vember 1st. This is a most important period for warden 

 service. Assistant wardens and protectors should be 

 used during this time. Cooperation with Federal authori- 

 ties in the matter of woodcock violation essential. 

 Every possible woodcock violation should be tried in 

 Federal courts. 



Ducks. Black duck and Broad bill (greater scaup) 

 never more numerous. In greater numbers than between 

 1890 and 1900. Wood duck more plentiful than in fifteen 

 years. This is of course due to stopping Spring shooting. 

 Black ducks have been greatly helped by Mallard farms. 

 I believe in propagating Mallards in suitable places be- 

 cause of effect on Black duck. 



Sea ducks, especially old squaws have markedly de- 

 creased due probably to destruction on northern breed- 

 ing grounds. Bail only of consequence on Connecticut 

 river marshes. Local birds are shot up in first week of 

 season. There is probably little change in numbers in 

 recent years. Would cut bag limit to twenty and allow 

 one gun but sixty for the season. Rail are migratory 

 birds. Shore birds are practically negligible. Migra- 

 tion over mostly before September 1, season opens. 



The Fish situation in the state is utterly bad and here 

 the new comission has its greatest opportunity for results. 

 Ponds, rivers and streams are all easily accesible in autos. 

 All ponds and other rivers are fished out in the early part 

 of season. The state is badly polluted, every effort 

 should be made to get public sentiment in favor of clean 

 water. There is only one good hatchery in the state. At 

 least six are needed. Game funds cannot be used for 

 fish purposes. Any extension of fish propagation will 

 have to be paid for from rod license and special appro- 

 priation. 



The most important fish to be cultivated in the state 

 are native brook trout. Only open streams can be sup- 

 plied by commission. Owing to the large number of 

 posted streams in the state a comparatively small supply 

 of trout would go a long way. I do not believe in salmon 

 propagation. 



White perch would be a most valuable fish to cultivate 

 but the supply of all pond fish should be kept up. I be- 

 lieve in the general rule of keeping up the native supply. 

 Don't put in new fish. Question of raising bait (smelt) 

 for larger ponds should be considered. The destruction 

 of salt water fry by small meshed nets all along the Con- 

 necticut shore of the sound is a most serious menace and 

 requires stringent and well enforced laws. In this con- 



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