development. The length of this report does not permit the 

 publication of many interesting details concerning the various 

 fisheries, complete records of which are on file with the Divi- 

 sion of Fisheries and Game. 



Acknowledgments. — The greater part of the statistical and 

 survey work was conducted in a most capable manner by Mr. 

 Roy S. Corwin, to whom special commendation is due for his 

 excellent and accurate descriptions of the numerous streams 

 and fisheries. The observations on the spawning and artificial 

 propagation of the alewife were made in 1919 and 1920 by Mr. 

 J. A. Kitson. Our sincere thanks are due to the many holders 

 of the alewife privileges, both past and present, and to alewife 

 dealers, for their ready co-operation, with few exceptions, in 

 furnishing reliable information as to the yield, methods of oper- 

 ation and history of the fisheries. We are also deeply in- 

 debted to town officials, particularly to town clerks and mem- 

 bers of herring committees, for their courtesy in furnishing 

 valuable records. 



Methods of Investigation. — The work consisted of three 

 parts: (1) a survey of the coastal streams; (2) a statistical 

 study of fishing methods; and (3) an investigation of the life 

 history and habits of the alewife. 



The survey comprised a biological examination and personal 

 inspection of each stream, with maps and descriptions of all 

 important features. Special emphasis was placed on the condi- 

 tion and accessibility of the spawning grounds, the location of 

 dams, presence or absence of fishways, the volume of water in 

 the stream, and possible sources of pollution, both trade waste 

 and sewage. The life history and habits were observed at the 

 spring runs, on the spawning grounds and during artificial 

 hatching. 



The various methods of operating the fishery under town- 

 control were studied from the standpoint of efiiciency and the- 

 resulting effect upon general conditions in the different streams.. 

 The testimony of members of herring committees, operators of 

 fisheries, fish dealers and townspeople interested in the fisheries,, 

 was taken, and the town records were examined for local regu- 

 lations. Statistics, both past and present, were gathered from 

 all available sources, including town documents, fish committee 

 reports and various legislative enactments. 



