48 
FOREST AND STREAM 
'[July 15, 1905. 
blunt nose, and is bluish above and silvery or golden on 
the sides. Also, that the California pompano is a differ- 
ent kind of fish, abundant on the Pacific coast in the 
good old summer time, seldom more than a_ foot long, 
and is blue above and silvery below. That it is also a 
good food fish, and that its name is derived from the 
Spanish pampano. 
I am told by a fisherman that pompano weighing one 
pound have been caught as far north as Point Arena, 
3Qth latitude, but not often, and that their usual habi- 
tat does not extend in the Pacific further north than 
Monterey. That it is periodically abundant in the Mexi- 
can seas and the Gallapagos Island waters. He insists 
that it is the most delicate and finely flavored of all salt 
water fish. 
At any rate, I have discovered this : That the pom- 
pano is to be found in the Pacific Ocean along the shores 
of the Americas between latitudes 40 north and south — 
from Cape Mendocino south to Valparaiso, but at these 
extremes the fish appear only periodically, and are thus 
migratory; that most of the pompano taken are less than 
a pound in weight and more usually under eight inches 
in length, but that now and then one is taken that has a 
phenomenal length or weight, the latter not exceeding 
12 pounds, and the former not in excess of eighteen 
inches. I am also more than ever inclined to the opinion 
that the word pompano is of Portuguese origin, and 
came from the Mediterranean, or Latin, country salt 
waters, or possibly from African Atlantic (Canary 
Islands and Gulf of Guinea) waters. That there is a 
large fish known as the pompano, at least larger than 
the California, my conclusion having been arrived at 
from the name pampanito, that being the name for the 
California pompano in Chilian and Peruvian waters. Ac- 
cording to my etymology, pampanito is an Italian di- 
minutive of pompano, signifying little or small pompano. 
This would mean that Italian sailors or fishermen recog- 
nized a fish in the American Pacific similar to a fish that 
they knew in the Old World waters, but of smaller size, 
and named it accordingly. 
There is a passage in a version of Horace which 
reads: ; . 1 „ iAljklMl 
“Or the rich turbot, or the dainty char, 
If ever to our bays the wintry blast 
Should drive them in its fury from afar.” • 
That would indicate that the turbot and char were 
driven at times into, for them, strange waters by rough 
weather. From what I can learn, the pompano does not 
make its appearance in north California waters through 
stress of storm- — on the other hand, it is more likely to 
return to, or hang close to, equatorial waters. 
It is said, too, that often schools of the true Spanish 
mackerel appear in California waters, the schools having 
evidently crossed the Atlantic from the European waters, 
“rounded the Horn,” and came up north on an explora- 
tion trip. 
I believe that the migration of birds and animals has 
been held as a mystery, and perhaps that of fish should 
be held so, too. Perhaps the almost total disappearance 
of cod from Norwegian waters may be accounted for in 
the surmise that in an instinct for self-preservation the 
cod have found a new habitat in some other portion of 
the briny world. Did they, too, like the Spanish mack- 
erel, send out scouting or exploring parties, from time 
to time, for ages past, to discover and keep in touch with 
possible seas or depths or banks of refuge? Did they 
have a Columbus or Vespucius? 
To what submarine champlains does the lordly salmon 
retreat after its annual migrations to its fresh water 
breeding streams? What “grazing” or feeding resorts— 
where it accumulates such rich fat, phosphorus and 
color, making it such a food for man that “mullet or 
thornback cannot please me more”— has it in the saline 
depths or marine wildernesses? 
Do the salmon, in their migrations, have, like the 
geese, leaders that know the currents and the barrens 
and can safely pilot their schools in their great annual 
and semi-annual journeyings? 
Those are the questions that come to me as I stand 
upon the summit of Telegraph Hill and gaze around 
upon San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate and off 
out to the grand old Pacific and think of the myriads of 
finny denizens of the salty deep. 
Wm. Fitzmuggins. 
There are in Atlantic waters several pompanos, the best 
known being the common pompano (Trachinotus caroli- 
•nus) — “trachus,” rough, and “notus” back; “rough- 
backed”; and carolinus from Carolina. Jordan and Ever- 
mann in “Fishes of North and Middle America,” describe 
it: “Color bluish above, silvery or slightly golden below; 
pectorals and anal light orange shaded with bluish ; caudal 
and upper portion of caudal peduncle with bluish reflec- 
tions. Length 18 inches. South Atlantic and Gulf coasts 
of United States, ranging north to Cape Cod on sandy 
shores, very common southward, rare or accidental in the 
West Indies and in Brazil. The most valued food fish in 
our southern waters, its flesh rich, firm and delicate, su- 
perior to all others of its genus or family. On the Pacific 
coast it is scarcely known as a food fish, perhaps from its 
scarcity.” 
