[39] THE STATUS OF THE FISH COMMISSION. 1177 



also has been the relation of the Commission to the National Museum, 

 both establishments being equally concerned in the acquisition of ma- 

 terinl illustrating the natural history of our waters and the methods of 

 the fisheries; the former for purposes of immediate study, the latter for 

 permanent preservation and exhibition. 



Of this nature, too, has been the relation of the Commission to similar 

 organizations abroad, resulting in the interchange of publications and 

 experience, and the exchange of native species of fishes for experi- 

 ments in acclimatization and fishery apparatus for introduction. Co- 

 operation of this kind has been and is sustained with every nation in 

 Europe. 



The moral influence of such international comity is not to be slighted. 

 I am tempted in this place to quote from a speech recently delivered in 

 the Belgian Chamber of Kepresentatives by one of its prominent mem- 

 bers, M. Willequet : 



"On the subject of the fisheries," he remarked, "new relations have 

 recently sprung into being between different Governments. We notice 

 a kindness and disinterestedness and eagerness to oblige, which have 

 not hitherto been a characteristic feature of these reciprocal relations. 

 There are being carried on to-day between the United States, France, 

 Switzerland, Italy, and England exchanges of fish eggs and fry 

 which attest a cordiality most remarkable and most profitable. Not a 

 year passes that the North Americans do not make important shipments 

 of fish in every direction, and they not only make presents of them to 

 other countries, but send persons to accomi^any each lot in order that 

 they may arrive in the best condition." 



Of this character, too, has been the relation to the Interior Depart- 

 ment in connection with the census work upon the statistics of the 

 fisheries, with the Department of State in connection with the conduct 

 of international exhibitions abroad, with the Navy Department in af- 

 fording training in scientific methods for young Naval Academy grad- 

 uates detailed for that purpose. 



In co-operation of another kind the Commission has received more 

 than it has returned. 



According to the provisions of its law of organization the Commis- 

 sioner is empowered to call upon any of the Executive Departments for 

 assistance, and very much has been done every year through the aid of 

 the several Departments which would otherwise have been impractica- 

 ble. 



Important relations of this kind have in past years, and are still 

 from time to time, kept up (1) with the Treasury Department, in con- 

 nection with its Bureau of Statistics, in connection with its life-saving 

 stations and light-houses, where temperature observations are kept for 

 the use of the Commission, and observations made upon the move- 

 ments of marine animals; also in the occasional facilities afforded by 



