XXX 



KETORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



hatched en route to distant waters. The fry were unusually strong and 

 stood transportation well, due, to some extent, to the low temperature 

 of the water during- April and part of May. 



The temperature from April 15 to April 30 was much below that of 

 any previous season recorded at the station, averaging 40° F. T'he 

 take of eggs, however, was about the same as in 1889 and 1890, when 

 the average temperature during corresponding periods was 57^ and 

 oCJo, respectively. 



The catch of shad at the head of the bay was the best for several 

 years, particularly with gill nets between Battery and Pools islands; 

 and but for the two freshets during the season, the one occurring on 

 May 7, when the tishing was at its best, and the other on May 20 and 

 lasting for eight days, the number of eggs collected would unquestion- 

 ably have been greater than in any previous year, possibly excepting 

 1888. 



The following table exhibits the take of eggs, etc., during the season: 



*At surface. 



Striped bass were caught in large quantities during the early part of 

 the season, and efibrts to obtain their spawn were made, but without 

 success. Occasionally a ripe female is found, but only about once in 

 six years are both sexes found together in condition for spawning. Sev- 

 eral attempts were made to impregnate the eggs of the shad with the 

 inilt of the striped bass, but unsuccessfully. In every instance observed 

 by Mr. Ravenel eggs so treated have failed to hatch. 



The title to Battery Island was vested in the United States by deed 

 from Mr. T. B. Ferguson, bearing date of July 11, 1891, and the con- 

 sideration therefor passed July 15, 1891. 



