REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. Ixxxiii 



interference, are the introduction of injurious chemicals, refuse of gas- 

 works, sewage, and other substances, into the rivers, by means of which 

 the fish, both adult and young, are poisoned, or else their passage 

 through to their proper spawning-grounds prevented, to say nothing of 

 the unpleasant taste imparted to the fish themselves when exposed to 

 these influences. These and other improper interferences with the fish 

 and the rights of the people at large, which will readily suggest them- 

 selves, should, as already stated, invoke the legislation of the States ; 

 and, unless these can be guaranteed, it is hardly worth while to attempt 

 the planting and propagation of fish in American rivers. 



It is true that by continuing indefinitely the practice of artificial im- 

 pregnation of the eggs and introduction of the young into the water, 

 the supply of fish can be maintained ; and should they, in ascending the 

 streams, find an impassable barrier, the only effect would be to furnish a 

 great abundance to the fishermen below the obstruction, while those 

 above it would be entirely cut oif. It is not to be expected, however, 

 that either State governments or Congress will continue to make such 

 appropriations indefinitely, and it is quite time that a general system of 

 legislation should be devised and carried into effect by the various States. 



In concluding the present report, I have much pleasure in returning 

 my special acknowledgments to the commissioners of Maine, Massa- 

 chusetts, Connecticut, and New York for their hearty co-operation in 

 the steps taken to carry out the law of Congress in reference to the 

 multiplication of the food-fishes. 



