APRIL 113 



specially the case in regard to the first moiety of the 

 book, which deals with the fresh-water fisheries. In 

 this country our game laws, much as they have been 

 vituperated, are tolerably effective, without being 

 oppressive. Salmon, also, have come in for a greater 

 share of legislation in the United Kingdom than prob- 

 ably has ever been directed before to any living creature 

 except man himself. But for the rest, how little has 

 been done by the State to maintain the productiveness 

 of our inland waters, and to encourage their improve- 

 ment ! Why, the trout, with which Scottish waters not 

 many years ago teemed in a degree that seemed to defy 

 exhaustion, are absolutely without any legislative close- 

 time, and a small knot of Radical members have effec- 

 tively blocked a measure to provide one, lest, forsooth, 

 those tyrant landlords should derive an indirect advan- 

 tage therefrom. No such qualms disturb the judgment 

 of the legislators of New York State. They take the 

 view, which it is conceivable is not altogether ground- 

 less, that the natural resources of a country for afford- 

 ing recreation to a hard-working population are a proper 

 subject of their attention, even though some of those 

 who are exempt from their share of toiling and spinning 

 come in for a share of the benefit. 



There are nine fish-hatcheries maintained in New 

 York State at the expense of the public, whence live 

 supplies are distributed to proper applicants, together 

 with instructions as to the right way of placing fresh 

 stock in the various waters. Sometimes application is 

 made for young fish, which it would not be desirable to 

 ii 



