FARMER BOYS AND THE TROUT. 35 



would take the sitting hen from her nest and wring 

 her neck. In each case the act of bringing forth 

 their young is stopped. 



By the laws of the State of New York it is illegal 

 to take, kill, catch, or have in possession after the 

 same has been killed, any brook, or speckled trout, 

 from the first day of September to the first day of 

 April in each year, under a penalty of $10 for an at- 

 tempt, and $25 for each fish so caught, killed, ex- 

 posed for sale, or had in possession; and a penalty of 

 $50 for disturbing or molesting fish upon their spawn- 

 ing beds, or taking spawn or milt therefrom, with 

 $25 additional for each fish taken thereon. 



Although it is unlawful to take trout during the 

 above time, and we all should have due respect for 

 the law, it is not a very difficult matter to destroy 

 a great many trout out of season without being de- 

 tected, and I hope I may succeed in interesting my 

 young friends to look upon this question as a matter 

 of honor with them, and as something which is for 

 their interest to look after and protect. Certainly 

 there is no other class who can do more good in this 

 direction if they exert their influence in the right 

 way, and none who can do more harm if they are so 

 disposed. 



When you have " a day off" to go trout fishing at 

 the proper season, or invite your friends from the 

 city to join you in a day's recreation, your desire is 

 to take some fish, and if the trout are not allowed 

 to breed (unless kept up by artificial planting), the 

 stock will just as surely run out as would your fowls, 

 if they were not given an opportunity for breeding. 

 In addition to protecting trout through their spawn- 



