42 



many more fishes than can possibly get away now. Of 

 course, the laro-er the fish the less danofer there is of 

 its being pounded to death by the others ; therefore the 

 mesh of the leader and pound-net should be so increas- 

 ed as to permit those of unmerchantable size to get 

 free without injury to fins or scales. Fish weirs, or 

 so-called eel weirs, largely used in inland streams, es- 

 pecially the smaller ones, should be entirely abolished 

 by law in every State, as they are now in Pennslyvania; 

 but if any State is unwilling or unable to procure such 

 legislation, then all such arrangements should be legally 

 constructed of such pliable material as to insure that 

 the fish will not be so injured or bruised as by the pre- 

 sent slat system. Would it not be practicable in such 

 instances to produce screen of other material than 

 wood, such as woven grass, canvas, or something which 

 would not bruise the fish nor break the scales from them 

 as they go through? If so, thousands of them would 

 be saved from damage, which often results in deformity 

 or deterioration, if not in death. 



I am possessed of a keen interest in food fish culture 

 and protection. 



First — Because of their vast importance as the chief 

 support of many thousands of inhabitants of this and 

 other countries. 



Second — That because through them may be pro- 

 mulgated disease, and the public health be jeopardized, 

 because of the waters in which they abide becoming 

 liable to contamination. 



Third — Because of their great value as a staple 

 commercial production of the country. 



For these reasons I would earnestly urge fishermen 

 and all those engaged in the trade to join with our 

 American Fisheries Society in the endeavor to per- 

 petuate the growth and quality of food fishes ; and to 



