280 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



grounds, why is it necessary to provide for the escape past the nets of 

 the fishermen of more than are required to insure the perpetuation of 

 that species by spawning ? If, on the contrary, the mortality is small 

 and the same fish ascend through two or more seasons, then those 

 which escape capture one year may be regarded as saved for the bene- 

 fit of the fishermen in succeeding years. 



In either case, however, the distinctions to be drawn are very fine, 

 and it is difiicult to conceive of a regulation based upon such condi- 

 tions in view of the uncertainty attending all fisheries, and especially 

 one whose operations are so extensive and whose resources are still so 

 untried as the salmon fishery of this region. A sufficient quantity of 

 salmon should be permitted to pass the nets to insure with absolute 

 certainty the maintenance of the supply. The proper number for that 

 purpose can never be accurately determined, but prudence demands a 

 very large margin. 



QUINNAT SAXMON. 



The quinnat, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha (Walbaum), known also in 

 this region as the tyee and spring salmon, is recognized here, as else- 

 where, as the finest in quality of the Pacific grouj) of salmon, its flesh 

 excelling that of all the other species in richness and delicacy of flavor. 

 It is not, however, nearly so important commercially as the blueback 

 or sockeye salmon, being much less favorably regarded for canning 

 purposes, mainly on account of the lighter color of its meat. Still, for 

 other uses, and especially for the fresh trade, it is most highly prized, 

 and, excepting the peculiar white-meated individuals hereafter to be 

 described, there is demand for all that can be taken. 



While with this as with the other sj)ecies, it has been necessary to 

 depend chiefly upon the market fishermen and sportsmen for a knowl- 

 edge of its movements, enough has been learned to establish several 

 points of interest and to indicate that this region oifers an exceptional 

 opportunity for rounding out the life history of this conspicuous mem- 

 ber of the salmon tribe. 



The quinnat differs markedly in its habits from the sockeye, and is 

 apparently always present in the Gulf of Georgia and in Puget Sound, 

 where it may be captured at practically all times of the year. This fact 

 would seem to indicate that the inner salt waters of the region furnish 

 conditions suited to its welfare during all seasons, although, of course, 

 its entry into fresh water is essential for spawning purposes, and it 

 is to be presumed that a certain proj^ortion finds its way to the ocean 

 every year. 



During the winter months good hook-and-line fishing is obtained in 

 several places, and probably would be found in many others were trials 

 made, but operations of this character are as yet restricted both as to 

 locality and number of men employed, the Indians being the principal 

 participants. The quinnat do not apparently then congregate together 

 in as large or compact bodies as during the period when their move- 

 ments toward the rivers are taking i)lace. They are more scattered 



