THE WORK OF THE KANSAS FISH COMMISSION. 315 
And so 'tis true that coal is sunshine bottled 
And stored away the earth's old crust below ; 
Man burns the coal — the sunshine is unthrottled 
And fills the world with all its ancient glow. 
Glasgow, Mo. 
THE WORK OF THE KANSAS FISH COMMISSION. 
W. S. GILE. 
Venango, Kas., July, 30, 1883. 
For the information of your readers in reply to queries as to what my depart- 
ment is doing, I will say that since assuming the office of State Fish Commission- 
er, last spring, I have planted 30,000 speckled trout in spring creeks that have 
gravelly beds and an uniform flow of water, and where I have substantial reasons 
for believing that the temperature of the water will not rise above 55° F. I have 
also planted at Junction City in the Smoky Hill River 350,000 shad, received 
from Prof. Baird of the U. S. Fish Commission. My other work has been in 
making examination of the streams of the State for a two-fold purpose — first, to 
determine from a personal examination what varieties I had better select in order 
to have them adapted to the stream and climate ; secondly, to see what obstruc- 
tions had been placed in them that would prevent the passage of fish. These 
objects I have accomplished. Owners of dams have promised me that during 
the season they will construct fish-ways, and I have given them assurance that 
on this promise I will stock the streams with such food fish as I believe will stay, 
and if the people will not destroy them it will only be a few years before the 
streams of the State will be alive with black bass, crappie, channel catfish, pike 
and wall-eyed pike. 
As soon as the Mississippi is low enough I shall commence the catch. My 
arrangements for boats, cages, tanks, seins, nets, and all the apparatus necessary 
to work the whole matter fully and thoroughly are made, and nothing will defeat 
them but the elements. I may add one or two other varieties to the list. In 
this, however, I shall be governed by my judgment after we commence the catch. 
When the river gets low enough at Quincy to begin the catch, I shall want from 
among your fishermen who are used to caring for live fish two or three good, 
trusty men to act as messengers and take care of the fish while in transit, and 
plant them in accordance with my written directions. I shall probably begin the 
distribution of carp in October, and deliver from Kansas City. — Live Stock Indi- 
cator. 
