J. PISCICULTURE AND THE FISHERIES. 407 



have been successful, the number caught during the past 

 season having been unusually great, and the price being cor- 

 respondingly cheaj), while, in addition to all this, the aver- 

 age size of the fish has been increased. 



They report considerable difficulty in carrying out the 

 laws of the state in reference to the establishment of fish- 

 pounds in Long Island Sound, having been enjoined from 

 proceeding against certain delinquents by the societies sus- 

 taining such establishments. 



They have much to say also of the prospect of success in 

 regard to the introduction of the California salmon from the 

 United States fishery on the M'Cloud River, thinking the fish 

 to be eminently adapted to the waters of their state. 



FIRST REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES OF 



MICHIGAN. 



The first report of the State Commissioners and Superin- 

 tendent of Fisheries of Michigan for the years 1873-74 has 

 just been published, and exhibits the operations of a very 

 energetic and active board for the period mentioned. A 

 hatching-house has been established at Pohagan, near Niles, 

 where large numbers of whitefish, salmon, and salmon-trout 

 have been hatched out, and distributed throughout the state. 

 A great deal has already been accomplished by means of the 

 liberal appropriations on the part of the state toward re- 

 stocking the waters with useful fishes ; and should these la- 

 bors be continued for a few years, Michigan will have but 

 little to ask for in reference to the restoration of her former 

 very extensive fishery privileges. 



The Commissioners first appointed were Governor John J. 

 Bagley, George Clarke, and George H. Jerome. Mr. Jerome 

 has, however, been appointed Superintendent of the State 

 Fishery Establishment, and his place on the Commission has 

 been filled by the appointment of Mr. A. J. Kellogg. 



The fish most important to Michigan at present is the 

 whitefish, which occurs on every side of the state, and has 

 heretofore constituted the basis of a very extensive business. 

 The decrease, however, has been more and more marked year 

 by year, and it is quite probable that but for the efforts which 

 have been initiated, and are likely to be continued, on the 

 part of the state, the economical value of these fish would 



