Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 283 



There have doubtless been more violations of the bird law. 

 Even prominent cottagers and citizens have been suspected of 

 shooting or hunting ducks illegally and some convictions have been 

 secured. In October, 1904, a prominent cottager on the east side 

 was caught chasing coots with a motor boat, after sunset and on 

 Sunday, all three acts being unlawful. He was fined on all three 

 counts. 



We are informed by the present deputy fish and game warden 

 stationed at the lake that he has known of only one violation of the 

 fish law in the last two years. One arrest was made for having a 

 fish spear in possession. Conviction was secured. 



It is believed that both the fish and game laws are now fairly 

 well observed in the vicinity of the lake. 



Minnows 



In the fall of the year, about when the water becomes chill 

 and the first ice forms, minnows of various species begin to 

 congregate in great numbers in shallow water along the shore. 

 On November 12, 1899, a narrow fringe of ice appeared along 

 the shores of Lost Lake and minnows were observed crowded 

 thickly under it. Similar conditions existed at the south end of 

 Lake Maxinkuckee and thousands of minnows were crowded under 

 the ice. Some that had hidden under boards and boats were more 

 tame and more easily caught than those found elsewhere. 



On September 16, 1900, a large school was seen near shore in 

 front of the Fish Commission station ; on the 18th, a considerable 

 school remained near shore all day. On October 17, a good many 

 were again observed, and on the 26th, a large school remained near 

 shore. The day was quiet, the water very smooth, and the little 

 fish could be heard breaking water and splashing for some dis- 

 tance. They were probably feeding on surface plankton. On the 

 29th, they could be heard at night making a "snipping" noise. On 

 the night of October 30, they could be heard making a sort of lisp- 

 ing noise. Early in the morning of November 3, great numbers 

 were seen near shore, playing very lively at the surface. Again 

 on the 10th, 11th, and 12th they were very lively, splashing and 

 making considerable noise. 



On November 30, several grayback minnows among a large 

 number taken were found to be ruptured slightly in the abdomen. 

 This was probably caused by freezing. Many large schools of 

 minnows, chiefly skipjacks, were seen under the ice at south end of 

 lake. 



On December 1 and 2, only a few were seen near shore, some 

 in Lost Lake and some in the big lake. On the 3rd, there was an 



