37 



pointment or election of one or more fish wardens for their 

 enforcement. As time passed, the duties of the fish wardens 

 were taken over by a herring committee elected at the annual 

 town meeting. These men, varying in number from 3 to 9, had 

 complete charge of the fishery, the town having previously 

 designated the manner in which the fishery should be disposed 

 of. They determined the time, place and manner of taking 

 the fish, operated the fishery if run by the town, leased it to 

 the highest bidder, drafted regulations, posted notices, and 

 removed all obstructions, having the right to cross the property 

 of any person in the performance of their duties. When several 

 towns were concerned with one fishery, a joint committee com- 

 prising members from each of the towns performed these duties. 

 Some received a suitable salary, others a nominal sum, and 

 still others no compensation whatever for their labors. Their 

 powers were great, and the success or failure of the fishery in- 

 variably depended upon their judgment. Failure to appoint 

 fish wardens or a committee sometimes rendered the town liable 

 to a fine. Special wardens and inspectors for the enforcement 

 of the laws were appointed by the committee from time to time. 



Catching Days. Usually there were three fishing days a 

 week, although the period for catching alewives varied from one 

 to six days. All sorts of combinations have been devised, ordi- 

 narily the first part of the week being devoted to catching. The 

 days have been grouped, alternated and variously separated. 

 Every day in the week except Sunday has been used. In some 

 instances, catching days in several towns on one stream have 

 so overlapped as to cause an almost continuous open season. 

 The starting time was either sunrise, sunset or midnight. 



Season. The season for catching alewives ranged from the 

 middle of March to the middle of June, usually being about 

 sixty days, from April 1 to June 1. The capture of alewives 

 out of season was prohibited by law, with numerous penalties. 

 At sundry times closed seasons were declared by certain towns, 

 and fishing prohibited for a brief period of one to three years, 

 for the purpose of replenishing the fishery. 



Locality. Fishing was ordinarily limited to certain locali- 

 ties, which were selected by the herring committee, and at 

 which the catching stations were located. Seining permits gave 



