272 



Whitefish, two pounds. 



Bass, one pound. 



Blue pike, three-fourths of one pound. 



None of which fish would be likely to be held by a mesh of three and one- 

 half inches stretch. 



It is believed that were in-shore netting to cease, there would be scarcely 

 need of a closed season for spring spawning fish, such as pike (commonly called 

 pickerel), pike, perch and bass, as the natural fecundity and development of these 

 fish are so rapid as to be proof a<:jainst any netting that does not destroy them in 

 their infancy. 



Close Seasons. 



As to close seasons for fall spawners, such as salmon trout and whitefish, no 

 changes from existing regulations where close seasons are provided, are demanded. 

 Exact uniformity cannot be prescribed on account of difterences in temperature 

 and latitude or other conditions which influence the spawning seasons. 



Necessity of Increased Peoduction. 



What has been above suggested, bv no means embraces all the measures 

 needed to keep up a food fish supply in the International waters, adequate to the 

 wants of the population who have only that source to look to. Artificial produc- 

 tion, and that to the largest available extent, must be established and prosecuted. 

 The States of Michigan,Wisconsin,Ohio and Pennsylvania have already proved what 

 great results may be reached with comparatively moderate expense, by suitably 

 located and intelligently managed hatching stations. But the Canada provinces 

 and New York are yet in the background in this vital work. Relief is promised 

 to New York by the proposed establishment at the east end of Lake Ontario, by 

 the United States Fish Commission, of a whitefish hatchery of an hundred millions 

 annual capacity. But no steps have yet been taken by the Dominion authorities 

 to second the great work so auspiciously commenced by the states of the North- 

 west. It is to be hoped that the agitation of this subject by the present confer- 

 ence will tend to awaken an interest in the important work which Canada may 

 do in the premises. 



Protection. 



Laws serve no good purpose while they remain dead letters on the statute 

 books. If we would have efficient fish protection we should provide not only 

 wise statutes but the constant means of enforcing them. The system in vogue in 

 the State of New York and which has been incorporated in the revised code re- 

 cently framed by the Special Commission of that State, with improvements, is 

 recommended to the'consideration of all the states representad in this conference. 

 The system is, in brief, a distinct protection department, acting by itself and 

 within itself, its members holding office only by good conduct, and having a head 

 to direct, and a working force at all times prepared for duty, properly compen- 

 sated by the state for service and expenses, and with the constant dufy of watch- 

 ing for, and preventing violations and conducting prosecutions. 



