OF THE UNITED STATES. 233 



of twelve years is a good shot, and can bag his game, in 

 season or out, by getting out of hear-shot distance ; and no 

 obstacles can be interposed to this general and indiscriminate 

 slaughter, except the enforcement of rigid laws, and the severe 

 discountenance of public opinion. 



But the lover of the finny race can protect his game with more 

 certainty. Although the inhabitant of the crystal water can 

 often be seen, there is no certainty of taking him, except it be 

 with net or spear, and this can be prevented. A gentleman 

 who had a fine pond, stocked with golden carp, was asked by 

 a dealer in fish for the privilege of taking some fish from his 

 pond. The gentleman, having been in a former instance im- 

 posed upon by the inquirer, answered, that he might come and 

 take as many as he pleased ; but immediately he set his 

 men to work, and planted stakes throughout the pond. Much 

 time was spent in the purchase and preparation of nets, at 

 considerable expense ; the netters went, but returned with torn 

 nets and no fish, and a flea in their ear. A word to the wise 

 is sufficient. 



Were a few anglers in the vicinity of water netted by 

 poachers to club together to protect it, and see that the ground 

 was properly staked, the ponds and streams could in a measure 

 be preserved from the depredations of such barbarians. Draw- 

 nets and seines are the most injurious ; gill-nets and fykes 

 cannot be used with much effect without being visible, and 

 can be watched by the vigilant angler. 



In regard, then, to the protection of game, we have the same 

 interest with the fowler ; and as there are many who pursue 

 fish and fowl, and many epicures also 



Who love a dish 

 Of birds or fish, 



concert ot action among them could not fail to be effectual. 



