358 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[May 6, 1903. 
sermon. One of his stories was of the Scotchman^ who 
after an unsuccessful day on the river tossed his fly-book 
Into the stream and said in disgust : "Tak' yer choice !" 
He also told of the great trout Nicodemus on the River 
Neversink and of the man who tried to take him. In the 
morning he tried a red ibis. The trout got away with 
this. Later in the day he had him on a white miller and 
again his troutship disappeared. In the evening he tried- 
him wuh a blue jay and after a struggle landed him. The 
three flies were fastened to the trout, and when the 
angler saw the national colors he remembered it was the 
Fourth of July and he knew why the combinations had 
proved so effective. 
Governor Pardee sent his regrets for an unavoidable 
absence from the gathering. In voicing them Judge Hunt 
combined the introduction of Dr. Jordan, of Stanford 
University, saying: 
"The 'Governor' is a good fly, but the 'professor' is a 
better one." Dr. Jordan created a laugh by addressing 
his auditors as "fellow geologists." He said: _ "The trout 
lie at the bottom of green streams. Let us lie about the 
trout." He then spoke entertainingly of the anglers of 
Samoa, Japan and Honolulu. He took a rise out of 
Judge Hunt by telling how the latter loaned his trout 
scales to a lady who found they recorded the weight of 
her baby as being sixty-eight pounds. 
He was followed by Charles S. Wheeler, who de- 
scribed a fishing trip to the McCloud in company with 
Dr. Van Dyke, during which the gentleman from Prince- 
ton landed a seven-pound Dolly Varden trout. As show- 
ing that this was no "fish story" the trout was paraded 
on a huge platter and there was a general craning to get 
a glimpse of the noble "speckk.d beauty." Mr. Wheeler 
explained that the trout was killed with a six and one- 
quarter-ounce Leonard rod and said he never saw a fish 
handled with more skill and grace. 
Alex. T. Vogelsang, the next speaker, did full justice, 
and in a particularly apt and felicitous manner to "The 
Scientific Angler," a subject which he spoke upon enter- 
tainingly and exhaustively, saying among other things that 
a true fisherman should rejoice more over a few fish well 
caught than over a full cieel. He advocated the observ- 
ance of chivalry toward the denizens of the stream. In- 
stead of losing temper when a fish gets away the proper 
thing, according to the Vogelsang code, is to congratu- 
late him on havincj made his escape. "Remember you 
are merely working for your own pleasure, while the fish 
is fighting for his life," was the way the speaker put it. 
The banquet was one of the most enjoyable of the many 
given by the club. 
Massachusetts Lobsters* 
Boston, Mass., April 29. — Editor Forest and Stream: 
While the lobster does not furnish sport in the taking, 
it provides an article of diet so much enjoyed by good- 
livers that its preservation has been a subject of con- 
cern, not only to the men who are financially interested 
in the industry, but to the general public, the con- 
sumers. The first movement for the passage of_ a law 
for restricting the catch of lobsters originated with the 
Anglers' Association (in the '70s), which later became 
the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Associa- 
tion. At first it was proposed to ask for an ii-inch 
law, but in the interest of the fishermen, this was 
changed to a lO^-inch law. This was followed by 
legislation, in Maine, but the various laws that were 
tried proved inadequate, until finally that State, after 
a conference between her commissioners and those of 
Massachusetts, adopted the loi/^-inch law. The State 
Association has persistently opposed all attempts to 
reduce the legal limit of length. In 1891, after a 9-inch 
bill had been lobbied_ through both houses of the Legis- 
lature, the Association secured a hearing from Gov. 
iWolcott, and the result was a veto. Again in 1896, after 
a very stubborn fight, by a narrow margin the bill 
went to the Governor, and was vetoed by Gov. Crane. 
Again the State Association has come to the rescue 
this year. The apparently harmless bill introduced on 
petition of certain dealers to admit to our markets 
the Nova Scotia 9-inch lobsters from Dec. 15 to April 
I was merely an "entering wedge" for securing a 9-inch 
all-the-year-round law. To this proposition to admit 
Canadian lobsters in winter there was but one dis- 
senting vote in the committee room. By acting in ac- 
cordance with his convictions and having the courage 
to stand alone for a principle, that member paved a 
thorough sifting of the lobster question in the Senate, 
where he became the prominent leader in behalf of 
the present law, and won a victory, . of which he may 
justly feel proud. 
This was Senator Herman Andrew Harding, of 
Chatham, representing the Cape District. In his argu- 
ment against the substitute bill of the chairman of 
the committee to legalize the taking of all lobsters 
"from 9 to II inches," he was able to show that the 
proposition had not the support of the well-known 
experts, Prof. Mead, of Rhode Island, and Prof. H. 
