REPORT ON ARTIFICIAL FISH-CULTURE. 53 



ment of the young, and the means of recruiting 

 the entire species is rapidly lessened. If, as in 

 Scotland, and even in England, there existed in 

 France many rich proprietors who possessed water 

 courses of considerable extent, we could leave to 

 the care of private individuals all matters relat- 

 ing to improved river fishing, for to whomever 

 one of these streams belonged, he would be in- 

 terested in increasing its products. But with us 

 it is altogether otherwise, and the individual who 

 would occupy himself with stocking a stream with 

 fish, could hardly hope to reap personal profit 

 therefrom ; he would augment the alimentary re- 

 source of his fellow citizens, and thus render his 

 country solid service, but he alone would enjoy 

 but a small interest in the benefit so diffused, 

 and ordinarly would want the stimulus, to under- 

 take the labor. 



The stocking of rivers, then, should be con- 

 sidered a matter of public utility, and it seems 

 to me that it is the business of the State to look 

 after it. 



Trials of this kind made on a grand scale, 

 and prudently conducted, and confided to intelli- 

 gent men, would not involve heavy expenses to 

 lead to important results. If you judge proper 

 to have them executed, you will find in the two 

 fishermen in question, capable agents, and I would 



