Seal. — Suggestions of Possible Interest 195 



It is absolutely necessary in the interest of increased and 

 economical food production, which is rapidly becoming 

 the most vital of all questions. 



Whether it is wiser for this society to anticipate and 

 lead to the controlling of events that are certain to occur 

 at some time in the future or to postpone all considera- 

 tion of them until opposing forces have grown more pow- 

 erful is a question worthy of thought. 



If, however, the American Fisheries Society is to re- 

 main always an association of fish culturists pure and 

 simple, solely dependent for support on the sporadic and 

 ephemeral enthusiasms of rod and gun clubs and the fish- 

 ery interests, nothing more need be said. The trifling 

 question of dues has no bearing on the possibilities of 

 accomplishment open to this society through a progres- 

 sive course. Those of the National Geographic Society 

 are no greater. But look at the membership, 200,000 to 

 a few hundreds. Why is it so? 



An optimistic outlook might even forecast the gradual 

 evolution of a great "Department of Conservation" in 

 which would be co-ordinated bureaus of "Conservation of 

 Forests and Waters," "Fish Culture, Fish and Game Pro- 

 tection and Fisheries" and "Biological Research," to 

 cover investigations concerning life of economic value or 

 destructiveness. 



