332 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[April 29, 1899. 
formed elsewhere, as every indication denotes, that the 
former oppositions to the operations of this Association 
are nearly, if not quite, overcome by the evidence of its 
sincerity, and the progress its efforts have made in the 
direction indicated by its name. 
Some time ago the society found itself ready to inter- 
est all the fish and game local organizations through the 
State, in having harmonious protective laws passed, and 
it was therefore resolved to ask the co-operation of all 
toward the furtherance of plans for the universal good 
of the cause. Here again there was temporarily a little 
hesitation by some, in the proceedings, but the excellent 
work of the United States Fish Commission began to 
show itself in the great improvements that it inaugurated 
in edible fishculture, that public attention was compelled 
to yield respectfully to its better judgment as to the whole 
question as relating to State as well as United States 
fish propagating interests. 
No one could then ascribe all to individual or even cor- 
porative selfishness, and the studious working out of 
various problems and difficulties, and the patient and 
finely conducted experimentation and the consequent 
successful issue perfected by the United Slates Commis- 
sion, and even our own State Fish Commission, in se- 
lecting, propagating and planting such notable varieties 
of such fine edible fishes as salmon, trout, perch, pickerel, 
bass, pike, pike perch or lake salmon and many other 
varieties. , . j 1.,. 
This has once for all overcome the fears expressed by 
men who have always depended upon the denizens of the 
water for their maintenance. 
So far from the work having reached perfection, how- 
ever, there is much to be done. Mistakes have been 
made and losses sustained, but scientific research an.l 
well-founded experience will gradually pave the way to 
future improvement in every direction. One of these er- 
rors was the importation of German carp, a hsh vvhose 
few good qualities are found since their introduction to be 
sadly over-balanced by the evil. They were planted and 
carefully guarded with the impression that they were not 
rapacious, that they were excellent table fish, and that 
they would supply a long-felt deficiency. They have to 
the contrary, shown themselves to be voracious to the 
extent of clearing out at least some ot our creeks ot 
every good fish; they are gross and poorly flavored after 
they reach maturity; and perhaps one of their worst feat- 
ures is that they keep the creeks and rivers, once fieauti- 
fully clear, stirred up with mud almost through the en- 
tire year An old fisherman on Ferkiomen Creek was 
asked how it was that Neshaminy and Ferkiomen creeks 
were always muddy, once having been noted for their 
clearness and beauty. He frowned, and emphatically 
stated that the German carp caused this result, and they 
not only did that, but they cleared out every other vari- 
ety of fish. They weigh from 2 to lolbs., and often 
more, and they have literally no other taste except what 
one should imagine belonged to earth or rank weeds. 
Even the bovs who love to fish do not now carry the 
carp catch home, because they cannot eat them, however 
carefully prepared. Of course, there are people less fas- 
tidious, but undoubtedly, as a valuable acquisition to our 
fisheries, carp is a signal failure. This is becoming widely 
known, and there is a suggestion to not only permit fish- 
ing for that fish at all times, but to supply the streams 
infested by them with such fish as we believe the pike- ana 
oerch to be. which are particularly fond of carp eggs ana 
fry Local interests yet have considerable weight in 
many quarters, and there are some who even object to 
the elimination of the marauding fish-, but in time al 
adverse influences must yield to the positive proof of 
right in the direction of even culture only of good variety 
food fish. ... ^- I ' 
Education in this" undertaking JS ]ust as essential, as m 
any other improving enterprise, and it has therefore been 
conceded, after many failures, that certain varieties 01 
fish require to be planted in particular locations. J:< or in- 
stance, brook trout requires cool, clear and pure spring 
water and it will not 'flourish in any other. Other hsh 
are not quite so dainty on that point, but they must have 
warmer or cooler runs, as their nature demands. Ihe 
food supplies are also to be considered with regard to 
planting the young, and special care must be used in r-C: 
lecting species and in avoiding long-continued heredity 
of each also; also to prevent the mixtures of natural 
enemies, which succeed finely when kept apart, but anni- 
hilate oftentimes other good varieties if mingled in the 
same stream. Another peculiar item is to propagate fish 
that will live in a large percentage after being planted 
For it has been shown that black bass, for instance, will 
not thrive very well by artificial propagation ot very 
small fry; therefore the rivers should be stocked with 
healthy well-grown specimens. _ r , ^ j a 
\ question that must in time excite careful study and 
special co-operation in the local societies is whether 
streams can be over-stocked, and in that event is there 
any danger of reaping disaster in diseased fish, ihe idea 
is suggested to me by the knowledge that there are cer- 
tain species of fish in Alaska and in the Yellowstone 
Park Lake that are subject to disease. In the former 
place the quantities taken by the natives fall far short 
of the supply afforded, and the animals, especially the 
/^Llaskan salmon, actually swarm at certain seasons by the 
million, involuntary protection having permitted then- 
perpetual increase. In the Yellowstone Lake they are 
as strenuously guarded from destruction by being a Gov- 
ernment reservation under military supervision. ihe 
point for thorough research is to discover whether the 
disease arises from over-production and crowding, or 
from hereditary taint, or from special disease peculiarity. 
