16 



ly would not long continue the expense of catching and shipping fish 

 that would be rejected by the dealer when received. 



The theory of the law as it stands is, that to stop the sale of small 

 fish is to stop the catching of them for market, and the enforement 

 of this law in the past two years has been productive of great good, 

 and we believe it to be one of the best protective laws yet enacted. 



We think that a warden system that would provide for a few paid 

 wardens, rather than a larger number depending solely on the collec- 

 tion of tines for compensation, would be productive of a greater 

 amount of good. As a warden with good judgment wculd warn 

 dealers and show them their mistakes, rather than prosecute at first 

 oft'ense regardless of whether or not there was any intention of viola- 

 tion. On the other hand, it is a great temptation to a warden whose 

 compensation depends solely on tines collected, to arrest whenever 

 evidence is plain enough to make conviction probable, that is when 

 fish under legal size are found in the possession of a dealer and of- 

 fered for sale by him, although the offending party may be innocent 

 in intent and purpose, and perfectly willing to rectify his mistake so 

 far as possible by withdrawing such fish from sale or turning them 

 over to the warden for disposition. The certainty of compensation 

 for services, and the reimbursement of money expended in enforcing 

 the law would make more efficient warden service, while the uncer- 

 tainty of depending upon fines alone will not induce very effective 

 work. 



Few men care to incur the enmity of their neighbors, and spend 

 their time and money to do so, unless there is some incentive back. 

 of it, either from an active public spirited interest in the cause or 

 some pecuniary consideration which acts as the necessary in- 

 ducement. 



We call attention to wardens' reports, also their location, and the 

 date of their appointments. All of which will be found in theproper 

 place in the apx^endix. 



OUR VISITING SPORTSMEN. 



The fish interests in Illinois is not confined to the commercial 

 phase of it alone, another and wider application should be made of 

 its value. Illinois, particularly that portion lying along the Illinois 

 River is beyond question the most prolific water in the country in its 

 production of the gamey fish sought for by the angler. And the 

 people who visit it each year for the sport of angling are numbered 

 by the thousands. Many of them are from other states. Along the 

 river are maintained a number of elaborate house boats for use of the 

 clubs owning them, and in almost every instance other states furnish 

 the larger part of the membership of the clubs. 



The point we want to emphasize is, that a great deal of money is 

 brought into the State by this means, muI all classes of business men 

 profit by it. Railroads, hotels, merchants, men as pushers, boats, etc. 

 This is not overlooked by some of the railroads, whose management 

 have given the matter investigation and offer inducements to the 



