XVII.-REPORT OF A RECOiNNAISSANCE OF THE SHAD-RIVERS 

 SOUTH OF THE POTOMAC. 



By H. C. Yarkow, M. D. 



1. — INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



Washington, D. C, April 17, 1873. 



Sir: In accordance with yoar instructions, I snbinit the following as 

 the result of my investigations in the States of Virginia, North and 

 South Carolina, and Georgia in regard to the shad, herring, and rock 

 fisheries, with a view to inquiring into the alleged decrease of these fish 

 and the best methods of, and most favorable localities tor, establishing 

 hatching-houses for their artificial propagation. 



Having received the necessary leave of absence through the courtesy 

 of my commanding officer, Lieut. George M. Wheeler, of the United 

 States Engineer Corps, 1 left Washington for Richmond, Va., on the 

 night of the 2d instant, arriving in the latter city on the morning of 

 the 3d. 



At Richmond I visited the fish-market, but found only a few of the 

 above-mentioned species of fish. The limited number of shad for sale 

 commanded a price beyond the means of most persons. On inquiring 

 the cause of this I learned that but a small number were now caught in 

 the James River, and that for five years past the supply had been 

 steadily decreasing, at the rate of probably 10 per cent, annually; that 

 to such a'n extent had this decrease continued that but few fishermen 

 were willing to risk their limited capital in an occupation i^romising 

 sufch meager results. The cause of the decrease was variously stated. 

 Traps, filth from the sewers of the city, constant fishing, and the plying 

 of numerous steam-vessels are thought to drive the fish from their 

 spawning beds. 



The shad seen commanded a ready sale at from 65 cents to $1 per 

 pair. At this time, April 3, the spawn was not within three weeks 

 of being ripe. The first shad of the season were taken in the latter 

 part of February. The fishermen, generally, expect the season to close 

 about the last of May. Herring abounded in this market. They were 

 from Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. The price asked for them was 

 from |4 ® $5 per 1,000. Some rock-fish were also seen which were taken 

 near the city; these brought from 8 cents to 10 cents per pound. 



2. — GREAT DECREASE OF FISH IN GEORGIA. 



I next visited Augusta, Ga., where, according to all accounts, a most 

 lamentable decrease in the supply of shad has existed for some time. 



