164 NINTH REPORT OF THE 



crime almost impossible of punishment, property lines being very uncertain and 

 the visible marks unreliable. Under that expensive system doubtful or experimental 

 ground was not taken. Extensive growers, requiring grounds in different localities 

 suitable for different stages of shellfish growth, were obliged to use subterfuge 

 and employ men resident in each locality to rent grounds as though for their 

 individual use, when, in fact, they were to be used by the larger planters. 



Under the local system efficient means of destroying the enemies of the shell- 

 fish, involving the use of steamers, was out of the question. Under the present 

 system of State control the planters may obtain sufficient lands, employ capital 

 to advantage, combat the natural enemies of the shellfish and have the benefit of 

 proper surveys and boundaries, the lines being accurately fixed and easily relocated 

 when necessary 



While the shellfish business under State care has made great progress toward 

 escaping from the bondage under which it so recently .labored by reason of being 

 held within town and county lines, it finds, in its now rapid development, that it 

 is also hampered by being held back at State lines. 



This situation is particularly apparent upon the boundary line, in Long Island 

 Sound, between this State and the State of Connecticut. 



Interstate Conferences. 



After several conferences between the authorities in Connecticut and your 

 Superintendent of Shellfisheries, the matter was taken up by the Legislature of 

 Connecticut at its recent session and the following resolution adopted: 



Section i. That the Governor is directed to appoint a Commission consisting 

 of six persons, three of whom shall be the Shellfish Commissioners of this State. 



Sec. 2. Said Commission is authorized, empowered, and directed to confer 

 with the Forest, Fish and Game Commission of the State of New York, in relation 

 to proposed reciprocal legislation concerning lobster and shellfisheries in the waters 

 of the State of New York and the State of Connecticut. Said Commissioners 

 shall be paid their actual expenses when approved by the Comptroller. 



Sec. 3. Said Commissioners shall report to the Governor on or before Septem- 

 ber 1, 1904, the result of their conferences, together with recommendations of such 

 legislation as may seem to them practical and desirable. The Attorney-General 

 shall thereupon prepare appropriate bills, embodying such proposed legislation, to 

 be submitted to the next General Assembly. 



During the summer of 1903 the following named gentlemen were appointed as 

 members of this Special Commission, to wit : The members of the Connecticut 

 Shellfish Commission (Mr. Waldo, Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Atwater) ; Senator 

 Hamilton, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Fish and Game; Assemblyman 



