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permitted has done much to prevent the catch of illep;al sized fish. 

 Chicago's lake front is no longer covered with the great dip nets 

 that two years ago lined the docks. In brief, your commissioners 

 have endeavored to make the laws respected and obeyed. 



For the first time in the history of the commission the State 

 authorities have taken part in the enforcement of the laws relating 

 to the protection of fish in Lake Michigan, and white fish and trout 

 are again being seen in the lower end of the lake where they were 

 once so plentiful, but of late years nearly extinct. 



The lakes along the Illinois river which for years have been re- 

 garded as worthless, are being taken up and cared for, either for the 

 production of fish for commercial use or as preserves for club 

 purposes. 



On the whole, we have nothing but improvement to note, and we 

 feel sure that with proper laws, rigorously enforced, the waters of 

 the State will do much toward the furnishing of food for the people 

 and with the natural increase in the population will come greater 

 necessity for bringing about such conditions as will make the supply 

 equal the demand. 



CARP. 



First now among our fish as a money and food producer, stands 

 the carp. Every year adds to its popularity as such, and the preju- 

 dice so long existing is fast disappearing as the facts are brought 

 out regarding this wonderful fish, 



The carp, from its marvelous growth and reproductive powers, 

 gives back to our almost depleted streams, a substitute for the coarse 

 fish, depended upon so universally for food, i. e., the buffalo. 



The catch of carp was considerably reduced during last season, 

 owing to very high stage of water, but while this has been a great 

 loss to the commercial fishing industry, it has been the means of 

 giving a greater increase in fish than usual. 



The rivers at a flood stage all season enabled fish to spawn, ma- 

 ture and escape into the river without the great loss following the 

 decline in the river, when so many thousands of fish perish, being 

 caught in the shallow ponds and retained there until the water evap- 

 orates and all life in them perishes. 



It is not generally known, and it is in the nature of a surprise to 

 us, that so few are aware that the carp are easily taken on hook and 

 line, and when hooked make a vigorous fight. We have a great many 

 inquiries from all parts of the State asking if carp can be taken with 

 hook, and if so, what bait is used. 



Carp not only take the hook, but are the best of all our fishes to 

 bite to hook and line. They make a great fight and are second to 

 the black bass alone in that respect. The mouth, closing on line, 

 prevents the usual "drowning'' of the fish, and they fight until tired 

 out before giving up. 



Ordinary ship stuff, boiled so as to make a paste of the consistency 

 of putty, is the best bait. Dough (corn meal) , well worked in with 