The California pompano is a different fish, the Rhombus 
simillimus. We quote the same authority: “In color it 
is bluish above, bright silvery below; fins punctulate; an- 
terior lobes of dorsal and anal dusky-edged. Length ten 
inches. Pacific coast of the United States, Puget Sound 
to San Diego; abundant in summer, especially about Santa 
Cruz ; highly prized as a food fish, its flesh being rich and 
delicate.” 
In his new work, “A Guide to the Study of Fishes,” _Dr. 
Jordan refers to the Rhombus simillimus as “the dainty 
California poppy-fish, miscalled Pampano.” This spelling 
“pampano,” by the way. is used in the “Guide” as the 
more correct form ; the name is from the Latin pampano, 
a grape leaf, referring to the broad body of the fish. 
All communications for Forest and Stream must be 
directed to Forest and Stream Pub. Co., New York, to 
receive attention. We have no other office. 
Wifkins — I believe that dog- of mine knows as much as I do. 
Bif kins— Huh! I’ve seen smarter dogs that that; 
New England Fishing. 
Boston, Mass., July 8. — Editor Forest and Stream: 
At Cottage City of late some visitors have been taking 
bluefish, while others have had good sport in catching 
perch in Farm Pond. Rev. E. F. Clarke, of Taunton, 
is high line among the latter, taking ninety in one day’s 
fishing. At Nantucket bluefishing is exceptionally good 
for the time of year. A party that went out in a dory 
from Siasconset one day returned with thirty-four, which 
is considered very good luck. Boats going out from the 
various resorts on Buzzard’s Bay bring in scup, squea- 
teague and tautog, and some anglers have taken bluefish 
off the “Ledges.” 
But few people are aware that there are good brooks 
for trout in almost every town of the State, and in many 
towns there are several. There are a number of brooks 
within ten miles of the Hub from which have been taken 
fine strings of trout, but only a few know anything about 
them. 
From personal observations, a study of county maps, 
and from conversation with citizens in various parts of 
the State, I_ place the number of streams which to-day 
should furnish good sport for the trout fisherman at a 
figure well up in the hundreds. The work of stocking, 
done the past two or three years by the commission, has 
helped a small fraction of them a little. I believe that is 
all that can be said and keep within the truth, and it is 
no reflection on the present board nor on the former 
chairman, the late Captain Collins, of blessed memory. 
The one only hatchery in the State capable of rearing 
fingerlings— that at Sutton— has been taxed to the utmost. 
Commendable efforts have been made to develop the re- 
sources at Hadley in the direction of raising fingerlings, 
but without success, and this year matters have been made 
worse by the building of a reservoir on the stream for a 
water supply of the town. Apparently, then, there is no 
hope whatever for any increase in the output from the 
State _ hatcheries. Why should not Massachusetts have 
a United States hatchery? If there is any good reason 
the writer would be glad to learn what it is. 
There are regions in Massachusetts that offer induce- 
ments for the angler and hunter from outside our borders. 
One such tract has been recently secured by a syndicate, 
pf which Mr. Miles Roberts, of Wall street. New York, 
is president, which has bought some thirty farms in Toll- 
and, including about 4,000 acres of land and a beautiful 
lake 1,500 feet above sea level. Most of the land is cov- 
ered with forest, which, with proper treatment, will con- 
tinue to add to the attractiveness of the preserve and will 
eventually become a source of income. The stockholders 
are chiefly sportsmen of New York, Brooklyn, Yonkers 
and Plainfield, N. J., who as an organization, will control 
the hunting and fishing and other privileges. On the lake 
shore is a commodious club house. 
This is not the only instance where the possibility to 
get sport with rod and gun has been the chief attraction 
in bringing within our borders men of large means. All 
must admit that in the twentieth century it is a short- 
sighted policy that would neglect the full development of 
fish life in our ponds and streams, or animal and bird life 
in our covers. 
