4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



Tenth. The efforts to prevent the illegal taking of short lobsters. 

 Page 83. 



Eleventh. The preparation of an exhibit for the Louisiana Pur- 

 chase Exposition. Page 84. 



Your Honorable Body has entrusted your commission ^\dth the 

 stocking of the inland waters with edible fish and with the super- 

 vision of the fish in these waters, with the conduct of experiments 

 in the propagation of fish and shell-fish, and mth the enforcement 

 of laws regarding the capture of fish and lobsters; all of which we 

 believe has been faithfully executed. 



The scientific work which was commenced on a small scale in 1897, 

 has, during the past seven j-ears, developed considerable propof^! 

 tions. Each year we have built upon the work of the years before, 

 and recently the experiments have begun to bear fruit in practical re- 

 sults. In work of this experimental character, where every foot of 

 progress is made slowty by breaking new ground, it is important — 

 it is indeed absolutely necessary — that a line of work shall be con- 

 tinued through a long period of time. Too often it happens that 

 excellent experimental or scientific work comes to nothing solely 

 because it is stopped too soon or is frequently interrupted. Your 

 commisssion appreciates the continuous support which has been 

 given by your Honorable Body during these years. 



Seven years ago the only material equipment of your commission 

 for scientific work was a small leaky floating "hatchery," a reHc of 

 former years when experiments in artificial lobster propagation were 

 attempted. However, the idea of the houseboat as a biological 

 laboratory, and the proof of its effectiveness in experimental work, 

 was of the utmost value. At the present time the equipment consists 

 of an excellent floating laboratory, a small naptha launch suitable 

 for work in the Bay, a small sailboat and three skiffs, a rather dis- 

 reputable looking but very convenient stranded barge which serves 

 as a storehouse in winter and a dormitory in summer. The labora- 

 tory is fitted up with necessary apparatus, including, besides tools, 

 dishes, etc., a stationary gasolene engine and other apparatus for 



