Author: Pennsylvania State Commissioners of Fisheries

Titie: Report of the State Commissioners of Fisheries for
the year...

Place of Publication: Harrisburg

Copyright Date: 1899

Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg237.3

R ■j'^~l

REPORT

Hon Howaitl J. KcM'dcM- (I)( ceased). Late M(»mber Pennsyl-
vania Fisli Coniinission.

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OF THE

STATE COMMISSIONERS

Av. 4,

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OP

o-

^^7-A- Of ^fi^jf^

FISHERIES,

FOR THE

YEAR 1899.

^i^^

WM. STANLEY RAY,

STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

1900.

REPORT

Hon IlowaiH .1. li«MMl«M- (I)<<m'ms<m1i. I.jitc MpiiiImm- IN'iiiisvl-

vjiniii Fish < 'oinmissioii.

OF THH

STATE COMMISSIONERS

OF

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FISHERIES.

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i-oK Till-;

YEAR 1899.

.i^S

WM. STANLEY KAY,

HTATK PKINTKH OV ri;NXSVI,VA>:i A,

VH)0.

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

FISH COMMISSIONERS

OF

PENNSYLVANIA.

PRESIDENT :
S. B, Stillwei,!,, Scranton.

SECRETARY :
D. P. CoRWiN, Pittsburg.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
James A. Dale, York.

TREASURER :
H. C. Demuth, Lancaster.

James W. Correll, Easton.
John Hamburger, Erie.

Assistant secretary and statistician to the

BOARD :
W. E. Meehan, 600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

SUPERINTENDENTS OP STATIONS:

Eastern Station — John P. Creveling, Allentown.

Western Station — William Buller, Corrj.

Erie Station — Abram G. Buller, Erie.

1--17-99

Official Document,

No. 17.

I^E^F=*OP^"l^

OF THE

STATE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES.

To His Excellency, William A. Stone, Governor of the Commonwealth

of Pennsylvania:

Sir: The State Commissioners of Fisheries have the .honor to pre-
sent their report for the period from June 1, 1898, to June 1, 1899.

It is with gratification that we find ourselves again in possession
of State funds with which to carry on the work of fish culture, and it is
with satisfaction that we received the announcement that there was
an appropriation made by the Legislature for the specific purpose of
refunding to public spirited citizens and Fish Protective Associations
the monies advanced by them for the culture of fish, and for the pay-
ment of the partial expenses of the Commission for the last two years.

When the Legislature of 1897 adjourned without making an appro-
priation through an unfortunate error, the problem of what the Com-
mission should do for the next two years seemed for awhile unsolva-
ble, but the (iovernor of the State and a number of citizens and Fish
Protective Associations quickly solved it by subscribing and assist-
ing to raise funds to ena'>le the work to be continued to at least a
limited extent. The Supe^'* 'tendents of Stations also showed their
devotion to their work and their faith in the States' integrity, by ac-
cepting for the time being such sums toward their salary as could be
spared from time to time, and being content to wait the convening of
the next legislative session for the balance. Likewise a number of
firms who furnished supplies to the Commission, readily agreed to
continue service and wait for at last a part of their payment. To all
of these the Commission makes grateful acknowledgment.

Of course, under the trying circumstances, not a dollar was ex-
pended for anything save the most urgent things. Although con-
sidering it a grave misfortune to the commercial fisheries' interests,
the Commission closed both the Erie and Bristol stations as far as
State work was concerned, and expended no money on repairs to these
two buildings. The trout stations only were kept open and run to

(3)

C^)

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

their fullest capacity, and no repairs were made to these except b'uch
as were absolutely necessary, to k^^ej) them from fallinj> or from be-
coming seriously injured.

Despite the most rigid economy in operating the two trout stations,
and despite the non-operation of the two commercial fish hatchiu-
stations, on the first of January, 1899, the Commission found itseU
in debt to the amount of some 113,900.

In anticipation of the meeting of the Legislature at the beginnincr
of the year 1899, the Commission drafted a deficiency bill for imme-
diate introduction, and so many of the members of the Assembly took
such an active interest in the measure that there was a general ex-
pression of belief that there would be no difficulty in securing for it
a special order for prompt passage. The bill was drawn for |21 000
and It was divided into three parts; the first, providing for the re-
payment of those who had advanced monies to the Commission- the
second, for the discharge of other indebtedness incurred until Jan-
uary, 1899; the third, to carry on the work of fish culture from Janu-
ary first, until June first, 1899. The bill was introduced into th,>
Senate and passed immediately by a unanimous vote. When it was
sent to the House, however, it was discovered that there had been an
error in the method of drafting the bill, and it had to be withdrawn
Kigid economy also having to be observed in the matter of monev
expenditure, the House Committee on Appropriations deemed it nee
essary to pare the estimated appropriation for the first six months
of the current year

The new bill drafted by the Appropriation Committee of the House
in accordance with the rules of the Assembly, was approved for tho
sum of a little more than |18,000. This passt^d the House under a
special order and was sent back to the Senate, which bodv concurred
within a few days, and immediately after it received Executive ap
proval. The re-drafting of the deficiency ' ill caused an unavoidable
but unfortunate delay, a delay which wa^ to some extent responsible
for the loss of a large number of trout fry in the Eastern or Allen-
town Station.

The cutting also of the estimated moneys for the first six months
prevented the Commission from beginning its plan of the establisii-
ment of a separate station for the cultivation of black and other bass
This failing it was expected to take the money from the regular ap-
propriation bill which was soon after introduced.

As a result of the passage of the deficiency bill, the Commission
IS happy to say that as far as known, every obligation incurred durin<'
the interval of the two sessions of tlie Legislature were cancelled"
and the new fiscal year begun without debt.

The accidental failure of the appropriation in 1897, unfortunate as
It was to the interests of fish culture, was nevertheless not without

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

its value, for it demonstrated the depth of interest whirh the people
1 of the State take in the work and the friendly disposition of many of
those in the Legislature, who feel that occa.sionally thev^must oppose
some of the propositions of the Commission. Notwithstanding these
discoveries, the mistake was of too costly a nature for the commission
to desire a repetition of it. It is im]>ossible to estimate how costly
the failure of the approi>riation was both through the restricted out-
put of fish and the illegal fishing which increased perceptibly because
of the enforced retirement of all the salaried wardens. That there
was not more general mho of illegal devices was due chiefly to the ac-
tivity of associations and individual citizens, who gave time and
money for the capture and punishment of fish law breakers.

The delay in the passage of the deficiency bill also prevented the
(Commission from hatching as many pike-perch as it otherwise might
have done, because bv the time the monev become available and con-
tracts for the purchase of eggs could be made, all the fishermen on
Lak(^ Erie had promised their supply to the United States. Indeed,
had it not been for the exceedingly friendly feeling which exists on
the part of the fishermen for the State Commission, and the cordial
relationshij) between the United States and Pennsylvania bodies,
there would have been no eggs obtainable at all.

When the money did become available, the Superintendent of the
Erie station was sent at once to the spawning grounds to make ar-
rangement for pike-p(M(h eggs. He visited all the firms from whom
eggs had been obtained in former years, and to his disa])pointmeJit
found that all had been engaged by the United States Commission.
He found the same with resiJect to the other fisheries. The reason
of this was, not that the United States had endeavored to supplant
Tennsylvania, or that there was any desire or intention on its part
to take advantage of the State, but entirely because the Erie station
had been closed for two years, and there had been no notice that it
would be opened this spring. On account of this, the United States
simi)ly had made extra exertions to supply the deficiency caused by
the closing of the Pennsylvania station. As soon as it become known
that Pennsvlvania intended to resume work, there was a general ex-
pression of regret that the eggs had all been disposed of, and conferen-
ces w^ere at once held, with the final result that two firms of Toledo
were enabled to transfer a portion of the eggs they took to Pennsyl
vania. By this arrangement the State was enabled to hatch 24,080,-
0t)0 pike-perch.

Notwithstanding the vexatious delays and other troubles caused
by opening all the stations again, the Commission was enabled to
perform an amount of work to which they think they can point with
pride. In all, there were hatched and distributed, 50,525,265 fish of
different kinds. In addition to this there were 2,200,000 trout

6 REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.

hatched at the Allentowii station, but with the exception of 45,000 ail
died suddenly, just as the distribution months had arrived. From
the 50,525,265 fish mentioned as having been distributed, 440,265 were
hatched prior to June 1st, 1898, and were in the troughs on that date.
On the other hand there were nearly that many California trout eggs
in the troughs on the point of hatching on the first of June of this year,
which are not included in the figures given. Including the fish which
w^ere seized by the sweeping mortality at the AUentown station, the
total work for the year would be 52,680,205 fish handled by the com-
mission for the year.
The detailed list of fish handled is as follows:

Shad, 1899, 22,200,000

Brook trout, 1,833,865

California Trout, 303,000

Brown Trout, 79,400

Atlantic Salmon, 229 000

Pike-perch, 24,080,000

Blue Pike, 1,800,000

Total, 50,525,265

In addition to the above, the United States planted

Shad — In the Delaware, 21,286 000

In the Susquehanna, 24,200,000

Total, 96,011,265

That the Commission has no reason to feel ashamed of the work
accomplished this year, notwithstanding its embarrassments and the
misfortune at AUentown station, may be seen by the following table
of the output of fish since 1891.

1891-92-93-94, 237,363,771

1^^^ 94,615,160

1^^^' • 52,218,807

^^**^^' 163,118,807

l^^^j 50,525,265

It will be seen by this that with the exception of in 1897, the annual
output of fish has been between 52,000,000 and 91,000,000. The year
1897 was a phenominal one, no less than 159,780,000 fish having been
hatched at the Erie station on account of there having been no storms
and a steady run of ripe fish both spring and fall. Besides in each
year preceding this one, they hav(. the advantage of the white fish
hatch, which occurs in the autumn. Having had no appropriatioii,
the Erie station was not opened last autumn. The hatching of white-

No. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. I

fish annually amounts to from about 20,000,000 on the average during
1891 to 1894, to from 30,000,000 to 43,000,000.

Moreover, figures show that in proportion to the facilities, the out-
put of fish is actually larger than in former years with the exception
of pike-perch and brook trout, eliminating of course the year 1897,
which was the greatest in the history of the Commission, and which
is hardly likely to be excelled or even equalled in the future. In shad
work on the Delaware, the Commission excelled all its previous
records. In all 22,200,000 shad were hatched. Of these it is true a
portion were from 9,265,000 eggs received from the United States
Commission. Of the latter about 5,000,000 were hatched. This
would leave about 17,000,000 hatched from eggs taken by the Com-
mission's own s})awn takers from Delaware River fish. The follow-
ing table shows the liatching of shad by the Commission at the Bristol
station since the erection of that building:

1895, 5,950,000

1896, ', 7,325,000

1897, 20,000,000

1898, 22,200,000

Total .55,475,000

Thus, even when the five millions estimated to have been hatched
from the eggs received from the United States Commission, are de-
ducted it will be seen that the best previous record was beaten more
. than two and one-half times, and including the 5,000,000 nearly three
m and one-half times, or what is perhaps more satisfactory, the hatching
and planting in the spring of 1899, exceeded the aggregate hatching
of previous years. Had it not been for the fact that an unusually
large percentage of the eggs taken from the Delaware River fish and
those received from the United States Fish Commission were infer-
tile, the hatching would have been several millions more.
% At this point the Commission would like to make gratt^ful acknowl-
[ edgement to the United States Fish Commission for the cordial as-
j sistance which it has given, and to thank it most heartily both for
j the millions of shad and Atlantic salmon eggs, and for the aid giv»'n
^ the State fish work in other directions.

^ When the trout in the troughs at AUentown were seized by the
trouble which destroyed them all, the Tinited States Commission
sent Dr. Blackford at its own exi)ense, ex(e])t that for transiwrtation
and board, to examine into the trouble and endeavor to check it if
possible, and subsequently gave valuable advice with respect to the
future method of conducting trout work at a minimum expense. It
also directed its supnintenchMits to givr the Commission's Statistician
every facility for gleaning information with respect to the cultiva-
4 tion of bass.

8

REPORT OF THE

Oft. Doc.

No. 17.

The mortality which seized upon the trout fry was perhaps the
most peculiar which the Commission has ever experienced. About
the 15th of February there were over 2,000,000 trout fry in the Allen-
town troughs, all apparently in good health, except that they were
abnormally small for their age, and at times a trifle languid in their
movements. In less than three weeks these little fish were all dead.
According to the careful investigations of the Statistician of the Com-
mission there were three causes which led to this complete destruc-
tion of this lot of fry, each being in a measure dependent on the other.
The causes in the oi'der of their importance are:

First. Too long inbreeding, which produced a low condition of
vitality.

Second. An unexpected and heavy inflow of unaerated surface
water, due to the blizzard.

Third. Overcrowding the troughs with fry.

It is held by the Statistician and supported by the Superintendent
of the Station that the results of the inbreeding in themselves would
not have caused the death of the entire lot of fry in the troughs, al-
though it is admitted that a large percentage might have been lost, as
was the case the previous year, at which time the mortality was at-
tributed to other causes. As proof of this it is pointed out that a
good proportion of the fry, shipped under what was termed the special
applications, and placed in retaining ponds in different parts of the
State, before the blizzard, lived.

It is held by the Statistician that the main cause of the calamity
was the inflow of unearated surface water (melted snow), to the
spring, and from thence to the troughs, and that the fry in their con-
dition of low vitality and overcrowded as they were in the troughs,
could not stand it and died.

The Superintendent of the Station while acquiescing in this, seems
to have another cause to advance, which also places the responsibility
on the blizzard cpiite as much as on too long inbreeding. It is in
effect that the upheaval of the new house through the action of th"
frost caused an over supply of water in the troughs. This also pro
duced unaerated water, which, while in itself might not have caused
the death of the fry, weakened them more than they were, and pre-
pared the way for the melted snow water to complete the calamity.

Dr. Blackford in his report places the cause of the mortality entire
ly on the too long inbreeding. That Hie fish lacked blood corpuscles,
and were therefore in no condition to live to maturity. All three
unite in the opinion that the fundamental cause of the trouble lies
in the fact that the fish had been bred too long from generation to
generation among themselves without change of blood, and in this
the Commission fully concurs, and considers that it is of little moment
whether had there been no blizzard, all or only a portion of the fry
would have died during the winter, except of course from a scientific

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Standpoint. The Commission feels that disastrous as the visitation
was it is not without its good results since it has emphasized the
desirability of frequently changing the blood of the fish in its ponds.

It is proper to say here that the Commission does not hold the
Superintendent responsible for the failure to obtain new blood for
the fish in the ponds of the Eastern Station at Allentown, for there
appears to be good evidence that he recognized the danger and on
three occasions asked for eggs or fry from another source. Unfor-
tunately on the first two occasions he seems to have made his requests
verbally of an individual member of the Commission, so they never
came before the Board in order that a minute might be made and the
granting of the request made a certainty. On the third occasion he
made the appropriation in writing and he received the supply but un-
fortunately they were received too late to avert the trouble.

After the fry had all died, the Commission determined to breed no
longer from the fish in the ponds, and at first thought to purchase
a number of mature trout from some of the numerous dealers, but
later decided to try the experiment of purchasing the eggs. This
conclusion was reached from the discovery that eggs could be pur-
chased for about as much, if not for less money than breeding fish
could be reared at this Station. In consequence the Assistant Sec-
retary was directed to ask for quotations from the prominent dealei-s
in different parts of the country for a minimum supply of 1,500,000
and a maximum of 2,500,000. When the fiscal vear ended there had
not been time for reply, but there is little doubt of the result, for the
Commission has been advised of the economv of the move bv several
of the State Commissions and by the United States Commission as
well.

For the last two or three years the State Commission has been ser-
iously considering the advisability of engaging in the cultivation )f
black and rock bass, pickerel and one or two other fish by pond cul-
ture. It was demonstrated long ago that neither the black or rock
bass could be raised through the artificial expression of their eggs
from the mature fish, and all the fish of these two species distributed
by the Commission for planting in the waters of the State were pur-
chased from fishermen in Lake Erie. This was a very unsatisfactory
method for several reasons: first, because of the great expense in-
volved; second, because of the limited supi)ly which the Commission
was able to obtain; and third, be<'anse of th<» dissatisfaction which was
expressed by the residents along the shores of Lake Erie at the fish be-
ing taken to stock other waters.

For a long time the Commission did not feel justified in under-
taking the cultivation of the bass, particularly of the small mouth
species, because the work was in its extreme infancy, and there was
little surplus money for experimental purposes. Experiments were
earried on in a small wav with the rock bass at the Western or Corrv
Station, and these were entirely satisfactory.

10

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

U

A little more than a year ago, the Commission determined to un-
dertake the work of pond culture of black and rock bass as soon .is
the next session of the Legislature made its regular appropriation.
This was determined because of the manifestly growing demand for
these fish, a demand which far outstripped the ability of the Com-
mission ever to supply by means of purchase. The demand in fact
begins to assume almost the proportions of that for trout.

It was decided to set aside the sum usually devoted to the pur-
chase of the two fish for the establishment of a separate station for
pond culture. In the north eastern part of the State, several land-
owners, with good water supply, in the proximity of large towns and
through railroad lines, hearing of this determination, offered as much
land as miglit be necessary at a nominal consideration. One or two
were being favorably considered when the Legislature convened, and
two applications from black bass culturists of experience, for posi-
tions as superintendents were on file with the Board.

Unfortunately all these plans were rendered abortive, when from
motives of economy, the Appropriation Committee of the House felt
that the regular appropriation must be materially cut. The amount
scaled was the sum the Commission had set apart for the establish-
ment of the separate bass station, and the project therefore had to
be temporarily abandoned.

The thought that the work of rearing black bass and other fishes
by pond culture must be abandoned even temporarily was exceedingly
distasteful to the Commission, but there seemed no help for it, until the
idea of purchasing trout eggs for hatching at the Allen+own station in-
stead of roaring breeders, began to take definite shape. It was then
suggf^sted that it might be possible to make a few changes in the char-
acter of the ponds and render them available for bass culture. The
Commission thereupon directed the Statistician to confer with the Su-
perintendent of the Station and make a thorough examination and
study of the subject and report as soon as possible. This was done and
according to their findings the work was deemed practicable to a lim-
ited extent, though not as much so as might be desired. The changes
necessary were, however, less than expected. An examination of tho
property at the Western or Corry station was made, and it was
thought practicable to establish three ponds there for black and rock
bass. This was also apjii-oved and the Su])erintendent notified to
begin the work of preparing for the new work.

One of the imj>ortant considerations in bass culture is that of food
for both the mature and young fish. The food usually given trout
is not very desirable for bass. The Superintendent of the Corry Sta-
tion, in a line with this thought, began the propagation of frogs, and
by the close of the fiscal year had in one of the ponds and in the hatch-

ing troughs more than a half million tadpoles. Later small ponds are
to be built for German carp and roach which will be bred for food also.

The Commission has no expectation of being able to hatch and rear
a large quantity of either black or rock bass, because there are not the
facilities for the work at the trout stations. These places were de-
signed specially for the breeding of trout, and the culture of black
bass requires very careful attention and special arrangements. The
work is moreover very difficult and still in its infancy. Further it is
much more expensive than the rearing of trout, and this also will be a
bar to extended operations. The Commission might well be pardoned
if it had decided under these circumstances, not to engage in black
bass culture, but it feels that it owes a duty to the people, and the
cause of fish culture, and that this duty commanded it to at least
make an effort, even though its financial ability is restricted, the
facilities for the work few, and the situation not entirely favorable.

The demand for l)lack bass yearly has grown to great proportions
and this demand is largely on the increase. Two years ago with a
supply of rather less than ten thousand fish, the application for suita-
ble streams and ponds were fully one hundred thousand, and the Com
mission has no doubt whatever that were it not well known that the
ability to grant applications was limited, the demand would hav«-
bei^n three or four times as large, perhaps more.

In deciding to undertake the cultivation of black and rock bass the
Commission also took under consideration the rearing of one or two
other useful food fishes, the successful propagation of which would
not be open to much doubt. After much thought, it was resolved
to add the mountain catfish or bull head, the white catfish, or possibly
in lieu thereof the spotted catfish, the pickerel and yellow perch. The
last is designed to use primarily for food for the pickerel and black
bass, and the surplus for planting on applications.

There were various considerations of much importance which led
the commission to select the bull-head as one of the fish. It is well
aware that there arc in certain <]uarters a prejudice against this fish,
on account of its alleged spawn eating habits. It is undoubtedly a
si>awn (Siting fish, but it is extremely doulitful whether it is as great
an offender in this particular as many other and more popular fish,
or whetlier it is as destructive to spawn as the black bass is with
respect to fry.

On the other hand there is a demand, and a real need for a fish for
farmers which can accommodate itself to almost any kind of water,
which is prolific and which will thrive and increase with little or no
care. It is also desirable that a fish be provided the farmer having
not only these qualities, but which will at the same time be a good
food fish, and if desired by him find a fair market. All these condi-
tions are to be met with in the bull-head or mountain catfish.

12

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

U

Some years ago, on account of the fact that the carp was said to
be the chief food fish of Germany, and its wonderful reproductive
qualities, it was thought tliat it would be a valuable food fish for the
farmers' cultivation in this country. The fish was well advertised
and farmers all over the State united in demanding the fish. It was
not long, however, before it was discovered that although it was a
much sought for and esteemed food fish in Germany, that it was by nt)
means such in this country. Accepting as true all that was said of it
abroad, the carp appeared to entirely change its character in Ameri
can waters. A good food fish there, it was practically worthless hen^
Few Americans would eat it. Its flesh was rank, muddy and uu
palatable, even when ditiereut sauces and condiments were used. It
was in fact far inferior to the poorest American fish.

Simultaneously with this came another equally disagreeable dis-
covery, namely, that it was exceedingly destructive. Spending its
time mostly on the bottoms it destroyed spawning beds and de
voured spawn, and it was not long before it became one of the most
execrated fishes known. In New Jersey the Legislature went the
length of enacting a law making it a misdemeanor, punishable with
a heavy fine, to plant the carp in any of the waters of the State.

Since that time the Commission of Pennsylvania has not bred
any fish specially for the farmers' use, not because of indifference,
because it was not sure of what was the best fish to recommend.
The idea of raising bull-heads and white catfish for farmers use is not
original with the Commission. A number of ichthyologists have been
pointing out the desirability for some time, and the report of the De-
partment of Agriculture in 1895 strongly urged its cultivation.

In finally deciding to undertake the work the Commission does not
wish to be placed on record as favoring the planting of either the
bull-head or the white catfish in any water which may be suitable fi)r
their growth. Quite the contrary. It will decline to grant applicn
tions for indiscriminate planting. This it must do out of consid-
eration for other species of fisli. It does not care to have the bitter
experience of the German carp repeated, even on a smaller and less
destructive scale. The purpose of rearing the fish is to supply first,
ponds for the farmers' use, and secondly, such natural lakes and large
bodies of water in which the fish already exist or have existed, where
they can do little or no damage, and at the same time serve a useful
l)urpose. It is the Intention of the Commission to scan the applica-
tion for the two fish very carefully and so frame the blanks that if
a refusal is given it will be entirely because it is manifestly improp«M-
that they should bo granted.

Should the Commission succeed in the experiment, the white cat-
fish will be more desirable than the bull head for the farmers' use,
because it is of a higher quality and is in greater demand for the

i

market. The Commission, however, is doubtful concerning its
ability to successfully rear them. It is an experiment pure and
simple, the result of which cannot be determined for a year.

The Commission has noted with concern that for some years the
supply of pickerel in the mountain lakes is rapidly diminishing.
Many of these sheets of water which, twenty-five years ago were, to
use a common phrase "literally alive" with this fish are now almost
entirely depopulated. It is a prolific fish and if ordinarily judicious
methods were pusued in fishing for it, there would be no need
of artificial propagation to keep up the supply. But ice fishing
is insisted upon, and illegal methods are too often employed. There
are not many more voracious fish than the pickerel, and it is therefore
comparatively easy to capture. It is thus little of a surprise that the
supply of this fish should diminish. Now that it is growing less there
is a demand for restocking, and to meet it the Commission has under-
taken the cultivation of the pickerel at the AUentown station.

Through the courtesy of the Beaver Run Club of Pike county, a
large supply of mature fish will be placed in the AUentown ponds
next autumn, and the same Club has also granted the Commission
the privilege of visiting its ponds during the spawning season and
taking as many eggs as may be desired. For this public spirited and
disinterested action the Commission desires to express its thanks
and gratitude, and it may not be out of place also at the same tinn*
to express its appreciation of the same public spirit and interest in
the work of the Commission shown l)y Mr. Charles Cortright, of Hun-
ters' Range, Pike eounty, who offered to supply the Commission with-
out expense either for fish, catching, or hauling over twenty miles
of mountain road, as many roach and yellow perch as it might desire
for breeding purposes. It is actions like those of the Beaver Run
Club and Mr. Cortright which exhibit the extent and warmth of in-
terest which is being taken in the work of fish culture.

The Commission also for some time past have been desirous (>f
propagating mascollonge, and i)lans were laid to undertake the work
Inst spring. The chief ditficulty in the way was the lack of mature
fi.<<h fi'om which to take eggs An application was made to the
New York Fish Commission for fiftv mature fish from Lake Chataii-
qtia, but that body afr<'r deliberation felt reluctantly forced to re-
fuse, because of opposition which would surely develoj) from the
people living on the border*; of the Laks. This decision was natur-
ally rec(Mved l)y this Commission with much regret, for it c(mipelled a
temijorary abandonment of the project. The Commission will, how-
ever, make an etfort to secure the fish as soon as possible from another
source.

Two years ago the Board prejmred and presented to th<' Tvegisla-
ture a bill codifying, rearranging and correcting the existing fish

14

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

laws and adding several provisions which would strengthen the
hands of the Commission in its work. After a long struggle the bill
was passed, but on account of several amendments which it was
deemed would injure instead of advance the work of fish culture and
fish protection, the Commission was compelled to appear before th*'
Governor and ask for a veto. An exhaustive hearing was given thi'
Board and those who were responsible for the amendments, and fav-
ored the enactment of the bill, and the outcome of which was that
the plea of the Commission prevailed and the measure was vetoed.

During the interval between sessions, the Board caused another bill
to be prepared. A lesson was learned by experience and the new pro-
posed act was much shorter and even plainer in its provisions. At
the previous session complaint was made in certain quarters that
the first bill was too drastic in some of its provisions, although they
were in fact but transcripts of existing acts, shortened and rendered
effective when conviction was secured against an offender. That no
complaint of this character should have solid foundation, those whose
task it was to draft the new bill were directed to carefully scan every
act on the statute book, and where penalties seemed to be out of
proportion to the gravity of the offense to modify it, also to be as
liberal as possible in the matter of devices which might be used by
commercial fishermen. This latter instruction was the result also
of complaint that the existing laws were operating against the legiti-
mate interests of the commercial fishermen. At one of the meetings
of the Commission a petition was received from a number of fishermen
on the Schuylkill river asking for Hie passage of a law permitting the
use of dip nets during certain seasons of the year, under certain re-
strictions, and on the payment of a stated license fee for each net
used. This petition was referred to those preparing the new bill with
a favorable recommendation.

After many months labor the bill was prepared and with one ex-
ception it met with the approval of the Board. This one exception
was with respect to fish baskets or fish pots. The entire unbroken
record of the Commission since its establishment has been in oppo-
sition to the use of such devices. Every report issued showed their
destructive character in catching fish, of the millions of young shad
which they destroyed every year, and of the almost immediate im-
provement of the fishing resources of every stream from which they
were strictly banislied. Yet in the new bill was a provision per-
mitting the devices to be used in streams fiowing partly through this
and partly through another State. It is true that llu^ section per-
mitting their existence was accompanied by a number of restrictions
which were intended to minimize the destructive character of the
devices. Among these provisos or restriclioiis weie limitations con-
cerning the length of wing walls, forbidding the joining of the wing

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

15

Ni). 17.

wills of two baskets or pots, insisting on movable slats of pots and
o,; night use only, on the employment of watchers while in use, on m^
"i.tint „n a minimum size of spaces between slats, and on payment of
ik-ense fee for use of each basket, and also limiting use of such devices
lo three months in the autumn.

It was explained by those having the drafting of the bill in charge
,Lat the section was introduced as the result of a compromise, lor
years it was explained that there had been a long and bitter warfare
;„ the part of the fish basket men against the enactment or improve-
ment of the flsh laws and that so.ne of them had finally approached
one of the oflicials of the Commission with a proiK,sition, on the ac-
ccutance of which they would cease opposition to the passage of a bill
for the better protection of the fisheries' interests. The proposition
made was embodied in the section. Subsequently, before the bill
was introduced, this omcial, and two members of the Pennsylvania
Fi.li Protective Association met a member of the House of Kepre-
scntatives, who was recogni/..'d as a representative of the fish pot and
li.h basket men. The meeiing was held in llarrisburg, and the bill
was thoroughly gone over, and the Kepresentative gave his adhesion
to the bill with the exception of the clause concerning the flsh baskets
and fish pots. He insisted that the license and one or two other
clauses be stricken out although he admitted that fully ninety per
cent of (he men who used or desired to use the devices were fully able
and willing to pav, but he based his insistence on the striking out of
the license clause on the few who could not afford to pay. After a
Ion- discussion, the Kepresentative expressed himself as willing to
..ive in, and promised to amend a bill, which he had introduced pre-
viouslv to conftuni to the one drawn in the fonimissions bill.

Ou ihese representations, the Board of Fish Commissioners reluct-
nntlv permitted the flsh basket section to stand, but faiih was not
k.i>t on the part of some of those sustaining the fish baskets. Instead
1.1 amending the fish basket bill previously introduced to conform to
that section in the general fish bill, the latter was amended to conform
(,. (he former. In addition this measure, which was known as the
I'eepU-s bill, permitted the unreslricled use of fyke nets, with or
without wings, and of outlines wi(h only one unimportant restriction.
This bill (he (\)mmission was forced (o oppose, and succeeded in
Jiaviug it defeated in (he projier CoimnKte.' of the S.-imle. The
'clianges made in the section mentioned in the gen.Mal bill, also
forcd the ISoaid to ask members of (he House to have tlie whole sec-
tion stricken out. and make fish pots altogether illegal. Refore this
or the whole bill could be a.led on. however, (he Legislature ad-
journed. Thus again the Slate is left for two years more with defec-
tive and in some cases obscure laws concerning fish culture and fish
protection on the statute books.

N.'. 17.

FISU CUM.MlStsIONEKS.

15

Nva

11j^ uf iNVo biiskelts or po

u

11 111

rr

ht use oiilv, on the emp

able slats of pots and
lovnienl of wateliers while in use, on i

is, insistiiij:' on inov

n-

isiiiiu:<ui a miuinium s

v/.v of spaces bclweeii s

lats, andon paynienr of

U'(

iisi' fe«' for use o

f (.-ach basktM, and also liniina

»•• use of such devices

In I

Invc mniiths in the auhnnn

It was exp
ilia I ilie s(M

iMini'd bv those havin- the diaftin- «

)f Hie bill in (

•hai'

Ol»

lion was intioducec

I as the result of a coinproniise

(U*

\ (

ars it was exi>

lained that there had been a

loiiii' and bitter warfare

( )

I thi' pai

I (d' the iish iuiskii men a.ua

Ills

I the enactment or improve-

II n

'lit (»

f the lish laws and that some

o

f them Irnd linally api»r(»a(

■hed

(ine o

}• the otVicials of the t'ommission wi

ih a jiroposiiion, on the :v

r^'ptailce ()

f which thev wnnld cease

()

ppdsition In the [la

ssaiit' o

f a bill

. (1

I- the belter pi

iiia<

oU'ction o

ih

f the tisheries" i

nlerests. The proi>osilH

11

h' was embodied in ihe s<

•tiitn. Subsetjueii

was introduced, this o

A

tlicial. and two n

lemlnis o

lly, bef(ue the bill
f the I'eiinsvlvania

I'ish IM-oitMtive AssociaUo

HI ir.el a na

-mber of the House

t»

f Uei

>re

•Htaiives, \s

ho was

HMouni/.ed as a represeii

tativc of the (ish pt>t a

n«

\

lish basket men. Tla- mcciin- wa

held in llarrisbur

and Hie bill

was

thorou«:hlv j;(Uie o

v« f. ami 1 at

liepl

♦ sen

taaive uave his adhesit*

n

lO

lu' bill with the exccptiiui id- the clause col

icernni!

the tish baskets

;iiid lish pots.

lie in:

acd that ih'- license

ai

id one or two o

ther

rlauses be stlicki'U ou

h

I althtai'di he admitted that fully ninety i

ter

ct

■lit. of ;he nH'ii who used or »

MIK

1 williiiu to ]my. but he based his insish nee on

(h-sired to use the device
I hi;

were fully ab'e
kiuii (Uit •if

he siri

IJH. lieeiise • hiuse on I

l.mti discussion, the Hepreseuiativt

he few who eonhl imi alVord to pay. After a

'>ia

.sed himself as willing; to

uive in. and promisi'd to anu-m

1 a bill, wliich In- had iiitrodticet

1 ]a

vioii

.|v to coriform m» the o:\e «

Irawii in ihe rommis.-itui:

bill,

( Ml these repre>entarnin:

the Ih.aid of Fish ( N.ir.missioiiers r.

>lir

e-

■ ♦-.

,ill\ jieini

illed Ihe lish basket seelioli

■pt on the ]»arl of soim-of those susi

lo staad. but I'aiih was not
ainiim iheiish baskets, liistend

iimemmi

o the lish basket bill I'revio

us

Iv iiiiroduced to conform lo

liat sectioa in Ihe i^eiiera

1 lish bill, thelaltc'r wa;

amended to confoi la

lu ihc fnrmer

ill addition this im-asure. nn

hirh was known a;

th.

I

I'll] Me s

bil

lieinil

tied the nnreslricied ust' o

f fvl>

e nets.

Wl

th

or

hnllt WIlllJ

and of out lines v,

1 1

This bill ilH' rommi

h niily <»u ' uniniporh'.nt restriction.
I to opeose. and sneeeeded in

ssiiUl was foret'd lo o]»,m.s«

ilN 1

it (h.feaied in the proper <'ommiii

ee o

f til

aale

Tl

ic

aiiut s

i 1 1

mad*' in ila' seeti«ui m^
led the |»,oaid to ask lUembors t>

•nti«»ned in the ut

• Ui'vM bill. aNt>

t the House to have t

iU'

whol

e see

,tn Mui. ;»

nd make lish jiois a
111.' whole bill could b<. acted on.

uL'el

Iier illeual. I'efore

this

low eVl'l'

th.e beuislanire ai

1

11 e<^

Thu

s aLinin

the Stale i< left f«a- t vn o years i

liter

with defe

;\e am

I in

some cases

obscure

law

conci

■rninir iish culture am

1 li>h

protection

on the statute books.

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

16

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

XI

This condition of affairs is the more to be regretted because until
some radical changes are made the advance in the restoration (»f
valuable food fishes in the State waters will be seriously embarrassed.
This is particularly the case with the trout and black bass. Last year
the Board in its annual report went into exhaustive argument proving
that the present laws making the minimum size of trout which might
be legally caught, five inches and of bass six inches were responsible
for the difiicuhy on the part of the Commission to keep the streams
stocked with the former and for the rapid decrease of the latter in
many of the smaller waterways of the State.

It was shown that the trout does not spawn at the size of five inches
nor the bass at six. That fish of those sizes are immature, that trout
do not spawn until they are at least six inches long or black bass until
they are at least eight. Proving this it was pointed out that the
legal killing of such fish is in fact destroying seed.

In this rejjort, the Board has noted the fact, and it has done so Iji"
previous reports, that all the bass furnished applicants for planting
have to be purchased, until such times as proper ponds for their
cultivation and propagation can be established, and that as a conse-
quence the supply is limited. The Commission is prepared to say
without any reservation whatever, that more black bass of an imma-
ture size alone, yet of a legal size, are taken every week, from streams
than the number planted each yeai*. The same may almost be said
of mature fish. T'nder these circumstances how can it be expected
that Hie number of black bass will in<iease. and of what avail is it
to buy fish for restocking purposes? AN'ith the law permitting the
cai)ture of a black bass six inches long it is a waste of State nu)ney
to buy fish, and is a hopeless task to increase by pi*0]>agation. The
only thing the Commission can hope to do by the latter method, is;
to juevent the extinction of this great game fish.

It is an absurdity to argue that to fix, what the Commission desires,
namely, a nine-inch limit, is against the interests of the poor fisher-
men and for the satisfactiim of the wealthy sportsman angler. It is
also only a betrayal of ignorance to contend that the average black
bas.K has spawned once at the size of six inches. All three are abso-
lutely false, and the argument either of lack of knowldege or of thos<^
who cannot reconcile themselves to the idea of restoring to the water
anything having been unfortunate enough to have taken a hook and
been unable to eseape, whether it be fit for food or not. It is the argu-
ment also of that most contemptible of a class of men. commonly but
a])tly termed, fish hogs.

Some time ago, it was ])ublicly stated that if the Commissions' de-
sire for a nine inch limit was granted, there would be very few black
bass legally taken. That the average black ba.ss caught do not
average nine inches. Doubtless this would be true to a limited extent

Tor two years, but if the law were observed, it would not be after
that. Moreover, this very argument is a most powerful one for rais-
ing the limit. It is amply demonstrated by experience in the Dela-
ware River, where by the united enactments of Pennsylvania, New
Jersey and New York, the minimum limit is now nine inches. A
person accjuaintcHl with the river has no ditticulty in getting as many
tisii of nine inches or more in a days' fishing than is experienced in
CI telling smaller fish in the Suscjuehanna or any other famous stream
ill any other part of the State.

I Ii is quite common for a certain class of people to protest against
laising the limit of black bass and brook trout, on the ground that
the people most concerned, namely, those who live on or near the
vicinity of streams are opposed to it. This has caused some investi-
gation to be made, the result of which is to convince the Commission
that such statements are entirelv without authoritv, as far as the
ni.ij(»rity of those referred to is concerned, and that those who make
those claims are to a great extent self appointed champions, and that
their action is repudiated.

For instance, the Commission has positive knowledge that a very
hii<ie proportion of the men who row city anglers and make game
tishing a living at many of the famous resorts on the Susquehanna,
stiongly favor a nine-inch limit for black bass. The Commission is
I cady to prove this if necessary.

During the last session of the Legislature but one bill of great im-
poitance to the fish interests, passed and was signed, namely the one
which creates constables ex-otlicio fish and game wardens.

The ini]»erfections of the warden system in force in this State have
been a source of both infinite dissatisfaction and inefliciencv. Onlv
a small sum is appr(q)riated for the payment of the force of wardens,
lc<s than one fifth of what is appropriated in the State of New Jersey
lt>i instance. The salary which is i)aid, if indeed from fifty to one
hundred dollars a year can be called a salary, is totally inadequate
to insure the services of good and faithful jiublic servants. The
Ihiaid has had such, of course, many of them, but in the majority of
cases, these men held the positions, not for the money consideration,
hut for the service which they could render the cause of fish protec-
tion. The Board has felt for years that a dozen men paid a just
^-alaiy. and re(iiiired to give their entire time to the woik could ac-
cnnq>lisli nimh more than the entire force as it is now <-onstitute<l.

hi the month of September last, during a meeting of representa
taiives of the (Jame, Forestry and Fish Commissions the State Board
"T Health and of the States Sportsman's and Pennsylvania Fish Pio-
'• ' tive Associations to consider the <tuestion of water ])ollution, and
the best means to i>revent it, it was developed that the Crame Com-
mission was if anything in a worse position than the Fish Commis-
2-.17--99

IS

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

19

sion. As an outcome of this the Commissions united and caused
Representative Harris, the delegate of the States Sportman's Asso-
ciation, to draft a bill to create the constables of the State ex-officio
Game and Fish Wardens, as they were already ex-otticio Fire War-
dens. Unforlunately in both game and fish protection it has been
the experience of the Commission that in many parts of the State
some of the justices of the peace are actually in sympathy with the
fish and game law breaker, and that this unhealthy sentiment is
even stronger among the constables. Consequently, in order that
their feeling towards this class of offenders might not so likely inter-
fere with the performance of their plain duty, it was provided in the
bill that any failure on the part of any constable would entail the
imposition of a heavy fine or the alternative of imprisonment. This
punishment was made mandatory and not discretionary.

The Commission feels that a great step was gained when the bill,
as drafted, was passed by both Houses and signed by the Executive.
It is not expected that much will be accomplished this year through
this medium, but by anothei- season the new force, it is hoped, will
be in good working order. The Commission is firmly determined
that the constables shall do their duty in their relations with fish pro-
tection, and as the Game Commission has publicly announced itself
as of the same mind, this Commission will gladly co-operate with it
in the work.

There are said to be somewhere in the neighborhood of two thou
sand constables in the State, and with ordinary attention on their
part the practice of fish law violation should be much more danger-
ous.

The Commission desires to express at his point its pleasure at th«'
cordial invitation which the Game Commission extended it last
autumn to meet with it at its annual meeting, and to join with it
on the ({uestion of the best method of protecting game and fish from
poachers, pot hunters, and others, engaged in illegal practices or
overdestruction of game and fish. It also desires to thank it and ex-
press its thorough appreciation of the cordial co-operation it gav«'
in the preparation of the ])ill to prevent the pollution of the streams.
TTnforlunately, this bill did not beconu' a law, but the evidence of
sympathy which was given is a great incentive to the Fish Commis
sion to persevere in this line of work.

The questien of the pollution of streams is one of th(> greatest
gravity, as it directly aft'ecis the health of the T)eople. It lias been
not an uncommon thinu' for membeis of [inns and cor|»orations, who
were ])olluting a stream with acids or other deleterious substances,
to ask the Commission in a sneering manner if it would wipe out their
important industries for the sake of a few fish in the streams, or for
the sake of the sporting anglers; for, they added, if we may not empty

our refuse in the streams, you will wipe out our industries, which
give employment to many hands and bring thousands of dollars into
the county. If this statement is true, the Commission would still un-
hesitatingly say it would wipe them out entirely, if there were no
alternative than emptying refuse into the streams; not on account
of the fish, but on account of the public health, which is endangered.
But the statement that the industries would be wiped out by forbid-
ding a firm or corporation from emptying refuse in a stream is abso-
lutely false, and it must be said regretfully, those who make it, know-
it is false. With the possible exception of mine water, the prohibi-
tion against polluting a stream to a dangerous extent would not wipe
out, or embarrass financially, any firm.

The emptying of refuse into a strc^am is wholly selfish and inde-
fensible. The Commission in struggling for the purity of the water
snpiily, is struggling for the health of the people as much as it is for
the maintenance of the fish supply, while, as a matter of course, from
its peculiar line of work it is the fish phase of the question which is
brought prominently forward. It may be thought by some that this
is an insignificant feature in the struggle of the people for an effective
set of laws against water pollution, but if some of those who are in-
clined to belittle this phase of the question will but give it a little at-
tention, they will immediately see that it is of extreme importance,
beyond that of the angling feature.

It is a fact that water which will not support fish life is unfit to
drink. Water, polluted to the extent of killing fish, will also kill or dis-
ease the human being that drinks much of it. Moreover, water pol-
luted tn the extent of killing fish within a certain territory, is still pol-
luted to the extent of unhealth fulness to the human system, far below
tin- ]M)int where fish will die. In other words, there are conditions of
water ])ollution which will bring disease to human beings which wi'l
not kill fish life, but there is no form of water pollution which wilj
Iv ill fish and at the same time not injure a human being. Consequently
when any chemical or mineral refuse is emptied into a stream to the
extent of exterminating fish life, there is a prima facie case of injury
and danger to human life, and should be stopped even though it wipe
out the corporation or firm permitting such pollution. But as the
Commission above stated, there is in reality no question of destroying
any industry. There are simple and inexpensive filters which can
he employed, and in most instances the materials are ready at hand
tV»r the making of them. Filters of sand and einders are effective and
cheap, and if they w^ould, there need be little or no stream pollution.
Hut it is even cheaper to run refuse directly into the stream, and it is
<'asier to make a mis-statement and say that it would ruin the bus!
n<'ss. than to construct the filter bed.

20

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

SI

On several occasions the Commission has its attention called to
newspaper articles, in which complaints were made that no attention
was given, by this body, to put a stop to the pollution of streams.
That time and again, sportsmen and anglers had called attention to
this evil and pointed out specitic cases where pollution existed, but
that no attention was paid to the complaints. How unjust these
statements are, might readily be seen by the newspapers making
them, if they would but turn to any report for the last few years,
made by the Commission, and then to the laws of the State. If they
would do this they would immediately ascertain, first, that the Com-
mission so far from being indifferent on the subject, was earnestly
striving to discover ways and means to break up the evil; second,
that there is not a law on the statute books which will punish a ma.i,
a firm, or a corporation, who empties filth into a stream and so de-
stroys'fish alone; third, they will discover that regularly at every
session of the Legislature, with the exception of the one in 1897, thei'i
have been introduced bills either drawn by the Fish Commission or
with its assistance, to prevent water pollution, and that such bills
have been regularly defeated.

An examination of the report of the year 1898 will show that th.>
Commission asked the Attorney General of the State for an opinion
whether or not there was some law or method of procedure by which
(he Commission could punish a person for polluting a stream to the
extent of killing fish. His opinion, published in the same volume, will
show how helpless the Commission is in that direction.

About three years ago, the State Board of Health adopted the fol-
lowing rule:

'Tlacing or otherwise depositing hair, lime, fleshings, trimmings,
spent tan bark and all other solid waste from tanneries, into streams,
ponds, lakes or other public waters is absolutely juohibited as ah
solutely unnecessary, and because under certain conditions it becomes
injurious to public health.

**A11 sewage ]ui)duced by washing hides in any and all processes,
as well as all spent tan liquors, shall ])efore being run into streams
or other waters used as public water sui)plies, be filtered through beds
of gravel, which may be easily accom]»lish(Hl by setting the works back
from the water. In cases where sulphuric or other acids or salts
injurious to human health are employed in tanneries, tln'y shall be
neutralized before being thrown into any si ream used as a water
sui)i»ly."

The Commission thought for a time that for want of something:
better it might occasionally work under this rule, but when several
cases were brought to the attention of the Commission and submitted
to lawvers, it was advised bv them that it would be exceedinglv ditti
cult to secure a conviction. Recent 1 v. however, (he Commission has

had renewed hope, through the decision of Judge Orlady, under which
it is possible that some convictions in particularly aggravated cases,
may be secured. The decision is of such importance to the fisheries'
interests, though it deals with the question of pollution of streams
uiily from the point of a nuisance, that it has been felt advisable to
place the case and the decision in the archives of the Commission and
insert it in the present volume, where it will be found in its proper
place.

Two years ago the Statistician of Fisheries undertook an interest-
ing experiment, by which he hoped to produce a hybrid between a
California trout and a yellow perch. The experiment was performed
under his direction by Superintendent William Buller, of the Western
or Corry Station. There were several young fish hatched from this
unnatural union, but unfortunately they were lost through careless-
ness. Last year the experiment was attempted again, but it was a
failure. This spring a third trial was made with one of the Commis-
sioners, Mr. Hamberger, in attendance. About 4,000 eggs of the
California trout were fertilized with the milt of seven male yellow
perch. For a long time it appeared as though the experiment would
be an entire success, for almost all of the eggs were still alive on May
11, 24 days after fertilization, but two days later they began to die
rapidly, and by the end of the month all were dead except five, which
liatehed. Thus the experiment cannot be termc^d a failure, because
the Statistician and Superintendent actually accomplished what they
st'i out to do, namely produce a fish from an egg of one general of fish,
fertilized by the milt of another. The Commission, however, feels
that (he experiment is of scientific interest only, and is not likely to
possess any practical value.

For several years past, the Commission has been receiving com-
plainls of poor success, on the part of applicants, in introducing Cali-
fornia trout into the waters of the State. Hundreds of thousands of
fi.v were jdanted in a decade, but without that success which is met
with in ])lanting brook trout. The character of the complaints dlf
fered, but they all summed into the same thing. For instance, on*-
<'eniplaint would be that almost immediately after the fry were
planted in a stream, apparently suitable in every way for the existence
of the fish, they would disa])j)ear. Another would say that the fry
would remain for a few months, until the fall when they would de-
|>art for parts unknown. A third would state that th<^ California
trout ]»lanted, would live and grow in the stream in which they were
I'ianted but apparently would not increase naturally.

It finally become generally accepted among planters of fish that the
California trout could not be successfullv introduced into Pennsvl-
va!ua waters. The Commission was loth to believe this for it believe']
•iiitl still beru'ves it a most desiralde fish for the angler, and a decided

22

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

acquisition to any stream into wliicli they could be introduced. But
the Board felt that the trutlj of the matter should be known. A long
and exhaustive investigation covering several years was therefore
ordered. Anglers and others were interviewed concerning streams
in which California trout were planted with great care and with uu-
doubted intelligence, and the result showed that in the majority of
instances the fish never showed themselves after the autumn of the*
year in which they were planted. In nearly all the remaining streams
the fish undoubtedly lived, but as certainly did not reproduce, in any
appreciable numl-er. As it is stated, by the investigatois, if California
trout fry were planted in a certain stream and lived, and the catching
began three years after, all the fish of that species caught would be
three year olds. In the following year no California trout other
than four year olds would be captured, and none but five year olds tho
next, and the result would be a decided decrease in the number cap-
tured. As it is a well known fact that in a stream in which there are
fish of all sizes, the smaller fish are more frequently caught than the
larger ones, this finding of the Investigators was very significant. In
a few. but very few streams, lliere were indications that the California
trout were finding a congenial home, and naturally increasing. It is
true that in these streams, almost without exception, there were an-
nual plantings of fry, but the percentage of young fish capture.l
seemed greater than the percentage of the usual survivals of planted
fish, and the Commission felt that these streams should be classed
among the successful ones.

The lines of investigation naturally led also into the hatching sta-
tions of the Commission, and here was found a curious and important
clue. The, proportion of infertile California trout in both stations
were found to be totally out of all proportion to the number of fertile
fish, and the number in the Allen town station was much greater than
in the Corry station. In the former station fifty per cent, of th"
females, every year. eitluM* did not yield any eggs at all or gave eggs
having an opaque white spot, and which could not be fertilized.
Fullv fiftv per cent, of the males vielded cheesv or strinqv milt, with
out vitalizing properties. At the Coryy station fifty per cent, of t]i«'
females annually failed to produce eggs and fully fifty per cent, of
the remainder, opaque spotted eggs. All the males, however, yielded
fertile milt.

The investigations of the streams convinced (he Commission thar
the efforts to introduce the California trout into more than nin<'
tenths of the streams of the State were utter failures. That the re-
sults of study of the fish in the jmnds at the hatcheries tended to show
that the cause was, for some reason unknown, that in the waters of
Pennsylvania this species of trout be<'anie almost infertile. A brief
study of the subject of hybridity, on the jxirt of the Statistician

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

23

showed that this state of affairs is by no means uncommon in other
lines of life, when that life is subjected to changed environments.
His report of this year, to the Board cites several conspiciuous exam-
ples of this, among them the Mamelukes, a tribe of men taken from
the Caucassus to Egypt.

Having come to the conclusion that the number of streams in the
State in which the California trout would live and naturally increase,
was exceeding small when compared with the number in which they
either would not live or could only be maintained by constant in-
troduction of artifically hatched fish, it became then a questioji
whether the Commission should continue their propagation, or cease
the work and increase the number of brook trout by the number of
California trout previously reared. The Commission finally regret-
fully came to the latter conclusion, and issued orders that in the
future the propagation of the California trout should cease, and the
si.ace occupied by the breeding of California trout be given to the
lueeding of brook trout.

The Commission at the same time decided to abandon the propaga-
tion of the brown trout and make a further increase to the same ex-
tent in the number of brook trout, w hich will in all, increase the an-
nual output of this species of fish by about l.jO,Ot)0. The Commission
was led to order the discontinuance of the propagation of the brown
trout by reason of the numerous protests of anglers from all parts
of the State against the fish, and the dilliculty in finding applicants
for all the fish of this species hatched. The applications from the
eastern part of the State had in fact almost entirely ceased. The
alleged cause of the protests and prejudice against the brown trout
was that wherever they were successfully planted in streams where
bit»ok trout were, they showed a decided tendency to crowd out and
destroy the latter, and that of the two fish the brook trout was in-
finitely the superior. A close investigation was not made by the com-
mission itself or by its Statistician, into the truth or falsity of the
tliarges against the destructive habits of the brown trout, but the
I' -putation of many of those who declared against the fish was sucli
Oiat the Commission felt justified in accepting them. The Statisti-
' iiiii recommended that the pi-opagation be not entirely abandoned,
I'nr that the fish should be planted in the upper waters of such streams
as 1 he Susquehanna, Allegheny and Delaware. This recommendation
was given careful consideration, but it seemed more judicious, parti-
cularly as the oiticial named was not certain of the suitabilitv of the
^vaiers, or that they would not enter the trout streams entering
^'i' lein, to discontinue the propagation of the fish entirely. Hence
<'ideis were given accordingly to the Superintendents In the future,
theiofoie, of what is generally understood as the fronts, the Commis
sion will only propagate the speckled or brook trout, known scienti-
fically as Salvelinus fontanalis.

24

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

2S

('

The r()iiinii.ssi(»ii will give careful consideration to the recommenda
tion to engage in the propagation of white p(M'('h, and it' it can se*
its way clear to do so, will undertake the work. Jt views with som
concern the evident decrease in numbers of this tish in the Delaware,
the only stream except tributaries thereof, in Pennsylvania in whicJi
it belongs, and it feels that the valuable \m\ tish should not be allowed
to become extinct. The first year the Bristol station was opened,
orders were issued to the Superintendent, by the then President Mr.
Ford, to endeavor to secure egg8 and hatch white perch, but no ripe
fish were obtainable The chief difticulty in the way of propagating
the white perch is the obtaining of the eggs from the Delaware, and
the smallness of the appropriation which forbids sending spawn
lakers to the Chesapeake.

Last year the Commission gave attention to the rapid disappearing
of the sturgeon from Pennsylvania waters and showed by figures, that
unless something is done, in a few years there will be no fish of this
species left. There is now practically no industry of this kind in tlu'
Susquehanna. Fish are caught, it is true, in the Chesapeake and the
lower Susquehanna, in the pound and other nets, but the catches, in
whatever number they may be, are, to use the fishermen's phrase, only
accidental.

It is yet a regular industry in the Delaware, but year by year tEc
fishermen must go further and further down the river and bay for
their fish, and even (hen the take annually becomes less and less.

A few years ago there were sturgeon fisheries as high up the river
as llrislol, and the fish were often taken in large numbers near
Trenton. At Chester were located important fisheries, albeit the
])rices realized for the fiesh were insignificant and there was scarcely
any market for the eggs. To-day there are no fisheries at any of the
])oints named, and all that there are, are located on the New* Jersey
and Delaware Shores.

The Commission has no figures giving the catch this year on th?'
shores of the State of Delaware, but the figures from the New Jersey
shore show that the catch was less than half what it was last yeai".
and that the annual catch has been decreasing in the same ratio. The
catch this year was '2.TAi) and fi'om these l(\2l kegs of caviar w^ere
made. Last year this caviar was as high as f82 a keg of l^.") pound-.
This year the averag*^ price realized was fllO a keg. While the quan-
tity of caviar made this year was but 7204 kegs, last year it was 1,442
kegs and the year before al)0ut 2,000. In 1889 there were more than
5,000 kegs packed on the Delaware river.

The story of the Delaware river is the story of Lake Erie. The
catch of sturgeon there this year is less than one-half what it wa?^
last year, and the demand for the flesh and eggs increases annuallv.
It is stated on good authority that fully nine tenths of the alleged

J^issian caviar sold in the markets of the Cnited States came origin-
ally from American sturgeon eggs, and a good proportion of the sup-
ply comes from the Delaware river. Nearly, if not quite a million
dollars is invested in the sturgeon industry on the Delaware river
alone, and the Commission feels that something should be done by
the State to increase ihe number of fish. With the amount of the
ai>propriation which the Commission now receives from the State
however, it is impos»sible to undertake the work. How expensive it
would be may be indicated by the statement that the eggs of every
siuigeon taken for propagation purposes would cost not less than
twenty dollars, and of these eggs there is the i)ossibility of losing the
greater number through the chance of not capturing a ripe male in
time to fecundate them.

The United States Commission decided last spring to begin the pro-
pagation of the sturgeon, but was unable to secure the necessary eggs
and milt, but will try again next year. The State Commission agrees
with some of the sturgeon fishermen that the only practicable method
of successfully carrying on the work of propagation will be to es-
lablish a station and sturgeon i>en on the River. Through a reliable
.'^tiuiee comes the information that Mr. Thomas Bradley, the owner
of Chester Island opposite Thompson's Point on the Delaware, will
give the use thereof without cost for the work, and that pens and other
necessary contrivances for the propagation may be erected. Mr.
(M'orge Shannon, Secretary of I he Sturgeon Fishermen's Association,
has notified this Commission that he will present half a dozen bucks
i«' ilie Commission who will establish such a station.

1 1 is with real regret that the Commission cannot see its way
« I'-ar to undertaking the work unless the Legislature makes an ap-
propriation to enable it to do so. This appropriation it will urge
at the next session.

The importance of the sturgeon work is so great that the Commis-
snui has directed tlie preparation of a paper, to accompany this report,
tioaiing exhaustively of the subject, in Ihe hope that it will assist in
drawing attention to the need of something being done in the direc-
»i<»ii of restoring the tish in numbers to the Delaware and Susquo-
Ii'ima Kivers and to Lake Erie.

The Commission is taking note of the efforts of the New Jersey
<'ununission to establish the smelt in the Delaware River. Should
I'" II' hv any signs of success the State Board will consider the
«uh isability of assisting in adding to the number, not only in that
'iver, but in the Sus.juehanna and other suitable watei-s in the Stat-^.

At the clos(^ of the pike-perch season this year, Mr. Ilamberger
"•I nested that ihe Erie station be kept open a short time longer in
•*'der that some eggs of the blue pike might be hatched. The order
was given but the Superintendent was able to secure and fertilize

26

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

27

ouly twenty-three quarts, produciug iu all 1,8U0,00U fry, which were
planted iu Lake Erie near Four Mile Creek

According to the Superintendent's report, there was no difficulty
in securing any quantity of eggs, but as is often the case with the
Lake hshes there was a scarcity of males with ripe milt. Most of
them had voided their milt for the season.

Next year the Commission hopes to be able to overcome this
difficulty and make a creditable showing in the hatching of the blue
pike. This variety of the pike-perch it* an exceedingly valuable food
tish and ranks high among those handled in the Erie market. The
annual sales are almost equal to those of the pike-perch and white
fish, and the decision of the Commission to keep the station open for
the propagation of this tish met with warm expressions of appit)val
from the fishermen of all classes.

The Commission is greatly gratified by the appreciation which the
fishermen of Lake Erie show for the Commission's work. They un-
reservedly credit a decided improvement in the fisheries of the Lake to
artificial propagation and give generous credit to Pennsylvania'.s
share in the work. To quote tiom the report of Superintendent A. (1.
Buller, of the Erie Station: "The fishermen are all very friendly to the
Tennsylvania Commission, and they express themselves firm in the
belief that it and the United States do more than all the other
agencies combined in the work of increasing the fish supply of the
Lake. They are also emphatic in the declaration that the work of
the Pennsylvania Commission is valuable and intelligently performed.
Further that the artificial propagation of the Lake fishes has mati'
rially increased the supply of white fish and pike-perch. The net
fishermen of Lake Erie and the Erie Fish Associations of the city nf
Erie declare that the cateh of white fish seconds (o" three year old
fish), this year is the grc'atest for many seasons, and that they feel
that the closing of the station for the last two years will be felt in 1901
and 1902 l)V a largelv decreased catch."

The work of fish culture in Lake Erie has indeed yielded most
gratifying results. Since artificial propagation has been undertaken
on a large scale in this Lake, the commercial fisheries have more than
doubled. From about |400,00n a year they have sprung to over |800,
(K)0, and in some j-ears have reached a million dollars.

There could be no better evidence than this of the beneficial effett
of artificial propagation of fish. The increase in the fisheries of Lak"
Krio alone returns in actual nionoy value more than a hundred fold
the total amount of money expended by the State for its entire fish
work. To prove this it is only necessary to take the figures of twenty
years ago before the artift<ial juopagation of white fish and piki*
perch was undertaken, and the figures of last year. If further proof
of the value of the Fish Commission's work, it is only necessary to

refer to the other Great Lakes, and it will be found that Erie gives
the greatest returns to the fishermen.

In consequence of the Erie station being closed for two years, con-
siderable repairs had to be made last spring, but the structure is now
in good shape again, and will probably need little done to it for some
time.

The hatchery buildings at the Western station in Corry are also in
good rei)air, and the same can be said of the Bristol station. The
buildings at the Allentown Station, however, are in a deplorable
state and the Commission is in constant dread lest they fall, whicii
is possible at any time.

The Commission has si)oken of the unsatisfactory state of affairs
at this station in previous reports. On account of the property being
leased, the Board does not feel it to be wise to erect new structures,
yet something must be done in the near future if trout propagation 's
to be continued there. The five years' lease, which the Commission
held, expired last winter, and new papers were drawn making the
lease for one year with a privilege of five. The Commission would
like, and thinks the State should own this pi-operty, but does not think
a more than fancy price should be paid for it, and the ownei*s do ask
very much more than it is worth or the Commission thinks should be
given. The board has been endeavoring to reach a satisfactory agree-
ment with the owners, but thus far without success. The Commission
has about concluded that the only thing which can be done is for the
Legislature to order the property taken by right of eminent domain
and a jury determine the value.

The Commission has received a number of complaints regarding the
condition of the dam at Scudders Falls This structure, which is
maintained in the Delaware river above Trenton, and as far as it is
able to learn, without the slightest authority of law, is becoming a
menace to the fish interests of the river.

As long as the corporation which erected and maintained the dam,
did nothing to injure the fishery interests, the Commission did not
feel warranted in interferring, the more particularly since the struc-
ture is an adjunct to an important industry. The corporation is how-
ever now overstepping the bounds of what is right and proper and the
Commission feels that it is its plain duty to interfere and endeavor to
protect the interests of the fishermen of tlu' upper Delaware.

The complaints made to the Commission are to the effect that the
corporation has extended its wing dam from both sides of the river
at Scudders Falls, until the two ends have almost met, and that the
structure is built in the most substantial manner. Further that as
Hoon as the water of the Delaware begins to fall in the spring the cor-
poration maintained a scow at tlu* opening or sluiceway in the river
and cast continually therein large stones and so shoaled the river at
that point.

28

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

■The Commission has been informed that the dam itself is built and
maintained in defiance of the law of the KState and there is not the
slightest doubt that by the casting of the stones in the water and so
raising the bed of the river the cori)oraHon is violating a federal law,
the act of July 13, 1892. This act which is very sweeping in its provi-
sions reads as follows:

"It shall not be lawful to build any wharf, pier, dolphin, boom, dam,
weir, breakwater, bulkhead, jetty, or structure of any kind outside
established harbor lines, or in any navigable waiters of the Unit»-d
States where no harbor lines are or may be established, without the
permission of the Secretary of ^^ ar, in any port, roadstead, haven,
harl>or, navigable river or other waters of the United States, in such
manner as shall obstruct or impair navigation, commerce or anchor-
age, and it shall not be lawful hereafter to commence the construc-
tion of any bridge, drawbridge, bridge piers and abutments, causeway
or any other works over or in any port, road, roadstead, haven, har-
bor, navigable rivers or navigable waters of the United States, undc'r
any act of the Legislative Assembly of any State, until the location
and plans of such bridge or other works have been submitted to and
approved by the Secretary of War, or to excavate or fill in any manner
to alter or modify the course, location, condition, ca[)aci ty of any port,
roadstead, haven, harbor, harbor of refuge or enclosure within the
limits of any breakwater or of the channel of any navigable water of
the United States, unless ap])roved and authorized bv the Secretarv
of War.

"Provided. That this section .shall not apply to any bridge, bridge
draw, bridge pier and abutments, the construction of which has been
heretofore duly authorized by law, or to be so construed as to author-
ize the construction of any bridge, drawbridge, bridge piers, and
abutments or other works under the Legislature of any State, over
or in any stream, port, roadstead, haven or harbor, or any other navi-
gable water not wholly within the limits of such State."

That the Delaware river is a navigable stream above Trenton there
is not the slightest doubt, for the question has been definitely settled
both by the states of New Jersc^v and rennsylvania and bv Congres-
sional action. As early as 1T71 the Legislature of Pennsvlvania de-
clared the Delaware and Lehigh rivers common highwavs for the
purposes of navigation, and provided a penalty for constructing dams
to im])ede navigation. In 1817 the sum of fio.OOO was appropriated
for improvement above Trenton, and in LSOO an additional sum of
.f 10,000 was appropriated for further im])rovements

In 1783 the New Jersey Legislature declared the river of Delaware
from the north west corner of New Jersey to the boundary of the
State of Delaware, a common highway, and to remain as such free
and open for the use of both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

29

^J .'

U,. , ,

^•M h ,v

^••*'

-^-4*^. f.'

& jT-j

<;:*-v

♦ *

''■'■'% (

1

^,J^

■ V : , i

ilHs

V . ^'^

There are subsequent acts in both states relating to the water
power, the construction of wing dams, in order to secure water for
canals, etc., none of which, the latter acts provide, are to interfere
with raft navigation.

That the United States regarded the river above Trenton as a navi-
gable river is made manifest by the River and Harbor Act of June
lOrh, 1872. In that act the Secretary of War was directed to cause
an examination and survey to be made of the Delaware river between
Trenton and Easton, with a view to its improvement. In Januarv,
1S7:*>, Lieutenant Colonel Purtz of the Corps of Engineers, who was
then in charge of the improvements of the Delaware river, forwarded
(0 the chief of engineers a report of the survey between Trenton and
Easton ordered by Congress. His survey was made by Assistant Eu-
jiinccr Merriman, of the l»hiladelphia oflice, and his report is an ex-
hanstivc document. He states, in conclusion, that the expenditure
of less than f 25,000 will so far improve the navigation of the river
between Easton and Trenton as to save yearly more than f27,000 to
the owners of log rafts and greatly reduce the risk and danger at-
tending those who navigate the rafts. It is not known whether the
project for improvement at the various rifts and falls ever came
before Congress, but the fact that it was made is held to be evidence
that the river is regarded as navigable as far up as Easton, at least.

The Commission has not the slightest doubt that the poor catch of
shad in the upper Delaware river last spring was the result of the
illegal work of the corporation at Scudders. The shad is a very timid
tisb. and the least thing is surticient to stop its upward course to the
spawning grounds. The effect in stopping the shad from going
through the sluiceway between the dam when stones are constantly
thrown in may be readily imagined. lender the circumstances it is
surprising not there should have been poor fishing in the upper
Delaware, but that there should have been any at all.

Cnder the circumstances the Commission feels it its duty to call
thi^ attention of the Federal authorities to what is being done by the
(oi [Miration, and ask that steps be taken to put a stop to further ille-
gal acts.

On the lower Delaware River the shad fishing season was the
jrii atest in the history of the river. In all probability there was
never before, not even in Colonial days, such a run of shad, and the
^i'^«' too was phenominally large. From reliable sources the Com-
mission is informed that the average size was over four pounds, and
fi^'ii from eight to nine pounds were very common. Fish of ten and
f'h'ven pounds excited little or no remark, such as they would have
done as late as ten years ago.

Unfortunately, owing to a late spring in the mountains, and conse
M'xnt <'old water in the Delaware, the shad run did not begin as early

N'<. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

29

Tlu'i'e are subsequent acts in both states relating to the water
|Mi\v(r. I he construction of winj^ dams, in order to secure water for
(•aiials, etc., none of which, tho hitter acts providi'. are to interfere'
wiih raft navi<;:ation.

That the Tnited Slates rcj-arded the river above Trenton as a navi
ualilc river is nnide nianilVst In- tiie Kiver and TIarhur Act of June
10' li. 1S72. In that act the Socrelarv of ^^'ar was dire<'tcd to caus.^
an ixaniination and survey io 1m^ made of the Dehiware river l)et\veen
Ti'iiton and Easton, with a view Io its iniiirov<'m(Mit. In .Januarv,
1^7'!. IJeiitennnt Colonel IMiitz of iIh* Tdi-jis of En.uineers. wlio w.is
iIkii in charue of tlie impi-ovcments of the Delaware river. for\var(hMl
Io ilh' cliief of enjiiijeers a report of ilie survov between Trenton and
K.iston oideri'd by Con^uress. His survey was made by Assistant Kii-
-iiiror Merriman, of the IMiiJadeljiliia oliico. and his rejjort is an ex-

ii.'iiistivo (h)cument. He states, in conclusion, that tl

le ex]»enditur<

ol less than si'o.tMMi will so far improve the navij;ation of The river
liitween Kaston and Trenton as to save vearlv more rl

lan si*7. ()()() to

J th.- owners of lo^ rafts and <:reaily i-educe the risk and danijer at
t.iidiii<r thoso who navipite the rafts. It is not known whether ihf

s evei' came

id en

r{'

InnjiMt for improvement at the various rifts and fall

1h inic ('<ui}4)ess. but the fact that it was ma<h' is held to l)e ev

Ilia I Th.. river is rejxarded as navi«:able as far up as Easton. at least.

The Commission lias not the sliuhicsi <h»ul)t that the poor car<'li <,r
s!i id in the u].p<'r Helaware ri\-er last sprinj: was tlie result of the
ill' izal w«u-k of the corporation at S.iublors. The shad is a v<'ry timid
lish. and (he least Ihinj; is sulVicimr to sto]> its uf»ward couise to t
^i'nwniii<j frrounds. The etlVct in stopj.in-r the shad from j^oinix

UK'S are <'onstant1v

lie

ii'n

ii.iih the sluicewav l)etween the dam when st<

U' circumstances it is

Hirown in nmy be readily imai::ined. Ender tl
•ir|irisinir not There should havo been poor llshinij in the uj»]

Mr

!)

< n

waie. l>ut tluit ihert* should ha.ve 1

H'i'u anv a

t all,

I nder th<» ciicumsTances tlie (

Vuemission fec^ls it its <bitv to call

ti»M atrention of the Eederal authorities to what is I

K

inir d

OlM

bv II

le

!m)

rati(ni, and ask that steps be taken to put a st(»p to further ill.

acts.

was

»n the lower Delaware Kiver the shad fishin^^ season
"est in the history of the river. In all ]>robabiIiiv thei

tl

le

e was

III ..i- before, not excu in Colonial da

ys, su(di a run of shad, and the

I no was phenominally lar<r(\ From reliable sourres the Com-

n is informed that the avera.ue si/e was over four pounds, and

from eitrht to nine ])ounds wei'e very comincm. Fish t»f (en aiid

•n pounds excited little or no i-emaik. such as thev would have

IO

(11^

' as late as ten years a*^o.

ifnrfunately. owiuir to a late sprinir in the mountains, an«l

1 c(dd water in the Delaware, the shad run did not br.jrin as oarl

conse

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

30

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

as it often does, but as soon as the temperature became right the
fish came in in enormous schools and the nets were kept busy. In-
deed the numbers were so great that toward the end of the season
many owners of fisheries cut out their nets earlier than usual, because
they claimed they could not obtain a good enough price for the shad
sent to market.

It is impossible for the Commission to give an approximate esti-
mate of the number of shad caught in the Delaware River last spriuj^
or the value of the catch, because the appropriation granted by the
Legislature for the work of the body is too small to warrant the ex-
penditure, but from statements made by dealers in fish in the Phila-
delphia markets the value of the catch was close ui)on |700,000. For
several vears, or from about four or five vears after the work of shad
hatching and the jirotection of the fisheries of the river were syste-
maticallv carried on bv the states concerned and bv the United States,
the value of the fisheries of shad have averaged nearly |500,0()0 aii-
nuallv, and when it is remembered that in 1880, before this work was
undertaken the shad catch was worth only |80,000. it is seen in an
instant the value of fish commission work, and that the sums of
money expended by the States return a great many fold.

It is to be regretted that the catch in the upper Delaware was mucli
behind the average years. For a time the Commission could not uii
derstand the reason for the complaints which came in from from
time to time during the season, and the matter was the more inex-
plicable from the fact that occasionally there were reports of good
catches. For instance, on the night of the IHth of May. 82 shad were
taken at Tock's Island near Bhawnee, and a week later, at a fishery
near Dingman's over 70 were reported as having been taken from the
net in a single night. Also that there were occasional fine catches
near Easton. In fact below^ Belvedere there were not nearly- as many
complaints of a falling ofl' in the catch as from above that point.
Then came the com])laints concerning the tossing of stones in the
sluicewav at Scudder's Falls, and the mvsterv was in a measure
solved. To the outrageous disregard for the rights of others must
the fall-off in the catch be attributed.

The dealers in fish in the Philadelphia markets say that owing to
the vast increase of the shad in the Delaware Hiver they have been
able to greatly extend the radius of the market. That whereas, fif
teen years ago, Philadelphia and the little towns along the river were
able to consume all the shad consumed, to-dav there are more shad
sent to outside cities than Philadelphia consumed in 1880. As an
example, it was stated that the New York market alone consumed
nearlv the catch of shad from Htoe creek. New Jersey, southwardP .
to the amcnint of |50,(Hm. Resides this, perhaps two-thirds of that
sum in addition or f33,000 was expended for shad by the little towns

30

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

as it of<(Mi docs, l)ii( as soon as tlio t('ni{MMaliii<' beoaiix' right Uw
fish came in in eiioiinoiis schools and (he nets weie kept busy. In-
dvvd the nnnibeis weie so i>reat thai toward llie end of the season
manv owners of fish(M'ies cut out their nets earlier than usual, IxM-aux'
thev claimed they could not obtain a good enough price for the shad
sent to market.

It is impossible for tlie Commissi'on to give an approximate esii-
mate of the number of shad caught in the Delaware* Kiver last sprinj,^
or the value of the catch, because tlie a]>piopriation granted by the
Legislature for the work of the 1)odv is too small to warrant the ex
penditure, but fi-om statenn^its mad(^ by dealeis in Hsh in the IMiila
delphia markets the va.lue of the catch was close ujton 8Tt)0,t)(tt). Fni-
several veai'S. or from about f<mr or five vears after the work of slunl

{■■

hatching and the jirot^Mtion of the fisheri<'s of ihe river W(M'e syst
ujaticallv carried on bv the states conceriHMl and bv ihe rnit(Ml Slates,
the value of the fisln'ries of shad have averau<'d nearlv .<*)()(), (HID an
nuallv, and when it is remendK ii^l that in isso, before ihis work wns
undertaken the shad catch was worth only sso.nOd. ij is seen in an
instant the value of fish commission work, and that the sums nf
monev exT»ended bv tin- States rclurn a ureat manv fold.

Tt is to be regretted that the cnt<-h in the uiipei* Delaware was much ^
behind the average years. For n time the Commission could not un-
derstand the reason for the romplaints which canu^ in finm froi;i
lime to time dm lug the season, and the mntter was the more inr'x
plicable from the fact that (»ccasionnlly thei-e ^^•«'l•e leiiorts of good
cat (lies. For instance, on the niglit of tlu- l.ltli of M;\\ . ^L' shad were
taken at Tock's Island near Shawnee, and a week later, at a fishe?v
near Dii^gman's ovi'i- 70 were rejiorted ns having been taken from the
net in a single night. Also that there were occasional fine eat<die!<
n<'ar Faston. In fact ludow licdvedere tlu're were not nearly as nmnv
c<un]daints of a falling i.iV in the cat(h as from above that ])oini.
Then came the complaints <-o!i"eining the tossing of stones in tli '
slulcewav at Scudder's Falls, and the mvsterv was in a nu'asui -
solved. To the outrageous disregard foi' the rights of others mu^t
tlie fall ofll" in the catch l>e nttributed.

The dealers in fish in tin* Piiiladelphla n.i/iid<ets say that owing t'»
♦ he vast im-re;ise of the shad in the Delaware Uiver they have been
able to greatly extend the radiu. of the market. That whereas, ti
teen years ago, Fhiljuhdphia and the little towns along the idver wei
aide to eonsunu* all tlie shad consumed, to day there are more shad
sent to outsid<» (iiies than l*hiladel]diia consunuHl in ISSO. .\s an
examjde. it wns stated that the Xew York marktd alone i-onsunnl
nearly the eateh of shad from Stoe crefdc. Xew Jersey, southwardl .
hi tlu' amnunt of J^.ltl.lMMi. Iiesi(h's this. ]»erha]ts two thirds (tf th; i
sum in additi(»n or .1^:Ui,tH)0 was expended for shad by the little town^

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

ai

of New Jersey, located below 8toes Creek from the same fisheries.
Thus, New York and the little towns in Southern New Jersey now
consume more shad annually than were caught in the Delaware
twenty years ago. This is emphatically a triumph for fish culture,
and a big return for the money expended on it.

Tlie run of herring in the Delaware w-as also phenominally large,
li was simply impossible for the fishermen to begin to use all they could
or did catch. Hundreds of thousands were returned to the water alive.
Some of the stories of the size of the run of herring were startling in
rlie statements they contained. For instance, one statement pub-
lished in a newspaper was to the efl'ect that in some of the streams,
tributary to the river, it was almost impossible to push a boat across
without striking the fish. A report to the Commission on the 2Tth of
May says: The number of herring in the Delaware and tributaiics
is so vasi, (hat people along the shoie are borrowing all the nt*ts
olMainable; and some fishermen chum that their nets have been torn
by the enormous catches. The catch of the shore fishermen gre^atly
exceeds the ability to sell, and for this n^ason thousands are returned
daily to the water. On June ."ith anoiher report was received saying:
"The run of herring in the Delaware continues incredibly large. The
people on the tributaries are able to scoop them out with buckets
and hand nets." Roth these reports were investigated and found lo
be strictly accurate.

The Commission regrets to be com^jelled to say that there was
i»ra<tically no catch of Atlantic salmon in the Delaware last spring.
Here and there one was taken, and three were seen shooting the falls
oil (he Hushkill Creek last May. This is not suri)rising, because for
I he last thr(U' years the planting of this fish has not been large. Two
yeais ago, this Commission and New York planted an immense nuni-
Ixr of (^uinnat salmon in the Delawar(* at the request of Commis-
sioner Brice. If these have succeeded there should be a return to
the river year after next.

There were also many more shad in the Susquehanna this vear
ilian usiml. That there were not more caught, was due to high
luuddy water and the si)ringing up anew of other industries. The
fellowing is a review of the river frcnn a (rusted corresixindent living
at Ilarrisburg:

"I>uriug (he season at leas( :',.(MMi shad were taken from the Juniata
n( Newport, twenty-eight miles from Ilarrisburg. There are four
'»«• fiv<' batteries at that place, and from N(*wi)ort to the MilhMstown
dnin st)me fine shad were taken. They averaged from two to (Mght
pounds, and found ready sale in Ilarrisburg and surrounding towns.
Aiany wtM'e laptured below the Millerstown dam early in the season
with dip nets. The Newport fisluMiiH^n ^tre nnue active than others
along the river, and as a result are more successful.

32

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

^'SooJi after the breaks in the ('oluiiibia dam the liHheiineii here
became very enthusiastic, and constructed several batteries near the
city. They seem to have lost all interest in the sport, however, and
there was no shad fishing in this neighborhood this year to amount to
anything. There were some catches, but no organized etlort to make
the most of the season. A year or two ago the battery at Meteor
mick's Island was (luite a success, but seems to have been abandoned
this year. At Steelton there was plenty of good shad fishing a year
ago, but the interest died out, possibly owing to the fact that the great
Pennsylvania Steel Works, at Steelton, are now employing all the
men tli<»y can get day and night, so that shad fishing was scarcely
necessary as a means of obtaining a livelihood. One outfit at Steel-
ton, owned by Dr. Seibert and others, which cost a snug sum, was sold
for a song. Farther down (he river some shad were caught, and the
fact that they were caught wherever an ett'ort was made to catch
them shows that there is nothing in the way of successful shad fishing
above the Columbia dam.

"Fishern>en on the extreme lower Susipiehanna mostly say the
shad catch was iioor for the season except about nine days, and give
two reasons; first, muddy water, and second, jmund riets and fish iwts
in the Susquehanna and Chesapeake. Maryland fishermen on the
Susquehanna are among those who are complaining of the poor catch
of shad in the river, and say that the Chesapeake pound net men
catch all the fish. The herring catch on the lower Susquehanna
was enormous, and sold well, but many driers have h)st their fish
owing to a plague of a new fly, which blowed all their fish in spite of
every effort to prevent it. The shad in the lower Susciuehanna caught
are reported to average about three pounds; occasional six to eiglit
pound fish are cai)tured. A few fishermen in this section reportcil
that their catch of shad was large and profitable, but these are few in
comparison to those who rriuuted otherwise."

A few years ago the (N>mmissinn received a number uf muscalonge
eggs from the New York Commission, and the fry when hatched
were placed in the Susqu<^hanna riv<-r. A few plantings were made
in subsequent years and the results watched for with much interest.
Last year there were repoits of the capture of a numlier of this great
fish of from three to four pounds ea«h. showing at least the possi-
bility of successfully i)lanting them in the Susquehanna. It is for
this reason that the Commission regrets that the New York Commis
sion felt it could not grant a request for a few mature sjunimens in
order that the work of artificial propagation might have been regu-
larly undertaken by this State.

