Henshall. — Concerning the Protection of Fish 145 



would not retard or interfere with the flow of water. It is a simple 

 paddle wheel, of a size commensurate with the capacity of the 

 ditch. For the smallest ditches a square shaft with four paddles 

 nailed directly to it, and with a spike at each end for bearings, 

 would be sufficient. The cost would be a trifle, and it could be 

 made in half an hour. For ditches with more depth of water a 

 wheel with eight paddles, affixed to an octagon shaft by arms 

 would be better. For irrigation canals a larger and more expensive 

 wheel would be required, but the principle is the same in all. 



The wheel, whatever its size, is installed in a short flume, at 

 the head or intake of the ditch, with a fall sufficient to insure 

 a current to operate the wheel. No fish, large or small, will pass 

 it when in motion, and any foreign substance would pass under 

 the wheel by raising up the bearing in the V-shaped slot, when it 

 would immediately resume its position. 



When I was superintendent of the fish hatchery at Bozeman, 

 Montana, I made three efforts to have the device made com- 

 pulsory by incorporating such a provision as a section of the game 

 and fish laws of Montana. But twice the committee on fish 

 and game cut it out for the reason that it might jeopardize the 

 rest of the pending bill. The third time the committee unani- 

 mously recommended its passage, and it seemed to be in a fair 

 way of adoption, but at the last moment, through the influence 

 of the commercial and irrigation canal corporations, it was 

 defeated. I might add that this fish wheel, if placed at the 

 spillway of a pond or dam, will prevent the fish from escaping. 



In view of the extensive schemes of irrigation contemplated 

 in the arid regions of the western states by the Federal Govern- 

 ment, and also by a few of the states, the proper protection of 

 fishes should be provided for in advance; after awhile it will be 

 too late. A few years ago a big irrigation canal, constructed by 

 the government, having its source in the Truckee river, in Nevada, 

 was opened. Government and state officials were present to 

 celebrate the event. An account of the affair in a local newspaper 

 at the time said: 



"The gates of the dam were lowered and those of the canal 

 were raised, the great flood pouring into the huge ditch. The 

 reclamation project in Nevada was then formally dedicated. 

 When the gates of the river dam were lowered, the bed of the 



