinimink Creek .......---.-.. 2 | 160 50: |eSzeie 100 180
Christiana (Creeks. sae sacesecmeceee ne 6 | 300 Ti ee cee OE eee 190
intel space Sacer cee ay Geet ae 68 | 8,307 | 3,187 11,672 | 44,140

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 219

Statement showing the yield in each branch of the shad fisheries of Delaware in 1896.

Drift nets. {Stake nets. Seines. aoung Bow nets. Total.
Waters. a A z LY. sth Ba
No. |Value.| No. | Val.| No. | Val. |No.| Val.| No. | Val.| No. | Value.
Nanticoke River...-. 22, 760 |$2, 235 |.....-|.---- 19, 722 |$1, 803 |280 | $84 |.......|..... 42, 832 | $4,072
Broad Creek.....-- 6, 710 690) ||.ceac lees 2, 925 BES) se Gal Seen) |Goceocd oon. 9,635 | 1,083
Delaware Bay.-.----.- 43,220) |/\7, 765) 14, 200) S672) | cco es selice sea 100 Wy eoedaclleacics 47,520 | 8,456
Broadkiln Creek.-..| 2, 695 GV fal Semetets| lso.sc- He eth) | PBI) eer S6e sq) eoeeooc| soos 16,500 | 2,526
Mispillion Creek...) 47,500 | 9,726 |..-..-|.---- 3, 180 Oa Sa ees erertie a eeimeereelllalesle 50, 680 | 10, 369
Murderkill Creek..| 3,500 6938p -535-|Deenc 2, 900 5GO) ere si lseicie'= 2,300 $445 | 8,700 | 1,707
WIMLONGS reeks. 6a. eek aeies s|ievielscrc|secsscltitem- 4, 060 GN bape) tence labac mod bemee 4, 060 507
Leipsic Creek. --.-. 1, 700 960) |e sericaieeeere 1, 098 IGN eae Geepellosooaoa pcegc 2, 798 420
Dee (SRT Ss BB bee oS eagee Spore eeacie ocsccc 1, 500 BE eal boeod bemceod toacd 1, 500 240
Delaware River. .-..--. 1278; 857 189,080) |. ceclaien-= 2, 012 PATS ee Baba Socouce loader 280, 869 | 39, 341
Appoquinimink
MOG Besteiaters = =i == | OP Patera | teste =p =| er steers eno 350 b15) Need laonoclaboeac|osace 350 55
Christiana Creek .. GOO |) 100) |e ea2e Zee ROaTON PP ORL leer sleecea loans te J----- 2,900 484.
Total ......--.:/407, 542 (60,936 4,200 | 672 (53,922 | 7,154 [380 | 53 | 2,300 | 445 |468, 344 | 69, 260

NANTICOKE RIVER.

Most of the eastern tributaries of Chesapeake Bay have their sources
in the State of Delaware, yet Nanticoke River is the only one which
penetrates that State sufficiently far to maintain shad fisheries within
the limits of Delaware. The general physical characteristics of this
stream have already been described in the chapter on the shad fisheries
of Maryland. The portion situated in Delaware is small, the distance
from the State line to Seaford, the head of navigation, being only 8
miles. Above Seaford the river is very narrow and shallow and soon
terminates in the swamps of Sussex County. The shad fisheries of the
Delaware section of Nanticoke River are prosecuted by means of drift
nets and seines. The former are used from the Maryland line to Sea-
ford, the principal fishing centers being Seaford and Woodland, while
seines are operated from 2 miles below Woodland to 2 miles above
Seaford.

The catch of shad by these forms of apparatus in 1896 numbered
29,470 and 22,717, respectively, while 280 were taken incidentally in
pound nets, making a total yield of 52,467 shad in this section of Nan-
ticoke River.

The drift nets range from 70 to 90 yards in length, 49 to 55 meshes
deep, with 51 to 52 inch mesh. The season now begins about March 20
and ends during the first or second week in May, being somewhat
shorter during recent years than formerly. The laws of Delaware
interdict the taking of shad in this river after May 31 of each year.
In the vicinity of Seaford the water is so clear that all drifting must be
done at night, whereas at Sharptown and below fishing is done princi-
pally during the day. In 1896 there were 36 boats engaged in drifting
in this section of the Nanticoke, using 85 nets, aggregating 7,184 yards
in length, and manned by 72 men. The largest catch by any one boat
in one day was 148 shad, and the catch during the season ranged from

220 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

400 to 1,700 per boat, the total yield numbering 12,020 roe shad and
10,740 bucks, for which the fishermen received $2,235.

Haul seines are used only in the extreme upper limits of the river,
above the Maryland border line. From that point to 2 miles above
Seaford there are 10 seines, measuring from 125 to 200 yards in length,
20 to 30 feet in depth, with 24 to 24 inch mesh. Five men are required
at each fishery, and the beaches rent usually for about $15 annually.
The season extends from the second week of March to the second or
third week of May, and the catch by each seine usually ranges from
200 to 3,000 shad. The aggregate catch by the 10 seines in 1896 was
8,702 roe shad and 11,090 bucks, valued locally at $1,803.

Broad Creek.—This creek is a branch of Nanticoke River, joining that
stream a short distance above the Maryland line. It penetrates the
swamps of southern Delaware, and is navigable a distance of 8 miles,
to Laurel. Its shad fisheries are of local importance only, the annual
yield approximating 10,000, obtained by means of drift nets and seines
which differ in no particular from those used on the upper portion of
the Nanticoke. In 1896 there were 11 drift-net boats and two seining
crews, and the catch aggregated 9,635 shad, of which 6,710 were obtained
by drift nets and 2,925 by seines.

DELAWARE BAY AND RIVER.

The shad fisheries prosecuted in Delaware Bay by residents of the
State of Delaware are very much less extensive than those carried on
by citizens of New Jersey, and the same statement is applicable to
Delaware River, although the difference in the latter is not so great.
The residents of the two States fish generally on the same grounds,
with similar forms of apparatus, depend on the same markets, and
their interests are identical in nearly every particular. It is therefore
most convenient to describe the fisheries of the two States in the same
chapter, and as those prosecuted from the New Jersey shore are by far
the most important the fisheries ‘of both the bay and river will be
described in the chapter relating to that State. It will suffice to state
in this connection that in 1896 47,520 shad were taken in Delaware Bay
and 280,869 in Delaware River by residents of Delaware, the value
aggregating $47,797.

The principal fishing centers on the river are Neweastle, Delaware
City, Wilmington, and Port Penn, while on the bay the principal cen-
ters are Bombay Hook and Bowers Beach.

There are a number of small streams tributary to Delaware Bay and
situated entirely within this State which yield a number of shad each
year, the most important being Broadkiln, Mispillion, Murderkill, St.
Jones, Leipsic, Duck, Appoquinimink, and Christiana creeks. They all
rise in the central and western part of Delaware and flow in a general
easterly direction to their entrance into the bay. They are short, the
longest barely exceeding 25 miles, and are tidal nearly to their source.
The fisheries of each will be briefly noted.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 221

Broadkiln Oreek.—This creek is situated in Sussex County and emp-
ties into Delaware Bay a short distance above the breakwater at Lewes.
It is nearly 20 miles long, navigable to Milton, a town of 1,200 inhab-
itants, about 14 miles from the mouth. According to Dr. Shortlidge,
formerly fish commissioner of Delaware, shad were not caught in
Broadkiln Creek previous to plantings of fry made there about eight
years ago. They are now taken in some abundance by means of seines
and @rift nets. The run in 1896 was smaller than usual, in 1895 it was
fair, while the catch in 1892 was the best on the creek. In 1896, 18
seines were used, with an aggregate length of 1,580 yards, and worth
$370. The catch of shad numbered 6,185 roes and 7,620 bucks, with a
local valuation of $2,139. A State regulation makes it “‘unlawful for
any person or persons to make more than one haul on the ebb tide and
one haul on the flood tide for the taking of shad in Broadkiln River, or
to use the rattler, which is made to scare the shad, or to use anything
that might be conceived of to drive the shad,” and that the seine shall
not remain across the river longer than one hour on each tide, but it
does not appear that these regulations are enforced. The drift nets
numbered 13, with an aggregate length of 600 yards, and a valuation
of $43, and the catch numbered 1,033 roes and 1,662 bucks, worth $387
at local prices.

Mispillion Creek.—This is a narrow, tortuous, sand-hill creek, enter-
ing Delaware Bay about 17 miles northwest of Cape Henlopen. Near
its mouth it averages 80 yards in width, and in the vicinity of Milford,
the head of navigation, 18 miles from the mouth, the average width is
about 30 yards. The apparatus used for taking shad are drift nets and
a few seines. The former measure 59 yards in length, with 5{-inch
mesh, and require the services of one boat and one or two men each.
Most of the 60 drift-net fishermen live at Milford, and they fish between
that point and 14 miles below. The number of nets employed in 1896
was 50, the catch by which is reported at 26,000 roe shad and 21,500
bucks. Four shad seines were used on the Mispillion in the vicinity of
Milford, averaging 80 yards in length, with 2-inch mesh, and requiring
the services of 4 men each. The catch of shad numbered 3,180, about
equally divided between roes and bucks, with a local value of $643.

Murderkill Creek.—This creek is navigable from the mouth to Quillen
Landing, 5 miles above Fredericka and about 124 miles from Delaware
Bay. Its shad fisheries are of small extent, confined to the use of a
few drift nets, seines, and bow nets by men living at Fredericka.. The
seines used numbered 6, with an aggregate length of 480 yards, the
yield of shad approximating 2,900, worth $569, of which 1,700 were
roes. Twenty drift nets were used during the same year, catching
3,500 shad, worth $693, of which about three-fifths were roes. The
Murderkill is the only river in Delaware from which the use of bow
nets is reported. The catch by the 10 nets was reported at 1,300 roe
shad and 1,000 bucks, worth $445, making an aggregate of 8,700 as the
total yield in 1896.

222 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

St. Jones Creek.—St. Jones Creek is a tidal stream, 40 miles in length,
which empties into Delaware Bay immediately above the entrance of
Murderkill Creek and 75 miles below Philadelphia. It is navigable for
vessels of 6-foot draft to Lebanon, 12 miles above the mouth; thence 5
feet can be carried a distance of 9 miles to Dover, the head of naviga-
tion and the capital of the State. The shad fisheries are limited to the
use of haul seines at Lebanon, Cherrytree Landing, and Dover. These
seines are each from 80 to 100 yards in length, with 24 to 24-inch mesh,
requiring 4 men each. They had a fairly gooa season in 1896, the catch
in the six seines numbering 1,656 roe shad and 2,404 bucks, worth
$507. There is a State interdiction against placing “any net, seine, or
other device used in fishing in or across St. Jones River on or during
any flood tide.”

Leipsic Creek.—Leipsic Creek differs little from the other small creeks
of this State, and its shad fisheries call for no special description. A
few drift nets and seines are used between the mouth of the creek and
Leipsic, 10 drift nets being employed in 1896, catching 900 roe shad
and 800 bucks, and 4 seines caught 500 roes and 598 bucks—a total of
2,798 shad, worth $420.

Duck Creek.—This stream is narrow and winding, 15 miles in length,
and empties into Delaware Bay 54 miles above Bombay Hook Point.
In 1896, 14 fishermen from Smyrna, in Kent County, used 4 seines, each
80 yards in length, with 24-inch mesh. From Walker, in Newcastle
County, 8 men used 2 seines, each 53 yards in length. The catch by
the former approximated 1,000 shad, of which two-thirds were roe;
and the catch by the Walker fishermen was about one-half as large,
with the same proportion of roes and bucks.

Appoquinimink Creek.—This is a tidal stream, 20 miles in length,
lying altogether in Newcastle County, and emptying into Delaware
River 5 miles below Port Penn and 46 miles below Philadelphia. It is
navigable for vessels of 7-foot draft to Odessa, a town of 500 inhabi-
tants, 9 miles from the mouth. Two seines, each 80 yards in length,
with 21-inch mesh, were used in 1896 by 6 men from Odessa. The
catch of shad was small, numbering only 350, of which nearly 60 per
cent were roes.

Christiana Creek.—For purposes of navigation this creek is the most
important one in Delaware, as it forms the harbor of Wilmington. It
is navigable to Wilmington, a distance of 8 miles, and above that
point it is crossed by several dams for generating water power. Six
seines were used in 1896, averaging 50 yards in length, with 24-inch
mesh. Their catch is reported at 2,300 shad, of which two-thirds were
roes. Four drift nets were also used, each 120 yards long, with 54-inch
mesh. They caught 400 roe shad and 200 bucks, making a total of
2,900 shad, worth $484, taken during the year herein reported.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF PENNSYLVANIA.

223

The shad fisheries of Pennsylvania are confined to the Susquehanna
River and to the Delaware Bay and River and their tributaries.
following series of tables shows the extent of those fisheries in detail:

The

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in the shad fisheries of
Pennsylvania in 1896.

Trans-
porters.

Total.

Number of fishermen.
Ww Shores-
aters. nae
Drift-net. | Seine. | Bow-net. | Spear.) Total. 5
Susquehanna River:
Below Columbia dam ..........|- 286 5 |e 337
Above Columbia dam.. THOU RARE RE See Bpcosoe 79
MO TMCL VO ence Sen shee tasei||- coceese ce TOMES ecices cre c.c|choeeee 12 |.
Melaware bay esa =e mene 0c lit} peace] lanconcenece sooasar 11
Delaware River:
Below Scudder Falls........-.. 340 PAG) |eoesawitsiace) saicene- 489) |sone5=-8
Above Scudder Falls ........-- 2 TG eeoeeeaast 30 187 16
POUR scan oes Setlists oo ate 353 681 51 30 | 1,115 16

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, eic., employed in the shad fisheries of
Pennsylvania in 1896.

| Boats. Drift nets. Seines.
Waters.
No. | Value. |No.|Length.) Value. |No. |Length.| Value.
Susquehanna River: - Yards Yards 7
SLO NACO MINIS ORIN ~ -/cajaisninjolaiais oinlnclsajecicne | BPA pita se A Eel ey ei siccel tccrese 33 | 6,360 | $2,345
FAB VE COLUM DID CAIs sos cian cielo wee ee | 29 URGE. |S eas sicteslas seen 16} 2,260] 1,190
AERTS Lede Sore e ne eee Serer en cree 2 BLD Been be peeercl ternsiees 2 170 135
WelawarelBAyes2 5220 = -~\oosce scion scsescoss 10 750 | 5] 6,000 $(20r|shclececaaerlaseceete
Delaware River: _ .-
Below Scudder Falls..-..-.....--.-......-.--| 223 | 14, 682 |167 | 64,670 | 10,268 | 15 | 5,300] 5,035
PPOVOISCUGGOL Nalisy. cc mecics cues coemcisiess 52 52a eels Cai eek 100 35300) bs21baliae580
ei ee CRs RC eee 468 | 21,340 173 | 70,770 | 11,028 | 96 | 19,305 | 12, 285
Bow nets. Spears.
Wratees! P Shore Total
No. | Value. |No. | Value. | Property.) value.
Susquehanna River:
BB loiwg COLUM 1a GAM aaa. a/a'cin alec’ vata laininstoiais/are'a/e siviaisieic 51 Sl Soe Sates eee eee $2, 655 $8, 899
AinaveColmmp ia Gains sept sactae asec eae cate cate sce ae baie eeeeieas Hees ISoceer cd 60 2, 027
PUNE UEV Olea cictee eats ceria caleteins cteiciecioncsiie sae einsiaee alcatel acacia Shed Deasecrs: 55 220
LOGIE ITED LR Ssopossaeosodu ser cr a sscsener Bea acosen Sennte bese |soossene = Sede Soreci|iccotsoncce 1, 475
Delaware River:
BPO WAS UUOUOLPM ANS Crease anes tcsivae celrce cst isisie sce tees Nels o|ictarse mate sisae line atseta ae 20, 596 50, 581
PH OVIOMSCHON Ors Hall nets tects a seprnine Docent a maaies cei] emaclaaciaeass 30 $23 | 13, 085 18, 110
SUIT AA OR ea ee 51; 185|30| 23 | 26451) 81,212
Statement, by water areas, of the yield of shad in Pennsylvania in 1896.
Drift nets. Seines. Bow nets. Spears. Total.
Waters.
No. |Value.| No. | Value.| No. |Value.| No. |Value.| No. | Value.
Susquehanna River:
Below Columbia dam -.|-....-..|..-...- 53, 706 | $8, 120 |10, 500 |$1, 893 |......]....... 64, 206 |$10, 013
Above Columbia dam..}..-.....|-.....- DuGOS VEE IS G9Gu Cora scslitons 5 acl otecee tgacenme 5,693 | 1,696
VUNG RIVED c..cceceloeaecsee|-accc~ = 700 DOlGlses sceclwecesosecsaealsecaaes 700 287
Delaware Bay ...-...----- AST OOO MSU ODO ees tee Seale ates arlene vem eeteaate a alinarctee 18,600 | 1,655
Delaware River:
Below Scudder Falls. . .|277, 204 |54, 670 |152,195 | 14,795 |.......|.......]......|------. 429, 399 | 49, 465
Above Seudder Falls..| 1, 200 _ 200 | 96, 041 | 15,589 |---...-)....... 5,400 | $540 |102, 641 | 16,329
Watahee eee oe 297, 004 |36, 525 [308,335 | 40,487 |10,500 | 1,893 |5,400 | 540 |621, 239 | 79, 445

224 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER.

Susquehanna River is situated partly in Maryland and New York,
but principally in Pennsylvania, traversing that State from its north-
ern to its southern border. Its source is in Otsego Lake, New York,
whence it flows a distanee of 422 miles to its entrance into Chesapeake
Bay. On account of the numerous rapids and the shoalness of the
water, the river is not navigable except for skiffs in short reaches. It
differs from most streams on the Atlantic coast north of Cape Lookout
in that it maintains fluvial characteristics quite to its mouth and
crosses the fall line very near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, only
the extreme southern end being tidal. From the mouth to Columbia,
a distance of 43 miles, the width varies from a few hundred yards to
something over a mile, and the channel is dotted with islands and
rocks. The fall in this length is considerable, being 224 feet for the 43
miles, an average of over 5 feet per mile, resulting in numerous rapids
but no abrupt falls of any moment. Aside from the large quantity of
drift nets and seines near the mouth, the first serious obstruction to the
ascent of shad is at Columbia, where the stream is crossed by a dam
6,800 feet long and 7 or 8 feet high, built about 1835 for the purpose of
feeding the Susquehanna canal. This dam has been the principal cause
of the destruction of the up-river fisheries, and its existence has naturally
led to much contention between the fishermen and the owners of the
dam, a brief account of which is given on pp. 225-226. Breaks fre-
quently exist in this obstruction, permitting some shad to pass above it.

Forty miles above Columbia the Susquehanna receives its second
largest tributary, the Juniata, a stream 100 miles in length, the shad
fisheries of which were formerly of considerable local importance.
The second dam on the Susquehanna is at Clark Ferry, just above the
entrance of the Juniata, the structure being 7 feet high and nearly
2,060 feet long. At Sunbury, 38 miles above Clark Ferry, there is
another canal dam 2,600 feet long and 74 feet high. Immediately above
Sunbury the Susquehanna receives its principal tributary, the West
Branch, which flows a distance of 175 miles before its union with the
Susquehanna, and which is obstructed by numerous dams. The Nan-
ticoke dam, 7 miles below Wilkesbarre and 174 miles from Havre de
Grace, is the fourth dam on the Susquehanna and has had very injuri-
ous effect on the shad fisheries. This structure, completed in 1830, is
of cribwork, 900 feet long and 6 feet high above low water. There are
a dozen or more old fish-dams between Nanticoke dam and the New
York line. The fall in this length is slight, averaging scarcely more
than 2 feet per mile. At Binghamton, N. Y., 318 miles from the mouth
of the river, there is a cribwork dam 450 feet long and 54 feet high at
low water, extending entirely across the stream. Above Binghamton
there are several primitive crib dams, producing falls of 3 to 10 feet.

In the early part of the present century, before the construction of the
dams above enumerated, the shad fisheries of the Susquehanna were
among the most important on the Atlantie coast, extending from the

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 225

mouth to some distance above the New York Stateline. But sinee 1835
they have been confined almost exclusively to that portion of the river
lying below the Columbia Dam. The yield between Columbia and the
Maryland line in 1896 numbered 25,672 roes and 38,554 bucks, of which
21,492 roes and 32,214 bucks were taken in seines and 4,180 roes and
6,320 bucks in bow nets. Thirty-three seines were used, of which 14
were at Washington Borough, 7 at Kast Prospect, and 8 at Columbia.
The aggregate length ot these seines was 6,360 yards and the value
$2,345. The catch in 1896 was not up to the usual quantity. During
the early part of the season the water was very high and in the latter
part it was unusually low, thus shortening the season at each end.
The bow nets used in the Susquehanna below Columbia are similar to
those in the Maryland section of the river. They are worth from $3 to
$5 and require one man to each net. They were used at the following
places in 1896: McCall’s Ferry, 16 nets; Fite’s Eddy, 12; Creswell, 8;
Long Level, 5, and Safe Harbor, 10, making a total of 51 nets.

The researches of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society
show that above the forks at Sunbury, in the early part of the present
century, there were 40 fishing shores, some of which were worth $1,000
annually, the average value being about $300. There is an apparently
trustworthy record of the capture of 9,997 shad at a single haul of a
seine at Fish Island, near Wilkesbarre. It is reported that just below
Nanticoke 3,800 shad were taken in one night, and at Monocacy Island
2,800 were taken at a single haul. At the Sterling Island fishery ‘“‘over
2,000 were caught in one day in five hauls.” These large catches were,
of course, exceptional and possibly somewhat overrated, but they serve
to show that the yield was very great. The same society estimates the
annual value of the shad catch at the 40 fisheries above noted to have
been at least $12,000. At an average of 8 cents each this would make
150,000 shad. The catch on the West Branch and the Juniata combined
was probably equally large, and on the main river, between Sunbury
and the Maryland line, the yield was doubtless much greater, making
a total of at least 500,000 shad caught each year in that portion of the
Susquehanna located in Pennsylvania. This abundance continued till
the construction of dams on the Susquehanna during the Thirties, the
most injurious being those at Columbia, Clark Ferry, Sunbury, and
Nanticoke. The Columbia dam, being nearest the mouth of the river,
naturally drew to it the obloquy of those interested in the destroyed
up-river fisheries, that obstruction being regarded as the prime cause
of all the difficulty.

The charter to the canal company required that a rafting channel
should be left in the Columbia dam. Three years after its construction
the State legislature directed that the company should build therein
a sluice not less than 100 feet wide, with an ascent of 1 foot in 5, to
promote the passage of fish. It does not appear that the company
satisfactorily complied with this mandatory act, nor with a similar one

F. R. 98——15

226 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

enacted in 1851, yet in 1863 the State formally acknowledged the dam
as satisfactory. The hostile sentiment among the up-river residents
increased, culminating in a mass convention at Harrisburg, composed
of four or five hundred delegates, which resulted in the passage of an
act by the legislature then in session requiring that the several com-
panies owning or interested in dams on the Susquehanna should erect,
within six months thereafter, such sluices or other devices as would
permit the free passage of shad and other fish up that stream.

In compliance with this enactment the canal company owning the
dam at Columbia, selecting a point about a quarter of a mile from the
western bank, where shad were accustomed to gather in the greatest
number during the season, removed a 40-foot section of the dam and in
that space built a new subdam, the top of which was about level with
the water below. The lower slope of the subdam was placed at an
inclination of 1 in 15, and the sides of the aperture in the main dam
were dentated, so as to promote the formation of eddies in the current
passing over the subdam. This structure did not appear to answer
its purposes, and in 1873 the State made an appropriation for another
fishway at that point, the designs consisting of a single trough 120
feet long by 60 feet wide, running through the dam, and about 150 feet
back into the part below, with its upper end sunk 2 feet below the
crest of the dam, the sides of the trough or fishway being protected by
strong abutments built up on both sides. This also proved ineffectual,
and in 1880 a third fishway was placed in the dam, consisting simply
of an opening 125 feet wide, this plan being chosen because it conformed
to a break in the dam, experience having shown that shad passed
through such an opening more readily than through any fishway that
had been constructed. In 1886 a fourth fishway was constructed on
the site of the one built by the canal company in 1866.

While shad do pass above the dam, yet during recent years few
have been caught above Columbia, except when breaks exist in the
obstruction. This was the case in 1873, 1877, 1895, 1896, and possibly
during some intervening seasons. The break in 1895 occurred in the
spring and many shad ascended as far as Clark Ferry. The men along
the river were not prepared for their coming and few fish were caught.
The break was not repaired, and in 1896 some few seines were used
which did fairly well in those places where the bottom was sufficiently
clean for hauling. The principal places above Columbia dam where
shad were caught are Bainbridge, Marsh Run, Newmarket, McCormack
Island, and Duneannon on Susquebanna River, and Newport on the
Juniata. Seines were the only apparatus employed, and the number
of these between Columbia dam and Clark Ferry dam was 14, with 2
on the Juniata near Newport. The length ranged from 250 yards down
to 80, with 44 to 54 inch mesh. The catch in the 14 seines on the Sus-
quehanna numbered 2,417 roe shad and 3,276 bucks, valued locally
at $1,696. The 2 seines at Newport, on the Juniata, caught 280 roe
and 420 buck shad, worth $287, making a total of 6,393 shad taken

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 227

above the Columbia dam in 1896. The fishing season for shad on the

Susquehanna and the Juniata rivers is limited “from Monday at sun-

rise till Saturday at sunset of each week from March 15 to June 25 of

each year.” In 1873, when there was a large break in Columbia dam,”
9,000 shad were taken in one of the Newport seines; in 1876, when

there were no breaks, 511 shad were caught, and in 1877, when there

were two breaks, one 20 feet wide and one 35 feet wide, 826 shad were

taken. If the break in the Columbia dam is not repaired, the catch

above that point will doubtless continue to increase, as the fishermen

will make preparation for them.

The shad fishermen on the upper Susquehanna have three principal
complaints, the first and most general one being the existence of the
Columbia dam. . The second complaint is that in Juniata River below
the Millertown dam, and to some extent in Susquehanna River, there
are a number of rough V-shaped stone breakwaters, similar to those
used in the Maryland section of the river, but having a small-meshed
net stretched across at the apex instead of the usual finger or fall trap.
This contrivance is intended for the capture of eels, but in the late
summer and early fall large quantities of young shad are caught and
destroyed. The seine fishermen near the Columbia dam are charged
with a practice known locally as ‘“‘shingling,” which consists in attach-
ing new shingles to weights by means of short lines and placing them
in the current of water passing through the breaks in the dams. The
current causes the anchored shingle to revolve rapidly, scaring the fish
and thus preventing them from passing above the broken dam.

DELAWARE RIVER.

The shad fisheries prosecuted in Delaware River by residents of
Pennsylvania are of importance, the catch averaging at least half a
million, but the operations of the New Jersey fishermen are much
greater. It is desirable to describe the fisheries of both sides of the
river at the same time, and, those on the New Jersey side being the
more numerous, an account for the entire river will be given in the
chapter relating to that State. In 1896 there were 705 residents of
Pennsylvania employed in the shad fisheries of Delaware River and
Bay, using 173 drift nets, 45 seines, and 30 spears, and taking 550,640
shad, worth $67,449, as appears in the tables on page 223.

Schuylkill River.—The Schuylkill formerly yielded many shad. Wil-
liam Penn mentioned in one of his letters that ‘600 shad had been taken
with one sweep of the seine” in that river. In 1818 the Schuylkill
Navigation Company built two large dams across the stream, one at
Shawmont and the other at Reading. In 1820 the city of Philadelphia
built the large dam at Fairmount for water-supply purposes, thus com-
pletely destroying the shad fisheries above that point. But the fishing
below the Fairmount dam was remunerative until the building of the
gas works a few years later, the refuse from which causes shad to
avoid this river.

228 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF NEW JERSEY.

The extent by water areas of the shad fisheries of New Jersey is pre-
sented in the following series of three tables, showing (1) the number of
persons employed; (2) the boats, apparatus, etc., used, and (3) the
quantity and value of the catch.

Siatement showing, by water areas, the number of persons employed in the shad jisheries
of New Jersey in 1896.

Number of fishermen. Total,
exclu-
R ‘ Shores-| Trans-
Waters. Gill-net. sive of Total.
ieaMaabearier sate rs Fyke- dupli- men. |porters.
Drift. | Stake. net. | cation.
Mal aw ALO SAV ee eisice om em melelsreteel= lala ila} || Beoonces Alster pieterss BT Tl aee sree 3 580
Delaware River below Scudder
ial a epemete aise cieinieire seeiaieeeiatere ASOTTAl a ecater= BP ocaoces 1, 389 35 Gh ib: Sf)
Delare River above Scudder
a Sic Bae cereidte ck bts eae lbic
Cohansey Creek ....---.---.-----
Ailowayi Credki suet ceceoesses he oelecesenee
Salem Creek: jcc. csssjece scien oe
Raccoon! Oreek).ceea-ecisiceaecoslcesase eee
Mantua Creek wescessesecsccetinclccesicisias
Big Timber Creek
denkins|Sound {eeee ssceee ee sacce ce |coneeees
Iblis bode Sat oobeemsodase||sosncddas

Manasquan River.......
Sandy Hook Bay..--.
Raritan Bay.-.-.-----.--
ISpimlibray Jee oonoo bab sodseccssod| ousSbooulbodecade
IMMBRA OAe IBEWYS - Saonohea Hao ssa0n4 boapods4| bosoncese
Md SOnPRIVOD eeeeessemeae ees ase emesis

Statement showing, by water areas, the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in thé shad fisheries
of New Jersey in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets.
Waters.
No. | Value.| No. (Length. Value.| No. |Length. Value.
Yards.
IDE LAN ATOMS DY: (nln olsaiaial~isln|eleleleiela'= ='=tsielatat== | 286 |$29,080 | 230 |271, 200 |$42, 775

Delaware River below Scudder Falls .-| 606 | 60,959 | 538 |262,547 | 49, 455
Delaware River above Scudder Falls..; 101 | 3,122 40 | 6,060 913
Cohansey Creek 45 450 25} 2,500 625

Alloway Creek 1 PAN eeeiaaci|aciaoQogce

Salem Creek.....-..---- state 15 300 15

Raccoon Creek : 4 A) \Neso5ae aE

Manta Oreck/<.secsice- sae cece sercisiae 1 30)]|e eam

Biowlimber Creekie- scenes anne ecco 4 TE ocador
EMKINS) SOUNG eee eeeiesec tecnica 1 10) Sane
SEAMED Aico etelo ani alelee ene aisle staee einer 5 50) acme aise seiere
Manasquan RIVED secterisiacceniemict ccclelele 12 ik: Wee ene locatiocac 400 | $40
Sandy Hook ‘Bay: 202. chts-ceseetoesce 26 Q80)/R aa Seber 16,840) 3, 900
Ini ele BE Vyedoe5 onan caoanacoeoecsoce 40 SPA os eSho|qocneeeac 24, 304 4, 256

RATT TARR LV ON: anne een cece otro 1 GO. Seer ee entre aercc a cinletta eislele sina | See a
ING WA YOr KIB AY jccecm emma seel-ineciniee = see 18 a Badeol Saaaoere) Mecocece Gens SeA hac sGkco cools te

TA SOnURIVOr ie. e she cnee cee ceeueeee| 69) [4905s so sna |secec cas 15, 282 7, 935

Dotale seers See eke eM DDE 1,180 |101,908 | 848 |546,807 | 94,518 | 2,627 56,826, 16,131

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

229

Statement of boats, apparatus, etc., employed in New Jersey shad fisheries—Continued.

Seines. Fyke nets. | Value} pota)
Waters. of See invest-
No. |Length.| Value.} No. | Value.| erty. See
Yards.
MGIAWATO GRY onenee dency sane silences 2 850 [al esa PRRIBGr oc $24, 040 | $96, 320
Delaware River below Scudder Falls.....-. BAS MOROPOT | UOHUSO 182 cceciciseocdes cas 65, 736 | 185, 221
Delaware River above Scudder Falls.....-. SEV Or G50 ns 028 ss 200 satel once ce 21,447 | 29,505
CORANBE WCTOGK docs caaseaceccncscastae== 10 600 BOOM eidaste selallns Secale) oan cee = 1,375
OW BVI OLOO Kas < aen ec sccrce ss ocenaeea 1 100 Eolneroased Bosseaec||Aecp ence 65
MIN CROOK ec cast onc mac ene ccc euidecen en) sepsmen eaeeeee incocteed baeeacoc| Bacapnod Ben ceree 1, 050
PRRGGHONG CTOOK) ies cos cac he cece am caeeed ce 2 210 ALO) See idasliecietee ce «|e seas ais 160
WMS MONGOK cee o naccceccccce ese eedacles 1 100 BU) |Waawe cusl sine ens se| sneer 80
STORM Or OLreOk 6 <2. < dace owe aece cies segs 4 380 890 asco simin|Fcietersjaicie |e maigeieae 505
RROMUCHIA SOONG fe cae e ccc cmcicsice jo cen wcnepees ¥ 50 a hl | See | Sete [Sa ae 25
Laying 5 ae ee eee 5 250 WON Becobecdh teccdedbeaduese 150
Manaequan™RIVOL.2...cccsctecessstacescss 6 | 1,322 145 20 $100 55 480
DANG VRH OOK BA Vnce = -t a5 <5 3-6 - soan5-=atlaaaste BH so saee be doce hc Hecadset Asceabed beesc sor 4, 830
LRpanein dsNe Bee oe eR Coe ermee sabre mic] oer rood Hancuaed Socndorc Barco sod soosneae podelnoe 5, 077
Tetratitn MV ne ote Be SCe nS AG ER Cre eISCOOe tC Ger raabed brmadaene 11 550),| aseecee 610
CT OEE DAY ee res = asso Sone cciacicen iste|ceeeic™ oe memaeene | seaemees 214} 1,314 275 2, 444
ENRON EVOL anecsicee sack «Cobia ece sve he cleats eee | eerecleneeaseeibb asses falters sad 1,175 | 14,015
Motals se sdscedee soo -cdces cle taseeees 87 | 19,190 | 14, 663 245 | 1,964 |112, 728 | 341,912
Statement by apparatus of the yield of shad in New Jersey in 1896.
Drift nets. Stake nets. Seines.
Waters.
No. Value. No. Value. No. Value.
IDE gr) BEN? Boek on soosessooseonsecce POST OOM SSO F57G: | a etataaiaisiel<|ermisetscters 700 $74
Delaware River below Scudder Falls --..|1, 486,780 | 148,561 |........-./...2...... 327, 430 25, 813
Delaware River above Scudder Falls ..| 42, 800 nite ERS cone aol Seonempaee 108, 934 16, 805
Cohansey Creek ....-.......----..---- 11, 850 1h 32% |S Soec bod looconesbos 10, 000 1, 050
AUR yA COG) oo oasdede cose rene sbeed Encreerosd)|enosee +c lpeemoocend bene senee 300 35
LOM COLOGK soe eesieescctoacestasce sts 8, 000 800) |S 3g-3225.3| 525 ee alee eel Re ee
Tear cain Gat eo acanoeon sce sos DOD OS SOrG| BebecoDc sa HeepeooseK) sinimraretsictoe eieeieatetsieiers 4,800 464
MTT CES ae Re meas ac poaSeChabose| |Seaccbeced ec socerocd bseecreosebacasedeae 2, 000 220
Bie Pimper Creek<~-- 2 - <= --2-- m= - na -=|oen eee cmnn|-amne=~ = Sosece Se se|lboocrocesc 10, 400 728
MEANS | SOUNG $4. -5 22 -cciscina dete s Scccclns| swlelseceses|simncclese ras sore sectsce [pees cess 40 16
JUTW ITT Phy ooo a ocoeaponce se eeoses Sane pe soesoced Proocssond Fort anbdod besuEanace 50 12
Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay. ..|..-.------|---------- Se wein eae Salis camitetesat a 150 38
Manasquan River 200 $50 625 312
Sandy Hook Bay ........-.-- 6, 600 IG PAU cece ceesa| ecedccaeee
RATAN PRY ie j<<1ssceec a= = 15, 675 3,409 | a1, 010 223
PIMA SONPRLVEL ease cece sesceccs ce clsiaas 168, 800 24, SIGH oS, ee tee eee
AGT Loa et Siete EE Se Sa ee 2,586,381 | 249,763 | 191, 275 29,095 | 466, 439 45, 790
Pound nets. Fyke nets. Total.
Waters.
No. Value No. Value No. Value.
ISR Eien Se beace ecooonGeraasdeds sa|son0se BOS | SB BOOC ONC Sapaeoaeno Feepsonnee 1, 037, 701 $94, 650
Delaware River below Scudder Falls 1, 814, 160 174, 374
Delaware River above Scudder Falls 151, 734 21, 089
ODEN EG iy ONS 22 coc sre beer esoneocd| be oessccse) pecocecoee| Pecscotenelee 21, 850 2, 592
Alloway Creek.........-.. 300 35
Salom Creek <-<ss-cscscs-ss 8, 000 800
Raccoon! Creckesenae nesses tecaaeeracl||oseoa55- 4, 800 464
Mantua, Creek: 222". oma orak swat seewenc | ewnaanees 2, 000 220
hig Timber Creek 10, 400 728
Jetkings Sound 222s scec esta sense es| knee cacies 40 16
Sindlam! Bay: 3-5.28 osascccense se once ase |asoesneces 50 12
Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay 150 38
Manas QUAM RIVOlas 5 -csasne ens oeae ee wale nee ede ae| eee eeenien 2, 325 737
Ocean, SHOTO)<-)5-5.<n/comaltewaltn wa con's wnt 13, 675 2,715
Sandy Hook Bay. -.--dassessancsotsoneee|a-oFsncaen 6, 600 1, 320
Raritan Bay. ...ccoscesceeeeeeece oe cons 43, 637 7, 675
Raritan Hiver isos ccsescess vecadscecnes|ccsece cos 2, 500 938
New York Bay...... ceeasac : 49, 758 7, 387
Hudson River......... 168,800 |° 24,316
OtAl eas cascsae cesses cces = eeecene= 40,377 6, 720 54, 008 8, 688 |3, 338, 480 340, 056

«Caught incidentally in apparatus set for other species.

230 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
DELAWARE BAY AND RIVER.

The sources of the Delaware are in the high plateau of central New
York, in Delaware and Schoharie counties, at an elevation of over 1,800
feet above sea level. Eighty miles below the headwaters it becomes
the eastern boundary of Pennsylvania, and by a breach, known as the
‘Delaware Water Gap,” it passes through the Kittatinny Mountains
at a distance of 200 miles below its source. It crosses the escarpment
line near Trenton, the head of navigation, 280 miles from its head-
waters and 133 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. From Trenton to Fort
Delaware, a distance of about 75 miles, it is a broad, navigable stream
from 4 to 2 miles in width, supporting considerable commerce below
Philadelphia. Near Fort Delaware it increases in width, and at some
indefinite and much-disputed point it merges into Delaware Bay, which
is merely a continuation of the estuary of the river. This body of
water separates the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware from New
Jersey, and the fisheries are prosecuted by the residents of those three
States.

The present chapter covers all the shad fisheries of Delaware Riyer
and Bay, including those which are prosecuted by residents of Pennsyl-
vania and Delaware, as well as those of New Jersey. These fisheries
are the most extensive in America, the annual yield ranging between
3,000,000 and 4,000,000, being several times greater than on any other
river on the coast. In 1896 the catch numbered 3,882,624, of which
3,003,595 were taken by residents of New Jersey, 550,640 by residents
of Pennsylvania, and 328,389 by Delawareans. In describing the shad
fisheries of this body of water, it is most convenient to divide it into
three sections, the first covering Delaware Bay; the second, the tide-
water portion of the river from the head of the bay to the fall line at
Scudder Falls; and the third from the escarpment line to the head
of the river. Of the total yield in these waters in 1896, 1,103,821 were
caught in the bay, 2,602,628 in the tidal portion of the river from the
head of the bay to Scudder Falls, and 176,175 from the section above
Seudder Falls.

The following table shows the number of persons employed in each
branch of the shad fisheries of Delaware Bay and River during 1896:

Delaware Delaware Total for
River below | River above |Delaware Bay
Scudder Falls.| Scudder Falls.| and River.

| Delaware
| 2a
IaAY.

Branch of fishery.

DbaAke-Neb sean nc tcc emmeceiss nc asaccee 14 [rosin er Oke pe aks Sie Sia (sia ae ee 14

Drift Ghee ase coee conmeaseecscascesaece 622 1, 661 2 2, 285
EIN Cees aeaciaa cies eerste eis cmiels sciee 12 526 288 826
SIEM S ongoadncbosodde sanbondecTasctnbentics|Gocoddaessecsalscosissdocesosos- 30 30
FROUNGEN Otis uaa = neteierine cites ae eect atclere CE ean apnea ncricneioricaccr mac 4
SHONTESMON Us eeeae ech wis mclaren aicrareteretevell sisuatareia eva wieie miata De... |aedetermns sm cee 51
(rANSPOVtErsineeee see ee nae eens ena renner ones BWeers il eaonvencenesacee 37

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

231

The following table shows the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in
the fisheries of Delaware Bay and River in 1596:

Delaware Bay.

Delaware River below Scudder

/ € Falls.
Designation.
Number. | Length. Value Number. | Length. Value.
Yards | Yards |
ISYOR IS ee Gdcctmbcuaebooeaseoe DIS a5 eee $31, 335 teh) Baceacecenas $88, 762
Sia MOUS ee see ae ceca s ae == 7 2, 700 7 EEO Pea eee see es Renae Sse
TOYS H EY} fsa ee ge 259 290, 740 44, 930 826) 414, O44 | 70, 096
SGINIER poe ee tna whee = slo clan 2 850 425 45 17, 903 | 15, 720
OUND DOUG see aon em em oe = 2 |..---------- 3747) lle geste scans GeSb-5625 S58 lescotcamascs
STEPS 353 socaosepebauepgoes ECoadroneeae Berea Soh ADA ls a caci 535) os 58 AS 4 et CERES elo eee ide
HOKE PLOVOREY cen ces 2aet ec |J-cecoute ses | Pasa x eens Pay ON eee eae eee (eens eee 93, 109
Tis oe eee er = Aeian) | ee dee) a ee 967, 687
Delaware Rie ae Seudder | Total for Delaware Bay and River.
Designation. ; = BA is
Nember. | Length. Value. Number. | Length. Value.
Yards. Yards.
LSU he cog dancanonpaagccbes O15 | Seer $2, 384 1 35%) |Sar tees $122, 481
RiatemMObSas se cecase =~ cece claamee soeuieulsacesancne ne Aaa 7 | 2,700 240
OEM CAs ae a tes tee ete el 1 100 35 1, 086 704, 884 115, 061
BION) seme an ction eae 59 10, 190 7, 048 106 28, 943 23, 193
Tefui GUT hoe oe oe ae Saeco | MESccene nods ee Seer eel Sa e eee SS PA beh Ee SaN 325
SE CE INARA See Seca ASA OSC BUD ae 23 SO) ans eeoes as 23
SHOE TOW Ue eomenn as Sceees| SSesceooes. «| passe oSsese vide Ri! 4) ee ee 2 8) |e ee eS 157, 961
LO occatBcoccc oes sosgeeencebc| cctecoreesee SB 108 ceeece ea lie gate sowase 419, 284
|

The following table shows the yield of shad in Delaware Bay and
River, by each form of apparatus, in 1896:

7

Teles Bae Delaware River below Scudder
7 Falls.
Apparatus. Want alain 7 mi =
umber o umber of ; Number of Number of

roe. buck. Value. roe. buck. Value.
Riiilceatetats.. 2c <b vacy-sestce 2, 520 1, 680 | $872! | 2 O23 ee Neadess a
| DPia a noes pepe ae ee eee 724, 677 374, 14 103, 996 1, 375, 561 | 710, 030 $226, 595
NBINON Hes eye ea cease ccecscs 350 350 74 285, 517 | 231, 520 44, 422
POW NOUS == 5 <><. sions oo oc 55 45 El eS eee Perea Aer a bocae
————— ns
JUG CIEE a as ae ee 727, 602 376, 219 | 104, 761 1, 661, 078 941, 550 271,017

> tee 7eQ Se .
Delaware pace ag eSeudder | Total for Delaware Bay and River.
Apparatus. = - =
Number of Number of Number of Number of :

roe. buck. Value. roe. buck. | Value.
Stallce mateeac ees see a eeeee eee ser 32) sora eet oer reused Seca 2,520 | 1, 680 | $672
Drift NOU s--o5-F eee eae 800 400 $200 2,101, 038 | 1, 084, 574 330, 791
SGINCES ene sictiacerse cicle 104, 610 64, 965 28, 841 390, 477 | 296, 835 73, 337
Poond nts Soene ee teen sence enone a lemee ones betas tree. 3 55 | 45 19
SPOALS a2 - sesso Soames 2, 160 3, 240 540 2, 160 3, 240 540

ee = js

Motalit2ns soe eee 107, 570 68, 605 29, 581 405, 359

2, 496, 250 | 1, 386, 374 |
| |

232 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Delaware Bay.—Delaware Bay is the broadest portion of the estuary
of Delaware River, forming an arm of the sea varying in width from
4 to 30 miles and is 45 miles in length, covering 600 square miles. Its
northern limit is somewhat indefinite and has been the subject of con-
siderable contention. For sake of couvenience, in this report the head
of the bay has been assumed to be at a line drawn from Bombay Hook
on the Delaware shore to the mouth of Stow Creek on the New Jersey
shore. The channel, which traverses the axis of the bay, is from 30 to
50 feet deep and from 1 to 3 miles in width, and on either side there
are broad shoals or flats covered by from 5 to 20 feet of water. The
water in the bay has about the same density as that in the ocean.
The forms of apparatus used are drift nets, stake nets, seines, and pound
nets, the first named being by far the most important and obtaining
over 99 per cent of the total catch.

The following series of tables shows by States the extent of each
branch of the shad fisheries of Delaware Bay during the year covered
by this report:

Table showing, by States, the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
fisheries of Delaware Bay in 1896.

| Pennsyl- Total

Branch of fishery. Delaware. | New Jersey. ea.

Stake-net - -- 14
Drift-net. 622
Seine .... = 12
PPOUNGH=NGE a. :. -k cieiswnisioeecwiedin's sicetiee wilsine srdeieicemionte 4

Total isco ss sssese ws seat ade kes setae egeew Sed 652

Table showing, by States, the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in each branch of the shad
Jisheries of Delaware Bay in 1896.

Delaware. New Jersey.
Designation.
Number. Length. Value. Number. | Length. Value.

Yards. Yards.
IBM aqdanHonsnooaNsboNdaac 32) Sceeeecnees $1, 505 236 Sacceomcceee $29, 080
Stake WMets-------s-eese-<-- i 2, 700 240!) co s5< camels one ce ee Se
DrithMOts-su-sescccss ace e as 24 13, 540 1, 430 230 271, 200 42, 775
DEINES frari- coe saeeci= ecae cise | stiffs Biecinta| le eitieia weisine el] Gne metic seek 2 850 425
Pound: netss<.2c2<22e--c25 08 7 BR emOD erate BY BeeRacceeeen Sere socesias|icoceas--o- <5
Shore pproperbyeasccoe ese esse ee ee lao eee YAN See sed ssaen|esoacoscsao- 24, 040
i; heer eat et cae Manca sl Prete ECE 5 GOs ee ee "96,320

Pennsylvania. Total.

Designation. + = i
Number. | Length. Value. Number. | Length. Value.

Yards. Yards
ES OAS etemaatatataciaintelalaivalaintati LOG eseocisen ei $750 278 ||\weseteecres $31, 335
Stale MOGs oo tie ce eines acess Sas cas| See euieea neal oa sea eeeees 7 2,700 240
Drifimetaeocen-cak<ccceacce 5 6, 000 725 259| 290, 740 44, 930
SOLD ES erases aaa Socialis laioaista cle meee |sine ure euros Meyell bem eceeree 2 850 425
LEN TING PCB Se ce quoteceodoca adnate cecoddllacSsoanonecaalscoooaccaoae Dieeseeae eet | 325
HOre PTOPELbY-). oa. cee ae os ele owe ala al oeiern ees poem ee | teem ieee nee tee eres | 26, 240
otalichet ye, eae besser [ieee ara Leelee | wees Sam 103, 495

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 233

Table showing by Siates the yield of the shad fisheries of Delaware Bay in 1896.

Delaware. New Jersey.
Apparatus. Number of | Number of Number of | Number of
roe. buck. Value. roe. buck. Value.
Stalteinets) o2ss4e--ana-<n5cs 2, 520 1, 680 SOTO ko senna soo eee ce mealeoe aeeen ee
Werk Mtoe sse cose ases 3 27, 586 15, 634 7, 765 684, 692 352, 309 $94, 576
BOINGH Ho see sh oacecee sce 24] scsccbecsans | onceemeneen sew emance =< = 350 350 74
POMNG NOLS joo ce sce cae sae sss 55 45 1! 1h) ee tele brat te ba eS 8 cs
LNT 1 |S pe eee 30, 161 17, 359 8, 456 685, 042 352, 659 94, 650
Pennsylvania. Total.
Apparatus. Number of | Number of Number of | Number of
roe. buck. Value. roe. buck. Value.
SIAR MOL ass 22 soos oo seas a2) doc qoebepoas|Oere ncaa ocen | tone mae 2, 520 1, 680 $672
DrtittmOtss ca- sasn sa vooseec ee 12, 399 6, 201 $1, 655 724, 677 374, 144 103, 996
DEMOS i eeeae ai: coe o skslctee se lebee sotas eer docwme canains acpeeaeeeeas 350 350 74
EGHAM GiB ise sa sem ee se |e sateen a | ows ecce ena tbe ans saemee 55 45 19
Te ce ee | 12,399/ + 6,201| ~—-1,685| 727,602 | 376,219, 104, 761
|

The drift nets in Delaware Bay are used principally in the channel
and on the edge thereof. They average over 1,100 yards each, the
aggregate length of the 259 nets used in 1896 being 290,740 yards,
or 165 miles, the usual size of mesh being 5} inches. Many fishermen
operating these nets live up the river, locating temporarily near the
mouth of Stow and Cohansey creeks, and shipping their fish from Bay
Side.

The fishing season begins about the second week of March and con-
tinues until the Ist of May, when the sturgeon fishery proves more
remunerative, and many of the fishermen are attracted to that indus-
try. Those who do not engage in the sturgeon fishery usually shorten
their nets and fish for shad in the upper reaches of the river in the
vicinity of Philadelphia. In the early part of the season, when the
water is usually turbid, the nets may be operated during the day, but
as the water becomes clearer night fishing is more profitable. Of
the drift-net catch, 1,037,001 were obtained by New Jersey fishermen,
43,220 by Delawareans, and 18,600 by residents of Pennsylvania; a
total of 1,098,821, valued at $103,996. The great excess of roes over
bucks is noticeable, the former being 94 per cent greater than the lat-
ter, due mainly to the large mesh used in the drift nets.

The stake-net fishery in Delaware Bay is confined to the use of 7 rows
on the flats on the Delaware side of the bay immediately above the
mouth of Mispillion Creek, in from 6 to 10 feet of water. These strings
or rows are nearly 400 yards in length, and are worth about $35 each.
The catch in the 7 rows in 1896 numbered 2,520 roe shad and 1,680
bucks, valued locally at $672. Two seines, each 425 yards in length,
were used on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Bay in 1896 for
taking striped bass, perch, etc. These caught a few shad, the total
numbering 700, about equally divided between roes and bucks.

2934 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Delaware River below Scudder Falis.—The estuary of Delaware Kiver,
from the head of Delaware Bay to the fall line just above Trenton, is,
from a commercial and fishery point of view, one of the most important
streams on the Atlantic coast. It varies in width from 4 miles at the
lower end to a few hundred feet near Trenton, up to which point it is
navigable. On theeast it borders Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burling-
ton, and Mercer counties, N. J., and on the west it passes the shores
of Neweastle County, Del., and Delaware, Philadelphia, and Bucks
counties in Pennsylvania. By the compact of 1783 between the States
of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the whole surface of Delaware River
from shore to shore is the dividing line between the two Scetes as far
as relates to the arrest and prosecution of offenders against the laws
of either State. All fishing is interdicted after June 10 of each year,
and also from sunset Saturday night until 12 o’clock p. m. Sunday of
each week. The principal fishing centers are Penn Grove, Pennsville,
Salem, Pedrickton, Gloucester, and Camden in New Jersey; Delaware
City and Neweastle in Delaware, and Philadelphia in Fennsy a
Drift nets and seines are the only apparatus used. Of 2,602,628 shad
caught in 1896, 2,085,591 were taken by drift nets and 517 037 - seines.

The following series of tables shows the extent of each banc of the
shad fisheries of this water area:

Table showing, by States, the number of persons employed in cach branch of the shad
fisheries of Delaware River below Scudder Falls in 1896.

Branch of fishery. Delaware. Renney: New Jersey. Total.

rift mMebsdacas ssa aise ceieretemiete since celsieisiats 164 340 isa bey/ 1, 661
HOMO mance esses ne ene SCOLAIRE AOR SE SBSaS oon 22 149 355 526
SHOTESINON Ee Eeee teens neice eee eee a eeieemeseneel |e etiiacminser ieee 16 35 51
ERTS POLLOLS Wererc ite role ere lot ine miler elelalnlele le elet=tmteiat=1 lela =)=tmletataratniotai= 2 35 37
ED tall Caw Bee ene eee en Seer LER 186—| 507 1, 582 2,275

Table showing, by States, the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of
Delaware River below Scudder Falls in 1896.

Delaware. Pennsylvania.
Designation. = 7 =
Number. | Length. Value. Number. Length. Value.
Yards. Yards.
BOatss seo: case anetstcedee Of \lbacdeanncnbe $11, 005 293) | sso sacecbine $14, 682
rift Metssenceere neces 81 80, 767 9, 460 167 | 64, 670 10, 268
Se@ines Pasa. seen cess ase 4 2, 250 1, 050 15 5, 300 5, 035
Shore property ........-----|-----.------|------------ Ch [booster Gesnos|[posce Snos0° 20, 596
JU coosooeeesecpenad|osodoncansoalbonssoconso0 PHS |Ibooboodeccsdscant soroacs 50, 581
= — ——— — — — = — = = —— =
New Jersey. Total.
Designation. = =
Number. | Length. Value. Number. | Length. Value.
Yards. Yards.
Oats eccclacicisiveseeasiieces te Rae secnoc $63, 075 988 |eeowes Soseete $88, 762
Drittmetdewcescscs sees 578 268, 607 50, 368 826 414, 044 70, 096
SelMeseececeseecessecceeeee 26 10, 353 9, 635 45 17, 903 15, 720
Shore propertysece-arsemneae| mm emi 1-1 [Listeicle toe e ys COUT eco peceosear| baicosnaads- 93, 109
"Total. casas <a eicncaa nicl se Dalseioets ool steele esintetee 1940734) |e eo ceicnte ctl |tietieeamicetersts 267, 687

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 235

Table showing, by Stales and apparatus, the yield of shad in the Delaware River below
Scudder Falls in 1896.

Delaware. | Pennsylvania.
Apparatus.
No. of roe. No.of buck.) Value. No. of roe. INo. of buck.| Value.
Drift netsts.+-s2-522-=5--125- 179, 666 99, 191 $39, 080 | 180, 823 96, 381 $34, 670
DOINECH cere e csr me tess s cere = 1, 210 802 261 | 88, 529 63, 666 14, 795
MOpall een one same Seer 180, 876 99, 993 39, 341 269, 352 | 160, 047 | 49, 465
New Jersey. Total.
Apparatus. = ] l
No. of roe. No.of buck., Value. | No. ofroe.|No.ofbuck) Value.
a a) ee on (PIP fr |<.
ADs MGUS is stoetaaci ae miata 1, 015, 072 514,458 | $152,845 | 1, 375, 561 710, 030 $226, 595
SBINGS Saearece acdc ca cu skae 195, 778 | 167, 052 | 29, 366 285, 517 231, 520 | 44,422
Rotalies 25 8esss65558 1, 210, 850 681, 510 | 182,211 | 1,661, 078 | 941, 550 | 271, 017
|

The drift nets are similar to those operated in the bay, but are smaller.
Indeed, it is somewhat difticult to separate the drift-net fishery of the
bay from that in this portion of the river. In the early part of the
season many of the fishermen operate in the upper portion of the bay
and the extreme lower end of the river, and as the season advances
they proceed up the river, shortening their nets when necessary. Hence
the separation of the drift-net fishery of the river from that prosecuted
in the bay is only approximately correct. Of the 414,044 yards of drift
nets used in this section of the river in 1896, 80,767 yards, or 46 miles,
were operated by 164 Delaware fishermen; 64,670 yards, or 37 miles, by
340 fishermen from Pennsylvania, and the remaining 268,607 yards, or
157 miles, by residents of New Jersey. The nets used in the lower
portion of the river are much longer than those above Philadelphia,
the average length of the former being about 800 yards, and of the
latter 200 or 300 yards. The drift-net catch in 1896 numbered
1,375,561 roe shad and 710,030 bucks, for which the fishermen received
$226,595. This gives an average catch per boat for the Delaware fish-
ermen of 3,443 shad; for the New Jersey fishermen, 3,289, and 1,660
shad per boat for the Pennsylvania fishermen. This is reported to
have been the best yield since 1893, it being 20 per cent larger than
in 1895 and 30 per cent larger than in 1894.

