54 



Wc have taken but very few bass the present sumraer of regulation size 

 (our l)y-]aws prohibit bass under three-quarter pound weight). The largest 

 bass yet taken weighed 5 lbs. and 2 oz , and 'luite a nunilx-r have been 

 caught weighing 2 to 4 lbs. each. I think I represent the club in express- 

 ing the opinion that the work you are engaged in should be encouraged, 

 and many more artittcial lakes made and stocked with lish all over the 

 State, thereby adding greatly to the food and pleasure of the people. 



During the present dry season, when the waters in the shallow creeks 

 and sloughs have dried up. millions of small tish have been destroyed that 

 could, with proper effort, have been planted in lakes that could be made 

 with little expense, if the people interested would do it. I think that 

 nearly every farmer has a place on his farm where a tish pond could be 

 made, and when stocked with tish would be a source of pleasure and profit 

 to himself and family. 



The "Beaver Dam Lake" is situated about a half mile west of Macou- 

 pin Station, on the C. & A. E. R., of easy access, and about seven mile.s 

 from Carlinville. A pleasant buggy ride, or ten minutes by the cars, and 

 a short walk lands us at the grounds. Our dams are in good condition 

 and will stand for years, and in all probability this lake will be a perma- 

 nent and popular resort for all time. I send you herewith a photograph, 

 showing a view of part of the lake and its surroundings. 



With the kindest regards of the club. 



Respectfully, 



H. W. Burton, President. 



CarLtENVille. III.. Maj- 27. 1889. 



Hon. S. P. Bartlctt, Secretary Fish Commission : 



Dear Sir — We have taken from the fish sent us by you one bass weigh- 

 ing 5 pounds 2 ounces, one weighing 3 pounds J-i ounces, and several of 2 

 pounds this spring. We trust you can be with us to demonstrate further 

 the rapid growth of the bass under favorable surroundings. 



Respectfully, 



Tiios. RiXAKER, Secretary. 



Charleston, III.. January 2. 1890. 



;S'. P. Bartlett, Esq., Quincy, III: 



Dear Sir — We have your favor of December 28, 1889, and our members 

 request me to thank you for allotment of wall-eyed ])ike. and ask that 

 you give us all you can and do justice to others. Since our organization 

 we tind that there are many more game lish in our little stream than 

 before, and if weather is at all favorable any angler is sure of a good 

 string of bass. Our stream was formerly full of croppies, but these were 

 cleaned out by the trammel-net, and for several years they ha\e been very 

 scarce and only a few caught. Channel cat have been very plentiful, and 

 notwithstanding great numbers have been caught in trai)s. are numerous 

 yet, and afford excellent si)ort. The night before the 4th of .luly a party 

 of four caught over so on trot-lines, some weighing four pounds. Before 

 we organized it was a common thing to organize, imlilicly. a seining party, 

 and owners of trammel-nets made no seeri>t of using tiiem and liringiiig 

 (ish to town for sale. Since then there has been some of lliis illegal sein- 

 ing done, but very ((uietly. and we have not been able to obtain evidence 

 to convict. These men are. however, beginning to realize that the asso- 

 ciation means business, and as soon as the nets and seines now here are 

 worn out I think tiie business will be discontinued altogether. Dynamite 

 has done us much harm, and, unfortunately, we have not been al)le to 

 catch any of the olTiMiders. It is our intention, however, to call a meet- 

 ing in February, make it as public and enthusiastic as yjossible. and otTer 

 reward of $100 for conviction for use of dynamite, and rewards for netting, 



