decoy fish and spear. They
spawn in the fall, generally in the bays and inlets. Average weight 5
lbs; large 75 lbs.

Siscowits are mostly found in Lake Superior, and are preferred by some
to any other kind. They are of the trout family, and for fat are
unequaled; they are mostly taken in gill nets. They spawn in the fall,
and are very superior for packing. They are also of some value for
their oil. Common weight 4 pounds, length 16 inches.

Large herrings are very good fish, found only in the straits and large
lakes. They spawn in the fall; but few are caught. Average weight
1-3/4 pounds; common length 10 inches.

In addition to the above the muskelonge--a large and delicious
variety--black and white bass, rock bass, perch, sturgeon, and at
least twenty other kinds, abound in our waters; a minute description
of which we are compelled to forego. Whitefish are taken both spring
and fall, chiefly the latter; spring is the season for pickerel; trout
are taken at all seasons.

Something over a year since some excitement was occasioned by a mode
of fishing adopted by a party of fishermen on Detroit river, who
stationed nets over a mile and a half in extent across the mouth of
the stream, a proceeding that was not only calculated to destroy the
value of the seine fisheries above, but which would ultimately have
driven the fish out of the river altogether. A formidable opposition
was of course arrayed against this unusual and unwarrantable
proceeding, and the party found it expedient to desist, but the
Legislature, which met shortly after, failed to pass an inhibitive
measure. This action, or rather want of action, would have been
considered extraordinary in a State less favored by nature.

We have fortunately been able to procure estimates of the amount of
the catch at all the various fisheries, together with other leading
statistics; and with the view of imparting to the subject a more
general interest, we include two or three points beyond the limits of
the State. The estimates are furnished by gentlemen of intelligence
and experience, and may be relied on as substantially correct:

Sandusky fisheries, catch mostly sold fresh:

Whitefish, valuation $50,000
Pickerel, bass, etc 40,000
Value of seines and fixtures 16,000
Paid for wages 37,000

Maumee River, pickerel, white bass, etc., etc., mostly sold fresh:

Valuation $50,000
Seines and fixtures