19 



identically of the same size and weight as the other, weigfhing one-half pound 

 more and about same length. Both fish are now in the basin of the park 

 fountain at Quiney, and have grown perceptibly since their arrival. These 

 fish, no doubt, had escaped from some ponds connected with some stream 

 tributary to the Illinois river, and perhaps by the carrying away of the dam 

 to carp pond during a freshet, the fish become liberated and found their way 

 to the river. From Smith & Co., of Beardstown, and flbhermen at Havana, 

 Pekin, Peoria, and various points on the Illinois river, reports come to us of 

 the catching now and then, of carp, all quite large. On the Mississippi river 

 carp are frequently taken, both the old and young, showing that they not 

 only grow in the rivers, but increase as well. In the Sny Ecarte, in Pike 

 county, we are informed that some seine fishermen caught at one haul of the 

 seine about 100 carp, averaging in weight about three pounds each. This 

 catch was reported to us by the fishermen themselves. We did not see the 

 fish, and the statement may be erroneous, but enough has been learned in 

 regard to the matter to demonstrate to our satisfaction that the carp can be 

 successfully introduced into our rivers, and with that end in view we shall 

 undertake to propagate a supply, which, together with those furnished from 

 time to time by the United States fish commission, shall be adequate to 

 people all the streams in the State with them. 



THE FISHING INDUSTRY. 



The extent and value of the fish industry of the State is so little 

 known and understood, that it may be worth while to call attention 

 to some of its features. Few people, in the State at large, know any- 

 thing about it, and so that they can now and then obtain good fish 

 at fair prices, care for little else regarding it. 



Chicago is one of the great fish markets of the world. There are 

 probably more concerns dealing in fish there than of any other one 

 commodity, drawing as they do not only from the State, but from all 

 other states, its supply. We intended, in this report, to give the 

 statistics of the extent of the trade in Chicago, but owing to some 

 cause clearly beyond, our control, figures were not ready. 



We give herewith a copy of an article from New York Fishing Ga- 

 zette which will give an idea of the trade in our locality, and its im- 

 portance as a food, particularly for the working classes. 



We also give herewith report of Illinois River Fishermen's Asso- 

 ciation for the year ending December 31, 1899. 



This report covers twenty towns on Illinois river, and only in- 

 cludes the fish bought, caught and handled by members of the asso- 

 ciation, which comprises only a part of those engaged in market 

 fishing for a livelihood. 



