167 



were equally confident that it occurred at sea.T^he most 

 experienced fishermen of the seacoast — men who have 

 followed the business all their lives — have been consulted, 

 but were far from agreeing in their views. 



It was certain that a number of these fish were migra- 

 tory, or at least semi-migratory in their character, visit- 

 ing the fresh waters at certain seasons, but remaining in 

 the new element for an unknown period. This is 

 proved by their ascending the falls of the Potomac at 

 certain months every year, and their appearing in other 

 rivers at established periods. The supposition was 

 natural that they made this change for the purposes of 

 spawning, and yet it was equally clear that the vast ma- 

 jority of striped bass never left the ocean or the salt 

 bays, coves and lagoons which are connected with it. 



Striped bass are the most numerous of the salt water 

 fish of our coast from Maine to Florida. They are with 

 us, more or less, at all seasons of the year. They are the 

 principal means of supplying our markets. They grow 

 to a large size, and are extremely prolific. If thej' can 

 be cultivated artificially, an immense benefit will be con- 

 ferred on the community. The only doubt is whether 

 a sufficient number of the spawning fisb can be obtained 

 in ripe condition. 



Those that spawn in the fresh water ascend the rivers 

 for the purpose in spring, and begin the operation about 

 the month of May. The eggs are expressed without 

 difficulty, and hatch in eight days in the ordinary shad 

 hatching boxes. TJie fry have little umbilical sac, and 

 may be turned loose immediately, and will take care of 

 themselves. The eggs are about the size of those of the 

 shad. 



Striped bass have a peculiar aptitude for both fresh and 

 salt water, and may be changed from one to the other with- 



