166 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Kadiak Island was selected as the initial point because the salmon fisheries there 
have at present the greatest development and importance and because there the im- 
pending destruction of the salmon fisheries is most evident and the flagrant abuses 
requiring the restraint of law most obvious. 
Dr. T. H. Bean, the ichthyologist of the Commission, was placed in charge of the 
party, his previous knowledge of this region and his training as a naturalist and 
scientific observer having specially qualified him for this service. Associated with 
him were Mr. Livingston Stone, the superintendent of our California and Oregon 
salmon-hatching stations, and Mr. Franklin Booth, of San Francisco. Mr. Stone was 
charged with the duty of reporting upon suitable sites for hatching stations and Mr. 
Booth with the study of the topographical features of the region and the physical 
features of the different river basins. This party continued in the field to as late a 
period as the season permitted. By reason of the short time available for field work 
the investigation did not extend beyond the islands of Kadiak and Afognak. Here, 
liowever, the fisheries are best organized and most extensively prosecuted, and con- 
clusions based upon the investigation of the salmon t;sheries of this region will prob- 
ably have general application. 
As an introduction to the report proper I have presented and discussed in as 
concise form as practicable the results of the field investigation and submitted cer- 
tain recommendations as to the additional legislation necessary to “ place the salmon 
fisheries of Alaska under permanent conditions of production.” 
Very respectfully, 
M, McDonald, 
Commissioner. 
Hon. Thomas B. Eeed, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
