XXVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



of inland fisheries, and was completed JSTovember 17. Shortly thereafter 

 preparations were begun to fit the vessel for a scientific expedition to 

 . Puerto Eico. When this island became a possession of the United 

 States little was actually known of the animal life in its waters; but it 

 was believed that many species of food-fishes and other edible aquatic 

 animals existed there, and it was felt that a knowledge of these, of the 

 commercial fisheries, and the fish trade would prove of both scientific 

 interest and economic value. The establishment of new business and 

 social relations between Puerto Rico and the United States and the 

 consequent changes in the industries of the island made it desirable 

 that the conditions be studied before considerable modifications should 

 take place. It was therefore decided to send the Fish Haich to Puerto 

 Rico with a party to study the subject. 



The scientific investigations were under the immediate direction of 

 Dr. Barton W. Evermann, of the division of scientific inquiry, who had 

 the aid of a full corj^s of assistants. The vessel sailed from Norfolk on 

 December 17 and arrived at San Juan January 2. The investigations 

 were immediately begun at this port and extended entirely around the 

 island, stops being made at the principal places. Though the shortness 

 of the time during which the Fish HaicTi could be retained on this work 

 prevented the investigation from being complete and thorough, extensive 

 collections were made and valuable information obtained. A general 

 report embodying the results of the expedition will be issued, as soon 

 as practicable, in the Bulletin of the Commission for 1900. 



The results of the commercial inquiries have already been published 

 as an appendix to this report, pages 1-31. Many species of edible 

 fishes are found and fishing for local consumption is conducted about 

 most parts of the island, though not very actively, most of the fish 

 used being brought from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. 34,156,000 

 pounds, valued at about $2,124,000, were imported in 1897, of which 

 over 28,000,000 pounds came from the British possessions and less than 

 5,000,000 pounds from the United States. Most of these fish were either 

 dried, pickled, or canned. With improved methods of transportation 

 and refrigeration it is thought that the local fisheries might be greatly 

 increased in quantity and value. 



The work of the party was aided by the military and naval authorities 

 in the island, the governor-general, Maj. Gen. Guy V. Henry, directing 

 that every facility be granted to Lieut. Commander Davenport and 

 Dr. Evermann. 



In order to take up the usual shad-hatching work in Albemarle 

 Sound, the Fish Hatck left Puerto Rico February 22, arrived at Norfolk, 

 Va., on March 8, and at Edentou, N. C, on March 15. From this date 

 till June 12 the vessel was engaged in shad operations in Albemarle 

 Sound and the Delaware River, when it proceeded to Woods Hole, Mass., 

 and there remained until the close of the fiscal year, in connection with 

 the scientific work carried on at that station. During the year this 

 vessel was more extensively engaged at sea than usual, having steamed 