The black bass season last year throughout the State, with the
exception of the month of August was unusuallv good. This was
particularly true with respect to the Susquehanna and Delaware

MKI'iiIiT OF Till-:

Off. [>,»(

"S()(»j« iiUvv I he lii^aKs in ilic rohimhia dam llic lisht'iiiH-ii lu'i'c
became vcrv eiitliusiasiic, and coiislrmutl seveial baiteries near the
city. Tlie.v seem lo have lost all interest

m ihe si)c>ii, huwever, and

there was no shad lishin^ in this neij^hborhood this veai- (o amount t

1 1

anything. Theiu- were some cati-hes. but

ne oiiianized ellori l<» mak

tile most of the season. A year or two aj;(i Hie battery at Met 'or
mick's Island was (piite a success, but seems lo have been abandoned
this year. At Steelton tln-re v,as nlcntv (d' u\!od shad tishinu a year
ago, but the interest died out. jjossjldy owin*;' to the I'ac; that the «;reai
Pennsylvania Steel Works, at Stedto:!, are new emplnyin«;' all tie-
men they can ^vt (hjy and night, so that shad tishing was scarcely
necessai-y as a means of obiainiiig a iivrlihond. One outtit at Steel-
ton, owned i»y I h-. Seibert and others, wliirli
for a song. l'\-irilier down d

rosi a snuu sum, was solfj

ic riN'ei' >(!m(' s

had

fact thai they were rauuhl wln*rev

\Nere rauiihi. a-'.d t h»

them shows thai there is ntd liing in tl
above tlie (Ndumbia dam.

«'r an elforl uas made to ca»ch
le way of sutrcssful shad tisliinu

Fishermen on ih

shad catch was ])oor for llie season exc.
two reasons; jiisi, mu<hly waler. and
in the Sus(juehanna and Chesapeak
Susquehanna ar<* among ih
of shad in the river, and
cati'h all the lish. The h

e exiremi' !o\Mi- Susi juidia :i!ia mosilv sav llu'

pt aboni nine da\ s. and give
eioiid, jMnind n-is and. tish j)t)ls

e. Marvland tishcrmi

n on tile

ow

(ISO v^ho are cimiplaining ol tin- jioor catch

sa\ that the t 'hesaiieakc pound net men

■ring ratcli on the lowi-i- SriS:]uehan!i-i

■i<'rs have h(si tlteir tish

as enormous, and sold well, but many d
iiig to a plague of a new lly, v.hi.-h Idowed all their lisl

every effort to prevent it. The shad in the h
i'orted to average about three pound

i in s]Mte o

are ?'(

pound tish are captured. A f«'w fish

)wer Susqueha.nna caugist
s: oc<'asional six U) eiaht
tl

K'rnnii \i\ this section rejioried

that their <a1<'li of sliad was largo and profitable, but tl

lese are lew nt ■

com]»arison to those who !• iu.it

o): oi herwise.

A fe

^\•

y<'ars ago the Cominission rereived

1! number ot muscalongt

eggs from the New York Commission, and (he fry when hatched
ere placed in the Suscpn lusnna r

\\

i\('r

A fi

in snbseojHMit yeais and the resiij
Last

ew plan lings were

nind(

year there were repents of tiie capture of

uaiclied fin- wiih much interest

fish of from three t«» f

;i numbor of fliis "real

oui- i*(

bilit

y of suc.essfully planting them in tho S

muds oa«li. showing at Ic.ist the |

M)SS|

(!."->

fhis reason thai the ronmi
sion f<'lt if could not grant

•jnehanna. It is foi

issiem regrets thai the \ow York (Nmimis
piesi for a few mature specinuMis. in

a re<

ion might have been rvixn-

order that the work of artificial i»ro|.agat
larly uiidertaken by this State.

The black bass season last year throughout ilio Stat
exception of the immfh of August was unusually good. Tl
|»arficulaily true with resjiect to the S

e. with tin*

lis was

usqneluinna and Delawar

I

,*j

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

i.^ '

Th

No. 17

FISH COMMISSIONE]

Kivers and the mountain lakes in which this fish hav^^vl'^tiapld.
ICven the smaller streams gave better results than i^^t^fk^^^oiie4ot^p
several years past. This in a large degree was due to the f&t^that

years past. This in a large deg
tor two or three years previously there had been many rains through
out the season which rendered fishing for bass impracticable. Con-
so<iuently the mature fish had an opportunity of replenishing the
lapidly diminishing stock, and the young fish an opportunity to grow.
The fecundity of the fish is so great that two years of unfishable
waters will do much to replenish the supply. This fact rendei^ it the
more regretable that there is not a nine inch limit instead of a six inch
one, to assist in the work of keeping up an abundance of bass for
the people. The black bass is a noble fish for the angler, and may he
ciiipliatically classed as the one great game fish which should ana
could be placed within the reach of all anglers whether rich or poor.
It is a fish, which if the ordinary rules applicable to fish protection
ho applied, can be successfully maintained in large streams in cities
and towns and their close vicinity. From reports received the rock
and strawberry bass seem to have taken a good hold in most of the
suitable streams and waters in which they were planted. Both these
lish are very abundant in the Susquehanna, and the first named is
ri.ninion in the Delaw^are. They are also plentiful in some of the
mountain lakes. This is particularly pleasing to the Commission,
hocause both are excellent food and game fish. The demand for the
lorlv bass is almost as great as that for its cousin, the small-mouth
hlack bass, and on this account the commission has determined to
ixM it to the list for propagation. Ponds are being built for them at
hotli the Eastern and Western Stations. If.as many of this fish are
n<'t r(»ared as the public desire, it will be only because of the restricted
nn ans at the Commission's disposal, and the general unsuitability
of breeding it as well as the black bass at stations originally designed
for brook trout. Extensive work at rearing the black and rock bass
<jni not be done until there is an extensive separate station estab-
lished for them.

There is said to be a marked increase of pike-perch or Susquehanna
salmon in the Susquehanna River. There is also now no doubt that
His fish abounds in the Delaware and might be caught in large num-
Ixrs, if they were as systematically fished for as they are in the Sus-
M'J'lianna, the Monongahela and fhe Allegheny Rivers. This last
^pMiiir the number of good-sized fish were caught near Trenton, and
tills t ircumstance among others is what convinces the Commission
«•' the abundance of pike-perch in the Delaware. The plantings were
•'•I made in the upper river where many have been caught from time
to lime.

i'he pike perch and a variety of the same fish, form one of the two
staple fish industries of Lake Erie. Because of the f aclJthat tWa fish

3-17-99 PENNSYLVANIA FOREST KESEARiTr

INSTITUTE, MONT ALTO, PENNA.

c

;h

34

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

industry is growing- so rapidly in this Lake, the Commission felt, hist
winter, that tlie Erie Station should be separated from the Western
Station and placed under a separate Superintendent.

The Commission was regretfully compelled to deny most of the
applications for pike-perch, not because of a scarcity of fry, br.l
because it was very evident that the great majority of those who
made them did not understand clearly the character of the water
required for their existence and increase. Applications for pike-
perch, to be planted in all kinds of water, including trout streams,
were received, the volume of applications becoming so large that it
was almost impossible to sift the suitable from the unsuitable waters.
Consequently, the Commission determined to withdraw the pike-
perch granted to unknown ap])licants and plant, for the most ])art it-
self, or under its own direction. Hereafter, applications will be r^--
ceived and filled only for those waters which the Commission either
knows are already habited by that fish, or for those, which from its
knowledge it feels satisfied are adai)ted to it. The need for the piki'
perch in such waters as the Susquehanna, the Allegheny, the Monon
gahela and Lake Erie is too great to waste the fry by planting them
in waters in which they cannot possibly live. In fact there are com-
paratively few places in which the fish will live and increase. They
need deep water with heavy rock bottoms where they can lie in wait
for their prey. It is useless to plant them in ordinary bass streams
for instance, and the fry might as well be thrown in th<* middle of a
i*oad as to be placed in a trout stream or a brook of any kind.

It should be noted here, also, that where there is a suitable water
the fry should always be planted in the deejjs, so that the little crea
tures may escape from their natural enemies, the minnows and other
small fry, near the shores. Never plant jn'ke-perch fry in shoal water.

The Commission notes with regret, the rapid extermination of th<'
sunfish in streams adjacent to cities and towns where other fish
manage to hold their own. The trouble is thai this game little fisb
is so voracious that anyone can catch it, and the majority of parents
are not careful to instruct their children not to kill the vounjr whicli
are caught. Indeed it must be said that many parents are as great
offenders in this particular as the children.

The trout season last year was fairly good, but muddy water inte?'
fered greatly with the sport. This year the opening of the season
was of great promise, but the prolonged drought whi«'h began soon
after the opening day soon made the season a very unsatisfactory
one.

Everything tends to show, however, that all the well known
streams in the mountains are well-stocked with fish, despite the fact
that the army of trout anglers is increasing every year. Many
streams too, which have been made trout streams bv means of stock

34

KKl'oUT < »F THi-:

Oi't. DoL'.

industiy is jiiowin^ so ijii>i(llv in iliis I.:ikc, (he (N)iiiinissitni t'cli, lasl
winter, llial ihc Knv Sialioii sliould be si'i>aiat('(l from llic AN'cstrni
Htatiou and idaccd nndci- a st^paratc SujuMintcndtiii.

The Conmiission was ic^iel fully ((iniiH'llcd lo deny nmsl of tlic
applications for pike-jtereli, not because of a scaiciiy (d' fry. bui
because it was very evi(b'nt (liai Hie iir<'at majority <d' those wlm
made them did not understand (dearly tlu- <haiacter of the water
required for their existence and isnrease. A])]dical ions for pike
jMM'rh, to be ]danted in all kinds of water, includinii trout streams,
were rerciNcd, ihe volume of apjdications becoming so lar^-e tliat ir
was almiisi impossible to sift the suitable from the unsuitable waters,
(^onseipn'utly, the Commission deteinnned to withihaw the j>ikc
jierch utanled to unknov.n aj»plicanls ar-d ]dant. f»ir lli'- most jsart ii
self, or under its own direct it»n. Hereafter, apjilirat ions will be r''
«-elved and tilled onlv for those waters whi<h the Commission ("ither

ki

i(n\ s

are alreadv haluted bv that tish. or for those, which from i!>

knowledp' it feels satisfu'd are adapted to it. Th<* ne<Ht for the pik.
[lercli in sm-h waters as tlie Sus<jm*hanna. the Allegheny, tlie Mi>no!i

<»ahela and Lake l'!rie is too _m'<'at to waste the fry by plant in:: them
in waters in which tlu'v cannot possibly live. In fact there are cone
]>aratively few phn es in which the fish will live and iiicrease. They
need deep watei- with heavy rock bottoms wlier*' tiny can lie in wait
for their ]>rey. It is us<'less to ]>l.'nit them i:: nidinary bass streams
fiu- instance, and the fry minht as well br throw ii in the niiiblle <d* a
rttad as to ])e placed in a trout stream or a brook of ;!ny Isiud.

It should be noted here. also, tinit whoc ihei<' is a suitabh' water
the fry should always \w ]danted in Ihe de<'ps. so that the little crea
fures may escajM- from tlieir natur.il emuuies. tlie minnows and olhii
small fry, near the shores. Never plant pik<'-}Ma<di frv ia slioal water.

The Commission notes with reuret. the rajtid i-xlernnnation of tie-
sunfish in streaius adjai-ent to cities and towns wlii-r** other llsli
niana«:<* to h'>hl their own. 'j'hs' iroublo is thai this uaiih' little tisli
is so voracious tluit anyone «an catrh it, and the majority (d* par«'ni-
are not careful to instrm-t their chihbcn not to kill the youn.i; whirl
are caught. Indeed it must Im' said (hat nianv iiareiits are as ureaii
«»tremh'rs in this particular as the children.

The trotit season last year was fairly •xood. but muddy water inte;
fered "ireatly with the sport. This year Ihe openiuo- ,,f the s<'asn]i
was of frreat ]u-omise. but the prolonjxed drouirht which bo^an soon
after the tipenintr day soon nmde the senson a verv uasatisfador^

one

Everythinjr lends to sln»w, however, thai all the well kno
streams in the ntountains aie well s|o<ked with fish,
that the army of trout anglers is increaslu*; ever
streaujs too, which have b(>en nmde trout streams bv

w

-N

INTENTION AT. 2ND EXPOSURE

No. Vi

FISH COMMISSIONEKS.

35

\ng, are mamlaining a supply of lisb, sliowiug the value of this kind
of work. It is small meadow streams, in populous counties, that the
Commission finds most diilieulty in maintaining. Streams along
which a man or a boy can walk and pick the fish out with a hook and a
worm. The trout has the reputation of being a shy fish, and not
without reason, yet it is a fact that there are few fishes more readily
caught from small creeks with a worm than the brook trout. One
persistent man, to call him by no worse name, in a single season, can
completely clean out a run a mile long by worm fishing. Thus it is
that if farmers, in counties like Chester and Lancaster for instance,
desire to preserve good trout streams, they should limit the number
caught daily to a single rod.

The Commission has made a careful investigation into the condi-
tions of the streams in the Western part of the State. It is here
that the Commission has met with great discouragements, both with
respect to illegal fishermen and water pollution, but the findings of
the recent investigations are by no means discouraging.

It is not an optimistic view of the condition of angling in Western
I'eunsylvania to say that at no time for years has the situation been
so pleasing to admirers of the sport. This thought is general among
persons who have the interest of the pastime at heart, and make it a
study as well as a recreation.

For years the streams in this section, particularly about Pittsburgh,
were in poor shape. Little care was given to them, and violations of
the laws were of such frequent occurrence that no persons paid any
attention to local streams when they had in mind a day's fishing, but
took a train for some secluded point up near the head waters, and tried
to enjoy themselves. They were also careful that no one was aware
of their destination, for fear that it would soon be overrun with fisher-
men.

Sportsmen who had the right spirit decided on strenuous efforts
(<► improve the situation. They determined to work their best for
.'iigling. A good stocking was the plan to be followed. During the
,v«ars 1897 and 1898 the western section was given its share of the
l'i4.tK)0,000 fry which was distributed in this State by the State Com-
iiission. The two Commissioners for Western Pennsylvania saw
I Iiat the young fish were i)ut in the right streams. Trout were placed
m the brooks of Westmoreland and Fayette counties. Bear Kun, a
^i'lciidid branch of the Youghiogheny, was given a big stocking, and
iIh* wisdom of the movement has hmg bcM'u proven. Ten mile creek,
ni Washington and Greene counties, was given a supply of bass.
Many pike-])erch were also placed in tlie various rivers. In two years
ii was consideied that these would be of a legal size.

rile Itxal fishermen realized that they had a task in enforcing thti
li'ws until the fry were grown, but felt sure that if thev even sue-

36

REPORT OB^ THE

Off. Doc.

ceeded in reducing the number of infractions tlie benefit to the
streams would show in short order. For a time several men who
acted as wardens made an effort to prosecute many of the offenders.
It was soon seen to be a hopeless plan. Local magistrates were dis-
posed to side with the accused in most every case. They could see no
reason in fining the accused. It only hurt the magistrate's- chance
of getting his costs. However, the agitation itself had a salutary
effect to a slight extent, and the move was not without some good.
One warden ran risks of all kinds, and had several legal battles in
court, in which he came out second best. However, with the stocking
of so many fish it was impossible for the poachers to destroy all o*f
the good work of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and a steady
improvement was noticed.

Last year came a condition of affairs which, it will generally be ar-
gued, will be of much benefit to fishing in all sections of Western
Pennsylvania. The war with Spain broke out, and hundreds who had
been out of employment went into the service. They had been of a
class who had aften put in their time fishing, and, of course, many
used means which are not exactly legitimate. Last summer it is
calculated that at least G,000 men enlisted in both the volunteer ami
regular service from Allegheny county. It was noted by a man who
gave the subject some study that during the summer there was a
noticeable absence of men engaged in fishing in the local rivers.

Again the era of prosperity had a beneficial effect on fishing. It
gave steady employment to hundreds of working men. There were
less shutdowns of mills and factories than there had been for seasons
past, and it is safe to say that in many portions the fish were not even
molested durjng the open period. This is not a piece of imagination
"because in several trades there has actually been a scarcity of men.

Another scheme which will surely improve the fishing in this sec-
tion IS the establishment of the slack water system on the Allegheny
nver. Years ago the Allegheny was the fisherman's paradise in this
part of the country, but the location of oil refineries on the stream
killed off many of the fish, and for a long time there was little use of
a man trying to cast even a seine in that stream, especiallv at a point
within 100 miles of its entrance into the Ohio. In recent Vears these
refineries have been abandoned to a large extent, and the water is
now much purer than it has been for a decade at least. Slack water
will create pools, and the fish are bound to do better. In the drv
seasons several times in recent years the Allegheny river has been a'r
a low ebb, and the fish have not advanced under these conditions
The slack water system will yield a steamboating stage of water in
the river for miles, and raise the water at all points. It is likely that
when the locking system is in effect the river will be a favorite 'resort
for fishing parties.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

m

The common forms of violations of the law in this neighborhood
are the seine, trot or night line, as they are generally known, gill nets
and the use of dynamite. Seining is most generally followed, and is
voted by fishermen to be the most destructive, because in its haul
there are gathered fish of all sizes. The trot line does not amount
to much, as only large fish are caught on it. There is a great of dyna-
miting, especially at a point where a new railroad is being con-
structed.

Affairs at the headwaters of the Allegheny river are just now in
better shape than they have been for years. The use of fish baskets
have been abolished recently to a great extent, and, of course, fishing
picked up in splendid style in a short time. Reports from that sec-
tion are most encouraging. This argues well for other points along
the river, and the fair minded anglers can see the effect of even partial
observance of the law, and will redouble their efforts to have the same
state of affairs in their community. Pike-perch improved in large
numbers, and the hardy members of the finny tribe furnish superb
.sport for fishermen who have not time and means to go to a long dis-
tance to indulge in their favorite recreation.

The Monongahela river has been a favorite place for fishing in re-
cent years. Its slack water system has made pools for the fish and
though in many places the discharge of poisons in the river are as
mimerous as in the Allegheny, the fish have managed to live. Abovp
(.reensboro in late seasons the fishing has never been better Resi-
dents account for this in the fact that there are few foreigners there
lUe latter are noted for their violations of the closed season. Again
the people around take good care of the supplv on hand. Of course
there infractions of the law, but they usually consist ai night lines
Uynamiting is not extensively resorted to.

The recent change of ownership of the locks has been the means of
an order which is not relished by many people in some portions of the
Mnnongahela Valley. Heretofore many have used the lock piers for
'he,r fashing, and in season caught nice strings just below the swirl
"^ he water. Now no persons are permitted to gather on the walls
and cast lines.

Homo indignant men having an idea that the order was the work
"f he subordinates, wrote Major Powell, the Government Inspector,
='nd asked permission to stand on the lock wall. Thev have not re-
«;ivod a reply to their message, and have about come 'to the concl.i-
>"»n that they will have to do all their fishing fmm boats and banks
h<'i'eafter.

Hefusal of squatting places on the piers will be of advantage to
">»nng, for lock walls have been trysting places for fish. It is a com-
"">n thing to see a deck hand of a boat entering the locks grabbing up
'i ^ast net and giving it a sling into the water, and draw out a big mess

38

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

39

of lisli of all kiuds, for iu (he upper river a motley crowd can be gath-
ered in by a cast net, which will ci)ver a space of twenty feet siiuare
in its si>read.

Down the Ohio river, in the vicinity of Davis Island dam, there has
been a great deal of fishing this season. Many black bass and a few
jack salmon have been caught. The work is mostly done on the dam.
As yet the Ciovernment authorities have not molested the fishermen.

The trout streams in the Ligonier Valley from east to west are Tub
Mills, north, middle and south branches of Mill Creek, Furnace Run,
MacGinnis Creek, Linns Kun, Back Creek, I*owder 31111 and hidian
Creek. All but Indian Creek rise in Laurel Hill, and generally tlow
in a northwesterly direction. MacGinnis and Linns are ideal moun-
tain streams, and veteran fishermen say that with i)roper protection
and stocking could be made as fai'mers as farmerly. Hinnki years ag.>
large trout were caught in MacGinnis ('reek, and it was a noted resort
for fishermen of years' association. Kesidents of the Ligonier \'al
ley say that the laws are not enforced in this locality. It is a difficult
matter to protect these streams, because they are in the moonshine
district. It would be a risky affair for a warden to be even seen in the
neighborhood. Illicit distillers are chary about all officers of the law.
it will resort to desperate measures to get a man out of their stamping
ground. As a rule, they have no regard for any kinds of law, and
claim their right to fish and brew mountain dew.

For some time back the Commission has felt that the interests
of the work of fish culture and i)rot<Mtion would be materiallv ad
vanced if some of its features could be introduced intt) the publi'*
schools. Notwithstanding the years of lalior, and the efl'ons of
progressive newspapers and fish protective associations, it is a facr
that there remain a large jKirtion of tlie citizens of the State who re-
main ignorant of the great i»rin(ii)les underlying fish cultural work,
and (»f the prime necessity of giving ])i'ot(M'tion to immature and
mature fish during the spawning season. The words ferrae naturae,
as a]>plied to fish, are regarded by many to mean not merely wild
creatures but license to kill; or as something which will increase
despite the slaughter of the young and the old during the period when
they are rej)i'oducing their kind.

The Commission feels that if the princii»les of fish culture could be
taught in the schools, and at the same time the necessitv of not
killing fish while immature or when they are on th«' spawning beds,
a vast gain in the future work of the Commission would be made.

The Commission recognized that there were many serious difiicul-
cuUies in the way of the ac<omplishment of this desire to set the
matter befon^ the ]Mipils. The course of studv is now alreadv so full
that any addition would seem burdensome and well nigh impossible
Again another difficulty presented itself in the fact that were this

one just mentioned removed there would still remain the question of
how would the teachers be able to impart the desired knowledge.

Tending the unraveling of these two problems, the Commission,
last year, coiisidered favorably a proposition to raise gold fish for
school ac.juaria and accomiiany rhem by a brief circular for the use
of teachers, giving the history of the gold fish, their method of spawn-
ing, the methods of spawning of fish in general, and a few words
showing the necessity of not killing any fish too young for food pur-
IM.st's or which would not be considered edible, but which hold an
important place in relation with edible fish, as for instance minnows.
This circular, it was thought, might be used in that portion of school
hours devoted to 'object lesson teaching. The idea was considered
favorably by a number of educators and the Board of Education of
rhiladelj,hia and the Board of Education of 8cranton each made ap-
plication on this understanding. Unfortunately these applications
wrre received too hite last autumn for filling, and the Commission
t.ais that there nmy be aiit)ther delay tins year, owing to the neces-
sity of making changes in the i.onds at Allentown for the cultivation
<»f black bass and rock bass.

In the meantime the dilVn iilties mentioned above, with respect io
III- finding of a place in the school work and of the absiMicc uf means
'■'"• '»•<• teachers for giving instrurti«ui in fish matter, were apparentlv
snh .d by a niimlMM- of progressive public s«hool teachers who were es-
<<'ihd to the Bristol station last spring by the Statistician of Fisheries
in order that th(»y might witness the methods of hatching. During
ilie visit he gave a short address in which he explained the methods
"1' arliticially fertilizing and hatching fish, the i»eculiar characteris-
tics of fish work, the vastly increased number of fish which could be
iniscd by artificial proi.agation as against natural spawning, and
ftnally pointed out the reasons for decrease in the supply of fish where
iniinrial work is not undertaken, and the ditlicultv of keeping uj) the
""lubers in spite of artificial hatching wht^re wasteful fishing is per-
sisted in.

lb* finally exju'essed the desire to have the matter introdured into
«li<* schools, but frankly ]>ointed out the seeming difiiculties, and aske-l
•'"'II' advice and assistance. S^omewhat to the surprise of the Statis-
'"'•ni. the teachers re])lied that there should be little difficultv in
'"•'•Ifiig n place in the course in the Philadelphia schools at least,
without interfering at all with the course, because in one of the
^'■Hles. th(* new seventh, the subject of fish from an eccmomic stand-
P'l'ii unist now be taught and there seenu'd no reason why the work
^'- nld not be <arried all through all tln^ grades in the olvject less(m
<'''"-^iing. They suggested that there would hv no difficulty in the
\\Ax of nny advanced teacher iuii-Mrfing the knowledge, if a series <.f
''' Tiires be niveii them, and if the work be apportioned according lo

40

REPORT OF THE

Off. Dec.

No. 17.

the understanding of the children of each grade. Also, if the Com-
mission could prepare a circular of facts for the teacher of each grade,
and could provide for each school, a series of embryonic fish, from the
egg to the fresh hatched fry, and better still, some mature specimens
of the same fish to make the object lesson complete.

The teachers were unanimously of the opinion that the matter was
of much more importance than some things which are now imparted
in object lesson teaching.

The Commission now has the matter under advisement to ascer-
tain whether it is possible to carry out the idea.

Last year the Commission received a recommendation for the es
tablishment of aquaria, at an early day, in the leading cities and tow^iis
of the State, and asking the Legislature for assistance in carrying out
this project. The Commission has felt it useless thus far to take any
action in this matter because of the impossibility of carrying it out
under present conditions.

It is recognized that the project is of the first importance and that
it must inevitablv advance the cause of fish culture when such
aquaria are established. There are at present, however, two insuper-
able difficulties in the way, first a lack of means, and second, tho
perfecting of other work which the Commission has on hand or
deems more urgent. Before this important project can be considered,
it will be necessarv that there be a sufTiciont number of black bass
stations to supply the needs of the State, further enlargement of the
Erie fisheries' work, the establishment of a station for the propaga-
tion of the sturgeon and the introduction of the fish work into the
public schools. These things, the Commission feels, should all be
arranged for and in perfect working order before it undertakes this
gigantic task, for gigantic it is, and as important as it is great. This
matter will, however, be borne in the mind of the Commission, and
if it sees an opportunity of taking action without injuring oth^r
work which it has on hand, will give it earnest attention.

Although fish protective work forms part of the duties of the Com
mission, it has not been possible to give it the close attention which
it otherwise w^ould have had, owing to the fact that there has not been
any money therefor. Some of the organizations, however, devoted to
fish protection, have taken the matter in hand, and numerous arresls
were made, and the Commission understands some convictions were
secured. One of the most notable arrests made this spring was by
the Ralston Fish and Game Club, of several parties for dynamitin<4
a branch of Roaring Brook. The magistrates gave verdicts against
the accused and the trials are to take place during the September
term of Court.

There are two cases of widespread int(»rest to anglers In the
Monroe county courts, one of which is decided and the other is ex

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

41

pected to be in September. One case was the outcome of the other
though neither are of the same chai-acter. It is proper to say that the
(^ommission has no connection whatever with either, and except m
individuals have no interest in the outcome, and the settlement of a
vexed question. As both are of the greatest importance to anglers
the Commission feels that extended notice of them should be given'
The first case was an action at trespass brought bv the Pohoqualino
Association of, Monroe county, against certain parties who insisted
'»n fishing on the Associations owned and leased waters, contrarv to
its rules and orders.

The defense attempted to raise the question that the stream havin -

iH-cm planted with trout hatched by the Stat(^ the public were en^

nrled to fish therein without an action of trespass being brou-ht

provided they waded the stream; but this was ruled out bv the pr»'-

1 mding judge, and a verdict was rendered in favor of the Pohoqualine

^ -\ssocia(ion. The great importance of tlu' case to the anglers of the

■ State rests in that portion of the charge^ of the judge with respect to

wliat constitutes a trespass, and it con^detely refutes the widespread

belief that a i)erson. if he wades a stream through private property

IS not guilty of trespass. This, regardless cf the rights of a person io'

In view of tho WMl,.snf..ml inip.irtanco of the .-nsc. and to spttle it
l"Mst on.. .,nos(io„ whieli is ronstantly boin- asked (he Oomniissio,.
M i« thought best to give a i.a.is,-, ipt <.f the case, as an appendix of
Uiis repoit. The matter used was taken from the Monroe County
Democrat, and is stated by lawyers in the ease to be an accurate
suunnary of the evid.-nce and a faitl>ful copy of the salient features
ot ihe diarge of Judge Albright.

During the trial of the trespass .ase noted above, it was stated and
•■nlnntted by members of the i'oho.,ualine Association that thev used
""• landing net with which to safely land the trout which tht'-v had
l';<vously hooked with their artificial Hies and played with their' rods.
Ill,, contention was imnM.diatejy raised Ihal under Ihe tish laws the
"sc of Ihe hinding net is illegal. That the laws speciticallv prohibited
""• use of all m.|s in the watei^s of the State with the e.xception of
'■'•itain ones specifically menlioned. among which the landing net did
■'"I mn-ai; and two of Ih,. members „f the T'oho,|ualine As.sociatiori
^^'•re subse.iuently arresled on warrant charged with illegal fishin.'

"'l'"".V"iff a landing net. .\t the hearing before the justice of th"

I '"■<■. the defendanis rais,.d Ih,. claim that 11,,. landing net wa.s not
■1 ""t under tli,. meaning of Ih,- act. that it was in fact an essential
IMH of au angl,.r-s outfit, bul Ih,. j„sli,e of th,. p,.a,e ruled against
tiic defendants and held th..m for (h,. S,.,>tember term of court.

"ider th,. ,-ircnmslan,-es, of ,„,ir.><e (he C.mmission ,annot discuss

42

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

the merits of the case whatever, but will watith, iu common with all
who are interested in fishing matters, the result.

During the year the Commission has received valuable and cordial
assistance from many quarters, and it is glad to acknowledge these
obligations. Mention has already been made of and thanks extended
to Mr. Charles Cortright, of Hunter's Hange, for his generous offer
to catch and transport to Stroudsburg, as many ix)ach or shinevH
which might be needed for the Eastern or AUentown station; and to
the Beaver Run Club of the same offer of mature pickerel. The Com-
mission also desires to express its warm thanks to Mr. Howard A.
Chase for the promised gift of a quantity of bull-heads or mountain
lake catfish for breeding purposes at the AUentown ponds.

The Commission is under deep obligations to the following Rail-
roads: The Pennsylvania, the Reading, the Delaware and Hudson,
the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, the New Jersey Central,
the Lehigh Valley, the Fall Rrook, the Allegheny Valley and the New
York, Ontario and Western Railroads, for free transportation foi-
messengers and fry.

Tlie Commission again desires to express its deep gratitude for
those fish protective associations and citizens who came so promptly
to its aid with money, when the Legislature of 181)7 adjourned and
overlooked the appropriation usually given for fish work. The Com
mission felt that when the next Legislative session occurred there
would certainly be an act passed reimbursing those who subscribed,
and the faith which the contributors had in the integrity of the Rtat»\
and the warm interest which thev took in the continuance oif the
work of fish culture, constitutes one of the brightest pages in the hi.s-
to ry of the Commission.

The Commission also cordially thanks the news])a])ers, particularly
fhe Public Ledger of Philadel]>hia, which have given unwavering
support to the work of fish culture. The influence which the press
wields is powerful, and the sup])ort which has been given the Commis
sion in its efforts to increase the ft)od fish supply of the State is
deiqdy apj>reciated.

Finally the Commission wishes particularly 1o thank the Pennsyl-
vania Fish Protective Association for its earn<»sj and unwavering co
operation. Whenever there was need of help in legislative work,
members were always found ready to drop their daily avocations and
give the assistance asked. This is the mor<' deeply appreciated be
cause in the course of events, it must naturally be that there wouM
be some differences of opinion with reference to policy, but if such
differen<*es did exist, the Association gentMously subordinated it ^"
what the Commission felt ought io be d(>n<'. Willi the aid of such

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

43

an organization, and others of a similar character, the Commission
need have no fears of the future of fish cultural and protective work.
All of which is respectfully submitted.

S. 13. STILLWELL,
H. C. DEMUTH,
JAMES W. CORRELL,
JOHN HAMBURGER,
JAMES A. DALE,
D. P. CORWIN.

44

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

REPOKT OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND STATISTI

CIAN.

To the CuiniiiissioiuTs of Fisheries of IViiiisylvaiiia:

Gentlemen: It gives me much pleasure to report that with the excep-
tion of the Eastern or Alleutown station the work for the year- was em-
inently satisfactory. At the Bristol shad station more than double the
usual annual hatching of shad was accomplished, and at the Erie Sta-
tion, despite some difficulties of which I will give you the details later,
nearly twenty-five million pike-perch and more than a million and a
half of blue pike were hatched, the last named fish being a new
venture. At the Western or Corry station about 2,400,000 trout of
different species were reared, a number somewhat in excess of former
years. Only at the Eastern or AHentown station was there a bad
showing, and even here the actual hatching of trout was far in excess
of the number usually incubated, but the catastrophe happened there
by which the entire lot of trout fiy, with tlie excei)ti()n of 4.j,000 died
within three weeks. A catastrophe for which the Superintendent
was in no wise to blame. At this Station, however, were hatched
250,000 Atlantic salmon, 50,000 more than the greatest number ever
before incubated in any one year. The eggs of this fish were received
from the United States Fish Commission.

The actual number of fish hatched at all the stations, includinu
those which were subseciuently lost at AHentown, is as follows:
Brook Trout —

AHentown station. 2,200,000

<^'Ovvy, 2,197,100

^^^^h 4,807,100

Brown Trout —

Alleutown station 13^500

^'^>^'»T 888,400

"^^^^h 401,90fl

California Trout —

Allentow^n station 10,000

Corry, 185,000

"^^^^h 145,000

No- 17. PISH COMMISSIONERS. ' 45

Atlantic Salmon, AHentown, 230 000

IMke-perch, Erie 24,040^000

lUue Pike, Erie, 1,800,000

Frogs, Erie, 500 qqo

Shad, Bristol, 22,200,000

ihAud total, 53,714,000

Of the shod hatclied at the Bristol station about 5,000,000 were from
. 'U-s leceived from the United States Fish Commission, part from its
battery at Havre de Grace and the remainder from the Fish Hawk,
these eggs being over and above the capacity of the two hatcheries at
tiie time. Whh resj^ect to this generous gift of eggs, I should make
the following explanation:

On the first day of April I received a letter from the United States
Fish Commission saying that that body was taking an immense number
of sliad eggs at its station at Harve de Grace, Md. That over 18,000,-
m) eggs had been taken the previous night, and that as there' was
« <'i(ain to be a large surplus, the United States would be glad to turn
over to the Pennsylvania Conmiission for hatching in the Bristol
station if it Avas desired to take them. -It would cost you less to fiH
the hatchery in this way," said the letter ''than to collect them in the
1 Delaware."

I at once accepted this generous offer and two days later the first
•MMisigninent arrived. Many million eggs were shipped from this
staiion on tlie Sustiuehanna. Later when the Fish Hawk came into
the Delaware for its annual shad work, the chief officer waited on me
and informed me that he had been instructed to proffer the State Com-
mission all the surplus eggs taken by him, and from this source sev-
eral million more eggs were received.

^Vhile with me the officer of the Fish Hawk stated that he had been
instructed to direct his spawn takers not to interfere at such fisheries
from which Pennsylvania was getting its shad eggs. I mention this
t<» show the extent of the cordial relaMonship which exists between
the two Commissions. Indeed the United States has numerous ex-
''n»].les of the most cordial desire (o assist the Pennsylvania Com-
mission in its work, for which this body has thus farbeen abh' to
make but iWi^ small return, namely the use of the Bristol station
«^nring the spring of ISOS, when the Fish Hawk was detached for war
duty.

As the United States Fish (Commission had hatched an enormous
miniber of shad for the Susquehanna river, I felt that it would be
l»«tt(.i. to make Pennsylvanias plant in the Delaware alone, but before
•Ktirig sought the opinion of the members of the Commission residing
on the first mentioned stream and received their sanction. The

46

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

plants were also all made between Belvedere and tlie Water Gap, witJi
one or two exceptions, when i* ^ d liatching compelled planting in
the river opposite the station. In former years it has been the prac
tice to take the fry farther up th(> river, as far up as Pond Eddy in
fact. This involved an exi>enditr.re of between sixteen and seven-
teen dollars for each trip. Most of this sum, 1 felt could be advanta-
geously saved by planting in (he vicinity of the \\ ater Gap. I am
satisfied that the water couditions are just as good, for that locality
is one of the spawning grounds of the shad, and I felt that there was
little more danger to be feared fix)ni the ravages of striped bass at
that point than at Pond Eddy. The planting was thus made with n
marked saving of money, and 1 believe without any injury to the
growth of the shad fry.

WHITE PERCH.

In connection with tJiis station I would recommend the propaga
tion of the white perch. This valuable little food fish is becoming
scarcer every yeai in the Delaware, and it was also diminishing in
numbers in the lower Susquehanna until the Maryland Commission
undertook its artificial propagation. The cost of this work would
be comparatively little. Indeed, I doubt whether it would add fifty
dollars to the running expenses. The fish begins to rii)en its eggs
about the same time as the early run of shad and they might b.-
sought for and hatched while the men of the station are waiting for
the heavy run of shasv in the Dc^laware. The spawn might be brought
at first from the Chesapeake and later from the Delaware. As ea<]i
white perch averages aliout forty thousand eggs it would not tak"
many fish to yield enough eggs to make a valuable addition to the
Delaware River supply. I hope and expect when the season opens
again to visit the Maryknl station and observe the work of hatching
this fish more closelv.

The building at Bristol is i.i good ctuidition, although it badl.v
needs a coat of paint. This lias not lieen given the structure since it
was erected. The roof last sju-ing needed rc^pairing and painting bad-
ly and this was given it. A iiew giaie bar must also be fitted in
the boiler, and I would recomiiieiid also that something !»e done con
cerning the wasle watt-r running fmm the hatching house. At pres
ent it flows from the building and is allowed to run over the surfac
of the ground to the river. This was. I understand, only to have beon
a temporary arrangenu^nt, l»ut nothing has over been done towards
having the matter fixed. The present manner of permitting the
waste to flow is bad for Ihe hous(», as it must have a tendency to rot
the supports. It would co^i v«My little to affix j)ip(\« so that th.'
water could bo <-arri('d av ay without running all over the ground. I
think it wouhl bo w<'ll also to add another dozen « r twr» jars to th^

46

liEI'UUT OF TIJJ.:

Off. Doe.

jdaiUs weidil.so all made bciwtM'ii lli'lvcdcir and Nir Water Gap, with
(Hie or two exceptions, when r, ^ d iiahhin^j; compelled jilanting i;i
the river opposite the station. In turniei- vears it has l>een ihe prac
tice to lake ilie try t*ar»her up thr river, as far nj) as Pond Kddy in
faci. This involved an e\|M nuil.ire of between sixteen and seven
teen dollars for each tri]». Most ei" Hiis snni. I felt conld be advanta-
p'ously saved by planting; ie. lie- vicinity of the Water (ia|>. I am
satisiied that the watir condilioriS are jnsi as uoed, for that loralitv
is one of the spavining j^iiounds ef the shad, and I felt that there wa-
little inor<' danjicr to be leared from the lavaj-cs nf stiipetl bass u
that point than at I'oud Eddy. The jdaniinji- was ihns nmd*- wilh n
marked savini*' of meney, and I believe withent anv ininrv to th<-
j^rowih of the shad fry.

WtilTE PERCH,

In coniiecii;m with tiiis station I would reromnieml tin* proi)a^a
lion of Ihe white ],erch. This valuable little food lish is becoming:
scarcer every yeaj in the Delaware, a^d it was ahM) diminishing; hi
numbers in the h>wer Sus*|uehanna until tin* Maryland <\)mmissitni
nndertottk its aiiiticial }»iopaj;aiion. Th.e cost of this work woui'i
be comparatively liitle. Indeed. I doubt whether it would add tifiv
thdlars lo the runnini; expenses. The tish bi uins to linen its e«'"-
about the .-ame time us the earlv run of shad and thev miuhl i-
s<ui^ht for aid liatrlicd vxhih' the men of the station are waitinii for
the heavy run ot sluiw in liu' Ih-Iaware. Tlu' spawn mi^ht be brou«;l.i
at iirst from (he ('lusapeake and laiei- fiom the helav^are. A.s earii
white pcrrh averjijios aiioiit fniiy thousand e^its it wouhl not tak-
many tish to yield enoui h e^_i;s to mal<- a vabmblo addition h> th
Delaware IJiver sup]»ly. I ho]»e ;ind expect when the season open-
auain lo visit tin* Mai Uan • siatiiui jtnd observe the work of hatching
this lish m<ue closely.

The buildin«r at Hiistnl i. • • uooil rtuidition. althouiih it bad';
needs a coat of painl. this ,i- imm Im < i -iven the slrmjure since ii
was ei-ected. The roof last sprin- lUMMh-d icpairin^- and painl in^^ ba!
ly and this ssas «;iven it. A m: w irrate bar must also be tilted in
the boiler. an<i I wnuld reroninuiid als<i (hat s(nuelhi;:<^ be done co .
cernin^ (In- v.asle wa.ter running Irtim ihe halrhinu houso. At pre>
enl it Hows from the Iniiidini: aud is allowed to run over ilio surfac ■
of the .ground In the river. This was. T ur.derstand. only to have be. :
a t»'mporary arra'igemeni. Init e.othinu has ever beou <hine ttiware
Jiavin«r the maitei- tixe<l. Tjjo jti-esi'iil manner of permitting llr
waste to tb)W is bad for (he house, as it must have a ti ndeii.v to m
the sup]MUls. Ii would ■•'-i very lillle to aflix ]»ijcs so iliat tip
waier could be i-airiod ava^ witleait ruiiuinir all over tin* K'«»iiml. I
think it would bo wvW also to add anoiher d«»z(*n ; v \\\n jais to itj

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

^"- "■ FJSH COMMlSSIONEltS. „

s(oek in the station. Tliree dozen were bouglit last spiinu but -t
one t.™e these and every other jar ia the hon^. was u o eg^ L'.d
spawn fro„. the United States had to be refused. The honse has '

.u least that many should be kept on hand for work if needed

Ihere .s one other imi.roven.ea. whi.-h nnjjht be made' for the

-ufort of the men who have to oc.upy the buiTding during the shad

season, and that is in the sleeping apartuu-nls. Out roon? is devotj

<.h,s purpose, and it is fltted up in the n.ost prin.itive fashion The

Mst.s and beams are exposed and unj.ainted. There are two cots n

irth'ir'xf "''"%''■' "^""^ "'•^' '^^-""^^'>- - tonet^nV:

mnces he.en. It seems to n.e tl>at this bed roon. and the little

. place of the cots, a bureau and other bedroom furniture added
he jo.sts and beanxs covered by a cheap hard wood and oiled j'
s .ou Id say ,n justice to ,he men who have occupied these In slh-.

hm season I heartily endorse all h,. says on this subject There

, ; . Ij ',""'*"' '"'^'^ '""^ ^^'^" -'" => boat, the elliciencv of t !

f">M. and (he amount of work could be greatlv au-mented u'

P'vsent owing to th,. fewn.-ss of the s.nwn *•, n " '':'""'f ''• "^^

I" f.il;.. e..ns f,.,„„ I.nr ,.„ < ' '"• '' '* "^^ iwssible

<„r,.s Horn bur one stalion. and these have to be tnlen l.v .

I">ig and wea,iso„.e journ,.v to the hatcherv Vn^. 1 . '
sidcrahle exnense Win, .. 'i "'".uuiciu And I his to at coa-

and .he e" „ V: ; 7'""" """■^ '•°"'" ^''^'^ "'"- A^l'-ries
Craft of 7l, '"""'' '"''•'''''■^' t" «'•' hatcherv.

-'.;,' .it: T' ■";V"""-^- '^■■•" *"■•""■«" '"e -inter, 'ihe
><>p,c,,„lh referred (o you for favorable consideration.

WESTERN STATION.

'-would be impossibl,. ,„ ,i,,. ,.,„ „„„., j,,,.,,^,. ^^_, ,

^ his ,„„.„,,,. ,,,lia,„ liuiu.r. keeps the Western or

,,:;■■.. nes tl,e keenest pleasure to look at the beauti-

■n-' ha 1 in. IK ;?: '"■•" """■■'• ■"'" ""■ '■■-■•■f"".^- *<-'<"' trees.

I '«'«>.«.( '<><>K<*u after will (10 sri-(>;if(.Ki i,f ,..,,.,, r,,, , ,
iM -ii'iiw., e Ai , ?^i»«inM ur rare. 1 lie uliolo 'hi

'''' ; .;;. '.'.nfb^t''''''''^!" '"' '^"•■""■"" ^^■""•" '•- •^" '■;: .

^ <n.isiniUl3 n*\^tows on tlie pmperfv

i^ P.epaiing, I am confident that Mr. Buller will succeed

«

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

I'

with the former to a satisfactory extent. With respect to the rock bass,
I speak from experience when I say that he is certain, barring disease
or some unavoidable accident, to have a good supply for the distribu-
tion in the autumn of ItiOO. For two or three years, except last year,
Mr. Buller has successfully experimented on a small scale with this
fish.

Besides the addition of the ponds there are to be made a number of
important, though small changes at his station. Among them may je
mentioned the saving of the waste water flowing from the old hatch-
ing house, and the substitution of the western for the pavilion spring
as the water supply for the new hatching house.

It is possible to enlarge the new hatching house at this station, and
in view of the dilapidated condition of the buildings at the Eastern or
Allentown station and the uncertain future of that station, that the
addition to be built as soon as practicable.

HYBRID TROUT-PERCH.

For three years, Mr. Buller has been experimenting under my
direction in the production of a hybrid between the California troiir
and the yellow perch, using the female of the first and the male of th
latter. On the first occasion of the experiment a few fry weri'
hatched from the eg;^i^ thus impregnated, but these, owing to an
unfortunate mistake, were lost. Last year the experiment was tried
again, but through, it is supposed a small supply of milt none of th"
eggs hatched, although Uiey lived for a considerable time and showed
every indication of having been i)erfectly fertilized. This year tlie
experiment was conducted with the greatest care, and everythiii*;
done to ensure success and to prevent criticism of irregularity in
case there was a hatching of fry.

The work of impregnation was performed by William Buller, the
Superintendent of the station at Corry, assisted by his assistant Wil
Ham Haas, and in the presence of one of your body, the Hon. Joliu
Hamburgcn-, of Eric, and mvself.

Previous to the taking of the eggs, the pan in which the' eggs wen*
to be expressed was boiled,. in order to destroy the life of any milt
which niiuht !)e there, and both ^Ir. Buller and Mr. Haas carefully
washed Uum- hands in hot soapy water for the same reason. Hevcii
of the healthiest female California trout were selected having pei-
fectly ripe eggs and fourteen strong healthy male yellow perch. Tin-
fish were taken one female and then two males, and in this ord- 1'
until all the eggs and milt were tak<'n. and with every expression of
milt, it and the eggs were thoroughly mixed by being stirred wiHi
the tail of the male.

So mu(di milt was expressed over the eggs that the pan bore tlic
appearance of containing tapioca pudding swimming in milk. The
mixture was allowed to stand nearly an hour before the next stage

iVo. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

was taken up. Under urdiuan condition, nf t.,rr ■
with milt of the same species of Zl , f f"t'i»i=mg trout eggs
..anding would be alllcT and tW^ w ' f. ?* '"""'' "'""'^^ *"'■
.iiorough impregnatio. but in 1 7 ^^ '""^'^ '» ''"«'^ of

>v,ree that as a WeT' rill V 1?^ '"'"' ''°''' ^'- ^""^' ^"d i

^ .here was no po sS/of beuTfit , ," "''"'"''^'^ "*" '"J"''^' '^'"^ «**
was given. ^ "'"^ '^^' '""«"• *ai""g. the extra time

.1 M,„ „.,„. ~„''y''' "■"''■'• l"™bUi«„. On the IIU.
." .if., of ti e eve LSrniL -W»™.l, .live, aUbo.gl, ,„«„ „e,e
•.I.. T.-o duv. toterl!" '• "" <" '"' '""■■' appearance ot ,orml„..

which hatched healthy fry. ^ '^'^^^ except five,

The little fish which were incuh-it,.,? « ;ii . i .

i» .l.e troughs and then placed if tetvi " '' '""^ "' P***^""''

n.M be carefully watched * ' ^"™'' P''^''*^ ^''^'''e t^ev

»'»>«"is a crossing of ffonoi-i -nui h,^. / ^ -^ ^^^^ nature

-". -fully acc:„,p,f;i •';:;'', t^-'';^'f- •"^''•-- -''-e " is
creaiures of u„ entirely di W.,+ "' '"^fan^^s where

of -pulation. r Tdid It f ''^''■^^•"'""tarily perform the act

«^i. .han Ave out of fo ^ Zsld T^ " ''!'^" ^" '^^"'"^^ "^
""■ J""gonv to be similar toT f , P'ov.ously prepared for

"'■" I was not surnri^d infi , , "" ''""' °^ *•"« character. ;,o

-"M S.C, the frv of th. , .1 V """' '^"'"•^' '"^'^- •''« f«>- «« '

-' 'i- whi..hU.i f ;';;;',::;'';. .T't 'r/"" ^"'■•^- ^•""-

••"■'"Mul ,0 the throat bon-all, tL T. '"'' *° *'"' ^"'^ "'"'

"""'"■-' ""H.aM..,.,! when , ^^ ''f"'"'" f^ut. This feature re-

''"I" '■.■.■al„,.,.s a. , , ' ""• ,f -''W'-Ted. Sbould any of the
'^■;'"llypxn„,ined.' ' """ '''■'"•"^'' '""' f'-'^i'' «f>''H-h,re

Jl'" ''X|„.,.j„|,.„t liowcver In<i nnf k„
^•'""ll-i"t. I have prorod w h, T , ? '" ''■'"" ^'■"'" " '"•'■™*''«''

,,,^^^ _;-|^.' lea.t sou.eth,„g to Uie very little known of the sub^'
4--17-99

-S<». It.

CD

CD
PQ

W

I'^liali CUAlMlsaiuNEKS.

uas lakeii up. Cnder urdiii,
uiili milt of tJie same

49

tn coudiiioiis of feniiizing tr

sia

iidiu

<»•

would be allowed.

species of lisii

out

^i^{

only about iifteeu minutes foi

Hiorouj^-h imi>regiiatiuii, b

.'i^ive

that

as a iougei- period

iiid tiiis would be ample to allo„
»l in this iustauce, botli Mr. Buller and

Him. was uo possibility of beiu-tii bv lo

would do absolutely no

vv of

i

u;is t: I veil.

iiijiiiy, aud us
nger waiting, the extra time

Til

w

e (

-hcd

V;y>^ to the number uf about four th
and plaeed on the ha id

ousand were th

li'.ililiy looking ]ot of (^
and a record kept of th

'i

niig trays. They
nvy were given the closest

eii carefully

4

Were a line and

u

IK

Mav

nearly e\ery egg u

i^ir progress toward

attention

»5 incubation. On the 11th

tl

igii^ of the eye ai.pearing, or ol

i.s apparently alive, although th

Nil.

'I'

<» thiys later, howev

any other

eie wei'e

^'-''»*i'»i'idIy,andbythelirstofJ
wiiirh hatched healthy f

Tlieliiilelish which

er, namely on the l;Jth th

appearance of formin

if

e eggs began

rv

une nearly all were dead except fi

ve

111

ere incubated will be I

•" <'-<'nglis and theri , dared, if ihcvl
'*«' ••arefully watched

'<e]»t as long as

possibl.

iv(s in some place where th

ev

"wii that J an

1 so

(*.\

I '( ■(

•' »<» inculcate a verv 1

nn-whai disaj.poinied bv tl

li'.i .Highly convinc.'d of tl
o.ssing of g(Miera

argc i»ercentage of tl

e result. I did not

ati

" s a ci

le soundness of the th

le eggs, because I am

|i ' I 'SS

full

and there arc 1

(•i-

ii>

'••'<<'nipli.slied. and tl

'"■'•"^ «d' an entirely diil

lere are fewer

<^'<>iv that natui
<'w instances where it i;

e

lastances whet

'""•'*'*•'»• J>u( 1 did ex],ect

''i-t'nt genera voluntarily jH-rform il

e

««n live out of four tl

lu plod lice a lai

III'

oiisand. I was j

x'^^'ny to be similar to the femal

n

le act
gvr jier ceiiiage uf
vviously prepared for

th

Nliel,

of^e produced Iw

o years brfoi

♦' parent, instead of the mal<

w

«>^ not surprised lo ijnd tl
'•••^•^ <lisappointed that 1 eould

<' were of this character

"* ^'»"'t' result this time, but I

o

'\<'i- as far a;

'•xternal o]

» iH»! d<Meet any rl

was

"' «-'«'atiir<.s when liisi hairl.

>serya!inn v. en I of tl

laracteiisti-

le yellow

>( I

lie Iry ,i\' ^]^^. ^
'ill whirl

" '! Were exactly li|

ICC

as fa

^"'""■'"^' "■""'• They had Ihe full

pei'i-h.
r as I

«<» ilie (hroal 1

' ^'^i--ns from ihe ba.-k of the head

III;

lid
d

nca; h,

"•••<'\«' "f a fnll hlonded Talil

Th*. marking and ind«cd

V «*0!|-

i<» llie tail and

vcrvihinii'

" "ll«lia!!i;(Ml wl

*""'a iroul. This feat

■i-<

atnics die. [ shall I

"'" ""* ^^ac disai.peared. Shnnld

''r 'xamined.
''^i'*'i'imeii|, li

'ave iImmu disccicd and tl

lire I'e

any of fin

K'lr sirncfur

owevcr. lias nnj l

M

II I

'"• 1 have proved witlnnil i\

'I'a in vain from a

scicnf ill

in<:

l<!c(

"' ^"*'«-<'^sfnl|y prednced from <

a^ shadow nf a dmibt. that

nro-

i»

I af 1
I'idity.

ast

^'»aietI,i,,M ,„ (1,^. ,.,.,.^. jjjjj^^ J

w«i uidcly diircrcni

<i#^

ener

nown of the subject

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

50

liEPOItT OF THE

Oft. Doe.

No. 17.

It has been held by a few that projeny can result fix)iii the uuioii
of the sexes of dift'ereut genera, but on the other hand many who denv
this insist wliere such hybrids are produced that previous classifies
tion has been wrong, and that the production of a hybrid under such
circumstances only proves that what were formerly considered as
belonging to two genera are of one. Indeed it is held by very many
as an axiom:

First, that all animals capable of producing an eugensic projeny are

of the same species.

Second, that all human crossings are eugenesic.
Therefore, all men are of the same species.

The above, curiously enough, is supported in the face of the fact
that the projeny of the dog and the wolf, goat and sheep, camel and
dromedary, and hare and rabbit, are engenesic, that is to say, per
fectly and indefinitely prolific between themselves. If the contention
were true the California trout and the yellow perch would have to be
classed in the same genera. If thai is done, the whole structure of
ichthyology must be torn down and rebuilt on new lines, for nothiug
appears farther apart than the two.

It is said and believed by many that in cross fertilization the pro
geny takes after the male parent. To some extent this is undoubt-
edly true, but one result of this experiment shows that it not only
does not always follow, but on the contrary, under some conditions
there may l)e a persistent impress of the female parent, that there is
a large certainty as to the outcome of hybridization.

Another contention with resi)ect to hybrids, even where the n'
lationship between the ])arents is closer than between the progeny
of the Talifornia trout and the yellow perch prtKluced at the station
at Corry, is that of fertility. It is contended by a very large circle
that all hvbrids. the result of what mav be called unnaturalship, aro
infertile, and cite the mule as an instance. But it is not at all a ccr
taintv that the mule is entirelv barren. There are several unsn]i
ported statements to the contrary, but putting this aside the evident*'
against the assumption of infertility in hybrids is overwhelming.

It should not be assumed, therefore, that the hybrid produced it
the Corry station should they reach maturity will be infertile.

I am inclined to believe that infertility is the result of environment
rather than hybridity. There is much evidence to support the con-
tention of environment. For example the Mamelukes in their honu'
in their region of the Caucassus, were as ])rolific as any other ran'
of human beings: but when transplanted to Egy]>t. their nnmbci;^
could only be maintained by frequent re-infon-ements from tlien'
native count ry. This was the rase for nearly 550 years on the bancs'
of the Nile. This is a particularly fon-ible illustration, for the Mnnic
lukes rarely took women of Egypt for their wives, their strict caste

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

.lemanded females of their own race, and the curious result is that
a. progeny of this race was practically sterile in the Nile reg on ',
though prolific in their own native country '

1 ^"V^Vvf * •*''"^'-' "^ environn,ent has a tendency to produce a
loss of fertility is also curiously illustrated in the i. onkey. How
ver prolific they are in their native lands, in America and Europe
tl.e captive monkey seems to practically lo^e the power of reprodu"

It is further a peculiar fact that homogenesis is not always exactly
proportionate to the degree of proximity of species. The hvbrids (^
he goat and sheep are superior to the mule, of the ass and the mire
Id this m spite of the fact that there is a greater difference betwe^;
the horse and the ass. Here is again emphasized the fact tharth"
progeny of different species as a rule may be defective, ii, not 'n
v.,.,ably so and that the hybrid between the ralifornin trout and tl^e
yellow perch ,s just as likely to be fertile. The theory that environ
m.nt has more to do with infertility than hybridity is to mv mind
Irougly Illustrated by the history of the California front in this Sta^e
n previous reports and papers prepared for your work. I have proved
tl a the evidence shows clearly that the enviK,nments of the eastern
part of this country, particularly of this State, are not the same .,s
this species of fish in its native home, and that it is advei^e to is
natural reproduction. That at least partial infertility is the result

liZl fi h" H ° TV^'' '■ '''"' """^^ -^'^^-^ ^^'^-"'^ '« *he condition
Of the fish in the breeding ponds of the State. Every year fully fifty

per cent, of the females fail to yield any eggs, and fuilv fifty per cent

Station in addition nearly fifty per cent, of the males yield cheesy or
o': w:-";; ^ ".^^^r--"'^-"- ^-"t - the ponds were the onU-
he set down to some cause purely local, and not having any bearin-
one Irhr'V: I' •"■«^"''«">"- R"t this is not the case. '.At least

li rn 7 ' 7 ^'''^' ■'"''""■"■^ '" "'•^^'' ^"-^ '"^'^ eonditions ,n
their ponds according to a letter received from one of the head
offi. .als of the Pish Commission, in which he said that he thougnt
wn. y™ ''I "^^ff S-l'eaHng females in the Pennsylvania ponds

mol7\ -""It- "'""'" '"''^' ""'" '■"^'"^"♦"'^ '''"' f'"''-^ ^a« "ot "

" oinmissions of the Eastern States.

tn '.'"I/"''"/"""'' *^"* ^'"^ ■""""'f-" "f *^" P'""t!"K "f f^alifornia trout

^ n the streams of Pennsylvania were imt at all satisfactory. T

Ok, ,e,,„i of but few streams in which there were even ordiuarilv

n,, evidence that the fish were reproducing their kind naturally. On

0 ler hand the Commission was deluged wilh letters comnlaining

"at there were absolutely no returns or showing of fish whatever.

52

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

In some instances reports were received that California trout planted,
lived, grew and were caught, but it was rare that information was
received that showed that these fish were spawning. In a few in-
stances where such reports were received, an examination of tho
records showed that in almost every instance there had been a re-
stocking of this species of fish.

These investigations, together with the apparent soundness of tho
doctrine of changed environment are apt to produce sterility, led nic
to the conclusion that this was the trouble with the California trout,
in Pennsylvania at least. Having arrived at this conclusion, it
seemed to me to be a waste of time and money to continue the propa-
gation of the fish, and I accordingly recommended in a report last
May, that the culture of California trout be discontinued, and the out
put of brook trout fry be increased that much. My report and recom-
mendation received your approval, and orders to this effect were sent
to the Superintendents of Stations.

At the same time that I recommended the discontinuance of the
propagation of California trout, I felt it my duty to draw your atten-
tion to the subject of the propagation of the brown trout, and the
widespread dissatisfaction among anglers over the planting of this
fish in streams containing brook trout. These claim that the brown
trout, by reason of its more rapid growth and greater voracity, were
injurious to a brook trout. They claimed that the brown trout, which
they called variously the German, Von Behr and English trout, is a
much inferior fish to that of the American charr or brook trout, in
which opinion I cordially agree. They asked that no applications he
granted in the future for planting this species of fish in streams con-
taining brook trout. I strongly recommended that this be done, and
that in the future, brow^n trout be planted only in the headwater? of
such streams as the Delaware, Susquehanna and Allegheny. You
contended, however, that the fish would most likely find their way
into the trout streams* from the rivers named, and therefore, as the
brook trout seemed superior to the brown trout, that it would be h'A-
ter to let them go the way of the California trout and give that much
more attention to the American game fish. Orders to that effect wore
accordingly given to the superintendents.

I am sorry I cannot speak in the same warm terms of the condifioTi
of the Eastern Station at Allentowm. The buildings are little better
than ruins. The old hatching house is only kept from falling by
shores at the back and braces within the building. It is thoroughly
rotten throughout, and it is a mystery to me that it has stood as lonir
as it has. Being newer, of course, the other house is not in quit*' n:^
bad shape, yet it would be much better for the interests of the State
if it could be torn down and a new building erected. But consider) ni:
the uncertain state of affairs with respect to the property, I presuiTi''
this is out of the question.

13

Aside from this everything is in a praisworthy state. The ground,
and ponds are maintained in an exceedingly attractive shape and "he
troughs are so thoroughly clean and free from algea and othe mattei'
r^^ *he admiration of Dr. Blackford, the expert sent by he
I n, ted States Fish Commission to inquire into the cause of the great
mortahty among the trout at this station last winter

It IB a pity that something cannot be done with respect to this

property, for it is admirably adapted for the work of fish cu tu e and

^ within reasonably near distance of a through railroad lines i am

diicction of the purchase of the place or of removal to another site
IB absolutely necessary. Removal is to be regretted, though except
as a las resort, for I am of the further opinion that he waters there

MORTALITY AMONG THE TROUT FRY AT ALLENTOWN.

The most serious event which occurred was the sudden and entir.
loxsbv death, of the winter's hatching of brook trout in the trou^hl
of the Eastern Station at Allentown. The mortality 4ls due pH
u.nly to over inbreeding, which brought the fish down to he Tow'st

ol s'fn '' "f ''T """"^'^^^ •^«"«^«' «"*• overcrowdT„:
econd surface water without oxygen which flowed into the SDrinl
after the blizzard of February. spring

th^rti'^Hr"'/^?''""^ *^^ ""'■'■" P''^^^^^ "^ « leflciencv bill bv

^.s as possible, and he responded with about five thousand morp

ban the usual amount of fry, or about 2,000.000 little flh It was

.K ed by he Commission at its December meeting that this surpTu

£S i^rrm- sSr '^- ■■" ^^-^^'^:^^^:t

According to this decision, some 30.000 frv had been distributed
WuTilTZ ^ ^"^'^^ ^^^ ""=''''"'<' ^^-^P* over the eountrv

■ nrfiXJere - fv M *'"■' '"*" '"' """"^"^ ^"^^'^ '"«

n.'.n.lv ' OOoToo h' .? I? ''"'''• ''"''''' '''''' ^-'^ "»* ""^ "^ »•-
ly --,iHMi,fioo brook trout fry alive

--.''ingo?Ihe'?oZ • '••'"' "V" *'' '''''"'' """"'"«• ^h"- -«« «

"n- urtho, IV-^ '?• -t' '' '""'^ '•"^"■■^ "'" -«"" ^" «'■■>'

54

REPORT OF THE

Off. I>oc.

No. 17.

"Gentlemen: I regret to have to make oflicial announcement of the
probable entire loss of tbis winter's hatching of trout at the Allea-
town station, 2,018,000 in number. More than half of these are dead
now, and unless a miraculous change occurs, by the end of the week
there will be none alive in the troughs, except 10,000 wild trout fry,
from eggs received from the United States Government.

"I received notice of trouble among the fry from Mr. John P. Crev
eling on Tuesday, Feb. 28, and his letter of notification also contained
an urgent request for me to visit the station and make an investiga-
tion as soon as possible.

"I w^ent there on Saturday. March 4th, and found matters much
worse even than I expected, although Mr. Oreveling had in his letter
drawn a very black picture of the state of affairs. Each trough con-
tained from 15.000 to 20,000 fry, and these, with the exception of tlio
wild trout before mentioned, and 250.000 Atlantic salmon, were
pretty much all huddled at one end of the trough, around the inflow
spigot. There did not appear to be any trough having over about
1,000 scattered fry.

"I arrived about noon, and, although the troughs had been cleaned
of dead fish in the morning, there were thousands of dead fish amonj:
the thicklv huddled mass at the inflow end of the troughs.

"An examination showed the living fish to be moving about in an
excited manner and snapping at anything floating in the water, even
taking their own excrement, which was white instead of a healthy
black or dark brown color. They were thin and hollow in the stomach,
instead of being plump as even a healthy, hungry fish will be. although
T was assured they had received more than the usual amount of food
since the disease was discovered. The gills were inflamed and swol
len, the rakers were whitened and showed sings of fungus.

"From Mr. Prevelfng and his assistants T gleaned the following:

"The taking of eggs began as usual about the 6th of October la^t
year. The following were taken: 2.000.000 and over, brook trout:
25.000 California trout: .'^.OOO and over of Brown trout. Nearly nil
the Brook and Brown trout eggs hatched, but 7.000 of the ralifornia
eggs failed to incubate through imperfect vitality and the appearand c
of fungus.

"It should be noted here that a large proportion of the eggs '^f
the Talifornia and Brown fronts taken from these fish in the Allen-
town ponds are inen]»able of being fertilized. These barren eggs arc
readilv distiniruished bv their havincr a large white spot on each <^f
thoni. It it also n riirinns fnot that the milt of fully oiip half the itiaV«
is probably infertile. Instead of beinfr white and thin like dilntid
milk, it is stringy and eheesy in ainiearanee. Consequently a Xw.i-y
I)roportinn of nninenbated etrfrs of these two si)ecies of trout in pi'"-
portion to the number of brook tront is always expected.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

86
■■The weather was favorable for the hatching, of -.ii „ • .
nt the Allentown Station this wi uLndtL/ 'T "^ '''""'
water was eiiuallv so Ti,„ t. , . ' ^ temperature of the

aud the other.! d'n^ les th f" \ ""* ""'•"''^'^ '''<"" *» '» '^ O^^^
but they were smalt .an I ■- ''"r'""""^' t^"^^" '-'^^d health^,
-.V resistance trtt f^'aThe'^n .i"^' '"^'^ '^•^" '^' "'^-'' --4

ve-us "Id-lleT'' ?""■'■' *''•• *''"^^''"« ^'"f^'d that for three or four

U.al non-resist"nee of wa. i„17. ??/'" '"''' '" ^'*'^'"''" *« ^ Prac

......l that thev were I't d.i. f. ^ "":"' '''' """^"«"^- «'"-'

-mdilions healthy f^'shonw Z ?n "^ ''" '"'^- '"'^'' "<>''»«•
1-' if was 50 da Js beflre H "'"''' '"'^ '" ^^•''" 3" to 33 day.s,

-'■ -^-st hef:;^:,;r; rz;;rt;::yr^'^'*^'^ ;■'''• *'^'-

a"<i weekly salt baths were^h^n T .; ' T'''""^ ""«*'"''^-

-H for a time, because ;;: f^Lan^'HSr'-^'' '' ^"^ ^ «-'

.-'-.. :n';.;!:,:~ '•"r;^- '-•< l"-- The U,- became over
wlun h appe^^rtS "!•''■ ''""''^ ^"'•" *« «-> a^endanr,

oervers (h,.,e was nothiufi wronrthL " ^"P'^'-A'"'''" «l>-

- ;;-U;an a do.en to t^rtr^l'^rilXnlir'' '''' '^"^^-

-■" were ^n^^^t'^U^JZ"^ '"'' overcrowded. Thirty thou-

^topped further work T,.? X.! " Thrt' ^'^ T''' ''''"' '""
"'!• I'le lo,ver end of H,„ „ , "* V ^^^ tremendous freeze hove

""■'-" tl'e water ^^.tZZ^ "^'"''' ^"""^ ""-^ '-^''-- «'"1
"'•" i' was not no, ic, d 7' '" ""^ ""^ ""-<" ^^« Sraduallv

""" ain.ost reach dfV' T"" ''"•"'• ""'" '» '"'■'■ »"^ "•''te •

-IM.ly cocks w^ a, .,,"""""" "?■'!• '^■'-' «-v of water in the
""'-. n.e thaw set in . L „^ '''"' ""■^- *"" "">- "'*" ti"'e this was

-1 'I'e Ho; Of le CO t " Hi t'T T '""' *" "'^ ""«'-' P'--
dia.clv an over-s mpU of ■ '^''/'''""S"^" "Sain. Almost imme-

"- O.v except h Si tr n " ,' '". "''"''''' '"""'"« « '''^*' ""

-" -H troubles ^"w Z Zr" T' '" '"'''''''" ^'^"^ "^ "stress
""■■"-•ves in a spnce i 1 "" ?r""""' ''"'''' «^^" -»»'d ''rowd

-"■'•■■ '^r:;';.ot::/:;';::.;::/!:''' ;"""■=":" '" --^ « ^"■•"- aeration ,.f

"f '■■"-ins th, frv t ; H '" ■'"" "" '■'"'" ^'"^ -"k«= but instead

^" •""' f"""^'*' '"to " long eompact m«ss. This indi

86

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

cated that while the fi;y had gone to the inlet for fresher water, they
were sick and exhausted, and that somethi-ig other than a deteriorated
water supply was the matter.

"On Sunday, Feb. 26, the huddling increased, until nearly all the
fry were packed together, and showed extreme weakness. The next
day they began to die. Within twenty-four hours 50,000 at least,
were lost in that way. The next two days there appeared to be a
check in the progress of the disease, for practically none died; but on
the second, it broke out again with increased virulence. On March
2d, about 50,000 fry died; on the 3d, there were from 75,000 to 100,001)
died, and about the same on Saturday, March the 4th.

'^\s the troughs were crowded, and as the water appeared to be
deficient in oxygen, Mr. Creveling informed me that on March 2d, ae
emptied one trough of fry into the Little Lehigh and thinned two other
troughs into it. For two days this act seemed beneficial, for none
of the fry so treated died in that time, but at the end of that period
the greater number of them huddled and expired. Wishing to be
satisfied on this point, I myself ordered six troughs in which the fry
were in a particularly bad plight, to be emptied into the Little Lehigh,
and the contents of ten troughs to be thinned into them. The number
of fish emptied into the creek by my orders was ninety thousand, and
by thinning the number of fish in each of the sixteen troughs was
about 9,000. I directed Mr. Creveling to report me the result within
a few days. On Tuesday he reported that though there was a slight
benefit the following day, most of them died on Monday or Tuesday.

"On Tuesday the 7th, Mr. Creveling reported that at least 250,000
had died since Saturday. *They act,' he said, 'as the spawning trout
do in the pond about two or three weeks before spawning commences.
During the spawning season all huddle and nose the inlet or settle
back to the outlet to meet in a strong current, where they remain
until they get gill trouble and die. It is impossible to clear the
troughs of dirt, they are so weak they just swirl around with the net
and lie on their backs and sides until dead.^

"Salt baths had no effect whatever.

"On returning home I wrote to Dr. Hugh M. Smith, Chief of the
Bureau of Scientific Investigation, and to Dr. W. de C. Ravenel, Chief
of the Bureau of Hatching stations of the U. S. Fish Commission.
Washington, 1). C, and gave them a detailed account of the trouble
among the fry at Allentown, and asking for their opinion and advise.
at the same time giving my theory as to the whole cause of the mif'
fortune. Both replied promptly. In effect they said:

"They could offer no solution as to the cause of the mortality; bur
my theory seemed to them a reasonable and natural explanntion-
The study of diseases of fish is in its infancy, and their experienee to
date is, that where salt water baths fail there is no known remedy.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

fi7

But one man had trivpn ..nv off 4.-

was Dr. Blackford tM"rSir.rn"Vr'''' '''' ^""^J-^' -<> ^his

Th...v offered to give Limeavl:f«r ^"'' '''' ^- ^- ^«'"'n'««ion.

ti"n, expenses and com Ins tio^ ?,",' "" "'""** '"^ ^^'^ ^'^-P-ta-
Alleutown. ^mpensation, wh.le investigating the matter at

.-use there wa. not'a .oL'^:7lli:Z?'''^'''^ '" ^^^^^ -'

^•""v:;.':;^?';^^ s::r'rhe°o ''''^'' ^^ -^ '^"- ^^ ^^'^ ^

d-.i. Dr. Blackford for t^o wee£'o ^T'^r"' "'° ^'''^^'' ^
of Hie disease and to endeavor hftn "'' ^^"'""S^ examination

provided the Pennsvlvanh Comt , "" ""'" '' '''' ^'"^ ^' P°««'bl.-.
between ^Vashington Tnd aZZT Zl'^'. ''^ ^--Portation
M'l'ling.bnt stated that as timr./ ^* ^ ™^'^« answer ac-

P'-nall, assume r p ns w.^f ° *""? '" ^''^ *— , I w.u.d

"Uhile conducting /wrcn! ^ V ""'* °^ transportation.
«-.s to save s^eVf e f T ?" ' "''^ ^*"' ''>'^^ '<> '^*^vi..
•«■'< of oxvgen in the water I houiht th'arif'lil":.' *'"' ''''"' "«^ "
g.ve„ it mignt eanse the huddled fi.? f. "^ ^"■''*'"" ^""'l '^•-'
tl.e-efore wrote to Mr Creveliu^^ t\'^ '?"" ""^ ""' "''''^'^- '
'enf;.l,s, and by them make . nn ? ' ^*'*'^'"^ ^"'"^ «^ ^'^^iom
of .lu. .roughs. He d^dl h.u ^.n \ °' "'''"°"'" '"««-« *« one
"f March 8th, he reported! me hi T', ''"''' ''""''''■ ^'"^^^ ^ate
'"■> ''«>d in the troughs ZZ ^"''^ *"*^ ""t "<'"^'e the water

fi-^b did separate fomt e. d of theT"" I' l''''' '" """'''- "^ '^-
""lulled around the hose i„2« ' f ^ ? ' ''"* ''''''^'' "^ ^catterin,.,
!'■>• -oek.' He also repo' ted t nt tZ 2 "' '""''' "' '"^"""'^ '^' -''
-"^ 'Lose in about a LZ^1u^IZ^^J:T *"' ''"' ''' *'^'=''^^-
^-I'lions noted, there was a Sed Tin 'i "^' ^"^ '^''^ '" '"^^

::;■ ;2- - -^ -- ^^ ^a. ^.p^iii t;r t^rShsr s

'-^' ml: ASn^n^whS- ntr^*^ '"'"'"'^ ^''''""^^'P'"- --^ ^
M->eveling to give him J, ';'.."'" "' ""' '''•'""° "'"^ ^''•^"-ted
"*-'«--ns. Bv di' ction"f7h?i s ?' '""'"^' *" ""^^^ ^'« '"-"«.
■»"><'• 'eport in duplicate s m„u. ..' ?'"""'^-^'°» »''- B'«ekford is to

-,^ -;• to the peL;;.;;:;: SmmS; """ *- ""- '■ '■ "^'^^^^-■^^'^

'"«. -.a the secnd toT h ,i en '" ' T '""^ '""'"'"'^ ''"'"-'^J-
y- "ater which poured S 1," "•' ' "' "^''"^ '" """ ^-^face

^ff«' H,e blizzard of F°b.?an third '""'^ ''' ' ''"''''' "' '''' *"««•

uarj , third, overcrowding, on account of the

58

KBPOKT OF THE

Off. Due.

No. 17.

Commission'^ iiuaucial inability to get the surplus fish distributed
in the retaining ponds ottered by citizens, as it had hoped and expectod
to do.

"It appears that there has been no change of blood in the brook
and California trout at Allentown, since the establishment of the
hatching station at Marietta in l8Ta or 1874. Mr. Creveling claims
that since locating at Allentown he has made at least three applica-
tions for new bJood, two of which were made to the late Hon. Heniy
C. Ford, and the third to me. The first was made several years agt),
which was granted. Fry were sent from the Western station by
Mr. liuilci-; but as these proved to be of mixed breed largely, they
were not available. Soon after this was determined, about five oi
six years ago, a second verbal application was made and the fish
promised, but, owing doubtless to the illness which resulted fatally,
Mr. Ford apparently forgot to secure the fresh fish. Last summer
Mr. Creveling made a written application to me, and a month or two
later I secured him l(),OtlO wild brook trout eggs from the U. S. Fisb
Commission.

"Continued inbreeding has undoubtedly produced a low condition
of vitality among the trout reared at the Allentown station. This
is (rue even though it should prove to be not the direct cause of the
practical wiping out of the entire stock of fry hatched this winter. I
believe now that to this cause more than to over quick hatching was
due the loss of over half a million fry the previous winter. As already
noted in this report for the last four or five years there have been evi-
dences in decreasing vitality by the more pronounced indispositiou
of the fry to resist cleaning annually, until it reached a point where,
last winter then* was absolutely no resistance to the operation. Fur-
ther evidence appears in a decidedly slow growth of the fry duriui;
the hrsi few months ()f their existence. This year, for instance, it
was fiftv davs before the sacs of the little fishes were all absorbe'l.
and at three months the fry were only half the size they should be.
Fnder such circumstances, it c<mld not be otherwise, that if auythiuir
untoward should occur in the water supply or anything out of the uoi
mal, the fish could not successfully overcome it.

^'Something of this kind certainly occurred. When the snow an'l
other surface water, containing less than the accustomed amount of
oxygen, llowed into the troughs the delicate fish became distrcsse<i
at once, and could not accommodate themselves to the change. Theii'
instinct caused them to huddle i\{ the end of the troughs where the
su]>ply cocks were, and there was more aeration. This huddlin-
produced intlamation and fungus of the gills, which resulted in deatli
ultimately. In support of this theory it might be pointed out that
the fry hatched from the wild eggs received from the V. S. Fish Com
mission last fall, though they showed a slight distress, yet remain^"

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

perfectly healthy, absorbed their sacs within the re^ulatinn r
a- of a size that fish of their age ought to ^ ^u^r L;^ "^^
l.iiitio salmon fry 2nn finn in n„„.u , unuer mat the At-

•Sliould Dr I ln.tfn H ' "'°"' ''" ''«"** °^ disease.

town ponds be sold or distrihntpri rp. ^ ■ '" ^'^^ ^^^^en-

Allentown. I understaml p,.»= n . "'""^'*, ^^""^^ «»<! forwarded to

"f H.irtv-five centsTnd a ,nn v ^""■'"''''^*' «* ''' """'"'"'" P"' "

„ 't iLiits ana a inaximnm price of fiftr no„t^ „ ii. .

I" '".V judgment it would not be trood noLv. • thousand.

"f "nv present breeding fish \wll, H.. , ? I ""preRnate the eggs

".i.s-n Jf it follows thfs c rse w 1, onl -be ""f '• '''^ '''""-

t-.;.;. H,e Alientown station foHtr: ^ ofV:;"^::^:^ "^■"^■■"

"I recommend further ihm ;,, • " '^^^^'^'^t^^o full seasons.

enure stock Of fr, at A;i':;,t:.L:::;r1hu,r'1-'^ '^" ^^ "'^
would ordinarily be rceeivp,! I. . o , '*' '^PI'''cations which

^.■tween the Easte™ d We ^ 'Z^^^^rTl' 'T' ^'>"'*«'"^-
'!'<■ Corry station and have Mr P. > ! '"'**' """^ ^^'PP'"^ f-"""'

'li^Cibu ion so th^it m[lf.\^r T "'' "' "'"'''''''' "<"l' '" ^^"

^.-;^e troughs e::^::.x,s^ b;fo";:t;:s "^ -■"•^ °^ ''-•
":rr;t ?::rer Torr; r "'^ --'-^'^ - -^"-

a'.s of the California t^ot'ndT' V " '' '''"'' " '""f '"""'"n

- '■-'•■•■•-' ""^^ -^^ ^.s,;;;: i;"rh;';r:;rbr::o.rtT'

DR. BLACKFORD'S REPORT

'^'-". In it. Dr. Blaclcfl^d 1^ , T, ' ^T" •'iV'"'^" ''^ '""'

-■-a lit,- being due to a loss of yit'nt ,, to^" , '''''^''* *" *'"

"^-l.ng. Br. BlacKfords report il a! Slows ' ""*""*" '■-

rOM'K PA "-^^NSYLVANrA FISH COMMISSION NEAR ALLEN

"'"'« n,e Rrook trout Try at -l.e P f "' "^ ^'"'•'"'"'■"'ia. stating
J'-', '^omnnssio, we Jdyil .""" "'''''"'' '' "" ''-^nnsyhani:

'"^ -' the Oommiss n mi"u e'Z ":""^''7-"<l-^'--n^' "'at such

60

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doe.

No. 17.

The Pennsylvania Fish Commission lias two stations devoted to tbf
rearing of salmouidae, one, the Western, located at Corry, and the
other, the Eastern, near AUentown. The latter was established in
1873 at Marietta, but in 1884 it was removed to its present site. This
was originally a private hatchery, and had been operated successfully
for many years before passing into the control of the State Com
mission. Its site leaves little to be desired. It stands in a valley ou
the banks of the Little Lehigh, protected by hills from whose base
comes unfailing springs of clear, cold water. One of these spring
flows directly into the chain of ponds, and another supplies the water
for the hatchery, as well as giving an abundant stream to the ponds.
A cursory analysis shows this water to be extremely pure. It con-
tains a small amount of lime, but is practically free from organie
matter. The fact that for a long time it has been used for fish eul
ture shows that it is well suited to this purpose.

