INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 
The statistical report on the fisheries of the Great Lakes presented 
herewith is based upon original investigations by trained agents of this 
Commission. The inquiries were begun at the opening of the fishing 
season in 1900 and the information collected relates to the year 1899. 
Upon the completion of the field work the general results were made 
public in Statistical Bulletin No. 17, which was distributed among 
persons interested in the fisheries of the lake region. It was issued 
also in less condensed form in the report of the Commissioner for the 
year ending June 30, 1901. Since then the information has been 
further arranged in the office and the results are now given. | 
The report has been prepared under the ‘cirection of Mr. C. H. 
Townsend, assistant in charge of the Division of Fisheries. 
The field inquiries were conducted as follows: Mr. T. M. Cogswell 
canvassed Lake Superior; Messrs. C. H. Stevenson and E. 8S. King, 
Lake Michigan; Mr. W. A. Roberts, lakes Huron and St. Clair and 
the St. Clair and Detroit rivers; and Mr. J. N. Cobb, lakes Erie and 
Ontario. 
Mr. J. B. Wilson collected information on the wholesale fishery 
trade of Lake Erie. 
Most of the field agents have assisted in the office work and con- 
tributed notes relative to the fisheries. 
The assistant in charge has had the constant aid of Mr, Ansley Hall 
and other persons in the office. 
GrorGE M. Bowers, 
Conumissvoner. 
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