PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. i_V,. 29 



Deerfield River. We began stocking the river in this locality 

 with these fish in the spring of 1913, and expect soon to hear 

 that they are to be taken in considerable numbers. 



The pike perch, by reason of possessing the good attributes 

 common to both game and food fishes, is a very valuable ac- 

 quisition to our stock. Its firm, white, flaky, well-flavored 

 flesh makes it particularly desirable. It has a long, moder- 

 ately deep body with slightly projecting lower jaw, and a color 

 approximating a brassy olive. On the sides there are about 

 seven oblique dark bands, differing in direction, and a jet black 

 blotch is located behind the last spine of the dorsal fin. Under 

 most favorable conditions the species is said to reach a weight 

 of 50 pounds, though the average is less than 5. It is a bottom 

 feeder, prefers clear w r aters, and lurks under submerged rocks 

 and logs, whence it can readily dart upon its prey. 



Spawning takes place in May, and continues until early in 

 June, the period of incubation varying from fourteen to thirty 

 days, according to the temperature. A single female contains 

 from 200,000 to 300,000 eggs, and the proportion of these 

 which may be hatched artificially is enormous. 



CHINOOK SALMON. 



The transplanting of the Chinook salmon into Massachusetts 

 waters is being further extended. The young fish are hatched 

 at our stations from eggs obtained from the Pacific coast, and 

 are liberated in September and October as fingerlings. Several 

 deep lakes which possess the natural qualifications for this fish 

 are being stocked and the results awaited with keen interest by 

 sportsmen and State authorities. Already our efforts are be- 

 ginning to yield results. In 1916 a Chinook salmon was 

 caught in Onota Lake by Mr. Moses Delphia of Pittsfield, 

 which measured 17f inches and weighed 2 pounds, 13 ounces. 

 This was the first salmon taken since the lake was stocked on 

 Oct. 30, 1914. Salmon weighing over 1 pound have also been 

 taken from Big Alum Pond, Sturbridge, which was stocked in 

 1914. We caution the public to consider this work as an 

 experiment. Even if it develops that these fish do not thrive, 

 as we anticipate, there will be the advantage of j 

 much-discussed question, and. the Commission will b< 



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