[43] PLAN OF INQUIRY FOR FISHERY CENSUS. 45 
importance in the fisheries of the United States and of the British 
Provinces. It is sometimes called frost-fisb, from the fact that it makes 
its appearance in cold weather; but it must not be confounded with 
another fish known as the Tom-cod (AMicrogadus tomcodus), which resem- 
bles the true cod. 
The determination of the different species and varieties of this fish, 
their geographical distribution, habits, statistics, &c., is considered very 
desirable, and answers to the following questions, prepared by Mr. 
Charles G. Atkins, will greatly aid in accomplishing this object. 
The transmission to the Smithsonian Institution at Wasbington, from 
numerous points, of a few perfect specimens of both sexes, preserved in 
alcohol, will be of much importance in solving the problem. 
Answers to the queries should be addressed to the United States 
Fish Commission, Washington, D. C. 
SPENCER F. BAIRD, 
. Commissioner. 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, D. C. 
A.—Name and varieties. 
1. Is the smelt known in your vicinity by any other name? 
2. Does there appear to be more than one variety of smelt in your 
neighborhood? If so, how do the several varieties differ from each 
other, and which is the principal one? 
3. Which variety shall you have reference to in the following state- 
ment ? 
B.— Characteristics. 
4. What is the average length and weight of the smelts caught in your 
neighborhood? State whether your answer to this question is founded 
on an actual weighing and measuring of the fish, or upon an estimate. 
5. What is the greatest size of the smelts nowadays caught in your 
neighborhood. 
6. Are the fish as large as they were years ago? If not, how much 
difference is there? 
C.—Abundance. 
7. How abundant are the smelts in comparison with other fish ? 
8. Are they as abundant now as they were five, ten, twenty, or thirty 
years ago. 
9. If they have increased or decreased, how do you account for it? 
10. Have their haunts and habits been changed by the influence of 
man? 
11. Have their numbers been decreased by overfishing ? 
D.—Migrations and movements. 
12. Are smelts caught in your neighborhood at all seasons of the 
year? If not, state as definitely as you can the portions of the year 
when they are caught. 
