REPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XIX 



. Islands, which were reached on the 27th. Boca Grande was visited on 

 the 30th. 



On February 3 the steamer proceeded to the Gulf of Paria, and thence 

 to Curasao. In this vicinity soundings were taken at the express re- 

 quest of the governor. The vessel next proceeded to Santiago de Cuba, 

 which was reached on February 26, and Kingston, Jamaica, on March 

 2. Here some necessary repairs were made, and an additional supply of 

 sounding weights taken on board. Leaving Kingston on March 11, 

 Savanilla was reached on the 16th, and Aspinwall on the 26th, whereon 

 landing was made, on account of the prevalence of yellow fever. 



The vessel then started homeward by way of Old Providence Island, 

 where some interesting observations and collections were made. She 

 arrived at Key West on April 15, and was delayed until the 27th for re- 

 pairs. She then proceeded to Washington by the way of Havana, and 

 arrived at the Washington navy-yard on May 16th. Extensive repairs 

 to boilers were found necessary, and in accordance with the arrange- 

 ment with the Navy Department the steamer was put in thorough order 

 at its expense. 



the opinion generally prevails that the fish hatched in the southern 

 waters are better adapted to that part of the United States. 



This is a subject of general interest to the people of the Southern 

 States, and I respectfully suggest that the interest of this industry will 

 be greatly promoted if such a station can be established immediately. 

 Eespectfully, 



WILKINSON CALL. 

 Hon. Spencer F. Baird. 



Public resolution No. 35. 



JOIiSTT KESOLtTTION antliorizing the Secretary of War to lease certain lands to the board of fiab 

 commissioners of the State of Michigan. 



Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 

 States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War is 

 directed and hereby duly authorized to lease to the State board of fish 

 commissioners of the State of Michigan the parcel or strip of land 

 lying north of and adjoining the Saint Mary-s Falls Ship-Canal, and 

 between said canal and the rapids of the Saint Mary's Eiver, in the 

 county of Chippewa and State of Michigan, including such portion of 

 the lands reserved for the use of the canal as are not now needed for ca- 

 nal purposes, upon condition that the premises so leased are to be used 

 solely by said commissioners for the culture and propagation of food- 

 fishes and the residence of the employees of the commission, and that 

 the use of said jiremises by them shall in no way interfere with the use 

 of the same lands for canal purposes whenever required by the United 

 States Government. The Secretary of War is requested to cause the 

 removal of all persons now occupying any part of the said premises on 

 or before July first, anno Domini eighteen hundred and eighty-four. 

 The lease to said commissioners shall be rent free, and the buildings to 

 be erected by said commissioners shall be first approved by the engi- 

 neer officer in charge of the canal. 



Approved June 26, 1884. 



