80 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



was detailed to make an extended series of observations relative to the 

 densities and temperature of tlie water in different parts of Willapa 

 Bay. This work was begun on March 18 and was continued until 

 April 5. Observations were made hourly in each locality visited, and 

 while the temjierature was naturally low in all places, owing to the 

 seavson of the year, the density generally was found to come within the 

 limits considered favorable to oyster growth. In the channel of Palux 

 River, where the oyster deposit had recently been made, the density 

 ranged from 1.009G8 to 1.0174G, according to the state of the tide. 

 Ninety of the introduced oysters were tongued up by Mr. Miller, and 

 of these 83 were living, the remainder being empty shells. 



In October, 1895, the bed was again inspected by State Commissioner 

 Crawford, who examined a sufficient number of specimens to ascertain 

 that the oysters were doing well and that the general condition of the 

 plant was excellent. A few that were opened were found to be fat and 

 well flavored. It will be advisable to arrange for the placing of a quan- 

 tity of cultch or spat-collectors in proximity to the bed at the proper 

 season. The legislature of the State of Washington has passed an act 

 for the protection of this oyster bed. 



INVESTIGATIONS OF INTERIOR WATERS. 

 COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN. 



The investigations begun in the Columbia River basin in the spring 

 of 1894 by Dr. Charles H. Gilbert and three assistants from Lelaud 

 Stanford Junior University were continued by the same party during 

 the entire succeeding summer. The primary object of these inquiries, 

 as explained in previous reports, was the study of the life-history of 

 the quinnat and other species of salmon which ascend the Columbia 

 River for spawning purposes, and respecting which more definite infor- 

 mation is required in order to provide for the better protection and 

 maintenance of the supply. The salmon were followed in their move- 

 ments upstream and their location was noted from time to time. The 

 waters examined were the main Columbia River, the Snake River 

 between its mouth and Upper Salmon Falls, and several of the smaller 

 tributaries. Attention was also jiaid to fishes other than the salmon 

 whenever favorable opportunities occurred, and suitable collections 

 representing all the species observed were preserved for future study. 



Dr. Gilbert was obliged to resume his college duties the 1st of Sep- 

 tember, when the field work was taken up by Prof. B. W. Evermann, 

 of the Fish Commission, assisted by Dr. J. T. Scovell, of Terre Haute, 

 Ind. It was continued into the early part of October. During this 

 period the observations related chiefly to the three following regions: 

 The streams and lakes constituting the headwaters of Salmon River in 

 Idaho, the streams and lakes at headwaters of Payette River in Idaho, 

 and that part of Snake River lying between the Great Shoshone Falls 

 and Huntington, Oreg. Though less than five weeks were given to 



