FISH CULTURE. <> 



to the degree that in place of being a simple luxury, 

 seldom seen except upon the table of the well to do citi- 

 zen, fish-food may be had by the poor as well. Still 

 further, in place of being brought, as it is now, chiefly 

 from Canada or from Boston, fish-food may be had almost 

 at each man's door. Yet, still further, it is possible to 

 supplant codfish and hake with salmon and shad, and had- 

 dock and mackerel with trout and white fish. 



As very few persons, who have not investigated the 

 matter, are aware of the economic value of fisheries in 

 inland lakes and streams, allow me to present a few facts 

 in illustration of these values. I find them recorded in 

 " Bertram's Harvest of the Sea." They are quoted from 

 the Keport of the British Commissioners of Fisheries. 

 The fisheries of the river Tweed, and that before fijh 

 culture had materially improved them, were rented at 

 one time for $100,000. Those at Speymouth, on the 

 river Spey, for $65,000. Those on the Tay for $85,000. 

 Two rivers owned by the Duke of Sutherland, one six 

 •miles and the other eight miles long, rent for 150,000. 

 These are salmon fisheries ; and I have cited these exam- 

 ples because the salmon is a kind offish the introduction 

 of which into our waters is practicable, and in your wis- 

 dom may become the ward of your legislation ; and 

 because, as will be seen hereafter, properties as valuable 

 as these ; properties of as handsome rental as these, — are 

 possible to us, by the exercise of the necessary skill and 

 liberality. 



I may state further, as some illustration of the wealth 

 producing function of the Scottish salmon fisheries (for 

 in the instances just mentioned the rental of the several 

 rivers is but the premium paid by fishermen for the privi- 



