ABOUT SALMON FISHING. 



All things by experience 

 Are most improved: then sedulously think 

 To 'meliorate thy stock; no way or rule 

 Be unassay'd. John Phillips. 



1" AM often questioned in regard to the mode of procuring 

 *- permits to fish in salmon rivers. This question was easily 

 answered until a recent decision was rendered by the Do- 

 minion Courts, affirming the riparian rights of the owners of 

 lands along the rivers. Up to that time the control of all 

 salmon waters, as well above as below the flow of the tide, 

 was in the Dominion government; and the right to fish with 

 either seine or rod could only be obtained from the fishery 

 officials. But now it is different. Permits or leases can 

 only be obtained from the owners of the lands, whether such 

 ownership is in individuals or in the government. Imme- 

 diately this decision was rendered, gentlemen who were 

 promptly posted either took up the unentered government 

 lands commanding desirable pools, or secured leases from 

 It is generally believed that this decision will lead to the 

 early depletion of the now prolific rivers affected by it. The 

 individual owners, even where they lease their pools, will not 

 be as likely to refrain from fishing them with either rod, 

 spear or net as when they were restrained by non-ownership or 

 through fear of the penalties of the old comprehensive and 

 rigorously enforced laws. The government will, of course, 

 withdraw its guardianship from rivers from which it derives 

 no revenue. To be sure, the individual owners or lessees 

 can appoint guardians, but it is very questionable whether 

 such appointees will be as careful or as efficient as those 

 who held an official commission. The loyal residents on and 