C. Bumpus, of New York; that it had never been 
favored by the late Captain Collins, and that it was 
strongly opposed by Commissioner Nickerson in charge 
of the sea-and-shore fisheries of Maine. He quoted 
extracts from the reports of the Massachusetts Com- 
mission in proof of his contention for the 10^4-inch 
la^y, and from the report of the convention of com- 
missioners from the lobster-producing States, held in 
'Boston two years ago, which was written by the late 
chairman of the Massachusetts Commission. Senator 
Harding was ably supported in his position by Senator 
Ki'le, of Plymouth, and the result was the rejection of 
the "from 7 to 9 inches" proposition by a unanimous 
vote, and by a like vote the House nine-inch bill was 
referred to the "next General Court." 
Henry H. Kimball, 
Sec'y Mass. Fish and Game Protective Ass'n. 
two years ago. The Board of Water Commissioners also 
prohibited fishing. The fishermen went into politics and 
elected a majority of the Board of Water Commissioners 
favorable to fishing. The Board then agreed to permit 
fishing. 
Dr. Daniel Lewis, State Commissioner of Health, was 
called and decided against fishing, his decision reaching 
here last night. This afternoon John Wilkin, J. E. 
Barnes, J. Frank Tuthill and Thomas H. Perry, leading 
business men, went to one of the reservoirs and in two 
hours caught twenty-two rainbow trout averaging from 
one to three and one-half pounds each. The fish were 
displayed in various places and the fishermen boasted of 
where they had been caught. This created something 
akin to sensation, and the town is divided into fishing and 
anti-fishing factions. 
Httdson River Striped Bass. 
Newport, R. L, April 28. — Editor Forest and Stream: 
In your issue of the 22d instant you speak of a striped 
bass captured in the Hudson River off Grant's Tomb and 
weighing thirty-seven pounds and state, "This is said to 
be the largest striped bass ever caught in the Hudson." 
This assertion, I think, is not correct. I find on looking 
over my scrap book the following items : Seth Green, in 
an article over his signature in the American Angler for 
May' 7, 1887, has the following in reply to the editor of 
the Albany Evening Journal, who wrote asking him the 
weight of the largest on record caught in the Hudson 
River. He says: "I wrote Mr J. J. Pindar, a fisherman 
of many years' experience on the Hudson River, who very 
kindly sent me the following reply: 'Dear Sir — In reply 
to yours of the 22d instant would say I have seen two 
striped bass caught within two miles of this place (Cats- 
kill, N. Y.) one of which weighed ninety-two and the 
other ninety pounds. It is not an uncommon thing to get 
them from sixty to eighty pounds,' signed J. J. Pindar. I 
find other records of an eighty-four-pounder taken by 
Richard Ward, of New Hamburg, in June. 1885. Another 
weighing seventy pounds taken at Peekskill on May 6, 
1889. One of sixty-eight pounds taken at Croton Point 
in 1885 by C. M. Raymond, of Sing Sing. This fish was 
exhibited outside of the dining room of S. H. Everett, in 
Barclay street." 
To descend to lower figures. Forest and Stream of 
April 6, 1901, speaks of three being caught at.Ossining, 
N. Y., that tipped the scales at thirty-eight, 39^^ and forty 
pounds. The thirty-seven-pounder, therefore, caught off 
Grant's Tomb comes very far from being even an extra 
sized fish to have been taken in the Hudson. I grant you, 
though, that at the rate Roccus lineatus is being de- 
stroyed, a thirty-seven pound fish will soon be one to 
marvel at. Daniel B. Fearing. 
Big Striped Bass. 
National City, Cal., April 21. — Editor Forest and 
Stream: The inquiry about the largest weight of rock 
fish or striped bass is interesting, and I am able to quote 
you something from North Carolina which bears on this 
subject. Dr. W. R. Capehart owns the biggest commer- 
cial fishery on Albemarle Sound, in North Carolina. He 
recently wrote me : "The largest rock I ever caught 
weighed 105 pounds and I caught 37,000 pounds at the 
same haul ; 365 of them averaged sixty-five pounds." 
This is a tremendously large average and 365 fish of 
that size a heavy lot. Dr. Capeliart's seines are hauled 
by steam winches. He operates five steam seine boa*s. 
C. H. 
Federal Qjntrol of Pwblic Waters. 
The Legislature of Minnesota has adopted the follow- 
ing resolution bearing on the Federal control of the fish- 
eries of public waters '. 
To the Congress of the United States : 
Realizing that a great amount of friction has arisen, 
and is liable to arise, on the Great Lakes between Canada 
and the United States, in regard to the fishery regula- 
tions, also on all waters of a public nature, between the 
different States; be it 
Resolved, by the House of Representatives of the State 
of Minnesota, that the United States Government is here- 
by requested to take full control of these public waters, 
so that they may be suitably stocked with fish and a uni- 
form law passed, governing the fishing industry of these 
waters; and that the State of Minnesota cede to the Gov- 
ernment any jurisdiction claimed over these waters in re- 
gard to the fishing therein. 
