Migration and Return of Fish, 353 



asked *^ zvhat then were rivers designed for ?" He an- 

 swered — '^ to feed canals :^^ — or words to this efiect. 

 Although this anecdote is well known, it is regarded 

 with less consideration than it deserves. The quaint- 

 ness of the reply, may not please those who are over- 

 nice in such matters ; but the strong sense of prefer- 

 ence he gives to canals^ over beds of rivers^ is decisive- 

 ly shown. Than this self taught, but (in this branch, 

 and in his day,) peerless hydraulic engineer, Europe 

 has not produced one superior, in the fundamental prin- 

 ciples and practical knowledge of the art, whereof he 

 has exhibited the most convincing and stupendous 

 proofs. 



Richard Peters. 

 December 20th, 1813. 



To the PhilacL Agric, Soc. 



NOTE. 



Mr. Hagy^ and other of my friends, who furnished, and certified, 

 the following proofs of the facts relating to the Schuylkill shady 2iVC 

 among the principal and highly respectable inhabitants of Montgo- 

 mery county. The proofs might have been multiplied, had it 

 been required. R. P. 



About thirty years ago, John Roberts, Cooper, and myself, (in 

 the fall season,) marked a considerable number of young shad, then 

 from four to five inches long, by cutting off a part of the upper fin, 

 or fork, of their tails ; in order, if possible, to ascertain whether 

 they returned to the Schuylkill, in the following year. I was in- 

 formed by Philip Shubert, and Jacob and John Colp, that they had 

 caught, the ensuing spring, many full grown fish, marked as afore- 

 said. 

 Signed by order or request of my father, WILLIAM WARD. 



Per H. R. WARD. 

 Lower Merion, \Oth March, 1814. 



VOL. Ill, y y 