During the winter of 1898-90 approximately 2,0(»0,(MH) brook trout
were hatched in the AUentown hatchery. The ova are incubated on
bods of «»ravel and wire gauze trays, but I he (lark-Williamson boxes
used at Northville, Mich., and other stations of the U. S. Fish Com
mission are not employed. The water is brought into the houses by
an open trough that extends the entire length of the buildings, and
is pierced by cocks that allow a regulated amount of water to flow
into the shallow troughs in which the eggs are hatched. This ai
rangement allows the water to become aerated and enables the dea«l
or fungused eggs to be readily picked out. After hatching, the fry
are retained in the hatching troughs. These troughs are of wood,
15 feet 6 inches long, 18 inches wide and ^ inches deep, and are
arranged in pairs placed side by side, with a walk way between each
pair. At the lower end of each trough a screen of wire gauze ex-
tends across it from side and between this screen and the end of
the trough is the outlet. The troughs contain 90,000 eggs, and over
this number the water is permitted to flow at the rate of about
2i gallons i>er minute. The fish from which milt and ova are taken
have been reared in tbe hatchery and are the descendants of tliosf
brought to this station when it was removed from Marietta.

In 1898 the fish began spawning very early and spawn was taken
on October 3d, for the first time in the season. The period of ineiiba
tion was short, only 3.1 42 days, and the fry are small. At the time
of my visit the condition was that given in full below.

The troughs containing the fry were scrupulously clean, no al^'ac
or growths of any sort being found in them. The fry were huddled
about the upper end, crowding so thickly around the inlet that (bey
concealed the bottom, except the place on which the jet of water foil.
On touching the surface the fish seemed apathetic, not darting away
as healthy fry usually do. Respiration was rapid and "panting." The

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

The flsh were very small' 4 iZf i^ ""■"'"*' ^^"""'^ unchanged,
only about one iuJhTo„ ''a^d so^*^ ,T™' '"""'^^ «"^ '^'^ -ere
fl"w of water would wal them a^a: Z"" ^-f ""^^^^ '" '"^^

eapahlTotsu'taSiS '7ot;.'T' '^^"^ ^"^""^ -<> -" ^-
tli.- station or iH management ol f°>. ''"^ ''"'* ''"' ^^ ^"""^^ -»1»
Con,mission is to be counted on •r«''''^ '"" ^^""^y'^^"-
soli.itude shown by him in th" „ 1 ' 8-PeHntendent and the

a..d not with their enviTolent ""'' '""'* '"^ ""'" ^''^ ««"

i^o far as I am able to determine there i« n . ^•
sasping respiration is not accomnan;«7 Zu "'* P""^"^"*- The

Kills, and is due, in my opinTo„ T° ! /f ? inflammation of the
'"""ber of the fry were 1,10°^ I '"^ ^'""'^ corpuscles. A

'-torn and put in tlerar that sul"::* ,"" ^"'V'''' ^ '^'^ «--
"'is water, that is better aerated f^ ^'"'^'' '" *''*' >'°P'' "'at
-y^ but no difference ;rote' ved" " '" ''' '"'"^^' ""^^^ ^-e
As stated above the AUentown Qfoi-

»'-" the State Commis tok i t a f e w T %''f ^*^ "•''^'=^-^' «""
l"'>'<'«- For fifteen rears no new h, J ^"""^ ^'^ ^'"^'^ '^ft in the
■'*<-'->• inbreeding has been practLed I "" '''° introduced, but
'inj^s that appear to be healThv l i ' '*"°^ "" '''" ''''"'^^ ^'"^ ^ear.
".''.v be due to a lack of a fresh stnin T '"f ' '"" '"'^ ««"«" -"^e
■■' ""^jority of them, are ^Jhe onin- *"?/ ^^'^ ^""'"-ists, probablv

-io.-neracy and the earlv death of -f- '''V'"''^'"'^ ■•-"'♦« in
'f'ion bears out this view in „", •''/'•'• ^"^ ^""^ '""'•^'ity at this
«bt.ined and this new strain h. .' -""^f"^"* " ^^esh stock should be
intervals. '*'^"' ^^ ''"''^^ -ith wild blood at frequent

CH.VRLES MIKOR BLACKFORD M D

^•"twithstanding everything w ^'f ''"^ ""• ^^ ^'''' Commission.

;"«K-t the mortalit7co'nti",fed ::t?rr '''''I "'" '^"°-'*''^'^- ™""'
f-'nia trout fry died '' ^^'''^' '"■«°'^' brown and Call-

7-rtomic among the other fiVhTh,? ^''' *"" '"^^ '''"^ *"«
■^•Vs after, thev too begai to ,i, i T """^ "* ^' ^""e- but a fe«-
'^■^^ much p„..:,ed bv this and mrtH""' '" "''' ^'^"- ^^ « «me I
;■'»' respect to inbrj ; rec.'edTs? '"'J''''' "' ""•■ '^"'^'^'-''

62

KEPURT OF THI;:

Off. I>oc.

showed me that the trouble was due to other causes and preveutabl'.
On investigation this sielcness was found to be due to water pollution
from the sick and dying trout fry.

The wild trout were in the tilth or sixth trough of the new hous»'
and the salmon in the lower end of the old house. Above both were
many troughs of dead and dying tish which could not be cleaned out
fast enough, and this it was that caused the trouble. The wild trout
were all dead before this was discovered, and as soon as the fry above
the salmon were removed there was no more trouble there.

Nevertheless, I had the Atlantic salmon planted in the tributaries
of the Delaware a few weeks earlier than I otherwise would have done.

The recommendations which 1 nmde in the report to your Board
at the March meeting were approved, and I was directed to use my
best endeavors to carrv them out. I wrote at once to Mr. BuUer at
the Erie Station to take all the California trout eggs possible and sliip
as many as could be spared as soon as they w(ne eyed (o Allentowii
Mr. Buller, however, was unable to carry tliis order out because of
the more than ordinarv number of barren and infertile Calif orniaii
female trout. Indeed he was not able to take as many eggs as ho
ordinarilv did for his own station.

I then wrote to several of the State Commissions and the United
States Commission, as well to s<'veral State organizations having
hatching houses, to see w-hat could be done towards securing a new
stock of eggs or fry. 1 received kind letters from all and some coi-
diallv tendered their assistance. Among these were the Blocmiini:
Grove Park Association, and the l*oho(|ualine Association. From th"
Commissions I learned that trout eggs <'ould be purchased rather
cheaper than th(\v could be reared in the breeding ponds at Allentown.

I investigated further and found it probably true, and this gav*-
me an idea which I at once put in the form of a report, which I ]>r(-
sented at your May meeting at Mt. Pocono.

My idea was, in brief, that for the present at least, tlu* raising uf
breeding trout be discontinued at the Allentown ponds, the Conunis
sion purchasing from l,.'»Ot).000 upw^ard of eggs at the lowest possible
price, and that the ])onds, with the exception of two or three be used
for the rearing of l)lack bass, rock bass, strawberry bass, catfish and
pickerel. The report and rough plan,^ which I submitted for thi?
work met with your approval, and T was directed to carry them out
in connection with Mr. Creveling. I was also authorized to establi^"
a few ponds for bass at the Western or Corry Station in cunn<'« lion
with the Superintendent. Mr. Bnller.

I immediately sent iiivitatioTis for bids from six or eight ot tli''
leading trout culturisis in this State, New ^'<ul<. New .liM-sey an<l il"'
New England States. Tlu' form of the invitation is as follows. -.wA
T have no doubt prompt and satisfactory r<'pli<"s will be had:

l-H

62

j:kim>jit of tjii-

ua". ih

showed iiH' ilial llit* Uoiihlt' was due m oilier causes aii(i preveiilab! .
On invest i«4atiuii this siekni'ss was foinid to be due to water poUutiofi
from the siek and dvini; trout I'rv.

The wikl trout were in the lillh or sixth ti-ou«;h of the new lioiisf
and the salmon in the h)wer end ol' the ohl house. A]>ove ho»h wtie
many (rouiilis ol' doad and dvin*; (isii which i-ould not be c leaned out
last enou«^h, and this it was that caused the trouble. The wild troui
were all dead bet'oie this was (liscover« d. and as soou as the liv a]>civc
the salmon wtri* i-emov((i (her(^ was no nnu-e troubh' tin re.

Nevertheless, i had t he .Vtlanlic salmon jilanl<'d in the tribulaii-s
cd' the Delaware a lew weeks eailiiM- than 1 oiherw ise would have done.

The recommendations which 1 made in the report to vour l»oa!<l
at the March mceiinj; wtie ajiprovetl. and 1 was directed to use niv
best end«'avors to cair\ them (»ul. i wrote at om c lo Mr. Itulh-r m

f

the Erie Station to take all the Califoi-nia trout e;j,us possible and ship
as nmnv as could bo spared as sonn as ihcv won- cwd in Alh-niowu
Mr. IJuller. Imwcver, v^as unable to carrv liii:, (U-dci- out liecausc i!
the nmre than ordinary number (d' baric.' an<l infertile Californiaii
female trout. Indeed he was not able to iakc as many eiii^s as iic
ordinarilv did f<»r his own station.

I then wrote to siveial (d' the

ate I'ommissions and the Tnii ■!

States Commission. a> we

to sovera

tate (Uuain/.at imis ha\

Mil

hatching' houst's, to see what could be done towards seiurinji' a new
stock of e«:us or fry. 1 received ki.'.d lei 1 'is from all and some cm.
dially tendered their assisiam-e. Anions these were the r»looniiiiL
drove Park Association, and the l'<iho(|ualin«' Association. Front ili •
<'ominissions I learned that trout e;LrL;s could be purchased rah-r
(dieaper than tln-y could b;- icaied in the breedin;j: jtonds at Allentown.
I invest i<iat<'d furlhei- and found it piobably true, ami this uavc
me an idea which I at once put in the foiin of a repiuf. wliich I ; i'
sented at vour Mav me«tini2 at Mt. Pocono.

My idea was. in brief. Iliat fm- the proem at lea:

lie raisi

IMI,

bret'din.n trout Im- disconHnued al the Allenfown ponds, ih" <'nn
sion purchasin^r from 1.r;ir(».()(tO upward of e;L:i^s al the lowest ]>os- Mi
price, ami that the p<mds. with the e\ce]»tion to' two or three b

veil

for the rearinu, of black b.-iss. rock ba:

liawberrv bas"^, callisli ;iim1

picker<d. The i('j»or( and riMiub plan.^ which I submitted for (his
work met with your a]>i»roval, aad I was directed to carry them oni
in connect i«ui with Mr. Crevelin*^. I w as alsu aullnu ized to esta! li-^"'
a few ]>onds for ba^s at the \Vesiern or Corry Slalion in eonnc i»"!
with tin- Siiperini'iuhnl. Mr. ]\\'\\> v.

I immedialelv s«*nt ihvilalio»ss for bids f'lom six or eiiihl o; Hi
leadin«i trout culliirisK In tliis Sinte. New >'orl-: v, w .'cisey aii<' i'
Xew Kn«:land Slates. The form of the iiiNiiaiion is as follnws lii'i
1 have no doubt prompt and satisfactoix lepli. s wil! be h;id:

h-H

CI

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

63

Dear Sir:
I am directed by the Commissioners of Fisheries of Pennsylvania
to invite you to submit a bid for supplying them with eyed brook trout
('<ij;s next winter.

The number of eggs which will be reiiuired will be not less than
l.r)(M),0()() and not more than 2,500,000.

They are to be well eyed, and be received at the State Fish hatchery,
near Allentown, Pa., in good order, and all be delivered before Janu-
ary 1st, 1900.

Tiie bid must include any cost of boxing and packing.

It must be clearly stated in the bid whether the amount named
covris delivery at Allentown, Pa., or at your railroad office only. If
(lie latter, it would make it easier for the Commissioners to determine
111.' (iue.stion of the awards of the bids, if the cost of transportation
between your place and Allentown be stated by you.

The eggs are to be shipi)ed in lots of about 100,000, a few more or
1( ss to a shipment does not matter.

JJids should all be in before July l.jth, in order that they may be
submitted to the meeting of the Board which takes place shoVtlv
after that date."

I believe by the purchase of these eggs the commission can save at
least two hundred dollars, and distribute as many trout from the
Allentown station as before.

There will probably be an increased expenditure through tlu rear-
ing of bass, at the Allentown station, but this can be charged against
the saving just mentioned, and the sum heretofore used for the pur-
chase of black and other bass from the fishermen of Lake Erie within
the Ohio State line.

The rearing of bass is an exceedingly important matter, and is om-
in wliieh I am well aware, you have for some time desired to engatrr\
Indeed, plans had been formed to establish a station for this fish'! but
liJi'l to be abandoned because of the cut in the general appropriation
hill «lue to the decreased State receipts.

I do not anticipate that a very large number of black bass can be
i*«*.n('d at this station or at Corry, because neither the character of
♦Jjc iM>nds nor the facilities are such as to produce the best results.
llK' lock bass, however, should do well, for in a small way the ex

I'Hinient of rearing (hem has been tried successfullv at the Corry

^tiiti,iii.

^^ In nnticii>ation of beginning the bass work at the Western or
^f»i'»y station. Mr. Buller, the Superintendent, has reared several hun-
"••f^'l tlKuisaud tadpoles from the Lake Erie frog, enough in fact to
''•"'? Hk^ mature bass through next fall and spring.

•^^ first it was determined to build three small breeding ponds
•"^•^^nuside the perch pond at this station, and use the water from the
5

64

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

western spring, but further thought on the part of Mr. Buller showed
that it would be better and cheaper to repair three abandoned trout
ponds in the deer park, and make a few bait ponds in the hatchery
grounds near the upper end of the old hatc'hing house. This meets
with my approval, and the work will be done this summer.

Owing to the fact that Mr. Creveling was compelled to devote all
of May and parts of April and June in the Bristol station, and tak.-
with him his chief assistant Thomas Haines, it was impossible for
him to accomplish much towards rearing bait for the mature bass
next fall. A large number of yellow perch were spawned, but owiii^^
to the enforced absence of the Superintendent and his chief assistant,
it was impossible to properly care for them and many were devoured
by the mature perch. A few remain, but they are insutlicient, and
this question of a shortage of bait gives me some concern, and I
scarcelv know what measures to take unless some of the tadpoles it
Corry can be spared.

ERIE STATION.
After being closed two years, through lack of funds, the Erie
station was once again opened last spring for the hatching of fish.
and a more than creditable showing was made by the Superintendeiii.
Mr. A. G. Buller. Over twenty-five million pike-perch and blue pike
were incubated and arrangements were perfected for heavy white
fish work in the autumn. The two years non use of the station has
tened decay and an inspection of the building, before it was opened,
showed it to badly need extensive repairs. A new tank was required,
a new roof and piazza, and besides considerable repairs to the feme.
The overhauling was only completed a few days before the hatehiutr
work began. A few weeks before this, correspondence was held with
several fishermen on the Ohio shores of Lake Erie, with a view of
securing a supply of pike-perch eggs, but to our dismay we found that
owing to the enforced closing of the station for the two previous years.
the fishermen from whom eggs were usually procured had promised
them all to the United States. Mr. Abe Buller then went in person.
and finally induced two firms to divide their eggs and give him, ea( h.
one boat. From this were obtained the entire supply of pike perch
eggs this year. Before closing for the season, Mr. Buller, according
to his reports to me, made satisfactory arrangements for an abundant

supply for next season.

When the pike-perch season was over, at the request ofMr. TTani-
bnrger, the station was kept open for a time in the endeavor to l^atch
blue pike eggs. This 1 consider was a most important mov<' an<l
earnestly recommend that in the f\iture measures be taken In a«M
to the list of fishes which are hatched, in numbers only limited bv th.'
number of eggs obtainable. Tt is an exceedingly valuable food fish.
and in the industry of Lake Erie easily ranks third, indeed in sonv

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

localities it is u irood secnnH r,.. ^

mo was nearl.v 7,500,00 .founds vaS "I ';"'" ^''''^ °^ '"'« fi^J" -
18!»r nearly 1,000,000 pounds wc^ .In , •'""' "P"" *^2"'»«0- ^n
a-d >ast ,ear about 700,or;ounds llT' /" ''? '''' °^ ^"« «'-->
«an,e cit.v. TLese figures nlC T k? ' ^^ "" ^''^ '"'"''^et from the
«"d there is little doubt that n I •' ""'^ "' "'-■''' I^>«'^^« i" Erie'
.ation it wouid soon lea^^'ll^V^dZ:"'"'''^^'^ '' ^'^"^^^^ P^opa-'

- th': s;rer'::?cT:r- rrr--^'' -'^ ■•« '-^^ the e,ua,

•""t «f the pike-perch, and seldo^ ^'^ f "='' '** ''''"'"■ «'"«>ler than
ThedorsalhasfourteeisDhJ^ ,'""''' "**^'^" ''"^''''« in length

a'- also eonsiderabi;ir " The' 'r 'l"" "'^ ^^''^'^P'^-''' -<> *'"

;;::-- «-. - -^--r trb7aS;ttror;r: SnV;r

"ave dismissed it by declaHnI Ube fT' '° "' ^""^ ^«'^'' ««"««. or
I"-", but in this tl'.ey a " "roblt "' «^»'?"-™o»« with the pike-
wi.o first discovered Ld mimed t t ,"" ' a VT" T ^"«°^«''""-
•;eims, however, clear that it is at LT ■ '*'"''^ 'P*'<^'<'«- '^
'f ■« «"n.n-sing that the fish should t I ''"'"'•'' "' '""^ P'ke-perch.
'•a^t importance to which his pTrUc !«.''' ''""''^ ''" "'««' «^ ^h,-
-n of Erie. Dr. Hugh H Sn, th of t "'•■ " ""''^ ""^ ^"« ^'^-'-
-o". in a paper appearing inie"';' ."'/"' ''*"*^^ ^'^'^ Commis-
-a-' 1892. gives it a verv imp" rt.n n " Commissioner for the

T1.0 ffreat difficultv enco" nLl ^ 1 '""'"'^ ^'"^ ^^'""^^ '''''^«-
f>'"o Like in an, „nmbe"s w s .hck^rf Vl'' '"'^ ^-"^"^ "^ "^^^hin,
'•^ "ot uncommon in oultnre wo4 ,1'"" , '^''' '' » •J'm<''>'t.v which
•^'anco. nearlv all the males hnd"T//'': ''''' ^'''''- I" this i„-
eaMior run of females. This lack of u"" ""''' '" '^''""■''-f? ^e

"f "'e males and females s si "V '""'"''""'"*'«« '" ^^e ripenin,^
'^ ;">t at an uncommo to fl„d ^en;." ^''^'^ ^"'^ ''•"^- "erring.'and i
•"■ ''a.d. for several davs after the fe'' J"""' °^ '"'""'^ Pike-perch to

To some extent I tl in h """' '''''''•^ '"'P^"''''-

"'i'f and retaining t /l t nl' '^"''"'''^ •••''" "^ -t h.v taking the
•^O- That ,his can be l^. o^ f n 1 ^ eT:;'^"''' '""■■' •■*^«'' «- ob'tnin
"■■"'"d With it admits of no 2,bt wh ?. ^'""'*=^«''^''"'-""Sh'.vimpre^.
a-'ong man, fish cultnrisN for n 1 ^ ''■ ^^'" ''•''■^ ^'^^ known
--fnll.v done bv one oCwn-n^""^" "'■"''"■''• '''"•' "«« ^-n su-
,"'■- <aken. shipped fr^thXdr'r'K '"'• '^^''^'"'"^- ^iU has
''■'•^ been used to impre..,. "r f, "'T, ''' """'■' •'«"•' «>" i^" arrivnl
!"■'■ <-ent of frv. ^^ '"^' ""^^ afterward yielded over ninety

•''-17- Of)

66

IlEPORT OF THE

Off. I>oc.

Livingston Stone in bis work on Domesrieated trout, published in
1872, says on tliis subject:

''The spermatazoa of the milt of the male are found naturally
living in an alkaline fluid, composed partly of phosphates and partly
of other constituents which more stientific men know better than we
do. This is their natural element, and if it is not changed, they will
live in it for several days after leaving the tish. On the contrary, if
this liquid is diluted with water, as is the case in the old way of
impregnating, the spermatazoa are killed. They cannot live in th**
new element, paradoxical as it seems, wak^r drowns them.

T. M. Vrasski says that he kept the spermatazoa alive six days in
a corked up vial just as they came from {he tish, but that they died ui
two minutes when taken from the fish into water."

With a view of testing these points, we tried some experimenis
with the milt of trout last fall, using a microscope that magnifiwl .i
hundred diameters. The results were the same.

"Milt taken from a fish in a vial and secluded from the air and
water remained unchanged for days. Carbolic acid killed the zoos-
perms almost immediately, and water drowned them in two minutes."

Mr. Creveling. if 1 remembei- corrc^ctly, found that the milt remained
unimpaired in its fertilizing qualities for the number of days stated.

What is perhaps as curious in this respect, and which shows thiit
what is true with resjK'ct to the milt, is most likely true as to tli<'
eggs as far as their keeping (pia lilies are concerned, was an expe. i
ment tried bv Mr. Duller one dav last autumn. Some time durin.^
the previous night, a female brown trout, heavy with ripe spawn,
jumped from one of the ponds, and being unable to regain the wat t
died. When the fish was found it had evidently been dead several
hours. ^Ir. Buller laid the fish away in his office for several hours
and then finding that the eggs could be readily expressed, took them
from her and impregnated them with the milt of a live fish. There
w^ere in all 2,000 eggs. He then ke])t a dnily record of the mortalilv
of the eggs and found it as follows: 40, .V), a."), 16, 14, 80, 19, 13, 12. in.
7, 10. 19, 8, total, 3.")0. This result it will be ])erceived is almost as
good as though the female had been alive when the eggs were takea.

There seems no reason, therefore, next spring when the Erie station
is open for o])(»ratioo, why the work of spawn taking should not iT't
on uninterru])te<lly, regardless of the simultaneousness of ripe egus
and milt, provided the intervals be not more than six davs. Mv in-
tention, therefore is to instruct the Superintendents to take with
them to tlH» s]Kiwning grounds, a number of large vials with ground
glass stoppers, and while waiting for eggs or milt, as the case may 1»".
to keep the vials in water so that the temperature may remain abont
the same. Previous to that, however. I shall cause exhaustive *'X
periments on the keeping (piality of both eggs and milt, next autumn

No. 17.

FISH COMMlssiONEfiS.

•^ U

in\

mvLx

e«g« and nnit ,„a, ,.e caS 4ol it 7 '^'^'^"^ ^'''^ ^^^'"^ ^^
authorities doclaie, U will be ..n.«n!i . '*' successful as all the

of .be Kne station .„d elie v Te < 1 " ^''"'"^ '""■^'•^•' ^^-^ ^'l-^

-1' to tho..,,,,,,, satista,...:; ^:^7zz:;^z •^^'""^ '^"•"-

IMPOUNDING WHITE FISH.
Anothor source of diflieulfv In .,i
eggs fo,. the Krie station is the t^^'jT"^ " ""^'"^ ^^PP'^ ^'
sweep the Lake during the sm v„ hfl "'' ""^'"^ *»''« «?* ^o

I'-Hils it i-s i..possib'e to se"^ ::5,r"Th- ''■'^" *'''^ '^-'''"-
•o happen in the autumn when theivhi. fl /' '^"'•"'•"""■'^- "-Wc
'•-medy for this seemed to exK „' ti nh f "" '■'^''"'"«- ^^'^
''"'^'■d -states Fish Oon.n.iss^o, ri! " ^'"'"' '''«°' ^''"' tbe

""" '■-'""'■ white tish in h^W , ' ^"r'"'""* ''*' P'«'^'"^ ^
'■•M'eHnu.u was aecordinV "tt"? T^ "'*" '*"™"'^"- ^Vhile the

" '"'•«'•■• scale. I was f nor hiv "' ""''^ ''^''"S ^•°°«""ed on

" •'cf-"c yon at o'eo" vo , "';'"""' """ '"" ^'"•'-- -^ 'aid
"""<e the experin,ent . t'E e r:;f';"" "'''""^"' '-'"--o" ^o
"•"•'^ f"'' tl.e present for two ;eason ti "7" '"'"' *" '"""«''"' ^'''-*
"""""■ cl'a>oes whiW, those c.,rne ,'.,"'', "'""'"^ "*' '^' -^-^to'-
'"ake for building a live box ^ V'''' '" ""' ""''■■ ''''''"' ^'^

••'■".V in the wa.v of earin. t" m ' fl ' , '" "' "" ""f"''^*'"" di^'-

' found the fishenn. , « '^"'"'*^ "'^' S"""uer.

■'-'^i"g the exp':!;:: :zt 7'' Tr """ ^'^^ *" -«■•«* "■

«>"' wi.hou, .....t ou .end . , Tb.t ;i ::; "'";""""''^ *° f"--'- »-

"""""" "fter .he eg.^s were 1 i .. • ' '""""'**' *° ""'■" "' f'-
"'<• i" '"e box. H^t the M ; ; , ," ""■' ""' «"•■'' ''•^" »« ""gl't

."- "sh wonld be stol,.^,, 1 j:;r/'""''' ''"' «-- '^-'»-'cr that

•"<■ fis>.crnn.n expressed ; . v^s 's ".r'^r"^^'''''^'-^- «" "-'^•
''•""•s of their tishing bi-t I r ,, "'^ *" "'"'•'' *'""«g ""•

"''en they wonld not be he ;:;•'; ' "/, ''"'"^''''^ "' "'«"•>• ^o-
"'-ate. It was these t mo- ""' "'" ^"'"'^''^ «•«""'

""■ experiment for tl e ^ ^'t d '"Vl'''''' '^^'^ ""■ ^° »»'«"d-
"''■•'-''■-eiu-ngaeouple\mt'l': ',•''•' ^-''^ "^ Erie would
•^""•' "oc'.v should decide on otlu'r aet'on '■""f'"""" -^'.v- or until

APPLICATIONS FOR FISH

-- H.:ra'S;;;^:;;: ;;;:: ;::;';:: ;; ^"- -r- —. -om.

'"■""'< t'-out frv. and stron.h , "'^ '-'""''t'on of applications for

"'-.V Peopl. are aeenst^^^T SiVim '"rthT""" ''''' ^''""

^ ^^^^' r^oth Superintendents

-X... 1..

i'l^^H <:nAn,,HHi,,N;j,,.^

i'^^ti'::;::;;:';::;::!:';;:;::;;'-'- -o,.,.,.,.. ,,,,.. .....I

"' "'"■'""- "f '>"■ l-'-'U- SU.Ii,,,, i, will H , "'"■'"« "'"^ "»*' ""«-'

•■-^■■"■".v wluu ,1a. liuuuuioMs ;,,,. ' 1 '"■:,'"■. ""-'I"'-' to detennin.
'■K.S .n,l n.il, nu.v ,„. ,.,,,,,.,1. s,; , ,'"" '"'''''' ""^ ■^•■-"'S -f
"""""■'""■« '''■'^■"•,.. i, will 1„. „„. "' "'"■•■t'ssful as Mil lb,.

'"■ •"- '•^■•- -n--. ; 'ii: • : ; ';,:;:,f:':'''-^ r--"- ^'-' -i-

lAH'OLXIJlXO WHITE FISH
AnollM-i- soni-,-,. ,,( (li|||,.„i,v ,■„ ,,, ^,.,,..

'"■-•'"1^ " is i.n,,„ssii,i.. ,„ ,',,„,. ,.:„■':;": .^^'"■" ""-^ '-""dition

'■'""" '^ -^^v)H^.;l:;:;i; •;. ;;7,,;''7' ;' .---..•^ wh,. ^

■~""'l. H »as s„ni,i,.„llv s„ ,„ ^yj.,,, , "■ ^"'■'•'■^•-'"1 ^is.l,..

" '"■'•"■'• yn ,-ii ,„„• „r v„in- ,„,.,, , ""■'^'■Im.mi,., ;„,.! laid

'^''7''''''--^-''>''^i-'«t<>Vii,.. \:;;;;7,, """-■— >i,..

"^'' ""l""H ,„si .,„,„„.,:,;„„ „,„ "7"i""i-'-.l.orM,.ni.si,,l,..

■'"""Mn all,.,- ,1 J,,,, ,,,,,,. „ , "■" "y '"• ''iNn,,.,! ,„ „„.,„ i,, ,j„.

"/'-■"■'■'"- ''-^1,:.; ,,;::,;:; ;77'-'''--^

",""-^ "'' "-n- ii.^iHM«, iMM ,1,,,,. ,,,„,. ' ": "^'"■'' '''"■"'« "' ■

"'"■'■""■• ''".--iM-.i,,," ''''7''''' •''•■''--■---• I

"-P-H >„ „„. ,„7 ;V^ i-l"'-! -■ ,„ al,a,„l„„

^'-■'- '-"Pi....-,, ,.,,'; ,,.!;:,":''''■ "'''•'^" '■■•'•■-■''''•

• ""■ '""'.V .^1-1,1,1 ,■,„. .,„ ,„i,i,.'a,.|i.,„ ' '■"""" ^'•^■- "'■ """■'

APPI.irATIOXS FOR FISH

: '7''-'-'i-:w::in:,:;r ■

''"■^- '" -"-..- ''.no n:;;;;;;!;;/''; ;,:;',;;;',''7' '

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

are eutiielj sound in their contention, and there is little doubt in mj
mind that the custom now prevailing of receiving and tilling ap-
plications even to the middle of summer, is against the interests of
the Fish Commission and injurious to the work of fish culture. 1
entirely agree with Mr. Creveling that fully ninety-nine per cent,
of the trout fry planted after June 1st die. I am prepared to contend
further than Mr. Creveling and declare that not even an experienced
fish planter can successfully place trout in the great majority of
streams in Pennsylvania after the date mentioned, even though he
take the greatest pains to bring the temperature of the water in the
cans up to that in the stream. My reason for asserting this is that
from birth to the time of planting, the trout fry have been accus-
tomed to cold spring water of a temperature of about 40 to 50 degrees.
The temperature of the water in which they are shipped in June is
lower than this. The water of the streams in which they are placed
is from ten to fifteen degrees higher than that to which they have
steadily been accustomed. A few hours work in evening the tem-
perature of the can and stream water is deceptive for the reason that
the work produces a temporary activity that speedily passes away
when placed in the stream. It cannot be otherwise than that thev
should weaken and sicken and either die or fall an easy prey to thei»*
numerous enemies.

If applicants receive trout from the State late in the season, for two
or three years, and the stream does not show any good result from
their work, they are not likely to blame themselves for making ap-
plication late and requesting the Commission to hold the fry until
the very last moment, but the blame is placed on the Commission for
sending sickly fish, or on the stream, or, if they do not blame anyou »
they become discouraged and lose interest in the work of fish culturi-.
Mr. Creveling des not speak any too strongly when he says, "I con
sider that the fry shipped after June 1st is practically useless work;
that it is a waste of time, money and (effort. I do not believe a single
stream is benefitted."

The vast nmjority of people who apply for and receive trout knov
little or nothing about the way to plant them properly. By far tl. '
greater number of them deposit the little creatures in the stream \>\
which they are expected to stock, instead of the little side runs, an!
still more are under the impression that if the stream is suitable ftu'
trout, the water is suitable* to receive them at any time. It is hard
to make them undersUmd to the contrary. I know also that soi: ■
living in th(^ lowland counties like Montgomery, Chester, Lancaslci*
and Philadelphia, when they receive their fish early and hear that
the mountain countien are being seived later, think they are beintr
discriminated against, that the latter are being favored and th<y
treated in a shabby manner. I am quite satisfied that the majority

f'ISH COMMISSIONERS.

69

time to perform i. t"aeS e' "biuJI^ur t^'^T '^ '""^ "^^^
of the applicants, for the best Luul t T . ^^"^ ^""^^ '"^^^^^
H-iests of the Comunssiou I think , '"''"'"'' '"' '""^ ">''' i"'

-superintendents should b^^inreVstriX""^"'"""" "^ ^'^ '^'^

~ar:tSt7srs xri;^ - /- -^ - -

pclled to plant t;outfrTira;tL„' experience, that if I were eom-
-t fish i could get. They wol , '" T^' ' '"""'^ ^""^ '»'« :^o»"g-
.i.emselves to t'he new Conditions "" "^"" ''''' '" ''-ouildat'e
There is a verv^ fri>fko^ • ^ » '

--iu« the age or stleo Z^^Z^:^'; '"^ ^-''-'°"' --
K'xatest success. I have hearj thp o. '"'"''"*' *** ^"^^^^ ^^-

cl-ed yearlings would do a stiti tl ''^°"'" '""^'"'''^ ^'«^' '^^^ ^un-
two thousand frv i am ZZ ^ ^"""^ '^"" "^ thousand or even '

out Of, or is stre^ngtir an7Se*"br;r ''''' '''' ^^^^ «'-^-
l-.v summer planting. There is ahli'. ■ "''" ^"'-'''^^^ achieved

'■"•■ the belief that vearlinlr I, ,., :/''^' "** *'*>""dation whatever

^"- % in large nZZtuZZZT' '''''', '''''' '-"'^^
.vuuuger are properlv planted 1 tul ^ f ' '"""''''' «'•* ««• even
e'iectively than one hnnS eJ Jelrl :"' ''"^"^ "" «'^^'"" ^^^^

'"'""'■d in the autumn Islln^' '"'' "''" " '""^ ">"'^'' ^"
1-int, but from actZ J^^ T' ""' '""^ " *'"^''^'^"'^«' ^t^-d-
t-anen strean.s, in whih there i^vT:"*-"^- ' '"'^'^ ^^^en entirely
Of <He oldest iuhabUan, iu Mu '"^V' ,^''" "■•"" ^'"''" the memory
-th five thousand y/or IS I . ^'t "'' "' ^''"'"^elpbia, ani
'-•"in three years that n " ^ t; i"?,"'"" ^f"™^ ^^ P^""""
•"an.y trout therefrom at a sSe „,?/; ,"*'"''" '''■'" ''"""^ ^^^ «''

- "-" in the State. Ky .^t 'f e H n- C fI d""'? "■"" '"^ "^'^^
a^Jvocate of fry planting,, was a u- 'ed' , ' '"^'' ''''' " '^''^^^

"■' one occasion, after goinfo .^ nn . ., ""'"'"■" "^ ^"^<^«««' ^'^J
"'"""■<: "-al fullv rhiH In ""'*'"*'*'«'"« '^■"h ally, es-

*'-'-and had li d o the L'e";;";' """"'"•' ^"'^ -"^- "' "'« ^ve
»">al.er than would le beef i,f<. 7 T'''- "^''^ '« * ''' ^^eater
"-•'• to the nuu.ber of oL hn" Zd '"'" '"' ' '^""=*^ ^-^'-^^

•" Vpril. But un ess trr , ■'■ T""" °"* ''' '""""'" '" ^arch
-ntage is with theTry i, pTo'^y p'lJS: '''"'' ''' ^"""^ "'^ «"■

70

REPOKT OP THE

Off. Doc.

For the reasons above given, I would strongly endorse the recom-
mendations vt the Superintendents, namely, to announce readiness
to receive applications as early as December and decline to receive
any after March or April, and to ignore entirely requests for shipping
to suit the convenience of the api)licant, but to ship for the best inter-
ests of the streams.

FISH WORK IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

For some time past, I have been impressed with the importance of
having the various phases of the Commission's tish cultural work,
and the subject of fish protection introduced into the public schools
of the State. I felt that if this could be done it would be a great step
gained towards making the future labors of the Fish Commission
much easier. The American boy has been termed an exceedingly
destructive creature, and the habits of vouth were likelv to becouu'
confirmed when maturity was reached. Be this as it ipay, whethci-
the charge of destructiveness made against boyhood in this country
be true or false, it is quite certain that it is not possible to begin too
early teaching the youth the importance of the fish industry, tli.*
wonders of fish propagation and the injury he does himself and otheis
by the killing of immature fish utterly unfit for food. There is not
the slightest doubt that if it were properly imju'essed on the mimls
of children that the catching and killing of a young fish which has
never reproduced its kind has more far reaching, serious conse«iuenr«'s
than the taking of the life of the one fish itself— that the killing mean;^
in fact a probable loss of hundreds of other fish of the same kind in
the stream; that the killing of minnows for the mere pleasure of
catching them is a wrong, not merely because it is a wanton or
thoughtless act, but because the catching and killing can do no ]m)s
sible good and because further it is destroying a creature that giv s
material assistance in keeping the streams pure, the necessity foi-
severe fish protective laws would become less apparent before mauy
yaers had passed.

As the twig is shaped, so will the form iif the tree be, is a saviim
which applies with great force in the education of the young. A boy
who is brought to thoroughly understand the wrong of killing im
mature fish, of killing fish during the spawning season, is aim »sr
certain to be a strong fish protectionist in manhood, and the boy who
has been instructed in the beauti«»s of fish culture and the stranp'
mystery of fish life, is sure to be an ardent advocate of fish cultni*'
in after life.

The great difficulty which presented itself to my mind was lunv
l)est to interest the heads of the departments of education in iIk'
different cities and towns, and induce them to include fish culiun'
work as part of the object lesson teaching in the public schools. The

71

^ISH COMMISSIONERS.

main ditficultv in the wnv nf h. • ^ • ,

i>orta.ee tLat i UeCet„.i„ed to LStUlue:;"'^"' "^ '" '''^' "-

Sciences, a member .,1 ih,. ( IT. ,,''^ "^ ^^^ Academy of Natural

-"' one 'of the 8e . Dtettor„ ^.n" ff!''' °' ^°'"-- ^--■'.
i- 'lu- course of couvers tt, , H.T/.. ^'"'*- ^'^'""'"^ from me,

letter to the President of til 7 ''"'^'""K I^o^^s, he addressed a

mission rear these tNhnt ."""""""' ^"«^'«««"g '^at the Con.-

•--as Of Kdu.:".,?: e' ::,:::: "'^ 'r '^^''■"•"*"'" *« '^•-'

'lif public schools and l.r. . , '""' '"'"'** *"'' "'*■ "*' of

"se to the teSers lor ..T'f "' '''''' ''''' ^^"""J ^e of great

State. ^ "" Piiiiciple of fish protection in the

'-ater I had a co.w^rj^.t" on w H n .''' ' '"'"'""'"^ consideration.
Kducation of Phi lade ,h I ,, ^\ ""'''' '''^ ^"^'"■'"tendent of

••■an,andexpressed th' 1! ?j; if?"' ,rf "'"•"''^*' '" "''^■
c-"M,i,a,t form it u.ij,ht be ,ms Jl . , ^'^''"' ^^^ ^"'^^''''^ '" »

".-ks after this the Bo-udr.M ' • " '*°"'""''"S «i,h it. A few

r"-" -on. use. The Pre^idenf of h L d 'MTstT^n """ *""
"-f<l lue to inform the Hoard of fVl, . ■ ' ^tilhvell, author-

-""<! >.e sent in the au ."nn of is'" T' ' """'"" '''' ''"P'^'>-
fanwsh to the Board a brief l."« , , , '"' ""'•' ^ '"'^'^ '"^veed to
■■<l'.oduction. and the ,' s r;h 7 rV',*^ "'^^ ""' "^ '"^^'^<><1 -^
""■"s showing the 'ououcVfr .""'"• '"' "*'" '-"^ ^ '^"^

l-W.lenottokTManvfoo lloV : ' ' ""'^ ""-' "^^''««'^>- f"-'

Mv ne.xt effort « .,1 / ^'""'""^ "" ''«« t" ^e eaten.

-" "'O.St'' „ a, i V rs : t Tw": ; r""""' -"""^ "^■■•^ ' ">^*'-"

vi^it the Allentown SI. i , ;„/ Z"";''"^ '".mediately agreed to
"-IKods of ferti.b"; . ,: ", ."""'', *"-"«-'ves familiar, with the

"" ^I'ad work, ol this St ' " '"' *'"' '"'''"'"' "^ -^■'""'""'K

'•^l-ters to take notes U- , „ i '''""■*'"*' ^'^''^^ '"terest. and sent
--;;.a Of U , _ „„ ,,, ;-; .;;;■ ;;-..e. notices of the

««'', showing the different «fl . , "'" ''"-''«*-' '" *^'' matu,,.

S diffe.ent stages of development. Unfortunately,

72

RBPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

at the time, 1 was ouly able to do this in two instances. To one I gave
a series of the shad, and to the other a series of trout. The latter from
the collection belonging to the Commission, it happening that ther<'
was a duplicate set.

These teachers have since been enthusiastic in their endeavors lo
have the hsh work introduced into the public schools of Philadelphia,
and the Principal having the series of trout has succeeded in thor-
oughly arousing the interest of the Assistant Superintendents af
Education and through them it is now almost certain that the Super-
intendent will take favorable action. It is also suggested on the part
of these teachers that the series of lectures to be given teachers next
fall and winter on educational topics, the subject of fish and fish cul
ture be included. At present the only point touched on in the fish
question in the schools is in the first year of the grammar grades,
where the economic value of fishes is briefly touched on.

My idea is that the chief points which should be taught children
through the medium of object lesson teaching, either by specimens <u'
lantern exhibition are as follows:

What fish are, the relative position which they hold in nature, the
economic value they are as a food product, and their usefulness in
purify ini: the water supply.

The development of the fish from the egg to the mature fish.

The curiosities of fish Jife, and the limited knowledge we have •)(
the habits of most fish.

How destructive devices de^ opulate a stream, and proper methixls
will provide for all times an abundant and cheap supply of food fur
the people, and illustrate by the experience with the shad.

The history of the fisheries of the State showing how they were
almost destroyed by wasteful catching, and show the work done bv
the Commission towards restoring the streams.

Show the relative differences between natural and artificial hatch-
ing of fish, where artificial hatching is feasible.

Show the imperative need of boys and men not to destroy a lisli
which cannot be used for food.

Show the wisdom of protective laws for fish, and teach the childre)i
that to break them or to sympathize with or screen a person who
breaks them is as bad as sympathizing with or screening a person who
steals or commits any other crime. Show that the killing of an im-
mature fish is destroying not only that fish, but hundreds of oth« rs;
that it is the same as though the farmer ate his seed potatoes instead
of planting them, that the result would be that there would be no
potato crop, and so in like manner the supply of fish must fail. The
subject of hybridity, could also be introduced among the older unl
more advanced pmpils.

The subject of botany is already part of the school study, and that
of fish can easily and naturally be woven in along with it, and with

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No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

73

-' I'Hglit, progressive teacher be .uade very interestin.r t^ a-«
iW'-cs toiKhed upon are not arran^ert , '^^."'^'''^^^''"S- The different
suKgost they be tausrht Th" ^ " lie order in which I would

I .0 „.e. Other poinl Lht be 17, T"'' "■'' ''''^'' "« ^'^'^^ »«'="'•
1 whole arranged so as ,.!ll,H . ' '"*' """" '»"'^'''*^*i' ^^^ the
^ pupils, but iVl". n wolslouT. ir''"' "' '■''^ •^'^'^'-t y^^'

-.^.v .on. the low. . ;.z:;t::^: ^^^^^^^^^^ -.« «.

As as assistance to the teachers in carrvint on/n , .

■•'!;:;;<;«-d into the schools I recon^mend h 01 owil": ''''''' '^ " ''^

a..;;:itM :Te rs-:;trse?'";r^'^ '- " -^^-^ '- --

..<xt .ear or two Ld se it'be ^^^^^^^^^^^^ TZ '"^ ""^" ^"^ ^•'^'
fl"' <'gg to the young fish -,nd hi ^ . *"'^'" ''^''•'•'' "«e from
•l'"i.- application. ' ' ^"■'■'" ^"^ '^' ^^'l'""' authorities on

ti.--:;is;tinvV;;ut' w^ ^•""■•"^ ^'- ^••'-' authon.

ins of the fish matters *'''' '"'''^' "'^'' ^°'- ^^e proper teach-

THE STURGEON FISHERIES

.er:rtc?.?ndThowiitaVr /'^'^ '■'''' ^'^^"■- '» ^''^ --«• «t-.

-tornuna.ion of ts'luabll 0^117""''*? '^ '•'"'' P''°'"P"^ '^'^
At .he present rate this exte'^^ "' "natter of a very fewyears.

«"■ «ffeen years at the mos un e; T/""' ""'"'' ^'""" *"'*' "^^^^ ten

■•'-'^■d to Within the rxhr;!: ;:;,':"'" "■"'"^'" '"'^''"'^"°" '^

; ".V, at least.as woul^be r^ ,r;:tlr"7' """'^ "^ '""<='' --

'*^''^" >"0"ths, and this witll^f r i ' '"^^ ''' ^'■""* ^^"t'"" f«i'
••' -^'"on for the worl . Tl^e c" trbS"' "" ""' "' -^"biishing
«""■' in which to hold them '°f, ,''^*""'*''"S I"'''^ for the adult stur-
Tl'" '..St for a site in d ! / '"''"'• "'"'"'^ ^^ » ^"•-V large item

' -''<e this a;2„::iv;t?ari'htr •■^*'°", ^"""' "^ ^^''■-^'

"'■'" 'iPfpIv interested in °!'""'*f/ "^'"^^ been informed by a gentl»
"".nrof n, ".,' X. '^ " *'''' matter that Mr. Thomas Bradlev the

•-^-Hng the fish. .:; a \ rv^nr "'■•^ '"^ ^''^ ^■'"■'^- »f "-

S'-Soon Fishermens As o iluln wilf ', '7°"' '''•^'■'■'''•'"■•^- °^ ^""

''•■;;- towards under,al„,thswT"rn" " ''"'' '""^ ^'^'^'^^
I^ i'st to R^h fh.. ^ '"^ ""s ^<irK. I propose two plans-

»'- thoir:; d iri~;'^te r^ ^"r ^•"" '^-"^ ■- ^''-

*^^'^*'*« °f the amount usually appropriated

74

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

for fish cultiiial work, three thousand dollars for the construction of
suitable pens and plant, and six thousand dollars for the work of
hatching for two years.

Second, that the Commission appoint a committee to confer with
the United States, or the New Jersey Fish Commission or both, and
ascertain the possibility of united or joint work for the Delaware
river, and if such action is possible to ascertain the proportionate cost
to each and ask an appropriation to that amount from the State
Legislature.

The only objection I see to the adoption of the second plan is that
if the New Jersey and Delaware Commissions are asked to join and
they do so, the work will be restricted to the Delaware river, while
the Sus(iuehanna industry needs looking after, and Lake Erie evtn
more so.

There is no branch of the commerrial fish industry which shows
such an alarmingly rapid progress towards extermination as that t>f
the sturgeon. In the three bodies of water where these fish visit and
breed in which Pennsylvania is interested, the conditions are thcv
are to dav are as follows:

In the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, there is now no
such thing Jis a sturgeon industry. There are sturgeon caught, or
casionly it is true, but there are no persons or corporations interested
jnirticularly in tlieir capture. What si>e<imens are taken are those
which nmy occasionally find their way into the pounds or the shad
nets. According to the dealers in caviar, the sturgeon catch of t\m
section is regarded as nothing.

In Lake Erie the catch is annually falling off more than one-half.
In the Delaware River, all the fisheries which were once located ou
the Pennsvlvania shore, have had to be abandoned. Those at Chester
and below Bristol were at one time the most important on the wliole
river and bay. Tlu* number of fishermen engaged in tlie Stat«' of
Delawai'e is greatlv reduced. Df the fisheries located in New Jersey.
more than a million dollars is invested in boats, nets and |)lantH, a
large part of which is l*ennsylvania money. Every year the lif^lier
men must go lower and lower on the river and bay for their fish, vcr
although greater eft'orts and more men must be employed each year
the annual catch is decreasing in the same ratio as in Lake Erie.

On the New Jersey shor(» of the Delaware river are located six fish
ing points, as follows:
Cape Shore.
Morris River.
Penns Grove.
Pennsville.

Hope and Alloways Creek.
Bay Side.

No. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. 75

At these points were caught last year over 5,000 sturgeon, which
yielded 1,442 kegs of caviar at a cost of |82.00 a keg of 135 pounds
net. This year the catch was 2,1()4 sturgeon, yielding 726i kegs of
caviar at an average cost of fllO.OO a keg of 135 pounds net. "^The
average catch of sturgeon per net last year was 13 this year it was less
than eight.

In order to demonstrate that this decrease has been the rule for the
past nine years the following figures are given:

In 1890, the average catch per net was 60; in 1891, it was about 55-

in 1892, it was 43; in 1893, it had fallen to 32; in 1894, the number

decreased to 2B to a net; in 1895, it rose to 32, because of a largely in-

creased investment of capital; but in 1896, it fell again to 27; in 1897

tlie catch was 22 to a net; in 1898, it was 13, and this year it w'as eight!

As the catch decreased the price of the caviar and of the flesh ad-
vanced. In 1885, caA iar sold for from ^\) to |12 a keg. In 1887 it was
^^2 a keg; in 1898 it rose to |82.50 cents a keg, and this year it sold
on an average of f 110 a kc-g.

A large proportion of the so-called Russian caviar sold in the Amer-
i< an markets are from American, yes, Delaware River sturgeon. And
when it is remembered that after the sturgeon eggs are treated, there
Jii-e iniiuerous charges including carriage, storage, freight, dutv, etc.,
to he added to the original cost of >;110 which will likely makeVaviar
tills year, one of the most expensive delicacies in the market.

The following table shows the catch of sturgeon at the different

lM»iiUs (Ml the New Jersey shore nf the Delaware last spring:

Cape Shore Fisheries ]20

Morris River, .^g

Peiinsgrove, o

Pennsville ..,

• '♦. »

Hope and A I h) ways Creeks ^.^g

'^*'^'«^de ; '/.[',.'.][[ 2,164

'A^*»<^^J 2,510

The following table shows the number of kegs of caviar taken at the
varinns points named:

< 'ape Sluue. . i-i

* »i '1 V, l;>4^

Morris River gi

Pennsgrove 9

Pennsville m

Dope and Alloways Creek .34

'^•'^'«'<^«' •.. ...,.'.'.'.'.[ 660

Total 726*

7«

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

77

The above tables show that it requires about three and one-half
sturgeon to yield a keg of caviar. This is because the males are in
eluded in the catches. Occasionally a single sturgeon will yield a keg
of caviar.

Last spring the flesh of the sturgeon sold for from ten to twelve
cents a pound, the average being ten cents. The average sturgeon
will yield about 85 pounds of dressed meat. Occasionally a fish will
yield much more than this, for instance, one sturgeon brought its
ow^ner |19 alone for the dressed meat. Another specimen yielded
f87 for flesh and spawn. The average price per fish including eggs
and flesh last spring was |40.

As showing the great abundance of sturgeon in the Delaw-are River,
I take the liberty of quoting Mr. G. D. Shannon, Secretary of the New
Jersey Fishermen's Protective Association: "In 1881," he says, "om
man had four nets and four boats on a sloop, and in one day he caught
194 sturgeon. The flesh of a portion of this catch sold for from one
to one and one-half cents a pound, and the remainder could not be dis-
posed of for food, conseciuently it was used for fertilizers. The egi,^s
sold as low as seven and eight dollars a keg, and the man found ;i
difficulty in disposing of all he had at that price. I myself have seen
on the wharf at Bayside, as many as 1,200 sturgeon brought in in a day
by 15 or 16 boats. On the day in which the man caught 194, there
were at least that many more caught and set free from the nets as
unsalable."

At the present time there are over one million dollars invested in
Hie business of sturgeon catching and caviar making on the New
Jersey sliore of the Delaware River.

In catching the fish there ixvv emjiloyed 970 men and 485 boats, and
485 nets. The value of each net is |300.

The above figures and other data show the great vahn* of the
sturgeon industry in the Delaware River alone. To it should be added
that the catch of the State of Delaware. The value of the industry in
the city of Erie from the Lake Fishery is (Mpially great, although lliere
ii now no regular sturgeon industry, the sales being simidy froia
li^h which find their way into the nets by accident.

I am satisfied that one great obstacle to the maintenance, let alone
an increase of the su}>ply of black bass and brook trout in the stream^
of the State, is the minimum size of the two fish which the law niln^vs
to be caught. Under the law a man may catch and kill a black hi\<^
six inches long and brook trout five inches long, except on the n<dn
w^are River, where it is obligatory to kill no bass less than nine inelus
long. T am well aware that any attemjit to have the law ehanj;;'d
and make a higher limit would be betterly opposed by the clann <>f
people wiiose passicm fi>r large scores is greater than their sen^e of
right, but I feel it my imperative duty to point out that unles8 the
law is altered to provide a minimum limit of at least nine inch< s for

<)

^*^' "• FISH COMMISSIONERS.

bass and six inches for trout the eflforts of the Fish Commission to
Another obstacle to the increase of these two fish is the Hnf ...

I'^n^:; ;;:^= J e:s.^s- "-^^^^^

-; are thin a^. ^IZ:^:^7^1^^;:^ S^j- l^!

of all the trout carXdurn^ the '' '"' ''''' "'^"''^ ""^''^'f
fust three weeks. ^ ^'"' '^^'°" '"'^ b^^l^ef^d '" tlie

'^n^^TSTj"^ "'""«" "" "'""'"^ '' '•'^ ^•'- -ason until
hoi!, s L^lnV e2l;n*^:l'^';-;;-"-'''^^'j.t«>e fish are still

.v-.MK the bass ave yov^e^MlTZ.^^ I IT'^'^ '" '"''*^-^'"« '''''"
«!.."., a bass takes IZh IV ^ ' '"'"'^ ^^"^ ""'f"' ^<^«t"'e is that

'•.•".•hi,ur of a fi h un,In th • " """ "" "''''' ^'•"™ "><^ "«-«»• Th.>
i« to be regretted tha ttherT/'T'f ""'^^^ " ''' •'"^''^^^^'^ ''^'' ^ot it

- - vojatrbat Lrtriri^ber ^^ -^^ ^-•^-->-

-•' . "i 'thrtT;: u" ''•f "P-'-'g reason should undoubtedlv be
in Viet Of the ;lb whlT ' ^ T'^'^ '' "^'^^'^ ''^ 1"- '">

;.s „.ade to ZTt:'^e::z:r,^^^^ zT:::: ""-r

done in my estimation is to educate the nin > *•" '''"' '"'

;;.n. public opinion becon^rt^w iS*;;^^^^^^^^^^^

PISH BASKETS IN THE SITSQUEHANNA

•^'^''.'isstnn^ t. "'■ "" "■•"•'■'""f"'" °f 'l^e fish work oX

"" ''"'ds wit, " : • ;""" "' '^ '"■'•■''■"*' '^"•'^^■" »'"t there wore

'y in nun „ j ;;''''^'r "'"■'''"'«• fi^l' »'««'^*'t« multiplied great-

'-^ were unit kZTh T !'"' '''""'^ '' '""^ different coun-
unable to keep them destroyed. The Susquehanna River,

78

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

ahviiys a liul bed, su to speak, of this form of illegal device, was soon
lined with them. At one time last year it was estimated that there
were more than one hundred baskets and pots between Fite's Eddy
and the Maryland line, and even more in the neighborhood of Dun
cannon. These were subseciuently all torn out by the sheriffs, as were
those in other parts of the river. Unfortunately, the law w'hicli
directs the destruction of these forms of fishing devices, permits con-
siderable latitude to the sheriff's. Naturally, some of these offlcials.
in order to save their counties costs, take advantage of this latitude
to the fullest extent and onlv destrov the baskets and leave the wintr
walls, or if (here be only wing walls, break them down to parti-il
extent only. As a result, it is a conuiarativelv easv matter for those
who constructed the walls and pots to rebuild thiMU. This was done
this year in numerous cases in the Susciuehanna and elsewhere, and
indeed this class of violators of the law became so bold that wir.g
walls and ]w)ts were built and operated in the Suscpiehanna River In
full view of the (Jovernor's mansion at Hairisburg. Of his own
volition last spiing, tho sheriff" of ])aui)hin county acted, and not only
destroyed the greater number of baskets and wing walls, but pursued
the builders so sharj)ly that few had courage to rebuild since. A few
other sheriffs have also acted under orders, and at the close of thr*
fiscal year there was a very small percentage of baskets in the river ;is
compared with what had been. Tt is to be f<*ared, howevery, tluit
as summer is over, and the tish begin working down toward th(» se:i.
tin* baskets will apj»ear again.

Xotwiihstanding the valuable aid whi( h the sheriffs can give and
the law whi« h makes (he constables of the State fisli and game wnr
dens. I am of the o])inion that the Sus(juehanna caniiot ho kept r1« :ir
of illegal devices, at all times of the year, particularly fish basket-,
pots and dams, until the Commission's warden system is again in full
operation. I believe also that the system should be < hang(»d in ord^r
to secui'e greater eiticiency. The present method of electing a ])racii-
cally unlimited number of wardens without salary or with a nominil
wag(» only. T do not consider to be efficient or productive of The best
results.

It is true that if a warden nuikt»s an arrest and succeeds in having
the prisoner fined and the monc^v is paid, he receives on(»-half, but it
has been demonstrated time and again, that where one man is <'«'ri
victed, five escape through defects in the existing laws, and furtlit'i'
that where one convicted lawbreaker ]U)ys his fine, at least five do
not do«o. consJMpu'ntly tluM'e is little inducement to a warden to sprnd
his time and money se( king cases of violation of the law. The present
syst<'m is further weak because the extra pay and pei- di<»m exp(»nr <'s
whi(di aie allowed wardens when ordenul on duty, is a temptation
for them to run up the latter, and in a manner which renders it difti
cult for the Commission to detect.

i

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

79

For the first time in years, the act making an appropriation for
Uie system, and I respectfully submit the following-

«1H, 11 Shall „. four hundred dollars a year. Appoint a seventh the
'■ --n. -al.ry of whom shall be seven hundred dollars prannum

n.tt:::i,:iT :'''''' '; '^*'-----<i ^^^ an the counties ";

tne htate the s,x first named to give their whole time to the work

rim^rtfer "^ '"" " -^ ^^'-^ ^'^^ ^-"''-- -^oXa;

The seventh warden's duties to be to superintend and direct the
other s,x. under orders from the Commission also to keep a lUt of tie
constables and see that they perform their duties

One o the chief duties of the six wardens also to be to look after
I l.e constables and keep them up to their work as warden

som;?ife:tr ;hese^:':r.~*'- --'-- --^ -- •^ -■•o..

that this shall he in! K !, ^^^^ "*" *'^'"""S «t«t»^e provides

TROUT CULTURE.

.:::::i:srs.u:;:^:;;:!;r;:t;L^

-'-■-ti„rexepriments n "'TZ""' '* " ™nd„cti„R a series of

-rvioe in reXSin?t ! , ""*""'"• ""'' ''^"''"•"'^ considerable

-ide. the onlrwhi 1 t T "'"' '''^*' '''' *" ^''^ P'-^lic,

Hsliing. "'" "'"'"^"•'•^ '■^«"^*' ^"r thf'ir own private

tl-'a.lvIi'bnir.'IfNS-'' ?^ tf""'"^'"" '^ -«"*^'"' "' -king is
•■■'■''*' experience of tCT' / ''«"n*'<-tion. the Secretary savs:

'■'--^-i;:-:::::.!;;.-^^ =- -.. ow„ parent.

6

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

'%

^.X:^

*« •

\

»•;•

^[\

^

79

.u<l. n «,„K «,ll jHunnr ih.. Connnissi,,,, to inako a radical chance in
nu> s.v«.e,n, ana I ,.,..,„v,l„|lv .nbn.it (he following- ^

" HI . ,on,- h,„ul,...,l dollars a year. Appoint a .eventb, the

'■",""■" -'l"•.^ ol whon, shall he seven hundred dollars per aunnn,

M. ptafe the six hr.sf named to jjive their whole time |„ ,he worl-
;;n;n;;; .-..^t . hein. sen. .o an. point the Con.nission ma.tr.^

TlK- -ven.h warden's duties to be to superintend and direct the

• hh:s'':i?''':i"/'T"' ^'■^' ^'""""-■■-. ">- to keep a list o h
-'MMahl es and si-e that they perform their duties.

«•"<• " <1H' H.ief dulies of ,|,e six wardens also (o he to look .fter
llH. consiables and keep .hon, up ,o their work as wardens

I..: r.r';! 1 of T " ";",',"'■'•■ """"""'" '"•• ""■ '■^'^" <'""""-sion to
' < • l» Ti.KK Of iho coiista ) <'s. Tli('i«' n*. <i.M f.. 1 I . ,

.. 1 x- 1 iiuM ,n<* StUU M) he ncailv twn fl)nii

iliai ihissIr,lM„ 1 '"'-' '^- '•""••'■«' 'HI exisling statute provides

.nissioned. " ""■" '" ""■ '■ '"- f- -'"'" "-.V ".ay be eom-

TROl'T CULTURE.

.:-'"::i:;:::'t,;;;:-:,r;;;;it-;-;:; ;;-;•■•

u ,h ., pn,ate .u-f.an,zatn,n. it is conducting a series „f

--^ii" r i;:;;isi;;r,',';^'','- •'••-' •■.■-....■i,,, ■ sidera,.;:!

,M,in. '■'"''''■''''''■"''■"'•''■'- ■■-Mve for tla.ir own private

<ll

,,. ,. ■ •'"•ims. Ill tills conneclKui. (he Secret-irv SI, ■•

^P-'lience of (h,. Associath.n is th-,1 ., f <• ,'"■"•' "■'•^"•

^"" ••'.■.. p,,.ved upon los„ '^ '^'■■^ '''■■"•'■'' '" ''"•

" U hsh tha <h,s kind of phintinj; is „f loss ben,.!! tn the \s«o

,;'^:j:: ;';•':'■';. ''-^ •''-'•''-''- -im. «•.,.';; ol:

. ,l,h n. • >*n.iK«.s, pels jifhI flH-i?- own |.n?«'Tit^

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

80

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

No exception whatever can be taken to this statement. Indeed,
the Fish Commissioner could, I think, make the statement even
broader, and say that the results to the streams would be better if all
the fry which are now reared could be retained until they are a year
old This however is impossible, because of the greatly increased
cost How great that increased cost would be^can readily be seen
from the report of the Secretary of the Pohoqulane Association
There are at the present time 175,000 young trout in their ponds and
these require 450 pounds of beef liver, a quantity of corn meal and
beef blood every month. The Commission hatches annually over
4 000 000 trout of different kinds. Thus, if these fish were retained
in the ponds it would need about 10.000 pounds of beef liver every
month, in addition to about 23 times the amount of corn meal and

beef blood. , ^ j. u j. \ ^.a

If the Commission were to reduce the number o*/'-««t J'^™
vearly one-half, the amount of food required to maintain the 2,000,000
wouM still be beyond its capacity for payment. If the number
hatched vearlv be reduced more than one-half, I am prepared to
SET that "the results obtained would not be as satisfactory as are
no'w obtained from planting four months old fish, when the work is
done in an intelligent and scientific manner.

The report is valuable from several points of view, but is partu-.v
larlv so from that just discussed, because it proves conclusively that
it is impossible for the Fish Commission with the financial resources
at hand or which it is likely to have in the future, to undertake t,.
retain fry until they are a year old before distributing them. There
is not only the expense of feeding the fish, bnt there is «'«" «" «7'-
tional expense of transportation to be considered, and the difficulty

of doing it safely as well.

\n interesting feature of the report is that which treats of th.
variability of trout of the same age. The Secretary says that of ..
large number of three vear old front in their ponds, none are less thai,
twelve inches long and some eighteen inches. He does not nndertak •
to explain the reason for this although he expresses wonder. It i-
undoubtedlv from the same cause which will make one man larg. t
than another, or one boy grow more rapidly than another. The ref-
erence is. however, of value as confounding those who are stren-
uouslv opposing the efforts of the Fish Commission to increasing U"
legal minimum si^e of trout which may be legally captnred. It tiM>
been stated most positivelv on the floor of the Legislature, by ad-'V
cates of the present law. that brook trout seldom grew to be mo---"
than seven or eight inches long. The Commission has long kno«n
differentlv. as all the fry retained in its breeding imnds make from
four to six inches the first year, and it has been informed that m I'li

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

vate preserves, where food in unstinted quantities is given that from
1 ohoqualine Association however is direct and should be conclusive:

THE SHAD SEASON.
^ I am pleased to report that the shad catch of the Delaware River

rralls"" Ar' '^T 'r ^■"- ^' '''^' ^^'^ -- t^e case bX Sen

wi^l give votinLe ""T ""' ''' ''"''"' '''' ^^''^^ ^- -Wch I

will give you m the proper place. It was a peculiar season and If

opened much later than usual. This was due to the Tate snnn-^

r-ng af er the regular time the waters of the Delaware we e exc ed

ngly CO d, and under these conditions the fish came in Tery 2X'

'"at ;:.ol; ITZVT' ^'"'^ *" ''''^^^' *^^ temperSeTthe
■as sellis and the ? rr '" ^''' " ''''''■ ^hey came in such
fish brorh ■ r;. '•"' '"'f *"'*'*""^ «° ^'^'' that in a short time the
nn,,,/ if ?'''"' '*''' "' f""'" <!''""« « I'-Ddred as they ran

1 it' he """" "" 'r "' "'«''* •'""''"•«• » '« t" be regretted, however'
.^it the consumer did not appear to derive much benefit from tmZ-

It was a peculiar fact in connection with the run of shad in bo*h
e Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers this season, that the percent
Se Comm , " '" '"'' "" ^•''- ^''"^ ^<^rnml..iou and the ™"
ZZhTT '"'''" """'"•■'"•^ '''"•«^- ""'hether the fault was in
<'.e milt or the eggs of course it is impossible for me to say

'^:^:tr^ ";;::: s^'Tr- ^^--^ -- --'^'-";r%han >„

not beenT; the inf ""'"""•'''"•' ''''' ''^^" ^^«" "-^"er had it

l-wever Zt^L^ZlZ"*'J '""'"■'""'• " ■■" ^" ^^ ^^ared.
entirelvVone n/eTn Tk '''. '^"'^""'•''""''' "''^ ''' "'""' "^ream is
-inTlfoIhh the IT' '"'■'""'"'"' ""'*""' *""' ^^••'te of Maryland
-Hiods o t.kinrfl , '"'"f.r''- "'"^ '"'*' """' "f*"^'- 'l-tructive
siro m in L , '• ' ^'" "'■''''' "' *'"' fishermen along the

^i.o,S iie'^led hft? ■ ,rr ■'" ''■•''"^ ''•''""'' ''''' ''''^ Susquehanna
■""1 all kind nfi! f '" ""'' ^""-"^ienless men who employ anv

"■■- over des ructlve'"' I "T'''' "''' "'^''^''''' "' -'"-ther the'v
a,^nl J ?'^^*Z "*■ ""^- ^''*' "■'■'t'''-s of the river are pecnliarlv

iZm" '""'' ""' '"""^^^ "^ ««"• ^" '-» the're is not

82

REPOIIT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

the Slightest doubt that naturally it is much better adapted to fish
culture than the Delaware. Yet there are probably more shad taken
in the Gloucester and Washington Park nets on the last named
stream than in the whole Susquehanna River.

ATLANTIC SALMON.

As I expected, there was practically no Atlantic salmon caught
in the Delaware Kiver last spring, nor do I anticipate that there will
be any considerable run of this great food and game fish for a couple
of years at least. For two or three years the plantings were very
light, and most of wbat were hatched were not placed in the proper
spots. No Atlantic salmon fry ought to be planted below the Dela-
Water Gap, and it would be much better if Ihey were placed much
farther up, say in Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties.

MUSCOLLONGE IN THE SUSQUEHANNA.
A few years ago, the Commission began the experiment of planting
muscallonge in the Susquehanna Kiver. \A'ithin the last or two a few
of these fish have been taken, enough to give encouragement that they
may be established eventually, if planting can be persisted in. TTn
fortunately the chief ditfieulty in the wax is the securing of eggs or a
few mature fish for breeding puri)0ses.

THE HERRING INDUSTRY.
The herring industry in both the Delaware and the Susquehanna
was very large, and as usual that of the latter river greatly exceede<l
the former. 1 have not been able to ascertain tlu^ reason for thiH.
because the run of fish is fully equal to that of the Sus«iuehanna. Tin*
stories related last sjuing of the size of the school wliirh apiieared
on the lower Delaware and its tributaries were more like Arabian
Nights Tales than a relation of solid fads. It is inobably safe «o
say that Delaware river fishermen returncMl millions of fish to tin-
water because of their inability to find a market for them. The Sus-
quehanna river fishermen on the other hand inftnined me that th«v
not only were able lo dispose of all the herring they caught, but conld
have disposed (d' as manv nn.re. U is elaiun'd by the Susquehanna
fishermen that the herring of that river are lirnu'r and kee]) better
after being cured than the fish from the Delaware. It is possible
that this is true, but 1 am inclined to doubt it as I ran se<^ no reas-u
therefore.

SOUDDERS FALLS.

A few paragraphs back I stated that the shad catch above Trenton
Falls was an utttr failure. Soon after the opening of the seasei. 1
began receiving conqilaints to the ett'ect that there were very few tish
it) be had except occasionally on a Monday. I received these rei>ort^

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

i

S5

Dela^Nare nver, wbere a tisli basket cannot loug remain In this
stream although the United States Fish Commission and th; Pennsy
vaa.a Kash (Jommission do not annually plant as many young shad
us are placed m the Susquehanna, the. annual catch is steadily :u
creasing until it is now worth more than a half a million dollars a
year, eighty thousand dollars a year in 1880

But shad are not the only valuable fish which are unduly destroyed
by hsh baskets, ostensibly set for the capture of eels. This and sim

It if toT f t' • , ^°'"'"'««""» l"'^ knowledge that in one night a
half ton of stripped bass were caught in one pot in Maryland. Black

U^^ousand black bass were caught iu one fish basket this year on th.>

bXlu^Z; bf 'T'T ""•■ ""■''™^ '"''■'^ '''''- -■- - bushel
one basLet. ' '" '"' «t-»l'"'T bass and pike-perch from

1 !,Vn '?''«?';'''' "*'■ '^^ '''^ ^^'^'^ ■"''" «"*! 'l'*^"- advocates to d--
cla e that a h.sh basket, or fish pot will not catch anything except eeis
ca.hsh, suckers, carp and a few like tish. It is „ot pleasant tohavTo
plainly give the lie to those who so declare, but In the inte.eruf

sh culture and of truth, it is necessary to do so, the more so since

la.j. The fact IS that there is not a man who uses a fish basket who
toes not k.u.w that he is telling a deliberate falsehood when he sav
.« device does not catch game fish, and that with care nfi iiu i7is

done the young shad. There are doubtless advocates of the use
uch contrivances who make the statement and do not know tb-
-e niakiug a misstatement, but these have been purposelv mis ead

by conscienceless pei^ons who well know better

For these reasons the Pish Commission cannot consistentlv with
I ™- duty countenance the use of fish basket, pots and allied con r

^. nces lor the catching of eels, nuuh as .h..v would likr lo see the

•■••Is caught and (he eel industrv extended '
An,,,h«. devlc.- which will catch eels iu large ,i„an,mes is the fvke

1" «h> h eels congregated and not fastened in su.h a mann..r .,s will
;"";.><;> all sorts of fish to ent,.,. the funnels, or if no w g we e

cd to the f.vkes there would be no objection whateve.^o the , e

' i fvke n..l Indcd. the Pish Conwnission conld safelv ..nooura..:

1 dvoca.e ,h,.,r legal use. The trouble Is that by experience he

m„ ,ssK.n has learned they would take advantage 'of permission o

Thi « T 'l''"'"^ "'" objectionable things spoken of.

The set or "outline" is another contrivance which will capture

86

REPOKT OF THE

Off. Doc

eels in large numbers, but the difficulty mentioned in connection with
the use of the fyke net is greatly increased. If an outline were set on
the bottom of a river, and baited with cut or dead bait only, scarcely
anything would be taken except catlish and eels. But it would be
none except a blind believer of human nature, and one without knowl-
edge of the practices of conscienceless fishermen that would believe
that this would be uniformly done. Tiiere is not the slightest doubt
that if the set or outline were permitted, ninety-nine out of every hun
dred would be baited with live bait for the capture of black bass, book
trout and other game fish. Everyone who has had experience with
fishing matters knows that there are few devices more deadly or which
wrecks greater destruction among game fish than the set line. It is
very diflicult to locate a set line when it is placed with the intention
of concealing it. It is therefore a device against which the Com-
mission must firmly set its face.

Of all the contrivances for catching eels, there is but one which is
effective, and which at the same time is practically harmless to other
fish, and strange to say, that while it is \\ell known to be an effective
device for catching eels, the fish pirate element steadily refuse lo
employ it. It is called an eel pot, and is a cylindrical vessel of wire
or wicker work with an orifice just large enough to admit the body ot
a large eel. It is set in spots freciuented by eels and baited wiHi
offal. I have seen one of these devices taken up in a morning literallv
packed with eels, and not another fish except an odd chub or Yevy
small fish which got there accidentally.

By an act of the Legislature the eel pot is permitted to be used in
any'of the waters of this Commonwealth, except ti-out streams, li
is so absolutely safe against other fish than eels that I would recom
mend the Commission to advocate an amendment to that act so as not
to except any waters; to permit it to be used in trout streams in fact.
I do not believe it would do any harm whatever, and perhaps would
do a great deal of good in reducing the number of eels which are now
said to infest these streams. The Pohoqualine Association says in
this connection: *'The danger of attemi»ting to change the law m
the subject is evident, but lh«' lad remains, that if it were lawful under
careful supervision, to maintain <h4 pots in waters of the Asso<-iati<>ii,
the trout fishing would be greatly improved, eels having multiplied
therein to an alarming extent." I will go further than the writer of
this report and say that I believe the eel i»(>t would require no sui>c)*

vision.

Respectfullv submitted,

W. E. MEEHAN

No. 17.

PISH COMMISSIONERS.

87

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

. „„ ^^*^n^'aster. Pa., May ]st 1899

'■'■innied.aiulieeoii.fhonlf,, „ ■', ^' ^^ P*''" ^oucli«'s

•'.-".■ral of iw;};n' ia': '""'"" '" ''" '"""^ "' *"" -^"''"-

'"'iiv"ed''<r';"'/'T': ^"^•^'■•■'"'■- •••« !'«• «--eipt book de.
in eied to the Auditor General

By vouchers reiurnorl fo i »^iu Vi , f 5,263 7o

i.lllnill«I|o.Vl.a,lo,-G™,.„,lM„,. I,l,t899,., 3,203 73

«.v lasl, fn.ni Auditor (iciiciiil .Mav 1<) mnn

'•V -s., f,.on. AudUo.. ( l.„e,.al .) ni , ' ^ ^•^•'»«*' ""

■ ' '■'■' .'i.OOO 00

V.MuI,,.,..s of (he Ea«te,„ Ilatcbfy. fro.n Jnne 1.
'•"I^, tol>w. .•!!, 1S!(S,

^'"^mo„„ o„ «a.ue f.o,., contii,;,; ;.;,:; f;,;,j:: : ; ; ^^;;^ ;;;

'■luTk for sa.no to closo a.-.M,,,,,, ~^^^I7T^

|'"n,l„.rs for WVst.-rn Hatdu-rv ~77^.r

'"■'•^ ■"-~r, ,,.o„rn„i,i,;rsV,;„.,; .■::.• tsoo.;;

<"l"Mk for same to rloso a.con,.t ~^^^^o

$6,000 00

gg REPORT OF THE Off. Doc.

To payments to Eastern Hatchery, $2,418 15

To payments to Western Hatchery, 2,829 66

To payments of general expenses, as per

vouchers returned, '*^

„ , f 3 57

Balance, ^

Total payments, $^^3^^Q 43

Check returned to Auditor General, 3 57

Lancaster, Pa., July 11, 1899.
Report of H. C. Demuth, Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Commission
of Fisheries, of the payments made of the fund from January 1st,
1899, to May 31st, 1899, as per act of March 22d, 1899.^
Balance on hand as per report of May 1, 1899, . . |39 09
To cash May 5, 1899, ^,500 00

To cash June 1, 1899, 2,500 00

_ |6,039 01)

By payments to Erie Hatchery I^^^ 46

By payments to Shad Hatchery, 868 70

By payments to Western Hatchery, 1?019 91

By payments to Eastern Hatchery, '<'i>^^ 23

Bv pavments to general expenses, l^l^^^ 16

•^ * ' 4,753 4(i

Balance an hand as per check returned, |1,258 (»:?

Amount of fund as per act, ^^'-'^^'^ '^

Vouchers returned May 1, 1899, 11^400 91

Vouchers returned this day 4,753 46

Check for balance due, 1^285 63

. 7,500 on

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

89

CD

REARING TROUT FRY.

KEPOKT OF THE ;^«ETAKY OF THE POHOQUALINE ASHO-

CIATION OF MONKOE COUNTY.

Jo the Commissioueis of Pisheiies of the State of Pennsylvania-

C.entlemen: Answering the query of your Secretary as to the work
of the Pohoqualine Fish Association in the artiflciL hatcWngal

th, t m the last hatching season the Association propagated at Its

,.chery, near McMichael's, about two hundred thousandSok t o
f>. Ihe loss in the hatchery was very small. Over ninety-nine nr
cent, of the eggs lived to mature. The experience of the AssociatL
i. I bat trout fry placed in the stream are Jreyed upon to such n ' "
Uat bv Che natural enemies of young fish' hat th s Tind pU ntin^:
ot less benefit to the Association than would result by p Ian nr,
tlie same number when older. ^ planting

Trout fry are eaten by f,,,gs, snakes, eels and their own Barents

t ned ^Z rd :,r '^ ''- -■'• ^^-^"-^^ ^^°^^ andTnare^ ;
i^e KHieu at all times and m any mauuer, while eels ire in o ,...f.-
extent protected hv inw n^i a I ^^ ^ certain

- -« r ';;,/:t,; T ';rr £;:;t;;^^^^^ "- '•■; r«

"•''<• to take cire nf ti,... , Z[ ' ^'' """•>■ ^re adult and

idK( (,iie of themselves. The frv of last «!„f,..- i ^ i •

»-e'v a very hoalthv lot and grew verv t, I. !'''';''"*'''« l'"tch,ng
■''"'■ '-S by death has been tn 1 ' H , \ """'"'^ '"""'••'•
""-t one hundred and sevo n . ^^ 1 V aT-;r ^"^^

meal. '^ ''^*'' '"' "P ^'^''.^ ""^ and mixed with corn

FJSII COMMIS&IONEHS.

89

REARING TROUT FRY.

r

r

;i:i'OUT OF THK ^ECUKTAUY OF THK I-OJIUQ.ALINK VSSO-

CJATIOX OF .\!OM{OK COIMV.

Jm 11,0 Con,m.ssio,„.,vs ul' Fisheries of tile S.a.e of IV.ni.svlvania-

' .|Ul euieii: Answering tl.e .,„ei;v of your «ecrelarv a^ to Ihe'work
.» n.e l.oLo,inaliue Fi.U Association i„ the arti.ieial hat"l ,. a ,
.su!,se,uent euro of brook trout, tlu- uudersigued begs leave ,o ^.po
'•■"'" the last ha,..|,i,., season ,he Assoeiatiou pn,.a,at d t i
; ..1,.,, near .M,. Miehaels. about two hundred thoLaLrbrooV o
'!>■ Jlit^' loss lu the luiu-herv was verv SM.,11 (>>, . • . •
'""• <■!■ the ef;gs lived to n, u'ure T , "'"ely-n.ne per

i^ iliu trout f, V , , , ; ''XIH rienee of the Assoeiatiou

'""> '"■ ""•|--.'l -■■a-nnes of young tish that this kind of pianti.e

> ■'! I.ss beneht to the Assoeia.ion than would result bv !

Ill- same nunilier when older. * I'Luilin;

■'""" '■'! -"v ..aien by frogs, snakes, eels and their own „are„ls

,.,..;,.,';.■•■;' ";;•■'>•—■. wl.il<' .Ws are .o a eer.ain

;; ;; •'- -"J-. is evident; bn, the faet ren.ai„.:t it w e
" ', 1 under earelul supervision, to n.ainlain eel pots in the v e s f
"■'■ Association, the l,.,,,,, (ishiu" wonM 1„. „, ,, "''ttlsof

'- ng n.ul,iplied therein ,o n n er ^ "'7"'"' ""'^

';:-•".' .v-.g tish fron. these .langers:,i:e"s::;eiat : ri;,,',';
•' -- -I nursery p„nds. whi,-h were fullv d,.s,...i|„.,, ;., „ '

^v.i- a vo.v ho. 1,1 , . '^' '^•"- J''^' ♦••V of last wintei\s liatrJiin-

^ ^ a 1 as l,.c.H very small, and ,h. AssnHaii.n now Has
J . InuHM-d and s.n.uy-nv<. n.onsand „7:^.n(in) tront f.„

^•-11 VI V. ''"';';-"''''*^-'I'-.inHi.s,on. As tln-v

'•"''«(<' jM.nd, tor tin. V wonld otlnq-wk,. ..-.t n, ,, '

■Hi now ted on beef vor cut ni» vmiv «». i • , '

uieal * ^> ^"*' *»»'<J J"i-^<*< with coin

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

90

lll!]PORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

Last month four bundled and fifty (450) i>ounds of this food wert'
fed to them. The fry were at first fed on beef liver cut very fine and
mixed with beef blood, the mixture being half liquid. This was
given in small quantities, and several times daily. The fry ate at
first about a hundred (100) pounds of food a month, which has grail
ually increased to the present amount, and will increase considerably
each mwnth until the close of the next fishing season, when the creek
will be stocked with them. There will almost certainly be a surplus
which can be i»ut into the free streams in the neighborhood, but it is
difiicult to carry adult fish any distance, and plans for public benefit
will develop with longer experience. The Association will not buy
trout eggs this year as it did last, but will rely for its supply of eggs
on its very fine herd of breeding trout, and will also gather eggs from
trout caught in the waters of the Association, while on their way lo
their spawning beds. By these means it will be easj to gather an
ample supply of healthy eggs.

