20 



and adopt some practical, durable and economical plan. As it is, 

 each owner of a dam may put in a fishway that in his opiDion 

 will give a free passage for fish, iip and down the stieam, and 

 leave it to time and those interested, to prove that it does not. 



There can be no question as to the importance of the thorough 

 enforcement of the law With the rivers fully opened, fish will 

 find their way from the larger rivers — the great arteries — up into 

 the headwaters of the smaller streams and their tributaries, re- 

 peopling where now are only such as are planted there, and in an 

 incredibly short time the waters wnll be filled to the extent nature 

 designed, with fish native to them. Without it, it will be a work 

 of constant care on the part of those whose duty it may be to not 

 only stock these waters annually, but to guard them from the in- 

 roads made upon them not only by natural causes, but by the use 

 of seines, which the obstruction of streams makes so easy at the 

 season when fish are struggling to carry out in nature's ways, 

 nature's plans, and make the water as productive to man's use as 

 the land. 



HEPORT OF GEO. E. COLE IN MATTER OF FISHWATS ON FOX BIVEE. 



Chicago, III., August 18, 1888.- 

 To S. P. Barilett, Secretary, Quincy, Illinois: 



Dear Sir— Thanking you for ifeleciing me as the representative of the State Fish Commiseion to 

 notify the owners of dams on Fox river that they must comply with the law, relating to the placing 

 of proper "fishways"'' in their dams, I beg leave to submit the following as the result of my notifica- 

 tion tour: 



I served written notices on all the owners of dams on Fox river from Algonqain to Ycrkville, 

 both inclusive. 



Andrew Doigowns the dam at Algonquin. AVhen served with the notice he said: "I am not able 

 to put in a fishway; but I am perfeclly willing thai one should be constructed in my dam, and i will 

 do naif the work " Notice served Aus.'ust 14. 



The Illinois Iron and Bolt Company owns the dam at Carpentersville— Henry E. Edwards, pre.-; 

 ■dent. When served with the notice Mr. Edwards said that he had already constructed a fishway, a:- 

 per model furnished him by ex-Fish Commissioner McDole. He says that he will have nothing mor-.- 

 to do with the matter as he has obeyed the law fully. I examined the "fishway" and found that at 

 its best fish can pass through it only at certain stages of high water. At present no water passts 

 through the fishway. Notice served August 14. 



The Clintonville (or South Elgin) dam gave me a good deal of trouble on account of the 

 numerous parties interested therein. However, I am satisfied that they will comply with the law 

 I served the following persons who are interested, either in the dam. or have certain "water privi 

 leges." Dr. J. A. Teffert, (Elgin) who is ready to do lijs part. V. W. Panton, (Clintonvillet own- 

 certain "water privileges'" and is liable for any part of fishway, will do his part. Frank Hutchisor. . 

 <We8t Elgin) owns "water i)rivileges" and says he has nothing to do with the fish-way. Alfroii 

 Bosworth, representative of the I. Bosworth estate, and cashier of First National Bank of Elgin. 

 8ay.< the estate only has "water privileges" and he has nothing to do with fishway. Orlando David 

 son (East Elgin) owns part of the dam, and is willing to do his part. Notices served August I5th. 



The St. Charles dam is in the same condition as that of Carpentersville. A "fishway" was p ■. 

 in at the instance of Mr. McDole, but was never formally accepted or rejected by him. though bui 

 according to his plans ar.d specifications. Charles Haines, one of the owners w-ill contest tlv 

 matter, in court if another fishway is recjuired. Charles A. ^[iller, E. Browuell, and Stewart Broi; 

 are willing to put in new one. S. S. Bignell and O. M Butler also owners, were absent, and 

 served notices on their employes. Notices served August 18th. 



Bennett & Gates, C. E. Mann, Chas. Pope Glucose Company, and the W. H. Howell Co., ar 

 the owners of the dam at (xeneva. Notice was served personally upon all of them, except Charl. 

 Pope, who was absent. His superintendent was served instead. Tliere will be no trouble at tl 

 dam. I would respectfully state in connection with this dam, that the Glucose factory is bitter; 

 complained of by ov(M yoiie residing on the river south of Geneva to as far as Yorkville. Fishermei 

 claim that the refuse liiatter from tlii> Glucose factory kills the fish, and ruinsthe water for drink 

 in g, cooking and manufacturing purposes. Certainly, it is very filthy, and I have no doubt as to 

 its injurious effects on fish. It'is at the earnest request of all persons residing south of Geneva 

 ihat I make mention of this matter. Notices served August 16th. 