From the head of Delaware Bay to the falls above Trenton there
were 45 shad seines operated in 1896, of which 4 were in Delaware, 15
in Pennsylvania, and 26 in New Jersey. ‘The seine fisheries in the
lower part of the river below Fort Delaware take very few shad, their
catch consisting principally of perch, striped bass, catfish, carp, ete.,
the average yield of shad in the 8 seines operated there in 1896 being
less than 500 each. Above Fort Delaware the river narrows and main-
tains an average width of from 1 to 2 miles up to the mouth of the
Schuylkill River. This stretch of the river contains 5 seine fisheries,
all of which are valuable, the catch of shad in 1896 approximating
76,300, of which 25,000 were taken at the Clenmell Cove fishery, located
immediately above Thompson Point, at the mouth of Clenmell Creek.

236 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Between Eagle Point and Fisher Point, on the New Jersey side of
the river and directly opposite the city of Philadelphia, there are three
very valuable fisheries, which catch more shad than any other three
seine fisheries in the United States. The first of these is the Howell
Cove, or Fancy Hill, which yielded 65,000 shad in 1896. The seine used
was 1,000 yards in length with 4-inch mesh, the season extending from
April 27 to June 5, and 55 men being employed. The following sum-
mary shows, for a series of years, the yield of shad at the Fancy Hill
fishery:

No. of No. of No. of
Year shad Year. shad Year shad
SUS Oaiciajnlein/\a(5\n10\n/n[e\<1-o1= eA OO GAMO lstatalete/ereisiatatetela=\are BO O49 SG9 coe aiacetntoie eateries 37, 274
TM scocheesascnasecos THOS S645) || SA Sib see ee tela cme W804 WN) W806 ccs cote ocineeeeels 52, 759
IPA oboepomesecueecdasos OP 50D SSO De ere eee a= ates Weiter Wee Smeaton aeccodc = 45, 000
TSQNAz paccintemiebecas cists TOTAOO MS MOOD Dees emcee cis =e 64,9200 IST2c re eee eens see 55, 000
S22 Gigaset ease ee ele TOT LOS L866 Cee ee eee eee risa 595550873 Ceaecre memes eae 22, 900
SAB Geese toccicee seco 90%'540) | MSST6s 2-sece eee er O8iO00H || SOC coc oe ae ceeicetecmes 65, 000
SAG Deacicicisteneeraclsicnine 1254659) 808 Ceacaccemmee tesine = 43, 990
a Gill nets not used during this period. A few gill nets used.

e Gill-net fishery fully Crapietied:

The second is the well-known Gloucester fishery, the yield of which
in 1896 is reported at 70,000 shad. <A 1,000-yard seine was used; the
season extended from April 20 to May 28, and the men employed
numbered 53. The following summary shows the catch of shad at this
fishery in seven years:

No. of No. of
Year. shad. | Year. shad.
ab) ee Bachaodd aDaOOSOnD oaeaeoecaseauusoss Plane DAS teh PAS Soop aoe oop aenCOSemoaeb oScea reanac 30, 500
TBS De ee nici macicseine teem tawhne seisie cers 30960 MESO 4 eee Serio ects ae aisle elateiatee eee oes 50, 000
POO as chjccace suet ccasiecsbetem= wegieiss eeic 38: G00) || 1896. cic oe cree od are aac vinloeinewisem seeae noes 70, 000
TOOL Ue sececmosen cisvie selec cases ae's.clacuejees 36, 500 |

The third of this series of valuable fisheries, known as the Pea
Shore fishery, is located immediately above Camden, the seine being
operated in the channel between Pettys Island and the New Jersey
shore. This seine is only one-half the length of the two preceding and
required only 29 men to operate it, but the reported catch of shad for
1896 is not far short of the other two, approximating 55,000, valued
locally at $4,125.

Between the Pea Shore fishery and Burlington there were 5 seine
fisheries in 1896, 3 of which were on the New Jersey shore and 2 on
the Pennsylvania side of the river. These are of less value than the
3 fisheries opposite Philadelphia, but their yield of shad is consider-
able, varying from 35,000 at the Riverton fishery to 3,000 at the Dunks
Ferry fishery. From Burlington to Trenton there were 11 fisheries in
1896, 7 on the Pennsylvania and 4 on the New Jersey shore, the catch
ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 shad. In 1833 the Badger Island fishery,
one of the 7 on the Pennsylvania side, caught 2,100 shad on April 1,

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 237

and 54,000 shad during the entire season. This fishery then rented for
$1,400 per annum. In 1896 3,000 shad were caught at the Badger
Island fishery.

In the rapids between Trenton and Scudder Falls dam there are 6
seine fisheries, located in the most favorable spots. Two of these are
situated directly below the dam, 2 on the New Jersey shore opposite
Yardley, and the remaining 2 on separate islands between that point
and Trenton. The catch of shad in these seines in 1896 ranged
between 1,000 and 16,000 in number.

From Scudder Falls to the headwaters.—Near Trenton the Delaware
crosses the escarpment line, 133 miles from the ocean. The fall here
is very slight, the descent within 7 miles being only 10 to 20 feet, accord-
ing to the tide and prevalence of freshets. Six miles above Trenton, at
the head of the rift known as Scudder Falls, there is a timber and stone
dam 4 or 5 feet high and 800 feet or more in length, extending in a
broken line across the stream, with a chute 115 feet in width for the
passage of fish and rafts. This dam was constructed originally in 1835
and improved about 1869. In 1870 the fishermen brought suit in the
county court at Doylestown, Pa., against the company, claiming that
the change in the dam was injurious to the passage of shad. The court
imposed a nominal penalty on the company, and restrained them from
repairing or improving the dam. As a result, it has so deteriorated
that it offers little obstruction to the passage of fish.

At Lambertville, 15 miles above Trenton, there is a stone and crib-
‘work dam, from 3 to 10 feet high and 1,700 feet long, a chute being left
for the passage of rafts. At Lackawaxen there is a canal-feeder dam
just below the entrance of Lackawaxen River. This is a cribwork
structure about 400 feet long and 2 feet high, with a chute 160 feet
wide for rafts. During freshets the water stands several feet above
the crest of this obstruction and shad ascend in some numbers to Bur-
rows dam, in New York, about 50 miles above Lackawaxen. There are
numerous minor dams at various points between Trenton and the New
York line, but they do not seriously impede the upward passage of fish
or downward navigation of rafts or small boats.

The shad fisheries above tide water are more extensive on the Dela-
ware than on any other river of the United States, the catch in 1896
numbering 176,175, worth $29,581. They extend from Seudder Falls
to Lackawaxen, a distance of 140 miles, but are most extensive in the
stretch 40 miles above Seudder Falls dam. With the exception of one
drift net operated a short distance above the falls, seines and spears
are the only apparatus used in taking shad in the upper section of the
Delaware. Of the 176,175 shad caught in 1896, 169,575 were taken by
means of seines, 5,400 by spears, and 1,200 by the one drift net.

The legal season closes on June 15 of each year and all fishing is
interdicted from sunset on Saturday to 12 o’clock on Sunday night of
each week,

238 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The following series of tables shows, by States, the extent of each
branch of the shad fisheries of the Delaware River above Scudder
Falls dam in 1896:

Number of persons employed.

Persons employed. peuteyye New Jersey. Total.
ID eH Chie capecodd Boda sags aciesacedeEaccaTon acer asouosercget QPP ee faces sneer 2
SGD cotedosssc oscotes scenobocseeEs sepaSEOSsdesacRcsoescen~ 155 133 288
STEER cocobeussdsoco don soodconesbpSEneEeeocencesocs. SOcoso sac AW le ebesosoascce 30
ANOIEIL $ pe S33 oben Ub uboSrIODbE apo Seb SROC Oo RAGeOOOOC Aa” 187 133 320
Boats, apparatus, etc., used.
Pennsylvania. New Jersey. Total.
Designation. ones | |
+ gth Length | Length
No. (yards). Value.| No. (yards). Value.| No. (yards) Value
WICKS Sosadpenccopcasnedase BQ eamerereate $1, 387 BO} etetetareialar $997 OU oSctac ec $2, 384
rit me bS)= ees aa eel 1 100 81) lbonateoo|Sebocosclloseesoce 1 100 35
SCIMURIE Coney eqoosbeenSneere 30 | 5,215 | 3,580 29 | 4,975 | 3,468 59 | 10, 190 7, 048
SHIGENRS Goo coeecescobbadseses BD) |leseooctic Pe lsbeoesace Soba a=) |SSaa6 see 30) Saeeeeee 23
Shore;pLropeliyjeseeces esas aoe ree | seas BROS eee eee Jsosocere 25. SOT el Scns cel Seer eee 38, 612
Bota libeet e fees pa see | cacoies Allee ous) 2 Fis rairoulees by 7al leeds se meta 29,992) |52.2.24|. eee 48, 102
Number and value of shad caught.
Pennsylvania. New Jersey. Total.
NEED: No. of | No. of No.of | No. of No. of | No. of
roe, buck. Value. roe. buck. Walue- roe. buck. Value:
IDI EUS oootnoccenoseboset 800 400 CAN) secs ee peoneeiac |poanona= 800 400 $200
SeleOedasadwecasenesosnaee 59,119 | 36,922 | 15,589 | 45,491 | 28, 043 |$13, 252 |104,610 | 64,965 | 28, 841
ALG BnS cob cbeesadseSen009up 2,160 | 3,240 Gy le Ssicocigg| nedacons| noscees= 2,160 | 3,240 540
Mat alee aud es lubed ow 62, 079 | 40,562 | 16,329 | 45,491 | 28, 043 | 13, 252 [107,570 | 68,605 | 29, 582

Most of the available locations on the Upper Delaware are occupied
by seine fisheries, and as the last two or three seasons have yielded
large returns several abandoned fisheries are being cleaned out and
operated. Some of these fisheries are very old, having been operated
continuously since the beginning of the present century. Lovett’s
fishery, in Bucks County, was established in 1790; Lower Dutch Neck
fishery, in 1810; and Badger Island fishery, in the same county, in
1812. The yield by the 59 seines in 1896 numbered 104,610 roes and
64,965 bucks, a total of 169,575, valued locally at $28,841. This yield
was unusually large, more being obtained at times than could readily be
disposed of, and the price received was the lowest known on the river
for several years. The large run may be due somewhat to the fact
that for four or five years preceding there were heavy freshets, which
restricted the fishing in the early part of the season, thus permitting
the shad to reach the upper waters to spawn.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 239

The following statement shows the annual catch since 1883 at the
Taylorsville fishery, a short distance below Titusville:

; No. of || a. | No. of
Year. ahind | Year. | ‘shad.
PRR bi. vated eM Uw Ee weam se Ehet ee oawtas sewn TE ORs eae wakina ss oy se us ss spa hued ae bn isin eiselsina | 955
RRR Soe Ce eee eee didwen wens cee eane saw 1, 093 pL es ee eee Jebiew axeh eared 960
eS eee SEE ekg 6 acs dss aan cance e | VODMINPRRRM@HRG eno otc soihcnewow cae ccadecnas se | 840
De eee ee eee cena cn vem ween c's cwes.an | BOD IER e Satine s\cinn'd Uw uin ae ubanmed'apic eave ce 1 by Gf
ee ee Ie ite a ain Cie wb vee nck san aa s i OA AGU eens ocint Vewae = onan as cnn mite ee | 2,300
ee Oe ie poids acoceaceauhess AGG le Los aset an mecmicth aus occu ea wetept cassis mies |} 2,491
Pee ee eee Uacpasccactunsee 1, 967 ||

Although an interdiction exists against the use of spears in taking
shad on Delaware River, yet that form of apparatus was used quite
extensively in 1896 at the Lackawaxen dam, 146 miles above Trenton,
Some of the spear fishermen operated from rowboats, while others
worked from the apron of the dam. Thirty men are reported as taking
2,160 roe shad and 3,240 bucks, worth locally about $10 per hundred.

There are several streams in New Jersey tributary to the Delaware,
in most of which some shad are taken each season. Among these are
Cohansey, Salem, Raccoon, Mantua, and Timber creeks, each of which
will be described in succession. In other streams along this shore,
such as Maurice River, Woodbury, Old Mans, Rancocas, Cooper, ete.,
there are a few shad taken for local use, but the fisheries are so inti-
mately associated with the fisheries of the Delaware, or they are so
small and so irregularly prosecuted, that it is not practicable to show
the actnal quantity taken.

Cohansey Creek.—Conansey Creek, which enters Delaware Bay 37
miles above Cape May, is tidal as far as Bridgeton, the head of navi-
gation, 20 miles from the mouth. At that point there is an earthen
dam, 11 or 12 feet high, across the stream for developing water-power.
While the fisheries of this creek are not of great extent, yet it ranks
third in importance among the shad-producing streams of New Jersey,
being surpassed in this particnlar only by the Delaware and Hudson
rivers. The yield in 1896 numbered 21,850 shad, worth $2,592, of which
11,850 were taken by drift nets and 10,000 by seines.

The drift-net fishermen live at Bridgeton and Fairton. The nets used
by them average 100 yards in length, with 54-inch mesh, costing about
$25 each. In 1876 the drift nets numbered 18 and the catch of shad
by them was 4,000. In 1896 25 drift nets were used by 52 fishermen,
the catch numbering 7,900 roe shad and 3,950 bucks, worth $1,542.
The Bridgeton fishermen operated 10 seines in 1896 at various points
on Cobhansey Creek, averaging 60 yards in length and requiring 2
men each. The size of mesh is from 2} to 4 inches, and they are hauled
for carp, striped bass, alewives, ete., as well as shad. ‘The catch of
shad during the year above noted approximated 10,000, about equally
divided between roes and bucks.

Salem River.—Salem River rises in the northeastern part of Salem
County and discharges into Delaware River at a point about 4 miles
below Fort Delaware. Fishermen from the town of Salem use drift

240 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

nets in this stream, the nets averaging 300 yards in length, with 54-inch
mesh, 2 men being required for each. Fifteen nets were used in 1896,
catching about 8,000 shad, of which two-thirds were roes.

Raccoon River.—The shad fisheries of Raccoon River, which enters
Delaware River opposite Mareus Hook, were limited to the use of 2
small seines, each 70 yards in length, the yield in which numbered only
4,800, of which two-thirds were bucks. The small catch was due to the
shad being driven away by the dumping of mud in Delaware River
just below the entrance of Raccoon River.

Mantua Oreek.—This creek discharges into Delaware River about 10
miles below Philadelphia, at a point abreast of Mifflin Bar. Only 1
seine was used in 1896, 100 yards in length, with 3-inch mesh. The
yield was about an average for recent years, numbering 2,000 shad,
about equally divided between roes and bucks.

Big Timber Creek.—This creek, forming the dividing line between
Gloucester and Camden counties, is 50 miles in length and navigable
only a short distance above the mouth, yet its shad fisheries have been
successfully operated for many years. Four seines are employed, each
about 100 yards in length, with 34-inch mesh; they are hauled for other
species as well as shad. The catch in 1896 numbered 4,160 roe shad
and 6,240 bucks, the local value being $728.

OCEAN SHORE OF NEW JERSEY.

In several of the small sounds and bays on the ocean shore of New
Jersey a few shad are taken each year in the seines, stake nets, and
fyke nets set for other species of fish, the total yield in 1896 numbering
2,565, valued at $803. Shad were reported from Jenkins Sound, Lud-
lam Bay, Barnegat Bay, Metedeconk River, and Manasquan River,
the yield from each of which is shown on page 229. On the coast from
Barnegat Bay to Sandy Hook numerous pound nets are operated from
May 1 to October 31, in which shad are taken incidentally during May.
The nets set in 1896 numbered 49, valued at $116,600, yielding 6,940
roe shad and 6,735 bucks, valued locally at $2,715, an average of 279
shad per net. This is the southernmost point on the Atlantic coast at
which shad are taken in considerable numbers outside the general coast

line.
SANDY HOOK BAY.

This bay, forming a part of the waterway tributary to the harbor of
New York City, is separated from the ocean on the east by a narrow
sand beach known as Sandy Hook. The shad fisheries are confined to
the use of stake nets, which average between 150 and 160 yards in
length, with from 54 to 6 inch mesh, and cost about $40 each. The
season begins about the first week in April and usually lasts four weeks.
The nets used in 1896 numbered 107, with an aggregate length of 16,340
yards and valuation of $3,900, 26 boats worth $930, and 54 men being
employed. The catch was much less than usual, numbering only 3,540
roe shad and 3,060 bucks, valued locally at $1,320.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 241
RARITAN BAY.

Raritan Bay ocerpies the triangular space between Staten Island,
New York, and the coast of Middlesex and Monmouth counties, N. J.,
and its waters commingle with those of the ocean through Lower Bay.
Its shad fisheries are valuable, the annual yield approximating 50,000,
the forms of apparatus used being pound nets, stake nets, seines, and
fyke nets. Of the 45,637 shad taken in 1896, 26,702 were obtained in
pound nets, 15,675 in stake nets, 1,010 in seines, and 250 in fyke nets.
The stake nets are set specially for shad, but the pound nets, seines,
and fyke nets depend principally on the catch of other species.

The stake nets range from 20 to 40 yards in length, averaging about
25 yards, and the season extends from the first week of April to the
15th or 20th of May. The number of nets used in 1896 was 982, with
an aggregate length of 24,304 yards and valuation of $4,256, requiring
73 men and 40 boats. Their catch of shad amounted to 8,515 roes and
7,160 bucks, valued locally at $3,409. The pound nets are set usually
the first week of April, and shad are taken in them from that time until
-about the middle of May. They are owned by men living at Port
Monmouth, Belford, and Keansburg, and the number of nets operated
in 1836 was 35, valued at $26,750. Twenty-seven boats, worth $5,740,
and 56 men were employed, and the catch of shad, which was very
much less than usual, numbered 14,552 roes and 12,150 bucks, valued
locally at $4,005. The 5 seines aggregated 3,733 yards in length and
$2,450 in value, with 24-inch mesh, and their catch of shad numbered
485 roes and 525 bucks, valued locally at $223. These seines are hauled
principally for squeteague, striped bass, and alewives. The Port Mon-
mouth fyke-net fishermen usually catch a small number of shad, the
catch in the 25 fykes in 1896 numbering 140 roes and 110 bucks.

Raritan River.—The Raritan is the longest river situated wholly
within New Jersey. Its sources are in the northwestern part of the
State, the main stream being formed by the junction of the north and
south branches, 4 or 5 miles west of Somerville, whence it flows a dis-
tance of 45 miles to its entrance into Raritan Bay at South Amboy.
It is a tidal and navigable stream from the bay to the city of New
Brunswick, a distance of 14 miles. The shad fisheries of Raritan River
in 1896 consisted in the use of 11 fyke nets, worth $550, which were
set near the mouth of the river from March 1 to June 10. They were
operated by 1 man using 1 boat, worth $60, and the catch of shad
approximated 2,500, which were sold locally at $938. These fykes are
also set from September to December for striped bass.

In that section of the New Jersey shore bordering New York Bay
and Hudson River many shad are caught each year, the yield in 1896
being 217,858, of which 49,758 were caught in fyke nets in New York
Bay and 168,800 in stake nets in Hudson River. <A description of the
entire fisheries of these water areas is given in the chapter on the
shad fisheries of New York State.

®, RB. 98 16

242 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
THE SHAD FISHERIES OF NEW YORK.

The shad fisheries of New York State are located principally in
Hudson River and the sections of New York Bay leading thereto, over
98 per cent of the yield in 1896 being obtained in those waters. A
few shad are also obtained in the Nissequague River, Little Neck Bay,
Gardiner Bay, Long Island Sound, and Great South Bay, but the catch
in the last three bodies of water is merely incidental to the taking of
other species of fish.

The following series of tables shows the extent of the shad fisheries
of each water area of this State:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
jisheries of New York in 1896.

Number of fishermen.
Gill-net. Total,
Waters. eae exclu. |Shores- Total
Seine, |Pound:|Fyke- Spear. | Sive of a ae
Drift. | Stake. | Pole. net, | net. duplica-
tion.
New York Bay:
IbOWER TE AY Cecoonadboceallbsosme-dleseesoslacesoes|tosausoc US | Batingalleacncece 18) |S--ameces 18
(Gora seuGl Wshay A eae San Scllo anon s|lpscopoe|loacpocs| |asoocqne 8 Gilse soos BMWeeccedse 8
The Narrows.-.--.-.--- DPD Eee cal [riers GR ee AS (Ecrceat al lee rear eae 120) || Soeteree 120
WipperiBay 35. ee2s= =| eine = Pa ee Seo lemacoog audpocalldeasocl| sacdecc 21 1 22
Hudson River --.----=---- 583 64 2 PAO Aeeceae i) aoe 901 9 910 -
Little Neck Bay...------. 7A losomactllbossaas||Gasgedec Sh Inonncolibseacce OF || Soeeeee 10
Nissequague River..-...-- 7: eemanoellouonces||saacodaolbacoude cacao. 20 28 | Seen 28
SUgtaleeaie: Guy nae 720) anil) Ve sho ||" aa aa foollaetos 10! 1,116

Statement, by water areas, of the number of boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad
jisheries of New York in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Stake nets. Pole nets.
Waters. SS SS }
No.| Value.) No.|Length.) Value.| No. |Length.| Value. No./Length.| Value.
New York Bay: Yards. Yards. Yards.
UG Easy coonse adend oo HEEB EI eso Sp nogeeelbcoosoc losecco)Sacdasas boccode ose a| ete oe ane Seana
Gravesend Bay..-.-..--.-- 6 C0) osealicosh63 sllatsosalloocesb| bias sonas|fer cocci Spec \aeaosass||-225¢2-
The Narrows-.--------.-- 59 | 3,620 |106 | 46,900 |$6, 560 |...-.-).....- Sellbssacss Bee eseneoe ese o-
WippermBayiesse-ao-aeenee a1) | PAOUO eS cline ooecballeeosese B02) |) 25 4168 | P15 SLO. |= 8) oo ae ara ee
EW SOnPRMVeRee asso eect ‘447 |18, 774 |337 |164, 020 |23, 425 |1,099 | 8,438 | 2,268 | 2 445 $100
Long Island Sound: |
Nissequague River......- | 12 240 | 12 CUT RS setae 5 osceoca|rceecc |S tee aici tee | eee
Little Neck Bay..-.-..-... a 401 | 1 760 BOY eee eS Sce seem | te ae) aide elqee ee
| —|——| — 5 ed —————q“—|\———
Potale Mics wscceteeaes 547 |26,165 |456 |212, 088 30,189 |1,401 | 10,854 | 3,778 | 2 445 100
eridg Pale Sy ge |e es hs ces | re |
Seines. Pound nets. Fyke nets. Spears. | Shore Total
Waters. | = aS | : prop- aoe
No. |Length.| Value.| No. | Value.) No. |Value.| No. |Value.| erty.
New York Bay: Yards. |
GO MiGLe LEER ee ccomGace conor coocd leoaseSad|doouds.
GUAVOSCNOUB AY ace clersteeta eater | mise aieinel eisicisare
UGE al cerepseca ica osoorl|4oecs atolbagneoe
Wp POR Bayer cco cie ieee temtees | teraeieias [ee atetatats
inrdsongRivier’ sos. seeteee oe 41 9, 607 |$5, 840
Long Island Sound:
PEC PETG hrs 2b 505 aSocd leocododol|ssonog-
TTL UNG Gk: Bayes amis sia(serel ciate ateia nal eile
otal pyesee ase saree se 7a 9, 607 | 5, 840 | 12 | 3,630 | 54 955 20 | 20 7,130 | 77, 807
|

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST, 243

Statement, by water areas, of the yield of shad in each form of apparatus employed in the
Jisheries of New York in 1896.

Drift nets. | Stake nets. Pole nets. Seines.
Waters. eames su Oo) SSS SSS : 7 =
| No. | Value.| No. | Value.} No. | Value.| No. Value.
loath if | * k
New York Bay:
ERR OUNRET OWE Oise aeten aoa Ge vip'w'e ere ns 68; 500 S7G20) ee eceece| nant eeclanceneas|secvsince|oscccne's \. 3 pee
UOTE UR SY Per ed ioe 30,000 | $3, 600 |.....- A A ee) Bees sae eas
ot RIGA epee eas «ba eade cess suis 297,178 | 42, 958 | 38,975 6, 233 | 14,800 | $616 | 68,345 | $8,991
Long Island Sound:
Nissequague River ..--...--.---- | 1,256 BUMM eee tise c= ac |boeeea|teee 2-55 |scinsunnblect av eae
Mrttie WeCk Bay ....22.--5..5 056. 128 BON sete stem al aietaa ciate MSE nmare SEGEE aH hat tesed on ek
ARTIC De OSS eS a Se |362, 062 50,938 | 68,975 | 9,833 | 14, 800 616 | 68,345 | 8, 991
Pound nets. Fyke nets. Spears. Total.
Waters. = —_—+!_— —_—_—_—_
No, Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. |} Value.
=. a | ut
New York Bay:
TO WOR Sass oan auenniaa pen nae dun 14, 000 | $1,680) |. - 2 oof) ce enn eln en cnimme 14,000 | $1, 680
Gravesend Bay ...---.--..------- 1,630 | 195] 4,800] $576 ).....2.. ees 6, 43 fel
TUTE GO Ue aoe po SOME ACF Gnee sss HAR AEN fen Re 4 a ele Se = he neoncae 63, 500 7, 620
Wid ford ot ee ence ees eee ote Pere ered Pesos esaaodd occas praeaaan | 30,000 | 3, 600
PTI TODS oe sacar ee eon oes dete eee le bees 800 PPE eee Ge ae 420,098 | 58,921
Great South Bay-.-.---. Ue aa sestne a364 HO RSE Sl hoes se oo occeen Eascoss- 364 61
Gardiner Bayi.os.05—.ec2 eu ces 5 ad, BOM SNORE | Semeaeee |S ete pera ee Paeeeese 4, 391 SEIT
Longe Island Sound. :<-----s.---- =<: R753 (jah fae Ee eae te rele SRS ae oc eoocesoc 516 145
Nissequague River ..........---. ee FE eesenSr botasnsaleeonscee 482 $115 | 1,738 429
Eile: Nek Bay <s-.s-n-cs~ 2555. 1, 649 | S20 eee Cel ee eee [emereser a posses ae Tt 575
Sohalkese sas eice was ceeces 22,550 | 3,641 | 5,600 699 482 115 |542,814 | 74,833

a Incidental catch.
NEW YORK BAY.

The numerous bodies of water leading from the ocean to the mouth
of Hudson River have several designations, but the name New York
Bay applies to the whole area from Sandy Hook to the Battery. The
near approach of Staten Island to the western end of Long Island
divides the bay into two unequal portions, known as Upper Bay and
Lower Bay. The general form of Lower Bay is that of an equilateral
triangle, each side of which approximates 15 miles in length. Upper
Bay is about 5 miles long and 3 or 4 miles in width. Connecting the
two, occupying the space between Long Island and Staten Island, are
the Narrows, the least width of which approximates 1 mile. At the
extreme upper end of Lower Bay, occupying the cove between Coney
Island light and Fort Hamilton, is Gravesend Bay, a small body of
water covering about 2 square miles. The fisheries of each of these
water areas are described in succession.

Lower Bay.—The shad fisheries of Lower Bay are confined to the use
of several pound nets on the shore of Staten Island between Elm Tree
beacon and Fort Tompkins light. These nets are set separately in 12
to 15 feet of water, and are worth about $250 each. Four were used
in 1896, requiring 18 men and 6 boats, the value of the latter being
$930. The season began April 1 and ended about the middle of June,
and the catch approximated 8,400 roes and 5,600 bucks, valued locally
at $1,680,

244 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Gravesend Bay.—The shad fisheries of Gravesend Bay in 1896 were
represented by 2 large pound nets and 2 rows of fyke nets, set in from
10 to 25 feet, the pound nets being set individually and the fyke nets
with 30 in one row and 4in another. The pound nets are larger than
those on the shore of Staten Island, and are valued at $600 each. It is
necessary to have two sets of twine, since the large quantity of drift
and refuse becoming fixed to them prevents their being operated more
than a week at a time. Each of the fyke nets has five 14-foot hoops
with two funnels to the net. The catch of shad by the 2 pound nets
numbered 978 roes and 652 bucks, worth $195, while the fyke nets caught
2,880 roes and 1,920 bucks, valued at $576.

The Narrows.—EKach season a large number of shad drift nets are
operated in the Narrows, the season beginning usually about April 1,
two or three weeks before the Hudson River season opens, and closes
about May 15. The nets average 400 yards in length with 5} to 54 inch
mesh, and cost about $75 each. On account of the extensive navigation
through this channel it is necessary to operate the nets 25 or 30 feet
below the surface, this being effected by long buoy lines, the most usual
length being 26 feet. Even at this depth the suction of large steamers
frequently entangles the nets in a mass and sometimes even lifts them
up into the screws. In 1896 there were 59 boats drifting nets in the
Narrows, using 46,900 yards of twine and operated by 120 men. The
catch was much less than usual, the total number of shad taken being
38,100 roes and 25,400 bucks, valued locally at $7,620. Most of the
fishermen live on Staten Island and at Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, and
Gravesend on Long Island. The others live “up the river” and else-
where and rendezvous at Fort Hamilton during the fishing season.
The latter operate also to some extent on the Hudson, but the Narrows
is their principal fishing-ground.

Upper Bay.—In the Upper Bay shad were taken by means of stake
nets and fyke nets set along the western side of the bay on the Jersey
Flats, between the northern end of Staten Island and Bedloe Island.
The stake nets were owned by fishermen from Bay Ridge, and were set
in 4 rows containing 151 “stations.” The abundance of drift matter
and other refuse in the water necessitated the use of two sets of nets,
each remaining in the water about a week, thus requiring 302 nets for
the 151 “stations.” The nets were each 24 feet long by 28 feet deep,
with 54-inch mesh, and were set with the top from 10 to 12 feet below
the surface of the water. The poles were from 60 to 70 feet in length,
and 26 feet apart in the rows. To operate these 4 strings of nets
required the services of 21 fishermen, using 10 boats, valued at $2,000,
The season began about the Ist of April and lasted six weeks, the total
yield of shad approximating 30,000 in number, of which about three-
fifths were roes. The fyke nets are owned by fishermen from Hudson
County, N.J. The yield in the 214 used in 1896 numbered 27,267 roe
shad and 22,491 bucks, for which the fishermen received $7,337.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 245
HUDSON RIVER.

In point of commerce the Hudson is the most important river of the
United States, and formerly its shad fisheries were the most valuable
on the Atlantic seaboard, but in this particular it is now surpassed by
several other rivers. Its sources are in the Adirondack Mountains in
Essex County, whence it flows in a general southeasterly direction
about 110 miles to Sandy Hill, and thence almost due south nearly 200
miles, to its entrance into New York Bay. From New York Bay to
Piermont the width is from 1 to 2 miles; between Piermont and Haver-
straw it expands into Tappan Bay, with a length of 12 miles and a
width of 4 or 5 miles; while from Haverstraw, 34 miles distant from
New York, to Albany the width of the river varies from 900 to 300
yards. At Troy, 6 miles above Albany, it receives its principal tribu-
tary, the Mohawk, whose volume of water is greater than that of the
Hudson above that point. Above Troy the river partakes of the
characteristics of a large mountain stream, with numerous falls and
rapids.

At Troy there is a State dam, built in 1826, of log cribwork filled in
with stone, 1,100 feet long and 10 feet high, which forms an impassable
barrier to the further progress of shad except when the water rises
above the crest of the dam during high freshets. There was formerly
a fishway in this obstruction, but it was destroyed by a freshet several
years ago and has not been replaced. At Mechanicsville, 9 miles above
Troy, there is a dam of cut-stone masonry 16 feet high, built in 1882.
Three-quarters of a mile above is a dilapidated log dam with an original
height of 8 feet. At Stillwater, 3 miles above Mechanicsville, there is
another log dam, forming an irregular line 6 feet high across the stream.
Above Stillwater the river is comparatively level for a distance of 12 or
13 miles, almost to the Saratoga dam, which is of stone, 8 feet in height,
built in 1873. Above Saratoga there are several other dams from 2 to
16 feet in height, among which are those at Fort Miller, Fort Edward,
Sandy Hill, Glens Falls, Palmer Falls, etc. Prior to the construction
of the Troy dam, in 1826, shad ascended the Hudson to the falls at
Sandy Hill, 50 miles above Troy, and up to fifteen years ago they were
taken in some abundance within a short distance below Troy. But
during recent years there has been little fishing above Castleton, a
short distance below Albany.

Shad enter the Hudson usually during the first week in April and
remain until the last of June. The legal season extends from March
14 to June 15 of each year, with a close time operative from sunset
on Saturday until sunrise on Monday of each week. The fisheries
extend from the mouth of the river nearly to Albany, the river being
well filled with twine up to Hudson, in Columbia County, while above
that town few fish are taken. The yield fluctuates considerably from
year to year. In 1880 there were 711 men employed and the catch of
shad numbered 639,000. In 1885 the yield was reported at 1,174,335,

246 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

in 1886 at 1,300,949, and in 1887 at 1,568,634. In 1895 the yield was
1,155,610, but in 1896 only 588,898 shad were taken in this river, the
local value of which was $83,237. Of this yield, 297,178 were caught in
drift nets, 180,775 in stake nets, 68,345 in seines, 41,800 in pole nets, and
800 in fykes. The catch by the New Jersey fishermen numbered 168,800,
while 420,098 were taken therein by residents of New York State.

The following table shows by States the number of persons employed
in each branch of the shad fisheries of the Hudson River in 1896:

Fishery. New Jersey.| New York. Total.

DOH WiesaooacodsdnddenoooNdodS cad ActodadbnonboosoaaRosons|odooboooddognd 583 583
SWMIRGTIGIH Se ontdoane cocanddsasaansssoe cosceo tho ososseratees= 176 64 240
IANO iGo oene eos} coadods SosRccocomonosecensosbe Weenoeeacad 8 2 10
SOs sodossnodoc chesoadSscte sans seetadosandoses adeodHoe sdes|leodsosSeaccode 250 250
TI RQ SIC aedanoccodcogr copEsdesedace date squogscdodorsroneeed|lsacodoogdonaas 6 6
SUNRISE or oc oro dan ond do ceo sane sooonsednCnsscau9Eso9e0|seeedseaconeas 9 9

Motalvexclusive of duplicahionecss---e-es esses 176 910 il, 086

The following table shows by States the apparatus employed in each
branch of the shad fisheries of the Hudson River in 1896:

| New Jersey. New York. Total.
Apparatus, etc. |
Number. Value. Number. Value. Number. Value.

ISO ooadrinadsboodacHanoEone | 69 $4, 905 447 $18, 774 516 $23, 679
IDE ogo G eb aaoncc Od peqebencoSsod | Se ase e 337 23, 425 337 23, 425
Gfakemets: yocecsce nee teen | 1, 518 | 7, 425 1, 099 2, 268 2, 617 9, 693
IRolemetsheceria: ceeen 1-1 | 12 510 2 100 14 610
SATE) sac céhsonbos csnooseecalecnog0nGassollogssgo550506 41 5, 840 41 5, 840
IDWAKG) IGS) - Sse cca cobosdoss pancosSecse5 oon opcecneoe 20 105 20 105
Shore property: ---..--------)-----------= | 1,175 |.----------- ERIN) | eeaeaoceqom 6, 055

Total 2-2-\s:2~.a:seis's wish a= ecelesis\elsrere Lae Oa Barreca BO SEPF | sSacecccsooe 69, 407

The following table shows by States the number of shad caught in
each form of apparatus in the Hudson River in 1896:

New Jersey. New York. Total.
Apparatus. Sava SS = oe
Number. Value. Number. Value. Number. | Value.

Drift nets........---- U2 Fil pee rp taene Pane eee Sts 297,178 | $42,958 | 297,178 $42, 958
Stakemetstassee sesso eae 141. 800 $20, 590 38, 975 6, 233 180, 775 26, 823
IRolemetss=s-ees--2 seen 27, 000 3, 726 14, 800 616 1, 800 4, 342
Sol) ooce se ecooouecoes Sar olscsoeandesoalloaocoasopersc 68, 345 8, 991 68, 345 8, 991
JON ARG INVA sonoosocionecs Joesdsl |eeaseonescrn||pesoouoacaon 800 123 800 | 123
Mopalaaascc item ait © 168, 800 24, 316 | 420, 098 58, 921 588, 898 83, 237

Drift nets are used on the Hudson from the New Jersey line to within
a short distance of the Troy dam. In the lower half of the river,
below Saugerties in Ulster County, the nets range from 450 to 1,000
yards in length, with an average of about 500 yards, but the length,
as well as the depth, depends on the size of the channel in which they
are operated, the nets being as large as the width of the channel
admits. The largest nets are used at Hyde Park, Highland, West
Point, and Verplanck Point, the last named being the center of the

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 247

most extensive fishery on the river. To avoid injury from vessels,
the buoy lines are so arranged as to permit the net to drift 6 to 30 feet
below the surface. The drift nets reported from this river in 1896 num-
bered 337, with an aggregate length of 206,590 yards and value of
$23,425, while the catch aggregated 162,385 roe shad and 134,793 bucks,
valued locally at $42,958,

The upper limit of the stake-net fishery is Croton Point, on the east
side of the river, just above Sing Sing, while on the west side the upper-
most limit is Nyack, Rockland County. The stake nets north of the
Jersey line are small and inexpensive, costing about $1.50 each, being
set on the flats in shallow water, not over 15 feet deep. The catch by
the shoal-water nets in 1896 was unusually small, as the shad kept
well out in the channel. In 1895 the fish ran more inshore, so that
those nets made good catches. The stake nets between Alpine, N. J.,
and the mouth of the river are much larger and are set on the edge of
the channel, in water 20 to 50 feet deep. The usual dimensions of these
nets are 90 meshes long and 100 meshes deep, with 5 inch mesh; many,
however, are 100 meshes square. The depth necessitates poles of great
length and strength, hickory and white oak being used generally. The
nets are set in rows of 25 or 30 each, running from the shore to the
middle of the channel. On the New York side there were no stake
nets below Fort Washington Point, and between there and Yonkers
there were but 3 rows, containing 120 nets; but on the New Jersey
side, between the mouth of the river and Alpine, opposite Yonkers,
N.Y., there were 1,518 stake nets in 1896, which caught 141,800 shad—
more than one-fourth the yield of the entire river,

The stake nets in the extreme lower end of the river are subject to
considerable damage from the vessels continually passing, the greatest
amount of injury being done at night, when it is not always possible
to avoid the twine. Not infrequently a fisherman will have one-third
of his nets destroyed in a single night, and a large percentage of loss
in this manner is always expected. However, the fishermen claim that
much of the damage is the result of pure indifference on the part of
vessel captains, who make no effort to avoid the twine. The total num-
ber of stake nets on the river in 1896 was 2,617, aggregating 21,170
yards in length, and valued at $9,695, and their catch numbered
106,065 roe shad and 74,710 bucks, worth $26,823. Of this yield 85,080
roes and 56,720 bucks were taken in the 1,518 nets set on the New
Jersey shore, and 20,985 roes and 17,990 bucks in the 1,099 nets set in
the New York portion of the river.

A third form of gill net used on the Hudson River, known as the
“pole net,” is similar in construction to the drift net, but its mode of
operation is somewhat like that of astake net. The net isa continuous
section, 200 to 250 yards in length, costing from $40 to $60. Poles are set
on the edge of the channel about 35 feet apart, and to the lower side of
which the net is fastened at the commencement of every flood tide by
means of “arms” or ropes 6 feet long. At theend of the tlood tide the

248 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

net is lifted, the fish removed, and the net is again set at the beginning
of the succeeding flood tide. There were but 14 of these nets on the
river in 1896, but they were quite successful, the average catch being
about 3,000 shad, and another season will doubtless witness an extended
use of this form of apparatus.

Compared with those of the Delaware River, the seine fisheries of
the Hudson are of little importance, a single seine on the former stream
taking more shad each year than the 40 or more on the Hudson. The
seines range in length from 120 to 500 yards, with from 2 to 24 inch
mesh in the bunt and 4-inch to 5-inch mesh in the wings. The seven
operated in the lower 80 miles of the river take few shad, their catch
consisting principally of alewives and other species. The most exten-
sive seine fishery on the river is near Kinston Point, where two seines
are operated by steam launches from a scow anchored in the middle of
the river, the catch by which in 1896 numbered 7,200 roe shad and 4,800
bucks—nearly one-fifth of the entire seine catch on the river. The total
shad yield of the 41 seines operated in 1896 was 41,757 roes and 26,588
bucks, valued locally at $8,991.

GREAT SOUTH BAY AND GARDINER BAY.

A few shad are caught incidentally in the pound nets set in Great
South Bay, the yield in 31 pound nets set in the spring of 1896 being
reported at 196 roes and 168 bucks. This small catch was due to the
lateness of the period when the nets were set.

In the pound nets at the eastern end of Long Island Sound, between
Montauk Point and Orient Point, some shad are taken each year. The
nets are most numerous in Fort Pond Bay and Napeague Bay and along
the shores of Gardiner Island. Shad are caught during April and
May and are obtained in greatest number on the eastern side of Gardi-
ner Island. The total number of nets in 1896 was 105, and their catch
of shad numbered 1,600 roes and 2,791 bucks, for which the fishermen
received $1,031.

LONG ISLAND SOUND.

Most of the shad entering Long Island Sound pass along the north-
ern shore of that body of water and enter the large tributaries flowing
into it through the State of Connecticut, very few being taken‘on the
New York shore. Of the 74,319 shad caught in this sound and tribu-
taries in 1896, 70,288 were taken along the northern shore and in the
rivers flowing therein, while only 4,031 were taken along the southern
shore. Of the latter, 516 were taken in pound nets near Orient Point,
1,738 in Nissequague River, and 1,777 in Little Neck Bay. Shad doubt-
less run into the other small bays and tributaries along this shore, but
in numbers too small to warrant the establishment of fisheries. The
shad fisheries of the three sections above noted will be described sepa-
rately, while those of the waters tributary to the northern side of Long

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST, 249

Island Sound will be described in the chapter on the shad fisheries of
Connecticut. -

In the pound nets at the eastern end of the sound on the Suffolk
County shore, between Orient Point and Horton Point, a few shad are
taken incidentally with other species. These nets run out from the
shore into 20 or 30 feet of water, one net being the usual number to the
string. In 1896 there were 14 pound nets in this locality, and the catch
of shad numbered 210 roes and 306 bucks, valued at $145.

Nissequague River.—Westward of Horton Point no shad are taken
on the southern shore of Long Island Sound until Nissequague River
is reached. This is a small sand-hill stream extending from Smith.
town Bay for several miles into the interior. While shad have been
caught in this stream for a number of years, yet fisheries have been
prosecuted only during the past two or three years. The fisheries
were most extensive in 1896, when drift nets were operated at various
times, catching 1,256 shad from May 1 to May 13. On the night of
May 13 fishing was stopped by the local authorities, the twine being
destroyed and arrests made of a number of the fishermen. After that
date many of the fishermen engaged in taking shad by the means of
spears, it being easier to elude arrest when so engaged than when using
a drift net.

The number caught by spears from May 13 to the end of the season,
about June 12, approximated 482, over half of which were roes. This
made a total of 1,738 shad taken in the Nissequague in 13896. If the
operations of the fishermen had not been interfered with the yield for
the season might possibly have approached 5,000.

Little Neck Bay.—This bay is quite shallow and covers only 2 or 3
square miles. Strictly speaking, it is not a tributary of Long Island
Sound, but rather of East River, and it is claimed that the shad enter
this body of water by way of East River and the Narrows and not
through Long Island Sound. Seasons of searcity in Little Neck Bay
are usually coincident with those in New York Bay and Hudson River,
and not with those in the Connecticut. Shad have been taken in Little
Neck Bay each season for many years, the principal apparatus employed
being pound nets, which are set from April 15 to about June 10. In
18396 there were 6 nets used, worth $1,430, but the yield of shad was
unusually small, numbering only 776 roes and 873 bucks, for which the
fishermen received $529. One pound net, which in 1896 caught only
29 shad, yielded 1,154 in 1895, and prior to 1890 the average annual
catch was about 2,000 for each net. A single gill net was used in this
bay in 1896, This net was 760 yards in length, and the catch numbered
92 roe shad and 36 bucks, valued at $46, making a total of 1,777 shad,
worth $575, taken in this body of water.

250 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF CONNECTICUT.

~

The extent, by water areas, of each branch of the shad fisheries of
Connecticut is presented in the following series of tables:

Statement, by water areas, of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad
fisheries of Connecticut in 1896.

| Total, ex-
Waters. Drift-net. Seine. clusive of
duplication.
Long Island Sound: a

Wonmechicub Rivers 245 5 -taj- a= sivicia's in nJains Sse sisiaininiaiale seem ae aene 94 36 130
IOUS ATOMICNRIVER os gas oo cea Sere cna oe ae nee eee De ee ean 34 17 45
Bridgeport Marbor 42 3-52. c<tee ame oem ce ws saeteaeceeemoee Qe Weeesacascase 6
IPINGWOTES kK soe cs scceisiee ssieseic Oe vis Home Nees cota e ence ees oeeonereee re ee rs 4
Lota 22sec se seise cisdelssa Bote ce ces ese e eee eee eee ee 138 53 185

alin Long Island Sound a number of men operate pound nets, in which shad are taken incidentally,
but there are no regular shad fisheries on the Connecticut shore of that sound.

Statement, by water areas, of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of
Connecticut in 1896.

Boats. Drift nets. Seines. Shore | Total

Waters. —= prop- | invest-
No. | Value.| No. |Length.| Value.) No. |Length.| Value.| erty. | ment.
Long Island Sound: Yards. Yards.

Connecticut River. --.. 59 | $1, 200 48 | 13,858 | $3, 321 12 | 1,883 $863 $465 | $5,849
Housatonic River..-.. 34 | 966 29 | &, 640 820 3) 1, 165 380 370 2, 536
Bridgeport Harbor --- 5 | 80 5 540 US le setecdlseacanascecassar 100 258
Jesbiey CHEE) Gaseesccoa6 4 60 4 | 155 AG See ee Sens Seaeneae 20 126
Mo tallieeere eee 102 | 2,306 86 | 20,193 | 4,265 17 | 3,048 | 1,243 955 8, 769

Statement, by water areas, of the yield of shad in each form of apparatus employed in the
Jisheries of Connecticut in 1896.

Drift nets. | Seines. Pound nets. Total.
Waters. =
No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value.
7 |

Gone lsland Sound s24-a5esseccee- |: sensor eee ceee | a4 $10 @7,093 | $1,669 | 7,134 | $1,679
Connecticut River. ........------ 45, 851 | $8, 244 | 65,839 | 1, 264 |.--..-..|........ | 51, 690 9,508
HOUSATONIC IRIVeT= eee ease ce eee 8, 286 2,072) 1,092 GRE) Pecdoeca|begaseas | 9,878 2,471
Bridgeport Harbor ........-..... 1,017 Ps) |boogceno||accocssc Joceveaor|ecanoacc 1,017 285
IPineKCreekicstceccerasecceue sees 569 GA esate emetic] Rae sical [ascoricsee 569 139

ee ae Se ee | — a
Mota seccenecemeccocn ee eae 55, 728 | 10, 740 | 7,472 | 1,673 | 7,093 | 1,669 | 70,288 | 14, 082

a Caught incidentally in apparatus set especially for other fish than shad.
b Of these, 146 shad, worth $30, were taken in seines operated especially for alewives.

LONG ISLAND SOUND.

This sound, occupying the coastal depression between Long Island
and the shore of Connecticut, approximates 115 miles in length and 15
to 25 miles in width. It is comparatively shallow, the depth in the
eastern portion being usually less than 200 feet, while in the part west
of Connecticut River it averages from 75 to 100 feet. At its eastern
end there is a chain of islands extending in a northeasterly direction
from Long Island to Rhode Island, and through the passages between
these islands the waters of the sound mingle with those of the ocean,

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 251

the principal channel being the Race, between Little Gull Island and
Fisher Island. At its western end the sound connects with the waters
of New York Bay through a long narrow passage known as East River,
which separates the western end of Long Island from New York City.
Throughout its length, except near the mouth of the large rivers, the
density of the water is very little less than that of the ocean. The prin-
cipal river tributaries are the Thames, Connecticut, and Housatonie,
which bring down large quantities of fresh water.

While some shad doubtless enter Long Island Sound through East
River, the great bulk passes through the Race at the eastern end. They
appear usually about the second week of April and are taken first in
the pound nets set immediately west of the mouth of Connecticut River.
Most of them pass up the Connecticut, but a large number proceed west-
ward, a few being caught in the pound nets set along the shore, while
others enter the Housatonic and some of the smaller streams of Con-
necticut and Long Island. The run into these waters during recent
years appears to be much smaller than formerly. The catch in 1896 in
the sound and its tributaries numbered only 74,321, of which 51,690 were
taken in the Connecticut, 9,878 in the Housatonic, and the remaining
12,753 along the shore of the sound and in smaller tributaries, whereas
the catch in the Connecticut alone was formerly half a million or more.

While a few shad are caught in Long Island Sound proper, there are
no fisheries dependent exclusively on that species. At the southeastern
end, on the shore of Long Island between Orient Point and Horton
Point, there are a few pound nets each year which take some shad, the
number of nets in 1896 being 14, and the yield of shad numbering 516.
Very few shad run along the northern shore of Long Island Sound east
of Connecticut River, and in the 77 pound nets there in 1896 only 244
shad were caught. In 28 of those nets not a single shad was taken, and
20 was the highest number caught in any net. In 1895 the 182 pound
nets on that shore yielded 290 shad.

Between Connecticut River and New Haven Harbor shad are some-
what more numerous, and a number are taken in the pound nets.
Immediately at the mouth of the Connecticut, between the jetties and
Cornfield Point, there were 3 pound nets in 1896, which yielded more
shad than all the rest of the nets in the sound. They were set about
the 10th of April, and from that time to the middle of June the three
caught 4,592 shad, worth $1,083, of which 2,327 were roes and 2,265
were bucks. Seven or eight miles west of the above three nets, between
Duck Island and Kelsey Point, there were three other pound nets,
which yielded 197 roe shad and 295 bucks. A 100-yard seine, operated
at the mouth of the Hammonasset River in 1896, caught 16 roe and 25
buck shad among other species. The area occupied by the 6 pound
nets above mentioned was formerly the location of one of the most
profitable shad fisheries on the coast. As late as 1885 there were 49
pound nets in that section, which yielded 123,100 shad. In 1886 there

252 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

were 48 nets and the catch numbered 69,900, while in 1887 the number
of nets was 46 and the yield of shad 61,950. Pound nets were set in this
section for the first time in 1849. The largest catches were made from
1863 to 1871 and from 1875 to 1880. During 1872, 1873, and 1874 adverse
legislation restricted the use of these nets to three days in the week.

The following summary shows the number of shad taken annually
during a series of years in a single pound net located at Money Point,
about 6 miles west of the mouth of the Connecticut River, the location
being the same each year:

: No. of No. of No. of || No. of
eae sHiadi |, Sou: shad. obs shad., ||" Seem shad.
GEG pacsecanace 8,643: 18642. 5-0-2 | HL2 265) i Perea aac. ce @8, 271 || 1880..------- 2 13, 275
IG eee B18 BES. cee. scene OLN || UAL So aGsscnce @7, 343 || 188leasseneeeee 10, 500
ikcHise Ae anabacce GSTS ST SCG Fee sates LONOOS S| PAS 1A sete sales @9'/290) |) 1 S882ee eee eee 9, 637
SSO eens serie SHOCON MSG Teme areeee LZ DOOM WS ios aee\retra lator 205037, 188382. ee—seeee 6, 200
TSO aha ae 6,000 || 1868......----- TS <OO0N MSTGae ae aeeeee 11,041" || 1884.0 tea 7, 200
i: eee ee GLOCm T869 = a elas 11,000 || 1877..-..---... AO F465 1880) eaee ete 7, 858
LSG2E See ote see ee 65853) MST Ocece seme 167558) ||) W878 s2-- 26 eas. b 4, 550
TBGBE Ce tise waco. TORT SOM USM e ee eresteratelre 13, 508 | MM bessceqncc2 19,175
a Law restricted fishing to three days in each week. b Net very much injured by jelly-fish.

Between Hammonasset Point and New Haven Harbor there were 15
pound nets set in the spring of 1896 for menhaden and other species,
which yielded 724 roe shad and 864 bucks. Of these, 206 roes and 285
bucks were taken in one net near the mouth of Farm River, whereas in
1895 943 shad were taken in 3 nets set in the same locality. In 1886
there were 27 nets between Hammonasset Point and New Haven har-
bor, which yielded 10,300 shad, while in 1885 30 nets in the same
locality caught 18,200. In 1887 there were 38 nets in the locality
named, and the yield of shad was 9,300. The only apparatus which was
operated on the Connecticut shore west of New Haven Harbor in which
shad are reported to have been caught, was 1 pound net at Welch Point,
near the town of Milford, which yielded 177 shad in 1896 and 189 in

- 1895.
THAMES RIVER.

This river is really an estuary of Long Island Sound, extending 15
miles northward to Norwich, where it receives the waters of the She-
tucket and Yantic rivers. Its width varies froma quarter to half a
mile, except that near the mouth it is a mile or more wide, forming the
excellent harbor of New London. On both the Shetucket and Yantie
rivers there are numerous dams extending to within a short distance of
their entrance into the Thames, forming complete barriers to the ascent
of fish. Previous to 1880 a considerable number of shad were caught
in Thames River, the yield during the height of the season being
several hundred daily, but during the past ten or fifteen years very few
have been taken. In 1885, 300 were reported; in 1886, 45; in 1887, 27;
and in 1888 only 4 were caught, while in 1889 and 1890 there were none
reported; in 1891, 2 were taken, and in 1893 there was 1, and since
that year no shad have been reported from this river.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 253
CONNECTICUT RIVER.

With the exception of Kennebec River, the Connecticut is the prin-
cipal shad stream of New England. This river rises in the extreme
northern part of New Hampshire, within half a mile of the Canadian
border, flows in a general southerly direction a distance of 375 miles,
forming the boundary line between New Hampshire and Vermont, and,
traversing Massachusetts and Connecticut, empties into Long Island
Sound near the eastern end. It is navigable for steamers from the
mouth to Hartford, a distance of 50 miles. Above Hartford there are
numerous falls, the most important being Enfield, Holyoke, Turner,
Bellows, Olcott, and McInloe, all of which are provided with dams for
developing water-power.

At Enfield, 66 miles from the sound, the river descends over a rocky
bed, with a fall of 32 feet in a distance of 5 miles. A dam 1,500 feet
long and 4 feet high, duilt of logs filled in with stone, extends in a
broken line across the river. Originally this dam consisted of two
wings running out from either side of the river, leaving an opening of
150 feet for navigation purposes. This opening was closed about fifteen
years ago by a new section of dam 5 feet high, in the middle of which
there is a fishway 40 feet long. Windsor Locks Canal permits the
passage of small boats around the obstruction. The Enfield dam has
caused much irritation among the fishermen above that point, especially
among those in Massachusetts. In 1886 the general assembly of that
State adopted a resolution suggesting mutual measures on the part of
the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts toward overcoming this
obstruction, but no satisfactory result was accomplished.

The Holyoke dam, 18 miles above Enfield, extends entirely across
the river, with a length of over 1,000 feet and a height of 35 feet. It
was completed in 1849 and is one of the most substantial constructions
of its kind in the country, developing about 15,000 horse-power, used
mainly in the manufacture of paper. During freshets the water on the
crest of the dam is sometimes several feet deep, but ordinarily there
is little overflow. A condition was imposed in the charter that the
Holyoke Water Power Company should pay for the fisheries destroyed
above the dam, and this requirement was complied with. Under a
provision of the common law enjoining owners of dams high enough to
stop the passage of fish to provide a suitable fishway, the Holyoke
company was directed to build a fishway. The company contended
that it was exempt from this common-law injunction because it already
had paid for the fisheries destroyed above the dam, as required by the
charter.

In a very interesting case, involving the rights of river fisheries, of
the water-power corporations, and of the eminent domain of the State
over both, the United States Supreme Court, affirming the decisions of
the supreme court of Massachusetts, decided that as the dam had
injured the fisheries below as well as destroying those above that

254 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

obstruction, it was subject to the common-law provision and must
build a fishway. ‘The fishway was completed in 1873, it being after the
Brackett plan, a modification of the Foster fishway. It is one of the
largest and most expensive ever constructed, being 440 feet in length,
with a general inclination of 1 foot in 15, divided into compartments
or bays by means of L-shaped partitions that extend at right angles
from the sides, causing the water to wind through such a long, cir-
cuitous course that it actually runs about 1,500 feet before it emerges
at the lowerend. As the height of the dam is 30 feet, the fall of the
water averages about 1 foot in 50 with little momentum, but it does
not appear that shad have ever passed above this fishway in quantities.

During the colonial period shad were abundant in the lower half of
Connecticut River, ascending as far as BellowseFalls, 170 miles from
Long Island Sound, where the abrupt descent of the river prevented
further progress. They easily passed Turner Falls, 50 miles below,
Several thousand being taken there in a single day with dip nets.
The first artificial obstruction to their progress was the dam at Turner
Falls, erected in 1798. This obstruction prevented shad from passing
that point, and it also seriously affected the spawning of salmon in the
river, but, as there were areas below Turner Falls suitable for shad
spawning, the run of this species below that point was not apparently
injured.