The Association began with three small ponds, one below the othcj',
at its hatchery, in which breeding trout were kept, but as the fish in
creased in size, it was found that they needed more space to range in.
During the past summer the divisions were taken out and the three
ponds turned into one large one, with great improvement to the fish,
which have grown finely. Very few of them are less than a foot long,
while several of them are eighteen inches in length. They are all
three years old. Our experience settles the question of the growth
of these fish. Some never grow to be more than seven or eight inclns
in length, attaining their full size in about a year and a half, while
others continue to grow for three years, and will then be fifteen lo
eighteen inches long. The reason of this ditference we have not be<'n
able to discover. With the same water, shelier from heat and col*!,
and with the same food, with all the conditions seemingly alike, trout
of the same age show the difference above mentioned. Further ex
periment and observation may lead to more perfect knowledge of this
and other mysteries in this branch of science, for great as the results
are. Ihat we have so far obtained, it is evident that fish culture is still
in its infancy. The science should be, and it is to be lu)])ed will be.
d<'veloped to a condition in which the springs and small streams of nur
farming country will be cultivated with the same certainty of pruii-
table result as th(» gardens and fields, and the work of the Pohoqn;i
line Fish Association may be an important line of ex])eriments in thi>
direction.

OHAS. WETHEKILL,

Secretary.

October 31, 1899.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

91

ERIE STATION.

KEPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT ABRAM G. BULLER.

Erie Hatchery.

To the Commissioners of Fisheries of J'ennsylvauia-

(ieutlemen: I have the honor of making this, my first report For
.1.. first week or two after n,y appointment, ijn March 161899 "
N,p.;r,ut™dent of the Erie Station, I acted as assistant to m^ broker

an IS at hue and made a thorough inspection of the building whi.!,
liii.1 been closed for two years on account I understand of 7.^ if
aP...<;i..ia.ion with which to operate i, / I Jotd tbe'strl t'^'et"!
I y bad cond,tion. The tank in the attic was useless romdy";

::::X:n:^:imrofr:;;^-~^

<'> < <» all the wni'l' ov..o,.f fi . . iiios., ot Erie, eonrracted

painting of H.o fence JJV-'"'^ ^^"'^ '^""''•"'•»'''l f"'' for «51, and the
nns.lf. •*' '^''"'' ^^ "•>■ «««ista"t Jerry Daily an,I

li.sides the dilapidated condition of the l,nildi.>„ t ^■
«'!'■ of the supply Pines :„ h,^ ,„,,,. "uildmg, I discovered that

'I'" "th.-r. ■„ d wn ,1!^ ? liat.lnng roon« was „.,.ch smaller than

-■- i'» <'f . ■ d 1 ; f "; " ' '" ;'"■ '''"'■'""' P'-"^^-"- There

,.,.,„ ,„„ ,,..:•: ,;7;:;;;,;;j;f<-<' -'-n-.. with an ,he fitting, ex.

^"l-iTt;;;i;n7^m; thr'::' "r '" ""■ •"""""^' ^- ^- ---- -f the

"ccnpanov ^fu " I '7" "•" "'" '"'' ^"" ■^"''"•^ '^ '^"^ ""fit f"i-
"f mI. Hamb rg T :o::';!':;:, T' "-r f "''^- ^-^^ •■'"thorization

.V'Mii l„.,lv. • "''"'' ' '■''<"'•" ">y sincere thanks (o

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

Willi

81

KRIK STATION.

K'Kl-(,KT or S.I.EHIXTI.:X1.,:XT AI'.KAM ,;. BLl.I.EK.

'■■ ""■ <'<.iu.Missi,„u..s of FisLciii-s of IV-nnsvlvauia-
'■••'"I;—": I Imv. the honor „f „,aKi„. ,in.. ,nv ri.-st .cpo.l. Fo.

MilMMiiKcmieiu of ilic Kiie Siiiini, r ... , i . • '

""'"■sal l':>i'-MM.lma.loatho,t.„f;lM„s,M.,!ionof,li.l

; H I r ■ ' ' "

>ui}din<i whioJi

'-; ; .■'-,..1 fo,. , wovoa-s on a..,.oi.n,, , „n.U.,.s,a,n.. : :,; '

I ".'s .in.,,„. an,! ronrn. S.n,,. of ,1,,. .ill. „„,1,,. t!,.- t,„lldi„.-
' '''■.'■''•^'■''- ='''''''■'''"'•''■'■ ''I'll., sla.s ,,„,!,,., I,,.,,.,, "

.■iltd |-<

ill
••I ilii

tlic !|<

t till' hatfliin*^

also lUMMled ivnIarliHr Fi,,.,ilv tlw. f / -.»iw.,i.^^

'''•■■''-'■'-' ''I' •''-voo,hvoH.n.;ni,.,.,nv,:i:,,i::::'''-'''''''^

n.-. ^•|^.1. ..al,,.,, ,1^^^ ii-ion

'■•''■"' ■^''- "''"i""ij.,r was an ,.|z,.,l ,o make a roMvu; f.„-

'" 'lo all 111.- wo,I .V , , ,1 "'■'■""' - '•"■^•. III Krio. conliarh.,!

'"I in. »"i'- '■■N'-ipl llir ]iaiiiiin- of ||„. |-,.,,,.,. .,,,,1 ,,, . , „.,,.
"I i'li'iank forsL>i;:,sr, rii,. i-,„i- „■ ■"" - ."kI ili,. biiil,|,:i^r

I'^'i>»in" of ,|i,: f..M,. u ■"'\"^— >">-a..„.,I foifoisr.l.anil tli,.

1^^^^^,^ '1.. f' -'- «as .Ion.. l,v niv assisian. .|,.,,v I.allv an.l

'■'-i'li's ""'liliil-iilincironiliiionof iliol,„iI,li„„ \.V

< (if ill • 1 . •"Hiuiiio, I (1 scnvcrj'd fill*

-':::rit:,;i;;:--;;t-,;::;:::;7;;;;:;.;:-,...i

• :iiiil I r.'|ilari-(I i( nivsrlf

•>" I.M-;io,an.i l„.||,.,-on,. I l,,,i ,,s ', ' ' " '"•"''"

'Ml ilH-,i. »„.,. „i, ,, /■ "'•"'■'''■'"" ■""■'■''•■I'*" ^1 li'i of now hos,.

I""-; ..M<1 all ,n ,M.,.f,.,., ,.,„„li,i„n, wIM, all .ho tlHin.^s o.
I ■ ""• lios,. jijsi nicniioncil. "iimvs. .x

, ''!'i'''isa .-osv lit 1 1,. 1,,.,] !■„

n

"'•'• »'"'''"iI<1inKf.n-(!H^s..rvi(vof 11,,.

'^"(••■I'inhiKli.nl 1,111 rh. . 1 '""^ "" nh' s.TVicfuf 111,'

.oan..v f„ i, ' h "•" '"" ''"' '"" •^'""■•^ '' "■- ""«f f-'

n

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Jerry Daily who had charge of the station during the two years of
its being closed, at a nominal salarj', was my only assistant through
out the spring seasons work.

When the station was in operation* I experienced much trouble
with iron rust from the supply pipes. It came out into the jars and
among the eggs in small flakes, and at times the finer particles colored
the water. When this was discovered, it was too late to rectify the
trouble then, but during the summer I will take the caps off and pound
the rust loose and give the pipes a thorough flushing. This condition
of the pipes is undoubtedly largely due to the non-use of the station
for two years. The rust was so bad that it was only by the most
careful attention that the eggs were kept from injury. The jars
would have to be released from the tubes several times daily and the
eggs washed. This was not the best treatment for fish eggs to re-
ceive, but it was the only thing that could be done under the circum-
stances, and I am glad to say that despite the iron rust and the wash-
ing, I was able to hatch about 85 per cent, of the eggs in the house.
This is within about five per cent, of the average hatching, under
normal conditions.

As soon as the station was put in order, I started up the Lake to
make arrangements for securing a supply of pike-perch eggs. This
was on April 18th. My objective points were Port Carbon and
Toledo. I had previously written to large firms in both places, and
Mr. Meehan, vour Statistician did also, but I found on mv arrival
much difficulty in securing the promise of an abundant supply of
spawn. Most of it had been engaged by the United States Commis
slon for its station at Putin-Bay. This was not due to any antap»-
nism to the Pennsylvania Commission, but to the enforced closing »;f
the Erie station for the last two years. Finding that Pennsylvania
no longer purchased it, the spawn was disposed of to the Unit<^d
States, and most of the contracts were made this year before P<n
sylvania entered the field again.

Finally, one of the firms, Messrs. R. Bell & Co., of Port Clinton, di-
vided with the Pennsylvania and U. S. Commissions and gave me two
boats. Mr. Benson, another firm of the same place, also gave me a
boat, but I could not secure many eggs from his fishery, for tbo
leason that most of the fish caught there this year were unrip''.
These were all the firms from whom I could secure spawn. I paid the
usual price, namely fifteen cents a quart, each quart containing about
9,000 eggs. I secured about 280 quarts in all, and hatched 24,040.000
fry therefrom.

The water temperature at the hatchery at first was perfect, and
the eggs hatched in about sixteen days after being cleaned np at
Corry, where all the first lot of eggs were sent while I was up the
Lake, the water there being better for cleaning than at Erie. Later

tteTthln? the Lake warmed suddenly and the flsh hatched much

aster than I hked, and gave some anxiety, but fortunately the hatch-

ug at no time became so rapid as to produce weak flsh. The en ire

hatching was strong and healthy

The weather, while taking the ;ggs was, with the exception of two

St 'h'7i :r^ '''''' *"" "^'•^^ ""t t"" ••""gh '-• «ome work ,0
that had not been handicapped by previous contracts having Lu
made by the firms with others, I would have had a fair prosLt o
breaking previous records. P'"»pect oi

When I first went to Port Clinton, i found the pike-perch unusually
1. e in spawning. Nearly all the fish first taken were very hard
1 us was undoubtedly due to the late spring which kept the ice on thj

S t / T" "^'' *° ''^^ '^' «■•«* «P^^"- O" that day the ripe

fish came in fast and I took 40 quarts of eggs

There was another matter which operated somewhat against a verv

-^^e take of eggs, namely an unusual and prolonged run of ve y ,ar"e

fl h. It IS a peculiar fact that the first run of pike-perch is nearfv

ways much larger than the second run. It is'genL ly the ca e

«o hiess eggs, while these are as unusually absent in the smaller
-ul .vounger ones. Nearly all the small fish were verv late and ha i^

.::'f;o iTbi:;?^"" ^"^-^r" ^'^""•^ ^^ «Pawn,- there ^tet
IKS from^hich to secure milt. Next year in anticipation of an

.• experience of this kind, I shall try the experiment o'ftaking m't
.1 holding It in hermetrically sealed jars. This milt of course w

vlTlnTc. T: "i'' '*■"■"•' P''^''^"^^'^^ '' •-««« - impreSaT d

nil T M K ' * "' ^^'^ *■"'* "^ '^^ "-^^^ '« «•"«" and that of the
nil t. It will be an experiment well worth trying

To ,I5'h1"'' "V'' '"'■•'"" ' '"•'••'^ arrangements with Messrs Bell &

Tl,! r . ^"'"^ ^•"' ««'<^"'-i"ff them from other firms also

1 1 evirertV" T "■"""•^' '" '"^^ ^--y'-nia Commisstn
> Mhe. express themselves as firm in the belief that it and the United
M. .s do more than all the other agencies combined in the work o

! . "nn o7;s:' ''^\'" :'^ '-''"'■ '^^^--^ ^-^ «>- ^-^^^^ '»

vain hle "Id inf , ^T"'' "' *'" Pennsylvania Commission is in-

"••hie and intelligently performed. Further that the artificial
aga tion of th. lake fishes has materially increased the snppt ' >

h Fi!r r' P'^P*""-"- ''''' ""t fishermen of the Lake Erie and
^r,sh Associations of the City of Erie declare that the catch of
« ." fish seconds for three year old fish) this vear is the greatest for

- err.;- r. T.' '''' ''''* ^"'^ •''"«'■"« ^'^^^ «tatio„ToTth il"

.^ears will be felt in 1001 and 1902 by a largely decreased catch.

94

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

I also made arrangements with Messrs. Bell & Co., and Mr. Benson,
of Port Clinton, and with the Bass Island Fisheries, near Sandusk;v',
for a liberal share of the white fish eggs this fall, and if there should
be no serious blows, the outlook for breaking the record in hatching
this fish at this Station is good, and it is my ambition to do this.

It has been my effort to establish the most cordial personal rela-
tions with the fishermen and from what I have stated regarding their
opinion of the Pennsylvania Fish Commissions work, I think I have
succeeded, particularly since the fishermen have more than once gone
out of their way to give me their assistance, and I would like here to
express my thanks to them for their many favors.

At the close of the pike-perch season, at the orders of Mr. Hamber
ger, confirmed by the President of the Board and the Statistician of
Fisheries, I began the work of hatching blue pike. This fish is one
of the staple industries among the fishermen. I went to the pound
net men near Erie, and they were quite willing to let me have the
eggs at the same price as the pike-perch, namely fifteen cents a quart.
The egg is about the same size as that of the pike-perch, making there-
fore about 90,000 to the quart. At the very outset I was confi-onted
with a serious difficulty, namely, of not being able to secure a suili-
icent number of males, although there were plenty of females. The
males were mostly over-ripe. I have found this a trouble with most
of the lake fishes, particularly the cisco herring. I was able to secur<\
however, about twenty-three quarts, and hatched about 1.800,000 from
them. I planted these in the Lake opposite Four Mile Creek. T would
respectfully urge an attempt next year to do more with this valuable
fish.

I noted with satisfaction that there were very few applications from
outside })arties for pike-perch. I feel so because I am convinced that
this is not a fish for general distribution. It is one of the most valu-
able of the food fishes raised by the State Commission, but there aiv
comparatively few waters in the Stato suited for their growth.
Nearly all the pike-perch fry were planted this sjiring as they shonl<
be, under the immediate direction of the Commission. It is more
economical and better results are sure to follow. The frv were mosllv
planted in Lake Erie, the Sus(|uehanna and AHegheny rivers, and
suitable lakes ami waters in Northhami)ton, York, Monroe, LancaHtcr.
Mifflin, Snyder, Lnz<Mnc and Lackawanna counties. ^

I shall closo this station between the fifth and seventh t>f .lune. and
then report to my brother William, at (Un-v\, for duty jis his assislaiii.
leaving my assistant Daily in charge at Erie. Before closing thin
report, however, there is a matter I would like to call vour attention
to, which I think would greatly strengthen the friendly feeling wlii<ii
now exists between the fishermen and Ihe Commission, if it <'aii !•<'
done. The spawning grounds of the pike-perch and the white ti-^li

94

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

I also made airaugeiiieiitis with Me.ssr8. Bell iJi: (Jo., aud Mr. Benson^
of I'ort Cllimiii, and with the Bass Island Fisheries, near Sandusky,
for a liberal share of the white tish ej^^gs tliis fall, and if there shoul;!
be no serious blows, the outlook for breaking the reeord in hatching
this iish at this Station is good, and it is my ambition to do this.

It has been my effort to establish the most cordial personal rela
tions with the fishermen and from what I have slated regarding their
opinion of the l*enusylvania Fish (Commissions work, I think I have
suceecded, luirtieularly sinre the iishermen have more than onee gon ■
out of their way to give me their assistance. ar»d I would like here >m
expiess mv thanks to them fiu* their numv favors.

At the close of the j)ike-|ierch season, at tlie orders of Mr. IlamluM'
ger, ((Hitirnu'd liy the I'residenI of tlie Board and the Statistician uf
Fisheries, I lu'gan the work nf hatt-hing bbu^ ]>ike. This tish is one
of the staple industi'ies among the tisliermen. I went to the pouicl
net men near Fi-ie, and they were (piite willing to h't me have the
eggs at the same luice as the jnke perch, namely fifteen cents a quarr.
The egg is about the same size as that of the ])ik(^-perch. making ther ••
fore about !M».tllM) to the quail. At the very outsot I was confrf>nlc(|
with a serious ditViculty, namely, of not lieing abh' to secure a sufii
icent number of males, although there were ]»letUy o'{ females. The
nniles w<-re mostly tiver ripe. I have found this a trouble with nn>st
of the lake fishes, particularly the cisco herring. 1 was able to secur".
however, about Iweniy-Jhree (juai Is, and liat(-hed al)out I.SOO.IHHI from
lliem. I piantc'd th<*si' i?i ihe Lak(» opposite Four Mile Creek. 1 would
respectfully urge an attempt next year to d«! n!o?-e with this vabiaMc
fish.

I noted with satisfaction tliai there were veiy few applications from
outside parties for pike jierch. I fee) s() because I am conviiu-ed thnt
this is fH)( a fish foi- general distribution. It is one of the most vain
abh* of the food lishes raised by ihe Stat*- (Nmmiission. but (here nr«
conipaiafively few waters in the State suited for their <n'owili.
Nearly all the pike-]»er<-h fry were plant<'d this spring as they shonhl
be. under the immediate diri-ctioii of the Commissiou. It is mere
ec(UHuni«al and bettei- results are sure to follow. The fry were nmsUy
planted in Lak<' Krie. the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers. . «1
suitable lak<'s aud waleis iu Northhampton. York. Monroe. Lanca> i.
MiUlin, Snyder, Luzerne and Lackawanna cmnities.

I shall close this station bet ween tin fiflli and sevenih of .lune. :iii«l
tlien i-epnrt to niy brother William, at Corry. for- duly as his assisinin.
having my assistant haily in charge at Krie. Before closing iliis
report, however, there is a matter I would like to call your atb-nJinii
tt>, which I thiidv would greatly strengthen the friendly feeling wl ;i
now <'xisis between the lishermen and the ( 'onimission. if it can !•''
done. The spawning grounds of the pike perch and the while li-^li

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. 95

are at the head of Lake Erie, and from that point, therefore, comes
all the eggs of both fish. The fishermen of that locality feel that this
being the case, at least some of the fry should be planted in that
vicinity. As the State Fish Commission purchase their eggs, this in
itself is not a very strong argument for giving way to this feeling,
but there is a sentiment among other fishermen that better results
would follow if a proportion of the fry were planted at the head of
the Lake. They argue that the fry should be planted on the spawning
grounds and that it would not operate against the interests of Penn-
sylvania for two reasons: First, because this, or in fact both fishes,
after they have attained their growth scatter over the Lake, among
them the vicinity of Erie, Dunkirk. Second that during certain
seasons the Pennsylvania fishermen go to the upper end of the Lake
to catch their fish. I do not know whether this suggestion is feasible,
but feel it my duty to report to you what the fishermen or some of
them say concerning the matter.

My total hatching of fish at the Erie station this year is as follows:
Pike-perch, 23,040,000

^^^''^ Pike. 1,800,000

Total, 24,840,000

• The tables of destribution in detail follow this report.
The above is respectfully submitted.

ABRAM G. DULLER,

Superintendent.

No. 17. FIS]1 COMMISSIONERS. 95

:ir<' at (lie head of Lake Krie, and fiuiii tliat poiut, theref()i(>, comes
all the e^i-'s of both tish. The lisheriiK'n of that locality feel that this
hciiij-- I he case, at least sonic of (lie fiy should be planted in that
vicinity. As the State Fish Coniniission purchase their eggs, this in
it.<eU' is !ioi a very strong ai'gunicnt for giving way to this feeling,
hut there is a sentiment among oihei* lishermen that better results
wnnhl follow if a pro]>ortion of the fry were planted at the liead of
the Lake. They argue that the fry should be planti'd on the si)awning
grounds and that it wcnild not operate against the interests of Penn-
sylvaniji fay two reasons: First, because this, nr in fact both fishes,
after they have attained tlieir growth scjitter over the Lake, among
hem the vicinity of Krie. Dunkirk. Seccuid that during certain
reasons tile Periiisylvania tisliermeii go in the upper end of the Lake
In cat.'h their lish. I do not know whether this suggestion is feasible,
hut feel it my duty to repMUt to you what (he fishermen ov some of
iliein say concerning the matter.
-My tohil hatching of fish at the Erie statitm this year is as follows:

'''■^'' P<''''J» .' l»:j,()40,rHM)

'^•'»«* l^i''^**' l.SOO,(MM)

'''"♦•'1 24,.^40,000

The (abh's of destribution in detail follow this report.
The above is respectfully submitted.

A1UJAM (I. HFLLER,

Superintendent.

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

96

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

ERIE STATION.

PIKE-PERCH FRY DISTRIBUTED IN 1899.

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped.

Total.

1899.

May 16

Col. Dan. Richmond

Conneaut Lake, Crawford county,

800,000 '

10 Hon. Jno. Hamberger, —

Lake Erie, Erie county,

4,000 000

12 Hon. Jno. Hamberger

Lake Erie, Erie county,

4,000 000

Corry Erie county

140,000

15 Jas. Merklinger,

Corry. Erie county,

140,000

15 H. Hlckmott

1C TT T IHTy^VxAM

Corry, Erie county,

140,000 '

15 H. J. Weber,

Pnrrv 'Rrip Count V

140,000

15 Geo. H. Farnham

T.nWti "Rrip Rrip countv

3,000,000

10 Hon. Jno. Hamberger

T.airfk TTrlA P^.rlf* POlintV ..........

2,000,000

11 Hon. Jno. Hamberger, ....

9 J W. McNaieht

Thompsontuwn, Juniata county,.

240,000

8 Hon. H. C. Demuth

Tiancaster, Lancaster county

1,050,000

IC Uri^Un^l Onr^**

Bart, Lancaster county

800,000

11
11
11

Chas Hollard

•

Beach Haven, Luzerne county,

Shlckshlnny, Luzerne county

Scranton, Lackawanna county,...

420,000

E W Garrison

420,000

Hon. S. B. Stllwell

1,050,000 '

s

16

Isaac Stauffer

Pocono Summit, Monroe county,.
Greenville, Mercer county

490,000

J. S. Matson

600,000

8 Hon. J. W. Correll

Easton, Northampton county

490,000

11 Lewis Amier

Selinsgrove. Snyder county

140.000

11 Z. T. Hetterlck

Sellnsgrove, Snyder county

140,000

11 P. Herman

Selinsgrove, Snyder county

140,000

Mansfield. Tioga county

800,000

11 Jno. Brink

T'mnmnrp ^Vavne CountV

420,000

11 Tkt. Agt. E. & W. Ry.,..

Hallert Sta., Wyoming county,.

420.000

15
o

H P Htintpr

Warren, Warren county

800,000

T XT XKTntran

Mt. W^olf, York county

70,000

9 P. Davis,

York Haven, York county

70.000

Q

Ed Pharon

York Haven, York county

York Haven, York county

70,000

9

Geo. W. Lowe,

70.000

C* TifoOrftrtv .. -..-

York Haven, York county

70,000

J. W Heller

York Haven, York county

i Cly, York county

70,000

Clvmer Shelley

.1 70.000

E. C. Beck

J Prowell

Vnrk Ynrk rniintv

70,000

. Etters, York county

. Etters, York county

70,000
70,000

D. Kunkle

W. Bamberger,

. Etters, York county

70,000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS,
PIKE-PERCH— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Postollice Address.

9 J. Feister Etters, York county,

9 L, W. Landis, Etters, York county

9 E. E. McConkey Peach Bottom, York county,

9 Jno. E. Lee, Peach Bottom, York county,

9 Hugh Thomas Peach Bottom, York county,

• C. R. McConkey Peach Bottom, York county,

9 M. Malony Peach Bottom, York county.

Total,

97

No. shipped. Total.

70,000
70,0o0
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
70,000

24,040,000

BLUE PIKE PLANTED IN LAKE ERIE , 18U9.

1S99.

May 26
81

Hon. Jno. Hamberger,,
Hon Jno. Hamberger, . .

Lake Erie, Erie county, .
Lake Erie. Erie county,

Total,

1,000,000
800,000

1.800.091

7-17-99

98

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

WESTERN STATION.

REPORT OF WILLIAM BULLER, SUPERINTENDENT.

To the Board of Commissioners of Fisheries:

Gentlemen: When the fiscal year opened there were many brook,
California'and brown trout still in the troughs not distributed. These
1 sent out as soon as possible on late applications. About April of
last year I fertilized the eggs of the California trout with the milt of
the yellow i>erch, but as I reported later I was unsuccessful in hatch-
ing the eggs, because as I believed 1 did not have a suthcient qminlily

of milt.

On April 17th of this year I again nuide the attemiH. on this occa
sion having an abundance of both eggs and milt. Owing to the im-
portance of the experiment. Mr. McH^han and ^Ir. Hamburger were
present, and the first named directed the work. In order to remove
any chance for there being any milt of a California trout getting
among the eggs, the pan used was first thoroughly sterilized by being
boiled in water. My own hands were also repeatedly ch'aused in hot
water and strong soap. Seven perfectly healthy female California
trout were then taken and fourteen male yellow perch, and the milt
of two of the latter were expressed over the eggs of every fish. The
eggs and milt were then mixed and allowed to stand for neary one
hour. Then the eggs were washed and placed on the hatching trays.
There were about four thousand eggs so fertilized. Withing the
usual period after the washing the eggs bore every indication of
being perfectly impregnated and on the eleventh of May they were
still alive seemingly and i>erfectly hcnilthy. Very few had died, not
more than usual under regular im]U'egnation. About a week after
this date, however, the eggs began to die rapidly, and out of the
whole four thousand all were dead by the first of June, with the excep
tion of five, and these hatched and were fine healthy fish.

In external appearance these hybrid fry are exactly lik(» the fry of
the California trout as far as I can see. I have them in one of the
troughs, and am watching them closely.

The California trout spawned a little later this year than usual, and
there were besides more than the ordinary number of barren fish.
This rendered it impossible for me to send any oyed eggs to Mr. Crev

No. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. 99

eling, according to previous directions of Mr. Meehan. The late
spawning was surely due to the late spring, but the extra number of
infertile fish is a matter 1 cannot account for. Fully one-half of the
whole did not yield an egg, and fully one-half of the remainder had
the white spot on the ova. The milt of the males was uniformly good.
1 began taking brook trout eggs on October 8th, and took them at
intervals until December 20th, when I had 2,200,000 eggs on the
hatching trays. The brown trout began to ripen on October 23, and
between that date 4Uid December lOth took 450,000 eggs. I began
taking California trout eggs on April 2 and finished on May 6, with
145,000 in the hatching trays. Of the brook trout 2,lt)0,000, and of
the brown 430,000 hatched.

I took no lake or hybrid trout eggs because the fish in the ponds are
rapidly becoming infertile with age. The fish are also becoming
smaller, and several of them are going blind with the weight of years.
Early in the spring I called the attention of Mr. Meehan to the
ihree ponds of old brook trout no longer of use for spawning purposes,
and urged that something be done to get rid of them, because they are
simply an expense to the Commission without being of any account.
8ul)se(iuently I received word from him that your Board had directed
them to be sold at the best price obtainable, and what were left to
be distributed next fall among the (\)mmissioners.

I also received word from Mr. Meehan that the Board had ordered
the discontinuation of California and brown trout propagation, the
tish in the ponds except a few for sjwcimeus for exhibition to be sold
or distributed. He directed me to Increase the number of fry for the
breeding ponds, and In accordance with these instructions held back
some 40,(HI0 fish, or about 30,000 more than usual.

In addition to the 40.000 fry just noU'd. I have in the ponds the fol-
lowing brcHHling fish:

Brook trout 30,000

California trout 400

Lake trout 18

lirown trout, 800

Hybrid trout 500

Gold fish 15

Yellow perch, 25

Total,

• ••••«••••««

31,858

Although the blood of the brook trout breeders was changed only
three years ago, the Statistician deems it wiser to make another
<hange next fall. To this I give cordial assent, and will endeavor
to make arrangements with some concern breeding trout In Ohio.

Late last fall I received word to take all the brook trout eggs possi-

100

REPORT OF THE

Off. Etoc.

ble, even to the point of crowding the troughs. I did so, and it was
fortunate that this was done, in view of the unexpected mortality of
fry in the Eastern station. Tlie fry were very fine and healthy, and
hatched in from 45 to 50 days.

In March I received notice that the fry at the Eastern station had
all died, and that all applications for brook and other trout from all
parts of the State would have to be shipped from the Corry hatchery.
I was advised to cut the number of fish sent to each applicant from
1,200 to 1,000, and except where specifically ordered differently, to
send but one can to an applicant. Soon after all the applications to
the Eastern station were sent to me by Mr. Creveling. On account
of the economy displayed and with care, I was able to fill every ap-
plication received, and about May 1st in fact was able to advise the
Commission that the restriction concerning the one can for one stream
need no longer be enforced. By direction of Mr. Stillwell, therefore,
whenever there were streams which I knew would be benefitted by
an increased number of cans, I sent them. I began shipping on Marcn
30th, and the first lots were sent to the south-eastern counties where
the weather was warmer, and followed by shipments to the south-
western sections, leaving the northern portions until last.

In all on the first of June I had on hand 1,643 applications for trout
divided among the Commissioners as follows:

Name Filled.

Correll, J. W 342. .

Stillwell S.B 317..

Dale, J. A., 248. .

Demuth, U. C, 210. .

Unfilled.

..20....
..40....
..33....
..40

Total.

. . .302
...357
...281
...250

Hamberger, J 343 50 393

Many of the applications credited to Merrs. Dale, Demuth and Ham
berger are in Mr. Corwin's district.

There are still a large number of trout remaining in the troughs at
the close of the fiscal year.

On April 20th my brother began sending me large quantities of
pike-perch eggs to be cleaned up at my station, and for some days 1
was kept busy at this work.

In May I asked for and received authority to purchase 4,000 feet )f
lumber for repair work to the ponds, and to date I have relined two
fry ponds, and will i)erform similar work to others as soon as possibl*'.
Last year I asked that I be authorized to make some changes in tli«'
water outflow from the old hatching house, so that it could be used in
the lower ponds during the winter. This I deemed important becau^.'
under the jiresent condition all the water used in that house was
wasted, and actually piped under the lower ponds to the creek. Mv

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

101

desire was to run the waste water into the ponds. More than this 1
was actually compelled to use some of the water which should have
flowed into the ponds, consequently, as I reported last year, I could not
keep a full supply of breeding fish there. This spring I received per-
mission from the Board, through Mr. Meehan, to make the necessary
change, and this I will do. During the summer I propose to place two
troughs, one on each side of the hatching house for its whole length.
From the lower end I will run pipes to the ponds so that the waste
water will flow into them instead of into the creek as it now does.

1 will also during the summer take the western spring for the use
of the new house instead of using the w^ater of the pavilion spring.
This is a necessary change for two reasons. First, because after
heavy rains the water of the pavilion spring becomes muddy and the
sediment falling on the eggs endangers their hatching, by smothering
them. Second, because the flow of the pavilion spring is not even.
It frequently rises, it being almost wholly a surface spring. I only
made use of it in the first place because the house was built about
the time the State appropriation failed, and I was forced to econo-
mize, and this spring was the nearest to the house and the cheapest to
utilize.

During the summer I expect to reboard all the ponds which need it.
There are a few other repairs of a minor character to be done, and I
will make them, having plenty of lumber for the purpose.

Receiving permission from Mr. Hamberger I repapered the dwelling
house with the exception of three rooms, which I felt could go until
next spring. I was also authorized to make some repairs to the house
and barn. These will be done as soon as possible.

Early in the spring I was advised by Mr. Meehan that I w^ould be
expected to begin the work of propagating bass. At first we ar-
ranged, on looking over the ground, to build three small spawning
ponds alongside of the one now used for perch, and take the watta*
from the western spring until distribution time, and the period when it
would be necessary to use the water for the trout in the new hatching
house. Later, however, I felt it would be better to use the ponds in
the Deer park, which I abandoned some time ago. Also to use the
perch pond in the main ground. There are three of the abandoned
ponds in the Deer park. The lowest can be made about one hundred
feet long and from fourteen to fifteen feet wide; the second about forty
feet long, the race included, and about five to twelve feet wide. The
third and upper pond can be made about seventy-five feet long and
from about eight to ten feet wide. Each pond will be about three
feet deep at the lower end and one and one-half feet in the upper ur
spawning ground end. Eaeh jmnd will be thoroughly graveled.

The three ponds just described will be used for spawning purposes
only, before and after this function the mature bass will be kept in
one of the ponds now used for trout in the regular hatching grounds.

1U2

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

In addition to the three ponds in the Deer park, there must be
constructed a number of bait tish ponds. In these will be raised carp,
yellow perch, frogs, etc., as food for the mature bass and their fry.
These ponds will be each about seven feet long and four feet wide.
They will be inexpensive to construct and located near the old hatcii-
Ing house.

Anticipating the hatching of bass, I have raised this spring many
hundred thousand tadpoles and little frogs, and should there be any
left at the close of the season they might be distributed to applicants,
as I believe they would be valuable to farmers to rear for the markets.

By permission of the Board, I purchased a good horse and disposed
of the old one.

My assistant William Haas has rendered the Commission intelligent
and faithful service. His salary at present is |45 a month. He asks
and deserves to receive an additional compensation of |5 monthly. 1
earnestly recommend that this be done.

The ornamental bridge w hich spans the raceway near the old hatdi-
ing house is in a dangerous condition. The structure has been there
for thirteen years, and is rotten throughout. I am afraid that if it is
not replaced soon by a new bridge it will give way under weight and
hurt someone.

One morning last autumn I found a dead female brown trout on the
banks of one of the ponds, from which it had evidently jumped some-
time during the night. The tish had certainly been dead some hours
when I found her. The trout was heavy with ripe spawn, and four or
fiv(* hours after I found her I took her eggs and fertilized them witJi
the milt of a live fish. There were about 2,000 eggs expressed and of
these all but 356 hatched. Life must have been extinct at least ten
hours before the eggs were taken.

I wish again to draw your attention to the fish ear. It is in a de
plorable state, and exposed constantly to the weather. Twice tramps
have broken in, and used it as a roosting place until driven out. For
Innately they stole nolhing and did no damage.

I should also like again to draw your attention to the (|uestion of
application for trout. Last year in referring to this subject I said:

"I feel that it is my duty to call your attention to the matter of lat<'
shipments of trout fry for distribution. I have considered this ques-
tion for some time, but hesitated to draw your attention to it through
a fear lest it might not be considered as coming within my province
Heveral complaints of dead tish from applicants who receive their
trout during the warm weather late in the season, leads me to brin-
the matter before you.

''From my experience, I believe that if all applications for trout
could be filled at this Station by the last of Aj)ril, the shipments would
be much more satisfactory to the applicant, and cost the Commission

1U2

liEPuKT UF THK

Oft'. Doc

in addiliuii to tlit* llui'p puiieLs in the Deer park, iheie must bf
e()iifc>tiucled a iiuiuber uf bail linli puiids. In these will be raised carp,
yellow perch, I'rogs, etc., as food lor the mature bass and their fry.
These ponds will be each about seven feet long and four feet wide.
Thej' will be inexpensive lo construct and h»cated near the old hatcn-
ing house.

Anticipating the hatching of bass, 1 have raised this spring many
hundred thousand tadjtoles and little frogs, and should there be any
left at the close of the season they might be distributed to applicants,
as 1 believe they would be valuable lo farmers to rear for the nuirkels.

IJy permission of the Board, I purchased a good horse and disposed
(d* the old one.

My assistant William Haas has rendered the Commission intelligeiil
and faithful service. His salary at lucseni is ."-b") a month. He asks
and deserves to receive an addiiicmal cdmiiensation of s.") monihlv. 1
earnestly reconmiend that this be done.

The oinaniental bridge v,hich spans the raceway near the old hatcii
ing house is in a dangerous condition. The structure has Ix^en theiM'
for thirleeii years, and is roiien throughout. 1 am Jifraid that if it is
not replaced soiui l)y a new luidge it will give way under weighi and
hurl someone.

One morning last autumn I found a dead f<Mnale l)rown trout on tb.-
banks (d" one <d' the i>onds. from which it had evidently jnm])ed som '
linu' during the night. The tish had ceiiainly been dead siune hours
when 1 found her. The trout was heavy wiih ri|>e si»awn, and four -m-
Hvt* hours after I found her I look her ('*^ii:s and tertilized tht^n with
the milt of a live tish. There were about L'.tMit) cogs i-xpi-essed and of
these all ]»ut :».")«; hatched. Life must have been extinct at least ten
liours befiu-e the eggs were tak<'n.

1 wish again to draw your attention to the tish car. It is in a de
plorable state, and exjutscd ( oiistantly to the wc'ather. Twice trami»-
liav«' broken in. and used it as a roosting place until driven out. F<»i
tunately tlicy stoh- noiliing and liid no damage.

I should also like again to draw your attention lo the i|m'sti<ui ni
application for trout. Last year in rt'ferring to this subject I said:

"I feel that it is my duly to call your aitentiim h) the matter of lat
shipments of trout fry for distribution. I have considered this (pic^
lion for some lime, but hesitated lo draw your atteniion to it throu^i
a fear lest it might not ])e ctuisidered as coming within my provinc.
Seveial com]»laints of dead lish from apjdicants who receive thcii
Irout during the warm wi-alher late in the season, lea<ls me to briii-.
the mattei* before vou.

"From my exp('rien« e. I Iselieve that if all ap]>]icalions for troui
could be tilled at this Station by the las! nf Aju'll. the shipnu-nts won!. I
be much nnu-e salisfactcuy to I he ajiplicant, and cost the Commission

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

i f-

/.

%

/.

i;

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

■J.

X

•J.

>:

/:

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

X

s

ft

No. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. 103

miu'li less money. Early shipments cost very little, but as the season
iiavances the expense becomes considerable. The warmer the
weather the more ice must be used in transit, and it is this which
makes a considerable item of expense. Moreover, fish transported in
ice water are more apt to be destroyed through the inexperience or the
<arelessness of the applicant than when thi^y can be shipped in spring
water without ice, or the use of a very small quantity.

''\Mien young fish are planted water in the cans should have been
for some time before of the same temperature as the water of the
stream in which they are placed. If young trout are taken directly
from ice water and planted in a stream, the water of which is from
15 to 20 degrees warmer, nearly all of them are certain to die.

*'It would be much better, both for the Commission and the appli-
cant if no applications for trout were received after April 1st, except
well known fish planters of ability, for otherwise I am satisfied that by
far the greater number of the fish die either before or after being
planted.

"Another disadvantage in late shipments, and which results in the
death of a large percentage of the fry, is that frequently applicants
are not at the stations when the fish arrive. Any delay in this par-
ticular when the weather is warm, is fatal to the fry. Early in the
spring, when the weather is cool, it matters very little if the applicant
is an hour or more late, for the water does not get warm so fast and
lose its life sustaining properties. Two hours delay in "June weather
is sufficient to kill every fish in a can if ice or constant aeration is not
employed.' "

The following table shows a summary of the fish hatched or dis-
tiibuted from June 1st, 18U8, to June 1st, 1899:

Jh'ook trout hat«hed in 1899 2,197,100

]*iown trout hatche3 In 1899, 388,400

< alifornia trout hatched in 1899 135 000

Frogs hatched in 1899, about, .'.."..*.'." 500,000

Hiook trout fry shipped in 1899 to June 1st, 1,285,600

I*»iown trout fry shipped in 1899 to June 1st 42 200

Jjiook trout fry in hatchery after June 1st 872,500

iJiown trout fry remaining in hatchery after June 1st 346,20(»

<^^*lifornia trout in hatclK-ry after June 1st 135,000

I>' nok trout fry shipped afUn- June 1st. 1898 340,800

I|i*own trout fry shipped after June 1st, 1898, 31,200

f^'aliforuia trout shijiped after June 1st. 1898, 289,000

Blown trout yearlings shipped after June 1st, 1898 6,000

Total hatched or shipped 3,388,500

Nil. 17.

FlSll C< )MMISSIOXE MS.

103

7.

iimrh less moiu'v. Eai-lv sliiiiiiiciiis cosi v«m y littlr, but as the season
jalvaiM'.'s the cxjx'iisc^ IxMomcs considerable. The warmer the
wcaihci- the more ire must be used in liansit, and it is this which
makes a ct)nsiderable item of expense. Moreover, tish transported in
ice water are inoi-e ai)l to be de.siroyed ihrou«j;li (he inexperience or the
I areh'ssness of the ai»}ilicant than wlien they can be shipped in sprin
water without ice, or tlie use of a verv small nuantitv.

"When youn/i; lish are planted water in the cans ,shouId have been
for some time before uf the same temi>erailure as the water of the
stream in whicli (hey are placed. If ytum^r treut are taken directly
from ice water and jdanted in a stream, the water of which is fronj
l."i lo 20 debtees warmer, nearly all of ihem are certain to die.

"It would be much better, both for the (/ommission and the appli-
. ant if no ai>idications foi- tr<Mit were received after April 1st, except
well known lish planters td' ability, for otherwise I am satisfied thai bv
lar the yieater numljer of (he tish die either before or after iM'in.i;-
l»lant<Kl.

"Another disadvantajie in late shijnnents. and wliich results in the
d.aih of a larp' pen-i nia.iie ef !he ivy, is ihai freciuently applicants
:ne not at the stations when the lish arrive. Any delay in this pai-
licular when the weather is warm, is fatal to the frv. Karlv in th<'
si»Mn«4", when the weather is coed, it matters very little if the ai>plicant
IS an hour m- more late, for the water does not <'et warm so fast and
l'<>e its life sustainin.u pro|MMiies. Two linurs delay in ".]un<' weather
i> sunicient to kill every tish in a can if ice er constant aeration is not
ciiiplnyeil.'' "

TIk' lollowino- (nble shows a summary of tlie tish hatched or dis
iiibuted from-Iuhe 1st. IMJS. ludune 1st, ls!»|):

I'lnuk (rnuf ha 1 cited ill isim

I'.'nw n tinut hatihed in ls!>!>

< ilit'ornia Irout hatched in 1^!M>

1 lo^s hatched in \S*MK about

I'''»nk trout fry shipped in 1S!I!) tt> dune 1st

Ihowii trout fry shipped in \S*M) to .Tune 1st

H'tMik iroul fry in halcheiy after dune Isi

I' "wn trout fry remaininii in hatchery afier dune 1st

' itornia Irout in hatchery after Jum^ Nt

!»' Mik tront fry shipp'cd afier dune 1st. lsi>s

J'tnwn t,.nut fry shipped after dune 1st. ISDS

^ I'u-nia t?'oiii sliij(ped aflei- dum^ 1st. 1S!»S

'•I 'Hii Irout yearlino:s shipped aft<'r dune 1st. isiis.. .

•J.lOT.KMt
38S.4n<)
185,tHHt
."itHMMHI

l.!2sn.f»0d
42.201)

s72.r)Oo
:J4r).2tM»
i:',r),ooo
;uo.s(M)

M1.20t»

2S0.OO0

0,000

Total hattdu'd or shipj)ed 3,388,500

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

104

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

The detailed list of distribution will be found attached to this report,
which is respectfully submitted.

Yours,

WM. BULLER,
Superintendent.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

WESTERN STATION.

BROWN TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED IN 1898.

105

Date.

Name.

i

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped.

i Total.

isys.

June 9

Geo. Spencer, Jr

C. Whitmore

Corry, Erie county

2,400
2,000

22

Corry, Erie county

30

J. Uurkhouse

Corry, Erie county

10,000

9

E. W. Stewart

Huntingdon, Huntingdon county.

2,400

2

D. Muthersbough

Lewlstown, Mifflin county

1,500

2

D. Muthersbough

Lewistown, Milllin county

1,500

^

2

E. J. Thompson

Lewlstown, Mifflin county

1,500

10

S. S. Leiby

Marysvllle, Perry county

1,500

2

F. E. Speche

Beavertown, Snyder county.

1,500

2

C. L. Braucher

Millmont, Union county,

1,500

2

S. F. Miller

Lochiel. Union countv

, 1,500
1.500
2,400

2

A. D. Miller

Lochiel Union countv

7

Benj. Gardner

Honesdale, Wayne county

i

31,100

CALIFORNIA TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED

IN 1898.

tm.

Jiiiu- lis

J. S. Kean

Exposition, Crawford county

6,000

2S

D. Dewitt

Springboro, Crawford county

6,000

L'*>

T. J. Bently

Springboro, Crawford county

6.000

28

T. A. Hollembeak

Springboro, Crawford county

6.000

28

M. E. McCullough

Springboro, Crawford county

6.000

28

M. E. McCullough

Springboro, Crawford counny

6.000

2S

Emory Hall,

Springboro, Crawford county

6,000

2s

W. A. Dauchy

Springboro, Crawford county

6.000

22

J. L. Reid

Beechwood, Cameron county

6.000

14

W. Laurie,

Corrv Erlf» nmintv

3.000
6,000

30

H. Crowell

Corry, Erie county

2u

A. M. Burkhouse

R. W. Stewart

Corry, Erie county

5.000
2.000

«)

Huntingdon, Huntingdon county.

20

J. B. Shannon,

Carbondale, Lackawanna county,

6,000

29

W, A. Spencer 1

Carbondale. Lackawanna county,

6,000

29

W. Shannon

1

Carbondale, I.rfickawanna county.

6,000

29

H. O. WatrouB i

Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

6.000

No. 17.

IOC

llEPOliT OF Tin:

Off. Doc.

CALIFORNIA TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED IN 1898— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Postortice Address.

No. shipped, I Total.

1S98.

June 2S W. W. Johnson

2S \V. \V. Johnson,

28 J. E. Raysor

2S B. G. King

28 W. B. Plant

10 S. W. Leiby

29 O. F. llipwlaml

2y J. Chamberlain

2y O. Williams

29 K. A. Chandler

29 N. Dewitt

29 E. Fisher 1

29 M. C*. Uolan.Ks

29 O. L. Jiiilands I

29 C. Williams :

29 A. G. Rulands, .'

29 M. Wahkn

29 L. Taylor

29 T. C. Manyer

29 H. F. Aldrith

:J0 I.. F. Allen

30 C. A. Hidden,

30 K. A . .^^ptni-er

30 I. I^. Rirh

30 C. A. Irell

m F. I). Reynolds

30 K. C. Field

22 J. A. Ding •

•29 D. I. Roberts, Qenl. Pa3=.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
land St., K. Y. City,....
29 D. I. Roberts, Gen'l Pa.^^
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
; land St., N. Y. City,...
29 D. I. Roberts, Gen'l P&^'r
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Cort
land St., N. Y. City....

West Middlesex, Mercer Co

West Middlesex, Mercer Co.,

West Middlesex, Mercer Co.,

West Middlesex, Mercer Co

Jamestown, Mercer county

Marysville, Perry county

Rowlands, Pike county

Rowlands, Pike county

Rowlands, I'ike county

Rowlands, PiUe county

i;uw lands. Pike county

Row lands, Pike county

Rowlands, Pike county

Rowlands, IMke county

Rowlands, Pike county

Rowlands, Pike county

Ri)wiands, Pike county

Forest City, Susquehanna county.

Forest City, Susquehanna county.

Forest City, Susquehanna county,

Mansfield, Tioga county

Manslield, Tioga county,

Mansliold, Tioga county

Tioga, Tioga county

Tioga, Tioga county

Tioga, Tioga county

Tioga, Tioga county,

Voungsville, Warren county

6,000

6.000

6,000

6,000

6,000

4,000

6,000

6.000

6,000

6,000

6,000

6.000

6,000

6.000

6,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

6.000

6,000

6,000

6,000

6,000

«.00u

«,000

6.000

6,000

6,000

!•••••«

6,M0

1,000

6.0M

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

r.ALIFORNIA TROUT FRY-Contiuued.

107

Date.

Name.

1898.
June 29 D. I. Roberts, Gen'l Pass.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
land St., N. Y. City

29 D. I. Roberts, Gen'l Pas.s.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
land St., N. Y. City

PostofHce Address.

6,000

6,000

YEARLING HJiUWN TROUT DISTRIBUTED IN 181)S.

1S98.

June 23 i John Brink Dunmore, Lackawanna (-..unty.

23 jHon. S. B. Stilwell Scranton, Lackawanna county,

19 Park P. Breneman ; Lancaster, Lancaster county

2:J II<in. J. W. Correll ' Kaston, Northampton county

no lion. J. A. Dale I York, York county,

750
750

1..500
l,.50O
1 , r,no

BROOK TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED IN 1898.

1898.

June 6

6

«

6

6

6

9

9

15

15

15

James Snyder Kittanning, Armstrong county.

W. F. Brodhead Kittanning, Armstrong county,

G. Hutchison, .. Kittanning, Armstrong county,

J. Snyder Kittanning, Armstrong county,

L. E. Biehl Kittanning, Armstrong county,

Wm. Kitting Kittanning, Armstrong county.

Saml. Dean Williamsburg, Blair iinuity

R. Fluke, Williamsburg, Blair cnmty

F. L. Klnner Athens, Bradford

L. Palllet, Wysox, Bradford county

J. F. Stuble, Brink Hill, Bradford county, ...

G. H. Kitchen Ulster, Bradford county

L. G. Thomas Canton, Bradfoid county

W. P Dewitt Troy, Bradford county

n. r.. Hpringer IVfillhoim. C-ntio ronnfy

I',4n0
2,400
2.400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2.400
2,400
12,000
1.200

No. shipped. Total

289.000

fi.iMW

•These fry where all planted in streams of Pennsylvania.

108

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doe.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

109

Date.

Name.

1898. !

June 2 C. H. Morris

2 G. F. Tobias,

I
2 I E. Musser

2 H. E. Fisher,

19 H. T. Hall

22 Renovo Rod & Gun Club,

6 W. H. Huttei

2S K. C. Krick,

July 13 A. C. Lrf)ve

13 T. S. Robinson

June 2 H. M. Gelllnger

15 E. C. Yeager

9 T. Shaw

9 J. Cams,

9 A. Kline

9 D. Lelpold

9

2

4

4

4

4
4
4
4
9

11

L. B. HUe

Isaac Titus

J. Howard,

J. F. Westrom, .
A. M. Howard, .
J. F. Westrom, .
O. H. Andrews,

G. Bassett

R. R. Bassett, .

H. Spencer,

M. H. Stewart,

11 C. M. Stewart, ...

11 W. B. Berliner, ..

i
11 I W. M. Weed, ....

11 A. P. Pope,

11 W. H. Van Vleck,

11 C. B. Porter

U C. A. Pain,

11 G. W. WagRoner,

11 C. A. Pain

14 Wm. Laurie

14 H. Merry,

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped.

)•••*•

MiUheim, Centre county

Millhelm, Centre county,

MlUheim, Centre county

Millhelm, Centre county

Lock Haven, Clinton county

Renovo, Clinton county

Titusvllle, Crawford county

ConneautvIUe, Crawford county.

Titusvllle, Crawford county,

Sturdevant, Crawford county, ...

Catawlssa, Columbia county

Roaring Creek, Columbia county

Clearfield, Clearfield county

Clearfield. Clearfield county,....

Clearfield, Clearfield county

Clearfield. Clearfield county

Kenmore, Clearfield county

Philadelphia, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry. Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Total.

1,200
1.200
1,200
1.200
7.000 i
12,000
2.400
12,000
2,400
2.400
4.200
1,200
2,400
2,400
2,4C0
2,400
2,400
2,400
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,2(W
1.200
2.0M
2,000
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1.200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1.200
11,000
2.000

Date.

1898.
June 14

20
20
20
20
20
22
:'8
28
28
28
28
2S
2S
28
28
28
28
28
28
.10
30
30
30
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
10

10 I

I

10 :

10
10 I

10 :
10 i

M. Sears, ..^

I
W. Sly

G. Halt

J. Shannin

P. Parmer

G. Merrlam

C. Wetmore

J. Arnold

J. M. Peters

S. N. Atkins

H. S. Barnes

C. E. Cook

W. E. Smith

J. G. Cooper

L. Kingsley

G. Smith

W. E. Wright

J. Salsbury

I. Smith

J. J. Hltt

C Crawell

F. Crowell

Geo. Spenser, Sr

E. Spencer

E. W. Stewart,

H. E. Bonsall

A. K. Spinnler,

J. Keller

M. V. KUburn,

J. M. "W. Johnston, Esq
Dr. H. E Muhlenberg,.

G. M. Borger

Dr. R. M. Bolenlus ,

Dr. Park P. Breneman, ,

Postoffice Address.

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

Lundy's Lane. Erie county

Platea, Erie county •

Platea, Erie county,

Platea. Erie county

Platea. Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea. Erie county,

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Platea, Erie county

Huntingdon. Huntingdon county..

MIfllintown, Juniata county,

Lancaster, Lancaster county

Lancaster, Lancaster county

Lancaster, Lancaster county.

Lancaster, Lancaster county

Lancaster. Lancaster county

Lancaster, Lancaster county

Lancaster, Lancaster county,

Lancaster, Lancaster county, . . .

J. B. Peoples Lancaster, Lancaster county, ..,

J. B. Peoples Lancaster. Lancaster county. ...

Dr. J. B. Lincoln, Lancaster, Lancaster county....

Dr. J. B. Lincoln Lancaster, Lancaster county....

No. shipped.

2.000
2,000
2,000
2.000
2,000
2,000
12.000
2.000
2,400
1,200
1,200
1.20O
1.200
1.200
1.200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1.200
1,200
2,000
2,000
2.000
2,000
1,200
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,4<W
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
2,400
1,200
1,200
2,400
2,400

Total.

110

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. I>oc.

Date.

Name.

Postortice Address.

1S98.
June 10 P. Weaher,

10

No. shipped.

R. D. Herr

15 R. H. Meyer, .,
15 R. I. Robinson,
15 R. J. Allen, .

Strasburg, Lancaster county,
Reftun, Lancaster cuunty, ..
Naniicuke, Luzerne county, ..
Shickshinny, Luzerne county,
Unityville, Lycoming county.

7 Eugene

j^gp Greenlleld, Lackawanna county..

Nay Aug, Lackawanna cuuiily...

15 John Farrell

4 George Carrel | ^ane, McKean county

2 J. B. Thomas,^ ' Lewistown, Mifllin cuunty.

2 R. Satcher • Lewistown, Milflin county,

2 W. S. Settle Lewistown, Mifflin county,

2 A. Hoot Ltwlstown, Mifflin county,

2 W. Printz, Lewistown, Mifflin county,

2 S. Tice

2 P. J. Werts

15 Hon. J. W. Correll,

2 H. H. Grimm

30 E. B. Beardsk-y. ..

30 M. Bannard

30 R. Thompson, ...

6 H. C. Crawford,

6 M. A. Noss

( W. T. Beess

6 G. S. Weaver, ...

6 R. E. Clark

C H. H. Davis

6 O. J. Gunning, ..

6 T. Horner

6 H. Baker

7 Dr. C. R. Brady,

7 W. Schardt

7 C. H. Schardt, ..

7 R. A. Treeter, .

T { G. S. Teeter, ...

7 W. Daniels, ....

7 C. Daniels

Lewistown, MilHln county

Reedsville, Milllin county

Kastnn, NKithaniiton county

Mii-iaiUtburKb, Snyder ciunty

Little Meadowi*, Susqut-hanna

county

Arnot, Tioga county

Morris, Tioga county.

Cooperstown, Venango county, —

Oil City, Venango county

Titusvllle, Venango county

Scrubgrass, Venango county

Lottsville, Warren county,

L-ttsville, Warren county,

Lottsville, Warren county

Plttsfleld, Warren county,

Grant, Warren county,

Ifi.nci-dale, Wayne county,

Hawley, Wayne county

Hawley, Wayne county

Hawley, Wayne county

Hawley, Wayne county

Hawley, Wayne county

Hawley. Wayne county

7 i A. L. Bishop i Hnwloy. Wayne county.

2,400

2,400

2,400

4,800

2,400

2,400

3.600

4,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

2,400
1,200

2,400

8,800

4,400

2,400

2, IM

2,400

2,400

2,400

2.400

2.400

8,000

8.000

2,400

2,400

2,400

2,400

2,400

2,400

2.400

1,200

Total.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Ill

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

1S98.
June 7

Name.

Postofflce Address.

A. Atkinson, Hawley, Wayne county,

7. J. Atkinson Hawley, Wayne county.

7. J. Millham Hawley, Wayne county,

7. H. A. Plum, M. D ' Hawley, Wayne county,

7. LeRoy Sands, Hawley, Wayne county,

7. G. E. Schardt Hawley, Wayne county.

15 C. Ulrich

16 C. H. Alexander,
10 J. R. Bittenger. ,

Noxen, Wyoming county.
Vernon. Wyoming county,
Hanover, York county, ..

No. shipped.

1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
1,200
2,400
2,400
2.400

Total.

340,40-)

EUROPEAN BROWN TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED IN 1899 UP TO JUNE 1,

1899.

1899

Meh.

29

April

3

3

Mch.

29

29

29

29

May

29

29

April 17

17

May

8

April

5

10

May

20

20

5

5

April

4

4

4

17

G. W. Heckman,

E. C. Yeager

H. M, Gellinger

V. H. Wiestling

V. H. Wiestling

J. H. Bolton

J. H. Bolton

A. Gaul,

E. Klnley

Chas. Dletz

P. Dietz

D. Lobaugh

E. E. Glbbs

J. Leonard

Geo. Carr

C. Denning

M. Henlein

R. T. Brown

R. L. Colwell

Z. V. Lynn

C. C. Torate

M. Blair

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Roaring Creek. Columbia county,

Catawissa, Columbia county

Harrisburg. Dauphin county

Harrlsburg, Dauphin county

Harrisburg. Dauphin county

Harrisburg. Dauphin county,

Corry, Erie county

Corry, Erie county

St. Mary's, Elk county

St. Mary's, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county,

Huntingdon. Huntingdon county, .

Kane, McKean county

Kane, McKean county

Kane, McKean county

Greenville. Mercer county

Greenville. Mercer county

Milton, Northumberland county. .
Milton, Northumberland cotinty. .
Milton, Northumberland county, .
Antrim, Tioga county ,..

1.200
1,200
1,000

1,200
1.200
1,200
1,200

i.<m)

1.000
1,000
1.000
1.000
1,000
1.000
1.000
1.000
l.OOO
1.000
1,(H)0
1.000
1,000
1,0m

112

REPORT OF THE
EUROPEAN BROWN TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Doc.

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

1899.

April 17 W. W. Forrest, ..

17 B. B. Franklin, .

17 A. Blackwell

17 S. X. Blackwell.

17 A. E. Blackwell,

17 M. Blackwell, ....

17 T. A. Barton

May 15 Ed. Kenedy, ....

15 E. Bowen,

15 J. Bowen

15 H. Lindlenger, ...

15 D. O. Merrick, ..

2 E. Roades

2 J. Huntington, ..

2 S. Datesman,

2 R. Datesman, ...

2 R. Datesman, ..,

April 17 L. T. Simpson, ..,

May 1 Dr. C. R. Brady,

No. shipped. Total

Antrim, Tioga county

Lloyd, Tioga county

Lloyd, Tioga county

Lloyd, Tioga county

Lloyd, Tioga county,

Lloyd, Tioga county

Lloyd, Tioga county ■

Morris, Tioga county

Blossburg, Tioga county,

Blossburg, Tioga county,

Blossburg, Tioga county,

BlossburK, Tit>ga county,

\V. Milton, Union county

W. Milton, Union county

W. Milton, Union county

W. Milton, Union county

W. Milton, Union county

W. Clarendon, Warren county,..

ITonesdale, Wayne county,

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,0(K>

BROOK TROUT FRY DISTRIBUTED TO JUNE 1, 1899.

1899.

May 31 Harry Eteridge

31 P. W. McCune

31 John A. Coughey,

31 J. W. Painter

31 John Porter

McKeesport, Allegheny county,..

McKtHHi ..rt, Allegheny county...

M( K' ''siinrt. Allet,'hi'ny county,..

M. Kit'spiirt, AUenhony county,..

McKeesport, Allegheny county,..

15 J. C. Kessler ! Mohn's Stnre. Berks county

15 J. C. Kessler ! Muhn's Store. Berks county

15 Jos. P. O'Reilly ' Reading, Berks county

15 Geo. A. Heckman. , R.^ading, Berks county

15 O. O. Rellly I Reading. Berks c-»unty

15 Geo. Culver. .; I Rt-adinK. Ikrks county

1.-, J. rhil. Smith, R.a.1inK. r.-iky i uunty

15 Lee Friday Reading, Berks county

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

l.OM

1,000

1,0<W

1,000

1,(K)0

1,000

1,000

1,000

42,2'iO

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

113

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Pofetohice Address.

No. shipped.

Total.

1899.
May 15

Henry D. Green

Reading, Berks county,

Reading, Berks county

Reading, Berks county,

Reading, Berks county

Reading, Berks county

Reading, Berks county

Hamburg, Berks county

Hamburg. Berks county,

Birdsboro, Berks county,

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro, Berks county,

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro, Berks county

Birdsboro. Berks county

Birdsboro. Berks county ,..

Yellow Creek, Bedford county

Yellow Creek, Bedford county

Clearvllle, Bedford county

Spring Hope, Bedford county

Valley Mill, Bedford county

Valley Mill. Bedford county

Bedford. Bedford county,

Bedford. Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford. Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bodford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

Bedford, Bedford county

1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1.000
5,000
1.000
1.000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1,000

15

Frank Gurman

15

Peter Texter

15

Peter Texter

15

A. H. Fegely,

15

Wm. Leitheiser,

22

Francis Schadler

22

Daniel K. Nies

22
22

Richard Bedencup

S. G. Spotts

22

A. B. Fox

22
22

G. K. Linderman.

H. B. Sponagle

22

Harry Rotz

n->

E. Dengler,

22

Harry Dengler

22

C. C. Sands

22

Wm. Reed,

•April 26

Rufus E. Smith

26

M. C. Gates

26

Jos. H. Sparks

26

H. Lincoln Hull

26

J. Knisely,

26

Harry Steele,

26

.John S. Weller

26

Louis Saupp

26
26
26
26

Bedford Springs Co., Ltd

H. R. Helshberger

L. W. Allebohe

J. H. Schnably

26

J. W. Rldenour

26

26

J»»s. T. Alsip

A. King,

26
26

W. ZImmers

A. E. Fyan

26

T. M. Gephart

»

J. H. Hafer

8-17 00

114

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

Date.

Nanifc.

Postofflce Address.

1899.

/pril 26 ;C. G. Masters,

I

26 S. B. Sparks, .
26 D. S. Bussard,
26 C. Knicely, ...
26 E. E. Snell, ..
26 C. P. Ott. ...

26 C. Peck

May 15 H. W. Oellig, .

15 Grant Wagoner

15 C. D. Lecrone,

31 G. W. Hayman

31 J. H. Gates

31 Albert Miller

31 S. J. Noul

31 F. M. Mansfield

April 5 J. H. Holtzlnger

6 J. L. Troutwine,

S A. S. Garman

5 R. Gingrich,

5 J. C. McGowan

5 W. F. Troutwine

5 M. Long

5 Dr. J. Torrence Swartz, .

5 Joshua Burley

5 A. J. Latham

11 C. F. Blair

11 C. F. Blair,

May 3 Geo. D. Cook

3 H. W. Turner,

3 Geo. Fox,

3 R. H. Hoffman,

15 J. H. Davison

IS
15

April 17
17
17

Everett, Bedford county

Everett, Bedford county

Everett, Bedford county

Everett, Bedford county, ...

Everett, Bedford county, ...

Everett, Bedford county, ...

Everett, Bedford county, ...

Woodbury, Bedford county,

Woodbury, Bedford county,

Woodbury, Bedford county,

Ilyndnian, Bedford county,

Ilyndman, Bedford county,

Hyndman, Bedford county,

Hyndnian, Bedford county,

Ilyndman, Bedford county,

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county,

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrdnt;, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone, Blair county

Tyrone. Blair county

Altoona. Blair county, ...
Altoona, Blair county, ..%
Altoona, Blair county. ...
Altoona, Blair county, ...
Altoona, Blair county, ..
Altoona, Blair county, ..

No. shipped.

J. H. Dougherty,

Clarence Dougherty, Altoona, Blair county.

Jay Perry i West Leroy, Bradford county,.

L. M. Hoogland, : West Leroy, Bradford county,,

D. A. Grlswold West Leroy, Bradford county.

Total.

17 I S. W Griswold West Leroy, Bradford county,

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000 !

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l,0(tO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OOO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

lit

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

1S99.
May

x-Narae.

3
8
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
8
3
3
3
3
8
8
8
April 10
10
10
10

I'ostofllce Addi-ess.

P. McCann,

F. C. George,

P. A. Behe

W. J. Meehan

J. F. Klenstlne,

P. M. Vogel

J. H. Moyer

J. M. Noel

F. P. Martin

Gee. H. Brown,

A. B. Earhurt

J. B. Hlghberger

B. C. Seeds

John Pringle

A. A. Noel

R. Somerville,

T. C. McConnell

J. D. Merslnger

P. Burkhart

T. J. Lltzlnger

Ben. C. Glle. M. U

Haivey Ruland

R. J. Kaylor

R. Sranlan

J. F. McKenrlck

P. L. McKenrlck

T. Mason Richards

Rev. M. H, Anderson

W. R. Thompson ,

T. L. McNamara

F. Lloyd

Fred. Lloyd

Jeff. Evans

Fes Lloyd

Wm. E. Reed

Clyde Mills

W. E. Reed

Geo. Reed

Lilly, Cambria county

Lilly, Cambria county

Lilly, Cambria county

Lilly, Cambria county,

Lilly, Cambria county

Lilly, Cambria county

Lilly, Cambria county

l.,illy, Cambria county

Ji.lint^town, Camblra county

Johnttown, Camblra county

Cresson, Cambria county

CrcFson, Cambria county

Crei*son, Cambria county,

Loretto, Cambria county,

Loretto, Cambria county

Patton, Cambria county

Patton, Cambria county,

Patton, Cambria county

Patton, Cambria county

I'attiii, Cambria cimnty,

Viiitiiiidale, Cambria county, —

Lbensburg, Cambria county,

i:bensburg, Cambria county,

Hbensbu:y, Cambria county

ICbeiifburg, Cambria county

Ebensburg, Cambria county

Ebensburg, Cambria county

EbensburR, Cambria county

Kbt'isburg, Cambria county

. Ebensburg, Cambria county

. Ebensburg, Cambria county

. Kbeii.^liurg, Cambria county

. Ebensburg, Cambria county

. Ebensburg. <'ambrla cnunty

. Welssport, Corbon county

. I Welssport. Carbon county

. Welssport, Carbon county

. { WelBsport. Carbon county,

No. shipped.

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

l.WW

1,000

1,000

1,000

Total.

116

REPORT OB" THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. U JO.

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

1S99. j

April 10 Wm. F. Arner

10 G. \V. A. lleichaid,

10 H. W. Peters

10 C. W. Bower

10 G. W. Diehl

10 P. F. Clark,

10 D. Ebhert

10 D. S. Back

10 F. P. Semmel, Jr.,

10 H. A. Nicholas

12 R. O. Costenbader,

12 E. H. Muuney

12 li. Olewine

12 D. A. Kistler

12 J. W. Teel

12 L.. Graff

Muy 26 W. H. Plununer. ..
26 B. A. Arner,

Weissport, Carbon county, ...

Leiiighton, Carbon county, ...

r^ehighton, Carbon county, ...

liehighton, Carbon county, ...

Lehighti»n, Carbon county, ...

l..ehighton, Carbon county, ...

r.chighton, Carbon county, ...

Liehighton, Carbon county, ..

Lehighton, Carbon county,...

I^ehighton, Carbon county,...

Aquashicola, Carbon county,

Aquas^hicola, Carbon county,

Aquashicola, Carbon county,

.\quashicola, Cuibun county,

Aquashicola, Caibon county,

Aquashicola, Carbon county,

Weist^port, Carbon county, .

Weisspoit, Carbon county, .

26 F. Laury Weissport, Carbon county, .

26 A. Boyer, Weissport, Carbon county, .

^ B. L. Arner, Weissport, Carbon county, .

26 James Getz Weissport, Carbon county. .

26 Peter Young Weissport, Carbon county, .

26 Geo. Evans Weissport, Carbon county, ,

26 Howard Arner. Weissport, Carbon county,

26 Chas. Arner Weissport, Carbon county,

2o R. Heinrich Weisspoit, Carbon county.

26 Milton Snyder Weissport, Carbon county.

26 L. J. Chrismian Weissport. Carbon county.

26 Harry Knerr Weissport, Carb m cuiity.

Wti.-^sport, Carbon county.
Weissport, Carbon county,
Weissport, Carbon county.

26 B. L. Bickert, .
26 J. Ij. Lentz. ..
26 Miles Bickert, .

April 10

May 8

8

8

S

(". R. Kline Boechwond, Cameron county, ..

A. D. Macd. n?n

A. C. Blumn

Emporium, Cameron county,

Emporium, Cnmeron county.

O. S. Peters, Emporium, Cameron county.

D. W. Felt Emporium, Cameron county.

Tctal.

l.CCO

1,000

3,(00

l.OCO

l.OCO

1.000

1.000

1,006

l.OCO

l.OCO

1,000

l.CCO

l.OCO

l.OCO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OM

l,rK)0

1,000

1,0<J0

l.OfiO

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

No. 17.

PISH COMMISSIONERS.

11?

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

1899. '
May 8 ,

8 1

8
8
8
8
8
8
8

Mar. 30
30
30
30
30
30
30

May 22
22
22
22
22
22

n
n

23
23
23
S3
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
U

Postofflce Address.

A. T. Vogt

J. H. Murphy

H. J. Sassman,

J. J. Lingle

A. Chesbro,

Joshia Howard

J. W. Kaye

A. Hockley,

W. L. Thomas

Ed. Clifton,

H. C. Saul,

H. B. Rohrbach

G. W. Frow

Geo. M. Chandler

H. M. Carpenter, ,

A. B. Carpenter

Mord M. Ellis

W. T. Hunt

H. Julien Ogier

E. W. Young

S. M. Paxson

Frank S. Hoopes,

W. McCormlck

Jessie J. Hickman

A. S. Latch,

E. P. Mania,

B. K. Webb,

B. K. Webb

James L. Armstrong

James L. Armstrong

P. L. Woodward

S. W. Cope,

H. D. Woodward

; F. P. Burton

E. Gilbert

Ed. Clifton

A. H. Brlnton

E. McAllister,

No. shipped.

Total.

Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...
Emporium, Cameron county, ...

CoatesvJUe, Chester county

Lwchlan, Cliester ctxinty

I welilan, Chester county

L'wchlan, Chester county

Avondale, Chester county

Avondaie, Chester county

Avundale, Cliester county

Plioenixville, Chester county,

West Chester, Chester county, —

West Chester, Chester county

West Chester, Chest .r county. —

West Chester, Chester county,

West Chester. Chester county

\Nept Cliester, Chester county

\\esttuwn, Chester county

I'.erwyn, Chester county,

Gum Tree, Chester county,

Parkesville, Chester county, ...

rarkesville, Chester county

Parkesburg, Chester county

Parkesburg, Chester county

Liconard, Chester county

Ijeonard, Chester county

TjCon.ird, Chester county

West Grove. Cliester county

West Grove, (Mi.-^t r . nunty,

Coatesvllle, Chester county

Thornbury, Chester county

Lincoln University, Chester Co...

1,000

1,000

1,0<K)

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OM

1,200

1.200

1,200

1 200

1.200

1,200

1.200

1.200

l.OOO

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

l.MO

1,000

1,000

l.OM

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.MO

1,000

1.000

1,000

118

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

3
3
3

24

1899.
May 23 H. C. Rigdon,

April 3 I C. Drumheller

3 H. Shane

James Cook

E. y. Randall,

C. E. Randall,

A. E. Geiger

W. M. Geiger

A. Smith

24 E. Lenhart,

24 H. F. Brittain

24 B. F. Sponenberger,

24 J. P. Hayman

May 18 O. D, McHenry, ...

18 C. B. Ikeler

18 Wesley Coley

18 S. B. Karns

18 C. W. Turner

18 F. L. Ricketts,

18 C. E. Hutton

18 H. J. Conner

18 J. Fleckenstlne, ...

26 Simon R. Carl

26 Albert Lowe,

April 26 A. K. White

May 2 R. V. Rogers,

2 J. C. F. Hamaker,
2 C. B. Leonard, ...

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

Lincoln University, Chester Co.,.
Roaring Creek, Columbia county,

Catawlssa, Columbia county

Catawissa, Columbia county

Catawissa, Columbia county ^

Catawissa, Columbia county,

Catawissa, Columbia county

Catawissa, Columbia county,

Berwick, Columbia county

Berwick, Columbia county,

Berwick, Columbia county

Berwick, Columbia county,

Berwick, Columbia county,

Stillwater, Columbia county,

Benton, Columbia county

Benton, Columbia county

Benton, Columbia county,

Orangeviile, Columbia county,..

Orangeville. Columbia county,..

Orangeviile, Columbia county,..

Orangeviile, Columbia county,..

Orangeviile, Columbia county,..

lloaring Creek, Columbia county,

Catawissa, Columbia county

Beech Creek, Clinton county

Renovo, Clinton county

Renovo. Clinton county

Renovo, Clinton county

2 C. J. Youtz i Renovo, Clinton county

April 12 A. T, Minnls j W. Greenwood, Crawford county.

12 G. W. Kepler,

12
12
IS
12

12
12
12

Meadville, Crawford county

Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,
Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,
Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,
Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,
Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,

0. A. Bally, ! Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co..

Leslie Miller, Cambridge Springs, Crawford Co.,

J. F. Chamberlain,
E. L. Birchard, ..

J. B. Bonner

J. O. Sherred

A. A. Kelly

1.000
1,000
1,000

1,000 ^

1

1,000 1

1.000 !

1,000

1,000

l.OOO

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,0(H>

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OOO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.100

1,200

Total.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

U9

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

1899.
April 17
May 5
5
o
5
5
6
6 >

11
11
30
Moh. 29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
April 4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
6
U
U
U

C. F. Emerson, ....
W. H. Andrews, ..
W. H. Andrews. ..
W. H. Andrews, ..
W. H. Andrews, ..
J. Emerson

C. L. Gibbs

J. B. Pastonies, ...

D. E. Leslie

A. G. Scribner

C. McCarthy,

James English

A. Wagoner,

S. Smith, Jr

C. S. Heckman

B. P. Swigert.

H. M. Fisher

L. A. Eppley

C. D. Linden wood,
O. F. Connelly, ...

C. E. Brandt,

C. D. Motz

C. D. Motz

C. D. Motz

C. D. Motz

C. D. Motz,

John G. Eby

John G. Eby

S. M. Weber

S. M. -Weber

J. M. Rearick, ...,

F. F. Christine, .

W. M. Rhoads, ...

John Q. Miles, ...

Q. G. Fink

Harry Emory, ...

J. W. Walters, ..

C. C. Hems

Postofflce Address.

Total.

Titusvillc, Crawford county,

Titusville, Crawford county,

Tltusville, Crawford county

Titusville, Crawford county,

Titusville, Crawford county,....

Titusville, Crawford county

Titusville, Crawford county

Titusville, Crawford county,

Titusville, Crawford county,

Titusville, Crawford county,

Titusville, Crawford county,

Spartansburg, Crawford county, .

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Carlisle. Cumberland county

Carlisle, Cumberland county,

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Carlisle, Cumberland county

Newville. Cumberland county,...

Woodward, Centre county

Woodward, Centre county

Woodward. Centre county

Woodward, Centre county

Woodward, Centre county,

Woodward. Centre county

Wood w^ard , Centre county

Feldler, Centre county

Feldler, Centre county

Centre Hall. Centre county

Centre Hall, Centre county

Centre Hall. Centre county

Martha Furnace, Centre county,

Martha Furnace. Centre county,

PhUlpsburg, Centre county

Phillpsburg, Centre county

PhUlpsburg, Centre countr

1.000
1.000
1.000

1,000

1,000

l.OOO

l.OOC

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

2.000

1,200

1.200

1,200

1,^)0

1,200

1,200

1.200

1.200

1,200

1,000

1,000

l.OW

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000 .

120

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

Nu. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

121

J)ate.

Name.

Postolflce Address.

1899. !

April 11 I H. W. Todd, ...

U I Harry Small, ...

11 S. E. Troy

11 Harry Jones, ...

11 E. A. Davis, ...

11 J. R. Herd,

11 A. E. Gearhart,

11 M. Hoover

11 G. E. Lamb, ..

11 R. E. Albert, ..

11 Jack Harper, ..

11 Jos. Mulson, ...

11 C. H. Davis, .,

11 E. S. Womer,

Fhilipsburg, Centre county,..

Philipsburg, Centre county,..

Pliilipsburg, Centre county,..

Philipsburg, Centre county...

Philipsburg, Centre county,..

Philipsburg, Centre county,.

Philipsburg. Centre county,.

Philipsburg, Centre county,.

Philipsburg, Centre county,.

Philipsburg, Centre county,.

Philipsburg, Centre county..

Philipsburg, Centre county,.

I I'hiiipsburg, Centre county,

I

' Philipsburg, Centre county,

11 John Russel j Philipsburg. Centre county,

11 B. Kearns ' Philipsburg, Centre county,

11 H. Wagner

Bellefonte, Centre county.

No. shipped.

11 M. F. Hazel Bellefonte. Centre county

11 H. J. Jackson, Bellefonte, Centre county

11 Capt. Amos Mullen Bellefonte, Centre county

11 J. A. McGinley Bellefonte, Centre county,

11 J. Linn Harris | Bellefonte, Centre county

11 W. M. Cronister, | Bellefonte, Centre county

26 J. L. Neff Roland, Centre county

26 J. A. Quigley Blanchard, Centre county

26 J. W. GunsuelluB Blanchard, Centre county, ...

26 G. W. Long Blanchard. Cenf.r% TOunty, ...

May 2 E. R. McClellan Colyer, Centre county

April 11 S. S. Swift Woodland, Clearfield county,..

11 F. E. Snoke Clearfield. Clearfield county...

11 L. Antes Clearfield, Clearfield county,.

11 G. W. Snyder, Clearfield, Clearfield county,.

11 J. W. Sommevville Clearfield, Clearfield county,.

11 i D. Lelpold Clearfield, Clearfield county..

U P. Draucker Clearfield. Clearfiold county..

11 J. A. McPreson. Clearfield, Clearfield county..

U T. Shaw Clearfield, Clearfield county,.

n D. F. Wirotzkey Clearfield, Clearfield county,.

Total.

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.WO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

l.WO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

Date.

Name.

Postollice Address.

No. shipped.

1899.

April 11
11
11
11

May 3
3

Mar. 29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
2'j

May 23

•a

•23
23
23
23
April 10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

J. W. Wallace

Fred. Sackett

K. G. McLaughlin

J. C. Smith

D. W. Fry

M. E. Park

A. Roat,

J. W. Covert

C. C. Bent

H, E. Hershey,

Dr. A. F. Brandt,

H. A. Dill

J. Smith

J. H. Cook,

Geo. W. Boyd

Henry Roat,

A. Roat

R. Laudermilch,

Wm. H. Moore

Rockdale Rod & Gun Cb.,

Chaa. Hanson

Horace W^endell

Geo. C. Holden

L. Dougherty,

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty,

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

L. Dougherty

T-. Dougherty,

C. R. Slade

F. Shawbacker

H. R. Hyde

John Brown

Clearfield, Clearfield county 1,000

Clearfield, Clearfield county 1,000

Clearfield, Clearfield county, 1,000

Clearfield, Clearfield county, 1,000

Westover, Clearfield county 1,000

Westover, Clearfield county, 1,000

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1.200

Harrisburtr, Dauphin county 1,20C

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

Ilariisburg. Dauphin county 1,200

Harrlbburg, Dauphin county 1,20C

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,20C

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

Harrisburg, Dauphin county 1,200

I'axtang, Dauphin county 1,000

( hadd's Ford, Delaware county, l.OCO

Lenni Mills, Delaware county,... 5,W)C

Wayne, Delaware county 1,000

Wayne, Delaware county l.OCO

Wayne, Delaware county l.OCO

Rathbun, Elk county 1,000

Rathbun, Elk county, l,<m

Rathbun, Elk county 1.000

Rathbun, Elk county 1,0M

Rathbun. Elk county, 1,000

Rathbun, Elk county 1,000

Rathbun, Elk county, 1.000

Rathbun. i:ik cunty 1,000

Rathbun. Flk . ..uiily 1,W)0

Rathbun. Elk county l.OW)

Rathbun. Elk county 1,0M

Rldgway. Klk county 1.000

RIdgway, Elk county 1,000

Rldgway, Elk county. 1,000

Rtdgway. E;ik county 1,000

Total.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

123

122

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Postolflce Address.

1S98.
April 11
10
10

C. E. Lockhart,
E, B. McClain, .
J. E. Logan

10 J. Cassarly

10 F. E. Redding, ••

10 B. G. Klme

17 W. Orman

17 J. Dietz

Ridgway, Elk county, .
Ridgway, Elk county, .
Ridgway, Elk county, .
Ridgway, l^lk county,
Ridgway, Elk county,
Ridgway, Elk county,
St. Mary's, Elk county.
St. Mary's, Elk county.

