PUBLIC DOCUMENT No. 25. 9 



GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 



It is a well-settled proposition of law that the ownership of 

 all wild fish, birds and quadrupeds other than migratory birds 

 is vested in the State, and that with the General Court rests 

 the duty of regulating their preservation against wasteful de- 

 struction. For example, it may determine the time within 

 which the same may be taken, the manner of taking, and when 

 reduced to possession, the character of the property rights to 

 be exercised. Birds and game may not be sold, and in certain 

 cases may not be shipped outside the State. 



The Commissioners are the agency to put into operation the 

 enactments of the General Court, and do not "make the laws" 

 as so many people suppose, though they are at all times 

 charged with the care of this great property. Their principal 

 duties may be divided into the following groups : - 



(1) The adequate and proper enforcement of laws relative to 

 the protection of fish and game. 



(2) The propagation and distribution of fresh-water fish at 

 four hatcheries and one rearing station. 



(3) The propagation and distribution of game birds at five 

 game farms. 



(4) The oversight and regulation of important commercial 

 salt-water fisheries, both shore and deep-sea, together with the 

 problems of increasing the supply. 



(5) The pursuit of scientific investigations relative to birds, 

 fish and game. 



(6) The education of the public in the proper use of these 

 resources and in the problems of artificial stocking. 



COURTESIES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



The Commission is indebted to 



The railroads of the State for courtesies in the transportation 

 of fish, birds and eggs, and the return of the empty cans to the 

 hatcheries. Also for taking charge of and posting all posters 

 of the fish and game laws and other printed matter in the 

 stations on their lines. 



The United States Commission on Fisheries for privileges 



