98 THE NEW ART OF BKEEDING FISH. 



increasing rarity of fish, in a great number of our 

 rivers, does not arise solely from the manner in 

 which fishing has been pursued, but from other 

 causes, among which is the extension of manufac- 

 turing industry. Thus the toll-gates estabhshed 

 in such numbers for the service of hydraulic motors, 

 are so many obstacles to the production of various 

 fish, which require to ascend the rivers to their head- 

 waters to find fit spawning spots, and single propa- 

 gators arriving in smaller numbers in the streamlets, 

 the fish interests of the river suffer, for the eggs are 

 not in a condition favorable to the development of 

 the young, and the means of recruiting the entire 

 species is rapidly lessened.* If, as in Scotland, and 

 even in England, there existed in France, many rich 

 proprietors who possessed water-courses of considera- 

 ble extent, we could leave to the care of private in- 

 dividuals all matters relating to improved river- 

 fishing, for to whomever one of these streams be- 

 longed, he would be interested in increasing its 

 products. 



But with us it is altogether otherwise, and the 

 individual who would occupy himself with stocking 

 a stream with fish, could hardly hope to reap per- 

 sonal profit therefrom : he would augment the ali- 

 mentary resources of his fellow- citizens, and thus 



* It is worthy of remark that waters of paper manufactories, 

 which contain so large a quantity of chlorine for whitening the 

 rags, are injurious to fish. It is one cause of destruction worthy of 

 note. 



