NO. 1778. LAKE OF WOODS FISHES— EVERMANN AND LATIMER. 129 



The senior author in September, 1894, examined the stomach con- 

 tents of several Oregon sturgeon (a related species) in Snake River 

 near Weiser, Idaho. A young individual 25 inches long -contained 11 

 minnows. In the stomachs of larger examples were found several 

 suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) , each about a foot in length. In 

 the lower Columbia the Oregon sturgeon is said to feed largely on 

 sardines, smelts, and other small fishes, and lamprey eels are regarded 

 as excellent sturgeon bait. 



The great decrease in the sturgeon catch of the Lake of the Woods 

 is without doubt chiefly due to overfishing, although it is claimed by 

 local interests that recent years show a slight increase in the catch, 

 and the statistics sustain this contention. There is no evidence that 

 the sturgeon have actually increased in abundance. This increased 

 catch is more likely due to closer fishing rather than to an actual 

 increase in the abundance of the species. The International Fish- 

 eries Commission is of the opinion that all sturgeon fishing in these 

 waters should cease for a period of four years. 



3. AMIA CALVA Linnaeus. 

 DOGFISH; BOWFIN. 



Probably not uncommon; of no value as food. 



4. AMEIURUS MELAS (Rafinesque). 

 BLACK BITLLHEAD. 



One specimen from Rapid River, August 9. Probably common. 



5. CARPIODES THOMPSON! Agassiz. 

 CARP SUCKER. 



One specimen from Stevens Point. 



Common; one of the most abundant fishes in this lake. Reaches 

 a large size, and is of some value as a food fish. 



An example taken in Lake Champlain about April 23, 21 inches long, 

 weighed 7 pounds. It was a nearly ripe female and the roe alone 

 weighed 2.5 pounds. 



6. CATOSTOMUS CATOSTOMUS (Forster). 

 NORTHERN SUCKER; RED SUCKER; MEETHQUAMAYPATH OF THE CREES. 



Thirty-two specimens, 1^ to 3 2- inches long, from Falls Rivor, 

 August 8, and one, 1| inches long, from mouth of Rapid. River, 

 August 9. 



Abundant, and of some value as a food fish. 



7. CATOSTOMUS COMMERSONII (Lacepede). 



WHITE SUCKER; FINE-SCALED SUCKER; CARPE BLANCHE; NAMAYPEETH OF 



THE CREES. 



One specimen. If inches long, from Rapid River, August 9, and 

 others obtained in Lake of the Woods. 

 Less abundant than the preceding. 

 Proc.N.M.vol.39— 10 11 



