I'lSIIKS AND l''ISinN(i IN SUNAPEE LAKE. 89 



l^Iiniorhis hicdrintifi/s. Lari^'c minibors were found washed uj) in 

 "windrows'" on the l)eu(h at Soo-nipi Park, October 15. Dr. Dall 

 pronounced them very large and fine specimens. This j^aatropod is 

 evidently abuiuhint in the lake, es])ecially on sandy shoals anion<^ 

 the Chara. 



Campeloma decisa ("snails"). A few sjx'ciincns were found with 

 Planorhis on the beach. 



Phi/sa hetcrostroplia ("snails"). A few were found with the ])re- 

 ceding and many were collected in a pool near the mouth of Blodg- 

 otts Brook, October 20. 



SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS." 

 INDIGENOUS FISHES. 



There seems to be very little that can be learned regarding the con- 

 ditions of Sunapee Lake and its fish fauna prior to the beginning 

 of fish culture. But such evidence as there is indicates that the 

 original fauna, with perhaps the addition of the smelt, was the one 

 to which the lake was best adapted. 



Native trout. — Tradition indicates that this species once abounded 

 and attained a large size, and the present conditions indicate that 

 the lake was well adapted to the fish. The abundance of smelts has 

 increased its food sup])ly, but, notwithstanding this, it has decreased 

 in size and numbers almost to extinction. The <lecrease in numbers 

 is believed to be due to lack of early protection and inadequate 

 propagation and to destruction by landlocked salmon. Of the con- 

 tlitions favorable to trout, about all that remains is the food supply. 



Wtite trout. — In view of all the known facts, it may be concluded 

 tliat the white trout was indigenous to Sunapee Lake and tlie prob- 

 abilities are that it was once small and inconspicuous from its size 

 and habits. 



The first knowledge of the white trout dates from its discovery 

 spa\^^ling on the reef, when the fish ran very large. In the matter of 

 time in whicli to grow, comparing the time of discovery and the date 

 of the introduction of smelts into the lake with the discoveiy of the 

 first blueback of large size and the date of the introduction of smelts 

 into Rangeley Lakes, all is greatl}- in favor of the white trout. If 

 the foregoing h3'pothesis is ti*ue, the present size of the white trout 



n The request that the Bureau of FLsheries make a study of the biological and physical conditioiLsof 

 Sunapee Lake, in order that it might intelligently advise how to improve and maintain the fishing, origi- 

 nated with the Sunapee Lake Fishing .\s,sociation, whose members are conscientiously desirous of improv- 

 ing and maintaining the fishing and arc making every active and financial effort to accomplish those 

 results. It is therefore hoped that the suggestions and recommendations herewith offered may assist to 

 that end. The writer re<ognizcs that his views are not infallible and may prove erroneous, but based as 

 they are upon two .seasons' observations at Sunapee Lake, all the literature obtainable regarding those 

 waters, and many years of general experience, he can not help feeling that at least some of liis opinions 

 are well founded. He wishes to state that he alone is personally responsible for them, and no one else 

 coimetted with the liureau of Fisheries necessarily indorses them. 



