16 COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



possible that we can have many more dry summers without at least 

 one year of normal conditions. Then again, the brush along the 

 brook is growing all the time and will be useful in retaining the 

 moisture. The swamps which have been dry on account of their 

 bare condition will, with the increase of shade, again retain water 

 and help feed the brooks. Some of the dams will be rebuilt and thus 

 lessen the dangers which face the trout at the present time. And 

 perhaps the careless fisherman, when he realizes the harm his thought- 

 lessness is doing, will learn to handle the small trout more carefully. 

 Right here I would make a suggestion : use a hook at least as large as 

 a No. 1-0 Carlisle, and the chances of hooking a small trout in such a 

 way as to seriously injure it will be greatly lessened. Also do not 

 touch the trout with dry hands. If possible release it under water, 

 if not, wet the hands before handling. 



In conclusion, and in answer to the question, What advantage has 

 been gained by stocking our trout streams? I wish to say that I 

 believe a great deal of good has been done, and while for the reasons 

 given above the results are not as evident and the fish certainly not 

 as abundant as could be desired, yet I claim that, with two or three 

 fairly wet summers, the results of the Commission 's work will again 

 become evident. 



