VI 



CONTENTS 



Page. 

 Corre>spoDding researches of associates — • 



By J. W. Mi]ner, on the great lakes .' XVII 



By Dr. H. C. Yarrow, on the Carolina coast XVII 



Second visit to south coast of New England in 1872 XXXVI 



Generax results op the investigation XVII 



Recapitulation of objects of the inquiry XVII 



Decrease of food-lishes XVIII 



Substantiated by testimony XVIII 



Established by the investigation XVIII 



Supply of fish in the sea not inexhaustible XIX 



Injurious effect of the decrease XX 



Causes of the decrease, alleged or actual XX 



1. Disappearance of the food of fishes XXI 



2. Change in locality of the fishes themselves XXI 



3. Disease and atmospheric agencies XXTI 



4. Eavages of predacious fishes XXII 



5. Human agencies XXIII 



Pollution of water XXIII 



Over-fishing .- XXIV 



By fixed apparatus XXIV 



Location of such apparatus in Massachusetts and 



Rhode Island XXV 



By nets and lines , XXXI 



6. Combination of human and other agencies, especially blue-fish .. 



Extent of agency of blue-fish XXXII 



Their diminution not desirable XXXII 



Their abundance dependent on that of other fish XXXII 



Measures suggested for relief XXXIII 



Regulation of use of fixed nets XXXIII 



Action by. the States XXXIV 



Bill proposed for the purpose XXXIV 



Arguments in its favor , XXXIV 



Absolute prohibition by the United States the alternative of want of 



action by the States XXX IV 



Anticipation of improvertiBut 1 XXXVI 



Result of lxquihies in 1872 XXXVI 



General summary of resui/is XXXVIII 



Conclusion XL 



ACCOMPANYING PAPERS. 



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