and the Maritime Provinces. 329 



custom has been stopped, and the fishing is improving each year. In ad- 

 dition to the brook trout, which range from one to five and one-half pounds 

 in weight, the lake now affords good fishing for lake trout ranging from 

 five to fifteen pounds. Seven or eight lake trout, weighing from fifty to 

 sixty pounds, is considered a good day's catch. The State Fish and Game 

 Commission take especial pride in Caspian lake, because it illustrates so 

 well what results can be obtained by protection and artificial stocking in so 

 short a period as six years. The lake is high in elevation and, like most 

 Vermont lakes, is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is constantly grow- 

 ing in popularity, and property along its shores is rapidly appreciating in 

 value, owing to the steady demand for building lots. The number of cot- 

 tages is increasing annually. 



The best season in Vermont for fishing is during May and June for 

 nearly all varieties, and especially for either lake trout or brook trout in 

 lakes and ponds. Fly-fishing or angling for brook trout in streams is, per- 

 haps, best in the month of July, although the time varies with the season. 

 Bass take the lure best soon after June 15th, which is the beginning of 

 their open season. In August they are not easily enticed, but they may 

 be taken in September after the first frosts. 



Willoughby — the largest lake entirely within the confines of Vermont 

 — is of from five to six thousand acres in area and is a natural home of 

 the lake trout. It is also inhabited by the Menominee white-fish, making 

 an abundance of food for the lake trout, and is well adapted for the land- 

 locked salmon. Seymour and Maidstone lakes are also inhabited by the 

 lake trout, and the adherents of each claim that the trout caught in it 

 are superior to those of other waters. After all has been said, each has 

 its attractions, and they are increasing annually. Each is a paradise for 

 those who are most familiar with it. 



Not till 1890 did Vermont invest in a hatchery for the artificial propa- 

 gation of fish, when an appropriation of $2,400 was made for the purchase 

 of a site and the construction of a hatchery. Since the first appropriation, 

 the legislature has liberally supported the institution, which was located at 

 Roxbury ; and to-day it is regarded as one of the best equipped and most 

 productive of its kind in New England. Its work is confined to the prop- 

 agation of the trout family or salmonidce, the native brook trout and lake 

 trout receiving special attention. It has a capacity of 2,000,000 eggs 

 which are hatched, and the fry are planted at ages varying from three 

 months to one year old from the time they begin to take food. The larger 

 portion of the product is distributed as fed fry (about three months old) in 

 the months of May and June. After the general distribution in June, 

 shipments are made each month to relieve the overcrowded condition re- 

 sulting from the rapid growth of the fry. The first shipments are made as 

 fingerlings in October. The number of ponds at the hatchery is being 