In any case, it would seem wise to remove the infected 
fish from the rivers and restock them with healthy fish of 
their natural habits. Just at this point I wish to express 
my opinion with regard to the reputed infectious nature 
of the water supply of this city. If the water was thus 
foul enough to produce a typhoid fever epidemic, we 
would infer that even the fish taken from such water 
would infect anyone who partook of them as food or 
handled them carelessly. I would say, therefore, that, 
most decidedly acknowledging the impure condition of 
the waters for drinking uses, and the necessity for the 
prompt and efficient cleaning of every reservoir, that ty- 
phoid fever germs have or have not contaminated. But 
the fatal and infectious disease was imported into our 
city and homes and hospitals by the various hospital au- 
thorities bringing hundreds of suffering soldiers from the 
unhealthy military camps, not only from the far South 
and the West Indies, but from near-by infected camp 
hospitals. The typhoid germs there sown have harvested 
over 5,000 cases and over 500 deaths. In regard to the 
cleaning of the reservoirs, I believe it very wise to at 
any rate, at a very early day, remove the impure sedi- 
mentation, including the dead fishes, with other effete 
matter. After this necessary cleaning has taken place 
and legislation has compelled the cessation of emptying 
refuse into the river, there need be no further trouble, 
and there is not a doubt that the planted varieties of fish 
will thrive and become quite valuable. 
Heretofore, the question of the protection of fish has 
not been properly considered by many of our States as 
an item toward increasing the revenue of the common- 
wealth, but the time must soon arrive when it will not 
only be known by the Pennsylvania Association, by all 
and every local society that a joint and friendly co-opera- 
tion will not only increase the actual food supply by 
furnishing delicious, healthy and abundant specimens, but 
the revenue of the whole commonwealth will be increased 
very materially. 
I have spoken of propagating and supplying the fishing 
streams, but the matter of protection has not been ac- 
complished quite so satisfactorily. The fish wardens have 
been extremely faithful, but there are not a large enough 
number to make their duties perfectly efficient, however 
faithfully performed, nor is their remuneration large 
enough to make the position of warden desirable. Pub- 
lic streams have so long been regarded as public property 
that fishermen and boys have persisted in breaking the 
laws which they cannot be convinced are for their fu*- 
ture advantage. But by slow degrees the societies are 
succeeding in showing them their errors, and we have 
every hope that in the near future the difficulties will be 
entirely subverted. We note with satisfaction the pas- 
sage by the Legislature of the act imposing this service. 
We have gained a most wonderful impetus toward our 
desired progress by the union of the societies for the 
protection of game and the Forestry Association, who 
have all shown perfect willingness to act in harmony with 
our own efforts for the protection of all the natural re- 
sources of the State. One must have a salutary influ- 
ence upon the other, and eventually our country will be 
not only more wealthy but more beautiful, and greater 
pleasur-e and profit brought about for our citizens. 
Allow me to offer a few suggestions. 
1. I would suggest that this Association request the 
earnest, hearty and mutual co-operation of every 
other Eastern State, the friendly arrangements existing 
between ourselves, New York and New Jersey certainly 
proving the advantage of such a procedure. 
2. The present slightly strained relations regarding the 
fisheries in Lake Erie would be readily adjusted by some 
such arrangement. 
3. Every experiment instituted by any other society, 
and particularly by the United States Fish Commission, 
should be followed in each detail, and the profit of this 
would soon be shown in the better progress in the busi- 
ness made without each State being compelled to go 
through some experimentation. 
