454 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



the rnus become larger there is no increase in the size of the 

 fish except the female ; from this time the runs decrease, the fish 

 leaving gradually, the sauie as they entered. So far as known the shad 

 invariably appear each sncceeding year, but there is a very marked ir- 

 regularity of number and size, the last arrivals being nearly always the 

 largest. On entering the inlets both sexes aiipear to be about equal in 

 numbers, the ovaries of the females being about 3 inches long. Upon 

 the entrance of these fish their presence is indicated by their swim- 

 ming near the surface of the water, producing a ripple, the gathering 

 near of birds, and lastly, their capture in the herring-nets. In com- 

 mon with very many other fish, they invariably run in with the tide, 

 going out with its ebb, and these movements I believe to be invaria- 

 ble. As the female shad is not far advanced toward spawning 

 on entering the sounds, it is but seldom the spawn is seen run- 

 ning from them when captured in nets, more especially as few are 

 captured when the eggs are near maturity. It is believed this fish 

 is strictly auadromous, that is, it regularly returns from the sea 

 to the fresh- water rivers for spawning, and from its first appearance off 

 the coast about December 1, it would seem that the sexual instinct, 

 which impels it to visit fresh water, is strongest a short period anterior 

 to this time, providing that the theory be true of their wintering in the 

 deep waters of the ocean. At this time their rate of progression is esti- 

 mated at about eight miles per hour. In regard to their sta^^ in fresh 

 water, it is probably not later than the last of May, as after this time but 

 few are seen. At the locality under discussion, though quite a common 

 notion, not at all likely to prove true, it is said no spent shad have ever 

 been taken, and that but few ever live to get back to the sea, not so 

 much on account of their feebleness after spawning, but on account of 

 their being nearly all captured. As to the habits at this time, no dif- 

 ference has been observed in the sexes. In coming in the breeding- 

 grounds, all aged fish are probably seen together, although many per- 

 sons state that yearlings do not herd with older fish, and in fact remain 

 in rivers for over a year after hatching, although as yet it has been 

 deemed almost impossible to determine accurately their ages. The 

 most favored localities by these fish are in deep water, with a fair run- 

 ning current, although for spawning they prefer shallow, sandy ground, 

 ■where the water is warm, not over 16 to 20 feet deep. After spawning 

 sbad no longer keep together in schools, but scatter and make their 

 way from the breeding-grounds singly or a few together. This state- 

 ment, though not positively proven, is believed to be correct. 



With regard to friends and enemies among other fish, they appear to 

 possess few of either, though herring and rock-fish are frequently found 

 in their company. They neither prey upon or suffer from the attacks 

 of other fish, their principal food appearing to be sought in small 

 pebbles and gravel, and is probably small Crustacea, and perhaps 



