FISHES AND FISHING IN SUNAPEE LAKE. 89 



Planorhis hicarinatus. Large numbers were found washed up in 

 ''windrows" on the beach at Soo-nipi Park, October 15. Dr. Dall 

 pronounced them very large and fine specimens. This gastrojiod is 

 evidently abundant in the lake, especially on sandy shoals among 

 the Ohara. 



Campeloma decisa ("snails"). A few specimens were found with 

 Planorhis on the beach. 



PJiysa heterostroi)ha ("snails"). A few were found with the pre- 

 ceding and many were collected in a ])ool near the mouth of Blodg- 

 etts Brook, October 20. 



SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS." 

 INDIGENOUS FISHES. 



There seems to be very little that can be learned regarding the con- 

 ditions of Sunapee Lake and its fish fauna prior to the beginning 

 of fish culture. But such evidence as there is indicates that the 

 original fauna, with perhaps the addition of the smelt, was the one 

 to which the lake was best adapted. 



Native trout. — Tradition indicates that this species once abounded 

 and attained a large size, and the present conditions indicate that 

 the lake was well adapted to the fish. The abundance of smelts has 

 increased its food supply, but, notwithstanding this, it has decreased 

 in size and numbers almost to extinction. The decrease in numbers 

 is believed to be due to lack of early protection and inadequate 

 propagation and to destruction by landlocked salmon. Of the con- 

 ditions favorable to trout, about all that remains is the food supply. 



WJiite trout. — In view of all the known facts, it may be concluded 

 that the white trout was indigenous to Sunapee Lake and the prob- 

 abilities are that it was once small and inconspicuous from its size 

 and habits. 



The first knowledge of the white trout dates from its discovery 

 spawning on the reef, when the fish ran very large. In the matter of 

 time in wliich to grow, comparing the time of discovery and the date 

 of the introduction of smelts into the lake with the discovery of the 

 first blueback of large size and the date of the introduction of smelts 

 into Rangeley Lakes, all is greatly in favor of the white trout. If 

 the foregoing hypothesis is true, the present size of the white trout 



« The request that the Bureau of Fisheries make a study of the biological and physical conditions of 

 Sunapee Lake, in order that it might intelligently advise how to improve and maintain the fishing, origi- 

 nated with the Sunapee Lake Fishing Association, whose members are conscientiously desirous of improv- 

 ing and maintaining the fishing and are making every active and financial effort to accomplish those 

 results. It is therefore hoped that the suggestions and recommendations herewith offered may assist to 

 that end. The writer recognizes that his views are not infallible and may prove erroneous, but based as 

 they are upon two seasons' observations at Sunapee Lake, all the literature obtainable regarding those 

 waters, and many years of general experience, he can not help feeling that at least some of his opinions 

 are well fomided. He wishes to state that he alone is personally responsible for them, and no one else 

 connected with the Bureau of Fisheries necessarily indorses them. 



