CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION AT CINCINNATI. 
875 
Libit was to show, as far as practicable, the results accomplished in the 
scientific investigation of the waters, in the study of the methods, rela- 
tions, and statistics of the fisheries, and in the artificial propagation and 
acclimatization of fishes, whereby certain important industries are 
chiefly maintained. The plan of the exhibit, which I submitted to the 
Commissioner June 13, 1888, was substantially carried out. The fol- 
lowing extracts show the general scope : 
(1) The scientific investigations and explorations which have been and are now 
being conducted by the Fish Commission. 
(2) The history, present methods, and importance of fish-culture, together with the 
system of distribution of fish and fish eggs, which may be properly considered under 
the head of fish-culture. In connection with this it seems to me desirable that there 
should be an exhibition of live fish in aquaria, chiefly representing species which 
have been propagated by the efforts of the Commission. Also, it is important to show 
the most improved system of fishways, since these have an intimate relation with the 
question of propagation, which might be seriously impeded, if not rendered abso- 
lutely abortive, unless some successful method is devised to enable fish to ascend 
rivers during their breeding season. 
(3) Fisheries, including (a) specimens of the more important economic species; 
(&) apparatus, photographs, paintings, crayons, etc., illustrating the capture of fishes; 
(c) vessels, boats, photographs, sketches, etc., illustrative of the flotilla employed in 
the fisheries of the United States. 
The plan and scope of the display were limited by the space and 
means available for the installation. By agreement with the repre- 
sentatives of the other Departments, it was decided to place the Fish 
Commission exhibit in the north end of the u Park Building but the 
space allotted was less than 3,000 feet of floor area, rectangular inform, 
95 by 31 feet.* The wall space, however, was comparatively ample, 
measuring 31 feet in length on each side and 95 feet across the end 
of the building. Additional space of this kind was afforded by the 
screens separating the Fish Commission section from that occupied by 
the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum. The wall space 
was especially important, since it afforded the requisite background for 
the aquaria and gave opportunity for the proper display of numerous 
pictures and maps illustrative of fisheries, fish-culture, etc. 
Work on the collections , etc . — The time available for the preparation 
and assembling of the collections was exceedingly short. The scope of 
the exhibit was not determined until after my return from Cincinnati, 
June 8. The arrangement for a division of the appropriation between 
the Fish Commission and the National Museum was not arrived at until 
rafter June 20. 
* The total available space for the Government exhibits amounted to 42,000 square 
feet of floor. Of this, the following assignments were arranged by the board : State 
Department, 750 feet ; Treasury Department, 4,250 feet ; War Department, 4,000 feet ; 
Navy Department, 4,750 feet; Interior Department, 6,000 feet ; Department of Agri- 
culture, 4,000 feet; Post-Office Department, 2,500 feet; Department of Justice, 750 
feet; Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, 12,000 feet; U. S. Commission 
of Fish and Fisheries (about) 3,000 feet. 
