262 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



in length, is not of nuich importance for food, but the latter grows to 

 the length of a foot, becomes very fat, and is greatly esteemed. It is 

 already fished for quite extensively, but apparently for local use only. 



Both the sardine [Glupanodon cwruleus) and the anchovy [EngrauUs 

 mordax) are inhabitants of these waters. The former, which has 

 attracted considerable attention on the California coast, seems to be 

 present here only during a brief period in the warmer part of the year. 

 The anchovy, however, remains from May to November, is more 

 abundant, occurring in immense schools, and is considered to offer an 

 exceptional opportunity for the preparation of " sardines," A few, 

 which were canned experimentally at Port Townseud, are said to have 

 given great satisfaction. The species is now utilized to some extent 

 both as food and bait. 



The beshow or black-cod {Anoplopoma fimbria), which has received 

 the high approval of many epicures, and for which an extensive fishery 

 has been predicted by some, occurs in the inland waters, but is more 

 abundant off the outer coast, where it also attains much the larger size. 

 Up to the present time, however, it has been marketed only in small 

 quantities and with no regularity, the catch being partly made in con- 

 nection with the halibut. The very oily nature of the flesh makes its 

 preparation difficult, and has undoubtedly retarded its introduction. 



The cultus-cod {Ophiodon elongatus), although not ranking as a high- 

 grade fish, has excellent qualities at certain seasons, is very abundant, 

 and is one of the most common features of the catch among the exclu- 

 sively salt-water species, being commonly sold in all the local markets. 

 It has a wide range in the North Pacific Ocean, and attains a weight of 

 60 to 70 pounds. In this region it often goes by the name of cod and 

 ling, to neither of which species, however, is it closely related. 



The tomcod {Microgadi(s proximus), a small species, is also in consid- 

 erable demand locally, and in some places is taken by the fishermen 

 in large numbers. 



Of the numerous species of rockfish (Sehastodes) which inhabit this 

 region, several are of excellent quality and much esteemed. They are 

 very plentiful, and during the winter are among the principal fishes sold 

 fresh in the local markets. With the increase of iwpulation this group 

 is certain to be largely drawn upon. The perches, as some , of the 

 viviparous surf fishes are called, are a cheap grade of fish, very common 

 about the shores, and extensively utilized. Among the flounders with 

 which these waters abound are several species of great excellence for 

 food, but the demand for this class of fish is still limited and the catch 

 is small. 



The Atlantic shad, which has become well established on the Pacific 

 coast through plants of fry made in the Columbia and Sacramento 

 rivers, has worked its way north into Puget Sound and the Gulf of 

 Georgia, where it is known to enter at least the Fraser and Skagit 

 rivers. Not being specially fished for, information regarding its pres- 

 ence is chiefly based upon specimens caught incidentally and mainly in 

 the salmon nets, which are not well adapted to its capture. It was first 



