REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV 
ascertain that the physical and, to a certain extent, the biological 
features of the region have not materially changed. The conditions 
of environment must remain congenial to the species, and it must have 
an abundance of proper food. If, on the other hand, fishes are being 
transplanted into new regions, it becomes necessary to study all the 
conditions of the latter with respect to their suitability for the forms 
in question. Are the temperature and density of the water and the 
character of the bottom adapted to them ? Does the coast or river afford 
the necessary facilities for their spawning? Is there sufficient food for 
the young and adult, and is the region free from predaceous species 
which may destroy the eggs and embryos ? Fishway methods, enabling 
the anadromous species to overcome obstructions to their ascent to 
spawning-grounds, must also be based upon scientific principles to 
insure their complete utility. 
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS. 
Among scientific problems which do not pertain directly to the 
above subjects, but which are sometimes of great importance, are such 
as relate to the deterioration of fishery products, methods of preserva- 
tion of fish for food and bait, and the comparative value of the different 
species for food and other purposes. 
FACILITIES FOR SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS. 
The wide scope given to the scientific work makes it necessary to 
provide for a great diversity of observations. At the outset Prof. 
Baird found a steam launch and small sailboat entirely adequate to 
the conduct of his seacoast investigations. Two years later a naval 
tug was added to the fleet, and in 1877 this gave place to a larger 
naval vessel of the same type. With slight changes these two vessels 
were readily adapted to the explorations, and the experience acquired 
by their use led subsequently to the building of the fishery steamers 
Fish Hawk and Albatross. The schooner Grampus was afterwards con- 
structed to meet certain requirements of the practical fisheries, but she 
is also fitted to participate in the study of scientific problems. 
At present, therefore, the Fish Commission is provided with three 
vessels suited to the inquiries along the coast. The Albatross is a 
thoroughly sea going steamer, built of iron, measuring 1,074 tons dis- 
placement, and propelled by twin screws. In her construction every- 
thing was sacrificed to strength and durability, to arrangements for 
easy working in a sea way, and to accommodations for scientific re- 
search. The heavy apparatus is operated from the forward deck, but 
the laboratories are amidship, being large and well equipped. Her out- 
fit is the most perfect that has ever been supplied to any surveying ves- 
sel, and comprises every necessary device for sounding, dredging, and 
