248 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[March 28, 1903. 
Thwl Massachusetts Commission, 
Boston, March ig.— Editor Forest and Stream: The 
long expected hearing on the bill for the reorganization 
of the Fish and Game Commission of this State occurred 
to-day. Beyond question many who are interested in mat- 
ters relating to fish and game in the old Bay State ex- 
pected this hearing would be the occasion for a pretty 
stiff fight between the advocates of the changes con- 
templated by the bill and those who are satisfied with the 
Commission as it is, who commend its work and are 
heartily opposed to any change in its status. But those 
who went to the State House this morning anticipating 
an attack on the Commission, or a telling effort in the 
attempt to secure a change in its personnel, by an increase 
of the membership of the board, must have been disap- 
pointed. Indeed, the sentimefit of those present was so 
unanimously in favor of the Commission that the spokes- 
man for the bill was not an exception, and his only plea 
for consideration was that he thought the appointment 
of additional commissioners would strengthen the hands 
of the board. 
Naturally different opinions concerning the hearing 
were expressed. Those who were possibly looking 
for something sensational, pronounced the affair "a regu- 
lar farce," so far as any support of the bill was concerned. 
One said the hearing had resolved itself into "a love feast 
for the Commission," while another, with a probable 
relish for trouble, remarked that "There aint fight enough 
in this thing to make it interesting; it's all one way." 
It is undoubtedly t rue that it was a veritable field day 
for the three commissioners, who were quietly observant 
on one side of the committee room, and who had nothing 
to do but listen to the praises of their work that came 
from all. They certainly must have felt repaid for their 
arduous efforts when one after another commended their 
work, and, most remarkable of all, some of those who 
spoke the most earnestly and appreciatively of the board's 
work were .strangers. It was likewise remarkable that 
men were there from the extreme eastern and western 
sections of the State, as well as intermediate points, and 
the bench, bar, church, science and commercial fisheries, 
as well as the sportsman, were represented among those 
who spoke_ in opposition to any change in the status of 
the Commission. Many who would gladly have joined 
in the chorus of approval of the Commission, and in op- 
position to any change in it, could not get a chance co 
speak, due to the one-sidedness of the hearing, which the 
chairman felt might as well be brought to a close an hour 
or more sooner than usual. 
Ex-Representative Stevenson, of Pittsfield, was the 
principal advocate of the bill. It would not be far out 
of the way to say that he was the only speaker who 
favored it. 
At the beginning he disclaimed any purpose of attack- 
ing the Commission. Continuing, he said, among other 
things : 
"On the contrary, what I have to say in regard to it 
is with the idea of strengthening the Commission and its 
work in the State. I believe that the people of this State 
at heart are very much interested in the work that this 
Commission has under its charge. I think their interest 
has grown. * * * j have nothing but the best of con- 
sideration for them [the commissioners] for what they 
have done toward me and toward the section where I 
live. * * .* . 
"The main object aimed' at in this bill was to aid in 
shaping public opinion by having representatives in dif- 
ferent parts of the State. * * * And that is one ob- 
ject why I claim we should have a representative in dif- 
ferent parts of the State; they would get more in touch 
with the people, they would get better facilities and aid 
the Commission in enforcing the laws and increasing the 
interest and getting the support which they aim for. 
"Now I would say what I would like to see is men like 
the present chairman of the Commission appointed to 
support and help hini carry on this work. I think it is 
a very fortunate thing for the State when the Governor 
selected him. I am very glad to say that I Avas pleased 
with his appointment; that he has done splendid work, 
and what we want is more men like hini. 
"This bill was drawn, 1 think, hastilj', and was on the 
lines of one that was introduced a number of years ago, 
and as it does not carry out the object really which the 
voters want, a new bill has been drawn which we would 
like to ask you to substitute in place of that bill. It sini-' 
ply makes the provision of adding two members to the 
Commission and fixing no compensation but their 
expenses." 
Mr. Stevenson thought that men could be found who 
would serve on the board without compensation, but 
stated that he did not care to do it; that he was too 
busy. He said that the main object he had had was to im- 
prove and better the conditions under which the Com- 
mission was now working, if it were possible to do so. 
