XXXIV REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



thrown into the market is so great as very materially to reduce the 

 price paid the fishermen. This, however, does not affect the consumer 

 in the least, as the fish are all sold to middle-men, who keep up the re- 

 tail price. Large numbers of fish, however, at this season become 

 spoiled, and are either thrown overboard or converted into manure. 



By intermitting the catch as suggested, there is a greater certainty 

 that the entire supply will be put to its legitimate use as food; and 

 it is probable that, while less money may be made by the middle-men 

 referred to, the owners of the pounds and traps would receive quite as 

 large an amount of money for less labor and for three-fourths the same 

 weight of fish. This arrangement would also furnish an opportunity for 

 persons connected with the fisheries to repair their apparatus, or attend 

 to other duties. I have, indeed, been assured by many persons engaged 

 in this business that they are fully aware that it would be for their in- 

 terest, in every way, to have the close time specified, and that they will 

 gladly welcome a law to that effect, if it be made universal in its 

 application. 



In view of all these considerations, T have draughted a bill, which has 

 been presented to the consideration of the commissioners of several 

 States, and to several eminent lawyers, well versed in the local laws of 

 their respective States, and corrected to their satisfaction. A copy of 

 this bill, as finally modified, is given on page 132. 1 sincerely trust that 

 this, or a somewhat similar bill, may become a law in the States of 

 Ehode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, as I am sat- 

 isfied it would be for their benefit. Although there may be no serious 

 question as to the right of the General Government to make enactments 

 in regard to the common waters of the United States, it is possible that 

 any attempt on its part, at the present time, to pass this law would meet 

 with considerable opposition ; and it would be extremely difficult for the 

 United States to enforce any speciaj requirement or penalty connected 

 with a close season. 



The plan of licensing the pounds, so as to give the State more efficient 

 control, is considered one of great importance, and will, I believe, be 

 acceptable to the owners of tliese establishments, as it would give them 

 a security against interference from other parties that they do not at 

 present possess. 



Tlie penalty attached to fishing without a license, and the ability of a 

 State the more readily to punish an offender by depri\ ing him of his 

 permission to tish, will render i)arties careful how they offend ; and by 

 giving to the inibrmer, in consequence of whose complaint the license 

 is withdrawn, the first choice of taking the station forfeited, an intense 

 vigilance will be induced on the part of those who may desire to secure 

 a favorite location, and thus supersede the necessity of an expensive 

 surveillance on the i)art of the State. 



In the event, however, of the refusal of the States mentioned to 

 establish tlu^ vcm'v limited close tinu* sniiiiested, I would reconniuMid the 