Cases have arisen where the representatives of the 
United States Government have been arrested by the 
State authorities for taking spawn in the closed season. 
Men representing the Game and Fish Commission of 
this State, have been arrested by the representatives of 
another State, simply for getting across an imaginary 
line; and we realize that it is almost impossible to get 
uniform laws passed by all the States controlling these 
waters, therefore we would urge that Congress take such 
action as in their judgment is desirous, so^ that frictions 
of this kind would entirely cease, and that the fishing in- 
dustries of these large bodies of water may be replen- 
ished and protected as they should be. 
Fishing in Middletown Reservoirs. 
A DISPATCH from Middletown, N. Y., April 28. to the 
New York Times reports the question whether fishing 
should be allowed in the city reservoirs, which has great- 
ly agitated the town for two years, reached a white heat 
here to-day. 
The Board of Health forbade fishing in the reservoirs 
Early Sebago Fishing. 
South Boston, Mass., April 25. — Editor Forest and 
Stream: I have just learned from a friend the result of 
his fishing trip in Maine last week, and thought perhaps 
you would be interested to publish a paragraph about it. 
The party consisted of C. F. Jordan and Henry Lowell, 
of Portland, Me., and H. J. Littlefield, of Dorchester, 
Mass. They visited Sebago Lake, and fished for a day 
and a half. The result was ten landlocked salmon and 
one brook trout, the eleven weighing 9754 pounds. The 
largest was a seventeen-pound salmon caught by Mr. 
Littlefield, who was over two hours landing the fish. 
This, I believe, is the second largest salmon that has been 
caught in Sebago Lake. His guide was Levi Maxfield, 
who is one of the best and oldest guides of the lake. 
Captain Oliver also acted as guide for the party. 
The fishing is reported to be opening up very well, and 
the catches reported are very large. Thomas Hibbard, 
The Adirondack Timber Stealing. 
Attorney-General Mayer having investigated the tres- 
passes on the Adirondack Forest Preserve by the cutting 
and removing therefrom of lumber killed by forest fires, 
has reported to the Governor, in part, as follows : 
"It appears that a method of indirection was employ- 
ed whereby in effect the State sold fire-killed timber con- 
trary to the prohibition of the Constitution, as that pro- 
hibition has been construed up to the present time; that 
the State has received revenues therefrom aggregating 
$25,000 in round numbers, by a method of confession of 
judgment absolutely void. 
"I desire to make clear that there is no evidence what- 
ever that the cutting of green timber was treated in this 
way. On the contrary, in green timber cases the prosecu- 
tions were vigorous and the amounts demanded were in 
some instances three times the stumpage value of the 
timber; so that the cutting of green timber has been made 
unprofitable. 
"The sentiment of the residents of the Adirondack re- 
gion is strongly against the cutting of green timber on 
State lands. • » 
"I further desire to call your attention to the question 
of moieties paid to game protectors. For instance, for 
the period from December, 1904, to April, 1905, the 
amount of moieties paid to one of the protectors was 
$1,735.62, and in another case for a period of ten months 
was $264. 
"I believe it to be true that there is substantially unani- 
mous condemnation of the method whereby game pro- 
tectors, who are State officers in receipt of salaries, re- 
ceive any moiety for discovering trespasses. I take the 
liberty of suggesting that the State can well afford to in- 
crease the fixed compensation of the game protectors 
and let the moneys recovered for trespass be paid into 
the State treasury. While I am not to be understood as 
making any reference to the case of any game protector, 
the system of moieties can only offer serious temptation 
and open a door to improper practices." 
Legislation at Albany. 
Albany, N. Y., May 1.— Forest, fish and game interests figured 
prominently in the Legislature the past'v.-eek. 
The Senate committee has reported the bill of Senator Allds 
(Int. No. 1125), relative to penalties, and the duties of the At- 
torney-General. It has been restored to third reading. 
The Senate has passed these bills: 
Senator Drescher's (Int. No. 82), providing for the appointment 
of game protectors for Jamaica Bay and adjacent waters. 
Assemblyman Becker's (Int. No. 778), relative to special game 
protectors in Monroe county. 
Senator Armstrong's (Int. No. 938), relative to the protection of 
wild birds and their nests. 
Assemblyman Plank's (Int. No. 958). relative to the close season 
for pickerel, pike and maskinongc in the St. Lawrence River. 
Assemblyman Miller's (Int. No. 958), relative to the pollution 
of streams. 
Assemblyman F. C. Wood's (Int. No. 428), relative to the com- 
pensation of game protectors. 