In 1849 the dam at Holyoke was completed, cutting off 36 miles more
from the upper limit of the shad run, ineluding many spawning-grounds.
The effect of this is shown distinctly in the reliable accounts of the
catch made at the Parsonage seine fishery, near the mouth of the river.
The average annual yield of shad from 1827 to 1836 was 10,376; during
the succeeding ten years it was 9,532, the slight decline being perhaps
attributable to increased fishing at near-by points. The erection of the
Holyoke dam in 1849 prevented the fish from ascending to the upper
waters, and as they retreated down the river they were taker more
abundantly than formerly. The average yearly catch by the Parsonage
seine in the five years following the erection of the dam was 19,490 shad;
during the next ten years (1854-1863) the average was but 8,364, and
for the following six years (1864-1869) it further decreased to 4,482
annually, less than one-half of the former yield.

For many years preceding 1881 the regulations of Massachusetts and
Connecticut in reference to the Connecticut River shad fisheries were
similar, a close season beginning June 21, and an interdiction prevailing
against the use of nets with less than 5-inch mesh. An increased use
of pound nets at the mouth of the river aroused much antagonism
among the up-river fishermen, especially those in Massachusetts, and
resulted in the spring of 1881 in an enactment by the legislature of that
State extending the open season to July 1 and permitting the use of
nets with 2-inch mesh. The effect of this enactment is well shown in
the table on page 256. In 1880, by the use of 5 inch mesh, only 7,727
shad were taken in that portion of the Connecticut situated in Massa-

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 255

chusetts, while the small mesh in the following season caught 38,382
shad, nearly five times as many as during the previous year, the small
mesh permitting the capture of shad of all sizes. This resulted in a
greatly diminished catch during succeeding years. In 1882 the num-
ber of shad taken in that portion of the river was but 2,770, or less
than 8 per cent of the yield in the year previous, and the largest prod-
uct in any one season since has been but 3,591, or less than 10 per cent
of the yield in 1881. Since 1883 the product decreased annually, and
it does not appear that any shad have been taken in that portion of the
Connecticut since 1-90. The average yield for the six years ending in
1881 was 16,100 annually, and during the fifteen years following 1881 it
has been only 852 shad annually.

At present the Connecticut River shad fisheries extend from Long
Island Sound to Wethersfield, a distance of 40 miles, but they are most
extensive in the reaches between Hssex and Haddam. The yield in
1896 aggregated 45,851 taken in drift nets and 5,859 in seines. The
fishery by drift nets is most extensive from Essex to Higganum, the
principal centers being Hamburg, Chester, Hadlyme, Higganum, and
Haddam.

The number of nets used in the river in 1896 was 48, of which 31 were
operated by men living in Middlesex County, 15 by men from New
London County, and 2 by Hartford County fishermen. These measure in
length from 140 to 350 yards, averaging about 290 yards, with 54-inch
mesh, and cost about $70 each, each net requiring one boat, worth $20,
and 2 men.

The season is dependent on the movements of ice in the river, but it
generally begins the first or second week in April and extends to the
third week of June. The legal season extends from March 1 to June 20
of each year, and fishing is interdicted from sunset on Saturday night
to sunset on the following Sunday night of each week.

Of the total yield in 1896, 22,197 were roes and 23,654 bucks, the price
received for the former being $5,200 and for the latter $3,044. Seines
were formerly the only apparatus used for taking shad in the Con-
necticut, but these have been gradually superseded by drift nets. In
1896 there were only 12 seines used, most of which were operated
between Haddam and Wethersfield. These approximated 150 yards in
length, and several were used mainly for catching alewives. Their
yield of shad was the largest since 1880, numbering 5,839, valued at
$1,264, A seine at Wethersfield caught 2,799 shad in 1896, against 730
in 1895, Another seine at the same place caught 1,894 shad in 1896 and
but 709 in 1895.

The following compilation shows the number of shad taken in Con-
necticut River during a number of years. Returns for years previous
to 1879 for that portion of the river situated in Connecticut are not
available. The South Hadley seine fishery, a short distance below the
Holyoke dam, was formerly the most valuable seine fishery above the
Enfield dam. The yield at that fishery is also noted in the table.

256 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing the number of shad taken in Connecticut River during a number of years,
also the yield at the South Hadley seine fishery.

C be Yield re % a Yield at
: on- assa- Sout on- assa- South
Year. | necticut. |chusetts.| Total. Hadley Year. | necticut. |chusetts.| Total. Hadley
fishery. fishery.
URE eonpd eeseepecca sacnbot ard paqoeBBeS 45, 000 || 1883 ....! 177, 308 3,591 | 180, 899 3, 099
35, 000 || 1884... 150, 045 1,593 | 151, 638 1,593
7, 341 || 1885 .. 190, 300 1,718 | 192,018 1,718
8,807 || 1886....| 117, 950 577 | 118, 527 577
779 || 1887... 80, 350 850 | 81, 200 850
4, 822 || 1888 68, 450 824 | 69, 274 824
3,598 || 1889 42, 325 796 | 43,121 796
3, 016 || 1890 34, 318 58 | 34,376 58
10, 741 || 1891 .... 20000 || aelelmatolereio 205503) Seon emer
3, 412 || 1892.... EE SG) |leerscotaae WRG essen cc
8 8,169 |) 1893 . Pale itch ane Baad acc Ute! Verisa avo 2
STO Neate = 436, 981 13, 409 | 450, 390 6, 296 || 1894... BPA MAD \ogaocaseac 38; 770 || case
1880 ..... 269, 918 7, 727 | 277, 645 4, 698 || 1895 . 34,323 |---cc----- 34,323) |-oe scenes
S81 reise 351, 678 38, 382 | 390, 060 18,196 || 1896... DT GO0 i emetstainisieiate 51 6900 ee ee eee
1882 ..... 272, 903 2,770 | 275, 673 2, 114

From the preceding statement it appears that during the six years
following 1878 the shad yield aggregated 1,726,305; during the sueceed-
ing six years it was 538,516, and during the six years ending in 1896
only 185,447 shad were taken in the Connecticut. The alleged reasons
for the continued decrease are summed up as follows: (1) The erection
of jetties at the mouth of the river, resulting in a change of the current
flowing therefrom through Long Island Sound; (2) pollution of water by
sewage and refuse from manufactories along the shore; (3) overfish-
ing, and (4) the erection of dams across the stream, thereby preventing
the fish from ascending to the spawning-beds. It is questionable
whether the tirst-named factor has had any effect on the abundance of
shad. The jetties deflect the current only slightly from its natural
course, and should the shad not run up the Connecticut they would
doubtless appear in increased numbers at other points in Long Island
Sound, which does not seem to have been the case.

The second factor has undoubtedly had a very deleterious effect on
the fisheries. That the sanitary conditions of the Connecticut are un-
favorable to the existence of shad admits of no doubt, the sewage from
the cities and the acid refuse from the numerous factories on the shores
of the stream so polluting the water as to make it unfavorable to the
existence of animal life therein. Especially is this the case during the
summer months, when the young fish are in the river, the water becom-
ing so tainted with acids and refuse that the surface is frequently
spotted with dead fish. While the extensive fisheries have doubtless
materially assisted in bringing about the present depleted condition of
the Connecticut, yet they have merely hastened the work that would
eventually be accomplished by the dams and the unsanitary state of the
water, even if no fisheries existed. The most objectionable development
of recent years is the concentration of the fisheries near the mouth of
the river, nearly all the fish being caught before they have reached the
spawning-grounds, thus reducing natural reproduction to almost an
insignificant factor in keeping up the supply. It is apparent that the
future of the Connecticut River shad fisheries is far more dependent on
artificial propagation than has been the case in the past. But there ic

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 257

little to be said favorable to further work of this nature unless improve-
ment be made in the conditions of the river. Were this accomplished,
artificial propagation could doubtless greatly increase the run of fish;
and if suitable restrictions were applied to the fisheries the shad reach-
ing the spawning-beds between Haddam and Windsor Locks might also
tend to keep up the supply.

Farmington River—The Farmington is the only one of the several
tributaries of the Connecticut that has yielded shad during recent
years. It rises in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and, flowing a
distance of 75 miles, enters the Connecticut about 5 miles above Hart-
ford. At Poquonock, 5 miles above the mouth, there is a log dam 4 or
5 feet high and 264 feet long, entirely crossing the river. Above this
point there are numerous other dams at short distances, forming a
complete barrier to the ascent of fish. Formerly the shad fisheries
of Farmington River were of some local importance, but during the
past ten or twelve years the catch has been small. In 1881 the yield
numbered 11,505, in 1882 it was 3,800, and in 1883 but 1,155 shad were
caught. Since then the yield has been very small, except in 1885, when
3,400 shad were caught by seines. In 1896 one seine was used to
obtain spawn for the State hatchery, catching about 500 shad, which
represents the full extent of the fisheries during that year.

HOUSATONIC RIVER.

This river rises near Pittsfield in the western portion of Massachu-
setts, and, after flowing a distance of 123 miles, enters Long Island
Sound 4 miles east of Bridgeport. It is navigable for 13 miles to
Derby, where it receives its principal tributary, Naugatuck River, a
small rapid stream. A mile or so above Derby the Housatonic is
crossed by a stone dam 22 feet high and 636 feet in length, completed
in 1870 at a cost of $430,000, and developing 1,500 horsepower, used for
various manufacturing purposes. The usual spring-freshet depth over
the crest is 4 or 5 feet. A fishway was built in this obstruction, the
designs being furnished by the late Mr. Foster, of Maine. Very soon
thereafter it appeared that shad would not pass above this dam, not
even attempting to enter the fishway, although many were seen in
immediate proximity to the lower end. The fishway was destroyed by

freshets in 1873 and has not been rebuilt. Above Birmingham the fall
’ of the Housatonic is very great, averaging 8 feet per mile. There are
a few dams, the most important one of which is at Lanesville, where
the fall obtained is 12 feet. Very few shad pass above the Birming-
ham dam, and none appear to go beyond Lanesville, 40 miles above the
mouth. In the early part of the present century, previous to the erec-
tion of obstructions on the river, shad ascended to Falls Village, 73
miles from Long Island Sound. At that point the river falls abruptly
over limestone ledges a total distance of 100 feet, forming a complete
barrier to the further ascent of fish.

It was reported in 1883 that 11 seines on the Housatonic caught

F. R. 98 17

258 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

11,550 shad and 27 gill nets caught 4,500, a total of 16,050, and in 1884
that the yield in 12 seines was 39,000 and in 47 gill nets 13,000, making
a total of 52,000 shad taken on the Housatonic during that year. In
1885 the yield was 50,600; in 1886 it was reduced to 24,800, and in 1887
the catch of shad was still further reduced to 12,400. The present
fisheries are confined to the use of a few drift nets and seines between
the mouth of the river and Birmingham, the annual yield ranging from
8,000 to 15,000 in number. The drift nets in 1896 numbered 29, with a
total length of 5,640 yards, requiring 29 boats, worth $536, and 34 men.
Of these nets, 22 were used by men living on the east side of the river
and 7 on the west side. The season began about the middle of April
and extended to the third week of June. The catch was not up to the
usual quantity, 8,286 shad being taken, of which 4,335 were roes and
3,951 bucks. In 1896 there were 5 seines operated below Birmingham
by men living on the Fairfield County side of the river. These range
in length from 150 to 250 yards, with from 3 to 5 inch mesh, and require
three or four men and one boat for each. The seining season began
about a week earlier and closed three weeks earlier than the drift-net
season. The catch of shad was 812 roes and 750 bucks, making a total
of 9,878 shad, worth $2,471, taken on the Housatonic River.

Bridgeport Harbor, Pine Creek, etc.—In the harbor of Bridgeport, 3
niles west of Housatonic River, a few shad are taken each year, most of
them being secured in a channel known locally as ‘*The Gut.” In 1896
6 men operated 5 drift nets in that locality, and took 652 roe shad and
365 bucks, valued locally at $285. In Pine Creek, Black Rock Harbor,
Ash Creek, and several other small streams between Bridgeport and
Stamford, there are a few shad taken every season by means of short
drift nets. Four shad fishermen, with an equal number of boats, are
reported from those waters in 1896, using 4 drift nets, the catch in the
season extending from April 20 to June 10, numbering 342 roe shad
and 227 bucks, worth $139.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF RHODE ISLAND.

The shad caught in Rhode Island are taken incidentally in apparatus
set especially for other species, except that in Warren River 6 men used
3 pound nets, worth $920, 3 boats, worth $90, and shore property valued
at $120, catching 9,258 shad. The following table shows by water
areas the yield of shad in this State in 186:

Slatement showing, by water areas, the yield of shad in Rhode Island in 1896.

| Pound nets. | Miscellaneous. Total.
Waters. } =\—- Se

No. | Value. No. | Value. No. | Value.
Atlantic COAT: fst seals Redes eats LER aso s Vea O50 |) ¢S2R7'| Re ease ae 1, 051 $287
Narmapansebt Bayer? = 2. so ateeascs tates sae eee ee | 2,163 BRO | ect ee |S eee 2, 163 589
WiALrOn URE Ver Shc cch en te ceo bee neem oceans O° 258¢) 2408) eo seca es. (aa akeeee 9, 258 2, 408
Pawcatuck piven ts. sacceeaetesisgece since mone ciara eats = | wiattz oie 400 $115 400 115
Providence-Blackstone River -o..c. . se = oe oe sien eel iele = amie sll semitone 500 142 500 142
Greenwich Rivertxsss sch sacn cosas os ose ee eee loser eel peers 160 49 160 49
Total aac nants ae Caslon cevaisete > asiome piace orate 12,472 | 3,284); 1,060 306 | 13, 532 3, 590

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 259
OCEAN SHORE OF RHODE ISLAND.

_ Along the ocean shore of Rhode Island, from Watch Hill to Point
Judith, there are several pound nets each spring in which a few shad
are taken incidentally. These nets are set about April 20 and remain
until the fall, catching shad during the first two or three weeks in
which they are set, viz, from April 20 to May 10. There were 14 pound
nets in this locality in 1896, the total value of which was $16,800, and
their catch of shad is reported at 946, of which about 40 per cent were
roes. The average weight of the roe shad approximated 5 pounds,
while the bucks averaged in weight about 3 pounds each. The roes
sold at an average price of 38 cents and the bucks at about 20 cents
each. On the shore of Block Island there were 4 pound nets in 1896,
valued at $4,900, in which 105 shad, worth $32, were taken. In 1895
the same + pound nets caught about 200 shad.

NARRAGANSETT BAY.

There are numerous pound nets set each spring at various points in
Narragansett Bay, the principal species taken being scup, squeteague,
and sea bass. The nets are most numerous off the southern shore of New-
port Island, in Western Channel and between Sakonnet and Tiverton.
In these pound nets a few shad are taken each year, but this species
is rarely sufficiently numerous to receive special attention from the
fishermen. In the 98 nets in Narragansett Bay in 1896, the catch of
shad was 1,090 roes and 1,073 bucks. Over half of these were taken
in 39 nets set in the Eastern Channel, between Sakonnet Point and
Mount Hope Bay, the catch being 685 roes and 563 bucks. The largest
yield in any single pound net was 70 roe shad and 78 bucks, obtained
in a net off Rumstick Neck, at the northern end of Narragansett Bay
near the mouth of Providence River.

Warren River.—While a few shad run up most of the tributaries of
Narragansett Bay, yet they are not in sufficient numbers to support
important fisheries, and the only well-known shad stream in the State
is Warren River. This small stream is a tidal arm of Narragansett Bay
near its northern limit. It is only a few hundred feet in width, about
10 miles in length, and contains no obstructions to the free passage of
fish. It has been an important shad stream during the last thirty years
at least. In 1880 it was reported that about 5,000 shad, with an aver-
age weight of 34 pounds each, were taken in 5 pound nets set in this
river. In 1896 there were 3 pound nets set at the head of the river,
near the Massachusetts State line. The shad season began April 20
and ended May 29, and the catch numbered 5,480 roes and 3,778 bucks,
valued locally at $2,408. This was an average for recent years, the
yield ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 annually.

Pawcatuck River.—The Pawcatuck formerly yielded a large number
of shad, but at present it is obstructed by numerous dams, which com-
pletely block the passage of fish. Yet a few shad are taken in the

260

lower portion of this river each year, as well as in Old Warwick Cove
and Patowomut River, the aggregate yield in these waters averaging
about 400 annually, taken by means of seines, dip nets, ete. .

Providence-Blackstone River.—The numerous dams and the sewage
from the city of Providence have served to almost exterminate shad
from Providence-Blackstone River. But each year a few hundred are
taken by seines, dip nets, and other contrivances, the yield in 1896
being estimated at 500 in number.

Greenwich Bay.—Two seines hauled in Greenwich Bay in 1896 caught
108 roe shad and 52 bucks, which sold for $49.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF ISH AND FISHERIES.

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF MASSACHUSETTS.

There are no regular shad fisheries in Massachusetts, this species
being caught only incidentally in connection with the taking of other
fishes. The following table shows, by water areas, the yield of shad
in each form of apparatus operated in this State in 1896:

Drift nets. Seines. Pound nets. Total
Waters. =
No. | Value.| No. Value.| No. | Value.| No. | Value
Taunton River......-.-..-.--------|--es----|-------- 3, 355 CBE Sl escocgbdo||sasecose 3, 355 $934
Buzzards Bay----------------------|---+-----|---+++--|--------|---+---- 721 $252 721 252
Waneyard Soun dese -ecsee reser eee cise eee se Romane eg tHe oe 2, 664 582 | 2,664 582
@apelCodiBayee--ses----2-- = -- 22, 080 $691 9, 080 454 1, 745 304 | 32,905 1, 449
Massachusetts Bay ..---..---------|--------|--.-----|---50---|-------- 170 17 170 17
iG nnG IRIE cdsceccsseeasadsoco|lopesnecg|lboo5cnK6 7 7 fe Ee See eee 7 2
Totals. ac caeeeceess saece ee 22, 080 691 | 12,442 1, 390 5, 300 1,155 | 39, 822 3, 236

TAUNTON RIVER.

This river is formed by the union of Satucket and Matfield rivers in
Bridgewater, Mass., whence it flows to its entrance into Narragansett
Bay. It is navigable for 18 miles to East Taunton, where it is crossed
by a dam, developing a fall of 9 feet of water. Shad enter Taunton
River about the latter part of March and remain until some time inJune,
although few are taken after the end of May. It does not appear that
there have ever been important fisheries in this river dependent exclu-
sively upon shad, and during recent years that species has been taken
only incidentally in connection with the alewife fisheries. The following
summary shows for recent years the total yield of shad in this stream:

Number | Number Number | Number
Year. of seine | ofshad Year. of seine | of shad
|fisheries.| caught. fisheries. | caught.
|
SS eo aeteleasain salsa sien a tet | 13 ig BOS 4||| LBSSyeciee emtetsciers ae tiainieleieereres ial 10 6, 353
tty edRsccoecoacaodo aan quae cde 9 BO09 TP UBSO ects aaa eleeieincte ae were e 13 7,329
TET see eae ee a i eae ib G.615'|| 1800 eee ee ee eee 10 | 4, 836
ME pope ScoacdcagnroTrolooaodor 10 5,73 1 SO AE sso See one eemae 9 2,451
If PA iS csoaancodncasseroscaoe 11 i lo Bas Bf Fe | Ua be PR ee a cae OSaa eA 12 2, 056
WSO sete oe ae teen ew eteitets 11 ab Ma Ret 8 a omega SOCIO RSA OOS 6 | 2, 104
MESA ee encase nace ecieinee sn 10 4, 037 1 SOAS ee eininis Rete mine Mine ete 90} 2, 814
JERR cable cs conaee seman 10 A. 964) ||! 2805S 545s ce ecio sates 8 | 3, 804
TSG tis eee aan de ceed 8), * 20620" || 1896+: 2 622s eo eee | 8 | 3, 355
DSS h«; wlvisietatets miele ares one tal ate 8 4, 550 |

ll

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 261

In 1880 there were 15 seines used in Taunton River, requiring the
services of 108 men, and their catch of shad was reported at 6,615,
weighing 21,498 pounds. The yield of alewives during the same season
numbered 1,718,000. In 1896 there were 8 fisheries for alewives, at
which 13 seines were used, with an aggregate length of 1,903 yards
and valuation of $1,478. These required the services of 87 fishermen
and 22 shoresmen, and their catch of shad numbered 3,355, worth $934,
and of alewives 1,898,478, valued at $9,478.

BUZZARDS BAY.

In this coastal indentation, covering 225 square miles on the southern
shore of Massachusetts, there are a few shad taken each year inciden-
tally in the pound nets set primarily for alewives, scup, butterfish, ete.
These nets are set along the shore west of Apponagansett Bay, at the
mouth of Pamansett River, between that river and Goose Neck, and
on Elizabeth Islands. The number used in 1896 was 35, valued at
$11,550, and the season extended from early in April to some time in
November, shad being taken during April and May. The yield of shad
was 721, valued at $252, while the alewives taken in the same nets num-
bered 258,875, worth $1,380. A State law interdicts the use of pound
nets in Buzzards Bay after the expiration of the permits granted prior
to the enactment of that regulation. These privileges expire at the
end of the season of 1897, and after that date there will probably be
no fishing in this locality except that with hand lines and the clam and
scallop fisheries.

Vineyard Sound.—In the Vineyard Sound pound-net fishery there
are a few shad taken each year, the yield in the 42 nets operated in the
spring of 1896 being 2,664, valued at $582. The same nets caught also
320,165 alewives, which sold for $1,525. Shad are first taken in these
nets about April 20, and few are caught after May 15.

CAPE COD AND MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

The principal shad yield in Massachusetts is obtained by the mack-
erel fishermen from Provincetown, each of the small vessels engaged in
drifting mackerel nets from that port taking a few shad incidentally
during the month of June, the yield usually ranging from 600 to 1,200
shad annually to each vessel. The vessels engaged in this fishery
measure from 5 to 15 tons, are manned by two or three men each, and
carry from 25 to 45 nets, averaging 60 yards in length, with from 3
to 34 inch mesh. In 1896 there were 27 small vessels engaged in this
fishery, with an aggregate measurement of 341 tons and valuation of
$21,950. These vessels were operated by 58 men and carried 791 nets,
47,453 yards in length, valued at $7,910, and the total catch of shad
was 19,040, for which the fishermen received $596. These shad were
unusually small, averaging only about 2 pounds each, due to the small
mesh of the nets. Seven Provincetown sailboats, worth $1,300, manned
by 14 men, and carrying 150 mackerel drift nets similar to those used

262 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

on the small vessels, caught a few shad in 1896, their entire yield being
3,040, which sold for $95.

Occasionally Provincetown boats catch some shad while se ning for
mackerel. In 1896 the steamer Cormorant, 4.8L net tonnage, made
three hauls of shad, one each on June 6, 7, and 9, catching 9,080, which
were Sold fresh at 5 cents each.

The pound nets and weirs set in Cape Cod Bay catch a few shad, the
number taken ranging upward to 50 or more to each net. In 1896
85 nets set in this bay took 1,745 shad, valued at about $300.

Comparatively few of the trap nets set in Massachusetts Bay catch
shad; in 1896 only 5 are reported as having taken this species, the total
yield being 170, worth $17.

MERRIMAC RIVER.

The sources of the Merrimac are in eastern central New Hampshire,
the main stream being formed by the junction of the Pemigewasset
and Winnipesaukee rivers, on the line of Belknap and Merrimac coun-
ties, whence it flows 110 miles to its entrance into the sea near New-
buryport. The head of navigation for coasting vessels is a few miles
above Haverhill, but small river boats ascend as far as Lawrence. At
Lawrence the stream is crossed obliquely by a substantial dam 32 feet
high and 900 feet long, at the south end of which is a wooden fishway,
the whole being completed in 1848 at a cost of about $250,000. At
Lowell, 12 miles above Lawrence, there is a second dam about 30 feet
high, built in 1830 and enlarged in 1876. A third dam exists at Man-
chester, N. H., constructed in 1871, its length being 420 feet and its
height about 12 feet. There are three other dams on the river above
Manchester, viz, at Hooksett, Garvin Falls, and Sewell Falls.

Previous to the erection of these obstructions there were large runs
of shad and other anadromous fish into and up the Merrimac. It is
claimed that at the junction of the two head tributaries, the Pemige-
wasset and the Winnipesaukee, the shad and salmon separated, the
former following the eastern branch into Lake Winnipesaukee, while
the latter ascended the colder waters of the Pemigewasset, penetrating
its source in the White Mountains.

In a report! of special commissioners of Massachusetts, appointed in
1865, “concerning the obstructions to the passage of fish in the Con-
necticut and Merrimac rivers,” the following approximation of the yield
of shad in the Merrimac is given:

| Estimate ee 7. 2
e Wtoniniste Estimate | \ alue, at

Year below for Total Wee
O ess ‘ Pawtucket ars prevailing
Pawtucket - Pa yi aa

Falls Falls. in 1865.
89) eos Saeed ee ee eee 700, 000 130, 000 830, 000 $138, 300
EO eetiaveem meer cinfaraeiaie amie mieiateiote tere ateunie sv alarereretateretais 450, 000 90, 000 540, 000 | 90, 000
Tyee eee a beaks ee noe oe gE at eee Ween 2S 306, 000 59, WOO 365, 000 | 60, 000
RGSS saree ate m aiciee me laa cise ooh he Se awe ein iameieien 50) O00)! s.osee aces 50, 000 8, 500

1 Report of the Commissiouers, Senate, No. 8, 1866, p. 39.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST.

263

Since the erection of the Lawrence and Lowell dams the run of shad
in the Merrimac has been constantly decreasing, as appears from the
following summary, covering a period of nineteen years:

| Number | Number

Waar Number ail taken in Soar Number Number | taken in
; of seines. reported Amesbury tye | of seines. reported | Amesbury

seine. ‘ seine.
oS ae os 7| 6,033 9,886 || 1888...-....2-.4, flo seueee: Pets), =
1879..... : 8 2, 781 1,767 1| 18802. 55 occ das 5 18 aca eee ers 6
1. 1S Se ese 7 2, 139 L478 i W890 ee nase os = a a's i bal Ree ey mer iene, ae ee
TTS eee 6 1, 192 | 1 ALL) | ts § 32) a Ae ee ae + J oe am epes o | a eee
Se eee 4 | 387 | 202) ||| 18025 eee acuta Buleasaceccenlecaetpenases
1th, ASS 2 146 iy fil | (at 3° 5 eee eee 4 | PAPA Rice eee
LT eee 2 LT oleae te 1894...5.3.. Wataiea 3 PL OU. horde Sala acta ee
2 el ga ee 2 130 SG6r || MSObsso.-. Soa 23s 6 ber) eens +
Th, ee On ae il U3) ociwees eee ee 18902-4050 7 Y (al ERE es ae
I ee ee ee 1 28 [tate ee seen ee
i

THE SHAD FISHERIES OF MAINE.

The extent by water areas of each branch of the shad fisheries of
Maine is presented in the following series of three tables, showing for
1896 (1) the number of persons employed; (2) the boats, apparatus, ete.,
used, and (3) the quantity and value of the catch.

Statement of the number of persons employed in each branch of the shad fisheries of Maine

in 1896.

| Total,
Ae or are - exclusive
Waters. Drift-net.| Seine. Weir. | of dupli-

cation.
ESTED, EEN op As od SOR nas bes Sabon COD DESO Ee SOE SEs 086 Bass SoD 20 | CIE een a 31
AGE TITIBUGG ULV OL ee sarees oo cei ocieniaise Sue ne ee elas cite eee 72 | Se aap iaiatael = 118 178
Androscoggin River 5 4 4 11
THI RSM OF ooo ee nolo ce see san es cece ons cseeu (Ja Betas 24 | 30
Harrington River LO eae sone [Gs oes 6
Pleasant River ....... 1 Beene Fer seat F 15
Ral pose eo te aaa ec ocem sees te ee taa teste woe e ees 124 15 146 271

|

a Purse-seine fishermen.

Statement of the boats, apparatus, etc., employed in the shad fisheries of Maine in 1896.

Value

Boats. Drift nets. Seines | Weirs. f
0 nm

Waters. wes = al Gaol aaa 1 —|- == shore leer

No. Mee No. Length. Value. No. Length, Value. No.) Value. er

at) 538 a id = ——|

| Yards. | | Yards. | |
CaBGO BBY vas ens sneane | 19 $4,224 | 64 4,228 | $885 |al B20! BBO ls onc laaeniceee [Uneee ee $5, 459
Kennebec River ...-.. 209 [.O;405°/ 2001) LO; Sash) oy 008% [oe ol. setae |e oe ee 114 |$20, 400 |$5, 971 | 34, 422
Androscoggin River) 6} 65 | 5/| 400 | 75 | 1 90 20012 125 50} 9885
Eastern River ...-...} 27 | 662 | 12} 900 LOD |e S So ee etnseees 3 17 | 2,815 817 4,396
Harrington River..... 6 | 30 | 9| 540 ae Re aR ee a eee eS ee | 84
Pleasant River ......- eg abe eV ee Poe es’ (Ce hte esau | 864
otal Jos. ae! 281 |11, 642 es 18,766 | 2,870| 2{/ 410| 370 88 | 28, 340 | 6, 838 | 45, 060

| ! | |

a Purse seine.

264 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Statement of the yield of shad in Maine in 1896.

Drift nets. | Seines. ‘Traps and weirs. Total.
Waters. | |

No. | Value. No. | Value. No. | Value.| No. | Value.
OPEOO IR Penance ceospcegan soos bes ses 6,110 | $855 | 40,325 | $2,017 | 18,055 | $1,208 | 64,490 | $3, 580
Kennebec River ..-..---.--- ee sacs | 45, 787 | 5,026 }.-...---|.--....- 205, 542 | 17,780 |251,329 | 22,806
Androscoggin River -.--.-------- | 1,530 138 | 5,500 495 | 6,380 574 | 13,410 1, 207
BastermpRivenasenesessaoee ce 3, 000 AO! ietatesersietell ieteieletete 22, 383 1, 974 | 25, 383 2, 244
Le DAVO) SEO) EIN O56 Soca cecoSros eens SaRcedad lGaccasac||sooopsonloocosesc 114 27 114 27
Vis breabiyerorn like ess or cenecooueeasos 3, 000 1 2G rretatrerstall eat patos je op owing ere cette 3, 000 192
Pleasant eRiveree- reece ees / 9, 000 TPAD BES Aor Sasa seeensligoomnsodllssuscss- 9, 000 720
StiCrolxeRiverccee so: toaccice cecmes owes S~ isis tecrmetaris Se Saeed sonecase 12 2 12 2
Motalicascsoccaa-sie eect asec 68, 427 | 6, 701 | 45, 825 2,512 |252, 486 | 21, 565 366, 738 30, 778

|

SACO RIVER.

This river has its sources among the White Mountains, nearly 100
miles from its entrance into the ocean near Biddeford Pool. At Bidde-
ford, 6 miles from the sea, there are two falls, each about 16 feet high.
From that point to Hiram Falls, 45 miles from the sea, there are no less
than 8 dams, each from 6 to 14 feet high, and at Hiram Falls the river
descends 80 feet in five successive plunges. Formerly shad abounded
in the lower end of the river, but it does not appear that they passed
above Biddeford Falls, though salmon ascended as far as Hiram Falls.
During recent years no shad have been reported from Saco River.

CASCO BAY.

Shad have been caught in Casco Bay more or less extensively for the
last forty or fifty years, but the yield has fallen off considerably during
recent years. They appear in these waters about May 1, and are
observed to some extent as late as the end of September. These shad
are smaller and presumably younger than those running up the rivers,
and are commonly known as “sea shad.” Of the 64,490 taken during
1896, 6,110 were caught with drift nets, 40,325 with seines, and 18,055
with trap nets and weirs.

Gill nets are used mostly in Quahog Bay and the coves of Harpswell
Sound, near the northeastern end of Casco Bay. They range in length
from 60 to 75 yards each, 35 to 45 meshes deep, with from 4 to 43 inch
mesh. Most of the nets are drifted in the current of the long, narrow
bays or sounds, but at times they are set near the mouths of the coves.
In 1896 there were 64 gill nets in Casco Bay, aggregating 4,228 yards in
length and $885 in value, requiring 18 boats, manned by 20men. From
June 20 to August 41 they caught 6,110 shad, valued locally at $355.
About one-fourth of these were salted, the remainder being sold fresh.

The trap nets and weirs in the eastern half of Casco Bay take many
small shad each season, the largest catch being obtained in those
between Small Point and the mouth of New Meadows River. The nets
are set from early in the spring until late in the fall, and their yield of
shad is obtained at intervals from the first of May until late in Septem-
ber. In 1896 there were 46 pound nets, trap nets, and weirs in those
waters, the value approximating $12,840. They required the services
of 88 men and $5,347 worth of boats, and yielded 18,055 shad, valued

~

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 265

t

locally at $1,208. During June and July, 1896, the schooner Robert
and Carr, 51.85 tons, of Cundys Harbor, fished for shad with a mackerel
purse seine in Casco Bay and east thereof. The seine was of the ordi-
nary type used in the mackerel fishery, 320 yards long, 36 yards deep,
with 2-inch mesh. The yield numbered 40,325, which were salted, filling
322 barrels, and sold mostly in Portland at $6.25 per barrel.

KENNEBEC RIVER.

This river has its sources in Moosehead Lake, the largest body of
fresh water in Maine, at an elevation of 1,023 feet above sea level;
thence it flows in a general southerly direction 155 miles to its entrance
into the sea immediately east of Casco Bay. It is tidal and navigable
for large vessels from the mouth to Augusta, a distance of 44 miles.
Nine miles below Augusta it receives its principal tributary, Andros-
coggin River, and expands into a wide area known as Merrymeeting
Bay. At that point the water is usually fresh, but when the river is
low it is brackish as far as Richmond. At Augusta the Kennebec is
crossed by an insurmountable crib dam 17 feet high and 956 feet long,
rebuilt in 1870. A fishway has been placed in this dam at its eastern
end, but it does not appear to be used by shad. A second dam at Water-
ville, 17 miles above Augusta, was built in 1869, and is 7 feet high and
750 feetinlength. There are several dams above Waterville, the prin-
cipal ones of which are at Kendall Mills, Somerset Mills, Skowhegan
Falls, Norridgewock, Madison Bridge Falls, ete.

For half a mile or more immediately below the Augusta dam there
are gravelly shoals which afford suitable spawning areas for shad;
hence the erection of that dam has not been so injurious to this species
as to the salmon. Merrymeeting Bay, by reason of its broad, sandy
flats, is also a favorable place for shad spawning. The greatest injury
to shad in the Kennebec has been the vast quantities of sawdust run
into the river from numerous sawmills, covering the river bottom in
many places, so that areas formerly eligible for spawning-grounds are
no longer suitable. The fishermen state that this refuse is so abund-
antin Merrymeeting Bay thaf at times the bottoms of their weirs are
covered several feet therewith.

Shad formerly ascended Kennebec River as far as Norridgewock
Falls, 84 miles from the sea, where they turned aside into a small trib-
utary known as Sandy River. At Ticonic Falls and at Skowhegan
there were productive dip net fisheries. It is on record that at the
former place four men dipped 6,400 shad in one day, and that 1 man,
with the assistance of 3 boys, caught 1,100 shad and 20 salmon in
one afternoon. The catch in a weir at Abagodasset Point for several
years following 1820 ranged from 3,000 to 10,000 annually.! A weir
operated in Merrymeeting Bay yielded during the ten years ending in
1835 an average of 5,961 shad annually, while in the eleven years from
1837 to 1848 (omitting 1844, the record for which is lacking), the aver-

' Fishery Industries of United States, sec. v, vol. 1, p. 719.

266 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

age was 3,120 per year. In 1867 the catch of shad by 40 weirs, several
seines, and an unknown number of drift nets was 180,000. In 1880,
44 weirs, 2 seines, and 60 or more drift nets took 105,000 shad. At
present the shad fisheries of Kennebec River are the most important
on the Atlantic coast north of Hudson River, and the yield is greater
than in all the remaining waters of the New England States. They
extend from the mouth of the river nearly to Augusta, the forms of
apparatus employed being weirs and drift nets. The catch in 1896 by
the weirs numbered 205,542 and by drift nets 45,787, making a total of
251,329, valued at $22,806. The yield of shad in 1867 was estimated
at 225,000, of which 200,000 were taken in weirs and 25,000 in other
forms of apparatus.

The weir fishery is carried on in the Kennebec chiefly between Ice-
boro, about 3 miles above Swan Island, and the Chopps, a narrow part
of the river below Swan Island. In addition thereto there are a few
weirs in the vicinity of South Gardiner and 3 or 4 in the lower part of
the river below Bath. In Merrymeeting Bay there are numerous weirs,
and a number in Eastern and Androscoggin rivers, which enter the
Kennebee at Merrymeeting Bay. The following description of these
weirs is furnished by Mr. Ansley Hall:

In form of construction these weirs are similar to the ordinary pound nets, but
they are operated on the principle of brush weirs. They cost from $10 to $40 each,
according to their size. Instead of lifting them to remove the fish a seine of 1}-inch
mesh is used for that purpose. The seine has a staff at each end and is furnished
with purse lines. It is about 25 feet in length and varies in width according to the
depth of the water in the weir in which used. If two or more adjacent weirs are
of about the same size and depth, one seine may be used for them all; otherwise
there is a seine for each weir. The leader of each weir consists of stakes driven
about 18 inches apart and interwoven at the top with maple sprouts or brush to
form a sort of binder for support. Where the tide is unusually strong large stakes
are driven a short distance from the leader stakes and the leader guyed to them
with lines. The length of the leaders varies according to the width of the river, but
where the stream is of sufficient width it is 100 feet or more, but it is usually from
50 to 100 feet. From a point near the shore, where the water is about 2 feet deep at
low tide, the leader may be extended a distance not greater than one-eighth of the
width of the river channel. The weir has three pounds, viz, the big or pasture
pound, the second pound, and the fish pound. The big pound is at the end of the
leader and the other two are always on the down-river side of the big pound. The
depth of water in which the pounds are located varies from 18 to 30 feet at low
water, but is ordinarily about 22 feet, except in Merrymeeting Bay and the tribu-
tary streams, where the depth is less. The stakes forming the pound are from 20 to
45 feet in length, depending on the depth of water. They are driven 3 or 4 feet
apart and twine with 2$ or 3 inch mesh is hung on the outside of them, this twine
being sufficiently deep to extend about 1 foot above the surface at high water.
An iron chain is attached to the lower edge of the twine to keep it close to the
bottom of the river. The principal part of each pound is made with a single piece
of netting. The length of the netting in the big pound is from 140 to 145 feet, in the
second pound about 100 feet, and in the fish pound from 135 to 140 feet. Small stakes
are driven outside the twine and bound to the large stakes with cords at intervals
as far down as practicable, thus serving to hold the twine in place. ‘The weir is
braced by guy lines made fast to piles (known as “‘ pointers’’) driven on the upper side
of the big pound. The cost of a completed weir varies from $100 to $800, averaging
perhaps $200.

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 267

The boats used in the weir fishery are flat-bottomed skiffs, about 15
feet long and square at each end, this form being the most convenient
for operating the small seine. Large scows, 20 to 30 feet in length, are
used in building the weirs and sailboats are employed in transporting
the fish caught. In 1896 there were 114 weirs, valued at $20,400,
operated on the Kennebee by 118 men, using 209 boats, valued at
$6,483. The season for shad began about May 1 and ended about June
25, the catch numbering 205,542, valued locally at $17,780.

Drift nets are operated in Kennebec River from the mouth to Merry-
meeting Bay, but most extensively in the vicinity of Bowdoinham,
North Bath, Bath, and Georgetown. The length of these nets ranges
from 200 to 400 feet, averaging slightly more than 300 feet. The mesh
varies from 42 to 54 inches, the mesh of those operated below Bath
being a trifle smaller than those above that town. The drift-net season
is coincident with the season in which shad are taken in the weirs, and
extended in 1896 from May 1 to June 25. During that year there were
47 boats employed in this branch of the shad fishery, manned by 72
men and using 107 drift nets, aggregating 10,838 yards in length and
$1,565 in value. The catch numbered 45,787 shad, valued at $5,026.

Androscoggin River.—This river, the principal tributary of the Ken-
nebec, has its sources partly in Maine and partly in New Hampshire,
whence it flows 160 miles to its entrance into the broad expanse of
Kennebee River, known as Merrymeeting Bay. It is navigable for a
distance of 6 miles from the mouth to the falls at Brunswick, where it
is crossed by two dams, each about 14 feet high. At Lisbon Falls, 8
miles above Brunswick, there is adam 10 feet in height. At Lewiston,
40 miles by the river course from the ocean, there is a natural fall of 38
feet in a distance of 600 feet, at the head of which there is a dam with
an average height of 12 feet. At present the shad fisheries of the
Androscoggin are confined to the lower end below Brunswick Falls.
Of the 13,410 shad taken on this river in 1896, 5.500 were caught in a
seine, 1,530 in 5 drift nets, and 6,380 in 2 weirs. The seine was 90 yards
in length with 34-inch mesh, and was operated during the month of May
and the first three weeks of June. The drift nets were 80 yards in
length with 31-inch mesh, and were used by one man each, the season
being coincident with that of the seine fishery. The two weirs were
much smaller than those in Kennebec River, both of them being valued
at only $125, and required four men to operate them.

Hastern River.—In Eastern River, which enters the Kennebec a short
distance below Richmond, there are quite a number of shad taken by
weirs and a few by drift nets. The first report of the commissioner of
fisheries of the State of Maine states:

In Eastern River thirty years ago there were 8 or 9 weirs, each of which took 6,000
or 8,000 shad per year, and about the same amount was taken by seines and drift nets,
indicating a catch of 100,000 shad annually. In 1846 ons seine took 4,719 shad; in
1847, 3,319, and in 1852, 2,500.—( Reports of the Commissioners of Fisheries of Maine
for 1867 and 1868, p. 46.)

268 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

The weirs used in 1896 were smaller than those on the Kennebec, but
resembled them in every other particular. Seventeen were set in the
lower end of this tributary, approximating $2,815 in value, and yielding
22,383 shad, valued locally at $1,974. These weirs also caught 60,216
alewives, worth $448. Six drift-net boats were used on Eastern River,
manned by an equal number of men and using 12 nets, aggregating 900
yards in length, with 54-inch to 54-inch mesh. Their catch from May 1
to June 25 numbered 3,000 shad, valued at $270.

Hast of the Kennebec River there are no established runs of shad up
any of the rivers of the United States. They appear to pass northward
along this stretch of coast during May and June, and to return south-
ward in August and September. During both the spring and the fall
run, especially the latter, small schools enter the bays and the lower
estuaries of the rivers. In only a few localities, however, do they
appear with sufficient regularity to induce fishermen to make special
preparation for them, among which are Harrington and Pleasant rivers.
In other localities, as Penobscot Bay, Dyer Bay, Narragaugus Bay, ete.,
they are taken incidentally in brush weirs and other apparatus set for
herring, etc.

PENOBSCOT RIVER AND BAY.

This stream is the largest on the United States coast north of the
Connecticut. Its sources are in the extreme western part of Maine
near the Canadian boundary, whence it flows a distance of over 200
miles to its entrance into Penobscot Bay, 30 miles below Bangor. It
is navigable for large vessels from the mouth to Bangor, a short dis-
tance above which it is crossed by a dam 10 feet in height. Within the
next 12 miles the fall of the river approximates 70 feet, an average of
nearly 6 feet per mile. Four miles above the first dam there is a second
dam 8 feet in height, and above this point there are numerous other
obstructions.

It is stated that originally shad was the most abundant fish in the
Penobscot. At Oldtown Falls, a short distance above Bangor, there
were extensive fisheries eighty years ago, which yielded far more shad
than was necessary for the local demand, the price averaging but $1
per 100. On the lower part of the river many shad and salmon were
caught in weirs and sold to the vessels, mostly from Connecticut, which
made annual trips to this river for salt fish. There was little decrease
in the abundance until the erection of the dam a short distance above
Bangor in 1830. Then came the erection of the Great Works dam, and
in 1834 the Veazie dam was built. When the shad came up in the spring
of 1835 and found the impassable barrier to their further progress they
wandered in confusion below the obstruction, and many loaded with ripe
spawn were taken in weirs in the town of Bucksport, which was reported
as @ most unusual occurrence. The Penobscot, unlike the Kennebec,
has no available spawning-grounds below the dams, and furthermore
the water is frequently brackish all the way to Bangor, and whatever

SHAD FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC COAST. 269

spawning-grounds would be otherwise available in the Penobscot are
covered with sawdust. During the few years following the construction
of the dams shad were taken in abundance in the lower end of the
river, then they decreased, and within a few years more they were com-
paratively scarce. In 1867 the yield of shad in the Penobscot had
decreased to 5,000, Mr. S. B. Rich, of Bucksport, fished with a drift
net about 1830, and would sometimes catch 300 shad in a single night;
in 1867 he tried it again, but caught no more than 3 shad in any one
night, and sometimes 2,1, or none. The decrease in yield of shad in
these waters has continued up to the present time, the entire yield in
Penobscot River and Bay in 1896 being only 114 shad, worth $27, all of
which were caught in weirs set in the vicinity of Whitmore Island.

PLEASANT AND HARRINGTON RIVERS.

On Pleasant River shad have been caught to a greater or less extent
during the past thirty years, and for the last ten years from 5,000 to 10,000
have been taken annually by drift nets. In 1896 there were 14 boats,
worth $178, and manned by 15 men, engaged in drifting nets on this
river near the town of Addison. The nets used numbered 51, with an
aggregate length of 1,860 yards and value of $186, the mesh being 43
inches. The season extends from July 1 to September 15, and the
catch of shad numbered 9,000, worth $720.

In Harrington River there were 6 men who caught shad in 1896,
using 6 boats, worth $30, and 9 drift nets, 540 yards in length, with
43 inch mesh, worth $54. The catch approximated 3,000, most of which
were salted and sold at $8 per barrel.

List *Or Mises

REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO AND NEIGHBORING ISLANDS.

BY

DAVID STARR JORDAN anp R. C. MCGREGOR.

LIST OF FISHES COLLECTED AT THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHI-
PELAGO AND NEIGHBORING ISLANDS.

By DAvip STARR JORDAN AND RICHARD CRITTENDEN MCGREGOR.

In March, 1897, the schooner H. C. Wahlberg, Capt. A. W. Anthony,
set out from San Diego, California, on a collecting expedition to the
islands off the west coast of Mexico, the principal purpose being the
exploration of Clarion and Socorro, which islands, with other smaller
ones, compose the Revillagigedo Archipelago. Mr. R. C. McGregor, a
student in zoology in Leland Stanford Junior University, went with
the vessel as assistant naturalist. Among other things he obtained a
fine collection of fishes, most of them secured by the use of dynamite
among the rocks of Clarion and Socorro islands. A very few of the
fishes were taken in an improvised seine; no dredge was used.

Collections were made at the following localities: Ensenada, March
6; Todos Santos Island, March 10; San Martin Island, March 12; San
Geronimo Island, March 15; Guadalupe Island, March 23; San Benito
Island, March 27; Cerros Island, April4; Abreojos Point, April 19; San
Jose del Cabo, April 23. Finally, nearly the whole month of May was
devoted to collecting about San Benedicto, Socorro, and Clarion islands.

Six new species were obtained, as follows:

Myrichthys pantostigmius, Clarion Island, 5710, L. S. Jr. Univ. Mus.
Zalocys stilbe, Clarion Island, 11996, L. 8. Jr. Univ. Mus.

Apogon atricaudus, Socorro Island, 5708, L. S. Jr. Univ. Mus.
Forcipiger flavissimus, Clarion Island, 5709, L. 8. Jr. Univ. Mus.
Cantherines carole, Socorro Island, 11995, L. 8. Jr. Univ. Mus.
Azurina hirundo, Guadalupe Island, 5706, L. 8S. Jr. Univ. Mus.

These species are also described in Jordan & Evermann’s Fishes of
North America.

The fauna of the outlying islands of Mexico and Ecuador contains a
number of species properly belonging to the fauna of the East Indies.
Few of these oriental types reach the coast of Mexico or Panama, the
coast fauna in general being analogous to that of the West Indies.
Among the forms not found along the mainland, and identical or nearly
identical with East Indian species, are the following, those here recorded
for the first time from American waters being printed in italics:

Lycodontis pictus. Kyphosus lutescens. euthis aliala.

Caranx orthogrammus. Forcipiger flavissimus Melichthys bispinosus.
Caranx lugubris. (longirostris). Xanthichthys mento.

Kuhlia arge (teniura). Zanelus cornutus. Cantherines carole (pardalis).
Priacanthus carolinus. Teuthis triostegus. | Ovoides setosus.

Evoplites viridis (kasmira).

F. R. 98 18 273

274 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

A full series of the specimens taken, including the types of the new
species, has been presented to the Leland Stanford Junior University
through the Hopkins Seaside Laboratory, under the auspices of which
Mr. McGregor carried on his work. The rest of the collection has been
sent to the British Museum, the museum at Vienna, the U. S. Fish
Commission, and the U. S. National Museum.

Family GALEIDZ.

1. Mustelus lunulatus Jordan & Gilbert. One specimen, a yard long, from Ensen-
ada, Lower California, March 6. The first dorsal fin is lower and both dor-
sals and pectorals less incised than in the type of the species. The snout is
also somewhat shorter and broader. All these may be characters of increased
age, as the specimen is larger than any of those originally described.

2. Carcharhinus platyrhynchus (Gilbert). Two young individuals from Clarion

Island.

. Galeorhinus zyopterus Jordan & Gilbert. One young example from Ensenada

harbor.

18)

Family DASY ATID.

»

. Urolophus halleri Cooper. One specimen from Ensenada, Todos Santos Bay.

Family OPHICHTHYID4.

. Ophichthus triserialis (Kaup). One example, 25 inches long, Abreojos Point,
Lower California.
. Myrichthys pantostigmius Jordan & McGregor, new species. (Plate 4.)

Head 4! in trunk; head and trunk 1} in tail; cleft of mouth 3 in head;
eye 23 in snout, which is5in head. Pectorals 2 in snout. Anterior nasal
tube equal to eye. Color olivaceous, with distinct rows of roundish blackish
spots, some oblong, smaller on head and covering whole belly; 39 spots in
dorsal row, these spots usually alternating each with its fellow on the other
side of dorsal, but sometimes opposite; spots of second row usually opposite;
spots of third row smaller and more numerous, extending from the cheeks to
opposite the vent, thence running along base of anal, not running on fin, most
of this row little more than half length of snout; two rows of smaller spots
along belly from gill-opening to front of anal; spots on nape rather large, on
head larger and more numerous than in Myrichthys xysturus. Pale color of
head reduced to reticulations; chin and throat spotted as much as head; no
pale centers to any of spots; dorsal without spots or with only a few which
come up from back; from beginning to end the dorsal has a broad black mar-
gin about one-third height of fin; anal mostly pale, but having some black
markings toward tip; pectoral with upper half jet-black—a white margin
posteriorly—a small black spot in lower corner.

One specimen, 20 inches long, from Clarion Island; type number 5710,
Leland Stanford Junior University Museum.

This species is distinguishable from all others by the great number of
spots of small size and without pale centers, the black edge of dorsal, the
black spot on the rather large pectoral, and especially by having the belly
spotted as much as the other parts.

a

fo)

Family MURA:NIDZ.

7. Lycodontis pictus (Ahl). Head 4 in trunk; tail about as long as body; eye 24
in snout, situated midway between snout and angle of mouth; cleft of mouth
2% in head; snout 53 in head; anterior nasal tube 5 in snout; gill-opening
11 in head. Teeth in each jaw in a single series; palatine series either par-
allel with these or divergent; no distinct canines; teeth comparatively small;

FISHES FROM THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO. 275

anterior vomerine one or two in number, bluntish and conical; posterior
vomerine teeth rather blunt. Anterior nasal tubes moderate. Dorsal low
anteriorly, beginning in front of gill-opening.

Color brownish-gray or purplish, everywhere covered with small purplish-
black spots which are not confluent. In adults the spots are arranged in
roundish or ringlike blotches on the sides; fins colored like body, without
dark edges.

Two specimens, each about 3 feet long, taken at Clarion Island seem to
correspond in full with figures given by Dr. Bleeker of this common East
Indian species.

8. Echidna nocturna (Cope). The smallest specimen measures 20 inches and is
unspotted except for a few faint yellow markings near end of tail. The
largest example measures a yard in length. Teeth of lower jaw blunt, sub-
equal and biserial, in upper jaw larger and irregularly biserial. Directly
under front of eye these teeth become regularly biserial, much smaller, and
more pointed; two regular rows of blunt vomerine teeth. Dorsal high,
beginning over gill-opening; eye 2? in snout; head 3! in trunk; cleft of
mouth 34 in head; tail shorter than rest of body by distance from cleft of
mouth to gill-opening. Color seal brown, belly lighter, covered everywhere
with irregular spots and points of yellow, the largest about 4 inch across.
Lower jaw heavily mottled with yellow; no black margins to spots. Eight
specimens were collected among rocks in tide pools at Clarion and Socorro
islands.

Family EXOCG;TIDZ.

9. Exoccetus volitans Linneus.
Halocypselus evolans (Linnzeus).
Numerous specimens taken from the Gannets of the Revillagigedo Islands.
10. Exonautes xenopterus (Gilbert). One large specimen from Clarion Island—
another off Morro Hermoso, Lower California.

Family MUGILIDZ.

11. Mugil curema Cuvier & Valenciennes. An abundant species at Socorro Island.
Four specimens.

12. Chenomugil proboscideus (Giinther). Young and large individuals abundant
at Socorro Island.

Taken commonly in large tide pools with Auhlia arge. Some of the smaller
specimens have the pectorals and anal colorless; others have a smaller mouth
and thinner lips, but these characters are not coordinated with any other
differences. All probably belong to one species.

Family HOLOCENTRIDZ.

13. Holocentrus suborbitalis Gill. Clarion Island and Socorro Island; twelve
large examples taken similar to others from Mazatlan.

14. Myripristis clarionensis Gilbert. Five large examples from Clarion and
Socorro islands, similar to original types.

Family MULLIDZ.

15. Upeneus dentatus Gill.
Upeneus dentatus Gill, Proc. Ac. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1862, 256.
Upeneus xanthogrammus Gilbert, Proc. U. S. N. M. 1891, 553.
A 6-inch specimen from Clarion Island. Teeth in bands anteriorly; uni-
serial behind; scales 38. This specimen certainly belongs to U. dentatus.
We can not separate U. xanthogrammus from it.

276 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Family LEPIDOPODIDZ.

16. Lepidopus xantusi Goode & Bean.
Lepidopus caudatus Jordan & Gilbert, Proc. U. 8. N. M. 1882, 358, Cape San
Lucas; not of Euphrasen.
Lepidopus xantusi Goode & Bean, Ocean. Ichth., 519, 1896; same type; no
description.

Head 43 in body; devth 3 in head; eye 54; interorbital space 84; snout 3;
maxillary 34; D. 82; A.u,45. Jaws with long, sharp teeth in front, fol-
lowed by single rows of weaker ones arranged in groups of twos and threes.
Height of dorsal, near middle of body, 3 in head. Anal preceded by 2
scutes, the first minute, the second wide, strongly keeled, its length %
diameter of eye. Pectoral of 12 rays, its length 2 in head. Each ventral
consists of a flat, keeled spine followed by a minute ray. This species is
known from two small mutilated specimens, both found on the beach near
San Jose del Cabo, Cape San Lucas. The type was taken by John Xantus
about 1860, and recorded by Jordan & Gilbert in 1882 as Lepidopus caudatus.
The second, of about the same size (54 inches), was taken by Mr. McGregor
in 1897. From the latter the above account was taken. The species differs
from Lepidopus caudatus in the much shorter dorsal and longer anal. (D.
103; A. 24, besides rudiments, in L. caudatus.)

Family CORYPHAiNIDZ.

17. Coryphzna equisetis Linneus. Head 44; depth 5; D. 51; A. 24. Eye 33,
large, without adipose eyelid. Nostril in middle of snout, vertically oblong,
rather small, anterior opening scarcely visible. Snout bluntish, 32. Mouth
slightly oblique; maxillary 24 in head; narrow at tip, without distinct sup-
plemental bone. Preorbital very narrow, 4 in head. Jaws each with a
broad band of small, sharp, rather wide-set teeth; bands of villiform teeth
on vomer, palatine, and tongue. Body elongate, little compressed, formed
as in a mackerel; head broad above, with a conspicuous crest. No pseudo-
branchie; branchiostegals subtruncate; opercles strongly striate. Dorsal
beginning near opercle, posterior ray longest, last few rays pencil-like,
resembling finlets, but not divided at base; anal without evident spine, first
rays longest, 5 in head, last rays slightly free at tip, but less so than in
dorsal; caudal peduncle slender, rather long; caudal lobes long and sharp,
about as long as head; ventrals long, depressible into a deep groove on
abdomen, 13 in head; ventral rays 1,5; pectoral very short, falcate, 14 in
head. Scales cycloid, more or less elongate on each side of head, along base
of anal more or less bony, elongate and spine-like, closely imbricated; along
ventral groove and other lower parts somewhat similarly modified; lateral
line somewhat undulate and a little arched in front. Color dark blue-black
above, lower parts paler and nearly uniform.

This specimen is probably the young of Coryphena equisetis. It seems to
differ from Coryphana equisetis as described, in color, in not having an angu-
lation in lateral line, in the longer head, in having the opercle striated for
its whole length, in elevated last rays of dorsal, and possibly in modified
scales of belly.

One specimen, 9 inches long, from San Benedicto Island.

Family CARANGIDZ.

