KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. XLV 



The Goldfish (Caramus auratus). 



10,000 goldfish were hatched at Wytheville, and released in the rear- 

 ing ponds. The account of the distribution is given in the sketch of the 

 station. 

 The Tench (Tinea tinea). 



This European species has been under cultivation in Washington, 

 District of Columbia, for several years. In 1888 provision was made 

 for rearing it at the new station of Neosho, Missouri, for introduction 

 into the Southwestern States. 



The Sturgeons (Acipenser spjp). 



June 11, the steamer Fish Hawlc went to Delaware City, Delaware, 

 to make some experiments with sturgeon spawn, with a view to deter- 

 mining what apparatus and conditions are necessary to hatch the 

 eggs successfully. The vessel remained at this place until the end of 

 the month, and during that time diligent search was daily made among 

 the sturgeon fishing boats, to find fish suitable for the purpose, but 

 not one could be found. 



In May and June, 1888, Dr. John A. Kyder, professor of biology in 

 the University of Pennsylvania, investigated the sturgeon of the Dela- 

 ware River, and a monograph resulting from his studies will appear in 

 the Bulletin for that year. 



The Lobster (Ilomarus americanus). 



Lobster eggs were collected from May 16 to May 31, 1888. Noue 

 hatched until June 2, when they began to hatch rapidly. 



When the lobsters were crowded in tubs in carrying them from Lob- 

 sterville in the launch, the time of the voyage being two hours, only a 

 few of their eggs hatched ; but when towed in the dory live-car the 

 eggs nearly all hatched. 2,092,000 lobster eggs were collected at 

 Wood's Holl, of which 193,000 were sent to the Pacific coast. An 

 account of this transfer is given below. 



TRANSPLANTING OF LOBSTERS TO THE PACIFIC COAST OF THE UNITED STATES. 



The inhabitants of the Pacific coast have long desired to add the 

 American lobster (Homarus americanus) to the food supply of their re- 

 gion, and they have from time to time urged the Government to attempt 

 its transfer to the Pacific Ocean. The State of California has contrib- 

 uted to the accomplishment of this object, both independently and with 

 the help of the U. S. Fish Commission. 



The effect of the more equable temperature of the water and the inter- 

 relations of the indigenous fauna with the introduced lobster can be 

 determined only by experience ; but it is believed that the species will 

 adapt itself to its new surroundings and prove a valuable addition to 

 the already large stock of edible Crustacea. 



The first attempt to transfer the lobster was made in June, 1873, and 

 was unsuccessful. The second shipment, in June, 1874, resulted in the 



