202 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES [4] 



About the 1st of May, tlie eggs iu the hatching house were hatching 

 out freely, and deposits of young sliad were made at intervals iu the 

 waters about the station. Shipments were also turned over to Mr. New- 

 ton Simmons for deposit elsewhere. Accompanying this report will be 

 found tables showing in detail the hatching ojierations and distribution 

 of young fish for the season. 



On May C, I received instructions to prepare one of the tables in 

 the hatching house for the use of the Maryland Fish Commission, our 

 facilities having been offered them and accepted. Accordingly, 1 made 

 requisition for everything necessary to put the table in complete order, 

 but the Maryland Commissioners did not avail themselves of the offer 

 during the entire season. 



Efforts were made to keep the catfish captured in the seine for dis- 

 tribution, but it was found impracticable, as they died very rapidly. 

 They were accordingly turned over to Mr. Sheriff to be sold. 



The water used in hatching out the eggs had been usually procured 

 from the pool, but on May 23, the suction was changed to the ar- 

 tesian well. This soon reduced the temperature of the water from 76° 

 to 59° which, I regret to report, proved most fatal to the eggs and fish 

 on hand. The loss sustained was over 470,000 eggs and 70,000 fish, 

 proving very conclusively that the well-water was entirely unfit for 

 hatching purposes. The loss of the catfish is also attributable to this 

 water. 



Toward the latter part of May the catch of shad was so small that it 

 was deemed advisable to stop hauling. Accordingly the last haul was 

 made by Mr. Sherift"'s gang early in the morning of May 31, and that 

 afternoon the barge which had been occupied by them as quarters was 

 taken in tow by the steamer Lancaster, and with the men aboard, carried 

 to Baltimore, where the gang was discharged and the barge laid up for 

 repairs. The regular force left on the Island will be engaged on other 

 work, and before the season finally closes, the station will be put in 

 thorough order for next season's operations. 



Havre de Grace, Md., June 1, 1884. 



