^fe^M 



consulted. The Commission will be glad to render every possible assistance in this 

 direction. Caretakers can learn much by visiting rearing stations already In 

 operation by a number of associations. A trip to a State hatchery, some one of 

 which is easily accessible from any part of the State, is particularly advisable 

 prior to the installation of a rearing station. 



While rearing stations are not to be lightly undertaken, the results that they 

 bring in better fishing will justify the labor and expense that they involve. 



Pollution of Streams. 



All those who are interested in the conservation of the aquatic life of the State 

 realize that pollution of our water courses must be kept at a minimum. There is 

 no more precious gift of Nature than pure water. Yet many of our finest streams, 

 and even some of the lakes, have become practically worthless as fishing waters 

 through the agency of pollution. City sewage, as well as refuse from pulp and 

 lumber mills, dye works, gas plants, dairy plants, metal factories, and various 

 other manufacturing establishments, have long since spoiled the larger rivers. 

 Even small trout streams are not safe from the drainage of cesspools, barnyards, 

 outhouses, kitchen sinks, and garbage heaps. Pollution is an important con- 

 tributary cause of diseases among fish, so that those which are not driven away 

 at first remain merely to succumb eventually to poison and infection. All waters 

 in which fishing is desired must have their purity safeguarded. It is not ex- 

 aggeration to say that the greatest menace to fish culture in New York State 

 today is pollution of the waters. 



Black Spotted Trout 



(20) 



