FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 235 



more polluted from year to year, on account of the growth of cities and 

 towns along its banks, to such an extent that the shad fry planted by the 

 State and the United States government, which should keep up the supply 

 better than statistics show, and if the young shad would live and thrive 

 after a short lapse of time if cared for in other waters, no better invest- 

 ment could be made than to erect rearing ponds on the small tributaries 

 to the river, where the fry could be retained until of sufficient size and 

 strength to stand the condition of the water or guard themselves from 

 other species of fish that prey upon them. 



It appears from the returns that the fishermen are giving much more 

 attention to catching carp, and that the size and value of this species of 

 fish are both increasing. I am informed that there is a good market for carp, 

 and that considerable money is now being made in taking this fish from the 

 river for the New York market. 



I^ess Lav §rea^ing 



It is gratifying to note, by referring to the commercial fisheries, that 

 there was a decided decrease in the number of violations of the law, and 

 that not nearly as many nets and other devices were seized by the protectors 

 during the year. It is my belief that this gratifying showing is due quite 

 as much to a better understanding of the law, and an appreciation of its 

 value by the fishermen, as it is to the continued vigilance of the force of 

 protectors. The fishermen are in the main willing to uphold the law when 

 they understand it, and learn that their own interests will suffer if they 

 do not do so. 



Collection of 3tatisfics 



In view of the situation indicated by the statistics collected for the 

 past season, it is very desirable that better information be procured as to 

 the conditions prevailing, and especially as to the Hudson river fisheries. 

 This can only be done by employing some competent man steadily to collect 

 the statistics and necessary information upon which to base some plan for 

 the improvement of existing conditions. The Commission has each year 

 planted large numbers of shad fry in the Hudson river, and the United 