The recent visit to Kineo of ex-Governor John F. Hill, 
of Augusta, and Hon. William T. Haines, of Waterville, 
has revealed facts concerning the opening of a new rail- 
road route to Moosehead Lake by the extension of the 
Somerset County Railway from Bingham. There is no 
doubt in the minds of close observers that the exten- 
sion is to be pushed forward as rapidly as possible. By 
the new route a saving of not less than four hours will 
be made in the time from Boston to Moosehead. This 
means that a man may leave Boston in the evening and 
reach the lake in time for breakfast next morning — re- 
turning, he can leave the lake by an evening train and 
breakfast next morning in Boston. It is alsO' expected 
to result in quite a reduction in the expense of the jour- 
ney. Messrs. Hill and Haines have large interests in 
forest lands and have in mind, no doubt, the lumber in- 
terests to be benefited, as the extension will pass through 
some forty miles of virgin forests, which are now prac- 
tically inaccessible. The road was extended to Moxie 
Pond for lumber purposes. A second section is under 
construction and bids are opened for the third, leaving 
only a final stretch of about fourteen miles to be pro- 
vided for. 
It is said that the building of this cutoff means the con- 
struction of another large hotel on the opposite shore 
from Kineo- — a project which several capitalists have had 
in mind for some time. Two eligible sites have been 
talked of, one at Sand Bar Farm and one at what is 
known as the Calder place. At either of these places 
there will be room for the building of cottages or 
camps for families and parties, which it is believed will 
find plenty of occupants. Such an expansion of accom- 
modations will mean, in the near future — perhaps in two 
or three years— a great increase in the number of anglers, 
and the question whether the fishing will hold out with 
the number of fishermen twice that of to-day is a very 
important one. 
Is it possible to- keep up the supply in the lake when 
twice as many fish are taken? The writer believes it can 
be done if the winter fishing is cut off entirely and the 
work of stocking is greatly increased, but not otherwise. 
While many old-time visitors may choose to go over the 
same route they have traveled for years, and thus get the 
delightful ride on the lake from Greenville to Kineo, the 
majority of those from outside the State will be likely to 
avail themselves of the new and shorter route, and there 
will inevitably be a very great increase in the number 
who will visit Moosehead. Kineo will, however, continue 
to be a powerful magnet with its old patrons, and need 
not fear competition. 
Several guests at Kineo have derived pleasurable ex- 
citement from seeing a bull moose swimming in the lake. 
Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Jenckes, of Woonsocket, R. I., with 
James Findlay as guide, who were on the lake in a canoe, 
approached the animal near enough to caress his shaggy 
back with their fly-rods before driving him ashore. When 
he reached terra firma it did not take him long to make 
a break for the forest. 
Fly-fishing is reported prime, and among those enjoying 
it are: Frank H. Green and wife and Rev. A. H.- Fish, 
of New York-; W. E. Hodgman, of Yonkers, : N. Y. ; 
Judge and Mrs, C. W. Richardson, Mr, and Mrs, G, W- 
Grant and James Donaldson, of Salem, Mass, ; Messri 
H. L, Moorehouse and A. K, Beach, of Bridgeport, Conn 
and Rev. L. K. Storrs and Elias J. Bliss, of Brooklini- 
Mass., and many others. 
As has been his custom for several seasons, Judg 
Charles Allen, of Boston, is making Kineo his place fc 
summer recreation. The resident physician. Dr. Rowlari 
Cox, Jr., of New York, has arrived and will soon 1 
joined by his family. ' 
Morris and Richard Williams and two friends froi 
Philadelphia are making the Allegash trip. Messrs. F. I 
Schermerhorn and Lenox Smith, of New York, mac 
Bangor in their yacht. Freelance, and have had a fe: 
days’ fishing at Moosehead. - ’ 
At North Pond (Belgrade Chain), South Smithfieli, 
the fly-fishing is ahead of previous seasons. Four boai 
one day brought in 300 bass taken on the fly. Four ne 
camps have just been completed and several parties froi 
New York have secured quarters for a sojourn of sever; 
weeks. Boston is represented now by Messrs. Lest( 
Monks and C. D. Winter. Mr. M. H. Hardwick, a Bo;j 
ton artist, who has been visiting ’dr. H. B. Austin, 0 
Phillips, reports finding good bass fishing in Lake Web 
in Weld. 
By a typographical error in my last letter I was mac| 
to speak of §ood salmon fishing in Lowell. It should ha^i 
read Lovell, which is a town with several lakes in eastei 
Maine within a short distance of the White Mountain- 
There are further reports of salmon ranging from 6)4 t 
10^2 pounds each taken since my last letter was writtC 
from Kezar Lake. From Eustis a very fair buckboai 
road of thirteen miles (the writer once walked it aft? 