Mr. Stevenson was followed by Representative Bearse, 
of Springfield, who explained very briefly that he had 
introduced the bill at the request of some of his con- 
stituents who felt the hands of the commissioners would 
be strengthened by additions to the board from the 
western section of the State. It was plainly evident he 
was not extremely enthusiastic over the matter, for he 
probably did not occupy more than a single minute in 
speaking, and did not go beyond explaining his relation 
to the bill. It was plain that Mr. Stevenson was the 
only one of those who favored the increase of the per- 
sonnel of the Commission who had the courage of his 
convictions, and although, like Casablanca, he stood firm 
on the deck "whence all but him had fled," he deserves 
credit for his^ sincerity, even from those who disagree 
with the policy he advocated. 
Curiously enough the star witnesses in opposition to 
any change in the Commission were from Berkshire 
county, whore the bill originated. The first of these, and 
the one who spoke at greatest length, was Judge San- 
born G. Fenney, of Williarastown. He spoke in part as 
follows: ■ . -. - 
"1 have come from the western jumpmg-off place m 
Massachusetts, and therefore think that 1 may properly 
speak upon the sentiment of the people in that section. I 
have been particularly interested in the question of fish 
and game from my earliest recollection; I have talked 
very fully with the people of that section, and find that 
there is practically an unanimous opinion in favor of the 
retentioQ of the board as at oresent organized- So far 
as I can see, the case of the petitioners, as here repre- 
sented, is simply that they want an earthquake in order 
to put in a commissioner from Springfield or Pitts- 
field. * * * 
"I am somewhat familiar with the enforcement of law 
in my section, and I think that the deputies, as controlled 
by the present board, have done efficient work. 
"It appears to me that the proposed change in per- 
sonnel would be an additional expense to the Commission 
without compensating value to the State. Such an up- 
heaval at a time when the Commission is on such an 
excellent footing would be very poor compensation for 
the untiring labors the board has given to the State. 
I think it would be very unfortunate if a precedent were 
established that, after such efhcient labors, the work of 
such a board failed of recognition. 
"I can speak not only for the community in which I 
live, but for that whole section, and I speak not only for 
the people of my town, but also, in an unauthorized way, 
for Williams College. I took occasion to consult the 
men pf the biological department before coming here. 
They knew of the work of Mr. Collins. One of them 
was associated with him in the U. S. Fish Commission, 
and he said that Massachusetts was very fortunate to 
have a man who could perform the efficient, intelligent 
and scientific work that Mr. Collins is able to accomplish. 
"Now, of course, it is said that this is not directed 
against Mr. Collins or against the present board, but it 
seems to me that it is directed against an efficient ad- 
ministration of the Commission, as now organized. 
"I have been familiar with the brooks of western Mas- 
sachusetts from the time I was able to fish, at a very early 
age, and there was a period three or four years ago when 
things looked pretty blue for our brooks; but under the 
present Commission's work those conditions have ma- 
terially improved, and there are now streams that have 
been stocked by this Commission which are furnishing 
fine sport. The same is true of the hunting. 
'•'Now, that could not have been accomplished, Mr. 
Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee, without un- 
tiring effort, and if, as I say, at the jumping-off place 
of Massachusetts, the covers are stocked and protected, 
the streams are stocked and the Commission have their 
fingers upon the men who represent this Commission so 
that the laws are enforced, I think it speaks admirably 
of the administration of the board. I can see no advant- 
age in increasing the number of commissioners. It will 
be cumbersome, and while it might be urged, as I have 
said before, that this is not directed against this board, 
it seems to me that from the arguments, so-called, that 
have been brought forth here, it is directed against the 
administration of the present board. No attack is made, 
they say, on this Commission. Why. gentlemen, we have 
one of the most efficient Commissions ! I don't know 
hoAv they accomplish the work they do with the appro- 
priation they have in hand, and I will put myself on 
record in saying that everybody that I have spoken with 
is perfectly satisfied, and more than satisfied, and full_ of 
praise for the work of the present Commission. I think 
the substance of the so-called arguments that have been 
adduced here simply show the flimsy structure upon 
which this bill was introduced, and I wish to put in my 
little plea against any change." 
