192 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



In the falls of the Eappahanuock above Fredericksburg and adjacent 

 to Falmouth there are 19 fall or finger traps, which take many alewives 

 and a few shad, the number of the latter in 1896 approximating 58, of 

 which 38 were bucks. There are no shad whatever reported from this 

 stream above Falmouth Falls. 



POTOMAC RIVER. 



Although the Potomac Eiver forms the boundary line between Vir- 

 ginia and Maryland, it is located wholly within the limits of the latter 

 State. By a compact made in 1785 a right of fishery in this river exists 

 in common between citizens of the two States, citizens of Virginia enjoy- 

 ing equal privileges with those of Maryland. This makes it convenient 

 to describe the shad fisheries of both sides of the river at the same 

 time, and as the river is situated wholly in the limits of Maryland, this 

 discussion is placed in the chapter on the shad fisheries of that State 

 (page 199). It will suffice to note in this place that the yield of shad 

 on the Potomac during 1896 numbered 684,063, of which 450,825, worth 

 $43,084, were taken by residents of Virginia. 



THE SHAD FISHERIES OF MARYLAND. 



The extent, by water areas, of each branch of the shad fisheries of 

 Maryland in 1896 is presented in the following series of three tables, 

 showing (1) the number of persons employed, (2) the boats, apparatus, 

 etc., used, and (3) the number and value of shad taken. 



Statement, by icater areas, of the number of men employed in each branch of the shad • 

 fisheries of Maryland in 1896. 



a Fall-trap . 



