138 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
The scientific work of the Commission has an important bearing on the artificial 
increase of food-fishes, and is carried on with a view to determine the best methods 
to be pursued in fish-culture, to ascertain the results of fish propagation, and to study 
the habits, migrations, growth, food, enemies, and diseases of fishes. 
The recent marked development of the fisheries of the southern California coast 
makes it desirable that the extent, location, and resources of the principal fisliing- 
bauks be accurately determined. Accordingly, in the spring of 1897 the steamer 
Albatross conducted preliminary investigations on parts of that coast, having for their 
special object the pointing out of the possibilities for an extension of the offshore 
fisheries. This work will be continued until the fishing-grounds of the coast are 
thoroughly surveyed. 
In the summer of 1897, the Albatross entered on an examination of the salmon 
streams of Alaska. No systematic study of the salmon in different parts of this 
Territory has heretofore been undertaken, and important results are expected from 
the researches begun this season. The very active prosecution of the fisheries in 
certain streams threatens to seriously reduce the supply unless effective measures are 
taken to overcome the destruction. The conditions are so various along the 3,000 miles 
of the Alaskan coast on which the salmon fishing is done that no general protective 
law can be framed that will apply to all regions; the determination of the proper 
restrictive measures for the different streams thus becomes an important matter. The 
inquiries progressed very satisfactorily this season and will be resumed next year. 
Extended surveys of the streams and lakes in the Pacific States have been in 
progress, having for their object the study of the abundance, spawning hahits, and 
spawning- grounds of the salmon and other fishes, and the examination of available 
sites for hatcheries. 
In conjunction with the efforts to increase the mackerel supply on the New Eng- 
land coast by artificial propagation, important studies were conducted relative to the 
development of the mackerel egg and its natural distribution at the surface of the 
ocean by winds and tides. 
At Woods Hole, Mass., the Commission has, in addition to the hatchery, a labo 
ratory and a large, well-equipped residence building erected for the accommodation 
of those who are allowed the privilege of the laboratory for scientific research- 
During the past summer there was begun the organization of a corps of trained 
scientific experts who, under the direction of the chief of the Division of Scientific 
Inquiry of the Commission, should pursue a concerted line of research bearing directly 
on the habits and life-history of the commercial fishes and pertinent to the practical 
work of the Commission. This plan promises to be very successful, and it is believed 
will give to the Government a practical biological institution of great value. 
Canvasses of the commercial fisheries in their statistical and other aspects have 
been carried on throughout the country. In order that this information may be 
accurately obtained and made promptly available, a plan has been adopted of locating 
statistical agents of the Commission at important centers where each can give attention 
to a certain district. From the reports received from these agents special bulletins 
relating to the conditions of the fishery industries are issued to those engaged in the 
business and to the various boards of trade, and in a like manner monthly bulletins 
are issued, giving the quantity and value of the catch lauded at certain important 
