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counted for by the use of the large seines, which not 
only make immense hauls of fish useful for canning, but 
they catch the breeding fish which they prevent from 
ascending the minor streams for the purpose of spawn- 
ing; thus not only destroying the fish that is not good 
for food, but preventing the propagation of the species. 
Other valuable fish are caught with the salmon and ruth- 
lessly cast aside to die on the beach, where they lie 
decomposing by thousands. In Pennsylvania the laws 
have prohibited weir fishing, and the increasing numbers 
of fish in our streams show the wisdom of the commission 
in obtaining such protection. If the United States 
Commissioner could secure such lawful safeguard for the 
salmon of Alaska, it would insure an almost interminable 
future for the vast industry in the territory, whose can- 
neries would one day be able to supply the world. 
The planting of fish fry is an undertaking which re- 
quires wisdom in the selection of the waters for the 
purpose, and a careful regard to the habits of the finny 
occupants, A voracious variety of fish for instance, will 
sometimes clear all other species from the pond or stream 
in which they are placed; black bass has this reputation, 
therefore the folly of trying to raise trout with the 
rapacious varieties in the same stream is apparent. 
Perhaps there is no industry that makes more ample 
return than that of catching and preparing fish for the 
markets. In Alaska the canneries yield an immense 
profit, and they deal in salmon alone, the yield of halibut, 
cod, and other kinds of fish is not included in the vast 
industry ; but Alaska herring and smelts are said to be 
particularly fine and no doubt they will soon attract 
capitalists to set up a strong rivalry with other parts of 
the world in their production for the markets. 
The supplies of cod, mackerel and herring from the 
eastern coast has so long been an institution, that re- 
marks concerning them seem superfluous; perhaps too, 
no one can fully appreciate the great importance of these 
