until the middle of October, authorize the destruction of 

 the fish at the moment when, loaded with spawn, they are 

 seeking a place in which to make their deposit. 



What particular limits should be assigned to the re- 

 spective endurance of the fishing and close seasons, is a 

 question, however, of some nicety, and one on which in- 

 dividual proprietors, weighed by their private interests 

 and habits, will of course differ considerably. Perhaps, 

 in conformity to the present system, it will be maintained 

 by some, that, during certain periods, the fishery might, 

 with safety, be allowed at some stations, when at others 

 it ought to be prohibited. For example, it may plausibly 

 be said, that the fishery might be prosecuted with public 

 advantage in the sea, and in friths and estuaries, at times 

 when it would be attended with noxious effects in narrow 

 rivers ; that, when in the rivers, fry would be destroyed, 

 or none but spawning fish taken, and so every capture be 

 injurious, the fishery might, in the open ocean, be car- 

 ried on without any destruction of the spawning fish, and 

 without the slightest injury to the fry, which would then 

 be either in the fresh water, or imbedded in the depth 

 and stillness of the mid-stream. On the whole, however, 

 from the great number of private interests, which are in- 

 volved in the question, as well as from other considerations, 

 the more expedient course seems to be, at once to put 

 down this plan of local or partial legislation. The best 

 and surest chance of legislating with advantage to the 

 public, is assuredly to introduce one broad and uniform 

 system, applicable alike to every possible diversity of sta- 

 tion. 



Without, then, intending to say, absolutely, what ought 

 to be the duration of the jishing season^ it may be sug- 

 gested generally, that the present period of its closing, 



