REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XVII 
Mr. Y. N\ Edwards, wlio has been stationed permanently at Wood’s 
iToll since 1871, lias continued liis observations upon the movements, 
habits, and abundance of the fishes of this region and has obtained 
large and valuable collections. A compilation of his results during the 
past eighteen years, which is now in progress, will prove a very valu- 
able contribution to the natural history of our marine fishes. 
The Commissioner is pleased to note the establishment at Wood’s 
Holl of a marine biological laboratory intended for both students and 
investigators, which can not fail to have an important function in stimu- 
lating scientific research in this direction, and ultimately in promoting 
the interests of fish- culture by its contributions. This institution had 
its origin in Boston, and counts several well-known biologists among 
its instructors. The director is Prof. C. O. Whitman, of Clark Uni- 
versity. 
Prof. W. O. Atwater, of Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., 
who began for the Fish Commission, about ten years ago, a very com- 
prehensive series of experiments upon the chemical composition and 
nutritive values of the American food-fishes, has completed his under- 
taking during the past year, and his report upon the subject is pub- 
lished in the appendix to this volume. Fifty-five species of fishes and 
eleven of mollusks ancl crustaceans Avere analyzed. The report is 
divided into two parts, the first being chiefly occupied with the tech- 
nical details of analyses, while the second is more popular in character 
and explains the deductions reached by the author, together with their 
bearing upon different fishery problems. This important monograph 
can not fail to attract much attention from those interested in the fish- 
eries, whether from a practical or scientific standpoint. 
METHODS AND STATISTICS OF THE FISHERIES. 
* 
The work of this division relates to the history, methods, and statis- 
tics of the commercial fisheries; and the discussion and interpretation 
of the data obtained will, it is expected, contribute greatly to the 
advancement of these interests. 
The appropriation for this branch of the service, $15,000, was small 
for the extent of territory to be covered, but it was used with economy, 
the expenses of the field agents having been especially low, the cost of 
travel and subsistence averaging only $3.86 per man daily. Investi- 
gations were carried on in Maine, Massachusetts, Bhode Island, New 
York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, 
/ Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, the Great Lakes, 
the Pacific Coast, and Alaska. The statistics, methods, and relations 
of the fisheries of these regions were studied in detail, and with a view 
to the preparation of reports. Valuable information of a similar na- 
ture was obtained also through the medium of the statistical circulars 
of the Treasury Department, of which more than 10,000 were returned 
II. Mis. 274- 
ii 
