UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES. PART V. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR 1877. A.-INQUIRY INTO THE DECREASE OF FOOD-FISHES. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES, TRANSMITTING His report for the year 1876-77. MARCH 27, 1878.-Ordered to lie on the table and be printed. UNITED STATES COMMISSION, FISH AND FISHERIES, GENTLEMEN: In compliance with the order of Congress I have the honor to transmit herewith my report for the year 1876-77, as United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, embracing, first, the result of inquiries into the condition of the fisheries of the sea-coast and lakes of the United States; and, second, the history of the measures taken for the introduction of useful food-fishes into its waters. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. WM. A. WHEELER, President United States Senate, and Hon. S. J. RANDALL, SPENCER F. BAIRD, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Commissioner. iii |