4. Increase not only the number of fish wardens, but 
give them better pay for their work, and when practica- 
ble, enlist the police to give their protection and aid when 
required. . .% 
'5. Carry on the war against illicit fishing until every- 
one understands that he must respect the legislation to- 
ward reUeving the fisheries from' all danger of destruc- 
tion. . . 
6. Continue experiments in planting different -varieties 
of fish in various locations . and watch carefully to note 
the most successful results. 
7. Always be careful to discriminate so as to prevent 
the varieties from being placed so that they may inter- 
fere with the growth and propagation of the more valua- 
ble species. 
8. Always place the young fish, or the mature, as the 
case may be, in streams in which they will find abundant 
supplies of their natural food. 
9. Let every member of this society feel it imposed 
upon himself to further the interest of the Association 
in every way in his power. . 
10. And let everyone promulgate the fact that the in- 
terest of the Association is not only to increase the 
number, variety and quality of the fish, but to add mil- 
lions of dollars to the revenue of the State. 
11. Bring about and maintain unity of action in all 
societies throughout the State and encourage the foun- 
dation of many new local protection organizations in 
every part of the comnionwealth. In union strength is 
fostered. _ • , • c 1 
12. Every lover of a choice table menu, with its hsli 
list, should aid by their membership and financial sup- 
port and personal efforts for a good set of protection 
laws. 
Toasts were responded to as follows : 
"The United States— Our Country.— In 1776 we as- 
sumed among the nations of the earth a separate and 
equal station. In 1899 we occupy the most exalted sta- 
tion among the nations of the earth." Responded to by 
the orchestra playing "The Star Spangled Banner, those 
present standing in their places and singing our national 
song- , 
"Pennsylvania— Our State.— We still maintain our posi- 
tion as the keystone in the arch of States, the most im- 
portant of them all." Responded to by Hon. Levi Morn- 
son, of Greenville, Pa. • , .^^ , , t t . 
"Philadelphia— Our City of Brotherly Love^Let 
brotherly love continue." Responded to by Rev. H. O. 
Gibbons. . , ^ , „ t, j j 
"Commissioners of Fisheries of Delaware. —Responded 
to by Commissioner Dr. E. J. Shortledge, of Wilming- 
ton, Del. . r 1 , !> -o 
"Commissioners of Fisheries of Maryland. —Re- 
sponded to by Commissioner A. T. George, of Swanton, 
Md.. who gave a very interesting account of the work 
being done by the Maryland Commission, at the conclu- 
sion of which those present sang "Maryland, My Mary- 
land." accompanied by the orchestra. 
Letters regretting inability to attend were read from 
the Commissioners of Fisheries of New York and New 
Jersey, and others prominent in fashcultural work. 
"Commissioners of FisheTies of Pennsylvania." — Re- 
sponded to by Wm, E. Median, as follows : ' 
Acldress of W. E. Meehaot 00 behalf of the Pennsylvania 
Fish Commission. 
This reunion gives me particular pleasure, because, 
aside from the usual enjoyment which such gatherings 
bring with them, it is indicative of bright days ahead for 
the State Fish Commission. The fortunes of the Penn- 
sylvania Fish Commission are the fortunes of the Penn- 
sylvania Fish Protective Association. Its triumphs or 
its perplexities are the latter's glories or trials. In the 
perpetual struggles of the Pennsylvania Fish Commis- 
sion to secure efficient legislation, the Pennsylvania Fish 
Protective Association is always to be found shoulder 
to shoulder with it in the same cause. In all the efforts 
to promote the maintenance and increase of fish life the 
Fish Commission finds itself encouraged and sustained 
by the Association. 
Two years ago when, by an unfortunate blunder, the 
Legislature adjourned without making the usual appro- 
priation for the work of fishculture, the Pennsylvania 
Fish Protective Association was the first to whom the 
Fish Commission turned for help, and it responded 
promptly, energetically and effectively. Other associa- 
tions and citizens came to the rescue also, and to them 
all the Commission gladly acknowledges its debt of grat- 
itude, because through their efforts it was possible at least 
to perform some fishcultural work. 
