REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 123 



heat from stoves. In December the temperature was 43^, and iu Janu- 

 ary as low as 38° several days, iu consequence of which the sheejishead, 

 croakers, and spots were greatly aftected, all of tlie first two kinds 

 dying. Other species were unfavorably affected, but revived when the 

 temperature rose to 50° and 60°. 



In August the aquaria were repaired and put in condition for restock- 

 ing on the advent of fall. Collections were obtained from Woods Hole, 

 Quincy, Wytheville, and the Washington Fish Ponds, the steamer 

 Fish Hmck contributing specimens of marine animals and plants and 

 800 gallons of sea water from the Cliesapeake Bay. Salt water collec- 

 tions were made at Fortress Monroe, Va. — water, animals, and plants. 

 At that point an agent was employed periodically to make collections 

 and hold in live-cars, when a messenger was sent to receive them. 

 From Morehead City, N. C, February 22 to 28, there were obtained 22 

 spotted sea trout, 14 red drum, and a number of shellfish and plants, 

 but the extremely cold winter had driven all other species beyond the 

 reach of fishermen. The Potomac Eiver, Accokeek Creek, Occoquau, 

 and other local waters were drawn upon for fresh- water fishes. A trip to 

 Fortress Monroe in July was unsuccessful owing to high temperature. 



A fair degree of success was this year attained iu liolding the filefish, 

 thorn-toads, and hermit-crabs, and by experiment it was found that sea- 

 anemones could be successfully maintained in water oxygenized by the 

 introduction of air jets. During the winter assistance was rendered 

 the Commissioner in making his experimental tests of artificial and 

 natural sea water in preparation for Chicago. 



INVESTIGATIONS. 



The appearance of a destructive parasite on young lake trout and 

 landlocked salmon in June, 1893, is referred to under the Grreen Lake 

 heading. 



An inquiry, somewhat disappointing, but based on interesting state- 

 ments, was made into the striped-bass fishery in the upper end of Albe- 

 marle Sound, with a view of ascertaining regular si)awning-grounds. 

 The New York fish commissioners have recently evinced a lively interest 

 in the subject, the office being twice visited by Hon. L. D. Huntington, 

 chairman, who expressed himself as anxious to take up the work, but 

 scarcely able, on account of inadequate funds. In 1892 Mr. J. K. 

 Rea, or Eden ton, I«r. C, a fisherman of repute, operating the Williams 

 fishery, a mile above Mackey Creek, caught in sturgeo)i nets of 11-inch 

 mesh large numbers of striped bass, and while on a visit to Washing- 

 ton he informed a Fish Commission employee that over 100 of these 

 fish were in spawning condition, the eggs freely running when the fish 

 were taken into boats. The fish weighed from 50 to 75 j)ounds each, 

 and being captured at a point favorable for railroad and other commu- 

 nication, the matter was deemed worthy of an investigation. 



So far as known the only point where eggs can be obtained with any- 

 thing like uniformity from season to season is on the upper waters of 



