752 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



[2] 



to a repetition of the experiment. These 56 marked fish average in 

 weight 3.4 pounds, and in length 20.5 inches, in both points less than 

 the general average of 1885. For a more exact experiment Mr. Buck 

 has devised a system of marks consisting of holes to be punched through 

 the fins, by which numerals can be indicated and individual fishes identi. 

 lied on their return, and these marks were applied to a large part of the 

 fishes handled in 188G. 



The eggs obtained numbered in all 942,500. They were all placed for 

 development in the cold water of the river house, aud there remained 

 till the mouth of February, when they were removed to the cove house, 

 preparatory to division and shipment, which was accomplished in March. 

 The losses from lack of impregnation and other causes reduced the eggs 

 available for division to 855,500. The legal reserve took from these 

 214,000, and the remaining 641,500 were divided among the subscribers 

 to the fund as follows: Massachusetts, 132,000; New Hampshire, 

 132,000 ; United States, 377,500. 



The eggs for shipment were packed as usual in Sphagnum moss, aud 

 transferred by express, over the usual route, including a ride of 30 miles 

 in the open air, and all reached their destination safely. 



The 214,000 eggs reserved for Grand Lake were hatched and planted 

 with the very small loss of 1,044 eggs and fry. A lot of 104,000 sea- 

 salmon eggs were sent over from Bucksport by the Maine Commissiou- 

 ers and hatched at the Schoodic Station to be planted in waters trib- 

 utary to the St. Croix* They were likewise successfully hatched with 

 a loss of but 255 eggs and fry, and were planted in Junior Stream and 

 Upper "Dobsey" Stream June 15, 17, and 20, 18S7. 



The following tabular statements will be fouud to give additional de- 

 tails of interest : 



Table I. — Fishing record at Grand Lake Stream, Maine, 1886. 

 [Each day of 24 hours, ending at 7 a. m.] 



