PREFACE. 



The object of this bulletin is, 1. To state in a very brief way 

 most of the facts thus far ascertained concerning the fishes of the 

 state; 2. To indicate those inquiries concerning which information 

 is desired; 3. To stimulate those interested in the subject to assist 

 the zoologist of the survey as far as possible in collecting data and 

 material for a final report. 



It is hoped that by paying some attention to the lines of inquiry 

 noted below, correspondents in different parts of the state may fur- 

 nish the survey with facts and material that otherwise would be 

 lost. Full recognition of assistance will be accorded in the final 

 report. This final report, as planned, will contain as complete an 

 account as possible of the habits, distribution, structure, develop- 

 ment, classification, and economical bearings of our fishes. 



Specimens can be sent frozen during the cold weather, and 

 during the summer months they can be shipped packed in salt or 

 sawdust and ice. They should be shipped promptly and should be 

 plainly addressed. 



Correspondence is solicited in regard to : — 



The abundance, distribution and disappearance of an}' of the 

 common fishes. 



The contents of the stomachs of the large fishes. 



Careful measurements and descriptions, following the plan of 

 this bulletin, of fishes that are little known. 



Carefully tabulated data concerning any of the fishes here de- 

 scribed about which there is any question. 



The facts concerning the breeding habits, the diseases, parasites 

 and enemies of the fishes. 



Observations on other animals that bear a more or less definite 

 relation to the fishes. 



Newspaper clippings and photographs concerning any unusual 

 fish. 



In order to determine the adaptability of the lakes and streams 

 in the state to the various fishes it is necessary to know,* among 

 other things: — 



♦Consult a paper on the Investigation of Rivers and Lakes by Dr. B. "W. Ever- 

 mann, Bull. U. S. Fish Com., 1893, p. 69, from which many of the points in regard 

 to observations on lakes have been taken. 



