36 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
A few years ago a channel was cut from Union Bay through Lake Union to the 
sound. Considerable water flows through this channel and small boats are able to 
pass through it. 
At the north end Lake Washington receives Squak Slough, which is the outlet of 
Lake Sammamish. This slough runs in a tortuous channel through low, marshy 
ground, its width varying according to the height of water in the lakes which it con- 
nects. When the water is very high the slough overflows and covers the low land on 
either side. 
During heavy rain the Duwamish River is unable to carry off readily all the 
water brought down by the White, Cedar, and other streams, and as a result Black 
River becomes, for the time being, an inlet instead of an outlet of Lake Washington. 
The lake therefore rises perceptibly, the inflowing water from Lake Sammamish is 
held back, and Squak Slough overflows the adjacent lowlands. 
Lake Washington is a beautiful body of water, surrounded by high hills from 
which a fine view of the surrounding country may be had. The Cascade Mountains 
are plainly seen to the eastward and on the south Mount Ranier comes into 
conspicuous view. In many places steep banks make down to the water’s edge, 
indicating deep water. Nearly all the hills are covered with a dense growth of 
trees, except where clearings have been made for homes and settlements. The shore 
line in nearly all parts is fringed with a dense undergrowth of brush and small trees; 
tule grass is found at every low point and slight indentation. Small trees along the 
shore interfere with the hauling of seines, and only limited collections can be made. 
In November and December a large amount of decayed vegetation covers portions of the 
shore. In summer various forms of minute animal and plant life inhabit the water. 
Seine-liauling grounds . — Only in a few places along the shore of the entire lake is 
the bottom sufficiently free from snags, fallen trees, and other material to permit the 
successful hauling of nets. On the west side of the lake, about 2 miles above Union 
Bay, is a long stretch of sandy shore mixed with fine gravel; in June, 1896, several 
attempts were made to haul a seine here, but on account of the many obstacles no 
fish were taken. On the east side, at Hunter Point, is a comparatively good ground, 
but tule grass grows in considerable quantities, though by wading out and bending it 
down where the seine is to be landed fairly good results can be obtained. Several 
hauls were made here and a number of fish taken. In fall and winter there is a 
great scarcity of life here, as several trials demonstrated. From Hunter Point south- 
ward for about 2£ miles the shore makes down to the lake with a gradual slope, but 
owing to the great amount of vegetation that extends in most places into the water, it 
is almost impossible to use a seine. This also may be said of Mercer Slough and the 
shore farther south. On the east side of Mercer Island the bank is usually quite steep ; 
on its west side the laud is more sloping. The water all round the island is deep. In 
the extreme southern portion of the lake, in the vicinity of Renton and Black River, 
the land is marshy and filled with small sloughs. The bottom is of soft mud. 
On the north and west sides of Lake Washington, from Webster Point to Sand 
Point, are scattering sandy patches, but only in a few places can a seine be hauled, 
owing to a thick growth of scrubby trees at the water’s edge. High banks in most 
places overhang the shore line. Northward from these points the land is more sloping 
and in some places comparatively level. Rocky and gravel beaches crop out from the 
banks in many places and in a number of indentations the water makes off shallow 
