[3] CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND VALUE OF FISH FOR FOOD. 233 
I wish also to acknowledge the generous contribution by Mr. A. R. 
Crittenden, of the firm of Wilcox, Crittenden & Co., of this city, of $100 
towards the expenses of the analysis of fish. 
Further and especial thanks are due to Mr. E. G. Blackford, Fish Com- 
missioner of the State of New York, fora gift of the same amount ($100) 
towards defraying the expenses of the investigation of the invertebrates, 
as well as for the furnishing of samples and valuable information. 
In conclusion, permit me to express my appreciation of the pecuniary 
and other aid which has been courteously afforded by yourself, and 
which has rendered the investigation possible. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
WwW. O. ATWATER, 
Chemical Laboratory, Wesleyan University, 
Middletown, Conn., July 1, 1881. 
Prof. SPENCER F, BAIRD, 
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 
and United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. 
PARTY. I. 
ANALYSES OF FISH. 
DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLES OF FISH ANALYZED. 
Nos. I, XIII, XV, and XVI were purchased at fish markets in Middle- 
town, in the months of March, April, May, and June, 1879; the other 
samples were procured as stated below. 
No. I. Halibut (Hippoglossus americanus). 
The sample was from the posterior fialf of the body. The price was 
15 cents per pound. The proportions of flesh, edible portion, refuse, and 
loss in cleaning (see “ Methods of Analysis”) were as given in Table I. 
No. IJ. Flounder (Pleuronectes americanus). 
The entrails of the fish had been removed. Price 10 cents per pound. 
The following figures show the proportions of edible portion, waste, &c., 
in each sample and in both together. The figures for the two together 
are also given in Table I. 
A B Both 
Grams. Grams. Grams 
Weight of edible portion, flesh. .--.-..--------------- 239 715 954 
Weight of refuse, head, bones, skin, &¢..------------ SoD" 961 1, 316 
Loss in preparing for analysis........-------+---++-+-- 19 19 | 38 
Total weight of sample in grams..-.--..--------------- 613 1, 695 2, 308 
Total weight of sample in pounds and ounces ...----- 11b. 5. 6 02. 31bs.11.80z. | 5 lbs.1.4 02. 
No. III. Cod (Gadus morrhua). 
The head and entrails of the fish had been removed. Price 10 cents 
