874 REPORT OF GOMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
to acclimatize them. Only one plant (on Kauai in 1894) has so far been 
made, and nothing has been seen or heard of them since. 
The small-mouthed black bass, however, would probably thrive under 
such conditions. One plant of black bass has been made (at Hilo), and 
though they were never seen again this was probably due to their 
poor physical condition when planted. Owing to the absence of the 
consignee when they arrived, they were allowed to remain in the cans 
for some time before being planted, and as a freshet occurred the next 
day it is probable they were all carried out to sea. As the rivers 
are filled with fresh-water shrimp, the bass would have an abundant 
food supply. 
The cat-fish (American and Chinese) are found in considerable num- 
bers on Oahu, in the vicinity of Honolulu. Carp are found on the 
islands of Maui and Kauai, but are not yet common. 
A more valuable fish than the black bass is probably available for 
these islands. It is the Japanese dwarf salmon or ayu, /ecoglossus 
altivelis. It is one of the most delicate of fishes, breeds freely, and 
lives in every clear stream of Japan from Hokkaido to Formosa, being 
thus well adapted to the climate of Hawaii. Perhaps more than any 
other foreign fish whatever it merits introduction into the waters of 
the United States, especially into those of California. 
Several lots of oysters from the eastern part of the United States 
and from California have been brought to the islands at different times 
since 1893 and planted in Pearl Harbor. While the results achieved 
were not very satisfactory from a financial standpoint, still they were 
sufficient to show that the business might be put upon a remunerative 
basis if it were given the time and attention necessary. The eastern 
oyster was found to breed to a limited extent. 
Clams could be planted in Pearl Harbor and in other favorable 
localities, and would probably thrive well. 
The abalone, which is very highly prized by the Chinese, might be 
introduced on the rocky reefs and sea walls. 
The depletion of the fisheries of these islands can be best prevented 
by proper protective legislation such as we have suggested. Fish- 
cultural methods have not yet been developed with regard to any of 
the fishes native to or suitable for these islands. The establishment 
of a fish-cultural station there is at present wholly impracticable and 
unnecessary. ‘The establishment, however, of a biological station sim- 
ilar to that at Woods Hole or that at Beaufort, N. C., for the study of 
the many important problems connected with tropical insular aquatic 
life is of the highest importance and is earnestly recommended. 
FISH PONDS. 
The most interesting of the fishery resources of the islands are the 
ish ponds. Many of these were built s ng ago th: n traditi 
fisl d Many of these were built so long ago that even tradition 
