APPENDIX. 235 



effort to escape from their confinement. It has 

 also been noticed that although they continue to 

 present a healthy outward appearance, yet if the 

 forced imprisonment is prolonged the generative 

 organs are seriously affected, for they invariably 

 become perfectly sterile. These observations may 

 be of much interest to ichthyologists and to others 

 interested in the natural history of introduced 

 fishes. 



During the year 1880, 23,000 Ova were supplied 

 to the other Colonies, and 2350 Fry were distri- 

 buted in various rivers of this Colony, The Com- 

 missioners are always prepared to supply the 

 requirements of any locality upon application 

 being made to them. 



Your Commissioners are aware that poachers 

 are still very numerous ; but the number of licensed 

 rod fishermen having increased from 138 in season 

 1876-77 to 382 in the season just closed, is a 

 satisfactory proof that the offenders are not now so 

 numerous as formerly. 



EOB. CAE BEAD, 



Chairman, 



BOth June, 1881. 



