64 FISH CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
trouble was done away with at once. I have seen the same prin- 
ciple in use before. 
Mr. Gro. CHAPPELL then brought forward the subject of the 
protection of lobsters. 
A letter was read from Mr. MIDDLETON, which was as fol- 
lows: 
New York, March 31st, 1880. 
Mr. Gro. CHAPPELL : 
Dear Str—As a member of the Association now in session, 
I would request you to lay the enclosed copy of the Massachu- 
setts lobster law before it for consideration. 
It would seem only necessary to refer to the gradual destruc- 
tion of lobsters to have the subject receive the earnest attention 
to which its importance entitles it. The law, if enacted, can 
work no hardship to the citizens of New York, and will only be 
in harmony with the laws of the states of Massachusetts and 
Maine, and prevent the selling in our markets a poor article, 
which is really contraband, having been caught in violation of 
law. 
Hoping this will receive your attention, and meet the 
views of dealers generally, ' 
Liam) yours, etc% 
GEO. W. MIDDLETON. 
AN ACT, 
PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LOBSTERS. 
Be it enacted by the Senate aud Assembly, in Legislature assembled, and 
by the authority of the same, as follows : 
$1. Whoever sells, or offers for sale, or has in his or her pos- 
session, with intent to sell, either directly or indirectly, any 
lobsters less than ten and one-half inches (1o1-2) in length; 
measuring from one extreme of the body to the other, exclusive 
of claws or feelers, shall for every such lobster be fined: five 
dollars (should be $ro). 