Representative Charles Giddings, of Great Barrington, 
spoke as follows : 
"You have just listened to the very concise and clear 
statement of my good friend, Judge Teiiney, of Williams- 
town, who says that he represents the jumping-off place. 
He is in the northwestern corner of the State, and the 
district which I represent is in the southwestern corner. 
* * * Those whom I represent, including the best 
sportsmen of that section, most emphatically protest 
against any change in the present Commission. They be- 
lieve that the present Commissioners have done not only 
well, but admirably in their administration ; * * * ^nd 
instead of increasing the efiiciency of this board' by mak- 
ing a change as is contemplated by either of these bills, 
they believe that the Commission would be hampered and 
would be rendered less effective. 
"I had a long letter this morning from a gentleman 
who has studied these matters much longer than I have, 
and his idea is where you put the responsibility upon a 
good many men you aae taking a long step against effi- 
ciency. Confine your responsibility to a few good men 
and you will get more effective work." * * * 
Representative William F. Barrington, of North 
Adams, heartily concurred in what had been said by 
Judge Tenney and Mr. Giddings. Ex-Representative 
Harry D. Hunt, of North Attleboro, whose name is 
familiar to readers of Forest and Stream, spoke for the 
eastern section of the State, saying that the sportsmen 
were a unit in opposition to any change in the status of 
the Commission. He represented a club of 400 members, 
he said, and he voiced their opposition to change. He 
fully agreed with all that had been said by speakers from 
the western part of the State. 
Representative Louis H. Warner, of Northampton, told 
the committee that the sportsmen he represented, includ- 
ing the Northampton Club of 300 members, were well 
satisfied with the Commission as it is, and deprecated a 
change. 
Mr. E. Bumstead, who represented the Civic League, 
spoke lucidly of the law-enforcing work of the Com- 
mission. He was followed by Dr. N. D. Kneeland, Sec- 
retary of the New England Sunday Protective League, 
who commended the board for conscientious work. Prof. 
E. L. Mark, of Harvard University, told of the good 
work the Commission was doing in aiding scientific re- 
search. All these opposed any change in the board, as 
also did Mr. C. D. Botsford. Ex-Representative R. E. 
Conwell, of Provincetown, spoke for the commercial fish- 
ing interests of the State, "From the tip end of Cape Cod 
to Cape Ann." He protested against any change, and de- 
clared the best thing the committee could do was to let 
the Commission remain just as it is. "It is doing good 
work and we don't want it to be disturbed," he said. He 
was formerly a member of the committee on fisheries 
and game, and is highly respected by his former col- 
leagues on the committee. 
Many others were present who would have spoken in 
the same way, but there was such an overwhelming op- 
po-^ition to any change that the committee called for a 
rising vote. Two stood for the bill and forty or more in 
opposition, some of the latter who had not spoken being 
members or Senators. ex-Senatora, presidents of clubs and 
others prominent in affairs and sporting circles. Promi- 
nent among these was Hon. Wm. A. Butler, of George- 
town, recently a Senator, who is also a sportsman of 
note. 
I will only add that the committee promptly voted 
"leaA'e to withdraw" on the bill, and it will be regrettable 
if this attempt to enlarge the Commission is repeated. 
Bay State. 
Boston, March 23.~Edifor Forest and Stream: The 
hearing on House bill 988, providing for a reorganization 
of the Fish and Game Commission, originally announced 
for March 12, took place on Thursday last. Mr. J. M. 
Stevenson said in favoring the bill he was in no way hos- 
tile to the present board. He said with more members 
distributed oyer the State more interest in the work of 
the Commission would be aroused and that laws were of 
little account unless supported by public sentiment. He 
instanced the plan of organization in several other de- 
partments of the State government on similar lines and 
the good results. He was followed by Representative 
Bearse, of Pittsfield, who stated that the members of the 
Sportsmen's Club of his city were favorable to the bill. 
No others appearing in support of the measure. Chair- 
man Kimball called for remonstrants. Judge Tenney, of 
Williamstown, led off with a forcible speech commend- 
ing the work of the present board, and declared that while 
three or four years ago "it looked blue" for those fishing 
for trout in his section, conditions now are greatly im- 
proved; also that the hunting laws were much better en- 
forced. He said there was abundant evidence that the 
Commission was doing its work on an intelligent, scien- 
tific basis. Of late he had heard only words of com- 
mendation of the work of the board, and the people of his 
section were opposed to any change. 
