INLAND FISHERIES. 103 



tract that has not heretofore been known to be occupied by the 

 fish, and indicates an eastern extension of the range of about 

 twenty -five miles. — H. C. B. 



XIII. lrn2)rocei)ieiits In the uiethoch of ijreparhuj fiah for s/i'q)- 

 vient. 



The value of the fish caught along the shores of the State does 

 not alone lie in their use as food by people residing within the 

 limits of Rhode Island, but their exportation brings a large in- 

 come to those interested in the industry. 



A most casual examination of the methods of packing and ship- 

 ping fish, Avhen compared with the methods of packing and ship- 

 ping poultry, meat, etc., will show that, whereas the methods of 

 shipping the latter have materially improved Avithin the last few- 

 years, the packing and shipping of fish is at the present time both 

 crude and wasteful. The ice is in itself expensive ; it occupies 

 room that might be used for other purposes ; its weight gives rise 

 to excessive express charges ; and when melted the fish are soaked 

 in the impure fluid, and rendered unpleasant to handle, uninvit- 

 ing to witness, and subject to rapid decay. 



Your Commission therefore has thought it advisable to examine 

 more carefully into the present methods of packing and shipping 

 fish, with the purpose of devising, if possible, some means which 

 will eliminate many of the present unpleasant features. Mr. Ralph 

 W. Tower was engaged to do this work, and his report is as 

 follows : 