A bill has been introduced by Seimtor Allds (Int. No. 998) 
amending Section 187 so as to provide that the State Commission, 
instead of the chief game protector shall pay a part of the moneys 
recovered in actions for penalties, either to the game protector or 
the fire warden, upon whose information proceedings were brought. 
The Hubbs spring shooting bill (Int. No. 1443), allowing sports- 
inen to kill ducks on Lortg Island on Thursdays, Fridays and 
Saturdays from March 1, to April 15, passed the Assembly. 
The Assembly has passed the following additional bills : 
Assemblyman Wade's (Int. No. 1206), in relation to fishing in 
Chautauqua county. 
Senator Prime's (Int. No. 98), appropriating $2,119 for continu- 
ing the restocking of the Adirondacks region with wild moose. 
Senator Elsberg's (Int. No. 76), providing for the appointment 
of a special assistant oyster protector; to reside in the Borough 
of Manhattan, at a salary of $(!00 a year, and an annual expense 
allowance of $450. 
Senator Raines' (Int. No. 247), in relation to the sale of trout. 
Senator Armstrong's (Int. No. 684), relative to the destruction 
of nets. 
Senator Coggeshall's (Int. No. 496), relative to the destruction 
of nets and other devices used in fishing. 
Senator Armstrong's (Int. No. 110), relative to the protection 
of the nests of wild birds. 
The Assembly has advanced to third reading the bill of Senator 
Allds (Int. No. 486), providing for the publication of the forest, 
fish and game law, as amended, 
The Governor has signed the following bills: 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 1074), making the offer of sale 
of grouse and woodcock in this State a violation of the law pro- 
hibiting the sale of that game. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 1075), providing a penalty of 
$60 for violation of that section of the game law relative to the 
taking of lobsters, and an additional penalty of $10 for each lobster 
taken. For every other violation of this section a penalty of $100 
is prescribed. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 1076), providing that the placing 
of nets in Jamaica Bay and adjacent waters shall be presumptive 
evidence that the person intended to violate the fish and game 
law. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No.. 1077), correcting a typographical 
error in the section of the game law relative to the closed season 
for woodcock so as to provide that not more than thirty-six wood- 
cock shall be taken in an open season. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 1079) providing that in the use 
of nets in Coney Island creek a passage unobstructed not less 
than 10 feet wide shall be left for the passage of boats and fish. 
Assemblyman Bedell's (Int. No. 1087), providing that woodcock, 
grouse and quail taken in Orange county shall not be sold. 
Assemblyman Bedell's (Int. No. 1181), providing that in Orange 
county, not more than twelve woodcock or quail shall be taken 
by any one person in one day, and not more than thirty-six of 
either variety in any one year. 
Assemblyman Knapp's (Int. No. 1365), prohibiting, transporta- 
tion companies from bringing into this State any fish caught in 
that portion of Lake Champlain known as Missisquoi Bay, Prov- 
ince of (Duebec, Canada. 
Assemblyman Cunningham's (Int. No'. 5S9), permitting the 
spearing of suckers, bullheads, eels and dogfish in the Delaware 
River in Sullivan and Delaware counties, and in Sandsburg Creek, 
Warwarsing, Ulster county, from April 1 to Sept. 30, both in- 
clusive. 
Assemblyman West's (Int. No. 469), prohibiting the placmg of 
carp in Keuka Lake or in any other waters itihabited by trout. 
Assemblyman Gray's (Int. No. 265), repealing a provision of the 
game law permitting fishing through the ice in waters in the town 
of North East, Dutchess county. 
Assemblyman Hammond's (Int. No. 534), prescribing the length 
of pike which may be taken in Oneida, Madison, Oswego and 
Onondaga counties. 
Assemblyman Apgar's (Int. No. 86), adding Rockland and West- 
chester counties to those in which there is no open season for wild 
deer. 
Assemblyman Gray's (Int. No. 263), providing that the close 
season for black and gray squirrels in Sullivan and Dutchess 
counties shall be from Dec. 1 to Sept. 30 following, and in Chau- 
tauqua, from Dec. 1 to Oct. 15 following. 
Assemblyman Gray's (Int. No. 266), orovidms; that woodcock 
shall not be taken in Tioga, Sullivan and Dutchess counties from 
Dec. 1 to Sept. 30 following; that grouse shall not be taken in 
Tioga and Dutchess counties between th e same dates, and repeal - 
ing°a provision of the game law which prohibits the taking of 
grouse in Dutchess county prior to :I907. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 115) making it a misdemeanor 
to buy or sell game out of season. 
Assemblyman Reeve's (Int. No. 305), providing a oenalty of 
$50 for each black -bear taken out of season, and prohibiting the 
taking or killing of land turtles or tortoises. _ 
The Senate committee's bill (Int. No. 6(7). re'atue to the 
duties of the superiutendent of forest fire wardens, and .;ranie pro- 
tectors. 
