Adams and Hankinson. — Oneida Lake Fisheries 155 



omically, therefore, it is unwise to advocate the use of 

 Oneida Lake primarily for angling as some enthusiasts 

 are inclined to do. It should also produce much excellent 

 food fish. 



Considering the importance of this lake, it is strange 

 indeed that so little accurate information is recorded 

 about its fish, although a State Hatchery has been located 

 upon its shores for several years. New York State has 

 indeed been backward instead of leading in the study of 

 its fresh water resources. This condition of affairs was 

 soon realized, particularly with regard to Oneida Lake, 

 when the college attempted to utilize it for field excur- 

 sions and demonstrations in its courses devoted to train- 

 ing foresters in the elements of fish conservation, pro- 

 tection and breeding. It was early learned that the fish 

 of the lake must be investigated carefully and in detail 

 if a firm foundation is to be laid for sound instruction, 

 and furthermore, if the best use is to be made of this 

 resource at the door of the college. In addition to this 

 educational problem, the college has other obligations 

 which relate this lake study to its investigative work on 

 the utilization of forest lands. Most forest lands con- 

 tain, as in the Adirondacks and Catskills, a large number 

 of lakes, streams and swamps which should be made to 

 produce game and food fish. Thus on the investigative 

 side this is the continuation of a policy initiated by Dean 

 Hugh P. Baker when he published the paper by Professor 

 W. M. Smallwood, entitled : "Preliminary Report on the 

 Diseases of Fish in the Adirondacks," etc. (Technical 

 Pub. No. 1, 1914, N. Y. State College of Forestry, Syra- 

 cuse) . As rapidly as possible the college will extend its 

 investigations to other lakes and streams, and in this 

 work it seeks the co-operation of local organizations 

 wishing surveys made in their vicinity, as such assist- 

 ance will hasten the progress of this kind of work. 



In the study of Oneida Lake, naturally, the first step 

 was to make a general inventory of its fish population 

 and their associated animals and plants which directly 

 or indirectly influence them. In August, 1915, work was 



