402 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



formed that with two men constantly employed upon the slide to remove 

 them, it is almost impossible to make room for the succeeding ones. Mr. 

 Emry facetiously observed that should the commission desire the eggs 

 of the rock, he could furnish a car-load in two weeks' time. 



From Weldon I proceeded to Norfolk, Va., where the story heard so 

 often within the past few days regarding the decrease in the supply of 

 shad was repeated. Learning of no favorable localities in this neigh- 

 borhood for the establishment of hatching-houses, I delayed only long 

 enough to enable me to collect specimens of the food-fishes of the waters 

 contiguous to the city. 



From the testimony of the individuals I have mentioned, all more or 

 less directly interested in shad fishing, it is very evident that the sup- 

 ply of this fish has been steadily decreasing and continues to decrease 

 year by year throughout southern waters ; and further, it is my sincere 

 belief that unless some means are employed to correct the state of affairs 

 now existing in the sections visited, in a short time our tables will no 

 longer be supplied with this delicate and highly-valued fish, whose ad- 

 vent In the spring is so eagerly anticipated. 



As localities for hatching-houses, I have no hesitation in recommend- 

 ing Augusta, Ga., New Berne, N. C, and Weldon, K C, since I am of the 

 opinion that the ripe shad-spawn can be obtained in the best possible 

 condition for propagating purposes at these points. I would also rec- 

 ommend that the Apalachicola, the Savannah, the Cape Fear, the Neuse, 

 and the Roanoke Rivers be restocked with shad, close communication 

 being made with all these streams by railroad. 



In conclusion, 1 am happy in being able to state that at every place 

 visited the greatest interest was manifested in the operations of the 

 United States fish commission, while the hope was expressed on every 

 hand that the enterprise about to be inaugurated throughout the South 

 and West, in restocking the southern waters with food -fishes, might 

 prove eminently successful. 



H. C. YARROW, 

 Acting Assistant Surgeon, United States Army. 



Prof Spencer F. Baird, 



United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, D. C. 



