14: FISH CULTURE. 



are the most available sources of fish-food % How can 

 worthless animal matter best be utilized in the feeding of 

 domesticated fishes 1 What kinds of fishes can be most 

 economically reared 1 These and many kindred questions 

 must be answered before fish husbandry can be success- 

 fully established as a domestic industry. Mo one is so 

 well able to do this as the State. No experiments 

 undertaken by individuals would carry with them the 

 authentic character of those performed under the sanction 

 of the commonwealth. 



Besides, the present state of science of fish culture 

 indicates that we may have much to gain by introducing 

 new varieties* not noted to our waters. The measures 

 necessary to bring this about can be carried out success- 

 fully by no one but the State. 



It so happens that the expense involved in doing all 

 the State can do, is exceedingly small in comparison with 

 what may be effected by it. 



The preservation of trout in our mountain streams 

 implies much more than the mere increase of food or 

 revenue from their exportation. Trout fishing is a trea- 

 sured recreation. The opportunities for its practice brings 

 hundreds of the residents of cities to enjoy it — to fill our 

 hotels — to ride upon our railways — to patronize our 

 livery stables, to consume and make home markets for 

 our agricultural^ products. To learn our industries, our 

 mines, our forests, our manufactories, and often to invest 

 in them. To learn our ways and people, to breathe in 

 bealth and elastic vigor with our mountain air ; to feast 

 their eyes on our grand old hills, clad in vernal green. 



It helps to lure our children back to us for a season, 