17 J. A. Dletz. St. Mary's, Elk county,

17 S. Mitchell Ridgway, Elk county.

17 1 J. Mitchell Ridgway. Elk county.

17 G. Fowler. Wilcox. Elk county, .

17 L. A. Hinker Wilcox. Elk county. .

17 M. C. Rhone WiUox. Elk county. .

17 W. C. Kuhn Wilcox, Elk county, .

May 8 A. Han, Kersey. Elk county, .

8 J. Penn Kersey. Elk county, .

8 E. M. McQuone, ! Kersey, Elk county. .

8 M. B. Spangler ^ Kersey. Elk county. .

8 J. Smlthbinser Kersey, Elk ccunty.

8 I J. Ahern j Kersey. Elk county.

8 F. G. Earley,

g F. G. Earley, ....

8 E. C. Powell, ...

8 J. W. Healy

8 H. H. Wensel. ..

8 C. M. Greynolds,

8 A. Park

8 W. W. Barbour,

8 i W. W. Barbour,

Ridgway, Elk county.

Ridgway, Elk ounty,

Ridgway, Elk county.

Ridgway. Elk county.
Ridgway, Elk county.
Ridgway, Elk cjunty,
Ridgway, Elk county.
Ridgway, Elk county,
Ridgway, Elk county.

8 ' Geo. Edgreen, ! Ridgway. Elk county.

8 I J. Meken ' Ridgway, Elk county.

S

8

S

8

8

8

R. A. Park i Ridgway. Elk county,

W. Earl i Ridgway. Elk county,

C. Mowry, Ridgway, Elk county,

P. "Earl

E. Horton,

J. B. Wlcki

Ridgway, Elk county,
Arroyo, Elk county, .
Arroyo, Elk county, .

No. shipped. 1 Total.

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000 ;

1,000

1,000 1

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

i.ooo

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000 I

1,000

1,000

1,000
1.000
1.000
1,000
1.000
1.000
1,000 I
1,000 I
1,000 I

1

1,000 i

1899.
May 8
8
8
8
20
20
20
20
20
April 12
12
12
12
18
18
18
18
18
18
IS
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
IS
18
18
18
18
18
18

A. S. Jones,

F. M. Kinley, ..

H. S. Sayer

C. G. Westerline.
J. M. Hanscome,
J. M. Hanscome,
H. C. Coleman, .
J. S. McCrelght,
J. S. McCrelght,
M. S. Gillespie, .
E. W. Plnney, ...
E. W. Plnney, ...

G. H. Cornell, ...
W. T. Mitchell, .
E. C. Palmer, ...

S. M. White

W. T. Ryman, .
J. C. Reeder, ...

John Clark

Geo. C. Smith,
E. Li. Hanson, ..
John Swalley, ..
S. S. We idler, ..
S. S. Weidler, ..

I A. D. Phillips. .
: A. Short

C. B. Farr

E. H. Leslie, ...
' E. E. Wheeler, .

C. M. Wheeler,

John J. Evans,

Postofflce Address.

Arroyo, Elk county

Arroyo, Elk county

Arroyo, Elk county

Arroyo, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county

Ridgway, Elk county

Edinboro, Erie county

Edlnboro, Erie county

Edinboro, Erie county

Edlnboro. Erie county, —

Albion, Erie county.

Albion, Erie county

Albion, Erie county.

GIrard, Erie county

Girard, Erie county,

Girard, Erie county.

Girard. Erie county

Girard. Erie county

Girard, Erie county

Falrvlew. Erie county, ...

Falrvlew, Erie county, ...

North East, Erie county,

North East, Erie county.

North East. Erie county,

Le Boeuf, Erie county, ...

Le Boeuf, Erie county, ...

Le Boeuf, Erie county, ...

Erie, Erie county

G. E. Rlblet Erie, Erie county.

Chas. E. Shenk

A. W. Tuttle,

J. H. Montgomery

F. L. Hall, ,

F. L, Hall, ,

T». Weidler ,

Erie, Erie county,

Erie, Erie county,

Erie, Erie county,

Erie, Erie county,

Erie. Erie county,

Erie, Erie county.

No. shipped. ; Total.

1,000 I

i

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,0<K)

1,000

1,000

l.MM>

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

2,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

I.ooo

2,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,(K)0
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000
1.000

124

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Doe,

Date

No. shipped. Total.

Erie, Erie county,

1899.

April 18 D. Weldler

18 C. B. Chidester, M. D....} Erie. Erie county. .

18 C. B. Chidester. M. D... 1 Erie. Erie county. .

May 3 JohnSelsle 1 Corry. Erie county.

3 Lyle Van Vleck. ' Corry. Erie county.

3 Lyle Van Vleck j Corry. Erie county.

5 W. M. Krelder i Erie. Erie county.

5 P. A. Benson : Krle. Erie county.

5 C. K. Dickinson Erie. Erie county.

„ TTrie Erie county,

5 H. H. Benson , ^^"^' ^"'^'*-

„. . . Vrip Erie county,

5 C. K. Dickinson »^*^>^'

5 O. C. Gunnison

5 O. C. Gunnison

rurtze Erie. Erie cmnty.

Erie, Erie county,
Erie, Erie county.

24 J. W. Sproull,
24 C. L. Baker, ..
26 W. K. Stone, .
26 W. K. Stone,
26 \V. K. Stone.
26 W. K. Stone.
26 W. K. Stone,
26 W. K. Stone,
26 W. K. Stone,
26 W. K. Stone,
26 W. K. Stone,

10 Adolph

17 W. K. Stone Erie. Erie county

20 H. H. Heam \ Erie. Erie county

20 H. Tibbals I Erie, Erie county

20 A. Yochim j Le Boeuf. Erie county.

20 A. Yochim ! ^e Boeuf. Erie county.

20 Will Laurie ; Corry, Erie county, ..

20 Will Laurie ' Corry. Erie county. ..

20 Joe. Burkheart ^ Corry. Erie county. ..

Erie. Erie county

Erie. Erie county

Corry. Erie county. .
Corry, Erie county, .
Corry. Erie county. .
Corry, Erie county, .
Corry, Erie county,
Corry, Erie county,
Corry, Erie county.
Corry. Erie county.
Corry. Erie county,

- ,» *_ I Cnrrv Erie county

26 Joe. Mortz I »-"rry, c.«»

26 Ed. E. Olds,

26 C. Sumner Mently

26 Geo. W. Marks

26 Geo. W. Marks ! Corry. Erie county.

Corry. Erie county.
Corry, Erie county.
Corry, Erie county,

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

l.MO

l.MO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

l.WO

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

125

Date.

Name.

Fostofflce Address.

No. shipped.

1899.

May 26 ' J. F. Austin Corry, Erie county,

26 J. F. Austin i Corry, Erie county,

26 Christ Zilch j Corry. Erie county.

26 F. W. Hall ..' Corry. Erie county,

26 J. E. Moffitt j Corry. Erie county.

26 J. E. Moffitt i Corry, Erie county.

26 W. R. Hasbrook.

26 W. R. Haabrook,

29 Joe Burkheart, ..

29 E. Kinley

29 A. Gaul

» Geo. Nolllnger, ..

29 Geo. Nolllnger, ..

29 Will Laurie

30 J. R. Brigham. .
30 Burt Davis

Corry, Erie county,
Corry, Erie county,
Corry, Erie county,
Corry, Erie count j',
Corry. Erie county,
Corry. Erie county.
Corry, Erie county,
Corry. Erie county,
Corry. Erie county.
Corry. Erie county,

H. C. Frazier , Corry. Erie county

30 Burt Davis.

April 26 W. K. Baumgardner,
26 W. K. Baumgardner,

Corry, Erie county

Wells' Tannery. Fulton county.,
Wells' Tannery. Fulton county,

29 Harry C. Smith j McConnellsburg, Fulton county.

McConnellsburg, Fulton county.
McConnellsburg, Fulton county.
McConnellsburg, Fulton county,
Waynesboro, Franklin county...
Waynesboro, Franklin county...
Waynesboro, Franklin county,..
Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

Waynesboro, Franklin county..

Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

Waynesboro, Franklin county..

Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

Waynesboro, Franklin county,.

W^aynesboro. Franklin county,.

29 J. K. Johnston,

29 H. L. Sipes

29 Dr. A. D. Dalbey

Mch 29 G. L. Eyler

29 P. M. Snider,

29 I. A. Coon,

29 W. W. Frank

29 F. W. Benedict

29 M. A. Flantt

29 J. N. Stopell

29 J. F. Delaplalne

29 G. E. Crall

29 J. Frantz. M. D

29 J. F. Bixler

29 Dewitt C. Nuger

May 31 E. A. Burford Connellsville. Fayette county.

31 ! J. Davidson, Jr., Connellsville, Fayette county.

Total.

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

2,000

2.000

2.000

2,000

1.000

1.000

1.200

1.200

1.200

1.200

1,200

1,200

i,a)0

1.200

1.200

1.200

1,200

1.200

1.200

1.200

1,200

1,200

1,000

1,000

126

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued

Off. Doc.

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

No.

shipped.

Total.

1899.

May 31
31
31
31

T W Sinn '

::onnellsvlUe,

Fayette county,...

1,000

J, ill. Dinii( .........••••••'•

ri 1? 'Mplssnn

ConnellsvlUe,

Fayette county, . . .

1.000

r« r" Mitchell

Connellsville,

Fayette county,...

1,000

J. M. Reld. .,....•...•..•••

ConnellsvlUe,

Fayette county,...

1.000

31

31

31

31

31

81

T. T, TVpst •...-

Connellsville,

Fayette county,...

1,000

WT H/i "Prirtpr .........•••

Connellsville,

Fayette county,..

1,000

' "C "C "Marlrpll ........•••

ConnellsvlUe,

Fayette county,...

1,000 i

T r* 'M'nii 1 A ...........

ConneUsvUle,

Fayette county,...'

1.000 \

WT "R Spntt ............

ConnellsvlUe,

Fayette county,...

1.000 !

T. H. White, M. D

Connellsville,

Fayette county,...

1.000 j

1

Q1 wf 1?, Thnmfla ........••>.

Uniontown, Fayette county

1,000

91 T* T "Mover .......••■••••

Uniontown, Fayette county

1,000

Uniontown, Fayette county

1,000

31 August Stickel

MiU Run, Fayette county

1,000

April 17 Andrew Mellon

Starr, Forest county

Tionesta Forest county

1,000
1,000

17 J. E. Wenk,

Tionesta, Foret^t county

1,000

17 C. Clark

Tinnesta Forest county,

1,000

17 J. C. Scawden,

Tionesta. Forest county

1,000

17 J. D. Davis, - •••■

Tionesta. Forest county

1,000

17
S

t. f. waiKcr,

J. E. Spanrybarger

Huntingdon,

Huntingdon county.

1,000

K

E. E. Glbbs

Huntingdon,

Huntingdon county.

1.000

6
6

V V. Olhbs

Huntingdon,
. Huntingdon,

Huntingdon county,
Huntingdon county.

1,000

E. E. Glbbs

1,000

B

F. E. Mobus,

. Huntingdon,

Huntingdon county.

1,000

6

J. M. Cripple,

. Huntingdon

Huntingdon county.

1,000

5 J. E. Spaneyberger,

. Huntingdon

, Huntingdon county,

1.000

M T T O RlDDle

. Orblsonla, 1

Huntingdon county,...

1,000

«« T2arf T Rl a nU

. Huntingdon

, Huntingdon county.

1,000

26
26

26

T A "Plpminsr .........>.

. . Huntingdon

, Huntingdon county,

1.000

Tt Tj "WoraiiiE" .........

. . Huntingdon

, Huntingdon county.

1,000

: C. M. Gage

. . Huntingdon

I, Huntingdon county.

1,000

May 15

J. A. Greenleaf

.. Huntingdon, Huntingdon county,

1,000

15

E. W. Stewart

.. Huntingdon, Huntingdon county,

1,000

15
15

a XSr More

.. Mt. Union,

Huntingdon county,..
Huntingdon county,..

1,000

H. V. Shaffner

... Orblsonla,

1,000

15

J. D. Hatt

. . . Rockhlll,

Huntingdon county

1,000

15

W. H. Wilson,

... Barre Forge, Huntingdon county.

1,000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

121

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

1S99.
May 31
15
15
15
15
15
15
15
31
31
31
April 11
11
11
11
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
10
10

Frank Means

T. S. Moorhead, —

Saml. Adams

J. Lyons

Nelson Coyler

Nelson Coyler,

M. E. Sehlegel

Alfred Nickle

J. O. Edelblute

J. O. Edelblute

J. O. Edelblute. ...

Clinton Walton

E. Schuyler,

W. S. Weaver

Dr. J. W. Albright,
J. FenbtL-rma>.ht.r, ..
V. K. Hostrander, .
A. D. Updegraff. ..

J. J. Washam

J. L. Herman,

J. B. Updegraff, ...

M. Muhaffey

Elmer Crist

Thos. War.l

D. A. HoWf,

J. Paul Suess

J, F. Eder

S. S. Brown,

Geo. E. Graff

C. E. Berger

J. F. Fleming, —

J. A. S. Ball

J. Busier

R. A. Ja^Kaid

H. H. MeginneH^^, .

I N. I>. Stouck

I E. Tattershall

1 G. W K<»ck

GeorgevlUe, Indiana county 1.000

Ross Farm, Juniata county 1,000

East Waterford, .Juniata county,. 1,0(K)

Miffllntown, Juniata county l.OOO

Thompsontown, Juniata county.. 1,000

Thompsontown, Juniata county,. 1,000

Thompsontown, Juniata county,. 1,000

Thompsontown, Juniata county,. 1,000

nrookvlUe, Jefferson county, l.OOO

Brookville, Jefferson county 1,000

BrookvUle, Jefferson county l.MO

Muncy, Lycoming county, 1,000

Muncy, Lycoming county 1,000

Muncy, Lycoming cuunty 1,000

Muncy, Lycoming county 1,000

Hlate Run. Lycomintj county l.WW

Cammal, Lyconiins county 1.<X»0

Newberry, Lycuniing county l.OM

Newberry, Lycominu county 1,000

Newh.rry. Lycuming county 1,000

Newberry, LycominK county 1,000

Newberry, Lycoming county l.WW

Trout Run, Lycoming cminty 1,000

Trout Run, Lycoming county,.... 1,000

Williamsport, Lycoming county,. 1,000

\S illiamsport, Lycoming ccunty.. 1.000

Willianisport. Lycoming county,. l.MO

Wllliamsi'ort. Lycoming county,. l.WW

WilUamsport, Lycoming county,. 1,000

Trout Run, Lycnniing county.... 1.000

Trout Run, Lycoming county,... 1.000

Hushesvllle, Lyromlmr county,... 1,000

IluntersvlUe, Lycomins county.. 1,000

Wllliamsport, Lycoming county,. 1.000

WilUami^l-i! t. I.N coming county,. 1,000

\Villiamf=|io!t, I,;, "ining county,. l.OOO

While Haven, Luzerne county — LOOO

White Haven. Luzerne county,.. LOOO

9

128

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Doc.

1S99.

April 24 A. A. Church,

24 Harry George,

24 J. H. Oplinger

24 T. D. Garman,
24 R. Schwartz,

Ceases Mills, Luzerne county,..

Naiiticoke, Luzerne county

Nanticolte, Luzerne county

NanticoUe, Luzerne county, —

Nunticoke, Luzerne county

24 R. C. Hitella j Nanticoke. Luzerne county

24 A. Lape, ', Nanticoke, Luzerne county

24 J. H. Tunkin 1 Nanticoke, Luzerne county....

24 Herman lluth j Nanticoke, Luzerne county, ...

24 W. H. Hedden j XanticuV;c. Luzerne county....

24 K. H. ilhuades j Nanticoke, Luzerne county....

24 F. D. Hess 1 Nanticoke, Luzerne county...

24 Geo. W. Grower ' Nanticoke. Luzerne county...

24 W. A. Puckey N-mticoke. Luzerne county...

24 A. A. Enhe Xaniieoke. Luzerne county...

24 (U.,. W. Grever Xantieuke, Luzerne cunty...

24 M. Heiubergvr XantiM.ke. Luzerne county..

24 G. T. Varner Xunticoke. Luzerne county..

21 C. SchwartJ'., ••

24 R. B. Coleman,

21 .1. <*'. Ci>nnell, .

24 .T. r.lnl

24 K. H. George,

Xanticoke, Luzerne county

X;.nli<<.ke, Luzerne county.

Ni.ntiooke, Luzerne county,....

.Vanticoko, Lu^.erne county,....

, Nanticoke. Luzerne county... .

24 D. L. Morsan \ Nanticoke, Luzerne county...

24 J. G. Wutkin ! Nanticoke. Luzerne county...

24 W. H. Tlv.mpB-n ■ Nanticoke, Luzerne county..

2, ,, ,„,ak, 1 Nanticoke. Luzerne county,.

j Xnntiok*-. T^Jzerne county..

I x.inti< <'k'-, IjUzerne rouuty,.

Nanticoke. Luzerne county..

21 .T. V. Shelly.

21 C. i;. .f"inep, .,

24 O. K. Bennett,

24 .Inc. Craig. ...

2t W. X. Greuory

24 C. W, P.iirns,

21 Win. Li I le '\
May S P. r.. iiil. i:i;ni.

2fl I J». Ml 're, ...
2f. F. .T. \Vt -ks.
"0 w. o, i;u -.]<•

i Xaiiticoko. Luzerne pi.nnty

.1 Xantieike, Luzerne county....
.1 X:k tiioki', l.\izrne lounty,...
.' x.iiiti.'.k'S Lnzenv ...unty....

. si.i^kHhinny, Luzerne county.

IMit-l'io. Lnr.erne rnnnly,

i
..! PIttstun. Luzerne county,....

..I pii,*.'; <'r>Hk, l..uzerne

1,000

1.000 '

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

l.OCO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

LOW

1,000

1,000

l.CCO

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

l.WO

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

129

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

May

1899.
May 26
15

15

I
15

15

April 10

10

10

10

10

10 ;

10
10
10
10
10
10

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

8

H. M. Nangle

A. M. Filbert,

S. Hook

J. W. Tobias

A. B. Metzger, —
Russel Borhek, ....
Col. H. C. Trexler.

F. J. Stetter

L. D. Dillinger, ..
R. A. Gernert, ....
H. T. T. Good. ...
W. F. P. Good, ...
L. F. Grammes, ..

S. A. Weiler

L. N. Ellenbogen.
W. A. Wenzel, ...
J. Bitterllng

E. J. Walker

Mark K. Edgar, ..
Mark K. Edgar, ..
Fi^^te FatZB, ...

C. Davey

H. T. Williams. .

N. L. Moon

R. F. Mason.

B. A. Kelly

M. B. Myers

F. D. Collins

H. Andrews,

J. Gubert

E. A. Dilts ,

H. O. Watrons, .,
W. A. Spencer. .
L,. H. Snyder. ...
Ed, Hubbard, ...
S. A. McMullen.

. C. Coleman

Postofilce Address.

I

No. shipped. Total.

!•■•«•

)•»•••

»•••••••<

Pike's Creek, Luzerne 1.000

Lebanon, Lebanon county 1,000

Lebanon, Lebanon county 1.000

Lebanon, Lebanon county 1,000

Lebanon, Lebanon county. 1,000

West Bethlehem. Lehigh county.. 1,000

Allentown. Lehigh county. 1,000

Allentown. Lehigh county 1,000

Allentown. Lehigh county l.MO

Allentown, Lehigh county, 1,000

Allentown. Lehigh county. 1.000

Allentown. Lehigh county l.MO

Allentown. Lehigh county 1.O0O

Allentown. Lehigh county 1,000

Allentown. Lehigh county, 1.000

Allentown, Lehigh county 1,006

Allentown. Lehigh county 1,000

Mayfleltl, Lackawanna county.... 1,000

Scrantnn. I^ackawanna county... l.WO
Scranton, Lackawanna county... . l.MO

Carbftndale, Lackawanna county. 1,000

Carboi^ale, Lackawanna county, 1,000

Carbonaale, -Lackawann* county, 1,000

Carbondale. Lackawanna county, 1,000

Carbondale, Lackawanna county. 1,000

Carbondale, Lackawanna county, l.WM)

Carbondale. Lackawanna county. 1,000

Carbondale. Lackawanna county, 1,000

Carbondale, Laekawanna county. 1.000

Carbondale. Lackawanna county, 1,000

Carbondale. Lackawanna county, 1.000

Carbondale. Lackawanna county. 1.000

Carbondale, Lackawanna county. 1,000

Carbondale, Lackawanna county. 1,(K50

Carbondale. Lackawanna county. l.MO

Carbondale. Lackawanna county. LOW

Scranton, Lackawanna county... 1.'^

9--17-99

130

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Do.'.

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

Total.

1899.
May 8 F. E. Depue. ..
8 Aithur Hiioven.
8 ; A. \V. Jurich,
8 H. G. Dagpers.
8 T. B. Daggers,

Scranton, Lackawanna county...

Scranton, Lackawanna county,..

Scranton, Lackawanna county...

Clifton, Lackawanna county

Clifton, Lackawanna county

8 ' J. G. Bailer Thornhurst, Lackawanna county,

8 F. Lehey Tliornhurst, Lackawanna county,

8 J. G. Bailer Thornhurst. Lackawanna county,

■r,!- 1 ^ Thnrnhur<;t IjBckawanna county,

8 Thomas Phelps inornnurs>t,

8 A. E. Phelps Thornhurst. Lackawanna county,

11 A. L. Patterson Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 \V. Histed, ' Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 V. Histed Carbondale. LicUawanna county.

11 W. H. Mahady Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 J. B. Shannon, Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 Wm. Shannon Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 J. F. Reynolds, Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 J. J. O'Neill carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 T. G. Conghlan Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 F. W. Colaln, Carbondale. Lackawanna county,

11 G. II. Tryon Carbondale. Lackawanna county,

11 J. H. Llngfelter Carbondale. Lackawanna county.

11 L. A. Burdlck Carbondale, Lackawanna county.

11 A. B. Cook Carbondale. Lackawanna county.

18 F. E. Ryan S. ranton. Lackawanna county....

18 S. W. Travi. ' Moscow. Lackawanna county....

IS S. W. Travis Moscow. Lackawanna county....

18 %v. K. Eschenbach Moscow. Lackawanna county, .. .

26 C. Mayer Scranton. Lackawanna county...

26 .1. Hoffman Dunmore. Lackawanna county..,

26 Janson Cole Dunmore. Lackawanna county,.

April 12 F. Shupp T-ff-'t, Mnnroe county

12 C. Hawk Effort, Monroe county

12 \g. DorFhimer l-:ffort. Monroe county

12 J. M. Altmore Effort. Monroe county

12 F. Wernot : Effort. Monroe county

12 E. P. Flick Effort. Monroe county

12 A. Kunkle, Effort. Monroe county

1,000 s

1.000

1,000

1.000 I

I

1,000

1,000 '

1,000 !

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

131

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

»18»9. I
April 12 \

ia|
^'\

12
12
IS
12
12
May 16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
If
16

J. D. Serfua

Mrs. Emma V. Gould,
Mrs. Sarah Kunkle, ...

E. Bittenbender,

Dayton Lesh

N. M. Lesh

Chas. Baltz,

E. Werkhelser,

W. H. Hughes

W. D. Cobb

J. Kisterback, Jr., —

E. Hagert ,

F. R. Ash

W. J. Sellers

J. A. Conigan,

M. K. Smith,

M. G. Sellers,

H. A. Sellers

W. J. Sellers, Jr

E. R. Henry

W. Hardenstine

F. R. Transue,

R. Provost

W. Cortright

M. S. Apple

W. E. Cortright

M. S. Warner

j

S. A. Kaish

S. S, Harpt

W. S. Harps,

W. H. Case

J. Lynch

T. M. Lynch,

M. McMahon ,

I F. Giles, ..............

J. B. Miller

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

Total.

Effort, Monroe county,

Effort, Monroe county

Effort, Monroe county,

Sciota, Monroe county

Sciota, Monroe county

Sciota, Monroe county

Sciota, Monroe county

Sciota, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county,

Parkside, Monroe county,

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county,

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county

Parkside, Monroe county,

Parkside. Monroe county,

Parkside, Monroe county

E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county...
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..

Stroudsburg, Monroe county,

SnyderviUe, Monroe county

Snyderville, Monroe county,

SnyderviUe, Monroe county

Tobyhanna Mills. Monroe county,
Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county,
Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county,
Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county.
Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county.

Tobyhanna Mills. Monroe county,

Q. W. Fabel Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county,

J. A. Slutter t Marshall's Creek, Monroe county.

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OCO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

132

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Doc.

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped.

1899.

May 16 C. S. Bush,

16 H. Terpenning,

16 D. W. Bush, ..

17 A. W. Loder, ..
17 H. S. David, ..
17 W. Vaugarden,
17 W, S. Dotol. ...
17 H. E. Stofflet, .

Marshall's Creek, Monroe county.
Marshall's Creek, Monroe county,
Marshall's Creek, Monroe county,
E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..
K. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..

E. Stroudsburg, Monroe county,..

Stroudsburg, Monroe county

Stroudsburg. Monroe county

17 A. V. A. Miller,...

17 J. M. Shick

17 A. Hand

17 W. P. Thompson, .

17 C. Zimmerling, ...

17 B. L. Douredoure,

17 S. E. Landis,

17 J. H. Stofflet 1 Stroudsburg. Monroe county,.

Stroudsburg, Monroe county,.
Stroudsburg. Monroe county,

Cresco, Monroe county

Cresco, Monroe county,

Cresco, Monroe county

Cresco, Monroe county

Cresco, Monroe county

17

W. Hergesheimer Cresco, Monroe county

17 W. W. Burkhardt,

17 David Widdof , ....

17 T. D. Barry

17 E. Smith

17 A. Setger

17 H. W. Martz

17 Frank Frantz. ...

Cresco, Monroe county

Scott Run, Monroe county

Scott Run. Monroe county,

Scott Run, Monroe county

Snyderville. Monroe county....
Snyderville. Monroe county,...
Snyderville, Monroe county,...

17 ' Frank Houck j Snyderville, Monroe county,...

Snyderville. Monroe county,...

Bartonsvllle, Monroe county,.

Bartonsville, Monroe county..

Bartonsvllle, Monroe county,.

Bartonsville, Monroe county..

Bartonsville, Monroe county,.

Bartonsvllle, Monroe county,

Canadensis, Monroe county..

Canadensis, Monroe county,.

17 J. S. Snow Canadensis. Monroe county..

17 E. Marsh,

17 Chas. H. Swink,

17 Jno. Swlnk,

17 J. Hartman, —

17 H. Edinger

17 J. S. Albertson,
10 G. T. Alleger, .

17 Paul Price

17 D. J. Bender. .

17 ! P. Custard.
17 , C. Singer. .
17 C. Smith, .

Tannersvllle, Monroe county,.
TannersviUe, Monroe county,.
Tannersvllle, Monroe county,.

Total.

1,000

1.00O

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

J,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

133

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped. Total.

1899.

May 17 J. Learn,

17 i Elmer Singer

17 C. Brown,

17 W. Warner

17 P. Warner,

17 G. B. Williams, ...

18 W. Stubbs

18 H. W. Eschenbach,

18 C. E. Butler,

18 Wm. Warner

TannersviUe, Monroe county, .
Tannersvllle, Monroe county, .
TannersviUe. Monroe county. .
TannersviUe, Monroe county, ,
Tannersvllle, Monroe county,
Tannt'rt=\ille, Monroe county,
Houser Mills, Monroe county,.
Houser Mills, Monroe county,.
Houser Mills, Monroe county,.
Hou;-. r illll^-, ::Munroe county,.

18 W. J. Price, i Canadensis, Monroe county.

IS J. P. Zabrlskie, v---

18 E. Price

18 C. Wagner

18 M. D. Price Canadensis, Monroe county

1$ E. D. Strouss

Canadensis, Monroe county.
Canadensis, Monroe county.
Canadensis, Monroe county.

Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county,

IS J. L. Seip 1 Tobyhanna Mills, Monroe county,

18 Geo. J. Tanseen I Mt. Pocono. Monroe county

18 E. H. Smith ^t. Pocono, Monroe county

IS E. E. Hooker, Jr., i Mt. Pocono, Monroe county

18 Jno. W. Knoll, ! Mt. Pocono, Monroe county,

18 Geo. Knoll, Mt. Pocono, Monroe county

18 J. R. Tanseen .Mt. I'tM..n«i, Monroe county

18 C. W. Detrick Analomiik, Monroe county,

18 D. S. Detrick Anal.tmick, Monroe county

Mch. 30 Geo. F. P. Wanger Pottsto%vn, Montgomery county,..

30 P. Konetzki • Pottstown. Montgomery county...

30 Harry Root I'l.ttstown, Montgomery county..,

30 D. March Pottstown, Montgomery county..

April 10 C. M. Reed ' Sumneytown. Montgomery Co...

May 22 F. Norman Dixon i Philadelphia. Montgnnury Co.,.

22 C. O. Beasley, i Philadelphia, Montgomery Co...

22 W. D. Grange, Philadelphia, Montgomery Co.,.

22 J. F. Collins, i Philadelphia. Montgomery Co.,.

12 i J. M. L,lngle,

Philadelphia, Montgomery Co.,

22

n

J. M. Woodroffe : Phtladolphla, Montgomery Co.,.

W. H. Berger,

Philadelphia, Montgomery Co.,.

22 ! Wm. C. O'Neill. Philadelphia, Montgomery Co.,

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

l.WM)

1,000

l.OCO

1,000

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

2,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

134

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY-Continued.

Off. Doc.

Date.

Name.

Postotflce Address.

No. shipped.

rhlladelphia, Montgomery Co.

1S99. !

May 22 Max Knoll,

22 W. H. Reed Norristown. Montgomery county,

22 C. W. Longaker Pottstown. Montgomery county..

22 E.H. Burling Huntingdon Valley. Montgomery

' county

23 N. Rowland iirown Norri.town, Montgome -y county.

23 W. H. Reed Nornstuwn. Montgomery county.

Mch. 29 F. P. Ulsh Lewi.town. Mlillin county

29 v.. E. Shimp Lewi^town. Mifflin county

29 E. A. Hoot Lewislown. Mifflin county

23 C. Marshall Lewistuwn. Mifflin county

29 H. L. Weber Lewistown. Mifflin county,.

2'j C. S. Thomas Lewi«tovvn, Mifflin county

2'J J. B. Thomas. Le%vi=town. Mifflin county

29 D. Muthersbou.h Lewistown. Mifflin county

2;< John. Harris. Lewistown. Mifflin county

April 3 Peter Wertz ReedsvlUe. Mifflin county

3 X. Wade Stevennun Burnhain. Mifflin county,

C. ^wontzel. Milroy. Mifflin county

3
3

7

D. C. Armstrong

Siglersville, Mifflin county,
. G. Dorn, Bradford, McKcan county.

7 H. B. Robinson
7

Bradford, McKean county

P. Nu^baum. Bradford, McKean county

F Steinberger Bradtord, McKean county

Bradford, McKean county,...

J. H. Johnson.

7
7
7

7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
10

J. D. Macintyre Bradford, McKean county,

B. Nusbaum Bradford. McKean county,

C. Robinson, ...
O. F. Thompson,

Bradford, McKean county,..
Bradford, McKcan county..

C. G. Dorn Bradford, McKean county.

F. G. Davis

S. r.. Horn,

Bradford, McKean county

Bradford. McKean county

A. W. Golden Bradford, McKean county

C. L. Wann ...■ Bradford, McKean county

M. A. Freeman Bradford, McKean county

W. E. Sandsorn Bradford. McKcan county

W. U. Hall, Bradford, McKean county

E. 1-. Ryan i Kane, McKean county

Total.

1,000
5.000
1,000

1,000

6,000

5,000

1,200

1,200

1.200

1.200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

in

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Date.

Name.

Postofllce Address.

No. shipped.

1S99. I
April 10 J. D. Brooder, Kane. McKean county

10 S. A. Hilderbrand Kane. McKean county,

24 James Shfchan, Bradford, McKean county

24 G. C. Fagnan Bradford, McKean county

24 W. D. Russell Bradford, McKean county

24 S. C. Kimball Bradford, McKean county,

24 S. M. McClellan, Bradford, McKean county

24 J. A. Waldo, Bradford, McKean county,

24 E. Park Bradford, McKean county

24 Hall Green i Bradford, McKean county

24 E. E. Biddle ' Kane. McKean county

24 A. W. Davis, ' Kane, McKean county

24 M. Hirsch, j Kane. McKean county

May £0 J. Colburn i Bradford. McKean county

20 H. Thomas * Bradford. McKean county

20 F. Connelly I Bradford, McKean county

20 U. Kerstetter 1 Bradford, McKean county

20 R. Kennard. ' Bradford, McKean county

April W Jacob Raub i Kaston. Nortlmmpton county

10 I'uter Raub, Easton. Xoithampton county

10 H. J. Beahm i Bethlehem, Northampton county,

10 J. P. Medernaeh ! Bethlehem, Northampton county,

10 H. H. Push, I Bethlehem, Northampton county,

10 I. 11. Shinier I Bethlehem. Northampton county.

10 J. F. Ruuch, ' Bethlehem, Northampton county.

10 A. H. Rauch.

10 L. W. Snyder, ..

10 A. D. Shimer. ..

10 Jos. M. Ettwein.

10 C. N. Miller. ..

»••«•*•■•••

Bethlehem, Northampton county,

Bethlehem, Northampton county,

Bethlehem, Northampton county,

Btthlehem, Northampton county,

Bethlehem, Northampton county.

12 S. D. Flitter Freemansburg, Northampton Co.,

Freeniansburg. Northampton Co.,

Freemansburg, Northampton Co.,

12 D. W. Fogel.
12 J. A. Gfcisslnui'!

12 M. A. Yatter Freernansburg. Northampton Co.

12 C. H. Chapman.

12 W. H. Miller,

Chapman Quarrie?. Northampton

county

Hath. Northampton county

12 W. J. Seiple Wind Gap. Northampton county.

1.000
1,000 I

1,000

1,000 I

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000
1,000
1.000

Total.

136

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

1899.

April 12 ' Hugh Perry Wind Gap, Northampton county,.

l'> ' M. Werner Wind Gap, Northampton county,.

12 G. M. Williams. ^ Wind Gap, Northampton county,.

12 J. E. Garls,
12 J. J. Delp, .
12 J. A. Eley,

J2 O. A. Radar

12 O. Ackerman,

12 i Elmer Eley

IS Hon. J. W. Correll,

3 B. B. Smith

3 A. G. Guxwill

3 E. E. Lewis

3 D. Kaseman

3 H. H. Kaseman, ...

4 G. W. Armstrong, .

4 G. P. Armstrong,

4 V. S. Truckenmiller,

May

4 O. Rathe

4 W. H. Harris,

4 J. Smith

4 J. Dehas

4 J. Buoy

4 R. Mundy, ...
4: J. Wilhelm,

4 Q. Dal. Fox,

2 S. C. Renn, .

2
2
2
2

J. A. Clinger, ..
G. W. Clinger,
H. R. dinger.

Wind Gap, Northampton county,.
Wind Gap, Northampton county,.
Wind Gap, Northampton county,.
Wind Gap, Northampton county,.
Wind Gap, Northampton county,.
Wind Gap, Northampton county,.

Easton, Northampton county

Shamokln, Northumberland Co.,..

Shamokin, Northumberland Co.,..

Shamokin, Northumberland Co....

Shamokln, Northumberland Co.,..

Shamokin, Northumberland Co.,..
McEwens'vllle, Northumberland

county

McEwensvllle, Northumberland

county

McEwensvllle, Northumberland

county

Milton, Northumberland county,.

Milton, Northumberland county,.

Milton, Northumberland county,.

Milton, Northumberland county,.

Milton, Northumberlai^ county..
Milton, Northumberland «mnty,.
Milton, Northumberland county,.
Milton, Northumberland county,
Asherton, Northumberland Co.,.
Milton, Northumberland county,
Milton, Northumberland county,
Milton, Northumberland county.

D. Clinger j Milton, Northumberland county,

1 A. T. Boettcher, | Rowlands, Pike county

Mch. 30 H. R. Yocum | Philadelphia. Philadelphia Co.,.

SO E. H. Prishul I Wiasihicken. Philadelphia Co...

30 1 F. Wllford Schofleld I Roxboro, Philadelphia county,..

Total.

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.200

1,200

1,200

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

13T

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

No. shipped.

1899.
Mch. 30 T. R. Schofleld,

30 C. T. Jones, Jr.,

30
30
30
30
30

W. A. Flanagan, ...

F. W. Cornman

J. C. Wlnpenny

M. W. Kerkeslager,

Roxboro. Philadelphia county,..

Roxboro, Philadelphia county

Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co.,...

Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co

Manayunk, Philadelphia county,
Manayunk, Philadelphia county.

J. Brown, Jr Manayunk, Philadelphia county,

>••••••

30 H. F. Morris. Jr.,

20 W. W. Foulkrod, Jr.,
^ i C. W. Klander, ..

30 A. D. McClenaghan

April 3 Rev. M. Middlesworth, ...

3 Geo. C. Wagonseller,

3 F. J. Wagonseller,

I. G. Seller,

T. Clayton Kautz

G. M. Smith

J. Spangler

R. Miller

R. Miller

C. G. Smith,

i J. M. Baker,

J. F. Keller,

H. E. Eberly,

P. S. Ritter

3 M. I. Patter

8 , G. M. Shlndel

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

S

3

3

3

C. Stetler

3 ! M. Z. Stelnlnger

May 31 R. Wilhelm

31 I P. Stuck

31 A. N. Pullln,

31 J. Llston,

31 I S. McCllntock

31 Rev. J. M. Barnett, .
SI J. S. Cunningham, ..

1 A. J. Cowley,

1 R. H. Flynn,

Manayunk, Philadelphia county,
Manayunk, I'hiladelphia county,
Manayunk, Philadelphia county,
Manayunk, Philadelphia county,

Troxelville, Snyder county,

Sellnsgrove, Snyder county

Sellnsgrove, Snyder county

Sellnsgrove, Snyder county,

Sellnsgrove, Snyder county,

Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs. Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,.
Beaver Springs, Snyder county,...

Mlddleburg, Snyder county

Middleburg, Snyder county

Mlddleburg, Snyder county

Mlddleburg, Snyder county,

Mlddleburg, Snyder county,

Llstonburg, Somerset county

Llstonburp, Somerset county,

Llstonburg, Somerset county,

Llstonburg, Somerset county

Dumas, Somerset county

Markleton, Somerset county

Wlndber, Somerset county

Herrlck Centre, Susquehanna Co.,
Herrlck Centre, Susquehanna Co.,i

Total.

1.200

1,200

1,200 i

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1.200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.OOO

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

13S

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continutd.

OK. Bon.

No. 17.

Date.

Name.

1S99.
May 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

G. S. TIngley

F. Benedict

A. D. Barnes

li. Tanner

A. L. Craft, . D., ,.

F. H. Barnes,

N. W. Avery

J. F. Kenyon

April 27 David Davis

27 T. S. Laird,

27 M. W. Batsford, ...

27 L. Harvey

27 J. C. Deinlnger, ...

27 Oscar Miller

27 J. Magargel

27 C. Steck.

27 Chas. Haas

27 Geo. E. Walker, ...

27 G. E. Darby

27 J. W. Green,

27 -J. A. Miller

Mch. 30 Cyrus Sheetz,

30 H. S. Hover

30 E. G. Hoover

30 H. C. Ent

30 F. C. Palmer

30 J. H. Hoover

PoBtotlice Address.

No. shipped.

Herrick Centre. Susquehanna Co.,
Herrick Centre, Susquehanna Co.,
Herrick Centre, Susquehanna Co.,
Herrick Centre, Susquehanna Co.,
Herrick Centre, Susquehanna Co.,
Susquehanna, Susquehanna Co.,.
Elk Dale, Susquehanna county,...
Clifford, Susquehanna county, ..

Satterfleld, Sullivan county

Nordmont, Sullivan county

Xordmont, Sullivan county

Sonestown, Sullivan county

Sonestown, Sullivan county

Sonestown, Sullivan county,

Sonestov.n, Sullivan county

Sonestown, Sullivan county

Hillsgrove, Sullivan county

Hillsgrove, Sullivan county

Hillsgrove, Sullivan county,

Hillsgrove, Sullivan county

Hillsgrove, Sullivan county

Pottsville, Schuylkill county

Pottsvllle, Schuylkill county

Pottsville, Schuylkill county

Pottsville, Schuylkill county

Pottsville, Schuylkill county

Pottsville, Schuylkill county

Mahoning City, Schuylkill county.

April £2 Enos Ball

25 Ashland Game & Fish

Association

25 Ashland Game & Fish

Association

25 Ashland Game & Flah
Association

25 Ashland Game & Fish

Association

26 Ashland Game & Fluh

Association : Ashland. Schuylkill c«unty

Ashland, Sohuylklll county,
Ashland, Schuylkill county,
Ashland, Schuylkill county,
Ashland, Schuylkill county,

Total.

1,000

l.OOO

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

l.OOO

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

i.aoo
i,ioo

1.S0O
l.»0
1.200
1,200
1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1

i •

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

139

Date.

1899.
April 25

25

Name.

Postofflce Address.

Ashland, Schuylkill county,
Ashland, Schuylkill county.

Ashland Game & Fish

Association

Ashland Game & Fish

Association

Ashland Game & Fishf

Association 1 Ashland, Schuylkill county,

Ashland Game & Fiahj

i
Association I Ashland, Schuylkill county,

Ashland Game & Fish

I Association

2a E. E. Heiser,

^ E. SlUlman

25 O. LutS!

25 J. Webb

25 C. Knapp

25 Jno. Austock

26 . W. Garrett,

25 Chas. Brownmiller,

25 C. Lugan

25 Q. S. De«m

25 H. Ball

Ashland, Schuylkill county

Mahoning City, Schuylkill county,
Mahoning City, Schuylkill county,
Mahoning (Uty, Schuylkill county,
Mahoning City. Schuylkill county,
Mahoning City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county.
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county.
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county.

Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,

25 C. W. Smith, I Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county.

25 Stltzer, i Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,

25 J. J. Brown, I Mahanny City, Schaylkill county,

25 R. Heiser \ Mahan. y City. Schuylkill county.

25 M. McEntee

25 F. Knapp

25 P. Reing

25 P. Lltsch

25 H. K. Smith

25 \ Isaac Chas. Kins.
S6 \ Wallace Haldeman,

2§ I E. Heninessey

25 L. V. Rauch

No. shipped. Total.

25
25

Isaac Ball

E. B. Leitzel

B. K. Bitterman,
G Snyder

Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county.
Locust Dale, Schuylkill county,..
Locu,'5t Dale, Schuylkill county,..
Locust Dale, Schuylkill county...

1,000

i

1,000

I

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

140

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

1899.
April 25

I. Wolfgang,

27 W. Foust, ..
27 : G. Uphman,

27 R. Quinn,

27 W. G. Kraus,
27 J. C. Hanck, .

27 I H. Kraus

27 "W. W. Lewis.

27
27

27
27

27
27
27
27
27
27
27
May 22
22

J. Northey, . • • •

J. Newman

E. R Reeser, ...

A. Adams

D. Relmbold, ...

D. Baner,

A. W. Hartwig,

C. Weldy,

L. Kleckner, . .
J. K. Pscheifly,

H. Houper

W. H. Sowers, .
A. Pelper,

a 1 J. Tynan,

*••••*•••

22 G. H. Levan

22 H. Sowers

23 Burd R. Linder, ..
23 Burd R. Llnder, .
23 Burd R. Llnder, .
23 Burd R. Linder, .

23 i Burd R. Llnder, .

I

23 i Burd R. Linder, .
23 ! Burd R. Linder, .

April 17 F. H. Marvin

R. Toung ,

C. E. Burgess, ...
T. L. Young, —
H. C. Tfoung, ...

17 J. Fampson,

17 G. M. Spawlding,

17
17
17
17

Locust Dale, Schuylkill county,..
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county.
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county.
Mahanoy City, Schuylkill county,
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county.
Mahanoy City. Schuylkill county,

BarnsvlUe. Schuylkill county

Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

; Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

Tamaqua, Schuylkill county

Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, ....

j Tamaqua, Schuylkill county

I Tamaqua. Schuylkill county

. I'ottsville, Schuylkill county

. Kebers. Schuylkill county

. Auburn, Schuylkill county,

Auburn, Schuylkill county

Auburn, Schuylkill county

. urwlgsburg, Schuylkill county,,
.trwigsburg. Schuylkill county,.
.. orwigsburg, Schuylkill county..
.J Orwigsburp. Schuylkill county..
(>r\viK>burp. Schuylkill county,,
..! Orwlgeburp, Schuylkill county,
Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county,

Antrim. Tioga county

Antrim, Tioga county,

Antrim, Tlopa county

Wtlli^boro. Tlopa county,

Wcllsboro, Tlopa county

Wellsboro, Tioga county

Wellsboro. Tioga county

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

l.OOO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

141

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

1899.

April 17 Geo. H. Derby,

17 J. B. Truman,

17 D. J. Madden

17 G. M. Black well, —
17 F. J. Bradley

17 T. Blackwells

17 T. Blackwells,

May 15 Col. John Magee, ...

15 C. A. Urell

15 E. C. Field

15 J. H. Blxby

15 R. J. Bailey

15 Laurence Heyler, ..

15 W. C. Lewis

15 W. W. Hutchinson,

Wellsboro. Tioga county

Wellsboro, Tioga county,

Wellsboro, Tioga county

Loyds, Tioga county,

Loyds, Tioga county

Loyds, Tioga county

Loyds, Tioga county

Fall Brook, Tioga county

Tioga. Tioga county

Tioga. Tioga county

Mansfield, Tioga county,

Mansfield. Tioga county

Sebring. Tioga county

Lawrenceville, Tioga county,
Lawrenceville. Tioga county.

15

W. E. Brown I Lawrenceville. Tioga county.

15 W. Webster

IS H. Pearce

15 E. A. Kennedy, ...

15 .T. Gordon, ■

15 T. J. Birmingham.

15 L. Wilcox

15 B. Vaughn,

Morris, Tioga county,
Morris, Tioga county,
Morris, Tioga county,
Morris, Tioga county,
Morris, Ti^[a county,
Morrl«, Ttoga county,
Morris. Tioga county.

15 C. Miller ; Murrls, Tioga county,

15 I. F. Black : Morri?, Tioga county.

15 E. D. Welliner,

15 A. Leonard, ..

April 4 John Klose. ...

4 H. M. Wolf,

Morrlf, Tioga county

Morris, Tioga county

Iklifllinburg, Union county,
Miminburg. Union county,
MinUnburg, Union county,
Mlfflinbur,-?, Uni-m county,
MifllinbiiiK. Union county,

M. G. Reed Milllinburp, Union county.

4 r. C. Snodgiass Minilnbur^, Union county,

4 James Beaver Miniiiibunr, Union county,

27 R. W. Norton Allciiwoud, Union county.

27 W. S. Troxell Mltnwood, Union county,

27 i R. W. Shaffer, Allenwood, Union county,

H. O. Bower,
G. L. Relsh.
C. H. Dlmm.

No. shipped.

1,000

1,000 !

I

1,000

I

1,000 I

I

1,000

1,000

1,000

6,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000 1

1,000

1,000

1.000 ,

j

1,000
1.000
1,000 I
1,000 I
1.000
1.000 ^

i.eoo

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

l.MO

1.000

l.OCO

l.OM

1.000

1,000

Total.

No. 17.

lis

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Dov

Date.

Name.

Postofflce Address.

1S99.

April 27 H. C. Baker

27 J. F. Hagenbach,

May 2
2
2
2
2

C. D. Dewin, .

A. D. Miller, .

J. E. Kreisher,

J. W. Smith, .

W. M. Wolfe,
2 W. R. Roland,
2 C. G. Griffin, .
2 T. D. Baker, .
2 H. E. Syyk<;r,
2 S. F. Miller, ..
2 I... Speesp

2
2
2

W. S. Shook, ...
T. E. Badger, ...
Robt. Datesman,

2 Eph. Dalesman,
April 10 J. J. McCaslln,

10 H. H. Noyes, ...

10 H. H. Corwin, .

10 N. Schaffu'-J, ..

10 W. J. Proper, . .

10 W. A. Haskell, .

10 T. M. HasktU. .

10 H. Oles

10 F. Haskell

10 G. D. Benedict,

10 ' C. M. Vinclent,

10
10
17
«

C. Noyes, ...
M, r. Cass.
H. G. Hall,
W. H. Pope,

Alvina, X.'nion county

Spring Garden, Union county,

Lewisburg, Union county

Lewisburg-, Union county

Lewisburg, Union county

Lewisburg, Union county, ...
Lewisburs. Union county, ...
Lewisburg, Union county, ...
Lewisburg, Union county, ...

Lewisburir, Union county, ...

Lewisburg, Union county, ...

Lochiel, Unlun county

Swengel, Unl< n county

Swcngel, Lniun cuunty,

2 L. Speese

2 Adam Diehl ^^^engel, Union county,

t I Adam Diehl ! Swengel, Uni-m cuunty.

2 , A. Klose

2 D. W. Sankey

No. shipped.

17 S. D. Mayes.

MiflUuburg, Union county

Mifflinburg, Union county

Milllinburg, Union county

Miniinburg, Union county

Wtst Milton, Union county

Webt Milton. Union county

I'leasantNille. Venango county,.,
rieasantville, Venungo county,..

I'Uat^untville, Venango county,..

llra>^^antvilk'. Venango county...

I'leusantville, VtM.ingo county,..

ritusintvilio. V.^nango county,..

IMeasantville, Venango county,..

I'leasantville, Venango county,..

I'h'HsuntviUi', Venango county,..
I Pleasaniville. Venango county,..
' Pleasiiiitville, Venango county,..

IMva^.-mtvill;'. VciMingo county,..
; T'leaFf>ntvilU', Venunvro county,..
, i I'ranklin, Venango ;ounty

Franklin. Venango county,

Franklin. Venango county

1,000
1,000 j

I

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

l.uOO

1.000

1,0<M)

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,(J00

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

J. MO.

1.000

1.000

Total.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

143

Date.

Name,

Postofflce Address.

1899.

April 17 L H. Borland I Franklin. Venango county,

17 T. Kennerdell

17 H. P. Bowser

17 W. G. Maple Franklin, Venango county

Franklin, Venango county,
Franklin, Venango county,

17 C. K. Brown

17 L. G. Brown, ...

17 J. Higgins

17 D. D. Mallory.

17 F. R. Dewoody,

17 H. G. Reading, .

17 R. C. Hall

17 W. A. Mallory,

17 J. B. Borland,

May 5 J. S. Klein

a J. E. Fisher, ...

5 F. D. McCollum,

S C. E. Bair

5 B. Nutting

5 S. C. Beers

5 L. E. Hubbard,

5 W. F. Miller. ..
5 C. Carlson, —
f W. Boardman,
5 S. H. Gray, ...

5 G. Barnes

I'ranklln, Venango county, .
Franklin, Venango county, .
Franklin, Venango county, .
r'ranklin, Venango county, .
Franklin, Venango county, .
I'ranklin, Venango county,
Franklin, Venungo county,
Franklin, Venango county.
Franklin. Venango county.
Oil City, Venango county, .
( 'il City. Venango county, .
(»il City. Venango county, .

< >il City, Venango county, .
Oil City. Venango county, .

< >il City, Venango county, .
Oil City. Venango county, .
Oil City. Venango county. .
Oil City, Venango county, .
oil City, Venango county, .
Franklin. Venango county.

g J. B. Moorhead,

6 J. N. Wilson, ..

5 F. Behringer, ..

5 G. Brutsche, Sr.,

S M. Bump.

No. shipped.

Franklin, Venango cuunty,

5 F. M. Simpkins Franklin, Venango county

S J. Homer Gordon Franklin. Venango county

Franklin, Venango county

Franklin, V'enango county

Petroleum Center, Venango Co.,.
Petroleum Center, Venango Co.,.
Petroleum Center, Venango Co. .
5 W. S. Beers ' Petroleum Center, Venango Co.,

I ! G. Brutsche. Jr. \ Petroleum Center. Venango Co..

11 .T. R. McMullen Oil City. Venango county

11 J. E. Dwyer • ^il City. Venango county

It W. R. Wadsworth ' nil City. Venango county

II R. W. .TarobF fMl City, Venango county,

10

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

l.CCO

1.000

l.OOO

1,000

1.000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

l.MO

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

LOW

1.000

1,000

1.000

l.tC')

1,000

1.000

1,000

1.0(10

1.000

1 f fO

1,ii»n
LOW

Total.

144

REPORT OF THE
BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

Oil City, Venango county,

No. shipped. Total

1899.

May 20 C. Twhalski

20 C. R. McConnell, Oil City. Venango county

20 H. B. Darnell | ^U City. Venango county

20 A. S. Haggart ' Oil City. Venango county

20 J. M. Geigel Oil City. Venango county

1 Rev. J. W. Healy Pleasant Muunt, Wayne county...

1 Warren Lake

1 James P. Riley

1 G. Hittinger

1 W. H. Allen

1 W. B. Guinnlp

1 O. M. Spettlgue,

1 C. Bergman

1 E. T. Leavenworth, Jr.,

1 Gilbert White

1 Dr. J. W. Kesler

1 F. E. Fherwood,

1 F. G. Ferwilllger

I T. M. Fuller

1 F. T. Brady

1 J. T. Brady

I M. F. Sherwood,

S D. Cross.

8 J. Snyder,

S G. F. Smith

S Jus. Smith

II D. Alexander

U It. L. M' Millan, ...

11 U. T. Hudson

U F. S. Ht.ih.nson

11 D. A. Buckland.

11 R. F. Munf'fnrd

11 Allan Stirling.

11 Geo. Grahr.m

11 i F. M. Howe,

16 J. R. Smith.

16 G. H. BankF P-utb Stcllnsr. Wayne county.

16 H. A. Lancaster j Fuuth Sterling. Wayne county.

Pleasant Muunt, Wayne county...
I'leas-ant Mount, Wayne county,..

iiawl.y, Wayne county

Atco. Wayne county

Atco, Wayne county

Honesdale, Wayne county

Honesdale. V.ayne county

iJ.iKttlaie, Wayne county

llotn.-aalr>, Wayne county

fion...'-d.iU-. Wayne county.

llonefida!", Wayne cuunty

none.-dale, Wayne county

tl .m i-ilal. , Wayne county.

Hune-dalf, Wayne county

Honesdale. Wayne county

il iHhl.ilo, Wayne county

N.wioundhind, Wayne county....

Guuldsboro, Wayne county

Gouldsboro. Wayne county

GouldFboro, Wayne county,

Wintf'.iiale, Wayne county

Waymart, Wayne county,

Waymart, Wayne county

^\<;, mart, SVayne county.

Wayniait, Wayne county

riasniiL M.uiit, Wayne county...
li. a^ant Mount, Wayne county...
T'basant M"unt. Wayne county,.,
Pleasant Mount, Wayne county..
South Sterling, Wayne county...

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1.000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

'^

{

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

145

Date.

Name.

Postoffice Address.

No. shipped.

1899.

May 16 M. Carlton,

16 C. B. Gilpin

16 A. S. Edwards,

16 Ed. Fetherman

26 H. C. Noble, M. D

26 T. W. Bostree, M. D..

26 N. F. Underwood

26 H. A. Williams

26 A. F. Hine

26 Frank Watson

26 J. S. Watson

28 H. Watson

26 Charles Geer.

26 J. H. Jenson

April 17 J. C. Russell.

17 G. E. Denningan

17 R. A. Simpson

17 O. Maylowe

17 G. H. Bellows

May 3 J. Eastman

3 J. Eastman

3 Joe Aaker

5 H. Richards

Z J. Richards

South Sterling, W^ayne county,...
South Sterling, Wayne county,...
South Sterling, Wayne county,...
S<nith Sterling, Wayne county,...
Pleasant Mount, Wayne county,..

Lake Como, W'ayne county

Lake Como, Wayne county

Lake Como, Wayne county

OiFon, Wayne county

Preston, Wayne county,

Preston, Wayne county

Preston, Wayne county,

I'reston, Wayne county

Preston. Wayne county

North Clarendon, Warren county.
North Clarendon, Warren county.
North Clarendon. Warren county.
North Clarendon, W^arren county.
North Clarendon, Warren county.

East Branch, Warren county

East Branch. W^arren county.

Columbus, Warren county

Garland, Warren county

Garland, Warren county

Garland, Warren county,

5 W. R. Richards

11 E. M. Schuler : Tlona, Warren cnunty

11 F. H. Ellis, Tiona, W^arren county

n A. S. Knight : Tlona, Warren county

29 Geo. Comings W, st Spring Creek, W^arren Co..

29 C. Eledred. ^Vest Spring Creek. Warren Co. .

20 ; Geo. Eledred West Spring Creek, W^arren Co.,

•11 I D L Roberts. Gcnl, PasH.
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Cort-
land St., N. Y. City

D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass.
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Cort-
land St., N. T. City

10-17-99

11

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

l.OOO

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

l.MO

1,000

1,000

1.000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,M0

Total.

v>J

146

REPORT OF THE

BROOK TROUT FRY— Continued.

Oft. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

147

Date.

Name.

1S99.

11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort
land St.. N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pas.^
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort'
land St., N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Coit-
land St., N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Coil-
land St , N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Cort
land St., N. Y. City,.
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pa.ns
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Con-
land St.. N. Y. City,. ..
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. PaJS.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
land St.. N. Y. City
U D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pass
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Co.t
land St.. N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts. Genl. Pass.
Agt. Erie R. R.. 21 Cort-
land St , N. Y. City
11 D. I. Roberts, Genl. Pa.'^s.
Agt. Erie R. R., 21 Cort-
i land St., N. Y. City, . .

n

I ■ • • • • *

««••••••••••••*

i,m

I.IN.OM

•Theae fry were

IliTlanted In the streams of the Stale ot Pcrmsylvanla

EASTERN STATION.

REl'OKT OF .lOUX r. CKEVELIXO, SlU'KiaNTENDENT.

To the Commissioners of Fislieries:

Gentlemen: I have already reported in brief to your Board, through
your President, the entire loss of the trout fry at this station. lUe
catastrophy was due, as already stated to too long inbreed.ng and
unoxygenized water, caused by melted snow flowing into the spring
after the blizzard of last February. It is now n.y duty to give you the

full details of the trouble.

For a year or two previous to this one, I noticed there was some-
thing wrong with the little fish, but the trouble seemed of such a l.ght
character that it did not give me serious co.tcern. For instance when
taking the voung frv from under the hatching trays and when sweep-
ing the troughs with the feather, I noticed that the little fish appeared
to grow weaker every year. They also ai,i,eared to make less res^.s-
tence and seemed to lose vitality. I further noticed that the sac du
not absorb as fast as it should do when the temperature "f H.e wate,
was considered. On the other haud. the average loss ot hsh was
usuallv light, and the fry appeared to feed well. For some .me
felt that there should be a change in blood in the br,.edn.g fish, and
three times since the establishment of this station I made verbal re-
auests for eggs or voung fish from outside sou.res. Twice I pre-
ferred this request from the late Henry C. Ford while he was President
of your Board, and once fwm Mr. Meehan.

On the first occasion, Mr. Ford caused several thousand eggs to he
sent to me from the Western or Cerry station, but wh.^n the fry
hatched, I discovered that they wer.. badly mixed hybrid and brook
"rout kot being pure stock, of .ourse I could not use them for bree.l-
ing purposes. Naturally it was some time before 1 made this d,s^
coverv and when I did I again preferred a rerpiest for new stock, and
Mr l^rd promised I should have it. but he was then entering on Ins
ias't illness, and 1 presume he forgot the matter. As soon as Mr
Meehan was made ^tate Statistician of Fisheries. I asked him for a
change of stock, and when the autumn came, through his request^ ten
hous^nd wild trout eggs were sent m.. from the fnited States Com-
mission. This was last autumn, and unfortunately too late to pre-

I

148

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

149

vent the catastrophy which followed. I blame myself for not pre-
ferring my earlier requests in writing instead of making them ver-
bally, but faults like these are not always recognized at the time, and
until the bad etfects are seen.

I believe firmly, however, that had it not been for the blizzard and
the previous delay in shipping the surplus fish from the overcrowded
troughs on account of a lack of funds, there would not have been an
entire extermination of the winter's hatching of fish. I am quite
positive that had the blizzard not occurred fully one half would not
have died, and could have been distributed. I feel this because right
up to the time the blizzard came the fry were feeding well, and the
daily percentage of loss by death was very small, not more than is
normal in fact among healthy young fish. It was not until the severe
frost came and raised the house, and while the fiow of w^ater was
changing for the five days, that troul)le began. The change in the
fiow of water just noted could not be regulated, because the heaving
up of the houses was too slow, and the alteration in the fiow of water
was, in conse(iuence, not perceptible until the fifth day. Previous to
this the mortality was not more than one or two fish a day to each
trough, but within a week thereafter it was about one hundred thou-
sand daily. Moreover, just before the blizzard the fish were lively and
fed well, the only suspicious circumstance being a very slow growth.
At their age they were much smaller than they should have been.

Then came the blizzard. At the very outset the lower house began
to heave up by the action of the frost, but very slowly, until the build-
ing was raised two and one-half inches. This cut off the pressure «>f
the water supply that much. This operation of raising occupied five
days. Then the weather moderated and the house began settling
back to its original position. It was at this time the trouble began.
The little fish betrayed nervousness and became very excitable, dart-
ing hither and thither about the troughs, and catching their own
excrement, besides nipping each other about the body. Their food
ceased to be digested, and passed through them in the form in which it
was taken.

This lasted but a few days, and then the fry began to gather around
the supply or inlet, where they huddled thickly and refused to move.
Nothing I could do would drive them back or scatter over the twughs.
In a very short time after this they began to stop feeding, and as they
grew weaker, the stronger drove the others back, stacking to maintain
their place at the inflow of water.

Finally they all became so weak that it was not possible longer to
clean the troughs. The bottoms were covered with dead and dyin<r
fish, and whenever I attempted to remove the dead wiHi a net, tho
agitation of the water caused those which were still alive to ?oll ov.^r

No. 17.

on their backs and become so thoroughly exhausted it was impossible

to remove the dead. ^. ^ ■ ^x

By Mr. Median's advice 1 planted thousands of these fish m the
Little Lehigh and in the ponds in the hatchery grounds, but they
could not recover from the deluge of unoxygenized water, on account
of their very low vitality and conseiiuent lack of healthy blood.

Numerous experiments were attempted to save the fry, but ail
efforts were unavailing, and within three weeks there was not a live

fish in the troughs.

I have mentioned the fact that yotir Assistant Secretary secured
for me from the United States Fish Commission lO.tHM) wild trout
eogs These all hatched into mognificent liy, absolutely perfect m
form and in health. When the other trout first began to sicken the.e
wild ti^ut did not seem to be effected, hm in a few days they also ex-
hibited signs of distress and finally stopped feeding and became
weaker and weaker and at la.t all di»ML There were in the old hatch-
in- house 2()t),tU)0 Atlantic salmon fiy, and these seemed also at this
time to sicken and did not feed as well as they abould, but the lo.s
of fry was verv light compared with the other fish. At th(' first signs
of trouble, I received orders to plant tlu .e fry, and I obeyed promptly.
Late last fall acting under instructions from Mr. Meehan, I took
more than the usual number of trout eggs. In consequence there
were about 5t)0,()(M) more brook trout fry in the troughs at the begin-
nin- than is generally the case. Undt^- a resolution of the Boaid
these surplus fish were to be distributed in retaining ponds m differ-
ent parts of the eastern portion of the State under the direrlion of the
Commission, but by the Pennsylvania Fish Protective Association
and the Norristown Fish and Came Association. I shipped thirty
thousand of these fry wlien the funds in the Treasury gave out, and be-
fore more could be obtained the catastrtq.hy just described occurred.
During the winter the United States Fish Commission shipped two
lots of Atlantic salmon eggs. The first lot contained 2t)0,(H10 eggs,
and the second 50,000. There were seai.ely any fish lost, either
Ihrough the shipped eggs or in hatchino and a relative small numlK.r
from the blizzard. In consequence of these two shijunents of the
United States, the Pennsylvania Coninnvsit,n was (enabled to make
the largest planting it has ever made in any one year. The fish were
all planted in tributaries of the upper Delaware, at points where the
waters of both the tributaries and of the Delaware itself wcM-e entirely
favorable The points selected for the idanting were in the Lacka-
waxen near Hawlev and nonesdale. Cn.it care was exer<ised in the
Dlanting. Everv can was de];osited by or under the direct su].ervision
of mv assistant' Thomas Haines. I am satisfied that the Atlantic
salmon to be successfully introduc<Ml i:»to the Delaware river must
alwavs be ].lanted in tributaries of that stream above the Water Gap.

150

REPORT OF THE

Off. Tyoc.

There are numerous streams below that point in which the salmon
will live and thrive, but the water of the Delaware is not suitable for
their second stopping place before going to the sea to complete their

growth. .,, , r.

When the fiscal rear of 1898 ended there were still a number of
irout frv in ihe tiouj>hs at his station. These I distributed in June,
J uly August and some in September, and the ratio of expense for this
work was much greater than these shipped early in the season. These
shipments will appear in detail with this report. This late shipping-
leads me to the question of hite and early planting of trout fry. I am
bound to say in all earnestness that the planting of brook trout
fry is an eyil which should be stopped at once.

^I am conyinced that of the fiy planted after June first, that a very
large per cent, is lost. This is due to the fact that the fish must be
shipped in ice water for a number of hours, and are then generally
planted bv inexperienced persons, who Uirow the little creatures right
into the stream in which they are expected to live, subjecting them
to a sudih'u chau^v of from ten to twenty degrees. Under such cir-
cumstances from fifteen to twenty minutes suttice to kill most of the
fry and what suryiye are so weak that they prove an easy prey to then-
many enemies. The conse^iuence is that when the persons who
planted the fish find no result they blame the (.'ommission for shipping
inferior fish, or derlare that four morahs old fish are not suitable for
distribution. If every planter of bit)ok tr(»nt were experienced at the
work, and would take th(^ time to prof.erly e.iualize the temi>erature
of the water in the cans and stream before ihe fish were transferre<l
one from the other. ther<» would not be serious loss, and there would be
better results from plantir.g. or ralher it would make little dilference
when fry were dep(»sited in a stream, but the vast majority of appli
cants for fry are not exi.erienced in this work, and it re:iuives seyeral
hours to e«iualize the temperature, an amount of time which few can
give. Conse<iuenlly for the good of the Commission, both as regards
expense and the success of fish planting. I earnestly point out this
matter to you, and state that I consider iliat the fish shipped after
June first is practically useless work. That it is a useless waste of
time, money, eli'ort and fish. I do not b. lit v,' that a single stream is
benefited. The best results are obtained l)y very early planting whe:i
the temperature of the stn-am and the water in the cans are the same.
And when no i<-e is needed when ship|ung. The matter of ice is ono
which should also be considered, for although ii is not expensive, it is
that much money thrown away. T have particularly noted the advan
tages of early planting in the Little Lehigh which flows along tlie
edge of this station. This stream is admittedly rendered one of the
finest trout streams near a large city entirely through artificial plant
ing. Years ago the planting was all done very early in the season.

i

150

KEPOUT OF THE

Off. Do.^

Th.iv an. uuni.K.us .t.oau.s below lluu poiul iu which the salmou
will live and thiive, bul the water of the Delaware is not siulable for
theii- second stoi-lMUt; 1.1a. e l^eloie going (o llie sea to eomi-lete their

o row 111. .,, , n

W1R41 the li^i-al Nvar of ISUS ended there wer.^ sliU a number of
innn frv in ihe troughs at his station. These 1 distributed in Jniie,
Julv ViV-usi and son.e in September, and the ratio of expense lor this
work was mm-h ^ivaier tl.an ih^-s. shipped early in tlie season. Tliese
shipments will a}»pear in d.-.ail with this rept)ri. This late shippmj.^
h'ads mv to tlH' qnesti<m of late and early plautin- of troni Iry. 1 am
bouml to say in all earnestness that the planting of brook trout
fry is an evil whieh shimhl be stopped at onee.

^1 am e<n.viiHed tl.a.i <.r the fiy i-lanted after .lune tirsl. that a very
hn-v iM-r c. ut. is lost. This is due te th.- faet that ih^- (ish must be
Jhipi M? in 1..- water ior a ntihiln-r el' hours, and are thm generally
plant<.d bv im-:M -li^nrt ti persn:;s, ^sh. .hrnw the litib' rreatures righi
into the stream in whirl, Ihey are ..xpeeted to live, subj.M-tmg tlnMU
to a M vih'n . it...i" .f U-uiu ten le iwelilv degre.'S. I ndrr silrh eir-
,aimslane(s from tHu-en to ^-eaiy minutes suhi.-.- tu kill nmsl of the
frv and wliat survive are sn uvak th.H lln-y ju'uve an .-asy prey to their
maay eneiiirs. The « onse .iienee is lluu wh.u, iiie pers<ms who
I.lanu-d the lish timl no r.-.uli !h^ y blauu' thr ( Nmimission for shipping
iaferhu- lish. or deelart ihat four uw:ih< -id .ish a-e not saiiable foi'
(lislrilmiini,. If <'very jriantor of bn.ok troni were experienced at th--
W(u-k, a. Ml would tak.' ihe time to pnuxrly e luaiizo iho temperature
of the vat. r in the eu'.s an<l sheam b. fore the lish were transferrer!
(Uiefrom .h. other, the'- wuld not lu^ si'vi. mis loss, and Ihiro would be
better n Milts from plaiiliii:. or raher it would make liille ditlVren •.■
whon fix w.re (hM.osiied ii! a strear . b.'t the vast ma.: aiix of aip]ii:
eaids for fry are not ,.x|h il. a -ed in th"^ work, ami ii n- niiH-s several
hours le equali/c iho teiapei :H ur.'. an ainoinl «.f tinu' wliirh f( w can
^ive. ConiequtMUly iei ili^' good of Ihe ( 'omuiissitU!. both as regards
exp.'ise and ih.- smr«.ss nf li^l! ]»ianti:ig. i earm-stly point out this
nuitnr lo you, and siai.' that I e«msid.'r ihai the lish shipp.-d aft.r
.Tune llr>l is praelieally useless wt»rk. That it is a useless waste of
tin,e. money. oiVmi an.] lisli. 1 do n..; \u\v xr ihai a . iagh' stream is
benefited. Tin- best results are obtained by s.-ry <'arly planting wlu-i
the tempi-raun.- of the- stream and the water in the rans are the same.
And whea no i.-.- is ueed-d vhen shippinu. The nmttcT of ice is ot..-
whh-h shoul.l aNo bo e<m>id. r. ib for although it is not expensive, it is
that much m.ua-y lhro^^n away. T have parti-uiarly noted the advan
tam-s of early plantieg in ihe Tattle bohigh which Hows along the
edge of this station. This stream is admittedly rendor.d .uu' of th.'
iinest trout sljrams r.ai- a h:rge rity enlirelv thr.. ugh arlith-ial plant
ing. V«'ars ag.» th.* planting was all done very rarly in the season.

I I

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crv. - - - j.vi-

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w:^

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.d»3^-^^

■r-^.

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No, 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS. 151

aud the etiects were immediately uoticeable, aiid there was good
fishing throughout the season. Of late years the applicants have been
asking for and receiving their fish among the last lots, and I have
noticed a marked diminished supply of tish of the smaller type.

I would suggest that the Commission decline to receive any appli-
cation for trout after March 31st, and that the notification cards have
this printed on them, and further that the public notices that appli-
cations for trout may be made, be issued not later than December
first. Further that all applicants be notified that the fish will be
shipped according to the time most suitable for the section they are to
go and not the convenience of the applicant.

During the summer of last year (181)8j some repairs were made to
the hatching houses, but nothing of a permanent character was done
to either building. Indeed nothing of this nature can be done to the
old house. It is rotten throughout, and cannot possibly stand much
longer aud be used as a hatching house.

Tl.'i,^ .'spriiig atu r the death of the Uout fry, I was notified that no
more eggs were to be taken from the breeding fish in the ponds, but
that the fish were to be disposed of, and tiiat the supply of eggs for
next season at least would be purchased. 1 was further notified that
at least some of the ponds would be used for the rearing of black and
rock bass, pickerel and other tish. 15y a resolution of the Board I
was directed to ctjoperate with Mr. Meehan in making the necessary
alterations for this wi»rk. Owing to the press at the Bristol station
shad hatching, it wds impossible to do anything except purchase a
few^ thousand feet of lumber by the close of the fiscal year. As soon
thereafter as is j>os<ible, 1 will cheerfully obey the orders of the Board
in this as in all oilier matters. .Mr. Meehan and I have, however,
made a brief survey uf the ponds, and are .satisfied that the necessary
changes to enable the propagation of black bass, etc., to the best ad-
vantage will be very few.

The following aie Uio fish I have hatch<Ml or distributed since Juue
1, 1808, with their disposition:

Brook trout, ■ 2,052,405

California trout 20,000

Brown trout, 3,500

Atlantic salracni, 230,000

Total, 2,305,905

Of the above there was lost through the blizzard and other causes;

Brook trout l,959,00t?

California trout 6,00C

lU. 1 I

l-'ISll CoMMI.SSloNKIiS.

151

' r

i I

and tlK' ('liVctiS were immediately noticeable, and there waa good
lisliing Ihrougiiont the season. Of laie years the applicants have been
asking foi- and receiviiig their tish among the last lots, and I have
noiiced a marlu-d diminished snpply of tish of the smaller type.

1 would suum M that the Commission decline to receive any appli-

'j^&

cation IVn- trout after March :>lsi, and that the iioiiticalion cards have
this printed on them, and further that the public nolicts that appli-
tions f(»r irout mav be nuide, be issued not laier than December

ca

hrst. Fuiiher thai ail ai»piicanis be notified thai the lish wi

11 be

shii»ped aicording i

o the tinie most suitable for the section they are to

go and not the convenience of the aiqilicaul.

During ihe summer of last y«'ar tl^USi sni:ie rei)air^ were made to
the hatching liuises, but nt)ihing of a i>ermanent cliara* mm- was done
to either building. Indeed noihiug of ihis nature ran be doiie to the
old house. It is ml ten llnoughout, and caiiiioi possibly stand much

1

i i;

and l.e us( li as a hatching hou.-e

llii^ Sj

r

moi'e ('Uiis N\t

r^r-'

;<!i« ;• ihe deatii uf ihe ;.!int fry. I was nniilled that no
re i«> lie taken iini:. ihe l»r»'i-;iim lish In the i»onus, but
that the iish wen- to be disp<'>.(i (;!', ami tiuii the supply uf eggs for
next s.'.isvtii at h'ast woiihl be pnrciuis. d. I was fuiiher uniilied that

(1 In: ;iie rearing (d bhii-k and
;! rt"M)iutimi uf tlie lioard I

I 8 ,

% *

at least some of iIm' jiuids \\oui(l be

rock bass, pi<k« nd and <aher iish.

Wiis directed to (v (jteian' witli Mr. M- <'han i;i making the necessary

alterations f<u- this wnrk. (J\\ii.g to -Jic jUi <s a\ the Ibistol station

shad hatcliing. it

impossiMi:* to t

ny thing exct [»i purchase a

few tiiimsan<l leet f i lumber bv tie- rlusc of the lis ai year. As soon

il

I'-'t

■eaner

IS IS ]H

w ill t heerf

■V ihe (ii<hMs of the Boarc

m

I :S

ts 111 all 0( .1'

mai

I ■ 1

Mr. Mcciiuii and i have, however.
ma<le a In-ief siir\>'> 'f ih' ponds, a^.u a.re -aiistied that the necessaay
chaises ;.» eiiabl' tho jnopagation of lna« Iv bass, etc.. to the best ad

vantage \\

ill he Vt-rv fl'W

Tho ftdlowin

I i

!(' li-^h 1 have ha!(ie*i] «n «ii>tribu(iil since -Tuu!

1. 1S!IS, with their disposition

lirook Irou;

< 'alifornia iroui

I»re\N 11 trout

Atlantic salmon

Total

2,or,2,4rir.
2o.tM)n

»i -

no

2:iO,(H)i>

2,:?<r).or,.-

Of the above there was losi ihi'ongh the blix/.ai'd and oilu-r causes.

JJrook irout l.OoO.tMH'

California trout 6,00(

REPORT OF THE 0«. Doc.

152

3,500

Brown trout, 1 000

Atlantic salmon,

. . 1,969,500

Total, • • •

The following were therefore distributed: ^ ^^^

Brook trout, 1808 fry, "^"'^^^

Brook trout, 1898, yearlings, ^^^^^^

Brook trout, 1899 fry, ^__ 93,405

, , ^^Q 4.,.,, 10,000

California trout, 189S li\, ^ ^^^

California trout, 1899 fry, ' 14,000

229,000
Atlantic salmon, .

330,405
Total, _

ResDectfullv submitted,

^ ' ^ J. P. CREVELINCx,

Superintendent.

No. 17.

I

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

EASTERN STATION.

DISTRIBUTION BROOK TROUT FRY, 1898.

153

Date.

Name.

PostofRce Address.

July

1898.

June lo
13
13
13
13
13
2

o

2
2
2

2U
23

2i;

23

27

Auff. 5
5
S

5

6
6

6

Kei.t. 14

14

14

14

14

14

Jan. 9

9

K. M. I.udVK-k Honey Brouk, Chester county,.,

R. D. Herr, Rifton, Lancaster county

G. A. Miller \ Smithvllle, Lancaster county.

Dr. J. P. Roebuck, ' Lilitz, Lancaster county

I

J. P. Peoples '' Lancaster, I^anoastcr county, .

I
Dr. P. P. Breneman, I Lancaster, Lancaster county, .

.\. D. Ueiyer , Allenluwn, Lehiyh < >5;nty,

F. J. Stetler

W. A. Wcutzel,

11. J. Gord

W. F. P. Gord

F. F. Willenbecker, .

L. Mink

J. C. BitterlinK

J. R. Joncb

Alli ntown, Lehigh county,

AlliiUi.-.vn, Lc1!'l:;1i county

Allciuuwn, Lehigli county,

.\llento\vu, L liigli county,

Allento-.vn, Lehigh county,

Allentiiwn, Leliigh county,

Alltntown, Lehigli county

Allent.iwn, Lf-liigh county,

A. S. Weiter, ' Ailrntown, Lehigh county

H Drobt^t I Allentown. Lehigh county,

I

H. M. Seigfried I Allentown, Lehigh county

B. S. Jeanes, | Allentown, Lehigh county,

E. D. Jeanes Ml.nt. \vn, I.tliigh county

V. Lauden^luger \llt nt..\vn, L.-high county

A. Grlesemer \i; :,l« \vn, Lehigh county

L. N. Klienliogne, , All'-ntown, LehiKh cuunty,

H. F. Knecht, ' Alkiitown, Lehigh county

A. C. Apiilp ; Allentown, Lehigh county,

t.'. I"]. Berger Mltnt iv.n, Lehigh county,

L. L. Roney \I(,.ti,wn, Lehigh county

C. W. Grammus Ali uinwii, Lohlgh county

L. F. Grammes, ' All- utown, Lehigh county

G. II. liar. Ill- Allentown, Lehigh county

C. R. EichtiiJta.il Allentown, Lehigh county,

W. n. Median ; T'hiladcli'hia, Philadelphia county,

Frank Thompson Philadelphia, Philadelphia county.

2,400

2,400

1,200

2.400

2,400

2,400

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,20<)

1,200

1,200

1,200

1,200

1.200

1,200

1,2(K)

1.200

1,200

1,200

1,2(K)

\,Wi

1,200

1,200

\,im
i.»»

1.200
4,000
5.000

154

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

DISTRIBUTION OF YEARLING BROOK TROUT, 1898.

Date.

Name.

PostofTice Address.

No. shipped.

Total.

18M.

July 5

Hon. John Lynch,
\V. H. Joyce, ...

Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne county, ..
Philadelphia, Philadelphia county

200
65

DISTRIBUTION BROOK TROUT FRY. 1899.

K. w. Gwaddell j Wcsttown. Chester county,,

I Leonard, Chester county, ..

1S99.
Feb. 21

21 David Cope,

May 16 O. K. -T mes

16 L. Mink

IC A. C. Apple

16 J. S. Apple

16 H. M. Seigfrled, .

16 J. J- Zellner

16 11. Uuhrsbath, ..

16 , W. Gilbert,

16 A. Gehringer, ...
16 N. L. Ellenbogen,

IG A. S. Wetler

Feb. 21 W. H. Reed

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Allentown, Lehigh county

Alhntown, Lt.-high county

Allentown. Lehigh county

Nurristown. Montgomery county,

10,000
10,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

1.000
1,000
1,000
1.000
1,000
1.000 i
1,000 j
1,000 ;
IC.OOO i

DIS

1SU8. I
.Tan. 16 J. W. Adams,

TRIBUTION CALIFORNIA TROUT FRY, 1898.

1899. I
April 28 C. B. I'oorman,

Brooklyn. Susquelianna county,

White Haven, Luzerne county,

Luzerne county.

10,000

28 E. E. Shafer j White Haven.

: White Haven, Luzerne county,.

2S G. W'. Brown,
28 ! E. S. Trimmer

W

hite Haven, Luzerne county,

1.000
1,000
1,000
1.000

2es

1 41.100

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

DISTRIBUTION OF ATLANTIC SALMON, 1899.

15.5

Dat*.

Name.

