RErORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 11 



wish to point the way to a practical method of deahng- with the 

 question. 



We have said that the laws were ineffectual ; it would be easy 

 to show that they are, but we believe it generally admitted that 

 they are, even where wardens are charged with their execution as 

 their sole duty, and with every facility for their w^ork. 



How to secure the end contemplated by the laws, and make 

 practical efforts to sustain or increase the stock, is the question. 



We suggest the following as the only possible method that ap- 

 pears practical to us : 



The State to i^urchase every egg-lobster caught, and either re- 

 place them in the w^ater, where they would not be recaptured, or 

 retain them until hatched. 



To put in effect the plan i3roposed and carry it to a successful 

 issue, there should be a co-operation of the different States and 

 that of the General Government, and should be on some general 

 and systematic plan. 



Cost. 



We believe the efforts to enforce the laws in some of the States 

 have been at a cost to the State of very much more than enough 

 to purchase every illegal lobster taken. We are without data, but 

 doubt if the estimate of twenty -five cents per pound is too high, 

 while the same might have been bought for six or seven cents per 

 pound. 



Besides the evil effects of a continued' warfare is very demoral- 

 izing. It makes jDoachers and law-breakers of many otherwise 

 well-disposed citizens, and engenders bitter enmity where good 

 feeling should exist, that would lead to co-operation. 



We think that if the fishermen were paid for the egg-lobsters 

 sufficient to compensate for any extra trouble, they w^ould gladly 

 turn them in to the State, and co-operate with officers to enforce 

 the laws limiting size. 



Even if it became necessary to purchase the short lobsters, it is 

 a question if the State could not, then, secure the end desired 



