XVII 
years previous. I attribute the increase to the efforts of the 
Fish Commission. 
7. Shad, herring, rock, perch, pike, mullet, sun-fish, roach 
and cat-fish. Shad, herring, rock and perch are the principal 
fish caught in our river, and I think that they, with the black- 
bass, are best adapted to our waters. 
8. I have kept no account of the number of fish sold for 
several years, but think about one-eighth rock, three-eighths 
shad and the balance herring and perch. 
9. I have — I have. 
10. The male or stag rock is the more abundant. Yery 
seldom caught a ripe female. 
11. Seventy-five pounds. I know nothing of their growth. 
12. They do. 
13. I think not. 
Andrew Airey, Dorchester County. 
1. I have for forty years. 
2. Choptank River. 
3. I have. 
4. From 20th of April to same time in May. 
5. I do not. 
6. Shad have been fewer for several years. I attribute de- 
crease to stake ponds. There have been more rock for the 
past two years than for the fifteen years previous. I attribute 
increase to the Fish Commission. 
7. Rock, perch, shad, herring and taylors mostly. Rock 
are best adapted to our waters. 
8. Mostly rock and perch. The prices vary according to 
the markets. 
9. I have frequently seen ripe rock. 
10. There are a great many more male rock. 
11. Seventy-five pounds. Cannot tell growth, but they 
grow very fast. 
12. The female is short and thick ; the male is long and 
slender. 
13. The rock is not destructive, and I deem it by all odd& 
B 
