EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XXIII 



ceiviug it, is that of the lobster, the decrease of which has been very 

 marked. The experiments of the Fish Commission suggest methods 

 by which the number can be greatly increased. Something, too, may 

 be done with the common crab of the Atlantic coast and its transfer to 

 the Pacific. Some kinds might also be advantageously brought to the 

 eastern portion of the United States from the Pacific coast and from 

 the European seas. 



A subject of as much importance as any other that now occupies the 

 attention of the Fish Commission is an increase in the supply of oys- 

 ters. In no department of the American fisheries has there been so 

 rapid and alarming a decrease, and the boasted abundance of this mol- 

 lusk on the Atlantic coast, especially in Chesapeake Bay, is rapidly 

 being changed to a condition of scarcity which threatens practical ex- 

 termination, as is almost the case in England. A fishing industry pro- 

 ducing millions of dollars is menaced with extinction, and needs the 

 most stringent measures for its protection. 



The U. S. Fish Commission has been very fortunate, through its 

 agents and assistants, in making important discoveries in connection 

 with the propagation of the oyster, which are to be referred to hereafter; 

 and it is proposed to establish several experimental stations for apply- 

 ing the discoveries thus made, so as to constitute a school of instruction 

 and information to persons practically engaged in the business. 



There are other shell-fish besides the oyster that will well repay the 

 trouble of transplantation and multiplication. Among these are sev- 

 eral species of clams belonging to the Pacific coast of the United States, 

 which are much superior in size, in tenderness, and in excellence of flavor 

 to those on the eastern coast. Most of these are natives of Puget Sound, 

 and the completion of the Northern Pacific Eailway is looked forward 

 to as a convenient means of transferring them to Eastern waters. The 

 common clams of the Atlantic coast are also fair subjects of experiment. 



As might be expected, the correspondence of the Commission pre- 

 sents the usual increase in magnitude; requiring, of course, increased 

 service in briefing, registering, filing, &c.* 



*Tahle showing the number of letters received a,nd ivritten and the Jiumher offish applications 

 received iy the U. S. Fish Commission during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883. 



Months. 



July 



August — 

 September. 



October 



November . 

 December . 



January . . . 

 Pebruary . . 



March 



April 



May 



June 



1882. 



1883. 



696 



397 



325 



1,656 



1,557 



1,355 



1,501 

 1,514 

 1,620 

 1,572 

 1,102 

 1,057 



Total 14,352 



Letters registered. I Fish appli- 



cations reg 



Eeceived. Written. ! istered. 



547 

 534 

 588 

 692 

 721 

 930 



1,121 

 ],050 

 1,073 

 1,046 



786 

 828 



9,916 



264 

 74 



405 

 1,093 



692 

 1,380 



905 

 774 

 859 

 784 

 199 

 505 



7,934 



Total of 

 letters and 

 applica- 

 tions. 



1,507 

 1,005 

 1,318 

 3,441 

 2,970 

 3,665 



3,527 

 3,338 

 3,552 

 3,402 

 2, 087 

 2,390 



32, 202 



