PUBLIC DOCUMENT --No. 25. 35 



BULLHEADS. 



The bullhead or horned pout (Ameiurus nebulosus) has been 

 in 'years past a much-maligned fish, as its appearance is de- 

 ceptive so far as its edible qualities are concerned. At the 

 present time from a purely gastronomic standpoint, there are 

 few fish considered as fine eating as this ugly specimen of the 

 finny tribe. It is a hardy fish, readily yields itself to pond 

 propagation, and is always in demand in the market. 



This species has a wide distribution, and is found in nearly 

 all Massachusetts ponds where the conditions are satisfactory 

 for its existence. It is usually to be found near the bottom in 

 muddy, weedy ponds, where it will take practically any kind 

 of bait, to the delight of the youthful fishermen. 



For the past few years the young of this species seined from 

 certain well-stocked waters have been placed in the inland 

 ponds, particularly in the north central part of the State, where 

 it is popular among the anglers. During the past year artificial 

 propagation has been started at the Palmer Fish Hatchery, 

 and 52,900 size No. 1 fingerlings have been reared and dis- 

 tributed from this station, while 44,000 have been obtained 

 elsewhere in the State for stocking purposes. There is a 

 rapidly growing demand for these fish. The Commissioners 

 contemplate experimentation with some of the larger river 

 and lake catfish. 



SMELT. 



The smelt fishery in Massachusetts is in a depleted condition, 

 and strenuous and radical measures will be required to save 

 this species from extinction. The only available natural 

 breeding grounds of importance are the Weymouth Back and 

 Fore rivers, particularly the former. To this locality each 

 year thousands of smelt resort for spawning. Unless steps are 

 soon taken to prevent it, even this last breeding ground will 

 soon be past history because of the depredations of man. 



Plans are now under consideration toward protecting this 

 locality as a reservation where a station can be established for 

 obtaining the smelt eggs, the majority of which would other- 

 wise perish, and from which the collected eggs could be dis- 

 tributed for restocking other coastal streams, possessing suitable 



