United States Commission, Fish and Fisheries, 



Washington, January 31, 1872. 

 Sir : In pursuance of a joint resolution of Congress, I have the honor 

 to present herewith a report of operations and inquiries prosecuted dur- 

 ing the year 1871 in reference to the decrease of the food-fishes on the 

 .sea-coast and in the lakes of the United. States. 

 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



SPENCER F. BAIRD, 



Commissioner. 

 Hon. Schuyler Colfax, 



President of the Senate. 



