170 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
To exi)0(lite matters as omch as possible in tbe limited time wliicli could be given 
to the work, the force was divided into two parties at Pocatello. Gilbert, Thoburn, 
and Putter were instructed to go down Snake Kiver, examine the various falls in that 
stream, make investigations as to the physical and natural history characteristics of 
as many of the tributary streams as possible, and then carry on similar inquiries along 
the Columbia from Idaho to the Lower Columbia, Evermaun and Jenkins went ui^ 
the Snake Eiver to Idaho Falls, where the rapids were examined, and then proceeded 
to Sand Point, Idaho, where was begun the exaniination of Clarke Fork or the Pend 
d’Oreille Elver, the latter being the name b^" which this river is generally known in 
that region. The Pend d’Oreille Eiver Avas examined throughout the entire distance 
from Sand Point to within a few miles of the international boundarj^ line. The two 
parties came together at Spokane. From this point Eyermann returned east, and the 
Avork Avas continued by Gilbert, Jeiddns, Thoburn, and Eutter. 
Investigations were made at various points in the Lower Columbia basin, chiefly 
for the purpose of selecting a site for a salmon hatchery and for gaining information 
respecting the occurrence ami abundance of salmon in the various streams tributary 
to the LoAver Columbia. 
While carrying on the investigations regarding the obstructions to the free move- 
ment of salmon in these rivers and the selection of a salmon-hatchery site, considerable 
opportunities occurred for a study of the natural history of the salmon and the general 
natural-history features of the Avaters of the Columbia basin. Considerable valuable 
information Avas obtained regarding the former as Avell as the present distribution of 
salmon in this region. 
Large collections of Ashes Avere made at the Amrious places where collecting was 
possible, and their study has greatly increased our knowledge of the variations in 
and the geographic distribution of the fresh- av a ter fishes of the north Avestern United 
States. 
In this report Ave give (1) detailed descriptions of the Amrious streams visited by 
the different members of the party; (2) a list of the species of fishes obtained in the 
Columbia Eiver basin, together with a discussion of their relationships and distribu- 
tion; (3) notes on the breeding colors of the AAdiitefish {Coregonus williamsoni), by 
Barton A. Bean; and (4) an annotated list of the reptiles and batrachians obtained. 
The time Avhich has been given to the study of the various problems pertaining 
to the salmon question has been wholly inadequate to a satisfactory understanding of 
the matter, and any views which we A^enture to giAm in this paper must be regarded 
as tentative. An exhaustive study of the natural history of the Amrious species of 
salmon and trmrt of the Columbia has neAmr been made. The investigations now in 
progress will, it is confidently expected, lead to a much better understanding of the 
questions iuAmlved. 
