1902 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 79 



must be planted before they are properly weaned, or as soon as they begin to 

 eat, as the young bass do not take kindly to liver or other artificial food, as in 

 the case of brook trout. There are many other reasons equally good on which 

 to base the statement that all that has been accomplished in the experiments 

 is to demonstrate the necessity of giving the black bass the necessary protecti 

 during the spawning season. I firmly believe ' that dame nature has do 

 about everything that can be done for them." 



In lieu of the construction of ponds, I have thought of recommending the 

 experiment of screening off small areas at appropriate points on the shores of 

 lakes which we are desirous of stocking, and placing therein a few breeders. 

 The fish would then spawn naturally, and without disturbance, the parent fish 

 could be removed when desired, and the fry when old enough could swim out 

 into the lake. The mesh of the screen could be fine enough to prevent the 

 encroachment of other fish, and strong enough to withstand the force of the sea. 

 The cost would be a mere bagatelle. At the end of the season, the screens 

 could be packed away for use again. An almost unlimited number of pens 

 could be so erected. I have never heard of the experiment being tried, and I 

 should like to hear an expression of opinion as to the idea. 



I do not know that 1 need relate to a gathering such as this, the manifest 

 benefits which will accrue to the whole community from having our inland 

 waters well stocked with game fish. It goes without saying, that every dollar 

 spent in the work will be returned to the people manifold, by the thousands of 

 persons whom good fishing will attract. 



The recently inaugurated work has been confined to those waters where 

 tourists have congregated in largest numbers, and where the drain has been 

 heaviest, but it may be extended until all our suitable waters are in a condition 

 to afford the greatest amount of pleasure to the angler. This, of course, cannot 

 be accomplished without an active public sentiment to uphold the department 

 in requiring a strict observance of our laws. To promote the creation of such 

 a sentiment, we have encouraged the formation of Anglers' Associations, as it is 

 believed that these may exercise a potent influence in that direction. But our 

 legislation prohibiting the taking of bass with nets, and their sale, will, no doubt, 

 prove the most effective safeguard for their preservation. It has greatly 

 removed the incentive to take the fish illegally. 



S. T. B. 