18. Trachurops crumenophthalmus (Bloch). Six specimens from Socorro Island.

ZALOCYS Jordan & McGregor, new genus.
This genus is closely allied to Hypodis Rafinesque (—Lichia Cuvier), differing in
the absence of a procurrent spine before the dorsal, in the cultrate thoracic
region, and in the weaker teeth. Hypodis is scarcely different from Trachi-

FISHES FROM THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO. 2TT

notus, the only characters tangible being the larger teeth, low dorsal, and
less elevated forehead. The distinctions between Hypodis and Trachinotus
are of little value. Porthmeus (—=Lichia amia and L. vadigo) is a well-defined
genus, distinguished by the large mouth and projecting lower jaw.

19. Zalocys stilbe Jordan & McGregor, new species. (Plate 5.)

Head 44; depth 24; D. v1, 1-26; A. u, 1-23. Body elliptical, deeper than in
Hypodis glaucus; belly sharply compressed; ventral outline similar to that
of dorsal. Anterior profile of head elevated and sharp, the eye being rather
below than above its middle. Eye 5 in head, with conspicuous adipose
eyelid before and behind; posterior nostril much larger than anterior, verti-
cally oblong; maxillary broad, without supplemental bone, extending to
pupil, 2? in head. Mouth moderate, oblique; each jaw with bands of villi-
form teeth; similar teeth on vomer, palatines, and tongue. Preopercle very
broad; cheek moderate; suborbital narrow: preorbital very narrow, 4 in
eye. No psendobranchie. Gillrakers very long and slender, numerous. No
procumbent spine before dorsal. Spines low and separate; spines progres-
sively higher. Soft dorsal and anal each with a sheath of scales. First
rays of dorsal very slightly elevated, 24 in head; anal without distinct
anterior lobe, longest ray 2} in head; caudal peduncle long and slender, its
depth 3} in head; caudal fin widely forked, lobes long and slender, upper a
little the longer, more than half longer than head, and 23 in body; pectoral
moderate, 1} in head; ventrals very small, 64 in head. Snout 32 in head.
Premaxillary protractile.

Color dark steel-blue or blackish above; lower parts soiled white; axil
and base of pectoral within jet-black; dorsal and anal each with a narrow
whitish edging; caudal black, each lobe with a narrow whitish edging
within; body covered with small smooth scales, much as in Trachinotus.
Lateral line undulate; very slightly arched anteriorly.

One specimen, 16 inches in length, from Clarion Island.

Type, No. 11996, L. S. Jr. Univ. Mus.

20. Carangoides orthogrammus (Jordan & Gilbert). Seven large specimens from

21
22

Clarion and Socorro islands.

. Caranx marginatus Gill. Two large specimens from Socorro Island.
. Caranx lugubris Poey. Three large specimens from San Benedicto and Clarion

islands.

Family APOGONIDZ.

23. Apogon retrosella (Gill). About 30 specimens secured with dynamite at San

24

Benito Island.

. Apogon atricaudus Jordan & McGregor, new species.

Head 24; depth 3; D. vi-1,9; A. 11, 8; scales large, finely ctenoid, 3-26-11;
eye 34} in head; second dorsal spine stoutest, about 2 in head; gillrakers 17,
moderate. Body similar in shape to 4. retrosella. Jaws reaching to poste-
rior border of eye, 12 in head. Pectoral reaching to opposite front of anal,
1% in head. Color rosy, darkened with dusky points, more or less olivaceous
above; head and throat verging on orange; first dorsal black; second dorsal
rosy; caudal dusky, more or less flushed with rosy, other tins paler; no black
spot on head or on base of caudal, there being no definite markings any-
where except the dusky red of the tail. Numerous specimens collected at
San Benedicto, Socorro, and Clarion islands. Usual length 3 to 4 inches.
Type, No. 5708, L.S. Jr. Univ. Mus.

Family KUHLIIDZ.

25. Kuhlia arge Jordan & Bollman. Thirty-one specimens, from Clarion and

Socorro islands, where it is very common.

278 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Family SERRANIDZ.

26. Epinephelus labriformis (Jenyns). Three specimens, taken at Socorro Island.
27. Epinephelus analogus Gill. The two specimens from Clarion Island are
very dark, almost black, and scarcely spotted, except on the breast.
28. Dermatolepis punctatus Gill. Three specimens from Clarion and Socorro
islands.

29. Paranthias furcifer (Cuvier & Valenciennes). San Benedicto, Socorro, and
Clarion islands. Seventeen fine specimens obtained.

30. Paralabrax clathratus (Girard). One specimen from Todos Santos Bay.

31. Pronotogrammus multifasciatus Gill. One young example from Clarion

Island. Head 22; depth 34; D. x, 15; A. 11, 7. Snout $ of eye. Gill’s
specimen was of the same size as ours (2 inches). Ours differs from the
description in having no rufous bands. Color very pale brown; upper third
of body thickly sprinkled with fine black spots. In other respects this
specimen agrees with the very young one on which the species was based.

Family PRIACANTHIDZ.

32. Priacanthus carolinus Lesson. This species is very close to Priacanthus cruen-
tatus of the West Indies, from which it is very doubtfully distinguished by
the larger spine on the preopercle, which reaches the edge of the opercle
and is 24 in eye. That of P. cruentatus does not reach opercle and measures
4 in eye; its edge less rough. Body a little deeper than in P. cruentatus;
depth of the latter 3 in the length. In P. carolinus the depth is 2? in the
length. In color and general appearance similar. Caudal truncate. The
distinction of this species from P. cruentatus is very doubtful. Socorro and
Clarion islands; 4 specimens.

Family LUTIANIDA.

33. Evoplites viridis (Valenciennes). Abundant at the Revillagigedo Islands,
Clarion, and Socorro; 18 specimens obtained.

Family HA}MULIDZ.

34. Anisotremus davidsoni (Steindachner). One specimen from Cerros Island.
35. Anisotremus interruptus (Gill). Three specimens from Clarion and Socorro
islands.

Family KYPHOSIDZ.

36. Girella nigricans (Ayres). Four specimens from San Benito Island.
37. Kyphosus analogus (Gill). Eight specimens from Clarion and Socorro islands.
38. Kyphosus elegans (Peters). Four specimens from Clarion and Socorro islands.
39. Kyphosus lutescens (Jordan & Gilbert). A distinct species, quite different from
Kyphosus elegans, differing in larger body, smaller scales, lower pectorals,
and especially the larger mouth and broader teeth. In all, 19 specimens
were obtained. Those from Clarion Island indicate a marked dichromatism.
The coloration of four typical specimens may be described as follows:
1. Everywhere bright lemon-yellow.
2. Dull dark-brown, almost black, slightly paler on lower half of body;
a large lemon-yellow area beginning on the nape extending over the sides
and front of the head; this includes the opercle, upper part of preopercle,
suborbital and preorbital on right side, while on left side the color does not
reach quite so far down; in front the color descends to a deep groove above
the upper lip; under lip, tip of left pectoral, and tip of caudal also yellow;
length, 16 inches.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

FISHES FROM THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO. 279

3. The yellow patch extending backward to front of dorsal and below on
sides only to a line passing horizontally through center of eye; no color on
pectorals, and only a few small blotches on caudal and lower lip; length,
16 inches.

4, Everywhere dark-brown; scales of sides and lower parts with lighter
centers, the brown being reduced to a mere edging; no yellow anywhere;
length, 11 inches.

Medialuna californiensis (Steindachner), One specimen from Cerros Island.

Family SCIANIDZ.

Genyonemus lineatus (Ayres). Five specimens from Ensenada, Todos Santos
Bay.
Family CHA|TODONTID&.

FORCIPIGER Jordan & McGregor, new genus.

Type Chelmon longirosiris Cuvier & Valenciennes.

This genus differs from Prognathodes Gill in having smaller scales, about 175 in
a lateral series instead of 40. Chelmon Cuvier is also closely related, having
the same forceps-like mouth; but in the latter genus the spinous dorsal is
much less developed, containing about 9 spines.

Forcipiger flavissimus Jordan & McGregor, new species.

Head 23; depth 2; eye 64 in head; D. x11-22; A. 111, 17; snout 14 in head,
its free part 24 in head. Body short, strongly compressed, its outline
angular; anterior profile very steep, concave, extending into the forceps-
like mouth. Mouth small, at tip of projected head; cleft of mouth 14 in
eye. Scales 9-75-35; small, ctenoid, irregularly placed, smaller on head
and bases of fins; rows along lateral line parallel with it only anteriorly;
those below run horizontally on lower parts of body and irregularly upward
and backward above; lateral line concurrent with back. Dorsal spines
extremely strong; fifth spine 1? in head; longest soft rays 24 in head;
caudal 2} in head, slightly lunate; upper lobe longer; third anal spine very
long, much longer than second, 14 in head; pectoral 1} in head; ventral 14
in head. Color bright orange, deepest at base of dorsal; head and nape
abruptly black to level of lower point of eye; below this point reddish
“pearly; breast and lower jaw nearly white; preorbital bones paler than
cheeks, which are mottled with brownish; median region of top of head
paler; pectoral slightly dusky; dorsal and anal colored like body; last rays
of anal with a large black blotch, vertically oblong, its longest diameter a
little greater than diameter of eye; not ocellated as in F’. longirostris; soft
rays of dorsal and anal blackish at tip, the very edge pale; caudal abruptly
blackish.

This species is extremely close to F’. longirostris, which is common in the
East Indies. The American species difters, however, in the deeper body and
much larger anal spot, which is almost round in the East Indian species.
This species belongs to the new genus Forcipiger, of which Chelmon longi-
rostris Cuv. & Val. may be taken as type. Four specimens from Clarion
and Socorro islands; one specimen from San Benedicto Island. Length,
from 5 to 7inches. Type No. 5709, L. S. Jr. Univ. Mus., Clarion Island.

Cheetodon nigrirostris (Gill). Sixspecimens from San Benedicto, Socorro, and
Clarion islands; largest about 6 inches long.

Holacanthus clarionensis (Gilbert). Eighteen specimens from Clarion and
Socorro islands. A very young example from Clarion Island may be thus
described: D,. xtv, 17; A. m1, 18; head 4} in total length; depth 2}; pec-
toral equal to head; interorbital space equal to eye; eye 3in head. Color
in alcohol, very pale yellow; two parallel dark-brown bands passing verti-
cally from near lower edge of preopercle to occiput, one on each side of eye,

280 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

the two anterior bands joining on top of head, forming an inverted A, above
which is a dark-brown spot; on posterior half of body, extending from
dorsal to anal, but not on these fins, are finer bands of very dark brown;
between each two bands is a parallel row of spots; these are also five in
number; posterior half of body dark; caudal and peduncle abruptly light;
dorsal and anal plumbeous, each with an edging of black, which becomes
wider on posterior rays of each fin; traces of bright orange near anterior
part of dorsal.

Family ZANCLIDZ.

45. Zanclus cornutus (Linneus). Twelve fine specimens from Clarion and Socorro
islands. ;

Family TEUTHIDIDZ.

46. Teuthis triostegus (Linneus). Abundant at Clarion and Socorro islands, where
18 specimens were taken.

47. Teuthis aliala (Quoy & Gaimard). Head 33; depth 1} to 14; eye 3}; maxillary
6 in head; D. rx, 30; A. 111, 26; from eye to corner of mouth 14 in head; gill-
opening 1} in head; opercle short and obliquely set, 44 in head; humeral
bone striate. Body ovate, strongly compressed, closely covered with small
rough scales, which become shagreen-like on head; lateral line present but
obscure; anterior profile strongly convex above and before the eye, thence
somewhat concave and nearly vertical to the small projecting mouth. Teeth
broad, digitate, each with 4 or 5 claw-like serre at tip; lower teeth with
serre much smaller, forming notches. Jaws very short, about equal, about
ten incisors in each. Anterior nostril moderate, close to posterior, which is
much smaller. Dorsal and anal low, continuous, rounded behind; longest
dorsal ray near end of fin, 2} in head; longest anal ray 2 in head; caudal
lunate, upper and lower angles produced but acuminate and short; middle
rays 14 in head, the outer 1 in head; caudal spine very strong, 2} in head,
attached near its posterior end; the short, sharp posterior end free, the long
knife-like anterior portion slipping into a groove inthe flesh; pectoral long,
¢ longer than head; ventrals 1} in head.

Color dark purplish-brown, almost black; a pale yellowish or flesh-colored
crescentic area under eye; a ring of pearly whitish around mouth, not quite
continuous above; a pale streak along dorsal fin, widening behind into a
pale orange patch, occupying two-thirds of height of last ray; base of last
ray dusky; anal marked in the same way as the soft dorsal; a very narrow
pale edge to soft parts of dorsal and anal; pectoral black; caudal abruptly
pale at end of black caudal peduncle, with a curved dark streak parallel
with edge of fin and nearly the diameter of the eye behind it; behind this
a diffuse yellow area parallel with the dark streak; fin behind with a narrow
pale edging; flap of opercle narrowly pale.

Abundant at Clarion and Socorro islands, where 12 specimens were taken.
We can not distinguish our specimens from descriptions and figures of
Teuthis aliala (Acanthurus glaucopareius) of the East Indies.

48. Xesurus punctatus (Gill). Two adults from Socorro Island.

49. Xesurus clarionis (Gilbert & Starks). Twelve specimens from Clarion and
Socorro islands.

Family BALISTIDA.

50. Pachynathus capistratus (Shaw). Six specimens from Clarion and Socorro

islands.
51. Melichthys bispinosus Gilbert. Nine specimens from Socorzvo and Clarion
islands. ;

52. Xanthichthys mento (Jordan & Gilbert). Seventeen specimens from Clarion
and Socorro islands.

FISHES FROM THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO. 281

Family MONACANTHIDZ.

53. Cantherines carole Jordan & McGregor, new species. (Plate 6.)

Head 3,5; depth 2; D. 1-38; A. 34; eye 54. Body elliptical, compressed ;
anterior profile somewhat concave, oblique; mouth small; teeth large, white,
and irregular. Gill-opening somewhat in front of pectoral, its length 34 in
head; dorsal spine very stout and straight; everywhere rough, but without
distinct barbs; 14 in head; dorsal rays 2 in head; anal ray 2 in head; caudal
short and rounded, 13 in head; pectoral 24 in head. Pelvic bone with ven-
tral spine firmly attached, with about 10 radiating spinules; ventral flap
little developed; caudal peduncle with four strong, bluntish spines, turned
forward and arrayed in two pairs, one above and one below the middle line.
Color dull grayish-olive; head finely speckled with darker; fins all pale;
lips whitish. Length 11 inches; two specimens from Socorro Island.

The species is named for Mrs. Charlotte C. McGregor.

54. Ceratacanthus scriptus (Osbeck). Thirteen specimens from Clarion and
Socorro islands. A specimen has been recently sent us from the Venados
Islands at Mazatlan, by Dr. George Warren Rogers.

Family TETRAODONTIDZ.

55. Ovoices setosus (Rosa Smith). Very abundant about Socorro and Clarion
islands; 48 fine specimens taken; mostly in shallow water during low tide
at Clarion Island. These vary in color from pure lemon-yellow to indigo-
blue and dark brown, with round white spots. There are also various
intergradations, as yellow blotched with blue, the singular variations in
coloration being parallel with those of Ayphosus lutescens.

Family DIODONTIDZ.

56. Diodon hystrix Linneus. Five specimens from Clarion and Socorro islands.

Family EMBIOTOCIDZ.

57. Abeona minima (Gibbons). One specimen. Todos Santos Bay.

58. Brachyistius frenatus Gill. Five specimens from Guadalupe Island, 4 to 5
inchesin length. These are somewhat deeper than the typical form from
California, but we do not think them specifically distinct. Also taken at
Todos Santos Islands. Head 3; depth 2; D. vmi-13; A. ul, 22; scales 44;
eye in head 8; pectoral in head 1}; ventral 14; second anal spine 44; middle
caudal rays 24. Body short and compressed; back elevated; head depressed
above snout, which sharply projects; mouth, small, projecting, maxillary
not reaching to opposite eye. Gillrakers 23, slender. Color olivaceous
above with darker blotches on each scale, forming lengthwise stripes; lower
parts tinged with coppery; a large moon-shaped black spot in axil of pec-
toral, nearly as large as eye, but not so wide; fins pale, lower ones, especially
caudal, flushed with orange.

59. Embiotoca jacksoni Agassiz. Specimens taken at Todos Santos, San Benito,
Cerros, and Guadalupe islands.

60. Tzniotoca lateralis (Agassiz). ‘Two specimens from San Benito Islands.

Family POMACENTRIDZ.
AZURINA Jordan & McGregor, new genus.

This genus is closely allied to Chromis, from which it differs in the long and
slender body, the low vertical fins, the very deeply forked tail, the pointed
snout, and especially in the continuous lateral line which extends much
beyond the dorsal fin, and is wanting on but two or three scales.

282 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

61. Azurina hirundo Jordan & McGregor, new species. (Plate 7.)

Head 4 in length; depth 34; D. xu,11; A. 1, 11; scales 34; maxillary 3 in
head; eye 44; pectoral 1; ventral 14; longest dorsal spine 33; longest soft
ray 33; second anal spine 34; longest anal ray 3; caudal lobes 14; middle
caudal rays 4. Body elongate, elliptical, slender, and symmetrical, moder-
ately compressed; snout acute; profile slightly depressed above. Eye
moderate, larger than in related species; maxillary reaching to below front
of eye. Teeth conical, rather few and small, in narrow bands or almost a
single series. Preorbital very narrow, about one-half eye; suborbital hid-
den by scales. Preopercle narrow, largely free, its edge slightly crenulate;
gillrakers 36, long and slender; head covered with small scales except
throat and tip of snout; those on body large and ctenoid, lateral line
strongly curved, continuous, extending downward along the tail, wanting
on two or three scales only. Caudal deeply forked. Color deep steel-blue
above, slightly paler below, with a tinge of orange at throat; pectoral
light yellow, dusky at base; other fins black, each with a narrow whitish
edge. West coast of Mexico. Three specimens from Guadalupe Island,
each 64 inches long. A beautiful fish with a symmetrical outline, unusual
in this family. Type No. 5706, L. S. Jr. Univ. Museum.

62. Chromis punctipinnis (Cooper). Many young from Todos Santos Island; adult
examples from Guadalupe, Cerros, and San Benedicto Islands.

63. Abudefduf saxatilis (Linneus). Abundant in the tide pools at Clarion Island;
11 specimens taken.

64. Eupomacentrus leucorus (Gilbert). Socorro Island, 6 specimens; San Bene-
dicto Island, 6 specimens; Clarion Island, 4 specimens; a strongly marked
species.

65. Eupomacentrus rectifrenum (Gill). Six specimens from Clarion and Socorro
islands.

66. Bupomacentrus flavilatus (Gill). Head 34; depth 2; D. xm, 15; A. 1, 13;
scales 29; eye in head 3}; pectoral in head 14; ventral in head 1; longest
dorsal spine 2; second anal spine 2; body deep, robust; anterior profile
more or less convex and broad; general appearance of EL. rectrifrenum, from
which this seems to differ only in color. No blue spots, even in specimens
3 to 5 inches long; posterior part of body, especially pectoral and caudal,
light yellow; rest of body paler than in F. rectrifrenum, but color variable;
ventrals black; dorsal and anal dusky, more or less pale posteriorly; pec-
toral with a very distinct black spot at base of upper rays. The latter
species has the tail and caudal as dark as other fins, which is not the case in
E. flavilatus. Twelve specimens from Socorro Island, two from Clarion
Island, and one from San Benedicto Island.

67. Hypsypops rubicundus (Girard). One young example, 4 inches long, from
Guadalupe Island agrees in the distribution of blue spots with Mrs. Eigen-
mann’s description. Eight specimens of different sizes from Todos Santos
and Cerros islands.

68. Microspathodon dorsalis (Gill).

Microspathodon cinereus Gilbert; adult;
Microspathodon azurissimus Jordan & Culver; partly grown.

Ten very fine specimens from Clarion and Socorro islands.

69. Microspathodon bairdii (Gill). Head 3; depth1%; D. x11, 16; A.11, 14; scales
3-29-10. Body short, compressed, elongated; nape abruptly produced
behind and above a depression which lies above eye, nape thus projecting
forward in a fleshy crest. Anterior profile steep with fleshy corrugations
separated by depressions. Tip of snout above premaxillary enlarged toa
fleshy pad, under which the jaw slips, separated from preorbital and top of
head by adeep crease, deeper in larger specimens. Nostril midway between
eye and crest, its size much larger than in M. dorsalis, being + diameter of
eye. In M. dorsalis of same size the nostril is reduced to a small pore, about

70.

ak.

72.

73.

74,

75.

76.

It

78.

79.

80.

FISHES FROM THE REVILLAGIGEDO ARCHIPELAGO. 283

tofeye. Preorbital lower than in WV. dorsalis, its height 24 in head in adult;
in M. dorsalis of same size the preorbital is 2} in head. Teeth small, trun-
cate, movable, about as in M, dorsalis; lower jaw shorter; width of mouth
2 in head; 4 or 5 rows of scales on cheek. Caudal peduncle short and deep,
length 24 in head, its depth 2 in head. Dorsal elevated but not faleate,
simply angular, its longest ray 14 in head; anal similar, its longest ray 14
in head; caudal lunate, its lobes not produced, the upper longer, 1} in head;
pectoral 1} in head; ventral 14 in head.

Color uniform deep blue-black without paler margins to fins, except very
narrow line on upper ray of pectoral and upper lobe of caudal; no spots.

This species is well separated from M. dorsalis, differing in the much larger
nostril, fleshy hump at nape, in lower preorbital, and in the uneven slope of
profile, as well as the absence of faleate tips to fins. The very small speci-
mens which have been named Microspathodon bairdii seem to be the young of
this species, having the large nostril and the nonfalcate fins. The bright
orange markings seem to disappear with advanced age.

One adult from San Benito Island; three adults from Socorro Island.

Family LABRIDZ.

Harpe diplotznia Gill. Thirteen large specimens from Socorro and Clarion
islands.

Pimelometopon pulcher (Ayres). One specimen from Todos Santos Bay and
one from Guadalupe Island.

Iridio semicinctus (Ayres). Several specimens taken at Cerros Island; one
from Todos Santos Bay.

Julidio notospilus (Giinther). A number of young, half an inch long, from
Clarion Island.

Oxyjulis californicus (Giinther). Specimens from Guadalupe Island and San
Geronimo Island.

Thalassoma grammaticum Gilbert. Clarion Island. Numerous specimens.

Family MALACANTHIDZ.

Caulolatilus princeps (Jenyns). Two specimens from San Martin Island.

Family CIRRHITIDA.

Cirrhites rivulatus Valenciennes. Four fine specimens from Clarion and
Socorro islands.
Family SCORPA:INIDZ.

Sebastodes flavidus (Ayres). One young specimen, 5 inches long, from Todos
Santos Island.

Sebastodes chrysomelas (Jordan & Gilbert). One specimen from Todos Santos
Bay.

Sebastopsis xyris Jordan & Gilbert. Head 23; depth 34; D. x1I-1,10; A.
11,5; scales 48; maxillary in head 14; eye 34; pectoral about 1; longest
dorsal spine 2%; second anal spine 1%; ventral 14; middle caudal ray
about 2. Body moderately elongate; head rather sharp; jaws equal; inter-
orbital space concave; top of head scaly and without occipital depression;
nasal spines sharp with a fleshy flap nearly as long as pupil. Spines above
eye each with a similar fleshy flap. Preorbital, superorbital, postorbital,
and tympanic spines present, each sharp and high. Occipital and nuchal
spines also well developed; a small temporal spine; a small spine under the
eye on the sharp stay; a spine at end of stay in front of the preopercular
spine; the last has asmall spine at its base; twosharp spines below opercular
spine. Cheeks and opercle covered with ctenoid and imbricated scales
without flaps; body scales ctenoid and closely imbricated, without flaps.

284 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.
87.

88.

Gillrakers very short and slender. Breast covered with imbricated cycloid
scales. Villiform teeth on jaws and vomer, none on palatines. Dorsal thin
and moderately deeply notched; caudal rounded; third anal spine greater
than second; pectoral with upper rays branched; lower or simple rays
thickened and the upper of them longer than any of the branched rays.

Color light-olive, irregularly banded and blotched with darker; flushed
with cherry-red; subopercle with large black blotch somewhat ocellated.
Head blotched with olive and paler. Jaws and throat largely orange.
Dorsal mottled with blood-red, orange, and whitish. Pale-yellowish bar
across soft dorsal, then a blackish streak; rest of fin white, tipped with
black; caudal largely bright-scarlet, black toward tip. Anal largely
scarlet, mottled with black; pectoral yellowish, barred with white and
black, lower part of fin washed with scarlet; ventral light yellow, with a
few black spots on posterior half, and scarlet spots on anterior portion.
The most definite marks are a dark bar from soft dorsal to base of anal,
everywhere washed with scarlet, and black spot on the subopercle.

Three specimens collected at Socorro Island, 34, 24, and 2 inches,
respectively.

Family COTTIDA.

Clinocottus analis (Girard). Todos Santos and San Martin islands.

Family GOBIIDA.

Gobius soporator Cuvier & Valenciennes. Numerous specimens taken in the
tide pools at Socorro and Clarion islands.

Gobius zebra Gilbert. ‘lwo specimens from Todos Santos and Clarion islands;
larger one 1% inches. The colors in life—blue stripes on a crimson ground—
were very beautiful.

Family GOBIESOCIDA.

Gobiesox adustus Jordan & Gilbert. 'Twospecimens, each an inch long, in tide
pools at Clarion Island.

Family BLENNIID 2.

Heterostichus rostratus Girard. Interorbital + less than orbit. One specimen,
7 inches long, from Guadalupe Island.

Gibbonsia elegans (Cooper). One specimen from San Martin Island.

Entomacrodus chiostictus (Jordan & Gilbert). Specimens taken 1n tide pools
at Clarion and Socorro islands.

Family PLEURONECTIDA.

Platophrys leopardinus (Giinther). Three specimens taken at Clarion Island. -
Length of each about 3 inches,

PLATE 4.

Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page 284.)

a - Lieesere bene ae ee

MYRICHTHYS PANTOSTIGMIUS Jordan & McGregor. New species.

Nie, a es
ae

ae > fa rd ey) Ava ie? f ae
en MRC a Pol Sie em
Via} a ; Le oe i } f i : f

r 4 ; BH

Am) Tr, ; ; oy ih ; uk j ha
Vie eae ; 4 “e, ; tet

4

a : fe ce mw if , j : . ue

Report U. S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 284.) PLATE 5.

‘OBA 79 UePIOH FATILS SADOIWZ

pue snues man

‘saioeds Mau

PLATE 6.

(To face page 284.)

Report U. S. F. C, 1898.

CANTHERINES CAROLZ Jordan & McGregor.

New species.

Le Ae

ne, ee

+

PLATE 7.

(To face page 284.)

Report U. S. F. C, 1898.

AZURINA HIRUNDO Jordan & McGregor.

New genus and new species.

ee

es

Risen
a

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Ya De iach eo el
INVESTIGATIONS BY THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION
IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS, IN 1897,

By BARTON WARREN EVERMANN, Pu. D.,
Ichthyologist of the United States Fish Commission.

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REPORT ON INVESTIGATIONS BY THE U, 8. FISH COMMISSION
IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS, IN 1897.

By BARTON WARREN EVERMANN, PH. D.,
Ichthyologist of the United States Fish Commission.

INTRODUCTION.

In the present paper are embodied reports upon three distinct inves-
tigations, viz:

1. An examination of the waters in southwestern Mississippi in the
vicinity of the mouths of Pearl River, for the purpose of determining
their general character, what fishes they already contain, and whether
additional species may be advantageously introduced into them. This
investigation was made at the instance of Hon. Robert C. Davey, Rep-
resentative in Congress from the second district of Louisiana, Hon. A.
Baldwin, of New Orleans, and other gentlemen of that city, who take
an interest in keeping up the supply of game and food-fishes of that
region.

2. An investigation of the catfish industry of the Atchafalaya River,
Louisiana. Representations had been made to the Commission by the
fishing firms of Morgan City, through Hon. Robert F. Broussard, Rep-
resentative in Congress from the third district of Louisiana, that the
catch of catfish had greatly decreased within the last few years. It
was requested that an investigation be made as to the fact and cause
of the decrease, and that recommendations be made as to the remedy.

3. Upon the recommendation of Hon. 8S. B. Cooper, Representative
in Congress from the second district of Texas, an examination was
made of the Sabine and Neches rivers with reference to their fitness
for shad.

These various investigations were carried on under the immediate
direction of Professor Evermann, who was assisted in the field work by
Mr. Fred. M. Chamberlain and Mr. H. R. Center, both of the division
of scientific inquiry of the U. 8. Fish Commission. The party left
Washington April 13, 1897, arriving at New Orleans the next day.
On the 15th they went to Baldwin Lodge, Mississippi, at the mouth of
Pearl River, where investigations were carried on by the entire party
until April 18, and by Messrs. Chamberlain and Center for one day
longer. On the 19th Professor Evermann went to Morgan City, and at
once went on board the fishing tug Shamrock for a trip through those
portions of the Atchafalaya River and its connecting lakes and bayous

287

288 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

in which catfish fishing is carried on, returning to Morgan City on the
21st, where he remained until the 24th. Messrs. Chamberlain and
Center reached Morgan City on April 20, and the next four days were
devoted to examining the fish which were being prepared for shipment
in the three fish-houses of that place. Collections were also made in
the waters about Morgan City.

On April 24 Professor Evermann went to New Iberia, at Mr. Brous-
sard’s request, to examine Lakes Tasse and Peigneur, in that vicinity.
Mr. Chamberlain joined him on the evening of the 25th, when both
proceeded to Beaumont, Tex., where they spent one jes and then
proceeded to Lufkin, Tex, After spending one day at Lufkin,
examining the Neches and Angelina rivers, they went to Logansport,
where the Sabine River was examined April 29. From Logansport
Mr. Chamberlain went to Melville, La., where he spent four days
examining the catfish handled there, while Professor Evermann went
to Athens, Ga., to examine a site for a proposed fish-hatchery at
that place. Mr. Center remained at Morgan City compiling the statis-
tics of the catfish fishery at that place until April 27, when he returned
to Washington. Professor Evermann returned to Ww ashington May 4.
On May 7, Mr. Chamberlain completed his inquiries at Melville and
the investigation was brought to a close.

During the conduct of these investigations we were the recipients of
numerous courtesies from various gentlemen, who by their kindly and
intelligent interest contributed in no small degree to the suceessful
completion of the work. Thanks are especially due Hon. Robert F.
Broussard, Hon. A. Baldwin, and Mr. Edward G. Schlieder, of New
Orleans; Messrs. Edgar Bass, John Dalton, and Manuel Coguenhem,
ot Morgan City, and Mr. Charles Larson, of Bayou Chéne, La.

SOUTHWESTERN MISSISSIPPI.

The object of the investigations in this region was to determine the
general character of the waters, the species of fishes inhabiting them,
their abundance and habits, and the desirability of introducing other
species of food or game fishes.

Baldwin Lodge, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, 39 miles
northeast of New Orleans, was the center of our operations. This
place is within a short distance of the mouth of the Pearl River, where
it empties into Lake Borgne. The surrounding country is, in the main,
low, level, and subject to overflow; much of it is tide marshes and
bayous, narrow channels or creeks; ponds and lakes are numerous.
Bayou Isle aux Pois (or Campbell Bayou) runs immediately in the rear
of Baldwin Lodge, opening into Pearl River on the west and into Grand
Plains Bayou at the other end. It is about 90 feet wide and 12 feet
deep. Its shores, except at Baldwin Lodge, are low and marshy, and
overgrown with marsh grass and a few bushes. Grand Plains Bayou
connects with this bayou to the eastward and extends several miles to
the north and east. It is of the same general character and of about

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 289

the same size. Several other bayous connect with it, one of them being
known as Lagoon Bayou, which is the outlet of two small lagoons.
Its shores and those of the upper portion of Grand Plains Bayou are
higher and more liberally supplied with water willows and other woody
vegetation. Near its mouth Pearl River divides into several branches,
known as West Pearl River, Middle Pearl River, ete. Opening into
West Pearl River is Black Bayou, which is much frequented by anglers.
It is about 40 feet wide, 5 to 15 feet deep, and several miles long. Its
shores are low and marshy and covered with a dense growth of marsh
grass. In the water was a rank growth of water vegetation, consisting
of Ranunculus) Myriophyllum, Anacharis, Potamogeton, Nymphwa, and
Nuphar, both of the latter in bloom.

Another bayou opening into Pearl River is known as Mulatto Bayou,
which flows through the Sea Glen plantation, several miles north of
Baldwin Lodge. The land along the greater length of this bayou is
considerably higher than along the other bayous mentioned. At Sea
Glen the ground is 5 to 15 feet above the water, and is covered with
groves of magnificent pecans and a few magnolias. Many of these
trees are of immense size, and the oaks are rendered unusually beau-
tiful by the great mats of Polypodium growing upon their trunks and
larger branches; and the masses of Tiilandsia usneoides, or long moss,
hanging in long, graceful festoons, form a rich drapery to the branches.

Pearl River has several outlets or mouths, all opening finally into
Lake Borgne. This lake is approximately 25 miles long by 10 to 12
miles wide, the greatest length extending in a northeast and southwest
direction. It is a very shallow body of water, the average depth prob-
ably not exceeding 8 feet. South of Baldwin Lodge a depth of 18 to 20
feet is found, but it rarely exceeds 9 feet.

The country surrounding Lake Borgne consists almost entirely of
low tide marshes, with rank growths of marsh vegetation, but scarcely
any bushes or trees, and is intersected and cut up by numerous narrow
channels or bayous. Our visit to this region was at the time of the
great flood of the Lower Mississippi, and the basin of the Pearl River
was also somewhat affected. The water in all the bayous visited was
deeper than usual, owing to backwater from Pearl River. Southern
winds continuing for several days frequently have the same effect.

At this time the water in all these bayous was practically fresh, and
even Lake Borgne was not strongly brackish. In the late summer and:
fall, however, the water is much shallower. Ordinarily it begins to
grow brackish late in April or May, and gradually increases until the
fall rains set in, when it becomes gradually less brackish, and during
a portion of the winter and early spring it is comparatively fresh. At
this time various fresh-water species of fishes extend their range even
down to Lake Borgne and its connecting bayous. Among them are
large-mouthed black bass, catfish, warmouth or “ goggle-eye” perch,
gaspergou, buffalo, gar, and sunfish. During the drier season the
opposite result is noticed. The fresh-water species are driven farther

F. R. 98——19

290 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

toward the interior, while the lower portions of the bayous are invaded
by many species of salt-water and brackish-water fishes, such as red
drum, sheepshead, mullet, flounder, croaker, needlefish, black drum,
speckled sea-trout, porpoise, dogfish, pipefish, and the like.

That portion of Mulatto Bayou lying above Sea Glen usually remains
practically fresh throughout the year. A short distance above Sea
Glen such fresh-water species as large-mouthed black bass, “ goggle-
eye,” and crappie may be found at any time. At the time of our visit
the fresh-water species mentioned above were found in all of the bayous
named. The brackish-water species were not common anywhere, and
were not found at all at any considerable distance from Lake Borgne.
Even in that lake they were very rare. The water in all the bayous
was dark in color on account of mud and other impurities brought
down by Pearl River. The temperature of the water at the surface was
usually a few degrees warmer than that of the air. In Bayou Isle aux
Pois, when the air was 64° the surface of the water was 67° to 68°,
and at the bottom (10 feet) it was 65°. The surface in Pearl River at
11 a. m. was 68°, that of Black Bayou was 70°. On April 17 the surface
temperature of Lake Borgne was 69° when the air was 62.5°.

Considerable collecting was done in the several bayous and speci-
mens of most of the fishes to be found there at that season were
secured. These were, of course, principally fresh-water species. The
anglers who resort to this region during the spring depend upon
these fresh-water species, or else go farther out, where they can get
sheepshead, red drum, and other salt-water species. During summer
and fall only the salt-water species can be obtained, except in the
upper portions of the bayous. Most of the fresh-water fishes seem to
be quite abundant. The crappie (Pomowis annularis), however, seems
far scarcer than it should be under the favorable environment which
obtains in the upper portion of Mulatto Bayou and neighboring bayous,
and it is recommended that a large plant of that species be made in
those waters.

ATCHAFALAYA RIVER, LOUISIANA.

The investigations on this river were for the purpose of determining
the character and extent of the catfish fishery, the fact and cause or
causes of the alleged decrease in the catch during the last three or four
years, and to determine what remedial measures, if any, should be
recommended.

As this business centers chiefly at Morgan City, most of our inves-
tigations were made at that point. We were able at this place to
examine the fish brought in by the fishing-tugs and to obtain the statis-
tics of the fishery. Mr. Chamberlain spent several days at Melville
making similar inquiries. A three days’ trip which Professor Ever-
mann took on one of the tugboats, while on its regular trip collecting
the catches of the individual fishermen, afforded an excellent oppor-
tunity to observe the method of the fishery. The Atchafalaya River

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 291

is, in some respects, a peculiar stream. It has its sources in Avoyelles
and Pointe Coupee parishes, near where the Red River joins the Missis-
sippi, and is at all seasons more or less connected with both of those
rivers by a number of anastomosing channels and bayous. The Atcha-
falaya River is, in fact as well as historically, one of the mouths of the
Mississippi River, and during the floods which come periodically to
that region a vast amount of the surplus water of the Mississippi and
Red rivers is carried to the Gulf by the Atchafalaya.

The distance from the sources of the Atchafalaya River in a straight
line to its mouth (about 90 miles southwest of New Orleans) is about
125 miles. The river is, however, very sinuous in its course, and its
actual length is therefore many miles greater. The general course is
a few degrees east of south, and forms a narrow angle with that of the
Mississippi. The country through which the river flows is very low
and level, often lower than the river itself, and made up for the most
part of cypress swamps. The highest land is in many places the imme-
diate banks of the river. These swamps are reticulated and intersected
by a very complex and intricate network of bayous and lakes, all com-
paratively shallow except during the time of floods, when they become
passable for the pirogue of the fisherman and the swamper, and the
tugboats of the fish companies at Morgan Oity and Melville. During
excessive floods, such as that of April and May, 1897, practically the
entire country north of Morgan City is inundated. To provide against
such conditions many of the natives live in house-boats. All of the
residences built upon the ground are two stories high, and the people
hold themselves in readiness to vacate the ground floor and betake
themselves and remove tbeir household goods to the second story
whenever the flood comes. Every family possesses one or more boats,
which are an absolute essential in that country. Bee-culture is of some
importance in this part of Louisiana, and it was noticed that the bee-
hives in all the apiaries seen were placed upon scaffolding or posts
which raised them several feet above the surface of the ground. Such
live-stock as chickens, pigs, and goats are also protected from the
flood by placing them upon similar platforms. Ducks and geese are
the only possessions which do not cause some trouble or anxiety during
the times of flood.~

The majority of the people of this region are either swampers or
fishermen, or both. The cutting of the cypress timber for commercial
purposes and getting the logs out into the river, so that they may be
gotten to the mills, is called “‘swamping,” and those who engage in it
are termed ‘“‘swampers.” The cypress trees are cut into logs, which
are dragged over the ground or pulled through the water to the nearest
tloat road, by means of which it is easy to float them to the river, in
which they may be rafted or otherwise taken to the sawmills. A
“float road” is made by cutting away all the trees and bushes in
various places through the swamps where roads are desired, and when
the flood comes these become open waterways, through which the

292 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

pirogue finds easy passage. These float roads also have an important
relation to the fishing industry, as will appear later on in this report.

There are four species of commercial catfishes handled by the firms
at Morgan City and Melville, viz: The blue cat or poisson bleu (Icta-
lurus furcatus), the yellow cat or goujon (Leptops olivaris), the eel cat
(Ictalurus anguilla), and the spotted cat (Ictalurus punctatus). The
blue cat and the goujon are by far the most important species, and
probably constitute 98 per cent of the entire catch.

The methods employed in this industry are very interesting. Ordi-
narily the fishing season extends from September to May, little being
done during the summer months. In some cases, however, the fishing
has continued throughout the year. Practically all the fishing is done
with “‘trot lines” and “brush lines,” though a few catfish are some-
times taken in hoop nets, which are set primarily for buffalo. The
standard length of a single trot line is 25 feet, which equals 1 bale of
line, but a number of lines are always tied together. ‘There is no defi-
nite length of the string, this depending upon the width and character
of the body of water in which it is set. The length may vary from a
few rods to over a mile. The longest line of which we heard was one
12 miles long, which has been used in Grand Lake. The twine used is
usually what is known as Woodbury 96 or Banner Mills 96, which is
somewhat smaller than an ordinary lead pencil. The snoods are usu-
ally 18 inches long, and they are placed 3 feet apart. The hooks are
fastened on by a double staging and various sizes are used, such as
Virginia, Limerick (Nos. 6, 7,8, and 9 0), and Millwood (Nos. 5 and 6.)

All river fishing during the fall and winter is done on the bottom,
while all lake fishing is at the surface. During the spring, when the
country is flooded, the fish betake themselves to the woods, and the
fishing is then carried on chiefly along the edges of the, float roads.
The old tackle, which had been previously used in the river and lakes,
is now cut up into short lengths and tied, as single lines, called brush
lines, to the limbs of trees in such a way as to allow the single hook to
hang about 6 inches under the water. Each fisherman ties his lines
to trees along the edges of the float roads if he can find such territory
not already preempted by some one else. The fishing is thought to be
better in such places; besides, it is easier to visit the lines when so
located. Any fisherman who is unable to find unoccupied space along
the float roads selects the best places he can find at various points
around through the woods. In order that he may readily find his lines
when he wishes to visit them, the limbs to which they are tied are
marked with a white rag or the tree is blazed.

The different kinds of bait used are classed as “live bait” or * cut
bait.” The live bait consists chiefly of ‘ shad” (Dorosoma cepedianum
exile, Hiodon alosoides, and Signalosa atchafalaye), perch, and crawfish.
The “shad” are regarded as the best bait, and 100 shad are said to be
worth 200 or 300 crawfish. The crawfish will live on the hook three
or four days, while the shad will live only a day or two, but the shad

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 293

is a more tempting bait. Cut bait consists of larger examples of these
and other fishes cut up into the proper size. Eels are said to make an
excellent cut bait, but they are very scarce. Live bait is most used
from September to November, inclusive, November being the best
month. Itis preferred to cut bait at any time, but can not be obtained
in quantity except in the fall. Live bait is used, however, whenever it
can be gotten, and occasionally a fisherman is fortunate enough to
secure good supplies during the spring fishing.

These fish are influenced in their movements by the temperature of
the water. During the winter they come farther down the river where
the water is warmest, and in the summer they run farther upstream
or retire to the deeper waters.

The goujon is said to be most abundant from September to Novem-
ber, or until the fall floods begin, when it gradually disappears. This
is the best season for catching it, although a few may be found at any
season. The goujon is most easily and usually taken with live bait.
It is by no means a handsome fish, but its great size, the excellence of
its flesh, and its superior keeping qualities render it a very important
food-fish. It rarely reaches a weight of 100 pounds; but examples of
50 to 60 pounds weight are said to be not at all unusual. The largest
individual seen by us was a ripe female 41 inches long and weighing
48 pounds. It dressed 27 pounds. One 38 inches long weighed 37
pounds, and another 37 inches long weighed 365 pounds. The goujon
is more voracious than the blue cat, and large individuals are apt
to feed on smaller examples of the latter when confined in the same
live-box. To prevent this, it is said that the fishermen sometimes sew
up with wire the mouth of the very large goujon.

The blue cat has the same general habits as the goujon, but the best
fishing for this species is said to be during the high water in the spring.
Then the fish leave the river, lakes, and bayous and take to the woods.
Good ‘woods or “swamp” fishing is sometimes had as early as March.
The impression among the fishermen is that the fish run out over the
flooded districts on account of the more abundant food supply to be
found there. This consists chiefly of crawfish inhabiting the shallow
pools and ponds made accessible to the catfish through the agency of
the floods.

The maximum size of the blue cat is about the same as that of the
goujon. The largest of which we heard weighed 100 pounds. The
largest seen by us was a ripe female weighing 35 pounds. A spent
female 31 inches long weighed 22 pounds and dressed 13 pounds.
Another spent female 30 inches long weighed 17 pounds. It is claimed
that large fish were far more numerous a few years ago than now.

The eel cat (Ictalurus anguilla) is comparatively rare, and not until
these investigations was it discovered to be a distinct species. Dur-
ing the several days spent at Morgan City and Melville not more than
35 or 40 examples of this species were seen. It does not attain a greater
length than 18 or 20 inches nor a greater weight than 8 pounds. The

294 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

average weight of those seen was under 5 pounds.
species do not seem to differ from those of the blue cat.

to be taken chiefly in the spring and in the flooded districts.
The last and least important of the four species of commercial cat-
fishes found in the Atchafalaya River is the spotted cat (Ictalurus

punctatus).

did not exceed 18 inches in length.

The habits of the
They are said

Only three or four were seen at Morgan City during our

visit, and the fishermen report that it is rarely taken. The few seen

Table showing size, sex, and spawning condition of blue catfish examined at Morgan City,
La., April 22-24, 1897.

Weight, Spawnin

Length. pounds Sex Santis
T4iNChes ise soa ela (2) Immature ?
LGHNCHES sem -eaaee Hea Female ...| Spent.
134 inches...|.....--..- Male.....- Immature.
LoWNChess ese seas ee eee (4) Immature?
UBIO NG epealbsacccseac (2) Immature?
144 inches-..|.--------. Male...-.-- Immature.
l6uncheseaselsssceace ee Male...... Do.
14 inches....|..----.--- Male...... Do.
iginches= assists ee (4) Spent?
16s inchess=s|s-s---eee= Migloweecns Immature.
lG6pnchesseen|sssaceee= Female? ..| Immature?
144 inches...|..-.------ Male....-. Immature.
15am chesecen|seee=-e ee Male...... Do.
| Gunchesse--|sccesene ss Male...... Do.
144 inches. .-|.--------- (?) Immature?
(6sinehesseen|esescesaee Male..-..-.- Immature?
Lop NCHOS sas |e seine (?) ) Immature?
2iavin@hesess| aoe Male.....- Spent.
20hinchesse-—lea-eeasse Female -.-. Do.
Winches== =| === <--ee— Female ...| Large roe.
Vein chess --|se-\s2ss = (?) Immature?
LInChesssas|sesseee see (4) Immature.
WAimchessee|s- eect (#) Do.
20inchesee sf sesacesee = Female Ripe.
ZN ChEsee ee leseresseee Female Spent
UGinches:a-- asec Female Ripe.
A2NChes= ee. sae (?) (?)
J0inches=-=..|25-2--===- Male.....-- Immature.
Usinehes==o4| seasons ee (?) Spent.
US CHES -eelals=\se see Male.....- Do.
174 inches. --|---------. | Female --- Do.
TEE MOSS Sa elleoooeacace Female? .. Do.
14einches=-s|o-2=-22e" Female ..- - Do.
WWanches?® =3|oecehee Female ..- Do.
20inchestes.|ssee eee Female - -. Do.
Jane hes s-5|seeeee ese Female --- Do.
PAO NG Eee b5s5enesa Female -.- Do.
16inches 42 =|s-s-25— = 4: Female ..- Do.
2OINCHES saa ee= ase a Female -.. Do.
I2Zimehesene. assess eeee Female ...| Ripe.
SiN Chess nsaceemeeee Male.....-. Spent.
LTainichesses|e=- 222 =- Malesss-..< Do.
14anchess=s.\<s-=-eecse Female ..- Do.
2AiNCHESs caves seoee Female ... Do.
20; inches= =~ s\sase=--- Male:--...- Do.
1S}inchHes sees - see eer Female Nearly ripe.
2lonchesic spe ceeescct Female ...| 0.
Atanches: a 24|sa-aeee ae Female ..-| Spent.
21N CHEN See | eeeieee Female ...| Do.
2g INCHES a [aoe eet Female ...| Not ripe
2iMChess-c.-|- s-sesele Female ...| Spent.
23ncChesse 7s 22 -o Female .. .| Do.
1B SONGS Boel pesca See Female ...- Do.
LorAnNOHES seen eseeeene ee Male....-.. Do.
25 inches. .--|---------- Female .- - Do.
LSFINCHES = Rc) == == Female ...| Not quite

ripe.

14 inches, - - esha S Male ..... Spent
30 inches..-.|.-..------ Female ..-| Ripe.
16F INCHES seclsos = eeoee Female ...| Spent.
204inches...|..--.-.--. | Female --. Do.
16;inohes=-.|se==- ae Female --.| Do.
Wdnehesseselneeeence ee Female -- -| Do.
254 inches. ..|-.----.--. | Female ... Do.
1ganches sci teee eee Male...... Do.

| 184 inches...
| 16 inches..-.-.

| 20 inches....
| 12 inches....
| 194 inches...

14 inches....

| 19 inches..-.

Length.

214 inches...
22 inches. --.

13 inches. .-.
20 inches....

114 inches...
134 inches...
16 inches..-..
16 inches....
183 inches...

13 inches....

154 inches. ..
18 incbes. -..
143 inches...

14 inches... ..

14 inches. .-.|.

144 inches. -.
16 inches..-.
10 inches....
13 inches..-.
19 inches. ---
274 inches- - -
104 inches.. -
12 inches. --.|
13 inches. --.
13 inches. --.
12 inches. ---

Sex.

Female...
Female ...
Femule ...

Female . .-

114 inches. --
12 inches. .-..|
13} inches. --|
14inches....)
12inches. --..|

94 inches. ...
15 inches....
1linches....
124 inches...

| 103 inches...

124 inches... .
13 inches. - - .|
ll inches
104 inches
12 inches. ...
104 inches .-.
124 inches ..|
12 inches. -..

124 inches ..|
134 inches
134 inches ..|

14 inches...
15 inches. -..)

| 13 inches...
| 134inches ..

14 inches. .-.
94 inches

Female ...
Female -..

Spawning
condition.

Spent.
Slightly de-
veloped.

Spent.
Do.

Do.
Slightly de-
veloped.

Spent.

Do.
Slightly de-

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS.

295

Table showing size, sex, and spawning condition of blue catfish, elc.—Continued

Length.

124 inches .-.

ld inches

ll} inches ..

104 inche
154 inche
14 inches

134 inches -.
l4inches.
14 inches.
li inches.
10 inches.
12 inches.
inches...
134 inches...

15

14} inche
124 inche

125 inches...

13 inches
13 inches
llinches
17 inches

204 inches...
144 inches...

19 inches
21 inches

194 inches. -.

17 inches

164 inches...

23 inches
15 inches
17 inches

134 inches. --
154 inches. .-
103 inches...

22 inches

20 inches
19 inches
16 inches
10 inches

214 inches. -

15 inches
13 inches

26% inches. - -|

16 inches

164 inches- ..

21 inches

164 inches. - -

19 inches

204 inches. - .

19 inches
94 inches

S ..
8s.

S..-
S...

2k InGhes=.-| 5... <0

18 inches
16 inches

Ids Inches. --|--.-.-.---

19 inches

1GeANGHOS=--|--—-------

15 inches

184 inches...

Ve INGHess=-\on-55--5e-
29} IGHOs ot 2 sees

27 inches
20 inches
20 inches

16s inches! == s-4s0e= 5

15 inches
18 inches
18 inches
13 inches

|

Pay INCHES =--|fo- see ae

154 inches
15 inches.

Sex.

Female ...

by
®
B
i}
a

Female ...
Female...
Female - ..
Female ...
Female - ..
Female ...
Female ...
Female . .-.
Female...
Femaie ...

Female ...)

Spawning
condition.

mM
uo)
®
i=]
ct
—

0.
Slightly de
veloped.
Spent.
Do.

Do.
Immature.

Spent.
0.

| Half ripe.
| Spent.

Do.

Do. i]

Length.

17 inches....
144 inches...
164 inches...
264 inches...
31 inches. ...
124 inches...
124 inches...
l4inches..-..-
llinches....
2linches....
20inches...-.
l4t inches...
l4inches....
l5inches....
16inches....
16inches....
154inches...
10inches....
14hinches...
14} inches. .-
16 inches. .-.
17 inches. --.
21% inches. -.
13¢inches.- -.
144 inches. .

15$ inches...
l4inches....
13 inches. ...
17 inches. - --
14inches.-..
16 inches...
184 inches...
13 inches...-.
13} inches. - .
134 inches. - -
124 inches...
13 inches. ...
16inches....
134 inches. -.
26} inches...
164 inches. --
22 inches... .
134 inches. ..
124 inches...
1linches....
144 inches...
114 inches...
164 inches...
16 inches...

16 inches. - -.
15 inches. .-.
154 inches. -.
114 inches...
18 inches....
17 inches.
16inches..-..
41 inches....
30 inches. ...
31 inches...

3Linches....
204 inches...
24inches....
29 inches. ...
224 inches. ..
204 inches. ..
17 inches.
20 inches.
28 inches. .-..
25 inches.
3linches.
17 inches. ...
15inches....

| Weight,

pounds.

ee
Nt |

— i
wrsoe

Spawning
Sex condition.
Malayee sm Spent.
Female Do.
Male...... Do.
Female ...| Ripe.
Female Do.
Female Spent.
Female Do.
Female Do.
(4) (?)
Female Spent.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Malees.-=. Do.
Female... Do.
Female Do.
Female Immature.
Male...... Spent.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Male. =... Do.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Male:s-<.. Do.
Female Do.
ale. .2-<- Do.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Female Do.
Male... Do.
Female Do.
Female .. Do.
Female Do.
Male:....- Do.
Female Do.
Male.-..-. Do.
Male: ..... Do.
Male....... Do.
Female -.- Do.
Male...-... Do.
Female ...| Ripe.
Female Spent.
Malena a. Do.
Female .. Do.
Female .. Do.
alOseaatas Do.
Female ... Do.
Female ...| Half devel-
oped.
Male:.. =. Spent.
Female Do.
Female . Do.
Female . Do.
Male...... Do.
Female Do.
Male:-c--- Do.
Female Ripe.
Female ...| Spent.
Female 0.
Female ...| Ripe.
Female Do.
Female Half ripe
Female Spent.
Female kipe.
Female Do.
Male .....- Spent.
Female Ripe.
Female Spent.
Female alf ripe
Female Spent.
Male...... Do.
Female ... Do.

296

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing size, sex, and spawning condition of blue catfish ecamined at Melville, La.,
May 2 and 3, 1897.

Length.

16 inches. .--
15 inches....
20inches....
15inches....
17 inches....
184 inches. --
15 inches. .--.
23 inches. ...
21inches...-
224 inches. -.
15 inches....
204 inches. ..
19inches....
174 inches. -.
17 inches....
18 inches. ...
15 inches. ...
15 inches....

18 inches. ...
16 inches. ...
164 inches...
17 inches..-.
15inches....
20 inches. ...
26 inches....
193 inches. -.
31 inches....
214 inches. ..
22 inches. ...
30 inches. -..
18 inches....
17 inches....

18} inches. --|.

17inches....
26 inches. ...
19 inches. -.-..
21 inches....
30 inches.
22 inches.
19 inches.
22 inches.
17 inches.
16 inches....
-23 inches....
18 inches. -...
153 inches. - -
17 inches. .-.
25 inches....
18inches....
21 inches. ...
22inches....
16inches. .-..

Table showing size, sex, and condition of goujon examined at Morgan City,

Weight,
pounds.

oo oo psn
— i) coo oon

TANRN NN NWNYWNN ATMO AMAT wP oED
aa
ooo

ewww wee anne

Sex Sia a Length.
Male::-2=< (?) 19 inches. .--
Male...... (?) 154 inches...
Male...... Ripe. 144 inches. .
Female Spent. 164 inches ..
Female 0. 164 inches...
Male...... 16 inches....
Male...... (?) 23 inches....
Female ...| Spent. 15 inches. .-.
Female -..| Ripe. 18 inches. --.
Malle. i= ==% Do. 15 inches....
Male-..- == (?) 15 inches. - -
Female Spent. 18 inches. - -
Female ... Do. 17inches....
Migletescce (?) 19inches....
Female ...| Spent. 15 inches. --
Female ... 0. 16 inches. ...
Female ... Do. 17 inches. - ..
Female ...| Partly de- || 143 inches...

veloped. 25 inches...
Male.....-. (?) 134 inches. ..
Female ...| Spent. i7mches tae.
Male=-=- a. (*) 15 inches....
Male.....< (*) 134 inches. . .
Male.....- (*) 144 inches...
Male.....- (?) 144 inches ..
Female ...! Spent. 13 inches.--.
Female ... Do. 153inches ..
Female ... Do. 134 inches...
Female Do. 13 inches. ...
Female Do. 164 inches. .-
Female Do. 14 inches. .-..
Female Do. 154 inches. - .
Male...... Do. 164 inches. - -
Female Do. 18 inches....
Female Do. 214 inches...
Female - . Do. 19inches....
Female Ripe. 19 inches. . ..
Female Spent. 134 inches. ..
Female Do. 144 inches...
Male...... (?) 16 inches....
Female ...| Spent. 154 inches. . .
Female ... Do. 144 inches...
Female - .. Do. 14 inches. --..
Female ... Do. 18 inches....-
Female ... Do. 20 inches. ...
Female ... Do. 174 inches. -.
Female ... Do. 18 inches. ...
Male.....- (2) 16 inches. ...
(2) (?) 18 inches. ...|---
Female Spent. 18 inches. .-.
Female Do. 2334 inches. ..
Female Do. 19 inches. --.
Male...-.. (7) 18h inches...

Weight,
pounds.

Spawning
condition.

Female -..
Female -..
Female -..

Female ...
Female ...
Female -..

Female - ..

()}
Not ripe.
0.

