PKOTECTION 'OF FISH. 187 



ment ; by these means, and the enactment of judi- 

 cious statutes, the beautiful wild creatures that form 

 so pleasant an addition to the charms of country 

 life, may be preserved in undiminished numbers for 

 all time. 



The first necessity, however, is that proper and 

 uniform enactments should be passed in every por- 

 tion of our extensive nationality. If the close times 

 differ in adjoining states, fish will be killed in one 

 and sold in the other ; it is useless to attempt to for- 

 bid the catching of trout in Maine, if they can be 

 eaten in New York. Pinnated grouse, killed on the 

 western prairies where they are fast being extermi- 

 nated, are sold openly in New York markets in con- 

 sequence of their omission from the game law, during 

 the entire spring, until the heat of the weather pre- 

 vents their transportation. Black bass are frequent- 

 ly exposed on the hucksters' stands heavy with 

 spawn, and pike-perch are hardly regarded as desir- 

 able in any other condition. 



The universal rule should be comprehensive and 

 simple, as the habits of the fresh water fish are suffi- 

 ciently well known ; protection should be given 

 during the spawning season, and for such a period 

 before and after as to prevent the annihilation of 

 those who have survived the numerous dangers that 

 surround them, and are ready for the duties of par- 

 turition, and to allow them to recover from the 

 exhaustion resulting from the operation. 



No trout should be killed except from the first of 

 March to the first of October ; no lake trout except 



