REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 83 



X. The Efforts of the Commission to Prevent the Illegal 

 Taking of Short Lobsters. 



During the past year your commission has continued its efforts 

 in this direction. vSeveral deputies have constantly been employed 

 in enforcing the law, and, though it is possible that some short lob- 

 sters are smuggled into the market, it is certain that the effect has 

 been to greatly lessen this illegitimate fishing. During the months 

 of Dec, 1903, and Jan., 1904, about 2,000 short and egg lobsters, 

 shipped into Newport from outside the State, were liberated in our 

 waters. 



One of the most encouraging features in this department of our 

 work is the hearty support and sympathy of many of the leading 

 lobster dealers, who recognize in the enforcement of the law a benefit 

 to their business. 



