Il-GENERAL PLAN OF INQUIRIES PROSECUTED. 



For the purpose of securing greater precision in the inquiries pros- 

 ecuted in reference to the natural history of the fishes and the influences 

 exerted upon their multiplication, a general plan was drawn up, with the 

 assistance of Professor Gill, which was followed, as far as practicable, 

 in the investigations. For greater facility the same features were thrown 

 into the form of questions, answers to which were entered by their cor- 

 responding numbers, as shown in the testimony. This systematic ar- 

 raHgement of the subject and the corresponding questions are as fol- 

 lows, it being understood that some particular kind of fish is usually 

 under discussion : 



MEMORANDA OF INQUIRY RELATIVE TO THE FOOD-FISHES 

 OF THE UNITED STATES. 



A. Name of the fish in question in different localities. 



B. Geographical distribution. 



At present time. 



Change of location with season of year. 

 In former times. 



Supposed cause of any iDermanent change. 

 0. Abundance. 



At present time ; in different seasons and localities. 

 In former times^ in different seasons and localities. 

 Supposed cause of variation in abundance. 

 Probable change in the future. 



D. Size. 



Maximum length, girth, and weight. 



Average length, girth, and weight. 



Rate of growth. 



Length and weight at age of one, two, three, &c., years. 



Difference of sexes in this respect. 



E. Migrations and movements. 



Arrival and departure. 



Period of stay. , 



Certainty of arrival. 



Route of movement coming and going. 



Number and times of runs or schools in one season, and differ- 

 ences, if any, in the runs. 



Difference in time of arrival of the sexes and ages. 



Feeding of fish after arrival. 



Summer abode. 



Winter abode. 



If aiiadromousj when they enter the fresh water and when they 

 leave it. 



If anadromous ; what the movements up and down fresh waters 

 of adults or of young. 



Rate of progression of schools in fresh or salt water. 

 S. Mis. Gl 1 



