VI CONTENTS 



Page. 



Correspondiog researches of associates — 



By J. W. Milner, on the great lakes , , XVII 



By Dr. H. C. Yarrow, on the Carolina coast XVII 



Second visit to south coast of New England in 1872 XXXVI 



General results of the investigation XVII 



Recapitulation of objects of the inquiry XVII 



Decrease of food-tishes XVIII 



Substantiated by testimony XVIII 



Established by the investigation XVIII 



Supply of fish in the sea not inexhaustible XIX 



Injurious effect of the decrease XX 



Causes of the decrease, alleged or actual XX 



1. Disappearance of the food of fishes XXI 



2. Change in locality of the fishes themselves XXI 



3. Disease and atmospheric agencies XXII 



4. Ravages of predacious fishes XXII 



5. Human agencies XXIII 



Pollution of water XXIH 



Over-fishing XXIV 



By fixed apparatus XXIV 



Location of such apparatus in Massachusetts and 



Rhodelsland XX^' 



By nets and lines XXXI 



6. Combination of human and other agencies, especially blue-fish .. 



Extent of agency of blue-fish XXXII 



Their diminution not desirable XXXII 



Their abundance dependent on that of other fish XXXII 



Measures suggested for relief XXXIII 



Regulation of use of fixed nets XXXI 1 1 



Action by the States XXX IV 



Bill proposed for the purpose XXX IV 



Arguments in its favor XXX I \' 



^ Absolute prohibition by the United States the alternative of want of 



action by the States XXX 1 V 



Anticipation of improvement '. XXXVI 



Result of inquiries in ld72 XXXV [ 



General summary of results XXXVIII 



Conclusion XL 



ACCOMPANYING PAPERS. 



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