9 



average size of those taken, showiiiij; conclusively that the drain has 

 been the lieaviest on these lishes. Had it not been for the introduc- 

 tion of the carp the coarse fishes, which go most Largely into con- 

 sumption, would be very scarce today. As it is the carp, by its rapid 

 growth and reproduction, has done much to offset the drain. 



A very large proportion of the fishes taken from our rivers goes 

 out of the State, buyers for New York, Boston and St. Louis markets 

 taking everything offered, most of the time. 



So we might take up each section or part of section and show by 

 various instances the widely varying interpretation of the laws made 

 by different courts, but it is. perhaps, enough to say that the laws 

 should be so revised and enacted that no one could mistake their in- 

 tent in order that justice may be done alike to those who earn their 

 living by fishing and those who are interested in the protection and 

 increase of fish for food. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



Although, for reasons given, we have had much to discourage us 

 in our collections during the past two seasons, yet we believe the dis- 

 tribution will average better for the same length of time than that of 

 the two j)revious seasons. Owing to the extreme heat we were forced 

 to plant locally the greater part of our collections from the drying- 

 ponds and the fishes rescued for general distribution had to be care- 

 fully selected and handled, so that, while the several plants made may 

 not have been so great, numericall^^ as those of former seasons, we 

 believe that as to conditions and quality of fish the results were bet- 

 ter. 



The fishes selected for planting have been chiefly the small and 

 large-mouthed black bass, white bass, striped bass, war-mouth bass, 

 crappies. both kinds, black and light; wall-ej-ed pike, ring perch, 

 sunfish and perch, with some of the coarser varieties, where the dis- 

 tance was not too great. The distribution is generally directed to 

 public waters, but where the expense was not too great and the serv- 

 ice could be conveniently rendered, we have furnished individual ap- 

 plicants with stock for i)rivate ponds. If the large number of appli- 

 cans is any indication, the interest in fish culture in ponds on farms 

 or i^reserves has greatly increased. The lists in our office are very 

 large, and the efforts to inform applicants as to the conditions and 

 requirements essential to success for cultivation of fishes has entailed 

 an immense volume of correspondence upon us. The larger projDor- 

 tion of applicants want bass and crappie only, and it is difficult for 

 us to make them understand and believe that almost certain failure 

 will result from an effort to raise bass or crappie exclusively in small 

 ponds. To successfully cultivate fish in ponds is in itself difficult, 

 and when an attempt is made to raise only the game or precious va- 

 rieties the difficulty is greatly increased. The larger bass will make 

 short work of devouring the small ones, if confined to a linuted space 

 and without a regular and sufficient supply of other food, and the re- 

 sult will be the survival of a few of the largest and strongest only. 



