GOO REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



kinds of fislies mentioned. In order to be sure not to estimate it too 

 higli, I will therefore reduce the average value per hectare to less than 

 half of that calculated, and place it at $2.20. 



But even if one, moreover, must consider this as a maximum measui'e 

 for the waters in their totality, it is, in consequence of what has pre- 

 viously been shown, only a part of the value which must be taken as 

 the average price when the combined fresh waters shall be taken into con- 

 sideration. The salmon fishery, which is, as can be seen, smaller or larger 

 simply as the rivers are smaller or larger which flow directly out into the 

 sea, must also be brought into consideration. Its yield under thorough 

 and careful management must, as i)reviously set forth, in the future 

 be counted upon to reach a value at least equal to that which the inland 

 fisheries i>roper will give. The proper average value of our rivers and 

 lakes iu their whole extent will thus amount to at least $440 per hectare, 

 and, for 700,000 hectares, to a sum of over $334,400,000 at such time when 

 the people have learned, in some measure, the necessary extent and the 

 necessary mode of using the source of prosperity which Providence has 

 allotted to them in the i-ivers and seas. In this way we arrive at the 

 conclusion, that — 



The economical value of our rivers and Jal^es may he increased in the 

 future to a total of over $300,000,()00 if the same labor and attention are 

 hestoiced on their cultivation as are now devoted to agriculture and grazing. 



The capital value just estimated for a hectare of water shows what 

 outlay can be made with profit in order to put in condition our larger 

 bodies of water for the use of fish-culture alone, by damming up in 

 I)laces where there may be an opportunity to secure a proper supply 

 of running water. The share of the profit calculated per hectare is 

 $33,375 yearly. If one starts from the standpoint, that in the employ- 

 ment of a sum for procuring a water supply, the half portion of the 

 yield at the same rate — $33,375 per hectare — ought to give 5 per cent, 

 interest on the capital invested, and besides 3 per cent, thereof for 

 the repairs of the necessary dams, about $275 can be invested with 

 profit per hectare of the water which thereby may be dammed up. If, 

 for example, by the employment of a capital of $11,000 there can be 

 dammed up a water area of suitable depth of 40 hectares or upwards, 

 there will in this event accrue a yearly profit of $935, which sum gives 

 $550 for the interest of the invested capital and $330 for repairs, and a 

 surplus of $55 for the increase of the interest or the reduction of the 

 outlay. The remainder of the invested capital for i\\Q. business of fish- 

 culture will besides obtain at least 20 per cent., since the outlay in this 

 case will not need to be greater than for the previously- calculated work 

 upon 30 hectares of water, or $4,675, to which in this event accrues a 

 share of $935. If one combined both investments the Avhole amount be- 

 comes $15,675, on which accrues a profit of $935 plus $550, which equals 

 $1,485, which is an average of about 10 per cent. If one assume that the 

 same area of water can be dammed for a smaller sum, for example $5,500, 



