312 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



mental purposes and distribute them to suitable localities, if provision be made for 

 their protection. 



There is also a species of mussel that is indigenous to the salt marshes in the 

 vicinity of New Smyrna Inlet. This mussel is not edible, but at times has been 

 .utilized for bait. The taste is of an astringent coppery nature and unfitted for con- 

 sumption for the above reason. The edible mussel also might become a valuable 

 acquisition to this section if it could be satisfactorily propagated. 



PROTECTION OF FISHERY INTERESTS. 



The disadvantages that the State of Florida now labors under, by the reduced 

 temperature experienced annually and the destruction of her valuable timber interests, 

 without provision for renewal by the Government, necessitate the utilization of all 

 available methods to develop her resources for the support of her inhabitants, and no 

 better work can be done in this direction than to protect, to the fullest extent, the food- 

 fishes and the oyster and turtle industries, including both the green and loggerhead 

 varieties. The malicious slaughter of the female loggerhead should be punished to 

 the fullest extent of the law, as well as the wanton destruction of fish by drag seines 

 and gill nets. Since the law protecting the fish by preventing seining has gone into 

 effect, the catch of sheepshead by hook and line has been greater than ever before, 

 which makes the fishing-grounds about New Smyrna especially desirable for those 

 who desire legitimate sport or those who rely on fishing for a livelihood. Heretofore 

 the sheepshead were taken by hundreds in a drag net at night, which entirely 

 eradicated in a short time the leading game fish in this vicinity. The same was largely 

 true of the bass and trout. In these cases one or two persons monopolized the fishing 

 business with drag or gill nets, and not infrequently the entire catch was wasted by 

 no market or from lack of ice to ship. Nowhere in this section of the State is the 

 fishing as good by line and rod as at this place at this time. Therefore, the protective 

 clause in the fish laws of the east coast of Volusia County, Fla., has been productive 

 of great good and should be continued, notwithstanding the efforts made to repeal it. 



Of other prospective industries which might prove profitable, the propagation of 

 the diamond-back terrapin, which abounds to a certain extent in the southern coast 

 country, is suggested. The dissemination of knowledge by which the blue crab 

 could be kept alive, in both the soft and hard shell condition, to enable it to stand 

 transportation to a distant market, as well as practical information relative to the 

 propagation of the stone crab (the lobster of southern waters), are subjects which 

 deserve consideration. In the interior of the State are many ponds and lakes in 

 which desirable fresh-water fishes could be successfully introduced, thus enhancing 

 the value of those bodies of water and furnishing food and sport for many who are 

 unable to visit the coast country for their supply of fish. A due consideration of 

 these important subjects, resulting in effective effort, would greatly increase our food 

 products and better the condition of the interior and coast country embraced in the 

 waters of the Halifax and North Indian rivers of Volusia County, Florida. 



NEW SMYRNA, FLORIDA. 



