PISHES, LAHONTAN SYSTEM OK NEVADA AND NORTHEASTERN CALIFORNIA. 4 1 



into isolated basins — long enough for some of them to have become measurably differ- 

 entiated from the parent stock. A careful examination of a large series of specimens 

 has failed to detect any differentiation characteristic of the fishes of any particular 

 basin of the system. 



Eagle Lake appears to have been connected at one time with Lake Lahontan, 

 as it contains two channel or lacustrine species, Siphateles obesus and Leucidius pec- 

 tinifer, the latter of which has not been seen in the streams of Honey Lake Basin. It 

 may be noted in this coimection that Salmo tahoensis, the characteristic trout of the 

 Lahontan system, is replaced in Eagle Lake by S. aquilarum, a form evidently derived 

 from the rainbow trout of the western slopes of the Sierras, while the remaining native 

 fishes of the lake are Lahontan species. 



THE FOOD FISHES. 



A discussion of the economic value of the fishes of this region and any consideration 

 of methods of propagation and protection must begin and end with the assumption that 

 agricultural and manufacturing interests are of paramount importance. A considerable 

 and constantly increasing amount of the flowing water must be used first for power and 

 then for irrigation, and when any measure intended for the protection of fishes is found 

 to seriously interfere with the working of power plants or the demands of agriculture 

 it will have to be abandoned. On the other hand, a strong sentiment prevails against 

 the careless and unnecessary obstruction and pollution of rivers and lakes. It is coming 

 to be generally recognized that factories and mills may operate without turning their 

 refuse into the streams, dams may be so constructed as not to stop the passage of fishes 

 during the spawning season, and irrigating ditches may be screened and thus prevent 

 the loss of fishes in the fields. 



Despite the arid conditions which prevail over the greater part of the region and the 

 relative paucity of streams and lakes, the fishes and the sport of fishing are of con- 

 siderable importance. Of the 15 native species, 6 are of more or less commercial value. 

 These include the various trouts, the whitefish, and the ' 'cui-ui.' ' The last named is eaten 

 by the Indians only, who profess to like them better than trout. Ten or more species 

 have been introduced. Of these the carp, which has proved to be a positive nuisance, 

 and the Mackinaw trout threaten to take the place of better varieties. The brook 

 and the rainbow trouts thrive in suitable localities. Catfish and Sacramento sunfish 

 are caught in considerable numbers. Formerly quantities of trout were shipped from 

 Tahoe, Pyramid, Winnemucca, and Walker Lakes to the mining camps and even to 

 San Francisco. At present fishermen supply the local market at Lake Tahoe and the 

 Pyramid Indians sell trout at Reno, where the demand is said to be uncertain because 

 of the irregular enforcement of laws. 



Any suggestion which might be offered for the propagation and the adequate 

 protection of the fishes of the region would include a close and continued observation 

 of the habits of the native species, for conservation of fishes consists in the intelligent 

 application of experience thus obtained, the arrest of poachers and the planting of fry 

 being only incidental. Some of the difficulties in the way of proper protection here, 

 and which are apparent to most observers, arise from the unfortunate circumstance that 

 this system is included within the jurisdiction of two States, and that the viewpoint 

 of those primarily interested in manufacture and agriculture does not always coincide 



