138 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
make it impossible for them to arrive there until their catch is in an 
advanced stage of deterioration. The result is that either an unwhole- 
some article of food is put on the market, much to the ultimate injury 
of the fishery (by destroying confidence and decreasing the demand for 
fresh fish), or else the fishermen must throw their catch into the sea. 
The next point for consideration is the method of handling fish after 
they have been landed. Although there has been some change in 
this respect in recent years, and some of the better class of markets 
are well conducted, there is, nevertheless, much room for improve- 
ment. Eminent authorities agree in saying that u the bulk of the catch 
exposed for sale is stale and often repulsive-looking.” The small deal- 
ers and street hucksters usually buy the cheapest material, and a 
majority of them use little or no ice. I have learned of instances where 
the peddlers did not even have a covering of any kind for their fish. 
Under such circumstances it is not difficult to believe that the condi- 
tion of a wagonload of fish might soon become exceedingly repulsive* 
even though they were fresh when landed. But their condition must 
be additionally disgusting if they had already become somewhat stale 
before the boats arrived. One who has had excellent opportunities for 
observing this phase of the business expressed his surprise that any 
person would purchase from a cart fish covered with dust, their skins 
parched by the sun, their eyes sunken, and with myriads of flies swarm- 
ing over them; and it has been remarked that “the manner in which 
fish are handled, generally taken care of, and presented to the pur- 
chaser, does not impress one with the idea that cleanliness is one of the 
main objects of the business.” If these statements are not exaggerated 
(and instances of this kind are not uncommon), it must be conceded 
that improvement can not be inaugurated too soon or maintained with 
too great care; I prefer to think such cases are exceptional. 
It is not necessary to dwell upon this matter longer. It is enough to 
know that all experienced and unbiased observers concur in opinion 
and assertion. The important question then, is, How shall this evil be 
remedied ? It is at least feasible to offer suggestions that may materi- 
ally improve present conditions. First, boats that are engaged in line 
or paranzella fishing can, at small expense, be fitted with wells for 
bringing in their catch alive, or at least the bulk of it. The fish not 
immediately sold could be transferred to live-cars and left with agents 
to dispose of in the absence of the boats. No part of the catch would 
be lost, and, since the fish would be alive, the consumer would be sure 
of getting them in the best possible condition. Tbis would inspire 
confidence and increase the demand enormously. The larger fish — 
rockfish, cultus-cod, etc. — that can not be brought in alive should 
always be eviscerated as soon as practicable after being caught. If 
this is done, and the fish are well washed, they will keep much longer 
and better, and will be good food. The smaller species, like smelts, 
herring, and flounders, would also be vastly improved by evisceration 
