

United States Coioiission, Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, January 31, 1872. 

 Sir. : In pursuance of a joint resolution of Congress, I have the honor 

 to present herewith a report of operations and inquiries prosecuted dur- 

 ing the year 1871 in reference to the decrease of the food-fishes on the 

 sea-coast and in the lakes of the United States. 

 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



SPENCER F. BAIED, 



„ ^ Commissioner. 



Hon. Schuyler Colfax, 



President of the Senate. 