La., April

22-24, 1897.
| Weight, : Spawning Weight, Li Spawning
Length. parade! Sex. condition. Length. pounds Sex. conditions
SOINCHESS = )s1|e aces eelen Female ..-) Ripe. | 29 inches.... 14 | Female ...) Spent.
ANCHE salar) relate Female ..-| Spent. 224 inches. .. 74, Female ...| Ripe.
HUD TONG Ee pealloacccedces | Female ... Do. 25 inches. ... 10 | Female... Do.
SSIN CHEB = seis a necaee ss Female -.. Do. 15NUGHES = 4|-scncnn ss Male ..... Immature.
AOANCHESe sens aee xe alate Female -.. Do. 28 inches. ... 44 Female ...| Spent.
26hn ches! |<< ens Female...) Half devel- 36 inches. ... \ Female ...| Ripe.
oped. 28 inches. ... Female .. Do.
2HINCHOBS=s|ecieseeer es Male...... Ripe. 34 inches. .-. | 69 Female ...| Spent.
STANON ES oatale||leme mies eier=te Female ...| Spent. 34 inches.... 4) Female ... Ripe.
273 inches...|........--| Female ... Do. 18 inches.... | Femae ...| Spent.
25 inches.... 9 | Female ... Do. |

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 297

Table showing size, sex, and condition of eel catfish examined at Morgan City and Melville,
La., April 22 to May 6, 1897.

, ¢ Spawning | A. ee Spawnin,s
Length. Sex. condition. Length. Sex. condition.
133 inches. ..!| Female............ .--| Ripe. 18 inches.../ Female............... Ripe.
1lginchea.. | Female............... Spent. 14inches...| Female..............- Do.
17inches....| Female. ............-. Do. PIMONGH sc. |PDLRIG ss ccccmocccc sve. Do.
134 inches...| Female............... Do. |} 16inches...} Female.............-. Do.
Summary.
Sex. Spawning condition.
Total Sg ttre tise Z aa
: ber} ar- :
Species. pees Sex not + | Condi-
Tneie Male. |Female.| deter- | Spent.| Ripe. hyo yale | tion not
mined. oped. ‘asa §
———— | - — - _
US TEAG | ARSE Se sears 374 126 227 21 257 32 17 18 50
PSO du ses teem nd cee ae 42 | 2 | 40 0 18 22 1 1 0
LU OT toned eee 8 1 | 7 0 3 5 0 0 0

While exact measurements were made of only about 424 fish, several
hundred more (perhaps 2,000) were examined more or less carefully,
particularly with reference to their size. Irom these observations, as
well as from the measurements recorded in the preceding tables, it is
evident that a very large proportion of the fish now handled are com-
paratively small and young fish which have not yet attained that size
which puts them at their maximum value. A few specific instances
may be noted. Ten yellow cats dressed 835 pounds; one lot of 48 and
another lot of 49 blue cats dressed 100 pounds, while another lot of
40 dressed only 50 pounds; in another case 70 blue cats were required
to dress 100 pounds. According to one of the dealers, in 1854 from 14
to 20 of the smallest fish were sufficient to dress 100 pounds, while
the larger fish were much more abundant than now and weighed each
from 60 to over 100 pounds rough. He says the size began to decrease
four years ago, but the greatest decrease has been during the last two
years.

It is evident from these facts that these fish are being caught before
they have reached that size which would render them of the greatest
commercial value, and that some restriction should be placed upon the
fishery with a view to regulate this matter.

At Melville the yellow cat or goujon was less common than at Morgan
City. Mr. Chamberlain saw only about a dozen examples, all of which
were ripe females. /

From the above tables it will be seen that we examined and made
notes upon 374 blue catfish, of which there were 227 females, 126 males,
and 21 indeterminate. Of the total 574, 52 were in full roe and ripe,
17 contained roe partially developed, 18 were immature, 50 indetermi-
nate, and 257 were spent fish. Omitting the 18 immature and the 50
indeterminate, we have 306 fish of which 257 (or 84 per cent) were spent
fish, 32 (or about 10 per cent) were ready to spawn, while 17 (or about
54 per cent) were not quite ready for spawning.

298 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

So far as the investigations of a single season may be relied upon,
these results indicate that the spawning season of the blue catfish in
the Atchafalaya River is a prolonged one, but that the majority of the
fish spawn in March and April. The testimony given by the fishermen
agrees closely with these results. They report finding fish in full roe
as early as the last of February and as late as the first of June, though
all admit that the majority of ripe fish are taken in March or April.

The total number of goujon examined was 42, of which all but 2 were
females. Of the 2 males, one was an immature fish and the other was
fully ripe. Of the 40 females, 18 (or 45 per cent) were spent fish, 1 was
about half developed, 1 was immature, while 22 (or 55 per cent) were
ready to spawn. This indicates for the goujon a somewhat later
spawning season than for the blue cat, of which about 84 per cent were
done spawning. The few eel cats examined showed that about 38 per
cent had already spawned and that 62 per cent were ready to spawn.

The number of spotted cats examined was not sufficient to enable
any conclusion to be drawn as to its time of spawning.

Basing conclusions as to the time of spawning period upon investi-
gations extending over only a brief portion of a single season is not
altogether safe. Accurate results can only be obtained from observa-
tions extending over two or more seasons. All that can be said, there-
fore, in this report, is that the strong probability is that the great
majority of catfish in Atchafalaya River spawn in March and April,
the period from March 15 to April 30 being the most important.

Method of handling the jish.— Each fisherman visits his lines daily, or
twice a day if possible, passing from hook to hook in his pirogue,
taking off the fish and putting them in live-boxes where they are
retained until the tugboat arrives on its regular collection trip. Each
of the three companies at Morgan City has a tugboat for this purpose,
valued at $2,000 to $3,000. Each tug carries in tow a large live-box
called a live-car or fish-car, into which the fish are put when received
from the individual fisherman and in which they are retained until
they are needed for dressing. The car is usually 25 to 30 feet long, 6
feet beam, and is divided into several compartments. The maximum
capacity is 40 to 50 boxes of 300 pounds each. The captain of the tug,
as agent for the company, buys the fish from the fishermen. The fish
are measured in a box 15 by 14 by 3 feet. This measuring-box rests
upon the live-car over the particular compartment into which the fish
are to be put, and when the box is full the hinged bottom is released
and the fish fall into the car. A “box” of fish is 300 pounds, and the
price paid during the time of our visit was $7 per box or about 24
cents per pound. If any fisherman is not satisfied with the measured
or estimated weight, the actual weight is determined. The highest
price recently paid was $8 per box. Each firm’s tug usually makes
one trip, sometimes two, per week, the time required varying from
three to five days.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 299

A brief account of a trip which we took on the Shamrock, Captain
Hanson, belonging to Mr. John Dalton, will be useful in conveying a
proper conception of the fishery. We left Morgan City at noon, April
19, passing up the Atchafalaya River, through Grand Lake, Chicot
Pass, Lake Chicot, and into Bayou Chéne, where we tied up for the
night at Mr. Charles Larson’s, about the only house on dry land that
was seen during the entire trip. Next morning we passed out of Bayou
Chéne into Lake Mangoulois, then through Bayou Tensas, Upper Grand
River, Whisky Bayou, Bayou de Glaise, Bayou Alabam (Alabama
Bayou), to Bayou des Ourse, where we tied up in the woods alongside
the house-boat of William Kleinpeter. The next morning we went from
Bayou des Ourse by another route into Whisky Bayou, then through
Bayou la Rompe, Bayou la Rose, Butte 4 la Rose, Little Atchafalaya
River, Upper Grand River, Bloody Bayou, Bayou Sorrel, and Jakes
Bayou, thence back to Morgan City through Lake Chicot, Chicot Pass,
Grand Lake and Atchafalaya River.

During this trip of about 180 miles fish were purchased from 25 fish-
ermen. The amounts paid each fisherman varied from 70 cents to $18,
the average being $6.84. The total tare collected on this trip was
therefore about 25 boxes. The fares of two other tugs the same week
were respectively 13 and 16 boxes. It was noticed on this trip that a
good many fish die before reaching Morgan City. Some die even in the
fishermen’s live-boxes. The goujon seems much more hardy than the
blue cat, as none of that species died on this trip, while more than 100
of the blue cats died. The goujon is said also to be a better shipper
than the other species. When the tug returns to Morgan City it
leaves its car alongside its company’s fish-house. The fish are then
taken out and dressed and barreled for shipment. The dressing con-
sists in cutting off the head, removing the viscera, and skinning the
fish, after which it is washed, and then barreled with ice for shipment.
The principal shipments are made to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mis-
souri, Colorado, and New Mexico.

During the summer months the loss from the fish dying in the live-
cars and the difficulty of shipping them in good condition usually
cause the tugs to stop running or to make fewer trips between June L
and September 1. While some fishing is carried on during summer,
the season may properly be regarded as extending from September 1
to June 1.

The catfish industry at Morgan City had its beginning about 1873.
Not much was done, however, for several years. Complete statistics
are not obtainable for any year previous to 1892, but we have been
able to obtain complete statistics for the years 1892 to 1897, inclusive,
of the catfish shipped from Morgan City. These are exhibited in the
following table. The fish shipped from Morgan City are caught chiefly
at various places above that town. Indeed, the Morgan City boats go
within a few miles of Melville.

300 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Table showing by months the gross weight and value of catfish handled at Morgan City,
La., during the years 1892 to 1897, inclusive.

January. February. March. April.
Year
Pounds Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value.
OOO oF Si cae Sates 117, 908 |$2, 947. 70 120, 108 |$3, 002. 70 196, 591 |$4, 914. 77 110, 820 | $2, 770. 50
LCOS BAS or OeRESNOB Le 89 976 | 2, 249. 40 115, 825 | 2, 895. 62 168, 870 | 4, 221.75 117, 204 2, 930.10
894 oy arate Sepsis 133, 520 | 3, 338. 00 109, 675 | 2, 741. 87 107, 182 | 2, 679.55 120, 051 3, 001. 27
WSS Seer cote osee. 124, 152 | 3,724.56 | -118, 228 | 3,546.84 | 262,920 | 7,887.60 | 256,384 | 7, 691.52
1896 22523 Sischeoecee 93,718 | 2,811. 54 97, 820 | 2,934. 60 179, 236 | 5,377.08 150, 994 4, 529. 82
SOF Stew ciaciae sce 66, 565 | 1, 996. 95 49,370 | 1,481.10 | 140,359 | 4, 210.77 80,706 | 2,421.18
May. June. July. August.
Year. =
Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value.
PS eek omgsasndace 43,776 |$1, 094. 40 8, 5385 $213. 37 1, 272 $31. 80 | 446 $11.15
VO9sS Ss sseee aes 63, 307 | 1, 582. 67 6, 592 164. 80 1, 351 33. 17 4 | 14; 213 355. 32
OO de emcee sinieierereisies 65, 323 | 1, 633. 07 12, 701 317. 52 11, 804 295.10 | 26,175 654. 37
USQ5S ease ees 269,513 | 8, 085.39 68, 593 | 2,057.79 15, 281 458.43 | 10, 880 328. 40
1896 sa ciage sie ols everstars 145, 144 | 4, 354. 32 31, 124 933. 72 32, 186 965.58 | 13,077 392. 31
189 TR: eee: 57, 488 | 1, 865. 65 50, 528 | 1, 629. 85 47,159 | 1,509.28 | 33,323 1,082.19
September. October. November. December.
Year. F
Pounds Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value. | Pounds.| Value.
| |
NSO Deeeieteice efefeeraeiate 36, 128 $903. 20 48, 468 |$1, 211. 70 196, 933 |$4, 923. 32 134, 430 | $3, 360. 75
W893 sees ceete iste 59, 967 | 1,499.17 38, 778 969. 45 200, 624 | 5, 015. 60 134, 475 3, 361. 87
Ny ee See aemoser 35, 501 919.36 | 125,562 | 3, 265. 06 193, 1382 | 5, 453. 93 153, 827 4, 337. 44
VWEOO se ei ceks bees ss 83,121 | 2, 493. 63 98, 523 | 2, 955. 69 180, 089 | 5, 402. 67 133, 558 4, 006. 74
1896s. cea. sorte cme. 22, 533 675. 99 86, 300 | 2, 589. 00 103, 762 © 3, 112. 86 89, 518 2, 685. 54
NOTES ee ee aS cA 26, 675 849. 76 (*) (*) 75,475 | 2,264.25 ) 147,341 | 4,420.24
1

* On account of the yellow fever quarantine from September 21 to November 13 no fish were shipped
from Morgan City between those dates. ;

CONCLUSIONS.

That the fishery industry of the Atchafalya River has seriously
decreased in importance during the last few years is evidenced by the
foregoing statistical table, though the actual decrease in abundance of
these valuable fishes is only partially shown. The great falling-off in
the catch of 1896 and 1897 over that of 1895 is such as to seriously
threaten the industry. Until recently only the larger fish were accepted
by the dealers. The fishermen liberated and returned to the water all
the individuals of small size. But during the last two years the great
difficulty of getting a sufficient number of large fish to supply the
demand has induced both the fishermen and the dealers to utilize
the smaller fish. The tendency has been to accept smaller and smaller
fish each succeeding season until now a great many are used which
dress scarcely more than a pound each. When it is remembered that
these small fish, if allowed to escape for a few years, would attain a
weight of 20 to 100 pounds, the improvidence of the methods now in
vogue becomes apparent.

The injury to the fishery resulting from the catching of undersized
fish is not the only one from which the industry is suffermg. The con-
tinuance of fishing throughout the spawning season must result disas-
trously to the business. The destruction of the fish when nearly ready
to spawn can not be defended on business grounds. Every large female,
if permitted to live through the spawning season, will produce from

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 301

50,000 to 250,000 young; 1,000 such fish would produce from 50,000,000
to 250,000,000 young. It is, of course, impossible to say how many
would live and groy to maturity, but that the number would be quite
adequate to greatly improve the fishery can not be doubted.

The importance of these facts has already impressed the dealers.
They realize that something must be speedily done to prevent the
practical extinction of the business in which they are engaged. The
fishermen are also beginning to realize that the methods in vogue are
destructive and detrimental to any permanent fishery interests. So
strongly impressed are both dealers and fishermen with the threatened
destruction of the fishing interests of the Atchafalaya River that they
are anxious that the State enact legislation for their preservation. In
the absence of any law regulating the fishery it is scarcely possible to
secure any united action among the various ones interested looking
toward the conservation of the supply.

While the investigations were limited to the Atchafalaya River, and
chiefly to that portion of the river tributary to Morgan City, there is
every reason to believe that the catfish supply is diminishing through-
out the State. The brief investigations made at Melville and reports
received from Plaquemine agree fully with the results obtained at
Morgan City.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

In the light of the foregoing facts, it is evident that State legislation
is essential to the preservation of the catfish fishery of the Atchafalaya
River and in the other waters of the State. The State legislature
should, at its first opportunity, enact a law regulating fishing in the
State, which should be reasonable and fair to all the interests con-
cerned. This law should provide (1) for a close season extending from
March 15 to May 15, which period covers the principal spawning season
of the two important species of catfish, and (2) it should be made
unlawful to catch catfish of less than 4 pounds gross weight.

SABINE AND NECHES RIVERS.

The investigations and inquiries in eastern Texas and western Louisi-
ana were made primarily for the purpose of determining the advisability
of making plants of shad in the Sabine and Neches rivers. The time
was insufficient for making a satisfactory series of observations, there-
fore such conclusions as have beer reached are purely tentative and
may be materially modified when more thorough investigations shall
have been made.

The only places visited were Beaumont, Lufkin, Michelli, and Logans-
port. The Neches River was examined at Beaumont and at Bonners
Ferry, 10 miles west of Lufkin. The Angelina River, a tributary of
the Neches, was examined at Michelli, 9 miles north of Lufkin. The
Sabine River was inspected at Logansport.

While at Beaumont a visit was made to some ponds and a small
creek near town, from which were obtained specimens of a number of

302 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

the native fishes. All of these rivers at the time of our visit were con-
siderably above their ordinary stage of water. At the railroad bridge
across the Neches at Beaumont the river was about 300 feet wide and
30 feet deep, being at least 2 feet higher than usual at that season.
The water was very muddy and the banks were covered with soft mud.
We were told that the water of this river never becomes clear, but
always remains nearly or quite as muddy as it then was.

There is usually a rise in the river early each spring and another
later, which is known as the “June rise.” In June, 1884, it was said
to have been about 15 feet higher than when seen by us.

Lake Sabine, into which flow both the Neches and Sabine rivers, is
some 28 or 30 miles long and 2 or 3 miles wide, and is always salt or
brackish. Such fishes as red drum, sheepshead, and sea trout are
caught in large numbers in this lake and about Sabine Pass.

The principal fishes found in the two rivers near Beaumont are blue
cat, yellow cat, bufialo, gaspergou, and gar.

At Bonners Ferry the Neches River was several feet above low-water
mark and had been higher recently. The banks had been overflowed
and were still very muddy. The soil of the region consists of yellow
clay, with some sand. The river at this place was about 40 feet wide
and was flowing with a strong current. The water was red with clay
mud carried in suspension. The temperature of the water, at 10 a. m.
April 28, was 70°.

Among the fishes occurring in this portion of the river are the blue
cat, said to reach a weight of 85 pounds; goujon, or ‘Opelousas cat”
(Leptops olivaris), reaching a weight of 100 pounds; black and white
buffalo, each attaining a weight of 20 to 35 pounds; gaspergou, which
grow to 20 pounds; alligator gar, reaching a length of 7 or 8 feet; sun
perch; large-mouth black bass (locally called green trout), common in
the ponds; hickory shad or “scissor belly” (Dorosoma cepedianum) ;
spoonbill cat; and grindle (Amia calva) in the ponds. Carp, which
were planted in this river several years ago, are said to be rather
common now and are regarded as a good food-fish.

The Angelina River at Michelli was at the time of our visit 40 to 50 feet
wide and 10 to 14 feet deep. It was said to be 5 or 6 feet higher than
usual and was overflowing its banks. The water was very muddy and
full of floating débris. The temperature of the water at 3 p. m., April 28,
was 72.5°, when the air was 80.59. Some collecting was done in a small
bayou and in some overflow ponds, and the following species obtained :
Large-mouth black bass, 1 species of sunfish (Lepomis garmani), calico
bass, 3 species of darters (Percina caprodes, Boleosoma camurum, and
Htheostoma jessie), pirate perch, skipjack, top minnow (Fundulus nota-
tus), Fundulus pallidus, Gambusia affinis, little pickerel, Notropis note-
migonoides, Notropis venustus, Cliola vigilax, roach (Abramis crysoleucas),
Opsopewodus emiliv, and Hybognathus nuchale. The following additional
species are reported by fishermen to occur there: Goujon or “ abaloosie,”
blue cat, white buffalo, black buffalo, ‘‘shovel-bill” cat, gaspergou, alli-

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 303

gator gar, white gar, hickory shad, red perch, and white perch. The
goujon is said to reach a weight in this river of 50 to 75 pounds. The
blue cat reaches about the same size, and is more abundant.

The Sabine River at Logansport.is quite a large river, which, like all
other streams in that region, was considerably above its usual stage at
the time of our visit, and, like the other streams, was red with mud
which it was carrying. The temperature of the water was 70° at 10 a.
m. April 29, when the air was 65°.

The more abundant fishes seen by us or reported by the fishermen
are yellow eat and blue cat, said to spawn in the summer, which is
probably an error; drum or gaspergou, reaching a weight of 20 pounds
and said to spawn in April and May; white buffalo, reaching a weight
of 35 pounds, and black buffalo, reaching about the same size, both
species spawning in March. The very large goujon are here called
“‘Opiloosa” (Opelousas), and are described as having a flat head and
reaching a great size. The head of one large example recently taken
weighed 20 pounds.

The fishermen speak of the carp as the “Government fish,” and say
that they are regarded as a good fish and find a ready sale.

Fishing here is not of much commercial importance and is almost
wholly for local trade. It is carried on with hoop nets baited with
dough, ete. A hoop net lifted during our visit contained one small
gaspergou and two white buffalo, one of which weighed 11 pounds.

No evidence of the existence of any species of the true shad (A/losa)
in either of these rivers could be secured. The commercial fishermen
know nothing about such fish. It must be borne in mind, however,
that the methods employed by the fisherman are not such as would
result in the capture of such fish as the shad. The apparatus used in
this region consists simply of set lines and a few hoop nets, which are,
of course, useless in a shad fishery. Shad may be common in these
rivers and entirely escape observation until they are fished for with
suitable apparatus and at the proper season.

LAKES TASSE AND PEIGNEUR.

Lake Tasse, or Spanish Lake, is a small and shallow body of water
about 7 miles northwest of New Iberia, La. It is about 2 miles long
and 1 mile wide. It has no inlets, but is supplied entirely by rains.
Two artificial outlets connect it with Bayou Téche. The water is neces-
sarily quite warm in the summer, and is full of Nelumbo, Nuphar,
Nymphea, Myriophyllum, and other aquatic vegetation. The following
fishes are said to occur in this lake: Large-mouthed black bass, or
“oreen trout,” reaching a weight of 6 to 10 pounds; sac-a-lait, goggle-
eye, bream, sunfish, barfish (Roccus chrysops), pike (Lucius vermicula-
tus), gar, grindle, goujon, blue cat, gaspergou, and buffalo. Alligators
are also very abundant.

Lake Peigneur is situated 10 miles west of New Iberia, on the country
place of Mr. Joseph Jefferson. It is a beautiful lake about 14 miles

304 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

wide and 3 miles long. The greatest depth is said to be 10 feet, and
the water is much freer from vegetation than Lake Tasse. The shores
are also much higher and more picturesque. The fishes are essentially
the same as those of Lake Tasse.

LIST OF FISHES.

The following list includes all the species of fishes collected or seen
at the various places visited and such additional species as were
reported upon authority considered reliable. The nomenclature and
Sequence of species agree with Jordan & Evermann’s Check-List of
Fishes and Fish-Like Vertebrates of North and Middle America.

The localities and waters represented are:

1. Various waters in the vicinity of Baldwin Lodge, Mississippi,
including Pearl River, Lake Borgne, Bayou Isle aux Pois (or Campbell
Bayou), Grand Plains Bayou, Lagoon Bayou, Black Bayou, and Mulatto
Bayou.

2. Atchafalaya River at Morgan City and Melville, La., and inter-
mediate points.

3. Lake Tasse, or Spanish Lake, 7 miles from New Iberia, La.

4, Lake Peigneur, 10 miles west of New Iberia, La.

5. Neches and Trinity rivers and some small ponds near Beaumont,
Tex.

6. Neches River at Bonners Ferry, 10 miles west of Lufkin, Tex.

7. Angelina River at Michelli, Tex., 9 miles north of Lufkin, Tex.

8. Sabine River at Logansport, Tex.

Common names used locally are inclosed in quotation marks.

1. Polyodon spathula (Walbaum). Spoonbill Cat; ‘‘Shovel-nose Cat”; ‘‘Shovel-bill
Cat.” Reported from the Neches, Angelina, and Sabine rivers by fishermen at
Bonners Ferry and Michelli.

2. Lepisosteus osseus (Linneus). Long-nosed Gar; ‘‘ Gar”; ‘ Garfish”; ‘ Poisson
armé.” This species was seen at Morgan City and reported from Baldwin
Lodge, Melville, Lake Tasse, Lake Peigneur, Beaumont, Bonners Ferry,
Michelli, and Logansport. On April 23, the following notes were taken on
a spawning female gar at Morgan City: Standard length, 40 inches; weight,
9 pounds; length of snout, 8.5 inches; weight of ovaries, 19 ounces; total
number of eggs by actual count, 36,450.

3. Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque. Short-nosed Gar. Seen only at Beaumont,
when several specimens were seined in a pond.

4. Lepisosteus tristcechus (Bloch & Schneider). ‘Alligator Gar”; ‘‘ Mississippi
Gar.” Seen in Lake Borgne, at Morgan City, and at New Iberia (a specimen
from Bayou Téche); reported from Bonners Ferry, Logansport, and Beau-
mont.

5. Amia calva Linneus. Bowfin; Grindle; ‘‘Grinnel”; ‘‘Poisson de Marais.” Re-
ported from Lakes Tasse and Peigneur, and from the Neches River.

6. Felichthys marinus (Mitchill). Gaff-topsail; ‘Sea Cat.” Seen at Morgan City.
The larger ones are sometimes dressed and shipped with the fresh-water
species.

7. Galeichthys felis (Linnezus.) Sea Catfish; ‘‘Sea Cat.” Seen with the preceding
at Morgan City, where it is sometimes utilized in the same way.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 3805

8. Ictalurus furcatus (LeSueur). ‘ Blue Cat”; ‘ Poisson Bleu.”

This is by far the most important of all the catfishes of the region covered
by this report. It attains a weight of 100 pounds, and the importance of
the species is shown in the earlier portions of this paper. Its abundance,
distribution, and habits have already been fully discussed. Until these
investigations were made the large catfish of the Lower Mississippi Valley
had been identified by most ichthyologists as the Gadus lacustris of Walbaum.
Pimelodus nigricans LeSueur and Amiurus ponderosus Bean were thought to
belong to the same species as Walbaum’s Gadus lacustris, and the species
stood as Ameiurus lacustris (Walbaum). The type of Gadus lacustris came
from Arctic America, and we have no certain means of knowing whether it
was an Ameiurus or an Ictalurus, LeSueur’s Pimelodus nigricans came from
Lakes Erie and Ontario, and was probably an Ameiurus, though a reexam-
ination of specimens from those Jakes must be made before we can fecl certain
that such is the case. An examination of the skeleton of the type of Amiurus
ponderosus, which is preserved in the U. 8. National Museum, shows that it
belongs to the genus Jctalurus, as is evidenced by the notched supraoccipital
which forms a continuous bony ridge with the first interspinal of the dorsal.
LeSueur’s Pimelodus furcatus came from New Orleans and was unquestionably
the same as the blue cat of the Atchafalaya River. At least until the large
catfish of the Great Lakes can be carefully studied, the blue cat of the Lower
Mississippi Valley must stand as Ictalurus furcatus, and Amiurus ponderosus
goes in its synonymy.

The number of anal rays in numerous specimens counted varies from
31 to 33. A spent female, 30 inches long and weighing 17 pounds, gave the
following measurements: Head 4; depth 4.34; D.1, 6; P.1,9; A.32; distance
from tip of snout to origin of dorsal fin 2.64 in body; greatest width of head
1.34 in its length; interorbital width 2; width of mouth equals interorbital
width; maxillary barbel not reaching beyond head; humeral process about
3 in pectoral spine; anal base nearly } longer than head. Barbels usually
color of fish, rarely black. In other respects the description of Ameiurus
lacustris in Jordan & Evermann’s lishes of North and Middle America agreed
perfectly with this specimen. The color of this species, as found in the
Atchafalaya River, is a dull or olivaceous blue, pale or whitish below, with-
out spots anywhere.

9. Ictalurus anguilla Evermann & Kendall. “Eel Cat”; ‘ Willow Cat.”

The following is the original description of this species: Head 4; depth
4.5; eye 7 in head; snout 2.8; maxillary (without barbel) 3; free portion of
maxillary barbel longer than head; dorsal spine 2 in head; pectoral spine 2;
width of mouth 2. D.1,6; A. 24; vertebrie 42. Head large, broad, and
heavy; mouth unusually broad; cheeks and postocular portion of top of
head very prominent; interorbital space flat, a broad, deep groove extend-
ing backward to origin of dorsal fin; body stout, compressed posteriorly;
back scarcely elevated. Eye small; maxillary barbel long, reaching con-
siderably past gill-opening; other barbels short. Origin of dorsal fin equi-
distant between snout and origin of adipose fin, its distance from snout 2.6
in length of body; base of dorsal fin 3.5 in head; longest dorsal ray 1.75 in
head; dorsal spine strong, entire both before and behind; pectoral spine
strong, entire in front, a series of strong retrorse serra behind; humeral
process 2.2 in pectoral spine; ventrals barely reaching origin of anal, their
length 2 in head; anal fin long and low, the longest rays about 2.2 in head;
base of fin greater than head, 3.2 in body; caudal moderately forked, the
middle rays about 2.2 in outer rays, which are about 1.4 in head.

Color, uniform pale-yellowish or olivaceous; no spots anywhere.

A comparison of the skull with that of J. furcatus and I. punctatus of the
same size shows a number of very marked differences. Nearly all the bones

F, R. 98 20

306 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

in J. anguilla are heavier than in the other species; the supraoccipital is
broadly triangular and its upper surface finely grooved, while in each of
the other species it is much longer and narrower and the upper surface is
nearly smooth.

An examination of the 6 cotypes shows that there is not much variation,
all the important characters remaining quite constant. The maxillary bar-
bel varies somewhat in length, in some individuals scarcely reaching the
gill-opening, and the number of anal rays varies from 24 to 26.

From the blue cat (J. furcatus) this species differs chiefly in the fewer rays
in anal fin, the wider mouth, shorter, heavier head, much longer maxillary
barbel, and in the cranial characters already given. From the spotted cat
(1. punctatus) it may be distinguished by its wider mouth, more blunt snout,
heavier head, the color, and the cranial characters already mentioned.

This species is well known to the fishermen of the Atchafalaya River, by
whom it is usually called the ‘‘eel cat,” though the name ‘‘ willow cat” is
sometimes applied to it. It was explained by the fishermen that the name
“eel cat” was given on account of the long feelers (i. e., barbels), and the
name ‘‘ willow cat” because it is most frequently found about the roots of
willow trees. The eel cat is not an abundant species in the Atchafalaya
River. During six days spent at Morgan City (April 19-24) several hundred
catfish were examined at the three fish-houses, and the total number of eel
cats seen was fewer than twenty-five. The fishermen report that this pro-
portion is about as great as at any time of the year. Of four commercial
species of catfishes handled on this river, the most abundant one is the blue
eat (Ictalurus furcatus), and the next is the yellow cat or goujon (Leptops
olivaris). The eel cat comes next and the spotted cat (Ictalurus punctatus)
last. The blue cat and the yellow cat probably constitute 98 per cent of
the entire catch.

The eel cat rarely weighs over 5 pounds, and usually not over 3 pounds.
Its flesh is firm and of excellent flavor. The spawning season appears to be
during the spring, as several individuals examined were in mature spawning
condition. In May, 1898, the writer found a few specimens of this species in
the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky.

One of the species of large catfish seen in the market at Houston, Tex., in
1891, was called ‘‘eel cat” by some of the dealers. The specimens came
from the lower Trinity and San Jacinto rivers, and were identified as Jcta-
lurus furcatus, which they undoubtedly were. The name ‘‘eel cat” was
also heard at the mouth of Pearl River, but no specimens were obtained.
This name is probably applied in different localities to different species.

Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). ‘‘ Spotted Cat”; Channel Cat. ‘This species is
very rare in the Atchafalaya River. Only one adult was seen among several
hundred fish examined at Morgan City. Four young were seined in Lake
Lapourde, near that town. Apparently this species is much less common in
Louisiana than has usually been supposed. :

Ameiurus nebulosus (LeSueur). Common Bullhead. ‘Three small specimens
were obtained in a pond near Beaumont.

Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque). Black Bullhead. One specimen 7 inches long
and 2 smaller ones from Angelina River at Michelli.

Leptops olivaris (Rafinesque). ‘ Goujon”; ‘ Yellow Cat”; ‘‘Peided Cat”;
“Mud Cat”; ‘Opelousas Cat.” Next to the blue cat this is the most abun-
dant and important food-fish in the Atchafalaya River. It was also seen by
us at Baldwin Lodge, and it was reported at Beaumont, Bonners Ferry,
Michelli, Logansport, and Lakes Tasse and Peigneur.

Schilbeodes gyrinus (Mitchill). Small Poison Cat. Two good specimens of
this species were obtained, one from Black Bayou near Baldwin Lodge and
one from Lake Lapourde at Morgan City.

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 307

15. Ictiobus cyprinella (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Common Buffalo-fish; ‘‘ Gourd-

head Buffalo.” This species is common in all the larger waters of the region
visited, and is a food-fish of considerable importance, especially at Morgan
City, Melville, Beaumont, and Logansport. It is described by the fishermen
as having the mouth larger than any other species and ‘straight out,’ and
feeding more at the top of the water.

16. Ictiobus urus (Agassiz). ‘ Black Buffalo”; ‘Chopper.’ Occurs in the Atcha-

falaya, Neches, and Sabine rivers. Reaches a weight of 35 pounds or more.
Head and mouth larger than in J. bubalus. Said to spawn in March and
April. ;

17. Ictiobus bubalus (Rafinesque). Small-mouthed Buffalo; ‘“ White Buffalo”;

18.

ike)
20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

“Rooter.” Common in the Atchafalaya River and all bayous, rivers, and
lakes of this region; seen by us at Morgan City, Beaumont, Melville, and
Logansport. Reaches a weight of 35 pounds or more. Spawns in March
and April. Described by the fishermen as having a smaller, more inferior
mouth than any other species, and as being more of a bottom feeder. All
three of these species are used as food. A specimen 16 inches in total length
from the Sabine River at Logansport, La., taken April 29, exhibits the follow-
ing characters: Head 4; depth 2.5; snout 3.34 in head; eye 5. D.28; A. 11.
Scales 9-35-5, 12 or 13 before the dorsal. Body short, compressed, the dorsal
profile strongly arched and subcarinate from occiput to origin of dorsal fin;
ventral outline only slightly convex. Head small; mouth small, subinferior,
protactile downward; lips papillose; opercles striate; caudal peduncle deep
and compressed, its least depth 1.75 in head. Fins moderate, first 7 or 8 dorsal
rays lengthened, as long as head, rays of the short portions 3.5 in head;
longest anal rays 1.17 in head; pectoral short, not reaching base of ventral,
1.4 in head; ventrals longer, 1.1 in head; caudal deeply lunate, the lobes
longer than head.

Hybognathus nuchale Agassiz. Silvery Minnow. Two specimens in the col-
lection from the Angelina River. Others were examined on the Atchafalaya
River 70 miles above Morgan City.

Hybognathus hayi Jordan. Two specimens from Melville.

Opsopceodus emiliz Hay. Sixteen from Angelina River at Michelli and 6 from
Beaumont. Lateral line complete in all. In many there are two black areas
on dorsal fin; the anterior four rays and their membranes are black, then
comes a white streak covering one or two rays, then another black streak on
the last three rays. In a few of the smaller specimens there is no black on
the dorsal; where there is any black, it is in two spots or bands.

Abramis crysoleucas bosci (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Roach. Three examples
from Michelli. Not seen elsewhere, though it doubtless occurs in most of the
waters examined.

Cliola vigilax (Baird & Girard). Three specimens from Michelli, the largest of
which (3 inches long) has the head 4.13; depth 4; eye 3.75 in head; snout 3;
scales 8-45-5, 26 before the dorsal; D.1,8; A.7.

Notropis nux Evermann. LEight examples from Beaumont, Tex. Head 4;
depth 3.75; eye3; snout4; D.8; A.7; scales 7-35-3, 13 before dorsal. Teeth
1, 444, 1, hooked, and with slight grinding surface. Mouth rather small,
lower jaw somewhat included; origin of dorsal over insertion of ventrals.
A small spot at base of caudal. Scales rather deeper than long. These
specimens agree in the main with cotypes of N. nux, but the depth is greater.
This last is due to the fact that all these specimens are well fed and many of
them full of spawn.

Notropis chamberlaini Evermann.

Type, No. 48901, U. 8. Nat. Mus.; cotypes, No. 707, U.S. F.C. Length of
type, 3 inches to base of caudal. Type locality, Atchafalaya River, Melville,
La. Collector, Fred. M, Chamberlain, May 5, 1897.

308 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Head 4.34; depth 4.2; eye 4; snout 4; D. 8; A.10; scales 7-39-4, about 15
before dorsal. General form much like that of Hybognathus; body only
moderately compressed, dorsal and ventral outlines slightly arched; head
rather small, pointed; mouth small, a little oblique, the maxillary scarcely
reaching anterior border of orbit, lower jaw slightly included; snout equal
to eye; eye in axis of body. Fins all rather small; origin of dorsal slightly
behind vertical at insertion of ventrals; free edge of dorsal fin somewhat
concave, the anterior rays about equal to length of head; pectoral short,
shghtly faleate, the longest rays about 1.4 in head; ventrals shorter than
pectoral, barely reaching vent; anal similar to dorsal, the rays shorter;
caudal widely forked, the middle rays 2.5 in the outer, the lobes as long as
head, the lower lobe slightly longer than the upper; scales moderately
imbricated, the exposed portions not deeper than long; lateral line com-
plete, somewhat decurved. Teeth 2, 4-4, 2 or 1, rather weak, hooked, and
with small grinding surface. Intestine short; peritoneum silvery.

General color light straw; middle of side with a broad, well-defined sil-
very band from upper end of gill-opening to middle of base of caudal fin, the
anterior half lying wholly above the lateral line, the posterior portion lying
partly below it; this silvery band bounded above by a narrow dark border;
cheeks and opercles silvery; a darkish band along median line of back; fins
all plain straw-color or pale lemon.

Fourteen examples of this species, 2 to 3 inches in length, were obtained
from the Atchafalaya River at Melville, La., by Mr. Fred. M. Chamberlain,
for whom the species is named.

25. Notropis louisiane Evermann.

Type, No. 48902, U.S. Nat. Mus. ; cotype, No. 708, U.S. F.C. Type locality,
Atchafalaya River, Melville, La. Collector, Fred. M. Chamberlain.

Head 4.5; depth 5.6; eye 3; snout 3; D. 8; A. 11; scales 7-37-3, 19 or 20
before the dorsal. Teeth 1,4-4, 2, little hooked; peritoneum silvery, with
numerous minute round black specks. Body long and slender, back not
arched; head short but pointed; mouth rather large, oblique, maxillary
scarcely reaching orbit; lower jaw somewhat included; eye large, equal to or
greater than snout. Finsrather small; origin of dorsal far behind insertion
of ventrals, its longest rays 1.4 in head; pectorals short, their length equal
to height of anal; ventrals very short, 2 in head, caudal deeply forked;
scales firm, moderately imbricated; lateral line complete, gently decurved.
Color pale; side with a faint plumbeous band; back and upper part of sides
with numerous dark specks chiefly on the margins of the scales, thus forming
cross-hatchings; a narrow dark vertebral band on caudal peduncle. Length
2.5 inches. Known only from the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana.

This species resembles Notropis dilectus, but has a much smaller mouth,
blunter snout, and is less silvery along the side.

26. Notropis venustus (Girard). Two specimens from Michelli.

27. Notropis notemigonoides Evermann. Two specimens from Michelli and 11
from ponds near Beaumont,

28. Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque. Baldwin Lodge and Atchafalaya River, though
not abundant. Considered excellent catfish bait by the Atchafalaya River
fishermen.

29. Hiodon alosoides (Rafinesque). Toothed Herring; La Quesche; ‘‘ Slicker.” One
specimen from Melville; seen at other places along the Atchafalaya River,
where it is used as bait in the catfish fishery. The specimen from Melville
agrees exactly with more northern examples.

30. Dorosoma cepedianum exile Jordan & Gilbert. Hickory Shad; ‘ Shad.”
Rather common in the Atchafalaya River, where it is of considerable impor-
tance as bait. Four specimens from Melville. Doubtless occurs in most
waters of this region.

*

INVESTIGATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 309

31. Signalosa atchafalaye Evermann & Kendall. ‘‘Shad.’’ Specimens of this
interesting species were obtained at Melville and from Grand Plains and
Black bayous. It is not rare in the Atchafalaya River, and is of some
importance as bait in the catfish fishery.

32. Brevoortia tyrannus patronus Goode. Gulf Menhaden.
examples obtained from Grand Plains Bayou.

33. Stolephorus mitchilli (Cuvier & Valenciennes).
Baldwin Lodge and Lake Lapourde.

34. Lucius vermiculatus (LeSueur). Little Pickerel.
Michelli and 4 from Beaumont.

35. Fundulus pallidus Evermann. One example from Michelli.

36. Fundulus grandis Baird & Girard. Three from Baldwin Lodge.

37. Fundulus pulvereus (Evermann). Found only at Baldwin Lodge, where 4
specimens were collected.

38. Fundulus chrysotus Holbrook. Five specimens from Beaumont and 3 from
Lake Lapourde.

39. Fundulus notatus (Rafinesque). Numerous fine examples from Michelli.

40. Lucania venusta (Girard). Common in Grand Plains Bayou and Lake
Lapourde.

41. Cyprinodon variegatus Lacépede. Five examples from Baldwin Lodge.

42. Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard). Numerous specimens from Grand Plains
Bayou, Lake Lapourde, Beaumont, and Michelli. Four females from Michelli
contained 60, 70, 73, and 114 well-developed embryos, respectively; the eyes
were beginning to show. Six well-advanced examples from Lake Lapourde
contained 8, 51, 18, 13, 16, and 20 embryos each. Five others from Lake La-
pourde were less advanced, Numerous specimens from Michelli, Baldwin
Lodge, and Beaumont were well advanced. The number of young seems to
vary with the size of the fish. Very few males were collected.

43. Mollienisia latipinna (LeSueur). Numerous fine specimens from Baldwin
Lodge.

44. Siphostoma scovelli Evermann & Kendall. Pipefish. Six from Lake Lapourde
and 4 from Grand Plains Bayou. These specimens present the following

Many very young
Numerous specimens from

Four small specimens from

characters:
sys No. of
Sex. Head. | Depth. | Snout. Rings. eeerson pion: Location.
Female (REY |p sae! 2 17+28 3.5-++4 31 Grand Plains Bayou.
Do. 7+ 17+ 2+ 17433 4 +4 33 Do.
Do. 6. 4 14 17+ 30 4 +44 31 Do.
Do. 1G me boheme 2+ 174-31 4 45 34 Do.
Do. 7 15. 85 2 16 +34 4 44 36 Lake Lapourde.
Do. 7.75 16.4 2 17434 4 +4 33 Do.
Male . 8 26 2 17+ 34 4 +4 33 Do.
Do. 8 28 2+ 17+-35 4 +4 33 Do.
Do -: 22) 7.84 25 2+ 17+36? 4 44 34 Do.
Do. 8 28 2. 25 17+-36 4 44 33? Do.

45. Aphredoderus sayanus (Gilliams).
Michelli, 3 from Beaumont, and 1 from Lake Lapourde.
Many specimens from Grand Plains

46. Menidia peninsulz (Goode & Bean).

Bayou and Lake Lapourde.

47. Labidesthes sicculus (Cope).

and 9 from Michelli.
48. Mugil cephalus Linniens.
runs up the Atchafalaya at least to Morgan City.

Common Mullet.

Skipjack.

Pirate Perch.

Several specimens from

Five specimens from Black Bayou

Common about Baldwin Lodge;

310 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

49

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.
57.

58.
59.
60.

61.

62.

63.
64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.
73.

74.

. Querimana gyrans Jordan & Gilbert. One taken in Grand Plains Bayou.
50.
51.

Blassoma zonatum Jordan. Pigmy Sunfish. One taken in Lake Lapourde.

Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque. Crappie. Said to occur in Mulatto Bayou,
‘near Sea Glen, Mississippi.

Pomoxis sparoides (Lacépéde). Calico Bass. Twosmall examples from Beau-
mont and 3 from Michelli.

Centrarchus macropterus (Lacépéde). Round Sunfish; Flier. Two young
examples from Lake Lapourde. Color in alcohol: Body crossed by five
broad olive bands separated by very narrow pale ones. Dorsal ocellus very
plain:

Cheenobryttus gulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Warmouth; ‘ Goggle-eye.”
Common everywhere; specimens from Grand Plains Bayou, Black Bayou,
Lake Lapourde, and Beaumont; reported from Lakes Tasse and Peigneur.

Apomotis symmetricus (Forbes). Three young from Lake Lapourde, each
showing a very distinct dorsal ocellus.

Lepomis miniatus Jordan. One from Black Bayou and 5 from Lake Lapeurde.

Lepomis garmani Forbes. Eleven specimens from Beaumont and 1 from
Michelli, upon which we have the following notes: Head (without flap) Bie
depth 2; eye 4; snout 3.5. -D.x,11; A. 1, 9; scales 6-38-12, 5 rows on cheek.
Teeth sharp; gillrakers very short.

Lepomis pallidus (Mitchill). Slue-gill Sunfish. One from Black Bayou and 6
from Beaumont.

Eupomotis heros (Baird & Girard). Two specimens obtained at Beaumont.

Micropterus salmoides (Lacépéede). Large-mouth Black Bass; ‘‘ Green Trout.”
Abundant about Baldwin Lodge and all other waters examined. Specimens
from Michelli, Baldwin Lodge, and Beaumont.

Percina caprodes (Rafinesque). Log Perch. One fine specimen from Angelina
River, Michelli. Head 4.25; depth 4.84; eye 4.75; snout 3.8. D. xvi-13;
A. 11, 9; scales 11-89-10; nape well scaled. About 17 dark vertical bars,
with shorter ones above lateral line.

Boleosoma camurum Forbes. Darter. One from Lake Lapourde and 7 from
Michelli.

Etheostoma jessiz (Jordan & Brayton). Darter. Three from Michelli.

Roccus chrysops (Rafinesque). White Bass; ‘ Barfish.” One obtained at
Melville; reported from Baldwin Lodge, Lake Tasse, and Lake Peigneur.

Lagodon rhomboides (Linneus). Pinjfish; Bream. Specimens from Baldwin
Lodge, where it is common.

Archosargus probatocephalus(Walbaum). Sheepshead. Common about Bald-
win Lodge and elsewhere on the coast.

Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes). Spotted Sea Trout. One
example 8.5 inches long from Lake Borgne.

Sciznops ocellatus (Linnzeus). Red Drum. Common about Baldwin Lodge
and the mouth of the Atchafalaya River.

Leiostomus xanthurus Lacépéde. Spot. Common about Baldwin Lodge,
numerous specimens having been obtained there.

Micropogon undulatus (Linneus). Croaker. Specimens from Baldwin Lodge
and Lake Lapourde.

Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque. ‘‘Gaspergou.” Reported from Neches and
Angelina rivers and Lakes Tasse and Peigneur.

Microgobius gulosus (Girard). Goby. Five from Grand Plains Bayou.

Gobiosoma bosci (Lacépéde). Goby. Common; specimens obtained at Bald-
win Lodge, Grand Plains Bayou, and Lake Lapourde.

Achirus fasciatus Lacépede. Sole. One small example from Grand Plains
Bayou and 4 from Flat Lake, Morgan City.

PLATE 8.

1898. (To face page 310.)

Report U.S. F.C.

SS art eee

POLYODON SPATHULA (Walbaum).

LEPISOSTEUS PLATOSTOMUS Rafinesque

Spoonbill Cat.

Short-nosed Gar.

hi ys

ee

; 7
hah os it

’ ‘et ae ul
von ng ear b

‘(sneeuuiq) $934 SAHLHOISIV9

USUO vag

Ww USUDDD ,,

Report U. S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.)

*sneeuul] YATWO VIINV

PUuntD,, ufnog

PLATE 9.

PLATE 10,

(To face page 310.)

Report U. S. F.C. 1898

FELICHTHYS MARINUS (Mitchill). Gagf-topsail; “Catfish.”

Report U.S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 11.

(4nangeq) SNLVYOYUNA SNYNIVLOI

WO eng

PLATE 12.

(To face page 310.)

Report U, S. F. C. 1898,

ICTALURUS ANGUILLA

Evermann & Kendall.

Eel Cat.

Report U.S, F. C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLaTe 13.

(enbseuijey) SNLYLONAd SNYNAV.LO!

709 pajjods

Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 14.

*(anbsauijey) SYTSW SNYNISWV

*PDAYNNE YOVIL

Report U. S. F. C, 1898. (To face page 310) PLaTe 15.

‘(anbsauiyey) SIYVAITO SdO1d3T

WO Nonax

‘uUolno?),,

a

Report U. S, F. C.

*(sauualouaje, 79 J91AND) WIIENIYdAD SNSOILOI

f-opp Ing wommoy

ysl

‘
.

op dng pray-pinoy,,

1898,

(To face page 310.)

PLATE

16.

re ace
rat a hie > al J =
PT ih - rir

7 oo my OP i iL im ahh
f Ms Roe Vee, ae i E> ~ fm
pie te nt ie ;

te oa iy a "4
, . :
i if
} 4
Bits ‘
a
; a
t
’
j iy
4 =<
14 r
'
+

Report U.S. F. C. 1898, (To face page 310.) PLATE 17.

!
ene
ag
|

*(anbsauijey) SAIYAN SNSOILOI

ODMng apy, toyp.Jng paynowu-)joug

Report U.S F.C. 1898 (To face page 310) PLATE 18.

‘uueuaAQ INIVYIYSSWVHO SIGOYULON

Report U S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 19.

‘uueWarAz I/NVISNOT SIGOYLON

PLATE 20.

Report U. S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.)

DOROSOMA CEPEDIANUM EXILE Jordan & Gilbert. Hickory Shad.

PLATE 21.

(To face page 310 )

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

i ? .

)

Wy

YOM)
VAX ons

t
oe x

AS

099)
ONO RS

,
me ees

SIGNALOSA ATCHAFALAY 4 Evermann & Kendall.

Report U. S. F.C. 1898, (To face page 310.)

“*8P0CS) SNNOYLWd SANNVYAL VILYOOARYA

‘uapoyuayy Jin)

DEF Fe IH tes =a)
a ee ha we
Mii fae ea

PLATE 22.

PLATE 23.

(To face page 310.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898.

LUCIUS VERMICULATUS (LeSueur).

Little Pickerel.

PLATE 24,

(To face page 310)

Report U.S, F. C. 1898.

MUGIL CEPHALUS Linnzeus.

Conumon Mullet; Striped Mullet.

PLATE 25.

Report U. S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.)

POMOXIS ANNULARIS Rafinesque.

Crappie.

Seog ssa

a5
BS

PLATE 26.

(To face page 310.)

Report U. S. F. C. 1898,

“4 cal > s SED gS re a ES
7 f? e + yt PE
a3 Ve a v 4 pr A,
f; 5 ues ae Le > a Pe oe boxe)
f \@ ie ede Sr: at ea 5%
Si eA + a y AGO ie:
J 4 me : Dy Yen
fs = ‘y

ese,
beeen

Mt

A
3 %
VAN

POMOXIS SPAROIDES Lacépede. Strawberry Bass; Calico Bass.

pL ye
re Ce

Ur

Report U.S F.C. 1898, (To face page 310.) PLATE 27.

‘(sauuaiouale, 7g 181AND) SNSOIND SNLLAYSONYHO

alia-apbB0y,, /Yynow.w AL

? , 7
er en ats
A A Sie dt

: ’ oe :

Report U. S. F. C. 1898, (To face page 310.) PLATE 28.

‘(epedgoe7) SAGIOWTYS SNYALdOYDIN

SDT YOOIT payjnow-abivT

s

‘
‘i:

JNOAT, 5,

‘

(INOLT, UIALY,, .,

Report U.S F. C, 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 29

‘(anbsauljey) SGHOSAYHO SNDOOY

sspg ALUM

US",

Report U. S. F.C, 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 30.

‘(sneuulq) S30/IOSINOHY NOGODY1I

WNOYD 8 LOLS

+o

Supa

“YsYUr

eA,

i ne i

ie. ait Phe nS
.

Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 31.

*‘(wineqjem) SAIVHdSDOLVEOUd SNOYVSOHOYV

*poaysdaays

Report U. S.‘F.C. 1898. (To face page 310) PLATE 32.

ee

2 eee a
re, we:

‘ynow, vag payjodsy sanbnajyonby pajzody *(seuua!suajea 7 491AND) SNSOINSAN NOIOSONAD

Report U. S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 33.

*(sneeuuiq) SNLVINIAOO SdONWIOS

YSUPIN 2 UWNAT PT

Report U. S. F. C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 34.

‘apedgoe7 SNYNHLNVX SNIOLSOI37

YsyUrd

Report U. S. F.C. 1898, (To face page 310.) PLATE 35.

no

‘(sneeuuiy) SOLVINGNN NODOdOYDIN

“LOYyVDON,)

aah an

fe oe

E 36.
Report U.S. F.C. 1898. (To face page 310.) PLATE 36

=
rise,
Sa

WNUT 1PM YSatyT ‘enbseuijey SNAIINNNYD SNLONIGO Ady

nob sadsyy ,,

YOMIT PVUM 5)

PUBEICATIONS

OF THE

UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES
. AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION ON
MARCH 1, 1899.

311

A PVE EELS

—- ; ; : ie
1 VTA Oe aa Ce kU

ayPryak'} - oF
il gi

wiy Vth) a ae ey errery if f LEN 7h
me TREATY

i

PUBLICATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH
AND FISHERIES AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION
ON MARCH 1, 1899.

The publications of the Commission consist of an annual report and
annual bulletin, which are congressional documents; a certain number
being allotted to each Senator and Member of the House of Repre-
sentatives, and a small quota assigned to the Commission. Each vol-
ume is made up of separate papers treating of the different subjects
germane to the work of the Commission, and a small edition of each of
these papers is issued in pamphlet form in advance of the bound volume
for distribution to those who are specially interested in the subject-
matter.

BOUND PUBLICATIONS.

Of the bound publications the earlier volumes are out of print, and
all the copies allowed this office have been distributed. A few copies
of the following volumes can be furnished:

ANNUAL REPORTS.

\For the} Pub-

Designation. year— | lished. Pages. Plates.

TOUS cg ad Sk Adame apell ete Leeat atiee mae at ee 1887 | 1891 LXIII-+900 2
aL oe, pe ee See AaB Sov A See 1888 1892 | CXXVIII+902 90
RSV eLLU es ie Se ee IE Ae eR ES 1889-91} 1894 664 67
>.<\\0 0 at Sere, oe See eae Fo Re eae me Mires ote) Petals 1892 1894 CCIV +528 47
SRL ee Ree eae ee AN. EAE Sea 1893 1895, 484 35
3D Sinn Hose SRE RTE SEE oe an Be Og SRD Te | 1894 1896 718 28
RONG teed CE rem tA ie sis tape tah re) 1896 1898 672 62
CHV eee eR See eee Te eee ane 1898 1899 CLXXXI+350 | XX1I+37

ANNUAL BULLETINS.

DOIN (io 0 eee Ms OA Leet 2 AGRO Sy Dne Een Tey Ere maar cenee ie Be | 1888 | 1890 IX +494 74
SRI 3 eee, ee Bee Se, 1893 1894 | VII+-462 | 41
Mailers re le See een te oe 1896 | 1897 | VIII+428 | 944+XL
D alg Oye: - ahead tel Ab a ied aaa Roe ae 1897 | 1899 | V1+436 31--XXII

PAMPHLET PUBLICATIONS.

Each pamphlet has a serial number, which appears on the left in the
accompanying list. The missing numbers are out of print and can not

be supplied.
313

314 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Serial
No.

134.
137.

. Report on the condition of the sea fisheries of the south coast of New England

in 1871 and 1872, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1871-72, 1, pp. I-xL1, 1873.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1872 and 1873.—A. Inquiry into the decrease of

the food-fishes.—B. The propagation of food-fishes in the waters of the United
States, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1872-73, 11, pp. I-cil. 1874.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1873-74 and 1874-75.—A. Inquiry into the

decrease of the food-fishes.—B. The propagation of food-fishes in the waters
of the United States, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1873-74 and 1874-75,
Ul, pp. VII-LI. 1876.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1875-76.—A. Inquiry into the decrease of food-

fishes.—B. The propagation of food-fishes in the waters of the United States,
by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1875-76, 1v, pp. 1*-50*. 1878.

. Cheap fixtures for hatching of salmon, by Charles G. Atkins. Report for 1878,

VI, pp. 945-966 (including 15 figs.). 1880.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1877.—A. Inquiry into the decrease of food-

fishes.—B. Propagation of food-fishes in the waters of the United States, by
Spencer F.. Baird. Report for 1877, v, pp. 1*-48*. 1879.

. The carp and its culture in rivers and lakes, and its introduction into America,

by Rudolph Hessel. Report for 1875-76, 1v, pp. 865-900 (including 6 figs.).
1878.

. The winter haddock fishery of New England, by G. Brown Goode and J. W.

Collins. Bulletin for 1881, 1, pp. 226-235. 1882.

. Popular extracts from the investigation of the Commission for the scientific

examination of the German Seas, by H. A. Meyer et al. Report for 1879, vn,
pp. 525-557 (including 17 figs.). 1882.

. List of dredging stations of the U. 8. Fish Commission from 1871 to 1879, inelu-

sive, with temperature and other observations, by Sanderson Smith and Richard
Rathbun. Report for 1879, vu, pp. 559-601. 1882.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1880.—A. Inquiry into the decrease of food-

fishes.—B. Propagation of food-fishes in the waters of the United States, by
Spencer I’. Baird. Report for 1880, vill, pp. XVII-XLVI. 1883.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1881, by Spencer I. Baird. Report for 1881,

IX, pp. XJII-LXXI. 1884.

. Report on the construction and work in 1880 of the Fish Commission steamer

Fish Hawk, by Z. L. Tanner. Report for 1881, 1x, pp. 3-53, plates I—-xviII
(inelnding 3 figs.). 1884.

. Annual report on the electric lighting of the U. S. F. C. steamer Albatross,

December 31, 1883, by G. W. Baird. Bulletin for 1884, rv, pp. 153-158 (including
8 figs.). 1884.

. The status of the U. S. Fish Commission in 1884, by G. Brown Goode. Report

for 1884, x11, pp. 1139-1184. 1886.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1884, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1884,

XII, pp. XII-LXXI. 1886.

