8 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



The menhaden are a wandering ocean fish, and according to the 

 best authority we have, spawn upon the ocean, wander along the 

 coast, from Newfoundland to Florida, sometimes appearing at one 

 place, sometimes at another in large numbers. 



To pursue them successfully it becomes necessary to follow them 

 wherever they are to be found. 



The antagonism existing in some localities between the practical 

 fishermen, and he who fishes for sport or recreation is unwise, 

 and we believe it often leads to great injustice. We believe in 

 fostering both interests. 



The one is an industrial interest that produces much that is nec- 

 essary to life and affords the means of livelihood to those engaged 

 in it. 



The otlier, a healthy change and relaxation to the merchant, the 

 student, or the professional man seeking relief from over applica- 

 tion to their several duties, or anyone else who chooses to avail of 

 it and we believe it right for the State to provide for and preserve 

 this privilege by all fair means, and within reasonable limits, with 

 the same care it would a public park, and very much to the same 

 end. 



HIBERNATION. 



A boat sunk between Fort Adams and the Tor]jedo Station 

 about twenty months ago, was raised February 12th and found to 

 contain quite a colony of fish and some small lobsters. The boat 

 had a large quantity of mud in her that had settled so firmly to- 

 gether that it quite stopped the hole made in her, and also the 

 holes in the well, so that both the l)oat and her well were bailed 

 free of water and the boat floated to the shore at the city dock. 

 The owner thinks that there were half a bushel of cunners and 

 tautog found in her, all in the mud, and we are told that some of 

 them were so embedded in the mud as to leave an imprint of their 

 form. 