I remember well a remark made by a member at one 
of the meetings of the Pennsylvania Fish Protective As- 
sociation, when the need of the Fish Commission for 
funds was being discussed; they deserve to be written 
where they may be imperishable. He said: "The Com- 
mission must have this money. To give it I am in favor 
of selling the pictures on the walls, or mortgaging all 
the possessions of the Association if need be to furnish 
it." This sentiment, I believe, was felt by every member 
of the Association, for deeds proved it. It was not neces- 
sary to sell the pictures, but a generous fund was raised, 
nearly one-third of all received, I think, by the Commis- 
sion. There was self-sacrifice, too, because the pleasant 
annual reunions, I understand had to be suspended until 
such times as the Fish Commission should again be on 
its feet. I have cause therefore for feeling more than 
usual pleasure in meeting you to-night, for it is evidence 
that the sun is rising again on the fortunes of the Fish 
Commission. 
Because of your sympathy, because of your deep, un- 
bounded interest in the Fish Commission's work, I feel 
it is due you to give an outline of what that body has 
done during the past two years, and what some of its 
plans are for the near future, and I cannot but express 
the hope that the showing will demonstrate that not- 
withstanding the unusual difficulties and perplexities 
which have been encountered, and the great loss sus- 
tained through the death of its honored president, the 
Hon. Henry C. Ford, there has been a steady progres- 
sion of work, and if nothing untoward happens, the rep- 
utation of the Commission will still be respected through- 
out the country. 
At the conclusion of the 'twelve months of the fiscal 
year of 1896-7 the Commission had hatched and planted 
over 164,000,000 food and game fish, the heaviest work, 
done in any year of the Commission's history. Of this 
number only about 4,000,000 were purely game fish, the 
remainder being shad, pike-perch and whitefish for com- 
mercial purposes. This output was one-eighth of the 
entire output of the United States Commission the same 
year. Then came the blow to the Commission's work 
through the unintentional forgetfulness on the part of the 
Legislature to make the usual appropriation, but with the 
sum of $6,000 raised by the association and citizens the 
Commission did what it could. Only the trout stations 
could be maintained, and over 4,000,000 trout of different 
species were hatched and planted last year. Anticipating 
the early passage of a deficiency bill by the present Leg- 
lature, a much larger number of trout were hatched this 
winter than usual for distribution, so many more, in fact, 
that it was deemed wise to make preparations to tem- 
pororily place a portion in retaining ponds until the 
proper "planting time arrived. There were in fact nearly 
as many brook trout alone raised this winter as the ag- 
gregate formerly of all species. Unfortunately, there was 
an unexpected and unavoidable delay in the passage of 
the deficiency bill, and the planting of the overplus of 
fry was stopped on account of funds running out. Then 
came the blizzard and its unusual severity, together with 
the overcrowding and other causes, the entire hatching 
of fish, over 2,000,000 in numbex, died. This would have 
been far more serious than it is had it not been for the 
large supply at the Corry station, 2,400,000 in number, of 
brook trout. From the number of applications out, and 
through other sources provided for, the Commission 
feels it will be able to supply all reasonable demands. 
The runs are now being made from the Corry station, 
the warmer counties being first selected. 
I am pleased to say that the Commission has during the 
last two years done rem.arkably good work in the direc- 
tion of planting Atlantic salmon. Last year 100,000 were 
planted in streams tributary to the upper Delaware, and 
this spring 250,000 were deposited in the Lackawaxen 
and Dyberry. This is the heaviest planting ever made 
in one year, and with the 100,000 planted last year 
makes a total of 350,000 for the two fiscal years, the heav- 
iest for any two fiscal years in the hi.story of the Com- 
mission. The nearest approach to this work was in the 
fiscal years of 1891-92, when 300,000 were planted while 
the Hon. Henry C. Ford was president, and which re- 
sulted in the great run of salmon in the Delaware in 
1895-96. The catch in the first year was valued at about 
$3,000, and in the succeeding year at over $S,ooo. If the 
same results follow last year and this year's planting 
there should be a big run of salmon again in the years 
1902 and 1903. . , , 1 ■ r 
For some time the Commission has been ptantmg toi 
the propagation of other valuable food and game fish. 
Chief among these may be mentioned the black bass, 
rock bass, yellow perch, white and calico bass, Lake 
Erie sunfish, pickerel and mascallonge. Indeed, the 
ponds for the last-named fieh are now being constructed 
at Corry; These ponds will not have great capacity, for 
lack of room, but they will be large enough to maintain 
