222 



U. S. BUEEAU OF FISHERIES 



and 14,552 of the latter, valued at !?130,418. Set lines were also 

 quite commonlv used. The products of Illinois amounted to 

 22,597,996 pounds, valued at $1,077,965. Of these mussel shells 

 contributed 9,265,000 pounds, valued at (includino; pearls and slugs) 

 S264,395, giving Illinois third rank among mussel-producing States. 

 Among the fish proper, carp was the most valuable species, with a 

 catch of 7,734,264 pounds, valued at $367,554; other important 

 species were buffalofish, 3,051,608 pounds, valued at $215,261; 

 catfish and bullheads, 919,399 pounds, worth $113,267; and drum 

 or sheepshead, 504,760 pounds, valued at $39,296. 



The Illinois River, with its valuable carp and buffalofish, ranks 

 first among the rivers of the State. Its total output in 1922 amounted 

 to 10,607,372 pounds, valued at $551,013. The Mississippi River 

 ranks second, with a catch of 3,033,524 pounds, valued at $212,574. 

 The Rock River ranks next in importance, with a total output of 

 2,872,000 pounds, valued at $109,820, consisting entirely of mussel 

 shells, pearls, and slugs. It is one of the most prolific mussel streams 

 in the country. Both the Wabash and the Ohio Rivers contribute 

 considerably to the value of the fishery resources of the State, mussel 

 shells, pearls, and slugs furnishing about one-half of the value of 

 their products. 



The following tables give the detailed statistics of the fisheries of 

 this State in 1922: 



Persons engaged and investment in the fisheries of Illinois, 1922 



' Includes 4 men on two transporting vessels. 



' Includes two transporting vessels with a not tonnage of 18 and a value of $4,200. 



