239 



cure uniform laws with Canada, and, when done, that ample appropriations be 

 made tor their enforcement, and also for the propagation and planting of food- 

 fish in said waters." 



This will show how important this meeting can be made, and it is therefore 

 hoped that every State will be represented, and that all will come prepared to 

 discuss and act. • 



Yours truly, 



(Signed) Richard U. Sherman 



Chairman. 



Chatrmav : If any gentleman wishes to be heard on these topics, there is a 

 present opportunity. 



Mr. Amsden suggested that a letter be read from Mr. Philo Dunning of Wis- 

 consin. 



Chairman : The letter will be read. 



State of Wisconsin, Commissioners of Fisheries. 



Madison, Wis., Nov. 2nd, 1891. 



Mr. F. J, Amsden, Secretary, o&c, Rochester, N.Y. 



Dear Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 

 24th ult. I beg to say that / and my colleagues are in sympathy with those 

 participating in any meeting that may he conducive to harmony in action of 

 the diferent states upon the question and all questions that is to be or may be 

 presented for thought and action. 



The subject of " Fish Food of the Great Lakes " and questions incident to or 

 correlative with it are matters of very general importance — much more so than 

 might appear at first blush, — and very difficult if not impossible of rational treat- 

 ment in a general way. 



In giving somewhat crude opinions upon the matter suggested in your cir- 

 cular letter, I deem it the better, more intelligent way to take up the subjects 

 seriatim. 



1st. Should inshore fishing be stopped, and at what distance ? I should 

 dislike to venture an opinion at this distance, for to do so would be at a great 

 disadvantage. 



2nd. What kind of nets should be permitted — pound or gill ? The laws of 

 Wisconsin, and a change in which I see no reason at this moment, are as follows : 



Section 1. It shall be unlawful after the passage of this act, for any person, 

 for himself or for others, to set, in the waters of Lake Superior or any bays thereof 

 bei'ig within the boundaries of this state, any trap, lyke, float, net or seine whose 

 mesh is less than three and one-half inches stretch measure, or one and three- 

 quarters inches bar measure, or any pound net, the back and two opposite sides 

 of the pot thereof whose mesh is less than three and one-half inches stretch 

 measure, or one and three-quarter inches bar measure. 



