434 With Rod and Gun in New England 



s 



It was at his house that a few men of congenial spirits were gathered 

 to consider and discuss plans for forming a club for the better protection 

 of smelts and other fish, and the result of their deliberations was the organi- 

 zation of the "Massachusetts Anglers' Association," on February 7, 1873. 



This organization rapidly increased in numbers, and on the 18th of 

 March, 1874, secured the passage of an Act of Incorporation by the legis- 

 lature of the State. On the 30th of March the corporators met at the 

 Parker house, where they proceeded to accept the Act of Incorporation, 

 and organized by the choice of Dr. John P. Ordway as president, and 

 Charles Stanwood, treasurer. 



At this meeting a constitution and by-laws were adopted and the 

 association was prepared to engage in its legitimate work under the sanc- 

 tion of the State of Massachusetts and amenable to her laws. 



The first Friday in April having been made the date of the annual 

 meeting under the constitution, the association met at that time in Codman 

 hall, Tremont street, when the same officers were re-elected, and among 

 the names that appear on the list of vice-presidents are those of Hon. 

 Thomas Talbot, afterwards governor, Hon. Charles Levi Woodbury, and 

 Mr. John F. Mills. It is recorded that seventy-five persons responded on 

 the roll of membership at this meeting ; also that a motion was presented 

 by Mr. H. T. Rockwell, " That a committee of three be appointed to con- 

 sider and report on the propriety and expediency of securing the passage 

 by the municipal authorities of Boston and other cities and towns of Massa- 

 chusetts such ordinances as shall carry into effect the existing laws for 

 the protection of fish, especially by preventing the sale of fish during the 

 time when it is illegal to take them from the water." 



The motion prevailed, and the committee was appointed. I mention 

 this to show that no time was lost by the young association before entering 

 upon its work. It seemed to be endowed with energy and manly vigor 

 from the day of its birth. I find spread upon the records of the meeting of 

 May 13, 1874, a letter from Hon. Charles Levi Woodbury which well illus- 

 trates the purpose and spirit of the members at that time. 



-,_y Boston, May 12, 1874. 



" I regret that I shall not be able to attend the meeting of the Massa- 

 chusetts Anglers' Association to-morrow evening. 



" The efficiency it has already shown in carrying out the objects of 

 its formation give cheering promise for the future. I believe that careful 

 attention to close time will prove as effectual in keeping up the supply of 

 fish as the effort to increase their number by artificial attention to their 

 breeding, and I by no means would disparage the benefit shown from the 

 latter. Both utilitarian purposes and sport are conserved by the adoption 

 of such regulations as tend to secure the keeping up of our fisheries. 



