247 



Erie, and from that we have put out many millions of whitefish during five or 

 six years, and it is developing. During the present season we have put out fifty- 

 millions of wall-eyed pike, besides some fifteen millions of whitefish. We take 

 pride in our State hatchery, and I think there is a sentiment in the Pennsylvania 

 State Commission which is averse in yielding to the general government ; not but 

 what we would like to see the general government do all it can towards it, but we 

 are rather loath to giving up our old plans. We hav^ a regulation prohibiting 

 the catching of fish within a mile of the shores. This gives a chance for the fish 

 coming close to shore to spawn, and there are other regulations likewise prohibit- 

 ing any offal being put in from any towns, and deleterious substances such as saw^ 

 dust and coal oil or the like, to contaminate the waters, — a matter which I think 

 is likewise very essential to the perservation and protection of the fish. 



In regard to the size of the mesh, I hoped Mr. Streiber, who is here from Erie^ 

 would have something to say about it, but I see he has left the room. 



I CHA.TRMAN : Won't you give your own view in regard to the size of the mesh ? 



Mr. Ford : I think, myself, the size of the mesh should be so regulated as to 

 prevent the taking of any small fish. 



Chairman : Have yoa any dimension in your mind, of the mesh 1 



Mr. Ford : I think we have no dimension at all in our leading descriptions. 



In conclusion, we hope to see a reciprocal law between all the States and 

 Canada regulating the fishing in Lake Erie. I think it is one our Commission 

 would do all in its power to promote. 



Dr. Smith : Mr. Chairman, I did not attend this meeting with the expecta- 

 tion of being called upon to say anything. I do not know that I can make any 

 remarks that will be of value or interest. I desire to ask to be relieved of active 

 service on this committee because of my relations with the general government. 

 It would seem to be proper that in a matter of this kind, affecting as it 

 does foreign and State borders, and leading up to State legislation, that a position 

 of strict neutrality should be maintained by the U. S. Fish Commissioners. This at 

 least is the view of Commissioner McDonald, and I think the gentlemen will under- 

 stand" his motives. At the same time I desire to express, on behalf of Mr. Mc- 

 Donald, his interest in this matter and his desire and willingness to do anything 

 that he can to assist in coming to the most correct and just conclusions regarding 

 legislation. 



I hold in my hand a report which the Commissioner made to the Senate of 

 the United States at the time of the passage of the law establishing a hatchery 

 on Lake Ontario, and I should like to file it since it corroborates much that has 

 already been said and possibly throws some new light on the subject. 



Mr. Farquhar, from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, sub- 

 mitted the following report : 



The Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, to whom was referred the 

 bill (H. R. 13,350) for the establishment of a fish hatcheiy in the State of New 

 York, near the St. Lawrence River, respectfully report said bill back to the House,^ 

 with a proviso thereto as follows : — 



Provided, That the Commissioner of Fisheries shall first be satisfied that the 

 State of New York has taken efficient measures for the regulation of periods for 

 fishing and for proper protection of fish in the spawning season in the waters ot 

 northern New York. 