1S99. I
Mch. 21 ' W. C. Knapp,

lO.t^OO

Postofflce Address

>fo. Shipped. Total.

24

April 28

C. W. Betz,
M. Carrall,

Hawley, Wayne county, ..
Honesdale. Wayne county,
Hawley, Wayne county, .

93,000
87,000
49,000

229,000

4, too

156

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

BRISTOL STATION,

REPORT OF

JOHN P. CEEVELING, SUPERINTENDEJJT.

Ta thp Commissioners of FisUeries: „t ti,u

olnemon: The foiiowin, is my report for the seasons worU at th.

following day had 1.5...M'<.0 shad eggs mth^ 3a- - ^^^^ ^,.

- open the ^^ation -ti the hr. ^ ^^^^.^^ ^^„, ,,

though --'7 • V ;''^ \ ; i ;;eavly as early as usual on account
was no prospect of then "I'*'"" ^ ^ ;„ ,.,„pvam was duo

of the coldness -[^^^'^^^^ pt! Commission stating that that
to a letter from the United ^^.'^\* ''\' " . ^^^,^ fl, r.race on the
body was taking more eggs at its batte.y n^«' H^^^^^^ p^„„,,,i.

Susnnehanna than there ^^^^^Z^^^.^^ -"'<^ "^'^
vania Fish Commission could take Tutiu ut i

sent to Bristol. , ^„j „.p,>t the same

I rece ved notice on the ^.)tn oi im

f. u,.wtol -md on the following day. with the aid ot mj d
evening to Hiistol, ana on i ^„„.„. ^-^ evorvthing in order, and

sistants. put up the j.nrs, got the eng ne and e^ r^ J ^^ ^^_^

was cuite ready for ^^f^^J^^Z^l^tertain whether there
28th I sent my spawn takers to 1 e -^ o ^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^

.ere yet any Xf^:ZZ:t^nZ.;^n vas. numbers. On
eggs, and reiwrtcd that the snaa ^^t T,„,,,edpve Bv this time

the 2d of May 1 planted the first lot of fry at ^ ^^"^^ ^^ :
.bat with the number of eggs ^^^^^^^^^^^^ h t he capa-
Fish Commission and my ow-n "^7" '.^ [^^"J^^L the first time
city of the station w.s going to he ^^^^I'l^^^l, ,,0 purpose,
in its history, and there were not "<'»'^'^ *!""";' ;^„^,^ ,,,,, ^„i these
I immediately applied for «^'- '>--;;;7,,.^^;n^^^^^^^ soon, for by"

— dr::n;Tr:d :::^i^m^.r:gra" ..• -.os., . was

compelled to let them go. Delaware river

There probably never w^as such a run of shad ,n the ^^^

sir.... Ihe early days of the century as this jear. ^ot ,

'A

i

156

REPOIiT OF THE

Off. Doc.

BRISTOL STATION.

KKl>OKT OF JO.iX V. CKEVKI..NC-.. sri-KHlXTFA'DENT.

To the .■..>muission..vs nf 1- islienes: ^^.^

(•.,ull..,.ui.: Tl.,. following is n.y n.p<..-t Vo. the ....sou,

„f „,.. ,-ohlM,.ss """■":••■ ,^ ,,.,^,, ..ommissiou stn.in, thai ihnt

bo.lv was taUinj: moro ..ufrs ."I "^ '. ,. , .,. „„. ,,,.,„„vl.

Susi.uohanna .hnn th..,v -■•;■;';:;;';:'';;;, ':J,,;.,:. ,.,.. wo.,hl h.
vauKi Fish CniMinissum couia take lUnn l

sont to Br.s ol. _^ ^^^^^^^^^ ^^,,,, ^^.,„,. „,, ,„„„.

ovonins; to r.ristol. and on th.- Mlown,. a.n. «nh tl,

„,„,„, to r.ns.o . ^-■;; ',;;,,-,,,{ ov,.,v,hia. l,. o,.l,.,-. and
.ista.is „nt ,,p -. . ;^^ ^^,^^ ^,,.,.,^.„„ .,„ „.. .,;,„ „ .„.

vas onite n.ad> Lm "" - . .,„,,,,,aiu whclhcr Ihorc

2Sth 1 sent my spawn takers to th, .no t _^^^^^^^^^^^^

ini,shls.o,,.and.ho,.ow,, ' "'--^^ '^ ; !; iX.

' i""M..dia.oly applied U. .hvo do.on ^^^^^^^';^;'^:^ ^.„„, ,.,. „,'

o,t^vohUov,h..•ap,aM,of ho S.nsh^ ^^. ^^^^_^^_ ^ ^^.^^^

„.,lili(Ml nio that ho had soM-ial inillMm . ^^

Thoro pn.hahly nov.v was suoh a >nn shad n t ^^^^^

M.aolho ,a.l.vdavsofthoronlnvyaslh,s>.a>. -Nol .

I

I
J

(

X

] =

I

I _

\

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

157

ii.

I

\

number enormous, but the size of the fish was also very large, and for
the plentifulness the United States and Pennsylvania received the
credit.

This great run enabled me to break all previous records in spawn
taking and hatching, without taking into account the millions of eggs
which the United States generously sent, and this fact gives me great
satisfaction. I made strenuous efforts to run the hatching up tw^enty-
five millions before I closed the station, and I very nearly succeeded,
for on June 1st I had nearly 83,000,t)00 eggs to the credit of the station
from the Delaware river and my own spaw^n takers. But the quality
of the eggs suddenly fell off and on account of the very ^ow prices
being obtained for the fish the fisheries determined to cut out their
nets, so with 22,200,000 eggs and all hatched, I felt it my duty to close
on June third, which 1 did.

Early in the season on examining the station I found everything in
fair shape except that the building sadly needs a fresh coat of paint.
During the winter the smoke stack blew down in a gale of wind, but
I promptly fixed it. In the s])ring, before the station was opened, the
roof was repaired and iiainted.

Some time before the stntinn was opened, someone took off the
staple of the door and stole the lock. This discovery was made by
your Assistant Secretary, but although a rigid search was made
nothing else appeared to have been disturbed. Before closing for the
season I purchased a Yale lock in place of the one stolen.

The boiler will need a new grate before the station is opened next
year, and there should also be a pipe set to carry away the waste water
to the river. At present it is allowed to flow through a hole in the
floor to the ground underneath the building.

In former years it was the custom to hire a boat to row the spavsn
takers across the river from the Station to Burlington. This year at
my request, I was permitted to purchase a good round-bottomed boat.
With this I was able to do much more effective work. If your body
could see its way clear to purchase a naptha launch, the output of
eggs could be nearly if not <]ui((^ doubled every year. At present the
distance to be traversed between the station and the finlKMy is \evy
great and consumes much time, and I am able to take the eggs of but
one fisherv. If I had a launch, I could visit several fisheries and con-
sequently take very much more spawn. As it is Ww take of eggs this
season represents pi*obably the maximum for the future.

My work was accomplished with a force of seven, as follows: Two
spawn takers, one messenger and assistant, two engineers and mysolf.
The shad station is growing in popular interest every year, and
during the season is visited by a large number of pon]>le. who for the
most part go away much impressed with the usefulness of the Oomniis-
sions work.

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

158

Hitherto the greater part of the shad fry have been planted very far
no the ri er at Pond Eddv and contiguous points, the mam reason

and ^^e finally agre ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^,^^^^. ^„„a,.

neighborhood ot ttie >n aiti u.ip- danet'v

tions were just as favorable and there was very bttle nioic dang
Srom the stHped bass. In that locality, therefore, nearly all the f.>

were planted.

During the season I hatched 22,200,0t.0 shad.

The eggs from the T'nited States were received from the folloxMU.

stations: -v

From Havre dc Grace '^ 0,265,000

" Thei^:^^;^ the frywe;.; deposited! io.ether wHh the daU.
a,rn«mbers, will be found attached to this report, whuh .s .espect

fully submitted.

Respectfully,

J. P. CREVELING,

Superintendent.

No. 17.

H

i

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BRISTOL STATION.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHAD FRY, 1899.

l.'O

Date.

Postotlice Address.

1S98.
May 2 Dolvidere

3 Water Gap

4 Lambertville

5 Water Gap,

5 liambertville,

6 Water Gap

6 Lambertville

6 Bristol,

10 Water Gap,

11 Phillipsburg

12 liristul

ID Water Gap

15 Bristol

16 Water Gap

lU Lambertville

Itj B-'lviilere,

17 Bulvidere

IS Lamb' rtville

la Lanilt^rl\ illc

19 Bristol

23 LamTurtville

24 Philliiipburtr

25 Lamhertvillc

2"i BrlHtol.

27 rhillipFlmrp,

20 Water Gap,

29 Phillipsburg,

29 BrlFtol

nn Water Gap,

:;•> rbiilippbtiip

,"l P.'<iviflnrn

31 PrlFtnl

J'.nr" 1 r.amhoiipville

1 l^rlptAl

2 L;imb' tt", ille

r I'riptnl,

Delaware River, . .
Delaware River. . .
liplaware River, . .
L>t lawu! e River, . ,
I't'luware River, .,
Delaware River, .

Polawaro River, .

1 elaware River, .

Delawaiu River, .

Delawari liiver, .

iJclawarc liivei-, .

I.'elaware River, .

1 'Jflwarc liivcr, .

Delaware River, .

! • lav, d'.\ River, .

iJuiiiware River, .

I '• iawar" River, .

I 'i-l iwaiu River, .

I '.'la ware River, .

I'.lawaii- Itivfr.
; DelHwnrt' River,

!». lawu'f River,

1 tlawaie r.ivfr.

I (tin WM (■ |{i\ IT,
. J>( lav ail liivcr,
. I >('la^^ n c Hiv»r
> Delrviro River.
. nflnw.i'i |{ivor,
• ' I »oli vprr River,

• ! >olT,vnrr> Riv« r

• Dplnwnrn Piver,

• li'lawarr- Rivrr,

• Polnwaro Rivrr,
■ I -1 I V arr Rivor,

No. shipped.

500,000
500,000
450,000 ■
800,000
700,000
300,000
475,000
300,000
100,000
700.000
75,000
700,000
600.000
700,000
7U0.000
Ti 0,000
700. IKW
.■.00,000
700,000
601.000
fi.'.O.OOO
M>0,000
400,000
sOO.OOO
800,0(10
500,000
750,000
6W,0W
700,(K)0
500,000
800,000
oOtl.OOO
fion. 000

Total.

22,2(M,'KtO

11

160

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

SUMMARY OF DISTRIBUTION.

1889 TO 1899.

BROOK TROUT FRY.

lSSS-92. Eastern Hathchery,
Western Hatchery,

Distribution 1S91-92,

1892-93. Eastern Hatchery

Western Hatchery, •••

Distribution lSr<2-93,
1893-94. Eastern Hatchery. ....
Western Hatchery

Distribution 18;t3-94,

1894-95. Eastern Hatchery, ...

W^estern Hatcher>', ...

Dlstrihution 1895,
ISOr.-Oij. T:ast.Tn HntcUery, ..
Western Hatchery, .

DiBtrlbutlon ISsn,
1S96-9T. Eaitern Hatchery, .
Western Hatchery,

Distribution IS'J?,
1S9T-98. Eastern Hatchery, .
Western Hatchery,

Distribution 1S98,
1898-99. Eastern Hatchery, .
Western Hatchery, .

Distribution ISM, ■•
Total brook trout,

1,428,400
1,473.400

1,613,980
1.363.600

1,509,700
1,194,700

1.373,000
1,334,100

1,114,200
1,493,600

1,108,800
1,293,500

778,100
1,506,800

93,200
1,636.400

2, 901, SCO

2,977,580

2,704,4C0

2,707,100

2,607 liOi)

2, 402, JOG

2,284,400

1,729,600

20,314.980

<;;

K

I

1

.

^O. 17. FISH COMMISSIONERS.

BROOK TROUT YEARLINGS AND THREE YEAR OLDS.

161

lS9o-'J4. Western Hatchery,

1S94-95. Eastern Hatchery,

ISliG. Western Hatchery,

1S97. Eastern Hatchery,

1898. Western Hatchery,

189S-99. Eastern Hatchery,

Total yearly, etc., brook trouc,

LAKE TROUT FRY.

1S91-92. Western Hatchery,

1S92-93. Western Hatchery,

1893-94. Western Hatchery,

1894-95. Western Hatchery,

1895-96. Western Hatchery,

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

Total lake trout fry.

CALIFORNIA TROUT FRY.

Ibyl-'j2. Eastern Hatchery
Western Hatcht.;r;

Distributea in 1S91-92,

lb:«2 1(3. East' rn Hutchtry, ..

West'iu Hatchery

Distribution In 1«'»2-!i

18113-94. Eat^t'iu IlaLhery,

We.st.-rn Hatchery

Dlstrlbutiun In 1894,

1894-M. Wesl< rn Hatchery

159,-1-96. Western Hatchery, ...
1896- 'J7. Wcsi. rn Hatchery, —

Distribution In 1S96-D7.

ISOT-nS. T'astm Hatchery

'^A'estoin Hatchciy

DiFtributed In 1W7-?S,

11-17—99

7,660
300

3.951
UO
300
265

199.500

180,000

54,000

None.

15,000

14,400

63,600
532,000

22,500
380, OW

12.200
r.7,500

102,000
lis, 000
202,000

s non

13,02S

462,900

eOO.i'CO

4U2,D00

6»,7C0

4.'>2,003

397 PC-i

162

REPORT OF THE

CALIFORNIA TROUT FRY— Continued.

Off. Doc.

180S-99. Eastern H

Western Hatchery,

Distribution in lSCS-99,

Total California trout fry,

HYBRID TROUT FRY.

)S91-02. \Vt stern Hatchery,

1S92-93. Wi.-tTU Hatch', ry,

ISUo-'Jl. Woptern Hatchery,

1S91-9.J. Western Hutch* ry,

18rt5-96. Western IlatfluTy.

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

Total hybrid trout fry,

BROWN TROUT FRY.

1591-92. Western Hatchery,

1892-93. Wii-tern Hatchery,

lS;)3-l-4. JOa.stcin Hatchery.

Western Hatchery.

luftributfed in 1S91-'j1,

is.q.i'.-,. \V('tfrn Hatclicry

L:astern Hatchery

Distributed in l^Jl-9n
1S05-''C. WeFtern Hatcheiy

eastern Hatchery

189l3-l»7. W> stern Hatchery

Eastern Hatcheiy,

Distributed In 1*=':
1897-9S. W» Ftern Hate hery,
1898-99. Western Hatch -ry.

Distributed In 1^07-93.

Grand total bmwn trout.

59,000
106,000
148.000
5S,S00
GO. 100
S-1,000

123,500

307,000

18,000

357,500

108,300
51.000

84,360

36,000

252,300

23,200

307,900
73.400

^

485. -JOO

806,000

159.:U,0

E^.SSO

381,3'H->

1,T42,450

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

LAND-LOCKED SALMON FRY.

1891-92. Western Hatchery,

ATLANTIC SALMON FRY.

1893-94. Eastern Hatchery,
1896-97. Western Hatchery,
Eastern Hatchery,

Total

1897-98. Eastern Hatchery,
1898-99. Eastern Hatchery.

Total,

Total Atlantic salmon.

PACIFIC SALMON FRY.

1896-97. Eastern Hatchery,

GERMAN CARP FRY.

1S91-92. Eastern Hatchery,
Western Hatchery,

Distributed in 1891-92,

1892-93. Eastern Hatchery

Western Hatchery

Distributed In 1892-93.

1893-94. Eastern Hatchery

W^estern Hatchery

Distributed in 1893-94.

1S94-95. Eastern Hatchc^ry

Western Hatchery

Distributed In 1894-9:.,
1895-96. Eastern Hatcher>'

Grand total German carp

Distribution of German carp now discontinued.

40,000
99,107
40.000

94,900
229,000

3.000

2.200

3.265
1.015

3,205
1.000

2,250
3.'?5

im

165, '/jO

179.107

323.900

603,fK)7

80,000

5.^-0

4.2S0

4.20S

S.58i
17. Of*

164

REPORT OF THE

SMALL, MOUTH BLACK BASS.

Off. Doc.

480 ^
lS'Jl-92. Western Hatchery <

2,033

1892-93. Western Hatchery,

Distributed in 1891-93

3,350

1893-94. Eastern Hatchery

3,077

Western Hatchery,

Distributed In 1893-94

1,878

1894-95. Western Hatchery

18,300

1S95-96. Western Hatchery

25,250

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

2,400

Eastern Hatchery,

150

1S97-9S. Western Hatchery

Total small mouth black bass

2,513

6,427

56,918

LARGE MOUTH BLACK BASS.

175

1S91-92. Western Hatchery

345

1S'j2-93. Western Hatchery,

1,460

1893-94. Western Hatchery,

3,837

1894-95. W-estern Hatchery

8,715

1896-97. Western Hatchery

Total large mouth black bass

14.682

ROCK BASS.

-» 4,332

1891-92. Western Hatchery

3,310

1892-93. Western Hatchery

1.725

1893-94. Western Hatchery,

8,643

1894-9.5. Western Hatchery,

9.0G0

1896-97. Western Hatchery

SCO

1897-98. W^estern Hatchery

Total rock bass,

28,172

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

165

WHITE BASS.

1892-93. Western Hatchery,
1893-94. Western Hatchery,
1894-96. Western Hatchery,

Total white ba«a.

Distribution of white bass temporarily discontinued from 1896.

Distribution of strawberry bass temporarily discontinued from 1896.

YELLOW PERCH.

1831-92. Western Hatchery,

1892-93. Western Hatchery,

1893-94. Western Hatchery,

1894-95. Western Hatchery,

1895-96. Western Hatchery,

1896-97. Western Hatching,

1S97-98. Western Hatchery,

Total yellow perch,

SUN FISH.

1892-93. Western Hatchery,

1893-94. Western Hatchery,

1894-95. Western Hatchery,

1895-96. Western Hatchery,

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

STRAWBERRY BASS.

1891-92. Western Hatchery *•**"

1892-93. Western Hatchery '•"""

87
1893-94. Western Hatchery

1894-95. Western Hatchery

89
1895-96. Western Hatchery

Total strawberry bass

8,880

MO

10,270

s,im

»,170

500

150

500

485

4.190

1,000

8,421

1,531

38,135

Total sun fish.

<,»S

166

REPORT OP THE

BLUE SUN FISH.

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

CAT FISH, COMMON.

1891-92. Western Hatchery,

18S2-93. Western Hatchery,

1893-94. Western Hatchery.

1894-95. Western Hatchery,

Total cominun catfish,

BLUE PIKE.

1891-92. Western Hatchery,
18US-99. Erie Hatchery, ...

Total blue pike.

PIKE-PERCH FRY.

1891-92. Erie Hatchery,

1892-93. Erie Hatchery,

1893-94. Erie Hatchery,

1891-95. Erie Hatchery,

1895-96. Erie Hatchery,

1896-97. Erie Hatchery,

1S9S-99. Erie Hatchery,

Total pike-perch,

LAKE HERRING.

1892-93. Erie Hatchery,
1893-94. Erie Hatchery,

Total lake herring,

Off. Don.

50

170

84

230

375
1,800,000

49,940,000
28,670.000
82,840,000
4S,C2U,00U
13,860,000
100.435,000
23.040,000

1.540,000
2,500,000

100

81

1,800,375

1

356,425,000

[

4,040,000

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

WHITE FISH FRY.

1891-92. Erie Hatchery,

1892-93. Erie Hatchery,

1893-94. Erie Hatchery.

1894-95. Erie Hatchery,

1895-96. Erie Hatchery,

1896-97. Erie Hatchery,

Total white flsh,

CAT FISH, SPOTTED.

1S91-95. Western Hatchery,

]S95-9fi. Western Hatchery,

1S96-97. Western Hatchery,

1897-98. ^W-.-^tern Hatchery,

Total spotted catfish.

LARGE GRASS PIKE.

1894. Western Hatchery,

LARGE PIKE-PERCH.

1894. Western Hatchery,

LARGE MUSCALONGE.

1S94. Western Hatchery,

15,000.000
19,800.000
25.000.000
42.000.000
30,000,000
43,000,000

1,140
285

1,370
275

MUSCALONGE FRY.

1896-97. Western Hatchery,

91, MO

Total,

167

174,800.000

3,070

M

45

J&

91.0C0

168

REPORT OF THE

SHAD FRY.

Off. Doc.

1896. Bristol Hatchery,

1896-97. Bristol Hatchery,

1898. Bristol Hatchery,

1899. Bristol Hatchery,

Total shad fry,

6,950,000
7,325,000

•This number Includes e«gs received from the United States Commission.

SHAD FRY INTRODUCED BY THE UNITED STATES.

1891-94,
1894-95,
1S96,
1896-97.
1896-97.
1S96-97.
1898.
1899.
1899.

Delaware River

Susquehanna River,

Eggs liberated ■

Delaware River, ...
Delaware River, ...
Susquehanna River,

ToUl,

RECAPITULATION.

Summary of distribution Brook trout, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of lake trout, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of California trout. 1S91-99

Summary of distribution of hybrid trout. 1891-99

summary of distribution of distribution of brown trout. 1891-99.

Summary of distribution of land locked salmon. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of Atlantic salmon. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of Pacific salmon. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of German carp, 1S91-99

Summary of distribution of small-mouth black bass. 1S91-99. ...
Summary of distribution of large-mouth black bass. 1891-99. ...
Summary of distribution of rock bass. 1S91-99

Summary of distribution of white bass. 1851-99

Summary of distribution of strawberry ba^s, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of yellow perch. 1891-99.

Summary of distribution of sunflsh. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of catfish, common, 1891-99

45,517.000

14,283,000

59,000,000

34,000,000

20,000.000

10,000,000

15,000,000

21,286.000

24,200,000

243,286,000

20.419,165
4^.900
2.225.6«)0
485.900
1,748.450
165.000
503,0<)7
80,000
17, COS
65.9DS
33.467

36.o:i7

3,421

S.iu^

S8,135

6,426

134

i% -

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.
RECAPITULATION— Continued.

169

Summary of distribution of pike-perch, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of lake herring, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of white fish, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of catfish, spotted, 1891-99

summary of distribution of large grass pike, 1891-99

Summary of distribution of large pike perch. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of muscolonge. 1891-99

Summary of distribution of shad, Bristol Station, 1S91-99,

Shad, U. S. in Delaware, ..

Grand total.

867,465,000
4,040,000
174,800,000
2.79S
ti
45
91,015
35.475.000
251,086, 'iOO

859,254,413

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

17i

170

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

LIST OF COMMISSIONERS OF UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

In compiling this list the greatest possible pains were taken to en-
sure accuracy. The Secretary of the Commonwealth of every State
was communicated with, and the list therein may be accepted as offi
cial to date, with the exception of those marked with *. In thos-
cases no replies were received, and the list published in the report c»

1898 is given :

United States.

Commissioner, George M. Bowers.

Chief Clerk, I. n. Dunlap.

Division of Inquiry Respecting Food Fishes, Dr. H. M. Smith.

Division of Fish Culture, W. de C. Ravenel.

Division of Statistics and Methods of the Fisheries, C. H. Towen-

send.

Architect and Engineer, II. von Bayer.

Superintendents of Stations.

C. G. Atkins, East Orland, Me.

E. E. Race, Green Lake, Me.

W. F. Hubbard, Nashua, N. H.

J. W. Titcomb, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

E. F. Locke, Woods Hole, Mass.

C. G. Corliss, Gloucester, Mass.

Livingston Stone, Cape Vincent, N. Y.

Charles Healey, Custodian, Battery Island (Havre de Grace), Md.

W. T. Lindsey, Custodian, Bryant Point (Marshall Hall), Md.

Rudolph Hessel, Fish Bonds, ^^'ashington, D. C.

Geo. A. Seagle, Wytheville, Va.

A. B. Alexander, Fishery, Tennessee.

J. J. Strauahan, Putin-Bay, Ohio.

F. N. Clark, Northville, Michigan.

S. P. Wires, Duluth, Minn.

R. S. Johnson, Manchester, Iowa.

S. P. Bartlett, Quincy, 111.

H. D. Dean, Neosho, Mo. -•

D. C. Booth, Spearfish, South Dakota.

J. L. I^eary, San Marcos, Texas.

t:

' .4.

E. A. Tulian, Leadville, Colorado.
J. A. Henshall, Bozeman, Montana.
G. H. Lambson, Baird, California.
S. W. Downing, Stone, Oregon.
S. G. Worth, Edenton, N. C.
H. H. Buck, Baker, Washington.

Alabama.*
By act of the Legislature the Board of Fish Commissioners has been
abolished.

Arizona.

R. R. Strand, Glendale, Maricopa Co.

W. T. Barr, Phoenix, Maricopa Co.

H. D. Kyle, Phoenix, Maricopa Co.

C. C. Montgomery, Phoenix, Maricopa Co.

Henry Mitchell, Buckeye. Maricopa Co.

J. L. Redondo, Yuma, Yuma Co.

J. H. Durham, Florence, Pinal Co.

W. W. Swingle, Dudleyville, Pinal Co.

^^'m. Wholley, Globe, Gila Co.

Kiuil Manjiiardt, Phoenix, Maricopa Co.

Sanford Rowe, Williams, Coconino Co.

Fred. Ilolden, Williams, Coconino Co.

Arkansas.
We have no Fish or Game Commissioners. It is made the duty of
county aud township oilicers to enforce the law.

Respectfully,

ALEX. C. HULL,
Secretary of State of Arkansas.
Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 14, 1891).

Dominion of Canada.
F. Gouideau, Deputy Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Ottawa.
E. E. Prince, Commissioner of Fisheries, Ottawa.

Inspectors of Fisheries.

Nova Scotia.— A. C. l'»ertram, North Sydney, N. S.; Robert Hockin,
Pittou, N. S.; L. S. Ford, Milton, N. S.

Xrw I?ruiiswick.-J. H. Pratt, St. Andrews, N. B.; R. A. Chapman,
Moncton, X. P.; H. S. Miles, Oromocto, N. B.

Prinre Edward Island.~J. A. Matheson, Charlottetown, P. E. I.

172

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

Quebec-William Wakeham, Gaspe Ba.in, Q.; A. H. Belliveau,
Ottawa; Nap. Lavoie,L'Islet,Q. • n.. nnf -

Ontaric-O. B. Sheppard, Toronto; A. G. Duncan, MaiksviUe, Ont.,

P. H. Cunningham, Ottawa.
Manitoba.-F. W. Colcleugh, Selkirk, Man
North West Territories.-E. W. Miller, Qu'Appelle, V W . T.
British Columbia.-C. B. Sword, New Westminster, b. C.

Fish Culture.
Professor E. E. Prince, Superintendent of Fish Culture, OUawa
W. Armstrong, officer in charge of Government Fish llatchei.N,

''Tm'parketofflcer in charge of Govern ment Fish Hatchery, Sand-

"joLn walker, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery, Ot-

''Sx^^^Finlayson, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery,

''? N'.?at;ilier, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery, Ta-

'Tlei! Mo"vat, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery, Camp-

'ir; Shelgreen, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery,

South Esk, Miramichi, N. B. Hntr-herv

Chas. McCluskey, officer in charge of (Jovernment Fish Hatchei^

^rigl^^'c^SicS in charge of (Government Fish Hatchery. Bedford
'"Togden, officer in charge of Government Lobster Hatchery. Pic-
*°C.^B.^Sword, officer in charge of Government Fish Hatchery. New
'TwISlcicngMfflcer in charge of Government Hatchery. Selkirk.
^'Ernest Kemp, officer in charge of Oyster Culture, Ot.aw..

Newfoundland.*
Hon. A. W. Harvey, Chairman, St. Johns.
M Harvev, Secretary, St. Johns.
Adolph Neilson, Snpt. of Fisheries, St. Johns.

California.
Alex. T. Vogelsang, San Francisco.
Chas. B. GouUl, Oakland.
Honrr W. Keeler, Santa.

-\-

4^

ft

»,

I

<->

Thomas H. Johnson.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Colorado.
Connecticut.

173

Aldeu Solmans, Norwalk.

James A. Bill, Lyme.

Geo. T. Mathewson, Enfield.

J. Stanley Short, Milford.

Delaware.

Florida.

John Y. Detwiler, New Smyrna.
John G. Ruge, Apalachicola.

A. T. Dallas, La Grange.

Georgia.

Idaho.

Hon. Chas. H. Arbuckle, Boise, State Fish and Game Warden.

Illinois.

S. P. Bartlett, Secretary and Supt., Quincy.
Nathan H. Cohen, President, Urbaua.
Augustus Lenke, Treasurer, Chicago.

Indiana.
Hon. Z. T. Sweeny, Columbus.

Iowa.

Geo. E. Delavan, Spirit Lake.

Kansas.
George Wiley, Fish Warden, Meade.

Kentucky.
There is no fish commissioner in this State.

Louisiana.

•in' -'

174

REPORT OF THE

Off. Don.

Maine.

L. T. Carleton, Augusta.
Henry O. Stanley, Dixfield.
Charles E. Oak, Caribou.

John E. Snrling, Crisfield.
A. F.George, Swanton.

Maryland.

Massarhusetts.

Edward A. lUackett, Winchester.
Elisha D. Buinngton, Worcester.
Joseph W. Collins, Boston.

Michigan.
State Board of Fish (Nnnmissioners.
Freeman B. Dickerson. Detriot, term expires January^ 1901.
llov^chel Whitaker, Detriot, term expires January 1. lOOo
0 ce V. Davis, Grand Kapids. term expires Januar, 1, lOOo.

Officers.

Ilcrschel Whilaker, Detroit, President.
Seymour Bower, Detroit. Superintendent.
G Jorge D. Musscy, Detroit, Secretary.
Albert Ives, Jr., Detroit, Treasurer.

Minnesota.

John r.entner, St. Paul.
W. W. Ward, Fairmonnt.
Jacob Danz, 2d. St. Faul.
A.L.t^amb, St. Cloud.
A. T. Williams, Minneapolis.

Missouri.
San.-I T. Hnll...!!. (iK.irnmn .ml Tn.sur...-. S(. t,otiis.
Frank 1'. Y.'..invi.ic. Sprnlnvv. St. .losci.li.

.lolinT. fiit'P. ln«l<l""'l'""<^''- „, ,

Will. .\. Ki'tlnvdl. Virc Cliaivmaii. Mclioijv.

P. I Hurt, nooiivill.. ^^ ,^^^,^,,,. ^„^„.^i„.

Philip Kopplin. Jr., M • i^ouis,
tendinis of HatclH-ries.

A. J. I). Burford. P.urfuvdvillo. Warden.

1

H-3

2:
dd

CD

o

a

174

Hv:r<.r.T i'F t

ilK

c»ff. n"f.

Maino.

L. T. rnrlcton, Au.mista.
Tienry <>. Stanley. Dixiuld.

Marvlaiul.

,]iA\v V

]\

]\i\',:, CrisfH'in.

A. F. <i(M)r<:(>. Swautoii.

Massa«-lnis<'tt^.

KdNvaidA.U.ark. H,\Viiu-lHM(r
Klisha 1>. liHirnu':ton, Wnicrsi.M'.

.Insi'iai NV. Culii'-ii^, lU»t<t(Hi.

Micliiiiaii,

Sl:l

t(. Uoan! nf Fi<1t rmmai^^siomMP

FnM'U

mr. r.. l»i<*U«'is<Hi.

l)cH!(»t, H.-nii cxian'

laiii'.aiv 1, V.m.

Urvsrlicl XM.italvrr. Dftrini. trrm cxpu'e.

.Taniiavy I. F.>''»->-

llnra«'o

\V. Davis, (haial Kainds. Unin * xj.iio

Ofiicers.

.lainian 1, VM^Tk

Scvni

tH'nVliilaktr. Di'tn.it.l'n^'''^'i'^

»r.v liowt'i'

Dririril. S\iiK'iiHt('i^<

lent

Ccoruc 1>. Mn^scy

Ih'irnil. S«MH"t:ny

AllMii Ivt's, -ir

l)("tn»it,Tn'asiiH'r

Miniu'F'i

la.

.Toliii r^rutina'. i^«. Faiil.
W. W. Waul. Fain

.lacoli

unT

Dnir/.. lM St.Fan^

A.T- Fiaui

li. Kl. ricHul

.\ T. WillianiH. Minneapolis.

Mip.^«»nii.

am

1 r. r,nlh«ll. < "t!;ii!Ui;ni a

n I

1 IK I

iMifi. SI. Foni!

Frank V. V«

'i;> •vii;<

S( <ii

inrv. Si. .losrpli.

.l<.knT. Fiisp. hnFiHiHl. nrr

Wni,

.\

Kn(hv<n VirM < haiian

i\n. M'-lxrJy

V. F. IFirt. F»«H»uvili<

Fliilip Knppli

.Ir.. SI . I-«ni

ts

M.

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1»»inl«'nl^ n

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f«H.]. lliiifnulvill*', \Vai<l.-n,

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pa

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

175

^^ -- FISH COMMISSIONERS.

NO. li.

Mississippi.

Jackson, Miss., Nov. 13, 1899.
The State of Mississippi does not indulge in a Fish Commission;
hence I cannot give you the head of that Department.

Verv truly,

J. L. POWER,

Secretary of State.

Montana.

M. J. Elrod, Missoula.

H. P. Kennett, Helena.

R. A. Waagner, ViHor, State Game Warden.

Nebraska.

W. L. May, President, Fremont.
J. P. Rouse, Vice President, Alva.
R(»bt. S. Oberfeldor. Serretary. Sidney.
Adam Sloup, Superintendent, South Bend.

Nevada.

1

I
i

f

V

t

ls

S

The LegisU.tu,o of 1897. abolished the office of Fish Commissiouev.

New Hampshire.

Nathaniel Went worth, Hudson.
William H. SlnutlelT. Lancaster.
P^rank M. Huiihes, Anhland.

New Jersey.
Howard 1>. Prothiugluuu, President and Treasurer. Mt. Arlington.
Wm. A. Halsey. Newark.
Benjamin P. Morris. Long Branch.
J. Frank Budd, Burlington.

New York.*

Hon. B. H. Davis, Palmyra.
Hon. Wm. R. Reed, Potsdam.
Hon. Chas. H. Babcock, Rochester.
Hon. Edw. Thompson, North Port.
Hon. Hendrick S. Holden, Syracuse.

North Dakota.
W. W. Barrett, ChurchV Ferry.

12

176

REPORT OF THE

Ohio.

6E. Doc.

No. 17.

Geo. Falloon, Athens.
Albert Brewer, Tiffin.
J. C. Burnett, Sabina.
Andrew J. Hazlett, Bycyrus.
James W. Owens, Newarlv.

Oregon.

T. T. Geer, Governor, Salem.

F. I. Dunbar, Secretary of State, Salem.

F. C. Keed, Fish Commissioner, Portland.

Pennsylvania.

S. B. Stillwell, President, Scranton.

H C Demufh, Treasurer, Lancaster.

D. P. Cerwin, Socreiary, U3 Wood St., Pittsburgh.

James A. Dale, Ciuresponding Secretary, York.

John Hamberger, Erie.

Jas. AV. Correll. Easton.

W E Aleehan, Assistant Secretary and Statistician, to whom all
communications with respect to Fish Culture and statistics should be
addressed, OtH) Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

Superintendents of Stations.

John P. Creveling, AlUntown and Bristol.

Wm. P»uller, Corry.

Abram G. Buller, Erie.

Rhode Island.

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.
(Apiwinted by the Governor, Chapter 459, Public Laws.)

Henry T. Root, Providence, term expires April, 1000.
William P. :iIorton, Johnston, term expires April, 1900.
J. M. K. Southwick, Newport, term expires April, 1900.
Charles W. Willard, Westerly, term expires April, 1900.
Adelbert Roberts, Woonsock(4, term expires April, 1900.
Herman (\ P.umpus, l»rovidence, term expires April, 1900.

COMMISSIONERS OF SHELL FISHERIES.
(Elected by the General Assembly. Chapter 170. General Laws.)

James M. Wright, Foster, term exi)ires February, 1900.

Benjamin Drown, Warren, term expires February, 19tK).

Philip H. Wilbour, Little Compton, term <'xpires February, 1900.

Josejih (\ Church. Charlestown, term exi>ires February. 1900.

John H. Xorthup, Warwick, term expires February, 1900.

James i\ Co\Uns, Clerk, North Providence, term expires February,

1900.

Omce No. 12 South Main Street, Room 13, Providence.

t

I

i

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

South Carolina.

There are no Commissioners.

L. M. Kinsey, Fish Patrol, P. O. Branchville.

177

Tennessee.'

There are no Commissioners.

Utah.

Fish and Game Commissioner, John Sharp, Salt Lake City.

Vermont.

John W. Titcomb, St. Johnbury.
Horace W. Bailey, Newbury.

Virginia.

Frank Fletcher, Chairman and Chief ^^^^^^''^'^'''^^^^^^ f h

Seth F. Miller, Secretary and Assistant Inspector, Mathe^^s, t. 11.

Pembroke Pettit, Palmyra.
Geo. B. Keezel, Keezeltown.
Capt. John A. Curtis, Richmond.

West Virginia.

There are none.

Wisconsin.

The Governor, Ex Officio.

Edwin E. Bryant, President, Madison.

E A Birge, Secretary, Madison.

Calvert Spensley, Treasurer, Mineral Point.

Jas. J. Hogan, La Crosse.

William J. Starr, Eau Claire.

Currie G. Bell, Bayfield.

Henrv D. Smith, Appleton.

Jas. Nevin, Superintendent, Madison.

Fish Hatcheries.-Madison, Milwaukee, Bayfield.

Wyoming.
Saml. H. Campbell, Sup.riutondent, Hatchery DiBlrict No. 1, Lav-

amie.

O. M. Moegarlidge. Su]

dan.

12-17-99

Superiniedent, Hatchery District No. 2, Sheri-

178

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSION KRS.

179

TRESPASS.

LEGAL CASES OF THE YEAR AFFECTING THE FISHERY

INTERESTS.

The following cases are deemed by the Commissioners of sufficient
interest to publish in full on account of the direct bearing which they
have on the work of lish protection. It had not been expected to pub-
lish the "landing net" case in this report, but as the decision of Judge
Oriag, before whom the case was tried in the Monroe county courts
was given before the copy for the report went to press it was deemed
best to include it, although it occurred after the end of the fiscal year,
and strictly speaking belongs to the next years reports.

The ''landing net" case is of such widespread importance, that it
is given in this report verbatim, from the manuscript of the court
stenographer. Now that the case is settled, the Commissioners feel
that they may without impropriety, say that the decision of Judge
Craig, seems to them the only logical and common sense conclusioii
which could be reached. A decision which would have declared the
landing net an illegal device would have practically put a stop to
angling with light tackle throughout the State, and pi-obably would
have affected the sport in many other Commonwealths.

The present Commissioners may say now, that in framing acts for
the protection of fish, that they never made any reference to the land-
ing net, because they never dreamed that the legality of its use would
ever be called in question, or that it would be regarded as other than
as the regular part of a law-abiding angler's outfit. Thus the matter
was never even considered.

REPORT OF A CASE OF TRESPASS, INVOLVING THE QUES
TION OF FISHING IN PRIVATE PROPERTY.

m

Taken from Mouroe l>t'iu(U'iat, May 11, 1899.
Tor several vears thure have been in existence in this county a
number of tisl. iiud jinme associations vvliich l.ave i.uril.ascU or leased
many miles of streams and nmny acres of land for the purpose of the
preservation and propaKatiou of lish and same. Their right to forbid
hunting or fishing on tlieir respective pr.serves has been ,,ue8tioned,
and especially so will, respect to (he right of all persons to hsh or
trout in the streau.s in which Ih.' Slate had placed tmut fry. Artich's
have been published in some newspapers to the etTect that the hu-
preme Court had decided that this right could not be abridged, and
the various fish associations could not pivv-nt fishing in their streams
if tish from the Slate haldieries liad been placed in llieni. Every-
where throughout the county the siil.jecl has been discussed and many
people are honest in their convictions thai they have ll.c right to hsli
in any stream for which lish commissioners liave furnislicd tish.

Conseipientlv the several cases f.u' trial in curl lliis weel< were o
more than usual interest. These sulls were actiims in trespass against
John Ely William Seiple and Joseph Delp, all of Nortlmmi.ton coun-
tv for fishing and taking trout in the McMi-ha-rs creek, in Chcslni.l-
hiil townsliip. in -M.ril. ISitS. The acli.ms were bronglil by the I'oho-
nu'lline Kish .\ssocialion, (he owner of about six miles of this slream,
and upon which the fishing was done. Tlie court. Judge -Mbnght
presiding, began consideration of llu- llir.'e cases, which were tried
together, on Monday noon.

The Fish Association was represented by Messrs. Storm and Tal-
mer. whilst Messrs. Staples and Erdman represented the several de-
fendants. , ,, , 1 r ,1. . .1,
The several witnesses for the plaint ill' showed that each of Ih.- de-
fendants had been fishing in the stream, and had (akeii fish therefrmu.
Thev also teslilied that sixty three printed noth^es were posted n oiig
the ;treain8 showing them to Ik- private, that the fish warden told the
defendants the stream was prival.. and fishing was forbidden, and
Wardens Uaney and Sigiin th.rw sfoucs in (he stream to preveni any
further catching. It was also testified to that the defendauls Id,

I

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

175

Mississippi.

Jackson, Miss., Nov. 13, 1899.
The State of Mississip])i does not indulge in a Fish Oommissioa;
hence I cannot give you the head of that Department.

Very truly,

J. L. POWER,

Secretary of State.

Montana.
M. J. Elrod, Missoula.
H. P. Kennett, Helena.
R. A. Waagner, Vicloi, State Game Warden.

1

Nebraska.

W. L. May, President, Fremont.
J. P. Rouse, Vice President, Alva.
Rnbt. S. Oberfelder. Secretary. Sidney.
Adam Sloup, Superintendent, South Bend.

Nevada.

The Leo-islatnre of 1807. abolished the ofilce of Fish Commissioner.

4

,1

i

i

1

New Hampshire.

Nathaniel Went worth, Hudson.
AVilliam H. Shurtleff, Lancaster.
P'rank M. Huglies, Ashland.

New Jersey.
Howard P. Frothingham, President and Treasurer, Mt. Arlington.
Wm. A. Halsey, Newark.
Benjamin P. Morris, Long Branch.
J. Frank Budd, Burlington.

New York.*

Hon. B. IL Davis, l»almyra.
Hon. Wm. R. Reed, Potsdam.
Hon. Chas. H. Babcoek, Rochester.
Hon. Edw. Thompson, North Port.
Hon. Hendrick S. Holden, Syracuse.

North Dakota.
W. W. Barrett, Church's Ferry.

12

176

REPORT OF THE

Ohio.

C5!f. Doc.

i

No. 17.

Geo. Falloon, Athens.
Albert Brewer, Tiffin.
J. C. Burnett, Sabina.
Andrew J. Hazlett, Bvevrus.
James W. Owens, Newark.

Oregon.

T. T. Geer, Governor, Salem.

F. I. Dunbar, Secretary of State, Salem.

F. C. Keed, Fish Commissioner, Portland.

Pennsylvania.

S. B. Slillwell, President, Scranton.

H. C. Denuith, Treasurer, Lancaster.

T). P. Corwin, Secretary, 113 Wood St., Pittsburgh.

James A. Dale, Corresponding Secretary, York.

John Hamberger, Erie.

Jas. W. Correll. Easton.

W. E. Meehan, Assistant Secretary and Statistician, to whom all
communications with resixnt to Fish Culture and statistics should be
addressed, 600 Chestnut St., Philadelphia.

Superintendents of Stations.

John P. Creveling, Allentown and Bristol.
Wm. Buller, Corry.
Abram G. Buller, Erie.

Rhode Island.

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.
(Appointed by the Governor, Chapter 459, Public Laws.)

Henry T. Boot, Providence, term expires April, 1900.
William V. ^lorton, Johnston, term expires April, 1900.
J. ^r. K. Southwick, Newport, term expires April, 1900.
Charles W. Willard, Westerly, term expires April, 1900.
Adelbert Roberts, Woonso<kct, term expires April, 1900.
Herman C. Bumpus, l*rovidence, t(M'm expires April, 1900.

COMMISSIONERS OF SHELL FISHERIES.
(Elected by the General Assembly, Chapter 170, General I^aws.)

James M. Wright, Foster, term exi)ires February, 1900.
Benjamin Drown, Wniren, term expires February, 1900.
Philip H. Wilbour, TJttle Compton, term expires February, 1900.
Joseph C. Church. Charlestown, term exjiires February, 1900.
John H. Northup, Warwick, term expires February, 1900.
James C. Collins, Clerk, North Providence, term expires February,
1900.

Office No. 12 South Main Street, Room 13, Providence.

I

^1
I

I

}

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

South Carolina.

177

There are no Commissioners.

L. M. Kinsey, Fish Patrol, P. O. Branchville.

Tennessee.*

There are no Commissioners.

Utah.

Fish and Game Commissioner, John Sharp, Salt Lake City.

Vermont.

John W. Titcomb, St. Johnbury.
Horace W. Bailey, Newbury.

Virginia.

Frank Fletcher, Chairman and Chief Inspector, Accomack, C. H.
Seth F. Miller, Secretary and Assistant Inspector, Mathews, C. H.
Pembroke Pettit, Palmyra.
Geo. B. Keezel, Keezeltown.
Capt. John A. Curtis, Richmond.

There are none.

West Virginia.
Wisconsin.

The Governor, Ex-Officio.

Edwin E. Bryant, President, Madison.

E. A. Birge, Secretary, Madison.

Calvert Spensley, Treasurer, Mineral Point.

Jas. J. Hogan, La Crosse.

William J. Starr, Eau Claire.

Cnrrie G. Bell, Bayfield.

Henry D. Smith, Appleton.

Jas. Nevin, Superintendent, Madison.

Fish Hatcheries.— Madison, Milwaukee, Bayfield.

Wyoming.
Saml. H. Campbell, Superintendent, Hatchery District No. 1, Lar-
amie. . X ^- o av, •
O. M. Moegarlidge, Superintedent, Hatchery District No. 2, Sheri-
dan.

12-17-99

178

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

LEGAL CASES OF THE YEAK AFFECTING THE FISHERY

INTERESTS.

The following cases are deemed by the Commissioners of sufficient
interest to publish in full on account of the direct bearing which they
have on the work of fish protection. It had not been expected to pub-
lish the ^'landing net" case in this report, but as the decision of Judge
Criag, before whom the case was tried in the Monroe county courts
was given before the copy for the report went to press it was deemed
best to include it, although it occurred after the end of the fiscal year,
and strictly speaking belongs to the next years reports.

The "landing net" case is of such widespread importance, that it
is given in this report verbatim, from the manuscript of the court
stenographer. Now that the case is settled, the Commissioners feel
that they may without impropriety, say that the decision of Judge
Craig, seems to them the only logical and common sense conclusion
which could be reached. A decision which would have declared the
landing net an illegal device would have practically put a stop to
angling with light tackle throughout the State, and pi-obably would
have affected the sport in many other Commonwealths.

The present Commissioners may say now, that in framing acts for
the protection of fish, that they never made any reference to the land-
ing net, because they never dreamed that the legality of its use would
ever be called in question, or that it would be regarded as other than
as the regular part of a law-abiding angler's outfit. Thus the matter
was never even considered.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

17t

TRESPASS.

REPORT OF A CASE OF TRESPASS, INVOLVING THE QUES
TION OF FISHING IN PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Taken from Monroe Democrat, May 11, 1899.

For several years there have been in existence in this county a
number of fish and game associations which have purchased or leased
many miles of streams and many acres of land for the purpose of the
preservation and propagation of fish and game. Their right to forbid
hunting or fishing on their respective preserves has been questioned,
and especially so with respect to the right of all persons to fish for
trout in the streams in which the State had placed trout fry. Articles
have been published in some newspapers to the effect that the Su-
preme Court had decided that this right could not be abridged, and
the various fish associations could not prevent fishing in their streams
if fish from the State hatcheries had been placed in them. Every-
where throughout the county the subject has been discussed and many
people are honest in their convictions that they have the right to fish
in any stream for which fish commissioners have furnished fish.

Consequently the several cases for trial in court this week were of
more than usual interest. These suits were actions in trespass against
John Ely, William Seiple and Joseph Delp, all of Northampton coun-
ty, for fishing and taking trout in the McMichael's creek, in Chestnut-
hill township, in April, 1898. The actions were brought by the Pohu-
qualine Fish Association, the owner of about six miles of this stream,
and upon which the fishing was done. The court. Judge Albright
presiding, began consideration of the three cases, which were tried
together, on Monday noon.

The Fish Association was represented by Messrs. Storm and Pal-
mer, whilst Messrs. Staples and Erdman represented the several de-
fendants.

The several witnesses for the plaintiff showed that each of the de-
fendants had been fishing in the stream, and had taken fish therefrom.
They also testified that sixty-three printed notices were posted along
the streams showing them to be private, that the fish warden told the
defendants the stream was private and fishing was forbidden, and
Wardens Haney and Siglin threw stones in the stream to prevent any
further catching. It was also testified to that the defendants left

180

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

PISH COMMISSIONERS.

181

the stream at about noon, but in the afternoon again returned and
resumed fishing and endeavored to bribe the wardens who were per-
sistent in their efforts to prevent their fishing. The Association fur-
ther showed that it had expended large sums of money in the propa-
gation of trout.

The plaintiffs completed their case on Tuesday forenoon, when the
defendants counsel moved a compulsory non-suit, which w^as refused
by the court. Mr. Erdman then opened for the defense. The position
taken by the defendants was that the plaintiffs were entitled to nomi-
nal damages. The ownership of several miles of the stream by
the Pohoqualine Fish Association was admitted as well as the fact
that they, the defendants had been guilty of trespass. They also ad-
mitted that in the event of the defendants having gone on the stream
wilfully and maliciously then the plaintifis were entitled not only to
nominal but also to punitive or vindictive damages. They, however,
maintained that such was not the case. They ottered to show in order
to avoid punitive damages and show their innocence of wilful entering
and trespass upon the lands and streams of the association that for
some lime the rights of fishermen had been agitated and somewhat
in doubt, that they had seen an article in the Times which led them to
believe that they had a perfect right to fish in any stream which had
been stocked by the State with trout, that they had consulted two
attorneys of Northampton county, who had advised them that they
had a perfect right to fish the stream provided they waded the creek,
that fully relying on this advice they actually believed they had a
right to fish, and on that account persisted in fishing even after they
had been warned oft' by the warden. A portion of the above evidence,
the Times article, was not admitte<l bv the court, the court not beinjr
of the opinion that newspapers were safe advisers in legal matters.

The several defendants were then sworn and testified virtuallv to
the above facts, and denied having gone into the stream to make a
test case.

An attempt made to show that Justice of the Pea<'(» T). M. Haney
had informed the defendants that according to law they had a right
to fish in that strt^am was ruled out.

Hon. Nathan M. Lesh and others testified that they had placed trout
fryin the stream about three (juarters of a mile from where the d<'-
fendants fished. The defense closed at about three o'clock.

In his charge to the jury. Judge Albright called their attention ro
tlu' several kinds of damages from trespass, and fully defined the
rights of property owners. As there are a number of facts of in-
terest in his charge, and permission has been given us to print it, we
give I he main points below.

The jury found the defendants guilty of tresi)ass, and nominal
damages of one dollar each was placed on the defendants, and also
one dollar each vindictive damages.

f

In regard to the costs, it is very probable that they will be placed
upon the Wind Gap men, although the matter will be determined at
an argument court. The law is that where the court will certify
that the trespass is wilful and milicious the defendants must pay the
costs. In this case the judge charged the jury that if it found the
defendants guilty of wilful and malicious trespass they must find the
damage more than one dollar, which was done.

The Pohoqualine attorneys asked the court to make the certificate
that the trespass was wilful and malicious. The defendants attor-
neys moved against it and an argument will follow.

The amount of the costs will be in the neighborhood of floO.

Judge Albright's charge to the jury covered the following points of

law:

In each of these three cases the plaintiff seeks to recover damages
from the defendants for the alleged trespass on the plaintiff's pro-
perty. It appears that the Pohociuallne Fish Association is a cor-
I>oration enacted under the laws of Pennsylvania in the year 181)1,
and it appears that shortly after that they acquired by purcliase and
by lease a right to the stream known as Mc:Micha(»rs creek in this
county, and an ownership of a strip of land on each side of the stream
for some four or five miles.

Both this corporation and other i)ersons put in trout that were
hatched artificially. It appears that above the holding of this cor-
poration the stream extends a number of miles, and it extends for
miles below their holdings, and the fish were not confined on the
companv's property. They could go up beyond it and down below it.
It is not a case of fish confined in a stream which belongs to a single
owner, nor is it a case of fish in a pond. The fish themselves under
the conditons we have to do with here are not the subject of property,
they are considered to be wild cnviturcs like bees in an undomesti-
cated state, rabbits and other wild creatures.

The defendants in April, ISDS, fished in this stream where the
companv own it. Each of these three defendants has testified that
on a certain dav in April they went together and inlended to go to
tljis stream to fish and did go there. They entered the stream and
each caught some fish. Tliey fished in the forenoon and afternoon of
that day. The wardens, employed by the company say they told them
they had no right to fish there, but that tlu^ defendants continued to
fish, saying that thev had a right to n^h, and then the wardens in
order to previmt them from taking any or many fish threw stones and
sticks in. The result was that each of the defendants caught, took
and carried awav several fish, and for that alleged and unlawful act
the companv hai brought these three actions. This is not an action
or prosecution brought for a violatitin of the fish laws. It is simply
an action of common law trespass brought by one man against an-
other, who it is alleged unlawfully entered upon his land.

182

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

At this point the Judge gave some general directions aa to the
duties and powers of juries.

These defendants admitted that they waded the stream belonging
to the plaintilf, and they fished. That constituted a trespass. One,
who intentionally enters upon the lands of another, when there can
be no pretense that it was accidental or unintentional or necessary,
commits a trespass; and when a party goes upon your lands or any
other person's land, insisting that he has a right to go there, and par-
ticularly when he persists in remaining when he is warned off by you
or your servants, he commits a trespass; and when he is such an in-
truder he becomes a trespasser, and it is the right of a citizen to have
that declared. It is all the same when in passing from the land of
another, you walk upon the land or in the stream; it is a trespass,
and the excuse set up by the trespassers that they thought they had a
right to fish there does not atfect the question of right. It does not
affect the question as to whether they were trespassers or not. If you
have a stream owing through your land with fish in it, or if you have
a fiock of chickens, and some one comes and insists upon fishing in
your stream, or taking your chickens, it is no defense when you sue
him in trespass if he says he thought he had a right to fish In your
stream or take your chickens, inasmuch as some lawyer told him that.
So in each of these cases the plaintiff is entitled to recover.

In every action of trespass where it is found that liie defendant is
in the wrong and the plaintiff is in the right, then the plaintiff must
be awarded at least nonunal damages, that is some small sum to in-
dicate that the plaintiff was adjudged to be in the right and the de-
fendant in the wrong. Such nominal sum is some small sum. We
say to you that you can treat |1.00 in each case as nominal damages,
to which the plaintiff is entitled, and that in each of these cases you
are to return a verdict for plaintiff for at least one dollar.

In addition to such nominal sum, in actions of trespass where the
plaintiff prevails he may be tmtitled to a further sum as compensation
for what he lost or for the injuiy that he sustained. In this ease there
was no damage done, as it is not said they spoiled anything on plain-
tiff's property, and consetiuently we say to you tliat as compensation
the plaintiff is entitled to nothing, beyond ihe one dollar, so far as w
have presented the matter to you. They took iish which were of
value, no doubt, but inasmuch as there was an open stream these
fish were wild creatures, which one pei.son had as mwh right to as
another. Therefore, we say to you that you cannot give plahitiff anv
sum as the value of the fish as compensatory damages.

The question remains, gciitli urt., as to whether you shall add to tlu'
11.00 nominal damages in each case, a further sum in the nature of
vindictive or punitive damages. In an action of trespass where tlie
charge is some wrong and it appears that the wrongdoer acted oppre?

-3

♦—I

H

en

182

liEPOllT OF THE

Off. Doc.

At this poiut the Jud^e <»av

duties and powers of juiies

gave some general directions as to tlie

These defendants adiu

iUed iliai iliey waded the stream belon

O'

to the phiintill", and they lished. That

upon the hinds of another, when th

m

.<••

wlio intentional I V enter

constituted a Irespass. One

be

ere can

no pretense Jhat it was accidental or unintentional

commits a trespass; and whtMi a party j><i(^
other person's land, insisting (hat
ticularly when he p( isists hi lema

or necessary

s i:j)on y.mr lands ur

right

any

lo go there, and i)ar-

ming w iK'ii he is warned oil" bv vou

or vou

r servants, he commits a <resjtass; ajid when 1

under he becomes a trespasser, and it is il

that declared. 1

le is sucli an in-
le right of a citizen to have

L iS

all tl

le same

whe

antiiher, ve

in p»assing from the land nf

u walk upon llic Uuid (,r in th

ii'v'am; ii i> a (rt'Si)ass,
louglit liicv had a

and the excuse set up by the trespassers thai tlu'v 11

right to li>h thr're does not allVcr tlie (lucsiiuu ut right. It (h»es not

aJfect the question as to whether tl

hav

ley were trespassers oi- not. It vuu

e a stream owing thnjugh yt»ur hind with lish

a tiock of i'hickens, an

in ii, or if vou liave

your stream, or raking vour chick(jis, it

a some one comes aad insists utMin tishino in

IS no

leleiise

hii

■vl

le

n in trespass if he says he thought in* Jutd

\ou sue

stream or take vour »-hirkeiis. inasmu

a righi to lish in vour

ci;

lis S «

8o in each oi these cases llie jdainlilf is eniitird I

Hiie lavyei- told iiim that.

o recover

In vvvvy action of trespass uliere ii
in tile wr«)iig aud the plaintill' is in i

be awardect at least nominal da ma

1: found thai Uie deiendaiit is
iic rigiu, ilu'ii llu- piaintiif must

dicate ihat lite jilaintilf was adjiulged to 1,
fend.ant 'v.\ tlie wrong. Snch n.Hiiii;
say lo you that you can treai ^\.hi) in eat J
to whi<h the plaiiitiir is e;iiiilr<l. ;iii(] i|

ges, titat is s.iiiir' small sum to in

II

hi

rig ill and the de

am is soiM.' small sui

n.

^^'

I case as liominal damages,
lat i.i lach ol ijiose cases \ou

ui

e to return a verdict j'oi- plaintill t'l ni least one dollar

In addi(i(m to such nominal sum, in act

plaiiitih })revails m- may be entith <1 to a tu! thei si

ioiis ol tii'S|,'ass whei-e th*

for what he lost or I'm- ihe inim v tliai 1

im as comjtensai ion

le sushiiii"d. Iii tl

n .^ r

was lit) (.

lama

ge done, as it is not said they s})i.iiiMi a:.ylhiii- on piain-

e say !u you thai a^ «-uiiiji('iisat ion

titfs projKily, and consiMjueiiily w
the plaintill is <'niilled lo nothiig, )
have presented tlu' matter to vou. Thev tool

)e\ <>;.<| i he ojH (]()

^11, ir

so far a." v,

value, no doubt, but inasmuch as tnei

fish Were wild creahii

< s.

hid

V iisli which were <;f
'' was an opcii stream these

1 one ix I -nu

another. TheK'l'iU-e, we sa s lo vmi ;• i

as snu;-li right to a;

sum as the \alue u\' the ii^h as conii cusaiei v da

lai you cainmr ^Ivr piaintiif anv

iHaL:< s

Tl

le <niest ion remains. <•«

' f~

$\AH) liouiinal damages in earh case, a fiirlli

Uieii. as |(, wl.etiier _\ on shall add lo 11:

vindictive' or punitive dama.

er sum in the nature

1-1

( 'S.

la ai

charge is some wiMmgand il appear^ that tl

1 action of lresj>ass \\lu*re t

IC

le w rouLvdeer ai

ted

ejtjH-e

-3

t:^
en

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

183

sively or outrageously, and with a high hand, or recklessly disre-
garded the rights of another, or that he wantonly disregarded an-
other's rights, then a jury after awarding nominal damages may add
punitive damages as a proper punishment of the defendant, and in
such an action when the plaintitf prevails and such ground for further
vindictive or punitive damages are not shown, then no such damages

shall be given.

Defendants counsel here has not taken the ground that you shall
find a verdict in favor of the defendant. He had too much regard for
you to mislead you, if he could, into the disregard of your duty and 'O
find a verdict against the law and against the right, but insists that
you ought to stop at nominal damages, one dollar in each case. The
plaintilf insists that under the circumstances, as they are apparent
here, there ought to be a sum beyond the; one dollar awarded as puni-
tive damages.

Wp say to you, gentlemen, that if you find that the acts of these de-
fendants or either of them was high handed, and that knowing they
had no right there, and alter they knew they had no right there, if
they defiantly, knowing they were in the wrong, i)ersisted in fishing
and intended*^ to brave the thing out, or if knowing the rights of the
plaintiir kn<-N\ they had no right there, they wantonly commenced to
fish or persisted in fishing, Ihen there is such a case presented to you
which will warrant you in adding to the one dollar such further sum
as in your opinion would be just luinishment for them.

When it comes to a question wiih a jury as to whether a person did
what he knew wi\s wrong, then his opinion and intention may be cou
sidered, a!ul when it is a (jnestion of law and lie in good faith goes to
a lawyer, and fully and fairly states the whole case to the lawyer, and
the lawyer advises him. then ii is taken th^it he may follow the advice
of the lawyer even if the lawyer should be in the wrong, and it is not
to be imported to him that he did what was intentionally wrong. The
lawyers advice may be considered when the jury after awarding nom-
inal damages, e.nne to consider whetluM' a further sum shall be given
against the .lefendant for punishment. Then as to what the defend-
ants b^ilicved what tlu^v were told, may be coi! Videred by you and you
may a*lsr. consider tlie'mattei- as to what tliey were told when they
came on tlie ground, whether they were nt)t then given to understand,
and did understand, that they had no right there, as to whether they
persisted right or no right. All tliese ihings you will consider when
you come to pass upon the question whether you shall award a fur-
ther sum, a sum bevDiid the oiw dollar in each case as damages, and
if to be award( d, then liow much. If you award punitive damages
you will fix such sum as you deem to be just, regarding the rights of
plaintilTs and also of the defendants.

If a corporation owns a stream its rights are the same as if a dozen

184

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

farmers owned that same stream; and if the corporation forbids fish-
ing, its right to do so is the same as if a dozen farmers owning tiie
stream should say there should be no fishing, and if people persist in
fishing on our private property we will sue them for trespass. And
the situation of this corporation is the same as the different individ-
uals who are owners of the stream several miles above and below their
holdings.

A man who owns land through which a stream flows for a mile has
the same rights as another through which the stream flows for one
hundred yards or one hundred feet. You could not sav that the
man who owns the stream for 100 yards may recover damages for
fishing against his will in his stream, and the man who owns the
stream for a mile should have no damages.

And so gentlemen we instruct you that under the facts in this case,
as it is coiicc ded and admitted by the defendants, that in each case
the plaiiititt is entitled to at least nominal damages, which we say
shall be taken at one dollar. We fix that sum in order that if you go
beyond that sum in your verdict it may be known whether you inflict
punitive damages, and if it is not shown that the defendants acted
in wanton disregard of the plaintiff's rights defiantly, and against
their knowledge of their rights did what was wrong, then you will
stop at nominal damages. If it is true that they thus defiantly and
wontonly acted then you may add such sum as may seem just to give
in each case.

LANDING.NET CASE— (COPY).

Commonwealth
vs.
William T. Elliott and J. Price
Wetherill.

^ Commonwealth of rennsvlvania.
County of Monroe.
^ Court of Quarter Sessions.
Xos. 1 and 2 September Sessions,
1899.

TRAXSCRIPT OP THE STEXOCKAPHER'S XOTES OF THE
PROCEEDIXiJS AXl) TESTIMONY.

The above entitled case came on for trial at Stroudsburg, Pa., before
the Honorable Allen (^raig. President Judge of the 43d Judicial Dis-
trict of Pennsylvania.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

1S5

APPEARANCES:

For Plaintiff, Messrs. Staples and Erdman.
For Defendant, Messrs. Storm and Palmer.

PLAINTIFFS EVIDENCE.

Witnesses.— N. B. Dreher, Joseph Frantz, Joseph H. Shull, V. C.
Peters William Kautz, Wm. Vangorden, John S. Schoonover, Judge
E N WiUiard, J. Price Wetherill, William T. Elliot, W. E. Meehan,
Charles Wetherill, Jas. Correll, S. B. Stillwell, L. E. Wills, Jos. B.
Townsend, Jr., W. E. Mehan, Milton D. Price, Stephen Holmes.

* NORMAN B. DREHER, Sworn and examined by Mr. Staples, coun-
sel for the Commonwealth.

Q. Are you the official stenographer of Monroe county?

A. I am. . T # 4^1.

Q. Did you take the testimony as stenographer in the trial of the

cases of the Poho(iualine Fish Association against John Ely and

others?

A. I did. , ^ ^.

Q. Among other testimony that you took did you take the testimony

of John Price Wetherill?

A. I did.

Q. Have you the notes of testimony with you?

A. I have. . , ^. .

Q Will you please refer to that part of the testimony relating .o
an admission upon his part of the catching of trout in the McMichael's
Creek on the 15th day of April, 1899?

A. Yes, sir. , . , ., .-

Q. Do you have that portion of the testimony in which the question

was asked, you were there on the 15th day of April?

A. Yes, sir. , ^ u- •>

Q. "Did you catch any trout that day/' is that question asked him .

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was his answer?

A Yps '^ir.

Q. Was the question asked, "how many did you catch on the 15th

with your landing net?''

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was his answer? , ^ , „

The question was objected to and the objection over-ruled by the
Court, and the answer was: "I think it was eighteen."

Q. Was he asked the question "trout?"

186

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was his reply?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do your notes of testimony previous to tliat show that he was
fishing in McMichaePs Creek, Monroe county?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. In the same testimony of John Price Wetherlll, was he asked
the question, ''when you fish, do you fish with a fly?"

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was his reply?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Was he asked the question, ''do you use a landing net?''

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was his reply?

A. Yes, sir.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for the defendant.

Q. On his re-direct examinaiion by me was the question asked, ^'dld
you catch trout with your landing net?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was the answer?

A. Kod, hook and line.

Q. Was the question asked, "do you use a landing net in getting
them to the shore or getting them to your basket ?'-

A. Yes, sir,

Q. What was the answer?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Was the question asked, "a landing net is used by all fly fisher-
men?"

A. Yes, sir.

Q. ^\ hat was the answer?
A. Yes, sir.

Counsel for the plaintiff offers the testimony in evidence.
By the Court: It is received.

JOSEl»Ii FKAXTZ sworn and examined on behalf of the Corn-
on wealth by Mr. Staples.
Q. Where do you reside?
A. Windgap.

Q. Were you in Monroe county at any time last May?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. What day?
A. On the 12th of Mav.
Q. Whereabouts?

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

187

A. Along the McMichaels stream and at McMichaels, I believe is
the name of the place.

Q. Did you see on that day the defendant in this case, William T.

Elliott?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Is he in the court room?

A. I believe he is right there. (Witness points to Mr. Elliott.'^
Q. That is the gentleman you saw?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Was he fishing?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. What was he fishing with?
A. He was fishing with rod, hook and line, and also with a landing

net.

Q. How large was the net?

A. I could not say. It might have been a foot or two in diameter.

Q. Was it on a pole?

A. Yes, sir; he used it for a walking cane.

Q. Did he catch any fish?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How many?

A. I saw him catch one.

A. What was it?

A. A trout.

Q. How did he catch it?

A. Well, he caught it with the hook and landed it with the net. He
took it out of the w^ater with the net.

Q. Was the trout alive when he took it out?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Did he stick the net under the water?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. At the time he stuck the net under the water was the trout

struggling?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How could you tell it was struggling?

A. Because the water was jumping. I am no fisherman myself.

Q. How was the pole and line?

A. I could see him fetch it in with the pole. He left it out and
brought it back with the reel.

Q. Was the net entirely immersed in the water when he brought

it out?

A. Yes, sir; put in under the water.

Q. What did he do with the trout?

A, Put it in the basket that he had with him.

Q. Was it alive when he put it in the basket?

188

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. It appeared so; it was jumping.
Q. How far were you from his when he caught the fish?
A. Perhaps as far as from here to the clock, that end of the room.
Perhaps not that far.

Oross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for the defendant.

Q. Had you ever been in that neighborhood before?

A. No, sir.

Q. You had never seen Mr. Elliott?

A. No, sir.

Q. How did you get up there?

A. I was sent there.

Q. By whom?

A. W. J. Seiple, J. J. Delp and J. Ely.

Q. Those three persons had been arrested by the Fish Association
of which Mr. Wetherill and Mr. Elliott were members sometime be-
fore that, and had a trial in Court?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. They asked you to go there and arrest Mr. Elliott?

A. Yes, sir; to go there and get evidence.

Q. How did you know Mr. Elliot was there?

A. I didn't know he was there.

Q: You were sent there to watch the stream?

A. I was sent there to see w'hether they fished with this landing
net.

Q. You say now that the fish was caught on the hook before he used
the landing net?

A. Yes, sir; I said that before I could not see anything else. It was
hooked. He didn't have it out of the water.

Q. Where were you?

A. I sat on the fence.

Q. Mr. Elliot was wading the stream?

A. No.

Q. Was he walking in the water?

A. On the outside.

Q. He used the landing net as a walking stick?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Did he get in the water further down?

A. Understand me. After he came out on the public road, then
he used this landing net as a walking stick.

Q. Did he get in the water again further down and fish?

A. He didn't get in the w^ater at any time. Fished on the outside.

Q. Did you see him afterwards fish, after he caught this fish?

A. Yes, sir.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

189

Q. Did he catch any fish afterwards?

A. Not that I saw.

Q. Did you follow Mr. Elliot down the stream?

A. No, I did not. I didn't follow him down the stream. I believe
I talked with him a few words and with the fish warden Miller. This
happened right near the public road.

JOSEPH H. SHULL sworn on behalf of the Commonwealth and
examined by Mr. Staples.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. Stroudsburg.

Q. Are you a trou^ fisherman?

A. Yes; I fish for trout.

Q. About how many years?

A. About thirty years.

Q. In your fishing have you used a fiy?

A. Yes, sir; I use a fly principally in fishing that I do.

Q. Have you in fishing with a fly used what is commonly called a
landing net?

A. I have always used one.

Q. Is it sometimes called a hand net?

A. I am not sure about that. I don't know whether I have heard
that term applied to it or not.

Q. For what purpose did you use the net?

Counsel for the defendant asks the counsel for the plaintiff to
state the purpose of this examination.

By counsel for the Commonwealth: We propose to show that the
landing net is used in the catching of trout by fly fishermen.

A. Yes, sir. Use the landing net to get the trout.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for the defendant.

Q. Do you consider it a necessary appliance in trout fishing?

Obejcted to by counsel for the Commonwealth as immaterial.

By the Court:' I think we will hear the testimony. Objection over-
ruled. Plaintiff's counsel asks for an exception, which is -ranted by
the court and a bill sealed.

A. I would not like to say it was an absolute necessity. I would
say that I would not go fishing with a fly if 1 could not use a landing

net. •

Q. Can the sport of angling be reasonably enjoyed without the use

of a landing net?

190

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

The question is objected to by counsel for plaintiff. Question
changed.

Q. Whether the right to fish with rod, hook and line could be
reasonabl}' enjoyed if the use of the landing net was forbidden?

Counsel for the plaintiff objects to the question as immaterial, irre-
lerant and incompetent.

By the Court: The objecUon is over-ruled. Plaintiff's attorney
ask for an exception, which is granted and a bill sealed.

A. I think not. That is my opinion.

Re-direct examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. Do you consider the nse of the landing nut an appliance other
than rod. hook and line for catching fish?

Objected to by counsel for defendant.

By the Court: I am inclined to admit the question. Counsel for
defendant ask the court for an exception, which is granted and a
bill sealed.

A. Yes, sir. I would consider it an other appliance other than rod,
hook and line.

Q. When is a trout considered by you as a fisherman as caught?

Objected to by counsel for the defendant.

By the Court: I will admit the question. Counsel for defendant
asks for an exception, which is granted and a bill sealed.

A. I think my answer to your former (piestion that the landing net
I use for the purpose of getting the trout is an answer, because I re-
gard getting and catching as synonymous.

Re-cross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for defendant.

Q. Is the landing net used to catch the trout under a fair use of
terms, or is it used to land the trout after he is caught on the hook?

A. As I understand it, the trout is not caught until you have it
actually in your possession.

Q. Is that your idea, that a trout is not caught until it is in your
possession; in your hands or in j'our basket?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What is the meaning of the word landing net?

A. I never looked up the definition. If I must manufacture one 1
would presume, I think I can give you a definition. A landing net
is an appliance made of twine with meshes made by knotting or
weaving, conical in form, on a spring or support of some sort, attached
to the handle, as may suit the fancy of the fisherman and the purpose.

Q. What is its use and pur])r»se?

CD
CI

190

r.EPOKT OF THE

Off. Doc.

The qncshVm is oIjjccUmI to by counsel for plainiitf. (Question
changed.

Q. AN'hetlx'i' Uu' liiiiit to fisl] T^ilh jod. hook and line could be
leasoiiablv enjoyed if the us-e (m the landing' nei v»as forbidden?

('ou!i?el for the jdaintilT ebjeiis in Hu- ijuestlon as iiniuateiial, irre-
levant and inconii>etent.

I>y tlie ('(Miri: Tlie ohje'iio!: is over ruleil. JMainlilTV attoi-ney
ask f(U' an ext'eption. which is ^iMiihd and a l>i!! scahd.

A. I lliink no(. That is isiy npinion.

Ke-di!-ec-f exaniinaHon by ^\\. Sta]>hs.

Q. Dn yen consider ilie use of tlu* landinu n(it ;ui applianc*' othi'r
than rod. Iiecdv and lirx' f^)r (;'tchin,tr lish?

Objected to Ity courssel for (h'foiidanl.

By the ConrI : I am inclined to admit lln^ (|uesiion. < 'ou'iscl i\\v
d'*fendant aslc the court foi an e\ cepfinii. whicli i< "iranted and a
bill sealed.

A. Yes, 8ir. I would consider it a.'.i 'ilh.er a]>}»lian<-e other than rod,
hook and line.

Q. \A hen is a trout considered by you as a fishermao as caught?

Objected to by ct)uns(d for the defrndatit.

Hy the Court: I will admit tin* <juestiou. ('iuinscl f«tr defendani
iisks for an except i(ni. which is «irant<»d and a bill sealed.

A. I think my answei to your former ouestion that the hnidin*: net
I use for the purpose of uctlinu the irou'< is an ans\\cr. because* 1 re
gard getting and <-atching as synonymous.

Re-cross examination by Mr. Sierm. counsel for defcMidant.

Q. Is the huiding net used to catch the Ironl under a fair use >f
terms, or is il used (o land the trout afl'M- he is <*aught on the hcndv?

A. As I understand it, the trout is not caught until you have it
actnallv in vonr possession.

Q. Ts that your idea, that a tiout is not caught until it is in your
possession; in vour hands or in vour basket?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What is tin meaning of the word landing net?

A. I never looked u|> the detiniiion. If I must ma.nufacture oin.- I
would ]>resume, 1 think T can give you a definition. A landing nel
is an appliame made of twine with meslu s made by knottjng or
weaving, conical in form, on a spring or support of sonn- stut. attached
to the handle, as nnty suit the fam-v of the tisheritian and the pur]>os'\

Q. What is its tise ami |)urpt»se?

-a
•rrj

CJ

?^'

DJ
>

rn

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

191

A. And the purpose of a landing net is to assist the fisherman to get
the fish that he has hooked into his possession.

Q. That is yonr definition?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. What does the Standard Dictionary say?

A. I did not look up any definition.

Q. You don't know that the landing net is an appliance used in
landing fish?

A. 1 don't know. I presume (hat would be the definition to it. I
never looked up any definition. I don't know what the book defini-
lion is, I never looked up the definition of a landing net.

A. Yes, sir.

Ke-direet examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. What proportion of large trout could actually be reduced to pos-
session by a fisherman fishing with a fly, without the use of a landing
net?

A. A very small proportion of them.

VAN C. FETEKS, sworn and examined by Mr. Staples on behalf
of the Commonwealth.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. Stroudsburg.

Q. Are you a trout fisherman?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How many years have you fished for trout?

A. Fished for them twenty years.

Q. Have you fished with a fiy?

A. Yes, sir. Principally i\\\ my fisliiiig has been done with a fly.

Q. In your fishing with a liy did you use a landing net?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. For what purpose?

A. Landing the trout?

Q. When do you consider a trout caught?

Tins questi(»n is objoled to by « oiinscl for defendant.

By the Court: Ol)jection over-ruled. Defendant's counsel asks
for a bill of ex«'ep(ions which is granted and a bill sealed.

A. I think he is caught when he is in the creel.

Q. Wliat is the creel?

A. Basket.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for defendant.
Q. What is the condition of the trout when he is fast to the hook,
isn't he caught?
13

192

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

193

A. No, sir.

Q. Is he not caught on the hook?

A. No, sir; he is on the hook, but he is not in the fisherman s pos-

session.

Q. But he is under his control?

A. To a certain extent.

Q The landing net has nothing to do with the catching of himf
The landing net is used only to land him, either to put him on the
shore or in the basket?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. That is what the landing net is used for?

A. Yes, sir. . * - +

Q Mr Peters, vou say that you have had an experience of twenty
rears what is vour experience as to the use of the landing net by
other fishermen' in fishing with rod, hook and line, do other fishermen
you know of use a landing net?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. The use is common?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Has been for twenty years?

A Yes sir.

Counsel for the Commonwealth object to all testimony relating to
the ordinary or common use of landing nets by fishermen.

By ihp Court: The objection is over-ruled. Ci>unsel for Common-
wealth ask for an exceptit)n, which is granted and a bill sealed.

Q. You say it was in use as long as you can remember?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. You have been around fishermen a great deal?

\ Yes sir.

Q. Your father kept a summer resort where fishermen resorted for

manv vears?
A. Yes, sir.

WILLIAM KAITZ, sworn on behalf of the Commonwealth and
examined by Mr. Staples.
Q. Where do you reside?
A. Stroudsburg.
A. Are you a trout ttshorman?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. TTow many years have you fished for trout?

A. About thirty years.

Q. Po vou use a fiy in fishing?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do you use a landing net?

A. I do.

Q. For what purpose?
A. For getting the ti-out.

Q. What proportion of large trout could you catch or get in your
possession when fishing with a fly without the use of a landing net?
A. Very few.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm, counsel for defendant.

Q. Where have you fished?

A. Well, I have fished in Carbon county, and I have fished in Mon-
roe and Pike.

Q. Ydu never knew a landing net to be used in any other way ex-
cept for the purpose of getting the landing net under him?

A. Been used to catch little fish, minnows.

Q. The fish is caught on the hook and the landing net is used to
land him?

A. Yes, sir. Landing net to get the trout, after you get the trout?

Q. Why is it called a landing net?

A. I don't know. 1 never looked up the definition of it.

Q. The idea of a landing net is to land the trout?

A. Of course that is the reason, I suppose.

Q. After you get the trout you land it?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. From your experience as a fisherman can the catching of fisl]
with rod, hook and line be reasonably enjoyed without the use of a
landing net?

Counsel for the Commonwealth object to the question as imma-
terial, incompetent and irrelevant.

By Ihe Court: Objection over-ruled. Exception noted and bill
sealed for plaintifl'.

A. In fly fishing you need a landing net.

Redirect examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. If you fish with bait, how about it?

A. You don't need it. .

Q. Do the majority of local fishermen fish with bait instead of fly

for trout?

A. Well, I have been out fishing where I have met more bait

fishers than fly fishers.

Q. Do you know a good many of the fishermen in this county?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do many of them fish with bait instead of fly?

A. Some does.

LV17 no

194

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

WILLIAM VANGORDEN, sworn and examined by Mr. Staples
on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. East Stroudsburg.

Q. Are you a fisherman?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Have you ever fished for trout with a fly?

A. I have fished some with a fly, mostly fish with bait.

Q. When you fish with a fly do you use a landing net?

A. I did but once. I lost it and never bothered with another.

Q. Have you been in company with fishermen who did use a fly?

A. I have went out with them. Some use a fly. I generally us*^
bait.

Q. Do you know what they use the landing net for?

A. To catch the trout; take the trout out of the creek after they
hook it.

Q. Of the local fishermen in Monroe county w^ho fish for trout, about
what proportion of them fish with bait and what proportion with fly?

A. I could not say for that. Taking the people living here I think
the uiost of them fish with bait.

Q. Is the landing net necessary for the catching of trout with bait?

A. I think so. Some uses them.

Q. How do the majority do?

A. I have seen a number of them use them. There are three ')f
them over in the other town, they never go without a net.
Q. Some use them and some do not?
A. Yes, sir.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm.

Q. Do you know as a fisluninan the difl't'renc(^ between the method
of the trout taking the hook when the fly is used and when bait ls
used?

