76 



value of, and necessity for, extensive artificial propaga- 

 tion. The valuable paper by Mr. Fred Mather, read at the 

 last meeting of the American Fisheries Society, gives 

 evidence that in the case of that noble lish, the salmon, 

 nothing is needed for its restoration, and perhaps a con- 

 siderable extension of its range, but adequate outpout 

 of fry. 



Fish culture, therefore, we may fairly conclude, no 

 longer needs defence, hnt may move forward serenely to 

 a realization of the brightest conceptions of those who iirst 

 conceived its value. 



It may be well now to inquire what may yet be done by 

 the American Fisheries Society to further promote and 

 stimulate this great work. As to the past influence of the 

 Society the '' Report of the United States Fish Commis- 

 sion for 187o, '76 " pays it the following tribute : 



"The American Fisheries Society is an organization 

 which has also performed a large part of the work of prog- 

 ress referred to. Its annual meetings begun in 1871, and 

 continued since, invoking the presence of large numbers of 

 experts in tish culture, as well as many members of State 

 Fish Commissions, and giving an opportunity for the inter- 

 change of ideas and suggestions, and of forming personal 

 acquaintances between those who are endeavoring to pro- 

 mote the common object. It must not be forgotten that 

 the first authoritative suggestion of the propriety and im- 

 I)ortance of federal action in regard to the stocking of the 

 common waters of the United States was made by this 

 body, a committee having been appointed at the meeting 

 of 1871 to memorialize Congress on the subject, as men- 

 tioned in the previous portion of the report. The val- 

 uable counsel and advice of the officers and members of 

 this Association have always been at the service of the 

 United States Fish Commission, and have been made use 

 of in many important instances." 



It is with some diffidence that the following suggestions 