5 P. M.) takes one to Round Mountain Lake, and a ge? 
of a place it is. Trout may be taken in the lake or i 
Alder Stream. Blanchard Pond, a couple of miles or s| 
distant, affords trout fishing. The proprietors, Messr* 
F. R. Morse and R. J. Jackson (joint owners), of Ne; 
York, are passing part of the season there, as is the; 
usual custom. 
The Messenger party, Mr. E. M. Messenger, of Will 
Chester, and son, and Mr. F. W. Winn with wife an 
daughter have recently returned from Round Mountai 
and bring reports of good fly-fishing at the lake, whe:: 
they passed a couple of weeks. 
The Bean party, of Lowell, F. S. Bean and wife wit 
Joseph Peabody and W. H. Wight, have just come ot 
from Tern Pond bringing along a fine box of trout 1 
distribute among their friends. At the Birches Dr. ar 
Mrs. H. W. Steele, of New Haven, have taken Sans Jer 
Cabin, and with them are R. O. Watkins and son, i 
W aterbury. Conn. ; Herbert Moore and Russ Spinny ai 
their guides. 
Henry C. Kennedy and family, of Brooklyn, are i 
Camp Bijou, which they have occupied several seasons. 
Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Stevens and Miss Hayes, ( 
Concord, N. H., have occupied Sunset Camp for a mon1 
with Dan Heywood as their guide. Other camps a: 
occupied by well known visitors from many cities ( 
Maine, Massachusetts and New York. 
Mr. F. R, Whall and wife, of Boston, are in clover , 
Camp Ellis of Bald Mountain camps, this being a honej 
moon trip. Mrs. Whall has taken her first salmon, a ; 
pounder. Central. 
Commercial Breeding of the Snaf 
ping Turtle. 
Not long after the artificial propagation of certa: 
sorts of fish became an established commercial succes 
people began to talk about breeding of terrapin and ( 
frogs. They have been talking about it ever sine 
but so far, we believe, nothing more has been done 
the matter than to collect living terrapin to put the: 
in *an inclosure and keep them there until the propt 
time came for marketing them. The State of Pennsy 
vania has made some experiments in frog breedin 
the results of which have not yet been announced. 
While we here in America have been doing a gre: 
deal of talking, the patient, energetic and successf 
Japanese have been doing things in many direction 
and one of these directions has been the successf; 
cultivation of marine and fresh-water animals. Fc* 
some years the artificial culture of shell fish, eels, certai 
fishes and a snapping turtle have been carried on suJ 
cessfully, and so profitably that all these industries haA; 
become thoroughly established on paying bases. 
of these are not new, for the culture of the oyster ; 
Hiroshima and of algae in Tokyo Bay have been carrie 
on for hundreds of years. Incidentally a very grea 
number of Japanese in recent years have taken up tl; 
study of biology as applied to many of these creature 
and their investigations have helped to push forwai 
these matters to success on the commercial side. 
Before the International Congress of Arts and Science; 
held at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in Ac. 
gust of last year, an interesting paper on th’ 
subject was read. It was by Dr. K. Mitsukuri, wh 
occupies the chair of Zoology at the Imperial Un 
versity, Tokyo, Japan, and contains so much inform: 
tion that it has been printed by the Bureau of Fisheri< 
in Washington. Dr. Mitsukuri discusses the artifici 
propagation and rearing of gold fish, carp, eels, mulle 
salmon and trout, besides a number of shell fish, but ; 
our view the subject that has the most interest fc 
America is the business of turtle raising. The speciij 
dealt with is a soft-shelled tortoise, known in Japan 
“suppon,” the Latin name of which is Trionyx japonicu. 
This business has been pushed to a point where it j 
extremely successful, and it would seem that til 
methods employed in the culture of this species migj 
be perfectly applicable to the diamond back terrapri 
Of the propagation of this species Dr. Mitsukuri said : ‘ 
The place occupied among gastronomical delicacit 
by the diamond-back terrapin in America and by tl 
green turtle in England is taken by the “suppon,” c| 
the snapping turtle, in Japan, The three are equal; 
esteemed and equally high priced, but the Japanes 
epicure has this advantage over his brothers of othc 
lands — he has no longer any fear of having the supp'j 
of the luscious reptile exhausted. This desirable coi- 
dition is owing to the successful efforts of a Mr. Ha 
tori, who has spared no pains to bring his turtle farn 
“to a high pitch of perfection and is able to turn 01] 
