R E P O R T . 



To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island 

 and Providence Plantations, at its January Session, 1908: 



The Commissioners of Inland Fisheries herewith present their 

 annual report for the year 1907: 



The fact that the fishing in the inland streams and ponds of the 

 state continues good, even though each year more persons are in- 

 dulging in the health-giving and the delightful sport of angling, is 

 due directly to the planting of fish fry and to the protection of the 

 fishes by law. Of the present various activities of your Commission, 

 the maintenance of the fresh-water fisheries within the state is the 

 oldest, and has received constant attention for many years. An- 

 nually about 40,000 yearling trout are distributed throughout the 

 waters of the state, and frequently black bass, shad and other valuable 

 fishes are also planted. The efficiency of this procedure is unquestion- 

 able, and the beneficial results have enlisted the interest of the real 

 sportsmen throughout the state so that they willingly cooperate with 

 your Commission both in the distribution of fry and in the enforce- 

 ment of the law. In order that there can be no excuse for ignorance 

 of the regulations governing the fishing, the laws have been printed 

 in convenient form for carrying in the pocket, and copies have been 

 widely distributed and can be obtained at any time from the secre- 

 tary of the Commission. During the past year 40,000 yearling trout 

 have, as usual, been purchased and distributed. 



The duties of your Commission do not pertain merely to the fresh- 

 water fisheries, but extend also to the salt-water fisheries of the state. 

 The latter, besides furnishing sport for anglers, are each year in- 

 creasing in importance and in extent as a commercial industry. 



