United States Commission of Fisn and Fisheries, 



Washington, February 20, 1875. 



Gentlemen: In compliance with the order of Congress, I transmit 

 herewith my report for 1873-74 and 1871-75 as United States Commis- 

 sioner of Fish and Fisheries, embracing: first, the result of inquiries into 

 the causes of the decrease of the food-fishes of the sea-coast and lakes of 

 the Uuited States; and, secondly, the history of the measures taken for 

 the propagation of food-fishes by stocking the rivers and lakes with 

 shad, salmon, and other valuable species. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



SPENCER F. BAIRD, 



Commissioner. 

 Hon.. Henry Wilson, 



President of the United States Senate; and 

 Hon. Jas. G. Blaine, 



Speaker of the Ilousa of Representatives. 



m 



