COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



STOCKING FRESH-WATER PONDS AND STREAMS. 



The number of brook trout distributed by your Commission in 

 1913 was somewhat under normal owing to the extremely low state 

 of the ponds and streams. The continuance of dry seasons accom- 

 panied by extensive deforestation has made it necessary for the 

 Commission to exercise great care in distributing fish. Streams 

 which were formerly well adapted for brook trout have become 

 unsuitable because of high temperatures and low waters during the 

 summer season. 



In addition to brook trout a considerable number of white perch 

 were put in suitable places last year. The majority of the fish were 

 well filled with spawn and were liberated a short time prior to the 

 spawning period. 



The fishing in streams previously stocked by your Commission 

 was quite successful in 1913, especially for large-mouthed black bass 

 and trout. The latter owing to the abuses of excessive fishing and 

 unfavorable seasons were not very plentiful, but those caught were 

 unusually large. Fishing for large-mouthed black bass in the 

 Pawcatuck and its tributaries was continued with increasing success. 



THE COLLECTION OF DATA AND STATISTICS RELATING 

 TO THE COMMERCIAL FISHERIES. 



Every effort has been made to make this branch of the Commis- 

 sion's work reliable and trustworthy, but as mentioned in previous 

 reports, the absence on our statute books of laws making returns 

 compulsory has prevented us from making this data complete. 



GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE FISHERIES IN 1913. 



In general, the fishing in Narragansett Bay in 1913 was a little 

 better than that of the previous year, but not above the average. 

 Small scup and small butterfish were quite plentiful as in 1912. Trash 



