8-REPORT OF AN EXAMINATION OF THE RIVERS OF KENTUCKY, WITH 
LISTS OF THE FISHES OBTAINED. 
BY ALBERT J. WOOLMAN. 
INTRODUCTION. 
The explorations described in this report were carried on by the writer during the 
summer of 1890, under instructions from the U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, 
Hon. Marshall McDonald, and were executed under the direction of Dr. David S. Jor- 
dan, president of the University of Indiana. In conducting the fieldwork able assist- 
ance was rendered by Mr. Hiram W. Monical, of Brooklyn, Indiana, and Mr. Charles O. 
Chambers, of Van W ert, Ohio, students in the University of Indiana. The inquiry had 
reference to the several river basins of Kentucky, especially the head waters of the differ- 
ent rivers, and the fishes which inhabit them. The principal objects were to determine 
as fully as possible the physical characteristics and present conditions of the streams, 
the variety and abundance of their fishes, and such other natural-history features 
connected with them as might have a bearing upon fishery matters or fish-culture. 
Owing to the shortness of the season, the work as originally planned could not 
be entirely completed. The lower Kentucky and Licking rivers received but little 
attention, and most of the time was spent in the mountainous parts of the State. 
The party being small, it was also necessary to obtain assistance along the route, but 
no difficulty was encountered in that respect. The people generally manifested deep 
interest in our investigations and did whatever they were able to advance the work. 
Until August 13 the writer was accompanied only by Mr. Monical, but Mr. Chambers 
joined the party on that date, and continued with it until the end of the season. The 
fieldwork was begun July 23, and was completed September 10. 
A number of collections of fishes had previously been obtained in Kentucky by 
Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, of the University of Indiana, Dr. James A. Henshall, of the 
Cincinnati Society of Natural History, and Prof. Philip H. Kirsch, of Corydon, Ken- 
tucky. These collections were kindly placed at the disposition of the writer, who has 
made use of them in the preparation of his lists. 
In the description of species all measurements are expressed in millimeters. In 
giving the length of specimens and comparative measurements the same should be 
understood to extend only to the base of the caudal fin, unless otherwise stated. 