A. Yes, sir; I suppose (here is some dilVerence.

Q. What is the difl'erence?

A. I could not sav the difl*erenc(». I could not tell that.

Q. Well the bait hook, Ihe trout is more apt to swallow?

A. No, sir; not often.

Q. In the case of a fly hook, they are caught nearer the rim?

A. Yes, sir; but they are caught that way with bait.

Q. They are more securely fastened on the hook with bait than
with flv?

A. I have lost a numlier of trout fishing with bait. I don't know
that there is any difference.

Q. There is a difrorcnce in the size of the hook?

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

195

A. Yes, sir.

Q. The bait hook is much thicker?

A. A little larger.
. Q. A fly hook is sharp and very narrow?

A. There is different sized fly hooks.

Q. The fly hook generally used is smaller than the bait hook?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. And more likely to pull out through the flesh than the bait hook?

A. It depends upon how you hook them?

Q. You say you didn't often fish with a net?

A. Never but once. I landed two trout.

Q. When you ordinarily fish you draw the fish in on your hook, how
do you land it?

A. I draw^ it out on shore.

Q. And consider the fish caught when you draw it in?

A. No not until I get it.

JOHN S. SCHOONOVER, sworn and examined by Mr. Staples on
behalf of the Commonwealth.
Q. Where do you reside?
A. Stroudsburg.
Q. Are you a fisherman?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. About how many years have you fished?
A. I have fished in this part of the country for about eight years.
Q. Have you fished with a fly?
A. Some.
Q. When you fish with a fly do you use a landing net?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. For what purpose?

A. To help me get the trout.

Cross examination by Mr. Storm.

Q. You never use a net until the trout is caught on the hook?

A. No, sir.

Q. Are you acquainted with the customs of other fishermen?

A. More or less.

Q. Do they use landing nets?

A. Yes, sir.

Counsel for Commonwealth object to the testimony produced on

the cross examination of this witness.
By the Court: The objection is over-ruled. Exception noted and

bill sealed.

It is admitted that McMichaels is a stream in the county of Mon-
roe, and is a trout stream.

Plaintiff rests.

196

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

DEFENSE.

Judge E. N. \MLLARD, sworu and examined by Mr. Storm on be-
half of the defense.

Q. Judge, have you had any exi)erience as a fisherman?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. In what sections of the State?

A. Why in Monroe, Pike and Luzerne counties in the State of Penn-
sylvania.

Q. Have you fished with rod, hook and line?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. And used a fly?

A. Yes, sir; sometimes.

Q. How long have you followed fishing as a sport?

A. About fortv vears in Pennsylvania.

Q. Are you interested in fishing streams in this county?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Are you acquainted with the customs of fishermen in Pennsyl-
vania as to the use of landing nets?

A. Yes, sir.

Counsel for the Commonwealth object to the above question as ir-
relevant, immaterial and incompetent. That the act of Assembly
prohibits the use of any seine, drift net, fyke net, or net or nets of any
other description, or use of any other ai)pliance for the catching of
fish, except rod, hook and line, and it is no deft^nse in the present case
to show what the custom of fishermen is. The act of May 22d, 1889,
was not passed to provide sport for persons w-ho belong to clubs and
who are interested in the catching of trout, but as is fully and plainly
expressed in the title of the act, "for the protection of shad and game
fish in the State of Pennsylvania "and the full and complete meaning
as expressed in said act cannot be controverted, avoided or evaded
by proof of what the custom of fishermen is or was.

By the Court: The objection is over ruled. As we look at it the
evidence may assist the Court in interpreting the act of Assembly.

Counsel for plaint ill ask for an exception, which is granted and a
bill sealed.

Q. What is that custom?

A. The custom is with the fly fisherman, you mean fishing with a
fly? After you have caught your fish, or he has caught the hook
connected with the fly, then after you get him up you put a net under
him and land him.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

137

Q. That is the custom among all fly fishermen?

A. Yes, sir; I have always seen them fishing in that way, but I have
caught fish with a fly without a landing net.

Q. Do you consider the use of the landing net as you have already
mentioned, necessary in fishing for trout with rod, hook and line?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, imma-
terial and incompetent and only the opinion of the witness.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. Bill sealed for Common-
wealth.

A. Mv answer is, that it is a very great convenience in landing

trout.

Q. You are not a member of the same association as these defend-
ants are in this case?

A. I never saw them before to my knowledge.

Q. Then it is your opinion that the right to fish with a rod, hook
and line could not be reasonably enjoyed if the landing net was pro-
hibited?

Counsel for the Commonweatlh object to the question as immate-
rial, irrelevant and incompetent.

By Counsel for the defendants: We will change the question.

Q. Could fishermen fishing for trout with rod, hook and line, could
they reasonably enjoy the right if they were forbidden to use the land-
ing net?

Counsel for Commonwealth object to the question as immaterial,

irrelevant and incompetent.

Bv the Court: The objection is over-ruled. Exception noted for
the plaintifl:' and a bill sealed.

A. I answer that they cannot catch as many fish without the land-
ing net as they could with it. They could not save as many fish with-
out the landing net as with it. I will change from catch to save.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. What do yon mean by save?

A. I mean to put them in a basket. When they are tied up tight
then they are saved. That is what 1 mean by saving fish.

Q. What do you mean by catch?

A. I mean when they strike the hook, get firmly caught by the
hook.

Q. What do you mean by catch ?

A. When I catch a fish it is when the fish strikes the fly, hooks him-
self, then he is caught. He sometimes gets away.

Q. Catch and caught are only diflferent tenses of the same word.
Don't you know the dictionary definition of the word catch?

19S

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. Well, perhaps you Lad better read it to lue.

i}. Now, Judge; what does the word catch mean, if you know?

A. It means when the fish strikes the fly and hooks himself. Then
he is caught and that means to catch a fish with the hook, then the
hook catches him.

Q. If you are fishing with a fly and you hook a fish do you consider
him caught?

A. I do. sir; untU he gets away.

Q. If you liave been fishing and on your return home, you are asked
how many fish you caught, do you count those that were on the hook,
or those in your basket.

A. I sometimes count them both ways.

Q. Do you consid^'r the fisli caught tlien before it is taken from its
element?

A. Yes, sir; must unquestionabl}'.

Q. The act of Assembly prohibits the catching of fish under a cer-
tain size?

A. I believe it does.

Q. And makes it obligatory upon the man who has caught the fish
under a certain size to return it to the water?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How do you reconcile that with the act of Assembly? I want
you to explain what the Legislature meant when the}' say that when
a fish under a certain size is rauglit. it shall be the duty of the person
or ])ersoHs catching the same to reiurn it to the water; now what did
the Legislature mean by catching? Did rhey mean that the fish
should actually be in the jmssession of the party?

A. I give it up.

J. PRICE WETUEKILL sworn and examined l)y Mr. Storm on be-
half of the defendants.

Q. You are one of the defendants in this case?

A. I am.

Q. Did you on the day complained of, the 15th day of April, 1898,
catch a trout in McMichaels Creek in this county?

A. I did.

Q. What were you fishing with?

A. I was fishing with a flv.

Q. Kod, hook and line?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. And did you use a landing net on that occasion?

A. I did.

Q. When did you use it?

A. I used it after I had caught the trout with the hook to draw it
to the shore.

193

l:!':i'« )\IT ( »F THK

Off. Doc.

A. \\'ell, i»eiha]Ks vou had Ix'th-r ri^iul ii lo iiie.

(>. Xt»\v. .Judiic; wiiai duvs \\iv wnrd lalcli mean, it \n\i kiio

w

A. It mtaiis wlicij tlic lisli sti ikes tlu' 11 v aud hooks hiuistdf. Then
h(' is <jni^lit and thai iiicaiis to catch a iish wiih (he liook, tiieii the
hook catches him.

i}. Jf voii aic iisliiiijj^ with a lly aiul you honU a lisii do you consider
him caught?

A. I ch». sii-: until he ^cts away.

Q. Jiyou liasc hcca ti.-hin.i; jiiid on \our icluiii lionif. you are asked
how m.iiiy Iish ,\(M! cauj.ihl. do you count those that were on the hook,
(U- thtise in vour basket.

A

;onic(imes --ount iluiu i»oth wa\

(2- Do you ciuisidt I- ;iic Tish cau;4ht then l.eloio ii in taken from its
(dement?

A. ^ Cs. sii-; iiiost un<iues(ionably.

Q. Tho JXi of .\ssenihi_\ luohibits the catcliino of Iish under a cer-
tain size?

A. I believe it d(K'S.

Q. .\nd makes it ohn^aioiy ujton the man who lias caught tlu^ fisli
uudei' a certain si/.e lo retuin it to the water?

A. ^'( s. sir.

(J. How do you recoucile thai with the act of Assembly? I waiil
you lo explain what the Leui^k-ii m o monni when ilu'V sav thai when

a Iish uiuh-r a <-<!t;;in >\y

c :■> c;i UUii!. ! I

S h ■' I

I he 1 iic ilu i V ol

llie [

M'l'son

or j cisons caicliiii;^ \\w sann* io i«ii ru ii ;,( Jk- waicr; now wiiat did
the Legislaiui-e mean by i-aiciiing? I»i(l ! in y mean iiial the lisli
should actualiN Ih* in the ;>n>-

>slon of I he juirty?

A. I

1 \'e

li up

.1. l*uI("K ^^ J'/ri! i:ii!LL >worn aid c\;u.iihc,l ].y Mr. Stoini on be-
half of the deft^ndanls.

(2- ^'oti ai-e one of the jlofendanls in tlii^ case?

A. J am.

Q. I»id you (iu the (lay complained of. the 15(h <iay tif April, lsl)>,
catch a (lout in McMidiael- t'lcek in this c(MnM\ ?

A. I did.

<2. \N'hat w«'ie y(Ui iishing wilii?

A. I was tishing with a lly.

Q. JitKl. hook and line?

A. Yes. si!'.

(>. And <lid um us« a landiiig nci on that occasion?

A. J did.

Q. N\ hcii did vou use it ;

A. I used it aftci I had caiight the trout with «he hook to draw it
to the shore.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

199

Q. After the trout was fast to the hook?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Are you a member of the Pohoqualine Fish Association?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. The stream iu which you fished was under your control?
A. Under the control of the Fish Association.

Q. How long- have you tished for trout or game fish with rod, hook
and line and used a fly?
A. About forty years.
Q. What parts of the State?

A. Northampton, Lehigh, :Monr()e. Schuylkill and Pike counties.
Q. In lishing with rod, hook and line what appliance or what other
implement was used in connection with them?

A. You use feathers on your hook to assimilate a fly. Y^ou use a
reel to make your line longer or shorter, and you use a landing net
for the purpose of drawing the fish to the shore or lifting them from
the water when you are wading in the sti'eam.

Q. Can trout or other game lish be caught successfully without the
use of a landing net where you tish w ith a fly?

Objected to by counsel for the (^)nimonwealth as immaterial, irre-
levant and incompetent.

By counsel for defendant. AVe will change the question.
q'. Can the right to tish with rod, hook and line where the fly is
used be pursued without the use of a landing net?

Question objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incom-
petent, irrelevant and immaterial.

J^v the Court: Objection over-ruled. Counsel for Commonwealth
asks for an exeei)tion, which is granted and a bill sealed.
A. Not successfully. A very few lish would be taken.
Q. Is the landing net regnrded among fishermen as a necessary
api»liance in fishing w ith rod, hook and line?

Question objected to by counsel for the ri.nimonwealth as irrele-
vnnt, inconq'etent and immaterial.

P,y the Court: Objection over ruled. Counsel for Commonwealth
asks for an excejition, whi<h is granted and a bill sealed.
A. Yes. sir; it is.
Q. Why is the landing net an important appliance in fishing with

rod, hook and line?

A. Because the fishing tackle is constructed with that end in view,
that the fish shall not be lauded oduMwise than with a landing net.
It is made so light that it strains your rod and your flies are made
so small that the lifting of the lish from the water breaks them loose.
The whole apparatus is constructed for the purpose of using the

landing riet.
Q. When is the lish most likely to escape?
A. AMien you raise him from the water.

200

REPORT OF THE

Oflf. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

8)1

Q. Is there more danger of the fish escaping than when you use a
hook with bait?

A. A great deal more. Fish take the bait further down in the
mouth.

Q. Is there any difference in the size of the hook?

A. They take tlie hoDk with it.

Q. Is tlie hook thicker in the one case than in the other?

A. The bait liook is larger than the fly hook.

Q. Is the fly hook much more liable to cut the flesh and tear loose?

A. Much more liable to.

Q. What is the weight of the fish rod? What is the weight of your
rod?

A. Between three and a half and four ounces. I never weighed it.
It was sold to me for that.
Q. Is it the usual weight?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. What is the size of this landing net you used on this occasion^
A. I sujipose it is about fifteen inches long by twelve inches wide.
Q. That IS the one you used on this occasion. (Witness looks at
landing net.)

A. Yes, sir.

(2. What is the diameter of it?

A. Twelve inches in the widest place and about fifteen to sixteen
inches long.

Q. AMthout the handle?

A. I use it Willi the handle. I use the handle for a walking staff
^\ hen I was younger I used a smaller net: since I am uncertain on my
feet I use the staff on the end.

Q. In your experience as a fisherman and what vou have observed
on fhe part of other fishermen, is the landing net ever used as a
separate means of (aking the fish out of the water?

A. No, sir.

Q. It could not be used for that purpose?
A. Xo, sir.

<>. Is the landing net also used in fishing for all other kinds of
game fish?

'^- Kithrr the landing net or its equivalent, the gaff hook. Some
tish l,k(- the pike are too largc^ for the landing net. Thev have a
sharpened hook that they run under the belly of the fish. "

Q. Thai is used by fishermen now?

A. A Iways for large fish and the landing net for smaller fish

Q. Do you know that fishermen sometimes, in the absence of a land-
ing net use other methods for securing the fish?

the\a?d^ *'''*' '^''''' '*''*' ^ ^""^"^ "^''^'*' ^''''^^ '"^^^ *^ ^'^"** "" ^^^ ^'^^

Q. It is done?

A. I have heard of its being done.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. You were a. witness in the case of the Pohoqualine Fish Asso-
ciation against John Ely and others?
A Yes sir
Q, Were you on cross examination asked in that case how many

fish vou had caught on a certain day?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. And did you reply eighteen?
A. I think I did.
Q. Well, now; what did you mean; that you had eighteen fish m

vour basket?
A. Yes, sir.

WILLIAM T. ELLIOT, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on be-
half of the defendants.
il Where do you reside?
A. rhiladelphia, or rather to be more precise, out of Philadelphia,

Ardmore.

Q. What is your occupation?

A, Lawyer.

il Are you a meniber of the Pohoqualine Fish Association?

A. I am.

Q. Ave you a trout fisherman?

A. I am.

Q. How long have you fished?
A. Since 1873 for trout, twenty-six years.

(i. At the time comi»lained of in ihis case do you remember catch-
ing a trout?

A. I caught trout.

Q. And heard a man named Frantz testify to have seen you catch

a trout?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. He says he sat on the fence when he saw you catch this trout?

A. I saw a man sitting there. I didn't know it was Mr. Frantz.

Q. You saw the same witness sitting on the fence?

A. I could not swear it was the san\e man. He had his hat on.
His appearance was different.

Q. Did vou use a landing net in catching that particular fish?

A . No, sir. The fish I had caught and let go. I don't use the end of

it excejit as a staff.
Q. After you left and went down the stream further you did catch

a fish and use a landing net?

202

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. Yes, sir.

Q. But in point of fact you didnt use a landing net in this particu-
lar ease?

A. I did not.

Q. Are you acquainted with the customs of other fishermen in this
State and tliis section of the country, also as to the use of landing
nets in fishing for game fish with rod, hook and line?

Question objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incom-
petent, irrelevant and immaterial.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. Bill sealed for plaintiff.

A. As to the use of the landing net they all use a net, that is all
the fishermen 1 am aciiuainted with in Pennsylvania.

Q. At what point does the landing net come in?

A. After he is caught on the fiy or on the hook.

Q. Can a fish be safely landed without the use of a landing net?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, in-
competent and immaterial.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled.

A. No, sir.

Q. How about a large fish; is the landing net especially necessarv
in this case?
A. It is.

Q. What are the ordinary appliances of fishermen who fish with
rod, hook and line and use a fiv?

A. A light rod, line, reel attached to the line, a leader and to that
the fly or hook, hook with gut snood, and the feathers which consti-
tute the aritficial fly.

Q. What else?

A. In addition to that appliance, then there is usually a creel and a
net.

Q. Where Is your net?

A. That is the net in <iuostion that I was using on that day. The
end is about fifteen inches in diameter. That net I have used for
eighteen years and the staft" with it.

Q. That net is used in connection with the staff?

A. Yes, sir. It joins tog(^tlier in that manner, and then there is a
female screw in the staff and it screws into that. The staff part that
I use principally in wading. '

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

m

. Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. Why is the net so huge?

A. Choice of the fisherman.

Q. The larger the net the easier to catch the trout?

A. This net I would say that I use in all kinds of fishing brook
trout fishing, striped bass or lake trout fishing, blass bass.

Q. The larger the net the easier to catch the fish?

A. I don't know. You can get it too small and you can get it too

large.

Q. Is that net too large?

A. I don't think it is, otherwise I would not have it.

Q. Is it not made large to prevent the fish from striking on the side

and getting loose?

A. Not for trout fishing, it was for lake trout fishing.

Q. If a fish would happen to hit on the rim of the net wouldn't it

get off?

A. It would be more likely to get off.

Q. You use the net to take the fish from its natural element?

A. Certainly.

Q. You spoke a minute ago about there being some difference in
the statement of witnesses for the Commonwealth, Mr. Frantz and
vourself about when yon caught this fish. A'ou stated that you
did catch a small fish, did you use a landing net for that?

A. No, sir.

Q. You returned it to the water?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Why?

A. Because it was under size.

Q. Was anybody with Mr. Frantz?

A. Not at first. Not the whole time he was there.

Q. At the time he saw you?

A. When I first saw him tiierc^ was no one with him.

Q. At the time he refers to when he saw you catch the fish?

A. I don't know.

Q. How many fish did you catch that day?

A. That I can't tell you?

Q. About?

A. I can't tell yon even about. If I had my record here I could, but
I haven't mv memorandum with me. I don't know how many fish
I caught on any particular day.

Q. How many is the largest number of fish you caught there in
that stream on any one time or day?

A. About forty-five.

Q. T)o you mean by that the fish you actually had in your basket?
A. I do not. The fish I cauj^hf, the fish I hooked.
Q. Those that got away and those that you took along with you
from the stream?

A. Those that got away, those that I kept and those that T put

back.

Q. It mc^nns the fish you caught and got away, the fish you had in

204

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

203

your basket, and the fish you returned to the water; then you consider
a fish caught that you have on your hook and gets away?
A. I do for the time being.

^A^ E. MF:EHAy, sworn on behalf of the defendants and examined
by Mr. Storm.

Q. Where do you live?
A. Philadelphia.

Q. \Miat ofllce do you oc('Ui)y in relation to the fish commission of
the State?

A. I am Assistant Secretary and Statistician of the Board.

Q. How long have you been such an oflficer?

A. Actually about a year. l»revious to that some time, but was not
a regularly elected nu*mber.

Q. How long about?

A. I have been th(* oflicial assistant secretary since last June T
think, but have acted as secretary, assistant secretary, for two or three
years or more.

Q. Before that?

A. Yes, sir; although not omcially recognized I have been assisting
the Commission for years in various ways without being officially
recognized.

Q. Are you a fisherman yourself?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you pursued

A. Between thirty-five and thirty-c ight years.

Q. Are you acrpiainted with the customs of other fishermen of the
State?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Have you had any connection with the Legislature that led up
to the passage of our fish laws?

A. Yes, sir; for several years.

Q. What connection did you hav<'?

A. For the last two sessions of the* Legislature I have drafted the
fish commission's bill, and assisted sometimes Mr. Ford and others
previous to that assisted in (rying to i)ass bills before the U^gislature
for ten oi* twelve years before that.

Q. Mr. Ford was President of the Board?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long has he been dead?

A. Two or three years.

Q. Mr. Meehan. are you accpiainted with the cuslcuns of fishermen
in Pennsylvania as to the use of landing ne(s, in fishing with rod,
hook and line? '

A. Yes, sir.

Counsel for the Commonwealth objects to the question as incompe-
tent, immaterial and irrelevant.

By the Court: The objection is over-ruled. Bill sealed for t)lain.

tiff. '

A. Anglers use a landing net or gaff if the fish is very large, ten

pounds or over.

Q. This use of the landing net, is that necessary in your opinion
to the proper enjoyment of the right to fish?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

By the Court : Objection over-ruled.

A. It greatly assists in the pleasure. One could catch more fisli
with the use of a landing net.

Q. How about in fishing for trout with a fiy, where the trout is
above seven or eight inches, without a landing net?

A. Then the larger proportion would probably be lost without the

use of a landing net.

Q. Has the Fish Commission ever issued any order prohibiting or

forbidding the use of the landing net?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-
inaterial and irrelevant.

By the Court: I am inclined to sustain the objection.
Question changed.

Q. Do the fishery commissionc^rs commission wardens for the pur-
pose of carrying out the fish laws in the different sections of the
State?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. It is the duty of those wardens under the law to carry out the
fish laws under the Commonwealth?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Has the Board of Fishery Commissioners ever instructed its
wardens to arrest any iiarties for fishing for trout with rod, hook
and line, using a landing net?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as immaterial. Ir-
relevant and incompetent.

By counsel for the defendant: We propose to show that the wit-
ness upon the stand was the draftsman of many of the acts uf Assem-
bly upon the statute books now in relation to fish for the protection of
fish, and we proiwse to show why the words landing nets was not put
in those measures.

By the Court: I am inclined to admit the (question, reserving, how-
ever a subseciuent ruling u])on the admissibility of tliis testimony.

Counsel for the Commonwealth ask for an exc(^i)tion which Is
granted and a bill sealed.

•■^»

206

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. Not to my kiiowltKlgc; never through me.

Q. Do you know of any liroseeiition or arrest under this section .)f
the statute for using a hniding ne( ?

Objected to by counsel for tlie ('onunonwealth.

By the Court: We sustain the objeclion.

Counsel for defendant asks for an exception which is granted and
a bill sealed.

Question by Mr. I'alnier: Do all the iish wardens appointed by the
Board of Fishery (N)iiiniissioners r«^{)ort to the Fishery Commis-
sioners all arrests made for violation t)f the tish laws?

A. They are su})jjosed io repoil everyihing to the Commissioner of
the district in which they belong. The reports are supposed to be
then sent to me for filing and publishing.

Q. That is their duty?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Have the fish Wiirdens ap])ointed by the Fishery Commissioners
in the course of their duty reported to th(« Board of Fishery Commis-
sioners any arrests under this act?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth.

By the Court: The objeciitra is over-ruled according to our ruling
already made, subject to a further consideration. Bill sealed for
plaintiff.

A. Not to my knowledg<\

Q. You would know it if I hey had?

A. Probably. I should kutsw because^ they arc seiu to me for filinu
and publication.

Q. Have you drafted a: .v of ihc ;i<i - of Assembly v. iii<h were after-
wards passed by the Legislature referring t) tlic matt< r of fishing in
the State of Pennsylvania?

Objected to by counsel for tin Ccuamonwealth.

By the Court: I think you will have to confine yourselves to this
act of Assembly.

Q. Do you know who drafted the act af iss!)?

A. The act of 1889 I am not positive who drafted it. except so i':\v
as it concerns the Delaware I^Mver. which is practicallv the same thin--
1 think it is 1880.

Q. You don't know?

A. No. Except as to the Delaware Kiver arl, wliirh is the same
thing. I didn't see him do it.

By the Court: I will hear Die testimimy sul)ject to a ruling by tiie
Court hereafter.

Counsel for fonnnon wealth adds a f'irtluM' objeejion, that in order
to make the testimony of witness Inne any bearing at all upon this
subject, sueh drafted acts should have 1.,.,.,! pn vious Io the a«-t of
1880, and not subsequent thereto: for if ilie wording with reference

en
a
lr«

I— I
en

m

T:KP(»K'r < >v TUP

Off. Doc.

A. Not to iiiv knr»"A Iciluc: ll('^•<M■ niroiml

i 11!'

Q. Do you know of i\\i\ 'Hosccntitii

I oi' ancst mi«1(M' tliis section of

<■ ' iMii!i)n!i\Nr;Ui li,

tlio statuic I'di' usiiio' a laiMlii!- i

OlgcM'tt'd lo b_\ couii-rl l:'!- il,

l»y tli«' Coui-t: \\'( M!:- aii; flir objc. iUm.

('tiHiis<'l loj- (1( fi ndaiil asks I;.;- aii cxccpi io;s wliirji is <ii-am(*a ami
a Isill sf.'iit d.

(>ii('Stinn \>\ M\: FahiM-i-: Ihi ail i1h Jis!i \va;ik
r.oai

IS aniKMnhMl by IIk

<1 <'i !-isii('j7 r,in,ii;issi(n«( IS ].'|:<'ri hi ilir Fislicrv ("niinni

8ioiU'i-s all ai'i'csts iiKHJc Inr vinlaiin:. nl die lisji lav

\ s

A. Ilicv a!<' snjt|Mis('<l lo i«'j»nii ('\(i\ , hia;; in ('he (

tlio (lislriri in w]ii<-li i ;mv I-;'!,

tlin

'iiu. The irjMiri

1 scni In nic ('(.!' lilin:: and jM'lilisliinii'.

oniniissiuin'i* of

«' Slij.jMISfll lo |)M

(2. Tliai is tlicir duly?

A. Y<>. sir.

(J. IIa\i' ilic lisli \va-«;= ;•< apiMiiiH.'d liy ihc Fisjuax < 'iinnnis><ioi

HM*

in ,];(' <(!ars- of ili"ii- dn;y it'jM.ri.'d h> (h,. Ilnaiti id' l-'islioi-v (
sionors ai'v airc'sis nndiT liiis a-i?

(>l»j(M-|((i in |»y roun.c] fni- lii.. rninilinii W ca j I li.

oninn:

( ■. ■ I

s (i\<;-i-

U\ lllc ("nuii: Til, nhj
already made, sii]»i<M! in a raiilier .-onsid
Itk.iniiir.

A. Xol to liiV ki;ov\ledue.

'd aeeoi (iinLi lo our rnlini»'

oiaiiiin. Hill scaled f(

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Q. ^

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A. Piol.aMv. I shotild

and luiblication.
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A. '1 lie a<-: of lss:» i ;,

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A. No. 1

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No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

207

to nets in subsequent acts is similar to the act of 1889, the subse-
(juent acts would simply be following the act of 1889, and the testi-
mony of the witness would have no bearing upon what the Legisla-
ture decided on the 22d day of May, 1889, or what their intention was
regarding nets.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. J^ill sealed for i>laintiff.
Counsel for the Commonwealth ask for an exception which is granted
and a bill sealed. This ruling is subject to a further consideration by
the Court.

A. I have. (This answers the (luestion aski-d at the top of the

page.)

Q. Have they been acts referring to the prohibition of nets?

A. Xo, sir; not in whole. I didn't draft such acts in whole.

<2. The prohibition of certain nets in the taking of fish was in some
of the acts which youiirafted or assisted in drafting?

Objected to by counsel uf the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

By cor- ' for delcudant. Question withdrawn.

Q. Do you know why the words landing net wcie omitted from the
classification of nets in acts of Assembly in which you drafted or
assisted in drafting?

Objected to by couiiscl for ihe Communwealth as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

By the Court. Objection sustained. Bill sealed for defendant.

tj. \\'hat do you tonsider ihe necessary applianres for a man fishing
with rod, hook and line for trout?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwi'aUli as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled.

A. It depends largely upon the person. For the oue class of angl-r
it is the rod, reel, line, leader, hooks, whether they be for bait or tiy.
A creel and a landing net and perhaps a ily book m considered an
accessorv.

Q. Do you consider the landing net just as much a part of the fish-
erman's kit in fishing with rod. hook and line as those other articles
you have mentioned?

Objected to by counsel ft)r the Commonwealth as incompetent, ir-
relevant and immaterial.

l»y the Court: Objection over-ruled.

A. Nearlv so.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. T understood you (o say in your examination in ehief that while
yt)u o<-cni>ie(l an olVuial position with the Board of Commissioners

M

208

REPORT OF THE

Off. Do:-.

that there neyer had been to your kaowledge any case reported of
prosecution for an ofteuse similar to the one in this case?

A. Landing net; not to my knowledge or recollection.

Q. Then this case is not upon record?

A. The statement was made previous to this.

Q. Was this case reported?

A. No, sir.

CHARLES WETHERILL, sworn on behalf of the defense and ex-
amined by Mr. Storm.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. In Germantown, near Philadelphia.

Q. What is your profession?

A. I am an attorney at law at the Philadelphia bar.

Q. Are you a member of the Pohoqualine Fish Association?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Are you a trout fisherman?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you had an exi)erience in angling for trout?

A. Since I was a child, forty years or more.

Q. Do you use a rod, hook and line?

A. I do; either with fly or bait.

Q. Do other fishermen you know of use the landing net in the
same wav?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Is a landing net a necessary part of a fisherman's outfit?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, im-
material and incompetent.

By the Court: The objection is over ruled. Counsel for the Com-
monwealth ask for an exception, which is granted and a bill sealed.

A. Yes, sir. I think it necessary both either for fishing with bait or
with a fly.

Q. Why?

A. Because rods are made so light in proportion to the game to be
pursued that when a t'lah is lifted out of the water there is danger
of either straining the tackle or losing the fish; that more particular
in larger fish of the sjiecies.

Q. Are there conditions of the stream that make it necessarv?

A. I think it is regardless of any conditions of the water. It is a
matter of the strength of the tackle.

Q. In fishing along streams whose banks are lined with brush do
you think it would be necessary?

A. There the landing net would be certainly, I think absolutely es-
sential.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

209

Q. What proportion of game fish would be lost if the landing net
could not be used?

A. Fish of legal size or larger, I would not like to say the exact per-
centage. I think the amount would be large. Seventy-five per cent,
perhaps would be a fair estimate.

Q. Have you made the subject of angling a matter of study?

A. To a certain extent I have.

Q. Have you looked up the literature of fishing w ith rod, hook and
line and landing net?

A. I have some knowledge on the subject. I have read some books
on the point.

i}. How old is the custom?

A. It is mentioned I think in Isaac Walton's book called the "Com-
plete Angler," which was published first in 165G. I think it may
have been earlier, but it was certainly mentioned in that book.

Q. Has it been mentioned by English and American writers in
works on angling in recent years?

A. Undoubtedlv so.

-Q. All writers on the subject refer to the landing net as a part of
the appliance of fishing with rod, hook and line?

A. Most that I have read, if not all.

Q. This custom of fishing with rod, hook and line existed prior to
the act of 1889?

A. For many years.

Q. Are the real, genuine fishermen of the State, true lovers of the
sport, op[K)sed to violations of the fish laws?

Objected to by counsel of the Commonwealth.

By the Court: The objection is sustained.

JAMES W. CORRELL, sworn on behalf of the defense and examin-
ed by Mr. Storm.

Q. Where do vou reside?

A. Easton.

Q. Are you a member of the Board of Fishery Commissioners of the
State of Pennsvlvania?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you been such?

A. Since the death of Mr. Ford, 1896.

Q. Are vou a fisherman vourself ?
A. I am somewhat of a fisherman.
* Q. Have you fished in this county?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. Lately?

14—17—99

210

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc,

A. Ever since 1870. Twentv-nine years.

Q. Do you use a landing net in fishing with rod, hook and line?
A. I do with a fly.

Q. Is it used generally by fishermen who fish with a fly?
A. Yes, sir, and quite often with bait.

Q. Is it necessary in fishing for the larger sized fish, especially, that
the landing net should be used?

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

By the Court: The objection over-ruled.

A. It is not absolutely necessary to go fishing and have a landing
net, but it is necessary for the purjiose of securing the large fish that
is caught, to lift him out of the water with landing net.

Q. It is necessary for large fish that are caught to lift them out ••!
the water with a landing net?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. A great jtroporlion of them would be lost if it were not for the
landing net?

A. Not only lost, but would die and would deplete the streams
quicker than the landing net.

Q. In the matter of the protection of fish in streams, is the catching
of the large fish more important than the smaller ones?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. It is your duty as Fish Commissioners to see that the Itiws in
relation to fishing in the State are properly executed?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Considered in the light of the protection and the preservation
of fish in the streams, is it the policy of the Board of Fishery Com-
missioners to prohibit or restrain the use of the landing net in fishing
with rod, hook and line?

A. No. I should say not. I consider it more benefit to the keeping
up of the stocked streams by using a landing net. than to try to land
the fish and lose him.

Q. In all fish laws the Legislature uses the terms, fish and game,
what is the distinction?

A. One is a game fish, some food fish. The shad is not a game fish,
but a food fish. A trout and a black bass are considered game fish.
Q. They are harder to catch?
A. More s]>ort in catching them.

Q. In fishing for food fish there is not that skill required?
A. Thev are usually caught bv nets.

Q. Is the landing net ^iscmI for all game fishing in this State?
Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, imma-'
terial and incompetent.
By the Court : The objection overruled.
A. By trout fishermen it is.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

211

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. There are lots of people who fish for trout with bait and do not
use a landing net?

A. I do not think there is any sport fishermen do. I don't know
that there are.

Q. Then you have seen persons fishing along a stream where you
have fished, boys, farmers' boys, who were fishing with bait and not
have a landing net?

A. I suppose there have been some.

Q. Don't you know^ so?

A. Not positively. I cannot recollect an instance.

Q. You said in your former testimony that the landing net was
always used by fly fishermen and by some who fished with bait,
then you must have seen some fishermen who fish with bait that don't
use them?

A. I cannot recollect an instance.

Q. Did your Fish Commission ever take any action upon the ques-
tion of landing nets, and pass any resolution of the Board with refer-
ence thereto?

A. Not to my knowledge.

Q. There is no such declared policy of the Fish Commission in
relation to the landing net?

A. We have nothing in our act of Assembly about landing nets.
I don't know of any resolution in reference to landing nets.

Q. Why would it be better to use the landing net than not?

A. Because in fishing for trout with a lly the trout is caught on the
hook, he jumps up to the top of the water after that hook, and an
expert fisherman will jiull him with his line until he has him, what
we call killed, and he uses the landing net to lift him out of the water;
whereas, if he would trv to land that fish immediatelv after hookinsr
him, he might tear olif and catch fast to a stake and die; and the big
fish taken from the stream we consider an advantage to a trout
stream.

Q. If you take a big fish out and put it in your basket it dies, where
is the benefit whether it dies in the creek or dies in the basket?

A. The big fish we want taken out of the stream.

Q. Whv?

A. Not eat all the small fish.

Q. Your opinions, Mr. Correll dre based upon the fish that are put
in the stream by God Almighty are for s|)ori fishermen?

A. Thev are for anv bodv that wants to catch them.

Q. I desire to know whether it is your opinion that fish are placed
in the stream for the benefit of the sport fishermen?

A. They are in the streams for the benefit of anvbodv that wants

%/ ft/' ft

to catch them.

Q. Why do you persist in using that term, sport fishermen?

212

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

A. In connection with fly fishing and landing net. A man who is
a "pot" fisherman will not use a fly and landing net.

Q. What is a "pof fisherman?

A. A man who will go out on the stream, catch fish and trade them
off in the store for salt pork.

Q. I don't suppose he has such a right?

A. The law of the State gives him that right.

Re-direct examination by Mr. Storm.

Q. The policy of the State is not to make ornaments of the fish?

A. No.

Q. There is something more in fishing than simply eating them?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Does a fisherman enjoy catching fish more than eating them?

A. I should say so.

S. B. STILLWELL, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on behalf of
the defense.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Q. Did you formerly live in this county?

A. I did.

Q. Are you a member of the Fishery Commission?

A. I am.

Q. What is your position on the Board?

A. I*resident.

Q. How^ long have you been connected with the Board?

A. Since 1887.

Q. Mr. Still well you have some knowledge of tlie practice of fisher-
men in (his State in fishing with rod, hook and line?

A. I have, sir.

i}. Is it your experience that in fishing with rod, hook and line fish-
ermen use as a rule what is called a landing net for game fish?

A. In my judgment tlieie is abimt as mauy that do not use a land-
ing net as there is that do.

Q. Is the lauding net used in the gase of fly fishermen?

A. Yes, si I'.

Q. In fishing \\ith a fly is it generally used?

A. That is taking into consideration the tackh', the smaller your
hooks the more essential it is to have a landing net.

Q. You know the fact that the landing net has been used in*fishing
for trout where the fly was used for the last ten or twelve years?
A. Yes, sir.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

mM

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.
No questions.

L. E. WHILES, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on behalf of the
defense.
Q. Where do you live?
A. Weissport, Carbon county, this State.
Q. Have you fished in this county.
A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you had experience in fishing?
A. I caught my first trout in Pokopoko Greek in 1865.
Q. Have you fished since then every season?
A. I think I have, but very few slipped by.

Q. Are you acquainted with the use of the landing net by fishermen
in this State?
A. I am.

Q. You have seen other fishermen fish, and you have fished with
them?

A. Yes, sir.

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as immaterial and
irrelevant and incompetent.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. Bill sealed for plaintiff.

Q. What is the custom as to the use of the landing net?

A. To land the trout after he is hooked.

Q. Do you always use a landing net yourself?

A. I cannot say that I always do. I always carry one.

Q. Do you when the occasion requires?

A. I do.

Q.* Can a large sized game fish be caught with a fly without the use

of a landing net?

Objection by counsel for the Commonwealth.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. Bill sealed for i»laintiff.

A. Not very well.

Q. Why?

A. They are more vigorous, and they are more ajit to i)nll the hook
out of the mouth before vou can get them. If you were to undertake
to throw them on the shore you might strike grass or brush, and in
landing them in that way, any obstruttien will turn them upsid*^
down, and the hook will come out of his mouth.

Q. That has been your experience for a numb<'r of years?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do vou know of anv other methods employed by fishermen in

secure the trout after it is caught by the hook?

REPORT nV TlIK

Off. Dui"

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS

209

108

that tlu.iv nvsvv luMl bccm tc your knowl.dg. any case reported of
uvo^vvxuUni for an oIlVnHc similar t<» the one in thin rase?

A. Landing n,-t ; nui h. n.y Un-nvhslj^H' or recollection.

Q. Then I his case is nel upon rccnitl?

A. The statcnu'Ut wub niaiU' previous to this.

g. Wtttt tkis case reported?

A. X(», f^ir.

CHAHl.KS WKTIIKlUhL, sworn on behalf of the defense and ex-
amined by Mr. Storm.
Q. Wlicro do you n'side?
A. In <;ormanto\vn, near Philadelphia.
Q. \\ hat is y<>ur profession?

\ I am an aiionn-v at hnv at the Philadelphia bar.
g. Are you a member of the Pohocpialine Fish Association?

A. Yes, sir.

1]. Are you a trout flshennan?

A. Ves, sir. . • 4. 4.0

g. How huig have you had an experience in angling for trout?

A. Siiue I was a eliild, forty years or more.

g. \hi \o\i use a rod. hook and line?

A. 1 do; either with lly or bait.

g. !»<► ..ther lishermen you kimw of use the landing net in the

same way?

\ Yes sir,

g. Is a'landing net a ne»essary j.art of a fisherman's outfit?

Objerted t.. by eouusel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, im-
material and ineompeteiit.

By tlu' Court: The objeilion is overruled. Counsel for the Com-
nHmwealih ask for an exeeption. which is granted and a bill sealed.

A. Yes, sii'. I think it necessary both either for fishing with bait or
with a Hy.

Q. Why?

\ Heeause rods are made so light in pro])ortion to the game to be
piiwued that when a tish is lilted out of the water there is danger
of either siraining the tarkle or losing the fish; that more particular
in larger fish «»f the speei<'s.

g. Are there eonditituis of the stream that make it necessary?

A. I think it is regardless of any conditions of the water. It is a
matter nf (he strength of the tackle.

g. In fishing along streams whose banks are lined with brush do
vou think it would be n<M-essary?

A. There the landing net would be certainly, I think absolutely es-

seiiiial.

g. What proportion of game fish would be lost if the landing net

rould not be used?

\ Fish of legal size or larger, 1 would not like to say the exact per-
,M.i,tage. I think the amount would be large. Seventy-five per cent.
perhai)s would be a fair estimate.

g. Have you made the subject of angling a nmtter of study?

\. To a certain extent I have.

g. Have you looked up the literature of fishing with rod, hook and

line and landing net? *

A . I have some knowledge on the subject. T have read some books

on the point.

O. How^ old is the custom?

\ H is mentioned I think in Isaac Walton's book called the '^Com-
plete Angler," which was published first in 1G50. I think it may
have been earlier, but it was certainly mentioned in that book.

il Has it been mentioned by English and American writers in
works on angling in recent years?

A. Undoubtedly so.

g. All writers on the subject refer to the landing net as a part of
the apidiance of fishing with rod, hook and line?

A. Most that I have read, if not all.

g. This custom of fishing with rod. hook and line existed prior to

the act of 1889?

A. For many vears.

g. Are the real, genuine fishermen of the State, true lovers of the
sport, opi>osed to violations of the fish laws?

Objected to by counsel of the Commonwealth.

Bv the Court: The objection is sustained.

JAMES ^V. CORRELL, sw orn on behalf of the defense and examin-
ed by Mr. Storm.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. Easton.

g. Are you a member of the Board of Fishery Commissioners of the

State of Pennsylvania?

A. Y^es, sir.

g. How long have you been such?

A. Since the death of Mr. Ford, 1896.

g. Are you a fisherman yourself?

A. I am somew hat of a fisherman.
• g. Have you fished in this county?

A. Y^es, sir.

g. Lately?

14_17— 99

210

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc,

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

211

A. Ever Since 1870. Twenty-nine years. , ,-^,^9

Q. Do you use a landing net in fishing with rod, hook and line.

A. I do with a fly.

Q. Is it used generally by fishermen who fish with a fly .

A. Yes, sir, and quite often with bait.

Q. Is it necessary in fishing for the larger sized fish, especially, that
the landing net should be used?

Objected t« by counsel for the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-
material and irrelevant.

Bv the Court: The objection over-ruled.

A. It is not absolutely necessary to go fishing and have ^ landing
net but it is necessary for the purpose of securing the large fish that
is caught, to lift him out of the water with landing net

Q. It is necessary fm' large fish that are caught to lift them out .f
the water with a landing net?

A. Yes, sir. j. ^ 4.u^

Q. A gioat pioporliou of lh«n would be lost if it were not for the

land.ng^net?^^ lost, but would die aud would deplete the streams

(luickei- than the landing net. ,.,,•„,

Q. In the niatler of the protection of fish in streams, is the catching
of the large fish more important than the smaller ones?

A. Ves, sir.

Q. It is vour duty as Fish Commissioners to see that the laws in

relation to fishing in the Stale arc properly executed?

A. Yes, sir. , , .

Q Consid(>red in the light of the pi^tection and the preservation
of fish in the streams, is it the policy of the Board of Fishery Com-
missioners to prohibit or restrain the use of the landing net m fishing

with rod, hook and line? ^ . ., ,

4 Xo I should sav not. I consider it more benefit to the keeping

up of the stocked streams by using a landing net, than to try to land

the fish and lose him.

Q. In all fish laws the Legislature uses the terms, fish and game,

what is the distinction? , . . a^u

A One is a game fish, some food fish. The shad is not a game fish,
but a food fish. A trout and a black bass are considered game fish.

Q. They are harder to catch?

A. More sport in catching them.

Q. In fishing for food fish there is not that skill required?

A. Thev are usually caught by nets.

Q Is the landing net ^ised for all game fishing in this State.

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as irrelevant, imma-
terial and incompetent.

Bv the Court: The objection overruled.

A. By trout fishermen it is.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. There are lots of people who fish for trout with bait and do not

use a landing net?

A. I do not think there is any sport fishermen do. I don't know

that there are.

Q. Then you have seen persons fishing along a stream where you
have fished, boys, farmers' boys, who were fishing with bait and not
have a landing net?

A. I suppose there have been some.

Q. Don't you know so?

A. Not positively. I cannot recollect an instance.

Q. Y'ou said in your former testimony that the landing net was
always used by fly fishermen and by some who fished with bait,
then you must have seen some fishermen who fish with bait that don't

use them?

A. I cannot recollect an instance.

Q. Did your Fish Commission ever take any action upon the ques-
tion oi landing nets, and pass any resolution of the Board with refer-
ence thereto?

A. Not to my knowledge.

Q. There is no such declared policy of the Fish Commission in

relation to the landing net?

A. We have nothing in our act of Assembly about landing nets.
I don't know of any resolution in reference to landing nets.

Q. Why would it be better to use the landing net than not?

A. Because in fishing for trout with a fiy the trout is caught on the
hook, he jumps up to the top of the water after that hook, and an
expert fisherman will pull him with his line until he has him, what
we call killed, and he uses the landing net to lift him out of the water;
whereas, if he would try to land that fish immediately after hooking
. him, he might tear off and catch fast to a stake and die; and the big
fish taken from the stream we consider an advantage to a trout

stream.

Q. If you take a big fish out and put it in your basket it dies, where
is the benefit whether it dies in the creek or dies in the basket?

A. The big fish we want taken out of the stream.

Q. Why?

A. Not eat all the small fish.

Q. Your opinions, :Mr. Correll dre based upon the fish that are pat
in the stream by God Almighty are for s].orf fishermen?

A. They are for any body that wants to cateh them.

Q. I desire to know whether it is your opinit)n that fish are placed
in the stream for the benefit of the sport fishermen?

A. Thev are in the streams for the benefit of anybody that wants

to catch them.

Q. Why do you persist in using that term, sport fishermen?

212

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

,V In connection with fly fi.Uing and landing net A man who is
a "pot" fisherman will not use a fly and landing net.
O What Is a "pot"' fisherman?
A. 1 man who will go out on the strean, catch fish and trade them

off in the store for salt pork.

Q. I don't suppose he has such a right?

A. The law of the State gives him that right.

Ke-direct examination by Mr. Storm.

Q. The policy of the State is not to make ornaments of the hsh .

Q.' There is something more in fishing than simply eating them?

Q.' DoeLTfisherman enjoy catching fish more than eating them?
A. I should say so.

S. B. STILLWELL, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on behalf of

the defense.

Q. Where do you reside?

A. Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Q. Did you formerly live in this county?

A. I did. .

Q. Are you a member of the Fishery Commission?

A. I am.

Q. What is your position on the Board?

A. Bresident. t? v?

Q. How long have you been connected with the Board.

A. Since 1887. . . . , ,

Q. Mr. Stillwell you have some knowledge of the practice of fisher-
men in this State in fishing with rod, hook and line?

Q* Is i'rvtnu- ('xperience that in fishing with rod, hook and line fish-
ermen use'as a rule what is called a landing net for game fish?

A. In my judgment there is abcmt as many that do not use a land-
ing net as there is that do.

Q. Is the landing net used in the j^nhso of lly fishermen?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. In fishing ^^ith a fiy is it generally used?

A. That is taking into consideration the tackle, the smaller your
hooks the nioiM' essential it is to have a landing net.

Q. You know the fact that the landing net has been used inlishmg
for trout where the fiy was used for the last ten or twelve* years?

A. Yes, sir.

No. 17.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples
No questions.

213

L. E. WILLS, sworn and examined by Mr. Stonn on behalf of the

defense.

Q. Where do you live? ■

A. Weissport, Carbon county, this State.

Q. Have you fished in this county.

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you had experience in fishing?

A. I caught my first trout in Pokopoko Creek in 1865.

Q. Have you fished since then every season?

A. I think I have, but very few slipped by.

Q. Are you acquainted with the use of the landing net by fishermen

in this State?

A. I am. ^ 1 -, i-u

Q. You have seen other fishermen fish, and you have fished with

them?

A. Yes, sir. . x • i ^

Objected to by counsel for the Commonwealth as immaterial and

irrelevant and incompetent.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. Bill sealed for plaintitt.

Q. What is the custom as to the use of the landing net?

A. To land the trout after he is hooked.

Q. Do vou alwavs use a landing net yourself?

A. I cannot say that I always do. I always carry one.

Q. Do you when the occasion requires?

A. I do. . , ^1 .

Q.' Can a large sized game fish be caught with a fly without the use

of a landing net?

Objection by counsel for the Commonwealth.

By the Court: Objection over-ruled. I^iH sealed for plaintiff.

A. Not very well.

A Thel'are more vigorous, and they are more apt to pull the hook
out of the mouth before you can get them. If you were to undertake
to throw them on the shore yt>u might strike grass or brush, and in
landing them in that way, any obstruetinn will turn them ups.de
down, and the hook will conn* out of his mouth.

Q. That has been your experience for a number of years.

\ Yes sir

Q.' Do' vou know of any other methods en.ployed by flsherm..n to

secure the trout after it is caught hy the liook .'

214

A.

to it.

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

fr

Q.

A.

Q.
A.

Yes, sir. They use a new arrangemoot with a hook and spring

1 have seen it.
What is that called, a gaif hook?
It is not a regular gatt'.
The gaff is sometimes used?
Yes sir. The i>alt is used for larger fish.

S;r::Si;^n::':; ..^a ^ eateum. t.o„t ana eatcMug bnU-

I Haw a man on the stream last season.
Have yon seen the hat used?

HI^:^ ^^^^'^^ <^^i-'^ --^ "-" -'*•' ^^^"^ '^"'^-

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.
No questions.

JOSEPH B. TOWNSEXIMK.^ ^-^n. on behalf of the defense and
examined by Mr. Storm.
Q. Where do you reside?

A. I lesid.- in Montgomery My. near Philadelphia.
Q What is vour occupation?

A I aui a .miubcr of tli. bar of l-hilaaolpbia county.
Q.' Ar. von a member of tbe l-obouu"'!"'' Fi**!' Association.'

A. I am, sir.

Q. Have you fished in this county?

A T h'lve sir.

;;•. fXrfue .>,.. mne-l bave fisbe.! in .'iUe county ana tbi.
county for twenty-seven or eight years.
n Wlnt did von fish for principally?
A. 1 bltlbea fo,. t-out ovc- ,b,. u,osl of tbe Xovlbea.tcn States,

for black bass and salmon.

O What aiM>liance do you use? , , ,, . .,»i

t Flv rod and liue with a reel and leader attached thereto mu^

the die; attached to the leader. I also invariably take with me fm

either in Hv tishing or bass iishing a landing net. , , , ,

eitiKi 11 I.N n ^ fmi,(M-mcu in lishin- for trout and

Q Is it your experieiic( that oii.ci iisik in.t a m

game hsh use thos(>ai.pliam-es and a landing net?

^ A. 1 am afiaid J must cnialify my answer, I think in this wa>. All

fislu-rmen who use light tackle, such as (ly tackle, almost un.ver.m>

r n t I nm.bt if there is a possibility to raise with a
use a landing net. l <ioui»i ii uitn. i. «i i

-3

t— 4

I

J14

A. V

'S. ^

ir. Tliey use

IcKPollT UF TUK

;i new ai'iaugenK'"''^

Off. Doc.

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f'rOHS e.\aininali«>ii b;
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In-haH i»r iiH' defense ant

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LQ

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

215

No. 17.

li.bt I'od a pound Ush without breaking tl,e ta.kle. I saw an experi-
nmU tiicd uiH. H saluLoii. a rod Ave times as large as a smgle fly rod,
aud it was inipossil.!.- to raii,e more tlian a pound and a half.

O V liulit rod is a rod verj pliable?

A. Yes, sir; so tl.at in the niajorit, of the good rods you can bring
the tip around to the butt in a cirele.

Q. AVhat is llie object?

A. Impossible to cast the fly without it.

t>. Aiiv other idea? .

A It iucr.'as, s the sport and increases the likelihood of retaining
a h,'.uv.v (i.h alier he is hooked. He d...s not encounter the same

'irK ?lie pole was rigid, and if the trout would run out and take
the'slack out of the line, if the rod did not yield the line would break.

o' Therefore it is universally the custom to use a laudiug net?
.V. 1 have known one or two ex.ej.tions. Only one or two among
the luanv tishermeu I have met.

O withont su.h use of ll.e net largv iish would generally be lo.t .'
o'bjeeted to by counsel for the Commonwealth as incompetent, im-

maurial aud irrelevant. .

l'.v the Court: Obje.tiou overruled and bill sealed for the pluiutift.

A. WilUout I lie use of the net or similar appliance.

O What would be a similiir appliance?

\ 1 have S....U an umi,rella beiui; used for a large bass when there
V.,.;;,.., lauding net. The ,.ah is us..! lor salm.m tish and tor th-i
I,,,..,,, lish ruiimng over ten pounds almost invariably. I have seen
the lauding net used on salmon rivers?

t'ross ■•.\:;iuiuatiou.

No (juestions.

MU MKKn.\N. recalled by Mr. Storm.

A. You said. I believe, in your eross-examiuatiou that these cases
were no. repertid to the Kish Counuissiou, and you to,d me that you
wished lo make a ec.rre, lion of that staKuuent

X Yes si,. The nialter was never reported by ihe wardens or
„.;,;, ,,,,;,,,ed m su,h fom. as ro go on the minutes, .^t -a^- J-^
over told to me by some one conueeted with the commission, although

1 caunol say who it was. ^^

O Who was !!..■ warden who shouM have made Ihe reporl .
;; I .lon-t know of ,r>y, 1 hav.. le, kuowlod.e of , hat at al .
„,;.,.,. was biough, b. fore ihe regular i'.oard. . have no knowledge
that an arrest was made 'oy ihe warden.

216

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

217

MILTON D. riUCE, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on behalf
of the defendants.

Q. Where do you live?

A. Canadensis.

Q. Are yon a fisherman?

A. Yes, sir.

(2. IK) you keep a summer resort for the accommodation of fisher

men and anglers?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. You and your brother?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Have you got fishing streams under your control and ownership?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. You come in contact with many fishermen?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. \\'ha( kind of fishermen generally visit your place, trout fisher

men?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Are you a trout fisherman yourself?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. How long have you been a trout fisherman?

A. Over thirty years.

Q. Do you use a landing net in fishing with a fly?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Is it a necessary part of the fishing appliance?

A. It is very necc^ssary, I think.

Q. Do other fishermen that come to your place to fish with a fiy,
do they use a landing net?

A. Most of them use a landing net.

No. 17.

Mr. STEPHEN HOLMES, sworn and examined by Mr. Storm on

bphalf of the defendant. ^ ^ ,,

Q. Have you followed the delightful calling of a fisherman, the

"T'fhat' hSld olt and on for some years; have occasionally

'^TmcTo^ M.e owner of trout streams or a portion of a stream?
A. I own a small portion? , « , ,

(i. Have you a resort where fishermen often come to fish?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. Do you fish yourself?

A. Yes, sir.

O How Itjng have you fished?

.V I have fished oil' aud on f..r thirly-five or forty years.

u' Do vou use a lauding net when you fish with a fiy for trout .

A. I d;,nT usually fish wilh a fly, but I usnally have a landing net.

Q. You use bait?

A. Yes, sir.

Q. And use a landing net in that connection?

A. Yes, sir. -

(J. 1>„ you know the practice of fly fishermen as to the use of a

landing net? ,

\ 1 ihiuK it is the general practice to use the landing net.
I heiehv .crtifv that the foregoing is a true and correct copy o
,„v uotcs".,f cvidH.ce taken at the trial or hearing of the aforesaid
.tated case. October 2.5th, 189!). ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^^

Stenographer.

Cross examination by Mr. Staples.

Q. There are lots of fishermen who fish for trout that do not use

a landing net?

A. Tliere are some.

Q. As a rule don't the local fishermen who fish for trout with bait

fish without a landing net?

A. I eould not say as to that. Some of them do, and some of them
do not. A great many in our country use the landing net, a great
many of the native fishermen.

Q. As a rule tbose who fish with bait do not use a landing net?

A. Not so much.

Q. Do you know parties who do not use a landing net and fish with
bait, and catch a lar'»e number of fish?
A. Yes, sir.

Commonwealth
vs.
J. Price ^Yethe^ill.

Quarter Sessions of Monroe county
No, '2. Sept. Sessions, 1809.

OPINION.

This is -i proceeding under Section 1 of the Act of Assembly of 22d
mVv 1^«V> V 1 "07 It was conceded at the argument that the de-
dHimi i»f the cases rests with us, without the intervention of a jury;
Com vs. Waldman, 140 Pa. 81).

K 'is charged that ihe defendant vi.dated the law in usmg a net
,, ,,,Hanc; other than rod, luu.k aud litus whilst catclung trout.

218

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

219

The uiieonliadicted evidence is, and so we find from the testimony,
that the diti^iidant did on the ir>th of April, 1S98, fish for trout in
McMichaels Creek, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, using rod, hook
and line >vith liy and reel, and, after hooking a trout further em-
ployed a landing- net for the purpose of lifting it from its natural ele-
ment, and bringing it to shore, and putting it into its physical poss-
ession. Is this the catchlHg of a lisli, by nuiking use of a net, or any
other appliance, except rod, hook and line, within the meaning of the
Act of Assembly?

The language of the Act of Assembly, is this:— "That, hereafter,
no person or persons shall cast, draw, fasti-n or otherwise make use
of anv seine, drift net, fvke net, or net or nets of any other descrif)-
tion or use any oUier'applianre for the catching of fish, except i-od,
hook and line, in any rivers, streams, or waters of this Cominonw^ealth,

&c;'

Manifestly, if we interpret the words "rod, hook and line," within
the limitation of their literal import, then it would be obnoxious to
this ad to use a reel, or ily or bait, or bob, or sinker, or stpiib, in con-
nection with rod, hook and line, when fishing for game fish; for these
are ai>i>liances for catching fish, in the general sense of the terms.
Such interpretation would be contrary to the Legislative intent, for it
would praelirally defeat all catching of game fish. (Qui haeret in
litera haeret in corti< v.) Such a construction would lead to absurdity;
and it is not to be presumed that the Legislature intended their
own stultification. Hence, it is held that, when the hinguage of an
act is suseeijtible of two senses, the sense will be adopted which will
not lead to absurd consetniences. Anier. & Eng. Sncy. of Law, Vol.
23, page 302; Endlich on Interp. oi Statutes, Sec. 205.

At the argument it seemed to be conceded by the Commonwealth,
that the appliances we liavo named could be used in connection with
the rod, hook and line, in cat<hiug game fish without violating the
statute. l»ut the stress of the contention was made \o rest upon
the use of the landing net by the defendant, in g<4ting physical pos-
session of the trout after it was hooked, or, as the Commonwealth put
it, in catching the fish by nsing a landing net, in connection with rod,
hook and line, ^luch arguuient was ex])endcd on the (piestion. Was
the fish caught wIhmi hooked, or was it not caught until it was put
into th(^ j.hysical possession of the defendant by means of a landing
net? At first blush this seems a question worthy of the best days of
the school men. Ha])pily we are relieved from the niceties of words
and abstract ideas by the testimony of experts in tishing. These were
judges, and lawyers, and docttus, and fish commissioners, and public
otficials, and men of large ai'd snmll ail'airs, who had had long prac-
tical exiierience. The preponderating weight of tlulr evidence is,
that a game fish is caught when hooked, and that the landing net

is used, either conveniently or necessarily for bringing the fish into
the physical possession of the fisherman. Accordingly we find the
fact to be as testified to.

The argument is largely concerned with the definition of the ward
"catch." In construing it we are to take the ordinary and popular
meaning; Amer. and Eng. Ency. of Law, Vol. 25, page 32G; Endlich on
Interp. of Statutes, Sec. 7(>. But here we are not without perplexity.
There are few words in the English language which have such a va-
riety of meanings as the word catch. Webster's Internat. Dictionary
gives fifteen shades of meaning, one of w Inch is, "To take captive, as in
a snare or net, or on a hook, as to catch a bird or fish." The Century
Dictionary gives twenty-two meanings of the word, one of which is:
"To take captive, as in a snare or trap, to take with lure or bait, as
to catch a fish." The Standard Dictionary furnishes thirteen mean-
ings, one of which is: "To take by trapping or snaring; to take with a
bait or by stratagem, as to catch fish, game, etc." So if we appeal to
popular usage as reflected in lexicons, we are left in uncertainty as
to what the exact meaning of the word "catch" is in the act. A bear,
or a skunk, or a rat. captured alive in a trap, under these definitions
may be said to be caught in the ordinary and jiopular meaning, al-
though not in the physical possession of the trapi.er. So, a trout
may be said to be caught when held by the hook, as well as when in
the landing net or creel.

In construing this act we must not forget that it is penal in its
character, and therefore subject to a general rule of strict construc-
tion; that "where an act contains such an ambiguity as to leave rea-
sonable doubt of its meaning, it is the duty of the court not to inflict
the penaltv; that where it admits of two constructions, that which
operates in favor of life or liberty is to be preferred;" Endlich on
Interp. of Statutes, Sec. 330. This rule would compel us to construe
the doubtful phraseology of the act against the infliction of the
penaltv, and in favor^of the liberty of the citizen. As we have al-
readv shown, that to catch a trout may mean either when it is hooked
or w*hen it is landed with the landing net, it follows that, under the
rule applicable to penal statutes, we must adopt the eonstruction most
favorable to the defendant.

But according to our view, it is not necessary to employ this rule o
eonstruction in the decisitm of this <ase. The phrase -rod, hook and
line," is a verv old one In a Treatyse of Fyshynge wyth an Angle, by
Dame -Tulian A. r.erner,s, edition 1 tDO. we r(.id as follows: ^'The bes e
to mv simple dvs.rcion wy<'he is fyshynge. called anglynge with rodde
and a Ivne and an hooke." And we find our Legislature u^mS t^^^«
same phrase, in what appears a t<-chnical s<.>se. in «^»^/^^"^Y 47
1878, 3 June, 1878, 10 June, 1884. and acts of 22 May 1889, I L. 4i,
50 and 04, and act of 20 May, 1801. This phrase ''rod, hook and line,

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

221

220

is applied to the catching of all kinds of game flsh is these vari^ous
acts and to all the waters and strean.s of the Commonwealth mlud-
i, 1 he waters of Lake Erie, bays, ponds and bayous adjacent there-
to \ve cannot believe that the Legislature, in ns.ng the phrase
"rod hook and line." intended so narrow and unreasonable a con-
struction as is urged by the Commonwealth. So conmon and uui-
t"al is the use of reels. Hy hooks, bait. bobs, sinkers and s^uuls m
fishing with rod. hook and line, that we may take them to be included
in th: phrase '"rod. hook and line" in ordinary and popular us..
Therefore if we construe the hegislaiive language according to its
popular acceptation, we are bound to hold that the apphances .r
h ngs just nluned, were understood and intended by t be T.eg;sla ure
to be included in the phrase "rod, hook and line;' l-nl. .V K r e K K
Co vs Catawissa K. K. Co.. 53 I>a.. 20 ; Endlich on Interp. o statutes.
Section 83. This is the natural and obvious imi^ort of the phrase,
without resorting to subtle and forced construction for the. purpose
d her of linii.ing or extending its operation. Possibly th.s construe^
tlon will be conceded by the Commonwealth. But the contention .s
that the landing net is not of such common and universa "«e as to be
included in the ,.hrase "rod. ho<.k and hue. Certain t is, tha the
landing net was in common use by fishermen as far back "« 16o-, for
Lak Walton in his Complete Angler, makes I''-«*'"- ^^ I'-f" jj;
sav vou now? There is a trout now and a good one. too; if I can but
hJld him. and two or three turns more will tire him. ^ow you se«
he lies still, and the sleight is to land him. K.-ach mo tha andu g
net. So, Sir; now he is mine own. >Vhat say you now .' Is this not
worth all my- labor and your patieii.e?" So in Prime s "I go a fish-
ing" we find the following: "IMt when once you have Imoked your
fish the light rod is vastly to be preferred, after becoming accustomed
to handle it, whatever and wherever be the water. For tke pnncip e
of the rod is in reality only this, that it is the home end ,.f the Ini-
stilfened and made springy, so that you can guide and manage it, ca.,t
and draw, keep a gentle pressure with it on the hook so that the. fish
Bliall not rid himself of it. and finally lift hm. (o the landing net.
■Vgain in the American Angler's Book, by Norris. th.- author says:
"I have known anglers handle fish (trout) so well as to make a practice
of sliiuiing the hand gently down the leader, and then s.-iznig them
behind the gills, sometimes wearing a hand glove to insure a firmei
grasp. Few. however, have sufficient skill and c.oluess fur such dan-
ten,us practice. A landing net is almost indispensable when there
is no convenient ,dace for landing your prize on t'"' j'"";- "•; ^^J^"
wading ashore would disturb the .,uiet of the i-ool. All the tes-
timony in this case is to the effect that the landing net ,s and has
been, 'in ordinary, common and almost universal use by those w-io
flsh for trout with rod, hook and line. In our view, therefore, the

No. 17.

landing net was as much within the Legislative intent, when using

the words "rod, hook and line" as was the tiy hook, reel, bait and such

like appliances. • , , „t „

To assist the correctness of the argument, let us consider what a
landing net is, and its use. The Century Dictionary defines a landing
net as "a kind of scoop net, used to bring to land, or to hand, a fash
which has been caught." Substantially, the same definition will be
found in the Standard and Webster Dictionaries. Its use is not to
catch a fish separately as they are caught in fyke and drift nets and
seines, but its use is to land the fish after it is hooked. Hence, under
this view, a landing net would not be necessarily a part of the act
of catching, but simiily a convenient means of obtaining physical pos-
session. And, hence also, the use of it, as used by the defendant, was
not a violation of the letter or spirit of the act of Assembly. .V land-
ing net is useless as a separate apiiliance for catching fish; and is in
no sense a complete appliance for catching fish, like a seine, drift
net, or *fyke net when cast, drawn, or fastened, or otherwise made

use of. ^ , 1- i *!,„

The purpose of the Legislature in passing the acts relating to the

catching of game fish, is perfectly i>lain. It was to stop their in-
discriminate and unreasonable destruction, so that the streams
and waters might be kept stocked. Hence, the law im.ts fashing
to certain seasons and to certain means. The mischief was the
extinction of game fish by means of nets; and the nets named are
seines, drift nets, fyke nets, and nets of like character. Landing
nets are not named in any of the acts. Hand or cast nets are,
in sixth section of the act under consideration. Hut hand or
cast nets are not landing nets. Then can landing nets be in-
cluded in the phrase "nets of any other description." As we have
alreadv stated, landing nets are useless as separate appliances for
catching fish. Therefore, they are not ejusdera generis with seines.
drift nets and fvke nets, and cannot be included in the phrase "nets
of any other description." For the rule of law is, that where a gen-
eral word follows particular and specified words of the same nature
as itself, it takes its meaning from tliem. and is presumed o be
restricted to the same genus as tho.-,. words; or. in other words :.8
comprehending only things of the same kind as those des,gmite<l b^
them; Endlich on Interp. of Statutes. Sec. 40.-. Hence. «;;■;•' ••'^- •>;
opinion, that landing nets are not included in the nets P''"!"'"*;'^ ^>
the acts of Assembly. It seems clear to us if the T.-gislatiire meant o
prohibit the use of binding nets in fishing for game fl*";;^'''^^" J ',
landing net was in such common and almost universa use. ^^^^^
have said so in plain and unmistakable language. The fact that tlu >
did not. is persuasive that they did not mean to include landing nets
amongst the prohibitions.

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

i-» ■IT' -n/^uf I' I iH' in rj

222

The diversion, or sport of fisluns. i>* o.isagod in by manv persons;
and tl.o po m'v of ,1. r„„nnon.ealth l.as been to encouva,e the l.as-
ui If w V - to bold Uu.. law to be as co.Ue.ub.t b.y tbe Com-
Znve tb n Ibis .-ase. we sl>ould, as sbown by H.e au bov,ry, .b.
moinMcUui r..nnnnnw(-iini The <'Oiistruciion w^

strov (he very purpose ot tb.' ( oiumoi NMaiin. /J ^^ Hroetiiate

• ' 1 iiu. .H-t oi' '^-^ Mmv ISSI). will, ill ouv opinion, best olloanate
j.ne to llio ac t o -- ^'\'- ' '; , . 5., ,,.|^.j| ^.^ are reuuirod to

T TTiT'Ti:^ o .::::;: i^ti. ,aw prohibited n.

i; tria-^,' . in I:;- «sbin.. ia plain and nun,is.al<able lan-

,: 'rid U- oar d„,y. and we would not besita.e to to boW
Bui we think (be fair and reasonable and Just eons,rue„on <d lb<
act of Assembly is plainly to Ibe eonti ary.

The detenda,:^ bas asked es to ftud a nnnib, r of aels and to . n^u
certain requests of law. Our answer is (ba. tbe flndn^s of fa.t
and answers of i,.w are fully covered by (bis op,n,o>.

.di J b:u ■:.■ eo.nbuon of tbe der,.ud:.u, and ,be .pulgment
a! ait hin. 1. reserved, and .be pro..e..diaKS in ibis case be se. as.de.

L!v Ibe IJuurl,

Al.LKN CUAIC.,
['resident .Indite.

WATER POLLUTION.

The following decision was r.'ndered by Judge Orlady. of tbe Su-
perior Court, iu a case wb,r<. tbe water suj.ply o!' Ibe cny ol > ork
was alleged to have been contau.inaled by se-.va};.-. Tbe decsnm is
very sweeping and has a direcl bearing in ib(. lisbing interests of tbe
State The decision was readcred .January L'S. IS!»!».
' The pollution of strean.s by persons living along tb-Or banks is
treated in au interesting n;aar,er in au opinion banded down yester-
dav bv .fudge Orlandy. of Ibe Superior Coiul. Tbe cas.. was that ot
the (•oniuionwealtb against (ieorge I'. Vosl, an appeal frou. t be
jud-Muent of Ibe CJnarler S.'ssions four! of York county, wlu.-e the
defendant was acinitted of an indicUneut charging bin, with main-
taining a nuisance. Tbe opinion reverses the judgment of the (Quarter
Sessions Court and orders a re trial of tbe case.

"The unc(»ilradi.-led evidence shows." -ludge Orlady says, "(bat tbe
defendant, who lived at Olen Hork. allowed sewage lo Ibe.v from b's
premises into a running sircan. about twelve u.ih'S above the ,.umping

I

222

The divci-slo!!. or sp

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INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

223

station of a company whuH sm-plios the city of York with water. By
the natural tlow of the water in the channel it is earned down the
stream into Codorus creelc; that he pollution of drinking water by
Hu.h matter is likely to produce disease in thus,- who use the water
and the living germs of d>sentery typhoid fever and other disease,
in such matter may be and have lleen carried in running water trom
twenty (o thirty miles; that th.ere had bee.i nineteen cases of typhoid
fever u (ilen liock prior to this prosecution, and shortly afterwards
a number of persons in the city of York were affected with the same

^''■'xhe defence interposed to the lust count was," the opinion con-
tinues "that the stream on which the property was located was a
public" and common sewer of the borough, and was used as such in a
Lful manner, in support of which it was sliown that ,N^iere a public
street crossed the stream it was covered by a bridge that had been
constructed bv the borough; that at otlicr points property owners
had erected their buildings on and over the stream, and hat on one
occasion, when some ilood d.-bris had accumulated in the channel
the street commissioners had removed it to prcv,.ut the backing of
water upon the streets. It was also shown that the borough had en-
a.fed a health ordii.aiue. as suggested by the State Board of Health,
in which it was ,,rovidcd -the sewerage from each building on every
street provided with a common sewer shall be conducted into saul
sewer- and the defendant was pcrmi.led to testify, under objection,
hat he believed that he was rcMuired and canpelled. under that sec
ion to emptv the sewage into the stream, and that the stream was
irken of as'Manchcstcr strce, sewer. The Court submitted to the
jury the question whether or not the si ream was a public sewer of

the borough of Glen Kock. , , , .

••Xo pivscription or usage <an .i„siify the pollution of a stream b>
the discharge of sewage in such m.iiu.-r as to be injurious to the^puh-
lic health. Lapse of time will not legali/.e a public nuisance. To de
posit in a natural water cours,-. in ch.se proximity to a source of sup-
plv from which the wale, is us.d for domestic purposes, the nmsome
!,nd oltensive matter described in tlie uncontradicted evidence m this
case is a public nuisance, and it shotihl have been so declared by the

••The Commonwealth cannot be c::|..cted to jirove to an absolute
certaintv that disease producing germs are carried a given distance
in a wa'ter course, as it would be an exaction impossible of perfor-
mahce to require a chemi.al aitd mi.roscopic analysis of the whole
bodv of a stream of water. Such a fact is not capable of bemg demon-
strated to a mathematical certainly, and such a degree of proof is not
demanded bv the law. Whether a state of facts amounts to a nui-
san,-e is in many .ases dependent on the opinion of witnesses, and a

l.'i

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

224

reasonable and probable exactness based on experience and scientific
"ation, is tUe most tbat can be expected in snch cases.
"•Th ose'eution was grave in its character, and was .nst. uted

nt the instance of the State Board of Health. It was well worthy of

al in^ igation for the good of the public. The water company w-

no doubt inslrumental in furnishing the State Board of Health th.

evid,^ . e'lsarv to bring the case to trial, but this did not consti-
: e ,h prosecUor. It was not tri.iing. unwarranted or mahcrou

!" its character, and it was fully justified by the facts .n the case. The

as;:^ij;nnients of error are sustained."

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

nt

THE HISTORY OF THE STURGEON.

Bv \V. E. Meehan.

Unluiown millions of years ago, there was " 1'"*^'; >".*;" ••"^';^
history which geologists call the Devonion or Age of Fishes. Two
.lesonlv preceded it. the .Nzvie or Prinu.l. and th. Silunan .^g.s.
X air was tropical, and while vegetation was abundant there were
no trees or plants whi.h bore Howers. The preva.hng annual bfe
"^,s fishes The waters were full of then, and as a rule hey wvre of

he Ganoid tvp.:. that is fishes having large bony plates hUe tlx.se of

e tnrtle what in fa<t n.ight be calhd defensive armor. ^ ery often

tfo fish of the Devonian .Vge. besides having this defeus.ve armo .

were of great size and possessed of powerful teeth and jaws for <,f-

'i::irnrrUevonian .Vg,. can,e to an end and was sue. ded by the

,, .lnm;ous. or Coal Bearing .Vge. The weather '-■;;;;;;;;;;'-
.,ud sureharged with <arb.m. v, j^etation was n.on- plentiful and
.111.1 SUM 11.11^ decreased and many forms

winds were unknown, llii' \.!si "si. mi ,i, ,i,,.

. nu- entiivlv ..xtincl. .\ few. liUe tli.. gar-p.k.. and probabl.Mhe
'"on urvivd. After ihis .ame th,. Mes..zi,- or K.-pt. .an Age.
on.; of "h.. most marv..|ous and interesting of all the ..poche of the

""There was a distin.t advanc.- in all forms of animal life at this tin.,..
Flo'i' plants appea,e.l for the fi.st .inu-. Insets also be..ame

, IdailMlut it was'above all the ag,. "^ ■•'l/t''—^-::';:;;:;:; . ^f^
„i,..,s nnd .lying li-.ds. ll was .1... <""";."f ""» "/ ' f. ^
„f Reptilian verb..te...t..s. savagv ly.an.s ot lb., s..,. br.d ..„d an .
".Vu'hough wlude tribes of tisb.. b..,.an,.. extinc , ..r...g ; ;

i.„niferons Age. there we... still ..>a..y ---';';, f . ,, X

tiliin The... was also one heportant new t>pe a.luel. . a,.. I>. tne
-ebosts bouv r.sh..s. St,ng..ons w,.,e also ab-.m ant. al.l.o.,g
„t do not appear to have b,... as heavily ar..,.,.,.! as ,1... other
(iiimid tithes of the Devonian Agt>.

•Zr:, ti ian Age was s...,eeded by that of the Man.inalian a.,d
,1^L n . t of „.; present ,.ne. or the ,Vge of Man. Through th...u.
■X-nt-d l.y ...iUions ..po.1 millbms of y.-a.. ,he s.,,,.g...... .a

,.ass..d a.id is now thr..a...n..d with .xnncl.on oul.^ tb.ou,.. t..e

X Rev. H. IV Hutchbison. a,.thor .,i •Tr.aln,. s ..I t.,h., Laxs.

1.5-1 T !t9

nEPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

226

.av., in .peaking of the sturgeon: '■Conoermng it. long pedig.e.. .s-e
o ,H,t to ook u,ron this fish .ith g.eat veneration: There are indeed
f ; rlhe. whi'h can boaBt of snoh an ance.try althongh nnl.Ue t^he
gar-pike it has not retained its prinn.ive forn,. Its arn.or one of the
ehan,.teristies of the r,a„oid fish-s, having a.mos ''"^'re v • a^
peared. .here being h-.t a few plates down the back. Its <usp hke

teeth are also gone. „

Bashford Uean in his "Fishes Formed and Liv.ng, says
..,,„, i„„.,,,,„i,„„|up of Ihe four snrviving forms o sturgeons
Lave not as ve, been .le-inilely saggested. Transitional f"-' f<'™«
have thns far Urn h:ekinK. r,ud tl.e reh.live in,portanee of Ihed.f^
ferent strnetures In 1he ve.ent genera eannot therefore 1... deternuned
for iiniiiose of eonijiarison. _

-Tlie ..enns of th<- eommm, stn.geon. .V.ipeneer. is the most eom-

l.lotelv stadieu ..f the reeent f..rms. It inelndes Iwi'iily ..r more

speeies,. varving in length iron., one ,.X brevirestris. ''f/'-; /-- ;'>;»

IT ut..d SialJs, (o -.en yards .A hnso. of Knssia^ and is altogether

,„ f the a>ost valnable food lishes ,.t the rivers, lakes and eoasts of

,!h. Northern hetui-phero. I. is a sln,gish, button, feeding hsh. com^
,B.,n in mmldv >,n.ams. Its broad and pointed sm.nt. s.msory barbels
and . r..a.lv i-ontraeted ja-.vs are the ntost striking dillerenees from
The i-alaeonlM-eid; its ,l,.r,naia, Munring has beeonn. redueed to hve
l„n.it,Mlnm! brrads <,f 1 -e.ly phu, . bnt is nmre perfeet in the tail
n.-i.ms; ils skeU'ton retains an entirely eartilh.gimais eond. ion. In
its^lar.al stage e.-ni.al t.elh atv known to l- present, and the entire
series of deneal phiies are n.neh larg.'r in relative size '^ _

Ore ..f tie aneient sturgeons, one belonging t,. the Liass.o period.
tl,e ..'arliest portion of the Mesogoie .\ge. know n as Chondrostens. has
u snont shorter than the nmder,. eommen st.trgvon: its jaws are large
and apparently less prolnisitde.

"Whih. x\u- adeil sla.geon does not l.ossess the full armor of its
a,u.,.st.ns of the Reptilian Age, enrionsly enough the young is better

,,. vi-ed but fs it ^n'v lies i.alui-ity these gradually disajipear.

TlK. r.dvantage <,r 0'- merkedlv ro.gker armature," says Ryder in his
„.,per <.n ii,.. StMrg.-on ia the Uuilelins of the United States Fish Com-
mission tor ihe v.'ni- 1>'.M>, "of the young in the struggle for existence
is obvious, as it is .Oearly adaided to riMider tli ■ young less convenient
of d..lug;iti.m ..!■ inastieation by the more ravenous prt'daeeons forms
inhabiting ihe same waters." ,^ , ' .

Em-1- in llie 1 resent i(:itnrv sturgeons abounded in the Delaware
and'i^ilsMuehaniia rivers, and until a eom,.arativ..ly a few years ago
thev were still ideutiful. In the i-i.ort of the I'ennsylvania Fish
Commission f<.r lS!)ti. in Chni-ter V of an article entitled Fish, Fishing
and Fisheries of Pennsyb, ania. appears the following:

'•Men rot '-.t siMv vears old say. that even after they had passed
their irajoritv. it w'as not an uncommon sight to see several stur-

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

•>)'

No. 17.