Representative Giddings, of Great Barrington, entered 
a protest for the people of his district. 
H. D. Hunt, ex-Representative of North Attleboro, 
said his club, numbering 400 members, was unanimously 
opposed to the bill. 
He was followed by Representative Barrington, of 
North Adams. Other remonstrants were Prof. E. L. 
Mark, of Harvard College, and Eben Bumstead, of the 
Civic Committee. H. A. Estabrook, chairman of the 
Central Committee, and I. O. Converse, President of the 
Fitchburg Rifle and Gun Club, and representatives of 
several other club were present and rose in their places 
when the chairman requested all those opposed to the 
bill to rise. 
It was evident to all that the vigorous work of the 
board since Captain Collins became its chairman is win- 
ning the support of sportsmen generally through the. 
State, and probably nothing had contributed more to this 
gratifying condition than the determined and vigorous 
manner with which the anti-sale law and those making the 
close seasons for shooting have been enforced. 
After the hearing was concluded the committee went 
into executive session and voted that the petitioners have 
leave to withdraw. Central. 
Salmon Culture in America. 
Charlestown, N. H., March 13. — Editor Forest and 
Stream: Permit me to indorse the conclusions of my old 
friend, Livingston Stone, on the subject of "Salmon 
Stocking," as expressed in his letter to Mr. Marston, 
reprinted in last week's Forest and Stream. Half a 
dozen years of labor and failure on the Merrimac 
River enables me to speak with some degree of con- 
fidence on the subject. 
To begin with, the New Hampshire Fish Commission 
was organized at the instance of the late Judge Bellows 
and others, for the express purpose of restoring salmon 
to the Merrimac and Connecticut rivers, and such was, 
by law, our main duty when I entered the Commission 
in 1876. 
The first fishways built on the river, at Lawrence, 
Lowell and Manchester,- were ineffective, and we re- 
modeled them the first thing we did. The mouth of the 
one at Lawrence was turned back to the foot of the 
dam, where the fish could find it, after being stopped by 
the dam, the one at Lowell given up, and a new passage 
provided by taking off a "flash board" at the west end 
of the dam, where the stone-work was only 2 feet high, 
and a new one built at Manchester, opening at the foot 
of the dam and leading up into the canal from which 
the fish passed upward without obstruction. That the 
fishways were sufficient, was proved by the fact that a 
few fish found them and passed up them to the hatchery 
at Plymouth, N. H., over 100 miles of the river. One 
year seventy were taken at Plymouth, one of them weighing 
30 pounds; but this was a small return for the hundreds 
of thousands of eggs which were hatched and planted. 
We first tried California eggs, but the fish never re- 
turned, though the young fry were planted in good 
condition. Then we got eggs from Maine, and after 
the fishways were in working order, we got and 
bached the spawn from the few fish which did find 
their way to the hatchery. After my term of service 
on the Commission expired I followed up the work of 
my successors for some years more, until I became 
perfectly convinced, with them, that the attempt to 
restock the river was useless. Hundreds of thousands 
of fry, as I have said, were annually liberated in the 
river, and the straggling return of a few dozens was 
sadly discouraging. Now I attribute the failure to the 
pollution of the water by the factories on the river. 
A salmon starting up the river would first meet the 
sewage from the shoe factories at Haverhill, Mass., 
then the drainage from the woolen and flax mills at 
North Andover. Then the acids, alkalies and other 
drugs from the great Pacific and Washington mills 
at Lawrence, beside various smaller establishments; at 
Lowell he would come to the refuse from the Merri- 
mac and Hamilton Print Works, the Middlesex woolen 
mills and many smaller concerns, while opposite Lowell, 
at Beaver Brook, and just above it, at North Chelms- 
ford, would come more mill refuse, and at Manchester 
the Manchester Print Works and the dye houses of 
the Amoskeag mills turn in another flood of deleteri- 
ous matter, that I do not wonder that the fish refused 
to encounted it! I do not know how it is in other 
rivers but wh^t fish come up the Merrimac always 
