42 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



7. Examination of the stomach contents of the fishes to determine 

 their food. 



8. Use of the tow-net and dredge in the spring and early summer for 

 the securing of spaicn. The location of favorite spawning grounds 

 and means of identifying the spawn of different species are important 

 points to be ascertained. 



9. Study of the fresh-water fishes. 



10. The special study of the fishes of Block Island. This island 

 is located so near the boundaries between the northern and southern 

 division of the Atlantic coast fauna, and is so near deep water that 

 it undoubtedly has a fauna of great richness and variety. There is 

 every reason to suppose that it is as favorably situated in these 

 respects as Wood's Hole, where about 250 different species of fishes 

 are recorded. Fishermen say that frequently in these offshore 

 waters they take fish which are new to them, and that they see 

 even whole schools of unfamiliar species. 



Above are indicated some of the lines of work which will be followed 

 in the future as far as time and circumstances allow.* 



A collection of fishes is also being made which is intended to con- 

 tain, eventually, a specimen of every species known to inhabit 

 Rhode Island waters. f 



A proper record of the results of future study and observation has 

 been provided for in the form of a card catalogue of the species of 

 fishes. This form of record admits of indefinite expansion and 

 modification for the accommodation of new material, and makes it 

 possible to have all the known data regarding any particular species 

 readily accessible at a moment's notice. 



An appendix to the list of fishes is given which contains the 

 names of certain species, most of which were taken by the United 



*Any information regarding any phase of this subject, whatever, will be gladly received 

 from any one interested. Any facts relating to the time and places of spawning of different 

 fishes, and their movements and migrations, are particularly desired. 



tFresh or preserved specimens of rare and unusual fishes will be gratefully received from 

 fishermen or others. They should be sent to the R. I. Fish Commission at Brown University, 

 Providence. Record of the date and place of capture should.be sent at the same time. 