. Report on the medusz collected by the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Alba-

tross in the region ot the Gulf Stream, 1883-84, by J. Walter Fewkes. Report
for 1884, x11, pp. 927-980, plates I-x. 1886.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1885, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1885,

XII, pp. XIX-CXII. 1887.

. On the development of the cetacea, together with a consideration of the proba-

ble homologies of the flukes of cetaceans and sirenians, by John A. Ryder.
Report for 1885, x111, pp. 427-488 (including 38 figs.), plates I-111. 1887.

. A review of the Sciwnide of America and Europe, by David S. Jordan and Carl

H.Eigenmann. Report for 1886, xIv, pp. 343-451, plates I-1v. 1889.

. Report on the medusze collected by the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross

in the region of the Gulf Stream in 1885-86, by J. Walter Fewkes. Report for
1886, XIV, pp. 513-536, plate 1. 1889.

. Report on the work of the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross for the year

ending December 31, 1886, by Z. L. Tanner. Report for 1886, X1v, pp. 605-692,
plates I-x. 1889.

. Report of operations at the Wytheville Station, Va., from January 1, 1885, to

June 30, 1887, by Marshall McDonald. Report for 1886, x1v, pp. 793-800, plates
I-vI. 1889.

. The beam-trawl fishery of Great Britain, with notes on beam-trawling in other

European countries, by J. W. Collins. Bulletin for 1887, vu, pp. 289-407
(including 34 figs.), plates I-xx1m1. 1889.

Report of the Commissioner for 1886, by Spencer F. Baird. Report for 1886,
XIV, pp. IX-LVII. 1889.

Suggestions for the employment of improved types of vessels in the market
fisheries, with notes on British fishing steamers, by J. W. Collins. Bulletin
for 1888, VIII, pp. 175-192, plates XvI-xxvul. 1890.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. 315

Serial

No.

138. Notes on the fishes collected at Cozumel, Yucatan, by the U. 8. Fish Commis-
sion, with descriptions of new species, by Tarleton H. Bean, Lulletin for
1888, VI, pp. 193-206, plates XXVIII-XxIx. 1890,

141. A report upon the fishes of Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Antrim counties, Mich.,
by Charles H. Bollman. Bulletin for 1888, vit, pp. 219-225. 1891.

142. Notes on the fishes from the lowlands of Georgia, with a description of a new
species (Opsopwodus bollmani), by Charles H. Gilbert. Bulletin for 1888, v111,
pp. 225-229. 1891.

145. Report on the proposed introduction of the Jamaica mountain mullet into the

181.

United States, by Tarleton H. Bean. Bulletin for 1888, vii, pp. 443-451. 1891.

. The transplanting of lobsters to the Pacific coast of the United States, by

Richard Rathbun. Bulletin for 1888, vim, pp. 453-472, plate Lxxi. 1891.

. Preliminary report on the invertebrate animals inhabiting Lakes Geneva and

Mendota, Wisconsin, with an account of the fish epidemic in Lake Mendota
in 1884, by 8. A. Forbes. Bulletin for 1888, vi, pp. 473-487, plates Lxxu-
LXxXIv. 1890.

. On two species of larval dibothria from the Yellowstone National Park, by

Edwin Linton: Bulletin for 1889, 1x, pp. 65-79, plates xxmI-xxvir. 1891.

. The artificial propagation of sturgeon in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Bul-

letin for 1889, 1x, pp. 81-90. 1891.

. Report upon the pearl fishery of the Gulf of California, by Charles H. Town-

send, Bulletin for 1889, 1x, pp. 91-94, plates XxxvuI-xxx. 1891.

. On certain wart-like excrescences occurring on the short minnow (Cyprinodon

variegaius) due to psorosperms, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for 1889, 1x,
pp. 99-102, plate xxxvy. 1891. :

. The fishing-grounds of Bristol Bay, Alaska. A preliminary report upon the

investigations of the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross, by Z. L. Tanner.
Bulletin for 1889, 1x, pp. 279-288, plates cvilt-cx. 1891.

2. Report upon an investigation of the fishing-grounds off the west coast of Flor-

ida, by A. C. Adams and W. C. Kendall. Bulletin for 1889, rx, pp. 289-312
(inelnding 2 figs.), plate cx1. 1891.

. The giant-scallop fishery of Maine, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1889, rx,

pp. 313-335, plates Cx1I-cxvi. 1891.

. A contribution to the life history of Dibothrium cordiceps Leidy, a parasite infest-

ing the trout of Yellowstone Lake, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for 1889, rx,
pp. 337-358, plates CXVII-CXIx. 1891.

. Notice of the occurrence of protozoan parasites (psorosperms) on cyprinoid fishes

in Ohio, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for 1889, 1x, pp. 359-361, plate cxx. 1891.

. Notes on the king-erab fishery of Delaware Bay, by Hugh M.Smith. Bulletin

for 1889, Ix, pp. 363-370, plates CXXI-CXxI1I. 1891.

. Report upon a collection of fishes made in southern Florida during 1889, by

James A. Henshall. Bulletin for 1889, 1x, pp.371-389. 1891.

. Report upon a physical investigation of the waters off the southern coast of

New England, made during the summer of 1889 by the U.S. Fish Commission
schooner Grampus, by William Libbey, jr. Bulletin for 1889, rx, pp. 391-459
(including 1 fig.), plates cxx1v-cLvill. 1891.

. Notes on the oyster fishery of Connecticut, by J. W. Collins. Bulletin for 1889,

IX, pp. 461-497, plates CLIX-CLXVI. 1891.

. Report upon the construction and equipment of the schooner Grampus, by J. W.

Collins. Report for 1887, xv, pp. 437-490 (including 5 figs.), plates I-xVvul.
1891.

. Report of the operations of the U.S. Fish Commission schooner Grampus from

March 15, 1887, to June 30, 1888, by J. W. Collins and D. E. Collins. Report for
1887, XV, pp. 491-598, plates I-xvi. 1891.

. A review of the labroid fishes of America and Europe, by David S. Jordan.

Report for 1887, xv, pp. 599-699, plates I-x1._ 1891.

. On some Lake Superior entomostraca, by S.C. Forbes. Report for 1887, xv, pp.

701-718, plates I-1v. 1891.

. Report of the Commissioner for 1887, xv, pp. I-Lx111, by Marshall McDonald.

1891,

. Statistical review of the coast fisheries of the United States, by J. W. Collins.

Report for 1888, x v1, pp. 271-378. 1892.

. Report of distribution of fish and eggs from July 1, 1888, to June 30, 1889,

Report for 1888, xvi, pp. 3879-394. 1892.

. Report upon the investigations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross

for the year ending June 30, 1889, by Z. L. Tanner. Report for 1888, xv1,
pp. 395-512, plates L-Lir. 1892.

Report of operations at the laboratory of the U.S. Fish Commission, Woods
Hole, Mass., during the summer of 1888, by John A. Ryder. Report for 1888,
XVI, pp. 513-522. 1892.

316

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Serial
No.

182. Notes on entozoa of marine fishes, with description of new species, part 111, by
Edwin Linton. Report for 1888, xvi, pp. 523-542, plates LuI-Lx. 1892.

183. Onthe anatomy of Thysanocephalum crispum Linton, a parasite of the tiger shark,
by Edwin Linton. Report for 1888, xv1, pp. 543-556, plates LXI-LxviI. 1892.

185. The chemical composition and nutritive values of food-fishes and aquatic inver-
tebrates, by W. O. Atwater. Report for 1888, xv1, pp. 679-868, plates LXxxI-
LXXxXIx. 1892.

186. Observations on the aquaria of the U. S. Fish Commission at Central Station,
Washington, D.C., by William P. Seal. Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 1-12 (inelud-
ing 2 figs.), plates 1-1v. 1892.

188. Observations upon fishes and fish-culture, by Tarleton H. Bean. Bulletin for
1890, x, pp. 49-61. 1892.

189. Notes on a collection of fishes from the lower Potomac River, by Hugh M. Smith.
Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 63-72, plates XvI-xx. 1892.

190. A review of the Centrarchide or fresh-water sunfishes of North America, by
Charles H. Boman. Report for 1888, xvi, pp. 557-579, plates LX VIII-LXXII.
1892.

191. Report upon the participation of the U. 8S. Fish Commission in the Centennial
Exposition held at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1888, by J. W. Collins. Report for
1888, XVI, pp. 869-885, plate xc. 1892.

192. Report of the Commissioner for 1888 [July 1, 1888, to June 30, 1889], including
the reports on the division of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
Marshall McDonald. Report for 1888, xvI, pp. IxX-CxXxvilI. 1892.

194. Report on an investigation of the fisheries of Lake Ontario, by Hugh M. Smith.
Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 177-215, plates XxI-L. 1892.

195. A report upon the fisheries of Iowa based upon observations and collections
made during 1889, 1890, and 1891, by Seth E, Meek. Bulletin for 1890, x, pp.
217-248. 1892.

196. Report of an examination of the rivers of Kentucky, with lists of the fishes
obtained, by Albert J. Woolman. Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 249-288, plate L.
1892.

197. Notes on the streams and fishes of Clinton County, Ky., with a description of a
new darter, by Philip H. Kirsch. Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 289-292 (including
1 fig.). 1892.

198. Report upon the rivers of central Florida tributary to the Gulf of Mexico, with
lists of fishes inhabiting them, by Albert J. Woolman. Bulletin for 1890, x,
pp. 293-302, plates LII-LIl. 1892.

201. Observations on the hatching of the yellow perch, by 8. G. Worth. Bulletin
for 1890, x, pp. 331-334, plate LxI. 1892.

202. The physical and biological characteristics of the natural oyster-grounds of
South Carolina, by Bashford Dean. Bulletin for 1890, x, pp. 335-361, plates
LXU-LXVIi. 1892.

203. The present methods of oyster-culture in France, by Bashford Dean. Bulletin
for 1890, x, pp. 363-888 (including 2 figs.), plates LXIX-LXXVIII. 1892.

206. A statistical report on the fisheries of the Gulf States, by J. W. Collins and
Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1891, x1, pp. 93-184. 1893.

207. Description of a new sucker, Pantosteus jordani, from the Upper Missouri
Basin, by Barton W. Evermann. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 51-56 (including
1 fig.). 1893.

209. Observations on the spawning habits of the shad, by 8S. G. Worth. Bulletin
for 1891, x1, pp. 201-206. 1893.

210. A preliminary report on the aquatic invertebrate fauna of the Yellowstone
National Park, Wyoming, and of the Flathead region of Montana, by 8. A.
Forbes. Bulletin for 1891, x1, pp. 207-258, 1893, plates XxxXvUI-XLil. 1893.

211. Notes on a collection of fishes from the southern tributaries of the Cumberland
River in Kentucky and Tennessee, by Philip H. Kirsch. Bulletin for 1891,
XI, pp. 259-267. 1893.

212. Report on the fisheries of the South Atlantic States, by Hugh M. Smith. Bul-
letin for 1891, x1, pp. 271-356, plates XLUI-LXXIv. 1893.

214. Report upon the European methods of oyster-culture, by Bashford Dean. Bul-
letin for 1891, x1, pp. 357-406 (including 2 figs.), plates LXXV-LXXXVIII. 1893.

215. On the classification of the myxosporidia, a group of protozoan parasites
infesting fishes, by R. R. Gurley. Bulletin for 1891, x1, pp. 407-420. 1893.

217. Report of observations respecting the oyster resources and oyster fishery of the
Pacific Coast of the United States, by C. H. Townsend. Report for 1889-91,
XVII, pp. 343-372, plates 3-12. 1892.

218. Report on the coast fisheries of Texas, by Charles H. Stevenson. Report for

1889-91, XVI, pp. 878-420, plates 13-27. 1893.

Serial
No.

219.

pp)
~-—e

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. 317

A review of the sparoid fishes of America and Europe, by David 8. Jordan and
Bert Fesler. Report for 1889-91, x vu, pp. 421-544, plates 28-62. 1893.

Natural history of the useful aquatic reptiles and batrachians of the United
States, by Frederick W. True. The Fisheries and lishery Industries of the
United States, sec. 1, pp. 141-162. 1884.

. Natural history of mollusks in general, by Ernest Ingersoll. The Fisheries and

Fishery Industries of the United States, sec. 1, pp. 687-710, plates 253-258. 1884.

. Natural history of crustaceans, worms, radiates, and sponges, by Richard

Rathbun, The Fisheries and Fishery Industries of the United States, sec. 1,
pp. 763-850, plates 260-277. 1884.

. The fishes of Texas and the Rio Grande Basin, considered chiefly with reference

to their geographic distribution, by Barton W. Evermann and William C.
Kendall. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 57-126, plates x-L. 1894.

. The fyke-nets and fyke-net fisheries of the United States, with notes on the

fyke-nets of other countries, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp.
299-356, plates LXXII-xcI. 1894.

. Summary of the fishery investigations conducted in the North Pacific Ocean

and Bering Sea from July 1, 1888, to July 1, 1892, by the U.S. Fish Commission
steamer Albatross, by Richard Rathbun. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 127-201,
plates LI-Lv. 1894,

. List of fishes collected at Sea Isle City, N. J., during the summer of 1892, by

H. F. Moore. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 357-380. 1894.

. Economic and natural-history notes on fishes of the northern coast of New

Jersey, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 365-380. 1894.

. On the viviparous fishes of the Pacific coast of North America, by Carl H.

Eigenmann. Bulletin for 1892, x11, pp. 381-478, plates xcll-cxvill. 1894.

. Notes on two hitherto unrecognized species of American whitefishes, by Hugh

M. Smith. Bulletin for 1894, xrv, pp. 1-13, plate 1. 1894.

. Extension of the recorded range of certain marine and fresh-water fishes of the

Atlantic Coast of the United States, by W. C. Kendall and Hugh M. Smith.
Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 15-21. 1894.

. Notes on fishes from the basin of the Mackenzie River, in British America,

Bulletin for 1894, x1v, pp. 23-25, by Charles H. Gilbert. 1894.

. An American fish in Finland, by Oscar Nordqvist. Bulletin for 1894, x1v,

pp. 27-28. 1894.

. Two fertile cyprinoid hybrids, by Karl Knauthe. Bulletin for 1894, xiv,

pp. 29-30. 1894.

. Report upon explorations made in Eel River Basin, in the northeastern part of

Indiana, in the summer of 1892, by Philip H. Kirsch. Bulletin for 1894, xrv,
pp. 31-41. 1894.

. Notes on the fresh-water fishes of Washington County, Me., by William C.

Kendall. Bulletin for 1894, x1v, pp. 43-54. 1894.

. World's Fisheries Congress. Report of the secretary of the general committee,

by Tarleton H. Bean. Bulletin for 1893, x1, pp. 1-14. 1894.

238. The assimilation of the fishery laws of the Great Lakes, by G. A. MacCallum.

Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 17-20. 1894.

. The decrease of food-fishes in American waters, and some of the causes, by

A.M.Spangler. Bulletin for 1893, xm, pp. 21-35. 1894.

- The sea and coast fisheries, by Daniel T. Church. Bulletin for 1893, x11,

pp. 37-38. 1894.

. Our ocean fishes and the effect of legislation upon the fisheries, by J. M. K.

Southwick. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 39-45. 1894.

. The past, present, and future of trout culture, by W. L. Gilbert. Bulletin for

1893, x11, pp. 47-48. 1894.

. The relation of scientific research to economic problems, by G. Brown Goode.

Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 49-58. 1894.

. Biological research in relation to the fisheries, by John A. Ryder. Bulletin for

1893, XIU, pp. 59-63. 1894.

. On the influence of Jight on the periodical depth migration of pelagic animals,

by Jacques Loeb. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 65-68. 1894.

. The investigation of rivers and lakes with reference to fish environment, by

B. W.Evermann. Bulletin for 1893, x1, pp. 69-73. 1894.

. The habits and development of the lobster, and their bearing upon its artificial

propagation, by Francis H. Herrick. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 75-86. 1894.

. The origin of the food of marine animals, by W. K. Brooks. Bulletin for 1893,

XII, pp. 87-92. 1894.

. Atmospheric and other influences on the migration of fishes, by J. J. Armistead.

Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 93-99. 1894.

318

Serial
No.

250.
251.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Some observations concerning fish parasites, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for
1893, x111, pp. 101-126, plates 1-8. 1894.

On the food of the menhaden, by James I. Peck. Bulletin for 1893, x1,
pp. 118-126, plates 1-8. 1894.

. Some plankton studies in the Great Lakes, by Jacob E. Reighard. Bulletin for

1893, X111, pp. 127-142, plates 9,10. 1894.

. The aquarium of the U. S. Fish Commission at the World’s Columbian Expo-

sition, by S.A. Forbes. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 148-158. 1894.

. Description of the fresh and salt water supply and pumping plants used for the

aquarium, by I.S. K. Reeves. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 159-161. 1894.

. Observations and experiments on saprolegnia infesting fish, by G. P. Clinton.

Bulletin for 1893, x111, pp. 163-172. 1894.

. Report on a parasitic protozoan observed on fish in the aquarium, by Charles

Wardell Stiles. Bulletin for 1893, x1m, pp. 173-190, plates 11,12. 1894.

. Statistical review of fish-culture in Europe and North America, by N. Borodine.

Bulletin for 1893, x111, pp. 193-196. 1894.

. Some notes about American fish- culture, by Oscar Nondawish: Bulletin for 1893,

XIU, pp. 197-200. 1894.

. Fish-culture in Michigan, by Hoyt Post. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 201-211.

1894.

. History and methods of whitefish-culture, by Frank N. Clark. Bulletin for

1893, XIII, pp. 213-220, 1894.

. The propagation of black bass in ponds, by William F. Page. Bulletin for

1893, XIII, pp. 229-236. 1894.

. Fish and fishing in British Guiana, by J. J. Quelch. Bulletin for 1893, xm,

pp. 237-240. 1894.

. Fish-cultural investigations at St. Andrews Marine Laboratory, Scotland, by

W.C. MelIntosh. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 241-256. 1894.

. Description of the marine hatchery at Dunbar, Scotland, by T. Wemyss Fulton.

Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 257-262. 1894.

. The past, present, and future of the oyster industry of Georgia, by A. Oemler.

Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 263-272. 1894.

. Deep-water oyster-culture, by Henry C. Rowe. Bulletin for 1893, x11,

pp. 273-276. 1894.

. Breeding natural food artificially for young fish artificially hatched, by A. Nelson

Cheney. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 277-279. 1894.

. What we know of the lobster, by fred Mather. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp.

281-286. 1894.

. Foul fish and filth fevers, by J. Lawrence-Hamilton. Bulletin for 1893, x1,

pp. 311-334. 1894.

. Recent experiments in sturgeon hatching on the Delaware River, by Bashford

Dean. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 335- 339 (including 1 fig.). 1894.

. The fisheries of Canada, by L. Z. Joncas. Bulletin for 1893, x1, pp. 341-348.

1894.

. The fishing industry of Lake Erie, past and present, by C. M. Keyes. Bulletin

for 1893, XIII, pp. 349-353. 1894.

. Notes on the Irish mackerel fisheries, by William Spotswood Green. Bulletin

for 1893, XIII, pp. 357-360, plates 18-16. 1894.

. Past and future of the fur-seal, by Joseph Stanley-Brown. Bulletin for 1893,

XII, pp. 361-370. 1894.

. Fish nets: Some account of their construction and the application of the

various forms in American fisheries, by C. H. Augur. Bulletin for 1893, x11,
pp. 381-388. 1894.

. The fisheries of Japan, by the Japanese bureau of agriculture, compiled by

Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 419-438. 1894.

. On pearls, and the utilization and application of the shells in which they are

found, in the ornamental arts, as shown at the World’s Columbian Exposition,
by George Frederick Kunz. Bulletin for 1893, x11, pp. 439-457, plates 18-41.
1894.

. Report on a collection of fishes from the rivers of central and northern Mexico,

by Albert J. Woolman. Bulletin for 1894, xrv, pp. 55- -66, plate 2. 1894.

. Report of investigations respecting the fishes of Arkansas, conducted during

1891, 1892, and 1898, with a synopsis of previous explorations in the same State,
by Seth E. Meek. Bulletin’ for 1894, XIV, pp. 67-94. 1894.

. Results of explorations in western Canada and northwestern United States,

by Carl H. Eigenmann. Bulletin for 1894, xtv, pp. 101-131, plates 5-8. 1894.

. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, including

the reports on the divisions of scientific inquiry and fisheries, by Marshall
McDonald. Report for 1892, xviml, pp. Vil-cclv. 1894.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. 319

Serial

No.

284.

288.
. List of fishes inhabiting Clear Lake, California, by Charles H. Gilbert. Bulletin

Report upon the investigations of the U.S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross
for the year ending June 30, 1892, by Z. L. Tanner. Report for 1892, xvi,
pp 1-64, plate A. 1894.

Notes on tle fishes of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska, by Seth E. Meek.
Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 183-138. 1894.

for 1894, xtv, pp. 139-140. 1894.

. Notes on the fresh-water species of San Luis Obispo County, Cal., by David 8.

Jordan. Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 141-142. 1894.

. On the appliances for collecting pelagic organisms, with special reference to

those employed by the U. 8. Fish Commission, by Z.L. Tanner. Bulletin for
1894, XIV, pp. 143-151, plates 9-12. 1894.

. The salmon fisheries of Columbia River, together with a report upon physical

and natural history investigations in the region by C. H. Gilbert and B. W.
Evermann, by Marshall McDonald. Bulletin for 1894, XIV, pp. 153-168, plates
13-15. 1894.

. Notes on fishes collected in Florida in 1892, by James A. Henshall. Bulletin for

1894, xIv, pp. 209-221. 1894.

- Notes on a reconnaissance of the fisheries of the Pacific ee of the United

States in 1894, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 223-288. 1894.

. Feeding and rearing “of fishes, particularly trout, ‘under domestication, by

William F. Page. Bulletin for 1894, xtv, pp. 289-314. 1895.

. Report upon investigations in the Maumee River Basin during the summer of
. 1893, by Philip H. Kirsch. Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 315-337. 1895.
. A statistical report on the fisheries of the Middle Atlantic States, by Hugh M.

297.

Smith. Bulletin for 1894, xiv, pp. 339-467. 1895.
The fishes of the Colorado Basin, by Barton W. Evermann and Cloud. Rutter.
Bulletin for 1894, x1v, 473-486. 1895.

. A list of species of fishes known from the vicinity of Neosho, Mo., by Barton W.
298.

Evermann and W. C. Kendall. Bulletin for 1894, x1v, pp. 469-472. 1895.

Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, including
the reports on divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
Marshall McDonald. Report for 1893, xIx, pp. 1-138. 1896.

. The American lobster. A study of its habits and development, by Francis
301.
302.

Hobart Herrick. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 1-252, plates A-J and 1-54. 1896.
A preliminary report upon salmon investigations in Idaho in 1894, by Barton W.
Evermann. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 253-284. 1896.
Notes on an investigation of the menhaden fishery in 1894, with special refer-
ence to the food-fishes taken, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp.
285-302. 1896.

. The fishes of the Neuse River Basin, by Barton W. Evermann and Ulysses O.
304.

Cox. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 303-310. 1896.
Notes on intensive pond culture at Sandfort, by 8. Jaffé. Bulletin for 1895, xv,
pp. 311-316. 1896.

. Notes on the rearing of yearling trout at Sandfort, by S. Jaffé. Bulletin for

1895, Xv, pp, 317-319. 1896.

. Fish-cultural methods at the Agricultural School at Freising. Anonymous.

Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 320-321, plate 55. 1896.

. The course of instruction of the Bavarian Fishery Association. Anonymous.

Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 321-324. 1896.

. Report on a reconnaissance of the oyster-beds of Mobile Bay and Mississippi

Sound, Alabama, by Homer P. Ritter. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 325-339, plates
56-63. 1896.

. A list of fishes and mollusks collected in Arkansas and Indian Territory in 1894,

by Seth Eugene Meek. Bulletin for 1895, xv, pp. 341-349. 1896.

. The sources of marine food, by James I. Peck. Bulletin for 1895, XV, pp. 351- 368.

1896, plates 64-71. 1896.

. Contributions toward the improvement of the culture of salmonoids and craw-

fish in small water-courses, by Karl Wozelka-Iglau. Bulletin for 1895, xv,
pp. 369-378, plate 72. 1896.

. A review of the history and results of the attempt to acclimatize fish and other

water animals in the Pacific States, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1895, xv,
pp. 379-472, plates 73-83. 1896.

. Report upon the work of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross for the

year ending June 30, 1893, by Z. L. Tanner. Report for 1893, x1x, pp. 305-341,
plates 15-18. 1896.

. Report of the representative of the U.S. Fish Commission at the World’s Co-

lumbian Exposition, by Tarleton H. Bean. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 177-196,
plates 1-5. 1896.

320 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Serial

0.

312.

313.
314.
315.

Report upon ichthyological investigations in western Minnesota and eastern
North Dakota, by Albert J. Woolman. Report for 1893, xix, pp. 343-373,
plate 19, 1896.

The food of the oyster, clam, and ribbed mussel, by John P. Lotsy. Report for
1895, XIX, pp. 375-386 (including 4 figs.). 1896.

Establishment of stations for the propagation of salmon on the Pacific Coast, by
John J. Brice. Report for 1893, xix, pp. 387-392. 1896.

Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, including
the reports on the divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
Marshall McDonald. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 1-175. 1896.

. The Russian fur-seal islands, by Leonard Stejneger. Bulletin for 1896, xv1,

pp. 1-148, plates 1-66. 1896.

. Remarks on the movements and breeding grounds of the fur-seal, based on

observations made while on the United States naval patrol of Bering Sea in
1894, by John J. Brice. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 573-577. 1896.

. A report upon salmon investigations in the head waters of the Columbia River,

in the State of Idaho, in 1895; together with notes upon the fishes observed in
that State in 1894 and 1895, by Barton W. Evermann. Bulletin for 1896, xv1,
pp. 149-202, plates 67-72. 1896.

. The artificial propagation of the rainbow trout, by George A. Seagle. Bulletin

for 1896, XVI, pp. 237-256, plates 88-94. 1896.

. The artificial propagation of salmon on the Pacific Coast of the United States,

with notes on the natural history of the quinnat salmon, by Livingston Stone.
Bulletin for 1896, xv1, pp. 203-235, plates 73-87. 1896.

. Report upon the operations of the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross for

the year ending June 30, 1894, by Z. L. Tanner and F. J. Drake. Report for
1894, xx, pp. 197-278, plates 6-8. 1896.

. Description of a closing tow net for submarine use at all depths, by C. H.

Townsend. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 279-282, plates 9,10. 1896

. The whitefishes of North America, by Barton W. Evermann and Hugh M. Smith.

Report for 1894, xx, pp. 283-324, plates 11-28. 1896.

. A report upon the fishes of the Missouri River Basin, by Barton W. Evermann

and Ulysses O. Cox. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 325-429. 1896.

. A review of the foreign fishery trade of the United States, by Charles H.

Stevenson. Report for 1894, xx, pp.431-571. 1896.

. The ichthyological collections of the U. 8. Fish Commission steamer 4lbatross

during the years 1890 and 1891, by Charles H. Gilbert. Report for 1893, x1x,
pp. 393-476, plates 20-35. 1896.

. An annotated catalogue of the fishes known from the State of Vermont, by

Barton W. Evermann and W. C. Kendall. Report for 1894, xx, pp. 579-604.

. A report upon the fishes of southwestern Minnesota, by Ulysses O. Cox. Report

for 1894, xx, pp. 605-616. 1896.

. List of publications of the U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries from its

establishment, in 1871, to February, 1896, by Charles W. Scudder. Report for
1894, xx, pp. 617-706. 1896.

. Deep-sea explorations: A general description of the steamer Albatross, her

appliances and methods, by Z. L. Tanner. Bulletin for 1896, xv1, pp. 257-428
(including 76 figs.), pls. I-xL. 1897.

. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, including

the reports on the divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
Marshall McDonald. Report for 1895, xx1, pp. 1-123. 1896.

. Report upon the investigations of the U. 8. Fish Commission steamer Albatross

for the year ending June 30, 1895 (abstract), by F. J. Drake. Report for 1895,
XXI, pp. 125-168. 1896.

. Notes on Biscayne Bay, Florida, with reference to its adaptability as the site

of a marine batching and experiment station, by Hugh M.Smith. Report for
1895, Xx1, pp. 169-191. 1896.

. The transplanting of eastern oysters to Willapa Bay, Washington, with notes

on the native oyster industry, by C. H. Townsend. Report for 1895, xxI,
pp. 193-202, plate 1. 1896.

. Description of a new species of shad (Alosa alabame) from Alabama, by Barton

W.Evermann. Report for 1895, xx1, pp. 203-205. 1896.

. A check-list of the fishes and fish-like vertebrates of North and Middle America,

by David Starr Jordan and Barton Warren Evermann. Report for 1895, xx,
pp. 207-584. 1896.

. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, including

the reports on divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
John J. Brice. Report for 1896, xx11, pp. 1-145, plates 1-10. 1897.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. 321

. Report of the representative of the U. 8S, Fish Commission at the Cotton States

and International Exposition at Atlanta, Ga., in 1895, by W.de C. Ravenel.
Report for 1896, xxu, pp. 147-167 (including 3 figs.), plates 11-21. 1897.

. Notes on the extension of the recorded range of certain fishes of the United

States Coast, by Hugh M. Smith and William C. Kendall. Report for 1896,
XX, pp. 169-176. 1897.

. Notes on the food of four species of the cod family, by William C. Kendall.

Report for 1896, Xxxul, pp. 177-186. 1897.

. The tisheries of Indian River, Florida, by John J. Brice et al. Report for 1896,

XXII, pp. 223-262, plates 22-60. 1897.

. Report on the fish and fisheries of the coastal waters of Florida, by John J.

Brice. Report for 1896, Xx, pp. 263-342. 1897.

. Report of a survey of the oyster regions of St. Vincent Sound, Apalachicola

Bay, and St. George Sound, Florida, by Franklin Swift. Report for 1896, xx,
pp. 187-221, plate 21. 1897. im

. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, including

the reports on divisions of fish-culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
John J. Brice. Report for 1897, XXIU, pp. I-CLXXI. 1898.

. Artificial propagation of the Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout.

Report for 1897, Xx111, pp. 27-101 (including 14 figures), plates 12-20. 1897.

. Artificial propagation of the black bass, crappies, and rock bass. Report for

1897, XXIII, pp. 159-177 (including 2 figures), plates 45-49. 1897.

. Notes on the edible frogs of the United States and their artificial propagation,

by F. M. Chamberlain. Report for 1897, xx1u, pp. 249-261 (including 6 figures).
1897.

. Oysters and methods of oyster-culture, with notes on clam-culture, by H. F.

Moore. Report for 1897, x x11, pp. 263-340 (including 6 figures), plates I-xvim.
1897.

. The fishes of the Klamath River Basin, by Charles H. Gilbert. Bulletin for

1897, Xvi, pp. 1-13 (including 6 figures). 1898.

. A report upon salmon investigations in the Columbia River Basin and elsewhere

on the Pacific coast in 1896, by Barton W. Evermann and Seth Eugene Meek.
Bulletin for 1897, xvi, pp. 15-84 (including 6 figures), plates 1 and 2. 1898.

. The fishes found in the vicinity of Woods Hele, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin

1897, XVU, pp. 85-111 (including 1 figure), plate 3. 1898.

. Report of observations made on board the U. 8. Fish Commission steamer

Albatross during the year ending June 30, 1896. Report for 1896, xxII, pp.
357-386. 1897.

. Observations upon the herring and herring fisheries of the northeast coast,

with special reference to the vicinity of Passamaquoddy Bay, by H. F. Moore,
Ph. D. Report for 1896, Xx11, pp. 887-442, plates 60-62. 1897.

. The salmon fishery of Penobscot Bay and River in 1895 and 1896, by Hugh M.

Smith. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 113-124, plates 4.and 5. 1898.

. Descriptions of new or little-known genera an< species of fishes fromthe United

States, by Barton W. Evermann and William C, Kendall. Bulletin for 1897,
XVII, pp. 125-133, plates 6-9. 1898.

. Notes on the halibut fishery of the northwest coast in 1896, by A. B. Alexander.

Bulletin for 1897, Xvil, pp. 141-144. 189%.

. The herring industry of the Passamaquoddy region, Maine, by Ansley Hall.

Report for 1896, xxi, pp. 443-489. 1897.

. Statistics of the fisheries cf the interior waters of the United States, by Hugh

M. Smith. Report for 1896, xx, pp. 489-574. 1898.

. Notes on the fisheries of the Pacitie coast in 1895, by William A. Wilcox. Report

for 1896, XxX11, pp. 575-659. 1898.

. Proceedings and papers of the National Fishery Congress. Bulletin for 1897,

XVII, pp. 145-371. 1898.

. Proceedings of National Fishery Congress. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 147-168.

1898.

. Methods of plankton investigation in their relation to practical problems, by

Jacob Reighard. Bulletin for 1897, Xvi, pp. 169-175. 1898.

. The importance of extended scientific investigation, by H. C. Bumpus. Bulle-

tin for 1897, XVII, pp. 177-180. 1898.

. The utility of a biological station on the Florida coast in its relations to the

commercial fisheries, by Seth E. Meek. Bulletin for 1897, Xvul, pp. 181-183.
1892.

. Establishment of a biological station on the Gulf coast, by W. Edgar Taylor.

Bulletin for 1897, Xvi, pp. 185-188. 1898.
F. R. 98——21

pay REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.
Serial
No.

369. Some notes on American shipworms, by Charles P. Sigerfoos. Bulletin for 1897,
XVI, pp. 189-191. 1898.

370. An economical consideration of fish parasites, by Edwin Linton. Bulletin for
1897, Xvu, pp. 193-199. 1898.

371. The fish fauna of Florida, by B. W. Evermann. Bulletin for 1897, xvu1, pp. 201-
208. 1898.

372. The lampreys of central New York, by H. A. Surface. Bulletin for 1897, xvm,
pp. 209-215, plates 10 and 11. 1898.

373. The protection of the lobster fishery, by Francis H. Herrick. Bulletin for 1897,
XVII, pp. 217-224. 1898.

374. The Florida commercial sponges, by Hugh M. Smith. Bulletin for 1897, xvu,
pp. 225-240, plates 12-31. 1898.

375. On the feasibility of raising sponges from the egg, by H. V. Wilson. Bulletin

. for 1897, xv, pp. 241-245, 1898.

376. The Hudson River as a salmon stream, by A. Nelson Cheney. Bulletin for 1897,
XVII, pp. 247-251. 1898.

377. A plea for the development and protection of Florida fish and fisheries, by
James A. Henshall. Bulletin for 1897, xvi1, pp. 253-255. 1898.

378. International protection for the denizens of the sea and waterways, by Bushrod
W. James. Bulletin for 1897, xvi, pp. 257-263. 1898.

379. The restricted inland range of shad due to artificial obstructions, and its effect
upon natural reproduction, by Charles H. Stevenson. Bulletin for 1897, xvu,
pp. 265-271. 1898.

380. The green turtle and the possibilities of its protection and consequent increase
on the Florida coast, by Ralph M. Munroe. Bulletin for 1897, xvu1, pp. 273-
274. 1898.

381. Some factors in the oyster problem, by H.F. Moore. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp.
275-284. 1898.

382. The oyster grounds of the west Florida coast; their extent, condition, and
peculiarities, by Franklin Swift. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 245-287. 1898.

383. The oyster and oyster beds of Florida, by John G. Ruge. Bulletin for 1897,
XVII, pp. 289-296. 1898.

384. The Louisiana oyster industry, by F.C. Zacharie. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp.
297-304. 1898.

385. The oyster bars of the west coast of Florida, their depletion and restoration, by
H.A.Smeltz. Bulletin for 1897, xv1, pp. 305-308. 1898.

386. Notes on the fishing industry of eastern Florida, by John Y. Detwiler. Bulletin
for 1897, x vil, pp. 809-312. 1898.

387. Oysters and oyster culture in Texas, by I. P. Kibbe. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp.
313-314. 1898.

388. The methods, limitations, and results of whitefish culture in Lake Erie, by J.J.
Stranahan. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 315-319. 1898.

389. A brief history of the gathering of fresh-water pearls in the United States, by
George F. Kunz. Bulletin for 1897, xv, pp. 321-330. 198.

390. The red-snapper fisheries; their past, present, and future, by Andrew F. Warren.
Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 331-335. 1898.

391. Some brief reminiscences of the early days of fish-culture in the United States,
by Livingston Stone. Bulletin for 1897, xv11, pp. 837-343. 1898.

392. The relations between State fish commissions and commercial fishermen, by W.
E. Meehan. Bulletin for 1897, xv, pp. 345-348. 1898.

393. Possibilities for an increased development of Florida’s fishery resources, by
John N.Cobb. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 349-351. 1898.

394. The utility and methods of mackerel propagation, by J. Percy Moore. Bulletin
for 1897, Xvu, pp. 353-361. 1898.

395. The large- mouthed black bass in Utah, by John Sharp. Bulletin for 1897, xvi,
pp. 363-368. 1898.

396. Florida fur farming, by J.M. Willson, jr. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 369-371.
1898.

397. The fresh-water pearls and pearl fisheries of the United States, by George F.
Kunz. Bulletin for 1897, xvu, pp. 373-426, plates I-xx11.

398. Report of the Commissioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, including
the reports on divisions of fish culture, scientific inquiry, and fisheries, by
George M. Bowers. Report for 1898, XxIv, pp. I-CLXXX1, plates I-XxI._ 1899.

399. Report on mackerel investigations in 1897, by J. Perey Moore. Report for 1898,
XXIV, pp. 1-22. 1899.

400. Report on fishes obtained by the steamer Albatross in the vicinity of Santa Cata-
lina Island and Monterey Bay, by Charles H. Gilbert. Report for 1898, xx1v,
pp. 23-29, plates land 2. 1899,

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION. 323

Serial -

. Notes on the extent and condition of the alewife fisheries of the United States
in 1896, by Hugh M. Smith. Report for 1898, xxiv, pp. 31-43. 1899.

. Report on the oyster beds of Louisiana, by H. , Moore. Report for 1898, xxiv,
pp. 45-100, plate 3. 1899,

. The shad fisheries of the Atlantic coast of the United States, by Charles H. Ste-
venson. Report for 1898, XXIv, pp. 101-269. .1899.

. List of fishes collected at the Revillagigedo Archipelago and neighboring
islands, by David Starr Jordan and Richard Crittenden McGregor. Report
for 1898, XXIV, pp. 273-284, plates 4-7. 1899.

. Report on investigations by the U.S. Fish Commission in Mississippi, Louisiana,
and Texas in 1897, by Barton Warren Evermann. Report for 1898, XXIv, pp.
285-310, plates 8-36. 1899.

. List of publications of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries available for
distribution on March 1, 1899. Report for 1898, XxIv, pp. 311-327. 1899.

. Report upon exhibit of the United States Fish Commission at the Tennessee
Centennial Exposition in 1897, by W.deC. Ravenel. Report for 1898, Xx1y, pp.
329-339, plate 37, 1899.

324 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

INDEX TO LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Serial No.

Acclimatization of fish in Pacific States.... 309
Adams xAn' C..u2ecctecssceccereccaseeeectee + hlb2
Albatross, description of -2-------------=:-- 330
electric lighting of.....-....---- 73
explorations in Bristol Bay .--.- 161

Pacific Ocean - 130,

180, 228, 284, 355

fishes collected by...----..----- 326, 400
ichthyological collections of . 326
MGCS sa fesse cscs eee Cee arnT3: 129
WiODKIO terema nse eer ee sear 130,

180, 228, 284, 310, 321, 332, 355
Albemarle region, North Carolina, fishes of.

Alewife fishery of United States -..--.-..-- 401
Alexander, AliBesqnisacs = cies > vemsnise emis ae 359
America, fish- Culbure int ss.-- seer secre 254, 255
fishes of....-..------.---.-------- 336
Americansushsinehinilandi= sees sees 234
lobster, natural history of ---.---- 300
ship-worm, notes on.-....------- = Bit
waters, decrease of food-fishes in. 239
Antrim County, Mich., fishes of.-......---- 141
Apalachicola Bay, survey of ...---------.-- 343
Appliances for collecting pelagicorganisms. 289
Aquaria at Central Station...-....--...--.- 186
World’s Columbian Exposition. 253
Aquarium, supply and pumping plants
Usedsoni eae aco-aoeee ae aeeleemaeeaee 253
PAT Kansas MishesiOhesset sce sereeee ceteris 280, 306
mols KStOhessecee sasisaeisciee eee 306
ATMIShOAONS be sa- seisna cence tie ncieeteecee 249
Artificial food for VOuUN Pp fishis-sseeceeer ee 264
Atkins s@barlesiGeecacem-scasceace accesses 21
Atlanta Exposition, report on...-...---.... 338
Atlantic coast tishes, range of .......-..--.-- 233
salmon, propagation of .......---- 346
shad fisheries --.... Joes aoone eee 403
Atwater: IWeO)s2ccsceinc sissies asieceiomcc eis 185
pAtO Gunn On Hetemaaetoyss ae cee enema aac eeeeieer 275
Baird Spencer Hace sense see cece ece cseeane 3, 4,
15, 17, 25, 46, 62, 65, 73, 108, 115, 134
Bass, black, propagation Oleh Bees 259, 347
Lock, propagatlomoly.-s2s 455) esesee ae 347
Batrachians, natural history of ..-.....---- 222
Bavarian Fishery Association........-..--- 304
Beamitrawil fish enyase--seeeeee secre eee 132
Bean, Larletonvel s.- oe eee eee 138, 145, 188, 237, 311
Bering Sea explorations by ‘Albatross.-...-- 228
Bibliography of U.S. F.C. publications.... 329
Biological station for Florida coast ..-...--. 367
Gulf of Mexico..-.-.-. 368
Biscayne Bay, notes on .-...-...--.-------- 333
iBlackibasswnuUitalbi jaa secele casein ee 395
propagation ofa. semen seca 259, 347
Bollman., Charles ESRI ee cs SL 141, 190
Borodine Nis see aaa: ees teeeet ss eee 254
Bowers, George Miss o ASeemeenesnn eens 398

Isp aKachdgd sanmns osenere oae 314, 317, 337, 341, 342, 344

Bristol Bay, Alaska, fishing-grounds of.--. 161
British Gaiana, dishes Ote.s-se-wesee] see eee 260
Brook trout, propagation of ...-.........--- 346
IBYOOKS Wes Whos eieteraictarswisieiwice sane © wie eistets 248
IByrbeN DWE Sly (Cis nor euoonedaces eoedenseeeaane 366
Bushy Katharine osn-cseecnsesee- sees eee 100
Calhoun County, Mich., fishes of........--.- 141
Califormiavtisheste----s-sesemecee sees = 288
pearlifishery ofc. ------ ace. 152
Canada sisheriesiofoses<<-c. sce ce oeeeeaee eee 270
Carpiculturee--cenpecssecces cea eae ee ee 27
Central Station aquaria, observations on... 186
Centrarchidz, review of......-------..----- 190
Cetacea, anatomy, development, and embry-
ology (a5 dee ka gk aD ghee 120
Chamberlain si Meee eee eas meee ene te ae 348
Chemical composition of fish...........--... 185
Cheney, 7A Nelsons.-.ce--<2cseseccce c= oe 264, 376
C hureh, D Mantel cu Xceed cee cajtacaee sean aoe 240
Cincinnativexposition® cece ss scsascrcnese 191
Clam cultresterese acoso nae ee aan ee 349
Clam: food Obese. coe eee ee eee ane 313
Clarke ir amlconis 3 seeecs rican concen ectoe ee 257
Clear Lake, California, fishes of .........-.. 288

Serial No.

Clinton County, Ky., fishes of.......-.--...- 197

Clinton, {Gs Bests. 525s Eee eee 253

GCobbsJ ohnuN) 24-22 22 3is2e eee eee eee 393

Cod, food Of -c2.)..--s-cen- sees eee Eeeeease 340

Collecting outfit, U. S. Fish Commission. - 289

pelagic OLLanisMs2s=-- 2 ses 289

Collins} Di Eis A222 322 35 5ench ee eee eee 172
Collins, JsAWsses oo sess 8 Soe ee eee 31,

132, 137, 169, 171, 172, 177, 191, 192, 206

Colorado River, fishes Ci Mee OP OE ST on 297

Columbia River, fishéesiof. 2 42233 ee 290

salinon fisheries - 290, 301, 318, 352

Commissioner, Report of.--.-.--..-----.-. 3, 4, 15,

° 17, 25, 62, 65, 108, 115, 134, 176, '
192, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 344, 398

Connecticut oyster fishery Sete eee ers 169
Cotton States and International Exposition
at Atlanta, report On-.---2---d---5--= eee 338
Cox, Ulysses O Saee Seats chicse maces 3038, 324, 328
Cozumel, Yucatan, fishes of....--.--------- 138
Crab fishery of Delaware Bay-..-..-.------- 166
Crappie, propagation of ..--.......--------- 347
Craytishycultureiots: 9 -eee--= eee eee 308
Crustaceans, natural history of ...----...--- 224
Cumberland River, fishes of ...--........-- 211
Darter, deseription Of. -.- 2-1-2 == ee eee 197
Deanybashtord- 4s eee eee ee 202, 203, 214, 269
Decrease of food-fishes -==-- -2-2- 2. 2---ae==e 62
in American waters. 239
Deep-sea explorations, description of ....-- 530
Deep-water molluscac--c.-+--—----— ease 100
Delaware Bay, king-crab fishery of ..-..--- 166
Detwiler; John 2s s25-ce ces eee ee eee 386
Distribution of fish and fish eggs by U. S
High: Commission yess eae eee 179
Drake? WA as.5. lee eee 321, 332
Dredging apparatus, description of- - ----- 289, 330
stations, Hatiol..2 ce ccesee ene 41
Dunbar, Scotland, marine hatchery 20 cee 261
Economic problems, relations of -.-.------- 243
Kel River; explorations in.--------=-- 2-2-5 235
Higenmann’ Carli spose. eee == eee 127, 231, 282
Electric lighting of Albatross.....-.------- 73
Entomostraca of Lake Superior. --.--------- 174
Entozoa of marine fishes .......-...-------- 182
Erie, Lake, fishery industry of .--.---.----- 271
European method of oyster-culture -....--- 214
Hurope; fish-coltuream 22-22 esses er 254

Hivermann, bartOuy Wises -e cee eee ;
225, 246, 290, 297, 301, 303, 318, 323,
324, 327, 835, 336, 352, 358, 371, 405

Exhibit of Fish Commission at Atlanta.... 338

at Chicago.... 311

at Cincinnati. 191

at Nashville... 407

Excrescences on minnows. .--..-.---.-------- 154

Kesler) Bert .2.<cstecaacesoascieon eee eee 219

Rewkes,Ji: Wialters:- 23 coe sans nee were 113, 129

HinlandAmericantisihin= ==. s--seese sees 234

Fish, acclimatization in Pacifie States...--- 309

Fish and tishing in British Guiana .-.-...-- 260

Fishy causeor tevers=.-.-.-2-----—ssereeens 268

chemical composition of.......--..--. 185

Fish Commission publications, list of .... 329, 406

| relations to fishermen.... 392
Fish-culture at St. Andrew’s Laboratory,

Scotland! os: oc... 2semencoae cee eee eee 261

Fish-culture in America ..........-... 254, 255, 391

MULOPO- 2-2 - sence aeons 254

Germany ----s- sees eee 804

Michigan! es. nese 256

ponds .... 27, 259, 294, 319, 346, 347

observations On-.---=2-=------ 188

REPOLU ON see aes ees ieee 176,

192, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 344, 398
review of 75
Fish-cultural methods at the Agricultural

Schooliat Mreisinf)s-se seco nee eee 304
Fish-cultural stations for Pacific coast .... 314
Fish, distribution by U.S. F. C.in 1888-89.. 179
Fish epidemic in Lake Mendota ...--..--..- 147
Fish feversics. isc fscenie re eee eee 268

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION.

2 Serial No.
Fish, food of ipa aah nite na wale nied a ee we 264
Fish ‘hatchery at Dunbar, Scotland ........ 262
location of wan ee eid metus sate 333
Fish Hawk, construction of...............- 70
yaad MCE) ig co Um aed pe TS Se 70
RRR Oy bride; TeVuuty OF... 0. sone meenn ean 234
migrations, influences on .........-- 245, 249
nets, construction of...............-.--- 275
parasites, occurrence of.....-......--- 164,
165, 183, 250, 253, 370
is og oa TONONG Olesen eta 4,
17, 25, 62, 65, 108, 115, 134, 176,
108, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 244, 398
THRE Ol. tees aee= aes 27, 259, 204, 319, 346, 347
Fisheries, biological research in ........-.. 244
COUUROEH ones = once. sean on 237, 363, 364
TOM MOWUG! concen cesses ecemeoes 401
haddock Ws. eo saencs- ween s eee 31
Halibut cess cserecc sor secuces 359
NGM ey. . ne ee een eee ee 356, 360
rial MACKCKEL- — so... -5-+<=c= 272
Wobsters) +... 2 o.c es eaeeene toe 373
MGNNAVGON Gack so sec te eeca ans 306
Ted’ Snapper. << m2 elena n ns 390
PAIMON Hoh can ceceseea toes 290, 357
BAG S72 Ab tace sent oan e a eae 403
maintenance Of. 4. c.cecensces cess 226
of Canadat seo eae sce ee 270
Florida..-....... 341, 342, 377, 386, 393
Gulf Mtatesre ss csc cece scen ose 206
Indian River, Florida .--..-... 341
Interior waters ..........-..- 361
A ise ee bane co cnscasadsac 277
Wake Mrievs.o-ccc ces sone ose 271
Ontario's: cc. acnsse eee 194
Middle Atlantic States......- 296
New England coast 3 |
Pacific coast ..-.--..- 293
BOS and CORSt. 222. 5---<e--5-5 240
South Atlantic States ....-..-- 212
PROxaR coches seen mene nets eee 218
(Umi ted States in-~ 2 a5 macn enn 177
Fishermen, relations to Fish Commission-. 392
* Fishery laws of Great Lakes............--- 238
legislation - 5222225522 u-oscneces's's 241
trade, foreign, of United States. . 325
Fishes and fishlike vertebrates of Nor th
and Middle America ...-........-- 336
Fishes, artificial feeding of................- 294
collected by Albatross..-.......-- a 400 |
CEGCTOARGIOL so yee ae Teen a
17, 25, 62, 65, 108, 115, 1347930
BUTOZOM Otese ate se cet ic ene ana een ais lalu's 182
LEON De Olsen. meee ene Sais acineicsoe 294
Ler Cy aa ah eS Se eee 264
influenced by Mon Gee een cea. ea c- 245
in vicinity of Neosho, Mo..........- 297 |
DEM VO Vales Olen anos eacs wcoccas 185
ODSELrVAIONS ON sce ccoe «cones tenes 188
PROLOG UGMOl = name arenes manta 378
SRR AER OS Octet ne Siri ener seers wala 294
SLAF AH Fh eR A Op ae Sea 231
WIBHGBIOT AINGIICH. <- 20 cose ah con ences 336
oe] eT CY: ea ae hee ee ee 280, 306
Atlantic coast, range of..-..--.--. 233
British Guiana Se es cacara oa rere 260
PelfOrnigecsecsassee ete eco ee 288
EPI 6 Sees Se See ee 282 |
Colordde River. = * 25-2 2sS once. 297
Columbia River 2-54-05... 0n2e- 290
Cozumel; Yucatan-...22.°...-.--- 138 |
Cumberland River ..-...--...-..- 211 |
HOOHIVOR sooecc secede ee 235 |
Wionida::--.. 5. 167, 198, 292, 342, 371, 377 |
RCOR DIA se 25 ese ee ee os aot 142 |
1 bt A eh ee 235, 295
TIGA ROLTILOL Joc soe § cone oi c.ex 306 |
ROW ieee pane ae te ee eo 195, 288 |
Kentnciur sees ee ee 196, 197, 211 |
° Mldmnanheaver.- .23 425 esas ccna 351 |
Mackenzie River<.2.-.2-..-...-5- 234
MaING Ecce pase eee cea eeeees , 236
Moaxicove tee ee dato. 279 |
Michigan (at aotaaeeae = neon a = 141
MINOR OLAS + Sone conc cLueweenbon) DlasooS
WEANOULT seee seen ecto le eee 297
MHBNOUTT RA VOIt owe ele ee wee eats 324
Monterey Bay soo osstcee ces a eo 400 |
IN GUREB Gis sous sce mers oKioe anceps 288 |

325

Serial No.
Bishes of Neuse River: oo... c.ccacwwstnenae 303
NOW VORGO UC esas ede orca aen ene 229, 230
NOD AMONOR: scence cxewwnuonnns 336
North Carolingsece-cceeeenaseee ne 303
Nortn DakOta’.cccnkupac encce wees 312
POTOMAC IVC! .cesvavaaeserueee ae 189
Rio Grande Basin ........-..-.+-= 225
Revillagigedo.-casesesacees sea 404
Santa Catalina oc csccas esas 400
Ses isle Citys Ni Gina a-cosneens wees 229
MOnnensees soos cdo eenee eee 211
ROXAS SeceS2 codcedas eee eeen ee aoe 225
Wmited States) 2oss22cccscer eres 339, 358
IMBTRION Gee Aad ents deseo 327
Woods Hole: Maas’... scons sne 553
Fishing-grounds of Bristol Bay, Alaska... 161
off Florida coast ........- 162
vessels, improved types of ......... 137
Florida, biological etation Lor. +. scene 333, 367
commercial SPONROSs=> pee eee 374
fishenest 228252524 341, 342, 377, 386, 393
fishes of... .. 167, 198, 292) 341, 342, 371, ps
fishing-grounds off: / 3. eee 162
fox-fanminyy ines sees seems 396
green Portia ins --525.<. eee eee 380
oyster- PLOURGS Of- 322.5. -ee = 382, 383, 385
Food-fishes in American waters, decrease of 239
Hood for-younm hshitcs:ses.. coc as cers 264, 294
OL COG ta53 Ree eee een aia tee 340
marine, animals.< 3 --hss5- nea e eee 248
menhad ei 2. - joer ccs sar cece seas 251
oyster, clam, and mussel ...-.-..--. 313
Sources Of Marine. + tele eee 307
MOrbea Si Assess soe cceaeee ns eames 147, 174, 210, 253
France, oyster-culture in...............--.-- 203
Fresh-water pearls of United States . 278, 389, 397
sunfishes of North America .. 190
Mrop-CUultnrO! os cemes oe eens ooeinees nena eee 348
Fulton, T. Wemyss Bove fia
Marfarmin omeWloridasen.s—-sesese sees 396
Fur-seal, breeding-grounds of 317
LET) Bete cosobsseektonenocsccs 273
islands, /Russianiy---- sc-s- sec esse 316
MOVeMOMis Of scsaqos a see wee 317
Myike-net sheries=ecoo- see = sacs eeree se as 226
nets; description’ of-..-.---------4-5—" 226
Geneva Lake, invertebrate animals of-.-.-.-- 147
Georgia, fishustols: GS: 22) Flies: Se eae 142
oyster industry of.........-.------ 262
German Sea, scientific examination of 40
Germany, soetieial propagation of sturgeon
nee ee rhc scene nee eae eeee 151
fish. CuLiUTeN\= j2ssns/-sereuceccns 304
Gilbert, Charles H ... 142, 234, 288, 290, 326, 351, 400
Gilbert Wels 2 shot sce ee ences see 242
Goode; G: Brown :23 o335-422 229-2 eeceee 31, 75, 243
| Grampus, construction and equipment of... 171
investigation off New England
CORSE it ceteee ee a eee 168
WOPK Of 52-e oo neeeees eee 172
Great Britain beam-trawl fishery ....---.--- 132
Great Lakes, fishery laws of .........-..---- 238
plankton studies in .....-.... 252
Green turtle on Florida coast .........----- 380
Green, William Spotswood..-......-..--.--- 72
Gulf of Mexico, biological station for-..---- 368
Gulf States, fisheries(of 2-22-92 ---seeee eno 206
Gurley; Ra see aaa ae eae ae ae eee 215
Haddock fishery of New England..-.-....--. 31
Halibut fishery of northwest coast.......-. 359
All CAM Bley Sonn canner en ee ce en 360
Henshall« James Ae. - see 167, 292, 377
Herrick, Prancis 2. ---25------eeenee 247, 300, 373
Herring fisheries.c7 sen eaas sea saeee cama 356
an of Passamaquoddy Bay .. 360
Hessel) Rudolph isso ies enene teen eee 27
Hudson River, salmon ins csse-- eee sateen 376
Hybrids; tertility.of 2.224). meoe sate mee 234
Ichthy ological collections of the steamer
Albatross ts tessa os eee 326
_ Ichthyological investigations in western
Miinmesotates skies eet ase eo neeee 312
Idaho, salmon investigations in ..-......-.- 301, 318
Enprersolls Mirnestsic.. /ccccee ceseneee tees 223
Indiana, fishes of...) sue eee eee 235, 295
Indian River, Florida, fisheries of.......... 341
‘Eerritory, iehes Ot.-:---ssesusueene 306
NIOMMBES| OL .2 ss aackneene 306
Interior waters, fishery statistics of ....... 361

326

Serial No.

