MoWnsb 



United States Coi^oiission, Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, January 31, 1872. 

 Sir : In pursuance of a joint resolution of Congress, I have tlie honor 

 to present herewith a report of operations and inquiries prosecuted dur- 

 ing the year 1871 in reference to the decrease of the food-fishes on the 

 sea-coast and in the lakes of the United States. 

 Very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant, 



SPENCER F. BAIE.D, 



Commissioner. 

 Hon. Schuyler Colfax, 



Fresident oftJie Senate. 



