BUREAU OF FISHERIES 



117 



summer food supply of the coast, as compared with their abund- 

 ance during my previous visit in 1863, and I found the same 

 impression to be almost universal on the part of those with 

 whom I conversed on the subject. The belief is everywhere 

 loudly expressed that unless some remedy be applied, whatever 

 that may be, the time is not far distant when we shall lose almost 

 entirely this source of subsistence and support . . . 



********* 



Before intelligent legislation can be initiated, however, and 

 measures taken that will not unduly oppress or interfere with 

 interests already established, it is necessary that a careful scien- 

 tific research be entered upon, for the purpose of determining 

 what should really be done; since any action presupposes a 

 knowledge of the history and habits of the fish of our coast 

 that, I am sorry to say, we do not at present possess. 



It was to obtain that information, that the office of Com- 

 missioner of Fish and Fisheries was established and his 

 duties as defined in the resolution were, 5 



... to prosecute investigations and inquire on the subject, 

 with the view of ascertaining whether any and what diminution 

 in the number of the food fishes of the coast and the lakes of 

 the United States has taken place; and, if so to what causes 

 the same is due, and also whether any and what protective, 

 prohibitory, or precautionary measures should be adopted in the 

 premises ; and to report the same to Congress. 



The first Commissioner was Spencer Baird. A more 

 logical appointment could not have been made. Born in 

 Carlisle, Pa. in 1823 he had from his early youth been in- 

 tensely interested in the study of all forms of wild life, 6 an 

 interest that lasted all his life. 



*Ibid., p. 683. 



6 Merriam, C. Hart, " Baird the Naturalist," Scientific Monthly, June 

 1924, vol. v, no. 28, p. 588 contains an excellent account of Baird's life. 