International fishery congress .--.---------- 364
protection of fish.....-...-.-- 378

Invertebrate animals of Lakes Geneva and
Mend otaile a. cn eccr niece ering ote see ease nae 147

Investigation of commission for scientific
examination of the German Seas.-.--..--. 40
LOwa, USHES Of ca -cntesos7 ace nase ee eet 195, 288
Irishimackerel fisheries. ------------<+----~ 272
ALLOWS ciareri nto: cals 6 ome daa ter ease meearcts 304

Jamaica mountain mullet, proposed intro-
GUCHION OL 22 sae see aee acces pases o= 145
AMES, HUShLodaWesseeese sea o-eiem<s ais 378
VaApaAN MiSs hOTIEsiOlen anne eae seers tee 277
DONCAS Wiese coe eten ekisaes Some eet 270

Jordan, David Starr 127, 178, 219, 288, 336, ue
Kalamazoo County, Mich., fishes of

Kendall williams. eae cence 62,
225, 233, 236, 297, 327, 339, 340, 358
Kentncky, Shes Ob-- 4-nse-ee eee esi“ = 196, 197, 211
IAGwGsp Call Aaapedddssceceantoserenacoeeses= 271
Fb DOs pstce eos oie meee erm eascinictniatsi's wate 387
King-crab fishery of Delaware Bay ....---- 166
orsch Philip yee ee ejteaa alee 197, 211, 235, 295
Klamath River, fishes of ..--..-...--..-.--- 351
SKS ATUGN OC PRCA estes mee eo eca tae ote aietys acini 234
IKON z4 G COL LOW ecm iayete cissiieei= miele ai 278, 389, 397
Wabroid fishes, reviews Ole ssa--ct- see oe peel 173
Make brie; fisheriesiOLls=.4ecid cic (antes aie /t 271
whitefish culture in-.-.-.....-.- 388
Ontario fisheries (Olss-se- 4a --eee a 194
Superior, entomostraca of ..--...----- 174
Lakes, investigation of .......-------.-.---- 246
Lampreys Of New, Wonk. 2s-<-- sos sesiesce == 372
Larval dibothria from Yellowstone National
Panes sateen ema seide ne at ae wae em eects 150
Hawrence-Hamilton id) sa acess ec aden ne 268
IDES MVE AVE ab Cans Aeiensoss eee ebeouonodse 238
Legisiation, effect upon ocean fishes and
HISMOTICS pete tyes reais staleie aisles ia 241
Itai nena GUD Ei) ee saee esac pons esnSesonce 168
Light, influence of, Quine sascesecesocnsecs 245
Linton. Edwin -.. 150, 154, 164, 165, 182, 183, 250, 370
Lobster, development Fr a eR 247, 300
fishery, protection of ...........-.. 373
HaDitsiOfie seeetceee see meedese sec 247, 300
matural history, Of - secn-- =~ --1-— 265, 300
LOA AblON Olsen meee nce eat 247, 300
Lobsters transplanted to the Pacific coast. 146
LOE VEnea ise s oc see co Scanose te san seees2 245
Lotsy, Ah les Cease esosccesosooneSsecoosee 313
Louisiana, investigations in.....----------- 405
oyster-grounds....-.-.-.-...-.-- 402
bly Seoqsne doskadeoce 384
MeCallums GAs. ocecisco5-- sseaccesstes sce 238
MeDonald, Marshall. 131, 176, 192, 283, 290, 298, 331
McGregor, RAC sean stece cnt seeisea cee eelaae 404
McIntosh, WAG cere tem emoeb cask Eeanac ase eas 261
Mackenzie Rivers tahes) Ober resaaaa mse cee 234
MAC KETOMNSHOIICS seme seis a eteteinninietetaiaieraias 272
AINVOS LIS AVION at arm eleiasiteteiere oie a 399
PLOPAS ALON ee eee een isis ee lcos 394
MgING TISHESOb se 6 4- sor js ia eniecle ceiansicie = Pielole 236
giant-scallop fishery of -.........--. 163
Marine animals, food of .........--.....---- 248
HSH NaAceheryoe esse ssa estae 261, 333, 368
fOOdqSOULCES. fee — pe neeeea aan e nee 307
hatching and experiment station on
Biscayne Bay, Hilaire - no mee ae = 333
Mather (Hred se aajj=/<):cinj2izesainsiom nleis'elam se ie 265
Maumee Riv OV tiShES\OLe seco asin sisieeianieee 295
Medusz collected by Albatross .....-.---. 118, 129
Meehan Wi: dW asncmccsin seme te meme sssses 392

Meek, Seth HKugene 195, 280, 288, 306, 352, 367

Mendota Lake, fish epidemic Wiis-s-feee aa 142
invertebrate animals of - 147
Menhaden, fishery investigations of 307
p LOOM Of sera qjmmaiciasiaaninfees sesh ceisice 251
Mexico; MISH eSlOLec a seccns clas ariniee soeieeecistoe 279
Wehr ls UNE E 2 AB US EBROcos reece rc se cos assoc 40
Michigan, fish-culture in.........-....----- 256
TANOS OL pisiaseielmrain syeiiel dajeis ste letelnins's 141
Middle Atlantic States, fisheries of........-. 296
MST aTOMIO RAIS DESY oo cteoeseicicd-amieminias ciel 245, 249

Minnesota, fishes of 312, 328

Minnow, excrescences on .......--.-------- 154
Mississippi, investigations in .....--......- 405
Mississippi Sound, oyster-beds of.... .-.--- 305

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

° Serial No.
Missouri: fishes 0f..).---25--2> 0 casaee eS 297
Missouri River, fishesiof -.----.5---------- 324
Mobile Bay, oyster beds of............----. 305
Mollusks, natura] history of -....---..----- 223
of Arkansas and Indian Terri-
LODYiee nes ieee “eet eee 306
Montana, fauna of -----soace = eoee eee 210
Montery Bay, fishes Of 2-52 o-pess ceca 400
Moore (ER 3. - eee n ean deeee 229, 349, 356, 381, 402
IMG OT eT OU ONES aisle )= ante lela = lane eet 394, 399
Monroe; Ralph Mn ooo tn eee ae eee 380
Mullet, Jamaica mountain ..-.......-..--.. 145
Mussel, ribbed, food of- 5... 2------eeeeeeee 313
Myxosporidia, classification of............- 215
Nashivalle se xpos ition psn a -/ats sat aes 407
National fisheries congress......-...----- 363, 364
Nebraska ifishesOfe= oo. cee seiodeee tee oe eee 288
Neosho, Mo;, fishes near so-4-54-ee-c-eeeeee 297
Nets for fish, construction of..........-.-.- 275
Net, submarine, description of.-.-...--..... 322
INeuserRiver dishes Ofc. s-)1as= eee = See 303
New England coast, fisheries of.....--..-.. 3
physical investigation
Cis a A RINE pS 6 168
winter haddock, fishery of-. 31

New sersey,AiShesiOf.--- 9... meee eee se eee 229, 230

iNew. Work, lampreysiot- => o-—-sssee5s=e ee 372
North America, fish-culture in-.........--. 254
fishes! Of -.cnsocta = see eee 336
wihitetish.Of--sesce- senses 323
North Carolina, fishes of ...--..--.--=------ 303
North Dakota, fishes Of... -- see eee eee 312
Northwestern United States and western
Canada, explorations in ........-...------ 282
Nord qivist,| Oscatessa--ces= ame sae 234, 255
Notes on fish-culture in Germany. .--.------ 304
Observations upon fish, etce....---......---- 188
| Ocean fishes and effect of legislation upon
THEWISHOTICSE =~ pees’ eee eee eee 241
Oemiler, Aisi pase occ se aeie se eeseee 262
Oystericulture)-= me se-=eeee = eee eee 263, 349
IN HULOpesceeer seas ee eee 214
pe pereeeascace=Scce - 203
Ap ECAR a Sane as Ss 007 26 387
FOO GIOL «oa setaeimtele tata sera niaje tite ae 313
grounds of Florida ...-...---- 382, 383, 385
ILOUISIaANa= = see eeae eae 402
Mobile Bay and Missis- :
sippi Sound ......---- 305
South Carolina......--. 202
industry of Connecticut .....-...--- 169
Georgia... aces ane 262
[ovisian ajo. > eae 384
Pacific coast..-.------=- 217
Willapa Bay.----.------ 334
investigations in Apalachicola Bay, .
St. Vincent Sound, and St. George
Sound 22.6 fe en oetsn cats eres 343
problems; factorswil sass eel ee 381
Oysters transplanted to Willapa Bay ---.--- 334
Pacific coast, establishment of fish-cultural
stations On <<. <6-<---—5=-r 314
fish@ries'... 2. cece cane aoe 293
lobsters for. .-.-2-44-eee=ee 146
oyster industry...-.-..-..... 217
salmon propagation on ..---- 320
Pacific Ocean explored by Albatross .-..--- 130,
180, 228, 284
Pacific States, acclimatization of fish m. 309
lepieey Miollrehi lV Saqmsceseoste see otse Soo "259, 294
Parasites of fish -.-.....-- 164, 165, 183, 250, 253, 370
tiver Shark. 2... certs sae eee 183
Passamaquoddy Bay herring fisheries ... 356, 360
Pearl fishery of California .....-.----.--- == 152
United States ......-.-... 389, 397
Pearls at Columbian Exposition ........-.- 278
fresh-water, of United States--..-.-- 389, 397
Peck. James) Diet ccc cnc ccc caia scenes 251, 307
Pelagic animals, migration of .......------- 245
organisms, collecting of BPE ae coteace .289
Penobscot Bay salmon fisheries.....---.--- 357
Physical investigation of New England
CORSE oo cece eee eee eee eee 168
Planktonistudies=s-2-.eeeesas ees sae esaee 355
t in Great Lakes.........-- 252
Pond culture, notes on..........--....--..-. 30
Post, Hoyt ....... SCOHOAB COR COUSUEE Sito 3 256

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION.

Serial No.

Potomac River, fishes of.................... 189

Propagation of base. <2... csc csecnnans 259, 347
GIGS Ss auscnconasehasnasHee 5
food-fishes, report on.......

15, 17, 25, 62, 65, 108, 115, 134, 176
192, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 344, 398

TPORH cou phcunnap anes eenee - 3848

OYVSLELB «onc. nc cnvwccawennces 349

AGINION sostnteay cen ecaee ee 346

ROU sana acs o's <bnwialee bere 346

Protection of fishes. .<... 22.20. ceeneceennes 378

Psorosperms on short minnow .......----.-- 154

ee of U.S. Fish Commission, list

oo ES EE SRS A TE in SEAS 329, 406

ae 5 Pt Sa enero ye ean n18 260

uinnat salmon, natural history of-.....--. 320

Rainbow trout, propagation of.........--. 319, 346
Rathbun, Ric ards ee eee 41,
146, 192, 224, 228, 283, 298, 315, ath 337

PEPeNGle WW. 6. O-oaaen nw cncs omenaae ensue 338, 407
Red-snapper fisheries ............---...---- 390
RRB VEH IG 5.0K. on cw aid dulinas mapomeecicatem cnt 253
RAISNATCG WACOM Kiln ahusetensosenecawse =< 252, 365
Report of Commissioner............--.----- 3,4,

15, 17, 25, 62, 65, 108, 115, 134, 176,
192, 283, 298, nies. 331, 337, 344, 398
Reptiles, natural history of .-.---.--...-... 222

Revillagigedo, fishes of...........-----.--.. 404
Rio Grande Basin, fishes of......------..-.- 225
TOUIn Te ipl LO es See oe Pee 305
Rock bass, propagation of...........-.-.--- 347
Rowe, H. re Suite ea te Macaca dete eae coo E eae 263
TAP eROUN Gra cacsaves oom s snuasesasee coe 383
Rutter, loud ese 3 245. sks ea ew esas a ncneee 297
Ryder, Saint Mek obec ees ok 181, 244
Russian fur-sealislands. 2.2.2 vcs.<<s<<-2-0- 316
St. Andrew’s laboratory, Scotland, fish-cul-

MUIPES EID Shon atl Aainiais ie ate teow arais ad > 261
St. George Sound, survey of..-..-..-..-.--- 343
St. Vincent Sound, survey of. -.-...---------- 343
Salmon fisheries, Columbia River-.-.----.--- 290

Penobscot Bay..-.-.------ 357

hatching apparatus ..........-..--- 21

PMV IPOCSONTMAVGLs 255 se cere crecasre 376
investigations in Columbia River.. 290,

301, 318, 352

investigations in Idaho........... 301, 318
Salmonoids, culture of..-2-...-.--..00s200c- 308
Salmon, propagation of.....-...---.------ 320, 346
stations on Pacific coast..........- 314
Sandfort, fish-culture at..............-....- 304
Santa Catalina; fishes:of..-.--....ceccscae -- 400
Saprolegnia infesting fish...........-...-.- 253
Scallop fishery of Mame: scocus ce accies oon 163
Scenes LOWOwW Ol. sce cecnssaccee cas —- 127
Scientific examination of the German seas- 40)
inquiry, nae Wes Soo esas ase 176,

192, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 344, 398

TOS@ATCN! < poco cenacs-cpsecsssce 243, 366
Schleswig-Holatein, Germany--.-------.---- 151
Henuier CHAUEs Wiens os: cee cscaccucsauenc 329
Sea and coast fisheries ......=-....2......-- 240
fisheries of the coast of New England. .- 3
Sea Isle City, fishes of ..---.:.............. 229
Seagle, George Re etna Sian ana ine ae sincin wal 319
ISCAS YC A C0 ee ee 186
Shad fisheries of Atlantic coast.........--- 403
ME MLADOCIEN Olecssiserenccescemaicen nas 335

CYS ee ys ee el Se aR 379
spawning habits of...-....-....--..-- 209
SEED ADO Se eR err ee ee 395
SHON NOR ON co cca ptwen = aasanes mae < 369
SIPOLIOOR: DATOS: Praccnclec nin damage now ee oe 369
SST A 6 et. a ee eae 385
Smith, Hugh M...... Se natn 163, 166, 189, 194, 206,
212, 226, 230, 232, 233, 277, 283, 298, 296, 298, 302,

309, 415, 331, 333, 337, 339, 353, 357, 361, 374, 401,
Biitluh) SANGEIBOMe | Wooo 3s ee Reece ane eens 41
South Atlantic States, fisheries of.........- 212
South Carolina oyster grounds..........-.- 202
NOUCH WICK. dO Bka Kiitc rs whisis enael as wwewranis 241
SY TLE IR eat RE a ee eee 239
Sparoid fishes, review of ..........-...-.--- 219
Sponges, commercial, of Florida..........-- 374

327

Serial No:

Sponge culture.......cscecncccncccsnwcecens 375
natural hiblory Of. J...«nssmehsenene 224
Stanley-Brown, Joseph .....-------+-++----- 273
Statistical inquiry, report on.............-- 176,
192, 283, 298, 315, 331, 337, 344, 398
Status of U.S. Fish Commission ........... 75
Stevenson, Charles <............ 218, 325, 379, 403
Stejneger, SOU aIN eanaomen acon tease 316
Stiles, Charles Wardall .......2-<-vsenceuns 253
Stone; LAvIOgetOn..-.5--n ass neces eee 320, 391
Stranahan, H (2 Ne eee eg a SiC Seay 37 488
Sturgeon propagation .............-.---.. 151, 269
Sucker, description of a new ....:-...-...-- 207
DUDHSNES, FOVIOW Oloc<~ <5 onene-=srcscadeee 190
BiMrACR estar cnewacsaneeeaasuccmann shee ake 372
Spree aie Wr eel Abts es ee eS ea 343, 382
Tanner, Z. L.. 70, 130, 161, 180, 284, 289, 310, 321, 330
Taylor, W. Edgar wm eeisen Gace eee aes 368
Temperature and other observations of the
Dope ib WCOMMIasIONe] 22. <aes-a= une 41
Tennessee Centennial Exposition ........-- 407
Tennenseo. TRNES Olver asc acs anne aoe ees 211
Texpp nannies Ole> qscccena-t anes same ene 218
GED GEIG a aN neti Sra moe QerE eee Trae 225
investigations in .............------ 405
OVSLGES Ots- == - === ooo e eas aes 387
Thysanocephalum crispum ..-.--..---.---- 183
Tiger shark, parasites of........--..--..--- 183
Tow net, description of .......-......-.---- 322
Townsend, Charles Hin cccesaeecee 152, 217, 322, 334
Prout Cultivo .cssc<- ci oa ascosancueetee 242, 346
TOGCIN PV Olt anes. aoe eee eee 294
yarasites in Yellowstone Lake ...... 164
earing Of .--..------.=-----=--- 294, 304, 319
‘TNE; MYO CLICK Wis sense cee ace eee eee ee 222
Turtle, green, on Florida coast. ------------ 380
U.S. Fish Commission dredging stations -. 41
publications. .-.-.. "329, 406
saetne Olea eee 75
United States, fish-culture in....-....-..--- 391
fisheries of - soo 65 ccccces 177, 401
fishes, descriptionof new.--. 358
TADCO OLS ccs eecasae 339
foreign fishery trade of.....-. 325
fresh-water pearls and pearl
ASILELY: OF Sosa ese —ae 278, 389, 397
list of fishesin-...--....-..... 336
Utah, black bass in 395
Mermont, pauesOlen = saan ese ee ae 327
Vertebrates of North and Middle America. 336
Vessels, improved types of.-...-..----.---- 137
Viviparous fishes of Pacific coast..--....--- 231
Wrarrent angrew.l 2cc eee cee 390
Washington County, Me., fishes of... .-.-. -- 236
Water investigations with referenca to fish
ONVIFONMEND coe cana- ase ean eee ee 246
Water supply for aquarium.............--. 253
Western Canada and Northwestern United
States, explorations in...-...----..----..- 282
Whitefish culture in Lake Erie.....-.....- 388
methods!of so. 232--- ee 257
NOW /SPCIOS OL. - ceases nae 232
of ‘North America.....-->-...--- 323
Willcox Wie Boas ane ne nee ee 362
Willapa Bay, oyster industry..-.-.-.......- 334
oysters transplanted to ...-.- 334
Wilson, its) Mic scocee ht eee eee 396
‘Witleon He iVoas- 8 oo as ee eee eee 375

Winter haddock fishery of New England... 31

Woods: Hole; fishes'of e222 - 2. oan enne 353
laboratory operations.....---. 181

Wooolkman: A’; dicocssctonsnceeseas 196, 198, 279, 312
World’s Columbian Exposition, aquaria at. 253
report on.. 311

Fisheries Congress, report of..-. 237, 363

Worthy SiGe senate eee eee re 201, 209
Wozelka-[elau; Karl 2.2222. ccs scrsncrcseeae 308
Wyoming, aquatic invertebrate fauna of.... 210
Wytheville Station, operations of.....-.--.- 131
Yellow perch. hatching of...........-...-.- 201
Yellowstone Lake, parasites of troutin.... 164
Park, aquatic faunaof......... 210

larval dibothria from... 150

ZRDORMeSH: Gincdawureasescwen vaek cul easeee 384

a ve old oa OM aa

UPON THE

EXHIBIT OF THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF
FISH AND FISHERIES

AT THE

TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION IN 1897.

By W. DE C. RAVENEL,
Representative of the United States Fish Commission.

329

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TABLE
FISHING APPARATS
THERMOMET'RS
Doon SCREEN
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DIAGRAM

LS. Fish Commission Exhibit

1H THE US.GOVERNMENT BUILDING

AT THE

TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL 272 JNTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.

1897.

PLATE 37.

Report U. S, F.C. 1898. (To face page 331.) le 37.

| FIsH CASTS. |

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TABLE

FISHING APPARATS

THERMOMET'RS |

| OYSTER SHELLS |

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ALBATROSS.

REPORT UPON THE EXHIBIT OF THE UNITED STATES COM-
MISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES AT THE TENNESSEE
CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION IN 1897.

By W. DE C. RAVENEL,
Representative of the United States Fish Commission.

Under the act of Congress approved December 22, 1896, providing
for the participation of the United States Fish Commission in the Ten-
nessee Centennial Exposition at Nashville, Tenn., Mr. W.de C. Ravenel,
assistant in charge of the Division of Fish-culture, was appointed as
the representative of the Commission on the Government Board of
Management.

The plan, as approved by the Commissioner, was as follows:

1. Scientific investigations of the Commission, to be illustrated by
models of the vessels belonging to the United States Fish Commission,
with full-sized forms of the apparatus used, and by illustrations showing
the work of these vessels; by collections of marine animals, and by casts
of colored fishes, drawn from life; and by collections of sponges, corals,
oysters, and other shellfish.

2. Fish-cultural operations, to be shown by models and photographs
of important hatching stations; models and full-sized specimens of
apparatus used in the collection, transportation, and hatching of eggs,
and the distribution of fish; charts showing the work done by the
Commission since its organization, and results with reference to special
fisheries; also, by the hatching of the eggs of the various species of
the salmonidz and shad; also, an aquarium for showing the important
food and game fishes reared by the United States Fish Commission at its
various stations, together with the important fishes of the Ohio Valley,
and the principal species taken in the South Atlantic Ocean and Gulf
of Mexico.

3. Methods and statistics of the fisheries, to be illustrated by models
of vessels used in the important fisheries of the South Atlantic and
Gulf States; models of boats and thecommon formsof fishing apparatus,
such as pounds, weirs, seines, trawl lines, hand lines, ete.; also, oyster
and clam rakes, tongs, hooks for sponges, ete.; besides illustrations of
various fisheries by means of photographs, oil paintings, and etchings.

As soon as possible after the organization of the board and the
allotment of space and funds, preparations were commenced for the
construction of the aquarium and the collection of the material com-
prising the exhibit. The Commission was allotted $15,500 and 5,000
square feet of space located in the southeast corner of the building.
The space was L-shaped and extended from the main aisle at the east

331

332 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

entrance to the intersecting main aisle at the south entrance. By
May 17, 1897, when the Government building was opened to the public,
the exhibit was installed and ready for inspection, the aquarium stocked
with both fresh-water and salt-water fishes, and the hatchery illustrating
the methods employed in the hatching of the eggs of the shad and the
trout, was in operation.

The accompanying aeerar shows the arrangement of the exhibits
and the amount of space occupied by the various forms. Of the total
allotment of 5,000 feet the aquarium occupied 3,360 feet; the exhibits
illustrating fish-cultural work, scientific inquiry, and the methods and
statistics of the fisheries, the remaining 1,640.

The articles exhibited are comprised in the following list:

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY SECTION.

ra

. Exploring vessels:

Models: Steamer Albatross, steamer Fish Hawk.

Illustrations: Forward deck of steamer Albatross. U. S. Fish Commission
steamer dlbatross.

. Collecting apparatus:

Seines and nets: Two Baird seines, 50 and 150 feet long. One herring seine.
One herring gill net. Two minnow seines. Two small seines. Two
beam trawls, one large (double) and one small model. Two small gauze
towing nets.

Dredges: One naturalist’s boat dredge. One naturalist’s deep-sea dredge. Two
surface tow nets. One dip net. One Chester rake dredge (two nets).
Two oyster dredges.

Tangles: One tangle.

3. Accessories for dredging and trawling:

Sounding wire: One piece of sounding wire (large size). One piece of sounding
wire (common size). ‘Three splices in sounding wire. Two splices in
dredge rope.

Apparatus for preserving collections:

One tank box containing one 16-gallon copper tank for storage and transporta-
tion of natural- history specimens.

One tank.box containing one 8-gallon and two 4-gallon copper tanks for storage
and transportation of natural-history specimens.

Five jars, assorted sizes.

Seven glass bottles with cork stoppers, assorted sizes.

Eleven homeopathic vials with rubber stoppers, assorted sizes.

Four glass dishes, assorted sizes.

Three German-silver naturalist’s forceps.

Apparatus for deep-sea sounding:
One Tanner deep-sea sounding machine, complete with Sigsbee sounder (shot
attached) and deep-sea thermometer.
Apparatus for physical observations:
Thermometers and accessories:
Three deck thermometers.
One Miller-Casella deep-sea thermometer.
One Baird protected thermometer.
One Negretti & Zambra deep-sea thermometer.
Three wooden cases for deep-sea thermometers (experimental forms).
One metal frame for holding deep-sea thermometer (Negretti & Zambra case).
Eleven brass cases (experimental forms) for deep-sea thermometers with
attachments.
One Magnaghi case for deep-sea thermometer.
Two Tanner improved metal cases (sixth form), ordinary size, for deep-sea
thermometers.
One water bottle for deep-sea investigations.
One reading glass for Negretti & Zambra thermometer.
One set of Hilgard salinometers, with cup and thermometer.
One magnet.
7. Results of explorations:
Collections (marine animals, dry):
(1) Crustaceans:
One lobster (Homarus americanus).
One crab (Hchinocerus setimanus).

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TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. 33a

7. Results of explorations—Continued.
(1) Crustaceans—Continued.
One crab ( Lchinocerus foraminatus).
One deep-sea crab (Geryon quinquedens).
One common edible crab of the Pacitic coast (Cancer magister).
One crab (Mithrax hispidus).
Three crabs Pitho anisodon (young).
One crab Pitho anisodon (adult).
Two mantis shrimp (Squilla empusa).
One box-crab (Calappa jlammea).
One great spider-crab (Lithodes maia).
One craytish nest, or chimney.
One spider-crab (Libinia emarginata).
(2) Sponges: Sheepswool, velvet, yellow, glove, and grass.
(3) American ornamental corals:
One piece of star coral ( Porites).
One piece of coral (OCculina diffusa).
Two pieces of fungus coral ( Agaricia agaricites).
One piece of brain coral (Manicina areolata).
One piece of coral (Mussa).
One piece of star coral ( Orbicella).
(4) Mollusks, oyster and other shells:
Oyster spat 2 to 3 weeks old; 3 to 4 weeks old; 1 to 2 months old; 2 to 3
months old; 2 to 3 months old, hard bottom; 2 months old, soft bottom.
Oysters 1 year old, hard bottom; 2 years old, hard bottom; 3 years old, hard
bottom; 4 years old, hard bottom; 1 year old, soft bottom; 2 years old,
soft bottom; 3 years old, soft bottom; 4 years old, soft bottom; 5 years
old, soft bottom; 5 years old, hard bottom; 6 years old, hard bottom; 6
years old, soft bottom; large, mud bottom; large, mud bottom.
Oysters, large, 16 years old, soft bottom; large, 12 years old, hard bottom.
Blue Point oysters.
Oyster shells, greatly thickened, due to stunted growth at margin.
Glenwood oysters; Shinnecock Bay oysters; Rockaway oysters; Shrewsbury
oysters.
Rappahannock River oysters; James River (near Newport News, Va.)
oysters; Saddlerock oysters; East River oysters.
Oysters from Hampton, Va.,18 months old; from Tangier Sound, Maryland
and Virginia.
Oysters from Chincoteague, Va. (first grade); (poorer grade).
\ Oysters from bottom of scow, Port Royal, 8. C., less than 1 year old.
Planted oysters from creeks north of Winyah Bay, 8. C.
Oysters from ‘Troups Creek, near Brunswick, Ga.
Raccoon oysters from Cattle Wharf, Charlotte Harbor, Fla.
Oysters from Rocky Point Bed, Tampa Bay, Fla., showing inclusions of mud
on inner surface.
Oysters from Catfish Point Oyster Bar, Hillsboro Bay, Fla. (source of supply
for Tampa).
Oysters from Little Sarasota Bay, Fla. (a fine grade of oysters, showing
inclusions of mud on inner surface).
Oysters from Cape Hayes oyster-bed, Charlotte Harbor, Fla. (important
ground, but not much worked until 1888).
Raccoon oysters from mouth of Crooked River, Carrabelle, Fla.
Oysters from Indian Point Bar, Fla, (extra large, showing inclusions of mud
on inner surface),
Oysters from Cat Point Bar, Apalachicola Bay, Fla. (showing inclusions of
mud on inner surface).
Oysters from St. Mark River, Fla.
Oysters from Cedar Keys, Fla. (average size of those sent to market, showing
inclusions of mud on inner surface).
Oysters from St. Vincent, Fla.
Oysters from Watson Bayou, east arm of St. Andrews Bay, Fla.
Oysters from Porter and Sylvia bays, St. George Sound, Fla.
Oysters from Dog Lake, La.
Planted oysters 1 year old, from Escambia Bay, Fla.
Jack Stout oysters, Louisiana.
Oysters from Calcasieu Pass, La.
Oysters from Matagorda Bay, Tex. (average size).
Young oysters from planted beds, Galveston Bay, Tex.
“Saddle-rocks” of Texas, Cedar Bayou. Tex. (125 will often fill a barrel).
Ostrea lurida, growing on shells of Ostrea virginica in San Francisco Bay.
The native oyster tends to cause much damage in this way.

334 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

(4) Mollusks, oyster and other shells—Continued.

(5

(6

)

wa

Ostrea virginica, natural growth derived from the oysters planted in San Fran-
cisco Bay.

Ostrea virginica, transplanted from the Atlantic coast to San Francisco Bay and
there raised for market.

Ostrea virginica, Guaymas, west coast of Mexico; used as food.

Ostrea lurida, Pacific coast of the United States; used as food.

Ostrea virginica, Guaymas, Mex., formerly shipped to the San Francisco market.

Ostrea lurida, the native oyster of the Pacific coast of the United States; from
Ww illapa Bay, Wash.

Ostrea lurida, the native oyster of the Pacific coast of the United States; from
San Francisco Bay, Cal.

Oyster growing on twig of tree.

Sheet of rubber containing oyster spat.

Rubber shoe with young oyster attached, Connecticut.

Anchor lantern with oysters growing on it.

Earthenware ink bottle with oysters growing on it.

Glass bottle with oysters growing on it.

One-year-old oysters growing on gutta-percha cable across Housatonic River at
Stratford, Conn.

Spat about two months old attached to crushed stone off Norwalk, Conn.

Crushed stone, used on planted beds for collecting oyster spat. Recent innova-
tion.

Jingle clutch, used on planted beds for collecting oyster spat; composed of the
shells of Anomia and other light mollusks, and very highly regarded
under some conditions.

Oyster spat growing on child’s leather shoe.

Cockle (Cardium corbis), Pacific coast of North America; edible.

Horse mussel (Modiola modiolus), Greenland to New Jersey, Europe, North
Pacific Ocean; used as food and bait.

California mussel (Wytilus californianus), Pacific coast of North America; used
as food.

Other economic mollusks:

Haliotis, California.

Pearl oyster (Meleagrina mmarguictyen a), Gulf of California.

Giant scallop (Pecten tenuicostatus), Labrador to New Jersey; used as food.

Common scallop (Pecten irradians), Massachusetts to Gulf of Mexicc used as
food.

Enemies of the oyster: .

Starfish attacking oysters. Starfish.

Egg cases of the periwinkles (lulgar carica and Sycotypus canaliculatus).

Asterias forbesiti and small specimens clustered in shell of periwinkle, off Nor-
walk, Conn.

Starfish feeding on common mussels (Mytilus edulis), Providence, R. I.

Periwinkle (Sycotypus canaliculatus), Massachusetts to Gulf of Mexico. De-
structive to oysters.

Asterias forbesii. Medium specimen in shell of periwinkle. Connecticut.

Sea snail ( Neverita duplicata), Massachusetts to Gulf of Mexico.

Drills (Purpura lapillus).

Oyster shells showing the effect of the boring-sponge (Clione sulphurea), Tan-
gier Sound, Va.

Drills (Urosalpinx cinerea), Massachusetts to Gulf of Mexico; also introduced
with oysters in San Francisco Bay, Cal.

Razor-clam.

Flat razor-clams (Machera patula), Alaska to California; used as food.

Giant clams (Schizotherus nuttallii), Pacific coast of North America; used as
food. New England Coast. Arctic Ocean to South Carolina.

Long clam or soft clam (Mya arenaria), Eastern United States; also introduced
on Pacific coast; used as food and bait.

Large clams.

Quahog or round clam (Venus mercenaria), Gulf of St. Lawrence to Gulf of
Mexico; used as food and bait.

Clams (Mactra planulata), Alaska; used as food.

Sea clam or surf clam (Mactra solidissima), Labrador to Gulf of Mexico; used as
food and bait.

Bloody clams (Argina pexata), Massachusetts to Gulf of Mexico; occasionally
used as bait.

Little-neck clams, hard-shell clams, carpet shell (Tapes staminea), Alaska to
California; extensively used as food.

Little-neck clams (Saxidomus aratus); esteemed as food. San Diego, Cal.

Round clams (Saxidomus nuttallii), Pacific coast of North America; used as food,

TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. 335

DIVISION OF FISH-CULTURE.

(1) Transportation apparatus: Model of U.S. Fish Commission Car No. 1.
(2) Hatching apparatus:

(a) Working models:

One whitefish table 8 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high, with 12 MeDon-

ald jars for hatching shad eggs.

Two hatching troughs 8 feet long, 12 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, equipped

for hatching salmon and trout eggs.

(b) Accessories:

One egg scale, two funnels for shad, two siphon bags, two siphon cages,

one aquarium, one pan for washing eggs.
(3) Hatching and rearing establishments:

Model of U.S. Fish Commission hatchery at Put-in Bay, Ohio.

(a) Illustrations of hatching stations, showing buildings, interior and exterior,
methods employed in collecting, hatching, rearing, and distributing fish,
fry, and eggs.

U. S. Fish Commission hatching station, Wytheville, Va., 1885. Interior of
hatchery. Men at work. View of spring and ponds, looking west.
View of ponds, looking south. View of ponds, looking southeast.

Launch towing spawntakers. Stripping shad on fishing float. Packing
shad eggs. Shipping fry.

U.S. Fish Commission shad station, Havre de Grace, Md., 1892. Bird’s-eye
view of station. Superintendent’s cottage. Hatching hotse, looking
northeast. Interior of hatching house.

U.S. Fish Commission hatching station, Wytheville, Va. View of station,
looking north. View of station, looking south.

(b) Floating stations: Steamer [ish Hawk.

(4) Methods and results of fish-culture:

Models: One lay figure, illustrating method of taking salmon eggs.

Charts:

(a) Giving names and locations of stations and output of each for the fiscal
year 1894-95.

(6) Showing effect of fish-culture on the shad fishery.

Objects of the fisheries:

DIVISION OF STATISTICS AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES.

Cetaceans: Blackfish head (cast). Grampus head (cast). Bottlenose porpoise (cast).
Harbor porpoise (cast), young.

Carnivores: Northern fur seals (mounted group). Steller’s sea lions (mounted

roup).

Frogs: Bullfrog (cast). Green frog (cast). Pickerel frog (cast).

Fishes: Casts of 150 species of marine and fresh-water food-fishes.

Drawings and. notes: Five swinging screens containing drawings of, and notes on,
the important fishes of the Southern States.

Live fishes: Living marine and fresh-water fishes in aquaria.

Invertebrates: Living crabs, mollusks, etc., in aquaria.

Vessels:

Series of models showing the development of fishing vessels from the settle-
ment of America to the present time.

Models of vessels used in the important fisheries of the South Atlantic and
Gulf States.

Nets: Three pound uets, one cast net, one whitefish gill net, four fyke nets, one
dip net, one aboriginal fish weir, two herring weirs.

Traps and pots: Six eel pots, four lobster pots, one eel trap (model), three fish-
cars (models).

Lines: One halibut trawl] line, one George’s cod hand line, one shore cod hand line,
one cod hand line, one shore cod and poliock hand line, one layout line,
one sea trout line, one drumfish line, one whiting line, one reef line, one
jack trolling line, one kingfish line, one grunt line, one rockfish line,
one Italian fishery line, one line with jug floats, one Alaskan halibut line
with hook and club.

Appliances for seizing: Two pairs oyster tongs, one pair oyster nippers, one oyster
rake, one pair deep-water oyster tongs, three clam hoes, one hand clam
hoe, one sponge hook, four codfish jigs, one dolphin drail, twelve blue-
fish and brass drails, four Eskimo codtish hooks, four British Columbia
wooden fish hooks, one series of spring claw or trap hooks, one series of
barbless hooks, two shark hooks, one water glass used in sponge fishery.

336 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

Appliances for striking: One series of ee] spears, two frostfish spears, three crab
and flounder spears, one five-pronged grain, one conch harpoon, one
turtle peg harpoon, one series of Indian fish spears, one series of sword-
fish dart heads, two porpoise harpoons, two porpoise lances.

Illustrations of fisheries:

Four pictures illustrating the seal fishery.

One picture of Alents killing walrus.

One picture of salmon trap (Indians of Northwest).

One picture of Marsh’s improved deep-water oyster tongs.

Thirty-five swinging screens containing views of the different fisheries, U. S.
Fish Commission stations, equinments of steamers Albatross and Fish
Hawk, and plates from U.S. Fish Commission Bulletins.

PRACTICAL FISH-CULTURE.

During the months of May and June 3,500,000 shad eggs were received
from the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Potomac rivers by express and
hatched in apparatus provided for illustrating practical fish-cultural
work. Of the fry resulting, 1,400,000 were liberated in the Cumber-
land River and 215,000 were held until July for exhibit. Besides the
black-spotted and rainbow trout eggs from Colorado, received in June,
20,000 eggs of the quinnat salmon were shipped from California during
the fall months. These eggs were hatched in water from the artesian
well, and the fry were placed on exhibition and planted in suitable
waters in the vicinity. This feature of the exhibit was particularly
interesting to the people of that section of the country, as it was the
first time that the eggs of any of the Salmonide had been artificially
hatched in Tennessee. This was only rendered possible by the sinking
of a well near the Government building, which furnished an excellent
flow of water at 59° throughout the summer.

THE AQUARIUM.

The aquarium was a grotto-like, L-shaped structure, 120 feet long and
28 feet wide, containing 22 tanks, arranged in equal numbers on each
side of the passageway 12 feet wide. Each tank was 7 feet long, 3
feet high,and 5 feet wide at the top, with a capacity of 55 gallons. The
tanks next to the wall were arranged for the exhibition of the various
fresh-water species; those upon the opposite side were placed for the
exhibition of salt-water species, which included snappers, groupers,
pompano, crevalle, mullet, and other bright-colored tropical fishes, as
well as the crustaceans, shellfish, ete.

The water for the fresh-water aquaria was obtained from a well 84
feet deep located near the southeast corner of the building, which per-
mitted the exhibition of a number of specimens of rainbow and brook
trout and steelhead trout throughout the exposition.

The water in the salt-water tanks was brought from Morehead City,
N.C., in tank cars, and stored in a large reservoir: beneath the floor;
from this it was forced by means of nickel pumps, driven by electricity,
into a smaller tank located 18 feet above the floor, whence it passed by
gravity to the aquarium, thence returning to the reservoir.

The interior of the grotto was lighted through the aquarium tanks
and a number of ventilators, placed in the crown of the grotto arch.
It was finished in adamant and cement, partly as stuccowork, partly

TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. 337

plastered in imitation of a roughly blasted tunnel. Where the two
arms of the L met, a rotunda was formed, with a pool at the bottom of
the rockwork, in imitation of the entrance to a water cave, which was
illuminated by electric lights. Here and there in the grotto, masses of
ferns and other evergreens were planted in the rockwork. Two arched
portals, in imitation of cut stone, and of simple architectural design,
formed the entrance to the grotto. The pool in the rotunda referred to
was one of the most attractive features of the aquarium, being filled
with bright-colored fishes, and lighted with electric lights, submerged
in water. It also contained a large sturgeon, about 5 feet long, which
was an endless source of amusement and interest to the visiting public.

The plans for the aquarium were prepared by Mr. G. A. Schneider,
who was in charge of its construction and installation.

FISHES IN THE AQUARIUM.

Collections of salt-water fishes were made at Morehead City, N. C.,
and at Pensacola, Fla., under the direction of Mr. L. G. Harron, the
superintendent of the aquarium. The fresh-water fishes were chiefly
obtained from the Fish Commission stations at Wytheville, Va., and
Quincy, l., and the fish-ponds in Washington, though collections of
fishes native to that section were made from time to time in the imme-
diate vicinity of Nashville.

During the summer much difficulty was experienced in keeping up
the display of fishes on account of the intense heat prevailing at that
time. In June the temperature of the water rose rapidly, and when it
reached 78° it became necessary to resort to artificial means to save
the fish, notwithstanding that the specimens on exhibition were all
collected in southern waters. This was accomplished by passing the
water through 300 feet of iron pipe arranged in the shape of a coil and
packed in crushed ice and salt.

By this means the temperature of the water was kept down below
70°, but the method proved very expensive, as it required over 14 tons
of ice per day. Later in the season the water from the well was used
for cooling the salt water after it had passed through the trough and
tanks containing salmon eggs and salmon.

FISH FOOD.

Round beefsteak was mainly used for food, although the diet was
varied by the use of beef liver, live minnows, clams, and fiddler-crabs.
The latter were shipped by express from Pensacola, packed in sand.
In the preparation of the beef and liver the fat and sinews were care-
fully removed, and it was then cut in sizes to suit the fish. For the
small specimens it was ground fine in a meat-chopper; for the larger, in
pieces varying in size. In feeding the marine fishes with beef or liver
a small amount of table salt was added. The black bass and crappie,
which were the most difficult to keep, were fed entirely on minnows.

F. R. 98 22

338

FISHES EXHIBITED.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES.

During the exposition over 9,672 fishes and other animals were shown
in the aquarium, of the following species:

Marine species.

Red snapper.
Black snapper.
ullet.
Sheepshead.
Burtish.
Swellfish.
Sea-urchin.
Sea-robin.
Sea bass.
Sea-horse.
Cowfish.
Hogtish.
Pigtish.
Sailor’s choice.
Croaker.
Red grouper.
Black grouper.
Toadfish.
Spadefish.
Filefish.
Pompano.
Bluetish.

Marine species.

Cavally.
Squirrel-fish.
Stingray.
Soapfish.
Gatt-topsail.
Pompano.
Flounders.
Spot.
Catfish.
Sea trout or spotted
squeteague.
Red drum.
Look-down.
Hermit-erab.
Blue-crab.
Spider-crab.
Horseshoe-crab.
King-erab.
Fiddler-crab.
Clams.
Conch.

Fresh-water species.

Fresh-water species.

Goldfish.

Golden ide.

Quinnat salmon, fry.
Quinnat salmon.
Steelhead trout.
Rainbow trout, fry.

Rainbow trout, adults.
| Brook trout.

Yellow perch.
White perch.
Pike.
Suckers.
Chubs.
Garfish.

Eels.
Sturgeon.
Dogtish.
Redhorse.

Black bass, large mouth.
Black bass, small mouth.
Black bass, fingerling.
Warmouth bass.
Crappie.

White bass.

Striped bass.

Yellow bass.

Sunfish.

Rock bass.

Cattish.

Tench, green.

Carp.

Tench, golden.
Buffalo-tish.

Minnows.

Turtles.

During the absence of the representative from Nashville, the exhibit

was, at different times, under the direction of Mr. L. G. Harron, Mr.
W. P. Sauerhoff, and Mr. R. J. Conway. Mr. Conway was in charge at
the close of the exposition, and attended to the packing and shipping
of the exhibits to Washington and Omaha during the months of
November and December.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

The Commission is indebted to the Secretary of the Smithsoniait
Institution for the loan of material and cases forming part of the exhibit.

Acknowledgments are also due to—

The Union Tank Line Company, of New York, for the loan of tank
cars for the transportation of salt water;

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, the Louisville and Nashville
Railroad, and the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad for
the free transportation of tank cars containing salt water and the
transportation of the Fish Commission cars and messengers engaged
in the collection of fishes for the aquarium;

The Exposition Company for assistance rendered in the installation
of the electrical appliances and the free use of power;

The Laidlaw-Dunn-Gordon Company, of Cincinnati, for the loan of
an electric pump used in the circulation of fresh water ;

Mr. C. W. Hicht, for the free use of water from the Cockwell spring.

Assistance was also rendered by Mr. Robert T. Creighton, the engi-
neer of the Exposition Company; Mr. C. H. Pendacost, superintendent
of electricity; and Mr. William Reyer, superintendent of the Nashville,
Chattanooga and St. Louis railway shops.

TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. 339

EXPENDITURES.

The total cost of the preparation, maintenance, and return of the
exhibit of the Commission, including the aquarium, was $16,290.61,

The following statement shows the objects for which the money was
expended :

RGU VI OON tare a aata sniar a et win wala oon mi ce tems Wines. t nie Mite eyalmimls Eisintaareve = $2, 1381. 94
Special or contract services...... See eee sae oem eeoas taney oo oe 2, 325. 75
PUAV Olen ema s cat an cree tad sckneeamas seco gaes acu reN acme ses 1, 117. 74
MUDSISHGNOCG. 6 22 So hse 5 cee e ca awle semana an ane Son eeeinmae es 2, 261. 10
Dal a ee een ps ee ne me Be eA! eee 366. 34
RERUN CN ee ee ears fa are tame arent era es ates per Eonar ara 54. 97
Beg NESEY STR Ss at EL Rap Se BA eas yn Baten ee 270, 41
BXhibiGon oases) {Tames /6b0!- ~~~ posse ee ome ee yee cee 3, 190. 25
Hampberand. mul work sco... 5 cSeh sense Seen soars re ee 73. 29
Araiwarer GOOls, QUO. coon ccc cet ce ccc cals se eee eae 95. 90
Glass pals; DEAshES, CtG.~ 2526 8 s-55.54= be aoe ones ee ae ese 691. 15
Supplies and preparator’s materials ---.-.........----------- 1, 893. 82
Packimomsaberially..2 2/5 ou cscio see as po Atenas eee ee a = 23. 71
APPALAbOS Specimens; ebC! -. 22.62.) cscce nat eadmeeeto-n-cnes 1, 131.58
DECOTATONS; PACULbLONS; ObGs2-o5> (2 -an noo Ss ce eelate cere teee!s 407. 30
MICA EXPOUBONS cacm a cecice sae ces acs scecios shinee matsmminne’ sess 255. 36

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aN iw) “3 fer ye 14 le sad) to hateeet K 16 ery LG “) ae }
Pacey La: AtreaKs 2 pK hedges ‘ he
mal) TLS a aTeee ele Fae Nie ogden
i ay re Py st ys aha curd ; , > iain or ae ¢ ‘
f Wy wrk 7 jute BA aes Creeu rn es Ane 5 i- “na
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j mad Ang pas ive
i j
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} / ‘ [rare iy
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Page.

PR BONE TINS * 25 is wencna sancueamens= 25, 281

BPAMIS CFYSOlCUCAS: occ oc.5-2-c-5=- 802

WOSel een een 807

ApUGGIGuL saxatilis..2.2=.....246.L5.6-2- 282
Acclimatization of Fishes in Foreign

‘Dg: ee Rt OR BT plete me hd oe OES x
PEAR LPUS TASCIALHE ES oy to. chk dunce eee 310
Aid furnished by Railroads --.....--..- xXUI
Alaska Fishery Resources-.....-- XVIDJ-XXIV

Salmon, Decrease of .--....------ xx
Pack, 1878-1897 .......-- XXIII
TE) el fal ES (ae a ee SEE ap XXII
Albatross, Investigations of-_.-....--.--- XVIII
RLGaMn One see oe see ee XXXVIII,
CXXXIX, CXLVI, CLXV
‘Atnemanie SOuUNnd.2- 5... . 225 seue eo LVII
Shad Fisheries-.----- 170-173
JE tay ae Re Es eee 34
Catch, Comparative Statistics. 4243
eT SOR eee e eee ee eee 36
Fisheries considered by States 34
by Waters 38-42

of United States in
LES ie A Ce eee 3143

of United States in

1896, Boats, Appa-

ratus, and Prop-
erty employedin.. 35-36

of United States in

1896, Persons em-
ployed:inic 2-22-22 35
Alewives as Food-fishes ---....---.-----.- 34
AVErare PE TICG = -5.-2+ acco 34
or River Herrings..-... .....- 33
SCZ fo) we EE APS ee eA Epo eye B4

takenin United States in 1896,
quantity and value of ------ 37
BOGS DAM o> bn nese 34
Mioxwander. A BAt ona ie ee 8 ns CXLVIII
Algae on Louisiana Oyster Beds-------- 94
PN Ma he i eal ee B04
Aloss sapidissima:----2-.-----....-.. CXXXVII
IDGHS PtaWON = ie oo. seen ska amo doe LXXXI
AMAA IGLVOP 2226220222555 s.sh ose ae 135
INCITS ANOIAS! 58-5 le. ee kd 306
NIGUILOBTIA he soe tte eee re B06

American Seal Herd and Pelagic Seal-

Tn oe ee ee en re Re res te ae CLX1V
IATA CAVA 25 titel. Soc eens eae 302, 804
Amphisticus argenteus -.....-.--------- 25
PART SCLIN naan. Sts ane ae imeem aan ne 289
ANOTORCORPIN RIVE? 2222-32 40s == 35 - 267
AnNPullia CHYYBYDGie2<- --- 2200 jon tn aes 308
Anisotremus davidsoni --......--....--.- 278

LOPE UUs 2 anesee eae 278
Aphredoderus sayanus --.-.-- ees ht Se 309
Aplodinotus grunniens -...---.-..-.---- 310

Page
Apovon etvichudUslciioc. cesar eens eewnes 217
retrosella:o 4 ot ee 277
Apomotis symmetricus --......-.-------- 810
Appomattox River, Shad Fisheries of - - 185
Appoquinimink Creeki--..<cceecenes~a-= 222
Appropriations for Commission -...---- XXIX
Aquarium at Central Station -.-..----.. LX
Nashville, Tenn----- XX XIX, 336
Omaha Exposition. ---- XXXVII
Archosargus probatocephalus---..----- 310
Argyrosomus nigripinnis-.--.----.------ CXLII
Artificial Food for Young Fish --------- XLII
Hatching of Mackerel ------ CXXXI
Propagation, Value of-------- pie
Ashepoo River ts- 22 oceees essa coene ne 141
Assignment and Distribution of Fish
@nG Weesse.s east 3 tee eee eens CV-CVII
Atchafalaya Bivericat-s-asc-ne-a25sesee= 290
Atherinops affinis ----- es Sess ees gee 25
Atherinopsis californiensis ----..-------. 25
Atkins.» Charles'G?=222s222ss.-s sss ee XLII
Atlantic’ Salmon’ =o-csc--e.-neeeeee XLII, XLUI
Details of Distribution CIX
Averruncus sterletus --.-..------ CXLVI, 27,29
AZUring hi vinG Of ssces pene ne eee eee 282
Babcock Jee ae oe eee aes XCV
Baird, Spence Wiss. snes eases 108
Bairds station so--¢o5— here tae ee ee XCII
Baker Lake, Washington--.-....---. CXXXIII
Banang Bayou s2n 122 scceda occas ease 75
Barataria Bay (soc2-.-sces2 24 eae ee 69
Barish 02 Sees ek ee ee eee 310
Barracuda: oi .2 5522.0 sors a oe eee CXL
Barricading Salmon Stream.---..--.----- XxXI
Bartlett; SvPiv ise toe eee LXXXV
Bastian (Bayes 2=sensceesace ces ae eee eee 83
Battery Station s=2---s25 ess ee eeeee oe XXXII
Shad hatching at----.-- LIX
Battle Creek Station ..2...2.....---- VUOLXCV
Bay Adame. ce. coe ooo a ane ee er ne
Coquette 8 5-4 tee 90
Bayou: Cooks os. sce22 ose 2 oe ee 69, 81
delharge: 2220. seieneaena eee eee 87
G@recouej<: 226 22n55 ses tt ence 60
Provencal <-2.22-2-52ssnecenseeeee 87
Schofleld.2223:35 24545202 eee ees 90
Bean; Barton A 2.2 cc Jasassasnaweense CXXXII
Bean, Ly. SN: : 22sec CIV
Bergen Exposition --...........---------- KXV
Bermuda ‘Lobster 2225s es2. 42 oes CLXII
Bie Timber Creeleis =: cc.cgeee a paneer 240
Biological Surveys in the Northwest -- XV
Black Bass-.----.-- LXXX, LXXXIII, LXXXVI
Distribution of ----...- CXIX-CXXI
Propagation:.-52222,seaseess= LXIV
Blackbellys::22= fos. see eee eee 34
Black. Buffalo-<-<:--':'2 ti. scene 307

342 INDEX.
Page. Page.
Black Bullliea dese 22seeeccsawesseeneen eos 306: (Cat: thrasher >> 2-2 02-eeen,.. sneer eee 34
Black River, North Carolina--.....-..-. 159) Canlolatilusiprincepst=s-ssrs sae ee eee 283.
South Carolina__..--.--.<- 153 | Centennial Exposition at Nashville,
Black-spottedsroube-s--- =] ene ee XCI TONN) 22 cae soso ee ee eee 329-339
Distribution of.... CXIV | Central Station, Washington, D. C_-__.- LXII
Blackwater) River -ssesseoeseeeceses eoeee 212 | Centrarchus MACTOPtOrUS | 22-22 = =e 310
BINGsP ASS ee tees ee ene ere eee 52 | Ceratacanthus scriptus ....-__--....___- 281
Blind sain bowel rOUbeare esse ee == EAOVI | (Chsnobry tious culosus\=--sss2---- a 310
Bloody or Red Oysters -------------- CXXVIII | Chenomugil proboscideus ---..----. ---- 27
Blue back ten seek oe eo eee ee aye 34 | Cheetodon nigrirostris_-_.........-..--._- 279.
IBlie Catincteceeses ae) paenuaesateees 292, 293, 305 | Chamberlain, F. M _CX XXIV, CXLYIII, 287, 288
Blue Crabs planted in Pacific Waters-- Chandeleur/Sound= tees. ose eee 68
XEXSK OT, KER Vi |) \Channeli@atii—---2- 2s- 0" ee 306
Blue-cillt Sunfish esos ssn ae nee eee 302,310 | Charleston Harbor and ‘Tributaries,
iBoleosomalcamuruym- ooo —- nee 310 Shad Hisherices of =) esses eee 144
Borer as an Enemy of the Oyster -----. 91) | (Chauliodus macouni-----22==-2=-==e = 25, 29
Boring sponges <2---2os-2e-- 25 = ae 93 | Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad -_-_____-- 338
IBosheris Damstens sees ose Meese ae 183 | Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Shad
Boston Fish Receipts:--.--------------.- XVII Kisheries of -*/-- 62. 194-198
Statistics of Fishery Products Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, Shad Fish-
landedatt os cee iene. CLLI-CLII Ories Of S225 has eeeok See 178-180
Bowers, George: M --_---25 <2. ee Wiles, | Chester Riverse=-s2-ses 22 - eee eee 216
(BO WAI ee oe ae oo ers woes eat 304: |/\Chi\Charas: Bay - 3-2-2. 69
Bow-net Fishery for Shad --...--...---- 206 | Chickahominy River Shad Fisheries---- 184
IBoy.ce; Muaperbs 2a. 2 45. see eee ae CXXV IE | \Chimney Bay -222-))-2---. = eee 64
Bozeman Station sess amen ae sees see X,XCI | Chinook Salmon -. VIII, XIX, XXI, XLI, XLII,
Brachyistius trenatus=<25-------ee == 281 XLV, XLIX, XCIII, XCV,
BranchyAlle wiles soso anaa see tee ea 34 XCVII, XCVIII, C, CII, CXLII
BranchyHernrine 2p esq saseen = seeee eee 33, 34 | Chitonotus pugetensis ---...--..---.---- 26, 29
BranchvWettuce cess sew eee eae eee eee LXIX | Choptank River, Shad Fisheries of-_-_-_- 212-215
TETRA eee eee ee ee eee 310 | Chowan River, Shad Fisheries of ------- 175
Brevoortialtyrannus =-----22-22.-2---2-- 34°] (Christiana Creel: ¢ 3.222. -2--- =e 222
patronus sss 2-=— 309) | (Chromis' punctipinnis! = ssesees5—-eseee 282
Brice, SOnNd)\\ccceen snes soeaes see oeeaes VIL) Cirrhites rivulatuse=--=-n--25- == eee 283
BristolsPa., Shad hatchery/ate-— XoxeXDnD, TeXey | \@1SCOs oneness 1D: G31 P.O. Qf
Broadkalni@recks 223505 sense pene 221") Citharichthysisordidus ==-—- === 28, 29
IBTOOUK COG Sees aie cae eames ene ees ti, | (Clackamas'|Station 22----2---s=-)-— =e XCVIII
at Woods Hole, Mortality Clank, Rrank Nee sess LXXVIII, LXXXI
AIM ON eee ete coe ees @Xialivs'| (Clinocottus;analis= 222-2 = 27, 284
Brook Trout -.-.---.-- XL XLII XLV, XLVI. | Cliola vigilax -----.22-2.. 52-2 -2 22a 302, 307
TAX Vaile TEXCXCX. XXX (Cliona;sulphurea tes. --= sane 93
LXXXIV, LXXXIX, XCI | Clupanodon ceruleus --------------.---- 25
Distribution of------ CXiV-C XViD || (Clupea harengus 22 o- sje o2-fes esses 34
Broussard Rober byes sees eae eee 287, 288 pallasiiis...2. 2 422-5. 25
Brown, J.E ....-..-.--------------------- LXII | Coastal Streams of Washington, Ore-
IBVOW I DNOMESetsse sees seen ene CI gon,and California--ssss--4-s5s-ees CXXXVI
IBY revel Exon ayafSyennloyale as See Oe Aa TXay Cobbs dOhneN === e==ae= CXLVII, CXLVIII, 106
Bu cCkW ele ates ene see eee ae XLIV | Cod, Details of Distribution---...-..... CXXII
Bulletins issued by Division of Statis- hatching at Gloucester Station _-_-- L
tics and Methods of the Fisheries-. CXLVII Woods Hole Station-. LIV
IBUIMpUSHEL. Oye e terse stoes eee XVII, CXLIV landed at Boston, Mass-------.---- CLI
Buzzards Bay Shad Fisheries- ---------- 261 Gloucester, Mass ------ CXLIX
Cabpageutce tessa. jaan ses aoe a aataeee ese 68) (Codi\proparatione4-=--- 2-4.) == IX, LII
GalicoiBass:-eesc- te. 8 eee 810) | Cogswellvi eM) Seesasse ena CXLVII, CXLVIII
California Baiy see ece ome nano 64) \Cohansey \Creekit 2) 2.2.05. 20a eee 239
Gantherines'carolse2 2-5 =o oe ene 281 | Cold Springs Station, Georgia ---.-----. XXVII
Cape Fear River and Tributaries, Shad Collecting Cod ges: 22 2-= 2222s sae-eee L
Hishoricsiofs:succsss eee se ee 157-163 | Collections and Reports.---------.----- CXLVI
Ganehant Ww Ree 2i2e2.2 ke ese ee a LID) ‘Collins,’ dS Wi 22-2222 sce seeese See ON;
@ape Vincent Station. ---.-~--+-..22-<- XLVIIL | Columbia Dam, Influence on Shad Fish-
Car and Messenger Service ----------- XXXIV Ories 2-22). 25-4 eoedes.8 a eee 225
Carangoides orthogrammus --..--------- 277 | Combahee River. a 22: o-s-es----5eeareeere 141
Caranxlugubris=. <6 oaesasaeeon scans = 277 |iGommon Buitalo-fshossceasees se. eeeee 307
MAT PIN AGUS eae noon solos 277 Bullhead 22. 2.-c-.tc es eee 306
Carcharhinus platyrhynchus. --...-.-.- 274 Mullet). =. 2. 2624.2 eee 309
CWASCO'BSY.- 2 oS sooo elena eae ce nee eee 264 Names of the Herrings - ------ 34
@asplanWalre sucess een en noe eceesenee XLY | Conch, as an Enemy of the Oyster ----- 91
Catawba or Wateree River .-...-..------ 145°|'Congaree River: -2:-.c-- ss) eee eee eee 145

