THE FOOD FISHES. 
6 97 
forms. The nature of these inquiries created very generally among naturalists a desire to 
take part in the results, and Prof. Baird very generously extended the most complete 
accommodations possible for them. The material collected on the dredging excursions, 
and by the numerous other methods, was large, and ample enough to afford not only indi- 
viduals, but museums and similar institutions, with sets of specimens of marine invertebrate 
animals. 
A photographer was employed to take views of the various species, in the different stages 
of growth and at different seasons. The temperature of the sea water was taken at various 
times of the day, and at stated depths. 
Headquarters being established here at Woods’ Holl, each season was devoted to the work 
of the commission, during the months of August, September, and October. Parties were 
commissioned, also, to continue certain work laid out, of importance in its relations to the 
cooler seasons as well as the warmer. Almost the first result of the marine dredging was the 
capture of new fishes, and some not hitherto known to visit our coast. Hosts of invertebrate 
forms were discovered at almost every haul of the dredge, gladdening the hearts of the 
zoologists and aiding the progress of the several branches of invertebrate forms. 
Prof. Baird says at this time : “ An interesting result of the work done during the summer 
of 1871 consisted in the great variety of the fishes obtained through the pounds and otherwise, 
many of them of kinds previously unknown on the New England coast. The total number 
actually taken and photographed amounted to one hundred and six species, of which twenty 
or more are not included in the great work of Dr. Storer on the ‘ Pishes of Massachusetts.’ 
Nine species are mentioned by various others as found in the waters of Vineyard Sound, but 
which were not secured, making one hundred and fifteen in all known to belong to that fauna. 
Among the more interesting of the newly -recognized fishes is the species of Tunny, a kind 
of small horse-mackerel, the Orcynus tlvwrvwvna , weighing about twenty pounds, and which, 
though well known in the Mediterranean, and in the warmer parts of the Atlantic, have never 
been known to visit the Atlantic side of America. Some five hundred of these were taken in 
one locality, called Menemsha Bight. Two species of the sword-fish family, never before seen 
in these waters, were also taken. 
In connection with this work the algae of the coast were carefully studied by several 
authors, and complete lists published by the commission. During the same summer, some 
investigations were carried on by Dr. Yarrow, U. S. A., on the coast of North Carolina. Also, 
during the same season, a deputy commissioner, Mr. Milner, made a tour of Lake Michigan, 
visiting every fishing locality, and reporting the results in connection with the general opera- 
tions at Woods 1 Holl. 
Two seasons’ work now came to be the subject of a report of some of the “ General Results 
of the Investigation.” The objects to be gained, as authorized by Congress, were, first, to 
determine the facts as to the alleged decrease of the food fishes ; secondly, if such a decrease 
be capable of substantiation, to ascertain the cause of the same ; thirdly, to suggest methods 
for the restoration of the supply. A fourth object, incidental to the rest, was to work out the 
problems connected with the physical character of the seas adjacent to the fishing localities, 
and the natural history of the inhabitants of the water, whether vertebrate or invertebrate, 
and the associated vegetable 1 i A ; as also to make copious and exhaustive collections of speci- 
mens, for the purpose of enriching the National Museum at Washington, and of furnishing 
duplicate specimens for distribution in series to such suitable collegiate and other cabinets as 
might be recommended for the purpose. 
This research into the general natural history of the waters was considered legitimate, as, 
without a thorough knowledge of the subject, it would be impossible to determine, with pre- 
cision, the causes that affect the abundance of animal life in the sea, and the methods for 
regulating it ; and the records of these facts, accompanied by proper illustrative figures, it 
was believed, would be a very acceptable contribution to the cause of popular education, and 
supply a want that has long been felt in this country. 
The direct operations of the commission required the use of extensive apparatus. It was 
found that the additional cost of procuring a large series of specimens of marine objects that 
