290 
BULLETIN OP 1 THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
A few humpbacks were seen spawning along the shore of the lake, though the 
principal spawning-beds are in the first half mile of the feeder, where humpbacks 
were seen in great numbers, as well as many of another species, probably redfish. A 
large number of dead fish were seen along the borders of the lake and feeder. 
Judging from the surroundings, a good hatchery site might be located near the 
mouth of the feeder. In the main stream outlet no sign of artificial barricades was 
noted. A number of fallen trees lie in the stream, but form no serious obstacle. 
The following is the only record available: 
Species. 
1897. 
1898. 
1899. 
1900. 
No. 
Date. 
No. 
Date. 
No. 
Date. 
No. 
Date. 
Redfish 
1,500 
600 
11,000 
July 24-Aug. 23 
July 24-Aug. 13 
do 
1,535 
743 
34, 935 
July 21-Aug. 25 
July 19-Aug. 25 
July 21-Aug. 30 
1,000 
1,000 
15, 000 
873 
1,179 
52,511 
July 13-Aug. 23 
July 13-Sept. 7 
Aug. 3-Sept. 7 
Humpbacks . 
The above represents the catch of one cannery calling occasionally and making a 
seine haul. Several other canneries, at intervals, also fish the place. 
It is probable that the stream has a value of 5,000 redfish, 1,000 cohoes, and 
50,000 humpbacks. 
KETCHIKAN. 
The saltery formerly operated here l»y Clark and Martin has been closed and 
the property absorbed by a local company, who have extended the wharf for the 
accommodation of steamers and made additions to the saltery for warehouse purposes. 
Ketchikan cannery of the Fidalgo Island Canning Company. — This company 
engaged in packing salmon at Anacortes, Wash., and built a cannery in the spring 
of 1900 on the northern shore of Tongass Narrows, about one-half mile east from 
the old Clark and Martin saltery (see former report, page 65). The buildings are 
substantial, well located, clean, and the cannery arranged to make a hand pack. Fish 
are conveyed from the boats by an endless-chain conveyor, adjustable for the tides, to 
the fish-house built over the water; the cleaned fish are conveyed to the cutters on 
push carts. The tables of the butchers have sprays over them. 
The following machinery is used in the canning process: Four steam boxes, 3 
retorts, 1 washer, 1 topper, 2 crimpers, 2 solderers, and 1 cutter, all adjustable to 
the different sizes packed. The filling tables accommodate 60 workers; daily capacity 
of cannery, 1,200 cases. The cans are all made at the cannery by hand, of 100-pound 
domestic tin plate. It is probable that fillers will be introduced and the cannery 
enlarged in 1901, though a hand pack is preferred. 
The Chinese contract was 45 cents for 1-pound tails and fiats, and 43 cents for 
one-half pound fiats per case of 48 cans. Filling was paid for separately at the rate 
of 6 cents per case of 48 tins. Fishermen received $40 per month, and collectively, 
$10 per thousand for redfish and cohoes, $2 per thousand for humpbacks, with full 
board and transportation; the boss fisherman had $75 per month. Fish were pur- 
chased from Indians and others at the following rates: Redfish and cohoes, 7 cents 
each; dog salmon, $15 per thousand; humpbacks, $7 per thousand; the cannery pro- 
viding boats and gear. Transportation is by regular line of freight steamers. 