INDEX. 343
Page. Page.
COTIB COS Pyabrsate sedasnaewlatiosda dh Sens LIII | Edisto River, South Carolina....__.. XXXIU,
Connecticut River, Shad Fisheries of.. 253-257 XXXIV, LVI, 142
Connecticut, Shad Fisheries of --.....-- 200-204. || DOL Cabs cksiwn adsidanasanssvances teens eOet peer OUD
Contentnea River -.............. 164, 165, 166,167 | Egg Lobsters --.... . Sighs ee ea LV
Conway, R. J.....--..-.--------.-----. XXXVIL | Eggsand Fish, Distribution and Assign-
Coregonus wWilliamsoni --......--..-.-. CXXXITI MONT. Of avase-s-ceu CV-CVII
WNBA GY Gi ence cose nenneee mippacmaeace L Furnished for Distribu-
Corypheena equisetis. -.................- 276 tion, Statistics of .... XI, XII
Crabs planted in Pacific Waters -.--- XXII | Elassoma zonatum. .....2....34.-2..3.-- 310
enV ia|| TOLER VOI S oe oon cede ae hare tae eee ae 216
Craig Brook Station, -..-...- cuss .=sces PEATE | SU WHOD ee ae sia eacoen not Graver tenes Bt
BIEENOLOWIE EV noe ~~ ooo wo caw ane eoueune Oa MN ites.. 22 eae See ae ee ee eee B4
BONG = aoe ee aot ance XXXII, LXXXIV, | Embassichthys bathybius--.-...........-. 28, 29
LXXXVI, LXXXVII, 310 | Embiotoca jacksoni-....-.............--- 281
Details of Distribution -.___--.- CXXI | Embryological Studies of Mackerel ---- 4
Crevasses, Effect on Louisiana Oysters- 94 | Enemies of Fish --......---...- XLVII, LXVIII
SURI OT eee he eae set pan 310 Oystel\ 2-2 e eeee 91
Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, . Shad Bnglishy Herring = 2 o.\-seeoe aces ee ee Bt
MUIMNERIGS Of. oen. 2s u3osu-c0 Sectee es neS 169) | Hneraulis mordaxcsd: scocesesee eee 25
Cusk landed at Boston, Mass -..---._--- CLI | Entomacrodus chiostictus -..-..-.------ 284
Gloucester, Mass------ CXL LX | Hopsettajordant =--. = 2 esos ee 28
Sven. Anne De 6 cia c enon ose ee LIII | Epinephelus analogus-.-....--.....---- 278
Cynoscion nebulosus ---------.----.----- 310 la briformises-.- = eee 278
Cyprinodon variegatus......-..--------- 309 | Erwin Station, Tenn--........... XXVI, LX VII
arling Pond) ss. - ts. socks spesecw os Se aeen XLV | Etheostoma jessie --........-..-2:.--.-- 302,310
RE UGIN soe econ thee eet pee 310 | Eupomacentrus flavilatus ....-.---.---- 282
LD (2h is MD a ee LXXXV leucorusics see eae eee 282
Decrease of Salmon in Alaska-.....--.. xx rectifresnumM=sess.2--2- 282
Delaware Bay and River, Shad Fish- Hupomotis heros i -24.2 52-32 as oe eee 8310
TET) ge Ee eae er 220-222, 230-240 | Evergreen Lakes, Colorado ----------- XXXIV
Delaware River, Shad Fisheries of - ---- Sat EVermanh VB Wises esete oe ae eee x,
Delaware Shad Fisheries-...----.--.--.-. 218-222 CXXVH, CXXXIII, CKXXV

Statistics of Fisheries of... CLXXI
Dermatolepis punctatus..-.--....-.-.--. 27
Detroit River, St. Clair River,and Lake

St. Clair, Statistics of Fisheries of. CLXXIV
BHOHOM NVAEGTIR = JS ee = st het s-s05cussce5 281
Distribution and Propagation of Food-

fishese.- -2.15- 22-5 XXXI-CXXII
of Fish and Eggs, Statis-
TICS Of seen seek tte XL, XLI
SRM Mary Oboe = see sane = =o XII
si 2} 0) (=): Ree Se ee ete CV-CXXII
Division of Fish-culture---..---.---.-.-- Vill

report. XXXI-CXXII
Inquiry respecting Food-
fishes
Inquiry respecting Food-
fishes and the Fishing-
grounds, report. CXXIII-CXLVI

XIV

Division of Statisticsand Methods of the
Fisheries, report.-.-...-. CXLVII-
CLXXV
Pollvay arden wULOuts sa a0.-4-s2e-sesennn = XCV
Dorosoma cepedianum.-.........-.----.- B02
@xtleli22 so ls.46 292, 308
DOU RHOLGty. WW «lee nase Seas cy Sasdseae eens XCVII
Downing; '§. W->---=-2--- LXXIX, LXXXI, CII
Drift Nets in Shad Fisheries ----.-- 202, 207, 246
Dram Bay: 2222 see de aren Sete neon Sees 63
Por ratie Ea COs = oo eects «nance newnwis cada 59
LB parys ni lols Roe ee eS eee eee CXXIV
as an Enemy of the Oyster- - - 91
PYTIGHA@RGRIKS ho. <5 ost eer eee 222
Dt Sia Won sesao25 2 oe ae eee. LXXXI
BIG HONY Oo Ws pee ee cane anes = XXVIII
Eastern Oysters on Pacific Coast--.--... XIV
Mast Karako Bay. ..5:....222-52--<-s2s- 58
Mehidus TOChUPNa S2---2. oh iveccoece-no~e 275

Evermann, B. W., report on Investiga-
tions in Mississippi, Louisiana, and

TOXAS 38 Soo 5. pans ade ewe eo eee 285-310
EIVODMtGRVIPIGIS=<-2535 9 see 278
HIxOCcostUS:VOUtanSs os -a-s = sss eee 275
Exonautes xenopterus -.....-.-... .------- 27
Expenditures at Nashville Exposition. 339
Exposition at Nashville-.-.-..-. OPPs. XXIV,

XXXVI, 329-339

Omaha =. -. = XXV,XXXVII

HMxpositions!=--. =---s5--ce=2 = XXIV, XXXVI

Extension of Fish-cultural Work ----.-- Vill
Extent and Condition of Alewife Fish-

eries of United States in 1896--....-.-- 31443
Extent of Shad Fisheries in 1896... -_-- 114-122
Kalsomouth, Bay. .---5 ~~~ 4. cas. eee Oe pOe
Farallone Islands, Lobsters planted

WOOT cease ce cones ee XXXII
HNarminetoneRiver 2a... sacs cases ee 257
Battening Oysters! =. 25 22--.2-2---saeeasaed XIV
Welichthys marinus..... +c. s.ca-snamereed 304

Fish and Eggs, Distribution and As-
signment of-...........----- XI, XII, CV-CVII
Fish Commission Ponds at Washington. LXIV
Fish-culture, Division of -......-....---- VU
Nashville 22225523 eosacs 336
Fisheries Congress at Tampa ...XXIV,XXXV
of Gulf States in 1897... CLIX-CLXII
Lake Ontario. ........ CLII-CLVI
South Atlantic States in
IS07 32 eee eae CLVI-CLIX
Fishery Laws pertaining to Alaska .... XXI
Products landed at Boston, Sta-
tistics of......-- CLI-CLIL
landed at Gloucester,
CXLIX-CL
CXLVII

344 INDEX.
Page. Page.
Fishes and Fishing-grounds of San Gloucester and Boston,Fisheries of. CXLVIII-
Miego' County. Callesss se een CXXXIX CLII
Fishes collected at Revillagigedo Archi- Hish Receiptsi-sacsese+-eeeee XVII
pelago and Neighboring Islands-_----- 273-284 Station, Mass -.-:=-2222_-2bee IX,L
Fishes in Aquarium at Nashvyille- ------ 337,338 Statistics of Fishery Prod-
Mish Haunaof Mloridaseess-eseess ences ONUVIL ucts landed at._.-_-.- CXLI1X-CL
MISH-LOOGenee ssn me see XOTUVELT EXOT; exces Galperin os eae en ee 33, 34
LXXXVI, LXXXVIII, XCII, 337 | Glyptocephalus zachirus-___._._.___-__.- 28, 29
at Nashville Aquarium -__---- 307, ||| 'Gobiesoxadusbiss-o. 2-5 a 284
Fish Hawk, Steamer --...--------- WALLIS XO, |) Gobiosoma, bosci= 3-5 ee 310
OVE, XV LL, Vil (CXS L, CXEXEX || Gobius soporators__-. 2-2-0 ee eee 284
Fishing Apparatus at San Diego---.-- CLXIIL A 2) 0) gt eee are eS oe 284
Fishing Bay, Shad Fisheries of--------- 2UL. ||, Goby 22h nase seas oe 310
Fishing Methods in Louisiana .___..___- 298: |) Gogele-eye-.0. 22.5. 20a ee ee ee 310
HishwPathologyecease eos aee ees Cini (Golden Trowts= sees ae ee XLI
Mishwaye, blamvol.-o2eec- ce oo eee ee XX VII Details of Distribution. CX VIII
HUZSIMONS Saeco sete eee eee aes TV Ls Goujon. 222 sare eee 292, 293, 306
a CHS yew eae oS ee oS antares Livi |sGourdhead Buitalos2 ses. .-ee eee 307
Details of Distribution _____._- CX | (Grampus, Schoonera.. 52. 5s see X,L, LI
Propagablonieeesee scree meee ae OE | Grand Bayoude Warce: 2255.54 74
POT eee Sea oe Seg m,n oe een ae 310 | Grand Lake Stream Station __-..._-_..- XLIV
Florida Fisheries Congress -._....-.---- XEXVi || Grand Pass 32:2 s22525 52222) 60, 79
Shadeiisheries= assesses ee 127-133) | (Gravesend, Bay--22-=-=--- 42 244
SponeePisheriesceseas a kV! Crone oxe 1 NGira yin one ye ee a X, XCI, XCII
Food-fishes and Fishing-grounds- -__- CX XIII- Details of Distribution -_-_-_-- CXVIII
CXL | Great) South Bays. 52) sess ee 248
Division of Inquiry respect- Green’ LakeStation...-2.22-2-.see sees XL
Ty Ove tie eee ee ae UR RV. | Green'Oysterss---se-ssse- eee XIV, CXXVII
Propagation and Distribu- Green Trout_-2=.-2.2. 2 eee 310
biOnNiOLgseee ee XX CRERIT: | Grin Ger 322%. jesse oe ee eee 304
Hood prepared for Young Hish=2- Xai xvii |(Grinnel)--- 2242s tes a ee eee 304
TayoNes (OMI DAY ghee oR fe eee CXXXVI | Growth of Louisiana Oysters, rate of _- 89
Horcipiger flavissimus eoe-ssa 2s oene sees 209) GrulfiMien ha den sss anne 309
HoriiG aston valloniees =e eee eee XCVII | Gulf of Mexico Fisheries ----.---....._- XVII
HOSTER a VITLTE DI Viele one ee ere ne ee 47 | Gulf States Fisheries in 1897____- CLIX-CLXII
Free Transportation furnished by Rail- Haddock landed at Boston, Mass------- CLI
TOE. CL Ss teres ae ec ea ena ee OE XIII Gloucester, Mass. CXLIX
Hresh=water Shrimps ---2225 sess ense sae LXV | Hahn, JH... 35-2 2 eee eee L, LIII
iHrogs Propagation Ofsssscsessee seen ee LXV | Hake landed at Boston, Mass- -----.---- CLI
Bin Guilusichiny, Souls sesso ane 809 Gloucester, Mass _--.. CXLIX
heteroclitus grandis _______-- 309) || Elalf-moonvislandto22)) seen =e eee 66, 67
MOLI ss oa eee eee ee 302, 309 | Halibut Grounds off Pacific Coast---.-.- XXIII
pallidus oss a eaten 302,309 | Halibut landed at Boston, Mass -------- CLI
DULVeETCUSE: eee eee ee 309 Gloucester, Mass ---- CL
Murcellaidiapberae=ss =) sss sen ees see 28,29 | Hall, Ansley-_.-.-... CXLVII, CXLVIII, 106, 266
Hur-sealuRookeriesyes ese sseee eee XVIL.| Haldhead 2:23.22 32422 eee 34
Fyke nets in Shad Fisheries --..--..---- 20% || Harpe diploteania —--2-- =a 283
Gait copsail Sess ees ae a we ee 304, || Barron. G:2ne eee XXXVI, LXI, LXIIT
Galeichthysifelistesse-e esos oe a ee 304 | Hatchery at Baker Lake---------.--- CXXXIV
Galeorhinus zyopterus.........--._----. 274 | H. C. Wahlberg, schooner --.---.-....... 273
Gamibusiaiafinistecss 9-5 soeeeaseee eee 8023309) | Henryuakessseseeses- =-eeeee see ee eee XCI
GardineriBary ecceeuec ee eee ee 248 | Henrys\SiW sc-eceeeee 2k ete see 47,51
(CELT ST eee te ya psa ee 804. || “Elenshall- James Alesse eee ee XCI
GaSPereatt: eee sete eae ee este 84. Herdman, W. (Atoco..25..4--5e-55 eee CXXVII
Gasperg outtecee sone see eee 810) | HesselssRudolphe-- ==. a2 —eeeaee eee LXIV
Gasterosteus cataphractus microcepha- Heterostichus rostratus --.....-.....---- 284
WSs oe ele eers nut Su eee hea ek eee 2b. | sEickory GUase cso 5e-s42cse=== =e 308
Genyonemus lineatus _____- es. ae ee 970.) HUW aRe te eent ese. LXVII
Georgia Fish-hatchery -.....------.---- XEXcVAI || Eodon/alosoides 222--- == =e s-s eee eee 292, 308
Georgia, Shad Fisheries of __.... .--_.--- 133-140 | Hippoglossina stomata--.--..------.------ 28,2
Giant Crabs planted in Chesapeake Hird, J: Dik ees ce eee ee ee CXXVII
BAY rsseuce cee eee eee ee eee noes ERROR ELolacantt hlsicl ai ON@NSIS( 26s seo eee 27
Gibbonsiajelopans 9-62.22 ee eee e eens oe 284: Folly. eee 25 Se soe ese a Bees eae LVII
GilbertiC Hesse ses eee OCXXXVII, CXLVI | Holocentrus suborbitalis -...-.-..--.-.- 275
on Fishes from Santa Cat- HoltsJohn A: 2.3. 3nsceosne aan Sees 152
alina Island and Mon- Holyoke Dam)....- 02226 -q222-2-50ee eee ee
terey Bay tes.s-aseeaee ee 23-29 | Hook Wounds, Effect on Brood Cod-.... CXLV
XCI

Gireliaim sricans) -ssseeee sees esas noes 278

Horse-thiet Springs sss-s--.e-se-eeeeeees

INDEX. 345
Page. Page
Housatonic Riven ~ .... 6. 257 | Lake Superior Investigations .......... CXLIT
PRECIO DOIN, VE ERS wane men wcnaeecne oe ente XcVUl Statistics of Fisheries . CLXXI
Hudson River, Shad Fisheries of ---....- Bi-wass' || eae ron, -< 2 -=- cee oeeeeees TX, SUA
From bolat Baya... ceo. S ek as CXXVI LXXVI, LXXIX, LXXXII
Plume. Fe Do eS SS? XCVIL GI Details of Distribution.... CX VII,
(SSD UCAS @ Np EE RS eal ts eS 28 ce es XLVI CXVUI
Myhbognathus hayl-s:. 0.26.60. ossce ole B07 Eggs, Collection of ....-..- XXXII
MUGRAIG ose oe es ake 808; 807: || amibsony G.* He Seo2 0 Sere Se eee XCIIL
Hiyvdrolagus colliel: ..<=<...2.252.4-2. + <<. 25,29 | Landlocked Salmon .. XLI, XLU, XLV, XLVI
Hypsypops rubicundus -.-......-.-.-... 282 Distribution of -__- Cx
Icelinus quadriseriatus --..............-- 90,29" |) bia, Quesche: 322255. 282s ec teeneene cae ouee 808
Ictalurus anguilla -.................. 292,298,305 | Large-mouth Black Bass---...........--- 810
fomoa tins ess 5 Fess ces st 208-800: | Iaarson, Gharles-t +252. 22 22:-- = eee 288
punctatus: 22-26 ssise522 292, 294,306 | Leadville Station, Colo... XXXIV, LXXXVIII
gemonus bubalus.--- 0s ec 07 | Thearye ds Dice eee ee eee LXXXVII
Gyprinella oe hea 307 | Leiostomus xanthurus..-.--.....-....-.- 810
TARUN roses. fe Fae e S07 | etpsic Creeks: (i222 ili so. Slee ei ewer ee 222
Increased Work of Fish Commission. -- VII | Lepidopsetta bilineata................-- 28, 29
irdian Mound Bay... {be Sls eke 64 |) Lepidopus' xantusi —<-222 22252522222 276
Inquiry respecting the Food-fishes and Lepisosteus osseuSs ..............-.---.-- B04
Fishing-grounds, Report on. CX XIII-CXLVI plstostomus 222-2522) seen 304
International Fisheries Exposition at tristcachus: 22/22 Teese B04
Bergen: Norway 2.2 2-2-5 ce bee Vy | Lepomis garmani:s: sso. es eee 302, 310
Investigations of Albatross -.-....--..-- XVIII miniatuse sto es See 310
Western Lakes and pallidus: fo eee ae 310
Streams ........- CXXXII- | Leptops olivaris -.................... 292,302, 806
CXR VIE |) Little Neck Bay s22::22252- 52-8 ee 249
SPICTOSONNCINGLHS —. 25-25 455k Secu oe ese bo. | nitile:Pickereles--o-sc-aseso see eee 309
MACRO bvy OU. S25... -c.~ sachs ees ese 87 | Little River, North Carolina _.--.....__- 168
James River, Shad Fisheries of__._.__-- 181-185 | Littleton, Wesley K........-............. 152
Jefferson Parish, Oyster beds of -._--.-- 70 | Little White Salmon Station ---...._._. cil
Oyster planting in --- 84 | Live-fish Exhibit at Omaha -_____.__- XXXVII
Johnson Bay and Johnson Bayou..--..-- 57 | Lobster-Collections ---............--.--- LII
~ TSS TOS 1S eS ee LXXXIlI Details of Distribution--_-_.___- CXXII
DST GTI AIEY 21 0C (2) Sao ee LIX Wishery Gasp eee eee B
Jordan, D.S., and McGregor, R. C., on Lobster Propagation .-....-.........--- XXXII
Fishes from Revillagigedo Archipel- Lobsters planted in Pacific Waters.... XXXV
ago and Neighboring Islands------.-- 273-284 sent to San Francisco. .-.--- XXXII
swlidio NOLOSpilis) ss ose 2-52 sen ches 283 | Loch Leven Trout --. LXXX, LXXXIX, XCIX
eenG ali sw. Cesare ee oes ee CXXXII Details of Distribution CXI
Kennebec River, Shad Fisheries of -___- 265-268 || Locke; sBi-H) soos 2 es eee eee:
BEM DO DAY soo 5555- te eco 5 55. ke 2. oe Perch <2-: 22225 ais see ee eee 310
1 CGT aD oS eee a a CXLVIII | Long Island Sound Shad Fisheries ~ 248, 250-252
Li niG\ tu eC es eee ee ae CXXVI | Long-Nosed Gars-c: 2-222. 22) oe B04
LGD D CV 2) Se en ee a ee aii. | ota maculosa--=--- 52-2 22222 25-6 2 CERev

HRD eee 7 Ak eine a ear aaa soe ee 34 | Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, In-
PCV DNOSUS ATIAIOPTIA ss ic5scilaccicsso-2- 278 vestigations in 1897-:.........2..--.--.. 285-310
elopenar soe POS ee Ne eked 278 | Louisiana, Natural Oyster-beds of ____- 76

IMUORCONE Bo 54255052 eS ace ale 278 | Louisiana Oyster-beds, report by H. F.
Labidesthes sicculus -.........-.....---. 309 Moores: 25.552 cesdewanscee eee eee ee 45-100
Laboratory Work at Woods Hole-.--- CXLIII | Louisiana Oyster Interests -.-......... XIV,
Lafourche Parish, Oyster beds of -_..--. 71 CXXITI-CXV
Oyster planting in-- 86 | Louisiana Oyster, Rate of growth of __- 89
Lagodon rhomboides.................--- 310 Spawning of-_-.-...-.- 88
PaAke Barre, —.2.- .--<.. RE iin wee oe a 74 | Louisville and Nashville Railroad -_.... 338
Pepe MAGN so Seats laces ions 3 87'|| Lucania: venusta. 2% =. eee re 309
Lake Erie, Statistics of Certain Fish- Lucius vermiculatus -..............--..- 303, 309
PIGS Obata eserves eo eee CLV |) Lycodontis pictus -.2-- 2 Se 274
Take Herming © 25s. Secs eck e oot LX.) aynch Biver..2-. 32222 2.52.2 eee ee 152
Details of Distribution... CXIX | Lynnhaven Bay, Virginia --.........--. CZEV
Lake Huron, Statistics of Fisheries Liyopsetta exilis:: -.==-sst.cn2.82 Aeeee 28, 29
Deh SS ais 5 ten Saba nas asow Bae CLXXIV | Mackerel, Embryological Studies of --_- 4
Lake Michigan, Statistics of Certain Mackerel investigations _............... CXXX

Misheried Of <2... —asas.eseeee te sees CLXXII | Mackerel investigations in 1897, J. Perey

Lake Ontario, Fisheries of... XVII, CLI-CLVI1

Lakes of Southern Oregon..-.......... CXXXV
Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River, and De-
troit River, Fisheries of-..........- CLXXIV

Moore On: ..=2:-52 257. , 1-22

landed at Boston, Mass-__-.__-
Gloucester, Mass...

Mackerel, scarcity of......... Eee 3

346 INDEX.
Page. Page.

Macrourus acrolepis\:-.-20-- 4222-24s=--— 283291)| Mussel ay Ouse aanen aes sae eee aniee ee eee 66.
Maine, Certain Fisheries of ---.-------- CLXVI | Mustelus lunulatus--.-....-.--_. .--=-=---. 274
Maine, Shad Fisheries of --.------------- 263,269 | Myrichthys pantostigmius ------------. 274
Manchester Station: -2222¢ 4-22.25 2---- TAXEXOT| Myriophyllnm)! 225-5 eee ae 289, 303
Manta birostriss. spec ee esse aero 92 | Myripristis clarionensis --.------------- 275
Mam bua wRAVel ese ssee eee nee cena ccane 240 | Nanticoke River Shad Fisheries------.- 209, 219
Marennes Oysters sss) senor eee eee CXVAL || PNarnagcansetttBayeees see 259
Marine Biological Laboratory- -------- CXLIV | Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis
Marsh MiG): 4202 soot ee tee eee CXXXVIII RRM soe ustes pe 338
Marshiynopel Creeks sss rs se= a aaa 211 | Nashville Exposition -----.----- XXIV, 329-339
Martesia cuneiformisso-c-- =----2 22 4=-— = 93 | Natural Oyster-beds of Louisiana ------ 76
Maryland, Shad Fisheries of -.---------- 192-217 | Navicula ostrearia.--.....------------ CXXVIII
Massachusetts, Shad Fisheries of----.-- 260-263") Neches) River: -25222ssncese-<.oh s2-2 eae 301-303,
Massachusetts, Statistics of Certain Nelumbitm!s2)-2 222s. eee eee 303

Pigheries Of a! 28.2 hee eae CIAXGVLD| WNeoshostationse-co-ess-- cea aoe ane LXXXV
MattbaponiuRivers=-—) essere ee 188 | Nets used in Alewife Fishing- ---------- 34
Mav aHerring! so aetie anes ss ease mene 34 | Neuse River and Tributaries, Shad
McDonald) Cod-Doxjes---5 = ee eee LI Misheries of 22222222. i244 eee 163-168
McDonald Marshall tess ae soeese eee aoe 109,111 | New England Sportsmen’s Association. XXVI

McGregor, R. C., and Jordan, D.S., on
Fishes from Revillagigedo Archipel-

ago and Neighboring Islands-.--.----- 273-284
McGuire vHiD 2 sees eats eceeteeteseesee XCIX
Mead Ay D224 2 eae Secs eS CXLIV
Medialuna californiensis----..-.-.------ 279
Meehan Witlist2s--see2 eae eee XXXIV
Melichthysibispinosus----222-222522----- 280
Melon genase sos /soenee ceseh secon CXXIV
Menhaden sens sane. see ee ee ee sees aae 34
Menidiaspeninsules) 22-22 ee eee 309
Monippemercenaria so-ss: asses o-- a= 92
IMenedOsiaie sea -sses- set coak saea settee LXXXV
Merrit acs ivielesesetse = ses ate alee 262
IMesoOpUSipretlOSUS Hee ssse-eas= =e ee 25
Meyer Ad olphitss--. s2s---ee-=e= CX XIII, 47,51
Michel Onn = 22202 sero Se eee teens 47
Microgobius|sulosusi- == ses so-— saa 310
Micropogon undulatus-----------_------ 310
Micropterus salmoides.-.....----------- 310
Microspathodon bairdii-----.--.-------- 282

dorsalist42--s-e eee ee 282
Microstomus’ pacificus --.222-22.-.-+-...- 28,29
Miorations of ehadese poe e ose eeae 106
MispillioniC@reekiss2se= 2.0022. ees ees 221
MISSISSIPPI Gare aaeee ee te ee aeee ee 304
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, In-

vestigations in 1897228222925 22) een en 285-310
IMGSSISSID pT SOUN Ge aee ones eee ae == 66
Mobjack Bay, Shad Fisheries of -------- 180
Mollienisialatipinna-s-s--24-2seeo = 309
MontanaiGraylin et os eos =s- setae XXXII
Monterey Bay and Santa Catalina Is-

land shishestinomessscscsee. 2 -s os aane 23-29

Moore, H. F. XIV, XXVI, CXXIII, CX XVII, 47
on Oyster-bedsof Louisiana 45-100

Moore;d. lenrcyeoes esses XVI, CXXX, CXLIII
on Mackerel Investiga-
tions in 1897, -2.--- 2-2. 1-22

Mortality among Brood Cod at Woods

Oley Sees cele aeae eats nee eae oe CXLIV
Moserny etersonvhy se csen secs eee eae eee XVIII
Mid! Cat) s 2223s scsi dceetes eve sso eeenes 306
MudprassiIsland+-2ss2e-s) eeae= sae eie 65
Mupil)cephalns)= so 222s se-see se eee =e a= 309

CUPCIN A Sees eee eaatecneeueeee eee 275
MirdenkilliGregi see ne eee eeeeennnee 221

Museum of Comparative Zoology, Pub-

MGATIONS OL) essed oc celeste eee tee eta NGL EN

New Hampshire, Fish Hatchery in-.... XXVI
Statistics of Certain

Fisheries of .----. CLXVII

New Jersey, Shad Fisheries of --------- 228-241
Statistics of Certain Fish-

eries of 2.4-3308.-25 se CLXX

New Stations <2: 2.522.222 52- eee XXVI

New York Bay, Shad Fisheries of ---.-. 243

New York, Shad Fisheries of --------.-- 242-249
Statistics of Certain Fish-

eries. Of: 4.2534 eee CLXIX

INine-mile Bay ouj=-<2) 225.22 --see eee 52, 54

Nissequague Riveri-2.25-s5e-5 ee eeaa ee 249

North Carolina, Shad Fisheries of ----- 155-176

INiortheast Rivielsassssseeeeeee eee 160

Northville'Station 7232 2--5---=e= IX, LXXVIIL

Northwest Jack Williams Bay --------- 58,59

Notes on the Extent and Condition of
Alewife Fisheries of United States in

1896, by Hugh M. Smith----.-.---.---. 31-43
INotropis!chamberlainicc ess. .-s---=—se—s 307
lowlsianse 2ee82 ees eee 308
notemigonoides ----.---------- 302, 308
MUR ese nl Clee ee 307
Venustus!-:-.-2k6..2. eee 302, 308
INTp hae se ene en eee 289, 303
INmatting \C./C2 ae an caeaeee eee eee eee CXLITI
Nymphaea 2.22222 2 -5..4..c2544s5-ee eee 289, 303
Ocean Shore of New Jersey, Shad Fish-
ries oft 24-52425- 2 ee 240
Oemulgee River. s-2--- 3-4-2512 44-5 eee 135
Oconee River =+=+2-<).<:22-2.- 58 136
Ogeochee River-ciswc, e226 2-2-5 eee 136
Oldenburg Gyb ees eee XCVIII
Omaha Exposition ... XXV, XXXV, XX XVII,
XXXIX
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha --.------------- XIX
kisuteh)--2--= XIX, CRRRTE
nerka-—=s-snes-ohseee XIX,
XXVIII, CXXXII, CXXXIII
tschawytscha -.--...---- XIX,
CXXXIII, CXL
Opelousasi@at eens ee eee 306
Operations of Steamer Fish Hawk------ XXIV
Ophichthus triserialis--........-...-...< 274
Ophiodonielongatus= == ss225-2eeeeas eee 26
Opsopceodus emilie -.-....---------.--.- 302, 307
Ostrea luridaiz.. 2. 222k eeee eee eee CXXVI

virginica. .c2-cce-tes sae eee

INDEX. 347

Page. Page
Oyoldes sevosus. 26 csawendcnn 2-s wenger 281 | Pole Nets in Shad Fisheries --.....-...-.. 246
Oyster-beds of Jefferson Parish .......-. 70 | Polistotrema stouti......-......-.-s-...-. 26,20
Lafourche Parish -.--.. 7L! |) POlloGk 2.c-2 eps eek ee ee X,L
Louisiana...........-..<. 45-100 Details of Distribution ......... CXXII
Plaquemines Parish --.-. 68 landed at Boston, Mass ...-..--...- CLI
St. Bernard Parish--.-- 51 Gloucester, Mass.... CXLIX
Terrebonne Parish- ---- 72 | Pollution of Rivers and Streams--...... XVI
Oyster Experimentsat Lynnhaven Bay CXXV | Polyodon spathula ---.....----..-------- BOL
Interests of Louisiana. CXXIII-CXXV | Polypodium ..-............-....---.------ 289
Investigations .. XIV, CXXIII-CXXIX | Pomolobus estivalis.............--.---- 33
Oyster-planting in Jefferson Parish---- 8&4 pseudoharengus ----..--..-- 33
Lafourche Parish -- $0) Pomoxis annularis-c.--2s5-.ceseae eee 310
Plaquemines Parish 78 SpAaroides=.0- 810
St. Bernard Parish- av |t Potamogeton|-2-2 4528 ee 289
Terrebonne Parish. 87 | Potomac River, Shad Fisheries of_. 192, 199-203
Oxyiulis californicus.<--..5226-4.22-5<. 283 | Pound Nets used in Shad Fisheries ---- 202, 208
MGOSShUB oS ee ee 25 | Practical Fish-culture at Nashville... 336
Pachynathus capistratus---.-.-.-:------- 280 | Priacanthus carolinus.-...-..-.----. ---- 278
Pacific Coast Oyster Interests--.--..-. CXXV- | Pronotogrammus multifasciatus - --...- 278

CXXVII | Propagation and Distribution of Food-

Pacific Salmon..-.--.--...- XCIII, XCVI, XCVII Fishes, Reporton XXXi-CXXII
in Atlantic Waters. -...-. XLIV, of Marine Species -.-----. XXXII
XLV, XLVII | Protruding Eyes of Rainbow Trout -- LX VIII

Pack of Alaska Salmen from 1878 to

UL SBR eee ReE SEER Be eB erio ee XXII
Pamlico Sound, Shad Fisheries of -----. 161-163
Pamilico-Tar River 2222-28 eo sce= =i. 168
PAMNMNKOY ELVer Les fsa sseee sn snscdcces 187
Paralin biases ee eee te ete. se CRE

Glathratys S20) ook: oo soe 25, 278
Paralichthys californicus ----...-.------- CXL
Paranthias turcifer'.-.-:.-.-225)-:=..... 278
iParephrys Veuulus).-2-5_<2-4--2--~ =... 28
TE ni4, GES RUGS eet 74
Patuxent River, Shad Fisheries of ---..-. 204
per ie LVOR ce - 2.2. ees Secy oa s coca tase 289

Pearls and Pearl- bearing Mollusks, Col-
lection of Tiffany & Co----- -- XXXIX

Pee Dee River Shad Fisheries --....---- 147-154
Ppeided) Gate. aoc ae eho ss sees Sf ecsee 306
Peigneur Lake-..---. esse A ee 303
Pelagic Sealing and American Seal

Pier sete ee ce ie ee ee eka CLXIV
BBNCHTUDARO.. 2 oS ese is J oscns tase 73, 87
Pennsylvania, Shad Fisheries of ----.-- 228-227
Penobscot Shad Fisheries -.----....---- 268,269
Percina caprodes.-....---- eee eee 302,310

Periciniitrn ne et act a aae CXXIX
hilin, Honmans 3.622208. 555- 25-2225 CXXXII
Lalor (elec 43. Se 58,59
Pigsiy Stites. aes Sooo woes eS eckewe 310
Prk6 Poereh.-...2- 302 22e-+-4 VIII, XLIX, LXXVI
Details of Distribution --..-- CxIx

Work on Lake Erie. ---.-... XXXII
Pimelometopon pulcher ~.-...-..-.-.--..- 25, 283
tri hipeaas seems ere bos Ce 310
JeiVecrpi fil plat 2 Rees SN OS ee 309
Pirate Peres. .eccs teense esone 309
Plaquemines Parish, Oyster- -beds of _- 68
Oyster- -planting in in 78

Platichthys stellatns..............---... 28
Platophrys leopardinus--.-..-...--.---- 284
Bistts, Geores ieee oleek eee ns tee LXXIX
Pocomoke River, Shad Fisheries of ---- 206
Por onise GFOImis=2a- ~ sence nck s2-s-2o=e CXXIV
EGISsOn AEMG Oo ets F Soo 304

ISG eR Se tee Bal ee ee 292, 305

GI Ch Bg ae 304

Psettichthys melanostictus
Publications of Fish Commission - ----
available for distribution. 311-327

Put-in Bay Station --.....-...-------- IX, LXX
Querimana gyrans ---2-~._.---=-(---- eee 310
Quincey statlony= <5 =~ ee- sno ee LXXXV

Quinnat Salmon -..------ VIII, XIX, XLI, XLII,
RLV) ROE eC Ov,
RCVII, SCVILM, GC Cll, CRGLE

Details of Distribution

Of essences See ee CIX

Hatcheries for--_--.---- XXXI

Raccoon: Rivers S222 252s ese haw aen Seseeeas 240
HACE ANG Hicnccdse ccssseee sooo eee XL
Radulinus boleoides ~....--------- CXLVI, 26, 29

Railroads, Free Transportation fur-

nished by -2.. Uo Ae eS eee XII
Rainbow Trout -.-..--. XLII, LXVI, LXVIII
LXXXIV, LXXXV, LXXXIX

Distribution of... CXI-CXIV

Raja inormmate-<o2s- 2-2--22--+-se-4-nceennee 25,29
Range of Shad in Rivers-......---..-.-- 110
Ranunculus: 22.72 24.-25. te eee 289
Rappahannock River Shad Fisheries-_.. 189-191
Raritan Bay and River Shad Fisheries- 241
Rate of Growth of Mackerel---..------- 4
Ravenel, TDi 2siee 2 eee LVII
Ravenel, W. dei. 2.25. cece eee eee XXV

Ravenel, W.de C., Report of Division of
Fish-culture . XXI-CXXII

Report on Tennessee

Centennial Exposi-
tion
Recommendations in regard to Louisi-

ana Oyster Interests -.-.---....-.-.---- 95-100
Hem Druin 32.2502 hee oeeee ees 310
Red or Bloody Oysters. .......--.---- CX XVIII
Reighard, Jacob ~<s22-2 5-2-0 S5sce6 sens)
Repairs to Care -...22--.22<.2-eeeeseeos XXXVI
Report on Fishes obtained by Steamer

Albatross in vicinity of Santa Cata-

lina Island and Monterey Bay-------- 23-29
Report on Investigations, by U. S. Fish

Commission, in Louisiana, Mississippi,

and Wexas inl S0(oc. <70-can eee 285-310

348 INDEX.
Page. Page.
Report on Propagation and Distribu- Sebastodes chlorostictus--.--.----.----- 26, 29
tion of Food-fishes------.------ XXXI-CXXII chrysomelas2-2-5-25s22---5 283
Résumé of Distribution of Assignment eonstellatises--- 26
ofshishand Mp estecsrssssncee=s see CV-CVII elongatus tele. Jesteneeces 26,29
Revillagigedo Archipelago and Neigh- flavidas 22222 ese aes 26, 283
boring Islands, Fishes from---------.-- 273-284 Poodel e/a eee 26, 29
Rhode Island, Shad Fisheries of -------- 258-260 introniger 22 s2esssee- ee 26
River Herrings or Alewives ------------ 33 maligort22_. 2 se eee 26
Roaeht-s 2h ek eeeerae ces oweas Semece = see se F 307 MIN AtTUS ==) see see ee eee 26
Roanoke River Shad Fisheries---------- 173-175 MVStinUs ==. soeesn see ee eee 26
Roberts: “WicA.-. ci seeast: ee CXLVIII PaUcispinishe—2 =e sane 26
IROCCUSICDEY SOpSeeee === pose ee eee 303, 310 pinnicer eo eee 26
LINGATUSUetee aoa Sees ae 25 TUDPerLIMUs Sas 26
Rock Bass- ---- LXXXIV, LXXXVI, LXXXVII Saxicola! eit Sd. ose 26, 29
Details of Distribution_.-.... CXXI Serranoides)222222 5 -essasesee 26
Rogue River Station ----..----.--------- CI Serriceps®= -..1222 i ese 26
MROOCER ee hese a eee ce ee ee Se Stece 307 Vexillaris 2-2... 2 26
RNotert. Carlee! 2 sects onceee eco ee eee DXXSVAIL | Sebastolobus alascanus=2225.--42=-=——— 25, 29
Round Sunhishs eee seek eee eee eeees 310 altivelis=-@22- 2 eee eee 26,29
Rowe, Charles M--. --- SEO XEON OXY) || So bastopsisuxy Tis sess sess selena eee 283
Runstot Salmonieeeseere- eens eee aes XEX'| (Seniola, dorsalis #2252220. es. = eee CXL
Rutter, Cloudsley --..------ MCV: IC XEN | (Shad) 2° Je eee ee ee eee ae 308, 309
CXXXVI, CXLVIII, CLXII Details of Distribution ------------ CVIII
Seapine Rivers. ceases eee eee ena set e=— 301-303 | Shad Fisheries in 1896 compared with
SacowRiviers esos eee ee eee otk BEE 264 Previous Years ---.-- 123-127
Sacramento Basin, Young Salmonin. CX XXIV in 1896, Extent of-.----- 114-122
Salemubivierssss- nese esos eee een eee 239 of Albemarle Sound---- 170-173
Salmoyclarkdie 22-22-22 -s 2a een CXXXIII Appomattox River-- 185
gaeindneri,c2c2o sesso eee CXXXIII Atlantic Coast of the
Salmon Fishing in Yukon River -------- CLXV United States-_-..-. 101-269
Packof Alaska for 1897... - ---- XXII Cape Cod and Massa-
Salmonihiver Statione-----+-------+----- CI chusetts Bay ------- 261
Salmon, Species packed ---...----------- XIX Cape Fear River and
Salyvelinustmalmasssss-2---2s2 o----— CXXXIiII Tributaries -...._.. 157-163
Sam pitiRivier!s fesse c= oteaeeceaa=sn nee 153 Charleston Harbor
San Diego County, Cal., Fishes and Fish- and Tributaries-_--- 144
TINS TOUNGS Of essen see eee a aa OOK NGI Chesapeake Bay in
San Diego, Fishing Apparatus at----- CLXIII Misi yil andes es 194-198
Sandy Hook Shad Fisheries ---.-------- 240 Chesapeake Bay in
San Francisco, Office at-_.----.--.--- CXLVIII War ciniaes sso 178-180
San’ Marcos) Station :2----------\---— LXXXVII Chickahominy River - 184
Santa Catalina Island and Monterey Choptank River-.-.-.- 212-215
Bay Sheseirompesesss esc. -e ease = 23-29 Chowan River-.----.-- 175
Santee River and Tributaries, Shad Connecticut-----.---- 250-258
Hisherics'ofso-jccsc Nee sore Soe esse 144, 145 Connecticut River.-_ 253-297
SarG@anchilensistessensse--- nose eee acess CXL Croatan and Roanoke
Sassafras Riviere. oc. --ckeesee ees. nese 216 Sounds) 232 169
SatillawRiverte-es. + cescees seston eee= 134 Delaware .2.:-.=4csse 218-222
Saverhotiaweib acco ceeeee soe ae aeee XXX VII Delaware Bay and
Savannah River Shad Fisheries ----.--- 137 River sss 220-222, 230-240
Sanvibollliyascstoic eae e meee scp nates eece Be Delaware River ------. 227
Scarcityrof Mackerelesta-2-- -s2-5— -a--= 3 ishin oi Bay.--sasesese 211
Schilbeodes'gyrinus: -2----2--..----.-..- 306 Plorida.vs-cLacee ees 127-133
SchliederwhidiwardiGeesseseeeen eo eae 288 Georpia'.23 2 133-140
SchneidersiG Ajsiee eee eee XXXVII, LXI Hudson River----.--- 245-248
School#hornin Geese eso setae cee eee 34 James River.....--.-- 181-185
Schuylkill River Shad Fisheries. ---~..-- 227 Kennebee River----- + 265-268
SClLeNOPS OCellatuses=- assess aes eee 310 Long Island Sound-- 248,
Scofield SIN. pBioscswmeeceee cena eee eee CXXXIV 250-252
Secomberscomprusuageeerese eee eee eee CXxXxX Maine 2: 222225 263-269
Scorprnagicuttate -occa-.sc-cssaesceeeose, eG ee. Maryland o-2eess==ss 192-217
ScotchiSea Trout ses a cosee ese ee eee enV Massachusetts ---..-. 260-263
Distribution of -__-- CXVIII Mobjack Bay-.--- .--- 180
SeaCatiish: = ee ee B04 Nanticoke River- ---- 209-219
Sesgle;, Gaorge yak she ote ee LXVI Neuse River and
SegEerring cess seek eee ee Oe eee 34 Tributaries -....... 163-168
Se pastodasisen 2022 eS ee GCE New Jersey ---.-.---- 228-241
Carnatus) <2 seaeeee ee 26 New. Mork seceacesees 242-249

INDEX. 349
Page. Page
Shad Fisheries of New York Bay.- ----.-- BES: | Ol: coon oecun a Wancwnusuee cee thts yee tak 310
North Carolina. ....-. 155-176 | South Atlantic States Fisheries ........ XVII
Pamlico Sound_--..... 161-163 | South Atlantic States, Fisheries in 1897. CLVII-
Patuxent River--...-.- 204 CLIX
Pee Dee River and South Carolina Shad Fisheries --.- -.---- 140-154
Tributaries .....-.-- 147-154 | Southeast Jack Williams Bay --.-.------ 61
Pennsylvania --...-..-- 223-227 | Southern California, Fisheries of ---. -- CLXII-
Penobscot River and LCXIV
Bay.......---.------ 268,269 | Southern California Fishery Products. XVIII
Pocomoke River----- 206 | Southern Oregon Lakes ----. -.---...---- CXXXV
Potomac River .. 192,199-203 | Southwestern Mississippi- -------------- 288
Rappahannock River 189-191 | Southwest Pass..-...--.------------------ 62
Rhode Island ---..--- 258-260 | Spawning of Louisiana Oyster ---------- 88
Roanoke River ---.-- WS=NG::| Spearfish, S,Dak- = 2-=-.5).-- toe eg XXVI
Santee Riverand Special Investigations---..-.-.-...----- XXXIV
Tributaries -.....-.- 144,145 | Sphyreena argentea .......-----.-------- CXL
Savannah River--.--- 187, |) Spiny Wobster. sooe assed asa eeeereeceee CLXII
South Carolina ---..-.- 140-154 | Sponge Fisheries of Florida ------------ XIV
St. Johns River ----- 128 | Sponge Fishery of Florida --..-------- CXXIX
St. Marys River -.--- 182) |'Spoonbull Cate Ss-scn-- ses seane eae =a 304
Susquehanna River. 4S MW Snotica cece ccnmbetces tetas wseaerte te eer 310
994-997. | Spotted Gat. c2~-oe---- saaen mene eae 292, 294, 306
Mireimins? 2 <--nen45 176-191 | Spotted Sea Trout_-------.--...---—222-- 310
Wicomico River. ---- 208; ||) Spring: Bertin oases. a. eee Bt
Winyah Bay and Stake nets in Shad Fisheries---...- -.---- 246
Tributaries ---.--.- 146-147 | Starch used with fish eggs .---.--.------ LXXVI
York Rivyer)..-:--—-<- TSS-18R) | Starhish occ. ae one ae sane eae ee eee CXXIV
Shad-hatching, Albemarle Sound ----.-.- LVII | Station Operations -....--..-------- XL-CXXII
Battery Station-_-_--.---- LIX | Stations, Conditions at ....-.......----. XXXIV
Bristol Station --------- LIX of Fish Commission, List of --- XL
Bryan Point Station... LXI| Statistics and Methods of Fisheries -... XVII
Delaware River-------- LVIII Report of Division of ... CXLVII-CLXXV
Hdisto! River: --.=-..-2<. LVI | Statistics of Fisheries of Lake Ontario. CLII-
Steamer Fish Hawk.-.. LVI- CLVI
LVIII | St. Bernard Parish, Oyster-beds of----- XIV,
Shad in Mississippi River and Tributa- CXXIII, 51
03 (Ce re eee XV Oyster-planting in- 77
Wiprahlons, Ghose. -- <.---= - S25 ee 106 | St. Clair River, Detroit River, and Lake
of Ohio River Basin. --.----.--- Cee Vit St. Clair, Statistics of Certain Fish-
Propagation -..---2----2202s2:-/ K, REIL eriosiofic-. ei Sees. here eee ee CLXIVX
Mange in Tervers._- =<. 225.2 ---32 110: | Steelhead Trout —<22.2-2 2-3 XLIl,
BRODIE ye Vee Ee oon so ccb eee ene pcom XCV XLIII, XLVI, XLVIII;
Bheepsneadic-->- -2..-2 25. + 255-2262 tee 310 XLIX, LXXX, XCI
BHOnENOSOG:. GATS. 02> oe oe See isd 304 Details of Distribution - cx
SHOVOl-Dilt CAbros = soso s-—s-ese5s5-2s---2 B04 in Tributaries of the
Sirio vel-HORe OAtK =. 2. sess 6 SiS J eee 304 Great Lakes ......... XXXI
Shrimp BAe .4.<5 3. sents ae ee 60,61 | Stevenson, Charles H------. CXLVII, CXLVIII
irmisrrys S22 22 Se ee ee ee LXV | Stevenson, Charles H., on Shad Fish-
Signalosa atchafalaye --_.-------.------- 292, 309 eries of Atlantic Coast of United
Sil Very Minn Weed s22- Set ea - Soeeee eo -3 307 States\...<, 032.25 a ee ee 101-269
SMUNAs MOLLOR) 2225 4-22 ae ssa scensesese LVII | Stizostedion vitreum ----..-.-..--------. Vil
Siphostoma griseolineatum.---- .-------- 25 | St. Johnsbury Station--....-..-.-~.------- XLV
BCOVGL Soe oae ro sos cnet 309 | St. Johns River Shad Fisheries--------- 128
LCE See ee See ee ee pee 74.1.8; Jones Creek: --=~----45sse eee 222
Siuslaw River Station ------......-.----- CIV | St. Marys River Shad Fisheries -------- 132
SIM Dees Geen See a ae ee pe ee ee 800°) St. Michael River--__...... secs ee ee 215
Small-mouthed Buffalo --........------- 807 | Stolephorus mitchilli--....-.....--..---- 309
ial: POmonGity. Jos. See eee $06) |) Stone-crab...- 2... .oesnac-- eee ee 92
Smith, Hugh M .....-...- ove woe VL. Ox V LE hStone-cracker. 2.5 25-6020 oes pea eee 92
Smith, Hugh M., on Extent and Con- Stone, Livineston3....--4~- deeee sone oe XLVIIL
dition of Alewife Fisheries of United Stranabans Js dJic- cancancecnopentanene LXX
RTE AUR ose precteceeeee eea aoinra = 31-43 | Strawberry Bass -.--.... LXXXVI, LXXXVII
Smith, Hugh M., Report on Inquiry re- Distribution of --...--- CXXII
specting Food-fishes and Fishing- Striped Baas 32 -— anes sneer nanan emeee LXI
RROUM Se eee CXXII-CXLVI | Sturgeon Fisheries of Lakes Erie and
rity ee BAY Pe ee ee eee 50 Ontatioc... che rses saan XXXIV
Snail as an Enemy of the Oyster ------- 91 in Lake Ontario ---.6.-2-.-.-. L
SiG Crag) sil s Eas eee os See 47 | Summary of Distribution.--..--..--.... XI

350 INDEX.
Page Page.
Summer sHorringee asses eee eee eee 34 | Virginia Shad Fisheries-.--.....-...-.---- 176-191
Sunfish, Details of Distribution-__-~--- CXS |) VVioisin' Baye eee eee eee ee 75
Surface TMowines eetee yess ee ee see ee | GYViORMBay.Or > ELS a ase ee Se eee XXVII
Susquehanna River Shad Fisheries_ 204, 224-227 | Von Behr Trout----....-----.---..------- XCWe
Swamp Muck used with Fish Eggs.... LXXVI | Waccamaw River -.-.-.-.----.-.---------- 147
Swachkwanolin) 4s 2 yee Ses ee Cee eee EXEL), 4) Wall-ey.ed\-Eerrin sss — eae eee 34
XOXIVIL, Tul CRON 4547550) |) Wall-eyed Rike-- +222 5-82 52-- 2 eee VIII
MrsniGbocalabenalis= sees essa arene naa 281 | Wallowa Lake, Oregon-.-.-..-.---- XV. CXexexai
Tagging Cod at Woods Hole------------ CREW. 1) Warm outhiss: 2 a- popes sats eee 310
Tampa, Fla., Fisheries Congress at----- OMY, .|"Wiasha lakers ss sait is. eee ee 5
Marandich thys tenuismesessss-scnee sees 20; 20) | Nash burns Henk; seen ees XIV. CXeavir
Masse takers 2 usec ol tte Bas 303 | Wateree or Catawba River----...-.---- 145
MATIN DOM NEVO ee ee a ene ee te ee 260 | Weir Fishery for Shad --2 5222-2 22-22 = 266
Tautog planted in Pacific Waters.... XX XIII, | Western Lakes and Streams, Investiga-
XXXV tionsiofisus=: feces 5-228 CXXXII-CXxXxVII
Tennessee Centennial Exposition------ SXEXTTV), | Wiest Karako Bayes ssss ss sees sae eee 56
XUNSRAV, ROX ROVL 3295339) || Wihale Bary eeassoo-ees eee ee 7
Tennessee, Fish-hatchery in_----------. SMV LT) | WihiteiBass (222) 2) 6h 2c a eee 310
MerreponneyBayeeaseecasse=--ee-eeeeseee si | aWihite:Buttalo==-4=)2- = 807
Parish, Oyster-beds of ----- 2 aw hitefish:-2s21sF 2sie see. 5a ee IX, LXXXIiI
Parish, Oyster-planting in-_ 87 Details of Distribution --_-_- CXVIII
Mewuthis aiala see s~ sea aasessosone hese s 280 Eggs, Increase of Bulk ----- LXXXI
trioStesUSs ss sass-se ae see 280 Studies of.. LX XII, LXXVII
Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, In- Propagation. XX XI, LXX-LXXVIII
Vest SablONS ene lGO (ee ame essen ee eee 285-310 | Wicomico River Shad Fisheries-------- 208
Thalassoma grammaticum ------------- 283 | Wilcox, W. A... CXXVIII, CXLVII, CXLVIII
Mihai GSuRivier els seen ees aa eens eee Zoe: Willapa: Bay s-seeo-2- ess see CxXxVI
Pha yer WW -eeeeweaeaeeo eo se ate ences. TXT | Willow: Cati222226. 2: 228228 See 305
Minielevbernhards-scesceescs cesses cace CERO! «| “Wilson! Bay, - 22222.) eee 74, 87
IBhree-milerBayenese ne ee eo see eeuee 5d }/\ Winter Hlounderseshe. esa eee eee LV
MifhamyiGe sO Onee scene see eaMeescn = Soto ot XXXIX | Winyah Bay and Tributaries, Shad
Millandsiasusneoides: -22 je 222 5_ 2eee 289 INisheries of i24525- 4942422568 eee 146, 147
TMmibaliersBay. ss seesessses 25 sae e 86.) Wires. (S. P\22225 82 ce. 23 Sioa. ee
PRI GCOMMD VO aie one eee cae eee eee XLV | Woods Hole Investigations.--. CXLIII,CXLV
Mobagoibaye steel seeea easter ce 191 Laboratory 22-222) XVI
Tolbert. Gerblas oscepas seen ee oce Ss ocues LIX, Cl Station\:- 2-4. /2225: ee DX
Molipertsta Awe ates sae oe eens ee CHI | Weolman; A.J .2222--- 2522-33 ee CXLII
Moo heauelenrinte ese eee ee eee 808" Worth, |S; Gis. o-22525-22-- ee LXVII
Mownsendsi Guth Aeneas sees esse eee XOMGVIL |) Wytheville Station, e222 -s22ne= XXVII, LXVI
Townsend, C. H., Report on Statistics Manthichthys mento 2222-5 - = seen 280
and Methods of Fisheries. CXLVII-CLXXV | Xesurus clarionis--------.--------------- 280
Trachurops crumenophthalmus..----.-- a7 punctatus 522210223 280
Trans-Mississippi and International Ex- Yadkin Rivers--2--s--42s62o--.--- ee 147
DOSLHON ass ore eae sete XEXGVS ROXOX VIL | Waquina, Baiyss---24-cos ee see eee CXXVI
Transplanting Eastern Oysters on Pa- Wellow @Cat.2- 3-22-25 cesses wanuc tas See 292, 306
Cifie | CORSti. saps sata se aeaca bese edaese XV 4 hVellow-finvLrowt!——- = =e. ee XC
Transquakine WRivenr---ss- sosese eee eee 212 Details of Distribu-
Travel of Cars and Messengers.. XIII, XX XV tiON. =. == CXVIII
Treasurer Bay = 2002 eo ee ee aes 66 | York River Shad Fisheries -.----------- 185-188
Trent River -----.---- mares ie cece eos 167 | Young Saimon in Sacramento Basin-.--
MrckahoeiWOreeky: tieren-o-seeee tee seen 214 CXXXIV
Drailicam TH eA ts eee gd a Ee LXXXVIII Shad, Habits, Growth, ete ----- XV
MurkeyeBay Olsesss. see see eee ee see eee 59 in Potomac River -- CX XXVIII
Wimibrina ronead oreesesaeene-s eons eee eee 25 | Yukon River Fishery Resources. XVII, CLXV
Union Tank Line Company ------- REX OLX 338} |/FZachanie, WH. Clot... ose 51
Upeneus dentatus -....--_.--..-.-------- eid! |OZalocys'stilbec-- <--2 2 ease eee 277
Upper Clackamas Station -....-....-... XCIEX. | (Zanclus cormutus: ----2) 252223 -eee eee 280
Wrolophirs halleri see. eee se Zid Zaniolepis trenatuseso. = sesso ee 26, 29
Wrosalpinxscre-teessttaeces a seen te eee CXXIV latipinnis: 22-2. .--- cee see 26, 29
Value of Artificial Propagation ----.---- x! | Zenochirusilatifrons|ss. =... sees 28, 29
Weilth® Hupene ote seu eclee et Soo ee 50 triacanthus-_4- - 3. eee eee 28, 29

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