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impregnated with chemicals, a very large quantity of lime being iised for the 

 purpose of throwing down the solids in the water in their reservoirs, and has 

 frequently shown such strength that it has eaten the covering from some of 

 the zinc appliances in tlie biiilding. It has the effect of taking the mucous 

 coating olt' of the fishes, and is rapidly followed by the development of 

 fungus, if not properly cared for, results in the destruction of the fish itself 

 in a very short time. 



The distance of the fair grounds from the river or from the depot, has 

 made the transportation of fish from either point to the World's Fair grounds 

 expensive, b\it aside from that we have but little to complain of, as will be 

 noted from oi;r accounts. The only feature of expense that we have asked 

 to have paid, other than the taking of fish, is that of coal used on steamer 

 Illinois, and cost of hauling. 



Personal attention has been given the exhibit by the commissioners at least 

 two days of each week, frequently for the whole w^eek, with a view to do 

 ^vhat we could to explain to those interested the scope and nature of our work. 



The fishing industry of the State represents one of the greatest co:nmercial 

 interests. First, the rivers of our State produce annually from IT), 000. 000 to 

 20,000.000 pounds of coarser fishes, which finds a market in the east, bought 

 at a price that affords good compensation to the fishermen along the rivers, 

 -and from the fact that they are selling them dressed, enables the fishermen 

 to get a full price for the full weight of his sales. The gamier varieties, of 

 course, are shipped to larger markets, and have been selling for a good figure. 

 The oiitput of the fish business in the city of Chicago has assumed gigantic 

 proportions. Fish food produced, as it is without material cost to the fisher- 

 men, is put upon the market at prices which make it a very cheap food, and 

 we feel authorized in saying that there is no more economical food-producing 

 •source than that developed in the work of our commission. Comparisons are 

 always invidious, but we can hardly allow this report to pass from us with- 

 out saying that from the economical standpoint, Illinois has had the advan- 

 tage of any of the states having exhibits at the World's Fair. At the forestry, 

 fish and game building, space was given for the purpose of making a live fish 

 display by all the states in the Union. A number of the states made an ap- 

 propriation ranging from .$10,000 to $20,000 for the purpose of making a live 

 fish display. Part of the states proceeded to install their plant, make their 

 collections and undertake their exhibit. We regret to say that in a large 

 majority of instances they have failed, on account of not having the proper 

 means of aeration. Illinois, on the other hand, was fortunate enough to 

 make the arrangements mentioned with the United States Fish Commission, 

 -and have been allotted a much fairer proportion of space than we could have 

 hoped to obtain without special interest being taken in our work, and have 

 given oitr exhibit the same care and attention that thej^ gave their own, and 

 I think we can safelj'^ say, without exception, the general opinion, as has been 

 expressed, is that the exhibit of live fish of the United States Fish Commis- 

 sion (of which, of course, Illinois is a part) has been unequaled in the history 

 of aquaria in this country. 



We, as commissioners, desire to thank your board for the great courtesy 

 extended us, and hope that what we have done will meet with your approval, 

 and prove to be in the end as practical as we think it has been. Financial 

 statement herewith attached. 



Respectfully si^bmitted, 

 N. H. CoEHN, President. 



S. P. Baktlett. Secretary and Superintendent. 



Commissioners. 



