INLAND i'lSHERIES COMMISSIOKEES' REPORT. 19 



This is "not proven." It may be oftencr, and very likely is, at least 

 among the younger growth. How fast they grow, and Avhat a very 

 young lobster is like is at jiresent not known to us; a system of experi- 

 ments, as far as we know, has never been attempted in America. It 

 must be elaborate and expensive, and well worthy the attention of the 

 United States Government. To show the extent and valne of the 

 lobster fishery in Khode Island, we submit the following from the 

 principal dealers in Providence: One firm in this city handled, last 

 year, about 143,750 pounds, the bulk of which came in the summer 

 months from Rhode Island waters. Another firm received from E. 0. 

 Smith, of Newport, the past year, 40,672 pounds, and Mr. Smith 

 handled 58,704 pounds the past season, all from Rhode Island waters. 

 This represents a value of over $20,000. It would seem that this sub- 

 ject is well worthy the attention of the Legislature of this State, and 

 we ask your immediate action in the matter. 



IKLAND FISHERIES. 



We have to report the stocking of the Georgiaville Reservoir with 

 black bass the past summer, making twenty-seven jiublic waters so 

 stocked during the past ten years. Black bass are now a Rhode 

 Island fish, and afford much satisfaction to those of our citizens whose 

 pleasure it is to "go a fishing." The greatest recorded weight as yet 

 taken in our waters is 5^ pounds. 



We received in November from Prof. Baird a consignment of two 

 hundred carp. These we distributed to the best of our ability to 

 twelve parties who had made application for them. The require- 

 ments of carp are still water of moderate depth, muddy bottom and 

 plenty of water plants, and an absence of other fish that destroy the 

 spawn and young. The carp is as a general thing a vegetable feeder, but 

 does at times eat its own eggs. To make carp culture profitable a series 

 of ponds should be maintained. We are promised a larger number 

 in the spring, and shall take pleasure in distributing to all applicants 

 who may have suitable accommodations for them. 



