FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 6 1 



exhibit, and attracted a large number of people, many of whom had never seen the 

 different varieties of trout and game fish of the State. 



The exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition was made by the United States 

 Fish Commission, \V. de C. Ravencl in charge, and was without exception the finest 

 exhibit of the kind ever made in this country, being much better than your Com- 

 mission could have made with the limited facilities at their disposal. We rendered 

 all the assistance possible in the way of supplying the United -States Commission 

 with every variety of fish for which they asked, which necessitated an expenditure 

 of $241.16, leaving an unexpended balance of $828.43 of the amount appropriated. 



I regret to report that there is apparently a very large increase of carp in many 

 waters of the State, and in many instances they have nearly ruined the fishing, 

 principally b\' the condition in which they keep the water. They apparently mul- 

 tiply very much faster than any other fish, and it is to be regretted that they were 

 ever introduced into the waters of this State. 



In conclusion your attention is called to the very liberal courtesies extended to 

 the Commission by the railroads of the State, particularly the New York Central 

 and Hudson River Railroad, and Ontario and Western, the Delaware and Hudson 

 Company, and the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railroad, for transportation 

 furnished free to the State fish car and the messengers in charge of the fish, and in 

 returning the empty fish c'ans. 



Pl)easants. 



The raising of pheasants at the Pleasant Valley Hatchery has been carried on 

 during the past year on a limited scale, on account of our not having an appropri- 

 ation for that purpose. An appropriation of $r,ooo or $1,500 would enable us to 

 more than double the output. 



Very gratifying reports of results have been received from those to whom the 

 birds have been sent during the past season, and it is suggested that when appli- 

 cations are granted, notice be sent to the persons receiving the birds that they must 

 be liberated at once, and not kept in confinement. The birds are strong and hearty, 

 will stand all kinds of weather, and do very much better free than when kept 

 confined. 



Many instances could be cited where large broods have been raised by birds that 

 were liberated, and other cases where few if any birds were raised when they were 

 kept in confinement. 



Respectfully submitted, 



RICHARD COTCHEFER, 



General Foreman of Uatelieries. 



