6S U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



thence to Dakota, all in Minnesota ; two crews worked from Homer, 

 Minn.; one each from La Crosse, Genoa, and Ferryville, Wis.; one 

 from Marquette, Iowa; one with houseboat between Dubuque and 

 Bellevue, Iowa ; and one from Bellevue, Iowa. 



The work at Meredosia, 111., was discontinued on September 15, 

 at which time steps were taken to abandon the station permanently. 

 Such part of the property as could be used to advantage at other 

 points was transferred, while the buildings and the equipment that 

 could not be moved successfully or that had no value in connection 

 with the work elsewhere were sold to the highest bidder by authority 

 of the Secretary of Commerce. The work that could be accomplished 

 profitably at this point was decreasing in amount from year to 

 year, as the movements of the fishing crews were becoming more and 

 more restricted by the establishment of duck-shooting preserves. 

 Large portions of this territory were also being reclaimed for agri- 

 culture. 



FISHES OF MINOR INTERIOR WATERS. 



In that part of its work relating to production and distribution 

 of fish for stocking interior waters of the country the bureau so- 

 licits the participation of the public. It cooperates with interested 

 individuals or associations in deciding as to the waters to be stocked 

 and considers their suggestions as to the species of fish best suited 

 therefor. It relies upon applicants to see that the fish furnished 

 are properly planted in the waters for which they are assigned, and 

 that they are afforded proper protection against illegal or unsports- 

 manlike methods of fishing. Although the species of fish involved 

 are generally classed as game fish, they have important value, also, 

 as food. 



The "benefits accruing from this phase of fish-cultural work are 

 considered invaluable. Not only is there an economic gain in the 

 increase of the food supply by the utilization of otherwise unpro- 

 ductive waters, but there is an educational effect that develops and 

 fosters a sentiment favorable to the protection and growth of fish 

 life. Moreover, innumerable persons derive direct and important 

 benefits from a day's fishing in the open places. 



While this part of the bureau's work has increased in volume with 

 the development of its fish-cultural activities, it has not increased 

 in the same proportion as has the work that is concerned with the 

 commercial species, and whereas a few years ago the output of 

 fishes for the interior waters represented from 8 to 10 per cent of 

 the aggregate output, it now represents less than 1 per cent of 

 such aggregate. The urgent need for an immediate expansion of 

 this work is reiterated. 



The numbers of fish and fish eggs produced and distributed for 

 the replenishment of interior waters during the fiscal year 1922, 

 including those diverted for this purpose from the rescue operations 

 along the Mississippi River, were as follows : 



Catfish 152, 525 



Landlocked salmon :r 398, 010 



Rainbow trout 7, 228, 225 



Black-spotted trout 2, 521, 500 



Loch Leven trout 56,000 



Brook trout 9,991,855 



