American Fisheries Society. 145 
streams had trout in them. In my first fish cultural work thirty 
years ago, the streams that contained grayling were barren of 
trout, and the latter were not there until planted. I want to 
emphasize the fact that the best streams today in Michigan are 
those that have been stocked by the state and Federal Fish Com- 
missions. That point I want to bring out clearly. 
Dr. Henshall further says: “All of you are doubtless familiar 
with the loss of fish arising from the causes enumerated, but 
there is a source already suspected whereby millions of fish and 
fry perish annually. This is all the more lamentable as it could 
be so easily prevented. I allude to the wholesale destruction of 
fish life through the operations of irrigating ditches.” 
And further on: “As the Department of Agriculture has 
begun the good work of protecting and conserving our game 
birds and mammals, the question naturally arises: whether or not 
federal protection should be extended to our fishes in public 
waters. I can imagine no good reason why the United States 
Bureau of Fisheries should not take an active interest in prevent- 
ing the pollution of public waters, and in protecting the fishes 
that inhabit them. In anticipation of the extensive irrigation 
projects contemplated by the general government in the western 
states, the influence and timely action of the Bureau would pre- 
vent the almost total depletion of the streams of fish life which 
would otherwise surely follow.” 
I think that this society ought to take some official action, 
now that the irrigation matter has been taken up so extensively, 
to urge upon the various states and the national congress to do 
something along the line of fish protection. I can see the point 
Dr. Henshall makes further back about the gates being opened 
and the trout rushing down and scattering out and all dying. 
He gives a plan there that he thinks will remedy the difficulty 
easily, and I believe it is a matter that should be thoroughly 
investigated. Undoubtedly in time an effort will be made to 
remedy the trouble; but it is urged that something be done now, 
before the streams are greatly injured. 
Mr. Fullerton: I suggest that Mr. Clark present a resolu- 
tion to be acted upon in that hne. 
Mr. Seymour Bower: I wish to endorse all that Mr. Clark 
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