340 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



you, but upon investigation you will find it of mucli importance; should 

 you deem it of suiScient importance to bring the subject before Con- 

 gress, with a view of regulating our fisheries so far as the government 

 has jurisdiction from the shore along oui coast, I would be pleased to 

 fiu-nish you with further information and such suggestions as have come 

 to my observation in years i)ast. 



Very respectfully, 



B. P. CHAD WICK, 



Deputy Fish Commissioner, Massachusetts. 



TII£ PROPOSED IIVTRODITTIOIV OF CATFJISH INTO GHENT. 



By THOinAS WltSON. 



United States Consulate, 



Ghent, December 2, 1881. 

 Hon. Spencer F. Baird, 



Commissioner, &g. : 



My Dear Sir : Your letter of the 12th ult. was duly received, to- 

 gether with the pamphlets on carj) and salmon, for all of which accept 

 my thanks. My expectation and idea in regard to importation of cat- 

 fish is. as follows: There are many rivers and canals in this city and 

 province which are capable of raising fish in great numbers, but owing 

 to the muddy, sluggish character of the streams, the number of mills of 

 every sort, the locks, &c., &c., together with the increased number of 

 eels, the fish have been driven nearly out ; fish like the salmon, pike, 

 &c., &c., will not remain and thrive; therefore, while there are great 

 quantities of water there are few fish. Fish are brought from the sea 

 and are for sale in the markets, but I have thought to utilize these rivers 

 by the importation of fish, such as would live and thrive and would be 

 essentially a poor man's fish, such as could be caught on the banks in the 

 country through which the streams flow. I have talked with the gover- 

 nor of the i^rovince and it meets his approbation. He said late laws had 

 been passed for the protection of fish and that this general matter had 

 received *the attention of the government. I do not understand that 

 there is any fish society or association in this kingdom, but I think such 

 a step as I propose would excite sufficient attention to result in the form- 

 ation of one. 



Therefore, as a sort of pioneer and pro bono publico, 1 have thought to 

 take this initiatory step solely for the good of the public, and knowing 

 your devotion, &c., &c., to this fish business as one of your specialties, 

 I have thought you and I could make the world a little better from our 

 having lived in it by making the endeavors I have suggested. This is 

 the whole matter. It will be necessary to give me full instructions 

 what to do and how to do it on receipt of the fish. I know virtually 



