74 AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY. 



The biologist with his microscope, is needed to reveal to eye 

 and comprehension the marvellous story of embryonic develop- 

 ment, and interpret and define the conditions which are favor- 

 able or unfavorable. With the thermometer in hand, the phys- 

 icist marks out the paths traversed by the wandering schools of 

 fish in the pathless ocean, and circumscribes the limits beyond 

 which they may not pass. 



With balance and reagents, the chemist appreciates those in- 

 finitesimal differences of salinty or composition which may or 

 do determine the presence or absence of certain species in cer- 

 tain areas of water. Nearly all departments of science may be, 

 indeed must he, laid under contribution to furnish us the data 

 upon which to build our conclusions. 



REGULATION AND PROTECTION OF THE FISHERIES BY LAW. 



Another important subject which should enlist the attention 

 and engage the efforts of this society, is the securing, through 

 State or Federal legislation, of the enactment and enforcement 

 of such laws as will regulate the seasons of fishing, the methods 

 and apparatus of capture, and conserve, as far as may be, favor- 

 able natviral conditions of reproduction. 



It is true there are upon our statute books now laws without 

 number, seeking to regulate the fisheries. Usually, these laws 

 are dead letters, mere forceless verbiage. In some cases framed 

 in ignorance, or dictated by the private interest which, for the 

 time, dominates in the legislative assembly, they invite the very 

 evils they seek to remedy. 



Public sentiment everywhere has awakened to the necessity 

 of rational legislation in reference to our fisheries. The fish- 

 cultural and fish-protective associations, and the numerous fish- 

 ing or angling clubs, in organized and active existence in all 

 the States, are composed of men who are intelligent, educated 

 and interested. They largely mould, direct and voice the pub- 

 lic sentiment which suggests and controls legislation. It is the 

 function — I may say it is the business — of this society, both as a 

 body and through individual members and co-workers, to stim- 

 ulate inquiry and investigation in every direction, to collect 



