156 STUDIES IN INSECT LIFE, ETC. 



about the same time, in 1871. Its work is, 

 however, of a more practical kind ; besides 

 general scientific investigation, it collects fishery 

 statistics and undertakes commercial fishery in- 

 quiries, assists in finding markets, and generally 

 advises the trade and the legislature when 

 diplomatic action is indicated ; finally it is by 

 far the most energetic fish-breeding institution 

 in the world. Much of its work is concerned 

 with the vast system of island waters rivers 

 and lakes which traverse the Continent. The 

 work has been carried on on a scale unknown 

 elsewhere, and Congress has supported it with 

 ample funds. The appropriation in 1897-98 ex- 

 ceeded 97,000, of which 41,000 was spent 

 on salaries, 16,000 on scientific investigations 

 and upkeep of steamers, 37,000 on fish-culture 

 (mostly fresh-water) and 3,000 on administration 

 and statistics. Besides this central body, many 

 of the States possess Fish Commissions of their 

 own. The Commissioners control numerous 

 laboratories and fish hatcheries, two sea-going 

 vessels, and many railway cars especially de- 

 signed for the transport of fish-fry. The hatch- 

 ing is carried on on a very large scale ; six years 

 ago 1,164 millions of young fish were hatched 



