40 FISH AND GAME. 



in 1914 among the various streams of the State, while small- 

 mouthed black bass, wall-eyed pike, yellow perch and white 

 perch are being placed in the ponds and rivers. Likewise, 

 certain large, deep lakes, which possess satisfactory natural 

 conditions are being stocked with Chinook salmon. The four 

 hatcheries which furnish the supply of fish for the different 

 sections of the State are situated at Sandwich on Cape Cod, at 

 Sutton near Worcester, at Adams in the Berkshires, and at 

 Palmer. 



The aim has been to acquire a thorough knowledge of the 

 waters of the State, and for that reason a routine biological 

 examination, as described in the report of the biologist, has 

 been made of the ponds and streams within the borders of the 

 Commonwealth. The purpose of this survey was to obtain a 

 basis for a proper workable knowledge of the inland waters, in 

 order that well-advised and systematic methods of stocking to 

 obtain best results in fish distribution may be inaugurated. 

 The ponds and streams have been classified according to their 

 suitability for different species of fish, and the increasing out- 

 put of the hatcheries can now be utilized in the most efficient 

 manner. With such a system the best waters will be stocked, 

 and each section of the State will receive its just allotment of 

 fish. The present decline in our inland fisheries has resulted 

 from a diminution of the flowage areas by the destruction of 

 forests, from a restriction of the breeding places of fish, and 

 from the inroads of pollution from city and manufacturing 

 sources. To meet these changed conditions is a serious prob- 

 lem, particularly in the question of the pollution of our streams. 

 Injury to fish life resulting from pollution is very widespread 

 and notoriously conspicuous in Massachusetts, where there is 

 an enormous waste of material which could more profitably be 

 used for fertilizing our sandy farms. Much of this damage is 

 entirely unnecessary, and can be remedied without imposing 

 in any way a burden upon even the humblest manufacturing 

 interests. 



