70 COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



passed. This requires the various owners of fishing apparatus, 

 whenever requested, to make under oath a report to the Commis- 

 sioners giving such data as would be necessary for a correct knowledge 

 of the condition of the fisheries. It is the intention to use this data 

 only for the benefit of the fisheries. If, therefore, any part is pub- 

 lished it will appear in bulk and will in no way indicate the amount 

 of business that is done by any individual fisherman. 



BLACK BASS. 



Two changes in the existing laws in regard to black bass are much 

 to be desired. The season when these fish can not be caught is at 

 present from March 1st to July 1st. The intention in framing the 

 law was to protect the black bass during the spawning season. 

 However, during the early part of the year, beginning in January, 

 female black bass are taken, by fishing through the ice, which are 

 very much swollen with spawn. As your Commission considers it 

 very desirable that fish in this condition should be protected they 

 would respectfully urge that the close season should extend from January 

 1st to July 1st. As a further protection to the black bass they would 

 also propose that the legal length shoidd be changed from eight inches 

 to ten inches. 



