838 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



and health of all classes of citizens. The desirability of the participation of 

 fish commissions in the work, however, appears to the writer to be a question 

 that can only be settled by submitting it to those who would be most nearly 

 concerned with its practical operation, those engaged in fish-cultural work and 

 who have at their command the necessary equipment and knowledge. 



It may be argued that the study of the mosquito problem should devolve 

 exclusively upon the agricultural departments. In 1900 or 1901 this question 

 was suggested by the writer, and the Commissioner of Fisheries then decided 

 that the work properly belonged to the entomological division of the Agricultural 

 Department. At first thought this seems a logical conclusion; but when we 

 come to realize fully the magnitude of the task one is compelled to conclude 

 that its accomplishment will require the combined efforts of all the available 

 resources of the States and probably of the National Government. 



The fish and game commissions have in their service a body of men whose 

 duties include an espionage of both the land and waters of the States. By 

 enlarging their powers and authority there is already available a capable organi- 

 zation which needs only efficient direction and support to accomplish great 

 practical results in this direction. 



There is another side to the question. The fish and game commissions 

 do not have to the extent that they should the sympathy and support of the 

 public in general, the prevailing idea being that they represent the interests 

 of the sportsmen — gunners and anglers. And from this class alone there should 

 be a vigorous support for such a development, not only because of the promise 

 of greater comfort in their outings, but also because of the added popularity 

 it would most surely give to the work of fish and game commissions and to 

 legislation affecting the waters. If fish culture is to be progressive it must 

 enlist the sympathy of all classes of citizens. It must justify itself by its use- 

 fulness. Those engaged in it and in fish and game protection should welcome 

 every opportunity to broaden the scope of fish work. There should be a desire 

 to extend its popularity by enthusiastic support of any line of investigation 

 or work which will benefit the public at large. There is now a precedent in 

 the action of the United States Bureau of Fisheries in collecting and sending 

 fishes to Hawaii for the purpose of mosquito destruction, and there is no reason 

 why the fish and game commissions with their trained experts should not coop- 

 erate in absolute harmony with the divisions of entomology, thus avoiding 

 the creation of dual functions in state work. 



