REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXVII 



It is expected tliat the railroad will be connected with the river, forming a. con- 

 tinuous, uninterrupted line across the continent, before the month of August, 1883. and 

 in time to distribute any spawn taken in that year. 



The Columbia River salmon for distribution would be unequaled, while the re- 

 stocking of the parent waters would be of great value. 



The catch on the Columbia in 1882 was not less than 1,600,000 fish, and surely so 

 great an industry and consumption needs fostering. 



We exported from the Columbia River, In 1882, 540,000 cases, valued at |2,900,000. 



There are twenty-foiir salmon canneries now at Astoria and ten more within 30 miles, 

 representing a permanently invested capital, in ground, buildings, machinery, &c., 

 of at least $850,000. 



No other river in the United States produces so fine a quality of salmon (the Quin- 

 nat) ; it is preferred in every market of the world, has more oil and a finer color and 

 flavor, and commands an average of 15 per cent in price over the product of any 

 other river. 



Respectfully submitted by order of the Astoria Chamber of Commerce. 



E. C. HOLDEN, Secretary. 



Hon. Spencer F. Baird, 



U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C. 



Subsequently Hon. M. 0. George wrote requesting the Commission to 

 do anything in its power to further the proposition. Accordingly Mr. 

 Livingston Stone was directed to make a careful exploration of the 

 river and its tributaries during the summer. His report and recommen- 

 dations will be found in the appendix to this volume. 



2. At Milwaukee, Wis. — On the 15th of January, 1883, a communica- 

 tion was received from Philo Dunning, president of the Wisconsin fish 

 commission, trai)smitting a copy of some resolutions which had been 

 adopted by the Wisconsin commission, and also a copy of a joint reso- 

 lution of the State legislature of Wisconsin. On the 5th of February, 

 Hon. E. D. Torrey, general manager of the Milwaukee Industrial Ex- 

 position Association, transmitted a resolution passed by the directors 

 of the association making a similar request. 



The common council of Milwaukee also passed a resolution of ap- 

 proval of the project. 



The Fish Commission was unable to comply with these requests, as 

 it had not the means for establishing additional hatcheries, and as those 

 at jSTorthville and Alpena furnished facilities for taking care of all the 

 eggs obtainable in that region. 



The resolutions and memorials referred to above were as follows: 



At a regular meeting of the Wisconsin fish commission held on the 7th of January, 

 1883, the following action was taken with reference to the location of the Northwest- 

 ern branch of the United States fish hatchery in Milwaukee : 



Whereas we believe in the industry of the artificial propagation of the better classes 

 of native and foreign fish, and recognize with satisfaction the efi'orts the General Gov- 

 ernment, under the efficient management of Prof. Spencer F. Baird, U.S. Commissioner 

 of Fish, is putting forth in this direction; and 



Whereas we believe no better place can be found than is offered in the city of 

 Milwaukee, Wis., for the location of the Northwestern branch of the Government 

 hatchery: Therefore, 



Resolved, That we cordially invite Professor Baird to examine the facilities offered 

 in this city, at an early day, with reference to locating said branch in this place. 



