FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 307 



hatcheries in the State the eyed eggs collected there, we could devote this 

 hatchery in a much larger degree to the propagation of important salt 

 water fish and at the same time save a large amount of money. The cost 

 of shipping trout from the Cold Spring Harbor hatchery to other portions 

 of the vState in cans is unusually large on account of the ferry charges, whereas 

 eyed eggs could be shipped to other hatcheries at a comparatively small 

 expense, leaving the Cold Spring Harbor hatchery to devote itself chiefly 

 to replenishing the trout waters of Long Island and our marine fisheries, 

 upon which a very considerable portion of our people depend annually. 



The total number of applications received by the Commission in 1908 

 and filled was 2,878. During the past year (1909) the total number of appli- 

 cations filled was 4,057. Of these the Adirondack hatchery filled 1,370, 

 Caledonia 929; Chautauqua 104; Cold Spring 395; Delaware 408, Fulton 

 Chain 78, Linlithgo, 26, Oneida 438; Pleasant Valley 309. 



A number of improvements necessary to the desired increase in our 

 hatchery work are mentioned in the reports of the foremen of the several 

 hatcheries. I deem it particularly important that the Commission should 

 secure the necessary land to control the water supply of the Caledonia 

 hatchery and the Southwell property at the Oneida hatchery. We also, 

 should have more land and a better water supply at the Chautauqua hatchery 

 which, if properly enlarged, will furnish an ample supply of fish for a terri- 

 tory which is now difficult to reach from other hatcheries. 



Our thanks are due to the various railroads of the State which year 

 after year assist in our work by supplying the necessary transportation for 

 fish and the messenger in charge while en route to our inland waters. It 

 is to be regretted that there are one or two railroads which do not join in 

 this public spirited consideration of our very important work. 



Very valuable assistance also is rendered by the United States Com- 

 mission of Fisheries. Their assistance is in the main confined to joining 

 with us in stocking the Great Lakes and rivers of the State. Unfortunately, 

 however, there is no way at present apparent by which enthusiastic citizens 

 can be prevented from securing from the government all sorts of fish for our 

 inland waters. Our law prohibits the placing of anything but trout in Adi- 

 rondack waters, except with the specific approval of the State Commission, 

 but it is feared that many of our Adirondack lakes have received from this 



