22 AMERICAN FISH CULTURE. 



last summer and turned into the river. The intermediate 

 states are to construct efficient fishways for the passage of 

 the fish to their spawning-grounds. Those owning the 

 mouths of the rivers are to provide against destructive fish- 

 ing, and give a free passage to the upper waters. All the 

 states referred to have enacted laws, or revived those that 

 were obsolete, to promote the object in view. It is devoutly 

 to be hoped that a liberal spirit will prevail, and that the 

 energy which now characterizes the commissioners will 

 continue until the much-desired end is attained. I shall 

 have occasion to refer to the reports of the commissioners 

 of each state ; that of Maine is lengthy, and contains much 

 of interest to the friends of the enterprise ; the Vermont 

 report is also interesting, and that of Massachusetts instruc- 

 tive, practical, and spirited. 



The state of New York has also appointed fish commis- 

 sioners. It is to be regretted that Stephen H. Ainsworth 

 is not of the number. Still, from the reputed energy of Mr. 

 R. B. Roosevelt and the known experience and skill of Mr. 

 Seth Green,* we may expect favorable results. If the latter 

 should go to Canada or New Brunswick to manipulate the 

 salmon, and then have charge of the hatching, there is no 

 fear that the Hudson and the streams flowing into the St 

 Lawrence and the Lakes will be without salmon for many 

 years after the fry are produced. Of course fishways are 

 to be constructed, and laws for the protection of the fish and 



* Since writing the above I have been informed that Ex-Governor 

 Seymour, who, it is said, takes much interest in the matter, has beeu 

 added to the commission. 



