348 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION. 



Michigan the annual appropriation was cut down one-half, and in West Virginia the 

 office of fish commissioner was abolished entirely. Under such conditions it seems 

 not only the part of wisdom but of necessity to make some concessions. 



I believe the time will come when commercial fishermen generally will recognize 

 the injury to their interests by the use of overdestructive devices, whether they be 

 fish-baskets, pound nets, salmon wheels, or their allies, and that the fish commissions 

 are working for and not against them; but such conditions do not exist now, and it is 

 the present aspect which must be faced. 



I believe that certain devices prohibited by law in many States, such as set or out 

 lines, fyke nets, dip nets, and even set nets, while they ought not to be used, would not, 

 under certain restrictions, materially injure the work of fish-culture. I believe that 

 fish-baskets are the most destructive device in existence for taking fish, with the 

 possible exception of explosives. Under no circumstances should they be permitted 

 in streams into which shad come to spawn, and nowhere else ought they to be allowed 

 without being guarded by severe restrictions or without a license being first paid 

 therefor. 



But, above all things, it is important that the commissions and the commercial 

 fishermen come to a better understanding; that they work more in harmony for the 

 advancement of fish-culture. It is also essential that the sporting element and the 

 commercial fishermen cease their jealousies and suspicions of one another and, each 

 recognizing that the other forms an important link in the State's welfare, join hands 

 in hearty support of State fish commissions and their work. 



PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. 