.reon during a single trip between Camden and Philadelphia jurnping
Tn the river. Mr. Samuel Williams, a resident of Burlington, >. J.,
now in his eighty-fourth year, says that when he was a boy. on one
occasion he went with his father on a shad fishing trip in the lower
Delaware, and during it he saw thousands of sturgeons. Once on this
trip his father and his companion were compelled to take their nets
in with great speed in order to save them from utter destruction,
and its it was many fathoms w,>re badly torn by this fish. The stur-
geons passed their boat in such vast numbers that in a little while
the occupants had secured and killed eleven. This was as many as
tbcv could take home, and as the run continued, they slew many more
on the i.rinciple that it was a lish not only of scarcely any value but
was actuallv a nuisance in the river on account of the damage caused
the nets Mr. Lar/.elere states that when he was a young man, one
nioht he with a number of young men and women were rowing^ on
the Delaware in two boats. While proc. e,iing up tiie river, only a few
feet apart, a large sturgeon six or seven feet long .iumpeu from the
water and nearlv capsi/.ed one of the boats, and tlie occupants were
thoroughlv drenched and frightened. The same gentleman also said
that ^Yillia.u Sto.kton. the fellier of the Rev. Thomas 11. Stockton.
for a time chaphun of the House of Representatives at Washington,
was one time out boating, when a large sturgeon actually jumi.ed into

the boat and was secured. „ , . , t- :

"Air John Fennimore. .-onnected with the family of which Feniii-
more Cooper, the .elebrated novelist was a nienibei. r, lated the

following: ... ,,

'■Manv vears ago there was a little steamboat which plied the
Delawan. "above IMiiladelidiia called the 'Sally.' On each side near
her bows were two large round windows, which in the summer time
were often open. One day when the Sally was on one ot her trips up
the river a large sturgeon in jumping made such a leap that it passed
clear through one of these windows and landed in the vess.l, where

it was killed. , ,

"Stories like the foregoing are cpiite .i.mmon and many of them
are well authenticated, and they s..rve as nothing else can to ilns-
trate how numerous this species of fish were at one time ,n the )e a-
ware river. For until recent years the sturgeon seemed to b,. httle
..steemed bv the people living along this great stream. ^v.u-U' all
the old fishermen say that in tlieir boyhood days few ale sturgt^n
exr,.,>t the colored p.'0,de. though ocrasionally a family would fry
a few steaks and serve them with ..-..am. The roe was eous.dered
worthless ox.ept as bail with which to catch eels and ,,eiel, or to feed
to the hogs. From three to four cents a i.oiind were tae best prices
that could be obtained retail for the meat, ami it was not often more
than twentv.five or thirty cents could be had for a wh.de l.sh. Mi
John Fennimore made a practi.e of tishiug for sturgeon with n.-ts at

228

RErOIiT OF THE

Off. Doc.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

229

Dunk. Fonv near B.Utol. in the latter part of the 20'8 and nntil
St tin.- 'Mr. N--iv.r and Mr. MeE.ro.v two "t^er fi.her.nen
of that neit^hhorhood, also .arried on the san.e business. Th. > used
a twelve imh .uesh and drew their nc'l over the bar near the I'enn-
sv v'u a "L a favorite spot for the sturgeon. Sometimes twenty-
flv^o tl S; were taken 'at a single haul. The flsh brought very
nttle n.ono, however, .e.don, n.ore than thirty -"^-P^- -;f,;"^^;
times as low as twelve and a half cents ap.eee. Mr. ^V .ll.ams says
h .favorite .nethod with n,any tishevn.en of catching sturgeon m
t le n onth of August prior to 18:55, was with the harpoon, and hat
le 1 oieest sp..t for .his n.ethod .as about Puteh Island near Hor^
dTnt^wn. One of .h.- nu.st skilful users with this n.srument was
,„,„ ,,„,,a ,,anK.s Douglas. According to the -"-t«-;^^P-
.on verv rar.'lv n.issed his aim in following th.s manner of flshing^
This luupooner stood in the bow of a boat and when he aPi;--hed
near enough to his prey Ihrew a heavy harpoon wth a «hort length
of line attached. Slu.uld the h=,rpoo„er find he could not hold the
fish after it was st,u,k he dropped the rope overboard and a large
,.ork fastened at the loose ..nd saved it from being lost, and mate-
,.i„lly helped to tire the /ish out. A few sturgeon were also caught
bv lassoing but this wa.s very rarely done." "
■ In the aboN.' il is noted llu . the flesh of the sturgeon and its eggs
were n<.t held in um.h .'sle,.,.. by the fishermen on the Delaware
half a .en.urv ago. it was liuewise the case almost evei^^wliere
,.lse I'or a time the llesh was known t.s Albany beef, from the fact
,i;.,l' in the latter part of the .itfs a Uerman named Benedict Hlohm es-
tablished a s.t.rg...,ii fishery on the Hudsoti river and sold the rtesh m

the Albany, New York, market. . , , , , „.

H,.sides the small fisheries for sturgeon in the u.-ighborhood of
Dunks Ferrv, on the Delaware river, there was one established about
IST:!, near Chester, of which the following account is given m lish,
Fishing and Fisheries of I'eiinsylvauia:

•• \r<ording to Mr. Martin, in his History of Chester, sturgeon flsh-
ino'as a regular industry in the river below Philadelphia, at least on
the Penusvlvania side is not more than t wenty years old. In treating
of the sul'..je.t Mr. Martin says; A new source of industry has lately
(is;:!) been started in llU' vicinity of Ch.ester, the catching of stur-
.reon As far as I can learn the first elfort in this enterprise was
made bv Heniv S,hacht, who sometime ago, witli scant means and
but on.' lM,al hxate.l himself .m Ridley creek, from which place he
removed (o Chesl.r creek, and afterwards, with wise lorethougUt,
when more prosperous, purchased -Moiias Island, opposite Chester;
there, by means of piles, etc, he erected a pen in which to retain the
f1«h alive for the most jirofilable market.

No. 17.

"Mr Schacbt was drowned on a dark and dismal night last spring,
and a relative, Henry Henliy, succeeded to the business, which had

ereatlv increased. n „„

^ "At the foot of Edgemont street is moored a large scow, well ar-
ranged for the comfort of those .mployed. There are bunks foi their
Teping arrangements and a cook for their meals. Here the flsh aie
Sht, the meat sent to Kew York, where it commands a ready sale
a abou seven cents per pound, and is known as Albany beef, the
head in and back bone being rendered into oil, passing through
b^li ig process. Of this on an average of six barrels per week are
produced during the season, netting sixty cents per gallon. Of the
1 eSiare is made. It is prepared in this way: 'T'- --- ^^-
from the dead flsh and run through several sieves of graduated tine
„r and then treated with the finest of German salt, an indispensable
artideTn its preparation; it is then packed in open kegs and placed
ma cool posHion nntil the season of shipment, the fall, when it is
transported to Germany, where it commands, on au average, one

'"!^n.'Henn" ifas six boats engaged, which are substantially built
averaging 25 feet in length. They are, in regular parlance, -cat
rigged The flshermen are paid $1.75 apiece for the sturgeons they
Snre They sometimes realize from .«f2(» to $:!0 per day The
Seen are taken in long driftnets, made of heavy twine and man^
ted usually bv two persons in a boat. These flsh weigh from oO
to 100 pounds each. The flesh, which is shipped to New York daily,
s iackc°d n ice. and is served in some of the hotels in that city in
he'fo m of steaks. Large quantities of it is smoked. ""-^ '" - -
cases is sold as smoked salmon. The roe or ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^Z
sent to Germany and converted into caviare, is oft.m leshipp d to
his country and is consumed generally by our German popu auon.^
Besides the industry at Chester another one grew up at l.a>s du
Xew Jersev, in which there is now invested more than one mill.on
dolli-.s The one at Chester is now entirely gone.

n 1880 he market for sturgeon meat and the eggs for ca^.are

had not vet assumed great proportions. The river ^^ ';-'-^ -^

the fish and not all that were caught could be disposed of. Be.w^een

880 aJid 18B4 it was not an uncommon thing, say «- -«- .J^^

ernien to see from 1,000 to 1.200 sturgeon on the whaif at Bajside

tie' imc To-day 25 or .0 is such a rarity that >t^ l-H-'",^^'

sure to bring the fishermen from miles around to see thu fwo

«..+ 11 \n nnp (lav from liis boats, ine cattn
voarc no-A oTip man got 14: in one iia^> n^"* " , , , .v-

rented a great sensation and was considered such a remarkable thing
nt tie fact ot,e catch was telegraphed all over the country as
1^ impor^nt piece of news and predictions were made of a revival of
the industry.

230

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

In 18S0 and for a few succeodiiig yc ais it was not an uncommon
event for 'the lisheinu^i to ship live or six cars loaded with sturgeon
and caviare to New York, or PhiUidelphia, from Bay Side. To-day
if five or six boxes are sliipped in the same time tlie sliippers think
they are luckv. In those days also sales were by no means as easy
to make Tlie New ^orlc dealers would send word to Bay Side that
fifty sturgeon were wanted. The rcM-ipient would simply wait until
the day the order was to be filled and ihen send their boats out and
it was mre that the rer,uired number were not taken in a single run.
Often the catch would be three or more times than was wanted.
The surplus would be cut loose. Th<' sturgeon were so plentiful as
late as 1885 that it was no uncommon thing for the shad fishermen
to be compelled to stop operating their m^ts until a large school of

the large fish had passed by.

As mav be expected, on account of their abundance and the ig-
norance of the real value of the roe, the prices of sturgeon were very
low between 1880 and 1890. In 1SS2 the roe brought from |3 to |G
and $S a keg. In 1881 it sold for |9 a keg. To-day it is valued at |110
a keg, and it is likelv to be worth much more during the spring of 1900.

From 1881 to 1890 there were fron.i 1.000 to 5,0t)0 kf^gs of caviar
shipped annually from the Delaware river, mostly from Bay Side, and
about this time th(^ Delawi.e river caviar began to dominate the
market, although under the name of Bussian caviar. To-day it is safe
to sav that fullv nine-tenths of the Russian caviar sold in the Ameri-
can and European markets is manufactured from the roe of sturgeon
caught from the Dclawjirc liscr. From 1890 the supply of caviar
began rapidlv to diminish until last year from 5,000 kegs in 1885, it
had fallen to T^Oi kegs, and as already stated, the price has risen

from |9 a keg to |110.

The story of the rise in value in the caviar is the same with respect
to the fiesh*. In 1SS2, in the early part of (he season, the flesh brought
about six cents a pound. This was legarded as a vei'y high price.
Later in the season it was dilfieult to get one cent a pound. After
1890 there was a (juiek jump and this last year the highest price was
twelve cents and the lowest eight cents.

In 1882, IS,^:^ and issl a buck sttirgeon w^uld only bring one dollar
at the wiiarf and a female from one dollar to one dollar and a half
to two dollars. The inesent prices are, bucks, two dollars and a half;
females from thirty dollars to thirty-five dollars.

One firm at Bay Side last spring caught m sturgeon, which realized
13,251.25; the llesh stdd for 8072, and the caviar for $3,1»23.25. The
years ago these iish would n()t have realized more than a total of
|650; 1200 from the flesh and 815(1 from the caviar.

The story which is here told of t\w sturgeon fisheries of the Dela-

2.*]0

KiJM M

F r

(iff. Doc.

Ill ISMI, aiid I'ol- :\ fcNN surrrciiili^ V(

<'Voni Tor

lisl

HI liH

!1 {<» sl.l[>

i\

and caviai'i' in N<'nv Vork. <h

,i'.s il was iiol an uiicominon
M.adcd with sturj-iM-jii
Bav Side. To-day

Ol- SIC <'

rhiladt li-ltia. iroiii

if five or six boxes aic
tliev are

S !

IPI

H

d ill

he same linie the sliipiters

think

to niak

luekv. In (]M»se <hiys als<, sahs \sere hy n<» means as easy

ileis wouhl send word to 15ay Side that

uhl simply wait nntil
:en seTid tlieir boats out and

Tlie New Vo

!-l

V u ei

fiftv sliiiiii'on were \n

iiiih'd. The )'erii>ieiu wo

the dav the cader was to i)e lil

!.. 1

it was raic
Often tin' «

thai tile lei, Hired imiih
;(hli vvoidd be liilee or i:

V, (■• e no I iJ

iken ia a sin^h' ran.

ire iinies than was wan

ted.

Tlie siir[(liis wo

aid be (lit biose. i

he stinu""!! were s<! plentiful as

lat(^ as b^>r» li.at it was no ura-omiaeii tliii.i: lo

r I lie shad lishermen

to be comi-eiled lo step (►oeia

liai: th<*ir nets linvil a lartie s»

■liool of

tl

le

arjie lis

It ha

d jiasNei

I bv.

As mav be expeeieJ. e-t;

10 «-unnt of their a

nor

anc»' <d' the re

I value oi i lie 1 oe. the pl'le

low between ISSII ano

vU'l

I

1 1

in

a Ive

1 s^ a ke-. Ill 1^^>l il ;-''d fer s!l a k<

1i

iilH

1 il is likelv tol ' worth itm-li ii:<-ie «

Imndanee and the i^-

oi' stiir,ueon were very

^^2 ihe loe broiijiht from s:; to s(»

To day it is valued at si 10

daiinti the sp'i iiisi' (d' liMH).

From !"--M to b^lHl ihere W.-ie I

rmn t.tUMI to

iMM) kejjs 4d' eaviar

■^hijiped aiiiiiially Iroia 1
iibont this time th«' Mel

;i V, iWi- ris er. mo:

llv liom llav Side, and

lil ■ ■ * >

e I

i\er {•

iar !>• uaa to dimiiiia

le tl

le

mai

ket. altiioiijih under lie name of \xu<^]

to sa

V that fiilh i^ine hilt

IS ol t li

I »

an and Kiiroi"-..n markets is man

eaiUi:

en

I »e

\ i \ ei"

!' . I

bej;an rapidly to d!mim>ii

had fallen to VlJ^U kt -rs. and ;,s aireai

from '.<) a ke<i to si U».

;in eaviar. To-day il is safe
issian eaviai- sold in the Ameri-
IVotured Irom liie roe of stiiri-eon
I'lMiii \s\Hi I in- supply ol caviar
I xear irom o,iMM» k<*;^s

in 1

SS.». it

Iv :-ialed. iIh- pric;- has risen

Tl

n' stor\ nf I kt' ri^«

in ^M

I ■ i % . »

11

lie in I lie eavi

to the llesh. In 1

V. •»

'_. lil

b<ni

t SIX eelll
til

Il IMMinO,

early jtar! o
This \\a> I!

iir is the same with respeet
t the season, the llesh bronchi
■uaided as a very hi.uh priee.

Later ill the s(

-en it was diilienh to -ri one cent a ]»oum

I. After

isiMi theiM' was a .juiek .iami>

und this last v«'ai tlie lii«ihesl priee wa;

W els e eeii 1 s

nd I lie low «st el;

I eeiHS,

In lssi2. ls>:5and Is^l ;; bmk stnrueoii

at the w half and a t' ma

h' fiiflH OlH' <!

w.onld only brini;; one dollar
liar and a half

uhi'r to one (h»

in I wo dollars,
b'lnah's from

he ]>! eseiii pries-s aii'

],M, ks. two dollars and a half

mill v dollars to ihlrix live d<dlar

One tirm at P.ay Side last sprinu ea

iiL'hl tM'i stur«»eon. w I lieh realized

liol.'Jo: ihe llesh s<.ld lor sf,T-J. ami tlse caviar tor

ri

le

years a«r<» tlies«

lisl

I wonio

iio( have lea

lized more than a total of

mTii)- SLltMl fiom the llesh ai d sTo trom the eaviar

The storv w

hieh is heiM' told of tie' slnr<;eon

fisheries of the I)«da-

1

I

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

r-^

C5

tc

a:

u

rf.

0*

xn.

tlL

X

7*.

i;

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

72

SR5

oc

^

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

23t

ware river is the same for that of the Susquehanna river and tlie
great lakes, except that the industry in the Susquehanna is entirely
wiped out and there is no regular industry on the great lakes.

For example, in 1870 it was reported that 20,000 were caught at
Painesville, Ohio, alone, and that some of them were sold at about
|2 for a wagon load. At Swanville more than TO w^ere caught the
same year in one day, by two men using grapnel hooks. According to
a report in the United States Fish Commission in 1884, early in June,
in the southern end of Lake Miihigan tlun- begin to congregate near
the shores and at the mouths of the rivers, the Kalamazoo river
emptying at Saugatuck, 3Iich., being a favorite spawning ground.
They may be seen in the evening in this river leaping from the sur-
face, throwing their bulky forms entirely out of the water. At Pier
Cove, Mich., on the 11th of June, 1871, schools of sturgeons were at
the edge of the shore in a few f(*et of water, and men from the vicinity
were in the habit of wading out and drawing them ashore with gaff
hooks. Eighteen were taken in this way in one morning. They w^ere
said to be found in this vicinitv everv vear about this season, remain-
lug about a fortnight.

Mr. J. <;. I'ortman. of I>enton Harbor, successful as a Ush culturist,
has seen the sturgeon at this season lying in numbers on the shallow
clay ledge of a stream, several of them lying flat on their backs, with
their bellies upward, rojling and si)lashing in shallow water with
apparent enjoyment. At the mouth of Calumet river. South Chicago,
July of the same year, a large lift of sturgeon were brought ashore.
It was not uncommon for the fishermen to take a hundred or more
from a single set of the i>oun(ls, in the fall of the year.

Even this ai>parently vast number was nothing to what preceded,
according to accounts in the reports <»f the United States Fish Com-
mission. It is stated in one of these re]>orts that, ''the decrease in
numbers is aj>jiai<Mit to a certain extent in localities where the pound
nets has been in use for a number of years. At Sandusky, the
number brought in from the nets and handled in the curing establish-
m(»nt in a season was said to have nearly reached l8.0tM) a few years
ago, while in 1872 the books show<'d a record of 18,880.

There are two causes for the rapid rise in the value of the flesh
and eggs of the sturgeon. One is the increased demand for both but
more particularly the rai)id extermination of the valuable fish. It is
claimed, with every indication of truth, that unless something of
a radical nature be done thei'e will be no sturgeon at all ten years
from now. P.oth the United States Fish Commission and the Penn-
sylvania Fish Commission recognize the danger, and the former has
begun preparations to emhmvor to ]>ropagate the fish artificially,
while the Pennsylvania Commission is endeavoring to discover a way
to do likewise.

ri

232

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

The sturgeon fisluiinen themselves are deeply interested iu the
matter and one has ottered to present as mucli land as may be neces-
sary for pens and a hatching- station on an island which he owns in
the lower river, and another has oft'ered to contribute a number of
living bucks. Another has ollered to loan the Pennsylvania Com-
mission as many boats and nets as may be desired and furnish a suf-
ficient number of men to operate them.

It has been proiKisod to catch the sturgeon and place them in
pens until the roe and milt be ripe, but it is said that for some peculiar
and unknown reason the sturgeon will not perfect either in captivity.
It is i)robably true, because a sturgeon in captivity in the ponds at
Corry has never shown signs of ripening although a mature specimen
had been in the ponds for several years.

A few years ago Dr. John Ryder made exhaustive experiments in
the direction of artificially spawning and hatching the young of the
sturgeon and the results were published in a Bulletin of the United
States Fish Commission in 1890. The following results are taken

therefrom :

"The majority of the roe fishes which are brought to the butchering
floats are not (juite ready to spawn. The nearly mature roe of such
fishes is hard and firm, and the eggs have not yet ruptured the walls
of the follicles and escaped into the general cavity of the body. The
roes of such individuals are known to the fishermen and caviare
dealers as iiard roe.' The hard roe, as it is called, is the most prized
by the packers of caviare.

"Occasionally fishes are taken in which the roe is quite immature.
In such cases it is smaHer in (piantity than the kind mentioned in
the preceding paragraph, and is worthless for caviare.

"Another kind is that whiih is most valuable to the fish-culturist.
This sort is the kind which is just matured and ready to be artificially
fertilized. Most of the eggs of tlu^ ripe roe have ruptured their
follicles, and as soon as the abdomen is cut open the ova escapes in
great quantities, to the amount of several gallons in the case of a large
fish. The quantities of eggs yielded by a single fish may, in fact, vary
between five and fifteen gallons. Estimating by the pails full of hard
roe, each holding three gallons, it may be assumed that the average
is about ten gallons. This is a fair estimate, as the average is proba-
bly a little above three iiails full, each holding three and one-half
gallons. The eggs measures 2.0 mm. in diameter, or a little less than
one ninth of an inch. At this rate wo should find about 108,000 eggs
to the gallon, and a total of from 800.000 to 2,400,000, according to
the amount of roe in a single fish estimated in gallons.

"The eggs when in exactly the right condition, are globular nearly
a ninth of an inch through, and vary in color from a light brown to
a very dark brown. At one side a darker round disk may be ob-
served, the diameter of which is about one fourth of the diameter of

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

in ova whiti/J^tiave nit^ej

were developedv^S^^u^the "* -c^o

the egg. This disk is also (juite as visible

escaped from the follicles in which they

'hard roe' for example. The darker discoidal area is the gernmnal

area of the egg of the sturgeon and is the point where development

first manifests itself to the unaided eye through certain changes in

its shape.

"The eggs of the kind above described should retain their globular
form, like so many shot, and should show no signs of adhering to
each other. If the round area at one side of the eggs should appear
distorted or broken, it is also a sign that the eggs are probably
worthless for fertilization.

"Eggs with a round disk, if they flow freely from a slit cut through
the walls of the abdomen of the recently caught living fish, may be
fertilized without ditticulty, provided a ripe male is at hand. Eggs
which do not answer to the re(iuirements given in this paragraph it
is not worth while to waste time over.

"It frequently happens that running or ripe fishes are brought in
which have a great abundance of loose eggs in the abdominal cavity,
which, are entirely worthless for purposes of fertilization. Upon
examination it will be found that in such cases the eggs either have
the discoidal germanal area distorted and injured, or else many of the
ova have had their thin covering or zona radiata ruptured, and the
yolk has been crushed and has escaped as a slate colored substance.
This rupture and injury to the egg is due to the entrance of water
from the outside, through the oviduct and genito urinary passages,
into the body cavity, the presence of the water causing the glairy,
adhesive coating to set and harden, and with which all the ova are
covered upon leaving the follicles in which they were matured. This
hardening of the mucigen which covers the eggs, in the presence of
water, and while still with the body of the mother fish will cause
the bursting of the egg-coverings if such fish do not get the chance to
discharge their eggs at once, or ha])pen to be roughly handled in the
boats, as the ova adhere in great nmsses, the breaking or crushing
of which also rupture the individual eggs of which they are com-
posed. Such roes are of no service whatever as a source of supply for
purposes of artificial fertilization. Roes of this kind may be at once
distinguished by their slimness and the slate colored appearance of
the contents of the broken eggs.

"Another type of roes are those of the entirely spent fish, which has
discharged all of its mature eggs. The roes of such fishes are no
longer brown, and the leaflets of which they are formed are made
up of very small pinkish or pale, and very young ova. Such fishes
may be distinguished l)y the flabby, collapsed or shrunken abdomen,
since the remnant of immature roe left behind in the body cavity is
hardly a tenth ])art of the volume of the ripe ovaries as seen in fishes
with mature ur 'hard roe.' The remnant of the roes of a Hsh which has

23^

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

only leceiilly got rid of its biiicleii of '/ggs looks rugged when the
ovary is wetted and llonted out with water; this is due to the presence
of the collapsed leaflets formed of the vascular and cellular tissue
from which the ova have escaped. These leaflets of the roes are
disposed transversely on either side of the mesentery, or thin mem-
brane, which fastt-ns the alimentary tract to the middle line of the
dorsal wall of the body cavity.

"While the nearly nurture roes of the female are relatively of great
size, greater in fact than any other viscus of the body, they are
usuallv darker in color, as mav be mature or 'hard roe' is also subject
to some variation. Occasionally fishes are found in wliich the roe is
quite pale, and hardly darker than the other viscera. This is due
to the nearly complete absence of pigment granules in the yolk of the
individual eggs, the pigment being di if used in fine particles through-
out the substance of the egg of the sturgeon, somewhat as it is
throuiilioul tlie ovum of the balia.-liia. The next grade of coloration
of the roe is a very much darker one; brownish with a decided shade
of grey or lead color, when the loe is viewed as a whole. This last
mentioned shade of roe, which is (piite common, is known as iight
roe' among the packers of caviare. Several gradually darker shades
may be r<M-ognized between this last named variety and the next,
or the quite dark roe as it is railed by the dealers, who are careful
not to mix the lighter and darker kinds togetlua* in the manufacture
of caviare; the reason for which is. that the light and dark eggs when
mixed together give the caviare so ]>repared a 'pepper and salt'
ai>pearance. which is not considered desirable by dealers.

"These ditVerences in the color of the roes is wholly due to the
]>rest*nce of more or less j>igment in the individual eggs. The ger-
manal area or disk of the eggs of the dark roe is almost black, while
in the light roe this aica is not so dark, and there is a distinct dark
s]K)t or dot in the c<'ntre which is surroundtMl by a light zone, outside
of which there is a mu<h darker superficial ring of pigment which
marks the edge of the germanal arcM.

"The internal reproductive oigans of tests of tlu' male sturgeon
mo not nearly so large as the roes of the female, which may vary
in weight from about ."() to as much as 120 pounds. The tests prob-
ably never exceed 10 or J.") pounds in weight, and are c ream colored,
with a shade of i>ink, instead of having the dark tint which charac-
terizes the roes of the females. The form of the tests is that of a
compressed irregnlar series of bodies, separated from each otlu»r by
narrow constructions, and present as paired organs on either side of
the mesentary. In cross-sect ion the seuuients of the tests are oval,
the mature, sexually active organs being nearly 2 inches thick and
3 to 4 inches wide, and extending for a distance c)f is inches to 2 feet

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

235

on either' side of the body cavity. The transverse subdivisions of the
tests is subjcK't to variaticms in different individuals, some having
them ;• ubdivided into a greater number than others.

"When the testes are mature, upon cutting them across, the largest
ducts will be made apparent from the readiness which the milk
v,hite viscid seminal secretion escapes from their cut ends. The
testes may be removed from the living inale {ind the semen, or milt,
pressed from the fragments, esperially from the larger ducts found
along the dorsal border of ihe organ. I have upon two occasions
ti'ied to f()!ilize tiie eggs v.ilh milt ]>ressed from fragmeiils of the
tc^sles, but without success, yet this e-XiuM-ieuce is not io be Inkcai as
conclusive that it may not l>e done. In botli c-<ises ilie ova which were
at my disposal were iirobably not in condition to be fertilized. Where
hirge numl'ers of eggs of the sturgeon aie to be fertilized I tliink that
it nmv be ne<(^ssarv to i-esoit to this method, iis 1 find that it is some-
what ditlicult to press «'.ut much inilt from (lie tc st<'S by means of
pressure upon th.e abdomen of the sexually mati.'re male. If the
abdomen is finily ]»ressed v.ith tlje foot. accompanicHl by a firm
backward slr(»ke of the Kg, a few dioj»s of a milky secretion are forced
out of the genital urinary opcMiing ir.sl behind tiie veni. The secre-
tion forced out in tlie nnuiner described is thin and watery, not being
much more coiisist<'nt titan skim milk, whereas the :«e( i-etion from
the ducts of the testes is inten^^ely white, glairy and viscid, but
readily lu-eaks uj) and tliins out in the presence of water to form a
milky mixture, swarming v.ith sirarmata/.oa. The only successful re-
sults in fertilizing tlic eggs w<'re with the iliju milt fcu-ced out from the
alidomen and testes by ])ressnre and strokes upon the abdomen with
the foot, though there is no reason why good results should not be
obtained by pressing the milt from tlie fragnuMits of tin- testes,
in the same nmuncM' as the sjm ruuitazoa of the oyster, star lish or of
worms ar<' cddjuned. when ii is desired to fertilize artificially those
forms. That good nsults nmy be* thus olita.ined iii dealing with
the milt arid eggs of the sturgeori I ha%*e no dotibt wluUever. since
the onlv j^ood lot of < <ms which T had the opportunit.s of su«'<-c ssfully
fertilizing was one bal<h which were removed from n\\ (dd lish by
cutting cqsen the abdomen.

"In i>ra<'tice I should r'-commend such a method ot pseudo
CaescM-enn section above i-vvy other, because in attem]»ling to forcibly
press out the (^v;; of the ste; j,.n,i through ihegenile uiinary passages
I believe tiMst ih( v wouhl probaVly be far more liable to injury than
if ren.oved Iroui t!:e old tUh by slitting open the belly.

"In <-ettin^ all tli(* eggs o:t cf tin' abdomiiuil ca itv. I would sug-
gest llsat the a^dtnnen of tlie live fish be slit oi)en nl the medial
line and iln li- ad raised to that ihe rugs nmy be run inso large pans
to a <ie]Mh«of tu<» or three in^ hi s. a little wafer added and the live
milt put \>ith luoiii ;in<' genth -Mined with a featlu'r so as to mix the

236

KEPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

237

eggs and milt. The very important steps which must immediately
follow the removal and fertilization of the ova are very important
and may be stated under the head of:

HANDLING THE EGGS

"Not more than twenty minutes should be allowed, to elapse after
the time the milt and eggs are mixed together till they are spread
upon eheese cloth trays, one egg deej), or in a single layer. If this
is not done immediately the eggs will stick together in large masses,
causing those at the centre of these masses to be asphyxiatt^d for want
of oxv«»en which under such circumstances cannot find access to
them. Other equally serious evils follow from allowing the eggs
to adhere together in large masses, and the principal one is that if
such masses are irregular and of any size, if broken the eggs along the
line of fracture of the mass will be broken and destroyed.

''It is therefore very important that a large number of trays prop-
erly constructed be at hand upon which to sjuead the eggs if any
extensive hatching operations are to be conducted. The eggs will
adhere very lirmly to the surface of the cheese cloth in a few hours,
after which further watchfulness is necessary, in order to keep down
any fungus which may appear upon the dead eggs, of whi<h there will
always be souu-. It may be possible that panes of glass would serve
the same purpose as the cheese cloth trays if a current of water were
allowed to How very slowly between a superimposed s<Mies of glass
plates properly disposed in a trough.

"The experience of European investigators, Knoch. 1871. being
among the earliest, has been the same as myself, in finding that the
ova of the Acipeuseridae were adhesive Knoch worked with the eggs
of A. luthenos, (u- the sterlet, and his account of the adhesiveness of
the eggs of that species agrees closely with my own.

"I find that the ova are more or less adhesive immediately upon
their removal from the abdominal cavity, so that if one tips for an
instant a vessel to one side in which the eggs are contained they at
once from a coating of a siiigh^ lay<*r over the surface to whi«'h they
have thus uinuientarily lieen (xposed. Vpon admixture with water
the adhesive nuiterial with which the eggs are <*overed seems to be
dissolved somewhat and becouie dilVused through the water some
what, so that the whole iMMomes rojiy. If a lot of the eggs is taken u]»
in the hand from the wat<'r glairy filiments forme<l of the ropy solu
tion will trickle down between the fingers, and if th(* wind is blowing
these mav be drawn out te» the ](»ngth of Iwo feet or more.

^'This glairy or ropy character of the jmrtly dissolved coating of the
eggs persists for sometiuu', usally foi* thirty minutes or s(i, after which
time tlie glairy sut>stniice hardens oi* «oabulates in the ]uesenc<^ of
the water and the gases held in solution by then.!. In process (►f
hardening the glairy, sticky cd.iiing of the eggs firmly fastens them

to whatever they are brought into contact with, and after that has
occurred it is scarcely possible to detach them without injury to their
delicate, thin envelopes and their soft, viscid contents, consisting of
yolk substance and protoplasm. The sticky coating of the egg finally
remains as a grayish white, tough, slightly elasting covering envel-
oping the egg membrane proper, and varies in thickness at different
points on the surface of the ova. It is also the material which will
cause the egg to adhere in clusters or masses, sometimes as large as
a man's head, if they the left together in large quantities in a vessel
with a little water.

"The travs used at Delaware Citv. on board the steamer Fish Hawk,
were made by tacking cheese cloth to light wooden frames a foot
wide and eighteen inches long, then loading the edges of the frames
with strips of sheet lead to keep them immersed. These trays placed
on ledges in a superimposed series in a trough through which the
water is allowed to flow gently is a very eflicient hatching device.
Floating hatching boxes with brass wire gauze bottoms and small
openings at the sides covered with the same kind of gauze have been
successfully used by the (lermans, one having been brought from
Clernuinv l)v a Mr. S. Feddersou, of I*ort Penn, Delaware, from Ham-
burg. This devi«'e is (]uite siin]»le and was placed at my disposal
through the courtesy of Mr. K. Anderson, of Delaware City. It seems
to me very well adapted for the juirpose for which it was designed.

"The rtoating box in which the writer succeeded in hatching out
a batch of eggs of the sturgeon was exceedingly simple in construc-
tion and consisted of a soap box with the top and bottom removed,
the bottoni for which was then replaced by tacking cheese cloth to the
lower edge of the rim and by nailing wooden striijs to serve as floats
to the sides of the box, a very etticient hatching device is extem-
porized. These boxes so modified were placed at the edge of the
huge fi-esh svater pool near the extreme eastern end of the Chesa-
peake and Delaware canal, at a pgint where there was a constant
rtow of fresh water under them. The only lot of fertilized eggs which
the writer s\icceed( d in obtaining were spread on the bottoms of these
boxes and left to hatch. In six days from the tinu- of feriilizatiou thj»
young fish nuide their appearance. The rapid ajjpearance of a para-
slpic fresh water fungus, how<'Ver, <aused such extensive damage
among the eggs that very few embryos survived to escape fiom the
egg membranes. This fnngus, which appeared to be a Saprolegnia,
is developed from spores which seemed to be abnost everywhere
present in fresh water. The mycelium spreads wry ra])idly, attack-
ing dead (^^^^^i^^ first and spreading from them to the live ones, which
are then invaded and killed or asphyxiated by the fungus. The only
way in whi< h this pest can be kept down it to go over the trays and
with small foneps pick off the dead eggs and keep the living ones as
elean as possible. >V^i<''*' ♦Ji'* y^ink of propagation wns Ixing con-

238

REPORT OP' THE

Off. Doc.

ducted on a largo scale the attendants would probably have to be
very vigilant in their attention to the eggs in order to keep the fungus

under control.

^'The method of incubating the eggs upon trays of cheese cloth will
enable the attendants to readily handle the attached eggs in shallow
troughs of running water, and in a good light all the dead eggs or
those with any fungus at ia< iicd may be very readily removed. With
close attention to th(» 'h .nil.^ of the work of propagation very im-
portant results might 1 e oM.nued and the work of restocking the
Delaware and otlx'r .Min^nns might be undertaken with very fair
prospects of suc( <'ss. This view, I think, may be assumed as fully
warranted when it is icmend)ered that as many as S(),0()0 eggs may
be obtained from a single fish. These would cover 50 trays measuring
12 bv 18 inches, oi- about 7.'> siiuare feet of surface.

''This large number of trays might be operated in a small space in
troughs aboard a vessel adapted to lish hatching, or the trays might
be placed in wire (•a;;(S to keep out predaceous fishes, insects, et<'.,
and partly sunk into the water in such a placc^ as the fresh water
pool near the canal lock at Delaware ('ity. With a small puniping
engine the supplies of fresh water migld be sui)plied for the ])uriK)se
of cleaning and ov( rl -'uling the eggs in a small building near by
which might be jnoviil! d at a slight exi)ense for this pur]»ose.

OBTAINING THE EGGS.

"The best source of sujijjly for eggs the writer has found to be the
live fish which an/ brought to the Dt^laware City butchering floats,
directlv from the gill nets. These fish, if thev have l)een handled with
a slight amount of care, ^vill Vie found alive and in condition to yield
living spawn. Two ]>recantions may be taken by the fisherman which
will be of great s<'rvir(/ in ke<']»ing the lish alive in the boat. These
are to cover them so as t(» keep the sun olV and to occasionally sprinkle
the head with water to keep th^ gills wetted. As an indu<*ement to
the fisherman to take extra precautions with the fish it might be
expedient to offer them the same compensation for a fish with good
ripe roe, suitable for fertilization, as they could get for a hard roe
from the dealers in caviare. In order to get the male fish in good
condition it might be well to oiVer an eipial consideration for a male
with flowing milt. Fishes of either sex would then be handled by the
fisherman with such car*' ,*!s to aid largely in guaranteeing the availa-
bility of their spawn.

"It has also been suggested that the spawning fish be ^laltered.'
The haltering is accom]>1islied by ])assing a rcipe through the mouth
and gills and tying the aninuU to a boom or post near the shore. The
difllculty in that case is the ease with whi<'h lampreys and eels attack
the sturgeon, besides it is snid that the eggs of su<'ii fislies as have
been haltered or kejit in confin<*menf b<'<'ome valueless for purposes

tr-

CD

t?j

238

UKi'< 'irr m!' Tur:

Off. Dot

ducted nil ;i l;n-U( S(

nic tlic j'.HciKKMits \\<iiild ]>roV);il)lv liavo to bo
very vi^ibuit in tluiv ;Ui!Miti<n to (lie ogirs in ordoi- to ko(']> th«^ fnnf>ns

tiiidor colli rol.

"Tlio mctliou i)\' iii.rniuHiiiii ilic ('uus ii])oii hays of <lic»'S»' tloili will

nis In i( r'lih- liaiiulc the attached t-j^jis in shallow

cnabh' llic a1 tciida

t i-oiiuhs of 1 nniiiiii', \v a''-!
lliosc wilh an\- fa.smis a; .;

•1

rlos<

atitnlKsH In llK

]>orian! vcs'i

li

' / 1» 1

(' (

.{ ill a uood li^ht a.ll tin- d<'ad oji^s or

d laay Ix^ vi'iy readily r<-iuoved. With

r.f ihe work of ])ro|»a,uatioii very iin-

i-<i aiK

1 li

Deh-HA ;)

and . ihrr

]U'os]M'( is of sue

\\

arranh'd wlieii ii i'

lo work of restockin,ii the
:ar!i- I'.ii'.'ln k-e iiink'naken wiili xory fair
I'is \i<'W. 1 iliin'K. may bo a<>!!Uhd a^^ fully
Mciukered ilia; .;s rnaiiv as SO.OUd (*^^s may

l>e (►btaiiied from a si'IlIo iisli,
12 bv IS in-'lios. o' ;'i ni.i 7' s;

Th

osr

mid rovor od tiavs moasiirinj:

jll'!' fee; of snrfarr

iilS

1

■0(. Ili'Pi

ti oeuii:- ai o;!i -I a \ i '^>c

f nn.ys i>iii'lii bo o]K'ra1e<l in -i small sparo in
to v<\\ InHchiim'. or tin* ira\s mitihi

eai'M

V

bo placed in n' ii'

<•;'

,( , n

lit pi oikN'oous tishc-.. ii!S(

ris. OM'

am

1 1

ooi

nil h M

! i he

nk

i!lO I !!<

Watt'l* 15! ^m

■h a pi

us I he iresn

ai«i-

« .•. i ' 1 1

1

• •!!uin«' 1 lio >np]»]li

io.-k at In la\s;Mo <'iiv. With a small ]»iim]Mn;i

i : <

♦ ■lean;

iMl ''

^vah r H'

lO i

'/ 1 1 1

nppliod for the ])iirj>o

S< '

in a simdl binldinu' n.sar k.v

w

hi.l

I niipiil bo pi .»

I a sbulii s-xpi'i'-.' for this purpoKc

»-.r MXixti

in-: K

"The bcsl soniTo of >aj»ply f"r eiiiis the \\iit<'r ha.s f(»nnd to b(» the
li\o tish which aj^- b!oc....hi to ih.e l»;lav.are riiy bntchorinti' lh»ats.
directly from t lie ^ill imis. These ti<h. if tin y liavo boiai handled, wilh

li lie fonml aliv«* and In comlition to yiidd
mav !;«• uiken bv the fisherman which

a slight aiijonin of care
livin«r sj>nu n. T\so |»!(
will be of urea I s'l \ ir<

> ■■ 111

!; ! ions

vo' piiii: I

1,

:h alivM in ihe boat. The

ar<' to cover i lieii! so a

s I o ...

'I'

in

sua oH' and

o oceasioiia

II V SI

irinKh

the head with water in kcit ilit- uil

Is w •

I led. As an inducement to

the tislH-rman lo take evi!;i prei amnions with the hsh it mij^ht Im-
expedient fo olier them the *-,ime romiiei'sal ion for a fish with j.jood

III

K* roe

iiital'le foi- fei t i'i ■;; i ion,

liev c«>nld !^et for a hard rcn

from the dealers in rnviare. In order l(» ii> \ ihe male tish in uood
londition it niiiihi be well lo oiici- an eoDa] consid* rat ion for a male
wilh tlowinu mill. Fi-lu-s ef oitliei- se>; w<mld then Ise handled by the

fisherman with smli rac
bility of their spawn.

SMI

nisi laruelv in mmranteeinu,' the availa

It has also bet'i! su;^LMsied that ihe s]»awnin.u' fish be diallered."

! bv o. ; s'ii'.' :; rone throimh the month

Tl

le

The lialiei in<2' is acM-omplislu

and <j:ills and tyini; the aniic;:! in n 'n; .n or ]»ost near the shore
diflieiilty in that c;!s<' is th-' c;>se w ii h w iiich Inn preys ;nnl eels attack
the stnriieon. besides it is said ihat tiie ee^s of snch hsiies as hasc

been hallere<l nr ke]>t in cnlililienieiil iM-enllle salneless fn|- pin]»oseS

CI

INTENTIONAL 2ND EXPOSURE

No. 17.

PISH COMMISSIONERS.

239

of fertilization. Such, at least, has been the experience of the Rus-
sian investigators who have undertaken to obtain their supplies of
embryo from fishes kept in confinement. It is probable that the eggs
of the sturgeon, as has been found in the case of the clupeoids or
herrings, when kept in confinement, become disorganized and in-
cai)able of fertilization. In the case of certain members of the herring
family the mature eggs of fishes kept in confinement undergo such
changes of disorganization as to be readily noticeable under the
microscope. This singular elTect of confinement upon the ripe eggs
in the roes of the fishes has been supposed to be due to fright. Such
an explanation of the fact would seem to find some confirmation in
the circumstance that many feral mammals when placed in confine-
ment refuse to breed and become practically sterile.

^Mudging fi'om tlie number of live si)awning fishes brought into
Delaware <'ity, l*()rt Penn and other places on the Delaware, there
is but little doubt that several millions of ova for hatching purposes
might be obtained each season by vigorous and faithful exploitation
of all the sources ot supply. To get the eggs will require that spawn-
takers be distributed to each of the principal points w'here the
caviare is packed and to closely watch the character of the fish as
they come in and to immediately take the spawn in pans. If no
mature or milting males are at hand the eggs are, of course, of no
value.

"Owing to the great size and weight of the fish, taking the spawn
from them directly in the sturgeon boat of the gillers will be found
impracticable, since there Avould be too little room in which to work
comfortably, Ix/sides the fishermen would object to having their boat
littered with adhesive eggs, which stick to everything with which
they come in contact.

"Pennsgrove, Port Penn. and perhaps other points besides Delaware
City, will be good jjoints to operate, provided the water is not too
brackish, whieh is greatly dependent upon the season, the river, as
remarked before, being fresh much farther south during 6ne season
than during another.

''Important aid has been promised the agents of the United States
Fish Commission bv the State Commissioner of New Jersev, and I
have found that intelligent fishermen and caviare pack<'rs were also
very willing to lend valuable assistance at Delaware rjty. Amongst
those at the latter place, to whom I have been under great personal
obligations, I must not omit to mention Mr. Reuben Anderson."

■
■

METHODS OF FERTILIZING THE WATER USED IN HATCHING THE

STURGEON.

"Our experieiMt' with adlu^sive eggs of all kinds has always shown
that it is dilTicult to prevent the lodgment and rapidly fatal germina-
tion of the spores of Sajuolegnua or Achyla, genera of fungi or
16

S40

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

241

moulds, found in all fresh waters upon dead as well as living fish eggs,
and the rapid and fatal spread of the mycelium from affected to unaf-
fected ova. So rapidly does this fungus grow that in a very short
time its ravages will extend over an entire tray of adhesive eggs, so
that in the course of four or five days the whole lot will be found to be
covered with a mycelium, which by that time has not only passed into
the fruiting or spore-producing stage, but has completed its work of

destruction.

"The eggs are destroyed by the fungus sending filaments into
their substance, while the mesh of the mycelium also affords lodg-
ment for dirt, so that the two together effectually shut off the possi-
bility of oxygenating the ova. so that they are smothered. The
ova so affected are finally appropriated as nutriment by the fungus,
which rai)idly produces its spores or germs in vast myriads, only to
pollute the water still more plentifully with its destructive germs.

''How to prevent the inroads of this pest is a matter of the very
highest importance, since ui»on the successful solution of this dif-
ficulty depends the success or failure of the artificial propagation of
the sturgeon from artificially fertilized ova.

"My experience witii eggs of the sturgeon at Delaware City proved
that they were particularly subject to th(^ destructive attacks of this
type of fungus, and that unless some practical method was devised
of overcoming losses from this cause it would be of little use to
attempt to do much in the artificial propagation of this fish. In the
course of about five days the eggs, which were placed in cheese cloth
bottoms of the floating hatching boxes, which I arranged in the large
fresh water pool connected with the eastern end of the Chesapeake
and Delaware canal, were for the most part attacked so as to be
beyond the possibility of rescue. Not more than about five per cent,
of the whole number were by that time free from the parasitic fungus,
so that those which survived to hatch on the sixth day were very few

in number.

"A serious difliculty was also encountered in the firmness with
which the affected eggs adhered to the cheese cloth and to the good
ones, so that it was found to be very hard to remove the damaged
ova without injury to the good ones in attempting to thus prevent the
spread of the scourge. In consideration of this circumstance the only
practical)le remedy seems to be prevention; that is, the germs of the
fungus must be removed from the water used in treating the ova when
they are fertilized and in hatching them. Or, the water used in
fertilizing and hat<-hing the eggs must be sterilized. Of these" two
methods the first seems to be the sim])lest and easiest of application,
since the spores of the Raprolegnia are comparatively large, so that
they may be removed from the water by a system of filtration.

"If a svstem of cotton wool filters were attached to the supply from
the pumps in such a way that the water could be continuously forced

through one of a series of filters, while others of the system were
being cleaned and renewed, it would probably be possible to get the
water used in the hatching operations free from the noxious spores
or germs of the fungus. This plan would not involve the expenditure
of any additional steam power and but little additional labor and
expense. The hatching troughs, with their trays of eggs, would of
course have to be provided with tight fitting covers to exclude the
dust and possible contamination from the air.

"Another more expensive but perhaps more thorough method w^ould
be the sterilization of the water used in the hatching operations.
This could only be accomplished by means of heat, supplies by the
superheated steam from the boilers of the pumping engines conveyed
into a close iron chamber with an outlet for the condensed steam.
Through a coil of pipe placed in this heating chamber, the water used
in the hatching operations would be forct^d and heated up to a point
in its passage through the coil at which the germs of the fungus
would be killed. The heated water for hatching would then have to
be passed through a second coil, submerged in the cold running water
of the river, to again lower its temperature to that of the water before
heating, after which it would be safe to let it flow over the eggs. The
water if heated in this way, however, might be so deprived of air
which it had contained that it would be necessarv to aerate it. This
could probably be done by allowing it to flow under pressure from
fine nozzles in a fine spray, so as to carry air into the water in the
tanks, the nozzles being so disposed as to have their outlets elevated
several inches above the surface of the water, in the same manner
as the water is aerated for the ajpiaria at the Central Station of the
United States Fish Commission in Washington, and in the hatching
rooms in the laboratory buildings at Woods Hole, Mass.

"Another method which suggests itself, is to force the water for
purposes of sterilization through a coil of copper pipe, suspended
over a furnace grate, arranged somewhat after the manner of a
Herreshoff steam coil boiler, then conveying the water through a
second coil submerged in running water at the ordinary tempera-
ture and then through an aerating apparatus similar to that described
above, to fit it for hatching juirposes.

"These methods, if carried out rigorously, will insure the hatching
out the eggs of the sturgeon to the extent of many millions, so that the
<hances of the survival of great numbers of i)rotected young may be
reasonably counted upon and thus enable the Fish Commission to
increase the source of a good supply, the value of which can only be
aj)preciated by those who have investigated the magnitude of the
sturgeon fisheries of the United States, and the large annual value
of the caviare now very extensively exported to Europe.''

Dr. Ryder's experiment in the artificial propagation of the stur-
16-17-99

242

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doe.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

243

geon was not the first of its kind. As far as known. Ihe first effort
was made in 1885 bv ^Iv. ^etli Green and Mr. A. Marks, of the New
York i^tate Fish Commission. On eTune 7th of that year, they impreg-
nated a huge (uuintitv of eggs and from these about 40,000 were
hatched on June lOtli and 11th. They made another trial on June
12th, from which on. hundred hours later, (;0,000 young sturgeon were
hatched, the temperalure of the water being from iW to 74^

On July 2d, two years later, two fishermen of Itzchoe, (lermany,
named J.^Trede and Kai'l'^'l^ni, impregnated a large number of eggs
and attemr-ted to hatch them, but on account of a great change m
the temperature of the water the ex]»crimeni was a failure. Two
weeks later, a quanliiy of eggs v.en- inipre-nated by milt obtained
by removing the testes from the male fish and subjecting them to
pressuH'. After the roc had been impregnated the stirring was con-
tinued for a half hour and the water in (he pans fretpiently removed
in order lo diminish sonn-what the large and constantly increasing
(luantitv of viscid slinu'. The eggs were then transferred to hatching
boxes and i.laced in the Kiver Stor at ten thirty on the morning of the

15th.

The formation of the enibiyo in the eggs could be distinctly seen
with the aid of a magnifying glass at eight P. M. on July 171 h. At
nine A. M. on the 18th the embryo w(»re observed to be moving about
in the eggs. At one V. M. of the same day, tlie tails of several pro-
truded f^om the eggs and were actively in motion, although the
head was still within the <'ggs. On the morning of July 10, about
nine o'clock a great many little fish had entirely released their heads
and were skimming about in the box. the egg still forming the
central ]'ar1 of the body. On July 2:U1 the young fish were com-
pletely de\eln])ed.

The value of this experiment was that seventy-two hours after
impregnation the embryo can be seen in the egg; that the tail portion
is released seventy eight hours after impregnation; the head one
hundred hours after, and that two hundred hours after impregnation
the voum? fish are so far advanced that \\w\ can be set free in open

water.

A numb(/r of other experiments were made the following year on
much the same lines and most of them were successful to a limited

extent.

One of the chief difficulties in the way of artificial propagation of
the sturgeon now is the scarcity of the fish and the extreme diflleulty
of getting rijje luales and females at the sanu^ time. This last I under-
stand prevent(Ml the Tnited Stales Fish Commission from fertilizing
any eggs last y<\ar. I am of the o]»inion however that this difficulty may
be overcome to some ext<'nt at least, if the milt of the male and the
ova of the female sturgeon ]'08sess the same vitality as the milt and
ova of the brook trout. Experiments of fish culturists have demon-

strated that the milt of the trout may be kept for six days anJ still
retain all its fecundating powers. Exi)eriments made by Mr. Wil-
liam Buller, superintendent of the State Commission's Western Sta-
tion at Corry, proves that ripe eggs taken from a brown trout after
she had been dead many hours absorbed the milt of a live male and
in due time hatched. With the knowledge from this source, and
from others, I cannot see why the same conditions should not exist
with the milt and the eggs of the sturgeon. In other words, why if
when a ripe male is caught, the milt should not be taken and preserved
until a ripe female is found or vice versa. It is hardly necessary for
me to give here the methods pursued to preserve the vitality of the
milt and eggs for it may be found in the i)resent volume in my report
to the Board.

That something must be done, and speedily, is certain, otherwise
the sturgeon, as I have shown, is bound to become extinct within a
verv few vears. This would be a great calamitv for there is a vast
amount of money invested in the business on the Delaware river
silone. It seems almost incredible, but it is true that there is almost
it not (piite a million dollars invested in the sturgeon fisheries of the
Delaware river at Bay Side.

There are in all 485 boats, valued at >?200 each and some e\ en more.
Each boat is e.iuipi>ed with one net worth about 81tM). It re luires two
men to each boat, one of whom receives sAi) a month and the other
8:50. In addition there are buildings an«l wharves and other para-
phernalia necessary to the work.

Besides the boats name<l there ar(^ two steamers engaged in the
sturgeon industry, about t<'n market boats or sloops carrying from
l>0 to 50 tons, and seven schooners carryi'ig from KM) to 125 tons.

Not all the men engaged in the cajdure of sturgeon are emjiloyed
by the month. S(»me work on shares, in which case the receive $15 for
each roe fish brought in.

A sturgeon net is usually about 220 to 225 fathoms long and about
30 feet deep. It is stated that the meshes of the majoiity of the
n«'ts are from HH inches to 14 inches, although the law of both Penn-
sylvania and New Jersey only call for IHJ indies. To each net is
;Mta<hed dobber lines of six leit. which nutans that tlie net is kept
live feet under water. This is on aceount of the river craft which
frequently pass over them.

The nets are made with cotton twine of from 2S to ^2 strand twine
and as may })(- imagined are immensely strong. Never'ihebss a stur-
ix^'^ni net dn<>s not last long. A single season of al)oiit It! w. rks is as
long r»s they can be depeiidtd upon. Even then it r^ quires constant
'•jM'c to ]n-eserve them in good <'ondiiion. Twice erieh week' the nets
luiisi lie tjiken ashore and lu'avily limed to remove the animalculae
whicli ( ollocts on them and lo preserve them against the ravages of
tlie water.

244

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

245

In fishing for sturgeon, the nets are oast and drifted the same as
when gilling for shad, with the exception that the nets are not taken
up at the end of the flow and again at the end of the ebb. When
the net is cast it is allowed to remain in the water until the end of
the tide. The fishermen watch the floats and when a sturgeon strikes,
only that part of the net is lifted. It is exciting work to take a stur-
geon from a net. It is a powerful fish and when it becomes entangled
in a net slashes around at a terrific rate. It is not an uncommon thing
for a large fish to considerably damage a boat before it is finally
subdued. The endeavor is to bring a fish in alive if possible, as it is
better for the caviar. As an aid to this the gill covers of the fish are
kept moist by means of wet cloths or weed. Sometimes the fish is
towed in. When a fish is netted and is brought to the surface it is
boated by means of huge gaffs.

The sturgeon fishermen fish both tides, and the nets are laid out
about a couple of hours before slack water and drifted for three or
four miles or more. The nets are kept in for about an hour after
slack. The boats used in the sturgeon fisheries are of 24 feet keel
and 8 feet beam and carry 5 tons. The masts are 25 feet long and
carrv 2 sails, a foresail and mainsail, the two containing about 45 to
60 yards of canvas. They are wonderfully seaworthy crafts and they
can be safelv fished when other boats must seek a haven on account of
bad weather.

Almost immediately on a fish being brought to shore it is butchered.'
The method of doing this is quite different from that of slaughtering
land animals. Instead of cutting the creature's throat the tail is
severed from the body by means of a sharp axe. The amount of blood
which the sturgeon possesses is wonderful. It is said that frequentlji
when the tail is cut the ice cold blood squirts several feet.

As soon as the tail is severed and before the fish is dead, if possible,
the body is opened and the eggs removed. The reason for this is
that the eggs from the live fish are more granulated and better than
when removed from a dead fish. In the latter case the eggs are quite
soft. It requires about half an hour for a fish to bleed to death, so
that there is an abundance of time for the removal of the eggs.

Immediately on their removal from the fish the eggs are ready to be
placed in the sieve. This is of galvanized wire four feet long,
two feet wide and has four meshes to the inch. The sieve is placed
over a square receptacle of galvanized tin ca])able of holding about
200 pounds of eggs after they have been separated from the filaments.
Pieces of roe. each about the size of a man's hand are placed in the
sieve and gently, with an undulating movement, are rubbed over the
meshes, to remove the filaments and other matter.

One would imagine tliat this action would crush the eggs but it

does not. In spite of the fact that the shell of the egg of a fish is
apparently very fragile, it is on the contrary very tough and dif-
ficult to break. Indeed, it takes very hard pressure to crush one.

As the eggs are separated from the matter which binds them
together when in the body of the fish, they fall through the meshes
of the sieve into the receptacle, and when this is full they are trans-
ferred to a tub holding about 150 pounds or more. Over these eggs
is poured Lunerberg salt, an importation from Germany, peculiarly
adapted for the purpose, more so in fact than any other salt. Ameri-
can salt, which is said to be the next best, must be used in greater
quantities and does not act as promptly. Moreover, the Lunerberg
salt is more flakev and therefore more desirable. The (luantitv of
the salt employed determines the success of the caviare which is to
be made, and is one of the secrets of the trade.

The eggs and salt are worked with a pickle with the hands and
arms. The mixture is then left to stand a certain number of hours,
according to the condition of the eggs when taken from the fish. If
the eggs were hard and green, that is not ready for fertilization, the
period for remaining in the pickle is much longer.

The determination of this is said to be usually the fine part in the
work of making caviar, and it is a matter which can only be learned
by long practice and observation. If allowed to remain too long in
the pickle the salt will cut into the shell of the eggs and set the con-
tents free, and the caviare will be inferior or almost worthless.

When the eggs have remained in the pickle a proper length of time,
they are transferred to sieves 14 inches in diameter, the meshes of
which are from 16 to 18 to the square inch, about like those of a
coffee strainer, to be drained. When thev are about the consistencv
of brown sugar, the eggs are put in kegs and are ready for the market
as caviare.

While gathering data for this article a prominent manufactiirer of
caviare stated to me that fully seven-eighths of the so-called Russian
<'aviare is made in this country, and nearly all of this is manufactured
on the Delaware river. ''It is safe to say," he said, "that not more
than 150 kegs annually are made elsewhere."

The cost of the capture of the fish and tlie manufacture of the eggs
in caviare is only the first cost. The manufacturer above quoted gave,
these as the approximate cost of ])utting the caviare on the market
in 1899:

246 • REPORT OF THE

Freight to New York, per keg,

Cartages, New York, per keg,

Cold storage, New York, per keg,

Insurance, New York, per keg,

Cartage to European steomer, per keg,

Freight to Hamburg, ner keg,'

Insurance on steanie. -er keg,

Cartage in Hamburg, mci- keg,

Insurance, IlanibuT g, per keg,

Storage, Hamburg per keg,

Total,

First cost of ego . •• i'»5 los. @ 8Gclb.,

Duty per keg, f*/ 1 •'

Charges as iteniizra,

Off. Doc. I

|0 50

05

25

10

05

75

10

05

10

05

|2 00

1116 10

24 30

2 00 1

1142 40

This makes the cost of the caviare bt-fore purchased by the whole-
saler to be a trifle ovf i*! .Oo per i)ound.

As soon as the eggs have been taken from the sturgeon the butchers
begin work on tlie lk>h, wliicli often has great value. The head, skin
and intestines are removed and then the back bone is cut away. After
this the flesh is thoroughly scrubbed with stilt brushes and water to
remove any blood which may be remaining. When this is done, the
meat is cut into quarters, i^acked in ice and shi])i)ed in cases to New
York or Philadelphia, v. lure it is disposed of to dealers. The greater
part of that which goes to Philadelphia is smoked, but a goodly por-
tion is sold fresh from the block. Almost the entire amount which
is shipped to New Yoi k is smoked.

The eggs and flesh are by no means all Ihat is of value in the stur
geon. Indeed, there is s<ju(ely any part of this great fish which is not
of value, and which is made use of in some part of the world. On the
Pacific coast the Italians eagerly purchase the main intestine, scrape
it and make from it an :irli<l<' which much resembles tripe. In the
.same quarter of the w<u]d the diinese are fond of the gills, from
which th(\v make an ext-elh'iit soup. This same rr.ce of people also
make a soup out of the mr.rrow fnnnd in the backbone.

The fishermen themselves nu\ke a ro])e, of < normous strength, out
of the skin. The flesh of the «]iest resembles in appearance and,
indeed, tastes, it is said, nnn-h like high grade beefh ter.k.

All parts of the In nd. hide and back bone not otherwise used are
boiled and a fine oil (^xtra< t. d, which is very valnabh' for tanners'
puri>oses. The huge anuuinl of oil which these ])arls contain may

1^

246

i:KI'( *\i'i' < 'T T

Off. Doc,

Freight lu New Vmk, \)vv ki'g'

Cartagvs, X<'\v York, pci- kcj^

Cold stonij^<\ New YttrU, y.vr keg, .

IiisiiraiH'c. XcNv York. \nv kig

Carlagc lo llni'inicaii st-Tip*':, ]>ci" k
Fn'i«^lit to HaialHiig, '.I'i- kci;:.' . . . .

• • •

• • • •

• • • • •

Insuraiirc <»ii sIcjihh

11

Cartage ni liainh

InSUl'JUKM', llail'li!' ;;

Htoragt, llaiulnn- i

Total.

FirsJ <M)si of vr.'
Duty per k«'g. '<■ '> •
('liar«i«'s ;is i(c!iil/( .1,

■'k ' —. .

'i Ki'U.

• « • •

• • •

M I 's

f 0 50
05
25
10
05

iO

10
05
10
05

r, ]-.<

Sdc 111

'^'2 00

sllO 10

24 a«»

2 00

SI 12 ii)

This innkcs (In- « dsi n
aler tolM-a irillon\< sl.nn jiq- j-ound.

f ili«' niviart* iM-lnn* inui'hasc.l by llu* whole

,\s siKHi .'IS 1 h<' ('u:i-

I M

■t'u t:ik<'U from tlsc sturui-on tlu' buidiur

Im'uIh >\ui-k *'ii ih<' ii('>!i. "vhich ol'lcii ha

lii

Thr IkjuI. skin

iUl

d intr-tiiu's n'c rciimM'd and thc'i tin' b.'M-k boiH' is ml away. After

remove anv t^hiod whi<h mav ]»t lemniiting.

Whel! till- is done, the

meat is eiij into mIuii lei s. ]n\*
York or Philath-lpliia. v/lii le ii is «

1:ed in i< e nnd Sili|»jted in eases to Xe^\

li^h<'< d of to deah-rs. Tin- irreater

]Mirt of tliat which goe^ to I'liihMlelj.lil,') i- snaked. Inn a goodly por
Id fresh fiom ilie bbn-k. A.lmost tiie entire amount whieh

t ion IS so

is shipped lo New \'<,r1-. i> sni

( i

k(d.

Tl!

ii'enn.

^^ (tuns

nd Ih'sh nre b\ ].n hm ans all th;i< is of v;dne in llie star

1 lld(M*d, thei e i> s- ! e<

;inv \ii\v\ Jif this ureal lish whieli is noi

(d' value, and v hi^-h i*- nnoli' ns«' ««!' i:i
I'aritle eojsst t h<* liali: :

it and make i'mm it .'

same (piarter of the wealn tin- '-"\'\

whieh lliev nial-.e an ex.

snnie part oi the wnrld. < Mi tin
' ;.U"rly I urs hase the main iniesiine, serape
riir!,' \\ lii.li n.eeli resembles iiijie. In ih»

re fond of (lie uills. from

'< ><■ a

I ^u!!p. t'lii«< sann

I V" 1 •( '

nl iH'on

h- al

S< I

niake a soup olll of tlie i;!: i l■u^\ !' l;rt' in lln* baekbolH'

Tlie iisliernn n i henir-ei\ .s iiink<
of the skin. Hie Ih • i

; i ( < I ■ le. < t

f ( not nmus slreuuth, ou

(' 1 1

{ ' <

n

in app.araaer an<

indeed, tastes, it is s ie, u "

All parjs of Ihe Im :•§'. tii«

boiled anil a lin" e^! < \t \ m

1 1'

li. 1

»';'K

,!- \

not .it Ihtw ;se usee, a

iMeh Ir- \e|-\

pari

OSes.

Th

lOi! Ill I

>ll

inen

!le

l''ab!.. I'm- liMiiit i -
paii> i-oniaiii mas

Aj

this the llesh \t~ ihoionulilv srrubl.eo with stiiV brushes ami water to j

I J

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

24t

be realized by the statement that 33 heads, hides and backbones,
known professionally as "sets'' will produce 45 gallons of oil valued at
45 cents a .gallon.

The refuse after boiling makes an excellent fertilizer. At Bay
Side there is a plant for making oil out of sturgeon ''sets" which cost
,f 10,000 to erect, and at one time there was as much material as it
could handle, but it is believed that the plant will not be operated
after this year, because the scarcity of sturgeon will make it unprofita-
ble to do so. It is stated that the owners barely escaped with a loss
last year.

The Indians used the bones of the sturgeon, or scales, for rasps and
graters.

During the long Lent of the (heek church and the weekly fast days
exceeding in the aggregate four months, sturgeon meat was a few
years ago the principal food of all European Russia. T'ntil the stur-
ircon ])<»i«au to become scarce in Russia, the annual catch in Astrakhan
and the Caspian sea was worth l.T«;0,405 roubles. The Persians will
not eat sturgeon but rent the grounds of the Salliciu to the Russians.
The Danube, A'olga and Don were once among the most famous
sturgeon localities in the world, and the flesh as well as the caviare
esteemed in that country. It is said that some years ago a grand
dinner was not considered complet<' without sterlet, a small species
of sturgeon. It is stated that a soup ]>rcpared from the sturgeon, com-
mingled with the most expensive wines has cost 3,000 roubles. In
the time of Emi>eror Severus the sturgeon was considered so much
of a roval dish that it was carried to the table bv servants adorned
with coronets and escorted by musicians. This is supposed to have
been the origin of a ceremony once practiced in London, on Lord
Mayor's Day, the nuiyor-elect being obliged to present the King or
his proxy with a platter of sturgeon.

When figuring on results the lishernum calculates that on the
average three and one half sturgeon will yield about one keg of
caviare. This in<'ludes the males in the calculations, of course. As
sturgeon, like all other fish, do not spawn at the sanu' time it might
strike those who carefully <'xnmine tlie taldes giving the catch of
fish and take of eggs at dilTerent immhis on the Delaware, as given
in the reports of the Commissioiu is and my rejiorts (o the Board, as
peculiar that the three and one half average does isot liold good.
These tables show that the ]>ropor(ion of kegs to the number of fish
increases at (mk-Ii fishery above I he ('a])e shore.

This is because the spawning tish play arouiul the Cape, and do not
ascend further with the fish which are not (piite ready to perforin that
function of nature. Thus ai the ra])e shore it requirc^s about eight
fish to mak<' one keij of caviare, but at P»av Side, where the main
work is done, three and one half fish in the average will yield one keg
of ca\iare.

248

REPORT OF THE

Off. Doc.

According to G. Brown Gorte, Two species of sturgeon are sup-
posed to exist on our Atlantic coast. The most abundant of these,
Acipenser oxvrhynchus, is now generally supposed to be identical
with the common sturgeon of Europe, A. sturio. The other, A. bre-
virostris, which is distinguished from A. oxyrhynchus by its shorter
and blunter nose, has not yet been found north of Cape Cod, and
appears to be comparatively less abundant, although both species
are found in great numbers in the larger rivers and estuaries during
the summer season, and are frequently seen leaping from the water,
especially at dusk. A leaping sturgeon is a striking object, the whole
length of the fish a]>pearing above the surface before it falls back
with a splash into the water.

The sturgeon vary in length, five to twelve feet. In Europe indi-
viduals of the common sturgeon eighteen feet long have been secured.
The spawning season is in spring and early summer. Their eggs
have been several times artificially Impregnated by the fish culturists
attached to the Fish Commissions of the United States and of New
York. They spawn in the lower stretches of the rivers, and i)erhaps
also at their mouths, in brackish waters.

Sturgeon are classed by fishermen among the fishes which "live
by suction." The mouth is situated uiion the under surface of the
head and is not provided with teeth, but is surrounded with a cup-
shaped organ composed of i)Owerful muscular tissue, by mcnitis of
which it grubs for its food in the mud. Its stomach resembles that
of the menhaden and mullet, though comparatively more musiular,
since, like the gizzard of a fowl, one of its uses is to triturate the food
which has been swallowed and which consists largely of mollusks
and crustaceans. Around the mouth is a group of large and sensi-
tive tentacles, which aid the fish in its search for food.

THE LAKE STURGEON ACIPENSER RUBICUNDUS.

The most satisfactory investigation of the Lake Sturgeon is that
published by Milner in Part II of the report of the United States Fish
Commission, pages 07 to 75. This species inhabits the Great Lakes
and the waters lying to the northward, and the rivers nf the Missis-
sippi Valley. It is especially abundant in the T'i)per Lakes. It is a
smaller species than the Atlantic sturgeon, and has a greater number
of plates or scutes upon the sides; according to Jordan, about thirty-
four instead of twentv-eiffht.

Spawning nal>its— Milner records the following observations upon
the general habits and history of the Lake Sturgeon:

''The spawning season of the sturgeon in the more south(>rn lakes
occurs in the month of June, in Lake Superior it is a little later.
Early in June, in the southern end of Lake Michigan, they l^egin to
congregate near the shores and at the mouths of the rivers! the'lvala-
mazoo river, emptying at Sangatuch, Michigan, being a favorite

No. 17.

FISH COMMISSIONERS.

249

Spawning ground. They may be seen in the evening in this river leap-
ing from the surface, throwing their bulky forms entirely out of the
water. At Pier Cove, Michigan, on the 11th of June, 1871, schools of
sturgeons were at the edge of the shore, in a few feet of water, and
men from the vicinity were in the habit of wading out and drawing
them ashore with gaif hooks.

Eighteen were taken in this way the morning we visited the locality.
They were said to be found in the vicinity every year about this
season, renmining about a fortnight. It is likely they were spawn-
ing at the time. Whether the shore of the lakes, where the waves
would disturb the eggs in every storm in a natural spawning ground
is a question. They may have been late arrivals seeking the mouth
of the Kalamazoo river, a few miles to the north, of which they are
said to ascend to the first dam, many miles inland.

"Mr. J. G. I*ortman, of Benton Harbor, successful as a fish culturist,
has seen the sturgeon, at their season, lying in numbers on a shallow
clay ledge at the edge of a stream, several of them lying flat on their
backs, with their bellies upward, rolling and splashing in shallow
water with apparent enjoyment. Two or three that were taken with
spears were opened and the stomachs examined and found to contain
some of the sturgeon spawn.

At the mouth of the Calumet river. South Chicago, Illinois, July 1st
of the year just referred to, a large lift of sturgeon were brought
ashore looking flaccid and emaciated, and one specimen out of over
twenty individuals contained spawn. In the vicinity of Bayfield,
Wisconsin, on Lake Superior, th(\v were seen late in the month of
July with the ovaries full of spawn, and the milt of the male fishes
large, making it probable that the time of spawning was later in
colder water than in warm.

**Size. — The sturgeon of this species attains the largest size of any
fish of the lakes. They are taken only within comparatively shoal
waters and in some of the bays and among the islands they are very
abundant. The largest specimen it has been my fortune to see did
not quite attain the length of six feet, though there are traditions in
localities on the lakes of nine- foot sturg€K)ns; the average of the
mature ones taken is less than five feet.

"Their food consists almost entirely of the shell-fish of the lakes,
principally gaslertods, the thinner shelled kinds of the genera Physa
Planorl)is, and Valrata being found broken in the stomachs, while
Limnaea and Melantho remain whole. A few eggs of fishes have been
found at dilTerent times, but examination of stomachs during the
spawning season of some of the most numerous fishes did not prove
them to be very extensive spawn eaters.

"The spawn is probably subjected to the depredations of numerous
fishes. It is not likely that the young sturgeons, except in the earliest
stages of their growth, sutler from the attacks of other fishes, as

250

REPORT OF THE FISH COMMISSIONERS.,

Off. Doc.

tliey tire too well defended with the sharp spine of their shields to
make a comfortable mouthful for any fishes of the lakes, and after the
spine disappears have attained a size large enough to render them
safe.

"A parasite that troubles the sturgeon is the lamprey eel, Petromy-
zon argentens, Kirl, which is found very frequently attached to the
skin. The circular scars and raw sores sometimes found upon the
sturgeon and attributed to this cause by the lishcrmcn are correctly
accounted for in this way. It is jirobable that their natural food is
the slime or muius exuded in abundance from the pores, but they
fre(|uently retain their hold upon a spot until they hav(^ eaten through
to the flesh and deep ulcerous cavities occasionally result from the

sore.

j>

THE STL-RGEOXS OF rALTFOltXIA.

The common sturgeon of the Pacific coast, called distinctively the
"AVhite Sturgeon.-' writes Jordan, "is Acipenser trausmontanus.''
It reaches a length of (^ight ov ten feet or more, and is said to attain
a weight of four to live hundred jKiunds. W«' have seen none of over
one hundred and fifty pounds v/eiglit. It is found in the Sacramento,
Columliia and Frazer livers in abundance, ascending them at the time
of the snlmon run in tlie spring for the purpose* of sruiwuiug. Whether
it enters the small streams, how long the run continm's, and how far
the sturgeon ascens are matters at press-ni unknown. The sturgeon
feeds on crustacea, cariion. ete. In l-iazei- river thev gorjie them-
pelves on the eulachon.

"The siurgeoii is one of the most iii!p(u-iant tlsh in the San Francisco
market, l>eing 1; -s ;ibundant and \ery cheap. Elsewhere the abund-
ance and sniierioritv of the salmon cnuse it to be little nsed. Manv
are smoked. < 'aviare is ma<le fruui tlie eggs.

"Acipens«'r medirostris is known .is the 'Green Sturgeon.* Its size
and distriluition are the same ms thnt of the White Sturgeon. It is,
liov.'ever. much less alunxlant. It is not used as food, l»eing reputed
poisonous. We are unable to sny on what fa<ls this evil rei»utation is
based.''

THE SHOVEL-NOSKD STL-Ii<;i ;( )\- ^VMi'JF-: >TV\U\K^fX. S(\\PriTUH VX-

CMOI'S PLATiiniVXriir^:.

This species is found in abundance in all the largiM- riveis of the
West and South. It spawns ♦ arly in May. aseending smaller streriius
for that purpose. Jordan states thai in ilu^ Ohio liver it is taken in
S! ines in considerable numbeis and is le . d for food, though it does
not seem to lie highly valued. lie suiniixs that it'^ habits are very
similar to those of the Lake Sturgeon.

II n fiDcmoriam*

HOWA iiD J. TiKKDER died at Easton on December 28, 1898. While at the
time of hio death hv was one of the Judges of the Suporior Court of Pennsyl-
vania, and in ior to iis f itation had been for ten years Judge of the Third Ju-
dicial District, the excellence of his record as a Judge has no place here.
The vWar pcrcc] liony of his mind have helped to make the law of the Com-
monwealth as it is t«)-day, in many of its branches; not in a legislative
sense, though tho imprint of his en-rgies i.^ in the statutes, too. but by that
I»cii'c( tinn nf i.-asMi) v Jm, h lecugriizes law, though obscured, liy many a fact
and bewildering; cirt uri'Stance. Of his part in the great war in which the
i.^sue was ihe preservation of the Xatii.n. though while but a boy he was a
Captain, ii i.- not a s»ldicr of whom this menoiial is written.

As a man, his mind was many sided as a diamond, and as brilliant, and his
hcait as g -nTle and kindly as a woman's. He not only loved his fellow man,
l)Ui he was .1 \ ttd to all nature. From the gentlest butterfly to the fiercest
gi izzly, ri.or. the lirazen sun.'l-ju.'r to the hiding violet, he loved ih* m all.

In 1^-71. Judge rieeder, co-operating with some of his friends in Phila-
delphia, raised several hundred dollars in Easton l)y subscription, which
with a somewhnt larger ameunt raised in the same way in Philadelphia,
.- < ured a shipment of l)lack bass from the Chesapeake. The fish were
shipped in cars specially equipped under his diiecticn by the Pennsylvania
Ilailroad. but an ae< idont delayed the cars in transit and m.any of the
Imss died. Those remaining, l;ov tve-- were placed in the Delawaie at
Easton and in the following year another .«hipn.ent was secured in the
same way. which were also deiiosittd in the Delaware at Easton. An act
was passed prohii)lt;n.g the takirc of aey black bass for five years and
duiing that tim.e they nniltiplled en . niou.-jy.

At about the same tin.e a quantity of young salmon and saln.'ii sjiawn
weie procured and many exiieriments fied at an improvisf d iLitcli-ry,
which were r.f nuuh u«e to the Fish Commis.«ion. whicli w.is flr-^t ai>i» inted
liy tbtvernoi- JIartranft in 1S7:]. Judg- Peeder was a inemVier of this Com-
mission, and i-ntert d into its work with the gr.-atest enthusiasm. i?'ack
'•ass were transplanted first from the Delaware to the Susquehanna and its
br;n!ches and then to e-'mr streams and small lakf s of the State. He was
fu-i a student of fish culture, and then an authority: his M. a - u >re adopted
not only by the Coiiinission oi" thi^ Stat^'. but i)y thos. .if tlu-r ^•; ites. and
his advice and counsel were sought by the T^'nited St i*. s ('■ tnir.i-s'oti, and
his suge^estions adopted and are u.*-- d to-day in num'oerless instances.

His interest did not cease with his retirement from the Commission. His
knowledge of the subject was an aid ahnost until the tinu- of his death,
so that there has gone from us not only a lovable man, an able jurist and a
l-rave soldier, but a cultured scientific gentleman, upon whose abilities this
C^ommission was privileged to draw. He w.-^s only llfty-fi\e when h-- died.
and it will indeed l»e l-ing Infer. \\<' look upon his like again.

THE HORNED CHUB.

THE FALL FISH.

THE ROACH

(252)

THE STONE TOTER.

. » » # * I,' * < * * \

' f • > . .

A^MUhiajMMT-'

THE STRIPED SUCKER.

*4)

^^

THE RED HORSE.

THE COMMON STURGEON.

THE LAKE STURGEON.

THE SPOTTED CAT-FISH.

THE SAUGER.

THE WHITE BASS.

THE YELLOW BASS.

THE GREAT CAT-FISH.

THE CHANNEL CAT-FISH.

THE LONG -JAWED CAT-FISH.

THE TESSELLATED DARTER.

THE LOG PERCH.

THE BLUE PIKE.

THE GOLD FISH.

THE NORTHEP.N MOON-EYE

THE BRANCH HERRING.

THE BROOK LAMPREY.

THE SEA LAMPREY.

HE PADDLE FISH

THE EEL.

THE CRAPPIE.

THE BLACK-BANDED SUNFISH.

THE GREEN SUNFISH.

THE BLUE SUNFISH

THE LONG-EARED SUNFISH.

THE COMMON KILLIFISH.

THE BANDED PICKEREL.

THE LITTLE PICKEREL.

THE GUDGEON OR SMELT.

THE RED -FIN.

THE BLACK-NOSED DACE.

THE SMELT.

THE ROUND WHITEFISH.

THE LAKE HERRING.

THE COMMON CATFISH.

THE MARGINED STONE CATFISH.

THE BIG-MOUTHED BUFFALO FISH.

PRE COMMON SUNFISH,

THE LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK RASS

THE FRESH WATER DRUM

THE MILLERS THUMB.

THE BURBOT.

THE TULLIBEE.

THE GRAYLING.

THE STRIPED KILLIFISH.

THE CHAIN PICKEREL.

THE PIKE.

THE MASCALONGE.

THE CARP SUCKER,

THE BLACK HORSE.

THE NORTHERN SUCKER.

Official Document,

No. 17.

INDEX.

THE BIG -JAWED SUCKER.

THE RED-BELLIED DACE.

THE CUT-LIPS OR CHUB.

caxsmtt

*"-<•:

Assistant Secretary and Statistic iun ^^^^•

Biography of the late Judge Howard J. KeedJr J

Bristol Station, Report of Superintendent of, ...'.. f

Distribution of Shad Fry, .. '

Eastern Station. Report of Superintendent 'of ]f.

Distribution of Atlantic Salmon .!

Distribution of Brook Trout Fry, ^^^

Distribution of California Trout' Fry ^'o3,loi

Erie Etation. liepuiL of Superintendent of. .^".^.." ^^*

Distribution of Pike Perch Fry ' ^^

Distribution of Blue Pike ^^

History of the Sturgeon ',. ^^

Legal Cases of the Y.ar' Aff^^'ting'thJ' Fishery Interests; ' :! "^l

Landing Net Case

Trespass ^^*

Water Pollution ^^^

List Of Fish Commissioners of " Ih. ' rnU:'; sia;:"; and" Canada 170

List of Fish Commissioner, of Pennsyivania. ..

Rearing Trout Fry ^

Report of Assistant Secretary a"nd'statisticianr^'!^'^!!^ !!

Applications for Fish

Atlantic Salmon [[ ^'

Dr. Blackford's Report. [[[[] ^^

Eels: Their Destructive Character. ...[.... ^^

Erie Station ' ^^

Fish Baskets in the Susquehanna, tt

Fish Hatched, ''

Fish Work in the Pubii. Sehnnis. t*

Herring Industry ^^

Hybrid Trout-Perch ^^

Impounding White Fish ^f

Muscallonge in the Susquehanna ^.*

Mortality Am«„g Trout Fry atAllentown -o ^f

Shad Season ^^'^^

Soudders' Falls ®^

Sturgeon Fisheries ^^

Trout Culture, J^

Western Station "^

White Perch ^'

■ • • ■ • 46

(253)

254

REPORT OF THE FISH COMMISSIONERS.

Off. Doc.

Page.

Report of State Cnnv.nir siun t^^ 'if Fish, i-i.-s 3

Report of the Tie;i:^i!rci- 87

Summary of Disiriljutioii. 160

Atlantic Salmon Fry 163

Blue Pike, 166

Blue Sun Fish , 166

Brook Trout Fry 160

Brook Ti'out Yearlin.us aivl Thn t-Yrar Olds, 161

Brown Trout Fry 162

California Tn.ut F; y 161

CatH.'^li, ('iimmdii 166

Cattish, Spoiti'd 167

G« rman (^aip Fry 163

Hybrid Trout Fi\ 162

Lake Herring-, 166

LalcH Tru u t Fi y , 1 61

Land-Lutkt (I Salmon Fry, 163

Larg'i' (Jia^-.- I'ik" 167

Larg: ' Mouth i'.lack Bat;<, 164

Large Muscallonge, 167

Large Pike-Perch, 167

Muscallonge Fry, Ig7

Pacific Salmon Fry, 163

Pike-Perch Fry, 166

Recapitulation, Igg

Rock Bass j^q4

Shad Fry. jgg

Small Mouth Black Bass 164

Strawbtrry Bass 165

Sun Fish , iq-

White Bass, Ig5

White Fish Fry 167

Yellow Pt Mc h 165

Superintendents of Stations X

Western Station. \l i-oit of Sup. linu nd ii of 9S

Distribution of ISjdok Tiout Fry 107 112

Distribution of I^mw n Trout Fry, 105,107

Distribution of California Trout Fry, 105

Distribution of European Brown Trout Fry HI

END OF YEAR

*-»