700 



BULIvETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



Aggregate of Adult Fishes, Yearlings, Fry, and Eggs Distributed by the Bureau ok Fisheries 



FROM 1872 TO igo8. 



The first column represents the output of the United States Fish Commission 

 from its inception to the beginning of the present Commissioner's administration, 

 a period of twenty-six years. The second column represents the output for the 

 subsequent period of eleven years. The total operating expenses of the entire 

 eleven years, 1898 to 1908, did not exceed those of the preceding twenty-six 

 years, while the output has been more than trebled. About 50 species of fishes 

 are now handled. 



The results of fish culture, as shown by numerous replenished waters and 

 by actual returns in fish, might easily be made the subject of a lengthy discourse, 

 but for present purposes will be alluded to only incidentally. A marked evi- 

 dence of success may be noted in the constantly increasing demand for young 

 fish to plant. Notwithstanding the fact that the bureau, by the increase of its 

 facilities and by progressive methods, has steadily increased its output, the 

 demand of the public for fish has increased therewith until in some lines of 

 work, notably the production of the basses, crappies, other sunfishes, and the 

 catfishes, it is greater than can be met with present means. 



It is a point to be emphasized that the fish-cultural work of the Bureau is 

 of two classes with respect to its economy. Many of the most valuable food 

 fishes, being in their prime for market purposes just prior to the spawning 

 season, are most extensively captured at the very time they should be spared 

 for the perpetuation of their kind. Whenever possible, the Bureau secures 

 the eggs of these fish from the fishermen. Fully 96 per cent of all the 

 eggs collected and hatched by the Bureau are taken and fertilized from fishes 

 ' destined to the market, and this without detracting from the value or edible 

 qualities of the parent fish. 



The collection of fish eggs under these conditions is to be distinguished from 

 the work which utilizes the eggs of fish that have reached their spawning grounds 

 and which it is customary to capture for the express purpose of obtaining and 

 fertilizing their eggs. The latter is fish culture in the usual sense — extensive 



