191] FAUNA OF BIG VERMIUON RIVER— BAKER 93 



commercial shells were observed, it follows that the fishes carrying the 

 glochidia must also be present. 



The Big Vermilion River is seen, therefore, to be a valuable asset to the 

 State, containing a fauna of both biologic and economic importance, 

 which should be conserved for possible use as a restocking reservoir for 

 the larger rivers. Pollution should be reduced to a minimum and the 

 timber along the banks, especially of the headwaters, should be conserved 

 in order that the water may be held in the ground and gradually flow into 

 the streams, instead of running off in floods, causing excessive high water 

 in the spring and extremely low water in the fall and winter. It would be 

 possible to reforest many parts of the upper branches of the streams, 

 where they are low or irregular places unfit for farming operations. 



