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THE FISH AND FISHING OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Strong laws against taking or vending game out of season, 

 strictly enforced by the rigorous prosecution of all offenders, 

 would check, if not stop the growing evil. 



To this end sporting clubs should be formed in the different 

 cities, towns, and districts of country, which might be bene- 

 fited by such laws ; and vigilance committees formed to cor- 

 respond with and visit the sporting grounds, and see that every 

 violation of the statutes is thoroughly dealt with. By such a 

 course of procedure our game grounds could be preserved, 

 our pleasures greatly increased, and a stock of nature's " best 

 gift, our ever new delight," preserved to future generations. 

 We can do more. Where ponds and streams have ceased to be 

 tenanted by the favorite trout, transportation and propagation 

 can be carried on privately, at little expense, and the fish left 

 to remain many years with safety and success. Then the 

 streams we once loved may be made lively and joyous as in 

 the days of our youth. There appears to be only one descrip- 

 tion of fish that we are destined to lose, and that is the king of 

 the tribe, the salmon. The majority of our rivers being large 

 enough to admit of all kinds of navigation, including that 

 enemy of fish and fishing, the steamboat, we shall eventually 

 have to bid farewell to this royal visitor. He cannot be do- 

 mesticated, but roams as his instinct leads him. Other descrip- 

 tions of game are ours, and in our keeping ; and it behoves us, 

 as true men and faithful anglers, to propagate and preserve 

 them. 



